Gone Viral

Well, before I complete my tale of the Tucson adventure, I would like to inform all 5 of you that I am sick. Sicker than I’ve been all year, in fact. It started creeping up on me the last day that I was in Tucson, and by the time I got on the airplane I felt like complete ass. I’m gonna speculate that racing 24 Hours in the Old Pueblo and then following that up with 3 days of drinking booze rather than water is probably what led to this point. Add to that the presence of the Gem Germ Show in Tucson, which according to my Tucsonan friend Janet brings viruses from the darkest recesses and crevices of the earth together for 2 weeks each year in Tucson + the plane ride (we all know airplanes are germ smorgasbords packed into a vaccuum sealed tube with recycled air) = one very very sick Lauren.

I was supposed to return to work the day after I returned. I didn’t call them at all that day. Too sick. Plus I figured I could buy myself an extra day by confusing them. When was she supposed to be back again? I called them yesterday and said I was ill and would not be coming to work. They were quite alright with that. I guess when you are paying someone $2.50/ hour you can afford to be nice. I called again today and said the same thing. They were very understanding, and even said that since Tuesday and Wednesday are usually my days off, I could just wait until next Thursday to come back when I am fully recovered. Woohoo!!!…Sheesh, I coulda spent an extra week in Tucson! I need to plan my sicknesses better.

Upon my return to the homefront, Jared and Charlie had completely transformed our place into a dude haven. There was a large packet of sausages in the fridge, 2 big bottles of liquor in the freezer, the toilet seat was up, and there were about 6 bikes in living room. I inquired about what they’d been doing while I was away. It soon became very apparent that they’d been spending about 90% of their time on the internet. I am glad to see that Jared took the time to show Charlie all the wonderful things he’s discovered in Chicago. Geez. Poor Charlie. Whenever Jared and I argue about where to move, it’s pretty easy for me to remind him that it doesn’t matter where we go because he spends his entire day on the computer. Nevertheless, I enjoy the interwebs as well, and the boys were quick to turn me onto the latest and greatest memes that I’d missed while having fun outside in the desert.

Here is something that went viral on YouTube while I was away. It is a South African rap group called Die Antwoord that features rats, underwear, a mute DJ, and a guy with Progeria Disease. If you ever wondered what hipsters from South Africa are like I think this will answer some questions for you. I’ve been kinda obsessed with these videos for the past three days. The boys are getting tired of hearing the infectious beats. Enjoy:



If you are confused and amused, Die Antwoord have succeeded. For the most part I was really befuddled about the authenticity factor. Thinking to myself, these people are pseudo-white trash, but the cinematography is top notch. That swinging nutsack closeup is the stuff dreams are made of. Furthermore, what’s up with this vernacular they have going on here? I thought white South Africans sound like English people. Did I miss something?

That song title translates to “Your Mother’s Cunt in a Fish Paste Jar.” Lovely, eh?

After doing some research I learned that they are being compared to Da Ali G of South Africa. So it’s somewhat of an elaborate joke, and their haircuts, attire, and behavior is all part of it, right? Sorta. There is still something pretty interesting about what they are doing even if it is somewhat contrived, and that seems to be the consensus among music critics as well. Plus, how can I dis on anybody with an affinity for rats? Did anyone catch the Ratso cameo at 3:30 in “Enter the Ninja?”

These South African hipsters are a refreshing bunch compared to the American lot. I can’t wait until they tour here. Dat shits gone fokken viral all ova da intawebs yo!

-L

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