Toronto (Again)
August 27, 2008, Matthew Good Short jaunts sort of suck. You leave home in the early afternoon and arrive back east at 10 at night. Then the challenge of trying to sleep properly happens, which, for me, results in watching movies until 5 in the morning because of the time change. Thankfully tomorrow is a rehearsal day, so I’ll get to sleep in a little, at least until check out. Then it’s off to run the show and then on to the bus and to the border for a late night arrival in Buffalo. After that it’s one-two-three and then back on a plane home.
Sometimes, when I find myself in new places, such as hotel rooms, and visit the website, I get the urge to delete everything. I don’t know why, I just do. Some part of me wants to go back to writing strictly fiction. Things seemed so much less of a hassle back then – no headaches, no incredulous emails.
I’m flipping through the movie selections and there’s nothing of interest, as is usually the case. I’ll end up watching something stupid in hopes of falling asleep during it but won’t. I’ll order some food and it’ll make me feel ill in a few hours. Nothing much changes.
My shaving cream exploded in my bag during the flight, so cleaning that up was a treat. Now most everything I’ve brought with me smells like mint.
I used to write ridiculous stories, some of which I find embarrassing now when I look back on them. But at the time it was a lot of fun. In truth, it sort of beats spending hours every day doing background research for entries. The problem, of course, is that I’ve come to be known for the current content of this website, so altering it isn’t something I could easily do. I haven’t written a Dear San Diego entry in a while, so maybe that’s what I’ll focus on this weekend, who knows.
One thing I am certain of is that none of the girls in the singles adverts on Facebook are actually single. Fuck I hate advertising.
Update: I just realized that it is technically tomorrow, so that just makes everything sound weird.
This little symbol lets you @ another comment
Beats early mornings flights and sleeping at an airport. I wish I had a hotel room to sleep in right now.
On the bright side, you could be smelling worse the mint.
Oh and a good put-you-to-sleep movie, (series), Dawsons Creek. Works for me almost everytime.
I too realized this morning that none of the girls on the singles app on facebook were actually single, once you become friends the truth is revealed. I find it something other than elating and completely satisfying.
I do apologize for that “zepplin” question in Medicine Hat…it was uncalled for and campus security were swift and just in gathering me up and rollin me out the door
As a consolation I have decided to allow you to join my group Les’s Tunes on facebook.
I was, after all, introduced to music itself by Sandra Weipert and her studio copy of “underdogs” in 1997 in abbotsford. Been an avid fan and student ever since.
Thanks again
Les Ryder
[quote comment="63145"]On the bright side, you could be smelling worse the mint.
Oh and a good put-you-to-sleep movie, (series), Dawsons Creek. Works for me almost everytime.[/quote]
*then mint….GAWD….edit button back please. I am a terrible proof reader.
Ah yes, clearly false advertising.
Maybe you can compromise between the two, incorporate some political undertones into your fiction so that it passes your aggravators without notice. I understand if such scheming isn’t your cup of tea though, it might just end up to be a tedious affair where you’re looking for recreation.
As long as its not another CSI Miami marathon…
;-)
Matt, if you feel fiction itching, go for it. I’d definitely like to read some more.
Do it for those of us with incessant writer’s block. More importantly, do it for yourself.
Ziploc freezer bags - cheap and easy solution to the ‘exploding liquids in suitcase’ problem. :)
It’s only technically tomorrow in TO. It’s still today here.
I love your fiction…It would be fun to see it come back
I also enjoy your thoughts on the news and always your insight into your life
but god damn your book was my favourite
I hope your next few days go well and sickness stays away from you !
ps. I also miss your video snip-its
been a long time since they have made an appearance
more fiction;)
the news might even still be there if you ever get back to them..
good singles night;)*
http://www.archive.org/details/moviesandfilms
Dear Matt San Diego, please always smell like mint and not crap. we love you that way.
Saw 21 the other night - not too shabulicious. F**k I love Kevy…… I”m starting to think him and Kate Bosworth have something going on.. Her last 3 movies were all Kevin films….. hmmmmmmm hmmmmmmmmm.
Night, love from oddly weathered Coquitlam.
Matt, life’s too short…you gotta do what YOU want to do, what makes you happy, what floats YOUR boat. Ya, I admit, I am benefitting from your knowledge of the political scene and all your hours of research, and from the comments and opinions of others on this site, but hell….if you are deluged with bizarre emails then it’s time to change. You owe nothing to anyone (okay, except family, close friends, etc.). Write fiction, poetry, write for yourself, don’t go public. You are more accessible and live your life in the open more than the majority of people. You’re young….go underground for a while. Certainly no one could blame you.
When my marriage hit the rocks last year (ie: husband suddenly left) I started writing to try to deal with it. I don’t know why, but I started a blog, very anonymously. Soon, I had “readers”, including a couple professional writers from the US who were very complimentary and urged me to write more. Suddenly my “anonymous” blog felt like a responsibility…I was worried my writing had to be good, and that I couldn’t really express all I might have wanted due to the fact I had “readers”. Then, after a particularly bleak entry, I got a comment from someone who felt similar and sounded like they wanted to end it all. I was panicked, and back-pedalled furiously. The person did write back, and there has been sort of an ongoing dialogue between him/her and I on my blog, about why someone should go on in the face of pain and adversity. Given this is similar to what I do for a living (mental health social work) I felt very pressured and responsible. So, even for ME, an anonymous nobody with a readership of half a dozen, I feel the pressure. I cannot imagine what you have to deal with.
Live the good life, man. You can always do all this again when you are old and decrepit.
Good luck back East…
Susie
“One thing I am certain of is that none of the girls in the singles adverts on Facebook are actually single. Fuck I hate advertising.”
Yeah, but their guys cheat on them. Well, they probably do. At least it’s what I choose to believe.
Well…you should have been watching the Arsenal match courtesy of me, right now…if I could’ve figured out the instruction manual for the dv recorder…sorry. Walkover, BTW.
Yes…it’s nice for me to write you ‘today’ instead of ‘yesterday’…I always seem to catch the tail end of your posts these days. Have fun tonight.
And don’t believe everything you read on Facebook…I don’t ;0)
The fiction you’ve published is great very good. At Last There is Nothing Left to Say played a huge part in inspiring me to start writing my own works. Keep up the excellent work.
Don’t knock At last there’s nothing left to say. Personally, I thought the majority of that book was pure genius.
I’ve been an avid reader of your fiction since the early years of the monthly “manifestos” at matthewgoodband.com and aside from your music at the time, it was the manifesto’s that got me hooked.
I used to print them off and read them over and over again when I worked the graveyard shidt at the airport.
I was actually overjoyed when I found out that you were releasing them in paperback and bought a copy as soon as it became available. To this day I still say it’s one of my favorite collections of short story fiction and that’s not ass kissing… it really is.
A new “Dear San Diego” enrty is definitely warranted. Can’t wait. Keep it up.
Playing a vineyard should be fun, if the weather holds out.
Matt, just do the Vonnegut thing. Cleverly hide your politics in your prose. There’s no real need to verify sources when the guy offering the opinion is a fictional protagonist with some quirky ketchup addiction or something. Use your alter ego to say what you want.
Facebook is relationship anthrax by the way. For everyone romantic relationship that begins there, two get destroyed by people finding each other, who should NOT be finding each other. Everybody’s single in cyberspace, until it moves to the local coffee shop and they’re called on it.
Please don’t be embarrassed by your stories. I, for one, love them all and, from reading the comments here, I am not the only one.
Whatever else you think you DON’T have, you are a truly gifted individual whose forms of personal expression have, quite literally, taken my breath away in the short time I have known you.
Matt, I wish I could be as creatively free as you are…it seems that when tied in to certain relationships (I won’t mention here) it feels like I am just that – tied.
I hate advertising too, but probably for different reasons. And the singles ad girls probably all come from here.
(Sidenote: there’s always a new random photo that shows up on the main page of that site, and when I just visited to get the link, it was this one. Please tag my comment “WTF?”)
Exploding shaving cream does not sound like fun times. Time to switch to the cream that comes in a tube. Though, last time I flew I had a little container of body moisturizer wiggle open (also a fun cleanup, though everything smelled like cocoa butter, not mint), so I guess nothing’s safe. Is there anything about air travel that doesn’t suck?
…so you’re smellin’ mmmmmiiiiiinnnnnntttttyyyyyyy LOL
….and btw, enjoy TO! Wish I was there….unfortunately, firing your real estate agent is a process….as we are currently learning.
Having got rained out in Port Credit so I hope the people at Jackson Triggs took a page out of the Chinese book and plan on shooting silver iodide crystals into the clouds.
From what I’ve heard, Jackson Triggs is an awesome venue. I last traveled to Club Infinity in Buffalo which was a great small venue other then the fact it was about 40 degrees and we hit dew point. Other then feeling like a bathhouse show was fantastic.
One question however, Jackson Triggs site says no photography…anyone know if they are firm on this?
Cheers!
Welcome to Toronto, Matt! Minty or stinky, fact or fiction, tired or refreshed… whatever you are I’m glad to have you here and very much looking forward to the Saturday and Sunday shows. I’m sure whatever you have decided to play will be fantastic!
I find it intriguing that you seem to care about what others expect you to do. Seems off somehow. Couple weeks back you ranted about fans writing your songs for you. You meant to say that fans have no input in the process and should shut up and listen. Why should your blogging be any different.
Pay no attention to us. Do whatever you want. It’s not about us.
Of course, if you take that advice, are you in the end listening to a fan? It’s all very cyclical and I could get a nosebleed form the whole thing.
I loved he old manifesto days.
Before my soon-to-be Wife moved up to NWT with me, a friend of her’s printed off all the storys for her to read on the trip…to that point anyway…
That would have been … 1998-99 …??
ah…that old site. One of my first intertube diversions at work…
ah…this site. Doing the same…
I’ll echo the same sentiment… do what you want to, Matt.
[quote]The problem, of course, is that I’ve come to be known for the current content of this website, so altering it isn’t something I could easily do.[/quote]
Sure it is, just say, I’m not in the mood today. It’s your blog, you pay for it, you run the show, there’s others around here that post whom I’m sure don’t mind doing those background checks and writing the articles that people like.
You should start writing fiction again but publish it anonymously. That way you won’t get 5,000 e-mail responses about every paragraph you write. Of course, WE would all want to read it but we’d understand if you need a little time out of the spotlight. (And you could always put a secret link to it on your webpage)
I love those ridiculous stories.
I hope it’s nicer weather there for you than it is here. Mind you the rain/cool would probably be okay for you if you were in town, since it wouldn’t make your apartment hotter than hell.
Sidenote-
I hope it at least stops raining for tomorrow, I’m not looking forward to moving from Coquitlam to Downtown in the pouring rain. =(
[quote comment="63149"]As long as its not another CSI Miami marathon…
;-)[/quote]
I can’t even watch Miami anymore.
LOL, oh that Horacio…You have to laugh at him.. David Caruso, no matter what he does is like the same character in every role.. Have you ever played the drinking game where you take a drink everytime Horacio takes on or off his glasses, or makes some “intelligent” comment or idea that noone else could possibly some up with?
Gets pretty messy towards the end.
could be worse. you could be in Toron….oh, sorry. hey if it’s tomorrow that’s one day less
[quote comment="63164"]Playing a vineyard should be fun, if the weather holds out.[/quote]
Indeed!!! I think a concert in a vineyard, any type of natural setting really, will have such a wonderful ambiance…. Wish i could go!!
And the fiction…always enjoyed that!!
You are more currently known for the direction you took politically, but you don’t have to keep to the serious stuff all of the time. I think we all enjoy the daily logs, your thoughts, reviews and your fictional humour whenever we can get it, so bring it on!
I always looked forward to reading your manifestos and stories every month in those times.
Can’t wait for more..
Knock ‘em dead in 1-2-3!
Well, if there aren’t any movies on…at least the USA channel has Law & Order…non-stop, everyday…. Ok, maybe a FEW episodes in a row are ok but…
I’m fairly new to facebook, I didn’t know you could find other ’singles’ on there (the ads don’t count–those aren’t even real people, lol!) - I just yanked my profile from Lava and POF last week - too many stalkers out there! Guess it’s back to hangin’ out in the produce department at Safeway, LOL!
[quote comment="63170"]One question however, Jackson Triggs site says no photography…anyone know if they are firm on this?[/quote]
dsboz… this quote is taken directly from the Jackson Triggs FAQ:
“CAN I TAKE PICTURES OF THE SHOW? No. Cameras, video cameras and any other sound or image-recording devices are all strictly forbidden in amphitheatres. If you bring one in and attempt to use it you may be asked to leave the amphitheatre. Any photos taken may be confiscated and destroyed. (Resistance is futile!).”
Sucky.
PS Don’t forget to bring your lawnchairs.
Although you’ve come to be known for writing about political matters on this website… you can do whatever that hell you want. Tomorrow you could start writing posts about anything. Maybe ski ball, mini putt or fudgsicles. Whatever you want to do.
You know …
often when we fill our Heads
with too many Facts and Figures
we start ignoring our Inner Voice
when our Inner Wisdom and Intuition
tries to communicate with us
it’s very important to listen to it
and be guided by it …
P.s.: ….Facebook sucks Ass… never got into it …and never will ….
Have a good Show….!!!
[quote comment="63186"][quote comment="63170"]One question however, Jackson Triggs site says no photography…anyone know if they are firm on this?[/quote]
dsboz… this quote is taken directly from the Jackson Triggs FAQ:
“CAN I TAKE PICTURES OF THE SHOW? No. Cameras, video cameras and any other sound or image-recording devices are all strictly forbidden in amphitheatres. If you bring one in and attempt to use it you may be asked to leave the amphitheatre. Any photos taken may be confiscated and destroyed. (Resistance is futile!).”
[/quote]
So.. does that apply to cell phones as well? I think it’s silly, with all the new phones they for the most part come with a camera. Are they going to stop allowing people to bring cell phones to concerts?
Your fiction is a treat and your facts are breath of fresh air to a polluted media. You know, no matter what you decide to do, you will always have a large gathering supporting you. I believe we would all benefit from you doing something that you enjoy, as attitude always seems to shine through in writing.
I agree with Patrick. The show on Saturday will be amazing!! I can’t wait. And some more fiction, I think, would certainly be well received. In these times of “reality” everything, some interesting stories would be so refreshing. Hope you feel a little inspired by the setting on Saturday.
When travelling I take the non-aerosol shaving cream - beats the explosions and the mess.
On past works: maybe there is something to be said for just “taping it to the fridge” for a few weeks and then chucking it. On a similar note, I just read a newspaper article (see link below from NY Times) about the woman who is in possession of Franz Kafka’s unpublished, unreleased work. I guess his wish was for all the stuff to be burned when he died - but sounds like it was holed away somewhere by Max Brod and it then made it’s way into the hands of an acquaintance of his. I have mixed feeling about poking around in something the author wanted destroyed - and I think it’s unethical of them to be trying to squeeze some money out of these works.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/18/world/18kafka.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=kafka papers&st=cse&oref=slogin
Why do those singles commercials remind me of those shitty TV dinners with the salisbury steak and the mashed taters that you could hammer a nail with?
Matt- I think it’s safe to say that the majority of your fans feel the same way…… You’ve given us more than most performers/writers and we’re just glad to be along for the ride.
If the ride changes, rest assured, we’ll be in line waiting to buy tickets for the new one.
Yeah we’re fans. Yeah we spend our money on your stuff. But I really don’t think any of us are under the asinine impression that we’re “owed something” from you.
We don’t live your life. You do.
Dear Mr. Good,
I came to your blog a few weeks ago only through your music. I am a first time blogger, and spend little time surfing the web. Social networking sites generally hold little interest, just as “live” social networking holds little interest. I don’t watch tv (I have a 60 inch whatever - the kids enjoy it) - read international newspapers in some format (hard or soft) as much as possible. A visit to your site offers a fresh, intelligent approach to world events, an approach apparently unencumbered by money / religion / culture / your own politics. I find your commentaries most interesting (less so on the personal stuff, but I think the ladies like it….).
Given that you are an artist, you will do what you will do, and we will watch, and wait, and be grateful - whatever you do.
I loved your fiction! The Magic Goats of Presto Island is my favourite of your short stories. I would love it if you wrote more fiction again.
The more I think about the more I’d probably end up drifitng away from your blog if all you ever wrote about was politics. The fun part about seeing a new entry is I don’t know if it’s about the horros in Darfur or that your dogs had a good day.
That’s entertainment - always leave them wanting more… right?
I just received “at last there is nothing left to say” litterally 2 hours ago through the mail. I haven’t cracked the spine yet. I’m waiting to curl up with it after work today. Can’t wait…..
I also hope one day to learn how to spell.
[/quote] So.. does that apply to cell phones as well? I think it’s silly, with all the new phones they for the most part come with a camera. Are they going to stop allowing people to bring cell phones to concerts?[/quote]
My thinking exactly, so I just called Jackon Triggs and they told me that they will not confiscate any cameras but pictures are allowed ONLY if the performer agreees. Soooooo it’s all up to Matt!
So Matt, how about it? Can we please take pictures? Pretty please with sugar on top?
tracy(L)… I meant to quote you on my last post but I messed it up…
[quote comment="63181"]
Sidenote-
I hope it at least stops raining for tomorrow, I’m not looking forward to moving from Coquitlam to Downtown in the pouring rain. =([/quote]
I never thought that Tarps and Umbrellas would play such an important role in my life until I moved to Vancouver. Good luck with the move.
[quote comment="63225"][/quote] So.. does that apply to cell phones as well? I think it’s silly, with all the new phones they for the most part come with a camera. Are they going to stop allowing people to bring cell phones to concerts?[/quote]
My thinking exactly, so I just called Jackon Triggs and they told me that they will not confiscate any cameras but pictures are allowed ONLY if the performer agreees. Soooooo it’s all up to Matt!
So Matt, how about it? Can we please take pictures? Pretty please with sugar on top?[/quote]
Good work! Thanks for the update! Ill bring mine just in case.
Ill post the shots (provided they let me) once available =)
See you there! =)
[quote comment="63234"][quote comment="63225"][/quote] So.. does that apply to cell phones as well? I think it’s silly, with all the new phones they for the most part come with a camera. Are they going to stop allowing people to bring cell phones to concerts?[/quote]
My thinking exactly, so I just called Jackon Triggs and they told me that they will not confiscate any cameras but pictures are allowed ONLY if the performer agreees. Soooooo it’s all up to Matt!
So Matt, how about it? Can we please take pictures? Pretty please with sugar on top?[/quote]
Good work! Thanks for the update! Ill bring mine just in case.
Ill post the shots (provided they let me) once available =)
See you there! =)[/quote]
Sweet! I’ll post some pics too (provided Matt approves). See ya there!
I think the girls in the singles ads on facebook are all computer generated and don’t really exist. Makes me feel better about my day! Also, just to put my two cents in, I would love to see a post of random fiction on here from time to time. I enjoy your stories and humor. I say fuck it. It’s your website, do what you feel.
Not only are they not single, but they also wouldn’t be members of matchmakers sites if they were.
And, if you come up with some great fiction, post it. Post whatever you want, we’re your fans, so if it comes from your head there’s a good chance we’ll like it.
I’ve long recognized your “urge to delete everything” states, especially on the blog and the flickr… probably because I can relate (I think it’s a bipolar thing, yeah?). I have a couple friends who are the same way. Clean slate, mind constantly searching for new avenues to reinvent some angle of life to look at it a new way, as if one might actually be the magic “ah hah!” answer to some abstract unasked question about life. /my poorly summarized psychoanalysis
Re: your fiction & writing, I loved your manifestos - that was actually what solidified me as a fan. Charmingly Vonnegutesque. You have an infinite talent and an eager market. If not here, make a secret alter-ego ‘blogspot’ blog. Publish another book!
Bummer about your shaving cream. Looking forward to a minty fresh show in Bflo tonight! Can’t wait to hear your inevitable banter about the election (Obama08!).
Your fiction is brilliant and refreshing. You are a genius and should be rich strictly from your stories.
More Dear San Diego please! ! !
Keep dreaming of a field full of happy pandas!…
Mint is a great smell but sucks that it exploded in your bag.
Your fiction is great but when you feel inspired to write something about what’s going on in the world you have to. Someone has to say something.
with the whole facebook thing I have to do the oposite because not all guys out there are great catches you know. Have to find a defense for some of the jerks and assholes out there.