A short drama, set in a Chicago diner:
"Hey dere, is dat an I - Talyan Beef you got dere?"
"Yep."
"It is? I don't see no aw-juice. You mean yer eatin' dat beef dry?"
"Yep."
"Why don't you get da aw-juice?"
"I don't like da aw-juice."
"Well, OK pal, but its good dat way."
1 minute passes
"You sure you don't want me to wet dat beef down?"
"No, I don't like it dat way."
"Why not? Dat's where all da nutrients come from. Don't you want da nutrients?"
"No, I'm fine, thanks. I told ya I don't like it wet."
1 more minute passes
"I work here ya know, I can go back dere and get some aw juice."
silence
"I still can't believe you ate dat beef dry."
"Hey dere, is dat an I - Talyan Beef you got dere?"
"Yep."
"It is? I don't see no aw-juice. You mean yer eatin' dat beef dry?"
"Yep."
"Why don't you get da aw-juice?"
"I don't like da aw-juice."
"Well, OK pal, but its good dat way."
1 minute passes
"You sure you don't want me to wet dat beef down?"
"No, I don't like it dat way."
"Why not? Dat's where all da nutrients come from. Don't you want da nutrients?"
"No, I'm fine, thanks. I told ya I don't like it wet."
1 more minute passes
"I work here ya know, I can go back dere and get some aw juice."
silence
"I still can't believe you ate dat beef dry."
by at 4:45 PM
Black robed swill
I believe Anita Hill
The judge will rot in hell
-- Sonic Youth
David Brock comes correct about his shameful role in the Clarence Thomas nomination; read all about it in the New York Times.
Supreme Court Justice ... Earl Warren ... Thurgood Marshall ... Henry Blackmun ... Warren Burger ... mmmmm, burgers ...
-- Homer Simpson
I believe Anita Hill
The judge will rot in hell
-- Sonic Youth
David Brock comes correct about his shameful role in the Clarence Thomas nomination; read all about it in the New York Times.
Supreme Court Justice ... Earl Warren ... Thurgood Marshall ... Henry Blackmun ... Warren Burger ... mmmmm, burgers ...
-- Homer Simpson
by at 11:06 AM
Aw, Lawless, you're just a 'phobe. A silly sexy phobe.
by at 4:49 PM
For a far more articulate exemplar of religious apostasy I refer you all to the Onion's interview with Deicide's Glen Benton. His opinions on marriage are especially instructive.
by at 10:42 AM
What the--?
Jeez, the two a youze just turned my brain to mush. Illyich, you are too smart for your own good. In fact, I hereby advocate your desire for a firearm... b/c if they're not after you yet, they sure as hellfire will be soon. Just who are "they", you ask? The same "they" that we all quote and paraphrase while under the assumption of colloquialism. "They" exist, dammit, and they're not happy with the royalty checks they've received thus far.
As for you, Savage... Richard Gere? Of all the people standing in your way of understanding Buddhism?! Man, I got Pat Robertson, Billy Sunday, Torquemada, Jerry Falwell, the Temperance movement, the Farting Minister, Benny Hinn, and Reverend Coughlin, just to name a few of persons standing in my way of accepting Christianity. And you choose Richard Gere? What the hell? He subscribes to those Tibetans and their wacky notions of Buddhism! He doesn't even count, man. If you had said Steven Seagal, who, incidentally, also follows those scheming Tibetans, then maybe I would have agreed with you. Or Adam Yauch. Geez, that says something about the Tibetan Buddhists right there if these schmucks are catering to their perverse doctrine.
By the way, Sav, what were you doing at a Gay Pride parade? And don't say just checking it out! You don't just go and check out the Puerto Rican Day or Mexican Independence parades, do you? Not unless you're either Mexican or Puerto Rican. Granted, the St. Patrick's Day parade is different b/c anyone drunk can be Irish, but-- man, are you coming out on this here web log?
Jeez, the two a youze just turned my brain to mush. Illyich, you are too smart for your own good. In fact, I hereby advocate your desire for a firearm... b/c if they're not after you yet, they sure as hellfire will be soon. Just who are "they", you ask? The same "they" that we all quote and paraphrase while under the assumption of colloquialism. "They" exist, dammit, and they're not happy with the royalty checks they've received thus far.
As for you, Savage... Richard Gere? Of all the people standing in your way of understanding Buddhism?! Man, I got Pat Robertson, Billy Sunday, Torquemada, Jerry Falwell, the Temperance movement, the Farting Minister, Benny Hinn, and Reverend Coughlin, just to name a few of persons standing in my way of accepting Christianity. And you choose Richard Gere? What the hell? He subscribes to those Tibetans and their wacky notions of Buddhism! He doesn't even count, man. If you had said Steven Seagal, who, incidentally, also follows those scheming Tibetans, then maybe I would have agreed with you. Or Adam Yauch. Geez, that says something about the Tibetan Buddhists right there if these schmucks are catering to their perverse doctrine.
By the way, Sav, what were you doing at a Gay Pride parade? And don't say just checking it out! You don't just go and check out the Puerto Rican Day or Mexican Independence parades, do you? Not unless you're either Mexican or Puerto Rican. Granted, the St. Patrick's Day parade is different b/c anyone drunk can be Irish, but-- man, are you coming out on this here web log?
by at 5:00 PM
Iíd like to add some thoughts to Mr. Jonesí commentary.
The early Christian church's politicization began with the vacuum of power left in the wake of the Roman Empire's collapse. When Rome fell there was no temporal authority to survive Caesar; by default the early church became administrative heirs to an empire in disarray. As a result the church assumed a very secular (dare I say pagan?) hierarchy, one which has not changed much since 476 A.D. Quite quickly the spiritual message of Christ was obscured and supplanted by worldly concerns: maintaining the bureaucracy of the church, dealing with local principalities, stamping out heresies, etc. And like the twilight years of the Roman Empire the church eventually splintered into eastern-western factions whose differences were largely political in nature.
The politicization of religion is common in many civilizations, especially in the West. Most civilizations are stratified with a warrior caste and a priestly caste somewhere near the top, and both are locked in a death-grip for control. Each envies the otherís power: The military/political elite covets the stabilizing force religion has on the populace; the church craves secular authority. Often at odds, the two elites nevertheless grudgingly share the task of subjugation. In Europe the unholy alliance of the spiritual and the political led to the Crusades, the wreckage of which is still being picked up in the Balkans; in America, our Civil War is still being fought in Congress and the courts, 140 years after the fact.
The one thing about Jesus most people forget is that he was APOLITICAL. Dangerously apolitical, at thatóalmost anarchist. His only message: follow me. Not, "creationism," "post the 10 commandments in school," or any contemporary political garbage the right wing spews. In fact, in Luke 20 (open your bibles, class), the Phariseesówhose institutional authority Christ challengedótry to goad him into endorsing a taxpayer revolt against Caesar (a crime), which would have given them a pretext for turning him over to the Romans. Jesus understood this ploy and didnít fall for it, but a lot of Americans can't see the strings politicians have run through Christ's hands.
The early Christian church's politicization began with the vacuum of power left in the wake of the Roman Empire's collapse. When Rome fell there was no temporal authority to survive Caesar; by default the early church became administrative heirs to an empire in disarray. As a result the church assumed a very secular (dare I say pagan?) hierarchy, one which has not changed much since 476 A.D. Quite quickly the spiritual message of Christ was obscured and supplanted by worldly concerns: maintaining the bureaucracy of the church, dealing with local principalities, stamping out heresies, etc. And like the twilight years of the Roman Empire the church eventually splintered into eastern-western factions whose differences were largely political in nature.
The politicization of religion is common in many civilizations, especially in the West. Most civilizations are stratified with a warrior caste and a priestly caste somewhere near the top, and both are locked in a death-grip for control. Each envies the otherís power: The military/political elite covets the stabilizing force religion has on the populace; the church craves secular authority. Often at odds, the two elites nevertheless grudgingly share the task of subjugation. In Europe the unholy alliance of the spiritual and the political led to the Crusades, the wreckage of which is still being picked up in the Balkans; in America, our Civil War is still being fought in Congress and the courts, 140 years after the fact.
The one thing about Jesus most people forget is that he was APOLITICAL. Dangerously apolitical, at thatóalmost anarchist. His only message: follow me. Not, "creationism," "post the 10 commandments in school," or any contemporary political garbage the right wing spews. In fact, in Luke 20 (open your bibles, class), the Phariseesówhose institutional authority Christ challengedótry to goad him into endorsing a taxpayer revolt against Caesar (a crime), which would have given them a pretext for turning him over to the Romans. Jesus understood this ploy and didnít fall for it, but a lot of Americans can't see the strings politicians have run through Christ's hands.
by at 2:59 PM
Let me start by saying Rusty is a big pussy.
Aw Lawless, I wouldn't feel too upset at those that misrepresent the teachings of Jesus and other religious figures. "Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." There will always be people who will ruin it for everyone else, but you have to try to get beyond that, and beyond the application of logic, really, to attain spirituality. Personally, I shy away from the teachings of Buddhism for the same reasons you shy away from Christianity. Namely, it's Richard Gere's fault. If he'd stop making shitty movies like Runaway Bride, maybe then I'd check out his beliefs.
I forgot to comment on this yesterday: I was amazed how downright corporate the Gay Pride Parade was. Floats for Com-Ed? Clear Channel Communications? Bank One? Best Buy? As far as I know, the only thing these companies have done for the gay community is by NOT firing them when they show up to the company picknic with a same-sexed partner. That's not the kind of thing I want to see at a Pride Parade. Anyway, those corporate floats all sucked big time. No thrusting of G-strings, no hot drag queens, and no blaring techno, just leaflets and advertisements, business as usual. Most of those floats just had some inoffensive frumpy women that MIGHT have been gay, but still looked embarassed to be there.
The best thing I saw? Near the end of the parade, there was a pickup truck. In the back was a soaking wet dude in his fourties or fifties, dancing away with stained tighty-whiteys that had become transparent. He danced to the blaring radio in the truck, whcih had no sign or anything. For all we knew, this guy probably had been drinking all night, and his friends decided to give him a bender he wouldn't soon forget.
Aw Lawless, I wouldn't feel too upset at those that misrepresent the teachings of Jesus and other religious figures. "Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing." There will always be people who will ruin it for everyone else, but you have to try to get beyond that, and beyond the application of logic, really, to attain spirituality. Personally, I shy away from the teachings of Buddhism for the same reasons you shy away from Christianity. Namely, it's Richard Gere's fault. If he'd stop making shitty movies like Runaway Bride, maybe then I'd check out his beliefs.
I forgot to comment on this yesterday: I was amazed how downright corporate the Gay Pride Parade was. Floats for Com-Ed? Clear Channel Communications? Bank One? Best Buy? As far as I know, the only thing these companies have done for the gay community is by NOT firing them when they show up to the company picknic with a same-sexed partner. That's not the kind of thing I want to see at a Pride Parade. Anyway, those corporate floats all sucked big time. No thrusting of G-strings, no hot drag queens, and no blaring techno, just leaflets and advertisements, business as usual. Most of those floats just had some inoffensive frumpy women that MIGHT have been gay, but still looked embarassed to be there.
The best thing I saw? Near the end of the parade, there was a pickup truck. In the back was a soaking wet dude in his fourties or fifties, dancing away with stained tighty-whiteys that had become transparent. He danced to the blaring radio in the truck, whcih had no sign or anything. For all we knew, this guy probably had been drinking all night, and his friends decided to give him a bender he wouldn't soon forget.
by at 11:02 AM
Please forgive any absence of logic and apparent lack of perspective in the following musing...
For all practical purposes, America is the province of an ethnocentric theodicy based upon such simple artifacts as: the belief in an all-knowing high being who created the universe and maintains a continued interest in said creation; the belief in an afterlife; and the belief that our moral behavior directly affects our fate in the next life. Yup, the principles of this country are those of the Judeo-Christian heritage. Basic social science reveals that male-dominant societies breed and possess male gods, much in the same vein that a warring society will have powerful gods of war and a bohemian society will foster gods of pleasure. Such is the final judicial step in monotheistic cultures and their presentations of Jesus, Yahweh, Allah, et al.
The other day I had a conversation with a friend. We were talking about the teachings of Jesus in their most fundamental form, aka without the trappings of the organized Church, when I posited by belief in Buddhism. That's when the conversation more or less ended. Let me state for the record that I spent 20 years as a devout believer in Jesus, but perhaps more so in the Roman Catholic church's political interpretation of him and his teachings. After much searching and investigation I converted to Soto Zen Buddhism, an esoteric transcendent idealistic faith far removed from my previous indoctrination. There's no denying the hypocrisy of Judeo-Christian institutions in their various modes and models-- when there is too much at stake, too much power to be lost, an established institution will always seek desperate and disgusting measures (see Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, McCarthyism, Shroud of Turin, etc)-- but such Western faiths in their incarnations exhibit credibility gaps that leave themselves vulnerable and terribly fallible; in essence, too little room for interpretation which in turn yields an absurd notion of compassion for all living beings (or lack thereof).
I have no doubt there was a Jesus. I have no doubt there was a Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) or a Confuscious or a Lao-Tzu or a Mohammad. They were undeniably revolutionaries of their times-- hard, hard times at that, part and parcel why they surfaced and attained their relative notoriety. It's just that when there is an implicit thesitic hierarchy involved, one developed over time, one also largely absent form Eastern religions like Taosim and Buddhism, that the teachings wander greatly from their original form and become subject to the legalistic and unrelenting interpretation of the functioning organizational body politic. Extravagant liberties are taken w/ the prophets' words and messages, liberties taken to bolster the existing hierarchal foundation and preserve it for posterity. I have no doubt that Jesus was a beautiful man w. an equally beautiful message but I seriously question their interpretation in the hands of arguably lesser scribes, all of whom no doubt were in possession of political desires that affected their work.
Therefore, it seems to be a good Christian, or of any faith for that matter, one must make the text come alive by reading between the lines and adhere the precepts implicit therein; become skeptical of the hard and immediate impression of the words and absorb the message of hope that is so vital to our need of theodicy.
Oh yeah, Fugazi was great. Loud and trebly but great.
For all practical purposes, America is the province of an ethnocentric theodicy based upon such simple artifacts as: the belief in an all-knowing high being who created the universe and maintains a continued interest in said creation; the belief in an afterlife; and the belief that our moral behavior directly affects our fate in the next life. Yup, the principles of this country are those of the Judeo-Christian heritage. Basic social science reveals that male-dominant societies breed and possess male gods, much in the same vein that a warring society will have powerful gods of war and a bohemian society will foster gods of pleasure. Such is the final judicial step in monotheistic cultures and their presentations of Jesus, Yahweh, Allah, et al.
The other day I had a conversation with a friend. We were talking about the teachings of Jesus in their most fundamental form, aka without the trappings of the organized Church, when I posited by belief in Buddhism. That's when the conversation more or less ended. Let me state for the record that I spent 20 years as a devout believer in Jesus, but perhaps more so in the Roman Catholic church's political interpretation of him and his teachings. After much searching and investigation I converted to Soto Zen Buddhism, an esoteric transcendent idealistic faith far removed from my previous indoctrination. There's no denying the hypocrisy of Judeo-Christian institutions in their various modes and models-- when there is too much at stake, too much power to be lost, an established institution will always seek desperate and disgusting measures (see Crusades, Spanish Inquisition, McCarthyism, Shroud of Turin, etc)-- but such Western faiths in their incarnations exhibit credibility gaps that leave themselves vulnerable and terribly fallible; in essence, too little room for interpretation which in turn yields an absurd notion of compassion for all living beings (or lack thereof).
I have no doubt there was a Jesus. I have no doubt there was a Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) or a Confuscious or a Lao-Tzu or a Mohammad. They were undeniably revolutionaries of their times-- hard, hard times at that, part and parcel why they surfaced and attained their relative notoriety. It's just that when there is an implicit thesitic hierarchy involved, one developed over time, one also largely absent form Eastern religions like Taosim and Buddhism, that the teachings wander greatly from their original form and become subject to the legalistic and unrelenting interpretation of the functioning organizational body politic. Extravagant liberties are taken w/ the prophets' words and messages, liberties taken to bolster the existing hierarchal foundation and preserve it for posterity. I have no doubt that Jesus was a beautiful man w. an equally beautiful message but I seriously question their interpretation in the hands of arguably lesser scribes, all of whom no doubt were in possession of political desires that affected their work.
Therefore, it seems to be a good Christian, or of any faith for that matter, one must make the text come alive by reading between the lines and adhere the precepts implicit therein; become skeptical of the hard and immediate impression of the words and absorb the message of hope that is so vital to our need of theodicy.
Oh yeah, Fugazi was great. Loud and trebly but great.
by at 9:00 PM
Wahoo, we're back! Man, quite an insane weekend. Here's what I did...
Friday:
Tried desperately to get someone to give me MOBFest badges so I could see some bands for free. No dice, and as a result I didn't see any bands. I'm unhip and nobody likes me. Then I went to Estelles and ended up wandering into some kind of industry party. I tried to tell this guy from Virgin Records about Knife of Simpson, but he was staring right through me to the tits of the girl next to me. Anyhow, I doubt he wanted anyone as drunk as me on his label.
Saturday, after the Knife practiced, we went to see Fugazi/Shellac/The Ex at the Congress, where I'm lucky enough to be able to walk to. I now understand why they don't have more shows there.
1)First of all, it sounds like SHIT in there! Just awful. And in the DIY spirit of the event, the sound system was subpar and bare-bones for such a large venue. I would have paid $15 bucks if it would have meant an adequate sound system.
2) There was only one set of bathrooms for the entire venue. Luckily for the ladies, Fugazi fans all seem to have a penis, because at times the men's line sprawled out into the hall. I thought I was at some kind of tractor pull. I quit drinking just so I wouldn't have to wait in that line.
To start things off, the Ex showed up late due to transportation problems or something like that, and Shellac went on first. Once they hit the stage it was hard to tell that there was a show going on. The vocals were buried and the guitar and bass were tinny and annoying. Plus the fact that Steve Albini looks like an angry Ralph Nader on stage. In Chicago you're likely to be burned at the stake for saying what I'm about to say, but Shellac was Sha-wack! I'm told they were great once, but that didn't impress me much. If I want mathy noise-rock, I'll take Kelly 18 any day. Oh wait, they're breaking up. Dang.
*One telling moment that made things worthwhile: My friend had a little too much to drink before the show....well, ok, a LOT too much to drink. I was worried about him, but at the same time was more annoyed than anything else, so I tried to stay out of his way. At the start of Shellac's set he stumbled up to the front and I lost track of him. During a break between songs, sure enough, I could hear him screaming things at Shellac. I guess I expected SOMEONE to heckle a little, just to see what would happen, because the crowd was a little too well behaved. Albini looked angry, but he simply critiqued the heckler's grammar, much like a Trekkie would correct a peer regarding what episode number the Tribbles appeared in, and continued playing. It's really telling how a band reacts to hecklers and drunks, and Albini's response did little to dissuade his reputation as, well, a studio hermit who looks like angry Ralph Nader. The kind of guy you played D+D with back in the day. As it turned out, Fugazi didn't even have to tell anyone to stop acting like a jerk, so Steve got the only zinger of the night. And soon after my friend disappeared for the night.
Anyhow, next was the Ex, who unfortunately for us, had to do their whole soundcheck before they could play. This took about 45 minutes and was really annoying. Anyhow, it didn't really matter because the vocals were yet again buried, and everything was mush. It was worse than Shellac, which is unfortunate because I'll bet with better sound they'd be really good.
Then after ANOTHER long break (are they Fugazi or G+R?) Fugazi hit the stage. Ian must have noticed the low vocal level in the previous two bands, because the vocals were SO loud that they hurt the ears when Ian sang. (I don't think that guy needs a microphone anyway, because he probably has the loudest yell in rock.) The guitars were huge and cool, and the dual-drummers were totally amazing to watch, but this time the bass was barely audible. No matter though, the show was decent, with Fugazi playing a surprising number of "hits" like "Waiting Room" and "Bed for the Scraping (I think that's what it is called, the song that sounds like the 1,2,3,4,5...6,7,8,9,10..eleven twelve! pinball song on Sesame Street.) And Guy Piccotto (sp? who cares!) was a blast to watch, he was all over the place, even knocking his amp off the cabinet (and breaking it. Luckily they had a spare.) The show didn't get out until late, so I missed seeing Today's My Super Spaceout Day at the Note, free with my Fugatzi ticket. Came in as the last note rang. Fuck. I did see the Amazing Killowatts though. They played music you'd hear on the PowerPuff Girls, really bouncy girly bubblegum music, and they were really good at what they do. After that I was just too tired to do anything, so I snuck out.
Sunday I went to the Gay Pride Parade. Had a great time. Boy am I tired. Next year I'm wearing a G String.
Friday:
Tried desperately to get someone to give me MOBFest badges so I could see some bands for free. No dice, and as a result I didn't see any bands. I'm unhip and nobody likes me. Then I went to Estelles and ended up wandering into some kind of industry party. I tried to tell this guy from Virgin Records about Knife of Simpson, but he was staring right through me to the tits of the girl next to me. Anyhow, I doubt he wanted anyone as drunk as me on his label.
Saturday, after the Knife practiced, we went to see Fugazi/Shellac/The Ex at the Congress, where I'm lucky enough to be able to walk to. I now understand why they don't have more shows there.
1)First of all, it sounds like SHIT in there! Just awful. And in the DIY spirit of the event, the sound system was subpar and bare-bones for such a large venue. I would have paid $15 bucks if it would have meant an adequate sound system.
2) There was only one set of bathrooms for the entire venue. Luckily for the ladies, Fugazi fans all seem to have a penis, because at times the men's line sprawled out into the hall. I thought I was at some kind of tractor pull. I quit drinking just so I wouldn't have to wait in that line.
To start things off, the Ex showed up late due to transportation problems or something like that, and Shellac went on first. Once they hit the stage it was hard to tell that there was a show going on. The vocals were buried and the guitar and bass were tinny and annoying. Plus the fact that Steve Albini looks like an angry Ralph Nader on stage. In Chicago you're likely to be burned at the stake for saying what I'm about to say, but Shellac was Sha-wack! I'm told they were great once, but that didn't impress me much. If I want mathy noise-rock, I'll take Kelly 18 any day. Oh wait, they're breaking up. Dang.
*One telling moment that made things worthwhile: My friend had a little too much to drink before the show....well, ok, a LOT too much to drink. I was worried about him, but at the same time was more annoyed than anything else, so I tried to stay out of his way. At the start of Shellac's set he stumbled up to the front and I lost track of him. During a break between songs, sure enough, I could hear him screaming things at Shellac. I guess I expected SOMEONE to heckle a little, just to see what would happen, because the crowd was a little too well behaved. Albini looked angry, but he simply critiqued the heckler's grammar, much like a Trekkie would correct a peer regarding what episode number the Tribbles appeared in, and continued playing. It's really telling how a band reacts to hecklers and drunks, and Albini's response did little to dissuade his reputation as, well, a studio hermit who looks like angry Ralph Nader. The kind of guy you played D+D with back in the day. As it turned out, Fugazi didn't even have to tell anyone to stop acting like a jerk, so Steve got the only zinger of the night. And soon after my friend disappeared for the night.
Anyhow, next was the Ex, who unfortunately for us, had to do their whole soundcheck before they could play. This took about 45 minutes and was really annoying. Anyhow, it didn't really matter because the vocals were yet again buried, and everything was mush. It was worse than Shellac, which is unfortunate because I'll bet with better sound they'd be really good.
Then after ANOTHER long break (are they Fugazi or G+R?) Fugazi hit the stage. Ian must have noticed the low vocal level in the previous two bands, because the vocals were SO loud that they hurt the ears when Ian sang. (I don't think that guy needs a microphone anyway, because he probably has the loudest yell in rock.) The guitars were huge and cool, and the dual-drummers were totally amazing to watch, but this time the bass was barely audible. No matter though, the show was decent, with Fugazi playing a surprising number of "hits" like "Waiting Room" and "Bed for the Scraping (I think that's what it is called, the song that sounds like the 1,2,3,4,5...6,7,8,9,10..eleven twelve! pinball song on Sesame Street.) And Guy Piccotto (sp? who cares!) was a blast to watch, he was all over the place, even knocking his amp off the cabinet (and breaking it. Luckily they had a spare.) The show didn't get out until late, so I missed seeing Today's My Super Spaceout Day at the Note, free with my Fugatzi ticket. Came in as the last note rang. Fuck. I did see the Amazing Killowatts though. They played music you'd hear on the PowerPuff Girls, really bouncy girly bubblegum music, and they were really good at what they do. After that I was just too tired to do anything, so I snuck out.
Sunday I went to the Gay Pride Parade. Had a great time. Boy am I tired. Next year I'm wearing a G String.
by at 1:53 PM
The Fugazi show was great, despite the lousy sound, and Shellac. I'm surprised at how consistently over-rated they are, even within Chicago's tiny indie-rock crucible. Albini and Weston are stellar and principled (perhaps quixotically so) sound engineers, but their talents aren't on display on stage. Maybe I'm just too much of a bourgeoise rock and roller, incapable of appreciating le haute rocke, but I enjoyed my cold nachos and warm Budweiser more than Shellac.
by at 10:37 AM
Better yet, Mr. Cochryde, why don't I tattoo the design on my dick? More people will see it there than on stage Seriously, though... how much for the high-flying rocktacular museumpiece?
NOTE: As the personal couselor to Mr. Jones, I apologize to all who feel even slightly offended by his, um, risque comment in the above posting. I sincerely believe that his intention was for humor and that only. We hope it will not affect your decision to show Mr. Jones your democratic support come election day.
All my best,
Kid Khrushchev, Esq.
NOTE: As the personal couselor to Mr. Jones, I apologize to all who feel even slightly offended by his, um, risque comment in the above posting. I sincerely believe that his intention was for humor and that only. We hope it will not affect your decision to show Mr. Jones your democratic support come election day.
All my best,
Kid Khrushchev, Esq.
by at 12:24 PM
I propose we buy these for the band. What do you think, fellas?
by at 8:59 AM
By the way, Mr. Jones, the people who stand to reap the most from the tax rebate reside in the "blue" (pro-Gore) states--mostly Northeastern and coastal states with large urban/industrial centers--NOT the "reds" (pro-Bush), whose populations are generally more rural, and poorer. Consequently the impending rollback of federal programs will hurt the red states most, which depend heavily on the Fed for transportation spending, welfare, etc.
Brilliant strategy. Nobody wages class warfare like the Republicans!
The Seattle Times
Brilliant strategy. Nobody wages class warfare like the Republicans!
The Seattle Times
by at 1:51 PM
Indeed, Mr. Lennon, the tax cut you and the rest of us low wage working stiffs will receive is miniscule, at least compared to the estimated 40% of the total tax cut that the wealthiest 1% will ultimately enjoy. Nevetheless I submit that you should spend the money wisely, perhaps a savings bond or mutual fund, or even the largest brain-busting speedball you can procure from our friends the corner drug dealers who will also be reaping the benefits of our glorious tax-relief. In the words of civil rights patriarch William F. Buckley, "Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we have tax-relief at last". Me, I'm going to spend my sum on extra-firm non-GMO tofu to enhance my already-wondrous domestic bliss (FU, Salve, er, Sav).
Flaming bongs are cool. No! I meant, gongs. Yes, gongs.
Law school is cool, too. I'm still toying with the idea myself, considering how much copyright and intellectual property law I deal with on a daily basis. Congrats to yer sister; she's gonna do us proud.
Here's one fer y'all. Last week Sony Pictures announced they were establishing an investigation into the falsified blurbs of one Dave Manning, a film critic with the Ridgefield (Conn.) Press. For close to two years now, Mr. Manning has been issuing glowing reviews and hyperbolic statements for such cinematic masterworks at "Hollow Man", "A Knight's Tale" and Rob Schnieder's ode to Citizen Kane, "The Animal". And for close to two years now Sony Pictures has been gleefully appropriating Mr. Manning's exclamatory comments for their press junkets... and why not, considering they're all Sony Pictures films. Well, thanks to those sleuths at Newsweek, it's now come to light that there is no Dave Manning. Oops. There is, however, a Ridgefield Press, a weekly newspaper in Western Connecticut. I should know. I lived there for several years, occcasionally imbibing in the small-town charm of the ass-rag. Thanks Sony! Thanks Ridgefield Press! Thanks Mr. Manning, whoever you are!
Flaming bongs are cool. No! I meant, gongs. Yes, gongs.
Law school is cool, too. I'm still toying with the idea myself, considering how much copyright and intellectual property law I deal with on a daily basis. Congrats to yer sister; she's gonna do us proud.
Here's one fer y'all. Last week Sony Pictures announced they were establishing an investigation into the falsified blurbs of one Dave Manning, a film critic with the Ridgefield (Conn.) Press. For close to two years now, Mr. Manning has been issuing glowing reviews and hyperbolic statements for such cinematic masterworks at "Hollow Man", "A Knight's Tale" and Rob Schnieder's ode to Citizen Kane, "The Animal". And for close to two years now Sony Pictures has been gleefully appropriating Mr. Manning's exclamatory comments for their press junkets... and why not, considering they're all Sony Pictures films. Well, thanks to those sleuths at Newsweek, it's now come to light that there is no Dave Manning. Oops. There is, however, a Ridgefield Press, a weekly newspaper in Western Connecticut. I should know. I lived there for several years, occcasionally imbibing in the small-town charm of the ass-rag. Thanks Sony! Thanks Ridgefield Press! Thanks Mr. Manning, whoever you are!
by at 5:08 PM
So, what is everybody planning on doing with their Big Ass Tax Relief checks the IRS will be mailing out next month?
Iím thinking about getting either Ö a Sierra Club membership Ö a turntable Ö some CDs Ö a DVD player Ö what do you guys think I should do? I didnít ask for this tax cut to begin with, and itís too small to be of any real use to me, so whatís a brotha to do?
Last week I went home for my sisterís graduation, and actually had a good time just talking to the parents. Itís really a sign of the times when my staunchly Republican Dad can admit (at least tacitly) voting for the Bush Putsch was a big mistake. Heís a substance abuse counselor whose livelihood stands to wither on the vine (to borrow a Gingrich phrase) in the next few years as we gird up to fight another interdictory boondoggle in Latin Amurkuh. It's a shame he caught on too late (though I tried to warn him ...). It was also a surprise to talk globalization and Chomsky with my sister (whose senior thesisówritten in Spanish!óemphasized the devastating impact globalization has already had on indigenous populations in Brazil and South America). I feel better about her decision to attend law school already. Just when you think you know your family too well ...
Iím thinking about getting either Ö a Sierra Club membership Ö a turntable Ö some CDs Ö a DVD player Ö what do you guys think I should do? I didnít ask for this tax cut to begin with, and itís too small to be of any real use to me, so whatís a brotha to do?
Last week I went home for my sisterís graduation, and actually had a good time just talking to the parents. Itís really a sign of the times when my staunchly Republican Dad can admit (at least tacitly) voting for the Bush Putsch was a big mistake. Heís a substance abuse counselor whose livelihood stands to wither on the vine (to borrow a Gingrich phrase) in the next few years as we gird up to fight another interdictory boondoggle in Latin Amurkuh. It's a shame he caught on too late (though I tried to warn him ...). It was also a surprise to talk globalization and Chomsky with my sister (whose senior thesisówritten in Spanish!óemphasized the devastating impact globalization has already had on indigenous populations in Brazil and South America). I feel better about her decision to attend law school already. Just when you think you know your family too well ...
by at 3:11 PM
Wow, everyone has died around here. No posts. Come on, I know yall have more to say than that! Maybe because, and I can vouch for this, Knife of Simpson hasn't done too many interesting things in the last few weeks. Lawless Jones no doubt is experiencing some type of intense hyper-domestic tofu induced bliss, Rusty is seeing "Pearl Harbor" several times over and attending Sheryl Crow concerts, and Lennon is probably reading books and shopping for guns. There, that should rouse some action here.
Anyhow, we ALL went to see Nebula last week. The band was great, and on top of that, they actually pulled out the 'ol flaming gong, nearly setting the Empty Bottle on fire. (Good thing they didn't, otherwise, where would all the fake jazz nerds go to NOT meet girls? I sure don't want 'em in my neighborhood!) I was amazed how many people, when it comes right down to it, simply LOVE an old cheap trick like a flaming gong. In the 90s, we were programmed to forget these sort of stunts were ever attempted. I for one am glad they're back.
Anyhow, we ALL went to see Nebula last week. The band was great, and on top of that, they actually pulled out the 'ol flaming gong, nearly setting the Empty Bottle on fire. (Good thing they didn't, otherwise, where would all the fake jazz nerds go to NOT meet girls? I sure don't want 'em in my neighborhood!) I was amazed how many people, when it comes right down to it, simply LOVE an old cheap trick like a flaming gong. In the 90s, we were programmed to forget these sort of stunts were ever attempted. I for one am glad they're back.
by at 3:01 PM
Alright, let's try this again: I saw Chuck Berry last night, and whoa, let me tell you! I feel like I HAVE BEEN BAPTISED AT THE ROCK AND ROLL ALTAR!!!! To see such a legend, a guy the Beatles drew their inspiration from, the greatest showman on earth, to be alive and rockin' it out at age 80something, was truly a blessing.
As Rusty (speaking of which, where the fuck is everyone?) and I were remarking: no matter what we do for the rest of our lives, we will never be even 1/10s as cool as that guy.
As Rusty (speaking of which, where the fuck is everyone?) and I were remarking: no matter what we do for the rest of our lives, we will never be even 1/10s as cool as that guy.
by at 3:00 PM
WTF?
by at 9:56 AM