Echoes: Censorship
Responses posted on January 19, 2006:
Comment submitted by Marie:
It irks me that this country is in another Falwellian conservative Christian phase. The "Moral Majority"- don't make me laugh. Just another WASP attempt to maintain control and accumulate power.
One of the few things I can't stand is dogmatism. Of course, the other end of that spectrum is blanket relativism which is also stupid. I prefer people who stay in the middle, between blind obedience to an ideology and an uber-hippie endorsement for people to just do "whatever rocks their boat." I mean, c'mon people, you can't say that the infanticide of baby girls is okay because it's part of their culture; there have to be some universal morals, or we wouldn't be civilized human beings.
Here's where the - quoting Todd Snider- "Conservative Christian right-wing Republican straight white American males" come in. They're dogmatists, but what's worse is that they actually have the power and means to Christianize our government- executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Don't get me wrong, Christianity can be a good thing and encourage virtues including charity, acceptance, education and just plain ol' neighborliness (though the "acceptance" bit seems to be faltering in the issue of homosexuality). But Christians have a looong history of enforcing their ideology on the unwilling: the Crusades, Junipero Serra, Born-Again Christians. (Speaking of which, our current president falls into that category. One of my college history profs told us that Daddy Bush had Billy Graham personally convert Junior while he was in jail for a DUI.)
But these WASPs running the government (all three houses) are of the category colloquially referred to as "close-minded fuddy-duddies." Abortion is wrong, sex is wrong (except for the purpose of procreation within a hetero marriage), drugs are wrong (hypocrisy); exploitative free trade is to be encouraged, as is the death penalty, de facto segregation (I wouldn't be too surprised if the Repubs attempt to resurrect de jure segregation in a few years), de-gayification (because homos are just perverts that can be "helped"), privatized health care (to allow the lowest classes to die of simple neglect), and other stupid shit.
We've only had one Catholic president (who was assassinated) because nobody likes the idea that the President of the United States could be a puppet of the Pope. But the ideas of conservative Christianity, in my humble opinion, coincide with those of the Catholic Church- the only difference is that in Protestantism anyone can interpret the writings in the Bible and preach his message without getting beaten with the gilded staffs of the Papal hierarchy. Our government is on the path of becoming a theocracy, and the only difference I see between the Pope and Pat Robertson is that the Pope (at least the late John Paul II) is more educated and in favor of peace.
With the these Christian Republicans having the majority of power in the government, does censorship of American media really come as a shock? These are all rich guys who own substantial shares of international corporations and media conglomerates. They are the owners of the forces of production and they'll pacify the Liberals with Will & Grace as long as they'll sell more deodorant and vacuum cleaners. They are going to make decisions that benefit their stock portfolios. (e.g. Halliburton (and Cheney) benefiting from the U.S. occupation of Iraq.)
Reply from Brian:
"Heores don't accept the world for the way it is, that's why we fight...... to change it for the better."
For the boys in washington, just remember every time someone comes foward and speaks about morality and the evils that plague our country.... the night before they were with hookers doing drugs and probably arranged for the hooker to be killed afterwards.....
As for religion i give this example: one of my favorite films all time is the movie Dogma, and in the film they give what i feel was the perfect understanding of religion: that it shouldn't be a belief, it should be an idea. see a belief is something that you would fight and die for without a full understanding of what you're fighting and dying for, but an idea is flexible, it's something that can change as we grow and it's something that in turn helps to create our character.
Finally as for our president, Robin WIlliams said it best: "Some men are born great, Others achieve greatness.... and some just get it as a graduation present from daddy."
Question submitted by The Crazy One:
I challenge you with this problem, solve it if you dare!!!!!!
Train A leaves the station traveling at 30 miles per hour. Two hours later Train B leaves the same station travelling in the same direction at 40 miles per hour. how long does it take for Train B to catch up to Train A? (show all work)
Response from Brian:
It will take six hours for Train B to catch up to Train A......
Work shown:
Where t= number of hours the trains were traveling:
30 miles/hour * t hours= 30t miles
40 miles/hour * (t-2) hours= 40(t-2) miles
30t = 40(t-2)
30t = 40(-2 t)
30t = (-2 * 40 t * 40)
30t = (-80 40t)
30t = -80 40t
30t -40t = -80 40t -40t
30t -40t = -10t
-10t = -80 40t -40t
40t -40t = 0
-10t = -80 0
-10t = -80
t = 8
8 - 2 = 6
Didn't expect that now did you..... Bitch!!
Comment submitted by Harlean:
an echo...
what I find most interesting is that in all this talk about censorship, everyone seems to want to overlook one very crucial point; no one has ever said "you can't do that." they have only said "you can't do that HERE, in this particular forum." no, Ms. Jackson, you can't bare your breasts on public television, however you are more than welcome to bare them on cable or in magazines, if baring your breasts to the American public ranks high on your list of priorities, then the means are available for you to do so and I for one say more power to you. no, Mr. Stern, you can't say that on public radio, but you are more than welcome to say it on satellite radio, the means are available to you to say whatever you'd like and again, I say more power to you. but what Ms. Jackson and Mr. Stern seem bound and determined to not acknowledge is this; there are numerous places in this world where if they were to try to conduct their business in the way they conduct it here, they would not be fined, they would not be censored, chances are they would be imprisoned and quite possibly executed.
all of which is my very long-winded way of saying that I'm tired of hearing that the greatest thing about America is that we're all free to talk all the shit we want about how terrible America is. yes, anyone who wants to say that has the right to say it, and I will defend with my dying breath their right to say it. but anyone who does say it might want to take a moment to consider the inherent flaw in the logic of that statement.
which brings to mind a statement once made by one of the great men who made this whole country possible, Mr. Thomas Jefferson. his words were this:
"Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things."
so to Ms. Jackson, Mr. Stern, and anyone else who wishes to listen, I would like to say this; don't go out of your way to be deliberately offensive in public and then act surprised when people are offended and someone tries to limit the area over which your offense can be spread. no one is saying "you can't do that." they are merely saying "you can do it, but I don't want to see or hear it, so do it somewhere other than in my front yard."
or, to put it more succinctly, I'll throw in another quote: "your right to swing your fist ends where the other man's nose begins."
Reply from Brian:
WOW....An incredible reply that speaks volumes of Harlean's character where she speaks her mind to the fullest and isn't afraid of the truth or the consequences........ I think I'm turned on......... yep I'm turned on.
Question submitted by the music man:
What are you listening to right as you're doing these emails???
Reply from Brian:
Currently playing: Aphex Twin: Omgyiya Switch 7 off the Drukqs album.
A great album that displays Richard James' true genius, it's an album i highly recommend, but it's one that you must learn to listen for it's serene beauty liying within the intensity........ try Vordhosbn as an example....
Comment subimtted by Tessa:
Wow you were right that was a great topic to start with. I love Howard and feel the same about censorship in america if you don't like it, look the other way, change the station. People are so crazy.
Reply from Brian:
I'm a huge Howard fan too and wish him all the best with Sirius, hopefully soon i'll get a satillite radio and continue to enjoy their show without censorship, plus I heard George Takei on the first week was hilarious....
And yes some people do need to lighten up........................... hopefully one day they will. and also a Baba-booey to you all !!!
Question submitted by Jaime:
So what's the progress on "A Beautiful Tragedy"???
Reply from Brian:
I'm sorry to say that "A Beautiful Tragedy" will not be playing anywhere, anytime soon.........
"A.B.T." was a collabrative effort for a band started by my brother Draven and I back in our teens, we modeled the outline of the band after Korn, NIN, Tool, Slipknot. so it showed great promise. I was going to be the front man and in my senior year of high school i had begun writing and within two and a half years i had already written close to four full albums worth of material...... Draven was slated to do all drum work but before we took it seriously he moved to Phoenix and everything was on hold.
so now the only actual member is .....Myself, but with no leads on any other members and a major case of writer's block since '04, there was nothing more that could be done.............
but this story still isn't over........ lately i have had a recent surge of creativity so i'm slowly wrtiing again and Draven is working on moving back to Cali for good..... so who knows maybe someday we can share this dream with you all............
To finish each installment of "Echos" i'm reviving the beloved:"Brian's Top Ten", a list of all the ten songs that influenced me for this week or just great songs i believe are worth listening to at least once..... and now in no particular order...... "Brian's Top Ten":
1. "Money"- Velvet Revolver: a cover of the legendary Pink Floyd classic, VR does the song justice, not sinking or rasing the bar, they just meet it. and that is all i ask when doing a cover.
2. "Eulogy"- Tool: Upon hearing the news that Tool will finally release a new album by this spring, i decieded to go back and re-examine their entire catalog and came across this as one of my absolute favorite songs...
3. "You're All I've Got Tonight"- Smashing Pumpkins: The Pumpkins released an album called "Rarities And B-Sides" which is just loaded to the top with enough rare gems and alternate versions of classic tunes to last any fan for a lifetime, inside this was one of the songs that truly spoke to me, it's simple, it's short and it's good. i often hit the replay button over and over again just to make that overall rockin moment last for at least five minutes....
4. "Fanatica"- Eisbrecher: Is it so wrong that i like german music ???, I think not. While Eisbrecher at first reminds anyone who hears it of Rammstein, it slowly heads in a different direction, since it's not just German Industrial but instead German Industrial/ Techno. truly.... some good shit.
5. "Red And Violet"- Kidney Thieves: I will forever say that the Kidney Thieves were one of the most underrated Indusrtial bands ever!!!! this, their final track before parting ways shows the undeniable singing ability of lead singer Free Dominguez. was only available by mail order on two CD'S one a greatest hits collection and the other a live album, both i acquired without question and i haven't been disapointed yet... as for lead singer Free Dominguez i wish her all the best with her new solo album.
6. " Outsider (Apocalyspe Remix)"- A Perfect Circle: On a Whim i decieded to buy this Remix album of APC and i found this one track that gave me an idea of what would happen if you fuse both of Maynard's bands APC AND Tool in a mash up. And i must say that i enjoyed the results....
7. "Vorhosbn"- Aphex Twin: As i mentioned earlier, Richard James is a genius. as the song begins, it displays true intensity and gradually it slows but i often find myself getting lost in the moment, British Ambient music can be many things: peaceful, violent, about life, about death. so beyond comprehension and yet sometimes so simple......... that's why i enjoy it.
8. "Release Me"- Infected Mushroom: We're going Global this week not only are we covering German Industrial/ Techno, and British Ambience, but now we can include Israelian Goa Trance.
I know my brother would agree with me in saying that IM is truly a great standout duo, we came across them last month through one of our best friends Dreamer, and instantly we went head over heels for IM, soon i ventured out and acquired the entire catalog within a week. and this track really stuck out for me and it also features dialoge from the film "Independence Day" so if you can check this shit out!!!!!!!
9. "Love Is Not Enough (Live At Rehearsal)"- Nine Inch Nails: I had the privilege of seeing NIN in concert back in Nov. and they started out the show with this song which i admit at first didn't wow me, but hearing it live really surprised me then when i came across this live version on CD i knew that this was truly a great song, and everytime i hear it i'm reminded of that live show.... and the kicks i recieved on the back of my head.......
10. "Clone Your Lover"- Zeromancer: And we conclude our global tour with Iceland's very own Zeromancer, another group i was introduced by my brother which i really liked right away, it was an intresting fusion of Rock and Electronica that really stands out on it's own, but then sometimes the best surprises are just a hop across the pond.......
And that concludes this week's edition of "Echos of the Factor", of course any questions, comments, Etc. please send them in and we'll see you soon............
Comment submitted by Marie:
It irks me that this country is in another Falwellian conservative Christian phase. The "Moral Majority"- don't make me laugh. Just another WASP attempt to maintain control and accumulate power.
One of the few things I can't stand is dogmatism. Of course, the other end of that spectrum is blanket relativism which is also stupid. I prefer people who stay in the middle, between blind obedience to an ideology and an uber-hippie endorsement for people to just do "whatever rocks their boat." I mean, c'mon people, you can't say that the infanticide of baby girls is okay because it's part of their culture; there have to be some universal morals, or we wouldn't be civilized human beings.
Here's where the - quoting Todd Snider- "Conservative Christian right-wing Republican straight white American males" come in. They're dogmatists, but what's worse is that they actually have the power and means to Christianize our government- executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Don't get me wrong, Christianity can be a good thing and encourage virtues including charity, acceptance, education and just plain ol' neighborliness (though the "acceptance" bit seems to be faltering in the issue of homosexuality). But Christians have a looong history of enforcing their ideology on the unwilling: the Crusades, Junipero Serra, Born-Again Christians. (Speaking of which, our current president falls into that category. One of my college history profs told us that Daddy Bush had Billy Graham personally convert Junior while he was in jail for a DUI.)
But these WASPs running the government (all three houses) are of the category colloquially referred to as "close-minded fuddy-duddies." Abortion is wrong, sex is wrong (except for the purpose of procreation within a hetero marriage), drugs are wrong (hypocrisy); exploitative free trade is to be encouraged, as is the death penalty, de facto segregation (I wouldn't be too surprised if the Repubs attempt to resurrect de jure segregation in a few years), de-gayification (because homos are just perverts that can be "helped"), privatized health care (to allow the lowest classes to die of simple neglect), and other stupid shit.
We've only had one Catholic president (who was assassinated) because nobody likes the idea that the President of the United States could be a puppet of the Pope. But the ideas of conservative Christianity, in my humble opinion, coincide with those of the Catholic Church- the only difference is that in Protestantism anyone can interpret the writings in the Bible and preach his message without getting beaten with the gilded staffs of the Papal hierarchy. Our government is on the path of becoming a theocracy, and the only difference I see between the Pope and Pat Robertson is that the Pope (at least the late John Paul II) is more educated and in favor of peace.
With the these Christian Republicans having the majority of power in the government, does censorship of American media really come as a shock? These are all rich guys who own substantial shares of international corporations and media conglomerates. They are the owners of the forces of production and they'll pacify the Liberals with Will & Grace as long as they'll sell more deodorant and vacuum cleaners. They are going to make decisions that benefit their stock portfolios. (e.g. Halliburton (and Cheney) benefiting from the U.S. occupation of Iraq.)
Reply from Brian:
"Heores don't accept the world for the way it is, that's why we fight...... to change it for the better."
For the boys in washington, just remember every time someone comes foward and speaks about morality and the evils that plague our country.... the night before they were with hookers doing drugs and probably arranged for the hooker to be killed afterwards.....
As for religion i give this example: one of my favorite films all time is the movie Dogma, and in the film they give what i feel was the perfect understanding of religion: that it shouldn't be a belief, it should be an idea. see a belief is something that you would fight and die for without a full understanding of what you're fighting and dying for, but an idea is flexible, it's something that can change as we grow and it's something that in turn helps to create our character.
Finally as for our president, Robin WIlliams said it best: "Some men are born great, Others achieve greatness.... and some just get it as a graduation present from daddy."
Question submitted by The Crazy One:
I challenge you with this problem, solve it if you dare!!!!!!
Train A leaves the station traveling at 30 miles per hour. Two hours later Train B leaves the same station travelling in the same direction at 40 miles per hour. how long does it take for Train B to catch up to Train A? (show all work)
Response from Brian:
It will take six hours for Train B to catch up to Train A......
Work shown:
Where t= number of hours the trains were traveling:
30 miles/hour * t hours= 30t miles
40 miles/hour * (t-2) hours= 40(t-2) miles
30t = 40(t-2)
30t = 40(-2 t)
30t = (-2 * 40 t * 40)
30t = (-80 40t)
30t = -80 40t
30t -40t = -80 40t -40t
30t -40t = -10t
-10t = -80 40t -40t
40t -40t = 0
-10t = -80 0
-10t = -80
t = 8
8 - 2 = 6
Didn't expect that now did you..... Bitch!!
Comment submitted by Harlean:
an echo...
what I find most interesting is that in all this talk about censorship, everyone seems to want to overlook one very crucial point; no one has ever said "you can't do that." they have only said "you can't do that HERE, in this particular forum." no, Ms. Jackson, you can't bare your breasts on public television, however you are more than welcome to bare them on cable or in magazines, if baring your breasts to the American public ranks high on your list of priorities, then the means are available for you to do so and I for one say more power to you. no, Mr. Stern, you can't say that on public radio, but you are more than welcome to say it on satellite radio, the means are available to you to say whatever you'd like and again, I say more power to you. but what Ms. Jackson and Mr. Stern seem bound and determined to not acknowledge is this; there are numerous places in this world where if they were to try to conduct their business in the way they conduct it here, they would not be fined, they would not be censored, chances are they would be imprisoned and quite possibly executed.
all of which is my very long-winded way of saying that I'm tired of hearing that the greatest thing about America is that we're all free to talk all the shit we want about how terrible America is. yes, anyone who wants to say that has the right to say it, and I will defend with my dying breath their right to say it. but anyone who does say it might want to take a moment to consider the inherent flaw in the logic of that statement.
which brings to mind a statement once made by one of the great men who made this whole country possible, Mr. Thomas Jefferson. his words were this:
"Let us restore to social intercourse that harmony and affection without which liberty and even life itself are but dreary things."
so to Ms. Jackson, Mr. Stern, and anyone else who wishes to listen, I would like to say this; don't go out of your way to be deliberately offensive in public and then act surprised when people are offended and someone tries to limit the area over which your offense can be spread. no one is saying "you can't do that." they are merely saying "you can do it, but I don't want to see or hear it, so do it somewhere other than in my front yard."
or, to put it more succinctly, I'll throw in another quote: "your right to swing your fist ends where the other man's nose begins."
Reply from Brian:
WOW....An incredible reply that speaks volumes of Harlean's character where she speaks her mind to the fullest and isn't afraid of the truth or the consequences........ I think I'm turned on......... yep I'm turned on.
Question submitted by the music man:
What are you listening to right as you're doing these emails???
Reply from Brian:
Currently playing: Aphex Twin: Omgyiya Switch 7 off the Drukqs album.
A great album that displays Richard James' true genius, it's an album i highly recommend, but it's one that you must learn to listen for it's serene beauty liying within the intensity........ try Vordhosbn as an example....
Comment subimtted by Tessa:
Wow you were right that was a great topic to start with. I love Howard and feel the same about censorship in america if you don't like it, look the other way, change the station. People are so crazy.
Reply from Brian:
I'm a huge Howard fan too and wish him all the best with Sirius, hopefully soon i'll get a satillite radio and continue to enjoy their show without censorship, plus I heard George Takei on the first week was hilarious....
And yes some people do need to lighten up........................... hopefully one day they will. and also a Baba-booey to you all !!!
Question submitted by Jaime:
So what's the progress on "A Beautiful Tragedy"???
Reply from Brian:
I'm sorry to say that "A Beautiful Tragedy" will not be playing anywhere, anytime soon.........
"A.B.T." was a collabrative effort for a band started by my brother Draven and I back in our teens, we modeled the outline of the band after Korn, NIN, Tool, Slipknot. so it showed great promise. I was going to be the front man and in my senior year of high school i had begun writing and within two and a half years i had already written close to four full albums worth of material...... Draven was slated to do all drum work but before we took it seriously he moved to Phoenix and everything was on hold.
so now the only actual member is .....Myself, but with no leads on any other members and a major case of writer's block since '04, there was nothing more that could be done.............
but this story still isn't over........ lately i have had a recent surge of creativity so i'm slowly wrtiing again and Draven is working on moving back to Cali for good..... so who knows maybe someday we can share this dream with you all............
To finish each installment of "Echos" i'm reviving the beloved:"Brian's Top Ten", a list of all the ten songs that influenced me for this week or just great songs i believe are worth listening to at least once..... and now in no particular order...... "Brian's Top Ten":
1. "Money"- Velvet Revolver: a cover of the legendary Pink Floyd classic, VR does the song justice, not sinking or rasing the bar, they just meet it. and that is all i ask when doing a cover.
2. "Eulogy"- Tool: Upon hearing the news that Tool will finally release a new album by this spring, i decieded to go back and re-examine their entire catalog and came across this as one of my absolute favorite songs...
3. "You're All I've Got Tonight"- Smashing Pumpkins: The Pumpkins released an album called "Rarities And B-Sides" which is just loaded to the top with enough rare gems and alternate versions of classic tunes to last any fan for a lifetime, inside this was one of the songs that truly spoke to me, it's simple, it's short and it's good. i often hit the replay button over and over again just to make that overall rockin moment last for at least five minutes....
4. "Fanatica"- Eisbrecher: Is it so wrong that i like german music ???, I think not. While Eisbrecher at first reminds anyone who hears it of Rammstein, it slowly heads in a different direction, since it's not just German Industrial but instead German Industrial/ Techno. truly.... some good shit.
5. "Red And Violet"- Kidney Thieves: I will forever say that the Kidney Thieves were one of the most underrated Indusrtial bands ever!!!! this, their final track before parting ways shows the undeniable singing ability of lead singer Free Dominguez. was only available by mail order on two CD'S one a greatest hits collection and the other a live album, both i acquired without question and i haven't been disapointed yet... as for lead singer Free Dominguez i wish her all the best with her new solo album.
6. " Outsider (Apocalyspe Remix)"- A Perfect Circle: On a Whim i decieded to buy this Remix album of APC and i found this one track that gave me an idea of what would happen if you fuse both of Maynard's bands APC AND Tool in a mash up. And i must say that i enjoyed the results....
7. "Vorhosbn"- Aphex Twin: As i mentioned earlier, Richard James is a genius. as the song begins, it displays true intensity and gradually it slows but i often find myself getting lost in the moment, British Ambient music can be many things: peaceful, violent, about life, about death. so beyond comprehension and yet sometimes so simple......... that's why i enjoy it.
8. "Release Me"- Infected Mushroom: We're going Global this week not only are we covering German Industrial/ Techno, and British Ambience, but now we can include Israelian Goa Trance.
I know my brother would agree with me in saying that IM is truly a great standout duo, we came across them last month through one of our best friends Dreamer, and instantly we went head over heels for IM, soon i ventured out and acquired the entire catalog within a week. and this track really stuck out for me and it also features dialoge from the film "Independence Day" so if you can check this shit out!!!!!!!
9. "Love Is Not Enough (Live At Rehearsal)"- Nine Inch Nails: I had the privilege of seeing NIN in concert back in Nov. and they started out the show with this song which i admit at first didn't wow me, but hearing it live really surprised me then when i came across this live version on CD i knew that this was truly a great song, and everytime i hear it i'm reminded of that live show.... and the kicks i recieved on the back of my head.......
10. "Clone Your Lover"- Zeromancer: And we conclude our global tour with Iceland's very own Zeromancer, another group i was introduced by my brother which i really liked right away, it was an intresting fusion of Rock and Electronica that really stands out on it's own, but then sometimes the best surprises are just a hop across the pond.......
And that concludes this week's edition of "Echos of the Factor", of course any questions, comments, Etc. please send them in and we'll see you soon............
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