Hello, welcome to the Phile for a Friday. So... I guess Manchester united has a whole different meaning now. In case you have been living under a rock this last week and don't know, twenty-two people were killed and 59 were injured in a suicide bombing at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England last Monday. As residents of the English city were left reeling in the wake of this unimaginable tragedy, the people of Manchester are coming together to help one another. And there was an outpouring of compassion and love on social media for the victims and for all of Manchester. Of course, there were others who began condemning Muslims in general, which is ignorant, hateful, and unhelpful. A woman who goes by @hannawwh on Twitter witnessed the terrorist attack, and tweeted, "I can't believe it, I'm heartbroken, I'm so sorry to all the families who have lost loved ones and to all those injured." Someone else, clearly Islamophobic, referenced her tweet, writing, "This is what happens when you let muslims in your country." The tweet has since been deleted. The woman's response to him has now gone viral, garnering almost 9,000 retweets and 20,000 likes. She wrote, "It was a Muslim who pulled up in his taxi and drove us home to safety. A very compassionate man who was also terrified yet helped others." Twitter is great for letting people share thoughts and ideas, but it's also such a perfect tool for spreading hate and ignorance. Fortunately, the hateful bigots usually seem to be outnumbered.
Over a weekend in May, the Internet blew up over a frightful video of a girl getting snatched by a sea lion and dragged into the water off a dock in Canada. Now, reports of a "hazardous infection" called "seal finger" are making the collective heart of the Internet skip another beat. As initial news that everyone walked away from the incident uninjured reached Twitter, most of the Internet felt comfortable making light-hearted jokes and memes out of the striking incident. "Harambe," "this is so me," and "United Airlines LOL" took over for the day. But not everyone was joking about it. According to the BBC, a staff member at the Vancouver Aquarium gave an interview regarding the sea lion attack, urging the family to get in touch so they could treat the little girl for a condition known as "seal finger." Apparently, seals and sea lions carry harmful bacteria in their mouths. It can cause an infection if the animal breaks the skin, which the BBC describes as a "painful and potentially serious condition" that causes cellulitis and joint inflammation. If untreated, according to ABC News, it can even lead to the "loss of fingers or limbs." This isn't so funny anymore, right? Fortunately for everyone who's now feeling bad about laughing at the incident, the family got in touch with the Vancouver Aquarium after hearing from their staff in interviews, and is now getting treatment, according to NBC News. BBC reports that the girl indeed suffered a four inch wound from the sea lion's bite. The little girl's father also spoke out in an interview with the CBC, praising her grandfather for jumping so quickly to the rescue. "We didn't expect the video to go viral," he added, saying the family is "quite disturbed by it." In the end though, the Vancouver family is just glad that their little girl is safe... and getting the necessary medical attention. "I could have gone organizing a funeral by now rather than doing interview."
Every year, the best and brightest students across the country distinguish themselves with crafty ways to sneak NSFW, violent, or otherwise uncouth quotes into the yearbook. Going viral today is one crafty senior, who used "The Office" to make her feelings about school unequivocally known.
Amber's quote was a timestamp, pointing to an episode of "The Office" called "Garage Sale." The school censors either had a great sense of humor or no one would let them borrow a Netflix password to find the quote. "Should have burned this place down when I had a chance." The full quote, in context, "No, I am not going to be proposed to in the break room. That is not going to be our story. Should have burned this place down when I had a chance." Not that the context is important at all, but it's a good show. And a better quote. Congrats to all you crafty grads.
An honors student at Hickory Ridge High School in Harrisburg, North Carolina won't be allowed to walk at her upcoming graduation, and all because of a shirt she wore to school last week. Yes, folks, we've got another crazy dress code story. (This one really seems like an overreaction, if you ask me.)
According to NBC Charlotte, the student, named Summer, wore a green off-the-shoulder top to school last Wednesday, that showed some of her shoulders and back. According to Summer, the school's principal came up to her while she was eating lunch and asked her if she had a jacket. Summer told the principal that she thought her shirt was "fine," but she borrowed a jacket from a friend anyway. Summer told NBC Charlotte that even after she put on and "zipped up" the jacket, the principal requested that she go to the school's control room and change her clothes entirely. The shirt in question...
Summer said that she and the principal have had their fair share of issues over the years, and recently, her mother requested that the school call her before any disciplinary action is taken against her daughter. So, when the principal asked Summer to go to the control room and change she said, "I apologize, I can't go anywhere with you unless my mom is called." After neither Summer or the principal could get her mom on the phone, the situation really got out of hand. Summer says the period ended, so she went off to a school assembly. The principal came in and ordered everyone but her to leave. And she had a school security guard with her. Summer told NBC Charlotte that the principal said to her, "I'm gonna give you an ultimatum. We have tried to call your mother. You either come with me to the control room to change your shirt or we will arrest you." Arrest her?! Over a shirt?! Summer says the security guard was about to handcuff her when her mom called back. She ended up going to the control room with school administrators, where she was informed that she was being suspended from school for 10 days and barred from all senior activities, including graduation. Seems a little harsh for a top that showed her shoulders, no? "It's just sad because I worked so hard for four years to walk across that stage," Summer told NBC Charlotte. "We have drug dealers walking across that stage, we have sex offenders walking across that stage and then the 4.4 student who showed her shoulders can't." Summer has also received a full scholarship to a major university, and now worries that may be in jeopardy. Let's hope Summer and her school can get this all sorted out soon.
On Wednesday, Donald Trump met with Pope Francis... while Sean Spicer fumed that he didn't get an invitation, according to CNN. "Spicer assumed he would be on the list," according to an unnamed "administration official," who said the Catholic Spicer has a "bucket list" of things he wants to do as press secretary. On that list? Meeting the Pope. Not on that list? Being mocked mercilessly for wearing the wrong tie. Guess which one he's checked off so far? At the papal meeting—attended by Melania, Ivanka, Jared Kushner, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and national security adviser H.R. McMaster—water turned to memes as the world laughed and laughed at some tremendously awkward photo ops.But imagine how much more hilarious Spicer would have made it.
Picture Spicer on the right... bumbling about the Young Pope. Said a White House source to CNN, "Wow. That's all he wanted." The fact that Spicer didn't get to see the Pope should "very much" reflect on the president's view of him. This might be the only time that liberals/anyone has ever felt bad for Sean Spicer. Maybe next time, Spicy.
It's very odd that the White House released an inspirational poster with that pic by the way.
Not many people are talking about the other people that joined the group photo after that one was taken.
Fantastic. When I saw this by the way...
It reminded me of something. And then it hit me...
Actually, no it didn't. Hahahaha. Hey, did you see Trump grabbed another pussy?
It is not all bad news for Trump on his European tour... someone has a crush on him I think.
You know what I think is cool... when geeks protest. Check it out...
Resistance may be futile when you're going up against the Borg, but against Trump, it can be very, very powerful. Most of you know that I pretty much just wear shorts and t-shirts every day but if tis was the 70s I would be wearing this...
This is also a reminder that people used to think badminton was cool enough that it should be part of an underwear ad. Alright, so, I don't know if you know but in a few weeks I will be posting two Phile entries from an Amtrak train. I am gonna ride the train down to Hollywood, Florida and I thought it'll be fun to post from there... don't ask me why. Anyway, I don't know what the trip would be like but I hope it's not like this Tren a las Nubes, which means Train to the Clouds in Argentina.
The Tren a las Nubes is a touristic train service in Salta Province, Argentina. The service runs along the eastern part of the C-14 line of the Ferrocarril General Manuel Belgrano, connecting the Argentine Northwest with the Chilean border in the Andes mountain range. At over 4,220 meters (13,850 ft) above mean sea level, it's the third highest railway in the world. Originally built for economic and social reasons, it is now primarily a tourist attraction as a heritage railway. The railway line has 29 bridges, 21 tunnels, 13 viaducts, 2 spirals, and 2 zigzags. Because of the design decision not to use a rack-and-pinion system for traction, the route had to be designed to avoid steep grades. The zigzags allow the train to climb, traveling back and forth parallel to the slope of the mountain. No fucking way. Alright, now from the home office in Port Jefferson, New York, here is...
Top Phive Things Overheard At Trump's Meeting With Pope Francis
5. I can bring my attorney into the confessional, right?
4. I'm telling you... Trump-branded communion wafers would be the greatest thing to hit Catholicism in 2,000 years!
3. So after I got Miss Universe alone, I... but why am I telling you? You know how it is, you're famous, they don't stop you...
2. Love the Sistine Chapel... it's like a smaller version of my New York apartment!
And the number one thing overheard at Trump's meeting with Pope Francis was...
1. I'm glad you replaced that Pope Benedict... he was crazy, a real nut job, am I right?
Me: Hey, Ollie, welcome back to the Phile. How are you?
Ollie: I'm pretty good, Jason.
Me: Okay, so, tell us your jokes and I hope you are funny.
Ollie: What is the biggest lie in the entire universe?
Me: Biggest lie in the entire universe? I have so many answers I can say. What is it?
Ollie: I have read and agree to the Terms of Service.
Me: Huh? I kinda get it. Not that funny, Ollie. Try again.
Ollie: What did the boy with no arms and no legs get for Christmas?
Me: Hmmm. I don't know. What?
Ollie: Cancer.
Me: Fuck, Ollie. That is really bad. You can tell one more joke, and that is it.
Ollie: Why was six afraid of seven?
Me: Ha! I know this one... Barenaked Ladies wrote a song about it. Because seven ate nine.
Ollie: No. It wasn't. Numbers are not sentient and thus incapable of feeling fear.
Me: Ugh! Ollie, get outta here! Ollie Tabooger, the guy who doesn't know how to tell a joke, everyone. And now for some sad news...
Roger Moore
October 14th, 1927 — May 23rd, 2017
Moore is less.
Adult man Head of State President Donald Trump is at the NATO Leader's summit, as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization is one of the most crucial military alliances of the post-war order. Trump is having so much fun with his new friends he feels comfortable enough to shove one out of the way so he can be the star of the photo opp.
It's even more damning in a screen shot. Look at his jaw clench and his self-satisfied grin once he achieved his goal. It's not just anyone he shoved, it's Duško Marković, the Prime Minster of Montenegro, the newest NATO member. Look at the shove-ee's face as the tiny hand approacheth... we wouldn't be surprised if Trump slapped him on the ass on his way through.
This is the kindergartener who never learned to share and will be the line leader after recess at all costs.Alec Baldwin really does an impeccable impression of him... in The Boss Baby.
The 60th book to be pheatured in the Phile's Book Club is...
Phile Alum and author will be a guest on the Phile in a few weeks.
Today's guest is the lead singer for the band Polar Waves whose new CD "No One Needs Help Anymore" pheaturing the hit single "Stoner" is available on iTunes. Please welcome to the Phile... Julio Duran.
Me: Hey, Julio, welcome to the Phile. How are you?
Julio: Doing good! Thanks for having me.
Me: So, anybody ever call you Julio Duran Duran?
Julio: You bet. By the way, “Duran, as in the band” is what I tell bartenders when I’m closing my tab. Works every time.
Me: Haha. Anyway, I have to say I love your band and the album "No One Needs Help Anymore." You must be proud of it, right?
Julio: Thank you! Absolutely, extremely pleased that we had the chance to make a great record.
Me: Julio, you're from Chile, right? What part?
Julio: Yes! Chilean AF. Born and raised in The Big Grape, Santiago, Chile. I think I just coined that term.
Me: Where do you live now?
Julio: I’m lucky to say I live in gorgeous Athens, Georgia.
Me: So, how did you get from Chile to Georgia?
Julio: I moved to L.A. about 10 years ago and did a little studying at UCLA (Go Bruins). Then, moved to mighty South Jersey and lived between there and Philadelphia for a few years. Then, packed up and made northern California my home for the next 4 years. It was unbelievably inspiring, but I was bleeding money and made the move to Athens to make a record called "No One Needs Help Anymore."
Me: Why Georgia of all places?
Julio: I’ve always been curious about the south and its culture, food and arts. I love the people here.
Me: Are you a Falcons fan, Julio?
Julio: Nope. I’m a 49ers guy. Jim Harbaugh is one of my biggest sports idols. I did root for the dirty birds in the Superbowl though. It was, as you may know, heartbreaking.
Me: Oh, I know. Trust me. How long have you been here in the states?
Julio: It’ll be 10 years in September.
Me: Do you get to back to Chile often?
Julio: I try to take to make it out there once a year, but I was fortunate enough to spend 6 weeks back in Dec/Jan. Visiting Chile is one of my favorite things in life.
Me: So, what made you decide to move, Julio?
Julio: Why do we move, as people, though? Curiosity. Opportunity. Love.
Me: So, how old were you when you started to play guitar?
Julio: In 4th grade. Still remember as if it was yesterday.
Me: What were your influences, Julio? I am guessing you listened to a lot of classic rock. Any Foghat?
Julio: "Slow Ride," man. My childhood was basically me listening to all the rock available from 1967 to 1972. Beach Boys, Doors, Hendrix, CCR, Zeppelin, Pink Floyd. Also a lot of jazz, 80s metal and Nirvana. Kravitz. Too many to name. But there’s also a lot of contemporary rock bands I look up to.
Me: Did you want to be a singer or a musician for a long time?
Julio: Yes, I always had so much fun playing the guitar in my room at my parents’ house. Then, jamming with friends, going to shows, writing songs. It’s my thing. Tried the whole office job thing, but never truly felt right.
Me: Alright, I have to ask, where did the band name Polar Waves come from?
Julio: Me and my buddies were having a bunch of drinks one cold Santiago night, maybe a few years ago. I think there was a polar vortex underway. As the night went by, we opened the windows to smoke cigarettes and started playing a few of my old tunes and jamming a little bit. I called that music night the Polar Wave Sessions, which later morphed into Polar Waves.
Me: Did you have any other name picked out?
Julio: Not really, Polar Waves sounded like a natural fit.
Me: Who else is in the band, Julio?
Julio: We’re going through a few lineup changes right now. We want to make sure we hit the road with the best personnel possible. More to come.
Me: I love the single "Stoner" from the album. So, are you a stoner? You don't have to answer that. Haha.
Julio: Glad you like it! You bet. I’m a proud 21st Century stoner. The song talks about self-discovery and finding your place in today’s world. I think that’s pretty stony, right?
Me: Yeah, I guess. Like I said I love the album "No One Needs Help Anymore." That's not true... I need help. where did that title come from?
Julio: Ha! Well, I’ve always felt that some of the solutions we have developed to face certain problems or limitations are kind of backfiring a bit. For example, I’m glad I can stay in touch with friends and family through my phone. Or send a quick joke to my buddy in Santa Monica. But people are getting way too comfortable with this amazing technological advancement... people are getting out of touch with their true feelings. Technology has empowered us, making us more independent, but vulnerable.
Me: You have a song on the album called "Philadelphia Downtown Club." What was the inspiration about that song?
Julio: Philadelphia is a town I hold in my heart. I lived off Rittenhouse Square in a gorgeous brownstone. My cousin was getting married one freezing February night at the Philadelphia Down Town Club, and at the time, I was going through a sticky patch. But even though I had a lot of bad stuff happening to me, that night was one of the best nights of my life. That song honors the feelings of celebration, optimism and burying the hatchet. I think making peace is one of the most underrated and overlooked actions, ever.
Me: And there's a song called "Adventureland." Is that song about the land at Disney World? Ever been to Disney?
Julio: I love Disney! But "Adventureland" is just another word for our planet.
Me: Did you write all the songs on the album?
Julio: I wrote all the lyrics and most of the music, but my buddy Ben (who plays bass and lead guitars on the record) and I collaborate on a few tunes of his.
Me: Does songwriting come easy for you?
Julio: I probably have 2 to 3 song ideas pop in my mind every day. It could go from a chord progression, to a vocal line, from a verse to a song concept. Unfinished, raw material. I try to write them down so I can work on them later, when I feel ready to have a sit down. Most of them turn to smoke, but the ones that stick are the ones I try my hardest to turn into full-blown songs.
Me: Where did you meet the other guys in the band?
Julio: I was so lucky to have Ben fly in from Chile to lay down the bass and lead guitar tracks. We’ve known each other since high school. Then, I was lucky to find Andrew (drummer) through a UGA pal. These guys are talented musicians, and good people.
Me: They are not from Georgia?
Julio: Ben’s born and raised in Chile. Andrew is a Missouri transplant. Midwestern kid.
Me: What does your family think of your music?
Julio: I can feel how everyone is proud to support good sounding music that comes from the heart. Everyone is a Polar Waves fan.
Me: Do you guys play a lot of shows?
Julio: So far, we’ve had one show, and it was at the legendary 40 Watt in Athens. Had a blast! We look forward to hitting the road this year, and playing as many shows as humanly possible.
Me: Do you think you'll be playing in Florida?
Julio: I was literally in Panama City Beach these last month, pre-Spring Breaking. I’d love to have the band play in Florida. Fort Lauderdale, St Petes/Tampa, Orlando, love the scene down there.
Me: What kinda guitar do you play?
Julio: I own a ’96 Fender Jagstang, a ’98 Gibson Flyin’ V, my childhood Yamaha Strat and a couple acoustics.
Me: I have to mention the album was produced by John Keane who has produced REM and Widespread Panic. How did you get so lucky in getting him, Julio?
Julio: We were indeed very lucky and fortunate to have John agree to work with us. Credit to us, we did try hard to convince him of our project. The night before our arranged meeting, we recorded an acoustic set at my house. We wanted to make sure he understood our vision and our goals. And from our very first meeting, there was good chemistry between him and us. He’s extremely dedicated, a true perfectionist without being neurotic, and we had the energy, discipline and drive to make a great sounding record.
Me: Did he have any good stories?
Julio: I’m positive that he has the craziest stories of him with Stipe, Buck, Mills and Berry, but we never really wanted to open that door. Everyone was very professional and focused on making the best record possible. One night, though, he had to cut the session short because he was gonna play with Widespread Panic at the Classic Center in a few hours. No big deal.
Me: That's cool. Okay, I have to tell you that one of my favorite things about having this blog is meeting bands and hearing new music; your album and band are one of my favorites. Will you come back on the Phile again soon?
Julio: Heck yes! Thanks for the shout out!
Me: Go ahead and mention your website and anything you want to and I wish you continued success. All the best. I hope this was fun.
Julio: It’s been fun! The record dropped on 3/3. You can find it on Amazon, iTunes and Spotify. You can also order a physical copy through the website (polarwaves.com). Happy shopping!
Me: Great job, Julio.
That about does it for this entry of the Phile. Thanks to Julio for a great interview. I love that album. The Phile will be back on Monday with Marc Morello from Exist Among. Spread the word, not the turd. Don't let snakes and alligators bite you. Bye, love you, bye.
Not if it pleases me. No, you can't stop me, not if it pleases me. - Graham Parker
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