Alright, so I came home and turned on the computer. I was in a wonderful mood, until I began to read my friends page, that is. I did not need to read that today! As of recently, I've become a real fan of The Ramones. Although I am a fairly new fan of the band, reading about Johnny's death was painful. Not just because I like The Ramones, but so many people I know - off and online - are hardcore Ramones fans, and fans of punk in general. The community has lost another Punk Legend, and is now morning its loss.
In light (or dark, perhaps) of Johnny's passing, a number of other things come into my mind. For one thing, now that Johnny is gone, that's three Ramones down, people. Three members of The Ramones have died in the past 5 or so years. This is irony in its most un-amusing state. Three punk legends just disappeared from existence in such a small period of time. Now, I wouldn't say that it's a depressing as it was with all but one of the original members of Lynard Skynard or Buddy Holly, but this still pretty awful.
Speaking of punk legends, who are they? The Ramones had to be, right? They pretty much gave birth to the genre itself. Though, it could be argued that, a band such as The Who could have been the first punk band. They were the leaders of a movement, and a lot of the lyrics from their earlier songs resembled punk lyrics. Still, even though The Who had a huge punk influence, The Ramones are pretty much regarded as the first, or one of the first, punk bands. This alone could mean that they were legends of punk.
In addition, not only were they one of the first punk bands, they were one of the best, too. The so-called punk bands of today can't even touch the level of greatness that The Ramones and a number of their contemporaries did. They had simple songs with clear messages, which we're performed with pure passion in a most punk rock fashion. They uplifted and inspired many and did a very good job. That is defiantly punk legend material in my opinion.
Does anyone else care to add to this? Do you agree or disagree? Does anyone else care to express his or her feelings about another punk band that could be considered legendary? I'm really curious about this now; it's exciting!
I should probably explain the cause of my previous elated state as well. To be frank, it's because of school. It's shocking, I know, but it's the truth. For once in my life, I look forward to waking up at 6:30 in the morning to get ready for another school day. My mom said I was starting to develop a fever last night, and I literally prayed for it to go away so I wouldn't have to stay home sick from school. Is this abnormal for someone my age? If it is I don't really care. I couldn't have hopped for a better start to a school year.
For one thing, all of my classes are really good. World History, Philosophy, Physics and Vocal Music all in the same day. My World History and Philosophy classes are in the same room, and my Physics and Vocal classes are next door to each other. I am pretty much static the entire day, and it's very convenient. One of the many pluses of this year so far.
Even though I miss my teachers from last year, Mr. Deputat in particular, my teachers this semester are spectacular. Miss Wan, my civics teacher from last year, is as quirky as she was the last time. At first, I thought that I wouldn't like the class as much as I would if Deputat was teaching it, but I was wrong. There are some really smart kids in that class, and Ms. Wan is pretty laid back. Not as laid back as Deputat, but I still feel very comfortable with her as my teacher. She lets me speak my mind, do my own thing, and allows me to enjoy being in "my zone" as much as possible, since History is my best subject.
Then there is Philosophy class, which is taught by Ms. McClaren. I expected that Mr. Kerr (Now a guidance counselor) would be teaching this when I signed up, but got her instead. It was no problem, though. I really like her! She's as much as a culture geek as I am, and she can quote Python ad naseum. She teaches two other subjects besides Philosophy, too, and she has a huge background in Art History. (She worked at the AGO, if I'm not mistaken, for a while.) I really admire her versatility as a teacher and a person.
Physics class is… fucked up. Not in a bad way, per se, but in more of a "WOAH, TRIPPY AS HELL, MAN," sort of way. Due to the fact that this is when the medication starts to wear off. I think the teacher has something to do with it, too. Ah yes, 'tis Mr. Doucette. A police officer, turned psych major, turned chemistry major, turned physics teacher. His IQ is probably high enough for him to join Mensa, if he is not a member of Mensa already. He wrote and reviewed parts of the textbook we're using, too. Defiantly the most enigmatic teacher I've ever had. I respect him a lot, and he respects and puts up with me a lot, too.
Vocal Class is not only the class I get to sing in, but learn how to salsa dance in, too! It's a hilarious class. Mr. B is extremely sarcastic and demands respect. Like me in a way. He's been my choir director for two years, but this is the first time I've had him as a teacher. It's the best way to end the day, vocal class. You should see him with the Alto's, though. Those Alto's are just not up to par at all, and he's just so determined to bring them up to where the sopranos and basses (my section!) are. It's painfully hilarious to watch.
That's enough journaling for one day, you think? I could say more, but I have other stuff to do.