Slayer classic

When it comes to bands with energy to bottle, this video clip from 1990 shows what Slayer was doing a long time ago. These concerts were a joy to experience before anyone understood the incredible feeling they conveyed.

TRIVIA FACT: In the first Persian Gulf War, many Air Force pilots would get psyched up by listening to Slayer before unleashing bombs on Iraq.

Pop punk energy

My bassist told me to check out the bio and history of The Offspring, a band that has been very successful at the pop punk format popular with the kids these days. Frontman Dexter Holland skipped out of a PhD program to dedicate his time to the band as it gained momentum and now they've sold over 30 million albums and toured extensively.

Their production quality and simple riff structures work effectively in this format and allow a genuine California energy to emerge. The music is a powerful mix of angst, hope, determination, frustration working towards harmony, and a desire to break free of monotonous destructive patterns, while lyrics range widely and often discuss social issues without sugar coating them.

I'm not sure what lasting effects this potent combination will have, but the energy in the second half of this live performance is worth bottling.

Alice in Chains underrated

The lasting relevance of Alice in Chains suggests they were underrated while active. Their reformation is just to get more money from old material but previous recordings capture their best moments.

Richard Dawkins on belief systems

Richard Dawkins explains that someone's assumptions about cultural norms does not provide any certainty, but the foundation of such beliefs must be open to inspection.

Squirrels will do anything for food

After surviving an extended squirrel invasion of my home in Albany, I can testify that these pesky creatures sure are determined.

http://www.maniacworld.com/squirrel-obstacle-course.html

How the world burns

It is interesting to see that a video once considered "outrageous" and "shocking" is now seen as tame, boring, and cliche-ridden. Yet the musical feat remains impressive.