As he observes the decline of modern society

What has become of our society now days? There is so much wrong, like this horrible video I saw today of a girl throwing puppies into a river.

But I'm actually going to talk about something else here, and that is the inert laziness that is becoming so prevalent in our generation. Of course, there is the big picture, with every body sitting at their computer or watching their TV, playing their games the whole day. But let's take it in closer, the laziness within the laziness if you will.

How, can it be that we sit at our computers or what ever else, the whole day. we aren't always doing something productive, yet we can be so lazy on our computers them selves. All around me, I see people speaking in de-generated "lolspeak" or what ever you wish to call it, using words such as "da" and then replacing words with numbers, it's hard to explain but allow a demonstration:
"goin 2 da mall"

How can one be, so lazy that he is sitting lazily enough on his computer, but on top of that, he fails to speak in a civilized manner because he is simply "too lazy" to type of "too, the and going"

Ask someone to search something up on google, the reply is an omnious "too lazy"
What? Why? You're sitting there, it'll take you around 2 more calories to go and search it up on google, how can you be this lazy?

Another good enough example, is people failing to read posts, looking for "tl;dr" [Too lazy to just type "too long; didn't read," really?] I sincerely doubt anyone will actually read this post thoroughly due to being, too lazy. This, is the decline of our modern society in a very specific example.

I don't wish to criticize anyone in particular, I admit that I myself do this often, but I am not proud of it, which sadly many people seem to be.

There are also often exceptions, I understand that people say "lol" as opposed to "laughing out loud," as these phrases have come to have a different meaning, with "lol" being an acknowledgement of reading, "I have read your post and understand what is going on"

My friends, if any of you have had the mind and ability to read this post, then great! Please I ask you, look to yourselves, look to your friends and find your inner laziness, and solve it. Will it really kill you, to clarify, speak, write a few extra words, use up a few extra seconds which you would other wise waste doing absolutely nothing?

I believe strongly that our generation has every thing really, it has the extremes of every thing. We have access to the greatest technology mankind has ever possessed, yet we often forget and get lost in our social circles, we forget our basic human morals and give way to the inner instinct, is technology the cause? Is it the way we are grown up? or is it simply just a few bad people that ruining Zammars' day

The Final Frontier

So I haven't actually posted for like *counts* *Okay, too lazy to count,* a while now... But that is probably because I have been rather distracted with THE FINAL FRONTIER!!! IRON MAIDEN'S new album!!! HOOOOOOO \m/ x100'000'666'701

It was actually released on the 16th, but what I did...was that I preordered the LIMITED EDITION SUPER HOOOOOOOOOOO AWESOME version, which Amazon decided to not deliver to me instantly, at first I figured I'd have to wait like 3 or 4 days and then rock out, but nooo, after like 3 amazingly painful days, I received an email which said that it won't be shipped until the 31st and alas the thought broke me down and I caved and illegally satisfied my ears :(

I was hoping to listen to it for the first time when I get the CD, but alas fate is cruel to me. Ah well, it was worth it anyways.

So This album is different, it's a lot more direct that some of Maidens other efforts and it's also very progressive but at the same time heavy and kindve straight forward, it's hard to describe but it's definitely very great to listen to. I think that for a lot of people it'll take some time to grow on them, since it's so dense but I loved it the moment I played it =S

I shall now go into my song by song detail :D

1. Satellite 15...The Final Frontier (8:41)
Okay, well this song is basically two songs which are lyrically linked and the same track, but they are very different. I heard the second part before the album was released, because it was pre released in a video and I always loved it. It's a very straight forward rocker with some great solos by Dave and Adrian. The vocals are different, and more atmospheric but I still like them very much.
Now, the first part (Satellite 15) is so different. When I first played it, my reaction was some what like "huh...woah...weird...sweet...coool....AWESOME" It's really experimental and it reminds me of the anguish of some poor astronaut abandoned in space, very interesting vocals at this part as well, great song that probably doesn't work for every one. Very very very experimental =p

2. El Dorado (6:48)
This was the other track I'd already heard, and I've heard it a lot since June as it was released as a single. Great song, it just makes you bob your head, you just do it to the pumping base and groovy drums. The guitars also work great and add the whole rock feel. My only complaint was I KINDVE wish that there was a bit more variation in the vocals during the verse, but I think Maiden and Bruce knew what they were doing best. It's a lyrical song, reminiscent of Somewhere in Time (Wasted Years like intro and stuff) I loved it because it also has great great solos from all 3 guitarists

3. Mother of Mercy (5:20)
The moment this track started, I knew it was Maiden. Beautiful melodic intro with folkish vocal melodies that leads into pretty heavy carnage with some overwrought Bruce vocals. I love some of the guitar work on this track as well as the vocal melodies, it's great. Adrian has a really cool solo (I think it's Adrian) A song about war, which I always love and as always, Iron Maiden captured the essence of it all perfectly, really not much else to say. I really really enjoyed my first listen.

4. Coming Home (5:52)
Although it starts out relatively heavy, this really is a beautiful balad song, I think it's a bit more of a powerbalad, but it's still really great. It has the signature Maiden soaring chorus, the kind which would reduce grown men to crying blubbers during a concert. It's a touching song, I'm thinking it's about coming home from a long journey which for Maiden would be a tour. Once again, I loved this song from the very first listen, Dave does a really cool little balad solo followed by a trademark Adrian one.

5. The Alchemist (4:29)
The first thing I thought when listening to this song, was that it belongs on Fear of the Dark!! It has such a Janicky feel to it, it's very bouncy, and generally fun, some great harmonies on it. Love it =p

6. Isle of Avalon (9:06)
ZOMG, my mind was blown over like 10 times when I first heard this song and it still blows over every time I hear it. What a song!!! It has this amazing atmosphere and the trademark Iron Maiden epic feeling. I love it. It's the kind of song which, when it ends you sit there and reflect on just how amazing it is. That, is the Iron Maiden epic. It also has a bit of an environmental feeling to it, makes me feel bad for destroying mother earth.

7. Starblind (7:08)
On first listen, I think I missed the first 2 minutes because I was still totally mind blown from Isle of Avalon. This how ever is another very epic song. It's pretty heavy, and it has some amazing lyrics, very very very strong song lyrically. During the verses there are these aweessomee little guitar fills going on in the back ground, they never get old!! =D I love it, great song =) Love the harmonies near the end as well =D

8. The Talisman (9:03)
K.O. I was dead, it was tooo much!!! So epic!!! This song blew my mind, again. It has this awesome little camp fire intro, and I got into that so much when all of a sudden BAM HEAVY CALAMITY I was like WOAH, YEAHH!!!!! Some great great singing on this one, great solos, great everything. Great performance, Good job Iron Maiden!!!!! This song kindve reminds me of The Legacy, it also has a bit more of a Janick feel on it then the some of the other ones, there's this Janick solo under a harmony and that's pretty cool.

9. The Man who would be king (8:28)
Same thing as Starblind, I was still recovering from The Talisman when I heard this. It's a really good song, I suppose it may feel less grand and epic than some of the previous ones, but It's still really good, most people seem to like it less, not me. I love the acoustic part with the vocals near the end. There's quite a bit of cool synths in the intro, I think it creates a pretty awesome atmosphere =p

10. When the wild wind blows (10:59)
YES!!!! 11 minute Haris epic! What a song! :) This really has some amazing vocal melodies, amazing harmonies, amazing solos, cool bass parts and a great atmosphere. It doesn't even feel like 11 minutes, because of how awesome it is. It's hard to describe it even. A very very touching song about a Nuclear holocaust. When I first heard it, it did sound very different to what I was imagining, but I think it sounded better, it's really different with some great rhythmic elements. I admit I was tearing up at the end of it, because of it's structure, meaning and the fact that it's the last song from an amazing album from an amazing band! :D

I am such a Maiden fan boy =)

The Final Frontier is a really good album, it has reduced me from a civilized man into a blubbering wreck where I can't really describe it without sounding a little bit stupid. Worth the listen, go take a listen! do it!! =D

UP THE IRONS!!!!



Note* When I say "Iron Maiden epic," I'm not always really referring to the song as being better than most other Maiden songs, no. Rather, it is one of the Maiden songs which has their signature grandness to it, a great and bold like BIG song that has a really epic feeling, the kind that leaves something behind when it's gone.

He's riding the 4 string highway

Today was a biiggg day!!!
well kindve;

First off, Ramadan starts tomorrow, which basically means that this handsome young fellow has to start fasting, meaning he's going on a diet :p

Ramadan is a strange thing for me, I don't give it the appropriate religious importance which maybe I should, I look at it in more of a family thing. It's an ordeal that my entire family takes on together and so I feel obligated to do so as well.

Well, the next month will suck :) (fasting lasts from sunrise to sunset, and since the days are so long these days, this boy will be fasting for a Looonngg time each day,) at least he gets to sleep half the day :)

On saturday, I have invited some good friends to come and join me in my humble sleeping chambers ( for a sleepover, more manly referred to as a Sausagefest) this should be a pleasant and enjoyable experience

But why
was
TODAY
such
a
BIG
day?!

BECAUSE, I bought a BASS GUITAR!!!
hoo (I am spoilt and now I am in debt =[ )
After watching Steve Harris and Geddy Lee live, this man was inspired and I knew that I needed a bass ASAP

Pic: related, the bass I got, well not THE one but the same model and color and every thing.

Bass guitar, for those of you who don't know is indeed a very unique instrument. Bassists will kill you if you mistake them for a guitarist, so make no mistake :)
It looks similar to a guitar, but it's played very differently; or you can play it similarly too but it's not really in the Bass vibe to do so :)

The 4 strings are tuned the same as the lower 4 strings on a guitar, but 1 octave lower and the whole thing is in Bass clef, pretty darn cool! :)

Now, I just need to actually get to learning it while continuing my guitar and drum journey, the challenge begins but it is one that I most eagerly await :)

August

Well, it appears that the summer is now closer to ending as opposed to longer

August is here. or at least, was here quite a few days ago.

So far, I cannot really describe this summer. I suppose I have been more active than most summers, but I have also been tortured more than most summers.

July was mind-blowingly amazing while retaining a sense of torturous servitude. I was volunteering in Summer camp for 4 weeks straight with little 3-5 year olds. Normally this wouldn't be so bad, but it really does mess with ones schedule, I had to sleep EARLY, like 12:30 in the night early during summer, I mean come on seriously? and then wake up at 8...No wonder every one got taller, except me =[

On top of that, you have to work every thing else you do around summer camp and thats a bother

So why was July AMAZING?!??? well obviously IRON MAIDEN, DREAM THEATER, RUSH AND MEGADETH, my 4 Favorite bands in concerts and T-shirts for memories sake :) yes, those days saved me, they did.

One should have seen me around the kids the day after the concerts :) :) :) =]


So now August is here...

August Agenda:

-Starcraft 2 / doing absolutely nothing
-Finish learning Metropolis on guitar, amongst other musical things
-Buy a bass :)
-Sausagefest/ parties, coolio
-Driving lessons every Saturday :p
-Remove Wisdom teeth
-wait, FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUU
-Ramadan - fasting
-Say bye bye to big brother going to university (finally! :) )
-Listen to tons and tons of music
-Daddy's coming home from...home :p (Pakistan)

but MOST IMPORTANTLY::

\m/ \m/ \m/ \m/ AUGUST 16TH, THE FINAL FRONTIER!!!!!! \m/ \m/ \m/ \m/

[New Iron Maiden album coming out, SO SO SO SO SO SO SO excited]
...and yes, they do still make albums, and tour and are crazy awesome :)

MEGADETH, Testament and Slayer

This was quite the night, I now have a head ache, and my neck hurts from all the head banging. But you know what, its a good kind of pain. I went to the long-delayed Megadeth concert (delayed since November '09 =[ ) and boy it was pretty awesome.

Testament opened, we ran kindve late so I did miss a few songs, but I swear they performed just as I expected. I've always liked Testament, mostly for their guitarist and he was great. Definitely banged my head a lot there.

Then came MEGADETH, now this was the best part of the concert for me. Megadeth was AMAZING, they played an AMAZING set list, with ALL of my favorite album (RUSH IN PEACE \m/) along with some other GREAT choices. Other than this, their musicianship was amazing and they had a some what graceful stage presence. Chris Broderick is absolutely mindblowingly fantastically amazing. I banged my head during this like no tomorrow, it was great.

Then came SLAYER, a huge band them selves that I have never been as familiar with nor as much of a fan. To be 100% honest, I kindve found Slayer a bit repetitive, and most of the songs I've heard from them they didn't actually play. Non-the-less, they were great. I enjoyed them and I can definitely appreciate them being one of the absolute biggest names in metal. Slayer was pure head banging, my neck hurt too much from Megadeth for me to do much, but it was pure head banging it just made you want to head bang. At least for the first few songs :p

The crowd was definately a Slayer crowd though, they loved Slayer like no tomorrow. Megadeth was also loved but definately to a smaller extent, just exiting the theatre to shouts of SLAYER, SLAYER etc kindve worked as a TESTAMENT (see what I did there) to this fact.

Slayer was loud. I swear it. I wore ear phones for Testament and Slayer, I could still hear fine but I wanted to preserve my hearing. Slayer was darn darn darn loud. And it was pretty cool because they had the classic Marshall stack wall behind them (18 Marshall cabs stacked behind the players) and of course since there were 2 guitarists, they were running 36 cabs which is retarded in addition to the speakers >.>

None of the bands had an AMAZING set it self, since really theres 2 huge bands and 1 pretty large one so its hard to do something like the Maiden or Rush concert were 1 band was headlining or what ever, but the sets worked and the lighting was pretty cool.

It was great to see David Ellefson back in Megadeth, he played some really cool bass parts and a lot of times he was alone on stage. Right before Peace sells he came out alone and was like ARE YOU STILL WITH US TORONTO *breaks into song* pretty awesome :) \m/ rock on Dave and David \m//

Even though I told myself I'm not going to buy another shirt, I ended up doing that just because of how awesome Megadeth is ;)

I'll be honest, I don't think any concert again will ever be like my first concert with Maiden because that was just speechlessly amazing I can't even describe the experience. How ever, this Megadeth/Slayer concert definitely had a similar feel in the sense that there was some great energy around. Looking around and seeing so many Slayer fans pumping their fists and head banging to a crazy extent was something. Not the same as seeing hundreds of lighters during Fear of the dark, but definitely something.

You know, a lot of people get scared of like Slayer fans and stuff, but really they aren't bad at all. Every person I met today, or bumped into just turned around with a massive smile, pumped their devil fists and yelled SLAYYERRR or ROCK ON or what ever. Watching them interact with others was a similar experience. It is its own culture, a culture that is often mis understood and mis termed by others who aren't part of it and don't understand what it means to be a heavy metal fan. Now personally, I admit I'm more of a Classic rock or what ever guy, but I can definitely understand the way these people feel and I often feel with them, I enjoy their presence. Don't be too scared of people like this my friends, there isn't much chance of them being worse than many others you may see.

Testament setlist: (I wish I didn't miss the first 2 songs ='[ ] (we were RIGHT outside in the cue, it was so QQ because we could just hear it and yeah lol )

For The Glory Of
More Than Meets the Eye
D.N.R. (Do Not Resuscitate)
The New Order
Practice What You Preach
Into the Pit
The Persecuted Won't Forget
The Formation Of Damnation

Megadeth Setlist: <3 (L) <3;

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due
Hangar 18
Take No Prisoners
Five Magics
Poison Was the Cure
Lucretia
Tornado of Souls
Dawn Patrol
Rust in Peace... Polaris
Trust
Headcrusher
A Tout Le Monde
Symphony Of Destruction

Encore:
Peace Sells

Slayer setlist:

World Painted Blood
War Ensemble
Blood Red
Spirit in Black
Expendable Youth
Dead Skin Mask
Hallowed Point
Skeletons of Society
Temptation
Born of Fire
Seasons in the Abyss

Encore:
South of Heaven
Raining Blood
Angel of Death

The "right" road

My English Short story assignment, a potentially true masterpiece. =)

This was written a long time ago, so please forgive my incompetence! I swear I've become a slightly better writer (in terms of grammar). I just didn't want to edit/change anything to keep its authenticity!

===========================================================


The wind rustled Zammar’s silky black hair as the prairie landscape flashed by on his sides. He travelled fast atop his shining white mare, a form of travel that was now a common habit, and requiring no thought on his par. Riding became a second action, and his mind was free to ponder. Thoughts raced through his head faster than his mare through the prairie landscape.

“Which one..?” his train of thought was interrupted by the creaking of his shining armour, cursing at this hindering inconvenience that was forced upon him by his overprotective mother, Zammar stood up, his feet steadily planted upon his moving mares back. He hurriedly removed the armour, tossing it to the ground to expose a bare chest. The sun glistened off his jostling muscles, creating a reflection of his eight-pack abdominals upon the still puddles on the road.

Settling back down, Zammar noticed from the awed stares of the women that he was presently riding through a village. The women reminded Zammar of the one thing he had never had: true love, all women had been too intimidated by his bulging muscles and superior intellect, rejecting him on the account of being far inferior to his superior being. Despite his physical greatness, Zammar dreamt of a wife he could love with all his heart. This moment of emotional pain drew him back to his previous thoughts.
Which one to rescue? They were both princesses, both inherited royal blood, both lived a royal life and had a caring family. Both were at the age to marry. Zammar felt his deathly hourglass tick closer, and saw it through his keen eyesight. The fatal crossing approached from a distance, a fork that divided the road into two. The left road would lead him to Princess Bolga, a hulking woman with immense power, both politically and physically. Loved by her people, she controlled an entire kingdom independently. The right road would take him to Princess Florence, a beautiful angel on earth whose auburn hair and slender form were the envy of woman-a-many. Florence was however, a princess that had no power under her father; she was loved by none but family and infatuated men, how ever she was also hated by none but jealous housewives and women. As the crossroad fast approached, the pressure built on Zammar. He was unable to rescue both princesses, as the threatened execution time fast approached, leaving no room to return for the other. Zammar was faced with a situation of playing god and choosing who lives and who dies. Despite hours dwelling over this, Zammar’s decision was made in a second.

“I must turn left and rescue Princess Bolga, rescuing her is necessary for the survival of many, not to mention her popularity amongst the people,” he said out loud as if to confirm to himself, despite his intense guilt, he knew that this was best.
With his decision set, Zammar rode on, allowing the wind to rustle his hair and tickle his muscular back. After what seemed like only a few seconds, he found himself at the crossroad. Without hesitation or thought at all, Zammar turned right. His mind was blank as he raced down the road, an invisible force driving him onwards. It was not long before he reached the towering castle where the princess was held hostage. Leaping off his mare in a flash of grace, Zammar ran on until he stood beneath the massive gates. These he pulled open easily and continued on into the dark dreary interior.

It was not long before he spotted the guardian, a dragon routinely pacing the halls. It would have been easy for him to wring its wide neck and penetrate its thick hide utilising his muscles, however he chose not to, his reasoning being that dragons were an endangered species. He tip toed to the Princess chamber. Slowly he opened the door, so as not to startle the princess. His efforts were however, wasted. The shock of the princess as she saw this muscular, manly and exceptionally handsome man walk in was beyond that of description. The two lost themselves in the eyes of the other, Zammar in a tempest of love and the princess in a blinding shock at the change in her perception of reality. This state of consciousness lasted for a full minute before Zammar boldly broke the silence.

“Princess, we must be off”

“y-yes” stammered the princess

The two exited the room however; the unathletic princess was unable to keep up with Zammar’s long stride. She soon stumbled and fell to her knees, gasping for breath. At this same moment, a deep roar sounded within the lower hall ways. Realizing the urgency of the situation, Zammar grabbed the princess, and flinging her over his shoulders, he ran on as if he were unburdened. Suddenly, he felt a flash of heat behind him and craning his neck, he saw the dragon giving chase. Zammar’s muscles tensed and he heard the slightest squeal. He increased his speed, caring only to rescue his beautiful, shining star. After what seemed like an eternity, Zammar jumped out the open gates, leaving the dragon close behind in his lair, unable to pursue any farther at risk of being seen and hunted.

“I’m going to return you to your people Princess and then maybe we can you know, go out some time and it’ll be great!” There was no reply. As realization struck, Zammar dropped the limp, tender body with a thud. It remained unchanged in beauty despite being internally crushed between Zammar’s bulging biceps. As he fell on his knees in tears, an execution horn sounded far in the distance.

RUSH

I Just got back from, an AMAZING concert.

This time,it was RUSH!!!!
Also one of my favourite bands, this was an amazing concert.

It was also a bit different, because it was really a LOT more music oriented than energy oriented. I found myself, instead of pumping my fists in the air and banging my head, sitting in my chair, tapping my foot and singing a long.

There really was a lot more sitting down, but thats not a bad thing!

Great concert!! Geddys' bass was so dominant and awesome, his singing was great too. He did a lot of improvised stuff in a lot of the songs, which was great as well. It really was a site to see, like you notice him so much as a bassist and as a bandleader, hes such a vital part of this band and what an amazing band it is.

Neal Pearts drumming. That left me speechless. He did this 10 minute solo, which reminded me that he is not human. He makes it look SO easy with his experessionless drumming and sticks flying everywhere but really. That drum solo reminded me that he is the best drummer in the world. He isn't my favourite (Nicko), but I must say that he is the best. His drumming during the songs was also really crazy, all those amazing drum fills and those beats were very very him-ish lol

ALEX LIFESON has to be one of the most underrated guitarists of all time, the guy is brilliant. he did this 12 string accoustic solo (think of Hope, but different) that led into Closer to the Heart. His solos during the songs were so smooth and beautiful. He has this way of just finding his own spot in the song, where his solo just completely stands out. I cannot imagine Rush without Alex, he really is an amazing guitarist

They even played 2 new songs from their next album which sounded pretty great, I was mind blown at the heaviness of the first one.

One of the cool and interesting things about this concert, was that it was ONLY Rush that played, no supporting bands or anything. They played 26 songs in all, with a ton of classics. The crowd was generally less varied than the Maiden crowd, with a lot of older people. There were TONS of families. Remember that there was an age when EVERYBODY was listening to Rush, this is what they grew up on. Oh, the good old days =p There was how ever a lot of different cultures, Indians, Asians, blacks, everything :p

The set was pretty cool, but I didn't like it as much as the Maiden one, the lighting show was brilliant. I dunno if it was the venue or the band it self, but that was some great lighting! There were Pyros, random (and loud) fireworks and all these seizure-inducing lights, great!!! They also had some REALLY funny, and really COOL videos playing which was great.

There was one bit of an iffy part, during YYZ, Alex's guitar went like CRAZY feed back, they kept playing and the poor guy was doing everything he could to stop it but nothing seemed to work. It continued to the end, and then the sound dudes turned his volume off so that the intro to Limelight was basically just bass and drums. And then it was fixed and it seemed great.

On that note, I swear he used like 8 different guitars tonight!! D=

This was a really good concert and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Rush is definitely an amazing band.

Set list: (+ videos lol)

The Spirit of Radio
Time Stand Still
Presto -- (with vintage magic show footage playing)
Stick It Out -- (with original Stick it Out video playing)
Workin' Them Angels -- (same video from Snakes & Arrows tour)
Leave That Thing Alone -- (same video from Vapor Trails tour)
Faithless -- (with dream landscape video playing)
BU2B -- (with "old typewriter typing out the lyrics to the song" video playing)
Freewill
Marathon -- (with extended guitar solo)
Subdivisions

Intermission

Set Two
Introduction Video - Rash: The Real History of Rush -- Episode No. 1 -- Geddy on Drums, Neil on Guitars, Alex on Bass

Note: Each song from Moving Pictures is preceeded by a ~20 second Monty Python-esque video featuring the Parliament Building and/or the red-suited movers in one way or another.

Tom Sawyer
Red Barchetta -- (Ferrarri 166MM pulls up with a race car number 2112 on the door)
YYZ
Limelight
The Camera Eye -- (with NYC and London scenes video playing)
Witch Hunt
Vital Signs
Caravan -- (Steampunk theme video featuring blimps flying over a burned out world playing)
Drum Solo (Love 4 Sale) -- (Steampunk Robot Drummer video playing)
Alex Lifeson Solo leading into...
Closer to the Heart
2112 Overture/Temples of Syrinx
Far Cry -- (same video from Snakes & Arrows tour)

Encore
La Villa Strangiato -- (Geddy & Alex Playing a Polka-inspired intro)
Working Man -- (With Reggae-inspired intro)