Where Did the Posi Go?

After the happenings at this weekend's favored West Cost fest, it's forcing me to question why we are supporting/ allowing things like this to happen? When was it that our punk family tree was infected with testosterone fueled violence?

For those who don't know, this past weekend in Santa Barbera, CA, the Sound and Fury hardcore festival played out. The line up included bands such as Sick of it All, Cold World, The Rival Mob, Bane, as well as many other Richmond natives (congrats BTW, boys). On Sunday night, in the middle of a set, someone rolled in through the crowd on a motorcycle putting many in harms way and wrecking tables of the touring bands' merch (aka band's meal tickets). This situation escalated quickly as multiple brawls broke out simultaneously in response. As VCStar.com reported, many of the patrons found the disturbance thrilling and thought it a triumphant end to the fun packed weekend.

Are you kidding me? When did riots become cool? What has created such a violent scene? Is it the context of the songs? Is it a tough-guy complex? Is there something to prove? And if so, who are you trying to prove it to?

I doubt it.

With popular hardcore bands out there like Pulling Teeth who sing about social change, such as combating homophobia, or other bands like Earth Crisis, promoting veganism and making others aware of animal cruelty, why is the scene still so ignorant in common sense? It makes me mad to no end that I know that when I return home from a hardcore show I will be a few bruises richer. That being said, I'm not a stage diver, not a dancer, in fact, no where near the pit; i'm just a 5'2" blond girl who happens to get a thrill from heavy bass riffs, fast, throaty vocals, and have been known to silently head bang to a breakdown or two. For others, broken noses fingers, and black eyes? - Just another day at the office.

Having friends in touring bands, they are always shocked to report that other scenes ( whether it be in a different state or attendance at a more mixed genera show) are so much more respectful, supportive and not nearly as coldly aggressive.

During the height of their hardcore/punk scene in the 1980s, DC was churning out bands such as Bad Brains, Fugazi, Dag Nasty, and Minor Threat. The enthusiasm that this scene exuded to the rest of the country was astounding. One of the first, and most influential punk movements of the century, and these bands are still holding strong and staying current. The scene then was far more peaceful then the imagines we picture when someone says 'hardcore show' now. So much respect.

It's frustrating because the impression modern punk and hardcore gives people turns even some of the most faithful DIYers and punk enthusiasts off. Many old school patrons have stopped going to shows because they don't want to deal with the abuse and find militant crews unnecessarily proud, and rather annoying.

Call me a hippie, I don't care, but having come from the DC area to a more macho scene the difference is disappointing. It's safe to say that I would be much more apart of the music scene if things were different. The mentality of the scene isn't enough to turn me off though, and I will not stop showing my support for many of the talented bands out nowadays, I just want to understand so I can do what I can. There is no reason that we can't spur a social change within our scene. PMA and posi are all apart of my life, and it's a shame that our scene is losing integrity because of a few bad seeds.

Sound and Fury Articles can be found here:
http://www.punknews.org/article/39199

And here:
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/jul/26/no-headline---nxxsoundfury26/?partner=RSS

Summer

There is no doubt that it is officially Summer time. Richmond's infamous heat and humidity have struck us with record-breaking highs, making the mean temperature in my house 88+ degrees.

I don't do heat.

Hearing my somewhat defeated tone, my Dad texted me one morning, "I'll be in Richmond at 2pm with 2 new a/c units, where will you be?" Amazing. If there was a father of the year award, he would win it, hands down. By the time I got home, the house was cool and he had cleaned my apartment. With all that is going on, it was so nice to be taken care of for a change.

So now, my outlook on the rest of Summer is much more positive.

I have the best family ever.

P.S. I am going to have to change my motto, no longer a Successful, *Single*, Sober girl. Just Successful and Sober ;)

How can you tell if your car is dying?

Does it develop a nasty cough? Does it become lethargic and tend to sleep a lot? Or does it come in the form of omens when 3 people in 4 days speak randomly about how your car is on borrowed time?

With all my misguided quirks, i'm assuming the latter- thus, being thrown into Super-Thrifty Catie mode. The majority of my expendable income will soon be making it's way into my savings account/ emergency I-need-a-new-car fund. Which, will be hard considering I have just accepted the fact I MAY have shop-a-holic tendencies. Luckily, the car that I'm intending on purchasing after my beloved Volvo's demise is typically under $9000 used for a decent year's model.

Kind of funny how in the last 6 months i've moved to a salaried position, starting paying for my own health insurance, and started talking about buying my own car (again). When did this surge into adulthood take place? I sure don't feel like an adult.

Truths XXIX

Missing someone is a really good feeling.

Moving Along

Needless to say, i've been running at full speed for the past couple weeks, and it has started to catch up with me. I believe the proper term would be 'burnt out.' Feeling a little down and homesick, my Dad came to visit me yesterday before he embarks on a week long trip to visit his brother. Even though at some points throughout the day I was having a hard time keeping my eyes open, he told me that he hasn't seen me this happy in a long time, and I would have to agree with him. Making progress at work, sunshine and some special people in my life are making all the stress accompanied by rebuilding a store just something in the background.

I am so looking forward to this summer.

Vitamin D

What a great weekend!

Friday night I went out to First Friday's for the first time with Carley, Travis, and Dashley. It definitely comforted me to find that Richmond still has a very vibrant art scene. My everyday life is lacking in the arts (other than music), so being reminded about what Richmond is all about made me a little more proud of our city. We went to the senior photography art show, which was very impressive! One of the seniors had done a series on ordinary objects that she held on to after her father passed away, and how much more they meant after they are gone. Let's just say I related a little too closely; art has never hit me so hard.

Work on Saturday was slow moving, but it was worth it, because the store ended 112% to budget and complete! Which means we may have won a district wide competition= we get cupcakes! Woohoo! I got to train and push some of my newbies and they ended up showing me what they were made of, proud boss lady moment.

Sunday was my day off, and it was one of the best i've had in a while! Woke up early, went and ran some errands, then went out for tea, which lead to adventures to the river, soaking up some vitamin D, listening to music, and hang outs. My cheeks still ache this morning, not because of the sun either.

This week has gotten off to a great start, and I have much to look forward to, starting with my tattoo on Wednesday!

Oh My Robots!

Will be buying on yayday.