Monday, May 28, 2012
Monday, May 21, 2012
Another Sore Neck
As if seeing Rammstein last month wasn't amazing enough, the epic bunch of Swedes called Sabaton invaded RVA Saturday. BFF was originally supposed to go with me, but work fucked him over again (some guy quit and he had to go in), so I brought Brennon along, who I'm happy to report is now a fan. :)
Doors were supposed to open at 6:00, but we didn't get let in until about an hour later. Brennon repaid me for his ticket in alcohol, as we did a shot of Captain Morgan together, followed by a PBR (which in RVA is referred to "People's Brewery of Richmond"), which I felt was an even trade. It was a good thing, too, because I couldn't have suffered through the first opening band sober. To give you an indication of how much they sucked, their last song was "dedicated to sluts," and Brennon told me this band had also been opening for about 4 years now, playing the same set every time. The second band was better and basically did their job, which was to get us pumped for Sabaton.
And so Sabaton showed RVA an epic time, and we showed them how we roll. Vocalist Joakim Broden said after their opening song ("Ghost Division"), that he could hear us singing along over them playing. Can't get any better than that. They also played "40:1," "The Art Of War," "The Price Of A Mile," "Cliffs Of Gallipoli," "Swedish Pagans," and closed with "Primo Victoria." There were others, but those are the only ones I recognized, having not purchased their entire catalog like I have with Rammstein (which I will promptly rectify ASAP).
After the show, we hung around chatting with other fans, and Sabaton came out to mingle with us for a bit. Some guy that was with the band (probably their manager) handed out blank postcards of the band.
I got mine signed by all the members.
I was also fortunate enough to get a picture with Joakim Broden, not because of who he is, but because my phone's battery was about to die!
All in all an epic time. What was even more impressive though, and I give the band mad props for this, is that 3 months ago, they had a major line-up change. Only the singer and bassist are now the original members. But the new recruits learned the whole set they had played in 3 months' time. Bravo, gut gemacht!
Doors were supposed to open at 6:00, but we didn't get let in until about an hour later. Brennon repaid me for his ticket in alcohol, as we did a shot of Captain Morgan together, followed by a PBR (which in RVA is referred to "People's Brewery of Richmond"), which I felt was an even trade. It was a good thing, too, because I couldn't have suffered through the first opening band sober. To give you an indication of how much they sucked, their last song was "dedicated to sluts," and Brennon told me this band had also been opening for about 4 years now, playing the same set every time. The second band was better and basically did their job, which was to get us pumped for Sabaton.
And so Sabaton showed RVA an epic time, and we showed them how we roll. Vocalist Joakim Broden said after their opening song ("Ghost Division"), that he could hear us singing along over them playing. Can't get any better than that. They also played "40:1," "The Art Of War," "The Price Of A Mile," "Cliffs Of Gallipoli," "Swedish Pagans," and closed with "Primo Victoria." There were others, but those are the only ones I recognized, having not purchased their entire catalog like I have with Rammstein (which I will promptly rectify ASAP).
After the show, we hung around chatting with other fans, and Sabaton came out to mingle with us for a bit. Some guy that was with the band (probably their manager) handed out blank postcards of the band.
I got mine signed by all the members.
I was also fortunate enough to get a picture with Joakim Broden, not because of who he is, but because my phone's battery was about to die!
All in all an epic time. What was even more impressive though, and I give the band mad props for this, is that 3 months ago, they had a major line-up change. Only the singer and bassist are now the original members. But the new recruits learned the whole set they had played in 3 months' time. Bravo, gut gemacht!
Monday, May 14, 2012
Friday, May 11, 2012
Do Not Pray For Me, For It's You That Needs Saving
First let me say that I have no issues whatsoever with people choosing to believe in a religion. This is not intended as an attack on anyone's faith whatsoever. I hope that this will at least make you think.
Frankly, I don't understand why some folks think that their religious beliefs give them a right to tell others how they should live. I'm not speaking on religious war, more like the day-to-day interactions we make with other humans as we go about our business.
Here's an example:
The condescending nature of the original post irked me, and I felt compelled to reply. First of all, such a post comes across as judgmental, and, dare I say, ignorant. Do I think abortion is ok? No. I have my own moral objections to such an act. Do I pass judgement on women who decide to go that route? No. Because it's none of my goddamn business. It is a decision that she, her god if she believes in one, and the father (if he is involved), must deal with. She will have to live with that decision. To call a woman selfish because she chooses to do something that, to whatever degree, she feels is best for her, is a slap in the face to women everywhere. In this case, the attitude is one of "You aren't doing what I believe/have been told is right, so therefore you are below me." It's fine if you want to think that, you have every right to. But I also have the right to believe that you are being an ass. And excuse me, but "He is not a god of condemnation?!" I nearly spit out my coffee all over my laptop upon reading that! Bible-thumping Christians have been saying, nay, YELLING that homosexuals will forever be damned to Hell...because "God said so." So apparently, God will forgive you for terminating a pregnancy, but will damn a man because he loves another man. How does that even begin to make sense?
I don't understand why some people believe that they have any business telling other folks how they should live. Frankly, it pisses me off that some will do this, and then hide behind their religion as a means to justify their douchebaggery. And that is where my problem with religion lies (I have others but that is the main one). Those that use their religion as an excuse for being ignorant asshats should be ashamed of their behavior. They should also be aware that it drives people away from religion, not towards it.
There was a time when I used to think life was either A or B. But thankfully I've grown and matured since then, and have come to realize that that's not how it is. Sometimes it's C, and sometimes it's even "all of the above." Shit happens, and what is ideal is often not the reality. I think a lot of people forget that. And if you're going to judge a person based on a decision that has nothing to do with you, you better make sure you're the spitting image of perfection my friend.
Frankly, I don't understand why some folks think that their religious beliefs give them a right to tell others how they should live. I'm not speaking on religious war, more like the day-to-day interactions we make with other humans as we go about our business.
Here's an example:
The condescending nature of the original post irked me, and I felt compelled to reply. First of all, such a post comes across as judgmental, and, dare I say, ignorant. Do I think abortion is ok? No. I have my own moral objections to such an act. Do I pass judgement on women who decide to go that route? No. Because it's none of my goddamn business. It is a decision that she, her god if she believes in one, and the father (if he is involved), must deal with. She will have to live with that decision. To call a woman selfish because she chooses to do something that, to whatever degree, she feels is best for her, is a slap in the face to women everywhere. In this case, the attitude is one of "You aren't doing what I believe/have been told is right, so therefore you are below me." It's fine if you want to think that, you have every right to. But I also have the right to believe that you are being an ass. And excuse me, but "He is not a god of condemnation?!" I nearly spit out my coffee all over my laptop upon reading that! Bible-thumping Christians have been saying, nay, YELLING that homosexuals will forever be damned to Hell...because "God said so." So apparently, God will forgive you for terminating a pregnancy, but will damn a man because he loves another man. How does that even begin to make sense?
I don't understand why some people believe that they have any business telling other folks how they should live. Frankly, it pisses me off that some will do this, and then hide behind their religion as a means to justify their douchebaggery. And that is where my problem with religion lies (I have others but that is the main one). Those that use their religion as an excuse for being ignorant asshats should be ashamed of their behavior. They should also be aware that it drives people away from religion, not towards it.
There was a time when I used to think life was either A or B. But thankfully I've grown and matured since then, and have come to realize that that's not how it is. Sometimes it's C, and sometimes it's even "all of the above." Shit happens, and what is ideal is often not the reality. I think a lot of people forget that. And if you're going to judge a person based on a decision that has nothing to do with you, you better make sure you're the spitting image of perfection my friend.
Saturday, May 5, 2012
Rammstein Odyssey Part 3: Das Konzert
Yes now we get to the good part! Get yourself a beer or something 'cause it's a long one.
Upon arriving at the venue, we waited in line for about 30-45 minutes, even ended up chillin' with a fellow Richmonder in the line. :) I was pretty anxious by this time and kept fiddling with my phone. Once we were inside we raided the merch booth, and I bought a tour shirt and hat, and Kenny bought a shirt as well but wouldn't wear it. I demanded that he do so, telling him I would not be seen at a Rammstein concert with someone who wasn't wearing proper attire. He put it on. Smart man.
So we had about an hour to kill once we got our seats. The show was slated to start at 8:00, but actually started at 8:30. I'd heard of this happening at previous shows, but as of yet I have no idea why. Anyway. I made this video before the show, cleverly titled "Killin' Time And Being Waaayy Too Excited." I love my phone but the audio sucks when I play back videos. Oh and I bought the most expensive Miller Lite of my life.
Upon arriving at the venue, we waited in line for about 30-45 minutes, even ended up chillin' with a fellow Richmonder in the line. :) I was pretty anxious by this time and kept fiddling with my phone. Once we were inside we raided the merch booth, and I bought a tour shirt and hat, and Kenny bought a shirt as well but wouldn't wear it. I demanded that he do so, telling him I would not be seen at a Rammstein concert with someone who wasn't wearing proper attire. He put it on. Smart man.
So we had about an hour to kill once we got our seats. The show was slated to start at 8:00, but actually started at 8:30. I'd heard of this happening at previous shows, but as of yet I have no idea why. Anyway. I made this video before the show, cleverly titled "Killin' Time And Being Waaayy Too Excited." I love my phone but the audio sucks when I play back videos. Oh and I bought the most expensive Miller Lite of my life.
Friday, May 4, 2012
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Never A Dull Moment
So I finally went and bought my new TV that I'd been saving my tax return for. Of course I purchased it from my store, mainly because that was the best deal I could find, and also, associate discount. Anyway. I found my TV and Jack, the electronics associate, rang me up. Now, the Assistant Manager in the department, who had just finished her overnight rotation in February, was hovering about and the following conversation occurred.
Manager: Did you tell her about this TV?
Jack: Why do I need to do that? She works here.
Manager: Well she hasn't worked electronics in some time...
Me and Jack: *WTF face*
Because all knowledge I ever had about the department and our products just flew out the window when the job code did. Yes. That makes sense. Why then, does everyone on my shift holler for ME when there's a customer needing assistance?! According to this logic, I have completely forgotten how to stock now that I'm a cashier.
Also, Virginia state law disallows the sale of alcohol by retail establishments between midnight and 6 a.m. The system literally will not allow us to ring up an alcohol purchase. There is nothing I can do about this. There isn't an "Unless It's Your Birthday" clause. It has nothing to do with me, this store, or the company. It's STATE LAW.
And please remember these things the next time you feel like antagonizing the poor cashier who works for slightly more than minimum wage:
Manager: Did you tell her about this TV?
Jack: Why do I need to do that? She works here.
Manager: Well she hasn't worked electronics in some time...
Me and Jack: *WTF face*
Because all knowledge I ever had about the department and our products just flew out the window when the job code did. Yes. That makes sense. Why then, does everyone on my shift holler for ME when there's a customer needing assistance?! According to this logic, I have completely forgotten how to stock now that I'm a cashier.
Also, Virginia state law disallows the sale of alcohol by retail establishments between midnight and 6 a.m. The system literally will not allow us to ring up an alcohol purchase. There is nothing I can do about this. There isn't an "Unless It's Your Birthday" clause. It has nothing to do with me, this store, or the company. It's STATE LAW.
And please remember these things the next time you feel like antagonizing the poor cashier who works for slightly more than minimum wage:
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
When I Grow Up I Want To...
Most folks know by the time the graduate college what they want to do as far as a career is concerned. Some are even lucky enough to start that career right after graduating.
And then there's people like me, who flail about post-high school trying to figure out what exactly it is that we want to do.
First I wanted to be an actor, so I took drama classes from 7th - 11th grade. But my interests changed senior year and I focused more on photography and German, as my new ideal career was a translator, and photography was just fun! Plus I realized that I could never get parts in the plays as long as Matt Carr was auditioning because apparently he was God's gift to the Theater Department. So yeah, German translator. Then I realized that, aside from VCU, somewhere I couldn't afford to go, nobody offered German classes! D: Well, J. Sargent Reynolds did (I went there for a semester hoping to take that class), but the class got cancelled due to not having enough students. FML.
So I transferred to JTCC, and took general classes until I decided that I wanted to go after a degree in Police Science (aka Criminal Justice). I did enjoy it, was interested in it, and at least it could get me somewhere in the future. I honestly thought I would be going in law enforcement, I was even invited to test with my county's police department, and then I realized that field wasn't right for me. I couldn't exactly explain why, but it just didn't seem to fit.
Fast forward to 2 weeks ago. My Customer Service Manager asked me what I wanted in life. I asked for clarification, and he asked me what kind of career I wanted. I told him, "Well, my short term goal is to manage the electronics department, but other than that I'm still trying to figure that out." Which is true. Though I'm happy at Walmart and have opportunities to make a career out of it, I do want something more than that.
So I asked myself, "Self, what is it that you've always wanted to do?" And I said, "Work on a ship."
More specifically, I want to work security on a ship. I've wanted to do that since I was 12. The travel opportunities, the freedom of the open ocean, all without having to do push-ups to get it like the Navy would have me do (I still love you though, U.S. Navy). And I like traveling, I just hardly ever get the opportunity to do so. I've found a place in Virginia Beach, Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy, that offers a maritime security course for $500. This seems realistic if I save my bonuses.
Who knows where this will ultimately lead. It's an ending that I can't write, but one that I hope I can enjoy getting to.
And then there's people like me, who flail about post-high school trying to figure out what exactly it is that we want to do.
First I wanted to be an actor, so I took drama classes from 7th - 11th grade. But my interests changed senior year and I focused more on photography and German, as my new ideal career was a translator, and photography was just fun! Plus I realized that I could never get parts in the plays as long as Matt Carr was auditioning because apparently he was God's gift to the Theater Department. So yeah, German translator. Then I realized that, aside from VCU, somewhere I couldn't afford to go, nobody offered German classes! D: Well, J. Sargent Reynolds did (I went there for a semester hoping to take that class), but the class got cancelled due to not having enough students. FML.
So I transferred to JTCC, and took general classes until I decided that I wanted to go after a degree in Police Science (aka Criminal Justice). I did enjoy it, was interested in it, and at least it could get me somewhere in the future. I honestly thought I would be going in law enforcement, I was even invited to test with my county's police department, and then I realized that field wasn't right for me. I couldn't exactly explain why, but it just didn't seem to fit.
Fast forward to 2 weeks ago. My Customer Service Manager asked me what I wanted in life. I asked for clarification, and he asked me what kind of career I wanted. I told him, "Well, my short term goal is to manage the electronics department, but other than that I'm still trying to figure that out." Which is true. Though I'm happy at Walmart and have opportunities to make a career out of it, I do want something more than that.
So I asked myself, "Self, what is it that you've always wanted to do?" And I said, "Work on a ship."
More specifically, I want to work security on a ship. I've wanted to do that since I was 12. The travel opportunities, the freedom of the open ocean, all without having to do push-ups to get it like the Navy would have me do (I still love you though, U.S. Navy). And I like traveling, I just hardly ever get the opportunity to do so. I've found a place in Virginia Beach, Mid-Atlantic Maritime Academy, that offers a maritime security course for $500. This seems realistic if I save my bonuses.
Who knows where this will ultimately lead. It's an ending that I can't write, but one that I hope I can enjoy getting to.
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