Remember those times I would start a thread, titled something like "TFF Confessions," or "TFF Regrets," or something along those lines? Like, I would decide I wanted to come clean about something, and then, for whatever reason, I thought that other people on the forums would also want to do this. Except usually, people would just respond with nonsense, making fun of the concept, because y'all are trolls, lol :P Was reminded of those earlier, for some reason. I guess because a guest was viewing a thread called "TFFers you hate" or "don't like," or something like that.

I guess this is a blog instead of a thread because I know better than to make a thread like this, now :P You can still respond to this if you want, I guess. Obviously. I don't really have the power to stop you...

But yeah, my thought when I saw the title of the thread that the guest was looking at, I thought, "...did someone say something about me?" And so I looked, lol. So insecure. Not as insecure as I used to be, by a lot (I hope), but there was still something inside me that was like, "I would like to be angry about something that I can't respond to, at this point." Because reasons.

I recently told an old user to "eat shit, fuckface," if he ever saw that thread. I could start going off on that person here, but I don't feel like that would be productive. Suffice to say I never really liked that person, and always found him to be full of himself and an overtly opinionated asshole. At certain points, I think I tried to get along with him, but those times didn't last very long, and I decided pretty much to just avoid talking to him. By the time I had seen what he said about me, it was years after he said it (posts on the internet are forever, unless they're not). I shouldn't have cared, but I felt this burning sensation rising up my spine to my head. I was talking to Dodie at the time, and she told me, "don't worry about what he thinks. He doesn't know you." She was right. But here I am, recalling it. Again.

I have all these memories of various exchanges I've had on this website, that pissed me off at the time. When I remember them, I get all pissed off, again. Part of the problem was that I never fully leveled my opinions at those people. I kept them to myself, because I was worried about warnings, or what other people would think, or--dumbest of all--the other person getting upset with me. I didn't want people to be mad at me. And I wanted everyone to play nice. For fuck sake, that was a fucking pointless, stupid, wasted effort on my part. People still didn't like me, I still didn't like people, and no one was going to play nice, regardless. All it probably did was make me look worse, because essentially, I was two-faced, that way. I should've just told people what I thought of them, there in that moment. It's usually what I do on Twitter now, if I engage. Most of the time, afterward, I don't think about it anymore, and if I do, I'm like, "YEAH. I'm GLAD I let them know how it is!"

Of course, there's the opposite problem of letting your emotions run away with you, and telling someone off when they don't deserve it, because it's actually YOU who is in the wrong...

When I was in the Air Force, I tried really hard, like on here, to make sure no one got mad at me. I tried not to get in trouble. Guess how well that worked in Basic? lol... I was one of the people singled out in my flight, because I was always so anxious about getting shit right, that not only would I fuck it up anyway, I would fuck it up at the slowest pace of the entire flight (I also had an as-of-yet untreated anxiety disorder, but yeah). So I thought I was trash. Then I got to Tech School, and I barely moved or talked when I was around other people there, because I was still super scared of getting into trouble. The School House Instructors went over my whole class, describing our personalities. When they got to me, they were like, "...and [Taco] just stands there..." and that was it, lol. The one time I DID talk in the hallway, I immediately got caught... and everyone, including the instructor, just laughed at it being the ONE TIME that I talked in the hallway.

When I first got to my Active Duty base, in Arkansas, I was so well-behaved, lol. The NCOs would point me out to the other newcomers, and be like, "see [Taco]? Notice how he's only been called out TWICE since he got here, and both times were for GOOD reasons?" See, the thing about my office was, not only were there a few newcomers who were always getting in to trouble, there were also at least three NCOs (two or two and a half, depending upon how you count it) who got demoted back to airmen while I was there. My first supervisor got demoted back to Senior Airman, and then kicked out. The other NCOs that didn't get demoted... weren't exactly model citizens, either. I'd sit at my desk right next to theirs, as they bitched for hours about their superiors--which led me to believe that that was an okay thing to do, heh... Regardless, after the first few months, I started to think my shit didn't stink, in that office. I was even put up for Airman Below the Zone, a program for early promotion to Senior Airman.

The reality was, however, that, due to my anxiety disorder, as well as being thousands of miles from home, and relying way too much on Dodie for my happiness, that I was having a kind of nervous breakdown. When Dodie broke up with me that November, that was the worst month of my life (at least up until that point). I had put forth quite a bit of effort to make things work with her parents, to try to not offend them, and to make sure they liked me. If I had frustrations with them, I didn't voice them. Well, there were things about me that they just weren't going to like, such as drinking. There were also expectations they had of me that I had no idea of, until I didn't meet them, like going on family outings I was invited to that weekend, as opposed to what I wanted to do, which was just relax with Dodie at their house, until I had to go back. Eventually, they totally flipped out at me, and said I was unwelcome to stay at their house. One of the principle reasons was that, instead of talking to them about something, I called my mom first, and one of their daughters overheard my conversations with my mom. Dodie sided with them (also because I was pressuring her too much to get married too soon, because I was super lonely and had terrible separation anxiety whenever I had to leave), and broke up with me shortly thereafter. That was my first instance of learning that, try as hard as I might, some people are just going to hate me. So I was broken for a while.

At some point in the following months, I was noticing one of my coworkers wasn't doing his job as fast or correct as my other coworker and I. As a result, we would all get in trouble, because we were a "team." I had actually told off the other coworker at one point, and he took what I said to heart, so I figured I could do the same with this coworker. He did not take well to it, however, and we started bickering a lot. This attracted the attention of the NCOs, who sided with this other coworker. At one point, our supervisor, the section chief, my two coworkers and I were all in a room together, and the two NCOs were lecturing us about working together or some nonsense. It was then that I just let the NCOs have it. I told both of them off for putting us in this situation, for giving what I considered preferential treatment to the one coworker, and also for putting unwarranted abuse on the other coworker (which was also going on). To my surprise, I did not immediately burst into flames. So I decided, "it's okay to just tell people off!" (spoiler: it wasn't). Over the following months, there was trend of the abuse formerly dropped on the one coworker, switching over to me. Every disagreement I had with anyone, the NCOs and other upper leadership would immediately side with the other party, and I would get a lecture about my behavior. Eventually it was so bad that I decided I would just stop interacting with anyone unless I had to. That didn't work, either, and (due to my own attempts to make it happen), I am now in my second year of not being in the Air Force.

The biggest thing that experience taught me was that, regardless of what I do, some people are not going to like me, and some people are just going to be assholes. Which brings me back around to my earlier thought that I wish I had just let people know what I thought, here on TFF, back in the day.

Except that I've also learned that you have to pick and choose your battles. There are times when it's worth it, and there are times when it's not. I chose to battle nearly EVERY time, that one year in the Air Force. That didn't go well for me. Things went a bit better when I interacted as little as possible, but at that point, I think the stage was already set for what was to happen.

There are people who are in control, and there are people who are not. In every situation. Even at the lowest levels you can imagine. Being in the Air Force, the only thing I could control was how I reacted to stuff. Really, that's still the case, now that I'm out of the Air Force. That's pretty much the case for everyone: we can only control ourselves. We can't control how the other person is going to act. Trying to do so is pointless.

Blah blah blah, life lessons with Tele, for some reason.

So 2017 was kinda a rough year for most people not named Taylor Swift, eh? (Jeez, Taylor. Way to have a good time. That’s not allowed, or something.) American politics are shit, everyone hates each other, and people seem barely capable of not hitting each other over the heads with bike locks, or ramming their cars into each other.

Personally, I drifted further into burnt out/not-giving-a-fuck territory this year, even though this is arguably the easiest year I’ve lived, this decade. I didn’t work at all (although I wanted to) I got mostly A’s or A-‘s for the classes I took, and one B, because I was too lazy to get an A in that class. I put shit off until the last minute, practically went without reading entire books that were required reading for my classes, and, by the end of the year, have spent many days entirely without getting dressed or taking a shower. It’s been easy, but I feel like shit for being this way, because just last year, I was in the Air Force and actually putting effort into life. It doesn’t help that I’m also now the fattest I’ve ever been. It could be that my medication is too high and making me too lethargic, I dunno, but something needs to change this year.

So what about music? Music was pretty alright. There have been a handful of tracks I’ve really enjoyed, and some albums I’ve thought were rather good. Will I remember them with the same fondness I remember tracks and albums from, say, 2011 or 2013? We’ll see. In any case, the following is a list of the UNDISPUTED, BEST TEN ALBUMS OF 2017… according to me. Right now. Some time, next year? I can’t promise I will feel the same. But RIGHT. NOW…

Number 10. The Menzingers – After the Party

I was aware of the Menzingers for a bit before I paid them any mind. I got their fourth album, “Rented World,” when it came out in 2014, and thought it was pretty solid, a good album for a Summer day. However, for whatever reason, I wasn’t super in to any of the songs, though I distinctly remember “Where Your Heartache Exists.” I really liked that song at first, but then decided I didn’t by the end of the year, and I’m not really sure why. I guess I’m just a fickle piece of shit.

This year’s album, “After the Party,” I decided I was getting when I heard the first single, “Bad Catholics.” I’m a Catholic. I’m often amused when comedians, musicians, or anyone else talks about being Catholic. However, that song kinda wore out on me. The rest of the album had staying power for me, though. I realized that a friend of mine would really like this album, so I played it for him, and he bought it. We’re not always big on the same music—there’s usually just an occasional crossover, and the rest of the time, we’re like, “eh, that’s alright,” about the other’s preferred tracks—so this is kinda a big deal as far as our tastes go.

Standout Track: “Lookers”

Number 9. William Patrick Corgan – Ogilala

A few years ago, Billy Corgan had announced that, from now on, he wanted to be referred to as “William Patrick Corgan.” Shortly after this album was released, however, I read that he’s once again referring to himself as “Billy Corgan.” Perhaps that makes more sense, as it’s the name he became famous with, along side his band “The Smashing Pumpkins.” Not a lot about Corgan always makes sense to me, however. When one reads one of his blogs, one might ask oneself, “…wut?” When one hears about one of his many rantings over the years, one might again ask oneself, “…wut?” Corgan is very much this generation’s exemplar “eccentric artiste,” but not just because of his eccentricities: he is also a brilliant musician. Maybe not the best singer, but a great musician. So pretty much, I had decided, “whatever crazy shit he does, whatever obnoxious, egotistical thing he says, I will always like Corgan.” And then he went on the Joe Rogan show and said that a lot of it was an act.

…I don’t even, any more.

This solo album seems to be a continuation of what he was doing last year, when he was playing stripped down, acoustic versions of his songs, Smashing Pumpkins or otherwise. I got to see his show the last weekend that I was in the Air Force, down in Little Rock, AR, because he gave a special deal to members of the Armed Forces. It was an amazing show, both musically and visually, as he performed in front of these painted backdrops with moving lights and such. That show was the reason I realized that “Soma” is a pretty awesome song, in fact, and I had first heard that song about sixteen years beforehand, when I first got in to the Pumpkins—right before they broke up.

I’m not sure what to say about this album, though. I like it, but not a lot of it stands out to me. There’s an acoustic version of “The Spaniards” on this, which is a pretty awesome song. Really, the album is a bit of a mesmerizing, acoustic soundscape, in which Corgan’s musicianship really shines (if that nonsense I just typed really means anything, and isn’t just cliché). Again, Corgan is the exemplar of our generation’s “eccentric artiste.”

Standout Track: “Aeronaut”

Number 8. Mastodon – Emperor of Sand

I didn’t listen to this one until half a year after it came out. Even then, I haven’t listened to it much at all. That’s somewhat similar, for me, for Mastodon as a whole. When I first saw them perform on some late show or another, I didn’t think I liked them. It didn’t help that one of the biggest douchebags I’ve ever interacted with online also gave them high praises. However, for some reason, I decided to buy “Once More ‘Round the Sun,” their 2014 album. It was pretty awesome, although I’m not sure that I listened to it in its entirety, either; I just really liked their single, “The Motherload.” They tend to have some longish songs, so maybe that rubs me the wrong way.

I might have totally forgotten about this album, but I decided to listen to it again, tonight… and I cannot deny that it’s a well-constructed, great-sounding album. The guys in Mastodon are obviously very talented musicians, and I love that one of their band members got kicked out of the 2014 Grammys, because I cannot stand the Grammys. I feel like the Grammys are not a celebration of the best music of the year, but rather a celebration of the music that most benefited from payola and the “artists’” good looks. So that dude getting himself kicked out forever makes him awesome in my book.

Standout Track: “Precious Stones” (I guess… I’m not really sure)

Number 7. Gwar – The Blood of Gods

Back in the 90s, when I was a little kid, and my brother was going to college and living in the dorms, he borrowed my copy of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. His roommate had a file in which he obliterated the game, and he had named it “Gwar.” I asked my brother, “What is ‘Gwar?’” I don’t exactly recall his answer, but I seem to remember thinking they were some crazy rock band or another. Years later, I saw their video for “Fucking an Animal,” and thought they seemed pretty fun, but for some reason, I never got into them (and given what I was listening to at the time, I probably would’ve really liked the album “Fucking an Animal” came from). In the back of my head, though, I’m pretty sure I always thought “Gwar is probably pretty cool.”

Eventually, I did decide to start listening to them, due to their cover of “Carry On, My Wayward Son,” because obviously, there was a strong sense of humor to them. I got “Scumdogs of the Universe,” and was like, “this alright,” but what really hooked me was the album that came out later that year, “Battle Maximus.” It was far more brutal than anything else I had heard by them up until that point, and it just totally kicked ass. From there, I went back and listened to more of their older stuff, including “We Kill Everything” (the one “Fucking an Animal” was off of, and the one a lot of their fans apparently don’t like). …and then Dave Brockie (aka “Oderus Urungus,” the lead singer and sole remaining founding member, at that point) died of an overdose. Not only had the band just gone through an unexpected, tragic death of Cory Smoot, the final performer of “Flattus Maximus,” but they had lost the central, driving force of the band, up until that point. Most people thought they were done. Even when Michael Bishop (aka “Blowthar,” and the original “Beefcake the Mighty”) filled in for Brockie, I didn’t think they’d do another album, and wasn’t sure how much longer they would last.

However, in October, they came out with “The Blood of Gods.” Is it as good as “Battle Maximus,” or the album before that, “Bloody Pit of Horror?” …eh, I dunno. It’s very different from those two albums, and seems closer to what they were doing around the time of “We Kill Everything.” Also, a few of the songs ended up irritating me, upon repeated listenings. I still like it, however (or else it wouldn’t be on here, I suppose.) It gets bonus points for featuring MC Chris, too. Also bonus points for being a Gwar album, when I wasn’t sure if we’d ever get another Gwar album.

Standout Track: "Viking Death Machine"

Number 6. Flatfoot 56 – Odd Boat

Flatfoot 56 were the opening act for one of my more recent favorite bands, “Larry and His Flask,” in March this year. I had never heard of them, much less heard them, before I saw them at that show, and that show was the first time I ever saw Larry and His Flask live (I had bought tickets for a show in November of last year, but hadn’t been able to go). I’m actually not sure if I even knew that there was going to be an opening act, so I wasn’t exactly excited to see them. Furthermore, their van broke down, so they were like a few hours late, which in turn caused the show to start an hour and a half or so later than expected. So I was a little annoyed, as were the rest of the people waiting.

They made up for it with an awesome show. It turned out they were a folk punk band with bagpipes on several of their songs (and some other folk instrument I forget on their other songs). The dude with the bagpipes fascinated me, with the faces he made and his dancing, or whatever it was. The lead singer also had a unique voice; deep and gravelly, though consistently on key. They impressed me enough that I bought their newest CD, and I don’t normally buy CDs anymore, I just get mp3 albums, or whatever. Very fun album, and I don’t think it has any swearing, even on the opening track, in which they tell about one of the meanest baseball players ever (which was almost my choice for standout track, but…)

Standout Track: “Stutter”

Number 5. Pet Symmetry – Vision

Pet Symmetry started as a collaboration between members of the band “Dowsing” (whom I’ve never heard) and solo act “Into It. Over It.” (which I have one album of, but wasn’t super crazy about). I got their initial single on Asian Man Records (and usually, you won’t go wrong with a band signed by Mike Park) and thought their two songs with obnoxiously long titles were pretty alright. I was excited for their first album, “Pets Hounds,” although upon going back and comparing it with this year’s offering, I feel it’s quite a bit weaker. There were only four tracks that really stand out to me anymore (and even back then, the rest of the album bled together, to me). What’s more, some songs seemed to abruptly end.

“Vision” is their most rockin’ album to date. Furthermore, each track more or less has a distinct sound to it, and none of it blends together at all, really. The first three tracks are very energetic and catchy, the fourth is slow, but still amusing, and the fifth is energetic and catchy again. Really, this could contend for the four albums that follow it for “number 1 album of 2017, according to me,” except that, although it doesn’t bleed together like the last album, not even my pick for “standout track” particularly stands out from the rest of the tracks as being a song I will remember years later. Though it’s still pretty catchy and fun.

Standout Track: “Stare Collection”

Number 4. Dead Cross – (Self-Titled)

Growing up, my eldest brother was always a fan of Faith No More. One of my earliest memories is of the music video for “Epic,” and the goldfish flipping around out of its water bowl. I was highly concerned about that goldfish, so my brother told me it got back in the water after the video was finished filming. Later, my brother had a poster for their album, “King for a Day,” and it was scary to me. I didn’t decide I wanted to listen to them until years later, when my brother made me a mixed CD, with “Surprise! You’re Dead!” on it. By that time, the band had long since broken up, and Mike Patton was doing his numerous projects and/or collaborating with other bands.

I guess Dead Cross is some kind of super band that Patton was gonna release on his label, and then the singer dropped out, so he did the vocals for them, too. The other members are Dave Lombardo—former drummer of Slayer, and also current drummer of Suicidal Tendencies and the Misfits, apparently—and two guys from a band I’ve never heard of before, “Retox.” The album’s songs sound as if they were originally written with Patton on the vocals, but Patton arrived after they were all written. Perhaps it’s because Patton has such a distinct voice. Also, he seems to never age. He looks almost exactly like he did in the 90s. Regardless, yeah, pretty awesome album.

Standout Track: “Divine Filth”

Number 3. Goldfinger – The Knife

Goldfinger were at the Warped Tour this year, and they were fuckin’ awesome. Definitely one of the highlights of the day, along with Gwar and Save Ferris. My bro and I totally did NOT know that MxPx front man Mike Herrera is in the band now, so that was quite a surprise to see him up there with them (actually, it sounded like the only remaining original member was John Feldmann, their front man). In any case, I’m not sure that I’ve ever actually owned one of their albums before this new one, “The Knife.” I have a Best of somewhere, and possibly their first one, the self-titled album. My brother had like their first four albums, so I think I heard all of those, but really, they kinda fell off the map for me after that.

This new album is really good, though. It’s a lot of fun, and a throwback to the Summer of Ska in the late 90’s (which to me was like three years: 96-98). Even though they don’t have a horn section (they borrowed Save Ferris’s for one song on their set at Warped) there’s a lot of horns on this album. It’s just a catchy, poppy, ska-punk album. I’ve read some comments that it was over-produced, but whatevs; I don’t get that at all from it.

Standout Track: “Don’t Let Me Go”

Number 2. The Dreadnoughts – Foreign Skies

The Dreadnoughts have been around for a minute. You may have heard them in some video game. I haven’t, but a coworker claimed they were. I cannot find any evidence of this online. Whatevs!

I first discovered them via their album “Polka’s Not Dead.” The concept of a polka-punk sound intrigued me, so I bought it. They only seem to have a few polka-esque songs, however; they’re mostly a folk-punk band. “Polka Never Dies” is still my favorite songs by them, and one of my favorites of the decade thus far (yeah, yeah, “the decade didn’t actually start until 2011, and the album that song was on came out in 2010.” I hear that, but I offer this argument: shut up.) I’ve never gone back to anything they did before then, but I probably should. Also, they claimed they were breaking up the year I discovered them, apparently, but then they didn’t, and I didn’t know about that until I read it on Wikipedia just now. So yeah.

This new album is quite a departure from “Polka’s Not Dead,” or even the 2011 EP “Uncle Touchy Goes to College” that followed it. It’s a much more seriously-toned album than either of those—especially “Polka’s Not Dead.” It’s a bit slower, a bit more thematic, and a bit more traditional than those were. Because of this, I wasn’t sure how I felt about it at first. The album did grow on me quite a bit, however, after successive listens. My favorite track, “Anna Maria,” stood out to my in particular, as it had such an epic feel. The sentimental part of me also quite liked “Black Letters,” but yeah; “Anna Maria” is where it’s at.

Standout Track: “Anna Maria”

Number 1. Authority Zero – Broadcasting to the Nations

The first album I’d ever heard by Authority Zero was previous album, “The Tipping Point.” I had heard them before, I realized, however. They did that “One More Minute” song, way back in 2005, that got a bit of radio time. Hadn’t caught my attention back then, but sampling “The Tipping Point,” they struck me as the type of 90’s Skate Punk music I wanted to listen to. They also have some ska elements to their sound, as well as some kind of Southwestern Border feel, particularly in the aforementioned “One More Minute.” (they’re from Mesa, Arizona). Not salsa, but somewhat Latin.

“Broadcasting to the Nations” seems a bit more melancholic than “The Tipping Point,” which had a lot of punk tracks that seemed to say “let’s go get ‘em!” I’m particularly thinking of tracks like “Creepers,” “One Way Track Kid,” and “No Guts No Glory,” which are 3 of 4 tracks that end the album. Mind you, these tracks are still a lot of fun, as is the rest of the album. It just seems that in this album, Authority Zero has a bit less faith that “this is our time to take a stand,” or whatever. I do think that I like this album a bit better than the last one, too (although I feel like there was more competition for my attention in 2013).

Standout Track: “No Guts No Glory”


Honorable Mentions:
Chuck Berry – Chuck (also probably the best you will hear a 90-year-old sing/perform);
Municipal Waste – Slime and Punishment (also at Warped Tour, wherein the lead singer requested some drugs, because Oregon);
Jonathan Coulton – Solid State (writer of "Still Alive" and "Want You Gone" does a concept album);
Foo Fighters – Concrete and Gold (not as good as "Wasting Light," but alright. Lotsa Beatles-sounding songs)

Hello, everyone! Guess what? I come here today to present you a list that is indisputably the best albums of 2015, according to me. No one can deny that these are the best ten albums this year, according to myself. If you think that I don't think that these are the top ten best albums this year, I think that you are probably wrong, and should rethink what you are thinking about that. So without further ado...

10. The Bombadils - Grassy Roads, Wandering Feet
So from the Great Wide North comes a folk group that put out a pretty, catchy album this past year. "Grassy Roads, Wandering Feet" is their second album (I've never heard the first) and a rather relaxing listen. Their sound really invokes the album title; You can just see the green surrounding you as you listen to their music.
Standout Track - Portrait

9. Murder by Death - Big Dark Love
With a name like that, you'd expect some kinda death metal act, eh? Well, you'd be wrong; Murder by Death is something like a cross between indie and alt country, and hail from the Midwest. Lead singer guy invokes Johnny Cash with his deep singing voice, and it fits in well with their music. Another fairly relaxing listen.
Standout Track - Natural Pearl

8. Pet Symmetry - Pets Hounds
A couple years ago, these guys put out a single of two songs with really long names. Their music wasn't super exciting, but it was certainly interesting; one of the tracks was about driving around and breaking stuff. Now, they've come out with a fairly short full length album this year-comes in at around 25 minutes. Basically, they're an indie alternative rock band, I think on Asian Man Records (at least that single from two years ago was). I think this is a side project for the lead singer, but I like this better than the other thing I've heard from him.
Standout Track - Give Thanks (Get Lost)

7. Faith No More - Soul Invictus
For the first time in like 18 years, these guys have put out a new album. Pretty much, it sounds like something you would expect them to come out with, as it kinda follows in the same vein as "Album of the Year." When ya look at Mike Patton, you'd think it was still like '99 anyway, given how young he still looks. Him and Johnny Depp seem to have found the fountain of youth; maybe it involves not drinking beer, doing any drugs, and eating healthy. But yeah; Patton still has an amazing voice. My favorite tracks on this album are a couple of the longest ones (unfortunately, most of these songs are longer than I usually like).
Standout Track - Superhero

6. Mutoid Man - Bleeder
Another side project for a singer, I think. Another album that's pretty short. This one is a little more metal, however. I think this is the second album for this project, but don't hold me to that. I just really like the way it flows; there's not a track on this that I would skip. It's fun and exciting all the way through, and I don't think there's a slow track on it.
Standout Track - 1000 Mile Stare

5. Calexico - Edge of the Sun
I've been aware of Calexico for a bit longer than the majority of those other artists, up there (aside from Faith No More, obviously). They got an interesting sound, ranging from folk, to alt country, to like salsa (especially on one track on this album). This is another largely relaxing choice on this list. If you've never listened to them, you oughta. Especially if you just wanna chill.
Standout Track - Tapping on the Line

4. Jeff Rosenstock - We Cool?
If you ever listened to "the Arrogant Sons of Bitches" or "Bomb the Music Industry!," then maybe you know who Jeff Rosenstock is. If you haven't, then maybe you don't know who he is. He's definitely a guy who plays music. I think the Arrogant Sons of Bitches started around the turn of the millenium (they were like a ska band), and when that ended, he started Bomb the Music Industry! on his own (and then it turned into a full band). I listened to a little bit of ASoBs, but I didn't really listen to BtMI! much, unfortunately for me. He seems like a really cool dude, in any case, especially if Mike Park likes him. His mouth can open super wide, for certain. "We Cool?" is essentially some indie rock with keyboards and shouting. It speeds up and slows down, and it's always fun.
Standout Track - Hey Allison!

3. Smokey Bastard - Back to the Drawing Room
I didn't know these guys existed until last month. Apparently they've been putting stuff out since last decade, however, and this is their first release in like 4 years. They're a folk punk band, from a place (I'm not sure where). When I first got "Back to the Drawing Room," I thought, "eh, this is gonna be another Dropkick Murphies/Flogging Molly wannabe, like the Dreadnoughts or something." I underestimated how much I like Dropkick Murphies/Flogging Molly wannabes similar to the Dreadnoughts, however. This album is a lot of fun, has a lot of energy throughout. You will not get bored listening to it, I promise you. Unless you bore easily, in which case, you smell funny.
Standout Track - Rats

2. Four Year Strong - Four Year Strong
Four Year Strong have been around for a little while, I don't know exactly how long. Imagine A New Found Glory, but perhaps 50 to 60 percent more hardcore, and that's kinda what you get from them (on this album, at least. And the EP they put out last year). Are they Pop Punk, circa 2000? Yeah, pretty much. Is that a problem? Maybe for some. However, I still enjoy stuff like that; it's fun, energetic, and would be great to mosh to.
Standout Track - Heres to Swimming With Bow Legged Women

1. toby fox - Undertale OST
toby fox is a guy who did a thing. A thing one might call "Undertale." Like, he did nearly everything involved in it; the writing, the programming, the art design, the characters... the music. Undertale is one of the best games I have played in a very long time. I generally do not play video games anymore, and I played Undertale TWICE. Not even to get a different ending, either; I just wanted to do another pacifist run because I loved the characters so much. Anyway, the music in this game is awesome. It ranges from traditional RPG music to chiptune rock. If you haven't played it yet, you totally should. It will fill you with... DETERMINATION.
Standout Track - Hopes and Dreams

Also, I have crappy music that you can listen to here and here. Shut up.

I'm waiting for tomorrow
My heart is on my sleeve
And yes, I still believe
That this New Year's Eve
Will turn out better than before
I'm holding on
Still holding on
Until they close the door on me

-Five Iron Frenzy - New Year's Eve

It's becoming something of a tradition for me to listen to that song on this day every year now, and to post it around. It's a great song, and it seems to always capture my feelings of this day. I remember when this album came out ten years ago, it was not one of my favorites; it isn't fast or upbeat. Over the years though, it's grown on me.

What happened in 2013? A lot. The second half of my Tech School happened. I was still at home for Exodus last year, and I really didn't want to go back. But went back I did, and strangely, it got to be kinda okay. The weekends were great-I hung out with Zargabaath every Saturday-and I made friends with all my classmates, and some from the next class below too. Even though I was very ready not to be at that Squadron anymore, I was kinda uncertain about the future when I left. Then Dodie and her family got me, and I was so happy to be with her. Whenever one of us had to leave, it was always the hardest. I've since come to realize that I kinda put too much of my happiness and energy into the relationship, and maybe too much pressure on her... but definitely too much into the relationship. I wasn't present mentally a lot of the time when I'd hang out with people or try to do something else other than sit on the internet and wait for her to get online. I also put too much emphasis on getting married, too quickly. No take backs in life, though.

For the first month or so though, I just stayed at Little Rock AFB. Went through FTAC, met some people that probably could've been good friends if I had put more effort in. I went to this church my friends had recommended, went to their Bible Study a couple times, and that probably could've been really good if I had mentally been there. Of course, being moved to the early shift and having to get up before the crack of dawn didn't help with my wanting to do anything at night, and it still doesn't. They trained more people on the slides, so hopefully they'll switch me off of that again some day, heh...

Over my first year here however, I think I've definitely made progress with my coworkers and supervision. I'm pretty sure they look at me as one of their best workers. I've proven that I'm always willing to just do whatever, and try to do it to the best of my abilities. I don't second guess or complain. I want the praise. Earlier this year, in fact, I was coined by our old Flight's commander. We all eventually did because the Flight was discontinued, but that just meant that I got two coins, and I was coined first. They've also given me additional duties, which while stressful, shows a trust and respect that they don't show the others. I was also the first person to pass the End of Course for my CDC's, and I was not the first person here, heh. For my pretests, I scored a 92 and a 99 percent. The actual EOC, I scored an 85, but that's still much higher than the average, which is like 75. I've also passed the two Physical Training tests I've taken here, so I've been rockin' things on the work end.

On the relationship end, well... Things did not work out. Maybe what we needed was a time of separation though, so that we could better appreciate what we are missing when we are not together. I am hoping that this will be the case. I talked to her again recently, and the things she said to me gave me a lot of hope, even though I know I shouldn't get my hopes up. We're talking about meeting some time this next month too to talk about things. I'm going to try to never have nearly all my emotions invested in a relationship and nothing else again, though, so I won't be as devastated as I was at the start of November ever again. I have a lot of books to read, a lot of games to play, exercise to do, pathways to hike, places to visit, new people to meet, old friends and family to call back home, and soon school to attend; I have two tests to take to earn my CCAF Associate's Degree, and then I will be allowed to study whatever I want to study. I will also be taking classes and meds to help with the anxiety and depression. Yay!

2013 started out with a lot of potential that built and built, but then suddenly the rug was pulled right out from underneath me and I was abandoned. I feel like I could've easily given up at that point, taken to drinking heavily and just failed my PT Test, and while I am proud of myself that that didn't happen, I also thank God for getting me through this. Going home to all my family and friends also helped tremendously, and I realized that they are only a phone call away. Overall, this very end of the year period is giving me a bit of hope that 2014 will be a good year. Perhaps even a better year. Good Times. Great Oldies. 106.3, KLOO FM.

I think it's about time to look at what songs I liked best from this second half of the year, as I did for the first half of 2013. I realize the year isn't over, but I don't think I'm gonna be getting any new music this month. There's nothing at this point that I'm looking forward to. So...

10. The Universe: A Very Special Moment. This band is related to Architecture in Helsinki somehow. I'm not sure how. This song is pretty cool though I think. I think it lives up to the band's name; the entire EP feels like it's on a grand scale when I listen to it.

9. Sombear: Loose Ship. I got this album because another band I like, Lonely Forest, were talking it up, and I got the idea in my head that this was a side project. It was not. This is a very different kind of music. It's very relaxing. Someone called it "trance," but I'm not sure if that's what it is; maybe just mellow synth pop.

8. Jimmy Eat World: Damage. When this album first came out earlier this year, I didn't really feel too excited by listening to it, I suppose. Then I gave it another chance, and I realized that I really like most of it. This song will always remind me of sitting with Dodie on her front porch the night of the 4th of July...

7. A Wilhelm Scream: Ice Man Left a Trail. I'm not precisely sure on the placement of this song. I used to like this band an awful lot because of one album. Then I heard their next album and it kinda sounded the same... Then this year I decided to get the newest, and I had a lot of fun again listening to it. The guitars on this one go all "weedly weedly weedly!" JAM.

6. Nine Inch Nails: Everything. The NIN song that the internet said was "too happy." For some reason. People are dumb. Find new and creative ways to not like something. I think this song is pretty awesome, and I decided initially that this song was going to be my favorite off the album out of spite. (Another song was for a little while, but now I associate it strongly with my break up, so...)

5. The Uncluded: Delicate Cycle. This came out in the first half of the year, but I didn't decide to buy it until last month. It's a pretty awesome song and project, featuring Aesop Rock and that chick who does folk music (is she from the Moldy Peaches? I dunno.) It's unusual.

4. Reggie and the Full Effect: Who Needs Another Drank Feat Floppy Disk 0. Reggie and the Full Effect has finally come out with a new album after 5 years, and it's the first album since Under the Tray in 2003 that wasn't influenced by a messy divorce or going through rehab, so it's actually all fun music! This song made me laugh when I first heard it. I was like "WTF?"

3. Five Iron Frenzy: Zen and the Art of Xenophobia

This year marks the triumphant return of one of my favorite bands, FIF, with their newest album in 10 years. It features a lot more maturity, and feels darker to me. There's only one silly song on the album. This is not it, even though the video might suggest otherwise. Features Reese Roper's trademark biting social commentary, about the US in particular.

2. Larry and His Flask: The Battle for Clear Sight

It was a toss up for me between this one and another song off the album called Gone From You. Ultimately I picked the happier tune, even though sometimes slow, sad tunes are just as powerful (or more so.) This is a large departure from what I first heard this band doing. They used to be much more punk influenced. Not that I will complain that much.

1. Gwar: Madness at the Core of Time

Is this really my favorite of this second half of the year? Probably! Just listen to it; it's unstoppable. It's come to rock, and kick your ass, and then do questionable things and then not call you back ever again! This song rocks. Period.

That is it. Maybe I will combine the two lists at some point to say what my top 20 for the year are at some point. I do think there is at least one change to my previous list, however; "I'm In Love" has gotta switch out for "R.E.S.P.E.C.T.," due to associations... Whatever emotions I had attached to that song now feel like a lie.

An extended one perhaps. Julie will have to find someone else's posts to like. Sorry Julie! Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

**** me. I don't want to be here. I want to be home still. Got back in this afternoon. It was a fun trip, just long enough to remind me of all the things I miss and then yank them away from me again. Family and friends, the world that I grew up in, good beers, weather that doesn't melt me... heh. Damn it, why does Arkansas have to be so far from Oregon?! Doesn't help that Julie can't be on the internet right now either. Sorry for the emo, but I'm feeling pretty depressed right about now.

Did a lot of fun stuff. First day, my parents picked me up from the airport and we went and ate lunch with my older bro. Drove down I-5 to Albany, and it was all overcast and sprinking and stuff (typical Oregon weather, heh.) We got home, I ate dinner with my parents, then went and saw some of my friends; in particular, the ones who are watching my cat. It was nice, because she was much friendlier to me than she had been the last time I saw her; she walked over to me and rubbed on me and purred and stuff. She must've just been mad at me last time for leaving her or something.

Anyhoo, on Friday night, my friend threw a party because I was in town, and I got to play my music for everyone and play board games and stuff with people and catch up. There was also a bonfire in the back yard, and lots of beer to be had. That night, there was even the rare occasion that I stayed awake until after midnight!

Saturday, I went back up to Portland and hung out with my brother, his family, and a couple people who were visiting him. We drove around Portland and went to various stores and restaurants, including an ice cream store that sold beer flavored ice cream (I had stout ice cream. It didn't taste like stout. It was good though.) When it was time to go, I experienced my first "Good Bye" of the trip, one of many. I drove back down and went to the first part of my High School Reunion. It was in this billiards hall turned club, and... there really wasn't as good a turnout as I would've hoped, but all my friends from my class that I still hang out with were there, so we had a good time, and also I talked to a few people hadn't seen in years. Then a deejay came on, and the first song he played was one that I made a facebook posting about, saying that I hope they don't play THAT song. So I physically left the building in protest, then came back after I thought the song would be done, and requested he play Foo Fighters or Weezer or anything BUT Usher, lol. And he played ONE Foo Fighters song, and then went back to the hip hop. We all left early and went to Denny's.

The next day was the second part of the Reunion, the family picnic. Again, not a strong showing. My friends were there again, though, and I got to go down by the water and walk one of the foresty trails around Albany (walked a bit of one on Thursday when I got in too.) After that, I went back to the friend's house who was watching my cat and drank the last of my beers. Which there were still a few of, and also drew some comic strips like I haven't in years. We hung out there until the evening, and then moved to a different house where we played a game called "Cards Against Humanity," because my friends knew I'd love it. We played that until I started falling asleep, and then everyone started leaving and saying "Good Bye." More good byes, because I had to hang out with family the next day.

So I went with my parents on Monday to see a very elderly aunt and uncle who are now in a nursing home. It was good that I saw them, although it makes me a little sad to see them like that. Also while on this visit, my dad was starting to show how much of an old man he's become, haha. He's getting really crotchety and ornery, heh. Like, that stage of old person where they're starting to excuse bad behavior for being old, a little. Although I'm starting to wonder how much longer he has... Anyway, my grandma and my godmother came over to visit after this, and they talked and talked about old people stuff that I had no interest in, even though they were there to see me, heh. So I walked down the road to my aunt and uncle's for a minute to invite them, and took in the sights around my neighborhood (there's a field with horses right across the road from us.) Eventually my sister, brother in law, and their kids showed up, along with my other brother. Had a little visit with them, and then they all left too.

So it was down to the last night, and I didn't want to go to bed, so I stayed up and talked to Julie for a bit. Then went to bed and got up at 2:45 am so I could catch a 6:15 flight... and I almost didn't make it. My mom took a wrong turn, drove 5 or more minutes before she could turn around, and then we finally got back to where we were supposed to be like 15 minutes later. A lady helped me get my tickets and my bag checked in, and when I went through customs, some guy just cut right in front of me and I turned to my mom ( who was still there watching me) and threw my hands up in exasperation. But I got through, and right on time for my flight to be checking people in... except I saw a different flight which was leaving a half hour later and thought it was mine for some reason, so I went back to wave good bye to my parents because we had to rush to get me through and I didn't really get to say good bye to them very well :( But then I realized "Maybe that wasn't the right flight," and I got back, got on the plane, and spent all day flying... yay...

And now it's the evening and I don't want to go to bed. I don't want to go back to this, but I know I have to. Probably gonna be emo at least until the weekend when I get to see Julie again. Also, my flight was cancelled, so I lost half a day at home, but it probably wasn't that big a difference in the long run, I suppose... *sigh* Just gotta keep going I guess. Eventually things will be better. At least this wasn't as depressing as going back to Tech School from Exodus. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

There came a point a couple of years ago when I was very disappointed in new music today. Nothing good seemed to be coming out, and everything new sounded like everything old. It was at about this point that I decided that I would buy almost exclusively new music each year, and try to find some diamonds in the rough, and then put them into a playlist labeled the corresponding year.

So, it's halfway through the year, and already I've heard a lot of great music that's come out. I've really been tempted to just put every new song I hear that I really like into my year mix. But it's only June! How do I narrow down what's most deserving, and what I'm gonna forget about by December? Maybe if I make a top ten list for the year thus far, and then another list for the rest of the year... (Of course, my opinion may change about the other songs that didn't make it. An entire TMBG album, and none of their songs are here...)

10. Take or Leave It by Authority Zero. Apparently this band has been around since the early 90's and I'd never heard about them before this album. I was in the mood for some skate punk, but I was afraid of buying something that would be generic and fade on me. Well, "The Tipping Point" just might be my favorite album of the year thus far. This track is a great track, and a great example of the energy that flows throughout the whole album. Why isn't it higher? Well... It is a touch generic skate punk. ;! Ah wells. They also do some reggae type bs!

9. Bring Back the Fight by BoySetsFire. This is an interesting band. Half of their music is kinda like this-skate punkish with a bit of screaming-and the other half... is screaming. I'm quite a fan of their songs that are more like this, and can tolerate okay the screaming tracks, I guess. Also worth noting is that this was like their first release in 7 years or something, and also the first song that made me take notice of them (I'd always stayed clear because of the screaming before.)

8. An Impression by All People. Really, this is a very interesting project, and apparently a super band of sorts, though I don't think I know any of the members or the bands they come from. This track is really cool, and I like it mostly for the first half with just the percussion and the rhythmic yelling. The second half is a little more generic slow ska, so that drags it down a bit for me. Kinda wish they'd made the two halves separate tracks, but ah well.

7. Nothing's Funny by The Dillinger Escape Plan. I bought "One of Us is the Killer" because I decided I liked them randomly. I remembered their collaboration with Mike Patton and liked that, so maybe I'd like their other stuff as well. They definitely sound like they're a bit influenced by Faith No More during the King for a Day, Fool for a Lifetime era (and possibly somewhat from Tomahawk too). While I think their stuff can be really complicated and interesting, sometimes I think stuff like this gets overcomplicated to the point where now it's just organized noise with barely any melody. This is one of the tracks where they're a bit more melodical, and thus I can appreciate it much more than their other stuff.

6. I'm In Love by The Dirty Royals. This is a really simple, kinda generic pop song about love, but I don't give a ****, it reminds me of Julie and I like it a lot. I discovered this band earlier this year because their EP was titled "Star Burrito," and I like burritos. Gave it many listens and decided these guys were great. Initially there was another song off this album I liked more because it was so angry and I like angry songs, but then I changed my mind. I will say that their EP from like 2004 or 2005 is much better than this one, and I wish they had more songs like the ones from that one. Still, this is a pretty catchy alternative pop EP.

5. Akira by Anamanguchi. Yay, chiptune! These guys are really awesome. If you played the Scott Pilgrim video game, you were listening to them when you listened to the soundtrack. Apparently they put this album out via a kickstarter campaign (everyone's doing that these days.) I had no idea they were unsigned or whatever. They oughtta be getting more exposure than they have. Anyway, I love how this song builds on itself. Just an explosion of emotions throughout, makes me feel really happy. I didn't get the whole album because I chose the Dillinger Escape Plan album over them, and I kinda wish I didn't, because I'm sure I would've enjoyed this much more. Oh well.

4. Sugarcane by New Order. This group goes way back with me to my childhood, taking my first extended road trip to North Dakota, riding in the front of my grand parents' motor home with my big bro. Bizarre Love Triangle is still my favorite song ever. Does this song reach Bizarre Love Triangle levels? Eh, not really, but it was an unreleased B side of their final album, so maybe that's why. It's still really good, I think.

3. Tattered Line of String

I have to admit I never really got into The Postal Service when they first came around. I liked Such Great Heights, but the rest of their stuff didn't really strike a chord with me. Then one day I was listening to a live stream of 94/7 from back home, and this song came on. I was like "Whoah, this is really good. Too bad it's probably really old, or else I'd put it on my best of the year playlist." And then the dj said it was brand new, and I was like ":o" and bought it from amazon on the spot. The Postal Service has also rereleased their first album "Give Up," which includes new material, including Tattered Line of String. GOOD STUFF.

2. Little Blimp

Back when I was still in Oregon and listening to 94/7 when I was driving between Portland and Salem (about the only place it comes in; it doesn't come in in Albany :() I would occasionally hear The Joy Formidable's song "Whirring," and it really grew on me. Still, didn't buy the album because it was from the year before. HOWEVER, this year, Wolf's Law came out, and I was like "OH JAM!!" and bought it. With anticipation for finding this year's "Whirring," I listened to the new album... and none of them really matched up. However, this song stood out as my favorite track. Either this one or the following track, so a tie breaker via Julie was called upon. She liked this one better. I really wish this track was longer, because it's awesome. So full of energy, so bitchin'. Maybe they just couldn't keep that up for longer than 3 minutes. Ah well.

1. Toe to Toe

So my favorite song this year thus far... is a slow ska song. But it's so good. The lyrics are so amazing to me. It touches me right here, and almost makes me tear up sometimes. Really, when I found out that Streetlight was coming out with a new album, I got really excited for it. I knew whatever they did was gonna be awesome. The Hands That Thieve did not disappoint. It's a great album from start to finish, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who likes third wave ska.

That's my story of 2013 thus far. Will the second half be more memorable? With new offerings from Five Iron Frenzy, Relient K, Reggie and the Full Effect, and Less Than Jake still to come, I'd say there is a pretty strong chance the answer is yes. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

These are my top 10 endings to video games. It took me a long time to think of 10 endings to video games, because honestly, most video game endings leave me a little disappointed. There isn't enough reward for getting to the end of the game most of the time, just kind of an "Oh cool, you beat the game! See ya later!" These 10 reward you much better than most other games I've played, I think. A few runners up would be Metal Gear Solid 3 (great ending, but I didn't actually play it, so that's like cheating) The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (great bittersweet ending that just doesn't last long enough) Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door (nice epilogue, but the game doesn't really end there, so...) Mass Effect 3 (with the edited ending. The original ending drags it down unfortunately) and Dragon Quest VIII. Anyhoo, without further ado...

10. Walking Dead This was a really sad ending to a game that's fairly sad all the way through. The last episode to this game ends the stories of at least two great characters in video games. This isn't higher because it's not really an ending so much as a cliffhanger to the next season. Also it hasn't really left as much of an impact on me as these next games did...

9. Crystalis My favorite game ever, ever since a little kid. The concept behind this game's plot is a really cool one, combining magic with science kind of (or is it psychic powers?) and it even had one or two plot twists, one of which comes out in the video linked. The funny thing is that they predicted the apocalypse to happen in 1997, heh...

8. Portal This is not a very long ending at all. Then again, the game is a very short one too. And given that the game rewards you with an awesome pop song, written by Jonathon Coulton and sung by GLADoS.... and I was totally not expecting it either. Took me completely by surprise and made me very happy.

7. Super Mario RPG Hey, what's more fun than a parade featuring most of the characters you ran into throughout the game? Also a last farewell to one of the Mushroom Kingdom Universe's best characters, Geno. No dialogue at all iirc, but there doesn't need to be.

6. Bionic Commando This is probably higher than it deserves to be, lulz, but I love this ending. So much nostalgia. Hitler calls you a "damn fool," then you shoot him with a bazooka in the HEAD. Then the base's self-detonation system informs you that it's going to "explod" in 90 seconds.

5. Earthbound Giygas... what a fuggin' freak. That swirling mass of nothing really friggen' messed with me the first time I beat this game. That whole last area was really kinda distressing. It's really cool though that in the last battle, Paula calls on all party's family and friends to lend their strength in defeating Gigygas. And then when that's not enough... she calls on the you, the player to to help, too! After the final battle, you get to walk around the entire world again too, which I really liked.

4. Super Paper Mario This is a very bittersweet ending, celebrating love, as is a common theme throughout Nintendo games, and is the final send off to two really neat characters. There's even one final scene of the two after the end credits (which isn't in the video I linked ;\)

3. Final Fantasy 9 This ending is pretty cool because it has a nice epilogue featuring all the characters you met throughout the game. It even revisits the beginning of the game, with a surprise! Zidane didn't die! (but Vivi probably did, given the black mages' short life spans...) Melodies of Life is cheese to a lot of people, and normally I should probably feel the same way, but I like it.

2. Mother 3 All the feels with this one. All the feels ;( I told Julie I didn't like this ending, but upon further reflection, it was a really good ending. Very sad, but with a ray of hope at the end. A black screen with some dialogue from all the characters assures you that everyone's okay, and you can come back to visit them again any time you want, although the fact that the game doesn't show you them makes me feel suspect. Maybe it's just trying to make you feel better about the end of the world and trick you into thinking that everything will be okay, when really it won't... Gosh, this game is so dark. But so good too.

1. Final Fantasy 6 I honestly wasn't expecting to put this as my favorite ending, but really, it's a good one. It features every character in an epilogue as they're escaping Kefka's tower, and even plays each character's theme, including an overlay of Locke's and Celes's, which I thought was really pretty. Then at the end, it shows you that life will go on and people will rebuild the ruined world in time. And Terra's ALIVE and FREE, finally.

Yup, that's my list. A lot of old video games on this list, and a lot of all ages video games, but that's how I ROLL. Also, there are a lot of great games (or games that people SAY are great) that I've never played, so maybe they'd be on here if I'd played them. Ah wells. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

Cuz I'm uncreative and I like to copy Kaz. EDIT: Changed from top 10 to top 11 when I remembered Devil's Lab but didn't want to remove The Day After.

11. The Day After Sad, yet pretty. Kind of tells a tale like, "Yes, bad shit happened, but you gotta continue on anyway. The world isn't going to hold your hand. Mouths still have to be fed."

10. Slam Shuffle This theme often pops into my head when I'm walking in the rain, heh.

9. Kefka's Theme Theme to my favorite villain in an FF game. Love how it builds from the simple beginning.

8. Metamorphosis Holy crap, what's going on? SPOILERS.

7. Save Them! Save 'em guys! Epic, happy sounding, good times.

6. Floating Continent I used to have a CD with this on it. It was a lot of fun. I especially love the note that drops at the beginning. Reminds me of Enchanted Forest.

5. The Airship Blackjack A fun theme, and a fitting one for flying around in an airship to.

4. Devil's Lab Because bad ass. Also using the original because no cover can ever touch.

3. Dancing Mad Yeah, I love this theme. So many changes, so much going on. Lots of fun.

2. Celes' Theme Everyone loves the Opera Scene. I mostly love it for this one particular part of that scene, however, and the following scenes with it in it. It's a sad theme, but a pretty theme.

1. Terra's Theme The song I think of when I think of this game. It has a certain sorrowful, yet epic tone to it. I love it.

Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

Now that I've made a Top 10 Characters, Songs, and CT Songs list, it is time for me to do some bullshit again. I'm gonna post like 10 videos with cats in them, they'll be pretty awesome probably. I like 'em all anyway if they're here. **** you.

10. Feistiest Felines/My Cat From Hell. Evil kitties are funny.

9. Cat self-attack. This cat is intelligent.

8. Cat In A Shark Costume Chases a Duck While Riding A Roomba. Very specific title that describes the majority of the video... except that there's also a dog in a shark costume!

7. Cat Wheel by Richard Norton. Just a rather clever idea that should be implemented on more lazy ass kitties.

6. Cat gets caught barking by a human and resumes meowing. Sully cat, you were already caught! Your cover is blown! Best to escape through the window, recuperate, and start your mischief anew elsewhere!

5. An Engineer's Guide to Cats. An egghead's humorous explanation of cats and how to take care of them. Also cat yodeling.

4. I'm a Stupid Cat! Gotta credit Miss Dodie for finding this one :3 This is just an awesome song about the typical life of a house cat.

3. Shii's Song (Wind's Nocturne). This was a pretty popular flash animation back in the day, if I know what I'm talking about. I liked it anyway. Good enough to spawn this in any case.

2. Cats in Space. I like how the cats obviously don't give a damn about what's happening around them. There was a making of video too that explains that they couldn't get the cats to meow, so they gave them some damn food or another. I can't be arsed remember what.

1. Welcome to Cat City. What the hell is even going on? I have no clue, and that's a common theme of cyriak videos. Melding things together in a way that they shouldn't be melded together in an unsettling style of animation, set to bizarre music. Of COURSE this would be my number one! :3 Also, it's got cats... or like one cat used to create all of the cat... things. Meow Mix is also pretty awesome.

Anyway, this is not a very inclusive list, and I cheated in a few places. Oh well. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

Now that I've created a list for my favorite characters of all time (that don't include my own brilliant characters) I think it's time that I created a list of my favorite songs of all time. And since they're MY favorite, that makes them the UNANIMOUSLY greatest songs of all time.

10. Ana Ng by They Might Be Giants. How about starting this list with a song by one of my FAVORITE BANDS OF ALL TIME?!! Yuss. That also means they're one of the BEST BANDS OF ALL TIME.

9. Fingers and Thumbs by Erasure. You might remember them for doing that song for that video game with that stupid unicorn. Well, they're MORE THAN THAT. They're the best gay electronica band to come out of Britain from the 80's! (Sorry Pet Shop Boys.)

8. Last One Out of Liberty City by Less Than Jake. They are an awesome ska punk band. I feel like I relate a lot to their lyrics most of the time. This is a bad ass song that could be the opening to a TV show. In fact, it's the BEST SONG THAT COULD BE THE OPENING FOR A TV SHOW THAT HASN'T BEEN THE OPENING FOR A TV SHOW.

7. Tales of a Scorched Earth by Smashing Pumpkins. This song is bad ass. SO BAD ASS. One of the most BAD ASS SONGS OF ALL TIME. Cuz I said so, and I KNOW what I'm talking about.

6. The Set Up/You Need This by Reel Big Fish. Love the opening of this song. They are the COOLEST BAND EVER, cuz I said so.

5. Wish by Nine Inch Nails. The EXTENDED version, because it's the BEST VERSION, because I said so! Trent Reznore Tells it like it is. FIST FUCKED.
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4. Skin Deep by ALL. Simple song, but a good one. By THE GREATEST PUNK BAND OF ALL TIME, since they are my favorite punk band ever, apparently.

3. Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise by The Avett Brothers. Some of the GREATEST LYRICS EVER WRITTEN. "Where nothing is owed, deserved, or expected, and your life doesn't change by the man that's elected, and if you're loved by someone you're never rejected, decide what to be and go be it."

2. Every New Day by Five Iron Frenzy. Best song ever written by my favorite band ever. Thus the best band ever! They tried several times to write a better song, but never could. Even their final effort turned into this song at the end. Unless their newest album in 10 years changes that somehow...

1. Bizarre Love Triangle by New Order. Simply put, it's the greatest song ever written. No other song can hope to compare. EVER. Because I arbitrarily decided it was my favorite song ever when I was 9 or something.

...okay. There ya go. This does not include songs I thought it would, but it does include songs that I did think it would. Probably. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

Julie and I were watchin' NC's top 10 favorite characters of all time list the other week, and she was like, "You should make a list!" And I was like "too lazy." But then I was like "hmm... maybe not too lazy." So here we are. To be honest though, a lot of my favorite characters are my own characters... but I probably won't list them. Seems too self indulgent. Instead, here are The Greatest Characters OF ALL TIME... that don't include creations by yours truly ;)

10. A tie between Liberty Prime and Krystal

One is here purely because of sex appeal, and the other because although he is a robot, he has the most awesome lines, and he is a bad ass to boot. Krystal had a cooler character design in Star Fox Adventures, and her original premise was kind of a cool idea, but mostly she's here because she has an attractive accent and also attractive other things that make young boys turn furry. Liberty Prime is barely a character, but I love him anyway. Death is a preferable alternative to communism, after all!

9. Babs Bunny

I dunno, I look back at the cartoon she is from, and I think it inspired me a lot in my drawings. And if I took my favorite character from that cartoon, she is definitely it. Hyperactive and kawaii, but honestly my favorite of her was when she was put in stressful situations, like when she had to babysit or when Buster was continually getting her wet in How I Spent My Summer Vacation. She has great reactions to those stressors, heh.

8. Kaneda

What a fuggin' punk. And I love him for it <3 I saw Akira around the time that I was first being introduced to punk rock and other alternative music (as well as it being the first anime movie I ever saw that I knew was anime) so he kind of turned into my prototype punk character. Particularly the dub where he's voiced by Leonardo, though I also like the one where he's voiced by Ichigo. Also, I will always love his badass jacket, his badass bike, and that badass laser cannon he finds at the end of the movie. The comic is way different btw, but both versions are pretty damn awesome (even if the comic does celebrate Japan's xenophobic tendencies at the end, lolol.)

7. Pinkie Pie

lol, I adore this character. Possibly more than she deserves, which is why she isn't higher on this list, because I know it. Aside from a few instances, she is a bit of a one-dimensional character. However, she makes up for that to me with her randomness and silliness. Also, the instances where she shows character development, she shows a very vulnerable, sweet little girl who needs hugs, imo. So yeah, she can be mo too (although probably not as mo as Fluttershy.) Of course, possibly my favorite episode of hers is when she meets Cranky Doodle Donkey. They almost have a grumpy grandpa/hyperactive granddaughter type of relationship going on, and I adore it. Also when she's so stressed by babysitting that she starts crying, it's adowable.

6. Princess Sally Acorn

Of all the Sonic characters, my favorites were the girls. And Tails. But Sally is my favorite, period. It wasn't always that way-I think either Sonic himself, Tails, or Bunnie were originally my favorite-but Sally represents an old era. She represents the Sonic Saturday Morning Cartoon Show, and Archie Sonic (or what it's supposed to be, not what it is now). She's a very strong female character, both in her intelligence and in her physical traits, although she uses her brains more than her brawn. I really admire that in her character, and also, I've always liked her relationship with Sonic (aside from the time her character was derailed and she slapped him, ending the relationship.) Now Antoine's in a coma, Bunnie's deroboticized completely and has run off, Rotor can't be an active freedom fighter anymore, and Sal... Sal is Dr. "Eggman's" (Robotnik) finest robian weapon, and I don't know if the current writer plans on bringing her back; seems like the comic is trying to blend itself into the game's storyline, and I'm not a fan of that. But I'll remember Sally as she was; a badass freedom fighter and leader of the rebellion.

5. Deadpool

King of random and breaking the fourth wall, Deadpool is my all time favorite comic book character. Moreso than Batman, moreso than The Joker, moreso than Morph, Wolverine, etc. His comics are hilarious, and it's entirely because of him. Whenever they try to do something without him, the result is "meh." Insanity is one of my favorite traits, and he's got that in spades. I dunno what else to say. What would be amazing is if he and Pinkie Pie somehow met...

4. Kefka Palazzo

Yes, there is an updated version of him, but this is how I prefer to remember this little asshole. Kefka was a bastard. He started out as this annoying sub boss. Then he poisoned Doma. Then he sucked the life force out of several espers. Then he killed General Leo. Then he refused to die after being run through the stomach. Then he destroyed the world. Lived as a king to the ruins, built a monument to nothing. I wanted to kill the fucker so bad. ...and then, at the end, I realized what a good job he did at being a villain. He caused me to genuinely hate him for a time, yet on further study, he had some great dialogue too. Some of it was pretty damn comedic, while most of it did a great job of painting him as an absolute madman with a terrifying amount of power. It's no wonder he's my favorite Final Fantasy Villain, and favorite villain of all time, period. Or is he...?

3. GLADoS

She was a triumph. I'm making a note here, huge success. It's hard to overstate my satisfaction at what an amazing character she was. And she was pretty much just a disembodied voice for most of both games, although at one point she is a potato :D However, that disembodied voice is one amazing voice. Clever, sarcastic, even sessy at times (as sessy as an AI can be... I think I have issues. First Krystal, now THIS.) She has some of my favorite dialogue ever, and at the end, she semi redeems herself. At least acknowledges kind of what an evil conscience she is. Plus, she sings two of the most awesome pop songs in a video game ever.

2. Fox McCloud

It was really hard not to put him as my number one, but... why? He doesn't have much of a personality. Mostly he's just a typical heroic type hero guy who saves the day and is confident in his own abilities no matter what. Not a lot of conflict there. Impatience and dorkiness are added a little in Adventures and Assault (mostly Assault) but my favorite version of him is from Smash where none of that is apparent. He's just the confident hero guy in those. But he's such a badass when he's the confident hero guy. Also, he's a fox, and I have this thing for foxes wherein I think they are the best thing ever. So yeah.

1. Gandalf

Gandalf is an amazing character. Written by an even more amazing author. He has some of my favorite quotes this side of Jesus Christ or John whom Jesus loved. He is a wise character written by a very wise man, and also a humorous character. He is also a bad ass character, but he seldom uses that badassery unless it is absolutely needed. His roll is to counsel the world in finding its direction. He is not there to save the day for you; he is there to show you the way until you are ready to take over yourself. And then when it's time, he leaves. But he's left his mark on the world, and it's a wonderful mark indeed. I love him :3

...that's it. Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom

Because Kaz said he'd like to see my list. I don't know if I can find as interesting of compositions as he did, but we'll see or some damn thing.

10. Ayla's Theme. Start this list off with a kick in the ANUS.

9. Frog's Theme, remixed by a fellow named DJ H3L10S. ...this version annoys me too, but I like the artist's stupid name, so I'm not going to find another one.

8. Schala's theme, from some project or another.

7. Undersea Palace remix by a dude who tried to stay as close as possible. At times I admire that.

6. Robo's Theme. I never used him, but I love his Rick Rollin' theme :3

5. Battle with Magus. I can never find a version of this that particularly satisfies me. Here's some damn remix with guitars and shit.

4. Boss Battle Theme 2, in its original form because all the remixes annoyed me.

3. Main Theme, Fully Orchestrated. Oooooooooh JAM, the nostalgia!

2. World Revolution. A totally bitchin' guitar version or something.

1. Memories of Green, covered on piano. This is number one for me because it is always the first song that comes to mind when I think of Chrono Trigger. It is subdued and nostalgic, seeming to recall times past from its world. I suppose it does its name justice then, eh?

Okay, I'm late to meet with a buddy and eat steak. Better get goin'. Anyhoo...

Wuv, YEr Mom

EDIT: Awww ****, I forgot about Black Omen!

I continue to exist, as you might well imagine. I think my last journal entry was on New Year's Eve. Since then I've graduated from Tech School and moved on to my first duty station. Going back to Sheppard after a week and a half at home WAS really rough; I was really depressed when I first got back. I walked around base, and everything just looked colorless and dead. And they didn't even give us the night to settle back in; we had a GI Party the night we got back, which technically should've still been a part of our leave. The next day everyone's room was inspected, which no one was expecting, and a whole lot of people failed their room inspections... but my roommate and I passed somehow. That cheered me up a little bit. And I continued on in tech school. The rules got more strict, and I couldn't wait until I got out of there. Towards the end, I was accused by my MTL of lying about something, and that really shook and bothered me. Couldn't sleep that night. But of course, I wasn't lying, and therefore didn't get in trouble (although I think he still thought I was lying due to something he said at the next floor meeting, which pissed me off.) But I got out of there! I do miss my friends from Tech School, but not Sheppard or my squadron.

Julie and her family came and got me, drove me 5 hours to their home. It was pretty much my favorite Valentine's Day in memory. We then went to my base, and first my sponsor, then my supervisor were unavailable to come get me, but one of the supervisors came and led us around the base. I met my first shirt, got my room set up, and then I left to spend Friday and Saturday with Julie and her family. Stayed at the Peabody in a suite. It was really nice. Then the next day, she and her family left, and I was a little disappointed because I thought they were staying until Sunday, but eh.

Turned out that my old roommate is down the hall from me in the dorms. That's pretty cool. He gave me a big hug when he saw me, heh. And then I met everyone else in our office... and I learned that operational Air Force is a lot more chill than when you're in Basic and Tech School. Everyone in my office is really awesome; my first supervisor reminded me of a friend back home, and it was pretty much him being a Staff Sergeant that kept me from treating him like my buddy back home, heh. He's gone, and I have my new supervisor who's fresh from ADLS, and he's just as chill. Even the two first shirts I've had are just like normal bosses. They expect you to do your job, and they will remind you of that, but neither of them seem really fussy about rules and regulations.

I've been back to see Julie twice. The first time was after I'd been here for over a month because I lacked a car at first, and at FTAC they would've wanted me to fill out some paperwork before I could go, and at first I was worried about getting lost. Not worried anymore. Every weekend I go there is my favorite weekend, but whenever I come back I'm depressed that night and the next morning, heh. We just need to hurry up and get married I think... or not. Maybe we should wait it out a little bit until I have some money saved up or something. We'll see how that goes. She is my favorite though :3 Also, I found a pretty cool church to go to on Saturday nights. They want me to come Sunday mornings too, but I haven't been able to find the motivation to go too far on a Sunday morning yet. Also they have a Bible study on Tuesday nights that I've been to once, but due to the fact that as of a couple weeks ago my job has me coming in at 6 AM instead of 7:30, I didn't go last week. Also because after I got off work that day, I started drinking, heh... I should probably cut back on that somehow. I have a little in the past week. I do think it probably requires a better diet too though, and more exercise, even though I've been lifting weights regularly now.

Also, there's this new kid who recently arrived. He was in the room next door to me while I was there. He.... still gives reporting statements, still marches around, has a large ego, says really stupid shit, and gets really defensive when anyone tries to correct him. I find myself getting really frustrated and annoyed with him at times, especially after something he said this past week that I won't repeat. He's gotten in trouble already a couple times. I'm not sure if that did anything to him or not. After squadron pt this friday when everyone was leaving, he called himself to attention, and then forward marched himself back to his room. My supervisor and I shared a glance and shook our heads.

But yeah; I need to get my PT up. I took a mock PT test in FTAC, didn't do very well. My pushups have gotten back up, but I don't ever seem to work on my situps, and my running has been recessing since basic. If prayer is your thing, that would be appreciated. I do seem to be coming along in learning my job, though :) Anyhoo...

Wuv, Yer Mom