Sunday, August 16, 2009

Nick And Norah's Infinite Playlist


I have recently read Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. The book takes place in New York City and follows the two main character's, Nick and Norah, on their adventure of a night.

I had originally fell in love with the movie for it's music background and witty banter and decided to read the book. The characters for the most part but I found that the book and movie were very different. A lot of times a movie seems to suck after reading the book it was based on but because the differences were so obvious it was like they were only really connected by their name. I still watch the movie on a nightly basis.

What I love most about the book is its unique writing style. The book has two authors, Rachel Cohn and David Levithan. The book is written in the first person perspective from both main characters. The first chapter would be written by Cohn from Norah's perspective and he second chapter by Levithan from Nick's perspective and so on and so fourth. I found that it was a really interesting way to view the story from the two different angles.

The book has a very hip lingo that at times is only known to New Yorkers as I had to gooogle some of it at times. The characters are colourful, vibrant and very relatable. It's a different kind of love story. The book is filled with such random things like queer-core bands, Tranny night clubs where nuns are stripping and a Salvatore's jacket that you at times forget about the love triangle that exists. It's cool to see two awkward and interesting youth having this connection and being unsure of how to act on it. Through out the book you watch it progress.

I loved Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist. I recommend it to anyone who loves the scene, awkward and witty banter and characters who actually seem like real people.

Here is the link to where you can buy it on amazon.ca:
A Stoll In The Park


As my parents are enjoying a kid free weekend out on the lake, I am enjoying the company of my eight year old brother. My friend Sarah recently purchsed an exspensive camera so we decided to go to the park and take some pictures. I brought mine along as well, but my pictures don't quite measure up to hers.

We brought Myles along and I think he enjoyed himself. We first went to Riverside park in Preston. They've re-done it all since I was last there. They have a new jungle gym/play ground and a pretty impressive splash pad. It was kind of cool to watch Myles do his thing. After he was finished playing we went to Churchill Park and took pictures by the pond and checked out this old Water Mill. Myles climbed on rocks and splashed in the stream. Once the bugs started to come out we headed home.

I just thought I'd post some pictures I took. Once I get some of Sarah's I will post them as well.


Myles climbing on the playground


Foot Bridge At Riverside


Myles playing by the water at Riverside


The tree stump kind of looked like a heart


This is me standing on the tree stump. Myles took this picture.


Water at Riverside


This one was taken at Churchill Park


Myles befriending a duck


Water Mill at Churchill


Myles and I


Me


Climbing the water mill


Happy Feet


That's all for now.

Later Days
Santi

Friday, August 14, 2009

His girl Friday's Weekend Kick Off Song

It's Friday Pumpkin! That means it's time for me to give you another rad song to make your weekend amazingly amazing. Last night I was up until 6am doing all that is needed to make my mother a mix cd for her to have this weekend. I ended up making one for myself as well. This week I let my brother Myles pick your weekend kick off song from that mix. I think he's got some good taste.

I've Got A Feeling - The Black Eyed Peas


I also reccomed checking out the new cd from Cobra STarship entitled Hot Mess. It came out this past Tuesday.

Good Girls Go Bad - Cobra Starship ft Leighton Meester




Enjoy

Later Days
Santi

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Long Live The Car Crash Hearts


Mothers and daughters don't always get along, especially through out the teen years. I am twenty one years old and my Mother and I do not always see eye to eye. We get angry at each other from time to time and on occasion we may say some hurtful things that we don't necessarily mean. Even though we don't have the closest relationship I still have respect for her and love her, because she is my Mother. You only get one family, and in my opinion family is something worth holding onto.

What I don't understand is how some people feel that they do not need family. They feel that they are better then other people and do not need the people who care about them most in their lives. Unless you are doing and thinking what is convenient for them they do not have a use for you. It is the job of your family members to tell you not what you want to hear but what you need to hear. They are there to help guide you through life. They love you and have your best interest at heart.

My youngest sister is going through a rebellious kind of stage. She prefers friends to family. She prefers to do what she wants when she wants to do it. She is not a fan of rules or anyone who tries to enforce them. She thinks of only her self and lacks the ability to see the big picture. Over the past three years she has made my Mother's life a living hell. Trying to do what is best for her troubled daughter my Mother has refused to give up on her despite how hurtful and out of control she gets.

Today, while she was out with some friends, my sister got into a car accident. She was sitting in the backseat. If I herd correctly the car that crashed into them is at fault. My sister was taken by ambulance to the hospital and arrived around 7:30pm. When she arrived she told the nurse specifically not to call my mother. Because she is 16 years of age now she has the right to choose not to notify my parents if something happens to her. Instead one of her friends called my other sister, who left work to be with her. Once she arrived at the hospital she notified my Mother, who dropped everything to be there for my youngest sister.

My Mother arrives at the hospital and is given a lot of grief from a nurse. When she is finally taken to my sister she finds her daughter lying in a bed or a stretcher or something wearing a neck brace. Being a concerned parent she begins to cry. Instead of being grateful that her Mother has come to her aid, my sister yells at my Mother for making a big deal out of nothing and states that this is why she did not want her called.

They take my sister in for x-rays. When asked to take out her tongue ring she is rude to the nurse or doctor who is assisting her. They decide that she is fine and it's just some whiplash and that she may be in pain tomorrow. The whole time she is in the hospital she swears and degrades my Mother. She says cruel and hurtful things to her and makes it very clear that she doesn't not care about our Mother and did not want her there. She decides that she is not coming home after being released and instead going to her friend's house to spend the night. She gets angry because neither my Mother or other sister will give her money to get McDonald's after she leaves. Her friends try to get my 19 year old sister to buy them cigarettes. They swear and smoke in the parking lot and the whole lot of them come off as being very trashy.

My Mother comes home to tell my Father and I what happened and begins to cry. She is incredibly upset and heart broken. I don't understand how someone could be so cruel to their own Mother. My Mother did not do anything wrong. She was concerned and scared for the safety of her daughter and her daughter basically spit in her face and made her look like a fool. I am in awe as to how she could find this behaviour acceptable. One day she will realise how good she had it and how much my parents and siblings loved her and it will be too late.

Please do not take your family for granted. They are all you have and you cannot replace them. Be grateful for those in your life who love and care for you and do your best to return that love.

Later Days
Santi

Friday, August 07, 2009

His girl Friday's Weekend Kick Off Song



Always by blink-182


First Date by blink-182


I'm sure it's no surprise that blink-182 is what I offer you today for an awesome weekend. I don't feel the need to convince you that they're an awesome band or give you a big history of the band. They made pop punk what it is today. There are so many bands that started making music because they were influenced by blink-182. After a five year hiattus they are back on tour. If you have the chance to see them I strongly encourage you to do so. I will be seeing them for the first time tomorrow night.

Later Days
Santi
Disappointment


Ever get the feeling that you've let down everyone around you? It takes the simplest of this to upset a large groups of people and when I do it I don't even have to try. Within 30 minutes I upset my uncle, mother and my little brother. I decided that when I created this blog that it would be something with substinance and that I wouldn't rant about my life like I did on my myspace blog. I would write about things without making it too personal. I'm sure that I am breaking that with this entry, but rules were ment to be broken sometimes, right?

I was suppose to go for a job interview today. I told my mom about it yesterday and she said she'd make arrangement for Myles. I didn't hear anymore on it. I have a cold or something. I woke up every hour and needed to blow my nose or cough or something. I checked my e-mail around 11:30 and lucky for me the man doing my interview had business out of the office that had come up and needed to rescedule our interview for the 18th of August. With intention of just lying on my bed for a moment or two I fell back asleep.

Just after 12pm I am woken up by the sound of our door bell. I walk up to answer it and it is my uncle, wanting to pick up my brother. I feel disoriented as I open the door. He immediately seems flusted. I tell him that I don't have to go any more but I can run up and get Myles and he can still take him if he wants. He expresses his frustration that know one had told him and that he waited around and then leaves.

I go downstairs to retrieve my phone to message my Mother to let her know. I send her the message and then begin to fold the load of clothes that were in the dryer. After receiving my message she called my uncle who expressed his frustration with the situatuion to her. She calls me back and is quite angry herself.

She tells me how angry my Uncle is and how I am not a child. She tells me that I am not dependable and because of this my Uncle will never take my brother again, that he is a grown amn and not a teenager I can screw around, amung other things. I had never thought of my uncle as a teeneage and have only ever had respect for him. The phone goes fuzzy for a few moments and I cannot hear her rage any more so I hang up the phone. She then messages me and instructs me to make it right with my uncle, which I had inteded on doing any way, and says that if I cannot at least do that than I can get out of her home.

At this point in time I feel pretty bad. I've upset my uncle and wasted his day and my mother has torn a strip off of me and threated to kick me out again. Just as I am finishing my apology e-mail to my Uncle about 30 minuted after he has left my brother walks down the stairs fully dressed with a smile on his face, wanting to know when he was going to his cousin's house to play. Turns out he was awake and dressed when my uncle come and was in his room watching Bolt. I explain to him the situation and tell him that he will not be going and he instantly goes from happy to sad and cries because he isn't going.

I instantly go from pretty bad to feeling like a horrible person. I don't know what to do to make it right. Within a matter of 30 minutes I've upset and angered three people that I love and care about very much without any intention of doing so. I don't really see or speak with any of my extended family anymore. I used to be really close with my uncle but I got older and my cousin and brother were born and life got in the way. Now we barily speak. I used to be somesome they could be proud of but I'm not anymore. I feel like a big disappointment because I had potention and wasted it. It just kind of rubs it in that when I do get the chance to see my family I upset them and make it obvious whjy they don't need me any more. I'm home all the time and they would sooner pay a babysitter than ask me to do it for free, because I would in a heart beat.

It may be too late for my family but it isn't for my brother. He still loves me and looks up to me and it doesn't take much to win him over. He hasn't figured out that I'm not cool yet. Your WKOS will be posted in a few hours, I'm going to go hang out with my brother.



Later Days
Santi

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

What's My Age Again?


Eleven years ago I fell in love with a band called blink-182. We were on our way home fromt he boat going over a little bridge in Simcoe, ON by a school the first time I herd What's My Age Again by Blink-182 on the radio. Their cd, Ennema of the State, was the first one I actually paid for with my own money. Blink-182 introduced me to a whole world of bands and turned me into the music lover I am today.

After this Saturday I can finally say that I have been to a blink-182 concert. I don't even have a seat. I paid $20 for a lawn ticket that I bought off a guy on kijiji. His aunt passed away and he needed to sell his tickets. I feel bad that I got a great deal on tickets from his misfortune, but I am thankful for this opportunity.

Mark Hoppus is my hero. I will finally get the chance to see him play with the band that made him who he is today. Life is good.

Saturday, August 01, 2009

The Dog Days Of Summer


The door bell rings shortly after ten. Assuming it is my boyfriend as he said he would be here early I lazily walk up and open the door in my pyjamas. Our yorkie mix, Milo, happily jumps out onto the front step to greet two woment holding coffee and Tim Horton's bags who are looking for Kelly. I assume they are talking about my Mother and say no, she's not here. Milo quickly decides he's grown bored of these women who aren't paying him any attention. I call him back put he doesn't listen. The women again ask for Kelly as my dog is now running down the stairs and into the parking lot. I push past the women, leaving the door to my house open, and tell them as I run that she is gone for the weekend.

I chase Milo through the parking lot. He is a much faster runner than I am. He stops on the bulevard for a second to sniff a pole and then runs across the street barily missing the truck of our old neighbour as he drives down the street. I follow him across the street into someones drive way. I chased him around their mini van for a few laps before he decided to hide underneath their car. I slowly make my way towards the front of the car when he darts past me and heads for the unfenced back yard which as a gigantic slope leading somewhere else.

As I chase after Milo as little boy looks on with amusement. I call out to Milo and the little boy tells me he's hiding in the backyard. I quickly find him hiding in a pink playschool kitchen curled up in a ball trying to hide from me. I quickly grab the oversized yorkie and carrying him under my right arm and head back home, apologizing to the home owners who are staring at the awkard sight that is me emerging from their back yard. I head back home in my pyjamas, bare foot, carring this dog.

As I approach my unit in our complex I see the two women heading up the stairs for unit 13 talking about how funny it was that they could go to the wrong door and there would be a Kelly living there also. I hope I've given them a good story to pass along to their friend Kelly. Assuming that I have a good anecdote of my own I relay the story to my boyfriend who calls me shortly afterwards. His only response was: "You left the door wide open!?!?"

Later Days
Santi

Friday, July 31, 2009

His girl Friday's Weekend Kick Off Song

It is a beautiful Friday afternoon and your weekend kick off song is actually on time today. I think that this is cause for a celebration. I feel mildly guilty for neglecting you and then being late for two weeks in a row so for that reason and because it's a long weekend I am going to give you a little bonus song in addition to your regular wkos. I've felt pretty patriotic over the past few weeks so like last week, you're getting Canadian bands.

Help I'm Alive - Metric


Metric is an amazing indie rock band from Tronto, Ontario. They released their first cd in 2001 entitled Grow Up and Blow Away. They have three other cds as well. Old World Underground, Where are You Now? released in 2003, Live It Out released in 2007 and their newset album Fantasies released in April of 2009. All of their record have been released by Last Gang Records. Recently their music has popped up in the blogs of Mark Hoppus of blink-182 and William Beckett of The Academy Is...

Here is a little FF for ya, a fun fact if you will: Emily Hines lead vocalist of the band was actually born in New Delhi, India but was raised in Peterborough, Ontario. She has dual citizenship.

I have been listening to Metric since 2004 or 2005... when ever they released Combat Baby as a single. They're a solid band and have a different sound.

www.myspace.com/metric

All information on the band came from wikipedia



And for your bonus song...

All To Myself - Marianas Trench


This is the second single of their second album Masterpiece Theater. The boys from Marianas Trench are from BC, Canada. Canadian's loved their first album FIX ME. Their singles, Say Anything, Decided to Break It and Shake Tramp did pretty well on the charts. I own the album my self and it's pretty solid. I loved it.

I have seen the band place twice. Once a couple of years ago and they put on a stellar performance. I recently saw them and was a little disappointed, but this song is pretty rad.

www.myspace.com/marianastrench

All Info on the band came from my head. I'm sure you can find it online in various places though.


Alright friends, enjoy the weekend.
Later Days
Santi
Postman Pat, Postman Pat, Postman Pat And His Black and White (Cat or Cap? I think it's cat...)



It's 10:11am and I am wide awake and have been since shortly after 8:00am. Last week Puralator tried to deliver something to me and I slept through the door bell. The suspense as that what is in the envelope has been killing both myself and my friend Sarah all week. For the life of me I cannot figure out what it is. I called yesterday to have them deliver it again and I was told it would come today. I guess it makes sense that seeing how I woke up early to answer the door when the delivery man showed up that he wouldn't bother comming until this afternoon. My biggest fear is that I'll be in the washroom or something when he does come and I will again, miss him.

I have come to the conclusion that it's either something stating I owe money to somewhere or blink-182 tickets. I know that thoughs are quite the extreams but other than that I have nothing. I know what you're thinking, if you were getting blink-182 wouldn't you know? Well, no. I'm not sure if you are familliar with the scene card or not but I have one. Basically how it works is you get points every time you go see a movie and buy a ticket. You can redeem thoughs points for free movies and consession combos. I believe it's 1000 points for a free movie. They recently introduced this program where you could enter to win tickets to various concerts. One entry costs you 50 points. Having a total of 850 points I entered 16 times. It wouldn't allow me to spend my last 50 points or else it would have been 17 times. I am a huge blink-182 fan. For me not to see them is just rediculous. The concert is in a week and a half, so hopefully that is what is inside the evelope.

On a completely unrelated note, I would like to point out how Sexy the weather is today. It has been rainy and gloomy for what seems like forever. This weekend though it will truly be summer. I look out my window and see clear blue skies. Temperatures are suppose to be in the high twenties (celcius) which is perfect for a long weekend. Hopefully you get out there and enjoy it.

Later Days
Santi

Monday, July 27, 2009

Happy Monday


The week before a long weekend always seems to drag on and the weekend couldn't come soon enough. I'm not sure where you are reading from but here in Onatrio we will be celecrating the civic holiday. This holiday is celebrated in different parts of Canada. It's cool because people who work in offices get it off but the malls and such are still open.

I wasn't exactly sure what this holiday was for or why we celebrated it so I went to me good friend wikipedia for answers. Sadly it didn't have any other than it's the first Monday in August. After doing some digging with my other good friend, google, I got a little closer. Basically it's a holiday about working and people. It's designed to give you a break from work. In Ontario though if your employer says you're working, you're working. Plus it's not mandetory for them to pay you stat pay. If you're lucky enough to get it off though, enjoy it! If you're like me, every day is a day off with no pay. (bad joke alert)

I will be spending my civic holiday on my parents boat with my parents, my little brother, our yorkie mix Milo, and my boyfriend. I'm a little nervous how a weekend with my boyfriend and my parents will go. If all else fails I suppose I can always abandon ship with the dingy. It's not like they haven't met plenty of times before, but they've never spent long periods of time togeather. I'm sure it'll be an awkward experience for all involved. Wish me luck.

In the mean time, I will brighten up your gloomy Monday and leave you with this:




William Beckett of The Academy Is... covering the song Heartbeats by Jose Gonzales. I personally find it to be rather lovely. Hopefully it'll make you smile as much as I did. Maybe it's just because this boy makes me weak in the knees. His talent does it alone.

Later Days
Santi

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Concert Etiquette


As I have stated before, it is in my opinion that music is best enjoyed live. Some people are into movies, some love the ballet. I love music. I started going to concerts when I was 16 years old. Over the last five years I have been to big festivals, shows in small pubs/bars, arena shows, award shows and shows in smaller all floor venues. I have seen atleast 33 shows that I can remember, although I'm sure more will come to me after I finish typing this. I have seen way too many bands to count. Although there are no written rules that you can google there are certain ways people should act at a show, band members and concert goers alike. When people go against the norm it makes for an unpleasant experience for other people who are just trying to enjoy the show.

It could just be that I am loosing patience and tolerence as I get older but I find that when I attend shows there are large numbers of younger fans that don't know the norm. It has gotten to the point where I become extreamly annoyed when I see someone under the age of 17 at a show and automatically become irritated. In order for us to co-exist in peace and enjoy the live music we love I thought I would point out some things you should keep in mind when attending a show. I am typing this entry at 5:20 am while watching Nick and Norah's Infinate playlist for the millionth time. I have yet to sleep so please bare with me.


Band Tee's
Let's start off easy as this first one isn't too much of a big deal. Wearing band merch is always welcomed at any type of show. It is reccomended though that if you are going to do this that you choose something that does NOT represent the band you are going to see. The reason for this is that everyone going to this show is there to see the same bands you are. When you wear a t-shirt or a hoodie that sports a logo from your favorite band you are basically advertising them to anyone who could potentialy see your shirt. You are going to a concert packed with kids who have a similar taste in music as you. If you wear a shirt from a different band it gives other people the chance to see what else you're into. In addition to this the band could possibly get some new fans from the people looking at your shirt. Free advertising. Wearing merch for the band you're about to see makes you look like a noob.

Butting In Line
There is no way to stop people from butting in line. It sucks if you've been waiting for five hours in the rain and someone shows up ten minutes before doors open and butts right infront of you, but that's life. We're all guilty of doing it. If you're going to line butt you need to be careful about it. Even though we all do it, line butting is still frowned upon. If you're obvious about it someone could tell security if you piss them off and you'll be bounced to the back of the line. If you're going to butt your best bet is to find a friend in line and start talking to them. Do NOT butt too close to the front of the line. Keep in mind that some people have been waiting a long time to get in, the closer to the front of the line you butt the more likely it is you'll get caught. Don't butt in massive groups as it really pisses people off. Go in groups of two, three max. Be as polite as possible and draw as little attention to your self as possible.

Security Check/Bags
Not all shows will have a security check but most will. People are excited and they want to get into the venue as quick as possible. Have your ticket ready to be checked. If you have a bag or purse have it open and ready to be searched. Don't be lame, if you know you have something that can't be brought in get rid of it before you get up to the door. Example, food and drinks. It's a well known fact you can't bring this in and it will be taken from you. The less you have with you the quicker you get in. Only bring in what you need. I have been guilty of bringing in my massive hobo bag purse. It works well if you have a hoodie with you or buy merch, plus all your friends can store their stuff in your bag too. Be careful that while you're in the crowd enjoying the show that your purse doesn't get in the way of other concert go-ers. Please leave your back packs at home. They're annoying and take up too much room. Everyone wants to get as close to the stage as possible.

Homemade Band Shirts
Over the last few years I've noticed that it's been a common practice for kids to make their own t-shirts using bleach or markers or fabric paint that says something realted to the band you are about to see. I have done this twice a few years ago and I more than likely wont do it again. Although I am not a big fan of the homemade shirts I'm assuming it's because I have grown out of the phase where it's cool. If you're going to do this make sure it looks good and is tasteful. The first time I did this my shirt had my favorite lyric on it using bleach and foam letters as stencils. The second time I used fabric paint on a tank top I wore under a hoodie. My tank top had a joke from the band on it and it made a good conversation starter between myself and the band. For that reason I understand why people do it. Make sure you fully understand what you are putting on your shirt. If you're not careful the joke could be on you. When a band talks about a "Band Slut' it's not a good thing, and not something you want to brand on a t-shirt, especially if you're twelve.

Pushing
It's common knowledge that at show, especially a punk/rock/power pop show, there WILL be some pushing. If someone crashes into you keep your cool, they more than likely have been pushed by soemone else and are in a long line of pushers. Try to keep the pushing to a minimum this way you can maintain as much personal space as possible. Unless you're in a mosh pit, pushing just to be a jerk isn't cool. If you need to leave your spot or want to get closer try to do it inbetween bands. Know one wants you pushing past them to get a better spot then they have so be polite about it.

Parents
The idea of having parents at a show doesn't exactly sit well with me. You should not be going to shows unless you can prove to be responsible enough to be going on our own. If you are bringing your parents to a show keep your cell phone on you and leave them by the bar or near the back of the venue. Obviously this rule doesn't apply if you have assigned seats for an arena show. Parents are tall and block the view of the shorter kids who really want to see the show. They typically tend not to get into the performance and get angry when they are pushed or bumped into. The last thing I need is a 50 year old Mom yelling at me because someone pushed me into her eleven year old daughter or worse, her. The only exception to this is if your parent genuinely likes the band and understands what going to a concert entails. If they are going to enjoy them selves then by all means, enjoy.

Merch
Merch lines are always long and the guys behinde the table work their asses off to get you what you want as fast as possible so they can move on to the next one. Know what you want and in what sizes before it's your turn. Have a back up in mind incase they run out of that size or style. If you can add up your cost and have your money ready. The faaster the better. Keep in mind that merch guys make very little and if you can spare the change you should always tip them. Every bit helps. Most importantly, be polite and greatful. If you're rude they wont bother with you.

Attitudes
Bad attitudes are NOT welcome at shows, so please check your attitude at the door. We are all here for the same reason, to have a good time. Be polite and respectful to everyone. This isn't school, there is no popularity contests. We are all equals, just a bunch of people going to a show. Snarky comments and rude glares are not welcomed. It's also a good idea to keep in mind that the older someone is the longer they've been in the secene, comming to shows, and the more knowledge they have of the bad you're about to see. They will more than likely be the ones who know every word to every song, even the old stuff on the bands first EP. You don't want to disrespect them. If you are one of these hardcores, be polite and respectful to the noobs. One day they'll be hardcores like you.

Meeting the Band
Be polite and respectful. Do not bash a band that you're meeting. If you don't like them don't wait around to meet them. Generally it's ok to ask for one thing to be signed and ask to get your picture taken. When you're having a conversation with a band member be curteous to the other people waiting for their turn to meet them. If there's a lot of people I'd reccomend getting your picture/autograph and then waiting around until the crowd thins out to have your conversation. Be smart about what you get signed. Your skin is not a good idea as it WILL wash off. A picture of the band, their cd cover, a ticket stub are all appropriate things to get signed. Creativity is welcomed as long as it's appropriate. My friend got a tamborine signed once and it was a big hit. Asking for your bra or your boobs signed is awkward. I recently saw 12-15 year olds ask for this done. It's awkward for the band members and innapropriate, especially if you're under 18. Regaurdless of your age though it looks pretty trashy.

Bands
If you're in a band you must be on top of the world. When it comes to shows it's important for you to be as greatful and humble as possible when it comes to your fans. Treat them like equals. Keep in mind that if it wasn't for them you wouldn't be on stage at all. You should always hang out after shows to meet your fans, talk with them, take pictures and sign thigns. Make sure you act like you want to be there. No one likes an asshole who makes it obvious he doesn't give a shit about his fans and is eager to get back to the bus.

The bottom line here is respect. Respect the people around you, both on stage and not and the venue and staff and everyone will have a great time.

Later Days
Santi
His girl Friday's Weekend Kick Off Song

Yes, I am well aware that I am well past the time period where I can call something a kick off to your weekend, but like it or lump it. Either You take you're music with a smile or continue listening to something lame like "Summer Time Girls" by LFO. I'm sorry but anyone who feels the need to name drop Abercrombie and Fitch twenty times in a row and talk about chinese food should not be writing the lyrics for your band. Moving right along then? This week I give you...

All I Ever Wanted - The Reason




I have been a big fan of The Reason for a couple years now. I originally saw them play at The Cutting Edge Music Festival the first year it was put on and held at The Grand Bend Motor Plex. I remember them playing an awesome set full of energy. Things got so crazy that the group of eager fans pushed through the barricade. I just happend to be at the front holding onto said barricade. I ended up with a ton of cuts on my inner thigh and bruises galore. On the plus side lead singer and gutarist Adam White came down and held me while he sang shortly there afterwards. It was kind of awkward, and kids were pulling and clawing at me to get to him but he did smell pretty good.

The Reason is a band based in Hamilton, Ontario and formed in the winter of 2003. They were later signed by Smallman Records in 2004. They currently have an EP - Problems Associated With Running and two full length albums, New From The Old and Things Couldn't Be Better. Their third full length will be released this fall. (2009)

The Reason headlined the Next Big Thing stage at the 5th annual 91.5 The Beat Rocks The Block and were amazing. They played a few tracks from Things Couldn't Be Better and a bunch of stuff off the upcomming album. I was right up front and from what I herd the new album will not disappoint. Even though it started to rain after finishing their set the guys stood outside talking to fans. Adam White was very cool when this twinkle douche (if you were there, it was the dude who yelled "play some slayer!" durring their set) came up to him and said I hate your band, I saw you on TV once and I turned the channel right away. He just smiled and thanked him for watching their set. He may not be able to say something, but I will gladly tell all of my readers and anyone else who is willing to listen that this guy is a twinkle douche. If Dane Cook were here he would shoot this guy with some spaghetti, he was very rude.



I took this picture, I'm sorry I don't know how to rotate it :-(



My links don't seem to be working but you can check out their myspace by going to www.myspace.com.thereasonrock



All of my information on the bands history came from www.last.fm/music/The+Reason/+wiki


Enjoy what's left of your weekend friends.

Later Days
Santi

Thursday, July 23, 2009

Broken Love


I think that the route of all of our problems is that we do not know how to properly love. We are taught by society at an early age that love is a big and scary thing. If you're not careful it can be very painful. The issue is that we get so wrapped up in how big and important and scary it is that we forget about how amazing love is and being in love can be.

I don't know about your generation, but mine is very lazy. We can have anything we want by clicking a button, swiping a card or asking Mommy and Daddy, for the most part. When something is hard or challenging we throw in the towel and give up without a second thought. We don't realize that if we have to work for it then it'll more than likely be more than worth the effort.

When it comes to relationships, we rush into things too quickly. We don't take the time to lay down the ground work for a sound and sturdy foundation. Seeing how we're so used to getting things and not having to wait, we what love and we want it now. We find a willing participant and start going through the motions.

We're a very scared and confused generation you see, especially when it comes to relationships. We're so scared of getting our heart broken that we never hand over our whole heart to our partner. We're constantly on the edge of our seats waiting to become the story line for the next Dashboard Conffesional single. We end relationships abruptly because we're too self centered and lazy to actually fix the issues at hand. We stay in bad relationships because we're too scared of being alone and not finding the right kind of love and relationship the best suits us.

I agree that it is important to be cautious with your heart, but only until you find the right person who can keep it safe. Trust and communication and key but if you don't choose the right person to be with it'll never work. We wear our hearts on our sleeves when we should be protecting them and we are locking them up and swollowing the key when we should be handing them to our lovers. It's just like I said, we're a confused generation.

If you're going to love then please go big or go home. Don't half ass it, by any means. Be open minded and prepare to get your hands dirty. Love is messy and challenging and tiring, but I hear it's worth more than all of the riches in the universe combind. Don't let fear paralize you. Everyone deserves to be happy and there isn't a better feeling than knowing that you are someone's everything and vice versa.

Later Days
Santi

Saturday, July 04, 2009

His girl Friday's Weekend Kick Off Song


It's been a few weeks and I know that it's Saturday, but take it or leave it. Here is your wkos.


Until The Stars Fall from the Sky - Mark Hoppus



Mark Hoppus is the man. There is no other way to say it. This song was written for the movie Fired UP! This song is fun and upbeat and dancey. It's the perfect summer song.

You can catch Mark Hoppus on tour all summer long with his band blink-182. He updates his twitter every 30 seconds so you can check him up there.

www.himynameismark.com
Rock Me Sexy Jesus


The World Wide Web
The Internet
The Interweb
The Web
The Net
The Information Highway

Cell
Mobile
Cellular Telephone
Cellular
Wireless Phone

All things a 21 year old girl has a difficult time living without in the year 2009. I know am half way back to normalcy and have a cell phone. I am again connected to my social circle and can at least update my twitter. The lack of an internet connection results in a lack of blog entries though, but I'm sure the world can survive without my two cents.

Summer is here and I have a list of things that I would like to accomplish. The list goes as follows:

1. Go to the drive-in
2. Pet a giraffe at the zoo
3. Produce my own record
3. Poop in the lake
4. Go backstage at a Nickelback concert
5. Make out in a random spot
6. Become a cheerleader
7. Get Pete Wentz to sign a framed picture of his 'little friend'
8. Throw glitter on my boyfriend...and film and put it on youtube
9. Tell Robert Pattinson he's a dick
10. Master the didgereedoo
12. Beat the first super mario brothers game
13. Buy Africa
14. Make a giant cookie shaped like Tom Hanks
15. Ride a donkey
16. Go To Narnia
17. Rock out to Chumbawamba
18. Go on a roadtrip with no destination
19. Find the real Santi (aka Mike Carden)
20. Make a soundtrack to my summer
21. Get my own reality tv show
22. Become a movie critic
23. Start a massive food fight
24. Have a dance off with Gabe Saporta
25. Stroke Patrick Stump's side burn
26. Come up with the best 'that's what she said' joke
27. Become the walrus
28. Loose my emo paleness
29. Climb a tree so that I can befriend a chipmunk
30. Convince a group of people that I am a celebrity


There's my list. What's Yours?

Here's a little FF for ya.. that's right, a little fun fact:
You can't plow a cotton field with an elephant in North Carolina.

Saturday, June 06, 2009

The Final Destination




I have been watching horror movies since I was eight. Now that I'm older I'm always a little hesitant to watch them because it's going to be scary. Sadly though every horror movie I've seen in the last three or four years has been a huge let down. If I was to pick a favorite horror movie chain it woukd be the Final Destination Series. These movies are scary because the way they kill people off are possible ways that you could actually die. I cannnot drive down the highway when there is a truck carrying logs infront of us anymore without getting nervous. I'm sure I'm extreamly late on this but they are making the fourth and final instalment and it's due to come out at the end of summer. August 28th to be exact. Watch the trailer I've posted above and feel free to leave your opinions via comments.

Later Days
Santi

Friday, June 05, 2009

Surfing The Interweb


It's Friday night and I am spending my evening watching videos on youtube. I think this is a grand alternative to watching High School Musical 2 with my seven year old brother and parents. Now don't get me wrong, I enjoy staring at Zac Eforn's beautiful face just as much as the next girl but I'm just not a fan of Black Buch Hudgens. Yes, I said it. I thought that I would show you some of the videos I am enjoying this evening.


Q&A with William Beckett and Adam T. Siska
Two of my favorite people from my favorite band, The Academy Is... They are even this enteresting to talk to in person.



If you could be an animal... SLH Video #3
I would so be a giraffe.



SLH Video #6
Micheal Guy Chislett



SLH Video #17
Mike Carden is a good guy. I always wonder if he's stonned when we meet him or if that's just how he always is. hmmm...



I have to agree with the boys on this one...



I once sent an e-mail to the Santi's little helpers ppl to enquire about what neon body style was and Sisky Business himself responded to my e-mail. It made my life complete.


And to finish off the Night I give you...
Aust In Translation

This is my all time favorite episode of TAITV and it was filmed in Toronto while I was sitting on the other side of that building for 8 hours waiting to get into that show. Plus theres Mark Hoppus.


I think I'm going to pull myself away from the computer now... Thanks for sharing your evening with me.

And remember... William, your hips don't lie.
His girl Friday's Weekend Kick Off Song



Sink Into Me - Taking Back Sunday




I started thinking of what song to do for this week as soon as I finished writing for last week. I had decided on Boy In A Magazine by Socratic, which is a great song. I ended up spending the weekend in Mississauga/Toronto with my boyfriend. We went to a baseball game Saturday afternoon and as we were driving back he put on the new cd from Taking Back Sunday. I instantly fell in love with Sink Into Me. I could not get it out of my head. Lucky for me he sent me home with the cd and I have yet to stop listening to it.

I don't what the weather is like where you are but it's going to be beautiful all weekend long here. Blue skies and high temperatures. This song is perfect for car rides, parties by the pool or on the patio or even just making out with someone. It has this high energy about it that makes you want to get up and dance or rock out or something.

To give you a bit of background info on Taking Back Sunday... They have four studio released albums. New Again (2009), Louder Now (2006), Where You Want To Be (2004) and of course my personal favorite Tell All Your Friends (2002). They have a 5 song EP as well but it didn't really get much notice. They're from Long Island, New York and formed the band in 1999. They've had a lot of different members come and go over the years and because of that there a few bands that have ex members in them. Some of these bands that you might want to check out would be The Color Fred, Straylight Run and Brand New. They released their first album in 2002 with Victory record but was later picked up by Warner and released their third album in 2006 with them.

If you'd like to see them play I believe they are touring all summer long. They will be playing at The Kool Haus on June 23rd in Toronto. Tickets are $31.50. They'll be playing with Anberlin and Envy On The Coast. They'll also be joining Weezer and Chester French on the Second half of the blink182 reunion tour which comes to The Molson Amphitheater on August 23rd in Toronto. Tickets are ridiculously expensive for the Canadian stops on this tour. If there are even any left you can try www.ticketmaster.ca for more info.

If you'd like to hear more from Tacking Back Sunday I'd recommend picking up their first cd, Tell All Your Friends, as it will not disappoint. Enjoy your weekend!
http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/405155 (Kool Haus Date)
http://www.livenation.com/edp/eventId/408584/ (Molson Amphitheater Date)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taking_Back_Sunday (Where I got most of my info from)
http://www.takingbacksunday.com
http://www.myspace.com/takingbacksunday




Later Days
Santi

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Let Me Remind You, You Were The Best Part Of My Life



Sometimes I think it's over. That we're fooling eachother by sticking it out. That we're just to scared to admit that it's not working and walk away. Some times I convince my self that no matter what I say or do or how much I offer to change about my self or how much of my self I give to you that you will never honestly love me again.

Then something happens. I spend a few days with you. We forget about the outside world and all of the things that are against us. All I see is you and all you see is me. We are eachothers top priority. I wake up to your soft kisses and your strong arms around me in your bed that's much too small for two grown adults and I feel safe. I feel like nothing could beat this highest of high that I feel. It's like the world doesn't make any sense and my vision is constantly blurred when I'm not with you. You bring the clarity that I crave. Everything is right and nothing is wrong. My world is perfect until I watch your car pull away and reality catches back up to me.

The distance is like a knife slowly cutting me open and letting all that makes me whole spill out onto the floor. The longer we are apart the harder it is to put it all back inside. It makes me realize to keep this new found happiness I need to be closer to you. I need to eliminate the distance. I convince myself to take the nessicary steps to make this happen.

Sometimes I feel you pull away from me. You react to things that don't need to be reacted to. You choose other things over me. You don't see when you hurt me or how your actions could hurt me. It's insane to think that things could be so amazing three days prior and now we're arguing and talking to eachother like we're two seperate beings on two seperate planets with entirely different goals. Sometimes I think you view me as a stranger. It's like when I'm not there with my hand in yours you forget who I am and what I am supose to mean to you and how you feel about me. I don't know whether to put you in your place or pretend nothing was said and all is well.

It's all for nothing though because within a week I will be back in your arms, laughing at our enemey distance and telling him to suck it. We both know he's just sharpening his knife for next time but we don't care. You may be confused but I know that I have enough love for the both of us for the time being. Hopefully you'll remember where you placed yours soon, before mine wears thin. I'd hate to imagine life without you. I'd hate to let distance win.

Later Days
Santi