The Cross and the Crescent

With the furor over Pope Benedict's "anti-Islam" remarks, I thought a few words to the subject would be appropriate. Lord knows, I'm no apologist for the Catholic Church, but in this case, Muslims are just wrong.

First, let's all take a minute and actually read what Benedict said and look at the context. He simply quoted a 14th-century Byzantine emperor who argued that spreading faith through forced violence is wrong--a position most Muslims around the world who aren't affiliated with al-Qaeda would agree with. But the media just prints a sentence out of context, and the Muslim world assumes that it's all about Christians hating Muslims. I find it ironic that Muslims worldwide (and I of course realize that this is a generalization) are always ready to condemn others who speak a word against Mohammed, and demand apologies from the same, but when a Muslim does something anti-Christian or anti-Jew, they rush to the defense of the offender. Where are the apologies from the Muslim world for 9/11? or 3/11? or for the London subway bombings? Or for the daily suicide attacks in Iraq? Or for the comments of Iranian president Ahmadinejad? Or for the remarks of bin Laden, a-Zawahiri, Hamas, Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad, and all of those other hate-filled groups?

My advice for the pope: Don't apologize. Don't apologize until the Muslim world as a whole apologizes to the West for its crimes. Hold your ground, because no one who refuses to grant civil rights to others deserve them for themselves.

My advice to the Muslim world: Either treat others as you want to be treated (gee, where'd that thought come from?) or shut the hell up. Most of the Muslim world has less credibility right now than George Bush does.

I still hope for a world in which everyone can live in peace, but as long as any nation allows hatred to flourish, there will be strife.

"A good southern movie"

Toby Keith was on the Colbert Report last night promoting his new movie. Actually, it's not a real movie; it's a made-for-TV-by-CMT movie. Keith summarized the movie by saying that it's about a small-town guy who gets a girl pregnant, leaves her, and returns 17 years later after a bunch of local boys are killed in the war. Keith's assessment of this script: "It's a good southern movie." Gee, no wonder people idealize the South. Who wouldn't want to live in a town where premarital sex, spousal abandonment, deadbeat dads, and getting killed in war are all considered "good southern" values?

::sigh::

New Maiden album

I finished listening to the new Iron Maiden album, A Matter of Life and Death, today. I'm really disappointed, to say the least. I posted a review on iTunes, which I usually don't bother to do. I just couldn't bear seeing all of the 4- and 5-star reviews saying things like, "the best Maiden album in a decade" and other drivel. So I gave it 2 stars. My review:

Not Maiden's best effort, despite what all of these apologists say. A Matter of Life and Death is certainly another step down the road of Progressive Rock, which is something that Maiden doesn't do particularly well. This isn't a bad album, but it isn't great, either. Too many of the songs start off with the slow, quiet groove before punching it up, a feature I understand is a favorite of Steve Harris'. Steve--do us a favor--only one slow intro per album, okay? The album is technically well done, although Bruce Dickinson's voice is starting to go. The lyrics aren't particularly interesting, and the halfhearted attempt to drum up interest with the "mystery" of "who is Benjamin Breeg?" just comes off as a desperate cry for attention. Dance of Death wasn't a stunning album, either, but it had 3 or 4 good, strong songs. There really isn't any one new song on this album that stands out. The best song by far is the live version of "Hallowed," and that even pales next to the version on Live After Death. So if you're a die-hard Maiden fan, download it--you won't be as upset that you spent $9.99 as you would be if you wasted $17 in the stores. If you are new to Maiden, skip this one. It's just not very good.

Steve, Bruce, Adrian, Jannick, Nicko, and Dave: Take a break, guys. Catch your breath, then do some more reading so you can come up with some fresh ideas. I look forward to the next Maiden album like any other fan, but this album is just dull. Better luck next time.

Iron Maiden's new album

I just downloaded Iron Maiden's new album, A Matter of Life and Death, from iTunes. I've only heard a little of it, so I want to reserve judgment until I've heard the whole thing. I'm a bit apprehensive, frankly. I've been a Maiden fan since the early 80s, and I love Maiden's stuff--except for Fear of the Dark and the crap they put out with Blaze Bayley as lead singer (X Factor and Virtual XI). That has to be the single worst decision the band ever made. But from what I've heard so far, they're sounding a bit tired on this album. As I said, though--reserving judgment for now. I wasn't too keen on their last album, Dance of Death, when I first heard clips from it, but while I still don't think it's their best effort, I recognize that it has 3-4 really good songs on it, and a few more decent ones.

UP THE IRONS!!!

Atlantis ascendant

Well, Atlantis thankfully made it to orbit with no problems and no damage (another bullet dodged) and she's now on her way to the ISS. Here's hoping for a continued safe mission.

Watching VH1's Most Metal Moments. God, I miss those days. Long hair, loud guitars, and big-hair metal chicks. Ahhhh...those were the days. Of course, I now complain that the neighbors play their music too damn loud when they're washing the car, so I guess I've grown up and grown old.

Gotta get some sleep...I'm getting up in a few hours to watch Atlantis dock with the ISS on NASA TV. Yeah, I know--I'm a nerd.