Is it just me, or is music these days getting less and less talented? All it seems you have to do these days is take three easy chords and write catchy lyrics (that don't even have to have meaning or make sense) and you have yourself a smash hit. Gone are the days, for me at least, when music would take you to a different world or spark your imagination. The days when people wrote about anything and everything and the guitar work was something that kids today, like me, 30 years later would marvel over. Now it seems to be all too much about the same topics. If it isnt a rap song that talks about money cars and drugs, it's a "rock" song (well, it really isn't rock to me) that's about going through a break up or about how much life sucks, even though alot of those artists grew up in middle class America.
Although it may not seem all that controversial, I'm sure there are many people that would strike back with a response defending their position on the matter. It just doesn't seem like it's about the music anymore, just about selling records and being "rockstars", a term that is thrown around very loosely in this day and age. Back in the 70's and 80's, bands like Led Zeppelin, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Metallica, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd and The Eagles all wrote songs that had very profound meanings, that ranged from gun control, ballads about war, love, and even sociological issues that question the fabric of society. Where are these themes now? Maybe I'm just overlooking the songs out there today, but until I hear some good retalliation to this, this is where I stand.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Sex or Violence?
Sex or violence? This is a ad that could be seen as controversial in two different ways. Could it be a reference to oral sex, or rather to the idea that the sandwich is a gun? In my opinion, my thoughts are leaning more towards oral sex, based on the sole fact that the name of the sandwich is named "the seven incher".Really, it can be controversial based on which way you look at it. But regardless, as funny as this ad may be, does this need to be seen by children? Not to mention the fact that people of the more serious type may not find this amusing at all when they see this ad sprawled out on a wall somewhere. Woman may also see this ad as demeaning to woman in a sexual way, and that's not fair for women to be viewed publicly in this way.
As far as effectiveness goes, I'm not exactly sure how many people are going to want to eat a sandwich called the seven incher. Personally, I don't find it very appealing to me. However, putting the name aside, men may find this ad sexually appealing and might possibly pay a visit to bk.
So whichever side people try to take on whether or not this picture is controversial, you have to admit that it's going to raise more than a few eyebrows. Whether it's sex or violence, it is most certainly something to debate about.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Hard Climb Up
Ask anyone in Walkersville where the best place to get a good sit-down meal or a nice cold beer, and chances are they'll direct you to The Village Tavern. The Tavern, as it's called locally for short, sits in the Safeway Shopping center sandwiched between CVS and David's Hair Salon. Its warm atmosphere and outstanding customer service have drawn people from all over Frederick County since 1987. But beyond what the customer sees in the dining room, there lies a battlefield in the back that is the workplace to a brigade of good workers and leaders, who fight hard in the trenches of grills and fryers to serve hundreds of hungry patrons. One of these people, Tony Riley, has been among the ranks of these workers for over a decade and now is commander of this prestigious kitchen, and his journey to the top of the ladder was no walk through the park.
I have known Tony for a good four years, as he was the one who interviewed and hired me back in my high school days. Today, he is in his usual form, laid back and full of laughs, his sarcastic remarks to what people say to him make me laugh as I stand there, prepared to ask him a few questions. As he skins carrots, I noticed something I never have before about him. Despite his short stature, he carries a level of intimidation and power that one can only see in a person who has been a leader for quite some time. He looks back and forth between me and the carrots, two earrings in each ear swinging with his head every time he looks back. When I ask him how long his tenure at the Tavern has lasted, he paused to think, crinkling his forehead on his face that looks like it would suit an officer in the military. "Since '97" he replies after a few seconds. With orders starting to come in, he puts the interview on hold for a moment as he sets up the plates for the food.
Tony quickly starts throwing corn beef and sauerkraut on the flat top for a Reuben and chuckles as I ask him what he does in his spare time. With no hesitation, he says "Call of Duty", a video game that I've come to find can be very addicting. In a more serious tone, he tells me about how much he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter Summer. He only gets weekends with her, so he cherishes that time alot. For a moment it reminded me of my father, and how he felt under the same circumstances as Tony.
Steering towards more work related questions, he says "trying to keep everyone happy" is the hardest part of his job. His responses are consistently short but to-the-point answers, as was when I asked what he would change about his job. "This is a hard one" Tony said, still working on orders, trying to balance his concentration between the orders and I. After a few seconds, once he got back to focus, he replied with a smile, "I'd like to make more money, but who wouldn't want that? Maybe stay open for breakfast, too." From my years knowing Tony, this is kind of an answer I expected, so I asked a question that piqued at my curiosity. I wanted to know if he wasn't working here, where would he be working instead? To my surprise, he said the armed forces. "Because it would provide me with a better structured set of goals," he replied. Very mature answer I thought, and I felt a little bit of pity that he didn't get to do that.
Curious about how long it took to get to his position at head cook, he took me back to April 2004, a huge turning point in the history of The Village Tavern. On April 4th, 2004, Dennis Murray, the owner of the Tavern at the time, suffered medical problems and died in his place of business. His wife took over control and still owns it to this day. It was at this time that a few employees left because it wasn’t the same for them anymore, for anybody. One of them, the head cook at the time, decided to call it quits as well. This is where Tony took a huge step up to kitchen manager. He's been there ever since.
For me, Tony's story at the tavern tells a tale of dedication, to take having no education past high school and make the best out of it. It wasn't an easy path, but what does he enjoy most about his job? "Working with so many personalities and people, and having people show up for work, most of the time." "It's definitely very rewarding and worth all the hard to work to be around some of the best friends and people someone can have."
I have known Tony for a good four years, as he was the one who interviewed and hired me back in my high school days. Today, he is in his usual form, laid back and full of laughs, his sarcastic remarks to what people say to him make me laugh as I stand there, prepared to ask him a few questions. As he skins carrots, I noticed something I never have before about him. Despite his short stature, he carries a level of intimidation and power that one can only see in a person who has been a leader for quite some time. He looks back and forth between me and the carrots, two earrings in each ear swinging with his head every time he looks back. When I ask him how long his tenure at the Tavern has lasted, he paused to think, crinkling his forehead on his face that looks like it would suit an officer in the military. "Since '97" he replies after a few seconds. With orders starting to come in, he puts the interview on hold for a moment as he sets up the plates for the food.
Tony quickly starts throwing corn beef and sauerkraut on the flat top for a Reuben and chuckles as I ask him what he does in his spare time. With no hesitation, he says "Call of Duty", a video game that I've come to find can be very addicting. In a more serious tone, he tells me about how much he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter Summer. He only gets weekends with her, so he cherishes that time alot. For a moment it reminded me of my father, and how he felt under the same circumstances as Tony.
Steering towards more work related questions, he says "trying to keep everyone happy" is the hardest part of his job. His responses are consistently short but to-the-point answers, as was when I asked what he would change about his job. "This is a hard one" Tony said, still working on orders, trying to balance his concentration between the orders and I. After a few seconds, once he got back to focus, he replied with a smile, "I'd like to make more money, but who wouldn't want that? Maybe stay open for breakfast, too." From my years knowing Tony, this is kind of an answer I expected, so I asked a question that piqued at my curiosity. I wanted to know if he wasn't working here, where would he be working instead? To my surprise, he said the armed forces. "Because it would provide me with a better structured set of goals," he replied. Very mature answer I thought, and I felt a little bit of pity that he didn't get to do that.
Curious about how long it took to get to his position at head cook, he took me back to April 2004, a huge turning point in the history of The Village Tavern. On April 4th, 2004, Dennis Murray, the owner of the Tavern at the time, suffered medical problems and died in his place of business. His wife took over control and still owns it to this day. It was at this time that a few employees left because it wasn’t the same for them anymore, for anybody. One of them, the head cook at the time, decided to call it quits as well. This is where Tony took a huge step up to kitchen manager. He's been there ever since.
For me, Tony's story at the tavern tells a tale of dedication, to take having no education past high school and make the best out of it. It wasn't an easy path, but what does he enjoy most about his job? "Working with so many personalities and people, and having people show up for work, most of the time." "It's definitely very rewarding and worth all the hard to work to be around some of the best friends and people someone can have."
The Hard Climb Up
Ask anyone in Walkersville where the best place to get a good sit-down meal or a nice cold beer, and chances are they'll direct you to The Village Tavern. The Tavern, as it's called locally for short, sits in the Safeway Shopping center sandwiched between CVS and David's Hair Salon. Its warm atmosphere and outstanding customer service have drawn people from all over Frederick County since 1987. But beyond what the customer sees in the dining room, there lies a battlefield in the back that is the workplace to a brigade of good workers and leaders, who fight hard in the trenches of grills and fryers to serve hundreds of hungry patrons. One of these people, Tony Riley, has been among the ranks of these workers for over a decade and now is commander of this prestigious kitchen, and his journey to the top of the ladder was no walk through the park.
I have known Tony for a good four years, as he was the one who interviewed and hired me back in my high school days. Today, he is in his usual form, laid back and full of laughs, his sarcastic remarks to what people say to him make me laugh as I stand there, prepared to ask him a few questions. As he skins carrots, I noticed something I never have before about him. Despite his short stature, he carries a level of intimidation and power that one can only see in a person who has been a leader for quite sometime. He looks back and forth between me and the carrots, two earrings in each earswing with his head everytime he looks back. When I ask him how long his tenure at the Tavern has lasted, he paused to think, crinkling his forehead on his face that looks like it would suit an officer in the military. "Since '97" he replies after a few seconds. With orders starting to come in, he puts the interview on hold for a moment as he sets up the plates for the food.
Tony quickly starts throwing corn beef and sourkraut on the flat top for a reuben, and chuckles as I ask him what he does in his spare time. With no hesitation, he says "Call of Duty", a video game that I've come to find can be very addicting. In a more serious tone, he tells me about how much he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter Summer. He only gets weekends with her, so he cherishes that time alot. For a moment it reminded me of my father, and how he felt under the same circumstances as Tony.
Steering towards more work related questions, he says "trying to keep everyone happy" is the hardest part of his job. His responses are consistently short but to-the-point answers, as was when I asked what he would change about his job. "This is a hard one" Tony said, still working on orders, trying to balance his concentration between the orders and I. After a few seconds, once he got back to focus, he replied with a smile, "I'd like to make more money, but who wouldn't want that? Maybe stay open for breakfast, too." From my years knowing Tony, this is kind of an answer I expected, so I asked a question that picqued at my curiosity. I wanted to know if he wasn't working here, where would he be working instead? To my suprise, he said the armed forces. "Because it would provide me with a better structured set of goals," he replied. Very mature answer I thought, and I felt a little bit of pity that he didn't get to do that.
Curious about how long it took to get to his position at head cook, he took me back to April 2004, a huge turing point in the history of The Village Tavern. On April 4th, 2004, Dennis Murray, the owner of the Tavern at the time, suffered medical problems and died in his place of business. His wife took over control and still owns it to this day. It was at this time that a few employees left because it wasnt the same for them anymore, for anybody. One of them, the head cook at the time, decided to call it quits as well. This is where Tony took a huge step up to kitchen manager. He's been there ever since.
For me, Tony's story at the tavern tells a tale of dedication, to take having no education past high school and make the best out of it. It wasn't an easy path, but what does he enjoy most about his job? "Working with so many personalities and people, and having people show up for work, most of the time." "It's definetly very rewarding and worth all the hard to work to be around some of the best friends and people someone can have."
I have known Tony for a good four years, as he was the one who interviewed and hired me back in my high school days. Today, he is in his usual form, laid back and full of laughs, his sarcastic remarks to what people say to him make me laugh as I stand there, prepared to ask him a few questions. As he skins carrots, I noticed something I never have before about him. Despite his short stature, he carries a level of intimidation and power that one can only see in a person who has been a leader for quite sometime. He looks back and forth between me and the carrots, two earrings in each earswing with his head everytime he looks back. When I ask him how long his tenure at the Tavern has lasted, he paused to think, crinkling his forehead on his face that looks like it would suit an officer in the military. "Since '97" he replies after a few seconds. With orders starting to come in, he puts the interview on hold for a moment as he sets up the plates for the food.
Tony quickly starts throwing corn beef and sourkraut on the flat top for a reuben, and chuckles as I ask him what he does in his spare time. With no hesitation, he says "Call of Duty", a video game that I've come to find can be very addicting. In a more serious tone, he tells me about how much he enjoys spending time with his family, especially his daughter Summer. He only gets weekends with her, so he cherishes that time alot. For a moment it reminded me of my father, and how he felt under the same circumstances as Tony.
Steering towards more work related questions, he says "trying to keep everyone happy" is the hardest part of his job. His responses are consistently short but to-the-point answers, as was when I asked what he would change about his job. "This is a hard one" Tony said, still working on orders, trying to balance his concentration between the orders and I. After a few seconds, once he got back to focus, he replied with a smile, "I'd like to make more money, but who wouldn't want that? Maybe stay open for breakfast, too." From my years knowing Tony, this is kind of an answer I expected, so I asked a question that picqued at my curiosity. I wanted to know if he wasn't working here, where would he be working instead? To my suprise, he said the armed forces. "Because it would provide me with a better structured set of goals," he replied. Very mature answer I thought, and I felt a little bit of pity that he didn't get to do that.
Curious about how long it took to get to his position at head cook, he took me back to April 2004, a huge turing point in the history of The Village Tavern. On April 4th, 2004, Dennis Murray, the owner of the Tavern at the time, suffered medical problems and died in his place of business. His wife took over control and still owns it to this day. It was at this time that a few employees left because it wasnt the same for them anymore, for anybody. One of them, the head cook at the time, decided to call it quits as well. This is where Tony took a huge step up to kitchen manager. He's been there ever since.
For me, Tony's story at the tavern tells a tale of dedication, to take having no education past high school and make the best out of it. It wasn't an easy path, but what does he enjoy most about his job? "Working with so many personalities and people, and having people show up for work, most of the time." "It's definetly very rewarding and worth all the hard to work to be around some of the best friends and people someone can have."
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Same Old Song and Dance
Another rising of the sun, and another ordinary morning at Roy Rogers. People are slowly making their ways inside, drawn by the smell of strong coffee and good chicken. As I sit and observe, I come to realize that, like many other institutions open in the morning, Roy Rogers has a routine they go through every day.
A good portion of the people are in their middle thirties and up. Frederick County utility workers seem to love gathering here, spending time with each other before they embark on their hard day of work. Alot of older people come too, people in their golden years coming to get an early breakfast. The smell of sausage gravy and fresh biscuits is music to my nose, as I come to notice the empty void in my stomach needing to be filled.
Waiting in line, I look at the amount of poeple wearing workboots and company jackets. The man in front of me is getting himself just a little cup of coffee, and then heads off to work. As I order my food, I take a good look at the workers. For how early it is, they're pretty carefree and relaxed, laughing at each other and having a good time.
After sitting down with my order, I can't help but notice most people are getting their food togo as they rush to get to work. I knew that I myself had to go back to class, so I quickly scarfed down my food and headed back to my car. It was nice to get out and see what the morning workforce does to prepare for their day.
A good portion of the people are in their middle thirties and up. Frederick County utility workers seem to love gathering here, spending time with each other before they embark on their hard day of work. Alot of older people come too, people in their golden years coming to get an early breakfast. The smell of sausage gravy and fresh biscuits is music to my nose, as I come to notice the empty void in my stomach needing to be filled.
Waiting in line, I look at the amount of poeple wearing workboots and company jackets. The man in front of me is getting himself just a little cup of coffee, and then heads off to work. As I order my food, I take a good look at the workers. For how early it is, they're pretty carefree and relaxed, laughing at each other and having a good time.
After sitting down with my order, I can't help but notice most people are getting their food togo as they rush to get to work. I knew that I myself had to go back to class, so I quickly scarfed down my food and headed back to my car. It was nice to get out and see what the morning workforce does to prepare for their day.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Wonder of the World
It was the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen. As I gazed deep into the Grand Canyon in Arizona, many sweet emotions braced me as my breath was taken away in amazement. It was something like I'd never seen before. The sun was rising over the vast walls and turns of the canyon in a sunrise I could never forget.
My Dad had woken me up at about 4:30 in the morning to go see the canyon. The weather outside was usually around 90 degrees, but was more like 60 this early in the morning. As we drove, the desert and all its plant life zipped by me as we cruised through the flat landscape. The sun hadn't even began to peak over the horizon yet, so for the most part it was still pretty dark.
We made our arrival at the canyon around 6 AM, the sun finally starting to peak. As I climbed out of the car, much to my amazement, I suddenly realized it was now about 30 degrees outside, even with patches of snow on the ground due to the high altitude we were at. I slipped into my sweatshirt and started walking towards the observation point. As I looked down, a huge smile creeped across my face as I was struck with awe.
The walls of the canyon were many different colors, ranging from the typical desert sand color to green and pink. The pink, orange and red sunrise ushered in a sense of euphora as it helped paint the canyon walls with its brilliant, colorful, glow. At the bottom, I observed the Colorado River, which looked so small form my standpoint, wind for miles and miles through the vast canyon.
As I left that day, I took alot with me. I had witnessed one of the greatest natural creations on this planet. From that point forward, I stopped underestimating mother nature and started observing its beauty as it is. I am going to make an effort to hopefully one day, before i bite the dust, to see it in all it's glory once more.
My Dad had woken me up at about 4:30 in the morning to go see the canyon. The weather outside was usually around 90 degrees, but was more like 60 this early in the morning. As we drove, the desert and all its plant life zipped by me as we cruised through the flat landscape. The sun hadn't even began to peak over the horizon yet, so for the most part it was still pretty dark.
We made our arrival at the canyon around 6 AM, the sun finally starting to peak. As I climbed out of the car, much to my amazement, I suddenly realized it was now about 30 degrees outside, even with patches of snow on the ground due to the high altitude we were at. I slipped into my sweatshirt and started walking towards the observation point. As I looked down, a huge smile creeped across my face as I was struck with awe.
The walls of the canyon were many different colors, ranging from the typical desert sand color to green and pink. The pink, orange and red sunrise ushered in a sense of euphora as it helped paint the canyon walls with its brilliant, colorful, glow. At the bottom, I observed the Colorado River, which looked so small form my standpoint, wind for miles and miles through the vast canyon.
As I left that day, I took alot with me. I had witnessed one of the greatest natural creations on this planet. From that point forward, I stopped underestimating mother nature and started observing its beauty as it is. I am going to make an effort to hopefully one day, before i bite the dust, to see it in all it's glory once more.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
"You Know Why You Fall Down? So You Can Get Right Back Up"
This motto, I heard from Lynyrd Skynyrd guitarist Gary Rossington, means that when you get knocked down by life's tough spots, the only thing you can do is get right back on your feet again and move forward. I've seen pressures and hard times, as well as friends passing on. What6 I've learned from all that is that, while it hurts, you just gotta keep looking forward. It does you know good to sit there on the ground and let things keep you down. No longer how long it takes to heal, you just gotta keep your head up and get back on your feet, no matter how bad it gets.
After my friend Thomas died in 2006 by drowning in a flood, it hurt me so bad but it taught me that life is short and to enjoy it while you can, and never to hold anything back. In that sense, I took a terrible situation and put at least a little bit of positivitey in there, which made it alot easier.
After my friend Thomas died in 2006 by drowning in a flood, it hurt me so bad but it taught me that life is short and to enjoy it while you can, and never to hold anything back. In that sense, I took a terrible situation and put at least a little bit of positivitey in there, which made it alot easier.
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