Disagree with me and my douchey list!

Dear Blog,

Top 10 Albums of 2007

Keep in mind that I only take into account albums I have heard. Also, that I am an extremely biased and opinionated asshole. Czech it out (I'm a douche)!

10. Icky Thump - The White Stripes

This is here because I genuinely couldn't think of a tenth album. Also, the title track and Rag & Bone is some of their best material. The rest of the album just doesn't feel right to me. They're trying to hard where it used to be effortless and where Jack used to sing the truth, now he just seems wordy and confused. Find your muse Jack! Hint: It's not Karen Elson.

9. In Rainbows - Radiohead

I've heard maybe one full minute of this album. It's mostly here to give my list some indie cred. Maybe now indie chicks will dig me? In short, I haven't heard much but I liked what I heard and it might be good. Another supplement due to my lack of diversifying enough to actually have listened to ten albums that came out this year.

8. Wincing the Night Away - The Shins

At first I though the Shins had dropped the ball on this one. That they had already made something too muddled up and inconsistent, so early in their career. But, I was wrong. If you spend some time with this one it really grows on you. The turns of phrase and some of the gusto and energy on this record can really blow you away. It's a wild ride. Note: Seeing it performed live also did wonders for me.

7. Bishop Allen & The Broken String - Bishop Allen

As a band, Bishop Allen would rank above some of the artists that are above them on this list. However, as an album, this is a pretty weak attempt. Don't get me wrong, it's still absolutely fabulous. But, it's made up mostly of re-recorded tracks from the marvelous month EP's and the few new tracks are no big deal. Mind you, these songs didn't need to be re-recorded and the studio polish, additional instruments, and polished vocals seems out of place with these songs. It may just be because I fell in love with their earlier versions first but I feel like Bishop Allen should have left well enough alone and waited to record a whole album of new material. Still, when you get right down to it, they are amazing songs. That's just it.

6. Night Falls Over Kortedala - Jens Lekman

Jens Lekman is so charming. If I had a daughter, he could totally date her. I would have them over to my house and Jens and I could play cards, sit, and chat. Jens' music is just as charming as he looks. This Swede brings the classy tunes and a voice that breaks my heart but commands my attention. The songs are so catchy that you don't realize they're brilliant until after a few play throughs.

5. The Stage Names - Okkervil River

The first song on this album sold me entirely. It resonates right there with me. That being said, it's a fantastic album, with the sharpest lyrics that you could never think of. Okkervil River is one of those bands that is so brilliant that you can't listen and think "I could've written that." Because, you certainly could not have. It blows me down even when I have no idea what's happening.

4. The Shepherd's Dog - Iron & Wine

Sam Beam totally delivers on the promise he has showed in all of his past releases, which were brilliant in their own right. But, here Beam elaborates on so many themes and let's a sharp production value guide him to heights he has never soared too. He was meant for these sharp and focused tunes. It breathes his whole power right into you in a soulful yet effortless manner. Great driving music.

3. Neon Bible - Arcade Fire

I have to admit, I listen to some of these other albums a lot more than this one. But, you cannot deny the power and brilliance of Arcade Fire. There is not a bad song on the album and they are all brilliantly arranged and meant to blow your heart right out of your body. Probably the best record of '07 but, my favoritism and personal bias figures it down to third.

2. Reunion Tour - The Weakerthans

Lyrically brilliant, The Weakerthans never miss a step. These songs are so poignant that they ache to be memorized and played over and over again. Also, you can totally turn it up and rock out. It's so much fun but at the same time it's depressing and awkwardly filled with truth. Stories of the working class never sounded so good!

1. Emerald City - John Vanderslice

One of the best records to listen to with your headphones on. JV and Scott Solter know their goddamn analog recording. This record sounds sharp and every second is meticulously crafted to sound just like they wanted it to. The album rolls along like a steam train pouring out strange and beautiful poetry. Kookaburra is the best opening track of any album, ever. How you get acoustic guitars to sound like that is beyond me. To all the critics that complained about JV making another album fixating on 9/11: Fuck you guys. Everyone is still fucking fixated on it. Whether it's conspiracy theorists or the governments or anyone. It hasn't gone away. It's not like the record even shoves it in your face. It's still a relevant theme to elaborate on the political climate of fear. FUCK YOU PITCHFORK!!!

Thanks for reading gang. Hope you enjoyed my outright opinions on what is sure to be the most egotistical top 10 of 2007.

Yours,
B Morgz

Something's happening

Dear Blog,

It's been busy times at the end of the semester. I should really get back to studying. Just popped in to say hi and share some writings from recent days. Both written in Media and Society.

I just looked up some sweet buffalo and bison pics on Wikipedia. There is a difference you know. Also, I have been listening to lots of MC Frontalot. He is a funny, white rapper man with serious verbosity that I enjoy.

Here's the writings:

Galloping Gift Horses, Frances

I grew up with my father
telling me not to look at a gift horse
especially not in the wrong way
We had a lot of money from oil
That shot from the ground like a galloping
horse that I'm not supposed to look in the mouth


Every Salem

My cousin in Nevada picks up the phone
She hears on the other end a low groan
I say "those sinless started throwing stones"
As you may have guessed, my cover is blown

I am moving out of Salem today
For good, for good I am on my way
I expect my enemies to be a delay
Ruthlessly I will move them out of my way

I pack it all up in a big, black chest
After entering the numbers, I let the lock rest
Against cold steel that will stand test
My earthly belongings are a bulletproof vest

I am moving out of Salem today
For good, for good I am on my way
I expect evil men to try and make me stay
Mercilessly I will shove them out of the way

Down at the rust-smelling trainyard
My black loafers hit the ground hard
I look back and sprint faster toward
The train, I board quickly, the whistle roars

I am moving out of Salem today
For good, for good I am on my way
Vile ruffians want to make me pay
I will loose hells gates to keep them out of my way


Enjoy!

Yours,
B Morgz

Always questions

Dear Blog,

Guys! Rock Band is really cool. You should all come play it now.

Also, I hope I don't die during finals week. Wish me luck.

It is bedtime now.

Yours,
B Morgz

Cat Stevens FTW

Dear Blog,

Kyle and I agree that Cat Stevens and hookah would go perfect together. It played for one brief second and was gone. They change it back to hip-hop. It was okay though, I was chilling and calm. Smoking hookah was one of the best experiences I've ever had. It was totally amazing. I was so calm and relaxed. I could talk about anything I wanted. It was so free and the hookah tasted great. I'm glad to be having new experiences and defying the college.

It had been a really bad week (See my earlier post). But, now I'm feeling downright giddy. This might not even last till morning but I hope it does.

I got a nice bag of food from the college for finals week. It's apparently something my parents pre-paid for. It is very delicious and Kyle and I have already torn into it. Fantastic!

Hooray for good moods! Hooray for hookah! Hooray for everyone! Hip-hip hooray!

Yours,
B Morgz

I don't want to watch a horror story Benjamin

Dear Blog,

Could someone please get me out of here? I can't believe I have to rot here for eight more days and then come back for a semester and continue rotting. Then go off to another summer and college where I have no idea whether I'll sink or swim. I can't get this whole thing off my back and I don't even know how much better I'll feel when I'm back home. Better, for sure. But, maybe still not so great.

I think I waste time better than anyone I know. But, I'm not proud, it gets you into lots of tricky situations. My guitar is still missing a string. Still. I wish I could play it. That was never a waste of time.

I wonder if I can go these last eight days without spending any money.

Yours,
B Morgz

whoa man, I just thought of a better way to surprise both of your spouses

Dear Blog,

It's been a bit of a boring weekend. I won't go over the specifics. I feel, sometimes, like I'm just writing a boring account of my day. That's not cool. No one really wants to read that. Even I don't think it's very interesting.

I might have time to transcribe some more It's Ben's Life now that I have no homework left to do. So, for the two or three people that may or may not read it, look for that.

I'm still reading "The Wal-Mart Effect" by Charles Fishman. I would recommend it if you want to understand our current economical state better. Or if you want to understand Wal-Mart and it's choke hold on our economy better. Either way it's a super interesting read. I find that I like more non-fiction lately. The bonus is that non-fiction makes you look smarter. The ladies love that, don't they? I can't remember.

I still can't play my guitar but have no idea where to find a fucking G string. I finally found a music store but they had no single G strings for sale.

Only nine days left to go! Hoo-rah!

I really hate the idea of living with a stranger next year and all the turmoil that could create. I don't know how I would be able to handle that. I need a safe space to relax and be myself at. A space that I can be guaranteed to be safe at. When that is changed or invaded I have problems. Sometimes I worry a lot and it's been one of those times pretty constantly lately.

I wish I didn't constantly wonder when I will stop being single. Why do I have to be paralyzed by that sometimes? It's a debilitating situation for me and I don't think it has to be. I thought I had a handle on it at one point. But, I'm learning that I don't usually have as much control over things as I think I do. It's a shocking and disheartening realization. Word up.

Yours,
B Morgz

i'm a special boy

Dear Blog,

I just finished some Christmas shopping and got to play Rock Band again. That made me happy on the very inside. I still haven't finished all my shopping, which is small due to my absent income. I bought Superbad for myself and lolzed along with my friends.

Wal-Mart is bad. Don't shop there no more.

I'm very concerned about this college switching thing. I know it's the only thing I've ever been thinking about lately, but it's very important. I know that I should leave here but I have no knowledge that Webster will be a success. I will have to be much more independent than I'm used to being. It could be bad times for a bit. I'm scared to stop going to school with Kyle. We've always had each other's backs. I don't know if I can do school without him. It won't be the same. We'll be further apart than I'd like.

I feel like next year is shaping up to be far too decisive and unpredictable. I have no idea where everyone is going to end up. But, some of our decisions next year will affect us for the rest of our lives in a significant way. That scares the shit straight out of me. Why does it all have to come so soon?

As further proof of my desire to leave; here's a poem I wrote after chapel today about how I hate the school and how it operates.


I've got Christian moms in acid-washed jeans
Thumping bibles at little, old me
It doesn't help that they're just nineteen
This place isn't what I thought it ought to be

They clamp open your mouth and ears with righteous hands
Pouring in sick, sharp thorns and the blood of their man
They dance and weep like it's a promised land
Communities with rule books demand I cut off my right hand

The girls in a greenhouse, like precious virgin flowers
Not to be scandalized until the proper hour
They are forbidden to go near the animal man's tower
They think this gives them holy light and all-consuming power

I'll tell you one thing about their damn upturned noses
They never have the time to stop and smell forbidden roses
I will roll in debauchery until the smell imposes
All their rules, heads in asses, that keep the time line frozen

Holy Moses, all their prayer is making me pull hairs
They've got some morals, so they might as well share
Shoving everything together in a garish flare
So that when they bend you over, everyone can stare

Scribbling and sweating over folded notes to Jesus
Treating us like children, thinking songs are gonna please us
I'm tired of the flashing warnings speaking of diseases
Do you think I could escape on one of those right wing rant breezes?


Yours,
B Morgz

I Won't Fuck Us Over

Dear Blog,

I just got finished doing my very last physical fitness test for Theory of Wellness. I can finally say goodbye to that shitty health/PE class. It was just one big repeat of high school, which, trust me, I did not want or need.

I tried to work on the guitar some last night and I broke a string. But, I was able to keep playing on Kyle's guitar. He is a nice guy, that Kyle.

I still haven't finished my speech that's due tonight for a group meeting. Oh, well. I'm not too worried. I am going to go work on that now. No Thursday nap for me. Kyle is sleeping right now and I can hear his soft breathing. That sounds creepy. I hope he is dreaming about rabbits in a field.

Still waiting for the steam train home. But, I think I can make it. I might freeze first, though. It's so ball busting cold here. I had to walk seven minutes out to the gym in shorts. Then I had to walk back after rigorous exercise. So far, not a good day. I am going to go take a shower now. Because, I am gross and need the heat.

Wow, these are getting boring. I promise to really spice the next one up. Or just not type it when I'm super exhausted, which I've been doing lately.

Oh, I forgot to mention, my movie review comes out in today's Collegian. I am excited to see my words in print in the newspaper. Super excited!

Yours,
B Morgz

Sing Me Spanish Techno

Dear Blog,

I have been a busy beaver today. I put three whole seasons of It's Ben's Life on my computer. You can check them out at the official blog of It's Ben's Life here. You should check it out if you wish for maximum lolz.

I feel so unmotivated to work on any sort of school work at all. I did nothing today but get some books for a speech that's due soon. The rest of the day I just sat around and kicked Guitar Hero III's ass. I'm glad that I went out and bought it, otherwise I would've procrastinated in a more boring way.

The day of escape draws nearer. Oh how I treasure it like an old time prospector treasures the gold he imagines is off in the distance, in them thar hills. He thinks he can make it to the gold before he passes out. He puffs and wheezes, cresting the summit. In a less fancy way, though, I am still wishing to be gone. Hard to shake that feeling.

I should be playing the real guitar more. Why don't I try harder to follow my musical dreams? Sometimes I wonder why I'm so lazy about the things that matter the most to me. Like something is just going to happen. Yeah right.

Would anyone be interested in receiving a winter mixtape I just made up? I might give it as sort of a Christmas present thing. Just tell me somehow if you are interested. It's pretty nice. I like it.

Yours,
B Morgz

Slut, Asshole, Slut, Asshole, Slut, Asshole!

Dear Blog,

It's been a bit of a boring weekend except for seeing the Rocky Horror Picture show. It was one of the best things I've ever been too. It was like a cool, refreshing drink of water compared to the hot, intolerable desert of Asbury and it's goddamned community standards. Speaking of Asbury, I cleaned up my movie review for the paper and I am even happier with it than before. It taught me some valuable lessons indeed.

I am starving for Christmas Break out here. Besides the fact that I desperately yearn to play Rock Band and hold it's glory in my tiny, cabbage hands. I also just yearn for some escape and relief. I'll keep holding on I suppose but finals cannot get here quick enough. It's been boring here lately with no homework and being a little too sick of Guitar Hero I + II. I have too much free time and the days are moving way too slow.

Also, the Mountain Goats played a killer setlist for free to NYU students recently. I was very jealous. This is why I need to go to ZOOP! in the summer. To see my dream of a truly great Mountain Goats setlist achieved.

I got some new Bright Eyes, New Pornographers, and three Mountain Goats Christmas songs recently. I have only listened to some of the New Pornographers so far but it seems nice. I plan to jump on the tMG Christmas songs as soon as I finish this post.
I will also go ahead and post the poem I promised all the way in the last post.

Something I Can Dance To
By Ben Morgan

Utah hates the government and flat out revolts
Holy amazing
fantastic blitzkrieg
After the bum rush
no one can lie
Government trackers
tracing the Salt Lake
looking for people
to make some examples
But I hid in the back of the drug store

I tried to sleep for quite awhile
But every five to seven minutes
I wake up feeling
the g-man's hand
on my collar
No one is more panicked and stressed out than I am (seriously I'm eating my own hair)
Bombs burst brave
over deaf dumb dead cities
dead dead dead dead dead dead dead (why my little sister oh I couldn't protect her)
I'm crying while whatever Mr. Jones was prescribed is wearing off (I can't pronounce it)

Bright flash
loud quiet voices
hush hush
I cower
Black flashlights
shoes
ties
guns GUNS!

dragging me to the gallows
It's a brand new inquisition
They don't give me one last request
But I would've asked for something I could dance to


Yours,
B Morgz

Right then and right there

Dear Blog,

So, I already broke the writer's block. Here is cold hard proof. It's a song I wrote last night like an hour after the blog post. It's called Blazing Orange Savior.

I saw a dead body on the beach
When I was ten years old
My mother told me
That it was just a wax man
My father up and died
when I was twelve years old
I got my first kiss the same day
I remember feeling damned
Now when we kiss
I taste my fathers ashes
Now when we kiss
Our mouths are a cremation
I know this may come
As shocking information
So much that our relations
Will reach a quick cessation

I never put much stock in tongues touching tongues
Because of something that happened when I was very young

I took seven girls to funeral homes
On just as many dates
I got seven looks of sheer disgust
And handprints on my face
And in the parlor all alone
I'd cross myself and cry
Why was I first kissed
On the day my father died
At seventeen I sank a boat
Off the cold New England coast
I languished in the water
And waited for the ghost
A woman threw a lifesaver
From a fairly well sized yacht
That jacket was a blazing savior
I wish I'd never caught

I never thought I'd spend my whole life chained
To an unforgiving tombstone, in the hot August rain



I also wrote a nice poem today too. Once I get it on the computer I'll post it here as well.

Yours,
B Morgz

Look sister, here comes another genuine disaster

Dear Blog,

So, not feeling so great. Haven't been able to write at all. I've got a feelings block up where I can't express myself without babbling stuff. I just tried to slam on my guitar and ad lib. That's how I know it's another one of those phases. I hate it. I can't believe I'm still trying to write songs sometimes. I pity Kyle for having to listen to my ramblings.

This school is sucking my life out. I really hate it here. I don't want to go to chapel no more. I don't want to talk to conservative Christians no more. I don't want to be constantly bombarded by God no more. I don't want to be so far from home no more. I don't want to choke cafeteria shit down my throat no more. I don't want to learn about the Bible no more (I get it).

I'm going to have to rewrite a movie review I did for the school paper. I feel really bad about it. I tried but I had no idea what I was doing and I'm afraid I looked really stupid doing it. But, I was just trying to help. I'm never quite as good as I convince myself I am some days.

I might have a date. I don't know if it's a date. I feel so awkward but maybe happy. Should I be happy? I don't even know what's going on and no one is going to tell me I'm afraid. I'm not blunt enough to ask. I don't even know what I want. It's pretty goddamn retarded if you ask me.

I should go to bed soon.

Yours,
B Morgz

The Mist Kinda Sucked... and I'll Tell You Why

Dear Blog,

I went to see the Mist with my father tonight. It is a movie adaptation of a Stephen King novella I particularly enjoy. It was done by the writer/director of the Shawshank Redemption and the Green Mile. Hell, I thought that at least with him, Frank Darabont, that he couldn't fuck up too bad. Well, I was kind of wrong. The whole thing was pretty decent once you add in everything. I'd give like a 6.5 out of 10 or some shit like that. So, here's the good stuff first. It was mostly very faithful to the book and the stuff it skipped or sped up didn't detract from the story (for the most part, but I'll deal with that in just a second). It was shot very well and all the creatures looked fantastic. The death and gore wasn't overdone and the dialog was pretty good and realistic for the most part. Also, most of the principle actors did great jobs and were cast wonderfully. However, there were some major problems. The main male lead, Thomas Jane, is an action hero person. He played the Punisher. He cannot be nuanced. Here, the character needed to be action-esque but not so bland that he couldn't emote without people laughing. He didn't do a bad job just a mediocre one, especially towards the end. Oh my fucking God, the end of this movie pissed me the hell off. Darabont, up on his high fucking throne felt like he needed to change the perfectly fine open-ended ending that Mr. King put at the end of his fine novella. In the end, Darabont decides to throw in some really depressing, hopeless Twilight Zone shit. Which I usually don't mind but it's not how the real book ends and the ending didn't need to be changed. Just because it's a horror movie doesn't mean it needs to end hopelessly. For God's sake, you had enough balls to stick to the book most of the time, not play up the gore too much, give it some actual psychological tension, and make it actually as long as it needed to be. But, you don't have the balls to end it with the correct ending. If it's the studios fault then fuck the studios. But if it's Darabont's fault then fuck him. So, it pissed me off some but it wasn't terrible. Certainly better than most horror bullshit they put on the screen most of these days. I'm glad a satiated my curiosity but I got myself seriously pissed off in the process.

Yours,
B Morgz

Is Your Friend Alright? I Thought She Was Going To Turn Into The Easter Bunny.

Dear Blog,

I had another good hangout day with my friends. We had some good times and a nice fire. Although, now I smell like smoke. Also went to the Red Lobster to get some classy food for grandma's birthday. My grandparents have the most skillful way of talking about the most boring things as anecdotes. The conversation is almost guaranteed to never ever be interesting if they are around. Just random observations about day to day life in old person land become hilarious quips or stories to them. When, in reality, these thoughts never needed to be verbalized. I'm a little mean, I know it.

I tried to make hot chocolate with custard today and it didn't go over so well. For future reference, no one try this as it is not as delicious as you would think. Custard is meant to stand alone as a holiday drink, nothing more and nothing less.

I'm about to go play some games and watch some TV and then go to sleep. Got to go to bed early to get up and cash a savings bond. My parents are going away for a week at the end of May. I'm pissed because I'll finally have a huge house all to myself and no lady to enjoy it with. It's always been my dream to have a nice house alone with a lady and no one to bother us. Cruel fate has now dangled this dream so close in front of me that it hurts my bones. Who wants to make out with me in my empty parent's house at the end of May? Anyone? Dreams make us this desperate.

Yours,
B Morgz

Brought My Tulips For Your Two Lips

Dear Blog,

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving. Mine was super delicious but filled with awkward grandparent conversations. My dad kept making strange jokes. Also, he carries dog mace with him to protect him and dog when he walks her. He likes to talk about this. It is a slight improvement over the purple toy bat he used to carry. I think maybe I ate too much.

I stayed up too late last night watching Wings on DVD. Also, during one episode I just started feeling really great and I smiled. It was a really good episode but I'm not sure what was up. I felt filled with some odd happiness. Like I would be okay on my own and no one could stop my smiling. It was so strange. I've decided to call this moment of pure happiness a Kyle moment, for my jovial BFF. If it occurs again I will refer to it exclusively as such.

So, I'm excited about the Bonnie and the Clydesdales reunion show. It's going to be super great and I haven't gotten to play with the band in such a long time. Also, I'm excited about moving back here and going to college in St. Louis and around my friends. I realized again last night how cool everyone is and how I can be myself around them. That's a good thing, I like being able to be myself and not having to put on airs to impress people. I really want to move back here and start a glorious new education adventure I think. I've been in such a good mood lately. It's really strange, but I don't think Neely O'Hara is dead.

Here's something I've written while I've been home:

Cold Feet

I picked the wrong season
To yell from the rooftops
I had no good reason
Feet just in socks
I stood so frozen
that warmth was an echo
But still so brazen
as to dream of a chateau
Young and still breathing
Out white wispy vapors
I began screaming
And tearing up papers

My chimney's not smoked for seven weeks
And the winter's been here for nine weeks
I think I will cease breathing in two weeks
But I can't stop thinking that you will come back

They were your declarations
Written in loveless
Fake affirmations
You ran off with Douglas
No one heard my wails
That seems just fine
As I hold the cold rails
No one's coming this time
Tears make no dents
In the ice packed snow
Likewise I could never
Dent your ego

Chorus

My mind the propellor
Whirling like dervishes
I'll either get well
Or freeze by the furnaces
The furniture empty
I need you around
Just for the company
Maybe the sound
Not for the cruelty
But I can forgive
I'd swear my fealty
Forget what you did

Chorus x2

How weak am I
Honor's no virtue
of yours or of mine
Can't seem to forget you
Writing out treaties
That we could sign
To hear our hearts beating
Again in march time
Young and still breathing
Out white, wispy vapors
I began screaming
And tearing up papers

Yours,
B Morgz

Caught Up In Some Teen Rebellion

Dear Blog,

The It's Ben's Life blog is actually up now. I just put it up right now. It only has the three brand new episodes but more is coming. Check it out in the links on the side of the page.

Also, I've been meaning to talk about this. Bishop Allen is so fantastic! Their super smart lyrics telling a myriad of stories blend in a heavenly way with all of there simple but driving melodies. These guys have a pop sensibility that knocks me on my ass every time I listen. They are so catchy that I have no clue why they aren't that popular. They could be huge, mark my words. I love the strange topics they tackle. Like JFK's assassination at the same time as the Communist Scare and remorse over abandoning someone in Dallas for ten years until they kill themselves. It's a crazy song ("The Bullet & Big D") and one of my favorites. They're first album, Charm School, is named properly. It bubbles over with pop and catchy melodies with enough lo-fi charm to really sell the sincerity. Their second album and 12 EP's (one for every month) really up the class and sophistication. I'd say that their newer stuff is better overall. But, you really can't go wrong with anything from their catalog. Also, they are a great live act, charming and quite attractive, if I do say so myself. Check 'em out.

Yours,
B Morgz

One Large Coffee, Fuck You, Peace

Dear Blog,

I should maybe post on this more often. I like blogs and they're pretty cool. But, I feel like I have to say a lot when I do post. Maybe I don't. Maybe just a few daily thoughts would be cool. I could really post anything. Writing. Thoughts. Anything. I might start another blog to just post It's Ben's Life episodes. I think I have over fifty. I just wrote three more tonight: Ben and His Emotions, Ben and the Real Papa, Ben and the Nay Saying No No Neighbor. I like all of them. I have become more and more crass and wordy as the episodes have come along. Those three previously mentioned episodes were the first three written on computer. It was a little easier that way, a little faster and cleaner. I was able to get three episodes out pretty quickly. Usually my brain is way ahead of my writing hand when I try to write episodes on a notebook. So, look for that It's Ben's Life blog right after I get all the episodes transferred onto my computer, which should be soon.

My grandparents are here and I'm trying not to let it slip that I'm losing my religion. They would be super pissed if they found out. I personally don't care what they think but the amount of bullshit I would have to wade through is worth them not finding out. For what it's worth, my parents are handling it so well. They are so supportive and I am truly proud of how they raised me. I don't mean to brag honestly. I know lots of people have parent problems. It makes me guilty most of the time. I didn't do anything to deserve my parents.

That's all for now gang. Here's a poem about wine and not so cool young lust, enjoy:

Samples of the finest vintage wines
Flood on down my throat and I'm still thirsty
Stupid alcohol all in my bursting belly
But no one's gonna grab me by the wrist
Why'd we break into your father's wine cabinet anyways
If we were just going to get piss drunk
And not even fool around like I've wanted to for weeks

Yours,
B Morgz

Additionally

I want to play some goddamn Grandia. But, I never have enough time to get the game started and going through the lengthy intro parts. I would need a good, solid three or four hours to really get into the game. But then I have to find time after that to continue playing it. It's ridiculous sometimes how much time school can take even when it's not taking that much. Really it's just that I'd rather interact with people in my free time than play a video game. But, I still want to play video games and have no time to do so. Basically, Grandia... I wants it!

I'll Show You The Ropes Kid

Dear Blog,

So, November is National Novel Writing Month and I'm trying to write a novel in 30 days. It's 50,000 words or bust so wish me luck. I started today and finished the whole prologue. It's pretty exciting right now. I've always wanted to write professionally and stuff. That may be the only other career I could be truly happy at. I'm still thinking about it. But, I'd have to prove to myself that I could do it by finishing this novel. I've never written anything longer than 11 pages before. So, hopefully I can do it. Please, nobody let me quit too easy. Even if I don't get if finished in a month I really want to finish it.

I like LCD Soundsystem. They rock. I've been listening to "Daft Punk Is Playing At My House" really loud and quite a bit. I do silly dances and sometimes I open the windows to share my awesome jamz.

I go back and forth on this whole school thing. I know leaving is the right thing to do and it's what I'm set on doing. But there are some people here that I've gotten semi-close with in quite a short time. So, it will be kind of difficult to leave them. That kind of sucks. It's like I made the wrong decision in coming up here and tried to make the best of it. So, by the time I figured out that I never had to leave I learned how to live up here. Now it's going to be strange to leave. But, I'm not settling anymore. I'm tired of making fucking compromises. I want Bonnie and the Clydesdales to make it and the one place where that's most possible is in the metropolitan St. Louis area. So, that's where the hell I'm going to be. Srsly.

Another thing, I'm so sick of religious bullshit. I get about ten thousand pounds of it every single day here at school and it's destroyed my already shaky faith. I seriously have no idea what I believe because all these crazies and how they fuck everything up all the damn time. I'm so sick of people saying things are "on my heart" or singing or hearing about Jesus. I really need a Jesus break and maybe a prayer break. We pray way too much here. If chapel was abolished here I would have a harder time leaving. But, as it stands, chapel chases me further away from here every single Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

Yours,
B Morgz

Oh Ontario, Oh Jennifer Jason Leigh

Dear Blog,

I've had Civil Twilight by the Weakerthans stuck in my head all day. Ever since Kyle and I listened to it on our successful drive down. It kind of pissed me off that we had to miss morning classes and stuff. That was not so cool as we now have to get Western Civ. notes from somebody we don't know very well. Speaking of the new Weakerthans album. Most of the stuff I've listened to is pretty good. It takes the Weakerthans a long time to get through to me usually so I'm going to keep trying. We listened to Left and Leaving in the car too and that sounded better than it had before. So, there's hope for me yet.

I saw The Darjeeling Limited this weekend and it was really cool. Pretty darn awesome that Wes Anderson. Also, as a warning to my friends. I am starting to get pretty pumped about this Mountain Goats show. So, beware of lots of Mountain Goats talk to come in the weeks to follow. My attempts to restrain myself will weaken as the day draws nearer.

I really like the Magnetic Fields. I'll just put that out there. I got Get Lost on Saturday and it is really good. I enjoy Stephin Merrit's phat beats and crooning vocals. I've also been enjoying Salinger's Nine Stories. De-Daumier Smith's Blue Period is, quite possibly, the best short story I've ever read. Definitely Salinger's best work that I've read so far. No one else has agreed with me so far though so we'll see. I may just be crazy.

Enough about my pop culture interests. I gave a speech for my vice presidential candidacy today. I intended to come off as unprepared, aloof, and kind of a dick. Unintentionally, this eradicated my nervousness and made me go over as some sort of comedy hit. I completely accidentally charmed a whole room of people (I know I sound like a douche). So now I might be vice president when I don't even want it anymore. That sucks, I can't fail even when I try. I was just trying to have some fun and look where it got me.

College is boring. I hate most people here except for my friends. There are so many sects of Christianity and subgenres of Christians that I loathe. It's really casting a pall over the whole religion for me. I'm going to get out of here after this year I think. I want to be back in St. Louis where I can play shows and live near the people I love the most. However, this year will not be a bust. I am learning and meeting lots of cool people. So, that's good. Although sometimes I wish I had just stayed home and worked this year and saved up some serious cash money. However, I wouldn't go back and change that now because I do like the small number of cool people I've met here quite a bit. I will not let that keep me here all four years though. I know I am just settling here at Asbury and I want to be happier. I do have some life goals and I want to go for them. I might fail. That's scary.

I am going to be submitting some work to the college literary magazine soon. Kinda worried about that. I'm never sure if I'm getting better as a writer or just stagnating. Sometimes I think I'm getting worse. It's really difficult to tell. I think I might got watch an episode or two of Scrubs now.

Yours,
B Morgz

The Thermals and How They Rock My World

The Thermals are so good that I can't stand it sometimes. I only have The Body, The Blood, The Machine but I have played it countless times already in my two weeks here at college. It's such a versatile record. If you wanna get serious it's got stuff to get serious to. Or if you wanna scream stuff it's got stuff you can scream and feel awesome about. Or if you just wanna rock out to some cool jams it's got some cool jams for your rocking pleasure. Or maybe you just wanna be blown away by clever turns of phrase. Well, it's got that as well my friend. First I got hooked on Here's Your Future and it was sort of a one song love affair. I thought the rest of the album was just pretty good. But, I kept listening and I realized that the whole album is phenomenal and every song is a precious gem shining among the golden coins of indie rock. My personal favorite tracks: Here's Your Future, An Ear for Baby, St. Rosa and the Swallows. I don't have their two previous albums but I've heard that they are nothing short of top notch as well. I mean, I have trouble believing something could beat The Body, The Blood, The Machine but I do have "No Culture Icons" and it's pretty damn good.... so, who knows? Also, please watch the sweet ass video for "Pillar of Salt" it is awesome and crazy and smile inducing and it stars Sirs Colin Meloy and Benjamin Gibbard. Basically, it's one of the best music videos to ever grace YouTube. It has so much indie in it that it almost blew my brains apart and I'm pretty darn indie so.... take that for what you will.

Yours,
B Morgz

Ted Leo and Blog Changes

I just listened to the fine album Shake the Sheets by Ted Leo and The Pharmacists. I had previously heard of them but not checked them out until just now. I must say it was overall very fantastic and energetic. I love his vocal style and the way he writes. He has got a handle on powerfully catchy music. My favorites are "Lead is Better Than Dead", "Me and Mia", "The Angels' Share", and "Counting Down the Hours". I also listened to "The Window Song" by the Mountain Goats quite a bit today. It's great and I love the repeating chorus and I always love in the earlier Goats when JD used multiple backup girls. The song is off of Protein Source of the Future.... Now!.

You may have noticed some design changes here at the Pokeblog. I've spruced everything up and made it all nice and polished. I've added some links and some lists as to what I'm currently playing and listening to. Hope you like the changes! I sure do.

Yours,
B Morgz