Twilight Imperium

BrotherDave is moving to Arizona in a few days, but we thankfully got in one last game of Twilight Imperium before he leaves. And for all of you who don't know, TI is essentially Risk in space on crack-cocaine.
Sadly, this game didn't treat me too well. BrotherJohn took the early lead in terms of victory points and ability to produce units, but suffered a pretty serious set-back when Nate staged a daring sneak attack against one of John's major sectors. John counterattacked to regain his territory, but then BrotherDave launched a series of surgical strikes against him!
After several turns of build up in my well fortified homesystems, I launched an ill-fated raid against David that met crushing defeat. Thankfully, there were no reprisal attacks, allowing me to attack Nate the next turn, only to again be defeated in what should have been a decisive victory for me. I did, however, steal the ever important Mecatol Rex from John to gain a victory point.
Then last turn consisted of John finishing off the remainder of Nate's forces in his territory as well as battling some of David's forces. I attacked Nate again and crushed his last major outpost, seizing 2 victory points in the process. Nate counter-attacked, but although he inflicted some serious damage to my fleet, I warded him off. It was a pyrrhic victory because David then overwhelmed what few damaged ships I had left with a numerically superior fleet.
In the end, David had 11 victory Points, John had 10, I had 5, and Nate had 4.

So there it was, 10 hours of backstabbing, plotting, scheming, and fun.

Christmas

I have the best family in the world.
My two brother literally got me a box of coal/charcoal.
I laughed so hard.
<3

My sexuality

A lot of people think that I am gay. But I can safely say that, I can get drunk, sleep on the couch with a desirable man, have soft/tender music playing in the background, and not pop a boner.

Heartbreaks and Remakes

I am safely back in Grand Rapids after what amounted to about 20 hours of travel time. Cramped flights, little kids kicking my seats, sleeping pills, and too many layers are just some of the shit I dealt with. But it was worth it. Seeing BrotherDave waiting for me in the airport was like a dream come true. What followed was pizza, beer (Killians...how I have missed you), and some friendly conversation with some good people.

Also...there are plans to "remake" the fantastic film 'The Crow'. All I can say is - fuck you for ruining a fabulous movie. Yes, there is not that much dialogue, the plot is thin, and the movie overall relies on its gothic atmosphere to get by, but it is still super good. So stop fucking with a good thing and go be original for once.

Pure fucking metal

Apologies for the profanity in the title, but that is the only way I can describe last night. Soilwork at the A38, Paul Menn front row. It was insane.
Thankfully, there was only 1 opener, and they were mediocre at their best (the only thing that was good about them was their Frankie Goes to Hollywood cover "Relax"). One Way Mirror, a mix of Nu-metal and industrial and psuedo-melodic death.

And then came Soilwork.

In all honesty, their last two albums just have not done it for me. But they fucking slayed last night. They played about an equal mix of new and old songs. About 3 from "Sworn to a Great Divide", 2 from "Stabbing the Drama", 1 from "Figure Number Five", 3 from "Natural Born Chaos", and 1 from "A Predator's Portrait" and "The Chainheart Machine". Roundabout. I mean, I could go check the setlist because no big deal or anything Peter Wichers simply gave it to me after the show.
Speaking of Mr. Wichers, it is nice that he is back in the band - he seemed totally at ease and was insane while playing the guitar last night.
One of the things I do really enjoy about Soilwork is that they have massive stage presence. Not just "Speed" who is totally imposing as the vocalist, but Peter Wichers (guitars) and Ola Flink (bass) were totally hilarious, dancing around, powerstancing at every opportunity, and generally just being entertaining.
I could probably write a lot more, but I will you with this...
...you have not experienced fear at a concert until you see a 6'4", 250 lbs Hungarian man take a flying stagedive directly at you.


Also, I wish my internet worked better so that I could listen to Primordial's myspace. But ever since hearing them at Heidenfest, I've been craving to listen to their blackened doom metal. Totally sweet band.

I am my fathers son
And his deeds
Cannot be undone...

"Empire Falls" - Primordial

Managanza

Managanza, the long awaited coup-de-grace of Man-night, happened last night. And it was without a doubt a fucking epic win.
It started off in typical man night fashion - shenanigans. Jordan and I ran to Dr. Pizza to grab a few 'zzas for the party, but it was closed. And that was totally lame. So, we ran to Kiraly Pizza and got in 16 minutes before they closed, and proceeded to order 6 epic pizzas. At which point, some totally crazy/drunk guy named Erik Maximus struck up a conversation with us. We drank beer and smoked with him out in the rain. He then regaled us with the same fucking information for about a half hour. A sister in San Fran. A son in Ecuador. Obama (who he referred to as a n*gger and a negroe). I was happy to be out of there.
When we got back to the dorm, I was a bit worried that no one was going to be up for partying hard. But when the first few guests started trickling in, we knew that we had them hooked. We men were all classied up, serving the girls drinks, food, playing a little Belle!Funk in the background...you know, really setting the party mood.
Things soon developed from organized classiness to drunken antics!
In summary, we had a shit ton of wine, liquor, snacks, pastries, pizza, and dance music. And everyone loved it. And we pissed off the deskie. But it was totally worth it.

New music coming out!

Hells yes...hells fucking yes!!
I've been waiting for the new Zeromancer album to be released for several years now, and finally, it is going to be released. From the songs I've heard samples of already, this is going to be even better than "ZZYZX" (a phenomenal album). Februrary 13th, I await you eagerly!

Apoptygma Berzerk is going to be releasing their new album "Rocket Science" on January 23...and from what I've heard so far...I need a bit more convincing. The song titles aren't doing it for me, the fact that Benji Madden (of Good Charlotte) guests on two songs is not reassuring, and the two song samples I've heard are kind of blah.
"Apollo (Live on Your TV)" has a few catchy hooks, but the verses seem pretty bland.
"Asleep or Awake" just sounds kind of...flat and unmotivated.
In all...I'm not mad that APB is turning to a more indie/alt-rock/guitar-driven sound. I just need a bit more convincing that they are doing it well.

Politics and Metal

So, I should be writing a paper right now. Some totally piece of BS about Hungary and the current financial crisis. Apparently, at least two other people are writing about virtually the same thing. Oops?
So, to pass the time, I am reading the webcoming Questionable Content. That webcomic is how I want my life to be. Also, it is more addicting than crack-cocaine...so, way to g J. Jacques, you really fucked over my school life. It is like that 1 week period where all I did was read Tucker Max stories and drink vodka.
In addition to reading QC, I've been listening to a lot of proggy metal/rock today. It started out with some Kayo Dot "Choirs of the Eye"(I enjoy the album, but it can be a bit much and perhaps a little too much prog), Riverside "Out of Myself" (which is consistently good), and now I am rocking out to some old school Amorphis (not prog, but decidedly badass).
Seriously, other than their "Far From the Sun" album, which was a total trainwreck, Amorphis is one of the most consistent bands in terms of quality. I also like how they have managed to switch their style and progress from a straight up death metal to...whatever you would call their music nowadays.


Under the dying sun it comes
Weaving fear but I have none
I know that mushroom cloud
Won't come very near
What do you have to believe in
And all the poison you breath in
The crystal heart shatters within
"Shatters Within" (From 'Am Universum')

Oh shit, another one?

In my effort to do anything that isn't my Hungarian Politics paper, I am updating again! Also, I am feeling in the writey mood, and this helps me write regularly.
So, here's a quick question - how do blogs become popular? I suppose they don't become popular by whining about their personal life and stuff, so maybe I should alter my blog to target a wider audience? But then, how would people ever find my blog? I don't even have the foggiest idea how people read this blog. Is there a way for me to get some kind of...visitor counter?

So, maybe I should start some kind of super pretentious music blog. Those are popular, right?
It would be like whenever I write for Chimes because I usually just use those articles as a vehicle to make snide remarks about indie kids. And apparently, I developed quite a reputation for myself in indie-circles at Calvin. Several of the indie-hipsters are on this trip, and one of them confided in me that they were all a bit curious as to how meeting me would be, because I was always super angry and bitchy in my articles and trashed the music they liked. And apparenty I am super militant/aggressive in class. Also, they saw me at a party this summer. I was leaving, and they saw me crash into a tree. And then fall into the road. And mostly just make an ass out of myself.
But much as I am not into the vast majority of indie music and the hipster lifestyle doesn't really appeal to me, the people are still super nice. Music isn't as defining a lifestyle choice as some people make it out to be. So, hooray for that?

And speaking about music, I know that Ska is dead and that the vast majority of ska bands were terrible/won't stand the test of time (or even the test of a decade or so), but goddammit, I think Less Than Jake is still one of the best bands out there. Sure, they are more punk than ska, but the point is still valid.

One final thing, here is a link to my last.fm site, so that you can see what I've been listening to. I think Last.fm is pretty much the coolest idea in the world because it lets me see what stuff I've been into recently and what my most listened to bands are. So, everyone should get a Last.fm, and then you can friend me!

http://www.last.fm/user/Avalost

A few notes on my Last.fm - I am currently waiting for Porcupine Tree to overtake Placebo for 2nd place (I don't think Kill Hannah will be dethroned anytime soon). I'm happy that Cult of Luna has made such a good showing since typically their songs are a lot longer than other bands'. Innerpartysystem is sitting at #12, but I only got their cd a day before I came to Hungary, so it is pretty amazing that they shot up in the charts so fast, especially since their cd only has 6 tracks on.. Finally, Rapture (the metal band, not that other band called The Rapture) is sitting pretty at #13, but that is a testament to how fantastic they are because for the longest time, I only had 1 of their cds.

Who's Got the Fire?

So, in order to make up for the emo-fest that was my last post, I am totally listening to some stoner metal. How is Corrosion of Conformity so damn good all the time? Seriously, when listening to their music, I can almost smell the booze, sweat, and old cigarette smoke. If it wasn't 11.30am, I'd be drinking whiskey and smoking hardcore.
Something about Southern metal/stoner metal/southern doom really makes me happy. I can tell you that it makes me feel more like a man than when I listen to electro-dance music..
Other than that, I have a paper to write today. About Hungary and the EU. Yeah...we'll see how that turns out.


Broken hearts toast another round
And drink to the lost there's not a soul to be found
Lonely boy says, "Come what may."
I hate to see it always end this way...

"Redemption City" - COC


PS - Stanton Moore's drumming on "In the Arms of God" does wonders for the album. I think all drummers should be jazz drummers.

Friends '08

I know that blog posts like this might be super cliche`, but I thought I would spill my heart out? So, this might be super emo and gay (I can say that because everyone thinks I am), but here it goes.

Sometimes, you hangout with people and they say the nicest things in the world, and you realize just how fantastic they are - not simply because of the things they said about you, but because you get to see a part of who they are that a lot of people don't get to see. And, they are super willing to listen to me bitch about my problems and put up with my emo whining and issues, and they often times provide some much needed perspective.
So like, in all honesty, the major thing that prevents me from becoming a complete blowout is that there are people who totally care about me, even though I have the tendency to really wuss out and feel sorry for myself and try to make believe that I am in this all by myself.
So...to all my friends (all like 2 people who read this), thanks for putting up with my shit and always being super good to me even though in all honesty I usually don't deserve it. And I hope that I am half as good to you as you are to me.
Also, I'm learning that sometimes things just don't work out, even if you really think that it will. And like, maybe you meet someone super fantastic, but then in the end it really wouldn't work out, even if you really wanted it to. Having been such a trainwreck for these last few months was essentially just like taking a gun and shooting myself in the foot. The choices a person makes when super depressed/angsty usually have wide-ranging consequences even though at the time that person might not give a good gosh darn.
I'm done being all emo.



I've got some friends, some that I hardly know
But we've had some times, I wouldn't trade for the world
We chase these days down with talks of the places that we will go

We live on front porches and swing life away,
We get by just fine here on minimum wage
If love is a labor I'll slave till the end,
I won't cross these streets until you hold my hand....until you hold my hand

"Swing Life Away" - Rise Against


(okay, now I am done being emo)

Post-Thanksgiving

Yesterday kicked ass! I love how all American holidays revolve around stuffing as much food in your stomach as physically possible. So, I ate delicious food, drank a ridiculous amount of wine, did some Palinka shots, and watched "Anchorman". I was super pissed that the potatoe-cabbage sauce (it looked a lot like applesauce but was infinitely more delicious) went home with Marilyn, but I managed to survive on a mound of turkey, stuffing, mashed potates, and gravy for breakfast.
Also, I listened to a lot of Apoptygma Berzerk last night, and they are pretty badass.
Also, I am reading the webcomic Questionable Content, and it is pretty good. It may be about indiescum, but sometimes they reference metal bands which is pretty badass. Also, I may or may not be Marten from QC.

Tonight is going to be devoted to going to the Christmas market with KiscDebnekhivsalsmorokskie (yes, we call her that) and Lydia, eating some delicious food, and drinking too much wine.
I really am a wino sometimes.

Also, this semester has been real good because it has helped me get over some stuff that has been consuming my emotional energy. So, take that you tragic past, I'm all over you!

Also, Nena makes fantastic music!!

Haggling/Also

I wish I spoke fluent Hungarian because then I would be able to haggle with merchants a lot better. I have so many great things to say, but they don't really know fluent English and I don't know Hungarian. So the following phrases go unused every time....
"Oh, you're breaking my balls here, breaking my balls."
"Look, I got a guy four stalls over willing to give it to me for 1000HUF, but I like you, so I thought I'd give you the option to give me a lower price before I go back over there."
"Why don't you stop dicking me over with these ridiculous prices, and then we'll talk about whether or not I'm going to buy anything."

I think I might just start trying to haggle in stores in America. Because...why not?

Also...
I really enjoy taking walks through the early winter Budapest streets while listening to Ljungblut.
Hot/mulled wine is real good, real hot.
I really enjoy riding bikes in small Hungarian villages.
"Hair" is a shitty movie/musical. And I hate hippies.
I look tons better without facial hair.

"Aspartame" - Haste
Can we get back to the time when everything was simple then?
"The truth is..." he said. "I thought we'd won."
Each night we lay in desperation.

Always think of the right words when our conversation is through.
Your words on that day, I remember them so well.
(Don't say it if it isn't worth it.)

Winter Comes

Now, I am not a huge fan of winter, but the first few snowfalls are always so beautiful. And today, I was in an introspective mood, craving solitude, and the grey snowswept sky really helped that out.
There are also certain bands/albums that really get me into a winter mood for one reason or another.

"No Sleep Demon" - Seabound
"Northern Lights" - Covenant
"Somewhere Along the Highway" - Cult of Luna

Also, while I wish I was of House Martell, the House Words of the Stark's always resonant with me - Winter is Coming.
(If you catch that reference, you are full of win)

Stuff

So, I am a big fan of mewithoutYou's album "A-->B Life". I used to not really be into mewithoutYou, but they have really grown on me.
I am leaving for Croatia tomorrow. We get to make a fence for some sheep and do some arts and crafts with some kids. That should be exciting.


So I wander and I wander
Your absence beating inside my chest
I try but I can't remember
The color of your eyes- just the shape of your dress.

Heidenfest

Last night, I experienced 7ish hours of nonstop Paganmetal. It was insane. It was doubly insane because it was the last night of the tour, and it seems as though metal bands love pranking each other more than anything else in the world. I have stories and photos, but let me just say, the night ended with most every other band joining Finntroll on stage for their last song, and then the German band Equilibrium ran out with stockings over their heads and started spraying everyone with whipped-cream and beer.

I think the highlight of the night was when the drummer of the Irish band Primordial came out and sang "Spancill Hill" with Eluveitie. Hopefully that video turns out well.


One night as I lay dreaming of pleasant days gone by
My mind was bent on rambling to Ireland I did fly
I stepped on a vision and I followed with the wind,
When at last I came to anchor at the cross of Spancill Hill

Metal

Fucking Finntroll tonight.
It is going to be pure fucking mayhem.

Also, dance mixes rock my world. Especially ones that involve Katy Perry.
(also, "Hot N Cold" might just have been written about me)

Trainwreck

"When the roommates are away, the alcoholic comes out to play."

Both my roommates are gone right now. Most of the people on this trip are gone in Croatia or Vienna. I have nothing to do. So spent the last two days drinking cheap wine and liquor.
But I had some fantastic spaghetti last night.
I have gained weight since coming here. Good thing I have weight training next semester.
Why the hell is no one online for me to talk to?
Third Eye Blind can have my children....I think I tried to post something to that effect last night, but either I fucked up or my computer was being a POS.
Coincidentally, I found out that I can disable my mouse/touchpad. Why the hell I would ever do that knowingly is beyond me.

Dance!!

So, one of my life's goals is to support whatever my friends/acquaintances are doing - so I have totally been rep-ing "Purplehorn" (don't ask) and his musical endeavor - Belle!Funk. His "The Shape of Funk to Come" is a mashup of tracks that make you want to stay up all night and dance. In addition, he has 3 extended tracks of music that could easily be found in any club. Essentially, what we have is dance music good for any party you are at.

http://www.mediafire.com/?mzwbjyxztbf - The Shape of Funk to Come

http://www.mediafire.com/?sharekey=bb4d80f2b0149dd1ab1eab3e9fa335caee95ea7d02a6c34b - Party 2

http://www.mediafire.com/?on0zhrz10fd - Party 3

http://www.mediafire.com/?nz1uztty3ny - Party 4


Belle!Funk is all the rage on the Hungary semester. So download it (it is totally free), give it a listen, and if you like it - fantastic! tell all your friends about it.

Melancholic

How can any one band/album completely nail how I am feeling?
But Eyes of Fire you did it.
http://www.darklyrics.com/lyrics/eyesoffire/ashestoembers.html#1

Post-Election

I spent Election night in Budapest, Hungary getting drunk, going to my Prof's apartment, eating snacks, being drunk, and drunkenly explaining all my theories on 3rd Parties / the Libertarian Party. It was real good. And apparently, I wasn't as drunk as I thought I was because a good number of people thought I hadn't even drank at all.
I got home at 4am, knowing that Apricot Obama was going to be our next president, decided to not sleep at all, packed my bag at 5.48am in the total darkness, was out the door by 6am, and boarded a bus to Prague. It was good.
In other news, Prague is quite possibly my favorite city at the moment. Definitely in the top 3 (the other 2 being London and Toronto).

On to the results of the election - my thoughts are essentially, "Why the fuck do you Obama suppporters still have hope? What on earth has convinced you that he will singlehandedly be able to rebuild the US? This country is fucked and all your catchy little slogans ('Yes, we can!' being the one I hated the most) and youthful optimism aren't going to do jack shit. So fuck off."

In the words of Warrel Dane/Nevermore

If you want to change the world, forget it
The future's not in our hands
If you want to change the world, forget it
The pigs already set in


This video sums up how I viewed the Election/all those goddamned Obama supporters.
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/obama_win_causes_obsessive

This video shows what I wish the outcome had been
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/voting_machines_elect_one_of

Sometimes, I wish...

Oh shit, I am going to be all personal and introspective in this post. Whaaaat?

Sometimes I wish...
I was the kind of guy you would go for.
You hadn't decided to doubt us.
You told me what was going on in your life.
That I would know what to say to you.
I was there right now to congratulate you.
That I wasn't always doubting.
That I could be more like you.
That I could tell you how I feel.
That I was with you.

Election Day

Oh, Election Day! Here is a part of a conversation that I had with him

On Barack and abortion
J - "but one thing that is undeniable is this - barack obama definitely wants to use a tack hammer on your baby's head when it is only partially born. obama is a kind of partial birth abortions, and for that reason he must be stopped! yep. it's the new "partial life abortion" where you can abort a child even after it's lived part of its life "
P - "Barack can legally come into your house and abort your child's life up until the age of 5"
J - "will he have a tactical squad with him? or will it just be him looking like any common crackhead on the street (aka black)?
P - "It will be Muslim terrorists, because that's what he is"


On how the Constitution is unchanging
J - "yeah, i mean the founding fathers had slaves, and that's why i have some toowait why am i being arrested right now for having these slaves!??!i thought that's what black people were for!!!damn you history!

Oh hilarious.

In all seriousness, Warrel Dane probably best describes how I feel about politics

"The Day the Rats Went to War" - Warrel Dane

Blind are the hypocrites, the lizards drunk with power
To idiosyncrasies and blasphemy
The world will be devoured

While the poor men die, the rich men sing
Monetary praises to the war machine
The rats scream for change and equality
While the mechanics of power stain humanity

The union of mutiny spread throughout the moors
The day the rats went to war

Ukraine

Just got back from the Ukraine, and minus the $13 fine and fleas I got from the train ride back to Buda, everything was hunky-dory (to evoke images to David Bowie).
We visited two gypsy villages and both visits were fantastic. The first village we went to, we visited a Reformed church service, and afterwards we paraded through the town (all 25 of our group) with a group of about 10 people from the church who were playing music and singing and dancing (a bona-fide mini parade), and I kid you not, we accumulated upwards of 50 kids by the time we got back to the church. We then proceeded to just play and hangout with the kids for a half hour or so (on a beautiful Indian summer day). Happy Reformation day.

A Wigwamban

Hell yeah Hungarians. Hell yeah rock music.
I went out with Jordan and Samwise to the local rock club called the Wigwam (an Indian/Old West themed club) and we ended up seeing a pretty bitchin' Hungarian rock band whose influences were pretty firmly rooted in the Southern Rock/metal style. Real good. Real hot.

Man Night

So, there are 19 people on this Hungarian semester, only three of who are guys. As such, in order to maintain our manly ways, Jordan, Samwise, and I go out every Tuesday night after class in a ritual we have named 'Man night'. Our evening typically goes like this...

• 9pm, get out of Culture/Politics class
• 9.05pm start drinking, usually just a couple of mixed drinks
• Head out to a local pizza place (preferrably one that has inexpensive beer)
• Post-pizza smoke/man pictures are taken
• Get back to apartment, more mixed drinks
• Watch a suitable film (past selections have included "Superbad", "Dodgeball", and "In Bruges"), drink a little more, and pass out

Last night however, we eschewed the traditional Pizza fare, and went out for burgers at this really good burger/gyro joint. It was at this place that we encountered a burger aptly named the King Kong! Imagine a burger bun that size of your head (literally), with three meat patties, bacon, cheese, ketchup, mayo, mustard, lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage, onions, and an egg...that is the motherfucking King Kong. So, we each got King Kong and a serving of fries, which roughly cost us a grand total of 7$ each.

To sum it up, I have never eaten a more epic/manly meal, and it was enhanced by the fact that they were playing Rocky IV on the TV.

Bosnia

Well, Rachelle and I took a 3 night, 2 day trip to Bosnia this past week. The train ride was 12 hours long and they checked our passports 5 times and our tickets 5 times as well. The guy we stayed with was a 40 year old Turkish guy who was far too friendly with females, loved to dominate the conversation (ie - he talked at us, not with us), and he had some veiled anti-Israeli sentiments. But he is also a police commissioner, and the 1st day we were there, he participated in a raid to break up a weapons smuggling operation and they netted - 15 suspects, 75 hand grenades, 1 LAW, 2 sniper rifles, 5 AKs, and 3 pistols. Sounded fantastic.

Sarajevo itself was a great city. Everything was super cheap, the people were friendly, and there was a vibrant mix of cultures. I got some good gifts for a few people, and I also spoke German with an old Bosnian man. It was super good.
If you ever have the chance, get to Sarajevo.

Less Than Jake

So, Less Than Jake is one of those bands that I grew up listening to and that I still listen to. I got into them a year or two after the release of "Hello Rockview". I thought "Borders and Boundaries" was a fantastic album, and I listened to it nonstop 8th grade year. I saw them twice during my highschool years, but I stopped buying their albums, thinking that they had gone downhill with the release of "Anthem".
Ironically, I now listen to "Anthem" more than any of their other albums. While I haven't listened to "In With the Out Crowd" or "GNV FL", I am pretty confident that "Anthem" is LTJ's pinnacle achievement. It is less ska than their previous work, but that works for LTJ who has always been more punk than ska. The songwriting is more heartfelt and poignant on this album than on previous ones (although "Borders and Boundaries" seemed to be a deeply personal album as well), and there is no one song that drags the album down.

Overall, LTJ is one of those bands that I will probably always listen to and always find pretty fantastic.

Club experiences

So...I apparently give off a totally gay vibe, at least to people in the club. The 2nd time we went out to ZP (the big open air club in Budapest) at the beginning of the semester, this Belgian guy who I was carrying on a totally normal conversation with, interrupted our conversation to ask, "Excuse, I must know...are you gay?" I thought that he was making fun of me, but it turns out that he was gay and wanted to go to a gay club with me. He was pretty damn good looking.
And last night, I was at Szocial (the local hotspot full of teens and twentysomethings), and I was dancing with my 5 lady friends, when this Eurotrash guy taps me on the shoulder, whispers something in Hungarian into my ear, and when I said, "Nem ertem Magyarul", he asked, "Are you homo? Are you gay?" I told him "no"...and he looked disappointed and walked away. He was probably about 6' 2", muscular, shoulder length black curly hair, strong facial structure, and a slightly Spanish or perhaps Italian look about him. Pretty good looking.
So, while I am not scoring all kinds of sweet ass over here, gay guys notice me! And good looking gay guys at that.

This is...

...a total joke
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=D93N50180&show_article=1

Nothing beats...

A chilly Autumn day spent inside a tea house, sipping on tea (or in my case, hot chocolate), surrounded by friends and coversation.

Just for you

And all the smiles you gave to me
They're so contagious, So very fake

This post includes several references to bands, can you spot them?

I love clubbing. And dancing. And drinking to a certain extent. It always leads to good times
But I am off to Poland tomorrow. Krakow, treat me well.

To be honest, I don't know what I'm looking for. Maybe this semester is all just an escape. A chance to get fucked up and get over some things that are bumming me out.
But in spite of my near constant boozing/partying, I am still staying on top of my school work. And I haven't alienated too many people (yet).

All I do know is that I feel a sense of emptiness now, now that *** is gone.
But Kill Hannah and Budget Vodka are a cure for the pain.


"Last Days" - Bella Morte (nothing like some good ol' fashion goth 'n roll)

In this place the winds blow colder
And the nights are long
If I live to be much older
I fear I’ll be alone

Will we all die before the sun can rise?

Iran

GO FUCK YOURSELF!!

Your ignorant bullshit is scarely worth talking about.
As someone of German ancestry, your denial of the Holocaust is not just offensive to the Jews/Israelis but to every single German who has struggled to deal with this issue. The Germans, Austrians, Polish, etc... (wherever an extermination camp was located) have been trying to deal with this issue for a long time, trying to overcome the past, trying to atone for the sins of their fathers and grandfathers.
Why this bullshit action on the part of Iran has not been universally condemned, I just don't know.
And while I am all for freedom of speech, I think it is the right (if not duty) of other countries to denounce this farce.

http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=080926152921.p3wozs19&show_article=1&lst=1

The Painting of Young Lovers is Complete

Darling when? When did we fall? When was it over?
I suppose that is the price of falling in love

Transylvania

Well, I just spent all weekend in Transylvania, and here are some of my thoughts.
1.) Transylvania is perhaps the only place on earth which will fulfill all the stereotypes about it. Old babooshkas with their head coverings, flocks of sheep/cows on the roads, gypsies, grey rainy weather...this place has it all!
2.) Even though the place is dirt poor, the people are still super friendly.
3.) Epic scenery
4.) They srsly do love their Palinka shots there...and that is a good thing.


Also, we had a dance party to Journey when we were at the border crossing. It was fabulous.

PDA

Now, as you may or maynot know, I am a big fan of making out. Making out is something that I can usually get behind and endorse.
Over here in Hungary, however, it seems as though everywhere you go, there are people making out in public. And when I say everyone, I mean, literally everybody under the age of 55 is making out. On the tram, at the tram stop, at the local diner, on the bridge, in the store, wherever and whenever. People here love to suck face.
But it is more than just that. I have noticed that the ass grab while making out is a common manuever around here as well. Now, I've got no problem with the ass grab/makeout combo, but c'mon people, it is getting a bit ridic.
Everywhere I go, all I see is people making out, and it stirs fantastic memories for me, but it also evokes a feeling of sadness and emptiness within me.
So, this is a message to the citizens of Hungary '
"Please cut back on your PDA because it is making me a bit sad. Or else, let me join in on all the fun. And then, we can all makeout together!"

How to spot a shitty documentary

Today, I will spot the sure-fire way to tell whether or not a documentary is shitty or not. Now, when I use the term "shitty", I mean "a completely biased, ignorant, and conspiracy-theory laden".
The best way to spot a 'shitty' documentary is this - How fast is the narrator talking? If he is talking "a mile a minute", then you've got yourself a shitty documentary.
Now, I believe the reason behind their fast talking is they want to hit you as fast as they can with their "facts", fast enough that you will take them in, but too fast for you to really stop and think about them.
Another good way to spot a shitty documentary is by seeing how fast images/scenes appear/change. If you experience a sensory overload because there are always images flashing across the screen, then you have a shitty documentary.
Finally, if the narrator sounds like he in in college or just graduated, you always always always have a shitty documentary.

Examples of shitty documentaries include - "Loose Change", "Blackwater: The Shadow War", "Fahrenhype-9/11"

Sept. 11, 2008

It is hard for me to full comprehend that 7 years have gone by since Sept. 11. I was in 8th grade at the time. I was sitting in English class when we first got word that "terrorists have attacked the United States". That was the first time I'd ever really been confronted with an event like that. Growing up, we were always the ones kicking the shit out of every other nation who fucked around.
But things change.

Metal vs. Indie

Ahh, God I love the Scots (and anyone from the UK). A study was recently conducted linking personality types to types of music.
Here is what it says about Indie - Low self-esteem, creative, not hard working, not gentle.

Metal was closely linked with Classical music.

So you can have your damn stereotypes about metalheads being all depressed and angry and such, but Bach and Beethoven would be chilling with metalheads today (if they were alive), not indiescum...I mean indiekids.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7598549.stm (click for the full story)

I am a god

Okay, that title might be a bit too much, but I found out today that my reputation precedes me! Apparently, several people on the Hungary semester were familiar with my Chimes articles and were a bit...apprehensive about meeting me in person, thinking that I would tear there musical opinions apart and be a real jerk because they like "indie" music.
But, in the words on one of them, "You are actually just a crazy motherfucker, and I like that."

But let me go on the record, I still think 90% of "indie" music is shit. Pitchfork Media is a joke. And "indie" kids in general make me smirk.

And when I use the term "indie" I mean it more in the "Canadian" sense of the word (think bands like - Metric, Stars, Arcade Fire, etc...) not in the "European" term of the word (ie - Kent, Ljungblut, Amber Smith, etc...).

So, while I am not saying that all the bands I love are especially talented or original (much as Kill Hannah is my favourite band...they really are kind of generic), I do think that I listen to music that takes a lot of talent and originality than "indie" bands (who seem to love utilizing shitty sounding guitars, off-key vocals, and inane lyrics).

Examples of talented music
- Opeth (a little tired on ideas as of their most recent releases, but lightyears ahead of most any band)
- Cult of Luna (anyone who tries to tag them as a "Neurosis" rip-off (*coughPitchforkmediacough*) are sorely mistaken)
- Porcupine Tree (again, less original than before, but phenomenally produced/consistent)
- Emile Autumn (far beyond her "gothic" label, this violin virtuoso's work is fabulous)
- Moonsorrow (it is as if someone bottled the word "epic" and then made this band)

Europa

So, I am so far a fan of Hungary, but I really want my classes to start! I am hoping to rack up about 20 credits this semester (hopefully more). Of course, that means that I won't be able to travel as much, but travelling costs money, and I really don't like to spend money. Unless it is on Death/Black metal concerts. Like tonight. I am slapping down roughly the equivelant of 30$ to go see some quality Death, Black, and blackened death metal bands - Nile, Grave, and Belphegor.

Other than that, the cd "The Galilean Satellites" by the band Rosetta really speaks to me. It is about an astronaut who becomes dissatisfied with Earth, so he leaves for Europa (one of the 4 Galilean moons of Jupiter) in order to find peace. But once he gets there, he realizes that everything meaningful to him was back on earth.

So, take that as you will.


Finally, I don't see why so many people are freaking out about Sarah Palin. Okay, so her daughter likes to drink, dropped out of highschool, and is pregnent. So she herself may have made some bad choices in college and whatnot. Chill out. If anything, this all makes me want to vote for her more because she seems to be a lot more relatable than Obama/Biden. Obama is some messianic visionary with a picture perfect family and Biden is a tool. I can relate to neither of those.


I may give up my only belief,
this borrowed time is over now,
pay the price,
forgotten years and pieces of Eden.

I miss them all, the other halves of me

"Itinérant" - Rosetta

Poetry

Go read John Donne's "Song: Go and Catch a Falling Star..."

John Donne is fantastic. Fuck yeah, metaphysical poetry.

I also really enjoy "Woman's Constancy"

Politics?!?

Holy deuce, while this blog is primarily used to talk about all the debauchery I participate in/maybe talk about metal, today I am changing things up and talking about politics.
Specifically, McCain's choice of a VP.

Honestly, I haven't been following the election that closely because all three candidates (yes, I consider the Libertarian Party a legitimate party) are blowouts. But once Barack Obama (henceforth known as "Apricot" because 'barack' in Hungarian means 'apricot') picked Biden as his VP, I knew every single thing he ever said was bullshit. Candidate of change my ass. He's nothing more than a self-obsessed, vain, meglomaniac. Way to really shake up politics as usual. Way to pick an old, white, male Washington insider as your VP. That reallys inspires confidence in me. Seems as though you are super committed to your ideal of change. Apricot is a twat. 'nuff said.

But McCain surprised me, and let's be honest, I'm not often surprised by politics. His VP choice is quite a daring and interesting move. And one that might get him my vote.

Bob Barr, you are a bigger cock-up than Apricot.

Sickish

Well, I am here in Hungary, and I am feeling kind of sick. I'm hoping it is just a mix of jetlag, malnutrion, and exhaustion and not anything more serious. Because if it anything more serious, like colon cancer or bleeding ulcers in my stomach or a brain tumor...I might be fucked.

On the Mr. Brightside of this post, I went out and saw the band Made Out of Babies on a boat last night. It was pretty badass. Rachelle, Breanna and I accidently ended up in the backstage area and were sitting right next to the band. The show itself was totally good, MooB is a mix of noise-metal/art-rock with a fantastic female vocalist. Not a band I would listen to too much on Cd, but definitely a band I would watch live again and again.

First Night Out

Here are some highlights of my first night out in Budapest.

• Trying to meet up with some of Debbie's friends to go clubbing.
• Meeting some of the shadiest Hungarians in the world who were essentially trying to lure one or two of the girls away from the group.
• Dancing at a fantastic indoor club.
• Getting drunk on 10-12 shots of liquor.
• Making friends with a Hungarian guy who was kicked out of the club (they kicked him out for bullshit reasons, and he was super nice).
• Taking forever to get home because we couldn't figure out when/if the bus was coming.

From now on, I am definitely not going to drink as much as I did last night. But let's be honest, it was a good night out.

Farewell (parting is such sweet sorrow)

In 2 short hours, I will be leaving for the Grand Rapids airport. From there, I will end up in Detroit, Amsterdam, and finally Budapest.

In a stroke of good fortune, I was able to see one of my favorite bands last night. Kill Hannah played at the Intersection with The Medic Droid, Innerpartysystem, and The White Tie Affair. It was one of the best shows I've ever been to. The first three bands were essentially synthesized dance rock, which was super fun. And KH put so much passion and energy into their show, it was phenomenal. I almost cried when they played "Home". I also got a poor quality photo with Greg Corner (KH's bass player), a couple with the guys from the Medic Droid, and talked briefly with Chris Wallace (singer of the White Tie Affair) as he mingled in the crowd after their set.
In all, it was fabulous, with the exception of all the teeny-boppers. But I suppose I was that age once also (although, I didn't smoke/wasn't a slut). I ended up buying both the Innerpartysystem and The White Tie Affair's cds, so I'll be able to have a dance party in the airports when waiting for flights.

Well, time to double-check that I didn't forget anything.

Autumn Concerts

Concerts I want to see while in Europe

Aug. 24 (Sun) - Made out of Babies - A38, Budapest Hungary
Sept. 3 (Wed) - Nile - A38, Budapest Hungary
Oct. 18 (Fri) - Kill Hannah - Szene Wien, Vienna Austria
Nov. 7 (Fri) - Dark Tranquillity - Orpheum, Graz Austria
Nov. 8 (Sat) L'ame Immortelle - Szene Wien, Vienna Austria
Nov. 16 (Sun) - Finntroll - Petoefi Hall, Budapest Hungary

Hell yeah concerts!

Counting Down

In a few short days, I will be leaving for Hungary for 4 months of non-stop shenanigans. Read this blog for periodic updates on all the crazy shit I've been up to.
Already, I am planning on seeing the band Made Out of Babies this coming Sunday. Other than that, I'll be out on the town with my fellow group members.

I hope you all stay safe when I am gone.

Summer's End

Summer is officially coming to an end. I finished up at my painting job on Friday, and it was actually kind of sad. I really enjoyed working there, making money, and getting to know the guys on my crew - the majority of who were super awesome to hangout with. But there was a party that same night where I got to hangout most of the guys. I also had to bike back home when I wasn't in the best way. I ended up falling off my bike about six times. Luckily, I didn't lose any of my possessions or seriously hurt myself, although I did fuck up my bike somewhat. However, I should be able to fix that once I get a wrench.
In a few weeks, I am off to Hungary, and it promises to be fantastic.

That is all I have with this one

"Kick off your stilettos and fuck me in the backseat" - The Medic Droid

God Bless America

This whole political cycle has made me increasingly cynical about American politics, which is totally ironic because it seems as though a great many others have found a renewed faith in the American political system due to the rise of the Messiah - Barack Obama. But since I'm not busy burying my head up Obama's ass in an effort to prove myself a devoted disciple of his, I have had time to reflect on some of the things that are really wrong with this country.

I am going to the inauguration of Barack...I mean, whoever gets elected (but let's be honest, it's a forgone conclusion) via some program called UPIC. It means I am going to be treated like a king, people will probably tell us that we "are the future leaders of America", I will have special access to VIPs, the whole 9 yards. And what I find terribly droll is that in the capital of the supposedly most free nation in the world, I will not be able to light up a cigarette or else I will be thrown out of the Conference immediately. The entire subject of banning smoking is like a thorn in my foot, only sadly there is no Androcles to pull it out and save me my torment. Maybe I am just old fashioned, but I am a big fan of some of the ideas that this nation was founded on. You know, ideas like Liberty, personal freedom, and individual rights. If the country still followed those sorts of ideas, I would be able to light up a goddamned cigarette in America's capital and enjoy the cancer spreading in my lungs. Now, instead of leaders devoted to preserving individual freedoms, we have leaders who decide that they know what is best for us and impose restrictions and regulations on us because it will preserve our "safety" and "security."

Fuck that idea.

"Security is when everything is settled, when nothing can happen to you; security is the denial of life"

* * *

In America today, every 25 fucking seconds someone is viciously raped,
someone is brutally violated; 250 times a day someone is murdered,
someone's life is taken,
In America;
This is America,
This is America,
and I love America,
I love America!

Politics

It makes me super sad/disenchanted with the American political system that the first Presidential election I am able to vote in has such shitty candidates. Let me break it down for you.

1.) On the Democratic side we have Barack Obama - Junior Senator from Illinois. Now, my major question for the general populace is - why the fuck does everybody have a hard-on for this guy? Has this country fallen so far that we will get excited about any halfway decent looking, semi-articulate presidential nominee? Have we fallen so far that no one realizes that this man has no substance? The man's platform can be summed up in one sentence "I believe in hopes and dreams!" Well no shit! I doubt that any presidential hopeful would run on a platform opposed to those ideals. He's been a senator for a grand total 3.5 years so far (and the last 1/2 a year probably shouldn't count because I doubt he has attended many votes due to his campaigning). The man was a competent State senator, but I think he honestly should have stayed there for a few more years and maybe showed up to important votes (like the ones on partial-birth abortion and parental notification) before jumping head first into the national realm. Long story short, the man has zero substance to him. He regrets virtually every decision he makes (ex - allowing his kids to be interviewed by the media and hours later saying he "regretted that decision"). When he is elected (since there is virtually no way he can lose this election), I think a lot of people will become disenfranchised with him, like they were with George W. Bush, when they realize that there is no substance to this man, and in reality, he is no different than every other politician.

2.) For the Republicans, we have the "maverick" Senator John McCain. Let's just get this on the table, the man is old enough to be my great-grandfather. His entire campaign seems to be run on the philosophy that, "I am not exactly like George W. Bush, but neither am I am a Black Democrat. Also, I was a POW in Vietnam. Vote for me!" There is virtually no way in a frozen Hell that John McCain will be elected unless by some chance the racist vote outdoes the white-guilt vote.

3.) Rounding out the bill is Libertarian Bob Barr. Fuck this guy.


Why can't there be one halfway decent nominee?

Clothes

I am such a woman. I think shopping is one of my favorite activities. Which is really kind of bad at this point in my life because I am a.) a college student who really isn't that well off in terms of money and b.) trying to save money for my trip to Hungary.
Neither of these facts deterred me from ordering a bitchin' argyle sweater from Express today. Or for making plans on going to the mall tomorrow to hopefully buy some skinny jeans. More than skinny jeans, I totally want cigarette jeans. Those are like the Sid Vicious punk-rocker jeans that are suuuuuper tight and totally bad ass. I need multiple pairs right now. Or just one. I feel that with one pair, I can somehow squeeze myself into them and then never take them off. I will shower with them on, and they will eventually just become part of my body.
So, I totally need some hot new jeans, some nice shirts, and some new shoes would be fabulous.

Let the college-era debt begin!!

Roleplaying

I find it infinitely hilarious that parents (primarily Christian) don't want their kids roleplaying/playing D&D. The say that it is the Devil's game and such, but if they ever watched a roleplaying session, they would see just how hilarious that notion is.
I played D&D for the first time this past Spring, and this is essentially how it went. All 5 of us sat around the dinner table, joked around a lot, drank a few beers, went off on crazy tangents, and occasionally tried to focus on the story. There was little to no Devil worship involved. It was more just 5 guys hanging out, except instead of playing videos games, we roleplayed.
Furthermore, I don't see any real difference between roleplaying and when children play games with one another. Those children often invent situations/scenarios and perhaps even assume a different persona. Yet, parents totally encourage that kind of behavior as it stimulates creativity and it is better than sitting in front of the TV all day. Roleplaying is a group activity where each individual assumes a different persona and that requires a certain degree of creativity and inspiration.
Honestly, Christians usually freak out over nothing.

Random Thoughts (1)

Corrosion of Conformity said it best - "I'm drowning like a working man."
That's how I've been feeling as of late. I am mostly like "Fuck work". It is so boring and repetitive and not creative at all. It is so mundane and proletariat. I paint condos for jackasses. Seriously, old people are the biggest group of whiny/needy people in the world. Fuck them.
There, I needed to say that - it has been building for most of the summer.

Other than that, I have been listening to the newest Neurosis album "Given to the Rising" and it is badass. I also ordered a Neurosis sweatshirt that will hopefully be here next week.

Also, I while I was wearing my brand new Dickies workboots (which look like combat boots) and my new hat, someone said I looked like I came out of the Eastern Bloc. Then, I just imagined myself in a post apocalyptic world, wearing my boots, hat, and military backpack (which is fucking sweet) and holding the civilian M-16 that Kevin/Al fired at Silver Bullet. And it was a badass image.
And that is how I get through my day.
And then I wanted to go shoot guns at the range.
And hopefully I will next week.



Our father's steps fueled the boiling sea
The wretched harvest reaped by the hands of dawning
Our pain cannot forgive the silent machine of the fatal flaw in man
That brings us to the end

What is Beauty?

Beauty is...

riding your bike at 1am, singing songs out loud.
Communal dinners.
Spending time at a record/cd shop and browsing.
Heartwarming kids movies.
Fireworks on the beach.
Children being so carefree and innocent.
A cloudless summer day.
Making new friends.
Taking a nap a friend's house.
Books by C.S. Lewis.
Awkward smiles and glances.
Jumping recklessly into the water (or slipping in fully clothed).
Running home in thunderstorms.
Friends caring about you and making the effort to let you know.

Beauty is living life.

Why I am a Loyalist

If I were alive during the American Revolution, I would have been a staunch loyalist. The reason is simple - Great Britain did nothing to warrant an armed rebellion by her people. The Colonies were part of the British Empire, and as such the British Parliament had the right and power to impose various acts (ex - Navigation Act), taxes (ex - Sugar tax), and establish laws that were beneficial to the Empire. Americans make it seem as though the laws and acts passed by Britain in the time leading up to the Revolution were draconian and unduly harsh, but the truth is they were quite mild for the time, completely within reason, and levied on other nations in the Empire and even in Britain itself.
Furthermore, I find it galling when history teachers in high school make it seem as though the Revolution was an idea universally accepted within the Colonies, when at least 60% of the population was either loyal to the crown or neutral in the affair.
Additionally, there were many notable Members of Parliament who supported independence for the Colonies. William Pitt the Elder, one of the greatest statesmen Britain has ever had, supported making peace with the Colonies once the war had broken out so that the two could have close ties and unite against the French. But since the Colonies had turned to open rebellion and were allying themselves with the French, most of the MPs who originally supported the Colonists withdrew that support because the Colonists had essentially slapped them in they face by turning to France for help.
In closing, I feel that independence was inevitable, but America went about it in the wrong way. A gradual lessening of Britain's rule and influence over the Colonies would have led to an eventual state of independence, but the Colonies would have kept close ties with Britain. And we would probably be in the Commonwealth, just like virtually every other former colony of the British Empire, which would be kickass because the Commonwealth is pretty much the greatest league of nations ever made.

All hail and farewell to Britain, all hail and farewell to thee

First Post

I've decided to join the hordes of other cyberwaste out there and start my own blog. Mostly, I am doing this because Xanga is dead, Myspace is full of pedophiles, and nobody likes a person who constantly writes notes on Facebook. So I blog.
This blog will probably just be a collection of my thoughts. It will range from what music I recommend/like to social commentary to recaps of everyday life. And everything in between.

To get things started, I think I'll just give a rundown of what I have been currently listening to. So far, my summer has been overwhelming dominated by post-metal/doom/atmospheric hardcore. All three are essentially the same, but it really depends on who you are talking to.

• Rosetta has been on constant rotation when I am at home. I got their cd "The Galilean Satellites" this past Spring and wasn't blown away by it at first. The more I listen to it, however, the more fantastic I realize it is. It is double cd, one disc composed of post-metal songs while the other cd has accompanying songs of atmospheric sparseness. Apparently, if you play both cds at the same time, it creates a mindblowing experience (because tracks 1, 2, 3... on both cds are the same length, and therefore the post-metal is supported by the atmospheric track)
• Minsk is another band that has really taken my cd player by storm. "The Ritual Fires of Abandonment" is one of the best post-metal albums ever made. It has a real tribal feel to it, a raw primal energy that gets me fired up everyday as I drive to work. Especially good is the track "Circle of Ashes" which has J. Robert Oppenheimer's quote about the successful testing of the nuclear bomb.

Those are the two main bands I've been listening to, supplemented by Cult of Luna, My Dying Bride, and Neurosis.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's blog about America's Independence Day and why I am opposed to the Revolution.