So Miles Davis had an album titled "Birth of the Cool" back in 1949. A great album indeed, it's definitely one of the great Jazz efforts from history. Now it's Jazz, so there's no particular storyline or lyrical set per se, but the title has always stuck with me and resonated with me in its seemingly defining of the advent of "cool". Cool is a dynamic term, always changing with economics, politics, fashion, sport, and religion. We all know the fad of the week, the flash in the pan, the trend of the moment... those movements or entities that are "cool" one moment only to fade to black the next. It's Disco, it's brightly colored jam shorts, it's socialism, it's Snow (of Informer fame), it's trucker hats, it's snap bracelets, and even the Atkins diet. Yeah, theres more fads of cool that I could mention but I believe those few illustrate my point. So, cool is fleeting right... well, kind of!
Cool can be a monolithic and lasting experience. Cool can be as solid as stone, cool can be unending. It's those nostalgic things and ideas that never seem to lose their cool... no pun intended, lol. Some examples of permanent cool could be computers, capitalism, religion in general, materialism, and food. This doesn't necessarily mean that all cool things are good things however, as materialism isn't always associated with a lasting and fulfilling lifestyle, but they are seemingly permanent in our present culture. Cool is a thing that has duel meaning, as I've stumbled through above....
So, where am I going with all of this? Well, to get to the point.... as a secret Santa gift this year, Tiff got me a deck of "Uno" cards and "Barrel of Monkeys". Yes, this secret Santa was intended to be a joke-type gift... but I semi-disagree with that notion. Ya see, the fact that one can still purchase "Barrel of Monkeys" is amazing to me. It's an established children's toy, a toy we've all played with, a toy all our parents certainly played with as kids. It's reaffirming and encouraging to know that the children of today still have the ability to play and learn the way generations ago were able to. Great to know I can still play uno with actual cards and with actual people, even though I know I can play it on the computer or over xbox live. It's nice, in todays hi-tech world of video games, iPods, computers, and television, that there's still a market for low-tech toys. This is where the idea of capitalism is seen as a permanent fixture in our world... it's "cool" will never wear off. If not economically viable, those barrels full of primates would merely solicit a laugh and a stare at the Smithsonian.
So Tiff, you may have succeeded in following the rules of getting a joke style gift for that secret Santa... it received a laugh for sure... but I feel comforted!! Thank you, you've restored my faith in entertainment... that all is not lost on today's youth... or us for that matter!!
Just the other day, Emily and I went to dinner at Chandlers Restaurant at the Yankee Candle flagship store. We were invited there by her cousins as a Christmas gift to us. What a nice thought!
Well, this was no ordinary dinner.... we were to be entertained as well on this evening. It was a murder mystery dinner theater! What the heck is that you ask!? Well, up until that night I had no clue either... check this link for more info!
Basically, you sign up for a mystery dinner for a certain night, and upon arriving you are seated and offered drinks as any other meal. After drinks are served the "in costume" actors of the murder mystery appear. This is to kind of introduce themselves and their characters to the dinner guests. They interact a little bit with the guests, and generally just break the ice for the evening.
We were then offered a few different choices for soup and dinner, and then offered another round of drinks. Upon this offer, we were told that for the next 45 minutes or so we would be entertained by the "play" and dinner would be served afterwards. Our theater presentation was entitled "You Can't Toy With Death". It basically involved nitwit toys on the Island of Nitwit Toys. They were each vying for the honor to be the toy selected to go into Santa's bag for Christmas. One of them is murdered, presumably because the others want a chance to be the selected toy.....
I won't go into too much detail about the plot of the play or the premise of the story. I will say this however- it was extremely enjoyable. Although a very long evening, extending upwards of 3.5 hours, it was pretty interesting and cool to have an experience like that. There's coffee and dessert while the show wraps up... you are given a sort of "program" for the event, which describes the setting and the characters... also leaving space for your guess as to who killed the dead person. You are asked to give reasons and clues as to why you think so, and at the end of the evening they give awards for correct answers as well as for utterly incorrect or outlandish answers. I'll say this, for anyone who likes "The Simpsons" or "Family Guy" for its adult rated humor, you'd enjoy these shows. They are filled to the brim with educated sarcasm and whit, mature themes, and obtuse jokes. It's cool, because there are many different levels to enjoy and be entertained by the show.
Overall, it was a really nice experience! Great to have a nice night with friends and family, and it was just so different from most things that we get to do that I'd love to do it again. If you've never been to Chandlers, it's worth a visit. Heck, if you've never been to the Yankee Candle mother store, you gotta get there in a hurry too!!
The production was put on by The Comical Mystery Tour. The cast were all local to the area, so it had a small town charm to it. It wasn't overly theatrical or pretentious either. Go check them out and see some media and pics for yourself.
Peace
AM Son
12.29.2006
12.19.2006
It's a snowless & flat world...
Here we are, it's December 19, and I can see green grass. I see enough green grass during the months of April through October that come December I expect the grass to be hidden under a thick insulating blanket of white SNOW! I know I know, it's not technically winter yet... but Christmas is a few days away and we've yet to receive a measurable, lasting, significant snowfall. I'm depressed about this fact, and although it is not impairing my ability to enjoy each day, I do pine for a nice winter snowfall. Let's do some sort of snow-dance or some shit like that... as of now, it seems to be our one last hope before the 25th hits us.
So there's the snowless part...
Here's the flat world part....
I'm currently reading a book entitled, "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. Chef and I are kind of treating this thing as assigned reading over these (snowless) winter months while we both have some free time to devote to a good book. It is in fact a good book- so far! As I write this, I am currently at around page 230 of this 600 page book, so I've yet to experience the majority of what Friedman is trying to accomplish. As of now, it's an extremely involved, detailed, and broad reaching attempt to explain how the global world is becoming more of an integral and real notion. This is where the "Flat World" idea comes in- the world is flat in the sense that average individuals have more and more ability to reach and influence the rest of the 6 billion inhabitants of this planet. If this concept seems esoteric or strange to comprehend, consider this:
just the other day, Time magazine released it's 2006 person of the year issue. In case this is unfamiliar to those out there, Time awarded this distinguishable award to.......... drumroll........
YOU! Yes, that's it, you are the person of the year. If interested, go read the article for a more concise and erudite explanation of the topic.
It's interesting to note the similarity of what the Time article and Friedman's book thus far are paralleling. Like I said, it's a 600 page book, so I cannot go into too much detail here, but I think it's pertinent in these global times to have a nice grasp on the workings of the current world. I'm no expert, heck I haven't even crossed the half-way point of the book, but so far it's an interesting, intriguing, and well thought out argument for why Christopher Columbus would eat his words (figuratively) if he were still alive!
For now, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season! Good luck traveling that clean blacktop this Christmas, and even better luck in the coming year. Hello '07!
Peace
AM Son
So there's the snowless part...
Here's the flat world part....
I'm currently reading a book entitled, "The World Is Flat" by Thomas L. Friedman. Chef and I are kind of treating this thing as assigned reading over these (snowless) winter months while we both have some free time to devote to a good book. It is in fact a good book- so far! As I write this, I am currently at around page 230 of this 600 page book, so I've yet to experience the majority of what Friedman is trying to accomplish. As of now, it's an extremely involved, detailed, and broad reaching attempt to explain how the global world is becoming more of an integral and real notion. This is where the "Flat World" idea comes in- the world is flat in the sense that average individuals have more and more ability to reach and influence the rest of the 6 billion inhabitants of this planet. If this concept seems esoteric or strange to comprehend, consider this:
just the other day, Time magazine released it's 2006 person of the year issue. In case this is unfamiliar to those out there, Time awarded this distinguishable award to.......... drumroll........
YOU! Yes, that's it, you are the person of the year. If interested, go read the article for a more concise and erudite explanation of the topic.
It's interesting to note the similarity of what the Time article and Friedman's book thus far are paralleling. Like I said, it's a 600 page book, so I cannot go into too much detail here, but I think it's pertinent in these global times to have a nice grasp on the workings of the current world. I'm no expert, heck I haven't even crossed the half-way point of the book, but so far it's an interesting, intriguing, and well thought out argument for why Christopher Columbus would eat his words (figuratively) if he were still alive!
For now, I want to wish everyone a happy holiday season! Good luck traveling that clean blacktop this Christmas, and even better luck in the coming year. Hello '07!
Peace
AM Son
11.30.2006
October & Everything After...
... yeah, so that's right, everything since "that day" has been altered forever. Now it's up to me, Emily, and all the crew to keep life as even-keeled as we can. It's important to sustain normalcy, as much as we can, if there is such a thing. Normal has an extreme meaning now, and I don't like the word, but it must suffice. There is no other way to describe this...
Which is why I've found it tough to bring myself to make a new post here. I just feel like I don't want to let "it" go... that I don't want "it" to be forgotten (which "it" hasn't), or for "it" to seem irrelevant at this point (which "it" is not). I want to go forth, but I want to do that in a manner which holds integrity for all involved- those close to me and those close to "it".
So, I write this post with a heavy and confused heart, but I must...
When is it going to get cold?? I mean, here we are on November 30th, and we've seen maybe 1 week of close to freezing temps. Where's the snow? Thanksgiving just didn't feel right with rain and drizzle and dampness and mugginess and... well... "it"...
As the Dire Straits proclaimed many years ago... "I want myMTV snow/ cold/ fall/ winter"
The election came and went, and well the Democrats proved they had enough collective lube within their party to squeeze out a win! I say this is a good thing, but we all know Dems and Reps are just two different piles of shit- right?
Just today, I read probably the best article I've ever read. Read it here.
Many of you know that I love to read the Valley Advocate, so it shall not come to anyone's surprise that this article came from it.
This guy seemed to crawl inside my mind, heart, and soul. He seemed to transform my thoughts, fears, and observations into ink on a paper. It's uncanny how much I agree with this article. It angered me, it motivated me (to write this at least), and it made me think. It's nice to be able to count on the Advocate, for it rarely lets me down. Yeah, it's probably me residing in an echochamber, but I'll submit to common voices if it makes me feel better about this world... wouldn't you?
The Celts stink (no link necessary), the Pats got a huge win in Chicago last week, and the Red Sox seem to want to give away their good players in order to move in and pay top-inflated-dollar for mediocrity.
Oh and lets not forget that the Pats are now playing on fake grass. Yeah, great for them, bad for grass guys. We better start job searching if this is how it's gonna go down.
Work has calmed down considerably- finally! Now I get to spend more time living life rather than aiding, abetting, and unwillingly kowtowing to the thieves and curmudgeons that make up country club life.
I've been running for the past few months. I try for 5 or 6 times per week of at least 25 minutes or so. I'm trying to curb the cyclic nature of my fitness and physique. It seems (as Chef would easily point out) that I lose 15lbs in the summer when working a ton, only to gain some or all of it back during the winter when I work less. So, I'm being proactive here, trying to stay active and kill the cycle. Plus, it's fun to be active. It's good to be running again- if you could call this thing I do running! haha
Well, I'll quit the freestyling here- as I'm sure I've rambled enough.
I'll try to update more often... stay with me!
Peace and ?uestlove
AM Son
Which is why I've found it tough to bring myself to make a new post here. I just feel like I don't want to let "it" go... that I don't want "it" to be forgotten (which "it" hasn't), or for "it" to seem irrelevant at this point (which "it" is not). I want to go forth, but I want to do that in a manner which holds integrity for all involved- those close to me and those close to "it".
So, I write this post with a heavy and confused heart, but I must...
When is it going to get cold?? I mean, here we are on November 30th, and we've seen maybe 1 week of close to freezing temps. Where's the snow? Thanksgiving just didn't feel right with rain and drizzle and dampness and mugginess and... well... "it"...
As the Dire Straits proclaimed many years ago... "I want my
The election came and went, and well the Democrats proved they had enough collective lube within their party to squeeze out a win! I say this is a good thing, but we all know Dems and Reps are just two different piles of shit- right?
Just today, I read probably the best article I've ever read. Read it here.
Many of you know that I love to read the Valley Advocate, so it shall not come to anyone's surprise that this article came from it.
This guy seemed to crawl inside my mind, heart, and soul. He seemed to transform my thoughts, fears, and observations into ink on a paper. It's uncanny how much I agree with this article. It angered me, it motivated me (to write this at least), and it made me think. It's nice to be able to count on the Advocate, for it rarely lets me down. Yeah, it's probably me residing in an echochamber, but I'll submit to common voices if it makes me feel better about this world... wouldn't you?
The Celts stink (no link necessary), the Pats got a huge win in Chicago last week, and the Red Sox seem to want to give away their good players in order to move in and pay top-inflated-dollar for mediocrity.
Oh and lets not forget that the Pats are now playing on fake grass. Yeah, great for them, bad for grass guys. We better start job searching if this is how it's gonna go down.
Work has calmed down considerably- finally! Now I get to spend more time living life rather than aiding, abetting, and unwillingly kowtowing to the thieves and curmudgeons that make up country club life.
I've been running for the past few months. I try for 5 or 6 times per week of at least 25 minutes or so. I'm trying to curb the cyclic nature of my fitness and physique. It seems (as Chef would easily point out) that I lose 15lbs in the summer when working a ton, only to gain some or all of it back during the winter when I work less. So, I'm being proactive here, trying to stay active and kill the cycle. Plus, it's fun to be active. It's good to be running again- if you could call this thing I do running! haha
Well, I'll quit the freestyling here- as I'm sure I've rambled enough.
I'll try to update more often... stay with me!
Peace and ?uestlove
AM Son
11.03.2006
Not ready...
D.P.B
3.14.85-10.22.06
Not ready to say goodbye... not ready to be with one less... not ready to do this again... not ready to see friends in pain... not ready to comfort a family... not ready for the conversation to end... not ready to dry these tears... not ready for a life to be lowered... not ready to see the open spot... not ready for the music to be silenced... not ready for a flameless candle... not ready to write for the past... not ready to be moving on... not ready to feel the guilt... not ready to pick up the pieces... not ready to explain the events... not ready to seek out the answers... not ready to imitate the traits... not ready to fill the void... not ready to miss the enrichment... not ready to weep like a baby... not ready to pay tribute... not ready to be here without... not ready to be remembering... not ready to be typing these words...not ready... not ready... not ready... and yet we must be ready.
Danny, you're missed... deeply. The genius of your being will live on in us forever. It was real man, you were a bright soul, you were all that we could ask for... please rest peacefully... I love you.
How 'bout them Cowboys!
AM Son
3.14.85-10.22.06
Not ready to say goodbye... not ready to be with one less... not ready to do this again... not ready to see friends in pain... not ready to comfort a family... not ready for the conversation to end... not ready to dry these tears... not ready for a life to be lowered... not ready to see the open spot... not ready for the music to be silenced... not ready for a flameless candle... not ready to write for the past... not ready to be moving on... not ready to feel the guilt... not ready to pick up the pieces... not ready to explain the events... not ready to seek out the answers... not ready to imitate the traits... not ready to fill the void... not ready to miss the enrichment... not ready to weep like a baby... not ready to pay tribute... not ready to be here without... not ready to be remembering... not ready to be typing these words...not ready... not ready... not ready... and yet we must be ready.
Danny, you're missed... deeply. The genius of your being will live on in us forever. It was real man, you were a bright soul, you were all that we could ask for... please rest peacefully... I love you.
How 'bout them Cowboys!
AM Son
10.19.2006
Emotion
Ok, so here's the thing... life is worthless without emotion. What point is there in performing the mundane tasks and endeavors in life if there isn't also aspects of life that make you emotional? So that you can enjoy life- or at least make it memorable. Emotion is an elixir for the soul, it keeps the mind's edge sharp, the creative juices flowin', and makes the minutia in life tolerable.
When I see people expressing their emotions, their passions, their souls on their sleeves; I feel alive. I don't discriminate between tastes or opinions when it comes to emotion, just as long as I see that passion. My views on life are no better or worse than anyone elses, and the things that drive my soul are no more valid or real than anyone elses. It may sound trite, but "like what ya like" and "dislike what ya dislike"... as long as you can prove those opinions as your own, be emotive in your explanations, and see the function behind those opinions. Be moved each day... as the late great Jim Valvano once so eloquently said, "To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."
WOW, that's all I can say about Jimmy V's thoughts... but it rings true here, as emotion is definitely the key to life. Without it, we are nothing...
So, where am I going with all this...? Well, it is becoming more and more apparent to me that professional football is my favorite sport to follow. I've never played organized football (except flag football way back in the day) so I have no memories or nostalgia for days gone by, I just have a deep and emotional appreciation for the sport and all that I see in it.
Two recent occurences over the past 8 months or so have really stuck out in my mind as being descriptive of my love for football being. They depict football being intertwined with emotion. This is, in many ways, precisely why I've come to hold such an affinity for the sport. It's not in the winning, the losing, the x's and o's, or the fanaticism in the NFL that really grabs me.... it's in the emotion that seems to be more prevelant in the sport than in any other. I don't see comparable events in baseball, basketball, etc....
So, what are they?:
Earlier this year, during the Patriots AFC playoff loss to the Broncos, perhaps my favorite football play of all time went down. I won't get into details here, as most of you have probably seen it by now. I'll say this, however, it wasn't a "highlight" type play in the generic sense of the word; it was a highlight to me because it displayed all those things that we are taught at an early age. It displayed all those ideals that human nature is based on: hustle, hard work, integrity, teamwork, responsibility, brotherhood, and intelligence.
It was Ben Watson (now my favorite NFL player) making a pure hustle play in his chasing down and tackling of Champ Bailey after a Tom Brady interception. I don't know what to say other than this- it makes me tear up, even today. It didn't win the game for the Pats, it didn't put points on the board, and it didn't change the outcome of the game.... but it showed a man making a play, being responsible for his part on the field, sticking up for the rest of his team, and giving his all in hopes to better his (and his teams) situation. Watson shows his emotion for his "job", his passion for integrity, and his decency as a teammate and agent of the foundations of competition.
And without further adieu, here it is in all it's glory. Watch Watson come in at the end of the play, when almost all others on the field have given up! (Please pardon the audio/ video quality, I couldn't find a better one this far after the fact)
And the other happened more recently- 4 days ago to be precise. This one involved a coach for whom I have no emotional (there's that word again) attachment to. Interestingly enough, it still moved me enough to feel strongly and emotional about.
Dennis Green, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, was giving his post-game press conference after his teams heart breaking loss to the Chicago Bears. The simple story goes as such: the underdog Arizona Cardinals were up by a large margin of points for most of the game, and Chicago (undefeated record) came back late in the game to win the game. If the game had finished with an Arizona win, it would probably have been considered a huge upset that people would talk about for quite some time.
Coach Dennis Green's press conference was full of emotion. There he was, trying to be diplomatic and mature while answering press questions after a brutal loss. All he wanted to do, I'm sure, was to crawl into a dark corner and escape from reality for a bit. He was upset, and it showed. But he wasn't upset in an antagonizing or finger pointing way, he was taking his part of the responsibility for the loss, while obviously upset at the rest of the team as well. You can see it, hear it, and feel the emotion in his speech; as it's quite palpable and obvious. It's one of those things that makes your heart sink because you know deep down this guy is breaking apart. He doesn't want to be there answering questions, and he probably knows he should just regurgitate all the standard answers and "sports talk" and be on his way. Reality and emotion sets in however, and he simply acts as he feels.
It's beautiful, because none of his remarks are canned or cliche... they're almost profound in their simplicity. The remarks are passionate, insightful, and heavy. They show that this man is hurting, and he can't quite explain why....
So, there ya have it.... to me, these two situations convey emotion and passion. In order to live a fulfilling and rewarding journey here on Earth, both of these taits are requisite. Both of these situations made me emotional, so much as I still tear up when I see either. I hope you understand what I've rambled about here, as convoluted as it may be.
Peace
AM Son
When I see people expressing their emotions, their passions, their souls on their sleeves; I feel alive. I don't discriminate between tastes or opinions when it comes to emotion, just as long as I see that passion. My views on life are no better or worse than anyone elses, and the things that drive my soul are no more valid or real than anyone elses. It may sound trite, but "like what ya like" and "dislike what ya dislike"... as long as you can prove those opinions as your own, be emotive in your explanations, and see the function behind those opinions. Be moved each day... as the late great Jim Valvano once so eloquently said, "To me, there are three things we all should do every day. We should do this every day of our lives. Number one is laugh. You should laugh every day. Number two is think. You should spend some time in thought. And number three is, you should have your emotions moved to tears, could be happiness or joy. But think about it. If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special."
WOW, that's all I can say about Jimmy V's thoughts... but it rings true here, as emotion is definitely the key to life. Without it, we are nothing...
So, where am I going with all this...? Well, it is becoming more and more apparent to me that professional football is my favorite sport to follow. I've never played organized football (except flag football way back in the day) so I have no memories or nostalgia for days gone by, I just have a deep and emotional appreciation for the sport and all that I see in it.
Two recent occurences over the past 8 months or so have really stuck out in my mind as being descriptive of my love for football being. They depict football being intertwined with emotion. This is, in many ways, precisely why I've come to hold such an affinity for the sport. It's not in the winning, the losing, the x's and o's, or the fanaticism in the NFL that really grabs me.... it's in the emotion that seems to be more prevelant in the sport than in any other. I don't see comparable events in baseball, basketball, etc....
So, what are they?:
Earlier this year, during the Patriots AFC playoff loss to the Broncos, perhaps my favorite football play of all time went down. I won't get into details here, as most of you have probably seen it by now. I'll say this, however, it wasn't a "highlight" type play in the generic sense of the word; it was a highlight to me because it displayed all those things that we are taught at an early age. It displayed all those ideals that human nature is based on: hustle, hard work, integrity, teamwork, responsibility, brotherhood, and intelligence.
It was Ben Watson (now my favorite NFL player) making a pure hustle play in his chasing down and tackling of Champ Bailey after a Tom Brady interception. I don't know what to say other than this- it makes me tear up, even today. It didn't win the game for the Pats, it didn't put points on the board, and it didn't change the outcome of the game.... but it showed a man making a play, being responsible for his part on the field, sticking up for the rest of his team, and giving his all in hopes to better his (and his teams) situation. Watson shows his emotion for his "job", his passion for integrity, and his decency as a teammate and agent of the foundations of competition.
And without further adieu, here it is in all it's glory. Watch Watson come in at the end of the play, when almost all others on the field have given up! (Please pardon the audio/ video quality, I couldn't find a better one this far after the fact)
And the other happened more recently- 4 days ago to be precise. This one involved a coach for whom I have no emotional (there's that word again) attachment to. Interestingly enough, it still moved me enough to feel strongly and emotional about.
Dennis Green, head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, was giving his post-game press conference after his teams heart breaking loss to the Chicago Bears. The simple story goes as such: the underdog Arizona Cardinals were up by a large margin of points for most of the game, and Chicago (undefeated record) came back late in the game to win the game. If the game had finished with an Arizona win, it would probably have been considered a huge upset that people would talk about for quite some time.
Coach Dennis Green's press conference was full of emotion. There he was, trying to be diplomatic and mature while answering press questions after a brutal loss. All he wanted to do, I'm sure, was to crawl into a dark corner and escape from reality for a bit. He was upset, and it showed. But he wasn't upset in an antagonizing or finger pointing way, he was taking his part of the responsibility for the loss, while obviously upset at the rest of the team as well. You can see it, hear it, and feel the emotion in his speech; as it's quite palpable and obvious. It's one of those things that makes your heart sink because you know deep down this guy is breaking apart. He doesn't want to be there answering questions, and he probably knows he should just regurgitate all the standard answers and "sports talk" and be on his way. Reality and emotion sets in however, and he simply acts as he feels.
It's beautiful, because none of his remarks are canned or cliche... they're almost profound in their simplicity. The remarks are passionate, insightful, and heavy. They show that this man is hurting, and he can't quite explain why....
So, there ya have it.... to me, these two situations convey emotion and passion. In order to live a fulfilling and rewarding journey here on Earth, both of these taits are requisite. Both of these situations made me emotional, so much as I still tear up when I see either. I hope you understand what I've rambled about here, as convoluted as it may be.
Peace
AM Son
10.16.2006
Just for kicks
Being that it's "that time of year", I thought it'd be interesting to drop this into the mix!
Why do leaves change colors?
Enjoy
AM Son
Why do leaves change colors?
Enjoy
AM Son
Quick Rate
Lets see, I'm gonna do something a little different today. Instead of simply bombardin' you with way too many words, I'll just do a little list of things with their ratings, and by default... bombard you with way too many words! This all pertains to "recent life", so if it aint recent, it aint in here- word to that! It's a myriad of things, from music to books to friends to work...
Here we go:
John Mayer- Continuum 7.0
It's John Mayer, so overall it's pretty good, but I'm just not feelin' it deeply yet. It's got some good tunes, but nothing that really grabs me. It's in constant rotation so maybe this will all change. For now, my picks on this CD are, "Waiting On The World To Change", "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)", "Vultures", Slow Dancing In A Burning Room", and "Bold As Love"
Jurassic 5- Feedback 9.0
J5 is back, and this CD is awesome! Great flavor here, typical of the group. One of my fav hip-hop albums of the year. Favorites here are, "Back 4 U", "Gotta Understand", "Baby Please", "Work It Out", "Where We At", and "Red Hot".
Our Picassa Web Album 10.0 Obviously we like ourselves, our friends, our excursions, our fun, and our lives! So go check the new shots out, we hope you like....
The Roots- Game Theory 9.0
If I wasn't so biased, I'd immediately vote for this disc as best of 06. Read my review from a few weeks ago for a better grasp, but this album, this band, they're just so damn good!
Affluenza (sorry, don't wanna link to amazon, etc here)- 7.5 this book is pretty good, and gets a slightly lower score from me because it's dated. Published in 2001, the facts and figures are out of date, but in the grand scheme this read rocks. It deals with the rampant consumerism in America (and the world) today, and how undercurrents of materialism and a consumer culture are ruining the very foundations of humanity. Now it's not a total downer however, because it does offer some suggestions for self actualization and redeeming one's soul in life. All is not lost- this book's a little disheartening, but a good read indeed! Check this site for more!
North Korea NEGATIVE RATING What the eff is wrong with wacked out dictators and their freaked out logic? Can't we all just get along? Read this if you aren't aware....
Autumn- 10.0 as anyone who knows me will know, this is my all time favorite season! The temps, the daytime hours, the foliage, the light angles, the smell and feel, it's all there! So, it gets an easy ten from me, and always will! Check the picassa album for some new fall pics!
Bob Woodward - State Of Denial Cool Factor Very High because I haven't read the book yet, but I want to soon, and when I do I'll get back to ya....
Free Speech/ RO Blvd. - Laffy Taffy Rots Your Teeth 8.5
I stumbled upon this FREE cd by an unknown (to me) hip-hop duo, and let me say this------> WOW! They're giving this away free and encouraging the spread of it through burning, sharing, etc. This is a very very good hip-hop album! It's got it all, politics, fun, social commentary, braggadochio, melody... etc! Stand out tracks as of now are, "Shake Your Laffy Taffy", "Digital Dirt", "Kick Push", "Breakfast Club PSA #1".
Zion I & Grouch- Heroes In The City Of Dope 8.5 Another hip-hop cd I stumbled upon, and another that completely blows me away. It's got a good, solid, underground feel to it. It's umbelievably infectious and fun to listen to, and it comes highly recommended! Top tracks are, "Hit Em", "Trains & Planes", "Too Much", "Digital Dirt", "10 Fingers, 10 Toes...", and "Bad Lands".
Patriots Football! 8.0 Their team isn't perfect this year, with deficiencies in the passing game and secondary defense, but overall they've held their ground and performed well under some fairly adverse conditions. They lost Branch, McGinnest, Givens, and Vinatieri, and they're still winning.... so the record is pretty amazing considering all that has gone down in Foxboro. Time will tell if they're really an elite team or not, and if they have what it takes to take it to the big house in January/ February!
?uestlove! Gotta love the frow, the flow, and the know(ledge)!!! 10.0 I always find room to pimp the man who goes by the alias Questlove- officially named Ahmir Khalib Thompson.
Check these links for more info:
drummerworld and wikipedia
eMusic 8.0 A great site for new indie music of all types! Good place to find new stuff, brush up on some older "non-rolling stone type" stuff, and really just get down and dirty with some new music. No DRM, no streaming, no bull$hit.... just good tunes to download and use as you wish! The cost isn't too bad, especially when compared to actually buying equivalently downloaded music per month.
Detroit Tigers 9.5 They earned it, and no one has given these guys respect for years! Congrats Detroit, the whole city and all their supporters. Good luck in the Series!
Well.. that was tiring... I'm done for now. Hope that list was enjoyable.... or somethin'....
Peace
AM Son
Here we go:
John Mayer- Continuum 7.0
It's John Mayer, so overall it's pretty good, but I'm just not feelin' it deeply yet. It's got some good tunes, but nothing that really grabs me. It's in constant rotation so maybe this will all change. For now, my picks on this CD are, "Waiting On The World To Change", "I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)", "Vultures", Slow Dancing In A Burning Room", and "Bold As Love"
Jurassic 5- Feedback 9.0
J5 is back, and this CD is awesome! Great flavor here, typical of the group. One of my fav hip-hop albums of the year. Favorites here are, "Back 4 U", "Gotta Understand", "Baby Please", "Work It Out", "Where We At", and "Red Hot".
Our Picassa Web Album 10.0 Obviously we like ourselves, our friends, our excursions, our fun, and our lives! So go check the new shots out, we hope you like....
The Roots- Game Theory 9.0
If I wasn't so biased, I'd immediately vote for this disc as best of 06. Read my review from a few weeks ago for a better grasp, but this album, this band, they're just so damn good!
Affluenza (sorry, don't wanna link to amazon, etc here)- 7.5 this book is pretty good, and gets a slightly lower score from me because it's dated. Published in 2001, the facts and figures are out of date, but in the grand scheme this read rocks. It deals with the rampant consumerism in America (and the world) today, and how undercurrents of materialism and a consumer culture are ruining the very foundations of humanity. Now it's not a total downer however, because it does offer some suggestions for self actualization and redeeming one's soul in life. All is not lost- this book's a little disheartening, but a good read indeed! Check this site for more!
North Korea NEGATIVE RATING What the eff is wrong with wacked out dictators and their freaked out logic? Can't we all just get along? Read this if you aren't aware....
Autumn- 10.0 as anyone who knows me will know, this is my all time favorite season! The temps, the daytime hours, the foliage, the light angles, the smell and feel, it's all there! So, it gets an easy ten from me, and always will! Check the picassa album for some new fall pics!
Bob Woodward - State Of Denial Cool Factor Very High because I haven't read the book yet, but I want to soon, and when I do I'll get back to ya....
Free Speech/ RO Blvd. - Laffy Taffy Rots Your Teeth 8.5
I stumbled upon this FREE cd by an unknown (to me) hip-hop duo, and let me say this------> WOW! They're giving this away free and encouraging the spread of it through burning, sharing, etc. This is a very very good hip-hop album! It's got it all, politics, fun, social commentary, braggadochio, melody... etc! Stand out tracks as of now are, "Shake Your Laffy Taffy", "Digital Dirt", "Kick Push", "Breakfast Club PSA #1".
Zion I & Grouch- Heroes In The City Of Dope 8.5 Another hip-hop cd I stumbled upon, and another that completely blows me away. It's got a good, solid, underground feel to it. It's umbelievably infectious and fun to listen to, and it comes highly recommended! Top tracks are, "Hit Em", "Trains & Planes", "Too Much", "Digital Dirt", "10 Fingers, 10 Toes...", and "Bad Lands".
Patriots Football! 8.0 Their team isn't perfect this year, with deficiencies in the passing game and secondary defense, but overall they've held their ground and performed well under some fairly adverse conditions. They lost Branch, McGinnest, Givens, and Vinatieri, and they're still winning.... so the record is pretty amazing considering all that has gone down in Foxboro. Time will tell if they're really an elite team or not, and if they have what it takes to take it to the big house in January/ February!
?uestlove! Gotta love the frow, the flow, and the know(ledge)!!! 10.0 I always find room to pimp the man who goes by the alias Questlove- officially named Ahmir Khalib Thompson.
Check these links for more info:
drummerworld and wikipedia
eMusic 8.0 A great site for new indie music of all types! Good place to find new stuff, brush up on some older "non-rolling stone type" stuff, and really just get down and dirty with some new music. No DRM, no streaming, no bull$hit.... just good tunes to download and use as you wish! The cost isn't too bad, especially when compared to actually buying equivalently downloaded music per month.
Detroit Tigers 9.5 They earned it, and no one has given these guys respect for years! Congrats Detroit, the whole city and all their supporters. Good luck in the Series!
Well.. that was tiring... I'm done for now. Hope that list was enjoyable.... or somethin'....
Peace
AM Son
10.10.2006
The Boondocks
Yet another comic strip (cartoon) that I've been growing more fond of over the past few months:
The Boondocks
Also check out the TV sites for it here and here.
I like this comic because it's (again) mature! It deals with race relations, class relations, juvenile issues, as well as social and political issues. It's a cool statement comic, one that I've really begun to enjoy.
I'm eagerly anticipating the season 2 premiere of the TV show on Nov 6th. Can't wait!!
Peace
AM Son
The Boondocks
Also check out the TV sites for it here and here.
I like this comic because it's (again) mature! It deals with race relations, class relations, juvenile issues, as well as social and political issues. It's a cool statement comic, one that I've really begun to enjoy.
I'm eagerly anticipating the season 2 premiere of the TV show on Nov 6th. Can't wait!!
Peace
AM Son
10.07.2006
Another whirl at expression through characters and symbols...
Color Cycle
(January 2005)
Two men appear from a shadow;
Both have a story to tell.
Both will cry,
Emotive are both.
One soul will smile at sundown,
Ready to welcome another day.
While the other...
... the other frowns at the setting sun,
Foreboding the nighttime.
Black and Blue, with Red:
Black is the fingers,
Stretching to the shoelaces.
Blue be the collar,
Average Joe going through his paces.
Red is the checking account,
Always in despair;
Waiting on a dollar, but it comes from no where.
And the colors paint a picture,
It's life man...
Tumbling along, blow by blow;
“The man” is in control.
Black and White, with Black, White:
Black is the bank account,
Piling higher upon higher;
Profits feeding off profits.
White be the collar,
“The man” making it big;
Off sweat rung from the blue collar.
Black plus the white,
Together they show how the eye sees the world;
Yes vs No, Good vs Evil...
The Haves vs The Have-Nots,
And the colors paint a picture.
It's life man...
Floating along, kiss by kiss,
“The Man” is in control.
The truth of life is indeed ominous at times... that is why to always be oneself, and always act for the betterment of our own situations is the best medicine for a poorly constructed social system.
...Is Free Will Dead? Have a good read/ listen here!
(January 2005)
Two men appear from a shadow;
Both have a story to tell.
Both will cry,
Emotive are both.
One soul will smile at sundown,
Ready to welcome another day.
While the other...
... the other frowns at the setting sun,
Foreboding the nighttime.
Black and Blue, with Red:
Black is the fingers,
Stretching to the shoelaces.
Blue be the collar,
Average Joe going through his paces.
Red is the checking account,
Always in despair;
Waiting on a dollar, but it comes from no where.
And the colors paint a picture,
It's life man...
Tumbling along, blow by blow;
“The man” is in control.
Black and White, with Black, White:
Black is the bank account,
Piling higher upon higher;
Profits feeding off profits.
White be the collar,
“The man” making it big;
Off sweat rung from the blue collar.
Black plus the white,
Together they show how the eye sees the world;
Yes vs No, Good vs Evil...
The Haves vs The Have-Nots,
And the colors paint a picture.
It's life man...
Floating along, kiss by kiss,
“The Man” is in control.
The truth of life is indeed ominous at times... that is why to always be oneself, and always act for the betterment of our own situations is the best medicine for a poorly constructed social system.
...Is Free Will Dead? Have a good read/ listen here!
9.25.2006
The Roots are "Livin' In A New World", "Baby"!
Well, I told y'all it was forthcoming, and after some time to imbibe the whole thing a couple of times through and digest what it all really means... here is my take on "Game Theory"; the newest album from my all time favorite hip-hop band, The Roots! I won't get into much Roots history, I'll leave that to you to find out by going here, here, and here!
So, on to the review... listen to it yourself for the deeper qualities and finer nuances of the music and lyrical interplay. I can't begin to explain all of what this disc brings to the table, so if you're intrigued... read on and find a way to listen. Maybe ya can give it a little peep here!
The title- "Game Theory" is a mathematics term usually applied to equations that determine outcomes and statistics of certain situations. (Sorry Chef if I've butchered that def.) What this exactly has to do with the album is beyond me. I'll leave that to your own creative insight and dot-connecting capabilities. I like the album cover, it's pensive and thought provoking. Hmmm... any ideas?
Here's the track listing, as I will not be going track by track through the cd, I'll just point out my personal high points.
114 Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)
115 False Media
116 Game Theory
117 Don't Feel Right
118 In the Music
119 Take It There
120 Baby
121 Here I Come
122 Long Time
123 Livin' in a New World
124 Clock With No Hands
125 Atonement
126 Can't Stop This
Wondering why the tacks are numbered in the hundreds? Well, since back in the day The Roots have numbered their tracks for their albums in chronological order with each album succeeding the others. So, this album takes the natural progression 13 tracks further... thus ending at no. 126. Pretty cool huh, as this offers insight into the history of the band as a cohesive whole rather then as individual albums/ tracks/ and periods.
Basically, this album is like a finely sharpened knife slicing its way through the lifeline of an already suffering nation. Yes, if there's one thing we know, it's that this country isn't always roses and butterflies. There's corruption behind every oval office door, kevlar vest, and political pulpit. The Roots have always been known to touch on social and poitical subjects, but this album defies their past. All 6 members are now tipping the social/ political pot over rather than simply being content to just stir it.
Lead emcee Black Thought spits firey lyrics in each track here, sure to not be accused of mincing his words. Take the lyrics from "False Media", calling out our whole society and the social ills that bleed througout each class/ race/ and sector of this nation: America's lost somewhere inside of Littleton/ Eleven million children are on Ritalin/ That's whay I don't rhyme for the sake of riddlin/ False media, we don't need it, do we?/ Pilgrims, Slaves, Indian, Mexican/ It looks real fucked up for your next of kin/ That's why I don't rhyme for the sake of riddlin/ False media
If those aren't hard hitting, poignant, concise rhymes then I don't know what is. Great addition to the track is from Wadud Ahmad who actually is the one rapping that chorus, but Black Thought doesn't disappoint by chiming in quickly with; If I can't work to make it, I'll rob and take it/ Either that or me and my children are starving and naked/ Rather be a criminal pro than to follow the Matrix.
The song is an urgent sounding diatribe introduced by the pounding of ?uestlove's drumkit and symbol crashes coupled with a slow rolling keyboard by Kamal. The sound here is hollow, but not because there's no emotion... but because the emotion is palatable and the listener can just feel the sadness dripping from the lyrics. It starts and stops a few times in order to roll back forth towards the chorus. It's cool, it's urgent, it's enlightening, it's pure revolt!
Two tracks in particular ("In The Music"; "Take It There") sound like they could have been created over a Linkin Park type undercurrent of industrial sounds and reverb. ?uestlove (drummer) layes down a bad-ass rhythm with Kamal (keys) and Knuckles (!!!!!). It's something not heard everyday in hip-hop/ rap and is very assuredly one of the coolest part of this album- afterall, it's The Roots and I'm not surprised... but am still delighted! These two songs could be described as scary even, maybe dark and mysterious too. It's superbly planned and executed, the order of these songs flowing into one another is perfect... A stuttery intro paired with thumping drums introduces "In The Music", which switches straight to short bursts of lyrics from Black Thought and a haunting chorus. "Take It There" starts off with a solo by Black Thought with simple female harmonies behind his vocals... leading to atmospheric keys by Kamal. All this lends itself to a clear channel for BT to voice his qualms and state his peace. Wadud Ahmad makes another appearance here with a grat lyric; Society's time bomb laying dormant/ Our people disenfranchised for the free world/ Oil for food but they still hungry/ No democracy/ They said one vote equals one voice/ But he told you if he can't work to make it/ He'll rob to take it
My easy favorite on this disc is the singalong 50's styled and flavored "Baby" which is at the midpoint of this great collection of songs. It starts with a chant like "ohhhhm" from the rest of the band and a great catchy sound and groove; and then Thought comes in with: Your ma don't like to jitterbug, said this unholy music/ Hip hop just so ridiculous, everything sounds so confusing/ Nowadays ain't nothing like it was, one thing that showed the blues/ Is this system so mysterious, can't let that stop the movement/ Can't get no satisfaction, they all laughing, glad it's happening/ All wings hot for the main attraction/ Acting a fool with a lust for action/ Young girl caught in a crime of passion/ Sitting there crying in designer fashion/ Didn't blow, didn't have time for asking/ Somebody call for the ambulance, girl
The material being rapped about seems a bit stereotypical of rap music, but upon further review seems to be a calling out of those stereotypes and a breaking down of that old archetype. Black Thought is rapping about rap music being "so confusing" in the eyes of the older folks in our society, while at the same time telling a story of a sex crime being committed against a girl on the streets. It's "typical" hip-hop material if you read the words in a vacuum, but when taken into context it's easy to see they're calling out these crimes and distancing themselves from those certain atrocities. It's The Roots we're talkin' about, this aint no G Unit....
"Here I Come" is as much a radio sing-a-long as The Legendary Roots Crew will ever get. Fast, furious, pounding, and urgent is the only way to describe the sound of this one. It's a fun song, albeit about draggin' out imposters and exposing them for what they really are. It's a respond/ react type track, and almost seems as though there should be 'copters and search lights spinning around in the dark air beyond these guys when they perform the track. Got a fast pace and heavy beat that just kind of gets your blood movin'.
"Long Time" is a great guest laden track that has a collaborative feel to it and very catchy chorus. Peedi Peedi & Bunny Sigler take the mike for some chorus and rhymin' with Black Thought, and it all comes out fun and hard hitting at the same time. The best lyric here, one that portrays where these guys come from and why they do things "right" is; They used to sing it on the corner Where I come from/ Making somethin outta nothing/ Because everybody fifty cents/ From a quarter/ Where I come from/ Yeah
"Livin' In A New World" is another call from Black Thought for everyone to pay attention and start making a decision to change the world. Lyrics like, Yo, they got high-powered lenses on the cameras outside/ It ain't nowhere to run it ain't hardly nowhere to hide/ They hear you when you whisperin so try to keep quiet/ You don't even realize that youse a twinkle in the all, seein eye/ From the time you in the bar gettin high/ To havin conversations on your phone through the wire
really make you feel like these guys have a grip on what's really going on in the world. Instead of rappin' about bitches and ho's and bling and cars, they provide insight into what's affecting so many blue collar people in this country and world. They're famous indeed, but they stay true to their roots and bring it hard and real!
"Can't Stop This" is a lengthy tribute to the late J Dilla, a producer/ MC that died tragically of Lupus earlier this year. It's a roll call of sorts, where answering machine messages left on Dilla's machine after his death are played back during the song. It's moving, it's hard hitting, and it's poignant because The Roots are stepping out and giving the spotlight to their own inspiration and friend. It's a true show of humanity and a classy act on the part of The Roots. Weather I or anyone likes/ dislike J Dilla, it's admirable that he made such a humble impact upon The Roots that they would see fit to offer tribute his soul like this. Gotta respect that!
Overall, I'd easily give this record 5 ?uesties out of 5! (Note: A questie is akin to a star which is normally used to rate albums, etc. At a popular Roots message board, okayplayer, they use questies to rate instead of stars. A questie is a small image of a black man with an afro- a tribute to Roots drummer & musicologist, Questlove!)
It's a short disc, for sure, but it packs a whole lotta messages and swipes at the government, society, money, war, drugs, war, and general brutality. Anyone who knows me will recognize those attributes as something endearing to my soul, so naturally I will gravitate to an album full of said subject matter. It helps that "Game Theory" was created by The Roots... but regardless, this shit is damned near flawless. I could probably do without some of the female rap vocals and harmonizing (no offense intended), but other than that one gripe I absolutely adore this record! Awesome job to The Roots, this shit came at me hard and made me think... what a way to enjoy life!
Sorry if this was long, overdrawn, or convoluted... it's tough to articulate my thoughts on something that makes me so emotional. Give it a listen, I hope I have't bored the heck out of ya so much as to turn you off of the album, haha!
Peace
So, on to the review... listen to it yourself for the deeper qualities and finer nuances of the music and lyrical interplay. I can't begin to explain all of what this disc brings to the table, so if you're intrigued... read on and find a way to listen. Maybe ya can give it a little peep here!
The title- "Game Theory" is a mathematics term usually applied to equations that determine outcomes and statistics of certain situations. (Sorry Chef if I've butchered that def.) What this exactly has to do with the album is beyond me. I'll leave that to your own creative insight and dot-connecting capabilities. I like the album cover, it's pensive and thought provoking. Hmmm... any ideas?
Here's the track listing, as I will not be going track by track through the cd, I'll just point out my personal high points.
114 Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)
115 False Media
116 Game Theory
117 Don't Feel Right
118 In the Music
119 Take It There
120 Baby
121 Here I Come
122 Long Time
123 Livin' in a New World
124 Clock With No Hands
125 Atonement
126 Can't Stop This
Wondering why the tacks are numbered in the hundreds? Well, since back in the day The Roots have numbered their tracks for their albums in chronological order with each album succeeding the others. So, this album takes the natural progression 13 tracks further... thus ending at no. 126. Pretty cool huh, as this offers insight into the history of the band as a cohesive whole rather then as individual albums/ tracks/ and periods.
Basically, this album is like a finely sharpened knife slicing its way through the lifeline of an already suffering nation. Yes, if there's one thing we know, it's that this country isn't always roses and butterflies. There's corruption behind every oval office door, kevlar vest, and political pulpit. The Roots have always been known to touch on social and poitical subjects, but this album defies their past. All 6 members are now tipping the social/ political pot over rather than simply being content to just stir it.
Lead emcee Black Thought spits firey lyrics in each track here, sure to not be accused of mincing his words. Take the lyrics from "False Media", calling out our whole society and the social ills that bleed througout each class/ race/ and sector of this nation: America's lost somewhere inside of Littleton/ Eleven million children are on Ritalin/ That's whay I don't rhyme for the sake of riddlin/ False media, we don't need it, do we?/ Pilgrims, Slaves, Indian, Mexican/ It looks real fucked up for your next of kin/ That's why I don't rhyme for the sake of riddlin/ False media
If those aren't hard hitting, poignant, concise rhymes then I don't know what is. Great addition to the track is from Wadud Ahmad who actually is the one rapping that chorus, but Black Thought doesn't disappoint by chiming in quickly with; If I can't work to make it, I'll rob and take it/ Either that or me and my children are starving and naked/ Rather be a criminal pro than to follow the Matrix.
The song is an urgent sounding diatribe introduced by the pounding of ?uestlove's drumkit and symbol crashes coupled with a slow rolling keyboard by Kamal. The sound here is hollow, but not because there's no emotion... but because the emotion is palatable and the listener can just feel the sadness dripping from the lyrics. It starts and stops a few times in order to roll back forth towards the chorus. It's cool, it's urgent, it's enlightening, it's pure revolt!
Two tracks in particular ("In The Music"; "Take It There") sound like they could have been created over a Linkin Park type undercurrent of industrial sounds and reverb. ?uestlove (drummer) layes down a bad-ass rhythm with Kamal (keys) and Knuckles (!!!!!). It's something not heard everyday in hip-hop/ rap and is very assuredly one of the coolest part of this album- afterall, it's The Roots and I'm not surprised... but am still delighted! These two songs could be described as scary even, maybe dark and mysterious too. It's superbly planned and executed, the order of these songs flowing into one another is perfect... A stuttery intro paired with thumping drums introduces "In The Music", which switches straight to short bursts of lyrics from Black Thought and a haunting chorus. "Take It There" starts off with a solo by Black Thought with simple female harmonies behind his vocals... leading to atmospheric keys by Kamal. All this lends itself to a clear channel for BT to voice his qualms and state his peace. Wadud Ahmad makes another appearance here with a grat lyric; Society's time bomb laying dormant/ Our people disenfranchised for the free world/ Oil for food but they still hungry/ No democracy/ They said one vote equals one voice/ But he told you if he can't work to make it/ He'll rob to take it
My easy favorite on this disc is the singalong 50's styled and flavored "Baby" which is at the midpoint of this great collection of songs. It starts with a chant like "ohhhhm" from the rest of the band and a great catchy sound and groove; and then Thought comes in with: Your ma don't like to jitterbug, said this unholy music/ Hip hop just so ridiculous, everything sounds so confusing/ Nowadays ain't nothing like it was, one thing that showed the blues/ Is this system so mysterious, can't let that stop the movement/ Can't get no satisfaction, they all laughing, glad it's happening/ All wings hot for the main attraction/ Acting a fool with a lust for action/ Young girl caught in a crime of passion/ Sitting there crying in designer fashion/ Didn't blow, didn't have time for asking/ Somebody call for the ambulance, girl
The material being rapped about seems a bit stereotypical of rap music, but upon further review seems to be a calling out of those stereotypes and a breaking down of that old archetype. Black Thought is rapping about rap music being "so confusing" in the eyes of the older folks in our society, while at the same time telling a story of a sex crime being committed against a girl on the streets. It's "typical" hip-hop material if you read the words in a vacuum, but when taken into context it's easy to see they're calling out these crimes and distancing themselves from those certain atrocities. It's The Roots we're talkin' about, this aint no G Unit....
"Here I Come" is as much a radio sing-a-long as The Legendary Roots Crew will ever get. Fast, furious, pounding, and urgent is the only way to describe the sound of this one. It's a fun song, albeit about draggin' out imposters and exposing them for what they really are. It's a respond/ react type track, and almost seems as though there should be 'copters and search lights spinning around in the dark air beyond these guys when they perform the track. Got a fast pace and heavy beat that just kind of gets your blood movin'.
"Long Time" is a great guest laden track that has a collaborative feel to it and very catchy chorus. Peedi Peedi & Bunny Sigler take the mike for some chorus and rhymin' with Black Thought, and it all comes out fun and hard hitting at the same time. The best lyric here, one that portrays where these guys come from and why they do things "right" is; They used to sing it on the corner Where I come from/ Making somethin outta nothing/ Because everybody fifty cents/ From a quarter/ Where I come from/ Yeah
"Livin' In A New World" is another call from Black Thought for everyone to pay attention and start making a decision to change the world. Lyrics like, Yo, they got high-powered lenses on the cameras outside/ It ain't nowhere to run it ain't hardly nowhere to hide/ They hear you when you whisperin so try to keep quiet/ You don't even realize that youse a twinkle in the all, seein eye/ From the time you in the bar gettin high/ To havin conversations on your phone through the wire
really make you feel like these guys have a grip on what's really going on in the world. Instead of rappin' about bitches and ho's and bling and cars, they provide insight into what's affecting so many blue collar people in this country and world. They're famous indeed, but they stay true to their roots and bring it hard and real!
"Can't Stop This" is a lengthy tribute to the late J Dilla, a producer/ MC that died tragically of Lupus earlier this year. It's a roll call of sorts, where answering machine messages left on Dilla's machine after his death are played back during the song. It's moving, it's hard hitting, and it's poignant because The Roots are stepping out and giving the spotlight to their own inspiration and friend. It's a true show of humanity and a classy act on the part of The Roots. Weather I or anyone likes/ dislike J Dilla, it's admirable that he made such a humble impact upon The Roots that they would see fit to offer tribute his soul like this. Gotta respect that!
Overall, I'd easily give this record 5 ?uesties out of 5! (Note: A questie is akin to a star which is normally used to rate albums, etc. At a popular Roots message board, okayplayer, they use questies to rate instead of stars. A questie is a small image of a black man with an afro- a tribute to Roots drummer & musicologist, Questlove!)
It's a short disc, for sure, but it packs a whole lotta messages and swipes at the government, society, money, war, drugs, war, and general brutality. Anyone who knows me will recognize those attributes as something endearing to my soul, so naturally I will gravitate to an album full of said subject matter. It helps that "Game Theory" was created by The Roots... but regardless, this shit is damned near flawless. I could probably do without some of the female rap vocals and harmonizing (no offense intended), but other than that one gripe I absolutely adore this record! Awesome job to The Roots, this shit came at me hard and made me think... what a way to enjoy life!
Sorry if this was long, overdrawn, or convoluted... it's tough to articulate my thoughts on something that makes me so emotional. Give it a listen, I hope I have't bored the heck out of ya so much as to turn you off of the album, haha!
Peace
9.16.2006
To whet your appetite...
Electrostatic Freedom
(May 2005)
America;
They say it’s the land of the free,
But we live under a veil, the appearance of liberty.
Bound;
By rules and regulations,
Never easing up, only gripping tighter.
The taxes, the mortgages;
Cold remedies being hawked on bus windows,
And freedom’s just a word in a book.
Skeptical;
Of shoelaces tied in a singular knot,
It’s as if trusting Republicans to do what they say;
… they just look good,
In doing the opposite.
(May 2005)
America;
They say it’s the land of the free,
But we live under a veil, the appearance of liberty.
Bound;
By rules and regulations,
Never easing up, only gripping tighter.
The taxes, the mortgages;
Cold remedies being hawked on bus windows,
And freedom’s just a word in a book.
Skeptical;
Of shoelaces tied in a singular knot,
It’s as if trusting Republicans to do what they say;
… they just look good,
In doing the opposite.
8.01.2006
Laugh, cry, and think with me...
I've never really understood the whole fascination with comics; weather it be comic books or comic strips. Since I was a kid, I've heard stories from my parents' generation about how they raced to the comic store to get the new "Insert Super Hero and/or Alien Forecast and/or Subliminal Message here" and I've just never got it. I've gandered at a few in my time, but just never quite understood the infatuation. I guess my mind has been crippled and diluted by videogames, television, "the internets", and DVD's... but that's a whole other conversation/ rant!
I've never really been into the superhero type stuff or the "save the world" fantasy that captivated audiences since our parent's generation. Yeah I go for that stuff now and again, but I've just never been into the sci-fi/ Star Trek/ Star Wars/ Marvel Heroes/ Capcom stories... sorry folks.
But there's these two comics... these two slices of life and comedy and realism and satire and needling and all-around-goodness... these perfect little daily flavors of life. They poke and they prod my imagination and fire my social and political juices; they make me angry and make me sad; they give me life yet deflate me faster than a summer heat wave (wink). But alas, I enjoy the company these two cartoons/ comics keep. I don't know if you'd necessarily consider them comics, but hey, it's as close as I'm going to get it seems...
...so check them out, and be sure to look at their respective archives! Enjoy!
Pardon My Planet byVic Lee
(A good strip aimed at the environment and the woes and foes of it all)
This Modern World by Tom Tomorrow
(Umm, George Bush and the G.O.P ring a bell...? It's all encompassing dumb-ass!)
Peace;
Live, Love, Learn, Ask Questions
-AM Son
I've never really been into the superhero type stuff or the "save the world" fantasy that captivated audiences since our parent's generation. Yeah I go for that stuff now and again, but I've just never been into the sci-fi/ Star Trek/ Star Wars/ Marvel Heroes/ Capcom stories... sorry folks.
But there's these two comics... these two slices of life and comedy and realism and satire and needling and all-around-goodness... these perfect little daily flavors of life. They poke and they prod my imagination and fire my social and political juices; they make me angry and make me sad; they give me life yet deflate me faster than a summer heat wave (wink). But alas, I enjoy the company these two cartoons/ comics keep. I don't know if you'd necessarily consider them comics, but hey, it's as close as I'm going to get it seems...
...so check them out, and be sure to look at their respective archives! Enjoy!
Pardon My Planet byVic Lee
(A good strip aimed at the environment and the woes and foes of it all)
This Modern World by Tom Tomorrow
(Umm, George Bush and the G.O.P ring a bell...? It's all encompassing dumb-ass!)
Peace;
Live, Love, Learn, Ask Questions
-AM Son
7.27.2006
Feedback, Game Theory...
This past Tuesday July 25, 2006; Jurassic 5 released their newest album called "Feedback". It's been quite a while since they released an album, the last one being 2002's "Power In Numbers". J5 has always been considered an underground "backpacker hip-hop" group. They're not mainstream, they're not fringe, they're nothing trendy or overly eccentric or kitschy. It's pure feel-good hip-hop with an old school feel and back and forth wordplay and rhyming from 4 solid rappers and a more than competent DJ.
This new album is much more of the same, albeit with a few twists. Although I've yet to really settle on a verdict for the album, I do like it and can't wait to dig deeper and feel it more cohesively. The two missteps for me without a doubt are "Brown Girl" and "End Up Like This". What's strange about pointing out these two tracks is that neither actually sound bad, it's just they don't fit the album or the group. "Brown Girl" has a woman singer on chorus with J5 rapping in between; and feels as if it were curiously stolen or left off of a Top40 type hip-hop wannabe artist's album, while "End Up Like This" has a repetitive and boring looped chorus. Unfortunately the songs lyrics and message are top notch, but would have been a much better song had they included real lyrics and performance rather than the synth loop chorus. Both songs actually have a good feel and sound, just seem misplaced.
J5 is such a fun group to listen to, with the old school battle rap format from rappers Chali 2na (my favorite), Akil, Zaakir (aka Soup), Mark 7even, and DJ Nu-Mark on turntable. On "Feedback" the group style chorus' are still here, but the beats have grown and the production is a little more slick and contemporary yet still rooted in the old school style. The high points on this new effort are "Back 4 U" (an ode' to 80's rap and a tribute to longtime fans), "Gotta Understand", "Work It Out" (a collaboration with The Dave Matthews Band), "Where We At" (featuring Mos Def), and "Red Hot". There's a cool instrumental track at the end of the set, which shows off J5's diversity and creativity. All of this really pulls together a solid album from a more than solid group. It's nice in this day of "material hip-hop", gangsta rap, immorality, and copy-cat raps to see a band that really bonds together and forges their own path. They're socially conscious without being preachy, and their rhymes still beat any industry created crap that's spewed out on radio these days. I say good-on-ya J5, your fans are impressed! I rate this album ***1/2 stars
Now onto "Game Theory", the as yet unreleased album from The Roots. Scheduled for release on August 29, 2006, this album has been gaining lots and lots of steam with the Roots fan community and the underground hip-hop community at large. Supposedly, ?uestlove (the drummer from The Roots) leaked this album purposely a few weeks ago in hopes it would create excitement and buzz about the group and album. Also supposedly, this would get a high quality "legit" version out into the world with the thought that at least what is out there is the real thing and of good quality. We all know that almost every album gets leaked these days, so what not "leak" it on purpose so that it's controlled.... sounds like brilliant thinking on the part of ?uestlove and The Roots.
Now having said all this, I have NOT heard the CD. I'm abstaining, holding out for the "rip open the plastic wrap feeling" on release day. You all know that feeling you get when you get a new album that resonates with your soul? The one where you just never forget where you were when you first heard it, what you were wearing, what the weather was like, the feeling you got, etc. Yeah... I want that with this one. Since it's been getting such rave reviews, I want that for me in a legal way. The word on the street is that this record could be ground-breakingly huge on many levels and maybe the best the group has done in years! That's saying a lot too concerning previous releases, "Phrenology" and "Things Fall Apart" were rated very well by the community and industry. I don't know about you, but it's all I can do to not bit-torrent this leaked cd and enjoy it's fruits now.... but alas I'll wait and be all the better for it come late August!
As with J5, The Roots have always captivated me with their innovation and unwillingness to morph into another run -of -the mill pop rap act. They blaze their own trail, are seemingly in this business for the art of it and not for all the superficial aspects that plague the industry these days. Plus, and this is the coolest aspect of their act, they play real honest to goodness instruments!! Drums, guitars, and also the requisite DJ are what you'll see at a live show- of which they are famous for! Yeah, can you believe it!? And just an aside- ?uestlove just may be the coolest cat in hip-hop!
So, it's gonna be a long month 'til this album hits a Newbury Comics shelf near me... just can't take the suspense any longer!! At least I'll have J5's newest to hold me over.
I'm not sure of either of these albums will crack my year end top 5 for hip-hop albums, but time will tell. As of now, my running favorite for the year in hip-hop is:
The Coup- "Pick A Bigger Weapon"
Still to come: OutKast's "Idlewild", the aforementioned "Game Theory", and the just released "Yell, Fire" by Spearhead.
Time will tell... but for now I'm lovin' J5 and amped as hell for The Roots!
Peace
This new album is much more of the same, albeit with a few twists. Although I've yet to really settle on a verdict for the album, I do like it and can't wait to dig deeper and feel it more cohesively. The two missteps for me without a doubt are "Brown Girl" and "End Up Like This". What's strange about pointing out these two tracks is that neither actually sound bad, it's just they don't fit the album or the group. "Brown Girl" has a woman singer on chorus with J5 rapping in between; and feels as if it were curiously stolen or left off of a Top40 type hip-hop wannabe artist's album, while "End Up Like This" has a repetitive and boring looped chorus. Unfortunately the songs lyrics and message are top notch, but would have been a much better song had they included real lyrics and performance rather than the synth loop chorus. Both songs actually have a good feel and sound, just seem misplaced.
J5 is such a fun group to listen to, with the old school battle rap format from rappers Chali 2na (my favorite), Akil, Zaakir (aka Soup), Mark 7even, and DJ Nu-Mark on turntable. On "Feedback" the group style chorus' are still here, but the beats have grown and the production is a little more slick and contemporary yet still rooted in the old school style. The high points on this new effort are "Back 4 U" (an ode' to 80's rap and a tribute to longtime fans), "Gotta Understand", "Work It Out" (a collaboration with The Dave Matthews Band), "Where We At" (featuring Mos Def), and "Red Hot". There's a cool instrumental track at the end of the set, which shows off J5's diversity and creativity. All of this really pulls together a solid album from a more than solid group. It's nice in this day of "material hip-hop", gangsta rap, immorality, and copy-cat raps to see a band that really bonds together and forges their own path. They're socially conscious without being preachy, and their rhymes still beat any industry created crap that's spewed out on radio these days. I say good-on-ya J5, your fans are impressed! I rate this album ***1/2 stars
Now onto "Game Theory", the as yet unreleased album from The Roots. Scheduled for release on August 29, 2006, this album has been gaining lots and lots of steam with the Roots fan community and the underground hip-hop community at large. Supposedly, ?uestlove (the drummer from The Roots) leaked this album purposely a few weeks ago in hopes it would create excitement and buzz about the group and album. Also supposedly, this would get a high quality "legit" version out into the world with the thought that at least what is out there is the real thing and of good quality. We all know that almost every album gets leaked these days, so what not "leak" it on purpose so that it's controlled.... sounds like brilliant thinking on the part of ?uestlove and The Roots.
Now having said all this, I have NOT heard the CD. I'm abstaining, holding out for the "rip open the plastic wrap feeling" on release day. You all know that feeling you get when you get a new album that resonates with your soul? The one where you just never forget where you were when you first heard it, what you were wearing, what the weather was like, the feeling you got, etc. Yeah... I want that with this one. Since it's been getting such rave reviews, I want that for me in a legal way. The word on the street is that this record could be ground-breakingly huge on many levels and maybe the best the group has done in years! That's saying a lot too concerning previous releases, "Phrenology" and "Things Fall Apart" were rated very well by the community and industry. I don't know about you, but it's all I can do to not bit-torrent this leaked cd and enjoy it's fruits now.... but alas I'll wait and be all the better for it come late August!
As with J5, The Roots have always captivated me with their innovation and unwillingness to morph into another run -of -the mill pop rap act. They blaze their own trail, are seemingly in this business for the art of it and not for all the superficial aspects that plague the industry these days. Plus, and this is the coolest aspect of their act, they play real honest to goodness instruments!! Drums, guitars, and also the requisite DJ are what you'll see at a live show- of which they are famous for! Yeah, can you believe it!? And just an aside- ?uestlove just may be the coolest cat in hip-hop!
So, it's gonna be a long month 'til this album hits a Newbury Comics shelf near me... just can't take the suspense any longer!! At least I'll have J5's newest to hold me over.
I'm not sure of either of these albums will crack my year end top 5 for hip-hop albums, but time will tell. As of now, my running favorite for the year in hip-hop is:
The Coup- "Pick A Bigger Weapon"
Still to come: OutKast's "Idlewild", the aforementioned "Game Theory", and the just released "Yell, Fire" by Spearhead.
Time will tell... but for now I'm lovin' J5 and amped as hell for The Roots!
Peace
7.15.2006
Comical activism at it's best
if you're like me and enjoy being a bit politically, socially, environmentally, aware and active, you'll get a kick out of these flash cartoon animations!
Check out Free Range Graphics, these are hilarious and hard hitting!
My favorites are The Meatrix, The Voting Bear, and Protecting Civil Liberties.
Tell me which ones you like!
Enjoy...
Peace...
Check out Free Range Graphics, these are hilarious and hard hitting!
My favorites are The Meatrix, The Voting Bear, and Protecting Civil Liberties.
Tell me which ones you like!
Enjoy...
Peace...
So sweet it kills me
Yes, and no. Kinda and sorta. Bad and good. Detriment and wonder. More and less. That's what I say to High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS). Yes, you know what I'm talking about... all thoose sweet tasting products found up and down the aisles of every supermarket. More than you think, more foods we eat are loaded with HFCS... we American's loooove our sweets ya know, and I don't just mean sweets as in candy and chocolate, I mean like they put this stuff in Ketchup, Dairy Products, Medicines, Breads, Cereal, you name it. That list goes on and on, check iit out here. I'll bet you're surprised at how much of what we eat regularly has HFCS in it!
Someone once told me to "shop the perimeter" of the grocery store. The idea behind this thought process is that most of the"healthier" and unprocessed foods remain on the outer edges of the store. If you think about it, that's usually where the produce, meat, baked goods, and other more natural type foods are. Most of the stuff we don't really need is up or down one of the skinny regemented aisles in the middle of the store! It's not a plan to live by exclusively, as we all know that not everything on the perimeter is great for us, but as a general rule I like it. It's easier to stay away from all the processed snacks and goodies that are awaiting our purchase there in the center, haha!
So, anyway... I just thought that the whole issue of High Fructose Corn Syrup was interesting. In the early to mid last century when soda was first developed, most consumed about 8oz per serving. Compare that to the 20oz versions and larger that we generally consume nowadays. Interesting indeed!
How prevelant is the use of HFCS in our diet today? Well, I'm no scientist or researcher, but from what I've heard and read, it's use and (sometimes) abuse is growing each year. It's everywhere, from our food and medicines (grape flavored 'Tussin) to even animal feeds. Yep, it's everywhere... and for the most part it really doesn't serve any health or physiological adavantages. The one advantage that HFCS does have is that it's super sweet and cheap to produce, so corporations can make a killing off the use and perpetuation of it. Our farmers are subsidized to grow or not grow corn, and then the big companies like Cargill buy the processed corn syrup and put it into many commercial and consumer products. It's a cycle.
Check out these articles, they are good all-purpose reads for the HFCS situation:
The Children of the Corn Subsidies- a phenomenal article with mp3 discussion about the whole topic. *This is a great read/ listen!
Sweet But Not So Innocent- Washington Post article
Sugar Coated- SFGate article
Here's a book I'm going to read soon. It seems like it'd be a good read, but as of now I have little time and have trouble staying awake to read. If ya get to it before me, let me know how it is!
Enjoy...
Peace ...
Someone once told me to "shop the perimeter" of the grocery store. The idea behind this thought process is that most of the"healthier" and unprocessed foods remain on the outer edges of the store. If you think about it, that's usually where the produce, meat, baked goods, and other more natural type foods are. Most of the stuff we don't really need is up or down one of the skinny regemented aisles in the middle of the store! It's not a plan to live by exclusively, as we all know that not everything on the perimeter is great for us, but as a general rule I like it. It's easier to stay away from all the processed snacks and goodies that are awaiting our purchase there in the center, haha!
So, anyway... I just thought that the whole issue of High Fructose Corn Syrup was interesting. In the early to mid last century when soda was first developed, most consumed about 8oz per serving. Compare that to the 20oz versions and larger that we generally consume nowadays. Interesting indeed!
How prevelant is the use of HFCS in our diet today? Well, I'm no scientist or researcher, but from what I've heard and read, it's use and (sometimes) abuse is growing each year. It's everywhere, from our food and medicines (grape flavored 'Tussin) to even animal feeds. Yep, it's everywhere... and for the most part it really doesn't serve any health or physiological adavantages. The one advantage that HFCS does have is that it's super sweet and cheap to produce, so corporations can make a killing off the use and perpetuation of it. Our farmers are subsidized to grow or not grow corn, and then the big companies like Cargill buy the processed corn syrup and put it into many commercial and consumer products. It's a cycle.
Check out these articles, they are good all-purpose reads for the HFCS situation:
The Children of the Corn Subsidies- a phenomenal article with mp3 discussion about the whole topic. *This is a great read/ listen!
Sweet But Not So Innocent- Washington Post article
Sugar Coated- SFGate article
Here's a book I'm going to read soon. It seems like it'd be a good read, but as of now I have little time and have trouble staying awake to read. If ya get to it before me, let me know how it is!
Enjoy...
Peace ...
7.14.2006
carey, chris, golf, hot, and music... just not all at once!
Yes. That's right. I will talk about all of that... just, as I said, not all here in this post...
Chris & Carey's wedding was beautiful! They're such great friends, and I am extremely proud and happy to be of the first to call them husband and wife, as well as be their good friend. Congratulations you two, we all had a blast- it was a perfect weekend and perfect day for the celebration of your union! There were environmentally friendly sources of energy, great food, great friends, lovely sea breezes, and just so much to be happy for! Those times are the ones that make you simply happy to be alive!
Another thing, on another level, and not to be misconstrued as on the same level of importance as Mr. & Mrs. Losh... is this:
Before the Music Dies- for anyone who enjoys and appreciates good quality, moving, creative, soulful, personal, purposeful, caring music; you've gotta see this movie. I haven't seen it, it's not out yet, but if it is what it says it is, then it will be good! I'm not trying to belittle anything that doesn't fall into the realm of what this film discusses, I'm just saying good, "real" music should be appreciated! Check out the trailer here.
Chris & Carey's wedding was beautiful! They're such great friends, and I am extremely proud and happy to be of the first to call them husband and wife, as well as be their good friend. Congratulations you two, we all had a blast- it was a perfect weekend and perfect day for the celebration of your union! There were environmentally friendly sources of energy, great food, great friends, lovely sea breezes, and just so much to be happy for! Those times are the ones that make you simply happy to be alive!
Another thing, on another level, and not to be misconstrued as on the same level of importance as Mr. & Mrs. Losh... is this:
Before the Music Dies- for anyone who enjoys and appreciates good quality, moving, creative, soulful, personal, purposeful, caring music; you've gotta see this movie. I haven't seen it, it's not out yet, but if it is what it says it is, then it will be good! I'm not trying to belittle anything that doesn't fall into the realm of what this film discusses, I'm just saying good, "real" music should be appreciated! Check out the trailer here.
7.01.2006
tired black man
Yes, you read that right... and no, it's not about me... I stumbled upon a movie slated to come out soon called, "Diary of a Tired Black Man". Obviously I haven't seen the movie yet, and don't exactly know too much about it other than what the websites talk about, but it seems like a powerful and engaging film. Check out these sites for more info:
Tired Black Man- here's the official site for the film.
Watch the clip, it'll make you think.
NPR-this is where I initially found out about this movie,
and where my interests were peaked.
No matter what race, creed, or sex you are, this movie should provoke thought and discussion. It did in me, and I like that... dialogue about issues of social importance is important.
Peace
Tired Black Man- here's the official site for the film.
Watch the clip, it'll make you think.
NPR-this is where I initially found out about this movie,
and where my interests were peaked.
No matter what race, creed, or sex you are, this movie should provoke thought and discussion. It did in me, and I like that... dialogue about issues of social importance is important.
Peace
tired black man
Yes, you read that right... and no, it's not about me... I stumbled upon a movie slated to come out soon called, "Diary of a Tired Black Man". Obviously I haven't seen the movie yet, and don't exactly know too much about it other than what the websites talk about, but it seems like a powerful and engaging film. Check out these sites for more info:
Tired Black Man- here's the official site for the film.
Watch the clip, it'll make you think.
NPR-this is where I initially found out about this movie,
and where my interests were peaked.
No matter what race, creed, or sex you are, this movie should provoke thought and discussion. It did in me, and I like that... dialogue about issues of social importance is important.
Peace
Tired Black Man- here's the official site for the film.
Watch the clip, it'll make you think.
NPR-this is where I initially found out about this movie,
and where my interests were peaked.
No matter what race, creed, or sex you are, this movie should provoke thought and discussion. It did in me, and I like that... dialogue about issues of social importance is important.
Peace
6.14.2006
an idea
Blood for Oil
(June 2005)
Pull the blood from our veins
And pump it to the pipelines-
The transcontinental ones
So we can replace the blood in all of us
With that soiled and sullied gasoline
Only then will we see its value
And quit this useless spillage
Of blood for oil
Never again will we waste our fuel
Or let our blood be tainted with viruses and disease
If it becomes the true lifeblood of our mortality
Hello Mr. President
And other G8 figureheads
Your diluted words mean less and less
Still, however
Cutting like a knife
Just give it up, confess
We’ve got to stop this useless war
This haste made scar on the power nations of the world
You see the others there
The little guys, they’re laughing at us
And mocking us heavily
For we’ve too long shook the hands of political crooks
That we’ve forgotten to lend our palms for the less fortunate
So go trade this oil, no not on the open market
Go swap oil for blood
And see how quickly it recedes
This flood
This flood of utter displeasure and despondence
an idea
Blood for Oil
(June 2005)
Pull the blood from our veins
And pump it to the pipelines-
The transcontinental ones
So we can replace the blood in all of us
With that soiled and sullied gasoline
Only then will we see its value
And quit this useless spillage
Of blood for oil
Never again will we waste our fuel
Or let our blood be tainted with viruses and disease
If it becomes the true lifeblood of our mortality
Hello Mr. President
And other G8 figureheads
Your diluted words mean less and less
Still, however
Cutting like a knife
Just give it up, confess
We’ve got to stop this useless war
This haste made scar on the power nations of the world
You see the others there
The little guys, they’re laughing at us
And mocking us heavily
For we’ve too long shook the hands of political crooks
That we’ve forgotten to lend our palms for the less fortunate
So go trade this oil, no not on the open market
Go swap oil for blood
And see how quickly it recedes
This flood
This flood of utter displeasure and despondence
(June 2005)
Pull the blood from our veins
And pump it to the pipelines-
The transcontinental ones
So we can replace the blood in all of us
With that soiled and sullied gasoline
Only then will we see its value
And quit this useless spillage
Of blood for oil
Never again will we waste our fuel
Or let our blood be tainted with viruses and disease
If it becomes the true lifeblood of our mortality
Hello Mr. President
And other G8 figureheads
Your diluted words mean less and less
Still, however
Cutting like a knife
Just give it up, confess
We’ve got to stop this useless war
This haste made scar on the power nations of the world
You see the others there
The little guys, they’re laughing at us
And mocking us heavily
For we’ve too long shook the hands of political crooks
That we’ve forgotten to lend our palms for the less fortunate
So go trade this oil, no not on the open market
Go swap oil for blood
And see how quickly it recedes
This flood
This flood of utter displeasure and despondence
6.05.2006
storage units
is there anything more american than the storage unit? honestly, i mean it! we americans, the people with the ever expanding wastelines and mcmansions overlooking everything; we are notoriously a "more is better, more is more" society. we like accumulating things, even if they have no use... even if someone else could use it better or more than we could.
near my house there is a new 4 row storage unit facility being constructed. yep, that will make about 5 storage facilities within 10 miles that i can think of off the top of my head. i know i know, this area is home to many college towns; and to that i say.... ok. i understand that many college students need places to store belongings, etc when they are home for the summer or away for a semester, etc. but come on, how many people actually need to store things for extended periods of time and in these types of quantities. i've always been lucky enough to be able to store my golf clubs or mini-fridge or seasonal belongings at a family members basement, spare room, or attic. i realize that not everyone is that lucky, and because of this i can at times understand the need for storage. yes, i can understand storage for short term necessity like when moving into a new house or if you have no home in terms of flood damage/ fire damage or those sorts of things. but the average scenario... come on.
however (because with me there is always a caveat) i can not understand why the average ordinary american has so much stuff they are not using that they need to place it in a storage room. to make matters worse, they are paying out more of their hard earned cash in order to leave their belongings in these facilities.
i guess i'm of the belief that if i'm not using something- get rid of it. i don't like clutter, i don't like hanging on to things "just in case two years from now i may need it", and i don't like paying some schmuck to watch/ store my personal property that i'm not using.
do we as americans need all this stuff? do we need to hold onto it if we're not utilizing it? can't we barter and trade more? can't we be more generous and offer our unused things to people that could use them? why not have a tag sale, garage sale or "yahd sale" (not to leave out all our fellow southeastern mass residents, haha)?
i don't know, i'm just ornery i guess... i see the whole storage explosion as a waste. i see it as people making money off our gluttonous ways. i see it as a needless expense and a needless "pack-ratness". less is more in my book.
again, as usual, i don't mean to sound preachy. my tone may sound as if i'm standing behind the facade of a pulpit... and i apologize for that if it comes off that way. i just think that there is so much waste and useless expenditure of time and energy in this world in our everyday lives- that if we were to "cut out the fat" just a little bit here and there, that we'd have more time to spend being happy and coming together as a society. just a thought...
so, "as american as apple pie..." hmmm, sounds so old-fashioned to me... i propose "as american as storage units..." haha
near my house there is a new 4 row storage unit facility being constructed. yep, that will make about 5 storage facilities within 10 miles that i can think of off the top of my head. i know i know, this area is home to many college towns; and to that i say.... ok. i understand that many college students need places to store belongings, etc when they are home for the summer or away for a semester, etc. but come on, how many people actually need to store things for extended periods of time and in these types of quantities. i've always been lucky enough to be able to store my golf clubs or mini-fridge or seasonal belongings at a family members basement, spare room, or attic. i realize that not everyone is that lucky, and because of this i can at times understand the need for storage. yes, i can understand storage for short term necessity like when moving into a new house or if you have no home in terms of flood damage/ fire damage or those sorts of things. but the average scenario... come on.
however (because with me there is always a caveat) i can not understand why the average ordinary american has so much stuff they are not using that they need to place it in a storage room. to make matters worse, they are paying out more of their hard earned cash in order to leave their belongings in these facilities.
i guess i'm of the belief that if i'm not using something- get rid of it. i don't like clutter, i don't like hanging on to things "just in case two years from now i may need it", and i don't like paying some schmuck to watch/ store my personal property that i'm not using.
do we as americans need all this stuff? do we need to hold onto it if we're not utilizing it? can't we barter and trade more? can't we be more generous and offer our unused things to people that could use them? why not have a tag sale, garage sale or "yahd sale" (not to leave out all our fellow southeastern mass residents, haha)?
i don't know, i'm just ornery i guess... i see the whole storage explosion as a waste. i see it as people making money off our gluttonous ways. i see it as a needless expense and a needless "pack-ratness". less is more in my book.
again, as usual, i don't mean to sound preachy. my tone may sound as if i'm standing behind the facade of a pulpit... and i apologize for that if it comes off that way. i just think that there is so much waste and useless expenditure of time and energy in this world in our everyday lives- that if we were to "cut out the fat" just a little bit here and there, that we'd have more time to spend being happy and coming together as a society. just a thought...
so, "as american as apple pie..." hmmm, sounds so old-fashioned to me... i propose "as american as storage units..." haha
storage units
is there anything more american than the storage unit? honestly, i mean it! we americans, the people with the ever expanding wastelines and mcmansions overlooking everything; we are notoriously a "more is better, more is more" society. we like accumulating things, even if they have no use... even if someone else could use it better or more than we could.
near my house there is a new 4 row storage unit facility being constructed. yep, that will make about 5 storage facilities within 10 miles that i can think of off the top of my head. i know i know, this area is home to many college towns; and to that i say.... ok. i understand that many college students need places to store belongings, etc when they are home for the summer or away for a semester, etc. but come on, how many people actually need to store things for extended periods of time and in these types of quantities. i've always been lucky enough to be able to store my golf clubs or mini-fridge or seasonal belongings at a family members basement, spare room, or attic. i realize that not everyone is that lucky, and because of this i can at times understand the need for storage. yes, i can understand storage for short term necessity like when moving into a new house or if you have no home in terms of flood damage/ fire damage or those sorts of things. but the average scenario... come on.
however (because with me there is always a caveat) i can not understand why the average ordinary american has so much stuff they are not using that they need to place it in a storage room. to make matters worse, they are paying out more of their hard earned cash in order to leave their belongings in these facilities.
i guess i'm of the belief that if i'm not using something- get rid of it. i don't like clutter, i don't like hanging on to things "just in case two years from now i may need it", and i don't like paying some schmuck to watch/ store my personal property that i'm not using.
do we as americans need all this stuff? do we need to hold onto it if we're not utilizing it? can't we barter and trade more? can't we be more generous and offer our unused things to people that could use them? why not have a tag sale, garage sale or "yahd sale" (not to leave out all our fellow southeastern mass residents, haha)?
i don't know, i'm just ornery i guess... i see the whole storage explosion as a waste. i see it as people making money off our gluttonous ways. i see it as a needless expense and a needless "pack-ratness". less is more in my book.
again, as usual, i don't mean to sound preachy. my tone may sound as if i'm standing behind the facade of a pulpit... and i apologize for that if it comes off that way. i just think that there is so much waste and useless expenditure of time and energy in this world in our everyday lives- that if we were to "cut out the fat" just a little bit here and there, that we'd have more time to spend being happy and coming together as a society. just a thought...
so, "as american as apple pie..." hmmm, sounds so old-fashioned to me... i propose "as american as storage units..." haha
near my house there is a new 4 row storage unit facility being constructed. yep, that will make about 5 storage facilities within 10 miles that i can think of off the top of my head. i know i know, this area is home to many college towns; and to that i say.... ok. i understand that many college students need places to store belongings, etc when they are home for the summer or away for a semester, etc. but come on, how many people actually need to store things for extended periods of time and in these types of quantities. i've always been lucky enough to be able to store my golf clubs or mini-fridge or seasonal belongings at a family members basement, spare room, or attic. i realize that not everyone is that lucky, and because of this i can at times understand the need for storage. yes, i can understand storage for short term necessity like when moving into a new house or if you have no home in terms of flood damage/ fire damage or those sorts of things. but the average scenario... come on.
however (because with me there is always a caveat) i can not understand why the average ordinary american has so much stuff they are not using that they need to place it in a storage room. to make matters worse, they are paying out more of their hard earned cash in order to leave their belongings in these facilities.
i guess i'm of the belief that if i'm not using something- get rid of it. i don't like clutter, i don't like hanging on to things "just in case two years from now i may need it", and i don't like paying some schmuck to watch/ store my personal property that i'm not using.
do we as americans need all this stuff? do we need to hold onto it if we're not utilizing it? can't we barter and trade more? can't we be more generous and offer our unused things to people that could use them? why not have a tag sale, garage sale or "yahd sale" (not to leave out all our fellow southeastern mass residents, haha)?
i don't know, i'm just ornery i guess... i see the whole storage explosion as a waste. i see it as people making money off our gluttonous ways. i see it as a needless expense and a needless "pack-ratness". less is more in my book.
again, as usual, i don't mean to sound preachy. my tone may sound as if i'm standing behind the facade of a pulpit... and i apologize for that if it comes off that way. i just think that there is so much waste and useless expenditure of time and energy in this world in our everyday lives- that if we were to "cut out the fat" just a little bit here and there, that we'd have more time to spend being happy and coming together as a society. just a thought...
so, "as american as apple pie..." hmmm, sounds so old-fashioned to me... i propose "as american as storage units..." haha
5.21.2006
citizens arrest
ok, so maybe there'll be a little profanity in this post, as i'm a little amped at the moment (**there's the disclaimer**)
earlier today, on my way back from the golf course, i witnessed some of the worst driving of my life. i won't get too much into the specifics, but basically i saw multiple instances where one car passed another car in the most inappropriate situation or at the most inopportune time. it's just rediculous to me, and i saw maybe 3 instances this morning alone. as a general statement, people can't drive. i understand that, i recognize that when i'm on the road, and i generally just deal accordingly... but it still irritates me.
in no way however, am i stating that i'm a good driver or even a better driver than most, but i just can't believe some of the thickheaded things i see people pull of/ try to pull off sometimes...
so... in the spirit of this, i propose that we implement an iteration of citizens arrest for daily use. from what i understand, a citizens arrest (a.k.a "any persons arrest) is usually used when a citizen witnesses another person committing a felony or when an officer is in pursuit of a criminal. well, i say we just let us all report/ arrest/ contain/ subdue anyone we see doing anything stupid.
lets call this new law "any person, anything stupid arrest" huh?! what do ya think? and the sorts of things we could use the a.p.a.s.a law for are as follows:
-stupid driving: report the plates to the police if you see excessive speeding/cell phone drivers/newspaper reading drivers/ make-up putting on drivers/ uber illegal passing/ complete failure to stop/ or other general "dumbassness" while driving
-cell phone kiosk workers: you know the ones, they berate you with sales pitches as you walk by in the mall. they should be outlawed immediately- i mean, this ain't no freaking ballgame, i don't want no PEANUTS or PROGRAMS!!!
-RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) employees: you all know whom i'm writing of; those bastard lawyers that sue 13 year old girls and grandmas and grandpas for having pirated music on their computers (that they don't own or even know how to use) yeah, those infant and elderly pirates, they're a risk to humankind i say. we should be able to arrest all poseur riaa employees and their cronies.
-litterbugs: yes, littering sucks and all whom participate in it shall be scolded, but i'm talking abot those bastards that throw ovens and refrigerators into the woods or at dead end roads. those people that dump their lawn compost in the middle of cow pastures, or the idiots that leave full black plastic trash bags full of whatever on the sides of roads.... all of 'em should be hunted down.
-corrupt leaders: you know who i'm writing of- the troublemakers and phonys in "white houses", castles, parlimentary dwellings, and other "gold-roofed" buildings. we all know what they're up to, lets skip the facts and just "smoke 'em out of their caves" with some "shock and awe"!! maybe toby keith could put a boot up their ass!!
-patenters: i know i know, i've already voiced my opinion on this... but i'm still feelin' it. the u.s patent office is out of control and must be stopped. creative licenses and copyrights are infringing on other peoples livelihoods. for example, a nasty uber multinational corporation named monsanto who has their mitts on everything from biotech, herbicides, genetically engineered seeds, has recently filed suit against a farmer in canada for accidentally growing round-up ready seed on his land. i won't go into the details of the case, but check it out here! it's interesting and enraging.
we should be able to knock off all those idiotic patents and people/ companies that patent idiotic things... so the rest of us have some space to be creative or just live our lives.
ok, i've meandered off topic a little bit here... so why don't i let you all decide where and when we should use the new a.p.a.s.a law i've created and enstated! let me know, hit up the comments board, leave a voicemail, or send me some IM's... i'm interested where you think this stuff could be utilized.
obviously, this whole tirade is a bit tongue-in-cheek- i in no way want to "knock off" or kill any of these perpetrators, but i just wanted to rant in a less serious manner this time!
as always- live, love, learn, and ask questions....
peace
earlier today, on my way back from the golf course, i witnessed some of the worst driving of my life. i won't get too much into the specifics, but basically i saw multiple instances where one car passed another car in the most inappropriate situation or at the most inopportune time. it's just rediculous to me, and i saw maybe 3 instances this morning alone. as a general statement, people can't drive. i understand that, i recognize that when i'm on the road, and i generally just deal accordingly... but it still irritates me.
in no way however, am i stating that i'm a good driver or even a better driver than most, but i just can't believe some of the thickheaded things i see people pull of/ try to pull off sometimes...
so... in the spirit of this, i propose that we implement an iteration of citizens arrest for daily use. from what i understand, a citizens arrest (a.k.a "any persons arrest) is usually used when a citizen witnesses another person committing a felony or when an officer is in pursuit of a criminal. well, i say we just let us all report/ arrest/ contain/ subdue anyone we see doing anything stupid.
lets call this new law "any person, anything stupid arrest" huh?! what do ya think? and the sorts of things we could use the a.p.a.s.a law for are as follows:
-stupid driving: report the plates to the police if you see excessive speeding/cell phone drivers/newspaper reading drivers/ make-up putting on drivers/ uber illegal passing/ complete failure to stop/ or other general "dumbassness" while driving
-cell phone kiosk workers: you know the ones, they berate you with sales pitches as you walk by in the mall. they should be outlawed immediately- i mean, this ain't no freaking ballgame, i don't want no PEANUTS or PROGRAMS!!!
-RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) employees: you all know whom i'm writing of; those bastard lawyers that sue 13 year old girls and grandmas and grandpas for having pirated music on their computers (that they don't own or even know how to use) yeah, those infant and elderly pirates, they're a risk to humankind i say. we should be able to arrest all poseur riaa employees and their cronies.
-litterbugs: yes, littering sucks and all whom participate in it shall be scolded, but i'm talking abot those bastards that throw ovens and refrigerators into the woods or at dead end roads. those people that dump their lawn compost in the middle of cow pastures, or the idiots that leave full black plastic trash bags full of whatever on the sides of roads.... all of 'em should be hunted down.
-corrupt leaders: you know who i'm writing of- the troublemakers and phonys in "white houses", castles, parlimentary dwellings, and other "gold-roofed" buildings. we all know what they're up to, lets skip the facts and just "smoke 'em out of their caves" with some "shock and awe"!! maybe toby keith could put a boot up their ass!!
-patenters: i know i know, i've already voiced my opinion on this... but i'm still feelin' it. the u.s patent office is out of control and must be stopped. creative licenses and copyrights are infringing on other peoples livelihoods. for example, a nasty uber multinational corporation named monsanto who has their mitts on everything from biotech, herbicides, genetically engineered seeds, has recently filed suit against a farmer in canada for accidentally growing round-up ready seed on his land. i won't go into the details of the case, but check it out here! it's interesting and enraging.
we should be able to knock off all those idiotic patents and people/ companies that patent idiotic things... so the rest of us have some space to be creative or just live our lives.
ok, i've meandered off topic a little bit here... so why don't i let you all decide where and when we should use the new a.p.a.s.a law i've created and enstated! let me know, hit up the comments board, leave a voicemail, or send me some IM's... i'm interested where you think this stuff could be utilized.
obviously, this whole tirade is a bit tongue-in-cheek- i in no way want to "knock off" or kill any of these perpetrators, but i just wanted to rant in a less serious manner this time!
as always- live, love, learn, and ask questions....
peace
citizens arrest
ok, so maybe there'll be a little profanity in this post, as i'm a little amped at the moment (**there's the disclaimer**)
earlier today, on my way back from the golf course, i witnessed some of the worst driving of my life. i won't get too much into the specifics, but basically i saw multiple instances where one car passed another car in the most inappropriate situation or at the most inopportune time. it's just rediculous to me, and i saw maybe 3 instances this morning alone. as a general statement, people can't drive. i understand that, i recognize that when i'm on the road, and i generally just deal accordingly... but it still irritates me.
in no way however, am i stating that i'm a good driver or even a better driver than most, but i just can't believe some of the thickheaded things i see people pull of/ try to pull off sometimes...
so... in the spirit of this, i propose that we implement an iteration of citizens arrest for daily use. from what i understand, a citizens arrest (a.k.a "any persons arrest) is usually used when a citizen witnesses another person committing a felony or when an officer is in pursuit of a criminal. well, i say we just let us all report/ arrest/ contain/ subdue anyone we see doing anything stupid.
lets call this new law "any person, anything stupid arrest" huh?! what do ya think? and the sorts of things we could use the a.p.a.s.a law for are as follows:
-stupid driving: report the plates to the police if you see excessive speeding/cell phone drivers/newspaper reading drivers/ make-up putting on drivers/ uber illegal passing/ complete failure to stop/ or other general "dumbassness" while driving
-cell phone kiosk workers: you know the ones, they berate you with sales pitches as you walk by in the mall. they should be outlawed immediately- i mean, this ain't no freaking ballgame, i don't want no PEANUTS or PROGRAMS!!!
-RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) employees: you all know whom i'm writing of; those bastard lawyers that sue 13 year old girls and grandmas and grandpas for having pirated music on their computers (that they don't own or even know how to use) yeah, those infant and elderly pirates, they're a risk to humankind i say. we should be able to arrest all poseur riaa employees and their cronies.
-litterbugs: yes, littering sucks and all whom participate in it shall be scolded, but i'm talking abot those bastards that throw ovens and refrigerators into the woods or at dead end roads. those people that dump their lawn compost in the middle of cow pastures, or the idiots that leave full black plastic trash bags full of whatever on the sides of roads.... all of 'em should be hunted down.
-corrupt leaders: you know who i'm writing of- the troublemakers and phonys in "white houses", castles, parlimentary dwellings, and other "gold-roofed" buildings. we all know what they're up to, lets skip the facts and just "smoke 'em out of their caves" with some "shock and awe"!! maybe toby keith could put a boot up their ass!!
-patenters: i know i know, i've already voiced my opinion on this... but i'm still feelin' it. the u.s patent office is out of control and must be stopped. creative licenses and copyrights are infringing on other peoples livelihoods. for example, a nasty uber multinational corporation named monsanto who has their mitts on everything from biotech, herbicides, genetically engineered seeds, has recently filed suit against a farmer in canada for accidentally growing round-up ready seed on his land. i won't go into the details of the case, but check it out here! it's interesting and enraging.
we should be able to knock off all those idiotic patents and people/ companies that patent idiotic things... so the rest of us have some space to be creative or just live our lives.
ok, i've meandered off topic a little bit here... so why don't i let you all decide where and when we should use the new a.p.a.s.a law i've created and enstated! let me know, hit up the comments board, leave a voicemail, or send me some IM's... i'm interested where you think this stuff could be utilized.
obviously, this whole tirade is a bit tongue-in-cheek- i in no way want to "knock off" or kill any of these perpetrators, but i just wanted to rant in a less serious manner this time!
as always- live, love, learn, and ask questions....
peace
earlier today, on my way back from the golf course, i witnessed some of the worst driving of my life. i won't get too much into the specifics, but basically i saw multiple instances where one car passed another car in the most inappropriate situation or at the most inopportune time. it's just rediculous to me, and i saw maybe 3 instances this morning alone. as a general statement, people can't drive. i understand that, i recognize that when i'm on the road, and i generally just deal accordingly... but it still irritates me.
in no way however, am i stating that i'm a good driver or even a better driver than most, but i just can't believe some of the thickheaded things i see people pull of/ try to pull off sometimes...
so... in the spirit of this, i propose that we implement an iteration of citizens arrest for daily use. from what i understand, a citizens arrest (a.k.a "any persons arrest) is usually used when a citizen witnesses another person committing a felony or when an officer is in pursuit of a criminal. well, i say we just let us all report/ arrest/ contain/ subdue anyone we see doing anything stupid.
lets call this new law "any person, anything stupid arrest" huh?! what do ya think? and the sorts of things we could use the a.p.a.s.a law for are as follows:
-stupid driving: report the plates to the police if you see excessive speeding/cell phone drivers/newspaper reading drivers/ make-up putting on drivers/ uber illegal passing/ complete failure to stop/ or other general "dumbassness" while driving
-cell phone kiosk workers: you know the ones, they berate you with sales pitches as you walk by in the mall. they should be outlawed immediately- i mean, this ain't no freaking ballgame, i don't want no PEANUTS or PROGRAMS!!!
-RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) employees: you all know whom i'm writing of; those bastard lawyers that sue 13 year old girls and grandmas and grandpas for having pirated music on their computers (that they don't own or even know how to use) yeah, those infant and elderly pirates, they're a risk to humankind i say. we should be able to arrest all poseur riaa employees and their cronies.
-litterbugs: yes, littering sucks and all whom participate in it shall be scolded, but i'm talking abot those bastards that throw ovens and refrigerators into the woods or at dead end roads. those people that dump their lawn compost in the middle of cow pastures, or the idiots that leave full black plastic trash bags full of whatever on the sides of roads.... all of 'em should be hunted down.
-corrupt leaders: you know who i'm writing of- the troublemakers and phonys in "white houses", castles, parlimentary dwellings, and other "gold-roofed" buildings. we all know what they're up to, lets skip the facts and just "smoke 'em out of their caves" with some "shock and awe"!! maybe toby keith could put a boot up their ass!!
-patenters: i know i know, i've already voiced my opinion on this... but i'm still feelin' it. the u.s patent office is out of control and must be stopped. creative licenses and copyrights are infringing on other peoples livelihoods. for example, a nasty uber multinational corporation named monsanto who has their mitts on everything from biotech, herbicides, genetically engineered seeds, has recently filed suit against a farmer in canada for accidentally growing round-up ready seed on his land. i won't go into the details of the case, but check it out here! it's interesting and enraging.
we should be able to knock off all those idiotic patents and people/ companies that patent idiotic things... so the rest of us have some space to be creative or just live our lives.
ok, i've meandered off topic a little bit here... so why don't i let you all decide where and when we should use the new a.p.a.s.a law i've created and enstated! let me know, hit up the comments board, leave a voicemail, or send me some IM's... i'm interested where you think this stuff could be utilized.
obviously, this whole tirade is a bit tongue-in-cheek- i in no way want to "knock off" or kill any of these perpetrators, but i just wanted to rant in a less serious manner this time!
as always- live, love, learn, and ask questions....
peace
5.16.2006
Thinking is not an option...
Think
(November 2004)
Think for yourself, always
And always think of yourself
When thinking for yourself
Because no one else can
And no one else will
(November 2004)
Think for yourself, always
And always think of yourself
When thinking for yourself
Because no one else can
And no one else will
Thinking is not an option...
Think
(November 2004)
Think for yourself, always
And always think of yourself
When thinking for yourself
Because no one else can
And no one else will
(November 2004)
Think for yourself, always
And always think of yourself
When thinking for yourself
Because no one else can
And no one else will
4.30.2006
attempts upon attempts...
... to explain myself.
Runway Runaway
(March 2006)
Mannequin soldiers everywhere, display colors they deem to be true.
The fashion mob has their direct attention; gangsters of the new age.
Where 'look at me' personalities outweigh functional character and decency
And spirituality becomes confused with sexuality and a crass grip on privacy
They walk the streets as if on a Hollywood runway
Or a fox who's just picked the lock to the chicken coop.
Only care in the world is for what's coming squarely unto them.
And attention they'll get, and attention they crave.
But at the end of the day, at the end of their time
The attention accrued, ain't worth a nickel, never mind a dime.
A society moving at a breakneck speed
But there's still children here that can't read
Yet our models, our athletes, our icons
They're hooked on the high life, and our children, they're hooked on the greed
While occupants of the windowless tenement, they're flocking to the street
The Jones' are out in front, but I'm staying behind
We have no need for the white picket fence.
Throw it in the pot belly stove, let it burn us some warm love.
Take the tiny red sports cars, all lined up in a row
Push them off a cliff, and sell the scraps to the homeless
Now take a bow
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