What America Was...

Year In Music 2011. Top 10 List.

2012-01-23T12:12:00.002-05:00

Oh 2011.

Usually I wax poetic about the year in music but I'll try to keep my remarks short this year. Rough year in music. Glee still sucks. Somehow American Idol got more annoying with Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. I moved to LA and fell in love with Amoeba Records. Loving all the tribute albums that were released this year and I'm starting to get in this mix tape trend.

So onto the list.

Honorable Mentions.

Frank Ocean, The War On Drugs, Fleet Foxes and AraabMuzik

10. Toro Y Moi Underneath the Pine

This album is simply beautiful with rich layers of keyboards and vocals. It is French Pop, krautrock, chill wave and 80's funk pop rolled into one. "New Beat" has a swagger not found in their debut album. "How I Know" is the best Stereolab song in years. (Sorry Strereolab. I love you). Sure, within the album their is the prerequisite nod to the Beach Boys but so does 38% of all hipster records.

9. Shabazz Palaces Black Up

Remember Digable Planets? Remember their smoked out jazz groove hip hop that everybody dismissed as a Tribe Called Quest rip off. Shabazz Palaces might not have a unique sound either but it's a great sound. Black Up might remind you of Madvillain or Cannibal Ox and that is nothing to scoff at. Ishmael Butler crafts precise lyrics focused on attacking corporate greed and the need for a revolution if not on the streets than within our minds.

8. Smith Westerns Dye It Blonde

Dye It Blonde was my fun record of 2011. Insanely catchy, with big hooks and often bigger choruses. It's got a skip and a hop, kick the air kind of appeal. It's a bouncy T. Rex meets a less arrogant 90's britpop sound that is far too infectious. Bravo!

7. Washed Out Within and Without

So chill wave might be the big thing or the next big thing or last years big thing. It doesn't help that it can be hard for the casual listener to differentiate between chill wave and certain forms of dubstep. I'm looking at you James Blake. Washed Out's primary focus is to let the good time roll but it's an incredibly warm and sensual album. It's great for the beach, fabulous if you have a decent pair of headphones and can work in the club.

6. The Weeknd House of Balloons

The Weeknd released three mixtapes in 2011 and all are pretty darn good in their own right but the first, House of Balloons is clearly the best. It's hard to not get excited about this new generation of R&B that isn't a retread of neo-soul, laying down jazz/funk grooves or trying to completely rip off Michael Jackson. It doesn't break from all traditional R&B conventions but embraces electronic music and indie music to a different degree. Abel Tesfaye truly explores, in a wonderful and beautiful breaking way that can be too uncomfortable when given too much thought, the recklessly over drugged and oversexed world of the scene.

5. SBTRKT SBTRKT

Sure I'll (try to) say it and not sound like an idiot but this album is wonderfully polished and glitchy. Is it dub step? I don't know. WIth vocal contributions from Little Dragon, Jessie Ware and Sampha this album is far less annoying than most dub step you will find. It's bass heavy, It has an old garage, Chicago house, club music feel to it. While records from Mount Kimbie and James Blake came off (to me) as overrated, SBTRKT feels danceable, intimate and soulful.

4. Girls Father, Son, Holy Ghost

In 2009, Girls Album was my album of the year with it's simple 50's era guitar riffs and tips of the hat to the Beach Boys, Elvis Costello and Spiritualized. This album has all of those influences and then some. Throw in some Elliot Smith, early 90's guitar rock and smokey bar blues and soul. This is not Album but it is a great, great, great record that deals with heart ache, spiritual unrest and family conflict... mmm, fun, but it is.

3. Bon Iver Bon Iver

A female friend likes to remind me how much this album melts her heart. Despite the lame recommendation and the the fact the Bon Iver likes to buddy buddy with Kanye West often, this record is anything but lame and is impeccably graceful. It's simple enough that a gentle drum roll feels like rolling thunder. Their is an ambiance to this record unlike most in which the vocals or the music could simply stand alone and the album would be as lovely as the isolation it soaks in. Bon Iver is an exploration of remorse and bewilderment. It is concrete and dream like all at once.

2. Fucked Up David Comes To Life

It's sad to think that Fucked Up could totally sell out by changing their super appropriate name for something clever, commercial and dated. If they could replace the singer's vocal chords so he can sound more like Billy Joe Armstrong then they would be HUGE. Sure, they might be huge in the mainstream but they might suck too. Fucked Up try to live up to the early days of hardcore punk but with the exception for the vocal to me, the record sounds like a wonderfully layered classic rock album. There is little about this record that is not accessible if you have an open mind. These are songs of outrage, rebellion and sadness but you can fist pump and run up a mountain while enjoying. Kick ass record.

1. M83 Hurry Up, We're Dreaming

Okay this seems like an obvious choice. M83 crafted an album that has drawn comparisons to the Beatle's White Album with My Bloody Valentine's Loveless. It can be dancetastic "Midnight City" or silly, "Raconte - Moi Une Histoire." It also carries the usual M83 tricks of the trade like 80's, 80's and more 80's. Also epic, epic and more epic. It is as if Anthony Gonzalez wanted to make an 80's sound that by no means could have been produced in the 80's. I'm okay with it. Congratulations.

Why I'm Single - A Stuffed Animal Story (Not an Innuendo)

2012-01-21T12:14:00.002-05:00

So a good friend of mine got me a Snoopy stuffed animal/toy/awesomeness from Build A Bear. This means a couple of things.

1. My friend Kim is thumbs up for getting me a really cute Snoopy stuffed animal/toy/awesomeness.
2. Build A Bear is a lot cooler than I thought for carrying Peanuts characters.
3. I am kind of lame for having stuffed animals at my age but super rad for admitting it. balance. I also have two stuffed manatees named Manfred and Manuel (Manny).

So I am currently single and I won't deny that Snoopy takes up half of the bed. Yeah, I said it. Snoopy resides on the left side of the bed on the northern territory. One morning I awoke to find him there, looking comfortable on one of my pillows. I, the selfish bastard was using three of the four pillows I own and for some reason was heavily contemplating taking the fourth pillow. Then I stopped and reflected; if i take the fourth pillow then Snoopy might not be comfortable and I would feel bad. He still resides on my fourth pillow and I plan to go to Ikea this week to purchase a fifth pillow.

thank you.

goodnight.

Please note that my social and romantic status has nothing to do with my fear of commitment, my inability to be satisfied with myself or the people I meet, my confused romantic idealism and my high standards in the pursuit of love. No, I'm not flawed.

Thank You R.E.M.

2011-09-22T19:14:00.002-04:00

A couple of days ago R.E.M. announced that they were breaking up. That they were calling it a day as a band.

"A wise man once said--'the skill in attending a party is knowing when it's time to leave.' We built something extraordinary together. We did this thing. And now we're going to walk away from it... I hope our fans realize this wasn't an easy decision; but all things must end, and we wanted to do it right, to do it our way." Michael Stipe, from the band's website.

It was a bit of a sad day for me. Sure I was struggling with a cold on the day that the news broke which did not make the day easier. It was sad day for me to see one of my favorite bands say that they were no longer going to write, create, perform and distribute their talents, skills and message. Despite the sadness I understand. Thirty one years as a band does deserve a happy ending. Though I cannot make any proclamations on the state of the band at the current moment I can say that it is hard to deny their success and the scope of their reach over the past three decades.

I first got turned onto R.E.M. as a young teenager. Around the mid 90's when Automatic For The People was released. I didn't become a die hard fan until 1998 when they released their first album as a trio, Up. I was one of those teenage kids who found refuge in their brand of pop music. I don't care if it has become cliche, something used in countless movie or television shows but "Everybody Hurts" is a very supporting and uplifting song. I have a lot of great memories and personal connections to friends, past girlfriends that won't talk to me and some past girlfriends that do, and family to R.E.M. music. One of my favorite rock moments was seeing the band perform on a surprisingly chilly night in southern Florida at the Langerado festival in March 2008.

As a teenagers, I hadn't heard much of the 80's R.E.M. other than some of the hits. There are people who believe that the band peaked with their very first album Murmur in 1982. I don't agree. Since 1982, R.E.M. has released 15 albums not including greatest hits and live recordings. That is quite a workload, matched by few in rock history and matched by even fewer in American rock history.

While many other bands of their era faded out, broke up or lost relevance years and years ago, R.E.M. stayed afloat, took giant steps towards granduer, hit a couple of pitfalls, lost a founding band member to retirement on the sole condition the band would continue to make music without him, stumble and rise again. Other bands of the earlier 80's were defined by the 80's and that is not so with R.E.M.

The greatest achievement other than the millions and millions of record sales, the giant world tours, the awards and so on is that R.E.M. never stopped evolving as a band. It's hard to pin down a signature
R. E.M. sound. Sure there is an intricacy about how Mike Mills played bass and a unique subtlety to Peter Buck's guitar playing rarely found in American popular rock but it's hard to define their sound. Sure, it's hard to pin point the sound of their earlier records because they don't sound like country (but they do), they don't sound like 50's classic rock (but they do), they didn't sound like the current alternative rock of the era (probably a good thing), it wasn't old but it wasn't new, but it was refreshing and familiar all at the same time. It's hard to find a band in the 90's that changed and adapted their sound more than R.E.M., as the band refused to be defined by what was current or popular. Probably the most signature thing about the band is Michael Stipe. As Eddie Vedder said about Michael Stipe during the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, "he can be direct, he can be completely abstract, he can hit an emotion with pin point accuracy or he can be completely oblique and it all resonates." But other than his poetics, the most defining and underrated thing about Stipe was his voice. Though it may not be the prettiest voice it is a definitive one. The saddest thing about shows like American Idol is that a voice like his would never succeed and that is a great shame about the music industry today. A tragedy the music industry seems perfectly fine with neglecting.

R.E.M. has had an influence on bands like Nirvana, Radiohead, Pavement, the Counting Crows, Sheryl Crow and countless others. They also had a giant influence on me.

thank you R.E.M.

My Top 5 R.E.M. Albums
1. Automatic for the People
2. Document
3. Reckoning
4. Up
5. Murmur

Top 10 R.EM. Songs
1. The One I Love
2. Nightswimming
3. Orange Crush
4. Bang and Blame
5. (Don't Go Back To) Rockville
6. Walk Unafraid
7. Losing My Religion
8. Finest Worksong
9. Find the River
10. Accelerate

To the NFL, the Players and the Fans

2011-07-25T12:34:00.005-04:00

What do you think about the NFL lockout?

If you are fan you probably think it is pretty dumb. I do. I find it hard to understand the plight of players playing a game, a physical game nonetheless but play a game for large sums of money and still want more. I have a hard time sympathizing with owners who make millions to produce a football team and a game yet still want more. There are countless others who wish they could be in their shoes and in this day in age, it is hard to look at any of this as other than greed.

I understand that is a very simplistic view of the lockout but what about the fans? How does a lockout help the fans? How do the players demanding more and the owners demanding more help the fans? Does it make ticket prices cheaper? No, not likely. Does it make the cost of a hot dog and beer cheaper? No, not likely. Does it make foam fingers or fan jerseys cheaper? No, not likely either. In fact none of this lockout nonsense will make anything about the game cheaper or more accessible.

A friend suggested that the lockout allows teams to put a better product on the field. A better product on the field is better for the fans. Sounds good but I don't think that is a guarantee. If an organization has more money to spend on the team that doesn't mean that money will be spent. If an owner has more money to spend on free agents that doesn't mean the right players will be chosen to field a better team. It seems like a very lofty argument.

In the end, the owners and players were willing to gamble with something that is not entirely theirs to play with... the game of football. Who adheres to our demands? Oh, wait, do we, the fans have demands? Unfortunately not. Unfortunately the fans are not united or unionized. We cannot stop watching the games. We cannot stop checking news reports to see whether or not the lockout is over. We cannot stop checking tweets from players about this or that, whether or not the tweet has any relevance to the situation. We cannot stop, even for a second to hate football, the league or the players. We are just glad to have it all back. Thank goodness the NFL has come back! Hooray for Sundays, the occasional Thursdays and Saturdays too! Hooray for fantasy football and tail gating. Hooray!

But again. What about the fans? Should the our admiration be restored simply by rewarding us with a full season of football? As the saying goes; Baseball is our past time but Football is our passion. Why can't we be passionate about the mistreatment of the owners and players towards the fans? Why can't the fans simply say no. Why can't we band together and remind them, the owners and the players that neither side is anything without the fans? How do we do this? I have no idea but I have suggestions that are outside the realm of reality. My favorite idea is simply boycotting a preseason game. Yeah, why not? No one likes preseason anyway. If the NFL makes $200-$250 million per week off the preseason, why not boycott a week to remind the NFL and all associated that without the fans the league is nothing.

I think the owners, players and league has forgotten that notion but at the same rate the fans have forgotten to stand up for themselves. When we look back at all of this, it will be a crisis averted moment and no one will ask how anything about how the game was made better for the people who buy the tickets, the popcorn, ball caps, paint the caravans in team colors, cheer their teams for generations and generations, and love the game of football.

Thanks U2.

2011-06-19T23:29:00.010-04:00

Imagine you want to go to a show. You spend almost 2 hours in traffic trying to get to the stadium. You park for more money than the usual baseball game that typically occurs in the stadium. You talk to scalpers who have nothing cheaper than a $150 ticket. The cheapest ticket sold for this concert was 1/3 that price. You meet scalper after scalper with tickets ranging from $150 - $400. You cannot afford that much money.

One guy who looked like Roger Federer plus an extra fifty pounds tries to sell you a ticket for $250. He doesn't believe that you cannot afford the ticket because after all, according to him, you, look like Tom Cruise. (Feel free to check out Me, Tom Cruise and My Mother's Vindication) Unfortunately being a third rate Tom Cruise doesn't pay you anything. Apparently looking like a fourth rate Roger Federer doesn't pay either.

Imagine, After a while, you meet a guy in a powder blue polo shirt looking for not just one ticket but four! You chat about previous shows you've seen and how crazy some of the scalpers are for the high prices they are trying to pass as legit. Every now and then, the two of you find yourself at the same gate with looks of desperation and bewilderment.

You walk around the park to kill some time, searching for hope and a little luck. You talk to the rock gods and ask for a little help and inspiration. It's been two hours of waiting and no luck. With hope fleeting you find yourself back at the main entrance at the ticket booth but no luck. Then a small crowd emerges at the main entrance. Packed like packing peanuts they are shoving to get inside. You see your powder blue polo wearing friend inside the stadium and it hits you... SOMEONE IS GIVING OUT GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS TO THE SHOW!!!!!

You get in for free and get to stand 200 feet away from your favorite band.

That was last night. It was awesome. How did it happen? I don't know. Were the rock gods listening? Did they relay a message to Bono, the Edge, Adam and Larry in which they were told of my sadness and dismay thus commanding someone to get the stranded into the show? Probably not but it's fun to think about it that way. Most likely a radio station was giving away extra tickets or their was more room available in the general admission area than expected so someone suggested that we get another 50 or so people in the stadium so they can spend more money. I'll stick to the myth that is currently bouncing around in my head. The myth that makes the night seem a bit more magical and me a bit closer to the band.

The show was amazing. I can talk at lengths about how great the show was or how wonderful it was to see my favorite band play songs I've never heard them play before. It's always great to see a band for the 6th time and not get tired of them, the show or their music. I wish that number could be higher than 6 but U2 tickets rarely come cheap.

It was certainly a night I won't forget. Thanks rock gods. Thanks U2.

me at the end of the show trying to look cool.

A Trip to Hawaii. A Trip to Pearl Harbor

2011-05-22T14:58:00.007-04:00

Hello

Recently I took a small family vacation to Hawaii. It is actually the third time I have been to Hawaii. During each of my visits I have made sure to spend some time at the historical monument, Pearl Harbor.

If you know American history, World War II history, or just good old World History then you know the importance of Pearl Harbor, the bombing on December 7, 1941 and the effect it had on history since.

Today Pearl Harbor is a national memorial. Over 4 million people visit the island of O'ahu yearly and it is hard not to imagine a large portion of those people visiting the historical site, national monument and burial ground.

When visiting, it is hard to imagine that in such a beautiful place could host such a horrific event. In the serene blue skies and the sun soaked Hawaii, in a violent act of war, over 2400 Americans lost their lives. You cannot forget the several hundred that were injured as well as the Japanese soldiers that lost their lives either.

As I visit Pearl Harbor I think or have a moment of thought in which I feel that the worst thing about Pearl Harbor wasn't the attack but that it is so far away from everything. The attack on Pearl Harbor is one of the most tragic events of the 20th century yet it occurred on island over 2300 miles away from the continental US and almost 4000 miles away from Japan. It is in the middle of the Pacific Ocean removed from much of the world. At the time of the attack, Hawaii was not even a state in the US. There is a physical distance, a certain disassociation because it was not a state and as time passes, the worst thing that could happen is that we forget what occurred and how the attack changed history.

The terrorist attack on the US on September 11 occurred not only in one of the biggest cities in the world but in modern travel, a short airplane ride away from most Americans. It also occurred on our morning news programs and in our high speed internet culture. Pearl Harbor isn't next door. You cannot drive to Hawaii and it is not a quick plane ride from anywhere. In 1941 newspapers were still the dominant news force and you could still see news reel footage before the feature at your local movie theater. The times have changed.

I guess what I am simply saying is that it is a shame more people don't and/or can't visit Pearl Harbor. It is a powerful reminder of the dangers, past and present in our world. During my last visit it is hard to not hope for an end to senseless violence and that one day peace will exist across the world.

Thank you to the brave men and women who fight honorably for their country and for freedom. May we all find peace one day.

A Death Deserved and A New Day

2011-05-01T23:54:00.003-04:00

Osama Bin Ladin is dead.

A face of evil is dead. A face. Yet there are countless faces of evil that run rampant across our towns, cities, states, countries and globe.

I am every bit so happy that Bin Ladin is dead. I am proud and honored by the men and women who have sacrificed their lives to bring us to this moment. It is a bold and selfless act committed by soldiers and those caught in between that allowed for this moment to occur. I am very happy to know some soldiers who have shown this bravery and very proud to call them friends.

Yet I give pause. A moment to reflect. Is it possible to think that the killing of one man ends it all? Is it naive to think that by killing one we can live in peace? World War I was the war to end all wars and that storyline never came to pass. How many wars must be fought for all of us to finally learn? When does the hatred and greed that breeds war end?

I am happy that his death brings closure to so many but yet it does little to stop the hate that circles this world. I fear it will only create more hate.

Justice has been done. It has been the will of two Presidential administrations, intelligence networks, brave soldiers and the patience of American people that made this happen. Over three thousand American troops gave their lives to this cause with many more suffer physical and mental pains. We cannot forget the Afghan army soldiers and civilians who have also fought and lived and died through this tumultuous time. To forget them is to dishonor them.

I simply and naively hope that this is a step towards better times. Tolerance, acceptance, understanding, education and unity must be something more than cliched slogans and fantasies. There is a natural conflict, a philosophical argument... if you kill 1 to save the lives of many would you do it? Killing Osama Bin Laden has taken the lives of many and my only hope is that no more lives are lost because of this blind hatred, unwillingness to accept others, cruel notions of pride and maniacal terrorists ambitions.

Call me naive but I think we all want to live in a safer and better world.

May the powers that be bless us all.

Why? Paul Reiser... Why?

2011-04-17T15:52:00.005-04:00

Why ? Paul Reiser... Why?

From 1992-1999 you were the creator, producer and star of your own hit show on NBC called Mad About You. It was a charming little show about marriage and family. It was the kind of show you didn't want to like but secretly did, about a marriage you never want to have but might not mind having because they oozed happiness. Just kidding, not trying to be a hater. I enjoyed the show. I found it charming and if I had a marriage like the two leads then I might find normalcy. Of course finding the girl, getting married and all that should probably come first. Either way, it was a cute, at times, very smart and a well done show.

It's other claim to fame was Helen Hunt. Hunt got bigger than Reiser in almost every way for about 5 years. She was huge. She won an Oscar and a bunch of Emmys. She was doing big budget movies and staring in little indie adventures and so forth. The show eventually ended and so did their huge careers. Hunt still does movies and guest stars in the occasional TV spots but Reiser has done little since the show ended in '99.

Reiser has only starred in a couple of films since the show ended and half of those were made for TV. Not knocking it but the guy has been in entertainment for 30 years. He has been around the block. He has been a part of some great television, so you might think film roles could have come a little easier but they didn't.

Reiser is unfortunately not a great actor and now, he comes back to TV starring in a show where he plays himself. He is taking the Larry David formula from Curb Your Enthusiasm and trying to make it his own with The Paul Reiser Show. A better title might not hurt.

The first episode was kind of painful. It's hard to see a smart and charming Reiser create a show to satisfy his need for relevance. Even in the very beginning of the first episode he explains that he is very satisfied with his life but he is not yet dead and is looking for what comes next. My suggestion, stay home, kick the camera out and be a family man. I know it has only been one episode but even at that you stooped low enough to get Larry David on your show and get him to playfully suggest that you, Reiser, should do a show similar to that of Curb Your Enthusiasm. What kind of television is that? It's bad television! I know NBC is desperate but come on!

Yes, there were two clever lines in the show but that doesn't save it. This idea is as bad as Seinfeld's Marriage Ref show and that got cancelled after only 10 episodes. I again, stress the need for a better title. A better idea wouldn't hurt either. Don't do this to yourself Reiser. You are better than this.

But wait, it's only been 1 episode. It could get better. What makes Larry David's show work is that it is a parody of celebrity, as well as Hollywood, and that David is such a horrible guy. The bad stuff that happens to Larry David is sad but also deserving and propels the show forward. This show has too much sincerity to be satire and Reiser is such a nice guy and good family man that the biggest problem he has is finding a job. That really is a sad sack of a problem when you don't really need a job. Do you think he needs a job, when he lives in a in a giant California home and Mad About You is in syndication somewhere, all the time? Mmm sweet delicious royalties. I don't think it's a big problem. Hard sell when so many people have so much less that need, I mean need a job.

TV strikes out again!

The Greatest American Band ?

2011-04-06T13:39:00.011-04:00

Who is it?

well it it certainly isn't...

The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, the Who, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, the Clash, The Cure or Black Sabbath because those bands are English. Other English bands include the Kinks, Cream, the Police, the Smiths, Radiohead and a slew of others. A slew of others.

It's not Rush (Canada). It's not U2 (Ireland). It's not AC/DC (Australia). Even half of Fleetwood Mac is British. Queen is British and so is Coldplay.

So who is America's greatest band?

Let us talk about what it means to be "great" first. You have to have the albums, the concert tours, the live performances at festivals and at award shows, consistency, longevity are also a plus. You have to influence music and by that, not just how it sounds but how it looks and how the listener thinks about music. Greatness is not just one or two things but a multitude of things. One thing that does not matter at all, Grammy Awards. The Grammy Awards have no part here. Let's begin.

There are many candidates. Let us start by getting rid of a few.

Automatically disqualified

Van Halen - 3 (count them and rumored to be looking for #4) lead singers, each with different styles and sounds. Not that I don't enjoy them but I think we need more consistency.

Nirvana - Like one week of hot sex, the career was not long enough to say greatest of all time. The one that got away. Sadly I know, plus it is my belief that they would have become as irrelevant as Pearl Jam, Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Soundgarden and countless others that emerged from the grunge era.

Guns N' Roses - in 20 plus years of rocking and various band formations there just isn't enough music to support the argument. Appetite for Destruction does kick serious ass, just sayin'.

The Allman Brothers, Lynyrd Skynyrd and the Doors all faced the loss of a vital key member to their groups and for the sake of this argument, they cannot be considered for the top spot.

Run-DMC - Along with Jam Master Jay (hell yes, two turn tables count as an instrument, therefore, band!) they were fabulous throughout the 80's but the greatness didn't last long.

Tough Calls

Red Hot Chili Peppers - Now on guitarist #4, do the Peppers really have enough consistency over a 20 plus year career to be considered the greatest? Great band they are but easier to list great songs over great albums.

The Ramones - another band with rotating members. One of the founders of punk rock but come on, come on. I'd say easily one of the most important American bands but not the greatest.

Velvet Underground - A similar thing could be said about this band. Easily one of the most important American bands but not the greatest. Underground, art, alternative music would not exist without this band.

The Grateful Dead - This is tough. They have the following, the years deep in the trenches but any band that is defined by their live shows rather than their recordings is simply not going to cut it. I tend to think their best recordings were of them recording Dylan. Sorry.

Parliament/Funkadelic - This is just a confusing group but failure to recognize them is simply criminal. Two separate groups but the same with shifting members once guided by the genius that was/is George Clinton. Not unlike the Ramones or the Velvet Underground, this group is vastly important and influential but cannot be considered the greatest.

Beastie Boys - It's hard to believe that in 25 years these guys only have only like 8 albums to build the argument, one of those being a heavily ignored instrumental album. Not to mention that the band itself ignores much of it's early material.

Absolute No's. As in, Not Going To Happen.

The Eagles - No. Not bad stuff but you've written the same song over and over again since 1971.

Aerosmith - No. Not bad stuff but you've written the same song over and over again since 1972.

Kiss - No. Not bad stuff but you've written the same song over and over again since 1973.

I won't entertain arguments for Bon Jovi or Journey. I just won't.

So with all that said who can it be??????????

Metallica - Sure they've rotated bassists once, twice or thrice but the 80's and early 90's were pretty awesome. And they attacked Napster which they should have done. No that is not a typo. They should have attacked Napster.

R.E.M. - Sure they lost their drummer in the late 90's because he had a stroke on tour and then chose to become a farmer, this leading the band into a 10 year funk of mediocre recordings. They have recently relocated their swagger and are now 30 years strong with an undeniable influence on American pop rock.

Sly and the Family Stone - Easily one of the most important acts of the 60's and 70's with the records to prove it and legendary live shows to bolster the myths and legends.

Pearl Jam - Is anything of theirs as good as the first 3 albums? I think irrelevance hit them a long time ago but fans believe that the band is still recording their best material. I have yet to be swayed by that argument or the actual recordings.

The Beach Boys - Sure, they have rotating members and a whole lot of confusion about who owns the rights to the name "the Beach Boys" but let's face it, they were one of two bands to be just as important as the Beatles in the 60's (the other being the Rolling Stones). At that time the Beach Boys were America's best counter attack against the Brit Invasion.

Sonic Youth - One of the best bands to get so little recognition. I even almost forgot about them in the process of writing this blog. Heavily influential. You cannot spell alternative rock music without Sonic Youth but it is hard to put them on the list when the average Joe or Jane doesn't know who they are.

I don't know.... Who is America's Greatest Band? I'd love to throw in Prince and the Revolution or Bruce Springsteen and the E. Street Band but I am weary to place bands fronted by a musical geniuses who would have been good if not great with or without the band. Talking heads don't have the body of work and neither do the Replacements or the Pixies.

It's also sad that I really can't think of any band that has come out post 1998 on this list. The Strokes? Forget about it! It's been all down hill since their debut. The Arcade Fire is fabulous but they're Canadian.

Wait a second! There is a band, you might have forgotten but you can catch them late night 5 nights a week on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, The Roots!

Why not? The Roots have been recording music since the early 90's and have been consistently good throughout. Maybe they don't get the consideration because they do hip hop and that is just stupid. It is stupid to disrespect them because of their genre. After all those guys rock. Don't believe me then just check them out live sometime.

Who is the Greatest American Band? I don't know.

Why not throw in the Miles Davis Quintet. Oh but wait, which one? Could it be the first that features players like John Coltrane and Red Garland or should we consider the second that featured players like Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter? Let's not forget the orchestras of Duke Ellington or Benny Goodman. Let's not forget groups like Booker T. & the M.G.'s who not only had a solid career of their own but were the house band for Stax records and being the house band allowed them to record with great acts like Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding.

Who is the Greatest American Band?

Who else is there to consider? I don't know but the search and discovery is well worth it.

Baseball: 2011 Prediction

2011-03-31T21:17:00.003-04:00

Someone once said that the three greatest things America ever invented were the Constitution, Jazz and Baseball. I have a hard time not agreeing with any of this.

I love the game of baseball. Though due to personal reasons like moving to the opposite end of the country, I have not followed spring training as much as I would like but here we go with some predictions.

American League

Central Winner - Chicago White Sox. I picked them last year and I was wrong. It's really up in the air who wins this division

West Winner - Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. I don't think Texas can repeat the magic.

East Winner - New York Yankees. Now that the Rays will suck and even though Boston reloaded, the Yankees have one more year of magic in them.

Wild Card Winner - Boston Red Sox. I think Becket and Lackey are done but the team has so much depth that will propel them into the playoffs where the offense will catch fire.

National League

East Winner - Atlanta Braves. I picked them last year and I was wrong. I think they shock everybody.

West Winner - San Francisco Giants. I think they have a young enough team with enough wild and cooky guys that they won't lose their edge.

Central Winner - Cincinnati Reds. Every other team in the division sucks.

Wild Card Winner - Philadelphia Phillies. Pitching will help a struggling offense.

But who wins in the playoffs?????

Well pitching is what wins in the playoffs, that and key hits during key situations. So... In the American League, I foresee the Angels playing the Red Sox for the American League Pennant and the Giants against the Phillies for the National League Pennant.

the World Series will be the Red Sox versus the Phillies, with Red Sox winning. (that is my heart speaking)

My mind thinks it will be the Giants versus the Yankess but fuck that.

Sleeper teams. The Oakland Athletics and the Milwaukee Brewers. Watch out!

another great year ahead. I love this game and like Ernie Banks would say, "let's play two."

Breast Saves Woman from Snake

2011-03-26T11:32:00.004-04:00

In an attempt to encourage more sexiest behavior (insert evil laugh) I share with you this story.

According to my local radio station, theSun.co.uk, as well as other media outlets a model was filmed playing with a tame snake until she acts clumsily, lets go of the head and in a moment of carelessness and absolute hilarity the snake attacks her surgically enhanced boob.

What happens next is unbelievable but true with a lesson all women should learn. The woman would be fine. She survived the snake's onslaught with a trip to the emergency room and a tetanus shot. The snake did not survive the silicone poisoning.

Woman Vs. Nature? Woman. Or at least science.

Thank you science for body enhancement. Let this be a lesson to all women before playing with snakes. Don't be stupid and if you are stupid then get fake breasts first.

thank you and goodnight.

a link. enjoy

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/3466265/Snake-dies-after-biting-girls-breast.html

Paper Towels. There Must Be Paper Towels

2011-03-23T05:12:00.005-04:00

I hate when I walk into a bathroom, use the toilet, wash my hands (yes, I wash my hands) and there are no paper towels.

Hand dryers are WORTHLESS! I won't get into how sanitary (?) they are or how I am saving the planet by using them (?) or how they are never ever hot enough to dry anything. They are simply a waste. A waste I say.

Paper Towels. There must be paper towels! I don't want a hand dryer. I don't want that hand towel thing that hangs like wet laundry. What is that? you know it looks like a paper dispenser with a cloth towel that wraps in itself. I don't know. Explaining it just gets me all flustered. I hate it!

I need paper towels. Am I killing trees. Yes? I'll start to make an effort to try to plant more trees. I know that last sentence seems like progressive procrastination but come on, give me a break, I'm worried about hygiene.

Studies show that the dirtiest, most germ populated area of the the bathroom is the door handle. This is less scary when the bathroom exit involves a push door. I can open a push door with my foot but what if it is a pull door, a pull door with a handle or worse, a pull door with a handle that must be turned to open? In the worst scenario, I have to grab the hands twist it for long enough to open the door with a enough effort to get it open and catch the door with my foot. A paper towel eliminates some if not most of this fear. Okay, it eliminates a lot of this fear.

Bathroom door handles are dirty. I can say for a fact that they are dirty. You don't have to be a genius to discover this simple fact. An easy examination of any male bathroom would allow you to realize that 73% of men don't wash their hands. Yes, i know shocking. It is has been a fantasy of mine go to a hip place and spend a significant time in the bathroom only to record those that do and do not wash their hands and rat them out publicly. Unfortunately I have the bravery of Scooby Doo, the tact of Inspector Gadget and fighting skill of Dark Wing Duck which doesn't allow proper defense to ward off big and scary dudes. So that fantasy will remain a fantasy. By the way, a disclaimer - I have no way to prove that 73% figure. Of the remaining 27% that do wash their hands, 11% don't use soap or wash for more than 10 seconds. My goodness! With all these factors, why in the hell would you want to touch a bathroom door handle. Why in the hell would you want to shake hands with anyone? Ugh, I am scaring myself.

Dudes, stop being so rude and disgusting and wash your hands. I don't want to imagine what happens in the ladies room. No, imagination closed. The only good thing about the AH1N1 paranoia is that at least some people were and are willing to wash their hands more often or carry Purell. More and more places now have Purell stations for easy hand sanitizing and I am all for it. I am for forward progress. I am pro productivity. Hit me with your best shot! Sorry, I was feeling electric.

Paper Towels please. Save my sanity.

doesn't that feel good.

thank you and goodnight.

Radio Radio !!!

2011-02-15T09:09:00.003-05:00

So I am driving west and unfortunately my CD player (yes, CD player) is on the fritz. I am driving thru Indianapolis combing through channels. I get stuck on a some classic rock classic and then another. So I bite. I even listen to the babble by the Disc Jockey's for a second or two.

I'm amused. I typically don't listen to the radio. Why? Because it sucks and after listening to this station my opinion won't change. But again my CD Player, (yes, CD player) was on the fritz. So they go back to the music and I am not annoyed or frustrated by the choices. It's typical Top 40 hits that you'd expect from a soft rock station. Then the babble comes back.

I don't know their names but I do know it was a man and woman (helpful right?) that began talking about the Grammy's. The guy casually joked about how surprising it was that Justin Beiber did not win the Best New Artist Award. This kind of joke is not offensive to me. The lady admits here amazement towards the Grammy's then the guy says that such things can be expected by the Grammy's because they like to shock people with who gets the awards even giving the Album of the Year honors to a band nobody has heard of. Really? Really?

Well I have heard of them and so have a lot of other people. If you don't believe me, Well it was #1 on NPR's Top Albums of 2010. It was #3 on Spin Magazine's list, #4 for Rolling Stone and # 11 on Pitchfork Media. So clearly some people know about this album and those people are singing it's praise. Maybe he was joking but I don't think so. Maybe he was just being a lazy and ignorant douche bag... Ding Ding Ding Ding, we have a winner !

Why say such harsh things? Well because either he thinks awards and award shows should only be for popular artists or maybe he thinks that just because he hasn't heard of the band that they aren't any good. In either case, he is an asshole. I mean it is not like he works for a radio station and cannot take a little time out of his day to find or listen to new music.... oh wait, he does work for a radio station and maybe he is just lazy or ignorant.

I was turned off by this and tried desperately to make my CD player work again. Thankfully, it did. This is just another example of blind ignorance that should not go unchecked. Check yourself Indianapolis 105.7. because you suck !

This is Why the Black Eyed Peas Suck

2011-02-09T11:42:00.002-05:00

This just in - Reports from various strangers and friends all over the country convey disgust over the hugely annoying and untalented performance by the Black Eyed Peas during the Super Bowl halftime show are still coming in. It's Wednesday and still I hear the rumble and grumble of people complaining about how bad the show was.

So the halftime show was bad. Let me ask something... Did you really expect it to be that good. Sure, last year The Who were tremendously disappointing. Egh, The Who sucked it last year, so the NFL got tired of all the classic rock groups and decided to reach to the youth of America. Not a bad idea. After all the Black Eyed Peas did a fairly decent job of providing entertainment to all who attended the World Cup Ceremonial concert last summer. So why not get a pop group that is not offensive and plays anthem like pop/hip hop/dance songs that get people riled up? Sounds like a good plan.

So why hate on the Black Eyed Peas? Why kick them when they seem down? Why? Well in all fairness this hatred of mine started before the Super Bowl performance. It started last week while I was in my local Best Buy and I saw a display for the new Black Eyed Peas album. It was a cheap cardboard display that also featured the group's previous efforts, except for their debut album and their second album. Why hating on your first two records BEP? In fact if you go to any record store, you cannot find their first two albums at all. Most people don't even know of the first two albums. Most people don't know that Fergie, the leggy, fake dirty blonde in the group wasn't even a member of the group till their third release Elephunk in 2003.

Yes, Fergie was not an original member of the group. Her arrival coincides with the groups "selling out" phase. Yeah, fuck the quotations. They sold out.

Reason #1 to hate the Black Eyed Peas - THEY SOLD OUT !

Originally the group was comprised of it's three hip hop foot stompers, Will.I.Am., Taboo, and Apl.De.Ap. The group came out when popular hip hop music celebrated bling over substance, nonsensical lyrics over poetics, violence and sex over kicking it and good times. Maybe the same could be said about hip hop throughout it's history but that is not true. Only an idiot would say that and I'm not that idiot. The Black Eyed Peas not only stood against the stereotype that was late 90's hip hop but made fun of it. They called out Diddy (back then Puff Daddy) not only claiming that his music was bad but so was his dancing and fashion. BEP celebrated head bobbing rap that could make your feet twist and expand your mind. Songs like "Karma" from their 1998 debut Behind the Front are a clean cut example of this. Now, I'm not suggesting that the Black Eyed Peas were going to be the next Tribe Called Quest or De La Soul but it is sad that after two albums they stopped trying.

It's also no coincidence that notable underground or conscience hip hop stars like Mos Def, De La Soul, Chali 2na and others were on hand for the groups second effort, 2000's Bridging the Gap. In the group's latest incarnation, no illustrious hip hop stars to be found. It's sad.

Reason #2 to hate the Black Eyed Peas - Talent or the lack of.

If the Super Bowl performance is any indication of it, the Black Eyed Peas really don't have any talent. I'll admit, Will.I.Am the leading member of the group has worked with a variety of musical greats including Sergio Mendes, Carlos Santana, John Legend, U2, Nas and Usher. He has been cutting his chops in the music business since he was a teenager in the early 90's. and he does have a knack for a catchy hook. I am not doubting Will.I.Am's talent but his strength is as a producer not an MC or performer. Fergie seems like a product of the a good production studio. Her performance during the super bowl was either the result of bad audio mixing or lack of talent and vocal flexibility. Or maybe she had a cold. Did anyone notice or wonder why Fergie, a California native tried to come off as if she was from Brooklyn? What do the other two members of the group do? I have no idea. The other two shout the chorus, they occasionally say a line here or there and let's face it, the rhymes are simple and the flow is amateur... I am not that hip but I can do that.

Insults aside. I am not sure why people would want to see a concert in which the rappers/MC's are not very good at rapping, they can't sing, they can't dance and they don't or didn't play any instruments. Is it really that exciting to see 4 people standing around simply waving their arms without displaying any serious or credible vocal talent? I don't think so. Thank goodness for the glittery lights of the stage.

In the end, some groups are great live acts as their albums can never equally the intensity, energy and vitality that their concerts create. Some groups are great studio acts because they create powerhouse albums that are adored for generations but that sound, big or small is never captured live. Both are unfortunate and the great acts are the bands, musicians, or groups that succeed at both. It seems like the Black Eyed Peas fit in that category of making pop hits in the studio that don't come off any different on stage than hitting the play button on your I-Pod. Wait, I take that back, the I-Pod probably sounds better.

2010 - A Year In Music and Top 10 List Part 2

2011-01-11T19:45:00.013-05:00

The Top 10!!!

Consolation Prize - Big Boi - Sir Lucious Left Foot... The Son of Chico Dusty

After so many years of working on this record it just had to be good, right? Well that sort of logic is not always applicable. It is funny that there seemed to be a preconceived notion that this album wouldn't be that good or wouldn't be as good as an album done by Andre 3000. When you think about it, such a notion is just silly. Listen to the Speakerboxxx, Big Boi's contribution to the hit double album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and you will hear an album that may not have to top 40 singles that The Love Below had but was a fantastic hip hop ride to Andre 3000's more ambitious but sometimes unbalanced work. Sir Lucious Left Foot... The Son of Chico Dusty sounds a bit like an Outkast album but is also a response, reaction and improvement on the current state of hip hop. Hard to remember a hip hop record that was this fun and hip then easily converts to smart and philosophical and back again with ease. With a killer production team that includes Lil' Jon, Andre 3000 and others this album was well worth the wait.

10. Delorean - Subiza

Electronic music can often be overrun by club ambitions. They have 9 minute tracks, can be a bit repetitive, and promote a certain type of escapism where one can throw hands in the air and party like you just don't care. Subiza is enjoyable because it is accessible while still containing certain Balearic qualities. Ibiza is at the heart of this record with it's trance like rhythms and piano led hooks. Subiza is simply a wonderful. Subiza might be the perfect summer record that isn't a reggae record. It is also a pretty good driving record. With the breezy vocals, piano hooks that come right out of the early 90's, chimes, bells and whistles, a sample here and there, big but simple bass booms, Subiza is a fun, fun, fun record that is suitable for any rave, on or off the beach. Preferably on the beach.

9. Sleigh Bells - Treats

Is it pop music if there are really aggressive guitars and drums, a combination of booty shake and marching band, with angelic vocals? It seems a little calculated, possibly the miracle of great studio work but Treats is a fascinating record. This noise pop, dance punk duo from Brooklyn compose frantic noise grounded with sweet vocals in around 2 minutes. The juxtaposition of the vocals and music creates an effect like no other in music today. Derek Miller is responsible for the sound and Alexis Krauss is in charge of the vocals. It can be an off putting record or it can be a sing a long record that will later cause soreness in your neck from the crazy head knocking you've done. I tend to side with the latter. Plus any band willing to sample Parliment for the track "Rill Rill" is A-okay with me!

8. The Roots - How I Got Over

How are The Roots not considered the hardest working Band in America? They are are the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon and are routinely the best part of the program. They released their own album How I Got Over and then a couple of months later released an album with John Legend featuring cover songs of soul and funk classics from Nina Simone, Donny Hathaway and Marvin Gaye. The played the Rally to Restore Sanity/Fear. They also made appearances across the country for various concerts and festivals. Questlove is also a mad fiend on the twitter feed. Not to be forgotten is how good How I Got Over is... it's superb. Black Thought sadly continues to be one of the most underrated MCs ever. He displays a somber quality on tracks like "Dear God 2.0" and defiant on the title track and "The Fire." On the album Phonte and Blu contribute seamlessly to The Roots family, while Joanna Newsom's contribution to "Right On," helps create bounciest Roots track since the Things Fall Apart days. For their 11th album and who makes great albums for their 11th? Not many. Here, The Roots made their best album since Phrenology and most consistent album since Things Fall Apart. The hardest working band in America doesn't sound worn down but tighter than ever!

7. Surfer Blood - Astro Coast

This outfit from West Palm Beach, Florida sounds like a combination of the Beach Boys, 13th Floor Elevators and 90's rock. The track "Swim" that generated all the hype in the beginning of the year, sounds like a track that would have gotten the Buzz Worthy nod from an early 90's MTV station that still played music videos. Astro Coast is a great guitar record. It's a great guitar record because it relies on the guitar to create most if not all the hooks for the album. The surf ready "Take It Easy," the 50's guitar lick of "Catholic Pagans," and post punk finger picking of "Harmonix," work to varying degrees but all successful. What also helps are the additional elements of keyboards and additional percussion to certain songs adding a different twist to certain songs. For example, the Cure like synths at the end of "Floating Vibes," the flute and additional percussion in "Twin Peaks" create a fuller and more playful sound to Surfer Blood's songs concerning the confusion of romance, friendship and the future.

6. Beach House - Teen Dream

This dream pop outfit from Baltimore does an impeccable job of seeming like a very cold distant record while at the same time being a warm, comfortable and heart broken. The looming keyboards that at times sound as lonely as a dial tone are a perfect match for Victoria Legrand's vocals. Legrand's voice doesn't sound like Nico, Mazzy Star or Sade but it is just as magnetic. With those ladies, they could pull you in with the beauty of their voice. As if, instrumentation was/is almost unnecessary. That is not the case with this record. I am not suggesting that Alex Scally's music is worthless. The guitar pacing creates an atmosphere of forced enclosed contemplation on "Zebra," and "Silver Soul."Keyboards create a similar effect on, "Walk In the Park" and piano on "Lover of Mine." Do you ever replay thoughts in your mind, they never escape or you never express them clearly but eventually they build and build until your mind is ready to explore? That is Teen Dream.

5. Mavis Staples - You're Not Alone

Even though Mavis will be 72 this summer, she has not lost command of her voice. In 2007, she worked with Ry Cooder on We'll Never Turn Back, an album full of civil rights anthems that were given new meaning during the Bush-era politics. On her current album, Jeff Tweedy is at the helm to rework some of Pops Staples gospel classics, along with John Fogerty, Randy Newman classics, a few traditionals and possibly the most beautiful song of the year as the title track, written by Tweedy. "You're Not Alone" is such a beautiful song that is inspirational and comforting but confronting. Every year it seems like a legend makes a record that is well made and thoughtful. This year Mavis Staples made that record. It isn't going to flip the country, blues, folk, gospel or soul world upside down but applause should be given for making a dam good album. You're Not Alone is a testament to the human condition and spirit that pulls us through the very hard times we are facing.

4. Gorillaz - Plastic Beach

Why isn't Damon Albarn discussed as a musical genius? Out of all his contemporaries... the Gallagher brothers, Jarvis Cocker, Thom Yorke and several other blokes don't have the legacy Albarn has. The Gorillaz seemed like a cute little side project that grew into something more and should be talked as the most intriguing musical project of the past decade. Let's not forget the other side projects and all the years as the head of Blur. Now the Gorillaz are finally coming into their own. The Gorillaz first album was produced by Dan the Automater and it sounded like it. The second by DangerMouse and it sounded like it. For Plastic Beach Albarn took charge of the production and their sound is becoming more and more distinct. Here they combine the dub, indie hip hop experiments of the first record, the spaghetti western samples and trip hop of the second album, and explore Krautrock and electro-funk for the third. This time around the hip hop segments gel with greater fluidity than previously on the first two albums. It also worth noting that with all the guest stars on each Gorillaz album, Albarn composed the best Gorillaz song solely for himself. "On Melancholy Hill," is just a prime example of Albarn somber tone over zippy keyboards and catchy harmonies. These songs range from beautiful, "Cloud of Unknowing," to frantic, "Glitter Freeze" or somewhere in between with, "Empire Ants." No other record this year has as much range.

3. LCD Soundsystem - This Is Happening

Thank goodness James Murphy put to rest the notion that this would be their last album. Thank goodness! This Is Happening has all the trappings that the last LCD Soundsystem explored such as NYC club culture, Bowie/Eno influence and punk-funk. We do get some new twists on this record such as the conga drum monologue beginning of "Dance Yrself Clean." Depeche Mode wishes they could write a song like, "I Can Change" and the Devo touches on "Drunk Girls" is just euphoric. On this album Murphy seems perplexed by his fame, the lack of fame, the pressures to produce a hit record, and the stance his band has on the musical landscape. Murphy has a knack for song crafting and his vocal flexibility allows him to not only play with genre but mimic Bowie's vocal styling on "All I Want" or sound like an American Shaun Ryder. It seems that with little doubt Murphy can mimic whatever vocal styling he so chooses. From cagey whisper to brooding vocal, to high pitch yelp and spoken word. Murphy is like the master of ceremonies on each album and each album a clear image of what fascinates, disturbs and motivates him.

2. Janelle Monae - The ArchAndroid

Thematically, it's a dystopia. Musically it's Prince, Outkast, trip-hop, electro, with 60's pop and soul. Monae looks like some 80's soul temptress with a fixation on 30s/40s big band posterity. She is a vivacious performer that can move like James Brown. With a vastly underrated voice, Monae's record is inspired by science fiction cinema as much as it's inspired by Prince's Sign 'O' The Times. The ArchAndroid is part 2 of a 3 part series. A huge concept that includes an Ep released last year and a highly anticipated future release. The album almost feels like a soundtrack to elaborate science fiction musical ripe with action sequences, a party, and balladry. Her debut album clearly separates her from the pack, not simply because of her ambition but because it's really fucking good.

1. Kanye West - My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy

Never mind that "Power," "Runaway," "Monster," "All the Lights," have the capability of being classics. Yes, classics. Not just for 2010 but in more general terms as from today to who knows when and then again and again. Kanye West might be an ass but if their were less assholes making music we'd be missing out on a lot of great music over the history of time. I don't think anyone can examine the demons within with the same insight, humor, craftsmanship, outrage and admiration as West. West was agitated by the moderate response to his experimental 808's and Heartbreak album. On that record he tried to sing but he can't really sing, the music composition was a bit flat and frankly, where was all the experimentation? Even though West is back to rapping and not singing, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy is more of a dare than anything West has ever done before. Conflict runs throughout this album, the loss of innocence, societal pressures and many faces of Kanye at war with one another, making for great theater and a fantastic album.

2010 - A Year In Music and Top 10 List Part 1

2010-12-31T13:35:00.010-05:00

2010 was a great year for music. Any way you slice and dice it, it was a great year for music. So many artists and so many albums were released this year that were just great and far too many that were above average.

I love music and every year I buy an excessive amount of music. I read reviews, take suggestion and I do my due dilligence to find new music, old music, undiscovered gems and every day classics. I love music. So naturally, I have an opinion on what trends I found most intriguing and what albums were the best.

One of my favorite trends of the year was the emergence or rebirth of 60's and 70's soul music. Maybe it's not really a new trend. Artists like Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings and the Budos Band have been laying down modern day funk inspired by James Brown for years. John Legend and Jill Scott have been making 60's and 70's soul inspired R&B safe for Barnes and Noble costumers for quite a long time as well. But this year was a very special year for soul music. It seems to be pushing itself forward as well as rediscovering itself all over again. John Legend recording an album with the Roots covering classic soul tracks from artists like Bill Withers, Marlena Shaw, and Baby Huey. Classic soul singers like Mavis Staples, Gil Scott-Heron and Bettye LaVette recorded new albums this year. New groups like Kings Go Forth found inspiration in the Motown and Philadelphia sounds of the 60's. While acts like Janelle Monae and How To Dress Well pushed soul music forward beyond the wildest imaginations. There are plenty of acts looking back towards Motown, Gamble and Huff, Stax, Parliment and Prince for their inspirations. Shoot, even Huey Lewis and the News recorded an album at Ardent Studios where many Stax greats like Otis Redding recorded their legacy. Let's not forget R. Kelly dipping his brush in the Motown sound as well with his latest album. Soul, funk, Rhythm and Blues are on the up and up, and I love it!

Another trend I am enjoying is that it seems more and more bands are recording cover songs. Such as the Flaming Lips took on the daunting task of recording their own version of Pink Floyd's Dark Side of The Moon. Not only did they record the album but put they also performed the album at several festivals across the country. Levi's was kind of enough to create something they called their Pioneer Sessions in which acts like the Shins, She & Him, Nas and Ryan Bingham recorded cover versions of some of their favorite songs. The Bird and Bee released a tribute album to Hall & Oates and even though Glee is the most detestable show on earth, it does a fabulous job of keeping great musical hits of the past in our collective conscience. Throw in a tribute album to Chris Knox and John Prine and the year gets a little better. You'll find covers on the latest She & Him and Local Natives records. I am sure there are a lot more to mention that hasn't been mentioned already. Why are covers becoming more and more popular? A friend of mine suggested that for the current generation, rock music has the same relevance that the great American Songbook had for the great jazz singers of the past.

This was also a fabulous year for electronic music. Dance music, club music, or whatever it is that you want to call it. Great albums from Caribou, Crystal Castles, Holy Fuck, Simian Mobile Disco, Delorean, Matthew Dear, Four Tet and Hot Chip. These are simply the albums I've heard and found in the clubs. Not a bad year to have rhythm and dancing shoes, not bad at all.

Unfortunately not even a great music year could withstand the blemish that is Justin Bieber. My goodness does that kid suck something awful.

Now for the awards!

Most overrated - Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Wavves and Cee-Lo Green album's will go down as the most overrated works. Sorry Cee-Lo. We've had some great times together but your overproduced and more cheeky than tongue album is fun but I don't get the fanfare over "Fuck You" and the rest of your album.

Favorite uncovered gem - Ernie Smith. Ernie Smith is a reggae artist I had never heard of before until a collection of his hits were released over the summer. A fabulous reggae talent, Smith didn't quite sing like Johnny Nash or Bob Marley even though Smith was a contemporary of those music legends. No, Ernie Smith had a very clean delivery that is a blend of Bill Wither and Kris Kristofferson. On the collection you'll even find a cover of Kristofferson's "Sunday Morning Coming Down." It's great to see Smith get some recognition and even Neil Diamond is getting into action as Diamond covered Smith's "Love Song" on his latest album of covers. I was very happy discovering this artist and I hope you discover the same joy I have with his music.

And every year, there is some music released that I have a hard time explaining why I enjoy so much. This year I award two albums as my Favorite Guilty Pleasure

Favorite Guilty Pleasure 1 - The Dream's Love King. With it's hip hop club, synthy pop, dance fusion sound and lyrics entirely about sex this album is fun, hip swiveling, sexy and playful. Maybe the best thing about The Dream is that his confidence is not off putting. He wants to rock your world and he will say it metaphorically or literally. For club music or baby making music, the sound is very rich and layered, the choruses are catchy and the swagger is on! "Yamaha" is just a great song, catchy with layers and layers of synth magic.

Favorite Guilty Pleasure 2 - Fitz and The Tantrums, Pickin' Up the Pieces is just a great soul record with big choruses that seem more like Vegas than Motown. Think a little bit of Maroon 5, Hall & Oates, George Michael and 80's soul hits. This five piece band minus a guitar player is just fun. Whether it is the romantic anthem "L.O.V." or the political inspiration of "Dear Mr. President" Fitz and The Tantrums find their groove with big funk inspired soul songs. Fitz doesn't have the range for ballads but heck a majority of these songs are meant to make you dance and dance you shall!

Producer of the Year - T-Bone Burnett

Sure, Madlib tried to release/produce 13 albums in one year but fell a little short. He released 10. Who else produced 10 albums this year with the same variety as Madlib? T-Bone Burnett. Much of what Madlib produced was his own work but Burnett worked with Elton John and Leon Russell, Elvis Costello, Robert Randolph, Jakob Dylan, Willie Nelson and several others. In some casess Burnett helped produced their best material in years. In that same time, Burnett even won an Oscar for producing and writing the hit track for the Crazy Heart Soundtrack. Burnett is a fabulous musician and has a great knack for song crafting. Already in the works is an album with Steve Earle and Gregg Allman in 2011.

In the end, this was a great year for music. I don't get to listen to everything. I am not a magazine. I am not employed at a record store or a radio station. I don't have a truck full of money I can throw at any record I want. Boy, I wish. I don't get to listen to every album but that doesn't stop me from making a Top 10 list.

Soon to come a Top 10 list.

Dear Gillette - Stop Giving Me So Many Options

2010-11-09T09:46:00.005-05:00

One blade doesn't seem to exist anymore. Two blades can do the trick. Three blades blew me away. For some reason 4 blades just sucks, America thought so and I don't see the 4 blade option anymore at any store. Then came 5 blades and I was a happy clean shaven dude with less nicks and cuts on my face. Things were going so well.

Then a couple of years ago the 5 blade pro fusion blades went up in price and I was not frustrated, yet. Then a year after, the 5 blade price went up again and I was outraged. Now the sneaky, after your dollar Gillette is after more money by coming out with a new (new, like a year ago new) 5 blade shaver with thinner blades! They claim the blades are better because they allow for a smoother shave with less tug and pull. Do I agree? Somewhat, yes. Is it worth $2 extra dollars? Should I be paying over $16 for 4 razor blades? All I know is when it comes time to buy new blades at the store then I will buying less fruits and vegetables. The money has to come from somewhere. Steak, fruits or razors and you can only have 2. Damn it Gillette you are ruining my diet. Grrrr....

Dam you Gillette for the different blade option, the plethora of different shaving gels, creams, pre shave gels, skin moisturizers and what not, that absolutely do nothing for me except provide 5 seconds of cool relief after a shave. Grrrr.......

How come I feel like all of this is some attempt to make more money rather than benefit the customer? Do large companies like Gillette do that sort of thing? Crappy major corporations! What's next? They have already tried vibrating blades which did nothing for me. They also have blades with gells and precision blades, so what could be next? Are they considering shorter or longer blades, blades that move in a circular motion, or blades that stick to your face thus allowing you to shave yourself by simply moving your cheeks up and down. I don't know. When will the madness stop? When will the madness stop?

America please start growing beards, mustaches and other wicked facial hair again because Gillette is not only taking your money by offering so many different shaving options but in a way is killing the manliness of the American man. Equation - facial hair = (the perception) of manliness. It's not just beards that the shaving companies are after. Now men are trying to be convinced by Gillette and the media that being clean shaven isn't just for your face but for your entire body. No! The madness must stop!

Grow beards America. Grow your beards. Umm let's see, people with facial hair... Jesus, Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Abraham Lincoln, Chuck Norris, and Conan O'Brien. Teddy Roosevelt, Frederick Douglas, Jimi Hendrix, Orson Welles and Tom Selleck all have had facial hair so maybe you should to. Does facial hair equal greatness? That equation has yet to be scientifically proven but in the opinion of this blogger, it increase the probability of success.

Ladies... this madness does not apply to you. If you insist, the aftermath will be on your shoulders.

Sad day. Goodbye friend

2010-09-12T09:42:00.007-04:00

Today after waking up, I went downstairs as I normally do, with a stretch, yawn and a certain wonder concerning today activities. My casual smile faded as my father told me the news that a close family friend passed away last night.

For much of my life I have been able to distance myself from death, through luck or geographical distance. My grandparents are no longer with us but I was either too young or not very close to them for it to have much an affect on me. Now I just deal with uncertainty that comes with not knowing where I come from. I have known many people to pass but none were very close for me to feel that sudden sledge hammer to the chest, the boulder on the shoulders and the drop of the head that would be similar to a spinning top that has stopped revolving. Plainly, finding out this news really sucked. I freely admit, I had to stop myself from crying.

Death never comes easy. I have always felt bad when death arrives at a friend's door. When a parent, grandparent, classmate or a casual chum loses someone important to them. You have to be a cold son of a bitch to not feel something sad for their loss. But for myself, death never really hit this close to home and this shot was still off target. Until now the great deaths in my life are people I never knew. I was sad when Paul Newman, Johnny Cash, and Joe Strummer died. I feel a bit of sadness knowing that I never got to take part in the lives of John Lennon, Martin Luther King or Bob Marley; people who died before I was born and before their time.

Death is an ugly thing that all of us are forced to accept as a daily part of life. Fortunately, acceptance does not mean allegiance.

I am simply sad. Lincoln was the only adult of my parent's age group that I felt comfortable calling by first name. He was my dentist for a time. I, being around the same age as some of his children used to spend Easter Sundays with his family, participating in egg hunts as his family fed me baskets of chocolate. I have known him and his family for 20 some years but many of my memories are of him the past couple of years. Memories of afternoons with him or going to family lunches. He had a curiosity for my life, the way an uncle cares for his nephew. Last year he bought me a milk shake at local shop after oral surgery. He was quick to tell stories, jokes and comments that at times may seemed silly, inappropriate or awkward but that simply added to his charm. It really did. He could recall tons of dirty jokes. I can't recall any even though that doesn't stop me from trying to tell some with the punchline falling flat. He was a very affectionate person who never shied away from a hug and I was never too embarrassed to give him one. We often spoke of family. He spoke of my parents love for me, his love for his family and what a great joy it would be for me that one day I would have a family of my own.

I know this hurts. I cannot imagine what my father must feel as the two have known each other for more than 30 years. I simply cannot imagine that what so ever. I'd hate to lose any of my friends 30 years from now and not feel incredibly selfish. Death is a selfish thing in some ways as we don't want to lose the joy our friends or family bring to us. I cannot imagine what his family must feel. It's gloomy to think that one day I will be in a similar situation that I cannot avoid or bargain my way around.

I don't know. All I can hope for is perspective and that Lincoln is in a better place where happiness is in abundance.

"we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when.
but I'll know we'll meet again, some sunny day.

Keep smiling through , Just like you always do,
Till the blue skies chase those dark clouds, far away. "
- Vera Lynn

You Are What You Read (On the Toilet?)

2010-07-20T12:40:00.010-04:00

There are many formulas for which you or I can casually observe someone and decode what kind of person they are. Your poker face, what you eat, what shoes you wear or who your friends are can say a lot about a person. Today I examine something I truly believe... You are what you read on the toilet.

Many already subscribe to the notion that you are what you read but I would like to break it down a bit further. What you read on the toilet says a lot about the type of person you are. Reading is very important and unfortunately in the USA there are sad statistics that show people don't read very much at all or don't know how to read. Statistics show that those who can read, choose not to read while those who can't read continue to struggle without help or the desire to change. Even with this information I choose to write a blog. Silly me.

I don't read as much as I should. My father reads a book every couple of days. I have friends that read books every day or two and I even have friends that will read books within a few hours. I am a summer reader which means I enjoy reading while sitting by the pool. During the winter, lazy snow filled sundays is when I find a book of interest and do nothing but read. A book per week would be a generous estimate but I am much better than the national statistics. Thank goodness.

A majority of my reading is done while I sit on the toilet. I admit it. Please don't be disgusted until you listen to my argument or be disgusted but still read the argument. Like Larry David in an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, I have started sitting on the toilet to read while performing much of my business. I won't get into too much detail but by sitting on the toilet to urinate I've increased my sitting on the toilet by a large percentage. I have a team coming up with some figures. While on the toilet I have a little more time to read an article in the paper or in a magazine. I am not a fast reader by any means so books with short chapters or books like the Intellectual Devotional series are perfect for toilet reading. The Intellectual Devotional book series are books of general knowledge, each book with a certain theme with each page focussed on a particular topic. I don't know about you or how long it typically takes for your business to take place but while you pee you might be able to read a page or two about a variety of topics.

For me, I like my toilet to be surrounded with a wide variety of knowledge. I like a plethora of books to surround my bathroom. I never know what type of personal growth I'd like to explore while doing what natured intended either. History, sports, music, life, philosophy surround my toilet. I purchased a shelf for my toilet just so I would have a resting place for my books. Books and magazines can take quite a lot of counter space so a shelf was needed. I mean after all you can only put so much on the toilet tank.

My current toilet literature.

Truffuat by Antoine de Baecque and Serge Toubiana

The Mysterious Montague by Leigh Montville

Mockingbird With Me Luck by Chalres Bukowski

The Books of Basketball by Bill Simmons

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

The Architecture of Happiness by Alain De Boton

The Diving Bell and Butterfly by Jean Dominique Bauby

On Bullshit by Harry G. Frankfurt

Etiquette for Men By G.R.M Deveroux

magazine - WaxPoetics issues 32-37, 39-42

magazine - Poetry issue April 2010

Bla Bla 600 Incredibly Useless Facts by Fredrik Colting

I've been meaning to switch some things up. Bring in a new starting line up to my toilet literature series. I recently purchased the Clash by the Clash. It's a large coffee table book on one of my favorite bands but I found it a bit awkward to hold a large book with a heavier weight on my lap during business time. I am not saying a large and heavy book is impossible or not worth pursuing but what happens if you need to stretch, use the book as a fly swatter, or if your knees start to buckle or if your legs were to fall asleep. I tried it out but I think a smaller the book allows you greater mobility and mobility is key on a toilet. Plus the cheap shelf posing as a metal shelf might not be able to handle a heavy book.

Either way, what you read says a lot about you. What you read on the toilet can say even more. What do you think about literature that surrounds my toilet? I'd like to think it screams "man of intrigue and mystery" or "international jet-setter of cool and ease." It probably says neither of those things. I'd even settle for, "profound but silly." Is all of this a little superficial? It might be but I'd feel a little bit bad or even feel like a lousy host if you came to my house, sat on my toilet and the option of a magazine or book was not made available to you. I don't know about you but that's how I would feel. Oh well, it wouldn't be the first time.

till next time.

ps. yes I know. My trash can is small and needs to be emptied.

Bad Things Happen in 3 - Cleveland's Early July Woes

2010-07-18T14:04:00.017-04:00

On July 8th Lebron James made a humiliating and public statement called, "the Decision."This hour program focused on his future as a basketball star in which James decided to leave Cleveland and his near by home of Akron, Ohio. Akron is less than 40 miles from Cleveland so locals took his departure personally, as they should have. The locals have followed Lebron James since middle school and Cleveland Cavalier fans could only wait anxiously to see if they could ever have the chance of landing the young superstar. A few years later, with a little bit of luck, the Cavaliers landed their star, gave him everything he wanted and seven years after that, he publicly embarrasses Cleveland by suggesting the team, the organization and the city are not good enough.

I think it is easy for those on the outside to agree with James about leaving. I think it is impossible for those in Cleveland and in Ohio to see this as anything but insulting and heart shattering.

Cleveland didn't just lose James but within the next week the city would mourn the death of two other great men. Cleveland also lost writer Harvey Pekar and New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner. The departure of James along with the passing of Pekar and Steinbrenner do nothing but bring a great sadness to many within Cleveland's borders and beyond.

George Steinbrenner was a Cleveland area native. Before the Yankees, George made a name for himself with the Great Lakes Shipping Company. He also owned an ABL (American Basketball League) team, the Cleveland Pipers. Steinbrenner also made an attempt to purchase the Cleveland Indians but was rejected. What success the Indians could have had is unknown. Would the Indians have won 7 World Series in the past 37 years? Probably not, but winning one would have been better than the none they have won without Steinbrenner.

George is just one of many Ohioans to find success outside of Ohio but he never left his roots, often returning to the Columbus, Ohio for the annual OSU vs. Michigan game. Mr. Steinbrenner was a graduate student at OSU and it's good to know that after his success he would still return to celebrate one of sports great rivalries. A funny story I had heard was that one year all the hotels were booked for the rivalry game and George had no place to stay, so the next year George built his own hotel and kept the top floor suite to himself. The Yankees triple-A ball club was also based in Columbus. The Columbus Clippers is where notable Yankees got their start including Derek Jeter, Robinson Cano, Alfonso Soriano, Mariano Rivera and Don Mattingly.

The Yankees flourished under his control and Steinbrenner revolutionized free agency. It is ironic, a twisted piece of fate or something like that, that the system of paying athletes outrageous amounts, the system Steinbrenner revolutionized would be the framework for James' departure. George Steinbrenner changed sports, for good and bad... the debate continues. I think it goes without saying that he was a man you'd want to own your sports local team because he would have done whatever it takes to win.

Steinbrenner is recognizable to many Americans because of his success on and off the field, also because of a recurring character on the hit show Seinfeld. Harvey Pekar was not nearly as famous with the American public. Harvey Pekar was a mild mannered file clerk by day and an alternative comic book writer genius on the side. He also was a music critic. Mr. Pekar became more recognizable in 2003 because of the part autobiography, part documentary film based on his comics and his life. The comic, American Splendor and film of the same name helped elevate alternative comics to a larger audience. His comics focused more on the struggles of the average person with himself as the central figure. Pekar was able to express himself about his job at a local veterans hospital, the struggles of marriage or what other ramblings happened within his mind.

I was first introduced to Harvey Pekar as a teenager. I grew up reading comics but most about super dudes with super power and super chicks with super bodies and super powers. In high school my father introduced me to an American Splendor comic. My father was a doctor for the VA hospitals in the Cleveland area for around 20 years and the two had become casual friends that would on occasion discuss Latin jazz. They were never close friends but I do have a signed copy of an American Splendor graphic novel with an inscription to my father that reads, "To Luis, Thanks for the music recommendations." Years later I would meet Mr. Pekar at the OSU campus in Columbus, Ohio. After a discussion on comics he signed my copy of his latest graphic novel, the Quitter. I asked him if he remembered my father. He asked for my name, he asked for my father's name and after a brief pause he said, "Yes I remember, your father is a smart man." Maybe Pekar didn't remember him but it was enough to put a smile on my face then and even now.

While talking with my father about Pekar today, my father and I were most impressed by Pekar's humility. He always wrote about normal daily life and even after the success of his comic, several appearances on David Letterman and a critically acclaimed film, Pekar never stop writing about what he wanted to write about nor did he ever stop working at the hospital as a file clerk. As someone on the radio noted, after all the success Pekar had, maybe the greatest thing he did for Cleveland was never leaving her because he never wanted to.

Lebron James will be missed without question and possibly without parallel but maybe just maybe, the loss of Steinbrenner and Pekar are just as hollowing. I often have to defend Ohio and Ohioans when traveling elsewhere. People forget what great things have come from Ohio like the birth of flight or even Victoria's Secret. Great American athletes like Jack Nicklaus and Lebron James are from Ohio. Neil Armstrong was the first man to walk on the moon and is from Ohio. In fact, Ohio has had more astronauts walk on the moon than any other state. Ohio has also produced the most Presidents behind the state of Virginia. If anything Virginia was cheating having 4 of the first 5 Presidents and by the time Ohio became a state our third President Thomas Jefferson was already in the White House. What am I saying? Virginia had a jump start.

I love Ohio very much. I have known many great men and women in this state. It is the state of my childhood. I have many fond memories of this place. Memories that I carry with me where ever I go. It is a shame that so many look down upon it but for someone like myself, it will always be home.

Side note. Even though Cleveland is about 120 miles away from Columbus, while writing this blog Columbus radio personality John Andrew "Andyman" Davis drowned while on vacation in Michigan. Another blow to Ohio, also adding proof that nothing good happens when you go to Michigan. (it's a rivalry thing... Mr. Steinbrenner would understand)

"Andyman" was a local dj for the indie radio channel CD101. Every year the "Andyman-a-thon" would be a 48 hour special in which "Andyman" would stay on the air for 48 hours straight, trying to raise money for local kid's charities. His passing is nothing but sad.

My Two Cents - BP, the Oil Disaster and What has Happened to Our Anger

2010-07-17T09:41:00.007-04:00

BP caused an oil spill in the gulf. This is not new news unless you have been living under a rock for the past several months.

I am not really here to debate what could have been done, what should be done, who is to blame and why this is happening.

I really don't have concrete answers except for this...

BP is to blame. I spill a glass of water, it's my fault not the glass. I break a window, it's my fault not the brick for being so hard that when colliding with the window, the window shatters. BP is to blame for the oil disaster. Yes, it is a disaster. The constant recognition of this disaster as a "spill" is nothing but disrespect for the businesses losing money, the animals dying and mother earth getting her faced punched in.

I am not going to blame the current administration, the previous administration or the ocean for having waves and currents, the ocean for being deep or oil for being difficult to obtain. I am going to blame BP and some others.

What I want to know is and some others have often wondered... Where is all the anger? Where is all the sympathy? Where is all the aid? Where are all the relief concerts and fundraising specials? Where are all the commercials in between your favorite programs asking for donations or community service to help save animals, businesses and the people being ruined by this oil disaster?

The only thing close to this that I see is a savvy marketing campaign by BP displaying their outreach to local communities affected by their blunder. Some commercials with some BP accountants casually expressing their concern, sitting along the gulf coast explaining how important his or her job is because they are helping the businesses that have lost so much from this disaster. BP should be helping those business and paying those claims.

But, where is all our anger?

Some of it has been directed towards the current administration. Some of it directed towards the previous administration. Some of it has been directed towards BP and some of it has been directed towards local vendors. The anger aimed towards local vendors has been label as "misguided" because it only hurts local businesses and has little effect on BP. At the same time, I haven't filled my gas tank at any local BP stations as a symbol of my disgust but also because I don't know what else to do. Emailing my local government official seems pointless. Sending an angry letter to BP while they burn money seems foolish. How should I direct my anger?

Maybe some of our anger should be directed at ourselves. Maybe we aren't angry or as angry as we should be because we need this oil. We are well versed in the risks of our dependence on oil and sadly accept the ugly truth that if you want an omelet you have to break some eggs. We should be angry at ourselves. Maybe this disaster could have been diverted if we as a civilization weren't so dependent on oil and more invested in cleaner energy technologies. Unfortunately we aren't and with this disaster hopefully coming to a close we are still slow to arrive towards cleaner and more efficient energy solutions.

We aren't going to get rid of SUV's. We haven't come close to an automobile that can achieve 100 miles to the gallon. We are addicted to air conditioning and central heating. We love the leisure oil can offer our lives. We need more and more and as our need grows and grows our comfort level must match that need. Change is difficult but maybe instead of blaming BP we should blame ourselves and our childish resistance to change. Change must come and hopefully another disaster won't occur before we accept that.

Why Cleveland Can Learn Something from The Brooklyn Dodgers

2010-05-13T22:58:00.004-04:00

In the 1940's and 50's the Brooklyn Dodgers (now, the Los Angeles Dodgers. If you didn't know) were one of the most dominant teams in all of baseball. They won the National League pennant in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953 only to lose the World Series to their cross town rivals, the New York Yankees. "Wait 'till next year," became their mantra. It was encouragement to those that knew the Brooklyn Dodgers would eventually climb that mountain and the pillow to ease the bruising fall from high hopes. "Wait 'till next year," was on every one's mind. It was on the front page of the local papers and on everyone's mind. It was their rallying cry. "Wait 'till next year."

Brooklyn had seen better days. A city struggling through several economic battles. Local factories closing, newspapers folding, people leaving the borough for New York suburbs. Standing in the shadow of Manhattan, Brooklyn rested all of their hopes on the ball club they loved so dearly. Every year, the summer belonged to the Boys of Summer, as the Dodgers were affectionately called. When the Dodgers moved west, people were heartbroken. There are still some that shout, "the Dodgers belong in Brooklyn." Dodgers did a lot for Brooklyn, baseball, fun and politics.

Next year finally came in 1955 when the beloved Brooklyn Dodgers faced their dreaded foe the Yankees in the World Series. In 7 games, the Dodgers finally bested the baseball giant and next year was actually 1955. It was only a few years later that the Dodgers moved to LA but for a moment the Dodgers stood defiantly as the best team in baseball.

The City of Cleveland has seen brighter days. A city struggling in many ways with high hopes on a basketball team. Those hopes rest on the shoulder of Lebron James. Born and raised 30 minutes from Cleveland, Lebron James was named King of the basketball court. If he hasn't been asked to save the city then James was certainly asked to save Cleveland sports. A sports community that has not won a professional sports title (in basketball, baseball and football) since 1964. There are a dozen cities that carry the three major sports and Cleveland has had the longest stretch without a championship than any. Seattle comes in second when the Super Sonics won the NBA Championship in 1979.

The City of Cleveland has seen many moments of heartache when involving their sports franchises. The Cleveland Browns are one of a few NFL teams to have never reached a Super Bowl. The Cleveland Indians were two outs away from winning the 1997 world Series but failed to win. In 2007 the Cavaliers went to their first finals but were swept in humiliating fashion. The sports fans of Cleveland have been saying, "wait 'till next year" for over 40 years and after so many years many people have lost their patience.

The Cavaliers just lost, again. They are out of the playoffs and all the hopes dashed. The future of Lebron James in flux. Will the city be heartbroken again by his departure? Yes. If he leaves will the city pick itself up and talk of next year? At least not for some time.

What I can say without hesitation is that Cleveland sports fan love their teams, almost to a fault, painfully, and passionately. Cleveland fans have dealt with many years of futility when the teams were lousy and only disappointment when the team were on the brink of victory.

Personally, the speculation of how and why the Cavaliers lost in the second round of 2010 playoffs to the Celtics will be discussed in every classroom, barber shop, bar, office, and basketball court throughout Cleveland for some time. Did Lebron James quit? Did the team quit? Did the King want to lose so he would have a better excuse to leave Cleveland? I can say this, if any of those things are true than Cleveland deserves better than James or the team itself. I don't care how good of an athlete or a baller he is, I hated Lebron James for his play, his actions and his attitude. I am not even a fan of the Cavaliers or the NBA but enjoy the game that as a boy I loved so much.

"Wait 'till next year." For Cleveland, I hope so but I doubt it. "Wait 'till next year." is all this city has to hold on to and if it worked for the Dodgers maybe it can work for Cleveland.

Hey! I Can Hold the Door Open

2010-04-25T13:09:00.004-04:00

I try to be polite. I feel that many of us have broken away from common courtesy. We forget to say thank you or talk during a movie at the theater. We stick the knife we use for the jelly in the peanut butter so that little bits of jelly are left behind in the peanut butter jar. We don't wash our hands, we don't shake hands, we don't give a hand to those in need. I am not innocent either. I make mistakes. I have forgotten to lower the toilet seat or have cut off another driver on the highway. I can wait to talk instead of listen. I can hurt the ones I love. We all make mistakes.

So, I try to be polite. I try to have good manners. I try to be a good guy. One thing I do in my efforts to be a good guy is hold open doors for other people. It is a simple task that shows respect and common decency. It is a nice thing to do for someone else that takes little to no effort. It is rewarding to be thanked. A thank you, a head nod or a smile will suffice. A simple act of kindness never goes unnoticed.

Here is my problem. I hold the door open and I am very confused by the people who put out there hand as if I am incapable of holding the door open effectively. You have seen it happen. It has probably happened to you. You are holding the door wide open, in some cases as far as it can go and as someone enters or exits, putting their hand on the door. Why? Do you not trust the person holding the door? Are you scared that the door will close cutting off some part of your body like a meat slicer? Are you trying to give yourself some credit for the good act of having the door held for you? I don't understand this. It clearly bothers me.

Does it say something about the lack of trust we give others? Is it about our failure to recognize kind acts? I don't know. I am not going to stop opening doors or saying "thank you" to those who open the door for me.

baseball 2010 preview

2010-04-03T10:35:00.004-04:00

Oh baseball.... how I love you.

I love baseball. My favorite sport. It is still America's past time to me. I know some of you find it to be boring. Not as action packed as football or as high scoring as basketball. Well those arguments are understood, I strongly believe that points should be a difficult thing to obtain and though baseball may not be filled with action or violence, it is a tense game built upon little moments of anticipation, swift action, causing great heroics of defense or offense.

I have a lot of romantic notions about baseball. Someone once said, (paraphrase) that the 3 greatest things invented by America were the Constitution, Jazz and Baseball. I strongly agree with this statement. The fundamentals are essential in baseball and that cannot be said about basketball. The position of the ball and every play on the field matter during every moment of the game and though football is an amazing game, that cannot be said about the old pigskin.

oh baseball... how I love thee.

so, since I love the game so much, I thought I would make some bold predictions and see how the outcomes turn out. If I am right then I will simply pat myself on the back and cement the notion that I am a baseball mastermind. If I am wrong, I will hide in the corner. In any case, if the Red Sox win the World Series I will be celebrating or if the Yankees fail to make the playoff, I will at least have a nice grin on my face.

Predictions with some reasons.

the American League Division Winners

AL East Winner - New York Yankees. As much as I hate the Yankees it is hard to deny how powerful they are. Sure they got rid of two big pieces of their Championship run, Damon and Matsui. Damon can go to hell, traitor. Their outfield has some doubts and they added Nick Johnson but last years playoffs was about who could hit the long ball and no one can hit the long ball in the American league better than the Yankees.

Al Central - Chicago White Sox. It's the toughest division to pick a winner. No team is a real standout but you have to like the White Sox. You cannot trust the pitching staff of the Tigers especially since their offense took a real downturn last year. The Twins lost their closer for the season and for a team built to win close games, that is a huge blow. The White Sox might win by default but you have to appreciate the youth on that team surrounded by stable veterans. Let's not forget as annoying Ozzie Guillen is, he is a great manager.

AL West - Seattle Mariners. Another tough division to call. I would have picked the Rangers if they kept Kevin Millwood. I know he was only 13-10 last year but you cannot get rid of consistent pitching. Plus the Rangers might be relying too much on the inconsistent Rich Harden. The Angles lost too much and despite having the best manager in baseball, Mike Scioscia, they will fall short this year. I like the Mariners. it is a trendy pick but I think the irritating Milton Bradley will have a large year and the Mariners will become this year's cinderella team.

AL Wild Card - Boston Red Sox. Even though I kind of want to put the Angels or the Rays in this position, I do not know if the Rays pitching staff can be consistent enough to win. I am not sure if the Angels can score enough runs and without a true #1 pitcher who will be on the mound for the big game. I pick the Red Sox because if anything their pitching staff should be consistent. No, it should be fucking great. They have three #1 starters and if Dice-K can stay healthy, a big if, then the Red Sox will have the best #4 or #5 pitcher in baseball. They should have a great defense but they lack a scary offense. Can the Red Sox play small ball? Can you count on David Ortiz and Kevin Youkilis to hit the big home run when needed? I have my doubts. I think they are good enough to make the playoffs but I have my doubts for anything and everything after.

the National League Division Winners

NL West - Los Angeles Dodgers. I like the Rockies but their pitching staff scares me. They lost Jason Marquis and as good as Ubaldo Jimenez and Aaron Cook might be, I like the Giants pitching staff better. You cannot deny the Giants have great pitching but can they score runs? Will the Diamondbacks youth finally play up to their potential? Forget Manny Ramirez, Joe Torre has Matt Kemp, James Looney and Andre Ethier. The Dodgers don't start the season without any concerns because the soap opera that surrounds the owner might derail any hopes of championship season.

NL Central - St. Louis Cardinals. Sorry Cubs. I love Lou Piniella but this is the year he loses his job. I think when your team continues to lose and lose and lose you have to make major changes to the team for any hope to win. The cubs have made little to no changes concerning the core of that team and the core of that team is filled with failure. Sorry, I don't mean to hate on the Cubs. I'd love to see the Pirates make a run and I won't be surprised if they turn some heads but no one is beating the Cardinals.

NL East - Philadelphia Phillies. The Phillies are without a doubt the most balanced team in baseball. With little to no weaknesses, they can play defense, steal bases, hit the long ball or win with pitching. I also think losing the World Series might be the best thing for a team that was too reliant on comeback wins. The Mets will be bad. The Reds will make a run but come short. I would pick the Marlins but have little faith that the management will keep that team together to contend.

NL Wildcard - Atlanta Braves. I am a sucker for a good story. I think the Braves have a chance to be the best story in baseball this year. Bobby Cox is retiring after this season. It might be Chipper Jones last hurrah in Atlanta. Jason Heyward is the next big thing and if Tim Hudson can be a reliable starter then the Braves should win. This will be Hudson second season after Tommy John Surgery and that is usually when pitchers make their big come back. If he does, with Derek Lowe, Jair Jurrjens, and Tommy Hanson, the pitching staff could be tough to beat. Let's not forget that they acquired Billy Wagner to be the closer or that the Braves have one of the best catchers in all of baseball in Brian McCann. They might not have enough pop to best the Phillies but if they got hot, don't be surprised to see them in the World Series.

So who wins?

The Red Sox will win the American League. I think after a couple of years of losing they will play up to the Yankees and overcome the odds. I don't see the White Sox or the Mariners creating trouble for the Sox or the Yanks. Honestly, that isn't going to happen.

The Dodgers will win the National League. If anyone can handle the distractions, Joe Torre can. I think Dodgers will make a playoff run full of memorable moments, meaning walk-offs. I'd love to see the Braves and I honestly think they have a shot but I don't see them getting past the Phillies. I think it is too hard in this day and age of sport to reach the finals three years in a row and I am not sure if the Phillies can do it. If they kept Cliff Lee, it would've been hard not to pick them.

so who wins a Dodgers vs. Red Sox World Series?

the Red Sox. because of pitching. a low scoring world series with pitching duels and great defense.

MVP's.

AL - Victor Martinez, Boston Red Sox. He will improve defensively, catch for 3 18-game winners, bat over .320 with 30 plus home runs with over 100 RBI. How does that not scream MVP?

NL - Albert Pujols, St. Louis Cardinals. Hanley Ramirez will be denied again. Andre Ethier might have a shot, especially if he hits 5 or more walk off like he did last season. Pujols will do the same thing he did last year and then some because he now he has Matt Holiday backing him up. All Pujols did last year was bat .327 with 47 home runs and 135 RBI's on a weak offensive team. I think it is a safe bet to up those number by at least 10 percent.

Cy Young

AL - Felix Hernandez. Some will think Cliff Lee should win it but King Felix will win 21 games and be top 3 in ERA and strikeouts. He will edge out top contenders like John Lester or CC Sabathia because King Felix will not receive the same offensive support.

NL - Roy Halladay. If Cliff Lee could dominate in the National League than Halladay should slaughter the competition. Halladay was 17-10 last season with 9 complete games, pitching for a bad Blue Jays team. Instead of being on a bad team and constantly having to pitch against the Yankees, Red Sox and Rays, he will be on one of the best teams in the National League pitching against the Mets, Braves and Marlins. Halladay won't have to go 9 innings because the Phillies should have a solid bullpen and because of this Halladay should win at least 20 games.

The Baseball season starts tonight. Go Red Sox. hope it is a memorable one for all to enjoy.

sorry for my absence

2010-04-03T10:22:00.003-04:00

sorry.

I had made a goal of one blog per week and I have failed to live up to that but I got a job and that played fuck you with my normal schedule.

so back to normal writing. sorry world.

Lazy or Just Taking Advantage of Technology?

2010-02-14T22:22:00.005-05:00

I don't know about you but every now and then I marvel at how lazy we have become. What do I mean? You know you are lazy when you take the elevator to go down, yes down one floor. Technology as well as convenience has covered up our laziness for the sake of leisure and comfort. Things like the drive-thru, the microwave, secretaries and tanning beds are all nice luxuries that allow us to do a lot by doing very little. Some of these range in how important they are but I think you catch my drift.

Unless you are a handicapped person, you should not push this button.

I am not attacking the invention just the able-bodied assholes that use the handicap door open button because they are too lazy to grab the handle, push or pull. I don't understand the person with fully functioning physical and mental abilities using the handicap access button. Is it too physically challenging? Have your arms and shoulders muscles gone limp? Now, I can understand someone who pushes the button when holding a couple bags of groceries, a basketball, a duck while playing paddle ball. Other than that I cannot explain how lazy you must truly be. How do you get out of your car ? Do you have an assistant to push the shower curtain aside when you want to bathe? A person with two free hands and arms, healthy, able bodied with sound mind has no reason to push the handicap access button to open a door. The only reason for doing so is that they are lazy.

I get it. I really do. The times are a changing. I am pampered. I cannot deny that but there has to be some self imposed limits on these things. Is it just me but once we stop doing the little things like opening our own doors then don't we become less able to do the really challenging things in life? I hope not.

Paco - the story behind the Car.

2010-02-08T00:19:00.004-05:00

When I turned 16 I didn't get my license. I got my license when I was 18 and after I graduated high school. I was not getting a car at 16 or 18. In fairness, I never really asked or worked for one. I began my time at Ohio State University without a car but in truth I really didn't need one at school either. For much of my life I have disliked driving. I prefer sitting in the passenger seat while someone else drives and I get to tune out to good music and enjoy the sights outside the passenger window. I prefer driving when I don't trust the other driver's driving ability or music tastes. If it wasn't for the simple fact that asking a girl out minus car let alone minus license is rather difficult then the whole ordeal would have been ignored. I am not a big car guy either. I cannot fix them. I don't know much about them. I don't get all excited about cars with infinite horse power, big engines or kick ass stereo systems. I casually subscribe to the notion that a car is a device to take you from point A to point B and back, with occasional round trips to points C, D, L, Q and Y.

So why am I devoting a whole blog post to a car? Because it was my first and for some reason I do miss him.

I got Paco as a hand me down from my older brother. Paco was a late 90's VW Beetle. He was not fast but he had a little kick for a little guy. He was not roomy but sitting in the front seats was like sitting in a bubble. He was red. He was not very manly. He was round, oh so round. He had character. He represented his owner far better than his owner could keep him clean. Paco was named by my older brother. I cannot honestly remember why. I think my brother just felt like he was a Paco. It fit. it worked. We rolled with it.

I got Paco as a hand me down in 2004. I am not complaining. I didn't think I needed a car. I was currently living in Columbus, Ohio. My brother was getting a new car and despite my brother having a certain sentimental attachment to Paco, he was ready for a new car. If anything it allowed me to make trips home to see family. With over 122,000 miles on Paco, we drove. I didn't do much driving in the beginning. I didn't do much driving the first few years with Paco. No need at university. There would be the occasional trip to the mall or to a dinner. It allowed an occasional return trip home or an outing with a lady. After five years I had driven Paco 44,000 miles. Gosh, I miss that car.

Paco in many ways would come to identify me or my personality. I do not know why exactly. I think some saw it as an unconventional car for a unconventional guy. I think that is crap. Some thought it was a perfect fit; A rather sissy car for a not so manly guy. I think that is crap as well. Others simply suggested without explanation that Paco was the right car for me. I tend to agree. Some things are better left unsaid or without explanation.

I liked Paco because he was a bit different. What do I mean? Well, I drive a Mazda now and when I get out of work or a movie, my new car is much more difficult to find in a crowded parking lot. I liked Paco because he was scrappy and a fighter. What do I mean? Well, if you know me then you know I am not the greatest driver. Any car I have will get into accidents, be pushed to the limit, given considerable wear and tear, as well as be witness to my rock out sessions during stops at red lights. I liked Paco because he listened? Yes, I'm a big girl and talked to my car like it was my therapist. If these wheels and seats could talk... my goodness. Paco was cool. I had a little 6 inch Scooby-Doo doll that sat on the dashboard and we road like really really really cool people. Nothing cooler than that.

Paco and I had our difficulties. It wasn't all sweet tea. I got Paco with a broken driver's seat frame which meant the seat could not be adjusted and in its fixed position would rock back and forth. A condition that according to a mechanic would be a big problem if i were to get into an accident. If an accident were to occur I could be catapulted out of my car. Fun? I think not. From the beginning, Paco had little to no air conditioning and insufficient heating abilities. The lack of air condition made summers difficult. It is a belief of mine that the two worst places to feel uncomfortable due to heat are your bed and your car. The lack of heat in winter made things challenging. For many of the winters, Paco and I were without an ice scraper. I don't really know why. I'm an idiot. With a car that took forever to warm up, the window defrost was a dull proposition. It became increasingly awkward when last winter my car had the nasty habit of getting frosted over on the inside which meant I had to scrape ice from my car with a nonexistent window scraper on the inside and outside of my car.

I had been in a couple of driving accidents as well. One was by the front passenger tire. It was in the early morning and I was late to a french film exam. I had just completed a five page essay that I had finished the morning due because I was up late the previous night arguing with my girlfriend, about what I do not recall. I was turning left and bam! I ran my car into another. I swear it came out of now where. I say that because I honestly did not see it. On the lighter side, I totally destroyed the guy's front drivers side tire. It was my fault. I was in a rush and bad things happen when you rush and drive. I was rear ended not too long after. It was a stormy night and my rear bumper got a little love tap from the car behind. A big enough tap to leave a faint imprint of the license plate. I had signaled the car behind me to pull over to exchange information but the bastards ran off. I got into another accident while driving to work because I was in a rush, again. Nothing major. No one was hurt in any of my motor vehicle incidents.

Paco didn't have locks that worked. The electronic key had failed me after about a year and each manual lock had been replaced at least once. Two years ago each lock had broken and no key could lock or unlock the car. This meant if the car was locked I had to sneak in through the trunk. The windows would work, sometimes. The windows would sometimes get jammed and not roll all the way up which created a fear in me when arriving at poll stops and drive thru's. Paco was a manual shift car and last year the emergency brake broke which made parking on hills a little difficult. Gosh, I miss that car.

Paco was with me in Fayetteville, Arkansas. It was there in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio. It was with me for the places in between. I remember the first time I drove a girl on a date with Paco. I don't remember the where but I remember Paco was the car that got us there. I was able to fit much of my life in Paco. Like I previously mentioned... Paco was like a therapist. I concocted crazed ideas, lamented over girls, pondered fears, broke down, sang, danced and rejoiced inside Paco like it was a cave or haven for an emotional side I let few see. I think that is why I miss him most. It might be an error in my judgment but Paco knew more about me than anyone. Is that sad? Maybe, but for a person uncomfortable with emotional outpouring beyond face value, I needed a safe place. Paco was that safe place when home was a different place from year to year and a best friend was not near but far, and a loved one absent.

thank you Paco. I guess I now understand why people tend to be so attached to their first car. It took me a long time to figure out what to say so all I can do is give thanks and say goodbye.

The T-Shirt... What Happened and Where Do We Go From Here?

2010-01-10T11:06:00.017-05:00

I wear t- shits. I love T-shirts. So soft. So relaxing. So casual. So made out of cotton; 100% hopefully. The T-shirt is the great chameleon of the fashion world. Ok, that makes no sense. Too much hyperbole?

In this day of casual clothing, it seems that the T-shirt can be worn for any occasion. It makes me sad that formal dress is out the door but fashion is a bitch mistress that doesn't care what you want or at least what I want. No one wants to dress in collared shirts, ties and suits anymore. The days of dressing in your Sundays best to catch a ball game on Tuesday is no more. Thank goodness social convention still tells women that when going out to the bars or clubs, a t-shirt doesn't cut it. Thank goodness that there is still some amount sexism in this country. Please pick up on my sarcasm. It is a shame that men have become lazy, classless and unimaginative with their dress. Please note that the previous sentence about men's fashion was not sarcasm.

I love T-shirts as much as the next guy. T-shirts have been the essence of cool. They are indicative of their generation. It's no accident that when you see a white basic T-shirt, blue jeans, leather jacket and some Converse Chuck Taylor's one might think of the greasers in the 1950's. Tie-Dyed shirts remind us of hippies and the 60's. The huge slogans that would be placed on T-shirts during the 80's and 90's. The lasting images of Marlon Brando, James Dean, Bruce Springsteen in a white basic T. There was the Frankie Goes to Hollywood T-shirts of the 80's and the "Vote for Pedro" Napoleon Dynamite shirts of the modern era. T-shirts have a lasting impression on the social conscience. It's not mystery that T-shirts have become human billboards for self expression, corporate agendas and fashion design.

But as I walk the corridors of my local shopping mall or when I bust a move on in the club, exercise at the the local gym or enjoy a casual night at the bingo hall, it seems that T-Shirts have lost their cool. I'll say it less politely... modern T-Shirts fucking suck. Designed by douche bags and worn by guys who don't mind acting like douche bags. Yeah, I'm talking about Ed Hardy shirts or shirts that have slogans like, "Compassion is the Essence of love" or "Triumph is brought by Might." Let's face it, Ed Hardy T-shirts look like crappy tattoo designs over neon colored shirts. T-Shirts with crap slogans that don't really mean anything are like unimaginative Hallmark cards that promote nothing or suggest anything beyond a shallow attempt at self importance. I don't understand why some people need to spend $3o dollars on a some Under Armour or Nike exercise T-shirt when you can buy 5 cotton white shirts for $10. That just seems dumb. I don't get T-shirts these days. There are shirts with New York City designs all over them being sold in the Midwest, worn by those who have never been to the NYC. There are guys wearing shirts with flower patterns but refuse to wear a light pink dress shirt. There are T-Shirt designs with foreign languages written all over them and no one has a clue what is being said.

What is going on? when did T-Shirts stop being cool because their designs were trying too hard to be cool? Why have them become so expensive? Yeah, I'm looking at you Giorgio Armani with your black Cashmere t-shirt costing over $1,800. Maybe that is a bad example. It is cashmere. Fuck no, that isn't a bad example. It's too dam expensive. Is it because it was made with the human dignity of the sweat shop workers in Asia that stitched the fabric with human hair and despair? I don't understand fashion. Apparently I don't understand this world where a cashmere T-shirt could be the down payment on a car.

What is going on? When did the T-shirt stop being the symbol of cool and casual apparel and become the symbol of douche baggery? I don't know. Maybe I am just being close minded. Maybe I don't see how bedazzling or rhinestones can be good for t-shirts or even washing machines.

What kind of T-Shirts do I enjoy? I like the plain. I like designs but let's face it. It's a T-shirt. It's casual wear so why try hard to be cool. I don't want to say that T-Shirts should be this or that but maybe I am. I think I am. It's a T-Shirt, relax with it. Do you get the impression that when you try hard to be cool you just succeed at being an ass. I enjoy humorous shirts. I enjoy shirts that represent my personality, where I come from or what I like. Silly, humorous, casual and geeky is the shirt I prefer. I don't know many people who wear T-shirts tattered in skulls, cobwebs, slogans that rip off mythology or the bible or display half naked woman that truly represent their personality. Like i said, i just don't understand fashion and what has dictated this downward step in design.

oh well, now some gratuitous photos of me in t-shirts.

Best Music of 2009!

2010-01-06T09:36:00.021-05:00

Every year I write a blog discussing my favorite music of the year. I am a pretty big music fan so I feel entitled. I still buy music. Most people I know, even those in the music industry steal music. I am constantly reading about music, either through books or magazines. I go to shows, research and surf on the interweb.

This list comes with a bit of a disclaimer. I take the time to listen to a couple hundred albums a year but that is only a small percentage of music produced. I am not a magazine. Labels don't send me records to review. I don't get free copies or information pamphlets about bands. All my information comes from somewhat biased research and careful purchasing. I read the pretentious Pitchfork, the idiotic Rolling Stone and the middle ground Spin. I read WaxPoetics, Notion, and occasionally Source as well as other media outlets. Research also includes word of mouth. I have friends that work at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, record shops, independent labels and friends that dj as well as play in various types of bands. I love music and will try to find good music any way possible.

This my top ten along with other accolades.

when 2009 opened it's door, the music scene seemed filled with possibilities. In the the first couple of months there were records released by Bruce Springsteen and U2. When you start the year with two of your all time favorite artists releasing records, it's easy to get excited but those two records ultimately ended in disappointment. Another band, which I have disliked for much of their career released a record that would land on this top ten list the moment it was released. Some bands surprised me with their growth and talents, while others began their fade into obscurity. Some older relics churned out albums that reminds me of the mighty force that once was their music, while young folks debuted their talent to world, presenting the hope of tomorrows music future.

Thanks to the old guard for still making music that rocks. Thank you Raekwon, Slayer, Yo La Tengo, Dinosaur Jr., Wilco and Sonic Youth. Way to show the young kids how it is done.

Groups to look forward to, not on this list but worth taking notice. K'Naan, The Big Pink, The Avett Brothers, Major Lazer and Discovery.

Most overrated album of the year. The Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca.

Biggest guilty pleasure. Weezer - Raditude and that dam Taylor Swift Song, "You Belong with Me"

Most annoying musical occurrence. People who suddenly discovered The Kings of Leon and overplayed "Use Somebody." And the re-emergence of 90's low-fi indie rock... Yeah... I'm looking at you Japandroids and Wavves along with others.

Happy that hip hop bounced back this year. Brother Ali, Anti-Pop Consortium, Drake and Kid Kudi saving hip hop from an awful 2008.

Hooray for all the fantastic re-issues... from the Beatles to Kraftwerk, the Feelies to Devo, Beastie Boys to Big Star.

Honorary Album

Jarvis Cocker - Further Complications.

The role Pulp played in shaping the 90's Brit-pop explosion was pretty large. They never got the recognition that Oasis, Radiohead or Blur received but are no less important. Pulp hasn't released a record since 2001 but Cocker has not kept away. On his second solo release Cocker rediscovers what made his musical satire so appealing, frustration. Like Elvis Costello with his record, When I was Cruel, Cocker rediscovers angst and writes a record fueled by negative emotions in search for positive results. It would be Costello's best record in years and the same could be said about Cocker, with or without Pulp. Here, Cocker releases a certain rage about romance, sex, life, uncertainty, the upper class, the unknown future and the let down of being born.

The Top 10.

10. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart

Don't dismiss this album. It might be the closest thing to bumble gum pop for kids that wear skin tight black jeans, scarves in the middle of a hot summer, and feel they are too cool to be elitists. The Pains of Being Pure at Heart make the quietest up tempo rock that you can find. There is a tremendous amount of sophistication to this simple rock that seems fueled by teenage adolescence. The albums has touches of The Ramones, The Cure and Jesus and the Mary Chain. "A Teenager In Love" could havet come from Robert Smith during the Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me sessions. It doesn't stray too far from modern groups like the Anniversary or the Rentals either especially on tracks like "Young Adult Friction." They make it look easy. They also don't come off as egomaniacs or star crazed jerks like other NYC bands the Strokes, Interpol or the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. If you like catchy hooks, sing a long melodies, and music that doesn't make you dance but instead makes you hop, skip and jump then this record is for you.

9. Tegan and Sara - Sainthood

Chris Walla was smart to hop onto this indie pop mega train that is Tegan and Sara. In turn Tegan and Sara not only found their best bassist/keyboardist to date but also the best producer they've ever had. Walla produced their previous effort, The Con but the sound hadn't come together yet. For this record Walla filled in as bassist and drummer Jason McGerr came back for his second turn as the group's drummer. The stability of having much of the same group from the previous recording session resulted in the band sounding tighter than ever. It's their 6th album and their best. C'mon, how often does that happen? This album is filled with fascinating tales of falling in love and falling into the potholes of romantic inconsistency. It's not emo. It's hard to call it even indie pop. It's catchy and if they ever feel like selling out and given their music a slogan like "girl power" then Tegan and Sara would be huge mega stars.

8. Neko Case - Middle Cyclone

It's hard when the worst criticism of this album might be that it isn't as good as her last album. Neko Case doesn't really fall into a genre at this point in her career. She is not really country. She is not really folk. She is somewhere in between sober Lucinda Williams (but better) and early Sheryl Crow (but way better). She is Emmylou Harris with a voice that could eclipse a sun beaten desert and knock you over like a shotgun. This record has all the typical traits of any Neko Case album. It is filled with animal imagery, mythology and odes to nature. Even the somewhat corny, "Never Turn Your Back on Mother Earth" has an elegance that lifts it above hippie lecture music. Case also benefits from playing with the same band and the surrounding cast that has toured with her and recorded much of, Fox Confessor Brings the Flood. Her band is able to match wits with her, allowing her voice to fill those large landscapes with life. The band doesn't allow her voice to strangle and dominate the rich country folk sound. She has a powerful voice but the band isn't there for decoration and Case never over sings but allows her voice to unfold over the tapestry of music. Not to mention that this record has the best album opener with, "This Tornado Loves You" and probably the best album cover.

7. Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

It is always nice to see a band grow. It is always nice to see a band debut with a fantastic record and then follow it up with a better record. That is exactly what Grizzly Bear has done. Yellow House (2006) was a great start and with Veckatimest, Grizzly Bear has expanded on their chamber pop and improved on their formula for well structured song writing. They break free from the Radiohead or My Morning Jacket comparisons and invite some Beach Boys, primarily Brian Wilson and Neil Young comparisons. It's can be hard to place their sound but it is just as hard to ignore the bouncy, "Two Weeks" or rather rocking "I Live with You." Well as rocking as Grizzly Bear might get. It is not a total departure for the band. There are moments when the band sings and plays without any intent to get attention and then boom, a whirlwind of sound and harmonies. It is busy music and that can be a negative but it isn't in this case. It can be difficult to grasp but also wonderful to discover all the richness of its sound. Grizzly Bear might be the best harmonizing band out right now.

6. Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

I'll be totally honest. I had never heard of Phoenix till this record. Pitchfork loves these guys. I can see why and after 4 albums, it is about time I took notice. I'm just amazed the Grammy committee didn't try to nominate these guys for best new artist. This french outift doesn't really rock but they do. They create pop songs based on slick guitar licks, shout out loud choruses, kicking drums and groovy bass lines. What more could you want? Not to mention, it's a pretty huge sound for a band that really doesn't rock or even jam out to ridiculous solos. It's irony free and fun. Romantic and bold. Maybe more bands should follow this formula. They aren't like other rock bands to push pop. These guys aren't trying to be Blur or the Dandy Warhols, Sloan or Fountains of Wayne. Thank goodness. No offense to two of the bands previously mentioned. Don't be fooled by the upbeat sound because these songs have a fair share of despair. It's a direct approach as many of the themes in the songs explore a balance between positive and negative forces. They also get my vote for best song of the year - "1901".

5. The xx - The xx

Comprised of four early 20's upstarts from south London, The xx released the sexiest record in a long time. The xx dabble in post punk fare with bass lines that ease into the song like a muttering heartbeats with sly and subtle guitar formations. Their sound is a culmination of things, 50's rock, cinematic modern soul, and post punk. It isn't entirely retro because The xx could be compared to other groups like Interpol or The Raveonettes. There is a simplicity to this record. There is an absence of sound on this record. It's a wide open sound that seems to only fill the corners of a dark room. The loudest track is the instrumental opening track. With singer/guitarist Madley Croft and singer/bassist Oliver Sim interchanging lyrics like contemplative lovers trying to find ways to construct and deconstruct their relationship but the singing never reaches a volume louder than a whisper. The songs are chapters, with each one like a snapshot into a love affair. It's a delicate and beautiful album.

4. Passion Pit - Manners

I might get flack for putting Passion Pit so high on the list but I've had so much fun listening to this album. It's sugar. It's pop alternative dance music. It's the playful puppy that Daft Punk could never be. It's the white New England geek chic that Chromeo could never be. It's funky. It's loaded with keyboards and synthesizers, without apology. It doesn't neglect the bass but doesn't rely on it to create dance grooves. It has an upbeat sound marinated in sincerity. A sound that is lacking in today's scene. The helium high pitched vocals of Michael Angelakos might be a little much to handle or harmonize alongside but resisting it's charm is a much greater task. It's sample friendly and hook saturated. I think Passion Pit would make the Avalanches proud, especially with the track, "Sleepyhead." Dance music might be the new direction indie takes. There are groups like Hot Chip, Justice, and Cut Copy making the dance floor safe for hipsters. There are also rock groups like the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Bloc Party turning down the rock and turning up the techno. I think Passion Pit out does them all.

3. Mos Def - The Ecstatic

One of my favorite musical jokes on the sitcom 30 rock is after character Tracy Jordan ruins the national anthem at a sporting event, he proclaims, "who knew the national anthem had so many words. It's like a Mos Def CD." Mos Def... welcome back to musical relevance. He didn't have to sell his soul to Kanye West or Lil' Wayne. Thank goodness. He does it by taking the indie hip hop route. He gets Madlib, Oh No, and Mr. Flash to produce some of the tracks. Even Chad Hugo of the Neptunes fame produces a track. Mos Def isn't really like most other MC's. First, he is a better actor than any other hip hop star in history. Second, his diversity in sound, lyric approach and flow never came off as a gimmick. Mos Def does eclectic better than anyone else because it seems to come so natural to him. Here Mos Def explores afrobeat, jazz, samba, funk, and even raps an entire song in Spanish without sounding like a pretentious idiot. It has all the trappings of any other Mos Def album... topical lyrics about the war, the struggles of blacks in America, poverty, drug abuse, whack MC's, finding peace as well as happiness, a Dilla cut as well as a Talib Kweli appearance. Easily his finest record since Black on Both Sides and unlike so many other hip hop artists Mos Def was able to resist the temptation to consider this album a sequel to any of his previous work without merit. Way to go Mos Def for not tying to capitalize on your previous work and create something fresh but familiar as well.

2. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

I know! It's shocking that this album is not #1. I knew this album would make the top 10 back in Feb. when it was released... I just didn't know where. It bounced anywhere from 1 to 7 until the very next album on the list came out in September, stealing the top spot. Since it has been the best album for much of the year I felt that it needed to take the second spot. I admit that until this album I was not a fan of Animal Collective. I still don't like a majority of their other releases. I don't like Panda Bear's Person Pitch, in which many draw comparisons. So how is this album so good? Is it dumb to say because it is mesmerizing? Yes, it kind of is. Is it a dance record? Not really? is it an alternative to chamber pop? not really? Does it combine psychedelic pop, tribal rhythms, squishy dub ambience with a space age lemony twist? Yes. Would it be interesting to hear a marching band or Men's Choir perform these songs? Probably, at least under the right direction. This is great music to march to or to lie still and drift off into the abyss. There wasn't a better summertime anthem this year than "Summertime Clothes." There is something animal, desperate but sweet about, "Bluish." The urban confusion buried in, "Lion In a Comma" along with the parental bliss of "My Girl" help build the uniqueness of this record.

1. Girls - Album

I love it. I love this record. I love the music. I love the 70's small budget light porn look of the book art and music videos. I love the back story of lead singer and songwriter Christopher Owens. It almost seems like an elaborate lie. My retelling of it might be incorrect thus building upon the myth of a kid born to a prostitute mother. The father runs away while he is an infant. Grows up in a cult and as a teen becomes a drug user only to be rescued by a millionaire from Texas. There are some vocal comparisons to Elvis Costello but Costello would bark, bite and on occasion over sing his songs. They do share a bitterness and sarcastic tone found in many of these songs about romantic bliss gone sour. Musically, Girls goes anywhere from Beach Boys California surf to early 90's Jesus and Mary Chain. Yeah, another band ripping off Jesus and Mary Chain... surprise surprise. Maybe somebody will finally start giving them credit for something. But that just scratching the surface. "Hellhole Ratrace" is the sick and tired of being sick and tired anthem of the decade and it sounds like a Spiritualized song minus the huge orchestra. On, "Headache" Owens sings with this croon that could out do Richard Hawley. "Morning Light" might remind you of Sonic Youth or wanna be Sonic Youth, Broken Social Scene. From the post punk opener, "Lust for Life" to the bluesy closer, "Darling" Owens primarily uses is rock to influence his music. He adapts so well to every genre, borrowing what he likes for his own particular brand of rock and roll. It's not new but it is executed at such a high level that it's lack of originality is lost on me. Like the title suggest, Girls is pretty much about girls. There isn't really much happiness in this record but there is a fair amount of hope. Owens sings with so much conviction that it is nearly impossible to reject his ambition. Owens doesn't supply any answers and asks a lot of questions. It is almost like he is urging you to believe in him or at least believe in his music without knowing what is to come next. A position i think, only someone with his background could relay with sincerity. Best record of the year.

goodbye 2009. goodbye decade. goodbye yesterday. Onward to 2010. Onward to today and tomorrow!

2010-01-01T03:06:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!

I am sort of confused on how to sum up 2009. The final year of a wacky decade and a rather frustrating year at that. I started the decade in Florida to move to Ohio to eventually move to Arkansas then back to Ohio with plans to possibly move to Austin, Chicago or southern California. In this decade I have had a four year relationship that was similar to the decade, up and down with it ultimately ending. I graduated high school and college but have little to show for it. I have had jobs, promoted and fired. I have traveled and I have stayed home. I have crazy stories and stories not worth writing about. I feel sad and relieved by the simple fact that my greatest achievement in the past ten years is that I am alive, I have my family and friends, and that I have not given up yet. I don't know whether or not to look down upon this idea with frustration or to hold my head high and acknowledge that things could be much worse.

I started this blog almost 2 years ago and I am not famous for it or anything of the sort. I ponder, I type and I express feelings that rattle in my noggin. I could go on and fuss about the decade or this past year but I won't. This past year was hard. I have a hard time remembering when the last easy year came. Many make resolutions for the next year. Many hope that the next year will be better. Many wish to explore the possibilities of what will come around the next corner, or on the next train in to the station or simply what happens the next day. I try to resist resolutions, or hopes or even the moments of contemplation for what lies ahead because it seems rather pointless. I do not know what to do but I simply try to do the best I can with what I've got. I can only plan so much. I can only want so much. I can only hope for so much. My life is vastly different than I had hoped 10, 5 and even 1 year ago. I have made plans and many of them dashed. I have had hopes with many of them crushed. I have wanted much and have been neglected. It is easy to look down at this life and call it a failure but I won't do that. I have a loving family. I have friends. I have a bit of happiness and hope that shines through thick feelings of despair. Not all is lost and at times when things do not go your way it is easy to lose sight of all the good that surrounds you. Sure, I have a lot to be angry about but there is just as much that pleases me, if not more.

with that in mind... I plan to continue writing in this blog. I enjoy it. No one reads it but it allows me to express myself in some way. I plan to double the output of the previous year or at least try for one upload per week. I plan to start a second blog that focuses on my true love, the cinema. I hope to dish out my opinions on fame, stupid t-shirts, award ceremonies, travel, fashion, douche bags (the persona not the cleaning product), mix cd's, baseball, doughnuts, and much more. There isn't much that I don't want to tackle. I hope you will come along with me.

In the following week be sure to check this blog out because I will be posting my highly anticipated best music of 2009 blog as well as an exploration on how t-shirts have gone wrong.

thanks you for reading and good day or night.

An Idea - Boycott the BCS

2009-12-06T22:16:00.003-05:00

I love college football but I hate the BCS.

It is around this time of year that the best college football teams in the country finish their season with bowl games. Yes, bowl games. Not a tournament but bowl games with most of them being absolutely meaningless. Why are they meaningless? Well if you win at least 6 games in a 12 game season you are eligible for a bowl game. Not a very high standard if you ask me. So if you are a college football team with a 6-6 record you can play in a meaningless game against a team with an 8-4 record. Why play these meaningless games? Profit. Profit? Yes, it's all about money. Surprised? I bet not. TV endorsements, promotions, ticket sales, vacation sales, merchandise and blah blah blah... are all very alluring.

There are many people across the country that believe college football would be better served with a tournament. I am not going to argue for or against a football tournament. Side note - get a dam tournament! Please!

The BCS believes that the system in place is the best system for the game, the students athletes and the participating universities. With the current system in place, some question whether or not the bowl system determines the best game or even the best team as the National Champion. With only bowl games remaining, five teams have an undefeated record. Four of the remaining undefeated teams will compete against one another in bowl games; Texas vs. Alabama in the national championship game and TCU vs. Boise State in the Fiesta Bowl. Undefeated Cincinnati will face one loss Florida. When the final whistle blows on all the bowl games, there will be the chance that 3 teams remain undefeated but only one will be named the BCS national champion; Alabama or Texas.

Is that fair? Umm, No. Does anybody care? Yes. Will this bogus system ever change or adopt a playoff to the right the wrong? Things are not looking up. Here is my suggestion to TCU, Boise State and Cincinnati... BOYCOTT THE BCS Bowl games.

What? Woah!

Yes! Boycott the games. Sure you might lose the millions of dollars from company sponsors and the national publicity that not only helps your football program but those interested in your academic institution. If you are going to be cheated so easily and casually without remorse then why not make a statement by boycotting a biased and unfair system. How huge of a statement would that be? I am sure you would get plenty of publicity from a well established and managed boycott of the games in which your argument for a playoff can be placed front and center. If the three undefeated teams not playing for a national championship decided that the system is unjust and not worthy of partaking in then I would not only laugh my rear off but I would also cheer and respect the guts it would take to make that stand.

It might seem rash and it could only work if TCU, Boise State and Cincinnati stood united and choose not to participate in the bowl games. One cannot stand alone but if all three should stand together in an attempt to fight the system then this could be straw that broke the camel's back.

Boycott the BCS - Cincinnati, Boise State, TCU. You can do it!

monk - a love story?

2009-12-05T00:42:00.003-05:00

Tonight I spent my evening watching the series finale of Monk. The show premiered in 2002 and after eight seasons with over 120 episodes the crime solving comedy solved its last and most important case.

Monk stars Tony Shalhoub as a detective that suffers from extreme obsessive compulsive disorder and an array of phobias. His mental illness is exacerbated by the murder of his wife. Every episode he would come face to face with an unsolvable crime and due to his mental condition, was able to discover and uncover clues ignored by others.

I don't really want to recap the episodes or anything. In truth the show was nothing more than easy entertainment. the show in some ways capitalized on exaggerating his illness. Much of the crime investigations weren't all that difficult and in some ways many of the episodes were modeled after another pretty good crime show, Columbo. I was not a die hard fan. In fact, there are probably two or three seasons worth of episodes that I have missed but I hope that does not diminish my gratitude.

I guess all that I care to say is goodbye. Goodbye to a television show. Tony Shalhoub has been one of the best actors on television for the past 20 years and he was nothing short of brilliant on Monk. It was a sweet and charming show. A show I could watch with my father or mother. a show with a central character that was easy to like, applaud and so I did. It gave me hundreds of chuckles while sharing an endearing quality that many shows lack.

We, I rooted for Monk not simply because of his profession or his illness but because of the tragic events which escalated his illness; the murder of his wife along with his incapability at solving the crime. The affection for his wife was not told verbally at every turn but an effect we, the viewer saw in every episode as he struggled to shake hands with strangers or fight dirt, avoid undercooked food or keep his clothing wrinkle free. In the end, Monk was not a show about solving crimes but a show displaying the effect love has on the body, heart and mind and the lengths one will go to prevent that love from dying.

thank Tony Shalhoub, USA Network and those who kept the show going.

I'm Sick of Car Companies Not Giving Me What I Want

2009-11-16T21:02:00.005-05:00

Every day I watch TV. Every day I watch car commercials promote the fabulous new features on current models. Features like a rear view cameras to prevent accidents while going in reverse. My suggestion would be, learn how to become a better driver. Features like rain sensing wipers for the days I go blind behind the wheel. Or cars that self park because I have become too lazy to do anything even park or find a valet.

I am Sick of Car Companies Not Giving Me What I Want.

I do not need heated seats or an 8 speed transmission. I do not need television screens on the back of head rests or auto dimming rear view mirrors.

I want my car to be safe and I want have SUPER FANTASTIC AWESOME GAS MILEAGE. I could care less for good gas mileage. It's the end of 2009 and 30-34 miles to the gallon doesn't cut it. Technology is dazzling and can do tremendous things, so i find it unfortunate and unbelievable that car companies have not been able to come up with a car that has better than good gas mileage.

What do I want? I want a car that gets a 100 miles per gallon. Invent a car with 100 miles per gallon and I promise you people will line up to buy it. Sell me a car that gets 100 miles per gallon and with a 13 gallon tank and I can drive from Cleveland to Miami, New York City to New Orleans or Seattle to Los Angeles on 1 fill up. If it is that easy for long road trips think how much easier your daily commutes to work will be. How nice would it be to to stop by the local pump once month or so?

Build me a car that can travel 100 miles per gallon and make it affordable to the masses and build it in the United States of America and then I will be excited. I don't know why Americans aren't going crazy and demanding for this fantasy to become a reality.

I cannot take another car commercial promoting something we don't need. Sure, luxury is nice but I would rather have a fuel efficient car over a smart car. I would rather have a fuel efficient car over a luxury car. I am smart enough and do not need my car to be smart for me. I don't make enough money for luxury and would love not spend hundreds of dollars a year on gasoline.

till then... Car companies... all of you... go fuck yourself.

And I Say This with Every Amount of Sincerity I Can Muster .... to the summer past... FUCK YOU!

2009-09-24T11:26:00.005-04:00

Usually summer is a time to embrace the warmth of the sun and a sunny disposition but this summer has meant nothing but personal rejection, creative failures, financial dependence, romantic alienation, family turmoil and the actualization that life is a very fragile thing.

to the summer of 2009 - Fuck You !

that is all I can really say. I cannot change the heartbreak. I cannot change the minds of others. I cannot vanquish illness with a thought. I can cope and move forward but with a message to days past - Fuck You!

It might seem immature for an adult(?) to vent his frustrations with a shout, a finger and a new mentality to deny past events of any thoughtful consideration but I am not sure what else to do. It was a horrible summer, maybe the worst of my life. I welcome the fall and the chance for something better.

as fall approaches I can embrace what happens next and hope rock bottom has turned to rock solid. What happens next... A birthday to celebrate moral victory over defeat, a moment to give thanks for family and friends not lost or forgotten, and a holiday that I hope unifies those I see frequently with those I wish to see more of. Preparations for new adventures, new cities, new friends and new ideas all coming soon to a landscape near you.

To the selfish and cowardly this was not your fault but my salute is in your honor - Fuck You! To those who think I am simply not ready - Fuck You! To those who think I should change who I am to reflect your beliefs and ideals - Fuck You!

To those who are suffering through similar struggles, for better or for worse - I understand and wish you the best of luck. To those who believe in me and support me - Thank you.

U2 360 Tour

2009-09-14T15:12:00.011-04:00

When U2 released their new album No Line On The Horizon back in early March there was not a lot of buzz generated by the group and their efforts. Hailed by some and hated by others, it lacked a gimmick like their previous two albums. All that You Can't Leave Behind was a comeback for the band; a return to basics and pop song writing. How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb had the huge Apple I-Pod campaign surrounding it. Early hype for the new record created the notion that this would be the best record of their storied career. It is not their best record and not even their best record released this decade. So since the album had generated little buzz, the band sought out to create a tour that would put everyone on notice... U2 has arrived (again) and still rocks.

In the past two decades U2 has welcomed bold stage designs for their concerts; the dark industrial look of the ZooTV/Zooropa tour, the McDonalds arch, the lemon disco ball and the neon of the PopMart tour and now the Claw. The Claw is a huge stage piece of brilliant design and awe inspiring magnitude.

The Claw allows the band to perform for the entire audience at any stadium. It is not like most stages that only allow 75% of the audience to enjoy the show. Not one corner of the stadium would be neglected as the band moved across the circular stage trying to reach out to every corner of the audience.

The band started out with four tracks off of the new record and would push through much of the show with songs from the new millennium. They dipped in the well of their classics, playing "One," "Where the Streets Have No Name," and "Pride (In the Name of Love)." They finished off "Beautiful Day," with an impromptu version of the Beatles classic "Blackbird" and even threw in a bit of "Oliver's Army" during the break of "Sunday Bloody Sunday." Live favorites like "Bullet the Blue Sky" and "New Year's Day" were pushed aside for songs like "The Unforgettable Fire" and "Ultraviolet (Light My Way)" which have not been performed stateside for over 15 years. The band displayed that they could continue to perform at a high level. Even the remix dance hall version of "I'm Going to Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" sounded fresh and hip, besting the bands previous attempts to turn a stadium into a dance floor.

Unfortunately while the Edge, Adam and Larry performed at a high level, Bono lacked the urgency and sincerity of past performances. He was energetic and grand like typical Bono but lacked the ferocity of previous tours. Bono has thrived when pushed by social commitment, emotional burden or the perception that the band has lost its relevance. 80's Bono was pushed by a will to succeed, the death of his mother and social causes. 90's Bono was fueled by the constant reinvention of the band. In 2000 Bono was pushed by what he acknowledged as the bands efforts and re-application to be the world's greatest band. A few years later Bono was motivated by the threat of middle age and the passing of his father. What fuels Bono now? His earnest push for social change seems watered down. His ability to create clever slogans has turned into a weakness that does nothing but commercialize his cause. Videos of a war torn middle east during "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and a video clips of Africa trying to cope through AIDS and malaria seem to induce sympathy rather than social change. Even the moving tribute to Burmese leader Aung San Suu Kyi during "Walk On" felt a bit out of place. Some have criticized the band for inviting politics and social agenda on this tour while the 120 semi's used to haul the massive stage leave a massive carbon footprint. It is hard to criticize a band trying to do good especially when the criticism is that they could do a better job of being good people and promoting causes many neglect. Should we blame them for our high expectations? I think not.

Despite the show lacking some of the sincerity and intimacy of their two previous tours or the media overload of the 90's mega-tours, U2's 360 tour was a joyous event. Bono constantly promoting the notion that, "all you need is love" and a spaceship if handy was inspiring. Hope and possibility was in the air, sponsored by ingenuity and clapping hands. The sound and stage were dynamic but never overshadowed the band's love of performing. If anything U2 might not be pushing new boundaries but refuse to settle. They could get away with playing their standards in arenas and making a 20,000 people seem like a few hundred but choose to dazzle 65,000 people like they were 65,000 fans united by their belief in the band and their music. Grand spectacle is what the band wants to deliver and maybe grand spectacle is what rock music needs. Congratulations U2 for a good show and a job well done.

the setlist

"Breathe"
"No Line on the Horizon"
"Get On Your Boots"
"Magnificent"
"Beautiful Day/Blackbird"
"Elevation"
"I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For"
"Stand by Me"
"Stuck In A Moment You Can't Get Out Of"
"Unknown Caller"
"The Unforgettable Fire"
"City of Blinding Lights"
"Vertigo"
"I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight"
"Sunday Bloody Sunday"
"Pride (In the Name of Love)"
"MLK"
"Walk On"
"Where the Streets Have No Name"
Africa Interlude
"One
"Bad/Fool to Cry/40"
"Ultraviolet (Light My Way"
"With or Without You"

I Believe in Beatles and Me

2009-09-06T22:03:00.012-04:00

This past week, for the first time the Beatles release their catalog in its entirety with digitally mastered sound. For some it has been a long, long wait. It is a project four years in the making and 22 years overdue, as a group of engineers in London at Abbey Road Studios with careful supervision done by Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr try to revamp, clean and perfect the sound of the most influential group in music history.

I don't think it is my job to tell you how important the Beatles are or what their music means to people. I can tell you that in the eyes of this blogger, they are the most important and greatest band of any time. I don't think there is another group as large, important, successful, idolized, revered, and influential as the Beatles. Recording 13 albums in 8 years, each with it's own sound, identity, soul, and of course breakthrough songs.

Like many my age, the Beatles were introduced to me by my parents. I was born 12 years after their official breakup and 2 years after the murder of John Lennon. A reunion was never in the cards. I never saw a live performance or had the initial thrill of their performance on the Ed Sullivan Show. As a young boy, I discovered the Beatles in my mother's car. She had the Beatles 1962-66 (also known as the Red Album) on cassette. It was a collection of their pop hits. She would play it most of the time when she drove me to school or McDonalds, to a friends house or to the store. I didn't really know who the Beatles were or what their songs meant to the billions have that enjoyed listening to their music for almost 4 decades. I thought the music was catchy and would rather listen to them over Michael Bolton or Patsy Cline. Now, I feel differently about Patsy Cline. As time passed, a new car was purchased and the cassettes were traded in for compact discs. Even though things had changed, my shy hum with the whisper of my mother singing the songs was still present in her new car.

My father never sang the Beatles with me. He was never a huge fan of rock and roll. Much of his life he declared his distaste for the musical form. Consistently showing his disapproval of rock music, he was quick to make note that rock music began and ended with the Beatles. If the classic Beatles hit, "Yesterday" has been recorded over 3,000 times by as many artists then my father was able to present me various salsa, latin folk and jazz versions of the smash hit. To this day, rock may not begin and end with the Beatles but according to my father there is little need to go elsewhere to satisfy your rock urge.

As I grew older the pop nature of songs like "I Want to Hold Your Hand" and "You've Got To Hide Your Love Away" were delightful but not as satisfying as "Strawberry Fields Forever" or "While My Guitar Gently Weeps." As a boy I didn't understand why the White Album was so important and now I understand its importance to music but I still try to unravel its effect upon me. As I grow older the same songs that had such a large effect upon me have new meanings and old favorites cement their influence.

It is hard to find people my age that appreciate the Beatles. It might not be hard to find people but it is hard for me to find friends, colleagues or music fans that will sit with me and smoke a cigarette while listening to the White Album. I don't know many who will sing the night away to Rubber Soul and Revolver. Or anyone who will toast the sunrise to "Here Comes the Sun" with a nice bottle of whiskey. I don't know many people I can connect with on the topic of music. Nor can I find anyone to share the experience of singing the Beatles the way I had with my mother on those car rides or debating the merits of rock music with my father.

It is easy to dismiss the Beatles. It seems easy to neglect their significance or how delightful their music sounds. Before their albums were re-released I had forgotten how joyous some of the songs were. It has been so easy to sit in an uncomfortable chair, worried about everything in this life and ignore all of it while listening Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. I think it is easy to dismiss the mythology of the Beatles or forget how four young men with uniquely different identities, perspectives and personalities created some of the most memorable music of this or any century. The Beatles might not only be the best band in the history of music but possibly its best story.

to the Beatles... thank you.

some side notes.

favorite Beatle during the band years - John

favorite Beatle post band years and as solo artist - George

favorite Album - battle between Abbey Road and Rubber Soul

Favorite Songs (because it is impossible to pick one so here is about ten or so)

"Here Comes the Sun"

"I Want You (She's so Heavy"

"A Day In the Life"

"In My Life"

"I'll Follow the Sun"

"I've Just Seen a Face"

"The Fool On the Hill"

"Strawberry Fields Forever"

"Don't Let Me Down"
"Get Back"

it's too hard to choose... i cannot choose all of them

me... who is that? the return

2009-09-02T10:42:00.011-04:00

some have said that this blog does not allow people to understand me or know me on a personal level, so here it goes.

Within weeks I will be 27 years old. I don't like discussing my birthday. I am not a big fan of celebrating my birthday. I don't even tell people when my birthday is as an attempt to avoid anything that might occur. I will not mention what day my birthday is. It doesn't make me feel older but it does make me feel displeased with my accomplishments.

For the first time since my freshman year in college I am unemployed. Throughout my life, I have worked as an assistant to a maintenance man, a doughnut shop clerk, record store manager, production assistant for a TV documentary, fitness aid at a gym, and a sales clerk for a clothing store but my business card has me listed as super awesome guy. I used to love working. I really enjoyed being productive, having a schedule, making paper and feeling valuable to something or someone. My last two jobs have taught me the importance of working for good people, a good company and for good reason because otherwise you just get taken advantage of. I won't deny it, I'm a bit bitter.

Some suggest that I have not been happy with my recent labor because I am not doing what I love. I would love to write. I would love to write and make a living from it. I have recently entered writing competitions and was rejected. Before my rejection I had doubts about my abilities and now my doubts have ballooned like a wet sponge or perhaps like a balloon. I want to write movies. Like all writers, I don't think that I am pinned down to one style or genre. It's a bullshit claim we all like to subscribe to and promote. One day I hope to pay homage to the directors that have inspired me... Keaton, Chaplin, Godard, Truffaut, Cassavettes, Fellini and many more. I love the cinema and at one time it filled this empty mind with ideas, my directionless heart with motivation and my dull spirit with entertainment.

Am I an artist? I don't know. Am I writer? I cannot answer that either. Some suggest that one needs to have an audience to be a writer or an artist. Others suggest that an audience cannot validate my ambitions and dreams. I am fickle when determining which one of these notions is correct or fits me best. I do know this... I write because I love it. It is a relief. It might be the only thing I do with some ability and I am better at it now than I was ten years ago and hope to be better tomorrow than I am today.

I have been a bit down as of late but I am trying to make my way back to happiness. Death, failure and girls have been on my mind a lot of as late. Those are not necessarily synonymous with one another. I have never had anyone close to me die. I do not know what I would do if death came in the mail or knocked at my door. As of late everything effects me emotionally. My emotions have been on a roller coaster ride and I hate roller coasters.

Changing topic. I believe in moderation and balance. I am a libra and some suggest that as a cause. I don't know. I dismiss astrology but check it every now and then thinking it might give me a leg up on certain situations. I think balance is key to good government, good relationships, and even a good meal. I think trying to define yourself by one thing or one ideology is silly. Everyone has some good and some bad, and it is up to the individual to decide which path to follow. Am I saying this world is a grey one as opposed to a black and white one? It might be all three.

I am a liberal or a democrat. I hate political association. Political parties didn't work for George Washington and they don't work for me. I love history and feel more people should learn about the past. I strongly endorse the notion that you cannot know where you are going if you do not know where you have been. I believe that government belongs to the people, not one group of persons or even several different groups of people. Government belongs to everyone and should do its best to reflect and work for the people. In the end, we are all in this together.

All this might be a little vague but I have been accused of similar crimes. I do not let many get close but I am trying to correct the errors of my past. To be honest, reading my blog might be one of the best ways, if not the best way to understand how I think. I do fear being vulnerable to too many people and for that reason I try to keep my private life private. I don't always succeed.

Let me hit you with some basic facts to end this blog. I write but I am a horrible speller and proof reader. You can catch me several times a day, at the mall or at the gym playing air guitar. I hope to give my children absurd names as if I were a celebrity. I want to learn to tango dance. I recently started collecting post cards and beer brand coasters. Silence scares me. I love sitting on the passenger seat and looking out the window of a moving car. Curdle is my least favorite word. I believe in aliens, vampires and other possible monsters. I have never seen an alien, vampire or other possible monsters. I do not think you can ever have too much of a good thing. I think accents are overrated. Part one of this series was written in may and note to self - sequels are rarely as good as the original. It seems like nothing is made in America anymore and I hate that. I enjoy drinking out of mugs, pints and jars. I waste water to enjoy long and hot showers. I want to dress like Cary Grant. I believe in the power of the mixtape. I want a tattoo but don't know what. I wonder if there ever was a purpose for learning cursive. I think love or being in love can have mythical powers filled with lightning bolts, the ability to heal and defy gravity. And like you, I'm just trying to do the best I can with what I've got.

Air Compressed Car - Madness !

2009-09-01T14:02:00.002-04:00

In India and France scientists and engineers are doing wonderful things with science, technology and magic. No, not magic but ingenuity. These mad men of the laboratory are trying to help society commute from point A to point B and back by using air compressed cars. AIR COMPRESSED CARS!!!! The insanity!

This is not a new idea. In fact, the air compressed car has been in the works since the late 1990's and could be on the market sometime next year. I cannot explain the science of how it works because I might not do it justice but I can tell you in era where fuel efficiency is a hot topic, the air compressed car will hopefully set the world on fire.

Pending on the model of your air compressed car, it can reach speeds of 65-90 mph. An air tank should be able to fuel the car for 125 miles and cost about $3 dollars to fill. There is even an option in which the car can refuel itself by purchasing a specifically designed air compressor for the home.

The benefits of this car are the decrease in CO2 emissions and an alternative fuel source to power public and private transportation. Air or most specifically compressed air is not a rare commodity, thus allowing a steady price for consumers rather than the consistently fluctuating price of gasoline. Simply put, the air compressed car is better for the environment and your wallet.

I don't think this is the only solution but it can be a viable alternative. Why can't Americans embrace the automobile and the air compressed car? Why must there only be one type of car to drive or one way to manufacture a form of transportation?

I don't want to think of Americans as selfish and shallow. I don't think Americans only want to drive large, fuel hungry automobiles that do nothing but show off or over-compensate for other qualities they lack. I don't think Americans are speed junkies and only care to drive fast cars so they can land fast women/men. I'm tired of Americans coming up for excuses why alternative forms of transportation like the air compressed car cannot work. I wish more Americans could start to think openly about how this could work or maybe more importantly, why it should work.

Who's The Man - a golden era of Hip Hop and MTV!

2009-08-23T16:39:00.007-04:00

Who's the Man? was the first film released by MTV Films in 1993. The film would star Yo! MTV Raps hosts Ed Lover and Dr. Dre. (no, the other Dr. Dre) The movie stars the two VJ's in a comedy about crime, community struggles, the desire to get rich and of course, hip hop. With a tagline that reads, "the first hip hop whodunnit?" it was a film that represents the glory days of hip hop music and the golden era of MTV.

MTV was at its peak, proving that it was more than music television but a cultural revolution. Hip Hop blew passed the notion that it was just a phase by becoming a dominant musical art form. At the time these two forces seemed unstoppable and this movie was bound to be a huge success.

The movie's plot focuses on two barbers (Dre. and Lover) working out of harlem and failing to give their costumers quality haircuts. They believe they are misunderstood stylistic geniuses and would be respected if they had money, lots of money. Their boss Nick (and father figure) is sick and tired of their antics. Nick fires them and forces them into the police academy as an attempt to get Dre and Lover to be more mature and responsible for themselves. At the same, Nick organizes community groups and protest the businesses that are making it difficult for blacks to live in Harlem. This might seem a bit heavy for an MTV release but then you realize that Dr. Dre and Ed Lover are just a hip hop version of Abbott and Costello. That comparison might be a stretch but after all (the brilliant - ha ha ha) Roger Ebert thought this movie was so enjoyable that a franchise like Cheech and Chong was on the rise. Some of the familiar faces in the film included such MTV regular and Hip Hop icons as

MTV regulars include:

Dennis Leary

Colin Quinn

Bill Bellamy

Kurt Loder

Fab 5 Freddy

Karen Duffy

Hip Hop Icons include:

Humpty Hump (also known as Shock G)

Heavy D

Queen Latifah

Salt-n-Pepa

Busta Rhymes

Melle Mel

Eric B. & Rakim

C.L. Smooth

Pete Rock

Kid Capri

Kris Kross

Naughty by Nature

The Guru

KRS-One

Ice-T

House of Pain

Cypress Hill

Flavor Flav

I enjoy the movie for several reasons. I grew up in a suburban household and then believed that hip hop was more than cool but exciting. I was somewhat naive. At the time, the portrait painted by MC's like Rakim or Chuck D seemed adventures rather than the drab conquests of suburban life. Of course at the age of 10 it was much more difficult to understand the hardships of inner city life, racial oppression and economic strife.

As a child I responded easily and immediately to the juvenile humor and crazed antics within the motion picture. As I watch the film again, many years after my first viewing I realize that despite some flaws, it does one thing exceptionally well and that is present the city that gave birth to hip hop. In a movie that lacks the polish of recent pictures involving musical acts, Who's the Man does a fantastic job of representing hip hop. In the film, it's hard to ignore the low lit concert halls, the dirty city streets, the low income housing and the auto body shop that looks like a body shop rather than a Pimp My Ride car haven. It's not just hip hop stereotypes or over simplifications. Who's The Man is not cinema verite but refuses to disrespect Harlem, New York City, Hip Hop or its heroes by cleaning the image of the city or those who not only benefit from hip hop but live by its legacy.

Good For You - You Fail at Life. A drunken tale of false reporting

2009-08-14T15:59:00.003-04:00

In La Plata County, Colorado a 59 year old man was charged $30,000 for falsely reporting an airplane crash. Harsh? Not exactly, considering the man was drunk at time and convinced he was talking to a friend and not an emergency operator. The large fine was due to the 50 emergency workers that were called to the scene to assist, rescue, and aid those hurt in the accident. Law enforcement typically does not act kindly to being punk'd.

So... Good for You, Mr. 59 year old man that falsely reported a crime and got charged a large sum of money because you were to drunk and stupid to realize what was actually going on. You sir, fail at life.

But wait, could this be the whole story? An alternative notion.

A year prior witnesses claim to have seen a UFO crash by the nearby Colorado river (estimated 162 mile distance) Could another UFO been mistaken for the airplane crash in La Plata County? With a patsy in place, did the FBI and local law officials cover up this intergalactic incident? It is no coincidence that most photos of UFO's are out of focus and those claiming to have seen aliens or unidentified flying objects have a history of mental illness or drug use. The cover up, if at all, is already a success.

In all seriousness. Thank goodness there was no plane crash but there is a valuable lesson to be learned. Drink responsibly. Don't drink and drive. Don't drink and falsely report airplane crashes costing you thousands of dollars. If you drink responsibly, you might not fail at life.

good day to you.

original story reported by the Durango Herald, USA and other media outlets.

Why NASCAR May Hurt the Economy

2009-07-27T01:18:00.003-04:00

at the NASCAR brickyard race this weekend 43 cars were racing. 43 cars using gasoline to race 400 miles. I could not find how much gasoline the average race car uses nor could I find the average miles per gallon but according to a few web pages the average car gets between 4-6 miles per gallon. Yes, 4-6 miles per gallon and has about 20-25 gallons in each tank. So for the sake of this blog we shall say that the average car runs at 5 miles per gallon with 25 gallons in every automobile. So if all 43 cars finish the race, 4300 gallons of gasoline would have been used for one race. 4300 gallons!

Just to make sure you remember... 4300 gallons of gas. If I were to put that gas in my car then I could drive from New York City to Los Angeles (at 30 mpg) 47 times. 47 times !!! In my hometown gas is currently $2.49 per gallon. So based on our figures, the cost to fuel this race was over $10,700. According to the 2009 projected federal poverty guidelines, a person in the district of Columbia can apply for government assistance if he/she earns less than $10,830.

I don't want to talk about whether or not NASCAR or any form of auto racing is actually a sport. I am not going to doubt that millions of people love watching and partaking in these events. It is a skill/sport and there are statistics that show auto racing is the most popular sport in the United States. This is what scares me... NASCAR sanctions over 1,500 races per year, with varying distances and number of racers but in the end thousands and thousands, maybe even millions of gallons of important gasoline is used to fuel these automobiles. I don't know if NASCAR has a green project but maybe it should. I don't think the government is planning on trying to decrease the fuel emissions at the race track but maybe they should. American car companies seem to have no trouble creating a special engine with 750 horsepower but apparently cannot make a special engine that gets over 50 miles to the gallon and I know they should.

It seems that plenty of people are willing to complain about how much certain athletes are making in every sport but I rarely hear people complain about how much gas goes wasted on the race track. I constantly hear complaints about the price of gasoline, arguments against and for fuel independence and yet no one seems to mind that auto racing uses more gasoline in one day than most use for the entire life of their automobile. In an economy that has seen better days and many people unhappy with the cost of gasoline, does the enjoyment of auto racing outweigh the cost? I am not so sure it does.

to my friends... thank you

2009-07-16T01:49:00.008-04:00

I know this cannot embody the thanks I owe but I can consider a step.

I am not going to dive into the depths of what I have been thinking but I will say this, the 26th year of my life has been one of the most difficult years of my short existence. It has been a very hard year. Sadness seems to be a dish served frequently. I have been kicked and kicked and then as I feel the momentum shift, a strong wind knocks me down once again. My recent days have been lacking any remorse as they even kick me while I am face down in the ground. I have not been strong enough to brush these pains off as it it were dirt on my shoulder. The past few month have been very hard.

It has been in these past few months when good friends, old and new, near and far have come to me to offer their hands in friendship, a hug to console, and an ear to listen to the trouble I'm going through. I don't talk very much or openly about what I am feeling. I have never been good at allowing people to see what lies underneath. Many know of my reluctance to speak openly about what I feel but that has not detoured many of my friends from wanting to listen and help.

Feeling like a failure in more ways than one, doubting my skills and abilities, broke and broken, I have been feeling very much alone. It is a naive thing to feel alone in your sadness. It is the silly trap of sadness and a naive way to think that no one can understand, relate or share your pain. I have not been alone except when I choose to be. I have not been alone because my friends have been there for me.

Many of my friends have proven ever present and greatly important. Never allowing me to hang my head in defeat. Never allowing me to swallow my misery. Reminding me that I have talents and skills that are worth exploring and need to be appreciated. Reminding me that I am a good man and good things can and will happen. My friends have been more than a raft to float upon but also provided the sail to help push me in new directions. Whether they are involved in a night of mayhem and tomfoolery, helping me find a better job or even helping me navigate through my thoughts and feeling, without my friends this past year would have been a year lost with little hope for the next.

Being lucky or feeling lucky might dismiss all of this as chance and does not describe how I truly feel. I am very proud and honored to have friends that care for me, help me and believe in me. They represent the best parts of living and I only hope that I can be as good of a friend to them as they have been to me. I won't deny that I am still a bit down but a change is going to come. I will rise. I will smile again and that smile will be a consistent occurrence on my face.

thanks to those who have been there... thank you, oh so very much.

kills 99.9% of germs... good but not good enough!

2009-07-15T12:50:00.004-04:00

Ok, so we have all seen the commercials were a cleaning product claims to kill 99.9% of germs. well that may seem adequate for you, killing a vast majority of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses but if there as infinite amount of germs out there in this world then isn't that .1 percent rather large?

what germs are they not killing and why aren't they telling us? let's just throw out a number... there are 1 BILLION germs on this planet and if that were true than Lysol, Clorox and other products are still leaving 100,000 germs out there to feed on the public. I know it is a marketing ploy and I know no nitwit can ever prove this to be true or false but I am not as confident in the cleaning power of such tools as hand soaps and cleaning wipes.

I guess this is just me urging you not to believe all the bullshit you hear. That .1 percent might be larger than you can ever know. Who knows what germs it does and doesn't kill? Shoot, the common cold doesn't even have a cure! Science, what have you done for me lately? Just kidding. But with medical issues like the swine flu and other diseases out there, it is important to be safe but also aware that safety might be nothing more than an allusion.

Please wash your hands, take care of yourself, family and friends. Safe is much better than sorry.

Your boyfriend/girlfriend, like a notebook, should come with paper.

2009-07-05T22:32:00.004-04:00

So a few days ago I went to lunch at a Boston Market and it was delicious. The meal and the company was delightful. I can say the company was a treat because I was with my dear friend Amy. Amy is in town from Vegas. She left me in Ohio to suffer through my romantic troubles alone but in doing so she bettered her quality of life and met someone that brings her a happiness previously unaware to her. I can forget my selfish pity party and forgive her. But in all sincerity, no matter what kind of mess I am in romantically Amy has a gift to explain to me my trouble and remind me that my affection should be directed to someone deserving of it.

As I swim in the misery pool that is my love life, Amy is dancing in the ballroom of romantic bliss. She has a man who treats her well and she is happy. I asked her what about her new man makes him such a stud. Before she responded I had to interject. I told her the first thing she says cannot be the words, " he is a nice guy." I don't know about you but I find it a little disturbing when someone, male or female is dating someone new and the first thing they can say about that individual is that they are "nice."

I find it silly, if you are with someone and happy that the first word you would use to describe them is "nice." I find it silly because I would hope the person you date is nice. It should come standard. Being nice should be a prerequisite. I would honestly hope that the person you are dating is nice. If anything an attraction should start with the other person being nice. As a man, I tend to think that women are attracted to assholes but that is not the purpose of this blog. I just think that when you describe the person you are dating, the one you are happy with, or the one you hope sticks around and can build a future with, that your description starts off with something more specific than "nice." If I ask you, who you are dating, I hope "nice" is not the first word used to describe them because I had already assumed such a thing or else why would you be romantically linked with that person. When you are dating someone, them being nice should come automatically, as if you were buying a notebook... it should come with paper.

Your relationship, like a notebook should come with paper. Yes, maybe I am saying that nice is to relationships as paper is to notebooks. Or maybe I am suggesting that when you are out and about looking for someone to fall for, think of that time you went out and bought your last notebook, the first thing you did was make sure it had paper.

Now, like notebooks there are plenty of fish out in the sea. There are notebooks with 100 pages, 200 pages, 80, 90, 150 and for some reason there are even notebooks with 138 pages. Not only can you judge how much paper or niceness you want in your notebook but you can determine the size of your notebook as well. Your notebook can be 5 x 7, 6 x 9, or 8.5 x 12. I swear these measurements are simply the size of notebooks not human anatomy. Notebooks come in all sizes and colors. Notebooks are available with subject dividers and subject dividers that perform a double duty as folders. College ruled, Legal ruled (what the fuck?), wide ruled or maybe graph paper? One subject, two, three, four or even five subject notebooks. Plastic cover or cardboard? Advanced wirebound, wirebound, or maybe you want your notebook bound with stitching or glue. Fuck, maybe you don't want your binding on the left side because you are left handed and care for your binding on the right or on top like a legal pad. Or maybe you are just looney enough to invest in as much paper you want and put it in a three ring binder. Notebooks for drawing or writing, for business or personal, for daily use or when the moment suits you... there is a notebook for everybody.

All I am saying is, if you want to be with someone they should be nice, like when you buy a notebook I hope it comes with paper. Your new romantic fascination may be nicer than your previous efforts but I hope your attraction to that person is based off the unique characteristics that can only exist in the eyes of the person you love. I hope you love that person because they understand your off beat sense of humor or because the pieces of gold and grey in their green eyes never stop surprising you. I hope you love that person because after you've had a bad day they know all you need is a kiss and a space in between their arms to find peace. I hope you are with that person because their smile is infectious. They push you, believe in you, and make the effort seem effortless. Or because the best vacation is the day you share in bed. I hope you love them because they love you for who you are and want to become, plus they will be with you for every moment of that journey. In truth, there are many reasons to like or love someone and I hope you are not settling for someone who is nice because any decent human being deserves that and much more. I am happy for my friend Amy who has found the person who makes her most happy and from what I hear, he comes with plenty of paper too.

me... who is that?

2009-05-25T23:06:00.006-04:00

some have said that my blog does not allow people to understand me or know me on a personal level so here it goes.

as of may 25 2009, I am 26 years, some months and some days old. I feel older but on occasion act like a 15 year old girl. My body parts suggest that I am male. I am attracted to women, so society would suggest that I am straight. I have been in love, more than once so lightning can strike twice. I would say it has struck four times. Love has allowed me to be bold and stupid. I have been bad in relationships and those have failed. I have been great in relationships and those have failed. I am not sure what success is. Recent history would suggest that sharks bite with sharp teeth.

As a child my favorite sport was basketball. As an emerging adult, my favorite sport is baseball. I root for the Red Sox even though I am not from Boston or new england. I love sports which surprises some. I once had a decent or moderate collection of sport playing cards. I plan to pass those on to my children. I do not have any children, yet. 'Yet' does not mean that I am expecting at the current moment but hopeful that one day I will have created a better version of me. Hopefully a child of mine will posses some of the skill in athletics that I was never strong enough to nurture.

As of today I have 24,199 songs on my i-tunes. The most played song at 103 spins is "Gentle on My Mind" by Johnny Cash with Glen Campbell. I still buy CD's. I went to school to study film but Hollywood doesn't make anything that interests me anymore. My favorite movie is The Third Man. Movies are movies, films are movies, movies can be films, and I am pretentious. There isn't much to watch on television anymore either. I hate reality TV and I hate YouTube. Music and movies might be the only stable thing I have in this life.

I love useless facts like Hawaii being the only state in the US with a royal palace or that manatees despite given the nickname of "sea cow" are more closely related to elephants. Or if you fill a container with 14% sawdust and 86% water and freeze it, you get something with similar strength and durability to that of concrete. I think knowledge has no limits other than the limits we impose on it. I dislike it when people think they are always right or that there way of thought is the only acceptable way to think. I think liking something or enjoying something doesn't mean that it is right, good or justified. "just because," is never a suitable answer for enjoying something or believing in something else.

I have my faults. I am paranoid. I can be distant and cold. I dislike most children and refused to be swayed by the argument that they are young or cute therefore their annoying habits are acceptable. While on the topic of children, I think most parents shouldn't be parents and I am very close to believing that some sort of test should be given to those wanting children.

I drink. I prefer quality beer when my bank account allows it. I prefer cheap beer when my bank account is empty. I drink as a social activity but do not shy away from the solitary moments of drinking. It sometimes turns sadness into a smile and other times turns a blank stare into tears. When I am sad, I enjoy strumming on my guitar or sitting down to write. I haven't been writing very much as of late which has allowed me to practice my poor guitar playing. I am not being modest.

maybe these are vague but I have been accused of similar crimes. I don't let many get close and allow very few get close enough to see the wrinkles around my eyes, the imperfections of my smile and the shadows behind my words.

let me hit you with some basic facts to end this blog. I wish I was well read. I love going to the zoo. I am afraid of the ocean. I prefer pie over cake. I never knew my grandparents and fear my children will share a similar fate. I speak spanish poorly. I put too much sugar in my coffee and tea. I agree with the person that said America's greatest inventions are the constitution, jazz and baseball. I love the static puff of sound from worn speakers when placing a record under the needle and flicking the on switch. I feel the first climb to 10,000 feet of air travel is unsettling. A quality back scratch might be more satisfying than winning $50 from a scratch off lotto ticket. I think spelling bees are cruel. There is something delicate yet sturdy about a ranch home on a vast piece of land that I admire. I am rather vain but lacking genuine confidence in my appearance. I suck at crossword puzzles. I hate losing. I fear disappointing my parents. I am a grown man with stuffed animals. I cuff my jeans. I talk to my car like it is my therapist. And like you, I am just trying to do the best I can with what I've got.

a few suggestions to fix the NBA

2009-05-23T10:22:00.004-04:00

it seems like everyone loves the NBA. Well I don't. As a kid, I grew up in awe of Michael Jordan and the fastest growing sport in the world. I wanted to play roundball more than anything as a pre-teen and dreamt of last second heroics. My fascination started at the tender age of four when my brother had taught me how to dribble and shot a basketball. I had never experienced a joy greater than that but since high school my love for basketball has been diminished. why ? Has the game ultimately suffered since Michael Jordan retired or is it a game that was created with flaws that may never be corrected?

my problems

1.the game. I didn't realize it as a child but basketball may be the only sport in which the first 3 quarters of the game have no relevance what so ever. Leads in basketball generally diminish. Scoring 8, 10 or sometimes 15 points with little or no response is not uncommon. So why watch an entire game? it is because basketball is a sport that thrives on a score that is constantly in flux. A constantly changing score keeps people excited and into a game but at the same time a 10 point lead at the end of the half is meaningless. I would even dare to say that a 10 point lead is not safe unless there is under 90 seconds left in the game e and there have been instances in the game with 90 seconds remaining that no lead is safe. This is where the excitment is drawn, a game in which victory could come to either team, but you achieve nothing by claiming victory in the first, second or third quarters, but after 48 minutes. Basketball is not like football or baseball, soccer or hockey in which the strategy to maintain a lead or come from behind drastically change. So with why watch a basketball game when the fourth quarter is all you really need?

2. The lottery. The NBA lottery is a joke. It does not grant the team with the worst record the first pick in the annual draft. Therefore a team that suffers through a regular season with the most losses may be punished for no good reason other than to create excitment for a draft that lacks. The last time a team with the worst record recieved the number 1 overall pick was 2004 and the Orlanda Magic then picked Dwight Howard. Five years later, the Magic are contending for a spot in the NBA finals. The reason why the NBA draft lacks is that rarely does any team find a player that will bring immediate impact after the 5th pick.

SO why is it fair that team with the worst record can wind up with the 14th pick in the draft when a team that was a game or two away from the playoffs could be selecting the first pick? People accept this because that is the system and without the lottery the draft is lacking any drama or buzz to rival that of the NFL. My suggestion would be to modify the lottery. Allow only the three teams with the fewest wins to compete for the top selection while the remaining selections are based upon record. I think this is fair and even though it might not create as much excitement, it might squash many of the claims that the lottery is fixed or rigged to propell certain struggling organizations to the forefront of the Association.

3. the playoffs. there are 32 teams in the NFL and twelve make the playoffs. there are 30 teams in Major league baseball and only 8 make the playoffs. Hockey and basketball have 30 teams and of those 16 teams make the playoffs; that is over 50%. Why are some teams that finish with a record below .500 able to contend for a championship? A team with a losing record has made the playoffs every year since the 2004-2005 season. Is that a problem or just coincidence? Is there a power divide between the two conferences that allows this? Is it a coincidence that the 9th place team in the Western conference would have the fifth best record in the East? Is there a a problem when six teams in the Western conference achieved over 50 wins and only three teams in the East were able to accomplish the same? Some feel this is natural but I am a little more skeptical.

4. the officiating. Basketball has the worst officiating in sports. During the playoffs, the officiating is not only bad but it is controversial. three men are responsible for calling the game while on the football field or baseball diamond, twice or three times as many officials enforce the rules of the game. Many question how, when or why referees enforce the rules of the game but in basketball unlike baseball the refs can dictate the game. Calls are questioned, calls are missed and the consistency of calls within the game, or from game to game is consistently questioned. The NBA is talking about adding challenges with instant replay like the NFL but my suggestion is a bit easier. Why not, at least in the playoffs, add a fourth official? four pairs of eyes must be better than three. Allow the refs to discuss possible questionable calls. I don't think many will object to a ref over rulling another or allowing the team of officials to deliberate a call for 15 seconds. I think a fourth ref seems like an easy solution that might alleviate some of the problems but I am sure NBA hasn't considered it and some union might be against it. A fourth ref is what we need, at least for the most important games of the year, like the playoffs.

I could go on about the image of the NBA or basketball. I could talk about the problems of letting young men at the age of 19 or 20 enter a league in which they will not only enter the spotlight like never before but make millions of dollars doing so. I can talk about the leagues promotion of individuals over teams or how commissioner David Stern runs the league like an a parent blind to the faults of his children. I won't discuss any of that. Basketball is a great game. I, like many others just hope for a few modifications and these are my suggestions.

What Ever Happened to My Rock and Roll - 5 bands that Rock

2009-05-12T01:22:00.005-04:00

Ever wonder what happened to Rock and Roll? do you feel that pop music is making your rock soft? Do you feel that hip hop is lacking the passion you need from the blood and sweat of Rock'n'Roll. Country music is not rock and roll. do you feel that your Rock music is kind of bland, doesn't kick, doesn't push, doesn't rock? Is your rock music a generic blend of Aerosmith wanna-be and Nickelback wanna-be sounds with no originality what so ever? Is your rock ruined by too many keyboards, piano solos, new age crap or cray baby antics... Emo is not rock music! Well if all or any of these are true than I have a cure for your Summer Rock and Roll Blues...

5 Bands that Rock. Bands that stick to their guns and their guns are firing ROCK.

1. Kings of Leon - Composed of three brothers and their cousin, the Followill family make up this Nashville outfit that went from the simple southern guitar rock sounds of their debut, Youth and Young Manhood to the Epic sounds of their fourth release Only by Night. From Nashville, the Kings of Leon have toured with U2, Pearl Jam, Oasis, the Strokes, and Bob Dylan. They broke away from the Lynyrd Skynyrd comparisons to formulate their own sound combing the dirty southern rock sound ("Molly Chambers"), garage rock ("My Party") anthem rock ("On Call") and even discovered an inner U2 with the song, "Use Somebody." Even the ballads rock as their songs never stray far from the guitar. Jared Followill's bass lines pulse and push much of the music forward, causing your hips to sway while singer Caleb brings a tremendous amount of soul to his understated lyrics. Quite possibly the best things about this band is that with four albums every fan has a hard time choosing which their favorite might be.

Favorite Album: Aha Shake Heartbreak

Favorite Song: "Soft"

2. The Gaslight Anthem - Sure, they are only two albums into what I hope will be an amazing catalog but the Gaslight Anthem provide that jersey shore rock music that we all need in life. Imagine if Bruce Springsteen had grown up listening to the Ramones and the Replacements, the result would then be the Gaslight Anthem. Bruce Springsteen wearing Chuck Taylor's, leather jackets and a fist in the air bringing the sky to shambles. Last year's the '59 Sound might be one of the best albums while driving down the open highway that I've heard, in a long time. Brian Fallon does plenty of name dropping of old girlfriends, lost loves and broken hearts than maybe anyone... Sorry Bruce. Fallon sings of old cars, music icons, tattoos, radio songs and youthful exuberance... what more could you want?

Favorite Album: The '59 Sound

Favorite Song: "Casanova, Baby!"

3. the Black Keys - This blues outfit from Akron, Ohio is just two guys, Dan Auerbach on vocals/guitar and Patrick Carney on the drums. With five albums to their credit along with an Ep celebrating the songs of Junior Kimbrough, the band started out playing the blues, which evolved into blues rock but in the end it all just kicks ass. Robert Plant, Josh Homme and Thom Yorke are big fans of the Black Keys and so should you. The best thing about the Black Keys is that they continue to grow and get better. Five albums in the can and each one is better than the last. They brought on super producer and beat maker Danger Mouse to produce their last effort, Attack and Release which must be considered their best album to date. Their mixture of blues and rock can be subtle, huge, delicate or sexy. Their band composition might be similar to the White Stripes but their sound is uniquely their own.

Favorite Album: Attack and Release

Favorite Song: "All Hands Against His Own"

4. The Raveonettes - So what if they are Danish? So what if they sing a majority of their songs in two part harmonies? Imagine if the Velvet Underground, the Jesus and Mary Chain and Buddy Holly adopted a rock band and the beautiful monster that would come to be would be the Raveonettes. Throw in a splash of surf rock and you are golden like hash browns. The Raveonettes like their rock and roll dressed in black, distortion and feedback. It is slick but sexual. Sune Rose Wagner and Sharin Foo sing with an ease and softeness that might be confused for lacking passion but that couldn't be further from the truth. With their vocals passing through like an easy ocean breeze the juxtaposition of the noise from their guitars, hard, fuzzy, loud, distorted, contained and maniacal displaces any sense of peace or ease.

Favorite Album: Pretty in Black
Favorite Song: "Do You Believe Her"

5. Drive-By-Truckers - Athens, Georgia first gave the world R.E.M. and now they can take credit for the Drive-By-Truckers. Another southern rock outfit but unlike Kings of Leon, the Truckers may never leave the dirt and roll of their southern sound. They have incorporated a fiddle, stand up bass, and mandolin to their musical landscape and are deeply rooted in the sounds that surround them. These guys love Lynyrd Skynyrd, and have filled the alternative country void left by Uncle Tupelo. Imagine if Wilco never got soft or imagine if Wilco had some balls. This Rock outfit might be the hardest working act in the business that no one seems to know about even with 7 albums in the past 13 years plus a live record. Not only do they tour extensively but they also worked as the studio band for the most recent Bettye LaVette album, The Scene of the Crime. An album combing soul, country and rock as the Truckers create a fuller sound to aid in the soulful curiousities of LaVette.

Favorite Album: Decoration Day
Favorite Song: "Where the Devil Don't Stay"

I hope you enjoyed this list... there are plenty of other good bands doing rock music these days, i just wrote about a few of them. Rock as of late has strayed from some of the simplicity that made it great. Experimentation is pretty great but often i wonder... What happened to my rock and roll?

if you know of any rock bands that needs some attention, let your voice be heard. music saves so save music !

Network ... A Great Movie in 1976, a Great Movie Today

2009-04-09T10:23:00.008-04:00

Howard Beale said it best....

Isn't it remarkable? Network was released in 1976 and it still rings true in many ways. It is a movie forgotten by many despite making arguments about the media that still register within our minds and imaginations.

The film follows a news anchor and his spiral towards self destruction, as his best friend tries to remove the spot light forced upon him, network executives try to provide him an audience and reap the benefits. It is satire to a degree but comes off as precise social criticism. It is hard to denounce the film as far-fetched or exaggerated when much of seems as real as the dirt underneath our fingers nails.

I remember being a young teenage boy about 10 years ago and discovering this film for the first time. Angry about everything with no rhyme or reason, I was like many teenagers who felt alienated, confused about a world beyond my reach... Network did not provide any answers but it gave me questions. Network still doesn't provide any answers but many of the questions I asked 10 years ago still fester in my mind. Will I find a good job? Can I find truth on the television or believe what I've read in newspaper? Are politicians working to benefit the community rather than themselves? Well, to be honest. I didn't worry about those things at the age of 16 but I do worry about them now. At 16, I identified with the anger and at 26, I identify with the simple truth that life is hard and the answers aren't always easy to find or easy to handle. At 26, I don't see it as anger but as frustration. Like the world in 1976, there is plenty to be frustrated about in 2009. Maybe the frustration is maddening because it never seems to go away? This life or any life is never made easy.

I love this film and I would recommend watching it. Please, rent or purchase. You will never see me promote illegal downloads. If you love art, music or film, support it and don't steal it.

Starbucks a Spy Haven?

2009-04-01T00:26:00.006-04:00

Have you ever wondered why there are so many Starbucks? Seriously, why are there so many? Is it possible that Starbucks is a front for government operatives, spooks, spies and watchmen? Yes!

Have you ever wondered why you might find 3 or 4 Starbucks locations within 1 mile radius? Surprised, but in small towns across America they are everywhere. There are three located within the Palm Beach Gardens Mall which by no means is larger than the average mall, after all it's only two floors. In New York City there are over 250 Starbucks locations; Chicago, 153; Miami, 58; Dallas, 51; Los Angeles, 153; Denver, 131; Atlanta, 57; Boston, 97 and somehow Seattle only has 103 places to order your favorite venti coffee. By the by, Venti means '20 ounces' in Italian, which is fitting because by ordering a Venti beverage, you have ordered 20 ounces of beverage.

So why are there so many of these cafes pumping the last great legal addictive stimulant? Is it because these coffee shops are really hubs for classified and sophisticated materials used for our nation's national security? After the 1990's, in the Bush America, Starbucks was opening a new location daily until this past summer when on july 1, 2008, Starbucks announced the closing of over 600 locations. Despite closing over 600 locations, the coffee ringleader was still opening stores in better markets. This announcement of store closing and more site specific openings came just 4 weeks after (President) Barack Obama won the Democratic Nomination.

President Bush was criticized for his do anything at all costs mentality for National Security. From invasion of privacy to the arrests to innocents all in the pursuit of some kind of justice, and Starbucks might have become a front for government badges. Your local barista keeping an eye on us all and controlling us with sweetened coffee, sultry pastries, and mix cd's with subliminal messages. Sooner or later there will be tracking devices in the thermal coffee mugs purchased for your night stand or car. Or worse, like a video camera in the new coffee grinder purchased for the pound of your favorite bella vista coffee beans.

Thank goodness for new proposed ideas and plans on how to keep our nation safe. Starbucks might still be a front for spooks and fingermen, so be careful of what you say or do within those walls. I know the soothing sounds of Diana Krall or the full flavor of pumpkin spice latte can weaken anyone but try to maintain yourself and be a rock. Starbucks was clever in attempting to mask these closing in a crippling economy but I am not fooled. I am watching you Starbucks!

Woodstock #4... how about a new idea?

2009-03-29T10:51:00.005-04:00

Yes! A 40th anniversary of Woodstock this May? No!

it hasn't been planned, or booked or financed but that doesn't mean that there aren't people trying to make it happen.

are you excited? especially since the promoters are trying to get original acts from the original Woodstock to perform, like Joe Cocker and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. How is this not happening?

don't you remember the easily forgettable 25th anniversary Woodstock? How could you forget the horrific events that occurred during the 5th anniversary of the 25th anniversary of Woodstock? I believe there were riots, fires, mass violence and danger that goes beyond the thrill of rock and roll.

let me get serious for a moment....

Does this seem like a bad idea? No, it's a festival and festivals like Coachella or Bonnaroo have been widely successful without creating havoc. Is it a good idea? to some it might be, others might not care and in the background, somebody is making money.

the organizers of this event, if it does occur might try to promote the idea of peace, love and rock and roll but in a musical climate were politics and social awareness seem taboo what would be the message - hope, political correctness and pop? I am not bashing hope, being PC or pop music but the only time musicians have the brass to say anything political these days is during a presidential voting year. And bringing back Joe Cocker wouldn't do much to create the original feeling of love, CSN & Y cannot recreate peace and I doubt much of today's generation could name 5 tunes by either of those artists. In the end isn't it about making money?

is there a need for another Woodstock when there are plenty of other options for music festivals like SXSW, Coachella, Bonaroo, Lollapalooza, Langerado (cancelled this year) and the Newport Folk Festival?

Woodstock is a memory, a story, and a myth slightly disfigured by the commercialism of the two previous concert events but the original still has a place in the cosmic landscape of musical relevance and the 60's. I think we se should try creating new memories and stories that will become the stuff myths and legends are made of. just a thought.

It's Like That And That's the Way It Is... Run-DMC and Hip Hop

2009-03-26T14:54:00.007-04:00

On April 4 this year the first great act in Hip Hop music will be celebrated and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Cheers to Run-DMC, along with Jam Master Jay they would pave the way for LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Def Jam Records and many more acts to follow. They pioneered Rap Rock with their version of "Walk This Way" with Aerosmith while they made Kangol and Adidas the hip thing to wear.

Run-DMC not only made rap music something special for your feet but crafted a message for your ears, heart and mind. with their induction to the Rock Hall I am reminded of one song that proves how great they were. "It's like That" was released in 1983 and is still relevant. Its simple beat never stops being catchy and despite sounding retro or 80's, it does not deter it from being an unbelievable pop tune or club hit. Don't dismiss the retro sound, current acts like Common and Kanye West are banking on capturing the 80's hip hop sound again, unfortunately acts like Afrika Bambaataa, Curtis Blow or Run-DMC can only teach so much about how it should or can be done.

In my lifetime I have heard many arguments against hip hop. Some stating that it is not music, or that it takes little talent to create and perform, or that it is not relevant. First, it is music. Second, from personal experience it is very hard to create and I have never tried to perform it. Thirdly, it is relevant. Try telling Chuck D that hip hop is not relevant. Tell that to Nas or the Roots, Eminem or Mos Def. Hip Hop might be dominated by club anthems about gang violence, bling, rims, bitches/hoes and keeping it real but hip hop is urban folk music. It is the music of a people, by the people and made for all the people. That is what great music is, that is what great rock is or great soul or country or hip hop is.

In 1983, "It's Like That," speaks of economic uncertainty, high unemployment, war, racism and the difficulties of the rat race. It reminds us that love doesn't buy you cloths and that we all face the hardships of life. It pushes to the center that success starts at home, at work, at school or at church. The simplicity of youth has passed, unity might be fragile but despite our glasses blurred, we are all in this together and "it's like that and that's the way it is."

Thank you Run-DMC and Jam Master Jay.

A reason why parents might be more stupid than you think...

2009-03-19T11:44:00.001-04:00

Now, when you read this sign what comes up to mind?

.... are you unaware that parents love their children?
.... are you shocked and amazed that parents would love their children at all?
.... are you shocked and amazed that parents would love their children even if they are playing in the dangerous suburban streets, where the speed limit that this sign is posted is a rampaging 35mph?

.... are you dumbfounded that somebody found a need to produce and hang this sign a priority?

you know what I think? I think parents should teach there kids not to play on the street or at least any street where in coming traffic is a high probability. I think drivers driving should be more concerned about where they are driving and be mindful of children at play. I would like to give the human race a little more credit and think that parents are teaching their children what they should and should not be doing, like they should not be playing on roads with heavy traffic. I would like to think that when driving, the driver's first responsibility is safety.

studies estimate that there are over 6 million car accidents per year and over 45,000 of them result in death but does that mean we need a sign to state the obvious? I am sick of stupid drivers and there are lot of them. I am sick of parents who blame there child's death on everyone but themselves. Car accidents are not a laughing matter and generally are the fault of more than one person. Nobody can be careful all the time and sometimes the one mistake made can be the most costly.

I hate signs like this for many reasons. For parents, it does not show your children that you love them... if anything it is a lazy way to suggest that if an accident does occur it is the driver's fault instead of your own for allowing your children to play in the street. For the driver, you should be following the speed limit regulated by law enforcement at all times.

Are we better of for having the sign? Possibly, but I think it is a sad state of affairs when we need the sign.

U2 for me and you - An Album Review

2009-02-27T00:06:00.000-05:00

No Line on the Horizon is the 12th studio album by U2. After twelve albums and over 30 years as a band one might wonder whether or not U2 still has any relevance, musically and commercially or if they, like many other bands of equalled success are simply trying to cash in.

The band's recent success has had some critics suggesting that the band has lost it's edge, relevance and thirst for making important music. U2 before 2000 was if anything an adventure in music. The journey beginning with the youthful exuberance and simplicity of their debut, Boy. It would continue with the post punk sound and social relevance brought upon by War and the Unforgettable Fire. To some the journey would reach it's peak when the band explored America, classic rock and definitions of spirituality in The Joshua Tree. For others, the peak of the mountain would be Achtung Baby, the album that saved the band from internal turmoil. It was an album covered in layers of fuzzy guitars and dance grooves, along with Zooropa, the two albums explored the bands more intimate conflicts such as the sacrifices of faith, devotion, love as well as the idea of solitude in a digital age. Pop (a personal favorite, despite poor reviews) would be the bands confession on commercialism and the guilt brought upon excess and ignorance presented in techno-color and techno music. After Pop and the Popmart tour received mixed reviews, U2 would emerge triumphantly in 2000 with All That You Can't Leave Behind. It was a back to basics return for U2, an album comprised of pop songs reminding many fans of the inspired and hopeful U2 of the 80's. U2 would continue this rejuvenation with How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb in 2004. Both albums would have some of the personal touches of their 90's work as Bono would explore themes brought upon by his father's death but many would find the music as well as the lyrics complacent. The two previous efforts were comprised of well crafted, signature pop songs that did nothing to challenge the band but simply staple their legacy.

Since 2000 some have wondered whether or not U2 could push the envelope once again. Some forget or casually dismiss that 15 - 20 years ago U2 was one of the great and innovating bands of their time. Before Nirvana or Radiohead, before Coldplay and TV On the Radio, U2 was a leading force in creating new sights and sounds for the musical landscape. Much of that innovation seems to have been lost on their previous two records but...No More!

No Line On the Horizon is a welcomed return of a band wanting to shake things up. It no longer plays on the successful sounds of their previous records. Instead U2 have chosen a path somewhat reminiscent of their Zooropa era sound. Zooropa which is clearly the bands darkest album filled with dance hooks, keyboards and pulsing bass lines is the younger brother to this new record. Or if you will the album you got drunk to the evening prior. No Line On the Horizon could easily be seen as a follow up, or the hang over cure. 3 of 4 best (and absolutely fantastic) tracks, "Magnificent," "Fez-Being Born" and the title track all have a familiarity to them that jump start where Zooropa left off. There is a drive, a punch and a reach to the sky on these new recordings that was missing from Zooropa. The synth on the title track reminiscent of some of the U2 b-sides of the early 90's, while "Magnificent" starts off like a New Order track, only to be broken by Bono's soaring vocal. "Fez-Being Born" begins with a Bono shouting from a distance, "let me in the sound," a theme repeated throughout the album. As if Bono and company have been left off the guest list. If you are yearning for the U2 of the early 90's but crave their current optimism then these tracks are for you.

"Moment of Surrender" is an absolutely beautiful song. It is a soulful harmony with musical touches that might remind some of the U2/Eno collaboration, Passengers: Original Soundtrack 1. It is also a reminder, like the track "White As Snow" that U2 can write a decent ballad while trying to reach for the stars or a warm blanket instead of the top 40 charts. "I'll Go Crazy If I Don't Go Crazy Tonight" is really the only pure single on the record and it is the most catchy U2 song since, "Beautiful Day."

"Unknown Caller" is an interesting concept but falls a little flat at times, due to some vague lyrics. It is a song in which a dazed figure receives messages from his phone via caller or text to push forward. The song never achieves the darkness or the heroic rise that it should call for. "Breathe" is a frantic song that is quite solid as well as the the confessional, "Cedars of Lebanon."

The albums two weakest moments are the tracks, "Get On Your Boots" and "Stand Up Comedy." Why, "Get On Your Boots" would serves as the first single is beyond me. Both songs try to promote opposition to those who oppress and open arms to love but Bono has written many lines that don't make sense or do not correlate with one another. If getting on your boots is the one thing we must do, to take charge then why don't we know how beautiful you are, as the music suggests in "Get On Your Boots." Not to mention the other occasional lyrical missteps. "Stand Up Comedy" references the Twin Towers and Napoleon and with each reference comes the "what?" response. It is a shame because both songs have a great sound. "Boots" is the most theatrical and glam song that the band has written since, "Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me."

Is it the definitive U2 record? Absolutely not. Is it their best record ever? Absolutely not but if anything it could have been. After making two of the best albums in the past 30 years, (The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby) it is a delight and honor to suggest that U2, can still make volatile music. With many doubters spitting in their face, while those they have inspired copycatting their way to musical supremacy (yes, you Coldplay) U2 does not seem ready or happy to simply coast into the sunset. It is an album that displays many of the bands musical strengths like the simplicity and muscular drive of the Edge's guitar work. Larry Mullen Jr. (drums) and Adam Clayton (bass) understand their roles as time keeper and hip shaker but there is such a clean precision to their craft that one must deaf not to appreciate their craft. Inspired, concerned, informed, romantic, questions with one answer, love.

The title of this new record, No Line on The Horizon might suggest that U2's music and personality are not easily defined. Like the photo by Hiroshi Sugimoto used as the album cover may suggest, U2's music follows a diverse path in which the sky and the ocean collide into one, where the depths of the ocean and the limitless sky fade into one another and we become lost, not knowing where the journey truly ends or begins.

the Grammy Awards and why they suck!

2009-02-06T23:43:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you but I hate the Grammy Awards. I am not a big fan of most awards shows but I hate the Grammy awards because like most awards shows the Grammy’s do nothing but kiss industry ass. The Grammy awards are nothing but the music industry self-gratifying itself.

Here are some of my arguments.

The Non-Winners Argument - Sure, there is nothing wrong with a good debate about who wins awards and who doesn’t, why or how the award is won and so forth but here is a list of bands/artists that have never won a Grammy.

Led Zeppelin

Diana Ross

Queen

Neil Young (including Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young)

Bob Marley

Grateful Dead

The Doors

Lynyrd Skynyrd

The Who

Tupac

The Smiths

Sly and the Family Stone

Public Enemy

Pretty impressive list, isn’t it? Also consider that the Clash hadn’t won a grammy until 2002, long after their career as a band was over. It took Steely Dan almost 30 years of recording to win their first grammy. Jimmy Cliff has only one Grammy. David Bowie has just one Grammy Award for best music video in 1984. Nirvana and Black Sabbath have only one victory while The Kinks, New Order, and the Cure don’t have any Grammy wins.

Just Because You Win Doesn’t Mean You Are Any Good Argument – yes, winning might mean something like it was your year or you didn’t offend too many people with your music but there is a bias to these things. The Beatles, for instance is considered by many to be the greatest band of all time and they have only 7 Grammy awards. Sting, with or without the Police has almost double that at 13, which is the same amount of awards that Michael Jackson has won. Paul Simon has 12. Sheryl Crow has 9. Eric Clapton has 17. Norah Jones has 9. Not to discredit my two favorite artists, U2 and Bruce Springsteen but combined the two acts have 40 Grammy awards. Are any of these artists greater or more important than The Beatles? I am sure some of the artists above deserve some of their awards but I find it hard to believe that those who have never won, great acts like Sly and the Family Stone or the Who could not get any love.

The Best New Artist Argument – Winning the Best New Artists can be a blessing or a curse. Since 1960 there have been artists like Jose Feliciano, Marvin Hamlisch, A Taste of Honey, Marc Cohn, Hootie and The Blowfish, and Shelby Lynne that have faded into obscurity since winning the award. Many of the nominees over the years have not fared very well either… do you remember Timi Yuro or Morris Albert? How about Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band? Nu Shooz? The Kentucky Headhunters? The Tony Rich Project? Heck, believe it or not Robin Williams was nominated for a Best New Artists Grammy.

Let us not forget that some artists when nominated weren’t exactly new. Fountains of Wayne were nominated for the award in 2004 after they had released their third album. Feist had won fans across the country and a Grammy nomination for best new artists in 2008 even though her debut album was released in 1999 with another album released in 2004 and a remix album in 2006.

110 winners Argument- This year awards will be given out for 110 categories. Wow, can you even think of that many genres of music? I cannot. Is there really a necessity for an award given to the Best Surround Sound Album or an award for Best Album Notes? Is it necessary to have two spoken word categories, one for children and the other for adults? And do not get me started on why there are separate awards for contemporary and traditional world music, contemporary and traditional folk music and contemporary and traditional blues. What is the difference between the best R8B album and the best contemporary R&B album? The same question could be asked for best pop vocal and best traditional pop vocal. I don’t know why there is a separate award for Tropical Latin album and Urban Latin Album? Why is there a separate award for best Rock/Rap gospel album, best pop contemporary gospel album, best southern, country or bluegrass gospel album, best traditional gospel album and best contemporary R&B gospel album? Oh I think I know why there are so many separate categories and nominations…. It is because with more nominees comes more winners and quite possibly bigger record sales. If you didn’t know, Grammy awards promote records sales and if you don’t believe me just keep reading.

Maybe these arguments don’t convince you at all. Maybe you love the Grammy Awards that much and could care less whether or not a mistake is made here or there. Maybe you think all those artists who never won a Grammy should not have won any. Maybe you think that the Grammy Awards are free from error.

If you are like me then you think the Grammy’s suck and they are nothing but a giant advert and campaign to sell more records. USA Today reported in 2007 that Grammy winners and performers had a boost in their record sales the week after the ceremony. Some artists had a small but still noticeable bump of 19% while acts like the Dixie Chicks had an increase in sales by 714%. That is no laughing matter. The Red Hot Chili Peppers had 194% increase. John Mayer had 182% increase. Artists like John Legend, Gnarls Barkley, Tony Bennet and Mary J. Blige all experienced increased sales of over 100%. Digital sales and radio audiences also increased following the 2007 Grammys.

I don’t know how much faith you put in the Grammy’s but maybe, just maybe after this or after your own careful examination you will think twice about the value of a Grammy award.

what you buy, where it comes from, where the money goes and more... SOME QUESTIONS?

2009-01-24T12:28:00.001-05:00

I am not an economic advisor, counselor, scholar or anything remotely close. I am not even that good with my own finances but let me ask you this...

do you buy American? I am not simply talking about cars but cloths, furniture, or electronics. Do you buy American? or is it hard to buy American because it is impossible to find anything made in this country.

Do you buy foreign products from an American company? How many American companies sell products that are made in Taiwan, Colombia, Japan, China, Germany, or Mexico. Why are these products made there and not here. Well, for my money and from what I've heard it is so that the products you buy can be cheaper for you. The cost to make your television, car, shoes or watch is simply lesser than if it were made in the US.

I am not going to talk about the tremendous job loss caused by companies selling out the American dream for their own pockets. The job loss SUCKS and if I could do something about it I would, like slap an executive or try to buy more American made goods rather than foreign.

The purpose of this blog is to pose a couple of simple questions that I do not have the answer for? If it costs so much less to make products outside of the United States of America then why is everything cost the same or more? Why do sneakers still cost hundred of dollars despite being made in China where the minimum wage in the most economically sound province (yes province) is the american equivalent to $120 per month? Yes per month. Yes, that does seem like a lot when you can buy A Big Mac at McDonalds for slightly less than 2 bucks. Colombia has a minimum wage for a 48 hour work week and is also based on a monthly wage. But some jobs do not qualify for minimum wage status. As of 2008, the monthly minimum is equivalent to $229 US dollars. Despite many earning decent hourly wages, as of 2007 Germany had no minimum wage.

With the economy in flux, why aren't prices dropping instead of rising? Sure some of those discounts might be greater at your local mall but check the list price and you may not be surprised to discover that the original price has gone up by 20% and that additional promotion of 15% off is not that exciting.

I am not wise enough to connect all the dots and if I could the dots might look like a Stegosaurus instead of a real answer to our economic problems. All I know, is that I would like to buy more American made things but where and how? any suggestions would be appreciated.

I could be wrong but I am not making any claims to be right. I am just confused and wanting some answers.

A Personal Moment - A life without

2009-01-19T16:20:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but I think or would hope that every individual is blessed with at least two things; One is a talent and the other is a release. Hopefully your talent and release are connected in some way. Performing your talent would help you release your fears, frustration, sadness or whatever else ails you, to give you moments of joy unparalleled by the cosmetic or commercial things in your life. That talent and that release is something in your bones, soul and mind where no one can take that away from you. Well, so you think.

I am not sure if I have a talent, I am not a very cook, I cannot hit a 95 mph fastball, I cannot paint your portrait or even break dance but I always thought of writing as my release and a talent I can work at. It has been one year to the day that my block started. I have written some scraps and some notes but nothing of value and nothing I care to share. My struggling attempts to build a talent has been on the lamb for a year and I am left without a release. The fears, frustrations, sadness along with the other ailments of my life reside inside this body lacking a map, flashlight, compass and key to escape.

No one has kidnapped my writing. My hand has not been broken even though the same could not be said for my mind and heart. My computer is ever present. My thoughts have been running a marathon in which the conclusion never seems to be near. I do not know how to get back on this horse and I am even running out of metaphors for this blog. I can only blame myself for losing my talent and release.

It is amazing how your sadness brought upon by continuing failures becomes heightened by an incapability to do what you love the most. Once again... I hope your talent and your release never leave your side. No one can take it away from you but you might lose it along your way and the trouble is finding it once it is has been lost.

a moment about Snow

2009-01-12T13:15:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you but when I was a child I loved the snow. Now as an adult, snow takes on a completely different meaning.

If you were in Ohio or some other parts of the midwest this past weekend then you saw the snow fall like household pets. In my hometown, a suburb in the southern metropolitan area of Cleveland, Oh, over one foot of snow fell.

I like an idiot drove around in my small car through hell, high water, slippery slopes, and frozen tundra with lousy windshield wipers. While driving to work or to meet friends, I was frustrated and challenged by how normal drives were made more complicated and how the typical drive down the block was double or triple the time. I thought back at when snow became an obstacle instead of natures entertainment.

When I was a child snow meant skiing, sledding, fort building, snow fights, shoveling snow in drive-ways for some extra cash, snow angels, and the ever constant amazement of how the snow fell. Snow had the amazing power to cancel school. It had the amazing power to cover up the ugliness of winter and outline it with something pure and sweet. Now, snow is brushing off my car, hoping it starts because the temperature dropped to 10 degrees. Now I hope salt trucks clear off the roads and make it that I don't crash into a tree, fire hydrant or worse, someone else. Not only do salt trucks prevent me from crashing but hopefully it will prevent the idiot in some SUV or truck, driving 10 -20 mph faster than the rest of society from crashing into me. Now, snow is much more complicated then it was when I was a young boy.

I was driving a couple of days ago and even though I had been doing my best to stay focussed on the road, I was overcome by a group of children playing in the snow. They looked to be having the greatest time of their lives. I am sure they weren't but they certainly fooled me. I thought for a moment about my youth and how I lack the time and the energy to play in the snow.

I hope that I do not lose the boy inside and that time will not melt all the innocence I once had for one of natures most beautiful actions.

heath ledger and awards, this is not a kiss ass blog

2009-01-11T20:46:00.000-05:00

let me say this... i am very sorry for his death. Not because I had something to do with it or could have prevented it but I am sorry that he died because his death brought pain to so many.

let me say this... because he is dead I am not going to kiss his ass. I have seen The Dark Knight and I have seen pretty much every other film he has performed in and I have never been that impressed. He has never been a great actor and on occasion has been a good actor. He was good in Brokeback Mountain and in the Dark Knight but I am not like the rest who were/are ready to give him every award known to man for his performance as The Joker.

Ledger was never a good actor. He was not a good actor for many reasons, primarily his inability to convince me of any role he had played. He always looked mechanical. He rarely spoke his lines like they were not overly rehearsed. He never convinced me that he was the role and not heath ledger. If this last sentence doesn't make sense to you then study some acting but I will elaborate for a moment. When you watch a play, a television show or movie and see an actor there should be moments or hopefully the whole performance when you forget that the person acting is an actor. When you see Brando perform, you do not see Brando you see the character he is playing. The same thing could be said for DeNiro, Streep, and a few other actors. I hate to break this to you but few actors are great actors.

Yes, the media has proclaimed Ledger heroic in his performance as The Joker but what major media journalist or critic is going to criticize his performance. Few were even daring to say that his performance was not superior than Jack Nicholson's performance, which by the way, are two radically different interpretations of the role. What critic or journalist is going to say that Ledger was decent or serviceable in his performance after his tragic death leaving behind a new born baby. I don't think there are many brave enough to criticize Ledger's performance or not kiss his ass. If there is an article, critic or journalist who has done this then please inform me and I will write a letter to him or her and praise them for not being a sheep. Well they have to have a good reason for their criticism.

Heath Ledger, i am sorry for you, your family and friends and hope that you are in a better place but i am not going to say you were a good actor or a great talent. You may have been a good person or a great guy to play a round of golf with or grab a pint with but i didn't know you and i don't think think your death was any greater or lesser than any other person who has died in the past. Death is never a good thing but it is a part of life, unfortunately it is one of the sadder moments in this roller coaster ride.

the Best albums of 2008...

2009-01-01T18:24:00.000-05:00

Every year I write a Top Ten Albums of the Year list because I feel that my list is better than the competition (amazon.com, Rolling Stone, Spin, etc.). My list is better because I don’t know any of the artists and do not feel a need to kiss their ass. My list is better because I do not feel the pressure of the record industry to push certain records to the masses. My list is better because it simply is. Now, with this in mind I am just one man and I do not work at a record store, record company or record review magazine so I do not get a chance to listen every record that is released. I cannot afford to listen or buy every record that is released but I do read plenty of articles from various magazines. I do try to listen to any record recommended to me or that has any type of hype going for it, commercial, word of mouth or critical. I love music.

The Top 10

10. The Helio Sequence – Keep Your Eyes Ahead

This Portland duo usually finds their sound buried in sonic boom and subtlty but this time it is the folk acoustics that have made this album unique. After spending two months in which lead singer Brandon Summers was ordered to stop singing and talking, the band remerged with a new commitment to their craft. Inspired by Dylan but sounding a bit more like Springsteen, the Helio Sequence combine their keyboard, loop, and computer infused rock with the soft sound of acoustic folk guitar. A great album to dust of those headphones and enjoy.

9. Raphael Saadiq – The Way I See It

Raphael Saadiq has always had talent, whether in Tony! Toni! Tone!, Lucy Pearl or in his solo career but his talent alone or with group has never produced a quality record like this one. Philly Soul and Motown are revived in this fun record in which most of the cuts are shorter than four minutes and they twist, shake, rattle and roll. Saadiq’s voice will remind anyone of Smokey Robinson and though his lyrics may not be as clever the Motown glory days, Saadiq makes up for it in honesty and directness. Contributions from Joss Stone, Stevie Wonder and Jay-Z do not hurt either.

8. Tokyo Police Club – Elephant Shell

Ontario’s favorite sons bring a bit more muscle to their hipster rock than let’s say Vampire Weekend but the muscle doesn’t lack intellect. Rhythm changes, great hooks and shout out choruses make this record work. Tokyo Police Club were able to ditch some of the Strokes comparisons and make a hit record even if I have to look up words like ‘tessellate.’

7. R.E.M. – Accelerate

Many of us have been waiting for a return to form, while others thought that R.E.M. had really become the Michael Stipe Band since the departure of drummer Bill Berry in the late 90’s. Their new record rocks. R.E.M. is rarely remembered for their rocking days and many often forget how unique their rock sound is. After all, R.E.M was able to inspire bands like the Pixies, Radiohead and countless other groups. This album captures, Peter Buck’s great electric sound on guitar, the diversity of Mike Mills on the bass, keyboards and backing vocals, as well as their strongest lyrics since Automatic for the People. This album is a wonderful return for arguably America’s greatest rock band.

6. She & Him – Volume One

Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward released the most charming record of the year. A bit of California, the south and a lot of sunshine make this record work. That might seem like the loftiest praise I could give but it is true. They might not receive points for complex composition but over time the originals outshine the covers and after every listen Deschanel’s voice becomes another legal addictive.

5. My Morning Jacket – Evil Urges

Jim James is a genius. From the audacity of “Highly Suspicious” to the sexuality of “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream, Pt. 1 & 2” to the simple beauty of “Librarian.” It might be a long record but is that a bad thing when discussing this band? My Morning Jacket could have been the band of year due to this album and a slew of impressive performances including a 4-hour set at Bonnaroo that rocked the world. It is hard not to think that this is a mere sample of what James can do when he truly wants to explore soul music. Unlike any of their previous records, I love and hate this record, push it away and pull it closer to me. Maybe it was all the hype before the album’s release or the sheer anticipation of the (unfairly labeled) Radiohead of America? Needless to say, this is a record that I listen to a great deal not just because of how interesting it is but how good it sounds.

4. The Gaslight Anthem – the ’59 Sound

This New Jersey band made the best straight forward rock record of the year. A singing style and lyrics that emulate a youthful Springsteen, the Gaslight Anthem explore love and open spaces, the nostalgia of great music, sneakers and tattoo art. Often overlooked as just another punk band, The Gaslight Anthem brings the fist pump to a Springsteen like rock’n’roll. A great album to drive 65 (or faster) on a the highway to be closer to the people you love.

3. Fleet Foxes – Fleet Foxes

Think of the more delicate moments from bands like My Morning Jacket and Arcade Fire and you have Fleet Foxes. Indie rock trying to make Appalachian folk, classic rock and SoCal pop cool. (again?) The best harmonies of the year can be found on this record. Oh yes, when listening to this record one cannot help to think of vast tracks of land and the beauty of rural aesthetics.

2. Vampire Weekend – Vampire Weekend

If you know me at all then you had to imagine that this record would find itself on this list. I do not deny I was hesitant. I do not deny that I was nervous. I do not deny that I love this record. Are they the Talking Heads for a new generation? Probably not but that doesn’t mean that African drums cannot influence them in a similar way. Do I understand all of the lyrics? No. Do I love the name dropping (a la Peter Gabriel and lil’ Jon)? Yes. Do I wish I was a hip New England kid that could pull off top-siders? Maybe, the jury is still out on that one. Vampire Weekend is everything you love and hate about youthful indie rock. Their fans are everything you love and hate about indie rockers. All this love and hate doesn’t make this record any less delightful and it won’t make any of it less delightful ten years from now.

1. TV On The Radio – Dear Science

Hopeful but bleak, dark and beautiful, chaotic but tempered, inspired and lacking certainty are the components that define Dear Science, plus it’s essentially a dance record. How can any album top that? Oh you can’t and no record in 2008 does. It is the best produced, most lyrically potent record that exemplifies the year past. You can dance to it, you can hum to it, by god, what can’t you do to this record? TV On The Radio continue to get better and better. They still have the biggest small sound in the music business but now you can dance to it. I cannot stress the dance theme of this album enough because while other bands like MGMT or LCD Soundsystem make dance music fun and unique their music is socially and emotionally vacant. Other dance records find swim in the shallow end of the dream pool while TV on the Radio explores the lower depths of a social ocean called America.

Quick side notes

Best Producer – Danger Mouse. You cannot produce four quality records, one deserving to be on my top ten list (the Black Keys – Sorry) and not be the best producer of the year.

Biggest Disappointment – No great hip hop records this year. Very sad year for me and the first time in a long time that a hip hop record does not make my top 10 list.

What I don’t understand – the Jonas Brothers. Seriously? They suck.

Fire Charlie Weis - Notre Dame Football is NOT an example of fairness or equality

2008-11-30T09:38:00.000-05:00

I wrote this one year ago... on my myspace page

the original article:

after 3 seasons coaching Notre Dame football Tyrone Willingham was fired. After winning his first eight games with the Irish, including big wins over Michigan and Florida State, Willingham finished his Notre Dame career with a 21-15 record. The new adminstration thought nothing but to fire Willingham and start fresh.

Enters Charlie Weis and he turns the program around. He started out fine, upsetting #3 Michigan, but then failling to defeat the very next week against Michigan State. A few weeks later the Irish almost beat USC but USC got lucky. Then continuing in the Willingham tradition they lost their bowl game, (Notre Dame had lost) eight straight bowl games, before, during and after Willingham.Weis was 9-3 in his first year as the Notre Dame coach. not bad. The next year, they were dominated by the Michigan Wolverines, as well as by USC with a terrible defeat at the hands of LSU in the Sugar Bowl. Now, this current season they have lost their first two games in the season with very little positives going for them.

I am not a sports critic or an analyst but i do not think they will more games than games they have lost this year. Most likely they will lose to Michigan, Michigan State, Boston College, UCLA, USC and heck maybe Stanford. Heck even if if i give them Stanford, they will end the season with a record of 5-7. If i am right, which i think i am then Charlie Weis record in his first three seasons will be 24-13, just a couple of games off of Willingham. if they lose to Stanford than his Weis' career record at Notre Dame will be 23 -14. Not that much different than Willingham.

I am not saying that Willingham was an amazing coach or that he should not have been fired or that Notre Dame is a bad football school. I am just saying that something is odd is going on. Notre Dame is one of a few universities with over 800 victories in college football. they have 8 national championships and 7 Heisman trophy winners. Their is a more traddition at Notre Dame (arguably) than at any other school across the country. Willingham could not cut it, his record was not what the school demands, especially since in his three years coaching the fighting Irish he had suffered 5 losses of more than 30 points. In the previous 30 seasons, Notre Dame had only four losses of over 30 points.

Weis has not suffered a defeat of over 30 points, but he is 1 -4 against teams ranked in the top 10. he has failed to win a bowl game and is in danger of not making a bowl game this year. Willingham was constantly being hounded for his failure to run the team. He was blamed for the teams failures and run out of town. His third year was a make or brake year and by the end it, all was broken. Charlie Weis comes in, uses Willingham's recruits and wins immediately, a lot like Wiillingham had done before him. Now in his third year, Weis has nothing to worry about, he has a contract extension and many consider his job to be safe and secure. Why? Am i talking hypocrisy ? or a double standard? maybe.

in case you didn't know or catch the double standard, Tyrone Willingham is african american/black and Charlie Weis is white. Weis is a Notre Dame allumni, while Willingham attended their rival Michigan State - oh my. Maybe he was never liked at Notre Dame because of his spartan traditions. Sure Willingham was not Notre Dame's first choice, George O'Leary was but come on, O'Leary lied on his resume and quit before he was fired. But am i the only one that thinks this is just a little off, why was Willingham always in fear of losing his job? Notre Dame is in the beginning of their worst start in football history, with little or no hope for improvement this year and many experts think that charlie weis has nothing to worry about and does that seem fair? maybe the experts have no idea what they are talking about but, maybe notre dame football is not the model for fairness or equality.

end original article

a year has passed and my analysis of Notre Dame's 2007 was a little off. i had predicted that they would go 5-7 when in actuality they went 3-9. i had expected victories over Navy and defeats by the hands of Stanford and UCLA and in each of those instances I was wrong. I don't work for ESPN but maybe I should

their 2008 record is a little better at 6-6 but they are still mediocre. In the past four years, against top ten ranked teams they have an overall record of 1-6. Notre Dame, with Weis as head coach has failed to beat rival USC. Willingham was fired three days after an embarrassing loss to USC. Weis just finished his fourth season as head coach with 38-3 loss to USC in which his team only had 4 first downs and 9 offensive yards in the first half.

Now there is something to be said about a football program or any sports program, professional or collegiate that sticks to their guns and believes that steady is the course over irrational and emotional decision making. But should we praise Notre Dame now for their patience when that quality was lacking four years ago? I think not.

Notre Dame football... shame on you.

to President Elect Obama

2008-11-05T02:28:00.001-05:00

Congratulations is in order. Congratulations President Elect Obama. I was with you from the beginning but I solely cannot take credit for your place in history. You worked hard and deserve this victory. I am so very proud of you, this country, my country and my vote. I look forward to the challenges that face you, myself and this country with a knowledge that we can tackle them, overcome them and define prosperity for this generation, my parent's generation and the generations that lie ahead.

I support you with an open heart but despite my devotion I will warn you of one thing... No it is not the republican party and those who see you not as you are, but see you, as they want you to be. No, I am not going to warn you of the tricks and deceit that line Washington's pockets. No, I won't warm you of the people that want to dismiss you because of your politics, race and sex. No, I won't warn you of the many things that you are already aware of.

I simply warn you of your responsibility. You set the bar so very high. You pushed people to believe that looking at the stars is simply not good enough. Lead us to believe that we as a people should reach out and grab those stars to see what lies beyond and to move onto the next great challenge. I believe in you President (Elect) Obama. I do not feel that you will let me down because you better not.

So many people believe that government is self serving and lacking discipline but are they wrong for placing so much value into those beliefs? I think not. A promise to reform Washington was made and I hope that promise is kept, no matter how daunting the task may seem. So many problems lie ahead like a struggling economy, job loss, healthcare reform and keeping the nation safe.

I voted for you because this country is need of leadership, a leader that will not define the people but represent them and represent them not by one singular definition like white, black, male, female, straight, gay, young or old but by the all encompassing definition, human. I believe you can do this. I believe that change will come and it will be the change that we need.

If you fail, no excuses will be allowed. If you fail, the criticism will be heavy. If you fail, my hope and faith in change might be lost.

but... You must not fail, for those that believe government can be reformed. You must not fail, for those who have voted for the first time and those that still believe in their vote. You must not fail, for those that believe that 'Hope' and 'Change' are not just political slogans and t-shirt designs. You must succeed.

You cannot do it alone. I am here and I am willing to do my part to aid in this awakening. We must all do our parts. I can ask my country to save and protect me but how can I save my country? I can do my part and the first step was voting. Yes We Can, Yes We Did and now Yes, what can I do next?

Congratulations, President Obama.

Rush Limbaugh, racism and why this shouldn't be tolerated.

2008-10-20T23:58:00.000-04:00

Rush Limbaugh proclaims that Colin Powell selection of Barack Obama for President of the United States is totally about race. His comments were made loud and clear on his radio program and is nothing but an insult directed at General Colin Powell.

General Powell served as a soldier for 35 years. He was the National Security Advisor under President Reagan. He was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff under President George H. W. Bush and President Bill Clinton. Powell was also the United States Secretary of State for President George W. Bush. I don’t think there is anyone who can accuse General Powell of lacking experience or intelligence. He is a man that has dedicated his life to serving his country and this attack by Rush Limbaugh is nothing but blind stupidity and racism.

He told the media that he was not going to make a decision till all the facts were in and that his decision was a confident one. Powell’s action in educating himself about the candidates is a road map we should all follow. When we vote, educating yourself about the names on the ballot can never be taken for granted. Colin Powell is a member of the Republican Party and for months has declined to endorse a candidate for president, at least until last Sunday when you decided to vote for Barack Obama as the next President of the United States.

Unfortunately, Rush Limbaugh took it upon himself to slight General Powell and suggest that his decision was based entirely on race. Powell, a highly decorated individual, well educated and respected by many, Republican and Democrat alike, spoke of Sen. Barack Obama’s ability to create change, move the country in a direction he feels appropriate and rescue America’s struggling economy. General Powell also spoke of his lack of confidence in Governor Palin and his concern over the negativity brought by the McCain campaign. In the end, Colin Powell spoke eloquently about his endorsement for Sen. Obama.

I don’t know Rush Limbaugh personally but it is hard to see this as anything but stupid and racist. I could say that Limbaugh only supports McCain because he is white or because he is Republican. I like to give General Powell a little more credit. He has publicly stated that he would not support any candidate blindly due to race or political party. I have no doubt that General Powell wants the best for America and he is voting for Sen. Obama because of a belief that Sen. Obama is better fit to lead. I have a hard time thinking that Limbaugh has the country’s best interest in mind with these attacks. If anything Limbaugh might be more concerned with his ratings and his lack of relevance than the welfare of America. To be fair, Limbaugh is not the only making these comments because Pat Buchanan also questioned General Powell decision as one made entirely based on race.

I don’t think General Powell is voting for Sen. Obama because he is black. I don’t think General Powell is not voting for Sen. McCain because he is white. I do think that General Powell is an intelligent person able of thinking independently and profoundly. To accuse anyone, especially a person as decorated and honored as General Powell of voting for any candidate based on race, sex or age is ignorant.

“Our great strength is in our unity and our diversity”

- Gen. Colin Powell

Vote Early!

2008-10-10T20:26:00.000-04:00

did you know you can vote early?

in 34 states across this magnificent country you can VOTE before Nov. 4.

what?

you can vote early!

oh yes and I encourage it in every way. Vote early because who knows Nov. 4 is not the only day you can express yourself. Vote early because the lines are shorter. Vote early because you believe in your vote. Vote early because Nov. 4 is a busy day on your calender. Vote early because voting is important.

Just Vote. educate yourself, choose a candidate and vote! I do care who but I am not going to tell who or how to vote. Vote! plus you get a sticker and the great sensation of democracy at work.

VOTE!

chocolate news! David Allen Grier is not Dave Chapelle ! part 1

2008-10-09T23:46:00.000-04:00

southpark.

lil' bush.

the daily show

colbert report

some other show.... that is not the Chapelle Show.

I don't know about you but I miss the Chapelle Show and I feel that Chocolate News starring David Allen Grier is nothing more than an attempt to capture the African American audience and the fill the void left by Dave Chapelle.

to be continued....

Rude?

2008-10-08T14:10:00.000-04:00

Don’t be rude. Where have manners gone in this country? I try and do my best to hold open doors for anyone. I don’t care if you are young, old, female, male, white, black, Latin, Asian, handicapped, or able bodied. I think it is a perfectly appropriate thing to do for someone. You do not have to walk through the door I hold open. You do not have to hold the door open for me but if I do hold the door open for you then don’t be rude.

As of recently, I held the door open for an elderly couple and a gentleman, the gentleman at the end of the line decided not to walk through my door but refused to acknowledge my effort with a simple, “no thanks” or even a head nod. He had to open the door next to ours without my assistance. It was nice of the elderly couple to thank me and label me as, “a nice young man.” Apparently real men hold open their own doors. A few days after that I held the door open for an entire family while my hands were full of Chipotle bags. I removed myself from their path and held open the door. It was not until the fourth family member had passed that I had received any acknowledgment. Is all of this my fault? Maybe, I shouldn't be complaining.

In the end this is not about me but about how removed we seem to be from common decency. We talk during movies in the theaters and we cut people off on the highway without warning or a wave as an apology. We talk on cell phones at the check out counter and we don’t wash our hands when we are done in the washroom. We forget to give thanks. We don't introduce ourselves with proper greeting and we use foul language in front of children. If we as a society fail at such simple opportunities to be polite then imagine how we fair on a larger scale. It seems manners have gone out the window and that is very sad. I have nothing against being casual but being casual should not be without being decent. What does it say about you, me or anyone that we forget our manners and think about ourselves over others? Being polite is not hard and it should not a strain on your daily life. I dislike this movement and I hope civility and common decency will rise again.

Think about it.

TAXES ARE IMPORTANT! and why you need to pay them

2008-10-08T13:56:00.000-04:00

I am stating this with the full knowledge that I know very little about taxes. I am not an economics professor. I am not a tax accountant. I am not a government official. I am not well read on tax reform or tax policies. I do know that…

TAXES ARE IMPORTANT!

Yes, if you are an American, you pay taxes. If you don’t pay taxes than you are committing a federal crime and then you are still an American but you are also a criminal. You pay taxes because who else is going to pay for government work programs, public schools, police officers and fire fighters? How else is the government going to generate any revenue to preserve national parks or build an army to maintain a secure and safe nation? Don’t you see that paying taxes is important? If you want a cop protecting your street, or a teacher teaching your child math or science, or a road not filled with potholes then you need to pay taxes.

I don’t know about you but last time I checked, fire fighters, police officers, teachers and plenty of other government workers with valuable roles for the daily lives of millions of Americans don’t make a lot of money. No they don’t and when you think about cutting taxes try and think about what area(s) of government funding are being cut… is it environmental conservation? Is it education? Is it homeland security? Social Security? Welfare? Medicare? Or what?

If you are a free market junkie then I might be able to understand your desire to let the market dictate everything in this world but I cannot let the market dictate my education or my safety. If the market were to dictate the environment then the whole state of Florida would be a giant shopping mall with miles and miles of pastel housing with a crocodile in every swimming pool. Screw the Everglades! Yellowstone would be the next place to host a hip film festival or another place for health spa after health spa after health spa. If you believe that this war, the war on terror needs to continue but you also believe that your taxes need to be cut then I suggest you decide which is more important; a government in debt or a war (that may never be won.)

TAXES ARE IMPORTANT!

Yes, I am going to repeat this again and again and again. If you don’t want to pay taxes then maybe you should go somewhere else, oh wait, every country collects some form of taxes, at least any functional country. If you don’t like taxes, don’t pay them or suffer the consequences. If you don’t like how your taxes are being spent then vote. Yes, VOTE!

TAXES ARE IMPORTANT!

I cannot deny that this is a very complicated issue. Who pays what, how much and for what generates a great amount of debate? Is it fair for someone who makes very little to pay a higher percentage of their income compared to someone in a higher tax bracket. Ask billionaire Warren Buffet what he thinks and you might find out that he agrees with me or is it that I agree with him? I think (it is) that I agree with him, after all he believes that is unfair that he pays 17.7 percent of his income to the government while his secretary who makes a considerable amount less (billions less) pays taxes on 30 percent of her income. How does that work?

If you are talented, successful, gifted and/or lucky then don’t you deserve your swerve and swagger? Of course you do. I just don’t see why you might need six, fourteen or more cars. I just don’t see why you need an island off the coast of Jamaica. I just don’t know why you need a piece of jewelry that equals the cost of a teacher’s salary and it isn’t that you just have one piece but enough to fuel a war in a third world country. By the way, I love the wealthy with all these luxuries as they try to speak to the majority as if they are common folk facing the same problems as those struggling for work, health care or survival.

TAXES ARE IMPORTANT!

Is Warren Buffet the answer? Probably not. Oh, he has the answers? No, probably not. But Warrant Buffet does raise a valuable issue about the tax system in this country. Unfortunately when we talk about taxes the discussion only includes the payer and payment. It seems that everybody wants to pay less but before that happens maybe we should all pay an equal share.

The government might be a huge mess and trusting them with billions of dollars in tax money might seem dangerous and naïve but that is why we have elections. Participation in government is key to maintaining a healthy and honest governing body. Be informed, vote, petition, whatever it takes to let your voice be heard. Cutting taxes is not the only answer even though it might be for some but TAXES are important. Paying taxes is important. The country has enough problems even when a lack of funding isn’t the problem. Inner city schools are failing. Healthcare is failing. Social security is failing.

But what do I know? Is paying taxes going to solve all our problems? I don’t know. Money is only money if not used wisely, but nothing can be done if there is no money to solve the problem. All I can say is this...

Vote!

and

TAXES ARE IMPORTANT!

Goodbye Yankee Stadium

2008-09-21T12:20:00.000-04:00

Let me start out this way... for the last decade I have been a Red Sox fan. I am not from Boston nor am I from New York. I embraced the rivalry like a family member or an additional appendage. I love my Boston Red Sox and I hate the New York Yankees but my hatred for that particular ball team does not reflect how I feel about the Stadium that has hosted the "evil empire" for the past 85 years. If anything the loss of Yankee Stadium is almost another reason to dislike the Yankees.

As a Boston Red Sox fan I hate, yes, Hate to see Yankee Stadium Go.

Yankee Stadium started it all. It redefined the ball park in every single way. From the design to the capacity and even the name. When the stadium was built in the early 20's many baseball teams played their home games in a ball park or a field, like Fenway Park or Wriggley Field. Yankee Stadium was the first to be recognized as a stadium. While parks and fields traditionally held 30,000 plus fans, Yankee Stadium was built with a capacity doubling any competing ball park. It was the first three-tiered sports facility in the country and one of the first to incorporate an electronic scoreboard.

Yankee Stadium was the first of it's kind. The United States may have little to claim when it comes to ingenuity and greatness in the field of architecture but for some Yankee Stadium might create as much awe and allure as the Roman Coliseum.

Yankee Stadium is the home to quite possibly the greatest sports franchise in the modern era. If you measure greatness by success and in America, most people often do then the Yankees are the cream of the crop. The Yankees have have won 37 of their 39 American league pennants in Yankee Stadium. They have hosted the World Series 37 times and at 26 have more titles than any other team, both numbers more than double their closest competition in Major League Baseball. Over thirty hall of fame baseball players have called Yankee Stadium their home and the pin-stripes their uniform. Some of the greatest if not the greatest ball players like Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Whitey Ford and Mickey Mantle have worn the Yankee pin-stripes.

Outside of baseball, Yankee Stadium has been a host to boxing matches, soccer, professional and college football games, religious ceremonies and concerts.

the famous, "win one for the Gipper" speech was given in Yankee Stadium in 1928 during half time of the Army-Notre Dame football game. The "Greatest Game Ever Played" between the New York Giants and Baltimore Colts was held in Yankee Stadium. A game in which the Colts took home the championship and Johnny Unitas cemented his legacy and helped reinvent the quarterback position. During the 70's Yankee Stadium was home to the New York Cosmos which suited soccer's most memorable name and figure, Pele. Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson, Rocky Marciano and Muhammad Ali have all fought inside the boxing ring in the center of Yankee Stadium. When the Brown Bomber Joe Louis fought Max Schmeling in 1938 more than boxing and championships were at battle but ideologies and social politics were at odds.

Three popes have held mass in Yankee Stadium. After his release from prison Nelson Mandela held a rally for New Yorkers, Americans and those in need of inspiration to overcome great odds. Musical acts ranging from the Isley Brothers to U2, Paul Simon to Pink Floyd have performed in the house that Ruth Built.

What happens next? Yankee Stadium will eventually be no more. The Yankees next year will have a new home, right next door to their existing one but it is impossible to suggest that any future stadium can replace or even compare to Yankee Stadium. Yankee Stadium was not made famous by Babe Ruth or by the Yankees. It was not made famous by Bono or Roger Waters. It was not made famous by Knute Rockne or Joe Louis. Yankee Stadium was made famous by the American People. Yankee Stadium holds a legacy like few people, few places and few things in United States of America. Baseball, America's past time has no greater venue than Yankee Stadium and we are at loss by its closing.

Nothing great lasts anymore and with the closing and eventual destruction of Yankee Stadium I worry that along with its legacy so goes the history held within its field, stands and concrete walls. The United States of America does not have castles or very many ancient ruins to celebrate. With a history less than 3 centuries old the U.S.A. has few buildings that capture the memories and imagination like Yankee Stadium. What does it say about our society today that we unlike many societies before us choose to tear down our history for something new, flashier, possibly better and more economically sound? I hate to see Yankee Stadium go. I hate that I will never be able to take my children or grandchildren to a game. Maybe I am simply selfish but when a huge part of American history is destroyed I think we should be upset and should contemplate how we are all missing out by Yankee Stadium's destruction. I suppose the only thing to hope for is that the next Stadium that houses the Yankees or whatever team or sport played within its boundaries can create such a legacy as notable as the one existing in Yankee Stadium.

oh MTV... what happened?

2008-09-18T15:05:00.000-04:00

So… apparently the MTV VMA awards were a week or so ago. I didn’t watch them, did you? I don’t care if you did but for some reason several of my friends have asked me if I had viewed the so-called award show wondering what my take was. With this in mind I still refuse to watch the VMA’s because it is an insult to my intelligence and a waste of my time. I’d much rather watch reruns of the Dog Whisperer or Iron Chef America. There is a great deal of things I would rather watch than the VMA’s like paint dry, babies crying, another (not funny) Dane Cook comedy special or C-Span.

By the by, doesn’t a video award show on MTV kind of seem like a joke? The only times I have seen videos on MTV is when flipping thru channels and catching a video on MTV classic or MTV rock or MTV hip hop. Videos are no longer part of the programming except for the occasion ninety second clip on the hopelessly annoying TRL. MTV should no longer be associated with music television but be renamed media television or teenagers and young adults desperate for fame television.

If this blog seems at all bitter it is because MTV at one point was the trend setter. It was the mode, the beacon, the signifier, the bar for what was cool when I was growing up. When I was a little boy till about my teenage years I wanted to be on MTV because you met cool artists, went to awesome concerts, needed little talent to be a VJ and partied like a rock star. Back in the early 90’s it was a channel not obsessed with reality TV but created cutting edge shows and annimation. It revolutionized music as well as spring break, the x-games, fashion and even politics. It might be wrong of me to insist that MTV could have held onto its influence forever because nothing ever really does but I do believe that MTV could at least be relevant. It was once the voice of a generation and now is nothing more than a sad state of affairs with dating games for teenage rejects, dating games for celebrity losers, kiss ass commentary and the promotion of bland musical acts.

But maybe this is not the cable giant’s fault. Maybe bad television or reality television and a lack of music videos is now the voice of this generation. Why play music video’s when there is YouTube or why create television when you can exploit the youth of America for bad reality programming? Let’s face it, MTV has not been influential in quite some time but has been influenced by Girls Gone Wild. If children are the future and if the children are watching MTV then I sincerely weep for the future. We are not teaching the children well if we have them sitting down to watch MTV.

Am I being a bit dramatic here, quite possibly but understand this MTV became popular during a very critical time in many people’s lives. The dream of the 80’s was dying and for some it was never really a dream at all. The 90’s were upon us with Generation X not only looking for jobs or definition but a place in history as well. I cannot compare which was a worse time in history for some Americans, then or now but now is certainly a time when the youth of America truly needs a voice and a podium to which that voice can be heard. War, poverty, natural disaster, struggling economy, healthcare and education are just some of the topics concerning this great nation and MTV may do a great service by allowing us to forget our worries and have a good time but at the same time provides a tremendous disservice by failing at relevance for the youth of this nation. I am sure Rob and Big, or Pimp My Ride, or the Real World (which has not or ever been very real) are super fun but is this entertainment representative of the world we live in? A world where the youth of America only cares about fashion, supped up cars, skateboards and ridiculous stunts for a simple laugh? I hope not.

Maybe I believe too strongly in the power of music. That music can be the voice of the people, educate and promote ideas not widely expressed by other forms of media. Music can be a powerful thing and at this moment, well for the past decade or so, music has lost one of its greatest outlets and that is MTV. If the music industry wants to save itself maybe it shouldn’t blame the internet or teenagers for illegally downloading music but should blame MTV for failing to promote musical acts.

Now I could care less about the VMA’s. I don’t care if Britney Spears makes a comeback of if she has lost some weight. I don’t care if some video which is never played on MTV wins 7 awards that have no value other than self promotion. And I am not stupid enough to think that if you do watch MTV or the VMA’s that you are shallow or could care less about things that really matter. It is not one way or the other. You are not an idiot if you watch MTV and you are not a better person if you ignore it, even though I like to think that I am a better person by not watching. Entertainment is key to a thriving metropolis. Entertainment is vastly important but maybe entertainment should do more than just put a smile on our face, a shake in our rump and fever in our hearts but also put a spark in our brain. MTV at one point provoked discussion even if it was simply about music and discussion leads to debate and that provokes thought and intellect.

In the end, MTV was once pretty awesome but unfortunately is now nothing more than a constant string of product placement and celebrities lacking personality. MTV was on the cutting edge because it informed the youth of America about important topics like safe sex, ethnic, sexual and religious acceptance/tolerance, and the importance of knowing the world around you. Hard to believe, maybe especially since the channel has fallen off in the past few years but MTV was smart enough to recognize their teenage audience and not only provide them an outlet but a place in which information, encouragement and relief could be found. That MTV no longer exists and that is sad and unfortunate. I think in the end I just want the return of the music videos. If video killed the radio star then who above video killed the video star. Maybe it was our lack of attention span in this media food chain that killed the video star? I don’t know, just speculating but if you haven't guessed I sure do miss the old days of MTV.

HealthCare - There Must Be A Better Way.

2008-09-10T13:12:00.000-04:00

A couple of weeks ago I was assisting in an operation that would allow air conditioning to cool my house. In with the new furnace and out with the old but the old furnace is rusty and heavy. Three large and burly men lift this old and rusty furnace to the back of a truck and in the process, I, this large and burly man (ha… ha) was cut and scratched. A tetanus shot was now needed. It had been years since my previous shot. I went to the local emergency room because I was not entirely sure of how to handle this situation because I did not have a tetanus shot on my person at the time.

So I go to the emergency room and they do the normal check up routine. My weight, height, blood pressure as they try to discover if anything else is ailing me. They ask for my degree of pain, from 1 to 10. I feel that a score of 2 is appropriate. I sit in a chair for a while. The nurse cleans my wounds and puts an antibiotic cream to prevent infection. The doctor would then administer the shot and then tell me that the emergency room trip was a little drastic because there is about a three day window from getting cut to needing a tetanus shot. Was I supposed to know this? Annoyed slightly, not by my lack of knowledge but by the condescending tone of my doctor. So other than my doctor being a prick, a professional that feels a tetanus shot is somehow beneath him, my rush with death or lockjaw was not horrible. I did not have to wait horribly long to get treatment. The nurse was friendly and polite and I did not have a co-pay. Yay.

In the end the clerk took my insurance card. Yes, I have insurance now. Six months ago this would have been a rough situation. She took my insurance as well as other information and I was good to go. No muss, no fuss.

Wait, not so easy. This week I got the bill. I thought I was fine. My insurance company sent me a notice suggesting that the matter was all cleared up. A portion of my insurance was taken out to cover the medical expense. Yes, the portion of my insurance covered 10% of the medical bill. The bill for one tetanus shot, a little bit of antibiotic cream and my blood pressure measurement costs just as much as three insurance payments.

So, the bill was $350. Yes, for a sad little part time retail employee this is a lot of money. I pay $110 monthly for my insurance plan. This is an insurance plan that was recommended to me in case of a serious accident or emergency. You never know what can happen this day and age. My insurance plan was also recommended for the scope of coverage and it’s low cost. If you are like me then you are thinking – I got screwed. To be honest I cannot really afford a better insurance plan. I cannot really afford to get more tetanus shots. Thank goodness this last shot will last me five more years. If you want to think of it this way… $70 per year to protect me from tetanus but that doesn’t make my wallet feel better or thicker.

Now, I might have had strep throat and because of this possibility, I reside between a rock and a hard place. Since visiting the doctor was so expensive I might find a better answer for my illness at Wal-Mart than a hospital. Is that right? Is it right that Wal-Mart might take better care of me than a hospital? 9 months ago I was ill with sore throat, body aches, fatigue and a fever. I was lacking health insurance and I had heard rumors of how well the clinic inside Wal-Marts benefit those who are ill. A visit to a Wal-Mart medical center cost me $28.

I am not saying that we need government or national healthcare even though maybe we do need government regulated health care. I am not saying that we need to completely retool or rework the healthcare system even though maybe we should. And I am not saying that health insurance is worthless even though I am. Something has to change.

When discussing the issue of national healthcare or government healthcare most people who don’t need it seem to scoff or believe that such a proposition is either absurd or a waste of time. “National healthcare doesn’t work,” they say. Why do people think this way? Why cannot health care be a careful balance between private and government insurance, aid and care? Why aren’t we doing all we can to improve a system that is clearly flawed? Next time you laugh at the proposal of national healthcare think about the millions of people that have it far worse than I do. I want you to laugh or ignore the 47 million without healthcare along with the many helpless children than cannot fight infection or disease. Laugh and scoff at those who do have healthcare but are suffering through more serious illness than a tetanus scare or strep throat and cannot afford constant care, prescription drugs or major surgery.

Maybe all this is my fault. My fault because I do not have a decent job that pays me well to afford quality healthcare. It is my fault because I do not have a job that offers me healthcare coverage. It is my fault because I don’t wash my hands enough or drink enough orange juice. It is my fault because I am not immune to every sickness or disease.

If all this is my fault because I squander opportunity then please tell that to the millions of Americans who squander their chances for better jobs and medical coverage. After all a majority of Americans have healthcare, the 1 out of 6 Americans struggling should take more responsibility for themselves by getting better jobs and accepting the flawed system that is currently in place. I am not that heartless though and I think a better system must be put in place.

So… in the end, can you look me in the eye and tell me that this system works or can there be something better? I think we can do better.

Is Michael Phelps the greatest Olympian of All Time?

2008-08-18T14:31:00.000-04:00

The Answer is – Probably. In his last two Olympics he has won 14 Gold medals, five more than the closest competition. At the age of 23 he has 16 medals combined, just three shy of the Olympic record for medals won. If hardware is the criteria for greatness than Phelps can easily be considered the top of the mountain, pick of the litter or (more appropriately) the crème de la crème.

Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympian ever!

Wait one minute, let me be the devil’s advocate here.

Michael Phelps is the greatest Olympic Swimmer ever!

How can one compare what someone does in the swimming pool to what another does on the tennis table or court, or the basketball court, the gymnasium or above water as opposed to in water. To swim in the Olympics allows multiple opportunities to win medals of any kind, as well as gymnastics and track and field. A basketball player or futbol player, fencer, sailor, weight lifter, etc and etc. does not have the gold medal chances that an elite swimmer has.

Aladar Gerevich was a member of the Hungarian sabre team that won gold in six straight Olympics. (1932, 1936, 1948, 1952, 1956 and 1960) A feat that could have been much more astonishing if the Second World War had not put the Olympics on pause in 1940 and 1944. Gerevich had also won an individual gold in 1948 for sabre. With the six Olympics that Gerevich participated, despite winning 10 medals had only the opportunity to win 18 medals. It is very possible to think that he was denied two if not three and maybe even four gold medals. Something also must be said for consistency. 28 years, Gerevich served as a member of a team that dominated the sport of fencing. In 1960, at the age of 50 he was considered by his own team too old to compete in the Rome Olympics but he challenged each member of the Hungarian squad to individual matches and defeated all of them. In 1960 he was defeated by one single touch, keeping him away from his second individual gold.

Birgit Fischer-Scmidt won 8 gold medals spanning from 1980 to 2004. First as representative for East Germany in the 1980 and 1988 Olympics then as a representative for a united Germany in 1992 thru 2004. Fischer won her 8 gold medals in 6 different canoeing events. It is possible to suggest that if the East Germans had not boycotted the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles Birgit might have won three more gold medals. She is the youngest canoeing champion at 18 as well as the oldest at the young age of 42.

Alfred Oerter won 4 straight gold medals in this discus throw. He along with Carl Lewis and Paul Elvstrom are the only athletes to compete in an event and win in four consecutive Olympics. Lewis won in the long jump and Elvstrom in sailing. Oerter, consistently plagued by injuries was never a favorite to win any of his medals. He competed in an Olympics shortly after an involvement in a car crash that nearly killed him. In 1968, at the top of his sport he stepped away only to return 12 years later just shy of qualifying for the Olympics. Oerter once said of the Olympics that, “The Olympics are unique. There is no job, no amount of power, no money to approach the meaning of the Olympic experience.”

There are 28 people that have won more than 10 medals at the Olympics. Some athletes like Jesse Owens were robbed of winning more medals than they were capable of earning because of politics or other circumstances beyond their individual power.

Michael Phelps is still young and might go down as the greatest Olympian ever but before such a mark is set, it might be important to acknowledge the splendor of the hundreds and thousands of athletes that have done there their part to make Olympic history.

Needles to say, I am very happy for Michael Phelps and look forward to the London Olympics in 2012.

I use a lot of oil... you use a lot of oil... america uses a lot of oil... i am not stopping, are you?

2008-07-31T22:35:00.001-04:00

according to the USA Today of a few days ago America, meaning the United States of America (founded in 1776) has only 5% of the world's population but is using about 25% of the world's oil, daily.

Yes, we are number 1!

so with this fact in mind I became bold and overconfident and I will continue to use oil. Yes, i carpool when the opportunity allows. Yes, i am thinking about purchasing a scooter, vespa or moped with the hopes that 60+ mpg will not only help the environment but my wallet.

I use oil and I use a lot of it. I believe in central air and heating, as well as other forms of accommodation. As an american, a member of the great superpower (or evil) am I not bestowed with the right to purchase oil thus using as much oil for my benefit. Yes, i do! I pay for gasoline to fuel my car and heat my house. I buy products made by oil and similar fuel resources. If I pay for it, should I feel guilty that I only leave 95% of the world with only 75% of the oil available? Am I being selfish? maybe. Am I being heartless? possibly. Am I wrong? megh.

I don't mind how much oil I use or how much OIL the United States of America (founded in 1776) uses, what I do mind is that we don't read about alternative fuels used. Maybe if Americans discovered that we only use 2% of the wind power available compared to (let's say) Egypt which uses 14% of the world's wind then maybe we would try harder at developing wind power. After all, America can not come third, second or fourth best to Egypt or any other country. Random thought - I want a statistic stating how much wind power exists if at all possible.

I don't know about you but I love statistics. I once read that 66% of statistics are made up and that could be true but when I read any statistic about oil consumption, baseball batting averages or Cosmo sex survey, I feel miles smarter.

I want to read a statistic stating how much of the energy used is provided by nuclear, wind, solar or pure sweat. (sweat = manual labor) Reading a statistic about how greedy we are doesn't do anything for my guilt reflex. USA Today should put a picture of poor children without shelter, without warm water on a broken bicycle next to the statistic if they want real guilt.

Maybe if people stopped reading about the amounts of oil used and start reading about the benefits of alternative fuel sources then the hesitation to use wind, solar, nuclear or manual labor might dissipate. I want more statistics. I want to read that of all the energy used in this country 2% of it is powered by wind, 8% by nuclear, 9% by coal and .5% by solar.

the United States is a greedy country that consumes more and more and more with no stop in sight. Tell me something I don't know. I do know is that the fair amount of comfort I have is brought on by the consumption of fuel and as much as I can do to conserve or promote green living is not going to change what I read in the papers or how many mpg my car allows.

I am not suggesting that green living is bad but there is a bias. People are resistant to change, naturally and we all must do our part to convince one another that the world must behave more properly and green is more proper. But how? I think once we start to focus on what we should be doing and what we aren't doing instead of all the bad that goes unnoticed then we can start making some changes. You aren't going to convince people to conserve or learn more about alternative fuel by telling them how much oil they use. It is like telling a hunter to stop hunting because he/she has killed too many animals when all you have done is state how much of an accomplished hunter he/she is.

but heck what do i know, i could be wrong but i might be right.

Extinction - I am not talking dinosaurs but more important things like Honeybees... and yellow pages.

2008-07-16T22:54:00.000-04:00

I was online checking my email (on AOL) and I was caught by one of their headlines, which was 25 Things That Won’t Exist.

In the near future there are 25 things (at least) that will no longer be part of the American imagination. Some of these things don’t really matter like pit toilets and the yellow pages. I think as a nation we would want people to have indoor plumbing and have little problems with the amount of trees and recycled paper used to make phone books. These days you can easily look up phone numbers online or use a magic three-digit number, 411. Along with phone books other forms of paper materials are vanishing such as want ads, news magazines, checks and hand written letters. I think the best thing to do is blame the Internet. The Internet is killing the use of paper and killing social interaction. Yes, I can pay my bills electronically. Yes, I can read the want adds online or use Monster.com. Yes, I can read CNN, ESPN and the countless blogs without having to pay 50 cents per day or yell at the delivery kid that cannot throw the paper on my front porch. Yes, I can write an email or a facebook message and not worry about stamps, mail delays and incompetent mail employees. Yes, I can live my whole life and never leave my house because of the Internet.

Sure I could care less about losing dial up Internet connections or Analog TV. Losing the VCR means nothing to me as long as the DVD transfer is of high quality. Blockbuster and other video rental places are fading as well. Sure that means the loss of thousands of jobs but you can rent as many movies as you want for just 5 bucks using Netflix – hot dam! Sure you might not have a job but maybe you can spare 5 bucks a month for some awesome entertainment and if that doesn’t make you feel better about losing the minimum wage job helping you stay afloat or so you can save to buy your first car then I don’t know what will.

A lot of things on this list (kind of) don’t matter. Sure some of them have a tremendous amount of nostalgia such as drive-in movie theaters and hand written letters. The drive-in lost a lot of appeal after cars switch to individual seats over bench seats and when huge multiplexes with air conditioning and heating were created. I blame the lack of bench seats in automobiles because the best part of a drive-in isn’t the just the movie but the blanket and the company you share underneath it. And a hand written letter, stamped and delivered is more personal, romantic and/or unique than an email will ever be.

Who needs landline phones when everyone on the planet has a cell phone? I am concerned about the loss of the HAM radio. I am concerned because what will the world do when aliens attack and we lose all control of satellite and digital communication or when zombies walk the earth and vampires appear in daylight? Soon there will be no more answering machines, cameras that use film or incandescent light bulbs. The loss of much of these things could be seen miles and miles away by any reasonably intelligent person.

When reading this list I actually become concerned about five things. First, the Chesapeake Bay Blue Crabs. The sustainable population is about 200 million and the existing population falls short by 40%. Who is to blame for the vanishing population of this delicious treat? We are, not me, but I mean society. Over fishing, global warming and invasive species is killing this industry. Good eats, fisherman and restaurant owners should fear this downfall.

Second is the Ash tree. In the late 1990’s a species of beetle, known as the emerald ash borer snuck into North America via ash wood products imported from eastern Asia. Since its larvae has killed millions of trees in the Midwest and nothing seems to be stopping the ecological destruction. The loss of a native species like the Ash tree can be seen as nothing short of an environmental disaster with far-reaching effects on the entire ecosystem. The emerald ash borer is not just causing havoc in parks and forests but it is also having a significant economic and industrial effect. In the U.S. Ash is a strong and highly resilient hardwood. It is used for guitars, tool handles, sports equipment and office furniture.

Third, wild horses are vanishing from the American plains. I may not have grown up in during the wild, wild west or when the western was one of the dominant art forms on the silver screen but the cowboy on his trusty steed roaming the country proud and free is an image that should never be removed from the American picture book. In the early 20^th century it was estimated that around two million horses roamed the United States but as of 2001 the National Geographic News suggested about 50,000 horses remain.

The numbers according to the National Horse and Burro Advisory are much worse estimating that there are only 32,000 wild horses remaining. So yes, the wild horses are vanishing. Isn’t it sad? Yes of course it is sad? But the United States government is not sad, as the Bureau of Land Management is seeking to limit the number of wild horses roaming the country to 27,000. The government, using euthanasia to control the wild horse population is afraid of the overpopulation of wild horses on public lands. Believe it or not, millions of dollars is spent on controlling the population of wild horses by keeping them in holding facilities. Doesn’t reading all of this make the story much sadder? Yes, of course it sadder. The U.S. government can claim this dark victory over Mother Nature. If any of this makes sense to you then feel free to explain it to me because I cannot see the harm of wild horses running free except for the occasional driver not being careful on a dark highway road. I don’t know, hopefully horses are smarter than deer.

But what can be worse than ash trees, crabs and wild horses? The honeybee! In the past few years 50 - 90 percent of honeybee colonies have collapsed. Why? It is called CCD or as bee people like myself refer to it as Colony Collapse Disorder. If you have seen the ecological thriller/comedy starring Jerry Seinfeld, Bee Movie, you would have learned that bees are not only essential to making honey but are also essential to fruit and flower pollination. Plus, what else is going to roast my Cheerios?

Last but not least and in all actuality the most problematic one is the loss of the Family Farm. Since the 1930’s family farms have been on the decline. The USDA estimates that in the 50’s, 5.3 million farms dotted the American landscape but according to numbers published in 2003 that number has been reduced by over 3 million. Much has been written about the plight of the American family farmer. Best selling novels and even a music festival create opportunities to spread the word about the deprivation of a truly noble profession. With some stories reporting that 330 farm workers along with their families are put on the street weekly and that can be seem as nothing but tragic and problematic.

How do we solve these problems, I don’t know but I wish I did and could solve them. Oh well so goes life and so goes any amount of humanity.

a personal note - marriage and my best wishes.

2008-07-15T19:34:00.000-04:00

This weekend a child hood friend is getting married, for the first and hopefully the only time. My friend, who I have known for over 20 years, is about to take the great step of devotion. It is also a great step of love and maturity but for some reason I choose to put devotion first instead of love.

As time passes I wonder if marriage is in the cards for me. Something I rarely thought about at the age of 20 but now at the age of 25 I find myself for some reason thinking about marriage and a family life more often. At 20 years old I was not ready for marriage and much could be said about me at my current age.

Am I thinking about marriage because many of my childhood, high school and college friends are making the big step towards a life I so desire? There is also a growing population of friends who are married and have been married for quite some time. Yes, I am single and I have single friends and enjoy my life but I have never let go of the illusion and the possible reality that marriage, a happy marriage is true bliss. To find someone that believes in you, pushes you, wants you, needs and cares for you is a gift unlike any other. I have my own ideas of what a true and wonderful wife would be like and some might share these sentiments while others not. I simply long for a good friend, the best of friends. I have been accused of being a romantic but failing to live up to the title and I still believe in many if not all of the romantic ideals of marriage.

A year ago, I thought I would be taking steps towards marriage and a life I so desperately wanted. I had, who I thought was the right girl. I had my life in order, more so than it had ever been and did I mention I had the right girl? In the end it is who you marry that truly matters and why you choose to marry. Things were lining up for ol’ Alejo Ramirez. But time passes and the right girl was not the right girl at all and marriage hopes and proposals became nothing more than a fantasy and the realities of other friends, enemies, and former lovers. I even wrote a rough draft of wedding vows before the notion of marriage had even been muttered. Sad - yeah, kind of.

It is amazing how life changes. Those unexpected turns down the road of life and the jabs life throws at you. I am man that is willing to wait till the time is right, the girl is right and until I am ready for marriage but that doesn’t mean that my heart isn’t filled with a small dose of jealousy or a gigantic ocean of it.

In a day and age when many marriages end in divorce, something like 57% I can do nothing but admire anyone who decides that one person is the person for the rest of their life. They do not make that decision once or twice, as in the day of the proposal or the day of their vows but they will make that decision (hopefully) every day for the rest of their lives.

I cannot give advice about what makes a good marriage because I am not married and as clichéd as this might sound, maybe each marriage is like an individual snowflake or the drops of rain that fall on your bare skin. Marriage is quite simply, unique.

I wish my friend the best. My buddy Dave is a truly good person. I think we tend to throw out too many different adjectives at the people we know and like… funny, sweet, ridiculous, intelligent, sexy, whatever. I simply want to say that my friend is a good man. Dave is a good man in a day and age when good, truly good people are hard to find. I don’t know if I need to say anything else except truly emphasize good in a day and age when any positive comes at a premium.

Goodluck Dave and Jennifer.