http://fridayfive.org/
When was the last time you…
1. …sent a handwritten letter?
Sent one? Some time last year, I sent one to Griet (I think). It was quite a while ago. Written one? I wrote two just before my exams, but they never got sent. I’ll so some shifty editing and get them sorted on my next day off. I must state here that I do actually write by hand quite a lot, since I’m a shite typist, and I just can’t think and type and edit my words on screen if I’m writing anything longer than a page. When I was at uni I wrote all my essays by hand in rough sections before transcribing them onto the computer, then printing them out and editing again, by hand.
2. …baked something from scratch or made something by hand?
I can’t remember making anything from scratch, but if you mean cooking for myself, actually cooking a meal from different ingredients and not just bunging a frozen meal in the microwave, then I cook myself a pasta meal every now and again, and if I do have a frozen curry, I usually cook up some extra rice to go with it…. actually, I did make a Vindaloo from scratch once (with powder, not a jar of sauce). It made me realise that my tolerance level is no higher than Madras.
3. …camped in a tent?
Technically never. Have I missed out? Probably. Though I still have the rest of my life to make up for lost time.
4. …volunteered your time to church, school, or community?
When I was at school I helped out with open days and stuff. In my community? Personally never. I couldn’t tell you why. I’m not even gonna comment on the church thing, it’s irrelevant to me. Let’s just say there are too many hypocrites around for my liking.
5. …helped a stranger?
That depends on your definition of ‘help’. I ‘help’ strangers all the time in my line of work. But if you mean, like, out of the goodness of my own heart, spontaneous helping of passers-by? I give people in cars directions as best I can if I get stopped walking around my neighbourhood, that sort of thing. Can’t remember any specific time though…. well I do remember once, not when it happened, but what happened: I gave horrible directions, because I hadn’t got a clue where the address they asked of me was (in fact, I had to consult the OS map afterwards, which confirmed my cock-up).
At least I tried. Most people just don’t give a fuck. Hence my growing misanthropy.
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It’s Friday night, which means wrestling’s on the telly, and I’ve been perusing the grapple news:
First of all, get well soon Bret Hart. Although you really shouldn’t have been going so fast on that bike, should you? (I’m sorry, that was nasty. True, but nasty.)
Now, onto the Vince Russo controversy: apparently, he had this huge idea that got shot down via some nifty nepotism and protectionism. I must say that he’s had some wacky ideas in the past, but he’s also had some very good ones, and in my opinion, turning the Raw brand into WCW is not just a good one, it’s an excellent one. Business is in a slump. They need something really big to shake things up. Stephanie McMahon is just not the person to do this. She may have grown up in the business and know the ins and outs, but she’s compromised by virtue of her personal relationships.
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So Chris Jericho is finished with the Internet?
To be honest, I can’t say I blame him for feeling frustrated. A lot of fans on the ‘net tend to be the backseat-driver kind. I must admit here that I didn’t think that Jericho’s match with RVD was perfect (specifically, there was a spot where Jericho missed his mark and had to edge himself along the mat about a foot or so on his back to get into position: sure, it was nothing like the Honky Tonk Man at SummerSlam ’88 – if you’ve seen it, you’ll know exactly what I mean – but I noticed it), but it was really fucking entertaining, and I was riveted to my telly. Besides, who the fuck am I to criticise a (really very minor) mistake when I’ve never been in the ring with either of them, and never will be (not even close)?
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This great article by the Doors’ John Densmore (c/o Mat) reminds me of the Jello Biafra vs. DK‘s situation, particularly since the DK’s played here last night. I didn’t go. Did anybody? Today they seem tragic to me. That’s not to say I don’t feel similarly about Jello: if you ever read his label’s website, it’s like he’s Jesus or something. I certainly got a feeling like that from the audience at the spoken word gig he did here a few months ago (ironically, at the same venue the DK’s played last night). Even though, in fairness, he pointed out the ignorance of believing every word he says just because he says it, he wasn’t exactly modest in the face of such unconditional, fawning adulation. I mean, take a look at his label’s website – a great label, don’t get me wrong, with a great mail order service – but there’s somewhat of a cultish air to it.
(For a specific example, some of the language used in the label’s official statement on the departure of NoMeansNo for pastures new.)
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We were playing the new Guided By Voices album over the sound system in work this afternoon. I must say, it’s much more interesting than Do The Collapse (I haven’t heard Isolation Drills yet, but I’m sure it’s much like its predecessor). In fact, it’s an excellent gem, and I’m going to buy it. You should too.
Oh, and here’s the Friday Five:
1. Do you live in a house, an apartment or a condo?
In a house. An actual, proper house, made with bricks and everything.
2. Do you rent or own?
I live with the family (yet to vacate the nest, so to speak).
3. Does anyone else live with you?
My mum, my grandad, and the dog.
4. How many times have you moved in your life?
None that I can recall. I dunno about other parts of the world, but here most people aren’t terribly transient, most likely due to the extortionate cost of housing and rental.
5. What are your plans for this weekend?
Working all weekend, probably (hopefully) going out tomorrow night since it’s Andy’s last day. We’re all going to Tenacious D in a couple of weeks anyway, but still, it’s his last day. (Update: I went out for a few hours, but got locked on one pint o’ the black stuff, had to sober up with a rock shandy.)
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Can you believe this?
It’s obvious from the events of the last few weeks that Steve Austin has problems. Following the man around in a helicopter isn’t going to help the situation, is it?
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Hooray for Nickelodeon; they’re actually not so shallow and evil and corporate after all.
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I might go see The American Analog Set next week, if I feel like it (although it is at the Shelter, and that’s along walk back to my bus stop). Hopefully I won’t be totally worn out and not bother like I did with the Oxes gig last Thursday.
Sweep The Leg Johnny are playing here too, not ’til September though. I really wanna see them, if only just to take photos and say I was there.
I need to get out to more shows. I haven’t been to a gig I enjoyed since the Trail of Dead show in Toronto, three fucking months ago! Then again – save for the OXES show that I’m sorry I missed – there hasn’t really been much on. Fugazi would have been playing here tomorrow night, but real life got in the way of that one.
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It just dawned on me that today is Bloomsday. What with all the kerfuffle about the big match today (that I’m not even watching), I suppose it was bound to get overshadowed.
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I dunno about you, but if I were one of the people subjected to this so-called ‘prank’, I’d sue MTV too.
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Don’t go here if you’re at work or school or you think you might be embarrassed if someone catches you. Otherwise, do.
My personal favourite is Auditioning Peter Tork.
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Careful if you watch this, your sides may well split.
(Especially if you’re a fan of Captain Lou.)
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