So Blind

http://dailysocial.net/en/2011/09/08/indonesian-government-threatens-rim-with-additional-taxes-over-malaysia-decision/

http://theunspunblog.com/ (see: 'Introspection, not revenge...)

Oh, poor Indonesia. Griping and whining again because Malaysia managed to snag RIM (BlackBerry) from them. It's no small wonder when you live here and get first-hand knowledge of just what Indonesia asks and has asked of RIM to do. Take a read for yourself and it will all make sense. It's so sad because other companies that want to invest here are going to look at this and think, "Why invest there when we can invest and build somewhere civilized and reasonable?" If only the government could pull its head out of its ass and see clearly.

100% bad-assery!!!

I've been an Anthrax fan for a long time. Honestly though, I never fancied their albums with Joey Belladona on vocals nearly as much as the ones with John Bush. 'Persistence of Time' was pretty bad-ass as was ' Among The Living' but I never cared much for the others. A song here and there yeah, but overall, not so much. Even 'Sound of White Noise' was hit and miss for me. It's got what might be my favorite song of theirs ("Only") but other than that, there wasn't much on offer. Then they released 'Stomp 442' and I was a die-hard fan for three years until they released the stinker 'Volume 8'. How they could dip so quickly and drastically with one album still shocks me.

However, they picked it back up with 'We've Come for You All' in 2003. While it wasn't a masterpiece, it was littered with some scorching tunes ("What Doesn't Die", "Refuse to be Denied", "Safe Home"), a revamped enthusiasm, a new guitar player with chops and it left me with hope they still had it. After I saw them play a blistering two-hour plus set, I was sold. That is still one of the best shows I've ever seen and to think that it only cost me $15 is nearly unimaginable now.

So, moving on to their latest offering. To say this album is wonderful, majestic and a fucking masterpiece doesn't do it justice. Everything is spot on with this album. Joey Belladona's voice has never sounded this good. He sounds inspired beyond inspiration and puts in an effort that, to me anyway, trumps everything Anthrax recorded with John Bush. The drumming on this record shows you what Charlie Benante can do. He's frequently cited as a progenitor of metal (thrash) drumming and you can see why on this. He just kills it. Scott Ian and Rob Caggiano shred, riff and solo this album into the stratosphere. It's goddamn auditory ecstasy.

I know I've listened to this at least twenty times already. Seriously, it's that fucking good. I have no qualms in saying this is the best, most complete and all-around album they've released. It's got it all and will leave you coming back for more. I cant' say enough good things about this release. I only hope I'm lucky enough to catch them on tour supporting this beast. If they sound like this live, there's no telling how good the shows will be. Rock on and long live Anthrax!!!

It could be you

I remember hearing about an Australian that turned up dead in a hotel here last year but it never got much press, no one seemed to know much about it and I never really followed up on it either. Then, a few days ago, I read something on a totally unrelated forum, it got me thinking and I did a little research. Turns out an Aussie did turn up dead under very suspicious circumstances. So far as I know, nothing was ever done to solve the case—and if there were, no one has said anything about it. Looks like another suspicious and anonymous death abroad. It could be you.

Check it out here and here. Sorry for those of you that can't read Indonesian. Use Google Translate instead.