Gun Ban Overturned by Supreme Court

So, all the rage in the news has been all the armageddon that is about to come about because the Supreme Court has overturned DC's gun ban law by a vote of 5-4.

I'm honestly SHOCKED that the vote was that close on something that is explicitly stated in the second amendment of the constitution.

Now, before you go closing the blog and writing me off as some right wing pigeon, let me state that I do not own a gun. But, if you look at the Bill of Rights, I'm told that the government can not pass a law preventing me from doing so. I really don't know how much more clear that can be. Not to mention, I've yet to see a gun law that prevents crime.

Think about it. Pot is illegal. Has it ever stopped anybody from getting high that wanted to get high? Beer is illegal for persons below the age of 21. Did it ever stop you or your friends from getting a case for a party in high school? The same thing goes with guns. The people that want guns will always be able to get guns.

It isn't like we have prevented guns from ever being made, they're out there. They're widely available. The people that are going to use them for nefarious purposes are not going to be obtaining them through traditional channels--nor would they likely be concerned with a law banning them from the streets of DC.

So, who do these laws impact? I would guess these laws only impact the people that are going through traditional channels to legally purchase a firearm.

Let me just say, that I've got no problem with a "cooling off" period or a background check. But seriously, I don't think even these laws have put a dent in any gun crime or kept guns out of the hands of the people who are using them in crime, but, hey, let's not make it overly easy either.

I'm from Pennsylvania, most people have guns. Most people here hunt. Most people use their guns in legal activities. Now, you only need to look as far as the Middle East if you want to see what happens when everybody owns an AK-47. So, I'm not advocating everybody run out and buy an armory. But, what I'm sayin is that without a gun ban, I don't feel unsafe walking the streets here or when I'm in DC.

If the people demand it, there is a way to legally ban guns. It's called the constitution. And if it is the will of the people, it should be easy for congress to enact. The process is already in place for amending the constitution. But, I already have great concerns for the rights and power that are stripped from the people of this country. And it should concern you that laws are being passed in offense of your constitutional rights--not to mention a Supreme Court that narrowly affirmed your rights. Heads up people!

Three Days: Three Songs: Nine Inch Nails Live Rehersal Video: Echoplex

Nine Inch Nails is working tirelessly to show us the potential of the new CD, The Slip, as it will translate to their live performance.

This time, we are seeing Echoplex performed at rehersal thanks to Pitchfork and NIN. Making a slip over to the softer/pop side of the CD, Echoplex is a return to the feel and sound from an erlier release, The Fragile.

Kicking off the video with a glimpse as the drum loop is punched in, Echoplex is a smoother track set in minor harmonies and loops. Check it out for yourself.

NIN live rehearsal: Echoplex - Watch more Music Videos at Vodpod.

GQOTM: Historic Presidents

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explanation.

Glenn: What historic president would you most want to meet?
Woody: Lincoln then Washington in that order?
Glenn: Who do you think was the most important president in history?
Woody: Lincoln and Washington

Obviously, you wouldn't have a Lincoln if you didn't first have a Washington, but if you think about a presidency that has had the most pivotal role in shaping (or maintaining) the United States as we know it, it would have to be Lincoln. If not for Lincoln, the United States would likely be much more similar to the Soviet Union with several neighboring, small countries. Imagine the prospect of having our Georgia at war with Alabama. It's silly and inconceivable largely because of the effort of Lincoln in maintaining the Union. There are many arguments for more storied presidencies or presidencies that have cost, or impacted, more lives. But, when you look at the quintessential turning point for the USA, Lincoln's presidency was it.

Another Nine Inch Nails Rehersal Video: Letting You

I am posting yet another video from the live rehearsal of Nine Inch Nails from their upcoming tour, thanks to NIN and Pitchfork. Watching these vids make me think that they should've just skipped the CD (MP3's) alltogether and just recorded the live rehersals. These songs take on an entirely different life in these performances. I hear the entire "The Slip" release much differently seeing how these tracks translate live. Hell, I'd buy the rehersal DVD! I'm wondering how these releases, like The Slip, would be different if he were to record them live in front of an audience. Performance really seems to bring out the fire. I know, you get the message, I'm excited for the tour. You should be too! Check out the rehersal video below for Letting you:

Nine Inch Nails Live From Rehersal

So, I've been a little concerned lately about Nine Inch Nails getting too "synthy." I actually made a comment about the latest CD comparing it to an edgy Depeche Mode. That's not to say it's not great stuff, because it is. It's just a much different vein than I typically associated with Nine Inch Nails. I know bands evolve, I know styles change. And for a long time, even though each release had its own sound and difference, you could feel the intensity. So, for the first release sans-label, I was expecting something that was "so-not-for-radio," and ready to unleash. I imposed a lot of my selfish desire for something aggressive like Broken.

Yes, I know it sounds as if I might be badmouthing Nine Inch Nails, but I'm really not. It's like telling your wife that she has a hair out of place. You still love her and she's the best thing since sliced bread, you're just commenting on something you've noticed.

But the one thing, more than anything that you notice about Nine Inch Nails is that all those over-produced, synthy, rounded edges become razor (or should I say Reznor) sharp intensity in the live show. NIN Live is an experience onto itself. You feel every lyric, every note. So, you can only imagine my excitement to hear the rehersal video that NIN posted on Pitchfork. The seemingly smooth track, 1,000,000 from the CD pounces to life as you will see in the video below. Now, more than ever, I'm looking forward to seeing NIN live in August.

 

 

Hanes Underwear In a Resealable Bag?!? Whaaaa?

Ok, so I needed to pick up some new undergarments. Not earth-shattering stuff, right? Well, I'm partial to Hanes boxer-briefs (now you know). Well, I didn't pay any attention in the store, but when I got them home and was breaking them open for the laundry, I noticed something odd on the packaging--"resealable bag," written right across a ziplock-type band. Resealable? For what?

I chucked the bag without much more than a chuckle, but in a very Seinfeld-esque way, this is kind of chewing at me. Why on earth would underwear come in a resealable bag for? Seriously, what in the blue hell were they thinking???

Were they hoping that I'd pack a sandwich in the bag that my underwear came in for lunch later? I mean, hey, I know the underwear were new--at least I hope they were--but I'm not ready to eat a sandwich out of the bag. Well, I guess I could put the old pair of underwear that I was replacing into the bag and seal them like a keepsake. But, they're just not that special to me. I guess I could use them to store used drink-stirrers and seal the bag (another story for another blog).

But honestly, this one has to go into the "What the hell were they thinking" file. I'm bewildered.

The Cure: A Ray of Hope In The Gloom of the Cure

Went to Cleveland to catch The Cure last night. In an age where gas is over $4/gallon and concert tickets are $50 for the cheap seats (after all the TicketBastard fees), driving 2 hours for a show is a real consideration. It's been 12 years since The Cure came around this way. Well, based on my experience from the last show, it was worth the drive, and they did not dissapoint. The Cure came out with a 3-hour set of new, old, hits and obsurity. This is an estimate on my part, but I'm guessing they played 35 songs?! Fantastic! It's amazing. I listen to music on the radio now that relies so heavily on studio enhancements, but The Cure is what it is. Everything live sounds exactly like it does on the CD. And Robert Smith puts a lot of thought and effort into making each show special. It's not like when I went to see Kiss and every night was exactly the same "(insert city name here) you rock." The set list was new, the performance was passionate and the fans appreciated every moment of it. I know I did. It's funny, I didn't know what to expect fan-wise. The Cure is a band that can sell out MSG and Wembley, but 2,500 is a pull in a place like Cleveland. It didn't seem to matter to them, they played for every one of us. Two encores and even a little bit of playfull banner. I feel a lot of spite paying to see a lot of bands these days. The Cure left me feeling great about my investment. And, they've realized something that a lot of bands haven't--the fans are your best advertising. Let them bring cameras, let them share their experience. People will pay if the product is good. In the case of this shot, it was good. I just really hope that it is not another 12 years before I get to see them again. And, hey, next time, let's not forget Pittsburgh??? If they are coming your way, don't miss out! I'll post my pictures later!

UPDATE: HERE ARE THE PICTURES FROM THE CURE CLEVELAND SHOW.

GQOTM: Work Ethic

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explaination.

Glenn: What has happened to the work ethic in this country?

Woody: It was replaced by entitlement caused by our willingness to bail people out of situations they create.

GQOTM: BOF vs. EAF Steelmaking

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explaination.

Glenn: is the majority of the steel still melted in a BOF (Basic Oxygen Furnace)?

Woody: There are two basic processes used to make todays' steel, the BOF and the EAF. Right now the BOF is still in a slim majority by melting about 58% of today's steel. The EAF continues to grow in market share. Here's a description of the two basic processes:

The basic oxygen furnace (BOF) process uses 25 to 35 percent old steel to make new. It produces products— such as automotive fenders, encasements of refrigerators, and packaging like soup cans, five-gallon pails, and 55-gallon drums—whose major required characteristic is drawability.

The electric arc furnace (EAF) process uses more than 80 percent old steel to make new. It produces products— such as structural beams, steel plates, and reinforcement bars—whose major required characteristic is strength.

GQOTM: Electing a Vice President

Here is the latest installment of the Glenn's Question of the Moment, which is based on text messages from Glenn to me (Woody). Keep in mind that these usually take place via text message, so they are generally short and loosely worded. Any additional information is added below for the purpose of adding context or further explaination.

Glenn: You have to elect a President and Vice President together, right? It wasn't intended that way originally. Is that correct.

Woody: Yes, they are a line item together now, but it used to be the first place and second place vote getters (pre two-party system). So, the President and Vice President could be from different parties. Check out 12th ammendment.

GQOTM: Obama-Clinton Ticket

Glenn is always asking me useless, crazy questions via text based on what he's watching on TV or listening to on the radio. So, I decided to quit wasting my answers just on him. So, I decided I'd start posting them here for everybody to be amused by. Keep in mind, these happen via text message. So they will be short and sweet. So, without further delay, here's right now's Glenn Question of the Moment (GQOTM):

Glenn: OBAMA-CLINTON same ticket think it will happen?

Woody: Reasons for it to possibly happen would be to re-unite a divided party and attract scorned Hillary supporters who might otherwise vote for McCain.

Woody: Reasons it WILL NOT happen is because Obama wants to build an identity and does not want a VP (that drug him through the mud in the primary) looking over his shoulder saying "that's not how I would've done it."