November 23rd, 2008 will forever be marked as the day Chinese Democracy was released.
That's right...the album that has been worked on for 14 years and costing over 13 million dollars finally hit store shelves. New Guns N' Roses!
Many people will expect to hear old school Guns N' Roses in this album but if you go in expecting that, you will be sadly disappointed.
It's been 21 years since Appetite for Destruction (the praised Guns N' Roses debut) was released so if Axl Rose put out an album that resembled it, that would just be sad. Axl's grown up and you can tell with this album.
Does the album live up to the hype? What album can live up to 14 years of hype, delays, and controversy? I'll leave that up to you but I can tell you if you go in with an open mind and are a genuine fan of music, you'll like this album.
Some tracks including the title track, Shackler's Revenge, and Riad N' the Bedouins do resemble the attitude of old school Guns N' Roses. However, there's something about the Chinese Democracy tracks that have this new groove to them. It's good to see Axl evolve in his song-writing instead of being stuck in the past.
The ballad-style songs like Street of Dreams and This I Love are really where this album excels. Axl Rose has been documented as a huge Elton John and Queen fan and it really shows. The influence can be seen with a unique Guns N' Roses flair.
Chinese Democracy is an epic album that takes you on a journey. Don't expect to be pulled in upon first listen. I love the album more and more with each listen. Many may call the album over-produced but I'd say it is one of the best sounding albums ever. The mix is perfect!
Fans of GNR will continue to refuse to acknowledge this new version of the band as Guns N' Roses since there's no Slash, Duff, or Izzy Stradlin. Let's face it though...Axl was the attitude of Guns N' Roses and he made the band the "Most Dangerous Band on the Planet" at one point. Besides...with quality guitarists like Buckethead, Robin Finck, and Bumblefoot, Chinese Democracy is FULL of quality guitarists.
Chinese Democracy - 4.5/5
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Guitar Hero: World Tour
I know this game may old news for some but I have fought with myself ever since October 26th (the release date of the new Guitar Hero instalment) about whether I should buy this game or not.
Yesterday, I bought it! I couldn't quit justify buying the full version complete with microphone, drum-kit and guitar for around $200 so I bought the game-only version for $50. Actually, I split it with my girlfriend so I only paid $25! I got my $25 worth out of gameplay from last night alone. I'm a huge music fan so the quality of music was a dealbreaker for me. With bands like Airbourne, Black Label Society, Jimi Hendrix, Tool, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and Motorhead, how can you go wrong? This is probably the first Guitar Hero game I've played where I've actually felt like I'm playing songs from guitar heroes!
I'm one of those people that is still loyal to Nintendo and I only own a Wii. Say what you will, make fun of the kiddy games on the Wii..but they're fun! Anyway, many people have been hating on the Wii for not having any downloadable content but Guitar Hero: World Tour proves the haters wrong! My absolutely favourite band, Metallica, has made their new album, Death Magnetic, available for download and it's now available on Wii! This is the first game on Wii that takes advantage of the SD Slot on the system so you can download as many songs as your heart desires!
I'll be honest...I haven't dug very deep into the features of the game such as creating your own song but so far, it seems to be the best Guitar Hero game to date.
If you're a Guitar Hero lover...wait until Christmas and if you don't get the game...get out there and buy it!
Yesterday, I bought it! I couldn't quit justify buying the full version complete with microphone, drum-kit and guitar for around $200 so I bought the game-only version for $50. Actually, I split it with my girlfriend so I only paid $25! I got my $25 worth out of gameplay from last night alone. I'm a huge music fan so the quality of music was a dealbreaker for me. With bands like Airbourne, Black Label Society, Jimi Hendrix, Tool, Metallica, Ozzy Osbourne, and Motorhead, how can you go wrong? This is probably the first Guitar Hero game I've played where I've actually felt like I'm playing songs from guitar heroes!
I'm one of those people that is still loyal to Nintendo and I only own a Wii. Say what you will, make fun of the kiddy games on the Wii..but they're fun! Anyway, many people have been hating on the Wii for not having any downloadable content but Guitar Hero: World Tour proves the haters wrong! My absolutely favourite band, Metallica, has made their new album, Death Magnetic, available for download and it's now available on Wii! This is the first game on Wii that takes advantage of the SD Slot on the system so you can download as many songs as your heart desires!
I'll be honest...I haven't dug very deep into the features of the game such as creating your own song but so far, it seems to be the best Guitar Hero game to date.
If you're a Guitar Hero lover...wait until Christmas and if you don't get the game...get out there and buy it!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
It's halfway through November and for some odd reason, we still don't have any snow! Yet, for some strange reason, people all around me are complaining that it's cold.
By this time last year (maybe even the last few years), we have had quite a bit of snow with considerably colder temperatures. I want to know why Canadians keep complaining that it's cold.
Many of us have lived in Canada for well over 20 years...and it seems like you expect the temperatures to hover above freezing for the whole year! NEWSFLASH: IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!
Believe me, if you never expect the warmth to stay, the cold won't disappoint you. Don't you ever say you hate snow. I know when you were all little kids, you were dying to hit the snow hill for the first time. You were dying to make that first snow angel, have that first snowball fight. Maybe it's because I refuse to grow up and act like an "adult" but every November and sometimes even October when it snows, I am just as giddy as I was when I was eight years old. I instantly pop the Elvis Christmas CD in and that stays in the CD player up until the Christmas lights go dim. I'm actually getting kind of worried that the snow won't come...it should be here!
And drivers. Do Canadians forget how to drive when the first snowfall hits? It's quite hilarious, actually. All we really have to do is take extra caution when it's icy but noooo, those same drivers continue to speed their way through intersections and crosswalks putting themselves and others at risk. Then there's people freaking out and saying, "I HAVE TO GET MY WINTER TIRES!". I've never had winter tires during icy times and I've never had a problem. Drive like it's winter and you'll be completely fine.
My last entry was based strongly on patriotism but this one is too, I guess. I can't get over how older folks leave for the whole winter to Arizona or something. Do older people feel the effects of cold moreso than us young folk? No offense to you guys! If you're going to leave every winter, why didn't you just buy a one way ticket when you were younger?
BE PROUD OF THE COLD! Be proud of your identity. There's a reason why some of our neighbours to the south think that we live in igloos and get around by dogsled. It only fuels those thoughts when we leave for the winter. The cold will always be here and will always be part of what we are. Get used to it and stop complaining.
Regardless, I'm still kind of worried about having no snow yet...maybe this global warming thing is serious.
By this time last year (maybe even the last few years), we have had quite a bit of snow with considerably colder temperatures. I want to know why Canadians keep complaining that it's cold.
Many of us have lived in Canada for well over 20 years...and it seems like you expect the temperatures to hover above freezing for the whole year! NEWSFLASH: IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN!
Believe me, if you never expect the warmth to stay, the cold won't disappoint you. Don't you ever say you hate snow. I know when you were all little kids, you were dying to hit the snow hill for the first time. You were dying to make that first snow angel, have that first snowball fight. Maybe it's because I refuse to grow up and act like an "adult" but every November and sometimes even October when it snows, I am just as giddy as I was when I was eight years old. I instantly pop the Elvis Christmas CD in and that stays in the CD player up until the Christmas lights go dim. I'm actually getting kind of worried that the snow won't come...it should be here!
And drivers. Do Canadians forget how to drive when the first snowfall hits? It's quite hilarious, actually. All we really have to do is take extra caution when it's icy but noooo, those same drivers continue to speed their way through intersections and crosswalks putting themselves and others at risk. Then there's people freaking out and saying, "I HAVE TO GET MY WINTER TIRES!". I've never had winter tires during icy times and I've never had a problem. Drive like it's winter and you'll be completely fine.
My last entry was based strongly on patriotism but this one is too, I guess. I can't get over how older folks leave for the whole winter to Arizona or something. Do older people feel the effects of cold moreso than us young folk? No offense to you guys! If you're going to leave every winter, why didn't you just buy a one way ticket when you were younger?
BE PROUD OF THE COLD! Be proud of your identity. There's a reason why some of our neighbours to the south think that we live in igloos and get around by dogsled. It only fuels those thoughts when we leave for the winter. The cold will always be here and will always be part of what we are. Get used to it and stop complaining.
Regardless, I'm still kind of worried about having no snow yet...maybe this global warming thing is serious.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Remembrance Day
If you're Canadian and you're reading this, you probably know of something called Remembrance Day (if you don't, you probably are too young to be able to read).
This year's Remembrance Day landed on a Tuesday and it marked the 90th Anniversary of the end of World War I. The holiday is all about remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to serve our beautiful country of Canada. Sadly, I think we're beginning to forget.
I don't know what it is but it seems as though people under the age of forty couldn't care less about our troops or our country. Canada Day may be our birthday but Remembrance Day is the true patriotic holiday. Maybe if they put drink specials on when 11 o'clock on the 11th day of the 11th month hits, young Canadians would care.
I attended the service held at the Butterdome and it was an amazing experience. Coming from a smaller town, I've never been to a service with nearly 7,000 in attendance! It was an unbelievable to see veterans, current soldiers, and even some South Koreans that fought alongside us Canadians in the 50s. However, the service made me sad...not only because of the stories of the horrors our veterans experienced but because of the lack of young people. I found that surprising since the Butterdome is on the University of Alberta Campus! The new trend since George W. Bush became president of the U-S of A is to hate war. I don't want to shove people into a stereotype but I'm going to go out on a limb and do it anyway. It seems the people that want to protest war and do all this peace stuff are the young people in schools. Therefore, many of them either refuse to wear a poppy or even think about our veterans on Remebrance Day.
Newsflash, peacekeepers. Everyone hates war. You're not proving a point by not wearing a poppy, you're disgracing our country. It's truly embarrassing. Don't you ever take what you have in this country for granted. The worst of your worries is if you'll have to scrape your car's windshield in the morning. Be thankful for what you have here. Many countries would be thankful for a piece of bread, you probably wouldn't touch bread without a little bit of jam. Many countries wouldn't even dream of an internet to read blogs like this everyday! They live in fear every single day and we don't have to because of the brave men and women who fought to make our country safe. Sure, crime rates are escalating in big cities like Edmonton but we don't have to watch our steps for landmines, do we?
Don't you ever take this country of ours for granted and you have no right to disrespect the men and women who have served and the men and women who do serve. I went to West Edmonton Mall for dinner after the service and a good 75% of the people were not wearing a poppy. Do you know what numerous countries around the world would do for a mall like that? All of these privileges, rights, and freedoms didn't just fall out of the sky into our hands. They were earned.
I can only hope that that mall fell silent for a moment at 11 o'clock.
Next year...wear a poppy, attend a service. Maybe your eyes will be opened up, maybe they won't but I'm asking you to be thankful for what you've got because it could be a whole different Canada. Don't say that you don't know anyone who has been killed in battle because you don't want that happen. Is that what it takes for you to respect these brave people? Wearing a poppy is not encouraging war, it's a symbol of honour and respect.
From World War I, to World War II, to Korea to our current peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, we must never, ever forget the troops that keep us safe.
This year's Remembrance Day landed on a Tuesday and it marked the 90th Anniversary of the end of World War I. The holiday is all about remembering those who have made the ultimate sacrifice and those who continue to serve our beautiful country of Canada. Sadly, I think we're beginning to forget.
I don't know what it is but it seems as though people under the age of forty couldn't care less about our troops or our country. Canada Day may be our birthday but Remembrance Day is the true patriotic holiday. Maybe if they put drink specials on when 11 o'clock on the 11th day of the 11th month hits, young Canadians would care.
I attended the service held at the Butterdome and it was an amazing experience. Coming from a smaller town, I've never been to a service with nearly 7,000 in attendance! It was an unbelievable to see veterans, current soldiers, and even some South Koreans that fought alongside us Canadians in the 50s. However, the service made me sad...not only because of the stories of the horrors our veterans experienced but because of the lack of young people. I found that surprising since the Butterdome is on the University of Alberta Campus! The new trend since George W. Bush became president of the U-S of A is to hate war. I don't want to shove people into a stereotype but I'm going to go out on a limb and do it anyway. It seems the people that want to protest war and do all this peace stuff are the young people in schools. Therefore, many of them either refuse to wear a poppy or even think about our veterans on Remebrance Day.
Newsflash, peacekeepers. Everyone hates war. You're not proving a point by not wearing a poppy, you're disgracing our country. It's truly embarrassing. Don't you ever take what you have in this country for granted. The worst of your worries is if you'll have to scrape your car's windshield in the morning. Be thankful for what you have here. Many countries would be thankful for a piece of bread, you probably wouldn't touch bread without a little bit of jam. Many countries wouldn't even dream of an internet to read blogs like this everyday! They live in fear every single day and we don't have to because of the brave men and women who fought to make our country safe. Sure, crime rates are escalating in big cities like Edmonton but we don't have to watch our steps for landmines, do we?
Don't you ever take this country of ours for granted and you have no right to disrespect the men and women who have served and the men and women who do serve. I went to West Edmonton Mall for dinner after the service and a good 75% of the people were not wearing a poppy. Do you know what numerous countries around the world would do for a mall like that? All of these privileges, rights, and freedoms didn't just fall out of the sky into our hands. They were earned.
I can only hope that that mall fell silent for a moment at 11 o'clock.
Next year...wear a poppy, attend a service. Maybe your eyes will be opened up, maybe they won't but I'm asking you to be thankful for what you've got because it could be a whole different Canada. Don't say that you don't know anyone who has been killed in battle because you don't want that happen. Is that what it takes for you to respect these brave people? Wearing a poppy is not encouraging war, it's a symbol of honour and respect.
From World War I, to World War II, to Korea to our current peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan, we must never, ever forget the troops that keep us safe.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Movie Week
This week is only four days old and I've seen three brand new movies...all comedy, yay!
Monday, I checked out a movie starring Seth Rogen, a man that many say that I resemble. If you want to go to a movie with raunchy (in other words, good) humour then check out this movie! But there's a bonus...for all you guys who like this kind of humour but want to take your lady to a movie that she just might enjoy, then this is the one for you! I'd say it's a compromise between a chick flick and a guy movie. Even though there is some tasteless or offensive humour, there is a very cool love story embedded within. Even I can appreciate a good love story when it's done right.
Tuesday was NAITSA's Movie Night at the Shaw Theatre! The movie of the week was The Love Guru feating Mike Myers, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Alba. If you love stupid and lame humour then I'd highly recommend you check this one out. The movie has a horrible story but some funny spots..kind of like Austin Powers. If you like Austin Powers, then you would definitely enjoy The Love Guru. Do not go into this movie expecting impressive acting and a riveting story...go in expecting dry humour and you will come out satisfied. I came out satisfied although NR92's own DJ Hooligan was quite disappointed. It's not my problem he can't appreciate a good laugh!
Last but not least, at the last possible minute, I obtained a pass to the premiere of Role Models starring Phil Rudd and Sean William Scott. What a cool movie! Basically, these two guys screw up and they have to some time for a children's organization. It's all been done before and of course they get attached to the kids but if you like a good laugh like me (or you just laugh at anything remotely funny), then check out this movie. Plus, all movies that have happy endings rule!
I did my best not to spoil any of these films for you but when it comes to comedy, I may not be the best person to look to. If I watched paint dry, I'd laugh my little heart out.
Travis
Monday, I checked out a movie starring Seth Rogen, a man that many say that I resemble. If you want to go to a movie with raunchy (in other words, good) humour then check out this movie! But there's a bonus...for all you guys who like this kind of humour but want to take your lady to a movie that she just might enjoy, then this is the one for you! I'd say it's a compromise between a chick flick and a guy movie. Even though there is some tasteless or offensive humour, there is a very cool love story embedded within. Even I can appreciate a good love story when it's done right.
Tuesday was NAITSA's Movie Night at the Shaw Theatre! The movie of the week was The Love Guru feating Mike Myers, Justin Timberlake and Jessica Alba. If you love stupid and lame humour then I'd highly recommend you check this one out. The movie has a horrible story but some funny spots..kind of like Austin Powers. If you like Austin Powers, then you would definitely enjoy The Love Guru. Do not go into this movie expecting impressive acting and a riveting story...go in expecting dry humour and you will come out satisfied. I came out satisfied although NR92's own DJ Hooligan was quite disappointed. It's not my problem he can't appreciate a good laugh!
Last but not least, at the last possible minute, I obtained a pass to the premiere of Role Models starring Phil Rudd and Sean William Scott. What a cool movie! Basically, these two guys screw up and they have to some time for a children's organization. It's all been done before and of course they get attached to the kids but if you like a good laugh like me (or you just laugh at anything remotely funny), then check out this movie. Plus, all movies that have happy endings rule!
I did my best not to spoil any of these films for you but when it comes to comedy, I may not be the best person to look to. If I watched paint dry, I'd laugh my little heart out.
Travis
Thursday, October 23, 2008
The End of Television
...as we know it.
It all began in 2000 or 2001. One of the most popular television shows of this decade, Survivor, hit the airwaves and that is when television as we knew it began to hit rock bottom.
After Survivor, we were blessed with an onslaught of "reality" programs.
- Average Joe
- The Bachelor
- Amazing Race
- American Idol
- Canadian Idol
- Big Brother
- The Real World
- Beauty and the Geek
- Flavour of Love
- Rock of Love
In other words, junk TV! Some of these are even contests...the most local being Canadian Idol. Contestant, Earl Stevenson, was from Lloydminster (where I'm from) and you should have seen the craziness that ensued! It wasn't even fair! I heard stories of people texting in their vote 900 times a night with 3 different cell phones! Come on.
The ultimate in "reality" television started a few weeks ago with...Paris Hilton's My New BFF. I pray that this show is supposed to be bad. I've actually seen it on my TV guide a few times and I couldn't resist the urge to turn it on. I turned it on and I was almost embarrassed for the "contestants"! Who would compete to become someone's best friend? I'm not a big, deep, emotional guy but did you ever have to compete to make friends? The show looks terribly scripted, like Paris struggled to get her lame lines out so she got 23 takes. On top of that...how arrogant can one person be to host a show where people compete to be your "BFF"?
This is the end of the world
It all began in 2000 or 2001. One of the most popular television shows of this decade, Survivor, hit the airwaves and that is when television as we knew it began to hit rock bottom.
After Survivor, we were blessed with an onslaught of "reality" programs.
- Average Joe
- The Bachelor
- Amazing Race
- American Idol
- Canadian Idol
- Big Brother
- The Real World
- Beauty and the Geek
- Flavour of Love
- Rock of Love
In other words, junk TV! Some of these are even contests...the most local being Canadian Idol. Contestant, Earl Stevenson, was from Lloydminster (where I'm from) and you should have seen the craziness that ensued! It wasn't even fair! I heard stories of people texting in their vote 900 times a night with 3 different cell phones! Come on.
The ultimate in "reality" television started a few weeks ago with...Paris Hilton's My New BFF. I pray that this show is supposed to be bad. I've actually seen it on my TV guide a few times and I couldn't resist the urge to turn it on. I turned it on and I was almost embarrassed for the "contestants"! Who would compete to become someone's best friend? I'm not a big, deep, emotional guy but did you ever have to compete to make friends? The show looks terribly scripted, like Paris struggled to get her lame lines out so she got 23 takes. On top of that...how arrogant can one person be to host a show where people compete to be your "BFF"?
This is the end of the world
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Rant!
I know, I know...people are all into staying green but that's fine because a certain group of people make me mad. In fact, furious.
Cyclists! Do you think you're so clever with your little hand signals? Do you think you're cool because you get to drive on the road with the rest of us?
Guess what. You're not cool. Everyone hates you. Get off of the road when I'm trying to drive! The hardworking taxpayers of this city paid for sidewalks for idiots like you. Use them!
Some of us have anniversaries to attend, doctors to visit, and children to bear! If you can't pedal at LEAST speed limit, get out of my way.
Why don't you just ride on one of thos hybrid ETS buses if you want to save the environment? Wait! The bus drivers are insane too...but that's another rant for another entry.
Wow...I didn't know I had it in me..
Travis
First Post
I guess this is my first official post on my blog. I'm Travis from NR92 and I'm on-air all the time...whether it be in recorded commercials, news, remotes, or just being a jock, I'm there! I've got my own personal show, Monday Night Chaos, which is on every Monday (obviously) night at 8.
Obviously, I take Radio at NAIT and it's such a sweet course! You wouldn't believe how nice it is to go to school and ACTUALLY like it. I don't have to sit there and write essays on Hamlet or colour in maps for Social Studies. My favorite part is scheduling music...I wanted to get into radio in the first place for the fact that I'd be spinning rock tunes for everyone! If you hear any rock tunes on NR92...it can probably be blamed on me. Oh...and another artist named Speak the Hungarian Rapper.
I am currently on a mission to bring Speak the Hungarian Rapper to Edmonton to do a show...rumor has it that he will embark on a world tour in 2009 but who knows if Edmonton is on the itinerary? I want him here! Watch Stop the War (his 2003 hit single) below! If you like what you see/hear...request it on NR92! The number's 780-471-8833 and we love to spin that tune.
In this blog you will find news stories and whatever the heck's on my mind!
Thank you. Come again.
Travis
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
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