Month: July 2004

Drum Corps on the Big Screen

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I just bought two tickets to a special event at a movie theater (Regal Cinemas) in New Brunswick: Drum Corps Quaterfinals on the Big Screen. Here’s the information. It’s Thursday, August 5, at 7:00 pm. It’s the only location in New Jersey where it is playing. Anyone want to go? (I can get more tickets as of now if people are interested.)

Just Thinking Here

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Okay, so humor me for a few minutes. Like you, I want to fix this country. Bush isn’t going to do it, and neither is Kerry. The best chance of long term success probably has something to do with this: First, let Bush take the presidency for another four years. (I can’t believe I’m suggesting this.) After that, the Bush administration will not be looking at re-election. They will use that opportunity to move the country even further to the right. Since neither he nor Cheney will be running for re-election in 2008, the administration will abandon even the moderates and centrists, appoint their right-wing Justices, and push their crazy, totalitarian regime.

In response, more liberal organizations, like MoveOn.org, are going to pop up, with huge donors, overshadowing everything the Republicans have done to control their message through media. Like donors shaped the Republican message, these donors will shape the new message of the Democratic party… or overtake the old Democratic party with something entirely new.

Right now, there is nothing in the Democratic message to get excited about. Over the next four years of a Bush presidency, Americans will get entirely fed up with the Republican government, and there will be a huge swing leftward in 2008. So it’s scary to say it, but having Bush in office may be the best thing for this country over the long term. He will push the country so far to the right, the citizens finally gets excited about issues, resulting in a rebellion of donations intended for the New Democrats. But understand this, even though this possibility has been going through my mind after watching the speakers at the Democratic Convention tonight, there’s no way in hell I’m going to vote for that ass, George W. Bush.

So here it is, my prediction, and when I check my website archives in 2008, I’ll know if I am correct, or if I’m just a lunatic tonight. If this doesn’t play out, and Kerry is elected this year, I’m just not convinced that several years down the road this country will have a strong interest in peace, good environmental, economical and individual health, excellent cultural education for all, and a society that welcomes scientific and medical advances. We need a revolution and the country isn’t far enough to the right for one to occur yet.

Following in Madonna’s Steps

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Britney Spears (you’ve probably heard of her) is following in Madonna’s (I mean Esther’s) footsteps. She has become interested in the mysticism and beliefs of Kabbalah, a strange blend of ancient Hebrew and Far Eastern beliefs. The pop princess is looking to have a Kabbalist wedding, disturbing her Baptist parents. Anyway, Kabbalah is very, very interesting, and I’m very surprised that it’s as popular as it is (which is honestly, not that much, but when Madonna—I mean Esther—and other popular icons get involved, it raises public awareness a little bit).

By the way, I’ve started blogging on my other website, so check that out once in a while. I plan on using that space for entries related to music, technology, and my other interests, but without any personal entries there.

School of Rock! It’s De-Lovely!

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Brian Micklethwait posts his review of Jack Black’s movie, School of Rock. He has a good point… it would have been great if my music theory class was cast with students (actors) who all happened to be exceedingly proficient on musical instruments or voice. It would have even been better if my concert band was. It was a fun movie, sure, but only a foolish teacher would use it as a guide to bringing music into their classroom, and there’s nothing in the movie of educational value. I’m pretty sure there was nothing intended to be.

I happened to catch De-Lovely last night after quite a bit of delay due to people who made appoointments to look at my car never showing up. It was a very good film, almost in the style of a musical revue. It was definitely a movie made to be appreciated by viewers who enjoy the pre-MTV, pre-Jaws style of film. The plot is the key, with no dizzying special effects or action sequences other than a singular horse ride. It could have been made a shorter movie through the editing process, and as a result of the choice not to do so, some might think the movie runs a little long. I liked the pacing.

The movie tells the story of Cole Porter, a gifted and well-off composer, portrayed masterfully by Kevin Kline. Porter’s music is performed by many contemporary pop performers, and the only one I had issues with is Alanis Morrisette. Her voice just didn’t seem at home with her song, Let’s Do It (Let’s Fall in Love). Kevin Kline isn’t a vocal virtuoso, but then again, neither was Cole Porter, so it still fits. Go see it.

Unrelated Thing. I would pay for a subscription satellite radio service if I could get Radio Paradise beamed directly to my vehicle.

Drum Corps

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I’m off to Giants Stadium to work at the drum corps show. It’ll be a reunion with people I used to work with, who have all left the organization for their own variety of reasons…

Bring Out The Funk

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I’m back in a funk again. I hate being in a funk. When I’m funky, I can’t sleep. When I don’t sleep, I can’t function right, and I can’t focus on important things like finding a new job and deciding what path my life should take. The funk is caused by these issues, though.

Fair and Balanced, My Ass

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Still think Fox “News” is fair and balanced? Take a look at their internal memos (leaked by the guys doing a documentary about the news channel) that certainly clear up any misunderstandings about the political leanings of the decision-makers.