About a month ago I was selected for jury duty. Not only did I have to report, but I ended up being selected as one of the eight to serve for a civil trial. As with most people, I was not necessarily looking forward to the idea of spending a week or two in court with complete strangers. But on the other hand, as someone who watches a lot of crime dramas on TV and movies I was also somewhat interested by the opportunity to experience these things in real life.
For the integrity of the judicial process, I am not going to get into what the trial was about, nor the results. For the purposes of this blog, they are inconsequential anyways. But what came of this experience for me were several things.
The first is that the jury process, for as much of an inconvenience as it is for most people, works. What I saw and was so impressed with was that eight people from all different backgrounds, ages, sexes, races, and careers could take the responsibility set upon us seriously, get along and work together, and also ultimately form just about the same opinions after seven days of testimony. This is all you can hope for if were to find yourself in the unfortunate situation of being in court yourself one day, to know that the people in charge of your fate are doing their best to do their job to the best of their ability.
The other thing I took out of this experience was that this group that was assembled because of it's apparent differences and balance ended up meshing so well. On the outside we couldnt' have been more different, but yet in the time we spent in the jury room while the judge and lawyers worked out issues (which was A LOT), we all became very close. We shared stories of our lives, our families, our jobs, our sports teams. Because we could not speak about the case until testimony was over, we had to talk about anything and everything else, which we did.Several people once we reached the end how if even just one person had been replaced how it could have potentially changed the entire dynamic and atmosphere, and this was very true.
Given all these things, the most important thing that came out of all this was that the jury system works. We were lucky to have been assigned to a judge and court reporter who were very well-natured and helpful, us jurors all got along well, and most of all we took the task given to us seriously. Not to mention, I don't think I am alone in feeling like I made some friends for life...
Monday, April 29, 2013
5 Albums that Changed My Life
So one thing about me is that music is a huge part if my life, always has been. I remember as a child my parents always had records playing of Neil Diamond, The Beach Boys, and Michael Jackson. On long trips in the car up an down the eastern seaboard listening to oldies on the radio. As I grew older I would play various wind instruments in school, and eventually picked up the guitar.
So listed here are 5 of the most influential albums TO ME. This in no way is a reflection of what I feel are the best albums ever, or necessarily my favorite. They are simply the ones that had a significant effect on me both musically and emotionally:
1- Master of Puppets (Metallica): Could possibly be one of the top albums not only in metal history, but in history all together. The speed and technicality of the songs is second to none. This took the shredding that was on their first two albums, and harnessed it into more precise songs, and added a groove that made my blood pump. The lyrical content touching on various social and interpersonal issues. Just all together struck a cord in me and made me want to shred on my guitar and also to start writing lyrics of my own.
2- Nevermind (Nirvana): I can still remember the first time I listened to this album, and being totally immersed in it and thinking that this was something I had never heard before. It took the haunting melodic sway into loud crushing choruses. They were simple songs that somehow carried a swagger. You could feel the pain and discomfort that Kurt Cobain carried with him through his words and guitar, and the violent drum beats of Dave Grohl kept the head banging throughout.The fact that Nirvana has such a limited catalogue has lead to a lot of overplayed songs, but whenever I go back and listen to this CD from start to finish it is as exciting as it was back then.
3- Rage Against the Machine (Rage Against the Machine): When a friend of mine first played this album for me, I was floored. When he then told me that it was just a four-piece with no keyboards or synths, and that all the odd sounds and screeches I heard were Tom Morello playing his guitar through a single effects pedal, I was in total disbelief. Rage Against the Machine created something completely different, mixing rap vocals with funk and metal grooves, adding in heavily politicized topics. This was an album that rock and metal heads could head bang to, and rap fans could sway to. It was, and still is, an album like no other, and they were truly originals.
4- Dirt (Alice in Chains): This album is pretty much a diary or the struggle with which Layne Staley had with substance abuse, a struggle he eventually would lose. The haunting tone in Staley's vocals through out strike a nerve, and you can tell how cathartic is was for him to tell of his use, abuse, and disgust of what he had become. Add to that the vocal counter-melodies of Jerry Cantrell, as well as "Rooster", a song about his father's battle with life post-Vietnam service. Again, an album that I can listen to start to finish, and every time I get totally immersed in it.
5- Ashes of the Wake (Lamb of God): I was big into metal in high school and shortly after, and then kind of lost touch with a lot of the newer metal in the years after that. But about 6 or 7 years ago I started to get back into it, and the one album that was responsible for raising my adrenaline levels and the hairs on the back of my neck was Ashes of the Wake by the band Lamb of God. Their third album, it is their first, in my opinion, that had true direction and top notch production. Most of the songs focusing on political distrust and displeasure with the wars overseas, the album is full of passion as well as some of the most precise and technical guitar and drum work you will find on any rock or metal album. Ashes of the Wake reminded me of why I had become a metal fan to begin with as a teenager, and has once again struck that nerve in me in my thirties.
So listed here are 5 of the most influential albums TO ME. This in no way is a reflection of what I feel are the best albums ever, or necessarily my favorite. They are simply the ones that had a significant effect on me both musically and emotionally:
1- Master of Puppets (Metallica): Could possibly be one of the top albums not only in metal history, but in history all together. The speed and technicality of the songs is second to none. This took the shredding that was on their first two albums, and harnessed it into more precise songs, and added a groove that made my blood pump. The lyrical content touching on various social and interpersonal issues. Just all together struck a cord in me and made me want to shred on my guitar and also to start writing lyrics of my own.
2- Nevermind (Nirvana): I can still remember the first time I listened to this album, and being totally immersed in it and thinking that this was something I had never heard before. It took the haunting melodic sway into loud crushing choruses. They were simple songs that somehow carried a swagger. You could feel the pain and discomfort that Kurt Cobain carried with him through his words and guitar, and the violent drum beats of Dave Grohl kept the head banging throughout.The fact that Nirvana has such a limited catalogue has lead to a lot of overplayed songs, but whenever I go back and listen to this CD from start to finish it is as exciting as it was back then.
3- Rage Against the Machine (Rage Against the Machine): When a friend of mine first played this album for me, I was floored. When he then told me that it was just a four-piece with no keyboards or synths, and that all the odd sounds and screeches I heard were Tom Morello playing his guitar through a single effects pedal, I was in total disbelief. Rage Against the Machine created something completely different, mixing rap vocals with funk and metal grooves, adding in heavily politicized topics. This was an album that rock and metal heads could head bang to, and rap fans could sway to. It was, and still is, an album like no other, and they were truly originals.
4- Dirt (Alice in Chains): This album is pretty much a diary or the struggle with which Layne Staley had with substance abuse, a struggle he eventually would lose. The haunting tone in Staley's vocals through out strike a nerve, and you can tell how cathartic is was for him to tell of his use, abuse, and disgust of what he had become. Add to that the vocal counter-melodies of Jerry Cantrell, as well as "Rooster", a song about his father's battle with life post-Vietnam service. Again, an album that I can listen to start to finish, and every time I get totally immersed in it.
5- Ashes of the Wake (Lamb of God): I was big into metal in high school and shortly after, and then kind of lost touch with a lot of the newer metal in the years after that. But about 6 or 7 years ago I started to get back into it, and the one album that was responsible for raising my adrenaline levels and the hairs on the back of my neck was Ashes of the Wake by the band Lamb of God. Their third album, it is their first, in my opinion, that had true direction and top notch production. Most of the songs focusing on political distrust and displeasure with the wars overseas, the album is full of passion as well as some of the most precise and technical guitar and drum work you will find on any rock or metal album. Ashes of the Wake reminded me of why I had become a metal fan to begin with as a teenager, and has once again struck that nerve in me in my thirties.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
I Remember
Today marks the 11 year anniversary of the most horrific day in recent history. It marks the anniversary of the day that changed the way we live our lives forever. And today, on another Tuesday, September 11th, the weather was comfortable and clear just as it was that fateful day. I remember the following days, weeks and months, and how things felt and how they changed.
I remember...how the entire country stopped, whether it was New York City, California, or anywhere in between. Not only did the airline industry stop all air traffic for 2 days, but people stopped what they were doing and gathered and consoled each other and just took time to reflect and to mourn. Suddenly, the hustle and bustle of everyday life slowed and people found time to reflect of how precious life really is.
I remember...the kindness that poured out of so many. Rescue personnel as well as plain civilians flocked to Manhattan to help in any way they could, whether it be in clean up or recovery or just doling out supplies to those who were. Corporations, athletic teams, churches, and communities from all over the surrounding areas and the rest of the countries collected, sent, and helped distribute food and living supplies to rescuers and those impacted. Communities around the country, as well as some in Canada, who took in and welcomed with open arms those who's planes had been grounded in areas other than their destinations, and made the ordeal a lot less troubling. It was a time where the good in the American people truly shined bright.
I remember...the patriotism that this horrible event brought out of just about everyone. Never before had you seen so many people bearing American flags outside their houses, on their cars, on their clothing. You would hear groups chanting impromptu "USA, USA, USA" cheers at sporting events, speeches, concerts, and anywhere else large crowds were gathered. Whether at a star-filled concert at Madison Square Garden to benefit victim's families or a New York Mets or Yankees baseball game, both the spectators and the stars beamed with not only hurt and sorrow, but they also showed a great sense of pride to be Americans.
I remember...the unity towards one common belief, which was a belief in Our Country. In the years leading up to 9/11/2001, Rudy Giuliani hadn't been the most popular mayor in New York City history. But the way he conducted himself after the attacks and the way in which he united not only a city but also the country made him a beloved leader. People stopped seeing him for the political differences they made have had, but instead for his compassion, his leadership and the way he made people feel safe and secure in an otherwise turbulant time. President Bush, still in his first year in office, was dealt an unprecedented situation, and handled it in a very calming and decisive manor. He stood up for the country he was in charge of leading, and took swift action. Unfortunately in the years to follow there were many short comings and failed plans, but none of that should take away form the actions taken that put faith and pride back into our great country initially.
It is sad that it takes this one day each year to think back and remember how things WERE following the attacks of September 11th. What was undoubtedly the worst day in American history brought out the best in people and in a country as a whole. With each passing year, though, that pause and kindness and patriotism and especially unity has tarnished and slipped further and further away. With time wounds heal, but with time all these positives that we gained have also faded. We are at a time in our history when things are not very good. Whether it be financial woes, social issues, immigration and race tensions, or political debates, the country is as divided in 2012 as it was unified in 2001.
So please remember...the way our great country joined together in the face of it's darkest time. Remember the feeling of pride and patriotism and how we were all Americans. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, regardless your ethnicity, whether rich or poor or in between, we need to all take pride in being AMERICAN, and help to better this glorious country our ours. It's time to fight for our common goals and forget the whole "me first" mentality. This country was founded on the belief of "We the People", and it is time that we all remember what those words meant to the founding fathers, what they meant after 9/11/2001, and what they mean now...
I remember...how the entire country stopped, whether it was New York City, California, or anywhere in between. Not only did the airline industry stop all air traffic for 2 days, but people stopped what they were doing and gathered and consoled each other and just took time to reflect and to mourn. Suddenly, the hustle and bustle of everyday life slowed and people found time to reflect of how precious life really is.
I remember...the kindness that poured out of so many. Rescue personnel as well as plain civilians flocked to Manhattan to help in any way they could, whether it be in clean up or recovery or just doling out supplies to those who were. Corporations, athletic teams, churches, and communities from all over the surrounding areas and the rest of the countries collected, sent, and helped distribute food and living supplies to rescuers and those impacted. Communities around the country, as well as some in Canada, who took in and welcomed with open arms those who's planes had been grounded in areas other than their destinations, and made the ordeal a lot less troubling. It was a time where the good in the American people truly shined bright.
I remember...the patriotism that this horrible event brought out of just about everyone. Never before had you seen so many people bearing American flags outside their houses, on their cars, on their clothing. You would hear groups chanting impromptu "USA, USA, USA" cheers at sporting events, speeches, concerts, and anywhere else large crowds were gathered. Whether at a star-filled concert at Madison Square Garden to benefit victim's families or a New York Mets or Yankees baseball game, both the spectators and the stars beamed with not only hurt and sorrow, but they also showed a great sense of pride to be Americans.
I remember...the unity towards one common belief, which was a belief in Our Country. In the years leading up to 9/11/2001, Rudy Giuliani hadn't been the most popular mayor in New York City history. But the way he conducted himself after the attacks and the way in which he united not only a city but also the country made him a beloved leader. People stopped seeing him for the political differences they made have had, but instead for his compassion, his leadership and the way he made people feel safe and secure in an otherwise turbulant time. President Bush, still in his first year in office, was dealt an unprecedented situation, and handled it in a very calming and decisive manor. He stood up for the country he was in charge of leading, and took swift action. Unfortunately in the years to follow there were many short comings and failed plans, but none of that should take away form the actions taken that put faith and pride back into our great country initially.
It is sad that it takes this one day each year to think back and remember how things WERE following the attacks of September 11th. What was undoubtedly the worst day in American history brought out the best in people and in a country as a whole. With each passing year, though, that pause and kindness and patriotism and especially unity has tarnished and slipped further and further away. With time wounds heal, but with time all these positives that we gained have also faded. We are at a time in our history when things are not very good. Whether it be financial woes, social issues, immigration and race tensions, or political debates, the country is as divided in 2012 as it was unified in 2001.
So please remember...the way our great country joined together in the face of it's darkest time. Remember the feeling of pride and patriotism and how we were all Americans. Whether you are Republican or Democrat, regardless your ethnicity, whether rich or poor or in between, we need to all take pride in being AMERICAN, and help to better this glorious country our ours. It's time to fight for our common goals and forget the whole "me first" mentality. This country was founded on the belief of "We the People", and it is time that we all remember what those words meant to the founding fathers, what they meant after 9/11/2001, and what they mean now...
Monday, September 10, 2012
Are You Ready for Some Football???
So this weekend began another new football season...a time where fantasy leagues and weekly pools and instant replay become household terms and sanity and tranquility take a temporary reprieve. Yes, every sport has it's share of fanatics and blind devotees, but there is something a little different about football and the football season in general. Unlike the other sports, football games are all played on Sundays (with the exception of the Monday night game...oh, and now the Thursday night game...um, and some Saturday games late in the season), which creates something of an event for many football junkies.
Sundays during football season are something of a holy day for sports fans, where rituals and habits become normal and elevated decibel levels are understood and for the most part accepted. From when she was an infant, my daughter has worn Tampa Bay Buccaneers outfits and hair bows every game day during football season. She learned how to say "Let's Go Bucs" shortly after learning how to say "mommy" and "daddy". She now knows at 4 years old that Daddy is not really mad at anyone when he is yelling at the TV during the games (well, except maybe the stupid play calls or the Swiss cheese defense), but instead just really into the games.
Yes, Football season is very much a unique time in many households. To me, football is the one sport where I can watch just about any game even if my team isn't one of those playing, and really enjoy it. And so for people like me the NFL Sunday Ticket is a glorious invention. Being able to watch any and all games on Sunday, I almost need the relief of the lone Sunday night game in order to give my thumb a rest from clicking back and forth from game to game for 8 hours.
So here's to another season, another year of hope and pride, beer and snacks, jerseys and rally towels, big screens and surround sound, cheering and cursing. I am definitely ready for some football...
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
2 Things I Learned Today
So two things became very clear to me today:
1) The rain obviously contains some sort of chemical that when breathed into 99% of people's lungs causes their brains to turn off while driving a car, truck, minivan, bus, SUV, Hybrid, or any other motorized vehicle allowed on the road. Luckily, or possibly unluckily, I belong to the other 1% that seem to be immune to the effect of the rain, and in turn have to suffer at the hands of these people. I am sorry, but just because there is a little bit of water dropping from the sky, does that mean you can not go the speed limit and need to constantly hit your breaks for miles on end???
2) It doesn't really matter what type of car you drive, it means nothing towards the type of person or driver you are. You could be an old man in a convertible sports car, you still drive like an old man. You could be a rich middle-aged woman in a BMW you are still parked in the left lane going 5 miles under the speed limit talking on your cell phone. And you may be a 20-something guy driving a Mustang/Lexus/Camaro/Civic, you are still a meat head who will try and race off the line at a red light only to have to wear out your brakes to stop at the red light at the next intersection.
So yes, even though it was a rather uneventful day, I was still able to observe and learn a few things...
1) The rain obviously contains some sort of chemical that when breathed into 99% of people's lungs causes their brains to turn off while driving a car, truck, minivan, bus, SUV, Hybrid, or any other motorized vehicle allowed on the road. Luckily, or possibly unluckily, I belong to the other 1% that seem to be immune to the effect of the rain, and in turn have to suffer at the hands of these people. I am sorry, but just because there is a little bit of water dropping from the sky, does that mean you can not go the speed limit and need to constantly hit your breaks for miles on end???
2) It doesn't really matter what type of car you drive, it means nothing towards the type of person or driver you are. You could be an old man in a convertible sports car, you still drive like an old man. You could be a rich middle-aged woman in a BMW you are still parked in the left lane going 5 miles under the speed limit talking on your cell phone. And you may be a 20-something guy driving a Mustang/Lexus/Camaro/Civic, you are still a meat head who will try and race off the line at a red light only to have to wear out your brakes to stop at the red light at the next intersection.
So yes, even though it was a rather uneventful day, I was still able to observe and learn a few things...
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
The Music in Her
My daughter has become my pseudo DJ whenever we are in the car. She requests...let me rephrase that, she TELLS me what she wants to listen to whenever we are driving. It has become quite comical, as well as a bit frustrating at time, but I must say that I adore the love that she is showing to have for music.
Her musical taste is mighty eclectic, as is a direct reflection of my wife and I. Her favorite musicians include 3 Doors Down, Metallica, Staind, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Billy Joel, just to name a few. She will, at any moment, tell out that she wants to hear one of the above mentioned artists, but not just by name but also certain songs (eg. "Piano Man", "Kryptonite") and sometimes by which track number ("The beginning song Daddy!"). But what I find most intriguing is how she will sit stone-faced the first time she hears a song/CD and then ask for it to be repeated over and over again. I finally realized she was doing this because she was trying to listen to the lyrics and memorize them (thus one Saturday afternoon several weeks ago when we had to listen to "On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez about 25 times).
In addition to loving to listen to and memorizing songs, I have noticed that she will also at times start tapping her hands on her lap as if playing with the drum beat, or strum her hand as if playing the guitar, things no doubt she learned by watching me as I am driving. She truly does have the music in her, and it makes me a very proud Daddy...
Her musical taste is mighty eclectic, as is a direct reflection of my wife and I. Her favorite musicians include 3 Doors Down, Metallica, Staind, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, and Billy Joel, just to name a few. She will, at any moment, tell out that she wants to hear one of the above mentioned artists, but not just by name but also certain songs (eg. "Piano Man", "Kryptonite") and sometimes by which track number ("The beginning song Daddy!"). But what I find most intriguing is how she will sit stone-faced the first time she hears a song/CD and then ask for it to be repeated over and over again. I finally realized she was doing this because she was trying to listen to the lyrics and memorize them (thus one Saturday afternoon several weeks ago when we had to listen to "On the Floor" by Jennifer Lopez about 25 times).
In addition to loving to listen to and memorizing songs, I have noticed that she will also at times start tapping her hands on her lap as if playing with the drum beat, or strum her hand as if playing the guitar, things no doubt she learned by watching me as I am driving. She truly does have the music in her, and it makes me a very proud Daddy...
Thursday, October 13, 2011
All HOPE
You see, no one can complain that Obama isn't doing what he had promised to in his campaign, nor can they say it was false advertising. You see, the bumper sticker slogan says it all, HOPE. When I look at this picture, I see the mindset that is taking us down. What most people who ended up voting for him say in this picture was "I will give you hope for a better future". But what I see, and I think it is becoming the reality as the days go by, is that it means "Let's hope that I can do a better job than the last guy". Unfortunately, not only is he not doing a better job and getting us out of a very troubling situation, but he is actually doing the opposite.
Think back to when you were a child, whether it be at home or school or any organization you were part of, and the meaning of words. When you are in athletics or any competitive activity, do they teach you to "hope" you go out and do well? No, they tell you to believe in yourself and think positively that you can get it done. No one goes out and says "I hope I can win today", or "I hope I can do my job". It is almost as if this slogan gives a built-in excuse, the ability to say "hey, I told you to HOPE I could do it".
The future of this country should not be built on HOPE, it should be built on knowledge and confidence. Hoping that we can get out of the troubles that our country is in is not going to do it. Hoping we can put people back to work and get our of the Middle East and stabilize the economy isn't going to make it happen. The country was convinced by the media and ad campaigns that by voting for Obama this gave you HOPE of a brighter future, but in the end shouldn't we trust our country in the hands of knowledge and confidence instead of HOPE??? so maybe this next election we can vote for someone who isn't HOPING to do a good job...
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