Okay, here's a challenge for our one reader... you know who you are... you challenged us to update the other day, well, now we challenge you back.
You know you're going to be stuck on a deserted island. You have the essentials to survive, but you are also given a CD player and one mix CD to take with you. You can pick the ten to fifteen songs that appear on the disc. What songs do you choose and why?
The Right Wing mix:
1. The World has Turned and Left Me Here by Weezer. This is, quite possibly, my favorite song of all time. The rythym and the lyrics just work.
2. Until the End by The Nightwatchman. Tom Morello has so much talent he should be two people. The man can do things with an acoustic guitar that just aren't natural.
3. The Parting Glass by The High Kings. This song, to me, symbolizes the end of an era, but also the inevitable coming of something better.
4. God of Wine by Third Eye Blind. Nice pacing, good music, solid song. You can't beat this song for relaxing.
5. Loch Lomond by Runrig (feat. the Tartan Army). If you aren't moved by this song, you should seriously re-examine the condition of your immortal soul.
6. Stockholm Syndrome by Blink 182. The only caveat with this song is that the album version requires the intro, which is the reading of an old war letter. You might cry.
7. Orion by Metallica. This is one of the best instrumental songs ever. It comes from the Master of Puppets album and is one of the last songs Cliff Burton recorded.
8. Overture 1928 by Dream Theater. Again, instrumental, but then again, I do play guitar, and anything that has as much guitar as this song is a magnet for me.
9. Sadbhb ni Bruinn Ealla by Liam O Maonlai. This recording comes from the Highland Sessions. The entire song is in Gaelic, but that means nothing to me. I can scratch by on Gaelic and Liam O Maonlai's voice actually qualifies as a musical instrument.
10. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton. Again, more guitar, and Clapton is amazing. Sad song, but every album should have a melancholy moment.
11. If Everyone Cared by Nickelback. Great pseudo-protest song. In fact, the video is what makes it a protest song. Otherwise, it's a wonderful song that lifts your spirits without necessarily being upbeat.
12. Shooting Up in Vain by Eagle-Eye Cherry. Solid outing from the son of Don Cherry. The song captures the desire of a drug addict to shoot up, even thought he knows it won't last. We're all addicted to something, this song tells what happens if the addiction overcomes you.
13. The Devil is a Loser by Lordi. Finland makes an appearnace on our album. Lordi is Finland's version of Gwar, only, Lordi is actually good. They are scary looking, and they speak only Finnish in interviews, but their songs are all in English, so that's helpful.
14. If I Could be Like That by Three Doors Down. Great song, one of my favorites. Upbeat, but sad at the same time. Truly the perfect balance. Great way to round out the album.
Alright, Skewed. It's your turn.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Things I Never Knew About the Second President...
I'm an English major, which will prove to have absolutely nothing to do with this post. I am also, however, a History minor, which has almost everything to do with this post. In fact, I probably should've been a History major, but I didn't want to teach, and I do like to write. Anyway, on with the show.
HBO is running a seven part historical miniseries called John Adams. I have to say immediately that John Adams is one of the finest made miniseries you will ever see. The show stars Paul Giamatti as John Adams. For those of you not in the know, let me explain some things.
John Adams was the second President of the United States. He was also bald, but he wore a wig. He also defended the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. Now the HBO film shows all the soldiers being tried at the same time, and all being acquitted, but in reality the Captain, a man named Preston, was tried and acquitted a month before the other soldiers, and two of the British were condemned of murder, but Adams successfully had their charges reduced on a loophole. The men were branded on the hand for their actions.
John Adams later became a member of the Continental Congress, and was a driving force for separation from England. He strove for Congress to adopt the Massachusetts militia, which they did, appointing the Colonel George Washington to lead.
Now, back to the HBO miniseries.
You will never see a miniseries so masterfully created. I honestly had times were, while watching the show, I was not aware that I was watching TV. The set design is fantastic, the costume fit perfectly into the period, and the actors are actually dirty, as anyone who lived at that time would be.
The actors are so well cast that you often fail to realize that you've seen them in other things before. As I said, Paul Giamatti plays wonderful John Adams, and Laura Linney co-stars as Abigail Adams. The interaction between these two really makes you feel like they've been married for years.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin is masterfully portrayed by Tom Wilkinson. The humor Wilkinson brings to the character really brings Franklin to life in ways you've probably never considered. Edward Rutledge, the representative of South Carolina, is played by relative newcomer Clancy O'Connor, and I truly cannot say enough about his performance.
Thomas Jefferson, played by Stephen Dillane, is the only character I really have any problem with, and it's only because he comes off as an angst-ridden teenager, always with his arms folded and staring at the ground. Otherwise, well acted. So far HBO has only aired parts one and two, but in part two you get to see one of the most beautifully acted parts ever, as Zeljko Ivanek bring Pennsylvania representative Mr. Dickenson to life. Ivanek's performance lends so much weight to his conviction that Adams is pushing for independence too soon.
This miniseries also contains a scene that I believe will go down in cinematic history as one of the best ever. Everything comes together so well in this particular scene, in which no dialogue is spoken, and no soundtrack plays. Georgia has just voted "yes" to independence, meaning that twelve of the thirteen colonies support breaking away from Britain (New York abstained from voting). The camera pans across the room, and each representative sits in awed silence, the full gravity of what they've just done seeming to hit at the same time. You have to remember, by signing the Declaration of Independence, these men were, in effect, signing their own death warrant in Britain's eyes.
In all, John Adams achieves what few miniseries events ever have: a sense of purpose, and of actually doing it right. I can't wait for the Part III.
HBO is running a seven part historical miniseries called John Adams. I have to say immediately that John Adams is one of the finest made miniseries you will ever see. The show stars Paul Giamatti as John Adams. For those of you not in the know, let me explain some things.
John Adams was the second President of the United States. He was also bald, but he wore a wig. He also defended the British soldiers after the Boston Massacre. Now the HBO film shows all the soldiers being tried at the same time, and all being acquitted, but in reality the Captain, a man named Preston, was tried and acquitted a month before the other soldiers, and two of the British were condemned of murder, but Adams successfully had their charges reduced on a loophole. The men were branded on the hand for their actions.
John Adams later became a member of the Continental Congress, and was a driving force for separation from England. He strove for Congress to adopt the Massachusetts militia, which they did, appointing the Colonel George Washington to lead.
Now, back to the HBO miniseries.
You will never see a miniseries so masterfully created. I honestly had times were, while watching the show, I was not aware that I was watching TV. The set design is fantastic, the costume fit perfectly into the period, and the actors are actually dirty, as anyone who lived at that time would be.
The actors are so well cast that you often fail to realize that you've seen them in other things before. As I said, Paul Giamatti plays wonderful John Adams, and Laura Linney co-stars as Abigail Adams. The interaction between these two really makes you feel like they've been married for years.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin is masterfully portrayed by Tom Wilkinson. The humor Wilkinson brings to the character really brings Franklin to life in ways you've probably never considered. Edward Rutledge, the representative of South Carolina, is played by relative newcomer Clancy O'Connor, and I truly cannot say enough about his performance.
Thomas Jefferson, played by Stephen Dillane, is the only character I really have any problem with, and it's only because he comes off as an angst-ridden teenager, always with his arms folded and staring at the ground. Otherwise, well acted. So far HBO has only aired parts one and two, but in part two you get to see one of the most beautifully acted parts ever, as Zeljko Ivanek bring Pennsylvania representative Mr. Dickenson to life. Ivanek's performance lends so much weight to his conviction that Adams is pushing for independence too soon.
This miniseries also contains a scene that I believe will go down in cinematic history as one of the best ever. Everything comes together so well in this particular scene, in which no dialogue is spoken, and no soundtrack plays. Georgia has just voted "yes" to independence, meaning that twelve of the thirteen colonies support breaking away from Britain (New York abstained from voting). The camera pans across the room, and each representative sits in awed silence, the full gravity of what they've just done seeming to hit at the same time. You have to remember, by signing the Declaration of Independence, these men were, in effect, signing their own death warrant in Britain's eyes.
In all, John Adams achieves what few miniseries events ever have: a sense of purpose, and of actually doing it right. I can't wait for the Part III.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
A Demanded Update
That's right folks, the Right Wing is updating on demand now. Well, at least this once. Probably never again. I'm lazy.
I'm just gonna list some random things that have stood out to me lately.
1. Barack Obama's promises. He's promising change, which is not a bad thing. The trick is, if you listen closely to his speeches, he's pulling a Kerry on us and not truly revealing his plan. It'd be like going to your doctor, and suddenly a new doctor walks in and says "We're going to change the way we are treating you." You naturally ask how, and the doc replies, "It'll be positive change."
You inquire further, and he replies further, "We're changing it for the better." Not explanation, just rhetoric.
2. Neal Boortz actually had people believing that the governor of South Dakota was eighth in line for the Presidency as a result of a treaty signed when South Dakota joined the union. Funny.
3. The NCAA basketball tournament begins this week. I ran a simulation on ESPN to see how they say the bracket could play out, and I had Davidson defeating Texas A&M for the National Title. I don't see it happening.
4. My Final Four, by the way, is North Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and Kansas. North Carolina takes the big prize.
5. I walked four miles Monday, but in the grand scheme of things it's actually 6.6 Billion miles. I'll let you work out how I pulled that off.
There you go, Robert, I hope you're happy.
I'm just gonna list some random things that have stood out to me lately.
1. Barack Obama's promises. He's promising change, which is not a bad thing. The trick is, if you listen closely to his speeches, he's pulling a Kerry on us and not truly revealing his plan. It'd be like going to your doctor, and suddenly a new doctor walks in and says "We're going to change the way we are treating you." You naturally ask how, and the doc replies, "It'll be positive change."
You inquire further, and he replies further, "We're changing it for the better." Not explanation, just rhetoric.
2. Neal Boortz actually had people believing that the governor of South Dakota was eighth in line for the Presidency as a result of a treaty signed when South Dakota joined the union. Funny.
3. The NCAA basketball tournament begins this week. I ran a simulation on ESPN to see how they say the bracket could play out, and I had Davidson defeating Texas A&M for the National Title. I don't see it happening.
4. My Final Four, by the way, is North Carolina, UCLA, Texas, and Kansas. North Carolina takes the big prize.
5. I walked four miles Monday, but in the grand scheme of things it's actually 6.6 Billion miles. I'll let you work out how I pulled that off.
There you go, Robert, I hope you're happy.
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
A History Lesson: This should NEVER be taught in class...
The Russo-Japanese War. Fought from February 1904 to September 1905, this bloody conflict stemmed from the imperialistic ideals of Japan and Russia, and their respective desires to dominate Manchuria and Korea. Russia sought a warm water port, and Port Arthur, on the Liadong Peninsula, would serve their purpose nicely. However, the Japanese were not going to let the Russians in, as they thought that Korea and Manchuria were rightfully theirs.
See, Japan is an island nation with few natural resources. The need for more land, and therefore more resources pressured the Japanese to seek control of the Korean peninsula.
The war dragged on through a brutal winter, and both sides suffered serious casualties, but neither was willing to back down. Ammunitions began to run low, and at one point it is reported that both sides had a vicious snowball fight over Vladivostok.
In reality, a political revolution was brewing in Russia, which had the cumulative effect on the Russian soldiers of forcing them, as they were firing at the enemy, to constantly look over their own shoulders to Moscow.
The desire for a peace treaty came in September of 1905. The Russians had been beaten back badly, and needed to retreat, so they sought the Japanese for a peace accord.
The Japanese agreed, and requested President Theodore Roosevelt to mediate the treaty. There is debate among many scholars that the Peace Treaty, signed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was only signed there because of a strong Japanese desire for pancakes, waffles, and syrup.
It is thought that the conversation went something like this:
Emperor Meiji: The Russians want peace, huh? Well, I want waffles.
Fleet Admiral Togo: You know, I'd like some syrup myself. Haven't had any since the Iwakura Mission.
Meiji: Okay, I'll call the States, see what we can do...
*Meiji picks up the phone and calls the White House*
Meiji: Okay, it's ringing. Guys, figure out where we can go. Get the map, look around Vermont or somewhere.
President Theodore Roosevelt: Go for Uncle Teddy!
Meiji: President Teddy, Meiji here.
Roosevelt: What can I do ya' for, Meiji?
Meiji: Well, you know we're fighting this war, right? The Russians want peace, and we'd all like for you to mediate the treaty.
Roosevelt: Sure thing. Let me check my schedule here... a-yup I'm free on the fifth, I think I can sail over and...
Meiji: No no no, no... no. We'd like to come over there. No sense inconveniencing you, right? How about, Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
Roosevelt: Well, New Hampshire's a long way from Japan or Russia. It doesn't really make any sense to go there...
Meiji: They have a new House O' Waffles, right? Downtown, next to the barber shop?
Roosevelt: Well, golly, they do. Okay then, peace and waffles, all around.
Of course, there is no historical evidence to back that up. But seriously, why else would you sign a peace accord between Japan and Russia in New Hampshire?
*The author of this article means no disrespect to New Hampshire, Japan, Russia, Emperor Meiji, Fleet Admiral Togo, or President Theodore Roosevelt. He does, however, mean complete and total disrespect to the downtown Portsmouth House O' Waffles.*
See, Japan is an island nation with few natural resources. The need for more land, and therefore more resources pressured the Japanese to seek control of the Korean peninsula.
The war dragged on through a brutal winter, and both sides suffered serious casualties, but neither was willing to back down. Ammunitions began to run low, and at one point it is reported that both sides had a vicious snowball fight over Vladivostok.
In reality, a political revolution was brewing in Russia, which had the cumulative effect on the Russian soldiers of forcing them, as they were firing at the enemy, to constantly look over their own shoulders to Moscow.
The desire for a peace treaty came in September of 1905. The Russians had been beaten back badly, and needed to retreat, so they sought the Japanese for a peace accord.
The Japanese agreed, and requested President Theodore Roosevelt to mediate the treaty. There is debate among many scholars that the Peace Treaty, signed in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was only signed there because of a strong Japanese desire for pancakes, waffles, and syrup.
It is thought that the conversation went something like this:
Emperor Meiji: The Russians want peace, huh? Well, I want waffles.
Fleet Admiral Togo: You know, I'd like some syrup myself. Haven't had any since the Iwakura Mission.
Meiji: Okay, I'll call the States, see what we can do...
*Meiji picks up the phone and calls the White House*
Meiji: Okay, it's ringing. Guys, figure out where we can go. Get the map, look around Vermont or somewhere.
President Theodore Roosevelt: Go for Uncle Teddy!
Meiji: President Teddy, Meiji here.
Roosevelt: What can I do ya' for, Meiji?
Meiji: Well, you know we're fighting this war, right? The Russians want peace, and we'd all like for you to mediate the treaty.
Roosevelt: Sure thing. Let me check my schedule here... a-yup I'm free on the fifth, I think I can sail over and...
Meiji: No no no, no... no. We'd like to come over there. No sense inconveniencing you, right? How about, Portsmouth, New Hampshire?
Roosevelt: Well, New Hampshire's a long way from Japan or Russia. It doesn't really make any sense to go there...
Meiji: They have a new House O' Waffles, right? Downtown, next to the barber shop?
Roosevelt: Well, golly, they do. Okay then, peace and waffles, all around.
Of course, there is no historical evidence to back that up. But seriously, why else would you sign a peace accord between Japan and Russia in New Hampshire?
*The author of this article means no disrespect to New Hampshire, Japan, Russia, Emperor Meiji, Fleet Admiral Togo, or President Theodore Roosevelt. He does, however, mean complete and total disrespect to the downtown Portsmouth House O' Waffles.*
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