KKKapitalism

Someone gave me a coupon for a free 12 pack of Molson beer. I don't drink any Molson products, because they're shitty and I don't like them. "But it's FREE!" some part of me said. So I schlepped myself around to 2 depanneurs and finally the supermarket, trying to get someone to accept this coupon, and now I'm drinking a shitty beer that makes me wince with every sip I take. The invisible hand of the free market economy helps out the little guy once again. Thank you, cultural conditioning, for making me believe that getting something for free is an irresistable act of genius! Thank you, captains of industry, for knowing this about me and giving me the impetus to consume things I don't even like! Thank you all, and good night.

The burden of comedic talent

I'm so funny and clever that sometimes, when I say or write something to someone, I think of a really funny response for them, and it's all I can do to keep quiet.

"He couldn't really hear anything with all his dancing."

I love Jonathan Goldstein's show on CBC radio, WireTap. I didn't know he had written a novel until I happened upon it in a used bookstore in Victoria. It's called Lenny Bruce is Dead and it's a classic.
For example:

"There were balloons falling and Josh was thinking about taking some home. He thought of how it would make him feel to see them shrivelling down to nothing on the basement couch.
He was dancing. He wanted Mimi to see. He thought she had come to the party with him. She was poking those carrots in like that dip was her bitch. She was working that thing like she used to work him. Like the way she used to jerk him while watching TV.
He saw them both walk into the den, which was filled with books from top to bottom. Josh knew that she must have said 'Kerouac' to him several times and he was sure he said other names back to her. He couldn't really hear anything with all his dancing.
She was in that room saying things about books and the people who write them. Josh kicked a balloon over to the door. He started dancing just outside the door. He thought he heard, 'Kerouac, Kerouac'. His feet were wet in his shoes. His face wasn't shaved right. He wanted to pop balloons but everyone would have knows what a little boy he was.

If someone had to chop off my arm, I would make sure I got that arm to somehow fall asleep. I would get it good and fallen asleep and I would look them right in the eye while the blood was spraying all over their faces."

(from Lenny Bruce is Dead, by Jonathan Goldstein, published in 2001 by Coach House Books)

Jason Talbot

My friend, Jason Talbot, is currently on tour, bringing experimental music to a conservative corner of America near you. The best part is, he's v-logging the exciting parts (which includes renting cars, getting coffee, bowling, etc.).

Come on, feel the noise, here.

Sometimes, when I get sad...

...I just remind myself that Fred Schneider, the male "singer" from the B-52s, has TWO solo albums out.