October's DARK METAL Musings...

“How could I be condemned
For the things that I’ve done
If my intentions were good;
I guess I’ll never know…
Some things under the sun
Can never be understood…”

From “Soul Society” by Kamelot from Black Halo, 2005.

As often as I am able, I drive to Keith’s house and watch football—always careful as to what words I scream at the TV when his young daughters are around. The ritual also involves Keith looking at whatever CD’s I have on me in his effort to find some stuff he does not own. The last two weeks the CD’s have included some metal and symphonic power metal at that.

“I am beginning to worry about you…” he uttered last week.

My friend John put me up to listening to power metal. He said it was “great” as he burned two Luca Turilli CD’s for me and some Kamelot and Hammer Fall.

John is right; it is great.

Power Metal, speed metal, some gothic metal, and symphonic metal have some similar attributes. Most of it is European.—from cold countries, as far as I can tell.

Many bands have a gothic feel to them.

If you are a fan of Middle Earth or Dungeons and Dragons type of imagery or Vikings (and not the lousy kind from Minnesota—dig dig dig) or vampire-like mixed with pseudo questionable religion and religious undertones about the “after life” and related philosophies in the lyrics—welcome aboard.

Often the guitars are fast and furious with a thundering bass and a crisp drum.

I found that some of the stuff has a “Meatloaf” grand quality to it (Yes, Seriously); although I think any power metal band would slap me silly for saying that.

Major bands who play this stuff include Rhapsody, Kamelot--my personal favorite—website here: http://www.kamelot.com, Hammer Fall who toured with DIO--website here: http://www.hammerfall.net, Savatage of which members are currently with the Trans Siberian Orchestra, Dragonforce: literally the fastest I have ever heard the guitar played--website here: http://www.dragonforce.com, Helloween who have been around for quite a while--website here: http://www.helloween.org and Primal Fear-- website here: http://primalfear.rocks.de/fear.html. They all owe more than a slight nod to Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, but the voices are more melodic and the subject of the lyrics are more fantasy-laced and gothic.

Since Halloween is around the corner—may I suggest some Kamelot Epica or Black Halo to ring in All Hallows Eve—the Helloween choice is so clichéd.

Band bios and information as well as the lyrics can be found on the Dark Elucidation page here: http://www.darkelucidation.com.


When I think of Power Metal I think of Wagner meets Judas Priest with the voice of Freddy Mercury leading the way. I am confident if I am wrong, John will chime in his comments.

Enjoy something new.

Bears Vs. The Vikings

“Somewhere in time;
I will find you and haunt you again…”
The Haunting, by Kamelot, 2006 from Black Halo.

What a great game. Linae, a fellow educator and one of the best, is in the picture with me.

If the Bears can continue to win the games that they are not supposed to win, then we have a chance.

Linae and I have a soda bet each year for the Bear-Vikings games—she being from the great state of Minnesota. She lost yet another one—and as one can imagine, we split the bet per year.

I was impressed with Grossman for the second half of the fourth quarter—the first play, remember, he threw an errant pass to a Viking corner who ran it in.

But the last series, Grossman looked great. The much vaulted Bears Defense looked equally up to the task, allowing no touchdowns.

Once again, the Bears spread the ball around. It was a good Division victory for a great team. I see shades of 1985—having owned all of the games on DVD from a wonderous eBay seller.

I have a bet with my beer-drinking-each-Tuesday Uncle Dan. I say not only will the Bears win the NFC North, but the first game of the playoffs they play. He is confident that they will not win a game beyond the Division title game, as am I that they will. We bet a six pack of the other’s choice of beverage. I am open for suggestions.

Thanks Linae for posing with me on team day at our school for HOMECOMING WEEK. You are truly one of the best educators it has ever been my honor to teach with!

Remember, Linae, Diet Mountain Dew!

What A Long, Strange Trip Its Been

“I walk a lonely road,
The only one that I’ve ever known
Don’t know where it goes
But its home to me and I walk alone”

Green Day—Boulevard of Broken Dreams

Note to the self: Stay calm, do not become maudlin or fake, and try not to sound too cheery.

Hi.

I just came back from the cardiologist and all is well. He came in today and told me that all looked “excellent.”

“Thank you, Jesus,” I said.

Pam rolled her eyes and the cardiologist said, “No my name is Jim” and then hit me with the clipboard as we laughed. Awesome.

All is well. The new ON X © artificial heart valve is responding perfectly and the blood work and tests have come back the same.

As I type this with Guinness sitting on my arm, being the true friend and loyal cat that he is; I would just like to point out that I have learned something here.

What I perceived as a problematic experience in having a “new valve” that leaked in April has actually made me stronger and healthier. The doctor was good enough to “catch” the problem and now I am looking forward to the rest of my life with hope.

As I walk for the American Heart Association Walk this weekend, I will remember that. Also, the kids at my school raised funds for my cause during this, their homecoming week. How cool is that?

So to you all with your kind words of support and thoughts and well-wishes; thanks.

I admit, I had a New Castle Brown Ale and an Oktober Fest Beer this afternoon to celebrate.

I feel well and I now have proof. Guinness also says thanks as his favorite owner will share his life with the Maine Coon.

Life is funny and tragic sometimes. It also teaches us a lesson now and again. I have been given yet another chance; I must be doing something right. Either that or I have to keep trying to “get” it right enough to satisfy those in authority of fate.

Either way—Peace be to each and may goodwill fill your life.

Bears 26 and Packers 0

"Bear down, Chicago Bears"

Last Sunday…oh last Sunday!

Favre was throwing horrid passes and ending up smelling the “frozen tundra” as he was seen eating dirt.

The offense reminded me of some of my high school friends and me—could not score to save our souls.

Green Bay did have a running game, that showed glimpses, but not a legitimate threat.

The once mighty and vaulted Packer Defense was a leaky sieve that drained blood from every porous region.

It was a thing of beauty.

Then the commentators come in and tried to ruin it for the rest of us by saying how weak the Packers were and never highlighting that Grossman had a career game, the Bears special teams were fantastic in all phases (remember besides the Hester score, Maynard put the ball clearly in a place that pinned the Packers back), and the Chicago Defense gave Favre his first shutout. Sounds like a formula for success if one were to ask me.

It is early, but let’s be realistic here. The Chicago Bears Division will not give trouble and the Bears only tough spot in their schedule is the road trips in November, where they play on the East Coast twice and I think the Patriots and Jets are very beatable.

Dare I say it—this could be what I have waited twenty years to occur. Super Bore, here we come!!!

Even as I watched that last Bear game, I could smell the sweet scent of victory and the stench of Green Bay. Then I realized Guinness had dropped his load in the litter box (Guin does not cover) and the Glade oil/fan thing kicked in. Still, the poetry from the moment could easily flow!

Rock 'N' Roll Ain't Noise Pollution

“Well, they say it's kinda fright'nin' how this younger generation swings.
You know, it's more than just some new sensation.
Well, the kid is into losin' sleep and he don't come home for half the week.
You know, it's more than just an aggravation.
And the cradle will rock.
Yes, the cradle will rock.
And I say, rock on!
Rock on!”

Van Halen from The Cradle Will Rock, 1980.

“My musical vision and statement is as pure as it gets. I care only about the delivery of the spirit of my noise, and the positive reaction from those who share my zest for it,” says Ted Nugent.

There is some wisdom in his words.

Last night I was flipping channels and I watched a documentary on VH1 about Heavy Metal, written and produced by Sam Dunn called Metal: A Headbanger’s Journey. It was a great show.

What I appreciated is the different genres of Metal that were shown. Now, I aave always been a punk rock fan at heart (Ramones, Clash, Sex Pistols, Dead Kennedys, and the like) but having grown up in the Midwest—as many will attest to—Heavy Metal was an obvious outlet.

We called it more hard rock, and today’s kids would call it the same. In fact, bands I call Heavy Metal, my students refer to as “classic rock.” Wow.

About three or so months ago, I added my favorite Metal tracks, but then I created a twenty CD-R set of “Hard and Heavy” metal-esque and hard rocker-esque tunes. With that in mind, I think I will update that list with a bit more education and a bit more indulged listening.

My best choices for Hard and Heavy Metal Rock tunes:

Balls To The Wall by Accept
Shoot The Thrill by AC/DC
Sabbath, Bloody Sabbath by Black Sabbath With Ozzy
Heaven and Hell by Black Sabbath Without Ozzy
Black Blade by Blue Oyster Cult
Billion Dollar Babies by Alice Cooper
Black Night by Deep Purple
Rock of Ages by Def Leppard
Last In Line by Dio
Welcome To The Jungle by Guns ‘N’ Roses
Keeper of the Seven Keys by Helloween
Number of the Beast or Fear of the Dark by Iron Maiden
Hellbent For Leather by Judas Priest
Let Me Go Rock ‘N’ Roll (Live Version) by Kiss
Symphony of Destruction by Megadeth
Sad But True or Master of Puppets by Metallica
The Ace of Spades by Motorhead
Shout At The Devil by Motley Crue
Razzamanazz by Nazareth
Stranglehold by Ted Nugent
Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
Revolution Calling by Queensryche
Stargazer by Rainbow
Limelight by Rush
Virgin Killers by The Scorpions
Angel of Death by Slayer
Bad Reputation by Thin Lizzy
Rock Bottom by U.F.O.
...And The Cradle Will Rock by Van Halen

A friend is burning me the Metal Blade Box Set—I will let you know. Metal Blade is an obscure label. Until then, enjoy.

Oh an by the way, going through the mental stress of open heart surgery again, hard rock and heavy metal have been a very therapeutic method of releasing hostility. I cannot wait to work out to it.

Meet Dylan

"The answer my friend,
Is blowing in the wind..."

Bob Dylan

Meet our new feline friend, Dylan.

He is about 8, perhaps 9 years old.

He was brought into the Humane Society because someone's child of two months was allergic to him.

He is four-paw declawed, very calm, very social, and very kind. He loves a belly rub, but hates to be brushed.

He is a buff cat with emerald eyes and a brown patch on his nose, and he has faithfully served us as a buffer between Guinness' playfulness (the Maine Coon spirit) and Foggy's fear (the three-legged wonder).

We know that Dylan is not the youngest cat, as he has some arthritis issues, but he seems to have made this his home and loves being with us. He is a purr-fest, and he loves people. He also adds some Wisdom to Guinness's zest and has helped calm Guinness down a bit.

His original name was Dillion and we changed the spelling so he can match one of my favorite recording artists.

Just a quick note to let you know that the house and animals are doing well.

Conservative vs. Liberal

“If there’s one thing that makes me sick
It’s when someone tries to hide behind politics…”
Joey Ramone of The Ramones from Bonzo Goes to Bitburg, 1983.

If you read this, I would appreciate you voting in the comment area. Seriously.

In these days, it is becoming more difficult to decide things as we as a society tend to label everything—so I am unsure if I am a liberal or a conservative, but I have to say, I do not know when either became “dirty” words.

Financially, I am cheap. Therefore, my fiscal policy is conservative. I really hate the idea that I make an excellent salary this year and a ton of money goes to the government. Boo, hiss, bad government. I want MY money—period. I work hard, I am paid more than adequately for it, and it sucks to have it drained by the government for things I do not like. I am all for road repairs and school projects and other traditional expenses, just not on my dime.

Emotionally, I am open-minded to a degree. I guess my social policies are liberal. I think women have every right to chose, I think people have bad luck and may need financial assistance in welfare when they do, I think people have a right to stand up and be heard and to have a voice, I believe in everyone’s religion as equal and I do not think anyone is “above” anyone else—so elitism sucks.

So I have decided to rattle off some social aspects and let others decide if I am a liberal or a conservative. Feel free to vote--you do not have to leave a name.

Guns—I hate them. No reason to own one—none that I can think of. It is not a constitutional right unless you are in a Militia and your security is threatened; therefore, do not quote the Second Amendment to me. If you need them for protection, maybe you should move. I am not sure where you live, but thieving and raping criminals do not break into my house every evening.

Prisons—Love them. We have way too many idiots running around escaping the law so I say three strikes and you are out of society. Why so many shifty lawyers help career criminals—not sure, but move on. Three major crimes and Na Na Na Na; Na Na Na Nah—Hey Hey Hey, Goodbye.

Animals—Love them. People who are cruel and abuse them should be locked up forever and should spend their years cleaning the animals they have abused feces.

Kids—See above, for understanding just change the word “animals” with “kids.”

Wars—Unless a specific country with specific proof attacks, I believe in more of an isolationist policy. I also love Teddy Roosevelt’s speak softly and carry a big stick ideals.

US Presidents—The top five in order: Lincoln, Truman, Teddy Roosevelt, Andrew Jackson, and Thomas Jefferson. By the way, too bad Hamilton could not be elected—he would have rocked.

The worst five from least worst to worst: Harding, Van Buren, Tyler, Bush Junior, and Nixon.

The “eh” Presidents—not so good; not so terrible: FDR, JFK, Carter, Eisenhower, Adams Senior.

Best President in my lifetime: Clinton.

Women’s Right to Choose—Yep. I am not a woman, I do not understand it, and I am going to completely cop out and say women have their own rights and men should just shut up. I figure women wrestle with this decision enough and that someone who chooses to end her pregnancy does not deserve to be judged by me. I think this will tick people off.

Religion—keep it to yourself. If you believe in something; great. If you do not believe in anything; great. Do not try to convert me, patronize me, feel pity for me, consider me righteous, or argue with me about it. You will never convince me your way is right, and I am polite enough and respect you enough not to even try to tell you my belief system—privacy is a wonderful thing. Oh and never mix religion with politics—it is so cowardly. Besides, and this is for the idiots out there, the United States was NOT founded on Christian beliefs. The founding fathers were deists and not Christians. If you do not believe me, take a college class on the Age of Enlightenment.

Racism—if you are ever thinking of using something so ridiculous as race to judge a person, you are, quite frankly, an ass. Racism is unfair, unethical, and quite ungodly. Racist people are the most ignorant and most horrid type of bully that exists.


Freedom of Speech—nice but it comes with a price and I am afraid that if I want my rights, I need to protect others. So play the rap and print the porn; but let me say what I wish as well. I hate censorship because it only censors intellect. I choose not to listen to rap—uh…I’ll leave the porn thing alone—5th Amendment and all.

Money—we all deserve it and we should all work for it. I understand poverty and I honestly believe that those on it wish not to be. Are people taking advantage of it; sure but bigger companies take advantage of loopholes for corporate big cats that cost the government more money.

Politicians—two terms and you are gone. Washington and Jefferson had it right—career politicians suck.

Big Corporations—I agree with them because we cannot operate without them. Say what you will, but Wal-Mart and McDonalds hire a ton of people.

Unions—I like them until corrupt people in the Union screw over their own to gain ahead.

Teachers—see the above for Unions.

Management/Administration vs. Unions—Choose your side of this one. If you want to be in management or administration; gain the training or education and do so. If you wish to be in the Union—go for it. Whatever you wish; just quit whining about the other.

Taxes—necessary evil; although I am in favor of a flat tax rate.

Government Intrusion—Please; you live in a SOCIETY—you need government.

Freedom of the Press—Absolutely all for it. Among the greatest freedoms we have. If you do not like it; you are a mindless toady.

Drinking Alcohol—If it’s a quality beer; it is a great thing—make sure someone drives you. If you are a drunken idiot who drives around—jail is where you belong.

Artistic Expression—awesome; I just do not understand art very well.

Social Security—I do not expect it to take care of me, so I have planned for my own future. I think we have to take care of ourselves to a degree.

Politicians Who Attack One Another Personally—love it. Nothing is more entertaining; and if you think it is dirty now; it was ten times worst in the 19th Century. Dirty politics is as much fun as the Three Stooges; so sit back and enjoy the ride. By the way, Presidents can have affairs for all I care; I am more concerned with ones that screw the entire country.

Lastly, people who shout out their political views are usually the most insecure about them and have the most to hide. Just consider that when you engage in a political discussion and you start the rant/diatribe.

Feel free to tell me what you think I am.

It's Getting Better All The Time...

“For the life of me I cannot remember
What made us think that we were wise and
We'd never compromise
For the life of me I cannot believe
We'd ever die for these sins
We were merely freshmen”

The Freshman by The Verve Pipe, 2004

I think I did something that was either incredibly brilliant or exceedingly stupid—although I will vote for the former over the latter. I asked to teach freshman.

Oh, before you gasp at astonishment, gentle reader; hear me out.

If I can capture them at a young mind, I can pave the way for Social Sciences as a meaningful manner of study,

This year is the last year of one of my closest friends and dearest confidants, Gene Burnett. Gene is among the greatest reasons I am still teaching. He is an excellent educator and a quality man. Not only that, he is a great friend. I was honored to be a member of his wedding party and proud to be his best man. I asked Gene if I could teach the freshman Ancient History class because I wanted to “snag” the kids early and work in a positive manner with them.

So far, I have the kids right where I want them—interested in Social Sciences. I have thus far introduced them to a writing prompt, a reading prompt, the social science rubric, and the beauty of Ancient History—all without the freshman knowledge of much of anything.

Do not mistake my meaning, the freshman have been given a brief understanding of historical documentation and primary source documents and they do not even know it—which is fine. Now the trick is to snag them in as if they are fish on the line.

I like the freshman, and I like being upfront enough to teach them. I understand that if I grab their attention early enough, the benefits reach my department. I want to capture their interest in social science and their attention for four years. As I preach to every freshman class—history is important if for no other reason than “we” have our own channel.

I vow, that in my career, I will always reach out to the students and the undereducated or ignorant more so than any other type. My sole goal is to educate the young minds. I also vow to follow the lead of my department chair in making history and social sciences relevant in the here and now for our students. Without an understanding of the past, we are doomed to repeat the mistakes of former generations.

I also enjoy capturing the minds of our youth with the details of the past. The freshman have a look of awe and a look of the inquisitive when it comes to study. I love to teach, and I love to reach out to the young to promote interest and positive regard.

So here’s to my young freshman and the youth of America!

I will share this thought with each of you: I have the best job in the world.