What Have I Been Up To?

I guess you clicked here, so for some strange ass reason you wish to know what I have been up to. The answer is, not very damned much.

My wife and I wanted to take the kids to see the new Pirates movie Saturday, but we came too late so we saw "Wicker Man" instead. Not a bad movie if you disregard the final scene of the movie. I hate that "6 Months Later" crap.

We bought a bed for the baby Saturday, nothing great, but very safe and it looks pretty comfortable. This makes it a little more real to me. My wife and I have been trying to have another baby since Selena was about three months old, and she'll be 4 in March, so we are definitely looking forward to welcome the new addition to our home.

Thursday we find out the sex of the baby. If boy, Alex Lifeson will be it's name. The name comes from the guitarist of Rush, the band that is tied for my favorite band with Dream Theater. If it's a girl, her name will be Samantha Lynn. Samantha after the name of the main charachter in my first novel 'The Stranger Within'. The Lynn is not only Janae's middle name, but my sister-in-law's middle name. So that's cool.

I took a bit of a break on my book for the summer, taking notes and changing only a few things here and there, but will resume work tomorrow morning. I'm really looking forward to it. I've decided to make a charachter that had only a small part, into a more central person in the story line, and this will definitely make things much better. I really believe that I can get this sold.

There are two other books that I have gone back into the last couple of months to keep my writing fresh. A fantasy novel that I'm working on with my friend Heath, and a murder/mystery that my sister-in-law Tonya, and I, started many years ago.

I'm gonna get to work now, I've got to verify some sales and run a few reports for the day shift ops. So until later... later.


NP: Ayreon - Waracle (acoustic 'TFE' special edition version)

I Have Returned

I got tired of this blogger stuff because all of the video's on my page made the loading time annoying (and I am at a T3 connection!). Finally I decided to delete all of the video's and return, because I must admit, some of postings amuse me still, and I want to return to that (I will finally end this sentence now).

Anyhow, the goings on in my life are as follow:


The Work -
For the most part work is decent, my problem is the rest of the companies horrible communication with me. I work overnight so I rarely see the other members of the IT team. This is bad for the following recent frustrations:

a) I'm going on vacation at the end of this month. To do this I have to train the guy who replaced the guy who trained me. At this point nobody else knows how to do most of my work. Unfortunately the guy I am supposed to train continuously puts it off and it's starting to really annoy the hell out of me.

b) The director of IT tells me nothing, and answers none of my e-mails about important client related issues.

c) The one that has me the most pissed off today is that one of the other IT members erased a folder full of templates that THEY did not use without even considering that maybe I use them. This resulted in an extra TWO HOURS worth of work for me.

and finally...

d) Because the company can't seem to find a sales verifier worth a shit, they asked me to do SOME of these verifications, which soon turned into MOST verifications, and soon thereafter turned into ALL verifications... UGH

Vacation soon though, very soon. The best thing about this job is that I am working for the best bosses I ever have. The owner is incredibly friendly and takes the time to compliment when it is deserved. And the current site manager is the best that we have ever had.


The Home -

Both of my kids are now in school. My little princess, Selena, who is in a half day pre-school, and my little butt-head Robbie, who is in full day pre-school. This is a good thing on most days. I know it helps them, and they are getting smarter everyday. But there are downsides. While I still see a lot of Selena, it's Robbie that I haven't seen as much.

Wednesday morning as I was working on my reports, I realized that all for the first time in his life, I went a whole day without giving Robbie a hug. You wouldn't think it would hurt to realize this, but I'm a bit sensitive and it made me break down.

I guess I'm a bit sensitive because of how terribly I was treated in high school. Teenagers just don't realize how damned cruel they can be. I am a fairly decent guy, but nobody bothered to get to know me. I guess it doesn't matter now though, since I am happy, regardless of what the pricks in high school treated me like.

Also, my sister-in-law had Sophia last Thursday. She is a little cutie with strawberry blonde hair.


And finally, The Pregnancy-

Janae is still getting morning sickness, nearly everyday, at any time of the day ("morning" sickness my ass!). She is starting to show and is so damned beautiful. I don't know how it's possible but she is somehow more beautiful when she is pregnant.

We are very excited to meet the new addition to our family in January, and we actually get to find out the sex of the baby the 22nd of this month, which also happens to be my little boy's 5 birthday!


Alright, that's all for now. Be good kiddies.


NP: Rush - Der Trommler

Goodbye Uncle Mike

My uncle Mike passed away Friday Evening. I wanted to say goodbye, and that I will never forget you Uncle Mike. I love you.

Frank Zappa - Hot Rats

I'm still working on getting the entire FZ collection, and this past weekend I picked up 'Hot Rat's. Thanks to 'Strictly Commercial' and 'Tinseltown Rebellion' I had already heard the incredible "Peaches en Regalia" but the rest of the record completely blows me away!

The disc starts with "Peaches", one of the best FZ instrumentals as far as I'm concerned, and the album does not let up for one moment. Although "Willie the Pimp" features lyrics it's the instrumentation that steals the show. "Son of Mr. Green Genes" follow... nine minutes of pure jazz/rock genious. "Little Umbrellas" is less rock and more jazz, not too mention less time. Clocking in at just over three minutes, this is the shortest track on the album.

The big piece of the album is the nearly 17 minute epic piece "The Gumbo Variations". I can sum this track up in one word, "WOW"! The highpoints of this track are a saxophone solo and a violin solo that just defy logic. This song alone was worth the $12 I shelled out for the disc. I think that if I had heard this earlier I would have all of Zappa's albums by now.

The album closes out with "It Must Be A Camel". A very traditional jazz piece with some incredible piano and drum work, and a perfect closer for the disc. I can easily see this being on my top 5 favorite Zappa albums list in the future.


NP: Frank Zappa - The Gumbo Variations

Top 5, Pt. 3

Today I want to mention five songs that I think are worse than any others songs in existence. For a couple I don't know the name of the "artist" who force fed this crap down our throats and I really don't think the songs deserve the time it would take for me to figure out who penned the garbage.

Black Eyed Peas - My Humps... Without a doubt the #1 worst song EVER
"artist" unknown - I'm In Love With a Stripper
James Blunt - You're Beautiful
anything at all by emenim... yeah, this is cheating, but I really dislike his "music"
"artist" unknown - Laffy Taffy

Don't try and argue with me... I'm right and you know it!


NP: Spock's Beard - Goodbye to Yesterday

Web Designer For Hire

I'm interested in building and maintaining a website. Although I have had no college training, I did teach myself how to program a website and I would love to try making one professionally. Contact me if you are interested.

What I Listened to At Work Last Week

Sunday Jun 4 - Sunday Jun 11

Erik Norlander to Release DVD

from MelodicRock.com:

Press Release / Los Angeles, CA - Master keyboardist and prolific composer Erik Norlander is proud to announce the release of his first DVD documenting his landmark concert in St. Petersburg, Russia. Erik Norlander and Friends - Live in St. Petersburg contains 90 minutes of concert material from this spectacular event plus the 45-minute documentary, The Road to Russia, which tells the story of Erik's three month tour across the USA and Europe leading up to the final concert in St. Petersburg. The documentary contains interviews with Erik and all of the contributing musicians along with additional concert performances from American and European shows. "Erik Norlander and Friends - Live in St. Petersburg" also contains a bonus audio CD with the best tracks from the concert along with two studio tracks including a soaring cover of From Russia With Love featuring the iconic vocals of Norlander's wife, Lana Lane.

Live in St. Petersburg features the vocals of Lana Lane along with the now familiar voice of Kelly Keeling who appeared previously on Norlander's Music Machine (2003) and Stars Rain Down (2004) CDs. Keeling also plays bass in the concert ably switching between fretless and fretted basses throughout the show. Joining Norlander, Lana and Keeling on stage are the Dutch musicians Peer Verschuren on guitar and Ernst Van Ee on drums who have been touring together with Norlander and Lane for several years from Europe to Japan. Verschuren and Van Ee have been previously featured on Norlander's "Stars Rain Down" album and also appear on the recent Lana Lane titles, Lady Macbeth and 10th Anniversary Concert (both 2005). Like Kelly Keeling, Peer Verschuren was also a prominent contributor to Norlander's 2003 rock opera, "Music Machine", so it is no surprise that many tracks from this masterwork have found their way into the St. Petersburg concert. The stomping rocker "Beware the Vampires", the anthemic ballad "Fallen", the sprawling space jam "Sky Full of Stars" and the unforgettably melodic "One of the Machines" are standout pieces on the DVD.

Live in St. Petersburg also showcases Norlander's uncanny ability for re-interpreting cover songs by his favorite artists. Norlander's version of the Procol Harum classic, A Salty Dog moved audiences around the world with the soulful voice of Kelly Keeling delivering the lyrics with power and substance. "A Salty Dog" was brought into the set to follow Norlander's Rocket Scientists standard, "Mariner", which Keeling also takes to new heights with his soaring vocals and fluid fretless bass. Another classic cover featured on the DVD is Norlander's arrangement of In the Court of the Crimson King sung with grace and style by Lana Lane as she has done in concert since her Queen of the Ocean tour in 1999. In addition to the bow to original prog rockers King Crimson, Norlander also puts in nods to Vivaldi and Grieg as part of the piece. For this DVD, "In the Court of the Crimson King" is taken from the Cal Prog 2004 festival in Whittier, California where Norlander and friends helped to launch the inaugural version of this now established event in the progressive rock community. The final cover song on the DVD is a new studio recording of the James Bond theme, "From Russia With Love", sung by Lana Lane and used as the soundtrack to a video montage of the group's visit to Russia.

As with Norlander's previous DVD effort, the Lana Lane 10th Anniversary Concert, the Live in St. Petersburg DVD is expertly mixed in Dolby Stereo and also in DTS 5.1 Surround to capture all the subtle nuances of the concert experience. The bonus audio CD is packed with 78 minutes of music, the best performances from the St. Petersburg concert plus the studio tracks of "From Russia With Love" and a new version of "Fanfare for Absent Friends" which first appeared on Norlander's 2004 electronic effort, "Seas of Orion". Both tracks feature Ernst Van Ee on drums and Don Schiff on NS/Stick and were recorded especially for this release.

For fans of Erik Norlander, Lana Lane, Rocket Scientists and progressive music in general, Erik Norlander and Friends - Live in St. Petersburg is a must - see concert DVD event. Don't miss it!

Live in St. Petersburg contains the concert performances of: Fanfare for Absent Friends Part One . Neurosaur . Dreamcurrents . Mariner . A Salty Dog . Sky Full of Stars . Alexandria . Guardian Angel . Oblivion Days . Peer's Guitar Solo . Beware the Vampires . Secrets of Astrology . Fallen . One of the Machines . Fanfare for Absent Friends Part Two.

St. Petersburg concert running time [91:30], The Road to Russia documentary running time [51:30], Total DVD running time 2 hours, 23 minutes.
Bonus audio CD running time [77:30].
Released July 26. WebLink: www.eriknorlander.com

Kottonmouth Kings - Koast II Koast

Dream Theater - Score (Coming Aug. 29th)

From MP.com (visit link for a 1 minute sample):

Dream Theater's latest live CD and DVD "SCORE" is currently scheduled for release on Aug 29th 2006 on Rhino Records.
(date may vary slightly in different countries)



























The 3-CD and 2-DVD sets will be available seperately.
Both versions will contain the entire "20th Anniversary World Tour" grand finale recorded live at Radio City Music Hall in New York City on April 1st 2006.
(nearly 3 hours of music - over 90 minutes of which was performed with a full orchestra)

The DVD will also contain a 1 hour Documentary tracking the entire career of the band from the very beginnings at the Berklee College Of Music in 1985 all the way to the Radio City Music Hall grand finale.
Including rare never before seen footage and interviews with current and previous members of the band.

Also included on the DVD are several live Bonus Tracks from through the years taken from the Portnoy Archives.



from Rob:

In case you've been living under a truck,

In the Name of God outro (intro tape)

1. The Root of All Evil
2. I Walk Beside You
3. Another Won
4. Afterlife
5. Under a Glass Moon
6. Innocence Faded
7. Raise the Knife
8. The Spirit Carries On

~~~intermission~~~

9. Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence:

10. I Overture
11. II About to Crash
12. III War Inside My Head
13. IV The Test That Stumped Them All
14. V Goodnight Kiss
15. VI Solitary Shell
16. VII About to Crash (reprise)
17. VIII Losing Time/Grand Finale
18. Vacant
19. The Answer Lies Within
20. Sacrificed Sons
21. Octavarium

~~~encore~~~

22. Metropolis pt 1

Vocals: James LaBrie
Guitar: John Petrucci
Keyboards: Jordan Rudess
Bass: John Myung
Drums: Mike Portnoy

Yes my friends, this is gonna ROCK!!!!

Real Quick

Just a couple of very quick things that are on my mind right now:

01 - I really have to pee...
02 - Really, Really Bad...

... thanks for tuning in.


NP: Spock's Beard - She Is Everything

"Weird Al" vs. that Blunt Guy

"Weird Al" is back. I'm not sure if this is slated to be on the next album, but he tears apart probably the worst song to ever disgrace the planet.

Visit "Weird Al" at his homepage for the download link. Pure comical genious!


NP: Frank Zappa - The Central Scrutinizer

Excellent Site for Prog Fans

Click Here


NP: Spock's Beard - The Light

Free Writing, Pt. 1

For a fun little project I am going to write for ten minutes straight, and publish what I write. None of this is meant to be taken seriously, I'm just very bored:



The dog was very hungry. He could not remember the last time he had eaten, and even if he tried to he would only be more hungry. Best not to think of unpleasent things like that. Then again, everything has been unpleasent since he lost his job at the shoe factory. Although he could not remember when he was told, the owner insisted there was a rule that stated eating the shoes was not allowed... apparantly the dog was the asshole.

The sun was beating down on his ungroomed yellow coat, and the heat was almost as bad as the pangs of hunger. Now that he thought about, maybe the dog was not hungry. And now that I think of it, maybe the dog is not a dog, but a goldfish...

The goldfish was sick of swimming in his tiny bowl of tepid, misty water. Oh how he longed for the days of his youth when he would swim carefree in the giant tank at the tiny pet store. Sure there were immense moments of annoyance when small children would bang on the side of the tank, but once he went deaf there were no worries in the world. No worries that is until the giant kangaroo bought him and placed him in this bowl nearly three years ago to the day.

The kangaroo wasn't such a bad guy, at least not to the fish. He may have a habit of never cleaning the fishbowl water, and sure the bong water was occasionally spilled into the already murky depths of the depthless bowl, but overall it wasn't too bad having a kangaroo for an owner. As the goldfish's daddy had always said, "gargle dee gurgle dee gooper". Truer words had never been said by anyone. The goldfish had a very wise dad.

A talking mailbox was the death of the dad of the goldfish. Goldfish Sr. had been out mowing the lawn when the mailbox slinked up beside him and told him his pants were on fire. When Goldfish Sr. jumped into the small swimming pool to douse the flames it was in such a panic that he had forgotten that he could not swim. His pants were not on fire, in fact he was not even wearing pants... in fact, fish can swim, so maybe his father was still alive. In fact, maybe his father was not a dead fish, but a live blade of grass...

The beautiful blade of grass was blowing in the cool afternoon breeze, feeling the wind through out it's decadent body. The blade of grass flashed a smile at a pretty female lobster that had just passed by him in the lot, but of course the lobster took no notice. In fact no pretty girls had paid the blade of grass any heed since it's horribly debilitating accident.

It was just three months ago when the blade of grass had been out for an evening stroll when he fell into a sewer drain. Trapped inside with a broken leg for nearly a week, the blade of grass spent it's days cursing Lassie. Sure the dog could help Timmy for the umpteenth millionth trip down the well, but there would be no help for the blade of grass. Also during that time the blade of grass would ponder, "What if I am not a blade of grass," it asked itself time and time again. "What if I am nothing more than a sneeze..."

The sneeze was having a bad day. Just moments ago it had been living the high life inside the mouth of the bowling bowl, but in one single life changing moment the sneeze was living on the wind. Not that the wind was so bad to the sneeze, hell the wind told the greatest stories of popcorn and spray cans, but the sneeze was just not happy with the way it's life had been going the last fifty or so seconds.

The sneeze tried to enter the mouth of a passing were-pig in a heroic act of a nice sneeze, but when the street sweeper drove by the life of the sneeze was seriously questioned by the street sweeper...

"I wonder why that sneeze even bothers to live," the street sweeper says out loud. The street sweeper was talking to itself a lot more often these days. Not questions really, but whole conversations in which he would converse with himself about himself. The thought of a slipping sense of sanity had occured to the street sweeper, but then do inanimate objects really have thoughts? Especially an inanimate object such as a large sweet streeping vehicle?!?! No, the answer of course is "no", because that would just be silly.

Top 5, Pt. 2

For the second part of my nail biting series we examine my Top 5 favorite Concept Albums of all time. The quick definition of "concept album" is an album that uses it's entire length to tell a story. While there are a lot of great concept albums, and I have heard few that I have not liked, these are the five that I favor above all others.

Dream Theater - Scenes from a Memory

The first slot is a no brainer, one that has already been featured in my lair. Therefore, I shall cheat and just paste what I wrote about it before:

Released in 1999 this progressive rock conceptual masterpiece was the bands first album with new keyboardist Jordan Rudess. The epic story tells of a man who is fighting to uncover a murder conspiracy centered around the woman he used to be in a past life. The music is pure prog rock and really shows off just how talented each musician is, each at the top of their game.

Spock's Beard - Snow

The final Beard album with front man Neal Morse is a close 2nd on my list. The story tells of a young albino man who can see the future by just touching another person. The music on the album is some of the best from the bands career. Keyboardist Ryo Okumoto really shines on this disc, as does drummer Nick D'Virgilio who steps up to the mic for the first time in the bands studio recording history. The vocal melodies are at times extremely beautiful, most notably on "Solitary Soul / Wind at My Back". An excellent swan song for Neal Morse.

Ayreon - The Human Equation

By the time of this albums release Arjen Lucassen was already a major player in the progressive rock community. With nearly every album in the Ayreon catalogue a concept album Arjen had a lot to live up to. 'The Human Equation' delivers in spades. Telling the story of a man in a coma at war with his own emotions. And though the music is the best aspect of the disc (especially the smoking synth solo in "Isolation") the cast of guest vocalists is incredible. Singers like James LaBrie, Marcela Bovio, Devin Townsend, Mikael Ackerfeldt and Heather Findlay make this album incredible.

Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Pictures at an Exhibition

Though recorded before 'Tarkus', 'Pictures' was released as ELP's 3rd album. A live reworking of the Mussorgsky piece of the same name, ELP put there own bombastic touch, making the album an instant classic. Whether it be Greg Lake's beautiful vocals (of lyrics he himself penned), Palmer blitzkrieg drumming, or the ever impressive madman technique of keyboard extraordinaire Keith Emerson, there is something on this album for every prog fan.

Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime

The final album has also been previously mentioned:

I can't say that I have always been a big fan of Queensryche, but after listening to this album several times it all fell into place. A concept album about a hit man for hire, the story follows Nicky who is hired by the evil Dr. X to kill or be killed. The music is incredible, and this album opened quite a few doors for 'ryche.

And there you have it. Here is a link for those that would like to dig a bit deeper into the world of concept albums. CLICK ME!

NP: Spock's Beard - Welcome to NYC

Meat Loaf - Bat Out of Hell III

Well it seems that 'Bat III' is finally on the way. I for one am excited. I've loved everything that the Loaf has done, but the 'Bat' albums are by far the best.

Anyhow, check out the official Meat Loaf site for a download of the new tune "The Monster is Loose".


NP: Frank Zappa - Fembot in A Wet T-Shirt

An Open Letter to my Friend Boa - by Rob

Dear Mr. Boa Constrictor:

How are you today sir? I am fine, but something has been eating at me. Last year when we were in Venice drinking coffee in that small cafe and talking about Jean Luc you turned your head to me and stuck your tongue out. At the time I thought you were just making a gesture at a joke I had told (you remember, the one about the rabbit and the frankfurter), but when I finished my shower of moonsbeam and dove lotion this morning I realized something, you were sniffing me, weren't you?

Boa, I am now worried that I had a bad odor that day that has kept you from coming around anymore. Last week Jean Luc and I were talking about how we had not heard from you in sometime, and how much it hurt our hearts. The long walks on the beach, the car rides through South East Manitoba, even the sail boat rides through the Amazon, all of those are now only memories shared by two, and not the three "Goofateers" as we used to call ourselves. If my stink is the reason for your lack of contact, you need not worry, I have now been taking showers faithfully for almost six whole weeks now (okay, I fell off the wagon once, but nobody is perfect).

Anyhow, I don't have any contact information for you, so I'm hoping that just maybe you searched me out and are reading this very post this very moment.

I miss you my little snake, and hope to hear from you very soon.

Your friend,
Rob

p.s. Paula never actually thought you were cold hearted, it was only joke. I have it on good authority that she still loves you.


NP: Dream Theater - Sacraficed Sons

David Hasselhoff - Hooked on a Feeling

Since I'm stuck with the nightmares of seeing this, I thought I would share the wealth.

Danux Auber LIVES!

I finally got a couple tunes I wrote online. I must warn that they are not going to be prog classics anytime soon, but I found them amusing so I thought I would start a myspace for Danux Auber.

http://www.myspace.com/danuxauber

Check it out, leave comments, and be my friend.


NP: Dream Theater - I Walk Beside You

Things that Bug Me, Pt. 1

There are a lot of things that bug me, so for the first one, I'll go with the most recent:

I'm getting really tired of seeing promo's for upcoming news stories on local newscasts. And not just stories that will be aired that night, but stories that are coming "later this week". I mean how many days notice do we really need to prepare for a story about "Does hairspray x really work better than hairspray y?"

And while I'm on the topic of local news, there are four major newscasts in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area, and they all tell us bad weather is coming, so why do we need 400 commercials telling us that newscast x broke the news first? I don't really give a rats ass who says it first, just give me enough time to get the hand lotion to a safe and secure location. That's all I need.


Thank you for reading about things that bug Rob.


...er... I have really dry skin...


NP: Led Zeppelin - Mistsy Mountain Hop

EMERSON LAKE & PALMER - Knife Edge

One of my favorite tunes from the debut album.

Album of 2006 Contender

I was just sent a copy of the second Ben Averch album 'Washington State' by Ben himself. I have had the extreme pleasure to hear these songs in their writing stages, and while I was impressed with them at each turn the finished product is incredible.

This time around Ben has crafted ten songs about his home state of Washington, and there is not a dull song on the disc. There are some very Rush like moments ("Cloud Cover", "Reset the Clock"). In a perfect world I would see this thing rushing up the billboard charts. The music if fresh, inventive, and destined to be a classic, and is already a contender for album of 2006 for me.

Click the album cover to purchase your copy today! You won't be disappointed!

visit the bands homepage

Git 'im RIAA, He's a downloadin'

This genious is VERY confused. He posts :

"My 1st AMV Song:The Answer Lies Within by Dream Theater Movie:Final Fantasy VII Advent Children THIS AMV IS DEDICATED TO A SWEET GIRL CALLED KAGOME TENDO".

If he had bothered to actually go out and buy the album instead of downloading an incorrectly labelled leak, he would find that the newest Dream Theater album is much better than singer James LaBries' solo disc (although 'Elements of Persuasion' is a damned fine album).



NP: Rush - Limbo

Jordan Rudess - Ra & Screaming Head

For those that doubt that Jordan Rudess is the greatest keysman to ever live.

RA


SCREAMING HEAD

I Don't Want to Die

With Janae pregnant I feel that it is time to get healthy. Starting yesterday, when I got home from work, I went on a rather long walk. For an hour and ten minutes I walked a title of just over 4 miles. Five days a week (at least) I will do the same. This coupled with my new habit of eating much less should help me get in shape, and stick around to see my children grow up.

Wish Me Luck!


NP: Dream Theater - Home

Made for TV Movie: Stephen King's Desperation

When I heard that a made for tv movie of one of my favorite Stephen King novels, "Desperation" would be hitting ABC (at least, I think it was ABC) I was worried. I didn't think they could pull off such an incredible book in such a short time frame... sadly I was right.

The movie begins with great promise as the first few scenes are done in great detail. Sadly this comes to a quick end as more of the story is dropped each scene. So much is left out that watching I felt robbed of any real depth in both the story and characters.

By the end of the movie a person who has not read the book will be lost. Most notably is a phrase Tom Skerrit's character Johnny Marinville says towards the end of the movie... "God Bomb". This phrase makes perfect sense to those who have read this masterpiece, but for those who haven't, all I can say is read the book.

The best thing I can say about this movie is the cast. Although I personally think that Collie Entragian was oddly cast, the rest of the cast was chosen beautifully. It's just a shame that as much attention was not paid to the script.

To summarize, once again I was let down by a stinker of an adaptation, just as I expected to see.


Worst Adaptation of a Stephen King novel:
The Dark Half
The Shining (Kubrick)
IT
The Lawnmower Man (alike in name only)
The Running Man (alike in name only)


NP: Dream Theater - I Walk Beside You

RUSH - REPLAY x3

From rush.com:

RUSH'S FIRST THREE CONCERT HOMEVIDEOS DEBUT ON DVD INRUSH REPLAY X 3 BOX SET

Four-Disc Package Features New 5.1 Surround Sound And Stereo Mixes
The band's first three concert homevideos, each of which is out of print in any format, will be issued for the first time together and on DVD. The four-disc box set Rush Replay x 3 (Mercury/UMe), released June 13, 2006, combines the three DVDs-- Exit...Stage Left, Grace Under Pressure and A Show Of Hands--with a never-before-released CD soundtrack version of Grace Under Pressure.

Each DVD features new 5.1 surround sound and stereo mixes created by guitarist Alex Lifeson and Mike Fraser from the original concert multi-tracks as well as digitally transferred and remastered visuals. The package also includes mini reprints of the original tour booklets for the three concerts.

In 1981, the double LP Exit...Stage Left was released. The 60-minute homevideo of the same name, filmed March 27, 1981 at The Forum in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, includes "Limelight," "Tom Sawyer," "The Trees," "Xanadu," "Red Barchetta," "Freewill," "Closer To The Heart" and "YYZ."

The 70-minute-plus Grace Under Pressure, released 1985, was shot at Maple Leaf Gardens in Rush’s hometown of Toronto. Some of the songs included are; as "The Spirit Of Radio" ,"New World Man" "The Enemy Within," "Distant Early Warning," "Red Sector A," , "Witch Hunt" and a finale of "Vital Signs"/"Finding My Way"/"In the Mood."

A Show Of Hands released in 1991 is the the 90-minute video of a 1988 concert in Birmingham, England nearly duplicates the songs on the same-named live album. Perennial favorites were joined by newer songs such as "Marathon," "Turn The Page," "Manhattan Project" and "Force Ten," plus an encore medley of "2112"/"La Villa Strangiato"/"In The Mood."

note from Rob:

Unfortunately it looks like we aren't going to get each of these concerts in full. Although that is not a surprise. The biggest let down is that 'ASoH' will not include "Lock and Key" which did appear on the laserdisc edition.

There will be mini tourbooks included from each of the tours represented so there is that. But the big thing is that we are finally getting this great material. I'm looking forward to 'Exit...' and P/G' the most as I never had those on video, and have only seen crappy pixelated versions on line.

Now if they can just release 'The Camera Eye' video in some form, as well as all of the Atlantic years vids, and the show they recorded on the 'T4E' tour... well, that's all for now...

17 days to Go 'til this release, and my wife's birthday!

Good News!

Looks like Selena will finally be a big sister. Janae is pregnant and the baby is due in late December. Looks the zoo is going to gain a new animal. :)

Top 5, pt. 1

This is going to be a series here on this page. The series is just as it sounds, my top 5 favorites on any given subject. I hope this proves to be enjoyable.

For the first Top 5:

My Top 5 Favorite Songs from some of my favorite bands -

Rush:
Natural Science
Hemispheres
Here Again
Everyday Glory
Prime Mover

Dream Theater:
Octavarium
In the Name of God
Voices
Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
Only A Matter of Time

Frank Zappa:
Flakes
Don't Eat the Yellow Snow / Nanook Rubs It
Muffin Man
Packard Goose
Broken Hearts Are for Assholes

Spock's Beard:
The Great Nothing
A Flash Before My Eyes
The Healing Colors of Sound
Go the Way You Go
The Good Don't Last

Neal Morse:
Cradle to the Grave
The Creation
Broken Homes
California Nights
Wasted Life

Pink Floyd:
Wots... Uh the Deal
Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun ('Ummagumma' version)
Brain Damage / Eclipse
Atom Heart Mother
Sheep

Taken Way Before Their Time

The Omaha/Council Bluffs area has recently been hit with two horrible tragedies. To Amber Harris and Tracy Tribble, may you both rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers go out to each individuals friends and family.

A Little Birdy Did Some HouseKeeping

Well, thanks to one tiny mistake somewhere along the way, this entire page needed reprogrammed and whatnot. I don't mind saying that it took me hours to try and fix the mistake, then give up and start from scratch. I toyed around with the idea of a complete overhaul, but decided that the original layout was something I'm sort of fond of, so I stayed with the original.

So... what does this mean to all of you, my dear constant readers? Well, it means that I am a big geek. Now, it's not that I have ever tried to deny this fact, it's just kind of depressing getting it out there into the open.

Anyhow, that's all for the moment kiddies. Have a good day!



NP - Rush: Everyday Glory

Album of the Day - Rush: R30

Album of the Day - RUSH: R30

To celebrate a thirty-year recording career, Canadian rock group Rush hit the road to give their fans the best live representation of their illustrious catalogue as they could. The tour was mainly of North America, but for the first time since '91's 'Roll the Bones' tour, the band went over seas to end the suffering of their long waiting fans.

Recorded in Frankfurt Germany, 'R30' is a collection that spans Rush's entire 30-year career. Kicking off not with the Stooges theme, or a classical recording, but an instrumedley of their earliest material, covering the self-titled debut through '78's 'Hemispheres'.

From the way the band are playing it's hard to believe that these guys are in their 50's. They plow through the older numbers with the fire and passion of yester-year, and the newer numbers are played nearly flawlessly. That's not to say that a few mistakes don't slip through the cracks. Most notably, during "Roll the Bones", where the "Tom Sawyer" sampling can be heard throughout.

The biggest problem with the set, and there are so very few, are the songs that were performed but not released. For whatever reason, somebody decided that many of the cuts that had appeared on 2003's 'Rush in Rio' would be left off 'R30'. Such Rush classics as "La Villa Strangiato", "By-Tor and the Snowdog" and "The Trees" were needlessly cut.

In the end, the setlist (which Rush stayed with the entire tour), which featured four cover tunes, was ultimately a pleasing representation of a catalogue so big it would have been impossible to please all of the fans. Those who wish to obtain the audio discs of the show can only do so by purchasing the deluxe DVD package, but the extra cash is definitely worth it.

The Empty Penny is the Friend of the Quarter Moon

I made up a quick message board for people to communicate with me. Why you ask? I really don't know... but check it out. Registration is free, and the results will amuse me... I'm sure of it.

http://com1.runboard.com/brobmallorysr

Dancing On Fire with Cheese

Today the intro is going to be brought to you by the letter: "3" or is it "threeve".

I'm back again today with another list of five albums that I am fond of.





Since I posted Victor yesterday, the demand for this album has flooded in from 1 person:

Geddy Lee - My Favorite Headache
During the longest break in the bands history, Geddy Lee of Rush got together with Ben Mink (FM) and recorded an album so incredible that it was just what the fans needed. There are many similarities between this album and the albums of Rush (the title track, and "Grace to Grace" most notably IMO), but the differences are many. This disc is a must have for Rush fans, without a doubt.


In keeping with my prog obsession, this great album about wheat:

Kansas - Song for America

Released in 1975, Kasnas' 'Song for America' album is probably my favorite. The lead cut isn't prog exactly ("Down the Road"), but that doesn't make it bad. The title-track is easily my favorite song from this band. There are two more epic tracks, "Lamplight Symphony" and "Incomudro"
that make this album an absolute classic.


And for my third trick, an AOR masterpiece:

Head East - Flat as a Pancake

Now don't lie to me, I know you've all heard "Never Been Any Reason", I mean come on, it's a classic. But did you know that 'Pancake' is an LP and not an EP. There is a lot of good music captured in the grooves of this classic masterpiece. Songs like "Ticket Back to Georgia", "One Against the Other" and "Love Me Tonight" are just as good as the big one from this fantastic album.

There is one rap act that I do enjoy:

Kottonmouth Kings - High Society

Generally I wouldn't touch any rap act with a pole of any length, but the Kottonmouth Kings, with their songs about government oppression and the legalization of a certain herb, have always held me in thrall. The music is, as a whole, more inventive than anything else in the genre, the band put on a good show, and this album is just the best of the bands catalogue, although the rest of the discs are nearly as good.


A forgotten gem, or "ignored gem" if you're Jon Anderson:

Yes - Drama

Okay, so whoever decided to throw a few Buggles into the Yes mix was either very crazy, or a genius. My opinion, genius. With Trevor Horn and Geoff Downes Yes created my personal favorite album. Kicking off with the incredible "Machine Messiah" you know the only thing that has really changed is the lineup, the music is as good as anything the band have ever done. Not to be missed are "Into the Lens" and "Tempus Fugit", among others.


And there you have it kiddies. Murder, mayhem, prog, and weed. I hope you enjoyed this episode, and we look forward to seeing you next time on
"Amazing Albums not played by Rabid Rabbits with Radishes". I'm YtseRob, wishing you a happy nappy.

NP - Kansas: Hold On

Yeah, I'm Very Bored

I have a new official "Rob Drink" and it is...

((for some reason blogger will not let me insert fake .html tags here, so instead...))

::drumroll::
::/drumroll::

TRAPPED INSIDE THIS...OCTAVARIUM


NP - DREAM THEATER: Octavarium (Razor's Edge)

Just so you know...

I am sick to death of all of this "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" BS. It not only sounds retarded, but it is repeated for like every possible situation. I really think I may start clubbing a baby seal for every time I hear this phrase.

That's all...

NW - House, Episode 216: Safe

I Ate the Real Karma Chameleon

I wasn't going to do this today, don't wanna burn myself out on it, but I'm getting bored. So much to your delight, here is a new list of five albums that I am actually quite fond of, thank you very much.


This first album involves someone stepping out and cheating on his day job.:



Victor - Victor
For the first time in the bands history a member of Rush steps out for a full blown solo album. Although the album is much darker, and at times heavier, than any Rush album, there are several very Rush-like moments, like the single "Promise", "Start Today" and "I Am the Spirit". Guest spots include ex-I Mother Earth vocalist Edwin, Les Claypool, and Dalbello.


And now my little turkey lovers, disc two:

Joe Walsh - Songs for A Dying Planet

I'm not a big Joe Walsh fan, but I love this album. Although it's not technically a concept album, there are moments that tie the tracks together... kind of. The lyrics are well written, and the music is quite original. Worth the price alone is the epic 10 minute track "Decades".


Lets get a "three three" ya'lls:

Ashlee Simpson - I Am Me

I don't listen to a whole lot of pop, but Ashlee Simpson is an incredible exception. When she released her sophomore album I was worried about her ability to follow up her excellent debut, but Ashlee was definitely up to the challenge. There are moments when this album is much better than it's predecessor, like the title track, "Dancing Alone" and "Beautifully Broken". She may not be a great singer live, but with studio magic, Ashlee is phenomenal.

Did hell freeze over?:

Fleetwood Mac - The Dance

When Fleetwood Mac got back together to play a reunion show they dug out some of their best Buckingham/Nicks era material like "Don't Stop", "Everywhere" and "Tusk", as well as some new material, "Bleed to Love Her", "My Little Demon". Of special note is the orchestra who show up on "Go Your Own Way", and the Lindsey Buckingham solo spot.


Time to close out this little charade:



Korn - Korn

Few debut albums go down as being the best album from a band, however in my opinion, KoRn's debut is just that. The music is heavy, the lyrics dark and often insulting, and the album is an absolutely blast to listen to. From "Blind" to "Ball Tongue", "Need To" and my personal favorite "Lies", there is not a throwaway track on the whole disc.



So I've wasted enough time on this for the day, so goodbye.

NW - House, Episode 215: "Clueless"

Slipping On A Banana Peel is Unlikely But Can Happen

What exactly is it about this place that makes me think that I must post each and every day? I have absolutely nothing to say, and yet here I am posting a message that I don't want to write, for people are not going to read it. I'm not sure if this is sad or pathetic, so I'm gonna go with both of them.

There are a few things that really bother me that I could probably mention here:

1. The biggest being that zero is NOT a letter. "O" is a letter, "0" is pronounced "ZERO". That just drives me friggin' nuts.

2. This is aimed at my fellow American's, or United States citizens are we technically are. When somebody asks you what country you are from on the phone, the answer is NOT the state you live in. Texas is not a country (no matter how much many Texans would hope). This country is the United State, or U.S.

3. I am also not particularly fond of the phrase "pet peeve". I don't know why this bothers me, but it does... so stop saying it hosers.

4. Psychics are not real, and you geniuses who think they are should have your heads examined.

5. You perverts who wait for your wife or girlfriend to fall asleep so that you can call a phone sex line... get a life. You are sick and need help. And if you absolutely must waste your money to talk to someone who is probably a 400 pound fat man with a high voice, speak up. The operator taking your CC information does not want to hear someone, especially a pervert, talking sweet nothings in their ear.

The above are all related to my job... ugh (No I am not a phone sex rep, I just take credit card info. from perverts).

Finally, I hate pop music. There are very few exceptions to the rule (Two: Ashlee Simpson and Hoku... I didn't ask you to insult me for this, so don't bother doing so, it won't bother me).

One last thing I'll write about for now, if you want to be added to my friend list, post a message. If I add your name to my list, and you add mine to yours, the traffic can only go up, and our important words will reach an ever growing public...

Good day

NW - House, Episode 214 - "Sex Kills"

Cookies Have Stuff that You Don't My Friend

I've decided to make this a rather frequent thing, but instead of it being a list of favorites this shall be a list of random albums that I am particularly fond of, whether in my top albums list or not. And boy howdy do I got a list for you today, five albums that I like enough to bother listing on a post that I'm fairly sure very few, if any, people will ever read. So let's boogie.


Today, the first album is an epic tale of corruption:



Queensryche - Operation: Mindcrime
I can't say that I have always been a big fan of Queensryche, but after listening to this album several times it all fell into place. A concept album about a hit man for hire, the story follows Nicky who is hired by the evil Dr. X to kill or be killed. The music is incredible, and this album opened quite a few doors for 'ryche.


For our number two, a compilation:

The Beavis and Butt-Head Experience

Until Mike Judge decided to pull the show in favor of the terrible King of the Hill, Beavis and Butt-Head were one of the most popular things on television. The duo stood for all that was right in the world, nachos, tv, and boobs. This album features artists such as Megadeth, Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Aerosmith, Anthrax, and even a cover of Sonny and Cher's "I Got You Babe", featuring Beavis and Butt-Head and Cher herself.


And another compilation, just one band this time:

Van Halen - Best Of, Vol. 1

I'm guessing that we won't ever see Vol. 2 of this set, but with the incredible line-up of tunes on the first, I guess that can be forgiven. Amongst the classics on the disc, we are treated to two new Roth tracks ("Me Wise Magic", "Can't Get This Stuff No More"), and a Sammy track not previously available on a Van Halen album (the incredible "Human's Being" from the Twister soundtrack, one of my favorite movies).


How about a classic debut from a supergroupd:

Asia - Asia

I can't say that I care too much for anything else this band churned out, but the debut is the embodiment of the word "classic". With songs like "Heat of the Moment", "Sole Survivor", "Only Time Will Tell", "One Step Closer" and "Here Comes the Feeling" I can find no fault on the entire album. Plus with musicians like Carl Palmer, Geoff Downes, Steve Howe, and John Wetton, how could they do wrong? For the answer, check out the follow up.


One more disc to end this episode, and it's another debut:


Mr. Big - Mr. Big

I saw these guys open up for Rush on the 1990 'Presto' tour, and was lucky enough to get this album the following Christmas. First off, I must mention the incredible "Addicted to that Rush", with a bass line from Billy Sheehan that just smokes. There is also "Blame It On My Youth", "Wind Me Up", the beautiful "Anything for You", and many other excellent tracks. When I got the CD version some years later, I learned that there had not been enough room on the record for "30 Days in the Hole", thank God for CD's... eh?


Well, it's time once again to end this gansta round of pony rides. I hope you got pictures, and at least one piece of cake before the chickens roosted in it's roots. Tune in next time for more words, more pictures, and dammit, more good times.

NP - LANA LANE: Ill Wind (You're Blowin' Me No Good)

Stream of Passion - Live in the Real World

Live in the Real World double CD (2006)

CD1

1. Intro
2. Spellbound
3. Passion
4. Waracle
5. Wherever You Are
6. Computer Eyes
7. Calliopeia
8. Valley Of The Queens
9. Haunted
10. The Charm of the Seer
11. Deceiver / Songs of the Ocean

CD2

1. Day One: Vigil
2. Day Three: Pain
3. Nostalgia
4. Out in the Real World
5. The Castle Hall
6. Into The Black Hole
7. When The Levee Breaks
8. Day Eleven: Love


The release dates for Stream of Passion's live double CD and DVD "Live in the Real World" are as follows:

Benelux: June 15th
Germany: June 16th
Rest of Europe: June 19th
USA: July 18th

Live in the Real World DVD (2006)

1. Intro
2. Spellbound
3. Passion
4. Waracle
5. Wherever You Are
6. Computer Eyes
7. Calliopeia
8. Valley Of The Queens
9. Haunted
10. The Charm of the Seer
11. Deceiver / Songs of the Ocean
12. Day One: Vigil
13. Day Three: Pain
14. Nostalgia
15. Out in the Real World
16. The Castle Hall
17. Into The Black Hole
18. When The Levee Breaks
19. Day Eleven: Love



Features

Live in Concert (Dolby 2.0 and 5.1)
Behind the Scenes
Photo Gallery
Video Clip: Out in the Real World
Making of the Video Clip
Tour Diary
A 140 minutes worth of material!

The DVD will be available in both PAL and NTSC (region-free).


Additional information

The release dates for Stream of Passion's live double CD and DVD "Live in the Real World" are as follows:

Benelux: June 15th
Germany: June 16th
Rest of Europe: June 19th
USA: July 18th
You can now pre-order signed and unsigned editions of the Live in the Real World release; special combo deals are available! Click here to visit the online store. All orders will be shipped at around June 17th.

for more information and updates visit: http://www.streamofpassion.com/

Single Pigeons, and the Cousins that Love Them

Today I will ramble a bit about some of my favorite albums of all time. These discs aren't necessarily in my top ten list, or even in my top 100, but they are favorites at any rate.


I start this tale with an album that does make my top 10 list:

Dream Theater - Scenes from a Memory

Released in 1999 this progressive rock conceptual masterpiece was the bands first album with new keyboardist Jordan Rudess. The epic story
tells of a man who is fighting to uncover a murder conspiracy centered around the woman he used to be in a past life. The music is pure prog rock and really shows off just how talented each musician is, each at the top of their game.


The second album is far from my top ten, but does show up somewhere in the top 100 without a doubt:

REM - Out of Time

Not a whole lot of non-Prog albums make my top 100 list, but this one has had a spot since it's release in 1991. I've never been a big fan of REM, but this album is satisfying from start to finish. Sure it's radio saturated pop, especially songs like "Losing My Religion", "Me In Honey", "Radio Song" and "Shiny Happy People", but the album is a five star favorite of mine.


Third on today's list is an absolute classic:

Frank Zappa - Sheik Yerbouti

Although I am new to the world of Frank Zappa it's obvious to me that FZ was out for the jugular on this release, focusing a bit more attention at
insulting as many people as possible. The lyrics are downright crude at some points, but isn't that half the fun? As usual, the music is also very pleasing, melding perfectly with lyrics on tunes such as "I Have Been In You", "Flakes", "Bobby Brown Goes Down" and "Dancin' Fool". This is a must have album.



And now, on to fourth:

Rush - Moving Pictures

Released in 1981 'Moving Pictures' is far from my favorite Rush album, but still an all time favorite disc in my list. Though the band really gained a lot of ground in the mainstream with their previous outing (1980's 'Permanent Waves'), 'MP' opened a lot of doors for the band. From the radio smash "Tom Sawyer", to the epic "The Camera Eye", the hard rocking instrumental "YYZ", and the classic "Limelight" it's no wonder that 'Moving Pictures' is the bands highest selling album of all time.



And since it's such a nice round number, here is my number five:

Poison - Swallow This Live

For all intents and purposes, this was the last Poison album to bask in the majority of the public's eye. This 2 CD live set has a nice number in my top 50 Favorite Albums of all time list. The band are on fire as they tear through favorite from all of the studio albums that really matter in their catalogue (although the post 'STL' albums are all decent). Of particular note are the bonus studio tracks that would mark the end of Poison Mark 1. Definitely worth picking up for any "hair metal head", such as myself.

And that's the list for the time being, I hope you enjoyed a peek as some of my favorites. More posts like this will be along in the future, as it was kinda fun. Now, it's time to get back to writing my book. Thanks for tuning in.

NP - RUSH: YYZ

Terrible Napkins

The things that a bored person does just staggers me. Take myself for example, I just spent nearly two hours redesigning this page. Now why would any sane person do that? I wish I had an explanation that didn't leave me sounding crazy. The sad fact is that there is no explanation. Don't cry for me Argentina, I'll work through the pain with time. Besides, the truth is I never loved you. Through all my wild days and mad exisistance I kept my promise... don't keep your distance.

I realized that I could post nearly anything and the entire population of this crazy planet would hang upon my every word, my every witty sentence. What does that say about the people that inhabit this planet? I think I may actually cry for a civilization that is now eternally lost.

I suppose it's time to give this post some meaning, a little reason in a life of nothing... or a blog of nothing, I haven't fully decided just yet.

As you'll see to the left the band (or artist as this case may be) of the month is the legendary Frank Zappa. Recently I asked myself why it took me so long to give this incredible musician's work a chance, and I had no satisfying answer (talking to myself and not getting decent answers seems to be a pattern in my life).

Anyhow, I picked up 'Strictly Commercial' and was immediately blown away. Since then I have picked up 'Them or Us', 'Tinseltown Rebellion', 'Apostrophe', and 'Sheik Yerbouti', each album being incredible. I'll be getting many more in the months ahead.

One last thing before I let you all go. Since October I have been writing my first novel. The first draft was finished in late December and I have been working on the re-writes and edits since. Today I hope to have finished the 2nd draft of the first half of the novel. I also finally decided on a name, "The Stranger Within'".

Here is a short excerpt:

Stephanie had recently discovered that her husband Travis was living a double life, but that was not the burden currently troubling her mind. Generally when Travis was away, and he was away a lot, he would call Stephanie every other day at noon, she could set her watch by it. In the last few weeks she had not heard from the man at all. She spent day and night beside the one telephone in their home and had not received a single call from her husband. Her nerves were shot, and her sanity was slowly slipping away from her like water down a drain.

That's it for now Kiddies... have a good 'un.

Dream Theater - Octavarium

Once in a lifetime (okay, more than once, but I like cliches) an album is released that is just too good to let go. Dream Theater released 'Octavarium' a year ago June 7th (that's next month) and I still play this disc nearly every day. Why? Well, I'll tell ya.

The album kicks off with "The Root of All Evil", the 3rd installment of Portnoy's AA saga. The song is in your face and all out crunch. The vocals from Mr. LaBrie are nothing short of phenomenal.

The second tune, "The Answer Lies Within'" is outright beautiful. The music works incredibly with the vocals, and this may be one of the best DT ballads to date.

"These Walls", while my least favorite track on the disc, is still an excellent number.

"I Walk Beside You" is another beautiful tune with very inspiring lyrics, and another great performance from LaBrie.

"Panic Attack" may well be one of the best metal tunes that this band has ever composed. Bassist John Myung is on fire throughout, and the whole band are like musicians possesed.

"Never Enough", despite the controversy the lyrics may have cause among the bands fan base, is just a great tune. Obviously inspired by the band Muse, I can see this one in the bands live set for years to come.

The surprise of the disc comes in the cover of lyrics from LaBrie. The mans lyrics have really come a long way since the beautiful "Anna Lee" (from 'Falling Into Infinity'). Inspired by the events of 9/11/2001, the song is a tearjerker, with not only emotional lyrics, but music as well.

And finally, to throw out another cliche, the band saves the best for last, the title track. It's hard to describe this tune in just a word or phrase, but "eargasm" may come close. Never before has the world had the pleasure to hear such an incredible piece of progressive rock history. I'm telling ya, this one WILL go down in the epic songbook.

I don't know what else I can say about this album that has not been said before. When 'Scenes from a Memory' was released I was sure that DT would never top it. I am very glad that the boys proved me wrong. Now I just have to wait for the Radio City Music Hall album to be released later this year to hear some great DT/Orchestra tunes!

My First Post Here

Well, in case the subject of this post was in any way misleading, let me tell you once again that this is my first post here. What does that mean? Well, that means that while I have posted things in the past, never before have I posted them on this blog.

I hate that term, "blog", it sounds so... what's the word I'm looking for here? "Stupid". Yep, that's the word. However, who am I to badmouth a revolution started by whatever nerd has spent the most time in his mothers basement? I guess I can't... but I will. I feelt it's my duty, no, my right, to do so.

There is one major reason for my being here, and that is that I have no life. I sit at work overnight fighting to stay awake, and posting here seems to be something that might stave of my exhaustion for at least a few minutes longer (or however long I feel like typing mindless drivel like this).

So that's it for now... goodbye.