Robot Rock Show

We are Doomed.

2007-04-01T11:05:00.000-07:00

Redundancy Department of Redundancy

2007-03-24T22:48:00.000-07:00

Bureaucracy is absolutely insane.
I have to change my address with the CRA in order to file my taxes online (my Dad does, actually). Anyway, in order to change your address online one needs to sign up for an online account. No big deal, except that in order to sign up, one needs to provide a tonne of information to verify you are who you say you are, and not some sort of Cold War era super spy. Then, one has to have a secret code mailed out to you.

Thats right, mailed. In order to change your mailing address, you need to have a password mailed to your old address.

My head hurts.

Distraction

2007-03-18T10:30:00.000-07:00

I have realized that I am extremely bad at procrastination when it comes to working on a paper.
Hence, I have re-discovered some bands I forgot I loved.

Underworld - Beaucoup Fish

At The Drive In - Relationship of Command

Wintersleep - Untitled

The Land of Homer

2007-02-18T14:52:00.000-08:00

Hey all. I have some big news. I got accepted to the SFU International Field School to Greece. I get to study for about 8 weeks from May until the end of June on two islands off the mainland of Greece. I spend half on the island of Kephalonia (near the island of Ithaca from the Odyssey) and the other half on Lesvos (near Turkey and the home of Sappho, the first lady of democracy and lesbianism if you believe the stories). I also earn a full 12 SFU credits, so its just like being in school here, but about a million times more exciting. There will be about 20 or so students going, so it'll be very intimate. I'll keep you all posted on any developments. Hooray!

And The Glass Handed Kites

2007-02-12T19:37:00.000-08:00

I have been quite obsessed with this album of late. I suggest you become obsessed as well.

Vaguely odd sounding vocals? Check.
Prog-rockish atmospherics? Check.
Wall of Sound Guitars? Check.
From Europe? Check. (Denmark)

Check this song out:

Two Sides to the Coin

2007-01-27T20:53:00.000-08:00

Ok, so normally I don't like cover songs, but I actually didn't know that the Jose Gonzalez version was even a cover when I first heard it. There are just some cover versions that remake a song in just the right way. Both versions of this song are great. Check them out.
Oh yeah, and a big thank you to DaN for showing me The Knife. Seriously, Silent Shout is easily the best album I have heard in a very long while.

Metal By Numbers

2007-01-15T19:54:00.000-08:00

This makes me smile.  This is Brian Posehn from Mr.Show.

Sounds of Sunsets

2006-12-09T17:57:00.000-08:00

So, you know those new albums that just sound so good that you cannot possibly consider listening to anything else? Or that they are so good that you start to see the world a little different while walking home? That is what the new ISIS album is like for me.
Words cannot describe its sheer awesomeness. Except maybe for 'awesomeness'.

In the Fishtank

2006-11-23T23:51:00.000-08:00

ISIS/Aereogramme - In the Fishtank

I am absolutely in love with this album. It is only 3 songs, but it is easily my most favorite CD right now. It isn't merely a split CD like you would imagine, but rather a full on collaboration. It sounds like Godspeed You! Black Emperor mixed with I don't know what... its indescribable. I urge you to find this and check it out. (Natty and DaN especially).

December Bound

2006-11-19T20:08:00.000-08:00

Hey all. So it looks like I will be making the big trip home at Christmas. I plan on flying home on Christmas Day and going back on Jan 1. This should be the first Boxing Day I will have off in like 8 years. I'm pretty effing excited. (P.S. Kim, will there be a party at your house for New Years?)

In other news, I love the new Deftones Cd (Natty, you should as well). Its not as metallistic as their older Cds, but I have to say, its right up there with White Pony for me. Damn fine stuff.

I also saw the Rapture a couple of days ago. Pretty decent show (for an indie dance-party). It would have been better if I hadn't had to fend off the morons behind me that were attempting to mosh in front of the stage. If I hadn't, my friends Julia and Tracey would have been grease smears against the front of the stage, and no one wants to see/clean that.

Lapse

2006-10-30T09:35:00.000-08:00

I suppose I am overdue for an update. A mixture of pure lazyness and sheer business has hampered my ability to post.

Capers is going well. Once I figured out the majority of the produce codes, it became a relatively easy job. I don't have to count any money or do anything overly strenuous. Just ringing peoples groceries through. It does feel good to be working for a company that actually cares about health, the planet and its employees. Plus, where else would I get to bag Brent Butt's groceries and have a conversation about cell phones with him?

I have the day off, but I have to start working on my ten page Political Science paper. I'm doing mine on large multi-national corporations and how they are much more harmful to our society than big governments. Thrilling stuff!

Hope all is well with all of you in blogland.

Take care.

Wolf Like Me

2006-10-09T10:28:00.000-07:00

This is my absolute favorite song right now. TV on the Radio rock. They were so damn amazing live, too. If any of you get a chance to see them, don't miss out. Great show.
Enjoy.

Wolf Like Me- TV on the Radio

2006-10-06T15:06:00.000-07:00

"You are undone if you once forget that the fruits of the earth belong to us all, and the earth itself to no one."
-Jean Jacques Rousseau

-

Change is in the Air

2006-10-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the long gap in posting. No excuses.

After a much longer than intended stay at HMV, I have officially given my two week notice. I will no longer have to wear the blue and pinks and have to listen to "Crazy Frog" and Nelly Furtado ad nauseum.

So what, you ask, am I doing now? I got a job at Capers (with a recomendation from Guy) and I start my training this week. I will be a lowly cahier, but the store is literally a ten minute walk from home. Bonus!

So long, HMV. Most of it has been fun.

An Extremely Important Film You Need To See

2006-09-07T21:32:00.000-07:00

I urge everyone who sees this to watch this online film. Its an hour & a half long and is obviously fairly low budget, but it is very worth your time.

There are too many unanswered questions about 9/11 and too much evidence pointing in the opposite direction of what has been told. This is not right. Watch this movie and decide for yourself if you have been lied to or not.

Loose Change

Book Tag

2006-09-01T09:41:00.000-07:00

1. One book that changed your life: 'Fast Food Nation' by Eric Schlosser

2. One book you’ve read more than once: 'Fight Club' by Chuck Palahniuk

3. One book you’d want on a desert island: 'How to make a Raft' by Joe Survialist

4. One book that made you giddy: Calvin & Hobbes

5. One book that wracked you with sobs: Who cries over a book? Pansies.

6. One book that you wish had been written: 'Retail clerks are people too'

7. One book you wish had never been written: That Paris Hilton book. Actually, I wish she was never born.

8. One book you’re currently reading: 'Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell' by Susanna Clark.

9. One book you’ve been meaning to read: 'War & Peace' by L. Tolstoy. I Have it, but not the time to devote to it.

10. Now tag four bloggers: Guy, Laura, Dan, Kim. (or anyone in my links)

The Experience of Tool

2006-08-25T21:28:00.000-07:00

So, its been a couple of days since I saw Tool for the second time, and I guess I should mention something about the show.
Firstly, when they put 8:00 on the ticket stubb, they should mention that it is not the doors at 8 and rather the effin show that starts at 8. Guy and I stood in line outside of GM Place for an hour until 9 waiting to get in. Thus, we entirely missed ISIS's set which bums me out. I really hope they play here again when their new album comes out.

Guy and I got to see the show for free in Bell's luxury box which was great because the seats had a decent view of the stage. On the other hand, it sucked because the guy that was in charge of the box was a douchebag. He kept punching us in the arm and trying to get us to "rock out" more. What a knob. Oh well, he also would not stop giving us free beer. That was good.

Tool were amazing as before. Their stage setup was a little toned down from the last time I saw them, but they mostly played stuff from 10000 days. Rosetta Stoned was a real killer to hear live. All 15 minutes of it. Very good.

I wish the show was longer, that I had seen ISIS and that it was sans Bell dickheads, but all in all, a good time was had.

Boardtastic

2006-08-09T21:07:00.000-07:00

I took the plunge today and bought a longboard. I was going to buy a Rayne, but the guy at the shop said he preferred the Landyachtz Stout for cruising instead. I took it out for a short ride and realized that I am not very good at it, but its damn fun.
Dan, I'm looking in your direction and the seawall is calling us, man.

Rejuvenation

2006-08-08T22:34:00.000-07:00

Hey Saskatoon friends. Remember these guys? I stumbled upon this gem in my CD collection tonight and remembered why it was so effing good. Apparantly there is a new album in the works right now. Killer. Go to myspace.com/myvitriol and listen to the new songs.

Apathy

2006-08-04T22:58:00.000-07:00

I think I need to quit my job. I have reached the bottom of my barrel of enthusiasm for HMV. I guess 7 years is too long after all.

Its hard to believe that HMV has been the only job I have ever had, but I just can't stand it anymore. That place has lost sight of what a record store is supposed to be. Just like all big companies, its just about the bottom line and fuck anyone who may be in the way, staff included.
I feel like I am starting to hate music, and that scares me. I have become even more jaded than I used to be, if thats even possible.

I truly miss the good old days of Lawson Heights with Shumon, Andrea, Dan and company. Shit. You guys were the best staff/best friends to work with.

An Intervention is Needed

2006-07-26T12:00:00.000-07:00

Gummy Bears rock ass. Seriously.

So, I should be reading about the Caesars of Rome right now, but I just don't give a damn at the moment. Total lack of motivation.

I think I'm addicted to Youtube. Its taking up all my spare time. Damn.

If anyone wants to buy some tickets to the Tool show here in Vancouver, please let me know. Guy and I actually get to see the show from the Bell box at GM place, so we need to get rid of our tickets. Anyone? Hello?

I saw a woman on the Skytrain a couple of nights ago that had shaved off her eyebrows and drawn them back on in a way that made it look like she was perpetually shocked. I thought that was great.

Saw Capote finally. Was a little underwhelmed actually. I was expecting much more from it. Philip Hoffmann was great, but the movie was a little dry.

Take it easy. See you on the other side.

Please, just Send Money.

2006-07-20T07:40:00.000-07:00

Well, I am officially a quarter of a century old today. It doesn't feel any different though. I did yell at some kids to get off my yard the other day. Not that I have a yard.
But I did yell at some kids. Damn kids with their music.

Oh, Hot Damn!

2006-07-10T09:56:00.000-07:00

It appears that ISIS will be opening for Tool on their North American tour.

That makes me so happy, I want to vomit with joy.

Stupid Trends

2006-07-03T22:21:00.000-07:00

What is up with this 'huge sunglasses' trend? Do they really need to cover up 3/4 of their face? Whats next? Welding masks?
I trademark that fad. Just you wait.

August 22/06

2006-06-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

I bought my tickets for the Tool show here in August. This will be show number 2 for me. I can't wait for the crazy visuals and absurdly long jam sessions.
Sweet!

Eat your Heart out, Kim...

2006-06-23T00:15:00.000-07:00

So, I was working the merch table for the Tony Bennett show here in Vancouver (Jazz Fest) and who should walk up to the table? Thats right kids.
Captain Apollo himself.
It was really odd seeing Jamie Bamber in person when I had just been watching Battlestar Galactica the day before. Vancouver rocks.

My Bloody Valentine - Loveless

2006-06-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

This may very well be the best album ever made. Save yourself the embarrassment of having never heard it and click here for a treat.

Thank you Very Much, Kim...

2006-06-16T21:44:00.000-07:00

Battlestar Galactica

Addictive just like crack... Missing schoolwork to watch it...
Yep. Its just like she said it would be. I should never doubt the wisdom that is Kim Gaspar. She has yet to steer me wrong.

I've Got a Fever, Baby...

2006-06-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

And the only prescription is more cowbell!

I can't believe my prof showed this in class. Some sort of link between cowbell and the Peloponnesian War. Go figure...

It'll Change Your Life

2006-06-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

Go see "An Inconvenient Truth" as soon as humanly possible. Global warming is seriously here and we have to do something about it now.

www.climatecrisis.net

Please watch this film.

I Can't Feel my Face

2006-05-26T21:23:00.000-07:00

Ouch.

The Spanish Flu

2006-05-18T17:26:00.000-07:00

Wow, did I ever get hit hard yesterday. I had class in the morning and wasn't feeling good already, but didn't make much of it. After hanging out with Dash for a couple of hours, I got onto the bus home and felt like I was going to die.
There is really nothing like examining the people beside you on the bus and thinking to yourself: "I may end up puking on you". Happy thoughts.
I got home and crashed for a few hours and felt a little better, but it wasn't until now that I really started to feel better.

Maybe it was the Bird Flu. (I highly doubt it).
And no, Dash, it was not your company.

On a positive note, I am on my way back to the flatlands tomorrow, so clear your calendar everyone! Seriously. You must obey my every whim.

(sidenote: I also have to read selections from 3 history books this weekend! Yay! Actually, selections from two and the entire book in another. Joy.)

Back to the Grindstone

2006-05-11T12:05:00.000-07:00

Back in school now... It seems like its going to be a good semester though. Very Historical, which is good for me. Tonnes of reading though, which I suppose I should just get used to now and stop complaining about it.

My one prof has a really irritating quirk. After he finishes pretty much every statement, he ends it with this indescribable noise very much like the Skeksky's in the Dark Crystal. "Hmmmm?"
3 months of this and I will probably end up ending my or his life. We shall see.

I rode the bus with Dash the other day and she has a bizzare aversion to sitting sideways or backwards on the bus. Motion sickness or something. What a strange person she is. I mean really, its just a bus.

I'm only half kidding, Dash.

Lyrics of the Week

2006-05-08T14:37:00.000-07:00

I know I am gloriously biased when it comes to things concerning Tool, but the lyrics to "Right in Two" really struck a chord with me.
Check em out:

Angels on the sideline,
Puzzled and amused.
Why did Father give these humans free will?
Now they're all confused.

Don't these talking monkeys know that Eden has enough to go around?
Plenty in this holy garden, silly monkeys
Where there's one you're bound to divide it
Right in two

Angels on the sideline,
Baffled and confused.
Father blessed them all with reason,
And this is what they choose?

Monkey killing monkey killing monkey over pieces of the ground.
Silly monkeys give them thumbs they forge a blade
And where there's one they're bound to divide it
Right in two

Monkey killing monkey killing monkey over pieces of the ground.
Silly monkeys give them thumbs they make a club,
And beat their brother down.
How they survive so misguided is a mystery.
Repugnant is a creature who would squander the ability,
To lift an eye to heaven, conscious of his fleeting time here.

Truer words have not been uttered in a while, if you ask me.

My Hero

2006-05-07T23:38:00.000-07:00

David Cross in a NY Park.

Words can't express how much I love this man.

Not like that you perverts.

10,000 instances of Jaw drop

2006-05-03T00:28:00.000-07:00

Wow.

Seriously.

Wow.

Tool never cease to amaze.

A Change of Season

2006-04-26T00:38:00.000-07:00

I'm thinking about changing this blog to a music-blog.

Comments?

The Sweet Sigh of Relief

2006-04-23T09:59:00.000-07:00

Finished exams for another term. I think I did fairly well on them, too.
I somehow managed an A- on my Cognitive Science class, which is amazing as I bombed the midterm. Sweet.

I'm trying to get home for Josh's wedding in May, but the flights are quite rediculous. Either I pay $460 to fly for a measley 2hours or I get up at 4am to make the earliest flight ever. Damn you airlines!

I'm off to enjoy the beautiful Vancouver weather and do absolutely nothing constructive today!

Sweet!

2006-04-13T11:20:00.000-07:00

Mmmmmm..... Delicious.

Sigh of Relief

2006-04-02T17:11:00.000-07:00

So we are officially moved into our new place now. It was a hellish day of early rising, driving a diesel-fueled-standard transmission-monster of a truck, packing it with boxes and other junk, driving it again, unloading all the boxes and other junk, more driving of the truck and finally utter exhaustion leading to total muscle collapse.
But, after all that we are in a great apartment on a great, happening street in a great city. 10 minutes from the beach, no less. Sweet.

All must come and visit.

Blah

2006-03-22T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am finding it incredibly hard to focus on schoolwork right now... I should be reading my history text, or my Cognitive Science text (worst book in the history of all written texts) or my other History text...
But I just don't bloody feel like it.

It doesn't help that it is ugly as sin outside today. I know that I live in Vancouver and it is supposed to rain all the time, but COME ON!

Oh well. We move in a week, so that will help. Hooray for Kitsilano! Boo Burnaby Mountain!

So pointless, but damn cool

2006-03-18T23:55:00.000-08:00

Aphex Twin: Check
Chris Cunningham: Check
Robot Monkey Drumming: Check

What more do you want, people?

BOOM!

5 Glorious Things...

2006-03-16T15:47:00.000-08:00

Some things I have been digging of late:

Mono Basically the Japanese Mogwai or Godspeed.

Ladytron Sweet sweet Ladytron.

Goldfrapp Sexy.

Any Information on the new Tool album.

The Amazing Race. I mean, come on! Just kick with your feet and go under, dammit!

I could have bought 15 bottles of Iced Tea

2006-03-12T00:01:00.000-08:00

Paying $30 for a crap hair cut that makes you look like a 9 year old boy is just plain stupid.

What a waste of money.

Sing the song of Vermillion

2006-02-21T23:33:00.000-08:00

Holy Fritatas I've been bad at posting recently. It can pretty much be blamed on laziness and business. But not at the same time. Or maybe so.

Anyway, I've offically become a History major now. I'm going to focus on 20th Century Europe, in case any of you actually give a hoot. I know I wouldn't if I were you.

Oh, and I had a new hoodie made tonight. It kicks the asses of all my other hoodies.

Fin

I have a New Child!

2006-02-12T00:10:00.000-08:00

Its a girl. Her name is "expensive, but oh so worth every penny".

The Receiving End of Sirens

2006-01-28T23:45:00.000-08:00

You guys should check this out. If you like Hardcore/Emo/Punk/Whatevercore, you should definitely listen to this CD.
I guess I'm just a sucker for bands with 3 guitar players. Plus, three of the guys trade off singing. Pretty rad.

Feh

2006-01-23T22:19:00.000-08:00

Boo Conservative party...

Not that I'm that surprised, however...
Still though...

So much for productivity

2006-01-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a mostly useless day. Every now and again I get a day off (or in today's case, part of a day off) and I usually have grand plans for it. To date I don't think I have ever totally made use of a good day off.

After my one measly hour of class today, I have mostly spent it watching the ridiculously long, 11DVD World War 2 documentary that I bought. But how much old war footage and British narration can one person take? I have discovered that not much is the correct answer. That mother is going to take a long time to plow through.

Should really go buy some food for dinner. Damn, taking the bus sucks ass sometimes.

Also, MSTRKRFT remix of Monster Hospital is kick ass. Go find it now or you will miss out.

Blatant Knockoff

2006-01-09T22:02:00.000-08:00

I figured that Natty's post was so brilliant that I would completely rip her off and make a top 10 list of my own. In no particular order, they are:

10: Broken Social Scene - Broken Social Scene
-Even though I was kind of disappointed with this album, it was still a BSS album, so I had to include it here.
Song: 7/4 (Shoreline)
9: Everytime I Die - Gutter Phenomenon
-It may just be that I can't stop listening to it at this very moment, but it kicks so much ass. Plus, bonus points for any song called "Guitarred & Feathered"
Song: Apocalypse Then and Now
8: Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Howl
-I agree with what Natty said about this one. Not as good as past efforts, but still kick ass in its own way.
Song: Ain't No Easy Way
7: Pelican - The Fire in Our Throats Will Beckon the Thaw
-Heavy as hell without any vocals at all. Plus, that title is sheer pretentious sounding brilliance.
Song: March to the Sea
6: Thrice - Vheissu
-I have always really loved Thrice and this album is honestly one of their best to date. They keep consistent with their sound and yet are not afraid to experiment.
Song: The Earth Will Shake
5: Sun Kil Moon - Tiny Cities
-Not having heard a whole lot of Modest Mouse songs, I found this album to be like a brand new Sun Kil Moon record. Mark Kozelek's voice has that vaguely familiar sound that is so comforting.
Song: Tiny Cities Made of Ashes
4: City & Color - Sometimes
-Dallas Green has a beautiful voice that fills me with chills. This is his solo CD away from Alexisonfire and it is both tragic sounding and sweet. Brilliant.
Song: Comin' Home
3: Death Cab for Cutie - Plans
-This one was a bit of a slow burn for me, but I can honestly say that some of my favorite DCFC songs are on this album. Nuff said.
Song: I Will Follow You Into the Dark
2: Boards of Canada - Campfire Headphase
-BOC is always playing on my iPod at one time or another and this album is damn near perfect. They added more live instruments into the mix but left that signature BOC sound. Go buy now.
Song: Dayvan Cowboy
1: Sigur Ros - Takk
-Another slow burn. It may have been seeing them live that made me love this album even more than I did at first. Words can't describe Sigur Ros. Its just hauntingly brilliant.
Song: Saeglopur

Even though there are more honorable mentions to list here than I have patience for, here are a few random ones:
Boysnightout-Trainwreck; M.I.A.-Arular; Bear Vs Shark-Terrorhawk; Imogen Heap-Speak for Yourself; Bloc Party-Silent Alarm; Beck-Guerro; Open Hand-You and Me; Nine Inch Nails-With Teeth

Final Countdown

2006-01-02T21:09:00.000-08:00

This is just awesome. So "gloriously terrible" as Laura put it.

What?!!

2005-12-21T13:21:00.000-08:00

So, Lil Jon was in our store yesterday. He was shopping with his entourage of giant bodyguards and bought $325 worth of DVDs.
One of the funniest things I have ever seen was seeing Dustin try to upsale Lil Jon the Johnny Cash CD for $6.99.
Classic.

Intellectual Freedom

2005-12-15T00:29:00.000-08:00

Well, as Guy has already stated in his blog, school is over for this semester. I didn't find it as hectic as Guy did, but it was definitely busy. I've only gotten one of my grades back so far, but it was really good. I got an A- in philosophy, which I am very happy with. I must have done way better on my final than I thought. Killer.

Also, christmas blows the royal asshole. I thought it was busy at Lawson, but man. Once you see a store take in $35,000 in one day, then you really know what busy is. I know, Guy. Your store does like $200,000 in a day, but you don't count. So get over yourselves.

More from me tomorrow after Brent does his magic with my face.

That sounded really gay...

Not that theres anything wrong with that.

The Fox network must be run by monkeys...

2005-11-30T00:07:00.000-08:00

Why do the best shows always get canceled? Why are they almost always on Fox?
Why do people still insist on watching the Simpsons when they could have been watching the best comedy that has ever existed (in my opinion anyway).
Stupid redneck sheep.

Soon........

2005-11-21T16:48:00.000-08:00

Its hard to believe that there is only 2 weeks left of class this semester. I am filled with joy and dread at the thought of exams, however. Then, the dreaded Christmas nuthouse that is Metrotown.
Pray for my soul.
Or, if you don't believe I have a soul, don't pray for it.
I'm cool with either.

Blah

2005-11-16T02:05:00.000-08:00

2,132,824 people and I still feel lonely...

Holiday Whore

2005-11-06T12:03:00.000-08:00

Damn Retail. It looks like I can't make it home for Christmas like I had hoped. Why must everyone empty their pocketbooks all at the same time and force me to be chained to a register for a month straight? I just don't understand.
I was really looking forward to seeing the 'Toon crew again. Merde!
At least Vad is coming out for a couple of days. That will rock.

$14 worth of Beans

2005-10-23T22:26:00.000-07:00

So, I bought some groceries with Laura today at Safeway. We needed beans and whatnot for chili. When I got to the front checkout and paid for my stuff, I was told that I won a free DVD player.
$14 is a great deal. Thats pretty sweet.
Not that we need another DVD player.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2005-10-09T21:00:00.000-07:00

Love,
Jon

Liquid

2005-09-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

Well, its offical. The first day of shitty Vancouver weather for me. Its been raining basically non-stop since last night and it apparantly is not going to stop for a couple of days. I just got back from class and I am completely soaked. I guess I'm going to have to invest in an umbrella.

P.S. To Natty and Mom&Dad, you may want to bring some rain gear. Just so you know. Its wet.

God Crying Golden Tears in Heaven

2005-09-28T01:22:00.000-07:00

All I can say is, wow! I knew going into the show that it was going to be good, but I was not prepared for what would ensue. To have shivers down ones spine is the sign of a good show, but to have it practically the whole night is a sign of something special.

The string quartet Anima opened up the night. They were really cool, to say the least. They all played violin/cello and also alternated between things like asian harps, xylophones, and even a bowed saw. Really ethereal "classical" music if I absolutely had to describe them.

Sigur Ros blew my mind. Anima played with them as well and really complimented the band. They opened with Glosoli off of Takk... They actually played number 2 until 6 off of Takk all in a row until the keyboardist's piano died on him and they had to improvise. I must say that Saeglopur almost made me crap my pants.
They also played my all time favorite song: Svefn-g-englar. I very nearly cried during this one. Words can't describe how moving that song is to me.
They ended the night with Untitled 8 off of () and what a climatic ending. Suffice to say, Jonsi the singer ended up breaking all the strings off of his bow and collapsing onto the floor.

If any of you haven't and happen to get the chance to see these guys, do whatever it takes to make it happen. Sell any children you have and go. I guarantee you wont regret it.

I Used to Dream About The Future; I Used to Dream About A Lot of Things

2005-09-26T20:42:00.000-07:00

I can't stop listening to Matt Good recently. I have been a fan since the first time I heard "Indestructible" off of Underdogs, and I honestly can't recall a time when I didn't like his work. I realize that he is not everybody's cup of tea or whatever and that he is apparantly an "asshole", but that doesn't change anything. He makes great music in my opinion.
I just bought his greatest hits package "In a Coma" and am listening to the accoustic disc as we speak. If you haven't liked his stuff before, you should try this CD. The accoustic reworkings of some of his better songs are really quite amazing.
I just thought I'd plug him once again.

That is all.

Skytrain doings

2005-09-25T22:13:00.000-07:00

I saw a very odd thing on the skytrain today. The guy that was sitting in front of me was carrying what I assumed to be a guitar case. He started to gesture with his hand in a manner that I could only describe as a mix between orchestra conducting and some sort of Nazi salute. Gesturing towards no one, mind you. I couldn't figure out what he was up to, so I just ignored him and continued listening to my iPod. He ended up getting off at the same station as me and as we were both walking towards the mall, he continued these wild gestures, except that now, when he had the space, he followed them up with a violent lunge. I realized that he was practicing some sort of fencing moves. After that, it all made sense, but I can honestly say, that was one of the oddest things I have ever seen someone do in public. Not obscene, just odd. I wish I had had a camcorder.

In completely unrelated news, one of the girls at work got fired yesterday. Apparantly she was already on two written warnings for something or another, and the previous night she forgot to lock the safe. Oops. She got canned. She took it really badly and basically stormed out of the store crying. What an awkward day after that. No one really wanted to talk about it and we all just carried on like it hadn't happened. Long story short, I am now a key holder again.

To quote Godfather II, "I try to get out but they just keep pulling me back in."

Holy Crap! 19 Days!

2005-09-21T17:08:00.000-07:00

Sorry about that. Thats way too long to go without a post. But, if you read my sister's blog, you will see that we were screwed over by Shaw Cable. We had to wait over 2 weeks to have our internet installed. Hooey! Thats just not right.
Anyway, its now up and running and I will be able to update regularily again.
For all of you out there wondering, school is going fine. I am really enjoying Philosophy as we are now starting to deal with free will and determinism. Really light-hearted stuff, I know. I also have a paper due for that class in a week. Damn! Must get on that.
Work is ok. They actually want me to work more hours than I can afford to, which is better than the reverse. But I have to cut it back if I want to get any school work done.

The Sigur Ros show is next week, so I'll definately post after that. Until then, I'll speak at you all soon.

I miss all you crazy Saskatoon peeps.

Overpriced Paper

2005-09-02T09:10:00.000-07:00

I had my orientation yesterday at school. Wow. That was a waste. It was $25 for something that I could have easily done on my own. Oh well. Live and learn. I now have my bus pass that will get me anywhere in the city for free until christmas. Sweet.
Books. That sucks. I have to go buy textbooks today. One of my History texts is $140. That blows. All together I will have to spend about $400. That'll hurt the old pocketbook.
Now, if my damn student loan would just come through...

Burnaby Bound

2005-08-31T10:12:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm here. Vancouver. Its really nice. Rainy, but nice.
Its all very overwhelming right now, but thats to be expected. Its rough right now because we don't actually have our own place right now. We move in on the 10th and until then, we have to bunk in with Guy's brother (which is overly accepting of them).
I also stopped into HMV and met my new boss. Everyone there seems really cool, if a little shell-shocked. There are like 4 new stores opening in the GVA and everything is pretty caotic there. I'll keep you all posted on that though.
Keep it real.
Do it.

In A Coma

2005-08-29T08:44:00.000-07:00

I am very excited about the deluxe edition of this. I am a huge Matt Good nut and anything new is alright with me.
Go to the audio section and hear the new single "Oh Be Joyfull". Great stuff.

In A Coma

I've Seen Things...

2005-08-25T12:22:00.000-07:00

I've seen them with my eyes.

Thats some good shit.

More Ink

2005-08-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

I just discovered a cool new show. I don't watch much TV (unless I'm as bored as I have been lately), but this show is different. Miami Ink is about a tattoo parlor in Miami Beach and it documents the lives of the artists and the clients that come into the shop. It did a really good job of portraying the reality of tattoo shops and how they are not such a fringe concept anymore. There is so much misconception when it comes to people with ink and I don't think that's fair. Just because a person chooses to put art on their body doesn't make them a thug or a criminal. I'm glad that its becoming more acceptable.

It sure makes me want to get off my ass and get some work done. All I have to do is decide on a concept and I'm there. I'm thinking about either my right arm or something on my back. Now, what to put there.

Mmmmm... Ink & paper

2005-08-23T17:21:00.000-07:00

So, I love comics. I do. Really.
I just finished Singularity 7 and the first volume of The Walking Dead. Both were even better than I was expecting them to be.
The Walking Dead is an awesome George A. Romero-esque zombie story that is actually more about what happens to the people that are left behind once all the world has been taken over by the dead. Very cool stuff.
Singularity is a kind of horror slash sci-fi thing that was actually quite well done. Since the guy who did it is actually an artist primarily, I was really surprised at how good the writing was. Killer.

In other news, Dan got me addicted to longboarding recently. I was kind of sceptical at first because I usually fall on my ass when I get on something like a board, but I quickly realized that Dan was right about one thing. That shit is addictive. He thinks I should get one for commuting to and from school/work once I'm in BC. Not a bad idea. We'll have to see how the money situation holds up. Damn you Saskatchewan Student Loan people! Hurry the hell up! I don't have all day!

If Its Good Enough For Moses...

2005-08-21T09:22:00.000-07:00

I had a very strange thing happen to me last night. I was parked at a red light waiting to merge, when a truck pulling what looked to be a cattle trailer stopped beside me. I had my window open a bit so I heard some guy calling to me from the truck. I looked over and he was saying: "I like your watch!"
"Thanks?" I said and carried on waiting for the light.
"I have this one!" I heard him yell back.
"Huh?" I said.
He then got out of the truck and walked over to my window and showed me his watch. Granted, it was a nice watch, but come on. Thats just strange.
Finally, once he was back in his truck, he asked if he could take my picture. Being in a good mood at the time, I said "sure" and saluted the devil horns.
The other 4 people in the truck seemed to think this was funny as hell as they were in hysterics.
I then proceded to drive off and never see them again.
That was seriously one of the oddest things I have ever had happen while driving.

Out From Out Where

2005-08-19T18:54:00.000-07:00

This album is great. I hope that most of you already know this, but I just thought I'd say so anyway.
That is all for now.

Keep on Keepin On

2005-08-18T09:41:00.000-07:00

So. Here I am again. With even less to do then before. Now that the movers have taken all my stuff away, I am left with two books and my iPod. Thats it. Oh, and my clothes. But those aren't important.
These last few days are going to be very strange followed by a week of sheer terror once I get to Vancouver. Yikes.

Snore

2005-08-15T16:03:00.000-07:00

I am bored. Very, very bored.
I think I've reached my personal limit for time off. I'm starting to go stir crazy.

I can't believe that I actually want to go back to work. Thats messed up.

Timing

2005-08-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

My life is all about timing. Lately, it seems to be all bad. Why must things that you really wanted to happen occur at the worst possible time? Is that fate? Cruel fate? God must have one wicked bad sense of humor.

I've felt increasingly torn about my decision to move to Vancouver. On one hand, or one and a half hands, I am really excited about the whole thing. I have never lived in another city before and Vancouver is definately the city I would choose first.
On the remaining fingers of that hand is where the problem comes in.

Those that know me, should know that I am not good with girls. Terrible actually. So why is it that when things actually start going my way, I have to leave? What is the possible bright side of this to be looking at? I see none. I can tell that she is having a really hard time with it as well. Is it better to just end it now and not deal with the heartache?

Life is a bitch...

Negligence

2005-08-10T16:01:00.000-07:00

Wow. Seriously, it feels like I have been neglecting this blog like a sick puppy. Or a wounded ocelot.

Anyway, back again for more useless ramblings.

All of our moving details are mostly sorted out. That's one less thing to worry about. Its costing $2000 but at least I'll still have the use of my back once its all over. And I use my back for a lot of things. Mostly sitting.

On that note, to Laura's dismay, Guy has gotten me addicted to Civilization. Damn you man! That shit is like crack laced with PCP! I could literally stare at that damn screen for hours and loose all my body functions into my shorts if I was left to my own devices.

So, in short, if any of you sees me playing this game alone, knock me off my chair. Or at least turn off the computer before I go completely braindead.

Consequences be they May

2005-07-23T17:13:00.000-07:00

I have offically just enjoyed my first day off from work. I have a whole month to myself (mostly) now and I plan on enjoying it.
I'm a good deal through the new Harry Potter book and it's just as enjoyable as I expected. Great fun.
Soon I'll be off to chill with some folks at Kim's place and have a couple of drinks. Not too many as I have never been a big drinker. I'm not sure why really. I mean, I have had a couple of bad nights (wine is only good in small to moderate doses. Any more and the night goes black), but other than that, I rarely go too hard. I think its because I don't generally like the feeling of being drunk. Some people do. I suppose its a sort of escape from reality, but that has never been the case for me. It always ends up with my being a total donkey's ass and shouting some random nonsence at my friends(pick up the spare!).

No, I'll keep my cola and occasional glass of merlot. I am also keen on pints of Heiniken and Asahi.

I'll eat the PP

2005-07-21T20:05:00.000-07:00

Ok. So one more day of work in Saskatoon. I can't believe it. I don't think it has completely sunk in yet. It may later, but not right now.

I am in the midst of listening to a Podcast from Matt Good, so I'll be brief.

I'll post more later when I can actually concentrate.

Go Shorty...

2005-07-19T19:06:00.000-07:00

So this is my maiden post on the new Mac Mini!
Yessssss!(Napoleon Dynamite)
I must say, its pretty damn sweet. Macs are definately the user friendly system nowadays. Just thinking about how much shit I have put up with from my last PC, I'm amazed I didn't do this sooner.
And, the friggin computer is the size of a small book! You can't beat that deal.

Also, its my birthday tomorrow. Whoop-de-doo!? I was asked what I wanted for it and I honestly don't really care. Maybe as you get older these things just lose their meaning. Just send envelopes full of money and/or heroin and I'll be just ducky.

Off to finish The Order of the Phoenix before tackling the newest book.

Money Money Money

2005-07-17T17:01:00.000-07:00

I'm going in on another Amazon order with Kim. Damn addictions. Comics have really crept back into my life of late. Well, not so much crept as crashed. Oh well. There is so much great work out there for me to devour. After seeing Batman Begins for the second time, I just have to read Frank Miller's telling of the Dark Knight.
Yes, I am a dork. I am pleased as all hell of that fact as well.

Also, this is my last week of work in Saskatoon. Hard to believe, really. Its the end of an era. Not to be confused with the new age band Era who are still alive and kicking apparantly.

Lazy Dayz

2005-07-15T07:56:00.000-07:00

I have three days off from work now. Thats pretty sweet. I'm not sure what I'll do with them, but it will most likely involve reading and playing Xbox. What a grand life I live. Oh well. I'm not complaining.
I think I'm going to re-read the last Harry Potter book before I go out and buy the new one. I don't remember anything that happened in it.
I'm off for coffee.
Cheers/Jeers

Quarter Life Crisis

2005-07-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

So, I have been kinda stressed these last few weeks. It seems like all the things that need to get done for my move to Vancouver are all happening at the same time. Granted, I tend to blow things way out of proportion when they don't need to be, but thats me. I feel relatively good though today. Yesterday was a shitty day, but today is polar opposite to that. I know that once I get out there and into classes, I will feel much better, but its still hard to deal with the fact that I'm leaving some close friends behind. I will miss all of you guys a lot and I'll definately be back to visit often. Also, shout out to Vanessa for the amazing letter of encouragement. That made all the difference in the world.
Peace, Love, & Robots

There Back!

2005-07-08T18:44:00.000-07:00

I just found out that the new 30 Seconds to Mars album is being released August 16th! Yay! I love them. Jered Leto is one talented dude.
Check out the first single here.

Music to My Ears

2005-07-07T22:30:00.000-07:00

Sweet mother of god.

Dredg - Catch Without Arms.

Also, I enrolled in my classes for the fall. I guess theres no turning back now.

...To the Top

2005-07-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

I often shift back and forth between numerous styles of music to listen to. I'll get really into a genre and forget about everything else thats out there for a while. I have been on a real electronic music kick recently. For example, I have been listening to Fluke a lot recently and I just rediscovered Speedy J and early Autechre (before their music became something only computers could stand to hear). I may come full circle again and only listen to Baroque or banjo music, but for now, I dig the computer music.

Revolt!

2005-07-02T22:42:00.000-07:00

Comrades, awake!
(Sleep) is for the weary.
No more.
This is boring.
Maybe we are all clowns.

Every little things....Gonna be alright.

2005-07-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

Having a great day so far.
Listen to this.
And this.

While you're at it, read this.
Its fantastic that our elected officials actually got off their asses and acomplished something positive. Now, lets see how long it will last. The Conservatives are really pissed about it, and I'm sure they will try to turn it around. Damn bible thumpers.

Justice

2005-06-26T15:41:00.000-07:00

This reporter should get a medal. We all wanted to do this to him. Now someone has.
Enjoy.

Nadda

2005-06-26T10:16:00.000-07:00

I don't have anything in particular to say. Yep. For once. Bored. Early in the day. Maybe I'll have something for you later. Maybe. Or not.

Kill Em All

2005-06-24T09:04:00.000-07:00

What is wrong with people? I know I have asked this question before, but I don't care. I still don't understand.
Vanessa had her car broken into yesterday in broad daylight on the busiest street in town. How does that happen? And why?
She had her $150 bag stolen and everything that was in it. Insurance doesn't cover it because her car has a $700 deductible. Damn insurance companies.
When will theft no longer be a concern? Never? Will there always be those who are so stomped by the boot of modern soceity that they feel they have to steal other peoples things to stay alive? Or are they just lazy, uneducated slobs who do it just to feel alive? I really don't understand.

I'm Number Two

2005-06-23T09:51:00.000-07:00

For all of you out there who think I'm cynical (and I am), you have to read this shit. I laughed myself stupid. Ok, stupider than I already am.
Case in point:
"It's every man's dream to have a penis so large that he must hire a small boy to carry it."
Brilliant.
The Best Page in the Universe

Thefutureembrace

2005-06-21T18:28:00.000-07:00

Billy Corgan has resurfaced and released an exceptional solo album. It doesn't sound a lot like the Smashing Pumpkins, but thats not a bad thing at all. Its very electronic sounding but its still got that textbook Corgan style. I highly recommend it.

Gone Baptisin...

2005-06-20T21:45:00.000-07:00

I was just watching the news and heard a quote that actually made me laugh out loud. The Liberal government are trying to push the proposed Gay marriage bill through the summer and obviously its meeting some opposition. Some Catholic priest in Paul Martin's home riding actually went so far as to say that "he hoped that Mr. Martin would lose his seat in the house as he is doing the devil's work and not God's". As if God gives a shit about Canadian politics. I mean come on!
What the hell is wrong with the world? I don't mean the Catholic church, because honestly, I don't have enough room here to type all of that out. I can not and will not ever understand the hatred and intolerance of other people, though. Gays and Lesbians have just as much rite (if not more) to wed as us "straighties" do. Considering that well over half of marriages end in divorce, shouldn't we be applauding those who feel they are enough in love to commit 100% to another person. Why are we still litterally following the directions of some uneducated people that lived 2000 years ago? Where is the logic? Considering the fact that we now diagnose people who "talk to God" as schitzophrenic, I say there is none. End of story.

Hello? Is there anybody in there?

2005-06-19T20:25:00.000-07:00

I just watched Blade Trinity again (thanks Kim). Its not bad. As I have said before, "just the right amount of cheese". Just like Pitch Black/Chronicles of Riddick. Every now and then, you need a bit of that. But not too much. Damn, take it back.
Seriously though, what was up with the blind chick? You know, the one who was also annoying in American Pie? Why was she blind? How did that enhance the plot? And how many blind bio-chemists do you know who use a computer? All of her information was non-brail text. What possible use would that be to her?
Ah, plot holes.

Whats in a Title?

2005-06-18T17:41:00.000-07:00

I am tired. And sweaty. And tired.
Long day.
Must shower, eat and then devour many a dessert.
Three cheers for Kim's marvelous ideas.

Also, the new Shpongle album is fun.

The Olde Jackhammer to the Cranium

2005-06-15T20:16:00.000-07:00

I spent the better part of today working around a splitting headache the size of Ruban Studdard. Thats a big headache. Its strange how even the smallest, most mundane tasks can seem monumental when you have a migrane. My 8 hours of work seemed like a week. I couldn't wait to get home.
On a postive note, I bought a spectaular CD today. Tom McRae's Just like Blood. Its simply amazing. All must buy. All.

Copycat

2005-06-14T20:16:00.000-07:00

Natty ranted about the Tea Party in her latest post, so I kinda feel like ranting as well. I love music. Anyone who knows me knows that fact quite well. I love all types of music. As long as its good. Crappy music is the bane of my existence. Well, one of them anyway. I will never understand why the majority of people are content with filling there skull cavities with whatever recycled, meaningless, heartless tripe is peddled to them by "the industry". I don't think I have to name names, since everyone has heard music that just makes them want to either pull their brain out of their eyesocket with a meat hook or just simply stand directly under a falling grand piano. At least the latter senerio has the chance of producing a barely listenable sound.
If you are tired of marching along with the beat of the shitty top 40, there are numerous websites out there that can help you along.
Step one: Throw out shitty music.
Step two: Destroy radio.
Step three: Begin anew.

What a Dish

2005-06-10T10:38:00.000-07:00

Delicious.

Dysfuncional Hip Gangster Wannabees

2005-06-08T17:12:00.000-07:00

Are humans actually evil? I just read in the newspaper that paramedics found a man bleeding on the side of the road in Detroit and had to run from him when another man walked right up and shot him in the face with a shotgun. How could you possibly deal with that as one of the paramedics? Of course they had to run for cover, but shit!

I can't believe that there are still people protesting gun control bills. Anyone who claims that guns don't kill people, blah blah blah can "lick the dirtiest part of my asshole" to quote Matthew Good. How could the world not be a better place without firearms? I'm not so ignorant to believe that it would be damn near impossible to eliminate all guns, but why not at least make it harder for them to be bought. Fuck the NRA and fuck Charlton Heston. Dried up old piece of bitter jerky that he is.

Walking was never my strong suit.

2005-06-07T18:27:00.000-07:00

I somehow managed to walk backwards into a door at work today. What an ass I am. Shumon was laughing hard at me, but luckily I only wounded my pride.

On another note, take the time out of your day tomorrow to call someone "town bike". I promise that it will be worth it.