My wife was talking to her mother last night and she is coming to stay with us next week and for the record I have great in-laws and love them very much. While they were talking my wife explained that I was going to see Marilyn Manson that weekend and started taking jabs at me because I was going to the show.
I'm 36 years old and going to a show like this is not an irregular occurrence for me. About once a quarter I go to a metal show and I LOVE it. Its usually at a smaller venue and I am prone to get into the pit as well so this is actually a little more tame than usual for me since its at an outdoor venue. I think the deal here is that its Manson (Slayer is actually the headliner BTW) which proves to me the other thing she was talking about. Manson is a rock star.
While I was traveling I picked up Spin magazine and on the cover was Manson with the caption "The last rock star" which my wife and I also got into a discussion about. The point of the article was that there are very few rock stars the likes that we saw in the 80's like Tommy Lee, Axl Rose, Diamond Dave and so on with their legendary stories of debauchery. He is a polarizing figure whether you like his music or not. He is a rock star and great at self promotion and if you are an adult you see this guy is not taking himself to serious and is very much a show unto himself. I have a 4 year old and I don't know how I would handle it if she told me she was going to see Manson but that's another post for another day.
Anyway, the wife was going on about the kids making fun of me for being the old guy at the show. I don't care. I'm not some fat wrinkly biker looking dude with a beard trying to be cool. I have very few things I'm passionate about but metal is one of them so I am there for the music and the spectacle. It is one of those things that moves my soul and I guess it always will no matter how old I get. So I wonder for the other 30 somethings (or older) do they still have those guilty pleasures they had when they were younger and will they ever go away and do you care.
Peace.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Rabid Wolverine
Ok time for me to come clean. I have been watching wrestling since I was about 8 years old. My best friend growing up got me into it and I always thought it was a little hokey but its like a trainwreck that you have to watch sometimes.
I haven't watched regularly in several years but living in Atlanta you couldn't get away from Ted Turners WCW and its battle against the WWF back in the day. That is when I actually became a fan of Chris Benoit more than 20 years ago.
I don't know if I just try to think people are inherently good or if I'm just stupid, but part of the reason I was attracted to the sport was because of the athleticism of the guys involved and the "hard work" they had to give in order to stay in that kind of shape. I never really considered the fact that most of these guys are on juice.
Benoit was always ripped and was actually a great technical wrestler but the more facts that come out in this brutal murder/suicide the more you have to wonder if the government should pay Mr. McMahon a visit and ask him who is conducting his drug tests.
I'm not taking any responsibility away from Benoit. He is a scumbag who deserves to burn in hell for what he did, but I also wonder what level of brain damage will come out of the toxicology report due to the drug abuse.
How many wrestlers have died of heart attacks by the age of 40? Do a Google on this and you will be surprised.
I have heard horrible reports of life in this sport and it reminds me of the old time circus freaks and McMahon with his whip in hand. Granted these guys are making money (not sure how much at this point) but there is no real consideration for the well being of the athletes and no insurance in place to help them with injuries or life after their career is over.
I feel bad for everyone involved in this tragedy and I hope this provokes some sweeping changes in the WWE. I will no longer watch this sport. It is still the highest rated show on cable so I will probably not make much difference but I would urge others to do the same.
I haven't watched regularly in several years but living in Atlanta you couldn't get away from Ted Turners WCW and its battle against the WWF back in the day. That is when I actually became a fan of Chris Benoit more than 20 years ago.
I don't know if I just try to think people are inherently good or if I'm just stupid, but part of the reason I was attracted to the sport was because of the athleticism of the guys involved and the "hard work" they had to give in order to stay in that kind of shape. I never really considered the fact that most of these guys are on juice.
Benoit was always ripped and was actually a great technical wrestler but the more facts that come out in this brutal murder/suicide the more you have to wonder if the government should pay Mr. McMahon a visit and ask him who is conducting his drug tests.
I'm not taking any responsibility away from Benoit. He is a scumbag who deserves to burn in hell for what he did, but I also wonder what level of brain damage will come out of the toxicology report due to the drug abuse.
How many wrestlers have died of heart attacks by the age of 40? Do a Google on this and you will be surprised.
I have heard horrible reports of life in this sport and it reminds me of the old time circus freaks and McMahon with his whip in hand. Granted these guys are making money (not sure how much at this point) but there is no real consideration for the well being of the athletes and no insurance in place to help them with injuries or life after their career is over.
I feel bad for everyone involved in this tragedy and I hope this provokes some sweeping changes in the WWE. I will no longer watch this sport. It is still the highest rated show on cable so I will probably not make much difference but I would urge others to do the same.
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Super Bowl Memories with your 4 year old
This evening was interesting. I was sitting at the dinner table with my daughter today and my mother had given me a poster with all the Super Bowl tickets on it. She picked it up and the questions flowed. "Daddy did you and mommy watch this one?" I answered and then she went down the list and wanted details on each game. Of course some of these I had no memories of some of these Im just 36. Some however I had totally forgotten about. The game for me as well as millions of others is an "event" and the memories go beyond the game.
As a kid the first one that sticks out is XV when I saw the Raiders at there finest and Jim Plunkett killed Jaworskis eagles (I still cant stand that guy on ESPN).
My Mom and Dad had gotton divorced soon before SB XXV and I was single as well so we watched it at her apartment just the 2 of us and ate shrimp cocktail and just chilled.
The first bowl I can remember watching with my wife was SP XXX when Neil O'Donnell threw 2 pics to Larry Brown and got him a fat contract with the Raiders after the Cowboys won the game.
Of course, being from Atlanta nothing tops the insanity of the Falcons going to the bowl in '99.
I had never lived anywhere else until '98 when I moved to Dallas Texas.
That year the Falcons beat the Vikings who were the heavy favorite in the NFC championship. I was on the phone with my cousin in the ATL when Anderson kicked the game winning field goal.
Then Eugene Robinson (The NFL man of the year that year) decides he needs a hooker that week and gets busted for solicitation. The Falcons got killed of course in a very boring bowl.
The worst one ever was the one I thought would be the best one ever. I was in Vegas for the AFC/NFC championship weekend in 2002. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
The Raiders were playing the Pats in the AFC game.
This was the infamous "tuck rule" game in a blinding snow storm in New England. I was watching the game at the Mandalay Bay on a screen about as big as the first floor of my house. The Raiders lost on a questionable call and I thought I was going to be physically sick. This was the beginning of the Tom Brady era as the Pats went on to win the Bowl over the Rams.
I hope those of you who love the game as much as me will go back through your mental roll-a-dex and relive some of your favorite Super Bowl memories.
-Peace-
As a kid the first one that sticks out is XV when I saw the Raiders at there finest and Jim Plunkett killed Jaworskis eagles (I still cant stand that guy on ESPN).
My Mom and Dad had gotton divorced soon before SB XXV and I was single as well so we watched it at her apartment just the 2 of us and ate shrimp cocktail and just chilled.
The first bowl I can remember watching with my wife was SP XXX when Neil O'Donnell threw 2 pics to Larry Brown and got him a fat contract with the Raiders after the Cowboys won the game.
Of course, being from Atlanta nothing tops the insanity of the Falcons going to the bowl in '99.
I had never lived anywhere else until '98 when I moved to Dallas Texas.
That year the Falcons beat the Vikings who were the heavy favorite in the NFC championship. I was on the phone with my cousin in the ATL when Anderson kicked the game winning field goal.
Then Eugene Robinson (The NFL man of the year that year) decides he needs a hooker that week and gets busted for solicitation. The Falcons got killed of course in a very boring bowl.
The worst one ever was the one I thought would be the best one ever. I was in Vegas for the AFC/NFC championship weekend in 2002. I thought I had died and gone to heaven.
The Raiders were playing the Pats in the AFC game.
This was the infamous "tuck rule" game in a blinding snow storm in New England. I was watching the game at the Mandalay Bay on a screen about as big as the first floor of my house. The Raiders lost on a questionable call and I thought I was going to be physically sick. This was the beginning of the Tom Brady era as the Pats went on to win the Bowl over the Rams.
I hope those of you who love the game as much as me will go back through your mental roll-a-dex and relive some of your favorite Super Bowl memories.
-Peace-
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Worst to first
I am a HUGE NFL fan! I have watched a lot of the draft this weekend and I am also a Raider fan. I just heard that Randy Moss was traded to the New England Patriots for a 4th round draft pick. So Moss, who in my opinion is still a great player but he has a MAJOR attitude problem. He was great in Minnesota and I was excited when he joined the silver and black but he has done nothing but bitch and moan since going to oakland. Granted the Raiders have been horrible since he has been there but get over it dude, youre getting millions to play a game. Now he gets to go to the Pats and will probably get a ring in the process since Tom Brady is the best quartback of this generation and all he does is win. Its not fair, I hate my job right now, but if I bitch and moan about it the only thing it will get me is my wife telling me to cheer up if I'm lucky. I love sports but I hate the guys that dont have the stones to earn the millions they are being paid. I think the Pats have a great organization and if Randy shows up there and starts complaining he will not be there very long which speaks volumes for the state of the Raider franchise as well.
-Peace-
-Peace-
Friday, April 27, 2007
How far do you push your kids?
Friday was a dad daughter day, thankfully I work for a family friendly group of folks.
I was team leader of 5-4 year olds and we did things like sack races, bean bag toss, balloon pop etc.
My girl was in my group and she totally bailed on the sack race. She made it down on side but got tangled up and declared it too hard to carry on.
I must confess to the dismay of most that love me that I am an avid Howard Stern listener. Since Thursday was "take your kids to work day" it came up on the show that Howards producers kid (bahbah-booey) was on the fence about playing football and the producer asked outloud where do you draw the line of making them see through a commitment vs. letting them say "its too hard" and letting them quit. This wasnt a question to Howard directly but to the staff and any caller who cared to comment.
My kid is also playing Soccer this year and I am a rookie coach as a result. She has showed good effort and seems to enjoy playing and I love coaching. I dont have to worry about this issue for a couple more years but I know I went through it with my folks when I was in high school. So the question for the group is when and how far do you push your kids when it comes to them wanting to quit on something?
-Peace-
I was team leader of 5-4 year olds and we did things like sack races, bean bag toss, balloon pop etc.
My girl was in my group and she totally bailed on the sack race. She made it down on side but got tangled up and declared it too hard to carry on.
I must confess to the dismay of most that love me that I am an avid Howard Stern listener. Since Thursday was "take your kids to work day" it came up on the show that Howards producers kid (bahbah-booey) was on the fence about playing football and the producer asked outloud where do you draw the line of making them see through a commitment vs. letting them say "its too hard" and letting them quit. This wasnt a question to Howard directly but to the staff and any caller who cared to comment.
My kid is also playing Soccer this year and I am a rookie coach as a result. She has showed good effort and seems to enjoy playing and I love coaching. I dont have to worry about this issue for a couple more years but I know I went through it with my folks when I was in high school. So the question for the group is when and how far do you push your kids when it comes to them wanting to quit on something?
-Peace-
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Last night my wife and I were having some hang out time and were watching some random TV and we came across the Superfriends about 12 AM on boomerang. I got to thinking about the demise of the Saturday morning cartoon as the institution I remember it as a kid. The Superfriends and the Bugs Bunny show were by far the best cartoons on TV when I was a kid. I remember in the fall on ABC they would do this special on the Friday night before the new cartoon season and would hype up all the new shows. I was so jacked up to watch the new shows I would be up crazy early and watch all that I could. Whatever happened to the Saturday morning cartoon. I guess cable replaced all that. I still watch Bugs Bunny with my daughter but its just not the event it used to be. Bugs Bunny was 90 minutes back in the day!!
Now back to the Superfriends for a moment, does anyone remember that Casey Kasem did the voice of Robin? When my wife and I were talking about that I remembered that Kasem was a really big radio star when this show was on.
Could you imagine if Ryan Seacrest were doing that voice now? I think I would vomit.
Now back to the Superfriends for a moment, does anyone remember that Casey Kasem did the voice of Robin? When my wife and I were talking about that I remembered that Kasem was a really big radio star when this show was on.
Could you imagine if Ryan Seacrest were doing that voice now? I think I would vomit.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Please Listen to Vai
I AM NOT A GUITAR PLAYER!! (Remember that for later)
I am a huge proponent of Satellite radio. I love it!! No censorship very little interruptions, for a price I am willing to pay. Clear channel and other such a-holes gave are actually driving listeners to satellite because they systematically killed every station that I used to listen to in multiple cities, but out of the so-called destruction comes new life for the radio industry. So as I have a new ear for radio and am being exposed to things I've never heard before I ask as many people as possible to listen to a man that I consider an absolute genius that you may have never heard before.
I am a 36 year old guy with a 4 year old daughter but since she was 2 she has listened to this man. His name is Steve Vai and he is not your typical musician. For you older folks, he studied under Frank Zappa starting at 19. He has played with everyone in the biz and the biz has not rubbed off on him. He celebrates music and if you have a soul for music and even if you dont you can really feel what he is playing. I have been listening to him for 20 years now and I have seen him every time he comes to town and will take my daughter with me if he is still playing then.
My wife is very much a lyrical person but if I may quote her "He's like houdini with a guitar"
I dont ask for much, but I do ask that you close your eyes and listen as you hit the links below.
"For the love of god" Stay with it and see how easy he make it look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NfZBvRvkIg
You should watch this one beacuse of the triple guitar parts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIq1xeCXwKQ
He did battle Ralph Maccio for his soul in Crossroads so that should give him some cred ;\
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idb2dUtTpuU
For the real guitar geeks (look at it Tom, its cool)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FV51itmcuA
Peace-
I am a huge proponent of Satellite radio. I love it!! No censorship very little interruptions, for a price I am willing to pay. Clear channel and other such a-holes gave are actually driving listeners to satellite because they systematically killed every station that I used to listen to in multiple cities, but out of the so-called destruction comes new life for the radio industry. So as I have a new ear for radio and am being exposed to things I've never heard before I ask as many people as possible to listen to a man that I consider an absolute genius that you may have never heard before.
I am a 36 year old guy with a 4 year old daughter but since she was 2 she has listened to this man. His name is Steve Vai and he is not your typical musician. For you older folks, he studied under Frank Zappa starting at 19. He has played with everyone in the biz and the biz has not rubbed off on him. He celebrates music and if you have a soul for music and even if you dont you can really feel what he is playing. I have been listening to him for 20 years now and I have seen him every time he comes to town and will take my daughter with me if he is still playing then.
My wife is very much a lyrical person but if I may quote her "He's like houdini with a guitar"
I dont ask for much, but I do ask that you close your eyes and listen as you hit the links below.
"For the love of god" Stay with it and see how easy he make it look
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NfZBvRvkIg
You should watch this one beacuse of the triple guitar parts
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIq1xeCXwKQ
He did battle Ralph Maccio for his soul in Crossroads so that should give him some cred ;\
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=idb2dUtTpuU
For the real guitar geeks (look at it Tom, its cool)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FV51itmcuA
Peace-
Getting older in the IT workforce
I know someone who is almost 60 years old and is a manager in the IT realm. He is having a lot of health issues and has missed a lot of time which has slowed down some of the projects that are on the list.
His direct report is pulling his hair out because he could do the work by himself but doesn't have the authority to keep things going totally on his own. So I wonder what thoughts are prevalent on this individuals mind. Obviously his health is number one and getting through that is paramount and he could make it back to 100%. The one that I wonder about is how much of him is wondering about his job security.
His company is very family oriented so no one is looking to axe this person, at least not that I know of, but if it were me I would be kinda freaked out if I had a really talented guy under me who could learn what I did and potentially replace me. So that brings me to thinking about myself. Being in this business you constantly have to update your skills unless you are in some lame company who lives in the technological dark ages.
Which makes me ask a few questions of myself. Will I still have to, or for that matter want to learn about the next version of Windows at age 56 and have to worry about some younger guy taking my job if I don't? Will I have built up enough skills that I have the luxury to choose whether or not I wish to learn it. I dont have any idea at this point. If I still have a passion for it that I do now then I will still want to learn it and hopefully I will have the intangible skills to still be marketable if I dont.
I have recently passed the 35 year old mark and have never thought so much about my age as I have since February. As I see this person go through this life altering experience it makes me think about the state of my career and the need to evaluate what I should do safeguard myself and my family should something unforseen happen.
Peace-
His direct report is pulling his hair out because he could do the work by himself but doesn't have the authority to keep things going totally on his own. So I wonder what thoughts are prevalent on this individuals mind. Obviously his health is number one and getting through that is paramount and he could make it back to 100%. The one that I wonder about is how much of him is wondering about his job security.
His company is very family oriented so no one is looking to axe this person, at least not that I know of, but if it were me I would be kinda freaked out if I had a really talented guy under me who could learn what I did and potentially replace me. So that brings me to thinking about myself. Being in this business you constantly have to update your skills unless you are in some lame company who lives in the technological dark ages.
Which makes me ask a few questions of myself. Will I still have to, or for that matter want to learn about the next version of Windows at age 56 and have to worry about some younger guy taking my job if I don't? Will I have built up enough skills that I have the luxury to choose whether or not I wish to learn it. I dont have any idea at this point. If I still have a passion for it that I do now then I will still want to learn it and hopefully I will have the intangible skills to still be marketable if I dont.
I have recently passed the 35 year old mark and have never thought so much about my age as I have since February. As I see this person go through this life altering experience it makes me think about the state of my career and the need to evaluate what I should do safeguard myself and my family should something unforseen happen.
Peace-
Thursday, April 19, 2007
The impatient Parent
The last couple of days I seem to be less patient with my 4 year old daughter Sierra. I'm not sure if its me or her or the both of us.
As an example, the ritual every night is come home, eat dinner, take shower, hangout, stories, bedtime. Last night she seemed to be complaining about everything. So I retraced a bit and these are some things that I came up with.
1. My wife brought home Pizza for dinner but it had to be cooked so that threw dinner off about 45 minutes and Sierra was whining about the delay.
2. Sierra was very stubborn in general. Just not listening to anything.
3. Rebecca had worked really late last night and missed Idol. She wanted to hang out with Sierra and they were watching Tivo until Sierra started complaining about how long the show was. She usually does watch some TV before her bedtime stories but it was earlier than that.
This really upset me because Ro has been working her a$$ off lately and just wanted some chill time and the kid is killing it with her complaining.
So I wondered if the break in routine threw her off and thats why the issues.
I read another blog debating the importance of routine in little kids and that's what sparked this whole thread I think. Sierra is a little older and knows the rules and can express herself so my current theory is that routime is not as important. I may be changing that theory if things continue.
I'm also bummed out with some situations at work so maybe I'm short as well.
I probably wouldnt think about it but normally everything is cool and we have good times during the evening.
I'm just making a mental note to be aware of the situation and analyze it a little more as it unfolds.
I love the wife and the kid more than I can type so its my job to be the best I can be.
Ahh the joys of parenthood. Maybe we should all go back to Disney World.
L8R!
As an example, the ritual every night is come home, eat dinner, take shower, hangout, stories, bedtime. Last night she seemed to be complaining about everything. So I retraced a bit and these are some things that I came up with.
1. My wife brought home Pizza for dinner but it had to be cooked so that threw dinner off about 45 minutes and Sierra was whining about the delay.
2. Sierra was very stubborn in general. Just not listening to anything.
3. Rebecca had worked really late last night and missed Idol. She wanted to hang out with Sierra and they were watching Tivo until Sierra started complaining about how long the show was. She usually does watch some TV before her bedtime stories but it was earlier than that.
This really upset me because Ro has been working her a$$ off lately and just wanted some chill time and the kid is killing it with her complaining.
So I wondered if the break in routine threw her off and thats why the issues.
I read another blog debating the importance of routine in little kids and that's what sparked this whole thread I think. Sierra is a little older and knows the rules and can express herself so my current theory is that routime is not as important. I may be changing that theory if things continue.
I'm also bummed out with some situations at work so maybe I'm short as well.
I probably wouldnt think about it but normally everything is cool and we have good times during the evening.
I'm just making a mental note to be aware of the situation and analyze it a little more as it unfolds.
I love the wife and the kid more than I can type so its my job to be the best I can be.
Ahh the joys of parenthood. Maybe we should all go back to Disney World.
L8R!
Beautiful new BlackBerry 8800
I think RIM may have gotten this one right!
This model will compete with the Windows Smartphones.
It adds some first time features like the Mini SD slot, built-in GPS with turn by turn directions and a music player. Plus the fact that it looks great. Too bad its only on the Cingular network.
Enjoy the pics!
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/zoom.php?p=1135&g=1
This model will compete with the Windows Smartphones.
It adds some first time features like the Mini SD slot, built-in GPS with turn by turn directions and a music player. Plus the fact that it looks great. Too bad its only on the Cingular network.
Enjoy the pics!
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/zoom.php?p=1135&g=1
One more reason to hate Dr. Phil, and Oprah for giving him a job
I heard a sound bite of Dr. Phil blaming video games on the horrible events at Virginia Tech.
Get a grip doc and get some facts on your side before you start spewing out garbage just so you have something to fill your self-serving TV show.
They interviewed Cho Seung Hui's room mate and he never remember seeing him playing games, nor were there any game systems or titles found in there dorm room.
This guy had more issues than could be caused by video games. Even Rush Limbaugh, who is usually not the voice of reason, had this quote about Phil's comments.
"People have a tough time accepting a relatively simple explanation for something of this scale," said Limbaugh. "But how many people are playing video games out there? How many millions of people play video games, and how many millions of people have guns?"
I mean, I love Unreal Tourney and the Need for Speed series, but I'm not fantasizing about driving at 130 MPH shooting everyone in sight.
I get really frustrated at individuals who have a public forum and do not respect the intelligence of their audience enough to do any research or just say things to get a reaction.
Thank you Oprah for giving us this moron.
Get a grip doc and get some facts on your side before you start spewing out garbage just so you have something to fill your self-serving TV show.
They interviewed Cho Seung Hui's room mate and he never remember seeing him playing games, nor were there any game systems or titles found in there dorm room.
This guy had more issues than could be caused by video games. Even Rush Limbaugh, who is usually not the voice of reason, had this quote about Phil's comments.
"People have a tough time accepting a relatively simple explanation for something of this scale," said Limbaugh. "But how many people are playing video games out there? How many millions of people play video games, and how many millions of people have guns?"
I mean, I love Unreal Tourney and the Need for Speed series, but I'm not fantasizing about driving at 130 MPH shooting everyone in sight.
I get really frustrated at individuals who have a public forum and do not respect the intelligence of their audience enough to do any research or just say things to get a reaction.
Thank you Oprah for giving us this moron.
Disney services get families synched
These are the kind of things I love to see! Features that I think are actually useful instead of just features and products for the heck of it.
Calendaring via the web and pushed out to disney mobile devices as well as the GPS features. My kid is too young for a GPS unit but I would definitely use this if she were older.
http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=2170
Calendaring via the web and pushed out to disney mobile devices as well as the GPS features. My kid is too young for a GPS unit but I would definitely use this if she were older.
http://www.phonescoop.com/news/item.php?n=2170
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