Mr. Ward

Why Paul McCartney ruled last night's Grammys.

Mon, 09 Feb 2009 10:54:08 -0500

He performed a 45 year old hit with the same instrumentation as the original. Too often these things are overdone. Not here. No horn sections, no choirs, no extra guitarists or keyboards. There is a reason “I Saw Her Standing There” was a hit to begin with. At the same time…

He wasn’t afraid to update. He made that song sound modern. No one was doing those guitar licks in 1964. Dave Grohl (!) made the drums a little more frantic. Yet none of it overpowered the tune or felt out of place. The mark of a well-written song and true musicianship.

He had fun. Seriously, when you were watching the crowd shots was anyone having more fun than Paul? From laughing at Jack Black’s joke to helping lead the crowd sing-along on Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline”. (Sidebar: I hated seeing all the artists sitting in the crowd acting like they were above it all. Don’t take yourselves too seriously; we’ll probably forget who you are in a few years.)

Perplexed.

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 07:28:00 -0500

I’m confused. Based on what we were told during the campaign, once Barak Obama became president everything would change. But I find it has not. Why is there still war? I expected to wake up on January 21 to the sounds of wind chimes made from all the weapons in the world, which had been melted down overnight. We were told Obama would bring peace to the world, but I see no lions lying with lambs. Los Angeles still has an Air Quality Forecast. How? I thought once Obama took the oath all pollution would disappear. There are still starving people around the world. I thought that after the inauguration everyone would magically have food appear in their hands if not instantly in their stomachs. America is still in an economic downturn. What? I thought he had all the answers. I called my bank and my balance did not change overnight. I checked the mail and still had bills to pay. Quantanamo Bay is still open and we still have troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. I drove by one of our local lakes and the water level is still down. How? After winning a primary victory in Minnesota, Obama said, “I am absolutely certain that generations from now, we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment when we began to provide care for the sick …” and “ this was the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal …” Since then the oceans have not risen one bit, none of the people who claim Earth is in danger have changed their mind and there are no fewer sick people. Were we lied to? Does our new president not have the powers and abilities everyone said he does? Is it possible one man cannot save the world? So, does anyone have buyer’s remorse yet?

Five Things I'm Sick of Hearing About:

Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:36:43 -0500

1. Barak Obama. If the real Messiah had this kind of press, the Sanhedrin wouldn’t have been able to touch him.

2. “Marley and Me”. Like this is the first movie where a dog dies (thanks, Pete!).

3. iphones: Ok, I get it; you’re cooler than me.

4. Male Enhancement Ads: They’re everywhere and just getting creepy.

5. Digital TV Changeover: I’m ready and I haven’t had cable for 10 years!

W's IRAQI SUCCESS

Tue, 16 Dec 2008 12:23:42 -0500

This week at a press conference in Iraq, a reporter threw his shoes at President (yes, he is still the president) George W. Bush’s head. The most amazing thing was not Bush’s good humor and quick reflexes, but that fact that this man is still alive and free. In the previous regime of that country, the reporter would have been tortured and killed (providing he lived long enough to be tortured). This is freedom. Did America pay a high price for the freedom of people in a foreign land? Absolutely. Was it worth it? I am not smart enough to answer that question (although it would be interesting to ask the reporter’s family); so I’ll leave it to someone else.

“Only a life lived for others is worth living” - Albert Einstein

All The Cool Kids Are Doing It.....

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:04:12 -0500

Hey there Mr. Wards friends, this is his favorite student; Pam.
He let me get on his tumblr to ask you guys to do me a favor =]

If you’ve got a minute, get on www.brickfish.com/pamphotography2009 and vote for my picture “Don’t Hold Your Breath.”
Thanks so much!

pamelalala

ps- & if you thought that was fun, you can get on again and vote for me some more! *thumbs up*

Yes! Wait; no!

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 08:40:37 -0500

I told you I was done with football. The last few days I’ve been listening to the MLB winter meetings from Las Vegas (thank you XM/Sirius). It looks like the Indians have signed Kerry Wood as their closer. I haven’t been this psyched about an Indians player since CC Sabathia. Oh wait, CC just went to the Yankees. Nothing like trying to get through the best pitcher in baseball to get to the World Series; especially when you developed him over nine years in the first place. Crap.

Only Two More Months To Go

Mon, 08 Dec 2008 09:13:46 -0500

As far as I am concerned the football season is over. Florida won the SEC title and is playing for the BCS championship. I hate Florida. Dallas starting putting the nails in their own coffin in Pittsburgh yesterday. Oh well, major league pitchers and catchers report in Cleveland on February 12.

Things I Learned from the New James Bond Film: “Quantum of Solace”

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:15:21 -0500

1. Italian buildings are ready to crumble under the slightest pressure. 2. British government agents dress better than their American counterparts do. 3. South America is a horrible place to live. 4. In a fight, all glass objects in the vicinity (windows, tabletops, stemware, and even emergency fire hose doors) will be destroyed. 5. Evil fake environmentalist global corporation executives wear hideous shirts.

AMERICA SPEAKS

Fri, 07 Nov 2008 21:48:00 -0500

After taking a few days to ponder Tuesday’s election results, I am able to post calmly. Like all the pundits, I have tried to figure out what America really said with the election of Obama. Here is what I came up with.

We no longer believe in the greatness of this nation. We elected a man who believe everything about this country needs to be fixed. His own wife admitted she had never been proud to be an American.

We no longer believe in the power of the individual. This is a man whose message is, “There is no way you can do anything for yourself; I’ll have to help”. Yeah, that’s what Jefferson had in mind.

We are petty, envious, and lazy. I listened to Bono explain to Conan O’Brien the difference between American and Ireland when it comes to wealth. “In America someone passes by a house on a hill and says, ‘One day I’m going to have a house like that’. In Ireland someone passes by a house on a hill and says, ‘One day I’ll get that SOB’. Class envy is a cornerstone of Obama’s mindset. People voted because they believe he will take money away from “the rich” and give it to them. Apparently the thought of earning their own money never occurred to them.

We have denied Martin Luther King’s dream. Wait a minute; didn’t the dream come true with this election? King’s dream was that a man would be judged by the content of his character not the color of his skin. Every article or newscast hailing this as an “historic” election has said it was because Obama is black. That sounds like color of skin to me. What was historic was that we elected a socialist with this little experience.

We will do whatever the mainstream media tells us. Obama owes his election to the fifth estate. First, they decided they wanted him instead of Hillary and people followed along. Second, the MSM convinced Republicans they would have a better chance with a moderate candidate rather than a conservative candidate. When McCain got the nomination the media turned on him. Way to go America; you let ABC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, NBC, The New York Times, AP, and Reuters think for you. But I understand, doing your own thinking might have distracted you from Oprah.

We ignore our own history. In the 1930’s most of the world experienced an economic depression. Only in America do we call it “The Great Depression”. Why? Everyone else recovered more quickly than us. We had a big government redistributionist whose policies prevented the economic system from correcting things. We just elected a guy who will do the same as FDR did. Hope you enjoy this economic turndown; it’s gonna be here awhile.

We believe the 9/11 attacks were a fluke. America has not experienced another major terrorist attack since 9/11. There are two possibilities for this. First, Al Qaeda only planned to attack one time and we would have been safe no matter what we did or did not do afterward. Second, the actions and policies of the Bush administration have kept them occupied elsewhere and kept us safe at home. In this election, Americans chose a man who wants to undo the Bush policies over one who wanted to maintain and possibly increase them. In other words, they chose to believe the first scenario. This is one of the most naïve opinions I have ever seen.

We no longer want leaders; we want celebrities. That campaign ad was spot on. Obama has never proven himself a leader, a statesman, or a policy maker. But that doesn’t matter; just so long as Chris Matthews and everyone else keeps getting thrills going up their legs when this guy makes an empty speech. Hey man, just make me feel good. My hope is that Obama does in The White House what he did in the Illinois State Senate and the U.S. Senate – nothing.

Ten Artists I’m Supposed to Like But Don’t:

Mon, 27 Oct 2008 22:40:00 -0400

Have you ever wondered why you don’t like something everyone else does? So do I.

The Band

Why I’m Supposed to Like Them: A band of incredibly talented multi-instrumentalists and vocalists, they served as Bob Dylan’s backing band on tour and The Basement Tapes. Influential in forming what may be called “country rock”. Hold a mystique among rock critics and fellow musicians unparalleled except maybe by Dylan himself.

Why I Don’t: The music has never had enough “pop” to excite me or enough mellow to relax me. I find some of their arrangements too complicated to really enjoy.

Exception: Hey, who doesn’t like to sing along to “The Weight”.

The Doors

Why I’m Supposed to Like Them: Acid rock band with a unique sound for the time (no bass player) and cryptic lyrics penned by an enigmatic front man who redefined the way a lead singer works on stage.

Why I Don’t: Sure Jim Morrison was fantastic live, but those lyrics seem a bit pretentious at times. Dude thought he was Lord Byron or something. Get over yourself. Without the drugs, Morrison was a third rate Jagger.

Exception: “Hello, I Love You” is catchy.

The Eagles

Why I’m Supposed to Like Them: Hugely successful soft country rock band whose music (with the exception of “Hotel California”) is inoffensive and accessible to most people. Practically invented the music heard on current hit country radio.

Why I Don’t: Songs are way too rambling and loose for me to get a hold on and the lyrics never struck me either. I don’t buy that laid-back-southern-California-stoned-pseudo-cowboy thing.

Exception: “Already Gone” is a solid, well-crafted rock song. Oh, and the first half of the second verse of “Take it Easy” is good songwriting.

The Grateful Dead

Why I’m Supposed to Like Them: Legendary jam band whose improvisational live shows were steeped in folk, bluegrass, and acoustic sounds. They may be more famous for their lifestyle than their music.

Why I Don’t: I can never find the structure or the point in the songs. I dig improvisation, but there comes a point where I get lost. Deadheads get on my nerves; especially when they turn out to be the very corporate lackeys the Dead refused to become.

Exception: “Casey Jones”

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Why I’m Supposed to Like Them: Practically founded Southern Rock. Their three-guitar attack was incredibly disciplined and provided deceptively intricate song structures. Influenced every country artist and every rock artist from the south for the last 35 years.

Why I Don’t: I have a strange relationship with Southern Rock. I don’t like the originals, but I love what came from them (The Black Crowes are the greatest American rock band of the past 20 years). With Skynyrd, there’s a vibe that rubs me the wrong way. Fans act as though the lyrics are some kind of little man manifesto; sorry, it’s mostly just redneck pandering. It could be over familiarity.

Exception: “Gimme Three Steps” is fun.

Bob Marley

Why I’m Supposed to Like Him: Socially conscious musician who brought reggae to the world. Had the courage to speak out against a corrupt government and a system that impoverishes people for generations.

Why I Don’t: I appreciate the message of hope and standing up for what is right, but I just don’t like reggae.

Exception: “No Woman, No Cry” is as good a blues song as anything out of the Mississippi Delta.

Pink Floyd

Why I’m Supposed to Like Them: Masters of psychedelic and progressive rock. Elaborate live shows, experimental music, and incredibly sophisticated and unexpected soundscapes. Influenced many modern rock bands.

Why I Don’t: Every time someone puts on Pink Floyd I almost immediately go to sleep. I think it’s overblown and intentionally obtuse. I have had people tell me with no irony that I don’t take the right drugs to appreciate Floyd. Since I take no drugs, that may be a problem.

Exception: None

James Taylor

Why I’m Supposed to Like Him: Apparently he has a really great voice and plays guitar well.

Why I Don’t: Zzzzzz; and the over sincerity of his songs brings me down. Has this guy ever had fun?

Exception: I take exception to how Taylor sucked the life out of Buddy Holly’s “Everyday”.

Neal Young

Why I’m Supposed to Like Him: Brilliant songwriter; talented musician; distinct voice. Remnant of both the hippies and the psychedelic rock movement. Considered to be some sort of statesman of socially conscious rock.

Why I Don’t: It all seems either arrogant or pretentious. He takes things way too seriously.

Exception: I dig it when he works with Crazy Horse.

Frank Zappa

Why I’m Supposed to Like Him: Prolific, avant-garde, composer and musical genius who stretched the boundaries of popular music. Incorporated every genre imaginable into his compositions and influenced every artist who wants to do something big and original.

Why I Don’t: It’s so complicated that I can’t get my head around it. Every time I listen to Zappa I feel stupid because I don’t like it. I actually have a suspicion that people say they like Zappa so they won’t look like musical troglodytes.

Exception: I don’t even feel qualified to answer this one.

Wow! Where have I been?

Sat, 25 Oct 2008 10:14:00 -0400

Well, you may wonder why I haven’t posted in a while. Simple; my wife was in the hospital for 12 days. We won’t go into all the details, but we ended up with Lupus, Pericarditis, Pneumonia, and an infection. Things looked pretty bad there for a while. She finally got to come home Thursday, but there will be an extended recovery time. Anyway, I plan on picking things back up here; maybe even today.

MORE "NEW" CDs

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 22:36:00 -0400

“The Center of the Universe” Admiral Twin. Here’s part of the blurb from the promo packaging: “…harmony-infused, three-minute rock explosions and eccentric pop experimentation…with a sound that ranges from Fountains of Wayne to The Beatles to Cheap Trick”. That’s pretty accurate; although they don’t mention the lyrics that lean into spirituality. This band is now part of The Pop Collective and a great addition to that effort. I am enjoying this and have been surprised by how good it serves as driving music.

“The Blood” Kevin Max. The former DcTalk vocalist puts out a small treasure for anyone who likes traditional gospel-influenced music. Only one of the 10 tracks is an original. The others are covers of gospel tunes by artists such as The Blind Boys of Alabama, Mahalia Jackson, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. These stand along songs by Curtis Mayfield, Stevie Wonder and Blind Willie Johnson as well as some of the old “public domain” standards. The treat for me was Toby and Michael reuniting with Kevin for a cover of “The Cross”, one of my favorite Prince songs. This album is full of guest appearances, but it is Max’s own instantly recognizable, amazing voice that carries the day. This guy can sing just about anything. This will be my pre-Sunday School music for a while.

“Ignorance is Bliss” The Black Mollys. Do you remember Enuff Z’nuff? These guys do. One of them is even wearing a t-shirt in the picture inside and it is not an ironic statement. This is chock full of heavy guitar pop nuggets that beg to be sung along to. I love an album where only one song is longer than four minutes and most clock in at less than three and a half. No chance at getting bogged down here. My only complaint is that the occasional curse word seems juvenile and gratuitous. But I’m having a good time anyway.

Debates

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 07:17:22 -0400

So I didn’t say anything about the first McCain/Obama debate because I was underwhelmed. The whole thing seemed rushed and all Jim Lehrer seemed to want was for the two candidates to argue with each other. I don’t think that debate changed anyone’s mind or even their impressions of the candidates.

However, last nights VP debate was different. It was obvious that Sarah Palin had something to prove. Everyone expected the “deer in headlights” reaction, especially after that disastrous Katie Courcic interview. Joe Biden has nothing to prove to anyone. He has a thirty year record to show exactly what he believes and has done. All he had to do was look and sound “presidential”. I do want to point out that Gwen Ifill had no business being a moderator of this debate. She has been a leader in attacking Palin over the past month and has an Obama book coming out on the day she assumes Obama will be sworn-in.

Quickly: Palin surprised her critics and encouraged her supporters. She was confident and on point the entire time. Rather than speak to Biden or Ifill, most of the time she looked straight into the camera; knowing she needed to convince the voters that she is right for the job. There were times she sidestepped some issues and moved the conversation back to the items she is comfortable with. That made her look like the neophyte to national politics she is, but it was still a smart move. She made this debate about her. Biden, on the other hand, rarely looked at the camera. He looked most of the time at the moderator and occasionally at the audience. The thing that struck me was how subdued he was. This was not the arrogant, blowhard, rambling Biden we are used to. His handlers obviously did not want to “let Biden be Biden” and that was wise. I chuckled when Biden spoke of his reputation as being passionate and bipartisan. Biden’s real reputation is that of a plagiarist, a liar and a finger pointer who never takes responsibility for anything and never shuts up.

I’m looking forward to the next two debates although I don’t suspect I will learn anything (this campaign has been going on for two years; what else do I need to know). I think Obama’s best strategy is to try and goad McCain into losing his temper (it would not be the first time) and McCain needs to let Obama talk uninterrupted. The more Obama talks, the less he seems to know.

The Grand SBC Finale!

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 18:56:00 -0400

Ah, the summer book club hosted by Mr. Lee comes to a close. This time we submit our reasons for why we should win a coveted prize. I’m going to go with quality. Even reading it months later; I’m proud of my review for “1421: The Year China Discovered the World”. This review has it all: passion, intrigue, wit, wisdom and inquiry. What more could you want? Anyway, I am grateful to the committee for considering my work.

Hey, I bought some CDs.

Sun, 21 Sep 2008 12:01:00 -0400

I bought four cds last week and thought I’d tell you what I think.

“Warpaint” from The Black Crowes. This album (their first in seven years) is beyond brilliant. A perfect blend of rock, blues, soul, and gospel that is thrilling and surprising from start to finish. The fact that this band sounds this fresh after almost 20 years is remarkable. The addition of guitarist Luther Dickinson not only provides a new layer to the Crowes’ sound, it also seems to elevate Rich’s playing beyond what he has done before. If you like any sort of organic rock n’ roll, this disc is a must.

“Real Animal” by Alejandro Escovedo. A guy turning 60 should not be able to rock this well. Take Springsteen’s musical intensity, Newman’s storytelling ability and Iggy’s edge and you have a fantastic historical view of a true rock n’ roll artist. The fact that I hear a little Elvis Costello in here and that “Chip N’ Tony” sounds like one of Dylan’s compositions for the Traveling Wilburys’ second album doesn’t hurt. I’ll be playing this one frequently.

“Consolers of the Lonely” by The Raconteurs. I loved the first album by this band and the second one is almost as good. This time there’s more Zepplin and you can tell Jack White moved to Nashvile as more traditional American instruments, topics and song structures abound. A darn good album.

“Jubilee” by Ten Shekel Shirt. I didn’t even know these guys were still around. They haven’t released anything in five years. I loved their first album, “Much” and thought I’d take a gamble on this one. I lost. This album is boring. I make no judgments lyrically; but nothing happens musically. This was like running into an old friend after many years and realizing you have nothing in common with them. Seriously, if anyone wants this let me know; I’ll mail it to you.

No Tunes

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:20:22 -0400

It dawned on me last night that I haven’t purchased any new music lately. This is odd for me. I think there are two reasons for this. First, I am currently overwhelmed at the amount of stuff I want. My PocketMod has 15 albums listed that I want RIGHT NOW! I can’t afford all that at once, so rather than choose; I have done nothing. Second, I find myself with less and less opportunity to listen to music. I only have a seven minute commute to work so the car doesn’t offer much time; I play music at school, but what I have on my list would not be appreciated by the kids so it’s too much of a hassle; the wife isn’t that fond of most of the music I’m digging lately so the only way to listen at home is with headphones and I don’t want to lose any time with her. Still, I think I have to make a purchase today. I’ll just have to make time.

Quote from Rush Limbaugh

Fri, 12 Sep 2008 08:13:09 -0400

“Democrats, who constantly preach about separation of church and state, are saying ‘Jesus was a community organizer; Pontius Pilate was a governor.’ Let me tell you something, Senator Obama: I know Jesus Christ. I pray to Jesus Christ all the time. Barack Obama, you’re no Jesus Christ.”

Well, why don't we all just go home?

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 12:37:46 -0400

The sports media is all apoplectic because Tom Brady is out for the season. Apparently, the NFL should go ahead and declare the season over today. Some examples of this hyperbole can be found here and here. Look I get that Brady is one of the best players in the league and the Patriots will have a much tougher time of things, but there are 27 other starting quarterbacks out there. The games will still be played. So why all the fuss? I think it has to do with location.

Brady plays for New England (read: Boston). Sports fans are about to discover what we political junkies have had to deal with for years: the Northeast Corridor/Easter Seaboard power bias. With New York and D.C. being the capitals of politics and media, if news happens anywhere between, it is given undue import. The leading sports broadcaster, ESPN, is located in Bristol, Connecticut. Boston is in their backyard. Why do you think most people can name more players on the Yankees and Red Sox than any other team (it’s not just their success)? Why do you think we know the mayor of NY but not LA? Tip O’Neil said, “All politics is local”. Maybe that’s true for sports as well.

The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Sun, 07 Sep 2008 21:28:57 -0400

Football has officially begun. My favorite teams have had very different beginnings.

The good was the Dallas Cowboys. I’ve been a fan since I was six years old (last week in Texas I got excited just driving past Randy White’s restaurant). This year they have that classic Cowboy offense that can beat you multiple ways and many people are picking them for the Super Bowl. They certainly put a hurtin’ on Cleveland, but they are in the toughest division in the NFL. One slip could wreck the whole thing. Oh yeah, in case you didn’t know; Jason Whitten is from good ol’ Elizabethton.

The bad was my alma mater; The University of Tennessee. The Vols literally dropped the ball in California to start the season off with a loss. Sure they can regroup, but the SEC has at least four top 20 teams including a more than possible national champion. I’m thinking if everything goes well, it’s a top 20 finish at best. (Just for the sake of disclosure, I’m also an Ohio State fan; in fact if I could have afforded the out-of-state tuition, I would have gone there.)

The ugly is my other alma mater and current employer Unaka High School. They lost the first game handily and were shellacked this past Friday. There are only five seniors on the squad and any wins for the Rangers this season will be counted as unexpected. What’s worse is that the injuries are already starting to pile up. There are some good kids on the team and I hate it for them. I’m just going to try and encourage them to keep thier heads up.

So, I guess it’s excitement for one; hope for another; and prayers for the third.

Quick Notes on McCain’s Speech

Thu, 04 Sep 2008 23:46:41 -0400

I liked: Taxes: Lower business taxes and jobs will create themselves. This is too easy for most people to understand. Energy: Drill here; drill now. Can you imagine if we had gas stations that said, “We only sell fuel made in the U.S.A.? Foreign Aid: Stop giving money to countries that insult us all the time. You want our help; play nice. Foreign Policy: It’s nice to know someone isn’t so naïve to believe if you buy the world a coke it will sing in perfect harmony. Some people just have to be slapped.

I didn’t like: Bi-partisanship: It sounds like a good idea, but there are two problems. First, compromise means watering down principles; and principles are what our nation was founded upon. Second, it’s code for “Republicans have to agree with Democrats”. Notice the left never “reaches across the aisle”. The Quote: If we have heard it once we have heard it a hundred times; McCain said, “I’d rather lose an election than have my country lose a war”. We get it; no one here is questioning your priorities. I also understand that this makes you polar opposites with your opponent. But let’s not drive it into the ground. Taxes: I have a problem with raising the child credit. Health Care: The only thing government needs to do with medicine is stay out of it.

I have questions about: Judges: You say you will appoint conservative justices; fantastic. But if it ever comes before the court, a true conservative would deem The McCain-Feingold Campaign Finance Reform unconstitutional. Are you willing to risk your greatest achievement? Change: You’ve had years in the Senate to fix DC. Why didn’t you? Trust: McCain says Republicans lost the people’s trust when they gave in to the temptations of Washington. Republicans lost my trust when they quit being conservatives. Do what I elect you to do.

One more note: We have heard the story of McCain’s years as a POW many times. It is what makes him a true American hero. But hearing it from him – told as a story of personal humility – got me. I was blown away that he took that experience and turned into a lifetime of serving others. Amazing.