Showing posts with label suicide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label suicide. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 11

A solid green hardcover notebook

Harvey Kornbluth was born on 14 January 1982, in Toronto, Ontario. This makes him Canadian, and though there is technically nothing wrong with this, he is compelled to apologise for the fact anyway. For the convenience of his parents and the medical staff involved with his birth, Harvey agreed to be born shortly before lunch, at 11:37am. On the day he was born, corn dogs were being served in the hospital cafeteria, but unfortunately they were out of mustard. Somehow, Harvey was forever affected by this error of omission.

His parents, Darryl and Celica Kornbluth, were both killed in a car accident while driving back from synagogue. Though Harvey would never know this, his parents were arguing about the merits of moisturized facial tissue, when, distracted, his father plunged the car into a river. As such, Harvey was raised by his homosexual uncle and his half-Asian lover. They taught him about musicals, Abba and oxycontin addiction.

Harvey was a peculiar child. He was prone to carrying around blank index cards and a copy of the Koran. His favourite cereal was Froot Loops which he ate with too much milk. He always carried an umbrella, even on the hottest summer days. He looked at the stars at night and considered their role in his life in a non-philosophical way. He asked a lot of pointed questions to his peers ("Would you murder a parent to save Santa, and which one?"), and wrote scathing letters to authority figures. In one such missive he wrote:

Mr. Coley,
If it is in fact the case that we are not meant to eat the Play-doh, then I beseech you to explain why it is so delicious. Your humble servant,
Harvey Kornbluth

His adolescence was marked by casual smoking, cold showers and suicide notes placed in public spaces. His threat to self-immolate — which was painted on to the rear of a portable classroom in purple tee-shirt puff paint — was unproven. Nevertheless, it prompted his teachers and caregivers to enroll Harvey in a school for the mentally deranged.

At the institute, Harvey consumed Greek yogurt and learned to ride the unicycle and wrote stream-of-consciousness poetry about the other inmates. In his time, he made only one friend: a tall and charismatic redhead named Miranda, who would shower with her clothes on, and pass Harvey notes at lunch, and scream herself to sleep every single night. Miranda was cured after she smashed a watermelon into pieces with a foam-bat (anger expulsion therapy), and she left the institute. Harvey was alone and depressed.

He worked through his troubled feelings in a solid green hardcover notebook and came to the inescapable conclusion that the world and all the things in it were projections of his mind. Content that this was the only piece of knowledge he could wholeheartedly deem true, Harvey felt a vague sense of responsibility for the figments of his imagination and thirsted no longer — or at least a little bit less — for his own self-initiated demise.

Satisfied with Harvey's new-found (albeit disturbingly flawed) belief in the value of living, the institute released him. It was spring and he was an adult. The first thing Harvey did was find a prostitute and pay her for sex. The second was to procure an umbrella.

Many years later he started this blog, and shares with you those those dark corners of his notebook: the musings of a solipsistic inmate.

Monday, November 11

A note on suicide

To whom it may concern,

It will be no shock to those reading these words that I have a preoccupation with suicide. You might say "unhealthy" preoccupation, but that seems redundant; even mayonnaise is more healthful than the deliberate termination of one's own life. But I feel that I should affirm for the record, that despite the title of this weblog, I do not envision myself strategically degrading like the ever-scraped groove on a record, or a length of vermiculate nautical rope chafing against a rusted cleat, or a sad bug-chasing homosexual, or a monkey that can smoke 37 cigarettes at once.

For I fear the future more than I fear death. When I consider wrinkles sprawling across my skin, or my memories eroding like yellowing paper, I become conscious of my breath and I look at my hands and I plunge into a coffin-sized tank of anxiety. And then my hands fold into desperate fists, and a thought materializes in my brain: "you must escape."

But it won't be by drinking a thousand carefully-measured droplets of poison night-after-night, or by methodically dragging a cheese grater against my soul, or by standing unclothed in the daylight and letting my skin cook and eyes twist themselves shut under the oppressive sun. I will not simply hate, wait, and fulminate as the train clacks towards the rail's end.

I can't swim, so I will die in the ocean.

The ocean is another planet. Not just "more" than our terrestrial domain, but truly beyond it. It is filled with more life and wonder and complexity than the pathetic sliver of Earth on which slugs and birds and cigarette smoking monkeys play. I think it's fitting that I perish at the horizon of a new frontier. Should there be an afterlife (chortle), my ghost can haunt the dark and undulating expanse of the briny deep. After all, eternity will go by faster in new surroundings. Hell, I might even learn something.

To be exact: with a single cinderblock tied to my feet, I will struggle in the frigid waves as far from shore as I can get. This struggle will no doubt be my life's hardest. My thrashing arms and legs will burn and weaken against the seemingly thickening water. As the rope pinches my ankle, my lips will kiss the surface of the water from below and suck madly at the disappearing air. My lungs and body will fill with the ocean and I will fall. I will become the agent of my destruction. And then I will sleep.

And so it is you who must live out the slow motion of suicide. You, dear readers, will carry the weights as yet untied to the ankles of corpses loitering on the ocean floor, or other final destinations. You must plod through the molecular dance, and tell those who knew me about my demise and react sensibly to their crumbling faces. If you meet someone who claims to love me, remind them that just as one cannot hold a shadow —an image of a thing— that one cannot love a suicide either. Their lives are shadows too.

Calm down: I'm not done yet. I can wait a lifetime for that. But I feel compelled to declare that unlike the the tedious and plodding ascent of these words on your computer screen, my resignation from these posts will be sudden and decisive. Like two fingers pressing on a flush handle, or the photograph that makes you infamous, or the moment just after you plant an ill-advised kiss on her mouth; never to be the same, never to be undone.

Respectfully yours,

Harvey

Tuesday, June 11

Reasons for committing suicide

Oh, hi. You're still here? I could have sworn you had already left. Serves me right for not delivering these to you sooner. Pay attention; these are some more-than-convincing reasons to get your butt in gear:

  • Got pwned by a n00b
  • Lost a sizable portion of your tortilla chip in the communal guacamole and people noticed
  • Hummed Carly Rae Jeppsen, tapped foot
  • Ordered and enjoyed the bland meal on an airplane
  • Kicked ass but forgot to take names
  • Watched trilogy in the wrong order
  • You don't understand how life insurance works
  • First contestant eliminated
  • Purchased Alien Ant Farm CD
  • You're adopted
  • Married the least interesting of a pair of identical twins

Now get outta here you crazy schlub.

Tuesday, May 7

A country of broken necks

Spines are shattered; everyone's neckless
Rubbernecks never run for office
Let's just quit this rat race, looks like
God should flatly concede all trace–

Danglin' floppin', cubicles-airplanes
Chemicals taint and paint the insane
Pop the suicide champagne, looks like
Broken necks have marred our campaigns

Let's talk longings primitive instinct
Elements meet forever they're linked
Life's just endless rethink, looks like
Your march rages onward hoodwinked

Two cars meet in promenade conflict
Butterfly floats and stings to afflict
Us like meaning addicts, looks like
Our scribe deems us worthy handpicked

See the sea? It's literal magic
Bitterness corks longings pelagic
Yes, doctor it's tragic, looks like
Our neck's wring is automatic

Friday, December 21

Reasons for committing suicide

Sometimes you got it. But you definitely don't. For that extra push, please consider these reasons for doing the right thing:

  • Kicked out of Tommy Lasorda fan club
  • Only talent: folding fitted sheets
  • Wore bowling shoes home
  • Caught mid-air-guitar
  • Shouted "anal beads" really loudly in restaurant
  • You can only parallel park
  • Misspelled every word in your offensive tattoo
  • Could only afford pre-owned discount anal beads and admitted it loudly in a restaurant
  • Broke the first rule of Fight Club
  • Not a thing to wear
  • One quarter short for the dryer
  • You hate your goddamn worthless fucking life
  • Spent all your savings on pre-Mayan apocalypse debauchery
  • Bored
The window is to your left.

Monday, October 8

Reasons for committing suicide

Thinking about ending it? Don't just think about it. Consider flipping that off-switch if any of the following has happened to you:
  • Coworker called you out for throwing out birthday cake
  • Zipper broke on your laptop sleeve
  • Ran for bus, left wallet at home
  • Ill prepared to explain why browsing in incognito mode
  • Finally decide to accept the advances of the homely girl that digs you; get rejected immediately
  • Awkward run-in with ex-girlfriend's, ex-roommate's ex-girlfriend at a movie theatre
  • Jerked off to someone else's porn (without knowing)
  • Have to update Calibre every time you open it
  • Referred to George Harrison as Geoff Harrison
  • Knocked a baby over while holding a beer
  • Can't get rid of that moldy smell in your towels
What's the worst that could happen?

Tuesday, July 31

When I go out...

I wanna Van Gogh out. (That means a self-inflicted shotgun wound to the stomach.)

Tuesday, October 18

On stuff I refuse to wear

Bicycle helmets

I am a cyclist. This probably won't surprise you given my proclivity for beards, but it might surprise you given my proclivity for hating hate-able shit, and as any moron can tell you: cycling is well hate-able. For starters, a lot of cyclists are holier-than-thou tree-hugging, pedantic, passive-aggressive losers and I loathe to be associated with them in the slightest. I'm certain to like you less the more you like cycling, and this is multiplied by three if you wear clip-ins or own a bike you can pick up with one hand.

If you need more reasons to hate cycling consider the aesthetics of the entire endeavour. Perching oneself upon a "saddle", gingerly holding on to grips, pedaling to your destination with the wind in your hair, and the tring-tring of your bell in the city air. That's a textbook definition of "fey". Do I have to mention those stupid flip-up hats that bicycle couriers wear? Those goat-bearded, short-socked assholes are considered the tough-guys of this subculture. Jesus Christ.

But anyway, I hate driving more than any of this (much, much more) so I ride a bike. And I refuse to wear a helmet. This blog is called the Slow Motion Suicides, dummy, not the Slow Motion Safety Lesson. If I'm going out, I'm going out in a motherfucking blaze of asphalt-meets-aluminum-meets-my-skull-on-the-crosswalk glory. I want someone to puke at the sight of my annihilation. Besides if I'm sideswiped by a streetcar, my helmet will prove as effective as abstinence education.

(And studies have shown[citation needed] that cyclists wearing helmets ride more recklessly, and that drivers leave un-helmeted riders more room on the road than those wearing safety gear and fuck you.)

Monday, May 2

Suicide Mad Libs


Dear (name of person),

By the time you read this (noun) I will be gone. No longer can I endure a world of (adjective) pain and misery. That's why I had to (verb) off the (famous landmark) and (verb) my (noun). I'm so sorry.

Please tell (person) that I (strong emotion) them very much. I wish that things had gone (adverb) but because of my (name of social disorder) and my inability to (name of skill), I couldn't go on anymore.

I hope in (noun) you will understand why I chose to (verb) this way. I hate to (verb) you all during (name of holiday) but I had no choice. I am so (name of emotion).

Please don't feel sorry for me. I am in a better (name of household plant) now. There will be no more pain.

Please be (temperament) and tell my (proper nouns) that I (emotion) them very much. I will see you in (name of place where people go when the die). God bless (name of fruit or vegetable).

(Salutation),

Harvey

Monday, January 24

Reasons for committing suicide

You know, there are days and there are days. And sometimes one of those days should be your last. Dontcha think? Don't take my word for it. Here are some reasons to hasten death's hand to your lousy worthless throat:
  • Outed by your wife
  • Too much beauty in the world
  • Really can't find that pen. (It was right. here. Are you sure you didn't take it?)
  • Featured on NPR but not on This American Life
  • Only one naked in the hot-tub
  • Refuse to abandon your commonly held misconceptions
  • Assume your Toad the Wet Sprocket CDs might be saleable on eBay
  • Anorexia is taking too damn long
  • Saw the forest, but not the trees
  • Thought she was waving at you; partially waved back but corrected to fix hair at last minute
  • Hate everything about yourself
I won't stop you.

Monday, February 15

Reasons for committing suicide

I mean sure, Winter's almost over, but how can you be sure things will get better?  I would reconsider if any of the following happen to you:
  • Choked on a piece of frosting
  • Had posture corrected by a stranger in public
  • Lost sight of the bigger picture
  • Miswrapped anniversary present
  • Overwhelmed by surge of curiosity, electricity
  • Never felt the need to finish a book
  • Was caught Facebook stalking unsavory characters
  • Covered with flesh-eating bacteria
  • Came in dead last
I hear tomorrow it's going to be minus twelve.

Monday, January 11

Reasons for committing suicide

How's your life?  Not very good is it?  No, it's not.  Consider these reasons to end your life today:
  • Dip broke your nacho
  • You're the first contestant eliminated
  • Accidentally watched trilogy out of order
  • Tapped foot to Miley Cyrus
  • Added extra can of water to concentrated juice
  • Sale ended yesterday
  • Mis-TIVO'd
  • Ordered the bland meal
  • Not good at anything
  • Got Euchred
  • Mispelled name on blackboard
  • To avoid late fees
Not convinced? Please stay tuned.

Sunday, October 25

Reasons for committing suicide

Suicide is the sincerest form of self-criticism. Please consider these reasons for ending your life:
  • Dropped the acid (literally)
  • Can't find the cap to this pen (I had it just a second ago)
  • Name-dropped Ann Coulter
  • Butt of too many jokes
  • To give credibility to your homespun religion
  • Because of something you heard in a Blink 182 song
  • Waited all day for the cable guy
  • Reading too much Nagel
  • Claimed wallet in car, knew better, left huge pile of groceries at checkout
  • Tuvan throat singing
  • To prove those scientists wrong
  • Basically any reason whatsoever

Monday, December 29

Reasons for committing suicide

Even more reasons to end it all:
  • Zigged when you should have zagged
  • Tried ordering a "Chazo Tai" at Starbucks
  • Partially responsible for global warming
  • Shoelace broke
  • Can't find that damned pen anywhere, and seriously, it was right here a minute ago. Are you sure you didn't take it?
  • Used an expired coupon
  • Faced fears and lost
  • Completely misinterpreted the teachings of Confucius
  • Used an expired condom
  • Left the world's worst voice mail
  • Ate questionable dairy

Wednesday, November 19

Reasons for committing suicide

If you're trying to decide whether it's time, consult this handy list.
  • Were mortally embarrassed at cocktail party.
  • Gang raped by idiots.
  • Been eating the crew all along.
  • Feelin' down.
  • Got a D in Early Modern Philosophy
  • Finally made a lunch but then left it in the fridge
  • Lost at Connect Four
  • Need to improve album sales
  • Too many bloody English about
  • Been pronouncing it "supposably"
More to follow.

Sunday, April 20

You perish ignited

Indeed, I uttered to merry Jane
It will be long so let's play a game
So while I sit fuming merrily
You perish
Ignited
Between my teeth

I lift you up off the yonder plate
Ensconced by fingers your fragile weight
Our breaths transposèd amidst our kiss
Your sweet death
By my hand
Your slow dismiss

But lo! And this is where you came in
Before embarking on mortal sin
I was a suicide referee
My sweet death
By my hand
My own marquee

Alas, I could never sign the mark
The note expected to flame the dark
Instead I fold you and speak your name
You perish
Ignited
You take the blame

Friday, October 26

The sincerest form of self-criticism

Ron Bruce: The political process has really taken it's toll on you Mr. Firth. Surely, your repeated failures have affected your Weltanschauung, not to mention your reputation in the political arena. Even your sallowed and worn appearance suggests that you long for a respite. At this point in your career, does the sight of every open window tempt you with a promise of liberation from the endless drudgery that has become your life? And what about your plan for health care?

Gerry Firth: I'm glad you asked that question. Although the election results were disappointing, I would have to say that on the whole, I'm not ready to give up just yet. My faith in the good citizens of this country, and of course God, is what helps give me the strength and determination to carry on and continue to stand up for what I believe in. That said, health care is a very complex issue. I think it's something that will require cooperation within the House in order to satisfy the needs of everyday Canadians.

Bruce: Even so, you're in tall buildings quite a lot. Don't you ever see a window and think: "hey, what if I just popped through?" That doesn't appeal to you at all?

Firth: Again, no. I'm made a commitment to my family, and my constituents to serve them the best way I know how. My plan for Canada is three-tiered --

Bruce: Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Firth, but that reminds me briefly of your campaign. Top analysts have called it, "blunderfest". For example your slogan, "Firth First". Did you come up with that?

Firth: It was my son, actually.

Bruce: It was pretty terrible.

Firth: The way I look at it, maybe voters weren't ready for the particular ideas we brought to the table. I think when you're trying to bring about new ideas and dialogue, there is always going to be a bit of a learning curve with the public, and that things take time. Now that we've had some time to look back at the campaign, I would have done a few things differently. For example, we would focus more on my plans for tax cuts and emphasize spending on education.

Bruce: Speaking of cuts, how about slashing your wrists? You do know that it's along the vein right -- not across it?

Firth: I do know that.

Bruce: Yet...

Firth: I am not interesting in pursuing something like that at this time.

Bruce: Fair enough. My uncle killed himself on sleeping pills and vodka. It's sounds pretty easy actually. Perhaps even fun. I know that 'efficiency' was one of the three tiers--

Firth: Listen, I'm not committing suicide.

Bruce: You're a washed up hobo, Gerry. Do it.

Firth: This interview is over.

Bruce: Thank you for your time.

Sunday, January 21

Religion reform #5

Maybe Islam could phase out the suicide bombings? Just a thought.