Here is a video from our friend Ryan Noble. He is Canadian, and is going to be featured on Construx from time to time to help us understand our Northern brothers. Enjoy.
Last week, Paul unfolded the topic of our fall from the graces of the Clemente clan. He made a 8 x 11 glossy reference to the preluding event that started our disintegration (below):
"The email was referring to an altercation between Ian and our sister Jill during a past visit to Chicago. The reaction was based on the victim's side of the story and the admonishment that followed was a product of that. The berating and taunting was of Dad's own design."
What follows this week is as close to a step by step analysis of the events of one of the more embarrassing chapters in our sibling livelihood.
As objectively as I can recall, I will list the events of September 1, 2009 that led up to this comical explosion. (Disclaimer- Jill's version of the events may differ):
"The email was referring to an altercation between Ian and our sister Jill during a past visit to Chicago. The reaction was based on the victim's side of the story and the admonishment that followed was a product of that. The berating and taunting was of Dad's own design."
What follows this week is as close to a step by step analysis of the events of one of the more embarrassing chapters in our sibling livelihood.
As objectively as I can recall, I will list the events of September 1, 2009 that led up to this comical explosion. (Disclaimer- Jill's version of the events may differ):
- Jill came out to Chicago to help with my first apartment move
- The discord began as Jill took charge of the packing process and (editorializing here) I believe she thought I was wasting time, coddling Abby and Winnie.
- On August 30th, Paul called to see if she had done anything noteworthy yet, to which I replied that the trip had been very much like normal people. Only hours later, Jill threatened to leave, and did. I called Paul back to admit I had spoken too soon. She returned I believe an hour later and we patched up and went to sleep.
- We eventually moved in on September 1st and when we were done, we went out to actually have fun and experience a bit of Chicago. Sometime beforehand, she had purchased as a surprise housewarming gift a flatscreen tv (fair to note this).
- At a restaurant (ed.) I believe I suggested, she said she wanted local beer, but then noticed $3 Stella Artois pints (a good deal for an average town, great deal for Chicago). I unsuccessfully ordered her different beers to sample, which she choked down obligingly at first, but with great disgust/distaste/discord on her face.
- I went to the bathroom and Jill dumped a pint out the window so she wouldn't have to drink it and so I couldn't. My date told me this, which caused the already taut tension to erupt into a shouting match using indoor voices. Jill left while my date and I stayed for one more beer and then headed to the adjacent club/bar, featuring $1 well drinks (always a fair shake)--this is a completely different story.
- We eventually returned to our apartment, at our leisure (ed.) mostly to make a point that her temper would not disrupt our night.
- Jill was sitting in the lobby waiting to be taken upstairs. I believe this time I told her to leave, which she did only to return moments later and demand her "toiletries" [sic]. I refused to let her in and she continued to knock and shout loudly. Nervous to disrupt the neighbors on our first night, we let her in. My date was in the bathroom and after further arguing, Jill marched that way to collect her toiletries.
- Cued by the timidly shocked expression on my date's face, I charged at Jill and punched her in the back of the head. She collapsed on the bathroom floor and began to (ed.) moan that she was hurt. I kept telling her to leave, my date went to bed, and I called the police to have a noncompliant sister escorted out. While the operator was asking me if I had been drinking (to which I said yes, but it doesn't change the fact that there's someone here who won't leave), Jill exited of her own accord with a look of abject horror on her face.
- The Police arrived and knocked on the door until they woke me up. "Police," they said. "Shhcako poliees?" I asked. And they left.
It's been public knowledge that Ian and I at Construx have had a strained relationship with our parents our whole lives. It's been hard to overcome these trials since they have been compounded over two decades of guilt, emotional abuse, and manipulation. What I intend to recall is the final communication between us and our parents.The entire story can be compared to an onion. It has many layers to it but as you keep peeling you still get a shitty onion.
I can't begin this story at the beginning or it would take place in the early 80's where the genesis of this long cycle of hatred begins, but I can start it at the start of the most recent event . . .
Ian had nicely sent my father an iTunes gift card for his Birthday through the mail. This was significant because its been a long time since his Birthday was recognized due to an unresolved feud or childish grudge. Now in the Clemente household, the joy of giving a gift is trumped by the sinister pleasure of saddling the recipient with the responsibility of a phone call to be thanked. This was such an important tradition growing up that I can recall a majority of family battles beginning with a forgotten or untimely phone call. The phone call was always forced upon us when we were children, our muffled insincere "thanks for the card" could not have given anyone any sense of satisfaction for a thoughtful gift.
Ian's gift was no exception to the rule. Now any father should be moved with paternal pride that his son (who lived over 500 miles away) sent him a nice token of appreciation on his Birthday. This was not the case at all. Our father used this act of generosity for a nice sturdy platform for a judgmental tirade. It was unexpected to say the least.
In case you hate reading we did a formal reenactment of this email.
Here is my version:
The email was referring to an altercation between Ian and our sister Jill during a past visit to Chicago. The reaction was based on the victim's side of the story and the admonishment that followed was a product of that. The berating and taunting was of Dad's own design.
Ian, in turn, shared this email with me and responded with this snarky masterpiece. On a side note if my son ever sends me a communication of this caliber I would probably kill myself.
Again, if you can't/don't want to read it here is a formal reading of this email.
I will always use this response as an example of a complete emotional beatdown. This email was met with no response and Ian being alienated by them, a grudge which currently is being maintained to this very day.
How would you respond to someone who treated you like that? In typical Paul fashion I had to weigh in on this situation and wove a venomous email of my own basically drawing a line in the sand and siding with Ian.
It was these emails (that were never verbally address or replied to) that became the final nail in the coffin to trying to rebuild a relationship with our parents.
Again a reading of the above email.
In all honesty, it's not easy (especially around x-mas) not to have them apart of my life. I have to constantly remind myself of the depressing reality that my life is exponentially easier without the emotional burden they would undoubtedly bring.
What I hope to bring into Part 2 of this is the argument of how much do you tolerate because they are family, the actual romantic concept of family and how we are taught as kids to define it as something that does not exist.
I can't begin this story at the beginning or it would take place in the early 80's where the genesis of this long cycle of hatred begins, but I can start it at the start of the most recent event . . .
Robert Clemente (above) giving his "smug" face. |
Ian's gift was no exception to the rule. Now any father should be moved with paternal pride that his son (who lived over 500 miles away) sent him a nice token of appreciation on his Birthday. This was not the case at all. Our father used this act of generosity for a nice sturdy platform for a judgmental tirade. It was unexpected to say the least.
Click to enlarge |
In case you hate reading we did a formal reenactment of this email.
Here is my version:
The email was referring to an altercation between Ian and our sister Jill during a past visit to Chicago. The reaction was based on the victim's side of the story and the admonishment that followed was a product of that. The berating and taunting was of Dad's own design.
Ian, in turn, shared this email with me and responded with this snarky masterpiece. On a side note if my son ever sends me a communication of this caliber I would probably kill myself.
click to enlarge |
Again, if you can't/don't want to read it here is a formal reading of this email.
I will always use this response as an example of a complete emotional beatdown. This email was met with no response and Ian being alienated by them, a grudge which currently is being maintained to this very day.
How would you respond to someone who treated you like that? In typical Paul fashion I had to weigh in on this situation and wove a venomous email of my own basically drawing a line in the sand and siding with Ian.
click to enlarge |
It was these emails (that were never verbally address or replied to) that became the final nail in the coffin to trying to rebuild a relationship with our parents.
Again a reading of the above email.
In all honesty, it's not easy (especially around x-mas) not to have them apart of my life. I have to constantly remind myself of the depressing reality that my life is exponentially easier without the emotional burden they would undoubtedly bring.
What I hope to bring into Part 2 of this is the argument of how much do you tolerate because they are family, the actual romantic concept of family and how we are taught as kids to define it as something that does not exist.
This is an old tape recorded from the TV. This weekend Ian visited we all got colds, and Ian left Jamestown NY for Chicago (an 8 hour trip) at 1am to be at work by 9am that same morning.
Under the influence of depression, repression, and some regression? Ian does it first (known) bathroom confessional.
Under the influence of depression, repression, and some regression? Ian does it first (known) bathroom confessional.
As promised, here is the first installment of Ian's travels and trials throughout the country as Water Fetcher for the Amazing Acro-Cats (www.circuscats.com). This week finds Ian in Indianapolis after a jaunt at the Indianapolis Fringe Theater.
Ian makes it over to a bar to return some borrowed ketchup and inadvertently walks into a trap! Yes, a beer trap. Perhaps it's those awful trappist monks!
This was done before the "Corrosion" series was realized. This takes place over the course of approximately 8 hours of drinking.
Full panel with this episode! We discuss our Top 5 songs that are our "guilty pleasures" a song that pops up on your iPod that you may not necessarily turn up and roll the windows down on.
Listen or Download Here:
Evil Shero's Top Guilty Pleasures
5) Afroman. Because I Got High
4) The KLF. 3AM
3) King Missle. Detachable Penis
2) LMFAO
1) Justin Timberlake
Ian Insect's Top Guilty Pleasures
5) Neil diamond . Sweet Caroline
5) Neil diamond . Sweet Caroline
4) Onyx. slam
3) blink 182. I miss you
2) bright eyes. Kathy with a K's Song
1) they might be giants.
Joe Depto's Top Guilty Pleasures
5) shinedown .
5) shinedown .
4) Kanye west. My dark beautiful fantasy
3) best coast.
2) Coldplay. Viva la vida
1) amy winehouse. Back in black
Beltloops Magee's Top Guilty Pleasures
5) pet shop boys
5) pet shop boys
4) teagan and Sara
3) disturbed.
2) my chemical romance. Black Parade
1) air supply.
Tonight's show we talk about holograms in music, our favorite concerts, and Britney Spears.
You can listen here:
Beltloops Magee Top 5 Songs from Soundtracks
5. Smashing Pumpkins - Eye - Lost Highway
4. The Cure - Burn - The Crow
3. Kenny Loggins - Danger Zone - Top Gun
2. Meatloaf - Science Fiction Double Feature - Rocky Horror Picture Show
1. Peter Ceterra - Glory of Love - Karate Kid
This show we have the debut of the final FBA member Ian Insect (Clemente) from this site.
We talk about the shocking announcement that Tom Gable from Against Me! came out as transgender and will undergo the process of hormone adjustment to make him a woman. Evil Shero reviews the latest Marilyn Manson album Born Villian. Joe talks about Silversun Pickup's latest offering Neck of the Woods, and Matt Skiba's (Alkaline Trio) solo project.
Then we recap Ian Insects's Top 5 one hit wonders, and the rest of the staff's Top 5 songs from movies. Also, we touch upon how awesome it would be to have the Pink Panther Theme Song to play everytime you poop.
Ian Insect's Top 5 One Hit Wonders
5. T. Rex - Bang a Gong
4. Rocky Bernett - Tired of Towing the Line
3. The Honeycombs - Have I the Right?
2. Liam Lynch - United States of Whatever
1. Edward Collins - A Girl Like You
Ian Insect's Top 5 Songs from Soundtracks
5. The Who - A Quick One While He's Away - Rushmore
4. Jim Varney (as Ernest P. Worrell) - I'm Sure Glad It's Raining - Ernest Goes To Camp
3. Dean Martin & Ricky Nelson - My Rifle, My Pony, and Me - Rio Bravo
2. Nick Cave - People Ain't No Good - Shrek 2
1. Henry Mancini - The Pink Panther Theme - The Pink Panther
Joe Depto's Top 5 Songs from Soundtracks
5. Stiller's Wheel - Stuck in the Middle with You - Reservior Dogs
4. Gary Jules - Mad World - Donny Darko
3. The Pixes - Where is my Mind? - Fight Club
2. Smashing Pumpkins - The End is the Beginning is the End - Batman & Robin/The Watchmen
1. Elliot Smith - Miss Misery - Good Will Hunting
Evil Shero's Top Songs from Soundtracks
5. Geto Boys - Die Motherfucker Die - Office Space
4. Harry Belafonte - Jump in the Line - Beetlejuice
3. Nine Inch Nails - Perfect Drug - Lost Highway
2. Iggy Pop - Passenger - Trainspotting
1. Smashing Pumpkins - The End is the Beginning is the End - Batman & Robin/The Watchmen
We talk about the shocking announcement that Tom Gable from Against Me! came out as transgender and will undergo the process of hormone adjustment to make him a woman. Evil Shero reviews the latest Marilyn Manson album Born Villian. Joe talks about Silversun Pickup's latest offering Neck of the Woods, and Matt Skiba's (Alkaline Trio) solo project.
You can listen to it here:
Then we recap Ian Insects's Top 5 one hit wonders, and the rest of the staff's Top 5 songs from movies. Also, we touch upon how awesome it would be to have the Pink Panther Theme Song to play everytime you poop.
Ian Insect's Top 5 One Hit Wonders
5. T. Rex - Bang a Gong
4. Rocky Bernett - Tired of Towing the Line
3. The Honeycombs - Have I the Right?
2. Liam Lynch - United States of Whatever
1. Edward Collins - A Girl Like You
Ian Insect's Top 5 Songs from Soundtracks
5. The Who - A Quick One While He's Away - Rushmore
4. Jim Varney (as Ernest P. Worrell) - I'm Sure Glad It's Raining - Ernest Goes To Camp
3. Dean Martin & Ricky Nelson - My Rifle, My Pony, and Me - Rio Bravo
2. Nick Cave - People Ain't No Good - Shrek 2
1. Henry Mancini - The Pink Panther Theme - The Pink Panther
Joe Depto's Top 5 Songs from Soundtracks
5. Stiller's Wheel - Stuck in the Middle with You - Reservior Dogs
4. Gary Jules - Mad World - Donny Darko
3. The Pixes - Where is my Mind? - Fight Club
2. Smashing Pumpkins - The End is the Beginning is the End - Batman & Robin/The Watchmen
1. Elliot Smith - Miss Misery - Good Will Hunting
Evil Shero's Top Songs from Soundtracks
5. Geto Boys - Die Motherfucker Die - Office Space
4. Harry Belafonte - Jump in the Line - Beetlejuice
3. Nine Inch Nails - Perfect Drug - Lost Highway
2. Iggy Pop - Passenger - Trainspotting
1. Smashing Pumpkins - The End is the Beginning is the End - Batman & Robin/The Watchmen
Today's
episode was all about our favorite one hit wonders. That magical song
that never quite spark the band's career any further than one song.
You can listen here:
Evil Shero's Top One Hit Wonders
5. Underworld. Born Slippy
4. Chris Issac. Wicked Game
3. The darkness. I believe in a thing called love
2. Squirrel Nut zippers. Hell
1. Fu-schnickens. Wats up doc?
Joe Depto's Top One Hit Wonders
5. Falco. rock me Amadeus
4. Survivor. Eye of the tiger
3. Europe . Final Countdown
2. Big country. In a big country
1. Outfield. Your love
Beltloops Magee's Top One Hit Wonders
5. Eddie Murphy - party all the time
4. Marvin Barry and the star-lighters. Earth angel
3. Rick Astley. Never Gonna Give You Up
2. Rockwell. Somebody's watching me
1. Outfield. Your love
In this episode we discuss our Top 5 underrated albums, take some calls and make awful jokes.
Evil Shero's Top Underrated Albums
4. Tool. Lateralus
Beltloops Magee Top Underrated Albums
3. Sunny day real estate. On the rising tide
Joe Depto's Top Underrated Albums
4. Led zeppelin. Presence
You can Listen/Download Here:
LISTEN TO EPISODE 4 HERE
LISTEN TO EPISODE 4 HERE
Evil Shero's Top Underrated Albums
4. Tool. Lateralus
Beltloops Magee Top Underrated Albums
3. Sunny day real estate. On the rising tide
Joe Depto's Top Underrated Albums
4. Led zeppelin. Presence
In this episode we discuss the most overrated albums of all time, we read fan tweets, and make horrible Aerosmith puns.
5. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
you can listen to it here:
Ian Insects Top 5 Overrated Albums
5. Michael Jackson's Thriller
4. Sex Pistols - Never Mind the Bollocks
3. White Stripes - De Stijl
2. Radiohead - Kid A
1. Run DMC - Raising Hell
Joe Depto's Top 5 Overrated Albums
5. Korn - Korn
4. Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde
3. AC-DC - Back in Black
2. Lou Reed and Velvet Underground - Nico
1. Guns N Roses - Appetite for Destruction
Evil Shero's Top 5 Overrated Albums
5. LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver
4. Aphex Twin - Richard D. James Album
3. Green Day -American Idiot
2. Kiss - Alive
1. The Eagles Hotel California
Beltloops Magee Top 5 Overrated Albums
5. Green Day - Dookie
4. Sublime - Sublime
3. Beck - Odelay
2. The Doors - The Doors
1. The Eagles - Hotel California