Genome Transcendence: Introduction (A fictional story by me.)

Brief Background

In 2018, North Korea invaded South Korea in full force, eventually succeeding in capturing and occupying the country in a bloody 38 month war, giving birth to a new nation -- the United Republic of Choson (URC). While the US attempted to intervene, the political pressure and military presence of China kept them away. With the EU nearly bankrupt, and the UK unwilling to get involved, the URC set its sights on Japan next.

In February of 2022, the Japanese government announced a breakthrough in biochemistry technology by the Tokyo based pharmaceutical giant Biochem Technologies that could change everything the human race knows about human genetics. Announcing that it would be willing to give the technology to China in return for protection from the URC, the Japanese government sent a group of envoys on March 11 to Beijing consisted of 3 government officials and 2 representatives from Biochem Technologies for negotiations with the Chinese government.

The negotiations lasted 4 days, but eventually ended in mutual agreement. On the way to the airport to return to Japan, the diplomatic group from Japan was ambushed by a militant group from the URC. 3 of the 5 were gunned down within minutes while the remaining 2 were able to flee on foot to a nearby subway station. Desperate with nowhere to run or hide, Yuji Hayashida, senior technological adviser of Biochem Technologies, opened the briefcase he was carrying, reached inside to retrieve a glass vial containing a silvery liquid with a slight blue glow. Saburo Morikawa, the other survivor and assistant to the Japan head of state, glanced over at horror.

"What do you think you're doing, Hayashida?!" Saburo shouted.

"It's our only way to survive, Morikawa san," Yuji replied without looking at Saburo. He was busy syphoning the liquid in the vial into a syringe.

"It's not stable yet!"

Even as Saburo objected, Yuji rolled up his sleeves and plunged the syringe into his forearm.

Moments later, the team of militants charged into the subway station in which the two survivors were taking cover. Neither men were ever found. The only things left at the site were an empty briefcase, a couple of empty vials and syringes, and traces of blood.

Two weeks later, the Chinese government announced their complete support of Japan, stating that any attempts to invade Japan would be dealt with using lethal force. All apparent attempts to invade Japan by the URC immediately ceased, and for the first time in years, the world seemed to be at peace.

Fearful that China had finally gotten the edge they needed to oust the US and become the ultimate superpower, the CIA began to send spies to Japan for espionage purposes in order to gain the same lead. The UK, along with France and Germany, formed the Alliance of Security for Europe (ASE), combining resources and stating that they will retaliate any potential threat or invasion of Europe with nuclear strikes.

And hence, the 2nd Cold War began.

Notable Organizations

Corporations

• Biochem Technologies: The world's largest medical and pharmaceutical organization based in Tokyo and founded by the tycoon Masamune Kagura. Often referred to as "Biochem" or "Biochem Tech" for short. Biochem Technologies has been responsible for modern day medical advancements such as tissue regeneration, reproductive stem cells, cure for cancer, complete skin/muscle/bone grafting, and antibody stimulants among others.
• Infinite Sky Incorporated: The world's second largest manufacturer of medical equipment after GE Healthcare. Based in Soweto, South Africa, Infinite Sky Inc. is responsible for such inventions as the Particle Wave Imaging (PWI) machine and Hyper Quantum Spectrometer.
• Hastings & Schmidt: Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia and founded by retired American army general Jeremiah Hastings and German entrepreneur Jonas Schmidt, H&S is the world's largest designer and manufacturer of industrial and military vehicles.
• Smith & Wesson: Headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts, Smith & Wesson has evolved into the largest manufacturer and supplier of firearms to police forces all over the world.
• Lockheed Martin: American global aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technology company with worldwide interests. It was formed by the merger of Lockheed Corporation with Martin Marietta in March 1995. It is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, in the Washington Metropolitan Area. Lockheed Martin employs 123,000 people worldwide. Josephine Hewson is the current president and Chief Executive Officer. Lockheed Martin is one of the world's largest defense contractors; in 2009, an estimated 74% of Lockheed Martin's revenues came from military sales.

Military

• Army of the United Republic of Choson (AURC): The general term for the military forces of the URC. Several branches, including elite forces, exist in AURC, but are the details are mostly unknown.
• Organization of the Alliance of Security for Europe Special Services (OASESS): Consisted of elite men and women from the Scotland Yard, MI6, and the military forces of the UK, France, and Germany, OASESS is one of the most skilled and feared military organization in the world.
• International Reconnaissance & Investigation Specialists (IRIS): A group of highly trained and extremely skilled specialists maintained by the United Nations since NATO was disbanded. While it is known that IRIS is being recruited, trained, and sponsored by several large private corporations for UN missions, much of this organization is unknown.
• US Armed Forces: While still the major military force of the world, the military forces of the US is recently dwindling in power compared to the consolidated forces of other nations.
• People's Liberation Army (PLA): The PLA is the military arm of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the de facto armed forces of the People's Republic of China, consisting of land, sea, strategic missile and air forces. The PLA is the world's largest military force, with a strength of approximately 2,250,000 personnel (about 0.18% of the country's population). The PLA comprises five main service branches, consisting of the PLA Ground Force, PLA Navy (PLAN), PLA Air Force (PLAAF), Second Artillery Corps (strategic missile force), and the PLA Reserve Force.

Major Recent Happenings

It is the year 2031. Biochem Technologies has achieved world dominance in the field of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. While rumors exist that Biochem Tech, along with its long time partner Infinite Sky Incorporated, is also the cause of the deformations and strange anomalies plaguing the world for the past decade, no substantial evidence has been found -- not anything that stands up in court, anyway.

Hastings & Schmidt opened up its first factory in the URC, much to the dismay of the US government. While opposition of this did arise in the UN, at the end, there simply wasn't anything to be done about it.

The 2nd Cold War has been going on for nearly 10 years. Some minor skirmishes have broken out over the years, but thus far, the major players have all been holding their breath, waiting to see what everyone else does.

The PLA has placed several military bases across Japan, some of them oddly close to the US military bases already there. Whether this is due to collaboration or antagonistic mockery is unclear.

The URC has established itself as a major player in the world, both economically and militantly. While China has shown support for Japan, it has still retained its friendly relationship with the URC. Of course, what kind of anxieties lie underneath the surface, no one truly knows.

Earlier this year, news of entire villages in rural areas of China disappearing have plagued TV channels and radio stations. It has been reported that villages of up to 2,000 people would simply disappear overnight. No traces whatsoever. The Chinese government denies the accusations that it is using these people for inhumane experiments.

Read More

The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster & How It Affects You

As a physicist in a related field of study, I'm a bit more sensitive to news of radiation leak than the average folk. Although not to the point of paranoia, I know very well how radioactive substances can spread and affect the human body, not to mention our ecosystem.

Also, as a long time resident of Japan, the problems with the "Daiichi Fukushima Nuclear Plant" has constantly been a concern to me ever since the earthquake that devastated Japan on March 11, 2011; yet, I find that many to whom I speak with seem to have no clue as to the magnitude and impact of this nuclear disaster that has been declared as the worst in the history of humankind.

An explosion at Daiichi Fukushima Nuclear Plant shortly after the earthquake of 2011.

The 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, measuring at over 9 in magnitude, caused several explosions and system failures at the Daiichi Fukushima Power Plant, resulting in the meltdown of nuclear cores and the subsequent release of radioactive isotopes (this is what we usually call "radiation").

Over the last 2.5 years, large quantities of iodine-131, cesium-134, cesium-137, and strontium-90 has emitted from the nuclear plant.

Now, this is where things are important. You will find many news articles and reports that talk about the amount of radioactive substances that were released. Some of them talk about millisieverts, some talk about becquerels, some even talk about it in terms of curie.

How the hell are we supposed to know what the fuck that means?

And if we don't know, then we don't care.

Let's not get into the scientific details of all this, and all you need to know about all these units of measurement is that they are all named after dead people who studied radioactive substances (and, inevitably, died from them).

Radiation isn't as simple as drinking rat poisoning. Radioactive isotopes have different effects, different half-life, and different, well, everything. Also, it takes prolonged exposure over time for radiation to have an effect on living beings. Of course, if you're exposed to an enormous amount of it, it would take no time at all for you to melt into a pool of unidentifiable fucking obliteration (UFO).

A lot of people joke about how you would grow a third arm or glow in the dark if you're exposed to radiation. The truth is most likely much more boring -- you'll probably just get some form of rare cancer and die a slow painful death.

So. How does this affect you? Why the fuck should you care?

Excellent question! Let's take a look at some concerns.

Skiing might kill you.

Many folks in Asia go to Japan for leisurely activities in the snow, skiing and snowboarding being the favorites. This is, of course, understandable, since Japan is one of the few Asian countries that has snow for extended periods of time and has high quality skiing resorts.

Unfortunately, most regions that have enough snow to have a ski resort are relatively close to the nuclear plants in Fukushima.

If the Fukushima plants continue to release radiation as it has been (and all current evidence suggests that it will), in 5 more years, most of the snow at nearby ski resorts will have enough radioactive isotopes in it to kill you within a month should some of it get into your mouth.

Eating might kill you.

The Fukushima nuclear plant has been, and is currently, releasing tons of water freshly contaminated by extremely harmful radioactive isotopes into the nearby sea. The nearby sea happens to be the Pacific Ocean. Some of the measurements have shown the contamination to be beyond 1800 millisieverts -- enough to kill you in 4 hours of exposure.

A few years -- maybe even in a few months -- the little fishies and prawns and crabs that have been happily swimming in this toxic water will make their way to your dining table. Sure, they probably wouldn't have absorbed 1800 millisieverts of radiation. Probably only 10% or so. So you'll get 40 hours instead to bid your loved ones goodbye.

Breathing might kill you.

Ultimately, if the release of radiation isn't somehow stopped, the air we breathe will become lethal. Many seem to think this is not a concern for those who don't live in Japan. Radioactive isotopes are alive and well at the atomic level. They cling on to pretty much anything, including cars, clothing, and air. Well, yeah, air particles have atoms too, you know?

Those in Southeast Asia are currently still lucky, since the winds don't often blow in that direction from Japan (but west coast U.S. is getting fucked up right now), but this isn't a permanent occurrence. Eventually, Southeast Asia will get just as much as any other area in the world, and believe me when I tell you that a couple of plutonium rocks in a superheated nuclear reactor contains enough radiation to wipe out half of the world's population.

And it's gonna take at least 40 years to clean this shit up.

This is the best part. The Japanese government has vowed to clean the whole nuclear mess up in, "hopefully 40 years". If 40 years is hopeful, I think being scared of the situation is pretty justified.

Let me just leave you with one final thought. TEPCO, the electric company that was responsible for the operation of Daiichi Fukushima Nuclear Plant, has paid billions in damages because of this disaster. They are now wiped out, and the government has taken control of the corporation.

What does this mean?

It means that all the damages and costs for containment, repairing, compensation for residents, cleaning up, building preventive measures, hiring suicide cleaning squads, hiring nuclear experts, creating propaganda to calm the citizens, creating propaganda to hold off global media, etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. is now all being paid by the Japanese government.

Just this morning, the Japanese government has announced that they will build a wall to prevent more radioactive water from leaking into the ocean. This is estimated to cost 4.8 billion U.S. dollars, and will be paid entirely by the government.

It's only been 2.5 years and we've seen more than 10 billion dollars spent on dealing with this situation. With the horrible decline in economy and Japan already having the world's second largest national deficit, how long do you think that's gonna last?

Read More

Lifestyle: Travel Insurance: When Your Luggage Doesn't Arrive - is it Worth Claiming Travel Insurance?

The Burden of Arriving at Your Destination and Not Finding Your Baggage

Gone are the days when flying was a sophisticated means of transportation where you received excellent customer care, hygiene kits were free in all flights, warm towels were passed on even in economy class before meals, meals were served with metal silverware, alcoholic drinks were free on international flights, and you could check in your luggage for FREE.

OK, nostalgia apart, flying now is a hassle. Crowded airports, fees for almost everything, peanuts for 3-4 hour flights, plus the outrageous fees to check your luggage are some of the "perks" of choosing to fly. And then, arriving at the airport hours later, exhausted and cramped to wait in vain for the luggage that doesn't come out on the baggage claim carrousel. Wow, the nightmare. Especially when you're flying from snow to beach and have nothing but a huge jacket to wear to the beach for the next couple of days until your luggage is either found or deemed lost.

Once, after a long 10 hour overnight flight overseas, I found myself waiting at the baggage claim carrousel for approximately 2 hours until all the luggage from the flight had been out but mine. Then, another 40 minutes to go to the airline counter to make a claim describing the bag and its contents. It was extremely tiring and disappointing. 12 hours later, the luggage was found and delivered at my hotel, at least. Although I had travel insurance, I didn't think about opening a file with the insurance to collect luggage delay benefits, since the suitcase appeared and was delivered within the same day. If you have purchased insurance with luggage benefits, review your policy before leaving to make sure there is coverage for delayed as well as lost luggage.

In most instances, the airlines will find the luggage and deliver it later. Some travel policies may allow coverage after a delay of at least 12 hours depending on the reason. However, don't think it's easy to collect that money. You need to present all receipts from all the items you purchased while the luggage was not in your hands, and there may be specific items that are not covered. Usually, hygiene items and some light clothing to survive the first couple of hours will be standard.



If the airline deems your luggage completely lost, it will be another ordeal to recover some money from the carrier. You will need to file lots of paperwork and try to remember your lost articles and items and list them with their approximate value. If you have insurance that covers lost luggage, you can only claim it after the airline has paid your claim with them for the lost luggage.

These are the hazards of flying with checked luggage! So if you're going on a 2-4 hour flight and staying at your destination for just a few days, it's better to take your carry on and forget about the checked luggage. You may be thankful for it!

Read More

5 Signs That A Guy Isn't Ready For Marriage

Marriage used to be such an easy issue in our parents' generation. You find someone decent enough to live with, have kids, and the rest, you deal with as it happens.

Now, though, marriage is a huge deal. It's a huge deal in that we longer want to deal with stupid shit and demand assurance of a peachy marriage in advance.

Well, there is no such assurance. Marriage is the ultimate proverbial "leap of faith". If you're cool with dying alone, don't get married; but if you would rather take a bit of shit now and then (or frequently if you're unlucky) than to eat oatmeal and shop for your own headstone alone, these are some of the most fundamental signs for you of a guy who is not ready for marriage (or any kind of relationship at that).

1. He Can't Pay For His Own Meal

It doesn't even matter if you're rich enough to support him. Any decent guy who is mature enough to get married should have a stable job. The fact that he would even consider marriage before getting a stable job shows he's not ready.

Several obvious hints exist for this type of person, such as

• always "forgets" his wallet,
• never asks for the bill himself,
• asks you if you have money before going into a restaurant,
• lives with his parents after the age of 35,
• thinks working hard is for losers.

2. He Thinks Cheating Only Applies To The Wife

I've actually heard this plenty of times: "Men have urges, unlike women. So for men, it's not really cheating, just fulfilling a primal need." Wow. Comparing cheating on your wife with taking a shit. That's just insulting.

These type of guys often

• think that commitments are unnecessary,
• insist that you quit your job and stay at home,
• get incredibly upset when you touch their phones,
• demand that you cut off all relationships with anything classified as male,
• have incredibly mysterious relationships with other women that he refuses to explain.

3. He Only Bathes When The Flies Around Him Start To Annoy Him

Smell is pretty damn important, isn't it? Not to mention just general hygiene. So if a person can't be bothered with cleaning himself, most likely he can't be bothered with doing any other fundamental tasks that are important in life. Ditch him immediately.

Also watch for

• dirty and/or long fingernails,
• dirty/old/torn up shoes,
• dandruff blizzard,
• stained clothing, and
• a cockroach-infested car.

4. He Thinks A Woman Shouldn't Have Her Own Opinions

Not sure what day and age or twilight zone a guy lives in to think this way, but believe me, there are plenty of them out there. Stay away at all cost.

Signs that you might find for this are

• doesn't listen much and instead talks about himself all the time,
• seems to listen to you but never actually does what you say,
• always stops you from giving any strong opinions by kissing you or turning it into sex,
• constantly tells you what to wear, and
• demands sex whenever he wants it and can't take no for an answer.

5. He Thinks Women Don't Fart

Think no guy actually think like this? Think again.

These guys usually

• are virgins,
• want you to be a virgin,
• think that a wife is a maid + prostitute they don't have to pay for,
• want you to look "pretty" 24 hours a day until you die (while they walk around in dirty underwear with dried-up come), and
• think you secretly like to be their bitch.

I'm a guy, yet I specifically wrote this about guys, because I'm so sick of these type of jerks giving the entire genre of males a bad reputation.

It's getting more and more tough to have a decent marriage. In fact, it's getting more and more tough to even have decent relationships without most women nowadays looking at you like you're scum. Unfortunately, the main reason for this is because most guys are scum.

Hopefully, this will not only act as a guide for women of what to avoid, but also as a guide for men of what not to become.

Read More

10 Things You Should Do for a Job Interview

I've been getting quite some requests to give advice on the proper etiquettes for job interviews. At first I didn't quite understand, since this type of advice is readily available throughout the web, and most of it should be common sense anyway.

But then I realized, most of the advice you find on the web is actually too "advanced", and that common sense seems to be lacking quite a bit in Malaysia as far as job hunting is concerned (probably more).

For those of you who don't know who the fuck I am, allow me to give you some "credentials". I've been in senior management for more than 12 years. I've founded 3 companies, and I've also been a "career and educational advisor" as a side job for almost 10 years now, mostly with the University of Tokyo.

Okay, enough stupid shit about me. Let's get to my top 10. Before that, though, let's set some criteria.

1. This is mostly meant for fresh graduates, but certainly applies to anyone who is serious about getting a job. Please read that again. "anyone who is serious about getting a job". If you're just out to randomly get interviews and hope one of them gives you a job, you can do whatever you want, and this list is not for you.
2. This list is based on my experience in the past and certainly doesn't represent nearly everything you need to know about job interviews.
3. Some of you will find this list to be so basic, you'll be shocked that anyone could need it. Trust me, I was shocked too.
4. This list is based on the objective of succeeding in the interview and getting the position. Whether you actually want or like that position is up to your discretion. If you don't like the job, you shouldn't be going to the interview in the first place, but I understand there are other factors too. Like money. And money.
5. This list is not for any specific industry, but assumes interviews for professional positions within an office. If you were going to a beach to apply for a lifeguard position, not all of the list may apply to you.
6. If this list is too difficult or too much trouble for you to follow, I suggest you speak to your parents about being a bum for life.

So, here we go. My list of 10 things you should try your best to do for an interview.

1. Dress Appropriately

I've actually had people walk into my office in a t-shirt, shorts, and sandals for a job interview. If the company you're applying to is at all decent, they tell you to go home on the spot.

A long sleeve button shirt and slacks work for both men and women, and are always a safe bet. Women have more choices, but if you decide to wear a skirt, make sure that it's long enough to cover up to just above your knees at the shortest and that it's not flimsy -- the skirt from a suit works best. Baju kurung, kebaya, and other traditional wear are of course also acceptable (in fact, I look forward to seeing kebaya, but that's just a personal preference). Also remember to make sure your clothing is not too colorful or bright -- black, white, brown, grey, blue are all good choices.

Shoes make a huge impression on people. Make sure you're wearing proper leather shoes with socks. For women, a proper heel -- 3 to 5 cm -- is usually good for making a good impression. If you wear a skirt, it is highly advisable that you also wear stockings.

2. Be On Time

I can never stress enough how important punctuality is, and I can also never understand why so many people are not. Take a moment to think about it. Why would the busy boss of a company (the better the company, the more busy the boss) hire someone who wastes his/her time? By being late, you're essentially wasting people's time, and that helps no one.

Don't use traffic jams as an excuse. If you can't even predict a traffic jam and leave early to compensate for it, I sure as hell am not going to trust you with any serious job task. Even if you are late due to some completely unavoidable situation -- which is extremely rare --

3. Don't Make Excuses

If you think you're going to be late, call the company (speak directly to the interviewer if possible), and apologize. They don't need your excuses. The fact that you're going to be late is the only important point. Whether you got into an accident or had diarrhea (yes, someone used that on me), they don't need or want to know about it. The more you try to emphasize your excuse, the less trustworthy of a person you portray yourself to be.

Something to the effect of, "I'm so sorry, Sir/Madam. I don't think I can make it on time. Could we please delay the interview by 30 minutes?" is good. Don't forget to apologize! "Hello? I will be late. Jam." does not cut it. It'll get you cut though.

If you need to cancel the interview, call and apologize as well. Don't think that just because you got another seemingly better offer that you don't need to maintain good relationships with others. You never know when it'll come back and bite you in the ass in the future. It's a small world.

4. Stand The Fuck Up

Many times, you'll be asked to sit in a room and wait for the interviewer to join. When the interviewer comes, stand your ass up! Don't sit there like a sack of soggy potatoes and shake their hands like you're the boss; and don't sit until they sit, or until you're offered to sit.

5. Look Them In The Eyes

Yes, this is important. Someone who avoids looking at others in the eyes in a conversation or when being questioned shows lack of confidence, lack of respect, and lack of manners. Don't stare, though. There's a difference.

6. Don't Lie

The fact that I have to list this is sad, but I've found this to be a major issue. Don't lie about your work history or education or knowledge. You're not gonna get away with it, and it's going to cost you your job. You'd be lucky if you don't get hired, because getting fired for giving false information during the interview is not only embarrassing, but detrimental for your resume.

7. Don't Open Your Laptop

You shouldn't even be bringing one. I've had several experiences in which the candidate comes in for an interview, flops open his/her laptop, plugs it in without asking, and types away like I'm the one being interviewed. You shouldn't even be writing anything. You should only take out your pen and notebook and take notes when it is your turn to ask the interviewer about the company and the position you're applying for. Until then, sit still, answer the questions, and don't fidget!

8. Turn Your Phone Off

How hard can this be? At least make sure it's been put on silence mode. And for the love of professionalism, DON'T ANSWER YOUR PHONE during the interview! In fact, don't touch it at all! Even while waiting or the interviewer isn't there. Just sit! Chill! Don't start Candy Crushing. If I'm the interviewer, I'd send you packing immediately.

9. Ask Proper Questions

Ask about your job requirements. Ask about the company's background and what it does. Ask about the other employees. Don't ask about benefits or pay! You can negotiate on salary when you receive the offer, if you receive it at all. If you're asked about your expected salary, do answer (I advise against playing negotiation games. Just tell them the amount you think you're worth). If after you receive your job offer, and you feel the job description doesn't match the compensation (too much work for too little pay), then you can negotiate.

Just remember, it's not official until you accept, so no need to get into the details during the interview. Your objective in a job interview is to leave a good impression and get hired. Negotiate after you've been offered.

10. Smile

Not like a dork, but pleasantly. As much as possible. Trust me. It's important.

So there you have it. My recommended top 10 things you should do for a job interview. There are lots and lots more things I could give suggestions on, but that'll be for another day.

Just remember, respect the person who is going to decide whether you're getting a job or not. Don't think of job hopping as an option. Think of it as a last resort. Happy job hunting!

Oh. Follow me on Twitter if you'd like. @TheExBoss

Cheers!

Read More

Lifestyle: The Tapping Solution by Nick Ortner

 

The Tapping Solution - A Revolutionary System for Stress-free Living, by Nick Ortner/book.

I discovered tapping a couple of months ago, listening to one of Louise Hay's interviews where she mentioned the practice. Then, I searched for it on youtube and found a few interesting videos describing how to use tapping and actually started working on it myself. Nick's book came at the right time: to complement my beginner's curiosity and knowledge of this revolutionary system, as he describes it himself.


The book starts with a great story of how tapping was "discovered". I am a believer that our minds are powerful instruments, and if we believe in our energy centers and "tap" to make it come to life, we can actually cure or alleviate several symptoms or dis-eases.

Nick's book is divided into 14 chapters, and he describes in each one a specific use for tapping. You can use this formula to relieve anxiety, get rid of physical pain, eliminate fears and even create or improve relationships. Nick writes in an easy to follow language, accessible to everyone, and has several examples of real cases to illustrate each specific segment. Each chapter also ends with suggested exercises and practice.

It's also interesting to note that, on the aftermath of Connecticut's tragic school shooting last year, Nick created a fundraiser to bring tapping to the community, in order to help with mental and emotional support. What a great idea and goodwill. Kudos to Nick for spreading the word about tapping.




FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from Hay House Publishing for this review. The opinion in this review is unbiased and reflects my honest judgment of the product.

Read More

Music: Interview with New York band Maybe the Welders!

As a fan of NY band Maybe the Welders, I decided to have an interview with them instead of writing a review about their music and let them tell a more fun and lively story about themselves and their work! To be a fan of their Facebook page, please go to:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maybe-the-Welders/150833375834?fref=ts

And now, introducing MAYBE THE WELDERS! Enjoy the show!

Maybe The Welders are: Greg Campbell:  Vocal/ Guitar

Declan Collins:   Vocal/ Guitar

Steve Ferrara:  Backing Vocals/ Bass and keyboard

Pitti:  Drums

1. How did you start the band and what's the history behind the band's name?   

GREG:   Pitti started the band whilst he, Declan, and I were working together at a fancy pizza restaurant in midtown.  Basically, he decided he wanted to be a drummer, and he may as well have a band around him.  I was actually invited into the band by another friend and former member, who knew that I played guitar a bit.  At that point, we were practicing in Pitti's old hair salon, which was accessed through a storm cellar door in Alphabet City.The band consisted of drums, two guitars, a trumpet, and a musical theater-style female singer.  We had no PA, no microphones, no bassist, and no songs.  It was brought to the band's attention that I had written a song -- literally one song -- and it was decided that I would be the songwriter.  So I went home and wrote five or six songs that week.  They didn't really fit with the lineup that we had, so we ended up losing the singer and trumpet player.  A few months later, we picked up Declan to play guitar and sing along with me, as well as bolster our catalog, as he was a pretty fine songwriter himself.  We chugged along for years almost getting it right, until we finally added Steve on bass guitar, and became the Maybe the Welders of today.  As to the name, well we had to be called something, didn't we?

DECLAN: There are many stories about our name some true some a little less so. ..My favorite is that we were originally called the Welders, but we were becoming too famous and were threatened with a lawsuit from classic psyche rock band the Welders who were huge in the 1960's. We had to cave in and put "Maybe" in there so we didn't lose everything.

2. Who writes the lyrics and composes the songs?

GREG: Generally Declan or I will bring in the rough idea for a song, some chords and lyrics, and then the whole band will work it through until we feel it is finished.  Steve is a marvel at arrangements, and Pitti gives the song its thumping heartbeat.

3. What genre do you consider yourselves and who is your greatest influence?

 GREG: ?  Jesus, that's a hard one to answer.  I consider us to be melodic post-punk, but if you say that people nowadays think of Green Day or something, which is rubbish because they're not punk at all. 

DECLAN:  Definitely a classic punk influence from the late '70's. We have a wide range of influences as a band.

STEVE: Talking Heads, The Clash, Buzz Cocks, Gang of  Four...

4. When was the first time you performed live? How did you feel?

DECLAN: Our first gig was in late 2006 - at  the legendary CBGB's - it was a little nerve racking but a lot of fun, Greg was sick as a dog and I was stiff as a board trying to remember the songs! we also wore suits, so I kind of looked like a bouncer.

GREG: This is what i recall from that night: as a band, I'd say we were just excited to get out there and see what we could do.  We had only been together with Declan for less than three months, and we had all ready cut a demo, and were ready to play out.  We were very ambitious!  On a personal, level, though, I was sick a dog.  That's a lie, a dog in that state would be put down.  I was really hurting:  high fever, aches, pains, and, most wonderfully, total laryngitis.  I was medicating myself by drinking slugs of Jack Daniel's and squeezing honey into my mouth right out of the plastic bear.  Maybe it's a good thing I was so sick, because I got too drunk to be nervous!

PITTI: I remember all that and on my side the fact that my kick pedal broke completely before our last song and i literally kick the bass drum throughout the whole last song. Nerve wrecking and so much FUN.

5. Is there a specific performance you feel was your best ever? If so, where and why?

GREG: I always think our best performance is going to be our next one.  We get better and better, and I love it more and more.

DECLAN: We're a well oiled machine, so our recent gigs at here in NYC have been excellent. My most memorable gigs would have been on our last tour in Brazil, specifically playing at Cafe Muzik in Juiz de Fora and at A Obra in Belo Horizonte. The main reason they were so memorable was because of the audience..people really came out and enjoyed themselves, fans here enjoy the music but are sometimes too cool to show it in Brazil they have no problem showing it.

STEVE: No one performance comes to mind as best.  The worst was definitely a few years back at Arlenes when Greg drank the entire bottle of whiskey instead of half.  He couldn't talk let alone sing.

6. What do you enjoy the most between the interaction with your fans?

STEVE: Their dancing.

GREG: Honestly, I just enjoy having fans!  My favorite interaction is always seeing people at the shows.  I love chatting on the Internet, and giving interviews, and all that, but there's nothing like connecting live, seeing people being moved by the music, getting that energy.  It's indescribable.  Then, afterwards, we can all have a drink together.
DECLAN: Just seeing people enjoying the music is enough, seeing them dance and sing along. The fact that they come out and spend their hard earned money to see us play means everything to us.

PITTI: I absolutely love seeing people dance to the beat of the drum. ;)

7. What are your plans for this year?

DECLAN:We're spending the summer demoing songs that we play live but haven't yet recorded also writing new material,We'll also be playing some gigs around NYC. The big project too is our trip to Brazil in August which we can't wait for and we can't wait to see all our old friends and fans down there.

GREG: It will be our third time there -- our first with Steve -- and we always have an unforgettable time.  Of course Pitti's from there, but for the rest of us it's a great way to enjoy another country without feeling like tourists.  Of course, a lot of change is taking place in Brazil right now.  A lot of people are waking up and saying enough to corruption and brutality.  It's a very impressive thing to witness, and we can't wait to go down there and be part of it.  Of course, the caipirinhas on Ipanema will be nice, too.  

Aside from that trip, we have a new video coming soon, possibly some new recordings, and we would love to have a trip to England and Ireland, as well.  We shall see...

STEVE: OH! And get signed to ruff trade records and do a short tour as the back up band for our friend Dave Bowie

8. How/where can we buy your music?

STEVE: itunes, Amazon, Reverbnation, Facebook and our website www.maybethewelders.com
At our shows.

9. Give a brief introduction about each band member (background)

Greg Campbell - Vocals and Guitar..a native of Maine and a die hard rocker at heart, has been known to play with the possibility of  personal injury in the name of his art.Big heart, prone to crazy stage rants and eye liner

Declan Collins - Vocals and Guitar... Irish born always wanted to write the follow up to  James Joyce's Ulysses but settled on the art of the 3 minute rock song instead.

Steve Ferrara - Bass and vocals..From New Jersey and with a Masters in music composition, Steve has been corrupting the youth of NYC with his great skills as a music teacher for many years now

Pitti - Drums and percussion..A native of Brazil, Pitti brings his unique and suave style to the stage both in his playing and appearance, he's the rock upon the Welders stand! Most likely to find on social media.

Read More