Wednesday, June 30, 2004
Sun
Welcome back - you've been out of the loop for too long! Well, actually, that would be me who's been out of the loop, as in I just got back from the beach. Good times abound, reconnecting with old friends, a fierce grilling / dinner party last weekend, plenty of fun and frolic. More later - must go run errands before my next engagement.
Monday, June 28, 2004
Simultaneous Contrast
"It's better to be unhappy alone than unhappy with someone." - Marilyn Monroe
Thursday, June 24, 2004
A Day In The Life
Missiles In, Missiles Out
In "Control Room", Jehane Noujaim's riveting documentary about the Arab satellite news channel, al-Jazeera, Tom Mintier, CNN's veteran correspondent, vents his feelings about the Lynch briefing. "Seems like there is an effort to manage the news," he tells her camera. "They buried the lead and they're pretty good at it."
As Americans / Westerners, we understand what war looks like when the missiles are going out. Now, a chance to see what it feels like when the missiles are coming in. More info here, here, and here.
Fahrenheit 9/11 played here last night, and opens nationwide starting tomorrow. Here's an old piece I found about the genesis of the film. And, this article.
Capitol Records fucked my computer over a few years ago with some glitch they inserted into a Sparklehorse CD. I broke the CD into 20 pieces, and never listened to their music again. Now, there's this Beastie Boys thing. All of this is really embarrassing. The business is killing itself.
More unfortunate news: there's been a change of stewardship at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Steve McClellan has been both a close personal friend and professional mentor for decades; I wish him the best of luck, and much deserved peace and happiness, in his future endeavors.
I need a getaway, and soon. Not that I've been doing anything particularly strenuous or demanding, but a change of scenery would be nice. Isn't that what summer is for? Ik zal u in Augustus zien!
As Americans / Westerners, we understand what war looks like when the missiles are going out. Now, a chance to see what it feels like when the missiles are coming in. More info here, here, and here.
Fahrenheit 9/11 played here last night, and opens nationwide starting tomorrow. Here's an old piece I found about the genesis of the film. And, this article.
Capitol Records fucked my computer over a few years ago with some glitch they inserted into a Sparklehorse CD. I broke the CD into 20 pieces, and never listened to their music again. Now, there's this Beastie Boys thing. All of this is really embarrassing. The business is killing itself.
More unfortunate news: there's been a change of stewardship at First Avenue in Minneapolis. Steve McClellan has been both a close personal friend and professional mentor for decades; I wish him the best of luck, and much deserved peace and happiness, in his future endeavors.
I need a getaway, and soon. Not that I've been doing anything particularly strenuous or demanding, but a change of scenery would be nice. Isn't that what summer is for? Ik zal u in Augustus zien!
Tuesday, June 22, 2004
Up, Down
Lots of traffic today, thanks to Coudal Partners, and the inimitable GeekSlut.
Beautiful photos at Blurbism.
Lollapalooza is off.
Beautiful photos at Blurbism.
Lollapalooza is off.
Weekend In Preview / Review
This weekend, two of the largest LGBT Pride events in America occur simultaneously on both coasts. Pride Week 2004 is happening now, it's one of my favorite memories of my many years in NYC. I lived at the south end of PrideFest; walk out the door, and there I was! I've never been to SF Pride, but I can only imagine how festive the Left Coast version must be.
This Sunday (27) is National HIV Testing Day. If there's a chance, do the right thing, and get yourself tested. This is my neighborhood clinic.
Next Monday (28) is the 35th Anniversary of Stonewall, arguably the birthplace of the contemporary gay rights movement. Here's an interesting article about a screenplay-in-progress, written by one of the policemen present that night in 1969. More history and stories can be found here.
I received a letter today from a friend who's been convalescing from a battle with MRSA. He wanted me to make mention of this, as an addendum to one of my previous posts about summer (check that, year-round, life-long) health concerns. I know this sounds like your dad talking, but please be aware and careful as the dog days bear down on us. Get well soon, J.
Quick weekend in review (frequency from Thursday - Sunday):
Shirts off (1) - Fine dining (2) - Shopping (6) - Coffee (5) - Blanket party in the park (1) - Quality time with friends (all the time).
A good luck send-off to Chrisafer and Jimbo, as they trundle to the Big Apple for The WYSIWYG Talent Show. I'll leave you with this parting shot, courtesy Clickboo. WYSIWYG, indeed!
This Sunday (27) is National HIV Testing Day. If there's a chance, do the right thing, and get yourself tested. This is my neighborhood clinic.
Next Monday (28) is the 35th Anniversary of Stonewall, arguably the birthplace of the contemporary gay rights movement. Here's an interesting article about a screenplay-in-progress, written by one of the policemen present that night in 1969. More history and stories can be found here.
I received a letter today from a friend who's been convalescing from a battle with MRSA. He wanted me to make mention of this, as an addendum to one of my previous posts about summer (check that, year-round, life-long) health concerns. I know this sounds like your dad talking, but please be aware and careful as the dog days bear down on us. Get well soon, J.
Quick weekend in review (frequency from Thursday - Sunday):
Shirts off (1) - Fine dining (2) - Shopping (6) - Coffee (5) - Blanket party in the park (1) - Quality time with friends (all the time).
A good luck send-off to Chrisafer and Jimbo, as they trundle to the Big Apple for The WYSIWYG Talent Show. I'll leave you with this parting shot, courtesy Clickboo. WYSIWYG, indeed!
Friday, June 18, 2004
Keep The Change
(AUDIO ALERT) Too much. This is way too much. OK - back to the weekend. (Courtesy Jeff.)
Talk Is Cheap (When Alcohol Is Free)
Looking for a musical road trip? No, not another iTunes-generated compilation, I mean a musical event at the end of the drive. Check out Merge Records' 15 Year Anniversary Weekend, July 29 through August 1.
If travel isn't in your budget, maybe you'd like to sport some fancy new duds from Brown Sound Clothing. Start with T-shirts, and move through the entire online catalog.
The newest Crazyworld anti-tobacco ad started up this week, the disappearing mom is damn effective. You'll find the ad if you enter the Midway Of Mayhem, then look for "Disappeared".
The cutest exchange I had last night:
G: "Can I buy you a drink?"
B: Yeah, thanks, I'll take a water.
"You don't drink?"
No, not for a long time.
"Wow, and you're still interesting."
Well, at least interested.
(They chuckle, then toast.)
The sharpest exchange:
E: "Now I'm gossiping."
B: I know.
"I need to be careful with that, don't I?"
Well, it's easy to talk, and easier to listen.
(A knowing nod, then quiet.)
Have a great weekend!
(PS: I was peeking at source code, and I reset my template by accident. Back to normal!)
If travel isn't in your budget, maybe you'd like to sport some fancy new duds from Brown Sound Clothing. Start with T-shirts, and move through the entire online catalog.
The newest Crazyworld anti-tobacco ad started up this week, the disappearing mom is damn effective. You'll find the ad if you enter the Midway Of Mayhem, then look for "Disappeared".
The cutest exchange I had last night:
G: "Can I buy you a drink?"
B: Yeah, thanks, I'll take a water.
"You don't drink?"
No, not for a long time.
"Wow, and you're still interesting."
Well, at least interested.
(They chuckle, then toast.)
The sharpest exchange:
E: "Now I'm gossiping."
B: I know.
"I need to be careful with that, don't I?"
Well, it's easy to talk, and easier to listen.
(A knowing nod, then quiet.)
Have a great weekend!
(PS: I was peeking at source code, and I reset my template by accident. Back to normal!)
Thursday, June 17, 2004
Air Conditioning Day
Johnny Ramone's story is yet another sad addition to a trend I noticed many years ago; the early onset of various cancers and ailments in otherwise healthy touring musicians. Sometimes, I wonder if the variables involved in the touring life (odd hours, spotty food, constant displacement, loud volume, general high stress level) bring some of us to an early state of ailment. There are other professionals who travel constantly to make a living; athletes, salesmen, etc.; it's not as glamorous as it might appear. Living out of a suitcase is not easy.
And here I thought I was the only one who wore a flag in my back pocket. Apparently there's lots of things I didn't know about Christianity. On a serious note, is this a sin?
Everyone seems to be talking about this movie. I'm sure it will be a hot topic all summer. View the trailer. If that's not your cup of tea, try this upbeat audio stream from Seattle. I was in Seattle last summer, performing at Bent Festival, and happened upon this station while driving into town from the airport. I'm happy to hear they've been getting lots of attention.
(CAUTION) Bruce LaBruce has a new film, it's making the rounds at all the film festivals. I've been a fan of his work for some time, ever since seeing No Skin Off My Ass. It's a gay remake of Robert Altman's That Cold Day In The Park, where LaBruce plays the Karen Carpenter-loving hairstylist who is helplessly attracted to the lonely and stoic skinhead he finds and invites to his home. This very sexually explicit comedy is really for anyone - male or female, straight or not - who is a bit curious and wants to see a movie that offers something a little different.
And here I thought I was the only one who wore a flag in my back pocket. Apparently there's lots of things I didn't know about Christianity. On a serious note, is this a sin?
Everyone seems to be talking about this movie. I'm sure it will be a hot topic all summer. View the trailer. If that's not your cup of tea, try this upbeat audio stream from Seattle. I was in Seattle last summer, performing at Bent Festival, and happened upon this station while driving into town from the airport. I'm happy to hear they've been getting lots of attention.
(CAUTION) Bruce LaBruce has a new film, it's making the rounds at all the film festivals. I've been a fan of his work for some time, ever since seeing No Skin Off My Ass. It's a gay remake of Robert Altman's That Cold Day In The Park, where LaBruce plays the Karen Carpenter-loving hairstylist who is helplessly attracted to the lonely and stoic skinhead he finds and invites to his home. This very sexually explicit comedy is really for anyone - male or female, straight or not - who is a bit curious and wants to see a movie that offers something a little different.
Tuesday, June 15, 2004
More Letters
Here's an interesting mention at The New Republic Online. (Courtesy Chris)
More letters from readers.
To answer your question, yes. This is exactly what is going on with GWB and stem cell research. The principal problem with this guy is that he is owned and not the least bit curious. Look who he has running the DOJ (a Pentacostal end of times guy, who covered up the breasts on the statues of lady Justice outside his office because they were "inappropriate"). And as you know Bush is talking about an amendment to THE CONSTITUTION to resolve his issues with his self described "morality".
At any rate, the thing that worries me is the changes to science policy that are being made under this administration. If you look at what is happening with research funding, the only agencies that are seeing any increases in funding are Department of Defense, NASA and Homeland Security. All other basic science institutions are seeing reductions in the amount of money allocated to them. What I worry about is the overall quality of science coming out of this country and my potential future in vision rescue research (which I have to resolve using the current limits on stem cell research implemented by the Bush administration).
With respect to your question on emerging technologies, yes. The USA has some of the best scientists in the world and arguably some of the most qualified individuals and best equipped institutions with which to do the research, but progress on this area is being hindered because many of our scientists can not explore issues pertinent to progress in any number of fields.
B******, Ph.D.
University of Utah School of Medicine
Salt Lake City, Utah
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Right will accept stem cell research as beneficial the minute the Left accepts GM food, outsourcing, and globalization in general as beneficial. If you want to pin the "enemy of progress" label on one source, try government regulation.
Bob: you (the Right) give us one, we (the Left) give you three. Hmmm, sounds familiar.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thank you for saying what you have about Reagan. The man was an ogre whose passing doesn't atone for what he did. I lived in New Orleans in 1988 when the Republican National Convention was there. The highlight of an otherwise dismal week was ACT UP sneaking into Reagan's pre-convention speech and disrupting it. Reagan ended up leaving very early and never finishing his very tired tirade.
Reagan's slashing of social service budgets, especially those for health and welfare, ruined the quality of life for many in the U.S., as you already know. Every time I'm in D.C. during winter and see homeless people it reminds me of his miserable presidency. It sickens me that now we'll likely have his image on our currency. Sarah Vowell's short story on what a twenty dollar bill means to her, in her book Take the Cannoli, will connect with me in a whole new way if Reagan graces any of our currency.
Again, thank you for saying what you have about Reagan and standing up to those other ogres who idolize him. I still cannot fathom the concept of a Republican punk. To me, that's an oxymoron. Yet the current issue of Alternative Press has "conservative punks" on the cover.
Keep speaking your mind!
Cheers,
P***
More letters from readers.
To answer your question, yes. This is exactly what is going on with GWB and stem cell research. The principal problem with this guy is that he is owned and not the least bit curious. Look who he has running the DOJ (a Pentacostal end of times guy, who covered up the breasts on the statues of lady Justice outside his office because they were "inappropriate"). And as you know Bush is talking about an amendment to THE CONSTITUTION to resolve his issues with his self described "morality".
At any rate, the thing that worries me is the changes to science policy that are being made under this administration. If you look at what is happening with research funding, the only agencies that are seeing any increases in funding are Department of Defense, NASA and Homeland Security. All other basic science institutions are seeing reductions in the amount of money allocated to them. What I worry about is the overall quality of science coming out of this country and my potential future in vision rescue research (which I have to resolve using the current limits on stem cell research implemented by the Bush administration).
With respect to your question on emerging technologies, yes. The USA has some of the best scientists in the world and arguably some of the most qualified individuals and best equipped institutions with which to do the research, but progress on this area is being hindered because many of our scientists can not explore issues pertinent to progress in any number of fields.
B******, Ph.D.
University of Utah School of Medicine
Salt Lake City, Utah
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Right will accept stem cell research as beneficial the minute the Left accepts GM food, outsourcing, and globalization in general as beneficial. If you want to pin the "enemy of progress" label on one source, try government regulation.
Bob: you (the Right) give us one, we (the Left) give you three. Hmmm, sounds familiar.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thank you for saying what you have about Reagan. The man was an ogre whose passing doesn't atone for what he did. I lived in New Orleans in 1988 when the Republican National Convention was there. The highlight of an otherwise dismal week was ACT UP sneaking into Reagan's pre-convention speech and disrupting it. Reagan ended up leaving very early and never finishing his very tired tirade.
Reagan's slashing of social service budgets, especially those for health and welfare, ruined the quality of life for many in the U.S., as you already know. Every time I'm in D.C. during winter and see homeless people it reminds me of his miserable presidency. It sickens me that now we'll likely have his image on our currency. Sarah Vowell's short story on what a twenty dollar bill means to her, in her book Take the Cannoli, will connect with me in a whole new way if Reagan graces any of our currency.
Again, thank you for saying what you have about Reagan and standing up to those other ogres who idolize him. I still cannot fathom the concept of a Republican punk. To me, that's an oxymoron. Yet the current issue of Alternative Press has "conservative punks" on the cover.
Keep speaking your mind!
Cheers,
P***
Monday, June 14, 2004
Weekend In Review
How many times, in our lifetimes, have we had two national days of mourning fall on the same day? Such was last Friday.
Capital Pride was fun this past weekend. DC was alive with special events, and the weather was quite pleasant.
Thursday night, as usual, Green Lantern. One word: tourists! Packed, packed, packed.
Friday night, as usual, Windows happy hour. Ran into many acquaintances, ended up at both Health Bar (dinner) and Annie's (dessert), I am eating too much already!
Saturday afternoon in the Circle, a curious crowd watched a lesbian / bisexual / transgender march. Lots of nasty thoughts, written in sidewalk chalk, directed at our leaders.
The parade on Saturday evening was well-attended; our mayor, flanked by wireless headset-wearing security, made an appearance, as did many other local and neighborhood celebrities. Lots of fun floats, including two flatbed trucks full of shimmying gym bunnies - so that's where my membership money goes! Just kidding...I'll try to wrangle some high quality pictures out of my buds this week. It was good fun.
Blowoff on Saturday night was a great time, another big crowd, tons of familiar faces. 3 weeks ago, we had a line around the block; now, people are arriving early. Great sets all night - I particularly enjoyed my 15 minute Tomcraft kick, dropping that deal on the crowd at 1:30 AM, it got a great response!
I think the most enjoyable part of Blowoff is the camaraderie; when a new person shows up with a smile, they are quickly welcomed into the fold. Everyone is very friendly, and mainly concerned with having a good time with like-minded people. In a town like DC, where some people are very concerned with status, success, and the "what can you do for me" attitude that drives me batty, I'm happy to be part of a healthy scene that rejects those notions. We have a good thing going, and I can't wait until September, when we return to our normal schedule. There will be at least one more Blowoff this summer - I think we're looking at Saturday, July 24.
Sunday gave us overcast skies for the Pride street festival. Beyond the entertainment, awareness booths, food vendors, and the alcohol tent, it was a great way to run into people I hadn't seen in weeks or months. My usual running buddies were in attendance, and I spotted a lot of familiar faces from various gathering spots around town. All were in fine spirits, no drama, a little sleepy from the big Italian sausage I devoured, or was it the baconburger from Five Guys on the walk home? A quick coffee stop took care of that tired feeling. Most people went on to the Madonna concert; I opted for a scooter ride, and some video gaming. A quiet end to a long week and weekend. Reset.
I don't understand.
Capital Pride was fun this past weekend. DC was alive with special events, and the weather was quite pleasant.
Thursday night, as usual, Green Lantern. One word: tourists! Packed, packed, packed.
Friday night, as usual, Windows happy hour. Ran into many acquaintances, ended up at both Health Bar (dinner) and Annie's (dessert), I am eating too much already!
Saturday afternoon in the Circle, a curious crowd watched a lesbian / bisexual / transgender march. Lots of nasty thoughts, written in sidewalk chalk, directed at our leaders.
The parade on Saturday evening was well-attended; our mayor, flanked by wireless headset-wearing security, made an appearance, as did many other local and neighborhood celebrities. Lots of fun floats, including two flatbed trucks full of shimmying gym bunnies - so that's where my membership money goes! Just kidding...I'll try to wrangle some high quality pictures out of my buds this week. It was good fun.
Blowoff on Saturday night was a great time, another big crowd, tons of familiar faces. 3 weeks ago, we had a line around the block; now, people are arriving early. Great sets all night - I particularly enjoyed my 15 minute Tomcraft kick, dropping that deal on the crowd at 1:30 AM, it got a great response!
I think the most enjoyable part of Blowoff is the camaraderie; when a new person shows up with a smile, they are quickly welcomed into the fold. Everyone is very friendly, and mainly concerned with having a good time with like-minded people. In a town like DC, where some people are very concerned with status, success, and the "what can you do for me" attitude that drives me batty, I'm happy to be part of a healthy scene that rejects those notions. We have a good thing going, and I can't wait until September, when we return to our normal schedule. There will be at least one more Blowoff this summer - I think we're looking at Saturday, July 24.
Sunday gave us overcast skies for the Pride street festival. Beyond the entertainment, awareness booths, food vendors, and the alcohol tent, it was a great way to run into people I hadn't seen in weeks or months. My usual running buddies were in attendance, and I spotted a lot of familiar faces from various gathering spots around town. All were in fine spirits, no drama, a little sleepy from the big Italian sausage I devoured, or was it the baconburger from Five Guys on the walk home? A quick coffee stop took care of that tired feeling. Most people went on to the Madonna concert; I opted for a scooter ride, and some video gaming. A quiet end to a long week and weekend. Reset.
I don't understand.
Friday, June 11, 2004
Disconnected
Regarding today's earlier post: a few people thought I made those music samples myself! They are actually ringtones, you can buy them here. I didn't buy any, so I can't vouch for authenticity or reliability. I play the actual songs at Blowoff...errr....
Although, a DJ night made up entirely of ringtones might be interesting...not an art project!
Although, a DJ night made up entirely of ringtones might be interesting...not an art project!
Practical Joke
As a preview for tomorrow's special Capital Pride edition of BLOWOFF, I thought I'd post links for 10 of my favorite tracks from the past 18 months.
Psycho Radio - Sound Is Shocking
Tomcraft - Brainwashed
Jason Nevins feat. Holly James - I'm In Heaven
George Michael - Amazing
Tom Neville - Just Fuck
Deepest Blue - Deepest Blue
Prassay - Crusin
Room 5 - Music And You
The Ones - Flawless
Benny Benassi - Satisfaction
Have a great weekend!
Psycho Radio - Sound Is Shocking
Tomcraft - Brainwashed
Jason Nevins feat. Holly James - I'm In Heaven
George Michael - Amazing
Tom Neville - Just Fuck
Deepest Blue - Deepest Blue
Prassay - Crusin
Room 5 - Music And You
The Ones - Flawless
Benny Benassi - Satisfaction
Have a great weekend!
Thursday, June 10, 2004
100,000 And Counting
Is stem cell research to George W. Bush as AIDS was to Ronald Reagan? What I mean is, I presume one of the reasons Reagan never addressed the initial AIDS crisis was to avoid pissing off any of his Moral Majority constituency in a re-election cycle. Am I way off, or is this a valid simile? Watch as the rest of the modern world begins / continues stem cell research, and we are left behind in a religious wake. Not to bring this up too, but do you think this "stem cell research" thing might be one of those "emerging technologies" that might actually create some high-paying jobs in America? Let's not give the youth of America any aspirations. The irony of the Nancy Reagan quote ("I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this...We have lost so much time already and I just really can't bear to lose anymore") is not lost on me.
Here's a very nice write-up of this here blog, courtesy VenusZine.com. I totally forgot about the "strange woman in line for the bathroom" story, but now I'm reminded of a worse story, involving that very same Starbucks. The short version: imagine wall-to-wall fingerpainting, but with....yep, welcome to Starbucks on the Circle. I almost heaved.
Any moment now, this blog will receive its' 100,000th visit, according to Sitemeter. Not bad for 5 months. Thanks to all for making this a success, and a ton of fun.
Here's a very nice write-up of this here blog, courtesy VenusZine.com. I totally forgot about the "strange woman in line for the bathroom" story, but now I'm reminded of a worse story, involving that very same Starbucks. The short version: imagine wall-to-wall fingerpainting, but with....yep, welcome to Starbucks on the Circle. I almost heaved.
Any moment now, this blog will receive its' 100,000th visit, according to Sitemeter. Not bad for 5 months. Thanks to all for making this a success, and a ton of fun.
Wednesday, June 09, 2004
I, With The Memory
A fun time last night, hanging in the 'hood with Rich and Nick, who is well on his way to a total recovery from appendicitis. Waremouse stopped by, as did other Blowoff and neighborhood buds; it was a lovely June evening, with some spirited conversation about the history of AIDS, both in America, and in our own lives and community. We also commiserated on those who made the greatest initial positive impact. I looked at Rich at one point and quipped, "You know, I think we're the old guys now". So: does that mean I can unabashedly blurt "Handsome Man!", forget names and dates, grump about the way things used to be, and drink decaf after 6 PM? I sure hope so, 'cause I'm already there.
Did anyone else see Wilson Phillips on Jay Leno last night? How shall I put this: not good. So bad, actually, that it made me remember that I, at one time, liked them. From my own experience, I can appreciate that it's tough to sing on TV, but this was brutal. They've been away for 12 years. Here's to the next 12.
Speaking of TV, I have found great solace in BBC America. Fair news, humane entertainment, nothing so insulting to the intelligence, very little belligerence.
Wish there was more of import to report, but I'm sort of worn out after yesterday's anger and sadness. I need to chill and recharge today. Thanks to all who wrote me yesterday, both pro and con. Life goes on, for the living.
(BTW, there's a new XML feed available, below the links on the right side of the page. Someone let me know if it's not working correctly - I just set it up a few minutes ago.)
Did anyone else see Wilson Phillips on Jay Leno last night? How shall I put this: not good. So bad, actually, that it made me remember that I, at one time, liked them. From my own experience, I can appreciate that it's tough to sing on TV, but this was brutal. They've been away for 12 years. Here's to the next 12.
Speaking of TV, I have found great solace in BBC America. Fair news, humane entertainment, nothing so insulting to the intelligence, very little belligerence.
Wish there was more of import to report, but I'm sort of worn out after yesterday's anger and sadness. I need to chill and recharge today. Thanks to all who wrote me yesterday, both pro and con. Life goes on, for the living.
(BTW, there's a new XML feed available, below the links on the right side of the page. Someone let me know if it's not working correctly - I just set it up a few minutes ago.)
Tuesday, June 08, 2004
Deflections, Liability
Let's go back to November 2003. If you'd like to read the thoughts of C. Everett Koop, please scroll down to Articles & Resources, and download the pdf; his recollections begin halfway down page 22. Fascinating stuff. If you would rather believe the revisionist version of these events, try this link. You can also buy pro-Reagan shirts through this site.
Another letter.
Bob,
I am a fan of your music, and have been a fan of punk in general for 20+ years. I am also a conservative and supported Reagan. With that out of the way...
I cannot figure out for the life of me how anyone can blame AIDS deaths on Reagan, or anyone else for that matter, other than THEMSELVES! People chose to take part in certain disease transmitting activities - end of story! If he said "AIDS is bad" in 1984, would it have made any difference? I doubt it. AIDS is the simplest disease to avoid if one wants to.
I am not saying that anyone deserves to get AIDS, or that it is punishment from God, etc. However, people need to be able to accept the consequences of their actions. It's no different than smokers blaming the tobacco companies for getting lung cancer.
If he had allowed the health community, mainly funded by the government, to properly address and educate the nation (think inner city neighborhoods, ravaged by crack use and HIV, neglected by his administration), I am 100% certain many people (who did not know better) would have adjusted their behavior, and sooner rather than too late. Tobacco products carry a warning, and we are taught in school that this behavior will lead to disease. Please try to understand the difference. Yes, people need to accept the consequence of particular behavior. That is not the discussion at hand. The discussion is about the leader of the free world refusing to utter the acronym "AIDS" until tens of thousands of people were infected with HIV, or deceased from AIDS-related diseases. Please re-read the Cumberland Island analogy. We are animals. It's not right, but not simple, but, but, but....try to understand.
To any future pro-Reagan letter-writers: I will neither accept nor humor any further attempts on your behalf to defend the man's well-documented inaction. I was there, and it is my choice, nay, obligation, to inform the younger readers of this blog. In my eyes, my personal experience is non-negotiable, and will not be swayed, not in the slightest of increment, by right-wing revisionist misinformation. The man had the blood of the epidemic on his hands, but, instead of holding them up to a scared and confused nation, chose to sit on them.
Another letter.
Bob,
I am a fan of your music, and have been a fan of punk in general for 20+ years. I am also a conservative and supported Reagan. With that out of the way...
I cannot figure out for the life of me how anyone can blame AIDS deaths on Reagan, or anyone else for that matter, other than THEMSELVES! People chose to take part in certain disease transmitting activities - end of story! If he said "AIDS is bad" in 1984, would it have made any difference? I doubt it. AIDS is the simplest disease to avoid if one wants to.
I am not saying that anyone deserves to get AIDS, or that it is punishment from God, etc. However, people need to be able to accept the consequences of their actions. It's no different than smokers blaming the tobacco companies for getting lung cancer.
If he had allowed the health community, mainly funded by the government, to properly address and educate the nation (think inner city neighborhoods, ravaged by crack use and HIV, neglected by his administration), I am 100% certain many people (who did not know better) would have adjusted their behavior, and sooner rather than too late. Tobacco products carry a warning, and we are taught in school that this behavior will lead to disease. Please try to understand the difference. Yes, people need to accept the consequence of particular behavior. That is not the discussion at hand. The discussion is about the leader of the free world refusing to utter the acronym "AIDS" until tens of thousands of people were infected with HIV, or deceased from AIDS-related diseases. Please re-read the Cumberland Island analogy. We are animals. It's not right, but not simple, but, but, but....try to understand.
To any future pro-Reagan letter-writers: I will neither accept nor humor any further attempts on your behalf to defend the man's well-documented inaction. I was there, and it is my choice, nay, obligation, to inform the younger readers of this blog. In my eyes, my personal experience is non-negotiable, and will not be swayed, not in the slightest of increment, by right-wing revisionist misinformation. The man had the blood of the epidemic on his hands, but, instead of holding them up to a scared and confused nation, chose to sit on them.
One More Thing....
Sometimes, for a moment, the weight of life's unfairness gets lifted off your shoulders. Other times, it gets dropped right back on you. I have been way too kind. Joe is correct: Reagan's death was so not fucking right.
Remember? All the time, all the fucking time.
Remember? All the time, all the fucking time.
Community Forum
More letters, received today.
Dear Bob,
This morning I happened to see the note from Afan, short as it was, posted on your blog page. While I don't think I’ll be able to keep my own letter quite so brief, I would like to take a second to say a thing or two on the matter.
Did Reagan's willed aversion even to the topic of AIDS hasten the condition's spread, and do more to ostracize, even to vilify, those suffering from it? I reckon so. Did a certain lack of awareness, be it indicative of a state of denial or otherwise, or a failure of responsibility in some sectors of the gay community do the same? Perhaps yes, though, I imagine, on a differing scale. I can't help but think that the first feeds into, or is arguably a cause of, the second. (As a young enough man, twenty-six years of age, I won't pretend to know what it was like at the dawn of the epidemic, nor would I ever fault you for your cheek-chewing flinch when you think back on it.)
There's an island off the coast of south Georgia -- Cumberland Island -- where a group of indigenous wild horses, without any natural competition, have mated and mated and mated, thus depleting resources and making themselves mighty sick in the process with skin diseases, auto-immunity liabilities and other nasties. However, I jump to remind myself that they turned out like this because, for fear of sounding crass, that's what we animals do: in loving one another, which is what we ought to do, we mate recklessly.
Given that the horses have every non-legal (and maybe legal, though I don't know that much about it) right to be on the island, a certain degree of stewardship is called for by the State of Georgia if it wants to keep this side of negligent savagery in ecologists' opinion. (The island, I should add, is classified by the government as a National Seashore.) The thing to do is to help – to help minister to the environment through state-run programs so that it's safe for the horses to occupy it, ideally anyway so that they don't pose a threat to their own lives, beset by an illness they never asked for, never sought out, and are helpless without assistance to stop.
(Please understand that I don't want to compare the gay community to those sick horses; the clumsy analogy merely helped me to think about it myself. The intricacies of our public-health questions, of course, far out-boondoggle the slightly more graspable ecological questions pertaining to Cumberland.)
It occurs to me that Reagan's take on AIDS and gays was a lot like some earlier presidents' takes on the Native American: the less I know about him, even the less I see him, the better. It was a political reaction informed by a presiding morality – a racist one in the older case, a Christian one in the other – a morality drawn, as it were, to social distinctions based on the worst stripe of there-but-for-the-grace-of-God-go-I superiority. These gay people, Reagan may as well have said, are doing a patently wrong thing merely by existing, so why should I assist them when they suffer for it? It's an inarguable discredit to Reagan that he only opened his eyes, if that, when he came home one day to find his own particular Red Indian sitting on his daughter's lap. One can only hope that Reagan's was a historical stance, albeit one abiding today in certain capitol quarters, for which few will be forgiven by an unforeseeable posterity.
Good luck with everything, and thanks for your time.
Yours,
J** W**
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I can't believe a Conservative is telling you to clarify your argument. These are the people who have tons of viewpoints, the justications for which basically boil down to: "Just 'cause."
P**
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thanks for reminding people about the deadly ignorance and apathy of the Reaganites towards AIDS. There's no excuse for it. For a gov't to ignore a public health crisis of such great size, I just can't find words to express my anger. Whenever I think about it, I think of my cousin who died in the early 90s from AIDS-related complications. There's part of me that wonders if the right research and education had begun when it should have, if he would still be here today. I don't know that that's a fair thought to have, but it's honest.
And the deification of him is disgusting. I can't even turn on the television for the next two weeks.
Take care,
C**
Dear Bob,
This morning I happened to see the note from Afan, short as it was, posted on your blog page. While I don't think I’ll be able to keep my own letter quite so brief, I would like to take a second to say a thing or two on the matter.
Did Reagan's willed aversion even to the topic of AIDS hasten the condition's spread, and do more to ostracize, even to vilify, those suffering from it? I reckon so. Did a certain lack of awareness, be it indicative of a state of denial or otherwise, or a failure of responsibility in some sectors of the gay community do the same? Perhaps yes, though, I imagine, on a differing scale. I can't help but think that the first feeds into, or is arguably a cause of, the second. (As a young enough man, twenty-six years of age, I won't pretend to know what it was like at the dawn of the epidemic, nor would I ever fault you for your cheek-chewing flinch when you think back on it.)
There's an island off the coast of south Georgia -- Cumberland Island -- where a group of indigenous wild horses, without any natural competition, have mated and mated and mated, thus depleting resources and making themselves mighty sick in the process with skin diseases, auto-immunity liabilities and other nasties. However, I jump to remind myself that they turned out like this because, for fear of sounding crass, that's what we animals do: in loving one another, which is what we ought to do, we mate recklessly.
Given that the horses have every non-legal (and maybe legal, though I don't know that much about it) right to be on the island, a certain degree of stewardship is called for by the State of Georgia if it wants to keep this side of negligent savagery in ecologists' opinion. (The island, I should add, is classified by the government as a National Seashore.) The thing to do is to help – to help minister to the environment through state-run programs so that it's safe for the horses to occupy it, ideally anyway so that they don't pose a threat to their own lives, beset by an illness they never asked for, never sought out, and are helpless without assistance to stop.
(Please understand that I don't want to compare the gay community to those sick horses; the clumsy analogy merely helped me to think about it myself. The intricacies of our public-health questions, of course, far out-boondoggle the slightly more graspable ecological questions pertaining to Cumberland.)
It occurs to me that Reagan's take on AIDS and gays was a lot like some earlier presidents' takes on the Native American: the less I know about him, even the less I see him, the better. It was a political reaction informed by a presiding morality – a racist one in the older case, a Christian one in the other – a morality drawn, as it were, to social distinctions based on the worst stripe of there-but-for-the-grace-of-God-go-I superiority. These gay people, Reagan may as well have said, are doing a patently wrong thing merely by existing, so why should I assist them when they suffer for it? It's an inarguable discredit to Reagan that he only opened his eyes, if that, when he came home one day to find his own particular Red Indian sitting on his daughter's lap. One can only hope that Reagan's was a historical stance, albeit one abiding today in certain capitol quarters, for which few will be forgiven by an unforeseeable posterity.
Good luck with everything, and thanks for your time.
Yours,
J** W**
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
I can't believe a Conservative is telling you to clarify your argument. These are the people who have tons of viewpoints, the justications for which basically boil down to: "Just 'cause."
P**
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Thanks for reminding people about the deadly ignorance and apathy of the Reaganites towards AIDS. There's no excuse for it. For a gov't to ignore a public health crisis of such great size, I just can't find words to express my anger. Whenever I think about it, I think of my cousin who died in the early 90s from AIDS-related complications. There's part of me that wonders if the right research and education had begun when it should have, if he would still be here today. I don't know that that's a fair thought to have, but it's honest.
And the deification of him is disgusting. I can't even turn on the television for the next two weeks.
Take care,
C**
More Letters
I received these letters yesterday.
Mr. Mould,
Couldn't agree more with your comments today about the media's treatment of President Reagan's death. When I first heard the news, I was driving back to Nashville from Florida. Though I thoroughly disagreed with Reagan's politics, my initial reaction was a bit of sadness for the passing of a former president who, by many indications, seemed to be a decent man when not in the role of president.
But when the station I was listening to switched to continuing coverage of the "breaking news" -- which annoyed me greatly, since there isn't much breaking news left after a 93-year-old man dies peacefully and naturally after a decade-long battle with a serious disease -- and the focus of the broadcast turned to Reagan's legacy, I became angry. In this country, death seems to make every person a great person, as if the act of dying is enough to render any criticism treasonous and illegitimate.
I acknowledge that some of Reagan's accomplishments in the White House were positive ones. But to ignore anything negative does a great disservice to Americans too young to remember his administration. And, in a way, a disservice to the man himself.
It's funny how conservative talk-radio types clamor on about how the media shades its coverage of the situation in Iraq and the current president. But the media's coverage of Reagan's death is every bit as shaded, but there's no noise from the conservatives because this shading fits their agenda. When Clinton dies, the media will treat his death similarly -- though probably not nearly as expansively -- but the sunny remembrances of Clinton won't sit well with the radio folks.
Whatever. Saddest aspect of the whole situation is that Reagan's death with probably help get President Bush re-elected. Bush's campaign will almost certainly get around to pointing out the similarities in the two men, and figure out a way to convince some voters that the best way to honor Reagan's memory would be to vote for the man who will carry on his conservative agenda.
Best,
D** P**
Nashville
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hi Bob,
Long-time fan, first time email.
THANK YOU for commentary on Reagan's death. I thought I was the only one
going crazy by the media's glossing over Ronnie's life with rose-colored
glasses. Did I live in different 80's than everyone else? That man had such
tremendous impact on our country and the world in general. Much of it, in my
opinion, negative.
Anyhoo, just had to vent and share some links in case you haven't seen yet.
Counterpunch.org has some interesting commentary
66 (Unflattering) Things About Ronald Reagan
Reagan Redux
A fair and critical obit
(funny how one has to go OUTSIDE of the US to get a real obit)
I'm sure DC is going to overrun with memorial crap this week. Stay sane!
Best wishes,
-p**
Mr. Mould,
Couldn't agree more with your comments today about the media's treatment of President Reagan's death. When I first heard the news, I was driving back to Nashville from Florida. Though I thoroughly disagreed with Reagan's politics, my initial reaction was a bit of sadness for the passing of a former president who, by many indications, seemed to be a decent man when not in the role of president.
But when the station I was listening to switched to continuing coverage of the "breaking news" -- which annoyed me greatly, since there isn't much breaking news left after a 93-year-old man dies peacefully and naturally after a decade-long battle with a serious disease -- and the focus of the broadcast turned to Reagan's legacy, I became angry. In this country, death seems to make every person a great person, as if the act of dying is enough to render any criticism treasonous and illegitimate.
I acknowledge that some of Reagan's accomplishments in the White House were positive ones. But to ignore anything negative does a great disservice to Americans too young to remember his administration. And, in a way, a disservice to the man himself.
It's funny how conservative talk-radio types clamor on about how the media shades its coverage of the situation in Iraq and the current president. But the media's coverage of Reagan's death is every bit as shaded, but there's no noise from the conservatives because this shading fits their agenda. When Clinton dies, the media will treat his death similarly -- though probably not nearly as expansively -- but the sunny remembrances of Clinton won't sit well with the radio folks.
Whatever. Saddest aspect of the whole situation is that Reagan's death with probably help get President Bush re-elected. Bush's campaign will almost certainly get around to pointing out the similarities in the two men, and figure out a way to convince some voters that the best way to honor Reagan's memory would be to vote for the man who will carry on his conservative agenda.
Best,
D** P**
Nashville
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Hi Bob,
Long-time fan, first time email.
THANK YOU for commentary on Reagan's death. I thought I was the only one
going crazy by the media's glossing over Ronnie's life with rose-colored
glasses. Did I live in different 80's than everyone else? That man had such
tremendous impact on our country and the world in general. Much of it, in my
opinion, negative.
Anyhoo, just had to vent and share some links in case you haven't seen yet.
Counterpunch.org has some interesting commentary
66 (Unflattering) Things About Ronald Reagan
Reagan Redux
A fair and critical obit
(funny how one has to go OUTSIDE of the US to get a real obit)
I'm sure DC is going to overrun with memorial crap this week. Stay sane!
Best wishes,
-p**
A Fan? Of What?
A letter received this morning.
Bob - would love for you to search for a bit more clarity on your political views.
Example: your comment about Reagan/AIDS. Almost seemed like name-calling. Frame the argument as if a debate. For instance, it could be said that behavior in bathhouses with huge numbers of multiple partners (most crucially, a few men have been shown to be 'nodes' in the diseases network) are also responsible for the AIDS epidemic. This behavior, is occuring even now what with all we know. It looks like you are looking for a scapegoat Bob. How do you respond against such a stance?
To me you sound like D good R bad much too often.
Libs need to inject more clarity in your arguments.
Regards,
A Fan
My first thought: how old are you? I'm 43, I was 20 when that administration took charge. My comments were personal in nature, but if we're talking about the leader of the free world being scared to use, or ignorant of, the word AIDS, well, that's a fact, not political fuzziness. I would point everyone to this summation. Read it. You'll be shocked, in case you weren't old enough to remember the horror.
I went back and read my post, and found no name calling. In fact, I think I was rather magnanimous in my sympathy for the family. D good, R bad? Clearly. My forum, my life, my opinion. Start your own blog, but I will not link to it. The last sentence of your letter is grammatically incorrect.
I'm sorry, A Fan, but you clearly have no idea what kind of collective social wound you're picking at; anyone care to add to my quick, early morning, 40-something (and lucky to be alive) homosexual Democrat response?
Bob - would love for you to search for a bit more clarity on your political views.
Example: your comment about Reagan/AIDS. Almost seemed like name-calling. Frame the argument as if a debate. For instance, it could be said that behavior in bathhouses with huge numbers of multiple partners (most crucially, a few men have been shown to be 'nodes' in the diseases network) are also responsible for the AIDS epidemic. This behavior, is occuring even now what with all we know. It looks like you are looking for a scapegoat Bob. How do you respond against such a stance?
To me you sound like D good R bad much too often.
Libs need to inject more clarity in your arguments.
Regards,
A Fan
My first thought: how old are you? I'm 43, I was 20 when that administration took charge. My comments were personal in nature, but if we're talking about the leader of the free world being scared to use, or ignorant of, the word AIDS, well, that's a fact, not political fuzziness. I would point everyone to this summation. Read it. You'll be shocked, in case you weren't old enough to remember the horror.
I went back and read my post, and found no name calling. In fact, I think I was rather magnanimous in my sympathy for the family. D good, R bad? Clearly. My forum, my life, my opinion. Start your own blog, but I will not link to it. The last sentence of your letter is grammatically incorrect.
I'm sorry, A Fan, but you clearly have no idea what kind of collective social wound you're picking at; anyone care to add to my quick, early morning, 40-something (and lucky to be alive) homosexual Democrat response?
Monday, June 07, 2004
Transitions
Just received an e-mail from Michael Azzerad, apparently confirming news I had stumbled across earlier this morning.
Robert Quine was found dead in his apartment in NYC yesterday, he
committed suicide. He was sixty years old and had played with Richard Hell
& the Voidoids, Lou Reed, Matthew Sweet, Lloyd Cole, Materia, Eno and
others, he also cut an LP with Jody Harris (Escape), and one with Fred Maher
(Basic). He was depressed over the death of his wife Alice last August. He
also recorded the Velvet Underground on a hand held cassette deck, the
highlights were issued last year as The Quine Tapes a three CD set.
I originally noticed the news at this site. I'd watched Mr. Quine perform a number of times, most memorably with the Voidoids, at the Longhorn Bar in Minneapolis, I believe the year was 1979. A great technician - if the news is true, rest in peace.
Over the next month, I will be moving this blog to my commercial site. I am frustrated with the ever-present Google ad. If anyone knows how to rid one's site of this ad, please let me know via e-mail.
This is looking to be a long week of non-stop deceased ex-president tributes. Next week, maybe there will be this much coverage given to all the friends and acquaintances lost to AIDS, as a result of this man's administrative neglect. Hardly. How could someone who spent so much time in Hollywood have been so blind, uncaring, or misinformed? He helped to make me feel less than human for being a homosexual. I am well past those feelings now. I am sorry for his family, and I have sympathy for them in their time of grief. I do not appreciate the hagiographical approach of the media.
In closing, a few songs that still fit the bill.
Robert Quine was found dead in his apartment in NYC yesterday, he
committed suicide. He was sixty years old and had played with Richard Hell
& the Voidoids, Lou Reed, Matthew Sweet, Lloyd Cole, Materia, Eno and
others, he also cut an LP with Jody Harris (Escape), and one with Fred Maher
(Basic). He was depressed over the death of his wife Alice last August. He
also recorded the Velvet Underground on a hand held cassette deck, the
highlights were issued last year as The Quine Tapes a three CD set.
I originally noticed the news at this site. I'd watched Mr. Quine perform a number of times, most memorably with the Voidoids, at the Longhorn Bar in Minneapolis, I believe the year was 1979. A great technician - if the news is true, rest in peace.
Over the next month, I will be moving this blog to my commercial site. I am frustrated with the ever-present Google ad. If anyone knows how to rid one's site of this ad, please let me know via e-mail.
This is looking to be a long week of non-stop deceased ex-president tributes. Next week, maybe there will be this much coverage given to all the friends and acquaintances lost to AIDS, as a result of this man's administrative neglect. Hardly. How could someone who spent so much time in Hollywood have been so blind, uncaring, or misinformed? He helped to make me feel less than human for being a homosexual. I am well past those feelings now. I am sorry for his family, and I have sympathy for them in their time of grief. I do not appreciate the hagiographical approach of the media.
In closing, a few songs that still fit the bill.
Friday, June 04, 2004
Roam If You Want To...
Well, it was a lie. I was excited about the prospect of a sunny weekend, but today is completely overcast, the sky getting pregnant again. Such is the case with DC, the city built upon a swamp; all day, the sun drags the water from the Earth, and, as everyone is shuttling home from their various government jobs, KABOOM! For 5 to 20 minutes most days, the sky opens, dumps back all the water, and we scurry for various coffee shops, happy hours, awnings, yawnings, umbrellas turning inside out. Such is the routine, the day in day out of life at home, the decline of modern Rome.
(There are differing opinions on the swamp legend, so save the mail.)
Dizzy from vaccine, I think I'll stay off the road, and out of the gym. Instead, I'll hop the Metro, and treat myself to a little art at my favorite museum.
Last night at the bar, a friend mentioned a new queer indie music event taking place on Sunday. This morning, Jimbo links to it. So, if you're in DC this weekend, give Taint a try. The name conjures memories of the now-defunct Feint, which was a local event with a similar taste and feel. And, of course, endless shilling for the extra special Blowoff on Saturday, June 12th.
Have a great weekend!
(There are differing opinions on the swamp legend, so save the mail.)
Dizzy from vaccine, I think I'll stay off the road, and out of the gym. Instead, I'll hop the Metro, and treat myself to a little art at my favorite museum.
Last night at the bar, a friend mentioned a new queer indie music event taking place on Sunday. This morning, Jimbo links to it. So, if you're in DC this weekend, give Taint a try. The name conjures memories of the now-defunct Feint, which was a local event with a similar taste and feel. And, of course, endless shilling for the extra special Blowoff on Saturday, June 12th.
Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, June 02, 2004
Are We Not Men?
Did I throw away those skinny ties I wore in college a little too soon? I think I have one or two of them in a box somewhere, neatly rolled, with bowling trophies and high school yearbooks. Maybe a striped shirt as well, while I'm at it. And some Chuck Taylors - nope, skip that, I'm too old, they're too flat, they make my lower back hurt.
From Metric's bio:
Their measures are decidedly cubist: eternal, multi-layered portraits of instantaneous moments, the luminous blur of street life rendered as a freeze-tableaux, daily rituals portrayed in a fantastical light. This is music born out of sly, considered observation instead of gratuitous introspection - which makes it refreshingly anomalous in an era when so much popular music fudges the line between self-absorption and self-parody.
Ah, I love the old fashioned record company biography. The three or four songs I've heard (in their entirety) are quite good, particularly "Wet Blanket" and "Combat Baby". Snippets can be heard here.
Elkland, I don't know so much about them, other than this article from late February, and that they have a nifty track titled "Apart", available on their website. A six figure, six record deal....good management, that one. I hope one at least one of those six records sees the light of day, as their one song is pretty good.
The new wave, is it back again?
General demeanor: a little surly (def: bearish, boorish, brusque, churlish, crabbed, crabby, cross, crusty, curmudgeonly, discourteous, dour, fractious, glum, grouchy, ill-mannered, ill-natured, irritable, morose, perverse, rude, saturnine, sulky, sullen, testy, ugly, uncivil, ungracious), from looking at the 20 pounds I gained during April's illness. Hitting the gym twice a day, with a vengeance. I am pissed at myself, and am on a physical tear - one might confuse it for "roid rage", but I'm all natural, buddy, so get in line - or get out of the way. Ah, maybe that's a little severe...everything is fine.
(ADULT CONTENT) Nice to see BigPJ is letting his hair grow. Maybe he'll be at Blowoff on June 12.
From Metric's bio:
Their measures are decidedly cubist: eternal, multi-layered portraits of instantaneous moments, the luminous blur of street life rendered as a freeze-tableaux, daily rituals portrayed in a fantastical light. This is music born out of sly, considered observation instead of gratuitous introspection - which makes it refreshingly anomalous in an era when so much popular music fudges the line between self-absorption and self-parody.
Ah, I love the old fashioned record company biography. The three or four songs I've heard (in their entirety) are quite good, particularly "Wet Blanket" and "Combat Baby". Snippets can be heard here.
Elkland, I don't know so much about them, other than this article from late February, and that they have a nifty track titled "Apart", available on their website. A six figure, six record deal....good management, that one. I hope one at least one of those six records sees the light of day, as their one song is pretty good.
The new wave, is it back again?
General demeanor: a little surly (def: bearish, boorish, brusque, churlish, crabbed, crabby, cross, crusty, curmudgeonly, discourteous, dour, fractious, glum, grouchy, ill-mannered, ill-natured, irritable, morose, perverse, rude, saturnine, sulky, sullen, testy, ugly, uncivil, ungracious), from looking at the 20 pounds I gained during April's illness. Hitting the gym twice a day, with a vengeance. I am pissed at myself, and am on a physical tear - one might confuse it for "roid rage", but I'm all natural, buddy, so get in line - or get out of the way. Ah, maybe that's a little severe...everything is fine.
(ADULT CONTENT) Nice to see BigPJ is letting his hair grow. Maybe he'll be at Blowoff on June 12.
Tuesday, June 01, 2004
American Music
Via Fluxblog, and Seattle, Washington: United State of Electronica. Try out the two QuickTime videos, they are pure fun and excitement. Along with the upcoming VHS Or Beta release, I think there is still hope for live American music. These two bands are merging indie guitar rock and French house music with different results, and both totally enjoyable. With U.S.E.'s "Emerald City", we may have our first summer song.
Mystery And Misery is a great site, please read the June 2004 update. Well said.
Mystery And Misery is a great site, please read the June 2004 update. Well said.
