Nothing is harder than seeing an idol to be just a mere human or maybe just not as you thought. Beyond that, we all get older...so do our heroes. They crumble just as we do. Why does it bother us? It just reminds us of our own mortality.
When our legends fall into the sea, where else will we go? If they cannot remain as they were, how can we? We're all just people though. Our heroes aren't any better than us. The need for them to be is just a way for us to deal with the shortcomings we perceive in our own lives.
Friday, July 31, 2009
To have, to have not?
There are those that have and those who wish they did. Coveting someone else's shit has been a problem for so long, it's in the bible.
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that thy neighbor's."
First off, most folks have no idea what coveting is. Wanting what you don't have...but in an improper way? There are so many problems with this commandment. First off, wanting what someone else has is fine. It makes you strive for more! Don't steal it but sure covet it like crazy.
Secondly, you like how the wife is equivalent to the servants or an ox or an ass? And apparently it's cool to have servants but you can't want someone else's. Get your own damn slaves!!!
Also, the house comes BEFORE the wife and the rest. There is a clear pecking order. I am a little surprised that the ox isn't first. Hmmmm...
Ok so maybe the point is you can't even THINK about someone's shit. The problem is that there are people who have shit and others that don't. Yet we're going to expect them to not even think about having someone else's way of life, right down to the 4 cars in the garage? Sorry that's not gonna happen.
The problem is that like most things allegedly Christian, there is a bizarre dichotomy at work. They can quote the bible but have a fuck of a time FOLLOWING it. This commandment is an example of it as are most commandments. "Thou shalt not kill." Well I am guessing we all kill. The Christians who love the second amendment love to kill.
So which is it? Who knows. In all this confusion, I've lost my point. I don't have a problem with people believing in God or Buddha or whatever. The problem is don't push it on me and don't justify it with zero credibility. We have too many people dying because of some crazed Religious belief. Now we have people going without and they can't even COVET what I have? I don't mind them coveting, just don't steal it. "Thou shalt not steal." That one makes sense...but we all do it anyway.
I guess there is the real issue. We have our laws, beliefs or whatever, but we can't even follow them ourselves. Look, I admit I cannot follow direction. I suck at it. I hate authority. So I am not going to even bother saying I am something I am not. Maybe that's the point? "Thou shalt be real."
"Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that thy neighbor's."
First off, most folks have no idea what coveting is. Wanting what you don't have...but in an improper way? There are so many problems with this commandment. First off, wanting what someone else has is fine. It makes you strive for more! Don't steal it but sure covet it like crazy.
Secondly, you like how the wife is equivalent to the servants or an ox or an ass? And apparently it's cool to have servants but you can't want someone else's. Get your own damn slaves!!!
Also, the house comes BEFORE the wife and the rest. There is a clear pecking order. I am a little surprised that the ox isn't first. Hmmmm...
Ok so maybe the point is you can't even THINK about someone's shit. The problem is that there are people who have shit and others that don't. Yet we're going to expect them to not even think about having someone else's way of life, right down to the 4 cars in the garage? Sorry that's not gonna happen.
The problem is that like most things allegedly Christian, there is a bizarre dichotomy at work. They can quote the bible but have a fuck of a time FOLLOWING it. This commandment is an example of it as are most commandments. "Thou shalt not kill." Well I am guessing we all kill. The Christians who love the second amendment love to kill.
So which is it? Who knows. In all this confusion, I've lost my point. I don't have a problem with people believing in God or Buddha or whatever. The problem is don't push it on me and don't justify it with zero credibility. We have too many people dying because of some crazed Religious belief. Now we have people going without and they can't even COVET what I have? I don't mind them coveting, just don't steal it. "Thou shalt not steal." That one makes sense...but we all do it anyway.
I guess there is the real issue. We have our laws, beliefs or whatever, but we can't even follow them ourselves. Look, I admit I cannot follow direction. I suck at it. I hate authority. So I am not going to even bother saying I am something I am not. Maybe that's the point? "Thou shalt be real."
Thursday, July 30, 2009
I want you to want...me
I could blog about Cheap Trick but this is not that blog. We all want to be wanted. I've been very lucky to have had a good career in which I have been wanted. I guess I forgot it. The last 9 years have been a ride. The same job position but with different companies.
A company that started from nothing had faith in me. The merger. They had faith in me over someone else, who was well liked. Reporting to a boss who knew and liked the other person and yet, had faith in me and still does. Sold to another company. Good faith. Left for another company and was so well though of...I came back. Wow.
You can easily forget your own importance unless you look back. It's a good idea to examine things. You'd be surprised at your own importance I think.
A company that started from nothing had faith in me. The merger. They had faith in me over someone else, who was well liked. Reporting to a boss who knew and liked the other person and yet, had faith in me and still does. Sold to another company. Good faith. Left for another company and was so well though of...I came back. Wow.
You can easily forget your own importance unless you look back. It's a good idea to examine things. You'd be surprised at your own importance I think.
When did it become okay to be a douchebag?
Seriously. When did it become acceptable for people to just be morons and rude to other people? Rather than be helpful, it's somehow better to just be a total douchebag. Is that supposed to be funny maybe? Bad news. It isn't funny. It's pathetic. It's also really fucking sad. That's your whole existence? Wow. Good luck.
Racism is alive and well, Glenn Beck proves it
America's Got Talent proves it. Asshats like Glenn Beck prove it. The bottom line is racism is alive and well in America, as strong as ever. America's Got Talent picks white contestants over contestants of different races who are vastly more talented. It's sad and even amazing to see it happen over and over again.
Morons like Glenn Beck are the other side of it. He called the President of this country racist. A man whose mother is white...he supposed hates whites according to Beck. Seriously? Why is this fuckstick not locked up for slander??? At the very least, those shitbags at Fixed News shouldn't allow that garbage on the air. But you see conservatives don't care, they embrace hatred. And that is your proof.
Morons like Glenn Beck are the other side of it. He called the President of this country racist. A man whose mother is white...he supposed hates whites according to Beck. Seriously? Why is this fuckstick not locked up for slander??? At the very least, those shitbags at Fixed News shouldn't allow that garbage on the air. But you see conservatives don't care, they embrace hatred. And that is your proof.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The worst part of it
The stress test wasn't bad. The problem was the lack of caffeine. I wound up with a fucking headache and walking fast on a treadmill just made said headache THROB. I could have gone harder on it but I didn't want my head exploding like that guy in the movie "Scanners". It's weird to think I got 2 injections of some radioactive goo. I'll have to see if I glow in the dark.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
I wonder
Will I glow in the dark after the nuclear stress test tomorrow? Will it feel like a warm feeling going through me? How much am I really gonna have to work out? And finally is it really something wrong or just another unexplained phenomenon? Which would I rather have? Is it better know what's really wrong if it's nothing you can fix? Does it matter? Did I actually post a blog with all questions?
Getting off the bandwagon
We hear the term "jumping on the bandwagon" alot which of course means going with whatever is popular. I've never been the type to do that. In fact, my problems are always when should I jump OFF the bandwagon. This happens alot with music.
I will get into a band early on and love what's going on. Sometimes these bands actually become popular. Fortunately, the ones I like tend not to get all that huge. But when I am enjoying someone who is more "mainstream", it can happen. So what goes wrong?
I am not so snooty that I absolutely will jump off the bandwagon each time a band gets popular or "sells out" but it happens. Tool is a band that I was into back when "Undertow" came out. Since I was working at a record store, I actually got the promo before that album started to sell. Through the years eventhough they've gotten bigger and bigger, I think Tool has maintained the quality of their music and their artistic integrity at the same time. Not everything has been great, but overall it has.
Then there is bands like Coldplay and Keane. Both bands are similar. Piano based pop bands. Coldplay is huge and Keane is doing fine for themselves. I got into the first Coldplay album and LIKED it...not love but like. Their second album still is a great album. The problem for me started on the third one where things got boring quickly. Then they tried experimenting with their latest one which sounded silly to me. Time to get off that bandwagon. They just got bigger and bigger. Didn't make much sense to me though. Add in that they ripped off Joe Satriani, Coldplay is over for me.
Keane followed a similar path. Their first album was excellent, second album not nearly as good, and third album is this odd experiment with bad dance music. Sorry boys, I am off that bandwagon too. Yikes! I think my problem is that bands who are more mainstream either get stale and bore me or do something fucking stupid to alienate me. Never fails. Very weird. Either way, they make it easy to jump off the bandwagon.
I will get into a band early on and love what's going on. Sometimes these bands actually become popular. Fortunately, the ones I like tend not to get all that huge. But when I am enjoying someone who is more "mainstream", it can happen. So what goes wrong?
I am not so snooty that I absolutely will jump off the bandwagon each time a band gets popular or "sells out" but it happens. Tool is a band that I was into back when "Undertow" came out. Since I was working at a record store, I actually got the promo before that album started to sell. Through the years eventhough they've gotten bigger and bigger, I think Tool has maintained the quality of their music and their artistic integrity at the same time. Not everything has been great, but overall it has.
Then there is bands like Coldplay and Keane. Both bands are similar. Piano based pop bands. Coldplay is huge and Keane is doing fine for themselves. I got into the first Coldplay album and LIKED it...not love but like. Their second album still is a great album. The problem for me started on the third one where things got boring quickly. Then they tried experimenting with their latest one which sounded silly to me. Time to get off that bandwagon. They just got bigger and bigger. Didn't make much sense to me though. Add in that they ripped off Joe Satriani, Coldplay is over for me.
Keane followed a similar path. Their first album was excellent, second album not nearly as good, and third album is this odd experiment with bad dance music. Sorry boys, I am off that bandwagon too. Yikes! I think my problem is that bands who are more mainstream either get stale and bore me or do something fucking stupid to alienate me. Never fails. Very weird. Either way, they make it easy to jump off the bandwagon.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Testing 1, 2, 3
I am not one to quote the Bible. To me, it's inspirational fiction which isn't a bad thing until it's enforced as law or taken out of context. But what about that guy Job? Remember him? God was a total dick to him. Boils and alot of other shit to test him. Job never said "what the fuck?" Yet we get tested and how do we respond to it?
Stress test?
Ok today wasn't the nuclear stress test but it still was a stress test. Luckily there is nothing wrong so we don't know why she felt weird. I can relate though.
The fight for freedom
It's interesting how different conservatives and liberals approach the freedoms brought up in the Constitution of the US. Freedom is fine for both with exceptions.
The first amendment. Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Conservatives love freedom of religion, only if it's THEIR religion. Same goes for free press. They are against freedom of expression. Liberals? We are good with all 3.
The second amendment. The right to bear arms. Conservatives? The NRA, enough said. Liberals don't like this one at all. We'd like to add some exceptions. Conservatives say Liberals want to do away with it, but that's more propaganda.
I am not going to go through each one. The problems seem to be with the older amendments. The "newer" ones are a little easier to agree on. Slavery was abolished, Amendment 18 was repealed (who in their right mind hates liquor and the cash it generates???), and many others.
I find it interesting that we can look at the same document and take different meanings from it. I think the founding fathers would be amazed that we still try to follow it. These were fairly progressive minds for the day, when you consider everything that they accomplished. I think they'd allow us to adapt or change it as we needed to. But I think we'd all rather argue about it!
The first amendment. Freedom of Religion, Press, Expression. Conservatives love freedom of religion, only if it's THEIR religion. Same goes for free press. They are against freedom of expression. Liberals? We are good with all 3.
The second amendment. The right to bear arms. Conservatives? The NRA, enough said. Liberals don't like this one at all. We'd like to add some exceptions. Conservatives say Liberals want to do away with it, but that's more propaganda.
I am not going to go through each one. The problems seem to be with the older amendments. The "newer" ones are a little easier to agree on. Slavery was abolished, Amendment 18 was repealed (who in their right mind hates liquor and the cash it generates???), and many others.
I find it interesting that we can look at the same document and take different meanings from it. I think the founding fathers would be amazed that we still try to follow it. These were fairly progressive minds for the day, when you consider everything that they accomplished. I think they'd allow us to adapt or change it as we needed to. But I think we'd all rather argue about it!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Dream Theater - Black Clouds & Silver Linings: The Stem Mixes
Part of the deluxe edition package of the new Dream Theater album is the fourth disc which contains isolated tracks for each song on the album. Basically this allows you to create your own mix for each song. It turns out this makes the album so much better!
I reviewed the album and had some problems with it, but overall I do like it. Well, with the ability to eliminate the ham-fisted, lunkheaded vocals of Mike Portnoy on 2 tracks and being able to bring out the bass guitar and even the keyboards...this album actually does kick ass. The stem mixes also do not include the silly sound effects that clutter the album mix. This is great because they aren't needed and you can hear more nuances with them gone.
The lyrics still might not be the best they've done but with a better balance and cleaner mixing, you aren't sitting there dwelling on the merits of the lyrics. Also without Portnoy's pseudo growls ("A Nightmare To Remember") and spoken word parts ("The Shattered Fortress"), not only do you NOT have to CRINGE but you can hear some really cool instrumental breaks instead.
It took me three mixes before I really had the balance I wanted. I might still tweak some of them but overall these mixes I did are vastly better than the album versions. I could really go nuts with them, I still might! Look out for a techno remix! Well okay maybe not. Hopefully people paid the steep price and got the deluxe edition. I wish they did this for their other albums!
I reviewed the album and had some problems with it, but overall I do like it. Well, with the ability to eliminate the ham-fisted, lunkheaded vocals of Mike Portnoy on 2 tracks and being able to bring out the bass guitar and even the keyboards...this album actually does kick ass. The stem mixes also do not include the silly sound effects that clutter the album mix. This is great because they aren't needed and you can hear more nuances with them gone.
The lyrics still might not be the best they've done but with a better balance and cleaner mixing, you aren't sitting there dwelling on the merits of the lyrics. Also without Portnoy's pseudo growls ("A Nightmare To Remember") and spoken word parts ("The Shattered Fortress"), not only do you NOT have to CRINGE but you can hear some really cool instrumental breaks instead.
It took me three mixes before I really had the balance I wanted. I might still tweak some of them but overall these mixes I did are vastly better than the album versions. I could really go nuts with them, I still might! Look out for a techno remix! Well okay maybe not. Hopefully people paid the steep price and got the deluxe edition. I wish they did this for their other albums!
Who knows
This whole "health issue"...well I don't know what to even call it. It's just all about soreness, aches and such which tend to move about. This is nothing new though. In fact, the whole reason I started this blog way back in...2002...2003...one of those, was to track my health at the time. Icepick headaches were the order of the day then. Now they weren't even traditional icepick headaches but rather pain that moved around my head and was gone almost as quickly as it came. Strange indeed. So this shit here, I tend to think of it in the same bizarro bucket. More oddness that I probably won't get a clear cut answer on but I will look for one anyway.
Friday, July 24, 2009
The heart and the EKG
I haven't felt well the last few days and saw the doctor. I had an EKG (4th one I believe) and for the first time it wasn't clean. Could be nothing or something minor. In any case, I get to have a "nuclear stress test" which means I get to glow in the dark for a day, I think.
I've learned it's so important to understand your body and how you feel. I've felt off for 2 days so I am glad I went in. I am also very glad that I am having the test. Even if there is something, better to find it than let it fester.
So why do I have an irregular heartbeat? Tune in next week and find out. Same bat time, same bat channel.
I've learned it's so important to understand your body and how you feel. I've felt off for 2 days so I am glad I went in. I am also very glad that I am having the test. Even if there is something, better to find it than let it fester.
So why do I have an irregular heartbeat? Tune in next week and find out. Same bat time, same bat channel.
Fair and balanced?
I am often surprised at just how ridiculous the Republican party is. I am not going into this too much but how can people be so fucking out of touch? They make their careers on cock blocking. That's it. The whole strategy is to piss on real ideas and have no plan of their own. Remember the last 8 years? Exactly.
And don't even start me on Fixed News. Fair and balanced? Those asshats at Fox don't even cover PRESIDENTIAL press conferences! How the fuck are you even a real news station?? You aren't...that's right.
And don't even start me on Fixed News. Fair and balanced? Those asshats at Fox don't even cover PRESIDENTIAL press conferences! How the fuck are you even a real news station?? You aren't...that's right.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Let's go to our expert...
You gotta love these interviews on TV with alleged experts. These asshats are usually more concerned with the fact that they are an expert rather than being able to prove the shit they are saying is actually true or even interesting. There's always one "insider" who just knows shit that no one else does. Odds are this person is just making shit up. But whatever, we interview them anyway and give them face time.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Jesus says it's okay to surrender
"Christ, what have you done?" In considering those words in a very different way, it looks and sounds like Christ is being asked a question. "No salutes for your surrender." So Jesus turned the other cheek, and basically made a life of it, albeit for just 30 odd years. The problem with continually turning the other cheek is that sooner or later, they crucify you.
Being a pacifist is one thing, but rolling over and literally dying is another. Suicide is basically the ultimate act of giving up and thus it could be an act of surrender. Granted your average suicide is a violent act so that does argue against it. But it still seems like there is some twisted "honor in death."
The problem is there is no coming back. Christ was apparently the last person to rise from the dead, if you believe that. So it tends not to happen. The real question is, who declared Jesus as being dead and could that have been wrong. Odds are, given the time (BC), a mistake could have been made.
The thing that gets me is that surrender is NOT okay. It's not okay to just roll over and let them nail you to a cross, for any reason. "Jesus died for your sins." How? How is death involved in redemption? It isn't! Death is not a rebirth. At the very extreme, it COULD be a transition but there is no proof of that either.
So, until someone comes back from the dead and we all see it, I think we all need to fight to survive and never surrender. Living each day for what it is. If there is a heaven and/or a hell, I am sure we all have a place, but someone being a martyr is not the reason for that.
Being a pacifist is one thing, but rolling over and literally dying is another. Suicide is basically the ultimate act of giving up and thus it could be an act of surrender. Granted your average suicide is a violent act so that does argue against it. But it still seems like there is some twisted "honor in death."
The problem is there is no coming back. Christ was apparently the last person to rise from the dead, if you believe that. So it tends not to happen. The real question is, who declared Jesus as being dead and could that have been wrong. Odds are, given the time (BC), a mistake could have been made.
The thing that gets me is that surrender is NOT okay. It's not okay to just roll over and let them nail you to a cross, for any reason. "Jesus died for your sins." How? How is death involved in redemption? It isn't! Death is not a rebirth. At the very extreme, it COULD be a transition but there is no proof of that either.
So, until someone comes back from the dead and we all see it, I think we all need to fight to survive and never surrender. Living each day for what it is. If there is a heaven and/or a hell, I am sure we all have a place, but someone being a martyr is not the reason for that.
1989: remembering the past through music
1989. 20 years ago. It's amazing that it's been 20 years now! It really doesn't seem like all that long ago. "Summerland, you're finally getting old."
Back in 1989, I was working for a department store as an assistant store manager, in my early 20s and could do no wrong. Well, I did listen to some bad music! But I listened to just as much good music. Alot of which I still listen to as I have come to realize.
Today, I've gone back into the archives for music from 1989 with the emphasis on stuff I actually bought in 1989. First up is the album that changed my life completely. King's X released their second album "Gretchen Goes To Nebraska" in 1989 and I read an article in Rolling Stone saying how great the album was. I went out and bought it there and then. I was blown away. So blown away that I joined a bulletin board on Prodigy (remember them?) about King's X. That was a year later when I responded to a thread from some woman in Seattle. She seemed nice. All these years later, my wife is more than nice, she is amazing.
1989 was also the last time Ace Frehley released a solo album. Well, Ace is releasing one this year...20 years after "Trouble Walkin'"! Jeff Beck released "Guitar Shop" which might be my favorite instrumental album ever. I even learned to play the lick from the song "Where Were You". Turns out Beck used a whammy bar to play it. I can play it without one which I am proud of.
I listened to some progressive rock in 1989 too. Fear not. Rush had "Presto" and Yes released an album in the form of Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe. I loved both albums then and still do to this day. Trevor Rabin even released a solo album which sounded like a lost 80s era Yes album.
There was stuff that I SHOULD have listened to but missed the boat on at the time. Marillion, Voivod and of course the debut from some band called Dream Theater. I was cool enough to buy "Images And Words" the week it came out at least!
1989 was the last time my Oakland A's won a World Series title. I remember buying Kiss' "Hot In The Shade" (which I thought kinda sucked, especially compared to Ace's album) on October 17th, 1989. I went home to watch game three of the World Series and it wasn't on TV. What happened?? The earthquake.
So the year is certainly one I remember very well. Sometimes years blend together. For me, 1989 doesn't do that. It stands on its own.
Back in 1989, I was working for a department store as an assistant store manager, in my early 20s and could do no wrong. Well, I did listen to some bad music! But I listened to just as much good music. Alot of which I still listen to as I have come to realize.
Today, I've gone back into the archives for music from 1989 with the emphasis on stuff I actually bought in 1989. First up is the album that changed my life completely. King's X released their second album "Gretchen Goes To Nebraska" in 1989 and I read an article in Rolling Stone saying how great the album was. I went out and bought it there and then. I was blown away. So blown away that I joined a bulletin board on Prodigy (remember them?) about King's X. That was a year later when I responded to a thread from some woman in Seattle. She seemed nice. All these years later, my wife is more than nice, she is amazing.
1989 was also the last time Ace Frehley released a solo album. Well, Ace is releasing one this year...20 years after "Trouble Walkin'"! Jeff Beck released "Guitar Shop" which might be my favorite instrumental album ever. I even learned to play the lick from the song "Where Were You". Turns out Beck used a whammy bar to play it. I can play it without one which I am proud of.
I listened to some progressive rock in 1989 too. Fear not. Rush had "Presto" and Yes released an album in the form of Anderson, Bruford, Wakeman, Howe. I loved both albums then and still do to this day. Trevor Rabin even released a solo album which sounded like a lost 80s era Yes album.
There was stuff that I SHOULD have listened to but missed the boat on at the time. Marillion, Voivod and of course the debut from some band called Dream Theater. I was cool enough to buy "Images And Words" the week it came out at least!
1989 was the last time my Oakland A's won a World Series title. I remember buying Kiss' "Hot In The Shade" (which I thought kinda sucked, especially compared to Ace's album) on October 17th, 1989. I went home to watch game three of the World Series and it wasn't on TV. What happened?? The earthquake.
So the year is certainly one I remember very well. Sometimes years blend together. For me, 1989 doesn't do that. It stands on its own.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Ignorance may be bliss but it's also sad...
It's amazing how many people haven't a clue. With the widespread proliferation of blogging, everyone has an opinion which they are most certainly entitled to and own. The problem is when folks open their minds to blog (or tweet or whatever), you get to find out more than you might want to know about them!
This includes my own ramblings which I've never expected anyone to agree with or even bother reading. The problem is people either don't care what they say or just haven't a clue about it. You can almost smell the ignorance. I think I need to start posting my blogs with a disclaimer. I really hope that people don't take everything I say (opinion wise) to heart.
It's one thing to offer advice regarding life experiences. That always comes with a "take it or file it" offer from me. But when it comes to beliefs of any kind or just anything that could and will offend someone, well folks, I don't present it as some profound statement. I struggle just to be clever.
Ignorance just breeds ignorance it would seem. The more people out there who think their shit doesn't stink or that their profile pic makes them look cool...eh, you just get more of em. I could try not to read or look but you can't escape it anymore! It's quite amazing really.
In conclusion, there is no conclusion!
This includes my own ramblings which I've never expected anyone to agree with or even bother reading. The problem is people either don't care what they say or just haven't a clue about it. You can almost smell the ignorance. I think I need to start posting my blogs with a disclaimer. I really hope that people don't take everything I say (opinion wise) to heart.
It's one thing to offer advice regarding life experiences. That always comes with a "take it or file it" offer from me. But when it comes to beliefs of any kind or just anything that could and will offend someone, well folks, I don't present it as some profound statement. I struggle just to be clever.
Ignorance just breeds ignorance it would seem. The more people out there who think their shit doesn't stink or that their profile pic makes them look cool...eh, you just get more of em. I could try not to read or look but you can't escape it anymore! It's quite amazing really.
In conclusion, there is no conclusion!
Jupiter
We are lucky that the planet Jupiter exists. Odds are that Earth would be vastly different. Jupiter is like the big brother, the protector. The huge planet takes care of large objects which could hit us.
For example, the comet that apparently left a huge mark on Jupiter, that would have been the end of Earth if it hits us. So much happens in this galaxy that we don't even realize. The delicate balance that allows our existence. Thank your God, your false idol, the Sun, whomever you worship. We're lucky.
For example, the comet that apparently left a huge mark on Jupiter, that would have been the end of Earth if it hits us. So much happens in this galaxy that we don't even realize. The delicate balance that allows our existence. Thank your God, your false idol, the Sun, whomever you worship. We're lucky.
Monday, July 20, 2009
John Odom, the minor leaguer traded for bats
There's an ongoing joke when a player isn't doing well, a fan will say they should trade him for a bag of dirt or something like that. John Odom was traded for 10 bats. The story was that he was an up and coming pitcher in the Giants system until injuries and then his own demons forced the Giants to waive him.
A minor league team then tried to deal him to a Canadian team but Odom couldn't get across the border so the Canadian team worked a deal out with a Texas team for which they would get 10 bats ($665 total) in exchange for Odom. The taunts against Odom were pretty rough and eventually he quit the game.
Odom couldn't hold a steady job and was found dead of an overdose last November. The gag of being dealt for bats brought back his demons. This is a real tragedy and one that no one, including myself, really knows about. That makes it even more sad I guess.
A minor league team then tried to deal him to a Canadian team but Odom couldn't get across the border so the Canadian team worked a deal out with a Texas team for which they would get 10 bats ($665 total) in exchange for Odom. The taunts against Odom were pretty rough and eventually he quit the game.
Odom couldn't hold a steady job and was found dead of an overdose last November. The gag of being dealt for bats brought back his demons. This is a real tragedy and one that no one, including myself, really knows about. That makes it even more sad I guess.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
The moth and the flame
The most dangerous relationship of all is the moth and the flame. The flame doesn't care that the moth NEEDS it. It always ends poorly for the moth. Why does the flame always attract the moth? Why does the moth have to respond to the flame?
Evolution should have come along for the moth and allowed it to understand that the flame is bad for it. A friend of mine wondered why she attracted the same type of men. But is it that cut and dry, moth to the flame? Is there no choices? There are choices for us all.
The sameness doesn't hold true. All men are not moths, yet some indeed are and will fall to flame. Maybe though it goes both ways. We each are a little of the moth and a little of the flame. It's understanding each other that prevents us from getting burned by each other. We are drawn to each other and if it is one sided like the moth and the flame...it won't end well.
Evolution should have come along for the moth and allowed it to understand that the flame is bad for it. A friend of mine wondered why she attracted the same type of men. But is it that cut and dry, moth to the flame? Is there no choices? There are choices for us all.
The sameness doesn't hold true. All men are not moths, yet some indeed are and will fall to flame. Maybe though it goes both ways. We each are a little of the moth and a little of the flame. It's understanding each other that prevents us from getting burned by each other. We are drawn to each other and if it is one sided like the moth and the flame...it won't end well.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
The education of me
I've always loved music but I never really was exposed to enough. My mother was into country as I was growing up and my father hated music. So I just did the best I could with little-to-no money and LOUSY local radio stations. PYX106 wasn't until 1980, folks.
So I had nothing. And really, I listened to anything I heard most of which was bad. Over the years, I opened up more and more. The real difference for me was my wife. She was exposed to so much music and after we met she encouraged me to listen to alot of different stuff. My eyes (ears?) were open.
So I find my own taste always growing, shifting and changing. It's a good thing. I still love the shit I listened to back in the day. But there is more, so so much more. And that is awesome. I love discovering. So cool. Thanks to a wife who is wise and patient.
So I had nothing. And really, I listened to anything I heard most of which was bad. Over the years, I opened up more and more. The real difference for me was my wife. She was exposed to so much music and after we met she encouraged me to listen to alot of different stuff. My eyes (ears?) were open.
So I find my own taste always growing, shifting and changing. It's a good thing. I still love the shit I listened to back in the day. But there is more, so so much more. And that is awesome. I love discovering. So cool. Thanks to a wife who is wise and patient.
Friday, July 17, 2009
The new day dawning...
I've mentioned before about finding oneself. Nothing feels better. The hardest thing cane be reclaiming who you used to be. It's very hard when you've lost that which is your own essence. But it's really easy to lose it.
You come to that fork in the road and choose a path that seems right. Once on it, you feel you've made your choice so regardless, you stay with it. At some point, you've lost your way and in the process, you've lost some of yourself.
You can't turn back but you can change direction. You can choose. You choose how you think. You choose how you react. When people lose themselves, it's due to feeling they don't have control over who they are. But we do.
The problem is we're under the assumption that life dictates to us when in fact it's the other way around. We decide who we are. If we've lost ourselves, it's because we allowed the outside influences to cloud the mind and distort the truth of who we are. When left to our own thoughts, we can reclaim ourselves.
You come to that fork in the road and choose a path that seems right. Once on it, you feel you've made your choice so regardless, you stay with it. At some point, you've lost your way and in the process, you've lost some of yourself.
You can't turn back but you can change direction. You can choose. You choose how you think. You choose how you react. When people lose themselves, it's due to feeling they don't have control over who they are. But we do.
The problem is we're under the assumption that life dictates to us when in fact it's the other way around. We decide who we are. If we've lost ourselves, it's because we allowed the outside influences to cloud the mind and distort the truth of who we are. When left to our own thoughts, we can reclaim ourselves.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
When you think about it...
If someone says "If you think about it, that's kinda funny"...it isn't funny at all. First off, if you have to THINK about something to BE funny, it couldn't actually be all that funny. Also, humor isn't about overthinking. It's either funny or it isn't and your reaction tells you if it is.
For example, stab yourself with a fork right now. Did it hurt? Did you have to think about it? Would you have replied, "you know when you think about it, stabbing myself with that fork really hurt"? I didn't think so. The same rules apply to humor.
Who says shit like "when you think about it"? You know who. It's that fucking idiot who thinks he is clever. Everyone knows an asshat like that. The friend or relative who likes shitty jokes and laughs at their own bad jokes too.
I am sure most people figure I am in that bucket. Actually for all my alleged humor, I tend to not find my own shit all that funny. The goal instead is to understand what someone else would find funny and do that. A comedian tends to prefer other comedians, I think. You don't laugh at your own shit, but you marvel at other people who are really fucking funny.
There aren't many people who are TRULY funny either. We all make our attempts at it but we either rip someone off or we just say stupid shit and sound like the asshat who has to say "when you think about it".
It's not even about jokes. I think most people figure comedy is about jokes. Not in the slightest. Comedy is all about timing. It's HOW you say something and not WHAT you say. I can get an easy laugh by saying something in a certain way that otherwise wouldn't be funny at all. Timing is it.
Good timing is so rare too. When I was a kid of like 5 or 6, I'd watch Red Skelton. Sure he acted and dressed odd, but the material wasn't the point. His delivery of it was everything. I somehow knew that even then. I'd sit there literally STUDYING him. Don Rickles is/was the same way. His timing is ridiculous.
A study in comedy is Andrew Dice Clay's "The Day The Laughter Died". The album was wild. Try not to say anything funny but the timing made it funny anyway. I am sure most people don't get the album but for me, it's always been genius and better than anything else he did.
So anyway, ramblings aside...comedy isn't something to overthink. If you think it's funny, good enough. But don't settle for the easy laugh either.
For example, stab yourself with a fork right now. Did it hurt? Did you have to think about it? Would you have replied, "you know when you think about it, stabbing myself with that fork really hurt"? I didn't think so. The same rules apply to humor.
Who says shit like "when you think about it"? You know who. It's that fucking idiot who thinks he is clever. Everyone knows an asshat like that. The friend or relative who likes shitty jokes and laughs at their own bad jokes too.
I am sure most people figure I am in that bucket. Actually for all my alleged humor, I tend to not find my own shit all that funny. The goal instead is to understand what someone else would find funny and do that. A comedian tends to prefer other comedians, I think. You don't laugh at your own shit, but you marvel at other people who are really fucking funny.
There aren't many people who are TRULY funny either. We all make our attempts at it but we either rip someone off or we just say stupid shit and sound like the asshat who has to say "when you think about it".
It's not even about jokes. I think most people figure comedy is about jokes. Not in the slightest. Comedy is all about timing. It's HOW you say something and not WHAT you say. I can get an easy laugh by saying something in a certain way that otherwise wouldn't be funny at all. Timing is it.
Good timing is so rare too. When I was a kid of like 5 or 6, I'd watch Red Skelton. Sure he acted and dressed odd, but the material wasn't the point. His delivery of it was everything. I somehow knew that even then. I'd sit there literally STUDYING him. Don Rickles is/was the same way. His timing is ridiculous.
A study in comedy is Andrew Dice Clay's "The Day The Laughter Died". The album was wild. Try not to say anything funny but the timing made it funny anyway. I am sure most people don't get the album but for me, it's always been genius and better than anything else he did.
So anyway, ramblings aside...comedy isn't something to overthink. If you think it's funny, good enough. But don't settle for the easy laugh either.
At what point is it too old to have kids?
It's tough to argue against your own existence but here we go. I saw a piece on the Today Show about women in their late sixties/early seventies who had babies. The one woman died and left behind 2 year old twins. It's safe to say that she was too old to be having kids.
I was born late. My mother was 37 and my father was 46. There was no plan to have a child like these other women. My parents didn't expect it and I was clearly an accident. I am obviously glad I was born. But my parents were indeed too old to have kids, especially my father. He was basically done raising kids.
Growing up, I didn't have parents who were involved in anything I did. My father especially didn't teach me the things most fathers teach their sons...like throwing a ball or building things. My father was done with all that and nothing would change it.
So I basically taught myself whatever I wanted to know how to do. I learned all aspects of baseball on my own. My parents even found a way to not allow me to be in Little League. They weren't interested in it. They were effectively done. So I was left to my own. Even discipline was a mess.
My parents NEVER agreed on if I was allowed to do anything. You want confusing? Try getting a different answer from each parent any time you asked something. You wind up either being a delinquent or so critical about your own actions (self discipline). I was the latter.
This is what kids with older parents have to look forward to. That and early death. My parents lived long. My father died at 86 and mother is still going. But I spent the bulk of my life preparing for their deaths because they were older.
So what's too old? Sure anyone can die and we all will, but if you are in your forties...I don't know. Fifties is certainly too old. My life wasn't a bad one but I think because of the ages of my parents, I faced things that average kids didn't. And it takes major rounds of therapy to figure them all out. They were too old.
I was born late. My mother was 37 and my father was 46. There was no plan to have a child like these other women. My parents didn't expect it and I was clearly an accident. I am obviously glad I was born. But my parents were indeed too old to have kids, especially my father. He was basically done raising kids.
Growing up, I didn't have parents who were involved in anything I did. My father especially didn't teach me the things most fathers teach their sons...like throwing a ball or building things. My father was done with all that and nothing would change it.
So I basically taught myself whatever I wanted to know how to do. I learned all aspects of baseball on my own. My parents even found a way to not allow me to be in Little League. They weren't interested in it. They were effectively done. So I was left to my own. Even discipline was a mess.
My parents NEVER agreed on if I was allowed to do anything. You want confusing? Try getting a different answer from each parent any time you asked something. You wind up either being a delinquent or so critical about your own actions (self discipline). I was the latter.
This is what kids with older parents have to look forward to. That and early death. My parents lived long. My father died at 86 and mother is still going. But I spent the bulk of my life preparing for their deaths because they were older.
So what's too old? Sure anyone can die and we all will, but if you are in your forties...I don't know. Fifties is certainly too old. My life wasn't a bad one but I think because of the ages of my parents, I faced things that average kids didn't. And it takes major rounds of therapy to figure them all out. They were too old.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Good news, bad news
Why do people always say "I have good news and bad news" and then they ask you to pick which you wanna hear? I have an idea. Tell me the good news and keep the bad news to yourself! I think we all have had our fill of bad news.
I did a status on Facebook of "I have good news and bad news. The bad news is I am not telling you the good news." There was neither good news or bad news and I just found the the statement mildly amusing. What's worse than a "good news" secret? That shit drives people nuts.
I have some really amazing news!!! No I don't but just saying that would drive people crazy. No really I do have some great news and I am excited about it!!! Wanna know? Just kidding. I don't have any. Well, I do but you can't tell anyone else this...ok?
Ok there is no good news...and THAT is the bad news.
I did a status on Facebook of "I have good news and bad news. The bad news is I am not telling you the good news." There was neither good news or bad news and I just found the the statement mildly amusing. What's worse than a "good news" secret? That shit drives people nuts.
I have some really amazing news!!! No I don't but just saying that would drive people crazy. No really I do have some great news and I am excited about it!!! Wanna know? Just kidding. I don't have any. Well, I do but you can't tell anyone else this...ok?
Ok there is no good news...and THAT is the bad news.
Monday, July 13, 2009
When your taste matures...
Do you listen to the same music you did 10 years ago? 20 years ago? I don't know what the cut off is. My taste has changed over the years. While I still appreciate the stuff I used to listen to, I find so much new music AND old music that I missed since I basically lived in a hole growing up.
My house was not one where my parents listened to music. Well my mother listened to really bad old country music and my dad didn't like ANYTHING. My musical choices were my own. My brother wasn't around to tell me to listen to the The Who or Deep Purple. I found Kiss on my own, thankfully.
But now I am open to any music that challenges me. From strange Icelandic music to old school prog to the new U2, I am willing to give it a shot if it explores new boundaries. The singer/songwriter can stay at home. It can be poppy but needs to have power with it.
I think my standards as a kid are still there. There is just more to it. I missed so much stuff and now I am making up for lost time. That's actually a lot of fun. Sure I love Uriah Heep now, but I had no clue as a kid. No problem. It's a clean slate. I wasn't the coolest kid in the world, but I was more than willing to be. Now I am set up for it nicely.
My house was not one where my parents listened to music. Well my mother listened to really bad old country music and my dad didn't like ANYTHING. My musical choices were my own. My brother wasn't around to tell me to listen to the The Who or Deep Purple. I found Kiss on my own, thankfully.
But now I am open to any music that challenges me. From strange Icelandic music to old school prog to the new U2, I am willing to give it a shot if it explores new boundaries. The singer/songwriter can stay at home. It can be poppy but needs to have power with it.
I think my standards as a kid are still there. There is just more to it. I missed so much stuff and now I am making up for lost time. That's actually a lot of fun. Sure I love Uriah Heep now, but I had no clue as a kid. No problem. It's a clean slate. I wasn't the coolest kid in the world, but I was more than willing to be. Now I am set up for it nicely.
Ann Curry is a complete moron
Ever listen to Ann Curry talk? She can't even read something without stumbling over her words. It takes her a few minutes to ask a basic fucking question. Her fake empathetic tone is puke worthy. It's baffling that this idiot has a job at all on a "news" program. I suppose it gives hope to those with learning disabilities.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Dead at 38
Someone I know a little on facebook knows someone who died this weekend apparently at the age of 38. He seems to have died of a heart attack in his sleep while camping. No one should die so young and so suddenly. I don't know the man's medical history, I don't know the man at all. But no matter, it just doesn't make alot of sense to me.
Pray to your deity and let me know what it says.
Pray to your deity and let me know what it says.
The best thing I ever did??
For so many reasons, I really think moving was one of the best things (if not THE best thing) I ever did. First off, we needed distance. We needed the change. This area is my home, where I am from.
There is really nothing like it out here. Also, the challenge of the move itself proved so much to myself. I was not only able to do it but capable of so much more than I gave myself credit for.
The peace this place brings is like no other. It's mostly quiet. Being backed up to 60-70 acres of woods will give you that. Also a personal peace that we both get from this. It's quite amazing really.
There is really nothing like it out here. Also, the challenge of the move itself proved so much to myself. I was not only able to do it but capable of so much more than I gave myself credit for.
The peace this place brings is like no other. It's mostly quiet. Being backed up to 60-70 acres of woods will give you that. Also a personal peace that we both get from this. It's quite amazing really.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Why
Lately it seems like everyone is getting caught with their dicks out of their pants, for lack of a better way to put it. Obviously this bothers me for a host of reasons. The worst part is that all of this just digs up the past and my own mistakes. I don't need a QB get shot 4 times or some asshole flying to Venezuela to remind me of the asshole I was...I do just find reminding myself of it all.
But it's so profoundly sad. I was lucky that one, my wife and family stood by me and supported me and that I was smart enough to see I was wrong (wrong being the nicest word I can think of). McNair died because he wasn't smart enough. The senator is just a complete moron. The thing is families are the ones that are most hurt.
So many questions. Why as men do we not think about others before doing something so despicable? Why do the other parties involved allow it to happen? It has to be the most incredibly selfish thing one can do. The regret is unbelievable too.
And yet, this keeps happening. Why doesn't anyone learn from anyone else? I know I should have. Why did I not see what my own brother did was wrong??? What memo did I need to read? The most frustrating part is not being able to satisfy the questions with a reasonable answer.
There is NO answer that is reasonable...the only answer is it was wrong and something one has to live with. I suppose it could be worse, but that doesn't make it all better either. The solution is to live your life the way you should live it. And to live it in harmony with your wife and family, thanking the universe for your existence. And you just hope you can repay them all for it by being a better person.
But it's so profoundly sad. I was lucky that one, my wife and family stood by me and supported me and that I was smart enough to see I was wrong (wrong being the nicest word I can think of). McNair died because he wasn't smart enough. The senator is just a complete moron. The thing is families are the ones that are most hurt.
So many questions. Why as men do we not think about others before doing something so despicable? Why do the other parties involved allow it to happen? It has to be the most incredibly selfish thing one can do. The regret is unbelievable too.
And yet, this keeps happening. Why doesn't anyone learn from anyone else? I know I should have. Why did I not see what my own brother did was wrong??? What memo did I need to read? The most frustrating part is not being able to satisfy the questions with a reasonable answer.
There is NO answer that is reasonable...the only answer is it was wrong and something one has to live with. I suppose it could be worse, but that doesn't make it all better either. The solution is to live your life the way you should live it. And to live it in harmony with your wife and family, thanking the universe for your existence. And you just hope you can repay them all for it by being a better person.
Fixing the A's
We need change. Firing Bob Geren is the first step. Cutting Crosby, Hanahan and the other scrubs is the next step. Trade for a third baseman. Who? I'd trade to get Mark Teahan back. The Royals aren't smart enough to give him a regular position. Sooooo, why not send one of the many young pitchers? Not the big 3 but we have alot of talent and Teahan is a gamer. Then, trade Holliday...move Hairston to left and for Godsake let Ryan Sweeney PLAY CENTER!
Wasting your life away
On Wednesday, former Crimson Glory vocalist Midnight died from "total kidney and liver failure." He was 47 years old. Yeah 47. One had to drink alot to have their body give out at that age.
The guy was always one of my favorite vocalists. Really over the top. I knew he had major drinking problems after he left the band and even was kicked out as recent as 2005 when they reunited. I had no idea his problems were that bad. It makes me think.
All the talent in the world, but the demons inside won. I think as you look around, the demons seem to win more often than not. Sure there are those that conquer, there are others that win a battle or two but end up losing the war. Midnight had no chance. It's sad.
People are saying Michael Jackson's life and death were tragic. No way. Gimme a fucking break. He had EVERYTHING and he allowed it to happen. He created his demons HIMSELF. Midnight's death is a true tragedy, as are so many similar deaths to average people. Jackson made a few mistakes that led to his death. Midnight couldn't escape himself. That is real tragedy.
The guy was always one of my favorite vocalists. Really over the top. I knew he had major drinking problems after he left the band and even was kicked out as recent as 2005 when they reunited. I had no idea his problems were that bad. It makes me think.
All the talent in the world, but the demons inside won. I think as you look around, the demons seem to win more often than not. Sure there are those that conquer, there are others that win a battle or two but end up losing the war. Midnight had no chance. It's sad.
People are saying Michael Jackson's life and death were tragic. No way. Gimme a fucking break. He had EVERYTHING and he allowed it to happen. He created his demons HIMSELF. Midnight's death is a true tragedy, as are so many similar deaths to average people. Jackson made a few mistakes that led to his death. Midnight couldn't escape himself. That is real tragedy.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Best albums of 2009 at the halfway mark
So here are my favorite albums of 2009 in NO particular order (Jan thru June):
Umphrey's McGee - "Mantis"
Voivod - "Infini"
U2 - "No Line On The Horizon"
Mastodon - "Crack The Skye"
Gomez - "A New Tide"
IQ - "Frequency"
Dream Theater - "Black Clouds & Silver Linings"
OSI - "Blood"
Scale The Summit - "Carving Desert Canyons"
Dredg - "The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion"
VAST - "Bang Band SiXXX" EP
UKZ - "Radiation" EP
Steven Wilson - "Insurgentes"
OHMphrey - "OHMphrey"
Saga - "The Human Condition"
Queensyrche - "American Soldier"
Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath) - "The Devil You Know"
Stratovarius - "Polaris"
Derek Sherinian - "Molecular Henosity"
Thin Lizzy - "Still Dangerous"
The Decemberists - "The Hazards Of Love"
All albums are worth buying/listening to. I don't think I forgot anything but I might have. In any case, that's a long list already and 2009 is only half over.
Umphrey's McGee - "Mantis"
Voivod - "Infini"
U2 - "No Line On The Horizon"
Mastodon - "Crack The Skye"
Gomez - "A New Tide"
IQ - "Frequency"
Dream Theater - "Black Clouds & Silver Linings"
OSI - "Blood"
Scale The Summit - "Carving Desert Canyons"
Dredg - "The Pariah, The Parrot, The Delusion"
VAST - "Bang Band SiXXX" EP
UKZ - "Radiation" EP
Steven Wilson - "Insurgentes"
OHMphrey - "OHMphrey"
Saga - "The Human Condition"
Queensyrche - "American Soldier"
Heaven & Hell (Black Sabbath) - "The Devil You Know"
Stratovarius - "Polaris"
Derek Sherinian - "Molecular Henosity"
Thin Lizzy - "Still Dangerous"
The Decemberists - "The Hazards Of Love"
All albums are worth buying/listening to. I don't think I forgot anything but I might have. In any case, that's a long list already and 2009 is only half over.
How progressive bands progressed to being not-so progressive
Progress means change. So one could argue that bands that change and adapt their style are progressive. But being progressive is more about being challenging and different than other bands out there and the music style has some complexities.
The interesting thing about progressive bands is that all have changed greatly from where they began. Yes changed over the years but always seemed more determined to cling to their past more than any other band. Yes modernized themselves in the 1980s only to attempt to reconstruct their original style in the 1990s. The results were a mixed bag.
Genesis may have changed the most over the years. The 1980s version evolved into a band that had pop hits while attempting to keep a progressive song or 2 on the album to please the old fans. Obviously they made alot of cash in the process.
Rush changed alot thru the years. Each decade they seemed to evolve and never lost their basic sound or their fans. From the guitar driven epics of the 1970s to the synth laden arena hits of the 1980s to the stripped down version of the 1990s, Rush was still at the end of the day...Rush.
Dream Theater flies the progressive flag nowadays but they are nowhere near as progressive as they think they are. They were! Part of what happened to Dream Theater was Mike Portnoy's love of whatever music is current and basically forcing some of that sound into Dream Theater. The band loses more and more of their original sound in the process. Dream Theater is basically a metal band now who thinks that doing a super long song makes them progressive. It doesn't work that way though.
There were plenty of failed attempts at survival. Gentle Giant was the most progressive of all prog bands of the 70s. They attempted to update their sound and become more commerical and failed miserably. They didn't know HOW to write simplier stuff. Emerson, Lake and Palmer just imploded. ELP had various offshoots and reunions but never could come out of the 70s intact.
Progressive rock is still underground today. Sure there are some "mainstream" bands who are more progressive than the rest but they don't really embrace being progressive. And bands that do embrace it (DT), really aren't all that progressive anymore. Who sounds like Rush other than Rush? Who sounds like old Yes? Does anyone sound like Genesis? Marillion used to but even they have evolved into a completely different animal now. You have to really dig to find true prog bands like The Flower Kings or echolyn or Iluvatar and many others...they are out there though.
The interesting thing about progressive bands is that all have changed greatly from where they began. Yes changed over the years but always seemed more determined to cling to their past more than any other band. Yes modernized themselves in the 1980s only to attempt to reconstruct their original style in the 1990s. The results were a mixed bag.
Genesis may have changed the most over the years. The 1980s version evolved into a band that had pop hits while attempting to keep a progressive song or 2 on the album to please the old fans. Obviously they made alot of cash in the process.
Rush changed alot thru the years. Each decade they seemed to evolve and never lost their basic sound or their fans. From the guitar driven epics of the 1970s to the synth laden arena hits of the 1980s to the stripped down version of the 1990s, Rush was still at the end of the day...Rush.
Dream Theater flies the progressive flag nowadays but they are nowhere near as progressive as they think they are. They were! Part of what happened to Dream Theater was Mike Portnoy's love of whatever music is current and basically forcing some of that sound into Dream Theater. The band loses more and more of their original sound in the process. Dream Theater is basically a metal band now who thinks that doing a super long song makes them progressive. It doesn't work that way though.
There were plenty of failed attempts at survival. Gentle Giant was the most progressive of all prog bands of the 70s. They attempted to update their sound and become more commerical and failed miserably. They didn't know HOW to write simplier stuff. Emerson, Lake and Palmer just imploded. ELP had various offshoots and reunions but never could come out of the 70s intact.
Progressive rock is still underground today. Sure there are some "mainstream" bands who are more progressive than the rest but they don't really embrace being progressive. And bands that do embrace it (DT), really aren't all that progressive anymore. Who sounds like Rush other than Rush? Who sounds like old Yes? Does anyone sound like Genesis? Marillion used to but even they have evolved into a completely different animal now. You have to really dig to find true prog bands like The Flower Kings or echolyn or Iluvatar and many others...they are out there though.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
The death of a tooth
When I was 18, I was playing QB in a pickup football game. I made an ill advised pass, threw into double coverage and was picked off. The kid who picked it off was as big as me and bigger than the rest of my team so no one in front of me tackled him. I was the last person that could stop him from returning my mistake for a touchdown. I did stop him but he landed on my head.
I don't remember the next few minutes or more as I was pretty much knocked out. The next thing I recall is I was sitting near by and spitting up some broken teeth. Apparently my eyes rolled back after I was hit as well. Never even was seen by a doctor. I did have to visit my dentist, Dr. Tate to have one tooth capped and another had to be rebuilt.
Now 25 years later, I went to get my teeth cleaned and x-rays done only to find the tooth next to the cap is apparently dying. This is from "trauma". I was asked if I was in a bad accident at some point. So yes that tackle was akin to a car accident. Real smart on my part.
To determine how long this tooth has been dying, I need to find older x-rays. The problem? The last practice is out of business and the one I went to as a kid, Dr. Tate is dead. Nice. So the dental visit has turned into an episode of CSI or Cold Case.
I don't remember the next few minutes or more as I was pretty much knocked out. The next thing I recall is I was sitting near by and spitting up some broken teeth. Apparently my eyes rolled back after I was hit as well. Never even was seen by a doctor. I did have to visit my dentist, Dr. Tate to have one tooth capped and another had to be rebuilt.
Now 25 years later, I went to get my teeth cleaned and x-rays done only to find the tooth next to the cap is apparently dying. This is from "trauma". I was asked if I was in a bad accident at some point. So yes that tackle was akin to a car accident. Real smart on my part.
To determine how long this tooth has been dying, I need to find older x-rays. The problem? The last practice is out of business and the one I went to as a kid, Dr. Tate is dead. Nice. So the dental visit has turned into an episode of CSI or Cold Case.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Monday, July 6, 2009
Photo of Sahel Kazemi
The latest in men being complete and utter fools (yes I know about being an inconsiderate asshole), Steve McNair was apparently killed by 20 year old mistress/friend Sahel Kazemi. Yet another reason to stay with your wife and work your shit out! It baffles me that it can get to this point.
The problem is they believe their own bullshit and stop giving a shit about others, well that includes themselves. Not every woman is going to kill you but given the situation, it's not really a surprise. Emotions are raw and the reality of the situation becomes apparent. The bottom line is it's wrong. This is the worst outcome too. I feel for his wife, his kids and both of them.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
The forgotten
Hopefully this isn't too much of a downer or too much of a "Dust In The Wind" kinda vibe. Ever see one of those old cemeteries? Even a newer one with an "old" section. You know the kind. Anything prior to 1900.
You've seen the dates. The old grave stones. Ever see flowers? Never. Sooner or later, time moves on. Everyone that knew those people died as well. No one is left for them. But at some point, someone visited those abandoned cemeteries and cared about those who were buried.
And one day, maybe 100 years on down the line, it will be us who are the forgotten.
You've seen the dates. The old grave stones. Ever see flowers? Never. Sooner or later, time moves on. Everyone that knew those people died as well. No one is left for them. But at some point, someone visited those abandoned cemeteries and cared about those who were buried.
And one day, maybe 100 years on down the line, it will be us who are the forgotten.
The day after
The worst days are always the days after holidays. Think about it. The worst days of the year are always the days after a holiday. Sucks for them huh? Black Friday, Boxing Day (ok that's Canada!), July 5th, the day after Easter which varies with the pagan ritual that is Easter.
Why is one day better than another? Because someone died? Seems like it. I don't know but I think everyday should mean something. If you are walking around and have no major issues, why isn't everyday a fucking holiday???
Why is one day better than another? Because someone died? Seems like it. I don't know but I think everyday should mean something. If you are walking around and have no major issues, why isn't everyday a fucking holiday???
Saturday, July 4, 2009
The joy of fireworks
Nothing says that you are happy to be American like lighting a firecracker. There are 2 types of people who buy fireworks. One is the kind that HAS money and tries to have a fireworks "show". You know the type, a real showoff.
The other type is the bargain basement trailer trash type who can basically afford sparklers, firecrackers, and a few Roman candles. This is the asshat that HAS to blow off some fireworks 2 days BEFORE July 4th right on thru 2 days after or until they run out of their stash.
Both are quite proud of themselves though. Such patriots.
The other type is the bargain basement trailer trash type who can basically afford sparklers, firecrackers, and a few Roman candles. This is the asshat that HAS to blow off some fireworks 2 days BEFORE July 4th right on thru 2 days after or until they run out of their stash.
Both are quite proud of themselves though. Such patriots.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Why Sarah Palin resigned
She took my advice that I posted here on this blog and is GOING THE FUCK AWAY! Yes I said it here. And please note that Miss Ex-California is gone, that asshat Clark Rockefeller is rotting in jail...so Dick Cheney's days are clearlt numbered.
Let's face it. Palin is into something shady or she wouldn't have resigned. She loves the spotlight way too much to take a lighted match to her pathetic political career. Something will come out. Maybe she did some porn. Maybe she shot someone. Who knows?
It's a good day. The dumb bitch quit!! QUIT!!! Wow!
Let's face it. Palin is into something shady or she wouldn't have resigned. She loves the spotlight way too much to take a lighted match to her pathetic political career. Something will come out. Maybe she did some porn. Maybe she shot someone. Who knows?
It's a good day. The dumb bitch quit!! QUIT!!! Wow!
Sticking to your guns
I am like a fortune cookie with a soft white underbelly.
Commit to it. Stick to your guns. A lot of people commit to something only because it seems like the right thing to do at the time and then just change their minds. I've had varied degrees of it myself.
I've always been stubborn which helps but it's not enough. True commitment comes from desire more than anything else. I found that a good dialogue is key to that. The dialogue should happen with yourself to.
We lose track of the why. Why do we love those we love? Why do we love what we love? An honest answer is always a good idea too. Consider it all a person inventory.
For example, work...we all work. So many people are at a job they either love or tell themselves they love ENOUGH to keep them there. It's a good idea to have the conversation to determine which it is. Why not? Either you have a job you don't full appreciate OR you have one you are giving too much credit. Which is it?
Personal relationships are the best example. We can easily forget that we are not the only ones in the relationship and thus not have the conversation with ourselves OR the other person involved. Commitment is great but it helps to be in tune at the same time.
As you can see, I am no Dr Phil but I was thinking out the pride one gets from "sticking to their guns" and being right. There is no better feeling than being committed to something or at the very least recommitting to something. Very powerful.
It beats cutting and running or jumping off the bandwagon...
Commit to it. Stick to your guns. A lot of people commit to something only because it seems like the right thing to do at the time and then just change their minds. I've had varied degrees of it myself.
I've always been stubborn which helps but it's not enough. True commitment comes from desire more than anything else. I found that a good dialogue is key to that. The dialogue should happen with yourself to.
We lose track of the why. Why do we love those we love? Why do we love what we love? An honest answer is always a good idea too. Consider it all a person inventory.
For example, work...we all work. So many people are at a job they either love or tell themselves they love ENOUGH to keep them there. It's a good idea to have the conversation to determine which it is. Why not? Either you have a job you don't full appreciate OR you have one you are giving too much credit. Which is it?
Personal relationships are the best example. We can easily forget that we are not the only ones in the relationship and thus not have the conversation with ourselves OR the other person involved. Commitment is great but it helps to be in tune at the same time.
As you can see, I am no Dr Phil but I was thinking out the pride one gets from "sticking to their guns" and being right. There is no better feeling than being committed to something or at the very least recommitting to something. Very powerful.
It beats cutting and running or jumping off the bandwagon...
Thursday, July 2, 2009
The non-essentials
I am often amazed when the term "irreplaceable" is used. There's no such thing. That thought just leads to ignorance and ultimately arrogance. And guess what? Nothing gets replaced faster than a part that's too stuck on itself.
Just when you think you know everything, you don't. Unless you've figured that out, odds are you have no clue at all. Therein lies the ignorance. If you think your shit doesn't stink, you've had your head up your own ass for too long.
Just when you think you know everything, you don't. Unless you've figured that out, odds are you have no clue at all. Therein lies the ignorance. If you think your shit doesn't stink, you've had your head up your own ass for too long.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Falling down
Part of life is being able to pick yourself back up after falling down. It isn't easy. One important part of picking yourself back up is knowing why you fell in the first place. I think too many people think that as long as you get back up, you are fine. Not really.
If you don't know why you fell down, how do you know you won't fall down again. Maybe some folks would just as soon fall down over and over again. Personally, I like knowing why something is the way it is. You can't FIX everything in life but you sure as hell can PREVENT them.
I wish I could have prevented so many things in my life. Those are the regrets. Unless you have regrets, you will fall down again. I don't know how falling down can be a good thing either. It isn't. Learning how not to fall down for the same reasons...that is a good thing.
If you don't know why you fell down, how do you know you won't fall down again. Maybe some folks would just as soon fall down over and over again. Personally, I like knowing why something is the way it is. You can't FIX everything in life but you sure as hell can PREVENT them.
I wish I could have prevented so many things in my life. Those are the regrets. Unless you have regrets, you will fall down again. I don't know how falling down can be a good thing either. It isn't. Learning how not to fall down for the same reasons...that is a good thing.
Patriotic
As we are headed toward another Independence Day, it makes me wonder what it means to be "patriotic". It is patriotic to serve in the military but that does seem rather extreme. Unfortunately, most people seem to think shoving a roman candle up their ass once a year is patriotic. No, that's moronic.
Patriotism is a tough one because the extreme nature of it. The die hard nut jobs decide what it means to be patriotic. This is much like a religious fanatic telling you that you are not a good Christian or Muslim. The word is run by the fringe.
I think it is important to remember all those that helped shape this country but it does not mean we need to adopt an "America, love it or leave it" attitude. This is a country of mutts. It was called the melting pot. But now, we'd rather wave a flag and close the doors. Fuck the world, we are America. Sorry but that doesn't work. And it's not patriotic!
Patriotism is a tough one because the extreme nature of it. The die hard nut jobs decide what it means to be patriotic. This is much like a religious fanatic telling you that you are not a good Christian or Muslim. The word is run by the fringe.
I think it is important to remember all those that helped shape this country but it does not mean we need to adopt an "America, love it or leave it" attitude. This is a country of mutts. It was called the melting pot. But now, we'd rather wave a flag and close the doors. Fuck the world, we are America. Sorry but that doesn't work. And it's not patriotic!
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