I personally think Facebook is overrated and overused. But I've been sucked into the world of social networking just like the rest of you. I usually log in while I'm drinking my morning coffee and do a quick scroll to see whose birthday it is and to catch any important updates. Note that I said the word "important." I don't care what your plans are for the day unless they include me. And I don't work with even 1/8th of you.
I haven't seen too many status updates pertaining to the upcoming presidential elections aside from the torrent of nonsense put out every time there was a debate, but the ones I do see have me second-guess "friendships" I have with those who post about it. I've decided who I am going to vote for, but it's my business and no one else's. The only people I've discussed it with are my mother and one of my closest friends. If you want to know, you can ask me. I don't need to announce it to all of my friends, anyone I meet, or the Facebook nation, and I'm not going to. I think we can all agree that this year's election is personal. For me it all boils down to the social issues plaguing our nation - Medicare, home interest mortgage deductions, immigration, equal pay and funding for Planned Parenthood.
The other morning I read a well written status by a guy I used to go to school with -
"I have finally 100% made up my mind who I am going to vote for for President of the United States. I have spent the past year watching tons of Republican Primary Debates, both conventions, all three Presidential debates, and the Vice Presidential debate. I have taken care to get my news from a variety of sources- talk radio, Fox News, Cnn- the whole political gambit. And I have a million reasons for my decision I'd be happy to discuss with any of you. I endorse President Barak Obama." (This was quoted with permission.)
As you can see, he didn't attack either candidate or ramble on about why he is choosing to vote for President Obama. He did what I believe most people on my timeline don't - took the time to get his information from both sides of the spectrum and based his decision on who he thinks is the best person for the job. Whether it's right or wrong is no one else's call to make, and whether or not I agree with him is irrelevant. (I do, by the way.) But my favorite part of this status update is "...I have a million reasons for my decision I'd be happy to discuss with any of you." Note he didn't feel the need to clog his friends' timeline with his reasons.
I was tempted to respond to a post someone made bashing the President and expressing support of the Republican candidate, but I figured my opinion was better left unsaid. The person has every right to voice their opinion, but the way it was done and their choice of words is what made me shake my head. I wanted to respond with something along the lines of - "If he does get elected, I hope you are blessed with a daughter shortly there after...then you might rethink how you feel," but I held my tongue. I don't have the time or energy getting into "Facebook wars." I save my comments for nice pictures, celebratory statuses and birthdays.
This is all relevant to a previous post I made, No, You Cannot Come Into the Voting Booth With Me. I could go on and on about the dumb shit I see posted on Facebook every day. Why do I keep logging onto it you might ask? Because sometimes the dirty laundry people air for all the world to see makes me feel better about my own life.
We Can't Let the Music Scene Die
What happened to being able to go hear local bands in your favorite bar minus the pretentiousness? The Big Kahuna is extinct, and most of the other bars that provided a decent venue for bands to play have moved away from that scene. So those of us music lovers who just want to rock out every once in a while are left with slim pickings or making the 30 minute + drive up to Philly.
On the plus side, Wilmington does have World Cafe Live at the Queen, a relatively new, two-in-one venue on Market Street where one can go to hear local bands and big names as well. There's ample room, you can sit at a table and eat while listening to a band play and there's usually more than one event going on at a time. You can play Quizzo on Monday nights or catch the 4W5 Blues Jam every Wednesday. They've hosted the likes of The Pixies, George Clinton & the P-Funk Allstars, and the Bob Marley tribute band Spokey Speaky. Not to mention Beer & Wine events, kid shows and you can book private parties. I've only been once, but a few of my friends have played the stage there. I'm thinking of catching Ozomatli on the 25th of October.
There's also Moodswing, which opened up last fall and is right down the street from my house. It's in an unlikely location for a nightclub, but typically hosts a packed house every weekend. I've been a few times when they've had live bands. September 25th they hosted The Dirty Pearls (one of my favorite bands) and Bret Michaels. (Yes, I was there.) Moodswing is a good place for the beach bands to play during the off season. I've seen Kristen & the Noise, Mr. Greengenes, Chorduroy and Love Seed Mama Jump there on Friday nights during the winter. They offer all kinds of VIP packages and event specials, click the link for more info.
Okay, so there's Firestone Roasting House as well. Situated right on the waterfront, the outside bar and seating is really nice. But it's really only good in the summer. If you don't mind huge crowds. They typically have live bands on the weekends, the same ones that play Moodswing during the winter months. Again, if you don't mind huge crowds. Or anywhere from a $10 - $20 cover charge. (I don't know how or why, but the head bouncer never takes my money anymore. Maybe because my sister in law and I have frequented the place enough over the past year, or I inadvertently flirt with him and he likes it?) It's always a mixed crowd which is nice as opposed to the monotony that is prevalent in a lot of other places. Great food too, by the way. You can go for dinner and stay for the music. Try the pizza - it's out of this world.
That's three venues that are still making an effort to keep the music scene alive. There used to be so many more. The fact that there's people out there who play music for fun and do it well should be celebrated and promoted as much as possible and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I also know it could be so much worse and I could live in a town where there's...nothing. For now I will be satisfied with catching a decent live band every once in a while, or making that trek up to Philly when the mood strikes me.
On the plus side, Wilmington does have World Cafe Live at the Queen, a relatively new, two-in-one venue on Market Street where one can go to hear local bands and big names as well. There's ample room, you can sit at a table and eat while listening to a band play and there's usually more than one event going on at a time. You can play Quizzo on Monday nights or catch the 4W5 Blues Jam every Wednesday. They've hosted the likes of The Pixies, George Clinton & the P-Funk Allstars, and the Bob Marley tribute band Spokey Speaky. Not to mention Beer & Wine events, kid shows and you can book private parties. I've only been once, but a few of my friends have played the stage there. I'm thinking of catching Ozomatli on the 25th of October.
There's also Moodswing, which opened up last fall and is right down the street from my house. It's in an unlikely location for a nightclub, but typically hosts a packed house every weekend. I've been a few times when they've had live bands. September 25th they hosted The Dirty Pearls (one of my favorite bands) and Bret Michaels. (Yes, I was there.) Moodswing is a good place for the beach bands to play during the off season. I've seen Kristen & the Noise, Mr. Greengenes, Chorduroy and Love Seed Mama Jump there on Friday nights during the winter. They offer all kinds of VIP packages and event specials, click the link for more info.
Okay, so there's Firestone Roasting House as well. Situated right on the waterfront, the outside bar and seating is really nice. But it's really only good in the summer. If you don't mind huge crowds. They typically have live bands on the weekends, the same ones that play Moodswing during the winter months. Again, if you don't mind huge crowds. Or anywhere from a $10 - $20 cover charge. (I don't know how or why, but the head bouncer never takes my money anymore. Maybe because my sister in law and I have frequented the place enough over the past year, or I inadvertently flirt with him and he likes it?) It's always a mixed crowd which is nice as opposed to the monotony that is prevalent in a lot of other places. Great food too, by the way. You can go for dinner and stay for the music. Try the pizza - it's out of this world.
That's three venues that are still making an effort to keep the music scene alive. There used to be so many more. The fact that there's people out there who play music for fun and do it well should be celebrated and promoted as much as possible and I know I'm not the only one who feels this way. I also know it could be so much worse and I could live in a town where there's...nothing. For now I will be satisfied with catching a decent live band every once in a while, or making that trek up to Philly when the mood strikes me.
You Can Still Be A Sexy, Crazy Bitch In Comfy Clothes - Buckcherry at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia
Last night I was sitting on the couch in yoga pants and a hoodie watching Happy Feet with my nephew and scrolling through my Twitter feed. I happened to come across a tweet from Buckcherry and learned that they were playing a free show at Xfinity Live! Philadelphia. "What?! How did I not know about this?!" Jay was on his way over because the plan was to veg out and watch scary movies. That changed real fast. I shot him a text - "So Buckcherry is playing at Xfinity - let's go!" "Ok." I love that he goes with my flow.
So I threw on long johns under a pair of jeans, (the show was outside,) my Doc Martens, and ran a brush through my hair. There was no time to slut it up, being that we live about a half an hour from the sports complex, the gate had already opened, and it was cold outside. We missed Lit, but made it well before Buckcherry went on.
We got there around 9:30, and on top of free admission it was free parking. Score! Was I thankful for the long johns I had put on? Yes. It was quite humorous watching all those women freezing their asses off and having trouble walking around on the brick/concrete ground. For as crowded as it was, it was pretty easy to get to the bar as well. Another score. And I really can't say I minded spending over $6 for a Coors Light when I didn't have to pay an outrageous amount of money to park or see one of my favorite bands up close and personal.
The show itself was great - Buckcherry rocked the house. I expected no less, dancing around in my Docs, the previous night's makeup, and showing my support for Concord high school's football team with my hoodie. I think the last time I saw these guys was back in 2010 at the Wells Fargo Center.
It just goes to show you never when your night will take a turn for the awesome. I was planning on laying on the couch in sweats while watching movies. I ended up seeing one of my favorite bands, for free, and getting the chance to say hey to Josh Todd and Stevie Decanay. Pretty fucking cool. They love their fans and know how to make us all feel sexy, even in comfy clothes.
So I threw on long johns under a pair of jeans, (the show was outside,) my Doc Martens, and ran a brush through my hair. There was no time to slut it up, being that we live about a half an hour from the sports complex, the gate had already opened, and it was cold outside. We missed Lit, but made it well before Buckcherry went on.
The show itself was great - Buckcherry rocked the house. I expected no less, dancing around in my Docs, the previous night's makeup, and showing my support for Concord high school's football team with my hoodie. I think the last time I saw these guys was back in 2010 at the Wells Fargo Center.
It just goes to show you never when your night will take a turn for the awesome. I was planning on laying on the couch in sweats while watching movies. I ended up seeing one of my favorite bands, for free, and getting the chance to say hey to Josh Todd and Stevie Decanay. Pretty fucking cool. They love their fans and know how to make us all feel sexy, even in comfy clothes.
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| You never forget the first rockstar to reach down your shirt and cop a feel. |
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| Guitarist and photographer extraordinaire, Stevie Decanay. |
"No Uterus, No Opinion"
-Installment Number Four-
It disgusts me to note that my reproductive system and politics are too intertwined. So I take birth control. In order to prevent pregnancy. I take that little white pill every night and use condoms to lessen my chances of getting knocked up by mistake, even if it's by someone I love. When I didn't have health insurance, I didn't refill my prescription, so I was even more careful to use condoms and take other necessary precautions. So these people who think birth control is evil or unnecessary and think that teaching abstinence is the sole answer to prevent unwanted pregnancy tend to get under my skin. Don't judge me, don't criticize me. In my opinion, not enough people practice effective birth control. Let me make my small contribution by not having an unwanted child. Yes, I might be a privileged white girl from the suburbs and if I were to have a baby right now it wouldn't be the end of the world and I wouldn't end up on Medicaid. But I should still be entitled to make my own decisions when it comes to my body. Same goes for every other woman. What she does with her body is her own business. I'm not necessarily pro-choice, but I can't say I'm pro-life either. I don't think abortion should be used as a backup plan, but I wouldn't dare judge another person for the choices they make - it's not my place. Nor is it your's.
It disgusts me to note that my reproductive system and politics are too intertwined. So I take birth control. In order to prevent pregnancy. I take that little white pill every night and use condoms to lessen my chances of getting knocked up by mistake, even if it's by someone I love. When I didn't have health insurance, I didn't refill my prescription, so I was even more careful to use condoms and take other necessary precautions. So these people who think birth control is evil or unnecessary and think that teaching abstinence is the sole answer to prevent unwanted pregnancy tend to get under my skin. Don't judge me, don't criticize me. In my opinion, not enough people practice effective birth control. Let me make my small contribution by not having an unwanted child. Yes, I might be a privileged white girl from the suburbs and if I were to have a baby right now it wouldn't be the end of the world and I wouldn't end up on Medicaid. But I should still be entitled to make my own decisions when it comes to my body. Same goes for every other woman. What she does with her body is her own business. I'm not necessarily pro-choice, but I can't say I'm pro-life either. I don't think abortion should be used as a backup plan, but I wouldn't dare judge another person for the choices they make - it's not my place. Nor is it your's.
No, You Cannot Come Into the Voting Booth With Me
-Installment Number Three-
I don't even really want to elaborate on the upcoming presidential election. All I can do is shake my head. I made myself watch the debate the other night and I can honestly say that I'm frightened for the future of this country. I feel an impending sense of doom. It doesn't help that we are bombarded with political ads and are unable to decipher fact from fiction. I don't know who or what to believe, I don't know if there even is a better option. So we have to go with the lesser of two evils? It truly, truly frightens me to think where this country will be in the next four years. I said to Ma while we were watching Romney repeat and contradict himself, and Obama not doing much better, "You know, if Pop had just been able to get his shit together, he could have been president. He was a logical man when he wanted to be, and I remember some of his views being a little extreme, but the man would have cleaned this mess up."
Everything needs an overhaul, starting with the educational system. I'm in schools every day, and what I see scares me. Teachers are babysitting as opposed to teaching. (That's a whole different beast, I'm a firm believer in that we are all products of our environments - home life and school life are two entirely different worlds.) Awards for "adequate progress" are a joke. The healthcare system, military spending, financial institutions, importing, exporting and immigration policies - it all needs a drastic makeover. We can talk about it until we're blue in the face, but what are we going to do about it? If I had chosen a different path in life, maybe I would have gone into politics. But I'm not cut out for that, so that's why I want a government in office I can trust and have faith in, (ha, what a joke) that keeps the best interests of the American people in mind rather than lining its own pockets. I think that's what most of us want. Okay, I'm done with this part. I could go on and on, but if I don't have resources to back myself up, I'm going to stop.
I don't even really want to elaborate on the upcoming presidential election. All I can do is shake my head. I made myself watch the debate the other night and I can honestly say that I'm frightened for the future of this country. I feel an impending sense of doom. It doesn't help that we are bombarded with political ads and are unable to decipher fact from fiction. I don't know who or what to believe, I don't know if there even is a better option. So we have to go with the lesser of two evils? It truly, truly frightens me to think where this country will be in the next four years. I said to Ma while we were watching Romney repeat and contradict himself, and Obama not doing much better, "You know, if Pop had just been able to get his shit together, he could have been president. He was a logical man when he wanted to be, and I remember some of his views being a little extreme, but the man would have cleaned this mess up."
Everything needs an overhaul, starting with the educational system. I'm in schools every day, and what I see scares me. Teachers are babysitting as opposed to teaching. (That's a whole different beast, I'm a firm believer in that we are all products of our environments - home life and school life are two entirely different worlds.) Awards for "adequate progress" are a joke. The healthcare system, military spending, financial institutions, importing, exporting and immigration policies - it all needs a drastic makeover. We can talk about it until we're blue in the face, but what are we going to do about it? If I had chosen a different path in life, maybe I would have gone into politics. But I'm not cut out for that, so that's why I want a government in office I can trust and have faith in, (ha, what a joke) that keeps the best interests of the American people in mind rather than lining its own pockets. I think that's what most of us want. Okay, I'm done with this part. I could go on and on, but if I don't have resources to back myself up, I'm going to stop.
My Style Is Mine, Not Your's (But If We Share A Common Taste, Cool.)
-Installment Number Two-
So I like to poof my hair up as high as possible. I don't fucking care that Snooki made it popular. I was doing it before she was born. I like it. I think my hair looks pretty damn good when I get it just right. And as lame as it sounds, I get a little pissy when I hear criticism for it. I do it for me, and no one else. Did I point out to a girl at the bar the other night that her fishtail looked like hell because her hair was too short to have it all swept on one side? No, because I bet she thought it looked fantastic. As well she should have.
Trust me, there's plenty of style trends I think are utterly ridiculous - I mean, who told women that short shorts and boots looks good? I don't care who you are - shorts with boots in 80 degree weather, or any weather, is not flattering. And what is with the pajama pants & Uggs combination being acceptable in public? I get embarrassed for the girls I seeing sporting those "trends." And that is my opinion. But you see, I would expect a friend or relative to tell me, "Oh girl, no." Or "Pull up your pants, you've got a bit of muffin top going on." I'm not going to be offended, I'm going to be thankful that someone cared enough to prevent me from going out in public a hot mess.
I love my red skinny Dickies, my black leather cowboy boots with the 38 special bullet harnesses, my ripped up leggings and my fitted band tee shirts. I didn't spend 10 years playing with makeup to finally get it perfect just for shits and giggles. I fucking love makeup. I love experimenting with it, I love wearing it. I remember one night I went over Tommy's in yoga pants, a tank top and no makeup except for a some mascara. He commented, saying "Wow, you look really pretty." "Really? I'm not wearing any makeup." "Maybe that's why." Now was that a really nice compliment? Yes. But it still irked me a bit. I don't know why. Call me crazy, but before I die I'm going to have to teach someone to do my makeup the way I do it so I don't look like a train wreck laid out in the casket. And I better be wearing leather pants.
So I like to poof my hair up as high as possible. I don't fucking care that Snooki made it popular. I was doing it before she was born. I like it. I think my hair looks pretty damn good when I get it just right. And as lame as it sounds, I get a little pissy when I hear criticism for it. I do it for me, and no one else. Did I point out to a girl at the bar the other night that her fishtail looked like hell because her hair was too short to have it all swept on one side? No, because I bet she thought it looked fantastic. As well she should have.
Trust me, there's plenty of style trends I think are utterly ridiculous - I mean, who told women that short shorts and boots looks good? I don't care who you are - shorts with boots in 80 degree weather, or any weather, is not flattering. And what is with the pajama pants & Uggs combination being acceptable in public? I get embarrassed for the girls I seeing sporting those "trends." And that is my opinion. But you see, I would expect a friend or relative to tell me, "Oh girl, no." Or "Pull up your pants, you've got a bit of muffin top going on." I'm not going to be offended, I'm going to be thankful that someone cared enough to prevent me from going out in public a hot mess.
I love my red skinny Dickies, my black leather cowboy boots with the 38 special bullet harnesses, my ripped up leggings and my fitted band tee shirts. I didn't spend 10 years playing with makeup to finally get it perfect just for shits and giggles. I fucking love makeup. I love experimenting with it, I love wearing it. I remember one night I went over Tommy's in yoga pants, a tank top and no makeup except for a some mascara. He commented, saying "Wow, you look really pretty." "Really? I'm not wearing any makeup." "Maybe that's why." Now was that a really nice compliment? Yes. But it still irked me a bit. I don't know why. Call me crazy, but before I die I'm going to have to teach someone to do my makeup the way I do it so I don't look like a train wreck laid out in the casket. And I better be wearing leather pants.
What I Put In My Mouth Shouldn't Be Anyone Else's Business
-Installment Number One-
So I'm not a vegan. Nor do I even have the slightest desire to become one. If you're a vegan, cool. Good luck with that. I don't need it literally and figuratively shoved down my throat. Unfortunately most vegans I've come across have a tendency to do just that. Not all, but most.
But I'm not a glutton for junk food either. Do I hate the fact that organic food is so much more expensive than non? Yes. Do I hate the fact that it's easier for me to hit Wawa and grab a container of grapes, cheese and crackers because a) the prep work has already been done for me and b) I can tell myself it's healthy? Yes. I don't know what kind of preservatives and shit have been put in that stuff, but I tell myself it's better than a hot dog. Yes, I am bothered by the fact that I, among with millions of other people, have become complacent and basically replaced nutrition with convenience. The problem is I don't know what to do about it. I don't really know how to grow a garden, and a $50 trip to the grocery store is less strain on my wallet than a $100 one. It kills me that food - a basic necessity we all need to survive - has gotten so expensive over the last two years. I've watched a box of Triscuits go from $2.59 to $4.59 in a matter of months. Same with milk, bread and cereal. It's ironic that government programs have been established to encourage America to eat healthier, yet "bad" food is still less expensive to manufacture than the "good food." I can get Hot Pockets for $1.50 as opposed to chicken breasts and fresh vegetables running me over $10.
Does it bother me that I see obese kindergartners all the time because it's easier and less expensive to run through McDonald's drive through and order from the dollar menu three nights a week rather than have a home cooked meal on the dinner table? Absolutely.
Occasionally I enjoy a big-ass steak, medium rare thanks. Or a slice of greasy heaven from Grotto's, which I think we all should be entitled to every once in a while. Don't judge me. I have learned the art of moderation. Go eat your gluten free cookies.
So I'm not a vegan. Nor do I even have the slightest desire to become one. If you're a vegan, cool. Good luck with that. I don't need it literally and figuratively shoved down my throat. Unfortunately most vegans I've come across have a tendency to do just that. Not all, but most.
But I'm not a glutton for junk food either. Do I hate the fact that organic food is so much more expensive than non? Yes. Do I hate the fact that it's easier for me to hit Wawa and grab a container of grapes, cheese and crackers because a) the prep work has already been done for me and b) I can tell myself it's healthy? Yes. I don't know what kind of preservatives and shit have been put in that stuff, but I tell myself it's better than a hot dog. Yes, I am bothered by the fact that I, among with millions of other people, have become complacent and basically replaced nutrition with convenience. The problem is I don't know what to do about it. I don't really know how to grow a garden, and a $50 trip to the grocery store is less strain on my wallet than a $100 one. It kills me that food - a basic necessity we all need to survive - has gotten so expensive over the last two years. I've watched a box of Triscuits go from $2.59 to $4.59 in a matter of months. Same with milk, bread and cereal. It's ironic that government programs have been established to encourage America to eat healthier, yet "bad" food is still less expensive to manufacture than the "good food." I can get Hot Pockets for $1.50 as opposed to chicken breasts and fresh vegetables running me over $10.
Does it bother me that I see obese kindergartners all the time because it's easier and less expensive to run through McDonald's drive through and order from the dollar menu three nights a week rather than have a home cooked meal on the dinner table? Absolutely.
Occasionally I enjoy a big-ass steak, medium rare thanks. Or a slice of greasy heaven from Grotto's, which I think we all should be entitled to every once in a while. Don't judge me. I have learned the art of moderation. Go eat your gluten free cookies.
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