Brandon Brackett's Blog

Ed's Open Mic

2009-10-06T23:32:00.000-07:00

So we recen't went to a open mic night that was put on to celibrate the resident minister's birthday. He's a big music guy. Well for those who don't know, Eva loves music and loves to dance to music. We had a great time with her at the open mic as she weaved in and out of people, dacing and clapping away. Here is just a clip. The residents really got a kick out of it as well.

Guitar Ice

2009-10-06T23:24:00.000-07:00

So Heather and I's friend, Jessica Malan, bought me a christmas gift, that we just got (we live far away from everyone) and its awesome. Its a ice tray, shaped like three different guitars, a Accoustic, Electric and Bass, with little fret boards to put in the ice as it freezes. The result is a guitar ice cube. Perfect for a good glass of whiskey. Today was my first time using it, and I present the awesome results to you, the faithful two viewers :)

Tattoo weight loss idea

2009-09-15T22:09:00.000-07:00

So I've wanted a tattoo for a long time. Knowing that my parents are not that into the whole idea, but I want something that means something to me at least. Many know that one of my passions is American Indian studies and advocacy. I'm also a tremendous fan of Northwest tribal art, I really believe it’s the most beautiful art in the world.

Some day I wish to get two tattoo's one on each shoulder. The first one I wish to get is of a killer whale or Orca. Now this is my favorite animal in Northwest art but because it means something deep. In Haida and many coastal tribes’ religions, the orca represents past leaders and family come back to offer guidance or to look after you. To me the symbol reminds me of those in my life that have passed on who I do believe still watch me...my grandfathers in particular. Grandpa's Aiken and Brackett couldn't have been two more different people but they both had their strengths and faults and I really see both their good's and bad's in me. They both left my life sooner than I ever wanted and over the years this symbol has come to remind me of them and causes me a great amount of comfort, sadness and joy.

The other I wish to get is that of a Hawk, which isn't tremendously represented in NW art and I don't feel like explaining my meaning for this one but I'll let you see what one I'm thinking about.

I've struggled with weight for years now, shrinking down, and jumping back up. Part of my back issues today I have no doubt are due in some small part to my two year weight lifting binge in which I did trim down and bulk up, but I think did even more damage to my back, creating a situation now where I can barely life anything. Needless to say it’s a tough subject for me. Yet, I need to get down again...and I need a goal. I think that if I can get below 250 I'm going to see if my wife will agree to let me get my right arm tattoo...I think that would be a good motivation...we'll see.

Training is all done

2009-09-15T22:03:00.000-07:00

Its been a long time since I blogged but this last month has been incredably busy. We've been in the middle of training for hall staff and as of Wednesday at 7PM we'll be done. Students will move in on Saturday and school starts on Monday...seems fast but at the same time not, considering that the last 9 years I've been used to class starting in August.

This picture at the top is my staff this year. From to right its: Veronica (my Assistant Resident Director), Jose (CF), me, Jaclyn (CF), Lindsay (CF), Gustavo (CF, bending over), Francis (CF standing up in back), Claudia (CF), Ed (Resident Minister) and Aldo our student goverment rep. CF stands for community facilitator, known as RA's else where.

This photo is at our retreat/camp which was abotu 45 minutes from San Jose. It was fun but very tiring.

They're a good group and it should be a fun year. Hope you all are doing well!

New York Pizza...in San Jose?

2009-08-04T23:29:00.000-07:00

Friday my wife, Eva and I went to dinner with my Resident Minister and his wife. The Resident Minister is a pastoral studies student who lives in the resident hall and works with me and a faculty member to run the residence hall. His name is Ed and his wife is Christine.

They took us to a place called, Rosies New York Pizza, in San Jose. It was amazing. It was a huge pizza and it tasted great, not to mention the company was good. I think that Ed and his wife are going to become good Friends of ours. They're really down to earth and Ed is a musician who loves Nirvana. What more could I ask for?

Fancy Cars

2009-08-04T23:20:00.000-07:00

I've been in California for a month now and there is one thing that stands out in stark contrast to Washington. The amount of "Member compensating" cars here is amazing. In Washington I grew up in a town where a majority of the men spent their money and time restoring old cars. This to me is a good habit, you put your hard work into a car and come out with a project/product that really means something to you.

However, here in Silicon Valley people spend ridiculous amounts of money on very expensive brand new luxury and sports cars. In the last month I've seen more BMW's, Mercedes, Jaguars, and many other more rare cars in the bay area than I've seen in my entire life. We went to a steak house a few weeks ago with my wife's folks and saw four Jaguars parked in the parking lot, and I'd only seen them in magazines up till that point.

I don't think I could ever bring myself to buy something that much, especially when there are much cheaper alternatives but I am definitely the minority in that view point in Norther Cal.

The pic above is some fancy sports car that I happened to be following on I880 the other day...just to prove my point, I don't know what it is but its got to be over 200,000 dollars. My God!

DMV in California

2009-07-30T18:02:00.000-07:00

So I went to the DMV today, fearing the worst. To anyone outside of Cal, the stories of day long visits and mean attendants and other horrors. Well not all of its true. As soon as I got into Cal and found out my work schedule I did the smart thing and made a appointment at the DMV. The soonest I could get in was today, the 30th of July. Part of this is that the DMV is closed most fridays this month due to budget shortages and only have fridays but whatever.

Upon arriving at 1:30 for my appointment I had a relatively great experience. I stood in line for only five minutes, because of my appointment. Got a number and was called up before my paperwork was even done.

However, after completing everything the nightmare did kick in. I'm used to only paying 50 bucks to register your car no matter what...thats the way it is in Washington. However in Cal you pay a percentage of what the cars worth. On top of that I was charge 100 bucks in fines for being two days past my 20 day limit to register, despite my explanation that this was the earliest appointment available and the only days I could have come down and waited were the days they were closed (fridays)

So 500 bucks latter (new license included) I'm now a legal resident of Cal and can drive and vote. Sigh...Cal isn't perfect after all.

Santa Clara University

2009-07-29T22:46:00.000-07:00

For anyone who doesn't know I started my new job at Santa Clara University on July 8th 2009. I drove down with my father in a big moving van from Seattle. The trip took two days and was actually very fun. I got to talk and spend time with my father and listen to all sorts of music on the way. Side note, if anyone owns a zune (I know not as cool as a Ipod, but it holds way more music), their car kit works amazing, it searches radio wave and picks the best one to broadcast on...I've had a few and this one worked the best.

This is a picture of Mnt Shasta at 5AM in the morning, its right on the Oregon, California Boarder.

My job title at SCU is Resident Director. It’s a similar job to what I had a Washington State University. I manage a 2 residence halls that make up the Unity Residential Learning Community. I work with a live in Faculty Director and a Resident Minster. I supervise a staff of one Assistant Resident Director, and six Community Facilitators. I also handle all conduct that occurs in the hall among many other things.

The Unity RLC is focused on diversity which is exciting for me. I think that when the students show up in September it’s really going to be exciting. I must admit, I don't think I would have left Washington State or even WSU given my own choice...but I was pulled outside my comfort zone and I am actually really liking it. This is really what I needed and I didn't even realize it. It’s a completely different university in a very different state and culture. The staff and faculty are passionate and all around good people. I love WSU, but its refreshing, something I had almost forgotten having lived and worked at WSU for almost 9 years.

My 2nd day on the job here I was already giving presentations to orientation students...but that’s ok. Its fun to hit the ground running and exciting to know that they hired me because they thought I wouldn't have trouble operating without a to of training right off the bat. I'm slowly learning the culture of the campus here and its fun...I haven't done that since 2000.

It’s hot here, but not bad. Always breeze and if you travel to the coast it’s much like the Northwest. More to post soon, but to summarize my first few weeks here...amazing. I've started to make friends with people I really admire and who are interested in doing their best. There isn't a sense of competition here, we're really here to help each other...I may have fallen into the best job I could have hoped for.

Here is a pic of on of my halls I am in charge of, McLaughlin. The other is Walsh, right next to each other and they are identical.

I miss all my friends and family, but I think I was meant to be here...its comforting to know that. More to come soon

Favorite Comedians

2009-06-12T11:19:00.000-07:00

So I really need to post more. I have ideas for post on: Miss California, Obama’s night out in NYC, and Bush's "legacy." However, I'll get to those next week; today’s post is a fun countdown of my favorite comedians.

If you've been watching the Tonight Show with new host, Conan O’Brian, then you may know that Last nights episode, was the best show ever (June 11th). The two guests were both comedians in my Top five and in honor of that I shall now list my favorite comedians.

1) Don Riclels - best insult comic, and let’s be honest, if I was still who I was in high school, I'd be better than him :P Also if you haven’t read his book: Rickles Book, do yourself a favor and pick it up, its hilarious. (never seen him live)

2) Louis CK - says all the things you wish you could say. (never seen him live)

3) Lewis Black - Best political observer of all time (saw him live once, awesome)

4) Jim Gaffigan - Quiet voice is too much! (He’s from Seattle, so I should have seen him live but haven’t)

5) Norm Macdonald - OK, this guy is the other style I think I'd mimic if I were a comedian - Sarcastic to the core. (seen him live twice, hilarious)

6) John Stewart - Best media critic out there. (never seen him live, did write a letter and never got a response)

7) Bill Cosby - He's villianized by many for challenging the black community to focus more on their children and it’s over shadowed his unique and honest observational humor, no one has had more influence on comedy or I would argue Modern American perceptions of race, than Bill Cosby. I won't argue that what Bill has claimed is right for the African American community, I'm not a member and can't claim that, however as a American I can say that his challenge to take a more active role in our children’s development, rings true for all of America, rich or poor, South or North...any demographic, its a good challenge to extend. (seen him live twice, first time much better, he’s getting up there in years and starting to have trouble remembering stuff so catching him while you can!)

Moderate Politics

2009-04-30T08:04:00.000-07:00

Hello faithful readers - all 2 of you :)

It’s been a long time since I've posted and to be honest it’s because I don't have a lot of free time. What time I do get off I try and spend paying with my daughter (however limited that may be), trying to get a job or trying to take the swelling down in my back...but no sob story here. I also just didn't know what to use this forum for.

Well I think it’s going to become my way of getting my ideas about societal and political issues in our world today. While I don't hold hopes that my blog becomes a subject of national discourse, I do think it will make me feel better to get my ideas out there and maybe lay the foundation for further conversation amongst some and that is enough for me.

Let’s get down to it, I believe in the idea of responsible discourse and moderate politics. Today’s political landscape has been taken over by extremist on both sides of the isle who are so scared of looking week that they have forgotten how to discuss differences in a responsible and respectable manor. When is the last time you've seen our media present a "debate" that didn't consist of insults, yelling or rude behavior? It simply isn't role-modeled anymore, and part of this is the media's fault. However, part of it is our fault. We as a nation would rather watch people yell at each other and manipulate their opponents (I'm looking at you Bill O'Rielly) than a responsible exchange of ideas. It’s simply easier to watch an argument than to take time and listen to other ideas.

This tendency for Americans to like it simple has caused the political landscape to respond with idiotic sound bites and simplified platforms that are easier to post on a bumper sticker than in an article or periodical. Politicians now see the act of listening or learning as a hindrance to re-election.

What I mean by this is that I hate the term "flip flopper". What is wrong with a leader being able to listen to new info and changing their opinion when the new info they've received makes sense to them? I think this is true leadership, the ability to adapt and apply ones values and ideals to new and old information instead of forming solid and stagnant platforms with no room for re-examination. I'm looking at you Republicans, Democrats, Green party etc...

Yet, both major parties have vilified the term flip flopper to the point that if a politician changes their stances over a 40 year career, they can be labeled as someone who doesn't really know what they believe in or worse...a compromiser. John McCain, who I loved, had to move away from his decade’s old identity as a compromiser to even stand a chance in the 2008 election. He pandered so much to extremist in his parties and contradicted himself so much at the end that I just couldn't support him. I couldn't vote for the politician I had seen as a role model of moderate politics for decades. Yet lets be honest, would he have gotten any of the far rights votes without his reckless abandonment of his ideas and identity? Would Americans have voted for someone that they saw as unable to take a firm stance on "republican ideals?"

We as a people need to take a stand against simplified politics. We don't need a leader we can "have a beer with." We need a leader who listens to multiple sides of an issue. Someone who isn't afraid being challenged. Someone who can make decisions for more than a percentage of the American population...but that will never happen unless we demand that the game be changed and that intellectually stimulating discourse becomes something we look for, and not something we get scared of. I don't say this to sound Snoody or intellectual. I think politics should be open to all voters and not the Ivy tower, but that means we as a society have to take on more responsibility to education ourselves and listen to more than bumper stickers, advertisements...blogs.

Favorite Christmas Songs

2008-12-12T19:19:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure everyone noticed, Christmas songs started playing back around Halloween. I'm not quite the humbug that my dad is, who thinks Christmas songs should only be played one day a year, but I understand how people can become tired of Christmas songs so fast. That’s why these next two blogs are meant to help you stay in the Christmas mood and maybe dip a little deeper into Christmas music than say the local pop station. I think why people become so tired of Christmas music is two fold...one new versions of songs come out each year, but very few artist are able to really put a original spin on say "frosty the snowman" or "Silent Night". My next blog will help you find a few original Christmas albums, but this blog deals with the second reason people get tired of Christmas music so fast...only the annoying songs are popular.

I'll list my favorite Christmas songs for you all to digest and maybe consider...if you don't agree, that’s cool. I seem to like the darker Christmas songs and the blues Christmas songs. They don't get played as much but their also very pretty and deep.

1. Oh come, oh come Emmanuel - Very dark and slow but beautiful. It’s my number one favorite Christmas song.

2. God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen - Great song, can be jazzed up, slowed down, and much more.

3. We three Kings - We never sing this one in church, because most hymnals have it in a key to low for a lot of people to sing in. It’s too bad because it a beautiful song.

4. Merry Christmas Baby - Blues tune that every blues artist seems to cover. But no one does it better than BB King.

5. Carol of the Bells - It’s haunting and moving. Whether sand or played on bells it’s really a breathtaking song.

6. Christmas 911 - Another blues tune and Sonny Rhodes does it best.

7. What Child is This - Another great and pretty tune

8. A Christmas Song - by Jethro Tull.

9. Little Drummer Boy.

10. Blues for Xmas - by Everlast. No one's heard this one...its B side to the "Today" single way back in the 90's but I just like Everlast' s voice.

Greatest Day of My Life

2008-12-04T21:59:00.001-08:00

This thanksgiving I experienced what may go down as one of the top ten days of my life. We went home on Friday the 21st. It was a long drive (7 hours) but Eva was really good most of the way and it didn't seem that bad. We took the Gorge which is one of my favorite ways to get to the west side of Washington State and its was all in all and good way to start off the vacation. However, the next day took the cake.

As you may or may not know I'm a huge music nerd, snob if you ask my wife, but I think she's just jealous of my ability to "listen deeper" and not to that new Spears song Womanizer over and over like some wives I know. My favorite bands are Pearl Jam, Gov't Mule, and the top one, Drive by Truckers. Well on the 22nd I was able to see them on the Rock N Roll Means well tour in Portland. The show was at the Crystal Ballroom, and I got to admit, the Roseland Theater is way better and remains my favorite place to see bands. However, location aside DBT rocked and it was a great show. What really put me in a good mood though was the fact that Washington State beat the University of Washington at football in the apple cup, just before we left to go see the show.

Now the media coined it the Crapple cup this year because both teams were #1 and #2 in the bottom 10 this year but that doesn't matter, the Apple cup means more than any bowl game to many cougars and the fact that we beat UW in double over time and kept them without a single win this season is the best present I or any WSU coug could get. When I was an undergrad, every year we'd pray, will this be the year the UW sucks so bad that they don't win a single game...well it finally may happen. They just have to lose to Cal this weekend, but even if they win...it means nothing to me or really UW fans I imagine, as they still remain the worst FBS team in Washington for another year.

As you can imagine, winning the Apple Cup and going to a DBT show with my father, wife and good friend Jessica just about blew my mind. So hears to you DBT, continue to rock and hope you someday realize that I would be a amazing addition to your band, and hears to you Cougars...while we don't need validation that we're better than UW, its still nice to know they can't argue with that.

Songs for Eva

2008-10-10T22:21:00.000-07:00

So last weekend, Eva brought a horrible bug home and we all ended up very sick. Since then Eva doesn't want to fall asleep alone. So its meant a lot of creative efforts on Mom and Dad's part to get her to fall asleep but the one that works for me is singing her to sleep. Which I really enjoy so it’s more of a blessing than a curse. In light of that I thought I'd list my favorite songs to sing to Eva.

1) Godamn Lonely Love - by the Drive by Truckers. This really is a slow and beautiful song that might be my favorite song ever...I usually start with this song as Eva recognizes it.

2) Soulshine - by Gov't Mule (Warren Haynes). This also is a beautiful song with a good message and one of the two songs I hope Eva knows by heart when she's older. Heather likes this song too.

3) Simple Man - by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Good message to this song too and its pretty.

4) Katie Dear - by Radio Nationals. Good band from Seattle that no longer is playing. Great tune that’s a duet and a Romeo and Juliet kind of story.

5) Nothing but the Water - by Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. A soulful song that is pretty and powerful...first heard it live before I ever heard it recorded.

6) The Devil is my Running Mate - by Jason Isbell. Very pretty yet dark tune that I enjoy and I usually sing it last.

7) Scream - by Radio Nationals - Very delicate song about frustration with someone you love, being with someone that treats them wrong.

8) Heart of Gold - Neil Young

9) Little Bonnie - by Drive by Truckers. This is a soft yet dark song about a little girl who passes away and the dad's grief. Sounds like a bad song to sing to a kid but it’s very pretty and reminds me what a special thing I got with Eva.

10) Long Haired Country Boy - Charlie Daniels

This is a old one, but not on my current blog:

2008-10-01T15:29:00.001-07:00

So today a judge in DC decided that the lawsuit filed by a group of American Indians stating that the term "redskins" is racially offensive" was not racially offensive and this is large part because no one has challenged the name of the team in all the many years its been named the redskins.
Last time I checked Justice and equality did not have time limits. There are many instances in our country where wrongs are righted long after they were instituted. If this reasoning were applied to the Jim Crow laws in the south, African Americans would still be separate and not equal.
If you believe that "redskins" is not a racially offensive term, ask yourself, do you feel comfortable using the word outside of football talk? Would you use the term in the presence of an American Indian you did not know. Most likely not and just like the "n" word, "c" word and many other words, this one is wrong and not appropriate no matter who you are.
Our society’s willingness to turn a blind eye to things like this is sickening. Isn't it a little outrageous that the football team from our nation’s capital is named after a people that were almost wiped out by the government and European expansion/conquest?
Its time we stop using offensive mascots...and what makes them offensive like the "redskins" and not offensive like the "fighting Irish." Well many factors, including history, culture, style of mascot and overall...the feelings of the people being portrayed. Honestly if a number of Irish rose up and declared that the Fighting Irish symbol and mascot is a stereotype and offensive to them...I think they would have a point and we should listen, but I imagine they would be ignored as well.
Its time we follow the examples of many schools, sport franchises and the NCAA and start using non-offensive mascots...that’s right U of Illinois and Florida State, its wrong and stop trying to explain your mascots are ok simply because you think you "honoring" the tribes and people you've named your school after. Mimicry isn't always the best form of flattery.

Favorite Concerts

2008-09-26T07:45:00.000-07:00

This last weekend I saw JJ Grey & Mofro in Seattle. Hill Country Review opened for them and it was a great show. Both bands sounded better live than their albums and I love their albums. (for those of you who don't know, Hill Country Review is a side project of the band North Mississippi Allstars) The only down side was the mid life crisis couple next to Heather, Jessica and I who could help but dry hump each other to death the entire time. I wish I could have done something to embarrass them and make them stop but from the look of it, they were beyond embarrassment.

Anyways it got me thinking...which concerts I've gone to where the best? Well here's my top 10 list:

1) Drive by Truckers - Brighter than Creations Dark tour - June 26 2008 - Spokane Wa. - The Big Easy.
This concert was amazing. The only down side was the opening act, Dead Confederate, who just sounded like pink Floyd without the talent. However, DBT was amazing and we got to sit relatively close. Plus the company was good, my wife, Jessica, and John Cory.

2) Gov't Mule - Mighty High Tour - Nov 14th 2007 - Portland Ore - Roseland Theater
This was my first time seeing Warren Haynes and company and it was amazing. I still can't believe how much sound that trio (now added keyboard for four) can create and Warren in my opinion is the best guitarist alive today and one of the best ever. Went to this concert with my brother and that was special to me, as we've always fought as kids and its nice to spend time with just him as a adult and on much better terms.

3) Pearl Jam - Yeild Tour - Jul 18th 1998 - Portland Ore - Rose Garden
This was my first big concert and it was awesome. My co-worker and friend Justin went with me and it was the first big show for both of us. Pearl Jam put on an amazing show with a cover of Neil Young's F-ing up, which was amazing. They set the bar high for all other shows I would see. Someday I want to see them live again.

4) Farm Aid - Sept 14th 2004 - Auburn Wa - Mukelshoot Reservation
I went to this show for two reasons...to see Neil Young and to spend time with Heather, who I had just started dating. In fact I agreed to go to this concert long before we started dating because I knew she was recently single and I wanted to take the risk. It turned out to be a good risk. The show was great with Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and much more. The only drag was that I bough tickets after Heather and her friend had so I ended up sitting by myself and actually in a row all by myself but I got to see good shows and lay a foundation for a good relationship which blossomed rapidly to marriage...still going good.

5) Drive by Truckers - Feb 15th 2008 - Blessing and a Curse Tour - Portland Ore, Roseland Theater.
This was the first time I was able to see DBT live. It was amazing. I went with my dad which was also cool and Son Volt opened which is a good band, but not as good as DBT. It was also in my favorite concert venue, the Roseland Theater.

6) Willie Nelson's 4th July Picnic - July 4th 2007 - The gorge - Washington
This was a HOT show...Jessica and I were sweating, but we were close and we got to see shows from Willie Nelson, Drive by Truckers, Son Volt, and the Old 97's. All I got to say is it was an outdoor venue but it reeked of pot...and Willies son can play a mean guitar.

7) JJ Grey and Mofro - Sept 20th 2008 - Neumos - Seattle Wa.
This was a great show with two good bands, Mofro and Hill Country Review. The venue sucked...I actually would have loved it if there was more seating as I like small venues. And the audience was high and very "touchy" but the music was great and we were only 25 feet away.

8) Nickelback - Sept 3rd 2004 - Spokane Wa, Greyhound Park
This was a fun show. We missed the 1st opening act, 12 Stones, because of the restaurant we stopped at took an hour and half to get us food, but we did see Puddle of Mudd and Nickelback. The highlight was when Nickelback covered Metallica and it sounded awesome...there was a lot of fire too! Good people came with too, Michael Prentice and Tony.

9) Taj Mahal Trio - Nov 16h 2002 - Pullman WA, Bryan Theater
Taj Mahal was very entertaining and it was a fun blues show. Bryan theater was packed and the acoustics were very good!!!

10) 3 Doors Down - July 12th 2001 - Better Life Tour - Salem Or, Salem Armory.
This was a good show, but very hot. Acoustics were bad too but we saw two great bands, 3 Doors Down and Tantric.

11) Third Day - Nov 8th 1997 - Conspiracy Tour - Portland Or, Roseland Theater.This was the first official concert I went too, although not the first secular concert. I went to see a new band called Switchfoot who, along with All Star United, opened for Third Day. That’s right people I listened to Switchfoot back in 97, 8 years before they got big...their first album is the best in my opinion but that may be nostalgia.

PETA proposes that Ben & Jerry's use breast milk in its ice cream

2008-09-26T07:40:00.000-07:00

Besides the obvious, that it’s creepy to think of us all consuming human milk, my wife brought up a very good point when I read an article about Peta wanting Ben and Jerry's to use human milk. Aren’t there better uses for that milk? Aren’t there moms out there who can't produce milk for their children and that milk from other moms would be tremendously useful for their babies? Once again Peta, you loose credibility by placing animals above humans...I understand treating animals ethically but they will never be considered more important than my child or anyone else's.

Crossover SUV's

2008-08-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

Crossover SUV’s.

Now I know it’s a little hypocritical of me to comment on how other cars are ugly, I drive a Honda Element, but I embrace the “toaster” like nature of my car with enthusiasm …much like many of the owners do with the cars I’m about to talk about. However, I think most people will agree with me when I publicly call for the removal of the term “crossover SUV” from our vernacular.

Let’s call these Potatoes on steroids what they are…a mini van with attitude. Hell, lets go further and call them a pumped up station wagon, ok that might be too far but you get my point. I think it’s great that we as a nation are starting to move away from the 15 mpg monster SUV’s of the 80’s and 90’s and starting to look for better alternatives. Yet I think the term Crossover SUV is nothing more than a cover, a way for men, and some women, to trick themselves into believing they aren’t driving a family car…or more to the point, a mini-van.

All you have to do is look at the profile of a Ford Edge, Infinity EX, Nissan Rouge, Mazda CX-9, GMC Arcadia, Mitsubishi Outlander, Hyundai Santa Fe, Nissan Murano, Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot…ok you get my point. All one has to do is look at the profile of any of these crossover SUV’s and compare it to a mini van and you will start to see similarities.

Granted, mini van’s have some differences, the main one being sliding doors, but come on…it’s the same thing. Grow up people, embrace your “family situation” and drive proud…its better than being caught in an AMC pacer, or really anything that cost more the $35,000, (do you really feel better about flaunting your money on a car that won’t last as long as Joe next doors 88 civic?) That’s another rant…

Rock and Roll Cliche's

2008-08-12T21:22:00.000-07:00

Rock and Roll Cliché’s to avoid Part 1

In reality, Rock and roll is great because it’s so formulaic and pure and yeah it’s repetitive and impossible to avoid clichés and things already done. But its fun to point out the repetitions so here it goes.

1) Don’t write a song where you refer to Mary Jane as a real person and think it’s a clever twist on your actual love of Pot. Examples: Tom Petty and Silvertide
2) Don’t refer to your bad relationship as an addiction or disease of any kind. Examples: Rev Theory, Audiovent, Seether
3) Don’t write yourself into a corner where all your hits are sad and pathetic. Examples: Linkin park, Cold, Staind, Seether,
4) Put a half naked picture of a woman on your cover simply to sell copies to impulsive perverts. Example: Any 80’s hair band, Sterioside, Saving Able, Monster Magnet, The Black Crowes, Operator, Ted Nugent, Spinal Tap!!!
5) Write about “Breathing.” Examples: Nickelback, maroon 5
6) Don’t sing about how hard your rock and roll lifestyle is. Yeah the road is hard, but it’s not any harder than going to work in the mines everyday, or spending your days at a mill. You’re paid to travel and rock…any drug addictions and disease’s you pick up along the way is your own fault.
7) Don’t make it big on a massively popular song and then turn your back on it. If you have a signature song that made you a lot of money, don’t insult the fans by “growing out” of it or growing tired of it. You get paid to play music and you should remember its fun or at minimum it’s a way better job than most people have so pony up and play STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN!!! Examples: Led Zeppelin.
8) Don’t write a concept album and expect to be considered with the greats like Pink Floyd, The Who or Neil Young. It stakes more than a lot of weed and 28 1 and ½ songs to make it a good concept.
9) Don’t find the woman of your life and then write the worlds most sappy love song…if history is proof, this can only cause your relationship to go sour. Examples: Axel Rose, Whitesnake.
10) Don’t write a song pleading for a woman or anyone to save your soul. That’s what religions for, not rock. Examples: Nickelback, Another Black Day, Everlast.

11) Don't drape the flag all over yourself in a attempt to show patirotisim or more likely sel records to massive flag fans.

12) Ditch the makeup.

More to come…

Take that Wife!

2008-08-12T20:39:00.001-07:00

So my wife has had a Blog for a few months now, but until today I have never been mentioned in it. However, a momentous occasion has occurred as I was noted in her musings/blog. Well in response I've decided to launch my own blog. Who knows what I'll use it for...funny list, rants about things that bother me, or reflection on life with my wife and daughter. Who knows but hopefully it will be interesting and fun to read.