Kenny's Maze

Trying something

2009-09-13T14:19:00.000-07:00

Got a new computer and it has windows live writer on it. Just wanted to see how it worked.

Clutch - Easy Breeze

2008-12-03T14:32:00.000-08:00

Some more Clutch. Bass this time. I've been really getting into the bass here lately. Enjoy.

Suicidal Tendencies - How Will I Laugh Tomorrow

2008-07-23T15:53:00.000-07:00

Playing along to one of my favorite songs. Enjoy

CLUTCH - Sea Of Destruction

2008-05-29T21:11:00.000-07:00

Well, anyway. Just me playing along to a CLUTCH song... enjoy!

Home, that's where I am.

2008-01-31T09:17:00.000-08:00

Sitting at home. Took off work to wait on an appraiser. We're trying to refinance to get out from under a bad loan. Yes, we're one of the subprime loan "victims". Actually, we knew what we were getting into. It doesn't make it any easier to pay that steadily rising house payment though. So, hopefully we'll be under the thumb of a different lender very soon. One that's going to give us a fixed rate (yay) and save us approximately $300 a month (even bigger yay).

Well, anyway. The appraisers been and gone. All that preparation and he was only here about 10 minutes. Oh, well.

Gotta Go!

Kenny

Google Images Meme

2007-12-04T14:09:00.000-08:00

Google Images Meme

How it works: Type the answer to each question in a Google image search and post the 1st picture result.

Age at my next birthday:

Yep, gettin' old. Some days I feel it, mostly though I feel younger than I am.

Place I’d like to travel:

Egypt has been a dream of mine since I was a child.

Favourite place:

Couldn't really think of anything. I've always loved the mountains of Colorado though.

Favorite object:

Dean EVO guitar. I've blogged about it before. Still loving this guitar. Play it all the time I've basically stopped playing all my others.

Favorite food:

Mandarin Oranges. Very hard to choose a favorite food. Love mandarin oranges though. Could eat them every day.

Favorite color:

Blue.

Nick name:

Kennels... Only one person calls me this. That would be my wife. I call her Nickles sometimes. Since I stole this idea from her blog I figured I'd use her lame nick for me since she posted my nick for her.

Place you were born:

Lawrence Kansas. That's the campus of Kansas University. I was born here. Left for about 23 years, though my grandparents lived here and we came down all the time to visit. Came back after I married my wonderful wife and we've lived here ever since.

Dollar Bill

2007-08-18T23:25:00.000-07:00

So, anyway. It's been awhile, I know.

So, today I was sitting playing my guitar, something I've been doing a lot more of lately. I love it. It's a wonderful way to spend some time. So, what I've done is make a folder with songs in it that I know how to play and love to play and other songs I don't know but really want to learn. I usually just put these songs into winamp and put it on random and just play along with whatever comes up. It's really helped my playing, I think.

While doing this a song came up that I've loved for years. I've never, for whatever reason, learned how to play it. This song is Dollar Bill by Screaming Trees. Wonderful song. The thing that amazed me is that this song is so simple. Three chords make up the whole song. Three stinking chords and it makes such a powerful musical statement. Mark Lanegans voice is amazing. The dynamics in the song are amazing. The song is just, you guessed it, amazing. For some reason Screaming Trees never made it as big as their peers in the "grunge" movement. They really should have, if only for this song.

If you can download it, buy it, steal it, tape it off a friend. Whatever it takes find this song. You won't be disappointed.

It's amazing... really.

Gott Go

Kenny

I have to post

2007-07-14T15:21:00.001-07:00

My wife, who I love very much, says I have to post more often. I say I post when the urge strikes me. She says I have to post... or else! So, with an ultimatum like that... Here's my post. A post just for the sake of posting. Here goes... I got nothin'

Gotta go.

Kenny

Real Quick

2007-07-11T21:21:00.000-07:00

"Munich"

Great film. Just watched it tonight for the first time.

Amazing, stunning and disturbing.

Gotta go

Kenny

Less than 24 hours... another post.... holy crap

2007-05-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Kids are in Iowa this weekend with their Meemaw and P-paw. Nikki and I are going to her 15 year highschool reunion. While there we're visiting my brothers for a bit. Might be coming back home late tonight. Don't know right now.

Last year was my 2oth high school reunion, I didn't go. I haven't been to any of mine. I'm one of those people that doesn't look back on his high school years with fondness. I wasn't picked on really. It was just like now, I'm pretty much indifferent when it comes to most people. I don't feel a need to see those people again and relive the "good ol' days". It's just not me.

I've got no real plans to ever go to mine. Am I anti-social? Yeah, probably. I actually had a very brief conversation with a classmate of mine around our 10th reunion.

I just happened to be in my hometown that year, totally unaware of the reunion going on, and I was in the Wal-Mart when he walked up. He was like: "Kenny, you going to the reunion tonight?" Me: "No" Him: "Why not? You not like us?" All the while with a big grin on his face. Me: "Not really" Him: as smile melts. "Oh. Well I'll see you around." Now, was that a bit cold? Yeah. But, oh well. That's just how I felt. I don't actually not like them. I'm just basically indifferent. They were part of my life for a few years. I wasn't really one of "them". I couldn't care less now. Oh well.

Gotta go.

Kenny

So anyway....

2007-05-25T20:45:00.000-07:00

Last week, exactly a week ago, my wife and I went to see (in my opinion) the greatest rock band touring right now. The mighty CLUTCH. (I post about them a lot)

Anyway, the thing that made this Clutch show special was that we took our daughter. It was her first concert. It was a great evening. She'd get a bit bored during some of their extended jam parts but she'd perk right up when they started playing a song she knew and she'd be singing along. It was great. The highlight for her and me too, was right before the encore, the band came out and the drummer had the harmonica player hand Corey his drumsticks. She loved it. The crowd around us was just a bit jealous. It was awesome. She didn't let go of those sticks for a couple days. She took them to school along with her ticket stub to show her classmates.

Hopefully this was just the first of many concert experiences we'll be able to share with our daughter.

Perfect night.

Gotta go!

Kenny

It's about time.

2007-01-27T21:06:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in quite awhile. I know, I suck. But, a couple things have drawn me back. I got a new guitar that has renewed my love of the instrument and I found a link to an article entitled 20 Greatest Guitar Solos Ever, With Videos and it got me thinking.

Now, I think the list is pretty good. There are some very good solos on this list, very influential guitarist. But, as a guitarist myself, I was thinking about what solo's have influenced me. I realized that my list would be very different from this one mainly because I don't generally listen to a lot of mainstream artists.

So, here goes, my list of guitarists/solos that have influenced me. Not that they've actually influenced my style, I'm not that good actually, and I don't learn solos generally. But, I love the electric guitar in capable hands and I'm sure that I've come away with something at least subliminally from all of these guitarists/solos.

1. The reason why I, and thousands of other players in my generation picked up the guitar, is the obvious first choice on my list. Eddie Van Halen and his guitar masterpiece "Eruption" has to be on my list. Can I play it? Hell no. Do I sound anything like him? No again. But, he and this piece are brilliant.

2. One of the few solos that I have ever taken the time to learn is my second choice. "Man In The Box" by Alice In Chains. When I played in the bands I was in this was my guitar showcase. I loved playing this song and this solo. It's such a great lead and truly stands out and makes a statement within the song which I feel any great solo should.

3. Jimi Hendrix's "Purple Haze" is just one of many Hendrix solos that could be listed. Is it his greatest? Don't know. But I know this song and the solos contained in it never bores me. fantastic song.

4. Little known band by the name of Coroner (guitarist Tommy Vetterli) makes my list with their song "Masked Jackal". These guys deserved much more attention than they received back in the day. They were one of my first more extreme bands that I got into. The lead in this song has so much going on. Two hand tapping, blues licks, neo-classical lines. Amazing player. Amazing solo.

5. Dimebag Darrell/Pantera's song "Cowboys From Hell" makes the list. Great intro to a great guitarist. Just stunned me with his playing from the first time I heard him. He made what he did look so easy.

6. "Pride And Joy" by Stevie Ray Vaughn. This is the first song that I listened to with my daughter after we brought her home from the hospital after she was born. The leads in this song are classic Stevie. Firmly rooted in the blues but rockin' out like no other.

7. "Sunshine Of Your Love" by Cream/Eric Clapton. Another guitarist/solo very much based in the blues. Clapton just does it. Amazing.

8. Now, back to my "roots" for my next choice. Another not so well known metal band Annihilators (guitarist Jeff Waters) song "Alison Hell". Yeah, I know, the lyrics and vocals are cheesy as hell, but I'm not talking about that. This guy can play. Another metal player who can throw around styles within the same solo effortlessly. Awesome player.

9. "Master Of Puppets" Metallica / Kirk Hammet This song is amazing the solo fits the song, raging, angry and nasty. Amazing band/performers at the height of their creativity. Still had the hunger that they would lose only a couple of albums later.

10. "La Grange" ZZ Top/Billy Gibbons ZZ Top is just a great band. Billy Gibbons is a huge influence on me. Blues based, very soulful, while kicking ass and rockin' out.

11. Another boogie/blues band ala ZZ Top makes my list with "Don't Dog Me" by Raging Slab (Greg Strzempka and Elyse Steinman guitar) Very much influenced by southern rock and blues this song has just always stuck with me since I heard it way back in 89 or 90 for the first time. Great players.

12. "Satch Boogie" Joe Satriani I remember going to buy the album this song was on with my brother and a friend of his in tow. They were making fun of me for buying something by an unknown guitarist. When this song started playing they shut up. Just an amazing player in total command of his instrument.

13. "The Attitude Song" Steve Vai Once a student of Satriani. Played with Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth amongst many others. This song floored me the first time I heard it. Still does. This guy brings so much to the instrument and does some of the craziest things with it. I hear new things in this song all the time.

That's enough. Are these the only solos that have influenced me? No. These are just the songs/solos/artists that stand out in my musical growth. Do I sound anything like them? Not even close. These guys (and one woman) are amazing players that I can only wish I could have a tenth of the talent they have. Am I jealous? Yeah, but I'll keep trying. I just love the instrument. I love the music that can be created with it. It makes this world that much better.

Now, I know that (if anyone reads this) people will have different opinions about the greatest solos ever. They'll think I'm crazy (another fine debate that one). That's fine. But this list isn't about album sales or radio airplay. It's about who I've listened to in my musical journey that have made me pick up my guitar and try and emulate them. It's about those players that have made me stare at my stereo, scratch my head and say "WOW". That's it!

Gotta go.

I will post.

2006-10-03T11:07:00.000-07:00

I will post more often... I will... I will... I will...

Just not right now.

Mothers Day

2006-05-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

Happy Mothers Day to everyone out there, mother or not.

My own mom passed away a little over 4 years ago, I miss her every single day. I wish she was here to see how the kids are growing up. I wish she were here so I could tell her I love her just one more time. Something I didn't tell her nearly enough while she was here. For better or worse she made me who I am today by allowing me to be myself while I was growing up. She allowed me to make mistakes without being judgemental, something I need to learn with my own kids sometimes. I don't know how she did it raising the four kids she did, three boys and one girl, without going crazy at times. She had the patience of a saint, something else I need to learn, that's for sure.

So, this is for you Mom, I Love You. Something I'm sure you knew, but it never hurts to say.

Now that I've depressed you, let's move on to the other very important Mom in my life. The mom to my kids.

Nikki, I Love You. Just like my mom you've put up with a lot of my, how should I put this, idiosyncracies. No matter how trying I may be, and yes I'm trying at times, I'm aware of this, you keep on sticking with me.

You are the love of my life, I wouldn't be who I am without you. It may sound cheesy but you make me whole. My life wouldn't be nearly as good without you in it.

So, just so you know it Nikki, I LOVE YOU. More than any mere words could say. My love for you is something that, no matter where this life has taken us or will take us, will not fade.

Love ya lots Nikki.

Have a great day.

That goes for all the Moms out there.

Gotta Go

Kenny

She's gone...

2006-04-22T09:40:00.000-07:00

My wife has left me.

For the weekend anyway.

She's gone to Boston to visit some friends of ours.

She's having all the fun.

I wish I was there but finances wouldn't allow it.

It's just me and the kids this weekend. Think we'll go for a walk around the lake in a bit. Not sure what we'll do afterwards. We'll have fun though, even if it kills me.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Intolerance

2006-04-01T22:37:00.000-08:00

I've been labeled intolerant. Yep, intolerant... Wow. I never thought that I'd be called that.

Is it intolerant to not like stereotypes? Is it intolerant to not like to hear that everyone in a certain demographic, say euro-americans, are evil? Is it intolerant to point out an individuals hypocrisy? If it is, then I guess I'm intolerant.

I don't like to see any other group denegrated by any other individual or group. It pisses me off. If that's intolerance, so be it.

Now, I'll be the first to admit that America has its problems. America has people that fit the xenophobic stereotype. I realize that. I'm not that person.

I'll stop talking now.

Gotta go

Kenny

Just got back...

2006-01-15T22:47:00.000-08:00

from Anthrax.

Hell of a show. The guys were in fine form. Played great. Played a bunch of classic songs. And just basically kicked ass. Though Dan Spitz did seem to be a little distant. He played well, but didn't really move much all night. Made a few off the wall kinda faces and that was it.

Oh well, that was minor.

All in all a great show. Crowd was into it, but a bit heavy on the long hairs. Buncha drunk idiots who think it's cool to bring their alcohol into the pit, leave bottles on the floors, pick fights over being bumped into... stupid crap like that. All's good though.

But, I think I may be getting to old for this... nahhhh... I'm sore, but I'll be back out there the next good show that comes around. Wouldn't miss it for the world.

Gotta Go

Kenny

All alone.

2006-01-13T19:05:00.000-08:00

Took half the night off from work to allow my wife to go out with some friends of hers to see another friend of hers band play. Supposed to watch the kids. Well, partial change of plans. Nikki's still going out, but the kids are staying at their Meemaw's tonite. So, I'm home alone for a few hours at least.

Not bad, I must say.

Love 'em all, but alone time is good too.

It's been awhile since I posted last. Not much really going on. Work, work and more work is really it. I'm enjoying work We've got a pretty good group of guys on second shift. Willing to bust their butts when the need arises. And they generally take things as they come. No major attitudes. No one trying to prove they are a bigger man then the next.

That was the main problem I had with third shift this last time I was on it. To many people who felt that they had to prove their dick was bigger than anyone elses. To many attitudes flaring up over petty things. Not a good working environment, if you ask me.

So, enough about work. Since I posted last, I went and saw the greatest band in the world play.

Yes, you guessed it. It was the mighty CLUTCH. Easily the best show I've seen them play.

I was nearly in tears during some of their songs. Might sound foolish, and it probably was, but that's the way I felt. It's been so long since I've seen them last and some of these songs mean so much to me... It was great. Probably my best ever concert experience.

Going to see Anthrax play Sunday night. Should be awesome. Original lineup. Great songs. Though I do prefer John Bush's voice, I'm stoked about seeing the classic lineup.

That's enough for now.

Gotta go.

Kenny

Still here.

2005-11-21T10:24:00.000-08:00

Doing well here. Working a lot, which is good for business, but not necessarily for the psyche. Becomes tedious at times. But, we'll get through it. Not much to say today, just figured I'd better use this blog before they deleted it.

Have a good Thanksgiving, anyone who may read this, see you later.

Gotta Go.

Kenny

Back To Work

2005-10-16T22:17:00.000-07:00

It's been a pretty good vacation. One whole week off. Nothing going on. Stayed home most of the week with my wife and son. My son wasn't sure what was going on, so he was a bit of a pain. But, all in all, a pretty good week.

Had a birthday party for both of them on Saturday, they were born 4 years apart but within a week of each other. Our anniversary was also on Saturday. We planned well didn't we? Most of the important dates in our life get over in a nice little one week period. Sheesh.

Went to Worlds of Fun today with our daughter, our son was a little sick, he stayed with his Meemaw. We had a great time.

11 years of marriage to a beautiful, wonderful woman. 2 great kids. Life's pretty good.

Gotta go

Kenny

Nuts

2005-10-06T23:01:00.000-07:00

I've been talking with a religious quack on a message board I frequent here lately. Let me tell you, I haven't had this much fun with a freak in awhile. This is fun, in a sick kinda way.

Lewis Black

2005-09-27T13:25:00.000-07:00

Sitting here listening to Lewis Black, the man is a genius. The best comedian working today. He's a great political comedian.

Look up his bit called "Iraq, An Idiots Delight". Brilliant stuff. Not only funny, but very true.

I love his first lines. "I've never seen anything quite like this administration. And for those of you who are republicans, and you think what I'm about to do is disturbing, and not fair, go listen to the stuff I did about Clinton. OK? If you want to elect George Bush, that's the prick I'm going to yell about. If you want to elect John Kerry, I'll yell about him. My problem is with, haha, authority."

He's an equal opportunity comedian. If you fuck up, he'll point it out. Great stuff.

Gotta Go.

Kenny

This really sucks.

2005-09-25T00:36:00.000-07:00

I know it's not earth shattering. It's not going to make a difference in the lives of anyone, really. Except mine, of course. But then again I live for music, and the bands that I grew up on and love, mean a lot to me.

So, that's why it really bothered me when I got the news that John Bush has basically decided that his time with Anthrax is over. Dammit this sucks. I've seen Anthrax at least 4 times with John, once with original singer Joey Belladonna. John was the better singer and performer.

Anyway, this all stems from the decision by the rest of the band to get the old lineup back together for a 20th anniversary tour. I had no real problem with that, I probably would have gone to see them if they had come here, but now it's broke up the band that was still putting out some great music. Their last album with John was great. They have really not put out anything bad, ever. But, for whatever reason, here in the past few years, they haven't been selling very many albums.

So basically, this all comes down to money. Anthrax has decided that there is more money to be made by reforming the money making machine they once had, for one more shot at the brass ring. Well, that's to bad. I really thought they had more integrity than that.

Well, unfortunately, the sucker that I am, I'll probably still buy whatever music they may put out in the future. But, it'll never be the same.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Empty House

2005-09-23T11:00:00.000-07:00

Wife and kids are gone for the weekend. Most likely I don't have to work this weekend. Just gonna stick around the house and get some much needed house work done.

Gotta get ready for work now. Exciting stuff, huh?

Gotta go

Kenny

Untalkative

2005-09-19T12:38:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted in a while. Not sure why.

It's not that stuff hasn't struck me out in this big ol' world. It's just that I haven't felt very motivated to write about it. I've just been kinda blah here lately.

Work has me kinda down. I'm enjoying it enough. Just not really enjoying the amount of time away from the family.

I don't get enough sleep, still. It's driving me crazy.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Powell

2005-09-09T13:57:00.000-07:00

Powell slams hurricane response.

I like Colin Powell. I appreciate his trying to deflect the racism card that has been batted around. I agree that it's more an economic issue. It's just that unfortunately the face of poverty is too often African/American.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Our President

2005-09-05T21:38:00.000-07:00

I've tried, pretty successfully I think, to keep politics from this blog. But, today I need to vent.

Our president, and yes I didn't capatalize on purpose, showed that he's really not as willing to reach across the aisle, so to speak, and work with the Democrats the way he has said he's willing to do.

Today, he has taken what was going to be a very bitter confirmation process for his first nomination for the Supreme Court, John Roberts, and made it probably nearly an impossible task.

Why? WHY did he decide to nominate him for Chief Justice? He's already seen the level of opposition to Roberts. Why make an already daunting task into, probably, an impossible one?

WHY???

Just another wedge?

Just another thing that's going to turn the American public away from politics. It's a disgusting turn of events. For a president who, after his re-election, said that he hoped that bipartisan politics could be put aside, you sure seem to enjoy putting up road blocks to it.

This president seems only to be interested in cementing his place in history, by placing two judges to push his agenda. Well, sir, I'd like to point out that your place in history has already been set. That little country you invaded. You rember, right? Iraq? THAT is how history will remember you, if it remembers at all.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Fishin' Story

2005-09-04T19:49:00.000-07:00

Went fishing today. Fishing is one of the few outdoor activities I enjoy, and wish I could do more of. Took both the kids and went with my fil and a friend of his. Had a pretty good time, but the boy and girl both drove me a bit crazy.

We did finally get my daughter to handle worms. It took awhile but once she did it she wanted to get everyones worms. She also caught a catfish. My son caught his first fish, jut a little perch, but plenty big for him. He loved it.

After about three hours we called Nikki and she came and got the kids. Then the real fishing started. My father in laws friend caught about 5 decent sized catfish, keepers. My FIL caught a couple keepers, a large mouth bass and a catfish. I caught a couple of catfish.

Now for the fish story. We were sitting on a dock jutting out into the lake we were at and casting out into different parts of the lake. Each of us were getting pretty good bites. All of a sudden I got a very powerful strike on my bait. I started reeling it in and it gave a couple really hard pulls as it was struggling to get off of the hook. Then suddenly it felt like it got away. I kept reeling it in thinking it had gotten off. I noticed that the line was coming towards me faster than I was reeling it. Then it stopped and gave another strong pull. By then it was pretty close to the dock so my FIL's friend knelt on the edge and tried to help me get it in. It surfaced at this time, and I swear, it was a good 2 feet long and I couldn't have gotten both hands around it. It was huge. My FIL's friend reached down to grab it and at that time it did a quick sumersault and snapped my line. Dammit. Oh well, it was a good fight. I think the other two guys were upset more than I was. I'm usually just happy to be out fishing. I could care less if I catch anything. But this would have been nice to have been able to show people.

Gotta Go

Kenny

This town.

2005-08-28T23:46:00.000-07:00

I saw something today that really made me realize that I live in a great town.

While driving through town today I saw a young man. Fairly nondescript. Short hair, goatee, black wife beater and jeans. Walking with a bit of a strut. Could have been anyone. But, here's where it gets interesting. He was carrying a pair of purple and black butterfly wings in one hand. These were very elaborate wings. They had silver metal things all over it. As if it had been bedazzled. Very interesting.

Nowhere else in Kansas will you see a young man walking down the main street in town carrying a pair of butterfly wings.

Now, he was obviously trying real hard at looking as badass as possible. His strut was very pronounced. He looked like someone who wouldn't take any shit. But, dude, you're carrying butterfly wings. Why? I would really like to know. Not to belittle you for it. It's just really bugging me why a grown man would feel the need to walk through town with them.

Maybe I'm just being shallow. Allowing my prejudices to shine through. But...... Nahhh... It was silly. But at the same time gave me another reason to love this town.

You go, you badass butterfly wing carrying dude. You rock.

I hope you got where you were going and the wings got put to whatever use they were meant for.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Piggy's Dead

2005-08-28T18:34:00.000-07:00

Denis 'Piggy' D'Amour has passed away.

Nobody reading this will probably know who the hell he was, but that's not the point of this post.

But, I'll tell you who he was anyway. Piggy was a guitar player. He played guitar in Voivod. A Canadian metal band, around for years. Though never making it "big" he and his band have kept making albums and making a living doing what they loved. In recent years Voivod added to it's ranks Jason Newsted, formerly of Metallica. Voivod, and Piggy, have been highly influential in the metal world.

Now, this post truly isn't about his death, or his life or the music he made. This post is about peoples reactions to the death of famous or influential people.

While reading the posts about his death on Blabbermouth it struck me just how vile, idiotic and just less than human some people are.

While never a fan of Voivod, I could respect where they were coming from. And could respect their desire to be themselves, and not a clone of whatever was out on the scene at the time.

But, upon reading about his death, it became not what my opinion of Voivods music was. It became about sadness at a talented individual passing.

Why does it matter now what anyone's opinions of his music are? If you can't see that a human being has passed and that that person has family, friends and fans who are mourning his passing, then screw you. Keep your idiotic opinions to yourself.

Just because you want to shock people and to prove how "metal" you are doesn't matter to me. You are an idiot.

People just don't think. What would they do if someone made disparaging comments about a family member of theirs upon their passing? They'd probably be hurt and want to beat some ass. So, have some fucking compassion morons.

The same thing happened last week when the singer from Parallax died. Stupid comments about how much his band sucked. Or whatever.

Same thing when Dimebag died. People are idiots.

Yeah, I've got a negative attitude. Sometimes people really piss me off.

Gotta Go.

Kenny

It's emptiness that fills the cup.

2005-08-26T00:54:00.000-07:00

What a night. Horrible to be exact. Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong. Had the lowest numbers since I got this job. I knew that it wouldn't always be perfectly easy, but I hate not performing well.

The problem is though, it's not our fault. If the lines were performing like they should, we'd have no problems getting the numbers we need. But, life's not always perfect, shit happens.

Tonight, it became, not whether we could get good numbers. It became whether we could just set up 3rd shift to have a decent night. I think I was able to do that. I hope so.

That was part of our problem tonight. 1st shift didn't set us up very well. I'm not blaming them, they tried. But when the lines get as far behind as they have, you can't do much.

Anyway, the title of my whiny little post is a lyric from a Lamb of God song. (I know, "Imagine that, he's figured out some way to bring music into his post.) Shush! I heard this line as I was driving home from work feeling bad about our night. I realize it's a kinda negative line, but I'm not always the ray of sunshine you all believe me to be. I just felt it kinda summed up the mood I was in.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Why not sue the band too while you're at it.

2005-08-21T01:32:00.000-07:00

Terrible injury Same terrible injury

OK. Let's get this out in the open first. I feel bad about this guys injury. I hate to see anyone get hurt. It sucks, plain and simple.

BUT!!!!! It's NOT the venues fault.

If you must play the blame game, I think the blame can be equally shared by the fucknut who bashed him, and the victim himself.

Don't sit there with your mouths open shaking your heads. Yes, I said the victim was to blame too.

How? I'm assuming you're asking, how is the victim to blame? Or, maybe I'm assuming someone may actually be reading this. But, anyway, on with my puny thoughts.

Yes, he is to blame. He went to this concert. This concert featured a couple of high energy bands, 311 and Papa Roach. He decided to go onto the floor. What was he thinking? Has he never been to a concert? Has he never seen a concert on tv? Never seen a rock video? Well, maybe not. MTV doesn't show a whole lot of videos, let alone rock ones.

Damn dude. These types of shows invariably have pits at them. People go nuts. If you don't think you can hang, don't go on the floor. It's pretty simple.

I've been to a lot of shows. I always go in the pit. And, yes, I've been hurt. But, I understand the danger. I've never been hurt as bad as this guy, but it could happen. The thing, though, that keeps me safer then this guy is, I pay attention to my surroundings. I become aware of who the idiots are and try and avoid them.

I've also ran into several people who didn't belong in the pit. Invariably they are the ones who get hurt.

So, anyway, there's no reason to sue the venue. It's truly not their fault. Could they have done more to help a paying customer? Sure. Still doesn't mean they are to blame.

This guy just needs to realize that in life you're gonna take some lumps. Unfortunately for him, he took a pretty bad one this time. Hopefully he has gained some wisdom from it.

Gotta Go

Kenny

2nd Grade

2005-08-17T10:58:00.000-07:00

My daughter's first day of 2nd grade was today. Nikki and I took her to school and walked her to class. She seemed a bit nervous but was fairly calm about the whole thing.

She looked very grown up this morning. She went to the salon last night and got her hair done in double french braids. She thought she was so cool...... and she was. I know she's going to have fun and do well in school this year. She's my baby girl and all I hope for is that she does her best and enjoys herself.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Song Titles.....

2005-08-14T00:51:00.000-07:00

Alright, I guess I better make a post of PROPER song titles for Clutch songs. Nothing bothers me more than people referring to Clutch songs by the wrong titles. :)

Anyway, here's a list of some, only some, of Clutch's best songs, (properly titled, of course). This'll be a kinda best of list for anyone wanting to check them out for themselves.

Off the Wicker EP:
Wicker

Off of their Impetus EP:
Pile Driver
Passive Restraints

Off of their Transnational Speedway League CD:
A Shogun Named Marcus
El Jefe Speaks
Binge And Purge
12 Ounce Epilogue
Milk Of Human Kindness
Walking In The Great Shining Path Of Monster Trucks

Off of their Clutch CD:
Big News I
Big News II
Rock N Roll Outlaw
Texan Book Of The Dead
Escape From The Prison Planet
Spacegrass <---my daughters favorite
I Have The Body Of John Wilkes Booth
Tight Like That
Animal Farm
Droid
The House That Peterbilt
7 Jam
Tim Sult vs. The Greys

Off of their Elephant Riders CD:
The Elephant Riders
Ship Of Gold
Eight Times Over Miss October
The Soapmakers
Muchas Veces
Green Buckets
Wishbone

Off of their Jam Room CD:
Who Wants To Rock
Big Fat Pig
One Eye Dollar
Raised By Horses
Release The Kraken

Off of their Pure Rock Fury CD:
American Sleep
Pure Rock Fury
Open Up The Border
Careful With That Mic
Great Outdoors
Smoke Banshee
Immortal
Drink To The Dead

Off of their Slow Hole To China: Rare And Unreleased CD:
Slow Hole To China
Nickel Dime
Sea Of Destruction
Rising Son
Willie Nelson
Day Of The Jackalope

Off of their Blast Tyrant CD:
Mercury
Profits Of Doom
The Mob Goes Wild <--- another of my daughters favorites.
Cypress Grove
Promoter
Regulator
Worm Drink
Army Of Bono
Spleen Merchant
Swollen Goat
Subtle Hustle
Ghost
La Curandera
English Pounds

Off of their Robot Hive/Exodus CD:
The Incomparable Mr. Flannery
Burning Beard
Gullah
Never Be Moved
10001110101
Circus Maximus
10,000 Witnesses
Land Of Pleasant Living
Gravel Road

I told you a take Clutch VERY seriously. Anyway, all of these songs are great, in my opinion. Any of them would be a good start to see what Clutch is about. The best full album is Blast Tyrant, no question. Close second is their self titled Clutch album.

Also, for the lyrics to these songs, go to: Clutch Lyrics That's the lyrics page of the Clutch website. Check it out. It's one of the best band websites I've seen. They have videos, live videos, live music, fan artwork, fan tattoos, tour info, etc. Great site.

So, this has been a long ass post. Check out these songs, if you like them, buy the albums they came off of. If you don't like them, that's fine, I'll keep Clutch as MY BAND.

Gotta Go.

Kenny

Might Be

2005-08-12T12:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight might be the last night of the week at work. Not sure, overtime has been posted, but 2nd shift might get out of it. I hope we do. I'm bushed. It's taking me awhile to get used to 2nd shift hours.

I'm getting into the swing of the job though, I think. We've had a pretty good week tier wise, which is good, and I think I've done a fair job of setting up 3rd shift to have some pretty good nights.

I've missed Nikki something horrible all week. We've talked on the phone for a few minutes each day during her lunch break, but that's not nearly the same. I think the kids have been doing alright for her during the evenings. I'll find out more this weekend. I hope they have, especially the boy. I hope he's been having decent bedtimes.

Love ya Nikki. I'll talk to you and actually see you tonight when I get off work.

Gotta Go

Kenny

First night.

2005-08-09T00:50:00.000-07:00

My first night on 2nd shift went well. Not perfect, but well. I've got to get into the groove of second shift and my new position. Shouldn't take long. We'll see. Thought about Nikki and the kids a bunch tonight. Especially around 8:30/9:00. That's bedtime, and when the boy can be a beast. I'll find out in the morning how much of a headache he was. Hopefully he wasn't bad. But I'm sure he wasn't perfect.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Pro Pain

2005-08-05T23:33:00.000-07:00

It seems that for Pro Pain war is a muse. It's been 13 years since Pro Pains first album "Foul Taste Of Freedom" was unleashed on the world. It's been 13 years of exceptional hardcore by this exceptional band. But none of the albums over the past 13 years has been quite as good as that first album.

Until now. With the release of "Prophets Of Doom" they are back in form. Always political, Pro Pain has taken their anger at the current war and the current Bush in the White House and funneled it into possibly the best album of their careers.

From the first drumbeat of 'Neocon' you feel the anger that this album is fueled by. With song titles such as 'Un-American', 'Operation Blood For Oil' and 'Days Of Shame' there is no way you can confuse them with some radio friendly pop punk band. This is hardcore. In your face and on the governments case.

Now, before you label them as just a left wing band whose only goal is to knock conservatives, think again. During Clintons presidency they had songs questioning his ability to lead. Such as the song 'Political Suicide' off their "Contents Under Pressure" album. But, as I said, I think that war is Pro Pains muse.

They take the anger and pain that is war and drive it home musically.

An amazing album by an amazing band. Just what I needed to break me out of my rut.

One last thing though. Pro Pain really needs to tour the US. Come back home guys and don't forget to hit Lawrence, KS on your next US tour.

Gotta Go

Kenny

PS. I'd love the chance to play rythm guitar on 'Foul Taste Of Freedom' with ya. Worth a shot.

It's been fun.

2005-08-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Tonight's my last night on 3rd shift. It's been fun, I guess, what with the lack of sleep and all. But, for the most part, it's been pretty good. Most of the guys on 3rd are good guys, I just think that the collective lack of sleep leads to more misunderstandings than other shifts.

Monday afternoon I start 2nd shift. Looking forward to it. I've already pinpointed several areas that I need to work on to get 2nd shift moving a bit smoother. Having worked 3rd for awhile I've seen the affect of following a shift that is seemingly not working as smoothly as it should. Paperwork not done properly, material not staged correctly and other stuff. I've got some work ahead of me, but we'll get it done. It's all good.

It's all about getting your work done but also setting up the next shift to make the shift transition smooth.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Dropkick Murphys

2005-08-03T07:18:00.000-07:00

Dropkick Murphys, a great punk band from Boston, have a song on their newest album that I want to talk about. I've seen 'em a couple of times when they've come through town, always put on a great show. They wear their Boston/Irish roots on their sleeves. Good working mans band.

Anyway, they've got a great song on their newest album called "Last Letter Home". The song when you listen is standard Boston hardcore/Dropkick Murphys punk. Catchy chant along chorus all you'd expect from them. What really gets me is how they set up the verses. The verses are like a series of letters from a soldier and his family. Here are the lyrics:

"Last Letter Home"

Hello there my dearest love
Today I write to you about our sons
The boys start school today
They're the spitting image of you in every way

Hey son it's Dad
I hope this letter finds you well out of harm's way
We saw the news today it frightened you Mom
Now all she does is pray

If I lead will you follow?
Will you follow if I lead?

Hey Melissa it's me don't be afraid
I'm in good hands I'm gonna be home soon
It's time to watch the children grow up
I wanna be more than a voice on the phone

Thanks Ma I got your package today
I love "The Fields Of Athenry"
I swear I want 'em to play that song on the pipes
At My funeral when I die

If I lead will you follow?
Will you follow if I lead?

I stand alone in the distance
And the foreground slowly moves

If I lead will you follow?
Will you follow if I lead?

"We regret to inform you that on January 28th Sgt. Andrew
Farrar died while serving his country in the Al-Anbar province
of Iraq. Words cannot convey our sorrow."

If I lead will you follow?
Will you follow if I lead?

When there's nothing on the horizon
You've got nothin left to prove

If I lead will you follow?

Great song. Thank you Dropkick Murphys for writing a song that has touched me the way this one has. Just amazing.

I'll leave it at that. If you can, find this song. I'll let you take away from it what you will.

Gotta Go

Kenny

And, by the way, the soldier mentioned in the last verse, was a real soldier. And he did die in Iraq. Just one of many sad sad stories from this war.

What A Wonderful World

2005-07-28T09:05:00.000-07:00

Got off work this morning, had a kinda crappy night, and I got in the truck and this song was next in line on my CD.

What A Wonderful World

I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself, what a wonderful world

The colours of the rainbow, so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shakin' hands, sayin' "How do you do?"
They're really saying "I love you"

I hear babies cryin', I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll ever know
And I think to myself, what a wonderul world
Yes, I think to myself, what a wonderful world

Not the Louis Amstrong version, which I love, but a versoion that I think is just as strong. It's the version by Joey Ramone.

Joey Ramone covered this song on his last album called "Don't Worry About Me". He recorded this album while he was dying from cancer. I believe that it is one of his best albums ever. He knew he was dying, yet he put out a very positive album, very full of life and very moving. Especially this song. I think he made a very good choice in covering this song. It lets everyone know that he had come to terms with the end of his life and that he could just look around at the beauty that filled it.

Great song. I recommend anyone to find it. Download it, buy it. Just find it. It's great.

Gotta Go

Kenny

To drink or not to drink.... Not really a question.

2005-07-25T19:13:00.000-07:00

I'm just wondering. Why do people just assume that people like to drink? And why do they appear shocked when you tell them that you don't? I just don't get it.

What drives my pondering was a short discussion I had at work last night with a guy on my crew. Here's how it went (the time was about an hour before quitting time, so approximately 6:30 am):

Him: Boy oh boy, that cold beer is going to taste good.
Me: (shake head) "nope"
Him: What? You don't drink?
Me: Nope.
Him: Then you must smoke up? Do a little weed?
Me: Nope. Don't drink or smoke. Got no problem with anyone that does. I just choose not to.
Him: You've never drank? Why not?
Me: I drank for a very short time when I was like 21. But none since. I just can't stand the taste of it.
Him: Really???? Hmmm? (while giving me this odd distrusting look)

Now, as I said, I've got no problem with people who smoke up or drink. That's their choice. Not the wisest choice, but theirs to make.

I just don't understand why people can't understand why I made my choice. Alcohol tastes like shit to me. And, truthfully folks, it's a poison. The only thing keeping some people alive are their overtaxed stomachs and liver. And, the money that some people spend on their habits, I can use for something a bit more constructive.

This isn't the first time that I've had this discussion with people. It's just the first time that I've had a forum (this blog) in which to bitch about it after the fact.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Can't sleep.

2005-07-24T01:53:00.000-07:00

It's around 1:30 am, on a Sunday morning, and I can't sleep.

It's rough working nights, because you work all week, sleeping the best you can during the day, then the weekend comes around and you try to switch gears so you can sleep with your wife at night, and what happens? You (I) can't sleep. It sucks.

Thankfully I'll be switching hours soon. Not the greatest hours mind you (2nd shift), but at least I'll be home by midnite everynite and be able to get some sleep AT NIGHT for once. I truly believe that 5 hours of sleep at night are better than 8 hours during the day.

As I said the working hours are not the best. But I'll be able to take my daughter to school and I'll be spending (hopefully) quality time with the boy at home during the day.

I will miss spending as much time with my wife (love you Nikki) and I hope that our son isn't a horrid beast for her at bedtime. That's my main fear about this change. He's a great kid, but more than a handful. I realize that I've got a short temper with him at times, but I do love him. I just really hope that this change does him good at bedtime. Maybe without me lording over him to go to sleep he'll be better able to wind down and just do it.

Nikki is more than just my wife. She's the love of my life and truly the best friend I've ever had. I couldn't make it through this world without her. She keeps me balanced, even when I'm going off the deep end about something our son has done, or something that's going on at work or on the boards I'm on online. She's there for me.

She's there to tell me to shut up and she's there to just listen if that's what I need. I'm going to miss her something terrible, since our time together is going to be cut drastically. But, she knows I love her and I know she loves me. That's all that matters.

She'll probably smack me for writing this, but oh well. It's all true.

And it's nearly 2:00 am and I keep looking at the most beautiful woman in the world to me sleep and I'm feeling a bit blue.

Gotta Go.

Kenny

Music...... Again.

2005-07-23T21:18:00.000-07:00

Read a little something today that really bothered me.

As everybody who knows me, or who reads this regularly (yeah right, who am I kidding), knows, I like music, mostly of the heavier persuasion. But, I do like other stuff, despite my wife's insistance to the contrary.

Anyway, as I stated, I read an article today that bothered me. While reading the articles at Blabbermouth I read a story about Korn. Now Korn isn't my favorite band. I liked them alot for their first two albums, then they lost their luster and became secondary to other music. I saw them a couple of times on their first couple tours, they put on a great show. But, now for the thing that bothered me. Recently they lost one of their guitarists to religion. More power to him. If that's what he needs, good for him. That's not what bothered me today. They've announced his replacement. His name is Rob Patterson. He used to play in the band OTEP. They are a decent band, not my favorite but not bad. Good at what they do. Anyway, that isn't what bothered me. Here IS what bothers me. While on tour with Korn this replacement guitarist WILL NOT BE ON STAGE. He will be playing from offstage, unseen by the crowd.

HOW FREAKING LAME ASS IS THAT???? I don't understand it. Why, in any stretch of the imagination, would Korn think this is cool?

Why would the guitarist agree to it? For the money? Screw that.

Korn is just lying to themselves and the fans that will be there to see them. If you are going to have 4 musicians and a singer performing, they damn well better all be on stage.

I couldn't, as a guitar player myself, agree to this. This guitar player has spent, most likely, years perfecting his art. He deserves to be on stage with the other musicians performing. Receiving the adoration of the fans. And showcasing his ability. He didn't spend years holed up in his bedroom and practice rooms, just to end up holed up backstage, performing to the stagehands, who are too busy to care.

Korn, you really need to do the right thing, as a band, and put him out front, with the band. He deserves your respect. If you think he's talented enough to play FOR your band, he's damn well talented enough to play IN your band.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Music

2005-07-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

Not much new music is making it's way into regular rotation in my CD player. I'm not sure why. Even the new Clutch, "Robot Hive/Exodus, hasn't started being a regular play. Clutch is one of my favorite bands, but for some reason this new album isn't hitting me like their last one did. It's not that it's a bad album, it's just not nearly as good as "Blast Tyrant". "Blast Tyrant" still gets played a bunch. That album is purely amazing. If you haven't given it a listen, do.

The new Pro Pain, "Fistful Of Hate", is a great album also, but not really getting much play time. Again, not sure why. Pro Pain is a great band. One of the few that I find to be just as good on the CD as they are live. But, for some reason, this new album just isn't getting played.

What is getting played? The latest Lamb Of God, which is around a year old by now. "Ashes Of The Wake" is Lamb Of Gods greatest album so far, and my choice for greatest metal album of the past 5 years. "Blast Tyrant" by Clutch is still getting it's spins. I'm listening to a bunch of older Pantera stuff. I think this is probably my way of dealing with Dimebags death. Listen to his amazing playing and just come to terms that he's gone.

That's pretty much it for what I've been listening to. I think I'm in a rut. I think I just need to force myself to start listening to some of this new stuff. Put away the older stuff for awhile and see if one of the newer ones hits me.

Cheap therapy.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Moody? Me?

2005-07-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

Briefly,
Annoyed, angry,blue,crazy,happy,pissed,joyous,pensive,wierd,difficult......

All describe me these days. Don't know why. Just does. Whatever. Lots of stuff and nothing.

Moody? Me? Nah.

Don't ask my wife though.

Gotta go to work.

Take care everyone.

Gotta go.

Kenny

New job.

2005-07-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

Well, I got the job that I had bid on. Not sure yet when I'll be switching shifts. Hopefully it's soon. Sometimes it takes awhile for the changes to happen at work. They have to fill my position, then they have to fill the position of the person who takes my job and so on down the line. So, who knows. I just know I'm ready.

Gotta Go

Kenny

4 O'clock

2005-07-14T08:11:00.000-07:00

That's the time of my interview today for the second shift position I bid on. I really hope I get it. I'm really burned out on my current position, been doing the same job for around 5 years now. Time for a change I do believe. I'm also really burned out on 3rd shift right now. When I first started with the company I got hired on on third shift. I worked it for around a year and a half that time. I don't remember it being this rough on me. Now I'm getting around 5 hours of sleep, average, per day. Not enough for this guy. It's really taking a toll on me. I know I'm way more cranky because of it. And I know I tend to take it out on my family way more than they deserve. Hopefully changing shifts will help me get enough sleep to level my moods out a bit.

Or, maybe, I'm just naturally cranky and their isn't a damn thing I can do about it. :)

Take care everyone.

Gotta go.

Kenny

Job stuff, again.

2005-07-12T18:22:00.000-07:00

Bid on another position at work. Interviewing for it sometime this week, hopefully.

The only problem I have is, it's a second shift position. I know I can do the job. The hours are horrible for someone with kids in my opinion. But, if I want to get out of the drudgery of my current position, I need to take some risks. Hopefully it won't affect family life to badly.

Can't think of anything else to babble about.

Gotta go.

Kenny

London

2005-07-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

Wow. Don't know what to say. It's been a crazy day.

Last night I wasn't feeling well, so I took the night off from work. Get up this morning to find that London was attacked. Went looking for online friends that I knew were in or around London. Thankfully everyone's OK. If you see this Maz I hope you get home when planned. Looks to be a rough week for travel out of London.

Watched the news all day. Very tragic chain of events. They knew what they were doing, that's evident. I don't think anyone has ever accused the terrorists that pull off these attacks of being stupid. But their level of hatred and vileness is beyond me. I just don't get it.

Another thing I noticed, when you watch some of these news channels, they have the anchors sitting in front of windows facing on an active street. People were walking up and down the sidewalk looking in the windows trying to get on camera. Waving their arms, making stupid faces and just generally acting foolish. Does the average American not realize what's going on in the world? Here we have a news anchor doing his job, reporting on some very tragic events and we have a bunch of idiots in the background jumping around looking like morons. Kinda detracts from the solemness of the reporting.

Gotta Go

Take Care

Kenny

My son is out to get me.

2005-07-05T00:37:00.000-07:00

Had a great weekend. Spent it with good friends. Had a fabulous time.
Went to a hotel here in town and spent Friday night and Saturday with them. They have two kids also, a boy and a girl, and our kids get along wonderfully. It was good fun had by all. Though, 10 minutes after getting in the pool on Friday evening my son bashed me in the head with a pool toy, giving me a nasty head wound. Yes, I did somewhat cause it. But, roughhousing isn't supposed to get the daddy hurt. Is it? I just think my son is out to get me.

Anyway, Sunday we went over to these same friends house and had dinner. We were then supposed to go shoot off fireworks outside of town with them, but it ended up storming and that got canceled.

Today, Monday the 4th, we went back to their house and had a bar-b-que and hung out with them some more. Great people, great fun.
Tonight we went to the river to watch the cities annual fireworks display. I'm not a big fan of fireworks, but I sat through them. The big fun was getting to watch and listen as a couple got in an arguement in front of us. In between fireworks explosions you could hear him yelling at her. Big fun. Nothing more American than watching a redneck idiot scream at his wife with the flash of the fireworks serving as punctuation. Brought a tear to my eye.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Nonconventional Patriotic Music

2005-06-29T17:27:00.000-07:00

I've got a song in my head. It happens all the time. I listen to a song and then that song plays over and over in my head, sometimes for days. It can be annoying. But this time, it's different. This song is making me feel patriotic. Shush. I hear what you're saying, "the flaming liberal patriotic, yeah whatever." But, it's true.

What's that you're asking? What is this song of blind patriotism that's hit him so hard? Made him want to wrap himself in the flag while shooting off roman candles in each hand? Well, I'll tell you. That song is Murder The Government by NOFX

Settle down people. I know, this isn't your typical "America the beautiful, everything else sucks" sort of patriotic anthem. But, it is, all the same a patriotic song. I see you still have your doubts. Well, let me write the lyrics then I'll explain. Hope I don't get sued.

I wanna see the constitution burn
Wanna Watch the White House overturn
Wanna witness some blue blood bleed fucking red

I wanna tar and lynch the KKK
I wanna pull and shoot the NRA

Murder the government, Murder the government
Murder the government, And then do it again yeah
Murder the government, Murder the government
Murder the government, and then
Murder the government

Awesome. Are they Imagine by John Lennon? No. But they serve the purpose set out for them.

I realize you probably can't see any sign of patriotism in these lyrics. I say you aren't looking deep enough. The patriotism lies in the fact that they had the freedom to write these lyrics. They used their freedom of expression to raise a voice of dissent. Their is no more patriotic thing in my opinion.

So, on this Independence Day, I'll be listening to this and other "patriotic" songs and basking in the freedoms that living in America gives me.

Links to other "patriotic" songs:

Amerika The Brutal - Six Feet Under
Now You've Got Something To Die For - Lamb Of God
Idiots Are Taking Over - NOFX
The Mob Goes Wild - Clutch
Foul Taste Of Freedom - Pro Pain
American Dreams - Pro Pain

And many, many more.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Powerful Writing.

2005-06-27T19:45:00.000-07:00

No. The title doesn't refer to my skills as a writer. haha... whatever.

Actually, I found a blog by a person of faith that I thought was very good. As many who will read this know, I'm an atheist. Well, I got a response here at my blog from a gentleman so I followed his link to his blog. I was very impressed.

The one entry that really struck me was this one: I Yelled At G-d Please go and read it. If you like it please let him know.

Now, has this totally changed my mind about religion? No. But, it has helped me understand at least one persons struggle with their faith. It's very powerful stuff in my opinion.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Music and violence

2005-06-26T01:20:00.000-07:00

Alright, I'm bummed.

I love music. All types really. Well, not all, new country and what passes for r&b/pop on the radios these days aren't my thing. But, anything written and performed, by a band or performer, solely because they love music, is OK with me. If you become a musician only to become rich, stay away from me, it shows through in the music you perform.

Anyway, why am I bummed?

One of my favorite bands had violence flare up at their show the other night. Corrosion Of Conformity were playing a show in Florida when some moron in the crowd decided that he'd start stabbing people. How fucking lame is that? I don't care what anyone thinks of metal music, it's not the music or band that caused this lame fuck to do what he did. The blame lies solely with HIM. I don't care how much he may have drank that night. Or how much grass he smoked. Or even what his daddy may have done to him as a child. When you pull out a knife and stab four people, killing one, YOU are to blame. NO ONE else.

Now, the media, I'm sure, is going to blow this up, laying blame where it doesn't belong. Whether it's the bands, the lyrics, the imagery or the culture that you want to blame, the truth of the matter is that's not where the blame lies. Millions of people have gone to metal shows through the years, very little violence has happened at these shows. Metal music and shows are a release. You listen to music, any type, for enjoyment. You go to shows to see your favorite bands, have a good time and get a bit of aggresion out in the pit. It's cathartic. You scream, you yell the words, you bounce off the other people in the pit you have FUN. That's it. It's all about fun.

When someone like this idiot, or the idiot who shot Dimebag Darrell last December, do what they do, it only reinforces the negative opinion of Metal and it's fans by people who just don't get it. Remember, 99.99999999999% of all people who go to metal shows leave those shows with smiles on their faces and ALIVE. But, unfortunately, it only takes one incident such as this to screw things up for everyone. Hopefully bands don't change how they do things because of these incidents. And, also hopefully, I can continue to go to shows without a police prescence in the crowd.

I'm done. Get in the pit, I'll see ya there. But most of all, have FUN while you're there.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Jobs and Happiness

2005-06-16T16:49:00.000-07:00

Am I the only American worker happy with the company they work for?

Just a question.

The company I work for is great. Am I always happy with the JOB I do for said company? No. Do I bitch about the company just because it's the American way? No. People need to get over this "poor, poor me attitude" when it comes to their jobs. Go to work, do your job, go home and live your life for the other 16 hours in the day. Their is no reason to go to work angry and bitter about your lot in life, then go home the same way. Once you walk out the door, all worries are gone.

Now, is this to say that people shouldn't want the company they work for to improve actual problems in the workplace? No. But, just standing around bitching to others who are just standing around bitching, gets you nowhere. If one has true issues with the policies of a company, maybe one should take those issues higher. One activist within a company can make a change, if nobodies willing to be that activist then maybe everyone should just stop bitching.

Now, the happiness part.

Another cool band coming to town. Life Of Agony is coming. Problem? They are coming the day before the C.O.C. show. I'm either going to have to come up with a little more money or make a choice between the two..... what a choice.

My daughter has a softball game tonight. Big fun.

Gotta Go.

This idiots signing off.

Kenny

Whining and C.O.C.

2005-06-12T00:01:00.000-07:00

Well, it's been a rough past couple of days here. First, as you know, I didn't get the job I was bidding on, then the guy I hoped had, didn't, so his job isn't open for bidding. Gotta see what comes up now. I'm truly burnt on my current position. Now, I've been diagnosed with impetigo, not as bad as it reads, though it is bothersome. It's just a skin condition, common in children, but anyone can get it. Forced me to leave work early Friday and go to the doctor for the first time in probably 15 years. Got some meds for it and they appear to be working, at least I'm not itching myself raw. I had to call in Friday night for mandatory overtime, I had to, I was miserable. I really needed to go, we really need the money, but their was no way.

What else? Oh, yeah, my wife informed me that Corrosion Of Conformity/Alabama Thunderpussy and Fu Manchu are coming here in July, three great bands. Gotta see it.

Well, it's late here, I think I'll wrap it up.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Just wasn't to be this time.

2005-06-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Didn't get the job. Oh well. I'll try again for another job. I'm actually, after 5 years getting kinda burnt out on doing my current job. If who I hope does get the job then I'll just bid on his and hopefully get it. That would be alright.

No news is...... well no news.

2005-06-07T15:20:00.000-07:00

Haven't heard yet about the job I'm trying for at work. I'm guessing they have a few people to interview before they make a decision, but it's frustrating. I've got ideas that I'd like to get implemented if they would just give me the job.

So, it's warmed up quite a bit here the past few days. I hate summer. Can't stand it when it's hot. And trying to sleep during the day with an air conditioner that needs help is killing me. I don't like to sweat while I sleep. Hopefully we can get a new unit installed by next summer. That would be nice.

I love The Onion. Their story on Bush Lifts Ban On Vigilantism cracked me up. It's to bad that I can see our president doing this. I'm not a fan to say the least, at least this is a joke. Unlike the past 5 years.

Gotta Go

Kenny

WOF And More Rain

2005-06-05T00:34:00.000-07:00

Went to Worlds Of Fun for the company picnic today. Had a great time. The kids absolutely loved it, except my son was to short for a lot of the rides. My daughter rode several rollercoasters, she said she didn't like them (I think she liked them. Just likes to be melodramatic), but at least she rode them. Just before we left we rode one of the water rides and they took a picture of us as we were going down the last drop. We had to buy it. Both kids faces were priceless, they both looked like they were scared silly.

On the way home we ran into a bit of a rainstorm. It got so bad we had to pull to the side of the road because our wipers couldn't clear the window. We weren't the only ones pulled to the side. While sitting on the side of the road the winds picked up and we couldn't see anything out any of the windows and the van moved a couple of inches to the side. It was freaky. Finally it let up enough to continue down the road.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Interviewed and Drowned

2005-06-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

Went to my interview this morning. Went pretty well. Stumbled on a couple of the questions, basically because I don't like talking about myself. That sounds kinda funny now that I've typed it out. Isn't this blog basically me talking about myself??? Oh well.

When I left work after the interview it was raining. Actually, raining isn't the word for it. We were in the middle of a deluge. I got completely soaked running to my vehicle. It was crazy. Driving home there was standing water everywhere. The truck was getting pulled around like crazy.

Well, that's it for now.

Gotta Go

Kenny

Hackers and Interviews

2005-06-01T20:12:00.000-07:00

I'm on several message boards on Ezboard.com. Well, they got hacked, the whole ezboard system got taken down. Several boards I'm on got hit hard. Entire forums gone, those forums that are still up you can't post replies on. Crazy stuff. I am in awe of the hackers ability, but pissed that he/she would do it to a message board site. Go after something worthwhile. What does it prove when you screw with peoples ability to discuss their kids, or politics, or the price of tea in China? Nothing. Go hit a site that people would notice you hitting. Take down something a bit more challenging.

I've got an interview Friday morning for the supervisor position at work. We'll see, I'm not sure who else applied. Should be interesting.

Gotta go

Kenny

Trip with a demon.

2005-05-31T17:31:00.000-07:00

Forgot about our trip to Iowa. What a nightmare, the actual trip was fine, it was the MIL and FIL that made it so bad.

We actually left pretty much on time, which is pretty exciting itself. Usually it takes a bit longer to get going than expected with them. But, it wasn't long before the first crisis, FIL says the rental car we had "pulled to the left", hmmm. MIL has her first juicy bit of trouble to chew on, how exciting for her. I slept a bunch of the way to Iowa, so I didn't have to take part in much conversation.
We get to our hotel, not enough towels, what a tragedy. We go and visit with my wife's great aunt, this was nice. She's a very nice lady and she kept the kids overnite, good thing.
We go back to the hotel for the night and go to bed, did I tell you we shared a room with them? Well about 12:30 am I wake up to the sound of a demon in the room with us.... no.. wait.... it's the FIL, he's snoring louder than a jet at take off. Does that for the rest of the night. May have got 4 hours of sleep total all night, then they wonder why I'm cranky the next morning. If we ever take another trip with them it's seperate rooms.

Next day we go back to the great aunts and we go up a bit farther north in Iowa to visit some other relatives. Had a nice time, they are farmers so the kids got to see a bunch of animals, they had fun.

Got back to the hotel, the pillows weren't good enough the night before, I was fine with mine, but FIL went and complained and came back with extra pillows for everyone. Woohoo.

Trip back, this is when the real fun begins. Night before MIL called the rental car place and told them about the "problem" with the car. They told her to stop in at the Des Moines office and trade the car for another, no problem, right? Wrong. We get to Des Moines and find the rental place, they tell MIL/FIL they weren't going to change the cars. Screaming match ensues in the parking lot of the Des Moines airport. Big big fun. They tell us to take the car to Firestone and have it checked out. We do. Firestone says the car has no problems. More bitching and moaning. Daughter gets yelled at by MIL for having her arm in the wrong place, daughter cries, wife cries. MIL believes they are both crazy, she didn't do anything wrong. Witch.

Go on down the road. I take over driving for the last 200 miles, I don't notice anything wrong with the car, surprise surprise. Some people are so unhappy with what they are handed in life they have to find something wrong with anything and everything to hand off the blame for their own problems to someone or something else.

What a wonderful weekend.

Gotta go

Kenny

Stitches and other issues.

2005-05-31T17:23:00.000-07:00

Went to the hospital this morning and got my daughters stitches removed. She did very well despite it hurting a bit. We've been telling her that having stitches removed doesn't hurt, well I guess we lied. A couple of them had worked their way into the scab and when the nurse pulled on them it hurt her a bit. She was strong though, just flinched a little and squeezed my hand until my fingers were hurting.

My son, what can I say about my son? He's been trying my patience lately. But, that's all going to change. I don't like being angry with him, I love him so much, but he does drive me crazy quite often. Well, I'm going to work very hard at staying much calmer with him. I don't like being angry, and it's only hurting our relationship. I've got to find some way of staying calm with him, I know I can.

Nothing

2005-05-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Not much to say, got my first comment, thanks Wench. I do have readers.

My daughter is doing much better today. No headache when I went and picked her up. She even went out and played with a friend from across the street. She's a tough girl.

Gotta get ready for our trip. We're supposed to leave at six tomorrow morning. Not likely. MIL has a weird thing about time. She's never on time, but if your late for something for her she goes nuts.

Road Trips And Head Wounds

2005-05-26T14:29:00.000-07:00

My baby girl got hurt today. Six stitches in the head. Not pleasant. Didn't hear the phone this morning, so didn't go over to get her. Luckily my brother in law was there and took her to my wife's work. Rather upsetting to go over to pick her up and she's injured. She's tough though, she'll do alright. She's mostly upset she won't be able to swim this weekend on our trip to Iowa.

That's right, we're going to Iowa Saturday morning. Eight hours of pure bliss driving in a car with my mother in law and her husband. Oh joy!

I turned in my resume for the Departmen Supervisor position yesterday. I'll probably get interviewed sometime next week. Hopefully I'll get this, I've been waiting for the right position to open up for awhile, something that my big boss has been kinda upset about, but I can't help it. I've got a family and certain hours just wouldn't cut it with our schedules.

See ya

Kenny

Softball.

2005-05-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

My daughter (7 yrs old) had her first game tonite. She did real well, she was catcher for the first two innings and 3rd base for the last two. She got one hit and made a real good play at third base. She did great.

AF

2005-05-18T22:13:00.000-07:00

Just got back from the Agnostic Front show. Gotta shower and head to work now. Don't have much time to write. Anyway, the show was pretty good, the openers weren't bad. Agnostic Front put on a good, if very short show.

Gotta say this though, I hate karate hardcore kids. It's the stupidest thing in the pit I've ever seen. All respect to them for showing up to the shows and supporting the bands, but come on, doing karate kicks in the middle of the pit. How lame.

Interesting things afoot

2005-05-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Got to work last night and got some good news/bad news.

First the bad news, my supervisor was fired. They didn't go into detail, but said that it was warranted and necessary. I like the guy, and he knew his job and he kept things running pretty well. But, if the rumors of why he got fired are true, then I can't see any way they could have kept him around.

Now the possibly good news. Because of his firing I could possibly get his job or at the least a lead position. Both jobs would be pretty good raises in both money and status within the company. I've done the supervisor job last summer when they had the weekend shift, they are looking into doing that again, but now they are putting it on hold till they figure out the situation with filling his position. I've also done the lead position, I know I can handle either position, so we'll see.

I need to make out a brief resume and turn it in once they post the job.

Kenny

Illiterate

2005-05-16T17:36:00.000-07:00

People who post on message boards and have no clue how to communicate in the english language piss me off. I'm not talking about foreigners who can claim english as their second language. No, I'm talking about people who were born in an english speaking area of the world (namely the U.S.) and can't write two words in a row correctly. Now, I'm not saying that I'm the perfect writer, nay, far from it. But, I think, correct me if I'm wrong, you can make some sense out of what I'm writing.

If one wishes to take part in a debate, one should be able to write relatively well to make ones point. Otherwise, whatever you have to say is going to be lost on the audience you are trying to sway.

Kenny

Yard Work

2005-05-15T11:59:00.000-07:00

Got the wife's roses planted today. Got the grass cut, all the new grass I seeded a couple of weeks ago is coming in quite nicely. My wife thinks I'm a nut for checking the grass every day, sometimes more than once a day. But, I don't care. The yard is looking better everyday.

Told you I wasn't sure what I'd be writing about in this thing.

Kenny

Hmmm

2005-05-14T21:13:00.000-07:00

Not sure what to say, there's a couple of great tours coming out this summer I'd love to go to, but, they aren't coming here as far as I can tell. The first one is the Sounds Of The Underground, This is a fabulous tour featuring Lamb Of God, Clutch and various other great bands who deserve to be on such a great tour. The other tour is the Gigantour being set up by Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. This show is looking very promising, not much info on it at this time, they don't even have a website yet, but it doesn't matter, they aren't coming here.

Most likely going to see Agnostic Front this Wednesday. Just saw them a couple of months ago with Hatebreed. They put on a great show, have to go out and support these NYHC veterans again.

Well, just to change the subject, my daughter had her cheerleading competition today, her team got first place, very cool.

Gotta go

Kenny

First blog attempt.

2005-05-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

Well, hello world, well at least the very small number of people who may view this. Thought I'd try out this blog business and see what it was all about. I'm not sure what I want my blog to be, so bear with me. It may be about music, I love music. It may be about politics, I love/hate politics. It may be about the human condition and how profoundly it drives me crazy. I don't know. We'll see. For now, I'm just experimenting. Testing the waters so to speak. A lot of what I write may not make a whole lot of sense, I'm not the greatest writer in the world. It may appear a bit stream of conciousness... I think that is sometimes the best way to write, gives it a bit of immediacy. But, seeing as how this is my first attempt I'll just leave it at that.

Have fun.

Kenny