THE ART OF CREATING A TOP 10 LIST!

I've always been keen on Top 10 lists and narrowing it down to what I experience the most in my everyday life (live shows) seemed like the biggest challenge; so here we go!

Needless to say, a Top 10 list is as subjective as it gets and it could not suit me better really. Specifically, in regards of this Top 10 list of what I consider to be the best live shows of 2011, I have paid attention to just about everything that gets me going. It's ranging from technical skills, theatrics, sheer volume, aggression, passion, crowd control and interaction, anticipation, settings, props and just about everything else in between.

That being said it's still been incredibly tough deciding for the final Top 10 for which reason I need to mention just a couple of shows that didn't make it - but just as well could have. E.g. Cock Sparrer at Astra in Berlin, Killing Joke at Roskilde Festival, Madball at The Rock in Copenhagen, Entombed at The Rock in Copenhagen, Volbeat at Store VEGA in Copenhagen, Buster Shuffle at Loppen in Copenhagen, Babylove & the van Dangos at Loppen in Copenhagen and last but not least Deer Bear at White Trash Fast Food in Berlin.

So with no more explaining needed - here is my Top 10 list of best live shows in 2011:

01. DANZIG (US), Amager Bio, Copenhagen, July 6th
02. L.O.C. (DK), Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, July 3rd
03. MORRISSEY (UK), Operaen, Copenhagen, July 11th
04. TERROR (US), Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, June 30th
05. ALCOHOLIC FAITH MISSION (DK), Lille VEGA, Copenhagen, February 26th
06. KELLERMENSCH (DK), Eurosonic, January 13th
07. ARCTIC MONKEYS (UK), Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, July 2nd
08. THE PEAWEES (I), BETA, Copenhagen, November 25th
09. SICK OF IT ALL (US), The Rock, Copenhagen, April 23rd
10. AUTOPSY (US), Roskilde Festival, Roskilde, July 2nd

Can't wait for the 2012 list!

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BALANCE & APATHY

It's been quite some time but good things take time and I'm happy to say that I'm going through tremendous progress on my book and several essays and excerpts will be used over the next few months.

However, this blog needs updating too and I find that I should stick with the music topic rather than anything else. So what you're about to read below is a text I was asked to do in connection with a forthcoming release from a Danish hardcore/punk band. Value defining and personal check ups are more important than ever to me, so I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did given it proper thought. Info on the band will come soon enough ;-)

It's entitled SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BALANCE & APATHY, which of course is a spin-off on a classic Social D. album but also a state of awareness which seems difficult reaching.
All this and more you find in the text below.

XXX
Frydenlund
..................................................................................

SOMEWHERE BETWEEN BALANCE & APATHY

When asked to do an introduction to this release my immediate thought was to do a complete lash out - a dimensional wake up call. But this serves little to no purpose, except for worthless egocentric boosts. So instead I decided to elaborate on pieces of the lyrics I stumbled across on this EP.

A returning subject seems to be that of moral recession and secondly apathy. This I would like to extend my thoughts on in the below standing. All from a hardcore/punk perspective – but as we all know the lines are thin and crossover is the new black. So these thoughts may very well apply for something far more common than a subcultural scene based on a seminal-conservative set of values.

To understand the content and extend of what may be considered moral recession it’s important to look at the state of political awareness – especially among our peers. Because it really is harsh swinging about with statements such as moral recession – or moral decay even – so please consider this a well-needed spit in the other direction, an observation of contemporary punk/hardcore culture and a cry for an update on values. 

Originating from a hardcore/punk background you first have to investigate the basics of the subculture while closely following the development of the scene - both dependently (it’s place and importance as opposition) and independently (measuring the temperature of the scene so to speak). Like society, people and the environment it’s dynamic; it’s constantly evolving. First and foremost to maintain it’s relevance and importance in society. Tendencies and trends come and go, of course, but the basics remain.

So with no risk of stretching it too far the basics of hardcore/punk values should surely include; political awareness, scepticism towards authorities and, to some extend, DIY ethics. The latter may also include the will and desire to stand out from mainstream society as well as radical thinking and provocative behaviour.

With these simple codes I’m not considering the extremes such as anarcho-primitivism, hardline neo-religious sXe or even leftism and/or anarchism. For the purpose of this reflective text we’re keeping it simple in order to come to grasps with the basics of hardcore/punk mentality. This way I’m hoping the points of the release will come across crystal clear.

Staring off with political awareness, I’m fully aware of the fact that the term alone will raise some eyebrows. But please let me explain. Every person, band, action or statement is political! Everything we do, or perhaps more importantly in this context, do NOT do has its effects. By not taking side or by not asking questions we’re indeed accepting. It really is as simple as that and there are no excuses.

We become what we buy, in my opinion, and that goes all the way to slaughterhouse, the rain forest, the destroyed farmer lands, the corporate factories and around the globe to the still prevailing child laboured businesses still producing relentlessly. Considering that there are indeed proper and righteous alternatives to all of this, across the board, makes it unfathomable and unbearable at the same time. 

 

It also applies when we, as a band, submit ourselves to playing age-limited shows, corporate sponsored events or don’t even question our own ticket prices – we’re accepting! It’s by all means a political action because then the artists are supporting the actions made.

It’s irrelevant whether or not it’s out of convenience or because it’s more lucrative – if anything that makes matters even worse as that should constitute a direct conflict with the basic ideals of hardcore/punk. As mentioned – the basics remain…or at least they should!

This naturally leads me directly onto the 2nd point - scepticism towards authorities. Now please pay attention to this. It’s no secret that in our day and age politics are largely governed by business, which immediately should make the alarm bells go off. The national budgets are heavily depending on how well the commercial businesses are doing. By choice even! Instead of wasting any time advocating for a reverse of this let’s rather focus on how this affects us.

Legislation upon legislation have over the years made sure that the corporate businesses have all the game, control and power they need. Call it monopolized society or just call it a turn for the worse.

Take the breweries for instance – look at the brand value and consider any major music event in the US or Europe (even little Denmark is surely no exception) and explain me how this works. The interdependency between ’state’ and ‘business’ has become so strong and tied together that nobody’s questioning it anymore. Just think about it – when it boils down to it, it’s a product dictating the culture. And if it’s not alcohol then it’s banged up sugar and caffeine on a can or even hard liquor preserving your cultural events of choice.

Since Europe in many ways is a direct reflection of the US I dread the horror stories of North America being repeated over here. Who knows, maybe the way that aspartame (e.g. NutraSweet) was allowed being used in foods as artificial sweetener could also happen in Europe. Because of a direct political scam this dangerous stuff received approval to be used in foods in the US. Then it took little time for Europe to fall into place. Please look into aspartame and see what it really is as well as the surprising side effects.

So, bringing myself back to the point, when your band is playing an event or tour it really is a multi-layered political statement being made. And I’m not pointing in any direction here or commanding right from wrong – I’m merely asking for a value check while distancing myself entirely from apathy that seems to be taking over – also in the hardcore/punk environment in case you’re in doubt. However, it seems paradoxical that punk/hardcore bands are often seen in contexts where this interdependency is strongest of all.

This has a lot to do with the basics of DIY ethics in its core – the 3rd point I’m listing above. With a DIY approach and know-how; both as a person and as an artist, you’re capable of controlling your own output. And by controlling I mean choosing right from wrong really. It doesn’t take any strain or require anything special reality-checking once in a while. Configuring your personal moral codes if you will. If anything I would consider it a mental workout. If it hurts then you know something’s wrong!

So whether your desires are growing your own veggies, setting up your own shows, writing for a fanzine or even more direct political activities these desires will hopefully origin from a reflective stand and not one of convenience or self-absorption. The desire should make the action a necessity. 

A punk/hardcore band’s DIY ethics should at the very least include: control over or complete insight into all managerial decisions. It’s as simple as that and please let me to elaborate.

In full coherence with the fundamentals of DIY ethics of the original punk scene, activities are, generically laid out, recording of music, producing of albums, artwork, distribution of releases, merchandising and all live performances.

Some bands are lucky enough to have immense capabilities within the circle of just the band members or friends and some bands are as far from that as imaginable and need allies. I’ve always found it odd that many squat-type venues refuse to deal with booking agencies – please bare in mind that the bands assign their own agents. But as with every business there are independents and corporate offices so perhaps wise to start there.

So when a band assigns an (independent!) agent to control a certain territory it seems vital to me that the band has a direct interest in what happens from there on. Which promoters are the agent(s) dealing with (again from a non-corporate perspective)? Which ticket prices are being fixed? Are the shows all-age shows and so on. All the same points as made in the above already. You cannot hide behind an agent (or management company) – it’s solely up to the artist to take an interest in this. The easy approach would be to have a set of basic rules of what goes and what doesn’t go. Care!

I’m sorry to say that this is far from the order of the day – on the contrary really. Again I think this has more to do with apathy than actual ill will, which brings me right back to where I started.

Without ridiculing anyone, without pointing any fingers and without insinuating that what I’m suggesting is the ultimate truth, then please give it all a thought or two.

Counter-culture, when it’s dishonest, is merely an illusion just as ‘power as individuals’ sentiments is worthless if you wish for a radical change for the better. This can and will only happen if we work together.

If we listen to a narrow set of voices we quickly find ourselves listening to our own echo that communicates nothing more than our own self-satisfaction. On the other hand, if we keep drifting out of sheer convenience or apathy we might as well join the other side figuratively speaking. It’s all about balance. And balance comes at a price.

THE ART OF AWARENESS

I've been busy compiling material for my forthcoming book slated for a summer 2012 release. However, two short business trips to Berlin and New York respectively have given me a booster to include this post in order to keep this blog (slightly) active. What you find below is my thoughts on the contemporary music industry and the fact that very, very few artists have what can best be described as awareness.

Perhaps originating from punk/hardcore aesthetics - but not long ago it mattered what surrounded a show, what values and views a magazine had, whether the radio was commercial or not, if the event or tour you were offered to play was corporate sponsored or what the ticket price of your show was projected to be.
These things, this mindset used to matter to musicians back in the days when integrity was still a word in the daily vocabulary. The fact that these views and perceptions are pushed so far in the background or  erased altogether has to do with a change of values that makes us even more shallow than in the 80's and is certified proof that apathy is the new black.
And we're not just talking about the world-renowned "punk" bands you see touring Europe and the US, charging ridiculous amounts of money resulting in sky-high ticket prices. It's across the board really - the so-called Indie scene is probably the worst exerciser of this paradoxical double standard but naturally the perception of the case-study becomes much clearer by using the prime example of the "punk" or "hardcore" band not being aware.

The essential meaning of punk and/or hardcore is opposition. It's underground; it stems from the underground and it remains underground. If underground goes mainstream it looses its effect, meaning and danger. It's as simple as that - and there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. But when it happens it's over and a new underground movement must be created out of real initiative, real creative, real problems and real danger.
It all has to do with politics. Because being apolitical, in my opinion, is not possible. Every choice we make in life has a clear political dimension and our personal relations and situations are directly affected by politics. There is no denying this. This means, in all its simplicity, that by not taking side, by not taking a stand, you are indeed taking one!

So when a band (let's for the sake of the story say it's a random US hardcore/punk band) is claiming its hardcore roots and referring to their socio-political lyrics on injustice while still participating in a corporate sponsored event, promoted by a corporate monopoly-promoter at a ticket price a regular punk or hardcore kid have no chance of paying - then we indeed have a paradox. Or rather a double standard.

Why this happens more and more often is beyond me. Well, perhaps is saddens me much more than it baffles me.
However, I cannot fathom that artists, despite the volume of shows they may have in a year, don't have an interest in these things. By not participating you're basically cutting fans of - by age (e.g. if it's 18+, 21+, etc.) and class (e.g. ticket prices and outrageous box office fees).

Everything we do, or rather don't do, has it's effects, as mentioned. This is a political action on the artist's part, because what they're saying with these actions is: we support the corporations. We support what is happening around us.
Whether or not they do it out of convenience or because it's more lucrative is not for me to say - but that would be the likely response.

I genuinely believe that you're bringing the music industry, or more accurately the live industry, in danger by being apathetic to this extend. If even the bands claiming integrity, awareness and justice are accepting the above-mentioned (and so much more!) we're headed for destruction. Because this is just starting.

THE ART OF AWARENESS is a kind reminder to take notice and responsibility. There is no hiding, no label, management or agent to hide behind. The artists have the power, then they just need the awareness!

THE ART OF BEING PROPER

The blog has been quiet the past couple of weeks beside the random book recommendations. This is, of course, because it takes time to create great things.

That being said I need to rewind to a couple of my first posts and bring the commitment and approach back in the mix. Because the art of being proper means and entails that you find the balance and act accordingly. This is not at all as far fetched as it may sound; far from actually. If you have a proper way of thinking, a proper way of living and a proper way of acting well, then you have the proper fundament in life.

The proper way of thinking can be summed up pretty easily - to think for yourself, think positive thoughts and think as creatively as possible.

The proper way of living, however, is a little more tricky as this has to be fundamental rather than subjective. So the proper way of living, with fear of sounding redundant, would be to live with respect for all things living and breathing. In our modern days this is far from happening, so maybe it's the perfect time to step back a few steps and re-think a few things. In any case, and in order to add to the fundamental value of living, it has to be as simple as that really.

The proper way of acting should be the natural extension of living and for that reason alone not that difficult to sum up. To remain as objective as possible it has to with acting (and reacting) according to your surroundings, your emotion, your environment and your evolution/process.
In order to make it proper it would necessarily mean that an open mind is required. If a person is fully able to adjust to changes and development in life and at the same time capable of transcending emotional reactions then the fundament appears intact. 

This is just excerpts of a long essay I'm looking to include in my forthcoming book (work title: "Ageless Thinking") that will be published next year. In this book I will include and elaborate on the entire list of entries you find posted on this blog.

THE ART OF READING - part VI

Now it's time! I need to get this one out of my system right now. Why? Because it's the best music related book I have ever read. As in E-V-E-R!

It may not be the most important one of the most challenging one. Heck, Cockney Rejects may not even be the best band in the world after all ;-) But this book, by front man Jeff Turner, is the most action packed, superply paced, disturbing and insightful display of vulgarity I have ever read. Actually, it's so good that I find it hard to believe it's not a work of fiction. We're talking this one - "Cockney Reject" by Jeff Turner:

 

It was only last year it was put and it was causing quite a stir up to release as it was publically known what the infamous Geggus brother had been going through at an early age. And luckily for us, Jeff has had no quarrels laying it all out there so to speak.

The story, in short, is one of bravado, triumph, ruckus, betrayal and despair. In just 2 years, and even going from the tender age of 15 to 17, Jeff Turner went from Top 10 stardom to staring down a barrel looking to end it all. Literally from being Top Of The Pops to queuing at the job centre. That, entirely, has to do with the Cockney Rejects that came out of nowhere and stormed the music scene with their melodic and immensely aggressive blend of Oi! music. It basically stood for being young, working class and not taking anything from anyone. That, of course, quickly resulted in aggression and violence and the 'Cockney' quickly became 'Cocky' and in a matter of months the band was at war with all of England...in public!

Being this young and going through this madness and the insane ups and downs, fight and showdowns you're bound to come down. And down it went alright.

Jeff Turner is a skillful writer and the details are scary to say the least. The story is gruesome but at no time does Jeff Turner come across as a subject of hate. That requires skills as the way he has been treating people breeds little to no sympathy.

I read this mother in one go and instantly put on the entire Cockney Rejects discography. This is beyond film material - it's that vivid in writing!

THE ART OF READING - part V

Having just mentioned the 2 books by John Joseph it's time to spit in the other direction - in every sense really. Norwegian black metal has been up to debate since it's incarceration and countless efforts have been made in order to ban the entire genre. All of this - and much, much more - is documented in this fine piece of literature:

 

Don't judge a book by its cover I guess shouldn't apply for this specific one to begin with. When "Lords of Chaos" was first published it caused a major stir and quickly became both a major seller and also a subject of great debate; especially concerning the motifs of the two writers of the book.
Either way it's being viewed it portrays explicitly how the Norwegian black metal scene was taken to extremes at an early stage and how the world reacted to it. Multiple church burnings, murders in between rivaling band members and suicides are just the tip of the iceberg.
It's a horrifying account of a scene that went crazy and continuesly tried to top itself in a macabre way. It's truely fascinating and incredibly disturbing at the same time! There is a reason for this book's immense popularity.

THE ART OF READING - part IV

Having brought one of the very finest personal accounts to the table yesterday - in the shape of John Joseph's "The Evolution of a Cro-magnon" - there seems to be no other choice but to continue with John Joseph's second book. Importantly it has to be stressed that this is a very different story being told here. However, the flair and the attitude is very much intact in "Meat is for Pussies":

Just like "The Evolution of a Cro-magnon" the "Meat is for Pussies" book shares the same tone, brashness and honesty; this seems to be the quintessence of John Joseph. But where the first book dealt greatly with the struggles and troubles this book deals with documenting why every person should lay off the meat, start working out and becoming a better and more responsible human being. 

John Joseph has some excellent points and draws on a selection of literature and personal experiences to back them up. However, the motivator-tone can be a little too Cpt. Righteous at times and it can have the feel of a school teacher barking at the kids. I know this is for effect though and I interpret it as John Joseph deliberately trying to reach a wider audience with this book - because, above all, this is very suitable for people not living properly and needing a kick in the rear. 

And equally important - it's about time to scream the truth about the food industry into peoples faces and who better to do so than John Joseph? He covers the protein myth, the problems with diets over lifestyle adjustment, the power of the medical industry and how to properly exercise body, mind and spirit.

What I especially enjoy are the recipes and the 7-day program for beginners. It's a fantastic way to put it simple and it can work for everyone. If you want to change, get off the meat, get off the couch while getting a good insight of what you're actually consuming on a daily basis this is a brilliant place to start.

Pick it up, check out the fantastic "The Future of Foods" documentary and wait for the John Joseph cook book coming next year!

THE ART OF READING - part III

Yesterday I gave justifiable praise to Alex James and his account "Bit of a Blur". Today I raise the bar as we're somehow within the same field of autobiographical work. However, this one I'm mentioning here is far more disturbing, far more appealing and perhaps also far more relevant in a way. I'm talking about John Joseph's incredibly well-written book "The Evolution of a Cro-magnon":

John Joseph is a true legend in his own time. In many ways a role model and a picture of health at the very, very least. But it wasn't always like this and the complexity of the persona is intriguing. He's best known as the frontman in the premier New York hardcore band the Cro-Mags. But before that ever happened he spent the major part of his childhood living in the streets and turning tricks.

When I started this book I could not let go. I had to dose it because it was that incredible. Not only is John Joseph an amazing storyteller but what he went through at such an early age is being put to life in this book in a way hardly imaginable. The honesty and the sheer tone is incredible and tear provoking.

Among many things he sold fake acid at stadium concerts, was abused by his foster parents, got sent to the most dangerous juvenile prisons in the world and had countless near death experiences. But he had a lucky charm, apparantly, and later in life he turned into a yoga-practicing believer and a 47-year old physical master piece with a flair for vegan and vegetarian cooking (more on this very soon!)!

For the fans of hardcore music, and especially NYHC, it's also a tremendous account of a scene on the rise and the challenges it was met with back when it was dangerous. 

This autobiography is one of the very best out there and a true lesson in coming out on top when the odds are against you!

THE ART OF READING - part II

Having started off yesterday with recommending a book that explicitly deals with the theory and history of the music industry I figured I'd have to make a quick turn and include a work coming from a band's perspective. One of the better books to come out in recent years is this one:

Alex James, the once-womanizing, skinny bass player from one of Britains most important bands, Blur, gives his documentation of a true phenomenon. I highly recommend this one partly because it proves how incredibly clever a writer Alex James is and party because the story is amazing.

"Bit of a Blur" is filled with funny notions, out-of-this-world debauchary and also a lot of sadness and reflection. When Mr. James states that "he was the second drunkest member of the drunkest band in the world" you know where it's going and where it's going to end of course. Somehow it deals very little with the career of Blur which is a refreshing take on an autobiography from a band member. And it actually works perfectly fine this way and adds to the personal reflections of Alex James.

It deals with 4 peoples journey that quickly began spinning out of control resulting in broken friendships, alcoholism, addiction in general and depression. Luckily, in aftermath, we all know how it ended though.... 

THE ART OF READING - part I

On a regular basis I will recommend an important work of music litererature - refered to as the ART OF READING. The art is really not reading in general but rather sorting out the right things to digest intellectually.

Please note that I will obviously not be recommending garbage. Part I is this one:

 

This book is a perfect introduction to the music industry and what once was and isn't any more. It documents the glory days of the major label corporations, the wild parties, the bribing of the radio hosts and DJs while also perfectly describing the decline of the entire structure.

The key cases are all here, including Napster that took the music world by the neck in so many ways. It also offers in-depth analyzes and draws on a large variety of interviews with some of the major players of all the eras in the industry.

It's a must-read if you're the least bit interested in the history of the music industry and a perfect showcase of how human (and business) fates can change in a heartbeat by not following the trends of the world. In many ways a terrifying read... 

THE ART OF COMMITMENT

Having put little thought into the art of approach a few days back, I thought it was time to write a few lines about the art of committing. Commitment as a term, as a noun and as something no living person can do or live without.

To me commitment is key; as essential as drawing breath and waking up each morning before 6 am to meditate and work out. Commitment is what defines me to towards myself and towards all my relations, both privately and in my business life. Here is how I use it - in short:

I'm in a constant evolving process and decided long ago to challenge myself hourly in order to push myself to the limit and thereby obtain full potential in life. This includes committing 100% to staying focussed on whatever task lies at hand; work, marriage, parenthood, friendships and so on. It's quite a load and therefore commitment is needed to stay in line and improve.

I've come to the conclusion that what works for me is keeping an open and clean mind and continuously analyzing my various interactions with people in all types of settings and situations. Because each person has flaws, and plenty of them. I, for one, have a temper issue that in all fairness has improved tremendously over the years. But occasionally I still feel the urge to kill a person or at least smack that person around and that solves little to nothing admittedly. Committing to the process of realization I contemplate a way to minimize and in time completely remove this way of thinking. The power of thought and actually free will! Committing to not being a slave of poor, poor instinct is key in this quite normal example.

Daring to commit to challenges in life is a hard thing to do and it takes strength! Removing the excuses and stepping up your game (= committing) is the way forward. Then the commitment term known in everyday life (e.g. girlfriend/boyfriend, school, work, exercise, etc.) becomes a walk in the park!

COMMIT TO CHALLENGES AND CHANGES!

THE ART OF APPROACH!

Well, time to post the first real blog - and this will be a short one that I will later bring up again in order to document destructive behaviour.

In these times of individual online platforms it appears to become more and more common for people to express, quite explicitly even, how they would like to see people react and/or behave to certain events. Clearly I'm not talking about the recent acts of deranged terror in Norway or hooliganism in England. On those events we generally all agree. No, I'm talking about more diverse matters.
For instance, I stumpled across a tweet not long ago suggesting that "everyone should f**king stop eating tuna", and that really got me thinking. Thinking about the art of approach if you have something you wish to inform people about.

It is not important who the tweeter is. But what's important is to stress how absolutely ridiculous this approach is and how negatory the effect is. Because I am ALL about not eating tuna, to say the least, and I am also all about spreading he informative facts of the results of the fishing industry. But I would never, ever, lay my world views upon anyone in such an infantile and confrontational manner. It has the complete opposite effect than desired all of a sudden. Nobody likes to be cursed at. Imagine, even, reading a tweet like this, not knowing about any of this.

That, as just one simple example, becomes more and more common. Lesser intelligent people dictating tabloid related stories upon everyone, using social media. Please stop this immediately and take action instead or at least have the curtosy to be informative rather than acting like the teacher's sub that never completed your post grad.

So in short - as much as I love and use social media it's rapiply becoming a problem with too many of these self-righteous, sensationalist and downright annoying people craving attention.
Future reference - I will write a post on the Danish and British fishing industry and will be including the now endangeroured tuna!

ACTION SPEAKS LOUDER THAN TWEETS!

SET IT OFF!

The design is stale and boring, the header equally so. The content is not appealing but then again - it has to reflect the world to appear trustworthy. Also, if you need a quick pick-me-up of superficiality you can always tune in to whatever it is that the public service provide.

And if that doesn't cut it for you I recommend you a stroll around the Danish pride of high culture - the various bars located on every other street corner - and swing down a world-renowned brew or two. It will surely not sharpen your mind or senses but you will be down there with the rest of them.

This may all sound a little confusing and even spiteful but I guarantee that this is not the case. This is merely to indicate, cunningly, what lies ahead.

The blog you're reading now will be bringing up peculiar topics or rather topics that I feel are portraying peculiar behavior. It's a crazy world and rebellion clearly has many faces as seen in recent events around the world. The more stand a person can take in everyday life and the more critical questions you can ask yourself the more alert, liberated and together you become.

But first things first and one step (or rather topic) at a time. So in near future I will give my take on different matters one by one! And I won't be shooting blanks ;-)

But don't worry - it will be a fun read too!

SET IT OFF....I just heard that the bombing in Libya continues :-(