Certainly nothing has changed about 13 and 14-year olds since I was in Junior High School thirteen years ago. Their obnoxious attitude and their impervious decisionmaking have clearly remained a typical attribute of prepubescent behavior that is a timeless aspect of our culture. Yet in the advent of the information age (which was just beginning when I hit puberty), violence is more accessible and technology has proven to be a tool used by youngsters to broadcast their acts of bullying to gain popularity. While we sit on our armchairs and reflect on how we think this to be morally deficient, we are doing nothing but adding fuel to the fire. Here is another reason why, after several friends constantly goading me to join myspace, I will dig my heels in even further.
Cops: Love dispute led to teen beating
By SAMANTHA GROSS, Associated Press Writer Wed Jan 17, 4:26 PM ET
NEW YORK - A 13-year-old whose videotaped beating was posted widely on the Internet thought she was meeting another teenager at school to resolve a love triangle but instead was attacked, police said.
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Three girls, two 14-year-olds and a 13-year-old, were arrested Tuesday on charges of juvenile delinquency with an underlying charge of attempted assault for the Dec. 18 attack at a school yard, said Suffolk County police Lt. Robert Edwards.
"It was a beef over a mutual interest in a boy," Edwards said. "They agreed to meet, but I don't think the victim realized it was going to be a fight."
Authorities said the girl was dragged by her hair and kicked and punched in the head. In the video, which was posted on Web sites including YouTube and MySpace, screaming can be heard as the victim cowers on the ground. Several others look on without intervening as she attempts to kick back but is overpowered.
The victim was not hospitalized and did not tell her parents, Edwards said. Instead, North Babylon school authorities learned of the video and notified police Jan. 2. The victim's parents were initially hesitant to press charges, but chose to go ahead when the video was broadcast on several news shows, Edwards said.
Police were investigating who recorded the attack, and it was unclear whether the attackers were involved in posting the video online, Edwards said. The accused girls, whose names were not released, are due in court Jan. 30.
Monday, January 22, 2007
Friday, January 5, 2007
Rock and Roll ain't Noise Pollution (unless if you're under 30)
In the 2000's, the inevitability is less importance placed on talent and far more emphasis on what draws crowds, where the downtown club crawl is concerned. However, at one club called Snitch on 21st street between 5th and 6th Avenues in Manhattan, there is a tragic irony in what exactly pulls in the revellers. The club was originally opened by the members of the all-star alternative quartet Velvet Revolver (Scott Weiland, Duff McCagan, and Slash) as a "Rock and Roll Sports Bar". The concept may not be too far-fetched, thanks to some kids that dropped out of schools and dropped into the club on December 26th, the day after Christmas.
David Peel, an underpreciated member of the extended rock and roll family, joined his beloved Lower East Side for a gig that same night. The man has been a long-term associate of some of the most legendary artists in music history (Bach included). The greatest, of course, being John Lennon. However,Peel, like Christ before him, would prefer to associate with the meek and lowly, particularly that of Union Square Park(the only reason I know him in the first place). Earlier in the day I met up with his friend Bobby, who plays with Peel's band and asked me to lend him my guitar for the night. We saw David who was initially complaining that the club was going to take his money and cancel the show on him. At first I wondered why that would even be considered for a man of his means.
When we got to Snitch's, the scene was low-key. Another band was playing a set and as David waited to set up, there were few present. I expected this to be typical of opening acts. Yet at 11:00, David was all set to perform in front of a crowd of 10. Many of the congregants were gathered at the bar. Dave nonetheless played a litany of his favorites, from "Die Yuppie Scum" to a song he recently wrote about the closing of CBGB's. He rocked despite the unfavorable odds. At 11:31, the band took down, and the crowd still didn't live up to its venue. Until around 11:45.
Swarms of fresh-faced youth darted upon the scene, doubtfully over 21, but who cares? The majority were on break for the holidays, and needed to relieve their parents for a while. Judging by the size of the crowd, it had appeared to be the second coming of Nirvana. Hardly. There was a DJ present, and the first song was by 50 cent. Whether or not I remember which song it was is pointless. The fact of the matter is, a legendary performer had just been upstaged by a faceless digital turntable.
I am no doubt aware that Rock and Roll in this day and age is obsolete, and I shouldn't be surprised at the matter. Yet I cannot but reflect on how this is just a prime example of how the Fashion Industrial Complex has seeked to supress good Rock, the Rock that had challenged an entire generation into rethinking the dominant culture, and replace it with garbage that clearly has nothing to stand on but two dancing feet and platform boots. The Rock of 2007 is pure garbage, and anyone who tries to make a difference in the scenery is ignored. Hence, they attract kids to the club scene where they don't even have to think for themselves. This is all for the purpose of dumbing down the youth and distracting them from participating in anything worthwhile. Rockers are clearly the older generation. The youth are rebelling, or rather backlashing against their parents by becoming robots.
David Peel, an underpreciated member of the extended rock and roll family, joined his beloved Lower East Side for a gig that same night. The man has been a long-term associate of some of the most legendary artists in music history (Bach included). The greatest, of course, being John Lennon. However,Peel, like Christ before him, would prefer to associate with the meek and lowly, particularly that of Union Square Park(the only reason I know him in the first place). Earlier in the day I met up with his friend Bobby, who plays with Peel's band and asked me to lend him my guitar for the night. We saw David who was initially complaining that the club was going to take his money and cancel the show on him. At first I wondered why that would even be considered for a man of his means.
When we got to Snitch's, the scene was low-key. Another band was playing a set and as David waited to set up, there were few present. I expected this to be typical of opening acts. Yet at 11:00, David was all set to perform in front of a crowd of 10. Many of the congregants were gathered at the bar. Dave nonetheless played a litany of his favorites, from "Die Yuppie Scum" to a song he recently wrote about the closing of CBGB's. He rocked despite the unfavorable odds. At 11:31, the band took down, and the crowd still didn't live up to its venue. Until around 11:45.
Swarms of fresh-faced youth darted upon the scene, doubtfully over 21, but who cares? The majority were on break for the holidays, and needed to relieve their parents for a while. Judging by the size of the crowd, it had appeared to be the second coming of Nirvana. Hardly. There was a DJ present, and the first song was by 50 cent. Whether or not I remember which song it was is pointless. The fact of the matter is, a legendary performer had just been upstaged by a faceless digital turntable.
I am no doubt aware that Rock and Roll in this day and age is obsolete, and I shouldn't be surprised at the matter. Yet I cannot but reflect on how this is just a prime example of how the Fashion Industrial Complex has seeked to supress good Rock, the Rock that had challenged an entire generation into rethinking the dominant culture, and replace it with garbage that clearly has nothing to stand on but two dancing feet and platform boots. The Rock of 2007 is pure garbage, and anyone who tries to make a difference in the scenery is ignored. Hence, they attract kids to the club scene where they don't even have to think for themselves. This is all for the purpose of dumbing down the youth and distracting them from participating in anything worthwhile. Rockers are clearly the older generation. The youth are rebelling, or rather backlashing against their parents by becoming robots.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Announcing the 2007 annual Fashion Industrial Complex awards
Here is a list of what I believe to be the most captivating items the FIC has unleashed on the genital public in 2006. E-mail me and vote for what you think should receive "The Paris".
And the nominees are...
Cafe Metro
Even the name says it all. A haven for metrosexuals to "do lunch". This cafe has been popping up in many areas over Manhattan, catching the eyes of trendy foodies. Hey, guess what, EATING has become a fad now!
Blackberries
Paris Hilton was shocked last week when her bimb brigade pal Lindsay Lohan told her that you could actually put the all-purpose technogadget in cereal. Wow, and to think I was out of touch!
Hilly Kristal
This award should have been given to Hilly back in 1991, when the owner of the late birthplace of Punk CBGB's had the chance to purchase the entire building at cheaper market prices. He forfeited, unfortunately, to a scam masquerading as a homeless charity organization. And once the legendary club finally closed its doors in late 2006, Hilly took the likenesses with him and opened up a CBGB's retail outlet on St. Mark's Place. By doing so, he has officially cemented the tombstone of Punk Rock. So much for children outliving their parents.
myspace.com
It is the fad to end all fads. In 2006, it has reached to the height of stupidity. The very fact that it is owned by Rupert MURDERdoch ought to suggest something. And yet that fact is eschewed by the millions of zombies who continue to use it as a way to share files, music, movies, make dates, and look up old high school friends who smile and rehash old memories yet in reality want to fuck you over. My best friend's ex-girl has a myspace page which she has devoted to lamenting not only the breakup, but our old friend Ana whom she has been holding a grudge against for over SEVEN YEARS. The reason? Ana allegedly tried to "steal" him, who she's not even with anymore. Yet another signpost in the downward trajectory of American life.
And the nominees are...
Cafe Metro
Even the name says it all. A haven for metrosexuals to "do lunch". This cafe has been popping up in many areas over Manhattan, catching the eyes of trendy foodies. Hey, guess what, EATING has become a fad now!
Blackberries
Paris Hilton was shocked last week when her bimb brigade pal Lindsay Lohan told her that you could actually put the all-purpose technogadget in cereal. Wow, and to think I was out of touch!
Hilly Kristal
This award should have been given to Hilly back in 1991, when the owner of the late birthplace of Punk CBGB's had the chance to purchase the entire building at cheaper market prices. He forfeited, unfortunately, to a scam masquerading as a homeless charity organization. And once the legendary club finally closed its doors in late 2006, Hilly took the likenesses with him and opened up a CBGB's retail outlet on St. Mark's Place. By doing so, he has officially cemented the tombstone of Punk Rock. So much for children outliving their parents.
myspace.com
It is the fad to end all fads. In 2006, it has reached to the height of stupidity. The very fact that it is owned by Rupert MURDERdoch ought to suggest something. And yet that fact is eschewed by the millions of zombies who continue to use it as a way to share files, music, movies, make dates, and look up old high school friends who smile and rehash old memories yet in reality want to fuck you over. My best friend's ex-girl has a myspace page which she has devoted to lamenting not only the breakup, but our old friend Ana whom she has been holding a grudge against for over SEVEN YEARS. The reason? Ana allegedly tried to "steal" him, who she's not even with anymore. Yet another signpost in the downward trajectory of American life.
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