Alltop

It is a thrill to announce that this blog has been added to Alltop.com. Alltop is described as an “online magazine rack.” In a nutshell: all top stories- all topics. I confess to being a newbie to Alltop, but those in the know tell me that this is a big deal. It means SkolNotes is now considered among the top blogs on the web. Pretty cool, eh?

We will be listed under the topic 'Heavy Metal.' The "Heavy Metal" topic is a tad ironic and reminds me of an article I just read in the current issue of New York magazine, about Jewish humor. In this article, Larry David and Woody Allen both say they don't see their work as 'particularly Jewish." On a similar note, I don't see this blog as 'particularly metal.' But I'm more than happy with the topic and confess to not knowing where else to put me.

I want to thank everyone who's made this possible, starting with Nettie Hartsock, who's taken on the dual role of publicist and writing coach. Also my manager Eric Hoppe, who encourages me to write sentences as well as tunes. Last but certainly not least, everyone who has posted and supported this blog. Your thoughts and participation have been invaluable. SkolNotes has become not only a place for my written words, it's a a forum with readers commenting from all corners of the globe, with the feel of a tight knit on-line community. I hope that continues, even though we'll be a little more exposed now. Thanks everyone!

Alex

Post Your Social Awareness Links Here

You've all seen my rants about unrelated comments, especially those promoting some sort of link. However, I recognize that the links that were promoted (and consequently removed) so far on this blog, are socially relevant, even though they weren't relevant to the posts in which they appeared.

So here's what I've decided to do:

This post right here, will be the forum for these types of comments. Everyone is welcome to comment right here, in this section only, with your own links about issues. Keep in mind, this is to be limited to relevant, socially aware topics. No goofy YouTube humor etc...And as they say on TV, the views expressed in these links will not necessarily reflect the views of SkolNotes.

As always, everyone is encouraged to express themselves in the comments section as long as you stay on topic. Any spam, offensive material or otherwise unwelcome link, will be tossed (not too worried about that from this crowd, but have to say it).

So if you have a link about US or global politics, social injustice, the environment, government conspiracies or anything of that nature, you now have a place for it, by commenting to this post.

Below are a few socially aware links that I support. Check them out and feel free to post your own in the comment section. And thanks for supporting this blog and trying to raise social awareness.

Alex


http://moveon.org
http://www.npr.org
http://www.billmaher.com
http://www.henryrollins.com
http://www.thedailyshow.com
http://www.michaelmoore.com
http://www.viceland.com

Guitars Vs Amps

Guitars are cuddly, sexy things. You want to rub your hands all over them, caressing their necks.

It's easy to forget that they come from trees in the forest, not from a man and a woman, like you and I.

The guitar is the perfect mate. It gives back whatever you put in. Even if you just look at it, like a work of art.

Not so with amps. Amps are sterile, mechanical, soulless beings. They're like robots. They exist only to serve the guitar.

You can fall asleep with a guitar in your arms. In younger days, I confess to waking up with a strange guitar next to me.

"Do I know you? What happened last night? I realize this is kind of awkward. Here, let me put you back in your case."

I'd never want to wake up next to an amp.

A guitar has human qualities. A neck, head (which we call headstock) and body. The amp is pure machine. Knobs, lights, casing.

Sorry amps. You're just not as sexy as guitars.