Blind Politics

As many of you know, President Obama gave his first address to Congress a little bit ago. I watched part of it, but I couldn't bring myself to watch all of it because listening to politicians is as entertaining as watching pubic hair curl. Regardless, I was sitting with my dad when he mentioned he doesn't like Obama or what he's trying to accomplish. I asked him why he wouldn't want someone to succeed who's in a position to possibly jump-start our economy (sooooo many people use the word "fix" like the economy can simply be repaired like a car... dumb)? My dad paused and said, "Well, when you put it that way, I guess, I want Obama to succeed even though I didn't vote for him." My dad immediately followed that statement with: "He's going to be a one-term President."

Most people who lose any election want the opposition who won to fail, or at least, this is what I can gather from various media sources and friends/family I've spoken with. This makes no sense to me, and this is also a reason I hate our political system, which is completely reliant on partisan opposition. I understand questioning the government. My dad was doing the same while watching President Obama's speech. I do the same no matter what's going on. But in the end, don't we want those who are elected to succeed? It would seem those who lost elections are so bitter and hell-bent on stopping those that won. Why? People have disagreements. Granted. But when our economy is in such a state as it is, wouldn't it make a little more sense to stop bitching that you lost and start working out the differences?

This creates constant counters (alliteration is fun!) to anything coming from the winning party. If candidate A gets elected, wouldn't those who voted for candidate B want candidate A to succeed? I can understand the reasons why people wouldn't, but it just irritates me to no end! Do I think Obama was good choice? Naw. Do I think McCain would've been better? Naw. But now that Obama's in office, I would like him to succeed because he's THE PRESIDENT OF MY COUNTRY. Wishing him to fail is like wishing for me to fail. Argue against him. Protest him. Do whatever makes you feel like you're fufilling your obligation as a citizen. But flatout hoping your country's leader will fuck up makes no sense.

Personally, I oppose President Obama's (and Congress') huge, rediculous "stimulus" package a.k.a pork bill. But does that mean I don't want it to succeed now that it is going to be enacted? No. I realize that spending is going to happen whether I disagree or not, so why not put some confidence in it? People need to oppose things they don't believe in. I get that especially if it's something really is going to harm a lot of people. But I honestly see no point in bitching over a bill that doesn't affect civil liberties in anyway (that I can see...) and is only trying to improve the state of living for everyone. You may disagree, as I do, with the way in which this stimulus package is going to operate, but the fact remains: it's going to happen. Might as well hope it works, right?

I know this post is a rant, and there are some holes in it. But I had to get that off my chest.

Trilogy Meter

This chart seems to be making the rounds through the weberscape and it's worth mentioning. Pretty cool concept, visualising your enjoyment of movies that way. Most of his evaluations I agree with, with a few exceptions. Matrix 2 and 3 should be way higher. I thought I like Reloaded better than Revolutions but I just rewatched them on Blu-ray and that battle scene inside the city of Zion looks incredible so I might put Rev above Reload. Star Trek doesn't really belong on there because the series has way too many other movies that matter. Nonetheless, I would ratchet 2 up a little higher and then put 1 right under it. Jurassic Park deserves to be higher, no questions. Lord of the Rings is basically spot on. I think Blade should tower over Blade 2, which admittedly wasn't bad. Terminator should be a little higher. And finally, Aliens 3 deserves much better than that. I really liked that one. Are there any other trilogies that should be on there? I can't think of anymore.

Your two cents (yen...)

Matt, you mentioned the PS9 in a comment, and this got me thinking: what would you like to see most on the next-generation of consoles? Now, I'm not talking better graphics or something we know companies are going to do anyway (online gaming, increased HD support, etc.). I'm talking about something nobody is doing right now that you would like to see! Even if the idea is completely far-fetched (but technologically feasible, please), put it up!

For me, I'd like to have cross-platform online play, the ability to plug-and-play any mouse and keyboard setup (you know they could!!), have the ability to actually see what your friends are playing-- a glimpse, if you will-- and have the ability to make old-school 2D games on your computer and then transfer them to your console of choice.

Again, don't worry about if it would never happen or "There's no way ______ would allow that to happen!" Just say what you would like if the world revolved around you. It could happen!

*guitar riff* McWORLD!!!!!

Muzak: Week 2

Alright, I think I'll start doing a rundown of the music I put up each week. I'm thinking I'll try to put up ten new tracks every Sunday, and then I'll give a brief synop of the artists or songs.

The Offbeat by FLYamSAM: I don't really know anything about FLYamSAM. They are a featured artist on Ghostly Artists record company. I recommend checking them out further there.

The Funeral by Band of Horses: A heartfelt band that mixes country and indie. The lead singer looks like a lumberjack. You may have heard them on a Ford commercial awhile back. This song is lyrically intense.

Sowing Season (Yeah) by Brand New: Nothing they do is really brand new perse, but this song has and always will make me want to kick some ass! They have fairly unique guitar riffs and lyrics, but they are not always able to escape completely from their emo/screamo breathren.

Hearts on Fire by Cut Copy: I know I tried showing the Everharts these guys a long time ago, but I think Mark has finally caught the Cut Copy fever. Nothing too original here, but they simply are a great-fun-dance band. Dig it, bitch.

SPACE HO's by Danger Doom: What is there to say about Danger Doom? They are the shit for hip hop. Great beats. Funny and entertaining lyrics. Good voice. Man. They are really good. Might've heard them on NBA 2K9-- Sofa King, anyone?

Ride by Cary Brothers: Famous for Blue Eyes on the Garden State soundtrack. This entire album (and their body of work) sound exactly like Garden State. Not necessarily bad. Very chill, of course, with a side of light techno beats interlaced.

1878 by Dear Hunter: Alright, so I really dig this band. Instruments are great. They have two albums. The first (Act 1: ...) follows the life and death of a young man. Intriguing, no? Oh, did I mention almost the entire first album was made by one man?

Hard Sun by Eddie Vedder: Um, how can someone not long EV? I'm not sure. This is from the Into the Wild soundtrack that he made. Amazing, amazing...

If You're Into It by Flight of the Conchords: Most people already know these guys. I find you love or hate them. Personally, I love 'em. BOWIE!

Home by Foo Fighters: Dave Grohl really has a knack for writing ballads. This song is simple and powerful.

Well, I know I can't please all of you, but you always have the option to turn off the music. :P