You had me at the whole global warming thing

I just read Al Gore’s book “The Assault on Reason” and it definitely left a bad taste in my mouth.  The subject of the current Bush administration has troubled me for many years now, and this is not the first book I have read showing the ineptitude and often questionable intentions of our current Executive branch.  And this book is no slouch when it comes to giving factual, comparative reasoning why Bush and his fellow politicians have brought so many problems that we as a people need to straighten out.  However, the book lost me many times in its analytical reasoning thanks to my lack of sleep or the sometimes longwindedness of Gore’s arguments.  Don’t get me wrong, the former Vice President gives sound arguments backed up by historical as well as philosophical reference, I think he just gives too much for a layman to absorb without getting a headache or falling asleep.  It is a shame too, because so many of Gore’s arguments are ones that need to be refined so that everyday folk can better grasp the way that the Executive Branch has been manipulating the law in such a way as to cause an imbalance in the delicate system our ancestors fought so hard to attain.  In the end, it was a great book that may be studied academically one day, I just hope I don’t have to take the class.

Kanye? Or Can’t They?

The “battle for Hip-Hop” began last week, and from what I can see, it will be something to check out the highlights about.  For those with little interest in such matters, I am referring to the CD sales battle between Kanye West and 50 Cent.  Both have become household names in the past few years.  Both are multi-platinum artists, but that is where the similarities begin to fade.  So far I have listened to a few 50 singles and Kanye’s new album, Graduation.  While I found 50 Cent’s singles lacking, I will reserve judgement until I have heard the whole CD.  On the other hand, I have listened to Kanye’s new work, and  I am fairly disappointed.  I have to say Up front that Kanye is one of my favorite producers, and he has already had a prolific career as beat-maker for many of Hip-Hop’s greats.  It is this that forces me to set the bar so high for him.  Musically he pulls through.  Electronica affects and patented sped up vocals flow together seamlessly and would make for a great rap album, if Kanye weren’t the one rapping.  Lyrically, I have never been impressed by Mr. West.  The fact that this album is titled “Graduation” makes me laugh because of the sophomoric nature of Kanye’s licks.  Don’t get me wrong, the guy is witty and can make for some funny rhymes, it just seems as though the lyrics don’t do justice to the beats.  But what do I know?  This album is currently ranked #1 on the Billboard charts, so it definitely strikes a chord with many people.  I guess many people can identify with the notorious drop-out.  This is definitely a must-listen-to for any true Hip-Hop fan, I’m thank God for my library card.