It really should be a bigger story, but, surprisingly, a lot of people haven’t heard about the totally batshit-crazy brutality that occurred on a Greyhound Bus in Canada a few days ago. Suffice to say, some whacko snapped and brutally stabbed this 22-year old kid a gazillion times (one eyewitness said 40 to 50 times) with a Rambo knife and then cut off his head and displayed it to the terrified passengers outside of the bus (they did the sensible thing and ran the fuck off of that bus, anyone who says they “could have stopped him” are exhibiting a severe case of “Armchair Quarterback Syndrome.” Sure, 37 people might have subdued him, but these are normal folks riding a Greyhound, not a paramilitary police force. One fatality could have easily turned into two or more fatalities and who really wants to be the guy who gets stabbed while 36 others jump on this guy and “kick his ass.”)
According to the myspace profile of the victim, Tim “Jokawild” McLeanwas an Insane Clown Posse fan. I mean how crazy is that? ICP has like a kabillion songs about decapitation. I haven’t heard much ICP, but I’d say decapitation was at least mentioned in the half-dozen or so songs I have been exposed to. The probability of this kid getting randomly decapitated on a bus in Manitoba has got to be be on par with an Ozzy Osbourne fan actually becoming possessed by demons.
I had planned to only take a few days off this month when my boss swaggered into my office boasting about his 100 accrued hours of vacation time. “I’m definitely gonna take some time off soon,” he said.
“Well I have 71 hours and I am only taking three days off.” I replied.
“Wow, 71 already? You should take the whole week off.”
So I am.
I just bought a bus ticket for a short trip to NYC to visit some friends from college. I don’t know if I will get to see everyone I’d like to see, honestly, I’m not sure that matters. I, of course, want to see every one of my pals that I don’t get to see often but I really just want to get away from this area for awhile. NYC is about as far from Norfolk, VA as you can get, as far as scenery and overall vibe, without going to the west coast. I just need a damn break.
Unfortunately, Kim won’t be coming a long, but this gives her a break from my nonsense too. When I come back we’re having a “staycation” in Ghent. She says I have to bring her back some Italian cookies like the ones we got in Brooklyn last time we were up there. I won’t be staying in Brooklyn this time, but I am sure I’ll find something.
I am travelling with a small charter bus company (i.e. not a Greyhound) and the price is a ridiculous bargain. If it works out well I might do this more often.
Brett: since I just remembered that I forgot to call you, this is my formal announcement that I am coming to the City and if you can make it out, I’d love to meet up.
If I were to make a bass instructional vid (a la the incomparable Brett Miller), what topic would you want to see me cover in it? I have some funny concepts for the presentation, but I really want to teach something valuable instead of goofing around and / or showing off.
Got back Wednesday night but I am just not focused enough to write a post about my trip. I had a great time in NYC and saw some friends I haven’t seen in years. Other highlights included the Dali exhibit at the MoMA, the Coney Island Sideshow, Christian Scott at Jazz Standard, excellent pizza in Brooklyn and watching Tom get his “free drink” at the Double Down.
Justin is an electric bassist, geek, music teacher, beard-grower and "Honorary Filipino" living in the "not-that-deep" South with his girlfriend, Kim. Unlike many of his fellow graduates from Berklee College of Music, Justin is not currently working at Uhaul (but only because they aren't hiring) and he is not signed to any major or minor record label. Justin and Kim live in a snooty neighborhood in Norfolk, VA which is fine because it gives them lots to complain about every day.