Live Earth, What’s the point?

This upcoming Saturday there will be a “global concert” to raise awareness about the Earth’s climate. It’s called Live Earth. It’s taking place 8 cities on 7/07/07.

Now, I am all for changing the world for the better. But, is a concert in the Meadowlands really going to help? I mean, as a citizen of North Jersey, the Meadowlands do not scream clean environment. (and once again they list the concert as New York, when in reality it’s in Jersey, but that is another blog).

Not surprisingly, Al Gore has a hand in Live Earth. Now, I respect Al Gore and I appreciate his wanting to help everyone. But, seriously I am sick of this big concerts. Did Live Aid solve anything in the 1980s? No. Did Live 8 do anything except get shitty coverage from MTV? No.

Live Earth might get better coverage. It’s being broadcast on NBC in the U.S.A But, I feel like it’s just pissing in a lake. I mean, it’ll be a cool concert. And it’s a great concept very optimistic. A grand statement about the plight of our mother Earth. But, it’s a bunch of pompous rock bands (most on the bill have never played a stadium) who will probably suck.

Taking Back Sunday, doesn’t excatly scream stadium rock or politically aware.

I mean, I will watch Live Earth. But I feel a large protest might be better equipped to change the world. I yearn for radical politics.

Why Can’t I Be You? And Why Do I Not Want To Be?

I recently got an e-mail. And the opening line was a compliment of sorts. “You are strange” to be exact. It’s a sort of back handed compliement. I’m happy being myself and I am honest with everyone. But sometimes I really wish I could learn how to play the game.

You know, to be “normal”. I mean I know how, but I feel almost dirty if I do. I mean I can play to the extent that I can goto work, get along with co-workers, and get my job done so I can get paid. But, I only do that so I can get paid. If there was no money envolved I would totally self destruct and say fuck it.

I really think this person was trying to be nice. But, I don’t know, I really just want to shout at them “Hey, thanks for making me feel like complete shit!”. I mean, I would, if I had better coping skills. Instead I’m gonna drink a beer or two, shower, and go to bed depressed.

Recently, I had a partner, not in the realtionship sense. Well, at least not in the common “love” relationship sense. But, I felt we really became friends, I opened up to them and felt really comfortable and trusting of this person. But, now I feel paranoid that maybe I tricked myself. What if they were just like all the others? Fuck, I totally spilled my guts to someone who won’t speak to me outside the context of our little tribe.

Then again maybe I am jumping the gun, then again, who knows? Fuck.

It’s so easy for me to put on airs of being cynical. But, inside every cynic is an optimist dying for the chance at redemption. I mean just once I’d like to hear “you’re a good guy” without it being followed by weird or strange, those words really get to me. And send me spiriling into a slump which I never really recover from.

So, in conclusion.  I’m going to e-mail that first person because, well, I’ve ingested some courage. And as for the “partner” well I feel that one out, but my paranoia might be right… or not.

Everybody Must Get Stoned

I have been on a huge Pink Floyd fix as of late. “Darkside of the Moon” is such a great record, but I feel like I could enhance my appreciation for it if I were high. I’ve been told by my friends who are self controlled junkies that drugs enhance one’s musical voyage.

Most of the bands I enjoy listening to for “chill out” music have were stoned when making the music. So maybe if I am high listening to it I will reach a new level of appreciation. I mean lounge music (one of a multitude of electronic music sub-genres) is meant to be listened to while high. The clubs where they play lounge, or I.D.M. (intelligent dance music) everyone is stoned or drunk or a happy marriage of both. You go for the music as much as to socialize and get stoned. Also, people try to get laid, but that is any social venue.

One could argue that good music is good music no matter what your state of consciousness. This is true, I don’t need to hit the pipe to enjoy Sigur Ros, but it might help. I’ve been told that if you smoke some haze then put on ( ) you can “feel” and “see” the music. But I can feel the music sober and I can close my eyes and get mental images, like a mini music video in my brain.

So, do drugs make the music better? I don’t know.  I am not advocating drugs use, but I don’t think it could hurt. 

Are Critics Needed?

If you’ve seen “History of the World Part I” you know that first came the artist then came to critic to, in this scene, literally piss on the artists creation.

I enjoy reading Spin, Blender, and Rolling Stone but are the music and movie reviewers worth their paycheck? Now, this may seem slightly harsh. And one may argue that I am being hypocritical because I am writing in a blog reviewing whether those reviewers should be paid to review (whoa, did you follow all that?). But, I am not getting paid, anything to write this blog. And as far as I can tell no one really reads or cares about blogs, well this one anyone.

Now, I love the work of Marc Spitz and Chuck Klosterman. But, their opinons on music are no more valued than mine. They are just two schmucks who happen to have the ability to voice their thoughts on their mail. Records are mailed to them; they listen and give it something out of 5 stars. And honestly, who cares what they think about the latest record. Have they ever made any piece of music worth listening to? No.Same with movie reviews. Have they ever made a classic piece of cinema? Nope.

I mean in theory, reviewers are just your smarky friend. You know the one, the so called hipster who knows everything about everything.  They think they are smarter than you in music and movies. You could not possibly know a good record when you heard it, and pop is only meant to be enjoyed in pure irony.

You are your own best critic. You know what you like and you like what you like. If a movie is universally bombed by critics, it might still be enjoyable to you. Same with music. Go with your gut, not to be cruel, but some critics can be harsh so I feel in the right typing this, let’s put critics out of jobs. Ignore them they are pretentious and pompous. They feed into the lavish lifestyle they criticize. From what I’ve read, the people at SPIN magazine sit around and either sniff coke or smoke pot then review what they got in the mail (and this source is 85% reliable).

Maybe I will review and publish my thoughts on my mail.

No Fun, No Fun At All. (A Cynical View of Baseball)

Baseball. America’s Pass-time. Nothing like going out to the ballpark and hearing that first crack of the bat. Sitting and waiting for the pitcher to decide which pitch to throw. Watching the batter spit his chewing tobacco and then scratch his crotch. Then the pitcher throws the pitch… damn it’s a ball. This whole process is repeated until either the batter hits the ball or is struck out.

Now, I’m sure you all knew that. The smart, athletic sport geeks you are. But, did you know that baseball is utterly boring?

Baseball is a sport for pussies or intellectuals. You can sit around and discuss stats until the cows come home, but where is the action. Watching baseball is like fucking with no intention of ever cumming, pointless, and a total waste of time. Now you might be reading this saying “hold on there mister! what about when someone hits a home-run, that is better than an orgasm”. Well, if a home-run is better than an orgasm, you have been going about sex all wrong. But, yes a home-run is quite exciting. Though if you’re watching a dog walk around the yard for 2 hours and it suddenly stops to take a shit, I bet that shit would be heart-pounding. It’s all about context.

Baseball is called “America’s Pass-time”. A pass-time, is something you use to kill a couple hours. Some people knit, read, or paint. A pass-time is just another word for a hobby. Something you tinker around with; nothing serious. So, by definition baseball is just something that is there to kill a couple hours and isn’t all that serious. I mean it’s just “America’s Hobby”, right?

Now, I could go on a little more, but I’m going to let a master of the English language, and in my opinion one of the greatest and sharpest minds of our time, Mr. George Carlin talk to you about baseball.

Rosie, You Ignorant Slut

After one adventurous year on “The View” Rosie “the mouth” O’Donnell is departing due to contract disputes with ABC. O’Donnell claims that she and ABC could not agree on a new contract so she has chosen to step down from her seat come June.

O’Donnell boosted ratings for the View nearly 15 percent in the key women’s demographic for ABC. Prior to this the show had been floundering slightly. O’Donnell’s key to ratings was the fact that a filter did not exist between her brain and her mouth.

The first of her “incidents” was accusing Kelly Rippa of homophobia against Clay Aiken. This was brilliant, because Rippa never actually called Aiken gay, in fact, O’Donnell more or less outed Aiken and called him a homosexual. Ah, Roise, you ignorant slut.

And of course, there was Trump incident. Where O’Donnell and Trump bickered back and forth over, well, to be honest I’ve forgotten and don’t care to remember. In the end though Barbara Walters, the creator of the show, was left to constantly clean up Rosie’s mess. The latest being a Catholic group threatening to sue the show and ABC for comments O’Donnell made they felt were offensive.

In show business it’s said that there is no such thing as bad publicity. But, now in the post-Imus era, any comment that could be deemed as offensive to any group could spell big trouble for the Networks. Though, it’s rumored Rosie is in talks for her own morning talk show.

So, is Rosie a defender of the right to free speech? A gallant crusader saying what she feels and when she wants , consequences be damned! Or is she just some dumbass from Long Island who happened to get on the airwaves to spout her half-informed brain droppings?

To be honest, I don’t know. But, to be sure, it made for some great television.

Virgina Tech: Death, Dying, and the whole damn thing (is my generation lost?)

“I saw the best minds of my generation destroyed by madness, starving hysterical naked,”

As I watched the day’s events unfold I was in awe. The stark and brutal images flickering across my television screen; I could only shake my head and sigh. Where has my generation gone wrong? Everyone remembers Columbine. I remember the after effects even more clearly. Having “attack drills”where, as a class, we would huddle in the corner with the door locked and lights off. As police ran up and down the halls and a pretend killer fired blanks and banged on doors.If you were unlucky enough to be in the halls when this occurred you might hear a loud pop then a voice saying “you’re dead”.

There were also bomb drills, in which, the entire student body would make a mad dash to the football field. We did either, if not both of these drills, twice a month. It got to the point where I was numb to the concept of being shot in my own school.

Now, Virgina Tech. Many questions will be asked, your basic where? when? why? and how? The where’s, when’s, and how’s, those are all easy to answer. But the why? no one will ever know. Why does anyone ever die? No one knows, part of the “fun” of living I guess.

The sooner you realize that everyone you know is going to die, the better. My generation, I want so much to believe there is hope for us. But, then something like this happens. And that paranoia comes right back.

I really fucking hate being paranoid, honestly. But, I’ve come up in a time that it’s hard not to be. I knew people who died in 9/11. I could see the skyline driving around my town. Columbine and now Virgina Tech. And most colleges I’ve seen and the one I attend, have such lame excuses for security I might as well wear a bulletproof vest walking to class.

My generation has seen more death and violence on our own turf before most of us can have a legal drink. Other generations had war’s in far off places. We have it in our own backyard, and we have to be weary of everyone. Hypothetically, anyone you know could shoot up your campus. And of course, the government says, terrorists can blow you up at any time. And speaking of government, we can’t even trust them. We may grow up and have no social security.

I think I am a literate and well read person, but all I can say is, FUCK! FUCK THE GUN TOTING CRAZIES! FUCK THE TERRORISTS! FUCK THE GOVERNMENT! and most of all FUCK PARANOIA!!!

But, then again, maybe there is hope. Maybe our darkest hour is our youth and we will build a resolve and will that can never be broken. Maybe nothing can scare us now because we’ve been through it all. You know, I really hope so.

“Do not go gentle into that good night,

Old age should burn and rave at close of day;

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,

Because their words had forked no lightning they

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright

Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,

And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight

Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,

Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.

Do not go gentle into that good night.

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.” ~Dylan Thomas.

McCain Wears BulletProof Vest, But Shot Himself In The Foot.

John McCain, the Republican G.O.P frontrunner, recently stated that he has unwavering support for President Bush and the war in Iraq. McCain stated this while he was surrounded by security,F-15’s flew overhead, and he donned a bulletproof vest in Iraq. Seems just as safe as Detroit.

The war in Iraq, or as I like to call it, Operation We Fucked Up, is not the most popular of issues at the moment. McCain said that sending more troops was the right idea. Even those National Guard troops who have already served an extended tour of duty. He claimed he felt sorry for their war fatigue and the casualites but we had to stay the course.

My favorite line was that he knew the effects a losing war could have on a nation. Maybe I am just a cynic or watch too might nightly news, but I kind of feel, well, we already lost this war. We pretty much fucked Iraq up and tore it apart. I am not saying we should just up and leave right this minute. But, I feel that our presence isn’t helping all that much.

I mean, we’ve tried Bush’s plan for a while now and things aren’t getting any better. Most of the world hates us as it is. We should try our best to give Iraq the tools and funding it needs and then come home. I mean, New Orleans is still in bad shape but we are paying more attention to a foriegn nation. How can we fix the world’s problems if we can’t even fix what’s going on in our own country?

The Republicans use fear to garner votes. If we pull out of Iraq then the terroirsts will attack and destroy the country. Which I find hilarious because, Osama Bin Laden was no where near Iraq, so how that is possible I just don’t know.

McMcain’s advisors and PR people are going to try and show him as steadfast and always good to his word. No matter how unpopular or arcane his concepts may be. I mean, in a sense, The Republicans seem old and evil. 3 out of 4 Republicans support the war in Iraq. Come election time, this tactic and statement may really bite him in the ass. Right now, Bush is political poison.

Obama: Bringing on the Youth!

The youth vote is a coveted vote come election time. You always have your base vote, your party and senior citizens. Because every one knows Seniors have nothing else to do but vote.

This election one candidate has seemingly stirred the youth, Mr. Obama. He is a young man, good looking, smart, and has a great sense of humor. He is like the white Bill Clinton. Obama has an optimism this country could use. He is energetic and seems to have gotten into politics for all the right reasons.

I have friends who have traveled to see his speeches on the campaign trail at different Universities, etc. They all agreed that he was able to whip the crowd into a frenzy and my friends left feeling like they could trust him and were excited to get involved.

He is also very media savy. He was recently on Lettermen and showed a quick sense of humor and the ability to banter. He seems open and relaxed. Whereas the Republicans seem stiff and out of touch. Clinton has been around the game and lacks the youthful vigor of Obama. (Wow, I just used the term “youthful vigor” I think I aged 20 years).

But I digress, Obama’s website is a great design. It is a simple layout that anyone can browse through and find information. But, it has a blog section which makes it more modern. Obama has the same name recogintion as the other candidates, may be even more so. I mean honestly, does anyone even mention Edwards anymore? Poor guy, he seems nice enough. But its bascially a showdown between Clinton and Obama. A woman vs. a black man, I am happy to be alive.

Obama does not have much of a track record to speak of in politics, but he is smart and savy enough not to let that hinder him. He is a smooth talker who can come off as a man of the people (he did do an intro for monday night football) or he can use his intellect. He is a family man who does not seem to have many skeletons in his closet.

Hopefully, the Democrats have learned from their numerous mistakes to handle all the mudslinging, lies, and overall smear campaign the Republicans are going to bring. Whether or not Obama will fling poo back has yet to be seen.

However, I honestly feel that Obama could unite this country in hope and America really needs that right now. Plus, I feel like I could have a drink with the guy and he’d be able to carry a conversation with anyone in the bar.

When I Die.

Death. For some people it strikes fear into their heart. It is the ultimate unknown. No one is sure when, how, or why they are going to pass away and where and if their soul is going to travel.

Myself, I do not fear death. At least my own. Every time a loved one passes away it hurts and I fear losing my family and friends. I’d gladly give my own life to save a loved one. My own life however, I am not afraid of dying. If I were to die tommorow I would be okay with that. This is not to say I want to die. On the contrary, I want to get married, have children, grandchildren, see more of the world, and have a successful career.

When I pass away, in my will, I would have a stipulation that at my wake and funeral I would want certain songs played. Also, when I die I’d want to be cremated and have my ashes thrown into the Atlantic and hopefully I’d float over to Rome.

The songs I’d want play’d at my funeral are as follows.

1.) The Pogues “If I Should Fall From Grace With God”

This song is a rowdy Irish Punk mix with lyrics that, I feel, are brilliant. Shane MacGowan, to me is a modern day Dylan Thomas.

2.) Monty Python “Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life”

This song would make people smile. And also, I get a perverse kick out of the idea the line “Life’s a piece of shit/when you look at it” being heard in a church.

3.) Radiohead “Motion Picture Soundtrack”

This song sounds like a funeral dirge. And to me, it’s just very relaxing. The organ is very soothing.

4.) The Smiths “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out”

One of the best songs ever recorded. Period.

5.) Sigur Ros “Hoppipolla”

Sigur Ros is a band that utterly defines definition. And while, the lyrics, in Icelandic/Hopelandic would not be understood. The vocals would none-the-less speak volumes. This song in it’s music and atmosphere brings joy.

6.) Sigur Ros “Svefn-g-englar”

This song has an other worldly quality to it. It seems to transcend time and space. It has a broad majesty and it’s movements seem to sum up the life experience. It has joy, sadness, hope, and despair all in one track. Amen.

7.) Stevie Wonder “Sir Duke”

This song may seem like an odd choice. But, no. Instead of being sad for the loss you should be happy you had the times. And, why not, it’d be funny as hell to see people smirk and have the urge to dance at a funeral. And this song is from “Songs In The Key Of Life” so what would be more fitting?

8.) Atmosphere “Lovelife”

Just read the lyrics. And yeah, L-O-V-E-L-I-F-E

So those are a couple tracks. Now as far as an epitaph or a reading. Of course one could go with Dylan Thomas’ classic “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night”. While, that is a brilliant poem, it’s not my style per se. I have always been a fan of Oscar Wilde ever since my mother gave me a book of his short stories when I was 16. So, if I am going to go out, I am going to go out with a little Oscar.

“Life is too important to be taken seriously,”~Oscar Wilde.