20
Feb
Brains On Fire!
Namaste and Salaam and Blessings to everyone of you! Happy Friday-everybody’s-workin’-for-tha-weekend! I hope this finds you content and open. Om Sai Ram.
As you can see, my “Suggested Reading” short-list, is displayed, here, on the homepage. Believe me when I tell you: it is SHORT! :)
I do NOT consider my ever-growing book collection to be “an attachment” . Perhaps this is denial. Hahaha! Nonetheless, books are part of my lifeforce. Books shaped me.
When we started out in bands, in the serendipity of Winnipeg skatepunk scenes, no body even HAD a cellphone. No laptops. I still remember those early tours of sending postcards to sweethearts and callin’ my dad from a payphone, in The Mission district of San Fransisco, telling him about the guy who got shot outside the peepshow joint that was beside the punkrawk club where we played the night before. (Yeah, yeah….I gotta MILLION stories. Maybe even more.)
There weren’t even FAX machines on my first European tour. Even if there were, we were more concerned about the fights between hardcore skins and ARA skins in the pit at the Vienna show, than have use for finding a fax machine. Ya feel me? It was more about finding somethin ta eat before the drive.
So poor we didn’t have a casette player in the van-with-no-door, and no walkmans. We read. Read books. LOTS of em, in the quiet hours of long drives.
Those were some of the best times of my entire life.
I never cared much for “fiction novels”. I was ravenous for textbooks (probably due to my promise to my acedemic parents that I would, eventually, resume my University education, abandoned to the cawll of Tour)
Eventually, I was fortunate enough to have a place to live where I could keep my growing collection. Then, over all these years, they moved from place-to-place with me (often being the heaviest boxesandboxesandboxes to move…….furniture is still “lost” on me…though I have a fifteen-person diningroom table…I still don’t own a bed. Never will.)
I go through phases with my reading: medical textbooks, behavioural psychology, writing the MCATs, language texts- everything from Mandarin to Farsi to Swahili to Russian, Irving Layton poetry books, collections of anything by Arundhati Roy (who DID actually write one of the only novels I’ve ever read: “The God of Small Things”) . The only OTHER novel I’ve ever read is on my “suggested Reading” list: “Survival in Auschwitz” by Primo Levi.
As my interest in nutricuticals bgan to evolve with my vegan devotion, I had to get and devote an entire bookcase to vegan nutricion and juicing and vintage, second-hand Hindustani cookbooks (some aren’t even in English!!).
I LOVE reading and want to share, with you, some of my favorite books. That’s why I’ve added the reading list to the website. I truly hope you find some of these books interesting, and maybe even explore them. Our minds are so spongy (phisiological pun, aside) and so able to learn and evolve, its good for us to continue to learn. Often, we develop new theories or modify old ways of thinking. And that’s good for us, and for everyone with whom we come into contact.
The picture is of a watercolor I made, inspired by my passion for books. Literature IS fire. Words are fire.
Fan your flames, Baby! :)
And have a goood weekend filled with positivity and contemplation and fun!
Take care of your body and your MIND.
An open mind is integral to an open heart. Om hare om. Word to Big Bird.
Blessings and Love to you all,
Biffy
Xo
February 20th, 2009 at 12:08 PM
I used to gravitate towards non fiction also. I love biographies, especially of people who lived years ago and didn’t have all the technology and amentities that we do and yet still seemed very intelligent.
February 20th, 2009 at 1:30 PM
I read everything and anything that I can get my hands on, fiction or non fiction! xD
Im pretty sure it had to do with the fact I was always read to as a kid, and its just something where instead of getting lost in a movie, you get lost in a book. Dont get me wrong, I still like to watch movies, but if given the choice of getting rid of movies or books, id say psh for movies, imagination kicks way more bumm.
Lol ..big bird…ahahha
~Corr
February 20th, 2009 at 2:17 PM
i love reading nonfiction. i can get stuck into must indepth books… If you ever fancy reading a novel, might i suggest Terry Pratchett (who happens to have an awesome name) he is a total master when it comes to fiction. his works are full of ironic, fantasy and historical referance. They can be hard to understand, but they are worth the decoding, i might suggest weird sisters or the colour of magic. and yay for watercolours, my favourite medium.
I just realised Iv been following you for over 6years, in the UK, and i still love your work as much as the day I fell in love with Lucky.
Peace
February 20th, 2009 at 4:32 PM
I like reading but only
The things im intrested in ,
Anyways im doing my speech
on you at school i think my class
Will love it i worked really hard on it
Your my inspiration :)
Cant wait till ur next album comes out
-Hannah
February 20th, 2009 at 6:41 PM
I’m all about the nonfiction….I love bios, to me real life, people’s real stories and struggles are far more interesting to me than fiction…
btw wtf new song mp3 download but it wont let me do it!!! im dying here bif!!! I need to hear this!
February 20th, 2009 at 6:48 PM
i take it back i got the song and HOLY SHIT BIFFY you have outdone yourself x100000 I’ve can’t stop listening!!!!!!!!!!!
It’s got a groovy 50’s rock feel with some kickass vintage Bif feel to it….and your lyrics are sublime. Your vocals are strong girl!
Welcome back!!!! I seriously feel like I’m seeing a long lost friend after hearing this Bif….
February 20th, 2009 at 7:32 PM
I found Dharma Punx kind of dull, and only endured because I had a mental picture of the author as some hot looking thug. Anyway, in talking about that book, somebody recommended Hardcore Zen by Brad Warner, which I loved. I’m no fucking Buddhist, and this book was fine with that while still being quite helpful and entertaining.
He has another book that’s kind of a guide to Dogen, but I’m too much of a dummy to make it through that one. I’m more of a fiction guy anyway.
Reading lists are cool. I’m always interested in people’s favorites & recommendations
Love the new song. I remember an interview where you were talking about “mountain songs”…This sounds like a great mountain song to me.
So he leaves her for a man?
February 20th, 2009 at 7:46 PM
I just keep listening to the new song over & over & over again! FUCKING WONDERFUL!! I was already sitting on the cusp of a good weekend (two days to spend at home with various furry friends & my own booksbooksbooks) but now that good weekend JUST GOT BETTER WITH THIS SONG! (and, yes, I was yelling…sorry!) Thank you, Biffy, for the continued inspiration and motivation ~ many blessings & love to YOU, Biffy!
February 21st, 2009 at 12:00 AM
can i be a big geek and post again? I’ve listened to this song over 20 times according to itunes…..I give you the biggest applause./praise/kudos…I don’t even know what to say, Bif. especially what I’ve been through in the past few weeks…it’s like everything I’ve been feeling coming to life through my speakers. I can’t wait to hear the rest of the album…because even if this one song was what you’ve done in the past year, you’ve outdone yourself. This is truly a homecoming to rocknfuckinroll. Be proud of this amazing piece of music, because at least for me, if that’s anything, it’s been the best thing I’ve heard in a year and I’m gonna go indefinitely with this playing on repeat on my headphones!
You rock Bif!
February 21st, 2009 at 3:28 AM
Hi Bif! Reading is totally important! I did loads of it at uni when I had only the library and radio to entertain me! Today I’ve been reading the last module of my course through work which is herbal medicine, very interesting. I will endevour to read some of your recommended reads! Especially the nutritional ones! I reckon my boyfriend would love the survival in Auschwitz one, he’s half Austrian and has a sociology degree, I’ve learnt so much about the horrible things people do to each other on a global scale since we’ve been dating!
I look forward to hearing the track… gotta wait till I go home to listen to it cos I’m at work… poop!
Hearing your touring stories makes me wanna get out there and do the same… you were lucky to have people willing to go out there and travel and just play…. *sigh* :)
have a cool weekend!
Donna x
February 21st, 2009 at 4:04 AM
I have never been much of a reader, when my days are over and I get home from work I either get stuck into writing or I turn my attention to the picture box and to the mindless entertainment choices, my bad :) sometimes I just don’t want to think and said schedule is perfect for numbing my brain :P I used to love reading when I was a kid though maybe its time to go back ;)
LOVE then new song :D roll on May
Have a fab weekend
XxX
February 21st, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Wow Bif, I’m deeply relieved…. And psyched!!!
First, the “relieved” part – I found out some time ago that you had breast cancer, some AP release I guess. A few months later, after giving the idea some space and the Universe a chance to figure itself out on your precious soul, I tried to find out what was going on but couldn’t. There was also nothing on your website.
I walked away, figuring you were keeping a tight lid on things and I’d float back when my spirit led me there, ya know? I often think to do so, but peri-f’n-menopause is wiping out my f’n mind! LOL Oops, shit, forgot again.
Today’s the day! You’re OK! You are about to kick ass again! : ) God(s, Goddesses and Angels) love ya.
Why I’m a fan, and who I am. I have enormous respect for your journey, your dedication to holistic health in a rock ‘n roll/punk world, and LOVE your music girl!
I get other parts of your mindset and your dynamic personality too because I too love to celebrate life, am a bit of an intellect, have extremely spiritual tattoos that took years of meditation prior to inking, was a Head Office Banker (escaped long ago) but am still a suit (just independant with lots of philanthropical plans full of joy!), love motorcycles and have done some serious distance, solo too, am a totally girlygirl hetero! Talk about effing people up. LOL A burden we must bear for all kick ass chicks with brains out there. : )
My books. Part of me. I have a bookcase about 5 ft tall, 4 ft wide and a foot deep, filled with me to my core. What I believe in, where my values came from, and everything I love about the tangible Universe, holistic health, and the philosophies that I have just innately agree with. It goes back to the age of 7, nil to do with my upbringing, something just drew me to Zen Philosophy, martial arts and on to other beautious realms from there. Those books are like an individual piece of artwork, a collage, the largest patch in my quilt. I once sold, and gave away, my entire life, right in the middle of my career (but with a plan, HA!) in order to travel aimlessly for 2 years….but I stored my music and my books. Duh! ; )
As for trying to keep taking things in, continuing to learn, anything, is just joyous…..and good for us! Very true! Fire up those cells, don’t let them die.
I’m 45, going on 30, but I do need to get going on bio-identical hormones. My hair is falling off my mind, my mind’s falling off my body, and the dog ate my homework! LOL Oh f’n joy! I keep trying to laugh about it. ; )
I’m writing this on my E71 so don’t have access to the dox on my Mac, but if you like, I can send you something I wrote a long time ago. It’s called “Sue’s Longlife List”. I started thinking about it when I was 7, started writing it when I was 15, and finished it at about 25. It covers everything, for me, and I’d love to share it with you. I think you’d enjoy it. : )
Before I forget, I’ve lived in a few places, just off MacDonald on 21st in Vancouver for one, so took my awesome cat of (almost) 18 yrs now to the groomer there a couple of times. I walked in and saw your picture on the counter and was tickled, being such a fan. The woman there loves you! I thought, well, if Bif trusts these guys with her angels, then so can I. This was back in 04/05.
I’m back in my hometown of Toronto now. Love to see you play here but if not I’ll catch you somewhere else sometime! God, I used to dance my ass off when you’d so graciously give those free concerts in Vancouver! Your music inspires me in the best way.
Congrats on the new album! Enjoy the ride fellow Goddess! God, I’m so freakin”glad you’re ok. I respect you, and your values, and your celebratory, sensitive spirit a lot.
Peace, Love, Hugs and Health,
Sue
February 21st, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Fuck Yeah WORDS ARE FIRE!!! I had recently given my brotherinlaw-whom has some issues…as we all do-a book on Taoism, he looked at me and replied “those are just words” my jaw dropped, even if you are not ‘into’ a specific subject, the words of a book can move you, encourage you and maybe even help you through your journey in this life. If it wasnt for books, poetry and music..I dont know where Id be. Later on I found him flipping through a Playboy, well I guess those are just boobs :D
I fucking LOVE reading your blogs, and I just downloaded your new
tune, FUCK YEAH BIF!! Another great work of art!! Luv Ya <3
JenM
February 21st, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Downloaded the new tune! Love it! Thanks! Can’t wait for the rest!
February 21st, 2009 at 12:28 PM
Thank you so much for the song. It’s amazing and I’m so glad to hear you singing again.
Much love and respect, Annie
February 21st, 2009 at 12:38 PM
You always sound great but the new song, I dunno. I can tell you put your whole heart and soul into it! So much passion. Very powerful! I can’t stop listening to it. Great job! I can’t wait for the new album to come out.
By the way, who does the backup vocals on that track? It sounds like Doug to me, cuz I hear him do backup vocals for Scatterheart and it sounds similar.
Once again, I love the new song. I’m looking forward to more.
M.
February 21st, 2009 at 2:03 PM
La literatura es fuego… y tus canciones también.
Thanks for the book-list (I love reading!), and thank you so much for the new song -is amazing!- I have no words to explain the feeling of listening you again.
I love your music, I admire your strength and your will to fight. And, of course, the passion you put in everything you do.
Life is beautiful, and you make it even better.
Can’t wait for “The Promise”!!! ^-^
Muchos besos, from Spain
February 21st, 2009 at 9:40 PM
OH BIFFY I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THE NEW SONG!!!!! I hope when you get better you can tour a bit, maybe come back to Medicine Hat? ^.- hee hee! Much love, hope your energy is increasing. Happy thoughts!
Bunnie <3
February 21st, 2009 at 9:49 PM
I REALLY LOVE the new song, am super excited to tune into the new website (looks great, I’m LOVING the blog gurl!) and am super stoked that you’re feeling fabulous and making more music!
XOXOXO
February 22nd, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Great new song! Love the vibe. Now you got me salivating for May!!!!
February 22nd, 2009 at 12:52 PM
Hey Bif!
I just downloaded your new song and it’s amazing!
I love it, I am so excited to be hearing new Bif stuff!!
Can’t wait for May 5th!
~Mason Augustus Wheeler
X)
February 22nd, 2009 at 2:26 PM
i’m having trouble downloading the new song…..does anyone know why??
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:42 PM
I’m having trouble with downloading this as well… Your knot alone Michelle…
February 22nd, 2009 at 3:48 PM
Firstly, I love your new song. It’s amazing!
Secondly, I read everything. I prefer non fiction. All sorts of biographies, memoirs, self help books. The list goes on. Sometimes I just have to read a novel or something. To get everything else off my mind.
I’m definitely gonna check out your suggested reading. I kinda need new books xD
February 22nd, 2009 at 9:15 PM
Love it babygirrrl:}
February 22nd, 2009 at 9:30 PM
Ok so…I’ve got to say I’m madly in love with your song. Funny and true story here….my ex cheated on me with my friend..and I haven’t spoken to my ex since then….and today she txt msged me apologizing…and then I come home and download YOUR SONG! Good god woman you never cease to amazing and astound me. Thank you for being yourself! But I’m not gonna lie..I think that is the best coincidence ever! Stay strong and love large!
February 22nd, 2009 at 11:41 PM
hey bif, thanksss so much for the new stuff – yeah i’m loving it ^_^ cant wait to get ur upcoming cd! Thank you!
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:10 AM
YOU ARE MY RELIGION !!!!…………..I’m totally fuckin’ loving you ,as always,…………and the new song. THANKS….big kiss to you,Dave
February 23rd, 2009 at 4:45 AM
hey if anyone’s havin trouble downloading the new song go 2 her myspace pg from here & you can listen to the whole thing. it rocks!!