Dirt Poor Robins

For a while now I'm been listening to a husband and wife musical group that goes by Dirt Poor Robins. They have a cool folk/rock sound and use a variety of musical elements in their songs. It appears that they started out in 2006 and put out their album "The Cage" in 2007. As is the trend with many underground groups, their album is only available via electronic download. I am not one who tends to purchase songs that is just in electronic format since I like to own the physical CD but in this case I made an exception.

I would have to say that what peaked my interest in Dirt Poor Robins was their cover of "Eleanor Rigby" by the Beatles. My first impression when I saw a cover of a Beatles song was that of disbelief. It seemed pretty ballsy that anyone would have the audacity to try to improve something put out by them. So I gave it a listen to see how bad it was... but the joke was on me because it was incredible. It sounded great and was in no way disrespectful to the Beatles.

"The Hollywood Song" and "Love Again" are two others that stand out as great songs but the entire CD is worth listening to. Dirt Poor Robins hasn't had any official news releases since late 2007 so I'm a bit concerned that they haven't received enough support and are being left by the way side. I really hope this is not the case but if anyone is able to enjoy their music as a result of this post, my job is done. Happy listening.

Ruger Rebellion

The first year I went to Scout Camp I discovered that I really enjoyed shooting guns. The Rifle Shooting merit badge was offered there and for a penny per shot you could do as much target practice as you wanted. I earned that merit badge my first year there and in subsequent years regularly visited the rifle range.

Part of the merit badge requirements were to learn how to use guns in a safe way. Keeping guns pointed in a safe direction, keeping the firearm unloaded until ready to shoot and correctly using the safety are all basics that eliminate the chance of accidents that many in today's society automatically associate with gun use and gun ownership.

Since using guns with respect and in appropriate ways is completely safe and lots of fun, I have never been able to understand the arguments for gun bans or gun control. It always seemed like it would take guns away from people who respect them, while those who are using guns to break the law won't really care whether the gun they are breaking the law with is illegal or not.

I've always wanted to own a handgun, for recreational shooting. During the last election I looked at many issues, including gun control, and the respective stances of each candidate towards them. President Obama is certainly not the most fanatical opponent to gun ownership as his record can show. However, with such an overwhelming majority of democrats in the House and Senate, I began to worry that owning a handgun may not be an option forever. So when I got my tax refund back I went ahead a splurged a bit to finally buy my own handgun. I thought it was fitting that I should use the money that was withheld from my earnings by the government to make this purchase.

So now that I am the owner of a Ruger SR9c, witch feels really good to hold by the way, if people want to shooting sometime just let me know.

Collection of Goods

At first glance the title for my blog may not make much sense. "Collection of Goods" was taken from the title of a song by my favorite band Collective Soul. Ed Roland, the lead singer and songwriter for the band, writes some of the greatest lyrics I've ever come across. Ever since I first listened to their self-titled CD all the way back in 1995 Collection of Goods has always been one of their great songs to me.

Resonate tones of saving grace
Separate from the gods of hate
Alleviate all out doubting ways
Congregate to more loving days

A collection of peace where we could live
A collection of hope for us to give
A collection of words that mean we care
A collection of love for us to share

Recognize all equality
Vocalize solidarity
Exercise your tranquility
Glamorize all of love's needs

I thought it was fitting to use this for my blog title since this will be where I can compile my "goods": events, thoughts, reviews and the like. If not already familiar with the song you can use the link provided above.

Introduction

Let me be honest, I never thought that I would have a blog. I don't believe that my views on topics are exceptional or even original. I am not an authoritarian on anything. So why have I finally decided to give in and create this site? I am doing this for my family both present and future.

As my siblings have gotten older and we have become more geographically separated staying in touch electronically has been an immense help for me. I have enjoyed following my sisters' blogs and seeing the updates in their lives and the lives of my niece and nephews. So this is for them and the rest of my family.

I also have never been great at keeping a journal to chronicle the events in my life. While I don't claim this is or should be a replacement for a personal record, I hope this will at least create a partial record that my future children and grandchildren will be able to access.

I would like to thank my family for their influence to me and I hope they can enjoy/appreciate what I post here.