The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

I thought I'd take some time away from the crazy world of politics and write about one of my loves, one of the things which helps keep me reasonably sane despite the before-mentioned craziness - music. I have a wide range of likes when it comes to music. Growing up, my mom preferred to listen to oldies, while my dad opted for classic rock, and my family in Michigan listened to, what else, but Motown. My brother involved himself in jazz band, introduced me to some alternative rock bands. A few friends of mine enjoyed rap and/or country. Through it all, I've come to enjoy at least a few songs from every genre, including country, which is without question my least favorite style of music. Even so, though, I can't help but feel like rock 'n' roll runs through my veins. I loved it when I was a child and my dad played: Boston, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Alice Cooper, The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Aerosmith from his record player, and I've been hooked ever since....

While I'm not a fan of hyperboles, the World Series this year was incredible! Not only was the series incredible, the deciding game - Game 7 - may have been the best such game I've ever seen in the sport. It featured everything: Comebacks, coaching mistakes, rain delays, clutch homers, soon-to-be retirees making critical plays, exhausted pitchers attempting to give more than their capacity, unheard of players making a difference, and a team winning their first championship in 108 years. I'd like to tip my hat to all the players and coaches involved in this year's World Series. To Joe Maddon, Terry Francona, and the rest of the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians, thanks for a classic series. Sporting such young and talented teams, I'm sure we'll be seeing more of this in the future. Best of luck in the offseason and next season, and thanks again. Cubs and Indians fans all over should feel proud.

I admit, I'm an American and wasn't much exposed to them until about four years ago. So, yes, I'm a bit of a newbie. However, in the past four years, I have been a bit obsessive with listening to their music and I can say at this point in time, they are my favorite band, past or present (or future...). I would also like to admit, although I am a newbie, I have helped provide Muse with a number of new fans, including those 50 and older. ::pats self on back::. I even went to two concerts of theirs over the past year. I had to sell two tickets for the show in Columbus, Ohio (long story) and one of the individuals I sold the ticket to, an older gentleman, said it was by far and away the best concert he had ever seen and he has been witness to many. I've been witness to my fair share of good shows for my age: Elton John/Billy Joel, Kiss/Ted Nugent/Skid Row, Alice Cooper/Blue Oyster Cult, Marilyn Manson/Stabbing Westward/Stain'd/Buckcherry, Metallica, Def Leppard, Aeros...