It was bound to happen, after all I do own a signed copy of Weird Al Yankovic's "Alapalooza"...on VINYL.

Differences do tend to make a person stop every once in a while and realize that the person they are sitting next to is completely insane, if for no better reason, simply because that person just happens to be thinking the very same thing. And that is just plain crazy talk, now isn't it?

Anyway, there comes a time in every person's life when you just accept the fact that all the proof, evidence, logical arguing, common-sensical reasoning, bribing, etc. is absolutely useless and you just have to accept the fact that things are just the way they are.

Even if things suck, which can be hard to do.

But if we are to grow and develop further, then this sort of event has to transpire or there can be no further progress whatsoever. Which naturally brings me to NICKLEBACK.

Hate them. Hence my custom t-shirts that read "Friends don't let friends listen to Nickleback"

and "Your favourite band sucks". True, you can buy the last one anywhere but MINE has in tiny little letters underneath the bigger letters "get a helmet, ye who likes Nickleback".

Nothing new there but what is a rather interesting development (at least for this writer and those that know him) is the fact that I can say that it's okay if you don't. Yeah, I know. But check this out, I'll go even FURTHER. It's okay to listen to Nickleback and like it.

Yes, I am sober and no, I didn't lose a bet.

Even more bizarre is that I am perfectly smurfy with Alan Jackson changing my sister's life, people PAYING to see Hilary Duff (why god knows but I'm okay with it) and even my mother liking Il Divo and Celine Dion. Okay, that last bit is a stretch...I can't even give her points for being Canadian.

The point is that the band's last album sold 5 point 5 MILLION records, so that means 0.916 percent of the world needs help. That means I wasted time and actually did the math. It also means that it is easier to dismiss them then it is to stand up for them, so I salute the unabashed fan that holds no qualms whatsoever in liking the band and ADMITTING it. With witnesses. Publicly. The less than one percent of the Earth's population that likes the band has my utmost respect.

But the coolest thing is how enlightened I am now. I am proud to say that much joy came my way when I was able to let go and simply say: "Who? Don't like them. You do? That's cool."

And now there is peace in the valley... 

Keep in mind however, this is coming from the guy who sat in the pub with INXS a few weeks ago and argued about architecture with the lead guitarist while making fun of the lead singer..."where did you find that guy, he looks like a runner-up in a rock-star contest or something? Ohhhh RIGHT. I forgot..."

I'm CHANGING...I never said I was COMPLETELY changed. Maybe when I'm all grown up, I'll grow up. Nah...if that happens who will make fun of Good Charlotte and Blink 182 on their reunion/farewell tours? God, can you imagine? Yeeeeesh...

Anyhow, the point is this. A writer here in town suggested taking something you can't stand and try, even if it kills you, to find something good about it...this can be difficult I know (HELLO!?) but it's a good thing to practice. It won't make that crappy band or that useless movie any better but it will make YOU better. And that's what it is all about. I find no redeemable qualities in Nickleback's music but I do find them in my friends that happen to like that music. Good enough for me. Yay me! I'm not a musical snob anymore!

And besides, it's not my fault that none of them know how to dress properly. Yep, I've PROGRESSED alright...feels mighty good.