In his blog dated September 16, 2014, Luke Black argues that rock music might as well be dead because society isn't giving these budding artists similar to the Beatles and Led Zeppelin "a chance." Black seems to direct blame for this issue towards mainstream music, illegal downloading, and the lack of interest in rock music from today's generation. I would like to argue against this mentality for several reasons.
I am also a rock fan, although I enjoy most types of music (NOT country). I too listen to the greats, the Beatles, the Eagles, AC/DC, Queen, KISS, etc. However, the greats of the past ARE (sadly) in the past. While these artists are in their retirement years, it does not mean that they shall ever be forgotten or disrespected simply because the world is moving on. Instead, they are honored through pop culture references, vintage labels, "greatest hits" albums, reunion tours, etc.
I think that some of Mr. Black's frustration is coming from wanting something new that sounds the same as the greats. Unfortunately, because of the flow of music and the continuous culture changes within the industry, one won't find an artist absolutely identical to these legends. I personally think that classic rock lovers should embrace the change, keeping an open heart and mind, and be the listeners that give the upcoming stars their "chance."
As I stated before, I enjoy most genres of music and I am always exploring new music. So I have a few solutions to offer Mr. Black with his problem. One simple way to find new contemporary bands with the same feel as artists like the Beatles would be to create a Pandora radio account and listen to the Beatles' station. Pandora does this great thing where it likes to bring in some contemporary music and blend it in with the a playlist of the greats.
Another way to explore would be to open up your iTunes account and check out what is new in the Rock genre of the music section. There are a lot of different present-day bands putting their music out on iTunes and some of the more "mainstream" music will be cut down in your choices for you. You can also visit the Genius section of iTunes to find further matches for your tastes. Additionally, there are places on iTunes that allow you to view other consumer's playlists that could expose a rock listener to more artists and albums like the classics.
I would like to suggest a few artists for you, Mr. Black. If you haven't already, check out The Black Keys. Their sound is more of a blend between blues and rock but there are a good bit of guitar solos in there for you that may satisfy your fix. Neon Trees are also similar (if they aren't too mainstream for you, make sure you listen to their whole Habits album). Breathe Carolina is a harder sound, a lot like AC/DC. I would also check out The Fratellis; they are from Sweden I think but have a really good sound that you might enjoy.
I'll leave you with one last argument here. When you look back and reflect on the artists mentioned in Black's blog, they were considered mainstream in their hay-day. The artists that are labeled today as "mainstream" are also changing/challenging music just as the Beatles did. The beauty of culture lies in its constant evolution. Embrace it and when it comes to the music of the past, let it be.
Monday, September 22, 2014
White Lightning Strikes in Local Supermarkets
Moonshine is a liquor that has a past of flirting with both sides of the law. But now it appears that moonshine is being sold in certain superstores as a novelty item by licensed companies.
The liquor known as moonshine, white lightning, white whiskey, hooch, and other such nicknames has been a controversial product since Prohibition in the 1920s and 1930s. Manufacturers of the spirits during the prohibition were primarily found in the Appalachian Mountains where the stills could be hidden more easily from the law. All alcoholic beverages had been outlawed by the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. However, there were a good many shrewd business men not afraid to dirty their hands by running moonshine through the States. These businessmen included lawmen themselves, as well as serious gangsters, such as Al Capone. Moonshine was made in homes, with large scale homemade stills.
After Prohibition was annulled in 1933, white lightning remained illegal due to the dangerous methods that it was manufactured. Lead poisoning from the copper piping used to distill the liquor was common and hooch was very easily contaminated during the fermenting process. In addition, the sour mash produced during the process is incredibly flammable and there have been many instances in the past with disastrous effects from a misplaced match or cigarette near a still. And yet, moonshiners continued to manufacture the spirits, because the demand for moonshine was never eliminated.
Before the recent recession, the only state where the operation and mass production of moonshine was in Tennessee, and even then, the process was only legal in a few counties. However, with the severity of the recession, state governments were searching for additional ways to bring money into their economies. One way this was accomplished was by loosening up the regulations on distilled liquor. Moonshiners have never quite disappeared from the Appalachian Mountains and this leeway allowed for those with the family business alive and thriving to create a legal living producing the spirits.
One such business is a distillery located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee by the name of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine. Ole Smoky became the first distillery in East Tennessee that was federally licensed after distilleries became legal in the state. Since 2010, Ole Smoky has been manufacturing its moonshine and shipping it in the classic mason jars to stores all over the nation.
I've seen Ole Smoky products in stores, such as Walmart, Kroger, and Meijer, here in Springfield. I have also seen the moonshine craze starting to hit Witt, especially during this summer. Although the Ole Smoky sold in supermarkets is only 40 proof and, frankly, not very economical considering the price is $22 per jar the last time I visited the local Meijer, I know that they are selling the 100 proof 'shine at Wine Works and at Keg 'n' Cork in Springfield as well. I personally love the taste but it's a little hard on the taste buds. To keep the natural taste of the shine with a smoother after taste, just put a stick of cinnamon in the jar for a little while and the cinnamon will flavor the spirits beautifully. I recommend trying the 'shine if you get a chance, not only for its great taste and rich cultural background, but also because drinking from a mason jar is truly a college experience.
The liquor known as moonshine, white lightning, white whiskey, hooch, and other such nicknames has been a controversial product since Prohibition in the 1920s and 1930s. Manufacturers of the spirits during the prohibition were primarily found in the Appalachian Mountains where the stills could be hidden more easily from the law. All alcoholic beverages had been outlawed by the 18th Amendment to the Constitution. However, there were a good many shrewd business men not afraid to dirty their hands by running moonshine through the States. These businessmen included lawmen themselves, as well as serious gangsters, such as Al Capone. Moonshine was made in homes, with large scale homemade stills.
After Prohibition was annulled in 1933, white lightning remained illegal due to the dangerous methods that it was manufactured. Lead poisoning from the copper piping used to distill the liquor was common and hooch was very easily contaminated during the fermenting process. In addition, the sour mash produced during the process is incredibly flammable and there have been many instances in the past with disastrous effects from a misplaced match or cigarette near a still. And yet, moonshiners continued to manufacture the spirits, because the demand for moonshine was never eliminated.
Before the recent recession, the only state where the operation and mass production of moonshine was in Tennessee, and even then, the process was only legal in a few counties. However, with the severity of the recession, state governments were searching for additional ways to bring money into their economies. One way this was accomplished was by loosening up the regulations on distilled liquor. Moonshiners have never quite disappeared from the Appalachian Mountains and this leeway allowed for those with the family business alive and thriving to create a legal living producing the spirits.
One such business is a distillery located in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee by the name of Ole Smoky Tennessee Moonshine. Ole Smoky became the first distillery in East Tennessee that was federally licensed after distilleries became legal in the state. Since 2010, Ole Smoky has been manufacturing its moonshine and shipping it in the classic mason jars to stores all over the nation.
I've seen Ole Smoky products in stores, such as Walmart, Kroger, and Meijer, here in Springfield. I have also seen the moonshine craze starting to hit Witt, especially during this summer. Although the Ole Smoky sold in supermarkets is only 40 proof and, frankly, not very economical considering the price is $22 per jar the last time I visited the local Meijer, I know that they are selling the 100 proof 'shine at Wine Works and at Keg 'n' Cork in Springfield as well. I personally love the taste but it's a little hard on the taste buds. To keep the natural taste of the shine with a smoother after taste, just put a stick of cinnamon in the jar for a little while and the cinnamon will flavor the spirits beautifully. I recommend trying the 'shine if you get a chance, not only for its great taste and rich cultural background, but also because drinking from a mason jar is truly a college experience.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
Swerve
9/7/2014- Today I have the opportunity to tackle a new skill set: longboarding. This is a recent outdoor trend that is sweeping, or rather swerving, across the nation. Although the sport is incredibly similar to skateboarding, longboarding's appeal lies in the extended length of the board itself. Because the board is longer, it is not typically used for trick riding but more for zipping down hills at top speed and getting from point A to point B. The longboard is also heavier than a skateboard, which allows the rider to get a smoother and speedier ride.
I am being taught by a fairly new enthusiast, Erin Murray, who's expertise is questionable but who's passion is undeniable. She has recently purchased her own longboard and has been scooting around campus with an kamikaze gleam in her eye. We are traveling to the parking lot in the back of Hollenbeck Hall to begin my training. Along the way, Murray demonstrates the proper way to place one's feet while longboarding (closer to the top of the board, front foot planted towards the destination and back foot perpendicular to the board). The way to steer, she explains, is to wiggle your back foot to slant the board in the correct direction. This is different from a skateboard, where steering includes using gentle repositions with the rider's back foot and physically lifting the board up slightly using the back foot. In longboarding, one can still steer using this method but it is more difficult with the size of the board and it makes for a smoother ride to use body weight shifting the board in the desired direction.
I am about to begin my first experience on the board that is long. My knees are quaking slightly with the fear of being scraped. My stomach feels like I have already gone up and down several hills. My teacher has a small devilish grin that is consistently accompanied with silent snickers. And here I roll.
Update: Having longboarded for a total of 30 minutes, I have only wiped out severely 4 times and have just one small scrape, located on my behind. Things are really looking up for this adventure and I am excited to get some more practice under my belt so that I can roll with the best of them. I recommend this thrilling ride to all who are brave and not afraid to throw themselves in a ditch from time to time!
I am being taught by a fairly new enthusiast, Erin Murray, who's expertise is questionable but who's passion is undeniable. She has recently purchased her own longboard and has been scooting around campus with an kamikaze gleam in her eye. We are traveling to the parking lot in the back of Hollenbeck Hall to begin my training. Along the way, Murray demonstrates the proper way to place one's feet while longboarding (closer to the top of the board, front foot planted towards the destination and back foot perpendicular to the board). The way to steer, she explains, is to wiggle your back foot to slant the board in the correct direction. This is different from a skateboard, where steering includes using gentle repositions with the rider's back foot and physically lifting the board up slightly using the back foot. In longboarding, one can still steer using this method but it is more difficult with the size of the board and it makes for a smoother ride to use body weight shifting the board in the desired direction.
I am about to begin my first experience on the board that is long. My knees are quaking slightly with the fear of being scraped. My stomach feels like I have already gone up and down several hills. My teacher has a small devilish grin that is consistently accompanied with silent snickers. And here I roll.
Update: Having longboarded for a total of 30 minutes, I have only wiped out severely 4 times and have just one small scrape, located on my behind. Things are really looking up for this adventure and I am excited to get some more practice under my belt so that I can roll with the best of them. I recommend this thrilling ride to all who are brave and not afraid to throw themselves in a ditch from time to time!
Friday, September 19, 2014
Shared Light
This past weekend, Pam Evans Smith Arena at Wittenberg University was packed with some of the top teams in the Division III Women's Volleyball nation. Among these teams included the #1 seeded team, Calvin College; #5 Cal Lutheran; #8 Juniata; and of course the #9 Wittenberg Tigers. However, with all these headline drawing teams facing off in one tournament, there was not one mention of the event in the local newspaper, the Springfield News-Sun.
This all was called to my attention by an employee of the HPER center at Wittenberg. The employee disclosed to me that he had tried to find the report on the tournament in the newspaper and he also had attempted to listen on the radio to the games, but was unable to find even a snippet on the event. This lack of interest in Wittenberg Athletics by the local news has seemed to be a common trend from the Springfield community. When my anonymous source discussed the issue with me, he said that when he talked to Ryan Mauer, Wittenberg's Director of Athletics Communications, about the lack of coverage from the local news sources, Mauer replied that all necessary information was posted online. The HPER center employee argued that there were some people in the community who didn't have a computer or internet access and that he was one of them. The employee said that Mauer's response to this statement was simply a shrug.
Incredibly, I personally noticed a large amount of support this weekend from the Springfield Community at our high profile volleyball tournament. But I question how much more the community would support Wittenberg in general if the University communications and the Springfield news sources collaborated with each other. I believe a remedy for the lack of communication and sharing of the campus news with the community (and visa versa) would be an alliance between the Springfield News-Sun and the Torch. This alliance could be a sharing of sources, information, and latest news concerning both the Springfield community and Wittenberg University alike. There could a short blurb in each paper concerning events occurring in the opposite area. Awareness of the local news from both the Wittenberg community and the Springfield community could lead relations between both communities to be a little smoother and allow both communities to become more involved within each other. While I understand the concept of the "Wittenberg bubble," I would like to mention that I have noticed in my 4 years attending this university that the bubble is not as strong as it once was and may pop soon. The amount of collaboration between Springfield and Wittenberg is growing but has a lot more progress to make. And what better way to kick that progress off with an alliance in the two biggest sources of local news in both communities? The Torch and the Sun shouldn't have to work too hard to understand each other...after all, they both pass the light of knowledge off to others, as is demonstrated in both newspapers' names.
This all was called to my attention by an employee of the HPER center at Wittenberg. The employee disclosed to me that he had tried to find the report on the tournament in the newspaper and he also had attempted to listen on the radio to the games, but was unable to find even a snippet on the event. This lack of interest in Wittenberg Athletics by the local news has seemed to be a common trend from the Springfield community. When my anonymous source discussed the issue with me, he said that when he talked to Ryan Mauer, Wittenberg's Director of Athletics Communications, about the lack of coverage from the local news sources, Mauer replied that all necessary information was posted online. The HPER center employee argued that there were some people in the community who didn't have a computer or internet access and that he was one of them. The employee said that Mauer's response to this statement was simply a shrug.
Incredibly, I personally noticed a large amount of support this weekend from the Springfield Community at our high profile volleyball tournament. But I question how much more the community would support Wittenberg in general if the University communications and the Springfield news sources collaborated with each other. I believe a remedy for the lack of communication and sharing of the campus news with the community (and visa versa) would be an alliance between the Springfield News-Sun and the Torch. This alliance could be a sharing of sources, information, and latest news concerning both the Springfield community and Wittenberg University alike. There could a short blurb in each paper concerning events occurring in the opposite area. Awareness of the local news from both the Wittenberg community and the Springfield community could lead relations between both communities to be a little smoother and allow both communities to become more involved within each other. While I understand the concept of the "Wittenberg bubble," I would like to mention that I have noticed in my 4 years attending this university that the bubble is not as strong as it once was and may pop soon. The amount of collaboration between Springfield and Wittenberg is growing but has a lot more progress to make. And what better way to kick that progress off with an alliance in the two biggest sources of local news in both communities? The Torch and the Sun shouldn't have to work too hard to understand each other...after all, they both pass the light of knowledge off to others, as is demonstrated in both newspapers' names.
Friday, September 5, 2014
Outstanding Outdoor Activity at Wittenberg
In the beginning of the Fall Semester in years past at Wittenberg University, it has been very common for campus activity to die down as students retreated indoors to tackle large mountains of schoolwork from overenthusiastic professors. However, this fall semester, I have noticed a change in this routine. More and more, it appears that students are taking advantage of the fair weather in the evenings and flocking outside to have some outdoor fun with friends before buckling down on homework each night.
Due to the nature of my schedule with classes and athletic practices, I plant myself in the library or in Post 95 each night by around 7:30pm or 8pm. On my walks to said study areas, I have observed a spike in outdoor activities around campus. Joggers circle the hills, sweating and jiving to their music. Cyclists, skateboarders, longboarders, and roller blading fanatics wiz by, creating a lovely breeze for pedestrians. In every open field or grassy area, there are informal games galore of catch, frisbee-golf, and soccer. Shouting and laughter reverberate throughout campus from the pick up games on the volleyball and basketball courts outside of Firestine and Tower Halls. Students, old and new, have been spotted enjoying casual strolls around the campus grounds or visiting on the red chairs in the Hollow. Some ambitious and focused students have even taken to studying on blankets in the grassy areas during the day, soaking in the sunshine and breathing in the fresh air. I have also noticed students arriving in my usual study spots at later and later hours. Last year, the rush times for new arrivals at the library and for Post 95 ranged in between 7pm and 9pm. Lately, it seems the rush times have been pushed back and are now ranging in between 8:30pm and 10:30pm.
I can't quite put my finger on the cause for the sudden fad of enjoying the great outdoors, but I am thrilled at the sight and sounds each evening of a very active campus. I have found myself rushing to get my schoolwork done at a faster pace so I can catch some fading daylight in the evening to take a long walk with pals or to enjoy a bike ride before hitting the hay. The thirst for the fresh air and evening exercise is beneficially addicting and deliciously contagious, so if you haven't been bitten by the outdoor bug yet, I guarantee you will be bitten one way or another by stepping outside and enjoying the fresh air!
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