01/02/16 (That's the first time I've written that. Wowza.)
2015--This was an enjoyable year, overall.
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It wasn't without its share of challenges:
The death of my Aunt Cheryl was the lowest point. She was always supportive of me and my brother--and has always looked out for us. She was very close with my father. She reminded me of my grandmother so much, so that was also a tough blow. It was sort of like losing Meem a second time. However, I know she loved me and was proud of me for who I am now. So, knowing that she was connected to me in that way has helped. I'll miss her for the rest of my life.
My 10-year-old bunny, Payday, died. That blew goats.
Also, my father-in-law having another surgery has been quite frightening at times. He's strong and I respect that man so very much. He's always treated me like a son--long before I married Erin. He built our house with his bare hands. He fought in Vietnam. He's funny and kind-hearted. I love that he fights through every challenge. Even yesterday, only a few weeks after his surgery, he was in the front row at the Fiesta Bowl.
To me, he's inspiring. I want to be like that guy. That's my goal.
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But mostly, this year was positive:
My nephew, Porter, was born. He's healthy and growing, and Everett is getting bigger. And hopefully, he's beating the hell out of his new drum set at home. It's amazing to see him growing into his own person.
I've loved my job because that's what I have to do now. I can't look at all the negative stuff going on in education. I will do my part to improve, but I can really only control my classroom and my students. I appreciate the kids around me everyday. They really do give you hope. I've seen so many wonderful WGH kids grow into awesome adults. Politicians can shove their disconnected mandates. They don't know what it's about. I'm going to teach and enjoy it. I won't be there forever.
White Cadillac has taken a hiatus, but KKC released a new disc--we're already planning on writing something new starting tomorrow. I also enjoyed a great experience playing my first solo performance this year (only three songs). More importantly, I got to perform several Jeff Buckley songs with some wonderful musicians and people. And Noll. That experience will stay with me for a long time to come.
I got to spend a lot of time with friends. Got to go to Notre Dame on five different occasions. Overall, 2015 will fall into the blend-together of the kaleidoscope of memory. But it'll be on the positive end of the spectrum.
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On to 2016:
I'm going to write a lot--poems, short stories, etc. There's a project in the works with my friend, Dave Biscella. I've got a few more radtastical friends who are gonna be in the mix, too. More details soon, but I'm really stoked about it.
There's another tribute show I'm working on for March. This will also be revealed more to everyone in the next several days. But it should be great.
As mentioned earlier, KKC is gonna do some new music. We're looking at an EP. At this stage of our lives, we just want to write. Playing shows is cool, but writing is what gets us lathered up. So, that's where we're going to go.
Erin D is ready for a full-time craft space. So, that's gonna be in the basement. My friend, Mr. Shimko, has offered to help lay this baby out. So, after eight years, the basement is gonna get its first face lift in 2016. Hoping to finish the whole thing eventually, but that's not a 2016 project. That's more of a 2016-2025 project. If I'm lucky.
Finally, I want to do another solo music thing. It's looking like it'll be connected to the writing project I mentioned at the beginning of this ramble.
That's about it. I'm really missing college--just learning, in general. My goal was always to get a doctorate. I've never let go of that goal. Maybe someday. Not this year. Maybe I start on it? Who knows. A guy can dream, right?
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If you're reading this, I'm glad you're interested in my life, and I'm also glad to be interested in yours. I don't know how we became friends, but I'm glad we did. I might never even see you in person very much--but if you're here, I love you. Let's go get a beer/coffee in 2016. Hit me up.
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Wednesday, December 30, 2015
Gentlemen, start your racism.
12/30/15
I'll admit it. I thought racism was going away. Obviously, I was terribly wrong. I knew that older people had reached some younger people. Then, those younger people would birth even younger people, and pass their own ignorance on. But, I thought over time, it would lessen the effect.
However, now protests are found in major cities around the country. Some show up, then there are a few broken windows--some arrests made. Then, the protests go away.
Currently in Cleveland, the Tamir Rice protests are underway. The usual disruption of traffic flow, etc. Some people are angry they're there. Protesters are angry that the angry people protesting their protests aren't properly protesting with them.
The big tragedy is the loss of a young life. A black life, I know. But a life feels like a life to me. Once it's gone, it's gone. And the memory of us begins to shrink away, until it's like we weren't here at all. This kid's life was valuable to those who loved him. Now, it represents a much bigger cause. As it should.
I'm especially bothered by all of this because I think a lot of people failed this child. Yes, he shouldn't have been waving a gun around in a park in the first place. Toy or not, it really doesn't matter. We all know what the gun represents. When you point a gun at someone, you're aiming at them. He should've been instructed where this is and is not appropriate.
Why do we even have toy guns? They're pretty vile instruments. Many people, especially in the inner city, look at a gun as a very normal and necessary thing. Like I do with a car. You've gotta have one because you just need to have it. That's all. Somewhere, those who were teaching him about behavior failed him.
Secondly, the 911 emergency system failed him. They didn't have a lot of details. They sent the officers to the scene with the idea that live weaponry was quite possibly involved. 911 is supposed to be a safety net. Here, it was Tamir's death sentence. This failure is unacceptable.
Thirdly, these police failed him. These cops certainly feared him. Why? Black? Possible weapon? Both? It doesn't matter. They feared him and they acted quickly because of that fear. Because they acted aggressively, he's no longer alive.
But most importantly, we're all failing him now. There's no change being enacted because of him. There are more protests, and more angry white v black or black v white tweets. What is this doing? Nothing. We have to change the fact that so many people are dying when they don't need to.
We simply need to all recognize there's a problem. And we need to address these individual issues on their own. Change the way officers are trained to handle situations like Tamir's--to avoid senseless tragedies in the near future. Examine our obsession with handguns and weapons. Show our children that the music and culture they see everyday doesn't have to be the reality they deal with as they grow up.
Finally, we need to let others help us raise our children. Not by physical means, obviously. But, just by being involved in their child's decision-making and upbringing. Think about how many people helped to raise you personally! Family, friends, neighbors. Everything you read, heard and watched all came together to form who you are. If just one kid had talked to Tamir about his toy (and its nature), he might still be here. And if one person had talked to these officers about the decision they were about to face, it might have ended differently. But we can't block bridges. And we can't burn bridges. We have to build bridges. Together. As it stands now, it feels like an endless, empty cycle.
I'll admit it. I thought racism was going away. Obviously, I was terribly wrong. I knew that older people had reached some younger people. Then, those younger people would birth even younger people, and pass their own ignorance on. But, I thought over time, it would lessen the effect.
However, now protests are found in major cities around the country. Some show up, then there are a few broken windows--some arrests made. Then, the protests go away.
Currently in Cleveland, the Tamir Rice protests are underway. The usual disruption of traffic flow, etc. Some people are angry they're there. Protesters are angry that the angry people protesting their protests aren't properly protesting with them.
The big tragedy is the loss of a young life. A black life, I know. But a life feels like a life to me. Once it's gone, it's gone. And the memory of us begins to shrink away, until it's like we weren't here at all. This kid's life was valuable to those who loved him. Now, it represents a much bigger cause. As it should.
I'm especially bothered by all of this because I think a lot of people failed this child. Yes, he shouldn't have been waving a gun around in a park in the first place. Toy or not, it really doesn't matter. We all know what the gun represents. When you point a gun at someone, you're aiming at them. He should've been instructed where this is and is not appropriate.
Why do we even have toy guns? They're pretty vile instruments. Many people, especially in the inner city, look at a gun as a very normal and necessary thing. Like I do with a car. You've gotta have one because you just need to have it. That's all. Somewhere, those who were teaching him about behavior failed him.
Secondly, the 911 emergency system failed him. They didn't have a lot of details. They sent the officers to the scene with the idea that live weaponry was quite possibly involved. 911 is supposed to be a safety net. Here, it was Tamir's death sentence. This failure is unacceptable.
Thirdly, these police failed him. These cops certainly feared him. Why? Black? Possible weapon? Both? It doesn't matter. They feared him and they acted quickly because of that fear. Because they acted aggressively, he's no longer alive.
But most importantly, we're all failing him now. There's no change being enacted because of him. There are more protests, and more angry white v black or black v white tweets. What is this doing? Nothing. We have to change the fact that so many people are dying when they don't need to.
We simply need to all recognize there's a problem. And we need to address these individual issues on their own. Change the way officers are trained to handle situations like Tamir's--to avoid senseless tragedies in the near future. Examine our obsession with handguns and weapons. Show our children that the music and culture they see everyday doesn't have to be the reality they deal with as they grow up.
Finally, we need to let others help us raise our children. Not by physical means, obviously. But, just by being involved in their child's decision-making and upbringing. Think about how many people helped to raise you personally! Family, friends, neighbors. Everything you read, heard and watched all came together to form who you are. If just one kid had talked to Tamir about his toy (and its nature), he might still be here. And if one person had talked to these officers about the decision they were about to face, it might have ended differently. But we can't block bridges. And we can't burn bridges. We have to build bridges. Together. As it stands now, it feels like an endless, empty cycle.
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
2015: The Best Albums of the Year
2015. This year felt very refreshing. I almost felt overwhelmed at times because there seemed like there was a new release I was stoked about every single week. In fact, at first, I had a list of 20 albums I really loved. I narrowed it down to 10. So, sincere apologies to Ben Folds , The Underachievers and Failure--you get left on the lengthy honorable mentions this year.
Honorable Mentions:
Low, Ones and Sixes
Ben Folds, So There
Lamb of God, VII: Sturm und Drang
Failure, The Heart is a Monster
Muse, Drones
The Underachievers, Evermore: The Art of Duality
Freddie Gibbs, Shadow of a Doubt
Iron Maiden, The Book of Souls
Chelsea Wolfe, Abyss
Here's my 10 favorite albums of 2015:
I think Mr. Cornell has been wanting to make the album for a long time. His first solo effort Euphoria Morning (or Euphoria Mourning as he's labeling it for the re-release--which seems quite daft) was pretty solid. But his solo effort since have been less effective. Especially his foray into hip-hop (if that's what you want to call it)--Scream. Yikes. That album was pretty terrible. However, he's hitting all the right marks with Higher Truth. Lyrically, he seems devoted to searching for a larger meaning in life on many of the tracks. Or he displays overt confidence and vulnerability at the same time on "Let Your Eyes Wander." I believe he's always wanted to create an album with a cutting honesty, while staying in a mostly acoustic vein. That's what he's achieved here. I didn't mind the latest Soundgarden release. But I think the songwriting on Higher Truth is much more precise. It's a worthwhile listen, and I've revisited it countless times over.
No, this list isn't only going to be filled with '90s rockers returning to past glories. However, this album DOES it for MM. His last several efforts have always blended together to me. I enjoyed Mechanical Animals quite a bit. But after that, only Eat Me, Drink Me has grabbed my attention in the slightest. But this album is a powerhouse. He's like a sexy, satanic lounge singer, spewing nonsense to the underworld. There's a subtlety here, but the darkness in the undercurrent never fully engulfs the listener. I know he likes to change lineups and songwriting partners here and there, but he shouldn't mess with this formula. This is a great album from start to finish. If you need a key track, "Third Day of a Seven Day Binge" is it. But the album has no filler.
My Dying Bride is one of the most respected acts in doom metal. There's a prolific sadness carried by this entire album. In fact, between this and Chelsea Wolfe's Abyss, I could see how a person could be driven into a depression coma in 2015. Guitarist Calvin Robertshaw has returned for this, their twelfth album. It's another epic. Eight songs clocking in at just over 62 minutes. Aaron Stainthorpe bellows and howls in his melancholy ways--and it works every time. Tracks "And My Father Left Forever" and "A Cold New Curse" stick with me the most. But if you want dark, downtrodden metal done by the best in the world, this is your fix.
Ghost gets a lot of hatred in metal circles. I've seen them twice, and even I was floored by the amount of meat heads in the crowd. I think they opened for Metallica or something. I dunno. But people see the costumes and the gimmick, and they automatically want to tune them out. But I can't dislike this band. I loved their first full length--in fact, it was my favorite album that year. But I hadn't even SEEN what they looked like yet. So, by the time the gimmick was presented to me, I was already in love with the music. So, they're one of my favorites, Nameless Ghoul gimmick be damned. Once again, a solid album from start to finish. The best song on the album is "Deus In Absentia"--and the chorus hook will stay in your head for days.
I came into this thinking that there's no way they could top their last effort, 2012's Yellow & Green. I was right. This isn't as good as that album. But it's damned close. In fact, I've only had about two weeks to listen to this album. It might continue to grow on me. Baroness hipsters are already complaining that this is the band's BLACK album. Selling out like Metallica. Whatever. Piss off. This is a great disc. Wonderful songwriting. Epic performance. Every single chorus is catchier than the last. "Shock Me" and "Chlorine and Wine" are the first singles--and for good reason. But this album feels best as a whole. Every once in a while, methinks the Mastodon effect is reaching these boys a bit too much. But that's my only concern. Otherwise, I know this band will continue to make top notch records every couple of years. I just started listening to this, and I am already foaming at the mouth, waiting to see what they do next. Oh, also, they're great live. Don't miss a chance to see them.
Canadian and great, Hayden is now on to his eighth album, Hey Love. This is very simplistic in its design. Most of these songs are constructed with warm bass guitar, drums, acoustic guitar and a few keys or strings thrown in. As always, the star is Hayden's voice. As he gets older, his voice sounds more worn, yet more earnest. Better, I'd say. His albums are all quite different, but I love this return to pure, straight-forward songwriting. "No Happy Birthday"--a song written after his child told him that he'd have trouble writing a song as catchy as Happy Birthday--is my favorite song of 2015. Other standout tracks include "Hey Love" and "Shelter." Do yourself a favor and listen to all of his albums. You won't regret it.
Most pop music is pretty awful. But this is excellent pop music. My ears need bubble gum from time to time, and Art Angels is the chewiest, most delectable gum I've had in years. Grimes is now on her fourth album, and she's learning how to do this song writing thing very proficiently. Also, like Hayden above, she's Canadian. Go Canada, eh? These songs feel more mature and much easier to consume than her past efforts. As with Baroness above, the Grimes fans are complaining that this album is too catchy and that it will bring out all of the "non-fans". If so, count me in as one of those. Her other albums just never held my attention, but this one keeps it all the way through. The redone version of "RealiTi" (which was released earlier this year as a single) and "Flesh Without Blood" are great--but don't skip out on "Kill V. Maim" or "California"--in fact, just listen to the entire album a bunch of times. I dare you to avoid getting hooked.
Bjork doesn't always do it for me. I know she's weird and unique. I love that. But sometimes, she seems like she's trying too hard to be odd. Like, once the eyes of society/music culture are upon her, she wears a swan dress or beats up a reporter. The reason this is my favorite Bjork album ever is because it finds her at her most vulnerable. Like Beck's Sea Change, a break-up has forced her to confront her own loneliness with song. In fact, this album's liner notes have listed how long after or before her break-up she wrote the song. It feels like she is fully exposed and often lost. The orchestration is some of the best I've heard from a modern artist. "Stonemilker" is gut-wrenching, but you also must visit "History of Touches" (wow--lyrics--wow) and "Black Lake" are also excellent from top to bottom. This is her finest hour. In her sorrow, she's created the soundtrack to heartache. It's breathtaking.
Before I get into this album, I want to tell you what inspired it. Wilson said it was inspired by the story of Joyce Carol Vincent, a young woman who died in her loft, and no one noticed she was gone for over THREE YEARS. Her body was alone for that long, and no friend or family member cared to find her. That's loneliness. This album treats solitude and isolation with artistic strokes abound. Steven Wilson is the mastermind behind Porcupine Tree, a band who has obliterated the universe with countless releases over the past almost thirty years. This is Wilson's fourth solo record, and it's his best. I also got to see him pull this off live in a small theatre in Pennsylvania this year. It was one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Melodic themes revisit throughout the album, sometimes in different forms. It feels more like a book than a record. "Routine" is one of the saddest songs I've ever heard. Watch the music video on YouTube if you want to weep a bit. Steven Wilson is one of the greatest songwriters alive today, and this is his finest hour.
This is fairly predictable, if you know me. Faith No More is my favorite band, and this is their first original release since 1997. It would almost have been number one before I heard it. But once I heard it, I knew my life had instantly gotten better. They seem like they haven't missed a step. Many of these songs will jump right into their set list, and will feel right at home with the rest of their discography. Is it as good as 1992's Angel Dust? Nope. Is it as amazing as The Real Thing? Nah. But both of those album were redefining GENRES of music. This album is the band just trying to redefine itself. They're all older. Several side projects and life lessons under their belts. It hits on all the FNM watermarks. From the chaos of "Separation Anxiety" into the epic thunder of "Matador" to the rage of "Superhero"--this album has it all. I feel like I've waited a lifetime. Please, Faith No More. Please. Please be here to stay.
Honorable Mentions:
Low, Ones and Sixes
Ben Folds, So There
Lamb of God, VII: Sturm und Drang
Failure, The Heart is a Monster
Muse, Drones
The Underachievers, Evermore: The Art of Duality
Freddie Gibbs, Shadow of a Doubt
Iron Maiden, The Book of Souls
Chelsea Wolfe, Abyss
Here's my 10 favorite albums of 2015:
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| #10 - Chris Cornell, Higher Truth |
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| #9 - Marilyn Manson, The Pale Emperor |
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| #8 - My Dying Bride, Feel The Misery |
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| #7 - Ghost, Meliora |
Ghost gets a lot of hatred in metal circles. I've seen them twice, and even I was floored by the amount of meat heads in the crowd. I think they opened for Metallica or something. I dunno. But people see the costumes and the gimmick, and they automatically want to tune them out. But I can't dislike this band. I loved their first full length--in fact, it was my favorite album that year. But I hadn't even SEEN what they looked like yet. So, by the time the gimmick was presented to me, I was already in love with the music. So, they're one of my favorites, Nameless Ghoul gimmick be damned. Once again, a solid album from start to finish. The best song on the album is "Deus In Absentia"--and the chorus hook will stay in your head for days.
 |
| #6 - Baroness, Purple |
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| #5 - Hayden, Hey Love |
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| #4 - Grimes, Art Angels |
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| #3 - Bjork, Vulnicura |
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| #2 - Steven Wilson, Hand.Cannot.Erase. |
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| #1 Faith No More, Sol Invictus |
Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Youth in the rear view
10/20/2015As a child, I remember going to church and then dropping by my Grandma Begeot's house afterwards. I didn't really know that Grandma Begeot was actually Great-Grandma Begeot. Didn't really matter to me. I knew family was there, and people watching Browns football--and my "Aunt Betty." That's all. Simple as that.
Betty Jean, my Great-Aunt (like I said, didn't really care about the distinction at the time) was in a wheelchair all of my life. And all of her life. She had a form of Palsy, which--as my mother explained to me today--was from being born with Jaundice. My brother and I were also born with this, but it was in the late 70s/early 80s. So, treatment was available then. But, when my Aunt Betty was born in 1946, they couldn't treat it as effectively. So, she was unable to control her muscle movements for all of her lifetime.
On Sundays, as soon as we arrived at Grandma Begeot's, I'd eat a cheese sandwich (with Miracle Whip, and cut once). Also, the cheese couldn't be broken before the sandwich was cut, or I'd demand a different, unmutilated, piece of cheese. I was the first kid on that side of the family, with my mother and three aunts. So, I was spoiled. I got what I wanted, usually. So, that was nice.
I'd take Betty over to the other side of the house, and I'd shut the door, and we'd just talk a lot. She was hard to understand, but I got pretty efficient at it, after a while. We'd talk about school, and dancing. She'd say "Hubba Hubba!" and throw her arms around if I told her about a girl at school that I thought was cute. She'd tell me how smart I was for getting As. She'd tell me about things she'd done that week, or TV Shows she'd watched.
You know, she was in her mid 30s at that point. I was probably five or six years old. But she talked to me like nobody else. She treated me like an adult, in a way. She'd ask my opinion about things she'd seen, and would accept my suggestions and answers like I was a college student or something. She'd laugh at my jokes, and she'd tell me things were going to be okay if I was worried about something.
Eventually, Grandma Begeot passed away, and the family quit going to her house every Sunday. Betty would get moved into nursing homes/facilities. I'd see her at family functions, and would say hi and give her a big hug. She was always so very excited to see me. And I was always equally thrilled to see her.
Unexpectedly, this week, my Aunt Betty died.
I haven't seen her very much at all in the past ten years or so. A handful of times. She was 69 years old. She lived almost 70 years, bound to a chair. Unable to control her own body. She never complained to me. As a kid, she could've told me that she was jealous that I could grow up and do what I wanted. She could've been jealous. But she never was.
She just always told me to live life, and to boogie. And that's what I've tried to do.
Today, at her calling hours, they were playing a slide show of 35-40 pictures. The third one in had me sitting on her lap, my mouth agape. I was maybe a year old. And pictures of Betty Jean in her yard with her mother, gone for almost 30 years now--I saw them all. It felt like two days ago. I remember everything about that time in my life, very fondly. Those years really shaped me into who I am now--and Betty has a lot to do with it, in hindsight. Her eyes had a gentility and she always--always--cared about what I had to say to her. She was the first adult that seemed to get me. I'll never forget her for that. Especially when it's time to boogie.
Monday, January 26, 2015
The Double Standard: 50 Shades and the Role of Women in Films
01/26/15
I haven't read very much of 50 Shades of Grey. I checked out a couple of excerpts, just to see what all of the fuss was about. Wow. It's, well. Visual. Graphic, even. It's like the bodice ripper crap novels that used to be next to the checkout lines at all of the Giant Eagles, with the perversion knob turned all the way to 11. The bodice rippers go to 10. This book goes to 11.
Of course, when I heard this was coming to the silver screen--I was reticent. Part of me felt that this was like acceptable soft pornography for females to indulge in, while men are often judged negatively for doing the same thing.
But that original gut reaction was incorrect. The more I've thought about it, the more I've realized that 99% of movie plots involve the male being the aggressor, the female being the pursued. Yes, 50 Shades is that same sort of thing. But it's the female exploring the darker desires, while the male seems quite a bit like an object, at times.
It's a rather sharp double-standard. Most men probably aren't comfortable with this type of film coming out because women are usually shamed for expressing some of the same sentiments that men express amongst their friends, on the Internet, out loud. Men are hailed as studs, women reviled as tramps. Men don't need to repress their blatant aggressiveness--we probably should. But society doesn't really require us to do so. We're always portrayed, in films and in books, as the chaser after the chaste.
I would figure it would be rather difficult being female, watching a large majority of the films displaying the woman as the object that always needs protected. Then, once protected, desired. It's cliché and expected. Maybe it's not too jarring because we're all trained to fit these roles from the time we get blue and pink blankets in our cribs. The women who are represented as strong and aggressive figures on film and in literature are usually just given these traits by making them more masculine and aggressive--even by throwing them in leather and armor, with a bow and arrow--not really independent.
So, I've decided to shut up. It's probably time for women to enjoy a film where inhibitions are not forced upon them by being the object of the gaze the entire time. The role reverses a little bit. Society is just going to have to be comfortable with that. Maybe even confronting, on another level, the fact that many of the preconceived notions are outdated--and due for a shift.
I haven't read very much of 50 Shades of Grey. I checked out a couple of excerpts, just to see what all of the fuss was about. Wow. It's, well. Visual. Graphic, even. It's like the bodice ripper crap novels that used to be next to the checkout lines at all of the Giant Eagles, with the perversion knob turned all the way to 11. The bodice rippers go to 10. This book goes to 11.
Of course, when I heard this was coming to the silver screen--I was reticent. Part of me felt that this was like acceptable soft pornography for females to indulge in, while men are often judged negatively for doing the same thing.
But that original gut reaction was incorrect. The more I've thought about it, the more I've realized that 99% of movie plots involve the male being the aggressor, the female being the pursued. Yes, 50 Shades is that same sort of thing. But it's the female exploring the darker desires, while the male seems quite a bit like an object, at times.
It's a rather sharp double-standard. Most men probably aren't comfortable with this type of film coming out because women are usually shamed for expressing some of the same sentiments that men express amongst their friends, on the Internet, out loud. Men are hailed as studs, women reviled as tramps. Men don't need to repress their blatant aggressiveness--we probably should. But society doesn't really require us to do so. We're always portrayed, in films and in books, as the chaser after the chaste.
I would figure it would be rather difficult being female, watching a large majority of the films displaying the woman as the object that always needs protected. Then, once protected, desired. It's cliché and expected. Maybe it's not too jarring because we're all trained to fit these roles from the time we get blue and pink blankets in our cribs. The women who are represented as strong and aggressive figures on film and in literature are usually just given these traits by making them more masculine and aggressive--even by throwing them in leather and armor, with a bow and arrow--not really independent.
So, I've decided to shut up. It's probably time for women to enjoy a film where inhibitions are not forced upon them by being the object of the gaze the entire time. The role reverses a little bit. Society is just going to have to be comfortable with that. Maybe even confronting, on another level, the fact that many of the preconceived notions are outdated--and due for a shift.
Monday, January 19, 2015
Life Ain't Nothing But Bits and Money: Video Games That Stick With Me
01/19/15
A couple of days ago, while looking at my brand new, shiny consoles--I got sad. I felt like a failure. I have about 20 games from the last generation of consoles that I never finished, and it makes me feel wasteful. Why did I not finish them? Too busy? Maybe. But probably not. I just get bored or get excited about the next thing that's coming out.
I joke that the reason I buy all the new consoles right away is because, as a child, I was usually a console behind. I got Pong when the Atari came out. I got an Atari very shortly before the Nintendo hit market. When the 16 Bit revolution was going on, I still played the Nintendo for quite a while. New consoles were expensive, and my family certainly wasn't wealthy when I was growing up. So now, if it comes out, I usually snag it up right away like the spoiled brat that I am.
Anyhow, I decided to take on Bioshock. I've never gotten more than one hour into the game. I think this is my third time starting over. So far, it's a blast. It got me to thinkin'--what games shaped me into the gamer I am now? If I had to just pick a handful, from all of the consoles past and present, what games would be on my Mount Rushmore of games. Well, these games would:
Pong
This game really was my first system. Just two knobs. My brother wasn't born yet, or he was just drooling at that point. No neighbors. I just played with myself all the time. Yikes. You know what I mean.
Pitfall (Atari 2600)
You could go underground and there were alligators. That's really all I needed to love this game. Not sure if you could "beat" the game, per say. But I loved it. So much so, this is incorporated into my video game tattoo. Yes, I have a video game tattoo. I'm that guy.
Bowling (Atari 2600)
This game was just pure fun, and I could play for hours.
Warlords (Atari 2600)
Yes! This game allowed four people to play against each other, at home. This was quite unheard of. Players also used the turny-knob controllers, which I really only used for this and the one nighttime racing game.
Mario Brothers, Super Mario Brothers, SMB 2, SMB 3 (NES)
My obsession with Mario started early. I couldn't get enough of these games, and all of them felt so unique. I must say, Super Mario Brothers 3 is my favorite, but 2 has quite a bit of charm as well. Mario is part of the tat.
The Legend of Zelda Games (except II) -- Several Systems
I really hated Zelda II, but every other Zelda game has been awesome. I haven't finished Skyward Sword and I never finished Windwaker. But I just got the HD update for the WiiU of Windwaker, so that might be next on my list to finish--if I ever conquer Bioshock. Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past are tied for my favorites. Both great games! Link is part of the tat.
Contra (NES)
Sure I used up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A--who didn't? But eventually, I got good enough where I could beat this game with less than three lives. Shooting the aliens heart repeatedly at the end was extremely rewarding. The music was catchy, and the guns (except for that damned spinny, spirally gun) were awesome!
Tekken 2 (PlayStation)
I never loved fighting games, but this one was great. When I lived with a few friends, we'd have people over and just play this forever. Except Eddy Gordo. Screw that guy.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis)
I hung out with a few friends in Girard and played this from the time we got home from school until I had to go home to sleep. Still fun to play! Seriously. It has aged well.
Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64)
This squirrel swore, he bounced around on a flowers boobs and the money would talk to you and taunt you in a New York accent. I couldn't believe the raunchiness of this game--which is nothing compared to more recent games. But I loved it, and I'd play it again right now. I'm sure it still is fun and hysterical.
GoldenEye (N64)
Everybody loves this game. Everyone. I had a N64 which I'd take everywhere to play against friends. I called it the box full of fun. And it was, every time.
No Mercy/WrestleMania 2000 (N64)
This is when wrestling games were simply pure, unadulterated fun. Now it's complex to line up ladders with belts, and tables, and buttons and timing. These games were the best, and I'd play, alone and with friends, for hours. In fact, No Mercy would go in my Top 5, no question.
Resident Evil (PlayStation)
A game which was scary? Legitimately scary. They're about to release an updated version tomorrow (I think) for the new consoles, and I'll probably pick it up. The controls seem clunky now, but back when it was released, I'd never seen anything like it. So engaging!
WrestleFest (Arcade Game)
I told my Dad when we were at Truck World, when I was like 14, "Someday, I'll buy this when I'm a man, so I can play it at home!" My dad said, "Son, you won't want that when you're grown up. You'll want adult things." Yeah, I own it. It's in my basement right now.
Grand Theft Auto 4 & 5 (Xbox360)
I know San Andreas and GTA3 were groundbreaking, but these games was so unbelievable. The storylines were always shifting and changing, and you could do WHATEVER you want in them. I gave up over 60 hours on each one, and it was the best 120 hours you can spend on a game.
The Last of Us (PS3)
This might be the greatest game I've ever played. I'm not 100% sure. But it's close. Every second is on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, and the ending is the most soul-destroying ending I've ever seen for a game. It starts out with insanity, and it never quits for over 20 hours. There are several cut scenes which I will never forget for the rest of my life,
NBA2K14 (PS4)
The only game I've ever spent over 100 hours playing (Zelda: Twilight Princess clocked in at just under 90). I took my player, Smoove Wilcox to a title with the New Orleans Pelicans. Sometimes, when I see the Pelicans on TV, I still think they actually won a title. It was just really, really fun.
Socom 2 (PlayStation 2)
This was the first game I ever played online against people. Jeremy and I would play the Abandoned board over and over and over. We were such campers, but we were good. I eventually created a gamer name alternative so offensive, that all the players on my own team would just kill me as soon as I spawned. Calling me terrible names. Boy, that was a good time.
Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2 (XBox360)
I've never played so much online war. It never got old, and it was the first game to incorporate all the weapon upgrades that ACTUALLY made a difference.
Tiger Woods Golf 2004 (Gamecube)
All I have to say, this game was so fun, I started golfing in real life just because I liked the video game. That's right, my third favorite hobby, behind music and gaming--started because of this game. It's cost me thousands of dollars and handfuls of broken clubs since then. I don't regret a thing.
Animal Crossing (Gamecube)
This game never really WENT anywhere, but I got a statue of myself eventually and I made shirts making fun of my friend Julian, which ended up in games in Chicago because TubRing stayed at our house after we played with them at the Binghi. That's a memory for a lifetime.
Metal Gear Solid 2 (PlayStation 2)
I hid under a box for 25 hours and choked dudes out. Then I threw them in lockers. Yes, that WAS amazingly entertaining!
Batman Arkham Asylum (PS3)
Just a badassed game. It makes you FEEL like you're really Batman. How can that NOT be awesome. The newer games in the series are just as good--but this was my first!
All I know is that the PS4 and XboxOne are the most powerful consoles I've ever owned. I can't wait to see what the next decade of gaming has in store!
A couple of days ago, while looking at my brand new, shiny consoles--I got sad. I felt like a failure. I have about 20 games from the last generation of consoles that I never finished, and it makes me feel wasteful. Why did I not finish them? Too busy? Maybe. But probably not. I just get bored or get excited about the next thing that's coming out.
I joke that the reason I buy all the new consoles right away is because, as a child, I was usually a console behind. I got Pong when the Atari came out. I got an Atari very shortly before the Nintendo hit market. When the 16 Bit revolution was going on, I still played the Nintendo for quite a while. New consoles were expensive, and my family certainly wasn't wealthy when I was growing up. So now, if it comes out, I usually snag it up right away like the spoiled brat that I am.
Anyhow, I decided to take on Bioshock. I've never gotten more than one hour into the game. I think this is my third time starting over. So far, it's a blast. It got me to thinkin'--what games shaped me into the gamer I am now? If I had to just pick a handful, from all of the consoles past and present, what games would be on my Mount Rushmore of games. Well, these games would:
Pong
This game really was my first system. Just two knobs. My brother wasn't born yet, or he was just drooling at that point. No neighbors. I just played with myself all the time. Yikes. You know what I mean.
Pitfall (Atari 2600)
You could go underground and there were alligators. That's really all I needed to love this game. Not sure if you could "beat" the game, per say. But I loved it. So much so, this is incorporated into my video game tattoo. Yes, I have a video game tattoo. I'm that guy.
Bowling (Atari 2600)
This game was just pure fun, and I could play for hours.
Warlords (Atari 2600)
Yes! This game allowed four people to play against each other, at home. This was quite unheard of. Players also used the turny-knob controllers, which I really only used for this and the one nighttime racing game.
Mario Brothers, Super Mario Brothers, SMB 2, SMB 3 (NES)
My obsession with Mario started early. I couldn't get enough of these games, and all of them felt so unique. I must say, Super Mario Brothers 3 is my favorite, but 2 has quite a bit of charm as well. Mario is part of the tat.
The Legend of Zelda Games (except II) -- Several Systems
I really hated Zelda II, but every other Zelda game has been awesome. I haven't finished Skyward Sword and I never finished Windwaker. But I just got the HD update for the WiiU of Windwaker, so that might be next on my list to finish--if I ever conquer Bioshock. Ocarina of Time and A Link to the Past are tied for my favorites. Both great games! Link is part of the tat.
Contra (NES)
Sure I used up, up, down, down, left, right, left, right, B, A--who didn't? But eventually, I got good enough where I could beat this game with less than three lives. Shooting the aliens heart repeatedly at the end was extremely rewarding. The music was catchy, and the guns (except for that damned spinny, spirally gun) were awesome!
Tekken 2 (PlayStation)
I never loved fighting games, but this one was great. When I lived with a few friends, we'd have people over and just play this forever. Except Eddy Gordo. Screw that guy.
Sonic the Hedgehog (Genesis)
I hung out with a few friends in Girard and played this from the time we got home from school until I had to go home to sleep. Still fun to play! Seriously. It has aged well.
Conker's Bad Fur Day (N64)
This squirrel swore, he bounced around on a flowers boobs and the money would talk to you and taunt you in a New York accent. I couldn't believe the raunchiness of this game--which is nothing compared to more recent games. But I loved it, and I'd play it again right now. I'm sure it still is fun and hysterical.
GoldenEye (N64)
Everybody loves this game. Everyone. I had a N64 which I'd take everywhere to play against friends. I called it the box full of fun. And it was, every time.
No Mercy/WrestleMania 2000 (N64)
This is when wrestling games were simply pure, unadulterated fun. Now it's complex to line up ladders with belts, and tables, and buttons and timing. These games were the best, and I'd play, alone and with friends, for hours. In fact, No Mercy would go in my Top 5, no question.
Resident Evil (PlayStation)
A game which was scary? Legitimately scary. They're about to release an updated version tomorrow (I think) for the new consoles, and I'll probably pick it up. The controls seem clunky now, but back when it was released, I'd never seen anything like it. So engaging!
WrestleFest (Arcade Game)
I told my Dad when we were at Truck World, when I was like 14, "Someday, I'll buy this when I'm a man, so I can play it at home!" My dad said, "Son, you won't want that when you're grown up. You'll want adult things." Yeah, I own it. It's in my basement right now.
Grand Theft Auto 4 & 5 (Xbox360)
I know San Andreas and GTA3 were groundbreaking, but these games was so unbelievable. The storylines were always shifting and changing, and you could do WHATEVER you want in them. I gave up over 60 hours on each one, and it was the best 120 hours you can spend on a game.
The Last of Us (PS3)
This might be the greatest game I've ever played. I'm not 100% sure. But it's close. Every second is on-the-edge-of-your-seat action, and the ending is the most soul-destroying ending I've ever seen for a game. It starts out with insanity, and it never quits for over 20 hours. There are several cut scenes which I will never forget for the rest of my life,
NBA2K14 (PS4)
The only game I've ever spent over 100 hours playing (Zelda: Twilight Princess clocked in at just under 90). I took my player, Smoove Wilcox to a title with the New Orleans Pelicans. Sometimes, when I see the Pelicans on TV, I still think they actually won a title. It was just really, really fun.
Socom 2 (PlayStation 2)
This was the first game I ever played online against people. Jeremy and I would play the Abandoned board over and over and over. We were such campers, but we were good. I eventually created a gamer name alternative so offensive, that all the players on my own team would just kill me as soon as I spawned. Calling me terrible names. Boy, that was a good time.
Call of Duty, Modern Warfare 2 (XBox360)
I've never played so much online war. It never got old, and it was the first game to incorporate all the weapon upgrades that ACTUALLY made a difference.
Tiger Woods Golf 2004 (Gamecube)
All I have to say, this game was so fun, I started golfing in real life just because I liked the video game. That's right, my third favorite hobby, behind music and gaming--started because of this game. It's cost me thousands of dollars and handfuls of broken clubs since then. I don't regret a thing.
Animal Crossing (Gamecube)
This game never really WENT anywhere, but I got a statue of myself eventually and I made shirts making fun of my friend Julian, which ended up in games in Chicago because TubRing stayed at our house after we played with them at the Binghi. That's a memory for a lifetime.
Metal Gear Solid 2 (PlayStation 2)
I hid under a box for 25 hours and choked dudes out. Then I threw them in lockers. Yes, that WAS amazingly entertaining!
Batman Arkham Asylum (PS3)
Just a badassed game. It makes you FEEL like you're really Batman. How can that NOT be awesome. The newer games in the series are just as good--but this was my first!
All I know is that the PS4 and XboxOne are the most powerful consoles I've ever owned. I can't wait to see what the next decade of gaming has in store!
Friday, January 16, 2015
Voyeurs: We Are Watching Us
01/16/15
I've been hearing about the wonders of the selfie-stick.
It just attaches to your phone, and voila. You've got a boom stand for your smart device. Duck lips from below, above, wherever you like.
The current obsession of our culture to watch each other, even people we don't know, is quite alarming. I like Snapchat, but I know so many people who just post things on there throughout the day, and I wonder--when did we all start thinking, "I need to show everyone who's not here this."
I'm not criticizing. I watch all the Snaps. I check out IG, and FB and TW and LMNOP or whatnot. I love it. I feel like I'm getting to know really awesome people, without ever actually hanging out with them. That's odd. We're morphing into a ravenous culture of shameless voyeurs. We just want to show strangers what we're doing, so that we don't feel weird watching what they're doing. I'm caught up with what's going on in over 1,000 people's lives right now. 1,000! One THOUSAND. That's a lot of people. In college, pre-social media, I think I knew 27 people who weren't related to me.
So is this connection to these people real? Does it count as interpersonal communication? I don't believe it does. It's more Intrapersonal. We are probably doing this for ourselves. We want to be watched and followed and viewed. It plays into our need to be noticed, and our desire to be the center of an event--life is an event, don't you think?
The connection is so instant and yet so generic, at times. We can see our friends, beautiful or not, kind or not. We can watch what they do and be there with them, in visual spirit. How many people take 15 versions of a selfie before sharing it? The angle must be right. The lighting. The smile (or scowl, if necessary). Not generic but still cheeky enough to acknowledge that taking a picture of our own face next to a bowl of salad is slightly disconnected, yet thoroughly connected to all who click the like button.
I just wonder if there's a time in the future when people will be shamed if they're seen taking a picture of themselves in public. Right now, it's no-holds-barred. In fact, sometimes we see people taking one and we think, "That's gonna be a good one." It's an art form. But is the art of communication being lost in the process?
I've been hearing about the wonders of the selfie-stick.
It just attaches to your phone, and voila. You've got a boom stand for your smart device. Duck lips from below, above, wherever you like.
The current obsession of our culture to watch each other, even people we don't know, is quite alarming. I like Snapchat, but I know so many people who just post things on there throughout the day, and I wonder--when did we all start thinking, "I need to show everyone who's not here this."
I'm not criticizing. I watch all the Snaps. I check out IG, and FB and TW and LMNOP or whatnot. I love it. I feel like I'm getting to know really awesome people, without ever actually hanging out with them. That's odd. We're morphing into a ravenous culture of shameless voyeurs. We just want to show strangers what we're doing, so that we don't feel weird watching what they're doing. I'm caught up with what's going on in over 1,000 people's lives right now. 1,000! One THOUSAND. That's a lot of people. In college, pre-social media, I think I knew 27 people who weren't related to me.
So is this connection to these people real? Does it count as interpersonal communication? I don't believe it does. It's more Intrapersonal. We are probably doing this for ourselves. We want to be watched and followed and viewed. It plays into our need to be noticed, and our desire to be the center of an event--life is an event, don't you think?
The connection is so instant and yet so generic, at times. We can see our friends, beautiful or not, kind or not. We can watch what they do and be there with them, in visual spirit. How many people take 15 versions of a selfie before sharing it? The angle must be right. The lighting. The smile (or scowl, if necessary). Not generic but still cheeky enough to acknowledge that taking a picture of our own face next to a bowl of salad is slightly disconnected, yet thoroughly connected to all who click the like button.
I just wonder if there's a time in the future when people will be shamed if they're seen taking a picture of themselves in public. Right now, it's no-holds-barred. In fact, sometimes we see people taking one and we think, "That's gonna be a good one." It's an art form. But is the art of communication being lost in the process?
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