It's been a long time since I've done this. I really did have some good times when I was blogging daily - but it didn't stick. I don't know what it is...I get really interested and excited about things and that lasts about five minutes. Everyday is a new and exciting adventure. A new obsession. Right now it's the band I'm in. Next week it might be synchronized swimming. Last week I think it was comic books. My interests change so often. It's a fact that I'm flighty, to say the least.
Well, son of a bitch. What am I supposed to do about this? I was talking with a friend the other day about this widespread problem I'm having about widespread interests and the sprawl - even glut - that come with it. I can't keep up with myself...
I think that's alright. If I can accomplish half of it I'll be remembered fondly by half-wits and kooks, anyhow. A leader in the field of nonsense.
And that's what we were talking about. How to fix this. How to focus. If I could gain clarity, mission, a purpose - a SINGULAR purpose then I could be great, maybe. Maybe not - but I'd feel more USEFUL? perhaps? Or that I was trying harder. I was in service to a greater good. Following my heart. Asking, "May I have your attention, please?"
Blah. Blah. Blah.
The rollercoaster of thoughts, ideas, and wild-schemes isn't ALL bad, however. I think two things can be said:
1) It IS important to try new things. Shake it up.
2) It IS possible to have a determined mind. It IS possible to fall in love fully. To be driven.
So, what logically falls in line when thinking all of this? What follows one and two? What's next?
Trying a thousand things makes shit interesting. Like mix-tapes and variety shows. I love that. I love taking anything but the direct route across town. Longer? Maybe. More things to see? Definitely.
So, what if in the process of loving a million things...I fall in love with one. And not just a stumble. A headlong dive-on-in - that would be alright.
Maybe I have a secret talent and it's called "water aerobics."
That would be O.K.
In the meantime though - and I mean this more than ever - I'll enjoy everything. Suck the marrow out of life and all that. There IS so much to see and do and be. I may very well be fulfilling my purpose right now.
Job Description: Jack-of-All-Trades
You know?
I really liked "Son in Law" with Pauly Shore. Hell - I really like Pauly Shore - screw you. And in the movie, Pauly would do wild things. Dance a two-step and say, "Couples Dancing - two semesters." Skin a cat and say, "Taxidermy - one semester." Beat the jerk-off ex-boyfriend of his love interest's ass and say, "Judo - three semesters."
You get it.
Maybe that's me. Trains and bikes and thumbs have taken me far. Concerts, oceans, vegans, and carnivores. Part time: painter, writer, blogger, health nut, dirtbag, and learner. Loving life. A little bit country. A little bit rock-n-roll.
Hell yes! So there's that. Glad to blog again.
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
WHEW, where'd I GO!
right here!
so much to write about.
but now's not the time, and tomorrow doesn't look good either!
yikes!
check this out though...
myspace.com/holysmokesfather
there's sweet pictures from a fuckin' costume/crossdressing party.
not sure if you have to have myspace to check 'em out...
hope not!
lots of love...
so much to write about.
but now's not the time, and tomorrow doesn't look good either!
yikes!
check this out though...
myspace.com/holysmokesfather
there's sweet pictures from a fuckin' costume/crossdressing party.
not sure if you have to have myspace to check 'em out...
hope not!
lots of love...
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
who watches...YOU
So, there's a comic book. It's not JUST a comic book, however. It's a sordid tale of superheroes who aren't alright...everything's not O.K. in this world. There's no longer truth, justice, OR an American Way in Alan Moore's Watchmen.
Here's what my man, Wikipedia, has to say about the series:
"Watchmen is set in 1985, in an alternative history United States where costumed adventurers are real and the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union (the Doomsday Clock is at five minutes to midnight). It tells the story of a group of past and present superheroes and the events surrounding the mysterious murder of one of their own. Watchmen depicts superheroes as real people who must confront ethical and personal issues, who struggle with neuroses and failings, and who - with one notable exception - lack anything recognizable as super powers. Watchmen's deconstruction of the conventional superhero archetype, combined with its innovative adaptation of cinematic techniques and heavy use of symbolism, multi-layered dialogue, and metafiction, has influenced both comics and film."
If that's not awesome ENOUGH - can you dig this - they're making a movie out of it...this could be terrible, actually - but I'm sure to see it in theatres...
So, I surfed on over to the IMDB - that's the Internet Movie Data Base, crony! - and checked out their message board. There was one thread called: "The perfect song for the credits of Watchmen..." or something like that. Some of the people not only listed songs...but gave links to videos. As always, I dig up the gems so you don't have to!
(What horseshit...I don't dig up ANYTHING! But, didn't that seem Superhero to say? I mean, REALLY!)
The first video is lame - the SONG isn't though. I'd never heard of the band - Trocadero - before, but really like the song. I've listened to it like nine times now.
The second is of this band Def Con One - it's not too bad either. For some reason it reminds me of Adbusters. That's alright by me.
The third...we can make our own call, can't we? Don't let me tell you everything...it's techno. The artist is called...Luke? Maybe?
Happy watching!
Here's what my man, Wikipedia, has to say about the series:
"Watchmen is set in 1985, in an alternative history United States where costumed adventurers are real and the country is edging closer to a nuclear war with the Soviet Union (the Doomsday Clock is at five minutes to midnight). It tells the story of a group of past and present superheroes and the events surrounding the mysterious murder of one of their own. Watchmen depicts superheroes as real people who must confront ethical and personal issues, who struggle with neuroses and failings, and who - with one notable exception - lack anything recognizable as super powers. Watchmen's deconstruction of the conventional superhero archetype, combined with its innovative adaptation of cinematic techniques and heavy use of symbolism, multi-layered dialogue, and metafiction, has influenced both comics and film."
If that's not awesome ENOUGH - can you dig this - they're making a movie out of it...this could be terrible, actually - but I'm sure to see it in theatres...
So, I surfed on over to the IMDB - that's the Internet Movie Data Base, crony! - and checked out their message board. There was one thread called: "The perfect song for the credits of Watchmen..." or something like that. Some of the people not only listed songs...but gave links to videos. As always, I dig up the gems so you don't have to!
(What horseshit...I don't dig up ANYTHING! But, didn't that seem Superhero to say? I mean, REALLY!)
The first video is lame - the SONG isn't though. I'd never heard of the band - Trocadero - before, but really like the song. I've listened to it like nine times now.
The second is of this band Def Con One - it's not too bad either. For some reason it reminds me of Adbusters. That's alright by me.
The third...we can make our own call, can't we? Don't let me tell you everything...it's techno. The artist is called...Luke? Maybe?
Happy watching!
Sunday, March 9, 2008
kinda funny
how my last post was called, "yeah, i update daily."
then i didn't post yesterday. that's kinda funny.
check out myspace.com/holysmokesfather
we're a real band now.
and here's my new tattoo:
then i didn't post yesterday. that's kinda funny.
check out myspace.com/holysmokesfather
we're a real band now.
and here's my new tattoo:
Friday, March 7, 2008
Thursday, March 6, 2008
The Tale of Mount Krispy
As Mount Krispy loomed ominously in the distance, Greystar the Goat, clambered home from school. Mugsy Skullz and Phillie Blue - can you tell which is which? - were up to no good, freestyling by the cacti.
They stopped poor Greystar, and began intimidation tactics. This meant being really cruel.
"Grrr! You're a nothin' and a nobody! Your mama does your laundry! Yo!"
They were determined to make Greystar do their dirty work..."Climb Mount Krispy, Goat! We're hungry and the best Krispies are at the top!"
Greystar cried, "No! I cannot climb! I cannot climb at all! Mama!"
Phillie Blue pretended not to hear Little Greystar's pleas. "I KNOW what you GOATS are capable of! NOW CLIMB! Or do I have to...THROW YOU!" He had picked up Greystar and was aiming at the dreaded...SEA OF SOUR CREAM DOOM!
Mount Krispy seemed unaware of the danger which would befall Greystar in mere moments.
But, what was this fair reader? A SHACKLEBEAST had come to rain his beastliness down upon Mount Krispy! In one fell swoop of his beastly paw, the beast had toppled the Mount-ain!
"Well, now it is unnecessary to end your life little grey one," said Phillie Blue."Grumble, grumble," agreed Mugsy Skullz.
"Can I eat with you?" asked Greystar.
"Why, yes. Eat with us what the Shacklebeast has given," said they.
It was over...for now.
we wrote this: Wade and Billy
punk rock confidenial: follow up. good things.
NOTE #1: immediately after posting "punk rock confidential" i DID do something proactive, and i think the solution will be seen as a good thing...
so i agonized over that "punk rock confidential" post. i seriously wrote - and rewrote - read it out loud, over, and over...
posted it on the myspace blog. took it down. there's no room for that shit. just naysayin' to nay say. what i'm gonna do now is tell the good things. the hopeful, idealist side of me cannot breathe easy knowing that i've only put "bad words" into the air.
i gotta come clean.
there's more than a little bit that is amazing about this fuckin' scene. always has been.
in real-life, this is where i'd say: don't get me started - whew! thank god it's not REAL life. just blogging.
o.k. so, since you're here (or you're not...i mean, it's a tiny blog in a world full of more interesting shit...maybe i should learn to use flash-html?) i'm gonna talk for a minute. about the good things. past, present, future.
diggin' up bones:
since the dawn of minot's crazy little music scene. before the liberty - back to a garage on 5th street - i wasn't there, so this is hearsay - Nobodies Children played a show. for friends, i'm told. and a few kids were there.
punk rock in minot had begun.
here we are: 15-20 years later? i can't be sure. i told you, it's hearsay. there have been multiple venues since then. cheese factories, golds, sweethearts, cores, mc3s, liberties, that one places, amps, red carpets, mcgruffs, odd house parties, odd locales (public library - msu - fairgrounds) - and the occasional eatery show (bellisi-fuck-offs, and bagel stops) -
punk wasn't ALWAYS present, but it was - if you looked hard enough - generally the catalyst...the punks have been bringing people together around here (even at that wanna-be-fascist joint over by the college...they served coffee?) for a LONG damn time.
now - the question - was it the acts or, the community - that made minot the top notch spot in the dakotas? i mean it - top notch. look around: where's the other venue? how long have we consecutively had venues (barring strangely unsettled periods that lasted under six-months at a time?) YEARS is the answer. grand forks had kafe kosmos...that place was rad. for the whole year it existed. bismarck had the midtowner pretty regular - but that was just a hall they rented. they had the screaming bean - but that was the same story.
minot has maintained an all-ages atmosphere for a decade or more.
whoah!
and the kids came out...and bought merch...a national reputation would follow. we don't have a fuckin' gilman street, a roboto project, and we can barely sing the ABC's - we're not adding NO RIO any time soon...but we're lucky enough to have had lots of REALLY great acts: from bikini kill, to link 80, smackin isaiah - to a wilhelm scream...defiance ohio, josh plogue - shit! - the lords of lightspeed - the ergs! - these things have to do with the dedication of punk rock emissaries, kids who booked 'em - but that doesn't mean shit if kids didn't dance so that great band "X" would tell great band "Y" that they should come here. know what i mean?
so, for the "past" portion, let me say: we've got years of dedication put into this shit. the things the first kid did influenced the second kid and so on - i'm still doing things based on models started over a decade ago - do i do new shit? of course! and kids down the line will do new shit too...
and there will ALWAYS be that kid down the line around here - if any of these past years mean "precedent..."
fast forward. bump ahead. meld. it's now the present...
we've got kids who were a part of those formative years coming back. some of this shit is getting archived now. we're - at a basic level - giving props to minot's punk past - rich, varied, messy - brutal. the weak shit and the awesome shit. it's all a part of the fabric.
we're retaining kids in a way that we've never been able to pull off before. audiences are bigger. stranger concepts are taking hold. different ideas are coming to the table. skill-sets are being developed - and shared...
the retention is the most fascinating part: older kids are coming back, and shows regularly have a good amount of twenty-somethings in attendance. we're young adults; we're taken more seriously. now we can get shit going. i talked two different store owners (both my bosses - and hell - sue really sort of suggested it...) into having acoustic artists play in their shop - FOR MONEY! this is a big deal.
it's all ages. and we're getting paid.
no, money doesn't always matter - but guitar strings cost money. shit - make that guitar pay for itself!
that's just me. just what i can do. other kids do other cool shit. it's easier now to do a lot of things. we know where to snag free copies for your zine - we can help you silkscreen a t-shirt - we know the best bars - and a good chunk of us fuckin ride a bike.
how's that for punk growing up?
whoah! it's big. don't take it for granted: things have NOT always been this way.
so right now we've got great powers, and with them comes - GREAT RESPONSIBILITY...
spiderman!
so, for the future - we need to get those kids out there to come on in...we need more music. we need that pride that comes from an all local show. we need to know one another's names - as this thing grows - we SHOULD be able to grow with it.
i think we can.
MORE NOTES:
#1 - i REALLY don't give a shit which out of town act played here. it IS, however, a source of pride - and should be - i suppose. that's why i listed all those kick ass bands. there were/are more than a few amazing artists here that are just as good. it's about exposure - really. aerosmith started in a garage. right? i dunno...
#2 - which leads me to my next point about what's awesome now - tours! when i was a young pup not that many of the bands around here were touring...now: diabolic octopus, potential caskets, crime rate in iowa, the crooked gospel, jazmine wolff, last great summer, & father, son, & holy smokes! are all slated to be touring...what?!?! that's awesome for minot. we're gonna be gettin' repped and doin' show trades like mad!
#3 - the audiences aren't ACTUALLY bigger than they were before...not in attendee head count...they're pretty even with the norm. the "bigger" i was talking about was VARIETY. so many different people...so many different kinds (ever heard that No Doubt song? ha!) now we have acoustic performers, poets (what up lou!), crazies, deadheads...
it's nice.
so i agonized over that "punk rock confidential" post. i seriously wrote - and rewrote - read it out loud, over, and over...
posted it on the myspace blog. took it down. there's no room for that shit. just naysayin' to nay say. what i'm gonna do now is tell the good things. the hopeful, idealist side of me cannot breathe easy knowing that i've only put "bad words" into the air.
i gotta come clean.
there's more than a little bit that is amazing about this fuckin' scene. always has been.
in real-life, this is where i'd say: don't get me started - whew! thank god it's not REAL life. just blogging.
o.k. so, since you're here (or you're not...i mean, it's a tiny blog in a world full of more interesting shit...maybe i should learn to use flash-html?) i'm gonna talk for a minute. about the good things. past, present, future.
diggin' up bones:
since the dawn of minot's crazy little music scene. before the liberty - back to a garage on 5th street - i wasn't there, so this is hearsay - Nobodies Children played a show. for friends, i'm told. and a few kids were there.
punk rock in minot had begun.
here we are: 15-20 years later? i can't be sure. i told you, it's hearsay. there have been multiple venues since then. cheese factories, golds, sweethearts, cores, mc3s, liberties, that one places, amps, red carpets, mcgruffs, odd house parties, odd locales (public library - msu - fairgrounds) - and the occasional eatery show (bellisi-fuck-offs, and bagel stops) -
punk wasn't ALWAYS present, but it was - if you looked hard enough - generally the catalyst...the punks have been bringing people together around here (even at that wanna-be-fascist joint over by the college...they served coffee?) for a LONG damn time.
now - the question - was it the acts or, the community - that made minot the top notch spot in the dakotas? i mean it - top notch. look around: where's the other venue? how long have we consecutively had venues (barring strangely unsettled periods that lasted under six-months at a time?) YEARS is the answer. grand forks had kafe kosmos...that place was rad. for the whole year it existed. bismarck had the midtowner pretty regular - but that was just a hall they rented. they had the screaming bean - but that was the same story.
minot has maintained an all-ages atmosphere for a decade or more.
whoah!
and the kids came out...and bought merch...a national reputation would follow. we don't have a fuckin' gilman street, a roboto project, and we can barely sing the ABC's - we're not adding NO RIO any time soon...but we're lucky enough to have had lots of REALLY great acts: from bikini kill, to link 80, smackin isaiah - to a wilhelm scream...defiance ohio, josh plogue - shit! - the lords of lightspeed - the ergs! - these things have to do with the dedication of punk rock emissaries, kids who booked 'em - but that doesn't mean shit if kids didn't dance so that great band "X" would tell great band "Y" that they should come here. know what i mean?
so, for the "past" portion, let me say: we've got years of dedication put into this shit. the things the first kid did influenced the second kid and so on - i'm still doing things based on models started over a decade ago - do i do new shit? of course! and kids down the line will do new shit too...
and there will ALWAYS be that kid down the line around here - if any of these past years mean "precedent..."
fast forward. bump ahead. meld. it's now the present...
we've got kids who were a part of those formative years coming back. some of this shit is getting archived now. we're - at a basic level - giving props to minot's punk past - rich, varied, messy - brutal. the weak shit and the awesome shit. it's all a part of the fabric.
we're retaining kids in a way that we've never been able to pull off before. audiences are bigger. stranger concepts are taking hold. different ideas are coming to the table. skill-sets are being developed - and shared...
the retention is the most fascinating part: older kids are coming back, and shows regularly have a good amount of twenty-somethings in attendance. we're young adults; we're taken more seriously. now we can get shit going. i talked two different store owners (both my bosses - and hell - sue really sort of suggested it...) into having acoustic artists play in their shop - FOR MONEY! this is a big deal.
it's all ages. and we're getting paid.
no, money doesn't always matter - but guitar strings cost money. shit - make that guitar pay for itself!
that's just me. just what i can do. other kids do other cool shit. it's easier now to do a lot of things. we know where to snag free copies for your zine - we can help you silkscreen a t-shirt - we know the best bars - and a good chunk of us fuckin ride a bike.
how's that for punk growing up?
whoah! it's big. don't take it for granted: things have NOT always been this way.
so right now we've got great powers, and with them comes - GREAT RESPONSIBILITY...
spiderman!
so, for the future - we need to get those kids out there to come on in...we need more music. we need that pride that comes from an all local show. we need to know one another's names - as this thing grows - we SHOULD be able to grow with it.
i think we can.
MORE NOTES:
#1 - i REALLY don't give a shit which out of town act played here. it IS, however, a source of pride - and should be - i suppose. that's why i listed all those kick ass bands. there were/are more than a few amazing artists here that are just as good. it's about exposure - really. aerosmith started in a garage. right? i dunno...
#2 - which leads me to my next point about what's awesome now - tours! when i was a young pup not that many of the bands around here were touring...now: diabolic octopus, potential caskets, crime rate in iowa, the crooked gospel, jazmine wolff, last great summer, & father, son, & holy smokes! are all slated to be touring...what?!?! that's awesome for minot. we're gonna be gettin' repped and doin' show trades like mad!
#3 - the audiences aren't ACTUALLY bigger than they were before...not in attendee head count...they're pretty even with the norm. the "bigger" i was talking about was VARIETY. so many different people...so many different kinds (ever heard that No Doubt song? ha!) now we have acoustic performers, poets (what up lou!), crazies, deadheads...
it's nice.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
no joke. this one's for you.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVFMZ3TajNA
you want some MiB action?
follow that link. you can watch the whole damn movie on youtube! i was just gonna post it but the embed code was turned off...
so, yeah. watch it!
the dude who posted it (or dudette, perhaps?) also has up:
KILLER CLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE
and JURASSIC PARK
tizz-ight!
you want some MiB action?
follow that link. you can watch the whole damn movie on youtube! i was just gonna post it but the embed code was turned off...
so, yeah. watch it!
the dude who posted it (or dudette, perhaps?) also has up:
KILLER CLOWNS FROM OUTER SPACE
and JURASSIC PARK
tizz-ight!
a memorandum was sent my way
just click it, print it, & color it -
safety has never been so much fun.
safety has never been so much fun.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
now winter had it coming: the interview
fuck!
hahahahah
here's the dirt...
It’s Spring Break here in Minot. It also snowed yesterday. Whatever. I’ve wanted to do what I’d call a “meta-blog” for awhile. A blog about blogging. The “why’s” and what-not. So, instead of doing this in any sort of laborious manner: racking my brain, twisting my arm, thinking too hard – I just asked for some help. Anthony and John, John and Anthony. Good guys. And they both have their own blogs…
Exhibit A: John, http://www.j5mc.org/
Exhibit B: Anthony, http://janthonyjastrzembski.blogspot.com/
I had them interview me. Pretty smart, huh?
So, without more shitty banter. The kind that would have me saying I’m drinking too much for free at Eb’s while I write…here’s the interview…
We start with Anthony’s questions (he’s as verbose as I am!)The questions are him, and the answers are me. You figure it out:
1. Many bloggers write really intimate and sometimes embarrassing
things for the world to see. Do you do this? Do you also keep in mind who is going to read it, in regards to some details you may or may not leave out (I know I do, I have family members, a teacher, and my boss on my list. Having said that, I don’t edit myself much).
I’m pretty new to this whole thing. I’ve been doing it about a month. Embarrassing things don’t even happen to me, anyway – so – no, not really. Intimacy is also pretty infrequent in my world, as I’m sure you’ll agree don juan de-strzembski. I’m just fuckin’ with ya. Don’t worry – I kid! I guess, embarrassing: only my writing. I do from time to time worry about being misconstrued – but no one really reads this damn thing anyway, so I’m not too worried. That might change in the future (I’m planning to use this site as a hub for some distro-work I’ll begin soon…)
2. What approach do you take to blogging? Do you write a mishmash of
thoughts that just strike you, pictures, etc? Do you write planned out
essays, almost as if you were writing a book of essays? Do you talk about politics, or things of that sort?
My approach is pretty chaotic. That latest post “punk rock confidential” would be the first time I’ve publicly spoke about anything worth a damn almost ever. I mean, outside of song lyrics. I generally act more dignified, but it’s a digital world, and I’m sick of self-imposed silence. So – I guess from time to time I’ll talk about my world in a more critical way than I would have before…publicly, that is.
3. Why do you blog. Is it to keep in touch with people you can’t see
all the time? Is it sort of a masturbatory thing where you want your
friends to know how great you are? Are you trying to be an Internet
celebrity? Creative outlet?
I don’t really know. I guess I just saw the shit around. The “Blogger” insignia on shit. You and MC started one. I had to keep up with your Jonesy asses. Ultimately, however – I just wanted to post my zine, from the first zinefest here in Minot, online. I did that and decided I’d try this out. It’s been cathartic and from time to time people have even read what I’m puttin’ down. That’s a new and neat feeling. I’m writing, revising, editing, and – of course – posting, more than ever before. It’s nice to write. You know?
4. How much time to you spend on the average entry.
Maybe an hour on longer ones, usually only 15 minutes or so. I’ve been trying to do it once a day. At night, calm me down. Reflect. I try to do things that I would like to read in the future. I don’t journal as much as I should. This is a good substitute.
5. Are you afraid of silly stuff like someone who would not like what
you write is reading it (e.g. boss, police, family)?
Yeah. A little. Well, once I guess. I put up posts sometimes about not liking my bookstore job too much. This wouldn’t be a big deal, she’s not subscribed to my blog or anything, but I made fliers promoting my blog (I’m such a dork.) And I don’t want her to get the flier, load the page, and read that. You know? I mean, what a lame way to be fired. I doubt it will happen – and Val, if you’re reading this: it’s only because I feel lost all the damn time, due to lack of hours, and an inability to keep up with shelving-changes. That’s it. I think you’re a great lady.
6. Do you give a frame of reference, for instance, elaborate on a
person or place that all readers might not be familiar with?
I guess right now I’m hoping the people reading it already know me. I clarify some things, like if I mention Jim – I say, “Jim Cherry, Severed Head Records.” That types of shit. Mostly I don’t elaborate. Should I?
7. What prompted your start into blogging?
I think I answered that already. No other outlet like it? I wish there were better zines around here. Maybe they’ll start happening and I’ll head back to the print/photocopy medium. I dunno though – the internet is powerful.
8. Do you think it has an effect on your networking?
Maybe. It’s too soon to say.
9. Do you think it is another fucking waste of time?
Dear Sisyphus,
Yes.
10. Does writing your own blog make you want to read the blogs your
friends, or people you don’t even know, more?
Actually, yeah. I have more of an understanding than before and now I’m wishing I would’ve kept up with Jake’s more often. This is a neat thing and I missed the bus. I’m trying to make up for lost time right now…
11. Why are you such a raging douchebag? (kidding)
I’ll answer this after you do.
peas,
Anthony
peas? seriously, answer number 11.
Now, we’ll answer the questions of none other than rocket scientist McClure. Damn he’s smart. And so – tall! So…dreamy…
Thank you, Mr. Luetzen, for agreeing to this interview. I know your time is limited. First off, I should ask, what has inspired you to write "ennui go" ?
-- Hoping to add another, hopefully, unique voice to the choir of internet angels.
Where do you see yourself going with this blog?
-- Wherever wireless will take me – ha! Seriously? I’m just taking as it goes – a new hobby – I’m full of new hobbies, all the damn time. Like how you’ve got plans for a full light-rail system dedicated to hauling us to and from Bismarck. Damn, I love you.
Has it been a challenge to develop material? Where do you draw it from?
-- I’ve just been posting shit I like and talking about my days really. I lead a pretty interesting life, actually. Nothing too boring around here. Punk is exciting and I’ll proudly claim it – on my tax returns? I wish. I’ve been thinking more about saying things that matter, and starting to post funny shit I’ve created (I’m getting a camera! Thanks, Chris Brown.) I get inspired by everything, including John’s and Anthony’s.
Thank you, Mr. Luetzen. One more thing I might ask -- Do you see yourself as a cultural representative of a particular place, or more of a particular viewpoint?
-- That’s an amazingly deep question. Wow. Okay, well – I’m not 110% sure that they’re not entwined. For a long time, I’ve wondered if what I do is place-specific. I’ve never been sure. Could I recreate things I’ve done here, say, in the Central Valley of California? I don’t know. I’d try though. Wherever I am, I’d try. That’s just how I work. So, in that respect – I’m an ambassador of a particular viewpoint. The do-it-yourselves ethic. Yeah, do it together. But outside of bureaucratic bullshit-lines. Start something – ANYTHING – make it right when you see it wrong. Dig?
Like how Dr. Samuel Beckett (Quantum Leap, people!) finds himself trapped in the futures and pasts of different fucked up people in fucked up situations – and, once – as a chimp! And he’s supposed to “put right what once went wrong.”
So, there’s that. But I don’t think I would try as hard, have as much hope, or believe in potentials as much as I do if I didn’t grow up in the hard winters we got here. If you know what I mean? Well, shit of course you do.
So, there you have it! I can’t thank these two gents enough…I don’t wanna fellate them all night long, however, so I’ll just say, “You’re good people. And I know good people. I’m proud to know you. I’m also drinking Black Velvet and Coke. Spring break! Spring BREEEEAAAAAAK! Oh yeah! Holy Shit!”
hahahahah
here's the dirt...
It’s Spring Break here in Minot. It also snowed yesterday. Whatever. I’ve wanted to do what I’d call a “meta-blog” for awhile. A blog about blogging. The “why’s” and what-not. So, instead of doing this in any sort of laborious manner: racking my brain, twisting my arm, thinking too hard – I just asked for some help. Anthony and John, John and Anthony. Good guys. And they both have their own blogs…
Exhibit A: John, http://www.j5mc.org/
Exhibit B: Anthony, http://janthonyjastrzembski.blogspot.com/
I had them interview me. Pretty smart, huh?
So, without more shitty banter. The kind that would have me saying I’m drinking too much for free at Eb’s while I write…here’s the interview…
We start with Anthony’s questions (he’s as verbose as I am!)The questions are him, and the answers are me. You figure it out:
1. Many bloggers write really intimate and sometimes embarrassing
things for the world to see. Do you do this? Do you also keep in mind who is going to read it, in regards to some details you may or may not leave out (I know I do, I have family members, a teacher, and my boss on my list. Having said that, I don’t edit myself much).
I’m pretty new to this whole thing. I’ve been doing it about a month. Embarrassing things don’t even happen to me, anyway – so – no, not really. Intimacy is also pretty infrequent in my world, as I’m sure you’ll agree don juan de-strzembski. I’m just fuckin’ with ya. Don’t worry – I kid! I guess, embarrassing: only my writing. I do from time to time worry about being misconstrued – but no one really reads this damn thing anyway, so I’m not too worried. That might change in the future (I’m planning to use this site as a hub for some distro-work I’ll begin soon…)
2. What approach do you take to blogging? Do you write a mishmash of
thoughts that just strike you, pictures, etc? Do you write planned out
essays, almost as if you were writing a book of essays? Do you talk about politics, or things of that sort?
My approach is pretty chaotic. That latest post “punk rock confidential” would be the first time I’ve publicly spoke about anything worth a damn almost ever. I mean, outside of song lyrics. I generally act more dignified, but it’s a digital world, and I’m sick of self-imposed silence. So – I guess from time to time I’ll talk about my world in a more critical way than I would have before…publicly, that is.
3. Why do you blog. Is it to keep in touch with people you can’t see
all the time? Is it sort of a masturbatory thing where you want your
friends to know how great you are? Are you trying to be an Internet
celebrity? Creative outlet?
I don’t really know. I guess I just saw the shit around. The “Blogger” insignia on shit. You and MC started one. I had to keep up with your Jonesy asses. Ultimately, however – I just wanted to post my zine, from the first zinefest here in Minot, online. I did that and decided I’d try this out. It’s been cathartic and from time to time people have even read what I’m puttin’ down. That’s a new and neat feeling. I’m writing, revising, editing, and – of course – posting, more than ever before. It’s nice to write. You know?
4. How much time to you spend on the average entry.
Maybe an hour on longer ones, usually only 15 minutes or so. I’ve been trying to do it once a day. At night, calm me down. Reflect. I try to do things that I would like to read in the future. I don’t journal as much as I should. This is a good substitute.
5. Are you afraid of silly stuff like someone who would not like what
you write is reading it (e.g. boss, police, family)?
Yeah. A little. Well, once I guess. I put up posts sometimes about not liking my bookstore job too much. This wouldn’t be a big deal, she’s not subscribed to my blog or anything, but I made fliers promoting my blog (I’m such a dork.) And I don’t want her to get the flier, load the page, and read that. You know? I mean, what a lame way to be fired. I doubt it will happen – and Val, if you’re reading this: it’s only because I feel lost all the damn time, due to lack of hours, and an inability to keep up with shelving-changes. That’s it. I think you’re a great lady.
6. Do you give a frame of reference, for instance, elaborate on a
person or place that all readers might not be familiar with?
I guess right now I’m hoping the people reading it already know me. I clarify some things, like if I mention Jim – I say, “Jim Cherry, Severed Head Records.” That types of shit. Mostly I don’t elaborate. Should I?
7. What prompted your start into blogging?
I think I answered that already. No other outlet like it? I wish there were better zines around here. Maybe they’ll start happening and I’ll head back to the print/photocopy medium. I dunno though – the internet is powerful.
8. Do you think it has an effect on your networking?
Maybe. It’s too soon to say.
9. Do you think it is another fucking waste of time?
Dear Sisyphus,
Yes.
10. Does writing your own blog make you want to read the blogs your
friends, or people you don’t even know, more?
Actually, yeah. I have more of an understanding than before and now I’m wishing I would’ve kept up with Jake’s more often. This is a neat thing and I missed the bus. I’m trying to make up for lost time right now…
11. Why are you such a raging douchebag? (kidding)
I’ll answer this after you do.
peas,
Anthony
peas? seriously, answer number 11.
Now, we’ll answer the questions of none other than rocket scientist McClure. Damn he’s smart. And so – tall! So…dreamy…
Thank you, Mr. Luetzen, for agreeing to this interview. I know your time is limited. First off, I should ask, what has inspired you to write "ennui go" ?
-- Hoping to add another, hopefully, unique voice to the choir of internet angels.
Where do you see yourself going with this blog?
-- Wherever wireless will take me – ha! Seriously? I’m just taking as it goes – a new hobby – I’m full of new hobbies, all the damn time. Like how you’ve got plans for a full light-rail system dedicated to hauling us to and from Bismarck. Damn, I love you.
Has it been a challenge to develop material? Where do you draw it from?
-- I’ve just been posting shit I like and talking about my days really. I lead a pretty interesting life, actually. Nothing too boring around here. Punk is exciting and I’ll proudly claim it – on my tax returns? I wish. I’ve been thinking more about saying things that matter, and starting to post funny shit I’ve created (I’m getting a camera! Thanks, Chris Brown.) I get inspired by everything, including John’s and Anthony’s.
Thank you, Mr. Luetzen. One more thing I might ask -- Do you see yourself as a cultural representative of a particular place, or more of a particular viewpoint?
-- That’s an amazingly deep question. Wow. Okay, well – I’m not 110% sure that they’re not entwined. For a long time, I’ve wondered if what I do is place-specific. I’ve never been sure. Could I recreate things I’ve done here, say, in the Central Valley of California? I don’t know. I’d try though. Wherever I am, I’d try. That’s just how I work. So, in that respect – I’m an ambassador of a particular viewpoint. The do-it-yourselves ethic. Yeah, do it together. But outside of bureaucratic bullshit-lines. Start something – ANYTHING – make it right when you see it wrong. Dig?
Like how Dr. Samuel Beckett (Quantum Leap, people!) finds himself trapped in the futures and pasts of different fucked up people in fucked up situations – and, once – as a chimp! And he’s supposed to “put right what once went wrong.”
So, there’s that. But I don’t think I would try as hard, have as much hope, or believe in potentials as much as I do if I didn’t grow up in the hard winters we got here. If you know what I mean? Well, shit of course you do.
So, there you have it! I can’t thank these two gents enough…I don’t wanna fellate them all night long, however, so I’ll just say, “You’re good people. And I know good people. I’m proud to know you. I’m also drinking Black Velvet and Coke. Spring break! Spring BREEEEAAAAAAK! Oh yeah! Holy Shit!”
Sunday, March 2, 2008
at work before noon...the day after...
well, what can someone say about last night?
highlights:
*three bands played for a whole lotta people.
*there were two instances of crunge-like jam outs.
*charlie ended up dancing nearly naked during the diabolic octopus set.
father, son, & holy smokes! played a great set. we weren't so sure it was going to go well, but ended up really happy with it. i'm counting that as our first real show. trent sang along to skulls pretty well. i also attempted to stay sober at least until we were done with our set. it worked out pretty well. i fuckin' love playing basements. got beer spilt on me. kids danced a lot.
potential caskets were tight as usual. i noticed trent pulled off the, "this is our last song..." trick. to make this trick work for you, here's what you do. you say, "this is our last song!" of course - then - and this is the trick of it...you play four songs. since you don't really pause for more than 30 seconds between them, and don't introduce them as new songs - YOU REALLY ONLY PLAY ONE SONG!
i'm actually a proponent of that method. the caskets did this at a mainstreet books show the other night. because my boss wanted to close and i told trent, "hey, man, make this your 'last song...'"
they're really f'n good. the new songs are awesome and best banter line of the night goes to, "we have a new 7" coming out in april on a label out of florida, it sounds like this..."
then they started to play.
jim cherry, of severed head records, put out the potential caskets full length a little while ago and was really pimping them last night. it was really funny to see his proud papa smile while they played and kids sang along.
stop the presses.
to talk a minute about diabolic octopus.
sure, the name is dorky. what name isn't? 'the beatles?'
maybe, just maybe, 'bag fulla dicks' isn't a dork name. MAYBE.
ok, get past the name. they're so tight. and when they're not THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO. i was all mashed up last night trying to tell their drummer jimmy about what i saw when they were off on a part. i'm thinking i came off as a) stupid or b) an ass. i was TRYING to say i loved watching the fumble and recovery. they're tight. holy shit!
and their new songs are amazing too. and everyone dances and they're just damn fun. it's so awesome to watch that many people dance.
their legend will grow. that's for damn sure. they've got a new shirt coming out that i'm excited to see. they had a whole bunch of people make drawings and then they plastered 'em all together. all these drawings of octopi and walrus-eye and shit. it's probably amazing. i drew "cthulu." in case you were wondering that's the ultimate evil: cthulu.
i think they're playing tonight, actually. so - HEY! - if anyone is actually reading this - you can catch them tonight. speaking of which, the cthulu might actually be there too - so - it's probably in your soul's best interest.
i hope the p.a. is alright. (that's a side note)
i went to bed at about 5 in the mornin'. that's when the party started to dwindle.
jaz played a show in fargo yesterday. she called when she was leaving (the night had only barely gotten started)...and made it back in time to party. fargo is about four hours away. that's a good time.
when i woke up at around 8:30, yeah - i was a bit hung over. but i got to it. the world won't wait sometimes. i had to work (i'm there right now) at 11:30, and wanted to start making food for the potluck tonight. that's gonna be awesome fun!
anyhow, when i woke up i found alex tucked in fetal position in the bathroom on the floor. the lights were on and the door was closed. charlie, wade, and matty b. were passed out in the living room. lights were on everywhere and trace elements of the party showcased themselves proudly, as if to say: come again, soon!
downsides? i don't know that there were any. no police. no drama. just good times.
i wish atom's rite, the crooked gospel, and semistranded had played. that sounds like a good lineup though, doesn't it?
hmm...the gears are grinding already...
for tonight i'm making spaghetti and tofu balls and collard green burritos.
what a great night!
p.s. sara and shawn are working on new issues of their zine!
shawn's is called, 'gratuitous violets.'
isn't that awesome?
signing off,
billy batson
highlights:
*three bands played for a whole lotta people.
*there were two instances of crunge-like jam outs.
*charlie ended up dancing nearly naked during the diabolic octopus set.
father, son, & holy smokes! played a great set. we weren't so sure it was going to go well, but ended up really happy with it. i'm counting that as our first real show. trent sang along to skulls pretty well. i also attempted to stay sober at least until we were done with our set. it worked out pretty well. i fuckin' love playing basements. got beer spilt on me. kids danced a lot.
potential caskets were tight as usual. i noticed trent pulled off the, "this is our last song..." trick. to make this trick work for you, here's what you do. you say, "this is our last song!" of course - then - and this is the trick of it...you play four songs. since you don't really pause for more than 30 seconds between them, and don't introduce them as new songs - YOU REALLY ONLY PLAY ONE SONG!
i'm actually a proponent of that method. the caskets did this at a mainstreet books show the other night. because my boss wanted to close and i told trent, "hey, man, make this your 'last song...'"
they're really f'n good. the new songs are awesome and best banter line of the night goes to, "we have a new 7" coming out in april on a label out of florida, it sounds like this..."
then they started to play.
jim cherry, of severed head records, put out the potential caskets full length a little while ago and was really pimping them last night. it was really funny to see his proud papa smile while they played and kids sang along.
stop the presses.
to talk a minute about diabolic octopus.
sure, the name is dorky. what name isn't? 'the beatles?'
maybe, just maybe, 'bag fulla dicks' isn't a dork name. MAYBE.
ok, get past the name. they're so tight. and when they're not THEY KNOW WHAT TO DO. i was all mashed up last night trying to tell their drummer jimmy about what i saw when they were off on a part. i'm thinking i came off as a) stupid or b) an ass. i was TRYING to say i loved watching the fumble and recovery. they're tight. holy shit!
and their new songs are amazing too. and everyone dances and they're just damn fun. it's so awesome to watch that many people dance.
their legend will grow. that's for damn sure. they've got a new shirt coming out that i'm excited to see. they had a whole bunch of people make drawings and then they plastered 'em all together. all these drawings of octopi and walrus-eye and shit. it's probably amazing. i drew "cthulu." in case you were wondering that's the ultimate evil: cthulu.
i think they're playing tonight, actually. so - HEY! - if anyone is actually reading this - you can catch them tonight. speaking of which, the cthulu might actually be there too - so - it's probably in your soul's best interest.
i hope the p.a. is alright. (that's a side note)
i went to bed at about 5 in the mornin'. that's when the party started to dwindle.
jaz played a show in fargo yesterday. she called when she was leaving (the night had only barely gotten started)...and made it back in time to party. fargo is about four hours away. that's a good time.
when i woke up at around 8:30, yeah - i was a bit hung over. but i got to it. the world won't wait sometimes. i had to work (i'm there right now) at 11:30, and wanted to start making food for the potluck tonight. that's gonna be awesome fun!
anyhow, when i woke up i found alex tucked in fetal position in the bathroom on the floor. the lights were on and the door was closed. charlie, wade, and matty b. were passed out in the living room. lights were on everywhere and trace elements of the party showcased themselves proudly, as if to say: come again, soon!
downsides? i don't know that there were any. no police. no drama. just good times.
i wish atom's rite, the crooked gospel, and semistranded had played. that sounds like a good lineup though, doesn't it?
hmm...the gears are grinding already...
for tonight i'm making spaghetti and tofu balls and collard green burritos.
what a great night!
p.s. sara and shawn are working on new issues of their zine!
shawn's is called, 'gratuitous violets.'
isn't that awesome?
signing off,
billy batson
Saturday, March 1, 2008
calling the peoples
i'm calling all cars.
calling all hearts.
calling all arrows.
hope we can bring 'em together. the hearts and arrows, that is.
love happens that way.
and - oh! - AND - i'm calling all friends.
we're having a concert tonight, and it'd be nice to have them here, when everyone comes together it makes life worth it.
makes it all worth it.
so, to the penny arcades and boardwalks 'neath sunsets - this one's for you. because our swill-beer tastes like cotton candy. and our too-loud music is like shuffleboard. and our times are just as good as your rides.
and there are never lines about height. and everyone can get on.
calling all hearts.
calling all arrows.
hope we can bring 'em together. the hearts and arrows, that is.
love happens that way.
and - oh! - AND - i'm calling all friends.
we're having a concert tonight, and it'd be nice to have them here, when everyone comes together it makes life worth it.
makes it all worth it.
so, to the penny arcades and boardwalks 'neath sunsets - this one's for you. because our swill-beer tastes like cotton candy. and our too-loud music is like shuffleboard. and our times are just as good as your rides.
and there are never lines about height. and everyone can get on.
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