http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061230/ap_on_re_us/mafia_old_man
In the Mafia, you're not allowed to retire. You're in until you're dead, as this 96-year-old recently arrested mobster proves. At an age where he's lucky to be alive, he was still out making threats and running rackets. I'm sure he had the assistance of younger thugs, but still, you've got to hand it to the guy. No one ever raged against the dying of the light quite like this. Through his life experience, he is a living time capsule of the American Mafia. He was a boy during the alleged 1919 World Series fix engineered by Arnold Rothstein (the architect of modern organized crime), was middle-aged during the heyday of the mob in the 40s and 50s, and was an aging gangster in the 90s when John Gotti was taken down. Like many his age, he retreated to Florida, as Myer Lansky did when he grew older (there's a great photo in the book "Tough Jews" of an older Lansky walking his dog), but his retirement was not what it was for the rest of the senior citizens in Florida. It involved all of his old gangland activities, with no accomodations made for his old age. The Feds finally got him, but he might not make it to trial.
After a quiet holiday, I'm coming back out this weekend. Tomorrow night I'll be at Entre Nous to help Sharon celebrate her birthday. I'm sure Larry B. will play some 80s metal for us to celebrate properly. On New Year's Eve, I'll be at Bound and Entre Nous' joint bash. With my usual date currently out of commission, it looks like I'll be on my own. I might be running into an ex (the one who thought my name was Katie the last time I saw him), but I'll have plenty of friends to keep me occupied, even if some of them, like Dolphy, Angie and Jennifer, won't be there. Will anyone be there to kiss me at midnight?
On a positive note, I've been writing. I actually spent a good part of today writing, and not just blogging. I also found a writing group, and got some very helpful comments from them on a story I've been working on. Smart creative people are so hard to find, and I found a group of them. Sometimes the forces of luck smile on me. Not in the field of love, but in other ways.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Ipswich and Atlantic City under attack
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15835101/
With a suspect in the Ipswich Ripper case caught, here on American soil, another killer has claimed four women (the article doesn't make it clear if they were prostitutes or not, but it was Atlantic City). A recent autopsy revealed that at least one of the victims was strangled. All four bodies were found lined up behind the same motel, which could indicate a disorganized offender (the dumping ground was convenient) or a connection to that specific spot. The article points out that all the bodies were facing east, which almost sounds ritualistic. So far, there are no suspects in the Atlantic City case, but we can probably expect him to be similar to the Ipswich suspect; a loner who has had problems with women. But that could also describe many men who don't become serial killers. Dennis Rader, arrested a few years ago as Kansas' BTK killer, referred to a "factor X" that made him kill, that he could not define. Even if Rader was just looking for a justification for his crimes, he raises a valid point. What is that one factor, that one trigger, that turns an unfortunate but common event, like a divorce, or an all too common torment like child abuse into a thirst for blood and vengeance in a select few? Many criminologists indicate that it is not only genetics or only upbringing that turns someone into a killer, but a still unknown combination of the two, possibly along with an undetermined "factor X."
With a suspect in the Ipswich Ripper case caught, here on American soil, another killer has claimed four women (the article doesn't make it clear if they were prostitutes or not, but it was Atlantic City). A recent autopsy revealed that at least one of the victims was strangled. All four bodies were found lined up behind the same motel, which could indicate a disorganized offender (the dumping ground was convenient) or a connection to that specific spot. The article points out that all the bodies were facing east, which almost sounds ritualistic. So far, there are no suspects in the Atlantic City case, but we can probably expect him to be similar to the Ipswich suspect; a loner who has had problems with women. But that could also describe many men who don't become serial killers. Dennis Rader, arrested a few years ago as Kansas' BTK killer, referred to a "factor X" that made him kill, that he could not define. Even if Rader was just looking for a justification for his crimes, he raises a valid point. What is that one factor, that one trigger, that turns an unfortunate but common event, like a divorce, or an all too common torment like child abuse into a thirst for blood and vengeance in a select few? Many criminologists indicate that it is not only genetics or only upbringing that turns someone into a killer, but a still unknown combination of the two, possibly along with an undetermined "factor X."
Monday, December 18, 2006
Ipswich Ripper suspect
http://www.sundaymirror.co.uk/news/tm_headline=ripper-hunt%2D-the-suspect%26method=full%26objectid=18275623%26siteid=62484-name_page.html
Suffolk police made an arrest in the Ipswich Ripper (or Suffolk Strangler) case. But the police shouldn't jump to conclusions yet (I have three words for them: John Mark Karr). The suspect is a 30-something loner who turned to prostitutes after his marriage fell apart. From a general sex-crimes profile aspect, he looks like the perfect suspect, but in the interview, he sounds like he had something of an affection for the prostitutes he patronized. That he knew some of the victims is an obvious red flag, but it seems unusual for a killer to advertise his relation to his victims. Killers of this type don't usually go after victims that can be easily traced to them, although I remember reading about one killer who only murdered his female acquaintances, and he was quickly caught. Still, a broken marriage could be seen as a trigger for a man who had a long festering desire to harm women. The suspect sounds confident that he won't be formally charged, and maybe new evidence will be revealed that clears him. But, like he says, he doesn't have a solid alibi for the disappearances of the victims. Recently, a sixth prostitute in the area went missing, and, as far as I know, hasn't turned up yet, dead or alive.
Suffolk police made an arrest in the Ipswich Ripper (or Suffolk Strangler) case. But the police shouldn't jump to conclusions yet (I have three words for them: John Mark Karr). The suspect is a 30-something loner who turned to prostitutes after his marriage fell apart. From a general sex-crimes profile aspect, he looks like the perfect suspect, but in the interview, he sounds like he had something of an affection for the prostitutes he patronized. That he knew some of the victims is an obvious red flag, but it seems unusual for a killer to advertise his relation to his victims. Killers of this type don't usually go after victims that can be easily traced to them, although I remember reading about one killer who only murdered his female acquaintances, and he was quickly caught. Still, a broken marriage could be seen as a trigger for a man who had a long festering desire to harm women. The suspect sounds confident that he won't be formally charged, and maybe new evidence will be revealed that clears him. But, like he says, he doesn't have a solid alibi for the disappearances of the victims. Recently, a sixth prostitute in the area went missing, and, as far as I know, hasn't turned up yet, dead or alive.
Friday, December 15, 2006
Slow torture before the holidays
I would love to go to Bound tonight, but I don't think I'll make it. My boss is out of the office today, so I can get away with not working, but after work I have to go to a stupid driver's ed class, because apparently I have to have a license to get by in the world (that's the impression I get anyway). I've had to spend three hours in a cramped classroom surrounded by idiot teenagers, with the worst teacher I've ever had to suffer. He constantly goes off topic, is easily distracted by stupid things, and seems to think he's actually worthy of respect. I hate when dumb people think they're smart. And on top of that, he's from the Phillippines, and his English isn't great. Yet he doesn't seem to understand that the reason so many people in the class have to ask questions is because they can't understand his fractured English. Imagine the worst, least focused and qualified teacher you've ever had, and combine it with MVA bureaucracy, and that's what I'll have to put up with until the end of next week. But don't feel too sorry for me, I'll make it if I stifle the urge to punch my teacher in the face. Maybe I should go to Bound tonight, of course I'd get there at 11 at the absolute earliest, to work out all this frustration through dancing and maybe a good flogging. I will definitely be at Entre Nous this Saturday, so you will see me out soon.
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Another Ripper in England
This one's actually strangling his victims, but the same principle applies: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16171063/
This article provides little information about the killer's methods (dubbed the "Suffolk Strangler"), except that he's murdering prostitutes, just like two other infamous UK murderers: the still-unidentified Jack the Ripper (sorry Patricial Cornwall, not buying it) and Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who terrorized Northern England in the late 1970s while maintaining the cover of a devoted husband and father.
That the UK police are publicizing and devoting such resources to solving the murders of prostitutes is surprising. As many serial killers and violent offenders know, law enforcement officials are reluctant to investigate the murders of "undesireables" like prostitutes or poor minorities. The reason these killers target prostitutes is not ethical, though Sutcliffe claimed he was on a mission from God, but opportunistic. These killers hate women, all women, and prostitutes are the most available victims. Their work depends on going off with strange men, and likely, police won't pay too much attention if they turn up dead. America's most prolific serial killer, Gary Leon Ridgeway (the "Green River Killer") was loose for almost 20 years, during which time he murdered roughly 50 women, most of whom were prostitutes from an infamous stretch of highway in the Pacific Northwest.
Five women have already died at the hands of the Suffolk Strangler, Jack the Ripper's total body count. And if this killer is anything like others of his breed (I'm assuming the killer is a man), he won't stop killing until he's caught. And you can expect me to keep track of this case, as I have previously with the John Mark Karr/JonBenet debacle and the Amish school shooting.
This article provides little information about the killer's methods (dubbed the "Suffolk Strangler"), except that he's murdering prostitutes, just like two other infamous UK murderers: the still-unidentified Jack the Ripper (sorry Patricial Cornwall, not buying it) and Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe, who terrorized Northern England in the late 1970s while maintaining the cover of a devoted husband and father.
That the UK police are publicizing and devoting such resources to solving the murders of prostitutes is surprising. As many serial killers and violent offenders know, law enforcement officials are reluctant to investigate the murders of "undesireables" like prostitutes or poor minorities. The reason these killers target prostitutes is not ethical, though Sutcliffe claimed he was on a mission from God, but opportunistic. These killers hate women, all women, and prostitutes are the most available victims. Their work depends on going off with strange men, and likely, police won't pay too much attention if they turn up dead. America's most prolific serial killer, Gary Leon Ridgeway (the "Green River Killer") was loose for almost 20 years, during which time he murdered roughly 50 women, most of whom were prostitutes from an infamous stretch of highway in the Pacific Northwest.
Five women have already died at the hands of the Suffolk Strangler, Jack the Ripper's total body count. And if this killer is anything like others of his breed (I'm assuming the killer is a man), he won't stop killing until he's caught. And you can expect me to keep track of this case, as I have previously with the John Mark Karr/JonBenet debacle and the Amish school shooting.
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Random thoughts
Check out this link. I thought it was hilarious: http://www.bushorchimp.com/ Considering that Bush was at one point pushing to get "Intelligent Design" taught in public school science classes, he himself is definitive proof of evolution, as you'll see.
On an entirely different shallow topic, there are so few celebrities for me to lust after. My guy crush used to be Russell Crowe, but then he lost his edge by getting married and appearing in one too many Ron Howard movies. Not that I don't still dig out my DVDs of LA Confidential and Romper Stomper once in a while. My former girl crush, Scarlett Johansson, who I fell for the moment she appeared on screen in Lost in Translation, has been a bit overexposed of late, and, while I still think she's a cut above the Jessica Simpsons of the world in terms of intellect, sometimes in her interviews she comes off as trying too hard. Still, when she was on the cover of Esquire, I spent considerably more time staring at the magazine rack, and there will always be a special place in my heart and pants for Russell and Scarlett. But things change, and crushes get stale. For guys, I always have Prison Break (but not until January 22, thanks again FOX); Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, and William Fichtner (if Mahone comes back from his gunshot wound), all very hot in different ways, especially in their roles as fugitives or rogue FBI agents. I don't have a boyfriend, and these men on Monday nights are my substitute for the moment, even if William Fichtner is old enough to be my father. So is Viggo Mortenson (who I recently discovered was born in 1958, the same year as my father), but that doesn't stop me from watching the Lord of the Rings and A History of Violence alone with my hand straying down my pants. I saw Albino Alligator last night, and while I didn't care for the movie itself (Kevin Spacey should stick to acting), it was great to see William Fichtner and Viggo Mortenson in the same movie. As for girls, it's tougher, with Paris Hilton and the aforementioned Jessica Simpson being passed off as sex symbols. Two come to mind though, Jessica Alba and Salma Hayek. They're sexy, not stupid, and look like they eat once in a while (just like my Scarlett), which is so rare these days.
I have absolutely no desire to work any more today. My arms are actually starting to cramp from working the mouse and keyboard all day. And because of work, it looks like I won't have the energy to go to Bound tomorrow night. But on Saturday, I will likely be at Mistress Purgatori's Saints and Sinners Show, if the scheduling gods smile on me. It should be a fun fetish-filled evening, and it's for a good cause (the Center for Missing and Exploited Children), so check out the Mistress' MySpace page for the details if you're in the area.
On an entirely different shallow topic, there are so few celebrities for me to lust after. My guy crush used to be Russell Crowe, but then he lost his edge by getting married and appearing in one too many Ron Howard movies. Not that I don't still dig out my DVDs of LA Confidential and Romper Stomper once in a while. My former girl crush, Scarlett Johansson, who I fell for the moment she appeared on screen in Lost in Translation, has been a bit overexposed of late, and, while I still think she's a cut above the Jessica Simpsons of the world in terms of intellect, sometimes in her interviews she comes off as trying too hard. Still, when she was on the cover of Esquire, I spent considerably more time staring at the magazine rack, and there will always be a special place in my heart and pants for Russell and Scarlett. But things change, and crushes get stale. For guys, I always have Prison Break (but not until January 22, thanks again FOX); Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, and William Fichtner (if Mahone comes back from his gunshot wound), all very hot in different ways, especially in their roles as fugitives or rogue FBI agents. I don't have a boyfriend, and these men on Monday nights are my substitute for the moment, even if William Fichtner is old enough to be my father. So is Viggo Mortenson (who I recently discovered was born in 1958, the same year as my father), but that doesn't stop me from watching the Lord of the Rings and A History of Violence alone with my hand straying down my pants. I saw Albino Alligator last night, and while I didn't care for the movie itself (Kevin Spacey should stick to acting), it was great to see William Fichtner and Viggo Mortenson in the same movie. As for girls, it's tougher, with Paris Hilton and the aforementioned Jessica Simpson being passed off as sex symbols. Two come to mind though, Jessica Alba and Salma Hayek. They're sexy, not stupid, and look like they eat once in a while (just like my Scarlett), which is so rare these days.
I have absolutely no desire to work any more today. My arms are actually starting to cramp from working the mouse and keyboard all day. And because of work, it looks like I won't have the energy to go to Bound tomorrow night. But on Saturday, I will likely be at Mistress Purgatori's Saints and Sinners Show, if the scheduling gods smile on me. It should be a fun fetish-filled evening, and it's for a good cause (the Center for Missing and Exploited Children), so check out the Mistress' MySpace page for the details if you're in the area.
Thursday, November 30, 2006
More trouble in Russia
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6159343.stm
One day after a former spy died from poisoning, a former prime minister is in the hospital with "suspicious symptoms." The former PM has criticized current president Vladimir Putin's policies, but his public influence is currently minor at best. He was a leading in figure in post-Soviet economic reform, lifting price restrictions and privatizing, in other words, making Russia like capitalist America. And now he might have been poisoned. Is Putin murdering his enemies, as many leaders before him have? I'm not familiar with the current Russian political structure, so I'm not sure how much absolute power Puting has, how much he can get away with. But this all looks very suspicious, especially after a journalist who vocally criticized Putin was also murdered a few months ago.
I recently read a quote by a right-wing nut (I don't remember the name) that Hollywood refuses to make movies about Soviet Russia because of the movie industry's deep-seated Communist sympathies. Considering that Hollywood is one of the most capitalistic industries in the US, and a perfect example of financial excess, I doubt very much that this is true. Also, this person clearly hasn't seen Citizen X, an HBO movie from ten years ago. It's about the hunt for Soviet-era Russian serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, and how the search was hampered by Soviet bureaucracy. It was a mandate of communism, and it's quoted in the movie, that serial killers are a product of "decadent" capitalism, and therefore cannot exist in a communist state. But as the mounting body count proves, this assertion is wrong. With the refusal of the government to acknowledge that the killer exists, and the fact that Chikatilo, an initial suspect, is released because he is a high-ranking party member, Chikatilo is allowed to kill more than 50 victims, most of them younger than 17. It's not until the Soviet system is overturned that the police finally get the resources they need to track the killer. In its illustration of how party rhetoric allowed a savage serial killer to go free, and its bleak portrayal of day-to-day Soviet life (including the government's persecution of homosexuals), Citizen X is a perfect argument against Soviet communism. But as displayed in recent murders and suspect events, the fall of communism hasn't made Russia any safer.
One day after a former spy died from poisoning, a former prime minister is in the hospital with "suspicious symptoms." The former PM has criticized current president Vladimir Putin's policies, but his public influence is currently minor at best. He was a leading in figure in post-Soviet economic reform, lifting price restrictions and privatizing, in other words, making Russia like capitalist America. And now he might have been poisoned. Is Putin murdering his enemies, as many leaders before him have? I'm not familiar with the current Russian political structure, so I'm not sure how much absolute power Puting has, how much he can get away with. But this all looks very suspicious, especially after a journalist who vocally criticized Putin was also murdered a few months ago.
I recently read a quote by a right-wing nut (I don't remember the name) that Hollywood refuses to make movies about Soviet Russia because of the movie industry's deep-seated Communist sympathies. Considering that Hollywood is one of the most capitalistic industries in the US, and a perfect example of financial excess, I doubt very much that this is true. Also, this person clearly hasn't seen Citizen X, an HBO movie from ten years ago. It's about the hunt for Soviet-era Russian serial killer Andrei Chikatilo, and how the search was hampered by Soviet bureaucracy. It was a mandate of communism, and it's quoted in the movie, that serial killers are a product of "decadent" capitalism, and therefore cannot exist in a communist state. But as the mounting body count proves, this assertion is wrong. With the refusal of the government to acknowledge that the killer exists, and the fact that Chikatilo, an initial suspect, is released because he is a high-ranking party member, Chikatilo is allowed to kill more than 50 victims, most of them younger than 17. It's not until the Soviet system is overturned that the police finally get the resources they need to track the killer. In its illustration of how party rhetoric allowed a savage serial killer to go free, and its bleak portrayal of day-to-day Soviet life (including the government's persecution of homosexuals), Citizen X is a perfect argument against Soviet communism. But as displayed in recent murders and suspect events, the fall of communism hasn't made Russia any safer.
Monday, November 27, 2006
Mythological creatures
| You Are a Mermaid |
 |
What Mythological Creature Are You?
This does seem to accurately describe me, with the "total daydreamer" and "head in the clouds" and, I hope, "intelligent and rational" and "will always come back to earth to help someone in need."
I was on Quackwatch.org today (why bother working), a site that tracks bogus "alternative" medical treatments. In response to the "health freedom" defense of allowing quacks to pursue their "practices" with no investigation. Total freedom, the site's author explains, depends on all members of a society being totally trustworthy, which is never the case. Therefore, like it or not, especially in the realm of public health, not everything can be permitted or publically funded. The same principle could be applied to corporate freedom too, with corporation advocates demanding that they be allowed to run their businesses without any regulation. After all, who's more trustworthy than the heads of corporations? That was sarcasm, in case you couldn't tell.
Sunday, November 26, 2006
Another asshole to add to the list
Last night, I ran into a guy I had gone out with twice, but never heard back from. And yes, he had found a girlfriend. At least this one told me to my face, unlike the last one, when I had to find out from secondhand sources. And he thought my name was Katie. I wasn't crazy about this guy, and I'm not exactly heartbroken over this, but it pisses me off that after going out twice, and spending the night at his house, that he didn't remember my name. Where the hell did he get Katie?
But the major thing I take away from this experience, another in a long line of similar experiences, is that I can never get any guy to stick around for more than one night or a few months. I wonder if there's something fundamentally wrong with me, if there's something about me that says "One-night stand, not relationship material." I know I don't talk much, but most guys don't even try to get me to come out of my shell. I see everyone around me falling in love and pairing up while I'm left alone, and though I'm happy for my friends, I feel a tinge of jealousy and sadness when another one pairs off. Will I ever find anyone? I have great friends to help me through this, but after last night I wonder if I'll ever hold onto anyone longer than one night, if I'll forever be the casual sex girl that guys go to when they can't find the girl of their dreams. Will I ever be the girl of their dreams, the one they give up all other girls for, the one they want to share their lives with? I know I'm young, but I've never been anyone's girlfriend, just a friend or a fuck buddy. That was fine for a while, and I'm not looking to get married and settle down just yet, but I'd like a sign that it might happen someday, and I haven't gotten any sign like that yet.
But the major thing I take away from this experience, another in a long line of similar experiences, is that I can never get any guy to stick around for more than one night or a few months. I wonder if there's something fundamentally wrong with me, if there's something about me that says "One-night stand, not relationship material." I know I don't talk much, but most guys don't even try to get me to come out of my shell. I see everyone around me falling in love and pairing up while I'm left alone, and though I'm happy for my friends, I feel a tinge of jealousy and sadness when another one pairs off. Will I ever find anyone? I have great friends to help me through this, but after last night I wonder if I'll ever hold onto anyone longer than one night, if I'll forever be the casual sex girl that guys go to when they can't find the girl of their dreams. Will I ever be the girl of their dreams, the one they give up all other girls for, the one they want to share their lives with? I know I'm young, but I've never been anyone's girlfriend, just a friend or a fuck buddy. That was fine for a while, and I'm not looking to get married and settle down just yet, but I'd like a sign that it might happen someday, and I haven't gotten any sign like that yet.
Friday, November 17, 2006
Terrorism in the Roman Empire?
Of course, terrorism is as old as belief clashes and humanity itself, but according to an apocalyptic scholar (I didn't know they gave degrees in that field) interviewed in last night's "Secrets of the Dead" on PBS, about the fire of 64 AD in Rome, the fire was the act of early Christians, trying to topple the "decadent" Roman empire. Sound familiar? This German scholar went on to say that the fabled "Whore of Babylon" in the book of Revelation was a metaphor for Rome, the city of the seven hills. Like the Muslim jihadists of our era, these early Christians, disgusted with what they perceived as immorality in the Roman Empire's ruling class (granted, they wouldn't be wrong), spurred on by prophecy, decided to burn the city, the epicenter of the empire that persecuted them and they viewed as decadent. Nero, the emperor at the time of the fire, was accused by history of scapegoating the Christians for the fire, possibly to cover up his own involvement, but according to this latest conspiracy theory, he was just meting out typically gruesome Roman justice. Nero's punishment for the Christians for starting the fire? Tying them to stakes and setting them on fire, to be used as human torches for an extravagent party at his new palace, built on the charred remains of old Rome.
Nero's new palace led to the first conspiracy theory about the fire, that Nero or men acting on his orders started the fire for the sole purpose of smoking out the senators and other Rome illuminaries standing in the way of construction of his new palace. Roman historian Tacitus added to this theory, recording that men with torches were seen amid the flames, saying they were acting on orders. Over time, this theory has been given little more credibility than the current 9/11 conspiracy theory that the Bush administration orchestrated the attacks themselves. Yes, a lot about the official account of 9/11 doesn't add up, and America-hating Muslim terrorists would have been the perfect scapegoat, but many consider it a strectch to suggest that even Bush and his league of evil could plan and execute something like this. Even I, with my sometimes irrational hatred of this administration, have trouble believing it. Muslim terrorists who hate America and are willing to kill themselves in the fight against what they view as an evil empire do exist. Whether this justifies Bush's current foreign "policy" is the subject for another post. Yes, Nero was an egomaniac (like many others in his position as the absolute ruler of a powerful empire) who had no problem destroying those who stood in his way. But if the fire was arson designed to level prime real estate in Rome for a new palace, why does evidence indicate that the fire started in the slums, populated by the poor who adored Nero's spectacle? Conspiracy theorists always said that the fire couldn't have spread naturally, but a fire expert interviewed in last night's show indicated through a demonstration that it could have, and an archaeologist showed remains of supposedly strong buildings destroyed in the fire. In the pre-electric days of ancient Rome, open flames were the only source of light and heat, and in the wooden shelters of the poor, the fire could have easily spread. Like the Chicago fire, the fire of Rome was most likely an unfortunate accident, which Nero used to his advantage.
But what about the prophecy, and the men with torches? Records from this time are hardly airtight, and the fire expert in last night's show provided a more plausible theory. When a fire starts, or any other vandalism, such as the LA Riots, many spectators get involved just for the sake of mindless destruction. The Christians, seeing the city they loathed go up in flames, might have added to the fire as an act of revenge. But the so-called "evidence" that they started the fire themselves is in religious prophecy and the actions of an arrogant emperor who needed a scapegoat to satisfy the populus, at least a few of whom thought he was involved. In the last two thousand years, fanatic Christians have proven themselves capable of unimaginable destruction and bloodshed, but I can't see that, given more plausible evidence and theories, they can claim credit for the fire that destroyed Rome. But, as the show pointed out, we'll probably never know what happened on July 19, 64 AD.
Nero's new palace led to the first conspiracy theory about the fire, that Nero or men acting on his orders started the fire for the sole purpose of smoking out the senators and other Rome illuminaries standing in the way of construction of his new palace. Roman historian Tacitus added to this theory, recording that men with torches were seen amid the flames, saying they were acting on orders. Over time, this theory has been given little more credibility than the current 9/11 conspiracy theory that the Bush administration orchestrated the attacks themselves. Yes, a lot about the official account of 9/11 doesn't add up, and America-hating Muslim terrorists would have been the perfect scapegoat, but many consider it a strectch to suggest that even Bush and his league of evil could plan and execute something like this. Even I, with my sometimes irrational hatred of this administration, have trouble believing it. Muslim terrorists who hate America and are willing to kill themselves in the fight against what they view as an evil empire do exist. Whether this justifies Bush's current foreign "policy" is the subject for another post. Yes, Nero was an egomaniac (like many others in his position as the absolute ruler of a powerful empire) who had no problem destroying those who stood in his way. But if the fire was arson designed to level prime real estate in Rome for a new palace, why does evidence indicate that the fire started in the slums, populated by the poor who adored Nero's spectacle? Conspiracy theorists always said that the fire couldn't have spread naturally, but a fire expert interviewed in last night's show indicated through a demonstration that it could have, and an archaeologist showed remains of supposedly strong buildings destroyed in the fire. In the pre-electric days of ancient Rome, open flames were the only source of light and heat, and in the wooden shelters of the poor, the fire could have easily spread. Like the Chicago fire, the fire of Rome was most likely an unfortunate accident, which Nero used to his advantage.
But what about the prophecy, and the men with torches? Records from this time are hardly airtight, and the fire expert in last night's show provided a more plausible theory. When a fire starts, or any other vandalism, such as the LA Riots, many spectators get involved just for the sake of mindless destruction. The Christians, seeing the city they loathed go up in flames, might have added to the fire as an act of revenge. But the so-called "evidence" that they started the fire themselves is in religious prophecy and the actions of an arrogant emperor who needed a scapegoat to satisfy the populus, at least a few of whom thought he was involved. In the last two thousand years, fanatic Christians have proven themselves capable of unimaginable destruction and bloodshed, but I can't see that, given more plausible evidence and theories, they can claim credit for the fire that destroyed Rome. But, as the show pointed out, we'll probably never know what happened on July 19, 64 AD.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Pathetic men on both sides
As you know, I have received countless messages from guys desperate to get laid, and many of my friends have as well, including other guys. One male friend told me someone wrote to him on MySpace telling him that my friend looked like he did when he was younger, and asked him to help "relive the memories" or something stupid like that. And, here's the worst part, the guy was married. I didn't think guys like that could ever get laid. This asshole can get married, but I can't hold on to a guy for more than a few months. I've met a few (straight) guys who think gay guys are all out to harass straight guys, that they're nothing but walking hormones trying to get laid and preying on whoever walks by. First of all, that is not true of all gay guys. Second of all, the ones that do harass you with lame "compliments" are not doing it and refusing to back down because they're gay, they're doing it because they're men. And, being a guy, you're not used to the lame attempts some guys use on whoever they want to get in their pants. When a gay guy hits on you, you're experiencing what women have to put up with constantly. Gay or straight, the stupider of the breed is prone to this behavior. As another (female) friend told me on this topic, these guys need help. She got a message calling her "HOOT" and she joked whether it meant hot or hoot. That's another thing about most of these guys. They can't type or spell, relying on phrases like "holla back" or the now generic "hey sexy." Yet another female friend commented on this abuse of the English language, asking if the less educated these guys sound, do they think that will make us like them more? At the very least, these guys, though it's sad that they exist, are good for a laugh.
I've been feeling a bit depressed and lethargic lately, and I likely won't return with more serious posts until after this passes.
I've been feeling a bit depressed and lethargic lately, and I likely won't return with more serious posts until after this passes.
Friday, November 10, 2006
My passions of life
I found this quote from Bertrand Russell, and feel that it applies very well to me and the passions in my life: "Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind...this has been my life. I have found it worth living, and would gladly live it again if the chance were offered."
Those who know me and read my post know all too well how powerful the pursuit of love is in my life, and I love to read and learn new things about the world. And last of all, most of the news of the world is so overwhelmingly bad and upsetting that I often can't bring myself to read it, even though I should to contribute to my knowledge.
I think all of us want to love, learn, and we all feel for others to a certain degree, some more than others. Too much empathy can be a bad thing, but I'd rather have too much than too little or none at all.
Those who know me and read my post know all too well how powerful the pursuit of love is in my life, and I love to read and learn new things about the world. And last of all, most of the news of the world is so overwhelmingly bad and upsetting that I often can't bring myself to read it, even though I should to contribute to my knowledge.
I think all of us want to love, learn, and we all feel for others to a certain degree, some more than others. Too much empathy can be a bad thing, but I'd rather have too much than too little or none at all.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
My political profile
I got this from my friend John's MySpace profile, and while I'm not sure I entirely agree, I guess it's fairly accurate:
| You are a Social Liberal (80% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (16% permissive) You are best described as a:
Link: The Politics Test on OkCupid Free Online Dating Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test |
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Rumsfeld steps down
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/rumsfeld_resigns
But we shouldn't start celebrating yet. His successor is a "close friend of the Bush family." After an Election Day that saw Republicans losing ground in the House and Senate, the Bush faithful are dealt another blow. Senator Bill Frist, a member of Bush's inner circle (who once said that HIV can be transmitted through tears and sweat), now says Democrats and Republicans need to work together for success in Iraq. I think that ship has sailed and crashed on the shore, with more and more deaths reported every day, no exit strategy, and no end in sight for the Iraqi insurgency. Considering that the administration couldn't even determine a cause for invading; first it was to find WMDs, then Saddam Hussein's alleged, and still unproven, Al-Qaeda connection, then to "liberate" the people from Hussein. They weren't counting on Hussein still having supporters, and that they would be as violent and ruthless as the now deposed dictator himself. I know most in Iraq were happy to be rid of Saddam, much like the rest of the world. But you don't rise to power without at least a few supporters willing to do whatever it takes to instill loyalty in the masses. However noble the cause of deposing a cruel dictator, this war, spearheaded by Rumsfeld, was poorly planned on a shaky foundation, and the administration, politicians, and, most of all, US troops and Iraqi civilians, are feeling the dire consequences.
But we shouldn't start celebrating yet. His successor is a "close friend of the Bush family." After an Election Day that saw Republicans losing ground in the House and Senate, the Bush faithful are dealt another blow. Senator Bill Frist, a member of Bush's inner circle (who once said that HIV can be transmitted through tears and sweat), now says Democrats and Republicans need to work together for success in Iraq. I think that ship has sailed and crashed on the shore, with more and more deaths reported every day, no exit strategy, and no end in sight for the Iraqi insurgency. Considering that the administration couldn't even determine a cause for invading; first it was to find WMDs, then Saddam Hussein's alleged, and still unproven, Al-Qaeda connection, then to "liberate" the people from Hussein. They weren't counting on Hussein still having supporters, and that they would be as violent and ruthless as the now deposed dictator himself. I know most in Iraq were happy to be rid of Saddam, much like the rest of the world. But you don't rise to power without at least a few supporters willing to do whatever it takes to instill loyalty in the masses. However noble the cause of deposing a cruel dictator, this war, spearheaded by Rumsfeld, was poorly planned on a shaky foundation, and the administration, politicians, and, most of all, US troops and Iraqi civilians, are feeling the dire consequences.
Victory for O'Malley and Cardin
No more Ehrlich. How long did he expect to last in the Democratic legislature of Maryland anyway? Although Republican rag The Washington Times declared that absentee ballots might turn the tide for Ehrlich and his former lieutenant governor Steele. Let's hope not. The Virginia senate race between Allen and Webb is still too close to call. But Democrats are regaining control of the House and Senate, due to dissatisfaction with Iraq strategy and "President" Bush and his league of evil in general. I don't know about anyone else, but Dick Cheney still scares the shit out of me. "And if you flunk out of that school, you're going straight into the army where you'll be sent to America's latest military quagmire. Where will it be? North Korea, Iran, anything's possible with Commander Cuckoo-Bananas in charge."-Homer Simpson
For all my complaining about lame messages from desperate guys, I thought I'd share one that actually made me want to get to know the person sending it. The typing is still terrible, but at least the content is more than "your hot" or "nice rack": "i'm not looking to 'get laid' or any stupid crap by asking to be a friend, just like the association with other intelligent people such as yourself. Please consider it. Creativity and a like mindset can go along way." This guy has obviously read my complaints about other guys, which means he read my profile and didn't just look at the pictures. I had gotten a previous message from the same guy, and he made it clear that he thought we had some things to talk about. I guess it's not all bad out there. And, to any guys attempting to get my attention, this is how to do it, not with some stupid two-word comment about my "rack."
For all my complaining about lame messages from desperate guys, I thought I'd share one that actually made me want to get to know the person sending it. The typing is still terrible, but at least the content is more than "your hot" or "nice rack": "i'm not looking to 'get laid' or any stupid crap by asking to be a friend, just like the association with other intelligent people such as yourself. Please consider it. Creativity and a like mindset can go along way." This guy has obviously read my complaints about other guys, which means he read my profile and didn't just look at the pictures. I had gotten a previous message from the same guy, and he made it clear that he thought we had some things to talk about. I guess it's not all bad out there. And, to any guys attempting to get my attention, this is how to do it, not with some stupid two-word comment about my "rack."
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
The lame come-ons never cease
I received even more predictable, uninspired messages over the weekend. I was going to post them yesterday, but got caught up in my slice of election coverage (which would have been more appropriate for today, but oh well).
Anyway, here goes.
The first one actually isn't too bad: "hi my name is..., 24 black male looking for a chick to hang out with you, you look nice holla back" A bit nicer than I'm used to, despite the terrible grammar and syntax, but he ended with "gtown in the building" Call me a snob, but I have very little desire to get involved with people who talk like that. His profile wasn't all that appealing either (another "girl collector").
But the next two are examples of the lame, stupid, juvenile messages I get way too often.
"i just want to see those hot titties!!"
"nice rack!!" Just a note, that was the entire message. Two words. Two boring predictable words. Really, what was that supposed to accomplish? I am not inclined to respond to messages that sound like catcalls. It tells me nothing about the guy sending it, other than that he likes my breasts, and, not to sound conceited, because I've heard it a lot, who doesn't? But if I ignore the catcalls on the street, I'm going to ignore similarly phrased emails.
I will be voting after work, and hope everyone votes today. It's up to us to take the first step in flushing out the crap of our government.
Anyway, here goes.
The first one actually isn't too bad: "hi my name is..., 24 black male looking for a chick to hang out with you, you look nice holla back" A bit nicer than I'm used to, despite the terrible grammar and syntax, but he ended with "gtown in the building" Call me a snob, but I have very little desire to get involved with people who talk like that. His profile wasn't all that appealing either (another "girl collector").
But the next two are examples of the lame, stupid, juvenile messages I get way too often.
"i just want to see those hot titties!!"
"nice rack!!" Just a note, that was the entire message. Two words. Two boring predictable words. Really, what was that supposed to accomplish? I am not inclined to respond to messages that sound like catcalls. It tells me nothing about the guy sending it, other than that he likes my breasts, and, not to sound conceited, because I've heard it a lot, who doesn't? But if I ignore the catcalls on the street, I'm going to ignore similarly phrased emails.
I will be voting after work, and hope everyone votes today. It's up to us to take the first step in flushing out the crap of our government.
Monday, November 06, 2006
Midterm elections: down to the wire
Election Day is tomorrow. After that, for a whole year, no more negative campaign ads, no more "flier people" standing outside Metro stations stumping for their candidates. We will have fulfilled our duty as citizens, and free for the next year to live out our lives with the consequences of our choices.
Living in Montgomery County, MD, the biggest races in my area are for Governor and Senate. All I know here is that the Republican candidates, Ehrlich for governor and his former lieutenant governor Michael Steele for Senate, pretend to support "the people" while supporting pro-corporate legislation. Ehrlich, for example, supported amnesty for corporations, refused to raise the minimum wage, and cut spending for colleges, all while trumping his "working class" background in Arbutus in his ads. Steele's ads were all flash and no substance (even very little of the negative kind), and has some supporters trying to turn the election into a race issue, even getting the Democratic officials of Prince George's County on his side. Ben Cardin, his opponent, voted against the war in Iraq, which, in this time of growing impatience with the President's war effort, is a major selling point for him. In a televised debate (the term is used loosely, the two candidates were not in the same room), Ehrlich's opponent, Martin O'Malley, was clear, succinct, and articulate in his final statement (that's all I saw, so maybe I can't claim a well-rounded view of the debate), outlining his major points, education, crime, and state spending.
Maryland, with mountains in the west, shore on the east, and a big city in the middle, has been called "America in Miniature." A few years ago, that was also true of the state's politics. While President Clinton was contending with the consequences of infidelity (which, in my opinion, should never have been public knowledge in the first place), Maryland's then-governor, Parris Glendening, was having a similar problem. I don't have all the details of the story, but he cheated on his wife, and this caused some more conservative residents and delegates to cry for his removal. When the next election rolled around, Glendening's lieutenant governor ran an ineffective campaign, and, like Vice President Al Gore, was tainted by her former boss's indiscretions. This left the stage clear for Republican Bob Ehrlich to take office. Ehrlich, like George W. Bush, is pro-business and pro-rich, cutting taxes and education spending, while putting on a mask of being "of the people" that runs contrary to their policies and own priviledged backgrounds.
In my family, the animosity toward Ehrlich takes on a more personal tone than our animosity toward Bush. Many years ago, my mother worked at the same law firm as Ehrlich, then an associate attorney. After four years in Columbus Ohio (which I don't recommend), my mother returned to Maryland to discover that the man she hated at her old law firm was now the governor. She knows first-hand his phoniness, how he claims to be "working class," but, she says, "He went to more private schools than Bush." A bit of gossip from my mother and Ehrlich's old firm: according to the other associates' wives, Ehrlich's wife is a total bitch.
There ends my Election Day special. I should probably get back to work.
Living in Montgomery County, MD, the biggest races in my area are for Governor and Senate. All I know here is that the Republican candidates, Ehrlich for governor and his former lieutenant governor Michael Steele for Senate, pretend to support "the people" while supporting pro-corporate legislation. Ehrlich, for example, supported amnesty for corporations, refused to raise the minimum wage, and cut spending for colleges, all while trumping his "working class" background in Arbutus in his ads. Steele's ads were all flash and no substance (even very little of the negative kind), and has some supporters trying to turn the election into a race issue, even getting the Democratic officials of Prince George's County on his side. Ben Cardin, his opponent, voted against the war in Iraq, which, in this time of growing impatience with the President's war effort, is a major selling point for him. In a televised debate (the term is used loosely, the two candidates were not in the same room), Ehrlich's opponent, Martin O'Malley, was clear, succinct, and articulate in his final statement (that's all I saw, so maybe I can't claim a well-rounded view of the debate), outlining his major points, education, crime, and state spending.
Maryland, with mountains in the west, shore on the east, and a big city in the middle, has been called "America in Miniature." A few years ago, that was also true of the state's politics. While President Clinton was contending with the consequences of infidelity (which, in my opinion, should never have been public knowledge in the first place), Maryland's then-governor, Parris Glendening, was having a similar problem. I don't have all the details of the story, but he cheated on his wife, and this caused some more conservative residents and delegates to cry for his removal. When the next election rolled around, Glendening's lieutenant governor ran an ineffective campaign, and, like Vice President Al Gore, was tainted by her former boss's indiscretions. This left the stage clear for Republican Bob Ehrlich to take office. Ehrlich, like George W. Bush, is pro-business and pro-rich, cutting taxes and education spending, while putting on a mask of being "of the people" that runs contrary to their policies and own priviledged backgrounds.
In my family, the animosity toward Ehrlich takes on a more personal tone than our animosity toward Bush. Many years ago, my mother worked at the same law firm as Ehrlich, then an associate attorney. After four years in Columbus Ohio (which I don't recommend), my mother returned to Maryland to discover that the man she hated at her old law firm was now the governor. She knows first-hand his phoniness, how he claims to be "working class," but, she says, "He went to more private schools than Bush." A bit of gossip from my mother and Ehrlich's old firm: according to the other associates' wives, Ehrlich's wife is a total bitch.
There ends my Election Day special. I should probably get back to work.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Bush goes existential
Well, sort of. Recently, "President" Bush claimed he had been reading the works of existentialist and French Resistance leader Albert Camus. This is a very amusing concept for several reasons, the least of which is that the allegorical, philosophical writing of Camus would appear to be over Bush's head. As an ardent admirer of Camus, and an ardent detractor of Bush, there are many other reasons to be at least amused by the concept of Bush reading Camus.
One: Camus, unlike "Jesusland" president Bush, who is attempting to tear down the wall between church and state by funding "faith-based" programs and church-sponsored abstinence education, was an atheist. The Stranger concludes with the imprisoned protagonist confronting a priest and proudly declaring his lack of belief. "The Missionary," one of Camus' finest short stories, involves the title character's mission being turned on its head, with him converted to the pagan idolotry of the primitive tribe he was meant to convert to Christianity. His fanaticism is transferred to the idol in a satire of the nature of faith.
Two: I wonder if Bush read Camus' essay "Reflections on the Guillotine," in which Camus eloquently and convincingly argues against capital punishment. With Bush's determination to "stay the course" in a dead-end war, and his career-long support of the death penalty, if he did read it, he wasn't convinced. The essay opens with a description of Camus' father after he has witnessed an execution. Camus describes him as coming home and vomiting. Whatever revenge is supposedly sated by witnessing an execution, it is still watching someone die, which, unless you're one of the sociopathic killers on death row, is not a pleasant experience.
Three: Camus, as a member of the French Resistance and author of The Rebel, was always the type to question authority, and not give into government propaganda. If Camus were living in America today, I'd like to think that he'd be as disgusted with the current administration as I am. He'd be working at a publication like Combat, the one he edited in France during World War II, where he voiced his opposition to the Nazi occupation. Camus, like his fellow Resistance members and existentialists, believed in the necessity of dissent and rebellion. Bush's government, in its desperation to fuel patriotism and support for an unpopular war through wiretapping and holding prisoners without a trial, is trying to squash both. But we can take some comfort in the fact that, with lines of communication more open and immediate than ever, and two judges finding the wiretapping unconstitutional, and Bush's waning popularity and that he'll be out of office in two years, the rebellious spirit has not been squelched, despite all the far right's best efforts.
One: Camus, unlike "Jesusland" president Bush, who is attempting to tear down the wall between church and state by funding "faith-based" programs and church-sponsored abstinence education, was an atheist. The Stranger concludes with the imprisoned protagonist confronting a priest and proudly declaring his lack of belief. "The Missionary," one of Camus' finest short stories, involves the title character's mission being turned on its head, with him converted to the pagan idolotry of the primitive tribe he was meant to convert to Christianity. His fanaticism is transferred to the idol in a satire of the nature of faith.
Two: I wonder if Bush read Camus' essay "Reflections on the Guillotine," in which Camus eloquently and convincingly argues against capital punishment. With Bush's determination to "stay the course" in a dead-end war, and his career-long support of the death penalty, if he did read it, he wasn't convinced. The essay opens with a description of Camus' father after he has witnessed an execution. Camus describes him as coming home and vomiting. Whatever revenge is supposedly sated by witnessing an execution, it is still watching someone die, which, unless you're one of the sociopathic killers on death row, is not a pleasant experience.
Three: Camus, as a member of the French Resistance and author of The Rebel, was always the type to question authority, and not give into government propaganda. If Camus were living in America today, I'd like to think that he'd be as disgusted with the current administration as I am. He'd be working at a publication like Combat, the one he edited in France during World War II, where he voiced his opposition to the Nazi occupation. Camus, like his fellow Resistance members and existentialists, believed in the necessity of dissent and rebellion. Bush's government, in its desperation to fuel patriotism and support for an unpopular war through wiretapping and holding prisoners without a trial, is trying to squash both. But we can take some comfort in the fact that, with lines of communication more open and immediate than ever, and two judges finding the wiretapping unconstitutional, and Bush's waning popularity and that he'll be out of office in two years, the rebellious spirit has not been squelched, despite all the far right's best efforts.
Monday, October 30, 2006
Post-Halloween weekend report
The Halloween weekend is over, and I managed to get out to Bound on Friday. I even had a good time (thanks for the vibrator experience James). As expected, there were some great costumes, like Dolphy's hot cop outfit, and several floggers flying in the air and electricity demos. I was the French Resistance member, with a black turtleneck and beret (I put my outfit together at the last minute), but only Officer Will got it without me explaining it. But that's okay. I can't wait to see the pictures, Maverick. And it was great to see everyone again, even though Madame Klawdya wasn't there.
The new space is great, bigger (which made it easier to avoid a certain someone than it would have been at the Green Lantern) with more room for scenes, but, as I was discussing with someone on Friday, the bar isn't so great. The Green Lantern had an amazing bar, with that Smirnoff drink special. I heard that Jeff left the Green Lantern, and we need to get him over to Lime. Because as I'm sure Bound patrons will agree, Jeff is one of the best bartenders ever, and I missed him at Lime.
Entre Nous' Halloween party on Saturday was packed, which, like Jennifer said, detracted from the enjoyment. It was nearly impossible to get a drink or find a place to sit down, and people ended up dancing in the lounge area because the dance floor was too crowded. One minor complaint aside, it was a good night. I met a great new couple (dressed in caveman and cavewoman costumes) and saw some old friends. Jennifer (the hostess, not my friend Jennifer) was looking very hot in her Snow White costume, and the other Jennifer (with red hair) was equally hot as a sexy nun. I was Veronica Lake, although the wind destroyed my hair. My intended date for the evening got sick, so I went alone. It's a shame, I think he would have had a good time. I loved Cat's dark angel costume, but I love Cat too, and she looks hot in anything. But the best costume of the night, as determined by the contest, and I agree, was Lady Godiva, wearing nothing but a long blond wig and a flesh-toned thong. I just wish DJ Larry had been there with his 80s metal set.
Bound is having another Halloween party tomorrow, the Hell Ball, and I'd love to go, but I don't see how I can. I don't have a car, and the Metro stops running at midnight during the week, and I'm not about to lose a shitload of money taking a cab back to Takoma Park. If I can go, I'll try to get Wednesday off of work (I made the mistake of going to work the day after the Goth Prom at Alchemy in May, and could barely stay awake). Maybe the Hell Ball will be worth the cab fare home. Hopefully you'll see me out tomorrow night. I can't think of a better place to spend Halloween.
The new space is great, bigger (which made it easier to avoid a certain someone than it would have been at the Green Lantern) with more room for scenes, but, as I was discussing with someone on Friday, the bar isn't so great. The Green Lantern had an amazing bar, with that Smirnoff drink special. I heard that Jeff left the Green Lantern, and we need to get him over to Lime. Because as I'm sure Bound patrons will agree, Jeff is one of the best bartenders ever, and I missed him at Lime.
Entre Nous' Halloween party on Saturday was packed, which, like Jennifer said, detracted from the enjoyment. It was nearly impossible to get a drink or find a place to sit down, and people ended up dancing in the lounge area because the dance floor was too crowded. One minor complaint aside, it was a good night. I met a great new couple (dressed in caveman and cavewoman costumes) and saw some old friends. Jennifer (the hostess, not my friend Jennifer) was looking very hot in her Snow White costume, and the other Jennifer (with red hair) was equally hot as a sexy nun. I was Veronica Lake, although the wind destroyed my hair. My intended date for the evening got sick, so I went alone. It's a shame, I think he would have had a good time. I loved Cat's dark angel costume, but I love Cat too, and she looks hot in anything. But the best costume of the night, as determined by the contest, and I agree, was Lady Godiva, wearing nothing but a long blond wig and a flesh-toned thong. I just wish DJ Larry had been there with his 80s metal set.
Bound is having another Halloween party tomorrow, the Hell Ball, and I'd love to go, but I don't see how I can. I don't have a car, and the Metro stops running at midnight during the week, and I'm not about to lose a shitload of money taking a cab back to Takoma Park. If I can go, I'll try to get Wednesday off of work (I made the mistake of going to work the day after the Goth Prom at Alchemy in May, and could barely stay awake). Maybe the Hell Ball will be worth the cab fare home. Hopefully you'll see me out tomorrow night. I can't think of a better place to spend Halloween.
Friday, October 27, 2006
DC hates goths
Alchemy's last weekly night was last night, Midian's gone monthly, Midnight sucks, all of which leads me to believe that there is a widespread DC conspiracy against the goth subculture. If this is happening in other cities as well, please let me know, and we can form a gothic guerilla warfare troop and take back our clubs.
There is one gothic/industrial venue left, for those who don't mind a bit of fetish/S&M mixed in: Bound. I will be going tonight for Halloween, after a long absence due to the inconvenience of the new venue from the metro. I will do my best to fight my fatigue and get out there, though I may have to leave early. It's at Lime, in SW, next to the Crucible (I know, not the best neighborhood, but worth it). Even if you're not interested in the fetish elements, there are some great DJs who spin the best in goth and industrial (you'll probably see me out on the dance floor). And Halloween is the best time to go. It's our high holy day, after all.
There is one gothic/industrial venue left, for those who don't mind a bit of fetish/S&M mixed in: Bound. I will be going tonight for Halloween, after a long absence due to the inconvenience of the new venue from the metro. I will do my best to fight my fatigue and get out there, though I may have to leave early. It's at Lime, in SW, next to the Crucible (I know, not the best neighborhood, but worth it). Even if you're not interested in the fetish elements, there are some great DJs who spin the best in goth and industrial (you'll probably see me out on the dance floor). And Halloween is the best time to go. It's our high holy day, after all.
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