For Sale: Brain Without Hardcase

It has been awhile since I have written here, but I suppose that means that things are going well considering that this is usually my safe and sane alternative for publicly expressing myself.

I am proud to finally say that I feel glad to be here, where I am, now. I am not so anxious to go somewhere new. In fact, I think I could sit right here for a long while.
This is the first time in years that I have really felt as though there are good things going on around me. They come in the form of people, places, ideas, goals, dreams, and feelings. I suppose it is important to actually feel as though we matter. I feel as though I have taken up tasks that are far greater than bashing a ball or serving a plate of noodles. It is not as though I have only ever done these things with my time, but most of my endeavors always felt as though they were being done alone. Now, I prefer to do them with a sidekick, or a posse.

There is no point of living life if we only matter to our selves, our family, or our friends. If we can only touch the lives of those who already care, then we are falling short. For anything can be used to fill that void. For even if you were to die, the idea of "you" would still survive. And, to many who already hold you dearly, that is enough. But, what about all those people who were waiting for you? Those who were longing for you? Those who needed you to get up off of your fucking sofa and give them a simple greeting to make their day? Those who struggle to dig rats from the ground while you throw away your prime cuts or import jam? Those who go everyday with a reality of pure hell , wishing only to have an opportunity, while you use the opportunity to waste yourself away from your petty problems? If you even knew you could do something, would you? Or, would you prefer to just slap them in the face?

I have always believed that one can create his own reality. Play with perception, and all that surrounds you in order to make it into everything that you have ever dreamed. I suppose this starts with our own cathartic experiences. You know, the ones that make you ask, "what the fuck have I been doing with my life"? Once we realize our own shortcomings and acknowledge a better direction, we are able to set the sails of our minds towards a new sea. One based on reason as well as our own experiences. Reject it all. All too feeble. All too absurd. Reclaim it all. Rebuild it all. Revenge it all.

Enough of me bantering on about ethics and morals and other shit that most people probably lack and/or lack the care to even question themselves on. I guess I will talk on some things that are interesting. Perhaps, pepperspray? Perhaps, building occupations? Perhaps, the history of my sex life? Yeah, I bet the feds could even get a chuckle out of that one. I suppose I shall tell a story instead:

I took her picture earlier today. This camera is old and primitive, but it gets the job done. She looked beautiful, as usual. Her cheeks were high and bright. Her eyes were big and bold. But, little did she know, that through my lens, I could only see her heart. She can show her smile, but to this lens it is more. It is almost as though I can see into those butterflies that float around in her chest when we laugh or dance. You know, the same ones that I get as we laugh deep into the night. Because in this lens, I see myself too. And I am happy.

I wish I could write more, but my limited vocabulary in the English language is keeping me from doing so. That said, I am working vigorously to perform my sonnet in front of a live audience:
Ellie's leg is in an alley in LA

Noam Chomsky on Miseducation
The Story of Crass
Parecon
Blood of Spain
The Unholy Trinity
Anarchy and Alcohol
Guernica! Guernica!
The Origin and Ideas of the Modern School

Moss Icon
Le Pre Ou Je Suis Mort
Andres Segovia
Crass
Rudimentary Peni
Universal Order of Armageddon
Rogue State
Orchid

Starless Nights and Moviestars

Immediately upon my arrival back to Los Angeles, I was forced to dive right back into the swing of things. You know, the typical fast-paced American life. I am still digesting all of the highlights and disasters that took place during my trip. I wish some of the memories would have never came to an end. Others, I wish to forget them as soon as possible. Regardless, it seems as though every time I venture somewhere I return as a new person. Perhaps it is a rejuvenating experience. Or, maybe I am just growing up. The only thing that I do know is that next time I leave I do not want to come back. It could be that here, the concrete is so cold. It could be that there, the grass is so green. But, either way, I no longer see this city as my home. There is no way to avoid the cold shoulder. It doesn't even matter if the temperature is 96 degrees outside.

Here is my proposal for a Watson Fellowship. It will focus on global punk rock movements and the regional politics that have spurred their existence. I wish to look into punk communities in Mexico, Israel, Malaysia, Spain, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. The best part is that I will be given the opportunity to travel to these countries if I am to win the fellowship. Fingers are crossed. Shoes are tied.

Troy Kokinis, Pitzer College
Revolution with a Catchy Phrase: Regional politics and punk rock movements

As a global movement based on the subversion of the status quo, punk music has created both a revolutionary sound and identity. From the outside, it appears as though everyone participates in the movement in the same way. The rugged clothing, extreme hairstyles, and loud music leads society to brand those involved in punk as antisocial outcasts who have no options beyond a pitiable lifestyle that is disconnected from mainstream culture. However, punk represents much more, acting as an alternative ideology and a medium to bring attention to certain social and political issues that are often ignored such as feminism, gay-rights, or consumerism.
After spending many years engaged in my local punk scene, as well as experiencing punk throughout the world, I have found that the homogeny of fashion and power chords does not necessarily indicate identical ideology. Because punk is a counter-cultural movement based on the do-it-yourself ethic, the driving force behind each punk scene manifests in a different way. Each scene has grown out of a unique social and political atmosphere and confronts different issues, both regional and global. The punk phenomenon has had thirty years to grow and spread throughout the world, and many cultures have appropriated the movement in different ways. Some of the best examples of this are the punk scenes of Mexico, Israel, Malaysia, Spain, Kyrgyzstan, and Russia. In order to understand their differences, it is necessary to examine the influence of regional politics on each of the punk communities.
How does punk rock act as a voice for the minority in each region? What demographic of people is involved in the faction? What are the counter-cultural goals of each scene and how successfully are they accomplished?
Each of the six countries listed is home to a thriving punk movement which directly confronts local social and political issues. The motivation for each movement and the issues they confront are distinct from one another. However, each punk community acts as a voice for the ideology of the radical minority. I hope to draw parallels and paradoxes between regional punk movements and political situations.
The punk movement in Mexico is significant because of its ties to indigenous identity. Many Mexican punk bands strongly promote indigenous rights and lifestyles. I am interested in how active the actual indigenous community is within the punk scene. Are they directly involved, or do punks appropriate the indigenous identity in order to masquerade as an oppressed group? I plan to go to a squatted piece of land in Mexico City called Tierra Vista. This space has been occupied by a group of eco-punks who are directly confronting the problem of overpopulation in the Federal District by starting a permaculture in the middle of the city. A permaculture mimics a typical ecological setting, replicating the lifestyles indigenous communities that live symbiotically with nature. How has punk music influenced those involved to take up a subversive lifestyle? I would also like to compare and contrast the urban permaculture with traditional indigenous communities regarding the management of resources, distribution of power, and other cultural practices. I will visit the Tierra Vista permacutlure in Mexico City as well as a traditional indigenous community in Oaxaca to draw my conclusions.
Euzkadi is home to one of the most important punk rock movements in the history of the genre. Punk rock has probably had a greater impact in the Basque Country of Spain than anywhere else in the world. It is common to see a fifty-year old woman walking down the street with dyed-blue hair and a rugged shirt featuring the logo of her favorite local band. The punk identity is a direct result of Franco’s policy towards Basque culture. The end of the Franco era corresponded with the birth of the punk movement. As the traditional Basque identity was endangered by the oppression of the Spanish state, a generational gap formed, creating an identity crisis amongst the Basque youth. Although they were ethnically Basque, they had little exposure to traditional culture due to the strict control of the Fascists. At this same time, Basque separatists saw Franco’s absence as an opportunity to obtain independence. The newly introduced genre of punk was seen as tainted and Western by the separatist movement. The nationalistic group rejected nontraditional customs in the region. Nevertheless, the punk genre began to rise in popularity, due to the angst of a youth without identity. Eventually, the separatist movement embraced the punk culture, and punk songs became national anthems to rally the ideology as many of the bands were directly linked to the Basque separatist party, ETA.
Today, punk remains a national identity for many who believe in Basque independence. I would like to study the presence of traditional Basque customs in the punk movement. I will go to both traditional and punk events in order to reach my conclusions. Do the two cultures complement each other? Has the traditional Basque identity been overwhelmingly overshadowed by the punk identity? How involved are punks in traditional culture? I have many friends that live in the region who can show me the ins-and-outs of the punk scene. I am currently studying the Basque language of Euskera, and will continue to learn while in the Basque country by enrolling in one of the numerous intensive language courses offered by AEK Euskaltegi.
Israel has one of the most interesting punk movements in the world. Not only is it influenced by the Israel-Palestine conflict, but it also directly combats the draft policy of the Israel Defense Forces. Many of the nation’s youth take on the punk identity in their teens in order to avoid being drafted at the mandatory service age of 18. Individuals are able to claim mental instability, since punk culture is seen as so taboo.
I came across an Israeli band while they were touring through the Czech Republic. The singer was able to evade military service by claiming insanity. I also met an Israeli girl while in Croatia. She has been hitchhiking through Europe with different punk bands for the past two years after leaving both her identification and country behind in Tel Aviv at age seventeen. The punk community in Israel impacts the lives of youth drastically, helping them find an identity and ideology that will determine their future. How is the genre of punk music influencing the youth to resist service to the state? I will spend time in Tel Aviv with the members of a local punk band called Mondo Gecko. There, I will examine the punk movement and interview those involved about their experiences with the draft policy.
Russia also has a highly political, thriving punk scene. The movement is divided between Fascists and Anti-Fascists. Punk music is used to recruit youth into separate political movements that divide the country. There is often violence between the two factions of Russian punk. Both will hold shows in the same night, and will take to the streets afterwards to fight each other. Due to safety concerns and lack of secure contacts, I will need to take more of an observational approach with my research here. While it is extremely important to research the movement in this region, I will not be able to become as deeply involved as I will in other countries. I plan to rent an apartment for a month and live as a low profile tourist in St. Petersburg. My research will consist of studying how music is used to recruit members outside of the punk community in order to gain followers for the different political movements. It will be interesting to observe the presence of punk rock in typical youth social centers such as bars, clubs, or plazas. I am interested in investigating the potential existence of sub-movements within the genre that lack such a violent political aspect.
Kyrgyzstan, as I have recently discovered, also fosters a punk scene. Very little is known about any music that has come out of the area since the country is isolated politically, economically, and geographically. I was recently put in touch with a record label that works with bands from that region. I would like to look further into the movement in a part of the globe that is far from the traditional heart of punk. I assume that the fall of the USSR plays a large role in fueling the subculture’s existence. How does the subculture sustain itself in an underdeveloped country? What are the politics of the bands, or are they even political at all? What are the similarities and differences between the punk scenes of an underdeveloped and a developed nation? I will answer these questions by communicating with those who organize the community in the country’s capital of Bishkek. I can be put in touch with them through the record label Tian An Men 89.
Communities in Malaysia have a very interesting relationship with extreme forms of music. The genre of black metal has been banned in the country since 2001, as the government claims it conflicts with the official state religion of Islam. Although black metal has nothing to do with the punk rock movement, the untrained ear may find similarities in the distorted guitar and screaming. I assume that many members of the Malaysian punk scene had roots in black metal before it was banned. I am interested in learning how this prohibition has affected the Malaysian punk scene. Do authorities know the difference between punk and metal? I will conduct translated interviews with those involved in the Kuala Lumpur punk community. I will also speak with police officers, the enforcers of this musical censorship, and survey their ability to distinguish between black metal and punk rock.
Just as the aesthetic of punk music is commonly misunderstood, the message and lifestyle can be as well. A solid foundation in the strengths and shortcomings of punk is required to give a thorough analysis of these varying movements. They cannot be studied from the outside. This is why the few studies that have examined punk rock have only scratched the surface. For example, National Geographic did a presentation on the Straight Edge lifestyle in the year 2008. This is a subculture within the genre that promotes a drug free standard of living. National Geographic presented Straight Edge as a militant faction based on forced sobriety. This false interpretation cast the subculture in a negative light. A fair and balanced investigation of punk must be conducted from within.
My experience in the movement will allow me to conduct a thorough and accurate analysis. It has also provided me with the necessary contacts and understanding that comes only from real participation. I have acquired an ideal background to conduct accurate research and provide a realistic representation of the punk rock community.
My passion for punk as a global movement has been building for nearly a decade, and will only deepen. I will continue to contribute to the punk community for as long as I live. I will use my experience to write a book documenting my travels through both writing and photography. I hope to self-publish the book, and send it with my friends’ bands as they tour the world.
Looking back at all of my interests and activities throughout the past seven years, there is nothing that I feel more dedicated to and engaged in than the punk movement. Often, the punk identity remains with an individual for a lifetime, despite surrendering the typical uniform of patched jeans or the mohawk. More than anything, punk is an ideology that goes far beyond music. It is something that people live and breathe. It is revolution with a catchy phrase.



Anything to just get the hell out of here.

Dreaming of a Better Day

To think is to exist. But what if everything you are thinking is not actually real? What if it is all a product of imagination. A dream. Worse. A nightmare. I have lived my life a segment at a time for the past two years. It seems to come in three month cycles in which each is filled with different places, different people; different interests. I will learn and I will teach. Then, I will disappear. Only to become a voice that speaks from the other side of the world or from the depths of a silicon-powered screen. But never have I become the voice inside a head or an audience from above.

It was far too close of a call. My mind fell asleep and took me deep into a nightmare, and I almost lost my body and my soul. We take our lives as nothing. Like we will never die. We reflect on what it means to never be again, but we never actually get to the last breath. We then reach the screaming, the crying. The resistance. The despair.

But what does it all mean? The crying? The dying? In the routine act tapping a finger against a key, it's hard to envision a vacant screen that lies ahead. And when seeing that absence of words, it is easy to realize all of those words that were never said. All the words that were said. All the words that now lie dead. In waking up in the same shoes of an idol, I was sure that I lay dead. And as I dreamed away to heaven, all I saw was you. But now that I am still here, you are still here too.

Still here. Still so far away.

The Gardenhead Knows My Name

This is, most likely, my last post before leaving home. I think that this is the third time I have said it, but this time I will be searching my best efforts to keep it true. I feel compelled to enter one more entry after an anonymous letter I received the other day. It was rather heartwarming and flattering. Whether we realize it or not, we are always going to be seeking the approval of others. This is not to say that we are to conform to the synthetic standards that others create for us, but instead we often look for reassurance from others that we are doing the right things in life.

We often choke on our words, and struggle to give people compliments or accolade. It can seem embarrassing or patronizing. I have often felt reluctant to voice certain feelings or thoughts out of timidness or confusion myself. But, it must be seen that we are all humans and all on the same level of awkwardness and inhibition. Fallible and lost. We can sometimes feel more comfortable to go incognito and anonymous behind the nouns that leak from our lips. But why? Why does it almost seem easier to say something negative to someone as opposed to positive?

Saying a certain set of words to someone can make their day. A simple "hello", "you're rad", or "sweet tattoos brah" can go a long long way! However, it is far too often that we bite our tongues out of fear of embarrassment. But we should see it's okay! Good. Positive. These are types of things that create a community as opposed to a land of individuals. Companionship as opposed to isolation.

On that, say something special to a stranger. Subvert; purely by peaceful means. We are structured to be divided, but let's create a place where worlds collide. And perhaps this one will collapse!

I recently found this hanging around my computer. I have had it for awhile, but never really let it out of my grasp. It is a song that is performed by Nino and I at our college. I am on the melodica, and Nino is on guitar/vocals. It is cover of the song Gardenhead by the band Neutral Milk Hotel. It is for you, Gardenhead. Perhaps we shall meet in Firenze.

We recently rescued a new dog from the shelter. His name is Zeus Kokkinis. Pronounce his name properly though (Ze-ohs). He is a golden lab. He is really strong and runs really fast! He smells bad right now because he decided to storm out of the backyard and into the woods. Low and behold: he was skunked.

Finally, I am going to use a separate blog to document everything for this summer's journey. I feel it will be more appropriate to allow this thing to sleep for the summer, and to carry out a whole new record. I will also include a flickr (pending technophobia).

The new blog can be found at http://euzkaditohellas.blogspot.com.

Whimsicality is Second Nature

This summer, I will be traveling around Europe for four months solely with a backpack. I will be out there for a few reasons: Anarchy Archives, Family, Friends, G8 Summit, Education, Leisure. Sometimes it just makes more sense to get up and do something drastic. Perhaps, this is more the time than any other. I hope this journey converges somewhere between Orwell, Thoureau, Kerouac, and Curtis. Perhaps it will circle back again where someday I will find my own name for myself.

Here is an abstract of the journey along with a map:

0. Madrid
-Toledo (June 2-4)

1. Andalucia
-Sevilla, Cordoba, Granada (June 5-10)

2. Portugal
-Lisboa, Sintra (June 10-14)

3. Castille
-Segovia, Leon (June 14-16))

4. Basque Country
-Mundaka, Bilbao, Guernica, Zugarramurdi, Itxassou, Atxondo, Elantxobe, Durango, Balmaseda (June 16-25)

5. France
-Rennes, Chartres(Chateaudun), Dijon(Auxerre), Dole (June 25-July 1)

6. Switzerland, Northern Italy
-Berne, Lausanne (July 1-4)
-Bergamo, Venice, Florence, Balogna (July 4-9)

7. Central Italy
-Roma, Naples, Bari (9-15)

8. Greece
-Kefallonia (July 15-22)
-Athens, Ioannina, Papingo, Zagoria, Kalambaka (July 22-31)

9. Eastern Europe
-Ljubijana, Budapest, Prague, Vienna (Aug 1-12)

10. Black Forest
-Stutgart, Konstanz (Black Forest), Schaffhausen (Aug 12-20)
-Luxembourg (Aug 20-24)

11. Barcelona (Aug 24-26)

12. England
-London, Manchester (Aug 25-Sept 8)



I will be creating a new blog that is only geared towards my travels in Europe. There, I will post all pictures, stories, and finds because I assume there will be an abundance and I do not wish to bog this blog down.

From Green to Gray

I just got back from McMinnville, Oregon this morning. We placed third in the Western Regional, and fell one game short of qualifying for the College World Series. Yet another thing has concluded in my life; that being the 2009 baseball season. I have begun to get used to coping with such losses and changes. Nothing is permanent. Always be ready for it to end because someday it will all come crashing right down.

It is scorching hot here in Claremont, but what's new? Driving here from LAX was quite the eye sore. After seeing such a clear and open sky in Oregon with trees, rivers, and lakes, the Los Angeles smog just seems that much more torturous. I am reminded, however, that this is only to be dealt with for about two more weeks. Then, off to Europe!

This is home?

Today was my last day involved with Pomona Food Not Bombs until I get back from my summer travels. It was a great day! The meal was prepared by Natty, Claire, and I; served by Cameron, Laura, Claire, and I. Although I was very tired from the baseball trip to Oregon after having to wake at 3:00am to come back home, I wouldn't miss this for the world. We shared some great conversation. Many of the people in this country without homes seem to have the most interesting histories. Jesse shared his journal with us. He had many poems and songs written in it that he spoke and sang. Roger told us of his world travels and his tours in the Vietnam War.
It is rather common to have many laughs while sitting down with the homeless as well. They share some funny stories and jokes. One of my favorite was when a man named Goldy stated that there was "nothing in this world that he hadn't seen." Roger replied, "Ever seen a Jewish Parrot?" Pomona Food Not Bombs will be organized through Cameron for the summer. So, if you wish to get involved, contact him!

I am currently packing things up to move out of the dorm. My frogs were thankfully still alive when I got back here. I give mad props to Cristina and Josh for giving them water. I have gotten used to this nomadic lifestyle. But I still disdain packing my things up every time that comes around.

I was going to be heading up to Seattle once again this year for Rainfest. However, I decided to spend my time back here in the area to visit with my family instead. I am grateful to Kevan and 7 Generations for offering me a ride up there in their van.

Check out the new Punch-S/T LP.
Also, these are some incredible cuts from Joy Division that I came across the other night. One is an earlier release from the Warsaw days. The other is a live bootleg from a set in Amsterdam 1980. This is my favorite band ever so enjoy!


Next post will most likely be from somewhere in Spain. Unless I fall in love some time between now and then, but that is highly unlikely.

Sad, But True

Check out my friend's artwork. His name is Elias Martinez de Rises. He currently lives in Alicante, Espana. I stayed with him for one evening while I was over there last fall. I will be visiting him again this summer, and hopefully get lucky enough to have him give me a new tattoo.


Today, I sit in McMinnville, Oregon and watch the rain from a hotel window. This is my first true experience in smalltown America. I must say, it is pretty charming. The corporations that deluge the outskirts can fall off a cliff, but the town center is lovely. The sky is clear. The trees are green. I think I could get used to this.

I have completed my last essay for the semester, and I am officially done with the 2008-2009 school year. I await tomorrow morning's weather. Today we were rained out. I have not moved for about 6 hours. Sitting, Typing. Reading. Listening. Watching. Dreaming. I swear that I forgot the meaning of down-time. It is kind of nice.

Be on the look out for new updates to the Anarchy Archives. This past semester, the Claremont Anarchist Collective put forth a lot of work to make the website a bit more contemporary. We did some research into modern Anarchist movements, and will be posting our projects on the site in other to spread more awareness about such issues: Chiapas, South Central Urban Garden, Argentina's collectivized factories, etc. The issue that I am bringing depth to is the uprising in Oaxaca, Mexico. I am in the finishing touches of my work.


I feel very wary when approaching a topic so deep as the meaning of life. I feel that in no way am I, or anyone for that matter, truly qualified to make some sort of statement that can be grasped and applied. However, I will attempt at this moment to explain it in context of my own life.

The meaning of life, to me, is a two fold topic. There is something that I strive for both at an individual level, and at a social level. They kind of coincide, but sometimes may not:

For me, I seek to endure as many experiences in life as possible. I feel that the only things that are really worth putting time, thought, and effort into are things that are going to last forever. These, are typically experiences. However, in my case, the tangible things that I most like are also non-depleting: books, music, tattoos. But, in terms of experience, one should try to rack up as much as possible in order to expand and blossom into a more well-rounded figure. This not only aids in finding new interests, developing talents, and closening relationships with peers; it also helps us strive for happiness. The more we can contextualize our surroundings, the better we can understand our role in the world.

For others, I seek to make an impact on as many lives as possible. I seek to make a long term impact. Perhaps, people will not always remember me, and that is swell. But, I hope to share an important part of myself with all those I have a chance in order to open new horizons to them as well. For I hope they seek the same self-growth as I do. Perhaps I introduce a new thought, a new band, or a new food. This all aids in the process. If possible, I would hope to make an everlasting impression all those who are around me. I would like to make a positive impact on as many people as possible so that someday my legacy is remembered. When we die, all that will remain of us is the memory of those who felt our presence, and a large stone covered in moss. And I hope to be able to make a lasting impression even after I die. Perhaps people will read of me in a book and say, "That Troy Kokkinis was a gnarly guy." Kind of in the same manner as I would for someone like George Orwell, Buenaventura Durruti, or Johnny Olmos.


Once in a while, there is someone that comes along and is able to do that same thing to you. This person is unique, different, and consists of depth. This is the type of person that you feel okay to lose because you feel they will always live at your side. The everlasting memory of the times together and knowledge shared is tattooed to the mind. The person that opens up to you, and allows you to open to them. The person that shares with you as much as you share with them. This is the type of person we remember. And, when life takes a different path, we are okay. We understand. I understand. Some things aren't meant to be. But, that doesn't mean that they are not something. Only eternity lasts forever. Everything else can fall like dust through our fingertips when least expected. But, there will always be a small handful that just stick to our palms, into our blood; straight to our hearts.

She will always be remembered. She will always be here. And, her memory will always be smiled upon.







I Would Set Myself On Fire For You
Swing Kids
Portraits of Past
Mikal Laboa
Brutal Knights
Deers!
Sunny Day Real Estate
Godspeed You! Black Emperor
Barrit
Ekkaia
Oroku
Mikis Theodorakis
Oi Va Voi

Finding a Niche

Three months ago, I was still flying high after my experiences in Europe. Nothing seemed like it would be able to nearly compare. America was already driving me nuts from the moment I stepped foot out of the airplane in Philadelphia. However, little did I know that this semester was going to bring a little bit of Europe back home.

Overshadowed in the mainstream media by swine flu, Obama deceptions, and recession talk; the world has been in all out war. Only, this is not a war that is fought between boundaries, it is a war that engages all of our minds and conscience. There is a lot of buzz going around about this whole "change" thing, but things sadly remain the same. The only things that have been changing are our ability to tolerate certain atrocities against human life.

Here, in Claremont, we organized our own insurrection. Well, it wasn't quite so extreme. But we took a far more proactive approach than usual to try to make a positive affect on the community. We definitely made a name for ourselves as well.
Final count:

4 banner drops
1 confrontation with Jim Gilchrest
2 cancellation of atrocious events due to simple threat of protest
2 benefit concerts
1 conference
1 zine
1 Food Not Bombs
1 checkpoint response

The college community here has been exposed to us as a group, and we are far more than just a social club. We thank all who have supported our endeavors.



On a more personal level, I have had quite an experience here in college this semester. School has been so far on the backburner, but this semester has been by far the most productive and enlightening of all. I have really expanded all facets of my life in terms of literature, art, action, and ideology. Here are some of the things that I have come to know and respect most:

Basque Culture:
http://buber.net/Basque/
Rolling Thunder #7:
http://www.crimethinc.com/rt/
George Orwell:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Orwell
Koldo Barroso:
http://www.koldobarroso.com/blog/
The Obama Deception:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAaQNACwaLw&feature=related

Among others.

The future has even more in store. I will take about a four month break from protesting Jell-o wrestling and debating famous political figures. Instead, I will be going on a trip through Europe with my friend Andrew Nino. We will be living out of backpacks for these months, and probably starve to death. That's not the plan of course. I will be presenting at a conference in Manchester in regards to Anarchist political theory and its validity as a global concept. But, for the 3 months prior, we will be gypsies. While in Europe, we will spending some amount of time in Basque country with everyone's favorite Euzkaldun: Cristina! We will also be in Italy for the G8 Summit, Greece to visit my family in Kefallonia, Rennes to visit Ben, and the Black Forest of Germany to meet with Kevin Grant.

First, however, I will be leaving for Oregon on 12 May 2009. We, the Pomona-Pitzer baseball team, have made it to the Western Regional for Division III baseball. Should we win that tournament, we will move on to the College World Series in Wisconsin. Go Cocks!

Crossing Arbitrary Lines

The world is far smaller than what it seems. From mountain to mountain; sea to sea. The world I live is in the palm of my hand. It can be small. It can be large. It all depends on where you are.

Create your own world. Your own reality. Make it small and personal. Where necessity is a mere 200 paces down the street. Where friendship is a brief knock on a door. Where happiness is a pen and paper; a cover and ink. Do not expand to the brink of uncongeniality. A constant giddiness that forces unnecessary movement, mindless consumption, and haphazard thoughts.

So much time is wasted on regression and degeneration. So much time that cannot be gained back. What could have been developed is instead relic and ruin. For some, the switch is never flipped. For others, it never burns out.

ΑΝΤΙΣΤΑΣΗ

Here is a little bit of what is going on with me lately. For those who I have neglected upon my return, I sincerely apologize. Things have been a bit hectic lately and my mind is scattered all over the place like in Fuhrerbunker, 1945.



I have started baseball, and I have been practicing about 4-5 hours a day for the past 2 weeks. I am really rusty, and hoping to shake this free soon because the season starts in about 3 weeks.



My semester starts this coming tuesday. I am enrolled in the following five classes:

• History of Chicano Los Angeles
  
• History of Modern Philosophy
• Philosophy of Religion
  
• American Constitutionalism I
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I will be working at KSPC this semester as a Dj once again. I still do not know what time or day my show will be so let's leave that at a TBA. I do know, however, that I will be hosting live sets from both Dangers and Restrained. I am also going to be shooting for an interview with Joe Denunzio of Infest.



I am still working Sunday evening shifts at Buca Di Beppo in Claremont. I need to continue saving up money in order to get out to Europe again. I have made a few "New Year's Resolutions" for myself: (1)I will not buy a single article of clothing for an entire year (2) I will save up at least 1000 quid to fund my next trip to Europe (3) I will finish my rib cage tattoo of the Mayan folk art as well as put a Greek folk art version of the Venus Fly Trap on my shoulder (4) I will read at least 10 books concerning Spain.* (5) I will record the folk project I have been working on with Nino by the end of the year.

*I have already finished Ghosts of Spain and For Whom the Bell Tolls. I am currently reading The Sun Also Rises and The Basque History of the World. I just picked up Homage to Catalonia last night!






The home does not belong to you. You belong to your home.
-Anonymous Euskaldun

The First Bus Out of Here

To the centre of the city where all roads meet, waiting for you.
To the depths of the ocean where all hopes sank, searching for you.
I was moving through the silence without motion, waiting for you.
In a room without window in the corner I found truth.

I can never sit still. Always looking for attention. Always needing to be mentioned. Who do I think I am? There is never a moment where my mind isn't wandering, my thumbs are not twiddling, and my mouth is not speaking. I think too much. I act too much. I speak too much. I cannot stand when things become stagnant. Dormancy is for death. I like moving. There is always something new. New people. New places. New cultures. Do we even have homes, or are we just meant to roam? It's easier this way. It takes away my anxiety. I'd like to believe that somewhere I'll find someone who's going nowhere and we'll go there together. She will be modest, grey, and barely speak English. They always seem to be the best.

I have decided to start learning more languages. It is silly because I am still not even fluent in Spanish. But, I have vowed to myself that before I die, I will speak Greek, Euzkera, and Castellano. I will speak English of course too. Maybe I can just end up forgetting it. Am I having an identity crisis? I suppose. Tell me who I am. I want to start playing the violin.

Some book suggestions from me to you:

For Whom the Bell Tolls
Evasion
A Clockwork Orange
Walden
Deep Economy
Ghosts of Spain
Blood of Spain
Expect Resistance
Meanwhile, Take My Hand
Down and Out in Paris and London