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Thursday, March 30, 2006

Passivism and the Montreal poe

So there was a protest today in Montreal. Yeah you missed it -- and don't say your were there and I must have missed you in the crowd, because enough of you weren't there that the crowd was small enough that there is no way I would of missed you had you been there. But that is not why I'm writing this -- even though the majority of people there were just altruistic (and a few angry) Francophones that showed up to complain about hikes to non-quebecor residence tuitions... that's right 6% for international and 4% for your sorry domestic ass (I'm assuming your domestic because you read English). That isn't why I'm writing this either. I'm writing this because I hate the poe -- the Montreal police. Peaceful protests with peaceful people, for peaceful causes should end peacefully; thankfully this one did. But there was a moment, when the riot police cornered us at the top of Jean-Mance and Sherbrooke, when it looked like it would end in bloodshed and tears. I am a pacificist, actually I'm something of a born-again pacifist -- I was an angry mother fucking kid -- but the point is I don't 'do' violence. But never since the day I swore off 'the violence' have I felt so enraged. When peaceful folks have to tie shirts around their face and pull hoods over there head, sketch numbers of lawyers on their arms (for just in case), and contemplate the reality of a violent struggle, the Man has got things seriously wrong. So here I am hating the montreal poe, and I don't like to hate which only makes me more upset. Excuse me while i go cry in my pillow -- Roddie you coming?

Alas we got our revenge -- we took sherbrooke at McGill College. Ironically I think the plan was to protest in front of the HSBC building which houses Charest's office. After what happened earlier, instead of keeping off to the side we made it our point to block up Sherbrooke. This time I think the cops got a clue; they put their shields away, and kept there distance. We didn't feel a need to stay angry, we gave our speeches, caused a stir and fuct off. Anyways, all's well that ends well. Maybe next time the good children of McGill can do a little more than stare blankly at us from across the field.

Sunday, March 26, 2006

V for Dystopic Misery on the Silverscreen!

Take Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, Hitler and Nazism in WW2, the Iraqi war, The Bush Administration in general, Guy Fawkes, Zorro, and the Matrix movies, take out all the CORE, PROFOUND meanings, scenes, ideas etc from all of them, add a gorgeous bald Jew, and ..you get V for Vendetta.

I'm not bashing at all, just giving you the chemical make up of the movie. Many people say the movie is anagolous to the Bush Administration, but I'm really going to differ here. The story has largely taken ideas from Nineteen Eighty-Four, and added different contemporary historical concepts to it so we can relate things in the movie to different memories we have from the History Channel or CNN.

If it has ANY relation to the Bush administration, I think it's in terms of potential. How if what the Bush administration is doing now escalates further ..the world which exists in V for Vendetta is only inevitable. Which I wouldn't really doubt.

I thoroughly enjoyed the monologues throughout the film, a drama kid's dream. I'm not going to lie when I say I fell madly in love with Hugo Weaving's voice, the actor who plays V. However, I'm glad the Mask remains on the entire time. It became rather attractive after 15 minutes into the movie. Something about a masked man always gets my crank turning. Mystery is sexy, fellows.

Unless its your sexuality, then no.

The parallels with Nazism were groan-inducing at times. For instance, the Leader's position is "Chancellor". He is voted into power. When he gives speeches, he speaks with the utmost passion with those flailing arms ...while the military marches in front of him.

And when you watch the movie, you'll understand what I meant by including the Matrix in the mix.

What's funny is that after the film, the group I was with and I, started discussing the significance of Guy Fawkes day.

"So ..why do they celebrate that day? It was a failure."
"They love Guy Fawkes!"
"No they don't, douche"
"Look, guys, they celebrate the failure of Guy Fawkes to weaken, let alone destroy, the English Government. GOOD GOVERNMENT PREVAILED, BOLLOCKS!"
"But they have fun, don't they? They have bonfires!"
"Yeah, and burn ephigies of the man while yelling obscenities"
"They're British ..what else will they celebrate?"

etc.

It was actually quite stimulating.

Visually, the movie is aesthetically delightful. Some very emphatic, amazing scenes.
There are several extremely memorable scenes as there are lines. The one which had be chuckling went something like .."He was in all the wars, Iraq, Kurdistan, Syria ..before and after". Another scene involved Detective Finch posing perhaps one of the most important questions to those living under a State (ie. everyone), which is that if you knew that the people in your government were the ones behind it all (lies, terrorism etc) ...would you want to believe it?
For me, that was one of the most memorable and climatic scenes in the movie. Because it's exactly what we all should be asking ourselves as citizens of nations. Do we want to believe that our own governments would kill us? Do we want to believe that our government would lie to us? Not want the better for us?


Within the movie there is also a very interesting romance brewing, which adds a human face to an idea so crude, real and passionate. It's the sort of romance based on a mutual understanding deeper than what words could ever convey, as cliche and corny as it sounds. They don't speak of it, they just live it. Through their love for one another they are able to stay committed to an idea beyond their own understanding, really. And if you're like me and like to look deeply into things, then what it seemed to say is that love is always the prevailing idea, concept, feeling. It's love which drives, in any context. I found this to be both too redundant but far too true.

Furthermore, does the movie promote terrorism as the critics and media say it does? No, not at all. What the movie advocates is the idea, as said in the movie, that people should not be afraid of their governments, governments should be afraid of their people. Power is within the people, not within the Government. We gave them power, we gave them the authority to do what is needed to satisfy OUR needs. Without us, they are useless. The movie asks the audience to have a look at the State. Is the State really working to meet and secure your needs? Or is it working to secure its power? V for Vendetta asks for a revolution through realization.

It's really a great movie for those who are usually apathetic towards politics. It's a movie which can make one question one's surroundings. No doubt there. It arises several questions regarding political authority, however I wonder if it does it enough. Something was just missing. And I think that that which is missing can be found in the graphic novel. The movie has forced me to go out and get the novel. I hope that when people watch this movie, they also read the book. It's only then can the real meaning of the story come out.
It seemed to be that there was a lot that needed to be said, but no one wants to sit in a theater for 6 hours straight. However, all those things can be found within the book. So, if you're reading this and plan on watching the movie, I implore you to also read the novel. If you truly want something out of the film, read the book as well.

I'd suggest the book before the movie, just because you go in understanding the movie already, what drives the story, the people, V, Evie, etc.

If you're going to watch any movie this year, THIS is the movie you should watch. Although the ideas are not new, they just can't be pressed into our minds enough. If these ideas had been embedded into our minds already, then the state of the world surely would not be as it is today.

It's worth the $10.75 at the IMAX on St. Catherines.

Friday, March 24, 2006

Get that Bit Torrent busy.


There's an incredible amount of music out there and we've barely even scratched the surface of it. So, here are some of the best musicians/bands/songs etc that no one seems to be listening to. Or at least not enough.

The Flaming Lips - One of the most ingenuitive, original and fun bands of the past 20 years. I don't understand why this band is so underrated. Seriously. And don't say "oh yeah, 'She don't use jelly' is a great song". We've all seen that Pop-up video episode. For a taste of these guys, check out the following songs: Do you realize, When you smile, Mrs. Robinson, Yoshimo Battles the Pink Robots pt. 1 ..and of course, pt. 2.

Clint Mansell - Requiem for a dream, the main theme. Yeah, enough said.

Colin James - Amaaaaaaaaazing blues artist. I absolutely adore this guy, with his incredibly smooth deep voice and great guitar riffs. Check out Far Away like a Radio ..seems to be a popular one at the moment.

Newton - These guys did the music to the Jimmy Fallon/Posey Parker Pepsi commercial. Song is called Streamline.

Chet Baker - The man is a Jazz legend. Plz listen to Imagination and Misty. Check out some of his stuff with Stan Getz as well.

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion - Dear god this man is amazing. Absolutely wonderful twist on the genre of blues. My obsession is the song Do you wanna get heavy? It's seriously good strip club music. You'll understand when you listen.

Jurassic 5 - COME ON PEOPLE. These guys are nothign short of lyrical and technical geniuses when it comes to hip hop. Quality Control is perhaps one of the best songs i've ever heard.

Liz Phair - HWC. You'll thank me later.

Afrikka Bambaata - Anything. Seriously.

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - This man is the originator of Black Betty. He's got that coffee and whiskey voice which you can't help but be attracted to. Check out Black Betty, Stagger Lee, Dead Man in my Bed, and Wonderful Life.


PJ Harvey - Ex-wife of Nick Cave and just what the feminist movement needs. Hahaha, kidding. Move over Patti Smyth! I've yet to hear a shitty song. Check out Rub it till it bleeds, The Life and Death of Mr. Badmouth, and Rid of Me.

The Quantic Soul Orchestra - Terrapin.

Apocalyptica - Band geeks gone metal with their cellos.


Yann Tiersen - Did the soundtracks to Amelie and Goodbye Lenin! Amazing composer.

Razorlight - Not sure how to place these guys ..but they're good during the right mood. I'd recommend Which way out and to the See.

Spearhead's Oh my God. ..the title explains it all.

Sufjan Stevens - ANYTHING BY THIS MAN. He's amazingly talented and delusional.

Zap Mama - Baba Hooker

Zero 7 - If you like Portishead, I think you'll like these guys. Waiting line is a great song.


Mike Oldfield - Because of his album Tubular Bells, I wake up to the Excorcist theme every morning. This guy is orgasmic.


Nick Drake - Before Jack Johnson, John Mayer ..there was Nick Drake. Pink Moon = Great album.

Theivery Corporation - They've got a lot of great stuff, but one of my faves is Lebanese Blonde from the Garden State soundtrack.

Frank Zappa - Seriously guys. This man was pure genius. My guitar wants to kill your mama.

Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions. As soon as you hear this song you'll kill yourself trying to remember where you first heard it.

Derek Trucks Band - Orgasm? Uh yeah. Check out anything by them.


Ben Folds Five - WHO REMEMBERS THEM? The Last Polka shoudl boad well with you all.

Sam Roberts - My love is freeing. I love it. Such an old school feel.




All for now.

Wednesday, March 22, 2006

Yay for Multi-National Corporations for once!

Now, I'm not the one to be all "ra ra siss ABERCROMBIE AND FITCH boom bah", but for once ..I am.

And for one company which I hate.


Pepsi.

I hope to the dear,sweet lord above you've seen the recent Pepsi commercial with Jimmy Fallon and Posey Parker.

It's pretty much the greatest commercial in a long time. SMART MOVE PEPSI. YOU HIT ALL THE SPOTS WITH THIS ONE.
Hilarious, cute comedian. A pretty and well dressed actress. A nice city during the spring. Crazy, sporatic dancing. Yellow Taxi cabs. Catchy, move-inducing music.


you hit the marketing mark.


I've already made plans to re-enact this out once I'm back in Van.

Watch on repeat plz.

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Shameless

Here’s a post some of the regulars may be interested in commenting on over at my main blog, anomieandme, which for some time lately hasn’t been posted on. The point is to mostly get the news out that I’m posting again. It’s about existentialism, and there’s a great link to a post on another blog about a nihilistic cat.

Sunday, March 19, 2006

Voyeurism

Actually, here are some tasteful photographs taken by a photographer not long after the tsunami, and photos he took at the same locations, and with the same framing a year later. It’s kind of ghostly, but nonetheless fascinating.



(Courtesy of neatorama)

Saturday, March 11, 2006

Another coolest thing of the week

Is it next week yet, because here's another coolest thing of the week? Can you have two coolest things of the week in one week? Sounds like a logical contradiction to me. "Fuk you and your logical contradiction," she said. Anyways, here it is, an amazing flash animation to the tune of Radiohead's “Creep.” Very worth checking out.

(Courtesy of Boing Boing -- one of the most, if not the most trafficked blogs on the world wide web.)

Friday, March 10, 2006

"Inviting Anarchy Into My Home "

I came across this article by way of the anarchist reading circle I’m a part of. It’s about an average fifty something year old women who, after life tossed her a few curve balls, decided to turn her home into an anarchist collective to pay the bills and share in some new experiences. I recommend that you check it out if you think you know what anarchism is about, or if you’d like to know what it’s about. It’s probably a different account of anarchism than what you’re used to, but I assure you, the issues discussed are what anarchy is all about – even if CNN tells you otherwise. And when you’re finished reading it I recommend you ask yourself: “Why did we ever stop thinking that this was what life was all about in the first place?”

Wednesday, March 08, 2006

I'll comment on what Roddie wouldn't comment on




Metric.


This was actually my first real, actually good show. I've only gone to local shows before, so ..this was quite the milestone for little Sana.

A couple of quick things to remember for a show which has a great band like Metric 1. Coat check will save your life 2. Buy tickets in advance.

I didn't buy tickets in advance, and ended up dealing with scalpers. My friends bought their tickets for $60, I got mine for $40. They were worth 25$. I had a couple of scalpers hit on me as well. Well ..they said they were scalpers, but they weren't wearing hoodies and caps.

Assholes.

Holy Fuck! and The Islands served as opening bands. Holy Fuck! was Holy Hell amazing!I absolutely loved their ambient set and performance. You could hear how much the artists were into their music, let alone just see it. It was both energetic and mellow at the same time.
The Islands were a huge let down. Basically, the two guys who were in the band the Unicorns decided to make a new, ethnically encompassing band. Same amount of suckage, just more guys with moptops/relationship problems/different skin colours to hate. I clapped when their set ended, for the fucking fact that they were done.

If there had been rows of seats, my group and I would have been in row 4. We had a great view, until Metric time neared. Ohhh how the pushing began. I have never been so groped in my life. Not complaining, but none of my erogenous zones were left untouched. It just really sucks being 5'2 sometimes.

Metric came on, and blew me away. Emily Haines is amazing. She is the Blondie, Pat Benator, Patty Smith, Joan Jett, Dolly Parton, whoever the fuck you want, of our generation. Maybe that's an overstatment, but she's my female crush, so shut up.
She has an absolutely amazing presence on stage, and anyone woman who can jump so high in 3 inch heels and wear them for a good 2 hours earns my immediate respect. The rest of the band was equally as amazing, with James Shaw, the guitarist, showing great chemistry with Haines.

What pissed me off, however, was when these 15 year olds decided to mosh. Why the hell would you mosh to Metric? That makes as much as sense as those douches who moshed to LEss than Jake, instead of skanking. I was elbowed in the face three times, but that was by a guy who was trying to save his girlfriend's spot. He wasn't moshing, just standing there.
I ended up not minding the moshing, because I ended up right on the edge of the stage, at the feet of Haines and Josh Winstead (the bassist). This allowed for me to get some amazing shots, which I plan on selling soon to local music magazines and websites (the picture you see is one which I took). Mmmm ..sweet, sweet Capitalism.


So, overall, the show was just plain awesome. There was a great amount of energy, and Metric played songs from New World Underground as well, not just from their new album ..which I personally really, really like. Emily Haines makes all females into temporary lesbians.

The whole experience made me realise a few things:
1. When my friend Nick grabs me in different areas, I don't mind.
2. There are other members in the band besides Emily Haines (this is actually for other people)
3. I love show photography, and am going to pursue this further.
4. Coatchecks at shows may end up in your benefit. I found someone's $400 cellphone in my bag, and I haven't been able to locate the individual yet. Huzzah!
5. Strategic moshing is key. Pretend to be pushed, and move to the front.
6. Bad idea to go to a show which ends around 1 am, when you have to leave for another. country the next morning at 8 ..and you still haven't packed yet.
7. I seriously hate 14-17 year olds.
8. Bad idea to wear your good pants to such a show.
9. Ducking out of the way of alcohol will only heighten the chances of it being spilt on you.
10. Moshing legitimates sexual assaults.

Monday, March 06, 2006

Coolest thing of the week

This is awesome. Check it out, The Simpsons intro in live action – and apparently British. (Courtesy of a blog I follow called Crooked Timber)

This is why being a part of the blogosphere is so great…

Sunday, March 05, 2006

I come off sounding really angry

Watching Sunday Night Report on CBC, and they just had a story on anger in which they discussed with a psychologists about seven symptoms that indicate you have an anger problem. The final one was, “Do you find yourself trying to get your anger out?” Interestingly, trying to get your anger out is bad. Yes, I’ll say it again, when you’re angry it doesn’t help to yell and get mad, and expel it. The best thing to do is deal with it in a mature, compassionate and positive way. I know this from personal experience. It works for two reasons. First, you affect your own mood by acting in such a way that you realize that you are quite capable of controlling yourself and not being angry. Secondly, others will be more inclined to respond positively to you if you interact positively with them, thus affirming a motive for reciprocation. Nick and I were talking about control this morning, but in terms of power. We were attributing excessive materialism to people’s need for control over their lives (though we thought such efforts were misguided and in fact contradictory). Likewise, people seek self-control as their emotions have great affect on their day-to-day realities. Being able to control your anger is a huge factor in eudemonia. Many studies have shown that a great deal of anger actually stems from the frustration of being unable to manage your emotions. Rather than coping with them properly, we try and externalize them by attributing them to the actions of others – then we get violent – then people don’t like us – so we get sad – then we can’t express it – so we get angry – and then we get more violent, ad infinity.

This brings me to why I began this post in the first place. Sigmund Freud was a fucking idiot! Yes he was. Everyday I am reminded of how this fucker suckered western civilisation. It’s because of his stupid theory of the id and the superego, that psychologists have been telling us to “just let it out” for nearly a century now. Whacking your sister with a foam bat does not help. Nonetheless, and quite ironically, his ideas have so penetrated the collective subconscious that we can’t help but attribute legitimacy to his psychobabble. We filter all new psychological theories through his schema, so that when someone suggests we need to deal with our anger in a peaceful and progressive way, we feel like shrieking back at them: “You’re hurting my id! I am a fat rich white man, and I have certain innate tendencies towards power, greed, and sexual aggression. Where is my mommy? I need to decapitate my father and bone her right now!”

As painful as this is, here is an excerpt from Freud's infamous work, "Civilization and its Discontents," that may clarify some of my closing comments.

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