"Sweet Soul Music" by Arthur Conley
Monday, January 31, 2011
Quote of the Day
Whatever the merits of the argument that scrupulous avoidance of violent metaphors will make us safer (extremely dubious in my view), I think it's beyond question that it has already made us dumber.-- Frank Portman from the post So It's Come to This
Blast from the Past: Violent Femmes
Title: Violent Femmes (Amazon, Wikipedia)
Artist: Violent Femmes (Official, MySpace, Facebook, Last.fm, AllMusic, Wikipedia
The Violent Femmes will always be known for their classic debut self-titled album and the song “Blister in the Sun.” This isn’t a bad thing…heck I suspect that most bands would love to be in the position that the Femmes are in, having a record that is synonymous with their generation and a large cult following. I mean, who wouldn’t want that kind of success?
I first heard the Violent Femmes through this record sometime in late 1990 early 1991. At the time you were practically issued this tape with your first pair of Dr. Matrens when you became involved with “the scene.” In fact I distinctly remember one day driving in my car with some friends and we were trying to decide what to listen to. Someone in the backseat said “put in the Violent Femmes.” She just assumed that I had the tape because...well everyone had that tape (sadly at the time I didn’t).
The record itself is pure minimalist teen angst (before it was cool). The songs are catchy and dare you to keep them from getting stuck in your head. There is longing and passion in the lyrics that any teenage lonely misfit can identify with (see “Please Do Not Go”) right next to the fire of teenage rebellion (see “Kiss Off”). This is a record that helped an entire generation of misfits and freaks get through high school and the fact that the opening track (“Blister in the Sun”) has becoming a hit is a testament to the power of music (and excellent placement in a variety of movies and TV shows).
What I wonder though about Violent Femmes is if it is a record that touches those outside of Generation X. Is this something that only we get? If it is then that is a shame but kind of understandable. This is a record that captured an era and it may be that for those who didn’t experience that era things will get lost in translation. Next year, Violent Femmes will mark its 30 year anniversary. To me this record sounds as fresh and vibrant as it did when I was 15. I wonder if my kids will get it? Even if they don’t, we did and maybe that’s all that matters.
Artist: Violent Femmes (Official, MySpace, Facebook, Last.fm, AllMusic, Wikipedia
The Violent Femmes will always be known for their classic debut self-titled album and the song “Blister in the Sun.” This isn’t a bad thing…heck I suspect that most bands would love to be in the position that the Femmes are in, having a record that is synonymous with their generation and a large cult following. I mean, who wouldn’t want that kind of success?
I first heard the Violent Femmes through this record sometime in late 1990 early 1991. At the time you were practically issued this tape with your first pair of Dr. Matrens when you became involved with “the scene.” In fact I distinctly remember one day driving in my car with some friends and we were trying to decide what to listen to. Someone in the backseat said “put in the Violent Femmes.” She just assumed that I had the tape because...well everyone had that tape (sadly at the time I didn’t).
The record itself is pure minimalist teen angst (before it was cool). The songs are catchy and dare you to keep them from getting stuck in your head. There is longing and passion in the lyrics that any teenage lonely misfit can identify with (see “Please Do Not Go”) right next to the fire of teenage rebellion (see “Kiss Off”). This is a record that helped an entire generation of misfits and freaks get through high school and the fact that the opening track (“Blister in the Sun”) has becoming a hit is a testament to the power of music (and excellent placement in a variety of movies and TV shows).
What I wonder though about Violent Femmes is if it is a record that touches those outside of Generation X. Is this something that only we get? If it is then that is a shame but kind of understandable. This is a record that captured an era and it may be that for those who didn’t experience that era things will get lost in translation. Next year, Violent Femmes will mark its 30 year anniversary. To me this record sounds as fresh and vibrant as it did when I was 15. I wonder if my kids will get it? Even if they don’t, we did and maybe that’s all that matters.
Amazing Oklahoma Sunset
This beautiful picture was taken by my friend’s daughter on her cell phone. This is why photography is considered an art. Very impressive stuff.
New Superman Film has Lead Actor
Cinematical is reporting that British actor Henry Cavill has landed the role of Clark Kent in the new Superman reboot. I’ve never heard of the guy, but based on the picture used in the story I think he’s got the right look to play the character (or at least he doesn’t look like a Christopher Reeve clone). I am disappointed though that they did not go with Tom Welling of Smallville for this film, but not surprised. Had they gone with Welling the film would need to start where Smallville leaves off and director Zack Snyder has already said that this movie is a reboot of the character that will be based on general Superman mythology and not a specific series.
Currently Listening
1. “Calloused Heart [# 1]” by Drag the River (from The Blasting Room)
2. “Calloused Heart # 2” by Drag the River (from Primer)
3. “American Music” by Violent Femmes (from Why Do Birds Sing)
4. “Prove My Love” by Violent Femmes (from Violent Femmes)
5. “If That’s Alright” by Uncle Tupelo (from Still Feel Gone)
6. “Screen Door” by Uncle Tupelo (from 89/93: An Anthology)
7. “Santa Maria” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
8. “Like Jack Dalrymple” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from My Pappy Was a Pistol)
9. “It’s a Wonderful Lie” by Paul Westerberg (from Suicaine Gratification)
10. “Waiting for Somebody” by Paul Westerberg (from Singles [Original Soundtrack])
2. “Calloused Heart # 2” by Drag the River (from Primer)
3. “American Music” by Violent Femmes (from Why Do Birds Sing)
4. “Prove My Love” by Violent Femmes (from Violent Femmes)
5. “If That’s Alright” by Uncle Tupelo (from Still Feel Gone)
6. “Screen Door” by Uncle Tupelo (from 89/93: An Anthology)
7. “Santa Maria” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
8. “Like Jack Dalrymple” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from My Pappy Was a Pistol)
9. “It’s a Wonderful Lie” by Paul Westerberg (from Suicaine Gratification)
10. “Waiting for Somebody” by Paul Westerberg (from Singles [Original Soundtrack])
Sunday, January 30, 2011
It’s Not Often that I Agree with MoveOn.org
But I do agree with this solidarity with the people of Egypt statement.
Sadly things in Egypt are deteriorating greatly. I hope that there will be a peaceful end to the chaos and that the people of Egypt are able to gain the freedoms that all humans deserve.
Sadly things in Egypt are deteriorating greatly. I hope that there will be a peaceful end to the chaos and that the people of Egypt are able to gain the freedoms that all humans deserve.
Quote of the Day
The answer is that freedom of conscience and freedom of religion is an important, perhaps the most important, liberal value, enshrined in our Constitution-- Frank Portman from the post Brights vs. Liberals
Talk About Feeling Dumb…
The next time you feel like you’ve done something really dumb, just take a look at these game show epic fails and I’m sure you’ll feel a bit better about yourself.
Currently Listening
1. “Having a Party” by Drag the River (from Primer)
2. “I Can’t Turn You Loose” by Otis Redding (from The Definitive Soul Collection Disc 1)
3. “High Lonesome” by The Gaslight Anthem (from The ’59 Sound)
4. “I Thank You” by Sam & Dave (from The Definitive Soul Collection Disc 2)
5. “Burning Too” by Fugazi (from 13 Songs)
6. “Proud Mary” by Ike & Tina Turner (from Ike & Tina Turner [Platinum Disc] Disc 2)
7. “City Lights” by The GC5 (from Kisses from Hanoi / Horseshoes & Handgrenades)
8. “I Found a True Love” by Wilson Pickett (from The Definitive Soul Collection Disc 2)
9. “Jesus, Satan, Gene Beman, His Car, & Pizza Hut” by Scott Reynolds & the Steaming Beast (from Adventure Boy)
10. “Twistin’ the Night Away” by Sam Cooke (from Greatest Hits)
2. “I Can’t Turn You Loose” by Otis Redding (from The Definitive Soul Collection Disc 1)
3. “High Lonesome” by The Gaslight Anthem (from The ’59 Sound)
4. “I Thank You” by Sam & Dave (from The Definitive Soul Collection Disc 2)
5. “Burning Too” by Fugazi (from 13 Songs)
6. “Proud Mary” by Ike & Tina Turner (from Ike & Tina Turner [Platinum Disc] Disc 2)
7. “City Lights” by The GC5 (from Kisses from Hanoi / Horseshoes & Handgrenades)
8. “I Found a True Love” by Wilson Pickett (from The Definitive Soul Collection Disc 2)
9. “Jesus, Satan, Gene Beman, His Car, & Pizza Hut” by Scott Reynolds & the Steaming Beast (from Adventure Boy)
10. “Twistin’ the Night Away” by Sam Cooke (from Greatest Hits)
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Quote of the Day
Like every politician seeking power he invoked the poor and needy over and over in his address. He also claimed that all the protests are allowed because of the "reforms" that he established. So everything good came from him, everything bad came from his government, which he was not responsible for.-- CLS from the post The Egyptian Meltdown
Mubarak has been in power, as a virtual dictator, since 1981. And he has been cemented in power by billions of dollars in direct aid from the United States. The US gives the Mubarak dictatorship about $1.5 billion per year, most of that in military aid.
This is precisely how US foreign policy encourages the Islamist fundamentalists. Our government, in our name, props up vicious, vile dictators who suppress their people. The only organized force of opposition is found within the mosques because all other forms of civil society are tightly controlled. Within the mosques the Islamists come to dominate as the strongest opponents of the dictatorship. And this forces moderates into an alliance with Islamists to overthrow the government.
[...]
Of course, it is not just soldiers and battles. American foreign intervention is often done when the US channels billions of taxpayer's wealth to tyrannical dictators. American politicians believe it is their divine right to rule the world, passing laws that they they force weaker governments around the world of enforcing. Our government made US drug policies the policies of the world by pushing other governments into adopting them through a combinaiton of carrot and stick policies.
Just as politicians screw up everything they touch in America, they screw up everything they touch globally. We need non-intervention, not only abroad, but at home as well.
Currently Listening
1. “In the Attic” by Buffalo Tom (from Buffalo Tom)
2. “Scared of My Friends” by Armchair Martian (from Hang on Ted)
3. “Stay Lucky” by The Gaslight Anthem (from American Slang)
4. “These Important Years” by Husker Du (from Warehouse: Songs and Stories)
5. “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson (from VH1 Storytellers)
6. “There’s a Hole” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
7. “Sunrise Always Listens” by Paul Westerberg (from Suicaine Gratification)
8. “Disturbance at the Heron House” by R.E.M. (from MTV Unplugged)
9. “Fell” by School of Fish (from School of Fish)
10. “My Glass House” by Swingin’ Utters (from Swingin’ Utters)
2. “Scared of My Friends” by Armchair Martian (from Hang on Ted)
3. “Stay Lucky” by The Gaslight Anthem (from American Slang)
4. “These Important Years” by Husker Du (from Warehouse: Songs and Stories)
5. “Folsom Prison Blues” by Johnny Cash & Willie Nelson (from VH1 Storytellers)
6. “There’s a Hole” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
7. “Sunrise Always Listens” by Paul Westerberg (from Suicaine Gratification)
8. “Disturbance at the Heron House” by R.E.M. (from MTV Unplugged)
9. “Fell” by School of Fish (from School of Fish)
10. “My Glass House” by Swingin’ Utters (from Swingin’ Utters)
Friday, January 28, 2011
CD Review: Good Luck Buttons
Title: Good Luck Buttons (Amazon, InterPunk)
Artist: Kevin Seconds (Official, MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, PureVolume, Wikipedia)
Kevin Seconds will always be known for his work with the seminal hardcore punk band 7 Seconds, but he is far from one show pony, something well known to long-time fans of the band (or at least should be to anyone who has listened to anything beyond their hardcore records).
Good Luck Buttons is Kevin Seconds’ fourth solo album, but the first that I have heard. InterPunk described the record as having “that folksy vibe in the style of punk gone acoustic” and I think that is pretty spot on. This record mixes folk, alt country, and indie rock/pop to create a sound that is unique and familiar all at the same time. These songs are well crafted and fun but drastically different than 7 Seconds (not that that is a bad thing). Had I heard this record when it came out last year, it would have landed a spot on my best of 2010 list.
Artist: Kevin Seconds (Official, MySpace, Twitter, Facebook, Last.fm, PureVolume, Wikipedia)
Kevin Seconds will always be known for his work with the seminal hardcore punk band 7 Seconds, but he is far from one show pony, something well known to long-time fans of the band (or at least should be to anyone who has listened to anything beyond their hardcore records).
Good Luck Buttons is Kevin Seconds’ fourth solo album, but the first that I have heard. InterPunk described the record as having “that folksy vibe in the style of punk gone acoustic” and I think that is pretty spot on. This record mixes folk, alt country, and indie rock/pop to create a sound that is unique and familiar all at the same time. These songs are well crafted and fun but drastically different than 7 Seconds (not that that is a bad thing). Had I heard this record when it came out last year, it would have landed a spot on my best of 2010 list.
Randy Can’t Catch a Break
State Rep. Randy Terrill has been in the news a lot this week with the investigation into alleged corruption charges. If the charges are true, then he brought this all on himself. I suspect that he is guilty of playing politics as usual and is no more or less corrupt than the vast majority of our state’s Congress.
Where this man can’t catch a break is the really bad pictures that keep getting used in stories. First you have this one (see picture on the right) from a story on NewsOK.com. Talk about unflattering.
But that’s not even the worst of it.
Take a gander at the cover of this week’s Oklahoma Gazette (see picture on the left). All I can say is yikes! What a horrible picture! It makes me feel bad for the guy.
I don’t know Randy Terrill from Adam. Yes I have been critical of his policy choices in the past and I have never voted for him, but I must admit that my opinion towards the name began to shift after I saw him at my kids’ school. It turns out that Randy and I are practically neighbors and seeing him at the school, with his family, brings everything much closer to home. I have some empathy for the man, even if he seems to represent much of what I completely disagree with. I have yet to get up the nerve to introduce myself to him, but I figure it’s not cool to bother the man when he is taking his kids to school (the idea of asking him policy questions in the school’s lobby just seems a little crass to me—the man does have a right to a private life after all).
Will I vote for Mr. Terrill in 2012? No. In fact I have toyed with the idea of running against him as an independent just to give the voters in District 53 a choice (knowing full well that I have a snowball’s chance of winning mind you). The fact is Rep. Terrill will continue to win reelection until he is proven guilty of corruption or until he is term limited out of office. He is a Republican and often that is all it takes. This isn’t a slight, just a simple observation of the voting patterns in this and the adjourning district.
Where this man can’t catch a break is the really bad pictures that keep getting used in stories. First you have this one (see picture on the right) from a story on NewsOK.com. Talk about unflattering.
But that’s not even the worst of it.
Take a gander at the cover of this week’s Oklahoma Gazette (see picture on the left). All I can say is yikes! What a horrible picture! It makes me feel bad for the guy.
I don’t know Randy Terrill from Adam. Yes I have been critical of his policy choices in the past and I have never voted for him, but I must admit that my opinion towards the name began to shift after I saw him at my kids’ school. It turns out that Randy and I are practically neighbors and seeing him at the school, with his family, brings everything much closer to home. I have some empathy for the man, even if he seems to represent much of what I completely disagree with. I have yet to get up the nerve to introduce myself to him, but I figure it’s not cool to bother the man when he is taking his kids to school (the idea of asking him policy questions in the school’s lobby just seems a little crass to me—the man does have a right to a private life after all).
Will I vote for Mr. Terrill in 2012? No. In fact I have toyed with the idea of running against him as an independent just to give the voters in District 53 a choice (knowing full well that I have a snowball’s chance of winning mind you). The fact is Rep. Terrill will continue to win reelection until he is proven guilty of corruption or until he is term limited out of office. He is a Republican and often that is all it takes. This isn’t a slight, just a simple observation of the voting patterns in this and the adjourning district.
Video of the Day
"(What's So Funny About) Peace, Love & Understanding" by Elvis Costello & the Attractions
Monday, January 24, 2011
Currently Watching: Dollhouse Season 1
Title: Dollhouse Season 1 (IMDB, Amazon, Wikipedia)
Dollhouse was a science fiction show created by Joss Whedon about an illegal underground operation that could provide someone with an Active for the right price. An Active is a person who is given a specific type of personality/skill that the customer requires. I know that I’m doing a pretty terrible job explaining the show but it’s Joss Whedon, so how could you go wrong?
I’m currently on the second disc of this set and am really enjoying it. It took me a little bit to get into the show but once I did, I’m now hooked.
Dollhouse was a science fiction show created by Joss Whedon about an illegal underground operation that could provide someone with an Active for the right price. An Active is a person who is given a specific type of personality/skill that the customer requires. I know that I’m doing a pretty terrible job explaining the show but it’s Joss Whedon, so how could you go wrong?
I’m currently on the second disc of this set and am really enjoying it. It took me a little bit to get into the show but once I did, I’m now hooked.
Top 15 Albums of 1991
1991 was a pretty big year in my life and it was an amazing year for music. Trying to pick the best albums for this year wasn’t easy because there was so much great material to choose from. Eventually I will cover many of these albums in Blast from the Past posts, but until then here are my 15 favorite albums of 1991.
You can see Steve’s way cooler version of this post here.
15. Nevermind by Nirvana
14. Electronic by Electronic
13. Girlfriend by Matthew Sweet
12. School of Fish by School of Fish
11. Ten by Pearl Jam
10. Mental Jewelry by Live
9. Gish by Smashing Pumpkins
8. My Brain Hurts by Screeching Weasel
7. International Pop Overthrow by Material Issue
6. Doubt by Jesus Jones
5. Trompe Le Monde by Pixies
4. Achtung Baby by U2
3. God Fodder by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin
2. Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
1. Out of Time by R.E.M.
Other Notable Releases –
Sailing the Seas of Cheese by Primus
New Girl, Old Story by TonyALL
Temple of the Dog by Temple of the Dog
The Globe by Big Audio Dynamite II
Fear by Toad the Wet Sprocket
Why Do Birds Sing by Violent Femmes
80-85 by Bad Religion
Still Feel Gone by Uncle Tupelo
Down By Law by Down By Law
Batch by Big Drill Car
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge by Mudhoney
Spartacus by The Farm
Green Mind by Dinosaur Jr.
Schubert Dip by EMF
Badmotorfinger by Soundgarden
Kill Uncle by Morrissey
Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Mr. Bungle by Mr. Bungle
Leisure by Blur
1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours by Green Day
30 Something by Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine
Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Attack of the Killer B's by Anthrax
Divinyls by Divinyls
MCMXC A.D. by Enigma
The Name Above the Title by John Wesley Harding
Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
The Real Ramona by Throwing Muses
Mama Said by Lenny Kravitz
The Reality of My Surroundings by Fishbone
Flyin' the Flannel by fIREHOSE
Grippe by Jawbox
De La Soul Is by Dead by De La Soul
Superstition by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience by P. M. Dawn
Whirlpool by Chapterhouse
Steady Diet of Nothing by Fugazi
Naughty by Nature by Naughty by Nature
Perspex Island by Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians
Pocket Full of Kryptonite by Spin Doctors
Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
Solace by Sarah McLachlan
Blow Up by The Smithereens
Don't Try This at Home by Billy Bragg
Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Ceremony by The Cult
The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Ebbhead by Nitzer Ebb
Diamonds and Pearls by Prince & the New Power Generation
Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black by Public Enemy
Vinyl by Dramarama
Chorus by Erasure
As Ugly as They Wanna Be by Ugly Kid Joe
Live Baby Live by INXS
No Pocky for Kitty by Superchunk
You can see Steve’s way cooler version of this post here.
15. Nevermind by Nirvana
14. Electronic by Electronic
13. Girlfriend by Matthew Sweet
12. School of Fish by School of Fish
11. Ten by Pearl Jam
10. Mental Jewelry by Live
9. Gish by Smashing Pumpkins
8. My Brain Hurts by Screeching Weasel
7. International Pop Overthrow by Material Issue
6. Doubt by Jesus Jones
5. Trompe Le Monde by Pixies
4. Achtung Baby by U2
3. God Fodder by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin
2. Bandwagonesque by Teenage Fanclub
1. Out of Time by R.E.M.
Other Notable Releases –
Sailing the Seas of Cheese by Primus
New Girl, Old Story by TonyALL
Temple of the Dog by Temple of the Dog
The Globe by Big Audio Dynamite II
Fear by Toad the Wet Sprocket
Why Do Birds Sing by Violent Femmes
80-85 by Bad Religion
Still Feel Gone by Uncle Tupelo
Down By Law by Down By Law
Batch by Big Drill Car
Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge by Mudhoney
Spartacus by The Farm
Green Mind by Dinosaur Jr.
Schubert Dip by EMF
Badmotorfinger by Soundgarden
Kill Uncle by Morrissey
Loveless by My Bloody Valentine
Mr. Bungle by Mr. Bungle
Leisure by Blur
1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours by Green Day
30 Something by Carter the Unstoppable Sex Machine
Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers
Attack of the Killer B's by Anthrax
Divinyls by Divinyls
MCMXC A.D. by Enigma
The Name Above the Title by John Wesley Harding
Peggy Suicide by Julian Cope
The Real Ramona by Throwing Muses
Mama Said by Lenny Kravitz
The Reality of My Surroundings by Fishbone
Flyin' the Flannel by fIREHOSE
Grippe by Jawbox
De La Soul Is by Dead by De La Soul
Superstition by Siouxsie and the Banshees
Of the Heart, of the Soul and of the Cross: The Utopian Experience by P. M. Dawn
Whirlpool by Chapterhouse
Steady Diet of Nothing by Fugazi
Naughty by Nature by Naughty by Nature
Perspex Island by Robyn Hitchcock and the Egyptians
Pocket Full of Kryptonite by Spin Doctors
Cypress Hill by Cypress Hill
Solace by Sarah McLachlan
Blow Up by The Smithereens
Don't Try This at Home by Billy Bragg
Screamadelica by Primal Scream
Ceremony by The Cult
The Low End Theory by A Tribe Called Quest
Ebbhead by Nitzer Ebb
Diamonds and Pearls by Prince & the New Power Generation
Apocalypse 91... The Enemy Strikes Black by Public Enemy
Vinyl by Dramarama
Chorus by Erasure
As Ugly as They Wanna Be by Ugly Kid Joe
Live Baby Live by INXS
No Pocky for Kitty by Superchunk
Currently Listening
1. “Guitar Case” by TonyALL (from New Girl, Old Story)
2. “Star Sign” by Teenage Fanclub (from Bandwagonesque)
3. “Head On” by Pixies (from Trompe Le Monde)
4. “Girlfriend” by Matthew Sweet (from Girlfriend)
5. “Going to Pasalaqua” by Green Day (from 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours)
6. “Grey Cell Green” by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (from God Fodder)
7. “Porch” by Pearl Jam (from Ten)
8. “Belong” by R.E.M. (from Out of Time)
9. “Intro/3 Strange Days” by School of Fish (from School of Fish)
10. “The Fly” by U2 (from Achtung Baby)
2. “Star Sign” by Teenage Fanclub (from Bandwagonesque)
3. “Head On” by Pixies (from Trompe Le Monde)
4. “Girlfriend” by Matthew Sweet (from Girlfriend)
5. “Going to Pasalaqua” by Green Day (from 1,039/Smoothed Out Slappy Hours)
6. “Grey Cell Green” by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (from God Fodder)
7. “Porch” by Pearl Jam (from Ten)
8. “Belong” by R.E.M. (from Out of Time)
9. “Intro/3 Strange Days” by School of Fish (from School of Fish)
10. “The Fly” by U2 (from Achtung Baby)
Sunday, January 23, 2011
What’s the Difference Really? A Look at Brahman, the Tao, the Eternal Buddha, and God
__________________________________________________________
Note – When I originally came up with the idea for this post, it was going to be longer and more in-depth (kind of like a research paper). During the writing though, that didn’t happen.
__________________________________________________________
In Hinduism the universe and all divine energy comes from Brahman and all gods and goddesses are aspects of Brahman. In Taoism the universe and all living things are bound together by the Tao. In Mahayana Buddhism, Enlightenment is found when one is able to touch the part of the Eternal Buddha that is inside all living things. In Christianity the universe was created by God and people can by touched by God through the Holy Spirit—an aspect of God as part of the Trinity. Are these really different deities or just different interpretations of the same unknowable divinity that created the universe and binds us together in this world?
It is my belief that these are in fact different interpretations of the same thing. Think about it this way—if two individuals witness the same situation and you ask them later to separately describe it to you, you will most likely receive two different accounts of the event. Sure many of the basics will be the same but the feel of the event will be different. Would it not be a logical conclusion to say that this same thing could happen with how humanity has witnessed and experience divinity over the centuries?
It is my theory that the reason why there are so many religions throughout the world isn’t because people are praying to different divinities, it is because that they multitudes of different cultures have interpreted the divine in different ways. Now this is not to say that some haven’t lost their way and thus created harmful and dangerous religious beliefs and practices, because sadly they have. This is caused by the imperfect nature of humanity and our never-ending greed and lust for power, nothing more.
There is a reason why there are so many parallels and similarities in the myths and religions of the world. At their core they are expressions of the lessons that humanity needs to try to keep the world from falling into chaos.
Note – When I originally came up with the idea for this post, it was going to be longer and more in-depth (kind of like a research paper). During the writing though, that didn’t happen.
__________________________________________________________
In Hinduism the universe and all divine energy comes from Brahman and all gods and goddesses are aspects of Brahman. In Taoism the universe and all living things are bound together by the Tao. In Mahayana Buddhism, Enlightenment is found when one is able to touch the part of the Eternal Buddha that is inside all living things. In Christianity the universe was created by God and people can by touched by God through the Holy Spirit—an aspect of God as part of the Trinity. Are these really different deities or just different interpretations of the same unknowable divinity that created the universe and binds us together in this world?
It is my belief that these are in fact different interpretations of the same thing. Think about it this way—if two individuals witness the same situation and you ask them later to separately describe it to you, you will most likely receive two different accounts of the event. Sure many of the basics will be the same but the feel of the event will be different. Would it not be a logical conclusion to say that this same thing could happen with how humanity has witnessed and experience divinity over the centuries?
It is my theory that the reason why there are so many religions throughout the world isn’t because people are praying to different divinities, it is because that they multitudes of different cultures have interpreted the divine in different ways. Now this is not to say that some haven’t lost their way and thus created harmful and dangerous religious beliefs and practices, because sadly they have. This is caused by the imperfect nature of humanity and our never-ending greed and lust for power, nothing more.
There is a reason why there are so many parallels and similarities in the myths and religions of the world. At their core they are expressions of the lessons that humanity needs to try to keep the world from falling into chaos.
Cover Wars: "Tainted love"
Soft Cell vs. Shades Apart
My Vote: Even though I love the Soft Cell version and have a few pretty funny memories that go along with it, I really do prefer the Shades Apart version.
My Vote: Even though I love the Soft Cell version and have a few pretty funny memories that go along with it, I really do prefer the Shades Apart version.
Currently Listening
1. “Slights and Snickers” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
2. “Premature Mid-Life Crisis” by The Methadones (from Career Objective)
3. “Caress” by Buffalo Tom (from Birdbrain)
4. “Santa Maria” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
5. “Your Words” by Dag Nasty (from Minority of One)
6. “Nickel Bridge” by Avail (from Over the James)
7. “The Finger and the Moon” by Ben Lee (from Breathing Tornados)
8. “Halloween on the Barbary Coast” by The Flaming Lips (from Hit to Death on the Future Head)
9. “Fall Back Down” by Rancid (from Indestructible)
10. “Power Lies” by The Thermals (from Personal Life)
2. “Premature Mid-Life Crisis” by The Methadones (from Career Objective)
3. “Caress” by Buffalo Tom (from Birdbrain)
4. “Santa Maria” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
5. “Your Words” by Dag Nasty (from Minority of One)
6. “Nickel Bridge” by Avail (from Over the James)
7. “The Finger and the Moon” by Ben Lee (from Breathing Tornados)
8. “Halloween on the Barbary Coast” by The Flaming Lips (from Hit to Death on the Future Head)
9. “Fall Back Down” by Rancid (from Indestructible)
10. “Power Lies” by The Thermals (from Personal Life)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Quote of the Day
"It is better to ask some of the questions than to know all of the answers."-- Keith Olbermann on his final broadcast of Countdown
Currently Listening
1. “Happy Beginning” Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
2. “Walk Together, Rock Together” by 7 Seconds (from Walk Together, Rock Together)
3. “All-N-All” by Drag the River (from Hobo’s Demo’s)
4. “Original Me” by ALL (from Breaking Things)
5. “Choices Made” by CIV (from Set Your Goals)
6. “Breaking Free” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Gorilla Biscuits)
7. “I Sure Enjoyed My Stay” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
8. “Smoke Like a Girl” by Swingin’ Utters (from More Scared)
9. “Twenty Nine” by Doug McKean (from Concerto for Second Fiddle)
10. “White Flag” by The GC5 (from Kisses from Hanoi / Horseshoes & Handgrenades)
2. “Walk Together, Rock Together” by 7 Seconds (from Walk Together, Rock Together)
3. “All-N-All” by Drag the River (from Hobo’s Demo’s)
4. “Original Me” by ALL (from Breaking Things)
5. “Choices Made” by CIV (from Set Your Goals)
6. “Breaking Free” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Gorilla Biscuits)
7. “I Sure Enjoyed My Stay” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
8. “Smoke Like a Girl” by Swingin’ Utters (from More Scared)
9. “Twenty Nine” by Doug McKean (from Concerto for Second Fiddle)
10. “White Flag” by The GC5 (from Kisses from Hanoi / Horseshoes & Handgrenades)
Friday, January 21, 2011
Comics Review: Justice League of America: The Lightning Saga
Title: Justice League of America: The Lightning Saga (DC Comics, Amazon, Wikipedia)
Authors: Brad Meltzer (Official, What I Believe: Official Blog, Wikipedia) & Geoff Johns (Official, Facebook, Twitter, Wikipedia)
The Lightning Saga is the second major storyline in the post-Infinite Crisis Justice League of America series and is a crossover with the Justice Society of America. The series also is the first appearance of the post-IC Legion of Super-Heroes, which subsequently looks a lot like the pre-Crisis on Infinite Earths Legion. The graphic novel also includes three one-off stories Walls, Monitor Duty, and Justice League of America # 0.
The story of The Lightning Saga deals with the mysterious appearance of members of the 31st century’s Legion and the connections/interplay between the JLA and JSA. It also marks the return of The Flash, Wally West (he disappeared into the Speed Force during IC) and begins to set up the events that would later come in Countdown to Final Crisis and Final Crisis.
Geoff Johns and Brad Meltzer and probably my two favorite comic book writers and this graphic novel is a splendid example as to why. These two gentlemen know these characters inside and out and beyond that know how to spin an epic yarn. But it isn’t the big battles that make this series something special. It is the human moments. Just look at the pages following the return of Wally West, the reactions of Green Lantern, Red Arrow, and Batman are all very griping and exemplify great storytelling.
Worried That Your Sign has Changed?
Don’t because apparently it hasn’t.
From the story –
From the story –
Is Ophiuchus the 13th zodiac sign?When this story first broke I remember seeing a local blogger linking to it (I think it was the Fox story if memory serves) with a headline that said something like “idiot pagans.” Because that turned me off so much I just never bothered looking into the story. Then yesterday at work someone brought it up and showed me this new list of the signs, so I decided to look up what my horoscope is today (because it appeared to have changed) and discovered that no it hadn’t and that all of this is a just another case of misinformation gone wild online.
No. Ophiuchus is just a constellation. Even the founding text for astrology (Tetrabiblos by Claudius Ptolemy, written 170 AD) mentions just 12 signs. Though a very small fraction of western astrologers who follow a different, constellation-based zodiac, or those who follow Vedic astrology, may use Ophiuchus as the 13th zodiac sign, or assign different dates to the signs used in western astrology.
How did this whole myth get started?
It began when astronomy professor Parke Kunkle of Minneapolis Community and Technical College told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune about the procession of stars over time. He said "Three thousand years ago the sun was 'in' whatever it was in. Now it's about a whole constellation off from that." Kunkle's quote was picked up by FOX News and other media outlets, and the false information went viral because people mistakenly assume that astrology is based on the constellations. But that's not true at all.
So what is the truth?
Western astrology is based on the four seasons, not on constellations -- and the seasons don't change. As Levine said above, there are four seasons, each with a with a beginning, middle and end, which adds up to 12 zodiac signs. There is no 13th sign. Period.
Currently Listening
1. “Big Important Place” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
2. “White Flag” by Dag Nasty (from Minority of One)
3. “My Little monkey Wrench” by Hot Water Music (from The New What Next)
4. “Oh, Sweet Misery” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
5. “Mid-Town West” by Avail (from Over the James)
6. “Cashing In” by Minor Threat (from Complete Discography)
7. “Saving Anger” by Armchair Martin (from Who Wants to Play Bass)
8. “Hold Your Ground” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Gorilla Biscuits)
9. “The Diamond Church Street Choir” by The Gaslight Anthem (from American Slang)
10. “Burning Too” by Fugazi (from 13 Songs)
2. “White Flag” by Dag Nasty (from Minority of One)
3. “My Little monkey Wrench” by Hot Water Music (from The New What Next)
4. “Oh, Sweet Misery” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
5. “Mid-Town West” by Avail (from Over the James)
6. “Cashing In” by Minor Threat (from Complete Discography)
7. “Saving Anger” by Armchair Martin (from Who Wants to Play Bass)
8. “Hold Your Ground” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Gorilla Biscuits)
9. “The Diamond Church Street Choir” by The Gaslight Anthem (from American Slang)
10. “Burning Too” by Fugazi (from 13 Songs)
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Question of the Day — Religion and Personal Responsibility
In the Hindu and Buddhist traditions ones salvation is determined by ones actions—i.e. karma. In the Judea-Christian traditions salvation is determined by the will of God and ones faith in God. This is a bit of a generalization of course, but covers the basics of each idea. So, with that in mind…
Which religious idea of salvation better promotes the concept of personal responsibility: karma or belief in God?
My Two Cents –
Speaking in general terms I believe that the concept of karma better promotes personal responsibility. With karma, ones destiny is completely determined by ones actions, not what one believes. To me this is the embodiment of personal responsibility.
Which religious idea of salvation better promotes the concept of personal responsibility: karma or belief in God?
My Two Cents –
Speaking in general terms I believe that the concept of karma better promotes personal responsibility. With karma, ones destiny is completely determined by ones actions, not what one believes. To me this is the embodiment of personal responsibility.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Blast from the Past: Mantra
Title: Mantra (Amazon, Last.fm, Wikipedia)
Artist: Shelter (MySpace, Last.fm, AllMusic, Wikipedia)
Shelter is a hardcore punk band that was formed by former Youth of Today lead singer Ray Cappo and was the premier band in the Krishnacore movement of the ‘90s. Krishnacore was the label given to a group of bands that were hardcore punk bands professing the Hare Krishna religion through their music. I read an article about the band and album Mantra in Spin magazine back in 1995 and then heard the album’s single “Here We Go” on 120 Minutes and decided that this was a record that I needed to get.
Sonically Mantra is a classic melodic hardcore release the blends hardcore punk (of the NYC variety) with pop sensibilities and melodic hooks. Lyrically the album addresses issues through a Hindu/Hare Krishna point of view. At the time of its release, I thoroughly enjoyed this record but admittedly didn’t quite grasp the lyrics. Now I do and it makes this record even more powerful. But you don’t have to be a Hare Krishna to enjoy this album. The aforementioned single is an excellent melodic hardcore tune about the perils of building a relationship based on looks.
I was drawn to this record because of the Youth of Today connection. Youth of Today was one of the quintessential straight edge bands of the mid to late 1980s. Granted at the time I only knew of YOT and had never heard their music but I was someone who professed to being straight edge and thus the record intrigued me. Unfortunately I have a feeling that a lot of people wouldn’t be able to get passed the Hare Krishna connection to give this record a faith shot, but to those brave souls that do, I think that they will like what they hear.
Artist: Shelter (MySpace, Last.fm, AllMusic, Wikipedia)
Shelter is a hardcore punk band that was formed by former Youth of Today lead singer Ray Cappo and was the premier band in the Krishnacore movement of the ‘90s. Krishnacore was the label given to a group of bands that were hardcore punk bands professing the Hare Krishna religion through their music. I read an article about the band and album Mantra in Spin magazine back in 1995 and then heard the album’s single “Here We Go” on 120 Minutes and decided that this was a record that I needed to get.
Sonically Mantra is a classic melodic hardcore release the blends hardcore punk (of the NYC variety) with pop sensibilities and melodic hooks. Lyrically the album addresses issues through a Hindu/Hare Krishna point of view. At the time of its release, I thoroughly enjoyed this record but admittedly didn’t quite grasp the lyrics. Now I do and it makes this record even more powerful. But you don’t have to be a Hare Krishna to enjoy this album. The aforementioned single is an excellent melodic hardcore tune about the perils of building a relationship based on looks.
I was drawn to this record because of the Youth of Today connection. Youth of Today was one of the quintessential straight edge bands of the mid to late 1980s. Granted at the time I only knew of YOT and had never heard their music but I was someone who professed to being straight edge and thus the record intrigued me. Unfortunately I have a feeling that a lot of people wouldn’t be able to get passed the Hare Krishna connection to give this record a faith shot, but to those brave souls that do, I think that they will like what they hear.
Currently Listening
1. “Grey Cell Green” by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (from God Fodder)
2. “Intact” by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (from Are You Normal?)
3. “Cherub Rock” by Smashing Pumpkins (from Siamese Dream)
4. “Bye June” by Smashing Pumpkins (from Lull)
5. “Start Today” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Start Today)
6. “Sitting Around at Home” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Gorilla Biscuits)
7. “No Need” by Big Drill Car (from Album/Tape/CD Type Thing)
8. “Friend of Mine” by Big Drill Car (from No Worse for the Wear)
9. “Pride (In the Name of Love)” by U2 (from Rattle & Hum)
10. “MLK” by U2 (from The Unforgettable Fire)
2. “Intact” by Ned’s Atomic Dustbin (from Are You Normal?)
3. “Cherub Rock” by Smashing Pumpkins (from Siamese Dream)
4. “Bye June” by Smashing Pumpkins (from Lull)
5. “Start Today” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Start Today)
6. “Sitting Around at Home” by Gorilla Biscuits (from Gorilla Biscuits)
7. “No Need” by Big Drill Car (from Album/Tape/CD Type Thing)
8. “Friend of Mine” by Big Drill Car (from No Worse for the Wear)
9. “Pride (In the Name of Love)” by U2 (from Rattle & Hum)
10. “MLK” by U2 (from The Unforgettable Fire)
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Headline of the Day
Headline: Fun Friday: Got Sin? There's an App for That
And that story links to the story Crowdsourced Catholicism: New iPhone App Lets Users Forgive Sins
How sad is it that we are looking to our iPhones for salvation?
And that story links to the story Crowdsourced Catholicism: New iPhone App Lets Users Forgive Sins
How sad is it that we are looking to our iPhones for salvation?
Cover Wars: "Freed Pig"
Sebadoh vs. The Breeders
My Vote: Both versions are great but I've got to give the edge to the original.
My Vote: Both versions are great but I've got to give the edge to the original.
Conservative or Liberal Political Quiz Part Duex
I came across this old post while looking through the Stats section of Blogger and decided to give the quiz another go. Here are my results –
Last time I scored a 38%. I think that it was a bit more accurate than this time.
You scored 33% which means you are
liberal.
You believe in governmental action to achieve equal opportunity and equality for all, and that it is the duty of the State to alleviate social ills and to protect civil liberties and individual and human rights. Believe the role of the government should be to guarantee that no one is in need. Believe that people are basically good.
Conservative or Liberal
Take More Quizzes
Last time I scored a 38%. I think that it was a bit more accurate than this time.
Myth-Based Fantasy
One of my favorite subgenres of literature is myth-based fantasy. This subgenre is typically urban fantasy that blends in elements from mythology. The most well known series in this subgenre is the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series by Rick Riordan which combines Greek mythology with urban fantasy. In the Kane Chronicles series, Riordan mixes Egyptian mythology with urban fantasy (and there is a hint in The Red Pyramid that this series takes place in the same world as the Percy Jackson series). In both series, the basic premise is that the mythologies of Greece and Egypt are real and those gods and goddesses are still interacting with humanity.
Another series in this subgenre is The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. In this urban fantasy, Scott the mythologies of the world are based on the actions of Immortals, Elders, and Next Generations. These beings are able to control their auras and in doing so are able to perform magic. What’s great about this series is Scott’s melding of mythological figures with an entirely new ancient history and a battle for the future of the world.
A third series in this subgenre, and one that isn’t a children’s/teen’s series, is the Calliope Reaper-Jones series by Amber Benson. In this series the title character is the daughter of Death and thus an immortal and part of the supernatural world. Benson has done a wonderful job in combining the different mythologies and religions of the world into a supernatural system that makes sense.
I would also include the show Supernatural in this subgenre but not series like The Spiderwick Chronicles or Fablehaven (they are what I would call folklore-based fantasy). I’m sure that there are other series/books out there in the myth-based subgenre that I did not mention but these are the ones that I know and are currently being produced. If anyone has any suggestions for other similar books/series, I’d love to hear them because this is quickly becoming my favorite type of book to read.
Another series in this subgenre is The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott. In this urban fantasy, Scott the mythologies of the world are based on the actions of Immortals, Elders, and Next Generations. These beings are able to control their auras and in doing so are able to perform magic. What’s great about this series is Scott’s melding of mythological figures with an entirely new ancient history and a battle for the future of the world.
A third series in this subgenre, and one that isn’t a children’s/teen’s series, is the Calliope Reaper-Jones series by Amber Benson. In this series the title character is the daughter of Death and thus an immortal and part of the supernatural world. Benson has done a wonderful job in combining the different mythologies and religions of the world into a supernatural system that makes sense.
I would also include the show Supernatural in this subgenre but not series like The Spiderwick Chronicles or Fablehaven (they are what I would call folklore-based fantasy). I’m sure that there are other series/books out there in the myth-based subgenre that I did not mention but these are the ones that I know and are currently being produced. If anyone has any suggestions for other similar books/series, I’d love to hear them because this is quickly becoming my favorite type of book to read.
Currently Listening
1. “Birdbrain” by Buffalo Tom (from Birdbrain)
2. “Volcano Girls” by Veruca Salt (from Eight Arms to Hold You)
3. “Big Important Place” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
4. “Say Goodbye to Your Generation” by The Methadones (from Career Objective)
5. “I Sure Enjoyed My Stay” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
6. “The Bandit” by Starlight Mints (from Dream That Stuff Was…)
7. “Keep It Together” by Hot Water Music (from The New What Next)
8. “White Flag” by Dag Nasty (from Minority of One)
9. “Sink or Swim” by Armstrong (from Dick: The Lion Hearted)
10. “Nothing Much Happens” by Ben Lee (from Breathing Tornados)
2. “Volcano Girls” by Veruca Salt (from Eight Arms to Hold You)
3. “Big Important Place” by Kevin Seconds (from Good Luck Buttons)
4. “Say Goodbye to Your Generation” by The Methadones (from Career Objective)
5. “I Sure Enjoyed My Stay” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from I’m a Son of a Gun)
6. “The Bandit” by Starlight Mints (from Dream That Stuff Was…)
7. “Keep It Together” by Hot Water Music (from The New What Next)
8. “White Flag” by Dag Nasty (from Minority of One)
9. “Sink or Swim” by Armstrong (from Dick: The Lion Hearted)
10. “Nothing Much Happens” by Ben Lee (from Breathing Tornados)
Saturday, January 15, 2011
President Obama’s Speech
I finally got a chance to listen to President Obama’s speech from Wednesday’s memorial and all I can say is that is the man that I voted for! If President Obama conducted himself in this way at all times, he would have my complete support. I’m not the only one who approved of the speech, Neal Boortz and Bill O’Reilly liked it as well.
From O’Reilly’s column –
The struggle for political dominance in this country is now so intense that scorched earth is the order of the day. The left is furious that the progressive agenda is failing, while the right believes it is on the cusp of losing traditional America and must take drastic measures to save the Republic. In the middle of all this is a relatively inexperienced liberal thinking President who often looks stunned by the vitriol directed toward him.O’Reilly is right and so is the President. We must expect more from our discourse but sadly it’s probably not going to happen. For as long as I’ve been writing this blog, I have talked about the pathetic state of our civil discourse. Often I’ve been told that I’m either wrong, naïve, or simply an idiot. I truly hope that we as a society learn from this tragedy and listen to the President’s words of wisdom.
There is no question that, with the rise of the Internet, where anonymous bloggers can level the vilest accusations, the political debate has changed for the worse. No longer is the smartest guy in the room awarded the trophy. Now the accolades often go to smear merchants who delight in personal attacks and injurious invective.
[…]
The question now becomes whether the public will walk away from the guttersnipes—and I am betting 'no' on that question. The easy and provocative stimulation provided by the net has numbed some folks. What used to be outrageous is now commonplace. Standards of behavior in political analysis are gone and will not come back unless viewers, listeners, and readers demand it, and why should they? After all, it is far more entertaining to hear trash talk than civil discourse.
Of course, there are times when bad guys need to be confronted in tough ways. Villains must be called out in no uncertain terms, and robust debate can be a very good thing, if facts are used to illuminate harmful situations. But using death to fan speculative defamation should be unacceptable in a noble country. That is rock bottom.
President Obama did a service to the nation by asking people to stop hurting each other with irresponsible words. He is now on the record as decrying the ideologues who are damaging the country. Critical mass has been reached.
Is Marvel Killing the Comic Book Movie?
That is the question pondered over on ComicBookMovie.com. The author makes some really good points and it is very possible that Marvel is just doing too much. While many comic book films have been huge hits, overall it is a genre that has a limited core audience. But more than anything, they need to make these quality films. If the movies suck, the audiences won’t keep coming back.
Money Quote –
Money Quote –
One thing's for sure, people lately have been craving for originality. Look at Avatar. Yes, it was a rehash of the same story we've heard before a thousand times. But it looked different. People saw it and said "I've never seen anything like this before. The movie went on to gross more than $2 billion at the box office. Look at last year. Movies like The Social Network, Black Swan, Inception, The Town, and The Fighter were the biggest money makers because they offered movie-goers something new. Something they've never seen before.
Yikes
Is it just me, or does the Captain America costume look really lame?
Thanks to Cinematical for the find.
Not Good News
Headline: NBC Universal/Comcast Merger Closer To Approval By FCC
From the story –
From the story –
Comcast Corp. is one step closer to acquiring NBC Universal after FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski gives conditional backing. The biggest concern by federal regulators is the perception of a fair market amongst media content providers and content distribution. This has rival media companies voicing concern over the conditions.I really hope that this merger does not go through. This would be extremely bad for the media industry.
[…]
The Justice Department has been scrutinizing the deal and supporting documents for possible anti-trust violations, while the FCC, under Genachowski’s direction, has been providing a list of conditions required for FCC approval that delve mainly into ensuring that Comcast does not unfairly restrict other programming providers access to NBC content.
An additional FCC condition concerns Comcast's abiding by the concept of “Net Neutrality,” in that is does not restrict NBC competitors' access to their Internet network. This would mean that they could neither prohibit the competitors, nor prioritize their own content over their competitors'. These conditions would have to be adhered to for a minimum of 7 years for approval.
Currently Reading: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters
Title: Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters (Amazon, Wikipedia)
Author: Rick Riordan (Official, Blog, Wikipedia)
The Sea of Monsters is a myth-based urban fantasy and the second book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The series follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, who is a demigod—the son of Poseidon, and his friends.
I’m not very far into the book yet but so far it picks about a year after The Lightning Thief left off. What I really enjoy about this series is Riordan’s mixing of Greek mythology with modern urban fantasy. One of these days I’m going to do a post on the myth-based fantasy genre.
Author: Rick Riordan (Official, Blog, Wikipedia)
The Sea of Monsters is a myth-based urban fantasy and the second book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians series. The series follows the adventures of Percy Jackson, who is a demigod—the son of Poseidon, and his friends.
I’m not very far into the book yet but so far it picks about a year after The Lightning Thief left off. What I really enjoy about this series is Riordan’s mixing of Greek mythology with modern urban fantasy. One of these days I’m going to do a post on the myth-based fantasy genre.
Friday, January 14, 2011
New Red City Radio Track Streaming
PunkNews.org is streaming a new track by OKC’s own Red City Radio. The track, “You’re Poison, I’m Well,” will appear on the bands full length debut album The Dangers of Standing Still, due out on next month on Paper & Plastic Records.
Currently Listening
1. “The Fly” by U2 (from Achtung Baby)
2. “More Adventurous” by Rilo Kiley (from More Adventurous)
3. “White Crosses” by Against Me! (from White Crosses)
4. “Kill the Poor” by Dead Kennedys (from Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables)
5. “Worker Fate” by Hudson Falcons (from Desperation & Revolution)
6. “Your Revolution Song” by Mark Lind & the Unloved (from The Truth Can Be Brutal)
7. “Ignoreland” by R.E.M. (from Automatic for the People)
8. “Kathi” by J Church (from Camels, Spilled Corona and the Sound of Mariachi Bands)
9. “Satyagraha” by 7 Seconds (from Soulforce Revolution)
10. “We Got the Power” by Dropkick Murphys (from Singles Collection, Vol. 2)
2. “More Adventurous” by Rilo Kiley (from More Adventurous)
3. “White Crosses” by Against Me! (from White Crosses)
4. “Kill the Poor” by Dead Kennedys (from Fresh Fruit for Rotting Vegetables)
5. “Worker Fate” by Hudson Falcons (from Desperation & Revolution)
6. “Your Revolution Song” by Mark Lind & the Unloved (from The Truth Can Be Brutal)
7. “Ignoreland” by R.E.M. (from Automatic for the People)
8. “Kathi” by J Church (from Camels, Spilled Corona and the Sound of Mariachi Bands)
9. “Satyagraha” by 7 Seconds (from Soulforce Revolution)
10. “We Got the Power” by Dropkick Murphys (from Singles Collection, Vol. 2)
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Currently Listening
1. “Had It Right” by J Church (from Camels, Spilled Corona and the Sound of Mariachi Bands)
2. “Get Out the Map” by Indigo Girls (from Retrospective)
3. “On and On” by Sinkhole (from Retrospectacles)
4. “I Just Can’t Win” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from My Pappy was a Pistol)
5. “What You Believe” by Big Drill Car (from No Worse for the Wear)
6. “Searchlight” by Doug McKean (from Concerto for Second Fiddle)
7. “That Noise” by Goodbye Harry (from I Can Smoke)
8. “While Men are Dreaming” by Jenny & Johnny (from I’m Having Fun Now)
9. “The Fear” by Lily Allen (from It’s Not Me, It’s You)
10. “Wild World” by Me First & the Gimme Gimmes)
2. “Get Out the Map” by Indigo Girls (from Retrospective)
3. “On and On” by Sinkhole (from Retrospectacles)
4. “I Just Can’t Win” by Filthy Thieving Bastards (from My Pappy was a Pistol)
5. “What You Believe” by Big Drill Car (from No Worse for the Wear)
6. “Searchlight” by Doug McKean (from Concerto for Second Fiddle)
7. “That Noise” by Goodbye Harry (from I Can Smoke)
8. “While Men are Dreaming” by Jenny & Johnny (from I’m Having Fun Now)
9. “The Fear” by Lily Allen (from It’s Not Me, It’s You)
10. “Wild World” by Me First & the Gimme Gimmes)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Nothin’ But a Glee Thang
Bloody freaking hilarious!!!!!! (There are quite a few bad words…just a heads up)
Thanks to PopEater for the find.
Thanks to PopEater for the find.
MoveOn.org calls for “Debate, Not Hate”
I got an email yesterday from MoveOn.org asking me to sign their “Debate, not hate” petition. Here’s what the email said –
While we may never know what exactly motivated the shooter in Arizona—and while there are many lessons to draw from this tragedy—one thing is clear: Our country must turn away from the culture of violent, hateful rhetoric that has been pervading our political discourse for too long.While I agree that the rhetoric in this country needs to be toned down and more civil, I am a bit dubious of MoveOn.org’s intentions. These folks are pretty guilty of incendiary speech themselves so to try to take the high road on this is a bit hypocritical. That having been said, just looking at what the petition says, on the surface it is something that I agree with. Not as much the part about violent speech, but just the hateful tone of political speech in general is a serious problem.
Nearly 200,000 people have signed our "Debate, not hate" petition. It calls on politicians and the media to stop spreading hateful rhetoric and implicit appeals to violence. Can you sign the petition today?
Just click here: http://pol.moveon.org/debatenothate/?id=25774-6585967-IOSIDZx&t=1
[…]
Here's what the petition says: "I call for an end to all overt or implied appeals to violence in American politics. We must debate, not hate."
The Amazon was Home to Advanced Civilizations
Morning Addition did a story this morning on the continued evidence of ancient advanced civilizations deep in the Amazon jungle. Who knows what other mysteries are buried deep in the Amazon?
Quote of the Day
Acts of monstrous criminality stand on their own. They begin and end with the criminals who commit them, not collectively with all the citizens of a state, not with those who listen to talk radio, not with maps of swing districts used by both sides of the aisle, not with law-abiding citizens who respectfully exercise their First Amendment rights at campaign rallies, not with those who proudly voted in the last election.-- Sara Palin in response to the shootings in Tucson on Saturday
[…]
If you don’t like a person’s vision for the country, you’re free to debate that vision. If you don’t like their ideas, you’re free to propose better ideas. But, especially within hours of a tragedy unfolding, journalists and pundits should not manufacture a blood libel that serves only to incite the very hatred and violence they purport to condemn. That is reprehensible.
[…]
No one should be deterred from speaking up and speaking out in peaceful dissent, and we certainly must not be deterred by those who embrace evil and call it good. And we will not be stopped from celebrating the greatness of our country and our foundational freedoms by those who mock its greatness by being intolerant of differing opinion and seeking to muzzle dissent with shrill cries of imagined insults.
[…]
America must be stronger than the evil we saw displayed last week. We are better than the mindless finger-pointing we endured in the wake of the tragedy. We will come out of this stronger and more united in our desire to peacefully engage in the great debates of our time, to respectfully embrace our differences in a positive manner, and to unite in the knowledge that, though our ideas may be different, we must all strive for a better future for our country.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Compassion
Karen Armstrong was on Talk of the Nation yesterday discussing her new book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life (Amazon) and the idea of compassion. The conversation is well worth listening to and Armstrong’s ideas about compassion are ones that we all should heed.
The Lover’s Leap of Strange Bedfellows
Kevin O’Brien at The Distributist Review has a fascinating piece entitled The Lover’s Leap of the Right and the Left that I highly recommend checking out.
Money Quote –
Money Quote –
Strange bedfellows. Strange times we live in. Liberty becomes anarchy, and anarchy, though it sounds romantic, begins as chaos and ends as the rule of mere power, bully-ocracy. It’s an inner city school room without supervision, which is a very close thing to hell, if you’ve ever seen it.
An Interesting Question
Andrew Sullivan asks the following –
The right and the left both have intemperate voices. But here's the key: only the conservative movement counts the most vile blowhards as leading lights, embraced by the leadership. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, Sarah Palin: these are among the most popular conservatives in America. Who are the folks on the left with equivalent popularity and equally?The closest thing on the left to the likes of Limbaugh and Hannity would be Michael Moore, Keith Olberman, and Al Franken and I would submit that none of them have the popularity or influence that their right wing counterparts enjoy. That having been said, any talk of shutting down talk radio is simply idiotic. Shutting down speech, no matter how vile, is never the answer. Let these people speak for themselves and eventually they will spell their own demise with their own words (that goes for the polemics on the right and on the left).
What Would You Really Tolerate?
That is the question posed by SQT. I'm not sure what my answer would be. What would you really tolerate?
Quote of the Day
Well, I think if you think you know what we call God is - you're on the wrong track, because all the religions tell us that what we call God or Brahma, Nirvana or Tao, is inexpressible, that nobody has the last word, that we are all stumbling in our attempts to either experience or contain it.-- Karen Armstrong on Talk of the Nation
[…]
And the golden rule, which all the religions say is the test of true spirituality, means that you have to say to yourself: Would I like someone to say to me that my religion is rubbish? Because if you wouldn't like that, then you mustn't do it to others.
Currently Listening
1. “Cold Shoulder” by Uncle Tupelo (from Still Feel Gone)
2. “Screen Door” by Uncle Tupelo (from 89/93: An Anthology)
3. “Going Home” by Sugar (from Believe What You’re Saying)
4. “Helpless” by Sugar (from Copper Blue)
5. “None of This is Funny” by Scott Reynolds & the Steaming Beast (from Adventure Boy)
6. “Jesus, Satan, Gene Beeman, His Car, & Pizza Hut” by Scott Reynolds & the Steaming Beast (from Adventure Boy)
7. “Ignoreland” by R.E.M. (from Automatic for the People)
8. “Sitting Still” by R.E.M. (from Murmur)
9. “Bottomless Seas” by Hot Water Music (from The New What Next)
10. “Trusty Chords” by Hot Water Music (from Caution)
2. “Screen Door” by Uncle Tupelo (from 89/93: An Anthology)
3. “Going Home” by Sugar (from Believe What You’re Saying)
4. “Helpless” by Sugar (from Copper Blue)
5. “None of This is Funny” by Scott Reynolds & the Steaming Beast (from Adventure Boy)
6. “Jesus, Satan, Gene Beeman, His Car, & Pizza Hut” by Scott Reynolds & the Steaming Beast (from Adventure Boy)
7. “Ignoreland” by R.E.M. (from Automatic for the People)
8. “Sitting Still” by R.E.M. (from Murmur)
9. “Bottomless Seas” by Hot Water Music (from The New What Next)
10. “Trusty Chords” by Hot Water Music (from Caution)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Extreme Speech
Andrew Sullivan has an interesting piece today entitled “On Extreme Right and Left” where he seems to compare the hate filled rhetoric that was thrown at President Bush vs. that that has been thrown at President Obama. He makes a very good argument that while the things that those on the Left said about Bush were pretty horrible, they weren’t near as bad as the things that those on the right are saying about Obama. It seems to me that the rhetoric overall has gotten way out of hand but it has been building up over time. Things weren’t always rosy prior to the Bush years (the things said about Clinton were pretty bad). I’d argue that today’s bubbling cauldron of poop stew that is civil discourse in this country is something that has been simmering for decades and has now reaching the point of boiling over.
Sullivan ends his piece with the following plea –
The real problem is that extremism, vile, and vitriol sells. How else can the success of these polemics be explained? The fact is that part of our population wants this hatred. They want this division. They get off on it and in turn there are those who profit from it. That is our real problem. Maybe it would do us all some good to look to the teachings of the Dalai Lama to embrace the ideas responsibility, compassion, and the complete abandonment the idea of victimhood. We must see each other as human beings, not liberals or conservatives, not white or black, not Christian or Muslim, not young or old, but as individual human beings who all live, breathe, bleed, and die. We must find the compassion to recognize that we are all part of this world and that while our differences are real they must not divide us with such totality that we can no longer see the humanity in each other. Once we reach that point, then speech like this and senseless acts of violence like yesterday will be a thing of the past.
Sullivan ends his piece with the following plea –
What we need now is a presidential speech that can affirm the positive aspects of robust debate while drawing a line under the nihilist elements of personal and ideological hatred. But it is clear to me at least that if American politics is to regain its composure, the forces of Palin and what she represents must be defeated. Not appeased or excused for, but defeated in the derelict public square of what's left of our common discourse.I would love to see the President make a rousing and inspiring speech that harkens back to his speech at the ’04 Democratic Convention but I’m afraid that the temptation to slide in little snide remarks would be too much and thus the entire purpose of the speech would be lost. Even sadder though, is the fact that if the President did deliver the type of speech that is needed, those on the right would still rip it to shreds and nit pick each and every word to find some hidden socialist message.
The real problem is that extremism, vile, and vitriol sells. How else can the success of these polemics be explained? The fact is that part of our population wants this hatred. They want this division. They get off on it and in turn there are those who profit from it. That is our real problem. Maybe it would do us all some good to look to the teachings of the Dalai Lama to embrace the ideas responsibility, compassion, and the complete abandonment the idea of victimhood. We must see each other as human beings, not liberals or conservatives, not white or black, not Christian or Muslim, not young or old, but as individual human beings who all live, breathe, bleed, and die. We must find the compassion to recognize that we are all part of this world and that while our differences are real they must not divide us with such totality that we can no longer see the humanity in each other. Once we reach that point, then speech like this and senseless acts of violence like yesterday will be a thing of the past.
Blast from the Past: Out of Time
Title: Out of Time (Amazon, AllMusic, Last.fm, Wikipedia)
Artist: R.E.M. (Official, MySpace, Facebook, Last.fm, Wikipedia)
My three favorite records by R.E.M. are Out of Time, Document, and Lifes Rich Pageant (the specific order may change a bit depending on my mood). Of the three, Out of Time was the one that I got to experience as it happened. I was a sophomore in high school when Out of Time hit the stores and it wasn’t too long after its release that I got a copy and it became a mainstay in my tape deck. From that moment I was a fan and went out and got as many of their other albums as I could find (and afford on my allowance). I also taped as many of their videos as I could and recorded their amazing performance on MTV Unplugged.
Out of Time was the album that really sent R.E.M. into the mainstream. Prior to that they had a couple of hits with “The One I Love” and “Stand” but it wasn’t until this record that they became a recognized, household name band. It was also their first album to reach number one on the Billboard Album Charts. And subsequently it was the first album for which the band was labeled “sell outs” in earnest. But none of that changes the fact that this is an exceptionally powerful record.
What makes Out of Time such a great record isn’t its hit singles. In fact, I would argue that the songs “Shinny Happy People” and “Losing My Religion” are two of the weaker tracks on the album. It’s songs like “Country Feedback,” “Belong,” “Me in Honey,” and “Half a World Away” that pull the listener in with haunting melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Bassist Mike Miles also takes the mic for the tracks “Near Wild Heaven” and “Texarkana” adding another dimension to the record.
For me this record represents a time and place of new exploration and growth in my life. A lot of the person that I’ve become was set into motion during those years in the early ‘90s and records like Out of Time were a constant soundtrack to my life at that time. But aside from all of my own personal history, baggage, and preference towards this album and band, Out of Time is a record that not only defined an era but remains timeless in the quality and heart of the music.
Artist: R.E.M. (Official, MySpace, Facebook, Last.fm, Wikipedia)
My three favorite records by R.E.M. are Out of Time, Document, and Lifes Rich Pageant (the specific order may change a bit depending on my mood). Of the three, Out of Time was the one that I got to experience as it happened. I was a sophomore in high school when Out of Time hit the stores and it wasn’t too long after its release that I got a copy and it became a mainstay in my tape deck. From that moment I was a fan and went out and got as many of their other albums as I could find (and afford on my allowance). I also taped as many of their videos as I could and recorded their amazing performance on MTV Unplugged.
Out of Time was the album that really sent R.E.M. into the mainstream. Prior to that they had a couple of hits with “The One I Love” and “Stand” but it wasn’t until this record that they became a recognized, household name band. It was also their first album to reach number one on the Billboard Album Charts. And subsequently it was the first album for which the band was labeled “sell outs” in earnest. But none of that changes the fact that this is an exceptionally powerful record.
What makes Out of Time such a great record isn’t its hit singles. In fact, I would argue that the songs “Shinny Happy People” and “Losing My Religion” are two of the weaker tracks on the album. It’s songs like “Country Feedback,” “Belong,” “Me in Honey,” and “Half a World Away” that pull the listener in with haunting melodies and thoughtful lyrics. Bassist Mike Miles also takes the mic for the tracks “Near Wild Heaven” and “Texarkana” adding another dimension to the record.
For me this record represents a time and place of new exploration and growth in my life. A lot of the person that I’ve become was set into motion during those years in the early ‘90s and records like Out of Time were a constant soundtrack to my life at that time. But aside from all of my own personal history, baggage, and preference towards this album and band, Out of Time is a record that not only defined an era but remains timeless in the quality and heart of the music.
Support OK House Bill 1058
The McCarville Report Online is reporting that State Representative Charles Key has filed two bills that would change Oklahoma election laws.
From the story –
From the story –
House Bill 1057 would require political parties to pay for presidential primary elections.I fully support both of these proposed pieces of legislation and hope that they pass through Congress quickly and get the signature of Governor Fallin.
House Bill 1058 would change the required number of signatures on a petition to get a political party on the ballot. The legislation would remove the 5 percent of total votes cast in the last general election and replace it with a requirement of 5,000 signatures from registered voters.
“When you look at all 50 states and their signature requirements, Oklahoma has either the worst or the second worst ballot access law in the country,” Key, R-Oklahoma City, said. “Historically, 5,000 votes were all that was needed to get a party on the ballot. For some reason, that changed in the 1970s. We now have a system based on a percentage that easily sets the requirement to be between 50,000 and 70,000 required signatures to get on the ballot. It’s the reason Oklahomans typically have only two choices for President. Most of the other states we have looked at for a comparison set their requirement at between 5,000 and 10,000 signatures.”
Key said that he was recently contacted by Marine Corps veteran Richard Prawdzienski, an Independent candidate in the 2010 election. Prawdzienski noted that a third party candidate would have to collect 73,135 validated signatures in order to run under the political banner of his choice rather than as an Independent.
“It is a shame that this veteran who sacrificed for his country was unable to run for office under a third party banner because of our near-impossible signature requirement,” Key said. “Mr. Prawdzienski and others believe it’s a matter of freedom and free speech – what veterans like him fought for.”
Quote of the Day
And a prayer that, whatever the precise dynamic that brought this evil to the surface, we can get past the violent rhetoric of our time and the poisonous polarization that fuels it. It has been ugly; it has been cruel; it has been reckless.-- Andrew Sullivan from the post After Arizona
And it has to end.
It’s Probably Not Good When…
Your problems and worries start manifesting themselves in your dreams. This has happened to me twice in the last two nights; last night with a nightmare that literally woke me up and the night before with a dream that was good but a bit inappropriate. Needless to say I’ve been constantly going over both in my head ever since. *sigh*
Currently Listening
1. “Not Fine” by Armchair Martin (from The Blasting Room)
2. “Friend of Mine” by Big Drill Car (from No Worse for the Wear)
3. “Disbelieve” by Drag the River (from Hobo’s Demo’s)
4. “Silence” by ALL (from Mass Nerder)
5. “Calloused Heart # 2” by Drag the River (from Primer)
6. “Fire’s On” by Stephen Egerton & Jon Snodgrass (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
7. “Funny Face” by Stephen Egerton & Chad Price (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
8. “Falling Out” by Stephen Egerton & Frank Daily (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
9. “Other Side of OK” by Drag the River (from Daytrotter Studio 10/21/2010)
10. “Having a Party” by Drag the River (from Primer)
2. “Friend of Mine” by Big Drill Car (from No Worse for the Wear)
3. “Disbelieve” by Drag the River (from Hobo’s Demo’s)
4. “Silence” by ALL (from Mass Nerder)
5. “Calloused Heart # 2” by Drag the River (from Primer)
6. “Fire’s On” by Stephen Egerton & Jon Snodgrass (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
7. “Funny Face” by Stephen Egerton & Chad Price (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
8. “Falling Out” by Stephen Egerton & Frank Daily (from The Seven Degrees of Stephen Egerton)
9. “Other Side of OK” by Drag the River (from Daytrotter Studio 10/21/2010)
10. “Having a Party” by Drag the River (from Primer)
Saturday, January 08, 2011
With Whom You Identify
One of the things that I realized in 2010 is that the people that I really identify with have changed over the years. This revelation was happened in tow parts. First was at the Stephen Egerton CD release show and the second was at the Hudson Falcons show at the Blue Note.
At the Stephen Egerton show I felt completely at home and thought to myself wow, these are my people. The crowd was filled with diehard ALL/Descendents fans and Drag the River fans (which are pretty much the same thing). A few months later I went to see my good friends the Hudson Falcons at the Blue Note and despite the fact that I recognized more than a few faces, I felt totally alone and like I had nothing in common with anyone else there (other than our mutual love for the Falcons). What’s interesting about this is that I used to feel totally at home at HF shows. In fact I’ve seen them more than any other band and traditionally one of their shows was like a reunion of old friends. This time everything felt distant (until I got to hang out with Kerri and Mark and that was like hanging out with old friends).
I think part of the reason is that while I still like a lot of oi and street punk bands, that music just doesn’t speak to me like it used to. And to be perfectly honest, all of the bands that I really got into in the late ‘90s that were part of the street punk explosion weren’t really all that street punk and certainly weren’t oi bands. Yes there was a lot of oi influence to their music but if you compare say One Man Army (who came up as part of the TKO Records late ‘90s street punk scene) to the Anti Heros (a legendary American oi band) you will see that they aren’t really the same (just listen to One Man Army’s “Another Night” and then listen to the Anti Heros’ “Hate Edge”). The bands that I really like from that era (One Man Army, Swingin’ Utters, The GC5, Dropkick Murphys, Sixer, The Staggers, Roustabouts) weren’t really street punk bands and in many cases I think that the label hurt them. So while I spent a long time listening to a lot of oi and street punk, I don’t think I was ever truly part of that scene.
Which brings me to the bands that I am excited about now and those that I truly feel are kindred spirits, bands like Drag the River, Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, Red City Radio, Chuck Ragan, Tim Barry, Avail. In fact lately when I’m on the computers at the library I’m spending a big chunk of time watching these solo acoustic songs on YouTube by the likes of the aforementioned Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry as well as Jon Snodgrass, Chad Price, and Tom Gabel.
I guess if we didn’t grow and change over the years then life wouldn’t be much worth living would it?
At the Stephen Egerton show I felt completely at home and thought to myself wow, these are my people. The crowd was filled with diehard ALL/Descendents fans and Drag the River fans (which are pretty much the same thing). A few months later I went to see my good friends the Hudson Falcons at the Blue Note and despite the fact that I recognized more than a few faces, I felt totally alone and like I had nothing in common with anyone else there (other than our mutual love for the Falcons). What’s interesting about this is that I used to feel totally at home at HF shows. In fact I’ve seen them more than any other band and traditionally one of their shows was like a reunion of old friends. This time everything felt distant (until I got to hang out with Kerri and Mark and that was like hanging out with old friends).
I think part of the reason is that while I still like a lot of oi and street punk bands, that music just doesn’t speak to me like it used to. And to be perfectly honest, all of the bands that I really got into in the late ‘90s that were part of the street punk explosion weren’t really all that street punk and certainly weren’t oi bands. Yes there was a lot of oi influence to their music but if you compare say One Man Army (who came up as part of the TKO Records late ‘90s street punk scene) to the Anti Heros (a legendary American oi band) you will see that they aren’t really the same (just listen to One Man Army’s “Another Night” and then listen to the Anti Heros’ “Hate Edge”). The bands that I really like from that era (One Man Army, Swingin’ Utters, The GC5, Dropkick Murphys, Sixer, The Staggers, Roustabouts) weren’t really street punk bands and in many cases I think that the label hurt them. So while I spent a long time listening to a lot of oi and street punk, I don’t think I was ever truly part of that scene.
Which brings me to the bands that I am excited about now and those that I truly feel are kindred spirits, bands like Drag the River, Hot Water Music, Alkaline Trio, Red City Radio, Chuck Ragan, Tim Barry, Avail. In fact lately when I’m on the computers at the library I’m spending a big chunk of time watching these solo acoustic songs on YouTube by the likes of the aforementioned Chuck Ragan and Tim Barry as well as Jon Snodgrass, Chad Price, and Tom Gabel.
I guess if we didn’t grow and change over the years then life wouldn’t be much worth living would it?
Currently Listening
Today we’re doing a southern shuffle. I’m taking bands/artists that are either from the south or now live in the south, dropping them into media player, and hitting shuffle.
1. “Hit Me Like You Did the First Time” by The Flaming Lips (from Hit to Death on the Future Head)
2. “We Got Something” by Tinted Windows (from Tinted Windows)
3. “Dead Walking” by The Staggers (from One Heartbeat Away from Hell)
4. “Another Wrong” by Dag Nasty (from Can I Say [Bonus Tracks])
5. “Fall Into Line” by Roustabouts (from The Only One)
6. “The Only Piece That You Get” by Superchunk (from On the Mouth)
7. “Can’t Help You Anymore” by Sugar (from File Under Easy Listening)
8. “Truth Hurts” by Sixer (from Busted Knuckles and Heartbreak [EP])
9. “Band” by Hagfish (from Hagfish)
10. “It’s the End of the Worls as WE now It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M. (from And I Feel Fine…: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987 [Bonus CD] Disc 1)
1. “Hit Me Like You Did the First Time” by The Flaming Lips (from Hit to Death on the Future Head)
2. “We Got Something” by Tinted Windows (from Tinted Windows)
3. “Dead Walking” by The Staggers (from One Heartbeat Away from Hell)
4. “Another Wrong” by Dag Nasty (from Can I Say [Bonus Tracks])
5. “Fall Into Line” by Roustabouts (from The Only One)
6. “The Only Piece That You Get” by Superchunk (from On the Mouth)
7. “Can’t Help You Anymore” by Sugar (from File Under Easy Listening)
8. “Truth Hurts” by Sixer (from Busted Knuckles and Heartbreak [EP])
9. “Band” by Hagfish (from Hagfish)
10. “It’s the End of the Worls as WE now It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M. (from And I Feel Fine…: The Best of the I.R.S. Years 1982-1987 [Bonus CD] Disc 1)
Friday, January 07, 2011
Quote of the Day
A God vain enough to demand our worship and to doom us to a fiery hell for eternity if we don't please him wouldn't be worth worshipping: he'd be a petty tyrant.-- Ben Weasel from the post DAMNATION AND WORSHIP
R.I.P. Derek Dugger
Local drummer Derek Dugger passed away on Thursday from brain cancer. Derek was a mainstay in the local rockabilly and punk scenes playing in the bands The Poison Okies, Brian Dunning & the Rock ‘n’ Roll Trio, and The R.I.P. Tides, among others. On top of being a great drummer he was a super nice guy. I interviewed Derek as part of the Featured Band section of the third issue of OklahomaPunkScene.com (for The Poison Okies). He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers go out to Derek's family and friends.
Rest well Derek and keep those beats going up in heaven.
Four in Ten Americans Believe in Creationism
According to a recent Gallup poll, 40% of Americans believe in Creationism. In other words they believe that “God created humans in their present form about 10,000 years ago.” This is down from 44% in 2008. The poll also revealed that 38% of Americans believe that humans evolved with God’s help (up from 36% in 2008) and 16% believe in straight up, non-divinely inspired or assisted, evolution (up from 14% in ’08).
I have to admit that I’m a little surprised that 40% of Americans believe in straight up Creationism.
Thanks to Science & Religion Today for the find.
I have to admit that I’m a little surprised that 40% of Americans believe in straight up Creationism.
Thanks to Science & Religion Today for the find.
Red City Radio Hits the Bathroom
OKC’s Red City Radio took part in the Paper & Plastic Bathroom Tapes series performing “No One Believes in Moons & Goochers.” The performance is really good and the band’s full length debut CD will be out in February on Paper & Plastic Records (which I am eagerly awaiting).
Thanks to PunkNews.org for the find.
Red City Radio - "No One Believes In Moons & Goochers" from TCSG on Vimeo.
Thanks to PunkNews.org for the find.
Frodo in The Hobbit?
It appears to be the case and it actually sounds like it might be kind of cool.
Trump for President?
It looks like it might happen.
From the story –
From the story –
Earlier this week, Trump told Forbes he was encouraged by surveys that found his business acumen would be seen as a positive by voters.I know nearly nothing about this man other than he is rich, famous for being rich, and has a reality TV show (which I have never seen). I guess we’ll see what will happen in a few months. Unfortunately this means that the 2012 campaign is getting ready to start…already. *sigh* It seems like the campaigns just never end anymore. These people spend more time running for office than actually spend in office.
"Polls have come out and have been very strong," Trump said. "A recent poll came out where Trump and [Bill] Gates are the only two that beat [President Barack] Obama. Gates isn't running obviously, but they put names on it, and we're the only ones who beat Obama."
[...]
"I have dealt with politics all of my life indirectly and directly," Trump said in the Forbes interview. "I would say few people have raised more money for politicians than I have over the years. And the other thing is I don't need money to run, unlike other people, so that's a big advantage. And that's an advantage for the voters, too, you know, because you don't have to make deals."
Currently Listening
1. “Bleeder” by Hot Water Music (from Alkaline Trio / Hot Water Music [Split CD])
2. “Heaven” by Buffalo Tom (from Birdbrain)
3. “Having a Party” by Drag the River (from Primer)
4. “High Lonesome” by The Gaslight Anthem (from The ’59 Sound)
5. “Never Talking to You Again” by Husker Du (from Zen Arcade)
6. “Crush” by Jimmy Eat World (from Clarity)
7. “No One Believes in Moons and Goochers” by Red City Radio (from To the Sons and Daughters of Woody Guthrie)
8. “Here We Go” by Shelter (from Mantra)
9. “Power Lies” by The Thermals (from Personal Life)
10. “Looking for a Way Out” by Uncle Tupelo (from Still Feel Gone)
2. “Heaven” by Buffalo Tom (from Birdbrain)
3. “Having a Party” by Drag the River (from Primer)
4. “High Lonesome” by The Gaslight Anthem (from The ’59 Sound)
5. “Never Talking to You Again” by Husker Du (from Zen Arcade)
6. “Crush” by Jimmy Eat World (from Clarity)
7. “No One Believes in Moons and Goochers” by Red City Radio (from To the Sons and Daughters of Woody Guthrie)
8. “Here We Go” by Shelter (from Mantra)
9. “Power Lies” by The Thermals (from Personal Life)
10. “Looking for a Way Out” by Uncle Tupelo (from Still Feel Gone)
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Reviews
Since I write reviews on this blog, I thought I should mention that the majority of stuff that I review I have either purchased or checked out from the library. I have received a few albums for free to review.
If anyone out there wants me to review their stuff (I do music, movies, literature, whatever) please send me an email and I’ll let you know the best way to get the stuff to me.
If anyone out there wants me to review their stuff (I do music, movies, literature, whatever) please send me an email and I’ll let you know the best way to get the stuff to me.
Cover Wars -- "Precision Auto"
Contestants: Superchunk vs. Jimmy Eat World
My Vote: While Jimmy Eat World did a suprisingly good version of this song, I've got to go with the original by Superchunk.
My Vote: While Jimmy Eat World did a suprisingly good version of this song, I've got to go with the original by Superchunk.
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Are You an Emo Kid?
Watch out…the cops might be after you.
From the story –
I'd hate to see what these people think of Morrissey or Robert Smith...
From the story –
Armenian police forces have begun a concentrated effort to single out alleged "emo kids," according to this report. The efforts came about after the recent suicides of two teenagers rumored to be fans of emo music and according to the report, officers have visited schools, searched the belongings of kids wearing distinctive clothing that might be classified as "emo," set up surveillance where young people gather and even have detained some teenagers for questioning despite a lack of evidence or legislation for doing so.
In a recent newspaper interview, Armenian Chief of Police Alik Sarkisian made the claim that emo could "damage our gene pool." Sarkasian went on to say, "We should fight against such phenomena because they are morally harmful to our people."
I'd hate to see what these people think of Morrissey or Robert Smith...
More on the Most Hated Religions
I decided to see if I could find anything else out about the most hated religious groups list that I mentioned earlier so I Googled “most hated religion in America” and found only a handful of links related to this story. One of those links referenced a piece by The Salt Lake Tribune entitled U.S. religion: great divider and uniter. The only part that mentioned the Buddhism was on page two –
One part of this article that jumped out me was this section from page three –
I’ll keep my eye open for any other stories on this subject. If anyone out there finds any, please send them my way!
Likability factor » According to the research by Putnam and Campbell, Jews are the most broadly popular group in America.I may just have to break down and get the book American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us (Official, Amazon) which seems to be the source of this data.
Next come Catholics, who seem to have risen in estimation since John F. Kennedy ran for president. Mainline Protestants are next, followed by evangelicals.
Mormons — who rank near the top for believing there is truth in other religions and for respecting the faiths of others — nonetheless are among the country’s least-liked faiths, along with Buddhists and Muslims.
One part of this article that jumped out me was this section from page three –
An inclusive eternity » Despite all the differences, 89 percent of Americans — including 83 percent of evangelical Christians — believe people not of their religion can go to heaven, according to the book’s polls.So it seems that the majority of Americans believe that people who hold religious beliefs other than their own can still go to Heaven. I wonder though at the wording of the question because while this gives me hope, it doesn’t seem to jive with what I’ve heard from many religious people.
Most Americans maintain this belief, even when the overwhelming majority who are Christian are specifically asked if non-Christians can go to heaven. Mormons, who teach that theirs is the “only true church,” ranked highest — 98 percent — for believing those of other faiths can go to heaven.
It could be because Mormons believe truth exists in every faith, Campbell said, and that everyone will see it more clearly in the hereafter. In fact, LDS doctrine teaches that everyone will have the chance to accept the Mormon gospel either here or in the afterlife. Mormons also believe that heaven is tiered and that many if not most people will find themselves at one level or another.
Not everyone is pleased by their congregants’ perspective on heaven.
Putnam recently spoke to a group of conservative Lutheran clerics from the Missouri Synod, almost all of whom believe that people of other faiths are not candidates for the same eternal reward as they are.
When he told them that “86 percent of Missouri Synod Lutherans said that a good person who is not of their faith could indeed go to heaven,” the “theologians were stunned into silence,” according to Martin Marty, a premier American theologian who described the episode in an online column about the book.
One Lutheran minister wanly said that, as teachers of the word, they had failed, Marty writes. “Their work is cut out for them.”
I’ll keep my eye open for any other stories on this subject. If anyone out there finds any, please send them my way!
I Hate to Say This But…
The version of The Spy that is currently playing on 105.3 FM actually plays better music than the version that is online. I feel kind of dirty now, but I have heard more songs that I know and like on a regular basis on the radio since The Spy shakedown last month. I still completely applaud and support what Ferris O’Brien and company are doing but I like what I’m hearing on the FM dial in my car too. Is that a bad thing?
Video of the Day
"Step On" by The Happy Mondays
This is a video that I watched a lot back in '91. Great song!!!
This is a video that I watched a lot back in '91. Great song!!!
The Most Hated Religious Groups in America
According to this story, the top three most hated religious groups in America are –
- Muslims
- Buddhists
- Mormons
The fact that Muslims top this list is no surprise but I must say that I’m shocked that Buddhists would come in second. Are people so incredibly ignorant of Buddhism and Buddhists like the Dalai Lama? How can someone know anything about the teachings of this faith and people like the Dalai Lama and still hate Buddhists? If there is anyone out there that could possibly explain this to me, I’d love to hear it because I am truly baffled.
I Want This Book!
The Everything Buddhism Book
From the story –
It's a fresh, sometimes irreverent, contemporary take on Buddhism and a good primer on the multifaceted aspect of Buddha and Buddhism.
[...]
Here is the publisher's description:
"My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness."--Dalai Lama
That's easy for the Dalai Lama to say--but for the rest of us, understanding this mysterious, multilayered faith can be very difficult. With this updated and revised edition of the classic Buddhist primer, you can delve into the profound principles of nonviolence, mindfulness, and self-awareness. From Tibetan Buddhism to Zen, you'll explore the traditions of all branches of Buddhism, including:
- The life of Buddha and his continuing influence throughout the world
- A revealing survey of the definitive Buddhist texts
- What the Sutras say about education, marriage, sex, and death
- Buddhist art, poetry, architecture, calligraphy, and landscaping
- The proven physiological effects of meditation and other Buddhist practices
- The growing impact of Buddhism on modern American culture
In this guide, you'll discover the deceptively simple truths of this enigmatic religion. Most important, you learn how to apply the tenets of Buddhism to your daily life--and achieve clarity and inner peace in the process.
Comics Review: JLA: Year One
Title: JLA: Year One (DC Comics, DC Comics Database, Amazon)
Authors: Mark Waid (Official, Official Blog, Twitter, Wikipedia), Brian Augustyn (Wikipedia), Barry Kitson (Official, Wikipedia)
JLA: Year One is the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths origin of the Justice League of America. The story outlines the events that brought together the five founding members of the JLA—Aquaman, Black Canary, Green Lantern, The Flash, and The Martin Manhunter—and the struggles they went through in becoming a team. In the current post-Infinite Crisis DC Universe, JLA: Year One is still considered the origin of the team, but Wonder Woman has been re-inserted into the story (prior to COIE, WW was a founding member). How this was specifically done and what it means for Black Canary I do not know.
Anyone who’s ever read comic books has most likely heard of the Justice League. They are DC’s premier superhero group. I think it is safe to say that most people assume that the group was started by the likes of Superman and Batman, but that just isn’t the case…at least not any more. And honestly I think that is a good thing. One of the strengths of this story is that it focuses on characters other than the big three (i.e. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman). The other great thing about this JLA: Year One is that it shows the conflict between the characters as the come to terms with themselves and each other. Things were not always hunky dory in the JLA and that is what makes this story worth reading.
Authors: Mark Waid (Official, Official Blog, Twitter, Wikipedia), Brian Augustyn (Wikipedia), Barry Kitson (Official, Wikipedia)
JLA: Year One is the post-Crisis on Infinite Earths origin of the Justice League of America. The story outlines the events that brought together the five founding members of the JLA—Aquaman, Black Canary, Green Lantern, The Flash, and The Martin Manhunter—and the struggles they went through in becoming a team. In the current post-Infinite Crisis DC Universe, JLA: Year One is still considered the origin of the team, but Wonder Woman has been re-inserted into the story (prior to COIE, WW was a founding member). How this was specifically done and what it means for Black Canary I do not know.
Anyone who’s ever read comic books has most likely heard of the Justice League. They are DC’s premier superhero group. I think it is safe to say that most people assume that the group was started by the likes of Superman and Batman, but that just isn’t the case…at least not any more. And honestly I think that is a good thing. One of the strengths of this story is that it focuses on characters other than the big three (i.e. Superman, Batman, and Wonder Woman). The other great thing about this JLA: Year One is that it shows the conflict between the characters as the come to terms with themselves and each other. Things were not always hunky dory in the JLA and that is what makes this story worth reading.
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