The Death of Fun and the Birth of Fear

*As always, 90% fact, 10% fiction
Well, it has come to this.....my first sober Lavender Blog post. Because of this fact I cannot with clear conscience sign off as Bryan Metro, thus betraying the persona I took so long to cultivate, so I have created the sober persona: Jefferson Rank. Make sense? Who cares?

Anyway, lets get to the meat. As -jr said in a previous post, I have been in and out of the doctors for the past few weeks.  Here is a brief health timeline: Metro, E First, and Vinnie filmed a JCM Concert For Covid at the Compound that has yet to be posted. I am a mess throughout the thing. You can see when the hernia actually takes place as I attempt to sit down and fail.  The clip should be below




That week I
went to see the doc and he sent me to another doc who sent me to another doc who said it was a hernia. They could do surgery except there was mystery fluid in my stomach and outer stomach so the risk of the surgery not "taking" was high. The pain was so bad I went to the ER on Tues. Day 1. At some point it was decided that I stop drinking and since I have final say, I agreed. A part of me was curious what 2020 would look like from the vantage of a square, boring, shmuck.

The Rehab Diaries- The following may contain semi-graphic material but not really.
Tues. Day 1
i was mentally unprepared to completely stop drinking when I got to the ER. I immediately was zapped with an IV and five blood panels. I was moved to a private room (thank god), but that meant I had to be admitted something I had never done and something else I was not mentally equipped for.
   "I have a bad heart," I try to explain. I also explained my impressive drinking habit I had formed (every day for over a decade and a half).
   "Would you like some Ativan?" the nurse offers.
   "Well why didn't you say so?" I gush. Bing boom; another IV. Out. Shadowlands.

Wed. Day 2
I wake up to discover that I had pissed the bed. I didn't bother telling anyone; just put more sheets on it. The pj's had to go though and since I wasn't expecting to be admitted I had no change of clothes. I buzz the nurse in and tell her that I am starting to feel the Fear.
   "Perhaps some Ativan," a fine solution. My room was outside of the nurses' station so I grab some nurse's slacks. However, when getting into bed the pants split and I soil myself. Now we have a problem with the piss pj's in a corner. So I waddle back to grab a second pair of slacks. A nurse, a different one asks if I need anything.
   "Getting jittery," I improvise.
   "Ativan?" as expected.
   "Great idea! Let me clean up and meet me in five."
As I am scrubbing down a voice says, "Housekeeping".
   "Fuck off, I am not to be disturbed. Bad heart."
Soon I am being carted off for some silly tests and I am zonked out of my mind. When we get back the bed has been made (oh shit) but the pj's are still in the corner, a shameful secret between myself and housekeeping. I tell them I have no idea how I got here and it is starting to get to me. More drugs. Shadowlands.

Thurs. Day 3
The big day where the fluid in my sides is to be drained. I tell the nurse about my nerves going into this and she suggested Ativan. Since the IV was being used to administer a vitamin drip (ha ha), they gave me two high powered shots (I couldn't eat or drink a pill due to today's procedure, not that it would have mattered). We went down to surgery where I was stabbed in the side and a tube inserted. They turned me on my side and ended up with 2 and a half blender-sized jugs of brown fluid. Upon returning to my room I informed the nurse of my fear of infection. New IV, antibiotics. Ativan. The rest of the night I hallucinated that I was at a party at a house and I was the only person in the guest room. Everybody outside the room was too loud and I only got 15 minute intervals of sleep. More loud laughter. One of the party guests comes in my room to take my blood pressure and attach something to my IV. I begin to ask......Shadowlands.

Fri. Day 4
I wake up to two more blood tests. I tell them that I have had enough and I want out.
   "Would you like some Ativan?"
   "I want out. I can't take it anymore. Yes to the Ativan.".
It was at this point I convinced myself that they had no intention of letting me leave. They may have wanted a gland from my neck, a chunk of my frontal lobe, more mystery fluid. We know its not my liver at least. Fucking cults. As I get up to go to my private bathroom I fall straight to the ground. I had lost all control of my legs. At one point I could only walk backwards. Was I carrying Rosemary's Baby? The Doc feared that I may have had a stroke in my sleep during the party last night but that was discounted because both sides were affected. I had to have an escort for the rest of my stay (fucking cults). One instance, was when I had to go to the bathroom and they had to be in there with me. They held me up and I pissed all over the floor while mumbling "Got to get out". They take me back to my bed where I was anticipating stir ups, or at least straps. They said they were working on my papers and hooked me up to a new IV (I didn't even ask) and gave me Ativan in pill form (I could now eat/drink, not that it mattered), and got me a walker. Minutes later I was released, hobbling down the hall, feeling so much better mentally and physically than when I went in.

Epilogue
The ordeal is far from done. It was embarrassing using the walker at Kroger as the handicap generally scare me and I didn't want to see any children crying at the freak in a mohawk with a walker. I should have worn a garbage bag. The 4th of July was laid back with grilling. I spent $50 on fireworks and barely shot any off. The day after I was back in the ER, but for what I honestly can't remember. I remember them putting an IV into my left vein which promptly exploded due to wear and tear. More blood needed so they went to the right arm which also exploded, even worse, sending blood bruises all the way to the wrist. Wait, I just remembered what the visit was for: hand muscle paralysis.  They didn't admit me.
As for the rest of the health side, I still have to see a Gastro-Doc for the stomach fluid and a liver doc which is a lost cause because we all know that's fucked. Right now I'm doing stay at home detox and haven't had a drink in over two weeks. And man, it is boring. And I have hobbies: writing (more on that at the end), hundreds of books (most 1st ed./signed), puzzles, cats. Next up will be at least two weeks of rehab which should be a hoot. How many times will I hear a story of a spouse leaving because of drink? Do a shot everytime! When I tell them I'm a writer I bet they ask me to read some of my stuff. I'll bring the most vile, horrific posts I can find. When its completed I'll probably get a certificate.

You may wonder why I am doing all of this. Well, because I promised some people. Plus, I'm doing it for me. Borrrrring. Let's rephrase that. I'm doing it to see if I can do it. I've said before that my book has been written and anything else is a bonus. I have no problem going to that loud party in the other room that I 'dreamt'. I'm sure I can complete this and when I do I promise not to be one of those sanctimonious poofs saying, "Don't do that. Do what I did. Life is so much clearer, better". God, those people bug me. I've never tried to lay my orders/beliefs on anybody and I wont start now.

As for the writing, well, there is none. I've already covered Covid-19 in a humorous and serious manner, the advertising juggernaut that is Black Lives Matter is something I should stay away from, I could cover the election, but so is everybody else, and the only unique slant would be from Bryan Metro who is currently in a lockbox. Finality is a concept I don't believe in unless it concerns death or bad restaurant food. One positive coming  from the Covid virus is that it accomplished what the JCM couldn't, that being breaking up the cliquey monotony that was the local music scene. I would gladly take depressing virus updates over the pathetic flyers of the same bands playing the same venues. Everyone has resorted to livestreaming from their basements to an audience of nobody. So basically the same as if they were playing live. Thank you my pretty flower bud parasites. (That was sarcasm. Everybody stay safe and if you know somebody with it, I offer my prayers). Even the always affable Woodman posted a depressing statement saying how sad he was that Jack White and Craig Brown didn't invite him to shoot off fireworks at Hamtramck Field. I also saw that this year's Dally in the Alley was cancelled. I'll call that Karma for the years JCM was passed over in favor of talentless, tick-riddled hippies living rent free in an abandoned loft sucking on Fentanyl freezie pops. I would, however, like to attend a protest though. That could be fun and I'm sure I'll have plenty of opportunities ("Excuse me did you know they guy who drew a hand cannon on the police?" "He was always such a good boy"). On second thought, that could get boring.

Okay, that last bit contained a bit of vintage meanness, but not enough to justify a Bryan Metro byline. Hopefully Born Evil will be around to post mediocre song links and pop culture/political fire while I torture the poor souls assigned to my Group in rehab. Maybe there is still some fun out there. It may no longer drop on the National Affairs Desk, I may have to go out and find it. Stay safe out there. Until then,

As I Remain,
Jefferson Rank (is Bryan Metro)

Mandy

Drunk as a skunk, I was watching this late Saturday night. Movies like this I have to wait for the son and the wife to fall asleep. Honestly, for the first half I was bored out of my skull. Once they lit the bitch on fire in a bag and Nic Cage goes insane, that's when I really tuned in. Chainsaw fights, bikers filled with nails, a Manson-esque cult...all while using the same tropes as Spring Breakers (melding of scenes, call backs to previous parts with no reasoning, etc....). I wouldn't mind giving it another go sans the brown bottle (Jackson Rankus style). So yeah check out Mandy.


-jr

-jr's Spicy Picks

Click the picture above to take you to the top 50 I've been listening to lately. It will be updated weekly, probably on Mondays.

In other news, what is going on at the MOCAD? Seems like it's a fun place to work.

-jr

The Swirl of the Toilet Called Life Continues

Follow me down the drain.......

Metro is in and out of hospitals. Trying to get meds sorted. Trying to get back to 85%. Trying to get back.

The world is a crazy place right now isn't it kids? It's all of a sudden not fashionable to be a white male or a white anything. At least that is what the paid journalists would like you to think. The beat goes on.

Who would have thought Kanye West would be the lesser of three bad decisions?

Is Covid the plague that will end us? Is it all hype? Live in fear.

Friends of Dennis Wilson, local Detroit surf/psych rock n' rollers have finally uploaded the breadth of their catalogue to Spotify, ITunes, etc. and they just released a new EP called the "DreamDrive EP". FODW and Black Lodge are probably my two favorite Detroit bands other than all of my own.

That's all for now jagoffs. Extreme Rules Horror Show is the Sunday. Livetweet? Review on Monday? Neither due to laziness/drunkedness? Stay tuned....

-jr

Return of Born Evil

Metro is out for the foreseeable future, possibly forever. Do I shoulder the blog with my shitty writing and 8th grade grammar? Fill it with inane reviews of wrestling and movies? Devolve into unmitigated and unsubstantiated vitriol towards those undeserving? Stock tips? We will see.

Until then, here is some newness:
I started a tumblr some time ago (does anyone use tumblr anymore besides Grimes and Molly Soda?). It's very simple and to the point. Behold, Cool Spins

In other news, Jonathan Weier of local forgotten band The Dead Bodies, has a Hamtramck-centered Facebook Zoom Call In Live Radio Show just about every night at 7pm. It's humorous and entertaining and grows zanier with each and every episode. Here is a link

How is that for overwhelming positivity? What do you think? Will Covid spike again through the midwest? Will the country helter skelter into a race war? Was Charles Manson a prophet?

-jr


*Hey all Metro here. It is generally against blog policy to hop on a post, but since I'm going away for a bit and because I was writing a post, it would be poetic to end it with a collab with an original Honor Roll member. Plus its only fitting I check out with one last jab at the Metro Times. This came across the (closed) National Affairs Desk. Metro Times is eliminating comments. Here is the poorly worded link from the failed Editor in Chief:  Derp Derp Pussies

The Metro Times has long established itself as the worst journalistic entity in town, even worse than The Freep. So no more comments despite me, and others, ridiculing them for over a decade. Their reasoning is weak/slight and ironic because after they stated their case they went into a boring, predictable political diatribe of a select few's opinions that kaboshes their entire reasoning. So your opinion is no longer wanted, but theirs are a-okay. Editor in Chief (lol) Lee Devito should have been replaced years ago and the fact they are bleeding money only proves that. The fact that position has seen so much turnover through the years just shows that the head honchos don't even care anymore. So that's it, one final love letter to the Metro Times.

-Metro

The Closing of the National Affairs Desk

Hey all Metro here. On Saturday I went to dine in at Ruth Chris Steakhouse and ended up running up a $1

Drunks and Delinquents in SE Michigan

Hey you savages, Metro here with a quick update. It has been a whirlwind of a week, but the fact I'm still writing should tell you everything you need to know (for the haters). That's all I can say about that. Its no secret that I am a professional drinker and by proxy have around $100 in returns due to the no-return policy. While I would love to CashMe that loot, the JCM have decided to set up a pick-up with all monies going to the Detroit Animal Care and Control for use to build a new kitty room. If any other alcoholics are out there, there are other organizations also doing a pick-up including the boy scouts if you like em young. The pick up is scheduled for this evening and I have the baseball bat and sidearm ready in case the driver is a raving, sneezing lunatic.

As I said, this update will be brief but I am excited to hop on the remote "concert" bandwagon which will be filmed this weekend and posted next week. This will be the first JCM performance since our retirement in 2018. Another $100 of empties should be involved. As always, we won't take ourselves too seriously and definitely don't want to make a mockery of current events, just want to entertain, make some laughs, and never be boring. We're still here, and we're coming.

From the Iceman Commeth
Bryan Metro

A Love Letter (Apology)

Hey all Metro here. I would like to take some time to apologize. I apologize to anyone I may have offended or caused stress. That was never my intention. I just wanted to run an entertaining blog. This is a blanket apology to anyone I gave a headache to, and I can revise it if it warrants specific people. I've probably offended pretty much everyone, and for that I am sorry.

Also, its Spring so I have taken down most of the previous posts for summer editing, dead links, ill-advised posts, etc. I've kept the recent, mostly fiction, posts up, along with the Pin Ups album, and will work hard to produce new content as the editing process continues.

Once again, I apologize to all if something I said was mean. Hope everybody stays safe, be well, eat lots of steak. I'll see you soon.

As I remain, Selah
Robby S./Bryan Metro

Plunged Into Poverty, Rammed Through the Looking Glass

Its May and the weirdness has been extended. Last week, Governor Funbags extended the stay at home rules until the end of May. And is being sued for it. Now believe me, I can sympathize with being sued for something one believes in. In the last post I spoke about the Paradox of the stay at home mandate, that being the concept being excessive, yet necessary. I don't think my opinion (those are still legal right?) has changed. Indeed, the cases and deaths have tapered off, the high water mark may have been reached, despite the news/media stressing about over 100 deaths the past 24 hours along with some raging psychotic rubbing his nose on a store employee and a security guard shot and killed because his wife was told to wear a mask. Guess the demographics there on that last one. Ho ho ho, just kidding. Fear and Ratings in Wayne County. I could grab a photographer and get you 100 non-corona deaths in Detroit by 3 o'clock. That is the "excessive" point of view. The "necessary" flip side is that if we ease off too early there is the risk of a spike in cases. That damn Paradox. If I had to choose, I fall into the "just extend it" party, by only by a hair, because of the safety of others. I don't claim to be invulnerable, but the one thing I insist on is that I can't be croaked except when I give the word (great fucking line; no jinxies; spoiler alert). I can't wait until I can get a good steak, or see a bad Star Wars movie in a theater, or fly in an airplane with a bunch of total assholes. I miss that. But I also don't want to worry about the health of my senior family members or neighbors. That damn Paradox.

I am down to 125lbs, which is still UFC/MMA cut-weight in case I wanted a new career because being (the best/only) local freelance writer/journalist has dried up and I am indigent with not a penny to my name. I don't want this to be a sob story, though. I don't, nor ever will, have a Paypal or CashMe. I remain ever grateful for my friends and family supporting me in being gainfully unemployed. By the way, did you see that Electric 6 is hawking a Paypal "in these tough times"? Oh, fuck off. And lets not even get into those lazy pig fuckers [redacted times 7]. Alright, I'm getting off the tracks here. The reason for this post is the positive feedback for my first Coronavirus photo blog (Coronavirus and the Super Bowl). Quite a few wanted a Part 2. Sequels usually tend to suck, but I'll give it a shot. It'll suck.

Yesterday, I had Mexican carry out from a recently re-opened restaurant along with my first Summer Shandy of 2020 (I've had five since). It was among the top 3 highlights of 2020, along with Elizabeth First's visit with cool drink, good talk, and [redacted], and the Boneyard match at WrestleMania between The Undertaker and AJ Styles. My mom sent my cats a birthday card with a scratch-off. Won $50. Instead of using it for cat treats I said "Fuck it", and decided to leave the JCMsTown Compound for the first time in forever and meet the people, document the current climate, and get a steak that I will grill myself. The danger is high, and my life is at risk, but it is a gorgeous day, and I am going to grill, dammit. I could do carry out, but I like my food hot and my drink cool. Delivery is out of the question as the driver could be a double agent, FBI probably, mapping out the Compound. After all, a member of the Hamtramck Music Fest committee tossed out the idea that I should be reported to Homeland Security in 2017. Ironically, that same member was sacked from his own Fest soon after by other members of the committee, ho ho ho. Great job Tony Liggs. Tip of the ole cap. Whatever, lets leave the Compound and go see what a Sunday in May, the year of our lord, 2020 is like.

The first part of my plan was to equip myself in military gear, secure the hazmat suit along with a lavender face mask and high powered lavender plumber's gloves. I then grabbed the burner, porno  laptop, and made a phone call.

I contacted a freelance sign language expert named Cynthia because, based on all recent news footage, everybody in the country is fucking deaf and I needed to have all the bases covered (no disrespect to the deaf Constant Readers; I know a few and they are the nicest people, despite a reason to be raging hyenas). Once Cynthia the Signer arrived I had my driver jump start the car. It was at this point that I discovered that Cynthia the Signer was also deaf. This was off to a great start so I just fed her a bunch of acid and whiskey and read a book to her. At this point it was time to move as the driver finally got the car started and Cynthia the Signer was far away from peaking. Time to go to Kroger you monsters.

I waffled on the hazmat suit at first because it could cause a panic combined with a deaf sign language professional high on acid, but ultimately went for it at first. It was difficult getting to the cart area because Cynthia kept wandering around signing at people, possibly drooling. She will need some of the cool drink I brought along.

Cynthia eventually wandered into the Kroger gas station so I decided to let them deal with that menace. By this time I was completely wild and wanted to see what was to happen inside the store, the real story, what's the score here? But first I needed another drink. So I wandered into the employee outdoor break area mumbling that I knew the coach, I mean manager, and that I couldn't breathe in this goddamn thing. The proles fled as I tried to relax, my photog yelling something about the police.

We entered the store with Cynthia the signer finally catching up and lecturing a crop of oranges, the peak emerging.

Despite the cars in the parking lot the produce area was eerily empty.

I made my way to the meat area to get my steaks. They didn't have much of a selection but that didn't stop Cynthia the signer to grab a package of round steak and suck the blood out of it. I realized that it might be time to cut Cynthia loose. I tossed a chicken breast to distract the sign language expert on acid and raced to the checkouts. Unfortunately I ran into Crabby Rich wearing his new Space Force shirt. He wanted to talk about the next WWE pay per view but I had to get out quick because I could hear Cynthia yelling incoherently from the meat section, so we decided on a photo shoot (my photog was back from drinking in the car).

I quickly paid for my steaks but not quick enough as Cynthia the signer caught up and was now signing in a foreign language, Chinese maybe, and chewing on an uncooked chicken breast. I told management that she has a bad heart and fed her some Ativan to calm this creature down. We got out of the supermarket just as the police were arriving. On the way back to the Compound we ditched Cynthia at a bar that was closed. Once back at the Compound I started my steaks. Finally. I also came up with my next post: a play off the live stream shows that keep bugging me online. It'll be fun. Got a quick start...

To end this, the steaks were great and I ended the afternoon (we all know the evening was not an option) with cool drink at the National Affairs Desk that lasted 15 minutes. Stay tuned for the live show muthas.

I Remain,
Bryan Metro

The Honor Role
Cynthia the Signer
AJ Styles
The Undertaker
Jag
E First
Tony Liggs

The Freak Also Rises

*Author's Note- This site is an entertainment site mixed with a dash of social commentary and music. As always, if anything is incorrect or (gasp) offensive I will remove it, silently curse you, and apologize. The following may or may not have happened. Its pure freedom of the reader. Its whatever you want it to be. All still legal right? And now...

This past Sunday an attempt was made on my life. No, it wasn't angry readers hopped up on lattes and rabid after clicking foul, rage-inducing internet posts (that last line has been copyrighted by Metro LLC). No, this savage threat came from within the inner circle.

It was late in the afternoon and I was just waking up. Three beers later I received a phone call from the JCM's no-good scag baron of a tambourine player, Elizabeth First, saying she was outside. My first thought was, "How did she find me? Was it that whore Susanna Dean that told her?" The reason for the visit was to deliver me a care package with the evil intent of ending me. I did not realize this at the time, but I did verify that we had a conversation regarding a visit the night before, both drunk/buzzed, that I forgot. At the time I didn't even give my location because I chalked it up to late night drunk talk. I then realized that I gave the location last year when we plotted for her to come to one of my municipal appearances and toss a custard pie into [redacted's] face. The plan would have failed anyway because the Whiner Club ......ah fuck it, oh well, whatever, nevermind. I decided to exit the Compound and confront this beast.

We maintained the six foot social distancing rules (despite her already violating it by making a non-essential visit), (Spoiler alert-It was essential; more on that in the coda). I was on the porch and her sitting on the sidewalk. After seconds, that turned to me on the porch with a vodka and Coke and a case of PBR and her on the sidewalk with a quart of vodka and some other soda, looking like a princess in need, giving much more than she received. I was tempted to put the [redacted] down and lets go downtown to the neighborhood disco. But they're all closed. So we just settled in, a rare breed of battle-hardened vampires, after a decade still breaking rules. The neighbors were....curious.
   We caught up with current events like social distancing, the virus, etc. Honestly, at this point, I was disgusted for even participating in it. We then had a polite and rational dialogue where I said the restriction rules were both excessive yet necessary; the perfect paradox. You have one front saying their rights are being taken away (much like my litigation with the First Amendment Freak Speech) and are fueled by government propaganda. And on the other front we have those with a more medical/scientific approach and fully subscribe to the sanctions, also fueled by government propaganda; the ultimate of ironies. The left, right, laughers, screamers all end up as lemmings. Fear, and to some degree, religion are the "go-to's" for keeping everybody in line, and that is how it always has been. Its like the whole world has turned Catholic with the mantra, "No fun until its too late, and then you die." Fuck that. I decided to lighten the mood by discussing steaks and my frustration by not being able to grill a steak. The ones I have tried have been okay to good, but not up to my standards. The devil woman said she would grill me a steak when we go up north to blow up trees and cottages. I digress, back to the attempt on my life.

I should have seen it coming but was just happy to finally see a friend. The vodka and Coke was Stage One. I stay away from hard drink and can't have caffeine because of a bad heart, Angina Pectoris, I think. You would have to ask my doctor, though he has stopped returning my calls.

Next up was the case of PBR. Now what follows could have resulted in a stroke or a brain bubble, but that pales in comparison to what a single can of PBR does to a man's stomach. Fuck it, I slammed three to start with no worries about pissing out of my ass.
   Next up the fact that Nazi traitor managed to get me out of the Compound. I have extreme allergies and everything is blooming out there. This is going to croak me. Here I am spending 30 minutes outside taking it all in with a brain embolism looming.
   Finally, after I was about to sic the dogs on her she gave me an envelope with [redacted]. I put my empty cup (six feet away), hoping for a refill, but she took it as the cue to leave, that vile Marxist.

Back inside the sun went down and I cut up and fried six cubed potatoes in anticipation of watching the live stream of this year's Detroit Music Awards while on [redacted]. Of course, Detroit fucks up harder and there was a 45 minute delay. By this time it was too late. I couldn't deal with Ancient Jill Jack claiming another DMA as I waited for this to take hold. The vibes started to kick in as I felt sorry for Jill as this yearly night is the vindication....of a catalogue of nothingness. I watched a Muggs video after they won and scrambled to find a calendar. To be fair, the song was good and they are good guys, although that could be the vodka, PBR, and [redacted] talking. I forgot to nominate ourselves this year and I am sure "Altered Photos" would have won. The link is one post back. Besides, we've already won so fuck it.

The care package was kicking in and I was feeling mellow (as promised) so I retreated to the bedroom office and the National Affairs Desk. I was staring at a wall with no music and the horrid, toxic news playing outside at the Sports Desk, and things began to shift. Pounding drums outside the window at 3am and crows trying to get into the room. Horrific black wings fluttering under the door, the cats were howling, cats on the roof. I saw my late father but he was older and thinner, but after a minute I realized I had gotten off the bed and was looking in the mirror, such a cruel prank. I noticed a red dot on my wrist. Too bright to be melanoma but it had tentacles that attacked my neck. THEY ARE IN MY MOUTH! The Slide had arrived and all the explosives were in the garage. No way to get past the crows and ghosts. I saw the sun rise and then set; no sleep needed. I haven't done that since 200?. And now...

Epilogue-
The day (?) after had the anticipated body buzz (as promised). I felt old even though I've always been a Pro. I probably have bruises on my ass from sitting in bed for 14 hours. I messaged my Satanic percussionist to find out if the [redacted] was zapped with a chaser. It was not. I'm just getting old. It sucks. My criminal derelict of a tambo player then messaged with, "I hope it helped with your boredom," which actually is more profound than anything I wrote above; an act of kindness meant to kill me. Or, an act to kill me meant to be an act of kindness. Again, the perfect paradox. I think we know the true intention despite the satire above.
   My advocate/roommate was disappointed with me and sarcastically said, "Why not write about it?" Both of these demons were right. It has been months since I've had anything to sink my teeth into but this one little blip, bloop, charged me up. I have always kept to myself but once this silly virus got out it framed my outlook a tad into me missing my friends. That is why E First's visit on Sunday was such a catharsis, despite her attempt on my life. You can miss some people on purpose, but when you Have to, then it starts to sting. I have never missed any friends on purpose, but am miserable now that I have to. In closing, thanks to all on the Honor Roll. And as always, I'll see you in hell. Selah!

From the Iceman Commeth,
Bryan Metro

The Honor Roll:
Elizabeth First
JAG
-jr
Vinnie Rawsonville
Melissa Misfit
Kentucky Pete

Altered Photographs

Eat Shit Franz Ferdinand

-jr

Leaving Fat City

Hey all, Metro here. I am very proud (but not gloating) that the JCM Collective has donated a substantial amount to provide soap and cleansing materials to local hospitals. Out of pocket. No Go Fund Me scams or anything like that. Just genuine concern for the community, no rewards. For over two years I have seen pigs and pig fuckers asking, no begging, for Cash-Me's, "reparations", and Pay Pal's and it disgusted me. I pointed these swine-fuckers out and am now in a non-ending litigation because I decided to point this lazy money scam out. These swine have been begging for money while barely holding a restaurant job (quite the challenge) for years and these days call for a final "Fuck You"! I'm probably in a worse financial state than these bubba's yet they still ask for money like the swine they are. I'm looking at you Asia (that was a Corona reference). This post is not meant to pat my back, but to say you can still help out others in tough times, something the pigs have never done, ever. Here is the link if you care to donate to the hospital relief efforts. If you don't want to just give it to a bogus, non-taxed, Cash Me.

Here is the link/org the JCM gave money to. Use it as you will or find another, or just stay safe.

https://www.expeditionsoapcompany.com/COVID19?fbclid=IwAR36hHgZELQLnsL2VxbQn8nY5aOsco6f95j743e9WCzcfHTJt53Mn_HR5s4

From the Iceman Commeth,
Bryan Metro

Welcome to Fat City

From the National Affairs Desk

"Strange days have found us. Strange days have tracked us down. They're going to destroy, our casual joys."- The Doors
"Strange days indeed. Most peculiar mama."- John Lennon
"The walls are closing in again, oh well."- Queens of the Stone Age

Ah indeed, nobody did tell me there would be days like these. Unless you count the national media which is about as useful as a cherry bomb attached to a grenade tossed into a non-essential fireworks warehouse. I stopped paying attention to the media years ago when I finally realized that true, non-agenda, journalism was dead. I actually should have realized that back in 1978. Sure, there is the full spectrum out there, from the bigots at Fox News to homosexuals like Anderson Cooper who looks like he is talking to a mirror instead of a camera (That sentence was satire. Fox News has no bigots and Anderson Cooper is not a homosexual). It is all too boring yet fearful at the same time. With this self-quarantine/social distancing getting old quick (even though I invented it years ago), I needed to get out of the JCMsTown Compound to get the real story. I needed to see it with my own eyes and convey it in writing, with no agenda.

The streets were light, but not exactly Walking Dead bare. It reminded me of the last time I was at the Hamtramck Labor Day Fest, except there was no Dancing Mayor. Now that I think about it, I didn't see her at the Labor Day Fest either. I did see a few people jogging or walking dogs and they all socially distanced themselves. It probably helped that I was wearing a lavender bandana and high powered lavender rubber gloves (I left the hand cannon at the Compound). The first stop was the local liquor store. All of the Arab employees were fitted with facemasks and gloves. It was jarring. Men were playing Keno and women buying expensive wine. It was if Caligula was right after all. I mumbled, "This is serious business, man," to the clerk before getting my scratch-off tickets. I asked if it had been like this all day and he just shrugged his shoulders, no words. I tossed him one of my lucky coins and said it would help him more than "those damn masks", and ran out yelling, "See you in hell"! He never even picked up the coin.

The next stop was a Kroger to buy supplies for family. I figured that any parasite couldn't sustain itself in my system, so why not me? Unfortunately, I am banned from this Kroger, but fortunately I had a driver (in addition to already having a six pack in me with two more on my lap in the car). I was advised to stay in the car and "not get arrested or cause a scene". So I sat in silence watching people come and go, nearly all of them wearing masks or bandanas. I cracked open one of the beers after seeing the woman mother in full mask and glove regalia pushing her unprotected baby in the store. For a moment I was transported back to downriver. I started to feel the panic cresting. It was then when the altercation happened.

By this time I was around seven beers past legally drunk and saw a large black man, bigger than Tunde, loading his groceries into his SUV and wearing a mask. Then another black guy, skinnier (think Skeefy before the weight gain), who wasn't wearing a mask and had no groceries, walks by and asks what he is so scared about. I was confused by this because of the drink but this was actually happening. The large man politely said to keep your distance but the antagonist mocked him and dramatically kept stepping forward. I cringed, fearing for the worst, and after scanning the parking lot for the "Cheaters" camera crew, opened the window and yelled "You fucking savage. Leave the man alone. Scram bubba. I know the chief of police here and he lives right around the corner." All of this noise while waving a (now empty) beer can which is better than an unloaded 9mm, but only by a hair. The mentally ill stalker wandered off and the nice guy just shook his head and gave a thumbs up. Once again, no words. Weeks ago, my Asian bass player predicted that it would come to situations like this; a grain of sand foul encounter on a random street corner that could be happening any/everywhere. Strange days indeed.

The Coronavirus has affected every aspect of our lives, from basic daily life, to entertainment, to jobs, to blogging, to health care to, well, everything. Just a few days ago that parking lot fever dream happened and I was terrified. But do I need to be? Should I? What's next? It depends on who you listen to, if at all (see the 1st paragraph). With everybody secluded in their houses living in a Culture of Fear, the media has quite the advantage. I'm sure streaming services are doing banana business with theaters shutting down and I'm sure the Netflix boardroom has been on a streaming 24 hour orgasm that AMC theaters may never re-open. As for traditional media, those favored by people like my mom, they have no option but to watch. Their ratings were bottoming out last year. Today the memo is "Fear, fear, fear. Watch more. Who has it now?" Yes, I fully admit this is a severe, cynical point of view and honestly hope that people are doing the right thing. As with everything, it is a difficult balancing act. I will say that this is a fascinating, interesting, sad time in our history......Oh god now I'm starting to sound like Jeff Milo (Just the last sentence though. Milo would never post an indictment of the media like that as he is a slave to them). Jump cut- Transition:

With all of this free time (ho, ho, ho) as an excuse, finally, for being lazy and unemployed I should be posting more but the well has run dry. Aside from National Affairs, and with the Sports Desk being shut down, there really is nothing to write about anymore, at least in the local sense. Then again, it was boring even before the Super Flu. So I've taken to writing letters. They are all over the Compound and usually only one to two pages. After I am croaked by angry readers or goons stomping me outside of a coffee shop I hope they are compiled and published, a final Fuck You.

In March I cracked a tooth eating Sweet Tarts and it was unbearable. I couldn't talk but found an emergency dentist to see me (normal dentist procedures had already been suspended). I wrote them a letter to explain my "dire" situation. They found it hilarious and nothing they had ever seen and made a copy and posted it on the wall. For fun, here is the letter. As always with my work, 90% truth, 10% fiction.

"HELLO DOC!           JCMsTown Compound 3/30/2020
My name is Robby and I may have the worst mouth you've seen this year. For years (decade?) I have neglected my teeth and it has finally caught up with me.
The Story:
First off, I have to state I suffer from extreme anxiety and have a prescription(s) for this along with cool drink (ho, ho, ho) when needed. I do NOT take recreational drugs despite my better judgement even though my appearance would suggest otherwise, and you haven't even seen the teeth yet. That being said, please be gentile or say nothing at all when examining me. I would turn into a raving banshee. Ah, back to
The Story:
I don't think I've been to a dentist in at least a decade. I don't remember the name of the last one but they are probably retired or dead, if they're lucky, at this time. I most likely have gum disease, gingivitus, missing fillings, needs fillings, Covid-19 (scratch that last one), dissolving gums, bleeding gums, and will most likely lose most of my teeth within this decade. I understand and accept that, and today is the first step in salvaging anything.
The Reason:
A few days ago I was binging on Sweet Tarts and part of my back right molar broke off. The one in front of it was obliterated in 2007, but that time was due to a box of Nerds at a coney island. The coney tooth is a dead zone right now. No root canal needed. I burned the nerves out years ago with whiskey and Vicodin. The reason for this visit is because of the jagged shard of a tooth slicing up my tongue. I can't talk/eat (hence this letter) and have trouble drinking, the true crime in this charade. I promise I am not a "meth-head" or slumming with the White Horse. I'm an honest local writer/journalist (best in town) just needing some help. I would be fine if you sandblasted it to dust, or maybe a temporary filling. I understand the tongue is already damaged, but will heal, as it is one of the quickest body parts to heal. As a new patient, I would be receptive to follow up visits to check off the really bad stuff. Hopefully my insurance will be squared off by then as I have no intention of paying any medical bills otherwise. I am working on a novel "The Invisible People" that I hope to sell to Viking or Random House which would allow me credit on your end. But for now, this is an emergency which means you have to help me. We'll take care of money after the book deal goes through. Lets stick with the busted tooth/tongue. If I'm a lost cause I understand, but it was worth a shot.
As for that Sweet Tarts box, I still have it and plan on filling it with explosives in the backyard. Bruce, the neighbor's dog, will not be happy. Nor will the neighbors. But if there's anything worth doing, it's worth doing right.
Res Ipsa Loquitor
Robert Jr. 3/30/20"

Epilogue- They sandblasted the tooth with a diamond cut bonesaw and then used a temporary filling. As soon as I got home I applied for a dental degree. The temp filling fell out after four minutes so I just resumed drinking. I will try to write more original content so try to keep reading.

I wanted this piece to be a genuine take on current times, not doom and gloom, and not "We will get through this together.....but stay apart". Both have their merits (I guess), but a lot just sounds like memo-sent sound bites; even the commercials have been infected; fucking carpet commercials using the Virus as a selling point. It all seems a just a little slimy (and I've been around since 1978) so I get it. People making money, people losing money. I "get" and advocate all of the safe measures, but at the end of the day, just Be Yourself.
Also, take the time to look back this post and sample the Rarities album that Born Evil posted. Till next time, stay safe, be well, sound bites, doff the top for those stuck at home, and I'll see you in hell.

With absolutely no choice but to carry the banner, alone or otherwise, I remain,
Bryan Metro

Pin-Ups

Tried to post on here last night, but google security was giving me a hell of a time.  Anyways, here's a new album.  Some old tracks, some unreleased tracks, a new mix.  It's been awhile, let me see that smile.




-jr

Keep any eye out tonight

Wineheads in Coronatown. The Closing of the Sports Desk.

THEY TOOK THE BAR! THE WHOLE FUCKING BAR!- Animal House (1978)

Hey all, Metro here. I'm at the National/Global Affairs Desk trying to consolidate hundreds of transmissions regarding March in the Year of Our Lord 2020 into a semi-readable essay which will most likely turn out to be unreadable.
Earlier today I wept as I cleaned up and closed the Sports Desk muttering "Where were you when the fun stopped?". After hanging up a "Help Wanted" sign I took old Betty out back to be put down.

The neighbors were understandably tense. Here was a raving lunatic waving a sidearm and yelling at a laptop. It didn't help that most of them had never seen me as I rarely leave the bedroom office/National Affairs Desk. Thankfully one neighbor verified seeing me mow the grass last summer and the bored looking police officer was satisfied. The neighbor thankfully left out the open beer in my leather Michigan Bell work belt as I raced across the yard trying to mow down a squirrel like a modern day Lawnmower Man. Back to the present. I ditched the hand cannon in a neighbor's mailbox with a note saying "Ho ho ho. Don't need anymore. Now I have a machine gun." I explained to the police that the neighborhood was misinformed and confused and that I never had a Glock or 9mm and it was just a Twix bar, king size, that I later ate. The explanation was good enough. Just another day in 2020. ca

Where were you when the fun stopped?

A few weeks ago I did a semi-funny photo shoot in a hazmat suit and facemask (They were still available then. I have about 12 left if anyone is interested). The post was about how people were reacting to the Coronavirus. In the post I went to pharmacies, supermarkets, bars, restaurants, bars, even the casino. Well karma can be a bitch so feel free to blame all of this on me. I only got one day's use out of the hazmat suit, although I have one more idea for it. But that is for a future post.

Since that photo blog the world has turned upside down and even I have come down with the flu. As of now it is not the Coronavirus but it is one of the more dangerous strains of the standard flu. All local band need not worry as I would not come to your show anyway. I have tried to self-quarantine (aside from the laptop/explosion episode from today). I even went back to retrieve the sharpshooter from the neighbor's mailbox because I didn't wipe it down. I did leave the machine gun note just to confuse them.

Now I am huddled cover(19)ed in blankets watching the news and surfing the Net on my Backup Backdoor Betty laptop. Three weeks ago I was joking about the reaction, but today they have my attention. In the span of 48 hours Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte......In the span of Another 48 hours Eddie Murphy and Nick Nolte....After Hours I was going to make a Tom Hanks joke but I got it confused with Night Shift. Anyway, the following has happened:
-NBA cancels the season with multiple players testing positive for the Bug. Pretty big. Commissioner Nosferatu Silver unafraid as he is a creature of the night.
-NCAA cancels March Madness. Pretty huge as Vegas turns into Sodom.
-NHL suspends season. Must be serious if hockey is on lockdown.
-Tom Hanks and wife confirmed with Virus. Unconfirmed Hanks quote, "I thought Philadelphia was rough.
-MLB postpones opening days. Pretty big. The Houston Astros say "Thank god".
-DIA and DSO suspend events. Semi-big but none of you savages were going anyway.
-MLS soccer suspended. Sort of big, just not here.
-Most schools closed. Smart move; real talk.
-Pro golf (PGA) events cancelled. Pussies.
-New York, Boston, and Detroit St. Pattys Day Parades cancelled. Somebody call in a wellness check on Woodman.
-Blake Shelton concert zapped. Chatters in Westland will be packed.
-Detroit WWE Smackdown cancelled. I had the hazmat suit ready. If there's any time for the Undertaker to come to town its now.
-WrestleMania likely to be moved/postponed. Actually convenient because it gives Undertaker a head start on his entrance.
-November's presidential election postponed as Trump named permanent Commander in Chief until further notice. (That one was a joke, but can't you see it happening?)


That is one hell of a list and all of them within the past few days. What's next? I just wish we would have known about this pandemic back in December so the Hamtramck Music Fest could have been cancelled. Sorry, another joke. Aside from the bands playing nobody paid for a wristband.

In all seriousness, we are living in an interesting time; uncharted waters. Vultures will be hovering once things get level, if they do at all. As for now, be safe, be well, stay away from local music. I said earlier "Where were you when the fun stopped?", but now I think the fun is just getting started. Just as long as they don't take the bar; the Whole Fucking Bar!

From the Iceman Commeth,
Bryan Metro

Fear and Loathing and Pigs at the Hamtramck Music Fest

From the National Affairs Desk-


Hey all, Metro here. I'm trying my best to provide as much coverage of the 2020 HMF while dealing with the flu (not that one). We all knew that this year's Hamtramck Music Fest was going to be a flop with the weather being the obvious scapegoat (though that never stopped peak Blowouts). This has kind of flown under the radar, but it definitely needs to be mentioned. A few hours ago the official HamFest Facebook posted this....

It caught my eye. What was the reason? Fears of the SuperFlu? Power/equipment issues? Bands dropping out? What will the bands booked be doing? Will they hop on other bills? Just go home? These are all questions any local music fan who gives a shit would be asking themselves. Thankfully, I have the answers. First off, here is the original lineup:

I got down to the bottom of things quick. The HMF statement is misleading and practically insulting to the acts playing. The show is NOT cancelled. The same lineup will be playing tonight. It has not been cancelled. Once again it has not been cancelled. Wristbands are no longer required for entry, but the show is NOT cancelled. As the best local journalist I found out why also. You can get the scoop by donating to my cashme app #bestintheworld.  Just kidding. The reason Kelly's pulled out of the Fest is a "falling out". I didn't want to pry any more because I already got what I needed.

So in conclusion, the "programming" has NOT been cancelled. It is now free and I would love to see Kelly's packed tonight with organic support of local acts which will still be playing. Shame on you Hamtramck Music Fest for being petty and trying to ruin yet another local business.


From the Iceman Commeth,
Bryan Metro

A Public Apology

From the National Affairs Desk-

Hey all, Metro here. I would like to take this moment to apologize for not doing my traditional Hamtramck Music Fest preview of each band. My only real coverage of this year's event was me asking where the money was going this year, a few posts back. They have since corrected it and once again it is going to the schools. You're welcome for readers who care about things like that.

As for me I have been hunkered down in the JCMsTown Compound after 3 separate doctor visits last week. This would have actually given me the time to preview the acts playing the Fest, but I just didn't have it in me. This year's Fest has the least amount of buzz I have ever seen, so why bother? I did consider breaking out the Hazmat suit to get my money's worth and covering the Fest itself, but there is nobody I want to see. We are at rock bottom as a music community and it is all just boring. Like this post. Everybody stay healthy. Sorry.

In crowdsourcing news I do not endorse:
Sheefy is asking all white people to give a dollar to his cashme because of Black History Month. Fuck off. Just another example of begging in the year 2020. I thought he was banking by fake selling art. Guess not. Anyway I would look into it if cashme allowed for the "dollar bill trick".

Even worse are the Amino Acids who have a half-assed GoFundMe set up to scrap together a record that nobody is asking for. However, they are asking for $3500. Fuck off. Four grown adults playing lame space characters can't get 3k together to put out a record that'll end up in the red anyway. Yeah fly me to the moon and sign me up. Losers.  I'm not including either link because your money can be used for better things than an artist living in the land of hyperbole or a group of hasbeens who can't even put forth an effort into a semi-decent GoFundMe page....



From the Iceman Commeth,
Bryan Metro

The Coronavirus and Super Bowl Weekend

*This post is dedicated to Melissa, Outrageous Jean, and Elizabeth First, the three who encourage me the most to be as creative and chaotic as possible (as well as clocking out sooner than later; no wellness check needed, tis a joke), along with C and T, and Kentucky Pete, and Pops, who put up with my erratic behavior and 3am ramblings. Love you all.

*The following is satire, fiction, non-fiction (you decide what is real), social commentary and hopefully entertaining! It pained me having to type that...

Hey all Metro here. I was originally going to do this post in the Johnny Press persona but when you want something done, its best to do it right. I woke up Saturday, the day before the Big Game, not in Vegas unlike the dream I was having. My message feed was polluted by multiple texts from my contact from the suburbs, Fat Fuck Chris, asking if I was concerned about the Coronavirus outbreak, if I was going to cover the Coronavirus outbreak, and who was going to win the Super Bowl.
   "Dammit man, can't you see two hours and at least two beers before I can answer anything like that," I yelled into the phone and then replied, "Maybe, Yes, and San Francisco (ooops)". I then hopped online and ordered the cheapest fucking hazmat suit available. It didn't even come with a mask so I had my friend Outrageous Jean take me to multiple Cvs's. They were all sold out. Finally I found a box of 20 at a Walgreens. The clerk asked if I found everything I needed.
   "This is serious business. Here take one of these!" I stuttered at the check out (I have no memory of this happening. It was told to me later). After leaving the store and confusing the clerk with a $5 tip I came up with a "Man of the People" three question survey to ask random people regarding the virus over the next few days.

First up was the cemetery to visit my Pops. I figured a leopard print shawl, American Flag, and cool drink would be appropriate.

I decided to practice my interview skills with Dad.
Subject- Robert Sr. (Forever 64)-
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus?"
Robert Sr.- …………...
Metro- "Are you taking any precautions regarding the Coronavirus?"
Robert Sr.- …………...
Metro- "Are you familiar with the Hamtramck Music Fest?"
Robert Sr. (?)- "Who?"
I was stunned with the response and fell over and then saw the owl in the willow tree. But was it really? Did the owl say it? My glance turned to the fence where a bright cardinal was perched on. I knew who it was but still asked, "What's the score here?" The cardinal looked down at the fresh snow where something had written "This Is It". It was time to go.

Next up was Millers Bar in Dearborn, a personal favorite, for a burger and cool drink. Since there was a high probability of other people being there I donned one of my protective masks as the hazmat suit is not set to arrive until Monday unless the mailman contracts the fucking flu. After making my usual order of a burger and fries and two beers at the same time I conducted my first interview with Susan, the server.
Susan (32)-
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus?"
Susan- "We don't have menus."
Metro- "I understand. I'm a fan. Are you taking any precautions regarding the Super Flu?"
Susan- "Fries or rings?"
Metro- "Fries. Are you familiar with the Hamtramck Music Fest?"
Susan- "What? No."
By the time the food had arrived I was ravenous which led to me attempting to eat while forgetting my protective mask was still on. After the shouting (much of it mine) ended I ate quick and rushed out to find a bed.

Super Bowl Sunday-
I woke up realizing that four of the twenty protective masks had been already lost or destroyed. I decided to go to the bar to watch the Big Game. Due to the disaster at Millers the day before along with the hazmat suit yet to arrive, I was very paranoid. To ease my fears I brought a plastic grocery bag to tie around my head along with another protective mask (which was later lost).

After the first "What the fuck?" from the table next to me, along with the suffocation episode, I realized I had to split and quick. After reaching the car which was quite easy to find considering I had wrapped it in bubble wrap that morning, I raced back to the compound to catch the rest of the game. I managed to catch the full thing before things turned dark with my Fat Albert shirt, empty wine, various beer, and protective mask. I wasn't even able to unplug the Christmas tree which has yet to be retired.

Oh, my interview from the bar:
Alice (29)-
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus?"
Alice- "Probably 3."
Metro- (Giggling) "Ok I guess."
Alice- "Wait, okay, 5."
Metro- "Are you taking any precautions regarding the Coronavirus?"
Alice- "Drink pure water."
Metro- "Sound strategy. Are you familiar with the Hamtramck Music Fest?"
Alice- "No."

The Next Day-
I ran to grab the baseball bat when I heard the pounding at the door but was relieved to see it was just my hazmat suit being delivered. It was time to continue with the survey. I spent about 15 minutes with a roll of scotch tape trying to alter my appearance to look more Asian but gave up because I couldn't see shit.

The first stop was the movie theater, a suitable public place. I was singing "Lets go to the movies, lets go to the show," but it was muffled due to the protective mask (which was later lost). At the cinema I bought a ticket for "Little Women" and interviewed Bethany while forgetting to wear my Johnny Press hat to make sure she realized I was a journalist.

Bethany (26)-
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus?"
Bethany- "Well, a lot of people come through here. So about a 5."
Metro- (Doing my best Wayne Gale impersonation) "That's scary stuff. Are you taking any precautions regarding this Super Flu. Its bigger than AIDS dammit!"
Bethany- "I wash my hands a lot."
Metro- "Are you familiar with the Hamtramck Music Fest?"
Beth- "No."
Once in the theater I waited for the first poignant, serious moment in "Little Women" to erupt in a laughing fit followed by a serious method acting coughing episode which cleared out the theater. I had no interest in the rest of the movie so I left and headed to CVS, but not before the theater alerted security. It was a non issue because it was mall security and they saw I was a real nut job.

By this point at CVS I realized that I needed to be a paying customer or else management or even security would be all over me so I filled my cart with as much Airborne and cold medicine as possible which combined with the hazmat suit should have been enough to ease the fears of other shoppers yet they all vacated the aisle.

 I did manage to snag Karen for a quick hot take.
Karen (?)-
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus?"
Karen- "Please stay away."

(Writer's note- This is my favorite pic of the photo essay despite not putting the hazmat hood up.)

Well off to Meijer I guess. It worked out because I was running out of beer.

 I wanted to use the Johnny Press hat disguise again because there were cameras everywhere but I think I left it at the movie theater. It was uneventful mostly, but I did manage to chat with Crabby Rich in line.


Crabby Rich-
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus/"
Rich- "About 8 now that I see you."
Metro- "I'm safe. Are you taking any precautions regarding the Reaper?"
Rich- "Yeah, leaving this store."
Metro- "I can dig it. The spirits will be moaning tonight my friend. Are you familiar with the Hamtramck Music Fest?"
Rich- "What is this man?"

Jump, flash cut to Kroger. By this time I was hyperventilating inside of the hazmat suit so I gave it to a homeless guy (after doing the dollar bill trick) telling him that this is more valuable than any dollar. The derelict went into a coughing thing which caused me to bail, and fast. While at Kroger I went to stock up on cat food but then heard somebody sneeze behind me. Realizing the hazmat suit was long gone I immediately dropped into a barrel roll position. Thankfully I was wearing my uncle's military jacket.

 He had served in Korea....oh fucking shit. I don't have a map but Korea has to be close to China. I sprint to the closest, terrified, father of two raving, "This jacket has been to Korea. It needs to be scrubbed. Where can I have this done, man?" The children started crying and I ran. A confused employee asked if I needed any help. After another laughing fit......
Carl (65)-
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus?
Carl- "I'd say 2. Its all overseas."
Metro- "Good point. Fuck em. Are you taking any precautions regarding this plague?"
Carl- "I just come in to work."
Metro; "I love you. Are you familiar with the Hamtramck Music Fest?"
Carl- "Nah."

The last stop was the casino, ill-advised yet required. The hazmat suit would have been a great visual but it had already been given to the bum. Thankfully I had my disguise bin and grabbed the Ric Flair robe to avoid drawing attention to myself and because I was planning on betting on red

I eventually made it to the table games which did not last long.
Doug (44)- (Pit Boss/Employee)
Metro- "On a scale of 1-10 how worried are you about the Coronavirus?"
Doug- "People are uncomfortable."
Metro- "Right on. Great! Are you taking any precautions regarding the Super Flu?"
Doug- "Please leave the gaming area."
Metro- "Are you familiar with the Hamtramck Music Fest?"
Doug- "Is that who you are with?"
Metro- "No…...wait! Yes? (framed as a question). Yes. We are powered by the people for the people, and by god man, say what you will about me as a journalist, I am a man of the people. My name is Eugene. REPEAT IT AFTER ME! WHAT IS THE NAME?"

After being escorted out I sat in the car for a while. After crying, or maybe laughing, I went back to the compound to review the tape recorder and edit and type this. The tape recorder was useless; completely unusable with me muttering things like "Look at her skin. Has to be infected," or "We're in deep shit. They have infiltrated the catering department." At one point I had a five minute loop of me synchronizing "Doff It" with the slot machine blips. If I had kept the hazmat suit I would probably would have been in a different type of car. Instead, I am back at the Compound editing and typing this post with cool drink and trying to ignore the tickle at the back of my throat.


Postscript-
I know there are some who will find this post funny (or at least absurd), and many who will find it tasteless or ill-timed (no pun intended), so let me pull back the curtain and explain. Since the beginning I always intended to shock, but the goal was Never to be offensive (there's a difference). Many of my exploits can be seen as offensive, but never if you looked below the surface of things. I polled a few people regarding this post. Two relatives and one trusted friend said it was a bad idea. They all said "Bad idea". Others said it was interesting and funny. My relative had a decent counter argument, "Yeah because they're not doing it." I can dig that. Decent point, but I like the chaotic nature of this idea, and nobody else is doing anything like it around here. I think bringing a pressure cooker into Ferndale Public Library for a Blowout weeks after the Boston Marathon is far worse than this. That was not meant to make light of that horrific tragedy. Instead of nails and shrapnel I filled it with CD samplers of local bands playing the fest. That was the punchline, and a punchline that still exists to this day.
The cemetery sequence in this post could be seen as disrespectful to my Pops or the cemetery as a whole, but I don't see it that way. Pops never read this blog, but he was aware of my antics (he once bailed me out of jail after an incident at a softball game. I was not charged). He sometimes offered ideas. I used only a few, but I used some. I think he would find it funny to finally be included as a character in a post. Actually, he would probably say "I don't give a fuck," a good a mantra as any. As for the timing of the post regarding the Coronavirus. On the surface it could be seen as poor timing and/or insensitive, but below the surface is a main character who is bumbling (lil bit), enchanted by the media (sometimes), a drunk (Okay yeah, so sue me....NO! Wait!), and paranoid (lil bit). It is a commentary on paranoia, not on the flu. I have no obligation to explain myself and my ideas, but this time I wanted to. This was near the top of the posts I've had the most fun writing. I hope at least it was an entertaining escape for you. And if it wasn't.....I don't give a fuck.

From the Iceman Commeth,
Bryan Metro

Metro Escapes Detroit

"It will be a miracle if this goes off as planned..."

Hey all, Metro here. This was the first line of what was to be in my journal of adventures, but it was the only thing I wrote. Sorry, I'm in LiveJournal mode. I will try to make this as Milo-less as possible. Emphasis on "try". Don't worry, I tie it into the local scene.

I didn't think I would survive last week. On Tuesday me and Born Evil were to cover the first ever WWE night at the Wings game (Carmella, who shook my hand, was a peach in person). Then up at 4am on Wednesday to catch a 9:45am flight. The next four days were to be spent in Orlando for a wedding (I was in the bridal party as the Man of Honor). Then fly back the day after the reception (never a good idea).

Leading up to this death race I spent most of my time in bed worrying about the worst that could happen: The panic attack or seizure from not having a drink during the ceremony, engine failure on the plane, the hijacker with time management issues who waited until after the engine failure, the ominous call from the doctor back in Michigan saying "We need to see you as soon as possible", the raving madman wielding a baton at an Indian couple at the baggage claim, the father who vanished from the plane mid-flight, the fear when the stewardess says "The life vests are under your seats but you won't need them", the frustration at having forgotten to tape all of this week's Patty Winters Shows, terror at the realization you forgot the Xanax and more importantly, extra boxers, and you are in the middle seat and already starting to smell, and the worry about receiving additional court information. Just kidding on that last one, ha ha.

Medium-size story short- It went off fine, as planned which was a relief and also slightly disappointing in a weird way. Of course there were a few hiccups: Being pulled aside by TSA because I worse my wedding suit to save money and some brat behind me yelled "Its the Joker" (the suit was Lavender, duhhhh, with a green shirt and orange tie). There was also the vomiting in the hotel room after the reception, not because of too much drink, but because of a coughing fit. After cleaning the trash can like a true gent I lined it with a towel and put an index card on top simply saying "I'm back" in blood red lipstick that appeared out of nowhere.

There were also a lot of positive moments as well but the Constant Readers don't want to hear about that because that's personal and part of a different project. Switching to essay mode, I took two things away from this whirlwind week.
One- While in Florida I experienced a catharsis of sorts. For four days I had no laptop, no internet, no Facebook, and a bare bones burner phone in case I got lost/went missing. After Day 1 it was like I was out of detox. I felt great. I was no longer inundated with posts about the neighbor with a basement full of bones, how to reduce your debt, the catastrophic box office of the latest Ghostbusters...I mean Terminator movie, the economy, the plane whose engine had failed, and additional court information. Just kidding on that last one, ha ha. But it really was a cleansing feeling. Not once did I feel a panic attack coming on, but that could have been the constant beer being fed to me with the day usually starting with a voice saying "Here, Number 1". You should try it (minus the beer if you wish). Just disappear, even if it's here. Also, value your friends. I don't mean to sound like I'm lecturing. I don't want to be "that guy" who's now straight edge and feels the need to tell everybody how great it is as they all internally roll their eyes (nothing against sobriety, but it can be insufferable and pandering). I digress. Value your close one's. I don't have a bunch of friends (surprised?) but that's by design. So many people are boring (segue in 10...9....8...), but the friends I have mean so much and never take them for granted. This past week I reconnected with old friend Kevin Owens along with making a new one in Negasonic Teenage Warhead.

Two- When I got back to Michigan I was surrounded by a sense of emptiness. Don't get me wrong, I was happy to be home as my vacation quota is around four days before I completely lose it and roam. But after getting home, as The Writer, I need to write to make myself "level", and I saw that there was nothing at all (locally) to write about. I know its nearing the end of the year and things are lean, but wowie zowie, this is the worst I've seen it. The first thing I saw was a Hip In Detroit interview with Divorced Ryan Allen where he compared himself to Kurt Cobain and I spent the next two hours in the bathroom crying (no wellness check needed). What I am saying/asking is if there are any hot (local) topics that none of the local pussy journalists will touch, message or e-mail me. I made a promise to keep writing so give me something to work with: the sex scandal between ????, the record release show that's actually worth going to, the GoFundMe's that are worth contributing to, not the cash grabs like Electric Six or some revolting blob asking for money. Give me something to work with. Everything is so boring. Thus, I gift you with my most boring post of the year. Lets work together. I'll be your mirror.


I'm Back
Bryan Metro