Genesis 1:29

If you're among the lucky, today is a bonus extension of the weekend, so use some of your extra time to be proactive and create. Using any outdoor space you have access to, take an hour or two to pot some plants. Ornamental gardening is nice, but if possible, planting some consumables is even better. It doesn't have to be anything fancy. Even if you are just growing herbs in a terra cotta jar, there is something so much more rewarding when you add that taste to you dinner, knowing that you nurtured it with your own hands. City dwellers, you can do this too, provided you have even minimal access to some outside space--a porch, patio, rooftop or balcony. Tomatoes can be grown in large containers, though admittedly, they taste better when grown out of the ground. Hot peppers are definitely doable in a city garden. (Last year, I harvested so many scotch bonnets that I was giving them away to virtually anyone stupid enough visit my apartment. I ate them with every dinner, destroyed my tongue and couldn't pet my cats for weeks because the scorching heat stuck to my fingers for hours afterward, and usually into the next day, no matter how hard I scrubbed.) Even strawberries can be done in a super large window box. For those of you with no outdoor space to use, I have seen those hydroponic herb gardens flourish in many a dark, dank city apartment.

A garden will require some time each day for proper maintenance to ensure maximum yield. Especially if you are growing in containers, you will probably have to water twice a day, though it will take some time to figure out exact water levels for each of you plants. Remember to read the tag carefully for sun exposure and how large a container you need. If your plants need upkeep like deadheading or pruning, make sure that you keep on top of that. Proper drainage is key as well; a layer of stones can be used for pots without holes in the bottom. We would also encourage you to ask the nursery where you are buying your plants for their recommendations on soil additives like bonemeal, peat or manure and plant food. Though sometimes costly, they will significantly improve your harvest, both in terms of quality and quantity.

Numerous are the benefits of growing your own food. From a 75 cent plant, you can gather a significant amount of basil that you would have to buy at the supermarket. Pesto junkies, listen up, this is a serious monetary consideration. By growing your own produce, you also get control what goes into it. No more genetically engineered, wax and pesticide drenched veggies for you. Also, just as with buying from local farmer's markets, home grown food requires significantly less transportation, thereby reducing its carbon footprint.

Remember that this is supposed to be a fun project. If this is your first time gardening, start small. There is no point in overwhelming yourself with plants that you have difficulty maintaining or in taking on so many plants that you are stressed out. A few pots of pansies and a couple of herbs are an excellent way to test out your green thumb. Here are a few resources that you can use to help you along your way. Don't be intimidated by some of the amazing city gardens linked. Like any hobby, it takes years to be as proficient as some of these masters. Patience, grasshopper.

National Gardening Association
Better Homes and Gardens
New York City Garden
My City Garden (Jersey City)

Checkerboard Charity

The crossroads of music and activism is among our favorite topics here at I Hope You're not Squeamish. So we are pleased to present to you Skanking and Moshing for a Cause. Out of King of Prussia, PA, 18 year old Evan Garo (sometimes Phoenix) is keeping basement shows alive in the suburbs and, as their name suggests, proceeds from all their events and releases are dedicated to charity. In his senior year of high school, Evan held two shows in his parents' basement to complete his senior graduation project. The money made from one went to help his folks purchase a ramp for Evan's wheelchair bound father, who has Multiple Sclerosis. The other show's door fees, $350, were donated to the National M.S. Society. Last month, Skanking and Moshing for a Cause put out a 26 song benefit cd featuring tracks by 26 different bands, many of them from the Philly area and a decent amount picked from Garo's own backyard in the suburbs west and north of the city.

This is exactly what we love to see. Young people keeping it local, trying to put something positive together using the resources available to them, and then turning around and reinvesting in society instead of themselves. Evan is passionate about DIY shows and said that there are a few halls and churches out near him that are supportive of homegrown music, but the events are usually indie rock or cover band oriented. By hosting the event himself, Garo can make sure that punk and ska bands can have a well coordinated, smooth running event that draws a decent crowd. Skanking/Moshing hopes to book other events in the future, this time setting their sights on the plight of child soldiers in Africa. He admits that he is aiming high, but is quick to point out that even his small contribution affects the kids who go to his shows and hopefully that effect ripples out.

Garo and Skanking and Moshing for a Cause balances high hopes with measure of realistic goals and pragmatism. While he wants to book benefit shows at bars and real clubs, he is willing to book shows in basements, even his own, for as long as it takes for the word to spread. His sampler is a homemade CD-R and the art is photocopied 'zine style, but he has aspirations for a second benefit disc with more professional presentation. His PMA is pretty inspiring. And its contagious. Based solely on some limited web promotion and word of mouth, the shows that Skanking/Moshing threw brought together well over a dozen bands (over the two nights, all of which donated their time and talent), a couple of hundred dollars that was donated to charity, and gave 50 or so kids something positive to do with their weekend. Not too shabby for an 18 year old kid trying it out for the first time.

The best part is, the music is not even terrible. Garo's tastes obviously are weighted towards the ska and reggae inspired punk and he manages to avoid the terrible, terrible hardcore that dominates so many basement shows. Not every band on the benefit CD is a winner, but there were some nice surprises in there, with a couple of two-tone styled bands that obviously know the history of their sub genre, and can really play tunes that are genuinely rockin' steady. If you don't like horns, this sampler isn't going to be for you, but with an open mind, and only 5 bucks that will be donated to a good cause, you can hear a couple of bands that will be playing (and some that already do), legitimate venues in Philly. In particular, be on the lookout for the Sheckies, the Mahlors and the Heavy Beat, all featured on the Skanking/Moshing comp, at a club/basement near you.

We wish Skanking and Moshing for a Cause the best of luck. For an organization that is still just a puppy with room to grow, they seem to have a pretty good head on their shoulders. We here at I Hope You're not Squeamish can't wait to see what else Evan and his crew of bands are able to put together in the future. Please check out their myspace page for more information on upcoming shows, releases and other charitable events. Also, we will second Skanking/Moshing's suggestions that you support both the National MS Society and UNICEF for the freedom of child soldiers in Africa and world wide. Both of these organizations do good work that benefits thousands of people--the victims of these tragic circumstances and their families.

Skanking and Moshing for a Cause

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

UNICEF

Vote for Whoever...

Ok, the primaries are over, so take your damn campaign signs down. Seriously, where is the responsibility of either the candidates or the staff/volunteers that put up these eyesores? You care enough about your community (whether that be local, state or national community) to put up political statements all over the place in hopes that your messiah will get elected to office and fix the problems that are important to you. Ok, I understand that and fully support your freedom of speech. But now that the ballots have been cast and you were either successful or not, take that shit down. You are doing nothing but being a blight on your neighborhood by leaving those cheap cardboard placards around. Or, if you are truly too lazy to undo what you have done, how about creating a job or two by hiring someone to take them down for you? Though personally I think that you are fouling up your town by erecting the signs every foot and a half on the grassy median down the middle of big roads, I'm not trying to be a nazi or anything. You have something to say, so say it. But be an adult and take it down in an appropriate time frame. I'm just sayin'.

Protect Philly Art

Help! Philly's art scene is in desperate need of your help. Several city council members have introduced legislation for approval that would significantly hinder promoter's and venue's efforts to throw low cost, DIY, last minute or informally organized events. While there is nothing inherently wrong with the city council's interest in the safety of its art patrons, the bill goes overboard with regulation to which many of the smaller art galleries and concert spaces could not realistically adhere. The proposed bill would require at least 30 days notice for all events, very stringent regulations on a laundry list of alcohol and security plans, and almost impossible to meet requirements involving contracts between promoters and venues and estimated attendance. All promoters and venues would be affected by the new law and the legislation makes no distinction between large, corporately owned spaces like the Electric Factory, and the smallest of the small bars and promoters like R5 and nontraditional venues like Danger Danger Gallery and Ava House. It would essentially be an end to the Philadelphia art scene as we know it. It would cause a rise in ticket prices, a significant decrease in all ages events (already a major problem in Philly) and an almost probable end in DIY art gatherings and house shows. This is a disaster. Please take the time to read the bill and sign the petition against this major setback to our precious creative forces.

Bill 100267
Petition to Stop Bill 100267
Send emails, letters, faxes and phone calls to bill sponsor Bill Greenlee:
Bill.Greenlee@phila.gov
City Hall, Room 580
Philadelphia, PA 19107-3290
phone: (215) 686-3446, (215) 686-3447
fax: (215) 686-1927

BP Beats Off into the Gulf

Just a few words or thoughts or whatever about the BP oil spill disaster. Mistakes happen, I recognize that, but BP, worth billions upon billions of dollars, has really either slacked or been completely inept when it comes to resolving this crisis. This has left us with not only a natural disaster of epic proportions but also serves to redevestate the economic state of the gulf coast still suffering from the lack of preparation for Katrina.

Where is the outrage? Where are the riots outside BP corporate headquarters? Why are effigies of CEO Tony Hayward not burning in the streets of every major city round the world? As we approach a month after the initial explosion, it is pathetic how little progress has been made to actually stop the oil that is daily raping the Gulf of Mexico with 5000 barrels (or more, potentially much, much more, depending on your source) of crude. While there is little doubt that BP is trying to stop this atrocity, why was there not a plan in place for just such a situation so that an effective solution could be implemented immediately? It is obvious that they are just making it up as they go along, and yet they are not being publicly flogged by the government as they should be. Because these roaches of industry have so much money and political cellulite to push around, they are able to circumvent the efforts of organizations like the EPA and get away with only the minimum amount of safety efforts, and have little to no major disaster plan in place ahead of time. BP seems significantly more concerned with assigning blame to anyone other than themselves and minimizing the perceived impact than they do with taking any actual responsibility for their colossal fuck up. Seriously, if this rig garnered record profits, do you think that BP would give anyone else credit for that, or share the profits with anyone else? Hell no, they would greedily horde that shit for themselves and blow each other in celebration of a job well done. It seems beyond ridiculous that when their genius plan of putting a big box on top of the ejaculating well failed, the next solution suggested was (A) drill another well for relief and (B) plug up the existing well with a combination of rubber and golf balls. REALLY? REALLY. Any safety regulations on that new well by any chance? Or are they more likely just going to build it the same way and rush the job to boot?

If ever there was a wake up call to explore alternative sources of energy, it would seem like this is it, but there is little hope that our country will come together for the common good and actually put such a progressive plan into place. There is just too much money in oil, for both the organizations that control it and for the government agencies that regulate it. Never mind that the first company to successfully initiate a reasonable solar energy plan is going to be rich beyond their wildest dreams. That would take time and we want the money now. What a bunch of rich little spoiled cry babies our country has become. We are a people that feel like we are owed riches, that we are somehow automatically deserving of wealth, that we are entitled to more money than we can ever spend in a lifetime on anything truly worthwhile. We could take our monumental resources and solve so many problems but no, we are more content to selfishly stock pile our wealth Scrooge McDuck style so that we can think about how rich we are as we jerk off. Well congratulations. We have now (again) blown our load all over Mother Earth and left her beauty dripping in our cum. At least we can use all the oil for lube.

Horror Business

Former Misfits frontman Glenn Danzig is bringing his bloated carcass to the Trocodero Saturday, June 19th. Former Misfits guitarist Doyle Wolfgang von Frankenstein's new band will open up and features one time Misfits drummer Dr. Chudd. With this much Misfits blood in one room, one can only assume that they will play a couple of tunes together. However, you will have to sit through some shitty metal band (featuring members of Type O Negative), Gorgeous Frankenstein and Danzig's sets before you get to the encore where they will probably only play four or five 'Fits tunes. If you dig Danzig's solo work, this is probably worth it, but eh...in the last few years, Danzig has become a caricature of himself, looking more and more like Gene Simmons and less and less like the intimidating singer he was even 10 years ago. Plus, there is rarely a Danzig show these days that doesn't feature a buttload of the other Misfits' guys solo projects. The embarrassingly balding yet still devil locked Jerry Only is the only hold up from a full blown reunion and if he could just get over his retarded and misguided sense of self importance, we could get some proper classic sets instead of this abortion. Oh well. Just for kicks, watch Glenny Danzig get knocked the hell out in 2005 by a member of a band he promised, and then denied, an opening slot. Have fun, Fiends!

The Troc
Danzig getting knocked out

How to Clean a Couple O' Things

Here is a golden opportunity for our Philadelphia Squeamies, specifically our Roxborough followers. There is a community clean up day scheduled for this Saturday, May 15 organized by the Roxborough Business Exchange. They are going to cover the main streets through downtown Roxy and then lend a hand to some of the residents who are elderly or handicapped and need assistance with their spring cleaning. This is a great, simple activity that immediately benefits the community, both the residents and the local businesses. Now admittedly, yer pal Mikey Squeamish resides in 19128, so I would reap the benefits of this event's success as much as anyone and more than many, so there is an inherent amount selfish motivation for encouraging everyone out there to ride up to my 'hood and start cleaning. However, if you're not coming out to Roxborough, check out your own neighborhood development group and see what activities you might be able to participate in that would send something back your way. Below are links to just a few that I found on a general search of Philly neighborhood associations.

Roxbourough Development Corporation
South of South Neighborhood Association
Northern Liberties Neighbors Association
Logan Square Neighborhood Association
Society Hill Civic Association
West Passyunk Point Neighborhood Association
Center City Resident's Association
Fairmont Civic Association
Fishtown Neighborhood Association
Old City Civic Association
Norris Square Neighborhood Project
Mt. Airy Neighborhood Association
Manayunk Development Corporation

All of these groups have community clean up days and other beneficial activities organized. Someone in your neighborhood is bringing the community together, you just have to put in a minimal effort to find them and help out. A donation of your time and talents is just as valuable as a monetary one. Take some time and find the organization in your neighborhood and volunteer, even if your contribution is minimal. By taking pride in your neighborhood and giving just a little of yourself, everyone reaps the rewards.

Roxborough Community Clean Up Day

Pop Punk Lettermen

The Varsity Weirdos
Can't Go Home
It's Alive Records, released March 23, 2010

These fine young men out of Canada are crafting some pretty quality tunes in the same vein as, but not a direct copy of, the Guts, the Leftovers and the Copyrights. As evidenced by tracks like "Wanted by the FBI" and "I Hate the Phone," they are at their best when they pick up the pace. Like many pop punk bands (I'm looking at you, Methadones, Mopes, etc.) they suffer on the mid tempo numbers. Stuff like that is really only good to show off how cleanliness of your production, but usually just ends up pulling the momentum of an album down. However, when they do connect, they are swinging for the fences. There are some excellent lead guitars and well executed backing vocals without an overdose of "Whoa, Ohs." Some of these tunes are just so catchy ("Cut Throat," "Disconnected") and, like many bands of their ilk, they have contagious lyrics with just a enough of a hint of pop culture to makes the choruses instantly memorable. The inclusion of early vinyl only tracks on the bonus disc is clutch, as it gives you some background and a little perspective on their development as a band. These cuts are a little rawer, a little more reminiscent of the the Lillingtons' early stuff. When the Riverdales played in Canada, the Varsity Weirdos were called upon to open and Can't Go Home was mastered by Mass Giorgini, both of which are more than appropriate. If the Weirdos can keep it together for another couple of albums, I think that we can look forward to some progressive pop punk, and not just the same Ramones clones over and over again. Catch these guys on their only scheduled U.S. date at the Insubordination Fest in Baltimore, last weekend in June, where they will be joined by the creme de la creme of pop punk from all over the world for a two day extravaganza.

If you find your interest piqued by the Varsity Weirdos, please make your way on over to It's Alive's website and check out some of the other work they have released. Certainly, most of the bands on the label worship at the altar of '90's Lookout stuff, but there is a variety of methods of delivery between most of the bands. Varsity Weirdos is probably in the top five acts on the label, but they have enough artists to keep you busy for a little while finding your personal diamond in the rough. Even though some of their stuff is vinyl only, they always offer a either a cd-r or, more recently, a digital download so you have that shit in your itunes library. Enjoy!

the Varsity Weirdos
It's Alive Records
Insubordination Fest

Follow the Three Way

Ladies and gentlemen, if you will kindly direct your attention to the front of the room. Submitted humbly for your approval is One Life One Chance, a new project headed by H2O front man Toby Morse. The straight edge for life singer has started taking his good, clean fun lifestyle to the kids by doing speaking engagements in classrooms to show an alternative to the drug and alcohol pressures faced by youth. As anyone familiar with the music of the hardcore stalwarts knows, Toby has always used H2O as a chance to spread his message of healthy living. Morse, 40, has yet to take a drink, drag, toke, bump, line, or whatever. Yet he has carefully made sure to never be overly preachy about it, always just making it known that choosing not to smoke, drink or drug has been a positive choice for him. Also, Toby has never insulated himself; from the very beginning, he has been surrounded by the same pressures as anyone else. H2O has been playing shows with Jimmy Gestapo and Murphy's Law for years, and that guy can't even play a 40 minute set without his Jagermeister bottle and a spliff, for Pete's sake. Toby's choice is for real; he means it 'cause he lives it.

One Life One Chance is a 45 minute presentation that chronicles Toby's life growing up in Washington, DC and continues through relocating to NYC and his experience in the punk rock scene. Morse now lives in LA, married with a son. Using a power point slide show, he shows how his lifestyle affected him, both in the immediate and long term senses, and urges kids not to fall victim to peer pressure and to make responsible choices. He not only exposes kids to the straight edge lifestyle, but also touches on the importance of active living and healthy eating habits, including vegetarianism, and the power of positive mental attitude and self image.
Now, we here at I Hope You're Not Squeamish have always believed in the existence of an animal that can indulge in spirits in a responsible and reasonable manner. We can claim no personal allegiance to the straight edge way of life, but we will fully support anyone who is trying to genuinely help people, especially kids. Plus, there is a world of difference between chemically altering yourself because you like it and want to and can handle the consequences, and doing it simply because everyone else is. Take a look at the feedback section on One Life One Chance's website. Some of these kids legitimately have never considered that you can be crazy and wild without partying. Kids do need to be reminded that you truly can be an individual (though it is sometimes scary and you will feel alienated) and that your choices, whatever they may be, shape who you become. We award 27 gold stars to Toby Morse for One Life One Choice and fully encourage you to book him to speak to your class/school/religious group/community group/whatever if you are the kind of person who can arrange such things. Scout's honor, you won't be disappointed.

One Life One Chance
H2O

Now with 75% less Microfilm

This summer, we highly recommend that you revert back to the days of Underoos and go out and get yourself a library card. Not only can you imerse yourself in some fine literature (and stop reading those g.d. Nicholas Sparks "novels." I think that Target must be forcibly stripped of their license to sell the printed word.) but you can also check out some music, rent movies, catch up on periodicals with no subscription fees, enjoy free air conditioning and, perhaps best of all, get yourself some inexpensive education. Most public libraries offer many resources that do not include checking something out at the circulation desk. Now, certainly the size and location of your particular library is going to affect how much or little they offer and on what topics, but usually if your branch isn't offering something interesting, you can check out your county location for some more variety. Here are some of the things that are happening at the Free Library of Philadelphia, just in the two weeks or so:

Seminars for the under- and uninsured
Small Space/City Gardening
Citizenship classes
Poetry Slams for Teens
Programs for developing Financial Responsibility
English as a Second Language
SAT Prep

Some of these are free, some cost a few dollars. Some you have to register in advance, some you can just show up for. None the less, these are viable alternatives to things that are held at much greater cost within the private sphere. Your tax dollars already go to at least partially fund these programs; you should take advantage of these things. Theoretically, once you apply your new knowledge, the minimal registration fees should pay for themselves in the long run. People would be so much less upset at paying taxes if they utilized more of the programs towards which their dollars were funneled. Plus, by educating yourself, you will not only reap the benefits yourself, but so will your community, either by consuming less, creating more, participating more actively, etc. So upgrade your gray matter, 'cause one day it may matter. Bonus points if you are one in a thousand who actually has a hot librarian. (I'm just saying, nerdery is definitely sexy in the right proportions.)

Free Library of Philadelphia
American Library Association

I try not to be one for afterthoughts, but it occurred to me the other day that kids growing up today (and probably even some kids who are already on their way to college, whoa) will never know a true, honest to goodness card catalog. They are doomed to the virtual, digital version forever. I haven't been back to my childhood library in years, but I'll bet the chest of drawers with the oak tag chronicle of volumes is long gone. There was something comforting about the worn note cards where author's names and titles of epic tales were hacked apart due to a lack of physical room on the card. Some of the monikers were badly abbreviated, some were simply divorced of their endings and ended abruptly with a faceless period. Now on my bucket list, my own personal card catalog. --toodles! mikey.