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<p>Welcome to The Hard Times Journalist Simulator, a DIY training module for aspiring punks to practice the only true journalism out there.
With this game punks like you, young or old, get to play the role of a punk journalist covering some of the greatest hits from The Hard Times almost 8 years of punk coverage (which is the equivalent of, like, 50 years for a mainstream magazine).
[[How Does This Work?|Navigating The Game]]
[[I'm Ready|Begin]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>It's pretty basic. Twine creates games in HTML, with choices done via hyperlinks. If you've ever used a website before, you know how to do it.
[[Okay, I Think I Get It|Begin]]
<b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfMrVKnGzwg">I'm Still Confused</a> </b>
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<p> You awake to the sound of your phone ringing. [[Beer cans and liquor bottles make a racket as they fall from the mattress to the floor.|Straight Edge]]
You grab for your phone. It's your Editor.
"Ugh, god!" you answer, "Do you know what goddamn hour of the morning this is?"
"It's 11:45AM, it's barely still morning!" your Editor says, "Look, your latest story is a no-go. Vice considers it "plagiarism" when you do a bunch of drugs and make a nuisance of yourself."
"Didn't you tell them it's satire?" you groan.
"They're still making a stink about it. However, they are willing to do a drug-off, winner gets the right to be a knock-off Hunter S. Thompson. You up for that?"
[[Fine, bring it on!|Punk Is Dead]]
[[Ugh, no. Let those poseurs have it |New Stories]]
</p>
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You have died in the drug-off with Vice reporters.
In fact, you didn't even techincally start, they offered you a "devil's handshake", an opening ceremony from using a new synthetic drug they just got back from reporting on. You asked what it was as the burning started in your brain stem, but you were dead before they even finished saying the name of the drug.
On the bright side, you lived fast and died young. It's not dying in the mosh pit, but it's enough to get you to Punk Valhalla.
<b><a href="https://www.cbgb.com/">Go To Punk Valhalla</a> </b>
[[See If Reincarnation is Real|Begin]]
<b><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/atheism/">"I Don't Believe In That Afterlife Nonesense!" </a> </b>
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>"Alright, but I still need a new story from you by deadline," your Editor says.
"Can you give me a few leads?" you ask.
"Ha! Some anarchist you are, begging for leadership from your boss," your Editor says, "Hit the streets and dig up some punk news."
You grumble, but what can you do? Get a real job?
[[Hit The Streets |Hit The Streets]]
[[Get A Real Job|Real World]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>If you're straight edge, you can pretened this is root beer cans and, like, water bottles?
[[Return To Game|Begin]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You enter the local bookstore. The smell of used books, freshly printed zines, and incense enters your nose. You are sure to find some stories here, and not just in the books.
You see some broken glass and the store owners talking about a recent robbery.
You also see the zine section. There could be leads to stories there.
You also see some strange Occultists complaining among themselves about the store.
[[Investigate Robbery|Anarchist Robbery]]
[[Check Out Zines|Zine Section]]
[[Talk To Occultists|Poser Used Bookstore]]
[[Leave the Bookstore|East Main 1]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p> You arrive at the gas station. You don't spend too much time here ever since you went car free after your last car was stolen and uninsured.
You see a guy outside cleaning trucks. He finishes one and takes his break.
A band has just rolled in with their van and appear very happy.
A vagabond punk walks by who looks like he might have story to tell.
A guitarist walks out of the gas station, a pack of cigarettes and weird sex pills in his hand, though he doesn't seem all that interested in them.
You could also enter the gas station and see what's going on inside.
[[Talk To Guy Cleaning Trucks|Forgotten Merch Guy]]
[[Talk To Band That Just Rolled In|Successful Tour]]
[[Talk To Vagabond Punk|Punk Bitten]]
[[Talk To Wandering Punk|Abandoning the Band]]
[[Go Inside|Inside Gas Station]]
[[Leave Gas Station|East St. Mark's Place 1]]
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<p>You are on Main Street, the center of it all. To the East you see a bookstore and a music venue. There is stuff beyond that as well.
To the West you see the entrance to Punk Lows (the punk district, the opposite of Middle Class Heights). There is also a Cafe. There is stuff beyond that as well.
To the South is St. Mark's Place.
[[Go East|East Main 1]]
[[Go West|West Main 1]]
[[Go South|St. Mark's Place]]
[[Go North|Hit The Streets]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You enter the hospital. This is the first time you've come here that didn't involve a punk show accident and being carted in from a band's van or station wagon with a bad exhaust leak.
You see a man with his face cut up, like he lost a fight with a lawn mower.
There is a woman in her late 30s who acts like she just walked out of a car accident or a building collapse.
You see a nurse walk by, and you swear you recognize here from somewhere.
There is a man yelling at the nurse at the admitting desk, threatening to sue for malpractice.
There is a woman handing out literature and preaching something, but it doesn't sound like Jesus or Hare Krishna.
You hear some staff whispering about a celebrity patient that was just admitted.
[[Talk To Man In Emergency Room|Sing Along]]
[[Talk To Woman in the Emergency Room|38 Hardcore]]
[[Talk To Familiar Looking Nurse|Enema of the State]]
[[Talk To Threatening Man|Broken Wristband]]
[[Talk To Anti-Vaxxer|Vacci-nyet!-tion]]
[[Check Out Celebrity Patient|Stomp Solo]]
[[Leave Hospital|West St. Mark's Place 2]]
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<p>You enter the cafe and are greeted by the smell of refreshed ground and roasted coffee, baked goods, and steamed milk.
You see two baristas at work out front. One is working diligently over a cup of coffee in a mug. The other one takes a drink to the counter, and several patrons cringe at what she says.
A dishwasher has come out to collect the mugs, silverware, and dishes from a tub. Being a true egalitarian, you believe even the humblest workers have a story to tell.
You see a familiar customer, a frontman for a local pop punk band, humming to himself and writing in a notebook while stealing glances at a barista.
You editor texts to ask where you are. When you say the cafe, he asks for a review of the place, since <i>The Hard Times</i> is the tastemaker of the scene. Rich stuff from a straight-edge guy who downs mostly instant coffee in the office.
There is a sign about an open mic coming later. Might suck, but maybe you can meet your quota of articles and make rent in one day.
[[Talk To Busy Barista|Steamed Milk]]
[[What Is The Barista Saying?|Don't Have A Cow]]
[[Talk To Dishwasher|Freelance Writer]]
[[Talk To Customer Writing Lyrics|Three Albums]]
[[Stay For Open Mic|Open Mic Protest]]
[[Review The Coffee Shop|Shitty Review]]
[[Leave the Cafe|West Main 1]]
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<p>You are in the doorway of a local diner favored by the music scene for its late hours, affordable prices, and willingness to put up with punks so long as they aren't too obnoxious.
At one long table you see a Christian metalcore bad, all sitting on the same side of the table for some reason.
There is a band waiting to be seating, mumbling to themselves about some sort of betrayal.
There is a large party on the other side of the diner, being rowdy and boisterous.
The hostess mentions that a new restaurant in opening next door, which she hopes doesn't steal too much business from the diner.
[[Check Out The Christian Metalcore Band|Judas]]
[[Talk To Upset Band|Bad Friend]]
[[Check Out Large Party|24 Member Service]]
[[Examine New Restaurant Opening Next Door|New Restaurant]]
[[Go Out Back|Parking Lot]]
[[Leave the Diner|East Main 2]]
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<p>You've entered a music venue. It's packed and busy, with several interesting characters and a lot going on.
Near the front is a merch guy attending a table of goods.
You see a group of drummers socializing together.
Among the concertgoers you spot a caveman in the group!
You also spot a very tall guy walking head and shoulders above the crowd. If he doesn't have something interesting to say, he can at least spot a story for you.
There is also a commotion in the pit, where a guy seems to try to clear it.
[[Interview Merch Guy|Merch Guy]]
[[Interview Drummers|Got A Kit?]]
[[Interview The Caveman|Thawed Out]]
[[Interview Tall Guy|Tall Guy]]
[[Interview Man Clearing the Pit|Make Way For Ducklings!]]
[[Head Out The Back|Overnight Parking]]
[[Leave the Venue|East Main 2]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You enter the Temple Club.
There is a hardcore band you've been meaning to see playing right now.
You see a punk photographer taking pictures. You should see if you can bargain for some better looking pictures than your third-hand Android phone can take.
There a mysterious older man walking about. You should make sure he's okay.
There is a disturbance in the pit. Maybe check that out.
One of the bands walks by with a large handful of drink tickets.
You look for an exit and spot the way out back.
[[Watch The Hardcore Band|Microphone]]
[[Talk with the Punk Photographer|It's Personal]]
[[Talk to the Old Guy Who Looks Out of Place|Local Legend]]
[[Check Out Distrubance in the Pit|Crowd Shark!]]
[[Check Out Band With The Tickets|Prizes]]
[[Head Out The Back|Back of the Club]]
[[Leave Venue|East St. Mark's Place 2]]
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<p>What separates an alt venue from a mainstream punk venue? It's a question that punkkind has wondered for years. But your editor keeps shooting down your musings about it, so best to just gather the stories you find here.
As you approach the venue you see the venue operators arguing with some bureaucrats in suits. They look government, but local government, so you don't have to worry about the incident you were involved with from two states over.
There are some people inside the venue holding a toolbox and looking lost.
You need to use the restroom, but the men’s room is shut down with an Out of Order sign, but the former ladies’ room have been crudely rebranded "All Gender". Let's hope it works.
Everyone is hyping up a trash core band that is supposed to be the hot new thing. Or it could be hot garbage, only one way to find out.
There is a set that is supposed to be happening in the basement you want to check out.
[[Investigate The Dispute With The Suits|Safe Space]]
[[Check Out People with the Toolbox|DIY?]]
[[Check Out Trash Core Band|Raccoons]]
[[Go To Basement|Asbestos]]
[[Use the All Gender Bathroom|Wonder Broads]]
[[Head Out The Back|Make Friends, Not War]]
[[Leave the Venue|West Main 2]]
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<p>Welcome back to Middle Class Heights, where you and much of the punk scene grew up. It's full of the latest model cars, well-groomed lawns, and the punk scene’s far more successful siblings. You hate it.
Of course, you're not the only punk here. Many have come back here for refuge because they fucked up, or their punk house got gentrified, or fell apart, or they are just tired. So fucking tired.
You see a gaggle of punks talking in low whispers. Either someone died, or they got outed for something.
You see an older punk, a guy who is familiar to you from the scene.
An older woman taps you on the shoulder from behind.
A Mother with a teenage punk son waves to get your attention.
You get a text from an old friend who saw your interaction with the cop. She invites you to join her for dinner, though it sounds more like a plea for help than a "sorry the cops harassed you" sympathy meal.
You look at your old house and see your Dad getting out of his car.
<i>Shit, he sees you!</i>
He doesn't wave or acknowledge, but his look says it all: <i>We Need To Talk.</i>
[[Talk To Gossiping Punks|Mother Fucked Up]]
[[Talk to Older Punk|Push 40]]
[[Talk to Older Woman|A Sexually Confused]]
[[Talk To Woman Waving You Down|Re-Crew-Ment]]
[[Accept Dinner Invitation|Damaging Anecdeote]]
[[Head To Your Childhood Home|Son, I Am Disappoint]]
[[Leave Middle Class Heights|West Main 2]]
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<p>You enter the venue.
You spot the drummer of the headlining band looking like a total sleaze while attempting to proposition someone, although it's not an uncomfortable looking woman.
The leader singer of a screamo band is looking kind of sad. More so than the average emo/screamo. What's wrong with him?
You hear a disturbance in the pit. Maybe you should investigate.
You see a newbie band talking with the aging promoter. They look disturbed. Not in the promoter screwing them over sort of way, just… offput.
You run into your friend Mark. He seems very happy. You wonder what's got him in such a good mood.
[[Observe Sleezy Drummer|Reluctant Compliment]]
[[Talk To The Sad Lead Singer|How I Am Doing]]
[[Talk To The Aging Promoter|Aging Promotor]]
[[Check Out The Disturbance In The Pit|Midlife Punk]]
[[Talk With the Mark|No Bad Brains]]
[[Head Out The Back|Reunited]]
[[Leave Venue|West St. Mark's Place 1]]
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<p> You are on St. Mark's Place. To the East you see a gas station. There is stuff beyond that as well.
To the West you see a music venue. There is stuff beyond that as well.
To the South is the Dead End Bar
[[Go East|East St. Mark's Place 1]]
[[Go West|West St. Mark's Place 1]]
[[Go South|Dead End Bar]]
[[Go North|Main Street]]
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<p>On the North side of the street is a bookstore.
To the South is a Music Venue.
To the East there is another Music Venue and a Diner.
[[Enter Bookstore|Book Store]]
[[Enter Music Venue|Music Venue 1]]
[[Go East|East Main 2]]
[[Go West|Main Street]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>
To the North is Punk Lows, the punk residentinal neighborhood.
To the South is the Cafe.
To the West there is Middle Class Heights and the Alternative Venue
[[Go to Punk Lows|Punk Lows]]
[[Enter Cafe|Cafe]]
[[Go West|West Main 2]]
[[Go East|Main Street]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You've entered a music venue. It's packed and energetic, just the way you like it. Despite your toxic tendency to try and find a reason to tear stuff down, you can't find a reason to.
Yet.
But the night is young. There is plenty to see
You see several of the straight edge bands on tonight's bill gather in a corner, either typing on their phones, or else talking with deep anxiety among themselves.
There is a guy pulling himself up to the ceiling.
There is an older guy, arms crossed, looking like he has something on his mind.
A man is yelling something from the mosh pit you'd have to get closer to hear.
You also see a door heading out back. You've learned through your years of punk journalism to always have multiple escape routes if things go wrong.
[[Interview The Bands|Straight Edge Drummer]]
[[Interview the Climbing Man|Rafters]]
[[Interview Old Guy|No Fun]]
[[Interview Man Yelling In Mosh Pit|Free Bird]]
[[Head Out The Back|Vegan Dumpster Diver]]
[[Leave the Venue|East Main 1]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>To the North of you is another Music Venue
To the South of you is the Diner.
There is also a Boy Scout helping an older person cross the street.
The street dead ends to the East, no going that way.
[[Enter Music Venue 2|Music Venue 2]]
[[Enter Diner|Diner]]
[[Interview Boy Scout|Scout's Honor]]
[[Go West|East Main 1]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You've decided to keep being a punk journalist. Time to check out the punk scene in your city.
While geographically small, your punk scene includes several music venues, alternative venues, a punk neighborhood, a bookstore, cafe, bar, diner.
Some punks will still complain that there isn't much of scene, though.
[[Go South To Main Street|Main Street]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>
To the North is Middle Class Heights, where the parents of most punks live.
To the South if the Alternative Venue, made out of whichever building has an absentee landlord, or just cheap rent. It has a DIY aesthetic, though the difference between that and Slumlord Chic is hard for non-punks to parse out.
There is also a protest of punks that police are approaching.
You can't go further west. Shitty city planning.
[[Enter Middle Class Heights|Police Encounter]]
[[Enter Alternative Venue|Alt Venue]]
[[Check Out The Protest|Punk Protest]]
[[Go East|West Main 1]]
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<p>
There is a gas station on this block.
To the East is A Music Venue.
To the West is the Dead End Bar, and stuff beyond that.
[[Enter Gas Station|Gas Station]]
[[Go West|St. Mark's Place]]
[[Go East|East St. Mark's Place 2]]
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<p>
This is the end of the street. There is a music venue to check out.
To the West is the gas station, with other places beyond.
There are flyers for a missing person on the telephone poles
[[Enter Music Venue 3|Temple Club]]
[[Check out missing person flyer|Missing Punk]]
[[Go West|East St. Mark's Place 1]]
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<p>
There is a music venue on this block
If you go East there is the Dead End Bar.
To the West is the Hospital.
[[Enter Music Venue 4|Music Venue 4]]
[[Go East|St. Mark's Place]]
[[Go West|West St. Mark's Place 2]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You've reached the West end of St. Mark's Place.
The hospital is there. Rarely have you been there without being rushed in the back of a tour van after a show goes wrong.
You see also see a transwoman rushing across the street
[[Enter Hospital|Hospital]]
[[Talk to Trans Woman|Trans Woman]]
[[Go East|West St. Mark's Place 1]]
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<p>You approach the straight edge bands, and overhear them talking.
"Any luck?" one frontman asks a bassist who is talking on the phone.
"Nada," the bassist says.
"Man, it's not going to happen," says a guitarist, "Can we do it without percussion?"
"Pardon me, but what's the problem?" you ask.
"Our drummer didn't show, and we can't find another," another straight edge frontman says.
"Didn't show for us either," the first fronman says.
All the bands agree.
"Wow, how many drummers are falling out? This could be a huge story," you say, wondering if there is some sort mass disappearance.
"Like, two," a frontman says, "We all share drummers, and now they are both unavailable."
[[Get The Story|Drummers Are Beat]]
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<p>"Whoooo!" the man bellows in a primal scream.
"What are you doing up there?" you ask, making sure to dodge his hanging legs.
"I'm feeling the music, I'm living in the moment!" he says.
You've seen this act a thousand times before, but you figure it can't hurt to have a story in your back pocket if things get slow.
[[Get The Story|High Times]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>You sidle up to the old guy at the bar, who looks sour.
"What's going on?" you ask, "Which band are you here to see?"
"None of them," the guy says tersely.
"None in particular?" you offer, "Are you just here to see what the scene is putting out today?"
The guy snorts.
"I'm not here to have fun," he says.
"Then why are you here?" you ask.
"You deaf? I'm here to not have fun," the guys says.
[[Get The Story|No Fun-die]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>
"FREE BIRD!" the man yells.
<i>"Ugh, what an asshole,"</i> you think.
But your job as a journalist isn't to judge, (That's for the folks at <i>Pitchfork</i>). No, your duty is to get the story.
As you get closer you spot something on the man's arm.
"Is that a...?" you ask, not believing what you see.
"You want me to give you the bird?" the guy asks.
You take a few seconds to realize he's being literal.
"Sorry, not a bird person," you say, "But I do want to hear your story."
[[Get The Story|Giving The Bird]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p> "How's it going," you ask, looking over the merchandise on the table, "Never heard of this band before. Are they new?"
"They aren't local," the merch guy says, "They're on tour. I'm riding along with them."
"Cool. I can't play music for shit, but I've always dreamed of tagging along with a band, like that movie Almost Famous," you say.
"That's the difference between you and me. You talk about living your dream, while I'm doing it," the merch guy says.
"Doing what? Besides being the merch guy. This is a means to an end, right?"
"No, this is the end, the dream!" the merch guy says, beaming with pride.
[[Get The Story|Living The Dream]]
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p>"Hello, my troglodyte friend," you say by way of introduction.
The caveman looks at you and grunts. You don't want to seem like an evolutionaryist bigot, so you continue.
""What do you think of the show?"
The caveman furrows his prominent brow.
"This new stuff sucks, not like before the Ice Age," he says.
"When was this?" you ask.
You step back, fearing he might bonk you on the head (You really need to work on your evolutionary bias), but the Caveman seems happy to opine on the state of modern music.
"Let me tell you why today's music sucks..." he beings
[[Get The Story|Back In My Day]]
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<p>You enter the pit and see a guy shouting "‘Open this shit up, mother fuckers!’"
"Who's this asshole?" you think, feeling this is a violation of pit rules.
Amid the curses hurled at the guy, beers thrown, and sounds of fists on flesh, you hear the sound of quacking.
What the hell?
[[Get The Story|A Ducking Hero]]
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<p>You approach the tallest guy in the room to ask him if he can spot any stories, but in your haste you run into a short woman.
"Oh, asshole!" she curses you.
"Sorry, didn't see you," you say.
"Of course. The only person who seems able to find me is this tall asshole," the woman says.
"This guy is stalking you?"
"This guy, that tall guy, another tall guy, it's all the same," she says.
[[Get The Story|Tall Tales]]
</p>
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<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
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<p> The hardcore band <i>Live It Down</i> is playing, and you get into the show. The lead singer is giving it his all, really working the crowd, and doing all the hardcore standard onstage chaos.
Suddenly, a man jumps up on stage to do a stage dive and hits the lead singer. Several people's mouth's drop in horror at the accident that occurs. You cover your mouth instead, which the lead singer no doubt wishes he had done.
[[Get The Story|Microphage]]
</p>
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<p>You approach the photographer.
"Yo, how are the shows looking tonight?" you ask.
You expect a "rad", "kickass", or even a "fucking lame". You don't expect a heavy sigh.
"It's bullshit," he says, his words weighted with profound melancholia, "No one really appreciates my work."
"Hey, I do," you say, "I was just coming to see if maybe my website could use some of your photos."
"Sure, everyone loves the photos, but what about <i>me</i>?" the photographer says.
He shoves the camera in its case and begins to walk away. You don't know what you said, but you need to fix this.
[[Get The Story|Boo-Hoo-Doir]]
</p>
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<p>You ask around about the mysterious old guy and start taking notes about his behavior. There is something familiar about him, though nobody has any answers for why he's there.
You are thinking about calling a cousin of yours that is a social worker about what to do, when you notice something on the wall. It's a fragment of an image from a flier buried under years of other fliers. You pull out your pocket knife and. with the precision of an archaeologist, excavate the underlying flier.
"Holy shit, it's him!" you say.
[[Get The Story|Legends of the Hidden Temple Club]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You make your way to the pit. You are suddenly overtaken by a crowd surfer, and only by reflex and years of training do you manage to push him pack up toward the safety of the middle of the crowd.
Or so you think.
You suddenly get a sense of foreboding: a deep, thrumming bassy sense of foreboding.
Suddenly you see something emerging from the crowd. It looks like...
It can't be...
But it looks like...<b><i>No!</i></b>.
Somebody is just fucking around. It's not really....
But the sudden shriek of concertgoers and a shower of blood lets you know you are seeing what you are seeing.
[[Get The Story|Shark Pit]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the band Thanks for the Manatees as they count out their tickets.
"How wasted are you guys getting tonight?" you ask.
"Not at all," the lead singer says.
"I didn't know you guys went straight-edge," you say, "So, why hold on to the tickets?"
"We're not handing them out, if that's what you're angling for," the drummer says.
"Not at all," you lie.
"We've been saving these rather than spending them," the bassist explains.
"Makes sense. They hold their value, so long as the venues stay open," you say.
"This isn't a hedge against inflation," the lead singer says, "We're turning all these in for a bigger prize."
He points to corner of the bar you had never seen before.
"Huh?" you ask.
[[Get The Story|Big Ticket Item]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the sleezy looking drummer and see he's speaking to the drummer of another band.
You don't intervene, and instead pause to watch as a third party observer. You see the sleezy drummer work over the other guy, slowly fleecing the sad victim with his...charms?
[[Get The Story|Deadbeat]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>The screamo band lead singer is already heading on stage before you can speak to him. You figure the stage time might be all he needs to get back in the right mood.
Everyone else in the crowd seems happy to see the band getting ready. You relax, figuring the cheering crowd would lift anyone's spirits. You wish your writing got this much love.
The band begins playing a few chords to rev up the audience. The mood is good, and you're ready to take off your journalist hat and just be one of the crowd.
"Hello, we're Within the Webs. How are you all doing tonight?!"
You cheer along with them, ready to let him know you are ready for a great night.
But the lead singer's expression changes. You get a bad feeling that this won't be the good night you were expecting.
[[Get The Story|I Have No Mouth, and I Must Screamo]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the members of the band.
"Hello," you say, "You guys having trouble with your promoter?"
"Huh?" the lead singer says, "Oh, no. He's good. I mean, he's delivered on what he’s promised, he's really supporting us, you know. Guy’s the real deal."
"Yeah," says the drummer, "Nothing to complain about him."
"And yet..." you push.
"I mean, you know he shows that you don't have to retire from this scene after a few years, even if you should," the lead singer says.
"But, man, it's like..." the drummer says.
"You can tell me," you say.
[[Get The Story|Never Grow Old]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the pit and hear the sounds of an engine revving and smell the odor of exhaust. You don't know whether this is the source of disturbance, or if the venue's smoke machine is literally smoking again due to bad maintenance.
A few people run out of the pit.
"Man, this is ridiculous," a young punk says.
"What's up?" you inquire.
"Old guy in the pit is fucking shit up," the young punk says.
"I mean, it's good at their age they can still hang in the pit with the rest of us," you say, nervously recalling you are no longer in your early 20s.
"No, not like that. He’s -"
<b><i>VRRRRRRRRRRRTTTTTTTTTTTT!!!!</i></b>
Whatever the young punk said is drowned out by the revving of an engine. You rush forward, ready to bear witness to whatever is going on.
[[Get The Story|Working Harley, Or Harley Working?]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach you friend Mark.
"What's got you so cheery?" you ask.
"It's been the best punk show I could imagine" Mark says.
"How's that? Did your favorite punks resurrect from the dead and play a set before I got here?"
"No, nothing like that. But this was the best version of a punk show for someone of my heritage, man," Mark says.
You think a moment.
"You mean nobody has said anything about..."
He holds up a finger to stop you.
"Don't you be the one who ruins the show for me," he says.
"Only if you promise to let me write about this miracle," you say.
"Sure," Mark says.
[[Get The Story|Brainiac]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You step outside the back for a break from the show and the smell of punk-funk. You breathe in deep, only to catch the odor of a nearby dumpster.
You are about to head back when you hear something moving inside the dumpster.
The fuck? Maybe it's only raccoons, but maybe a bear wandered in from the nearby woods. It could be the story you are looking for, or it could spell your doom.
[[Examine Dumpster|Dumpster Denizen]]
[[Fuck This, Head Back Inside|Music Venue 1]]
[[Hit The Streets|East Main 1]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the dumpster, only for the lid to suddenly fly up. You stumble back, and see a Crust Punk's head come over the edge.
"Ugh, gross," the Crust Punk says.
"Well, you are in a dumpster," you say, "How'd you end up in there?"
"I'm looking for something to eat," the Crust Punk says.
"There is a diner on the other side of the fence," you say, "You could literally step on the dumpster and hop the fence."
"And give money to those carnivores? Hardly! Especially when there is such good food just thrown out here," the Crust Punk says, "Well, there would be, if it wasn't all animal products."
[[Get This Dumperster Denizen's Story|Dinner In The Dumps]]
[[Go Back Inside|Music Venue 1]]
[[Hit The Streets|East Main 1]]
[[Hop Over The Fence To The Diner|Diner]]
</p><h1>Crust Punk Disgusted by Local Dumpster’s Lack of Vegan Options</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sefgs.jpg" alt="A lone dumpster in an icy parking lot">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/crust-punk-disgusted-by-local-dumpsters-lack-of-vegan-options/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Go Back Inside|Music Venue 1]]
[[Hit The Streets|East Main 1]]
[[Hop Over To The Diner|Diner]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You head out to the back of the club. Your hope for a moment of relative quiet to clear your mind is broken by an argument between a band at their merch table and the club owner and fans.
Ugh, you wanted a moment of peace, but duty calls.
Or you can just ignore it and return to the club.
[[Investigate Argument At the Merch Table|Merch Table]]
[[Go Back In The Venue|Temple Club]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>
“What’s going on?” you inquire of the angry crowd.
“This band really hates their fans,” says one guy.
“Seriously,” another says, “You’d think we’re seeing Taylor Swift at these prices!”
You look over at the merch table at the band, who seem to be frustrated by this response. You can’t imagine a band willing to slum it out here with the fans at this venue would be the elitists they’re being accused of.
[[Get The Story|$ell Out, With Me]]
[[Go Back In The Venue|Temple Club]]
</p>
<h1>Local Sellouts Demand Cash in Exchange for Performance and Merchandise</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cheapshot.png" alt="A picture of a band of shamed sellouts ">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/local-sellouts-accept-cash-in-exchange-for-performance-and-merchandise/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Temple Club|Temple Club]]
[[Hit The Streets|East St. Mark's Place 2]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You head out to the back to get some fresh air, and also to vape.
You find a dark and scary alley. You see a group of people talking to each other by a van. You consider whether to approach them to see what's up, or to just head back inside and avoid possible trouble.
[[Talk To The People in The Van|Overnight Parking 2]]
[[Go Back In The Venue|Music Venue 2]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>"Man, let's park here, it safer than risking a ticket," one person says.
"Hello," you say.
The group of people jump, scared by your presence.
"Who are you?"
You introduce yourself as a journalist.
"Whew, that's cool," one guy says, "We're on tour and just wrapped our set."
"You cowards, there is nothing to fear in this alley. We can leave out van here overnight," another guy says.
"You are leaving you van and gear here overnight?" you ask.
"It's totally safe," the second guy says, "You see..."
[[Get The Story|Overnight Parking 3]]
[[Go Back In The Venue|Music Venue 2]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p> You walk out back for some fresh air. You happen to leave the same time as the lead singer of a pop punk band that finished performing.
You are nearly bowled over by a rushing figure. You step out of the way in time. You spin around to see who nearly hit you and see a young woman jumping on the lead singer. A <i>very</i> young woman.
"It's been so long," the girl says to her beloved.
"I know, babe. It's so bullshit they didn't let you in," he says.
You are confused, since this venue doesn't really limit who can come in. Hell, they let <b>you</b> in!
There is something more to the separation of these two. Is it worth finding out?
[[Talk With The Couple|Under 18]]
[[Go Back In The Venue|Music Venue 4]]
</p>
<h1>Pop-Punk Frontman Reunited with Girlfriend After Performing at 18+ Show</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/ppfront.jpg" alt="Late 20s pop-punk frontman with his minor girlfirend">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/pop-punk-frontman-reunited-girlfriend-performing-18-show/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Go Back In The Venue|Music Venue 4]]
[[Hit the Streets|West St. Mark's Place 1]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the venue operators and government suits and ask what the issue is.
"These g-men want to shut down our art venue that supports the whole diverse scene," one of the operators says.
"Yes, we do, but not because you have an LGBT flag or Black Lives Matter spray painted on the wall," a fire marshal says, "It's that this venue is structurally deficient and threatens the lives of everyone in here."
[[Get The Story|Safe Space Cracking]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You arrive at the protest, seeing about 200 punks of various ideologies. You throw on a bandana to cover your face, to offset the stench of the punks as much as concealing your identity from the cops.
You jot down quotes from the various punks, who are unusually united around the same single issue they are protesting.
Suddenly the sound of a large armored vehicle catches your attention. You see it barreling down the street, and the cops donning gas masks.
"Is that a water cannon?" someone asks.
"They don't don gas masks for water," you say.
You check the wind and move to a position upwind to observe. The armored vehicle stops in front of the main group and releases a stream of chemicals on the group, causes the punks to flee. Even upwind you get a whiff of the chemical attack.
It smells familiar, and it brings up a memory of being a teenager.
"No way," you says, "They sprayed that?"
[[Get The Story|Police AttAxe]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>As you get closer, you realize that old person looks very familiar.
"Hey kid," you say, "Do you know who that is that you're helping?"
The Boy Scout looks at you, then at the old person.
"An old lady?" the young Scout says.
Well, the kid might no know much, buy you know you got a story!
[[Get The Story|Alice Cooper]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You check out the flyer about the missing punk. You dial the number to get more information and see if you can help in the search.
"Hello," you say when they pick up, "I'm calling about your missing son."
"Oh, goodness, have you found him?" his mother asks.
"No, but I work for the punk paper and we might help you search," you say.
"Do you have a photographer there?" she asks.
"I mean, I usually do my own photography for my stories. It's very DIY,"
"Okay, do you have any decent photos of my son? The one on the flyer is...."
You look at the flyer. You know what she means.
"I mean, I wish I could tell you, but the only one I have is worse. But I can put the word out," you say.
"Oh, could you?" his mother asks.
[[Get The Story|Bad Image]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the transwoman, who nearly runs into you as she eyes a group of people approaching from the other direction.
"Oh!" she says, "You're not on of <i>them</i>, are you?" she asks.
"Who?" you ask, eyeing the people approaching.
You expect to see red hats and "Back the Blue" flags, but you see Patagonia jackets and Birkenstocks.
"<i>Liberals</i>," she says.
You flash one of you anarchist patches.
"Nah, anarchist, specifically of the tendency toward anarcho-liber..."
"Alright, I believe you, but I'll tolerate you the less you qualify it," she says.
She takes your arm.
"Shield me," she says.
You half jog to keep behind her. She ducks down a side street.
"Are they trying to harm you?" you ask, "Seems weird for this part of town."
"No, they are trying to <i>support</i> me," she says.
You know exactly what she's saying, but rather than say it, you decided to not be a virtue signaling liberal and explain it.
[[Get The Story (For Her, Not For Your Own Agenda)|Trans Ally®]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You follow the crowd to the Stink Bandits show. You hear the music going. You don't get the appeal, but you start interviewing the fans, getting to know why they love the band and the cultural building around it.
The police show up and start talking about noise and smell complaints. They demand the band, which is hidden from the crowd behind a pile of trash, stop the show. They make their way over the trash heap to the boos of fans. You follow the cops, ascending the pile to see if you can get a picture of the band and the police oppressing them. This could be your big moment.
As you reach the top you pause, looking down at the band.
"Are they... the band?" you ask, shocked.
[[Get The Story|I'm With the BANDits]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You arrive down in the basement for a show. The basement is a dump, much like the rest of the place, but what can you expect?
The band is quite popular, though you had been warned about how dangerous they could be to young children, hence why it's not an all-ages show. But nothing prepares you for the band the secret headliner that drops in.
"Oh my gosh, is that...*cough* *cough*" someone says.
"Huh, I thought their career abated. They used to be everywhere," another audience member says.
You know it might be dangerous, but you have to get this story to the people, albeit filtered.
[[Get The Story|Live Lung And Prosper]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the group as they talk amongst themselves. You ask them what's up.
"We're trying to make some repairs before the city shuts us down," one of the staff members says, "Hey, you have an tools?"
"Just the tools of journalism," you say, your father's disappointed sigh echoing in your head.
"Damn. Maybe we should check DIY YouTube?" another staffer asks.
"Can't, Wi-Fi is down," a third staffer says.
"Hey, what if we hold a skill sharing event and learn that way?" the first staffer says.
"Last time we tried that all we learned is how to fix a flat bike tire, how to make gluten free vegan bread, and astrology," the second staffer says.
"What can you guys do?" you ask skeptically.
The volunteer staffers look at each other and shrug.
[[Get The Story|DIY? FML!]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You head out back for some fresh air, but are immediately hit by the scent of cigarettes from the smokers. You look over just in time to see a guy get cold-cocked. You rush over to help the guy.
"What happened?" you ask, helping lift the guy up and brush the cigarette butts and trash off his back.
"I was just trying to make friends," the guy says.
"How did you fuck that up?" you ask.
"You see..."
[[Get The Story|Friendly, Fired]]
</a>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You arrive to the party in the middle of Punk Lows. You'd like to just relax and get wasted, but a punk journalist’s job is never done.
You scan the party for stories.
There is a guy with a ukulele talking to some women. Oof, nothing non-cringey is happening there.
There is a drunk man obnoxiously apologizing for something.
A normal looking man chatting with friends’ spots something across the room and suddenly shifts and moves towards it.
There is a separate music discussion going on. Maybe you will get a tip on a new band.
[[Go To Ukulele Guy|Ukulelecher]]
[[Talk To The Drunk Man|Sober Sorry]]
[[Talk To Man Moving Across The Room|Music Historian]]
[[Check Out Music Discussion|Heard Is the Word]]
[[Leave Party|Punk Lows]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You are approaching the guy with the ukulele when one of the women he's talking too peels away from.
"Hey, you made it!" she says running up to hug you.
"Excuse me?" you ask.
"You're so silly," she says gayly, but her fingers digging into your flesh make you realize something serious is happening.
"Are you in danger?" you whisper, looking at the ukulele guy.
"Not really, it's just, some of the things he's saying..."
"Is he threatening you?" you ask.
"No, he's just talking about..."
"About?"
"Feminism." she says.
[[Get The Story|Pro-Womanizer]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the obnoxious man, who manages to spill a drink on you when he's still halfway across the room. You’d try to figure out the physics, but the guy comes close.
"Yo, man, I'm so sorry," he says.
"It's okay, these things happen," you say, annoyed at him, but trying not to ruin the party.
"It's bullshit, man, total bullshit," he says.
"Look, man, just chill out on the drinking and these things won't happen," you say.
The drunk's face sours at you.
"Ugh, you're not one of those straight edge prudes are you?"
"Man, I'm not here to lecture you. I said I wasn't mad at you for spilling your drink on me," you say.
Guy looks down at your wet pants and laughs.
"Ha, looks like you pissed yourself," he says.
"Hell of a way to apologize for that," you say.
"I didn't apologize for that," the drunk says.
"Then what did you apologize for?"
"My sober friend over there!" the drunk yells.
[[Get The Story|Straight Edge Friend]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You follow the man who had a shift in behavior. Before you get there, someone stops you.
"Hold up," a guy says, "Watch this, it's quite the show."
"What am I looking for?" you ask.
"You ever read <i>Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde</i>?"
"No, but I get the gist," you say.
"Consider this the musical history version," the guy says.
You stand back and watch in horror as a scene plays out before you.
"This happens all the time?" you ask?
"All the time," the guy says.
[[Get The Story|Mr Hyde]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You walk into Punk Lows, the unofficial name of the punk housing district. It was a run down, nearly forgotten part of town before punks came in. With the punk DIY spirit they made some changes. It's different now - it's actually more run down, but the band stickers at a bit of flair.
Walking around you spot a young pregnant resident on the porch of a punk house.
In a sign of development, you see a new punk house has opened up.
There is an abandoned building with some punks squatting in on it.
Meanwhile you spot some punks being evicted from one house.
You're phone alert goes off. You've been invited to a party happening later.
[[Talk To Pregnant Resident|Punk Home]]
[[Check Out New Punk House|No Stupid Names]]
[[Check Out Abandoned Building|Punks v. Nature]]
[[Check Out Punks Being Evicted|Gentrification]]
[[Check Out The Party|Party]]
[[Leave the Neighborhood|West Main 1]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the man with a cut-up face.
"What happened to you? Did you lose a fight with Edward Scissorhands?" you ask.
"If only I could say that," the man says.
"What's the deal?" you ask.
"Ah, it's embarrassing," the man says.
"Last time I was here involved a fistfight with a drunk birthday clown about the definitive screamo band of the 2000s," you say, "Your reason can't be much stupider than that."
"You want to try me?" the guy says.
You've pricked his pride, though not as hard as whatever hit his face. But it’s enough to....
[[Get The Story|Chef Boy-AAAIIIEEE]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the woman in her late 30s.
"Did anyone get the license plate of the car that hit you?" you ask.
"I wish it was that simple, it would be easier to accept," the woman says.
"How bad was this? Injury at home? Slip and fall? Fall into the compactor at work?"
"No. It was... hardcore."
"Hardcore? Hardcore how?" you ask.
She looks at you with shame in her eyes.
"It was hardcore music," she confesses.
[[Get The Story|Work Hard, Play Hard, TOO HARD!]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You follow the familiar looking nurse. There is something about her.
As you walk along a song from your past starts playing in your head. You start humming it, but the lyrics, title and band are stuck on the tip of your tongue.
You see the nurse put on gloves and suddenly a lyric slips into you mind.
<i>"Why would you wish that on me? I never wanna act my age..."</i>
It hits you. You know who she is! But why is she here?
[[Get The Story|What's My Age Again?]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>A man is yelling at the admitting nurse.
"You just can't cut that off a guy without his permission! You need consent!" the guy says.
"Sir, this was a basic medical procedure given your injuries," the nurse says.
"Why not just cut off my balls while you do it, you've taken everything else from me," the guy says, his pitch getting high.
"What happened?" you inquire, "Unapproved circumcision?"
"Huh?" the guy asks, "No. God, I wish. It's much worse than that."
You notice he has been holding his lower arm this whole time.
"Is it there?" you ask.
"Yes," the guy says, slowly lifting his arm.
He moves his hand to show you. You are confused.
"What am I looking at?"
He sighs heavily and explains.
[[Get The Story|Wristy Business]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach some of the staff.
"Sorry to snoop, but you say you have a celebrity patient here?" you ask.
A nursing assistant peeks to check the coast, then leans in.
"Yes, a big rock star," she says.
"How big are we talking?" you ask.
"Big, I think. Like, Kids Bop big," the nursing assistant says with some weird pride about knowing that fact.
"Okay. Could I, you know... know the details?" you ask.
They can't say much, but give you a room number. You work your way up, and peek into the room. You recognize the person inside.
"Wesley?" you ask.
"If it isn't our fan club president!" he says, "Or are you still too cool with your punk music to admit who you were in high school?"
"Yo, man, that's not cool," you say.
"Neither is being the <a href="https://www.si.com/nfl/2016/02/25/jason-pierre-paul-sues-espn-adam-schefter-medical-records" target="_blank" >punk journalist Adam Schefter</a>, but here we are," he says.
"Well, I still have records your early stuff, the kind of things they don't put on Kidz Pop," you counter.
"Guess we're at a standoff," Wesley says.
"So what happened?" you say, looking at his elevated foot.
"I was at the local arena, playing a show..." he begins.
[[Get The Story|Stomping Wounds]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach to see what the barista said that upset the customers.
"Can you believe the nerve of some people?" a guy who looks like Moby says.
Out of abundance of caution should be actually be Moby, you don't ask him any questions. You approach the barista. She shoots you a dirty look.
"Did you order this monstrosity?" she asks.
"No," you say, "I haven't ordered yet."
"Order by the cash register," she says.
She turns back and looks around for the customer of the unattended drink.
She takes a deep breath to yell out the order again.
[[Get The Story|Spoiled Milk]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the other barista diligently working over a latte. You are confused as to what she's doing. You also noticed several rapt hipsters watching her.
"How long does it take to get a drink around here?" you ask.
The spectators shoot you a look like you gave a mainstream music opinion.
"You can't rush maestro at work," one of the observers says.
"If you want it quick and tasteless, head over to the Starbucks. This is an artsits at work," another person says.
You can tell by the faux blue-collar apparel these aren’t true craft aficionados with labor values. There is something pretentious going on here.
[[Get The Story|Steamworks]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the dishwasher as she's going sets the tray down to reorganize the dishes.
"Hello, can I ask you something?" you ask.
“Are you trying to get my number?" she asks.
"No, no. I wasn't much good with numbers. That's why I became a writer," you say.
Her eyes light up.
"You're a writer? Who are your clients?" she asks.
"<i>The Hard Times</i>, some other sites. Often paid," you say.
"Wow, you must be doing well," she says.
"What about yourself? You don't seem the person to settle for this work," you ask.
"I'm a writer too," she says.
"What do you write?" you ask.
She gives a heavy sigh.
[[Get The Story|Clean Copy]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the guy and hear him humming a tune.
"Working on a new song?" you ask the guy.
"Yeah, you can say so," he says, his eyes leaving you and following a barista who has just started her shift.
"Do you do a lot of writing here?" you ask.
"Huh? Yeah, I like the vibe," he says.
"I don't know how you can write with the music playing inside here," you say, “it's a distraction to me to write about a song when another is playing.”
You realize he's not listening, his eyes are on the barista. You sneak a peek at his notebook and read the lyrics.
<i>"Oh, shit,"</i> you think, as you see the lyrics and remember some of his band’s songs.
[[Get The Story|We Are Not A Mused]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You manage to kill a lot of time and catch up on writing. You are ready for the open mic.
You approach the sign-in sheet to see whose playing. But you are blocked by a musician with a ukulele.
"Hold up there, notebook!" the musician says, looking as menacingly as a man with a ukulele can.
"What's the deal?" you ask.
"We don't need your type here," he says.
"That doesn't sound like much of an open mic," you say.
"It's not very open when scum like you monopolize the time slots!"
"What kind of scum do you take me for," you say.
"The worst kind - a comedian!" the musician says.
For the first time in your life you can say that an open mic has gotten very interesting.
[[Get The Story|No Laughing Matter]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You've seen everything to see in this cafe and now it's time to write your review. Maybe this should have been mentioned before, but this simulted cafe also has a book and record store. This should be fun to review, right?"
[[Write Your Review|Review So You Don't Have To]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You move in to talk to the group. After introducing yourself to the band, one of the band members gets cold and standoffish.
"Were you one of the Philistine sites that bashed our message?" the member asks.
"No, I don't think so. I mean, I don't read everything my site puts out," you say.
The frontman silences the outspoken band member.
"Remember what I said on our audio program," he says.
"Yeah, ‘Let he who is without sin podcast the first stone’," the band member says.
"Thanks," you tell the frontman, "You know, I'm not really religious, but you're not a dick about it."
"Yes, well, I can't say the same about my band. I feel like a plot is afoot," the frontman says.
"Really?" you say.
<i>"Let's hope this Christian hardcore drama will be the greatest story ever told,"</i> you think to yourself.
[[Get The Story|Sealed With A Kiss]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the band waiting to be seated.
"Hey guys, is there something wrong?"
"Depends, do you consider being stabbed in the back, betrayed, and taken for granted as wrong?" the frontman says.
"I think you could get a good breakup song out of it," you say, "Who's the girl?"
"It's not a girl, it's a friend. A guy friend," the drummer says.
"Hey man, I'm okay with not putting labels on things," you say.
"No, not like that. He's turned on us. He turned on the scene!"
"How so?" you ask.
[[Get The Story|Balanced Break-Up]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the large party, about two-dozen best you can tell. You feel sorry for the waitress trying to balance all their orders and demands.
"Man, the service here sucks," one guy says, "What happened to this industry?"
"I mean, it's past midnight," you offer, "It's not exactly the best staffed time."
"Pfft, it's the best time, after the shows! Have you ever seen this place busy at any other time?"
You don't figure this group read the many signs on the wall advertising senior early bird specials and Sunday brunch.
"Tell me more about your experience here," you ask.
[[Get The Story|Pro-Tip]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You walk out to the parking lot, where you spot a disturbance. Some hardcore-looking people are in a fight with some preppy guys. You rush over to cover the scene.
You dodge flying fists and falling bodies, before taking refuge behind a van. You note the goings on. The fight finally breaks up, and you gingerly walk around broken glass and blood puddles to approach the hardcore people, as they appear to be the only ones left standing.
"What's going on?"
"Only the greatest day we've had in months," says one of the hardcore guys as blood streams down his face.
[[Get The Story|Hardcore Brawl]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You arrive at the Dead End bar, named for the dead end street it's on, and how most patrons would describe their life.
It's a good dive bar, a place to go when you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the pit, but still want a chance to get into a fist fight.
You groan when you see the "Cash Only" sign. Apparently, the rules have changed. You see an ATM by the bar.
You see a man drinking alone and looking wistful. He might have a story to tell.
There is also a depressed looking woman sitting alone at a table.
At the end of the bar is a mysterious looking patron who has drawn a crowd around him. Most of the mystery is that he doesn't look sad, depressed, or angry. Really stands out in this place.
You also see a woman fall down drunk on the floor. You should go to help her.
[[Go To ATM|ATM]]
[[Go To Bar For A Drink|Progressive Bartender]]
[[Help Woman On Floor|Pick Me Up]]
[[Talk To Man Drinking Alone|Scene Died]]
[[Talk To Depressed Looking Woman|Leave The Bottle]]
[[Talk To Mysterious Patron|Decemberists]]
[[Leave Bar|St. Mark's Place]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You get in line at the ATM, but as they go up to it, they groan and give up.
You check the date. Nope, unemployment and welfare checks should have cleared. Maybe some people's parents are starting to cut them off. These things happen in waves in the punk community.
Its your turn at the machine and put your card in. The screen pops up and you groan in disgust. You suddenly realize why everyone is so upset.
You get your card back and shove your card angrily in your pocket. As you do, you feel something. In between the pocket link, used napkins and other crud you find a perfectly good, if mustard-stained, $5 bill. A search of your cargo shorts brings up $37.29.
Maybe you aren't as broke as you think, just literally irresponsible with your money.
Anyway, you stop a few of the departing patrons to ask them about the issue with the ATM that drove them away.
[[Get the Story|It Takes Money To Take Money]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the woman on the floor, hoping to get her out away of her spilled drink and shards of glass.
She fights you off.
"Excuse me, that’s pretty presumptuous of you," she says drunkenly.
"I'm not trying to do anything untoward," you say, "I’m just helping you."
"Ugh, you and every other guy here," she says, "You know, you are what's wrong with this society. Let me tell you why."
"If I let you tell me, will you get off the floor?" you ask.
"Sure," she says.
[[Get The Story|Quit Trying To Pick Me Up!]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the bar and work to get the bartenders attention. Like at many bars, you fail to get it.
You look at the most attractive woman at the bar.
"Hey, can I ask you a favor?" you ask.
"No, I won't go home with you," she says.
"Not that. I am trying to get a drink and the guy is ignoring me," you say.
"Trust me, trying to use me to get his attention won't work," she says.
"Shit," you say, "Well, who would you say is the best-looking guy at this bar?"
She laughs.
"That won't work either," she says.
"Is he asexual?" you ask.
"He's "a" something, a-hole to be sure," she says.
"Tell me more," you say.
[[Get The Story|Eqaul Opportunity Unattender]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the wistful looking man drinking alone and introduce yourself. He seems more than eager to talk to you when you say you're a punk journalist.
"What's the latest in the scene?" he asks.
"Well, I just got visited some of the venues, and -"
"Because..." he interrupts, "The scene is dead. Has been dead for a while."
"Are we talking the same scene?" you ask, ready to quote your many recent articles showing a vibrant and creative scene, if one full of hypocrites, contradictions, and infighting among factions that should be allies.
"Yes, let me tell you when it died and why," the man insists, before you can even pull up The Hard Times website.
[[Get The Story|No Longer Scene]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the depressed looking woman. You notice she has a black "X" mark on each hand.
"What's got you down?" you ask.
"Everything," she says.
"Everything?"
"Everything," she says, "You know, maybe it's not the worst stuff, with all that's wrong in the world, but I just feel down."
"Your feelings are valid," you assure her.
"Well, I just need to sit here and drink away my sorrows in a place where I am not the saddest person," she says.
You scan the room.
"That's a fair assessment."
A bartender comes by with a bottle move moves to pour it.
"Leave it," the woman says, snatching the bottle.
"But..." the bartender says.
She slaps her debit card down.
"Leave it, and leave me alone," she says.
The bartender leaves.
"You, ugh, drinking that straight?" you ask.
"Yeah, it's that kind of night," she says.
"Tell me more about your life," you ask.
She sighs and begins.
[[Get The Story|Living on the Edge]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p> You approach the mysterious stranger at the end of the bar. The man looks and speaks like a salty old sea captain. He has half the bar enthralled in his tale. Even your jaded, cynical heart can't help but allow yourself to come along for the tales, incredible as they are.
"Is this guy legit?" you ask a fellow bar goer.
"I don't know, but he's more interesting than the music selection in the juke box," the bar patron tells you, "Speaking of which, ask the captain about the band he toured with.
You wait for the captain to end his latest tale before clearing your throat.
"I hear you have tale of a time you were in a band?" you ask.
The question gets a mixed reaction, with some patrons knowingly nod, other curious, and a few rolling their eyes. Whatever the story, you know it must be interesting.
"This be years ago, savvy?" the captain says, "But I once played with one of the hottest bands in the hipster circles..."
[[Get the Story|A Long Decemberist]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the band Fly Mordecai as they pull in.
"Hey, you guys were on tour, right?" you ask.
"Yeah," the vocalist says, "We literally just arrived back."
"This was great!" the drummer says, "It really worked out financially.”
"You made money on the tour?" you say, impressed.
"No, but it's what we didn't lose," the drummer says.
There much be a story from these musical financial wizards.
[[Get The Story|Acceptable Losses]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the vagabond punk with a dog walking by.
"Hello," you say, "Are you new in town?"
"Yeah, just passing through," the punk says.
"Where are you coming from?"
"California, just hitting the rails to see the country," he says, "You could say I was bitten by the travel bug."
"Among other things," you say, noticing him scratching himself.
"I could say that," he says.
"Please do," you request.
[[Get The Story|Twice Shy]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the guy exiting the gas station.
"You got an interesting night planned?" you ask.
The guy looks down at the items in his hand.
"Oh. I don't know, I really don't use this shit," he says, "You want them?"
You take the cigarettes. If nothing else, you find you can trade them for good stories in the scene.
"Why buy these if you aren't going to use them?" you ask.
"I guess I didn't want to feel like a liar," he says, "Even if a feel like a scoundrel."
"How so?" you ask.
"You ever walk out on those you care about?"
"Can't say I have," you say, "Maybe you can enlighten me."
[[Get The Story|A-Band-on]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You enter the gas station. You breath in the smell of old hot dogs on the rollers, hot nacho "cheese" and stale pastries in the case.
You see a punk shopping for food. He looks happy.
In contrast the clerk looks sad, and you suspect for reasons other than working in a gas station.
[[Talk To Guy Buying Food|Treat Yo Self]]
[[Talk To Clerk|Time Off]]
[[Go Outside|Gas Station]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the clerk. You recognize him from a local band.
"How's it going?" you ask, "You looking forward to the band's tour?"
He sighs heavily.
"I don't know if I can go," he says.
"Why? Health issues?"
"No, it's not that," he says.
"Family issues? Girlfriend issues?" you ask.
"No, it's...work."
You look around.
"This place?" you ask, "Hell, I've got at least three jobs I walked out on to cover shows. I think I could still clock in to some of them no questions asked."
"That's great with your journalist job to fall back on," he says, "But there is more to this job than you know."
You doubt that, but it would be journalistic malpractice not to ask.
[[Get The Story|Untaken Leave]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the punk ordering a meal for himself.
"Try the mozzarella sticks," he offers, unprompted.
"I may," you say, "You a connoisseur of cuisine?"
"All I know if this is better than I usually get," he says, "Buy you have to live a little in this life."
"Agreed," you say, choosing some jalapeno poppers, "Any occasion to celebrate?"
"Just a good day, you know?" he says.
"Good mood, good food," you agree, "Care to share with my readers?"
"Sure," he says.
[[Get The Story|Good Mood, Good Food]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the truck cleaner on his break.
"How's it going?" you ask.
"Good," he says.
"Are you new here?" you ask, "Haven't seen you at this gas station."
"I've been here a few months, ever since I got left behind by my so-called friends," he says.
"That's terrible," you say, "Most people wash up here by their own poor decisions."
"You know, though, it's not so bad," the guy says, "I've managed to find my niche in this town. It could be a good thing."
"Tell me more," you say.
[[Get the Story|Carry On My Wayward Son]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>"What happened here?" you ask.
One of the owners eyes you warily.
"You with the police?" the owner asks.
"No," you say.
"Because you'd have to tell us if you are," the owner says.
You're not surprised there is no legal books section in this store.
"I'm a punk reporter. You say you were robbed?" you ask.
The owner sighs.
"It happened like this..."
[[Get The Story|Anarchist Crime Prevention]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You go to the zine section to check out the latest in punk thought.
As you arrive someone comes in and drops a new issue of a zine, before hustling out. Another customer looks shocked when she sees what is written inside.
You also see a frustrated woman with a laptop looking over the zine selection.
[[Check Out New Zines|Capitalism]]
[[Talk To Woman|Deadline Extension]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p> "Hello," you say in a friendly way, "What's going on?"
The occultists eye you warily.
"Nothing a mere mortal like you would understand," the lead occultist (or, at least the one with the silliest hat) says.
"Try me. Are we not in a place of learning?" you ask.
"Ha!" the silly-hatted Occultist says, "Maybe learning some silly skills in the DIY sections, or if you're into 'great literature', but you won't find the Dark Knowledge here!" he says.
"Dark knowledge?" you ask, fearing you'll regret it even as the words come out.
"Yeah, the stuff you only find at a legit bookstore..."
[[Get The Story|500 Days of Sumer]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>The female customer looks shaken after reading the new zine.
"What's wrong?" you ask her.
"Did you see what that guy just dropped?" the she says, holding up the zine, "This is a declaration of war!"
You look at the zine titled "Skid Stop the State: An Anarcho-Cyclists Critique of Late-Capitalist Bike Markets". You know you have a story here.
[[Get The Story|Anarchist Zine]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>"Hello," you say to the woman, "Something wrong with the zines here?"
"Huh?" she asks, having not noticed you, "No, they're great, I've just had trouble trying to get mine out."
"Which one do you publish?" you ask.
"I don't publish yet," the woman says, "But if people would get their submissions in by deadline..."
[[Get The Story|Deadline Zine]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the porch of the house, where the pregnant resident is sweeping up.
"Hello," you say, introducing yourself as a reporter.
"Welcome to the Toxic Castle," she says.
"I'm looking to do profiles on some punk houses for <i>The Hard Times</i>," you say.
"Toxic Castle is going to be more than a punk house when I'm done," she says, laying a hand on her pregnant belly.
"Really? Tell me more," you say.
[[Get The Story|Punk Homemaker]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You knock on the door of the new punk house. A resident answers and you introduce yourself.
"I'm looking to do profiles on punk houses, and since this is new our readers would love to know what the mission and vibe is," you say.
"Sure thing," the resident says.
You ask her the name of the house, and are taken aback when she answers.
"That's the name you've chosen for your punk house?"
"That's the one," she says.
"And, uh, how did you come up with that name?"
"Well, you see, it happened this way," she begins.
[[Get The Story|What's In A Name]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You enter an abandoned auto parts factory, where you see the punk squat being set up.
"Nice set up you got here," you say, looking around, "Once you clear out the junk and plants out it will look really good.
One of the punks sighs.
"We've been at this for weeks. Every time we make progress, we face another setback," the punk says.
"What kind of setbacks?" you ask.
[[Get The Story|At One/War With Nature]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the punks who are being evicted.
"This is some bullshit," a punk says.
"What happened? Did the landlord raise the rent?"
"I dunno," the punk says, "I haven't paid in so long I couldn't tell you how much it is."
"It's not just that he kicked us out," another punk says, "It's who he replaced us with."
She points to younger people who are all attached to their phones, recording their move in.
"Are those...?"
"Yes, the exact types of people we feared would take over our place," the second punk says.
[[Get The Story|Influencers]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p> You give up on your dream of punk journalism.
You didn't die, but you're dead inside. You work as a copywriter for an ad agency. Worse, your Boomer boss calls you his "rock star" writer. He listens to yacht rock unironically!
You swore you would find your way back into the punk scene, but you look in the mirror and find you're 40, living in Middle Class Heights, and wondering what this TikTok thing is, which you only know about from the ranting posts shared by your coworkers you somehow friended on Facebook.
[[Is This Is All A Bad Dream?|Begin]]
<b><a href="https://join.aarp.org/">Accept Your Fate</a> </b>
<b><a href="https://www.foxnews.com/">Refuse To Take Responsibility For Your Choices And Shortcomings</a> </b>
</p>
<h1>Capitalism Survives Anarchist Bike Collective’s Brutal Zine Campaign</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/IMG_8568-copy.jpg" alt="A rack of zines">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/capitalism-survives-anarchist-bike-collectives-brutal-zine-campaign/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Bookstore|Book Store]]
</p>
<h1>Zine Editor Extends Submission Deadline for Eighth and Final Time</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/zine.jpg" alt="Image of the frustrated zine editor">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/zine-editor-extends-submission-deadline-eighth-final-time/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Bookstore|Book Store]]
</p><h1>Anarchist Bookstore Unsure What to Do After Robbery</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/bookstore.jpg" alt="Confuses book store employees">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/anarchist-bookstore-unsure-what-to-do-after-robbery/" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Bookstore|Book Store]]
</p>
<h1>Poser Used Book Dealer Doesn’t Even Have Old Sumerian Texts That Open Gate to Hell</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/usedbooks-1.jpg" alt="Image of poser used book dealer helping a customer">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/poser-used-book-dealer-doesnt-even-have-old-sumerian-texts-that-open-gate-to-hell/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Bookstore|Book Store]]
</p><h1>Boy Scout Unaware Old Woman He’s Helping Cross Street Is Alice Cooper
</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_1289858185-copy.jpg" alt="Boy Scout helping Alice Cooper cross the street">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/metal/boy-scout-unaware-old-woman-hes-helping-cross-street-is-alice-cooper/" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Street|East Main 2]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You see the gathering of drummers from various bands. You can tell because there are no women admiring them. You strike up conversation with them, hoping to learn what bands are playing and what to expect.
"What kind of kit do you play?" you ask.
You don’t actually know much about drums, but hope in their long-winded explanation of their gear you can find some story. And you do. The drummers all give similar answers.
"Oh, I only brought a few things, but I can borrow from someone else," they all say, more or less.
[[Get The Story|Beat Of Someone Else's Drum]]
</p>
<h1>Merch Guy Puts Off School, Family to Pursue Dream of Tagging Along</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/mg_7167-copy.jpg" alt="A satisfied guy at the merch table">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/merch-guy-puts-off-school-family-to-pursue-dream-of-tagging-along/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Venue|Music Venue 2]]
</p>
<h1>Every Drummer Confident Someone Else Will Bring Kit Tonight</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/MG_6371.jpg" alt="A corner of a venue before a show">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/every-drummer-confident-someone-else-will-bring-kit-tonight-2/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Venue|Music Venue 2]]
</p>
<h1>Recently Thawed Out Caveman Misses the Way Scene Used to Be</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/try2.png" alt="A Caveman Punk Walking In a Crowded Venue">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/recently-thawed-out-caveman-misses-the-way-scene-used-to-be/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Venue|Music Venue 2]]
</p>
<h1>Punk Clears Out Pit to Make Room for Crossing Ducklings</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/ducks.png" alt="A mother duck and her duckling cross the mosh pit">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/punk-clears-out-pit-to-make-room-for-crossing-ducklings/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Venue|Music Venue 2]]
</p><h1>Tall Guy Finds Perfect Woman to Stand in Front of at Show</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/tallguy.jpg" alt="A tall guy blocks a short woman's view of the show">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/tall-guy-finds-perfect-woman-to-stand-in-front-of-at-show/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Venue|Music Venue 2]]
</p><h1>Band Pretty Sure It’s Safe To Park Van Here Overnight</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/5233838178_140954f2dd_z.jpg" alt="A van parked in a dark and shady alley">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/band-pretty-sure-its-safe-to-park-van-here-overnight/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
</p><h1>Every Straight Edge Band Seeking Drummer</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/edgeband.jpg" alt="Straight edge band plays a show">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/every-straight-edge-band-seeking-drummer/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Venue|Music Venue 1]]
</p>
<h1>Man Acts Like He Is First Person to Hang from Rafters</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/tumblr_luknbfeknz1qanwijo1_500.jpg" alt="A man hangs from the rafters">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/man-acts-like-he-is-first-person-to-hang-from-rafters/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Venue|Music Venue 1]]
</p>
<h1>Old School Guy Doesn’t Plan on Having Any Fun at Tonight’s Show</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/shutterstock_1241529124-copy.jpg" alt="A man having no fun">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/old-school-guy-doesnt-plan-fun-tonights-show/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Back To The Venue|Music Venue 1]]
</p>
<h1>Man Yelling “FREE BIRD” at Concert Can’t Find Anyone to Adopt His Pet Cockatoo</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/freebird.jpg" alt="A man attempting to adopt a bird at a concert">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/man-yelling-free-bird-concert-cant-find-anyone-adopt-pet-cockatoo/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Venue|Music Venue 1]]
</p><h1>Frontman Vows Bandmate Will Betray Him During Last Dinner on Tour</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/betrayed.jpg" alt="A Christian Metalcore frontman addresses his apostles at dinner">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/frontman-vows-bandmate-will-betray-last-dinner-tour/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to The Diner|Diner]]
</p><h1>Bad Friend Not Going to Diner After the Show</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/DINER.jpg" alt="A band at the diner, with an inset of a picture of a bad friend">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/bad-friend-not-going-to-diner-after-the-show/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to The Diner|Diner]]
</p>
<h1>24-Member Party Disappointed In Service At All Night Diner</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/IMG_2424.jpg" alt="A large group of diners at an ungodly hour">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/24-member-party-disappointed-service-night-diner/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To Diner|Diner]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You look next door where a former hardware store once stood. But rather than the dusty old service counter with the pegboard of random stuff behind it, there are all the trappings of a bougie establishment coming in.
"You know about this new place?" you ask a passerby.
"No, you?" they ask.
You exchange observation and notes. Several other residents come in, willing to offer their speculations about what’s opening in this spot.
[[Get The Story|Hook and Barley]]
</p><h1>Report: New Gastropub Will Probably Be Named Hook & Barley or Something like That</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/hook.jpg" alt="The front of a new restaurant about to open">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/report-new-gastropub-will-probably-named-hook-barley-something-like/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Diner|Diner]]
</p><h1>Fistfight in IHOP Parking Lot Closest Thing Metal Band Has Had to Practice in Months</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/fistfight.jpg" alt="A bloodied and bruised hardcore band">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/fistfight-in-ihop-parking-lot-closest-thing-metal-band-has-had-to-practice-in-months/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Diner|Diner]]
[[Hit The Streets|East Main 2]]
</p><h1>Pregnant Teen Looking to Turn This Punk House Into a Punk Home</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/unnamed-1.jpg" alt="A pregnant punk stands in front ofa future home">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/pregnant-teen-looking-to-turn-this-punk-house-into-a-punk-home/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Explore The Neighborhood More|Punk Lows]]
</p><h1>Punk House Somehow Doesn’t Have Stupid Name</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/shutterstock_1493891228.jpg" alt="A picture of a punk house without a stupid name">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/punk-house-somehow-doesnt-have-stupid-name/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Explore The Neighborhood More|Punk Lows]]
</p><h1>Punks, Nature Both Trying to Reclaim Abandoned Building</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/reclaimedbuilding.jpg" alt="A rack of zines">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/punks-nature-both-trying-to-reclaim-abandoned-building/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Explore The Neighborhood More|Punk Lows]]
</p><h1>Gentrified Punk House Now Influencer House</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/influencer.jpg" alt="Influencers poise in front of former punk houses, ignoring evicted punks in background">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/gentrified-punk-house-now-influencer-house/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Explore The Neighborhood More|Punk Lows]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the group and they welcome you in. There is good conversation, and someone mentions a new band on the rise.
"Oh, interesting," you say.
You hear a snort from a guy in the group.
"Are they a bad band?" you ask.
The others in the group sigh.
"Don't ask him about bands," another member of the group says.
"Why?" you ask.
The snorting guy breathes in deep, ready to launch into a soliloquy.
"You'll see," the other member of the group says.
[[Get The Story|Not Heard, Heard]]
</p>
<h1>Polyamorous Guy Who Brought Ukulele to Party Explains Feminism to Young Women</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/polyguy.jpg" alt="A polyamrous man letting a woman hold his Ukulele">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/polyamorous-guy-brought-ukulele-party-explains-feminism-young-women//" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Party|Party]]
</p><h1>Drunk Man Apologizes for Straight Edge Friend At Party</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/drunkedge.jpg" alt="A drunk guy pauses his apologies to drink some more while he straight edge friend stands in the background">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/drunk-man-apologizes-for-straight-edge-friend-at-party-2/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Party|Party]]
</p><h1>Man Magically Transforms Into Music Historian While Talking to Women</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/historian.jpg" alt="A man explains music to an annoyed woman">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/news/man-magically-becomes-music-historian-talking-women/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Party|Party]]
</p><h1>Man Hasn’t Heard Band, But He’s Heard Of Them</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/heard.jpg" alt="A group talking about music">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/man-hasnt-heard-band-hes-heard/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Party|Party]]
</p><h1>Police Use Axe Body Spray to Break Up Crust Punk Protest</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/taint.jpg" alt="An armored police vehicle sprays Axe Body spray on protestors">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/police-use-axe-body-spray-to-break-up-crust-punk-protest/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Retreat to Safety|West Main 2]]
</p><h1>Portland Trash Core Band Outed as Three Raccoons with a Drum Machine</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/unnamed-32.jpg" alt="Racoons and a drum machine">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/portland-trash-core-band-outed-as-three-raccoons-with-a-drum-machine/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Alt Venue|Alt Venue]]
</p><h1>“Safe Space” Actually a Terrible Fire Hazard</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/sign.jpg" alt="A stenciled sign reads 'No Racism No Sexism No Homophobia No Fire Extinguisher No Escape No Hope Volunteer Run. All Ages'">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/safe-space-actually-a-terrible-fire-hazard/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Alt Venue|Alt Venue]]
</p><h1>Asbestos Headlines Basement Show</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/asbestos.jpg" alt="A basement with deteriorating insulation">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/asbestos-headlines-basement-show/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To Alt Venue|Alt Venue]]
</p><h1>DIY Venue Can’t Do Anything Itself</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/john-phelan.jpg" alt="A punk reads Plumbing for Dummies inside a Home Depot">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/news/diy-venue-cant-do-anything-itself/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To Alt Venue|Alt Venue]]
</p>
<h1>Attempt to Meet New People Smoking Outside Quickly Turning Into Fist Fight</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/shutterstock_1206344980.jpg" alt="Two guys smoke in an alley">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/attempt-to-meet-new-people-smoking-outside-quickly-turning-into-fist-fight/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To Alt Venue|Alt Venue]]
[[Hit The Streets|West Main 2]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You enter the bathroom, and are surprised to see another guy there.
"Sorry," you say, "Men's room is closed."
"Oh, yeah," the guy says, before turning his attention to the wall.
"Ugh, you still using this, or...." you ask.
"Oh, sorry, I'm just so amazed by this place," he says.
"A working bathroom in a punk venue is a miracle," you say.
"Not that, this," he says, eyes sparkling like a prophet who just saw a message from God.
He points out the graffiti on the wall.
"Huh," you say, taking in the words written.
[[Get The Story|Here I Sit, Woken Hearted]]
</p>
<h1>Graffiti in Venue Ladies’ Room Surprisingly Supportive</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/IMG_1827.jpg" alt="A man admires the grafitti in the ladies' room">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/news/graffiti-in-venue-ladies-room-surprisingly-supportive/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To Alt Venue|Alt Venue]]
</p>
<h1>Entire Coffee Shop Grimaces As Vegan Barista Announces “Cow’s Milk” Latte</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/shutterstock_1898328472-copy.jpg" alt="A judgemental barista">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/entire-coffee-shop-grimaces-as-vegan-barista-announces-cows-milk-latte/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To The Cafe|Cafe]]
</p><h1>Brooklyn Artist Works Primarily with Steamed Milk</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/milk.jpg" alt="A latte artist at work">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/brooklyn-artist-works-primarily-steamed-milk/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To The Cafe|Cafe]]
</p><h1>Freelance Writer Attributes Financial Success to Dishwashing Job</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1511654090-copy.jpg" alt="A dishwasher hard at work">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/freelance-writer-attributes-financial-success-to-dishwashing-job/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Cafe|Cafe]]
</p><h1>Barista Unaware Frequent Customer Has Three Albums Worth of Pop-Punk Songs About Her</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/guy2.jpg" alt="A pop punk frontman works on songs about a barista">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/barista-unaware-frequent-customer-has-three-albums-worth-of-pop-punk-songs-about-her/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Cafe|Cafe]]
</p><h1>Musicians Unite to Save Open Mic from Comedians</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/openmic.jpg" alt="Musicians gather to protest">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/musicians-unite-save-open-mic-comedians/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Cafe|Cafe]]
</p><h1>Shitty Coffee Shop Also Shitty Bookstore, Shitty Record Store</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/FF9072CB-5014-4FC4-866A-3C73B1A90F2F.jpeg" alt="Exterior of shitty cafe, bookshop, record store">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/shitty-coffee-shop-also-shitty-bookstore-shitty-record-store/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Cafe|Cafe]]
[[Leave the Cafe|West Main 1]]
</p><img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/punch-cop.jpg" alt="A cop pulling a driver over, as seen from the passenger seat">
<p>As you enter the neighborhood of Middle Class Heights your attire, haircut, and general demeanor attract the attention of law enforcement tasked with keeping "certain elements" out of the area.
The cop decides to give you a ticket, under the pretense of <i>"Fuck you they're the law!</i> (Also the chief will chew them out if they don't make their quota this month).
[[Fight The Ticket|Fight The Power]]
[[Accept the Ticket|Bow To Power]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>"FUCK THE POLICE" you yell, ready to assert yourself, damn the consequences.
What the point of being an anarchist if you only are when it's convenient for you?
[[Click Here If You're White|Argue Into a Hole]]
[[Click Here If You Aren't White|Institutional Racism]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>Luckily, no one was around to see this shameful submission to power. Your only hope is that the cop is too lazy to show up to court if you decide to fight the ticket.
Once the cop pulls away you blast some Rage Against the Machine to soothe you bruised ego.
[[Continue Into Middle Class Heights|Middle Class Heights]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>"Sir, final warning," the cop says.
You realize this guy means business. Times slows down, but not necessarily in the cool way from the music video to Against Me!'s <i>I Was A Teenage Anarchist</i>.
Your heart races. Perhaps you should <i>"Stop! Take some time to think, figure out what's important to you"</i>?
[[Stand Your Ground|Prison]]
[[Pull Your Family Privilege Card|Do You Know Who My Dad Is?]]
</p><center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You've been arrested and thrown in jail without bail.
What did you expect? Middle Class Heights voted Trump twice. In fact, the neighborhood voted for him more in 2020.
Your overworked court appointed attorney suggests a plea deal. If you take it, you go to jail for five years on false charges. If you don't, you get ten years on false charges.
Damn.
Game Over.
[[Start Again in 5-10 Years|Begin]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>Congratulations, you got yourself a court date. When you call your parents for bail, they lay a guilt trip about all that money they spent on your college. They say you should have spent your time in pre-law reading up on legal code instead of anarchist texts.
Your overworked court-appointed attorney suggests a plea deal that will get you three years, or five years if you fight it.
Sucks. Could be worse.
Game Over.
[[Start Again in 3-5 Years|Begin]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the older punk.
"Hi Brian, how's it going?" you ask.
"Pretty good," Brian says.
"How are your parents?" you ask.
"Same as ever," Brian says.
“Really? Even at your age?” you ask.
"Live fast die young," Brian says, "And if you're only as young as you feel, then I can be doing what I've been doing for a long while."
You see Brian's parents on their front porch looking at him, shaking their head.
[[Get The Story|Punk Pushing 40]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p> You approach the woman and her trying-to-look-tough teenage son.
"Pardon me, are you part of a crew?" the mother asks.
"Crew?" you ask, "I mean, not really, I'm a punk journalist."
"So, you should know a few crews, right? Some that might take my son in?"
"I mean... I don't know who is looking," you say.
<i>"Why is everyone's Mom looking to me for answers today?"</i> you think.
"So, this isn't like recreational soccer? Is it more like converting to Judaism? My sister had to apply three times to marry her husband," the mother says.
You figure the quickest way out is to let the mother tell her own story and publish it.
[[Get The Story|Making the Crew Cut]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You nobly accept your friend's dinner invitation. The fact that this is your first real meal in two weeks is just a bonus.
You come in for dinner and exchange the pleasantries with your friend's parents. So far, so good. You haven't been targeted to date someone's child or to help someone get into a crew.
Two glasses of wine in, your friend's mother has loosened up.
"Did I ever tell you the Greyhound story?" she asks you.
"No," you say.
<i>"Mom!"</i> your friend says, anxiety high in her voice.
"It's so funny!" her Mother says, "It started with a trip to Orlando..."
[[Get The Story|Mother Of The Year]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You approach the gossiping punks.
"Something the matter?" you ask.
"You hear about Skunk?" one of the punks says.
"Skunk? You gotta be more specific. In my line of work, I know at least half a dozen punks by that name," you say.
They clarify its Skunk Janikowski.
"What happened to him?" you ask.
"You didn't see on Facebook?"
"I think I am still in Facebook jail," you say, though you couldn't exactly remember for what this time.
One of the plunks pulls out their phone to show you.
"Here, it's a screenshot of this post going around. Can you believe what his mother revealed about him?"
You read the post, your mouth agape.
"Skunk? Really?"
[[Get The Story|Only A Mother Could Love]]
</p>
<center>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/themes/hard-times/img/logo-small.png">
</center>
<p>You turn around to address the woman tapping you on the shoulder.
"Excuse me, miss, or ma'am. Whatever pronoun you use," she says.
You turn around. You realize that with your middle-length hair, self-administered haircut, and throwing on clothes based on the smell-test rather than style, you've managed to pull off the perfect androgynous look.
"Yes?" you ask.
"Well, I was wondering, you see, my daughter just can't seem to find the right person to date. I think you'd be her type," she says.
"I don't even know anything about her," you say, wondering how to get out of this awkward situation.
"Well, she doesn't seem able to explain it herself. She keeps saying she's an "A", which I assume is not a "B", but which I apparently wrongfully assumed was whether she plays the man or woman. I even tried to ask if it was like the 'top' and 'bottom' that the gays do, but she says I still don't get it," the woman says.
"A & B? Top and bottom?" you say, confused for a moment. Suddenly, it hits you what confuses this woman. She doesn't get it, but you can certainly....
[[Get The Story|Swing and "A" Miss]]
</p><center>
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<p>You walk up to your old house. Your Dad is there waiting.
"Hello, Dad," you say.
"Son," he says tersely, "What brings you to the neighborhood?"
"Work," you say,
"Did you get a real job?" he asks.
"I do have a real job," you say.
"Punk journalist?" your Dad says, "Not even for Rolling Stone."
"A lot of people like what I do," you say.
"They have a funny way of showing it, by not paying to support your work," you Dad says.
"We all can't be lawyers for the guilty," you say.
"My clients are not guilty, because I am good at my job. The verdict and the paychecks speak for themselves," you Dad says.
Ugh, you can feel one of his arguments coming on. Best to just let him make his case so he can get off your case.
[[Get The Story|Lawyer Dad on Your Case]]
</p>
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<p>You hypocritical sell out!
Think of all those years you raged at your parents for their role on the Middle Class Heights neighborhood council and Neighborhood Watch that helped the cops arrest innocent people. But you pulled that card when the going got tough.
If anyone finds out you will so kicked out of the scene, at least until people need a ride to a show, or some favors. Your scene credibility would be lower than your credit score.
Just get on with the game.
[[Continue to Middle Class Heights|Middle Class Heights]]
</p>
<h1>Punk Pushing 40 Still Has a Few Good Years to Disappoint Parents</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/shutterstock_1993943813-copy.jpg" alt="An older punk and his disappointed parents sit at the dining room table">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/punk-pushing-40-still-has-a-few-good-years-to-disappoint-parents/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Neighborhood|Middle Class Heights]]
</p>
<h1>Mom Undoes Punk’s Carefully Crafted Image With Single Facebook Post</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/mom1.jpg" alt="A punk's Mom writing a Facebook post that will ruin his image">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/mom-undoes-punks-carefully-crafted-image-one-facebook-post/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Neighborhood|Middle Class Heights]]
</p>
<h1>Mother Assumes Asexual Daughter Is Just A Lesbian Who Hasn’t Met The Right Woman Yet</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shutterstock_1822625291-copy.jpg" alt="A daughter trying to explain things to her clueless mother">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/mother-assumes-asexual-daughter-is-just-a-lesbian-who-hasnt-met-the-right-woman-yet/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Neighborhood|Middle Class Heights]]
</p><h1>Can Someone Please Let My Son Into Their Crew?</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/unnamed-95.jpg" alt="A mother pleading for some crew to take in her son">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/blog/can-someone-please-let-son-crew//" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Neighborhood|Middle Class Heights]]
</p><h1>OPINION: Son Move Back Home, You Proved Your Point</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/oped.jpg" alt="A picture of your lawyer Dad">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/opinion/opinion-son-move-back-home-you-proved-your-point/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Neighborhood|Middle Class Heights]]
[[Accept Dad's Offer|Real World]]
</p><h1>Mother Shares Adorable Anecdote About Single Most Damaging Experience from Daughter’s Childhood</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/shutterstock_1393101842.jpg" alt="An anxious daughter listens to a damaging story">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/mother-shares-adorable-anecdote-about-single-most-damaging-experience-from-daughters-childhood//" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Neighborhood|Middle Class Heights]]
</p>
<h1>Trans Woman Crosses Street to Avoid Overly Supportive Liberals</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/canva-photo-editor-4.png" alt="A trans woman looks for escape from supporitve liberals">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/trans-woman-crosses-street-avoid-overly-supportive-liberals/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the West St. Mark's Place|West St. Mark's Place 2]]
</p><center>
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<p> Contrary to the other people in this hospital, you don't actually approach the woman preaching. But she spots you.
"Sir, sir!' she says, offering a pamphlet.
"I don't need any religion, I got no money to give," you say, searching for an exit.
"This isn't that," she says.
You wonder if you can fake a heart attack. You don't have insurance, but might be worth another medical bankruptcy on your record.
"No, ma'am, please..."
Before you finish she has already put a pamphlet in your hand.
"Please, sir, read this," she says.
"Ma'am, I'll read it, but I really have to get headed back to work," you say.
"Where do you work?" she asks.
"I, uh..."
But she's spotted your press pass.
"You work for the press! You need to spread this message to the world. <i>For the children</i>!"
"It's not really that kind of publication..."
It's obvious you're not getting out of this without giving something.
[[Reluctantly Get The Story|Just The Anti-Vax]]
</p>
<h1>Grown Man Injured in Home Sing-Along Mishap</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/unnamed11.png" alt="A grown man using a chef's knife as a makeshift microphone">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/grown-man-injured-in-home-sing-along-mishap/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Hosptial|Hospital]]
</p><h1>Overconfident 38-Year-Old Expected to Make Full Recovery After Standing at Front of Hardcore Show</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/shutterstock_773107396-copy.jpg" alt="A woman tempts fate in the front of the show">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/overconfident-38-year-old-expected-to-make-full-recovery-after-standing-at-front-of-hardcore-show/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Hosptial|Hospital]]
</p><h1>Short-Staffed Hospital Hires “Enema of the State” Cover Model Janine Lindemulder</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/janine.jpg" alt="Janine Lindemulder at her nursing job">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/short-staffed-hospital-hires-enema-of-the-state-cover-model-janine-lindemulder/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Hospital|Hospital]]
</p><h1>Man Sues Hospital After Cutting off 2016 Festival Wristband</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/shutterstock_606541481-copy.jpg" alt="A patient signs a form, Inset image of a cut 2016 festival wristband">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/man-sues-hospital-after-cutting-off-2016-festival-wristband/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Hospital|Hospital]]
</p><h1>Lumineers Frontman Shatters Foot During Stomp Solo</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/WesleySchultz.jpg" alt=" Lumineers lead singer Wesley Schultz laid up in a hosptial bed. Inset image of an X-Rya of a broken foot">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/lumineers-frontman-shatters-foot-during-stomp-solo/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Hospital|Hospital]]
</p><h1>I Didn’t Vaccinate My Kids and the One Who Lived Turned out Fine</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/unnamed-5.jpg" alt="A hippie Mom with a message she insists on sharing">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/blog/didnt-vaccinate-kids-one-lived-turned-fine/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Hospital|Hospital]]
</p><h1>Black Man Attends Punk Show Without Anyone Mentioning Bad Brains</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/bb1.jpg" alt="A Black punk enjoying not hearing about Bad Brains">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/black-man-attends-punk-show-without-anyone-mentioning-bad-brains/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Venue|Music Venue 4]]
</p><h1>Punk Having Midlife Crisis Drives New Harley Through Pit</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/harley.png" alt="A punk on a mtorocyle in the middle of the pit">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/news/punk-midlife-crisis-drives-new-harley-pit/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Venue|Music Venue 4]]
</p><h1>Aging Promoter Offers Band Terrifying Glimpse of What They May Become</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/unnamed.jpg" alt="An aging promotor, or a vision of your future?">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/aging-promoter-offers-band-terrifying-glimpse-of-what-they-may-become/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Venue|Music Venue 4]]
</p><h1>Lead Singer Wishes the Audience Would Ask How He Is Doing for Once</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/unnamed-12.jpg" alt="A scremo lead singer lets his feelings be known">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/lead-singer-wishes-the-audience-would-ask-how-he-is-doing-for-once/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Venue|Music Venue 4]]
</p><h1>Drummer Reluctantly Compliments Band’s Music Just Before Asking To Borrow Their Equipment</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/12312348_10100340457139927_420329358_n.jpg" alt="A Gross man Tom Sawyers his way into drums">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/drummer-reluctantly-compliments-bands-music-just-before-asking-to-borrow-all-their-equipment/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To the Venue|Music Venue 4]]
</p><h1>“Cash Only” Bar Coincidentally Also “$7 ATM Fee” Bar</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/shutterstock_754211953-copy-1.jpg" alt="A predatory ATM">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/cash-only-bar-coincidentally-also-7-atm-fee-bar/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Bar|Dead End Bar]]
</p><h1>All the Guys at This Bar Are Trying to Pick Me up but It’s Because I’m Lying on the Floor</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/hardstyle_onthefloor.jpg" alt="A woman on the floor of a bar">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/blog/guys-bar-trying-pick-im-lying-floor/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Bar|Dead End Bar]]
</p><h1>Progressive Bartender Equally Inattentive to All Races, Genders, Identities</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/bartender.jpg" alt="A bartender who doesn't care about who you are, or what you want to order">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/progressive-bartender-equally-inattentive-races-genders-identities/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Bar|Dead End Bar]]
</p><h1>Local Man Insists Scene Died When He Stopped Going to Shows</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/shows.jpg" alt="A retired member of the scene discusses its demise">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/local-man-insists-scene-died-stopped-going-shows/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Bar|Dead End Bar]]
</p><h1>Depressed Straight Edge Woman Tells Bartender to Leave Bottle of Grenadine</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/0-2.jpg" alt="A depressed woman drinking Grenadine">
<p>
<b><a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/depressed-straight-edge-woman-tells-bartender-to-leave-bottle-of-grenadine/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Bar|Dead End Bar]]
</p><h1>Mysterious Old Sea Captain in Corner of Bar Tells Tale of Time He Was In The Decemberists</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/shutterstock_1160061283-copy.jpg" alt="A mysterious sea captain and possible Decemberist band member">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/mysterious-old-sea-captain-in-corner-of-bar-tells-tale-of-time-he-was-in-the-decembrists/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Bar|Dead End Bar]]
</p><h1>Successful Tour Loses Only $800</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/70037da7-6288-4bfc-b054-265ef051dc21.jpg" alt="A band triumphantly returning in the van only $800 lighter">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/successful-tour-loses-800/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Gas Station|Gas Station]]
</p><h1>Train-hopping Punk Bit By Travel Bug, Actual Bugs, Dog</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/enhanced-buzz-11328-1350400356-10.jpg" alt="A travelling punk and his dog">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/train-hopping-punk-bit-travel-bug-actual-bugs-dog/" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Gas Station|Gas Station]]
</p><h1>Merch Guy Forgotten at Gas Station Adjusting to Life in Lawrence, Kansas</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/spence.jpg" alt="A forgotten merch guy on his smoke break">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/merch-guy-forgotten-gas-station-adjusting-life-lawrence-kansas/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Gas Station|Gas Station]]
</p><h1>Guitarist “Going Out for Smokes” Abandons Band to Pursue Lifelong Dream of Starting Family</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/smokes.jpg" alt="A guitarist leaving the band">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/guitarist-going-out-for-smokes-abandons-band-to-pursue-lifelong-dream-of-starting-family/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Gas Station|Gas Station]]
</p><h1>Band Member Afraid to Request Time Off From Dead-End Job He Hates</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/job.jpg" alt="A clerk hates his job, but not enough to request leave">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/hof/band-member-afraid-to-request-time-off-from-dead-end-job-he-hates/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Gas Station|Inside Gas Station]]
</p><h1>Punk Treats Himself to Food From the Nice Gas Station</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-2.jpeg" alt="A punk feasts outside the Sheetz">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/punk-treats-himself-to-food-from-the-nice-gas-station/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return To Gas Station|Inside Gas Station]]
</p><h1>Family of Missing Punk Desperately Searching for Less Embarrassing Photo</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/3c8c0756-43ba-4cf0-8ecd-a16fcc57529f.jpg" alt="Flyer of a missing punk">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/news/family-of-missing-punk-desperately-searching-for-less-embarrassing-photo/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to Street|East St. Mark's Place 2]]
</p><h1>Hardcore Singer Accidentally Swallows Microphone</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/mg_9140.jpg" alt="Hardcore singer with a microphone in his mouth">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/hardcore-singer-swallows-microphone/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return the Venue|Temple Club]]
</p><h1>Punk Photographer Takes Every Middle Finger Personally</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/7058555511_82d467668e_k.jpg" alt="A punk flupping off the photographer">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/punk-photographer-takes-every-middle-finger-personally/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return the Venue|Temple Club]]
</p><h1>Old Guy Looking out of Place at Show Apparently Local Legend</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/correct.jpg" alt="An old guy at the hardcore show">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/hof/old-guy-looking-place-punk-show-apparently-local-legend/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Temple Club|Temple Club]]
</p><h1>Crowd Surfer Attacked By Crowd Shark</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/shark.jpg" alt="A shark attacks a crowd surfer">
<p>
<b> <a href="https://thehardtimes.net/culture/crowd-surfer-attacked-crowd-shark/" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Temple Club|Temple Club]]
</p><h1>Band Cashes in 10,000 Drink Tickets for Super Sweet Mountain Bike</h1>
<img src="https://thehardtimes.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/tickets.jpg" alt="A band at the prize counter">
<p>
<b><a href="https://thehardtimes.net/music/band-cashes-10000-drink-tickets-super-sweet-mountain-bike" target="_blank" >Submit Your Story</a> </b>
[[Return to the Temple Club|Temple Club]]
</p>