The show I saw today was one of the best live performances I have ever seen. I promise I will dedicate an entry to this Columbus, OH show. However, just listening to them a little bit after the concert, I found this video on fader.com that shows Passion Pit recording music with PS 22 in NYC. I don't know much about this school or anything, but I am really, really happy that the band thought of having some kids help them out with their CD, Manners. Let me know what you think...
9.30.2009
9.29.2009
9.28.2009
Who's ready for the wild things?
I am going to be that creepy guy going to the movies by himself on October 16th. There is one person in the whole world who I'd want to go see this movie with, and he/she isn't available. I've been devouring everything in print and on video that has been available to me, and now I have the entire sound track streaming on stereogum.com. Please click and take a listen to it! It's pretty awesome.
9.24.2009
G20 Soup Kitchen Harassed By Police
Seeds of Peace and Everybody's Kitchen were asked to move their cooking operation several times. Watch video
9.23.2009
A Guest Blogger: Jared "Numbnuts" Burgan
Jared Burgan is my brother. He will graduate from the University of Delaware on May 10, 2010 with a BM in Music Education. He can be reached at jaredburgan@gmail.com.
This is my most recent photograph of Jared. Looking good as always:
Without further adieu:
As my enlistment progressed the Army began to grow on me. That coupled with a diminishing interest in my collegiate studies (music education) I saw the possibility of me making a career out of the military a more likely path I’d be taking. As such I am currently to re-class my MOS to 19D- Cavalry Scout. I’ve gotten used to surprised comments and disappointed looks as I tell this to my friends and family as I field the standard questions of, “Why would you want to do this now?” to less frequent but more sincere, “Why do you want to be part of the war machine?” Not all of the feedback has been negative though. “This is something you’d be good at” or “I can see you doing this” are the most common responses from these people. It hasn’t been an easy decision and it’ll take me a while to follow through with it as I get other things in order.
What I really want to talk about though is the ever-pervading question of “Why? Why would you want to join the Army, especially during a war?” And for me, where I am in my life, it is hard to explain to people that it is something I feel like I need to do. Part of it is legacy. My cousin has been in since the late 1980’s and is currently serving as a company first sergeant. Both of my grandfathers served during World War II. One of them was awarded two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart, and aided in the liberation of a concentration camp. Another part of it is a sense of service. This part is hard for people to understand, especially in an era of American society where any sense of service of any kind is lost in an elitist sense of “that isn’t for me”. That leads me to my third reason. I was fortunate enough to have the option of enlisting. Other people due to their own circumstances are left with the military as their only option for a successful future. This doesn’t demean their commitment but it does put into perspective a dangerously growing gap between the haves and the have-nots.
The last eight years have a put a serious strain on the public’s opinion of the military and those who serve. We are caught in an occupation in one country and an increasingly violent insurgency in another. And amidst this we’ve turned military service into political leanings- in efforts to point blame on a particular party we’ve neglected and abandoned the men and women who serve our country. We’ve turned “Why do you serve?” into “How could you possibly do this now?” We’ve written off a sense of service simply as necessity- someone just trying to scrape by. We’ve turned the efforts of men and women overseas into fodder for a left-wing/ right-wing argument over who is right or should we even keep bothering in these countries? Soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen have volunteer for a job that has people with little to no military experience directing the course of their lives. So as civilians and politicians argue over policy we’ve abandoned men and women over seas to fight wars with no support.
The last eight years have made it very easy for a lot of people in this country to judge the actions of men and women over seas, and worse to pass judgment on why these people chose to do what they do. Asking soldiers why they serve is trying to understand why they volunteer for months over seas away from families, why they put themselves in a firefight, or why they risk their lives for the men and women next to them. The truth is though that if it is something someone never experiences, it is something that can never be understood.
This is my most recent photograph of Jared. Looking good as always:
Without further adieu:
When I Go- Ask Me When I Get Back
Jared Burgan
In December of 2005 I enlisted in the US Army Reservist as a 42R- Army Bandsman (we can save the band jokes for later). It was to this day the most brash and least thought out decision I’ve made in my life; when people ask me why I enlisted I really don’t have an answer. My initial experiences with being in the military (MEPS and Basic Training) were awful just as they are for most people. That with the close proximity of my mother’s death made my first few years in the Army terrible. I wanted nothing more than serve my time and be out.Jared Burgan
As my enlistment progressed the Army began to grow on me. That coupled with a diminishing interest in my collegiate studies (music education) I saw the possibility of me making a career out of the military a more likely path I’d be taking. As such I am currently to re-class my MOS to 19D- Cavalry Scout. I’ve gotten used to surprised comments and disappointed looks as I tell this to my friends and family as I field the standard questions of, “Why would you want to do this now?” to less frequent but more sincere, “Why do you want to be part of the war machine?” Not all of the feedback has been negative though. “This is something you’d be good at” or “I can see you doing this” are the most common responses from these people. It hasn’t been an easy decision and it’ll take me a while to follow through with it as I get other things in order.
What I really want to talk about though is the ever-pervading question of “Why? Why would you want to join the Army, especially during a war?” And for me, where I am in my life, it is hard to explain to people that it is something I feel like I need to do. Part of it is legacy. My cousin has been in since the late 1980’s and is currently serving as a company first sergeant. Both of my grandfathers served during World War II. One of them was awarded two Silver Stars, a Purple Heart, and aided in the liberation of a concentration camp. Another part of it is a sense of service. This part is hard for people to understand, especially in an era of American society where any sense of service of any kind is lost in an elitist sense of “that isn’t for me”. That leads me to my third reason. I was fortunate enough to have the option of enlisting. Other people due to their own circumstances are left with the military as their only option for a successful future. This doesn’t demean their commitment but it does put into perspective a dangerously growing gap between the haves and the have-nots.
The last eight years have a put a serious strain on the public’s opinion of the military and those who serve. We are caught in an occupation in one country and an increasingly violent insurgency in another. And amidst this we’ve turned military service into political leanings- in efforts to point blame on a particular party we’ve neglected and abandoned the men and women who serve our country. We’ve turned “Why do you serve?” into “How could you possibly do this now?” We’ve written off a sense of service simply as necessity- someone just trying to scrape by. We’ve turned the efforts of men and women overseas into fodder for a left-wing/ right-wing argument over who is right or should we even keep bothering in these countries? Soldiers, Marines, sailors and airmen have volunteer for a job that has people with little to no military experience directing the course of their lives. So as civilians and politicians argue over policy we’ve abandoned men and women over seas to fight wars with no support.
The last eight years have made it very easy for a lot of people in this country to judge the actions of men and women over seas, and worse to pass judgment on why these people chose to do what they do. Asking soldiers why they serve is trying to understand why they volunteer for months over seas away from families, why they put themselves in a firefight, or why they risk their lives for the men and women next to them. The truth is though that if it is something someone never experiences, it is something that can never be understood.
9.22.2009
G20
Why are there military helicopters patrolling the skies of Pittsburgh? Do we really need .5o caliber machine guns and rocket launchers to maintain order while letting American citizens exercise our constitutional rights?
This is what a police state looks like.
This is what a police state looks like.
9.18.2009
9.17.2009
Ther should be more shows like this on television
Does anyone else remember watching, and loving, the show on Comedy Central "I'm With Busey"? It was a seemingly fake documentary of a film director following around Gary Busey and learning his life philosophy. It was epic and genius television programming, before the days of watching fat people lose weight.
Well I can't publish the video on the site, so check it out here
Well I can't publish the video on the site, so check it out here
9.14.2009
On Pittsburgh and the G20
The French political philosopher of the 16th century, Jean Bodin, once wrote "The principal mark of sovereign majesty is essentially the right to impose laws on subjects generally without their consent."
Who in Pittsburgh has consented to the laws being imposed on us by the police department, FBI, secret service, and Dept of Homeland Security?
Quoted from the City Paper (Marty Levine 9/10/09):
One of the proposed ordinances would cite people for wearing a mask or other face concealment with the "intent" to commit an unlawful act. Another would give the same penalties -- a $300 fine or up to 30 days in jail -- to those possessing "noxious substances," weapons or other equipment that could be used to prevent police from dispersing them. The measures have been set for their first vote Sept. 9.
No, you cannot wear a gas mask in Pittsburgh (even if you are at a Pirates game).
Yes, police and other law enforcement departments can arrest you if they believe you have the INTENT to commit a crime (read: thought crimes?).
Also read this article
I believe the latter is directly in violation of the 4th and 5th Amendments which state:
(4th)The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
and
(5th)No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
I understand the right and duty of the state to protect its people from all enemies, foreign and domestic. But citizens (yes, we are citizens, not subjects) also must demand from our leaders to not become domestic enemies themselves. As Jefferson said in his Declaration of Independence, that the state DERIVES THEIR POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED, and that the state better be careful with its power because WHENEVER ANY FORM OF GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE...IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT.
These were some of the founding ideas of America. Don't mess that up, G.
Who in Pittsburgh has consented to the laws being imposed on us by the police department, FBI, secret service, and Dept of Homeland Security?
Quoted from the City Paper (Marty Levine 9/10/09):
One of the proposed ordinances would cite people for wearing a mask or other face concealment with the "intent" to commit an unlawful act. Another would give the same penalties -- a $300 fine or up to 30 days in jail -- to those possessing "noxious substances," weapons or other equipment that could be used to prevent police from dispersing them. The measures have been set for their first vote Sept. 9.
No, you cannot wear a gas mask in Pittsburgh (even if you are at a Pirates game).
Yes, police and other law enforcement departments can arrest you if they believe you have the INTENT to commit a crime (read: thought crimes?).
Also read this article
I believe the latter is directly in violation of the 4th and 5th Amendments which state:
(4th)The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized.
and
(5th)No person shall be held to answer for any capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.
I understand the right and duty of the state to protect its people from all enemies, foreign and domestic. But citizens (yes, we are citizens, not subjects) also must demand from our leaders to not become domestic enemies themselves. As Jefferson said in his Declaration of Independence, that the state DERIVES THEIR POWERS FROM THE CONSENT OF THE GOVERNED, and that the state better be careful with its power because WHENEVER ANY FORM OF GOVERNMENT BECOMES DESTRUCTIVE...IT IS THE RIGHT OF THE PEOPLE TO ALTER OR TO ABOLISH IT.
These were some of the founding ideas of America. Don't mess that up, G.
9.12.2009
9.10.2009
Stop Motion: Google Maps Version
I came across this neat little clip that uses those old fun train/city sets to create and explain how Google creates their street views. I have actually had the opportunity to witness Google doing this in Pittsburgh, on Sampsonia Street by the Mattress Factory. It was really cool to see them do it in person and with much more sophisticated equipment.
Tell me what you think
Tell me what you think
9.09.2009
What do YOU think?
anon: i know. i'm not tryna count my eggs, you know?
me: right
and don't...
at least eye-ball your eggs though
you can guesstimate the shit out of those eggs
anon: lately, i've been balling my eggs.
me: right
and don't...
at least eye-ball your eggs though
you can guesstimate the shit out of those eggs
anon: lately, i've been balling my eggs.
9.07.2009
It's not cheating if...
Question: Are you guilty of cheating even if you 1.) only cheated a little bit, 2.) didn't end up winning in the end, and 3.) didn't cheat as bad as your opponent?
Just wondering.
And in other news...
Just wondering.
And in other news...
9.04.2009
FamilyFest
This weekend is the annual Family Fest at ASC. My family and I have been coming to this end of summer weekend getaway for about 22 years. It is always a good time and I look forward to seeing everyone from camp, and friends from across the country one last time.
I got a job at the local YMCA, which is awesome because a perk of the job is free membership to the gym etc. The Y is geographically in the middle of my house, school, and Hoi, which makes it a convenient and central location in my current schedule.
So splatter that.
I got a job at the local YMCA, which is awesome because a perk of the job is free membership to the gym etc. The Y is geographically in the middle of my house, school, and Hoi, which makes it a convenient and central location in my current schedule.
So splatter that.
9.03.2009
Where the Wild Things Are
I know I am going to cry when I watch this movie. I can't wait to see it. Who wants to come with me? This is a song by KarenO and the Kids (KarenO of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs) called All Is Love. Check out more info on the movie at myspace.com/wherethewildthingsare
9.01.2009
Yankee's Update
Remember those weekly NYY updates I promised back in April? Well I took off about fifteen weeks, but here it goes again.
The Downs:
We're Wang-less. This means about 18 less wins from a starter. It also means Sergio Mitre.
Brian Bruney. His numbers really aren't that bad, but his worst pitching is when we need him the most. Yikes.
The Angels. I might be wrong, but I think that the Angels are the only team in baseball who has a winning record against the Yankees in the last 15 years. I hate playing against them. I hope they lose every game from now until eternity and we never have to face them in the playoffs. This is a completely irrational fear, but it is what I have nightmares about.
The Ups:
We are in the top ten in every offensive, pitching, and fielding category. Seriously. Wait no, era is 15th.
Six, yes SIX players with 20+home runs. (btw, Jeter and Posada both have 17)
Derek Jeter. MVP? Six more hits until he passes Lou Gehrig on the all time hits list. Lou Gehrig! What an amazing lifetime accomplishment for any player, let alone a fellow Yankee captain.
Our expensive off season is definitely paying off. Who cares, it's not my money.
Mo and C.C. are both Cy Young candidates.
My prediction of 107-55 is still very possible.
Prediction:
World Series Champs.
The Downs:
We're Wang-less. This means about 18 less wins from a starter. It also means Sergio Mitre.
Brian Bruney. His numbers really aren't that bad, but his worst pitching is when we need him the most. Yikes.
The Angels. I might be wrong, but I think that the Angels are the only team in baseball who has a winning record against the Yankees in the last 15 years. I hate playing against them. I hope they lose every game from now until eternity and we never have to face them in the playoffs. This is a completely irrational fear, but it is what I have nightmares about.
The Ups:
We are in the top ten in every offensive, pitching, and fielding category. Seriously. Wait no, era is 15th.
Six, yes SIX players with 20+home runs. (btw, Jeter and Posada both have 17)
Derek Jeter. MVP? Six more hits until he passes Lou Gehrig on the all time hits list. Lou Gehrig! What an amazing lifetime accomplishment for any player, let alone a fellow Yankee captain.
Our expensive off season is definitely paying off. Who cares, it's not my money.
Mo and C.C. are both Cy Young candidates.
My prediction of 107-55 is still very possible.
Prediction:
World Series Champs.
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