What’s up dudes,

I know that it has been awhile since I have written a blog, let alone a political one, which I know you guys love so much, but something happened this weekend which has directed my fingers to the keyboard of my lap top in order to write what I am about to say.

North Korea has tested it’s second nuclear warhead this past Monday.  Kind of funny that on Memorial day, the day when we take time to honor those who have paid the ultimate price for the freedom that we and others enjoy, we now have to worry that a psycho like Kim Jong-il possessing nuclear weapons.  Now I’m sure that most liberals will say so what, they have the right to have them and most conservatives will say we need to stop them now.  I don’t really want to talk about those arguments.  I want to talk about what that explosion might have woken up.  The sleeping giant of the far east.  I’m talking about Japan.

As most people know, Japan doesn’t have much of a military ever since World War II.  In fact, by law, they are not allowed to have any military, but don’t kid yourself.  The ability of an advanced industrial nation like Japan to stand up and re-arm an army is not to be underestimated.  The Japanese are an honorable people and unlike Americans they can see right from wrong and will not worry about how the enemy is treated.  They will fight to eliminate the enemy, and they will do it without worrying about what the world thinks. 

At one point in recent history, Japan knew that it could depend on the United States should some countries decide to make things uncomfortable for it, but those days are over.  Thanks to a liberal president who thinks that his teleprompter speeches and his TV ready smile can fix everything, I believe that Japan knows that those days are over.  The United States would probably not to a think to help Japan should something happen between that country and North Korea.  I could be wrong, but I really don’t think I am. 

As I type this, North Korea has also tested some short range missiles.  These are missiles that can reach Japan without a problem.  Should Japan feel the need to rebuild its army, watch out world.  Japan is already an economic and social superpower.  It has a history that was built on pride and honor.  These are a warrior people.  All it needs is the ability to raise an army, navy and air force and we will see that fire back in their eyes.  A sleeping giant is starting to stir, and I feel sorry for everyone should it awake.

The Silver Fox      

What’s up dudes,

Before I begin let me apologize for not posting in a week but my computer has been on the fritz and I finally got it fixed.  Now lets get back to the blog…….

So I have many mementoes from all the shows that I have worked and seen.  Autographs, guitar picks, drum sticks, posters, pictures with famous people, you get the drift..  Tons of things that I can look back on and go, “I remember that show.  It was awesome.”  Among all the stuff that I have there are some special things, let me tell you what they are…

-         A piece of a guitar that was smashed on stage and thrown in the audience by Jeff Fava of the Basic Riffs at the Trolling Bones Review show at the Norva.  This was the reunion show that happened last December which featured a bunch of the 80’s bands that played in the area.

-         A “pig radio” which is the focus and part of the cover art for the compact disc, Pig Radio by The Influence.  This was given to me by Matt Stevenson, the lead singer.

-         A guitar pick that was thrown into the audience from a performance by Grant Austin Taylor when he played with the band Better Than Ezra at the Norva.  He was 9 years old at the time.

-         Various posters promoting bands playing at this or that place, including The Soul Haven show featuring The Influence, Superock, Counterfeit Molly, and Still Pink, and a Dimebag Darrell tribute show featuring autographed by the band Dreadline.

-         An autographed picture of the band Left Wing Facist, a local band which had some success in the early 90’s.

-         A limited edition copy of the Uglyography cd Love Boat.  This cd cover is made of wood and bound together with hemp string.  Both the title of the band and the title of the cd are engraved in the wood.

These are just some of the things that I have mixed in with all my other music memories.  You know what these all have in common?  These are all local bands.  That’s right, all local musicians.  All these things mean as much to me as my BB King autograph poster, Ace Frehley autographed solo album or picture of myself with Rob Zombie.  You see, you don’t have to go to see some national act to have great memories of a show.  All you have to do is go to your local bar and you can make some great memories of your own.

Later dudes.

The Silver Fox.      

What’s up dudes,

So it is official my friends, I kind of thought it was, but now I know for sure.  After the last couple of years of ignoring the facts from people like Al Gore, that I was in fact this monster who was bring about the early destruction of our planet.  But after the latest report from the World Health Organization and reports from The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and International Journal of Epidemiology I cant ignore it anymore.  Fat People cause global warming.

Yep, it’s true, I am a fat person.  Well I’m over weight, so that makes me fat, and since these reports all say that fat people are causing global warming.  The thought is that it takes more energy to produce the food that fat people eat and since fat people are lazy, they are more than likely to drive, that of course makes the Co2 level rise, and God forgive me for saying this, makes Al Gore right.

How can I live with myself?  I have started working out and I plan on just learning to live on crumbs so that I can do my part to put an end to global warming.  Now if only Al Gore would move into a more eco-friendly house than George Bush has, and stop flying private jets to speaking engagement, we would get somewhere.  I’m doing my part Al, now how about do yours.

The Silver Fox.  

What’s up dudes.

So check this out dudes and tell me what you think.  I recently had rekindled a friendship with someone from High School.  It was someone that I was really close and I though it was awesome that we could catch up and see how life has been treating us.  I mean, it has been almost 25 years.  So come to find out that she has been reading my blogs and is none too happy.  Turns out she is a liberal and had become very offended by my writings.  Not only did she have problems with my blogs, but she felt that I should have stopped offending her with my right wing views and asked if I was drinking the Kool Aid?  After I told her that I wrote what I wanted, because they were my feelings and that she didn’t have to read it, she wrote back, after she deleted me as a friend.  She told me she apologized for trying to step on my rights to freedom of speech, that I have changed since high school and good luck with spreading the “right wing revisionist history conservative agenda bull crap”.

This is what bothers me about this situation as well as how liberals think, act, and behave.  That as a liberal, you would think that my old friend would be more tolerant of those who believe other than what she believes.  After all, liberals say that everyone should be allowed to live how they want to live.  Right?  You would think that she be open to debate, as she would want to understand how others think and would want others to be understanding of her beliefs.  You would also think that she could agree to disagree.  At least that’s would I would do.  I mean, I like to think that I could be friends with people who I disagree with.  There is more to judge people on other than politics, right?

Well apparently that’s not the case to most left winged true kool aid drinkers.  All they see is your political views.  I guess since I am not a liberal, Im not the caring, trusting, helpful, funny guy that I was in high school.  Now I’m a heartless monster who cares about no one but the greedy white upper class.  The hell with the poor and the down trotted, (of which I am one by the way).  Up with bankers and wall street types.  They are the ones who should be taken care of, (oh btw I believe that your democratic president and your democratic congress has handed over to those same types over a trillion dollars in bail outs). 

Freedom of speech unless you’re a conservative is the motto of liberals.  Look at Jeannine Garofolo or how ever you spell that stupid piece of craps name.  Apparently if you protested at a tax tea party, you’re a racist.  You did it because Obama is black, not because you might disagree with what is going on, just because he is black.  Wow, but when they dogged the hell out of Palin, they weren’t sexist.  Amazing, aint it?  No one was racist when they made fun of Condi Rice were they?  Nah, she was a republican, its ok to make fun of her, or Michael Steele, or any other black who isn’t a liberal.

While it hurts that she would turn her back on me, so be it.  If for some reason your reading this, and you know who you are, I wish you nothing but continued health, success and happiness.  I also hope that you grow up and realize that adults have different opinions, and that’s OK.  Doesn’t mean they are bad people.  Live and let live.  Respect each other.  Care for each other.  Those are more than just words.  Liberals talk a lot about it.  Maybe it’s time they practice what they preach.  Sorry, shouldn’t say preach, you know, the whole right wing religious thing.

Later dudes,

The Silver Fox    

What’s up dudes,

So today was tax days, and millions of people around the country rushed to pay their fair share, or more than their fair share in some cases, but millions also spent the day protesting those taxes much the same way our American forefathers did, by holding a tea party.

For those of you who don’t know or don’t remember your school teachings in 1764, Great Britain decided to pass what they called a sugar tax on the colonies.  This tax was imposed on anything that was imported from any country other than Britain.  Of course this didn’t go over well with those over here in the colonies.  The Brits didn’t care and sent people over here to collect the money.  In 1765, the parliament of Great Britain passed the Stamp tax.  That tax sought to impose fees on anything that the colonist bought that was on paper.  Newspapers, books, wills, diploma, and writing paper were all taxed, and to prove that the tax was paid, a “stamp” seller would stamp the paper.  As a matter of fact, the term tarred and feathered comes from what the colonist did to the stamp sellers.

The colonist did not think it was fair to pay a tax to a government they did not want in charge of them, to pay for soldiers who they didn’t want on their land.  The aggravation continued to build for the colonist until the finally came to a head on the night of December 16^th 1773.  That was the night when a group of Bostonians dressed as American Indians went into Boston harbor and dumped the tea that was on the ship into the harbor.  King George decided to send some naval warships to blockade the harbor.

Anyway, fast forward to 2009 and today we had a modern day tea party, only this time it wasn’t just in Boston and once again, we are protesting the unfair taxing that a government is placing on its people.  This time, the country is our own and while there is no British government to send a naval blockade, there is something can cause the same type of social upheaval that happened some 236 years ago, and that is the left leaning media.

If anyone was watching CNN today, you might have seen the CNN correspondent Susan Roesqen berate an American citizen who was trying to voice his opinion on why he was at the tea party.  After interrupting him several times, she walks away and stated that the protest was “anti-government” and then decided to personalize the attack by saying it was “anti-CNN” and that the movement was being high promoted by the “right wing conservative network FOX”. 

WTF?!?!?!?!  This isn’t right people.  Regardless of what you think or what side of the political aisle you or on, if your job is to report the news, not commentate or give your opinion, but to report it, then report it.  It is when people who call themselves “journalist” decide that they want to inject the personal beliefs in the “news” that we have a real problem with our country and the state it’s in.  The sad part is that this has been happening for a while, but with this latest episode, I’m hoping that some of you who have taken an opposing view to my beliefs will now take another look and see how blatant this is getting, and how this can be good for anyone.

The Silver Fox              

What’s up dudes,

So this past Sunday I had Felicia Barton on my show.  For those of you who don’t know who she is, she was the local young lady who had a little bit of a run on American Idol this year.  She was a wonderful guess, both bright and witty.  We had a great time and she promised me that she would provide me with a track to play within 30 days.  Felicia, I hope you know that I’m planning to hold you to it.  This talented young lady is on her way to a recording and releasing a full length album soon.  Why is this important?  I’ll tell you.  If you were paying attention down at the beach last year, you could have seen her singing on the street.

Every year, the city of Virginia Beach turns Atlantic avenue into Beachstreet USA.  You get to see jugglers, and street performers.  Magicians, comics, and…….wait for it……..Singers!!!!!  That’s right my friends, singers.  Every year the city hires bands, singers, and musicians to perform for free, right on the strip.  Had you of paid any attention while you were walking about last summer, you might have had a chance to catch Felicia.  Her performances were so well received that she ended up getting some gigs and that gave her the confidence and courage to try out for American Idol.  Now, all her dreams are within reach, and you could have seen it all unfold, down at the beach,  Think about that this summer when you guys are taking a walk down Atlantic avenue.  You might be passing another potential idol.

The Silver Fox

What’s up dudes,

So I’m sitting here on this wonderful Saturday morning trying to figure out what the hell to do while I flip through the channels.  For some reason, I end up on the ABC Family channel.  You want to know something about this channel?  There is no way that stuff on this channel is family oriented.  In the five minutes that it is taking me to type this, the show that is has talked about sex, masturbation and gambling addiction, and this show is a “family” comedy.

If you guys know anything about me, you know that I’m no prude.  I am about as far from that as you can be, however when you say that you are a “family” channel, then you should have programming that is suitable for families.  Not young adults, or children, or old farts like me.  It should be for family.  I don’t think that I need to watch a show and have to explain the facts of life to my children because of a joke which might be a little risqué comes up.

Right now it 10:30 and there is a show in which roommates imply that they have all have had sex with each other.  Now that might not be a big deal for regular television, but really, is that something that should be on a “family” channel? (BTW the show just showed the son being a peeping town and the daughter calling someone a bitch, three times.)  What do you guys think?  Am I being over reactive or is this is something that needs to be addressed. 

The Silver Fox

What’s up dudes,

You guys know that I’m all about the audio.  I love music.  I always have and I always will, however you have to remember that I grew up as part of the original MTV generation.  I grew up on videos.  I watched them over and over.  Most of my favorite songs have visual images attached to them.  Meet Scott Hansen.  He is the future of videos, and he has started creating his visions with the bands of Hampton Roads.

Scott’s resume is impressive indeed. A 2007 Horror short that has won praise all over the world and taken top honors at two different film festivals.  A Best Metal Video of the Year nomination by MTV’s Headbanger’s Ball.  A video featuring none other than living legend Willie Nelson.  Not bad for a guy who graduated college in 2005.  One of the things he does best is though is music videos, and he has done plenty of them for the bands of the 757.

The bands who have called upon Scott’s services to paint a picture to their music reads like a who’s who of the local music scene.  Jackmove, Still Pink, Day’s Difference, Black Bird Pond, Celebrity Gunfight, The Jayden Sentence, Revery, Dying Breed, We Were Gentlemen.  He is currently working on videos for The Pawnshop Lifters, Coldcast and Butter.  However it is his latest video that might finally bring him a little, well deserved home town recognition.

Chasing Corona will be premiering the Scott Hansen directed “Sand To Stone” video at the Norva on Friday.  The video, which was shot using IMax cameras was a lot of fun for Scott, but it wasn’t easy.  “Shooting with the IMax cameras was easily the hardest part of making the video.”  While being able to direct the movement and direction of Hoovercrafts was “easiest and most fun part”. 

I don’t want to tell you anymore about the video, but you can check it out this Friday at the Norva, along with the bands Chasing Corona, Bimini Rd, and Grant Austin Taylor.  While you’re at it, check out his website, Scotthansenproductions.com to see some more of his work and get a feel for one of Hampton Roads most talented and underappreciated visual artist.

The Silver Fox

What’s up dudes,

Friday night, the Norva is holding a local band showcase, but this isn’t just any old local showcase my friends.  This one features a band that has won Max Fm’s annual Battle of The Bands, twice.  It features a band that is being looked at by BMG, Sony, Interscope and a few other record labels.  It features a band that had been invited to play in front of thousands of members of the military during New York’s annual Fleet Week, twice.  Add to that a 12 year old guitar prodigy who has played with guitar legends like Buddy Guy, and the video premier of the feature bands smoking hot single and you have one hell of a show.

Chasing Corona will be premiering the video for their single, Sand To Stone at the Norva on Friday.  The video, which was produced by Scott Hanson, an incredibly talented up and comer who has made videos for Willie Nelson and a number of local bands, also features local guitar phenom, Grant Austin Taylor and Max FM radio personalities Cindy Crawford and Bug.

The video tells the story of a young man who comes from a broken home.  He decides to break the cycle of abuse as he joins the military.  We then see him leaves his young family as he goes off on deployment.  The video ends with a joyful reunion of the family as our hero comes back off of deployment..

Make sure you get down to the Norva and check out Chasing Corona while you can still see them at local band prices.  This just might be the kick in the ass that the local scene needs to spark a little life in, and get it noticed by members of the music industry.  Bimini Rd, a young hot band out of Virginia Beach is opening up, followed by guitar virtuoso, Grant Austin Taylor and then Chasing Corona toping the night off.  Tickets are 12 dollar in advance and the show is selling very well.  You can get tickets at ticketmaster,  Kelly’s Backstage Tavern, and from any of the band members.

The Silver Fox   

What’s up dudes,

As most of you know I do a local radio show on 100.5 Max FM every Sunday night called the locals lounge.  A few months ago I had a couple of guys by the name of Pete Desnoyers and Kelly Miltear who had ties to the tidewater music scene back in the late 70’s and throughout the 80’s.  They told me all about the scene back then.  How the bands were formed.  They spoke about the places that they played.  Then they spoke about the album.  The album that changed the Hampton Roads music scene. 

No Room to Dance was released in 1980 and with its came a wave of music that Hampton Roads was not prepared for.  A compilation of songs by 6 of the eras most talented local bands.  It was an album that set the area on it’s collective ears.  It was an album that helped to usher in an incredible time for local music, and the best part is that it is now on compact disc.        

Thanks to some pain staking work by Pete and Kelly.  The No Room To Dance album is being re- released and is now made available through the magic of the internet.  This collection of fifteen songs will magically return you to a time when the music you listened to could have gotten you a lot more than just dirty looks.  This ground breaking album turned out not only to be a collection of some of the best local music the area had at the time, but it has acted as a time capsule capturing the look, feel and attitude of a period that not only reflected what the area was going through, but turns out to be a microcosm of what the whole country was going through.

The album features Tango Storm and The X-Raves, two bands that reunited for a concert last December held at the Norva which is to be featured in a documentary that Pete and Kelly are making about the scene back then.  Along with these bands, the album features bands The Noise, Rock Bottom, Citizen 23 and the band that has been credited with the start of the whole movement in the tidewater area, The Naros.

Go out and make sure that you pick up this piece of history.  Throw it in and check it out.  Relive some of your memories or create some new ones.  Find out what the buzz was all about, and make sure that you make room to dance. 

No Room to Dance is available by going to workingstiffs.org,

The Silver Fox