Is the use of torture good or bad as a form of interogation? What makes something an act of toture?

Check out the article below it is about the government's posibble investigation into the interrogation techniques used by the CIA, thanks in part to the good people at the ACLU. I wanted to write a brief blog on this topic, because this is pretty interesting to me.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/08/24/us.terror.interrogations/index.html?iref=newssearch


The article discusses some of the acts used as interrogation, which to me do not seem to be forms of torture. Example, interrogators shot a gun off in a room next to the room in which they conducted an interrogation, telling the suspect that the victim of the shot was the suspect's friend. Now, they did not actually kill said person, they simply shot the gun off, the only victim was the concrete wall. How is this torturing a person? No one was hurt, it is a technique to get the suspect to give up information, information that can be used to save lives. The article mentions how investigators said that they (the investigators) made threats, really more exaggerations, that they would find the suspect's family and bring haul them in, which again they did not do. The techniques are not hurting anyone. Torture involves bodily harm, which these techniques are not doing. There may be mental damage, but I don't know how since what they said they would do didn't happen. So to answer the second part of the title's question, no, I don't think what occured is torture.

So onto the more difficult question of good or bad/right or wrong. Our nation has never been one to utilize torture, it is something other nations do, not us. In the case of terrorism though we have a much more difficult question. Terrorists are not going to be reasonable, President Obama is not going to be able to have a nice chat with Bin Laden in the White House, terrorists are not operating under the normal rules. In spite of this, I am still not sure if it right for our government to use torture. It breaks international law and it is going to make us appear to the world as barbaric. So unfortunately, I can't decide on this topic. But, I am sure that what this cnn article discussed about the techniques is not torture, If the government wants to launch an investigation, which they probably won't find anything. It will only result in wasting millions and millions of dollars that could go to better use in helping the economy and this nation's citizens.

In closing, read the article and decide for yourself.

Lady Gaga: A respresentation for a period of music and giving hope in trying times

I got Lady Gaga' Poker Face stuck in my head a couple of weeks back. I have really not been a fan of the mainstream pop music, I have always been a rocker, ever since I got my first CD when I was 13, Blink 182 - Enema Of the State, which in retrospect was not the best was to start a music collection, but the musical tastes of a 13 year old never are.

So back to Lady Gaga. I am not sure where this woman came from, I found some stuff on her on wikipedia, but I have not the slightest idea how accurate it may or may not be. She is from New York and was born in 1986, which means she has already done more in her life than I have and is only a year older than me. She really came out of nowhere last year, her first two singles both made it to Number 1 on the Billboard charts, which is pretty significant since she is like the first or second female artist to do this in the 50 year history of billboard's tracking of pop singles.

I find her character fascinating. She considers herself a fashion icon, but I think we can all agree that she is not going to be influencing anyone with her outrageous outfits. Her voice is average, at best, her voice sounds as if she sung the lyrics and then the producer took it and messed with it with some electronics, her voice sounds at time robotic. The lyrics to the song are weak, as in simple and quite dirty. Example of the simplicity the chorus to Poker Face "Can't read my, Can't read my No he can't read my poker face P-p-p-poker face, p-p-poker face(Mum mum mum mah" really that is the best you come up with? As for the explicit nature "I'll get him hot, show him what I've got", again poker face. Now Love Game "I wanna take a ride on your disco stick", subtle, and what makes this better is that your target audience is female, great message to send to them, have sex with guys and they will love you. There is some metaphor in Poker Face, but Just Dance and Love Game are direct, not complex at all

But, there is a positive to Lady Gaga. Her music is sub par, but catchy. And this past year has been very tough for our country, a recession, record job loss, the loss of lives for the troops fighting for our freedom, just to name a few. What Gaga then does is creates an escape of sorts, a message of go out and have fun, dance the night away and be happy. Now, will she go down in music history as a legend like Madonna, Michael Jackson, or Bruce Springsteen? I doubt it, but she has only released one album, while each of the above mentioned have released a dozen plus. Who knows if she will even remain popular after this album. Gaga is also important because with her mammoth success, she can come to represent and encapsulate a period in music history. Think of it this way, there were dozens of southern rock bands in the 1970s, but if asked to name one, or their favorite one, most people would say Lynyrd Skynyrd. Now, Skynyrd was great and probably the most well known, but what about 38 Special, Allman Brothers, Mollie Hatchet, just to name a few, all were popular, all had hits, but who do most people remember? Skynyrd,

I am not saying Lynyrd Skynyrd and Lady Gaga are equally important, but more to the point that both come to represent a period in time in music in a certain genre. Gaga, represents the music from 2007 to 2009 (or later) , simplistic and laden with computer effects. Think about other songs topping the Billboard charts Crank That Soulja Boy, Umbrella (somewhat), Low, I Kissed a girl, Whatever You Like (heavy on the synth), Womanizer, I Gotta Feeling, Boom Boom Pow, Right Round. There have been other hits, but these come to mind because if you listen to them, you are hearing alot of effects, and lyrics that don't have any meaning.

Now, I could go off on a tangent about how this music is a reflection of the failure of our society, but I am not going to do that. Even if Lady Gaga makes music I don't like, I will give her this. She has had more hits than most of the music I listen too, she has even sold more records than some of the artists I listen to. She may not be the best singer, she may not be the best lyricist, she may not even be a lady, but I am going to give her this, she can make a catchy song and can make an uplifting message even if it is simple.

My Summer Reading List

This summer has been a good summer for me book wise. I have always enjoyed reading, even since I was little. I have knocked out quite a few books this summer, across a spectrum of genres. So I am going to list them out and add a little insight on why I enjoyed or didn't enjoy said book. And how the book came under my radar.

1. The Language of Fear by Del James - (Thriller)

I found out about this author because of being a Guns N Roses' fan, he co wrote a couple of songs and one of the short stories in this book is what the music video November Rain is based upon. The book is about a collection of short stories that I classify as thriller. They are quite intense, some are rock n roll in their subject, but mostly just people in extreme circumstances. Some are quite gruesome, one involves a young couple, the boyfriend pours gasoline on his girlfriend, then himself and well, it gets worse. Overall, this is an exciting and interesting read, check it out.

2. Waiting for the Sun: A Rock and Roll History of Los Angeles by Barney Hoskyns - (Music History)

As the title states, this book is about the history of the Los Angeles Music scene. It was a pretty interesting read, lots of details and really the author got into every spectrum of rock n roll, but I felt that it focused too much on the the Early years, 3/4ths of the book is pre-1980, so a little unbalanced, the 80s and 90s were some really important times and L.A. was the center of it. Overall, well done, but probably only if you are really into knowing everything.

3. Parental Advisory: Music Censorship in America by Eric Nuzum (Music History)

Great read, found this at half-priced books. Quick read though, about 200 pages, then a timeline of every act of censorship in music. Book is primarily on the different reasonings of who music has been censored, and sometimes how it has backfired. It was released in 2000 and could use an update. If you are the least bit interested in music censorship, check it out.

4. South Park and Philosophy: You Know, I Learned Something Today by Various (Philosophy)

5. Batman and Philosophy: The Dark Knight of the Soul by Various (Philosophy)

6. The Simpsons and Philosophy: The D'oh! of Homer by Various (Philosophy)

So I am going to discuss these three books together. I got started on a philosophy kick for about 2 or 3 weeks, it is kind of similar to what I learned in my Comm classes, so I though, go check it out. Overall, all of these books are well put together, but are very esoteric at times. The South Park one was my least favorite, I struggled through it to say the least. The Batman one was neat, I am only familiar with the films, but it posed some interesting questions about the characters. The Simpsons was by far the best one, just enjoyable and not too tough to comprehend. Check this series out, there is a company that makes these, along with dozens more under the category of philosophy and pop culture, it will help you appreciate certain movies and shows more because it gives you a new depth of knowledge.

7. The Bridge at Andau by James A. Michener (History)

The first history book of the summer, finally! This is a great short book, I read it in an afternoon drive in Hawaii. The book is about the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, this period of about month where Hungarians fought back against the communist regime that was installed by Stalin. The book is wonderfully written. The author was a reporter who created characters off of the real people he met, though some are real and real names are sometimes used. The Hungarian people faced a great deal of oppression and reading section about the labor camps for political extremists (non-communists) made what happened at Gitmo sound tame. Eastern Europe is a fascinating region and the Hungarian people are a strong and determined people.

8. Are You There Vodka, It's Me, Chelsea by Chelsea Handler (Humor)

9. My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler (Humor)

Well, these two were great light hearted reading. Handler is a funny story teller and has had a unique life. Of the two books I prefer Are You There..., a little less raunchy and more of a biography in the classic sense. Though, My Horizontal, did produce alot of laughs. I think that Handler's writing would be described by many as male, she speaks her mind and has no problems of using profane language and discussing sexual escapades. In some ways, I see it as more of a feminist writing. But, really, these books are about getting a laugh, buy and enjoy.

10. StoriTelling - Tori Spelling (Biography)

Decent, but she attempts to come across as down to earth, when she can't. She still appears snobbish, she complains about getting a BMW on her 16th birthday. She writes in a simple fashion, she talks about her marriages, her discussion of early boyfriends is interesting as it appears that a couple were bordering on emotional abuse, so I do feel some sympathy to her. Basically got this, her life is not a fairytale, and I think that is what she was aiming for.

11. Whores: An Oral Biography of Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction (Paperback)by Drendan Mullen (Music/biography)

Just finished this one, enjoyed it a great deal. Jane's Addiction has been ignored as one of the true pioneers of the alternative scene, they have gotten some credit, but more is due, this book in part does that. It reads somewhat like The Dirt, interviews with the band members plus friends, managers, and musical contemporaries. The focus is mainly on the early days up to the breakup, then kind of lost some momentum, it skipped entire years for some people in the band. Perry Ferrell's journey is fascinating, so if you have interest in their music or the alt rock area, check this out.

12. Ruthless by Jerry Heller (Music/autobiography)

Jerry Heller was the manager of N.W.A. probably one of the most important artists in the rap genre. Not only was he the manager, he was the close friend of the band's leader Eazy-E. This book do talk about the background of the group, but mainly the period in which Heller worked with the group. He does talk about himself for a portion of the book, and does stir the pot with some comments about Ice Cube and Dr Dre, both of whom left the group under not so good terms. But, this is probably the best book written about this group, NWA created gangsta rap, they talked about what they lived and what they lived was an intense life with guns, drugs, sex, and violence, a point that Heller makes and cannot be argued with. Check this out, but be prepared for some bias opinions.

13. Off The Rails: by Rudy Sarzo (Music/Memoir)

Rudy Sarzo is a bassist who has worked with countless bands, Quiet Riot, Whitesnake, Dio, and Ozzy Osbourne. This book is about Rudy's time with the Ozzy Osbourne band in the early 80s, but mainly Randy Rhoads, Rudy's friend and Ozzy's guitarist who died tragically in a plane crash at the age of 25. Rhoads was an incredible talent and I think this may be the only book about him, his musical talent was amazing, albeit his contributions brief, two albums with Ozzy and a few Japan releases with Quiet Riot, plus some live stuff. Sarzo also writes really well, he writes using little profanity. Great stories and a great tribute to Rhoads.

14. Snake Eyes: Confessions of a Replacement Rock star by Stacey Blades (Music/Memoir)

Stacey Blades is the guitarist for L.A. Guns, a somewhat well known band, best known for their tribute to Jayne Mansfield "Ballad of Jayne". Blades has had an interesting life, born and raised in Canada and began his music career towards the tail end of the 1980s, he was born in 1968. He has had somewhat typical rock n roll adventures, drugs/alcohol problems, strippers, exwives, bad band mates, but seems to be overall happy with the life he has lead. His writing though could stand to improve, I think he used the work 'kickass' at least 100 times. But, overall, this guy has had an interesting career, that many people arent aware of.

15. A Child Called It - Dave Pelzer (Memoir/Self Help/Inspiration)

Found this book at target, heard about it because of a song by the band Buckcherry, titled the same as the book and was based upon the book. The book was a tough one, it is the memoir of the author who faced unthinkable abuse by his alcoholic mother. It is a brief book, about 150 pages, could be read in a couple of hours. Ultimately, the book's message is to never give up on yourself, not surprising for the author who made this into a career as a motivational speaker. If nothing else, it is a unique and intense story. Read it, but be prepared to be shocked.

16. Heavy Metal Islam: Rock, Resistance, and the Struggle for the Soul of Islam by Mark Levine (Music/Unsure)

This book was pretty interesting. The author travels to several countries in the MidEast (Egypt, Israel, Morocco, Iran). Basically the author examines how heavy metal exists and impacts the culture of each country. There were some negative reviews for it, but it is intersting, just be prepared for a rather dense read at times. It is interesting to think about the implications that Western Culture has on the Mid East, the population in all of these countries is young, and in some ways the perfect audience, (angry, alienated, oppressed). You just wouldn't think that metal would an audience like it does in this region. This region is important and this book had the ability to take the reader there.

Well, that wraps up what I have read so far this summer. I have a couple in the queue as well, one on the Trail of Tears, a true crime, and another book on music, that surely will not disappoint. So, stay tuned, because part 2 of this list will be coming. And, if you enjoy this list please leave your comments and such.

W.A.S.P. - Dominator: Buy This Album!

W.A.S.P. is band that most likely you haven't heard of, or have only heard of on VH1 Classic. This band has quickly become one of my favorites over the two years. I first became aware of them in 2002, then again more familiar with their work in 2006, and then just started buying up anything the band released in the early part of last year. The band has gone through countless lineup changes, with one constant member in lead singer/bassist (or rhythm guitarist, depending on the lineup) Blackie Lawless. The band was thrown in with the other L.A. bands of the mid 80s, a "glam metal or hair metal", but this band was and is different. The band was always much darker, more shocking, with a strong KISS and Alice Cooper influence. But in 1992 the band released, their most widely acclaimed, "The Crimson Idol" a concept album centered around a fictional rock star who rises to fame, only to realize that it is not what he wanted. The band forged on in the 90s with a changing lineup and sound. Their post 200o work is probably some of their strongest. Unholy Terror - deals with a variety of issues, even hitting upon dictators and other world leaders who have gone mad with power, Dying for the World - an album written by Blackie as his reaction to 9/11, he expresses his anger, outrage, and also sadness, 8 of the 10 tracks are directly about 9/11. Following this, W.A.S.P. went with another concept album, this time a two part affair, called 'The Neon God'. But, now onto 'Dominator'.



I heard this album late last year, but finally go it about two or three months ago, the band is no longer on a major label so it was tough to find. The album is about world politics and U.S.'s tendency to dominate others, hence the title. Blackie posted on the band's website that was a strong supporter of John McCain and George W. Bush. I mention this because this album is an attack on Bush in some ways. There are 9 tracks, clocking in at 43 minutes, and every song is a standout.



The album is political in nature, but like many WASP albums, it is a challenge to figure out. The lyrics are complex, referencing religious and political events and persons, as well as American culture and folklore. This album is relevant, it is actually saying something, there is something going on here. The album is complex, because the world is complex. I love the entire idea that the album is going on and trying to layout what is going on in the world, we live in intersting times, so might as well write about it. Originally, I wanted to do a track by track rundown, what the song is about and so on, but I could not because after numerous listens I am still trying to figure it all. The songs are dealing with the world, what America has done and is doing and the impact it has. It is also an album filled with religious references and religious practices. Long story short, check this album out yourself, buy, get it off lime wire, find it on YouTube, but check it out.

Why Pearl Jam is not only a better band than Nirvana, but also a more important band

I just finished reading a book about the band Jane's Addiction, "Whores: An Oral Biography of Perry Farrell and Jane's Addiction", (Whores is a name of a song by the band from thier first album. Basically it collected interviews with the band members, their freinds, girlfriends, associates, and contemporaries. What I found to the be most interesting aspect was that the band really started the entire alternative movement and was really the first 'alternative' band to get mainstream airplay and video play, first with "Jane Says" and then "been caught stealing'. So how does this relate to Nirvana and Pearl Jam? Well, Nirvana is consistently labeled as the band the broke the scene, which can be supported with the fact that they knocked Michael Jackson out of the top of the Billboard sales in late 1991/early 1992, (who is bigger than the King of Pop). But, I want to debate and support the idea that Pearl Jam is not only the best Seattle band of the original four (PJ, Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Alice in Chains), as far as talent goes but also that the band is more important historically in music.

1. Kurt Cobain wanted to be a rockstar - According to a well respected author, Christopher Cross, who wrote Heavier than Heaven, one of the most well researched and more recent Cobain biographies, Cobain always wanted to be a rockstar. Cobain's biggest idols were the Beatles. Cobain always wanted to be a star, the guys in Pearl Jam wanted to make music.

2. Pearl Jam as social activists - The band members have been involved in social activism, Vedder would write "pro choice" on his arm at Pearl Jam's MTV's Unplugged. As of late, one of the band member has been heavily involved with the alternative energy.

There are many songs in the band's catalog that address social issues Jeremy - school violence, Evenflow - homelessness, Daughter - learning disabilities (have to read the lyrics to get this one, but its there, Glorified G - gun ownership, W.M.A. - police violence and racism, do the evolution - man's impact on the enviroment. The band also toured on the Vote for Change in 2004, which they used as a podium to show their support for John Kerry. Although I don't agree with thier politics, they are free to express it, and do so in a way that is meaningful and memorable. It is not so much that Nirvana didn't do this, as is that the band just simply said things are bad, and shrugged, while Pearl Jam takcles the issue and says hey this is not right.

3. Musicianship - the musicianship of McCready, Gossard, and Ament are far superior to Cobain and Novoselic. The best way to support this is by listening to their music live, go find any of their live recordings they have released, you can hear musicianship that is quite impressive. Now, Cobain and Novoselic are not bad musicians, they simply have a different style that is meant to be raw.

4. Longevity - Since Cobain is dead Pearl Jam wins by default. But I mean longevity in the sense that the band has continued to make new music and good albums for years after thier intial peek in the early 90s. Personally, after Vs. and Ten, Yield released in 1998 is my favorite and band continued to tour and release new music and sell records. Nirvana has in some ways been encapsulated in time, albums and such have been released, but in many ways the band ended in 1994 and has stayed there.

5. Refusal to be mainstream - Pearl Jam didn't make a video from the release of Jeremy to 1998's Do the Evolution (which was animated), then not again until 2006 Life Wasted. But the band continued to have monumental chart success (VS. Vitalogy, and No Code all hit No. 1 on the Billboard sales chart and combined to sell 13 million copies in the U.S.) In a period that made the music video as the key to success, the feat is impressive that they were able to sell and have hit singles in a period when they were going against the grain. Also, they took on Ticketmaster for the company's monopoly in the ticket industry, and for the fact that the company was charging too much for thier tickets. Nirvana on the otherhand relased music video for their followup to Nevermind and toured.

Well, I think that about covers it for why I feel that Pearl Jam is a better band as music goes and why the band has had a greater impact. Nirvana is still an important band, but Pearl Jam simply has more going for it.

Why I created a blog

Hello,
I am sure if you are reading this you have so how stumbled upon this for some reason or another. I created this blog because I feel that I have alot of opinions, observations, insights, and so forth that are interesting and enjoy sharing my opinion on many diverse topics.

And, since I have free time and enjoy writing, I wanted to do something productive.

Enjoy!