Thursday, August 27, 2026
Tuesday, August 25, 2026
HW2SD Analysis
Not my words...
_______________________
I've never really disliked *Hardwired... to Self-Destruct*. There are some genuinely great songs on it, and it proved that Metallica could still write strong material decades into their career. But I think it's also an example of a band that would have benefited from being much more ruthless with the editing.
One of the reasons Metallica's classic albums are so highly regarded is that they were relatively concise. *Ride the Lightning*, *Master of Puppets* and *...And Justice for All* all have around eight or nine songs, and the vast majority of them are absolute bangers. There isn't much that feels like filler. Every song has a reason to be there.
I'd argue the *Black Album* has a little more filler, although that obviously didn't stop it from becoming one of the most successful albums in heavy metal history. But from *Load* and *Reload* onwards, I think Metallica increasingly fell into the habit of putting everything they had recorded onto the album.
That's not necessarily a bad thing for the individual songs. I'm not saying the tracks I'm removing shouldn't have been released. I just don't think they all needed to be on the main album. They could have been released as B-sides, bonus tracks or rarities, where fans could discover and appreciate them without bringing down the overall quality of the record.
So, if I were editing *Hardwired... to Self-Destruct*, the first thing I'd do is cut four songs: **“Dream No More,” “ManUNkind,” “Here Comes Revenge” and “Murder One.”**
That takes the album from roughly **77 minutes down to 51 minutes**.
I'd also completely change the opening. **“Spit Out the Bone”** is easily one of the strongest songs on the album, and I think it would have made a killer opener. I'd then put what I consider the second-best song, **“Moth Into Flame,”** at number two.
My revised track list would be:
1. **Spit Out the Bone**
2. **Moth Into Flame**
3. **Now That We're Dead**
4. **Atlas, Rise!**
5. **Halo on Fire**
6. **Confusion**
7. **Am I Savage?**
8. **Hardwired**
That's a much stronger listen to me. It's concise, there's very little downtime, and you get eight songs where I think the quality is considerably more consistent.
The cut that probably disappointed me the most was **“Murder One.”** This was Metallica's tribute to Lemmy Kilmister, so I really wanted to like it. I almost wish they'd gone in a completely different direction. A proper Motörhead-inspired song would have been a fantastic tribute, or they could have gone back to the fast, punk-influenced thrash style of *Kill 'Em All*. Either would have been a really cool way of honouring Lemmy.
Unfortunately, I just don't think “Murder One” is a particularly good song. I don't like saying that considering what it was intended to represent, but it is what it is.
There are also some production issues I'd change. I think the production on *72 Seasons* is considerably better overall, and Hetfield's voice sounds stronger on that album. I'm not sure whether he'd simply improved as a singer by then or whether it was primarily the production, but I wish they'd achieved something similar on *Hardwired*. Hetfield's vocals aren't terrible here, but they are one area where I think the album could have been improved.
Then there's Lars Ulrich.
Lars gets criticised constantly these days for playing boring or simplistic drum parts, but I actually think he's underrated in certain respects. Particularly in Metallica's early years, he understood how to play for the song. The drum intro to **“Sad but True”** is incredibly simple but iconic, and the build-up in **“Enter Sandman”** is another example of knowing exactly what a song needs.
I'm not going to give Lars too much grief for the relatively straightforward drumming on *Hardwired*. It does the job. But I do think some more interesting beats and arrangements could have taken certain songs to another level.
The same goes for **Kirk Hammett**. Kirk has been criticised for being sloppy and relying too heavily on his wah pedal, and there is some justification for that. But I think his early work is often unfairly overlooked. On the first five Metallica albums, his solos were an essential part of the songs. He wasn't necessarily the most technically impressive guitarist, but he understood how to play for the song.
That's an important skill. The best guitarist isn't always the one who can play the most notes.
On *Hardwired*, though, I think Kirk could have pushed himself a little further. Some of the solos could have been cleaner, more adventurous and less reliant on the wah. A few more attempts at developing them could have made a noticeable difference.
I'd also consider changing the title and artwork. *Hardwired... to Self-Destruct* isn't a terrible name, but I don't think it's one of Metallica's strongest album titles. **“Halo on Fire”** or **“Spit Out the Bone”** could potentially have worked, although I'm not convinced either is perfect.
The artwork is similar. The distorted faces of the band merging together aren't terrible, but I've never been particularly impressed by it. As nostalgic as it might be, I'd almost have preferred something closer to the visual style of their 1980s records.
None of this means I think *Hardwired... to Self-Destruct* is a bad album. I actually like the record. I just think it could have been significantly better.
Metallica already demonstrated with their classic albums that **less can be more**. Give me eight or nine great songs over twelve songs with a few weaker tracks every time.
With four songs moved to the B-sides and rarities pile, a 51-minute running time, a stronger running order, better production, stronger vocals, more adventurous drumming and guitar solos, and perhaps a better title and cover, I think *Hardwired... to Self-Destruct* could have gone from an okay Metallica album to a **fairly great one**.
Metallica
#metallica
Sunday, August 23, 2026
Friday, August 21, 2026
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Marcus Bridge - Frantic - Metallica Cover
This video likely is embedded in an existing post on this blog... I rediscovered it this morning!
https://youtu.be/ S8W7VNBKJlw - Marcus Bridge (Northlane vocalist) - Frantic - Metallica Cover
Cide Effex
https://youtube.com/@cideeffexoriginal?si=KTDEZOTEVy9-izKN
This channel has a huge number of playlists!
Tuesday, August 18, 2026
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Scott Jennings ROASTED this CNN Panel today
https://youtu.be/ dOiFr40l5tg - Scott Jennings ROASTED this CNN Panel today
A Democrat said El-Sayed is going to win Michigan…
Jennings didn’t hesitate:
“Before you speak to Republicans and Independents, you might wanna speak to the black voters in DETROIT. They’re NONE too pleased with Abdul El-Sayed — they’re interested in MIKE ROGERS.
That’s the biggest weakness in these socialist candidates. The Democratic coalition depends on black voters… and they’re not there on socialism.”
Detroit isn’t buying it.
Rogers is running up the score while the left keeps pushing socialism.
This is the exact crack that can flip Michigan.
Parents
Why So Many Grown Kids Are Cutting Off Their Fathers
https://www.dailywire.com/news/why-so-many-grown-kids-are-cutting-off-their-fathers
https://www.dailywire.com/news/why-so-many-grown-kids-are-cutting-off-their-fathers
Friday, August 14, 2026
Ben Shapiro Gets Asked About White Privilege
https://youtube.com/watch?v=n-WjqrmO9fk&is=vrz8andVJZyn9yWC
Ben Shapiro was questioned in Congress about white privilege, race, hate speech, and whether identity should decide who gets to speak in public debate.
The exchange began when a Black congresswoman argued that white privilege describes social advantages tied to race. Shapiro answered by saying real racism should be fought directly, but warned that turning skin color into a political weapon shuts down honest discussion instead of opening it.
The hearing shifted when Shapiro was asked whether he would defend a Black student targeted by racist messages. Shapiro said he would stand with her and fight real harassment, while drawing a line between punishing actual wrongdoing and using race as a cudgel in political arguments.
This reaction breaks down Ben Shapiro, white privilege, race politics, hate speech, congressional hearing, free speech, identity politics, campus debate, racism, conservative arguments, and the fight over whether race is being used to silence disagreement.
Determining Word Frequency
I'm guessing that somewhere among the other 14,237 posts on this blog, I may have this exact link - https://word.tips.net/T000879_Determining_Word_Frequency.html. However, because someone commented on that post, and I receive an email when someone comments on a post, I was alerted to that post and revisited it. I hope it is useful in the future!
Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Tuesday, August 11, 2026
Sunday, August 9, 2026
Cope & Christian Going From Enemies to Tag Champs in 38 Minutes
Adam Copeland immediately crossed paths with his longtime friend, Christian Cage, the moment he debuted in AEW. They had a rivalry over the TNT championship but eventually found themselves on the same side again once they encountered common enemies. This partnership led to them becoming the AEW World Tag Team Champions. This beat for beat timeline shows how Cope and Cage went from enemies to champions.
- 00:00 - It's Been Awhile
- 01:16 - Gently Caress Yourself
- 03:32 - Cage to Cope to Cage
- 07:55 - Cope Makes Cage Quit
- 13:49 - Cage Cuts In on Cope
- 16:20 - Go Find Yourself
- 20:56 - Christian to the Rescue
- 24:53 - Back Together
- 28:54 - A Line Is Crossed
- 32:52 - Top Guys Down
https://youtu.be/ LMP4lyheUDI - Cope & Christian Going From Enemies to Tag Champs in 38 Minutes
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Thursday, August 6, 2026
Heart serves up Hot Hits for Hot 4th of July 2012 Celebration
This is a concert review from when my family and I were in Saint Louis on July 4, 2012, and Heart was performing under the Arch. They started their set with "Magic Man" and while I like that tune, it is a terrible set opener - it is too slow to get a crowd excited and pumped up. Needless to say, the other 3 in my family weren't impressed and so while I can say that I've seen Heart in concert, it was only for a single tune. https://www.heart-music.com/news/heart_serves_up_hot_hits_for_hot_4th_of_july_celebration__by_sean_derrick
Wednesday, August 5, 2026
Sunday, August 2, 2026
Ups & Downs: WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 1 Review
https://youtube.com/watch?v=P7_3BXDpvzA&is=MV7qCweHUEXpZKxd
Our WWE SummerSlam 2026 Night 1 Review as Simon Miller recaps:
00:00 - Intro
00:44 - Iyo Sky vs Liv Morgan for the WWE Women’s World Championship
03:22 - LA Knight, Solo Sikoa and Royce Keys vs Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso and Jacob Fatu
06:15 - Gunther vs Nick Aldis
09:07 - Fatal Influence vs Nikki Bella, Brie Bella and Paige
11:09 - CM Punk vs Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship
16:01 - Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar in a Hell in a Cell match
Saturday, August 1, 2026
SWAPI API Documentation — Merly Thomas
I thought this was interesting and worth documenting that I had found this information. https://merly-writes-web.lovable.app/sample-doc
Friday, July 31, 2026
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Dr. Fauci invokes 5th Amendment 111 times
https://youtu.be/ IBdDmw72lt0 - Dr. Fauci invokes 5th Amendment 111 times
Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former chief White House medical adviser, invoked his Fifth Amendment rights this morning, refusing to answer Republican senators’ questions about the origins of the COVID-19 virus.
Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) came out swinging, rattling off a fiery list of accusations on Fauci’s motives and handling of the pandemic.
Wednesday, July 29, 2026
Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Full Raw highlights: July 27, 2026
https://youtube.com/watch?v=mjkfX_uZUvk&is=-JwU1INV6SF7oClJ
Alex and I will be at the next WWE Raw!!!
Saturday, July 25, 2026
Bayside - Battle Scars - Killing Time - B-Side
Bayside's visualizer for "Battle Scars" - a B-Side from 2011's Killing Time album - available now as part of our Proxima Centauri b collection.
Penny Dislocates Her Shoulder - TBBT
https://youtube.com/watch?v=zYP8ukDWQYM&is=xnO24WJSgCnR9Vim
One of *the* best scenarios in this series
Friday, July 24, 2026
Thursday, July 23, 2026
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
Data Centers are Evil
https://youtube.com/watch?v=fk0HVruAWBk&is=1VkhYc2CYd7BOxNx
Georgia homeowners are being forced from their homes to help power AI data center
Some homeowners in Georgia say they have been given an ultimatum: sell your home or the state will take it. Utility giant Georgia Power is planning to build a new transmission line so it can handle more data centers. Skyler Henry reports.
Monday, July 20, 2026
AOC ACCUSED of Faking Accent at Rally
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ZO-z4mm8dXE&is=5lNwNthg58qMNDI7
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., is facing backlash after critics accused her of putting on a new accent while speaking at a campaign rally in Memphis.
Sunday, July 19, 2026
Saturday, July 18, 2026
Friday, July 17, 2026
Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Socialist Poised To Be DC's Next Mayor Says Now Regrets Backing Resoluti...
https://youtube.com/watch?v=G6y2Kak7kE0&is=S-Rn1guyGwIS45r7
Janeese Lewis George made the comments as she courted an endorsement from the Democratic Socialists of America
Monday, July 13, 2026
Debra's Friend Gets a Boob Job | Everybody Loves Raymond
https://youtube.com/watch?v=OiydIZtKc1Y&is=k4NTmgds6mt0igmF
Labels: youtube, videos, Everybody Loves Raymond, youtube-EverybodyLovesRaymond,funny
Friday, July 10, 2026
Army of Stings attack The nWo: WCW Nitro, Oct. 13, 1997
https://youtube.com/watch?v=sj1exdx4aEQ&is=nD6R3u6KthYtxWrq
An army of Stings make their way down to confront The nWo, leaving WCW Champion Hollywood Hogan and his crew in shambles.
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
SHOCKER! Rachel Maddow Hated Trump's America 250 Celebration
Labels: youtube, videos, politics, political, Rachel Maddow
Monday, July 6, 2026
Bray Wyatt debuts The Fiend: 25 Most Shocking SummerSlam Moments
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ysvkB-mfCcg&is=3jrI2WdEY3qKU0Qp
Bray Wyatt competes in a match as The Fiend for the first time in WWE in an unforgettable clash with Finn Bálor at SummerSlam 2019.
TBBT Bloopers
https://youtube.com/shorts/0NinzwQI0yo?is=j52BjnwyObFWAccu
Labels: videos, youtube, the big bang theory
Is Shaq a Flat-Earther?
https://youtube.com/shorts/i2wYow6yVtE?is=37gN7XeKLA_tvfmB
Labels: youtube, videos, ben shapiro, Shaquille
Saturday, July 4, 2026
AJW vs Cenk Uygur
https://youtu.be/ 0cJptjfjF90 - AJW vs Cenk Uygur
Video Description: In this video, I discuss the first ever debate between me & Cenk Uygur of the Young Turks On Brad Brad Polumbo's show.
Friday, July 3, 2026
DISASTER? Iowa Hawkeyes Future SHAKEN if a Season of BREAKS Goes the Wrong Way
https://youtube.com/watch?v=1smj_SVvYEw&is=hyWMqDAPSqlW98ks
Iowa Hawkeyes football faces a potential crossroads as uncertainty looms for the 2026 season. Could issues at quarterback and defensive tackle derail Kirk Ferentz’s enduring success, shifting the Hawkeyes’ “floor” from reliable bowl contention to missing postseason play? Host Trent Condon lays out worst-case scenarios, spotlighting key concerns with Hank Brown, Jeremy Hecklinski, and an unproven defensive front, along with the impact of losing special teams coordinator LeVar Woods.
Tom Kakert of Hawkeye Report joins to weigh the pressure Ferentz could face after a disappointing season, speculating on succession plans involving Seth Wallace and the stability of Iowa’s football culture. The conversation shifts to Hawkeyes basketball, as the hype builds around Ben McCollum’s program and whether expectations now demand Sweet 16 or Final Four runs. Women’s basketball and a beefed-up Iowa baseball schedule round out this comprehensive, can’t-miss look at Hawkeye athletics’ uncertain but hopeful future.
Thursday, July 2, 2026
“SOCIALISM is actually quite POPULAR” - Democrat Pramila Jayapal
https://youtube.com/watch?v=IE6VikqXEK8&is=d7qIoB0a1K7_gifj
Labels: Democrats, youtube, videos, politics, political
CM Punk & John Cena vs. Chris Jericho & Daniel Bryan: 2012-07-02
Labels: pro wrestling, WWE, Chris Jericho, John Cena, CM Punk, Daniel Bryan, youtube, videos
Wednesday, July 1, 2026
Tuesday, June 30, 2026
Jealous WNBA players trashed CC
https://youtube.com/watch?v=rvTqID8pRM4&is=zn-ECMuEIrgh0MLo
Filmmaker Ami Horowitz says there is “no question” Caitlin Clark is being targeted by her opposition in the WNBA.
“She is the recipient of 17 per cent of all flagrant fouls in the entire WNBA,” Mr Horowitz told Sky News host James Morrow.
“Race could absolutely be a component.
“There is an economic analysis that she makes up 25 per cent of all revenue.
“She is the reason they fly private now.
“The WNBA players should be hailing her.”
Seth Rollins to face Roman Reigns at SummerSlam: 2026-06-29
https://youtube.com/watch?v=thpIv9vHdnM&is=0v-0AT3yUpQRtzP-
World Heavyweight Champion Roman Reigns accepts Seth Rollins' challenge for SummerSlam.
Monday, June 29, 2026
Sunday, June 28, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Sami Zayn to Cody Rhodes
https://youtube.com/watch?v=HthVslvio0o&is=zXpBJt02VydiZdpZ
Keep Kevin Owens’ name out of your damn mouth
Labels: WWE, Pro Wrestling, youtube, videos, Sami Zayn, Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens
Friday, June 26, 2026
Minneapolis Gays FIGHT For Bathhouses For Public Sex
https://youtube.com/watch?v=03n2u_zL9aQ&is=k35O5mDI2k-DHtEB
I’m not sure what else to say about this one. Welcome to Clown World, everyone. Enjoy your stay.
The Mystery of the Random Glasses Man - Walking Dead Lore
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3R1lwKzPbQk&is=Bt7f3U5ChJDsaWmf
In the Season 4 episode "A," Rick, Michonne, and Carl encounter a man in glasses screaming for help while being surrounded by walkers. Rick makes the call to keep moving, and the man meets a gruesome end. It’s a fleeting moment, but is there more to the story? In this lore breakdown, we connect the dots between the glasses-wearing man, the body on the train tracks, and the mysterious abandoned truck nearby. We compare the show’s scene to the original comic book source material, explore the "second thoughts" theory regarding those who choose to end their own survival, and propose a brand new theory linking these three disparate events together. Was this a man who simply lost his way, or a victim of a larger, unseen conflict on the road to Terminus?
Caitlin Clark Getting Punched
https://sports.yahoo.com/wnba/article/with-caitlin-clark-in-the-center-of-another-officiating-mess-its-past-time-for-wnba-to-evolve-and-meet-the-moment-210528726.html?utm_source=firefox-newtab-en-us - With Caitlin Clark in the center of another officiating mess, it's past time for WNBA to evolve and meet the moment
Editor's Note: This is the first post with the following labels: Caitlin Clark, WNBA
Thursday, June 25, 2026
MAJOR CLASH: Markwayne Mullin And Rosa DeLauro Get Into Shocking
https://youtu.be/ ibfBFTc2DI8 - MAJOR CLASH: Markwayne Mullin And Rosa DeLauro Get Into Shocking
Editor's Note: This is the first post with the following labels: Markwayne Mullin, Rosa DeLauro
Wednesday, June 24, 2026
MUST WATCH: Kamala Harris' Disastrous Interview with Fox News
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aLC2XjW_Z08&is=9MRxxBiw4zYAAB2d
Labels: youtube, politics, political, Kamala Harris
'Excuse me, FIRST SPELL MY NAME RIGHT!': Trump Ally HUMILIATES Pressley
https://youtube.com/watch?v=QW_6KvXev4Y&is=5GXNbpT7GuL8lGy9
A tense exchange erupted during a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on U.S. immigration policy as Rep. Ayanna Pressley clashed with GOP witness and immigration expert Mark Krikorian over conditions at the Dilley Immigration Processing Center in Texas.
Labels: Videos, youtube, politics, political
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