Good morning internet children
So, yesterday it was announced that Jack Layton (leader of Canada's New Democratic Party) pass away from cancer. Pretty dramatically sad stuff, considering he was one of the main reasons that his party was voted into the position of Official Opposition in the last election. However, I'm not here to discuss political ideology or party alignment.
Yesterday, as I was scrolling through the news feed on facebook (it's what I do), I noticed quite a few people blabbing about Mr. Layton. Many of the posts were what I expected "R.I.P. Layton" or fucking hilarious jokes about his mustache. Which was one of the coolest mustache I've ever seen by the way. It conformed to Jack's face wonderfully. Anyhow, there was the odd status that said something like "LOL Layton's dead" or "Fuck politics vote green party cus then wed hav less inocent pot smokers in jail" (actual spelling).
Now look, I'm not trying to get judgemental or have a holier than thou attitude, but what the fuck people? Why bother posting at all? Someone died, and whether you supported him or not, you don't post shit celebrating his death. That's fucked up, folks. The moment you start getting stoked on the death of someone that isn't completely proven to be a downright evil baby-eating-child-raping-mass-murdering tax evader, it's messed up.
By the way, brethren, I realize it's been quite a while since I posted on here. I'm sure you were all gathered around your computer, little greasy fingers constantly clicking the refresh button to see if it was finally that fateful day when I would decide not to be lazy and actually type up a bunch of random shit nobody cares about. You're welcome.
Moving right along to a different topic (because I don't have enough to say about anything to fill an entire post), let's talk about Bill Maher. Now guess what, I hate Bill Maher. There are so many reasons to hate him. He's a libertarian, he spent a whole bunch of money making that "Religulous" movie, which was not very funny by the way. I'm not very religious or anything, I just don't see the humour in finding the most fanatical followers of a religion and then trying to insult them with mediocre wit. It just doesn't get much of a chuckle from me.
Anyway, I have an urgent need to eat some eggs, so away I go.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
is it secret? is it safe???
What's the deal with people's freakout about the Dixie Chicks (I get that this was a long time ago)? They took a stand against a political figure and a war they thought was unjust. Ooooouuuu, aaaahhhh. Seriously. I listen to a type of music that's been doing that since the fucking 70s, and nobody gives a fuck about that! But suddenly when a group of pretty (chyeah, pretty BORING) pop/country singers talks smack about the President, everyone gets their panties in a twist!
This got me thinking that punk is overall a pretty safe way to voice opinions. That is, as long as they conform to the popular punk mindset.
Before I continue, I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Obviously punk is focused on a generally leftist stance, and so it is natural that that's the kind of people it would attract.
So, am I implying that all of the Dixie Chicks fanbase is entirely right-leaning hillbillies that shit their underoo's at the first sign of rebelliousness? No. But I AM saying that those people that flipped out need to stick their head in a bucket of ice water until they wake up and smell the dirty, sweaty beast that has been secretly raging in a corner about lots of different crap (and generally a lot of shit that the Dixie Chicks seem to be all about).
I guess it's because punk is left on its own to quietly stumble along in rebellion while everyone else shambles through their boring existence, until suddenly a mainstream band decides to say "hey, this shit ain't cool, bro", and then WOE TO YOU OH EARTH AND SEA because shit's going to hit the fan.
So, to reach the point of this rant, who ultimately benefited most from this huge case of rubbing poop on the portrait of a pretty little world a lot of Dixie Chicks fans have painted?
I'll tell you who, THE DIXIE CHICKS. They were on magazine covers, and people literally couldn't get enough of these babes that at first seemed so down home and all american and suddenly sprouted horns and evil rebel tentacles out of every pore on their body.
But, this look is the norm in the punk scene, I would say. You know that people are generally left leaning (politically, we don't all have vertical alignment issues), therefore, saying something that puts down the government or corporation or what we deem sheer stupidity is accepted and does not form much of a ruckus other than to incite comments like "yeah fuck those guys!" from the punks with less brain matter, and maybe a decent stimulating conversation from those that still possess that art.
Now, I realize that not a lot of people are reading this out there in internet land, but if you are and I've offended you, then sorry (I'm not really sorry, I just don't want to pick through any stupid comments you'll feel obliged to make, but since I have no readers, I have nothing to worry about).
Anyway, I'm off to pose naked for a corporate magazine with words like "Sellout" and "Fart" painted all over my body.
This got me thinking that punk is overall a pretty safe way to voice opinions. That is, as long as they conform to the popular punk mindset.
Before I continue, I'm not saying this is a bad thing. Obviously punk is focused on a generally leftist stance, and so it is natural that that's the kind of people it would attract.
So, am I implying that all of the Dixie Chicks fanbase is entirely right-leaning hillbillies that shit their underoo's at the first sign of rebelliousness? No. But I AM saying that those people that flipped out need to stick their head in a bucket of ice water until they wake up and smell the dirty, sweaty beast that has been secretly raging in a corner about lots of different crap (and generally a lot of shit that the Dixie Chicks seem to be all about).
I guess it's because punk is left on its own to quietly stumble along in rebellion while everyone else shambles through their boring existence, until suddenly a mainstream band decides to say "hey, this shit ain't cool, bro", and then WOE TO YOU OH EARTH AND SEA because shit's going to hit the fan.
So, to reach the point of this rant, who ultimately benefited most from this huge case of rubbing poop on the portrait of a pretty little world a lot of Dixie Chicks fans have painted?
I'll tell you who, THE DIXIE CHICKS. They were on magazine covers, and people literally couldn't get enough of these babes that at first seemed so down home and all american and suddenly sprouted horns and evil rebel tentacles out of every pore on their body.
But, this look is the norm in the punk scene, I would say. You know that people are generally left leaning (politically, we don't all have vertical alignment issues), therefore, saying something that puts down the government or corporation or what we deem sheer stupidity is accepted and does not form much of a ruckus other than to incite comments like "yeah fuck those guys!" from the punks with less brain matter, and maybe a decent stimulating conversation from those that still possess that art.
Now, I realize that not a lot of people are reading this out there in internet land, but if you are and I've offended you, then sorry (I'm not really sorry, I just don't want to pick through any stupid comments you'll feel obliged to make, but since I have no readers, I have nothing to worry about).
Anyway, I'm off to pose naked for a corporate magazine with words like "Sellout" and "Fart" painted all over my body.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Mission: Accomplished
hey there dirtbags
So I was recently reading a friend of mine's blog. He's generally got a lot of stuff to say, mostly about how depressing his life is and stuff, and you know, it happens. That's what blogs are for, and I can't help it that I use mine for immature (but ultimately more stimulating) means. Anyway, in one of his recent posts, he listed things he had accomplished by age 20. It wasn't a huge list, and I think it was some exercise in convincing himself that he had a terrible life.
So, I figured (as I'm turning 20 myself soonish), that I'd provide all my avid fans with a list of junk I've accomplished at this ripe old age. After all, let's not forget that by the age of 20, your life is practically over and nothing good can ever be achieved from it if it isn't achieved NOW.
- I've been bitten by two dogs
- I successfully pretended not to be able to ride a bike until age 14
- I pissed my bed a lot
- I've made several lists of funny names for dongs (some of which will be posted in upcoming entries, get stoked)
- I've played guitar for 10 years and have yet to bother trying to learn more than power chords and very simple riffs
- I've dropped more money on records than I could ever count
- I can successfully recite the Lord of the Rings film trilogy in its entirety
- I've broken a toe
- I've had pneumonia, strep throat, norwalk, and a countless amount of colds and flues
- I've lectured more people on spelling or grammar (all the while well having spelling and grammar issues) then anyone I know
Anyway, that's my list, folks
So I was recently reading a friend of mine's blog. He's generally got a lot of stuff to say, mostly about how depressing his life is and stuff, and you know, it happens. That's what blogs are for, and I can't help it that I use mine for immature (but ultimately more stimulating) means. Anyway, in one of his recent posts, he listed things he had accomplished by age 20. It wasn't a huge list, and I think it was some exercise in convincing himself that he had a terrible life.
So, I figured (as I'm turning 20 myself soonish), that I'd provide all my avid fans with a list of junk I've accomplished at this ripe old age. After all, let's not forget that by the age of 20, your life is practically over and nothing good can ever be achieved from it if it isn't achieved NOW.
- I've been bitten by two dogs
- I successfully pretended not to be able to ride a bike until age 14
- I pissed my bed a lot
- I've made several lists of funny names for dongs (some of which will be posted in upcoming entries, get stoked)
- I've played guitar for 10 years and have yet to bother trying to learn more than power chords and very simple riffs
- I've dropped more money on records than I could ever count
- I can successfully recite the Lord of the Rings film trilogy in its entirety
- I've broken a toe
- I've had pneumonia, strep throat, norwalk, and a countless amount of colds and flues
- I've lectured more people on spelling or grammar (all the while well having spelling and grammar issues) then anyone I know
Anyway, that's my list, folks
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
is reading week actually meant for reading?
heydiddilio neighborino
Well so far, this has been a busy reading week. I've cleaned out houses (from which I received a free guitar and several books), I've spent time catching up with an old friend, and it doesn't look like I've got a clear schedule until the weekend.
Today I'm going to a hockey game, which I am rather excited for. I know the leafs suck; hell anyone with a brain knows that they suck, but it's the atmosphere I love. There's something about sitting in a giant cold refrigerator that I find very enticing. I sit, drink beer, eat hot dogs or nachos.
We're going to the city early to go to other things (my lady mentioned the ROM and the AGO).
Last night I was informed by three different people that I might be a hipster (fuck!). I spent all night looking at "Look At This Fucking Hipster", and have come to this conclusion: Yes, I share some similar elements to hipsters, but there are KEY differences. SUCH AS I shave every morning, I don't wear any bright colours, although I went through a brief phase, I never wear glasses if I don't need them, and if I wear combat boots, I TIE THEM UP.
Yep, so although we have some things in common (skinny jeans, cut off shorts), in the end I am a subcategory of hipster at best. You know, the kind that doesn't try to look like they were diddled every day until age 14?
Ugh, life is tough folks, and labels suck. Even people that don't label themselves get labeled. They get labeled as that "guy/girl that doesn't adhere to labels". Come on, how stupid does THAT sound?
I don't think adhering to a label is really a terrible thing, but I DO think that letting it change who you actually are is the problem. Sometimes adhering to a particular label is a good thing, it can help you meet friends, some of whom will actually be good people and aren't just friends with you because "looky here we both wear yellow cut offs and red high tops" (on a sidenote, I don't wear either of those things).
I think another good thing to go along with this is to listen to all kinds of music. If you like a song, then say so. That doesn't mean it will excuse you from a torrent of ridicule from yours truly, but at least you can have some dignity and not keep your love for songs that are complete crap in the closet.
Anyway, that's the end of that chapter, I have to go gel my moustache to look like an old school French waiter's.
Catch you diddlers on the flipside.
Well so far, this has been a busy reading week. I've cleaned out houses (from which I received a free guitar and several books), I've spent time catching up with an old friend, and it doesn't look like I've got a clear schedule until the weekend.
Today I'm going to a hockey game, which I am rather excited for. I know the leafs suck; hell anyone with a brain knows that they suck, but it's the atmosphere I love. There's something about sitting in a giant cold refrigerator that I find very enticing. I sit, drink beer, eat hot dogs or nachos.
We're going to the city early to go to other things (my lady mentioned the ROM and the AGO).
Last night I was informed by three different people that I might be a hipster (fuck!). I spent all night looking at "Look At This Fucking Hipster", and have come to this conclusion: Yes, I share some similar elements to hipsters, but there are KEY differences. SUCH AS I shave every morning, I don't wear any bright colours, although I went through a brief phase, I never wear glasses if I don't need them, and if I wear combat boots, I TIE THEM UP.
Yep, so although we have some things in common (skinny jeans, cut off shorts), in the end I am a subcategory of hipster at best. You know, the kind that doesn't try to look like they were diddled every day until age 14?
Ugh, life is tough folks, and labels suck. Even people that don't label themselves get labeled. They get labeled as that "guy/girl that doesn't adhere to labels". Come on, how stupid does THAT sound?
I don't think adhering to a label is really a terrible thing, but I DO think that letting it change who you actually are is the problem. Sometimes adhering to a particular label is a good thing, it can help you meet friends, some of whom will actually be good people and aren't just friends with you because "looky here we both wear yellow cut offs and red high tops" (on a sidenote, I don't wear either of those things).
I think another good thing to go along with this is to listen to all kinds of music. If you like a song, then say so. That doesn't mean it will excuse you from a torrent of ridicule from yours truly, but at least you can have some dignity and not keep your love for songs that are complete crap in the closet.
Anyway, that's the end of that chapter, I have to go gel my moustache to look like an old school French waiter's.
Catch you diddlers on the flipside.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
If you don't use it, you lose it
Sorry about not posting in a while.
Things are going pretty well in the Land of Me. Not too much academic turmoil, thankfully. I've been working on actually getting together another full band, and I think I've managed it. We don't have a name, or any songs, because we haven't started practicing yet.
The other day I was listening to Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' record and I was thinking about how many people assume the title track is praising the glory of the good ol' U.S. of A. Are they willfully not listening to the lyrics? Or perhaps they are just stupid. Honestly, with lines like: "the first kick I took was when I hit the ground". This is a clear exploration into themes of the unjustness of returning war veterans. Blind patriotism = stupidity; in other words, get over yourself.
I've never met a person that hates the Clash. Seriously, does such a person exist? How can you hate the Clash? It's THE FUCKING CLASH. Sure, maybe you don't really listen to them. But actually have a negative opinion about them? Is that even possible?
Some people consider their worst album/career low point to be the commercial failure of Sandinista! but I can't help thinking it is some of the best output the Clash ever released. As per usual, Joe Strummer's lyrics are equal parts poetic beauty and societal - inspired anger. Not only that, but the general range of genres is impressive and makes for an exciting and engaging listening experience. To anyone familiar only with the more popular release of 'London Calling', I highly recommend picking up 'Sandinista!'.
Okay, I have to go. There's a guy selling flags in the university center and I can see a jumbo one with Bob Marley and the word 'FREEDOM' from here.
Catch you later, sexy lil' minxes.
Things are going pretty well in the Land of Me. Not too much academic turmoil, thankfully. I've been working on actually getting together another full band, and I think I've managed it. We don't have a name, or any songs, because we haven't started practicing yet.
The other day I was listening to Bruce Springsteen's 'Born in the USA' record and I was thinking about how many people assume the title track is praising the glory of the good ol' U.S. of A. Are they willfully not listening to the lyrics? Or perhaps they are just stupid. Honestly, with lines like: "the first kick I took was when I hit the ground". This is a clear exploration into themes of the unjustness of returning war veterans. Blind patriotism = stupidity; in other words, get over yourself.
I've never met a person that hates the Clash. Seriously, does such a person exist? How can you hate the Clash? It's THE FUCKING CLASH. Sure, maybe you don't really listen to them. But actually have a negative opinion about them? Is that even possible?
Some people consider their worst album/career low point to be the commercial failure of Sandinista! but I can't help thinking it is some of the best output the Clash ever released. As per usual, Joe Strummer's lyrics are equal parts poetic beauty and societal - inspired anger. Not only that, but the general range of genres is impressive and makes for an exciting and engaging listening experience. To anyone familiar only with the more popular release of 'London Calling', I highly recommend picking up 'Sandinista!'.
Okay, I have to go. There's a guy selling flags in the university center and I can see a jumbo one with Bob Marley and the word 'FREEDOM' from here.
Catch you later, sexy lil' minxes.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
New Semester, New Rules part one
Many things have changed, many things.
First off, I don't really think FTB is a band anymore. We basically just stopped practicing all together. Now it's just me on an acoustic guitar and Kyle playing drums (just a floor tom and a snare, weird marching rhythms). It's very fun, and I find it is a good mix of both my love for punk rock and folk music combined. We might actually already have a gig at some girl's party, which will be fun.
All new semester, folks. Anthropology, sociology, and the best art, no more computer class! Whoop whoop!
I try really hard not to label myself, but it's almost entirely impossible, because people just do it for you. You're a punk, or a prep, or a jock, or a nerd. Obviously these labels exist, there's no point in denying it, but we do people fight so hard to fit into them? I'm not saying I don't, but I try not to. You dress a certain way and suddenly people think that it's all that you're interested in. It's a really shallow way to just assume you know every little niche of a person's personality just by looking at how they dress. Now granted, there are some exceptions to the rule, guidos are generally pretty douchey and such. But who decided that a life of guidoism ties in to a life of being an asshole? Was it them?
Anyway, I'm out of time right now, I'll post again today in a wee bit.
First off, I don't really think FTB is a band anymore. We basically just stopped practicing all together. Now it's just me on an acoustic guitar and Kyle playing drums (just a floor tom and a snare, weird marching rhythms). It's very fun, and I find it is a good mix of both my love for punk rock and folk music combined. We might actually already have a gig at some girl's party, which will be fun.
All new semester, folks. Anthropology, sociology, and the best art, no more computer class! Whoop whoop!
I try really hard not to label myself, but it's almost entirely impossible, because people just do it for you. You're a punk, or a prep, or a jock, or a nerd. Obviously these labels exist, there's no point in denying it, but we do people fight so hard to fit into them? I'm not saying I don't, but I try not to. You dress a certain way and suddenly people think that it's all that you're interested in. It's a really shallow way to just assume you know every little niche of a person's personality just by looking at how they dress. Now granted, there are some exceptions to the rule, guidos are generally pretty douchey and such. But who decided that a life of guidoism ties in to a life of being an asshole? Was it them?
Anyway, I'm out of time right now, I'll post again today in a wee bit.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
am I leaving?
Well, folks. I'm leaving on holiday tomorrow. Flight departs at 6:30 tomorrow morning, and I will be on it, snuggled into an uncomfortable chair, girlfriend next to me, earphones in my ears, and with any luck, mini-bottle of wine in hand.
It took me a while to actually start getting excited for this trip. It probably only hit me a couple of days ago. I'm nervous, this is the first extended period of time I'll be spending around my girlfriend' mother, and there will be alcohol involved. Hopefully I don't make too much of an ass of myself.
For the first time since buying it, I completely erased and began rebuilding my iTunes playlist for the trip. It now contains:
-Against Me! - entire discography
- Johnny Cash comp.
-Bob Marley comp.
-the Clash - London Calling/Sandinista!
-Tegan and Sara - Sainthood
-Future of the Left - Travels With Myself and Another
-various Ted Leo and the Pharmacists songs
Katie prescribed that I check out both the National and the Dead Weather. I haven't listened to much of either bands material, but I suppose a holiday is a good time to become acquainted with new bands.
I considered bringing my guitar with me on the trip, but have decided against it. It will cost extra to transport it, and I don't have a great quantity of cash. It's depressing though, I've had visions of sitting on the beach as the sun goes down, drinking wine and strumming out some tunes. Real inspiring stuff. I'm thoroughly tempted to bring my harmonica instead, but I'm afraid that it'll quickly get on my friends' nerves. Oh well, I guess we'll see.
Anyways, I don't really have much to say right now. We'll see if another post is forthcoming before takeoff tomorrow. If not, have a nice week.
Ta ta for now.
It took me a while to actually start getting excited for this trip. It probably only hit me a couple of days ago. I'm nervous, this is the first extended period of time I'll be spending around my girlfriend' mother, and there will be alcohol involved. Hopefully I don't make too much of an ass of myself.
For the first time since buying it, I completely erased and began rebuilding my iTunes playlist for the trip. It now contains:
-Against Me! - entire discography
- Johnny Cash comp.
-Bob Marley comp.
-the Clash - London Calling/Sandinista!
-Tegan and Sara - Sainthood
-Future of the Left - Travels With Myself and Another
-various Ted Leo and the Pharmacists songs
Katie prescribed that I check out both the National and the Dead Weather. I haven't listened to much of either bands material, but I suppose a holiday is a good time to become acquainted with new bands.
I considered bringing my guitar with me on the trip, but have decided against it. It will cost extra to transport it, and I don't have a great quantity of cash. It's depressing though, I've had visions of sitting on the beach as the sun goes down, drinking wine and strumming out some tunes. Real inspiring stuff. I'm thoroughly tempted to bring my harmonica instead, but I'm afraid that it'll quickly get on my friends' nerves. Oh well, I guess we'll see.
Anyways, I don't really have much to say right now. We'll see if another post is forthcoming before takeoff tomorrow. If not, have a nice week.
Ta ta for now.
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