Man, Kurt would have been 40 today. Wonder what he would be doing? I kinda like the idea he would be leading some reclusive life, painting and writing. I wonder what he would make of things today?
A truant finds home...and a wish to hold on to...But saw the trapdoor in the sun...
Just heard that Audioslave have split up. I know that they weren't the greatest thing going, but I really liked their last album, it was far better than their previous efforts. That said, they were never going to match the heights of either Soundgarden, or Audioslave. The comparisons were perhaps unfair, but they were certainly inevitable. Thankfully, the band members have got other irons in the fire.
Cornell is working on his second solo album which, if the Bond tune is anything to go by, is likely to be a top effort. Being a massive fan, I obviously checked out Euphoria Morning and, although it had some quality moments, it left me unfulfilled. I guess it was too soon after Soundgarden had split and those ugly comparisons reared their heads again. Unfair I know, but Soundgarden were an awesome band (although, dammit, I never got to see them live). So, I'm excited about the new release, but I'm trying to keep my expectations in check, I've been disappointed to often before.
The other good news is that RATM are re-forming for a one-off festival appearance. How we could have done with their brand of political activism over the past few years. Still, here's hoping that they reform and once more become the 'voice of the voiceless'. Maybe Audioslave splitting is no bad thing after all. I guess we'll have to wait and see.
I have just finished reading Kurt Vonnegut's A Man Without A Country and what a fantastic read it was too. I have never read anything by Vonnegut before and, on the strength of this book, I wish I had picked up one of his much earlier. Essentially, the book is a brief look at the world from Vonnegut's perspective. His comments on the state of play in America are both amusing and insightful. My favourite extract is when he quotes Lincoln's attack on President Polk over the invasion of Mexico:
Trusting to escape scrutiny, by fixing the public gaze upon the exceeding brightness of military glory - that attractive rainbow, that rises in showers of blood - that serpent's eye, that charms to destroy - he plunged into war.
Over the course of 150 years, only the names have changed. Anyway, I heartily recommend picking this one up at some point. It's a pretty quick read so it's handy if you don't have the time to plough through a more substantial book. It also manages to find humour in amongst the dregs of the modern world, no mean feat. So, if anyone could recommend anything else by Vonnegut, I would be most grateful
Lobster, Prawn, Scallop and Asparagus starter, Peppercorn steaks and roasted vegetables, Chocolate and marshmallow fondue, Bottle of champagne, and The Devil Wears Prada on DVD (which I am sure will be like having your teeth extracted).
Who says the romance dies when you get married eh??!! I feel like I have let down men everywhere who will go home tonight with just a bunch of flowers! In fact, most of the women I work with were complaining about how little they get from their partners this time of year. So I apologise in advance if you get any shit tonight. And I don't even believe in this Valentine's crap anyway! But, as I said before, if I didn't go through this I would be in the dog house. Oh, did I forget to mention the badger outfit??? The undisputed highlight of the evening!! In fact, I would forgo the other crap just to get straight to the badger business, if you know what I mean.
Who says that political activism doesn't pay off? A few months back, this story was covered on one of the many left-wing sites I visit. Sadly, the national media didn't cover the story at all. Several of us wrote to organisations like the BBC demanding to know why they didn't cover the story. Many of us blogged about it and stated our disgust with the mainstream media. Anyway, the court case began on Monday and, thankfully, the media at least gave it some coverage (I did email the BBC last week to remind them of the court case). Which goes to show that bloggers and political activists can make a difference and can influence the mainstream media.
It's that time of year again, when star crossed lovers revel in the commercial jamboree. I really resent Valentine's Day, more so now I'm older and wiser (ok, maybe not the latter). I look back now on a youth wasted chasing after unattainable women, hoping one would send me something, anything on Valentine's Day. Sadly, I never received a single card. Not one damn card. Not even a joke card from friends keen to toy with my emotions. Oh, I sent cards. I sent many cards, all to no avail. One time, my friends at uni persuaded me to write a card to someone with cryptic clues that they would then have to figure out to guess it was me. She never did (as far as I know). What an empty life I led. All that time wasted in the pursuit of the unattainable.
As I have gotten older, and my views on the world have developed, I see it as nothing more than n exercise to make money. Like Mother's and Father's Days, it is a superficial construct based on shallow emotions. However, this is where I have a problem (a problem shared by most men I suspect). If I had my way, I would shun this festival of shallowness and leave it for other people but I am in an impossible situation. If my wife and I were to agree to ignore the whole event, you can guarantee she would be upset if I didn't then buy her a card. And how much of a bastard would I look to the people she works with?? Or her family?? I would be bottom of the heap, heartless scum. I have got her to agree that when we have children, we will not enforce the whole Mother's/Father's Day routine on them. In fact, we will encourage them to ignore it. But as for ourselves, I guess we will keep sending each other stupid little cards and buying each other little presents in the hope of appearing vaguely romantic (which is very important when you get married). Anyway, I guess I better go wrap her present up in some tasteless, 'romantic' wrapping paper. And who knows, my wife may even dress up for me.........
So, I was tagged by aliemalie (cruel fiend). Here our six weird things about me:
1) Although I'm not vain, I really don't like people touching my hair. Seriously, touch my hair, I'll break every bone in your body. You have been warned.
2) I think this is weird (for a bloke I guess): I hold grudges. Oh yes, get on the wrong side of me and I'll blank you out.....FOREVER. I will barely acknowledge your existence. Even if you are covered in petrol and you are being taunted with a madman holding a match in his hands. Ok, maybe I would acknowledge then, but I would toss a coin first.
3) I talk all the time in my sleep. Usually amusing my wife the whole night long. This has, of course, caused some difficult situations like the time I blew a kiss to an imaginary woman and shouted 'Phwoaar!!'. Try explaining that one to your other half. Not easy.
4) I have an obsession with badgers. I put this down to where I live (there are lots of the sluts everywhere taunting me with their sexuality). Neath puts it down to mental instability. You decide.
5) I shake when I'm angry. I get so angry, I don't know what to do (I'm not a violent person), so my body decides to make me extra nervous and shaky. Not a good look when you are in a ruck!!
6) I have worn make-up on several occasions. Those damn badgers.............
So, now you all think I am a aggressive, badger loving, hateful, drag queen. Shit. I really should have given this more thought.
