CD Review: Rockaholic, By Warrant

Listening to Rockaholic, the latest CD by Warrant, is like stepping into a time machine.  Get ready to bust out the Aqua-Net and take a trip back to the spandex-clad, big-haired rock scene of Mid-Eighties Sunset Strip.  For those who weren't there, it was a time where rock was defined by heavy guitars, pounding bass, booming drums, sandpaper vocals, and ten-pound makeup jobs that would make Tammy Faye Baker cringe!  If you grew up on Eighties rock and love it like I do, then Rockaholic is not to be missed!

Long-time fans have always known that Warrant is a great party band, both in concert and on record.  This CD definitely carries on that tradition.  Released through Frontiers Records on May 17, 2011, Rockaholic contains fourteen all new tracks.  They are mostly rockers with a few great ballads sprinkled in.  The up tempo songs are interesting and energetic; the ballads are emotionally charged.  This CD definitely proves that the band still has the goods, even after all these years.  The songs are tight, and every performance is spot on!  Highlights for me include: Snake, Dusty's Revenge, and Life's A Song.

The only bummer for me is that original singer, Jani Lane, is no longer in the band.  While the other four original members have remained, Lane has not performed on the band's last two albums.  Rockaholic features singer Robert Mason, whom some of you will remember from his work with George Lynch in Lynch Mob.  For their previous CD, 2006's Born Again, they hired Black 'n' Blue vocalist Jamie St. James, who left them after that album to reunite with his former band.

Like any true Warrant fan, I do miss Jani's presence, but I have to confess that his absence has not stopped me from loving the work that Warrant has done without him.  Robert Mason has proven himself to be a very worthy replacement.  In fact, I think that he has given the band a great shot in the arm.  His passionate singing style is a bit grittier than Lane's, but I have no doubt that he will be able to do the old songs justice, because he is still melodic and expressive enough to pull off Lane's songs with ease.

Stated simply, this album is a blast to listen to!  If you love a good old-fashioned high-energy rock & roll party, this album will deliver it in spades!  It is guaranteed to have you breaking out your air-guitar and singing into your hairbrush in front of the mirror or your money back...so crank it up and release the rock star within!

Tips To Keep Your Children Safe On Halloween

Most children love Halloween!  It is one annual event that they very often look forward to with eager anticipation!  The chance to dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating for all those yummy candy treats definitely ranks very high on the priority list for most youngsters.  For parents, however, Halloween can present some very valid safety concerns...especially in this day and age.  So, to that end, I would like to present a few tips to help parents ensure that their little ghosts and ghouls will enjoy a Halloween that is both fun and safe.

The first issue that must be addressed is costumes.  Finding just the right costume for your child can be trickier than you may think.  When choosing a costume, there are many factors that could present a potential hazard.  For example, it is very important to make sure that the costume fits properly.  Costumes that are loose and drag the ground, or those with long hems such as gowns or capes, could create a tripping hazard.

It is also advisable that parents encourage their kids to wear face makeup rather than masks.  Most masks are ill-fitting, and do not have adequate air holes.  A mask that is too large can sometimes impair a child's vision, because they can move out of place, making it difficult for your child to see through the eye holes.  Even when the eye holes of a mask allow an unobstructed frontal view, they can still hamper the peripheral vision.  If your child does wear a mask, make sure that the air holes provide good ventilation, and that the mask fits properly, so that he or she can see clearly through the eye holes.

Face paint, on the other hand, will eliminate all of these problems.  However, it is recommended that you test the paint on a small area of the skin before applying to the entire face.  Most of these products are made with non-toxic ingredients, so toxicity isn't usually a concern, but the possibility of allergic reactions can be.  If the product causes swelling, redness, itching, or burning to occur at the site of application, try a different product.

Experts also recommend that you choose costumes and wigs that are flame retardant.  It should tell you on the label or packaging of the costume whether this is the case.  When costumes require props, such as swords, magic wands, or plastic jewelry, you should be cautious in choosing these.  Choose props that are made of a material that is not likely to cause injury to others when your child plays with them.  It is wise, for example to choose a foam sword over one that is made of a very hard plastic or some other material.  Make sure that all sharp edges have been blunted, and that these props are carried in such a way that the will not catch on clothing or impede walking.  Costumes with small pieces or play jewelry, necklaces, or beads are not recommended for extremely young children.  As all parents are aware, children of a very young age just love to put things into their mouths, so such things could easily pose a choking risk.

Another point of concern for parents is making sure that your child is clearly visible when trick-or-treating in the darkness of Halloween night.  According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, pedestrian accidents are four to five times more likely to occur on Halloween.  This is usually because kids get caught up in the moment, and don't pay attention to street safety.  They often dart out from between parked cars, or run in the middle of the street, so you definitely want to light them up so that drivers can see them!  This can be done by simply giving them a flashlight to carry.  Reflective tape on their costumes or glow sticks are also effective options!  If you will not be accompanying your child for some reason, please stress to them the importance of paying attention to common-sense street safety, such as using the sidewalks instead of walking in the street, and crossing only at crosswalks.  And while you're at it, you should also teach your children to follow a few other practical rules.  For example, they should travel in groups of three or more, avoiding houses where the lights are off, and they should accept treats at the door. They should never enter a house under any circumstances!

Lastly, there are a few notes about the treats that your child receives.  They should be checked very carefully for any sign of tampering before your kids are allowed to eat them.  Never allow them to eat anything that is open or unwrapped, or that appears to have been otherwise tampered with.  Also, they should not accept fruit or any type of homemade treat, such as popcorn balls.  It can be impossible to tell when such things have been compromised or mishandled in some way, so it just isn't worth the risk!  Additionally, there are certain types of hard candies that should not be given to younger children, who could easily choke on them.  Typically, any candy that is about the size and shape of a grape falls into that category.

In summation, I would like to remind parents that often times, things that are seemingly the most innocuous can present the greatest dangers to a child, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.  Following these simple tips will ensure that your youngsters can still enjoy their Halloween, while giving you the peace of mind that comes from knowing that you have put their safety first!

TV Show Review: Weeds

Author's Note: Since this article was originally written, Weeds has now concluded. The eighth and final season should be surfacing on DVD soon. The events described in this review cover the first season only.

When it premiered on the Showtime network in August of 2005, the controversial series Weeds became a hit almost immediately.  The show is a biting, satirical look at suburban life in all its dysfunctional glory that is both dark and hilarious at the same time.

The main character on the show, Nancy Botwin (played by Mary-Louise Parker), is just your average, typical suburban soccer-mom; she's a devoted wife, and a doting mother to her two sons, Silas and Shane (played by Hunter Parrish and Alexander Gould respectively).  She attends PTA meetings, takes younger son Shane to his soccer games, and drinks enough iced latte to keep the local coffee franchise in business almost single-handedly...all the while maintaining an immaculate home in the upscale suburb of Agrestic California with the help of her live-in maid, Lupita (played by Renee Victor).

However, when her husband, Judah, suddenly suffers a fatal heart attack, Nancy is left with no way to support her family.  In her desperation, she starts selling marijuana to her neighbors and friends in order to maintain the lifestyle to which she has become accustomed.  With the help of her supplier, Heylia (played by Tonye Patino), Nancy quickly learns the ropes of drug dealing, and transforms herself into a self-proclaimed "baroness of bud."

Working under the 'guise of operating a bakery, Nancy quickly builds an impressive clientèle that ranges from her accountant...who also happens to be on the city council...to the twenty-something student body of the local community college.  Through it all, she somehow manages to keep up the outward appearance of the normal, happy suburbanite.

Unfortunately, things in Nancy's world are not as rosy as they seem on the surface.  When her business begins to find its legs, it slowly dawns on her that she hasn't gotten the hang of being a drug dealer quite as well as she thought she had.  From day one, she is besieged by one crisis after the next.  To begin with, her brother-in-law, Andy (played by Justin Kirk), shows up out of nowhere and takes up residence on her couch, becoming a freeloading parasite that refuses to vacate.  When he discovers how she pays the bills he is determined to worm his way into a partnership with her.  She gets robbed of a fourteen thousand dollar stash, by a rent-a-cop who turns out to be a dealer himself.  In addition, she has to deal with her friend and neighbor, the deliciously vicious Celia Hodes (played by Elizabeth Perkins).  Celia is a completely self-absorbed wife and mother who totally redefines the word narcissist, and whose scathing insults could make Satan himself cringe in fear.

On top of all that, she meets Peter Scottson (played by Martin Donovan), when Shane faces his son in a Karate tournament, and winds up injuring him by biting his foot during the match.  Peter is hiding a secret of which Nancy is unaware...one that could pose a serious threat to her.  It's a secret guaranteed to leave the audience slack-jawed when it is finally revealed.  And all of that is just in the first season; there are many more unexpected plot twists as the show progresses.

Bottom line: Weeds is smart, witty, and extremely addictive comedy that is more than worthy of your time.  The characters are engaging, and the plot completely sucks you in and refuses to let go.  Series creator, Jenji Kohan, does a great job of revealing the dark side underneath the plastic smiles of suburbia, doing so with a wicked sense of humor.  Watch just one episode, and you won't be able to quit!  This show is absolutely guaranteed to leave you shouting “thank God it's high day!”

Weight Loss Programs That Really Work

Let me start by saying that I am one of those people who has been overweight for most of his life, and I have desperately tried every new diet to come along.  For years, I have had only moderate success at losing weight, and my success was always short-lived.  My long, hard struggle most always ended in disappointment, because I would usually end up gaining back every ounce that I lost...and more besides.

Several years ago, I was inspired to write this article when I found a line of diet products that brought the disappointment and the yo-yo dieting to an end.  That was when I discovered the wonderful Shape-Works weight management program by Herbalife.  This is without a doubt the best way that I have ever found to lose weight, and I am glad to have the opportunity to tell everyone about it.

In the time that I have been using the program, the changes in my health and life have been absolutely astounding.  I have dropped more than ninety pounds.  Not only have I lost the weight, but I have actually kept it off, which I have never been able to do in the past.  My energy level has gone through the ceiling!  I breathe better; I sleep better at night; and even my ability to walk is better.  And these are not the only good things that have happened as a result of the better nutrition offered by this program. I also had an acne problem which, although not totally eradicated, has improved dramatically.  As a direct result of my weight loss, I no longer have to take medication to control my blood pressure as I had for years.

The program is not only effective, but enjoyable as well.  Simply replace your breakfast and lunch with an Herbalife Formula One Nutrition shake, then have your dinner as usual.  You may also have two snacks per day, one in the morning, and one in the evening.  For these, it is usually best to choose foods that are high in protein, but low in fat and carbohydrates.  If you follow the meal plan, and take the system of supplements with each meal, you will be amazed at the results.  I speak from experience on that.

Another thing that I like about using this program is the fact that you don't need to exercise like a madman to see results.  Before you go jumping up and down gleefully, however, I need to add that you also cannot be a complete couch potato.  You do need to be getting at least some physical activity every day, but you don't have to totally exhaust yourself at every workout.  And the only other tip that you need to be aware of is that you should drink plenty of water.  A good way to figure out how much you should be drinking is to take your body weight and divide that number by two.  That answer will be the number of ounces that you should drink daily.

I must also add that these shakes are not just ordinary ones like slim-fast or any of the others.  I like them much better, because you make them yourself. You can use any type of liquid in them that you choose, and you can even blend in other ingredients such as fruit or yogurt.  They offer a wider variety of flavor choices, too.  The shakes are very filling, and they taste great!  The plan also comes with a guide that contains shake recipes, so that you don't get tired of drinking the same concoction all the time, and it outlines everything you need to know to be successful on the plan.

All Herbalife products come with a full 30 day money back guarantee; so if you are unsatisfied, you can just return the bottles, even if they are empty, and get a full refund.  I also love the fact that all distributors who sell Herbalife products have actually used them, and have obtained personal results from them!  In addition to all of this, they set you up with your own personal weight loss coach to guide you through all of this.  You can get full information at the company's website.  Just go to www.herbalife.com.  It will be a decision you will not regret!  I can say that my results have not only thrilled me, they have made me a total believer in these amazing products.  I am an Herbalife customer for life, and will sing their praises to anyone willing to listen!

A Few Thoughts On Aging

I'm not sure why, but I have recently noticed that the subject of getting older has been occupying my thoughts a lot more often than it used to.  Maybe it has something to do with the fact that I will be turning forty-three in just a few short months...or maybe it's just because I have been in a very reflective mood lately.  I really don't know which is the case, but whatever the reason for my interest, I find myself making a genuine effort to understand the aging process.

Having spent a considerable amount of time pondering the subject, there is one thing that I have come to realize about aging, and that is the fact that human beings never seem to be satisfied with anything.  When we are young, all we want is to be older; when we get older, we become obsessed with finding ways to look, act, and feel younger.  As a child, I never used to understand what grown-ups meant when they used the expression “youth is wasted on the young.”  Now that I'm older, I not only understand it, but I'd have to say that I agree with it wholeheartedly.  Youth itself is a very frivolous thing by nature, and the young definitely spend it in a manner befitting its nature.

To be perfectly honest, I really don't understand why there is so much negativity associated with the subject of aging.  It is certainly true that many things change in our lives as we age, but that doesn't necessarily mean that the physical, mental, and emotional changes that we experience along the way should always be viewed as a bad thing.  There are many wonderful and valuable things to be gained from getting older, things which I believe are more than fair compensation for the small things that we sometimes lose.  Unfortunately, most people don't share my view on that point.  Usually, our society as a whole tends to focus on what we lack instead of what we have to be grateful for.

Like most, I look back on my youth with a great fondness, but I also look back with a small touch of regret as well; I suppose we all do that to some degree.  Most of us don't realize until we are much older what a wonderful gift it is to be youthful.  Often, we rush right through our younger years, living under the misguided assumption that we are immortal and our blissful youth will last forever; thus we never take the time to truly appreciate or enjoy what it means to be young.  It is that lack of appreciation that we regret upon later reflection.

As we get older, the realization that we aren't quite as immortal as we thought ourselves to be creates for us an emotional dilemma which can only be described as the ultimate irony.  When we are young, we spend every waking moment wishing to be older, because we yearn for the independence and freedom that adulthood brings; we long for the day that we will finally be free from parental authority.  Then, one day, just when we think we can't wait for it another moment, adulthood finally arrives...ushering in a whole new set of authority figures to be obeyed and even more difficult challenges to be met.  We are thrust into a world that the naivety of our youth has led us to believe will provide the same carefree and simple existence to which we have become accustomed.

It is only when adulthood fails to live up to our expectations that we truly realize how precious our childhood and adolescent years are.  Unfortunately, when that long-awaited adulthood finally appears, we very quickly discover that it falls considerably short of our expectations in many ways.  Although we now have the freedom and independence that we have so eagerly sought, we are suddenly confronted with what seems a harsh reality: the freedom of adulthood comes with a price tag attached!  Along with that freedom and independence comes not only responsibility, but also accountability.

By the time that we reach adulthood, we slowly begin to realize how many responsibilities we have been sheltered from because we have had our parents there to take care of them for us.  For the first time, all of the lectures that we get about being dependable and accountable begin to make sense.  Although they try with everything they have to teach us independence and responsibility, parental messages usually fall upon deaf ears...at least until experience has slapped us in the face with a little reality, that is!

But as hard as our parents try to prepare us for adulthood, there are some ways in which they simply cannot do so; there are certain things in life that can only be learned by experience.  It is these unknown challenges which cannot possibly be anticipated that are the most shocking to us when we suddenly have only ourselves to depend on.  If we had known that we were going to have to deal with issues like this as adults, perhaps we would not have been in such a rush to grow up.  Sadly, by the time that this revelation hits us, it's too late to do anything else but live with the regret of having frittered away the gift of our youth.

This sudden change of heart causes us to regress a bit.  We look back to the memories of our youth, often seeing the foolishness of some of the choices we made then, and wishing we could take them back; we finally see the value of what we had then, and wish that we had appreciated it at the time.  This sets us off on an often lifelong quest to recapture and relive the youth that we regret having misspent.  Our vanity motivates us to spend thousands of dollars buying gym memberships; we torture ourselves with crazy diets; we desperately try every anti-aging concoction under God's Creation, clinging to the empty promises of every snake-oil salesman who claims to have invented the fountain of youth...all in a completely futile attempt to regain the vitality and youthful appearance that we long for.

Frankly, if I live to be five hundred years old, I will never understand the mindset that causes us to behave this way.  Why do we fear getting older?  Why do we get depressed with every birthday?  Why do we complain almost constantly about it to anyone willing to listen?  Why, in some cases, do we base our entire concept of self-worth upon such shallow considerations as youthful outer beauty and physical perfection?

Although there is usually a myriad of complicated reasons for this behavior, making the answers to those questions different for each individual, it isn't really hard to figure out how this aging phobia has been shaped.  From the time that we are born, we are constantly bombarded with the message that youth and beauty are good, and aging is bad.  The aged are viewed as infirm and absent-minded.  Often times they are regarded as burdensome.  Personally, I find that attitude reprehensible!  Youth, on the other hand, makes us more attractive; youth brings us more joy and fulfillment; youth makes us more valuable to society.

We cannot escape this message; it surrounds us on all sides.  By the time we reach our late teens to early twenties, we have spent years receiving this message on a daily basis...from our peers, from the media, from our employers, or any one of a hundred other sources.  With that kind of pressure, it seems almost impossible to avoid succumbing to the brainwashing.

I find it inexcusable that we continue to perpetuate such a misguided myth, in spite of the amount of documented emotional and psychological damage that it has been shown to cause.  For many people, it causes the self-esteem to plummet.  In some cases, it even causes people to resort to extraordinary and often harmful measures in an attempt to meet the impossibly unrealistic demands we place on ourselves where our appearance is concerned.  Now, granted, that is usually only true in the most extreme of cases, but that's beside the point as far as I am concerned; it shouldn't be happening at all...ever!  I am of the opinion that every human being is valuable and beautiful, and has much to contribute to society!

Our quest to achieve and maintain eternal youth often becomes so single-minded that we fail to realize the many advantages that come with age.  For example, age brings with it a much broader range of experiences, which ultimately leads us to a greater understanding of ourselves as individuals.  More often than not, this improved sense of self helps us to shed many of the insecurities that we carry through our adolescent years.  Rather than trying to “fit in” or be “one of the crowd” as we do in our teens, age brings us the confidence to define ourselves in the way that we choose, rather than accepting anyone else's vision of who we should be; we finally begin to feel comfortable in our own skin!

Wisdom and self-control are two more immensely beneficial qualities that are gained from having a few years under our belts.  Usually, our perspective and our priorities undergo a profound change as we age.  Experience teaches us the priceless value of humility and gratitude.  The value that we gain from understanding and implementing these qualities is, in my humble opinion, immeasurable.  I don't know about anyone else, but in my view, we become stronger by admitting our faults and shortcomings; it gives us a greater appreciation of other people and shows us what a blessing others can be to us when we allow them to!

As it slowly begins to dawn on us that our existence here is a finite thing, we learn to truly slow down and appreciate all of the things that frivolous youth allowed us to take for granted.  We learn to appreciate the simple joys.  We learn to laugh more; we learn to love deeper; we learn to forgive rather than fight.  We learn not only to see the beauty that surrounds us, but also to take the time to truly relish the experience.  I just can't understand how people can see that as a negative thing.  If this is what the advancing years lead to, then to my mind, there is definitely something to be said for aging gracefully!

Walk Your Way To Stress Relief

Walking on a daily basis can have a profoundly positive impact on one's life.  Anyone who takes the time out to walk every day can attest to the truth of that statement.  Not only does it improve physical health, but it also boosts your mental and emotional well-being by relieving stress to boot!

Whether it is done before, during, or after a hectic day, walking can do wonders for your outlook.  Taking a brisk walk every day can clear your mind and keep you focused, thereby making you more productive and organized.  When you consider that the pace of life these days usually forces most of us to cram three days worth of activities into a single twenty-four hour period, that is an absolute necessity!

Although it may seem too good to be true, the simple act of taking a walk can bring stress relief with every step.  First, because it allows you to take time out for yourself in each day.  It provides the perfect opportunity to collect your thoughts, and just take a little time for reflection.  If you use your walk time to focus your thoughts on things that make you feel peaceful, you won't believe what it will do to your day!  It will lift your Spirits, while simultaneously energizing your body...especially if you take a few moments to pamper yourself by customizing your walking experience!  Doing so will make the experience more enjoyable, and motivate you to make it a daily ritual.

There are many things you can do to achieve this.  For example, plan your route so that you are walking in surroundings that you find soothing and pleasant.  You can even bring along your MP3 player or other audio device filled with your favorite tunes.  Be sure to walk at a comfortable pace; keep in mind that your goal here is to relieve stress, not to break speed records.  Lastly, be sure to bring along a bottle of water, especially if the weather is warm; it never pays to dehydrate!

Another thing that can help make walking more pleasant for you is to choose the time of day that suits you best.  Some choose to prepare themselves for the day ahead, by taking a quiet walk early in the morning; others choose to unwind from a stressful day by walking in the evening.  If you find yourself having a particularly stressful day at the office, you can even take advantage of the few spare minutes you may have during your lunch hour, or while waiting for your next appointment.  Remember, it only takes a few minutes to relieve that stress, and get yourself back on track.  I speak from personal experience when I say that simply adding a stroll to your day will make a difference in your overall well-being that must be experienced to be believed!

CD Review: Somewhere In California, By Night Ranger

This may seem hard for some to believe, but my purchase of Somewhere In California marks a first in my life.  It is the first time I have purchased a whole Night Ranger album!  Up to this point, I have remained only a casual fan of the band.  I have liked several of their songs over the years, but I have only been familiar with their best-known hits that I heard on the radio.  As a teenager trading mix-tapes with friends, you were always bound to run across one or more of their hits; lets face it, songs like Sister Christian, Don't Tell Me You Love Me, and (You Can Still) Rock In America were staples of Eighties rock radio!  I loved all of those songs, and maybe a couple of others, but I was not the kind of fan that immediately rushed out to buy every one of their records.

To be honest, Somewhere In California didn't change that.  Night Ranger has always had that quintessentially commercial FM radio-friendly rock sound.  While there is absolutely nothing wrong with that, I am a person who can only enjoy that style in very small doses.  After several songs or a whole album of this type of music, I can sometimes become bored quite easily.  Don't get me wrong, the record is very good; there's nothing wrong with it really.  It has a lot of strong points, and I did enjoy it.  Unfortunately, it just wasn't quite enough to push me over that line between casual fan and obsessed fanatic.

To list a few of those good points, the songs are well-written with great, singable choruses.  Most of the songs are up-tempo rockers that always make great summertime party anthems!  There are also a couple of classic-style rock ballads with heartfelt lyrics.  The melodies on all songs are interesting and fun, and all are well-played.  The vocal harmonies are also awesome on all the tracks.

I guess for me, the biggest drawback was that this record felt like these guys had been suspended in time for the last twenty-five years.  They have remained true to the formula that they have always used.  Sometimes that can be a good thing, but for some bands, it can be a curse as much as a blessing.  In Night Ranger's case, it just makes them sound repetitious.  Anyone who loved their music back then will only find more to love now, but for some fans, it can seem as if the band isn't trying to stretch themselves and do anything different...like they're just sticking with what works, and giving us the same kind of tunes that we have already heard over and over.  That's pretty much the feeling that I got when I was listening to this.  I wanted to say: “Hey guys, this was great the first five hundred times that we heard you do it, but how about something different already!”

Anyway, in the end, it all boils down to a matter of personal taste; most will have to form their own opinions on this one.  For me, this was a good listen.  It was enjoyable and fun, but nothing earth-shattering or remarkable.  I'd give it about three out of five stars!

The Importance Of Taking Responsibility For Our Own Choices

I have always believed in the old adage that life is what you make of it, and I live my own life according to that adage.  I also have a strong belief that everything that happens in a person's life is a direct result of the choices that they make.  There are no such things as fate, luck, or chance.  I believe that the decisions we make will always dictate how all of these things will play out in our lives.  It is my opinion that we all create our own futures, and whether that future will turn out good or bad is entirely up to us.

So many people these days seem to believe that they are being held down by their circumstances...that something beyond their control is preventing them from achieving their goals.  They always seem to want to blame their so-called misfortune on others, or on some outside force rather than really examining their own thinking and behavior.  I can tell you from my own experience that anyone who allows themselves to stay in this mindset will never achieve their goals and dreams.

I'm here to tell you that no matter what your circumstances are at the moment, they can be changed.  However, that cannot happen until you are ready to take responsibility for your own thoughts and behavior.  You must make a conscious choice to believe that nothing is beyond your control or out of your reach!  The first step toward doing that is to learn to see beyond your current situation, so that you don't define yourself by that.  If you define yourself entirely by where you are now, then you will always remain stuck in the same patterns of thought and behavior, and nothing will change.  You must realize that you, and you alone, are responsible for creating your own success and happiness.  Therefore, you must first decide where you want your life to go, and then make the choices that will take you in that direction.

As you journey toward your goals and dreams, you will have setbacks from time to time; that is to be expected.  The important thing to remember when you experience a setback is that they are temporary.  An occasional setback does not mean that you have failed; you only fail if you give up and refuse to keep trying.  In fact, I have come to see that setbacks are very valuable.  The reason we have them is so that we can learn from them; they should be viewed as lessons that are helping us to gain the knowledge that we will need to eventually achieve our goals successfully.  Setbacks also give us a greater appreciation of our success once it is achieved!

If you happen to hit a bump in the road along the way, do not be deterred.  Keep your sights keenly focused on what you are trying to achieve, and look for the lesson to be learned from the experience.  Do not allow yourself to be discouraged by the negative words of others.  When you are trying to achieve your dreams, there will always be some around you who tell you that your goals are unrealistic, and impossible to achieve; to them, you must turn a deaf ear.  Only someone who has realized the importance of taking total and complete responsibility for their own thoughts and actions is equipped to do this.

If you want to be successful, you must know and believe within yourself that your goals and dreams are attainable, and never waiver from that belief.  Keep in mind that your success or failure depends entirely on the thoughts you choose to think, and the actions you choose to take!  I believe that if you learn these principles, your success in any endeavor is inevitable.  That, in a nutshell, is why I feel that it is vital to place responsibility for your choices solely within your own hands!

CD Review: This Is Gonna Hurt, By Sixx AM

Until I purchased This Is Gonna Hurt, I had never listened to Sixx AM before.  I had heard their name around, and knew that they were a side project of Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx, but had never bothered to check them out; now I am sorry that I didn't!  This Is Gonna Hurt is the band's second full-length CD, following 2007's The Heroin Diaries.  Both albums share titles with, and were inspired by books that Sixx released simultaneously.

I have to say that my first listening experience with this band was a very good one; it came as a very pleasant surprise!  The band itself consists of three members: DJ Ashba on lead guitar, Nikki on bass, and James Michael performing vocals and all other instruments!  Judging from what I have heard so far, I think they will have a very long and successful career ahead of them!  I am definitely hooked, and eager to hear more from them!

As for the music, the songs were great; they were well-written, with great arrangements!  The music holds the listener's interest, and the lyrics are thoughtful and intelligent.  Some may find the lyrical content a bit disturbing, but they are written honestly about the band's personal experiences, both good and bad.  I do have to admit that the music didn't sound like I expected it to.  I have always been a big fan of Nikki's work with Motley Crue, and I was expecting this to have a very similar sound, but it really doesn't.  So don't approach this CD expecting a Crue clone; you aren't going to find that.

The Sixx AM sound is primarily heavy rock with a more modern flavor, but there is much more depth than some of their contemporaries.  There is also a lot of variety here.  This is definitely a band that is very good at conveying a mood in their songs, making the listener feel things.  Their use of unique instrumentation and sounds enhances this emotional impact...especially on several of the album's ballads, which contain some great acoustic guitar and keyboard work.  The songs that I favored were: This Is Gonna Hurt, Lies Of The Beautiful People, Are You With Me, Live Forever, and the final track on the record, a song called Skin.

Listening to this was a real treat to me!  For those who know Nikki as a member of Motley Crue, this album may take some getting used to at first, but those who take the time to check it out will be very glad they did; it's well worth the time and money.  I give it four out of five stars, and recommend it very highly!

Happy listening!

CD Review: Juggernaut Of Justice, By Anvil

Until the release of their documentary film Anvil: The Story Of Anvil in 2009...which is a great movie, by the way...this Canadian band had remained heavy metal's best kept secret.  Their story begins in the early Eighties, when high school buddies Steve "Lips" Kudlow and Robb Reiner decide to form a band.  They went on to spend the next thirty years toiling in relative obscurity, making albums for small independent labels on a shoestring budget which often caused the production quality of their music to suffer, and playing live to anyone that would listen.  Through the years, they have acquired many famous fans among better-known metal artists, and their records have had their share of critical praise, but in spite of all that, mainstream success continues to elude them.  The exposure gained by the movie has even given them a boost, but has not been enough to push them over that wall to stardom.

I just picked up their latest release Juggernaut Of Justice, and I have to say that, while it didn't set me on fire, it was somewhat better than I expected.  I must confess that although I had heard of this band before, I had never paid much attention to them.  I had heard a song or two by them in the past, and wasn't very impressed.  However, after seeing their film and being impressed with the tenacity and perseverance that they displayed in pursuit of their musical dreams, I was moved to give them another shot.  Until I bought Juggernaut Of Justice, I had never sat down and seriously listened to Anvil. So here's my take on what I heard.

Starting with the good points, I noticed right off the bat that they had a great drummer!  Robb Reiner is thunderous!  Since the band's sound is completely Retro-Eighties heavy metal, he employs a great deal of double bass technique, which I feel has become a lost art.  His rock-solid timing keeps the band effortlessly chugging forward.  He definitely deserves more recognition for these skills than he gets!

Musically, the band is tight and they perform well together.  These guys do play their instruments well, but unfortunately, that's where their strengths end.  The energy and the technical ability are there, but I'm sorry to say that the songs just aren't!  When it comes to creating the kind of memorable melodies that stick in a person's mind, they fall woefully short; it's just that simple!  For the most part, the songs are enjoyable, but any band who has decent players in it could have written this run-of-the-mill type of generic-sounding heavy metal.  To me, there was just nothing to get terribly excited about here.

I think that this has been Anvil's problem up to this point; they just don't have anything that makes them unique.  They are completely lacking that extra spark of special creativity that would make them stand out among other bands of the genre.  To me, they sounded like a garage band who makes and markets their own homemade recordings!  They are also sadly deficient in the lyric writing department.  Lyrically, most of their songs are just plain drivel!  The words here are simply amateurish and filled with all the old heavy-metal cliches that died out with the stone age!

In the end, this album will provide a pleasant way to pass the time if you have nothing better to listen to, but I don't think you will find it impressive enough to play it over and over.  I know I didn't.  After listening to this record, I have begun to understand why Anvil has not attained greater success.  As I said earlier, I gave them a chance, because I saw how dedicated they are to their craft, but I think it's time to consider another line of work, guys!  After seeing the commitment that you have shown for over 30 years, it truly pains me to have to say this, but if you haven't hit the big time after all these years of trying, there has to be a reason!

Tips For Coming Out Of The Closet

Having written many articles describing both the difficulties as well as the advantages of coming out of the closet, I guess I should not be surprised that I have received many e-mails asking me how to navigate the process.  The fact that I have received so many letters in my inbox has shown me that there is a need for this information, but I also realize that one must be careful when giving advice about this very personal subject, because things can get tricky.  You always want anyone who may take your advice to have the best experience possible, but since it is impossible to predict what anyone's reaction will be when a friend or loved one comes out, you are never assured of getting that result.

You have to understand that coming out is a deeply personal experience that is different for each and every person who does it.  To be honest, I don't think there really is a "right" way or a "wrong" way to do it.  I think each person must do it in whatever way feels the most comfortable for them.  However, I must tell you that coming out is something that requires a great deal of forethought and preparation; it is not something that should be done in haste.  I think it is wise to first assess your personal situation and determine what you will gain by coming out.  Will the positives outweigh the negatives?  In my personal opinion, I think anyone who is in a good position to come out should do so; being out and open about one's sexuality can offer some wonderful advantages...but again, the decision to make that leap depends on your particular situation.  For some people, coming out is simply not always a practical option.  I can offer some general ideas that may be helpful in making that decision, but each person may have to make some adjustments to these ideas to fit their own situation.

I think the first step is to come out to yourself.  Make sure that you have come to terms with your sexuality, and that you have resolved all of your own personal issues about it before you tell others.  Also, you need to make sure that you are mentally and emotionally prepared to handle whatever the reaction may be.  I would adopt a “hope for the best, but prepare for the worst” stance.  This way, you are ready for even the most negative outcome!  This will give you the much needed confidence to do the deed without losing your nerve.  It will also help you to avoid an angry or defensive tone, which will cause negative emotion.  In a small way, it may even help your loved ones accept the news more easily.  One of the biggest fears that family members often have when a loved one comes out is that being gay will make their lives painful and difficult; they hate thinking about all the struggles you are likely to face as a gay person.  For this reason, it is wise to reach a place of peace within yourself about being gay.  If they can see that you have embraced who you are, and that you truly feel good about it, that visible confidence will help to ease that fear.

Another thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to rush yourself.  Don't put a time limit or a deadline on how long it takes to come out.  Doing this will only add more pressure to an already difficult task, and that is never wise.  You should always do this at your own pace; if that means that you have to make the journey in baby steps, then so be it.  Begin by telling those that you feel are the most likely to be accepting and supportive; usually, most people start with friends before family members.  Your true friends will be touched that you chose to share this very personal news with them, and every positive response that you get will bolster your confidence.  Sometimes, however, friends may be shocked at first and require an adjustment period; this is a normal reaction, so don't let it scare you.  Be patient and give them ample time to process the information.  Even if their reaction seems negative at first, they will usually come around when they get over the shock; if they don't, then they were never really your friends to begin with, and you are better off to send them packing!

When you tell your friends, it is also wise to ask them to give you the courtesy of keeping the news to themselves.  It is your job, and yours alone to decide how, when, and to whom you come out.  This is never something that your friends and family should hear about from a third party.  You should be the one to deliver such personal news; if they hear it from someone else, your loved ones are likely to be very hurt and resentful of the fact that you didn't tell them yourself.

As I said earlier, when you're in the process of coming out, every situation is different, and in every case there are many factors to consider.  One example of a unique situation in which in may be better to wait a while before you come out is if you are a teenager who still lives with his or her parents, and you are dependent on them for financial and other forms of support.  In a case like this, it is sometimes wise to put off coming out until you are in a position to stand on your own two feet and be responsible for yourself.  Your parents may be accepting and support you, but you are not always assured of that.  Therefore, coming out may not be worth the risk at this time.

Whatever your situation, as long as you are comfortable in the way you choose to go about it, and you exercise a bit of discretion, you can diminish the anxiety that often accompanies the process of coming out.  Most importantly, love yourself throughout the entire process, and do your best not to allow yourself to absorb any of the negativity that may be thrown at you!  If you do, you are more likely to have a pleasant coming out experience!

Book Review: The Innocent Man, By John Grisham

In his first work of nonfiction, author John Grisham tells the story of Ron Williamson, an Oklahoma man who was wrongfully accused of murder and sent to death row for a crime which he did not commit.  Williamson's co-defendant in the case, a long-time friend of his named Dennis Fritz, was also cleared of wrongdoing after a similar ordeal.  Their liberation came with the advent of DNA testing in the early Nineties; the two were finally exonerated in 1999, after twelve years in prison when DNA tests on crime scene evidence excluded them as possible suspects.

Williamson's tragic story begins in 1971, when he graduated high school.  After a meteoric rise to local fame as a high-school baseball player, he was drafted by the Oakland A's, and left his hometown of Ada Oklahoma with his sights set on a career in the Major Leagues.  Unfortunately, the career that he envisioned for himself was not to be.  By 1977, after nearly six years of working his way up in the minors, he injured his pitching arm, and was forced to abandon his hopes of playing professionally.

He then returned to Ada feeling defeated and severely depressed.  Once he was home again, his mood grew steadily worse, and his behavior more and more erratic.  He began to exhibit signs of mental illness, and was eventually diagnosed as both bipolar and schizophrenic.  His family later realized that he had been exhibiting signs of mental illness since childhood, but they had failed to recognize them as such, because they had not been educated about the symptoms and signs of mental illness.  He sought treatment for a brief time, but as is common with these type of mental conditions, he would stop once stabilized, not realizing that continuous treatment was needed to maintain stability.

The combination of his mental condition, coupled with the depression over his lost career completely destroyed his self-esteem, sending him into a downward spiral of booze, drugs, and casual sex.  His behavior led him to be arrested several times for public drunkenness and DUI.  During this time, he was also convicted of forgery, when he phonied the signature on a check to support his habits.  He received a two year sentence, of which he served ten months.  After being released he was unable to hold a job, so he moved back in with his mother, and his mood continued to deteriorate until he was barely able to function, and would often sleep for eighteen to twenty hours a day.  His every waking hour was spent in front of the television.

With the exception of brief periods during which he sought treatment and was properly medicated, this was his existence for the next few years.  Then in December of 1982, a local girl named Debbie Carter was raped and murdered.  After a year of trying to solve the case with little to show for their efforts, police were desperate.  With his prior arrest record, and given the fact that his often erratic behavior had earned him a reputation as a “loose cannon” of sorts, Williamson had become well-known to police; they considered him a trouble maker.  They began looking for any connection, no matter how seemingly insignificant, that would tie him to the murder.  Along the way, they compiled a case based mostly on circumstantial evidence, junk science, and the testimony of jailhouse snitches.

From the beginning, Williamson maintained his innocence, even producing a diary entry from his mother's own journals which proved that he was at home with her on the night of the murder.  But the police were undeterred.  The more that Williamson resisted, the more damning evidence they invented to trap him into a confession.  Long story short, he was arrested and eventually convicted, and all of this based on the flimsiest threads of “evidence.”

I can't really say much more without giving away the entire story, but suffice to say that Grisham's book is an eye-opener.  It will surely shake one's faith in the legal system to say the least.  The glaring examples of injustice are shocking; the abuse of power by law enforcement, the torture-like tactics used to obtain confession, the mishandling and manipulation of evidence, and the inept ignorance on the part of prosecutors will leave you with your jaw agape in stunned disbelief that anything this appalling could happen in America.  If you truly believe that there are no innocent people in prison, you'd better think again, because this outrageous miscarriage of justice certainly proves otherwise!

My Child Is Gay: A Parent's Guide To Coping With The Big Announcement

Imagine that your son or daughter comes home to you one day and says that they have something to talk to you about.  They seem more nervous than you have ever seen them before; flustered and stammering, it is obvious that something has them in agony.  Concerned, you patiently try to reassure them that no matter what their news is, you'll understand.  Then, after what feels like an eternity, they finally drop the bomb: "Mom, Dad, I'm gay!"

For most parents, this moment can feel like a nightmare.  Since every family and every coming out experience is different, there really isn't a right or wrong way to handle this situation when it happens.  Although this moment has the potential to become a disaster of monumental proportions, tragedy can be avoided if both parents and their gay children will follow a few simple tips.  First of all, don't panic!  Pause for a second or two, take a few deep breaths, and just try to relax.  Parents have a tendency to immediately go into panic mode, which causes them to overreact.  While this is understandable, it is important to remember that the negative reactions that most parents automatically jump to in these situations are simply knee-jerk reactions based in fear of what they do not understand.  Such panic can only cause misunderstanding and miscommunication.  I can tell you from personal experience that your reaction to the news will have a profound effect on your child's coming out process.  Negative reactions that are stemming solely from the emotion of the moment must be kept in check, otherwise they can be far more damaging than you could ever begin to fathom.  It is quite possible that such a reaction could cause an irreparable rift in your relationship with your child.

Likewise, I should also caution the gay child here.  When preparing to come out to our parents, our own fears can often times lead us to be unfair to them too, because we underestimate their capacity to understand; we have a tendency to automatically assume that our parents will reject us.  Operating under the influence of this fear can be a mistake on your part.  While some parents notice early warning signs or clues that their child is gay, and they therefore begin preparing themselves for the day that their child will come out, most parents do not have the luxury of such prior recognition.  You need to realize that your parents are most likely going to be blindsided by this news, and they are going to need a “period of adjustment.”  Although their initial reaction may be negative, you need to be patient and give them time.  More often than not, they will eventually come around once the shock has worn off, and they are fully able to digest and deal with the news.

As a parent, there is no denying that the experience of having your child come out as gay or lesbian can be very unsettling, but it doesn't have to be the end of the world.  The important thing that parents need to remember is that their child is still the exact same human being that he or she was before you knew about their sexual orientation.  This is still the same little boy or girl that you have loved and been proud of for years.  They still have the same values, the same morals, and the same likes and dislikes.  Being gay does not change any of these things.  The only difference is that they are (and always have been) attracted to members of the same gender.  If you can realize that nothing else about them has changed, then your job is simple; all you have to do is continue to love your child, and treat them just the same as you always have.  The more positive support you can show them, the faster they will be able to resolve their own issues about their sexuality and get back to being productive and happy individuals.

I realize that it can be very difficult to remain calm and not get swept up in your own emotions while having this discussion, but again, that is the best piece of advice that can be offered to the parent in this situation.  Don't get flustered and start grilling your child with a million questions about how or why this happened, or how they could shame the family this way.  Those are answers that they will not be able to give you!  Most gay folks have no clue what caused them to be gay, they only know that they are; even the best scientific minds in the world have not been able to pinpoint one particular cause for homosexuality.

Another thing that a parent needs to understand is that it has taken a very long time for your child to get to the point where they are comfortable enough to be sitting in front of you saying these words.  Believe me, the prospect of telling you that they are gay is definitely not something that they have undertaken lightly.  In most cases, it is something that they have agonized over for months...or sometimes even years!  You should try to keep that in mind when you hear the news.  Knowing that it has taken them that long to sit before you now, the best thing that you can do is give them the courtesy of patience.  Let them get this off their chest without interruption.  You will find that once they have said everything that they wanted to, your child will be more than happy to answer your questions.  However, you should try be reasonable with your questions.  Realize that they will do their best to answer you, but there are some answers that they simply may not be able to give, because they don't know those answers themselves.

Be supportive, but don't go overboard about it.  Often, it is enough to simply listen without judgment.  Also, it is a good idea to give your child some space; respect their privacy.  Let them know that you are there for them, and that you are willing to listen if they want to talk about anything, but don't push them to do so.  Make sure that they know you love and support them, and leave it at that.  Most importantly, don't share the information that your child is gay with anyone else unless they have specifically told you that it is OK to do so.  Otherwise, they will share the knowledge with others in their own time.  If you have concerns or you feel the need to talk to someone about these issues, there are a number of organizations that offer information and support to the parents of gay children.  P-Flag is probably the best option here.  Parents will get the needed support, as well as the chance to share experiences with others who are in the same situation.  It really helps to know that you aren't alone in this!

Lastly, don't beat yourself up.  Parents often feel that having a LGBT child reflects poorly on them.  They sometimes feel that they have failed as parents, and drive themselves crazy trying to figure out where they "went wrong."  It's important that you realize that you did nothing wrong.  You did not make your child gay or lesbian; it's simply part of who they are.  If it is not handled carefully, this guilt on the part of parents is another thing that can have a disastrous effect on the relationship with their child.  This guilt is often the motivating factor that moves a parent to try and "change" their child to become straight.  This attitude is often devastating to the child; it can cause a sense of self-loathing to develop that can lead to severe depression and even suicide.  Before this happens, it is imperative that you stop, and take the time to realize that you have raised a child that is thoughtful and self-aware, and that your relationship with them is so secure and honest that they are willing to place the supreme trust in you: they are willing to open up and share this very personal news with you.  The fact that this is taking place is actually a testament to the wonderful job of parenting that you have done!

Examining The Origins Of The Most Common Gay Stereotypes

Living under the shadow of false and misleading stereotypes is nothing new to those of us in the gay community; we have been doing it for years.  While it is true that in recent times there has been slow but steady progress toward eliminating these negative images, too many of them still remain in the collective consciousness of our society. There is still much work to be done before these offensive caricatures of gay people will finally be a thing of the past.

As a gay person, I am very thankful for the opportunity to write on this topic, and hopefully help to educate along the way.  I believe that before we can truly eliminate the stereotypes and all of the negative connotations that they carry with them, we must first have an understanding of how they came into being.  We must look at the sources from which they originated, so that we can come to an understanding of how they were shaped, and why they continue to hold true in the minds of so many people, even to this very day.

When I began writing this, that was my reason for doing so.  However, the process of writing this article taught me something.  Although I researched the subject at some length, I discovered that it would probably be extremely difficult...if not downright impossible...to trace the exact beginnings of any particular stereotype.  While the Internet appears to be filled with information that convincingly refutes the validity of such beliefs, there is virtually nothing on their origin.  Therefore, it would seem that the best explanation for stereotypical beliefs that anyone can offer would amount to nothing more than speculation or personal opinion...and since opinions differ dramatically from person to person, it's not likely that there will be much agreement on the subject.  Discussion of the topic can offer a few plausible possibilities, but nothing more!

So, after my research showed me that I was going to have to take a different approach to this subject, I spent a great deal of time thinking about how I personally would explain this.  So far, the most logical explanation that occurs to me is this: it is common knowledge that most people have a great deal of fear and hatred toward things that they do not understand, and people that are very different from them.  Therefore, as a blanket theory, it is reasonable to assume that in nearly every case, these stereotypes were created out of these types of fear.

I will undoubtedly take some heat for what I am about to say next, but I'm going to say it nevertheless.  Most people are really afraid of living outside of acceptable societal norms, and need to reassure themselves of their normality.  In order to do that, anything or anyone that is different from them becomes a target for ridicule.  I believe that when gay people started living more openly, and the rest of society began to see how many of us there are, they so feared us that they picked up on certain traits of gays, and built these stereotypes around those traits in order to separate themselves from their own fears, thus preserving their illusion of normality.

While it may seem that this simple realization is an inadequate explanation for these behaviors, it is actually of great value.  Understanding that these ideas are based on fear should lead any rational person to conclude that they are incorrect; no concept or idea that is based in fear should ever be followed.  The problem is that the subject of homosexuality makes most people so uncomfortable that they just refuse to examine this issue closely enough to question the validity of stereotypical beliefs.  They don't want to get close enough to those fears to really get a good look at them.  Instead, they are perfectly content to take the easy way out by making excuses to validate what they have been programmed to believe since childhood.

The sad truth of the matter is that society uses these stereotypes as a defense mechanism to reassure themselves of their own superiority, and of the inferiority of everything that is in their minds "abnormal." As I stated earlier, we have been making significant progress toward breaking the barriers created by stereotypes, and I still have hope of seeing a day when hatred is no longer an issue. But for now, unfortunately, there is still a long, slow climb ahead.

Why I Love "The Hottest Band In The World"

Music and bands have always provided the perfect subject for me to write about.  Both have been a passion of mine since earliest childhood.  When it comes to answering the question of who is my favorite band and why, there can only be one answer.  For me, that band will always be KISS.  As far as I am concerned, they win the contest hands down.  They have been a part of my life ever since I was very young, and they've given me so many great memories that I've lost count of them.  I could probably fill a novel trying to tell you why they mean so much to me, but I will try to keep it brief.

First of all, they wrote great songs!  That is why their career has lasted for more than 40 years now.  Let's face it, a band would never survive as long as KISS has if their songs were bad.  However, it is more than just good songs that made KISS great.  They have always believed in giving the audience more.  They are willing to do anything short of killing themselves to put on a great show.  They really want the fans to get their money's worth when they buy a ticket to one of their shows.  On stage, they are one of the most visually entertaining groups working today.  Breathing fire, flying through the air on wires, a levitating drum kit, and guitars that shoot rockets and belch smoke... these are just a few of the eye-popping stunts that one is treated to during a KISS concert.

I also love that they are a completely unique and original group.  No other band looks like them; no other band sounds like them.  Their elaborate costumes, kabuki style makeup, and bombastic stage shows completely set them apart from all other bands.  KISS is the rock & roll equivalent of the circus.  Everything about them is larger-than-life.  Their concerts are nothing less than an all-out assault on the senses; this band lives for the opportunity to make a complete and utter spectacle of themselves, and they do just that with every performance!  I can guarantee that anyone who sees them in concert will never forget the experience.

There are so many examples that I could give to illustrate just how different they were from any other rock band that has ever existed.  They were the first band to ever have a live concert album that was truly successful (Kiss ALIVE!, 1975).  Before this, very few artists had ever had success with live recordings; they simply didn't sell.  When their double-live album was successful, it began a trend in the music industry, paving the way for others to have success with the format.  Afterward, many artists released similar live records; there was Frampton Comes Alive, Cheap Trick At Budokan, and a slew of others.

They were also the first band to make effective use of merchandising to promote their music.  Their image was so unique, that they were able to create toys, games, and even their own pinball machine!  In fact, there are now more than 3,000 products that bear the KISS name.  There is toilet paper, condoms, fragrances for both men and women, and even a KISS casket!  OK, so that last one is a bit over the line for most fans, but it does exist nonetheless!  They made a television film, and even had a comic book series created by Marvel comics!  The two issues that were printed in 1978 are now collectors items.

Although many people feel that the merchandising has gotten way out of control, the whole thing began very innocently.  In the mid-to-late seventies, the band started to put little surprises inside of their albums.  Whenever a fan would open a record, they had a good chance of finding some little extra inside...like posters, stickers, temporary tattoos, iron-on patches, or any number of other things.  After KISS was successful doing this, it became standard practice for other artists of the time.

As if all of that were not enough, their enormous success has allowed them to play a major role in bringing new bands to the forefront.  Almost every band that they bring on tour with them as an opening act, goes on to become a well known act in their own right.  There are so many that it would be nearly impossible to list them all, but just a few of them include The Scorpions, Poison, and Slaughter, all of whom had their first major tour opening for KISS.  In addition, they also discovered and produced many new bands in the studio. Most notable among them was Gene Simmons' discovery of Van Halen in 1978.

Through the years, the band has had their share of critics; there have always been naysayers who claim that there is no substance to the music, and KISS has made a career out of gimmicks.  Well, all I can say to them is that they'd better not make that statement in front of a loyal fan, because they are likely to have their head taken off!  Besides, all you have to do is a little research about KISS to discover that their impressive list of accomplishments really speak for themselves.  From 1976 to 1979, they were the highest-grossing concert act on the planet.  They set attendance records everywhere they played, even surpassing the Beatles attendance record in Japan, by selling out seven consecutive shows at Budokan in 1977.

To date, they have sold more than one hundred million albums worldwide, and they are second only to The Beatles in the number of gold and platinum records by any band in history!  Also, their longevity alone is the most impressive of their accomplishments.  Let's face it, sustaining a successful career in the music business for 40 years is no simple task!  These are such remarkable achievements that they must be respected, even by those who don't like the band's music!