Iain The Destroyer's What's Hot and What's Not list - Issue 1, Sunday 27th July 2008

I've decided to make a new series in my blog called 'What's Hot and What's Not List'. Basically the purpose of this is to say what literally is rocking my world, or not. It could be anything...and hopefully unexpected results will commence. Don't be surprised to see repeated items either. I thought that what I was doing with my blog was unoriginal, so I have decided to do something fun and fresh with it. I'll hopefully be updating it again soon with my life happenings, which may also be inter-linked with this list.

WHAT'S HOT

• Protest The Hero - Fortress (album)

This album is amazing, and is sure to be one of my favourite albums of 2008, it currently is my favourite album of 2008 anyway. It's very hard to describe what happens in this album, fans of SiKth, Dillinger Escape Plan, possibly Meshuggah and Between the Buried and Me would find this band to be a total delight. It's also a gapless album, which is another quality I love in music; bands finding ways of linking songs together, whether by literally making music or by other forms of audio experimentation. Also, all the musicians are REALLY talented, and it makes me wonder what else can now be done on the guitar and bass. Drums, well, I know of other places to find better drummers, but the guy is still damn good on drums. And the cool thing is, the guys are really young, in their early - mid 20s. Things can only go up for this band; and I'd greatly love for them to come to the UK sometime to tour. There's also a cool little keyboard solo in one of the songs that is performed by the keyboardist from Dragonforce. I recommend anyone who listens to good music to buy this album, stat. And, look at that beautiful artwork.

• Batman - The Dark Knight (movie)

Whilst I haven't WATCHED the movie yet, I haven't been so excited to see a movie since, well, Spiderman. I guess I'm a sucker for superhero movies. The trailers look fantastic, I've heard rave reviews from many of my American friends and those who have downloaded it, and it's only made me more excited. And, I'm also very much looking forward to Heath Ledger's take on the Joker...if he beats Nicholson's adaptation, which is one of my favourite movie characters ever, then he will get a lot of respect from me, post-humously of course. It's also very weird seeing actors play roles that they created just shortly before they died, Oliver Reed in Gladiator was another example for me where I found it hard to watch his parts, knowing that he wasn't alive anymore. And I can definitely expect it to be much worse when I see Heath's role. Apparently the role of the Joker completely messed Heath up, not that I'm a sadist in this way, but I'm looking forward to seeing why it messed him up so much. There have been some great movies out this year, I am fully expecting this one to sweep them all off their feet.

• Abstaining from alcohol

This is the longest I've been without drinking in a very long time; whilst I had 1 pint last week, I haven't drunk at all since my birthday bash, on July 5th. And, you know, I actually feel amazing. I feel more positive in myself, I feel healthier, and importantly, it's saved me a lot of cash.

My consideration for abstaining from alcohol began the morning after my birthday bash. My mother made me a fantastic chicken dinner for my birthday, and if I was in a normal state I would have been able to scoff it down no problem. But, instead, I walked into the kitchen, hungover as hell, and seeing my whole family pretending that they were OK with me not eating my meal. I was so disappointed in myself, and I just felt bad. It made me question why I even drink in the first place; it's good to drink with friends now and again, but I was doing it too much, and it made me feel very unhealthy. I'm able to wake up each morning with no problems, and not feel bad from nights drinking...I'm finally in a routine I've wanted to be back on for a long time. And I even think that my drumming is improving because I'm not drinking. I have more energy, and I feel more creative and in control. Money for me right now is a big thing, as I'm saving my money to go over to America not just after Christmas and for New Years, but for when I hopefully move over there permanently sometime next year.

I know that I will never go completely away from alcohol as my friends drink quite often, but I'm deciding to perhaps only drink on special occasions, and even at that nowhere near the level which I used to drink at. I will admit there were many times, were I would be at a party or just out at a club or pub, drinking with friends, and just asking myself why? What is the purpose of this? To obtain a temporary change of state of mind? Or for what? I also think finding a steady girlfriend and getting older and bored of it has helped me in my decision. These days, I'd rather sit in, relax with a cup of hot chocolate, and watch something good/informative on my computer/TV...or play my new X-Box 360! Which leads me to my next 'hot' item...

• Grand Theft Auto IV (game)

I remember buying the first GTA back when I was 11...and it's amazing to see how much it has progressed. I've always really enjoyed each GTA on so many levels; for the fun of driving around a city and killing people, to doing the missions that seem so realistic and challenging. I'm only about 15% of the way through the game so far, but it's just blown my mind completely. I love how this game feels a lot more open compared to the rest, you actually do feel as if you are controlling Niko's life (the name of the character you play), rather than just doing missions. One part of GTA that never lets me down is the radio in the car; and it certainly hasn't let me down, some of the chat show parts are so hilarious. However, I've been mostly listening to my iPod when playing the game, cruising down a road listening to David Lee Roth never felt so good! I'm really looking forward to the conclusion of the game, and what happens to Niko (if I can get past the missions I'm currently stuck on).

• Arrested Development (TV show)

Thanks to the 5/8 music forum I post on (www.fiveeightforums.com), I discovered this wonderful show. I've just finished watching the first season, and am now a few episodes into Season 2. It's just a wonderful show, which sadly is off the air. Filled with so much humour, mishaps and I guess a good family moral code sometimes along the way. I recommend this show to any fans of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, The Office and any good comedy show. I eagerly await to see what happens at the end of Season 2...it's looking interesting!

WHAT'S NOT

• Street charity workers/collectors

"Hi there, want to help Amnesty International?" "You look like a good person, come over here and chat with me about xxxx charity". And so many other sayings that these phony, fake charity workers say to try and entice you to join their charity fund so they can get extra commission. It's disgusting. For the past 4/5 years, I've been pestered by these people on the streets of Belfast and Derry, and quite frankly I'm getting sick of it. Their whole attitude around it is really weird, they try and act all cool and laid back and do a silly motion thing with their clipboard, and a stupid staggering walk, with fake brightly lit eyes when they see you as their next victim, and some almost dance - as if that's going to influence my decision because they're the "cool" charity collectors, the "modern" person who cares about starving kids in Africa, or violations of human rights.

I've respect for the ones who ask you politely if you'd like to help, and then understand if you're not interested - but the ones who really bother me are the ones who almost completely stop you in your tracks, and then give a spiel about how bad it is that you're not helping - only for a few pounds a week. Listen, buddy, if I wanted to give to charity I'll do it in my own time. I'm very much aware of what charities are doing, and what ones I'd be interested in helping, now leave me alone and let me continue walking to where I want to be. If you care so much about helping others, why don't you go away from your little 1 bedroom flat in a cosy area of town, forget about your commission and your "job" and GO TO THE PLACE OF NEED YOURSELF.

• London Gatwick airport "security" checks, and all airport security checks in general
  

I have never in my life seen such a ridiculous, and frightening security check as the one in London Gatwick airport. When I touched down to Gatwick airport before going to Milan on 9th July, I was just expecting the usual passport check upon arrival...but no. Instead, I was subjected to my picture being taken, and that picture and my passport info, and where I arrived from all being stored on a bar-code...and I was told that I could not leave the airport until my bar-code was rescanned in. This implies that I was completely under their control, they could track my every move and I was basically trapped in the airport until I decided to leave. Everyone complied of course, and this is why they're allowed to get away with it..I was very reluctant but knew I had another flight to catch from Gatwick that day, so I didn't want to get myself in trouble, despite being so frustrated.

Then, when I was leaving Gatwick again, the same procedure happened, although this time the bar-code was in my boarding pass. So, again, they could have easily tracked my movements, and knew who I was, even though the picture and info on my passport wasn't enough. After that, the security check was standard, until they asked me to remove my shoes...as if the metal detector would not have found my suspicious item already! It really is the government's way of testing us and seeing how far they can push our personal freedom, before they put on us further freedom preventing laws and regulations. It's time for this shit to STOP!

• The media's obsession with Barack Obama

I really don't care if he's just left Israel and going to his next destination, there are far worse things happening in the world right now than Barack Obama's travelling schedule.

And that's us for now...until next time!

Iain

BRB - off on holiday again!

Currently sitting in London Gatwick airport, waiting on my plane to go to Milan Malpensa! Very excited about seeing another new country, and of course seeing Colette ain't so bad either.

I graduated yesterday in what could only be defined as a Hogwarts style ceremony. My parents and I took plenty of pictures, which will be up on Facebook along with my Milan pictures whenever I get back (which will be on Saturday).And my birthday celebrations were what could only be described as extreme. More on that also when I get back.

BRB, off to Milan!

Iain

Miss me?

I'M BACK!

Many things have led to me not updating - simple indifference and lethargy towards updating it, and the fact that basically absolutely nothing has happened in the past 8 days. Apart from these few things.

Friday - Met up with Adrien in town, as he was doing his Grade 8 Rockschool exam on guitar. By the time I arrived, he was about halfway through his exam, and unfortunately I heard the part that he admitted after the exam went the worst first, and so therefore I panicked and thought that he was doing terrible due to nerves or something. Then I heard "Blitzkrieg" and everything was alright with the Adrien once more. It was probably the best version of it I'd heard from him. After his exam, we went for a celebratory pint in The Empire. I haven't really been in The Empire much, but their pint and general alcohol selection was really good - but because I was more thirsty, I decided to go for Kopparberg Pear as it was more refreshing and was exactly what I needed...rather than a slightly dehydrating pint of beer.

After this, we met up with Adriens guitar student who was also doing an exam that day. We listened to him perform, and he did pretty well. After the exam was over, Adrien's step-dad came and took Adrien's amp and guitars. Because Adrien "likes to do things properly" as he said, he decided to bring his own amp, rather than using the amps they provided there, which meant carrying it up 2 flights of stairs. If I ever do Rockschool grades, there's no way in hell I'm carrying my kit up 2 flights of stairs. Then we decided to get food.

First, we went to Lavery's to see their food options. We thought it was a bit expensive so we decided to go to nearby Bishops instead. It was really good, especially the gravy chip. After this, we went back into Lavery's, and got a pint there. I got this new drink called Harp Cold. It was really good, very cold indeed and tasted a little like Beck's Vier actually. It will be the pint of choice in Lavery's for me from now on. We went outside to the smoking area as we normally do and started talking to this interesting woman from Belfast who was middle aged but still acted a bit like a 20 year old...not in a bad way though. And we also talked to 2 (very attractive) girls from Indiana. They were complaining about their hostel and how much it sucked, and the Belfast woman offered to put them up for a few nights in her spare room! Was kinda spooky, but she was being nice I guess.

After Lavery's, we trekked down to Katy Dalys. We both got Strongbow, but I put blackcurrant in mine as always. As we were drinking, we noticed they were putting up drink promo posters for the evening. Intrigued, I went up to look at what the offers were. The only one that caught my attention was the vodka offer, £1.50 for a shot. Me and Adrien finished our drinks, he went for a smoke, then the vodka began! After one double vodka and coke I was feeling rather tipsy. After our few drinks we went to the off license and got more drink, and went back to Adriens house.

We ate food first, then did some drinking in his brothers room, where he proceeded to play games and then downloaded Borat in 5 minutes, which completely took me by shock, as it takes me almost a day to download a whole movie. During the movie, I was getting more and more tired, and passed in and out of sleep. So, I decided to call it a night around 2:30am.

Saturday - Woke up at Adriens, but still felt really tired. We practiced for a while, which went well. We got some food, then after a while and a lot of worrying and stress, went into town again. I needed to lift Euros out for Adrien as he was going to Monaghan without Euros. Then I walked to the bus station and got the bus just in time. I was meant to go to Ruaidhri's birthday that evening, but when I got back, all I could do was just lie in bed, I was so tired...so I decided to just stay in bed that evening and take it easy. I needed it.

Sunday - Had another band practice at 9PM, which went really well. I also can feel my drumming getting a lot better already. We did some recordings, and also talked about gigs we're wanting to play. The cool thing is they're aiming high, to places such as The Limelight, which is really good for me because I really don't want to play places like The Frontpage again after having played The Nerve Centre and Laverys. Playing The Limelight would be another ambition written off my list, I've always liked the stage there and it'll just feel weird playing to people, rather than watching a band or being there for their club nights.

Monday - Went out for Leah's birthday, at Lavery's, where else! It was a pretty fun night, although I had to leave early, much to peoples annoyance. If I had the money to afford a taxi home, I would stay out, but unfortunately I don't. I discovered there also that they do vodka and white for £2.40. Before I got on the bus, the driver warned me of a riot happening in East Belfast. I was on the phone to Colette at this point, and she got really worried, but I really wasn't worried at all. I knew that we wouldn't be directly passing through it, and would probably only see them. And that was the case. It was funny, but still stupid. I came home, had a sore head, and went to bed after an hour or 2 online.

And since then, I've done nothing. Today, I'm going to the dentist and possibly getting my hair cut a bit for graduation purposes. Friday, I sign on the dole again, were I have more than 6 jobs applyed for or looked at, so hopefully they'll be impressed, and hopefully they'll let me change my sign on date or at least time in 2 weeks time as it conflicts with Colette leaving Belfast, and I obviously want to say goodbye to her properly, as I won't see her then for 5 months. Oh, and I almost forgot about my birthday celebrations! On Saturday, I'll be doing a big hardcore pub crawl around Belfast, scouting out my favourite bars. Only 1 or 2 people so far have faced up to the challenge of going with me the whole route. Beginning at Duke of York at 2pm, ending at Lavery's until closing time.

Iain