The news of Eddie Van Halen's passing has traveled the globe

 

By now the news of Eddie Van Halen’s passing has traveled the globe. Millions of fans worldwide are still grieving the loss of whom most would call the best rock guitarist ever. I would have to say that I too fall into that group. Having seen Eddie in Birmingham Alabama in 1984, I can honestly say I have never seen another guitar player that impressed me that much.

 

I think what is equally impressive is the love now being shown for Eddie Van Halen and his family. Never would I have believed that the somewhat shy guitar player had touched as many lives as he has. One very particular bit of news that truly makes me smile inside, is that Eddie and Sammy Hagar had finally made peace. If you have ever followed Sammy to any extent you would know that he had been trying for years to win Eddies friendship back.  

 

Other than Sammy Hagar superstars from everywhere are sharing their most touching memories and feelings for the beloved rock star. Jimmy Hendricks changed the way rock musicians played guitar, Eddie came along and changed the world. For the Van Halen family may you some how find comfort during this sad time. Just know the whole world has you in their hearts and prayers right now. Thank you and God bless you Eddie for the good times and the music that will live until the very earth passes away. RIP.

Video Killed the Radio Star

Years ago, MTV played their first video which changed millions of lives instantly. As “The Buggles” played their one hit wonder “Video Killed the Radio Star,” music lovers of all ages became glued to their television sets. I personally don’t think I changed my channel for two or three months. All the musicians I was listening to on the radio now had faces I could see, like millions of others I was blown away.

Critics, always looking to find something wrong with everything, didn’t cut MTV any slack. They said the wildly popular TV station was going to ruin the youth of America. While MTV has seemed to have lost it’s way over the past few years, I don’t really think it ruined a generation of kids. If anything it opened our eyes to new cultures and people. Having graduated high school in 1983, I am quite proud to be a part of the MTV generation…it was a blast.

As the 90’s rolled in video game technology was really coming on strong. Once again the critics fired their comments all around but hardly anybody listened. They said these games would rot the brains of the children that played them. Well video games can’t really rot anything but they can be quite addicting. These gamers are now referred to as the “Nintendo” generation. This gaming addiction which started back in the 90’s has gained steam and is rolling hard and heavy here in 2011.

Evidence of this gaming madness is pretty easy to find. Any employer that hires very many young adults can verify this quickly. They say that most young people that are entering the workforce these days have never hit a lick at anything…except playing games. What does this mean for the workforce? Well, it seems that kids that have never worked any at home or at the occasional odd job are completely at a loss when it comes to working a job. Many can’t even comprehend how to push a broom. Too bad we don’t have joysticks that can run a broom where I work, we would be in good shape.

I blame all this gaming addiction crap on MTV. They let us down when they quit playing music videos and started running the most God awful programming. Kids had to have something to fill the void and Nintendo wryly smiled and said “come in my children.” So MTV, do us all a favor…bring back the rock and roll and save our kids. Hurry please before it’s too late!