Tuesday, October 26, 2004
Balance
I've been in a torpor lately. But I've also been involved in a lot of activity ... I suppose the two are able to coexist. I haven't been posting much, for what reasons I can't tell, exactly. I've fallen into a bit of complacency, letting things slide that I should be taking care of, lazing about instead of doing things, purposefully loosing interest in my hobbies. But as if to fill this void I've been increasing my social circles - going out more - hanging out more, dating more chicks.
It's my self destructive side manifesting, obviously. Allow me to explain: I'm leaving this place permanently in two months, leaving any friends, bonds, girlfriends behind to start fresh in another country. So what do I do? I neglect the personal things that will sustain me until I make new friends, while simultaneously making the bonds I have here more difficult for me to inevitably break, causing me more ... consternation. I can hear you saying "Ahh, suck it up - you're a man" And while I wholeheartedly agree that yes, I am indeed a man(checked in my pants to verify) I still can't disabuse myself of the fact that I'm not the type to make friends quickly or easily. So some part of me feels a loss for having to do so. That and the chick I'm dating is super hot. super hot.
I don't think I mentioned I was promoted recently, I'm now a sergeant. I know I don't talk about the Army much here, because it's not something I like people to know about me - military guys are stereotyped a lot as brain-dead mass-murdering pricks, and I hate being called brain-dead. But all in all it's a pretty big thing as far as respect is concerned, within the military at least.
I'll just touch on politics too while I'm at this here(considering me being in the .mil, you're thinking Republican), I hate politics. I mean, really hate it... I try to watch the news, I try to stay informed, but I just get so fucking sick of every asshole trying to get me on their side. I've got motherfucking mohawk wearing PuffPdiddyDaddy yelling in one ear, along with every single fucking actor, musician and goddamn shitbrained liberal, while in the other ear I have the Moral Majority telling me everything is great in the world, terrorists are bad and we need to kick more islamic ass. I just wanna lasso my television to a herd of rabid Gay Union Llamas and watch it disappear in a cloud of rainbow colored choose or loose dust. FUCK YOU I REFUSE TO VOTE! There I said it. I'm not voting and by golly it won't change a fucking thing. Why should it? On one hand I'm giving up these civil rights over here, on the other I'm giving up those rights over there. It's like having to choose between being hung, or having my head chopped off, it's not really a fucking choice! And until I have a choice I refuse to participate in this grand staged act of futility and self perpetuating autocracy.
I've been in a torpor lately. But I've also been involved in a lot of activity ... I suppose the two are able to coexist. I haven't been posting much, for what reasons I can't tell, exactly. I've fallen into a bit of complacency, letting things slide that I should be taking care of, lazing about instead of doing things, purposefully loosing interest in my hobbies. But as if to fill this void I've been increasing my social circles - going out more - hanging out more, dating more chicks.
It's my self destructive side manifesting, obviously. Allow me to explain: I'm leaving this place permanently in two months, leaving any friends, bonds, girlfriends behind to start fresh in another country. So what do I do? I neglect the personal things that will sustain me until I make new friends, while simultaneously making the bonds I have here more difficult for me to inevitably break, causing me more ... consternation. I can hear you saying "Ahh, suck it up - you're a man" And while I wholeheartedly agree that yes, I am indeed a man(checked in my pants to verify) I still can't disabuse myself of the fact that I'm not the type to make friends quickly or easily. So some part of me feels a loss for having to do so. That and the chick I'm dating is super hot. super hot.
I don't think I mentioned I was promoted recently, I'm now a sergeant. I know I don't talk about the Army much here, because it's not something I like people to know about me - military guys are stereotyped a lot as brain-dead mass-murdering pricks, and I hate being called brain-dead. But all in all it's a pretty big thing as far as respect is concerned, within the military at least.
I'll just touch on politics too while I'm at this here(considering me being in the .mil, you're thinking Republican), I hate politics. I mean, really hate it... I try to watch the news, I try to stay informed, but I just get so fucking sick of every asshole trying to get me on their side. I've got motherfucking mohawk wearing PuffPdiddyDaddy yelling in one ear, along with every single fucking actor, musician and goddamn shitbrained liberal, while in the other ear I have the Moral Majority telling me everything is great in the world, terrorists are bad and we need to kick more islamic ass. I just wanna lasso my television to a herd of rabid Gay Union Llamas and watch it disappear in a cloud of rainbow colored choose or loose dust. FUCK YOU I REFUSE TO VOTE! There I said it. I'm not voting and by golly it won't change a fucking thing. Why should it? On one hand I'm giving up these civil rights over here, on the other I'm giving up those rights over there. It's like having to choose between being hung, or having my head chopped off, it's not really a fucking choice! And until I have a choice I refuse to participate in this grand staged act of futility and self perpetuating autocracy.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
Jon Stewart
I caught Jon Stewart of Daily Show fame on CNNs Crossfire yesterday and finally confirmed what I think I see going on over at Comedy Central. He was supposed to be on to talk about his new book, but instead began slamming Begala and Carlson for hurting America with their complacent use of spin and catering to the politicians that come on their show. My favorite line was after Tucker Carlson completely crumpled after Stewart made fun of his bowtie Carlson said Is *this* Jon Stewart? I thought you were going to be funny... Stewart replied Im not going to be your monkey!
Something cool is happening over there at Comedy Central. The people that run it (a bunch of comedians} seem to be trying their best to promote actual communication and awareness. Conversations and reaching out to what Bill Oreilly says are a bunch of stoned slackers. Interesting note there, according to Larry King and a Gallup poll 78% of Daily Show viewers have 4+ years of college as opposed to Oreillys viewers with 37% Hahahahaha...
Its all just a flash in the pan, The Daily Show wont revolutionize journalism, but it makes me feel good knowing that these comedians like Jon Stewart, Al Franken, Jeneane Garafolo are being heard in that way that if I were viewing right wing types I would describe it as slow and insidious.
Oh, even though I dont mess with BitTorrent there are a couple of links on Slashdot this morning. They only gave Jon Stewart a few minutes with HUGE commercial breaks...you should check it out
I caught Jon Stewart of Daily Show fame on CNNs Crossfire yesterday and finally confirmed what I think I see going on over at Comedy Central. He was supposed to be on to talk about his new book, but instead began slamming Begala and Carlson for hurting America with their complacent use of spin and catering to the politicians that come on their show. My favorite line was after Tucker Carlson completely crumpled after Stewart made fun of his bowtie
Something cool is happening over there at Comedy Central. The people that run it (a bunch of comedians} seem to be trying their best to promote actual communication and awareness. Conversations and reaching out to what Bill Oreilly says are a bunch of stoned slackers. Interesting note there, according to Larry King and a Gallup poll 78% of Daily Show viewers have 4+ years of college as opposed to Oreillys viewers with 37% Hahahahaha...
Its all just a flash in the pan, The Daily Show wont revolutionize journalism, but it makes me feel good knowing that these comedians like Jon Stewart, Al Franken, Jeneane Garafolo are being heard in that way that if I were viewing right wing types I would describe it as slow and insidious.
Oh, even though I dont mess with BitTorrent there are a couple of links on Slashdot this morning. They only gave Jon Stewart a few minutes with HUGE commercial breaks...you should check it out
Saturday, October 02, 2004
Damn, I know it's been a while - BUT - I have good reasons. First off, I go home on leave, and I find myself doing hardly any of the things I had promised myself I would, like getting up with a whole buncha people for one. Then, I get back from leave and I should have been getting started moving to Atlanta... EXCEPT it turns out I'm not going to Atlanta, I'm going to Qatar. Yeah it's in the middle east. Sand, heat and angry guys in robes. Well right now I'm still sitting in fort polk, but I was supposed to have been gone by now so I had cancelled my internet and cable. That's why I haven't posted anything. I was supposed to leave on the 13th to head to Qatar, but I don't have a passport and it takes 5-6 weeks to get one, so I've been deferred for another 60 days. But this I just discovered a few days ago, and before that I was running around like a mad man trying to get all of these things done so I could leave on time and not be AWOL.
Once I get my internet turned back on I'll write more. I don't feel very lucid sitting in a library when people are sitting all around me.
Once I get my internet turned back on I'll write more. I don't feel very lucid sitting in a library when people are sitting all around me.
Tuesday, September 14, 2004
As seen on the TeeVee
Yup, I get to make my television debut soon. Ever look at FoodTV? If you have an interest in food its a good thing, if not the channel most likely doesnt even exist for you...
It seems that a woman down in Lower Slower owns a chestnut farm and has been tapped to get a half hour show about her chestnuts and she has chosen my restaurant to hold the filmed luncheon at. So that means that there is going to be little clips of me cooking some stuff and hopefully lots of shots of the restaurant. Fun stuff! I get to design an appetizer, bread, and dessert that will be featured.
The show is going to be run 3 times between Thanksgiving and X-mas.
On a darker note I recently grabbed a copy of Cradle of Filths Lovecraft and Witchcraft and Danzigs new one.
Glenn seems to have remembered his roots. Wotans procession makes me think of what he would have done in the days of Samhain had the ability and the rest seems like he is waxing nostalgic for the early days of Danzing I.
Cradle of Filth tho...what can I say? Are they in on the joke? I cant tell. They are definitely entertaining
Yup, I get to make my television debut soon. Ever look at FoodTV? If you have an interest in food its a good thing, if not the channel most likely doesnt even exist for you...
It seems that a woman down in Lower Slower owns a chestnut farm and has been tapped to get a half hour show about her chestnuts and she has chosen my restaurant to hold the filmed luncheon at. So that means that there is going to be little clips of me cooking some stuff and hopefully lots of shots of the restaurant. Fun stuff! I get to design an appetizer, bread, and dessert that will be featured.
The show is going to be run 3 times between Thanksgiving and X-mas.
On a darker note I recently grabbed a copy of Cradle of Filths Lovecraft and Witchcraft and Danzigs new one.
Glenn seems to have remembered his roots. Wotans procession makes me think of what he would have done in the days of Samhain had the ability and the rest seems like he is waxing nostalgic for the early days of Danzing I.
Cradle of Filth tho...what can I say? Are they in on the joke? I cant tell. They are definitely entertaining
Saturday, August 28, 2004
So begins the sibilant world death knell
I downloaded the new Exorcist the other night, it's a fairly low quality TS cam although the audio is decent enough. So today I crawl out of bed at about 3pm or so( partook in a "gathering" last night) and fire it up. What I ended up with was an overall feeling of unease, distant fear, and an appreciation for the virtues of Christianity. I think it was a little short on some things, and I was left feeling like there weren't enough truly scary scenes. But I found myself genuinely fearing the Dark One and at the same time hoping that this man of the cloth who had at one time forsaken God would be strong enough to save us all from this unholy fate that lie lurking beneath the sand. This will be one that I'll get when it goes to DVD.
I also saw the new Alien vs Predator, once again it was a moderate quality TS cam, and ended up a bit dark for my taste(whether it was the movie or the cam, I don't know). The movie was very similar to the comics Dark Horse put out a long time ago, but it was to my knowledge an original story. I would get this one on DVD too when it comes out, mainly for nostalgic purposes. Overall though I think it was a little short on action, and it didn't focus enough on any of the three species, so I ended up feeling like I was left out of everything. Although the explanation about the origins of the three made for a pretty cool ass story.
I downloaded the new Exorcist the other night, it's a fairly low quality TS cam although the audio is decent enough. So today I crawl out of bed at about 3pm or so( partook in a "gathering" last night) and fire it up. What I ended up with was an overall feeling of unease, distant fear, and an appreciation for the virtues of Christianity. I think it was a little short on some things, and I was left feeling like there weren't enough truly scary scenes. But I found myself genuinely fearing the Dark One and at the same time hoping that this man of the cloth who had at one time forsaken God would be strong enough to save us all from this unholy fate that lie lurking beneath the sand. This will be one that I'll get when it goes to DVD.
I also saw the new Alien vs Predator, once again it was a moderate quality TS cam, and ended up a bit dark for my taste(whether it was the movie or the cam, I don't know). The movie was very similar to the comics Dark Horse put out a long time ago, but it was to my knowledge an original story. I would get this one on DVD too when it comes out, mainly for nostalgic purposes. Overall though I think it was a little short on action, and it didn't focus enough on any of the three species, so I ended up feeling like I was left out of everything. Although the explanation about the origins of the three made for a pretty cool ass story.
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Asleep by Dawn
A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to get to see Skinny Puppy as presented by a group called Asleep by Dawn. I assume they harvested my credit card information and, being a promotion group, sent me a magazine full of information related to the show that I had gone to see. Usually this stuff is a waste of time/space, but this one was at least good for a couple of articles. They had interviews with KMFDM, Ministry, Einsturzende Neubauten, and Skinny Puppy, as well as a little article about the Japanese Gothic Lolita thing.
Couple of things I thought were interesting, Al Jourgensen is Cuban (!), Ohgr might be releasing an archival type album and KMFDM should be touring this summer and Revolting Cocks is opening for this summers Ministry tour (which i guess cancels out the earlier rumor that Al would be touring with Skinny Puppy)
There was also a various artist CD with the magazine. Despite the horror that has been the last 3 Pigface releases, this new one might be cool judging from the DJ Acucrack vs. Pigface song on the CD. There was an unsigned band called Bow Ever Down that might be cool if they speed themselves up some and My Ruin sounds like Judas Priest with KMFDMs band without the electronics.
And I found an ad in there for a Call of Cthulhu game. I hope it doesnt suck too bad
A couple of months ago I was lucky enough to get to see Skinny Puppy as presented by a group called Asleep by Dawn. I assume they harvested my credit card information and, being a promotion group, sent me a magazine full of information related to the show that I had gone to see. Usually this stuff is a waste of time/space, but this one was at least good for a couple of articles. They had interviews with KMFDM, Ministry, Einsturzende Neubauten, and Skinny Puppy, as well as a little article about the Japanese Gothic Lolita thing.
Couple of things I thought were interesting, Al Jourgensen is Cuban (!), Ohgr might be releasing an archival type album and KMFDM should be touring this summer and Revolting Cocks is opening for this summers Ministry tour (which i guess cancels out the earlier rumor that Al would be touring with Skinny Puppy)
There was also a various artist CD with the magazine. Despite the horror that has been the last 3 Pigface releases, this new one might be cool judging from the DJ Acucrack vs. Pigface song on the CD. There was an unsigned band called Bow Ever Down that might be cool if they speed themselves up some and My Ruin sounds like Judas Priest with KMFDMs band without the electronics.
And I found an ad in there for a Call of Cthulhu game. I hope it doesnt suck too bad
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
People laugh at me when I say I like .... cradle of filth. Hell, I even laugh at myself. I mean; look at 'em - I'm not even convinced they're in on their own joke. They seem really serious - sorta like Laibach instead of more like Gwar. The music isn't even what I'm down with, it's too ... "metal". Having said all that though, these motherfuckers can write some bad-ass lyrics! I can't get enough of the music when I can sing along, because the lyrics are just so fucking HP Lovecraft meets Plan 9. So until the rest of those bitches can write lyrics like this, fuck 'em:
So begins the sibilant world Death knell...
When a corpse wind howls
And awakes from drowse
The scheming dead freed
Of gossamer shrouds
We gorgonise eyes
Of the storm aroused
Red...
Blinding time
All lines dine on this instance
A melting spool of beggar, negative frames
The skies teem alive, to watch die
Mankind hauled to fable in vast tenement graves...
Cthulhu dawn
So begins the sibilant world Death knell...
When a corpse wind howls
And awakes from drowse
The scheming dead freed
Of gossamer shrouds
We gorgonise eyes
Of the storm aroused
Red...
Blinding time
All lines dine on this instance
A melting spool of beggar, negative frames
The skies teem alive, to watch die
Mankind hauled to fable in vast tenement graves...
Cthulhu dawn
Monday, August 23, 2004
Is Comfort Treachery?
After Chris' comments about not immediately warming to the newest Chemlab offering, I decided to spend a little time with the CD and realized that it had been missing for a couple of months...I guess I hadn't quite warmed to it either.
I remember a conversation we had not too long after East Side Militia came out about some of the lyrics sounding like the overwhelming drug addiction shared by Jared and Dylan was fading into the past. It always seemed to me like they were talking about the recent memory of drug addiction. They certainly weren't re-releasing the album cover with a close-up of Jared shooting up in his cock...
Take track #2 off of Oxidizer for example: I've got no Monkey-God on my back? Definitely no addiction there anymore. Hell, wasn't Jared working at some international investment firm for a while? Can't be a full blown hedonist in an environment like that.
Which leads me to my point...if there's no all consuming addiction, and a well-paying job where does the degenerate hang on too? How does that lead to starving artist ego complexes?
There's also the lack of Dylan to think about, too. There are so many instances on the album where Jared creates incredible sounds and combinations and lyrical niceties that just beg for the electronic distortion and smear that I am starting to believe was Dylan. Conflicts over certain decisions to add a part or to take it away...I could just hear it: Damn it! I don't care if a robot breathes or not! That's what I want to put there!
(Hahaha...)
What is that song anyway? Skinny Puppy and it says something about comfort is treachery...it's been bugging me all day
After Chris' comments about not immediately warming to the newest Chemlab offering, I decided to spend a little time with the CD and realized that it had been missing for a couple of months...I guess I hadn't quite warmed to it either.
I remember a conversation we had not too long after East Side Militia came out about some of the lyrics sounding like the overwhelming drug addiction shared by Jared and Dylan was fading into the past. It always seemed to me like they were talking about the recent memory of drug addiction. They certainly weren't re-releasing the album cover with a close-up of Jared shooting up in his cock...
Take track #2 off of Oxidizer for example: I've got no Monkey-God on my back? Definitely no addiction there anymore. Hell, wasn't Jared working at some international investment firm for a while? Can't be a full blown hedonist in an environment like that.
Which leads me to my point...if there's no all consuming addiction, and a well-paying job where does the degenerate hang on too? How does that lead to starving artist ego complexes?
There's also the lack of Dylan to think about, too. There are so many instances on the album where Jared creates incredible sounds and combinations and lyrical niceties that just beg for the electronic distortion and smear that I am starting to believe was Dylan. Conflicts over certain decisions to add a part or to take it away...I could just hear it: Damn it! I don't care if a robot breathes or not! That's what I want to put there!
(Hahaha...)
What is that song anyway? Skinny Puppy and it says something about comfort is treachery...it's been bugging me all day
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Circle of Snakes
I picked up Danzig's new CD a few days ago, and it's actually pretty damn good. Well, apparently the CD isn't actually released yet(Aug 31st); but you know how music pirates do things. In my defense, I'm probably at a 1:1 ratio these days on the buy:pirate ratio. Anyway, it really reminds me of his old stuff he did with danzig - with more synth thrown in, and more grindcore. But his vocals are so unique; hearing it throws me back into Shawnee Acres, situated in that particular house, ensconced in that singular room; with the speakers whose tweeters had been poked out by a certain nephew of an acquaintance of mine; laboring quietly on one endeavor or another while music played in the background.
Oh yeah, and I can't say enough nice things about Modest Mouse's The Moon and Antarctica. The first time I heard it, I decided I didn't like it; today I can't get enough of it. It's mostly laid back and causes you to think twice about what you heard. It also defies categorization, while being seam-stretchingly placed into the alt-rock genre along with the likes of Sunny Day and the Pixies. Not justly, in my opinion. To quote a reviewer: "After spending a few hours with the CD, you begin hearing where the band is headed. After a week, you're there with them." Originally released in 2000, it was remastered and released in '04. It's catchy, inspiring and different; steal it today!
I picked up Danzig's new CD a few days ago, and it's actually pretty damn good. Well, apparently the CD isn't actually released yet(Aug 31st); but you know how music pirates do things. In my defense, I'm probably at a 1:1 ratio these days on the buy:pirate ratio. Anyway, it really reminds me of his old stuff he did with danzig - with more synth thrown in, and more grindcore. But his vocals are so unique; hearing it throws me back into Shawnee Acres, situated in that particular house, ensconced in that singular room; with the speakers whose tweeters had been poked out by a certain nephew of an acquaintance of mine; laboring quietly on one endeavor or another while music played in the background.
Oh yeah, and I can't say enough nice things about Modest Mouse's The Moon and Antarctica. The first time I heard it, I decided I didn't like it; today I can't get enough of it. It's mostly laid back and causes you to think twice about what you heard. It also defies categorization, while being seam-stretchingly placed into the alt-rock genre along with the likes of Sunny Day and the Pixies. Not justly, in my opinion. To quote a reviewer: "After spending a few hours with the CD, you begin hearing where the band is headed. After a week, you're there with them." Originally released in 2000, it was remastered and released in '04. It's catchy, inspiring and different; steal it today!
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Social D ..
http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000604202
NIN..
http://www.billboard.com/bb/daily/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000507555
Interesting indeed. Mike Ness says they got Rancids bassist, and Trent has Dave Ghrol on some of the live drums .... I feel mostly neutral on both of those subjects. Definately not good, but also not bad.
