Digital Cannibalism

Review: Trouble - Simple Mind Condition

2007-05-03T09:51:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since Chicago Doom-metallers Trouble have released an album. In fact, Trouble's last album, Plastic Green Head, was released in 1995 by Century Media, making it an excruciating 12 years in the waiting.

Anyone familiar with Trouble's previous releases know that their brand of traditional doom metal never fails to deliver and there's not many negative things one can say about the band. They haven't released a bad album in 23 years, since their creation in '84.

Simple Mind Condition wastes no time announcing Trouble's triumphant return. The opening track, "Seven," jumps right into classic Trouble heavy riffing. Eric Wagner's unmistakable vocals, some of the best in the doom world, as far as I'm concerned, and only surpassed by the likes of Solitude Aeturnus/Candlemass vocalist, Robert Lowe, blast strong as ever above the heavy-handed picking and sticking of the doom soundtrack.

The album continues, in classic Trouble fashion, with the next three tracks, "Mind Bender," "Goin' Home" and "Pictures," by delivering riff after crushing riff of what Trouble does best.

As far as style goes, Trouble hasn't changed much from their last album. In fact, Trouble has stuck to the formula which has worked for them for over two decades with only slight experimentation here and there. Why? Because it works. And if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

"After the Rain" brings it down, for the first part of the song anyway. Wagner gives a nod to the "Misery Shows (Act II)" with the line, "I'm still here, wonderin' 'bout things/Who's to know what my life 'll bring." Noting the nod to past tunes, you can compare this track with "Misery Shows (Act II)" in its progression: starting out slow and a bit light (in Trouble terms) and ending with a slightly heavier finale and solo. After this, your rest is over.

Then comes something a bit new. "Arthur Brown's Whiskey Bar" is a great tune with a more conversational vocal style by Wagner between the choruses.

Trouble brings it right back to the heavy riffing with "Trouble Maker." Again, classic Trouble.

"Bad Situation" is a fast paced (remember we're talking traditional doom, so fast paced doesn't mean Thrash or Speed here) heavy-hitter. As far as my opinion goes, it's one of the best tracks on the album, although all of them are fantastic so it's hard to rank them.

The last two tracks are probably my favorite and most listened to on the album.

"Beginning of Sorrows," is where my only complaint on the album lies, although it is one of the greatest songs on the album. My only gripe is that I wish it were longer. The song is so epic and amazing, I just wish it was over 4:18 long. It opens with a piano intro and Wagner's voice. Add in the bass and drums to start carrying along the tune. The last ingredient, palm-muted lead bricks of sound, comes in at about two minutes, completing a build up that leads into the end of the album.

"Reasons" is simply classic, skull-crushing Trouble. That's all I can really say about it. Downtrodden, heavy as a ton of lead, Doom that I enjoy every time I listen to it.

I think the European bonus track, "Ride in the Sky," would fit better somewhere else on the album, but it's a fantastic track. I enjoy the fun nod to Led Zepplin's "Immigrant Song" in the opening riff that Trouble uses throughout. Yeah, it's a blatant ripoff but it works so well.

While Trouble is in my top five favorite bands of all time, don't think that this review is skewed. Fans of traditional doom (Saint Vitus, Black Sabbath, ect.) and current fans of Trouble will love this release. If you like heavy, traditional doom with some spectacular vocals, check this album out. Check any of Trouble's albums out.

RATING: 9/10

Trouble - Simple Mind Condition

Tracklisting:
01. Seven
02. Mind Bender
03. Goin' Home
04. Pictures
05. After The Rain
06. Arthur Brown's Whiskey Bar
07. Trouble Maker
08. Bad Situation
09. Beginning Of Sorrows
10. Reasons
11. Ride The Sky [European bonus]

Simple Mind Condition was released on April 2, 2007 by Century Media(US). (Was released by Escapi Music in Europe)

USC Student Charged With Assault in Handgun Case:

2007-04-25T07:24:00.000-07:00

Due to the Lack of Fatalities, Media Saturation is Low

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Los Angeles - On Tuesday, 19 year old Zao Xing Yangwas charged with making criminal threats and committing an assault with a handgun. He was arrested on Sunday after making threats at a party with the firearm. Students at the party wrestled him to the ground and subdued Zao Xing.

This incident comes a week after the Virginia Tech tragedy that claimed 32 lives, and the original article makes this clear. Obviously, for the next few months, every incident involving a handgun, especially those involving individuals of Asian decent, will be linked to the shootings at VT.

Before Monday, April 16th, this story would have made very little press, if any. The LaTimes article also makes mention of a 17-year-old student at Bishop Mora Salesian High School in Los Angeles that was arrested for allegedly making criminal threats. The arrest came after a student at the Catholic school found a letter on Thursday threatening "violent acts against students and teachers."

With the ridiculous amount of media saturation over the Virginia Tech tragedy, it isn't surprising that stories of this nature are getting better coverage. It is also no surprise that the country is seeing copycat cases, much like the time following the Columbine High school shootings.

On April 20th, every building on the Kutztown University campus was evacuated at 10 a.m. when a "threat" was found in a note at Reading Area Community College.

In an email that was sent out soon after the evacuation, president F. Javier Cevallos explained that "the nature of the threat was vague and imprecise, but it did specifically mention 10 a.m."

Cevallos goes on to explain that "given the events of this week and the anniversary, this day, of events in 1999, we felt it prudent to hold a fire drill leading up to 10 a.m., and to remain clear of all buildings until 10 minutes past 10."

Rumors circulated as to whether or not bomb sniffing dogs or any outside personnel were brought in to search any of the buildings. Information regarding these rumors has not been released confirming or denying them.

Campus police were seen driving about and announcing that the evacuation was a "drill."

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Original article posted at latimes.com here.

New News Editor for College Paper

2007-04-25T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have been given the position of News editor for The Keystone, my college paper. At least now I have something to put on my resume. This change will be in effect for the 2007-2008 school year.

Also, check out WritersCafe.org if you enjoy the creative side of writing moreso than the rantings and ravings of news and politics.

You can see my profile here.

Thanks,
D.R. Wilsey Jr.

First Website Publishing...

2007-04-01T17:18:00.000-07:00

My article on the rise of Classical music has been published not only in The Keystone, but it has made its way to a website that has asked me to write for them. While it isn't the largest site on the net, it's a start. Any little bit helps.

The site:
www.theopinionmagazine.com

My article on the site.

Check the article out if you haven't read it already. Also, look around the site. There are some good pieces on there.

Thanks
-D.R. Wilsey Jr.

Charm and Charisma Don't Run a Country

2007-03-22T20:17:00.000-07:00

Charisma and good looks can take you far in the race for the presidency of the United States, as John F. Kennedy showed us during the televised debates against Richard Nixon in 1960. Today, "Obamamania" is sweeping through the nation as the 45-year-old Illinois senator, Barack Obama, captures the hearts and hopes of many Americans who believe he is the answer to everything they have hoped for in a presidential candidate. Charisma and good looks, however, cannot run a country, and those who support him should take a second to ponder why they support him.

Obama has been labeled "the savior" by a Chicago Tribune reporter, who happens to be writing a book on the senator with the same title. Many compare him to John F. Kennedy and some have even likened him to Jesus Christ. Comparison to another president, OK. Comparison to Jesus Christ and viewing a political figure as the savior, however, is dangerous. Elevating a political figure to this level of praise and expectation can only end in disaster. What attracts so many people to this young, and, when compared to other presidential hopefuls, rather inexperienced politician and why does he garner so much approval and adoration?

"People don't come to Obama for what he's done in the Senate," says Bruce Reed, president of the centrist Democratic Leadership Council in a February 2007 Rolling Stone article entitled "Destiny's Child," "They come because of what they hope he could be." It is Obama's character that attracts most of his supporters, not his short history in politics. This is what many critics of Obama are quick to point out.

Many questions surround Obama's qualifications, or as many view it the lack thereof. Barack has a short track record when it comes time to look at his history in politics, as David Ehrenstein of the Los Angeles Times was quick to point out in his article, "Obama: The 'Magic Negro.'" Ehrenstein says, "Obama's fame right now has little to do with his political record or what he's written in his two books, or even what he's actually said in those stem-winders (speaking of Obama's speeches). It's the way he's said it that counts the most. It's his manner, which, as presidential hopeful Sen. Joe Biden ham-fistedly reminded us, is 'articulate.'"

Ehrenstein's article also addressed one of the hottest issues surrounding the senator's popularity with the white crowd, accusing that very niche of supporting him "out of guilt." Ehrenstein labels Obama as "the magic negro" who is "there to assuage white 'guilt' over the role of slavery and racial segregation in American history." Although bold, this statement seems to hold some truth, pointing out that some white Americans will support and vote for Obama simply due to the fact that he is black. From the extreme liberal side, voting for the black man is the right thing to do, right?

While Ehrenstein's article may not be the most articulately structured reason why supporters of Obama should take a second to step back and look at the reasons why they are supporting him, it does raise some important points. As voters, the American people should judge candidates on their principles and political standings accordingly. Although Obama is tremendously revered, there seems to be a lack of judgment based upon these very criteria, and this is not completely due to the voting population.

In the Rolling Stone article, an Obama aide is quoted saying, "I'm not surprised you're having trouble categorizing him...I don't think he's wedded to any ideological frame." The article itself sharpens this point by saying, "With Obama, there is only the man himself -- his youth, his ease, his race, his claim on the new century. His candidacy is essentially a plea for voters to put their trust in his innate capacity for clarity and judgment. There is no Obama-ism, only Obama."

Yes, Obama is a very charismatic and articulate man and there is no problem with seeing some glimmer of hope in him as a presidential candidate. The danger comes when we as the public elevate Obama to a level at which he, or any other politician, would never be able to perform at. It is dangerous to vote for a president based on the aura of charisma that surrounds them instead of how they have performed politically. Was it not a certain allure that attracted some voters to President Bush because he "spoke like the common man?" If not that, his charisma and attitude post-9/11 sure catapulted him into re-election. When it comes time for the 2008 elections, vote on principles, not the glimmering good looks of a candidate.

Dale Wilsey is a senior

English/Professional Writing major

Move Over 50 Cent, Mozart's Throwin' it Down

2007-03-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

Although we’re probably a long way away from hearing Mussorgsky’s thundering Night on Bald Mountain blaring through high end stereo systems along the streets, an interesting new development in the world of music has begun to take place. Classical music is on the rise.

According to an article on Slate.com, classical music was the fastest growing genre in sales during 2006—up by 22.5 percent, its highest increase since 2002—beating out jazz, alternative, and even rap, which posted a decrease in sales by 22.7 percent (Nielsen 2006 report).

There are a few factors which can help explain this phenomenon. Internet sales of digital music increased by 65 percent in 2006, and actual album sales dropped 5 percent, according to the 2007 Nielsen SoundScan report. While traditional outlets have either severely depleted their selection of classical music or have completely done away with it, the Internet offers a unique storefront for those seeking otherwise hard to find recordings. Classical artists have embraced this valuable tool with welcoming arms. The New York Philharmonic now releases four albums annually on iTunes.

The largest factor in classical sales growth can be attributed to a few classical-crossover artists, such as Andrea Bocelli, Josh Groban, and Il Divo. Brendan I. Koerner of Slate.com describes classical-crossover as, “…music [that] sounds more appropriate for a feel-good Disney movie. Think honeyed voices singing about love or inspiration, backed by lush string sections and synthesizers. Think singers who look like J. Crew models.” Even though classical purists treat crossover artists like rock purists treat Nickleback, as Koerner’s article so eloquently explained, it’s apparent that the recent surge in classical music is beholden to these three artists. Together, Bocelli and Groben were responsible for the sale of 3.16 million units, which include albums on compact disc, vinyl, cassette, and digital form.

While dance clubs are probably not pumping out Beethoven’s 9^th symphony or Mozart’s requiem for everyone to get low to, fans of the classical genre can crack a smile and take pride in the recent developments. With the healthy rise in sales and the help of online outlets, possible fans and enthusiasts are not simply limited to gas station sales racks filled with the cliché Bach and Beethoven CDs or nearly-destroyed vinyl records found at flea markets.

If you're reluctant to give classical music a try, just download some Wagner and pump it through your iPod Nano. The lows and overall power in his work blow away anything the oversaturated pop-market can offer.

No More Heroes

2007-02-25T20:42:00.000-08:00

I wish I could be enthralled by a presidents speech. I wish I could look at a sports star and not wonder about how many millions they are getting paid and what kind of drugs they are on. I long for a musician to come along in the mainstream who hasn't been chewed up, processed, brainwashed, and spit back out by recording industries to make a quick buck. I'm left wishing and hoping, though, in a time of mass production and mass consumption of trash.

There was a time where even pop artist could have a song which had some semblance of feeling and heart. Today, every "artist" sounds exactly the same as though they all came shooting off of the same fast food assembly line. Christina Spears. N'Sync Street. Nicklecreed. It's all the same trite shit.

Although politicians were never truly liked, at least some of them had charisma and drive. Try to think back and find another president who spoke below a fifth grade level, as our grand master so eloquently does. I'm willing to bet that William Henry Harrison's inauguration speech wasn't as dull and painful to listen to as some of Bush's beautiful displays of the English language are.

Joe DiMaggio, in his last year with the Yankees (1951), earned a salary of $100,000. Factor in the inflation from 1951 until now and his salary would be a staggering $810,000. Today, the average salary for a professional athlete is around $2.9 million. Even the lowest players receive salaries of $300,000 or more (a generous earning for second or even third rate players).

So where are the heroes of today? Are there any or, more importantly, does anyone actually care? Is everyone so enthralled in their reality TV shows and puppet news casts that they don't notice the lack of substance? I'd just like to think they are numbing themselves, waiting for something.

I do solemnly swear, on a book I don't believe in...

2006-12-19T21:22:00.000-08:00

by Dale Wilsey

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This election year happened to be a major upset as the Democrats took both the Senate and the House. Next month will begin the swearing in of our elected officials as they place their right hand on the Bible, or in Keith Ellison's case, the Quran. This is what Ellison hopes for, as he becomes the first Muslim member of Congress.

This decision made by Ellison, a Democrat from Minnesota, has ruffled a few feathers from conservative critics around the country. An article by Dennis Prager entitled "America, Not Keith Ellison, Decides What Book a Congressman Takes His Oath On," which appeared on Townhall.com, chastises Ellison's decision to be sworn in on the Quran, the book of his faith, rather than the Holy Bible.

"Forgive me, but America should not give a hoot what Keith Ellison's favorite book is. Insofar as a member of Congress taking an oath to serve America and uphold its values is concerned, America is interested in only one book, the Bible," says Prager. Forgive me, Mr. Prager, but I believe America extends the freedom of religion to every single one of its citizens, and I believe it is Ellison who should not give a hoot about what you have to say.

Prager goes on to state that his disapproval has nothing to do with freedom of religion but that it is a ceremonial issue. "Ceremonies matter. Ceremonies are exceedingly important. That is the way a society states what is most significant to it...I want Jews like myself to take the oath on the Bible, even though the New Testament is not our Bible." I believe the U.S. Constitution may take precedent over any ceremony you may be trying to cling to, Mr. Prager.

As if Prager's disapproval was not sickening enough, he closes his article with some very bold and scathing remarks. He argues that no other non-Christian has been sworn in on a book of their choice, including any of Prager's own Jewish faith, despite their preferences. My question is, has anyone else ever tried to be sworn in on the book of their faith rather than the Holy Bible, or have members of Congress just been moving through the motions of being sworn in? Is it possible that Ellison takes his swearing in seriously and would like to swear to uphold his duties on a symbol that means something to him?

Prager believes that the only reason a Muslim is allowed to be sworn in on the book of their choice is due to American's wanting to avoid offending Muslims, and by allowing Ellison to substitute the Quran for the Bible, "...will embolden Islamic extremists and make new ones, as Islamists, rightly or wrongly, see the first sign of the realization of their greatest goal -- the Islamicization of America."

"If Keith Ellison is allowed to change that [the ceremony], he will be doing more damage to the unity of America and to the value system that has formed this country than the terrorists of 9-11," Prager says, closing his article. It may just be me, but I am going to go out on a limb here and say that Ellison's decision will have a slightly smaller effect on America than flying two airliners into one of the greatest symbols of America's power and wealth.

I cannot even fathom how anyone could think that Ellison's decision would have such an extreme impact on the moral fibers of America. Personally, I would rather have a member of Congress swear to uphold their duties on something that he holds sacred and believes in rather than a symbol of ceremony and tradition. The Bible is not the book of America, as Prager states. It is the book of those who follow its faith and teachings. The United States is a country of many books. It is a country that embraces the freedoms set forth by the Constitution for its citizens and I believe that Mr. Prager should be scheduled for an intro course to U.S. History. This is not your country, Mr. Prager, and it is not Christianity's country. This country is for us all.

Dale Wilsey is a Senior
English/Professional Writing major
and a member of KUR

Made to Order Babies in Near Future

2006-11-19T12:13:00.000-08:00

By Dale Wilsey
article found here
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Scientists are coming closer and closer to allowing Hitler's perfect race to be possible. Advances in our understanding of the human genome have skyrocketed. How far away are we from being able to pick and choose what our children look like and what ailments they may have?

Modern science is discovering things today which were merely science fiction before. Advances in our knowledge of the human genome have catapulted us into a new age of genetic science. Having the ability to cure a child of any disease that it may have in the future, before it is even born, is not just an idea anymore, it is becoming a reality.

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) is a process in which embryos are genetically tested before being implanted into the womb of a mother. PGD can be used in a few ways and has already offered couples the ability to choose the sex of their child. PGD is also used to test embryos for genetic disorders, giving parents the option of rejecting or accepting the particular embryo based on the outcome of the tests.

Some fear what the future of PGD can bring, however. Talk of "designer" babies has shadowed PGD with negative backlash disregarding possible positive effects it may have on the future. If embryos can be tested for genetic disorders and gender, how far away are we from choosing the color of our children's eyes or hair? Will we one day be able to determine if our child will be the next great Olympic gold medalist or Nobel Prize winner?

Some people fear that PGD will lead to rich people choosing to customize their children as easily as they customize their Mercedes Benz. According to an article from the Agence France Presse in May 2006, the ability to choose the sex of your child costs around $19,000 dollars. Imagine being able to check boxes next to certain options you would want in your child: would you like the sports package or the PhD package?

Some people I questioned agreed that this is a step in the wrong direction. "It's not natural and it's dangerous. Once humans start playing God like that, you have all the ingredients for Nazi Germany," said Dan Brockway, a senior Electronic Media major. "There will be laws governing it. The government regulates everything. They'll probably find a way to tax it, too." MaryKate Ott, a sophomore Professional Writing major said, "I don't think that it's right to design a child."

Others aren't so worried. "I don't find anything wrong with it and it's not shocking to me…something like this was definitely bound to happen. Personally, I don't think I would pick all the characteristics of my kid. It's exciting not knowing exactly what your kid will look like," said Daria Pennington, an Undeclared freshman.

Although it is only a matter of time before things like this are possible, I do not think we will ever see it take off as some people are predicting in the manner of fully customizable offspring. There may be some out there that would love to drop thousands or more on trying to create the "perfect" child, but there are more who would find the act deplorable and just plain wrong. The government, I hope, would almost certainly ban any type of gene alteration, which would not benefit the individual medically as well.

There are positive sides to all of this, though. Through this technology, we may someday live in a world devoid of heart disease, cancer and many other types of illnesses, which have a tendency to run in families. Autism and diabetes may oneday be a thing of the past.

"Personally, I'd be happy with whatever physical features my child obtained from myself and my husband. Why take away the element of surprise?" said Nicole Ciesla, a senior English / Literature major.

As these technologies advance further and further, I believe that this will remain the opinion. The creation of a child between couples is one of nature's most amazing feats, and to put it on the same level as buying a new car would simply be out of the question. Designer babies can be left for Paris Hilton. I believe the rest of us would like to keep ours homemade.

Dale Wilsey is a Senior
English/Professional Writing major

Saw III: One blade that is duller than Playskool Scissors

2006-11-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

By Dale Wilsey Jr.
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Saw III, the third installment in the trilogy, fails to deliver anything close to interesting let alone justifying throwing $8.50 down on the price of admission. This series should have given up after the first installment, which was not nearly as bad as the second two, but wasn't anything spectacular either.

While the premise of the first film was interesting, the acting failed to deliver on any level. The same can be said about Saw III as well. For the most part, the characters are forgettable and able to be dismissed when they are killed off. No connection is made through any of the characters including the main roles. The poor acting and delivery of the lines, coupled with the fact that I didn't really care who died, made for a great comedic atmosphere -- I laughed at points where I wasn't sitting in disgust and boredom.

Looking for a movie that will make you jump or disturb you? Don't look here. Saw III, like the others, relies on shock value and sudden scares to disturb or frighten the audience. The only problem being that none of the film is really shocking to any true fan of the horror genre and as for people saying this is the goriest film they've ever seen, I say look harder (Cannibal Holocaust is a gore-hound's wet dream and puts Saw III to shame).

A friend of mine sitting next to me jumped at one point during the experience, but that was before the movie began when the theater decided to instantly turn the volume on full blast. She laughed with me through the movie.

Like surprise endings and twists? Again, look elsewhere. The "twist" in the end could be seen a mile away. It wasn't even a decent twist. The death of Jigsaw was very anticlimactic as well. When you see someone pick up a circular saw in a horror film you expect more from him then a slit throat especially in a film which is looking to shock and disturb you.

Just be glad you don't have to watch the movie...

Although Jigsaw's death wasn't all that wonderful, I was relieved by the fact I wouldn't have to hear him say, "I want to play a game" one more time. It gets a tad annoying after three movies.

As for the way the film was shot, if they wanted to induce headaches then they were spot on. Low light scenes jumping to highly contrasted scenes as well as very quickly cut flashback scenes made for a wonderful time on the eyes in a dark theater. Thanks for the headache, Saw III.

Unfortunately, the makers of the movie left the ending open for a possibility of another Saw movie, which, judging by the box office earnings in the first few days after release, will more than likely happen.

Whatever you do, do not believe the hype surrounding this movie, especially if you're a fan of horror. The saw trilogy is one of the most overrated series in horror and suspense and exists solely to rob millions out of moviegoers who don't know any better every Halloween.

A better idea, stay home during the Halloween season and watch some of the classics on television or go out and rent a few Romero films.

Go see The Prestige instead.

*Rating: 2/5

*rating moves from lowest to highest. 1 being a level of horribleness never to be surpassed and 5 being a level of amazingness that completely kicks ass.

Review: Battle of Mice's "A Day of Nights"

2006-10-30T21:35:00.000-08:00

This will be my first official review of any kind, so bear with me.

-----------------------------------------

Battle of Mice is a sort of supergroup comprised of members from Red Sparrowes, Neurosis, Book of Knots, The Fugees, and Made of Babies. A Day of Nights is their first full length album and was released by Neurot Recordings. The album itself is dominated by such a haunting darkness with the combination of the slow riffs trudging on behind Julie Christmas's vocals which can sometimes remind you of a Brjork who has witnessed the execution of her family and forgot to take her Zoloft.

At times, her vocals portray a childish sound while conveying a Damienesque motive such as in the track "Bones in the Water" where she says, "Every time I think of pushing you down the stairs I lick my lips/ But don't be upset, it's the only way that I know how to show you I really care".

The instrumental portions of the music are reminiscent of Red Sparrowes work and will please fans of the band who love their brand of crushing-yet-simple riffs.

When combined, the vocals and instruments leave you with a dark, depressing aura (just listen to the 911 recording at the end of "At the Base of the Giants Throat" and try not to be disturbed just a little).

The members report having extreme problems with each other which definately come through in the recording but only positively for the music.

The album will appeal to fans of bands like Pelican, Jucifer, Explosions in the Sky, ect. Some may find Julie's vocals a tad grating and hard to bear in some of the tracks whe she goes completely nuts, but it adds wonderfuly to the tone of the entire recording.

My rating 7/10.

Track Listing for A Day of Nights:

1. Lamb and the Labrador

2. Bones in the Water

3. Sleep and Dream

4. Salt Bridge

5. Wrapped in Plain

6. At the Base of the Giant's Throat

7. Cave of Spleen

Released from Neurot Recordings
2006

Members:

Julie Christmas - Vocals
(Made Out of Babies)

Josh Graham - Guitars/Keyboards/Vocals
(Neurosis/Red Sparowes)

Joel Hamilton - Drums
(Book of Knots)

Tony Maimone - Bass
(Book of Knots, Pere Ubu)

Joe Tomino - Drums
(The Fugees, Dub Trio, Peeping Tom)

A Witch Hunt: Remember the West Memphis Three

2006-10-15T14:40:00.000-07:00

Another article written for The Keystone about the West Memphis Three.

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On May 6^th, 1993 in West Memphis, Arkansas, three eight-year-old boys were found dead, naked and mutilated near a creek in an area known as Robin Hood Hills. The killing had seemed to police as a satanic ritual. In June of that year, Damien Echols, Jason Baldwin and Jessie Misskelley were arrested as the prime suspects in the murder of the three boys.

Authorities were under pressure by the residents of West Memphis to find the perpetrators of this malicious crime as quickly as possible. There is one very large problem with the arrest and conviction of Damien, Jason and Jessie. No physical evidence linking the three, now known by many as the West Memphis Three, to the murders was ever found.
According to accounts of the investigation, the West Memphis police had never had any experience with a murder like that of the three eight-year-olds. It was because of this that the crime scene was not properly preserved and much evidence was lost due to the inexperienced work of the authorities.

A seminal piece of evidence was found in the form of bite marks on two of the victims, which were not studied until four years after the crime. When they were compared to the bite patterns of Damien, Jessie and Jason, they did not match.

One unusual figure in this story, Mark Byers, adoptive father to one of the victims, has been speculated by many to be the true perpetrator of this triple homicide. During the filming of the first half of Paradise Lost, a documentary which covers the entire story up until sentencing, Byers gave the film makers a serrated hunting knife as a gift. It was noted by the film makers that blood was present on the knife. Subsequently, they handed it over to authorities who tested the blood and found it to match that of Byers’ adopted son. The serrations on the knife also matched the cut patterns on the mutilated child. Byers also had his teeth removed following the first trial where the bite marks had been mentioned. He has not been able to keep his story straight on how or why he lost his teeth since.

Another possible witness was practically let go on May 5^th. A few hours after the three victims had last been seen alive, Marty King, a manager at the Bojangles restaurant near Robin Hood Hills, phoned the police. He witnessed an African-American man in the woman’s bathroom for an hour that was covered in blood and seemed dazed. An officer was dispatched to the scene but did not leave the car. The suspect left the scene. After the bodies of the boys were found, an officer returned and took blood samples from the bathroom. These samples were lost and have never been found.

Why were Damien, Jessie and Jason arrested for the crimes? A juvenile detective who had been following Damien for ten years prior to the murders suggested to the chief of the WMPD that Damien was the only one capable in the area of this type of crime. Damien was also considered by many in the conservative town to be weird. He was constantly seen dressed in black and had a preference for heavy metal music, which the town associated with the occult and Satanism. The testimony forced from Jessie Misskelley did not help the boy’s plight, either.

When Jessie was brought in for questioning on the murders, he was questioned by authorities for an extended amount of time – different sources speculate anywhere between 6 and 12 hours total for the interrogation – in which only 46 minutes were actually recorded. Misskelley, who is also legally mentally challenged, was subjected to the questioning without legal representation or parental consent. He later recanted this testimony.

Damien was sentenced to death, Jason received life without parole and Jessie was handed a sentence of life plus 40 years. For more than thirteen years these boys have been sitting in jail because of shoddy police work and a modern day witch-hunt mentality. Since their conviction, much information has come up that uncovers even more counts of corruption.

In 2004, an article by Peter Blumberg of the Daily Journal in San Francisco reported that three jurors in the case admitted that they reached guilty verdicts by considering deeply incriminating evidence that was strictly off limits. Also in 2004, Victoria Hutcheson, a key witness in the trial, came forward and admitted that her entire testimony had been fabricated due to police pressure. According to Mara Leveritt, author of Devil’s Knot -- a book which covers the murder and trials -- Hutcheson's interviews with police gave them [WMPD] a theory to build a case around. With that theory, and a confession from the 17-year-old Misskelley, whose IQ was subnormal, police had what they needed to arrest Damien Echols and Jason Baldwin.

Thousands of people openly support the boy’s appeals and hope for their release. A website dedicated to their story – www.wm3.org – details the events before and after the murders. Those who know of the murders believe the boys to be innocent. Even the true father of Byers adopted son wrote a letter expressing his disapproval of the trial and sentencing of the boys, which can be found on the wm3.org website.

In this country, we expect to be protected by our law officials and we are guaranteed the right to a fair trial under the constitution. Damien, Jason and Jessie were denied this right. They were persecuted because of the way they dress, the music they listened to and the literature which they read. It is disgusting to think that the Salem witch trials could be reincarnated in today’s society, but the case of the West Memphis Three is nothing short of that. The residents wanted their witch to burn at the stake, and they found three in Damien, Jessie and Jason. I would strongly suggest you visit the wm3.org site and research this case for yourself; for it is one of the most sickening displays of corrupt and flawed American justice in our time.

Von Dutch: More Than Just a Name

2006-10-11T17:25:00.000-07:00

This article was written for an issue of last years Keystone. I'm not sure it's as relevant as it was then seeing as how the fashion has not been as noticable -- to me anyways -- this year, but I liked the article.

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Von Dutch more than just a name
By Dale Wilsey

One of the most influential movements in custom car making history is being defaced by capitalists looking to make a buck. And it makes me sick.

Von Dutch isn't about clothing, hats and money hungry fools-it's about a man who revolutionized custom car and motorcycle work.

Ever since I was a kid the custom car culture has been part of my life-from early rat rods to the high-end customs turned out by master fabricator Chip Foose. Recently though, fashion designers have taken a name from this culture and turned it into a money-making ploy of which hardly anyone knows the history. I speak of motorcycle mechanic and master pinstriper Kenneth Howard, also known as Von Dutch.

Following his death in 1992, Howard's daughters Lisa and Lorna sold his name and imagery to Michael Cassel, a maker of surf clothing in California, who established a company under the name Von Dutch Originals in 1999. By 2003, the company was doing $33 million in sales. The Von Dutch name has been slapped on everything from hats to handbags to custom motorcycles and even energy drinks. This has been done with almost no acknowledgement to the actual man who bore the name Von Dutch.

Von Dutch is a historical man in the Kustom Kulture, an all-encompassing term used to describe the artwork. The vehicles, the hairstyles and the fashions of those who drove and built custom cars and motorcycles in the United States from the 1950s through today are being disgraced by Cassel and his enterprise. Howard is considerd one of the fathers of the Kustom Kulture along with many other figures like Ed "Big Daddy" Roth, who drew inspiration from Von Dutch.

Although revered for his art and contribution to the Kulture, Von Dutch had a dark and very angry side to his life as well. Von Dutch was a stubborn man, an alcoholic and a racist. He alienated his family and customers and lived in a California city bus, which doubled as a machine shop, for a good portion of his life.

Even though he was described as a pain by many who knew him, he was revered for his contributions, such as the flying eyeball, one of the most recognized logos in the Kustom Kulture. For pinstripers, Von Dutch is the one person most responsible for the existence of the craft.

Howard once said of money:

"I make a point of staying right at the edge of poverty. I don't have a pair of pants without a hole in them, and the only pair of boots I have are on my feet. I don't mess around with unnecessary stuff, so I don't need much money. I believe it's meant to be that way. There's a 'struggle' you have to go through, and if you make a lot of money it doesn't make the 'struggle' go away. It just makes it more complicated. If you keep poor, the struggle is simple," said Howard.

It's kind of funny. A man who had a bus seat for a bed and owned nothing more than he needed is pulling in millions with just his name.

Well, he's not. But his name is.

Kenneth Howard's bus in which he lived and worked.

PETA: Not the Cuddly Organization You Thought.

2006-09-24T17:24:00.000-07:00

Article written for the 3rd issue of The Keystone.

This article appears in the Fall 2006 3rd edition of Kutztown University's paper, The Keystone.
Online Here

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When you think of PETA, you would usually think of an organization dedicated to animal rights and liberation, not the destruction of animals that were promised good homes. Would you consider “ethical” as supporting arsonists or curbing research and organizations dedicated to finding a cure for AIDS or cancer? No one wants to see animals harmed or destroyed, but where does the line between activism, hypocrisy and pure stupidity blur?

On June 15th of 2005, two members of PETA, Adria Joy Hinkle, described as being the “Mother Teresa of Animals” by PETA’s president, and Andrew Cook, were arrested while dumping the dead bodies of 18 animals into a supermarket dumpster. Both were charged with 31 felony counts of animal cruelty each. The animals – which were euthanized in the back of a PETA van – had been obtained from a North Carolina animal shelter, where the two arrested promised they would be given to good homes. Thirteen more bodies were found in the back of the van.

Surely this was an isolated incident involving two rogue members of PETA. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Documents filed by PETA in the state of Virginia record the over 10,000 animals between 1998 and 2003 euthanized by the organization. In 2003 alone, PETA euthanized over 85 percent of the animals which it took in. Only 14 percent were given to adoptive homes. The SPCA, in Norfolk, VA., found homes for 73 percent of its animals while the Virginia Beach SPCA adopted out 66 percent.

One would believe that an organization which has an annual budget of over $20 million would be able to either find homes for these animals or at least board them until they could find homes. This is, after all, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals we are talking about. Instead, PETA uses their millions to finance their advertisement, and to buy stocks in such companies as McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, Denny's and Tyson Foods. They have also supported terrorist groups such as the Earth Liberation Front, who, together with the Animal Liberation Front, have committed over 600 criminal acts accounting for more than $43 million in damages, according to the FBI. It’s anyone’s guess as to how much they spend on euthanizing all of the animals which they say they protect.

Building set ablaze by E.L.F.

According to their site, PETA believes that human suffering is just as much a problem as non-human suffering, since we are all technically animals. They even state this within their FAQ on PETA.org: There are very serious problems in the world that deserve our attention, and cruelty to animals is one of them. We should try to alleviate suffering wherever we can. Helping animals is not any more or less important than helping human beings—they are both important. Animal suffering and human suffering are interconnected. Why, then, was PETA’s president, Ingrid Newkirk, quoted saying, “…even if animal research resulted in a cure for AIDS, we would be against it.”?

Whether you like it or not, animal research has not only helped human beings in the quest for cures and genetic problems, but without some animal research we would not even be able to save some of our most beloved, four-legged family members in their time of need. To say that suffering throughout the entire animal kingdom is equal whether it is human or non-human suffering, and then attacking such organizations as the March of Dimes, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation and the American Cancer Society because of its research to end human afflictions is complete hypocrisy.

Calling an organization which condones terrorist acts, the euthanization of homeless animals over adoption and promoted the drinking of beer over milk as “drinking smart” to college aged students ethical is beyond unbelievable. If you truly feel for animal rights and liberation, then I suggest you do what you can to raise awareness about such things as vivisection, factory farms, circus abuse and racing greyhound abuse, as well as other such issues, on your own or by forming your own group. Feeding a hypocritical organization, like PETA, does nothing but help them raise more money to push their jilted agenda.

The Bastardization of Hardcore

2006-09-18T20:19:00.000-07:00

This article was written for the second issue of Kutztown University's The Keystone. Unfortunately, some people at the paper thought it only pertained to a certain group and did not think it was worth publishing. I thought otherwise, so here it is.

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Within the past few years, a large craze of “hardcore” bands has swept many a college and high school student and has gone as far as to create, what they believe, is the “scene.” Many of those who believe that bands such as Norma Jean, Underoath or even Slipknot constitute as “hardcore” would be surprised, and most likely reluctant, to find out that they are no where near what true hardcore music is and was.

Hardcore punk, as the full title of the genre goes, was born out of the late 70’s and early 80’s Punk scene with bands such as Black Flag, Minor Threat and Bad Brains laying the groundwork for those to come. All three bands played a new kind of punk. It brought a fresh edge to the underground music scene with its faster, harder and shorter song structure. It was music and feeling at its rawest form, and to those who were part of the revolution, it was more than notes and lyrics.

Stephen Blush, author of American Hardcore: A Tribal History, says “Hardcore was more than music – it became a political and social movement as well. The participants constituted a tribe unto themselves.” This became the true scene of Hardcore to those who experienced it. It was a place for kids to escape the society that they felt shunned them for being different. Blush says, “Lots of f*cked-up kids ‘found themselves’ through Hardcore. Many now say things like, ‘I grew up thinking I was a weirdo, but I met like-minded people and figured out I wasn’t such a freak after all.’ …For some, it served as a valuable social network; for others, it opened a rich musicological mine; but for all involved, Hardcore was a way of life, something that they had to do.”

The Hardcore scene brought people from all walks of life together. “Soon after I became a fixture in the Punk/Hardcore scene of the day, I began to notice something I hadn't witnessed before- complete tolerance…Gay, straight, confused, ethnically diverse or just plain awkward, you would be accepted no matter what, and that always intrigued me,” says Heath C., from Portland, Oregon, who has been involved in the scene since 1985.

Presently, the word “hardcore” is being passed around and slapped on anything that contains heavy guitars, screaming vocals and double bass rolls when none of this describes the actual genre of Hardcore Punk. This doesn’t even hit on the fact that people are describing the way others dress as being “hardcore.” Fashion and the way you look is the last thing the true Hardcore scene is worried about. Hardcore has witnessed a major break down in morals and unity since the heydays with violence and gang mentality taking over and replacing tolerance and making the once inviting clubs, where your average 16-year-old could go on a Friday night and check out his favorite bands, places where he now needs to watch his back if he doesn’t wear the right band shirts.

True Hardcore bands still exist today and are seeing a revival in the scene with veteran bands like One King Down, The Hoods and Slapshot touring and releasing new material. DIY venues are popping up in new places, and more and more people are discovering the roots of Hardcore Punk and all the positive things that came from it.

“To me Hardcore means loyalty, brotherhood, pride, tolerance and the love of a great, aggressive style of music,” says Heath. Hardcore has no place for you to be worrying about how your hair looks or how much eyeliner should be applied to the male face. Hardcore is a way of life and one of the most positive genres of music to have ever existed bringing individuals from all walks of life together to share in something they could all relate to. The next time you visit young ones, check out an old Warzone album or pick up a Gorilla Biscuits record. Those are the roots of the true hardcore scene and without them, the bands that many cherish in the scene now would have
never existed.

The begining of something...

2006-09-14T12:36:00.000-07:00

...but I'm not quite sure what. Since I am a writing major and most of the assignments I am given don't really intrigue me all that much, I've decided to start a blog. It will most likely contain all the articles I write for the Keystone -- my college newspaper -- and some various other articles I decide to write.

For now, though, I have nothing and I want to see what this thing would look like with some words and such, so here they are. Check back from time to time to see whats going on in my world and what people or moronic ideas I decide to hate for the week.

-DW