Video of the Day Halloween Edition

"Kill By Kill" by The Staggers

Quote of the Day

I've begun to realize, and Jon Stewart's rally really helped put this into perspective, that the things we all need to work on aren't based on ideology or political theory or anything like that. The key is dialogue, and being willing to say, "you know, I disagree with your approach, but if you think it'll work, I'm willing to talk about it, because we've got a lot of shit to fix, and it'll take all of us to do it."

The only enemies we need to fight are willful ignorance and ideological stubbornness. I've had to purge a lot of my own ideological prejudices over the years, because ideology by its very nature disconnects itself from the everyday issues that really matter to people.

The scientific method starts with a hypothesis, tests it, and then either accepts or rejects the original hypothesis based on the results. If the hypothesis is rejected, then you modify that hypothesis, and the process begins again. Politics should be done in a similar manner. If you think cutting taxes will help the economy, and then you test that, and it fails, then you have to modify that idea and start again. If you think nationalizing the banking industry will help the economy, and you test that, and it fails, then you have to modify that and start again. The key is not who's right, but rather what's right. Sure, all of this is an oversimplification, but the point is sound.

-- Ethan from the post You go, then I'll go

Currently Listening: Halloween Edition

1. “Time Warp” by Richard O’Brien (from The Rocky Horror Picture Show [Original Soundtrack])
2. “Sweet Transvestite” by Tim Curry (from The Rocky Horror Picture Show [Original Soundtrack])
3. “Rest in Peace” by James Marsters (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More with Feeling [Musical Episode Soundtrack])
4. “Walk Through the Fire” by Cast (from Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Once More with Feeling [Musical Episode Soundtrack])
5. “Oblivion” by The Staggers (from The Sights, The Sounds, The Fear, and The Pain)
6. “Kill by Kill” by The Staggers (from One Heartbeat Away from Hell)
7. “American Nightmare” by Tiger Army (from The Early Years)
8. “Power of Moonlight” by Tiger Army (from Tiger Army II: Power of Moonlight)
9. “Teenagers from Mars” by Misfits (from Misfits: Collection I)
10. “Astro Zombies” by Misfits (from Misfits: Collection I)

Mental Health Break

Video of the Day

"This Cross" by Chad Price

Descendents to Headline the Fun Fun Fun Fest in Austin

Austin, TX is a ridiculously lucky town. Not only are they the home to SXSW and Scott Reynolds, this year they will get to see the Descendents headline the Fun Fun Fun Fest.

From the story –

Austin, Texas (October 29, 2010) – Fun Fun Fun Fest is proud to announce the addition of The Legendary Descendents to the lineup of the 5th annual music and comedy event in Waterloo Park November 5-7, 2010.

The reunion show of this elusive and world renowned pop punk act will replace the Sunday headlining spot previously held by Devo.

The Descendents’ performance at Fun Fun Fun Fest this year marks their first with the full band in almost a decade.

[...]

“I really can’t believe it. The Descendents were one of those bands on my dream list that I thought I would never get to book” Says Graham Williams, FFF Founder. “A week ago, we had no idea what we were going to do, and now we couldn’t be more happy”.

What I wouldn’t give to see the Descendents live.

Thanks to The Otter Limits for the find.

My Thoughts on the NPR / Juan Williams Situation

For those who may have missed the story, Juan Williams was fired from NPR for stating that he feels worried when he sees people in an airport in full Islamic garb on Fox News’ The O’Reilly Factor. NPR claimed that by saying this he jeopardized his ability to be an objective journalist (more or less…I’m paraphrasing here). Conservatives argue that this shows NPR’s liberal bias. Here is my take –

1. Juan Williams was giving his honest opinion, sure it could be construed as at best stereotypical and at worst bigoted but the man is human and probably (I suspect) not proud of the fact that he holds these feels but was fessing up to it nonetheless. This in no way shape or form affects his ability to be a news reporter or analyst.
2. There is probably more going on behind the scenes between Juan and management at NPR than we are privy to and this was used as an excuse to sever ties.
3. NPR should not have fired Williams over this situation. I understand their reasoning but I think that, if nothing else, this was a terrible P.R. (as in pubic relations) move.
4. NPR is probably the best news organization out there today. I am talking about their news programs (Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Talk of the Nation) and not their more opinion driven programs (The Diane Rehm Show, Fresh Air). I have no doubt that the reporters and analysts at NPR do their best to be as impartial and objective as possible and that any bias that may slip into the reporting is entirely due to human flaw and not a diabolical scheme. I think the same could probably be said for the news reporters at Fox News, CNN, and every other news organization out there. Obviously there is editorial bias (Fox News being conservative, MSNBC being liberal) but that has always been the case in journalism. What sets NPR apart in their news reporting is the actual quality and in-depth nature of their stories. This is lacking in many, if not most, other major news organizations.
5. Those on the Right have been after NPR, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for years and this debacle has done nothing but add fuel to their fire. Conservatives and Republicans seem to hate even the idea of public broadcasting. I know that they have their reasons but I’m not going to try to list them or even explain them because there is a part of me that just doesn’t understand them. IMHO there should be media outlets that are not held to the whim of the market or major corporations. These outlets are NPR and PBS and they must be protected. These are the organizations that brought us things like Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. I can’t imagine anyone in their right mind who could argue that Mr. Rogers was a negative influence on children. Programs like Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street, This Old House, NOVA, Car Talk, and Talk of the Nation have brought a richness to this country that I don’t think could have been provided by a company that is simply worried about ratings.

Needless to say people all across the spectrum have weighed in on this story. You can find some that I thought are worth reading here, here, here, here, here, and here.

Currently Listening

1. “Twenty Nine” by Doug McKean (from Concerto for Second Fiddle)
2. “I Don’t Believe You” by The Thermals (from Personal Life)
3. “Spinning in Circles is a Gateway Drug” by Red City Radio (from Spinning in Circles is a Gateway Drug)
4. “Memories” by Weezer (from Hurley)
5. “Sterilize” by Drag the River (from Hobo’s Demo’s)
6. “Angel of the Morning” by Barnyard Slut (from Space Age Motel)
7. “I Dare You” by Dead To Me (from African Elephants)
8. “Girl Talk” by Euclid Crash (from Nice People NMF Preview)
9. “Abundance of Fluff” by Stephen Egerton & John Moreland (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
10. “No Surrender” by Roustabouts (from Midwest Rules, Vol. 2: You’re Weak—We’re Strong)

Video of the Day

"In No Time Nor Place" by Those Unknown

How I Will Vote on Tuesday

There is a lot that is going to be on the ballot on Tuesday November 2nd and honestly I haven’t really sat down to decide exactly how I’m going to vote until just now. There are still some races that I haven’t decided on, so those I am not listing here.

Governor of Oklahoma
Mary Fallin vs. Jari Askins
My vote: Jari Askins

United States Senate
Tom Coburn vs. Jim Rogers vs. Stephen Wallace vs. Ronald Dwyer
My vote: Stephen Wallace

Oklahoma State House of Representatives District 53
Randy Terrill vs. Amy Corley
My vote: Amy Corley

In many of these races I doubt my vote will matter because I suspect that the Republicans are going to win this thing in a walk. I guess we shall see next week.

State Questions – If you’re looking for more information on this years state questions, please check out Steve’s post Oklahoma State Questions in 2010 and OKPolicy.org’s State Ballot Measures-November 2010.

SQ 744
My vote: No. (While I fully support public schools and whole heartedly believe that school funding needs to go up, this bill is not the way to do it.)

SQ 746
My vote: Yes

SQ 747
My vote: Yes

SQ 748
My vote: Yes

SQ 750
My vote: Yes

SQ 751
My vote: Undecided. (I’m sure that this will pass and while I think people coming to this country should learn English, I’m not sure what the unintended consequences of this amendment could be and that is what bothers me.)

SQ 752
My vote: Undecided. (I’m not really sure what the point of this one is really.)

SQ 754
My vote: Undecided. (This one I just don’t understand to be completely honest.)

SQ 755
My vote: Undecided. (I will probably vote Yes for this because I don’t want any religious document, scripture, or law to be used when deciding legal matters but I have to admit that the League of Women Votes makes a reasonable argument opposing the measure.)

SQ 756
My vote: Yes. (Not that my vote matters on this one but I think that Obamacare was just a really bad bill and should not have been passed.)

SQ 757
My vote: Undecided but leaning Yes. (I like the idea of increasing the amount of revenue that goes into the “rainy day fund” but I’m not sure if it is possible to do so now with the current economic situation.)

10 for 2010: The Hudson Falcons

The Hudson Falcons are a working class rock ‘n’ roll band from New Jersey that play a high energy mix of rock and punk (I’ve often described the band’s music as Bruce Springsteen meets Stiff Little Fingers). I first saw the Falcons back in 1999 in the back room at Music Dimensions. That show included The GC5, The Doozers, and the Roustabouts and was one of the best that I have ever seen. Ever since that night I have seen the Falcons nearly every time they have been back to OKC. In the past 11 years I have not only been lucky enough to enjoy this bands fantastic music and watch their growth, I have also had the distinct honor and pleasure of getting to know Mark and Kerri and to be able to call them friend.

For more information on this fantastic band check the Falcons online at their official site, MySpace, Facebook, Last.fm, Yahoo Music.

Without any further ado and in no particular order, here are, IMHO, the 10 best songs by The Hudson Falcons.

1. “Free Lori” (from Desperation & Revolution)
2. “Jersey City Streets” (from La Famiglia)
3. “Disciples of Soul” (from Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True)
4. “Drinkin’ with the Band” (from Desire to Burn)
5. “Monahan’s” (from Desperation & Revolution)
6. “Latin Knights” (from La Famiglia)
7. “Jersey City” (from Desperation & Revolution)
8. “Different Breed” (from Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True)
9. “Little Bit of Faith” (from La Famiglia)
10. “Worker Fate” (from Desperation & Revolution)

And just to clarify I have only selected songs from the band’s four full length albums. They have released numerous singles, 7 inches, split CDs, and appeared on many compilations over the years and sadly I just don’t have any of them anymore (or if I do I don’t know where they are). You honestly can’t go wrong with ANY Falcons’ release so I HIGHLY suggest that you get any or all that you can find.

The Hudson Falcons have also been known for doing some great covers over the years. Here are a few of my favorites.
“Stay with Me” (from Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True)
“Baby, I’m a King” (from Singles Collection 1997-2002)
“Johnny Law” (from Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True)
“Knock Yourself Out” (from 4 Bands from Jersey)*
“Open All Night” (from Those Whose Hearts and Souls are True)

* If anyone out there has a copy of the 4 Bands from Jersey compilation CD and would be willing to hook me up with a few tracks from it, please let me know.

Video of the Day

"Runner" by Re-Volts

Insert Your Caption Here

Thanks to Andrew Sullivan for the find.

Nine Inch Nails Reissuing Pretty Hate Machine

Spinner is reporting that Nine Inch Nails is finally reissuing their 1989 classic debut Pretty Hate Machine. This album has been tied up for years due to legal issues but it is nice to see it finally getting the reissue that it deserves. Let’s just hope Trent Reznor and company didn’t mess it up when they re-mastered it because honestly it is a flawless record as is.

And just for fun, here is my favorite song from the record and probably my favorite NIN song.

Show Review: The Thermals at Opolis

Artists: The Thermals (Official, MySpace, Wikipedia) with The Coathangers (Official, MySpace)
Venue: Opolis (Official, MySpace, Facebook)
Date: Monday October 25th

Last night I finally got a chance to see a show at the Opolis in Norman and on top of that I finally got to see one of my favorite bands play, The Thermals.

First I’ll start with the venue. The Opolis is a small room that looks like a garage with a front door, small bar, and bathrooms. I’m not saying this is to degrade the venue at all because it was great, the sound was really good, the setting intimate, the staff was very nice, and the place was very clean. Needless to say I was impressed with the venue.

The opening band, The Coathangers, are an all girl garage noise punk band that were…honestly not very good.

The Thermals then took the stage and ripped through a hugely energetic set that included most of the songs that I wanted to hear. The band has an amazing stage presence and all three members did a fantastic job in working up the crowd. The show ended with the band doing a blistering rendition of their classic “A Pillar of Salt” after which the band let the stage only to be brought back out by chants of “one more song” for which the obliged by launching into a stellar cover of Weezer’s “My Name is Jonas.”

Overall it was a great show and a fun night.

Currently Listening

1. “A Pillar of Salt” by The Thermals (from The Body, the Blood, the Machine)
2. “My Name is Jonas” by Weezer (from Weezer (Blue Album) [Deluxe] Disc 1)
3. “Drinkin’ with the Band” by The Hudson Falcons (from Desire to Burn)
4. “Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure (from MTV Unplugged)
5. “Rudie Can’t Fail” by The Clash (from London Calling)
6. “Summer Babe (Winter Version)” by Pavement (from Slanted & Enchanted)
7. “Darl” by Buffalo Tom (from Let Me Come Over)
8. “Down with the Kids” by Teenage Frames (from More Songs, Less Music)
9. “Maybeing” by Armchair Martin (from Hang on Ted)
10. "Girl Talk" by Euclid Crash (from Nice People NMF Preview)

Star Wars Sequels a Possibility?

That’s what the rumors are saying at least. I honestly hope that it doesn’t happen because if for no other reason, George Lucas would likely negate all of the fantastic post-Return of the Jedi novels, thus really ticking me off. Plus they could really suck.

Oh Wow!

The Lorax is being made into a film!!!!! I just hope they do the book justice.

For those of you who may be unaware The Lorax is an AMAZING book by Dr. Seuss that should be shared with every child at some point in his/her life. To find out more about the book, go check out the Wikipedia entry on the book.

Thanks to Cinematical for the find.

Why Is It?

Why is it every time I am really broke, we start to run out of things in the house? It never fails that the weeks that I have no cash we run out of toilet paper, dishwashing detergent, clothing detergent, trash bags, pain meds (Advil, asprin, etc.), or any combination thereof (among other things). Being poor really blows.

Should We Pull Out and Pull Back?

Steve at The Otter Limits has a couple of scorching posts condemning the United States’ foreign policy, otherwise known as the American Empire in The American Empire: Part One and The American Empire: Part Two. In these posts, Steve suggests that we shutdown nearly, if not all, of our military bases around the world and end the war in Afghanistan. His reasoning is fairing simple –

1. There is no need for these basses,
2. We can no long afford to keep these basses open,
3. No invading country has ever won in Afghanistan.

All of that makes perfect sense. Most of the military basses in Europe and Asia are left-overs from WWII and the Cold War. Those battles are now long gone and neither region is instable or at risk of being taken over by some tyrannical government, so why should we continue to keep a presence there? The only dilemma with leaving Afghanistan is the power vacuum that it would leave, but Steve’s argument that we cannot win that war the way that we are fighting it is correct. So unless there is a major strategy change, we are destined to lose that war.

The simple fact is that the United States has spread itself too thin and we need to pull back and tighten up and I’m sorry but defense spending is one of the first places we should start. Aside from the fact that the Pentagon has no clue where a lot of their own budget goes, there has got to be places that we could make massive cuts. Besides with the technology that we have today, physical bases all across the world are just no longer needed.

But I highly doubt this will ever happen. Why? Money. War is an extremely profitable business and those doing the profiting will demonize ANYONE who even suggests making cuts to defense spending (even though I suspect that the majority of Americans would support defense cuts when they actually look at the facts instead of listen to the demagogs). There are also the hawks who believe that America must have a strong military presence around the world. Many of these people also believe in the teachings of Leo Strauss who taught that America needed an enemy to keep the public focused to prevent chaos (i.e. the US needs an enemy in order to help keep the masses in order and under control). So we here were have a group of people who are interested in maintaining control and profits who will do, I suspect, nearly anything to maintain the status quo of the American Empire.

Like Steve I love my country. I love the values that it was built upon: freedom and liberty. But, also like Steve, I am not blind to the fact that there our country has made some very bad decisions that have had dire consequences. It really is time that we took a long, hard look at what our nation has been doing in foreign countries and decide if this is truly how we want to conduct our business.

Currently Listening

1. “Move Any Mountain” by The Shamen (from En-Tact)
2. “They Don’t Make Gravel Roads Like They Used To” by Red City Radio (from Spinning In Circles Is A Gateway Drug)
3. “Movin’ On” by The Inciters (from Movin’ On)
4. “Favorite Shirt” by The Figgs (from Low-Fi at Society High)
5. “We Were Sick” by The Thermals (from Now We Can See)
6. “In the Sun” by She & Him (from Volume II)
7. “Sitting Still” by R.E.M. (from Murmur)
8. “No Eager Men” by Swingin’ Utters (from The Streets of San Francisco)
9. “Catch My Disease” by Ben Lee (from Awake is the New Sleep)
10. “Pretty in Pink” by The Psychedelic Furs (from Pretty in Pink)

Video of the Day

"High in High School" by Chainsaw Kittens

Quote of the Day

Quite frankly, it sickens me that people in the United States are dying of hunger and of diseases that could have been cured years ago if they were properly funded. It sickens me this country is headed for bankruptcy and doesn't even acknowledge the fact. It sickens me that neither Congress nor the President lacks the balls to do anything about it because they are far too more concerned with maintaining the superior military might of the United States, without even thinking that maybe it is because of our global domination and our entangling alliances (that both President Washington and President Jefferson warned us about so many years ago) that we were attacked on 9/11/2001. Yeah, that's right, I said it. Maybe it is our own government's fault we were attacked. I am in no way, shape, or form, making excuses for the Muslim extremists that planned and executed this disgusting attack, nor am I condoning their actions. What they did is disgusting and the people responsible ought to be brought to justice. What I am saying, however is, that is could have been avoided.

-- Steve Long from the post The American Empire: Part One

The entire post is well worth reading and a blistering condemnation of American foreign policy of the past 70 some-odd years.

Video of the Day

"I Was a Teenage Anarchist" by Against Me!

Hilarious!!!

13 Television Shows That Sound Like Emo/Pop-Punk Band Names

Rocky Horror Getting a Remake?

It may happen.

Video of the Day

"Children" by EMF

Tunes That Got Me Through My Teens

The Flaming Lips were featured on NPR’s All Songs Considered segment Tunes That Got You Through Your Teens. The folks at NPR asked people to let them know what songs got you through your teens and it was from those results that the segment was produced.

This got me thinking about songs got me through my teens. Now I’ve always, since my teens at least, been more of an artist/album guy than song guy so when I think about the music that got me through my teens I tend to think of bands and/or albums. So here is a list of the bands/albums that got me through my teens.

(In no particular order)

• Out of Time by R.E.M.
• Minor Threat by Minor Threat (This is the cassette release of the band's first two 7 inches)
• Doubt by Jesus Jones
• Rattle & Hum by U2
• Bloodletting by Concrete Blonde
• Vivid by Living Colour
• Naive by KMFDM
• Walk Together, Rock Together by 7 Seconds
• Pretty Hate Machine by Nine Inch Nails
• School of Fish by School of Fish
• God Fodder by Ned's Atomic Dustbin
• Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
• Trompe Le Monde by Pixies
• Puzzle by dada
• Stink by The Replacements
• Liveage by Descendents
• Some Friendly by The Charlatans UK
• Nevermind by Nirvana
• Disintegration by The Cure

I'm sure that there are some that I'm forgetting but those are a lot of the albums that got my through those all-important teenage years.

Thanks to OklahomaRock.com for the find.

Currently Listening

1. “Where Do Ya Draw the Line” by Dead Kennedys (from Bedtime for Democracy)
2. “Let’s Lynch the Landlord” by Dead Kennedys (from Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables)
3. “Merchandise” by Fugazi (from Repeater + 2 Songs)
4. “Bad Mouth” by Fugazi (from 13 Songs)
5. “One for Eugene” by The GC5 (from Kisses From Hanoi / Horseshoes & Handgrenades)
6. “When All Else Fails” by The GC5 (from Never Bet the Devil our Head)
7. “Fight the Good Fight” by The Hudson Falcons (from La Famiglia)
8. “Fight to Live” by The Hudson Falcons (from Desire to Burn)
9. “Our Only Weapons” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (from Don’t Know How to Party)
10. “Kinder Words” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (from 20th Century Masters—The Millennium Collection: The Best of The Mighty Mighty Bosstones)

O’Donnell Questions the Separation of Church & State

In a recent debate Republican Delaware Senate candidate Christine O’Donnell seemed to question the notion of the separation of church and state.

From the story –

"Where in the Constitution is separation of church and state?" O'Donnell asked Chris Coons Tuesday, drawing swift criticism from him, laughter from the crowd and a quick defense from prominent conservatives.

Coons, an attorney, responded that O'Donnell's question "reveals her fundamental misunderstanding of what our Constitution is. ... The First Amendment establishes a separation."

She interrupted to say, "The First Amendment does? ... So you're telling me that the separation of church and state, the phrase 'separation of church and state,' is in the First Amendment?"

Her campaign issued a statement later saying O'Donnell "was not questioning the concept of separation of church and state as subsequently established by the courts. She simply made the point that the phrase appears nowhere in the Constitution."

[...]

The subject of religion and the law came up during their debate at Widener University Law School as O'Donnell criticized Coons for saying that teaching creationism in public school would violate the Constitution.

Coons said private and parochial schools are free to teach creationism — O'Donnell used the term "intelligent design" — but that under the "indispensable principle" of separation of church and state "religious doctrine doesn't belong in our public schools."

He said the separation of church and state was one of a number of "settled pieces of constitutional law" worked out through years of legal development including Supreme Court decisions. He said a woman's right to abortion was another.

He noted again the First Amendment's ban on establishment of religion.

"That's in the First Amendment?" she said, smiling.

Both candidates suggested that the exchange showed the other didn't understand the Constitution.

The First Amendment states: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

The phrase "separation of church and state" is usually traced to President Thomas Jefferson. In a letter in 1802, he referred to the First Amendment and said that it built "a wall of separation between Church & State."

The relationship of government and religion continues to be debated in American law. Many argue that the First Amendment's reference to religion involves the establishment of any particular religion, an important concern to the American colonists, not a ban on all involvement between religion and government.

O’Donnell is correct in that the phrase “separation of church and state” is not in the Constitution itself, but the idea of preventing the establishment of an official religion obviously is. The First Amendment was written by James Madison, as was most of the Constitution itself, who was a fervent supporter of religious freedom.

What concerns me about the folks who baulk at the idea of the separation of church and state is where that type of thinking can lead us. Obviously people having taken the separation idea too far and come up with ideas and policies that are just too P.C. and over-the-top, but those who are going in the opposite direction are doing so with seemingly theocratic tendencies. There has to be happy medium between these two extremes. What we need to do is balance the need for the separation of church and state while at the same time not going overboard with ridiculous political correctness.

The World May Not Be Coming to an End

Not yet at least.

R.I.P. Tom Bosley

Tom Bosley, best known as Howard Cunningham on Happy Days, passed away yesterday. As Fonzi would say, rest well Mr. C.

Currently Listening

I’m letting the computer pick the songs again today.

1. “Where Are They Now” by Swingin’ Utters (from Hatest Grits: B-Sides and Bullshit)
2. “I Can Remember” by 7 Seconds (from The Music, The Message)
3. “Somewhere” by Husker Du (from Zen Arcade)
4. “In Spite of the World” by The Ataris (from Blue Skies, Broken Hearts…Next 12 Exits)
5. “I Still Miss Someone” by Johnny Cash (from The Essential Johnny Cash Disc 1)
6. “What’s the Frequency, Kenneth?” by R.E.M. (from Monster)
7. “Continental” by Alkaline Trio (from Good Mourning)
8. “Chasing Heath Crazy” by Guided By Voices (from The Best of Guided By Voices: Human Amusements at Hourly Rates)
9. “Achin’ to Be” by The Replacements (from Don’t You Know Who I Think I Was?: The Best of The Replacements)
10. “Strange Fire” by Indigo Girls (from Retrospective)

Wanna Get McMarried?

Well you can and it will only cost you $400. Could I get some fries to go with those wedding rings?

Currently Listening

I’m letting the computer pick the songs today.

1. “She Don’t Use Jelly” by The Flaming Lips (from Transmission from the Satellite Heart)
2. “He’s Back” by The Mighty Mighty Bosstones (from More Noise and Other Disturbances)
3. “Waiting Room” by Fugazi (from 13 Songs)
4. “The Stalker” by Urge Overkill (from Saturation)
5. “Homecoming: The Death of St. Jimmy” by Green Day (from American Idiot)
6. “The First Part” by Superchunk (from Foolish)
7. “Broken Home, Broken Heart” by Husker Du (from Zen Arcade)
8. “The Right Profile” by The Clash (from London Calling)
9. “Looming Disaster” by One Man Army (from Last Word Spoken)
10. “The 11th Hour” by Rancid (from …And Out Come the Wolves)

Why Bother Rebooting Superman?

There has been a lo of talk lately about what is going to happen with the Superman franchise on the big screen (check out Waiting for 'Superman': 7 Man of Steel Movies That Never Happened as just one example). MY question is, why bother? Instead of starting Superman all over with another actor who may or man not do the part justice, why not just transition the cast and crew of Smallville (CW, IMDB, Wikipedia) to the big screen? I have honestly never seen anyone play the role of Clark Kent better than Tom Welling so why mess with a good thing?

My First Wedding

Last night I had the distinct pleasure and honor of being the best man in my best friend’s wedding. This is something that I have never done, so needless to say I had no idea what was going on but I had a great time.

Good luck in you’re my life Steve and Mandy!!!

R.I.P. Barbara Billingsley

Barbara Billingsley, better know to most around the world as Leave It to Beaver’s June Cleaver, passed away at the age of 94. Rest well Barbara.

Currently Listening

Today we’re doing another major mix up of genres and mainstream vs. underground artists.

1. “Good Golly Miss Molly” by Backbeat Band (from Backbeat [Original Soundtrack])
2. “Paradise by the Dashboard Light” by Meat Loaf (from Bat Out of Hell [Special Edition] Disc 1)
3. “Rise” by Public Image Ltd. (from Album)
4. “Think I’m in Love” by Eddie Money (from The Best of Eddie Money)
5. “Let’s Get It On” by Jack Black (from High Fidelity)
6. “California Gurls” by Katy Perry (from Teenage Dream)
7. “Tomorrow’s Over” by Armchair Martin (from Hang on Ted)
8. “Man in Black” by Johnny Cash (from The Essential Johnny Cash Disc 2)
9. “Ruby Soho” by Vampire Weekend (from Live @ Maida Vale)
10. “All the Small Things” by Blink 182 (from Greatest Hits)

10 Answers to the “Biggest Question of All”

Big Questions Online has an interesting piece entitled The Biggest Question of All that provides ten possible answers to the question Why is there something rather than nothing?. If nothing else, it gives you something to ponder.

Finally!

Headline: 'The Hobbit' Will Be Directed By Peter Jackson; February 2011 Start Date Set

Coming Soon: A Muppet Murder Movie?

Well, sort of.

Oh I Don’t Know

Headline: Fox Orders 'Napoleon Dynamite' Toon Series

While I loved the movie, I’m not sure that a Napoleon Dynamite cartoon is the best idea in the world. I guess the only saving grace is that the original cast from the film is returning for the show and that the original writer/director is one of the executive producers.

Bradley Cooper to Play The Flash?

Cinematical is reporting that Bradley Cooper (from The A-Team, but I know him best from Alias) is the rumored frontrunner to play The Flash. Interestingly, the story also mentions that Ryan Reynolds was set to play The Flash about five years ago but that project fell through (plus he is now Green Lantern). In the comments section of this story, quite a few people have voiced the opinion that Reynolds would make a better Flash and Cooper a better Green Lantern. Personally I think that Reynolds is beyond perfect to play Green Lantern Hal Jordan and I think that Cooper could pull off The Flash, but I guess the big question is, which Flash would he play? I suspect that DC and Warner Brothers would elect to go with the Barry Allen Flash over the Wally West Flash (especially since Barry is now back, alive and running in the DC Universe).

My biggest hope for this project is that they bring in DC writer Geoff Johns to help with the script or at least contact him for advice in the writing process. He has proven to be one of the best writers in comics today and knows the character of The Flash (see The Flash: Rebirth).

Currently Listening

1. “Spinning in Circles is a Gateway Drug” by Red City Radio (from Spinning in Circles is a Gateway Drug)
2. “We are the Sons of Woody Guthrie” by Red City Radio (from For the Sons and Daughters of Woody Guthrie)
3. “No Surrender” by Roustabouts (from Midwest Rules, Vol. 2: You’re Weak, We’re Strong)
4. “Heart is Gone” by Roustabouts (from The Only One)
5. “Bitter Life” by The Amazing Crowns (from Royal)
6. “1965 G.T.O.” by The Amazing Royal Crowns (from The Amazing Royal Crowns)
7. “One Thing” by The Hudson Falcons (from Desire to Burn)
8. “Jersey City” by The Hudson Falcons (from Desperation & Revolution)
9. “Dope Smokin’ Moron” by The Replacements (from Stink)
10. “I.O.U.” by The Replacements (from Pleased to Meet Me)
11. “Cupid’s Victim” by Tiger Army (from Tiger Army II: Power of Moonlight)
12. “American Nightmare” by Tiger Army (from The Early Years)
13. “St. Rosa and the Swallows” by The Thermals (from The Body, the Blood, the Machine)
14. “We Were Sick” by The Thermals (from Now We Can See)
15. “Sidewalk” by Avail (from Dixie)
16. “August” by Avail (from Over the James)

EP Review: Spinning In Circles Is A Gateway Drug

Artist: Red City Radio (MySpace, Facebook)
Title: Spinning In Circles Is A Gateway Drug (iTunes, Amazon, PunkNews.org)

Oklahoma City’s Red City Radio have released a new digital EP, Spinning In Circles Is A Gateway Drug. The EP includes three songs, the title track of which will appear on their upcoming full length debut album. These new songs pick up right where their 2009 EP To the Sons and Daughters of Woody Guthrie left off with brilliantly anthematic (I’m pretty sure I just made this word up) songs that mix the best elements of pop punk and post hardcore. These three songs truly leave me wishing the new album was out because they are that freaking good. It also doesn’t hurt the title track opens with a lyrical shout out to the Roustabouts (my all-time favorite band from the Sooner State).

Red City Radio could really become something. This band has the potential to garner true national exposure with these songs (not another "band of almost made it fame"). What is great about RCR’s music is that it is nearly impossible to nail down into one genre while at the same time sounding familiar. RCR is the kind of band that could (and should) pull fans from across the punk rock board into one place, not too unlike the Bouncing Souls. There is no reason why fans of bands like Hot Water Music, ALL, Fugazi, Screeching Weasel, Dropkick Murphys, Teenage Bottlerocket, Minor Threat, and Banner Pilot shouldn’t be rocking out to Red City Radio. None. So go and buy this EP right now.

Video of the Day

"Ready Steady Go" by Billy Idol

Currently Listening

1. “Out the Door” by The Amazing Crowns (from Royal)
2. “Mr. Goodbye” by Automatic Loveletter (from Truth or Dare)
3. “Smoke Like a Girl” by Joe Coffee (from Untitled 21: A Juvenile Tribute to Swingin’ Utters)
4. “Bound to Break Your Heart” by John Moreland (from Rob’s House Demos)
5. “They Came from the Shadows” by Teenage Bottlerocket (from They Came from the Shadows)
6. “Only Time” by The Kings of Nothin’ (from Over the Counter Culture)
7. “Snoopy vs. The Red Baron” The Staggers (from One Heartbeat Away from Hell)
8. “Twenty Flight Rock” by Tiger Army (from The Early Years)
9. “Maybeing” by Armchair Martin (from Hang on Ted)
10. “That’s a Promise” by The Tight Bros. from Way Back When (from Runnin’ Thru My Bones)

CD Review: Truth or Dare

Artist: Automatic Loveletter (Official, MySpace, Wikipedia)
Album: Truth or Dare (Amazon, iTunes)

Automatic Loveletter is a pop rock band that has elements of later-day emo and pop punk in their music. Their full-length debut Truth or Dare is a pretty good album that is well played with tight production. The songs are generally mid-tempo in nature with personal lyrics punctuated by lead singer’s Juliet Simms’ slightly raspy vocals. Fans of bands like Paramore should definitely check out this album.

What struck me most about this record, and this is not a criticism as much a commentary on modern music, is how much it reminded me of a more aggressive version of Demi Lovato or Selena Gomez. These songs, aside from the ones with bad words in them, could easily fit into the Radio Disney playlist, or maybe more accurately this is the kind of band that I could see Radio Disney fans turning to as they get older and search for music that is a bit darker. In fact, that was my first thought when I heard this album. I honestly didn’t hear the pop punk or emo influences until I started looking up info on the band and found those genres listed on the Wikipedia entry about the band. What I find fascinating is how much of an influence that emo and pop punk have come to have on mainstream pop music. Granted, I’m not sure that the members of Automatic Loveletter grew up on the likes of Hot Water Music or Screeching Weasel, but they obviously were influenced by bands who did (hence my use of the term “later-day emo and pop punk”).

Automatic Loeletter will be playing at The Conservatory tomorrow night (October 14th) with Valencia. I have a felling that these guys put on a good show so if you’re not doing anything else that night, go and check them out.

I’m Honestly Not Sure What to Say About This

Unreasonable Faith has highlighted some song lyrics that are just…well they honestly have me baffled by their utter ignorance and arrogance. That is followed by a video of an amazing scary individual who has called things like Avatar, Twilight, and yoga demonic.

Seriously…yoga, demonic? That’s like saying karate or tai chi is demonic. *sigh*

What Makes Good Management

In my mind there are a series of characteristics that are exhibited by a good manager.
1. Leading by example
2. The ability to step away from the persona of the company and be an individual
3. The ability to adapt to your workers
4. Being there to help your workers and address their issues

Of these characteristics # 3 may very well be the hardest for many in management to master but may also be the most important. Everyone is different, thus not everyone will respond well to the same type of management. Some people respond better to aggressive or micro-managing tactics and some respond better to the hands-off approach. A great manager has the ability to get to know his/her employees and determine which management style will work best with that individual. This is no easy task and I’m not sure that I could do it (or at least I’m not sure if I could do it well) but I’ve seen it done. At my last job I had a boss named Mark who was probably the best supervisor that I have ever had. He exhibited all of the characteristics I’ve listed and he excelled at them. I have to admit that I miss working for him.

In a lot of ways, I don’t envy members of management at all, especially those in the “team leader” level in call centers. They are essentially a punching bag that gets to take crap from both ends (said ends being upper management and the employees under them). It is a thankless job that many are way underpaid for doing, so I do feel for them, but far too often I see managers using a one-size-fits-all management style or failing to lead by example and that has a real tendency to turn people—for sure turn me—off.

Currently Listening

1. “Screen Door” by Uncle Tupelo (from 89/93: An Anthology)
2. “Country Boy” by Johnny Cash (from Unchained)
3. “Tomorrow Morning” by Drag the River (from Hobo’s Demo’s)
4. “Melt Your Heart” by Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins (from Rabbit Fur Coat)
5. “Take Me to Your Leader” by Mojo Nixon (from Gadzooks: The Homemade Bootleg)
6. “Hopeless Vows” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from Our Fathers Send Us [EP])
7. “Ball and Chain” by Social Distortion (from Social Distortion)
8. “My Glass House” by Swingin’ Utters (from Swingin’ Utters)
9. “Rollercoaster” by The Amazing Royal Crowns (from The Amazing Royal Crowns)
10. “Losin’ Letters” by Armchair Martin (from Who Wants to Play Bass)

Video of the Day

"Bad Scene, Everyone's Fault" by Jawbreaker

Some People are Just Not Bright

Thanks to Classically Liberal for the find.

I’ve Always Liked Johnny Depp

But after reading this, I think he is even cooler.

Video of the Day

"Carpetbaggers" by Jenny Lewis & Elvis Costello with Zooey Deschanel

Quote of the Day

Attention all punk rock bands: You are no longer allowed to use the lyric,"I don't need nobody to tell me how to live!" We know already. We've known since around 1983.

-- Scott Reynolds via Facebook

Currently Listening

Today we’re trying another round of making a playlist that is all over the place (see here).

1. “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson (from VH1 Storytellers)
2. “The Distance” by Cake (from Fashion Nugget)
3. “The Other 364” by Big Drill Car (from A Never Ending Endeavor)
4. “She’s Got Everything” by Stephen Egerton & Milo Auckerman (The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
5. “Son of a Preacher Man” by Dusty Springfield (from Dusty in Memphis [Deluxe Edition])
6. “I Do Not Hook Up” by Kelly Clarkson (from All I Ever Wanted)
7. “Kind of a Girl” by Tinted Windows (from Tinted Windows)
8. “Grey Cell Green” by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (from God Fodder)
9. “One and the Same” by Demi Lovato & Selena Gomez (from Disney Channel Playlist)
10. “Express Yourself” by N.W.A. (from Straight Outta Compton)

Comic Book Review: Final Crisis

Title: Final Crisis (DC Comics, DC Comics Database, Amazon, Wikipedia)

Final Crisis was a crossover series put out by DC Comics that was intended as a sequel—or more accurately the third part of a trilogy—to Crisis on Infinite Earths and Infinite Crisis. The series had quite a few related crossover series (like Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds) but this graphic novel contains just the primary series and a couple of other related issues all by series writer Grant Morrison.

The series directly follows the events in Countdown to Final Crisis and Death of the New Gods (the first of which I have read and the second I have not, but the New Gods was one of the series that I followed back in my teens, so I’m familiar with the characters & concepts). The series deals with the rebirth of the New Gods of Apokolips on Earth and the use of the Anti-Life Equation to enslave humanity under the rule of Darkseid.

The ideas behind the plot of Final Crisis are really good but the translation to the page just didn’t work. The writing is haphazard and it jumps from one place to another, with little to no transition, leaving the reader wondering what he/she missed. Often throughout the reading of this series I had to stop and ask myself what was going on because there were that many holes in the story. In fact I’m reading Final Crisis again at the moment to make sure I just didn’t miss something but so far it doesn’t seem like I have (the first time I read the series, I read the actual issues that I borrowed from someone at work and this time I’m reading the graphic novel).

What’s frustrated me most about this series is that it should have been much better. The story is epic, it deals with great characters, the villains are pure evil, the stakes are high, and it followed an excellent series in Countdown to Final Crisis, but sadly the writing in Final Crisis is just lackluster at best and really bad at worst. It also doesn’t help that the artwork is mediocre at best and bloody horrible at worst. And just to drive the point home, the related series Final Crisis: Legion of 3 Worlds, which was written by Geoff Johns and penciled by George Perez (who did the amazing work on Crisis on Infinite Earths), was fantastic. The story just moved better and made sense (which is pretty amazing considering I’ve had very little exposure to the Legion of Superheroes characters over the years). I suspect that had Johns written Final Crisis it would have been much, much better.

Those Who Should Be in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame

Jason Newman at PopEater has a great piece entitled Presenting the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's Most Egregious Snubs that lays out some of the artists that the Hall has just completely missed. The list includes The Smiths, Kiss, Rush, Joy Division, Depeche Mode, and Motley Crue, just to name a few. And he is absolutely right. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame has missed inducting a ton of different artists over the years. Hopefully some of these errors will be corrected in the years to come.

Naked Cowboy 2012

Not a joke.

Money Quote –

"America, I will fight to give the power back to the people. My entire platform and all of my policies and decisions will be organized so as to achieve a much smaller, fiscally responsible, decentralized federal government," he added.

Currently Watching

Title: Comic Books Unbound (Starz, IMDB, Amazon)

Comic Books Unbound is a documentary that covers the history of the medium and the history of comic book film adaptations. The film includes interviews with famous comic book authors and artists along with film directors and actors and of course Mr. Stan Lee.

Overall this is a good, albeit short, documentary. I think that it focuses too much on film adaptations of comics but that may have actually been the point on the production. If you are a fan of comic books or comic book films, Comic Books Unbound is worth checking out.

My Thoughts on Westboro

The Supreme Court is hearing a case against the Westboro Baptist Church dealing with that groups ability to protest at the funerals of dead soldiers. By now most people are familiar, at least in passing, with this group and what they do. This group is reprehensible, disgusting, and obviously does not understand a lick of the message of Jesus. These people should be ashamed of themselves, but the government should not shut them up. The fact is, as tasteless, tactless, rude, and just plain ignorant as their actions are, they have the right to hold their protests. I hope that the Supreme Court agrees.

One Life Preserver and Two Talking Heads

Oh what to do…

Campaign to get Weezer to Quit

Seattle resident James Burns is trying to raise $10 million to give to Weezer in exchange for them to break up the band.

From the story –

"Every year, Rivers Cuomo swears that he's changed, and that their new album is the best thing that he's done since 'Pinkerton,' and what happens? Another pile of crap like 'Beverly Hills' or 'I'm Your Daddy.'"

He added, "This is an abusive relationship, and it needs to stop now."

Whether Weezer will go for it is another matter. Rivers Cuomo seems determined to keep the band going, with a compilation of Weezer's unreleased material due to be released in November.

[...]

Weezer have responded to the plan, with drummer Patrick Wilson, tongue firmly in cheek, saying on Twitter: "If they can make it 20 [million], we'll do the "deluxe breakup"!"

Burns has got his financials worked out: "If all 852,000 of you (really?) who bought 'Pinkerton' pitch in $12, we will meet our goal. I beg you, Weezer. Take our money and disappear."

At the moment, the campaign stands $9,999,840 (£628,900) away from being successful. Money will only be taken from those who pledge if it reaches its target.

This is really kind of silly and I honestly can’t imagine hating a band so much as to try to raise money to get them to stop making records. Besides, at least one review of the band’s new album is really positive. And while I personally consider myself one of the Blue Album/Pinkerton type fans, I have found at least one song on each Weezer record that I liked (if not liked a lot).

But more than anything else, think of all the good that $10 million could do, so why waste it on trying to get someone to quit their job?

Currently Listening

1. “Rodeo…88 Seconds” by Othermothers (from No Place Like Home)
2. “Messengers Victim” by Traindodge (from Nice People NMF Preview)
3. “Common People” by William Shatner (from Has Been)
4. “Boys Don’t Cry” by The Cure (from MTV Unplugged)
5. “Drinkin’ with the Band” by The Hudson Falcons (from Desire to Burn)
6. “I Think I’m in Love” by Sinkhole (from Groping for Trout)
7. “Misconstrued” by Wakeland (from To See the Sun)
8. “God Damn Job” by The Replacements (from Stink)
9. “Can’t Get There from Here” by R.E.M. (from Fables of the Reconstruction)
10. “No Surrender” by Roustabouts (from Midwest Rules, Vol. 2, You’re Weak-We’re Strong)

Who Knew?

God has a page on Facebook. It’s crazy the things that you’ll find online.

She’s Not Even Elected Yet and She’s Already Getting Dirty

Well if the good folks in the state of Nevada were hoping that getting rid of Harry Reid would get rid of corruption in their Senator, then they seriously misjudged Sharron Angle. She’s not even in office yet and she is already trying to bribe off a third party opponent.

Nothing ever really changes does it?

10 Films That Defined Their Generations

Gary Susman over at The Moviefone Blog has put together 10 Movies That Defined Their Generations. The list is actually pretty good, at least as far as Generation X is concerned. I think it is safe to say that the films The Breakfast Club, Reality Bites, and Boyz ‘N the Hood certainly defined, or at least highlighted, very distinct parts of Generation X.

Currently Reading

Title: Legends of Shannara: Bearers of the Black Staff (Amazon)
Author: Terry Brooks (Official, Wikipedia)

Legends of Shannara: Bearers of the Black Staff takes place 500 years after the events of Genesis of Shannara: The Gypsy Morph and deals with what happens when the last descendants of the old world are sent back into the greater world. I’m trying to be pretty vague here just incase there is anyone than reads this and hasn’t read Gypsy Morph yet.

I’m about 60 some off pages in and so far the book is pretty good. This book definitely feels more like a Shannara novel then the Genesis trilogy did—it felt more like a Word & Void continuation, which is what it really was. I’m not far enough in to really have an opinion one way or the other, but generally speaking I love all of Brooks’ work. I suspect that will be the case with Bearers of the Black Staff.

Currently Listening

With the end of the year drawing nearer, I’ve started think about what has been my favorite music of 2010. I already know what some of my favorite albums of the year are but I’m not going to finalize that list until I get to pick up some more CDs down at Guestroom Records (namely the new albums by The Thermals, Street Dogs, Jenny & Johnny, and Kevin Seconds). But until then I do have some songs that have really stood out to me this year and those are making up today’s edition of Currently Listening.

1. “Pills and Smoke” by Johnny Two Bags (from Untitled 21: A Juvenile Tribute to Swingin’ Utters)
2. “In the Sun” by She & Him (from Volume Two)
3. “Falling Out” by Stephen Egerton & Frank Daily (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
4. “Boxer” by The Gaslight Anthem (from American Slang)
5. “Girl Talk” by Euclid Crash (from Nice People NMF Preview)
6. “This Addiction” by Alkaline Trio (from This Addiction)
7. “I Was a Teenage Anarchist” by Against Me! (from White Crosses)
8. “Funny Face” by Stephen Egerton & Chad Price (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
9. “The Diamond Church Street Choir” by The Gaslight Anthem (from American Slang)
10. “Lead Poisoning” by Alkaline Trio (from This Addiction)

More Harry Potter Books?

JK Rowlings says it may happen. I’d really like her to write a book dealing with the formation of Hogwarts or something else in the ancient history of the wizarding world. The book that she did of the wizarding folktales was fantastic. That entire universe is ripe with stories that don’t necessarily have to deal with Harry himself.

Dead To Me Coming to OKC

PunkNews.org is reporting that Dead To Me are heading out for a tour of the US and guess what? They are actually coming to Oklahoma City! They will be playing The Conservatory on November 6th. Hopefully I’ll be able to go.

Would We Still Have the Concept of Evil Without Religion?

David Frankfurter says yes, but the why may not be what you’d expect.

Going Green…I Think

For a while now I’ve been thinking about joining the Green Party. Well last week I finally decided to make the jump and sent my application (for lack of a better term, since in Oklahoma when you register to vote your only options are Republican, Democrat, or Independent if you want to join one of the other political parties you have to send them your info and in the case of our local GP they have a form on their website that you fill out and email to them) to the Oklahoma Green Party. I figured that I would get some kind of confirmation about becoming a member of the party or something but I haven’t gotten any type of response. So I’m assuming that I am now a member of the Green Party…I guess.

Oh I Don’t Know…

Do we really need to see Star Wars in 3D? I’m thinking no, no we don’t.

Quote of the Day

“Service to others is the rent we pay for our time on earth.”

-- Tony Curtis

R.I.P. Tony Curtis

Hollywood legend Tony Curtis passed away on Wednesday. Rest well Tony.

O’Reilly on Obama's "Progressive Values"

Bill O’Reilly’s latest column, Progressive Values, discusses President Obama and his “progressive values.” Unlike some, O’Reilly actually admires him for this.

One of the admirable things about President Obama is that he seems to be a man of principle. He does not seem to waver under public pressure; he sticks to his guns, as the old cliché goes. But those proverbial guns may now be directly pointed at him.

A few months ago, in the face of declining poll numbers for the liberal president, the debate was whether he would move toward the center like Bill Clinton did in order to mollify public opinion. Well, that question is now being answered: Mr. Obama is moving even further left.

O’Reilly goes on to discuss what he perceives as “progressive values” (“social justice” being the biggie) but points out that while many in the country don’t really care about these said values, they do care about the price tag.

It is hard to ascertain just how deeply Barack Obama embraces the progressive vision, but he certainly has not refuted much of it. He is, however, running into big problems with the massive spending his administration has imposed on the nation. In fiscal year 2009, the Obama administration spent a record-breaking $3.52 trillion, racking up a breathtaking $1.4 trillion deficit. That kind of balance sheet cannot be sustained.

The truth is that most Americans couldn't care less about progressive values, as they are locked in on their financial futures. If the United States can't meet its fiscal obligations, every single one of us will suffer grievously. The folks are beginning to understand the danger of massive debt.

So, Mr. Obama has a dilemma. While he is moving to the left on his social justice agenda, the voters are clearly not following. All the polls show that. We are a generous nation; most of us want people to have good lives. But there comes a time when theory bangs up against reality. And, in order to secure a second term, President Obama will have to get real.

As much as O’Reilly gets demonized by those on the Left, he does often provide some pretty well thought out analysis and this is one of those times. I get the feeling that O’Reilly, unlike some of his Fox News cohorts, does not belief that the President is trying to dismantle the country. It is obvious that Mr. Obama is a big, BIG believer that the government should be used to make the world a better place. And it is this belief that has drawn him to the kinds of people that he has in his administration. Are some of those people the kinds who would like to dismantle this country? I’m sure that they are. I’m sure that there are people in the administration that are complete and total radicals but I don’t think that is the case with the President (just like I never thought that George W. Bush was someone with totalitarian leanings; Dick Cheney on the other hand…).

This all having been said, Obama is not doing a very good job leading the country or explaining why his “progressive values” are a good thing. He is losing the debate and in the process of losing his job.

Currently Listening

The computer is picking the songs again today.

1. “Buddy Holly” by Weezer (from Weezer (Blue Album) [Deluxe] Disc 1)
2. “Love Song” by The Damned (from The Best of The Damned)
3. “Catapult” by R.E.M. (from Murmur)
4. “On the Way Down” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from Our Fathers Sent Us [EP])
5. “Strange Fire” by Indigo Girls (from Retrospective)
6. “Where Did You Hide the Sun” by The Methadones (from This Won’t Hurt)
7. “Never Try” by 7 Seconds (from Good To Go)
8. “11 O’Clock Tick Tock” by U2 (from Boy [Deluxe Edition] Disc 2)
9. “My Life” by Riot Squad (from Riot Squad)
10. “Privileged Few” by Roustabouts (from The Only One)