A Wave of Anti-Americanism

I'm afraid that this Tsunami business has given the forces of anti-Americanism grist for the proverbial mill. The latest round of Bush bashing revolves around the president's reaction (of lack therof) to the Tsunami effected countries needs. First of all, everyone has to calm down. A well planned relief effort surely will be more effective than a rushed one. America will do what is needed to get the world back on its feet. We always do. America is and has been the largest source of humanitarian aid in the world. Last year alone, American aid in dollars represented 40 percent of all aid given. We come up with almost half the money and all we ask is that every other country in world kick in the other half. There should be no complaints about our generosity. And for those still whining that 35 million isn't enough money for Tsunami victims, you may want to be aware that: President Bush just authorized a 350 million dollar aid package for tsunami victims. I imagine we will be giving more in the end which, along with the current level of aid puts and end to the latest round of Bush bashing. Next.

Terminal Kickassity

The assault rife meant to replace the M-16 currently used by American Forces is close to coming on-line. Meet the XM8. Among its many other bad-ass features, it's actually four types of weapons in one. With a few modifications, the XM8 can be used as a sniper rifle, a light squad support machine gun, an assault rifle with grenade launcher, and a close quarters compact carbine.

The future of weaponry is almost here.

What is Kerik thinking?

On the heels of President Bush demonstrating support for Koffi Annan to remain Head of the UN comes an equally puzzling development. Bernard Kerik, one of the heroes of 9-11, has rescinded his acceptance of the position of secretary of Homie Boy Security (read homeland security). WTF... This guy would have been perfect. A welcome departure from the semi-milktoast and undeniably bland former office holder, Tom Ridge. Kerik is Rudolph Guiliani's right hand man and a true bad ass. After being the NYC police commisioner under Guiliani he went to Iraq to oversee/consult with, the newly founded (and now floundering) Iraqi security forces. A brave and forceful man to say the least. Now it appears that he has encountered "personal issues" that would "interfere with" his ability to "fully perform his duties..." Whatever.. I have some theories of my own as to why Kerik is doing this: 1. Perhaps he has been recently enlightened as to the political expediency of his acceptance of this position. Meaning: if he has any other future political aspirations than perhaps accepting this nomination would be a detriment. (Apparently the position of homeland security is a loser because either you're seen as a nazi-like totalitarian law-enforcement type who tramples on civil liberties or as the guy who allowed an attack to occur. If an attack occurs on the SecHS's watch, it appears to be due to his/her incompetence.) 2. Perhaps he really has some kind of personal crap to deal with. Who knows... His daugher has cancer.. whatever. And Number 3 theory is left... to the lefties.... I'm sure the left (and leftie bloggers) have some sort of conspiracy-ish theory as to why Kerik stepped down. Something like: Secretly he works for Haliburton and/or was one of the nine gunmen who killed Kennedy from the grassy knoll. Anyway, That's at least 3(ish) theories as to why this dude stepped down. Who Knows.... It may be convienient for Kerik to be available in say ... four years. Right around the time that Rudolph Guiliani runs for president. Hmmm... Wonder who He'll pick as a runnning mate.

In Memory Of Dimebag/ Bar Wars II

One of the dopest guitarists in all of heavy music was shot in the face and killed last night in Ohio. MTV News Link Police have identified 25 year old Nathan Gale as the shooter. He was apparently disgruntled over the break up of Dime Bag Darrell's former band, Pantera. The new band was called Damageplan and featured other former members of Pantera including the drummer and Dimbag's brother Vinnie Paul who was shot as well . From what I can gather, here's what went down: The shooter mounted the stage at some point during Damageplan's first song of the night. He must've gotten the band to stop playing before pulling out the gun because witnesses report he was shouting at the band regarding Pantera'a break up, saying among other things, "What About Phil!", Refering to Phil Anselmo (Pantera'a former frontman). He then proceeded to empty his automatic handgun into Dimbag Darrell's face at first then his upper body as he went down. Some fan reported thinking that this was somehow part of the show. Then, after changing clips, the gunmen shot at other bandmembers and then into the fleeing crowd. Finally at this point part of the crowd (probably led by bouncers) tried to rush the gunman and disarm him. Being a former marine the gunman was no slouch (in terms of interpersonal combat) and was able to dispatch the first incoming would-be-heros. Details are vague but at somepoint during this struggle a cop, who had heard the gunshots initially, gained access to the club through a rear door. When the cop came upon the scene from behind he saw the shooter holding a hostage in front of him and was targeting others, possibly bouncers. The desicion must have been a simple one for the cop who had the tactical advantage of approaching the shooters from a blind spot (not to mention being armed with a shot gun). The cop targeted the back of the man's head and opened fire possibly striking the hostage as well as dropping the maniac shooter. At this moment im watching a police press conference in Ohio and the spokesman refered to the manner of the cops actions as "strategic". This cop, named James Neigermeyer, probably prevented many more deaths and is a hero. And Dimebag Darrell, creator of many glorious heavy riffs, great songs, and blazin' guitar solos will be missed.

Dominance

This photo was taken on Sunday April 22, 2007. A Red Sox game I was at where the Red Sox, specifically Manny Ramirez, JD Drew, Mike Lowell, and Jason Varitek, hit 4 back to back home runs to go on to defeat The Yankees and complete a three game sweep. Dice K was the starting pitcher, but the highlight for me was seeing my favorite pitcher in baseball, Jonathan Papelbon, dominate A-rod and the Yankees. The pic below was taken from my seats on the first base side.

Music review: Testify

The Christian rock, nu-metal, post-grunge band by the name of P.O.D. has a new album out entitled; "Testify". The album is …Luminous, as is the band P.O.D. I'm realizing. Testify is the fourth album by P.O.D. who came on the scene back in 1999 with “The Fundamental Elements of Southtown”. By now they have clearly mastered their form of swirling layers of guitars over a tight rhythm section laced with tasteful rap and reggae style singing. With the appearance of Hasidic reggae rapper Matisyahu on the Very first track, “Roots In Stereo” the best rock reggae metal combo is realized since 311 Grassroots. Track 11 “Strength of My Life” also features Matisyahu as well as a poignant feeling hook interwoven into an edgier more interesting version of one of the best Sublime tracks. “Mark my Words”, track thirteen, is just phat. In a hip hop meets power chord sort of way. It’s easily one of the best songs on the album, or any album released this year for that matter. When I purchased the album at the Imusic store it came with mucho bonus material including a fifty minute discussion of the album by the band with the album playing in the background and several Itunes compatible music video movies. The mood of P.O.D. is pensive and reflective while also being triumphantly jubilant at times. The duality of mood that Metal meeting Reggae accomplishes allows for transitions and sections in the song structures that tell more of a story than any single genre band is capable of. This album represents Reggae Metal at its best.