Moncologues

Is it scary yet?

2010-07-25T22:47:00.005+02:00

Holy fox! It has actually been a while since I last wrote something down here. It's late and I can't sleep, so I thought I might drop a line. Or six. Stuff has happened since the last time I updated. I went to a bunch of shows and I finally let go of the 'I'm only going to shows of bands that have to do with Fall Out Boy or Mika'-attitude. I'm really glad I did. Otherwise I wouldn't have seen All American Rejects, All Time Low and Lady Gaga.

I had to go babysit the day All Time Low came to Brussels, so I missed the instore at Free Record Shop and I barely made it on time for the show. (Darn lockers in the basement) But I'm so glad I went. I went in not knowing half the songs but by the time I came out of the venue I fell in love with his new band. I realize they are not a 'new' band, but to me they are. Since FOB decided to go on hiatus, indefinitely, I kind of felt lost. It might seem unimportant to whoever is reading this, but FOB is what kept me going. I always looked forward to what was coming next. With them on hiatus, I no longer have something to look forward too, other than them returning. That's why I'm so glad ATL came along. They kind of help filling the void FOB left behind. Again, I realize this might not be understandable for some of you. So now, until FOB decides to get things going again, ATL is keeping me going. I am still backing and supporting 1000% what Patrick, Pete, Joe and Andy are up to, which is why I went to the 'The Damned Things' show in July. I'm also not viewing ATL as merely a void-filler. Right now, they are more than that. But in the grand scheme of things it's still FOB > ATL. As a result of this newfound love, I will be going to both their Pukkelpop and Rock en Seine show next month. I'm honestly stoked to go. See, now I have something to look forward too. Not minimizing the other bands I adore.

In hindsight I wasn't all that stoked to see ATL play the first time, but that drastically changed when I heard them live. I even regret not attending the instore. I fell in love with not only 'Therapy', but other songs too. That being said, 'Therapy' is the first song in a long time that made me feel some genuine emotions. On top of that Alex decided to perform that particular song during the show, unexpectedly. It literally sent chills down my spine. Had I known what I know now, I would have been way more stoked to see them live. Which is why I'm taking the opportunity NOW to see them again live, twice.

Whoo, this post is chaotic. It'll take some time to get back to some good writing, so bear with me for this time. I hope you at least get the gist of it: All Time Low makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside, something I haven't felt in a while. ATL will forever be important to me but the original feeling of fuzziness, will always and forever belong to the members of Fall Out Boy, whatever they may do. They are the ones that pulled me out of where I was. ATL is making sure I don't fall into the hole I was slipping back into. Thanks, both of you.

Up next week, a lighter post regarding Cobra Starship, Mika and Lady Gaga.

There's a story at the bottom of this bottle and I'm the pen...

XO-reos

Monco

Come one come all...

2010-05-20T13:05:00.002+02:00

Dear everybody,

This blog has been on the back of my mind. I know I haven't updated BUT I'll get to it as soon as exams start. There will be:

A review for the All Time Low show
A review for the Cobra Starship show
A review for the Mika show
A review for the Lady Gaga show
A review fot the The Damned Things show as soon as I went
A slideshow of a newly visited cemetery
Some random music gossip
And as usual me going on about stuff I want to write about

So stay tuned, blogs will be written!

XO-reos

Monco

Booh!

2010-04-18T13:40:00.002+02:00

It has been so long since I updated that this blog wasn't even in my google-chrome history anymore. Sad!

That was it...

2010-01-01T01:32:00.002+01:00

As I write this, the New Year has already begun in my part of the world. So first of all: Happy New Year. It was quite a tumultuous year, 2009. Not always in a good way. Some of the world's most beloved people died, some of the best songs ever were written, great bands broke through and others decided to go on a break for a while. I personally don't believe in 'ends of eras', beginnings of new times, decades ending and new ones beginning totally different. Radical changes are not for me. However, I hope this day motivates you to do something great with the rest of your life and I hope that you achieve anything you ever wanted in the next ten years.

These are your good years...

XO-reos

Monco

2009-12-02T23:02:00.004+01:00

Hi everybody! As we speak, or type, my laptop is processing my little home-made movie about my cemetery visit two weeks ago. I'm not a pro photographer nor a big-shot movie maker so it is low quality and there is no need for you guys to point that out to me. I put it all in a mini-movie so that I could compile all my photos and videos into one presentation. It's up to you to figure out whether you actually want to see it or not. Whatever floats your boat.

While we wait: Steven Victor Tallerino, aka, Steven Tyler will not be leaving Aerosmith, however Joe Perry let us know they are looking for a new lead singer. How does that work, I ask you. On Tyler's Wikipedia it says that Perry and the other Aerosmithsonians are afraid Tyler is doing drugs again. I'm inclined not to believe that. I used to kind of like Joe Perry, now I don't. It's not just the recent happenings, I just think he has too big of a head. Aerosmith will be nothing without Tyler just as much as it would be nothing without Perry, Kramer, Whitford or Hamilton. However, Tyler's vocal sounds can not be replaced, while the others are a little more replaceable imo. So, dear Joe, leave Tyler be, before Aerosmith implodes. Oh yeah, and the gray streak in your hair, is so 1998.

I also wanted to get something straight, while I'm at it. Before you start sending me your condolences, Fall Out Boy is not breaking up. So dear tabloids, before you start making asses of yourselves, you should look up the definition of hiatus or break, get your facts straigh and get back to us later. Yes, they are taking a break, and yes it is indefinite but yes, they are coming back. So be warned, the first one to ask me if I'm ok about them breaking up is getting a lecture, mark my words.

I see that my little movie is published so I will put it right here for you to see, or avoid, again, whatever floats your boat.

There you have it folks, the first of many cemetery visits. Mind you that this tour wasn't finished. My battery was very drained but there was also this woman crying over her dead relative's (or friend's) grave, so I felt kind of weird being there. That's why I left before finishing the last couple of galleries.

Actually this leaves me with nothing more to say but, so long, adieu and see you next time!

Listen very carefully, I shall say this only once...

XO-reos

Monco

Ahoy, Mateys!

2009-11-23T22:32:00.002+01:00

Holy time warp, Robin! I fell asleep a month ago and I woke up today. How on earth is that possible? Either way: due to heavy rainfall on the planned day of my cemetery trip and the lack of time afterwards, I haven't been able, bla bla bla (you guys know the drill). So far I haven't been able to fulfill half of the plans I make on this blog, so I have decided to not do that anymore. Someday this month I will visit the cemetery of Saint-Josse-Ten-Noode (not sure what the English spelling is) and Molenbeek. I don't know when, I do know where. My plan is tomorrow, but if the big guy above hears about it, my trip might rain out.
During the time that I haven't updated, I've seen two shows, and two movies.
Two shows:

The All American Rejects: I can honestly say I've never seen that much energy on stage, ever. Plus Tyson Ritter has this insane way of looking at you that makes you fear for your life for a bit. The crowd was not in control, which forced me to plow my way through the crowd and towards the back of the venue. The verdict is that the Rejects are great live, however it's not really the best show I've ever seen, regardless of the crowd. I had fun though, but that was mostly because of the company I kept. Thanks again, Astrid. Oh yeah, the opening band, totally bored me. They were not good live, but they might surprise me on cd. Who knows...
The show I had been looking forward to and that surprised me, was The Sounds. I'm not a lesbian, but if I were I'd totally crush on Maja Ivarsson. Anyway, the pre-show was pretty good, although they might have wanted to check that the drums, bass and guitar didn't overpower the sound of the mic, I have no idea what the guy was singing and I didn't get any of what was said, that's a bit of a shame. It's one of the few opening bands that didn't suck live. (The Sounds, Nailpin, You Me At Six and Boys Like Girls were the only other ones) I was so excited for The Sounds because I knew they are awesome live and I remember being a bit disappointed to see their sets end before respectively Panic! At The Disco and Fall Out Boy. I was surprised, to say the least, to see that the had a rather big fan base. I thought nobody here knew them, obviously I was wrong. They came through and amazed me by putting on a full length show that didn't suck one bit. It was awesome and for such a 'small' band to overpower what I felt for the Rejects is pretty amazing. I'm sure that the Backstreet Boys were good that same night, but I wouldn't want to have traded. I think I had more fun there, that night than I could ever have had with Nick Carter. Maja's pinky alone has more charisma than BSB all together. Verdict, definitely one of the best shows I've ever seen.

Two movies:

I finally got to see 'Let The Right One In'. I have to say that this is, at the moment, one of the best vampire movies I've ever seen. It's based on a book 'Låt den rätte komma in' by John Ajvide. The movie tells the exceptional story of Oskar a small-town boy that is constantly bullied at school. Eli moves in next door and the two establish a remarkable friendship. I won't say more, except that it beats the hell out of the Twilight fairies and it is a must-see, really, trust me.
Finally two nights ago I saw 'New Moon' the second of a long list of Twilight-saga movies. My opinion? I didn't like it. I read the book, which was semi-okay, but the movie, I don't know. I already got a bad case of the 'mockings' when I saw Edward Cullen sparkle for the first time. The second time I kinda laughed at the so-called werewolves, although I must say that the CGI was very well done. But those weren't werewolves, my Great Dane looks more ferocious than Jacob Black. I laughed my way through 'An American Werewolf In Paris' but at least that wolf was kind of scary. I still believe Kristen Stewart's acting is off and sometimes plain bad (notably the scene in the Volturi palace, where the one dude hurts Edward), it did get better when it was just her and Taylor Lautner. The highlight of the movie was very much Michael Sheen, who was cast for the role of Aro, the vampire king, so to speak. I adored him with the red eyes and the maniacal smile. Now he made me cringe a bit, I don't care what way you take that. Verdict: I was bored and I'm sure I'll refrain from spending any more cash on movies I know I won't like. Shame on them if they fool me once (although Twilight didn't completely suck in retrospect), shame on me if they fool me twice. Sorry friends but Eclipse is a no-go. (I'm selling the latter three parts of the Twilight-saga, leave a comment if interested AND living in Belgium)
Bonus movie: This Is It. I've seen it, and it was what I expected. A video montage of what was supposed to be Michael Jackson's big comeback, and some bits and pieces to illustrate Michael's perfectionism. I loved it, but I also knew beforehand not to expect a huge show. Michael looked good, and even resembled his 'Jam'-self a bit. Kenny Ortega is a bit of an ass-kisser ("Yes, Michael, that was what I was thinking." "Yes, Michael, I agree." "Yes, Michael, you're right.") and the guitar-playing girl, Orianthi Panagaris, is pretty awesome. As is Judith Hill, who has amazing vocal skills.

I should go to bed so, this is it for today (see what I did there?). I probably forgot to say some stuff, but seen as I can't remember what, it's probably not important. Tata for now!

Watch us until we blur...
XO-reos
Monco

Concert Schedule:

2009-10-04T23:21:00.002+02:00

No update, just a concert schedule for the next 12 months:

All American Rejects: October 20th 2009
The Sounds: November 20th 2009
Mika: March 12th 2010

I heard Blink 182 might be going on a European tour in 2010, and we wouldn't want to miss that now, would we?
Taphophilia news: I will be re-visiting the cemetery in Laeken on October 13th. When the crypt re-opens I will return for a third and probably final documented visit.
Book news: First idea has been dismissed due to similarities between my idea and an old tv show with the same theme. My new idea however, is unique (to my knowledge).

Sayonara my friends and stay golden!
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Anybody who feels like joining me on one of the two final shows, let me know and we can make plans.

Taphophilia

2009-09-20T22:03:00.002+02:00

I have no time for updates right now, BUT: I looked stuff up and it appears I am a taphophile. It's nothing dirty, it's just a name for people who have a passion for and enjoy cemeteries. That's me, a taphophile, nice to meet you.

Xo-reos
Monco

VMA update 4

2009-09-14T05:35:00.003+02:00

For those of you who are wondering why I haven't said anything about Janet Jackson's performance, the Michael Jackson tribute or the 'This Is It' trailer. I need the time to enjoy these things for myself and to watch them again. Those moments made the award show for me personally. I would not do it justice by talking about it right now, the Michael Jackson portion of the show needs it's own entry and review. That's why I left it out of the VMA-hassle.

XO-reos
Monco

VMA update 3

2009-09-14T05:19:00.003+02:00

Beyonce, you damn near made me cry. That was the most gracious act ever.
For those who have no clue what's happening:
Taylor Swift could not finish her thank yous because Mr. Kanye decided to interrupt her, having to put his two cents in for Beyonce not winning. Swift was left on stage not knowing what to do and her moment was kind of cut short and ruined.
Beyonce remembered how important it was for her to win her fist ever award and offered her moment to Taylor. Grace.

XO-reos
Monco

VMA update 2

2009-09-14T04:42:00.004+02:00

So I'm not saying that:

VMAs are unimportant.
Kanye's a douche
Taylor Swift's video is the best one I ever saw

Again, perspective people. This award show IS about the videos and NOT about performances and/or singing abilities. It's about who makes the video that appeals to people most. To me, this award show is less important than the Grammies or the Music awards. Not to say that it isn't fun though.
What happened? Taylor Swift won the award for 'Best Female Video'. Beyonce was also nominated and Kanye West felt that she should have won, because she is the best artist at the moment. Kanye would not be Kanye if he didn't climb on stage to tell people that. He interrupted Taylor Swift to do his thing, while poor Taylor stood there not being able to finish her thank yous and not knowing what to do. This was her very first MTV award and obviously that was very important to her. I felt very bad for her. (For the record I do think that Taylor Swift is a good singer. I quite like her.)
Kanye's action during Taylor Swift's thank-yous was uncalled for. As I said, this said nothing about her performances or her abilities as a singer. Of course she shouldn't have won if this was a music award show, bacause 'Single Ladies' is a better song than her song 'You Belong With Me'. But it's not a music award show. This time, it IS about entertaining people visually. I'm sorry Kanye, but this time, you're wrong. (But in any other award show, he would have been right)

XO-reos
Monco

VMA update

2009-09-14T03:45:00.002+02:00

Good morning. At this very moment I am watching the MTV Video Music Awards. I'll probably go back to sleep after and analyze things in the morning. I can already say that Kany West has spoken up about his personal favorites already. Expect an update soon!

XO-reos
Monco

I had a crappy guidance-counselor...

2009-08-23T22:26:00.004+02:00

Hello there, loyal reader. Sunday again, is it? Why thank you for tuning in. Last week I discovered something fun to do: visiting graveyards. I'm not sure if there's a specific name for people who do it for fun, but if there is, I am one. I've been hobbyless for years and now I finally found one. Yay for me. Anyway, the very first cemetery I visited was the cemetery in Laeken, Brussels. It's a 19th century graveyard with loads of cool graves and it was the first graveyard in Brussels to use catacombs for burrying people. I have seen some pictures, but I couldn't get in further than a few feet since they are busy doing some maintenance work and the catacombs are locked for the time being. I'm thinking the ceiling is beginning to cave in, since above ground parts of the graves are off limits, and those graves run right above some halls of the catacombs. Anyway I forgot my camera and I didn't get to see half of the graves, so I will go back to take some pictures and spend more time there. By then I will also have done some research so I won't return unprepared. In the wake of the experience I have come up with an idea for a children's story, so who knows...
Other news is that in between staying up late and pulling all nighters for major exams I have failed to watch another version of 'Come Together'. I know, I know, so punish me. I will make up for it next week by reviewing this week's version and a bonus one. Heck I'll even throw in a movie if you wish... Does 1408 sound good?
News:

Michael Jackson will probably be taken to his final resting place September 3d. I hope that he may finally rest in peace.
Cash Colligan has decided last week to leave The Cab to pursue his other interests. I hope all goes wel, good luck Cash.
Mika is coming to Belgium for an exclusive showcase. Jim Mobile is hosting the gig and I'm with TMF (a rival music tv-station), die-hard. I'll not fold. Unless somebody offers me a ticket of course.
There has been some speculation that Lady Gaga, might be a Mr. Gaga, or even both. Katy Perry on the other hand lets us know that la Gaga put something in her panties to make it look like she has a penis. Lady Gaga however tells us that she is in fact part woman part man. Who is telling the truth? We might never know.
I still have one ticket left for The All American Rejects, it's up for grabs people, come and get it!

To wrap this all up I have to mention 'Supernatural'. Dean and Sam Winchester, two brothers on the lookout for evil bastards to kill. Two super-cutie-heroes, cool cars and awesome opponants. What could one want more? I think I already mentioned the series a couple of months back, and if you like Buffy, this is a must watch. Granted, it's not AS good AS Buffy, but it's something to fill up the void that she left behind. Again, I made the mistake of watching some episodes before dark, don't... It'll satisfy you more when it's pitch-black outside.
And on that note, I bid you farewell and I will see you next week.

Give me a couple of severed heads and a pile of dead cows and I'm Ms. Sunshine…
XO-reos
Monco

I wear no shoe-shine...

2009-08-16T20:05:00.003+02:00

Hello all!
I took a break from studying to bring you a new entry. Am I not nice? I just finished listening to Soundgarden's version of 'Come Together' and I must say that I could not find any good parts in that. Oh wait, except for the fact that there are guitars in it. The whole song sounded so monotonous and it made me fall asleep regardless of the noise they were making. You might think: "That's all fine and dandy, but the original version is a tad monotonous too..." Then I'll tell you that that is indeed true but all three previous artists succeeded in making the song easy to listen to in spite of the monotony of the guitar and bass lines.
Somewhere between philosophy, Dutch and Italian grammar I did find the time to watch a little movie. This weekend it was Calista Flockhart's turn with 'Fragile'. In this unknown movie she plays a 'young' nurse that has to fill in for another nurse at an almost abandoned hospital. The hospital is closing down and all patients have already been moved to other hospitals, all patients but the children. The children's ward is still open for business and that's where the chaos is happening. A young girl named Maggie supposedly talks to a ghost named Charlotte. Now who Charlotte is, we do not know. I won't tell you either because that would make me, indeed, a spoilsport and a party pooper. What we do know is that the second floor of the hospital is abandoned since 1959, so that's where the activity must be coming from. With a little help from other people Amy Nicholls uncovers the mystery of the 'mechanical girl' and we learn what really happened to one of the patients in that hospital.
Being a die-hard, hardcore horror fan, I was kind of weary. I usually find unknown horror movies to be... quite lame. This one actually was not too bad. It was actually good. It had a good build up and even I could not see through this plot. What I thought I understood, I definitely didn't.
Other news:

Cobra Starship's new album 'Hot Mess' came out August 11th, you should check it out. So far I haven't really had the opportunity to hear more than two songs from the album, mainly because I haven't purchased it and refuse to download anything from it. 'Good Girls Go Bad' is the first single off the album and in my humble opinion it is one of the catchiest songs this summer.
Fall Out Boy released a new video for 'What A Catch, Donnie'. It's serene and if you like seagulls or Patrick Stump, you should definitely watch it.
I recently heard Panic! at the Disco's new single 'New Perspective'. I think it's a great song. Definitely a huge step back in the right direction, according to me. I'm not saying that the whole second album was bad, it had a couple of good songs on it but even though I like the Beatles a lot, I just couldn't finish the whole album. I adored 'A fever...' but this was not my cup of tea.
Definitely check out 'Open Happiness'. It is also a very happyfying tune.
Mika is coming back with a sequel to 'Life In Cartoon Motion'. 'We Are Golden' is already a favourite of mine. Way to go.
I am going to an All American Rejects show in Brussels. (I'm still looking for a person to join me, or buy my extra ticket...)
Fall Out Boy's 'I Don't Care' is nominated for a VMA for Best Rock Video. Go vote for your favourite videos over here.
I almost forgot that my friend Moon-Lie Fong has a new blog about China that you should check out here.
I have no more extra news that I can think of.

There, I think that may well be all for the day. Put on your slippers and do something relaxing tonight. If you do... would you mind thinking of me studying, and perhaps raise a toast to the person who started this philosophy thing. I would kill him if he were not already very much dead.
Thank you and good night!

We are not what you think we are...
XO-reos
Monco

Half-mast guitars...

2009-08-14T22:21:00.002+02:00

Lester William Polsfuss, great electric guitar pioneer, also known and respected as Les Paul died in New York yesterday. My thoughts go out to his family, may he rest in peace.

Here come old flattop...

2009-08-13T15:35:00.012+02:00

So I've finally decided to get this blog started again, to whomever reading this: Thank You.
In the wake of MJ's death I had decided to order in some DVDs. I used to have them on tape, but, you know, technology blah, blah, blah... Anyway, I am now the proud owner of 'The Wiz' and 'Moonwalker' on DVD. I always had a bit of a robo-transformer-phobia, now I know where it came from. Michael Jackson transforming into a robot, car, spaceship, etc... scared the living daylight out of me. Either way, I have a new obsession that comes in the form of a son: 'Come Together'. The first version I ever heard was MJ's. I stumbled upon the Beatles version (which is the original version, I know) by accident while listening to my iPod. I'm now in the process of listening to every version ever made/recorded. I have now heard The Beatles's version, MJ's and Aerosmith's.These are the main, or best known versions of 'Come Together', according to Wikipedia anyway. If you have the time, listen to all three and let me know your opinion in the poll that I will put together after this little shindig. Let's take a look at all three versions and my opinion. It's just my opinion, you might think it's bullcrap. So, sue me.

Come Together - The Beatles: In my opinion this is the best version, since it is the original one. I also think that in this version both bass and guitar come out best. It's very minimal, unlike the Michael Jackson version, which (musically) is very bombastic and has a very anthematic feel to it. The Beatles's version is very elaborate, in- and outtro-wise. This is the version I would listen to, just chilling with some people. It feels like the song has all the time in the world to be played and in all fairness the song should be played when you have all the time in the world. Don't skip over parts. Enjoy the whole song and take the time to 'taste' it.
Come Together - Aerosmith: This version stays closer to the Beatles's version although there is a little less bass and a little more guitar. I'd say that this version is also very chill. A lot less intro though, so also a little less 'all-the-time-in-the-world' feeling to it. I also think that this version is a bit more intense than the original version. Aerosmith itself is already very intense, so there we go.
Come Together - Michael Jackson: The first version of this song I ever heard and it made me fall in love with the song. This song is nothing like the original. Musically it became a lot thicker with the various instruments used. The guitar is still the main component in this version but the vocals are upgraded to 'Michael Jackson'-esque. As I said before, to me, this version has a very anthematic feel to it. I also love the way MJ pronounces things, not that there is a big difference, but he has an unclearer way of singing this song. It's more staccato, shorter. To me this version is the one I would listen to when I want to get pumped up. Or if I want to scream my lungs out.

There are a lot more versions and I will try to include a review of one version every time I update.
Last week I also took a trip to a local media market and I've loaded up on horror DVDs. 3 to be exact, which isn't a lot, I know but I am on a tight budget. Reviews of those movies will follow. I also became re-addicted to 'Full House'. Not for Stamos's pretty face, but I do adore Jodie Sweetin and Dave Coulier.
There you go: update of the week.
Plans for next week: Short review of a horror movie, dissection of the difference between horror and thriller and a shorter review of 'Come Together' by some band.

I know you, you know me...
XO-reos
Monco

Gone Too Soon...

2009-06-29T19:43:00.007+02:00

First of all, I was at a Michael Jackson commemoration gathering yesterday, therefore I could not update.

Last Thursday I was devastated by the sudden death of Michael Jackson. Still, I feel this sadness lingering. I have a hard time believing he is gone because, to me, it feels surreal. Michael was the kind of man I believed would live forever. I thought that one day I would tell my kids about him, and he would still be alive. I hate that my kids will have to feel about Michael what I feel about the Beatles, that they were born in the wrong generation.

Whenever I watch his videos now, I have this strange feeling. Like it's not the person in them that has passed away. He feels immortal in those videos. When I think about a deceased MJ, I think about a 90-year-old little man. Not a lively person with an amazing voice and, still, extraordinary dance moves. It's just a strange concept, that he is no longer there. After the burial I think that it will feel more permanent, that he is really gone. Until then I'm always going to expect him to resurface someday and tell us it's all a mistake.

Music has lost one of its most important people. He will be missed. I will always miss him. He was a great man. He altered my life on so many levels and I can't begin to describe what he meant to me. He is the reason for so many things I do and like in my life. He is also partially the reason I am who I am today. But his death is not only a tragedy for me, personally. I feel like, with him, a whole era has come to an end. He will never be here to see music evolve and to, maybe, steer it back in the right direction.

For a while I felt the urge to make it clear how much he meant to me and how big a fan I was. I know now that there is no point in doing that. I know how much he meant to me, that is enough. It's not about the amount of merchandising you buy or how many songs you know by heart. It's about how much of your heart is committed to the music. That is, in the end, what counts.

Michael, you were an amazing person, musician, lyricist, dancer, ... I will forever remember you and make sure the next generation won't forget you either. You will be missed, but you are invincible and will remain forever among us, in our hearts, thoughts and memories. Thank you for every day I had the opportunity to enjoy your music. Rest in peace, Michael.

In 2009 I already lost my grandmother, who was very dear to me. I would like this opportunity to honor her as it is five months since she has passed away. I still miss her every day and I can only aspire to be half as good as she was. She was truly the most selfless and kind person I have ever known and probably will ever know. It was an honor to have known you. Thank you for touching my life the way you did.

I am aware that this particular post is very heavy hearted. Under the circumstances there is no other way, I'm sorry.

Born to amuse, to inspire, to delight. Here one day, gone one night. Gone too soon.
XO-reos
Monco

The words of a class-A asswipe...

2009-06-26T01:30:00.004+02:00

"We knew something like this would happen!!
Michael Jackson was taken by ambulance from his Holmby Hills home to a nearby Los Angeles hospital on Thursday afternoon!!
Supposedly, the singer went into cardiac arrest and the paramedics had to administer CPR!!!
His mother is even on the way to visit him!!!
We are dubious!!
Jacko pulled a similar stunt when he was getting ready for his big HBO special in '95 when he "collapsed" at rehearsal!
He was dragging his heels on that just like his upcoming 50 date London residency at the 02 Arena, of which he already postponed the first few dates!!!
Either he's lying or making himself sick, but we're curious to see if he's able to go on!!!
Get your money back, ticket holders!!!! "
-Perez Hilton

Don't bother looking for it, he took it down. Perez Hilton, you have been gushing over Jackson for ever, and now you act all grief-struck? Shame on you, Mario. Screw karma for just this once: Mario Lavendeira, you are one hypocrite, faking crapcunt. As for the punch? You had it coming, big time. At this point I wish I had done it... Your mother must be very proud of you.

As for MJ. I don't have the time nor the energy to go into this, but he was a huge part of my life. Who I am, is partially because of him. He was the only constant thing in my life and is now gone. I have been thinking about a Thriller tattoo near my heart for about a year now. To symbolize my love for him. I think, to comemmorate him, I will get it done soon.

Gone too soon - Michael Jackson
XO
Monco

Goodbye...

2009-06-25T23:43:00.003+02:00

My day couldn't get crappier. May you rest in peace Michael.

An American werewolf in Perez

2009-06-25T08:47:00.003+02:00

This is getting blown (Mikey) Way out of proportion...
Stop blogging about it already, we know about your booboo. People get hit for no reason, suck it up and never mention it again. You get hit for talking crap about people (which, to me, starts to look like kind of a 'duh' thing), and keep going on and on and ooooon about it. You started, got what was coming to you (although it sucks) so stop being a twirp and suck.it.up.already. I thought you didn't want any drama in your own life: way of dealing with it Mario.

I'm now going to roll my eyes at the computer screen, go out to buy a DVD recorder and shut the fuck up already.

Ladies: goodmorning
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Oh, yeah, lol at this for a while.

What a treateable treat.

2009-06-24T23:34:00.004+02:00

Late night update. Just saw Perez Hilton was assaulted by some dude in the Black Eyed Peas' entourage.

Violence is indeed NEVER the answer, but verbal violence is just as crappy.
You shouldn't have called him a f*****, but you know that by now.
You should have been the bigger person in this and not have answered him when he was bullying you.
Karma...

So, I've rewritten this entry about 5 times, so nobody gets the wrong idea. I don't hate or love Perez Hilton. I tolerate him, sometimes I don't. Fact is that he writes some crappy things about good people and vice-versa. Do I think he got what was coming to him? In a way, yes. In my eyes verbal violence is just as bad as physical violence. When you verbally hurt someone and they don't have the ability to fight back with words they will resort to fisticuffs. If you don't want to get hurt, physically or verbally, then don't start. If you use verbal violence, then don't come crying if you get hit in the face. Fact is that if you don't use violence, often it won't catch up with you. This time it did and you kind of had this one coming for a long time. You can't get away with being offensive for that long. Somebody was bound to snap.
I don't endorse violence in any way. I'll never use it, if people have it coming, I'm sure karma will bite them in the ass without my help.
Btw, you'd think that after that Mr I-don't-want-drama-in-my-own-life-but-here-I-am-tweeting-about-what-a-shock-it-is-and-making-'statements' would quit being so 'aggro', he lashes out at Travis and John Mayer. Uncool.

I believe everything happens for a reason. You got smashed in the face for a reason, probably because your eyes needed to be opened (see what I did there?) and because in a weird way you had it coming dude.

XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: I'm not going to re-write this (again). Again, violence is not the answer, don't resort to it when you have the choice not to. Don't deliberately hurt people with words or fists. Eventually you'll get hurt three times worse. One way or the other you WILL get what's coming to you, in any form.

Who ate us? Hi ate us! (But it's over)

2009-06-24T19:15:00.003+02:00

I'm back, back from the dead. Even though I really wasn't. Exams are over, went well and will start again around August. My arm is decorated with an aquamarine heart. MTV movie awards are over. Decaydance signed a new band. The Sims 3 is taking over my life. "Judging Amy" is on tv and all is well.

Chris Bully got sentenced yester'. He got off with 180 hours of community service and he has to stay away from Riri at all times. Ehh well, as Good Charlotte once put it: "There's no such thing as 25 to life."

Eminem's new album came out a while ago. I absolutely adore(d) that man. I'm not so sure about that after watching MTV movie awards footage of him and Brüno. So here's the thing: I think everything was carefully planned as a goode ole prank. Eminem however didn't know about it. He got pissed for some reason (Which I don't think is very cool unless acted.) and took off. If it was acted: well done. If not: not very cool. I still like his music though.

While I was gone, I noticed there was quite a stirr over Decaydance's newest band. "How the hell did they get signed?" "Pete, what the hell?" "They suck!" "Bunch of bitches!" are comments I came accross when I looked them up on FOE. Art is art. Whatever people create that is unique, is art and sometimes it IS supposed to make you feel angry or uncomfy, but not always, Peter Wentz (comment in no way attached to the Millionaires debacle). Everybody's musical taste or taste in arts is different. We should remember that before we start to trash an individual band. I, myself don't particularly like what I hear when I listened to the Millionaires. But that is MY opinion. Maybe Pete and/or Gabe liked what they did, and therefore signed them. Some people out there might like the Millionaires and who are we to tell them that they have a bad taste in music. I don't believe in 'bad taste'. It is my right to say that I don't like them. It's Pete Wentz's right to like them and sign them. Let's not judge him for that. They got signed. Good for them. Let's just all agree to disagree.

What I don't agree on, though, is people not putting things in perspective. I adore Fall Out Boy, but if I had to choose between them and Michael Jackson in a poll, I would choose MJ. Because he's simply the best. I stand by my previous opinion that kids vote on hormones these days. I mean "Twilight" over "Slumdog Millionaire"? OMG Rpatzz is such a cutie, let's just vote for him. He's so hawt! Movie quality has nothing to do with the cuteness of the leading actor. Personally, I hated the acting jobs in the first movie. I respect the votes if the voters truly and in good conscience believe that "Twilight" was the best movie. But I bet that half of them haven't even seen the other movies and therefore shouldn't vote. I didn't vote. I hadn't seen the other movies. If you're going to vote, check the competition. Otherwise: stay the hell away from that "vote" button on the bottom of any page. This is the last time I've ranted about this particular subject. I'll just be aggravated in silence.

I'm somewhere halfway the third book of the "Twilight saga". I'm still not buying the vampire thing, plus the fact that I can't seem to get myself to read the rest of the book says a lot I think. It stopped grabbing my attention a while ago. I like the books, but as I put things in perspective, they are far, far from being the best books I ever read. They don't thrill me anymore, they never scared me, and they are somewhat predictable (and that was before I knew what was going to happen in the last two books). At the most they make me smile once in a while BUT it is well written. Plus the whole Edward perfect bf thing, is getting boring. I wouldn't want one of those. I want a human dude, down't to earth that can be a jackass sometimes. But that's just me. "Twilight" and the whole hype is starting to bore me. I will finish the books and I will see the movies, but I don't think it's going to make me like it more. And also that is the last I've said about the "Twilight" hype: I'm out, sorry. Fun for a while, but book 2 threw me off.

Either way, I have to go. See you guys on Sunday, the usual updating day!

My head's in heaven, my soles are in hell...
XO-reos
Monco

English breakfast tea...

2009-04-29T12:24:00.002+02:00

It's been over a month since I last posted here, and in that month I've been pondering about what kind of blog I eventually want this to be. I came to the conclusion that I should write about what I love.
I love gossip.
I love scaring the crap out of myself by watching horror movies.
I love music.
I love movies and television series.
Hence I believe it is best to make this a horrifying television/music gossip blog.

Remember that one time I went on and on about how great the "Salem's Lot" remake was? I saw the original version at 'Media Markt' (Yeah! Product Placement) and I couldn't resist. The front has a Nosferatu-like vampire on it. Nothing like the ones we see everywhere now. I'm dying to see it. I'm in the process of watching "Kingdom Hospital" and I'm going to order the original Lars Von Trier version. Furthermore I will order "Let the right one in" as I'm dying to watch that too. I'm going to be checking out "Twin Peaks" soon too and "Ghost Whisperer". I have seen a fair amount of episodes on tv, but I've never seen the very first season.

Either way, I should get going. It looks like rain and that means no ballerinas today, so I'll get back to picking socks.

Not so! Alas! Not so. It is only the beginning!
XO-reos
Monco

Thriller

2009-03-15T21:45:00.002+01:00

That's exactly what it was last Friday. I was sick and home, so I decided I might as well buy me some Jackson-comeback-last tour ever-tickets. I had my presale code, I tried using it for the presale but I was too late. Again, Friday I was, well, not late. The site just didn't let me in. I tried to get on the site for 5 hours, by that time every ticket available was sold out. I am beyond bummed. I have my reasons. I will not elaborate, but I will say this: "Michael Jackson is a musical genius."
I am happy to report that the second comeback is Eminem's. Marshal Bruce Mathers will be releasing a new album somewhere halfway through May. Personally I love him and his new song "Crack a Bottle".
In regards to what I wrote about Brown and Princess Riri, lookie-lookie what I found here.
And last but not least, Britney Spears' persian p*ssy was hanging out. Or that's what she told the audience. Because her mic was still on during one of the many wardrobe changes, the entire audience heard Britney inform the people downstairs that "My pussy was hanging out." Well at least she was aware of it this time.
This is it for tonight, so goodnight folks!

It's close to midnight, and something evil's lurking in the dark...
XO-reos
Monco

Bound, bound, bound and rebound

2009-03-08T22:05:00.003+01:00

I don't have the time to update on all the 'ssip I have, but remember Rihanna and Christopher Brown? Well, the saga continues. On the 8th of February Mr Brown damn near killed Rihanna, I know I'm being dramatic but so is everyone else. I thought I'd join in on the fun. Anyway, after this she vowed never to return to Chris. Ever. She whined and cried and vowed and failed. Reports are that they are back together. For an encore they got married at P. Diddy's house. Congratulations to the most disfunctional couple in celebo-land. This will at least take the attention off Simpson and Wentz.
Michael Jackson is back. This is it. The final 10 shows in his life. I secretly hope that he pulls a Tina Turner and keeps coming back anyway. I wish I could go to one of the concerts but things are looking pretty grim. The official website www.michaeljacksonlive.com has 16,000 visitors per second. That's 60 full arenas per minute. I will never get in, I'm sure. I subscribed for early ticket-buying but I doubt I will receive my special code.
More gossip coming, bear with me. I know I haven't been updating a lot lately, I have my reasons, but this is my comeback. So I hope you guys do the same.

Hurry, hurry ...
XO-reos
Monco

Cryptic messaging

2009-03-06T14:02:00.002+01:00

My apologies for the lateness of this all, but really I blame my doctor and a gastric bypass. Anyhow I have a fuckload of gossip to share so please be patient untill next Sunday!
I shall keep you posted...

XO-reos
Monco

Hook

2009-02-18T22:33:00.003+01:00

I'm A Cranky Old Yank in a Clanky Old Tank on the Streets of Yokohama with My Honolulu Mama doing Those Beat-O, Beat-O, Flat-On-My-Seat-O, Hirohito Blues
Check back later for more on this...

XO-reos
Monco

Long time no see...

2009-01-30T20:02:00.003+01:00

It's been a while. Let's cut the chitchat and get on with it. Not a lot has happened to me personally, so I've had to dig in the lives of others commonly known as: "Celebrities".

Rihanna and X-t Brown are going to tie the knot. It appears that the knot is being tied in Chris's leash, because future Mrs. Brown prevented Alexandra Burke (English X-factor winner and massive fan) from going to an after-party Chris was also attending. Jealous much?
GrandMadonna is coming to Belgium. I for one will not go, but I'm sure mucho other people would like to check her out. I would too, if only she was half as good as she once was.
Musicals all around: Thriller as well as Obama are going to be turned into musicals. More on that later.
More on Obama: The new President of the United States of America may, or may not be expecting a baby with beautiful wife Michelle. Looks like Sasha and Malia might be getting a baby brother or sister. Huzzah.

That's all for today folks. Oh yeah, commercial breaks: if you're a girl check out 'Lipsmackers' at Claire's. They come in all kinds of wonderful flavors. I already have the Coca-Cola Company flavs. They are amazing, and hydrate wonderfully!

The taste of my cherry chap stick...
XO-reos
Monco

No milk today...

2009-01-11T22:16:00.003+01:00

Due to exams: next update on Wednesday.

XO-reos
Monco

First post New Year post

2009-01-04T21:22:00.004+01:00

First off: Happy New Year to all of you who celebrated the thing a couple of days ago. Huzzah, 2009. Be fabulous.
As promised I dug into the lives of the celebrities we love most. My interest today, midlife crises.

Madonna-aaah. She was an icon, world's greatest girl, queen of pop. She started the pointy bra revolution (though I have to say it is mighty uncomfy), she crucified herself for art. She shocked, caused chaos, kicked shins and so forth. When she was young all of that was cutesy. At least she realizes she's getting a bit older. She's done and seen it all. One thing kablabla can't do is reverse age. So Madge has found the solution: ditch the old dude (Guy Ritchie) and surround yourself with young people. J. Timberlake, Britney Spears, Lil Wayne, Lourdes,... She's also doing this maniac workout thing that's supposed to keep you young. She's looking like the female version of the Hulk right now, only less green and huge. The popping vains remain the same though. I'm anti-working out, who's with me? Either way, she found Jesus on the way to a younger self, so she might be doing something right.
I adore Michael Jackson, I absolutely do. Dude on the radio tells us he's seriously ill, I freak. He can not die. Next thing I know he's healthy as a hippo. Then he's going to die again, some creepass lung disease. Perez Hilton confirms he's fit as a fiddle though. Jackson turned 50 not so long ago, if he's lucky he's in the middle of his life. And he's in a crisis, therefore midlife-crisis. Dearest Michael, I love you to death, but make up your mind about your money. Are you broke or filthy ritch? Your career. Are you going to come back to us? And your health. Because if you're going to die, I need to know. So I can start that Michael Jackson 'The Life Of A Genius' website.
Monkey George. Handsomest man alive. Prissy Paris. Well...girl...thing. She's like Cleopatra: That nose! I just always thought George Clooney of all people had higher standards. Oh and boy George, lose the 'stash...

Big hurrays for Prince, he's putting out a couple of new records this year.
Big boos for Katy Perry and Trav McCoy. I will get over it. Katy is still adore your style though and Trav, you know I adore you.
Big hugs for John Travolta.
Big ha-has for Akon since he's finally getting what he deserves.
Big aww for the Wentz family. For all the right and wrong reasons.
Big oops to the Twilight fragrance, doesn't it look familiar?
Big thumbs up to my favorite drummer, may this year be like the last one, but better. Don't settle down with her though.
A final big I told you so to Benji Madden, you could've gotten better.

Preach electric to a microphone stand
XO-reos
Monco

No comment

2008-12-28T17:18:00.007+01:00

Well...I put together this whole blog entry with lists. You know, a top five of everything I could think of. Best artist, best song, people of the year, most annoying people. But I deleted all of it seen as I created internal wars as I was putting them together. Who is more irritating, Rihanna or The Jobros? What song is better, 'I don't care' or 'About a girl'? Who is my personal revelation of the year, 'The Academy Is...' or 'Cobra Starship'? However I think you will all agree that the man of the year is Barack Obama.
I'm not good at making lists, also because it's so binding. People expect you to stick to it. I also vowed not to do the whole 'New Year's resolutions' crap. I never stick to it, so I will make one last one: I will never make resolutions again.
I'm tired of studying crappy stuff, so forgive my lack of with these last couple of days. That and I don't have a lot to say, which makes this one boring blog. I promise though, that by next year I will have some kind of celebrity gossip to throw at your feet.
Have a good one, and start the New Year on the right foot for a change.

Freckle, freckle what makes this so special?
XO-reos
Monco

Check this out

2008-12-23T20:02:00.002+01:00

VersaEmerge

The only thing I haven't done yet is die

2008-12-23T19:04:00.003+01:00

Blog entry 60, due to surgery long over due. I don't really have news. As usual. FOB's new video for 'America's Suitehearts' will be up on January 1st.
Anyway, I'm very much into Victorian houses and Victorian style photographs. In search of pictures I came across a website with a bunch of post mortem pics. It's pretty eerie. You can find the gallery here . I don't know the details on why exactly they did this, but I imagine it has something to do with commemorating the loved ones. This, I think, is one of the creepiest:

And on that note I wish you all a Merry Christmas, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah.

Pawn shop I'm trading up...
XO-reos
Monco

Love Lockdown

2008-12-07T21:38:00.003+01:00

It's been a while, a long while. I honestly didn't have anything to update on. Not that today is any different, I just thought that I might update on the fact that I have nothing to say.
Remember a few entries ago, Joe said that FOB would come visit Belgium. Well ta fucking dah. I already have two tickets for the show on March 23d. I think it's just brilliant, I mean this means I will have seen them 3 times in one year. Anyway enough of that.
I heard 'The Quilt' in its entirety and it is beyond good. I absolutely adore 'Kissin' Ears' and 'Catch me if u can'.
I could say something about 'Twilight' to fill this page up, but I won't. It's an unusual movie and I liked it a lot. If you're looking for more than this, just check out any page on the net that has 'Twilight' in the title.
I'm also in the process of watching 'The Shining' again, but the miniseries this time. I think they're a lot better and the emphasis is more on the boy, instead of the father going nutso.
Before I forget: Happy B-day Michael Carden.
That's about it actually. I'm going to try to have some more news/goss next week. Oh and I haven't finished watching the EMA's. I might not even do that. The whole music award show thing is going under, next to the Eurovision Song Contest. The joke's on them, humor me.

You choose, you choose...
XO-reos
Monco

Welcome to the new administration.

2008-11-21T23:30:00.003+01:00

Welcome to the world Bronx Mowgli Wentz. Congatulations to the new parents! All the best with the new family, you guys deserve it. Be happy, be a great person.

XO-reos
Monco

American Boize...

2008-11-09T23:10:00.003+01:00

Hey there, hi there, ho there. I don't have a lot to update on right now, although the European MTV Music Awards have taken place. I know. Shame. Shame. Whatever. Anyway I'm forced to watch the whole show online, and my internet connection decided to screw me over after my TV did too. So it is taking me a lot of time to watch it.
Anyway, the 15th edition of the show, hosted by America's new favorite badass: Katy Perry. She opened the show riding a huge cherry chapstick. I dug that. For some reason I crave cherries. Must have something to do with the couple of bright red cherry chicas surrounding her. I will give a complete overview of the winners although I must say that besides
P!nk, Katy Perry and Kanye West. I'm pretty disappointed in this year's winners. (No not because FOB wasn't nominated.) I mean Tokyo Hotel over Linkin Park, The Foo Fighters and The Cure? Kids vote on hormones these days. Outrageous. Shite.
Don't mind me. I haven't gotten any further by the way, so this is as far as the overview goes. I am sincerely sorry. For the voters that is.

You lose, you lose...
XO-reos
Monco

A mission...

2008-11-03T22:48:00.002+01:00

Hello there, reader. I know I promised an update on the Amsterdam gig. I didn't do that. I should stop saying one thing and not doing it. Loads to update on this week in the process. The reason why I'm only updating now is the fact that somebody in my family passed away, not all that close but nevertheless it felt wrong writing stuff yesterday.
Anyway, the Amsterdam gig itself was awesome. At first I thought I should wait in line for like an eternity to be totally up front. I had to leave the line twice because of the bad weather and a claustrophobic reaction to all the people around me. Doors opened at six and I had to wait another three hours. I was unable to do so, so I returned to the hostel for the remaining time.
I went back half an hour before doors opened so I would be somewhat up front. While waiting a couple of teenage screamers caught my attention and a dude in a costume came by with a camera guy. I though crew member in bear suit. Turned out to be: Pete in bear suit. Everybody screamed, everybody screamed, in this town of Amsterdam. I didn't though. I'm thinking I'm too old to scream. So I went for the polite nod and smile. Even though I was excited.
I found a place inside that was pretty much up front but on the side. The equivalent of 10th row, kind of bummed that I wasn't more up front, but not for long.
I had learned some 'Boys like Girls' songs by heart, discovering I liked them a lot in the process. I was a bit disappointed to find out that this other band 'Destine' opened for FOB. They were actually pretty good, but I should hear them again, to be able to form a decent opinion.
By the time FOB came on about three girls had been fished out of the crowd, due to too hot. It was great, I don't know exactly how to explain, but for one, I was closer to the stage and the interaction with the crowd was better. Kind of normal since the venue was a lot smaller (it could hold about 1,500 people). All through the show Pete asked us if we were okay, since security kept pulling people out of the crowd, dropping like flies. I became more and more cool with the fact that I was NOT up front. One guy/girl got hit in the head, he/she was ok though. It was cool to see that the band was actually concerned with people in the venue. They took care of us, which I thought was awesome. It appears the show will be featured on a new live DVD, so you guys might see me on TV one day (girl can dream, right).
In line I did catch myself thinking: "What am I doing here, I'm too old for this." Screw that, I'm not too old for anything anymore... I mean I look like a 16-year-old, might as well feel like it.
Oh yeah, the guys headed to the hotel pretty much immediately after the concert, even if I tried I wouldn't have gotten to the right exit in time, I was stuck inside. So no talk to them this time.
Other news:

I proudly announce that FOB goes down in history in the form of a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records. They are the ones who set the record for 'The Most Interviews On Radio In a 24 Hour Period By A Pair of Two'. They have done a total of 72 interviews. Big 'Yay' to the fans, big 'Aha' to the non-believers.
I 'finally' saw 'The Shining', not the miniseries, but the Stanley Kubrick movie. It was next to brilliant. Not quite though, because the ending disappointed me. I'm going to read the book so I put 'New Moon' on hold, well further on hold because I still have to read some Italian books. I will report on the book and the movie later on.
Patrick Stump is now officially Patrick Vaughn Stump. (Upon hearing myself saying it, I think it sounds like a count, Patrick Von Stump master of darkness and kittens.)
I'm going to donate my hair to the 'Pantene' action. 'Geef om haar' in Belgium is about what 'Beautiful Lengths' is in the USA. It is going to be short, very short. I'm scared. But my hair will grow back. In about 20 months I will have back what I've lost. People with cancer, never will have back what they lost in 20 months.

That's all for now. Don't remember to vote if you live in the USA. Change is at hand. The day after tomorrow will be different. Or at least we hope.

I'm not saying that there's no hope for this our system's broken but I hope you'll vote again...
XO-reos
Monco

Patrick and Pete's interview with Ryan Seacrest...

2008-10-31T11:34:00.000+01:00

Guess who's back, back again...

2008-10-28T10:58:00.003+01:00

It's been a while, I know, I know... But I have my reasons. The best one being that I've been gone for the better part of the last two weeks. Anyway, 'nuff with the excuses I bring you my report on the killer shows FOB has put up and as a bonus I will let you in on my meeting with my favorite dudes.
Sunday October 19th:
I got up überearly to get to the train in time. I was excited and scared to death because I had never traveled alone before, let alone all the way to the UK. Either way they double booked my seat, so I ended up letting the dude in my seat and his mother travel together, I couldn't exactly separate them, could I? I slept most of the journey to London so whenever anybody asks me what it was like in this tunnel I have to say that I fell asleep, how heroic. I arrived in London and there I had to wait for my train to Birmingham, and that's what I did. I waited. Nothing exciting happened actually until that night.
I arrived at the venue with the help of a nice taxi-driver and saw the line. It was never ending. No kidding. I had a seat inside the arena so there was no point for me to be there that early, but I was there anyway and there was no point in returning to the hotel. Inside the waiting area, a couple of hours later I could really see how long the line exactly was. There were people everywhere and there was no telling where the line started, you could only see the end. I managed getting inside without any bruises and I lived. I was so glad that I had a seat so I could save my standing energy for FOB.
There were two opening acts of which I absolutely loved one. I liked 'You Me at Six' but I loved 'Boys Like Girls', there song 'Hero/Heroine' is definitely one to check out. I was sitting quite far from the stage so I couldn't make out any facial features. I was a bit disappointed about that fact. About an hour and a half later, it was time for FOB to get their acts together and put up a killer show, and that's just what they did. The crowd went absolutely mad. The show was perfect although it was a pity that I was that far from stage. I could see four tiny dudes bringing it. The performance made up for it though and little did I know that the night was far from over...
I was dead set on getting myself a couple of autographs so I waited after the show. I started talking to a couple of girls next to me because I thought it was going to be a long, long night. My experience with artists was that they needed a certain amount of time to get cleaned up, eat something, wait for everything to get loaded into trucks and THEN they come out. Only half an hour later they were there. I heard some people say only Patrick and Joe would come out, so I was stoked enough that I would finally get to see Patrick Stump, finally, but...
First Pete came out, I thought I would be incredibly starstruck or clumsy or speechless or something, but I wasn't, not even remotely. I felt calm and collected. That was a bonus, because then I got to say something without sounding like either a Teenie or a clumsy fool. After Pete it was time for Patrick and boy was I excited. I mean I have this band's pictures all over my walls and I was finally in the process of meeting all of them. The first thing I thought when I saw Patrick (and Pete for that matter) was: "Damn he's short." I was getting nervous, but not really nervous. Just about as nervous as I get when I have to talk to people I don't know, and then, there he and it were. He was signing my stuff and I had the chance to say something to him, so I decided to be honest, a bit too honest even. What I meant to say was: "You guys mean the world to me, so thank you."

What went down was:
Patrick (standing in front of me): "Hi!"
Me (totally embarrassed and unable to look up from the pen he was signing with): "Hi, ummm, can I just tell you something?"
Patrick: "Sure..."
Me: "I just want to say thank you, you mean a lot to me." (I then looked at him, shocked at myself and realizing what I just said, but it was the truth too, so I couldn't be bothered, nevertheless I was so embarrassed )
Patrick: "Thank you." (HE on the other hand was totally smiling at me, for everybody knowing him: you know that little smile he does when he's thanking somebody, almost saying 'I'm not worth it but thank you anyway'. You know that little apologetic, humble smile and nod he does. It's not even a smile, just a thing he does with his lips, but it is half a smile, so it does count... Oh Gosh...)
The girl next to me: "Awwwww, that was so emotional."
Me: "Don't aww me, even though it's dark he's still going to see me blush."
Patrick (from three girls over): "What?"
Me: "Nothing, nothing..."
Patrick: "..."<- Well he giggled, but I can't describe that, it's just the signature giggle he has. It's deep though, very deep...

After that I still met Andy, too impressed to really talk, but he wasn't really talkative, I'm guessing he was totally knackered. A couple of girls asked him if he wasn't cold (being out in shorts and all) he just said he wasn't. Joe, on the other hand is a chatterbox and after Patrick, THE coolest guy I have ever met. I just had a casual talk with him. Not even nervous, like I'd known him for ever.

Me: "Hey!"
Joe: "Hi, how are you tonight?"
Me: "Great, great. You know you guys should do a show in Belgium next time, I came all the way from Belgium just to see you guys. I mean I know you did the TMF awards..."
Joe: "Yeah but that wasn't really a show..."
Me: "Exactly."
Joe: "But we did do a show in Belgium once."
Me: "I know, Pukkelpop, I was there."
Joe: "Yeah, that, but that was more of a festival, not really a show."
Me: "I know..."
Joe: "I agree that we should come to Belgium once, we will though. We will come to Belgium next time, I promise."
Me: "All right :-) thank you!"

And then they had to go. I had to go back to the hotel too because it was F-ing freezing out there. I went to the parking lot to see if there were any taxis, but there were none left, so I had to walk back to the hotel, not caring after what just happened. Not at all. On the way there I briefly freaked out and got teary-eyed, but it went as quickly as it came. It took a while before it dawned on me that I had just met the four guys I really wanted to meet at least once this lifetime and that they were better than I expected and that I was totally calm during the whole thing. After all they are just a couple of guys, who just happen to have the coolest job ever. Gee I just realized that I have written a whole thing on just this, so I will be back tomorrow with more news on the Amsterdam gig.

Think that I'm not figuring myself out...
XO-reos
Monco

It's postponed...

2008-10-14T16:49:00.004+02:00

Fall Out Boy's newest baby 'Folie a Deux' 's release date is being postponed to December 16th. I was bummed, but I am glad. It's still coming out this year, right. Anyway, get your axes over to iTunes and buy the new single 'Headfirst slide into Cooperstown on a bad bet' and the older one on there.

Sayonara
XO-reos
Monco

Head first slide into cooperstown on a bad bet...

2008-10-12T22:09:00.003+02:00

So, not a lot of news besides the fact that FOB absolutely rocked the TMF-awards yesterday! They went home, well they went to their hotel at least, with three whole awards. I am proud. I'm also still bummed that I couldn't be there, but I still have two concerts to go to. Yippie. I'm already starting to get excited, I mean now that everything is ordered and booked. I've got my hotels sorted, my trains checked and my tickets with me. This can not go wrong. Or at least we hope it won't. So the next couple of weeks I'm going to be high on whatever it is those boys produce in me. I hope with all my heart I get the chance to talk to at least one of them. Preferably Patrick, or Joe, or Pete, or maybe Andy.
Anyhow, I'm starting the second book of the twilight saga in five minutes, I'm obsessed with Jelly Beans, I want them all. I love the liquorice and the green apple ones, I haven't tasted all of them yet, but I might pick up a bag of them in London. I've been to a lecture about Israel and Palestina or Palistina and Israel. I get it a bit more now I think. It was interesting and illuminating, if that is the right word.
Anyway, Edward is waiting for me, so I must go.

Just want to be a footnote in someone else’s happiness...
XO-reos
Monco

A therapeutic chain of events...

2008-10-07T22:32:00.003+02:00

Due to a number of things I was not able to update sooner than now. I'm sorry for that but I doubt anybody missing anything. Not a lot to update on though.
Fall Out Boy released a new single and podcast on iTunes. I would like to buy but I live in Belgium AND I'm ordering the record anyway so no need to download it now. I'll overdose on it via the Fall Out Boy website. The 'I don't care' video is absolutely grand and fantastic, check it out.
The TMF awards are going on next Saturday. I won't be home, but I will tape and report on it next Saturday. I'm thinking the only highlights will be Kat Deluna, Nailpin and tadaaa.... Fall Out Boy. I would have liked to go, but ironically enough I can't get home or spend the night. Plus I don't want to spend loads of money for two bands I want to see when they only perform a song or two. It's a waste of money (she said after spending hundreds of dollars on a band). In my defense it might be a while before they come back.
Anyway, like I said, not a lot to update on so, I will be back later.

I couldn't bring myself to call...
XO-reos
Monco

Sleepless in Brussels...

2008-10-01T22:13:00.003+02:00

I got sick in class today, very embarrassing and whatnot, I know. But anyway, I fell asleep way before my time and now I'm all...up...
Either way, you guys know that my life is mainly about music. I moved to a bigger school now and I'm trying to get people to get to know some new, alternative bands. The beauty of Fueled By Ramen and Decaydance is that they have music for every taste. The promoting is going slow, very slow mainly because of my poor connections. However I'm looking into a way to do things more effectively. I know this sounds big and pretentious and all... I'm not trying to be. I'm just trying to get the fire going for the bands here, on the mainland. I could be promoting concert tours and album releases. Unfortunately stores here don't sell the bands, just because nobody is interested. I am a member of the street team, but they don't do shows in my area that I can promote and there's only so many people I can tell about FBR and the bands.
So the motive: Promoting bands/ I want to do something for music and since I'm still in college I only have limited time and money on my hands to do so.
The goal: Get people to hop on the FBR train here on the mainland.
Things I need: People, flyers, stickers, banners, concerts and cd releases here in Belgium.
I will be getting started on things by putting up banners everywhere, including here, and by telling more people about the bands in question by wearing merch and sporting an unbelievable amount of buttons. I will also be luring people into my basement (no kidding) and I will be casually telling them about the bands hanging in my room.
It is all big and over the top, but FBR needs to take over this part of the world too. I will help doing so. More on this soon I hope.
If you want to do your part sign up here.

That's all peeps...
XO-reos
Monco

The best of us can find happiness in misery...

2008-09-28T20:11:00.002+02:00

Sure we can... Anyway the new FOB single "I don't care" out for grabs now on youtube, or if you want to go around the more elaborate, supportive but also expensive (almost a whole $) way, download it over at iTunes. I'm thinkin' it's golden and it is genius. But I'm also irrelevant and bi-assed. I'm starting to get excited about the concerts. Mom still doesn't know I'm going to Cologne, and I don't either for that matter.
I've finished reading 'Twilight' and I want to apologize to Stephenie Meyer and every other person I offended, sincerely. I read it in a flash. It was over before I knew it was and I was dissapointed when I finished it, because it was finished. I will say this though. I'm well aware that this is a book for teenagers, unlike me. But I find the feelings and expressions in the book so intense and overwhelming that even I was struck by it. I'm still a bit numb and confused about my concept of love which, I might add, will never be the same again. That's why I'm not sure if it is a suitable book for juveniles. Unless they are a bit more mature about love and don't go all giggle-giggle about it.
I'm still not sure about where I stand on the whole vampire thing... I'm willing to give the idea a chance that there is a new kind of vampire, born out of the fantasy world of Meyer.
I'm not going to say that you must read it, but pick it up and read the first three chapters. If you like it by then, read on. If not, don't. I mean it is a book for a specific public that will leave the other side of the reader spectrum untouched.
On a much darker note, I heard today that both Travis Barker and DJ AM were badly injured in a plane crash. I just read that they will fully recover, but nevertheless I wish them a 'get well soon'.
Either way I'm off to bed soon to read a bit. Stay out of trouble and ____ (fill in the blank yourself, I'm pretty much uninspired today).

I'm not a chance, but a heatwave in your pants...
XO-reos
Monco

No more late nights watching TV...

2008-09-21T21:11:00.003+02:00

I don't really have a lot to update on, but I will anyway. I've been reading this book, 'Twilight'. I really crapped on it the first time I heard of 'the thing', but I was blatantly wrong about it. I've finished chapter 3 and I (I can't believe I'm saying this) can't wait to read more. When I was a kid my nose was always glued to one book or the other. I'm having this feeling that I'm going to be that kid again, and I don't even mind. So first thing after school tomorrow I'm going to the local library to check out what they have in store for me. Plus I found out about two English bookshops in Brussels (Sterling Books and Waterstone's) that I'm going to check out tomorrow.
Speaking of school, tomorrow's my first day at the new campus. New buildings, old people, new people, maybe I'll meet some FBR-minded people that are actually my age.
So two weeks ago I finally got my copy if 'Fast Times At Barrington High'. At first I wasn't sure what to think, but the more I listen to it, the more I think it's brilliant. Especially 'His Girl Friday' and 'Crowded Room'.
Speaking of brilliant, I too have been listening to Kanye's 'Love Lockdown' repeatedly and it is in fact brilliant.
A friend and I are working on a 90s revival thing, so a lot of that music has been happening. Remember 'Informer'?
Anyway I must leave, big day tomorrow. Maybe I'll buy a copy of 'New Moon'. (Yes, it is that good. I must sound like a sellout, but for what it's worth I don't think they should call those things vampires. It's still wrong.)

I'm in love with you...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: I'm sorry for all the people I'm disappointing by not giving any info on the one thing everybody is here for: Ordinal Linguistic Personification. I will do that next week though.

Stop, rewind, recycle...

2008-09-14T19:28:00.010+02:00

VMAs are over, done with. I took the time to watch it today and to analyze every single bit of it, until I got tired of it and just watched and rewatched it. Some things I looked forward to:

The hosts Russell Brand and Britney Spears. (That was the plan right?)
P!nk's performance.
Christina Aguilera's performance.
Ashlee Simpson in her glorious state (she looked stunning)
Paramore
Mtv's best effort to make these VMAs unforgettable since it was their 25th birthday

Frankly I was a bit, or very disappointed to say the least. I think most of us expected a bit more, a great spectacle. Instead we got a lukewarm comedy show (which was the highlight) and two or three awesome acts.
I have a lot to comment on the main show, so let's leave the pre-show business behind. It all started with, ahh Britney Spears. She opened the show with a funny skit. The funny part wasn't her's but her counterpart's. For a star that played the lead in her own movie (Crossroads) her acting sucked. Anyhow I thought she was going to host the show, she said one friggin' line. I can 'host' a show like that too. Nevertheless it was her big comeback plus she won three awards, I've got the give her that much. That one dude who actually hosted the award show was awesome though. But the point is that it's a music award show, not a comedy show (as cool as he was though). I'm guessing MTV ran out of decent hosts since they had to get the mustard from England. (Here's a hint: Let FOB host the show next year, pleasant times ensured.)
Let's talk disappointing acts: Rihanna. I though, great she's opening the awards, she's going to open it with a bang. She didn't even manage to open it with a va-va-va-voom. I can't say she was off key with her own song, because that's what it is. I just missed the fire, the edge... It was flat, plain, she didn't get into character and frankly it seemed like she was just 'there'. How on earth can you not feel your own music? Maybe it was just the sound but I could hardly hear her. Plus the dancers were a lot better than her. I expected more from her really, seen as they call her the 'golden girl'. Let's just stick with plastic plated, it's hard enough for her as it is. (I know I'm going to get a bunch of Rihanna hate mail, but if it would've been good, I would've said so.)
I didn't really hate or like the Jonas Brothers's performance. It did seem like they were a little uncomfy doing the acoustic thing. A lot more energy came out when they went electric. I know, I know, acoustic is supposed to be all serene but not dead for Pete's sake... Also why bother doing the electric thing when it only lasts a chorus?
I had hoped to see more of Katy Perry, it was sad to see that she was only used to entertain the studio audience while the Jonas Brothers played their thing.
Something I waited forever to see from P!nk: a live performance as daring as her videos. Stunts, explosions, girl power and much, much more. I loved every minute of it, because P!nk put her heart and soul into the song she sang. You could feel the power of the song and her desire to be there. Plus it was very entertaining.
So, if you're going to redo a popular song, do it well. T.I. got it and did it. 'Live Your Life' is going to be a topper, I liked the song. I'm not too sure about the performance though, again Rihanna was waving and shaking her arms/butt/head/belly button but it seemed like she was just an accessory instead of the singer. Anyhow I'm not going to trash it because it wasn't half as bad as her first gig. But she could put more life into her live performances.
Paramore: a band I was looking forward to too and they were whatever it was I expected. No ridiculous outfits, big hair, 5214 dancers but a solid, serene, good and powerful performance of 'Misery Business'. Good job guys, you won me over completely now. Also Hayley isn't a preppy, stuck up artist. She has both feet firm on the ground. Also cool: they arrived in Smart cars.
I looked forward to Christina's performance because it's the first one I've seen in a long time. It was a bit of old mixed with new, which was cool. A remake of 'Genie In a Bottle' and a song I never heard before 'Keeps Getting Better' which I also liked. The performance was sober, but it was nice to see.
An unexpected guest closed the VMAs, but nevertheless it was a-we-some. I wasn't the biggest of Kanye's fans, but what he brought last week was amazing. It was sober, full of heart and entertaining.I loved both song and performance and I'm looking forward to seeing him live some day.
That's it performance-wise. Nominee and winner-wise there's not a lot to say. Not to many surprises, I mean Britney won three times and it seemed like they pre-recorded her thank yous. "I first and foremost want to thank God first for blessing me like this." x 3 . It's like she wasn't even excited about winning those awards. For what it's worth I didn't thing many of the artists, besides Tokio Hotel and the Pussycat Dolls, were very excited about winning. I'm not going to list the whole thing, you can go check it out here.
I'm going to wrap things up with this, it's been long. If ever I come across something I must absolutely say, I will.
Three more things:
This year was Britney's, next year it'll be Fall Out Boy's and Fueled By Ramen's.
MTV: Start making your award shows more exciting and celebrating, because that's what it's about, right?
Celebs: Be more excited about the awards you get, it's a gift from fans.

Music is love, love is music, music is my life and I love my life. Thank you and goodnight.
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Ashlee looks so happy and beautiful, I wish her all the best further on.

Hey there, hi there, ho there...

2008-09-08T16:40:00.005+02:00

All apologies for the lateness of my message. I don't have a lot to update on so this will be a short one. (The dangers of updating on weekdays.) I spent yesterday elsewhere, therefor I couldn't drop a line.
Anyway, I saw the winners of all VMA's, I'm a bit bummed about the fact that Fall Out Boy didn't win, but 'Linkin Park' deserved every bit. You can expect a full report later. I'll try to watch the show somewhere online so I can report sooner.
Speaking of which, a rumor caught my eye today. I will not say a lot about it just this: It's their business and not ours. If they think information is relevant, they will let us know. Trust that he loves his fans and will let us know what we need to in his own time. Let him enjoy this wonderful journey and don't believe anything tabloids feed to you. Period.
I just realised I was going to review a movie, but since now time is running out (for me at least) I will do that tomorrow. I'm planning a cinematic trip anyway so two movies coming up for the price of one.
Other news is that the world is coming to an end, again. Believe it or not? Decide for yourself and let me know in comments and the poll I'm setting up.
More exciting news: "The Quilt" is being released upon the world tomorrow. Gym Class Heroes and Patrick Stump decided to make the most of it, and what I've heard... One word: Délicious. I will buy it.
Anyhow I'm leaving. So see y'all tomorrow.

I can't keep my hands out the cookie jar...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: No, I did not forget Joe's B-day. I just didn't post it. Anyhow, Happy Birthday Joe!

Vote, vote, vote!

2008-09-04T13:45:00.004+02:00

If you're living in the US of A and are allowed to vote, vote Obama! If not or if you want to vote for other people as well vote for your absolute favorite bands and people here and here. If you want to, vote Fall Out Boy here in category for Rock Out, Best Act Ever and Headliner. Or vote Fall Out boy here. Also vote Panic At The Disco here and here. And while we're at it vote Paramore too over here.
Anyway I believe you should only vote for the people you believe in for 150%. Too many people vote for the prettiest faces and cutes asse(t)s on MTV. Don't. Vote for the people who really deserve it. Don't vote for the sake of it, if nobody in the category appeals to you, don't vote. Vote Slipknot, vote Pussycat Dolls, vote Jonas Brothers but only and only if you really believe in them. An award means so much more if it comes from the heart of fans. Vote smart, vote with your heart.

Their hearts beat for the diehards.
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: An MTV VMA report is planned for 09/14, because MTV Europe decides we should only get to see the show on 09/13, bummer. Anyhow the show itself is scheduled for 09/07 at 9 pm.

A Salem's haunting/ American Lot

2008-09-02T19:42:00.004+02:00

As promised, movie report on 'Salem's Lot' and a bonus hauning, an American one even.
I'm not easily creeped out and I really don't like long-long movies, but this one blew me away. If ever you have an hour or three to spare, go ahead, put it on. I promise you will not regret it. It all begins when Ben Mears comes back to Jerusalem's Lot (Salem's Lot for short: King had to change it because his publicist thought it was too religious.) along with some invited friends. The rest is history... Or should I say that the people were ? Anyhow the classic how-did-it-become-a-ghost-town tale. Only longer and better. So anyway, this kid and his brother fall victim to a... well... nobody knows at that point. The one kid is yet to be found, his brother is returned home in shock and later dies of anemia(scooby-clue number one). Other people mysteriously die and Mears, Susan (a 'friend'), Burke (a gay high school teacher), Mark Petrie (a kid) and Dr. James Cody (a... well duh...) investigate what's going on. It's pretty obvious that the culprit is a vamp. King kicks ass in this one, he wipes the floor with any other vampire story (eat this Twilight!), other than the original one of course. I must say there are a few minor details that I picked up such as: vampires need to be invited in, King makes it very clear, yet one of the vampires comes in uninvited... That's it really. Anyhow, I'm not a fan of blatantly clear plots, but this one did not bother me the least bit, I mean almost instantly you know who's causing this. BUT the ending is surprising though, you'll notice as you watch. Another note is that it's not bam in-your-face scary but the special effects and the atmosphere make it espescially creepy. Note the eyes lighting up and the knocking on the windowat night (I promise you will check your window every night before bed after this, just imagine somebody knocking on it in the middle of the night...) plus the haunted house deserves a medal, I would totally buy a house like that. Special effects-wise it deserves a medal too, some of them are pretty cool. Plus the movie is a reminder of how old school vampire hunters did it. No stake+heart=poof but stake+heart= painfull screaming and agony followed by a poof. King also inserted an underlying message:"There is good and bad in everybody, but the good outweighs the bad. Most times." As I said I'm not easily creeped out but I kept one eye on my window at all times last night.
The other movie 'An American Haunting', I can't tell much about it without giving away the plot. It is at once surprising and obvious. Let's just say that the suspicion most of you have at the beginning, is the right one. It was kind of a creepy film, but I would not recommend it if you're looking for a real scare. It's more psychologically scary. The creepy thing is though, is that it's based on true events.
I have another movie tucked away in my right sleeve, I will watch that tomorrow and if funds become available I will have 5 more next week. See you then if God wills it.
'Till next time then and remember to close your windows before going to bed and never to invite a stranger in, not even an acquaintance for that matter...

You were always a sound sleeper...
XO-reos
Monco

'wesome...

2008-09-01T00:43:00.005+02:00

Hello there, I am running a tad late, but, I'm sure somewhere in this world it's still Sunday. Anyhow, the big news, well for me at least: FOB is releasing a new album November 4th. Hurrah, hurrah. Other news: the VMA's are coming up next week and I will be on the lookout for, not only hots or nots, but also crazy behavior and whatnots. I'm also going to be analyzing the winners and not-so-winning, and complaining if I'm definitely not okay with whoever won.
I saw a documentary about Michael Jackson today and I am outraged. Really where do they get the nerve to...
Anyway, I just finished watching 'The Pianist'. If you loved 'Shindler's List' you'll adore this one. Well I did. (Note that 'loving' is relative, I mean it could just touch you. IMO that genre is not something you love, but something that you must understand. If you catch my drift...) There is nothing I can say without ruining the movie. Just watch it and be amazed.
Last Friday my mom and I watched 'Seance' together. The actors were all unknown to me, and I thought the acting was a bit iffy from time to time. The plot wasn't well thought out, I mean sometimes even I wondered where they got that information from. The movie itself is like really slow and the makers must have noticed they were either running out of money or attention span, because they finished the movie in a hurry. Everybody died all of the sudden. Anyway the movie itself wasn't all that creepy and only moderately good. In my humble opinion that is. Other people might poop themselves... Anyway, change the actors, improve the acting skills, shorten the story, lengthen the ending, explain everything better and put in more ghoulish things and you have yourself a good horror movie. I would recommend it to teenagers looking for a quick scare and a Ouija board-dare afterwards. I would not recommend it to people looking for a real scare. Tomorrow 'Salem's Lot' is up, I will report on that on Tuesday otherwise I will have too much info on Sunday.
Before I go: I too have been sucked into the myspace black hole, here is the URL. (Ooh well here's something I didn't know... well to make things easier I will link every movie to its page in the IMDB for more info, hopefully just by clicking on it.)
Anyhow, I must go, it's getting... well no, it is late.

Sunday always comes too late...
XO-reos
Monco

Michael it's your birthday, happy birthday Michael...

2008-08-29T23:37:00.003+02:00

Michael Joseph Jackson, Michael Jackson, The King of Pop, Wonderkid, Wacko Jacko, Freak of Nature, for a freak you must be if you can write songs THAT good. He can now do weird things and blame it on his midlife crisis. Which is a good thing because now he can get away with it. I get tired of people laughing at me because I'm a lifelong fan, but on the other hand I love reminding people of the amazing things he did for popular music. Shall I bring up thriller? Anyhow this post to remind everybody of the birth of the second coming of the King. So happy birthay Michael Joseph Jackson, we're oh so glad you came! Seriously...
More exciting news on Sunday!

Do you remember the time?
Xo-reos
Monco

About a girl Sunday....

2008-08-24T09:51:00.004+02:00

So, I've ordered Fast Times at Barrington High, but the music is already put on-line by the guys themselves on myspace. Still I refuse to go listen to it because I don't have the album yet. Why did I order the album in the first place along with 'Santi' 'Almost Here' ? Because I support these bands through a time where everybody else downloads their crap. Even if that means paying like crazy to get merch over here. (To tell you the truth I didn't pay all that much, thank you low dollar rate!) Because I got the chance to download, legally download, 'About a Girl' I've been listening to it non-stop on my way from school and during study breaks. It's genius to say the least. I urge people to at least take a listen. Pretty much like when a kid goes "I don't want to taste the spinach!" And the mom urges the kid to have a taste, because there's a slim chance he might like it anyway. Only in my case there's no spinach involved...
I don't have a lot to update on, it's been pretty quiet in Moncoville. I'm going to try to catch a gig in London on 17/9, but my mom won't let me go. It sounds lame because I'm like 20 and I can pretty much do whatever I want, but I tend to respect my mother's wishes. If only because of the current death wave raging through the city. Which is a pity, because London is awesome!
Anyhow I'm supposed to be studying.

Catch you on the next sound wave...
XO-reos
Monco

If you was worth breaking my nails on I'd tear your face wide open...

2008-08-17T21:21:00.007+02:00

Hello there, caught your attention didn't I? If you're here for some action, you came to the wrong blog. Last week I told you guys it is about that time of year where you can vote for your favorite bands to be nominated and, the die hards did it again. I know this blog is kind of becoming a Decaydance/Fueled By Ramen one, but I'm honestly hoping that Decaydance (or FBR) is taking over again this year. Let's have a look at my personal favorites and who I'm sure is going to win in every category:

Best new artist: There isn't really any band and/or singer that sticks out in that category, but I must say that I'm kind of rooting for Katy Perry. I sort of like her song and in that category I think she has the best one. One of them I don't know, Taylor Swift. Tokio Hotel, I'm slightly hoping they won't win and Miley Cyrus... I'm not sure... She gained fame as Hannah Montana so I'm not sure if she will be as successful as just Miley. It would be a shame though because that would mean she's stuck to Disney for the rest of her life. Good thing for the grandkids, not for her though... I'm predicting Tokio Motel to win, I'm hoping for Katy Perry to win.
Video of the year: Again, nobody that makes my heart melt, so I'm rooting for Chris Brown and his suave dance moves. I have never heard a Ting Tings song so I'm not sure if I should root for them. I'm hoping The Kittycat Dolls won't win, it's just a thirteen-in-a-dozen video. They dance, wear clothes as short as possible (if überhaupt they're wearing any), and show the world they can seduce men... Again... I'm pretty sure the Jobros will win though.
Best rock video: The term rock seems to stretch over more and more subgenres every year... I believe that they should have more awards in the first place to put everybody up agains worthy competitors. It seems that only the term hip-hop remained somewhat alike. Now, if I wasn't biased I would say, no wait I would say FOB too... BUT, if they weren't nominated I would say Foo Fighters or Slipknot. I think it's a shame The Academy is... wasn't nominated, because their vid for 'Everything we had' was 'stellar'. Anyway I think Linkin Park is going to win, or FOB. (I only wish they were nominated with a different video.)
Best dancing in a video: I'm hoping J.T. with '4 minutes' (notice how I don't say Madonna, I'm trying to make a statement here...) and I'm pretty much thinking they'll win too. Or The Pudditat Dolls.
Best pop video: I'm strongly hoping Panic at the Disco, but I'm thinking Tokio B&B (are they even all that popular in the US?) or the Jonas Sisters.
Best hip-hop vidizzy: I'm strongly hoping Kanye, if not: Lupe. But I'm thinking Flo Rida will take it home.
Best male video: I'm hoping Chris Brown (because of the dancing). If it were a music award I'd hope for Flo Rida. I'm thinking Usher will take it home though.
Best female video: Ok, so video-wise I'd have to go with, ummm, well,... No Air by Jordin Sparks, because of the chemistry in the vid. Takes a hell of an actress to do this. I'm thinking Rihanna is the one who will need an addition to her mantelpiece though. Personally I like the song but it is about the video and they lacked a bit of inspiration with the constant switch to a black background though. It's a bit plain...

That's it for my favorites. That also leaves my without stuff to say... Ohyeah I pre-ordered Fast Times at Barrington High. I loved the songs I already heard. I have an exam in exactly two days so I must leave...

I'm not in love...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: The title is a quote from 'His Girl Friday', the movie...

Don't pretend you ever forgot about me...

2008-08-11T12:11:00.005+02:00

Because I haven't... I was out beer tasting with two friends and two of my friend's friends (Frieda and Ingrid) yesterday, well I didn't do much of the tasting, but since they're from Norway they wanted to taste Belgian beer. Apparently it's good... It was great fun! Unfortunately I got home late and I was too tired to update this. Anyhow...
Last Friday Sara, Christine and I went to see this stand-up-comedian Wouter Deprez and his show 'Eelt' (I.E. a callus). This performance was less stand-up and more of a play, nevertheless it was hilarious. He starts the show by telling that five days ago, his father ran away from home. After that he explains that his father isn't the most communicatively skilled person and during the play he becomes his father, explaining why he took off and why he isn't the most talkative of human beings. I'm not going to recreate jokes because, well I can't but if you live in Belgium or The Netherlands, please go check it out. He's well worth the money!
I finally got to see Definitely Maybe. I'm not one for romantic movies but this one was well worth my time. It's about this dad whose little girl wants to know how her mom and dad met. He makes this little game out of it and changes the name of every girl he met during that period. The kid's job is to eventually find out who her mom is. I have to say that the outcome is pretty unexpected and I've never seen Ryan Reynolds play a part like that. It's a lot more serious and a lot less Berg and psycho-dad (The Amityville Horror).
Second try for exams are coming up and right now I'm wishing I tried harder... Next week I'm staying at my grandparent's for a week to be closer to school and I might stay another day to snoop around record stores in Brussels, just to see if the have the new The Academy Is... record. If not I'm gonna just order it from the FBR web store, they'll be happy to see that their number one customer is excessively buying merch again.
The happy season of award shows is coming up and Fall Out Boy is performing at the TMF-awards. I'm not sure if I'm going since I already have three gigs on my to-do list... But still... So everybody start voting on your favorite bands and I will be delighted to report on the winners and of course losers of the night, the very day after.
I just realized I my excessive use of again, I pretty much deleted all of them in this entry, I'll try to use some different vocabulary...
Well that's all folks!

Keep it toasty!
XO-reos
Monco

I'm such a sucker, and I'm always the last to know...

2008-08-03T17:12:00.006+02:00

...but not this time though! I was one of the first to know about FOB's England tour, and I'm going (yay). Then I found out they are coming to Amsterdam, so I thought: "What the hell, I might just go there too." After that I saw that they're going to be performing in Cologne, Germany and I also thought: "Whatever, I'm already going twice, three's a charm." Actually I'm nuts, but there is a perfectly good explanation for this madness: Last year FOB performed in Tilburg, The Netherlands and I, of course how convenient, had a presentation for my final paper, so I couldn't go. Imagine my bummedness. I wanted a chance for a do-over and there it is. So one is explained. The second one would be because they're just in the neighborhood and I can't pass up a chance to see them live. (Second concert also explained.) And the one in England? Well if ever I meet them I want to be able to say: "I followed you guys all the way to England and I saw you guys thrice in two weeks, how awesome is that!" Plus it will probably be a long time since they come back (baby Wentz and new album). Other than that I'm just nuts.
This also means that my entire concert budget of 300€ (!) for the year has already been spent. *Shame, shame* Meaning that I won't be seeing Simple Plan in Belgium. But quite frankly if I have to choose between FOB and Simple Plan, the scale does tip towards the Chicago dudes. Speaking of which, 16 days 'till TAI's release of 'Fast Times at Barrington High'. I'm looking forward to that one.

Other than FBR-related news, I just have to say that I have started studying again since yesterday and tomorrow I will meet one of my best friends' boyfriend. I hope he reads this afterwards, so I can explain that I'm freaky around any male human being. It's not you, it's my weird nervous system.

That is honestly all I have to say now, so I'll leave you with that.
Ohyeah, I checked out Tyga's 'No Introduction' and I'm loving it. Check it out.

I'll be stuck fixated on one band, when the world comes crashing down ...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Cheaper ways to travel to the Queen's country are always welcome...

It could be worse I could be...

2008-07-27T21:46:00.003+02:00

So, I finally figured out what's wrong with my visa so I couldn't order tickets, apparently my 'declined' orders were not so declined so I ran out of credit. Solution: new credit card is on the way I'm hoping my trip to Great Britain will happen though. This new vampire movie is coming out next winter. 'Twilight'... I'm hoping to read the book first before the movie so I can figure out what the hell the deal is with vampires who can walk by day. What's next, them eating garlic for breakfast. I don't get it. It's commonly known that vampires can't walk by day... I think it's strange and it defies all laws of Vampirism. I'm shocked to say the least. I'll try to find out more about both the book and the movie.
I finally came back to my 'Buffy' phase. Once every year it hits me and I watch episodes of 'Buffy' over and over again, to the point where I can quote all characters, it's creepy. I think the show is genius though, a bunch of people and everybody can relate to at least one of them.
I don't have much to say here, not much happening on this side of the world apart from working. But unless you want to know how minced meat is made, I'm done for today. A trip to the movies is scheduled so a movie update is coming soon.
Oh yeah, a new 'The Academy Is...' album is coming out soon. Listen and be amazed!
Also 'Paranormal State' is starting again tonight, creepy episodes coming up!

You know I'm always late...
XO-reos
Monco

In the wake of Sunday...

2008-07-20T19:49:00.004+02:00

So new update, not a lot to date up. Bad news came my way today, I probably won't be able to go to the thing I was talking about last time. I knew I got too stoked about it and now I feel pretty much awful... Unless tickets will still be available on Tuesday, but I'm in serious doubt about that. I'm still hoping though. Otherwise I'll try to get a ticket via e-bay. Ooops, so now you guys know it's a show of some kind. I will still go see Simple Plan though and in 20 days I will be going to Wouter Deprez, he's a stand-up comedian, I'm stoked about that too. Also FOB is up to something, I'm hoping it's awesome, but I bet it will be. That's pretty much all I have to say right now. I know, I know, boring boring lame yawn. Forgive me: I'm bummed out right now.

I'm the first kid to write of hearts, lies and friends...
XO-reos
Monco

Posting day...

2008-07-16T09:01:00.002+02:00

Whoa, it's been a while since my last real post. I had this idea that I might have this "posting-day" on Sundays where I definitely post something and just see if I post during weeks. The reason for all of the quietness is that I've been working at a butcher's shop all month an will continue doing so until the end of this month. And after that begins studying. I'm hoping that after that I will have:
1) Learned my lesson and study my a$$ off during school years...
2) Passed the exams I need to pass.
3) Time.

On a much much brighter note: Simple Plan is returning to Belgium, looks like they're giving me a second chance. This time the venue is a lot smaller ans thus more intimate. There's another thing I'm going to, well hopefully. If tickets don't run out in the firs 4 hours into sales I'm safe. I put aside a 250 € budget for concerts and let's just say I nearly spent all of it already. If I'm going to the major thing that is. In order to get to that major thing, I will need a cheap airplane ticket. Does anybody know where I can get the cheapest tickets available? I know of some cheap companies, but some tips from experienced travelers would be awesome. I'm not going to say when or where to, in order not to be too disappointed when tickets run out after all. I will know more on Friday. Bear with me because when this ball goes a-rolling, I'm gonna go crazy. Absolutely.

Calm before the storm set it off, and the sun burnt out tonight...
XO-reos
Monco

Dang...

2008-07-03T10:48:00.006+02:00

I'm not sure what's going on with the world today but apparently something is messed up.

Amy Winehouse kicks a dude, gets away with it...
Akon humps a girl on stage, gets away with it...
Akon, again, throws a dude off stage for throwing paper (!) at him, and gets away with it...
Travis McCoy gets into a scuffle with a tard, after being called an ignorant something I won't repeat and being hit by the dude in the knee area thus having to defend himself, gets arrested on stage... This is what Bob (McLynn, manager) said somebody in the crowd was taunting Travis with racial slurs. Travis invited him on stage with the intent of calling him out in front of the crowd, with absolutely no intention of a physical altercation. When he tried to help him on stage, the guy hit Travis in the knee area (which has been in a brace because of a recent sprain), forcing Travis to defend himself. At this point, a scuffle broke out.

I'm sorry. I don't get that... I completely back Travis on this and I'm sure Decaydance does so too. If someone calls you something that disgusting you have to do something about it. That's all I have to say about this.

Our hearts beat for....
Xo-reos
Monco

Oh God it's been so long...

2008-06-28T22:40:00.005+02:00

This isn't really an update I'm really sorry. I just wanted to let you guys know that I will update soon and that I have new stuff to report on:

My revived idolation of Michael Jackson...
The world according to Garp
and
A new horror movie wich will remain a secret... (the truth is I still need to see one)

I will see you very soon!

Tonight is all about we miss you...
XO-reos
Monco

Baby, let's grow a baby...

2008-05-31T00:29:00.003+02:00

Just a post to congratulate the newlyweds (= Pete and Ashlee Wentz) on their upcoming parenthood. I hope the pregnancy goes well and that the baby will be a dream come true. Congratulations again, you guys deserve it!

What you critics said could never happen...
XO-reos

Monco

Eurovision comedy contest...

2008-05-25T00:11:00.003+02:00

Flashback: Tuesday night I stayed up watching the Eurovision song contest. I thought I was watching 'Idol For Beginners'. I also thought Belgium stood a good chance in winning. All right, admitted, the song was a bit childish, to say the least. But vocally they ruled and at least they were original. I really expected 'Dustin The Turkey' to go through too, but nope... I didn't like the Irish song, don't get me wrong. I just thought that in all the Eurosong craziness, people would vote for that.
The other act that stood out was the Britney Spearsian act. No, I don't mean she came on stage all drugged and drunk, she actually looked like LaSpears, danced a bit like her and the song was, well I don't know I didn't like it. Oh and well 'ding ding' she came all the way from the USA. Apparently she was a supporting act for Jessica Simpson, LL Cool J and Jennifer Love Hewitt in a former life. Details, details... I'm not sure if I think that's fair. I have nothing against people from outside Europe, far from (why would I?). But it IS a European song contest and with all due respect, it's not a world song contest. Agreed, she's been in Greece for four years already but, I'm not sure... It doesn't feel right. I mean if we wanted to we could hire Avril Lavigne, make her Belgian for a year and get her to win the Eurosong contest for us. It's all too complicated. (I am aware of the fact that Celine Dion participated once and I don't think that was right either.) I may be strict in this but in my opinion only European people should participate. Polish people for Poland, German dudes for Germany, French dudettes for France...
Where's the time that we would gather around the TV, laugh at a minority of contestants and really debate about who should win. Overall participants were good and the songs that won, would be forever famous: 'Puppet On A String', 'Waterloo', 'Save Your Kisses For Me', 'What's Another Year', 'Making Your Mind Up', 'Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi', 'Hold Me Now', 'Love Shine A Light' and well-known in Europe 'Wild Dances'. Nobody remembers the last couple of contestants and I'm sure everybody will have forgotten about this year's winner in a month or so.
I'm not sure what happened but after 'Hard-Rock Hallelujah' things started going wrong, terribly wrong. Either way I don't believe Belgium has a great chance to win anymore. It's all a game of politics, you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours. Giving and receiving points has become so predictable, it's sad. Eurosong has lost it's fairness.
So this year's winner is Dima Bilan with 'Believe' for Russia. I think people made a good choice though. Apart from that song, not a lot of songs were very good (the Norwegian song was though and some others too) and to be truthful France for example was ridiculous and had no musical value whatsoever. Honestly not a lot of songs had, I mean if some songs were the best they had in a country, like Kreisiraadio for Estonia, I'm wondering what the worst was. I mean there has to be something better in those countries? I'm just hoping they will come to their senses and do something about this. Eurovision could be fun, it is fun now, but in a more ridiculous way. I think I've said all I needed too. Congratulations people of Russia, and may next year's contestants be a little more serious and voters will vote for the best song.

This ain't a contest, it's an arms race...
XO-reos
Monco

A collection of liquid droplets suspended in air...

2008-05-21T21:51:00.004+02:00

Tuesday, movie day. Originally I was going to space out to a romantic comedy with *oooh* Ryan Reynolds. But I was waiting for the movie to start and something went wrong with the projector so... off I was to another fun filled afternoon of horror. And fun filled it was. Caution no spoilers ahead, so a real review is going to be posted when they stop playing them in theatres. I do have to advise you to watch them on a big screen, it enhances the misty experience. It is a classic horror movie recipe: unexpected twists, unearthly creatures, an interesting plot to uncover, people that might as well be your neighbours, elements that happen in real life and just a pinch of Stephen King humour.
First of all, there are a bunch of unexpected twists in the movie, nothing is what it seems and nobody is who they claim to be. Not under stress anyway. Then there's the unearthly creatures, in this case nothing in a human form, no vampires, no werewolves but ginormous bugs. It all starts with giant locusts, and then some. The thing is, I'm already scared of tiny bugs, let alone gigantic ones, so to me they were scary. The plot, as said, is never what it seems. Just when you think you know, you have absolutely no idea. Ok, not everything is a complete surprise, sometimes you can see through the tiny cracks of the plot, but most of it comes as a surprise. The thing about King is that he created a whole universe in his books. Every character has its personality and a name. At the end of the movie, there are no strangers. You feel like you have familiarised all of the people trapped in the store. It brings you closer to the story. Ah, the real-life elements. You wake up in the morning, you look outside and you think: "Oh, look it's kind of foggy." It's something you see regularly, right? Well it all starts with something you can relate to, something ordinary. King understood that and makes it all start with a simple mist. But that mist, isn't all that simple, it is dangerous. But because we are all familiar with mists and fogs we can relate to the movie better and it scares you more. Something ordinary turns into something extraordinary.
As strange as it might seem, Stephen King always slips some jokes and funniness into his books, this one was not different. Some sequences were actually funny and broke some of the angst I experienced in the movie. That was not a bad thing because during the movie I almost wet my pants.
First of all I want to say that the movie itself was so very scary I nearly crapped myself watching it. I recommend it to everybody who wants a good scare but doesn't want to take it home. The reason I'm saying this is because although the movie is absolutely scary, it isn't plausible. It's impossible, it can't happen. That's why you will be absolutely terrified during the movie, but you won't be home alone at night and be terrified. It's a good movie for people who want to get a kick out of being scared without being haunted by it at home. The suspense builds up through the movie and sometimes loud noises scare you, that's where most of the scares in this movie come from. It's instant and it won't linger. Of course the monsters are scary but it is more of a sci-fi movie. Nevertheless it is an awesome movie and a must see.
If I were you though I'd check my bedroom twice on a foggy Christmas ever, Santa might come with a totally different present...

The end of times has come. Not in flames, but in mist.
XO-reos
Monco

And then there were three...

2008-05-18T16:53:00.004+02:00

I just want to congratulate Pete and Ashlee Wentz on their marriage yesterday, May 17th. I wish them all the best. The wedding took place at Mr Simpson's mansion among a small group of family and friends and the reception was Alice In Wonderland-themed. Again, congratulations and may all your, now coupled, dreams come true.

Me and you, setting in a honeymoon...
XO-reos
Monco

Monco's commercial breakdown...

2008-05-13T22:57:00.004+02:00

First of all, a couple of entries ago I introduced a friend who's currently in China doing her thing. Another friend of mine, Sara, went to Norway as an exchange student. You can see me coming when I tell you guys you should read her blog. It is in Dutch, but most of my visitors are, so that shouldn't be an issue. It is kind of a personal blog but nevertheless, it's worth checking.
On another note I have a new horror movie up my sleeve, it's Spanish I think. I'll let you guys know if it was any good when I've seen it. I'm also planning on going to the movies some time next week. I'll probably go see 'The Mist' or 'Definitely Maybe', I'm not sure yet.
Anyhow I'll leave you guys at that...

Crowds are won and lost and won again...
Xo-reos
Monco

In the movie of my life, starring you, instead of me…

2008-05-09T19:14:00.008+02:00

So, I’m on the train right now as I’m writing this. Isn’t technology awesome?! I wanted to pull a businessman-move. I’m looking like I’m working really hard, which isn’t really true, although keeping you, my faithful readers, happy and content is hard work. *Joking, but not really* Speaking of which, I have been receiving some really positive feedback on this blog (as mentioned before) and some people said that my English writing is very good. Others then said my writing in general was really cool. So I’m currently thinking of doing a Dutch version of the moncologues too, it might open doors to a larger public, but then again most Dutch people understand English. I’ll see, it’s probably a summer project anyway since it is a lot of work. So I still have time to decide. I'll set up a poll and let you guys decide with me. I do understand that my other-languaged readers don't care about this, but it just might open doors. As well as an Italian version, but my Italian isn't elaborated enough to translate, sorry. But thus far I want to thank all my readers, again, and I will try my hardest to keep this blog interesting. (Sheesh, this sounds so arrogant, I'm sorry I don't mean to be, lol.)
Ok, enough of that. I promised new horror movies a while ago but due to a lack of time and money (especially money) I really haven’t seen anything new. I did watch two movies for my Italian class though and one of them was really awesome. The movie was titled “Le conseguenze dell’amore” or in English “The consequences of love”. Titta Di Girolamo has been living in a hotel room for eight years and nobody really knows why, he’s just there. He’s really polite, neat and always punctual but he has a lot of secrets. I can’t give away any more about the movie because it would ruin the experience if you want to see it. It’s a really cool movie if you are into surprises, it’s really low-key so don’t expect wild car chases and shootings but it is a suspenseful movie. If you like movies that go fast and have loads of action, don’t watch. But otherwise, enjoy!
I do have plans to watch a new horror movie soon, maybe even this weekend or next week. It all depends on my finances and the offer at the DVD-rental place.
Oh yeah, the new ‘The Cab’ album is out, check it out! It already reached n°1 on some American billboard. At least that’s what P. Stump, co-producer for the album, told us anyway. He might also be working on some new project, but it’s totally secret. I’ll keep my eye open for that too.
Also, check Gym Class Heroes’ Travis’ cousin, Tyga. He has this cool song ‘Coconut Juice’. He’s upcoming and pretty good.
Well… I’m about to arrive at my final destination (Heh, heh, got it? Meh, I only liked the first movie anyway.) and I will leave you with that.

I’m good to go, but I’m going nowhere fast….
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: My buddy Chris-cross and I might be working on something, but it’s still kind of unofficial and unsure so, it's still a secret. Hush, hush...

Halfway up to heaven...

2008-04-26T21:48:00.003+02:00

But not really.
So, as of today my blog has had over 50 readers, before you say something, I blocked my own IP-add in order not to screw stuff up. So hurrah for me. Apparently people came across my blog when looking for Pete Wentz and Simple Plan. That's cool... I had one American reader too, which is also cool, I hope he or she comes back from time to time. Overall I'm glad :-). I also noticed one person came from my friend Moon-Lie's page. So in return I am going to mention her here, it's only fair to do so.
Moon-Lie and I went to the same school for a couple of years and the last couple of months Sara, Chris and Moon-Lie found each other. We each went our separate ways for a year and now Moon-Lie is doing her thing in China, and that's what her blog is about, her daily life in China. It's a really cool blog, you should check it out. Well, I find it interesting anyway because there's a lot I learned about the country in the process. It also has a bunch of cool pictures of her and about the places she visits. So without further ado here's the link http://blackbearsthriller.skynetblogs.be/ So ends this commercial break.
Fall Out Boy is releasing a video for their cover of Michael Jackson's 'Beat It' this Tuesday on mtv.com. I'm hoping I can watch but I'm not sure if 'my area allows me to play the damn thing'.
I wish I had a bit more to say today, but apart from being a little self-centered I don't have a lot to report on. I'm also still looking for a way to spice this thing up a bit and make it more interesting and fun for all ages.
I'll leave it at that today.

I'll be stuck fixated on one star, when the world is crashing down...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Sorry for the repetition but I don't want to get in trouble with copyright laws and The Dudes... but all quotes written right before "XO-reos" come from Fall Out Boy songs. Thank you guys for those by the way!

How to combine a necessity with pleasure?

2008-04-23T20:49:00.005+02:00

I just realised that I'm living in Belgium's capital. If bands perform they are most likely to do so here. It doesn't cost me a lot on transportaion and I can make it back home at a reasonable hour. If ever huge bands do a signing session they are also most likely to do it in proximity of my 'appartment'. I think I found the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. I might go check out more bands next year then!
Flashback: Four years ago I was sitting in my living room and this song blared out of my TV: "I'm trying to forget that I'm addicted to you..." I was all for it: powerful, cool looking dudes, cool lyrics, cool video, etc.... I was addicted to them. They sang about anything I felt at that moment. The tormented misunderstood, lonely teenager. I laugh at that now, but still they had a certain impact on my musical preferences and views on the world I guess.
Four years later they came out with a new album. It takes some time to get into it, but secretly I still like them a lot. I vowed to only buy tickets for certain bands, and frankly Simple Plan slipped to the back of my mind (not meaning I didn't like them anymore, I was just preoccupied with other bands i.e. Fall Out Boy, Cobra Starship, TAI....). But nostalgia caught up with me, and I'm totally into them again. That's why I was pretty bummed out when I found out that the concert was sold out before I got a chance to get a ticket. It's not far from here, so I thought maybe I could actually go, and not be home too late. It's my own fault I guess... I should've checked sooner. But bygones...
Yesterday I finally picked up my copy of "My heart will always be the b-side to my tongue." and I came across a poster that said: "Simple Plan Signing at the Free Record Shop April 23d 17-18." I was stoked, because it's like so totally close to where I stay. So I went, totally cool things in mind to say. But as usual my mouth shut as my brains were trying to get me to talk. They each just went: "Hi!" and smiled, so I smiled and said hi x 5. I got my signatures and managed to keep my cool until I got home. I finally finally finally finally got to meet them, and it did more to me than I want to admit. I got emotional because it's one of those bands I respected for a long time without going: “They’re so cute..." and ditch them as soon as I found a cuter band. They meant something more than I could ever begin to describe. A lot of bands I'm into now do. They mean so much to me. They keep me going and if anything I'm getting more determined to do something in that business. So, you can all imagine my stokedness...
Well if you're a teenager: check out "No pads, no helmets, just balls..." and "Still not getting any" and if you're not do it anyway. When you're done checking those check their self titled album "Simple Plan" (Duh).
Some other quick news: The Cab is releasing an album pretty soon, check it out, I will too.
Pete Wentz: congrat your lations dude, I know you won't read this, but I'm telling you anyway. That girl hit the jackpot and I hope you did too. I wish you all the best. Check out www.meelikey.com for more Pete Wentz thoughts, he posted some cool near-Antarctica pictures.

That's all for now!

We're not going to be just the victims...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Moon-Lie thank you for the cool feedback! I'm putting your name in the tags, so you'll know where I mention you ;-)...

Career Day...

2008-04-19T00:12:00.001+02:00

So, not a lot has happened since my last update. I really need to find a way to keep things going because the last attempt to spice things up in here really didn’t help. If anybody has any suggestions, I’d be glad to hear about them! Anyway, what has happened since my last visit? Not a lot:

Last Friday I swung by the record shop and I picked up my copy of ‘**** Fall Out Boy Live in Phoenix’. I know, I know I would wait, but I was asking for it in this tiny record store and they asked me if I would order it and off course the weak spirit that is my own said yes. I’m hyper stoked about seeing it. Revelations and such, I know I’m repeating myself but those dudes ARE truly amazing. Now I’m still waiting for ‘My heart will always be the B-side to my tongue’. It’s taking a lot longer than expected but I received a call this Wednesday telling me the order is still ehm… ordered… and they will get it to me ASAP.
Our school is moving. When I chose my school in particular I thought it was awesome that it was like so, very tiny. It’s like… 3 floors. But they decided we needed more space and told us they are going to work together with one of Brussels’ universities. I’m not sure on how I feel about moving. I liked our building. I’m not sure if I’ll like our new dozen of buildings. It’s just so big, and so many people. On the other hand I’ll have a lot more space to avoid certain people, and there are more people to begin with. Maybe I’ll finally find people with similar interests and/or thoughts, other than the friends I already hang out with. It will be far more interesting for sure.

Now for a completely different topic: careers. What the **** do I want to do with my life after college? I have no clue actually. Basically I’m taking these courses because I really want to, but also to have a strong base to fall back on. Although I really like translating and interpreting and stuff, I really love languages, they fascinate me… I’m just not sure if that is what I want to do with the rest of my life. Somehow I still want to make some difference in the world today, not by actively fighting crime or solving mysteries, donating hundreds of dollars to foundations, but by doing something I really like. I want to do something interesting, something that changes every day. Several things have crossed my mind though; I really like being funny and all so sometimes I go: “Maybe I should go for stand-up comedy.” Because people really laugh at my jokes or funny sayings, but maybe they’re just faking it, I don’t know. What I also would like to do is write music, but I don’t have the face to be on television or the charisma for it so maybe I should become a songwriter: do the things I like, writing music and lyrics without having to actually play shows and dodge the tabloids. Maybe what I really want to do is make movies, bring back good horror. Make people crap their pants with fright. I am absolutely aware of the fact that all of this sounds kind of, pretentious. Don’t get me wrong I’m not claiming that I can do any of this. But one has to start somewhere and how will I know if I actually suck or do well if I don’t try. It’s just a dream of mine, and I for one am not willing to give those up that easily. If you give up your dream before you even start realising it, you’ll never know. That counts for everybody. I think that if you want to be something, anything, and you actually have the talent to be it, or you don’t but you want to work at it, you should go for it. I mean if Mika had just given up at the first try and left things the way they were without fighting for what he wanted to do, we wouldn’t be shouting it out to Big Girls all around the world wouldn’t we? If FOB had given up trying after being blown off by some record labels, I wouldn’t be where I am right now. Music makes me happy, and I want to do something in that field. If it works out at least.

Wowzers, I’ve been going on for way too long. And still I don’t feel like I’ve said everything I wanted to. Ahh well… I’ve given you guys plenty to read and laugh about. :) I’ll leave you guys at this!

The road outside my house is paved with good intentions…
XO-reos
Monco

Two guys, a girl and a Monco...

2008-04-02T00:14:00.005+02:00

Boston, the nineties. Three friends Sharon, Berg and Pete go to college together. They work, play, goof around, have sex, break hearts but most importantly they make me, critical TV watcher, roll on the floor laughing. It's a shame they pulled it off the Dutch TV, but thank God for YouTube and some dude called ShovelFace. I am so stoked to find these episodes on-line because I really missed them and they don't put them out on DVD. Ok, so I'm posting the pilot episode here. It's a bit lukewarm, but actually it gets better around the second season. I'm not saying season one isn't a blast, I'm just saying season two is more of a blast. I'm not really a tv-quoter but I do tend to quote these doods and girl.

-"What are you looking at?"
*"A meatball and a calzone!"

-"Hey Sharon you look great, did a rainbow throw up on you?"

So, without further ado:

I hope you're not disappointed, but frankly it gets better when Ashley joins the show. She is one bitty ball of sarcasm. I adore her.
If you want to see more of Ryan Reynolds who plays the role of Berg he also plays some movies like: The Amityville Horror (the remake off course), Just Friends, Van Wilder, Blade: Trinity, Smokin' Aces, Waiting and more. I used to watch all of his movies but I got too busy with the exploration of music land that I lost track...

Well you guys have plenty to watch and I am glad I provided you with a dose of entertainment for today! More up later.

Snakes on a blog, I suggest you grab your ankles and kiss your ass goodbye...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Fall Out Boy's live in Phoenix DVD is finally out! I don't have the money right now so I'll have to wait to buy it *sad*...

Horror

2008-03-31T22:17:00.004+02:00

My perfect evening: lots of food, lots of drinks and a terrifying horror movie. But it's hard these days to satisfy me as a passionate horror watcher. Most movies just don't scare me anymore. Maybe I'm too critical: "Oh wait now something scary is going to happen..." "Oh in a minute she is going to die..." "Oh I've seen this concept already, she dies, he becomes a ghost and actually he was never alive in the first place" "Oh dude come on! A corpse that has been laying there for nine months could never be that color, in fact you wouldn't even be able to enter the room!" "Oh come on man, that was SO obvious..." I know I'm mostly spoiling my own fun, but I have to say these days horror movies aren't what they used to be. You can smell plot changes from about a mile far and some movies are just cheap and different-named remakes of an earlier, but better, movie. Sometimes movie-makers think we're get scared by about anything that is covered in blood or looks a bit deformed. Let me tell you a blood-covered corpse whose eyes have been removed and has been totally gutted is less scary than a dead looking corpse that at the same time looks slightly alive. Horror movies these days are simply more gory and vomitifying than scary. They just make me laugh sometimes. Just take "13 Ghosts" for example, I absolutely laughed through the whole movie. Same thing goes for "Saw", I mean, most of the time I just went "Eww" and "Oh Gross" in stead of "Aaaaaaaargh, that fucking scared me!"
I think Hollywood has the whole thing messed up. According to me, torn off limbs, gutted people and bodiless heads on a flagpole aren't scary, they are just gross. Unsuspected ghosts, clever plots (The Others, The Sixth Sense), psychological scares (The Blair Witch Project, Rosemary's Baby), regular people gone absolutely insane and possessed (The Exorcist, The Shining), haunted houses with a long history and preferably Victorian (The Amityville Horror House, Rose Red), scary secrets being uncovered bit by bit, things that look and feel real, situations that make you go: "Oh well that could happen to me..." "What is that noise, oh my God! Could it be? The movie plot started out with that noise...". Situations that build up to a climax, not movies throwing you out there in between zombies (which you know don't exist) and a plot to complicated to get (Death Tunnel, Ghost Lake), those are just not scary.
I feel that no proper horror movies are being made anymore, maybe I should make it my mission to think some out. Although I have to say that Stephen King is doing a damn good job to try and keep things going. All of his books and movies make me go: "Ok, so everything is fine, right? Right?! What was that noise? O_O Maybe I shouldn't sleep alone tonight"
I will try and watch as many horror movies as I can to report on them later, I will let you guys know when and which one. I'll conclude this by giving some movies that ARE worth while seeing and I promise you, horror friends, I will make it my personal mission to report on the hardest corest horror!

All movies based on Stephen King novels or scripts written by him.
The Nightmare On Elm Street Series, not Freddie vs. Jason though and not the last one with Kelly Rowland.
The Exorcist
The Others
The Blair Witch Project
The Sixth Sense
I know I'm repeating myself but you guys have to watch "The Shining" it is absolutely insane!
The Grudge
The Ring
Poltergeist
Amityville Horror
The Haunting

Those are pretty much the only ones I can think of now, that are actually worth putting everything aside for. There are more good and somewhat okay horror flicks but I can't post them all so I will be posting more later on. Please note that I do mean the original movies, just like some wines it is true that older is better. Also watch out with sequels and more-quels, they tend to be a little pulled by the hair sometimes (Poltergeist 2 & 3). Otherwise: lights out, scares on, friends by the hand and make sure to check under your bed tonight!

Make my bed the grave and shovel dirt onto my sheets...
XO-reos
Monco

Weather issues...

2008-03-26T15:38:00.005+01:00

While only a couple of miles away from the station they have to play at, they can't get there because of the bad weather. So, I'm keeping fingers crossed for Fall Out Boy so they can be 'The first band to have played all 7 continents in under 9 months...'
And now for the random question:

Why is the man who invests all your money called a 'broker' ?
Because that's the way you'll end up.

I finally received the Release The Bats DVD! Hurrah for Fueled By Ramen.
I know I keep telling you guys about this movie and a report on old and new school horror movies but I keep forgetting about it + I'm not in a typing mood at the moment. I'm off watching the grossest DVD ever...

Keep it cool!
XO-reos
Monco

The only thing they haven't done yet is die...

2008-03-20T21:01:00.003+01:00

I'm sorry, I can't help myself, mainly because my main focus in life has been these dudes and contemplating puppy buying... But! A couple of weeks ago Pete announced a new project, something big, and it had to be done in 3 weeks. It was going to be insane, and just when I thought I had seen everything, they came to me in my dream and said: "Wait a minute, you ain't seen nothing yet!" And boy were they right. They come from North-America, they played in Europe, conquered Asia, moved on to Australia, spread the love in Africa and they'll be playing the South-Americas. And as a bonus they'll be packing fancy backpacks, warm winter coats, skis, winter proof sleeping bags and they'll be freezing their asses off in Antarctica. They will be the first band to have played all 7 continents. Actually other bands preceded them, but more time had past and it was never archived. They on the other hand made sure the "Guinness Book of World Records" knows about it, now they'll certainly go down in history. I am so proud of these guys.

On another note: our version of spring break is starting tomorrow. Hurrah, now I finally have some time to... study <_< I will be attending a pet convention on Sunday and there will be a massive amount of cats, dogs and other pets. I hope to get some pictures and I will be posting them.

Other news is that I have seen this movie: "El Orfanato" Now I'll be posting more on that tomorrow otherwise I'll be putting too much on here today.
I'll leave you with this...

Long live the crash hearts...
XO-reos
Monco

Questions of randomness...

2008-03-18T16:04:00.005+01:00

Create a tagline for a new line of plastic bedsheets.

Polyvinyl Chlo-ride tha man! New ho-themed bedsheets, all plastic, no more fuss when you wet tha bed!
Now for more protection: the rubber wraps around you! Attention slippery when wet, not suitable for children under 3 years of age.
Now from Tupperware: Vacuum bedsheets, preserves all aromas even when you fart...

Xo-reos
Monco

PS: Do not play those ridiculous phone games, it's a sham. <_<

Just another way to spice up a blog...

2008-03-17T22:27:00.003+01:00

Ok, so I realise I don't have a lot to say every week, so I'm going to use the 'random question' feature from the blog and every couple of days I will answer a very random question. If you have questions of your own don't hesitate to leave a comment and I will answer them if and only if they are slightly relevant to my persona. So please no questions like: "What's your favourite color?", "Do you have a boyfriend, and if so what is his name and what is his address so I can steal him?" I can already tell you that one varies between blue, fuchsia (not pink, fuchsia), turquoise, purple. And two, no I don't have one. But! Today's question is:

When you hesitate before hitting snooze on your alarm clock, are you being lazy?
Usually I don't hesitate, at all actually. Every morning my hand rests on the snooze button to push it very quickly. If I do hesitate I'm doing it in advance, and then I overlook my day and work out if I can fit another ten minute snooze into my day. Usually I already set my alarm clock early to have some snooze time. And yes, I am actually lazy. I know it's a sin, but I'm already going to hell for pre-marital sex anyway...

Oh and happy St. Patrick's Day everybody. Today's post is green in honour of mister Pádraig! So enjoy your green cookies and beer, and maybe ice cream if that is possible. (Today I only ate the green skittles!)

Oíche mhaith & codladh sámh!
Xo-reos
Monco

Panic's Playlist

2008-03-09T19:41:00.002+01:00

So, here's the playlist, not in the right order!

Camisado
Time To Dance
The Only Difference Between Martyrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage
This Is The Most Fun a Girl Can Have Without Taking Her Clothes Off
But It's Better If You Do
I Write Sins Not Tragedies
There's a Good Reason These Tables Are Numbered Honey, You Just Haven't Thought of It Yet
Build God Then We'll Talk
We're So Starving
Nine In The Afternoon
Mad As Rabbits
That Green Gentleman
She's A Handsome Woman

That's all folks
Applause applause, no wait wait...
XO-reos
Monco

Dance, dance!

2008-03-08T15:25:00.005+01:00

So here it is: the probably not so long awaited update from my trip to the Netherlands.
A day in the life of a Monco:

9 am: Got up, not that I was asleep, I just wanted to stay in bed a bit, knowing the lateness of it all tonight, tonight.
10 am: Noticed I was out of food, not knowing how what or when I hurried, yes I do too hurry, to the supermarket and bought candy and chocolate for the car trip to Tilburg. By the time I got home some of my excess energy was gone. But I was still stoked, a little too much I think...
12.30 pm: The long awaited call arrived and I went outside so my friend wouldn't wake up my upstairs neighbours because I gave her the wrong bell-ringing directions.
We drove and drove and drove, and she got angry at a couple of car drivers, frankly at some points I thought I was a goner. (No offence) She yelled at the GPS-system, I tried to keep it cool. We nearly lost our way, but thanks to the previously yelled at GPS-lady we found our way. One lesson she learned and I pretty much knew is: Bikers rule the whole Netherlands. No matter where when or how, they are right. So she started yelling at them. Again I kept my cool. Or I tried...
She parked the car with me in it, and we went on our way to the concert hall. It must have been 2.30 or something. As soon as we got there, I had to pee so I told her I'd find us a toilet and she stayed in line with all the other kids. Hehe, I got some alone time to find my inner peace, it was necessary, believe me. I got back there and she got annoyed by some dudes and dudettes waiting in line and we decided to get a drink and go pee once more. After that we stood in line again for a couple of hours. She wasn't used to it, I'm crazy enough for bands I like, so I was and had no problem with it. It's all part of the charm, yada yada yada...
Anyhow, kids started to get up and the line got longer. I think it's all part of the whole concert vibe so I didn't think much of it. Off course the whole pushing and pulling and standing next to annoying kids isn't my idea of fun, but if you want to get good seats, you gotta do what you gotta do...Suddenly a girl behind us asked us where we were from: convo started. My chaperone had a huge backpack with all kinds of stuff in and I had one of those little waist packs with the essentials: cell, money, ticket and keys. One of those girls asked her, what she was going to do with her backpack and apparently she was going to hold it between her feet. I assumed she knew that most people don't stay in one place at those concerts but I said nothing... Then came the moshpit convo: "How did she plan on leaving her bag on the ground with a forecast of moshpits?" I just assumed she knew. Turns out she didn't. I felt great, I was no longer the n00b. Hurray for me! My heart jumped at the thought that I knew the word and she didn't. So I explained... *happily*
Anyhow when they opened the door all hell broke loose. Never in my entire concert life have I experienced so many kids pushing. I thought I was going to die in there at some point. Somehow I managed to get up the stairs to the balcony where we decided to go. And upon seeing all those pits forming I knew it was the right choice. We had a good view on the stage and we got to sit before the performance. Anyhow:
8 pm: Nailpin started their performance, I totally thought they were awesomeness, but now they can consider me a fan. (It's not just because they opened for FOB a couple of times but it says enough about their abilities...) Sean was totally awesome, and I felt so proud because I knew most of the songs and I knew some songs they played in between shows. There are a couple of bands I recognised such as: The Academy is..., The Sounds, Fall Out Boy, Simple Plan, Billy Talent, Paramore (I think), and probably more punk-rock bands. I loved the look on my friends face when she saw I knew all those bands and songs. Made me feel all good inside to know something somebody else doesn't.
It sounds childish I know but I finally found something I'm passionate about: music and alternative music. I love knowing those bands!
Anyhow, by the time the second pre-show was going to start she noticed some dude in a red beanie hat below us and she pointed out that he kinda looked like Patrick Stump. I noticed him too and I was in serious doubt. If it was him I feel so stupid for not going down, if it wasn't I feel equally stupid for staring at the dude. Come to think about it, I don't think it was because he was talking to some girls in front of him, and nobody screamed or yelled. Would he really take the risk of being recognised? I am still in doubt though because he seemed to know every word to the songs of the other pre-show band: Black Gold. And at some point he just mysteriously vanished. So I don't know. Darnit.
9 pm: Black Gold. I expected a lot because of the lead singer Eric Ronick, who also plays for Panic, as a non-official 5th band member. But I was, I must say not swept away and they didn't interest me. I don't know, they couldn't catch my attention, and it wasn't because I just wanted the main show to start, because usually I like the pre-show bands. Except for the ones at the Mika concert. They blowed too.
10.30 pm: FINALLY, Panic! came on. I was totally getting into it. Frankly, I was less impressed. I didn't think it was bad, but I didn't think it was awesome either. I'm glad I went, no doubt. I still like their songs and such, but... I don't know. I liked the fact that they interacted with the audience more than last time. Brendon looked more mature and in fact his voice changed a bit. He matured I think. Spence, just looked more adult than last time. I loved him. Jon, well he was himself and he played awesome too. He plays the crowd so well. And finally Ryan, he seemed to have crawled out of his shell. He's a lot more talkative and interacts with the public more. They just generally looked more at ease. Probably because of the success last time. The whole show lasted about an hour, I think. It was short but sweet. Still I'm glad I went...
After the show, I stopped looking at the time, we went out and waited for the dudes to come out. I got a good look at the bus, because I needed to look at something. After a good 40 minutes they told us the boys usually come out to sign stuff, but they had a long road ahead of them, they were tired and they would just hop on the bus and go. So we decided to go home as well. My friend was pissed because they didn't come out. I wasn't because I would probably do somewhat the same I think. I mean they are human and most of the time they don't have a say in this. Zach was great about it though. He's awesome, I mean he wasn't bossing around or anything. He was just generally nice.
On the drive home we had a little hiccup with finding the highway and yet again the GPS-lady was yelled at. Somewhere around the border: low and behold, we passed a turquoise bus and I recognised the html add on the side and I just went: that's Panic's bus. So we slowed down a bit to get a better look, but aww well the dudes were probably asleep. I waved and smiled at the second driver and then we had to drive on. They were driving really slow, probably normal with the equipment in the back and the people asleep in it.

After that well, you know, I came home and went to sleep. :-)So some bands you guys need to check out:

Billy Talent
Nailpin
Simple Plan
Sugarcult
The Academy Is...
The Sounds
The Hush Sound
Cobra Starship
Gym Class Heroes (more hip-hop)

I'll post more bands when I have some more time, 'till then you'll have plenty to read. I'll post the band's play list above this one tonight, should you be interested.

Last night was 'It can't get much worse' versus 'No one should ever feel like...'
XO-reos
Monco

My eyes are the size of the moon...

2008-03-08T02:31:00.001+01:00

I just came home from the P!ATD concert... too tired... must... go... sleep...
So see youzz tomorrow!
Monco

Landing on a runway in Chicago...

2008-02-26T17:30:00.005+01:00

A while since my last update. Not much news here. Anyhow, my new found plans of going off to the USA for a year of college or university have been put away since I saw those darn prices. About 16.500$ for two semesters. I don't have that kind of money... But I will figure something out I guess, if anybody knows a solution that does not involve Au-pair work, I'll gladly listen. I've been lurking around on the site of some colleges and universities in Chicago, Boston, Santa-Barbara and New-York...ehh well... I have another 3 years to ponder about it. Maybe I'll just get a job over there for a year or somethang...
Anyhow, the countdown to Panic At The Disco's concert next week has started. I promise I won't scream as much this time. Will try to get Walker's attention though. Maybe I'll make myself a "Team Walker" shirt or something. But I probably won't, I'm too short anyway <_<...
I will enjoy myself thoug! I have just decided to put aside some money after my next summer job for emergencies such as: a Fall Out Boy concert, the Fall Out boy live DVD, any concerts of FOB, PATD, Cobra Starship, Mika, The Hush Sound, Gym Class Heroes, AND to fund those concerts abroad! Hurrah for me. Oh plus I decided to buy a dog or two: a miniature English bulldog, I will give it some archaic name like Wilhelm or Henry or George or something and a Pug and give it a cool name. Oh and I will rent an old house, anybody want to move in with me in 3.5 years to share the rent?
Well I'm all out of news, so:

Adios amigos!
Tonight the headphones will deliver you the words that I can't say...
XO-reos
Monco

What's this?

2008-02-15T00:10:00.006+01:00

I bought myself a little Valentine's Day treat. Seen as no dudes were around to do so for me...
Anyhow I present to you my brand new, multi colored, cutesy, clutter friendly, big enough, beach-proof, FOB, Valentine's Day special, limited edition (Only 300 of them were made *proud*) tote bag! Here it is:

See you later children!
XO-reos
Monco

This Ain't A Scene, It's An Arms Race

2008-02-08T01:38:00.000+01:00

Good day, you have chosen to read this... Meaning you don't have anything else to do or you want to read some of my scribbles. If you do have something else to do, I suggest you get to it, because today's topic is: Why do I not look like an Emo/Punk/Nerdy/Rock/Preppy/Childish kid. I feel the need to kick everybody out of their little boxes today.

A kid, seriously 15 or something, asked me if I am emo... I asked why, she answered:"You listen to Fall Out Boy." Appearantly when you listen to a band that attaches some emotional value to it's songs, you're emo. It gives me creeps. It is also a teenie fact that when you listen to My Chemical Romance and Fall Out Boy and Jimmy Eat World, it's impossible to be a fan of, oh let's say... Michael Jackson, Eminem, Will Smith, Slipknot, The Murderdolls,...It's also physically impossible to be quiet, into books, into quieter music, a good student, not socially hyperactive, not a jock, not wanting to go out in highly overcrowded hangars listening to way too loud techno, D&B and such AND still be into FOB, MCR, PATD, Jay-Z, Nirvana,... What kind of bullcrap is this? Let's break habits, barriers, boundries. Let's make emo-, punk-, nerd-, metal- and others scenes flow into each other.

Yes, I know Bullet For My Valentine, Less Than Jake, NOFX, Reel Big Fish and Flogging Molly. Is there something weird about it? Some might think by the look of me I might be bragging or just dropping names. Really I'm not... I like to call it a broad knowledge of culture, others think it's weird. Maybe it's time we ban guilty pleasures and "Oh, no I'm not supposed to/I can't listen to that"... I don't think there should be any shame in or any boudries to what we listen to. I'll give you a list of my favourite bands, not in order of liking...:

Fall Out Boy, The Academy Is, Panic! At The Disco, The Hush Sounds, The Sounds, Cobra Starship, Gym Class Heroes, Simple Plan, Sugarcult, Jimmy Eat World, Motion City Soundtrack, My Chemical Romance
I also listen to Marylin Manson, Murderdolls, I used to like Slipknot (some songs at least),...
I listen to Mika, Milow, Stan Van Samang, Tom Helsen, Gwen Stefani, Gabriel Rios,...
Not to mention Gogol Bordello...
But I also like Abba, The Beatles, Aerosmith, Nickelback, Nirvana, Michael Jackson,...

It needs being said that I am still a sane person, well most of the times. I spent most of my life trying to figure out what I am. I thought I was a skater at one point, a nerd, emo, punk, nothing, rock chick, oldies freak, grunge,... I came to the conclusion that I am everything and nothing. I wear glasses and have freckles, yet I'm not a nerd. I have friends and a lot of people know me, yet I'm not popular. I have black hair and at one point it covered my eyes, yet I'm not emo. I'm most comfortable being all of it at once, just me... I urge you to do the same and to reach out to other musical cultures and genres, even though they seem to clash. Step out of the safety zone that is your "scene" and step in and out of other ones. What you'll find is quite amazing.

I hope I made a point here... Be yourself and don't be a (sub-)genre and don't be afraid to like two totally different genres. Don't frantically try to hold on to one. It's perfectly legit to like abba and Hatebreed at once, and don't judge people by what they look like or listen to. They might just surprise you.

Painting your trash gold while you sleep:
Monco
XO-reos

A kiss for luck, submerge myself and in 5 weeks resurface...

2008-01-31T19:08:00.000+01:00

It's over, done, finito.... luckily I'm not talking about my non-existent relationship but about exams. Seen as bad memories are better left repressed I'll just forget about the 5 weeks of working my butt of for English, Dutch, Italian and the other more absurd school subjects. I don't really have updates, but I did want to tell you guys about this crazy experiment I'm trying to find out more about...

While keeping my ear to the ground and my eyes on youtube, nation's favourite son-in-law decided to spill the beans on a monkey brain experiment.

For those not wanting to actually see the interview, toward the end Patrick Stump talks about a CIA experiment. Appearantly they stimulated monkeys' brains with electric convulsions so that they would have an orgasm every time they pushed a button. Those monkeys were pushing that button non stop so they got food and sleep deprived and died. I don't want to know how the dude knows, and I don't know why that was even an experiment but they could've at least done something with the info. CIA sex toys present: The cunt button! Push and get screwed. Change the P into a B and you got a great Obama campaign slogan. But I'm trying to find out more about it.

My life has not been very interesting these last few weeks so I don't really have any update material, but I hope to bring you some more news soon!

Remember GINASFS,
XO-reos
Monco

P.S.: Today's title was brought to you by 'Gym Class Heroes - Seven Weeks', also check out http://www.myspace.com/yeahbutididntkissher . Ta Ta

We're so starving, or not...

2008-01-09T13:44:00.001+01:00

Short update so P!ATD fans can breathe easy. Panic!'s "new song" 'We're so starving' is officially a hoax. They misled us :-O! The good news is the new album will sound nothing like the old one and will sound nothing like we're expecting. IMO this is good news since frankly I didn't really like the song and I was hoping they were just joking. I got this from a great source: http://www.falloutboyrock.com/falloutboy/blog_detail.php?uf_item_id=2-1675163&uf_system_id=2
Anyhow if this song ends up on the album I might still love the other 10 songs.

Catch everybody later...

I keep telling myself I'm not the desperate type, but you got me looking in through blinds...
XO-reos
Monco

Calm before the storm...

2008-01-06T21:01:00.000+01:00

First of all: Happy New Year people! I wish you all the best. These are my last few hours as a teenager, nearly 20(!). According to the laws of the USA I am one year away of total drunkenness on Chicago soil...
I've been burrying my nose in books so I haven't been up with celeb gossip lately, BUT 16-year old Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. Latest news tells us the father is her boyfriend Aldridge and that it may or may not be statutory rape. Guess who's no longer mommy's favourite...
'Panic! at the disco' will be performing in Tilburg on March 7th, guess who's going, aw00t! I'll be updating on that in two months.
Valentine's Day is coming up too, loads of people hate that day so I'm planning a DVD-night with loads of non-romantic movies. No cuteness, no awwwwwws, no sighs, no sex, just horror, shooting and loads of killing. Oh and loads of gossip about world's sickest couples, so watch out y'all!
Anyhow that's all the update I got in me so I'll see you guys next time.

Sat outside my front window, this story's going somewhere...
XO-reos
Monco

P.S. Most titles and blog endings are taken from Fall Out Boy lyrics, if you like the words check the music. All credit goes to them!

The take over, the break nearly is over...

2007-12-26T16:00:00.000+01:00

First of all, Merry Christmas everybody or for others Happy Hanukkah, and I don't know if you wish people a Happy Kwanzaa, but I will... Fall Out Boy's Christmas message is sent out under the form of a free 'Yule shoot your eye out' download somewhere on www.friendsorenemies.com .
Secondly, I should be studying, but I'm on my hourly break, so here's an update.

I don't know if I'll still post before January 2nd, but those who are able to watch NBC's Law and Order that day, you will find that the mad, (and for once) hatless hatter did it again. After singing, writing and producing the man that keeps the hat industry running on his own, took up acting. Hardcore obsessed teenies or less obsessed hardcore fans already knew our favourite, smart blonde likes acting. So there was his chance. I must say, the clip I saw on TRL was pretty promising. He's playing a lowly, office employee being suspected of a murder and a kidnapping. Although we know him as America's sweetheart, he still has an eery maniacal aura over him. Anyhow: yay versatile Patrick :-).
I heard this new song on the radio: 'You cut me open'. I think OMG's and WTF's are in order here. "Son, why did you murder you girlfriend?" "I don't know pop, I just wanted to see if she kept bleeding love..." I mean, does she even understand what she's singing...? 'You cut me open and I keep, keep bleeding the love...' Nothing wrong with the rest of the lyrics, nor with the music. Ah well...maybe her next single will be named: 'I love you' and goes a li'l something like this: 'I love you so much, so much I just want to eat you alive' Watch out emo-kids, move over for horro-kids. You go Leona Lewis...
Picking through celebrity gossip, I found out Britney Spears has been voted worst dressed celeb of the year, hey it's not her fault, she has to pay child support and can't buy new clothes, so what do you do when you can't fit into your undies anymore and lack the money to buy new ones, right....You don't wear them, simple no? Plus it gives us a whole new insight on her shaving off her hair. Do you know how many products us girls use on our hair? It just saved her a lot of money and bathroom time so she can spend more time with her kids... ahem....
It's not nice to trash Bitbit like that, soooooooooooooo....Let's talk Cruise, Tom Cruise... He's jolly, he's fun, never grumpy, ideal dad, good looking, short but cute, into scientology, PMS-ing (what was that with the water?), manipulative and an a$$... Katie, Katie, Katie what have you done? Wasn't Dawson good enough? What about Pacey? :-( Appearently husband dearest decides what Katie does, Katie wears, Katie eats, Katie believes.... But she is starting to bark back. She won't put up with it anymore she does what she wants and wants a say in the way her daughter Surimi.... ehm sorry, Suri is being raised. You go Katie!

Anyhow I'm gonna go to bed now. M-L keep on rocking girl, Sara say hi to Santa and Rudolph when you see them. Hey Chris! I'll see you on Monday!
All you American people out there, drive safely and keep rocking...

Don't come home for Christmas, you're the last thing I want to see underneath the tree...
XO-reos
Monco

Baby, seasons change but people don't....

2007-12-21T00:35:00.000+01:00

Ladies and gentlemen, it has been a while, yes, but I'm back. I want to start this entry with a complaint, not about exams, not about certain people, not about men, but about a movie that has been dubbed into French and Dutch. 'Alvin and the chipmunks', up until this afternoon I was über-excited to go see it, but I just found out that the only versions are French or Dutch. No original version with subtitles, nope, just plain dubbing. I checked every movie theatre, but nope, my prayers have not been answered and now I'm just plain pissed. I am going to boycot this thing unless Christine (yay girlfriend I'm mentioning you!! ;-) ) persuades me to still go. It just loses its cuteness and funnyness by dubbing it.

On a brighter note, Christmas is coming, so all of you (Chris, M-L and Sara) will be getting their X-mas cards soon. I'll write them tomorrow and post them on Saturday with a prior-stamp. (Yes, our post-office is open on S'days). I'm spending Christmas at my grandparents as usual, and New Year's eve with my parents, unless I have a boyfriend by then, but then again everybody has their nose in one or the other book, so I don't think those chances are high.

Books, they bring me to the inevitable: E-X-A-M-S. Ieeuw, yuck, nasties, poop,.... I hate them but I love them. Everybody's so stressed out about them, yet I'm relaxed. I believe that if I study enough and prepare everything, things will go all right. So for all of you out there having to do those dreadful things in the near future, good luck. (Did I really say dreadful?)

I have seen the trailer of a new movie 'The Orphanage', I think it's Spanish or something, but I loved it. It's old school horror, or at least I think. I have a thing or two to say about new-school horror, but I'll dedicate an entry to that alone.

This entry is very chaotic, I know. But atm, I am. There are things I forgot to mention, without a doubt, but I'll try to put them in a future entry.

I'll leave you guys hanging on to my words, I hope you don't fall...
I need to go shopping tomorrow for gifts. I'll give up somewhere halfway through Santa's list...

Don't come home for Christmas, you're the last thing I want to see underneath the tree...
XO-reos
Monco

My interpretation

2007-11-20T22:41:00.000+01:00

A couple of days later than expected but here it is: the long awaited update! Let's see... It's been two weeks since I last updated so stuff must have happened! The major event of the last two weeks is no doubt the Mika-gig. Let's see how that Tuesday went:

I got up at 8am to get my room sorted, company would come over and me and my room were a mess.
I left at 11 am to arrive at the venue at 12 pm, note that the show began at 8 pm and then the waiting began. I met a couple of people from the Mika-fanclub (http://www.mikafanclub.com) and we stood in line together. I waited for 8 hours and it didn't kill me, then again, I waited for 9 hours to see Fall Out Boy and that didn't kill me either.
After hours of waiting in the rain they let us in and we got a spot all the way up front. The pre-show was horrid. This band 'Alphabeat' opened. Frankly, the one guy was dressed in pink and he was überspastic.
Anyhow the Mika show was absolutely fantastic. It couldn't beat FOB, but nothing can. It was joyful, funny, playful.... It was a huge party, a fiësta with balloons and confetti and plush animals...I didn't take any pics or videos, but if you search on YouTube I'm sure you'll find some. If anyone wants to know more details about the show, I'm sure nobody will, but if ever you do just comment or something and I'll write a more detailed report.
After the gig me, Priscilla and a couple of othe members of the Mika-fanclub waited to get an autograph. And boy am I glad we did! He came out to greet us and greeted us individually while signing. Some guys next to me kept talking to him so I didn't get the chance to really talk to him, but when he signed Priscilla's DVD I went for it and congratulated him with the show and he said: "Oh, thank you." That's all he said, but he did say it.

A few things I found out about myself. I have the hugest American accent but somehow when I have a conversation with a Brittish person I switch and do the Brit. It aggravates me...
A year ago I was afraid to talk to anybody, now I spoke to Mika. A man I look up to. A man... I don't talk to boys let alone men. I can't talk to a guy without stuttering so there was a first. I've proven to be quite the chatterbox and the madman!

Watch out world! Here I come! The new and improved Monco has arrived! (Don't worry I was like that after seeing FOB, it'll wear out)

Oh, Mika, if ever you decide to be vain and google yourself, make sure you read this and next time we should talk a bit more.

It don't make sense to you at all, but this is my interpretation...
XO-reos
Monco...

P.S.: Moon-Lie: Keep me up to dat about the boy! Congrats!
Sara: I miss you girly, hope you're doing ok!
Chris: I'll call you!

This is not an update...

2007-11-17T16:40:00.000+01:00

Due to a lack of time I will update tomorrow on my Mika-meeting :-)

XO-reos
Monco

Google me!

2007-11-05T22:58:00.000+01:00

I'm proud to announce that my blog is officially searcheable with google! I turned on my guy brain and searched '"Joss Stone" shortest dress'. Guess who came out 5th in a list of 435?! Now loads of pervs will read this blog. I come on somewhere when you search for 'Fall Out Boy', but way to many teenies outranked me. Here's proof of my listing:

Other news:

I've met my upstairs neighbour, his name's Emanuel and he's nice (for now at least)... I had to ask him to fix internet, lack of internet drove me up the walls and in the fridge. So it's fixed and I dicovered he's a computer wizz, this comes in handy when my lovely Microsoft Windows Vista PC crashes. Will he do this for free?
Pete Wentz broke two bones in his foot. It sounded funnier in Dutch: Hij brak twee benen in z'n voet. Translation: He broke two legs in his foot. In Dutch: been=leg and bone... We're allowed to sign his cast if we bump into him. I'll hold him to that!

I'm going to the Mika-concert in 189 hours! Although I'm looking forward to it I know I'll never have the wow-feeling again, I lost my wow-virginity to FOB. It's lost forever and only FOB will top that I think....

Moon-Lie thinks I should be a tabloid journalist... I'll try my best to satisfy her needs and keep everybody up to date on the latest showbizz news. I also won't let the opportunity slip to share my opinion on these colorful creatures, for your entertainment off course.

It's true, romance is dead, I shot it in the chest then in the head
XO-Monco

No EMA for "Fall Out Boy"

2007-11-03T16:46:00.000+01:00

Thursday, November 1st: EMA's. Next to the MTV Music Awards THE biggest event for us music lovers. I voted and voted and voted again about a zillion times, urged everybody to vote, nearly started a poster campaign so that Fall Out Boy could take home at least one award. Just one. I was nervous, vains nearly popping out of every corner of my body (if that's even possible), my heart racing every time they announced FOB as a nominee. But all my votes and the votes of about a thousand other hard-core fans were lost.

Let's see who did win:

Rock Out: Linkin Park, 30 Seconds to Mars, My Chemical Romance, Evanescence, Fall Out Boy

Ultimate Urban: Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Kanye West, Timbaland, Rihana, Gym Class Heroes

Band: Tokio Hotel, Linkin Park, Fall Out Boy, Good Charlotte, My Chemical Romance

Most Addictive Track: Umbrella, Girlfriend, Grace Kelly, All Good Things, Rehab, Beautiful Liar

Headliner: Beyonce, Justin Timberlake, Arctic Monkeys, Foo Fighters, Muse

Album: Nelly Furtado 'Loose', Amy Winehouse 'Back to Black', Akon 'Convicted', Linkin Park 'Minutes to Midnight', Avril Lavigne 'The Best Damn Thing'

Solo: Mika, Justin Timberlake, Christina Aguilera, Avril Lavigne, Rihanna, Nelly Furtado

Inter Act: 30 Seconds to Mars, Depeche Mode, My Chemical Romance, Fall Out Boy, Tokio Hotel

Video Star: Kanye West 'Stronger', Justin Timberlake 'What Goes Around Comes Around', Justice 'Dance', Bat For Lashes 'What's a Girl To Do', Foo Fighters 'The Pretenders', Chemical Brothers 'Salmon Dance'

Sure, because I'm a big FOB fan I believe they should've won at least two awards. But I'm not a fan because I love Pete's weenie, Patrick's hats, Joe's hair and Andy's tats. I love those guys because they make great/awesome/insane music, Patrick's voice is incredible and he's a musical genius, Pete's a great lyricist, Joe is a great showman and Andy is an awesome drummer. That's why they deserved at least two awards, because they are life altering. They've changed many lives and just recently they changed the lives of thousands of "Invisible Children". You should check out what I'm talking about right here with the video: 'I'm Like A Lawyer With The Way I'm Always Trying To Get You Off (Me and You)'

or check http://www.invisiblechildren.com/ . They deserve it and in my eyes they are winners!

Some other things I noticed:

During Tokio Hotel's performance the lead singer, the little girly guy, the kid bends over the whole time. He's so static and just keeps doing it a whole time. Now that's showmanship! While totally lacking contact with the audience he just stood there, bending over. Those guys really deserved an award...*sarcastic*
Amy Whinehouse accepted the 'Artist's Choice' award with the memorable words: "Actually....." and then went off stage. And that was the part we all understood. Later that evening she performed her song "Mwahaahafafa, googalala" or that is all I got from the title. Not to mention the song, she sang something allright, or rather moaned. Because I'm sure nobody got what she was singing. Did she pull a Britney? (A Britney=Showing up drugged at an award show AND performing.)
Snoop Dog really thought he was the man, although I'm sure nobody in Germanizzle got what the shizzle he was talking about.
And the award for shortest dress goes to... Joss Stone! Poor girl in my opinion she just forgot to put on her pants, just blame it on the pre-show stress.

All I can say is: better luck next time guys!

'Till next time friends, same black hair, same blog channel, goodnight everybody!
Your host for the evening: Monco...

First post, Fridaynight blues...

2007-10-26T22:54:00.001+02:00

So, here it goes, my symbolical first post. Why am I doing this in English?

Because it's a holy language, everybody gets it. (Of some sort)
It's great practice for the language I'm learning, I could do it in Italian but nobody gets it.
Because it seems easier.

I just moved to Brussels, it's an awesome city. Lots of diversity so I don't feel like an outsider anymore AND I have actually made friends in school. So basically I made this blog to let "H"-less Sara, Moon-Lie and Christine Brown (the future Mrs. Chris Brown) know what I'm up to and to let everybody enjoy my life and my adventures in school. I'll try to update as much as I can, but not every day because it would get boring. I'll try to get my profile posted somewhere and if not my second post wil be introductory.

See you guys next time!
XO-reos, Monco