I am a resident of Arizona, the state in which Jon Kyl is facing reelection to the senate this year. Just yesterday, I heard a political ad touting him as "being rated one of the 10 best senators in the country" by Time. to support my niece's school soccer team, I bought a subscription to Time a while back. I read the article this commercial refers to. The following is a part of the paragraph on Kyl that really steamed my carrot:
(I would have posted a link, but you need a Time subscription to access archives.)
When urgent legislation to respond to Hurricane Katrina bumped Kyl's long-sought goal of a vote on abolishing the estate tax last fall, Kyl quietly worked to get it back on the Senate agenda by recruiting Alabama Senator Jeff Sessions in an unsuccessful attempt to find victims of the disaster who would be paying the tax.
First of all, he didn't even have the balls to do the dirty work himself. Second, it's pretty well known that this disaster will costs billions of dollars to the US taxpayers. Using this crisis to try and push through a repeal of the estate tax is about as sleazy and disgusting as anything I've seen in politics recently. Why Time would include this anecdote in their article praising him makes no sense, but I'm glad they printed it. At a time when we're facing huge budget and trade deficits, a national debt approaching $9 trillion, 2 wars, and rebuilding one of our main port cities, no tax repeals should be on the table. To deceive to get a tax for the wealthiest %1 repealed, especially using a national disaster for doing so, should make him one of the 5 worst. By doing this he's shown his true colors, in that he only cares about his rich donors and will squeeze every nickle out of a poor man's pocket to reward them.
Friday, April 28, 2006
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
Music - Rave: Indie Tunes You Might've Missed
These are some songs from Indie bands that I've never heard on the radio, but I think deserve a listen. I don't listen to radio much anymore so they might get airplay now.
Death Cab for Cutie: The New Year - Blacking Out the Friction
I know this band is getting airplay for their new CD Plans and Ben Gibbard's other project, The Postal Service, had a big hit with Such Great Heights but they have a large back catalog worth a listen. These are 2 of my favorite songs from them. Their songs are intelligent, colorful, and can rock out when they choose to.
Interpol: NYC
Another indie band getting airplay with their new CD, but this song, more mellow than their current hits, is the first one I heard and led me to explore more of their stuff.
The Shins: So Says I
If you've seen Garden State, this is the band whose song can change your life. New Slang and Caring is Creepy, from their release Oh, Inverted World, were featured in this film, but their next release has many great songs on it. Vocals are reminiscient to Weezer, and the music touches on a lot of different styles. So Says I has a great video, featuring penguins going through a Stalin-like revolution.
Mando Diao: God Knows
Great band from Sweden. Has some punk elements, borrows from the Kinks, but is filled with great hooks and harmonies.
My Morning Jacket: One Big Holiday
If you like 70's jam bands such as the Outlaws, Skynard, and the Allman Brothers, you might like this one. Kind of excessive on the vocal reverb, but good overall musicianship.
Rilo Kiley: Portions for Foxes
An LA band fronted by former child actors Jenny Lewis (Troop Beverly Hills, The Wizard) and Blake Sennett (Salute Your Shorts, Boy Meets World). This band ranges from country to hard rock. Thoughtful lyrics, good melodies and hooks.
South: Colours in Waves
A big arena sound mixed with 90's grunge with a sweet sounding vocal over it all.
The Cloud Room: Hey Now Now
Catchy, upbeat song. Like an early 80's New Wave song but built around guitar instead of synth.
More to come...
Death Cab for Cutie: The New Year - Blacking Out the Friction
I know this band is getting airplay for their new CD Plans and Ben Gibbard's other project, The Postal Service, had a big hit with Such Great Heights but they have a large back catalog worth a listen. These are 2 of my favorite songs from them. Their songs are intelligent, colorful, and can rock out when they choose to.
Interpol: NYC
Another indie band getting airplay with their new CD, but this song, more mellow than their current hits, is the first one I heard and led me to explore more of their stuff.
The Shins: So Says I
If you've seen Garden State, this is the band whose song can change your life. New Slang and Caring is Creepy, from their release Oh, Inverted World, were featured in this film, but their next release has many great songs on it. Vocals are reminiscient to Weezer, and the music touches on a lot of different styles. So Says I has a great video, featuring penguins going through a Stalin-like revolution.
Mando Diao: God Knows
Great band from Sweden. Has some punk elements, borrows from the Kinks, but is filled with great hooks and harmonies.
My Morning Jacket: One Big Holiday
If you like 70's jam bands such as the Outlaws, Skynard, and the Allman Brothers, you might like this one. Kind of excessive on the vocal reverb, but good overall musicianship.
Rilo Kiley: Portions for Foxes
An LA band fronted by former child actors Jenny Lewis (Troop Beverly Hills, The Wizard) and Blake Sennett (Salute Your Shorts, Boy Meets World). This band ranges from country to hard rock. Thoughtful lyrics, good melodies and hooks.
South: Colours in Waves
A big arena sound mixed with 90's grunge with a sweet sounding vocal over it all.
The Cloud Room: Hey Now Now
Catchy, upbeat song. Like an early 80's New Wave song but built around guitar instead of synth.
More to come...
Friday, April 21, 2006
Politics - Analysis: October Surprise
A Fox Poll recently put GW Bush's approval rating at 33%. With oil hitting $75 a barrel and showing no sign of stopping it's climb, things are looking gloomy for the GOP this election cycle. We've already seen many of the GOP congress split with Bush on the Dubai Port deal, and many also part ways with him on illegal immigration. Regardless of this, the public's opinion of Bush and the GOP congress seem to be tied together for better or worse. With this in mind, there are people expecting an October Surprise. Some speculation on what this would be are:
1. capturing Osama bin Laden
2. another terror attack on US
3. military conflict with Iran
4. bird flu outbreak
All of these scenarios might give Bush (and GOP by proxy) a boost in an election by showing Bush "shine" in the one area that he still gets decent approval marks from the public for; terrorism and national security. God help us all if things are that out of hand!
1. capturing Osama bin Laden
2. another terror attack on US
3. military conflict with Iran
4. bird flu outbreak
All of these scenarios might give Bush (and GOP by proxy) a boost in an election by showing Bush "shine" in the one area that he still gets decent approval marks from the public for; terrorism and national security. God help us all if things are that out of hand!
Saturday, April 15, 2006
Politics/Government - Analysis: Orwell's "1984" Compared to Today's World
I found this post on Daily Kos a very interesting comparison between Orwell's "1984" distopia and the state of the world today. To some this may be a stretch, but even for those it may make for interesting reading.
Thursday, April 13, 2006
Music - Kudos: Dave Gilmour & the New Cars
Thank God for VH1 Classic. This is the closest thing we have to a comprehensive music video channel. The good thing about them is that they also let you know about new releases from older (classic) artists. Dave Gilmour just released a new album called On an Island. The first single, the title track, was premiered a few weeks ago. It's a nice sounding song, very reminiscent of earlier, more Dave-centric Floyd stuff. I've heard a few other tracks. They sound pretty good. Most have been mellower, but still borrows from earlier, Waters era Floyd.
The New Cars were formed by the guitarist and keyboardist from the original Cars, with Todd Rundgren on vocals, his fellow band-mate from Utopia on bass, and the drummer from the Tubes. When I heard the first single Not Tonight, I was amazed by how much they sounded like the original Cars. Granted, the bulk of the music is created by the original 2, but the amazing thing is how much Todd sounds like a mash-up of original singers Ric Ocasik and Ben Orr (God rest his soul). I do not know if this is by design or not, but if not for the "New" in front of their name and a reference to Blackberries, you might think it was an unreleased track from a Greatest Hits or Box Set.
Which brings me to my main point for this post. As most fans know, there was a big fight between Gilmour and Waters over Dave using the Pink Floyd name for what was obviously used to sell more records and tickets. I myself am guilty of seeing them perform @ Sullivan Stadium and they rocked. However, Waters has always been known as the brain behind Floyd's greatest work and the 2 studio albums release post-Waters were undeniably inferior to the great Floyd era. They rehashed much of the material from their golden era, but without the lyrical genius and originality Waters contributed. Kudos to Dave for releasing his new work under his own name and not Floyd. Maybe the Live8 concerts made them realize how petty this all was and making amends was a fine way to preserve a great legacy.
As far as the New Cars go, it's the same principle. Ric Ocasik is still alive and most likely would object to them using the original name (and rightly so). Just because they sound alike doesn't make the case for retaining the name, even if they have a legal right to. My guess is that this avoid the self-centered drama and lawsuits that Floyd suffered through. Maybe a Who paraphrase is in order: "Meet the New Cars, same as the old Cars".
Pete
The New Cars were formed by the guitarist and keyboardist from the original Cars, with Todd Rundgren on vocals, his fellow band-mate from Utopia on bass, and the drummer from the Tubes. When I heard the first single Not Tonight, I was amazed by how much they sounded like the original Cars. Granted, the bulk of the music is created by the original 2, but the amazing thing is how much Todd sounds like a mash-up of original singers Ric Ocasik and Ben Orr (God rest his soul). I do not know if this is by design or not, but if not for the "New" in front of their name and a reference to Blackberries, you might think it was an unreleased track from a Greatest Hits or Box Set.
Which brings me to my main point for this post. As most fans know, there was a big fight between Gilmour and Waters over Dave using the Pink Floyd name for what was obviously used to sell more records and tickets. I myself am guilty of seeing them perform @ Sullivan Stadium and they rocked. However, Waters has always been known as the brain behind Floyd's greatest work and the 2 studio albums release post-Waters were undeniably inferior to the great Floyd era. They rehashed much of the material from their golden era, but without the lyrical genius and originality Waters contributed. Kudos to Dave for releasing his new work under his own name and not Floyd. Maybe the Live8 concerts made them realize how petty this all was and making amends was a fine way to preserve a great legacy.
As far as the New Cars go, it's the same principle. Ric Ocasik is still alive and most likely would object to them using the original name (and rightly so). Just because they sound alike doesn't make the case for retaining the name, even if they have a legal right to. My guess is that this avoid the self-centered drama and lawsuits that Floyd suffered through. Maybe a Who paraphrase is in order: "Meet the New Cars, same as the old Cars".
Pete
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
Guidelines for Posters
I'm posting this so others who want to post here will understand Exploding Head's format. Due to limitations to Blogger's free service it is necessary to make the title descriptive of the type of post. These are the types I've created so far:
1.) Rant - A critique related to the Topic.
2.) Rave - A positive review or enthusiastic response to Topic.
3.) Kudos - Kind of like a rave, but more subdued. More like a pat on the back.
4.) Idea(s) - Posts for original ideas and/or solutions.
5.) Analysis - Can be both positive and negative, but should be objective.
Title Format - This should be set up as follows - Macro Subject - Post Type: Topic
Macro Subjects right now include:
Music
Politics/Govt
Consumers
Corporate
Mass Media
Sports
Culture.
More will be added as necessary.
You can use multiple subjects for intersecting Subjects. Just separate them with a forward slash (/)
Post Type are the 5 listed above.
Topic is the specific issue, person, group, company, idea, etc., your post is about.
Examples:
Music - Rave: Morningwood
Mass Media - Rant: Wolf Blitzer
Politics - Analysis: Free Trade Agreements
Govt/Music - Idea: File Sharing Solution
Other guidelines:
1.) Disagreeing is ok, even encouraged. However, be prepared to back up your posts or comments with facts and sources.
2.) Hostility toward other posters is not allowed. This means basically no name calling, slander, or excessive abusive language.
3.) No Trolling. For those who don't know what trolling is, it is when people post merely to undermine the purpose of a blog.
Members will be given fair warning if they violate these rules, but flagrant violators will have their accounts and posts deleted.
That's all I can think of for now. I'll be sure to update this if needed and repost it.
Pete
1.) Rant - A critique related to the Topic.
2.) Rave - A positive review or enthusiastic response to Topic.
3.) Kudos - Kind of like a rave, but more subdued. More like a pat on the back.
4.) Idea(s) - Posts for original ideas and/or solutions.
5.) Analysis - Can be both positive and negative, but should be objective.
Title Format - This should be set up as follows - Macro Subject - Post Type: Topic
Macro Subjects right now include:
Music
Politics/Govt
Consumers
Corporate
Mass Media
Sports
Culture.
More will be added as necessary.
You can use multiple subjects for intersecting Subjects. Just separate them with a forward slash (/)
Post Type are the 5 listed above.
Topic is the specific issue, person, group, company, idea, etc., your post is about.
Examples:
Music - Rave: Morningwood
Mass Media - Rant: Wolf Blitzer
Politics - Analysis: Free Trade Agreements
Govt/Music - Idea: File Sharing Solution
Other guidelines:
1.) Disagreeing is ok, even encouraged. However, be prepared to back up your posts or comments with facts and sources.
2.) Hostility toward other posters is not allowed. This means basically no name calling, slander, or excessive abusive language.
3.) No Trolling. For those who don't know what trolling is, it is when people post merely to undermine the purpose of a blog.
Members will be given fair warning if they violate these rules, but flagrant violators will have their accounts and posts deleted.
That's all I can think of for now. I'll be sure to update this if needed and repost it.
Pete
Media/Music - Rant: MTV2
I was 10 years old when MTV first came out. My love for music kept me glued to the TV for the next 4 years. Their was so much new music even though some of it was weak and/or weird. I began to sour on them when they started to fill time in with game shows, the Real World, and other programming that stole time from what I thought was their purpose; to play videos like a radio station plays songs. I know there were many who thought like me. Then I heard the hype for M2 (later MTV2) that was supposed to be what we lost with MTV. Eventually they became so similar that I have to hit "Info" on my remote to remember which was on. MTV2's redeeming factor for me was "Subterranean ", an hour dedicated to playing the latest and best indie music videos. Given the poor state of FM radio and the fact that I don't want another bill to pay (satellite radio), SubT was the place where I was finding 90% of all of the new music I liked. My wife and I don't agree on a lot of TV programming, but this is one we watched together every Sunday night. Living in Phoenix, our TV schedules get shifted twice a year due to Daylight Savings time. This moved the show from 9pm to 10pm. Fine. We normally watched the 10pm news on channel 12, but watched Fox 10 @ 9 so we wouldn't miss SubT. When the clocks changed, I was looking forward to having it back on @ 9. So what does MTV2 do? Move SubT to midnight and put WonderShowzen (Muppets on Crack) on @ 9. The first thing I tried was going to MTV2's website to send a email complaint, only to find that they have no way available on their website to email them. This really sucks because now if I want to watch SubT I either have to wait until midnight and live on 5 hours sleep, buy a TiVo for one show, or buy a VCR to replace the broken one I haven't needed or missed for 3 years. I'd rather spend the extra $$$ on XM or Sirious, but most likely won't. Luckily, I can always fall back on my favorite classic bands until I find a new program to replace SubT. And MTV/M2 continue it's sad slide from music pioneer to another low-brow whoopie cushion channel.
**Update** (4/23/06) Subterranean is back on @ 10pm. I guess this blogging stuff really makes a difference, eh? We'll see if it sticks. I was minutes away from pulling my VCR out of the hall closet.
**Update** (4/23/06) Subterranean is back on @ 10pm. I guess this blogging stuff really makes a difference, eh? We'll see if it sticks. I was minutes away from pulling my VCR out of the hall closet.
Monday, April 10, 2006
Political - Rant: Protesting in Wrong Country
I am witnessing 125k people protesting in my hometown of Phoenix. While I sympathize with anyones right to make a living, why are they not holding protests in Mexico? From what I've heard many only come here because their own country doesn't offer ample opportunity. The US signed NAFTA with the intent of creating opportunity there, bailed their currency out, and even witnessed Perot's "giant sucking sound" of companies moving there. The only thing I've heard from Pres Vicente Fox is that his people are coming here to do work "that even blacks won't do". Not only is this racist, it is a bad analogy. Blacks were brought here against their will as slaves while illegal aliens break the law to come here to work under the table. Does Fox even care that his own people are dying in the desert because his corrupt government can't afford them opportunity, despite the wealth of oil, tourism and fishing resources? The US after 9/11 realized it's need to know who is coming in and out of the country. This is an unfortunate situation and will take some real hard choices to resolve. These people are not getting their wages taxed, are depressing legitimate wages, filling our emergency rooms because of not having health insurance, and the only Americans who benefit are the greedy people hiring them for cheap, off-the books labor. If we need their workforce so badly, I would greatly support increasing the legal quota from Mexico as long as more pressure is put on the Mexican government to shape up and a steep increase in fines for the crooks hiring illegals off the books.
Pete
Pete
Music - Rave: Porcupine Tree
Rave: Porcupine Tree
I've stumbled upon this band listening to XM music Lab on DirecTV. They're a hard rock band in the tradition of Floyd, Rush, Yes, but with a modern spin on it. Great melodies, harmonies, lyrics, and musicianship. I've heard mostly songs from their last 2 albums, Deadwing and In Absentia, but it's very dynamic and creative. Some songs are made for radio type, others are more of extended head trips. Some songs I would recommend of theirs would be
Blackest Eyes (In Absentia)
Sound of Muzak (In Absentia)
Trains (In Absentia)
Lazarus (Deadwing)
Shallow (Deadwing)
Arriving Somewhere but not Here (Deadwing)
Piano Lessons (Stupid Dream)
check them out here
If you like them please support them. I'm not telling anyone how to get their music, but if you get it free, at least buy a T-Shirt. BTW, I, being from Phoenix, don't know them personally or have been lucky enough to see a show. Maybe if a buzz can be generated, they'll come back stateside.
Pete
I've stumbled upon this band listening to XM music Lab on DirecTV. They're a hard rock band in the tradition of Floyd, Rush, Yes, but with a modern spin on it. Great melodies, harmonies, lyrics, and musicianship. I've heard mostly songs from their last 2 albums, Deadwing and In Absentia, but it's very dynamic and creative. Some songs are made for radio type, others are more of extended head trips. Some songs I would recommend of theirs would be
Blackest Eyes (In Absentia)
Sound of Muzak (In Absentia)
Trains (In Absentia)
Lazarus (Deadwing)
Shallow (Deadwing)
Arriving Somewhere but not Here (Deadwing)
Piano Lessons (Stupid Dream)
check them out here
If you like them please support them. I'm not telling anyone how to get their music, but if you get it free, at least buy a T-Shirt. BTW, I, being from Phoenix, don't know them personally or have been lucky enough to see a show. Maybe if a buzz can be generated, they'll come back stateside.
Pete
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