The Year in Review

The tenuous life of the Prez has taken a few twists and turns in recent weeks. As he continues to be tempted by the existence of the Powerball Lottery and the Travel Channel, along with the bizarre escapist mindset it creates, it is time for the May version of the The Best of 2007.

As in the past, these are the opinions of just one man…albeit a particular tough talkin’, intellectually stimulated, piece of man meat.

Best Rock Duo of the Year
Local H
No other duo really matters…..really…Anyone else is just an imitator…even that group from D-Town….with that virtuoso guitarist and shitty drummer….yeah that one.

Best Album of the Year
1.The Nightwatchman-One Man Revolution……pure genius.
2.Nine Inch Nails-Year Zero…..Rezner in all his pessimistic glory. Like all of the past albums, A crazy combination of Thom Yorke’s solo stuff and Metallica’s energy.
3.John Mellencamp-Freedom’s Road….Did you know, this is Ouuurrrrrrr Counnnntryyyy
4.Arcade Fire-Neon Bible……..For everyone’s inner indie rock vagina monologue.

Waiting on Radiohead, Metallica, GnR, Dr.Dre, Velvet Revolver….making the list above practically useless. Sorry.

Best Film
1.The 300-You know I loved the trailers, and the film lived up the intensity of the hype. No clip needed. You have seen them all.
2.Blades of Glory-The second in the Will Ferrall sports trilogy was good. Better then the first.
3.The Grindhouse- Tarentino and Rodriguez…enough said.

Best Politician
1.Ron Paul-The Republican X factor?
2.Hillary Clinton-Kicking Ass and taking names, and unifying Republicans everywhere...
3.Obama-has gained one name status. Now he needs an issue...
4.Mitt Romney-The old man parties flip-flopper. But what about that Smile!
5. Chris Dodd- Won the 1st democratic debate in many people’s eyes, but has the most ground to make up..

Worst Fantasy Baseball picks so far
1.Chris Carpenter-Ouch!
2.Mark Texeria- Mr.Tex should have been called Mr.Juice.
3.BJ Ryan-Ouch!
4.Dice K and Ervin Santana-Don’t believe the hype?
5.Jason Giambi-Because cheaters should never be cheered. Has anyone been more forgotten in the Steroids Scandal then the Giambino? I blame the media and it’s NY bias. Then we wonder how ESPN can do reports on people thinking the Anti-Berry Bonds crowd is racist.


Best News of the Year
1.Randy Moss traded to New England-It makes me smile every time I think about it.
2.Rage Against the Machine Reunites-An electric performance at Coachella '07. Its time for more! Those guys are the Mick and Keith of progressive musical activism.
3.Mavericks Lose! Mavericks Lose!- The longer Stephen Jackson's season is extended the greater the chances of a "Stephen Jackson Moment"

Remember kids…This land is your land

What have we Learned? Nothing

Violence can only be concealed by a lie, and the lie can only be maintained by violence.
~Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

The topic of murder has been on my mind for weeks. The current war on terror not withstanding, I recently covered with my students the Vietnam War, the shootings at Kent State and Jackson States, the RFK and MLK assassinations, and damaging environmental pollution by corporations in America.

When murders occur in America, most are accomplished with the use of guns. I equate guns with violence. Our military seeks out recruits on TV promoting "An Army of One". I believe this creates an evil dichotomy, Human Beings + guns=Violence.

The question must be asked, Can we as Americans be surprised when a person takes the lives of others acting on the elements of the violence that permeates our country and that we collectively support?

We fight terrorism abroad and yet see its destructive hand on the streets of our cities, in our schools, and in our homes all the time. The act of firing a gun is at the very least a means of creating a sense of terror. Thus, today every American no doubt must look deeply into their souls and think about the society we live in.

As the shock and horror of the shootings at Virginia Tech filtered through the news on Monday, it was impossible not to think about the shootings at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. I wondered out loud if the shooter thought he was an "Army of One".

I have since long been thankful my schools have often had some kind of break on the week of April 20th since. It was also clear to me that the nation had not learned enough in the past 8 years. Shootings at schools across the country has continued. Again, we had jackasses like Dr. Phil and Joe Scarbourgh on television getting on their pulpits to blame video games, movies, and music. Been there, done that. I am watching Rambo right now, and I don’t want to kill anyone. I do have an urge to join the Marines though…

Bullets

The fight over gun control has been a political issue in America for generations. My own kin have long developed a concept that gun control only keeps the weapons away from the poor, so that the government can oppress them. However, this has not lead the particular kin in question to actually purchase a firearm. For me, guns could vanish and my life would not change. For millions of Americans, they would cry to the heavens that they have been wronged in a way that would destroy their lifestyles. Fine enough. We all live in a fear based society anyway. My take is that we should do more to raise the price of bullets. Would today’s massacre have been prevented if an 8mm clip of 19 was $25,000? I think so.

My students questioned me at length the past few weeks when the topic of gun control fell nicely into the curriculum. I gave them the bullet hypothesis and watched as their minds were blown. I explained that I had no problem with guns, just the bullets. The bullets would destroy the lives of millions in our life time. I was inundated with responses. “What about the sport of hunting?” “What about the 2nd amendment?” “Mr. Prez, you are a dirty hippie!”(said in Jest) “Where are your Birkenstocks?” “Your right” “Go drive a hybrid”. “My father is in the NRA” ‘I was shot by my brother”.

My response, “I love death metal, and thus I can’t be a hippie.” I added “Well the Birks are out of the closet,and the Hybrid will be purchased by 2025 when I can afford one.” (Now that is Teacher of the Year material).
Next time I will expose them to the Downing Street Memo. They will think up is down.

Now, it is time we check this out, and learn to stop the senseless violence in this country and around the world.

This particular speech seemed very apropos today.

Strength and Honor....

The 2007 Boston Red Sox

Somehow a number of you were pissed the Prez decided to mark the Anniversary of the start of the War in Iraq. Hey, shit happens, deal with it. Here is the Prez's official preview of the 2007 Boston Red Sox. After reading this, check out Around the Blog,where they are writing nifty previews of each team.

As you read this, remember Manny Ramirez is making 20 Million Bucks this season.

I love this country. This is Ourrrrrr Counnntrrryyyyyyy.....

Two Weeks Away Kids…..

Owning a professional baseball franchise takes brass balls. You have to be shrewd, but not overtly evil and bombastic….unless your Steinbrenner. The owner of the Boston Red Sox John Henry is the anti-Steinbrenner. Instead of ruling over the team like Napoleon in drag, Henry entrusts the front office headed by Theo Epstein to do what it can to create a championship worthy team. Henry provides the cash, and Epstein tinkers. It is a combination that won a Worlds Series in 2004. Two and a half tumultuous years later, the Boston Red sox are a 130 million dollar quagmire. See for yourself.

A number of moves this past off-season , and the cash doled out, seemed to signal the death-nell of any possible “Moneyball” connections to the club. Many will see the clubs decision to promote Dustin Pedroia to a starting spot at 2b as a continuation of their “grand plan”. However, the signing of Daisuke Matzusaka, Julio Lugo, and J.D. Drew catapulted the Sox into a position of “most active off season team”. The Patriots are currently continuing this strategy to New Englanders great appreciation.

However, unlike the P-men, the signings by the Red Sox each can be seen as risk.

The acquisition of Drew blew peoples minds. People seem more interested in seeing him act as the prima-donna malcontent everyone outside of Epstein perceives him to be. There is a greater point to the signing of Drew. The fact that he is taking over for Trot Nixon, the ultimate dirt dog, places pressure on him that he has never…ever had to play with. This could be an A-Rod situation minus the position move. The best case scenario is that Drew stays healthy and performs in the spotlight. He could be another Cory Dillion-esque New England sports legend. It’s March, so I’ll stay optimistic on the J.D. Drew front…for now

At the time of publishing, the biggest concern for the 2007 Red Sox is the bullpen. The fragility of the bullpen without Papelbon as its anchor is almost as freighting as Waterbury’s CAPT test scores. With Papelbon sent to the rotation because of a shoulder scare at the end of ’06, the club signed veteran reliever Brandon Donnelly, starter turned reliever Joel Pinero, and former Minnesota Twin JC Romero. These signings were meant to go along with the ancient one, Mike Timlin, and the up can coming Craig Hanson, Manny Delcarmen, Julian Tavarez connection Add in Javier Lopez, Hideki, Okajima, Davern Hansack, and either Kason Gabbard or Kyle Snyder, there are plenty of arms to go around. The Question remains, who closes? We are fast approaching opening day in KC and nobody knows. I think Tavarez gets the call early. (Yes, I picked a Spazz to be the Closer.)

This means that we need Houston to tank. Brad Lidge may have had an ERA over 5 last year…in the NL. However, something drastic may need to happen to acquire a closer. Otherwise, this could be 2003 all over again.

The Offense should be pretty damn good. Assuming Drew is what Epstein feels he can be, “The Dew” provides an interesting link in the line up. Lugo can spray the ball all over the field, and has hit well at Fenway. Staying healthy will be essential. Drew, Lugo, and Varitek have missed extended time in recent seasons. Coco Crisp was god awful at times. Hopefully he starts to live up to expectations, or he could be shipped out for a closer. Hopefully, Manny can be Manny, and Ortiz can challenge for the MVP again. As long as the team stays healthy, Manny won’t have a reason to go AWOL.

I think this team stays competitive all season. Every Matsuzaka start is going to be huge, and may actually help take heat off of the rising ERA of Beckett and Schilling. With Jon Lester making a great comeback, there could be some solid wins we cannot fathom right now.

I love Papelbon. Again, he is an x-factor that could make the starting five the best in the world. If we stay healthy, this can be a club that dominates weaker teams.

The team needs to gel. I think a publicity angle for this team should include the United Nations in some way. Without the comedy styling’s of Gabe Kapler, the 2007 Red Sox could turn into the 2006 New York Yankees….a bunch of steroid using Scientologists. ohhhh snap......

I think we win 91 games and make the playoffs.

(Addendum: The Red Sox radio network made a huge mistake in not bringing back Jerry Trupiano. The fact they brought in Dave O'Brian adds salt to the wound, as O'Brian's effort to single handedly destroy last years World Cup won't soon be forgotten. And don't give me Glenn Geffner as the 3rd guy. That guy was probably John Henry's Pool Boy. You gotta kick it MNF style and bring in Sports Writer. I feel it is now a second rate broadcast overall, but still better then the Yankees, who bring in a broad to make John Sterling sound manly.)

THIS JUST IN….PROFESSIONAL WRESTLERS USE STERIODS……


-I’m Out Like George Washington…..To Pump Iron........Without Drugs....or .....Any Energy Whatsoever.....Strength and Honor

Does Anyone Remember Laughter?

As is his tendency when he is up late grading, The Prez's mind wanders. Tonight he has decided to take a famous song and literally interpret it's lyrics to fit some of his opinions on the news of the day. Why not go with the greatest song ever composed....


There's a lady who's sure,
All that glitters is gold

This is Doc Rivers. Mr. Optimistic. He is overseeing the worst Celtics team in the history of the franchise, but he believes karma is aligning to allow him a shot at Oden or Durant. If we end up with the #3 pick in the draft I am going to vomit. Somehow, Doc will still be able be optimistic, or he will leave.

There's a sign on the wall,
But she wants to be sure

This is Teddy Bruschi. He has lost two steps in the past 18 months. IF he retires now he is a legend in New England forever and will probably end up in the Hall of Fame. If he ends hanging on one a season or two more, the Hall of Fame may allude him.

There's a songbird who sings,
Sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven.
Ooh, it makes me wonder,

This is Jane Fonda. Didn’t she have to apologize for hanging out with and rooting on the VietCong? This lady is like a cancer to the anti-war movement. You know what? …She is the Terrell Owens of the anti-war movement. Jane Fonda and T.O. in the same sentence...Ugh I just puked…..

In my thoughts I have seen,
Rings of smoke through the trees,

This is the firefighters, the most blue collar workers in America. I am going through “Rescue Me” withdrawal big time...


And it's whispered that soon,
If we all call the tune,
Then the piper will lead us to reason.

Now I have always thought this a call for revolution, and that I was the Piper. But I am also an egomaniac. However, I am increasingly thinking that these are actually better reflective of the ideas exhibited in people directing the religious Terrorist Organizations all over the globe. I have been surfing the web allot late into the evening (Looking for Morpheus…) and have come across stuff that just makes me sad. I wish I could boil Extremism down to a mental illness, but I can’t. It plays into the deepest of our animal instinct, and it will destroy all that we know and love before this is over.

Yes, there are two paths you can go by,
But in the long run,
There's still time to change the road you're on.

To every educator in America. We are playing for the Kansas City Royals and being told to win the World Series this year. The contradictions that exist between federal/legal mandates and practical application in our decaying schools across this country may already be enough to force me to go forth with Operation Dewey Decimal.

Dear lady, can you hear the wind blow,
And did you know,
Your stairway lies on the whispering wind.

To the President of Iran and the clear forcast for the return of brinksmanship Neo Con Stizzyle (Which is like regular brinksmanship, but with an actual complete desire to start a war and drop the an H-bomb while they are still in power). We have Switchgrass and Coal. Get ready for America to unleash hell Thermonuclear style on you.

And if you listen very hard,
The tune will come to you at last.
When all are one and one is all To be a rock and not to roll.

The reason we all can still be optimistic with life right now. The DH is still the greatest rule adaptation to ever happen in professional sports, and the Boston Red Sox have a DH named David Ortiz who is an absolute monster.

Strength and Honor Comrades….

The Prez on Voting

Remember, Remember, the 5th of November
The Gunpowder Treason and Plot,
I know of no reason why the Gunpowder Treason should ever be forgot.
Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes ‘Twas his intent,
To blow up the King and Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below,
Poor old England to overthrow….

On November 5th, 1605 a Catholic explosives expert named Guy Fawkes was arrested in a tunnel in the depths of London as he prepared to position enough explosives capable of blowing up the Houses of Parliament as part of a larger conspiracy to create revolution in England. This story of coarse was recently brought to many Americans via the film V for Vendetta in 2005, the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Treason. In the film, a masked anti-government “freedom fighter” seeks to bring about the downfall of a totalitarian regime by blowing up symbols of institutional power and creating chaos in the hopes of aggressively agitating the people to stand up to their nihilistic overlords.

If the film has a redeeming quality, it is its message that the power of words is the most accessible weapon of choice for the masses to create socio-cultural change. Anyone could have just bought a KRS-One album to figure this out, but this message is especially important when responding to our “Silent Obedient Consent” in the face of fear politics, exploitation, and scapegoating by both conservatives and liberals in power. Of course, the films’ message is lost in the face of the protagonist’s thirst for violence and destruction, i.e. his vendetta. According to Wikipedia, David Walsh, from the World Socialist Website criticizes V's actions as "antidemocratic" and cites the film as an example of "the bankruptcy of anarcho-terrorist ideology" ,stating that because the people have not played any part in the revolution, they will be unable to produce a "new, liberated society." I must say, despite my own revolutionary tendencies, I felt the same way after viewing the film. Revolutions that extol demagoguery are shakier then Drew Bledsoe in the pocket, and a hell of a lot more destructive.

As we race toward an election this Tuesday and look ahead to 2008, it is important to take this time to reflect on the notion of voting as a means of creating change. Now, let it be known, that the Prez feels that the potential for creating regime change via the voting booth represents the best of our nature as human beings. It is what separates us from the irrationality of extremism seen around the world. With that said, I feel that it is time that people re-examine the entire apparatus of voting in America. As I have stated in the past, after two major voting catastrophes in 2000 and 2004, my confidence in the current system has been shaken, seemingly forever. While this coming Tuesday there remains the potential for optimism, I feel it lies more in competition then in seeking to create a more perfect world.

In a recent interview, Bill Clinton said that Democrats should see the example of Republican rule for the past 6 years. Even with total control, they GOP has squandered it’s political capital and defamed many of the principles it held paramount. (Fiscal Responsibility? Switchgrass? No Child Left Behind? Please….) Thus, it is left to the masses to fill the void where logic and political policies are at a disconnect. Unlike his penchant for fat chicks, Clinton is not wrong about this.

"You Gotta Pay What You Owe !"-Huey Freeman, The Boondocks

My biggest concern now is that the masses are a bunch of idiots. Even if I am wrong about this, aspects of our human nature seek safety and security that also allow us to be deceived, bought, and unable to lash out against tyranny in our times of need. It is learned hopelessness. Even as the injustices and inequities of the Westphalian State gives way to our collective silence through the process of Globalization, middle and lower class Americans seek not control, but a piece of the pie. It energizes us to seek the American Dream, even as we become increasingly marginalized as a whole and the American Dream becomes an impossible carrot that keeps us under the proverbial thumb of the ruling class.

The greatest fear of the middle class in America is not the immigration of Mexicans, but the politics of tyranny. In voting, we have a vehicle that seemingly allows us to change our reality, but it doesn’t often happen. I think it is because of our problems with choice and the question of where our true loyalties lie. Case in point, the entire factions of the American populace that are convinced the Rapture is upon us and the current war in Iraq is beginning of the end times. Thus, instead of seeking peace, they seek policies that stay the course on the road to Armageddon. Does voting become the tool of those in power to maintain power? You Bet.
How long will the Katharine Harris’s of the world be allowed to defame democracy and come out on top? Until we use the ballot box to create change or the world explodes.

The problem is that not enough Americans vote. In the past I have advocated for compulsory voting practices, three day elections, and even making election days national holidays. I stress voting as a means of creating change, and at the very least as a means of remembering that millions have died to create, protect, and sustain our right to vote no matter who you are. It easily falls on deaf ears. Now with roughly half the total population voting (and that is being kind) all the person needs to win a presidential election in America is get just above a quarter of the total population vote.

We need to solve these issues fast. I think if more people vote and were active in the future of our world, that even if the voting practices are in fact fixed as I believe (http://www.nightweed.com/usavotefacts.html), we shall overcome. Hope still lies in the action of voting here in America. Until we can come together as a nation, people will need to continue to Remember the 5th of November, because we choose not to recognize the greater magnitude of the 7th of November.

Strengh and Honor Comrades.......