Okay, I admit I ripped off the title for this blog from a Michael Moore book, but I thought this line best described the way I feel about a few things that have been going on in this country lately. Here's my rant - keep in mind that this is just my opinion!
- I can't believe the death threats on South Park co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone weren't taken as seriously as they should have been, right after the radical Muslim group threatened them if they dared to show Mohammed on their show. What they fail to realize is that Mohammed was already shown in a 2001 episode, to little or no public outcry. They also don't realize that South Park is an "equal opportunity offender" - they rip on people of many different religions (Catholicism, Judaism, Scientology - anyone remember the "Trapped In The Closet" episode?) and idealisms. I'm a South Park fan, and while I don't agree with everything they say, I take it for what it is - a cartoon satire. It gives me a few laughs in the middle of the week, and then I forget about it until the next episode. If something offends you that deeply, then acknowledge that you don't have to watch or support it. We do have a First Amendment right to free speech and free expression, and I feel that Comedy Central's censoring of this week's episode seriously violated this free speech right. It seems like we get too worried about being politically correct and not wanting to offend anybody that we end up offending MORE people.
- OK, I'm a little biased here after watching the documentary "Who Killed The Electric Car?" but it seems more and more like we're forgoing common sense for the furthering of big business' profit margins. The documentary I just watched details the efforts by GM, Big Oil, and CA government to first produce and then destroy the electric car industry, all because they were a threat to profits! I see this trend repeating in our current economy - we bail out big businesses, and how do some of these big banks repay their customers? Be cutting services, raising fees, and making it more difficult to do business with them. I hear reports about banks that were bailed out with millions of taxpayer dollars who reward their employees with lavish bonuses while raising customers' interest rates and cutting credit limits, and it just makes me want to scream. Whatever happened to treating customers with dignity and respect? Doesn't the value of customer loyalty mean anything anymore? (OK, I admit this one peeves me a bit, as I got a letter this month from one credit card taken over by a new bank that suddenly decided to reduce the credit limit drastically. I don't use the card much, but now I have even less reason to use it!) Update: I resolved the issue with my credit card company, and got the limit restored, but it had to take a Better Business Bureau complaint to get anything done.
- There's been a lot of discussion lately about immigration, especially with Arizona's new law that passed this week. I understand we're a nation of immigrants (my family has a lot of German/Austrian heritage, and my Grandpa Haider emigrated to MN in the 1920's), and I know I've been blessed to have so many ethnic backgrounds in my family. On the other hand, I see the drain on our economic, health, and education systems that our ever-increasing population growth is having on our country. I have no problem with people wanting to emigrate to our country as long as they:
1. do it legally (which includes tips like educating yourself, and taking the citizenship test),
2. learn and adhere to the laws and customs of the country you're emigrating to, and finally
3. learn the language of your new country.
I think about the situation this way: if I was going to move to Germany, I would take the time to learn the language, laws and customs before even thinking of making the move. I would NEVER expect to just move to a new country and expect everything to be handed to me! Sorry to say this, but it seems like I keep about hearing about more and more people who want handouts - life isn't given to us on a silver platter, we have to work hard for the just rewards.
- I still don't understand the uproar over why certain people are vehemently against gay marriage and/or civil unions. It doesn't matter to me if gay people want to get married, and I don't think it's really anyone else's business either. I have a few gay friends and relatives, and if they want to get married, I'd support their decision 100 percent. While I don't understand the same sex attraction, I don't think that gay or lesbian couples getting married isn't going to harm the so-called "sanctity" of marriage.
Ok, that's all I can rant about for now - sorry, but I just had to vent! I'm an American citizen born and raised, and it really irks me sometimes how the ideals of integrity and honesty that I grew up with feel like they're being eroded sometimes. It really makes me question the focus of this nation that I still love and its leaders.
Take care, and enjoy this nice weekend, everyone!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
CD Review - Cold Day Memory by Sevendust
I've been a Sevendust fan for almost a decade now, so I was happy to receive their eighth studio album, Cold Day Memory, in the mail this weekend. I'd only heard the first single "Unraveling" three times on the radio, and I thought that if the rest of this album was anything like this awesome single, I'd be in for a treat. Turns out I would not be disappointed!
The CD begins with the heavy track "Splinter." A great song full of layered guitar, some terrific lead vocals by Lajon Witherspoon, and the customary backup growls/vocals by drummer Morgan Rose. I soon had the chorus from the next track "Forever" stuck in my head - I think we've all known a "selfish condescending" person that we've wished would "go play God in someone else's life." The third track "Unraveling" has been one of Sevendust's best received singles ever, and it's one that I keep hitting "repeat" on my CD player to enjoy more and more. It's a very catchy single, one that you can't help cranking up the volume for on your car stereo as soon as the pounding guitar and drums begin the song.
This album marked the return of original guitarist Clint Lowery to the band after a five year absence. All the band members were involved in the production of this album, and it was terrific to hear Clint's crunchy guitars and vocals (which are a bit darker and deeper than his previous efforts) in the mix.
The limited-edition of this CD also includes an interesting 50-minute long "making-of" the album mini-documentary. It's worth a view - I liked the fact that they focused on each member of the band as they recorded the album in a converted warehouse in Chicago, plus the fact that they continued their reputation as one of the hardest-working rock bands in the business by continuing to tour while in the middle of recording this record.
If you're a Sevendust fan, or just a fan of hard rock, I'd recommend picking this album up. It's a great group effort, and ranks up there with "Animosity" and "Hope and Sorrow" as one of Sevendust's best albums ever.
Recommended Tracks: "Splinter," "Forever," "Unraveling," "Last Breath," "Ride Insane" & "Strong Arm Broken."
The CD begins with the heavy track "Splinter." A great song full of layered guitar, some terrific lead vocals by Lajon Witherspoon, and the customary backup growls/vocals by drummer Morgan Rose. I soon had the chorus from the next track "Forever" stuck in my head - I think we've all known a "selfish condescending" person that we've wished would "go play God in someone else's life." The third track "Unraveling" has been one of Sevendust's best received singles ever, and it's one that I keep hitting "repeat" on my CD player to enjoy more and more. It's a very catchy single, one that you can't help cranking up the volume for on your car stereo as soon as the pounding guitar and drums begin the song.
This album marked the return of original guitarist Clint Lowery to the band after a five year absence. All the band members were involved in the production of this album, and it was terrific to hear Clint's crunchy guitars and vocals (which are a bit darker and deeper than his previous efforts) in the mix.
The limited-edition of this CD also includes an interesting 50-minute long "making-of" the album mini-documentary. It's worth a view - I liked the fact that they focused on each member of the band as they recorded the album in a converted warehouse in Chicago, plus the fact that they continued their reputation as one of the hardest-working rock bands in the business by continuing to tour while in the middle of recording this record.
If you're a Sevendust fan, or just a fan of hard rock, I'd recommend picking this album up. It's a great group effort, and ranks up there with "Animosity" and "Hope and Sorrow" as one of Sevendust's best albums ever.
Recommended Tracks: "Splinter," "Forever," "Unraveling," "Last Breath," "Ride Insane" & "Strong Arm Broken."
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Gone Too Soon
Earlier today, I attended a memorial service for a classmate of mine who lost a long, arduous battle with a brain tumor. I had first heard of my friend Duane's cancer last year, and the last time I saw him was at a well-attended benefit back in October. While we weren't close friends, I was glad to donate to such a worthy cause.
The memorial was very well-done, and I think hardly anyone wasn't choked up at one time or another during it. It also made me think of my old ad director JR and my uncles Jack and Ray, two other recent casualties to cancer. Cancer really is a nasty damn disease - it affects the lives of so many of us, and it doesn't discriminate by age, sex or race.
I think another classmate died in a farm accident in Wyoming or Montana several years back, so Duane was only the 2nd classmate who had passed away in our class of over 160. With our 20-year high school reunion coming up this summer, I know that plenty of us will be thinking of our lost classmate. I'm sure he'll be there with us in spirit, though, smiling down at us from heaven.
Duane was only 38 when he died, a few months older than me. Thinking about this fact over the weekend made me realize how precious life is, and how it can be taken away at any moment. 38's too young to die of a brain tumor in my opinion, but like I said before: cancer doesn't discriminate. Take some time to enjoy the company of your loved ones this Easter weekend - I know I will too. Until later, take care and be well!
The memorial was very well-done, and I think hardly anyone wasn't choked up at one time or another during it. It also made me think of my old ad director JR and my uncles Jack and Ray, two other recent casualties to cancer. Cancer really is a nasty damn disease - it affects the lives of so many of us, and it doesn't discriminate by age, sex or race.
I think another classmate died in a farm accident in Wyoming or Montana several years back, so Duane was only the 2nd classmate who had passed away in our class of over 160. With our 20-year high school reunion coming up this summer, I know that plenty of us will be thinking of our lost classmate. I'm sure he'll be there with us in spirit, though, smiling down at us from heaven.
Duane was only 38 when he died, a few months older than me. Thinking about this fact over the weekend made me realize how precious life is, and how it can be taken away at any moment. 38's too young to die of a brain tumor in my opinion, but like I said before: cancer doesn't discriminate. Take some time to enjoy the company of your loved ones this Easter weekend - I know I will too. Until later, take care and be well!
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Bucky's Favorite Cartoons
As I watched the 14th season premiere of South Park this week (I would've been surprised if they HADN'T spoofed Tiger Woods in that episode), I realized I've been watching animated cartoons for a long time. With that in mind, here's an alphabetical list of my all-time favorites:
Beavis and Butthead - this show was on MTV when I was in college. Although the drawing style seems kinda crude, the characters and their insults to each other stick in your head. I can still mimic Beavis and Butthead's voices! In my opinion, this is Mike Judge's best animated series.
Family Guy - it took me a while to warm up to this show, and their jokes are sometimes hit or miss, I still enjoy this show. Brian the dog and Stewie are perfect foils for each other, and I love the cut-away gags that are spoofs of science fiction or 80's shows. I have to admire them for coming back after being cancelled twice, too. (I also like the spinoff The Cleveland Show, but have never been a big American Dad fan.)
Futurama - a sometimes forgotten show from Simpsons creator Matt Groening. I love John DiMaggio's portrayal of Bender, the robot with an attitude. Glad to hear it's coming back.
Peanuts - I watched the specials all the time as a kid, and I think I even had some of the book club books that adapted these specials. I remember watching the one where Snoopy ran away from home on a Mother's Day evening, a day that I probably ruined for Mom by getting the stomach flu right before church!
Popeye - probably my favorite cartoon of all-time. I learned a lot about drawing from watching these cartoons. The color cartooons from the 1950's and 1960's were on the most when I was a kid, but seeing a black and white Popeye adventure from the 1930's would occasionally come on TV, which I thought was a rare treat. I used to draw all of the main characters as a kid, and I can still draw the spinach-eating sailor and some of the other characters from memory all these years later.
Rocky and Bullwinkle - this show was on all the time as a kid. I loved the serial stories that you could watch in the morning before school and again after you got home. I was kinda bummed out when I first learned that there is no actual town called Frostbite Falls in Minnesota, though! I also loved the Fractured Fairy Tales and the exploits of Sherman and Peabody and Dudley Do-Right.
The Simpsons - hard to believe this show's been on for over 20 years. While I like episodes from probably their first 10-15 years or so the best, the current episodes are still worth watching.
South Park - definitely my favorite cartoon as an adult. I love how they satirize current events and people, and often grossly exaggerate situations. Eric Cartman is the ultimate rotten kid. What other show would feature a talking piece of poo (Mr. Hankey) as a supporting character? I'd still like to see another episode that focuses on Timmy, though.
Underdog - another serial type cartoon that was on all the time as a kid. I think it was rare for Underdog not to say something that wasn't a rhyme. Loved hearing the late Don Adams (best known as Maxwell Smart in the sitcom Get Smart) as the scheming Tennessee Tuxedo during these shows too.
Beavis and Butthead - this show was on MTV when I was in college. Although the drawing style seems kinda crude, the characters and their insults to each other stick in your head. I can still mimic Beavis and Butthead's voices! In my opinion, this is Mike Judge's best animated series.
Family Guy - it took me a while to warm up to this show, and their jokes are sometimes hit or miss, I still enjoy this show. Brian the dog and Stewie are perfect foils for each other, and I love the cut-away gags that are spoofs of science fiction or 80's shows. I have to admire them for coming back after being cancelled twice, too. (I also like the spinoff The Cleveland Show, but have never been a big American Dad fan.)
Futurama - a sometimes forgotten show from Simpsons creator Matt Groening. I love John DiMaggio's portrayal of Bender, the robot with an attitude. Glad to hear it's coming back.
Peanuts - I watched the specials all the time as a kid, and I think I even had some of the book club books that adapted these specials. I remember watching the one where Snoopy ran away from home on a Mother's Day evening, a day that I probably ruined for Mom by getting the stomach flu right before church!
Popeye - probably my favorite cartoon of all-time. I learned a lot about drawing from watching these cartoons. The color cartooons from the 1950's and 1960's were on the most when I was a kid, but seeing a black and white Popeye adventure from the 1930's would occasionally come on TV, which I thought was a rare treat. I used to draw all of the main characters as a kid, and I can still draw the spinach-eating sailor and some of the other characters from memory all these years later.
Rocky and Bullwinkle - this show was on all the time as a kid. I loved the serial stories that you could watch in the morning before school and again after you got home. I was kinda bummed out when I first learned that there is no actual town called Frostbite Falls in Minnesota, though! I also loved the Fractured Fairy Tales and the exploits of Sherman and Peabody and Dudley Do-Right.
The Simpsons - hard to believe this show's been on for over 20 years. While I like episodes from probably their first 10-15 years or so the best, the current episodes are still worth watching.
South Park - definitely my favorite cartoon as an adult. I love how they satirize current events and people, and often grossly exaggerate situations. Eric Cartman is the ultimate rotten kid. What other show would feature a talking piece of poo (Mr. Hankey) as a supporting character? I'd still like to see another episode that focuses on Timmy, though.
Underdog - another serial type cartoon that was on all the time as a kid. I think it was rare for Underdog not to say something that wasn't a rhyme. Loved hearing the late Don Adams (best known as Maxwell Smart in the sitcom Get Smart) as the scheming Tennessee Tuxedo during these shows too.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
CD Review - Valleys of Neptune by Jimi Hendrix
Hi there,
Sorry it's taken me so long to post - sometimes this blog is like my Twitter account, in that I really take it for granted and forget that it's there.
I just picked up the new Hendrix album Valleys of Neptune, and I have to admit that I'm surprised there was still unreleased material in the Hendrix vault - I thought his family had already posthumously released all of his B-sides, rare tracks and other previously unavailable live recordings years ago.
Some of the songs are songs you've probably heard before, but these are new arrangements. I have enjoyed the fresh takes on classics like "Stone Free," "Hear My Train A Comin'" and a nice extended instrumental cut of Cream's classic "Sunshine of Your Love."
The title track is probably the best of the new songs on this album, and will probably stick in your head after a few listens. The version I bought at Target also has two great bonus instrumental songs "Slow Version" and "Trash Man" (plus if you buy this album and any other Hendrix album at Target this week, they give you a $5 gift card for your next purchase).
Sorry it's taken me so long to post - sometimes this blog is like my Twitter account, in that I really take it for granted and forget that it's there.
I just picked up the new Hendrix album Valleys of Neptune, and I have to admit that I'm surprised there was still unreleased material in the Hendrix vault - I thought his family had already posthumously released all of his B-sides, rare tracks and other previously unavailable live recordings years ago.
Some of the songs are songs you've probably heard before, but these are new arrangements. I have enjoyed the fresh takes on classics like "Stone Free," "Hear My Train A Comin'" and a nice extended instrumental cut of Cream's classic "Sunshine of Your Love."
The title track is probably the best of the new songs on this album, and will probably stick in your head after a few listens. The version I bought at Target also has two great bonus instrumental songs "Slow Version" and "Trash Man" (plus if you buy this album and any other Hendrix album at Target this week, they give you a $5 gift card for your next purchase).
Saturday, January 30, 2010
What the Favre???
Last Sunday night on one of the Cities' 5pm newscasts, there was an interview with the pastor of a church that temporarily changed their name from "All Saints" to "All Vikings" in honor of that day's NFC Championship game in New Orleans, that pitted our Vikings against the Saints. The reporter remarked at the end of the story that he didn't wear a purple vestment, because in the church, the color purple equaled suffering. Well, after last week's heart-breaking overtime loss, I think a lot of us diehard Viking fans are suffering plenty.
I don't normally expect us to have 5 turnovers in a game and still come out victorious, but we had plenty of chances to win. Now I hear that the NFL admitted that a penalty should've been called on a Sains player who laid a hit on Brett Favre in the 3rd quarter that would've given us the ball at the 19-yard line - so does that mean we get to replay the game now? (Wishful thinking, I know!)
After the Vikings 5th NFC Championship loss since 1978, I understand why some Vikings fans feel just like Chicago Cubs fans - we just can't seem to win the big game, no matter what personnel we have on the field. The last time I felt this disappointed by the Vikes was the '98 NFC Championship game agains the Falcons at the Metrodome - Denny Green never should've taken a knee as time ran out in regulation.
I probably won't watch the Pro Bowl this weekend (I think that having this exhibition game the week before the Super Bowl is a dumb idea), but at least there's always next year (which could be the year, I hope)!
I don't normally expect us to have 5 turnovers in a game and still come out victorious, but we had plenty of chances to win. Now I hear that the NFL admitted that a penalty should've been called on a Sains player who laid a hit on Brett Favre in the 3rd quarter that would've given us the ball at the 19-yard line - so does that mean we get to replay the game now? (Wishful thinking, I know!)
After the Vikings 5th NFC Championship loss since 1978, I understand why some Vikings fans feel just like Chicago Cubs fans - we just can't seem to win the big game, no matter what personnel we have on the field. The last time I felt this disappointed by the Vikes was the '98 NFC Championship game agains the Falcons at the Metrodome - Denny Green never should've taken a knee as time ran out in regulation.
I probably won't watch the Pro Bowl this weekend (I think that having this exhibition game the week before the Super Bowl is a dumb idea), but at least there's always next year (which could be the year, I hope)!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Christmas Memories
Wow - I can't believe Christmas is only 3 days ago. I'm not looking forward to the huge winter storm headed our way, but it sure will make it feel like Christmas. It seems like the holidays have really crept up on me this year. Now that the gifts are bought and wrapped, I can finally relax, and look back at some of my favorite Christmas memories:
- Christmas Eve with the grandparents was always fun. I remember one year where I received a musical toy that I think was called Major Music. It was a handheld toy that was shaped like a music conductor, and when you slid song cards into his belly, you could play different songs. I think my Grandpa Backes and my dad played with that toy Christmas Eve more than I did!
- I remember a few Christmas weekends spending time at my Aunt Katie's house in St. Paul. They were in the early 80's (I remember that because one of my gifts was a Rubik's Cube) and my great-uncle Matt was still around. I remember after a good dinner, Aunt Katie went into the kitchen to grab dessert. Thinking Katie was leaving to go somewhere, Uncle Matt cried "Goodbye, Katie," which got all of us at the table laughing.
- I remember another Christmas weekend at my Uncle Rudy's home (of all 10 of her kids, my Grandma Haider always said she prayed for Rudy the most), spending a couple of hours assembling a big G.I. Joe COBRA hydrofoil boat for my brother - I think I used to enjoy assembling those toys just as much as playing with them.
- Santa Claus: when I was about 7 or 8, we had the grandparents over for Christmas the year I learned who Santa Claus really was. We had an old writing desk sitting next to the living room wall. When it was time for "Santa" to come, my dad was sitting at the desk and reached around the other side of the wall to knock on it, signaling Santa's "arrival." Sure enough, I ran to the front door (since we didn't have a chimney) and there was a bright orange Fleet Farm bag full of gifts from "Santa!"
- Winter fun: some Christmases we had lots of snow - good for sledding down to the lake with family and friends. One year we had a large pile of snow plowed on the far end of the front yard, which I of course claimed as my Rebel snow fort, just like in The Empire Strikes Back.
These are just a few favorite memories of Christmases past - what are some of your favorite Christmas memories, past or present?
- Christmas Eve with the grandparents was always fun. I remember one year where I received a musical toy that I think was called Major Music. It was a handheld toy that was shaped like a music conductor, and when you slid song cards into his belly, you could play different songs. I think my Grandpa Backes and my dad played with that toy Christmas Eve more than I did!
- I remember a few Christmas weekends spending time at my Aunt Katie's house in St. Paul. They were in the early 80's (I remember that because one of my gifts was a Rubik's Cube) and my great-uncle Matt was still around. I remember after a good dinner, Aunt Katie went into the kitchen to grab dessert. Thinking Katie was leaving to go somewhere, Uncle Matt cried "Goodbye, Katie," which got all of us at the table laughing.
- I remember another Christmas weekend at my Uncle Rudy's home (of all 10 of her kids, my Grandma Haider always said she prayed for Rudy the most), spending a couple of hours assembling a big G.I. Joe COBRA hydrofoil boat for my brother - I think I used to enjoy assembling those toys just as much as playing with them.
- Santa Claus: when I was about 7 or 8, we had the grandparents over for Christmas the year I learned who Santa Claus really was. We had an old writing desk sitting next to the living room wall. When it was time for "Santa" to come, my dad was sitting at the desk and reached around the other side of the wall to knock on it, signaling Santa's "arrival." Sure enough, I ran to the front door (since we didn't have a chimney) and there was a bright orange Fleet Farm bag full of gifts from "Santa!"
- Winter fun: some Christmases we had lots of snow - good for sledding down to the lake with family and friends. One year we had a large pile of snow plowed on the far end of the front yard, which I of course claimed as my Rebel snow fort, just like in The Empire Strikes Back.
These are just a few favorite memories of Christmases past - what are some of your favorite Christmas memories, past or present?
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