Political Tsunami awaits President Gloria Arroyo

With all the underhand moves the Philippine government makes… With the so-called “calibrated pre-emptive response" used to quell rallies by militant activists…

It wouldn’t be surprising that peaceful demonstrations would soon turn into a bloody revolt! Ms. Arroyo’s tactics bring back one’s memories of the Martial Law era.

Just like Marcos when he said the country is under siege from the communists, Arroyo conveniently blames terrorists for her policies against public assemblies.

I suggest she lets them demonstrators do their thing or better yet, resign. Otherwise, the tide of discontent will soon overwhelm her. Hopefully, it would not resort into an armed conflict.

The Mob

Although the Mafia does not sow terror on anyone nowadays as they've had in the past, they are still believed to be operating underground, controlling business ventures from garments to banking.


And where would they choose to run the business but in New York City, the organization's home for decades. If there's any indication, they are reports and stories circulating that seem to be accepted as true; that they still rule as bosses in the Big Apple although a bit low-key. Some say they are making more money than ever.

So, are they still "untouchable"? Your guess is as good as mine. But this is for sure: the days of Mafia Dons flaunting the lavish lifestyle and landing on the papers so often during their glory days while their underlings are being chased by cops are long gone. And I don't seem to read or hear of Mafia-related murders, if there were any at all.

The Mafia's roots can be traced to the time when Italy was at war with France. The story goes that a small Sicilian town became enraged after a village girl alleged that she was raped by a French soldier. Mafia is an acronym for Morte Alle Francia Italia Anela, which means "Death to all French is Italy's cry."

What started as a crusade against an enemy ended up as the most feared crime organization in the world. Anyone who got in their way were dealt with severely; often involves murder. The Mafia sometimes has more influence than any government. More information gathered suggests that some conspiracy theories in the past connecting the Mafia with names in the US government may not be theories after all. They are also widely believed to have influenced the US in raging war to countries like Vietnam in the sixties, as fingers have all pointed to their direction. Not only that, they are being held responsible for the 1963 murder of United States president John F. Kennedy. The re-opening of the trial will be on 2029.

Weightlifting by Trashcan Sinatras

How do you embrace music that has been missing from your system after a long absence and having the thought it may never happen again? Simple, by singing "Welcome Back." An anthemic charging song which announces the return of five genius musicians who play and write songs that has depth, wisdom and drama but never losing the discordant sound that they have always embodied ever since. These lads are better known as the 'Trashcan Sinatras' (TCS).

After 8 years of struggle and triumph, the boys are back to share music that were left-off when they too were left-off (by Go!Discs) without anything and start all over again by picking up the pieces and finishing them without lacking in readiness.

The result is "Weightlifting," TCS' 4th full length album which flaunts 12 carefully crafted songs that ponders with your emotions as you listen along. With lush harmonies that compliment each emotional song. This album reflects the growth & gradual unfolding that the band has worked out into & threw it back to us to enjoy and cherish. From the love-letter-to-love-song "Got carried away" (featuring Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub on backing vocals) a heart felt sad song that somehow gives you hope in the end to the positive outlook of looking back with "It's a miracle" each crooning was emotionally driven to deliver a subtle sound. It also features the dexterity in mixing execution of Andy Chase (IVY) with all "All the dark Horses" along with it's tender accoustic guitar sound tangling with electric riffs. The narrative lyrics' glowing effect is very well-tuned with a twist of pop in it making you sob and smile at the same time just like "Leave me alone." Gentle as it may sound "Trouble Sleeping" will uplift you with it's cradling orchestration, but in reality 'Murder in a country lane' is a continual reminder of what really happened in the band's quiet hometown of Irvine.

Other songs that will touch, move and overcome you will be "What Women do to Men." Directly stated, it hauntingly describes relationships in its simplest discernment 'Did you suppose your lovers quarrel would bring renewal of your love & forget to make up?' and reminds you not to take everything for granted. But if there's one song that would best describe the tranquil theme of the album it would be "Country Air," though the message may be different the description and serenity of it's tune represents all 12 tracks. Lastly, "Weightlifting" (title track) is TCS' true attestment of how they stood up with great effort and learning to love themselves again. Arranged with it's basic floating sound with empathy & admiration 'Don't become a burden say the word and be free.'

In it's entirety "Weightlifting" is a heathery sensation that you can play over and over again without skipping any tracks. Its gentle sound suggests you to relax and enjoy the view (think the Highlands of Scotland). Though it may not be TCS' masterpiece (Cake will always be but that'll be a different review) after the long wait, beauty and essence has never lost its touch on them. They've lifted their flag once more 'Easing your mind, a great weightlifting.'

Welcome back to the most underrated band in the world!

'till next time