+Live+

I had the chance to see Live perform for the fourth time, and I had the pleasure of meeting the entire band backstage after the concert. This really meant a lot to me, because they have been an inspiration in my life for many years. I first saw them perform at Woodstock ‘99. In the late 90's when Limp Bizkit, Marilyn Manson, Korn, Rage Against the Machine, and other bands were bringing a negative message to America, Live was singing about freedom and love. Not love between a man and woman, like every other band that has ever existed, but love between all people around the world. The lead singer, Edward Kowalczyk, continuously writes metaphoric lyrics that are spiritual in nature. Many songs are about the circle of life and most have a water theme, which Ed says has to do with being fully submerged in your consciousness.

Sneeking backstage to meet my favorite band was truly a great moment. I got their autographs and talked to them about their experiences on the road and about the show they just put on. Live Rocks. I encourage all to check them out.


“It’s the way we sing that makes em dream.”

July 4th, 2006

Let us celebrate our country’s independence by studying its history. Take a step back and study the history of America’s political framework, leadership, traditions, and participation in war. Also study progressive movements and grassroot movements that have shaped this country from the bottom up. Above all, study America’s mistakes and failures. We must do this if we ever hope to learn from history or to discover new solutions to new problems. If we only endorse glorious moments based on lies and deceptions, our view of the world will be very distorted. Historian James W. Loewen said, “If we cannot face our history honestly, we cannot learn from the past.” This is exactly what I believe. He said it would be a mistake to ignore the harsh realities in America’s past because lies will “keep us ignorant as a people, less able to understand what really happened in the past, and less able to apply our understanding to issues facing the United States today.”