Kyle Gordon Stanley, Author at HARDTIMES

Punk’s Life Built Entirely on Spite Going Surprisingly Well

Posted on July 3, 2021 by Ryan Danley

PITTSBURGH — Local punk Sam Allister’s life built entirely on doing things out of spite for the extreme bitterness of this fucked world is actually quite fulfilling and going surprisingly well, according to sources.

“As a kid, everyone told me I was too angry. My parents, teachers, and court appointed therapists all said I was headed down a bad path. Those assholes had no idea their bullshit was fuel for the most rad life ever. I appreciate those fucking idiots so much,” said Allister. “My dad once told me I need to quit watching horror movies all day. Oh ya? I now earn a cool 50K from my horror podcast patreon a year. Who’s a loser now, Dad? Have fun being a social worker for the rest of your life.”

Allister’s longtime girlfriend, Violet Carrol, was once concerned about her ability to hold a grudge, but now is completely on board with Allister’s lifestyle.

“I used to be angry when Sam would get into fights, but after her last stint of weekenders in jail she was able to finally get sober. That lady she beat up is probably still telling people to be quiet at the library, and Sam’s out here changing her life,” said Carrol. “So now I just let the magic work. Who knows what miracles will happen if someone tells her to turn down an amp in the middle of Guitar Center. She’ll probably end up with a platinum record.”

While Allister’s success may be surprising to some, Professor of Sociology at UPenn, Dr. Edgar Stilton, stressed this is normal.

“This phenomenon has actually built our society. The Seattle grunge movement was a purely spiteful response to the macho hair bands of the ‘80s. On a smaller scale, we see people insisting that ‘Pet Sounds’ is a good record even though we all know it’s the Beach Boys,” said Stilton. “So many worthwhile endeavors are built on a simple ‘fuck you.’ I mean, the only reason I have this job is because a guidance counselor once told me I’d make a good politician. Barf. Well now I’m a doctor, and that jackass is probably dead.”

Allister was unavailable for further comment, as she was busy organizing to have hostile architecture removed from various underpasses after being told she couldn’t “fall asleep” face down on the sidewalk.

Opinion: Where Is the Future Dippin’ Dots Promised Us?

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Nathan Kamal

The world is on fire. World economies rise and fall constantly. Pandemics rage, angry mobs overrun capitols, the oceans fill with toxins. In this historically unprecedented period of hopelessness, one cannot help but wonder ‘where is the future Dippin’ Dots promised us?’

When Dippin’ Dots were introduced in 1988, they made an implicit promise: they would make the world a better place. When you say something is the “ice cream of the future,” you are promising a better future. You don’t say something like that to children at amusement centers or any retail establishment with the voltage requirements to store ice cream at -40 Fahrenheit lightly. And what have they done for us? Jack shit.

They could have used their futuristic freezing technology to create all kinds of Dippin’ foods, alleviating the global hunger crisis. But where is the Dippin’ Wheat Protein? Where are the Dippin’ Nutritional Supplements? For God’s sake, where is the Dippin’ Water?

We’re in the middle of a global drought, Dippin’ Dots! Use your power!

There are unprecedented temperatures in the Western United States. The Indian subcontinent is in a state of chaos. Russia is a police state ruled by corrupt oligarchs. There is a serious lack of innovation in new ice cream flavors. Seriously, when was the last time you saw a new flavor in the ice cream aisle of a Kroger? This is fucking on you, Dippin’ Dots.

The worst part is that despite their complete lack of innovation and progress, they refuse to release the secrets of Dippin technology to scientists and world leaders.

Even now, Dippin’ Dots is a wreck. This so-called savior of the future, as they so vaingloriously presented themselves, has no future itself. The Dippin’ Dots Corporation finds itself bankrupt. They’re increasingly a rare site at Six Flags. They’re the clear loser in a Twitter feud with disgraced former White House press secretary Sean Spicer, which should have been fucking money in the bag.

This is a chilly emperor with no clothes.

Dippin’ Dots, you promised us a better future. You have failed.

Now, the only hope we have is that Astronaut Ice Cream will come out of retirement and save us, just like it did in 1969. We have only its weird, freeze-dried texture and chalky taste left to carry us forward.

Outlaw Country Fan Backs the Blue

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Nathan Kamal

HARRISONBURG, Va. — Lifelong fan of outlaw country music Chris Harper is also a fervent supporter of law enforcement in all its forms, going as far as to decorate his truck, home and personal attire with “Back the Blue” slogans, sources close to the living contradiction confirmed.

“Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Billy Joe Shaver, these are just a few of the men whose music has shaped my life,” said Harper while proudly displaying a “Blue Lives Matter” flag on his front porch. “Those guys brought country music back to what it should be: standing up to the man and not giving a fuck. They didn’t let anyone push them around or tell them what to do. And that’s how I live my life as well, but I also want to show my appreciation for the brave men and women that keep our neighborhoods safe. We have to realize that the real heroes are the police officers who put their lives on the line every day, you know?”

Silas Rhodes, a longtime friend of Harper’s, didn’t see any issue with his friend’s preferences.

“Just because you listen to music where the Sheriff is the villain doesn’t mean you actually have to hate your local Sheriff,” Rhodes said. “Chris has just always loved the whole image: the leather jacket, the yellow night-driving aviators, drinking way, way too much at your best friend’s wedding and getting into an argument about Miranda Rights. He spends about as much time listening to Willie Nelson as he does in online forums telling strangers that we need to respect the Blue. I’ve heard him say ‘he should have just complied’’ so many times, I’m starting to think it’s a Hank Jr. lyric.”

Terri Berman, a behavioral researcher at the University of Virginia, has seen cases like Harper’s before.

“We live in complex times,” Berman explained. “Many people find themselves holding contradictory opinions and not even realizing it. Mr. Harper can love music that overtly, textually asks the listener to stand against authority, and also love the actual, definitive authority of society, like the police. It’s part of the human condition.”

“That said, this guy sounds like a real dumbass,” Berman added.

As of press time, Harper was explaining to a police officer how much he appreciated his service as he was being issued a DUI.

Sorry For Your Loss but Do You Still Have My Copy of “Chocolate Starfish and the Hot Dog Flavored Water?”

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Dan Luberto

Hey I really hope you’re doing alright, seriously I am so sorry for your loss. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. You’re like a brother to me so whatever you need don’t give it a second though. I’m here for you, my family is here for you in this dark, terrible time of need.

It’s been so long since I’ve seen you, how long has it been? Oh, and no big deal, but if you have the chance can I just get my copy of Chocolate Starfish and the Hotdog Flavored Water back?

I hate to bring it up like this, but since we’re all back home and I know the circumstances aren’t great but it’s bringing back memories and I’d really like that CD back.

Again, not a huge deal at all, but, you know. I can’t even wrap my head around how hard this is for you, it’s hard for me too, I was close to them as well. I guess this is one of those times where tragedy can bring people together? I know that sounds weird or cliche but it feels right. It feels right to reconnect and yeah I mean while we’re here if you still have that CD, I think it was in your mom’s house last time I came over in your old bedroom. I’m sure you’re gonna be cleaning out the house anyway because, yeah, so if you come across it just let me know.

It really pains me to say this but it’s just not the same to stream it on Spotify, like the nostalgia and everything. The intro track where the alien voice says “Limp Bizkit is in the house” honestly just hits different on a CD the way it was meant to be played and experienced.

We can still listen to it together, I mean, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of free time once you’re done dealing with everything. No rush, just saying that’s chill, like you can still listen to it.

It’s such a good record, and I hate to bring it up at a time like this, but it’s just so good and I’ve had ‘Rollin’ (Air Raid Vehicle)’ stuck in my head the entire trip up to the funeral like, I don’t know, maybe I could kill two birds with one stone and go to the funeral and grab that too.

Honestly I can even grab it myself, I remember what shelf you left it on, it’s right by my copy of Final Fantasy 8 that I let you borrow but that’s not a huge deal right now if you still wanna play that?

I love you and miss you and I’m sorry I haven’t been there for you as much as I should have been so like I get it if you’re upset or whatever or busy with funeral stuff and next of kin stuff and executing the will and cleaning and whatnot so no rush but at the same time I have to get back to the city for work on Monday so no rush just kind of if you have the chance I really would love to listen to it on my drive back cause there’s really not a bad song on that record and the one remix with DMX, dude Rest In Peace DMX too. Man, how rough was that news?

Alright I’ll let you get back to playing host, but just let me know about the CD, I can swing by tomorrow the burial should be done by like what? 1? 2 pm?

Are they doing them all at once? Cause I know your mom already had the plot but your wife and two daughters? That was kind of a surprise, you gonna bury them all at once or like kind of bounce between?

Sorry not trying to be nosy! Just let me know about that CD.

Trapt Offer to Pay Anyone $35 to Request Them on Cameo

Posted on July 2, 2021 by Tony Morse

LOS ANGELES — Hate speech enthusiast Chris Taylor Brown and his disesteemed nu-metal band Trapt are reportedly offering $35 to anyone who requests them on the popular video-sharing website Cameo, uninterested sources confirmed.

“Big tech has tried to silence us, but we’re back with a whole new way to drop some red pills all over the pussy ass woke mob. And this shit is so real, people have gotta be paid to listen,” explained an enthusiastic Brown. “Once they hear what I’ve got to say, they’re gonna be so inspired that they take the money we send them and go buy some of our merch. Shit, thirty-five dollars is more than enough for a couple of our records with plenty left over for vaping cartridges and some Mountain Dew.”

“This should push our new album sales well into four-figure territory,” added an optimistic Brown.

Fans, however, received the announcement with mixed feelings.

“Chris Brown was a great social commentator. Not everyone could downplay institutional racism while screaming about the Chinese virus like he could,” said budding Neo-Nazi Sam Jameson. “His explanation for why white privilege isn’t real is something I still quote to the slackers at the warehouse my family owns. Anyway, I was a big fan until I realized he was also the lead singer for Trapt. This one time I sang ‘Headstrong’ at Karaoke and a pretty big group of women laughed the entire time and called me an incel. I haven’t been able to fuck around with Trapt since, which is unfortunate because I could really use the thirty-five bucks to put towards my overdue court supervision fees. I miss Brown’s take on politics, but honestly I can hear most of the same shit on Tucker Carlson.”

Cameo’s Director of Finance Daisy Davidson applauded Trapt’s aggressive marketing approach.

“We don’t really care what Trapt does with their money as long as we get our cut,” noted the steely-eyed executive. “They actually only net thirty dollars per video, so they’re taking a bit of a loss here. Hopefully they make it up on volume,” she said while trying to stifle a laugh. “In any event, we’re excited to add Trapt to our portfolio of racists that already includes Sebastian Gorka and Tomi Lahren.”

Following Trapt’s lead, outspoken drummer of System of a Down John Dolmayan is offering the first 50 people that sign up for his OnlyFans a $25 gift card to Albertson’s.

How I Learned To Trust My Boyfriend by Going Through His Phone Every Night

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Dom Turek

Building trust in a relationship takes time. But I work 60 hours a week and time is money, which is why I’ve decided that going through my boyfriend’s phone while he’s asleep is the most efficient way to trust him.

Whether you decide to go through his iPad, computer history, or to simply scour his house for a burner phone, there is no wrong way to go about trusting your partner. First, you’ll need to crack his passcode. Try asking him for it directly first, but if he has trust issues then PINs, birthdays, and old addresses can all serve as helpful numeric clues when breaking into a phone. If all else fails, “696969” usually does the trick.

Personally, I like to start my process of trust-building when he goes to sleep. Once you notice his eyes twitching it means he’s in REM sleep, and now is the perfect time to collect intel. I mean build trust. Whatever. You’ll want to check texts, DMs, voicemails, and even recently purchased movies. Three days ago my boyfriend rented “River’s Edge” on Amazon, which is strange because he told me he hates Crispin Glover. So either he doesn’t hate Crispin Glover or he’s watching teen crime dramas with another woman.

You can’t bring up all your findings at once because you’ll blow your cover, so I like to mentally earmark my evidence and introduce it into a conversation slowly over the course of days, weeks, or months whilst carefully monitoring his reactions. While many body language experts suggest people often look up and to the left when lying, I’ve found men are lying no matter what direction they’re looking in.

Sometimes, I feel like going through my boyfriend’s phone is wrong and even abusive. I wonder if my obsession with control is a fear based-response to the uncertainty of life and inevitability of death, but then I snap out of it and get back to my life’s work of finding out who the fuck texted Derick at 2:30 AM last night.

Man Always Thought His Rock Bottom Would Make for Better Story

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Alec Stein

SCHAUMBURG, Ill. — Self-proclaimed author of the next great American novel Frank Trotsky recently came to the terrible realization that his “rock bottom” was going to make for an absolute shit story, sources close to the mess of a man confirmed.

“I mean, allowing drugs and alcohol to ruin every meaningful relationship I’ve ever had is whatever,” said Trotsky while fumbling for an American Spirit from the pocket of his tweed jacket. “But who’s going to want to read about the guy whose lowest point was overdrawing his debit card at Buffalo Wild Wings? Before getting sober, my buddy John punched a cop he found out was sleeping with his wife, then went on a bender and was missing for days before some farmer found him naked in a barn 28 miles away. Now that’s material I could work with! When I saw the -$9.73 in my checking account, I broke down crying and realized I needed to change.”

Friends of Trotsky were relieved he was seeking help, even if the moment he came to this realization was objectively embarrassing.

“Last week, Frank showed up to my sister’s quinceañera, drank two seltzers, then started ranting about how we’re all just characters in his magnum opus,” said longtime roommate Sara Diaz. “When I pointed out that he’s never written an opus, let alone a magnum one, he said I just don’t get it because I’m a cog in the machine, while he’s out living on the fringes of society. He works as an office manager. I took a peek inside that moleskine he’s always carrying around. You know what I found? Grocery lists. The first page said ‘Write drunk, edit sober,’ then just twenty goddamn pages listing cheese, milk, etc. Fuck Frank.”

Lillian Prescot, a professor of literature at Columbia, said she does not believe Trotsky’s journey of self-discovery will lead to anything of value.

“You could be describing nearly every one of my male students this semester. These kids read one Bukowski poem, start drinking like it’s their last day on earth, then go out and buy a typewriter with their parent’s credit card,” said Professor Prescot. “I have a pile of novellas on my desk that I need to review and each one of them is about a main character who moves to the city after getting dumped and becomes a famous writer. It’s pathetic. Have one original thought.”

At press time, Trotsky was last seen drinking a virgin Tom Collins and explaining to the bartender David Foster Wallace’s thoughts on irony.

4 Zodiac Signs You Should Consider Making the Switch to

Posted on July 1, 2021 by Bobby Korec

Astrology is pretty much the only thing on everyone’s mind nowadays. Unfortunately everyone kind of just gives in to the zodiac hand they’ve been dealt at birth. However, just because you grew up one sign doesn’t necessarily mean you have to live the pre-destined sign forever. Why not mix and match?

With today’s healing crystal technology and chakra realignment therapy methods there’s practically no limit to what astrologists can claim to do. If you’re one of those people who hate their astrological sign, like all Capricorns for instance, you should definitely consider making the switch to at least one of these ones.

Pisces
Pisces are the sexy ones. Look no further than Brad Pitt. Sure, he was born a Sagittarius, but he clearly abandoned ship to become a Pisces at some point. So if you’re one of the ugly zodiac signs, I would highly consider getting your shit together and becoming hot, like a Pisces.

Libra
There are at least 27 billionaires who are Libras, so if you’re broke and a Virgo you should switch teams now while there’s still time. Libras seem to be really effective at hoarding money. Before you know it, all these billionaires won’t allow anyone else to have any money, anyway. Might as well join them.

Leo
The Leo sign is excellent in bed. While I still need a little more time to fully confirm my hypothesis, it’s a pretty safe bet considering my initial research was tested against a Gemini control group. So if you’re like an Aquarius or some shit and need some help pleasuring your lover, definitely think about making the switch strictly for sexual purposes.

Aries
My golden retriever is an Aries and she’s literally the best dog anyone could ask for. Aries is the first sign, which means they’re pioneers. They’re also amazing leaders. If it weren’t for my dog telling me she’s hungry I would never remember to feed her. Honestly, it really wouldn’t hurt you to be a little more like an Aries or my dog in general.

Broke Folk-Punk Pawns Hand Saw, Trash Can Lid

Posted on July 1, 2021 by The Hard Times Staff

SAN ANTONIO — Multi-instrumentalist Eli “Smudge” Goodwin threw the entire local folk-punk scene into disarray when he tried to make ends meet by pawning his beloved hand saw and trash can lid, outraged sources confirmed.

“This was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I used that saw on both Wayward Cork albums, and I can’t tell you how many folk-punk bands have rolled through town and asked to borrow that trash can lid. It just has such a distinct ‘ping’ sound that makes me think it’s a unique alloy,” said Goodwin after counting the $8 he got for the trade in. “Money has been tight. It seems like nobody wants to buy art made from pine cones and cigarette butts anymore. I even switched to using non-smoked butts because of COVID, but still no takers.”

Members of the local folk-punk scene were devastated to hear that the instruments were pawned.

“I remember seeing Eli playing that saw back when Silicone Tramps were still together and he blew me away. The way he would bend it all weird, and then occasionally hit it on his thigh was a thing of beauty. It sucks that we might be losing such an important part of our city’s legacy,” said Abbie “Munch” Heuten. “We’ve been trying to raise some money to go to the pawn shop and buy back the instruments, but the capitalist pig who runs the place wants like $20 for both items. It could take us years to get that much money.”

Local homeowner James “Jimmy” Landis said he’s very interested in both the saw and trash can lid.

“Yep, been looking for a metal trash can lid for a couple of years now. I lost mine back in 2016 when some teenagers hit my cans with their car, and never was able to find a replacement. None of them that they sell down there at the Home Depot fit my can, I tell you,” said Landis, while slowly milling around the pawn shop considering each and every piece of merchandise in the store. “Hell of a saw, too. Not missing a single tooth, still seems sharp as the devil. Doesn’t look like anyone has ever used it to cut anything. Yep, I think these will do nicely.”

UPDATE: The San Antonio folk-punk scene has completely collapsed after members of the popular band Instant Insect had a string of tin cans stolen from their Volkswagen van.

Big News for Glassjaw Fans

Posted on June 30, 2021 by Tim Sheard

Glassjaw, the legendary and often imitated New York post-hardcore band, has announced a 20+ year anniversary collection including seminal records 2000’s “Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Silence,” 2002’s “Worship And Tribute” and for the first time, a live album from their legendary 2011 The Forum London set called “Live At The Forum.” It is a tour-exclusive three-piece vinyl set (not a bundle) only accessible with a separately sold ticket. In typical Glassjaw fashion, this vinyl collection will only be available for a limited time and in limited quantities. The pre-sale for the vinyl will go live July 9, and ticket-holders will pick up their purchased vinyl at the 20+ Year Anniversary shows they attend. Visit Glassjaw.com next Friday, July 9, at 12pm ET to participate. The Hard Times will have exclusive packaging to make things extra special.

Upon its release in the summer of 2002, “Worship And Tribute” was supposed to close with their song “Convectuoso,” but due to existing strife and legalities with the band’s previous label, Glassjaw was forced to strike it from their final composition. Twenty years later, the band has since gained back the rights to “Convectuoso,” and on the new reissue, Glassjaw fans will hear “Worship And Tribute” as the band originally intended.

“Live At The Forum,” included in the three-piece vinyl set is the band’s first official live release. Taken from their legendary 2011 London Forum set, the album’s tracklisting includes the original setlist (minus the encore) which is comprised of songs from both EYEWTKAS and “Worship And Tribute,” as well as 2011’s Our Color Green EP. The band will return to the O2 London Forum on May 27 and 28, 2022 as part of newly announced 20+ Year Anniversary tour dates.

The now 22-date, 15-city tour will kick off March 2, 2022, for two nights in Los Angeles, making stops in San Francisco, Denver, Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia, Brooklyn and more, with added dates in London and Pomona, CA (full dates below). Select cities will feature back-to-back nights with one album performance per night, while others will tackle both albums in one fell swoop with an intermission in between—full dates and info below with tickets on sale now at Glassjaw.com.

03-02-22 – 1720 Los Angeles, CA – eyewtkas (sold out)
03-03-22 – 1720 Los Angeles, CA – w&t (sold out)
03-04-22 – Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA – eyewtkas (tickets)
03-05-22 – Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA – w&t (sold out)
03-06-22 – Pomona, CA – eyewtkas + w&t
03-08-22 – The Summit Denver, CO – eyewtkas + w&t (tickets)
03-10-22 – Vibes Event Center San Antonio, TX – eyewtkas + w&t (tickets)
03-11-22 – Mohawk Austin, TX – eyewtkas (tickets)
03-12-22 – Mohawk Austin, TX – w&t (tickets)
03-14-22 – Masquerade – Heaven Atlanta, GA- eyewtkas + w&t (tickets)
03-16-22 – Concord Music Hall Chicago, IL – eyewtkas (tickets)
03-17-22 – Concord Music Hall Chicago, IL – w&t (tickets)
03-18-22 – Starland Ballroom Sayreville, NJ – eyewtkas + w&t (tickets)
03-19-22 – The Palladium Worcester, MA – eyewtkas + w&t (tickets)
03-20-22 – Fillmore Silver Springs, MD – eyewtkas + w&t (tickets)
03-21-22 – Union Transfer Philadelphia, PA – eyewtkas + w&t (tickets)
03-23-22 – Warsaw Brooklyn, NY – eyewtkas (tickets)
03-24-22 – Warsaw Brooklyn, NY – w&t (tickets)
03-25-22 – The Paramount Huntington, NY – eyewtkas (tickets)
03-26-22 – The Paramount Huntington, NY – w&t (tickets)
05-27-22 – London, UK – eyewtkas
05-28-22 – London, UK – w&t

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