The Big Ticket- I'm Sold

Haha, I hate puns.... I hate puns.... I hate puns!! So why did I use one in the title- because I just can't put it any more simply than that. Kevin Garnett (aka. The Big Ticket) has won me over. I've always known of KG from a periphery point of view- being that he played in Minnesota his whole career. I knew he was a nasty ballplayer; I just never knew he was this good!
I remember Bird, but only through the eyes of innocence- I was about 10 when Bird was in his prime. I remember Jordan, but through the lens of awe and wonder- I was 15-20 and occupied with many other things when Air Jordan was tearing up the NBA. I- along with millions of others- wish I'd gotten to experience Reggie Lewis and Len Bias; but that apparently wasn't in the cards. So Kevin Garnett is my first real glimpse into the world of an NBA star. And I say star in the sense that he's one of the very best in the league, not in the pretense/ prima donna/ celebrity/ my way or the highway/ gimme the damn ball kind of way.
Honestly- KG may operate more in the ilk of Bird than anyone I've witnessed on the hardwood. From what I remember, Bird wasn't the most gifted athlete ever to make it through natural selection. He attained his legendary (Larry Legend) status through hard work, leadership, team work, court smarts, vision, patience, and determination and will. Although Garnett is far more athletically gifted and athletic than Bird ever could have sniffed at, he comes with the same work ethic, skill set, smarts, and leadership abilities that made Bird- in my opinion- the best player to ever play the game.
I remember Bird, and the way he maximized the ability he had. I see the same aspects in KG's game. He uses each inch of his 6'-11" frame to its maximum advantage. He stretches for every rebound, constantly has his arms extended on defense, blocks shots far above the rim, hustles for loose balls just out of his grasp, and handles the ball with incredible acumen and agility. There are very few times when he looks out of control- which is difficult when you're a tall, skinny, lanky guy.
For a big guy (Power Forward) he passes like very few others can, can hit the mid to long range jump shot, bangs down on the block, and even kicks out to the guards on the perimeter.
All of these things display his true commitment to team play and unselfish basketball. I've rarely seen all of these qualities packed into a player, never mind a guy who is "supposed" to play as a big guy down under the hoop. He comes to each game with unrivaled passion and energy, and very apparently infects the rest of the team with that same approach.
See, this is the thing:
there's been many players that have brought these qualities to the fold. Guys have been great passers, great shooters, great defenders, great rebounders, great leaders, great thinkers.... but are usually only one or two of those things at once. Most players do a few things really well, other things satisfactorily, and then other things sub-par. Not the case with Kevin Garnett. He is proficient- if not great- at every facet of the game. He understands the game better it seems, than almost anyone I've ever watched.
As I've written recently, I'm not a stargazer. The afore written words may tend to suggest that I'm in awe of Kevin Garnett on some superstar level. Not so. I'm just completely sold and impressed with the way he approaches and plays the game of basketball. It's rare to be "enamored" with an athletes approach, but I'll admit I am here. Having said that, my admiration is exclusive to his basketball ability, and nothing else. It's been some time (all of my adult life) since there was any true and legitimate excitement over the Boston Celtics, and I'm taking advantage of what I perceive to be a rarity of a player. For the lack of a better phrase, "I'm stopping to smell the roses."
It's fun to be a Celtics fan again! I've never been a huge Paul Pierce fan, as I think he's a bit too selfish in the (me first) kind of way for my liking. Other than Adrian Griffin, there's been very few C's that I gravitate to like Garnett. For the record- Ray Allen has many of those same qualities that make KG great, and I don't want to slight him in any way. If not for KG, Allen (Jesus) may just take the spot designated for my admiration!
Go Celtics!!
Peace
AM Son

Holler-day!

Happy Holidays to everyone who frequents this area! I've got some ideas brewing for upcoming ramblings, rants, ?uestions, and dissertations...
Hope everyone has a safe, fun, and healthy holiday spent with close family and friends!
See you soon.

Peace and Love
AM Son

Robbins on "The Embattled Hoodie"

I'm not one to spend time on wasteful distractions like idolatry or star-gazing. Having said that, there are figures- both public and private- that I revere with enough respect and deference that drives me pay more attention to them. I seek knowledge and wisdom from these figures, as well as attempt to model certain traits of theirs to my own.

I'm not going to reveal the more personal figures in my life, but will let on to one public persona: Bill Belichick. He's not perfect, and by no means do I disillusion myself into thinking so. Nor do I know or even care what he's like in his personal life. He's a great coach and motivator- at least it seems so from my limited knowledge and distance.

Tony Robbins is NOT one whom I look up to! But I like this excerpt from an article written on Belichick, in which Robbins is interviewed.

“Trying to get Bill Belichick to be this sweet guy, no one would respect that because he’s not being true to himself,” Robbins said. “It has to be authentic. It isn’t a game. It isn’t a technique that’s rehearsed, because if it was, his players would blow him off. With some people the style gets in the way of the substance. And when that happens, the people you’re trying to lead won’t buy in.”

I agree with Robbins, and try and sort of parlay those "true to thine self" qualities into my own professional life- as well as my every day personal encounters and experiences.

Peace
AM Son

Just exactly who's the dictator here?

In a recent article by Z Magazine:

In contrast, President Bush, under the pretext of fiscal restraint, vetoed legislation passed by the Congress that would have provided access to medical attention for poor children, while spending billions of dollars on the illegitimate and murderous occupation of Iraq. The societal views of Chávez and Bush are mirror opposites: the well-being of the neediest on one side and the profits of multinationals on the other.

Now I can't speak for the validity of this source, and I'm not using this one example as a blanket for me feelings on Bush or Chavez, but I just can't get over the paradox and irony here- most people would jump at the chance to label Chavez with the "dictator" tag while in the same breath reserving judgment for Bush.... but this clear fact is an indication that we ought to reconsider our urges and preconceptions of some foreign leaders, while at the same time taking a moment to reevaluate our own leadership.

Peace
AM Son

Shin Splints, the "other" Gore, and Halo 3

Damn, I've just scored some new running kicks in hopes that my shin splints will subside! I've never been intimately privy to the torture discomfort and difficulty of shin splints. All the years (off and on) I've been running, and now- at 28- I go and get shin splints, haha! I should digress however- there are far more worrisome ailments for me to have acquired.

I'm going to take a moment to spread the vision of a news network I feel "gets it right". The Real News Network is a no bullshit network of journalists that treat news and human involvement with integrity and fairness. Socrates once proclaimed, "the unexamined life is not worth living", and I believe TRNN helps society become informed... Jefferson said, "Democracy cannot survive, much less thrive, without an informed citizenry.” And to that I say go read some real news, not fake manipulations of news and celebrity gossip...
... the correlation to that anecdote is this:
Gore Vidal, whom I enjoy listening to, has a great interview on TRNN. As always with Mr. Vidal it's a candid, witty, and deep take on government, media, history, and the world in general.

And still taking up much of my non-reading free time is Halo 3! The fun, excitement, and depth of the multiplayer aspects of this game are neverending- not to mention the incredible stat-tracking at bungie.net! It's fun to have friends to play with- and thusly many many great games have been played as a result. Go Halo 3, for monopolizing my gaming time for the better part of 2 months!!

Peace
AM Son

NPR's Best Albums of 2007

Go vote at NPR's "All Songs Considered" for best albums of 2007.

Will it be Ritter or Band of Horses, McCartney or Neil Young, Wilco or The National, Kanye West or Saul Williams, Radiohead of Interpol... the list is endless....

Go vote @ NPR!

Peace
AM Son

Black Friday

Before I begin, let me announce that it is National Buy Nothing Day!

I post this each year on Black Friday... with some variation in my anecdotal thoughts and ramblings. The haiku is the same, the "afterword" may have changed slightly:


An Haiku
(November 2004)

Gluttony part two
Our table tops are clean now
Shopping can commense

It seems that gift giving in the "season of giving" has become a compulsory orthodoxy. No? Explain to me the mad dash to outlet stores and strip malls at wee hours of the AM each Friday after Turducken day.
See, it’s just that I loathe with a passion the whole “it’s Christmas season, go spend money” thing. I hate it, it’s so superficial and backwards… but this society is stuck in this “thing” up to our botox inflated eyebrows and foreheads. To be honest, I’m not in disagreement with showering those you love with favors, gifts, and niceties, but why can’t we do it all year, every month, rather than buying each person 12-15 boxes of stuff all for one semi-agreed-upon-day. This notion only perpetuates unhappiness and ungratefulness with those gifts we receive. If we were to spend the same effort, attention, and money on one special gift or offering maybe once a month or so, the effort would be much more appreciated and recognized. Theres something to be said for the spontaneity of a random gift, or the invigoration of a spurr of the moment idea. Maybe I’m wrong… but I just believe the whole “gift giving on a certain day” is out of control. Everything we see in this society, from Thanksgiving to Christmas, is in some way fashioned or tethered to this “capitalistic, superficial, materialistic” notion of gift splurge. We could better use our time and finances (as a nation) to come closer together and more tolerant of ourselves as a “national unit”- for we are still a divided, rifted nation.
I love the holiday spirit as much as the next guy/ girl- but I lean more towards the holiday we just tossed in the trash- Thanksgiving. Now that’s a time of sharing and togetherness! We eat together, we sleep together, we watch football together, we decorate and cook together, but most of all… we don’t feel the need to spend exorbitant amounts of money on “stuff”.
So the above Haiku attempts to explain what I feel is the paradox of Black Friday- the irony with which we disembark on a great family tradition like Thanksgiving, and turn our focus to the "art" and science of spending money....

Open Source is back!

Great news- my favorite radio show/ podcast- Open Source- is back from a summer hiatus! In an attempt to gain funding and start anew under different parameters, Open Source Radio is back "online"!

Christopher Lydon, the host of this great show, is an engaging and brilliant man. He, along with Bill Moyers of PBS are unparalleled in the world of public education outreach and commentating (journalistic) vision.

If you've never experienced Radio Open Source, go check it out either on public radio or as a podcast. If you hunger for knowledge and thirst for a good conversation, you can't go wrong here.
Finally, my podcast playlist can be complete again!

Peace
AM Son

A Solar Solution for the Masses?

Don't know if you all are into alternative energy and whatnot, but check this out.
Think about it, solar energy is the intended goal and byproduct- whereas daytime shade is an unintended but welcomed byproduct of the solar structures!! Seems like a totally harmonious symbiosis to me... come on UMass and others (shopping centers maybe...) to jump on this bandwagon! I mean, if you could park your vehicle in the shade while dropping into EB, Home Depot, Wally World (well, who goes there anyway lol), Stop & Shop, etc and at the same time be benefitting from clean/ renewable energy then what more can you want.... other than plugging in your E- car into those solar carport things!!!
Alright, rant/ ramble over...
Peace

The Crickets Lept Up and Met the Moon With a Standing Ovation

Album Review:

Josh Ritter- "The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter"
Not song by song, but certain songs are analyzed.

Ritter's '06 effort "Animal Years" was one of my favorites of last year. It crept up and snagged my soul out of nowhere, and is a classic to me now. He's the real deal!

On to the tracks...

"To the Dogs or Whatever" is a great folk story song in the vain of Dylan or Springsteen. The tempo is that of a rail car clicking along the tracks in the middle of the night. Yep, it's a foot tapper!! It's got imagery to compete with any artist/ storyteller/ poet or liar... it's pure songwriting and lyrical goodness here. The spit-fire delivery of his vocals couples well with the songs pace, making for an enjoyable and melodic jaunt through a cacophony of noise- good noise!

"Minds Eye" is an eerie proclamation of a guy who has his mind set on something- or maybe even someone. This track moves at its own deliberate pace- it's got its fits and starts, and has a low key and plodding approach, which is memorable if for nothing else than its stark contrast to the album opener. A great atmospheric track, which shows the melancholy way a soul can display its intentions.

"Right Moves" is one of the best songs on the disc. it has a 70's pop/ 80's country feel to it, (which if thought to much about may even ruin the songs impression) and just feels good and right. It's a sing-along tune for sure, one that will get stuck in your head. Lyrics such as Am I making all the right moves/ Am I singing you the right blues/ Is there a chance that I could call you/ Just to see how you are doing? let you into the train of thought here... it's a love song seemingly told from a hopeful love, a lost lover, a lover's memory, or even a heartbroken fool. Either way, it's a great sounding folk/ pop song that will surely make your mood lighten.

"Rumors" makes you immediately want to think back to 70's era Fleetwood Mac, but once the music starts you'll throw that idea directly out the nearest window. There's some nice Billy Joel piano and moody horns that set this creepy mood- the songs strong point for certain. Lyrically, there's a lot to like here.... Mr. Ritter takes you from questions to statements and back again; all the while painting a bleak picture with images and lyrcis like
And the string section's screaming/ Like horses in a barn burning up and
He's impaling the front row/ Fighting fires with arrows /And he'll act like he forgot you /But the music's never loud enough
Seems like the message here is about pumping ones own chest, not giving way to a contender, and eschewing all notions of a humble creator... a complete deviation from what Ritter has shown himself to be. Here's where Josh gets down to business and just plain rocks- complete with allegory, hyperbole, and "made up stuff"!

A beautiful little instrumental follows called "Edge of the World". This is set perfectly at the mid point of this disc, setting apart all the intended imagery, emotion, and mood... letting the listener carefully create his own allusions to a far away place. It's light, it's got legs if need be, and it's sweet to the ears.

.........

I'll save the rest of the individual tracks for you to figure out and explore/ enjoy/ review/ decide! This album really brings it musically. There's a sonic experience here for everyone- from hard hitting and poignant Dylan-esque jibber-jabber; to 70's era glam-pop; all the way to soft whispering sensitive folk music. This characterization may lend itself to a chaotic and scattered pace and thought, but Ritter proves otherwise. His talent and knack for crafting a song shines through- it's all refined here, there's no area left un-perfected. This aspect has been called Ritter's Achilles in the past, with detractors pointing to his perfectionist mentality and "all too smooth and refined" quality of craftsmanship that leaves the songs sounding hallow and cold. I disagree with these retorts on premise alone- I'm not about to chastise an artist for being too good!

Give it a listen, you're sure to be delighted. I've found myself lost in the sentimentality of some of the tracks, while also banging my fists on the steering wheel in exhilaration of others. It's these swift changes in pace and style that really appeal to me, and I believe it'll be those same qualities that will appeal to others as well.


So there ya have it, my review of- at this point- my favorite album of 2007. There's been a few challengers, and there's sure to be more. There's been some sleepers as well, such as Saul Williams'
"The Inevitable Rise and Liberation of Niggy Tardust." A few more sleepers include:
Aesop Rock- "None Shall Pass"
El-P- "I'll Sleep When You're Dead"
Shane Nicholson- "Faith and Science"
The National- "Boxer"
Arcade Fire- "Neon Bible"
....and a few others....

Ok, I'm out....
Peace
AM Son

Once Again in '07

Well, they (we) did it again- the Sox won the World Series last night!! A sweep of the Colorado Rockies left Red Sox Nation with their 2nd Championship in 4 seasons!
Can you believe it still?!
If 2004 was for all the misery and heartache and vicarious living for all those who never got to see a Sox Championship, then 2007 is for us to simply enjoy for what it is now- for what this team means in the here and now! And what a great time it is to be a Sox fan, as this team is set up to win for a long time to come.

So, congratulations to the 2007 Sox!! It just doesn't get much better in Boston...

Peace
AM Son

Sloth-like in my updating...

Lets just say I've given new meaning to the term "actively blogging"- one would assume that active pertains to regular appearance, effort, and thought- all of which I have lacked over the past few months.

So what have I been up to.... or more appropriately, what is going on now?
As I always like to interject this time of year.... work has slowed down a bit, which mean more time to play around here. Maybe that's a good thing... but I presume that may be an embellishment!

Me and the guys climbed Mt. Washington a few weeks ago! Let me just put it this way- it's one of the coolest and most satisfying accomplishments I've experienced in a long while! We had a great time, a good bonding trip- all looked out for each other and had each others backs. Round trip to the summit and back was in the neighborhood of 9.5 hours, which is pretty good for a first effort.
Here's a few pics of the adventure. (click the text links, I couldn't get the pics to show up here)


Tuckerman Ravine
Half way up.... and here's where we're headed next....

Almost there!
About 800' from the top... so still a ways to go, but we're getting there.

The Guys
Here's a great pic of us- peering out over our accomplishment!

The Sox are in the World series- and currently are up 1-0 in the series over the Colorado Rockies. Ya gotta love being to two world series' in 4 years.... now hopefully they/ we can pull it out again!!
I mean, winning it is cool and all... but seeing some more Papelbon dancing (clogging) is what I'm really lookin' for!! (yes, sarcasm...)

I'm still working on some cd reviews... but I just can't pull myself away from them long enough to actually compose some thoughts and translate them to this site. Don't worry, they're coming... I know you're livelihood depends on those viewpoints.


My heart and thoughts go out to the families affected by the Southern California wildfires.

Take care, peace, and Barak the vote!
AM Son

Quickupdate!

Been a while since my last update- sorry for that. I'll offer the customary "been busy, been tired, been absent, been offline, been livin' life...." excuses and reasons....

So what's new here- bullet style!

-Babies, Engagements, Jobs, and travel- between baby announcements (congrats James & Jen!), Engagements (congrats Jeff & Vanessa!), births (congrats Bob & Trisha; and Pat & Sarah), Jobs (congrats Jeff & Vanessa), and travel (yay friends) it's been eventful and fun!

-Madden 08 was released last week (great game finally- the game we've been waiting for since the '06 version)

-Work's been nice, the weather has cooperated lately. It's nice to have September weather in August!

-Josh Ritter's new album is coming this Tuesday- his last one was an instant classic, so expectations and excitement for this one are ever up there!

-Autumn's almost here- which means football, less work, more reading, better weather, fantasy football, more friends, videogames, rest... yay yay yay!!


Things should start slowing down in the next month or so- in terms of work and overall schedule of things. Maybe I'll get to post more, maybe I won't, but regardless I have not forgotten about this blog- you can be sure of that!
Take care y'all, enjoy the rest of summer.... and I'll hopefully be seeing you more often over the next few months or so!

Peace
AM Son

Socrates & his infinite wisdom and influence

“I shall never stop practicing philosophy and exhorting you and elucidating the truth for everyone that I meet. I shall go on saying...Are you not ashamed that you give your attention to acquiring as much money as possible, and similarly with reputation and honor and give no attention to truth and understanding and the perfection of your soul?...I shall do this to everyone I meet, young or old, foreigner or fellow citizen, but especially to you, my fellow citizens.”
Plato, Apology

Socrates once stated, "The unexamined life is not worth living."

How true to his words was this cat? Those words are so poignant, and in fact, I can't think of any better collection of words to live by. Question everything, including oneself and ones past. Go on, questioning questions and answers. Examine the media, politicians, idols, co-workers, family, religions, likes, dislikes, character, life, good, evil, etc...
It all adds up to a life worth living.

Peace
AM Son

7.7.07 Live Earth!

Regretfully, I'm a little late with this post... but nonetheless this info is of importance.
Today, July 7th, is the Live Earth concert around the world.

Check the websites for more info:

http://www.liveearth.org/
http://liveearth.msn.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Live_Earth
http://www.algore.com/
http://climatecrisis.org/

Or check some of these great artists who are involved:
http://liveearth.msn.com/artists


Yeah I know it's sort of a PSA but it's for all of our good....
We've all got to get involved; from political awareness to environmental activism, buying local to acting in a "greener" manner, stepping lightly on Mother Earth to encouraging others to be proactive... there's so much we can do. I'm not preaching, just doing my part to spread the word...

Peace
AM Son

Get Past It

Challenger Deep
(November 2004)

A microcosm of life
For if you think we’re skin deep
The treasures you’ll miss
’Cause even the unknown
Can flicker with a shimmering light
--------------------------------------------

Challenger Deep is the deepest section of the Mariana Trench in the Pacific Ocean, which is home to the Marianas Islands. A Royal British Navy ship- the The HMS Challenger- was the first vessel to explore the area, henceforth the location was named for that vessel. This poem signifies how much in each of us is unknown. We as a society act on superficial urges and premonitions, and all too often fail to seek out true depth and breadth of character and soul within another individual.
There is life at the bottom of this trench, and although microscopic and simple in life-form; it exemplifies the fact that you never know what you'll find when you dare to look beyond the surface.

Peace
AM Son

Slouches Towards Bethlehem

The Second Coming
by W. B. Yeats


Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.



Surely some revelation is at hand;

Surely the Second Coming is at hand.

The Second Coming! Hardly are those words out

When a vast image out of Spiritus Mundi

Troubles my sight: somewhere in sands of the desert

A shape with lion body and the head of a man,

A gaze blank and pitiless as the sun,

Is moving its slow thighs, while all about it

Reel shadows of the indignant desert birds.

The darkness drops again; but now I know

That twenty centuries of stony sleep

Were vexed to nightmare by a rocking cradle,

And what rough beast, its hour come round at last,

Slouches towards Bethlehem to be born?

------------------------------------------------------------


Has there ever been a juncture in modern times where this poem proved to be more pertinent and aligned with current events and discourse?
Maybe Mr. Yeats would argue the contrary, and I would submit to his thoughts for sure, but I think the current state of world, political, social, and economic affairs can only stand to strengthen the case for this poem being apropos.

Bush, Ahmadinejad, Abbas, Jong-il, and Bin Laden (as well as a myriad others) all play their own special and deviant parts in the spiraling of our society to the hands of anarchy, exclusionary and isolationist politics, capitalistic global domination, and militarisitc fear mongering.
Mr. Yeats, you are prescient sir.

Peace
AM Son

Football Resurrected!

Yes, it's here- 2K Sports has answered us [hardcore] gamers' prayers and created a "generic" football game for us to enjoy. No more relying on Madden for our football fix- as Madden is a perennial incomplete, shallow, and lacking simulation of football. Now 2K's game- although fictional in nature in terms of it's non-association with any real life league- seems to bring a depth and breadth of simulation football, atmosphere, character, detail, and emotion to this years proverbial table.
Oh and not to neglect to mention the big "mass market" draw to 2K's new game:
over 240 Legend players from the old days of the NFL were individually signed to allow their likeness' in the game!! Yes, that's right, you can have a team made up of Jerry Rice, John Elway, and Barry Sanders if you so wish! Your star players will be surrounded by generic/ made-up players.... and football gaming will never be the same from here on out!!!
So, here's the first official trailer of [2K Sports] All Pro Football 2K8! Enjoy!




Peace
AM Son

It's still early... but

As of now, with Barack Obama's severe ineptitude for attacking his opponents (when they misstep or become nebulous) or laying out comprehensive strategy and detailed plans for his Iraq, health care, environmental, and immigration policies, I've been blindsided by another Presidential hopeful.
Ron Paul, a Republican Congressman from Texas... yes, you read that correctly, a REPUBLICAN Congressman from TEXAS, has taken my muse of late!! Interestingly enough, Mr. Paul- an unassuming and low key politician- could masquerade as a fine Woody Allen impersonator if the need arose.
Check this:

He seems affable, intelligent, comfortable behind a microphone, and able to think creatively and with foresight when asked the tough questions. He stands out amongst the rest of the other R candidates in the sense that unless it was stated he was a R you would likely think otherwise. He seemingly carries Liberal and Progressive viewpoints and sentiment, which to me is refreshing. He's not afraid to attack fellow candidate Giuliani on issues about the current Iraq policy, or fight against (in his opinion) the myopic, imperialistic, and exclusionary political agenda of the Bush administration as a whole.
I can't say too much right yet, for its still considerably early in the whole process. Having said that, I'm liking what I see from Mr. Paul. Unless Mr. Obama or another (unlikely) candidate from either side steps up to the plate with solid, democratic, for-the-people viewpoints and strategies, then I'm sorry to say (and proud of the objectivity of) vote for a R.

A lot still has to go down however....
I'm staying tuned!
Peace
AM Son

Nihilism

Greedy-Go-Round
(July 2006)

Fat bastard bandits, all over the globe;
Stealing from us all, the profits to be made.
But alas; they've left us the tip jar.
Now we eat from the shaker salt and pepper.


**Did ya ever wonder why there's such a gap between the haves and the have-nots?
And why it always seems there's fissures and cracks in our "democratic way"?
Our imperial minded "leaders" are running away with our foundations...


Peace
AM Son

Jasper Said You're A Fascist Pig!

Sometime last fall a movie by the name of 'Children of Men' was released to theaters. I'd not heard of this particular movie, and had no inkling of what it was all about. I was told by a friend that it was a lousy movie; that it was just some story about a girl and a baby and to not waste my time seeing it. Well, being that I'd no knowledge of the movie in the first place I figured "ok, not a problem...'

That was until this past winter when I began hearing rumblings from various sources about how glorious this film was. As I understood it at the time, it dealt with a future world population who had found itself suddenly infertile and unable to reproduce; all the while watching every nation around the world except Britain crumble down from the effects of terrorism, hunger, lack of social welfare programs, and general societal apathy. (gee, is Bush running this new world...??)

I thought to myself it sounded like a nice plot and atmosphere for a theatric story. It sounded like a lot of the fears I hold today, albeit fully fleshed out and amplified significantly. I guess we all may think of the future as a harmonic place of Utopian gardens and societal calm, but then deep within our souls we know there's a very real possibility our civilization as we know it could cave in unto itself in a hurry. These fears stem from many current trends, among them rampant capitalism, materialism, U.S led imperialism, political cronyism, lack of foresight, environmental ignorance, and overall social and familial apathy.

The film deals with a lot of these fears and portents, but in a very real and convincing way. It's not a 'Jetsons' type film at all, it does a quite remarkable job of depicting a modern dilapidated future. I'll leave the movie plot and details for you to decide upon, but overall this movie was an astute look at just what our future may hold.

Em and I rated this flick highly, as we were greatly pleased with the scope and result of the film.
8.5 out of 10

In addition to the actual film, the DVD has some pretty cool extra features. One in particular, titled "The Possibility of Hope" is a mini-documentary featuring interviews with current day philosophers, political activists, writers, pundits, and scholars. The discussion is of how our world may be headed for the ill-fated future the movie portrays. This feature was quite compelling and we were enthralled throughout. It's strange, this little feature kind of rounded out the actual movie as if it were an intended extension to an already beautifully crafted story. It just lent that extra bit of credence and palpability to the aura presented.

If you're into social or current affairs, then this movie is for you. We highly recommend!
Check www.childrenofmen.net for even more info.

Enjoy.
Peace
AM Son

How Do You Like Them Apples?

Will Hunting uttered that famous line in my favorite movie of all time, "Good Will Hunting". It's a great line, delivered with acerbic authority and wit, and I'm using it here today with the same biting force and exuberance... with one change necessary: I want to replace the word "them" with the word "green". For those of you that know the emotion and cadence Will uttered the line with, you can keep it similar and just add in the word "green".

How do you like green apples!?

Why?

Because Apple has announced it's going green! Yes, for all the naysayers, critics, and Apple curmudgeons out there, it is now not necessary to view Apple as the lowly environmentally unfriendly company. They're taking baby steps, I'll admit, but that's the way to improvement.

The thing that impressed me the most about the article was that they used the word "stakeholders". It's a word not seen too much in the discourse of big picture analysis, or when speaking of the interests of others when weighing economic or political concerns. The word stakeholder has a weighty definition, one that most people fail to consider when they hypothesize about cause and effect.
Stakeholder is defined as, "One who has a share or an interest, as in an enterprise" by Answers.com. In my humble opinion, this encompasses everyone and at all times when dealing with the environment and "being green". Don't we all have an interest or stake in the condition, control, use, misuse, and correction of the environment? Most times, corporations only consider "shareholders" and their own junta when deciding on their actions and expenditures- you know, the people with stock options and an economic interest in the proceedings.
It's refreshing to see an official press release from one of the biggest corporations in the world mention the little man- because we all matter when dealing with Mother Earth. No matter if you're an Apple fan or not, or if you even care if computers are made more environmentally friendly, you stand to benefit from a more stewardship-minded company.

Many years ago I read a book called, "Culture Jam". This is where I was first introduced to the ideas of caring for and considering the welfare of all "stakeholders". Basically, the idea being put forth was that if this world became more interested in the wellbeing of all "stakeholders" rather than only and always "shareholders", we'd all be better off. I liked this idea from the time I read it, and I try and live my life in that vein. It's again comforting to see an ideal like this being perpetuated in everyday life, for it's too easy to track and follow the daily acts of greed and pernicious vitriol on behalf of conglomerations.

So, good on ya Apple!! It's a start, and I hope (as a Mac owner) that it's a trend that will pick up great steam...

Pittsfield's Getting In The Mix

Although Biodiesel isn't exactly a perfect alternative fuel, it's a fuel that is filled (pardon the pun) with merit. Among the chief benefits of this alt. fuel is the fact that it removes our reliance on foreign energy sources. Because biodiesel can be made from crops produced in this country, or created from waste cooking oil, it is an energy source that mitigates our need for the Middle East.

I've mentioned and wrote about biodiesel previously, but today's thoughts are for a different reason. It turns out that Pittsfield is building a biodiesel plant. This may not come as a significant event to many of you, but to me it is not only significant but also a pleasant surprise.

When I think of forward thinking, progressive, bleeding edge communities; I rarely think of Pittsfield or The Berkshires. Those attributes and traits make me think of Northampton, the Pioneer Valley, ("The Happy Valley") or even way out to San Fran or the Pacific Northwest.

I think it's cool that Pittsfield will have this new plant. It's encouraging to me that maybe the concepts of environmental awareness, action, stewardship, and involvement are becoming more mainstream. That's what a biodiesel plant in Pittsfield means to me....

On the Donosaur

So it's been roughly a week now, and I thought I'd weigh in on the whole Imus charade. Everyone has their opinion of the situation, weather for, against, or indifferent. I'm somewhat of an amalgamation of all three, as there seems to be many ways to digest the currents of Imus' words.

To begin, Imus is an idiot for uttering that statement. Yes, he's utterly despicable in the sense that he not only thought he could get away with the words, not to mention that he thought it was "funny". Come on man, in the year 2007 you still think this shit is funny and acceptable??

I've no opinion of the man himself nor the radio show, as I've never paid too much attention to either. Because of that, I have an easier time keeping my views objective and free from bias. I'd like to think that I could be objective no matter who was on his end of the atrocity, but I'm just not so sure...
Either way, Imus, you were wrong. Your apology may soften the blow a bit, but it will never erase the words you let "slip" from your brain and mouth. How many times do minorities in this world (especially African Americans) have to deal with these specific situations, never mind the myriad of other ways they are disrespected each day? When will people learn?

Imus claims to be (and does seem to be) a decent guy. His charity work and seemingly good spirited nature won't cover for him here though. An individual can be the nicest, most compassionate person alive and still do horrible things. He may have just slipped up, but he still must pay the price. We as a people need to be more diligent about our mental filtering and what we say and portray- to a point...

...I also hold the opinion that this country (in particular) has become overly sensitive about words and opinions. To start off, we are all far too concerned with what everyone else thinks of us and what they have to say. This explains that "keeping up with the Jones' attitude" we all walk around with. It explains the way in which we are always watching our words so that we don't "hurt" someone. We're always trying to be politically correct. It's become a burden of sorts. Not to take the Donosaur off the hook , because there's no way to do that, but I'm just saying that we need to be less sensitive about what people think and say. Freedom of speech can take us so far... but then common courtesy and compassion must play the defining role.
In any regard, views and utterances like Don's should never be heard on public airwaves or at the expense of innocent listeners.

Chris Rock can tell "black" jokes and get away with it. You bet. Yes, there's a double standard in our society and yes it's kind of crappy. But, we need to get over it and realize that's how it is. We need to overcome the feeling of entitlement to always put to words our streams of consciousness. Sometimes it's better to keep those things bottled inside... especially if they're targeted at someone or created out of malice. We need to be better about not always finding humor at the expense of someone else....

No one is perfect, not even Al Sharpton, Jessie Jackson, or any of the women targeted by Imus' words. All of them harbor things they are not proud of, and I'm sure all of them have uttered words in the past that were not necessarily becoming of a tolerant person. I'm sure each has particular tendencies of dislike for a "group" or "population". We all have our moments of humiliation, failure, and those where we aren't proud of our actions. Heck, I do myself. But having stated that, it's still important to recognize when people have been wronged and how a community rises up to defend its brethren.

I also wish that things were not always looked at or perceived in a vacuum. How about that Duke lacrosse scandal? Were these two situations created equally? I doubt it. There didn't seem to be an uprising of disappointment and disgust when those men were treated with racism and disrespect. To be honest, that's where the community surrounding these men failed. Where are our defenders and our "Jessie Sharpton"? I'm in no way trying to equate these situations, because we all know that they are different. What I'm trying to say is that injustices happen every day, and the manner in which we deal with it is what separates the successful from the failures. Sound familiar Dr. King?


A favorite song of mine is called "Heroes" by John Gorka. The overriding principle of the song is about how dead heroes are better than alive heroes. Here's the opening lyric:
" They say that when it comes to choosing heroes
It's best to pick the ones who aren't around
If you choose among the living
You tend to have misgivings
When your hero lets you down
He might have a bad night in your town"

So, I say to all those who considere(d) Don Imus as your hero:
the bastard just let you down... big time.


Peace
AM Son

Nothing Much

As the oh so exciting title suggests, there's not too much new or exciting going on right now. My (our) crew came back to the golf course this week, which means golf season has officially begun. The course doesn't open for a few weeks, but since the guys are back and Matt and I are working full days again I consider golf "in season". Yes, even despite the Apr-ember type weather out there.
So the days are longer, I get less sleep, I fall asleep in my chair more often, I'm more sore and run down, I get dirtier, and I hear more dirty jokes.... than in recent months. Yes, the golf season has commenced... lol

Hopefully I'll still blog enough.

Peace
AM Son

Flying Glass Shrapnel In The Kitchen

The kitchen can be a scary place, a place of eerie missteps and hidden danger. That was the case on the evening of Friday March 30, 2007... where I became fodder for a Pyrex casserole dish.

Oh ok, I'll quit with the drama and hyperbole and just tell it how it was. The drama sets the scenario, but it really isn't as bad as my lead would have you believe.

Yesterday while making some (would be) scrumptious scalloped potatoes, the Pyrex dish I was cooking in exploded. Yep, it exploded, it blew up, it released energy as only an exothermic reaction can. And I don't mean it broke apart into a few large chunks of glass, nope, it literally exploded apart, covering the kitchen, dining room, and parts of the living room with all shapes and sizes of broken tempered glass. Quite literally, it was like a small bomb exploded in our apartment. There was water, potato sauce, glass, milk, and butter everywhere. It was a sight to see for sure.

Luckily, when this event unfolded, Emily was in the shower and Keegan was in another room. I too was turned with my back to the oven, which probably spared me of injury or at the very least being covered with all the "bomb ingredients". I don't know if I would have been injured if I'd been stirring the mix or even turned towards the oven, but I'm sure glad I was turned away.

I guess Pyrex shouldn't be used on a burner. I've used it on burners before, as have other people I know. My Mom doesn't use Pyrex on burners, and Google is split down the middle on people who do and those who do not. So, I don't know what the actual answers are... but I do know one thing:
I will never use Pyrex over direct heat ever again.

The cleanup took about an hour, and it was extremely tedious. From sweeping floors, vacuuming floors, cleaning counter tops, washing dishes, and throwing away dinner, it was an interesting experience.
We had to throw away the pork chops we were about to cook for fear that glass could be lodged into the meat...
The whole ordeal was actually a good pretext for ordering pizza!! Silver lining maybe, lol!?

So, the kitchen and dining rooms are spotless now.... and the Pyrex casserole dish is long long gone.

Another life learning experience.

Peace
AM Son

Bad Film, Good Film, Good Film

Saw 3 movies over the weekend (yeah we had the urge to veg in front of the tv), with varying results.

The first, an utterly bad example of stupid humor:
Borat. Enough said, right? Well, I went into the flick knowing what type of crap to expect, but really was blown away by it's foolish preschool humor and lack of respect for those on the butt end of the jokes. It simply wasn't funny. Like I said, I didn't go in expecting to be wowed, but did wish to find some humor. In the end, it was a waste of my time... oh well. lol I'll give this crap a 3 out of 10

Next was a very surprisingly good movie:
Stranger Than Fiction. Very strong script with better than average performances from the main characters. I was pleased, it was an engaging story with just enough mystery and drama to keep me interested. Will Ferrell, Maggie Gyllenhaal, and Dustin Hoffman were terrific. Emma Thompson was also very good, but my personal opinion is that an old man would have suited the movie more aptly. Either way, a very good experience was had watching this movie. I'll give it a 7.5 out of 10

The last movie we watched was:
Idiocracy. Another very solid and surprising movie. Didn't know a thing about it until I heard on a tech news show about it being an American satire. It's a comedy drenched in satire about how this society is slowly (or not so slowly) becoming dumbed down and controlled by mega corporations and celebrity. All of it is not only plausible but also comical in its pure irreverent take on our culture. Obviously goofy and far fetched in some of its portrayals, but nonetheless it is scary and maybe even ominous in its portent...
I liked it, I'll give it 7 out of 10


Overall, it was a good movie weekend... with one throw away title from the mix. I'm sure some of you'll disagree about my Borat musings, but any of you who know me probably aren't surprised anyhow, haha!
Take this all with a grain of NaCl, as always.

Peace
AM Son

Go, Go Al, Go Al Gore!!

So, in case you've been living under sedimentary rock lately... here's what the Pres.. err ex-vice pres has been up to recently:


Mr. Gore's been making the rounds, and he recently stopped by that institution we like to call congress (actually, The House Energy and Science Committees) where he had an agenda to deliver and act upon. I say good for you Mr. Gore. First the movie, and now post-movie action- I like your method Sir.

Here are some links to peruse:

Watch Gore go to town on our "elected officials":

[youtube= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWMVPTZEAEQ]


If interested, check part 2 and part 3 at youtube.

The Nation offers praise and awe to the man!

Grist tells it it like it is, and should be. Hooray beer action!
(Pay particular attention to the last paragraph; an eloquent and effective summarization of the current political landscape and why Gore may just be the man to spearhead change- real change.)


Grist at it again, with Gore's 10 legislative recommendations!

Al Gore's official site...


Enjoy. And may the new season of spring usher in political, moral, ethical, and functional change in the way we as a united people approach the climate and climate change. It's time to be objective and leave the emotion and political and religious hogwash behind us.

Peace
AM Son

Music Is Life

Anyone who knows me is aware that music is an important part of my life. I couldn't even envision myself being with a woman who also wasn't into music. That is one reason why Em and I are so good together... one of many!

But music is more than just something to pass the time or make a moment joyous, it's life. It's something that can make or break a moment, it can provide incentive or push, it can bring me to emotion and pain, and it can take me away from where I don't want to be or even take me back down to earth.

Although cliche, music really is the "soundtrack to my life". Notice I didn't say that "insert song/ album/ artist name here" provided the soundtrack of my life. That's because my mood, tastes, influences, needs, and desires are always changing- they're dynamic just like my life.

In a strange sort of way, music is the one thing in life that never has and never will let me down. All literal translations aside (because taken literally, that statement seems awful and lonely), music is the one thing, be it hobby or desire, that cannot let me down. It's here for me, no matter my mood or predicament. Music is only a click of a mouse or a snap of a cd case away... it's never too far and always too close... it's loud enough but never too loud... it's tempting, it's unnerving.... it's kitschy and dated, but always pertinent... it's sublime and surreal... it's unexplainable and understanding... music, it's perfect.... music...
it's life!


For your viewing pleasure, I've added a last.fm widget to the sidebar of the blog!
Go check out what I'm listening to, and what else is on my aural pallette!
Last.fm is a sweet music community site... go look!
Peace
AM Son

Where it takes me...

As you may or may not have noticed, I like to write with "..."
It makes what I write, the concepts and ideas which I'm trying to convey, seemingly more conversational. To me, it offers more of a flow to the writing... more of an open ended storyline and method to understanding.
Weather or not those goals are actually met is quite another thing... but it's how I write, and most definitely it's not going to change... it's my style... it's my signature... it's my method!

Ok, now that I've rambled and become the non sequitur that I portray in my writing... I'll head off into another unspecified direction!

I've been lazy of late. Even though the barrier to entry for writing a blog entry has been significantly mitigated (zippy laptop is more portable and accessible than old desktop pc), I can't seem to get myself motivated or inspired to write anything remotely interesting.

So... until a topic of any worthiness strikes me from out of the blue, you'll have to find solace in checking my slowly increasing gamerscore!
Enjoy...


P.S. Spring is upon us, which means golf will be becoming my "big brother" for the next several months. This may mean more of the same nothingness that I've been posting lately... or maybe it could mean more inspiration or indignation... who knows... we'll see.

Peace
AM Son

We're in the family...

...the Apple family that is! Yep, we did it, we bought our first Mac! I won't expound on all the details and commentary at this moment, but I wanted to update all of you who may be looking for updates.
Soon I'll post some pics and an early look at the "switch". As of now though, it's a sweet sweet transition. It's been flawless and exciting, and we're both just floored with this new Macbook!
So, until I get some time to delve into the 'tails.... take care!
And go listen to the Gov'nas podcast already!
Peace
AM Son

The Governor Has A Podcast!

In case it flew under the radar of your attention, a really cool thing happened about two weeks ago at the Governors Office.
Deval Patrick announced that he was instituting a weekly podcast (downloadable audio file) each Friday on the Mass. Government's website. It's pretty cool, usually lasting about 5 or so minutes long, and covers all sorts of topics from updating the public to his personal life, assessing the current state of the commonwealth, introducing new programs and/ or roles within the government, asking for public support and input, or even just recapping a weeks worth of events in and around the state. It's a welcome outstretched hand from Governor Patrick, and may be a rosy sign of the way in which he plans to govern.
Ironically, this whole idea, and the fact that it was instituted so quickly after inauguration is in very stark contrast to the style and method of Mitt Romney. Check out this article from a few weeks back, it really lays out the drastic differences in approach from the two governing men. Personally, I like Deval's style better!

It's only been a short while that Mr. Patrick has been in office, but I really have taken a liking to him. Weather it's the verve and style in which he handles speaking roles, or the manner in which he's already taken a hands on approach to governing. It seems he realizes that you can't have the "good ol' boy" political style in this day and age, and to me, that's a very positive first step.

Oh, and fyi, I didn't vote for Patrick... (maybe some day Green Party) so there's no forgone affinity here, just an objective study of a "job well started".

Maybe I Just Don't Get It? Maybe I'm Naive and Oversimplistic?

I'm sure by now we all have been made somewhat aware of the recent "terror scare" in Boston. The reason I place quotes around the phrase is because I'm disgusted by it all. I'm not going to go into the details of what happened, that's easily obtained and digested, but what I will say is this: what sort of world are we actually living in today.

If what I see today is in fact this world, then I guess Osama, Sadam, The Devil, Bill Gates, Hip-Hop, Rock-n-Roll, The Catcher In The Rye, Television, Video Games, shopping malls, and/ or drugs; or whomever else is purportedly to blame for the ills of this world, have won. If Osama really does want to take over Western civilization, maybe this is it. Maybe what he started with 9/11 is finally coming to fruition... The United States of America is finally folding in unto itself.

All joking aside, I think this situation is an extremely unfortunate one. Yes, September 11th did happen, and it was and still is an astute example of the dark side of mankind. Yes, the world we currently live in is an ever growing restrictive and foreboding one. It's a tough world to live in at times, weather boarding a plane with shampoo, or even trying to decipher the nightly news reports and information constantly beamed into our lives.
It's unfortunate, plain and simple, for whatever reasons or causes.

Having said all that, I can't seem to shake my own sense of confusion and awe at what happened yesterday in Boston. For the record, I'm on the side of the "perpetrators" here. I just can't bring myself to incriminate two men who engaged in a guerrilla marketing campaign. I don't know all the facts, and I don't claim to, but I just don't see how and why we should spend all this time and energy in something that we know was harmless.
Yes, there are evil people out there, and yes there are people everyday who will try and deceive the general public in an attempt to harm them. Yes, we must be vigilant in our efforts to uphold our freedoms- as promised and forecasted long ago by Mr. Jefferson himself. But, we also need to temper that vigilance at times and take a step back to reveal the forest through those trees. We as a people need to be able to decipher clear and present danger from fear-mongering and doom and gloom attitudes.

Why do we immediately use the word "terror" for anything fearful or dangerous. It's fear mongering, it's attempting to instill that same fear that we all experienced on Sept. 11 into each uncomfortable situation that unfolds here in our country. These two lads are far from terrorists, they were simply doing a "marketing" job. Yeah, hind sight is perfect vision, I know that. But I also know that we can't always assume the worst of everyone we meet or see. Have we all morphed into xenophobes? Have we all incriminated each and every solitary person that isn't in our little "bubble"?

The aforementioned ability to separate the real fear from the hoax's is crucial to living in, working in, and continuing a society that truly is free- not just one that claims to be free or uses the term as a slogan to sell automobiles or Presidents. From what I see in this current situation, some people overreacted to an obvious attempt at solicitation.

There will be those that say, "well what about next time when a well placed bomb is hidden inside a run of the mill supermarket ad or other harmless looking facade". Yes, that's a true concern, and one that we will have to always endure. Ever since terrorists used commercial airliners to kill thousands of people, we need to scrutinize every and all methods of harm. However, we need not do so in a vacuum. Yes, easier said than done, I know. But where does freedom end and terror begin? Where is the point where we can live and not constantly be afraid?

Back to the specifics at hand:
Maybe the "terror hoax suspects" and their parent company (employer) Turner Broadcasting Co. should have alerted authorities to their plan. Maybe they should have used non-threatening devices (whatever that is). Maybe they should have not done it at all? Maybe they should have just sold a commercial to the NFL for the Super Bowl (at a cost of almost $3M mind you). Maybe, maybe, maybe...
Maybe we should all just live in personal bubbles? Maybe we should board up our houses, say goodbye to any sort of freedom, and communicate exclusively through the internet?
Man, where does it end? I don't know. I just don't know.

I understand that much of the city was shut down during this "scare". It would have been incredibly sad and unnecessary if someone had to get through traffic for a medical emergency and couldn't because of the blockages. But... (you knew that was coming right), who's to blame for that? Was it absolutely necessary to shut down 2 bridges and part of the Charles River over all of this? Why did 8 other cities not have a "terror scare" like we here did? Is it because we're acting uptight like typical East Coasters? Maybe we did the right thing, maybe I'm the one with his head up his ass. Maybe now, the terrorists won't hide bombs in signs that scream, "hey look at me, look at me". Maybe they'll have to resort to more mundane activities, like actually hiding bombs and placing them in areas where they aren't visible. Obviously, I do hope that no one ever plants a bomb ANYWHERE, I'm being sarcastic in my tone.

This whole world we live in now is a learning process. Not only are authorities learning how to discern harm from harmless, but we as citizens are also learning how to act in methods and manners that don't seem devious, harmful, spiteful, or "terroristic". Having said this, why don't we just give these guys and their employers a free pass. Lets all learn from this, and learn to be a little more scrupulous. Lets not be so concerned with finger pointing and always having to create good and evil. How about more gray?

One point of irony: as I sit here typing this, I'm listening to Neil Diamond's "America". Honestly, I didn't plan this out. I sure couldn't be this clever. It's ironic because one of the suspects in the Boston scare is a political refugee from Belarus, here in the U.S. seeking asylum. Interesting that a political refugee presumably seeking freedom of expression and freedom of thought, is arraigned and incriminated here in "the land of the free" for just those things he fled his home for....
Go freedom.

Ex-patriots

I'm stealing a line from Guerra here... Matt, you've got prior use rights on this one, haha! So, yeah as we all know the Pats are now an ex.... as in they are no longer a team playing in the 2006/ 2007 season. The Colts beat 'em up pretty badly in the 2nd half of last Sunday's AFC Championship game, which the Colts won 38-34. Congratulations to the Colts, they were the better team for the duration of the game. Tony Dungy is a great coach, and seems like an even greater man. Seeing so, I think it's tough to ever root against a guy like that in life... never mind a football game. Peyton Manning is a great football player as well, and also follows in the classy, mature, good-sportsman mold. So, I hereby announce my intention to root for the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI!

I wish there were heartwarming side stories a la last years blog post... but there really isn't. There were no superhuman-almost-game-saving-100yard-tackles made by a certain Benjamin Watson this year. There were no really egregious officiating blunders like last year either. And lastly, there was no real reason that the Pats deserved to win that game, seeing as they played so lousy after the halftime festivities.

I do believe that if they had won the AFC this year, that the Pats could have and would have beaten the Bears in the super bowl. Obviously, we will never know if New England would have hoisted trophy number 4 or not... and for that and in that vein of mystery, I will end this post. It's too painful to articulate the feelings I have for this particular end to this particular season....

Good luck Colts, Go Peyton and Tony!

Peace
AM Son

Still Deeply Waged

Reason For War
(September 2006)


Men don't fight with swords anymore,
but bombs work pretty well.
Things have gone so far;
gotten so out of control;
the reasons for war anymore;
we can never even tell.

Faith for the sake of faith,
is a tunnel.
And those words, utterances, and actions;
stemming from that faith;
are vehicles.
All leading to destruction.

Send a dove to the West,
only to wage bloody war in the East.
Get on the megaphone;
blare lies to the electorate,
while whispering the ruthless truth,
to those in your pockets.

Mother nature won't stand in your way,
the affluenza that affects you,
is piss an' vinegar,
to her sweet gentle breath;
that you make bitter with your lemon spirit.

Oh;
you're an evil evil man.
Walking in the house painted white.
An evil grin you wear,
it matches;
that snarky persona so fine.

Reason for war,
it can be anything at all.
It can be nothing too small...
The reasons for war anymore;
we can never even tell.










The days go by, the years add up, and the death toll from both American soldiers and Iraqi citizens rises ever higher. The more this sorry excuse for a war drags on, the more that people pack it away to the depths of their consciousness. It's become background noise, it's become mundane (no disrespect to soldiers and their families) because it seems there is no result. There has been escalating conflict, fighting, and death in Iraq, and more and more developing issues extenuating to U.S and Allied involvement. And all for what...? That's all I'm saying here.
This war is nothing but a method for the current U.S administration to extend their imperialism across the globe. It's a facade, from the "WMD's" to the "democracy for Iraq". It's a vehicle for our President and his cronies to attempt to control the middle east... so they can control the oil. War makes money, and when our Vice President has a stake in a company (Halliburton) that directly benefits from war, construction, oil, and destruction; then there's no other conclusion to draw.
So, I say: what are the reasons for war? Check out more about Halliburton for yourself: here and here.