Too much? Or too awesome?

As reported by Rolling Stone, a 1965 Fender Stratocaster previously owned and set ablaze by guitar god Jimi Hendrix was auctioned off for $490,000.

Now first thing that came to my head was $490,000! I could live off that for years, if he gave that money to somebody less fortunate, he could change their life.  

But then I thought, if I was some smooth millionaire, hell ya I would buy that guitar in a heart beat. A piece of music history in my house, now that's priceless. 

100 Greatest Singers: Rolling Stone

Every so often, Rolling Stone makes a list of the all-time greatest something. Guitarists, albums, songs, artists, and now 100 greatest singers. 

The top 10 goes: Aretha, Ray Charles, Elvis, Sam Cooke, Lennon, Marvin Gaye, Dylan, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder, and James Brown. 

The top ten is good but I do have some criticism. First, Louis Armstrong and Frank Sinatra are not on the list. Sinatra should be mentioned, but Armstrong completely revolutionized singing in the 20's and should at least be in the top 25. Two other great jazz singers, Billy Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald, are not on the list either. I guess it's because Rolling Stone doesn't really cover jazz, but jazz musicians always get left out on their lists. Also Morrissey is way back at 92. Morrissey could be in my top 10 due to the way he influenced so many indie singers with his New Wave band The Smiths. Finally, Wilson Pickett at 68 should be much higher. Anybody who hears "Mustang Sally," and "Ninety-Nine and a Half (Just Won't Do)," knows exactly what I'm talking about.

All other changes I would make are to minuscule to mention. But Rolling Stone deserves credit for making a good list and I always find it interesting to see what they have to say. 

Quantum of Solace

Watching Daniel Craig play the infamous James Bond in last years Casino Royale was a refreshing take on a brutal and personally tormented Bond that has not been touched since Sean Connery. In the follow up to Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace keeps the same Bond, but loses its originality. 

The movie is filled with chase scenes and constant explosions that seems more fitting for Jason Bourne than James Bond. Now Bond wouldn't be Bond without chase scenes and explosions, but to this level seems to used as a tactic to distract the viewer from a weak plot. 

But the movie has all we love about Bond: fancy cars, beautiful women (especially Ukrainian beauty Olga Kurylenko), and swanky parties that for some reason the bad guys pick as a spot to do business. Quantum of Solace is entertaining but should go down as just another Bond movie.

B-  

The Greatest Pick Up Line Ever

Being able to come up with a completely original and ingenious pick up line is an art form that many men wish to possess. Kansas City running-back Larry Johnson is one who has certainly mastered this art, and is an inspiration to men everywhere. 

Well here on my blog, I will expose Mr. Johnson's full proof scheme to pick up women. Men if you follow these simple steps I will promise you that no woman would be able to resist you.

1. Buy a drink

2. Put the drink stalled in your mouth

3. Find an attractive woman

4. Spit the drink all over her face

5. Then to really hook her, yell "I'm going to kill your boyfriend!"

With this ultimate act of courtesy, she will undoubtedly see you as a fine gentlemen and at the very least will give you her phone number. Or in Mr. Johnson's case, a law suit. 

Lakers: 83-0

As the only Los Angeles Lakers fan in Texas, I can't help but relish in the fact that the San Antonio Spurs are off to are mediocre 2-4 start with both Tony Parker and the basketball Anti-Christ himself Manu Ginolbi out with injuries. Not to mention my Lakers are 6-0 while beating their opponents by a smooth 20 points a game. 

OK, maybe it's a little early to get my hopes up for a record breaking season by the Lakers, hell even the Atlanta Hawks are 5-0 and the season is a long road with injuries and other obstacles to overcome. Plus my boys looked pretty good last year until the Boston Celtics kicked their teeth in during the Finals. 

But as a fan, I'll choose to ignore all of these minor details. 

Real Artists

This may sound odd or sick, but what I want in an artist is insanity, depression, and recklessness. To be clearer, an artist who is happily married with two children and living in the suburbs for whatever reason just doesn't do it for me. I want a Vincent van Gogh who chopped his ear off, a Ludwig van Beethoven who was suicidal and deaf, a Robert Johnson who died foaming at the mouth and barking like a hound dog from his girlfriend poisoning him, or a Syd Barrett who was even too crazy for Pink Floyd. 

When I hear Mick Jagger received a degree in economics or that Neil Young has been happily married for 30 years I selfishly see them differently. Why am I programed to expect artists to live miserable lives drugged out and constantly looking for love? Why can't I be happy for the people who make me happy with their art?

Cryptozoology

Jeff Wilson's photography exhibit Cryptozoology will be shown at St. Edward's University in the Fine Arts Building through Nov. 5th. 

In his exhibit he captures many images in black and white. One that particularly caught my eye was the photograph of the Lincoln Memorial. The picture captures Lincoln head-on showing his emotionless face looking out into the unknown. Lincoln's long arms are stretched out along the arms of his chair and is sitting completely upright showing a man in complete control and power.

But the photograph gives the viewer a sense of coldness and loneliness. The memorial makes you appreciate Lincoln's impact on our country, but looking at the photograph causes you to hear the silence and feel the coldness the moment the picture was taken.

There is a light shinning over Lincoln as he is surrounded by darkness. This contrast in light dramatizes the image. With the lighting, you get a sense of Lincoln being God-like or a superior being. Wilson creates this God-like effect also from shooting below Lincoln, making Lincoln tower over the viewer.

Wilson's exhibit is very interesting and I would recommend others to go see his work

You can also go to his website at jeffwilsonphoto.com