punk in writing

How I Spent My Christmas Vacation

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 09:47:00 +0000

So how did I spend my Christmas? Me and my sister took the train to northern Sweden to visit our mother, the Vicar.

Since Christmas is a very busy time of year for the church, my sister and I did all the cooking. We did a small selection of classic Christmas food for Christmas Eve, since it was only the three of us. All of it is vegetarian, and most of it is quite healthy compared to the classic dishes.

Our veggie version of Christmas.
Click on the photo for a larger version.

The red cabbage and feta cheese salad is so good we declared it a must have dish at Christmas when my sister made it for the first time.

Since Mom has moved really far north it takes almost a day to travel up there by train, and it's really cold and snowy. When we were there temperatures ranged from -17 (degrees Celcius) to -6.
That means you don't leave the house unless you're wearing thermal underwear, a really thick jacket, ski pants, thick gloves and a wolly hat. I was glad I bought new winter boots two days before the trip.

The sun rises at nine in the morning and starts to set at three in the afternoon. The snow is dry and powdery and crunches under your feet as you walk.

View from the porch at 3 pm on Christmas day.

Lots and lots of trees covered in snow.

We also went to midnight mass in Borgsjö church on Christmas Eve. The church is from the 18th century and is really beautiful, with elaborate decor and wood carvings painted to look like marble and gold. There were over 200 lit candles, snow on the windows and a great atmosphere.

Sister studies the hymns before the midnight mass begins.

We had a quiet Christmas, watched a lot of movies, ate candy, went for walks in the snow and did some shopping at Birsta City.
Northern Sweden is cold, but beautiful at this time of year.

And you thought the metrosexual man was something new...

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 12:58:00 +0000

And you thought men in make up was a contemporary thing... The word metrosexual may be new, but men have cared about their looks and clothing for centuries. Just look at glam rock, the 18th century and medieval knights in parade armor. Heck, even the vikings were vain.

The Runaways

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:50:00 +0000

I just saw the first teaser trailer for the upcoming biopic about The Runaways and I'm pleasantly surprised. I was a bit skeptic when I heard that Kristen Stewart of Twilight fame would portray my heroine Joan Jett, but I might have jumped the gun on that one...

But I guess I'll have to wait and see... It would suck if Joan Jett suddenly decided to sit in her room and cry for three months because her boyfriend left town.

It's a lot like Love Like Winter

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 13:56:00 +0000

I'm about to leave the office and head out into the snowstorm. It looks like AFI's video for Love Like Winter out there.

I'm gonna catch a train to northern Sweden soon to celebrate Christmas with my mother and sister. I don't know if I'll have internet up there but blogging should resume when I get back. If I don't get eaten by a bear.
They have them where my mom lives. For real.

I wish all my readers a fabulous Christmas and a spectacular New Year.

Here's AFI's live performance of Love Like Winter for all the punk rock kids.

and Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye singing When The Saints Go Marching In for all the cats and kittens.

Vamanos Vamanos

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:44:00 +0000

The trailer for Left 4 Dead 2 seems to be on every single time there's a commercial break on TV. I don't know about the game, but the song is really catchy. It's Electric Worry by Clutch.

Bang, bang, bang, bang!
Vamanos, vamanos!

Snow

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 14:18:00 +0000

Yep, we're surrounded by that white, cold stuff again. At least 60 cm of it. We rarely get this much snow at once in southern Sweden and when we do it causes traffic chaos.

People don't know how to drive when there's snow on the road so they are either going way too slow or way too fast. And for some reason bus drivers seem to be really crap at dealing with snow, so there's huge delays and cancelled trains and buses.

Oh the joy of snow... But at least you can look at pretty surroundings when you're loosing the feeling in your toes and waiting for a train that never seems to show up.

But it's so white and fluffy...

What Abby is to NCIS

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 10:51:00 +0000

The lovely Eliza, who is the executive assistant at BRS, told me that I am to BRS what Abby is to NCIS. I think that's one of the best compliments I've ever gotten.

I didn't even know Eliza watched NCIS...

Never understimate a tattoed woman in a lab coat.

Because All I Do All Day Is Watch Youtube

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 12:55:00 +0000

I work with online media and social networks and sometimes co-workers from other departments stop by my desk and ask how I can get anything done when I'm always on facebook, twitter och youtube.
And they don't even know that I'm running spotify, msn messenger and google wave too.

The thing is, it's my job to be online and keep up with updates, new applications and new social media platforms. I also read a bunch of different blogs and online newspapers. And I often keep one thing running in the background as I am working on another.

Sounds like I'm doing everything at once? It's because I am. And it can be everything from updating a text on a website to writing policy and guidelines for a new website.

So how do I keep my sanity in this cacaphony? By listening to hardcore, doo wop, old Swedish showtunes and watching funny clips on youtube. Sometimes you need a surprised kitty or a blonde punk rock vampire to help you through the day.

Some days you just need Buffy and Spike. Repeatedly.

True Blood, eat your heart out.

The Headlines - Waiting Room

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 09:13:00 +0000

Check out the brand spankin' new video from my friends The Headlines. The song is called "Waiting Room" and is taken from their new album "Making Love To The City".

Neutra Face

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 09:49:00 +0000

Maybe it's my background as an editor and page designer talking, but I think this is hilarious. Possibly the best Lady Gaga parody ever?

You can download the song for free at jarkandmason.blogspot.com

Help Mend A Heart

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 09:43:00 +0000

New Found Glory are asking for help. Singer Jordan Pundik's mother Maureen is very sick and in need of a heart transplant.

New Found Glory. Jordan Pundik in the middle.

But things are moving slowly since she doesn't have any health insurance. Her family have set up the website helpmendaheart.com.

"Maureen is a firm believer in prayer and asked us to tell everyone we know to pray for her. She needs a tidal wave of SUPPORT, in any way, shape or form. Time is extremely sensitive and every minute that goes by, she is fighting. Please share this website with everyone you know and help us mend our mother's heart."

On the website you can also make a donation via paypal, if you wish to.

I can't tell anyone else what to do, but I choose to donate and say a prayer. After all the good things New Found Glory have given me over the years it feels good to be able to give something back.

Thanks to Chad for bringing this to my attention!

Dear Santa...

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:59:00 +0000

I don't give a damn a about my bad reputation. Just give me my own Joan Jett for Christmas.

Jimmy Eat World save me from the November Blues

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:23:00 +0000

The days are getting shorter, colder and darker. It's raining. It's November in Southern Sweden.

Jimmy Eat World are helping me fight the darkness. I have Bleed American on repeat.

Vervain at Mejeriet

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 20:13:00 +0000

My friends Vervain opened for CKY at Mejeriet this Thursday. I was there and so was my camera. Here are some of the photos I took.

Live on stage.

Chrille and his halo.

Francke on stage. I really like this photo.

Another of my favorites.

Click here to see some of my previous photos of Vervain.

CKY were ok, but nothing memorable. Bam Margera was touring with them but I never met him. He was really drunk but nice, or so I'm told.
CKY did however have a really nice kid named Lou as their merch guy. He took Tobias backstage so he could show the skateboards he's painted to Bam.

Tobias is a really talented kid who helps out at Saint 21 and is becoming really good at airbrushing and learning pinstriping. Bam is one of his heroes so he was very, very happy.

Vaccine

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:05:00 +0000

I got my shot of H1N1 vaccine today. It was quick and a little uncomfortable. The whole procedure took about 20 minutes, and that was mainly because they ask you to sit down and have a cookie after you're done. If you feel good after ten minutes or so, you're free to go.

I use my left hand to write, so I got the shot in my right arm. That arm is sore, and that makes things a little bit tricky because I tend to use both my hands quite a lot. I chop vegetables with my right hand, but I can do it with my left hand. It's good to be ambidextrous sometimes.

I just wish I'd been seated next to Johnny Depp when I was vaccinated...

Fairytales and Real Life

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:22:00 +0000

It's funny how fifteen minutes with a good book can make the stress of everyday life fade away.
I read two of the stories in this anthology of modern fairytales over the weekend, and began reading the third on my way home today. I almost wished the train ride home would take longer.

That's how you know you're reading a good book.

My photos in Nya Upplagan

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:14:00 +0000

If you pick up a copy of Swedish magazine Nya Upplagan (New Edition) you'll find my photos on page 15 and 16.
Nya Upplagan did a story on the HepCat Store and needed some photos of Rob and the rockabilly way of life. Good thing I have a few hundred suitable photos.

The current issue.

You can also download this issue from nyaupplagan.se

A Suspect Virus and Strangers on a Train

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:23:00 +0000

I think there's a bug in my system. My immune system that is. It's an annoying little virus that has been slowing med down for almost a week now.

I saw Rise Against and the 20Belows play at Vega in Copenhagen this weekend. After the first hour I was too tired to do anything but stand around, so no mosh pit for me. Darn.
But I did get to see the 20Belows play, both new material and some of their old stuff.

The award for most rock in one evening goes to Kasper Keen of the 20Belows, who had another gig with the Hitchcocks on the same night and had to run from Vega after opening for Rise Against to make it to the second show.

Rise Against were really good, but I know I would have enjoyed the show more if I had been in the mosh pit. And if the first three songs had been a little more about the vocals and a little less about the base drum.

Anyway, one of the perks of being sick is that I've had time to catch up on my reading and watch some movies. Like Hitchcock's "Strangers on a Train" from 1951.

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:08:00 +0000

You know it's gonna be a good day when your breakfast is fresh mango, peppermint tea and a chocolate bat.

My Halloween started early this year. I enjoyed pumpkin and feta cheese pie, decorated ginger cookies, ate candy from a cauldron and watched Trick 'r Treat while hiding behind a pillow. Then I sang along to The Nightmare Before Christmas, which made my boyfriend roll his eyes and sigh.
Good thing I have a sister who appreciates Halloween as much as I do. And makes pumpkin pie and ginger cookies to celebrate it.

Another photo from my session with Sweet Amanda.

Sweet Amanda for Halloween

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 15:47:00 +0000

I did a photo shoot with the lovely Sweet Amanda the other day. She's performing a new burlesque routine this Friday and she wanted some photos in her new outfit.

Yes, I went a little crazy in photoshop.

Sweet Amanda will be performing at Trash Can Club's A Cramps Halloween Monster Mash in Malmö. Also on the bill are The Gravemen and Torpedo Monkeys.

He Wrote the Addams Family Theme Song

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Composer Vic Mizzy, who wrote the Addams Family Theme, has passed away. Vic Mizzy wrote the opening theme and directed the opening sequence to the 1960's TV series, which features all members of the family snapping their fingers in sync with the music.

Vic Mizzy sang the song himself since his production company refused to pay for singers.

In the clip below Vic Mizzy talks about writing the song. The last part where he is asked about where the idea for the finger snapping came from is hilarious.

It's funny that it's so hard to believe that sometimes ideas just pop into your head and then you go from there.

Stevyn Colgan wrote a good post on this subject a little while ago, where he mentions author Neil Gaiman's great reply to the question "where do you get your ideas from?".

I make them up. [...] Out of my head.

Grindhouse Tattoo - Now On Youtube

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:58:00 +0000

HepTowns resident videographer and partner in crime, Mr Dan, just made this video for Christian at Grindhouse Tattoo.

Click here to see part two.
To see more of Dan's work, check out his channel on Youtube.

John Lindberg Trio

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:43:00 +0000

Swedish rockabilly group John Lindberg Trio released their new album Brand New Philosophy today. They were guests on the show Nyhetsmorgon this morning. I didn't see it, but all the clips are avaliable on the web.

John Lindberg Trio.
Photo from johnlindberg.se

You can find Brand New Philosophy on Spotify.

Andi Almqvist - Glimmer

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:18:00 +0000

Andi Almqvist has finished his new album Glimmer. It will be released on October 28. This means he can chill out and stop obsessing over mixes and the need to remaster certain tracks.

I wasn't a huge fan of Red Room Stories, but I am pleasantly surprised by the trailer for Glimmer.
Click here to check out his myspace.

My Mother's Birthday Present

noreply@blogger.com (punk in writing) — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:28:00 +0000

I hardly believed my ears when my mother said she wanted a tattoo. My sister and I treated our mother to dinner at one of our favourite restaurants, as a birthday gift, when the subject came up.

I did not talk her into it, it was all her idea. She knew what she wanted done too. So I told her I'd sort something out and called my friend Christian who runs Grindhouse Tattoo.

Said and done, my mother and Christian set a date and talked about the design. And today I took a long lunch so I could head over to Grindhouse and take some photos as my mother got her tattoo.
My sister and I gave her the tattoo as a gift for her 60th birthday. I should add that my mother is a priest and just got a new job as a vicar.

Mom was fairly relaxed. Christian was chewing gum.

Christian at work.

The finished tattoo. The fish was the earliest symbol of Christianity.