Its Saturday and its snowing! We are getting a good amount of accumulation so I would have to say that it disputes all this talk of global warming. To all my conservative friends you were right about the whole global warming thing being a hoax perpetrated by the liberal media so they can accomplish um, well I don't know what we were trying to accomplish in this regard so if you do know please tell me. Also Scream 2 is on TNT right now. They say that have less commercials but it seems there are about as many commercials as there are sex tapes with Pamela Anderson in them.
I went to Shoppers earlier in the day to purchase some groceries which was a terrible mistake. There were so many people there and it took me forever just to checkout. Usually I go through the self check out. Oh the self check out the glorious invention that is not only supposed to be quicker but is another way us humans have gone about eliminating any sort of human interaction. I for one love it!
But sometimes the self checkout lane is a horrid shit show because unfortunately you have to take into account that most people alive today are pretty fucking retarded. I don't mean to be constantly harping on the negatives I see in the human race but some people should not be in the self checkout lanes. I don't understand how you can get confused in the self checkout lane when the damn machine walks you through the whole process. I am sure you have seen someone at the self checkout lane just standing there starring at the machine with an emotionless expression unable to fathom why they are not able to finish the transaction. Sign your fucking name people that's all you have to do.
Whats even worse then this is the people who insists on using the self checkout lanes with their shopping carts full of their food they will be eating for three weeks. People of America I want to inform you that the self check out lanes are supposed to be an express type thing. Trying to purchase three hundred dollars worth of food and getting it to fit in the limited bag space at the end of the machine is like trying to jam an elephant into an elevator. It just won't work and you just look really fucking goofy.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Lets Go For A Walk
I'm sorry. I know a couple days ago I promised to write a long and compelling diatribe on why Pat Robertson is a vile vermin motherfucking douche but I got preoccupied by watching Battlestar Galactica and drinking enough alcohol to forget major parts of the night and sexxing it up. That's right brothers and sisters at arms I have been out living life and the Mango has suffered from it (Is it cool to call this the Mango)? I know its not the first time I promised to knock that fucking phony smug fuck Pat Robertson down a couple pegs and right now and it probably looks like I have a petty vindictive grudge against him because he stole what should have been my rightful crown of homecoming king or he fucked my dog to death but I assure you there are many viable reasons to hate that senile old fucker that him fucking my dog to doggy heaven would be low on the top ten list of reasons why he is a horrible human.
Staying with the religious angle I would like to comment about last Friday afternoon where I got stuck in traffic in the District because it was the annual March For Life where a bunch people travel from all over the country and meet in D.C. because I guess its the heart of the nation where social policy is formed and implemented and march a mile or so together wearing color coordinated scarves and chant in cadence while carrying signs that either have a cute little slogan on it or an eight month fetus that was the ugly aftermath of a third trimester partial birth abortion.
Well good for them for marching I guess. I don't really have a real problem with a bunch of people who feel strongly about an issue wanting to get their message out. I mean wouldn't it be fucking hypocritical of me who has this very prestigious blog to knock people down a notch or two because they want to express their thoughts and feelings on an issue that is important to them?
Actually I was pissed because it took me forever to get out of the city on Friday. I think I have discussed this before but why is it that in this country if someone gets mad about something they make signs and go for a walk? It just seems so stupid to me. I don't care if its for making abortion illegal, ending the war or bringing Jericho back to television going for a walk is not a viable method to spur social change. But these people who do these walks or marches are self important assholes who think they are changing the world because they made a goofy fucking sign and burned a couple calories in the process. IF you want to spur social change you either have to overhaul our current system or actually get people into positions of power where they can actually implement these changes.
I mean look at it like this. How many politicians have actually said they were going to make abortion illegal. Or look at the promises Obama has made but has not kept because its really the same concept. People keep voting for and supporting these politicians who promise something but don't deliver because they got your vote and that's it. Look at all these Senators who showed up at the March for Life to get their picture taken so they get a couple more votes from the church going electorate and then go back to their office and work on their latest fundraising pitch to bleed more money out of whatever fucking special interest is trying to kill whatever regulatory bill is in the process of coming up for a vote in Congress.
Ok. Maybe just let me put it simpler to you pro-life people. HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN HAVING THIS MARCH FOR LIFE AND HOW MANY ABORTIONS HAVE STILL BEEN PERFORMED?
Now that we got that out of the way I just wanted to comment on a couple of things I noticed about the march. Granted I did not actually see every single person who was at the march but I think I saw enough to make a fair assessment on the basic demographics that were there.
The majority of the people marching either seemed to be older adults ranging age 45 or older or kids who seemed to be around 14 years old. I found it fascinating that there didn't seem to be a larger representation of people within those age groups present at the march. I think that most of the older people there were true believers but in regards to the younger kids, and let me state that at this point in their life I don't doubt their sincerity and beliefs in what they were marching for, but I would like to think these are kids that are still young and I think because of the lack of real life experiences they could end up changing their mind on this issue. But fuck man maybe a lot of those people in their twenties and thirties just couldn't get off of work since the March was held on a Friday.
But what pissed me off about the 14 year old kids was that you could tell most of them had never been in a big city before because I must have witnessed ten separate occasions where they would blissfully walk into the street to almost get hit by a car. The worst part about it is that they have a laugh about it like its so cute. Me I laugh at what I guess would be defined as irony if one of these kids got hit and killed by a car at the March For Life rally.
One last comment about this march and surprise its about something that pisses me off. I saw one old guy marching who had a large American flag he was waving around. This is what pisses me off the most and has been going on for some time. I think it got really bad in the last Presidential election where intellectuals like perpetual quitters Sarah Palin would go around the country to small towns that historically vote Republican and love the Confederate Flag and calling it the real American in relation to those elite democratic voting cities like New York who I guess by default would be part of this phony America who believes in global warming and other faggy progressive ideas. Forget the fact that this perceived real America is usually subsidized by the revenue brought in from the taxes of these more progressive states to help fund the dreams of real America which includes high school football games, apple pie and Larry The Cable Guy TV specials. Where was I again?
Oh yeah the dipshit carrying around the huge American flag which conveyed to me that he thought he was the real American and those who think differently from him are some small dicked fucking pussies that our actively cheering for the demise of what he perceives to be the American dream so faggy communist like me and our ilk can implement a one state progressive mandate where we force people into abortions and create some new world order with the United Nations and a cabal of Jewish bankers and force these real Americans to watch Nip Tuck or whatever the latest show that is an affront to God the Parents Resource Council is bitching about now but I guess the fact that he is marching on the side of right with the American Flag blowing in the breeze on his sabbatical to the unauthentic godless America to right all the wrongs with what is now a secular progressive society makes him a "real American." Sarah Palin and those who actively encourage this kind of thinking must be proud.
Staying with the religious angle I would like to comment about last Friday afternoon where I got stuck in traffic in the District because it was the annual March For Life where a bunch people travel from all over the country and meet in D.C. because I guess its the heart of the nation where social policy is formed and implemented and march a mile or so together wearing color coordinated scarves and chant in cadence while carrying signs that either have a cute little slogan on it or an eight month fetus that was the ugly aftermath of a third trimester partial birth abortion.
Well good for them for marching I guess. I don't really have a real problem with a bunch of people who feel strongly about an issue wanting to get their message out. I mean wouldn't it be fucking hypocritical of me who has this very prestigious blog to knock people down a notch or two because they want to express their thoughts and feelings on an issue that is important to them?
Actually I was pissed because it took me forever to get out of the city on Friday. I think I have discussed this before but why is it that in this country if someone gets mad about something they make signs and go for a walk? It just seems so stupid to me. I don't care if its for making abortion illegal, ending the war or bringing Jericho back to television going for a walk is not a viable method to spur social change. But these people who do these walks or marches are self important assholes who think they are changing the world because they made a goofy fucking sign and burned a couple calories in the process. IF you want to spur social change you either have to overhaul our current system or actually get people into positions of power where they can actually implement these changes.
I mean look at it like this. How many politicians have actually said they were going to make abortion illegal. Or look at the promises Obama has made but has not kept because its really the same concept. People keep voting for and supporting these politicians who promise something but don't deliver because they got your vote and that's it. Look at all these Senators who showed up at the March for Life to get their picture taken so they get a couple more votes from the church going electorate and then go back to their office and work on their latest fundraising pitch to bleed more money out of whatever fucking special interest is trying to kill whatever regulatory bill is in the process of coming up for a vote in Congress.
Ok. Maybe just let me put it simpler to you pro-life people. HOW MANY YEARS HAVE YOU BEEN HAVING THIS MARCH FOR LIFE AND HOW MANY ABORTIONS HAVE STILL BEEN PERFORMED?
Now that we got that out of the way I just wanted to comment on a couple of things I noticed about the march. Granted I did not actually see every single person who was at the march but I think I saw enough to make a fair assessment on the basic demographics that were there.
The majority of the people marching either seemed to be older adults ranging age 45 or older or kids who seemed to be around 14 years old. I found it fascinating that there didn't seem to be a larger representation of people within those age groups present at the march. I think that most of the older people there were true believers but in regards to the younger kids, and let me state that at this point in their life I don't doubt their sincerity and beliefs in what they were marching for, but I would like to think these are kids that are still young and I think because of the lack of real life experiences they could end up changing their mind on this issue. But fuck man maybe a lot of those people in their twenties and thirties just couldn't get off of work since the March was held on a Friday.
But what pissed me off about the 14 year old kids was that you could tell most of them had never been in a big city before because I must have witnessed ten separate occasions where they would blissfully walk into the street to almost get hit by a car. The worst part about it is that they have a laugh about it like its so cute. Me I laugh at what I guess would be defined as irony if one of these kids got hit and killed by a car at the March For Life rally.
One last comment about this march and surprise its about something that pisses me off. I saw one old guy marching who had a large American flag he was waving around. This is what pisses me off the most and has been going on for some time. I think it got really bad in the last Presidential election where intellectuals like perpetual quitters Sarah Palin would go around the country to small towns that historically vote Republican and love the Confederate Flag and calling it the real American in relation to those elite democratic voting cities like New York who I guess by default would be part of this phony America who believes in global warming and other faggy progressive ideas. Forget the fact that this perceived real America is usually subsidized by the revenue brought in from the taxes of these more progressive states to help fund the dreams of real America which includes high school football games, apple pie and Larry The Cable Guy TV specials. Where was I again?
Oh yeah the dipshit carrying around the huge American flag which conveyed to me that he thought he was the real American and those who think differently from him are some small dicked fucking pussies that our actively cheering for the demise of what he perceives to be the American dream so faggy communist like me and our ilk can implement a one state progressive mandate where we force people into abortions and create some new world order with the United Nations and a cabal of Jewish bankers and force these real Americans to watch Nip Tuck or whatever the latest show that is an affront to God the Parents Resource Council is bitching about now but I guess the fact that he is marching on the side of right with the American Flag blowing in the breeze on his sabbatical to the unauthentic godless America to right all the wrongs with what is now a secular progressive society makes him a "real American." Sarah Palin and those who actively encourage this kind of thinking must be proud.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
My New Years Resolution
My New Years Resolution was to write and blog more. After some deep and intense thought under the blazing sun while under the influence of peyote I decided that my New Year's Resolution would be to instead have no New Years Resolution.
I mean I have to say it is almost as ambitious as my New Year's Resolution which I batted .500 on last year. They were to check out my friends new townhouse in Woodbridge and to go to the BBQ place down the street from me. I did not make it to the BBQ place. Dagger.
But is there anything lamer than a New Year's Resolution? They are the worst you guys. Take a minute to stop and think how stupid they are in hindsight. Why do you need some arbitrary time frame to decide to make a decision that would supposedly improve your life. I say improve because nobody ever makes the New YEars Resolution to gain weight or take up smoking or preform a full frontal lobotomy do they? No you are just making some minor life decision that you will not follow through on and totally say fuck it after a couple weeks.
I also hate the people who complain about about how the previous year was horrible and maybe this will be the year where things look up for them. Because lets be serious your life is not going to get progressively better or worse because there happens to be a different number at the end of whatever year it is. But I degrees.
Yes but I am going to try and write more. Maybe there will be a series of shorter entries and a couple long ones here or there. I have a nice long post set up for that asshole Pat Robertson tomorrow that I hope I get up. Hopefully you will hear from me tomorrow.
I mean I have to say it is almost as ambitious as my New Year's Resolution which I batted .500 on last year. They were to check out my friends new townhouse in Woodbridge and to go to the BBQ place down the street from me. I did not make it to the BBQ place. Dagger.
But is there anything lamer than a New Year's Resolution? They are the worst you guys. Take a minute to stop and think how stupid they are in hindsight. Why do you need some arbitrary time frame to decide to make a decision that would supposedly improve your life. I say improve because nobody ever makes the New YEars Resolution to gain weight or take up smoking or preform a full frontal lobotomy do they? No you are just making some minor life decision that you will not follow through on and totally say fuck it after a couple weeks.
I also hate the people who complain about about how the previous year was horrible and maybe this will be the year where things look up for them. Because lets be serious your life is not going to get progressively better or worse because there happens to be a different number at the end of whatever year it is. But I degrees.
Yes but I am going to try and write more. Maybe there will be a series of shorter entries and a couple long ones here or there. I have a nice long post set up for that asshole Pat Robertson tomorrow that I hope I get up. Hopefully you will hear from me tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
On A Totally Stupid Article Against Harvey Milk
I found this article about Harvey Milk which is basically the author bitching and making things up about Harvey Milk probably because he hates the fact a gay guy is going to have a day recognized after him.
I am no great scholar of the life and career of Harvey Milk but what I find really offensive in this article was to downplay Milk's accomplishes by stating he only served in office for a year. This would be like saying JFK was a horrible president because he didn't finish his term.
The quote in context
By trying to downplay Milk's contributions he made in his life by insinuating that Milk was unsuccessful because he did not even serve a year is blatantly dishonest and it illustrates that no one should take him to seriously.
I am no great scholar of the life and career of Harvey Milk but what I find really offensive in this article was to downplay Milk's accomplishes by stating he only served in office for a year. This would be like saying JFK was a horrible president because he didn't finish his term.
The quote in context
Milk makes a rather unremarkable subject for the silver screen. In his seven years in San Francisco, he made four bids for elective office, only emerging victorious in his last—a 1977 run for city supervisor. For his persistence, Milk jokingly referred to himself as the “gay Harold Stassen.” He served for less than a year. In naming the onetime camera-shop proprietor one of the 100 most important people of the twentieth century, Time conceded, “As a supervisor, Milk sponsored only two laws—predictably, one barring anti-gay discrimination, and, less so, a law forcing dog owners to clean pets’ messes from sidewalks.” Eleven months on the city council hardly seems the stuff of Hollywood legend. So Hollywood invented a legend.
By trying to downplay Milk's contributions he made in his life by insinuating that Milk was unsuccessful because he did not even serve a year is blatantly dishonest and it illustrates that no one should take him to seriously.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Call Me When The Kid Hits The Ground
I have been so busy I have not had a chance to update my blog as often as I would like. Fuck man I didn't even get to part four of my attempted five part series regarding music last week. How shameful. But yeah going out almost every night doing trivia or concerts or movies or just hanging out with someone you think is really great is a very stellar way to live life but the downside is that you readers don't get any of my witty and insightful views on pop culture and current events. I know I get you hooked and then suddenly take it away and next thing you know you're that guy from Trainspotting crawling into his toilet desperately trying to find out my views on campaign finance reform.
So anyways I made a list of topics I wanted to write about in my wallet. But what I think got the whole world's attention yesterday was that stupid kid who was not in the hot air balloon. Come on every news source that exists in this country; wasn't there anything else going on? Does one kid not in a hot air balloon really warrant this intensive coverage and mass hysteria?
I don't even care if it was a hoax. I did not follow the story at all because I would rather listen to The Lawrence Arms but apparently the kid was at his house the whole time. I'm pretty sure it was a hoax because lets face it this kid and his family were awfully ready to be on all the morning television shows today weren't they? Can we stop giving these attention seekers what they want and get them off the TV? Do what my friends did in the summer of 2003 when I had my Crystal Meth addiction; starve the beast.
Hey did you hear about this asshole justice of the peace down in Louisiana who refused to issue a marriage license to a mixed race couple? What is even more infuriating was the justice of the peace's defense which was "I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way." I don't know what it is in today's but it is fucking hard to be labeled a racist now a days. Unless you're Glen Beck then you get to call the president a racist.
Speaking about racists I guess it was a big deal recently when it was disclosed that Rush Limbuagh wanted to obtain ownership status of the St. Louis Rams. Its actually unfair to call Rush a racist. I suspect he isn't but he does employ a lot of race baiting on his show probably because he knows his listeners eat that shit up. Like the previous mentioned Justice asshole and Rush Limbuagh I guess they figure its not being racist unless the explicitly use the "N" word. Racist or not I think its fair to say that there a lot of vitriol still permeates not just in the Southern United States but everywhere in this world. It makes me :(
Wow. Where did this post end up going? Truthfully I am really tired and my mind has kind of wondered and I think I have left a whole lot of incomplete thoughts on here. I can't even remember what I just wrote. I think I'll give it a quick proof read and then get out of here and relax. I'll try to put something more substantial on here this weekend. Or at the very least naked pics.
So anyways I made a list of topics I wanted to write about in my wallet. But what I think got the whole world's attention yesterday was that stupid kid who was not in the hot air balloon. Come on every news source that exists in this country; wasn't there anything else going on? Does one kid not in a hot air balloon really warrant this intensive coverage and mass hysteria?
I don't even care if it was a hoax. I did not follow the story at all because I would rather listen to The Lawrence Arms but apparently the kid was at his house the whole time. I'm pretty sure it was a hoax because lets face it this kid and his family were awfully ready to be on all the morning television shows today weren't they? Can we stop giving these attention seekers what they want and get them off the TV? Do what my friends did in the summer of 2003 when I had my Crystal Meth addiction; starve the beast.
Hey did you hear about this asshole justice of the peace down in Louisiana who refused to issue a marriage license to a mixed race couple? What is even more infuriating was the justice of the peace's defense which was "I'm not a racist. I just don't believe in mixing the races that way." I don't know what it is in today's but it is fucking hard to be labeled a racist now a days. Unless you're Glen Beck then you get to call the president a racist.
Speaking about racists I guess it was a big deal recently when it was disclosed that Rush Limbuagh wanted to obtain ownership status of the St. Louis Rams. Its actually unfair to call Rush a racist. I suspect he isn't but he does employ a lot of race baiting on his show probably because he knows his listeners eat that shit up. Like the previous mentioned Justice asshole and Rush Limbuagh I guess they figure its not being racist unless the explicitly use the "N" word. Racist or not I think its fair to say that there a lot of vitriol still permeates not just in the Southern United States but everywhere in this world. It makes me :(
Wow. Where did this post end up going? Truthfully I am really tired and my mind has kind of wondered and I think I have left a whole lot of incomplete thoughts on here. I can't even remember what I just wrote. I think I'll give it a quick proof read and then get out of here and relax. I'll try to put something more substantial on here this weekend. Or at the very least naked pics.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Those crazy kids and their crazy punk music
So the job I used to work I was on call which meant I would be responsible for working different shifts when needed. This meant that I would usually work with what was a random group of guys each every time I worked. Off hand I can't tell you how many people I worked with but I can tell you that each individual was a crazy character who could probably fit the archetype of the wacky next door neighbor in a CBS sitcom. This particular story starts with the Hammer.
Now I don't know why they called him the Hammer but I could go on all night about this guy. I won't. All you need to know for this story is that he would always show up an hour early so he could eat whatever the fuck it was he would bring in every day and get the skinny on what happened earlier in the day. One of the perks of the hell hole where I worked is that we got to listen to a little ten watt radio. The only catch on the midnight shift, The Hammer's shift, was that the radio always had to be tuned to the classic rock station. God did I hate working that shift. Do you know how many times in an eight hour block the classic rock station plays Journey?
One day, and it must have been a Friday night because I always hated working Fridays since I would not get off work until 11:00 pm. I decided that I was going to go out of my way and piss off the Hammer consequences be damned. I like to think I have a very accute knowledge of what exactly to say to push someone's buttons and I know to get to the Hammer all you have to is bash any of his favorite classic rock artists. On this particular night I chose to shit on the Eagles because, well, becuse they are a fucking shitty band who I hate more than The Dude does. Yes I do not abide the Eagles.
Let me tell you the Hammer was pissed. He muttered under his breath "punk kid. Don't know what real music is. They did it better back in the day." IT was one of those instances where he tried saying it under his breath but also wanted to make sure I heard it. I really appreciatted that.
What later really stuck with me about the whole altercation was why would he bash current music. You would think that as music has evolved over the years that current artists would rock just as hard if not harder than his favorite bands from the 70's. This lead me down the rabit hole and made me wonder at what age or what specific event make most people decide "You know what? I've listened to some good music but I don't think it is going to get any better than this. I'm done with new music."
Every once in a while I think about it and I have come up with a couple hypothesizes that sound like they could be valid reasons why someone who loved Bruce Springsteen could give a fuck about The Arcade Fire. I would like to share them with you below and would also be curious if you have any theories as well.
1.) Like I said earlier, someone hears what they think will be the best song ever so why continue?
I know this sounds like a stupid theory but if you think about it it almost makes sense. I mean if someone really thinks Styxx's song Lady was the greatest song ever why continue to go on with keeping up with Pop music. After all wouldn't everything else be downhill from there. It's like fucking Megan Fox. Where do you go after that? Not Kirsten Dunst. Makes sense right?
2.) The mainstreaming of Rap
I don't know when rap became part of the mainstream conscience of America but I would not be suprised to find that it coincides with the year most people gave up on new music. Some of it might have to do with the race factor since most rap artist back in the day were black. I'm sure people really into in Lynard Skinner were not into Grand Master Flash. And race might not even be a factor. Just the fact that it is so radically diferent and alien to most people could turn these baby boomers off. Maybe they decided if this is where te future of music is going then let me off the train at the next stop.
3.) The introduction of Punk Music and the Alternative Scene
I lot of the same reasons from number two I think would coincide with the notion that alternative and punk music would turn people off from discovering new music. Also this music was directed to a younger crowd by artists who rejected the current music scene that is embraced by people like the Hammer.
4) My Generation Did It The Best
You hear this cookie cutter arguement from these baby boomers who are into Fleetwood Mac or whatever else was popular back in the day. This is the argument that I hate the most because you are basically saying that something was awesome just because you were there. You know I"m sure the people who survived Waco didn't find it awesome when the FBI raided their compound and shot the hell out of them just because they were there. I understand why people make this argument because if they don't it invalidates their entire existance but it is a really lame ass arguement. Its a good way to pigeonhole yourself whether it be pop music, movies, or birth control methods.
5.) Having a kid
When I asked my dad why old fuckers decide they are going to stop listeing to new music he said it was proably because they had a kid. I forget his reasoning but if you think about it this reason might make the most sense. Having a kid is hard work and I am sure that trying to keep up with the latest trends is the last thing a new parent wants to think about (coincidently this might be why most kids in my age bracket listen to classic rock unironically; because their parents do. One of the reasons I got into punk and alternative is because my dad listened to it). Also if you think about it having a kid is one of those events that defines your life and acts as a transitional phase; like your your first steps, getting a drivers license, your first blow job, and the first time getting arrested for urinating in public. It would make sense to stick with what you know.
Anyways what are your thoughts if any? Please share. Or at least tell me to fuck off or something.
Now I don't know why they called him the Hammer but I could go on all night about this guy. I won't. All you need to know for this story is that he would always show up an hour early so he could eat whatever the fuck it was he would bring in every day and get the skinny on what happened earlier in the day. One of the perks of the hell hole where I worked is that we got to listen to a little ten watt radio. The only catch on the midnight shift, The Hammer's shift, was that the radio always had to be tuned to the classic rock station. God did I hate working that shift. Do you know how many times in an eight hour block the classic rock station plays Journey?
One day, and it must have been a Friday night because I always hated working Fridays since I would not get off work until 11:00 pm. I decided that I was going to go out of my way and piss off the Hammer consequences be damned. I like to think I have a very accute knowledge of what exactly to say to push someone's buttons and I know to get to the Hammer all you have to is bash any of his favorite classic rock artists. On this particular night I chose to shit on the Eagles because, well, becuse they are a fucking shitty band who I hate more than The Dude does. Yes I do not abide the Eagles.
Let me tell you the Hammer was pissed. He muttered under his breath "punk kid. Don't know what real music is. They did it better back in the day." IT was one of those instances where he tried saying it under his breath but also wanted to make sure I heard it. I really appreciatted that.
What later really stuck with me about the whole altercation was why would he bash current music. You would think that as music has evolved over the years that current artists would rock just as hard if not harder than his favorite bands from the 70's. This lead me down the rabit hole and made me wonder at what age or what specific event make most people decide "You know what? I've listened to some good music but I don't think it is going to get any better than this. I'm done with new music."
Every once in a while I think about it and I have come up with a couple hypothesizes that sound like they could be valid reasons why someone who loved Bruce Springsteen could give a fuck about The Arcade Fire. I would like to share them with you below and would also be curious if you have any theories as well.
1.) Like I said earlier, someone hears what they think will be the best song ever so why continue?
I know this sounds like a stupid theory but if you think about it it almost makes sense. I mean if someone really thinks Styxx's song Lady was the greatest song ever why continue to go on with keeping up with Pop music. After all wouldn't everything else be downhill from there. It's like fucking Megan Fox. Where do you go after that? Not Kirsten Dunst. Makes sense right?
2.) The mainstreaming of Rap
I don't know when rap became part of the mainstream conscience of America but I would not be suprised to find that it coincides with the year most people gave up on new music. Some of it might have to do with the race factor since most rap artist back in the day were black. I'm sure people really into in Lynard Skinner were not into Grand Master Flash. And race might not even be a factor. Just the fact that it is so radically diferent and alien to most people could turn these baby boomers off. Maybe they decided if this is where te future of music is going then let me off the train at the next stop.
3.) The introduction of Punk Music and the Alternative Scene
I lot of the same reasons from number two I think would coincide with the notion that alternative and punk music would turn people off from discovering new music. Also this music was directed to a younger crowd by artists who rejected the current music scene that is embraced by people like the Hammer.
4) My Generation Did It The Best
You hear this cookie cutter arguement from these baby boomers who are into Fleetwood Mac or whatever else was popular back in the day. This is the argument that I hate the most because you are basically saying that something was awesome just because you were there. You know I"m sure the people who survived Waco didn't find it awesome when the FBI raided their compound and shot the hell out of them just because they were there. I understand why people make this argument because if they don't it invalidates their entire existance but it is a really lame ass arguement. Its a good way to pigeonhole yourself whether it be pop music, movies, or birth control methods.
5.) Having a kid
When I asked my dad why old fuckers decide they are going to stop listeing to new music he said it was proably because they had a kid. I forget his reasoning but if you think about it this reason might make the most sense. Having a kid is hard work and I am sure that trying to keep up with the latest trends is the last thing a new parent wants to think about (coincidently this might be why most kids in my age bracket listen to classic rock unironically; because their parents do. One of the reasons I got into punk and alternative is because my dad listened to it). Also if you think about it having a kid is one of those events that defines your life and acts as a transitional phase; like your your first steps, getting a drivers license, your first blow job, and the first time getting arrested for urinating in public. It would make sense to stick with what you know.
Anyways what are your thoughts if any? Please share. Or at least tell me to fuck off or something.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
What Happened To My Radio
This is part two in what will hopefully be a five part seemingly interconnected but probably not at all series on aspects of music. For part one go here.
I don't know if you are aware of this but the Washington Post's online paper has various discussion groups everyday where some of their employees will answer questions their readership have asked them. A couple months ago I used to try getting as many questions answered as I possibly could which meant me asking questions to the Washington Post culinary expert on what are the best ingredients to make a a rhubarb pie. Yeah it can get pretty boring at work and anything to pass the time.
Well one day the Washington Post Pop Culture guy was online answering questions about this or that. Usually its about why he thinks the Springsteen show was super awesome or how much old R & B is better than whatever R & B is popular with the kids today. I decided to ask him, and again I paraphrase all of this because it happened a long time ago, "to get more listeners why don't radio stations actually expand their playlists, put on new and exciting artists, and maybe not play The Red Hot Chili Peppers twice every hour?"
The answer he gave me basically boiled down to "because with their ratings all ready as anemic as they are they would suffer more because people want to hear stuff that is familiar." At first his answer pissed me off because 1) It seemed like he was blowing me off and 2.) Yeah because that line of thinking has been working so well as of late with every single radio station either folding or switching to a different format. The more I thought about it and considered it I think it was a totally valid point.
When I was in twelfth grade it must have been the year that Napster became ingrained in the mainstream conscience of America. I will admit it was an exciting time. Imagine how excited some broke ass penny pinching loser like me was. You mean I could download the Clash's Sandinista for free and also totally rock out to it in a couple hours! No seriously I can hear Washington Bullets almost immediately on my Winamp without paying a nickel. To me this was the greatest development since I discovered the late night Cinemax.
Well anyways with Napster catching on in some of my classes my fellow students would use the computers to download whatever shit music happened to be popular that hour of the day. For some odd reason the people in my marketing class were downloading a Limp Biscuit song which was probably Nookie. I will never forget this because of a conversation between my friend and one of the Limp Biscuit Fans:
John: So let me ask. This Napster you can download any song you want?
Nick: Yeah man. Its awesome.
John: So you can download any song by anyone you want but you guys are downloading Limp Buscuit? You can hear that on the radio all day.
Nick: uhhh.
I find it fascinating in today s modern world where there are now numerous venues to expose someone to new and exciting music that more people don't go outside of their comfort zone to find exciting new bands that could possibly make their eardrums orgasm. I mean look at the facts; the old gate keepers of what used to be pop culture definers such as the radio and MTV are either dieing or more content on creating horrible fucking reality shows with these brainless people who work at modeling companies and are sad because their boyfriend Spencer did not recognize their new Prada bag.
It would be understandable back in the day when all you had to chose from were the Beatles and Rolling Stones. There was only radio and whatever word of mouth of whomever the coolest guy at school was on what bands you should be listening to. Now a days its much easier to hear what the coolest guy at school thinks thanks to the internet. Even if you go to some shitty Catholic school who's idea of cool is wearing a abstinence ring and a Jesus is My Homeboy t-shirt(but I'm sure this person can inform you that Five Iron Frenzy still rocks),you can get on the internet and hear what the cool kids have to say there. Now you can hear what the cool kid at some hipster university in the North East thinks about the new Vampire Weekend song (He probably likes it, along with drinking Pabst Blue Ribbons and wearing tight Sweaters)!
Look at the various mediums to discover new music. Heck man you have Pandora the musical Genome Project that will take songs you like and play similar sounding ones. You can sample any song you want to off of Itunes. There are tons of websites you can go to where people who have even more time on their hands than me write very pretentious reviews of the latest folk rock album out of Tanzania. I guess my point is that there is no excuse to be downloading "I Did It All For The Nookie" anymore.
Until tomorrow.
I don't know if you are aware of this but the Washington Post's online paper has various discussion groups everyday where some of their employees will answer questions their readership have asked them. A couple months ago I used to try getting as many questions answered as I possibly could which meant me asking questions to the Washington Post culinary expert on what are the best ingredients to make a a rhubarb pie. Yeah it can get pretty boring at work and anything to pass the time.
Well one day the Washington Post Pop Culture guy was online answering questions about this or that. Usually its about why he thinks the Springsteen show was super awesome or how much old R & B is better than whatever R & B is popular with the kids today. I decided to ask him, and again I paraphrase all of this because it happened a long time ago, "to get more listeners why don't radio stations actually expand their playlists, put on new and exciting artists, and maybe not play The Red Hot Chili Peppers twice every hour?"
The answer he gave me basically boiled down to "because with their ratings all ready as anemic as they are they would suffer more because people want to hear stuff that is familiar." At first his answer pissed me off because 1) It seemed like he was blowing me off and 2.) Yeah because that line of thinking has been working so well as of late with every single radio station either folding or switching to a different format. The more I thought about it and considered it I think it was a totally valid point.
When I was in twelfth grade it must have been the year that Napster became ingrained in the mainstream conscience of America. I will admit it was an exciting time. Imagine how excited some broke ass penny pinching loser like me was. You mean I could download the Clash's Sandinista for free and also totally rock out to it in a couple hours! No seriously I can hear Washington Bullets almost immediately on my Winamp without paying a nickel. To me this was the greatest development since I discovered the late night Cinemax.
Well anyways with Napster catching on in some of my classes my fellow students would use the computers to download whatever shit music happened to be popular that hour of the day. For some odd reason the people in my marketing class were downloading a Limp Biscuit song which was probably Nookie. I will never forget this because of a conversation between my friend and one of the Limp Biscuit Fans:
John: So let me ask. This Napster you can download any song you want?
Nick: Yeah man. Its awesome.
John: So you can download any song by anyone you want but you guys are downloading Limp Buscuit? You can hear that on the radio all day.
Nick: uhhh.
I find it fascinating in today s modern world where there are now numerous venues to expose someone to new and exciting music that more people don't go outside of their comfort zone to find exciting new bands that could possibly make their eardrums orgasm. I mean look at the facts; the old gate keepers of what used to be pop culture definers such as the radio and MTV are either dieing or more content on creating horrible fucking reality shows with these brainless people who work at modeling companies and are sad because their boyfriend Spencer did not recognize their new Prada bag.
It would be understandable back in the day when all you had to chose from were the Beatles and Rolling Stones. There was only radio and whatever word of mouth of whomever the coolest guy at school was on what bands you should be listening to. Now a days its much easier to hear what the coolest guy at school thinks thanks to the internet. Even if you go to some shitty Catholic school who's idea of cool is wearing a abstinence ring and a Jesus is My Homeboy t-shirt(but I'm sure this person can inform you that Five Iron Frenzy still rocks),you can get on the internet and hear what the cool kids have to say there. Now you can hear what the cool kid at some hipster university in the North East thinks about the new Vampire Weekend song (He probably likes it, along with drinking Pabst Blue Ribbons and wearing tight Sweaters)!
Look at the various mediums to discover new music. Heck man you have Pandora the musical Genome Project that will take songs you like and play similar sounding ones. You can sample any song you want to off of Itunes. There are tons of websites you can go to where people who have even more time on their hands than me write very pretentious reviews of the latest folk rock album out of Tanzania. I guess my point is that there is no excuse to be downloading "I Did It All For The Nookie" anymore.
Until tomorrow.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
