Over the past 48 hours I've been on an inexplicable Bob Dylan kick. Not that it's completely out of the ordinary, after all, I friggin love the man. But this kick is stronger than usual and the only reason I can possibly point to is. with the recent passings of George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard, Bob Dylan clearly becomes my favorite Senior Citizen.
Unless Bill Clinton is 65 yet, but even then, I have a Love/Hate thing with Bill. Hate him when speaking with fellow progressives because really, he was just a centrist who didn't really advance an agenda, but love him when talking to conservatives, if only to drive the point home that he was far and away better than the two shitsticks that sandwiched him.
Political tangent done.
So I'm going with the theory that Dylan is officially now my favorite living legend, and hell, maybe he was when George was alive, I never really compared the two. To satisfy the Dylan urge, I put together a list of what I consider The Dylan Canon: Seventy vital Dylan tunes, to celebrate Dylan's 70th year on earth, which began in late May. Also, I needed a more defined Dylan playlist on the iPod for when I wanted to hear a Dylan mix but didn't want to stumble upon Born Again Bob or some live tracks. I guess the alternate title of The Canon would be "The Unskippale Bob Dylan".
Funny part about Bob approaching 70 - I remember seeing Dylan with a bunch of friends when he played at William Paterson University's gym in 1997, and at the Garden State Arts Center later that summer, under the guise of "We have to see him now while he's still alive".
Dude was only 57. Oh to be 20 again and have no real perspective on aging and mortality. But I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now.
Bringing it all back home, these are not in order, nor are they intended to be ranked. They're just one man's humble opinion of the 70 most vital Dylan songs, and for what it's worth, this list could be 100, 125 or 150 with very little additional effort. We're talking about Bob Fucking Dylan here.
All Along The Watchtower
All I Really Want To Do
Ballad Of A Thin Man
Blowin' In The Wind
Changing Of The Guards
Chimes Of Freedom
Corrina, Corrina
Days Of 49
Desolation Row
Don't Think Twice, It's All Right
Forever Young
Gates Of Eden
Girl From The North Country
A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall
Highway 61 Revisited
Hurricane
I'll Be Your Baby Tonight
I Don't Believe You (She Acts Like We Never Have Met)
I Shall Be Free
I Shall Be Released
I Want You
Idiot Wind
If Not For You
Isis
It's All Over Now, Baby Blue
It's Alright Ma (I'm Only Bleeding)
It Ain't Me Babe
It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry
Joey
Just Like A Woman
Just Like Tom Thumb's Blues
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Lay Lady Lay
The Levee's Gonna Break
Like A Rolling Stone
Lily, Rosemary And The Jack Of Hearts
Lonesome Death Of Hattie Carroll
Love Minus Zero/No Limit
Maggie's Farm
Make You Feel My Love
Masters Of War
Most Likely You Go Your Way And I'll Go Mine
Mr. Tambourine Man
My Back Pages
Not Dark Yet
Oh, Sister
One More Cup Of Coffee
One Of Us Must Know (Sooner Or Later)
Oxford Town
Peggy Day
Positively 4th Street
Queen Jane Approximately
Quinn The Eskimo
Rainy Day Women #12 & 35
Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands
Señor (Tales Of Yankee Power)
Shelter From The Storm
Simple Twist Of Fate
Spanish Harlem Incident
Stuck Inside Of Mobile With The Memphis Blues Again
Subterranean Homesick Blues
Tangled Up In Blue
The Times They Are A-Changin'
To Ramona
Tombstone Blues
Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You
Trying To Get To Heaven
Visions Of Johanna
You're A Big Girl
You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You Go
Friday, July 16, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Music Madness: Charlottesville Sweet 16
Slowly, slowly, slowly getting through this. The end is near. Not really, but it's that much closer. And it shall be even closer after I blow through these two interesting matchups.
Box Score Keys: EC (Entire Collection - 3 pts), DA (Defining Album - 2), PC (Personal Connection - 2), DS (Defining Song -1), HI (Historical Impact -1)
DMB: def (16) Queen 8-1, (8) Elvis Presley 8-1
BJ: def (12) Rage Against the Machine 6-3, (4) U2 5-4
Box Score:
EC: Admittedly a strong case could be made for either. Billy Joel cut his last new album (River of Dreams) within months of DMB's first (Remember Two Things). In the last 5 years, I've drank overpriced beer in the presence of both. However, there are so few chinks in Matthews' armor, and they've kept on keepin on for so long now that despite the tough competition, this one goes their way. ADV: DMB
PC: I got my first Billy Joel album, Storm Front, for Christmas in 1989. Early in 1990, I bought the double-cassette Greatest Hits Volumes 1 & 2. Remember those bulky motherfuckers? They wouldn't fit in a standard cassette holder/case unless it had a few slots specifically defined for them, hence making it impossible to sort your collection in any semblance of order? Reason #175 why I prefer digital music collections. Back to the point. Billy carried on through high school and college, the collection of impacting tunes litters my memory: "Piano Man", "Goodnight Saigon", "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Only the Good Die Young", "Downeaster Alexa" and so on and so forth. But Matthews is something different. Something spiritual. I'll explain in the next round, because by taking this category, he's already advanced.
ADV: DMB
DA: In the list of Sweet 16 defining albums, The Stranger checks in at 14. Crash makes the Top 5. ADV: DMB
DS: "Piano Man" may not be my favorite BJ tune, but as I had previously mentioned, sometimes the song picks the artist. He's known as The Piano Man for Christ's sake. An artist like DMB, there's more latitude - which isn't always a good thing because trying to come up with one is a recipe for spending $5 on a bottle of Excedrin. I went with "Two Step", and it checks in at #4. 11 spots ahead of "Piano Man" ADV: DMB
HI: DMB's yet to win this and this is their best chance yet. However, stepping away from my bias, Billy Joel ranks among the best of the singer/songwriters that defined much of the 1970s. Actually, he is THE best. The Piano Man avoids the shutout. ADV: Billy Joel
FINAL SCORE: DAVE MATTHEWS BAND 8 - BILLY JOEL 1
DOORS: def (15) Dropkick Murphys 9-0, (10) Jay-Z 5-4
FLOYD: def (14) Arctic Monkeys 9-0, (6) Phish 9-0
EC: What a battle of heavyweights we got going on here. Starting with this category and extending all the way through, these are almost as close as you can get - nothing comes easy. Obviously neither is contributing to their collections anymore (or recently for that matter) but there's no way to over-state how stellar both are. The Wall. L.A. Woman. Dark Side of the Moon. The Soft Parade. Wish You Were Here. The Doors. Animals. How do you pick a winner here? I'm going Doors but if you disagree, I don't blame you. Tomorrow I could say Floyd. I just think every single Doors album is a masterpiece. Then again, most Floyd is too.
ADV: Doors
DA: Another one that's very close. I have Dark Side of the Moon three spots ahead of The Doors. And I feel dirty about picking against either.
ADV: Pink Floyd
PC: Oh I don't know how strongly I can go into my personal connection to Pink Floyd, this being the Internets and all. Just take my word for it. Especially if you ever spent 6 hours sitting in a Pine Hall bathroom with the black light on listening to Pulse. The Doors, different story. It was actually the Oliver Stone 1990 movie that turned me on to them. For the first time ever, I was seeking out music that wasn't played on Z-100 or Power 95. I was chastised by nuns for making Jim Morrison the centerpiece of an art project. Fucking nunts. I'm not saying they're the most influential band of my life, but they were personal pioneers. They take this down, and with it, they move on.
ADV: Doors
DS: Just as close as personal connection. I barely, barely, barely have "The End" edging out "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". So barely. If it were anymore bare, it would be arrested for indecent exposure.
HI: Yet another tight one. And really, I feel horrible for Pink Floyd because they're coming up short in the box score but each category was so close. I think the Doors were the first ever "Fuck You" band. And I like that. ADV: Doors
FINAL SCORE: THE DOORS 7 - PINK FLOYD 2
Box Score Keys: EC (Entire Collection - 3 pts), DA (Defining Album - 2), PC (Personal Connection - 2), DS (Defining Song -1), HI (Historical Impact -1)
(1) Dave Matthews Band v (5) Billy Joel
How They Got Here: DMB: def (16) Queen 8-1, (8) Elvis Presley 8-1
BJ: def (12) Rage Against the Machine 6-3, (4) U2 5-4
Box Score:
EC: Admittedly a strong case could be made for either. Billy Joel cut his last new album (River of Dreams) within months of DMB's first (Remember Two Things). In the last 5 years, I've drank overpriced beer in the presence of both. However, there are so few chinks in Matthews' armor, and they've kept on keepin on for so long now that despite the tough competition, this one goes their way. ADV: DMB
PC: I got my first Billy Joel album, Storm Front, for Christmas in 1989. Early in 1990, I bought the double-cassette Greatest Hits Volumes 1 & 2. Remember those bulky motherfuckers? They wouldn't fit in a standard cassette holder/case unless it had a few slots specifically defined for them, hence making it impossible to sort your collection in any semblance of order? Reason #175 why I prefer digital music collections. Back to the point. Billy carried on through high school and college, the collection of impacting tunes litters my memory: "Piano Man", "Goodnight Saigon", "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant", "Only the Good Die Young", "Downeaster Alexa" and so on and so forth. But Matthews is something different. Something spiritual. I'll explain in the next round, because by taking this category, he's already advanced.
ADV: DMB
DA: In the list of Sweet 16 defining albums, The Stranger checks in at 14. Crash makes the Top 5. ADV: DMB
DS: "Piano Man" may not be my favorite BJ tune, but as I had previously mentioned, sometimes the song picks the artist. He's known as The Piano Man for Christ's sake. An artist like DMB, there's more latitude - which isn't always a good thing because trying to come up with one is a recipe for spending $5 on a bottle of Excedrin. I went with "Two Step", and it checks in at #4. 11 spots ahead of "Piano Man" ADV: DMB
HI: DMB's yet to win this and this is their best chance yet. However, stepping away from my bias, Billy Joel ranks among the best of the singer/songwriters that defined much of the 1970s. Actually, he is THE best. The Piano Man avoids the shutout. ADV: Billy Joel
FINAL SCORE: DAVE MATTHEWS BAND 8 - BILLY JOEL 1
(2) The Doors v (3) Pink Floyd
HOW THEY GOT HERE: DOORS: def (15) Dropkick Murphys 9-0, (10) Jay-Z 5-4
FLOYD: def (14) Arctic Monkeys 9-0, (6) Phish 9-0
EC: What a battle of heavyweights we got going on here. Starting with this category and extending all the way through, these are almost as close as you can get - nothing comes easy. Obviously neither is contributing to their collections anymore (or recently for that matter) but there's no way to over-state how stellar both are. The Wall. L.A. Woman. Dark Side of the Moon. The Soft Parade. Wish You Were Here. The Doors. Animals. How do you pick a winner here? I'm going Doors but if you disagree, I don't blame you. Tomorrow I could say Floyd. I just think every single Doors album is a masterpiece. Then again, most Floyd is too.
ADV: Doors
DA: Another one that's very close. I have Dark Side of the Moon three spots ahead of The Doors. And I feel dirty about picking against either.
ADV: Pink Floyd
PC: Oh I don't know how strongly I can go into my personal connection to Pink Floyd, this being the Internets and all. Just take my word for it. Especially if you ever spent 6 hours sitting in a Pine Hall bathroom with the black light on listening to Pulse. The Doors, different story. It was actually the Oliver Stone 1990 movie that turned me on to them. For the first time ever, I was seeking out music that wasn't played on Z-100 or Power 95. I was chastised by nuns for making Jim Morrison the centerpiece of an art project. Fucking nunts. I'm not saying they're the most influential band of my life, but they were personal pioneers. They take this down, and with it, they move on.
ADV: Doors
DS: Just as close as personal connection. I barely, barely, barely have "The End" edging out "Shine On You Crazy Diamond". So barely. If it were anymore bare, it would be arrested for indecent exposure.
HI: Yet another tight one. And really, I feel horrible for Pink Floyd because they're coming up short in the box score but each category was so close. I think the Doors were the first ever "Fuck You" band. And I like that. ADV: Doors
FINAL SCORE: THE DOORS 7 - PINK FLOYD 2
Friday, June 18, 2010
Up to the minute US Scenarios.
Here we go Yo! Here we go Yo! Just figured out the scenarios for he US to advance to the Knock Out Round of the FIFAo 2010 World Cup. All scenarios assume either a Yanks win or tie against Algeria. Also take into consideration all 3 possible outcomes of the UK/Algeria match about to kick-off. So in 3 hours, this will be reduced by 66%.
If the chart below makes your eyes hurt, you can see a full size chart right here. (Or just click on the chart below)
In a nut-shell, it looks very, very, very good for us obnoxious Americans with a win. A tie and we're going to need a lot of help, likely impossible help since we'll have a goal differential of Zero. And I didn't even bother figuring out a loss cause we'd be done:
If the chart below makes your eyes hurt, you can see a full size chart right here. (Or just click on the chart below)
In a nut-shell, it looks very, very, very good for us obnoxious Americans with a win. A tie and we're going to need a lot of help, likely impossible help since we'll have a goal differential of Zero. And I didn't even bother figuring out a loss cause we'd be done:
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Music Madness: Liverpool - Sweet 16
Forgive me if I'm a little disheveled this morning. I'm still coming to grips with what I will heretofore refer to as The Great Hanson Riots of 2010. I've been slacking a bit of late, but I want to make the nuns proud and follow the words of wisdom laid out by Sammy Hagar and Eddie Van Halen - Finish What Ya Started.
Today's region brings what should be a blowout on paper as the 1 seed takes on Cinderella, and a very, very intriguing 2 v 3 match up.
Confused? Here's all you need to know
Box Score Keys: EC (Entire Collection - 3 pts), DA (Defining Album - 2), PC (Personal Connection - 2), DS (Defining Song -1), HI (Historical Impact -1)
BEATLES: def (16) Kings of Leon 9-0, (8) Wolffe tones 9-0
SUBLIME: def (5) Jimi Hendrix 5-4, (4) Johnny Cash 5-4
Box Score:
EC: Sublime is yet to win this category, which makes it even more impressive that they've advanced, as this is the most valuable one. And for the third straight time, they fail to win it. Does it mean good things ahead? ADV: BEATLES
PC: This is where the upstarts have made their noise, as I've mentioned the youthful, fun, illicit, illegal and bizarre memories set to their soundtrack. But that ends here. We're talking about the Beatles here. The one cool band my parents liked. The Babe Ruth of 101.1 CBS FM. Like most, I had a strong Beatles foundation to begin with, but going off to school, discovering each album on an individual basis, it was a whole new experience some 25, 30 years after their release. You can't just write off something like that. ADV: BEATLES
DA: This is officially in the books. Now it's just a matter of seeing if the Liverpudlians can match Dylan's 27-0 categorical start. Of the 16 teams to advance to the regional semi-finals, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ranks 6th among all albums. 40 oz to Freedom, though I love it so, comes in 16th. ADV: BEATLES
DS: "Hey Jude" you're number 11. If you're "Waiting for My Ruca", you'll find her at thirteen. ADV: BEATLES
HI: Like comparing Thomas Jefferson and George W. Bush. Yeah, they were both Presidents and all, but...ADV: BEATLES
The fairytale is over, it's down to the big boys now. And John, George, Paul and Ringo carry their undefeated streak into the Elite 8.
FINAL SCORE: BEATLES 9 - SUBLIME 0
(2) Led Zeppelin v (3) Pearl Jam
How They Got Here:
ZEPPELIN: Def (15) Raconteurs 9-0, (10) Willie Nelson 9-0
PEARL JAM: Def (14) Radiohead 9-0, (6) Rolling Stones 8-1
Box Score:
EC: What a battle of heavyweights we have going on right now. With the release of Backspacer, Pearl Jam has expanded their resume into some rarefied air. 9 albums. 18 years. Many classics among them. Most impressive, in my opinion, is that they're best 5 consist of their first 3 and last 2. Could it be that I was into other things in the middle? Maybe. Zeppelin likewise has 9 major releases to their name. And maybe it's because of the aforementioned middle-gap with Pearl Jam, but I have to declare this one to be property of Led Zeppelin. ADV: LZ
DA: On that chart I just mentioned, Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy comes in at a very respectable #9. That's eight spots behind Ten. You can do the math on that one. ADV: PJ
DS: I felt there was no choice but to name "Stairway" the defining Zeppelin songs. Some artists, I can make the choice. Sometimes, the choice makes itself despite what I may think. Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" may be his most popular tune, but it's not the song that the masses define him by. The only other comp I can come with here is the relationship between Lynrd Skynrd and "Free Bird". I may prefer "Going to California" or "The Immigrant Song" personally, but "Stairway" it is, and that's ranked #10. Regardless of which song I went with though, it wasn't touching the fabled sheets of empty canvas. ADV: PJ
HI: Hitting the homestretch at a 3-3 tie, could one expect any less? I struggled with this one and here's why: I grew up with the notion that Led Zeppelin was already classic rock. By the time I was buying music on my own, they were done making it, about 18 years after their debut. However, now we're 18 years into Pearl Jam's popular existence. Is it not time that they enter the same pantheon? I think it is. But some states of mind are impossible to exit. I still view the two in completely different ways. Maybe I'm holding on to the idea of youth, but I have to call this one for Zep. ADV: LZ
PC: My favorite category. And I've probably made it clear already. I'll explain more in the Elite Eight how strong the bond is as they go head-to-head with the Undefeated Beatles - a connection match up that I have no idea how it may shake out. But Pearl Jam's going to be a tough beat in this category. For all comers. ADV: PJ
FINAL SCORE: PEARL JAM 5 - LED ZEPPELIN 4
REMAINING SCHEDULE
Charlottesville Sweet 16
(1) Dave Matthews Band v (5) Billy Joel
(2) The Doors v (3) Pink Floyd
San Francisco Sweet 16
(1) Grateful Dead v (4) Bob Marley
(2) Bruce Springsteen v (3) Simon & Garfunkel
The Village Regional Final
(1) Bob Dylan v (2) Guns N Roses
Liverpool Regional Final
(1) Beatles v (3) Pearl Jam.
Today's region brings what should be a blowout on paper as the 1 seed takes on Cinderella, and a very, very intriguing 2 v 3 match up.
Confused? Here's all you need to know
Box Score Keys: EC (Entire Collection - 3 pts), DA (Defining Album - 2), PC (Personal Connection - 2), DS (Defining Song -1), HI (Historical Impact -1)
(1) Beatles v (12) Sublime
How They Got Here:BEATLES: def (16) Kings of Leon 9-0, (8) Wolffe tones 9-0
SUBLIME: def (5) Jimi Hendrix 5-4, (4) Johnny Cash 5-4
Box Score:
EC: Sublime is yet to win this category, which makes it even more impressive that they've advanced, as this is the most valuable one. And for the third straight time, they fail to win it. Does it mean good things ahead? ADV: BEATLES
PC: This is where the upstarts have made their noise, as I've mentioned the youthful, fun, illicit, illegal and bizarre memories set to their soundtrack. But that ends here. We're talking about the Beatles here. The one cool band my parents liked. The Babe Ruth of 101.1 CBS FM. Like most, I had a strong Beatles foundation to begin with, but going off to school, discovering each album on an individual basis, it was a whole new experience some 25, 30 years after their release. You can't just write off something like that. ADV: BEATLES
DA: This is officially in the books. Now it's just a matter of seeing if the Liverpudlians can match Dylan's 27-0 categorical start. Of the 16 teams to advance to the regional semi-finals, Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band ranks 6th among all albums. 40 oz to Freedom, though I love it so, comes in 16th. ADV: BEATLES
DS: "Hey Jude" you're number 11. If you're "Waiting for My Ruca", you'll find her at thirteen. ADV: BEATLES
HI: Like comparing Thomas Jefferson and George W. Bush. Yeah, they were both Presidents and all, but...ADV: BEATLES
The fairytale is over, it's down to the big boys now. And John, George, Paul and Ringo carry their undefeated streak into the Elite 8.
FINAL SCORE: BEATLES 9 - SUBLIME 0
(2) Led Zeppelin v (3) Pearl Jam
How They Got Here:
ZEPPELIN: Def (15) Raconteurs 9-0, (10) Willie Nelson 9-0
PEARL JAM: Def (14) Radiohead 9-0, (6) Rolling Stones 8-1
Box Score:
EC: What a battle of heavyweights we have going on right now. With the release of Backspacer, Pearl Jam has expanded their resume into some rarefied air. 9 albums. 18 years. Many classics among them. Most impressive, in my opinion, is that they're best 5 consist of their first 3 and last 2. Could it be that I was into other things in the middle? Maybe. Zeppelin likewise has 9 major releases to their name. And maybe it's because of the aforementioned middle-gap with Pearl Jam, but I have to declare this one to be property of Led Zeppelin. ADV: LZ
DA: On that chart I just mentioned, Zeppelin's Houses of the Holy comes in at a very respectable #9. That's eight spots behind Ten. You can do the math on that one. ADV: PJ
DS: I felt there was no choice but to name "Stairway" the defining Zeppelin songs. Some artists, I can make the choice. Sometimes, the choice makes itself despite what I may think. Bob Dylan's "Like a Rolling Stone" may be his most popular tune, but it's not the song that the masses define him by. The only other comp I can come with here is the relationship between Lynrd Skynrd and "Free Bird". I may prefer "Going to California" or "The Immigrant Song" personally, but "Stairway" it is, and that's ranked #10. Regardless of which song I went with though, it wasn't touching the fabled sheets of empty canvas. ADV: PJ
HI: Hitting the homestretch at a 3-3 tie, could one expect any less? I struggled with this one and here's why: I grew up with the notion that Led Zeppelin was already classic rock. By the time I was buying music on my own, they were done making it, about 18 years after their debut. However, now we're 18 years into Pearl Jam's popular existence. Is it not time that they enter the same pantheon? I think it is. But some states of mind are impossible to exit. I still view the two in completely different ways. Maybe I'm holding on to the idea of youth, but I have to call this one for Zep. ADV: LZ
PC: My favorite category. And I've probably made it clear already. I'll explain more in the Elite Eight how strong the bond is as they go head-to-head with the Undefeated Beatles - a connection match up that I have no idea how it may shake out. But Pearl Jam's going to be a tough beat in this category. For all comers. ADV: PJ
FINAL SCORE: PEARL JAM 5 - LED ZEPPELIN 4
REMAINING SCHEDULE
Charlottesville Sweet 16
(1) Dave Matthews Band v (5) Billy Joel
(2) The Doors v (3) Pink Floyd
San Francisco Sweet 16
(1) Grateful Dead v (4) Bob Marley
(2) Bruce Springsteen v (3) Simon & Garfunkel
The Village Regional Final
(1) Bob Dylan v (2) Guns N Roses
Liverpool Regional Final
(1) Beatles v (3) Pearl Jam.
Thursday, June 10, 2010
World Cup 2010: The (Un-PC) Rooting Scale
The more I read, the more it seems that it's highly unlikely the Yanks are going to take South Africa by storm and emerge victorious. Call it American Hubris, this idea that we the people are entitled to the Cup, when the reality is, all we've won since Japan surrendered was the Miracle on Ice in 1980 and the Coolest Invention Ever with the iPod. So in the event that The Star Spangled Banner isn't played at the conclusion of the World Cup Final (Do they do that? Or is it Olympics only), I've concocted a list of all 32 teams ranked in the order in which I'd like to see them win. It's not quite sensitive to all cultures and history, but whatever, we're grown men here, right? Feel free to adopt this as your own guide to who to cheer on and who to dismiss...
(and yes, almost all cultural references and statistics are courtesy of wikipedia)
1. The United States. Yeah, a rather obvious one but I gotta admit, it would make a great story and we could use one right now.
2. Mexico. Solely because it would drive the Teabaggers and the entire state of Arizona absolutely crazy. Also, rich people would have to watch their own kids and water their own lawns for a week. I'd like to see that.
3. The Netherlands. They settled New York. But more importantly: The Netherlands is one of the most secular countries in Western Europe, with only 39% being religiously affiliated (31% for those aged under 35), and fewer than 20% visiting church regularly. I want to go to there. And the cool thing is, they're intolerant of all religions. Not like the phony left in America that only wants to take on the Christian Establishment.
4. South Africa. I think it's fantastic that the event takes place on the continent of Africa. So might as well root root root for the home team. Not that me rooting for Bafana Bafana makes up for the extension of Apartheid at the hands of Ronald Reagan, but it's an olive branch. Also, I look forward to Invictus II: We Got Game.
5. Ivory Coast. They fly the Irish Flag.
6. North Korea. Too bad Iran didn't qualify because an Iran vs. North Korea final would be just enough to have the House Minority leader in the US draft a constitutional amendment banning soccer in the US. But I'll settle for a NK win and the inevitable batshit crazy reaction of Kim Shady.
7. Australia. Do if for Claire! And the rest of Oceanic 815.
8. Nigeria. Imperialized by the British. Go Africa.
9. Cameroon. Imperialized by the French, treated better than the Nigerians were. Go Africa.
10. Denmark. I love Scandinavia. Without them, there's no Minnesota. And Minnesotans are the closest thing we have to Canadians.
11. Chile. Comparatively speaking, there's no drama in Chile. Things have been relatively quiet since the Pinochet era. I applaud them for that.
12. Slovenia. Talk about a well-played hand. They saw Hurricane Milošević coming a mile away and they got the F outta Dodge. That's all I know about that.
13. Ghana. White Guilt strikes again. The last time I have to type "Go Africa" on this list.
14. New Zealand. While I didn't much care for the Lord of the Rings I don't hold it against New Zealanders.
15. Greece. No truth to the rumor that the official logo on their uniforms will be a canary in a coal mine.
16. Uruguay. A very left leaning country without the stigma or lunacy of a Hugo Chavez. I can get with that.
17. South Korea. Learning to Fly.
18. Slovakia. Totally got the short end of the stick on the dismantling of Czechoslovakia. At least in terms of perception.
19. Algeria. The pros: Booted the French. The cons: Extremely religious country. Still technically Africa though. Well, more than technically.
20. Honduras. Ever notice that Americans refer to all Central Americans as "Guatemalans"? Here's proof that there's other nations in Central America.
21. Spain. Never forget the Spanish Inquisition. Side note: a relative told me that she caught a segment on that crazy Catholic channel, EWTN, where the flying nun was pretty much denying the Inquisition took place. Right. And the fact that the Pope covered up a child sex ring is just some New York Times conspiracy. Still, I love me some Spanish food.
22. Paraguay. So they don't have the Inquisition. They still have a wacky religious right controlling their congress.
23. Portugal. They make good rolls, I'll give them that. Other than that, they don't share enough of the blame for their imperialism, even if they were basically relegated to the scraps of England, France and Spain.
24. Argentina. Just think of all those former officers of the Third Reich celebrating Argentina's World Cup Wins in 1978 and 1986. I'm sure there's not as many now, but still. There might be some. Also, I'm not as familiar with Juan Peron and his wife as I should be, but I hold that against them. If for nothing else than that deplorable Madonna movie.
25. Switzerland. Two historical facts that are really false: George Bush won the 2000 Election, and Switzerland is Neutral. Yes, they shot down a couple of Luftwaffe planes that invaded their airspace. While they were underwriting and financing the Nazis. Furthermore, "Privacy of Swiss Banking Laws" is just a fancy way of saying "A legal way for the ruling classes to bend you over". Yay on Cheese, Nay on neutrality.
26. Italy. Alright, technically Vatican City is it's own entity. And technically not all Jersey Shore douchebags are of Italian descent. But rooting against Italy gives me a chance to root against two large segments of the population that cause me massive heartburn.
27. Serbia. Two words: Slobodan Milošević
28: Japan. Three Words: Bataan Death March. Even after "The Pacific", Japan fails to take it's fair share of blame for WWII and acknowledgement of it's atrocities.
29. Germany. Then again...
30. Brazil. I've got nothing against Brazil. Other than the fact that they've won 2 of the 4 World Cups I've watched, and were in 3 of the finals. I guess this is why people hate the Yankees.
31. England. Oh, where to begin? We can start with the fabrication that is The Royal Family, and the useless infatuation that useless people have with it. I can play the "I'm Irish Card". I can play the "I'm American Card". I can play the "The only thing more pathetic than your leader being George Bush is your leader being George Bush's lapdog Card". I can play the "Simon Cowell Card". But I won't. I'll kindly say "Thank you for the Beatles" and move on.
32. France. F*ck you Thierry Henry and F*ck your uncalled handball you f*cking thief.
(and yes, almost all cultural references and statistics are courtesy of wikipedia)
1. The United States. Yeah, a rather obvious one but I gotta admit, it would make a great story and we could use one right now.
2. Mexico. Solely because it would drive the Teabaggers and the entire state of Arizona absolutely crazy. Also, rich people would have to watch their own kids and water their own lawns for a week. I'd like to see that.
3. The Netherlands. They settled New York. But more importantly: The Netherlands is one of the most secular countries in Western Europe, with only 39% being religiously affiliated (31% for those aged under 35), and fewer than 20% visiting church regularly. I want to go to there. And the cool thing is, they're intolerant of all religions. Not like the phony left in America that only wants to take on the Christian Establishment.
4. South Africa. I think it's fantastic that the event takes place on the continent of Africa. So might as well root root root for the home team. Not that me rooting for Bafana Bafana makes up for the extension of Apartheid at the hands of Ronald Reagan, but it's an olive branch. Also, I look forward to Invictus II: We Got Game.
5. Ivory Coast. They fly the Irish Flag.
6. North Korea. Too bad Iran didn't qualify because an Iran vs. North Korea final would be just enough to have the House Minority leader in the US draft a constitutional amendment banning soccer in the US. But I'll settle for a NK win and the inevitable batshit crazy reaction of Kim Shady.
7. Australia. Do if for Claire! And the rest of Oceanic 815.
8. Nigeria. Imperialized by the British. Go Africa.
9. Cameroon. Imperialized by the French, treated better than the Nigerians were. Go Africa.
10. Denmark. I love Scandinavia. Without them, there's no Minnesota. And Minnesotans are the closest thing we have to Canadians.
11. Chile. Comparatively speaking, there's no drama in Chile. Things have been relatively quiet since the Pinochet era. I applaud them for that.
12. Slovenia. Talk about a well-played hand. They saw Hurricane Milošević coming a mile away and they got the F outta Dodge. That's all I know about that.
13. Ghana. White Guilt strikes again. The last time I have to type "Go Africa" on this list.
14. New Zealand. While I didn't much care for the Lord of the Rings I don't hold it against New Zealanders.
15. Greece. No truth to the rumor that the official logo on their uniforms will be a canary in a coal mine.
16. Uruguay. A very left leaning country without the stigma or lunacy of a Hugo Chavez. I can get with that.
17. South Korea. Learning to Fly.
18. Slovakia. Totally got the short end of the stick on the dismantling of Czechoslovakia. At least in terms of perception.
19. Algeria. The pros: Booted the French. The cons: Extremely religious country. Still technically Africa though. Well, more than technically.
20. Honduras. Ever notice that Americans refer to all Central Americans as "Guatemalans"? Here's proof that there's other nations in Central America.
21. Spain. Never forget the Spanish Inquisition. Side note: a relative told me that she caught a segment on that crazy Catholic channel, EWTN, where the flying nun was pretty much denying the Inquisition took place. Right. And the fact that the Pope covered up a child sex ring is just some New York Times conspiracy. Still, I love me some Spanish food.
22. Paraguay. So they don't have the Inquisition. They still have a wacky religious right controlling their congress.
23. Portugal. They make good rolls, I'll give them that. Other than that, they don't share enough of the blame for their imperialism, even if they were basically relegated to the scraps of England, France and Spain.
24. Argentina. Just think of all those former officers of the Third Reich celebrating Argentina's World Cup Wins in 1978 and 1986. I'm sure there's not as many now, but still. There might be some. Also, I'm not as familiar with Juan Peron and his wife as I should be, but I hold that against them. If for nothing else than that deplorable Madonna movie.
25. Switzerland. Two historical facts that are really false: George Bush won the 2000 Election, and Switzerland is Neutral. Yes, they shot down a couple of Luftwaffe planes that invaded their airspace. While they were underwriting and financing the Nazis. Furthermore, "Privacy of Swiss Banking Laws" is just a fancy way of saying "A legal way for the ruling classes to bend you over". Yay on Cheese, Nay on neutrality.
26. Italy. Alright, technically Vatican City is it's own entity. And technically not all Jersey Shore douchebags are of Italian descent. But rooting against Italy gives me a chance to root against two large segments of the population that cause me massive heartburn.
27. Serbia. Two words: Slobodan Milošević
28: Japan. Three Words: Bataan Death March. Even after "The Pacific", Japan fails to take it's fair share of blame for WWII and acknowledgement of it's atrocities.
29. Germany. Then again...
30. Brazil. I've got nothing against Brazil. Other than the fact that they've won 2 of the 4 World Cups I've watched, and were in 3 of the finals. I guess this is why people hate the Yankees.
31. England. Oh, where to begin? We can start with the fabrication that is The Royal Family, and the useless infatuation that useless people have with it. I can play the "I'm Irish Card". I can play the "I'm American Card". I can play the "The only thing more pathetic than your leader being George Bush is your leader being George Bush's lapdog Card". I can play the "Simon Cowell Card". But I won't. I'll kindly say "Thank you for the Beatles" and move on.
32. France. F*ck you Thierry Henry and F*ck your uncalled handball you f*cking thief.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Music Madness: The Village - Sweet 16
It's regional finals time. Finally. Getting down to the nitty gritty and the developing story in this region is simple: Can anybody put a chink in Bob Dylan's armor? Two matchups. 5 Categories each. In those 10 categories, nobody's come close to registering a point.
Our other matchup should be closer. Party like it's 1988 and the top selling records are New Jersey and Appetite for Destruction.
For the curious among you, all rules, criteria and regulations can be found right here.
Going to switch up the format a tad, provide a bit more background since we're down to 2 matchups in the region.
Box Score Keys: EC (Entire Collection - 3 pts), DA (Defining Album - 2), PC (Personal Connection - 2), DS (Defining Song -1), HI (Historical Impact -1)
On to the action:
DYLAN: def. (16) Skid Row 9-0; (9) Jack Johnson 9-0
RHCP: def. (12) Aerosmith 8-1; (4) White Stripes 8-1
BOX SCORE:
EC: RCHP have a vast and impressive one. They're still going strong. Bob Dylan's collection is 100 times better. And he's still kicking. ADVANTAGE: DYLAN
DA: Of the remaining 16, Dylan's Blood on the Tracks ranks 3. Blood Sugar Sex Magik is 13. ADV: DYLAN
PC: I haven't ranked these 1-16 yet, partially because I don't want to ruin my own personal suspense, but also because I think more than any other category, this needs to be a direct Head to Head. I have many memories shared with the Peppers contributions to my life's soundtrack. The summer of 2006 was underwritten by "Snow". But being "into Dylan" is life defining. I can't say that I look down upon people who don't get Bob Dylan. Unless they also profess to love music. Then it's inexplicable. Being into Bob Dylan is part of one's character. It doesn't get more personal than that. ADV: DYLAN
DS: "Hurricane" ranks #3. "Under the Bridge" #16. Not even close. ADV: DYLAN
HI: Does not even need to be discussed. ADV: DYLAN
FINAL SCORE: BOB DYLAN 9 - RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 0
GNR: def (15) Weezer 9-0; (7) Stevie Wonder 5-4
JOVI: def (14) Counting Crows 9-0; (11) Metallica 7-2
BOX SCORE:
EC: No real room for debate here, unless you were to argue that proportionately, the Guns' is better. And if not for most of Use Your Illusions I and The Spaghetti Incident and technically, Chinese Democracy, that might be the case. But the Jersey boys have been cutting quality work for almost 30 years now. Wow. 30 fucking years. That's longer than the Beatles work had existed when I first got into them. ADV: BON JOVI
DA: Slippery When Wet was the first album I ever loved. I had three albums before that: Thriller, Born in the USA, and A Different Light. (Use the google for that one). But Slippery was the first one I truly got into. I remember coming home in 4th grade and putting the record (yes, vinyl) on and listening to it all the way through. But about 2 years later, there was Appetite For Destruction. I remember being amazed that you could say "Fuck" in a song. There was something so rebellious about the album at the time. Just as I was coming into my own. Just as I was beginning to define myself and formulating my own opinions. I still listen to both of the albums. Slippery is nostalgic. Appetite still resonates today. Slippery is #8 of all remaining albums. Appetite is 3. ADV: GNR
PC: Much like what I said about Dylan, there's a special class of us who still revere the Guns some 25 years later. Don't matter that Axl's batshit crazy. Don't matter that we're never seeing a reunion. Don't matter that Slash is becoming a bigger pitchman than Billy Mays. There's a sum of 3 albums for the Guns: All of Appetite, all of Illusions II, 1/2 of Illusions I and side B of Lies. If you've been listening to them for the last quarter century, it's impacted you.
Bon Jovi's done the same. When you're from Jersey, you feel a certain ownership of Bon Jovi. Like Springsteen, "The Sopranos", Diners and Joe Piscopo. Interesting (not really) trivia: I danced with my wife to "Never Say Goodbye" at our 8th Grade Graduation Dance, our Senior Prom, and our Wedding. And it was a "focal" song at all three. Not some generic "Chicken Dance". That's not some random occurrance. That's staying power. That's a contribution to my life, to our lives. That is a personal connection. But it's a different connection. Bon Jovi is where you're from. Guns N Roses is who you are. ADV: GNR
HI: Guns N Roses needs 1 more point to move to the Elite Eight. They won't find it here. Their moment was fleeting, while Bon Jovi carries on. They've seen a million faces. And they've rocked them all. ADV: BON JOVI
DS: So it comes down to the defining song. One fluke category for the right to call yourself a "VILLAGE REGIONAL FINALIST IN A MAKE BELIEVE TOURNAMENT OF ONE MAN'S 64 FAVORITE MUSICIANS". Can you feel the pressure building? The tension? The drama? "Living on a Prayer" checks in at number 8. "Estranged" checks in at number 5. And that might be an insult to it. ADV: GNR
A very close matchup. Probably the closest yet. But we keep to seed here. Bob Dylan, "Welcome to the Jungle".
FINAL SCORE: GUNS N ROSES 5 - BON JOVI 4.
Our other matchup should be closer. Party like it's 1988 and the top selling records are New Jersey and Appetite for Destruction.
For the curious among you, all rules, criteria and regulations can be found right here.
Going to switch up the format a tad, provide a bit more background since we're down to 2 matchups in the region.
Box Score Keys: EC (Entire Collection - 3 pts), DA (Defining Album - 2), PC (Personal Connection - 2), DS (Defining Song -1), HI (Historical Impact -1)
On to the action:
(1) Bob Dylan v (5) Red Hot Chili Peppers
How They Got Here: DYLAN: def. (16) Skid Row 9-0; (9) Jack Johnson 9-0
RHCP: def. (12) Aerosmith 8-1; (4) White Stripes 8-1
BOX SCORE:
EC: RCHP have a vast and impressive one. They're still going strong. Bob Dylan's collection is 100 times better. And he's still kicking. ADVANTAGE: DYLAN
DA: Of the remaining 16, Dylan's Blood on the Tracks ranks 3. Blood Sugar Sex Magik is 13. ADV: DYLAN
PC: I haven't ranked these 1-16 yet, partially because I don't want to ruin my own personal suspense, but also because I think more than any other category, this needs to be a direct Head to Head. I have many memories shared with the Peppers contributions to my life's soundtrack. The summer of 2006 was underwritten by "Snow". But being "into Dylan" is life defining. I can't say that I look down upon people who don't get Bob Dylan. Unless they also profess to love music. Then it's inexplicable. Being into Bob Dylan is part of one's character. It doesn't get more personal than that. ADV: DYLAN
DS: "Hurricane" ranks #3. "Under the Bridge" #16. Not even close. ADV: DYLAN
HI: Does not even need to be discussed. ADV: DYLAN
FINAL SCORE: BOB DYLAN 9 - RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 0
(2) Guns N Roses v (3) Bon Jovi
How They Got Here: GNR: def (15) Weezer 9-0; (7) Stevie Wonder 5-4
JOVI: def (14) Counting Crows 9-0; (11) Metallica 7-2
BOX SCORE:
EC: No real room for debate here, unless you were to argue that proportionately, the Guns' is better. And if not for most of Use Your Illusions I and The Spaghetti Incident and technically, Chinese Democracy, that might be the case. But the Jersey boys have been cutting quality work for almost 30 years now. Wow. 30 fucking years. That's longer than the Beatles work had existed when I first got into them. ADV: BON JOVI
DA: Slippery When Wet was the first album I ever loved. I had three albums before that: Thriller, Born in the USA, and A Different Light. (Use the google for that one). But Slippery was the first one I truly got into. I remember coming home in 4th grade and putting the record (yes, vinyl) on and listening to it all the way through. But about 2 years later, there was Appetite For Destruction. I remember being amazed that you could say "Fuck" in a song. There was something so rebellious about the album at the time. Just as I was coming into my own. Just as I was beginning to define myself and formulating my own opinions. I still listen to both of the albums. Slippery is nostalgic. Appetite still resonates today. Slippery is #8 of all remaining albums. Appetite is 3. ADV: GNR
PC: Much like what I said about Dylan, there's a special class of us who still revere the Guns some 25 years later. Don't matter that Axl's batshit crazy. Don't matter that we're never seeing a reunion. Don't matter that Slash is becoming a bigger pitchman than Billy Mays. There's a sum of 3 albums for the Guns: All of Appetite, all of Illusions II, 1/2 of Illusions I and side B of Lies. If you've been listening to them for the last quarter century, it's impacted you.
Bon Jovi's done the same. When you're from Jersey, you feel a certain ownership of Bon Jovi. Like Springsteen, "The Sopranos", Diners and Joe Piscopo. Interesting (not really) trivia: I danced with my wife to "Never Say Goodbye" at our 8th Grade Graduation Dance, our Senior Prom, and our Wedding. And it was a "focal" song at all three. Not some generic "Chicken Dance". That's not some random occurrance. That's staying power. That's a contribution to my life, to our lives. That is a personal connection. But it's a different connection. Bon Jovi is where you're from. Guns N Roses is who you are. ADV: GNR
HI: Guns N Roses needs 1 more point to move to the Elite Eight. They won't find it here. Their moment was fleeting, while Bon Jovi carries on. They've seen a million faces. And they've rocked them all. ADV: BON JOVI
DS: So it comes down to the defining song. One fluke category for the right to call yourself a "VILLAGE REGIONAL FINALIST IN A MAKE BELIEVE TOURNAMENT OF ONE MAN'S 64 FAVORITE MUSICIANS". Can you feel the pressure building? The tension? The drama? "Living on a Prayer" checks in at number 8. "Estranged" checks in at number 5. And that might be an insult to it. ADV: GNR
A very close matchup. Probably the closest yet. But we keep to seed here. Bob Dylan, "Welcome to the Jungle".
FINAL SCORE: GUNS N ROSES 5 - BON JOVI 4.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
America's Forgotten War Dead
I’m hardly one of those self-righteous folks that would lament the widely held notion that Memorial Day is the “Unofficial” Kick-off of summer. (Side note: how long must you call something “unofficial” before it becomes “official”?) Not in the least. In a nation where we’re over-worked and underpaid as a general rule, anytime you can take a break for a couple of days and kick back, fire up the grill and pack a cooler is fine by me, no matter how solemn the occasion is on the books.
For ½ my life now, Memorial Day Weekend has been one of the highlights of the calendar every year: A perfect storm of availability, invitations and indulgences that’s led to some of my more memorable and enjoyable life experiences. This doesn’t overlook the fact that we celebrate Memorial Day for a reason, but if you’re capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time, I don’t see any reason why you can’t celebrate and remember over the span of 72 hours as well. This year in fact, I’m making a conscious effort to do so.
Historically, Memorial Day has been a day where we honor our War Dead: men, women – and yes, children, who have given their lives in the pursuit of American liberty. We remember those who gave it all so that we could freely grill those burgers, deep-fry those Twinkies, blast that Springsteen and pour that frosty Budweiser. Men and women who frankly, have more balls than I’d have in ten lifetimes.
But there’s a popular misconception that we’re all prone to believing, and that’s the notion that all of the wars fought to make America what she is today were fought on the battlefield, in defined military conflicts, against enemies foreign and domestic. While these sacrifices should never, under any circumstances, be diminished, they do not account for all of the blood shed in the name of forging that More Perfect Union.
The US of A has been fighting wars since the Shot Heard ‘Round the World and continues to do so today. On top of the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, we continue to fight the same war that it seems some have been waging since the last signature on the Declaration of Independence had dried: The War on Intolerance. We did not evolve from a confederation of states ruled solely by white land (and people) owning protestant males to a Superpower with an African American President and a Speaker of the House who happens to be a Catholic grandmother, by accident. Skulls were broken. Blood was spilled. Necks were cracked. These sacrifices are no less important than any other.
For every Battle of Trenton, there was a March on Selma. For every Stonewall Jackson, a Stonewall Inn. Each Ulysses Grant yields an Elizabeth Cody Stanton. Every Normandy, a Haymarket Square. Okinawa. Los Gatos.
Regardless of your political beliefs, we must never forget the bravery of the 5,000 Americans that we have lost in service this decade. Likewise, teach your children about the 5,000 Americans lynched for simply existing.
Reflect on the all-too-short lives of James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman. The former, a local African-American civil rights worker in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The latter two, college kids from Jewish neighborhoods in New York, that travelled down to Lauderdale County to simply register local voters. All three were slaughtered at the hand of the Ku Klux Klan in their early twenties. They died to ensure that the most fundamental of American rights: The Right to Vote would be guaranteed to all, not the select chosen.
This year, think not only of those who lie beneath a white cross, but those who died in front of a burning one.
Think of the 146 people, primarily women, who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. A sweatshop that was criminally negligent in the most basic of safety regulations, so much so that management locked all doors during work hours. Their deaths paved the way for a revamping of workplace standards that we enjoy today.
Likewise, never forget the countless collection of workers who died during organized rallies and strikes – often at the hands of private security firms backed by management – demanding fair wages, a 40-hour workweek and suitable working conditions. Think long and hard about this the next time some bigwig, or the politicians in their pocket, chides “lazy unions”.
Read up on the 1948 plane crash at Los Gatos, California – where 30 migrant workers perished while being deported back to Mexico, not coincidentally AFTER their services in the fields were needed. Over 60 years later, we still use undocumented workers for every ounce of sweat they can produce while demonizing them as a political scapegoat, to the point where we might as well change the inscription on the Statue of Liberty from “Give me your tired, your poor…” to “Show Me Your Papers”.
Pause to remember Matthew Shepard, a college student who was fatally beaten, tortured, and strung up on a fence like a scarecrow. Simply for being gay. The grisly slaying brought to light the gross, Nazi-like hatred that the gay community still faces in the 21st Century.
More recently, remember the 15 Emergency Medical Technicians, 23 members of the NYPD, 37 officers of the Port Authority, and 343 souls from the FDNY who gave their lives so that thousands more would survive the 9/11 attacks. Proving that despite the caricature, working class Americans stand ready on a moment’s notice to serve the greater good – and at the end of the day, it’s not the politicians, nor the management that’s responsible for our safety, security, and education - it’s your neighbor.
Obviously I’m leaving off thousands of people who gave their lives for rights that we take for granted. And again, this is in no way to diminish the ultimate sacrifice given to this nation by the brave warriors from Lexington & Concord to Fallujah – and all parts in between and across the globe – not only for American liberty but for that of the entire human race.
Much like the glorious melting pot that America is today, the rights and freedoms we enjoy today were provided by a diverse collection of people who would not take “No” for an answer, the miniscule minority willing to Walk the Walk. People of all faiths, genders, orientations, ethnicities, races and political ideologies have stepped to the front of the line when History came calling. Most of them braver than you or I could ever imagine being.
On Memorial Day, we remember each and every one of them
For ½ my life now, Memorial Day Weekend has been one of the highlights of the calendar every year: A perfect storm of availability, invitations and indulgences that’s led to some of my more memorable and enjoyable life experiences. This doesn’t overlook the fact that we celebrate Memorial Day for a reason, but if you’re capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time, I don’t see any reason why you can’t celebrate and remember over the span of 72 hours as well. This year in fact, I’m making a conscious effort to do so.
Historically, Memorial Day has been a day where we honor our War Dead: men, women – and yes, children, who have given their lives in the pursuit of American liberty. We remember those who gave it all so that we could freely grill those burgers, deep-fry those Twinkies, blast that Springsteen and pour that frosty Budweiser. Men and women who frankly, have more balls than I’d have in ten lifetimes.
But there’s a popular misconception that we’re all prone to believing, and that’s the notion that all of the wars fought to make America what she is today were fought on the battlefield, in defined military conflicts, against enemies foreign and domestic. While these sacrifices should never, under any circumstances, be diminished, they do not account for all of the blood shed in the name of forging that More Perfect Union.
The US of A has been fighting wars since the Shot Heard ‘Round the World and continues to do so today. On top of the ongoing conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, we continue to fight the same war that it seems some have been waging since the last signature on the Declaration of Independence had dried: The War on Intolerance. We did not evolve from a confederation of states ruled solely by white land (and people) owning protestant males to a Superpower with an African American President and a Speaker of the House who happens to be a Catholic grandmother, by accident. Skulls were broken. Blood was spilled. Necks were cracked. These sacrifices are no less important than any other.
For every Battle of Trenton, there was a March on Selma. For every Stonewall Jackson, a Stonewall Inn. Each Ulysses Grant yields an Elizabeth Cody Stanton. Every Normandy, a Haymarket Square. Okinawa. Los Gatos.
Regardless of your political beliefs, we must never forget the bravery of the 5,000 Americans that we have lost in service this decade. Likewise, teach your children about the 5,000 Americans lynched for simply existing.
Reflect on the all-too-short lives of James Chaney, Michael Schwerner and Andrew Goodman. The former, a local African-American civil rights worker in Philadelphia, Mississippi. The latter two, college kids from Jewish neighborhoods in New York, that travelled down to Lauderdale County to simply register local voters. All three were slaughtered at the hand of the Ku Klux Klan in their early twenties. They died to ensure that the most fundamental of American rights: The Right to Vote would be guaranteed to all, not the select chosen.
This year, think not only of those who lie beneath a white cross, but those who died in front of a burning one.
Think of the 146 people, primarily women, who perished in the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire. A sweatshop that was criminally negligent in the most basic of safety regulations, so much so that management locked all doors during work hours. Their deaths paved the way for a revamping of workplace standards that we enjoy today.
Likewise, never forget the countless collection of workers who died during organized rallies and strikes – often at the hands of private security firms backed by management – demanding fair wages, a 40-hour workweek and suitable working conditions. Think long and hard about this the next time some bigwig, or the politicians in their pocket, chides “lazy unions”.
Read up on the 1948 plane crash at Los Gatos, California – where 30 migrant workers perished while being deported back to Mexico, not coincidentally AFTER their services in the fields were needed. Over 60 years later, we still use undocumented workers for every ounce of sweat they can produce while demonizing them as a political scapegoat, to the point where we might as well change the inscription on the Statue of Liberty from “Give me your tired, your poor…” to “Show Me Your Papers”.
Pause to remember Matthew Shepard, a college student who was fatally beaten, tortured, and strung up on a fence like a scarecrow. Simply for being gay. The grisly slaying brought to light the gross, Nazi-like hatred that the gay community still faces in the 21st Century.
More recently, remember the 15 Emergency Medical Technicians, 23 members of the NYPD, 37 officers of the Port Authority, and 343 souls from the FDNY who gave their lives so that thousands more would survive the 9/11 attacks. Proving that despite the caricature, working class Americans stand ready on a moment’s notice to serve the greater good – and at the end of the day, it’s not the politicians, nor the management that’s responsible for our safety, security, and education - it’s your neighbor.
Obviously I’m leaving off thousands of people who gave their lives for rights that we take for granted. And again, this is in no way to diminish the ultimate sacrifice given to this nation by the brave warriors from Lexington & Concord to Fallujah – and all parts in between and across the globe – not only for American liberty but for that of the entire human race.
Much like the glorious melting pot that America is today, the rights and freedoms we enjoy today were provided by a diverse collection of people who would not take “No” for an answer, the miniscule minority willing to Walk the Walk. People of all faiths, genders, orientations, ethnicities, races and political ideologies have stepped to the front of the line when History came calling. Most of them braver than you or I could ever imagine being.
On Memorial Day, we remember each and every one of them
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