never go outside

I used to think it was just a silly song...

2009-09-12T04:17:00.002-04:00

It really does make sense now.

A small part of me is saying I still have a chance
The rest of me is laughing at the first part
For being so naive
I don't know what to do but
I wanna tell you something...
I wanna tell you something
I'm a fuck up now
I don't know what I'm doing
I let my guard down once
My whole life is ruined
I try to give it up
I try to think it through
I saw you just last night
Couldn't even talk to you
If I could treat you like shit then you'd love me forever
At least I'm working now
This is my second day
I hate it so much here
I do it anyway
It doesn't help at all
what you've done to me
I'm going crazy
I think about you constantly
If I could treat you like shit then you'd love me forever.

I'm just a little bit tired, that's all

2009-09-10T02:37:00.011-04:00

I'm approaching the 48 hour mark. I don't sleep so well when you're not by my side. I am tired, tired beyond tired. I just can't bring myself to do it though.

This isn't me.

This is me with you.

This, sadly, is me without you.

I am forcing my eyelids closed. Every time the crickets sing, I pretend its you calling and my eyes are wide again. I know its a stretch, but at this time of night its just me, my thoughts, and these loyally deceitful insects.

If I ever do fall asleep, I want to dream of you.

If I never sleep again, it was all worth it.

Come home soon.

Straight Edge and Skateboarding...

2009-09-02T19:23:00.000-04:00

2 great flavors that go great together!

href="http://cache0.bigcartel.com/product_images/3067341/X-board_proof.png">

Pre-order here

Also, this company sell this fucking shirt... wow! I want this!

My friend Chris Morgado (Wrestling and Straight Edge)

2009-08-28T19:41:00.004-04:00

So Morgado writes this column for a wrestling zine/website... you might be into it if you're following my blog... I think he has a new thing up on Friday's. Since I don't follow wrestling, I don't really understand everything he's talking about when I read it.

I did however read this one and fully agree with the content, as its about Straight Edge and a SxE wrestler called "CM Punk". Straight Edge is definitely for us, by us, and should have nothing to do with the outside world. Only the diehard will remain. xxx.

http://wrestling.insidepulse.com/2009/08/28/the-column-with-no-name-2-cm-punk-is-straight-edge-youre-not/

New parka from Pretty Green (Liam Gallagher's clothing line)

2009-08-25T20:06:00.005-04:00

Here’s your chance to own a numbered, limited edition version of the coveted Pretty Green Parka in black. Liam Gallagher has the first edition and Paul Weller has the second. There are only 350 Black Parkas being made worldwide. Each Parka has the edition number clearly marked on the custom-designed garment tag. Keep this tag as proof of your Parka’s authenticity.

Like the original, the Pretty Green black parka is hand-finished and coloured to create an authentic vintage finish.

So cool! WANT!!! http://new.prettygreen.com/shop/product/black-parka/

Self medication...

2009-08-13T02:15:00.008-04:00

Breathing keeps most people alive.
Breathing exercises keep me alive.

I hope you know what you got yourself into... The monster inside me can't be talked out of anything.

Today is almost a perfect day...

2009-08-07T18:36:00.012-04:00

I woke up to Life's Blood - Never Make A Change, followed by Leatherface - Pandora's Box on random on my iPod alarm clock thingy. I got done in the bathroom and came out to find a text from my beautiful wife, which made my day. (What can I say? I'm easy). I had finally remembered to iron some shirts, so I had a pretty crisp blue gingham check shirt to wear today. It was nice this morning, really cool weather for August, which was dope.

I put the windows down and listened to Death Cab - Narrow Stairs on my way to work, and there was NO traffic at all. I had a meeting today which killed an hour, and Danielle, being as perfect as she is, texted me while I was in the meeting. Nice timing :). I left work for the day at 11:30am and went to get a sammich. I got a call from JJ asking how the married life was and asking when we were going to have babies. He said he was excited to meet Danielle, which is awesome, because, well, its JJ. Ha.

I am now reading a book, listening to Glasvegas' "Home Tapes" (demos) and enjoying a nice breeze.

Things missing from making today a perfect day...

1) Danielle
2) A few people that I was friends with from 1994-2004
3) Swimming
4) Tacos
5) Chicago address on my drivers license

Punk Rock Graphs and Charts

2009-08-04T22:32:00.006-04:00

I came across a link to make your own graphs and charts online. I made some. I'm bored. If you don't get these, re-evaluate. Since Blogspot sucks and cuts off images, click on them to get the full effect. That's the only way they'll make sense. CwWoooshal Tywwwimes.

The new Trapped Under Ice 12"

2009-08-03T19:24:00.005-04:00

This thing fucking rules. They're EASILY the best wig mosh band since Crown of Thornz and mid-90s Madball. Slick looking packaging (gatefold sleeve), neat cover art, GREAT audio engineering (Dean Baltulonis is the MAN!), killer riffs and hard mosh. I don't know what this dude is singing about, but fuck, I don't even care. It makes me want to karate kick holes in my walls.

I'd suggest picking this record up. www.reaper-records.com
Or the bands myspace www.myspace.com/underdaice

Oh yeah, it also comes with this neat fold out poster. Nice.

Rabbit Rabbit

2009-08-01T01:18:00.002-04:00

Here's to a good month. I can't wait for the 14th.

My life as a loner, the finale.

2009-07-31T00:45:00.012-04:00

I had a real hard time getting along when I was a kid. I was pretty much always a loner. I wasn't like the other kids I grew up with. I didn't think like them, I didn't dress like them, I didn't belong to the clubs and cliques that they did. I wasn't rich. I wasn't part of their parents social gatherings.

I was that weird dirty kid in your 6th grade English class who never read the assignments or did his homework. I came to school with black eyes, or wearing sling on my arm. I stole a knife from my neighbors garage and carried it around with me at all times. I kicked the windows out of Mr. Macks classroom because he said I'd never amount to anything (then he got a brain tumor, ha).

My home life was a wreck. My mom was out of control, a raging alcoholic and whatever else she was, and my dad was just a mean bastard. I dealt with abuse, both physical and mental, at the hands of both of my parents. As a result, all these years later I still grind my teeth in my sleep and require an acrylic night guard so I don't cause anymore damage to my teeth.

I missed out on the fundamental teachings that are passed from parent to child. I didn't learn sports. I didn't learn how to shave. I didn't learn to clean or cook or take care of myself. I learned violence. I learned how to lie. I learned how to put my conscience aside in any situation. This was my eduction.

I took my teachings and went off into the world, ready to show anyone and everyone what I had learned. By the time I was 22 years old, I was covered in gang tattoos, sitting in a maximum security jail cell facing a max sentence on 3 felony charges. The thing of it was, after blowing my savings on a lawyer and beating those charges, I still hadn't learned my lesson. I went back out into the thick of it, right back into the line of fire. The damage was done, and it took me a long time to unlearn what was so deeply ingrained in me.

Somehow I survived, and a few years later I would meet the Sainted Newbold family. This is the point where my life would completely turn around. They didn't look past my problems and issues, but rather looked inside of me to see what was causing me to act the way that I was, and offered a solution. Really, they were the first people who truly cared about me and my well being. (I know all along that my friends who I came up with cared about me, but not one of them was making an attempt to stop me from doing the things I was doing, probably because we were all cut from the same cloth.)

The Newbolds became my family. My mother, father, brothers, sister, and my friends. I owe a lot to them. They taught me how to treat other human beings, regardless of what they had done to me or what they thought of me. I think the most important thing I learned was that I was still able to be myself, keep my anger and my frustrations, but turn them into something other than violence. People will always judge me for what I've done, but I can accept that, as I've become accepting of myself.

This weekend, I again took my new teachings into the world, and I put all the loneliness and hurt behind me. I met the one. The girl that I get along with 100% comfortably. I met her and I fell in love and we got married. With her, I don't have to worry about what she might say or think when I tell her something about my past. She loves me unconditionally. It really puts me at ease knowing that. Knowing that I don't have to hide my feelings or my anger. I don't have to hide who I really am. I am sad to leave my friends and family in Philadelphia as I embark on my new journey/life in Chicago, but I know that they will always love and be there for me.

Airtime...

2009-07-23T20:40:00.004-04:00

Right now I'm sitting on an airplane headed for Chicago, listening to my favorite Piebald record, reading a book, very relaxed, and totally in love. Big weekend. I'm ready to never walk alone again. <3

Kenny F'n Powers

2009-07-20T23:31:00.002-04:00

This is easily the best thing ever.

ALRIGHT WATCH THIS (Zombie content)

2009-07-20T20:11:00.002-04:00

OH. FUCK. YEAH.

I want these shoes

2009-07-20T19:57:00.000-04:00

Sambas for eva <3

Good Enough (?)

2009-07-18T20:53:00.010-04:00

I'm sure at some point in everyone's existence, they sit back and think about their lives... "What am I doing?", "where am I going?", "what have I done with my life?", "Am I making a difference in anyone's lives?", etc etc. It's probably natural, its like an assessment of self worth. Probably for most people my age its "Did I make the right choice in college?", "Did I marry the right person?", "Do I really like what I'm doing for work?", and so on.

For me right now, it's "What am I good at?". Sounds like something that would be easy to answer. Like, everyone has to be good at something right? Fishing or working or painting or whatever. I don't really think I'm particularly good at any one thing. I can't play sports. I can't draw. I can't really play an instrument (fake big). I sucked at school (which really sucks, because I def want to try out this whole "higher education" thing, but I'm nervous about it)

I guess I was good at fighting at one point, but really, what does that amount to? Bloody clothing and hefty lawyer fees. I didn't care enough to train and take it to a professional level, and I liked hitting people in the head with inanimate objects a little too much, which professional fighting circuits probably really frown upon.

I'm also really good at sleeping. That's gotta count somewhere. Probably to someone with insomnia I'd reckon.

Ok, so here's where I'm at in my assessment: I don't really love my job. I wish I went to college. I wish I was closer with my family. I wish I had a hobby.

Let's see if I can work on any one of those things. I'm sure I could fix at least 1/4 of them.

Token Entry reprint shirts! WTF!

2009-07-16T11:02:00.003-04:00

DO WANT!!!!!!

TIMMY CHUNKS!

A thank you note from a friend

2009-07-15T00:57:00.002-04:00

I just found this thank you note from my friend and I thought I would share it with you. But first, here is the back story. Enjoy.

Rewind to early April, this lady thought it would be a good idea to jump into a polar bear habitat at a zoo in Germany and swim around with them.
(actual photo of the lady, photo credit to Jesus Christ)

I mean, on one hand, I get it. A) Swimming rules. B) Polar bears are cute.
But, on the other hand, A) WHAT THE FUCK? B) THEY'RE POLAR BEARS.

So as this lady swims on, getting closer to this curious looking thing, it probably registers her somewhere between intruder and giant seal looking meal.

And then...

wait for it...

waaaaait for it...

THE MONEY SHOT! NOM! NOM! NOM!

EXTREME CLOSE-UP!

Anyway, thanks to the newsies (read: jobless college kids and reject 4channers) who post over at www.b9board.com, my most reliable and up to the minute news source, I found this story and immediately brought it to the attention of my non-B9er friends.

My friend Chris was so grateful that I brought this gem into his life that he made me this little thank you note:

Here is a link to the article

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Listening to: Johnny Thunders - Seven Day Weekend
via FoxyTunes

A few things that make me happy...

2009-07-12T17:50:00.001-04:00

Photo credit: Danielle Ramirez

In no particular order (but read from the bottom up):

Food
Chicago
Sunglasses
Perfect weather
Fred Perry shirts
Popcorn from Garrett's
Spending time with Danielle

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Listening to: Noel Gallagher - Talk Tonight
via FoxyTunes

Its Official! (aka Look at what Danielle made for me!)

2009-07-12T14:01:00.001-04:00

You'll be seeing this every time you look at my blog... that is, if you look at my blog.
<3

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Listening to: No Hope For The Kids - Cold Touch of Death
via FoxyTunes

My 4 July 2009 (Bon Anniversaire, America)

2009-07-11T14:33:00.000-04:00

My 4th of July was crazy. It was a last minute travel decision that was definitely fun and worth it. While at the ECE championship thing with Danielle and her team (who won both of their bouts, but what else do you expect from the #2 ranked team in the country?), I was asked if I'd like to attend the wedding of one of her teammates in Chicago the following weekend. I knew it was going to be $$$ to travel that last minute, especially on a holiday, but any chance to see Danielle, fine with me. I bought tickets on Tuesday to fly out Friday morning.

The wedding was in a Lutheran church, which I guess is like Catholic or something. They did all that shit where the preacher man says something and then the congregation says something back. It's like a call and response. Or a civil sing along at a Hardcore show.

Whenever I'm in a situation like that I always look around to see who else doesn't know the stuff you're supposed to say so I don't feel so bad for not knowing it. Of course Danielle is some sorta good Catholic and knows all that shit. At least she didn't look at me funny for not knowing it. One time I went to a Catholic church with this Spanish chick I was dating for a Christmas service and I didn't know the religious sigh language stuff or the stand-up, sit-down, kneel-and-pray business and her family looked at me like I was the first born son of Satan himself (probably closer to the truth than I make it out to be).

The after party ("reception" is the standard, old fashioned term, me thinks) was nice. Some large banquet hall in the suburbs of Chicago. Our table was right next to the cake, so naturally they took a ton of pix of the bride and groom in front of it. Yeah, so I'm probably going to ruin the majority of them. Sorry guys. Don't invite me to the next one I guess.
I actually danced! That's right. Me. I slow danced with a girl for the first time since probably 1992 or 1993. That was the last time I went to a middle school dance. (well, I went to 1 high school dance, but that was to fight a few kids along with Chr*s M*tch*ll and "Scary" L*rry N*sky [names edited to protect the not-so-innocent, errr something]. I don't remember why, but it was around the time M*tch*ll broke into some kids house and stole all his dads guns, so it could have had something to do with that). Danielle also tried to teach me how to dance to some pop song. That didn't work so well. "You have to PICK your feet up! You're hopeless"

The rest of the weekend was just spent smiling, giggling, watching movies, fooling around, eating food, walking around holding hands, daydreaming, plotting, planning, and you know, basically acting like teenagers in love. I think we gross out Danielle's friends from time to time with our cuteness. SOZ everyone. SOZ.

Shout outs to:
Kara Bort for driving me to the airport at like 5something AM.
Chicago for having like, no humidity compared to Philadelphia.
Chicago for having bomb ass Mexican food, and selling it at 2AM.
My iPod for ruling a lot.
Confessions of a 2nd Story Man (my current read, started it in 2005 and forgot about it)

Random thoughts: I've traveled a lot, but this is the first time I've had to bring a suit. I had to borrow a suit bag because I don't own one. That thing worked pretty well, hardly a wrinkle to the shirt, pants or jacket. I'd buy one based on that alone, but I don't know if I'll ever need it haha.

Oh, and don't trust the "expert travelers line" at Chicago Midway. What a crock of shit! I think all the expert travelers know that all the intermediate jackass travelers try and up their travel stature rankings by hitting up this line, so all the real experts take the moderate traveler lines. Smart business.

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Listening to: The Germs - Richie Dagger's Crime
via FoxyTunes

Socially network with me (aka too much technology)

2009-07-10T12:56:00.000-04:00

Here is my Facebook www.facebook.com/rickyjefferson (you know you want to)
Follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/rickyjefferson (keep tabs on me...)
And my Last.fm thing www.last.fm/user/rickjefferson (See the music that fuels my life)
And umm my Myspace is www.myspace.com/rickjefferson (wait, do people still use this?)

And I have a friendster (lol) account somewhere that I haven't updated since 2003, but you know, if you're feeling ambitious...

Life update, and other sorts of things (aka Long time no see)

2009-07-02T00:25:00.000-04:00

Soooooo yeah. Life update. Not much different from last year, except the girl I spoke of in the previous post (which rules yo)

Early 2009 - Start seeing a girl that I've liked for a while. It was cool, except for the whole her not being into me thing. Kinda got my feelings hurt badly (wah). It was the first time I put myself out there for anyone since I was dating Jules. Not a good feeling, left me depressed and whatnot. Thank Jah for friends, early Oasis records, the ocean, Alkaline Trio and the Movielife discographies, Gorilla Biscuits - Start Today, Blitz, my bandmates, and Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. No thanks to Elliot Smith, Tom Waits, Bright Eyes, The Jealous Sound, Texas is the Reason, The Promise Ring, The Jazz June, Blood For Blood, The Smiths (esp I Know Its Over), select Morrissey and Rocky Votolato tracks, and whatever other sad bastard music I listen to that makes a person want to knot up the 13 and kick the chair out from under themselves.

Other than that, nothing new. Mom calls me for money, dad still doesn't call me, although I did see him in November of last year on his way through town headed elsewhere. That was nice. I left work early, showed him and Linda around Olde City and took them to lunch. We didn't talk much, but, heh, I knew that would happen anyway. Then he went on his way a few hours later. It was weird to see him in his current state, he was kinda withered down and very slow, but I guess that is to be expected with his disease and the medication and all. It was strange though, because my last real memories of him were from when I was about 12-13, he was in good physical shape, and just a maniac in general.

April 30 - Chicago bound! Donny comes to my house in a rented SUV (PARTY VAN!) with a full tank of gas, a couple dozen packages of Oreos, and a bunch of friends lining the seats. We immediately throw on the Bouncing Souls, buckle our safeties, point the GPS westerly, and put the hammer to the floor. I had tickets to see Alkaline Trio at the Troc that night, but I gave them to Jules and her BF, who didn't end up going anyway. Oh well. We jammed Alk3 in the PARTY VAN! and had massive sing alongs anyway.

May 1st - On the road to Chicago, as the sun comes up over Cleveland, Ohio, we stop off for some eats. I see a little white rabbit sitting on the front lawn of someones house. Since it was the first of the month, and is traditional to say "rabbit rabbit" for good luck [or jinx removal ;)...] I saw it as a sign and uttered the words right away. A mere 6 hours later, I would meet a girl in Chicago who would leave me stunned right from the get go... First impressions: shes cute, neatly dressed, and very nice (She was letting a total stranger with a pretty bad rep sleep on her couch). The first thing I asked her was a question about Youth Of Today, which was spilled over from an argument in the PARTY VAN!, to which she responded favorably, giving me a serious case of the heart eyes.

The weekend was great, I ran into a lot of old friends, ate some great food, had a comfortable place to stay, watched Temple of Doom and Lost Boys with our host (shes that good), saw some great bands, saw some other not so great bands (that reminded me of why I hated a lot of mid-90s Hardcore), turned 29, and, well, met Danielle. We talked a lot in the days following, and good, good things came from that.

May 9th - Evan, Rory, Connor, Todd, and White Brian came up for the weekend for the annual Boston vs Philadelphia Dan "Stoney" Stone (RIP) memorial soccer tourney. Danielle also came for the weekend, and right away met my friends and probably got a good idea of why I act the way I do. Heh.

So, more on the girlie... She's got an amazing smile, beautiful eyes, a kind heart, curly brown hair, dark skin, the cutest little giggle, a curious nature, and she seems pretty much up for anything. Oh, and she's got Bad Brains, Naked Raygun, and Turning Point tattoos... and... she's Straight Edge! And she's into bikes! and she hates olives! And, and, and, and, and! WTF right? Where has the cruel world been hiding this one from me? Nice to know there was someone out there for me this whole time and I've just been quietly wasting away for all these years...

But as luck would have it, she lives 760 miles away from me. Can anything ever be easy for me? Happiness comes and goes in the form of $200-300 round trip airline tickets from Philadelphia to O'Hare. Pretty soon my bosses are going to wonder why I'm taking all my vacation days one Friday at a time (I need a 7 day weekend, right Waldo?).

I like Chicago, its a really nice city, and as you can tell, I've been spending a bit of time there recently. It's a lot bigger than Philadelphia, and there are TONS of Mexican food restaurants there. I mean, everything I've eaten in that city has pretty much ruled, but I love Mexican food, so yeah.

So, shes great. She seems to like me OK. She's been to Phila a few times and claims to like it here. I think she's just being nice. Ha! She was supposed to move here for school, but she digs this place in Chicago a lot more, so that really sucks for me. Long distance is sooooooo AIDS. But, shes super cool and worth it.

Other stuff... I started a band sometime last year with Donny Mutt, Colby Black, Mark Antonio and James Tussey. We had a slow start, due in part to us always waiting around for Colby to make practices, which rarely happened. Finally we parted ways with him and Donny has taken over the song writing duties. We recorded a demo a couple weeks ago with Will Yip in the world famous Studio 4 recording studio. It's kinda funny that we're goofing off in the same studio that Bob Dylan and Billy Joel recorded some serious music in. Ha. Here is our myspace www.myspace.com/accidentpronehc ... there should be some recordings up soon

Anyway. More soon. I kinda like this again.

Blog? (aka What blog?)

2009-06-22T16:44:00.000-04:00

It's summer 2009. My life is as ... as ever, but I've met a girl who is absolutely wonderful and I'm spending as much time with her as I can. Shes fun, I'm fun, we're a pretty good match up. I'm going to do a life update in a few days when I have more time to do so. This week will be pretty hectic for me work wise, but I'm looking forward to a nice weekend with said girl, and a trip to the ocean is in store.

Note: I kind of wish I kept up with this blog. I'm a lazy sack though, so what the fuck do you expect? I should probably delete all the old posts and just start anew, as they're probably all retarded and meaningless anyway.

My weekend (positives and negatives)

2008-09-08T00:45:00.000-04:00

My weekend (positives and negatives)
Red Sox

+ First and foremost, hanging out with Greg Bacon. I miss that dude so much.
+ The First Step (even tho it was their last show)
+ Hangin with Thorns and LOLin @ future Holy Terror prospect bands
+ Todd Pollock
+ Wrench
+ Jeff Hess
+ Jeff Start Today
+ Michelle WB
+ Jay Haas
+ Greg Bacon
+ Baltimore friends :)
+ Greg Bacons iPod ("Hey, wait a minute. Aren't you--" ... "Yup.")
+ Saw old friends from all over the place... Clevo, CT, NH, MA, PA, CA, etc etc
+ Youth Of Today cover
+ Turning Point cover
+ Unity cover
+ Carpooling to Hardcore shows
+ Sleeping in
+ mini roadtrip with friends <3
+ that storm wasn't all that bad, and we saw like 3 huge rainbows.
+ Brooke laughed at 2 jokes (Its better than zero)
+ Aram telling us a classic story from a Champion tour (LOL)
+ Jeff Hess gave me a record for his new band, Right Idea. Siked for him!
+ Good food all weekend
+ Rita, Mike, Lina, Jeff
+ Saw a girl get punched in the face twice right across the street from my house Sunday night
+ Rittenhouse Sq.
+ Football season starts
+ Patriots won
+ Sox are now 1.5 games out
+ Late night bike ride to end the weekend

Yankees

- Tom Brady out for the season in the first game :(
- Last shows are always sad
- Colbys pool party canceled because of the storm
- Missed JoeHxC's party
- Missed the first 2 bands
- Saying goodbye to old friends who I probably wont see for another few years
- Being wetter from sweating than from some fake ass tropical storm
- Sox lost their only game of the year to the Rangers
- Unpredictable knuckleballers
- Fake ass Amish people
- Sonic being closed (aka NOT OPEN LATE)
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Now playing: Band Of Horses - Lamb of the Lam (In The City)
via FoxyTunes

Problems...

2008-08-28T19:31:00.000-04:00

The Problem ---> Feasible Solution ---> The Problem II.

I'm starving ---> Eat food ---> We have no food in the house.

Terrible day at work ---> Ride motorcycle ---> Motorcycle is in the shop.

Its dark in my room ---> Turn on a light ---> I don't want to get out of bed.

I'm bored ---> Watch a movie ---> I don't feel like turning the TV on.

I need to do laundry ---> Stop being lazy ---> I'm lazy.

I need to learn our new song ---> Pick up the guitar ---> I'd rather play xbox.

The new Fucked Up record rules ---> Whats the problem? ---> Hipsters found them.

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Now playing: Fucked Up - Magic Word
via FoxyTunes

I think I'm gonna start blogging again?

2008-08-15T17:53:00.000-04:00

Its been like a million years since I've entered anything in this fucker, and that kind of bums me out. I guess I've been busy doing nothing, so thats understandable =D

I don't remember what my last post was, but its probably got something to do with baseball or bicycles or maybe even ice cream. At least I hope its one of those things.

A lot has gone on in since I've last posted, so I'll give a brief "howdayado" as we used to call it back in the day M I RITE?

- I turned 28 on May 3
- My best pal Nick moved to NYC & I hardly see him anymore :(
- I signed another year lease at 1310
- I got a new iPod (160 gig!!! UR MOSHIN, or maybe thats just me)
- I started using Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=510750428)
- The Sox traded Manny
- I went to a few Sox games this summer
- I've expanded my musical horizon (don't get too excited, HC still reigns supreme)
- I started a new band!!!!!!!! I'm so siked on it!
- I got 3 new pairs of sunglasses in the past 3 months. Life's ill.
- Hot Water Music started playing shows again and I went to see them.
- More stuff. Lots more stuff.

Talk soon?

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Now playing: Portishead - Undenied
via FoxyTunes

www.38nerds.com aka Curt Schilling, you geek

2008-01-10T11:00:00.000-05:00

So one of baseballs favorite sons, Curt Schilling, says he has a retirement plan. As you know, The Sox have him for one more year of off speed, split fingered hardball goodness. Then? Oh you know, just running some ultra nerd online video game thing. But this isn't a video game like, say Tetris or Super Mario Brothers...

This is one of those ULTRA nerdy "create your second life online" types of games. You know, the ones people sometimes kill themselves over when their character dies in the game?

Or this guy

Don't get it twisted, I like video games, but that shit is just nerdy. Oh well.
CUURRRRRRTISSSSSSS

Blog Readability Test aka "I am so Smart, S-M-R-T"

2007-12-26T14:24:00.000-05:00

I figured I might get like, 11th grade, 12th grade level. I swear a lot, I talk about the Red Sox and god knows what else... Turns out I blog at a Genius level.
Nice work I'd say.

Check out your blog writing intelligence level

LOL WUT?! DID WE JUST SWEEP?? THE! WORLD! SERIES!?

2007-10-29T03:28:00.000-04:00

Yep. Check my heart rate, I'm gonna explodeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Mike Lowell MVP!

Holy shit! We did it! We're going to the World Series!!!

2007-10-22T13:12:00.000-04:00

Wow, did I just witness the mother of all comebacks? Down 3 games to 1, I'm pretty sure most people had given up hope... but the shining star that is the Red Sox pitching staff comes through once again!
Backed up with serious RBIs from Youk (7), Papi (4), Manny (10), Drew (6) (WTF I know right?), Pedroia (5), Tek (7), Lowell (8), Ellsbury (2), Lugo (3) Kielty (2) and just great defensive play all around, we managed to avoid the scalping the Cleveland Indians were ready to dole out.

What up World (Series)? See you in Boston!

In other news, Joe Torre... I can't believe the way Steinbrenner handled that. Oh wait, yes I can. I'm sure he'll find success elsewhere. Fresh young talent (something that Yankees haven't really had in a while) + Torres ability to manage a winning team = one lucky team somewhere else.

NY Yankees, continue to enjoy your downward spiral.
Joba Chamberlin, FU.

10-17-07 HAPPY EDGE DAY! XXX

2007-10-17T11:13:00.000-04:00

To all my fellow Straight Edge brothers and sisters, Happy Edge Day!
Enjoy a little SSD - Get It Away. You deserve it.

GAME 1 ALCS Tonite! (GO SOX!)

2007-10-12T12:23:00.000-04:00

I couldn't blog about this earlier (and I've felt bad about it, really) because I literally get hot flashes and butterflies when I think about it. I've had to put the Red Sox into a deep chamber in my mind and try not to think about it until now.

Sox open the series at home on Friday with Beckett facing Cleveland and CC Sabathia. Don't let Sabs physique fool you, he may be fatter than Shilling, but man can he throw heat. I think if we can wear him down early we might have a chance to hit off his relievers and win, because no one is hitting off Beckett.

GO SOX!

iPhone killer (yeah right)

2007-10-08T13:57:00.000-04:00

iPhone killer

Sure... just like the "iPod killers" of the past

Hipster Olympics (The Outtakes)

2007-10-04T15:07:00.000-04:00

See my other post on the Hipster Olympics from August

OCTOBER! (weather, holidays, baseball, music, BBQs)

2007-10-02T15:10:00.000-04:00

First off...

I can't believe its already October. If I had to pick a favorite month I think this would be it. If you were fortunate enough to have your baseball team make the playoffs, then you have at least one more week of rooting for the good guys (3 weeks if you're lucky). October is usually fun for me sports wise. And with the season the Patriots are having so far it looks as though the following months will be pretty cool too.

October weather is top shelf. You finally start getting that hint of cool air in the mornings and evenings, but you can still catch a sunny 80 degree day without a problem. You wake up and toss a hoodie or a windbreaker on and in the afternoon yer good to go with sleeves rolled up. Makes for excellent cycling, cyclo-touring or walking.

October also houses one of the best holidays going, Halloween. Costumes + Candy + mischief + darkness + Misfits = awesome. I find myself listening to a lot of horror punk in October, and there is nothing wrong with that. Danzig, Misfits and Samhain are all perfect for the occasion. Its also good to put away your summertime jams (Saves The Day, Belle and Sebastian, Rites of Spring, etc) and concentrate on Kid Dynamite, The Misfits, and Kill Your Idols. These bands are perfect for the fall.

I look forward to night time BBQs too, we have this little fire pit in the back yard that provides eery light and a little heat if necessary. Perfection.

756*

2007-09-26T14:38:00.000-04:00

I must say that I've never really cared for Ecko wear or Marc Ecko up until this point. Now I am in full support. I like that he left it up to the people, the fans, to decide what happens to the ball. For those who don't know, the asterisk means that someone cheated during the time any record was recorded. Barry Bonds likes steriods. BARRY BONDS CHEATED. Tarnished records.
Hank Aaron FOREVER!

Full Article Here Its funny that they don't mention steroids once in that article.

See ya in the Playoffs...

2007-09-23T12:00:00.000-04:00

SKATE aka I NEED THIS GAME! (New game for X360)

2007-09-22T14:20:00.000-04:00

I need this. You can make your own skate vids and upload them...
Watch this!
http://skate.share.ea.com/profiles/3847/posts/100687.aspx

Also
www.break.com/index/one-in-a-million-wipe-out.html

9 games left aka Don't break my heart aka Fire Eric Gagne

2007-09-21T14:02:00.000-04:00

This is it, the very tip of the tail end of the regular season. 162 total games - 9 remaining = 153 games played. Has that much time really gone by already? How did we run through 5 months so quickly, yet the past 2 weeks have felt like 10 years? I guess the bliss of a strong first place lead has left me, well, ignorant.

Surely I haven't forgotten what its like to have my baseball heart broken year after year on bad calls, terrible trades and poor plays. Hell, my first year watching baseball was 1986. What does that tell you? (I also watched my first Superbowl that year... no wonder I never got into Hockey or Basketball) Theres no way that I've forgotten my Red Sox roots, the speculated highs and the reality of the lows.

So how exatly did we blow a 14.5 game lead on the Yanks? How did the Yankees make their way onto our radar screen? How did we go from hot to not? HOW DID WE GET SWEPT BY THE JAYS? (this makes me want to cry). Why does Francona hold onto pitchers who are struggling when he was a bullpen warmed up and ready to throw?

These questions can be summed up with one simple 3 word answer: Red Sox baseball.

With just 9 games to go, despite losing Manny (21 games), Youk (4 games), and Coco to the DL, the slipping Sox are still in 1st and are still contenders for the playoffs. Ortiz hasn't been as clutch as usual due to a torn something or other in his knee, but he is still playing and putting off surgery to finish out the season. My hero.
Now only if we could talk Manny out of his spot on the DL, I think we will not only salvage this season, but we might still have a chance at the AL and ending 2007 with our dignity.

300 (not the movie)

2007-09-18T16:17:00.000-04:00

Over the weekend in Philadelphia we had our 300th murder (link).

We are already 28 murders ahead of where we were last year on this date. The total for last year within the city limits was 406 murders.

Here is a map (link) of where the murders happened, as well as the names, age, date, time, weapon and race of the victims. This is current from Jan 1 to Jun 30 of 2007.

Here is a map (link) of the (reported) shootings in Philadelphia.

I wish this was only a movie.

Joe Strummer would not be into this at all (Nike Content)

2007-09-16T23:00:00.000-04:00

First, to soften the blow, 2 new Morrissey songs (live)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/0gci26 (All You Need Is Me)

http://www.sendspace.com/file/i549zc (Thats How People Grow Up)

Yeah, I'm having a hard time with this one.
Ok, so I like some Nike shoes, and I LOVE the Clash more than most things, but here are 2 great flavors that should probably never ever ever go together...

http://www.kix-files.com/2007/08/nike-dunk-sb-low-joe-strummer-the-clash/

Here is a quote from a good friend (Rib Rock) who also enjoys Nikes, but would put the Clash over anything, anytime...

"Ya, slightly cringe inducing. Although Clash fans like to skate too, and the shoe isn't bad looking, it's just sorta blah. But this just doesn't seem right. Sex Pistols shoe? Fine. Ramones even? Sure. It's a nice idea, but I dunno. Joe's bullshit detector might be going off in the big garr-idge in the sky right now.

SB's have been falling off lately. They're flooding their own market, watering down themselves and makeing their compitition look better by doing so. They need to slow down and release less shoes.

And "Ya Dudes" need to stop tresspassing in the sneaker scene too. Dear Frat Brosephina, put your Doc Martens back on and give me my Air Max's back. [editors note: I don't agree with the Dr. Martens comment, but its not my rant] We can tell you're a late to the game new jack. And plus, they don't go with your dirty white college hat and unfunny cookie cutter "vintage" Urban Outfitters t-shirt anyway. Go fish bro, go fish. Rant over."

"Put on your sneakers and be a kid."

"Get some Chukkas, fukka"

but I can't wait for this!
Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten . Holy crap! Can't wait.

R.I.P. Raybeez (Can't believe its been 10 years)

2007-09-11T21:50:00.001-04:00

REST IN PEACE, FOREVER AND ALWAYS.

"All you kids out there, always keep the faith!"

iBone(d) aka rotten Apple(s)

2007-09-06T20:00:00.000-04:00

iHate Apple. Worst company ever. Subject: My $500 4 gig iPhone that turned into a discontinued $299 4 gig iPhone that turned into a $75 loss (10% restocking fee + loss of screen protector). All within a 24 hour span.

My hated for Apple runs deep. It all started with iPod #1 (that was out of date and discontinued within 2 months). (can you say color screens?)

And then my 2nd iPod, which was again outdated when the blah blah blah blah.

Then, there was the time I plugged my iPod into a Mac computer I lost 50% of my music (it just deleted the music, but left the track titles on the iPod). I brought the iPod to the "genius" bar and they told me "I must have dropped it". I honestly felt like punching the guy in the face. My iPod (read: Music) is my life you retard. I've never dropped it. You just can't admit that you didn't know what was wrong with it and wanted to take zero accountability for your company or its shit products.

I understand that a company has to stay on the cutting edge of technology, but come on. Not everyone can afford to replace these luxuries at such a rapid pace as your company would have us.

My review of Presidential Candidates for Red Sox Nation

2007-09-04T15:59:00.000-04:00

It already sucks that my first and top choice for Presidency is out of the running... But hey, you can't win 'em all. So I'll go on with the rest of the candidates. Here are 3 lists broken up by people I don't like, people I like, and people I'm on the fence about.

Vote Here!!!

Here are the folks I don't like

1) Mike Barnicle » - Fitchburg, MA - I love this guys name (+1), I hate Fitchburg (-1), his answers were funny (+1), funny ≠ strong leadership (-1). Score: 0. If he would change his name to Barnacle Bill for the Nation, I would vote for him.
Sorry dude.

2) Annie Bresnahan » - New Hampshire - I followed you up until the whole "pink hat" rant. Honestly, lamest argument ever. If someone wants to wear a pink hat, who are you to say anything? Sorry, but what we certainly don't need is the Nu-Nazi Regime running things around here.

3) Cindy Brown » - Boston, MA - zzzzz

4) Greg Caliri » - Haverhill, MA - 1 word. DUMB. 1 more word. under-informed.

Quote: "The Red Sox Nation concept as a registered-member organization is fine, but its growth is restricted by the limits of the Boston market and through Internet advertising. I'd like to see it expand beyond the 'net and beyond New England. Putting together a team of individuals on the ground, here in the United States and around the world, could entrench the Red Sox not just as America's baseball team, but the "team of the world."

Dude, Red Sox Nation is World wide. Try again when you know what you're talking about.

5) William French » - New York - Wait, this dude hangs at the same country club as Joe Torre? If thats true, and all he did was yell some retarded GB deficit, this is not the man (boy? he's 18) who I want as Commander in Chief of RSN. You could have at least pissed in his shoes in the locker room, slacker. Oh, and nothing against a country club, but something tells me that one isn't going to fly with the "Bleacher Creatures" and the boys from Southie. This kid wins my vote for "person I'd most like to punch in the face". Congrats.

6) Frank Galasso » - Rhode Island - I'm into the charity ideas, but lets be honest, what kid is going to want to hang out with a senior citizen (who isn't their grandparent?). I think your idea to ditch inter league play is crazy. Don't you think that OTHER PEOPLE WHO BELONG TO RED SOX NATION, OR OTHER RED SOX FANS, OR OTHER PEOPLE WHO LIKE WATCHING THEIR TEAMS PLAY THE RED SOX would lose out? I also do not agree with the "Mandatory MINIMUM spent" rule you are suggesting. This would also mean there would be a cap. Just because you spend a certain amount of money, doesn't mean you are going to be competitive. Remember all those years the Sox weren't competitive? Remember how much the Yankees spent this year to lose? You are full of terrible ideas. Heres a good idea, eat barbed wire and Rot.

7) Peter Gammons » - Groton, MA - Like him up until answer #9. Nuf' 'Ced.

8) Doris Kearns Goodwin » - Concord, MA - Slight admission to being a fair weather fan. As much as I would like to cave in the skulls of both Bucky Dent and Billy Buckner, we can not deny or bury our past. Red Sox pride means pride, no matter what.

9) Jon Meterparel » - Brighton, MA - This dude, I dunno if he's joking or not. Red Jerseys are Alt colors... who cares, they don't wear them all the time. Day games kinda suck. Whats our record on day games? Probably not too good. Who cares what Selig looks like? Dude, in some parts of the country it snows in April. Get over it. Sometimes the sun shines, sometimes it doesn't. Should we cancel all games with too much sun?

the good

1) Cheryl Boyd » - Holliston, MA - Her answer to #2 says it all.

2) Luis Cosenza » - Pennsylvania - My #1 choice. Charity tickets all the way.

3) Rob Crawford » - Brookline, MA - Writes songs about RSN. Cool enough for me.

4) Rich Garces » - New Hampshire - Former fat Sox pitcher. Still fat, still awesome.

5) Sam Horn » - Rhode Island - Probably the most qualified for the job.

6) Patrick Kennedy » - Vermont - Love the foreign and domestic policies. Great approach at leadership. Will vote.

7) Steve Manganello » - Maine - Good points and ideas about expanding the Nation.

8) Lorraine Murawski » - Sturbridge, MA - I'm with you on all issues. The only thing I disagree on is Eric Gange. That fucker cost us a few games. I hope he proves me wrong, but until then, fugg em.

9) Jerry Remy » - Fall River - Played for the Sox for 7 years, author (of Red Sox books) , announcer and owner of "The Remy Report". Dudes cool, I'm a follower.

10) Masahiko Takinami » - Japan - Definitely into the idea of games being played in Japan. The talent we've seen come out of the country is staggering, and I think this would only increase interest and cause other players to take the game a bit more seriously.

on the fence

1) Terri Cronin » - Boston, MA - Good on steroid policy, bad on dress code.

2) Robert Feiner » - Texas - I dunno, good ideas, talks too much. Whittle it down a bit homey.

3) Jared Carrabis » - Saugus, MA - I agree with the instant replay rule. I think coaches should have some available during the game to avoid bad calls/ejections. While I agree with retiring Tony Conigliaro's number, I think there is another number you should be worrying about... your GPA. Good luck in school.

4) Hank Larsen » - Oklahoma - A little too structured for me. Lets keep this fun, right?

5) Rick Swanson » - Connecticut - Way into the idea of the Red Sox museum. Not sure what it has to do with RSN, but ok, whatever. Plus in his picture he looks a little bit like Larry David, so thats cool, but I don't know if I could take him seriously.

6) Antonio Rodriguez Morales »- Puerto Rico - Would be good to see RSN branch out far and wide. I think having a President who lives in a foreign country could be both good and bad.

In closing, a Red Sox Nation sing-along for the boys and girls...

I’m a member of Red Sox Nation, it’s a kind of a family
Wherever I roam, my Fenway home, that’s where I long to be
I’m a member of Red Sox Nation, it’s a kind of insanity
Yeah, I’ll live and die, with Red Sox pride, for eternity

I fake a smile, November until Opening Day
Suffering baseball withdrawal around the clock
When April comes, hey, meet me down on Yawkey Way
That’s when Red Sox Nation starts to rock

I sleepwalk through the days when there’s a West Coast swing
Married to the TV and the radio
For tickets in October I’d give anything
Still payin’ Red Sox debts from long ago

My mama told me bedtime tales ’bout number nine
My daddy taught me how Yastrzemski tracked down flies
Dirty Water, Tessie, and Sweet Caroline
Now I sing them to my kids as lullabies.

And the Dog: Big Pupi » - Check him out at www.bigpupi.com

Hipster Olympics (LOL)

2007-08-30T14:03:00.000-04:00

How I spent my Summer Vacation...

2007-08-28T00:53:00.000-04:00

Well, my weekend, anyway.

I must say I haven't looked forward to a weekend arrival as much as I did this past one. Not because I had awesome plans or anything (but I did), not that there weren't awesome weekends already this summer (there were), but I was just so tired and stressed from a project from work. I was just looking forward to sleeping in and not worrying about deadlines.

In no particular order...
Saturday:
The big event of the weekend was my friend Phil's wedding. Julia got a new dress and looked really good (lets see if she reads this...). It was a really nice ceremony, even though it was hot, and I was wearing a suit, and it was outside... But Phil and his Bride Ellen looked great and we had a really nice time at the reception. It was great to see old friends and catch up, and it was especially nice to sit down for dinner with Greg Pollard and his wife Becky. Its great to see Greg jazzed up on life; his 1 year old son, a new band, still Straight Edge and all that.

After dinner we hung out with old friends Alex Russin, Matt Hoodrack, Brian Cons and Lauren. I haven't seen Lauren since I lived in Manchester, as she used to live in MA. That was the random highlight of the night. It was nice to meet Matts GF Erica. She seems pretty cool. Matt also currently has a beard and was wearing Wallabees. It wasn't like a swamps of northern Florida beard, more like a well kempt short beard that you would expect someone who wears Wallabees to have. At least they weren't yellow (or this colorway). Ha.

Oh yeah, Brian Cons got a girls number and we watched the whole thing go down.

Double Oh yeah, I don't think the bartenders at that country club had ever made as many Shirley Temples as they did that night. We got made fun of for it.
Straight Edge drinks > Non-Straight Edge drinks. (In my eyes)

Friday was awesome. The Red Sox were in for a double header (they already had a 4 gamer against the White Sox (away) because Thursday was rained out. The Sox ended up ripping the, um, other Sox to shreds both games on Friday. This would set the precedent for the weekend (both Red Sox and otherwise).

The games looked like this
Game 1 - Red Sox 11 White Sox 3 (Beckett for the Win, Varitek- 1 HR)
Game 2 - Red Sox 10 White Sox 1 (Schilling for the Win, Papi - 2 HR, Youk - 1 HR)
Game 3 - Red Sox 14 White Sox 2 (Wakefield for the Win)
Game 4 - Red Sox 11 White Sox 1 (Tavarez for the Win, Drew, Papi, Kielty - 1 HR each)

:Totals: - Red Sox 46 White Sox 7

Yikes. Even Gagne couldn't ruin the run this weekend.
End results: 7.5 games ahead, 7-3 for the last 10 games. Things are starting to get back to normal. Newcomer Bobby Kielty was a big surprise with a few RBI's and a homer. Kinda softens the blow of the Pena trade. Manny had Sunday off, so coupled with Monday, he should be well rested and ready to take on the Crankees for Tues.

Continuation of Friday night... This was something of a sweet disaster. Knowing that I was about to see a band who were just about as good as The Clash play their final show in a disgusting basement to 3 interested people and 6 dirty punx was a bittersweet thing. This band was The Ratchets. On one hand, it was pretty cool to have a private show for me, Nick and Julie. On the other hand, it was just such a bummer that people weren't into this band. It was also a bummer that they were playing their hearts out in a filthy West Philadelphia punk squat basement instead of the filthy Hammersmith Palais. (Ok, I would settle for the First Unitarian too)

The band was incredible and I had fun hanging out (in a punk squat) with Nick and Julie.

Sunday was spent sleeping in, eating pancakes and going to the movies. I saw The Ten (awesome... full review coming this week) at The Ritz with Nick, Julia and Kara Bort. I ate popcorn and then we met up with Rita and went out to the Franklin Fountains for some ice cream.

Totally sweet weekend.
Less Dashboard, More Ringworm.

Quick update - Prep&Pauper featured in Daily Candy!

2007-08-27T11:22:00.000-04:00

Extra! Extra! Prep & Pauper Front page news! (This is my friend Nicks tie company, get into it)

Check out todays Daily Candy for an article about P&P. And get used to hearing the name...

PS. I wore one this weekend to a wedding and got a few compliments on it. Boosh Nick. Boosh.

Stressful week coming to an end?

2007-08-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

My week so far: (the bad)
- It has rained everyday so far
- Forgot I owned a rain coat until yesterday
- Tore a hole in a very expensive bicycle tire (and had to walk home in the rain w/no gear)
- Red Sox ended against the Angels with an L (2-2 for the series)
- I forgot my lunch in the refrigerator on Monday morning
- A big project that I've been doing at work was returned to me
- Red Sox lost last night (and the Yankees won) so we're still only 5 games ahead
- Eric Gange (you fucking suck, so much for fortifying the bullpen. Paps is all we need anyway)
- Missing out on BBQ/Tubing on the Delaware this weekend
- Not in Bethel NB Canada right now

My week (so far and beyond): (the good)
- The Ratchets are playing Phila on Friday
- Phil Leone's wedding on Saturday in Princeton
- Spending the early part of Saturday in Princeton
- Red Sox vs White Sox on TV Saturday
- Had a few good laughs with Jules this week
- Watched "This Is England"
- Whale bones (!)
- Went out for Ice Cream last night
- Saw a random girl wearing a Pagan Babies shirt at said ice cream parlor
- Cold water in my kitchen is fixed! (you don't know how much you take cold water for granted)

Light at the end of the stress tunnel? I hope so.

Inspired by (3) people

2007-08-20T03:59:00.000-04:00

Well, well, well, Blogspot. I never ever thought I would open one of these, but alas, here it is. Not that I'm anti-blog, I actually like reading some peoples stuff, I just never really found the need to have one of my own. Maybe I don't think anything that I do is blog-worthy? Maybe its my inability to follow through with stuff thats not really all that important? Maybe I'm embarrassed that I'm apathetic towards things that I shouldn't be apathetic towards? Or, maybe I'm just lazy? I dunno. We'll put this thing in water and see if it floats.

Um, so after a long weekend of awesomeness in Philadelphia, I came into work to a full in-box of (mostly) crap. Viagra and Cialis at amazing discounts (Google spell check recognizes Viagra but not Cialis? Someone's either a believer or getting paid off). Weight loss miracle pills! Online casino bonuses! A video from Alex of Mr. Belding singing some crappy 80's song. I also had a few people interested in record trades/sales (which I ignore until I need money for something)...

But finally! The light in the darkness! An email from old friend Jeff "The Doctor" Proctor (1)! I go way back with this dude. He is one of Litchs' greats. I grew up skating with this dude, causing trouble with this dude (can you say in school suspension for vandalism, lol) and just hanging the fugg out with this dude. So anyway, he lives out west now and designs stuff for some cool companies and it was nice to have an update from the ol' boy. His sister just got married so he was back in the Litch for a bit. Bummed out that I missed him, but theres always next time.

So, my weekend ruled. Philadelphia is a great place to live if you like seeing bands play live. I've been looking forward to this weekend for the past 4 months (there have been a ton of awesome shows in between that time, but I've had these tickets for a while).

Friday was set to be a great night. The Bouncing Souls playing Philadelphia, their old home away from home, and the recently reunited kings of Hardcore Pop, Lifetime, were playing with them. I was going with my best friends in the whole world and we were pumped. The only bummer about this show was that my boy Matt K(2) couldn't come along with us. He had to be responsible very early Saturday morning that that just didn't fit in with a late night of Hardcore Punk and hanging out.
My friend Matt K(2) is an awesome dude with a great heart. He grew up as a punk, and as every other punk out there knows, we HATE long hairs. (JK, love ya Roger.) It just comes with the territory I guess. But the thing is, last time I saw Matt, his hair was down to about his shoulders. I kinda scratched my head a bit and then asked him about it. He said he was growing his hair out for Locks Of Love, the non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children under age 18 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis.

I wanted to throw up (in a good way). It gave me the stomach snakes (everyone else calls this feeling "butterflies") to know that this dude was willing to wake up earlier than normal everyday, spend $ on hair products, and live life with long hair just to help some poor little kid who he will never meet feel a little better about themselves. That is the most unselfish thing I've ever heard of. Not to mention some (read: uptight, conservative) people will always prejudge a dude with long hair. Not that he is one to care what others think of him, but you know what I'm saying.

Cheers to you Matt.

Saturday and Sunday were spent at This Is Hardcore Fest 2007. TIH is a great show, now in its 2nd year, put on by Philadelphia's own Joe Hardcore (3). This is a 4 day festival that showcases some of the best and newest bands playing Hardcore Punk today. I have to say I was really pleased with the whole thing. Joe runs a tight ship so there was no half hour+ band set up times, no lolly gagging, nothing like that. The time slots were set and that was that. Other people booking shows and/or fests could learn a lot from how Joe runs his.

People travel from all around the globe to bask in the glory of TIH. Hardcore music has given me the ability to travel the country and meet hundreds of people and make some awesome lasting friendships. A fest like this is where the long distance friendships all come together. So glad I got to see Big Joe from Chicago, Red Sox Jess, DFJ, Scace, Aaron from CA, now MA and soon to by NYC, Jeff Dot, JD, B-Roll, Bryan, Joe Harder, Chucky Edge, Mike, Scooter, Alex and Kristian from LI, Lord Dom (bearing funny stories about Fred from MTL), Black Ryan, Sean Bombs, Michelle WB, and countless other friends from Maine, Mass, Conn, etc. and of course my local peeps Phil L, Alex Russin, Dan Mills, Klint, Georgie, Mark, Vin, Brooke and Tussy. (sorry if I missed anyone, my lunch break is short today)

I heard some great new bands and got to see some bands that I love to death. Paint It Black, Shipwreck, RJ's, Cold World, Blacklisted and Crime In Stereo were my favs going into the show, but I left with a new found love for Ceremony, Ambitions, Cheap Tragedies, Said Radio (who I knew would be great). Also, my favorite HC band from my youth, MOUTHPIECE, did a small set during Triple Threats set on Saturday. I came out of mosh retirement for that one. (ok, I still mosh, just not as much)

So, to review, I was inspired by the following to start a blog and talk about stuff:
1) Jeff Proctor - For being my friend for all these years
2) Matt K - For being a solid dude
3) Joe Hardcore - For being the backbone of the Phila Hardcore Punk scene

If you hate it, take it out on them. Come back for another entry in a few days (week?). If its not there, wait longer.
Ricky