Monday, October 30, 2017
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
Thursday, May 25, 2017
Friday, May 5, 2017
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Saturday, April 22, 2017
Earth Day
Abstract from The Sacred Balance, by David Suzuki
Humans gather together and learn the meaning of the universe, our cosmology. Now, we gather together and watch TV ads. Every ad is a cosmological sermon– the universe is a collection of objects to be fashioned into items for our consumption, and the role of humans is to work and buy objects.
Having more and newer things each year has become not just something we want but something we need. The idea of more, of ever increasing wealth, has become the center of our identity and our security, and we are caught up by it as the addict by his drugs.
–Paul Wachtel
Just a few generations ago, it was the norm for children to head out to play in the morning or after school, coming home only when hungry or hurt.
Increasing urbanization has diverted streams into culverts, paved over swamps and plunked housing developments where forests once grew. Increasingly, nature is imagined to be "out there," perhaps in parks and usually entails getting into a car to get there. The current generation of children are some of the most disconnected from nature ever in our history. They know how to use a computer mouse but might never have seen a wild one.
As we distance ourselves further from the natural world, we are increasingly surrounded by and dependent on our inventions. We become enslaved by the constant demands of technology created to serve us. Consider our response to the insistence of a ringing telephone or our behavioral conformity to the commands of computers.
A human being is part of the whole, called by us the universe. A part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings, as something separate from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. The delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desire and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures.
–Albert Einstein
Saturday, June 18, 2016
Monday, February 22, 2016
The Armed - Paradise Day
Punk Rock/ Hardcore from Detroit, MI. The band has made all their music free to download, i.e. very punk rock ->
Thursday, February 18, 2016
Holy Fever - Find Your Fame
Punk Rock from Los Angeles, CA. Featuring members of The Hope Conspiracy/ The Suicide File, American Nightmare and The Explosion. ->
Monday, January 11, 2016
Worst Coast
After completing a cross country road trip from Los Angeles, CA to Charlotte, NC, it has come to my attention that drivers from California are in fact the worst drivers on the road.
Once behind the wheel, west coast drivers seem to lose all focus and become an infantile, road raging shell of their former self.
The failure to observe the left lane rule is perhaps the most clear cut example of the short comings of California drivers. In California, the law states "It is the duty of slower traffic to keep right." In other words, if that's you in the rust colored 1988 Toyota TownAce minivan... keep right. Keep right off the highway.
However, California motorists will consistently make their way to the left lane, driving well beneath the posted speed limit, browsing Facebook on their cellphone, paying no mind to the road, or the line of cars they're holding up.
In almost every other State in a straight line between California and North Carolina, drivers rarely ever remain in the left lane, using it only for passing. And if you do happen to come up behind a vehicle traveling in the left lane, it's normally not more than a few seconds before they gladly change lanes to the right to let you pass.
There also seems to be a sense of entitlement driving every California driver. When it comes to "Stop" signs or "Yield" signs, it almost seems like a race to see who can roll through them the quickest without making eye contact or even looking to see if there is through traffic.
Outside the Golden State, drivers seem to follow the right of way. And no one seems to be in such a frantic hurry that mowing down a few pedestrians along the way seems like an acceptable loss to make it to the Starbucks drive-through a few moments quicker.
The severe drought in California has only worsened the extreme and exaggerated response drivers have to any less than ideal weather. Even if it's just a light drizzle, motorists drive as if it's the end times. Cars are either recklessly whizzing by you, veering from lane to lane or crawling in all lanes.
The reaction to harsh weather in all other States is considerably more mild. Most motorists keep to the posted speed limits, give an ample amount of room between cars and try to avoid needlessly changing lanes. With the exception of ice and snow or a severe storm, there isn't a need to change much while driving. Keep alert and focused with any and all distractions, such as cell phones, put away (which is the way it should be at all times).
Final note- if Trump introduces a policy where drivers are met with an electric shock and their phone's memory is permanently deleted upon touching it while behind the wheel, I'll vote for him.
Once behind the wheel, west coast drivers seem to lose all focus and become an infantile, road raging shell of their former self.
The failure to observe the left lane rule is perhaps the most clear cut example of the short comings of California drivers. In California, the law states "It is the duty of slower traffic to keep right." In other words, if that's you in the rust colored 1988 Toyota TownAce minivan... keep right. Keep right off the highway.
However, California motorists will consistently make their way to the left lane, driving well beneath the posted speed limit, browsing Facebook on their cellphone, paying no mind to the road, or the line of cars they're holding up.
In almost every other State in a straight line between California and North Carolina, drivers rarely ever remain in the left lane, using it only for passing. And if you do happen to come up behind a vehicle traveling in the left lane, it's normally not more than a few seconds before they gladly change lanes to the right to let you pass.
There also seems to be a sense of entitlement driving every California driver. When it comes to "Stop" signs or "Yield" signs, it almost seems like a race to see who can roll through them the quickest without making eye contact or even looking to see if there is through traffic.
Outside the Golden State, drivers seem to follow the right of way. And no one seems to be in such a frantic hurry that mowing down a few pedestrians along the way seems like an acceptable loss to make it to the Starbucks drive-through a few moments quicker.
The severe drought in California has only worsened the extreme and exaggerated response drivers have to any less than ideal weather. Even if it's just a light drizzle, motorists drive as if it's the end times. Cars are either recklessly whizzing by you, veering from lane to lane or crawling in all lanes.
The reaction to harsh weather in all other States is considerably more mild. Most motorists keep to the posted speed limits, give an ample amount of room between cars and try to avoid needlessly changing lanes. With the exception of ice and snow or a severe storm, there isn't a need to change much while driving. Keep alert and focused with any and all distractions, such as cell phones, put away (which is the way it should be at all times).
Final note- if Trump introduces a policy where drivers are met with an electric shock and their phone's memory is permanently deleted upon touching it while behind the wheel, I'll vote for him.
Saturday, October 24, 2015
Bleached - Next Stop
Punk Rock/ Pop from Los Angeles, CA. Jennifer and Jessica Clavin, the sister duo of Mika Miko, formed the band in 2011. They have released one LP and three 7" records. ->
Trumped
One of the greatest ironies surrounding Donald Trump is that he seems to have gained most of his political momentum from his thoughts on immigration. The irony stems from the fact that immigration seems to strike up a great deal of racial controversy. However, race plays no part in the actual debate over immigration. The problem of immigration comes down to law- if someone enters the United States illegally, the law should be enforced. If the law is not going to be enforced, it shouldn't exist. But until the law is changed or eliminated, it should be enforced. Donald Trump might be a racist...
"When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists." Donald Trump ->
"I have a great relationship with the blacks. I've always had a great relationship with the blacks." Donald Trump ->
...but he's not wrong for wanting to enforce the law.
Further irony regarding Donald Trump is his infatuation with his intellect. Trump seems to brag about his intelligence sort of like the pseudo tough-guy in grade school who is always quick to threaten a beating, simply to mask his own insecurities. And he's not shy to point to his wealth as the centerpiece of evidence demonstrating his intelligence. As it's well known that Justin Bieber is a well respected genius and both Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla were millionaires.
"Let me tell you, I'm a really smart guy." Donald Trump ->
"The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive." Donald Trump ->
"I'll tell you, it's Big Business. If there is one word to describe Atlantic City, it's Big Business. Or two words – Big Business." –Donald Trump ->
"Part of the beauty of me is that I'm very rich." Donald Trump ->
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." Isaac Asimov ->
Ultimately, Donald Trump is not much better or worse than any candidate currently in the running. The only reason he is receiving any attention at all is because he's the class clown of the bunch. He's also making something of a joke out of the election, and for that I applaud him. Because, the problem isn't choosing between the lesser of two evils. The problem is being forced to make a choice that isn't your own. The problem is believing you possess the freedom of choice, and believing you possess any freedom at all.
“A managed democracy is a wonderful thing... for the managers... and its greatest strength is a 'free press' when 'free' is defined as 'responsible' and the managers define what is 'irresponsible'." Robert A. Heinlein ->
"When Mexico sends its people, they’re not sending their best. They’re bringing drugs. They’re bringing crime. They’re rapists." Donald Trump ->
"I have a great relationship with the blacks. I've always had a great relationship with the blacks." Donald Trump ->
...but he's not wrong for wanting to enforce the law.
Further irony regarding Donald Trump is his infatuation with his intellect. Trump seems to brag about his intelligence sort of like the pseudo tough-guy in grade school who is always quick to threaten a beating, simply to mask his own insecurities. And he's not shy to point to his wealth as the centerpiece of evidence demonstrating his intelligence. As it's well known that Justin Bieber is a well respected genius and both Albert Einstein and Nikola Tesla were millionaires.
"Let me tell you, I'm a really smart guy." Donald Trump ->
"The concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese in order to make U.S. manufacturing non-competitive." Donald Trump ->
"I'll tell you, it's Big Business. If there is one word to describe Atlantic City, it's Big Business. Or two words – Big Business." –Donald Trump ->
"Part of the beauty of me is that I'm very rich." Donald Trump ->
“There is a cult of ignorance in the United States, and there has always been. The strain of anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge." Isaac Asimov ->
Ultimately, Donald Trump is not much better or worse than any candidate currently in the running. The only reason he is receiving any attention at all is because he's the class clown of the bunch. He's also making something of a joke out of the election, and for that I applaud him. Because, the problem isn't choosing between the lesser of two evils. The problem is being forced to make a choice that isn't your own. The problem is believing you possess the freedom of choice, and believing you possess any freedom at all.
“A managed democracy is a wonderful thing... for the managers... and its greatest strength is a 'free press' when 'free' is defined as 'responsible' and the managers define what is 'irresponsible'." Robert A. Heinlein ->
Friday, October 23, 2015
Bass Drum of Death - Get Found
Garage punk from Oxford, MS. Often compared to Fidlar, but since they suck now, give this band a listen. Their new record "Rip This" is actually quite good. ->
TV Freaks - Rewind
Punk rock from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. This song is from the album titled "Two." The band just put out a new record called "Bad Luck Charms." Check it out ->
Tuesday, July 21, 2015
195dB Human Eardrums Rupture
Have you ever noticed a connection between exceptionally stupid music, i.e. Lil Wayne, Drake, Nicki Minaj, Lil Boosie, Tyga, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye West, ASAP Rocky, Schoolboy Q, Wiz Khalifa, and excessively loud audio systems in cars? Most of the aforementioned "artists" seem to have a loose understanding of the English language and can barely form coherent lyrics.
Lil Boosie - Daddy Luv U
Now, this first verse, for Ivyanna
The only seed I actually watched come outta momma
And she so smart, and she so cute I think she gifted man
She gimme sweet eyes say she love me just to lift the pain
But she don't know about her sister and her baby brother
They need to talk, but they can't talk cuz they crazy mothers
I feed her, clothe her, take her places all across the nation
She know I rap and know her daddy be on tv stations
She see my magnum, and she run up, hollin daddy daddy
So on that strength, when I'm n beef, I'll let you niggas have it
And she aint even 4 though
But she be laughin at her daddy when he hit dat do do
Kendrick Lamar - Wesley's Theory
When I get signed, homie I'mma act a fool
Hit the dance floor, strobe lights in the room
Snatch your little secretary bitch for the homies
Blue eyed devil with a fat ass monkey
I'mma buy a brand new Caddy on fours
Trunk the hood up, two times, deuce four
Schoolboy Q - Collard Greens
Smoke this, drink this, straight to my liver
Watch this, no tick, yeah, I'm the nigga
Gang rap, X-mas, smoke, shots out the liver
Faded, Vegas, might sponsor the killer, shit
Shake it, break it, hot-hot for the winter
Drop it, cop it, eyes locked on your inner object
Rock it, blast-blast, new beginnings
Lovely, pinky how not I remember
Fiendin'; gimme, gimme, gimme some
Freak the freckles off your face, frenchy, freaking, swapping tongue
Click my link and spread your buns, lose your denim, make it numb
Blow it baby, no Saddam (icky, icky, icky)
Fucking in the car service, thank me for the car pool
Chromosome, part full, prolly off a Norco
And gas, not the Arco, poppin' since the intro
You shoppin' from the window, play my favorite tempo
Lil Boosie - Daddy Luv U
Now, this first verse, for Ivyanna
The only seed I actually watched come outta momma
And she so smart, and she so cute I think she gifted man
She gimme sweet eyes say she love me just to lift the pain
But she don't know about her sister and her baby brother
They need to talk, but they can't talk cuz they crazy mothers
I feed her, clothe her, take her places all across the nation
She know I rap and know her daddy be on tv stations
She see my magnum, and she run up, hollin daddy daddy
So on that strength, when I'm n beef, I'll let you niggas have it
And she aint even 4 though
But she be laughin at her daddy when he hit dat do do
Kendrick Lamar - Wesley's Theory
When I get signed, homie I'mma act a fool
Hit the dance floor, strobe lights in the room
Snatch your little secretary bitch for the homies
Blue eyed devil with a fat ass monkey
I'mma buy a brand new Caddy on fours
Trunk the hood up, two times, deuce four
Schoolboy Q - Collard Greens
Smoke this, drink this, straight to my liver
Watch this, no tick, yeah, I'm the nigga
Gang rap, X-mas, smoke, shots out the liver
Faded, Vegas, might sponsor the killer, shit
Shake it, break it, hot-hot for the winter
Drop it, cop it, eyes locked on your inner object
Rock it, blast-blast, new beginnings
Lovely, pinky how not I remember
Fiendin'; gimme, gimme, gimme some
Freak the freckles off your face, frenchy, freaking, swapping tongue
Click my link and spread your buns, lose your denim, make it numb
Blow it baby, no Saddam (icky, icky, icky)
Fucking in the car service, thank me for the car pool
Chromosome, part full, prolly off a Norco
And gas, not the Arco, poppin' since the intro
You shoppin' from the window, play my favorite tempo
Most aftermarket car stereo systems range between 110dB and 135dB (decibels). To put this in perspective, the loudest decibel an average factory installed car stereo can achieve is 100dB. And 85dB is the level at which hearing damage begins to occur. Some car sound systems have been recorded breaking glass, or even the windshield. The decibel required to shatter glass is 163dB. The decibel capable of causing nausea and definite long term hearing damage is 141dB.
It's comforting, in a Darwinist sort of way, to know that those with a loathsome taste in music are driving around destroying their ability to hear it.
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