Video: Paul Simon Performs 'Sound Of Silence' At 9/11 Memorial

At today's dedication of the 9/11 Memorial in New York City, Paul Simon was asked to perform 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'.  At the last minute, he decided to sing 'Sound of Silence'.  As you can see from the video, the lifelong New York area resident looked devastated.

After ten long years, we still have not "healed".

Video: Blue Man Group - 'Exhibit 13' (Remembering 9/11)

The world grieved the events of September 11th in different ways.  Performance artists Blue Man Group created 'Exhibit 13'.  Generally known for exciting numbers, 'Exhibit 13' is a somber and haunting piece of music.  The title comes from a piece of paper that was found in the Carroll Gardens neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York.



One of the images of the video is of a partially burnt memo from Cantor Fitzgerald.  When the towers fell, 658 employees of the firm, located on floors 101-105 of Tower One, were killed.

It didn't occur to me until months after seeing the performance, but the rate at which the pieces of papers fall behind the group coincides with the first tower being hit, then the second tower, then their collapse.

A very somber, yet touching memorial.

Smile...

I thought that this would be the appropriate way to start off the morning...all things considered.



Thank you, Charlie...and Nat.

Video: Live - 'Overcome' (Remembering 9/11)

Within 48 hours of the attacks on the World Trade Center, documentarians Camera Planet pieced together footage from around the site, which had come to be known as "Ground Zero".  They submitted the video to VH1, with Live's 'Overcome' as a backing track.  The network aired it immediately, without receiving clearance from the band.  The following message would scroll along the bottom of the screen:

"HOW TO HELP:  TO DONATE MONEY TO THE FAMILIES OF THE VICTIMS OF TUESDAY'S ATTACKS:  UNITED WAY (THEN A PHONE NUMBER)...AMERICAN RED CROSS (THEN A PHONE NUMBER)...SALVATION ARMY (PHONE NUMBER)...CATHOLIC CHARITIES USA (PHONE NUMBER)"


When Ed Kowalczyk, the singer of the band and 'Overcome's songwriter, saw the video later in the week, he eagerly gave MTV Networks permission to use the song.  In fact, the footage was later edited and became the track's "official" video.



It seemed like that video played every ten minutes, like clockwork, on every single video channel on cable.  In the week following 9/11, I must have seen it over a hundred times.  It's one of the greatest memories to stand out from that week for me.

Photo Of The Day

Video: Kathy Griffin Reads Letter From Offended Christian

It Has Been An Wonderful Two Years. Thank You.

Note:  Please forgive me.  I have a lot on my mind.  This may not be the most well written article, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Tomorrow will be the start of the third year of "The Twitch".  I started the blog as a way to vent my frustrations. It was a journal of sorts.  A hobby that didn't involve shooting zombies.

The following two years have been nothing short of amazing.  The more I wrote, the more I started to become a writer.  To look back at some of the dribble that was typed out in the early days is embarrassing.  Please don't read the archives.  LOL.  The entire theme of my website has changed over time.  Looking at my page today, you would have no idea that I started by discussing my issues with Tourette's and PTSD.

I have taken a more active role in politics.  I have also stepped up, and become somewhat of an activist on LGBT issues, especially those that effect the bisexual community.  I even came out on this page.  More than anything, this page has become an outlet for me to discuss my religious upbringing, and the consequences that followed because of it.  I don't know where my mind would be without having this outlet.

Since September 2009, some posts have been more popular than others.  Believe it or not, a story about "Zombie Boy" Rick Genest, the tattooed gentleman in Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way' video, is the most popular thus far.  Though the article was written in March of this year, it is responsible for almost 25% of all traffic to the website, since it's launch two years ago.  Six months after it's debut, it is still viewed six times for every click that the next most popular story receives each day.  Insane.

It was around that time that things really started to take off for "The Twitch".  In fact, 82% of my total site views have been since March 1st, and the page has 30 times the monthly views that it did at the beginning of the year.  This is no longer a hobby.  It is a profession.  I tell people that I am a blogger.

That's the reason why you may have noticed some changes to the page recently.  "The Daily Twitch", while a catchy title, was already taken as a URL.  Turns out, there is an advertising blog of the same name in Australia.  So, after 18+ months, it was time for a change.  "The Twitch Online" was born.  There may be a number of additional, minor changes coming soon in the way of layout.

I want to thank everyone for reading my page.  For getting a laugh every now and then.  For those that take time to comment.  Those who share my articles on Facebook and Twitter.

I would like to thank a few of the readers that have followed me early on (Those whose names I know, at least.)  Casey, Rachel and Melissa, thank you for sticking with me through some really shitty posts.  LOL.  To my subscribers, thank you for waking up with me.  Sometimes, I don't know what any of you see in this website, but it's nice to know that you see something worthwhile.

Here's to another fantastic year.

Video: "Bonjour, Girl."

That Belle can be one sassy bitch.  Hey, girl.

Today In "Ew, Get The Fuck Off Of Me!" (NSFW)

The video below is a demonstration of a real product currently on the market.  It's called the "My Little Secret Talking Head MP3 Vibrator".  Believe it or not, you can buy one on Amazon.

The product description is as follows.  I am pasting it as-is, punctuation errors and all:

"The talking head mp3 vibrator is a rabbit vibe with state of the art cd-quality speakers that talks dirty to you. you can enjoy your most intimate fantasies with sexy strangers or have your lover instantly record your favorite audio fantasy to suit any erotic occasion. you can download dozens of fantasy lovers or record your own fantasy with cd-quality sampling technology. the talking head is very enjoyable with the headphones or with the sound off. it delivers a range of vibrator speeds and modes, including separate controls for the rabbit. the base has rotating pearls that add intensity to your sensual experience"

While the product may sound intriguing in theory, your curiosity, as well as your libido will take a dive, once the device is turned on:



No.  No.  No.  Just....NO!

That may be the first time I have ever been skeeved out by a sex toy.  Who could have possibly thought that was "sexy"?!  Even gay men would be screaming, "Get the fuck away from me!", after turning that thing on.  It's has that universal "dry heave" factor.

And what's with the name?  "My Little Secret"?  What is your secret?  That you're doing you're dad's drunk boss?  What, was "Date Rape in a Can" already trademarked?

I love how the vibrator came first.  Quality product.

Video: George C. Scott Previews Star Wars On Blu-ray

Leave a comment.  Let me know if you have any intention of dropping $90.00 on the Blu-rays when they come out next Tuesday.

Video: A Disturbing Moment Of Pride For Rick Perry

During last night's Republican debate on MSNBC, host Brian Williams asked Texas' Rick Perry about his state's record on capital punishment during his tenure as governor.  The question alone garnered the loudest response from the audience of the debate.



Ladies and Gentlemen, the Republican party of 2011...bloodthirsty savages.

And, for fuck's sake Perry, wipe that smug look off your face.  You remind me of Dubya.

Church Sign Of The Day

Westboro Baptist Church has it all wrong.

Video: UFC Fighter Nate Quarry Talks About Being Raised As One Of Jehovah's Witnesses

UFC middleweight Nate "The Rock" Quarry, is one of the most successful fighters of recent history in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

He was also raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  He left the organization, which he later referred to as a cult, at the age of 24.  As you can see in this July 2011 interview, Quarry has no problem talking about his prior life:

Cool Blog Alert: 'The Day I Became An Atheist'

Over the last year, there have been a number of blogs that have looked at the world from a different perspective. One told the stories of gay and lesbian individuals that knew as children of their sexual orientation.  Another proved that your parents were pretty cool before you came along.

A new website has debuted this week in the same vein, but with a decidedly more serious tone.  From author Kyria Abrahams comes 'The Day I Became an Atheist'.  I must admit, it's a compelling read.

The blog is comprised primarily of reader submissions.  So far, the majority of them are rather heartbreaking.  I encourage you to read the riveting, powerful, and often times, emotional stories from people all over the world.  Kyria's post for example:

“My ex-boyfriend assaulted me by slamming a balled fist into either side of my head. He could have killed me, but thankfully, all I got was a lousy concussion. I lost two jobs and was left with thousands of dollars in legal and hospital bills. I was also unable to say goodbye to my dying father. The people around me said everything happens for a reason and I just didn’t see God’s plan. Apparently God’s plan was for my ex to get away with it. One year later, and I challenge anyone to find a single Godly thing that came out of that incident.”

If you would like to contribute your own story for the blog, you can submit it through the blog directly, or email Kyria at kyriaabrahams@gmail.com.  We would all like to hear it.  Kyria's latest book is called I'm Perfect, You're Doomed: Tales from a Jehovah's Witness Upbringing.  You can purchase it on Amazon by clicking on the link above.

Video: "I Will Follow You Into The Dark"

Few people have seen the music video for Death Cab For Cutie's single 'I Will Follow You Into the Dark'.  Even fewer have seen the original, alternate video for the track.  It is one of my personal favorites, and I thought I would share.

The video, using a storybook, tells a tale of companionship, love and loss, using two rabbits as primary characters.  It's very touching, and adds a level of emotion to the song that most music videos cannot match these days.  I hope you enjoy it.