I've got the straight edge.
Current mood: calm
Category: Religion and Philosophy

So, I've decided to become straight edge. Chances are if you're my age, you don't know what that is. Many different people have many different definitions of what it is so let me explain my views on it. I have a similar view to the people who started it such as Ian MacKaye and bands like Minor Threat, SS Decontrol and Negative FX (all 80's hardcore punk bands). I, from now on, won't drink or do drugs. I've given up caffine (I had an especially scary experience with that and pills). I'm non-violent. I'm not militant about the idea. You can do whatever you want. I won't look down upon you. I'm not a vegetarian or vegan (though I wouldn't rule out ever becoming one). Despite that I still have a pretty strong belief in animal rights when it comes to cruelty (I won't eat veal cuz of how they get the "flavor.") This is a really big deal to me and I'm sure your still still lost so heres a wikipedia article to help you out.

Straight edge

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The album cover of The Teen Idles' Minor Disturbance showing straight edge symbols.

Straight edge (also known as sXe, and xXx) refers to a lifestyle, a personal commitment, a philosophy, and a subculture that is closely associated with hardcore punk music. Straight edgers abstain from tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Some followers of the straight-edge philosophy also abstain from caffeine, promiscuous sex, and/or practice vegetarianism or veganism. Originally followers of straight edge were atheists, who believed religion was a form of weakness and mind control; although as the culture grew, this ideology became less popular.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Etymology

While many of the precepts can be traced to earlier ideas, the term "straight edge" comes from the 1981 song "Straight Edge" by the hardcore punk band Minor Threat. The lyrics, written and sung by Ian MacKaye, condemn psychoactive drug use. The song begins:

The chorus is the phrase "I've got the straight edge." repeated several times.

MacKaye says that he meant that by abstaining from drugs and alcohol, he had an advantage, or an "edge", when compared to those who indulged too heavily; and he was considered to be "straight" during an era where recreational drug use was closely correlated with rock and roll.^[1]

[edit] Overview

There are various reasons why people may choose to be straight edge, and there are various interpretations of the practice and various applications of the precepts. Some use the lifestyle as a stepping stone because they believe it will allow them to be more involved with their own mental and physical health.^{[citation needed]}

Straight edge is considered to be a chosen lifestyle by many of its followers. In that sense, no one is born straight edge or has been straight edge their entire lives. Labeling oneself straight edge is a conscious decision that someone makes for oneself and is generally not seen as a label that applies to everyone who does not partake in drugs. The label "straight edge" generally implies an acceptance of the philosophy and reasons for avoiding drug use posited by at least one segment of the straight edge community.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Attitudes towards spirituality

Straight edge is not a religion; it is a philosophy. Many straight edge people feel that having a clear mind is a better way to approach spirituality. Some are atheists, or agnostics, often believing in personal responsibility and rejecting the idea of a deity or any divine moral law. In many circles, the lifestyle has associations with spirituality—some straight edgers are Christian, and there were at one time significant Hare Krishna straight edge movements represented by bands like 108, Shelter and Baby Gopal.^{[citation needed]}

Christians involved in the punk-hardcore subculture sometimes consider themselves straight edge; indeed, the rejection of illicit substances and alcoholic beverages (particularly underage) and abstinence from premarital sex are commonly encouraged by many mainstream churches and their youth groups. Prominent self-identified Christian straight edgers include the ex-bassist of Throwdown, at least one member of Comeback Kid, and at least one member of Stretch Arm Strong.^{[citation needed]} There has also been criticism of Christians being involved within the straight edge community—reflected in songs such as "This Ain't No Cross On My Hand" by Limp Wrist, "Real Edgemen Hate Jesus" by XfilesX, and "Straight Edge Punks Not Christian Fucks" by Crucial Attack.

[edit] The 'X'

An 'X' on the back of the hand is a common straight edge symbol.

According to a series of interviews conducted by journalist Michael Azerrad, the straight-edge "X" can be traced to the Teen Idles' brief U.S. west coast tour in 1980.^[1] The Idles were scheduled to play at San Francisco's Mabuhay Gardens, but when the band arrived, club management discovered that the entire band was under the legal drinking age and therefore should be denied entry to the club. The band insisted on performing, and as a short-term compromise, management marked each of the Idles' hands with a large black "X" as a warning to bartenders and bouncers not to serve alcohol to the band (this was largely unnecessary, as most of the Teen Idles avoided alcohol). Upon returning to Washington, D.C., The Idles suggested this same "X" gambit to a few D.C. clubs as a way to let teenagers see musical performances, yet not be served alcohol. The practice was never widely adopted by D.C.-area music venues,^[1] but the "X" mark soon became associated with the nascent straight edge lifestyle.

Three X's (XXX) have their straight edge origin in artwork created by Minor Threat's drummer, Jeff Nelson, in which he replaced the three stars in the band's hometown Washington, D.C., flag with Xs. Some people interpret this as a symbol of Ian MacKaye's perceived "don't smoke, don't drink, don't fuck" ethos, supported by the Minor Threat song "Out of Step".^{[citation needed]}

Many adopters of the "straight edge" lifestyle voluntarily marked their hands in the same way to show their commitment to the ethos. Also widespread is the tattooing of the X symbol on other parts of the body or wearing it on clothing, pins, et cetera. The X is considered a mark of identity. Attaching the X to one's name or band name is common for straight edgers.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Backlash and criticisms

A subset of straight edge—hardline—had a more militant mentality and was involved in physical assaults in the United States during the 1980s and up to the mid 1990s.

Police in some communities—such as Salt Lake City and Reno—have classified straight edge as a gang due to violence associated with militant straight edge groups in these cities.^[2][3]

Straight edgers sometimes encounter mockery from others within the punk scene for various reasons, including their perceived elitism or uptightness around substance use. The actions and attitudes of militant members of the straight edge scene also draw heavy criticism, including from more tolerant straight edgers.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] History of Straight Edge

Straightedge went through three different eras since its creation in 1980.^[4] Associated with punk-rock, the early years of the straightedge subculture are now called the Old School Era. However in the late nineteen eighties the straightedge subculture seemed to drift further and further away from the punk culture. The following era called Youth Crew, presented different types of elements that began to change the subculture. For example, vegetarianism became a major theme along with following the Krishna faith. Youth Crew also led to tension inside the subculture. After nearly a decade of the separation of straightedge-punk from the punk culture, the era called Straight Edge 2000 brought the cultures together without clash.

[edit] Old School Era

With the rise of straightedge as a subculture of punk-rock, the two scenes were very closely related. Like punk-rock, the singer of an Old School straightedge band shouted more than sang.^[5] Straightedgers of the Old School Era often associated with the original punk ideals such as individualism, disdain for work and school, and live-for-the-moment attitudes.^[4] Though straightedge started on the east coast in Washington D.C. and New York, it quickly spread through the entire nation and Canada.^[6] By the mid-nineteen eighties, bands on the west coast such as Uniform Choice were gaining national acclaim. In the early stages of this subculture's history, musical gigs often consisted of non-straightedge punk bands along with straightedge bands. However, circumstances soon changed and the Old School Era would eventually be viewed as the time "before the two scenes separated".^[5]

Old School straightedge bands included: Minor Threat, 7 Seconds, SSD (band), Uniform Choice, and Cause for Alarm

[edit] Youth Crew Era

Although the music and the subculture are dependent on each other, at certain points in the subculture's history, the musical influence seems to be stronger than at other times. During the Youth Crew Era, the influence of music seems to be at an all-time high. Furthermore, the new branches of straightedge that erect during this era all seem to come from an idea presented in a song. The Youth Crew Era emphasizes the idea that cultures are influenced by media; Music is the dominant media source for tenets of the straightedge subculture.

Starting in the mid- eighties, the Era was given the name from New York's straightedge band Youth of Today. In their song "Youth Crew" they expressed their views on uniting the scene into a movement.^[7] The most identifiable theme that arose during the Youth Crew Era was straightedge association with vegetarianism.

In 1988 straight edge band Youth of Today released their song "No More" that would initiate this new theme within the subculture. Lead singer Ray Cappo displayed his vegan views in the lyrics: "Meat-eating, flesh-eating, think about it/ so callous this crime we commit".^[8] By the end of the 1980s, bands all over the United States and Canada sang about animal cruelty.

During the late nineteen eighties, not all people that claimed to be straightedge identified with animal rights issues, though as the 1990s came on the horizon, bands such as Earth Crisis (with their frontman Karl Buechner) had continued this trend. By the early 1990s, hardline and militant straightedge were a well known presence in the straightedge music scene. The term militant described someone who was dedicated and outspoken, but also believed to be narrow-minded, judgemental, and potentially violent.^[9] The Militant/Hardline straightedger was characterized by the following: less tolerant of non-straightedge people, more outward pride in being straight edge, more outspoken, and believed that violence was a necessary method to promote clean living.^[9]

Straight Edge started out as a phenomenon within the punk-rock culture, then transitioned into a movement. A movement that had been perceived by some as a positive subculture associated with great morals. Other's perceptions, which included the United States media, depicted members of the culture as "politically correct terrorists".^{[citation needed]} However, the end of the Youth Crew Era brought new elements to the straightedge subculture, elements of positivity.^{[citation needed]}

Youth Crew Era bands include: Gorilla Biscuits, Judge, Bold (band), Youth of Today

[edit] Straight Edge 2000 Era

As the Youth Crew Era matured, some of the negative aspects that surrounded straightedge started to disappear. The Straight Edge 2000 Era once again reunited the punk-rock culture. Similar to the Old School Era, straightedge and non-straightedge bands played concerts together regularly. Since the straightedge movement had existed for around twenty years, many members disliked the Youth Crew Era style of music and principles.^[10] Others did not care about Minor Threat or any of the pioneers of the movement.^[10] Straight Edge 2000 Era bands include: Champion, Carry On, Ten Yard Fight, Good Clean Fun, Casey Jones, and Trial.

[edit] In media

• Another State of Mind (1982) documents Minor Threat and Dischord's early history, including some scenes of Ian MacKaye explaining the rationale behind straight edge.

• Professional wrestlers CM Punk, M-Dogg 20, and Josh Prohibition are straight edge and use it as their in-ring gimmicks . However, only CM Punk uses it as an integral part of his character.

[edit] See also

• Category:Straight edge groups
• Youth crew

[edit] References

[edit] Further reading

• Sam McPheeters, Dave Stein, Jason O'Toole, Brian Baker, THE STRAIGHT EDGE MOVEMENT (Buzz 1987)
• http://www.cjsonline.ca/reviews/youthsubcultures.html Review of recent book on straight-edge subculture

Please leave comments. Tell me I'm right. Tell me I'm wrong. Tell me why. Ask me questions. Tell me something I don't know about straight edge (I'm sure theres alot I don't know. This is still pretty new to me.) This is a really big deal to me and maybe it can be a big deal to you too. Farewell.

Currently listening : Bad Brains By Bad Brains Release date: 19 March, 1996

5:55 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Sellout
Current mood: blah
Category: Music

As you may know, I hate Fallout Boy. I hate them with a passion. So, I re-wrote the words to their song "Dance Dance". It's now called "Sellout" and I think you will find these words to be very true. Read and enjoy. Feel free to tell me what you think.

Sellout

 ..:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

I'm the biggest disappointment since the crucifixion. Rather than make music, I satisfy my money addiction. I don't make real music. I make music fiction. That's right. I'm the guy who's got all the real musicians bitchen.

I'm a musical poser. I'm not a very good composer. Can I write a good song? No sir. I'm just a big business bitch.

Sellout. I'm the shame of the musical world. Sellout. My fans are pathetic beyond belief. I'm on a music-murdering mission but I get paid a lot of money.

I may be musically clueless but what about you. You buy my shit I call music so you are to blame too. Why not just take this cd and break it in half then listen to a musician who isn't quite as bad.

Love is over-emphasized. Who cares if you are penalized and your relationship dies. You need to just get over it.

Put on your big girl panties and deal with it and then move along with your goddamn life. Wus.

Sellout. I'm the shame of the musical world. Sellout. My fans are pathetic beyond belief. I'm on a music-murdering mission but I get paid a lot of money.

I'm getting tired of singing this song. So I think that I will just lip-sync it instead. I hope I don't get caught like Ashley Simpson because I don't want my acting career to be dead.

I'll lip-sync about my emotions. I'll cry you a fake ocean. I'll wear a lot of make-up and pretend to be suicidal.

What could posses you to buy into this shit? What is wrong with people these days? Who gives a fuck if I'm cute? What the hell could be wrong with you? I'd never date you anyways. Whore.

Sellout. Sellout. Sellout. Sellout. Sellout. Sellout. Sellout. Sellout.

Currently listening : Best Before 1984 By Crass Release date: 19 October, 1995

4:41 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Blessed/cursed are the...
Current mood: hyper
Category: Religion and Philosophy

Blessed are the strong, for they shall possess the Earth.
Cursed are the weak, for they shall inherit the yoke.

Blessed are the powerful, for they shall be reverenced among men.
Cursed are the feeble, for they shall be blotted out.

Blessed are the bold, for they shall be masters of the world.
Cursed are the humble, for they shall be trodden under hoofs.

Blessed are the victorious, for victory is the basis of right.
Cursed are the vanquished, for they shall be vassals forever.

Blessed are the battle-blooded. Beauty shall smile upon them.
Cursed are the poor in spirit, for they shall be spat upon.

Blessed are the audacious, for they have imbibed true wisdom.
Cursed are the obedient, for they shall breed creeplings.

Blessed are the iron-handed; the unfit shall flee before them.
Cursed are the haters of battle; subjugation is their portion.

Blessed are the death-defiant; their days shall be long in the land.
Cursed are the feeble-brained, for they shall perish amidst plenty.

Blessed are the destroyers of false hope; they are true messiahs.
Cursed are the God-adorers; they shall be shorn sheep!

Blessed are the valiant, for they shall obtain great treasure.
Cursed are the believers in good and evil, for they are frightened
by shadows.

Blessed are those who believe in nothing; never shall it terrorized
their minds.
Cursed are the "lambs of god" they shall be bleed "whiter than snow".

Blessed is the man who has powerful enemies they shall make him a hero.
Cursed is he who "doeth good" unto others; he shall be despised.

Blessed is the man whose foot is swift to serve a friend; he is a
friend indeed.
Cursed are the organizers of charities; they are propagators of plagues.

Blessed are the wise and brave, for in the struggle they shall win.
Cursed are the unfit, for they shall be righteously exterminated.

Blessed are the sires of noble maidens; they are the salt of the Earth.
Cursed the mothers of strumous tenderlings, for they shall be shamed.

Blessed are the mighty-minded, for they shall ride the whirlwinds.
Cursed are they who teach lies for truth and truth for lies, for they
are -- abomination.

Blessed are the unmerciful; their posterity shall own the world.
Cursed are the famous wiselings; their seed shall perish off the Earth

Thrice cursed are the vile, for they shall serve and suffer.

Currently listening : You're a Woman, I'm a Machine By Death From Above 1979 Release date: 26 October, 2004

8:18 PM - 1 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Controversey
Current mood: hyper
Category: Life

Controversey

I'm Bored so I'm going to say alot of arguable things whether or not I really believe them (chances are I don't) just to cure my boredom.

For starters, Hail Satan. Fuck Nelson Mandella. Adolf Hitler is my hero. I agree with Anne Coulter. I'm on team Osama not team Obama. I voted for Darth Nader. I hate jews. Mommy doesn't have a head anymore. It's all chopped up and on the floor. I really don't mind cuz it's okay. She never really used her head anyway. Behead. Her spine hangs out like a garden hose. Behead. Flying missile under my clothes. I eat babies.

Here is a video of Saddam's execution:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tVG5_F5Ado

Charles Manson is my hero. Axel Rose is a polite young gentalman. Go communism. Kevin Federline is smart. Speaking of intelectualism, here is something I came up with in science class.

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Federline,

        There is a birth defect called Down Syndrome and your child obviously has it. You are the reason your child will never have any friends. What down syndrome means is that when your child is seventeen, they will still believe in the tooth fairy. Your child is a retard in every sense of the word. There will be lots of drool and chest beating involved. Trust me. It sucks for me too. Do you have any idea how much overtime I'm gonna have to work? No more golf on the weekends for me unless of coarse you believe in euthanasia. If you would like me to kill your child, just let me know.

                                    sincere and hopeful,

                                                         Dr. Kavorkian

As I listen to the greatest cd ever made, I shall end this blog with a quote from the greatest man to ever live.

"Strategery"

                                               -George W. Bush

(Note: After going back and reading it through, I am apalled by my own damn blog!)

Currently listening : Fantastic! By Wham! Release date: 25 October, 1990

10:12 PM - 3 Comments - 4 Kudos - Add Comment

Top 20 pop songs in the last 20 years
Current mood: excited

Britain's Q Magazine recently released a list of what they believe to be the 20 best pop songs within the past 20 years. It is as listed below.

1. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Nirvana, 1991

2. "Hey Ya!" OutKast, 2003

3. "Sweet Child O' Mine" Guns N' Roses, 1987

4. "Unfinished Symphony" Massive Attack, 1991

5. "One" U2, 1991

6. "Live Forever" Oasis, 1994

7. "Bitter Sweet Symphony" The Verve, 1997

8. "Common People" Pulp, 1995

9. "There She Goes" The LA's, 1990

10. "7 Nation Army" The White Stripes, 2003

11. "Song 2" Blur, 1997

12. "Crazy" Gnarls Barkley, 2006

13. "Angels" Robbie Williams, 1997

14. " … Baby One More Time" Britney Spears, 1999

15. "Personal Jesus" Depeche Mode, 1990

16. "Like A Prayer" Madonna, 1989

17. "Firestarter" The Prodigy, 1997

18. "Brimful of Asha" Cornershop, 1997

19. "Stan" Eminem, 2000

20. "I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor" Arctic Monkeys, 2006

I don't entirely agree with this list so I decided to do my own. First I will take out the songs I don't think should be in there.

"Sweet Child O' Mine" Guns N' Roses

-It's a good song, just not top 20 I don't think.

"Unfinished Symphony" Massive Attack

-Massive Attack just plain sucks. They are incredably over rated.

"Common People" Pulp

-I've never heard this song or even this band. They must not be that great.

"There She Goes" The LA's

-This is the origonal version (sung by men) and since the cover of it wins by a landslide when it comes to a popularity contest, this song can't be top 20.

"Song 2" Blur

-This song is pretty high in the runnings when it comes to the biggest disappointment since the crucifixion.

"Live Forever" Oasis

-This song would make it in my book if it was the top 30 but it isn't so tough shit.

"Angels" Robbie Williams

-I just flat out don't like this song.

"Brimful of Asha" Cornershop

-There are plenty of songs better than this one.

"I Bet You Look Good on the Dance Floor" Artic Monkeys

-Artic Monkeys are considered good only in Britain. They are popular nowhere else on earth. They are hated, loathed and feared around the rest of the world. I'm pretty sure that on their last world tour that half their destinations became ghost towns and that most victims are still too scared to come out of their bomb shelters. You are not welcome on my list Artic Monkeys.

Now it is time for my list.

1. "Smells like Teen Spirit" Nirvana

-This song redefined rock and brought the start to a whole new movement. It beat Michael Jackson in the charts and the album it came off of "Nevermind" is considered legend.

2. "Hey Ya" Outkast

-This song came out 3 years ago and you as well as everyone else still knows it word for word. You dance every time it comes on. The double album it's off of "Speakerboxx/The Love Below" is the first rap album to go platnum since Notorius B.I.G.'s last living album. Thats a pretty big damn deal.

3. "7 Nation Army" White Stripes

-This song has overtaken smoke on the water as every begining guitarist's first song. It's simple, catchy, cool and easily deserving of the number 3 spot.

4. "Plush" Stone Temple Pilots

-I don't care what the critics say. Stone Temple Pilots are better than Pearl Jam and this song is pure genius.

5. "Under the Bridge" Red Hot Chili Peppers

-I have never met a person who doesn't "love" this song. The outro is my favorite bass riff of all time. Everyone can relate with the lyrics. The Chili Peppers are consistantly good but this song in my oppinion is their best peice of music.

6. "Creep" Radiohead

-This song could be a fucking anthem for god's sake. I have yet to find a band thats more insightful than Radiohead when it comes to human emotions. You can't help but be moved by this song.

7. "Bittersweet Symphony" The Verve

-Other than Mozart's "Turkish March" this is the best piano line of all time. To criticize this song is to commit treason.

8. "One" U2

- "Cuz it's too late tonight to bring the past out into the light. Were one but were not the same. We need to carry eachother. Carry eachother. One." Need I say any more?

9. "Rock the Casbah" The Clash

- "Rock the Casbah" by the Clash is cool, creative, crunk, clitterific, crazy, captivating, and number 9 on the chart.

10. "Baby got Back" Sir Mixalot

-All you did was read the name and you already singing along in your head. That right there speaks for itself.

11. "Chop Suey" System of a Down

-This song makes fun of Jesus and is still loved by many Christians. I find that quite entertaining. Not to mention that felt that metal was under-represented.

12. "Personal Jesus" Depeche Mode

-This song is just the opposite. It shows Jesus all due respect and it is still badass and it has taken a recent re-growth in popularity. They recently played a remix of it at the Victoria's Secret fashion show.

13. "Crazy" Gnarles Barkley

-This song is fucking crazy.

14. "No One Knows" Queens of the Stone Age

-There had to be at least one song by my favorite band on there so I picked the most popular.

15. "The End of the World" REM

-I just flat out like this song.

16. "Fire Starter" The Prodigy

-Electronica would not be considered a valid type of music if it weren't for this song.

17. "Like a Prayer" Madonna

-The video for this song still gets tons of controversy. Not to mention it's a good song. Madonna's best if you ask most people.

18. "Let Me Clear My Throat" Black Sheep

-You may not recognize the name but trust me. You have heard this song. You like this song. Everyone has heard this song. Everyone loves this song.

19. "Stan" Eminem

-I have no fancy explanation for this song but it is really incredibly good.

20. "...Me Baby One More Time" Brittney Spears

-You may not want to admit it but you still dance in your under wear while singing along to this song.

That is my list but I want to hear your opinions. Tell me what songs you think should and shoulden't be on the chart.

Currently listening : Nevermind By Nirvana Release date: 24 September, 1991

11:16 PM - 3 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

My first band review- A frown upon "ASG"
Current mood: Disgusted
Category: Disgusted Music

Avoid ASG

ASG is a southern metal band that has average instrumentals and terrible lyrics. It is a band full of Neo-Nazis and Skinheads. Their music isn't produced well. It's lyrics are more grotesque than Slayer. All their music is basically the same, generic sounding metal instrumentals with lyrics about violence against black people and jews. Their song Southern Lord is musically their best song hands down but lyrically also their worse. I can't stand racists.

3 out of 10

Currently listening : Feelin' Good Is Good Enough By ASG Release date: 11 October, 2005

5:44 PM - 2 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

It
Current mood: crazy
Category: Life

It

            People always wonder why I'm such a weirdo but until now I've been to scared to tell them. "Why have this sudden change of heart?" you may ask. Well, recently I saw a TV segment about the bravest eleven-year-old girl anyone has ever laid eyes on. She's doing a video diary about living with her two transsexual parents that is going to be aired on international television. Her life isn't so different from mine and I figure that if she can be open about it then so can I.

            It was the year 2000. I was nine years old and in fourth grade at the time. It was after dark and my dog and I were in my room trying to comfort each other because my parents were in another all out verbal war. Out of nowhere, the house went silent. After a few seconds, my big sister and I were called out into the living room. I don't remember what my parents said but my sister and I were basically told that they were getting a divorce. I was already traumatized but I still had yet to know why. It was probably my fourth or fifth therapy session when I learned that my dad was a transsexual. I didn't know what to think. I didn't understand at all. What was wrong with being a boy? Did this make me love my dad any less? No. What made me think less of my dad was his "selfish phase." This is the part in a transsexual's life where they've just come out with whom they are and in their mind, they feel the world has held them back so long and that this is their time. I was never involved in this period of my dad's life and he would never really even give me the light of day again or at least until (s)he was diagnosed with cancer. This ill-fated event happened in the middle of eighth grade. I find it interesting how it took a life threatening disease to make my father realize the mistake he made by keeping me out of his life. My mom, sister and I went up to Minneapolis twice to visit him/her before (s)he died. It was agonizing. She had to eat through a tube in her throat. She was in awful shape due to kimo/radiotherapy. She needed help to do anything at all. While I was there, she tried to re-bond with me but it was too late. She was still wanting me to sit on her lap for god's sake. Then in late January, she died. I went to her funeral. I did not cry. I could not cry. I still can't cry.

            Many people don't know what transexualism is, what it does to people or what causes it. Basically, a transsexual is a boy that thinks like a girl or a girl that thinks like a boy. It always was similar to homosexuality in my mind although it really isn't. My dad never liked men. However, this incident in my life has made me homophobic. Homophobia isn't prejudice! Homo- short for homosexual. Phobia- fear. I am uncomfortable around gay people and no I am not gay. The cause of it is a birth defect. Everyone starts out as a girl during pregnancy. The fetus gets what is called a testosterone shower in a certain part of the pregnancy if they end up being a boy. If they don't, they grow up thinking like a girl and I assume that girls to boys get the testosterone shower when they aren't supposed to.

Currently listening : Speakerboxxx/ The Love Below By OutKast Release date: 23 September, 2003

8:42 PM - 4 Comments - 6 Kudos - Add Comment

Just so my readers know I haven't fallen off the face of the planet
Current mood: tired
Category: Music

Music

For those of you who don't know me that well, I am a music freak. I play bass guitar and I play it well. I've been trying to start a band for a very long time but it just never seems to work out. Oh well. I still have 2 2/3 of high school left. Something has to work out eventually. Well anyways I've decided that I want to start doing music reviews. What genres? Punk, metal, alternative rock, indie, electronica, rap, hip-hop and maybe emo if I'm in an unussually good mood. I am open to suggestions but please keep in mind that I don't have the money to rush out and buy a shitload of cds I'm not sure that I'll like please tell me 2 or 3 good songs from that band or cd and I'll base my review off of those. Now to give you guys a taste of what I prefer.

Top 10 Bands

1. Queens of the Stone Age

2. The Clash

3. Outkast

4. The Dead Kennedys

5. The Sonic Youth

6. Metallica

7. Iggy Pop

8. Stone Temple Pilots

9. Nirvana

10. Eagles of Death Metal

Top 10 Bassists

1. Jaco Pastorius (Weather Report)

2. Mark Lannegan (Queens of the Stone Age/Mark Lannegan)

3. Les Claypool (Primus/Les Claypool)

4. Flea (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

5. The first bassist for Metallica (can't remember his name/not Jason Newstead)

6. Paul Simonin (The Clash)

7. Victor Damiani (Cake)

8. Whoever plays bass for Rancid

9. Whoever plays bass for Sublime

10. Whoever plays bass for Stone Temple Pilots

Top 10  Vocalists

1. Andre 3000 (Outkast)

2. Scott Weiland (Stone Temple Pilots/Velvet Revolver)

3. Billy Corgan (Smashing Pumpkins)

4. Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age/Eagles of Death Metal)

5. Mark Lannegan (Queens of the Stone Age/Mark Lannegan)

6. Anthony Keidis (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

7. Jello Biafra (Dead Kennedys)

8. Jack Black (Tenacious D)

9. Kurt Cobain (Nirvana)

10. Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters)

Top 10 Drummers

1. Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters)

2. Joey Castillo (Queens of the Stone Age)

3. Taylor something or another (Foo Fighters)

4. that other dude (The Octopus Project)

5. that other other dude (Caribou)

6. I don't know (The Arcade Fire)

7. Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

8. I give up on names (Dan the Automator)

9. Whoever plays drums for Iggy Pop

10. Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age/Eagles of Death Metal)

Top 10 Guitarists

1. Jimi Hendrix (Jimi Hendrix)

2. Eric Clapton (Cream/Eric Clapton)

3. John Fruscante (Red Hot Chili Peppers)

4. Dave Navaro (Jane's Addiction/Red Hot Chili Peppers)

5. East Bay Ray (Dead Kennedys)

6. Ted Nugent (Ted Nugent)

7. My memory isn't so great tonight (ZZ Top)

8. Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen)

9. Whos the guitarist for Metallica?

10. My friend, Adrian Zapata (Unsigned although he plays better than alot of professional guitarists nowadays.)

Please excuse any mis-spellings or any mis-whatevers tonight. I'm tired and I've been feeling like Shit all day. Please excuse my memory. Its usually way better than this which doesn't really say alot.

A-hee a-hee a-thats all folks.

Currently listening : Queens of the Stone Age - Rated R By Queens of the Stone Age Release date: 06 June, 2000

12:15 AM - 4 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment

Genecide Series 1 (Suicide)
Current mood: apathetic
Category: Life

Suicide: When will pop culture learn of resilience?

About a month ago as many of you may know, sophmore Marc Anthony Morales passed away. What you may not know is that I have known him since third grade and was friends with him through out all of middle school. The source of his death hasn't and will probably never be released to the public but the most popular beleif is that it was suicide.

"Why would I talk about about this in my genecide series?," you ask? My explanation is simple. To commit genecide is to be responsible for many deaths. Suicide is responsible for a countless amount of deaths. What do all these people have in common? A hatred of themselves or their lives.

Many people think I am an asshole because I am so hard on "Emo" people. The purpose of this blog is to explain my reasons for being what so many of you call "mean." In this blog, I shall review several common reasons teenagers kill themselves in today's american culture.

The main reason person will want to take their life is that they feel a lack of love. How could someone feel unloved? There are many ways such as one's family never paying attention to them or kids getting picked on. Maybe they just don't have any friends at all. Thats about as simple as it gets. Most issues are much more complecated and I don't feel like listing out every possability. How do we fix this? Make them feel loved. Be a friend. It's that simple. Make them realize that death isn't worth it. If they act weird or mean, ignore it. Don't judge them. As said in the great Gatsby, "Whenever you feel like critisizing any one just remember that all people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had." Now on to what isn't the solution. This bit of pop culture is actually a supplement to genecide.

Thats right! The sellout of Emo music! This little diddy advocates self-loathing aka the most annoying of personality traits. Emo music was okay in the begining when people actually made valid points. But then the record companies saw potential in this so they had it take over pop media. Way to make kids hate themselves. Just like Marylin Manson was looked down upon for making kids hate other people, I look down upon AFI, Hawthorne Heights and 30 Seconds to Mars for making kids hate themselves. I can't stand anyone who would play on a teenager's emotions in such a way as to make them feel like their life is worse than it really is. People need more love in their lives, not more reasons to hate themselves. That is the only way they will ever have any resilience and move on. For those of you with a small vocabulary, resiliance is the ability to recover and move on. And for those of you who who are so quick to judge Emos, please don't. This leads me to my final thought.

"If the mind was simple to understand, We would be too simple to understand it."

Currently listening : Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy By Mindless Self Indulgence Release date: 22 February, 2000

3:08 PM - 12 Comments - 14 Kudos - Add Comment