Hey dOOd, one plus one equals two!

I am all for the democratic right to voice one’s opinion. It should be enforced and protected at all costs.

However,  probably the most disturbing thing about the current G20 footage – aside from reckless and ineffective vandalism  with no political point – I’ve seen more cameras and cellphones in the air than picket signs. 

Funny thing is that the footage being captured are not telling the true stories that should be told – the messages that the world leaders need to hear. The media has fixated on flaming police cars (which are coming out the common person’s taxes by the way) and marching batons…but so many regular people are capping the same useless shock footage that will end up tracking hits on Youtube.

We are so cyclical – we see these images on the news and can’t grow beyond them, in fact, we perpetuate them all for 15 seconds of clipped and repeated frame that will be dropped for the next day “News.”

I imagine the greatest protest to Harper’s 1.1 billion dollars spent would have been a political gathering that did not require an ounce of police effort. It started off that way and somehow disintegrated.

A few bad apples have taken the moment to release pent-up and misguided aggression on authority…which honestly seems like an attempt to recreate lyrics from music made to be sold to angst riddled teens. Not that I would ever give the police a gold star for merit with so many the bad apples on the force.  But it is all so disappointing – especially the hooligans.

Anyway, not that I imagine that many people are reading here, but if you have a political message that you wish was heard…the kind overshadowed by people and media who decided that antics were important than message – drop me a line and I’ll post your message.

]]> http://rakisingh.com/2010/06/thoughts-on-the-toronto-g20-riots/feed/ 2 http://rakisingh.com/2010/06/just-a-waste/ http://rakisingh.com/2010/06/just-a-waste/#comments Sun, 13 Jun 2010 13:48:18 +0000 admin http://rakisingh.com/?p=1364

This is a punk anthem that perfectly captures the questions and feelings I have for those I care for…from start to end every one of the thoughts in the song I’ve had and I still ask from time to time.

I always have this crazy feeling that I need to grasp life and this song knows that nothing is a waste…

Funny thing is…this band, her voice, and the music always make me think of the wonderful lady that introduced me to the band (one of the most amazing people I have ever met…and the longer I know her, the more I want too – a feeling I doubt is shared).

Does that happen to anyone else? It’s funny how a person can reside in your mind and pop up into your thoughts at the most strange, almost seemingly inconsequential times. This happens to me often especially when I listen to music.

I can’t figure out what it means. I almost wonder if I am buying the album not so much to listen to the music but to just think of her…very strange. Such is life, no? Help, I’n Alive…is exactly how am I feeling…it is so hard to be soft and tender:

Back in University, I went to a Weakerthans Concert…it was probably the best and most meaningful concert I have ever been to in my life (and I’ve puked in the pit at an Anti-Flag show). It was one of those moments where I was acutely aware that I was happy and it was a moment that I thankfully shared.

If you were at the concert I hope that one was special to you, too.

It makes it even better that they are a Canadian Punk Band. Not just a punk band but a literary punk band. If that doesn’t make sense read the lyrics (after the jump).

The Reason is a great, pretty song that is pretty meaningful to me. The older I get, the more the line(s): “How the time is never now, and we know who we should love, but we’re never certain how” makes sense to me.

Enjoy.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9-eKhCukW8

This is my favorite RAP/Hip Hop set by far…their lyrics actually mean something and their DJ is incredible. I own their first two records and their latest album is on the way road to my CD player. Enjoy!

While running around doing job interviews – I saw two “punk” teens were sitting cross-legged outside of a McDonalds begging for food (one girl and  sleepy looking guy – no more than 16).

I always hear that people would be willing to help the homeless if they wanted food instead of money.

Except no one was willing to help them…well, not no one, just not anyone who wasn’t me. Maybe it takes knowing what it is to be hungry to reach out.

It was funny how nice they were when I clarified their intent; even if they weren’t homeless (they were) how can I deny food from kids?

“You guys want food, right?”

“Yes.”

“Well, I need some lunch – I don’t have a lot of money but I can get you guys a couple of burgers.”

“Sweet, can you get us cheeseburgers?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

“Thanks a lot man, really.”

It might not have been a healthy snack but sometime food is food. The whole thing reminded of a part of the novel.

Anyway, no punk diatribe about food is complete without the Descendants:

Representational Voting

Ever since hearing “Bedroom Windows” on Short Music for Short People, I have nothing but admiration and adoration for the artists that made up Enemy You.

It is the purest sampling of punk rock you can get. It is all harmony, melody, heart and speed. The band is one of my all-time favorites and it often gives me the inspiration to write.

Furthermore, they write songs about things that matter. Songs about: life, poverty, politics, hope, individuality and love. They only released 2 albums and one E.P. before splitting up and working with other bands. Definitely worth checking out.