...Did I really just see that? Did you see it too?

Watching the Dem debate, and finding intense humor in the candidate's note-taking. What are they really writing? I doubt it's anything more than a diversion from the slim number of acceptable behaviors while the other is speaking: they can either look at their adversary (difficult and awkward), look deep-in-thought-while-listening-intently (weird and silly)...or they can write. So, OK...write. But Obama is pushing it, and I can't be the only one who caught this: if you're going to choose option #3 and take faux-notes, make sure you're writing actual words and not DOODLING. I'm watching him, captivated and howling, as he furrows his brow and uses his pen to draw lines and squiggles while Hillary speaks. There is likely an understanding between the candidates that the note-taking is pure bologna, and therefore his body of geometric shapes will stay under the radar with Hillary. But come ON, man. Or at least break up the bullshit tension by showing us your picture of Bush fucking McCain in the mouth.

Just woke up here in early PST, hopped on the internets, and got the news that John Edwards will be exiting the presidential race. I'm half-asleep, I haven't had my tea, and all I really want to do is curl up on my couch and read the paper. But I feel it necessary to bid this candidate farewell and reflect on his honorable campaign.

I don't (necessarily) intend to use my blog as a bulletin board for my political agenda, and I've never endorsed or tried to sell any candidate in this race. I am a registered independent; I have no allegiance to a particular party and I happen to strongly oppose the bipartisanship of America. I'm writing because John Edwards was a special candidate, one who needed our voices in the way he volunteered his. He was part of a fantastic group of Democratic candidates, including some (Kucinich, Richardson, etc.) that were courageous enough to step up and speak out the way he was, the way we desperately need someone to right now. On the Republican side, Rudy Giuliani is expected to bow out today, and all that means is that Ron Paul has one less motherfucker to tangle with. But Giuliani is out because (damn, I could say some shit here!) he had a bogus strategy and a fruitless message. Edwards is out for the same reason Kucinich went out, for the same reason Ron Paul will soon be out, too: he's actually saying something of substance. The media and the people who control it play a key role in American politics, and it has never been more evident than in this race. The Republican debates have been great TV, and I can't help being completely engrossed in each one: you've got four or five candidates kissing Reagan's ass and talking absolute nonsense...and then you have Ron Paul, making sense, speaking out, using his 15 seconds of coverage to say something poignant and important. The Democratic race has certainly been filled with more progressive and independent minds, but Dennis Kucinich was the target early on, receiving precious little coverage and being blocked out of debates. Once Kucinich was knocked out (along with Biden, Richardson, etc.), they picked a new target: John Edwards. Edwards was the outsider of the Big Three (Hillary and Obama the other two). He faced tough odds going up against candidates vying to become the first female and African-American presidents in American herstory, and a nation desperate (perhaps too) to have the image of change accompany the idea and action. I should make it clear that I do believe simply having a woman or a black man as the face of America would do wonders; it's Edwards' tradgedy that he had to be another white man with a Southern accent. But Edwards had everyone's number. He was the first and most constant critic of the Iraq War amongst the three. He spoke out angrily and passionately against big business and the corporations that are crushing the American middle class and furthering the poverty epidemic. He was dangerous to many in power because he risked his popularity to speak out truthfully and courageously. And he understood the risk, I'm sure. He understood that he might have a better shot at winning if he kept quiet, played it a bit more safe, and said the right things. But that's not why he was in the race, and he wasn't about to let his truths slip away from him. The media punished him: their coverage was best with the two sexy, historic candidates going head to head, throwing jabs at eachother. John Edwards just screwed that up. He finished second in Iowa, and out of nine minutes of post-debate coverage, NBC gave him just FOUR SECONDS. Hillary, who finished third (BEHIND Edwards) was given ample coverage.

The voices with the most to say will always be the least audible. If you want quick proof, just listen to the radio and who gets played. I know this, and that's why I'm proud and deeply committed to being the artist that I am: I'll always be underground because I'll always be talking about the stuff that they don't want you to hear. John Edwards gets it- and he's not done with it, either. He was the real Hip Hop candidate: he's speaking out for all those without voices, standing up to the corporate greed that has ruined America, and making a genuine attempt to change it. Barack inspires people with his charisma, his presentation, and his excellent campaign logo (seriously, who was the genius behind that?!)-but John Edwards should inspire us all to stand up and speak out for what's true, no matter what the cost.

(I want to preface this entry by saying that I’m not making a point of being direct and virile; it’s simply a product of the surrounding ignorance and apathy.)

While tripping on Facebook this afternoon, I came across a group that literally made me swear out loud at my computer screen: “Keep Politics Out Of Facebook.” (More accurately, I believe it was “Keep politics out of FaCEbook!” as most every stupid Facebook group looks like the creator typed the name with his toes while high on acid.) It so happens that a very good friend of mine was a member of this group, just as it so happens that some of our greatest relationships survive in spite of (and often, because of) grave divisions of thought and opinion. This person will always be dear to me, and what’s important here is not the unity of opinion, but awareness and the discussion of these opinions. However, I’m taking issue here because this group was not created and supported by people who intelligently wish to keep the study of the allocation of civic resources out of their unruffled social network. This group was created by morons who think life is a constant pageant of beer pong and shopping, morons who, when prodded to actually consider and contribute to humanity, would rather join a group with their ignorant friends and say a collective “Fuck this shit, leave us alone so we can just use this thing to look at everyone’s pictures and upload that 2girls1cup clip to our profiles.” Sure, there are times where I just want to be left alone, too. I’ll freely admit that when the Jehovah’s Witnesses come to my door, I’m ducking down and hiding behind the couch. But this isn’t a time to ignore. The issues that are irking the folks in this worldly group are issues that need to be heard, considered, and spoken for. The description for this group reads "For people who find it upsetting that politicians are now using facebook for their campaigns and that the corporate world is encroaching on our social network." Reader, do you need the Heimlich? Because I sure as hell choked on the irony. Allow me, if I may, to enlighten the idiots out there: Facebook IS the corporate world. Facebook exists so that the corporate world can market to the mass of nescient youth that it addicts. And because the corporate world runs the political world, politics are just as at home in Facebook as all the applications designed to capture all the information possible from us. But the members of this group don't get that, and therefore freak out when they get a friend request from Rudy G. I allude to a college-age ignoramus, as it’s the generation that I’m trying to lead, make aware, and motivate to stand up and speak out. In my personal life, I struggle between being opinionated because I believe in the discussion of ideas and being open and ambivalent as a means of staying receptive. But I believe it’s possible to maintain opinion and receptivity simultaneously, and that’s what I’m working with. At this point, as an educated and freethinking individual, I have little hesitation to share my (and the majority of the brilliant and, to be fair and optimistic, duped) American public's opinion that our country is an absolute disaster. In addition to the countless other atrocities, we continue to ravage a country in an illegal, unethical, and unfathomably mismanaged war, all because we’re comfortable in our own lives and unwilling to sacrifice what’s necessary to afford others the freedoms that we enjoy. I direct this to everyone, but particularly the collegiate population because it’s my population, and we have all the power and potential in the world right now. This, unlike the war in the Iraq, is a war we have to fight, that we should be ashamed if we don’t. This is OUR time to make history and one-up the Vietnam generation. It's interesting (and scary) to consider Facebook a figurative microcosm of college with regard to this issue: the group was only made once politics entered the collegiate arena. Are we that ignorant that we have to wait for a draft to incite a movement? Let’s not wait to find out. Start right now by taking a moment and really thinking about the life you lead and the freedoms you enjoy. Read a book (not by Ann Coulter). Watch Real Time. Think about humanity and what’s happening-and know that together, we can change all of it for the better.

And then speak out. I’m really hoping (and I mean I’m REALLY hoping) that this post inspires someone to create a Facebook group called “Keep (insert noun here, e.g. “Politics” or “Humanity”) IN Facebook!” Send me the invite, and I’ll accept the hell out of it.


I’d create it myself, but I have to cut out and set up those red cups.

After a long absence, I think I may be back to the blog for good. I’ll let that remain to be seen, but let me elaborate on where I’ve been, where I’m at, and where I’m going with this (briefly, of course): I’ve been taking some much-needed time to relax and decompress after an intense four years of essentially constant work. I’ve had some great time to reflect on things and get my head ready to be wrapped around a new and very personal project. One thing that’s struck me over the course of the last several months is the excitement I feel to be alive at this particular moment in time. There is so much going on-and so much opportunity for us to do something about it. I’ve always been sensitive to these issues and personally active on their behalf. But, for whatever reason, I’ve recently been inspired to move this struggle to the forefront of my creative focus. A quote from Richard Linklater’s Waking Life sums it up perfectly: “Our planet is facing the greatest problems it’s ever faced. So whatever you do, don’t be bored. This is absolutely the most exciting time we could have possibly hoped to be alive.” From the war in Iraq (and now likely Iran) to the climate crisis to our increasingly corrupt and calamitous government- the time is NOW. It is truly unbelievable that we could still be passive and ignorant to the trouble we’re in. Well, I’m not. And I don’t intend to act like it for a second longer. This doesn’t mean I’m giving up on everything else that moves me. But it’s going to take a back seat for a while. As I mentioned, I’m working on a new musical project which addresses a few of these issues, both directly and indirectly. I’ll also be doing my best to blog regularly. I’ll try not to make it all heavy, all the time...but word up-it’s what’s going on. Everything else is secondary. I sat in bed last night and realized that it’s my calling as a writer, a dreamer, a thinker, and a leader to be a voice of my generation. So let’s wake the fuck up and do this.
-Justin

Searching for life's answers, I decided to turn to the quiz. The two that intrigued me (for obvious reasons) were 'Which 90210 Character Are You?' and 'Which Ninja Turtle Are You?' I had a pretty good idea of the outcome for both: I was always a Dylan McKay/David Silver hybrid with regards to Bev Hills, and while I related to Leonardo's leadership, Donatello's color coordination, and Raphael's inner-conflict, I was a Michaelangelo guy. Check out my results today:

Which Ninja Turtle Are You? Your Result: April O'Neil   You are independent, optimistic and ambitious. You like to have a good time, but try to balance work and play. You are mysteriously attracted to the genetically mutated, green-skinned amphibians, but are uncertain "how that would work." Your favorite food is brocolli, and you wear an ugly yellow jacket.
Splinter
Michaelango
Donatello
Leonardo
Raphael
, you're now logged in! Below you'll find your test result. After, continue on to your homescreen to discover what we're about. continue to OkCupid homescreen > You're Andrea Z. You scored 40 90210 Personality Points! Brains galore, but so much more. You've got focus, ambition, and the intelligence to take you places. You can come off a bit blunt and unfeeling (too logical for your own good sometimes), but deep down you're a lonely soul who longs for someone to get past the outer shell and see you for the unique and wonderful person you are. Surprises all around, huh? Something to think about. -JMcK

In the (somewhat cynical) spirit of awards season, and perhaps a bit of cynicism as well towards the films being honored this year, I give you my Top Ten Films of 2007:

1. Half Nelson
2. Borat
3. Letter from Iwo Jima
4. Little Miss Sunshine
5. United 93
6. Volver
7. Climates
8. Inland Empire
9. The Queen
10. The Lives of Others


It should be noted that there are still a few films I have not managed to see (Dreamgirls, Deja Vu, RV), while there are some I most certainly did (The Departed, Pan's Labyrinth) The Academy has, in recent years, been quite profound and progressive with their selections. Let's see what happens this year.

Once again, I'm having some trouble finding my inner blogger. So, rather than leave the space empty for another month, I wanted to let you know how I spend my time when I'm not devoting it to blogging:





I watch Judge Alex.





I hang with Cliff and shop for shoes.




I booze in intersections.

See why I have trouble blogging?! There's just too much important stuff to do!

rough sketches of the first sneaker and bag for the JMcK S-T-Y-L-E line








Something I'm looking at down the road: a fashion line based primarily in sneakers and bags, casually inspired by Jack Purcell and classic Adidas, and comprised chiefly of brown, beige, and cream colors. This is the first blueprint...more to come when time allows. (note: my crayola basic marker box did not have a cream color that satisfied my taste; therefore, all white is meant to be a light cream.)

with S-T-Y-L-E,

JMcK

happy Newy Yearr!

(sorry, stilkl drunk!!!!!!!)

Whew, OK, I'm recovered.

Fragments from my New Years celebration/things you should know:


-Regardless of how broiled I may be, I'm always the emissary in the cab. I don't quite know how I manage to do it, but as soon as I step in, I am plagued with empathy for the poor driver who has to listen to and take orders from the screaming, belligerent hooligans riding in the back seat. I always ride in the front seat and shoot shit with the driver. Had a funny one last night. As four of my cohorts got crunk in the back seat, I talked shop with driver Joe, the two of us commiserating over the stupidity of the hotel's wristband policy, in which no one can enter the hotel after 8PM without a wristband issued at check-in. It was Kramer and Jackie, straight up.
JUSTIN: Yea, and if you don't have the wristband, they don't let you in! How pathetic is that?
JOE: That's ridiculous, man. So on New Years Eve, if you're out at the club and you score with a little fox, you can't bring her back to the room with you?
JUSTIN: That's right.
JOE: Preposterous.

-Establishments that serve alcoholic beverages in large quantities and are frequented by large numbers of patrons need multiple toilets. That's it.

-And, when they don't have them, patrons need to tackle their homophobia.

-Props go out to David Giannini for not taking no mess from the Hyphy posers in the elevator.

-I love sleeping in strange environments, but last night was particularly less than desirable. I positively froze without a blanket on the hotel floor with the AC still cranked. I spent an uncomfortable 20 minutes wandering the hallways like a zombie at 5AM, searching for the linen closet. David wasn't being generous with the table cloth he managed to find (somewhere...). It was only after he noticed me pulling at every piece of cloth within an arm's reach that he coughed up a second table cloth he had laying next to him. Extra gloves?

-Union Square in the early morning was surreal. I've never seen this city so quiet and beautiful. I went shopping.


In completely unrelated news, I've been on an M.J. thing lately. I can't get enough. He is possibly the greatest performer in the history of the world. And I had forgotten how good his videos are.

Wishing you the best in the New Year...

-JMcK

As a boy-band product, I'm always on the lookout for hot new acts in the genre. A couple nights ago, I found the winning ticket:



F.C. Lovin': Nate, Ryan, Ed, and Nelson are on the hunt for ho's.

F.C. Lovin' is the hottest new group to break out on the scene in years. Their debut single "Let's Do It In The Lagoon" from their album "Pimpin' Ho's in the 6-5-0" has remained at the top of the charts for eight straight weeks-but that statistic hardly does this powerhouse quartet justice. I caught their special guest performance at a sold-out Foster City Rec Center and was lucky enough to catch up with the guys after the show for a few words. Backstage in their private lounge, they were every bit as smokin' cool as their on-stage personas suggested. In some ways, they fit the standard boy-band mold. Each member brings a distinct personality and flavor to the group: Frontman Nelson is the cute one, Ryan is the Jewish heartthrob, Ed is the hardcore older-brother, and lead singer Nate is the bad boy with his chancy-looking goatee. But they also shift the paradigm with their eccentricity and diversity. "Yep, we's all hella diverse and shit, but it's cool," says Nelson. "Ed and me is Asian, Ryan is Jewish, and Nate is some other weird shit, but that's what makes us fly." With that recipe, the guys are certain that ho's will be rolling in. And when they do, they'll surely be treated to some sweet F.C. Lovin'.