I believe in my country. I believe in the Constitution and everything that it give us, the People, the power to do. I believe in change. Throughout our nation's history, change has been constant. We have changed. We have grown. We have developed into one of the finest, strongest nation's in the world. Yet the change we need most, no one seems to want. We need to stop the infighting. We need to stop beating ourselves up.
Over the last couple of years, I have seen changes withing our two major political parties. There was a time when one was all the way to the left and the other was all the way to the right. That's not the case anymore. The lines in the political parties have become more and more blurred, yet things seem to get worse. It seems more and more people are finding themselves closer to the middle than ever before, yet we still fight. While I am registered with one of the two major political parties, I too find myself down the middle on a lot of issues. In conversations I have had with colleagues and strangers, I have found that I agree with many things on each side. So where does that leave me?
There is so much negativity and public bashing that it is often disgusting to think that these elected officials represent us in government. If one party has complete control over Congress and the Presidency and chooses not to work with the other party, is this truly a Democracy? Or is this some sort of authoritarian dictatorship run by a group. There was a time when having a multi party political system worked. Maybe that needs to change.
Do we really need two major political parties? Are we not all playing for the same team? Don't you think we could get a lot more accomplished if we all just registered as American?
I don't understand why it gets so ugly around campaign and election time. The finger pointing, the name calling, the bashing...it's all very juvenile. I've seen 5th graders act more appropriately. I'd like to see more politicians and/or political parties as a whole take responsibility for their mistakes. Man/Woman up people! Admit you screwed up. Have some integrity. No matter who makes the mistake, the finger is always pointed at the person who last filled the seat. I would have a lot more faith and respect for someone who took responsibility for their own actions and misdeeds and those of their party. That is leadership.
One thing I do know is that being a politician is a thankless job. It's a dirty job. It's a job I do not want. Hats off to anyone who runs for office. A great thing about the Constitution is that it gives us the right to make changes. We'll see if the changes made on Tuesday have a positive effect. If not, then we'll make more changes in two years and keep making changes until we get it right.
Before I ever decided to register with any party, I registered as an American!
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Sunday, October 17, 2010
The Big 4...well 3 out of 4 isn't bad
You are probably wondering what I'm referring to when I write 'The Big 4'. For music lovers and thrash metal fans all over, The Big 4 refers to the four bands that are credited with starting the whole thrash metal genre. Those four bands are: Anthrax, Megadeth, Metallica, and Slayer. You see, it all started in the early 1980's and I can remember when I first heard these bands...
I believe the year was 1984. A friend handed me a cassette tape and told me that I needed to listen to this band. I looked at the cassette and on it was the band's name, 'Metallica'. Pretty cool name, I remember thinking. I get home and immediately put the tape in my cassette player and pressed play. From the speakers I heard sounds that I had not heard the likes of before. It was fast. It was loud. It was different. It was metal! I LOVED IT!! Now up until that point, probably the heaviest, hardest music I had listened to was most likely Black Sabbath or AC/DC. This music was on another level. Not long after hearing Metallica for the first time, I was introduced to the other three bands, each with their own unique sound. These bands would play a pivotal role in the expansion and shaping of the music that I yearned to listen to. That was 1984.
Fast forward to 2010 and the very reason why I write this. Over 25 years have passed since The Big 4 hit the music scene. These four thrash metal pioneers decided to tour together for the first time in history. The first leg of the tour included all four bands - Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax - and toured primarily in Europe. The second leg of the tour saw only three of the bands continuing. The Jagermeister Music Tour, featuring Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer, came to The Rave in Milwaukee, WI last night (October 16, 2010) and it was sold out. I knew going into it that this was going to be one awesome show and I was not disappointed.
One question a lot of people wondered was, 'With all these great bands, who opens? who headlines?" Great question, but does it really matter? I was about to get my butt kicked by three of the greatest thrash metal bands of all time!
The night's emcee was Jim Florentine. He's a comedian who also stars on VH1's That Metal Show. I got to meet him after the show.
Opening act was Anthrax. Anthrax really hit it big starting in 1985 under lead singer Joey Belladonna. He had left the band in 1992, but now he was back with Anthrax. Anthrax was one of the first metal bands to crossover when the collaborated with rap artists Public Enemy in 1991 on a joint version of "Bring the Noise". Last time I had seen Anthrax was at the University of Connecticut when they were on tour with Public Enemy. Yeah...long time ago. No collaboration tonight. Just a short seven song set featuring some of their best songs:
Anthrax Setlist
I believe the year was 1984. A friend handed me a cassette tape and told me that I needed to listen to this band. I looked at the cassette and on it was the band's name, 'Metallica'. Pretty cool name, I remember thinking. I get home and immediately put the tape in my cassette player and pressed play. From the speakers I heard sounds that I had not heard the likes of before. It was fast. It was loud. It was different. It was metal! I LOVED IT!! Now up until that point, probably the heaviest, hardest music I had listened to was most likely Black Sabbath or AC/DC. This music was on another level. Not long after hearing Metallica for the first time, I was introduced to the other three bands, each with their own unique sound. These bands would play a pivotal role in the expansion and shaping of the music that I yearned to listen to. That was 1984.
Fast forward to 2010 and the very reason why I write this. Over 25 years have passed since The Big 4 hit the music scene. These four thrash metal pioneers decided to tour together for the first time in history. The first leg of the tour included all four bands - Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax - and toured primarily in Europe. The second leg of the tour saw only three of the bands continuing. The Jagermeister Music Tour, featuring Anthrax, Megadeth, and Slayer, came to The Rave in Milwaukee, WI last night (October 16, 2010) and it was sold out. I knew going into it that this was going to be one awesome show and I was not disappointed.
One question a lot of people wondered was, 'With all these great bands, who opens? who headlines?" Great question, but does it really matter? I was about to get my butt kicked by three of the greatest thrash metal bands of all time!
The night's emcee was Jim Florentine. He's a comedian who also stars on VH1's That Metal Show. I got to meet him after the show.
Opening act was Anthrax. Anthrax really hit it big starting in 1985 under lead singer Joey Belladonna. He had left the band in 1992, but now he was back with Anthrax. Anthrax was one of the first metal bands to crossover when the collaborated with rap artists Public Enemy in 1991 on a joint version of "Bring the Noise". Last time I had seen Anthrax was at the University of Connecticut when they were on tour with Public Enemy. Yeah...long time ago. No collaboration tonight. Just a short seven song set featuring some of their best songs:
Anthrax Setlist
Next up was Megadeth. Little fact for those who aren't familiar with these bands. Dave Mustaine, lead singer and founder of Megadeth, was once the lead guitarist for Metallica. He had gotten himself kicked out of Metallica and started his own band, Megadeth. Everything happens for a reason, right? Had that not happened, the world might not have been introduced to Megadeth. This was the first time I had seen Megadeth live, having missed out on other opportunities through the years. Definitely did not disappoint. Megadeth is a bigger, more successful band than Anthrax and thus played a longer set:
Headlining for the night was none other than Slayer. Again, each band has its own sound, Slayer being no different. My first time seeing Slayer live also. No disappointment either. Slayer killed it!
I mentioned that each band has it own distinct sound that you either love and respect it or you just plain hate it. I've met metal music fans who are really picky about what bands they will listen to and which they will not. For example, many Megadeth fans really hate Metallica, most likely because of Dave Mustaine being kicked out of Metallica. Anthrax has gone through so many lineup changes over the years that they seemed to have lost momentum. With Joey Belladonna back on vocals and a new record in the works, perhaps they will regain prominence once again. Megadeth has had nearly 20 different members of its band, but the one constant has been Dave Mustaine. With Dave at the helm, Megadeth has put out 12 albums and have maintained their place in thrash metal dominance. Other than a few changes on drums, Slayer's lineup has been unchanged over their career with eleven albums to their credit.
As I write about the band member changes, it has made me think just how important the lead singer is to a band's sound. I can't think of one band that, after a change of its lead singer, has been the same band with the same success. Anthrax and Skid Row come to mind and there are others. Would Megadeth be the same without Dave Mustaine? Would Metallica be the same without James Hetfield? What about Iron Maiden without Bruce Dickenson? In my opinion, the lead singer can make or break a band.
I had already seen Metallica live more than 15 times, but it would have been awesome to see The Big 4. Maybe they'll make a US tour. Metal Rulz!!
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Brew Madness
I like to think of myself as a beer connoisseur. I enjoy trying all different kinds of beer and ale, especially the local brews and micros. When I travel, I always try out the local beer. There are a lot of good ones out there. Last night, I attended a fund raising event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It was called Brew Madness Prost to a Cure! Now, for a beer lover and someone who enjoys giving back and helping out with great causes, this was a perfect event.
There were many booths with beer and ale from all over. Many brewed right here in Wisconsin. Milwaukee isn't nicknamed "Brew City" for nothing you know. Along side the beer booths were food stations; cheese and meats and many other fine Wisconsin-made food products. A live cover band for entertainment. There was also raffle tickets and a silent auction. I put my name down on one or two things, but didn't have the winning bid. All proceeds from this event go toward the mission of the CF Foundation: to cure and control cystic fibrosis (CF), a life-threatening, genetic disease. Great beer, great food, and a great cause!
At the start of the evening, I set out to sample at least one beer from every booth, and succeeded. Not only were most of these beers really good, but some of the name's of them are pretty clever. At the end of the evening, I was going to pick out my Top 3 favorites. Here's a list of some of the one's I tried:
There were many booths with beer and ale from all over. Many brewed right here in Wisconsin. Milwaukee isn't nicknamed "Brew City" for nothing you know. Along side the beer booths were food stations; cheese and meats and many other fine Wisconsin-made food products. A live cover band for entertainment. There was also raffle tickets and a silent auction. I put my name down on one or two things, but didn't have the winning bid. All proceeds from this event go toward the mission of the CF Foundation: to cure and control cystic fibrosis (CF), a life-threatening, genetic disease. Great beer, great food, and a great cause!
At the start of the evening, I set out to sample at least one beer from every booth, and succeeded. Not only were most of these beers really good, but some of the name's of them are pretty clever. At the end of the evening, I was going to pick out my Top 3 favorites. Here's a list of some of the one's I tried:
- Louie's Demise, Milwaukee Brewing Company (Milwaukee, WI)
- Sofie, Goose Island Beer Company (Chicago, IL)
- Hefeweiss, Sprecher Brewery (Milwaukee, WI)
- Ranger IPA, New Belgium Brewing (Fort Collins, CO)
- Wisconsin Amber, Capital Brewery (Middleton, WI)
- Belgian White, Point Brewery (Stevens Point, WI)
- Painted Ladies Pumpkin Spice Ale, Tyranena Brewery (Lake Mills, WI)
- Best Brown Ale, Bell's Brewery (Kalamazoo, MI)
- Hopdinger, O'so Brewery (Plover, WI)
- The Big O, O'so Brewery (Plover, WI)
- Snake Hollow IPA, Potosi Brewing (Potosi, WI)
- Cave Ale, Potosi Brewing (Potosi, WI)
- Dragonfly IPA, Upland Brewing Company (Bloomington, IN)
- St. Patrick's Best, Strangford Lough Brewing Company (Northern Ireland)
- Legbiter, Strangford Lough Brewing Company (Northern Ireland)
- Tail Waggin' Double White Ale, Grand Teton Brewing Company (Victor, ID)
- Victoria IPA, Sonoran Brewing Company (Scottsdale, AZ)
- Abita SOS, Abita Brewing Company (Abita Springs, LA)
- Kruiken, Brouwerij de Molen (The Netherlands)
- Hop Nest Monster Extra Pale IPA, Pangaea Brewing Company (Neshkoro, WI)
- Pulling Boat Pale Ale, Pangaea Brewing Company (Neshkoro, WI)
- Black Douglas Ale, Broughton Ales Ltd. (United Kingdom)
And at the end of the night, I had to choose my favorites. In no particular order, my Top 3 are:
- Tail Waggin' Double White Ale, Grand Teton Brewing Company (Victor, ID). Brewed in the Belgian style, using malted barley, wheat malt, candy sugar and unmalted rye. An excellent addition to any wheat beer lover's beer catalog.
- Black Douglas Ale, Broughton Ales Ltd. (United Kingdom). A dark brown bodied ale with a hint of caramel and burnt toffee.
- Sofie, Goose Island Beer Company (Chicago, IL). A pleasant surprise. A tart, dry, sparkling ale with a hint of citrus almost like a cider, but not. An interesting, champagne-like ale. Very good.
Other favorites not quite making the Top 3: Milwaukee Brewing Company's Louie's Demise, Point's Belgian White, Tyranena's Painted Ladies Pumpkin Spice Ale, and Bell's Best Brown Ale.
All in all a great evening for a great cause! Cheers!!
Friday, September 3, 2010
School is in session
The Fall semester officially started for me yesterday. I'm taking two classes this semester towards my Bachelors degree. I'm happy to say that I am just 3 classes away from completion. Two classes this semester than I'll take one more in the Spring. I'm excited that it's so close to being finished.
I've been taking college classes since 2003. First attended Waukesha County Technical College where I took classes at night. Now I am attending the School of Information Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and I've been doing the entire curriculum online. Let me tell you that taking online classes takes a different kind of discipline. No time and place to be at each week, just due dates for assignments and posting comments and material online.
Like I mentioned, I only take two classes each semester. I think that is about all I can handle with a full-time job. I tend to put a lot of pressure on myself. I over analyze and over-think the assignments and end up putting way more into the classes than I really need to. It will all pay off in the end. It will definitely feel great to finally be done.
On a different note, but related...I had a crazy thought the other day. If I had any inclination on trying to go back on active duty in the Marines, I could be a Marine Corps Officer. Just saying
Sunday, August 15, 2010
One time at Band Camp...
Yesterday I went to JJO Band Camp for the first time. No, this isn't the silly band camp for high school marching bands. This is a one-day rock concert held annually in Madison, WI. But it's more than a rock concert...it's a metal concert and it was awesome! A friend offered me free tickets to attend and I went. So glad I did. For the last several years, I've checked out the lineup but never went. Now I know what I was missing.
The bands alternated between two stages and there was never more than 5 minutes without live, loud music. Not a bad band among them, though my least favorite is Buckcherry...just not a fan. I arrived about 1pm. Shaman's Harvest was playing. The next band was 2 Cents. Funny little story...the lead singer stopped right in the middle of a song and yelled to some kid in the front, "Are you f*&king texting?! Are you kidding me?! Why don't you stick that up your vagina!" Hilarious!
Seasons After, Dope, Janus all rocked...Dope was way cool! Sevendust came on about 4pm. They always put on a great show. Then Soil played. I can't believe they have another new singer. I think I've seen them 4 or 5 times in the last several years and this is the third new singer for them. How can they expect to make it big if they keep changing singers? Buckcherry was next. Like I said, I'm not a fan of them.
Anew Revolution rocked it. I saw them at Summerfest in 2008. They were even better this time around. Great show! Final act of the evening was Godsmack. I've never seen them live before. What a show! Played all of the favorites and some new ones from their new album, The Oracle. Sully and the drummer, Tommy Stewart did a double drum kit jam that was out of this world. For those who didn't know, Sully played drums for 20+ years before starting Godsmack. They both wailed!
Band Camp was definitely a great experience. Two rows of vendors that you would expect to see at a rock show like this...tattoo artists, t-shirts, custom motorcycles. They were doing air brush tattoos. Let me just say there were lots of ladies who were just sporting the artwork. They also had a booth for Miss Pole, a gym dedicated to exotic aerobic exercise classes.
I didn't take a lot of pictures, but you can check out some of the one's I did take here.
I'm looking forward to next year.
The bands alternated between two stages and there was never more than 5 minutes without live, loud music. Not a bad band among them, though my least favorite is Buckcherry...just not a fan. I arrived about 1pm. Shaman's Harvest was playing. The next band was 2 Cents. Funny little story...the lead singer stopped right in the middle of a song and yelled to some kid in the front, "Are you f*&king texting?! Are you kidding me?! Why don't you stick that up your vagina!" Hilarious!
Seasons After, Dope, Janus all rocked...Dope was way cool! Sevendust came on about 4pm. They always put on a great show. Then Soil played. I can't believe they have another new singer. I think I've seen them 4 or 5 times in the last several years and this is the third new singer for them. How can they expect to make it big if they keep changing singers? Buckcherry was next. Like I said, I'm not a fan of them.
Anew Revolution rocked it. I saw them at Summerfest in 2008. They were even better this time around. Great show! Final act of the evening was Godsmack. I've never seen them live before. What a show! Played all of the favorites and some new ones from their new album, The Oracle. Sully and the drummer, Tommy Stewart did a double drum kit jam that was out of this world. For those who didn't know, Sully played drums for 20+ years before starting Godsmack. They both wailed!
Band Camp was definitely a great experience. Two rows of vendors that you would expect to see at a rock show like this...tattoo artists, t-shirts, custom motorcycles. They were doing air brush tattoos. Let me just say there were lots of ladies who were just sporting the artwork. They also had a booth for Miss Pole, a gym dedicated to exotic aerobic exercise classes.
I didn't take a lot of pictures, but you can check out some of the one's I did take here.
I'm looking forward to next year.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Proud to be a United States Marine
The other night I was invited to dinner with a friend. She had a friend in from Arizona who also would be joining us. As it would turn out, we were also joined by her friend, who was in town for business. So we headed to dinner at Harry's Bar & Grill in Milwaukee, WI. We commenced with small talk for a few minutes when this guy had revealed that he served in the Marine Corps. That's all it took and for a majority of the rest of the evening, he and I shared stories and talked about things that only Marines know how.
I have always been amazed at the strong bond that Marines share, regardless of when and where they served. A true brotherhood and I have not experienced anything else like it. The bond that Marines share is as strong, if not stronger, than family. When Marines meet each other for the first time, it's like they've known each other all their lives. I hear the Marine Corps Hymn and my chest fills up. I see the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and I beam with pride.
This year marks 10 years since the end of my active service. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my experiences in the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has shaped me into the man that I am today and has prepared me for life's challenges. I often think about my decision to leave the Marine Corps and whether or not it was the right one. Hindsight is always 20-20 they say. My Marine friends, active and retired, tell me that it is not necessarily the Marine Corps that I miss, but the camaraderie of my fellow Leathernecks that I miss most. Perhaps they are right. I thought and toiled for a long time before making my decision to leave and I accept that I made the best decision at the time. My years in the Marine Corps are some of the best of my life and one thing is for sure...Once a Marine, Always a Marine!
I have always been amazed at the strong bond that Marines share, regardless of when and where they served. A true brotherhood and I have not experienced anything else like it. The bond that Marines share is as strong, if not stronger, than family. When Marines meet each other for the first time, it's like they've known each other all their lives. I hear the Marine Corps Hymn and my chest fills up. I see the Eagle, Globe, and Anchor and I beam with pride.
This year marks 10 years since the end of my active service. Not a day goes by that I don't think about my experiences in the Marine Corps. The Marine Corps has shaped me into the man that I am today and has prepared me for life's challenges. I often think about my decision to leave the Marine Corps and whether or not it was the right one. Hindsight is always 20-20 they say. My Marine friends, active and retired, tell me that it is not necessarily the Marine Corps that I miss, but the camaraderie of my fellow Leathernecks that I miss most. Perhaps they are right. I thought and toiled for a long time before making my decision to leave and I accept that I made the best decision at the time. My years in the Marine Corps are some of the best of my life and one thing is for sure...Once a Marine, Always a Marine!
Semper Fi!
Sunday, August 1, 2010
It's August
It's been a couple weeks since my last post, which was right after my 20-Year high school reunion. Cool thing about that is my classmates and I are still talking about the great time we had. Maybe there will be a 25th. Have to wait and see. Life and time march on though.
Today is August 1, the first day of the month in which I was born. Not just me though, my dad and my grandfather also celebrate birthdays in August...actually both my grandfathers celebrate birthdays in August, but my mom's dad is no longer with us. My brother is hopefully scheduled to return from Iraq in August. My cousin is also coming back from Afghanistan for a short break. Unfortunately, he has to go back. My thoughts and prayers are with both of them. I hope they each know that I would put on a uniform and join them if I could. Family are trying to put together another big party to celebrate birthdays and welcome home my brother and cousin. I will do my best to make it out there. Would be great to see them.
August also means that we are on the back half of Summer. I have often felt that Summerfest was the middle of the Summer. Since Summerfest and my reunion, I've been trying to enjoy as much of the weather as I can. For me, that means as much golf as I can get in. I'm in a golf league on Tuesdays. This past Tuesday, my partner wasn't there and I nearly single-handedly beat the golf pro and his partner. Yes my handicap evened it out, but I played well enough that they needed to win the last hole to secure the victory. To say the least, I was pleasantly satisfied with my round. There will be golf today too, as there is every weekend.
August also means that I need to register for Fall classes. Since 2008, I've been attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree in information systems and technology. I only have three more classes left to take - two this Fall and my senior capstone next Spring. I'm very excited to be this close to finishing. Working full time and taking classes can be a lot to take on, but I make it work. I have also been extremely fortunate to have been able to use the Montgomery GI Bill education benefits afforded to me from my military service. These benefits will have paid for all but one class for both of my degrees (I have an Associates also).
Lots going on in August. Lots to do and lots to prepare for...work, school, and the future. But since the sun is shining today, it's time for me to hit the links. Hope you are enjoying your Summer too!
Today is August 1, the first day of the month in which I was born. Not just me though, my dad and my grandfather also celebrate birthdays in August...actually both my grandfathers celebrate birthdays in August, but my mom's dad is no longer with us. My brother is hopefully scheduled to return from Iraq in August. My cousin is also coming back from Afghanistan for a short break. Unfortunately, he has to go back. My thoughts and prayers are with both of them. I hope they each know that I would put on a uniform and join them if I could. Family are trying to put together another big party to celebrate birthdays and welcome home my brother and cousin. I will do my best to make it out there. Would be great to see them.
August also means that we are on the back half of Summer. I have often felt that Summerfest was the middle of the Summer. Since Summerfest and my reunion, I've been trying to enjoy as much of the weather as I can. For me, that means as much golf as I can get in. I'm in a golf league on Tuesdays. This past Tuesday, my partner wasn't there and I nearly single-handedly beat the golf pro and his partner. Yes my handicap evened it out, but I played well enough that they needed to win the last hole to secure the victory. To say the least, I was pleasantly satisfied with my round. There will be golf today too, as there is every weekend.
August also means that I need to register for Fall classes. Since 2008, I've been attending the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in pursuit of a Bachelor's Degree in information systems and technology. I only have three more classes left to take - two this Fall and my senior capstone next Spring. I'm very excited to be this close to finishing. Working full time and taking classes can be a lot to take on, but I make it work. I have also been extremely fortunate to have been able to use the Montgomery GI Bill education benefits afforded to me from my military service. These benefits will have paid for all but one class for both of my degrees (I have an Associates also).
Lots going on in August. Lots to do and lots to prepare for...work, school, and the future. But since the sun is shining today, it's time for me to hit the links. Hope you are enjoying your Summer too!
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