WED

WED is world Evanescence day *obsessed fan*. It’s going to be “held” on March 4th, the day Fallen, Evanescence’s major-label debut was released. Fallen helped the band gain 2 Grammy Awards and somewhere around 5 nominations.

MCR News

A couple things to say about the dearly beloved My Chemical Romance:

1. The Mama single and video was a rumor. Frank Iero stated that it would be fun to do something for Mama, and he would love to, but between The Black Parade is Dead! and the touring and recording, MCR just doesn’t have enough time.
2. There are 2 new songs that are easily the main topic of every MCR rumors thread. One doesn’t have a known name, and the other is called “Stay” at the moment. You can find download links for LIVE VERSIONS (that’s the only time they’ve been played) somewhere, I’d say.
3. The Black Parade is Dead! is the 3 Disc CD/DVD compilation from MCR. It includes a live performance DVD of songs from the 3 albums, a live CD, and we’re not sure what the other DVD is for xD. Depending on who you ask the release date ranges from April 22nd to March 18th to May 5th. A lot of websites have it available for pre order, though.

All right, that’s my ranting

violence in music=crime?

This is not an old topic. Actually, I think it’s a very controversial debate topic right now. Basically, some people believe that if children, and sometimes older people, see violence in things like movies, TV (which includes the news), and video games, hear it in music, or read it in the newspaper, and any other things that fit the media, then they will have a higher likelihood to commit a crime, or just be violent kids.

Okay. I see where these people are coming from. Gangs commit all sorts of felonies and look at what rappers condone: Nothing left to do but buy some shells for my glock/ Why? so I can rob every known dope spot/I got 19 dollars and 50 cents up in my pocket with what?/ With this automatic rocket/ Gotta have it to pop it, unlock it, and take me up a hostage
(from Da Game Is To Be Sold, Not To Be Told, Priority Records 1998), a little piece from our friend Snoop Dogg – 20 Dollars To My Name (I wonder why??).

The people who self harm are probably more on the gothic/emo side, listening to stuff like this: I don’t know what set me off first/But I know what I can’t stand/Everybody acts like the fact of the matter is I can’t add up to what you can (From Linkin Park’s song “Papercut”).

Surely music is an influence in people’s behavior. I mean, go to any MCR message board and you’re bound to find out that nearly half of the people there will proudly say “MCR saved my life.” That is an influence.

If the media can save people, the media can hurt people. Like that boy, Charles “Andy” Williams. He shot 2 of his classmates and wounded 13 in his San Diego high school. He was a fan of Linkin Park, particularly the songs “One Step Closer”, “Papercut”, and “In The End”.

Of course, sometimes it is easier to ignore the neglegant parents, the school system that was aware of a problem, and the peers who watched it all go down and blame it on the music. Because come on, no one in their right mind dare listen to Linkin friggin Park and then expect something else to be blamed when they go ballistic.

My opinion? No one hears someone say “singing songs that make you slit your wrists/ it isn’t that much fun/staring down a loaded gun” and says to themselves, “Hmm..if Gerard Way wrote it he must think it’s cool. I think I’m gonna cut myself tonight.” If someone does do that, then I have a hard time believing that they were properly taken care of and were sane enough to listen to something like that. Someone should notice if a person, especially a child, meant to be under someone else’s care, only needs to hear My Chemical Romance sing it to do it. If someone does something just because the media flaunts it in their face, they were well on their way to doing it anyway.

Leave the music be. It’s done more good, by letting kids know that there’s someone they can relate to, than seeing “normal” looking people living “normal” lives on MTV every day.

panic at the disco is back…

…with a poor skill of differentiating morning and noon. Nine in the Morning exists, as does Nine at night.

But Nine In The Afternoon? My apologies to Ryan Ross, Brendon Urie, Jon Walker, and Spencer Smith- but the last time I checked there was no such time.

There is, however, a new Panic At The Disco song of that name. Right now it’s somwhere around number….7, I think, in Fuse’s Rock countdown (though while a band with a unique Vaudevillian meets pop meets electronic is suddenly rock, I do not know).

The album is called Pretty. Odd. (yes, Panic At The Disco got rid of the ! from their old name, as it used to be Panic! At The Disco and traded it in for its cousin the period) and comes out March 25th, 2008.  As of today.

republicans on gay rights

Oh dear. Stereotypically, Conservatives are against gay rights. That is understandable. The grand majority of them have a god telling them it is wrong (actually, the Bible says “Do not lie with a man as one lies with a women; that is detestable. –Leviticus 18:22. It goes on to say, “Everyone who does any of these detestable things- such persons must be cut off from their people.” –Leviticus 18:29). Although, honestly, I would think that grown adults would have a little more tolerance and respect for people than that.

But anyway.

The main Republican candidates this time around are Mitt Romney, John McCain, Mike Huckabee (Mr. Let’s-Change-the-Constitution ;]), and Rudy Giuliani.

Let’s get this straightened up- I am a Democrat. The majority of the stuff these guys say I will not agree with, most likely have a STRONG disagreement. That doesn’t mean I don’t respect them .

The Fabulous *cough* Mitt Romney

” The status of marriage, if it’s allowed among the same sex individuals in one state is going to spread to the entire nation. And that’s why it’s important to have a national standard for marriage. And I’m committed to making sure that we reinforce the institution of marriage in this country by insisting that all states have a right to have marriage as defined as between a man and a woman; and we don’t have unelected judges saying we’re going to impose same-sex marriage where it was clearly not in their state constitution.My state’s constitution was written by John Adams. It isn’t there. I’ve looked. The people need to speak on this issue and make sure that marriage is preserved as between a man and a woman.” (from OnTheIssues, my new favorite website =D.)

Okay. Let’s see…last time I checked the Constitution didn’t ban slavery, give women practically any rights, and most likely a whole lot of other stuff before that was added and changed and toyed around with. Why should marriage be treated any differently?

Moving right along to…John McCain

hmm..this makes me sad, the website had no quote for him. It did, however, say this:

Gay Marriage – Believes it’s an issue best left up to the states. While in the Senate McCain voted “No” on a constitutional ban of same-sex marriage.

Cool. I also agree that it should be up to the states. However…I think all of the states should say yes .

Next up….Mr. Let’s-Change-The-Constitution..er, I mean Mike Huckabee!

(this is kind of old, 2002)

Q: Should Arkansas recognize civil unions between same-sex couples?

A: No.

Q: Should Arkansas restrict marriage to a union only between a man and a woman?

A: Yes.

Ick(y Thump). I understand opinions and all, and I agree that the decision should be left to the states. At the same time, I just don’t agree. Someone with no tolerance for everyone in the country shouldn’t be running it.

Rudy Giuliani (sorry, couldn’t think of anything to say xD)

Q: You said that if DOMA were to fail, or states began to legalize gay marriage, you would [withdraw your opposition to] a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage.A: I do not believe under the state that presently exists, with the Defense of Marriage Act and basically one state that has by judicial fiat created same-sex marriage–I don’t think we need a constitutional amendment at this point. If a lot of states start to do that–5 or 6 states–then we should have a constitutional amendment.

Agreed- sort of. Technically he supports “domestic partnerships”, not gay marriage. I’ve been wondering why – when so far only one state allows it – everyone is talking about a constitutional amendment.

presidential race 2008- democrats on gay/lesbian/bi rights

Okay, I know that most of you already have a good idea of the candidates, the issues, and who you’re voting for. Even though I know I can’t vote, I still think it’s a good idea for everyone who can to be aware of the candidates and such. This is just my opinion on everyone, both Democrats and Republicans. I’m pretty sure most everyone I know is respectful enough not to go around bashing me because I have an opinion. I don’t do that to anyone, and I would like the same kindness in return =]. Since it’s so long, I’ll do the Democrats on gay rights, then the Republicans on gay rights next time, etc. etc. with the other issues of the world.

The main candidates at this point for the Democrats are Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama, John Edwards, and Mike Graval.

When it comes to gay rights….

Hillary Clinton is probably not the person to go to.

When asked what her honest position on gay marriage is, she said “Well, I prefer to think of it as being very positive about civil unions.” As in, civil unions with “full equality of benefits, rights, and privileges.” (from http://www.ontheissues.org/Domestic/Hillary_Clinton_Civil_Rights.htm#Gay_Rights)

Barack Obama could possibly be a better choice. He doesn’t think that being a lesbian or gay is choice (neither do I).

” That’s why I opposed DOMA in 2006 when I ran for the Senate. That’s why I am a strong supporter not of a weak version of civil unions, but of a strong version, in which the rights that are conferred at the federal level to persons who are part of the same sex union are compatible.When it comes to federal rights, the over 1,100 rights that right now are not being given to same sex couples, I think that’s unacceptable, and as president of the United States, I am going to fight hard to make sure that those rights are available.“

Pretty awesome. There is no reason for anyone to be denied marriage. It’s not like you can up and say that “you’re different. I’m better than you.” The world doesn’t work that way; sorry.

Moving on to John Edwards:

He does not support gay marriage. Keep that in mind while you read.

” We both [Edwards and John Kerry] believe that marriage is between a man and a woman. But we also believe that gay and lesbians and gay and lesbian couples, those who have been in long-term relationships, deserve to be treated respectfully, they deserve to have benefits.“

That actually seems more realistic as to what’s going to be occurring in the United States at this point. As much as I would love to, I can’t see gay marriage becoming legal everywhere yet. I guess for now everyone will have to settle for gay RIGHTS. Sure, marriage is a right, and one everybody deserves regardless of orientation…but that’s a big leap.

And now for Mike Gravel, the last one for today (xD). But not the least. I guess.

(This is taken from wikipedia. The source I used for the other candidates was www.ontheissues.com. I couldn’t find an On The Issues page about Mike Gravel for gay rights. Just remember that.)

“Since the Second World War, various political leaders have fostered fear in the American people – fear of communism, fear of terrorism, fear of immigrants, fear of people based on race and religion, fears of gays and lesbians in love who just want to get married. Fear of people who are just different. It is fear that allows our political leaders to manipulate us all and to distort our national priorities.“

 

crisis in kenya

Okay, I’m sure a lot of you expected something about the presidential primaries, but since you can hear about that anywhere and so few people know about what’s going on in Kenya, that’s what you’re getting.

Kenya is a country in Africa, and borders Ethiopia, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Indian Ocean. The country is split into its two major ethnic groups (sort of like Kenya’s version of Democrats and Republicans) which are the Luo and the Kikuyu.

So what happened is when Mwai Kibaki, supported by the Kikuyu, won the December 27th election, he was accused of rigging the polls.

The Luo support a man named Ralia Odinga and when they found out he didn’t win, they got mad. Since then there has been a lot of violence from the Luo directed towards the Kikuyu.

So far, 486 people have died, and 250,000 have fled (where to but Uganda?). It has also been alleged that Kenyan police fired fatally at demonstraters.

It really is a shame when all NBC can talk about is Hillary Clinton getting emotional when 486 people are dead thousands more have been forced to flee or be killed.

Mama

I posted about this a couple months ago, but (according to the wikipedi page) My Chemical Romance’s new single Mama is supposed to be released January 11th. The video is set to be directed by Gee (scuse me, I meant Gerard Way), the lead singer.

Happy Birthday!!!!

Okay, I’m sorry, you guys probably think this is really lame…but today, December 31st, is Bob Bryar’s birthday, so I thought I would do a little mini-biography on him .

Bob Bryar, born on December 31st, 1979, is from Chicago, Illinois. He met up with the res of My Chemical Romance (he’s the drummer) while they were on tour. Previously he was sound mixer for The Used and was making a lot of money, so band members often point out that he took a big risk in joining the band.

The former drummer, Matt Pelissier, left the band abruptly while on tour in Japan in 2004 for unknown reasons, and despite popular belief, he is indeed the drummer you hear on Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge, as well as I Brought You My Bullets, You Brought Me Your Love (as well as every other MCR album ‘cept The Black Parade). Bob makes his first appearance in the music video for wildly popular “I’m Not Okay”, which was filmed the day after Bob joined the band. He hadn’t even performed the songs yet, with the exception of practices.

Bob Bryar is the only member in My Chemical Romance who is not an original member, and also the only one who isn’t from New Jersey.

Mr. Bryar cites his two main influences as Dave Weckl and Neil Peart, and has greatly affected the rhythymic stlye of My Chem since he joined.

Frank Iero (MCR guitarist) has said about him “Bob and [Ray] Toro are the two hardest working people I’ve ever met, and if there is a God, I thank him everyday for bringing us Bob”.

Bob has suffered several injuries, namely a bad burn from the “Famous Last Words” video, and food poisoning, as well as several other band members. (Of which Gerard, the lead singer, has said he would rather fans blame them for eating there and not the restaurant for serving it.)

So HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB!!!! WE (well, I, anyway) LOVE YOU!!

Death Penalty

I while ago, I wrote about the death penalty, but I hadn’t yet developed an opinion on it. My feelings are still mixed, but I’m going to give it my best shot:

The death penalty isn’t given to just anyone; you rob a bank, they’re not going to kill you. But if you kill someone, or rape someone, they just might.

Last I checked, and please correct me if I’m wrong, they inject you with some deadly substance. Currently, somewhere around 37 states allow the death penalty, more fancily refferred to as “capital punishment”. I think I remember seeing a Channel One news report about New Jersey (home of Bon Jovi and My Chemical Romance, for the win!!) debating over whether or not they will revoke it or allow it (whichever one they don’t have, someone wants to do. I think.)

So….

While it is reasonable that there is a belief that the people who commit heinous crimes such as rape, murder, kidnapping, etc., should be put to death, there are some pretty big holes in it. A) Uh, hello? New invention, just got it in last month- PRISON. They’re not going to hurt you there, now are they?

B) Killing someone, as in, MURDER, is most likely why you are considering to put this person to death. So, technically, you are just as black-hearted and murderous as those people, right (no offense to anyone)?  In my humble opinion, executing people, regardless of why it is done, puts our – ahem- honest, trustworthy, moral-conscious government on the same level as those people. Doesn’t it?

C) The rare possibility that the criminal is actually – GASP – innocent. Juries have wrongfully convicted people before. I’m very sure that they have condemned people to death wrongfully, too. The odds are against it, but there is a chance that they don’t deserve to die.

So until someone can explain to me that the death penalty is morally right, I’m against it.