Birthday card that my daughter made me.
Homecoming
3 years ago
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Power Up Your Sperm
Power Up Your Sperm
Everyone knows that pregnant women should focus on their health by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, so it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that the same foods appear to benefit men hoping to become fathers. Researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain recently published results of two studies on how diet affects quality of sperm. The studies showed that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables improve sperm concentration, mobility and morphology and, at the same time, reduce oxidative stress that can negatively affect sperm.
The study included 61 men from couples who came to fertility centers -- 30 men had poor-quality semen, while 31 men had good-quality semen and acted as controls. Study author Jaime Mendiola, PhD, department of preventive medicine and public health, says that the men whose tests showed that they had the healthiest sperm concentration, motility and morphology were the ones who, overall, ate more vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy products and less meat and full-fat dairy products. When I contacted Dr. Mendiola, he told me that one problem with the latter diet, rich in full-fat dairy and meat products, might be related to xenoestrogens (endocrine disruptors) that result from the growth-enhancers the animals are fed. If not combatted by a diet filled with antioxidants, these could negatively affect semen quality.
There has been concern about poor semen quality throughout Europe in the last 50 or so years. For instance, it is estimated that 40% of the young men in Denmark have semen quality that is below levels for optimal fertility. Dr. Mendiola speculates that this may be related to environmental or occupational pollutants, changes in lifestyle, exposure to toxins and dietary habits. His team is now planning a randomized controlled trial to corroborate how having a healthier diet would improve quality of semen. But men with baby-making on their minds don’t need to wait around for the results -- based on what we already know, we can conclude that eating a healthy balanced diet is a smart strategy for men and women who hope to be parents.
Source(s):
Jaime Mendiola, PhD, department of reproductive biology and medicine, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, and department of preventive medicine and public health, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Spain.
Everyone knows that pregnant women should focus on their health by eating lots of fruits and vegetables, so it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that the same foods appear to benefit men hoping to become fathers. Researchers at the University of Murcia in Spain recently published results of two studies on how diet affects quality of sperm. The studies showed that the antioxidants in fruits and vegetables improve sperm concentration, mobility and morphology and, at the same time, reduce oxidative stress that can negatively affect sperm.
The study included 61 men from couples who came to fertility centers -- 30 men had poor-quality semen, while 31 men had good-quality semen and acted as controls. Study author Jaime Mendiola, PhD, department of preventive medicine and public health, says that the men whose tests showed that they had the healthiest sperm concentration, motility and morphology were the ones who, overall, ate more vegetables, fruit and low-fat dairy products and less meat and full-fat dairy products. When I contacted Dr. Mendiola, he told me that one problem with the latter diet, rich in full-fat dairy and meat products, might be related to xenoestrogens (endocrine disruptors) that result from the growth-enhancers the animals are fed. If not combatted by a diet filled with antioxidants, these could negatively affect semen quality.
There has been concern about poor semen quality throughout Europe in the last 50 or so years. For instance, it is estimated that 40% of the young men in Denmark have semen quality that is below levels for optimal fertility. Dr. Mendiola speculates that this may be related to environmental or occupational pollutants, changes in lifestyle, exposure to toxins and dietary habits. His team is now planning a randomized controlled trial to corroborate how having a healthier diet would improve quality of semen. But men with baby-making on their minds don’t need to wait around for the results -- based on what we already know, we can conclude that eating a healthy balanced diet is a smart strategy for men and women who hope to be parents.
Source(s):
Jaime Mendiola, PhD, department of reproductive biology and medicine, Instituto Bernabeu, Alicante, and department of preventive medicine and public health, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, Spain.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Texas adds jobs again in November, jobless rate falls
Texas adds jobs again in November, jobless rate falls
Texas employers expanded payrolls by 17,300 jobs in November, the second straight month in which the state gained jobs, and the unemployment rate fell to 8 percent from 8.3 percent in October, the Texas Workforce Commission said Friday. The November jobs report amounted to some of the strongest evidence yet that the state economy has begun a recovery after plunging into recession about a year ago. Payroll employment grew by 52,300 jobs in October, according to revised figures released Friday. That was even more than the preliminary figure of 41,700 jobs. "Texas employers added a significant number of jobs in most industries during October and November," said Texas Workforce Commission chairman Tom Pauken. "Job growth coupled with a lower unemployment rate indicate movement in a positive direction for Texas." The U.S. economy as a whole has lost jobs every month since December 2007, although the pace of losses has slowed significantly in recent months. The national unemployment rate stood at 10 percent in November. In Texas, economists have cautioned that recovery might not be smooth. The state may yet lose jobs in the months to come. During November, however, mining and logging employment increased by 5,100 jobs. Leisure
and hospitality employment increased by 4,800 positions. Financial activities employment rose by 4,700 jobs, while employers added 3,300 positions in professional and business services added 3,300 positions. Jobs in trade, transportation and utilities, which includes the retail business, fell by 4,500. Employment in manufacturing fell by 4,200 jobs, while employers cut 2,500 construction jobs. Unemployment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area fell to 7.9 percent in November, down from 8.3 percent in October. Unemployment in Dallas-Fort Worth was only 5.6 percent in November 2008. The local figures on joblessness, unlike the state data, are not adjusted to reflect seasonal variations. Read on for more data on other states. There are also signs of gathering strength nationally: Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia reported unemployment rate decreases in November. That's according to this report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here's a ranking of the highest and lowest unemployment rates at the state level:
Highest
Michigan: 14.7 percent
Rhode Island: 12.7 percent
California: 12.3 percent
Nevada: 12.3 percent
South Carolina: 12.3 percent
Lowest
North Dakota: 4.1 percent
Nebraska: 4.5 percent
South Dakota: 5 percent
Kansas: 6.3 percent
Utah: 6.3 percent
Texas employers expanded payrolls by 17,300 jobs in November, the second straight month in which the state gained jobs, and the unemployment rate fell to 8 percent from 8.3 percent in October, the Texas Workforce Commission said Friday. The November jobs report amounted to some of the strongest evidence yet that the state economy has begun a recovery after plunging into recession about a year ago. Payroll employment grew by 52,300 jobs in October, according to revised figures released Friday. That was even more than the preliminary figure of 41,700 jobs. "Texas employers added a significant number of jobs in most industries during October and November," said Texas Workforce Commission chairman Tom Pauken. "Job growth coupled with a lower unemployment rate indicate movement in a positive direction for Texas." The U.S. economy as a whole has lost jobs every month since December 2007, although the pace of losses has slowed significantly in recent months. The national unemployment rate stood at 10 percent in November. In Texas, economists have cautioned that recovery might not be smooth. The state may yet lose jobs in the months to come. During November, however, mining and logging employment increased by 5,100 jobs. Leisure
and hospitality employment increased by 4,800 positions. Financial activities employment rose by 4,700 jobs, while employers added 3,300 positions in professional and business services added 3,300 positions. Jobs in trade, transportation and utilities, which includes the retail business, fell by 4,500. Employment in manufacturing fell by 4,200 jobs, while employers cut 2,500 construction jobs. Unemployment in the Dallas-Fort Worth area fell to 7.9 percent in November, down from 8.3 percent in October. Unemployment in Dallas-Fort Worth was only 5.6 percent in November 2008. The local figures on joblessness, unlike the state data, are not adjusted to reflect seasonal variations. Read on for more data on other states. There are also signs of gathering strength nationally: Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia reported unemployment rate decreases in November. That's according to this report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Here's a ranking of the highest and lowest unemployment rates at the state level:
Highest
Michigan: 14.7 percent
Rhode Island: 12.7 percent
California: 12.3 percent
Nevada: 12.3 percent
South Carolina: 12.3 percent
Lowest
North Dakota: 4.1 percent
Nebraska: 4.5 percent
South Dakota: 5 percent
Kansas: 6.3 percent
Utah: 6.3 percent
Friday, December 18, 2009
40 albums that defined the decade
I think that I only have 4-5 of these albums so I must be getting old....
Dave
40 albums that defined the decade
By Phil Gallo LiveDaily Contributor
Ten years, 40 albums. Not necessarily the biggest sellers, the best-reviewed or year-end list-toppers, but the ones that had an impact on music, the business or culture. These are the albums of the '00s that signified the arrival of new voices, new ways to get music to listeners or new paths to take when crossing boundaries. A few familiar faces are in there as well. In the decade of digital and the dawn of an era in which music is consumed by cherry picking songs, these are albums, listed in alphabetical order, that played the role of game changers.
Ryan Adams, "Gold" (2001) The former leader of Whiskeytown followed his acoustic solo debut, "Heartbreaker," with an album that shed his alt-country kin and established him as a vital, independent voice whose vocabulary came straight from the classic rock of the mid-'70s. A triumph of technique, it set the table for Adams' prodigious output: 10 albums and two EPs in nine years.
Arcade Fire, "Funeral" (2004) Theatrical indie rock--at one time an oxymoron--became the Montreal band's stock in trade. The album was the first to make fans of intelligent, guitar-driven rock look north to Canada, where they found a superb band with a unique sound and a business model that shunned the traditional industry paradigm.
Arctic Monkeys, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" (2006) The fastest selling debut album in UK history, it was released after the band had become an Internet sensation via the online release of MP3s. The group was the first to successfully circumvent the traditional label system--but certainly not the last.
The Beatles, "Mono Box" (2009) More than just a sonic improvement from the late-1980s releases, the mono editions of The Beatles' albums bore the Fab Four's stamp of approval as opposed to the stereo versions. In mono, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and the white album provided the dramatic revelations in the reissue project.
Beyonce, "Dangerously in Love" (2003) Destiny's Child was as big an R&B act as existed when its lead singer stepped forward with a solo debut that broadened her sound and increased her fan base. The singles "Crazy in Love," "Baby Boy," "Me, Myself and I" and "Naughty Girl" were Top 10 staples in 2003 and '04.
Bright Eyes, "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground" (2002) The first album to attract comparisons between Conor Oberst and Bob Dylan. A dramatic and sweeping--even epic--work, it announced the arrival of a significant talent who was only 22 at the time.
Johnny Cash, "American IV: The Man Comes Around" (2002) By the time Cash died on Sept. 12, 2003, his rebirth was so complete that acts in every genre--from gangster rap to Justin Timberlake--respected the Man in Black. "American IV" was producer Rick Rubin's finest production effort and included Cash's dramatic reading of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt."
Cafe Tacuba, "Cuatro Caminos" (2003) The single most important band to rise out of the Spanish-language rock movement of the 1990s, "Cuatro Caminos" was the Mexican act's most significant--and most accessible--work to date. Few bands merge as many elements as Cafe Tacuba and maintain such a raw edginess to their sound.
Bob Dylan, "Love & Theft" (2001) Released on Sept. 11, 2001, album sales never hit the mark that was expected. Still, the album stands as Dylan's finest in decades and, upon release, played significantly in the revitalization of the singer's career.
Eagles, "Long Road Out of Eden" (2007) By being available at only one retailer--Walmart--and selling more than 700,000 copies in its first week, the first Eagles studio album in 28 years established the viability of exclusive releases.
Eminem, "The Marshal Mathers LP" (2000). It is arguable that the decade's rap masterpiece was released three months into the new millennium. With the massive global hits "Stan" and "The Real Slim Shady," Eminem emerged as the first polarizing rap artist whose support stretched across the ethnic and musical spectrum.
Feist, "1, 2, 3, 4" (2007)/Flaming Lips - "Do You Realize??" (2002) OK, so they're not albums--but they represent the power of a television commercial to drive album sales. Apple used Feist, Hewlett Packard turned to the Lips. And both acts not only survived claims of selling out, but her "The Reminder" and their "Yoshimi Battles the Oink Robots" saw sales spikes.
"Garden State" soundtrack (2004) A rare example of a soundtrack of pre-existing music that becomes a character in a film. Most of the music highlighted the vulnerability and indecision of the characters, which in turn made not only the music important, but the order in which it is played. The Shins, Zero 7 and Thievery Corporation gained new fans and Simon & Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy in New York" was given a new life.
Gnarls Barkley, "St. Elsewhere" (2006) "Crazy," the best of the decade's ubiquitous records, seemingly made its way on nearly every radio format. Nothing else on the album sounds like "Crazy," a testament to the varied talents of Danger Mouse and Cee-lo Green, and the label realized it by refraining from releasing a second single until "Crazy" was out for nine months--a rare strategy.
Green Day, "American Idiot" (2004) After a few efforts that suggested Billie Joe Armstrong had matured, the Bay Area trio delivered this impressive concept album that pushed their songwriting to a new level. A punk-song cycle, the album has been turned into a stage musical that is likely to land on Broadway in 2010.
Keith Jarrett Trio, "My Foolish Heart" (2007) Jarrett celebrated the 25th anniversary of his trio with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette by releasing this 2001 concert appearance in Montreux, Switzerland. Most bands don't stay together that long in any genre, and the ones that do rarely achieve the level of musicianship and communication that this trio, which only performs standards, has done for decades.
Jay-Z, "The Blueprint" (2001) Rivals "The Marshall Mathers LP" for rap album of the decade. The freshness and inventiveness in the rhymes and the beats are stunning--a dozen tracks, each as good as the next. First single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" sent a message that rap had a new kingpin; "The Blueprint" reinforced that point.
Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me" (2002) The album that made baby boomers want to buy CDs again, and they did so in droves. Not only did it sell 10 million copies, but it did so gradually--a rarity this decade--before running the table at the Grammy Awards.
Alicia Keys, "Songs in A Minor" (2001) It had all the trappings of hype at first--Clive Davis, who recorded her, could not talk about anyone else--but Keys has proven herself to be the complete artist, a rarity among R&B performers in the '00s. She keeps the focus on the music and away from dramas.
Miranda Lambert, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (2007) The second album from the first star produced by the televised country singing competition "Nashville Star," Lambert proved to be a strong writer as well as singer. Funny thing is, she didn't win on "Nashville Star."
"Light in the Piazza" original cast album (2005) Adam Guettel's inventive score--filled with art songs and tone poems--indicated that musical theater does have an heir to Stephen Sondheim. In the land of "Spamalot," "Hairspray" and "Wicked," this proved Broadway can still succeed with the cerebral and risky.
New Pornographers, "Mass Romantic" (2000) The sprawling debut from the Canadian cooperative that gave us Neko Case, the record is chock full of songs that deserved to be hit singles. As we saw later in the decade, the concept of co-op bands such as Broken Social Scene can be remarkably fruitful.
Outkast, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" (2003) "Stankonia" is a better, more cohesive album, but this semi-collaboration between Andre 3000 and Big Boi was the disc that crossed over and had a cultural impact. The album gave the world "Hey Ya" and "The Way You Move."
Radiohead, "In Rainbows" (2007) The first major success story for a Do It Yourself project by an established band. They were the first major act to willfully ask each member of their fan base, "What is the financial value of our music?"
Radiohead, "Kid A." (2000) On many levels, the first taste of modern rock in the new millennium. Rich in assimilating influences from rock and dance clubs to create songs that follow few rules of form.
Sigur Ros, "()" (2002) The songs have no titles, the language is inscrutable and the tempos are quite similar to their sumptuous 1999 debut. But there's a power in the Sigur Ros sonic-sphere that's so distinctive, it opened domestic doors for acts recording in countries known for snow cover, 23 hour days of light or dark, and social welfare.
Spoon, "Girls Can Tell" (2001) This album was followed by three more albums in four years. Like an actor that makes four films per year and gets the term "working" attached to the front of their name, Spoon was the decade's ultimate working rock band, touring and recording seemingly endlessly and being rewarded with a bigger fan base after each release.
Bruce Springsteen, "The Rising." (2002) The post 9-11 balm that made believers out of everyone. It was almost against the law to criticize it.
Sufjan Stevens, "Illinoise" (2005) The breakthrough album for the folk-oriented singer-songwriter established his 50 states/50 albums project as more than a lark. Ambitious and earnest, "Illinoise" is a crucial indie-rock document.
Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate, "In the Heart of the Moon" (2005) Guitarist Ali Farka Toure from Mali and kora player Toumani Diabate perform a mix of songs that date back to the 1950s and tunes written for the album to create a West African Buena Vista Social Club. (Not surprisingly, Ry Cooder is in the band.) Stunningly beautiful in places and technically jaw-dropping elsewhere, it's as good as anything produced in Africa this decade.
Carrie Underwood, "Some Hearts." (2005) The first "American Idol" winner to be taken seriously out of the box, she quickly became a darling of country radio. Underwood won two Grammys for songs on her debut and has blossomed away from "Idol" controls as a bona fide country star.
Vampire Weekend, "Vampire Weekend" (2008) Ivy League students try their hand at South African township jive and create an indie-rock gem. As debuts go, few arrived so fully formed as this.
Kanye West, "The College Dropout" (2004) The solo debut from the producer, West proved he could create his own hit singles, write compelling rhymes and deliver music that would quickly propel him to superstardom. In a genre with a limited number of "career artists," West deserved that tag the day "Dropout" dropped.
The White Stripes, "Elephant" (2003) The album that established Jack White as a rock star. Dark and gloomy yet laser-focused, it set the bruised and battered tone for The White Stripes.
Brian Wilson, "SMiLE" (2004) Finally. The follow-up to the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" was finished ... and it was magnificent.
Amy Winehouse, "Back To Black" (2006) For about two years, no artist was discussed more than Winehouse. Musically, she was a compelling force of nature; offstage, her private life was a disaster. How many other artists can have a rise, a fall and a shot at redemption within a year and half?
Wilco, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (2002) Warner Bros. tells the band to get lost after turning in the most uncommercial record of their career, so they go to sister label Nonesuch and outsell every other Warner Music act during the week of the album's release. A landmark album to boot.
Neil Young, "Archives: 1963-1972" (2009) Released in three configurations, Young's multi-disc set was the first box to make a compelling case for Blu-Ray as an audio medium. Music's pretty damn good, too.
Warren Zevon, "The Wind." Not sure if a dying person has ever used their last months on earth to make a record besides Zevon. His final statement is divine, especially "Keep Me in Your Heart."
Dave
40 albums that defined the decade
By Phil Gallo LiveDaily Contributor
Ten years, 40 albums. Not necessarily the biggest sellers, the best-reviewed or year-end list-toppers, but the ones that had an impact on music, the business or culture. These are the albums of the '00s that signified the arrival of new voices, new ways to get music to listeners or new paths to take when crossing boundaries. A few familiar faces are in there as well. In the decade of digital and the dawn of an era in which music is consumed by cherry picking songs, these are albums, listed in alphabetical order, that played the role of game changers.
Ryan Adams, "Gold" (2001) The former leader of Whiskeytown followed his acoustic solo debut, "Heartbreaker," with an album that shed his alt-country kin and established him as a vital, independent voice whose vocabulary came straight from the classic rock of the mid-'70s. A triumph of technique, it set the table for Adams' prodigious output: 10 albums and two EPs in nine years.
Arcade Fire, "Funeral" (2004) Theatrical indie rock--at one time an oxymoron--became the Montreal band's stock in trade. The album was the first to make fans of intelligent, guitar-driven rock look north to Canada, where they found a superb band with a unique sound and a business model that shunned the traditional industry paradigm.
Arctic Monkeys, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" (2006) The fastest selling debut album in UK history, it was released after the band had become an Internet sensation via the online release of MP3s. The group was the first to successfully circumvent the traditional label system--but certainly not the last.
The Beatles, "Mono Box" (2009) More than just a sonic improvement from the late-1980s releases, the mono editions of The Beatles' albums bore the Fab Four's stamp of approval as opposed to the stereo versions. In mono, "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and the white album provided the dramatic revelations in the reissue project.
Beyonce, "Dangerously in Love" (2003) Destiny's Child was as big an R&B act as existed when its lead singer stepped forward with a solo debut that broadened her sound and increased her fan base. The singles "Crazy in Love," "Baby Boy," "Me, Myself and I" and "Naughty Girl" were Top 10 staples in 2003 and '04.
Bright Eyes, "Lifted or The Story Is in the Soil, Keep Your Ear to the Ground" (2002) The first album to attract comparisons between Conor Oberst and Bob Dylan. A dramatic and sweeping--even epic--work, it announced the arrival of a significant talent who was only 22 at the time.
Johnny Cash, "American IV: The Man Comes Around" (2002) By the time Cash died on Sept. 12, 2003, his rebirth was so complete that acts in every genre--from gangster rap to Justin Timberlake--respected the Man in Black. "American IV" was producer Rick Rubin's finest production effort and included Cash's dramatic reading of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt."
Cafe Tacuba, "Cuatro Caminos" (2003) The single most important band to rise out of the Spanish-language rock movement of the 1990s, "Cuatro Caminos" was the Mexican act's most significant--and most accessible--work to date. Few bands merge as many elements as Cafe Tacuba and maintain such a raw edginess to their sound.
Bob Dylan, "Love & Theft" (2001) Released on Sept. 11, 2001, album sales never hit the mark that was expected. Still, the album stands as Dylan's finest in decades and, upon release, played significantly in the revitalization of the singer's career.
Eagles, "Long Road Out of Eden" (2007) By being available at only one retailer--Walmart--and selling more than 700,000 copies in its first week, the first Eagles studio album in 28 years established the viability of exclusive releases.
Eminem, "The Marshal Mathers LP" (2000). It is arguable that the decade's rap masterpiece was released three months into the new millennium. With the massive global hits "Stan" and "The Real Slim Shady," Eminem emerged as the first polarizing rap artist whose support stretched across the ethnic and musical spectrum.
Feist, "1, 2, 3, 4" (2007)/Flaming Lips - "Do You Realize??" (2002) OK, so they're not albums--but they represent the power of a television commercial to drive album sales. Apple used Feist, Hewlett Packard turned to the Lips. And both acts not only survived claims of selling out, but her "The Reminder" and their "Yoshimi Battles the Oink Robots" saw sales spikes.
"Garden State" soundtrack (2004) A rare example of a soundtrack of pre-existing music that becomes a character in a film. Most of the music highlighted the vulnerability and indecision of the characters, which in turn made not only the music important, but the order in which it is played. The Shins, Zero 7 and Thievery Corporation gained new fans and Simon & Garfunkel's "The Only Living Boy in New York" was given a new life.
Gnarls Barkley, "St. Elsewhere" (2006) "Crazy," the best of the decade's ubiquitous records, seemingly made its way on nearly every radio format. Nothing else on the album sounds like "Crazy," a testament to the varied talents of Danger Mouse and Cee-lo Green, and the label realized it by refraining from releasing a second single until "Crazy" was out for nine months--a rare strategy.
Green Day, "American Idiot" (2004) After a few efforts that suggested Billie Joe Armstrong had matured, the Bay Area trio delivered this impressive concept album that pushed their songwriting to a new level. A punk-song cycle, the album has been turned into a stage musical that is likely to land on Broadway in 2010.
Keith Jarrett Trio, "My Foolish Heart" (2007) Jarrett celebrated the 25th anniversary of his trio with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette by releasing this 2001 concert appearance in Montreux, Switzerland. Most bands don't stay together that long in any genre, and the ones that do rarely achieve the level of musicianship and communication that this trio, which only performs standards, has done for decades.
Jay-Z, "The Blueprint" (2001) Rivals "The Marshall Mathers LP" for rap album of the decade. The freshness and inventiveness in the rhymes and the beats are stunning--a dozen tracks, each as good as the next. First single "Izzo (H.O.V.A.)" sent a message that rap had a new kingpin; "The Blueprint" reinforced that point.
Norah Jones, "Come Away With Me" (2002) The album that made baby boomers want to buy CDs again, and they did so in droves. Not only did it sell 10 million copies, but it did so gradually--a rarity this decade--before running the table at the Grammy Awards.
Alicia Keys, "Songs in A Minor" (2001) It had all the trappings of hype at first--Clive Davis, who recorded her, could not talk about anyone else--but Keys has proven herself to be the complete artist, a rarity among R&B performers in the '00s. She keeps the focus on the music and away from dramas.
Miranda Lambert, "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" (2007) The second album from the first star produced by the televised country singing competition "Nashville Star," Lambert proved to be a strong writer as well as singer. Funny thing is, she didn't win on "Nashville Star."
"Light in the Piazza" original cast album (2005) Adam Guettel's inventive score--filled with art songs and tone poems--indicated that musical theater does have an heir to Stephen Sondheim. In the land of "Spamalot," "Hairspray" and "Wicked," this proved Broadway can still succeed with the cerebral and risky.
New Pornographers, "Mass Romantic" (2000) The sprawling debut from the Canadian cooperative that gave us Neko Case, the record is chock full of songs that deserved to be hit singles. As we saw later in the decade, the concept of co-op bands such as Broken Social Scene can be remarkably fruitful.
Outkast, "Speakerboxxx/The Love Below" (2003) "Stankonia" is a better, more cohesive album, but this semi-collaboration between Andre 3000 and Big Boi was the disc that crossed over and had a cultural impact. The album gave the world "Hey Ya" and "The Way You Move."
Radiohead, "In Rainbows" (2007) The first major success story for a Do It Yourself project by an established band. They were the first major act to willfully ask each member of their fan base, "What is the financial value of our music?"
Radiohead, "Kid A." (2000) On many levels, the first taste of modern rock in the new millennium. Rich in assimilating influences from rock and dance clubs to create songs that follow few rules of form.
Sigur Ros, "()" (2002) The songs have no titles, the language is inscrutable and the tempos are quite similar to their sumptuous 1999 debut. But there's a power in the Sigur Ros sonic-sphere that's so distinctive, it opened domestic doors for acts recording in countries known for snow cover, 23 hour days of light or dark, and social welfare.
Spoon, "Girls Can Tell" (2001) This album was followed by three more albums in four years. Like an actor that makes four films per year and gets the term "working" attached to the front of their name, Spoon was the decade's ultimate working rock band, touring and recording seemingly endlessly and being rewarded with a bigger fan base after each release.
Bruce Springsteen, "The Rising." (2002) The post 9-11 balm that made believers out of everyone. It was almost against the law to criticize it.
Sufjan Stevens, "Illinoise" (2005) The breakthrough album for the folk-oriented singer-songwriter established his 50 states/50 albums project as more than a lark. Ambitious and earnest, "Illinoise" is a crucial indie-rock document.
Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate, "In the Heart of the Moon" (2005) Guitarist Ali Farka Toure from Mali and kora player Toumani Diabate perform a mix of songs that date back to the 1950s and tunes written for the album to create a West African Buena Vista Social Club. (Not surprisingly, Ry Cooder is in the band.) Stunningly beautiful in places and technically jaw-dropping elsewhere, it's as good as anything produced in Africa this decade.
Carrie Underwood, "Some Hearts." (2005) The first "American Idol" winner to be taken seriously out of the box, she quickly became a darling of country radio. Underwood won two Grammys for songs on her debut and has blossomed away from "Idol" controls as a bona fide country star.
Vampire Weekend, "Vampire Weekend" (2008) Ivy League students try their hand at South African township jive and create an indie-rock gem. As debuts go, few arrived so fully formed as this.
Kanye West, "The College Dropout" (2004) The solo debut from the producer, West proved he could create his own hit singles, write compelling rhymes and deliver music that would quickly propel him to superstardom. In a genre with a limited number of "career artists," West deserved that tag the day "Dropout" dropped.
The White Stripes, "Elephant" (2003) The album that established Jack White as a rock star. Dark and gloomy yet laser-focused, it set the bruised and battered tone for The White Stripes.
Brian Wilson, "SMiLE" (2004) Finally. The follow-up to the Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" was finished ... and it was magnificent.
Amy Winehouse, "Back To Black" (2006) For about two years, no artist was discussed more than Winehouse. Musically, she was a compelling force of nature; offstage, her private life was a disaster. How many other artists can have a rise, a fall and a shot at redemption within a year and half?
Wilco, "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" (2002) Warner Bros. tells the band to get lost after turning in the most uncommercial record of their career, so they go to sister label Nonesuch and outsell every other Warner Music act during the week of the album's release. A landmark album to boot.
Neil Young, "Archives: 1963-1972" (2009) Released in three configurations, Young's multi-disc set was the first box to make a compelling case for Blu-Ray as an audio medium. Music's pretty damn good, too.
Warren Zevon, "The Wind." Not sure if a dying person has ever used their last months on earth to make a record besides Zevon. His final statement is divine, especially "Keep Me in Your Heart."
Saturday, December 5, 2009
MY WIFE
In honor of Tiger Woods getting his butt whooped by his wife rencently for cheating on her I would like to share with you the lyrics to the classic Who song "My Wife".
My life's in jeopardy
Murdered in cold blood is what I'm gonna be
I ain't been home since Friday night
And now my wife is coming after me
Give me police protection
Gonna buy a gun so
I can look after number one
Give me a bodyguard
A back belt Judo expert with a machine gun
Gonna buy a tank and an aeroplane
When she catches up with me
Won't be no time to explain
She thinks I've been with another woman
And that's enough to send her half insane
Gonna buy a fast car
Put on my lead boots
And take a long, long drive
I may end up spending all my money
But I'll still be alive
All I did was have a bit too much to drink
And I picked the wrong precinct
Got picked up by the law
And now I ain't got time to think
Gonna buy a tank and an aeroplane
When she catches up with me
Won't be no time to explain
She thinks I've been with another woman
And that's enough to send her half insane
Gonna buy a fast car
Put on my lead boots
And take a long, long drive
I may end up spending all my money
But I'll still be alive
And I'm oh so tired of running
Gonna lay down on the floor
I gotta rest some time so
I can get to run some more
She's comin'!
She's comin'!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
DOUG
A few weeks ago in the midst of having a garage sale I got a letter in the mail that broke my heart. It seems that my friend of 25 years, Doug Martin had recently lost his battle with Melanoma. I didn't even know that he was sick. I had talked to him awhile back and he did not even mention that he had been sick. Doug did not drink or smoke and got plenty or sleep and exercise so it was a shock that we was even sick let alone passed away.
I first meet Doug's brother, Cliff Martin and I spent sometime hanging out with him. In the process I got to know Doug and a long lasting friendship began. One of my earliest memories of Doug is when went to see "Iron Eagle". Doug loved the movie and did a high kick after the movie because he liked it so much! That was Doug to a T! Doug was "Brody" in the movie "Point Break" without the bank robbing. He was his own man and went to the beat of his own drum. I have fond memories of going to the gym with Doug, playing Chess (he taught me how to play), long nights playing Risk, Doug's date to Orio's Halloween party, going to the movies, Doug helping my sister, Jenafer with math, my Mom asking Doug the "submarine" question while playing Trivial Pursuit one night, spending time in Las Vegas, long conversations on just about anything in life, Doug hanging out at YA activities and so many more memories! More so then anything Doug was a good friend no matter what. He would help you in anyway that he could and did not judge others. It is nice to have a good friend both in the good times and the bad.
I first meet Doug's brother, Cliff Martin and I spent sometime hanging out with him. In the process I got to know Doug and a long lasting friendship began. One of my earliest memories of Doug is when went to see "Iron Eagle". Doug loved the movie and did a high kick after the movie because he liked it so much! That was Doug to a T! Doug was "Brody" in the movie "Point Break" without the bank robbing. He was his own man and went to the beat of his own drum. I have fond memories of going to the gym with Doug, playing Chess (he taught me how to play), long nights playing Risk, Doug's date to Orio's Halloween party, going to the movies, Doug helping my sister, Jenafer with math, my Mom asking Doug the "submarine" question while playing Trivial Pursuit one night, spending time in Las Vegas, long conversations on just about anything in life, Doug hanging out at YA activities and so many more memories! More so then anything Doug was a good friend no matter what. He would help you in anyway that he could and did not judge others. It is nice to have a good friend both in the good times and the bad.
Letter from Doug's Mom
This is a letter that Doug wrote to me back when I was trying to be a DJ. The letter means more to me then any gift that he could have given me on that Christmas so long ago.
A few pictures of Doug. I do not have a lot because Doug did not like having his picture taken. He is the one with the mustache.
7 Steps to a Longer Life
7 Steps to a Longer Life
As we get older and presumably wiser, many of us cringe at some of our former bad health habits -- whether cigarette smoking, overindulgence in food and drink, sun worship or even reckless behavior on the ski slopes that has made middle-aged knees sore and stiff. Though not all damage can be undone, according to Mark Goldstein, MD, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and coauthor with Myrna Chandler Goldstein and Larry Credit of Your Best Medicine, it is indeed possible to revise some aspects of your bad health history by emphasizing particularly important healthful habits now. "It’s never too late to make changes that will bring about better health," he says.
Weighing in
If you are or were obese, you’re at risk for a host of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Yet, despite the known risks, we’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic. About one in three Americans is obese and, among those between ages 50 and 60, that figure may be twice as high.
Although being or having been underweight for long periods of time is less prevalent than being overweight, it’s also a potential problem. "Under-nourishment or self-starvation is common in this country, especially for people who have body image issues or exercise excessively," says Dr. Goldstein. "Those who had an eating disorder earlier in life may pay a price with their health later on." For instance, the heart may pump less efficiently, causing blood pressure to fall. What’s more, bones become undercalcified and too thin, creating the likelihood that osteoporosis will develop. Hormone-related issues may arise due to such a history as well, including infertility and thyroid and adrenal disorders.
Good nutrition is key
Good nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for those who know they face certain health challenges as the result of dietary changes in their past. In addition to consuming a sensible number of calories, avoiding excess sugar and salt, and eating healthful foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Dr. Goldstein suggests the following foods for their wide-ranging benefits...
Garlic. Studies have shown that garlic lowers blood pressure, reduces LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol, and also may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Garlic, which contains several antioxidants, also boosts the immune system and helps fight fatigue. The recommended daily "dose" of fresh garlic is two to three cloves.
Pomegranate. Another superfood, pomegranate juice contains antioxidants in much higher levels than do other fruit juices. A recent study showed that drinking six ounces of pomegranate juice every day for three months reduced the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Another study found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily may help slow the progression of prostate cancer.
Tea. Both black and green tea contain powerful antioxidants that prevent narrowing of the arteries, reduce blood pressure and help keep cholesterol in the normal range. Drink three cups a day.
Bone-building foods, such as walnuts, oysters, leafy greens, beans (black, white and pinto) and salmon.
Bananas. People with a history of an eating disorder may be left with imbalanced electrolyte levels, which can lead to potassium deficiency, increasing risk for heart arrhythmia, stroke and death.
Dried plums (prunes) may have a health benefit for osteopenia and osteoporosis, according to studies in laboratory animals.
Other strategies
Get plenty of sleep. "Sleep deprivation can lead to problems, such as high blood pressure and mood disorders like depression, that can make you more vulnerable to illness and injury," says Dr. Goldstein. Insufficient sleep has been linked to a variety of cardiovascular risks, including diabetes. "Lack of sleep also can disrupt the hormones that control appetite, leading to overeating." Getting plenty of sleep, on the other hand, helps tissue repair, proper immune system function, memory and concentration. The ideal amount of sleep is seven to eight hours per night.
Exercise regularly. Everyone needs to exercise. Period. It lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate and improves arterial flow. It also may reduce plaque deposits, reversing atherosclerotic disease. Exercise is, of course, important for losing weight and managing stress. One study showed that people who exercised intensely enough to cause breathlessness for 20 to 30 minutes at least twice a week cut their risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia by 50%.
Avoid excessive caffeine. Caffeine may clear your head after a restless night, but too much of it can cause elevated heart rate and high blood pressure. Caffeine also increases the body’s production of stress hormones, placing you at greater risk for cardiovascular problems and aggravating anxiety symptoms. For some people, as few as two cups of coffee can cause rapid heartbeat, sweating and shakiness. Remember, caffeine is found not just in regular coffee, but also in tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks and some over-the-counter medications.
Manage stress. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that narrow blood vessels and increase heart rate. As a result, blood pressure rises temporarily. And, if you are frequently stressed, your blood pressure can stay high, potentially damaging (possibly permanently) the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes or arteries. There’s also a link between stress and overeating, gum disease, hair loss, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and many other problems. To combat stress, Dr. Goldstein suggests trying yoga, meditation, tai chi and/or deep breathing. These calming relaxation techniques help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Limit sun exposure. Besides increasing your risk for skin cancer, ongoing direct exposure of the eyes to sunlight increases risk of cataracts. To prevent cataracts, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays and filter out at least 85% of blue-violet rays. However, try to get 15 minutes of sunlight each day to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D.
Take care of your gums. Gum disease is extremely common and is linked to an ever-lengthening list of ills, including respiratory infection, cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke. Behaviors that can impact gums include tobacco smoking or chewing, poor oral hygiene and use of certain medications, including steroids, oral contraceptives and cancer therapy. To prevent gum disease, drink at least eight glasses of water every day so your mouth can produce enough saliva, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Replace your toothbrush monthly -- a worn brush is less effective at removing plaque -- and floss. Get an adequate amount of vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C deficiency is linked to gum disease. And cut down on sugar, which helps plaque-producing bacteria to multiply.
As the saying goes, "today is the first day of the rest of your life." The healthier you make yourself, the better your life will be.
Mark Goldstein, MD, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
As we get older and presumably wiser, many of us cringe at some of our former bad health habits -- whether cigarette smoking, overindulgence in food and drink, sun worship or even reckless behavior on the ski slopes that has made middle-aged knees sore and stiff. Though not all damage can be undone, according to Mark Goldstein, MD, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital and coauthor with Myrna Chandler Goldstein and Larry Credit of Your Best Medicine, it is indeed possible to revise some aspects of your bad health history by emphasizing particularly important healthful habits now. "It’s never too late to make changes that will bring about better health," he says.
Weighing in
If you are or were obese, you’re at risk for a host of diseases, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, stroke, sleep apnea and osteoarthritis. Yet, despite the known risks, we’re in the midst of an obesity epidemic. About one in three Americans is obese and, among those between ages 50 and 60, that figure may be twice as high.
Although being or having been underweight for long periods of time is less prevalent than being overweight, it’s also a potential problem. "Under-nourishment or self-starvation is common in this country, especially for people who have body image issues or exercise excessively," says Dr. Goldstein. "Those who had an eating disorder earlier in life may pay a price with their health later on." For instance, the heart may pump less efficiently, causing blood pressure to fall. What’s more, bones become undercalcified and too thin, creating the likelihood that osteoporosis will develop. Hormone-related issues may arise due to such a history as well, including infertility and thyroid and adrenal disorders.
Good nutrition is key
Good nutrition is important for everyone, but especially for those who know they face certain health challenges as the result of dietary changes in their past. In addition to consuming a sensible number of calories, avoiding excess sugar and salt, and eating healthful foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains, Dr. Goldstein suggests the following foods for their wide-ranging benefits...
Garlic. Studies have shown that garlic lowers blood pressure, reduces LDL cholesterol while raising HDL cholesterol, and also may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Garlic, which contains several antioxidants, also boosts the immune system and helps fight fatigue. The recommended daily "dose" of fresh garlic is two to three cloves.
Pomegranate. Another superfood, pomegranate juice contains antioxidants in much higher levels than do other fruit juices. A recent study showed that drinking six ounces of pomegranate juice every day for three months reduced the risk of developing atherosclerosis. Another study found that eight ounces of pomegranate juice daily may help slow the progression of prostate cancer.
Tea. Both black and green tea contain powerful antioxidants that prevent narrowing of the arteries, reduce blood pressure and help keep cholesterol in the normal range. Drink three cups a day.
Bone-building foods, such as walnuts, oysters, leafy greens, beans (black, white and pinto) and salmon.
Bananas. People with a history of an eating disorder may be left with imbalanced electrolyte levels, which can lead to potassium deficiency, increasing risk for heart arrhythmia, stroke and death.
Dried plums (prunes) may have a health benefit for osteopenia and osteoporosis, according to studies in laboratory animals.
Other strategies
Get plenty of sleep. "Sleep deprivation can lead to problems, such as high blood pressure and mood disorders like depression, that can make you more vulnerable to illness and injury," says Dr. Goldstein. Insufficient sleep has been linked to a variety of cardiovascular risks, including diabetes. "Lack of sleep also can disrupt the hormones that control appetite, leading to overeating." Getting plenty of sleep, on the other hand, helps tissue repair, proper immune system function, memory and concentration. The ideal amount of sleep is seven to eight hours per night.
Exercise regularly. Everyone needs to exercise. Period. It lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate and improves arterial flow. It also may reduce plaque deposits, reversing atherosclerotic disease. Exercise is, of course, important for losing weight and managing stress. One study showed that people who exercised intensely enough to cause breathlessness for 20 to 30 minutes at least twice a week cut their risk for Alzheimer’s and dementia by 50%.
Avoid excessive caffeine. Caffeine may clear your head after a restless night, but too much of it can cause elevated heart rate and high blood pressure. Caffeine also increases the body’s production of stress hormones, placing you at greater risk for cardiovascular problems and aggravating anxiety symptoms. For some people, as few as two cups of coffee can cause rapid heartbeat, sweating and shakiness. Remember, caffeine is found not just in regular coffee, but also in tea, chocolate, cocoa, soft drinks and some over-the-counter medications.
Manage stress. When you are stressed, your body releases hormones that narrow blood vessels and increase heart rate. As a result, blood pressure rises temporarily. And, if you are frequently stressed, your blood pressure can stay high, potentially damaging (possibly permanently) the brain, kidneys, heart, eyes or arteries. There’s also a link between stress and overeating, gum disease, hair loss, fatigue, sexual dysfunction and many other problems. To combat stress, Dr. Goldstein suggests trying yoga, meditation, tai chi and/or deep breathing. These calming relaxation techniques help reduce heart rate and blood pressure.
Limit sun exposure. Besides increasing your risk for skin cancer, ongoing direct exposure of the eyes to sunlight increases risk of cataracts. To prevent cataracts, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block out 100% of UVA and UVB rays and filter out at least 85% of blue-violet rays. However, try to get 15 minutes of sunlight each day to obtain an adequate amount of vitamin D.
Take care of your gums. Gum disease is extremely common and is linked to an ever-lengthening list of ills, including respiratory infection, cancer, coronary artery disease and stroke. Behaviors that can impact gums include tobacco smoking or chewing, poor oral hygiene and use of certain medications, including steroids, oral contraceptives and cancer therapy. To prevent gum disease, drink at least eight glasses of water every day so your mouth can produce enough saliva, which can be helpful in reducing inflammation. Replace your toothbrush monthly -- a worn brush is less effective at removing plaque -- and floss. Get an adequate amount of vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C deficiency is linked to gum disease. And cut down on sugar, which helps plaque-producing bacteria to multiply.
As the saying goes, "today is the first day of the rest of your life." The healthier you make yourself, the better your life will be.
Mark Goldstein, MD, chief of adolescent and young adult medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, professor of pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
