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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

VersaEmerge

The only thing I haven't done yet is die

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

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.

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...

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...

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...

Guess who's back, back again...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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:

1. The hosts Russell Brand and Britney Spears. (That was the plan right?)
2. P!nk's performance.
3. Christina Aguilera's performance.
4. Ashlee Simpson in her glorious state (she looked stunning)
5. Paramore
6. 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...

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!

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

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...

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...

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....

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...

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...

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...

...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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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…

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...

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?

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...

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...

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

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...

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...

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