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Disclaimer:
These are my thoughts. If you don't like them, fine. If you do, fine. Don't waste my time with countless e-mails telling me how much you disagree with or out and out hate me.
If you have any questions, email me at: odinsfolly@yahoo.com All mail will be answered.
I got into metal with Iron Maiden at around 12 or 13. I dress in primarily black, but sometimes wear midnight blue, maroon, or dark grey. My musical range is metal, from black to death, and about 2 power metal bands, though I've actually recorded a goth song. Some of my favorite bands are: Anything from Devin Townsend, Tiamat, Somnus, Moonspell, Skyclad, Anathema, Chroma Key, Iced Earth. . .
There are many more, too numerous to mention. My influences are: STEVE HARRIS (Iron Maiden & my god of bass playing), LEMMY (Motorhead, demi-god), Joey DeMaio (Manowar), Michael McKeegan (Therapy?)
3/20/01
Welcome my friends, welcome to the age of technology. Everyone here is incredibly self important, so the first step you must take to be one of us, the elite, it to buy a cell phone. Then, you must be constantly on it, regardless of whether or not you are in the following places:
1. In class
2. At the store
3. Walk near, or on a busy street
4. In the car, driving
Nothing else is more important in life than you in the phone. It must take precedence over all, including what other people are doing. Your time is what matters; screw the rest of humanity, minus the person you are talking to.
Now, why do I bring this up you ask? Well, since this is a rant, I’ll be more than happy to tell you. This is a constant thing that pisses me off. I’ve almost killed 3 and 4 with my car in the last week. Why?? Because they were totally engrossed in their own conversations and such that they didn’t see me in my 3 tons of American steel bearing down upon them. Luckily, I am an incredibly good driver, so I missed taking their overly important lives. I’ll start at the beginning, by number and tell you the specifics of what I am talking about.
#1. This person is a constant source of pissing me off. His cell phone rings almost every freaking day in class, most recently, during the 200-point test that is 30% of my total grade. I was stressed out enough as it was, it being a Telecommunications test and incredibly difficult. I could have killed him, and would have if I weren’t such a nice freaking guy. In his defense, he didn’t answer it, just shut if off, which also may have contributed to his living. Anyway, it happened again during a lecture. . . Dumbass.
#2. I’m walking around a store we’ll call Albertson’s (after all, it’s MY store). I was looking down the cereal isle, looking for my box of Frosted FlakesÔ when Miss Self-Importance comes rapidly strolling down the isle, chatting about what ingredients she needs to buy and hits my cart as my back is turned, picking up the box of said cereal. Then she gives me a dirty look. Another reason for my tri-state killing spree I guess. THAT IS A JOKE PEOPLE (touchy bastards since all these high school shootings, which is another rant entirely).
#3. This just happened today as a matter of fact. Guy bolts out between 2 parked cars, talking on his little toy phone. Doesn’t see my rather large truck coming at him, then stares at me in shock, as I have to slam on my breaks and honk at his stupid ass. Should’ve hit him, I know, but people really dent the hell out of my bumper. . .
#4. Guy is driving. I’m making a left, on the left arrow. He’s coming opposite of where I need to go, and trying to go into the left turn lane. He over turns, and comes within about 2 inches of my bumper. Shit, thinking about it now, I should have hit him. I could use the insurance money, but this being Montana, he probably didn’t have insurance anyway, so I would have been stuck with the repair bills. Oh well, another example of my graciousness, I let him live too.
Look
kiddies, I’m not against technology, or against cell phones.
I just think people shouldn’t lose track of the world around them when
they are on the phone. Use common
sense people, and shut off your fucking phone at plays, at a movie, or in class.
When you drive, realize that there ARE other people on the road at
the same time and watch for them. Don’t
be a dumbass. Seriously.
4/30/01
Geez, I almost didn't make it in time for my monthly rant!! Silly me! Anyway, some interesting things have been happening in my life recently. I switched the emphasis of my major so I can graduate on time. It's not a big deal, and won't effect my overall goal on my plan to make large amounts of money. Instead of my emphasis being in Information Systems it's going to be in Management. It's still going to be a BS in Business. I'm also pissed that I will most likely have to retake Business Finance. . . and maybe accounting. I got totally broad-sided this semester in those classes. Good news is that I'm doing remarkably well in Telecommunications, though I really don't like that class.
Now, here's the reason I haven't been ranting much lately. No, I'm not on Prozac or anything! I've just found a new place to rant and rave. It's called the Vomitorium. Here's the address:
http://www.beautydestroyed.com/cgi-bin/ikonboard/ikonboard.cgi
I'm there under my new alter-ego Zippy Van Gough. No, it's not after the artist Van Gogh. I get that question a lot. It's an old name I made up over 2 years ago. Now, it's getting some great use! So, they're getting a lot of my stupid views, bad humor, and dumbass rants. But no kiddies, I won't abandon you! I'm still going to maintain this page and get my zine up and running, so have no fears! I still love you all my adoring fans!!! Also, I've just been too busy with finals coming up in 2 weeks and too stressed to have anything really piss me off! It sucks! But I'll be back next month with something new to whine about. I mean, I'm going to both sessions of summer school, surely something there will irk me to death. By the way, I'm going to post a some new pics of my ugly mug soon. I got a few requests for more of me smiling, so I will indulge you, my loyal fans!
5/21/01
Musically, my tastes have been narrowing lately. I'm still in complete awe of metal, and always will be. But one thing I've noticed is that more and more bands are going "industrial." I don't like this trend. I recently found out about a band called EverEve. I love their first 2 albums. They're insane, great, emotional, pure metal. Their original singer Tom Sedotschenko (now RIP unfortunately) had a phenomenal voice. Well, since he died, they have tried to go gothic/industrial metal on their album "Regret." It was an ok album, but not really my tastes anymore. Having listened to a few tracks off of their newest album, do out next month, I already don't like it. It's very much in the vein of the new Theatre of Tragedy: All techno/industrial. WHY??? What is so wrong with metal that bands are dramatically changing their sound?? It's getting more and more common with my bands these days! WHY??? I don't approve, though that means absolutely nothing to anyone. I'm running out of decent bands to listen to! One of the problems of being an underground aficionado is that the bands there can be fleeting. So, my CD collection is getting more and more loading with only a few new names here and there. Hell, even black metal is getting all electronic. If I'm mixing too many titles for sounds, I don't care. I hate labeling music in nice neat little categories. So be it.
In other news, I got engaged recently to Anna. Aside from a brief freak-out on my part, things are going great. It's just difficult for me to comprehend all these changes happening in my life in so short a time. There were numerous years that NOTHING happened, and now thing are changing, rapidly. Not to say that this is a bad thing, because it's not. Scary? YES! Bad though? NO!! I love her intensely and always will. Hell, I'm just nervous about graduation looming next semester, my loan payments kicking in, and getting a job. Of course, no one can predict the future, so my fears are largely only on my mind. I'm dealing with this rather nicely and even slept very well last night after crashing at about 1am. Deep dreamful sleep, which doesn't happen to me much. Anyway, the tentative date is June 21st or 22nd. More details as they happen.
I start summer school and another new job (summer only though) on the 29th. I'll be an office clerk yet again, though this time it will be for the Business Building at lovely U of M. It's only a summer gig though, and yes, Lil Kevy took ANOTHER pay cut for it (gods above and below, I HATE WORK STUDY!!), but it should be alright. I just hate being so damn poor all the time.
On my webzine, there are a few reviews on some CD's written by yours truly. There will be more soon by such bands as my still current favorites SOMNUS and one on the new MEGADETH (to name a few) The address is above, and on my links page, and here too:
http://angelfire.com/zine2/incar
My special thanks to Roach for all his hard work on getting the zine running. If you want to hear SOMNUS before you buy the CD (which you really should do, they are just simply incredible), go to MP3.com and listen to them.
6/25/01
Looking back on my life over the past few years, I can now safely say that I enjoyed most of it. I have made my peace with various aspects of my past and have moved on to bigger and better things. Although sometimes my life has it's problems, I feel that I am finally able to work through them in a calm, rational manner. I know a lot of you are going, "So what?" "Who cares?" and "Does this have a point?" Well, I'll tell you. These are major revelations for me to be making at this point in my life. I'm engaged to a wonderful woman, have a decent, though boring job, and will be graduating in December (finally) from college. I've reached a form of inner peace I realize now that I've been lacking. I feel wonderful. I was listening to some old gothic music on the way home from work, and it felt great to listen to it without it amplifying my mood to deeper, darker areas.
I was playing my bass the other day, when I had some weird metal hair up my ass. I broke into some extreme black metal riffs I've put on the back burner for a while. God, I gotta tell you, it was freakin wonderful to know that I can still pound away at high speeds and have it still sound melodic and beautiful. Yes, I've been on a steady creative streak for the last few months. I've been writing mostly poetry, but I also have some lyrics in the works.
Ok kiddies, yes Anna and I have finally set a date. I, Kevin, will be getting married on August 3, 2002. Scary ain't it? It is for me. Hell, when I was younger, I couldn't even imagine my life at 25 or beyond. Now?? I'm living it to the fullest that I can. Anna and I are talking about moving out of MT after we both graduate, but maybe sooner, who knows? By the way, I simply love my new moniker of Zippy Van Gough. . . It just really fits me, doesn't it?
8/14/01
Hot damn kiddies, I'm sorry I missed out on a month for your rant-reading pleasure!! Well, a lot happened. I got a job, quit it, did some soul searching, traveled a bit and had fun. Now, I'm unemployed and dedicated to working on my webpages, despite rumors to the contrary.
Anyway, let's talk about music, censorship, and whether or not it can overly influence your actions. Ever since I was 12, I've been listening to heavy metal music. It started with so called hair bands (Def Leppard, Motley Crue, and other pop bands). Then it moved into Queensryche, Metallica, Megadeth, Iron Maiden, and more. Currently, my tastes are really deep into the underground scene, and a few varied genres (such as Irish metal, black, Viking. . . ). I'm currently 25 years old, one step away from a college degree, and a decent bass player. In all that time, I have never done anything like the actions the music was supposed to make me want to do. In all that time, I have never even been in a fight!! I've heard almost every form of metal music in a myriad of languages and was goth for a year or so. STILL I've never shot and killed anyone, stalked and murdered someone, or attempted suicide. I had some dark times in my life where the music actually helped me get out of. Music is more than entertainment for me, it's a way of life, my primary obsession, and my reason for being able to hear. It flows through my veins and I love it more than anything. In high school, I was a pretty well liked and well adjusted person. I had no shortage of friends, a decent family, and a few girlfriends. All in all, my life was pretty good, and even a bit boring when looked at. I mean, I didn't even smoke pot until college!!! I drank a bit, but not more than most people my age. In fact, it was probably less than most my age. And during all that time, ALL THAT TIME!!! I listened to heavy metal music. Anacrusis was one of my favorite bands (check them out if you can still find their stuff).
So, what does that make me? I hear shit all the time that "Music made him/her do _____" (fill in the blank). Why not me? Am I the exception? What made me immune to the powerful evil influences of music?? Or is it maybe that its a crock and doesn't exist? Now, I'm not saying that music doesn't effect people. I've been pumped up, moved to tears, etc by a lot of it. In a concert, I've screamed until my throat gave out or head banged (when I had hair) until my neck hurt like a SOB. I probably have damaged my hearing to a degree from listening to music way to loud or not wearing earplugs at shows or during rehearsals of my various bands. Still, nothing like the politicians say I should have been doing. E-mail me with an answer if you can figure it out. As for my thoughts? Well, I come from pretty well adjusted family, have had decent role models growing up, and was never repressed by my folks in the various forms of entertainment I sought growing up. Hell, I even made both parents fans of Def Leppard back in the day.
It's been proven in government studies that in EVERY CASE of violent behavior, there were numerous OTHER factors that lead to it. Usually bad family life, abuse, etc. I've said it before and I'll say it again: If music and lyrics can influence you to the point of wanted to kill someone, SOMETHING ELSE IS ALREADY WRONG WITH YOU!!! I've heard Judas Priest, Ozzy, and all the rest of the "evil bands" of the 80's. Again, I want to say that I've NEVER ONCE TRIED TO KILL MYSELF!!! It always just pisses me off that lonely and stupid Senators use music and censorship "trials" to attempt to further their lackluster careers. Hell, even Tipper Gore stepped down from the PMRC when Al started to move up in the government world because it was hurting his career. How's that for dedication? Or maybe hypocrisy is a better word?? Listen folks, they are using this shit as a platform to get their names in the paper, nothing more. They don't care one way or another about your kids or what is right. I hate Marilyn Manson, but I feel he has the right to make his shitty music. He doesn't want his fans to kill themselves or others! Why? If his fans all die, who will buy his albums?? Duh!! When you exist in the pop culture world, you NEED your fans to STAY ALIVE and buy all the merchandise, CD's, and go to your shows. It's common freaking sense people! Now, should little kids be listening to hard core music (rap, metal, intense country music?)? That's up to their parents. LISTEN TO THE SONGS THEY LIKE AND DECIDE FOR YOURSELF. If the cover of the album has a guy covered in blood and a guitar with guts on it, it's probably not the best thing for your 11 year old to hear. But, decide for yourself. Most places have a "listen before you buy" station, USE IT!! Now, everyone hug and make up and stop being stupid, OK? Thank you.
9/18/01
A
lot of people have been asking me what I think about this whole terrorist
situation. I’ve been reluctant to
rant anything about this due to my emotions running incredibly high.
I’ve been talking to a lot of my friends about this, and it seems to me
that most people think the same things. There
just is NEVER an excuse to attack civilian installations.
Recently, I ended an attempt at a discussion of this in a class of mine
(Business and Society). I regret
that I let my emotions run too high during that time.
Those that know me know that I readily speak my mind about anything and
everything. It’s difficult for me
to censor myself, so I don’t bother to try on most counts.
However, in this particular case, I could tell that the adjunct professor
wanted to debate. She just felt she couldn’t express personal views in a
classroom, which at the college level, I feel is silly, but then she has a
finite contract so I’ll let it go.
One
of the reasons my emotions run so high on this is the sheer brutality and
senselessness of it all. Also, my
dad was supposed to be in NY this week. I’m
more grateful that words can say that he wasn’t there and was safe and sound
in MT. All I can really say is that
I hope we get the bastards responsible and get them quick.
I’m all for squashing all terrorists in the wake of this, both foreign
and domestic. How could you not
love the USA; especially if you live here?
Like the Chewbacca defense, it just does not make sense (South Park
reference for all you ignorant people who missed it). I love my country and will support the steps needed to be
taken to end this menace (or at least shut them up for a LOOONG time).
Now, don’t get me wrong here. I
don’t blame the religion. Like most religions, there are sects. In
Christianity, there are any number of them. Islam and Muslims are NOT to
blame for every act of terrorism. Read some stuff on Islam, it's actually
a very peaceful religion. Blame the people who do this terrorist shit, not
everyone who follows a faith. I know that they do this shit “In the name
of Allah” but THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT ALL MUSLIMS ARE LIKE THAT OR THAT ALL
MUSLIMS HATE AMERICANS, ETC. Be
realistic people, and ONLY HATE THOSE RESPONSIBLE, NOT THE INNOCENTS. There are any number of Muslims in the US who DO NOT want to
overthrow our government and kill everyone.
Look, a lot of shit gets done in God's name (whichever name you choose).
Hate those responsible; don't hate an entire religion and those who follow
it. 99% of them are just normal people who believe in sometime.
We Americans want
blood over this. This gives our government a lot of room to maneuver here.
Attacking a military installation is one thing, but this was purely a
"Fuck you" to America. Sure we have enemies. Every country
does, except maybe Canada and Switzerland. The point is, attacking the
civilians just because we pay taxes (general terrorist reasons for targeting
civilians: They pay taxes which support the US's pro-Israel policy) is a
stupid and lame-ass excuse. They do it because they can hurt them where
they can't hurt the military. But a crisis of this magnitude will only
unite us further and will "Reawaken the Giant" military force that we
can be. Bi-partisan politics will be cast aside. Hell, remember the
concept of "TURN OUT THAT LIGHT" (from old cartoons if you don't
remember) and "Victory Gardens?" Remember giving up tin and
steel for the military during WW2? Americans like a war, and by God we
will make do on Bush's promises for vengeance. This was not an act of war
(like Pearl Harbor). This was an attack of pure malice and hatred. There
is no statement to have been made with these attacks. There is NEVER a
reason to attack the general populous of a country. We want blood and we
will get it. Over 10,000 innocent people died. Murdered because some
people don't like our policies or our allies? 250 people died on those
airplanes. People just flying for vacation, fun, whatever. Kids,
babies, families, all dead because of what? It's senseless. The
debris from the World Trade center towers crushed a high school. Rescue
crews died when the second plane hit. What statement is there in that?
I say its Old Testament time here folks. EYE FOR A FUCKING EYE!!
One thing about the US, we sure know how to
unite during a time of crisis. All
the other shit seems to go to the backburner. Say what you will, but we
Americans DO love our country more than we are willing to admit sometimes.
When we unite, the world trembles. If we do go to Afghanistan, then
I hope they paint "Remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki" on the nuke when
we drop it on that bastard's head.
Part of this rant comes from posts I made in the Vomitorium on the days immediately following this horrible tragedy. I tried to make it flow nicely and keep it somewhat cohesive.
10/31/01
HAPPY HALLOWEEN EVERYONE!!! Just kind of a quick update on my life for now. This month has been really busy for me in regards to school. Midterms!!! I also had to volunteer (is it still considered volunteer work if you HAVE to do it?) for a non-profit organization for a minimum of 15 hours. This is really cool if you're in HIGH SCHOOL, but kind of difficult when you're a full time student and work. . . Regardless, I'm almost done. I volunteered for the American Cancer Society to edit documents. Easier said than done though! We're talking about 10 megs of documents!!! But, I'm handling it rather well, if I do say so myself. At least its for an organization I believe in and support. That's about all for now. I just haven't really had anything piss me off much (the little things in life I usually rant about, not world issues). I'm still rather numb from Sept 11th I guess. Things just don't seem as annoying as they once were. Give me time and I'll be back to my regular pissed off asshole!
12/11/01
First off, sorry about missing last month's rant. Keep in mind that this is my final semester of college, things are a bit hectic. In more rant news, I moved my rants here:
Now I can update them more often. I'm not a 100% sure I like it, so this may change. Keep checking back here once and a while.
Nothing new to add that hasn't already been said. I'm doing almost daily rants at the above livejournal link. Go there for all your Zippy Van Gough needs. This section is still up only for nostalgia purposes. Nothing new will be added. Eventually, it will be taken down, but for now it's still here since it's not taking up very much space.
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