Wes Borland's 50 Tips
ACTUALLY 110, haha. Can't change the title now, oh well. He tweeted these back in June:
1. Here's some 'real" non-software gear you might want to get:
a. Casio SK-1
b. Echoplex
c. Atari Punk Circuit Synth
d. Roland Paraphonic 505
2. Be careful when you attempt to slap and pop a bass. It might not sound as good to others as it does to you
3. When leaving a party or bar, always ask a small group where the toilet is and say you'll be right back. Then go home
4. Keep your wallet in your front pocket and never in your back pocket
5. Try using a bobby pin to clean your ears instead of a q-tip. Use the loop end and carefully scrape out the bad stuff
6. Drink more water, park as far out in the parking lot as you can, don't eat meat 1 day of the week
7. Nobody is paying as much attention to you as you think they are. If you need to pee, you can probably get away with it anywhere
8. You can make an album at home for almost nothing. The possibilities are only limited to your creativity, which is endless
9. I learned how to mix on the internet, asking questions, and through trial and error. You can learn anything the same way
10. Easy way to blow a mind: Carry a cheap extra umbrella in your car. Someday it'll be raining and you can hand it to someone who needs it
11. Some people need to be punched back harder than they punch you. Others need to be hugged when they punch you. It's a tough decision
12. Some days you should just leave the canvas blank
13. Don't watch commercials. Ever. Hide your eyes and mute the TV or computer. There's nothing there that will benefit you
14. You're wrong. A lot. Admit it when you are. You'll get more respect than if you're an immovable know it all
15. Try combining multiple things that you're good at into one job or activity
16. If you want something and can't afford it, make it. Even if you fail you will have learned something
17. Wearing sunglasses at night and in dark environments is way more weird and suspect than it is cool
18. Never use the presets
19. Men should lose the flip flops in restaurants. C'mon guys. We're trying to eat here
20. You can carry duct tape by transferring it to an old license or plastic gift card. You'll have a flat roll that's easy to pocket
21. Tell him/her you love them in a new and creative way. It'll mean more. Sometimes a surprise sandwich works
22. Most of the time nobody is coming to help you. Do it yourself. Fix it yourself. Save yourself
23. Try to listen to music for what it is instead of letting it remind you of where you were when you first heard it. Listen to new music
24. A wise man once said: "If you're ready for zombies, you're ready for anything. I think I believe that.
25. Don't let age, sex, race, income level, or geographic location influence who you think you are. You're better than that
26. Go on adventures whenever you can
27. If you really want to get that fucking couch up those fucking stairs, you can do it
28. If you're about to pop, try listening to anything by Satie
29. Fiber is super important. Make sure you're getting enough
30. Do it today
31. Over thinking and limitless options give death to creativity. Set a goal and set parameters. Commit and pull the trigger
32. If you didn't like baklava when you first tried it, you may want to give it another shot. Every dessert deserves a second chance
33. Use your gut for the big decisions and logic for the small ones. In matters of the heart, the right side of the brain will always win
34. Shower often and brush your teeth. Dental insurance usually only covers cleanings and gold teeth are expensive
35. You're all going to get old and be mocked by the generation behind you. Get over it. Who cares
36. Try juicing fruits and vegetables. It's a mess and fun and really good for you. Breville makes the best juicers
37. If you have the misfortune of ever breaking a rib. Avoid your funny friends for the next couple of months. They'll forgive your absence
38. Real will always sound better than virtual. The human element is the most beautiful thing about art and music. Make little mistakes
39. Be spontaneous without being impulsive. At times it's hard to tell the difference. Good luck
40. When you make art, don't be precious with your work. You can always start again. It's just paper/canvas/hard drive space/clay/film
41. If you need to get an important idea across to a person in writing, make it brief and to the point. Nobody wants 'novel-sized' emails
42. Stand for something, better yet, stand for yourself. You are your own protector and cheerleader
43. Loctite 2 part epoxy gel will fix pretty much anything. I buy it in cases of 10. It's as indispensable as duct tape and knives
44. You may have heard this before a lot, but for christ sake: read a fucking book. Read Catcher In The Rye or Slapstick or something. Jesus
45. If in the moment diving into the drum kit seems like a good idea. IT IS
46. Fearlessly eat strange foods
47. Do NOT eat fast food ever. EVER. Not even occasionally. It's worthless and it will turn you into mush
48. If it's legal where you live, carry a pocket knife with you
49. Don't complain. Venting is okay. You need to vent every once in a while. But nobody wants to hear you complain about anything. Shut up
50. Sometimes people should hear what you think. Sugarcoating and white lies should be kept 2 a minimum, unless ur at church then go for it
51. Creativity comes in waves and what some call writer's block is, in my opinion, a placid sea between the big surf. Don't worry. Wait
52. The Leatherman Skeletool is the best every day carry tool I've found out there. It has all the essentials and carries like a knife
53. Most of reasons for the things people do can be boiled down to the need to be loved or the fear of not being loved
54. Nobody thinks it will ever happen to them, but it does
55. Quit smoking today. Right now
56. You're beautiful without the make up
57. I've found that people who tell you they listen to everything generally aren't that interested in music
58. Thoughts can make you physically sick or heal you. Do not under estimate the power of your mind over your body
59. Call a cab. Who cares if your car gets towed? We still need you to be around for a while
60. It's important to forgive and forget, but in extreme situations, some people just need to be X-ed from your life
61. Do NOT discuss religion or politics at extended family gatherings. Just keep the conversation light and surface
62. You aren't going to feel like doing it tomorrow anymore than you feel like doing it today. Might as well get it over with
63. There's no elegant way to surrender when you realize while having a heated argument that the other person is right, but you must
64. There's more than just one person out there for you
65. I know it itches, but you have got to stop picking at it. Leave it alone
66. A good leader delegates responsibility to others. Micromanaging those being led crushes their spirits and weakens their loyalty
67. Carbonic acid attacks tooth enamel. All carbonated drinks contain it. Even sparkling water. Beware
68. If it seems like bullshit, it probably is. Hustlers are everywhere
69. Always carry your own bag. Letting other people do it only results in unnecessary tipping and missed opportunities for small workouts
70. Avoid engaging in serious discussions with adults over 30 about conspiracy theories
71. Making an effort to use phrases in the local language will usually invoke a better reaction than starting off with your native tongue
72. Try listening to what someone has to say instead of thinking about your response
73. Dress up a little more when you fly. A smart look could snag you an unexpected upgrade. Sweatpants are for the gym
74. Don't be afraid to tell people what your guilty pleasures are. They have some too and trying to be 'cool' all the time is exhausting
75. Men who have a problem with cellulite should be shot out of a cannon into outer space. Who do you think you are? Fuck you douches
76. The magical things are usually happening outside of your comfort zone
77. Try to live without the fear of spiritual consequences after death. Be good to others because it's the right thing to do
78. If you haven't ever hit someone with a water balloon. Well, it's summertime and. Enough said. Enjoy
79. Making out without it leading to sex should be practiced more often. See if you can
80. Call your parents more often
81. If you're not in a position to get stitches, super glue is an effective alternative as long as the bleeding isn't profound
82. When exploring an unfamiliar place alone, project confidence and purpose. Learn to say no in the language when approached by strangers
83. Almost everything bad that has ever happened to you is YOUR fault. Be accountable
84. Everyone you know will let you down at some point. Try to trust a few of them anyway. You're tough
85. Eat a lot during the first half of the day. A little bit in the afternoon. Nothing after 8pm. Try it. You'll see
86. Learn to say no to people. Your mission in life does NOT include pleasing everyone
87. You don't need any of that boat anchor crap in SkyMall
88. Beware of new age and homeopathic remedies
89. Floss
90. You will naturally develop an artistic style over time by combining as many influences as possible and being unfiltered and fearless
91. The most important thing I've ever read: Notice when you are happy and exclaim "If this isn't nice I don't know what is" - Vonnegut
92. You are a master of nothing. There will ALWAYS be something else to learn
93. If you're going to light that on fire, you better be able to put it out
94. Blueberries are a fantastic alternative to high calorie desserts and they're high in antioxidants
95. Sometimes men get pissed off when they've been hurt. Don't be confused/afraid girls. That's just us crying while trying not to seem weak
96. Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Take action
97. Shaming or embarrassing someone is a despicable act. Stabbing them would be kinder
98. As good as the intention might be, prayer does not put food in a stomach or a roof over a head. Be physical with your compassion
99. Long lasting halogen bulbs may be energy efficient, but they look terrible. Life's too short to skimp on good lighting. Fuck those bulbs
100. The only thing anyone knows for sure is that none of us know anything. I'm glad we all have that in common. Thanks. I'm done
101. The difference between chewing with your mouth open and chewing with it closed is vast. Audible mastication is a no no
102. "You have to have thick skin to be a Segway owner. -Dave Pino, guitarist and Segway enthusiast. (I guess I'm not done with these.
103. While Rosetta Stone is great for learning vocabulary in another language, I myself have found the Pimsleur Method to be better overall
104. Everyone deserves at least 1 gargantuan, royal fuck up. It teaches them humility and you forgiveness
105. Yours doesn't have to look like mine. Children shouldn't be taught in that "monkey see, monkey do" way, in my opinion
106. Referring to an artist as "artsy" is insulting bordering on derogatory
107. Reading the unfavorable reviews of my heros has helped me swallow my own. I find that comforting for some reason
108. Try using your non-dominant hand for everything for a day. It's bonkers. I had a friend who did it for a month
109. Cleavage is an eyeball magnet. Good or bad, plumber's crack, toe, boob, if you show, don't get mad at people for looking. We can't not.
110. Avoid Indian cuisine before air travel.