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I like to put other people's neat stuff here because nothing interesting ever really happens in my life, I just sit around and write terrible music every day.
Proton42's Journal
Nachrichten Mitte
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This is beautiful...
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February 20, 2010, 12:47:am
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One of the reasons why us electronic musicians hate being in bands.
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February 19, 2010, 04:22:am
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[ taken from some Stephen Bier myspace fanpage ]
Marilyn Manson Sued: Keyboardist Claims Rocker Spent Band Money On Drugs, Nazi Artifacts
Former bandmember Stephen Bier seeking more than $20 million; singer calls allegations 'ridiculous.'
By Chris Harris
In a breach-of-contract lawsuit filed Thursday afternoon (August 2) in Los Angeles Superior Court, former Marilyn Manson keyboardist Stephen Gregory Bier Jr. — known to fans by his stage name, Madonna Wayne Gacy — claims the shock rocker has been using the band's money to fund his lavish lifestyle, drug habit and the production of his upcoming film, 'Phantasmagoria: The Visions of Lewis Carroll,' among other things.
The suit further alleges Manson took assets belonging to the rest of the band (money generated through touring, and album and merchandise sales) to purchase Nazi paraphernalia, African masks made of human skin and the full skeleton of a 4-year-old Chinese girl, all of which he has on display in his Chatsworth, California, mansion.
The singer denied the allegations to MTV News in an interview late Thursday afternoon.
Bier is seeking unspecified general, compensatory and punitive damages as well as lost salary, bonuses and attorneys' fees, which he 'believes to be in excess of $20 million.'
According to the suit, a copy of which was obtained by MTV News, Bier claims that at the time of the band's formation, when the group was still known as Marilyn Manson and the Spooky Kids, the founding members entered into a partnership agreement whereby all profits (and losses) from the group's album releases, tours and merch sales were shared in various proportions, with Manson getting the biggest chunk.
The complaint charges Manson with systematically forcing the original bandmembers out, replacing them with new musicians who weren't privy to the original arrangement. In one such instance, the lawsuit claims that drummer Fred Streithorst, Jr. — stage name: Sara Lee Lucas — split in 1995 after Manson doused his drum kit with butane during a concert, setting it on fire while Streithorst was still playing.
The suit further contends that Manson took complete control of the band, insisting that it drop 'Spooky Kids' from its moniker, leaving just Marilyn Manson as the group's name. Manson allegedly told the rest of the band that from that point on, he'd call himself 'Mr. Manson,' but he later reneged on that promise.
Later .. the band achieved mainstream success, Manson's antics cost the band dearly, Bier claims, as lawsuit after lawsuit was filed against it. These include a suit resulting from Manson's alleged attack on a security guard in 2000 and a sexual misconduct suit filed a year later.
The suit also says that in 2000, Manson 'forced the band to spend a substantial sum of money to pay a video production company to keep certain video footage out of an upcoming DVD about the band ... [as] this video footage showed Manson making racist statements and jokes about African-Americans while feeding his pet snake.'
In 2004, according to the suit, Manson began spending significant sums of money; when questioned by Bier about the expenditures, Manson allegedly assured him it had come from sales of his autobiography, 'The Long Hard Road Out of Hell.' Bier believes it was the band's shared assets, not Manson's own money, that was used to 'supply his [cocaine and Vicodin] habit,' as well as to fund a stint in a $3,000-a-day rehab facility he left before his treatment was completed.
According to the suit, band money also paid for Manson's collection of Nazi artifacts, including 'SS typewriters, swastika wall tiles he had installed in his home library ceiling with custom rugs made to match and Nazi government coat hangers owned by Adolf Hitler.'
The suit claims Manson also bought a handbag that once belonged to Hitler's mistress, Eva Braun, which he later gave to his then-fiancee, Dita Von Teese. But that's not where the collecting ended: Manson also collected taxidermy models of animals, including a California grizzly and two baboons, as well as the 'full skeleton of a 17th-century male in a wheelchair.'
In addition, Bier believes Manson used band money to buy Von Teese's $150,000 engagement ring and to pay for the couple's lavish 2005 wedding (see 'Marilyn Manson Marries Longtime Girlfriend Dita Von Teese'). Whenever Bier asked about it, Manson denied he was using the group's money for any personal items or expenses, the suit reads.
Then, in 2004, when Bier tried to use some of the money he earned as part of Marilyn Manson to buy a home, he was denied access to it by the band's business managers, at the behest of Manson, the suit claims.
Bier's suit also charges Manson cut the keyboardist's salary without just cause and eventually had his salary payments frozen. Bier was also accused by Manson of stealing band equipment, and he claims that medical expenses he incurred for treatment of band-related ailments went unpaid by the band's business managers, even though he'd asked them to do so using his share of the band's profits. In time, Bier said he was told that his employment contract with the band had expired, a document he claims he never signed; Manson's lawyers argued at the time that this meant he was no longer part of the original partnership and could be fired at any time. Even the existence of the partnership agreement was denied by Manson's people, the suit claims.
In short, the suit contends, 'because of Manson and others' fraudulent conduct, Bier has spent almost two decades working for one of the world's most popular rock bands, that has made millions of dollars in profit, and now had almost nothing to show for it.'
The suit also names Marilyn Manson's management, lawyers and accountants as defendants, along with Manson's own film production company, the band's merchandise company and the corporation that was established to oversee the group's various tours.
Manson responded to the allegations in an exclusive interview with MTV News on Thursday. 'The fact that he's claiming that I've treated him unfairly, financially, is really ridiculous,' the singer said. 'And I would never spend my money on a Chinese girl skeleton. That would be crossing the line. It's a Chinese boy, for the record,' he laughed, before continuing. '[Bier and his lawyers are] going for shock value, obviously, and I couldn't be less surprised by how unshocking these things would be to the public.'
Manson, who noted that he hasn't yet seen the suit, said he will defend himself against the allegations; he added that he hasn't heard from Bier in more than a year. He claimed he and others in the Manson organization attempted to contact the keyboardist to work on this year's Eat Me, Drink Me LP, but when Bier did respond, it was with hostility.
'It's all a big question mark to me,' Manson said. 'I don't feel like this compares to any prior ex-bandmember situations, because those were all very clear conflicts, where somebody didn't get along with someone else [see 'Fired Marilyn Manson Guitarist Wonders What Went Wrong' 1486200]. And this is just a situation where I stopped hearing from him, and I started making a record and kept trying to get him involved, and the only thing that came after that was hostility during a period where I could have used close friends more than ever.' Manson revealed back in May that he had contemplated suicide this past winter (see 'Marilyn Manson Reveals He Came Close To Suicide; LP 'Was My Salvation,' ').
'I wish there was some sort of legal angle to this whole thing, or some sort of common sense, or just even camaraderie after all the years that we knew each other,' Manson added. 'I don't have an explanation for it. It just seems like another ex-bandmember suing me and trying to assassinate my personality as a means to financial gain, and it just seems old. It's just not fair. If I spent my money on anything, it was my family, and paying his salary for a year when we weren't even touring.' ....
News: SUIT AGAINST MANSON MOVES FORWARD ....
November 07, 2007
KEYBOARDIST'S SUIT AGAINST MANSON MOVES FORWARD
Former MARILYN MANSON keyboardist MADONNA WAYNE GACY scored a partial legal victory Monday when a California judge refused to dismiss his lawsuit against his former singer. But he did suffer a setback when the judge dismissed a suit against the lawyers the two musicians once shared.
The suit by Gacy, whose real name is STEPHEN GREGORY BIER JR., alleged that Manson used money from their former partnership to buy personal items ranging from Nazi paraphernalia to a 150-thousand dollar engagement ring for DITA VON TEESE. He's seeking 20 million dollars in damages. Manson had wanted the case settled in Florida, where they formed their partnership, but Monday's ruling allows it to go forward in California.
Bier had also alleged that their joint lawyers breached their duty to him when they sent him what amounted to a threatening letter urging him to quit the band. That portion of the suit was dismissed.
Source: ABC Radio Networks....
Manson Countersues Pogo ....
'UPDATE: Marilyn Manson Countersues Ex-Bandmate
Posted: Fri., Dec. 21, 2007 08:28:00 AM MST
LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Marilyn Manson has struck back against a former bandmate by countersuing for breach of contract.
The rocker claimed in court papers filed Wednesday in Los Angeles Superior Court that keyboardist Stephen Bier did not carry out obligations to take part in master recordings, concerts and the selling of band merchandise.
Bier -- known by his stage name, Madonna Wayne Gacy -- filed his own breach of contract lawsuit against Manson in August seeking more than $20 million.
Bier claimed Manson stiffed him on salary and medical support while using band profits to live a lavish lifestyle. He claimed Manson used the funds to buy a mansion, pay for drug treatment, produce a movie, buy Nazi memorabilia and hold a fancy wedding.
Manson's complaint claimed the pair's business partnership was dissolved in 1996 after the singer became the clear leader of the band.
Although Bier has been paid income for CD royalties, live performances and income from band merchandising, he has 'failed to render services to the best of his ability and in a practical and cooperative manner,' according to Manson's suit.
His suit accuses Bier of showing up late for band recordings, performances and promotional appearances, and giving confidential band information to the media and other people without Manson's consent.
Manson is seeking unspecified general and special damages. He also is seeking a court order preventing Bier from releasing more confidential band information.
Messages left Thursday for Bier's attorney and Manson's attorney were not immediately returned.'
http://www.ilivetoplay.net/blogcfm/....
Manson Tries to Protect... ....
'After making a career out of spectacle, shock value and other open displays of eccentricity, Marilyn Manson is now looking to cover up.
The heavy-metalist has filed a motion requesting that all of his financial and business records be kept sealed during the discovery process pertaining to his ex-band mate's pending lawsuit against him.
Former Marilyn Manson (the band) keyboardist Stephen Bier, aka Madonna Wayne Gacy, sued Manson for breach of contract in August, claiming the milky-eyed singer had used the group's money to, among other things, finance a drug habit, pay for his wedding to Dita Von Teese and decorate his Chatsworth, Calif., home with an array of oddities, including Nazi memorabilia and a human skeleton.
Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, countersued in December, accusing Bier of failing to meet contractual touring, recording and merchandising agreements. He's been collecting royalties, Manson says of his former ivory-tickler, but during his tenure with the band frequently showed up late and otherwise 'failed to render services to the best of his ability and in a practical and cooperative manner.'
Because Bier's allegations directly reference Manson's cash value, his attorney argues, he should be allowed an order of protection protecting the confidentiality of his records, akin to the order Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael L. Stern granted to Lindsay Lohan in her recent civil tangle with a bus boy who accused her of being drunk at the time of their 2005 car accident.
Stern, incidentally, is also the presiding judge in this case. A copy of the order granted on Lohan's behalf was included in the latest filing.
'A protective order is necessary to protect the confidentiality of that information against competitors and from the media and to preclude the plaintiff from using Manson's confidential information for improper purposes,' the motion states.
Meanwhile, Bier's attorneys say 'hogwash,' citing Manson's well-known penchant for public displays of… whatever.
'Manson lives his life in the public eye,' a filing opposing the defense's motion states. 'He communicates frequently with the press regarding his personal affairs, openly discusses his frequent drug use, his failed marriage with burlesque model Dita Von Teese, his current relationship with actress Evan Rachel Wood, and his wild, rock 'n' roll lifestyle.'
He also drinks absinthe and openly discusses his friends' and band members' sexual proclivities, as well, Bier claims.
Stern heard arguments Wednesday but has yet to rule on the request.
If the order is granted as per Manson's specifications, Bier's lawyers will have access to the records but they would not be made part of the public record and his camp would not be allowed to show them to anyone else.
The order is necessary before the two sides can proceed with depositions, Manson's lawyer says. A hearing during which Bier's side is set to renew its petition to depose the 'Beautiful People' rocker is scheduled for Apr. 10.' ....
And He Gets It................................. ....
'A Los Angeles judge has approved a motion filed by the shock rocker last week to keep sealed all financial and business records for the duration of the discovery process in the pending breach of contract lawsuit filed against Manson by his former keyboardist.
Los Angeles Superior Court judge Michael L. Stern ruled on the confidentiality order on Friday, despite protests from attorneys for Manson's former bandmate Madonna Wayne Gacy that the order was too broad for the needs of the case.
Gacy, whose real name is Stephen Bier, filed suit against Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, on Aug. 2, 2007, claiming the frontman misused millions of the band's money to bankroll his own eccentric whims. Manson literally followed suit, filing a countersuit against Gacy in December, accusing him of failing to meet contractual touring, recording and merchandising agreements.
Unauthorized purchases Gacy claims Manson made with group funds include the full skeleton of a four-year-old Chinese girl, various pieces of Nazi propaganda and a $150,000 engagement ring (money not so well spent, in retrospect) for ex-wife Dita Von Teese. He also claims in court papers that Manson paid for his entire wedding to Von Teese with the group's money as well as financed a drug habit.
Gacy claims the blind purchasing deprived him of more than $20 million in his cut of profits from the band's partnership, and maintains his former ally only sought the confidentiality order to hide his predilections from the public.
'He's trying to hide his skeletons from you all,' Gacy's attorney, Keith A. Fink, said.
The document sealing is the same order, to the letter, as the one granted to Lindsay Lohan earlier this year in her since-settled lawsuit over a 2005 traffic accident. Manson's attorneys specifically requested the Lohan treatment from Stern, who served as judge in that case, as well.
As it stands, Gacy's attorneys, though no one else, will be allowed access to Manson's personal records. Barring any unforeseen appeals or delays in the case, a hearing in which the keyboardist's attorneys will renew their petition to depose the rocker is set for April 10.'
Taken from E! News
---------------------------
'LOS ANGELES -- A former bandmate who filed a breach of contract lawsuit against Marilyn Manson will not get access to any of the goth rocker's past tax returns, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael L. Stern said he was not persuaded by arguments in ex-Manson keyboardist Stephen Bier's court papers to order the defendant to produce what are traditionally confidential documents.
Bier, better known by the stage name Madonna Wayne Gacy, sued Manson in August 2007, seeking more than $20 million. The musician alleges Manson used money from their former band partnership to buy items ranging from Nazi paraphernalia to a $150,000 engagement ring for ex-wife Dita Von Teese, depriving him of his partnership share.
Bier's lawyer, Olaf J. Muller, had asked to see Manson's federal and state tax returns from 1993 to 2007. An accountant doing work on behalf of Bier said the returns are the most reliable documents, next to bank statements, to determine how much money Manson and his companies have earned over the years, according to Muller.
Tax returns also are more trustworthy because they are filed with the government and are an inexpensive way to determine assets, Muller said.
In a separate ruling, Stern ordered Manson's lawyers to turn over to Bier documents related to surveillance that a process server did on the plaintiff's girlfriend, Kim Rattana.
The order includes all video, audio and photographs involving Rattana at both her home and at her job.
Rattana, who also has been deposed by Manson's lawyers, was watched and followed by a process server in various disguises and outfits for a full day before she was presented with a deposition subpoena at her job in May, Bier's court papers state.
The process server also took photos of Rattana when handing her the papers, according to Bier's court documents.
Manson countersued Bier on Dec. 19, alleging he breached a contract by not fully participating in the making of master recordings, performing in concerts and helping to sell band merchandise.
Manson maintains the band partnership was dissolved in 1996. Bier counters that the partnership continues to exist and that he is still entitled to revenues from touring and other activities by the band even though Manson fired him last year.
The 39-year-old Manson's real name is Brian Warner. He and Bier, 44, have not been present for any of the court hearings in the case.'
http://www.knbc.com/news/17444013/detail.html
-------------------------------
http://www.dailynews.com/breakingnews/ci_10469417
Shock rocker lawyers to take deposition of band co-founder
Daily News Wire Services
Article Last Updated: 09/15/2008 11:26:46 AM PDT
'Lawyers for Marilyn Manson -- who is being sued for millions of dollars by a former bandmate -- can depose another former band member who once sued the shock rocker, but not as soon as they wanted to, a judge has ruled.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael L. Stern said during an unscheduled hearing Friday that the deposition of ex-lead guitarist and Manson band co-founder Scott Putesky can be taken Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he now lives. Putesky once sued Manson and has cooperated with former band keyboardist Stephen Bier in his litigation with the flamboyant rocker.
Manson's lawyers had sought an order allowing them to take Putesky's deposition tomorrow, so they would have time to use the testimony in their opposition papers regarding an upcoming motion by Bier's lawyers. The papers are scheduled to be filed with the court Friday.
'I am informed and believe ... that (Putesky) ... has personal knowledge of the facts and circumstances pertaining to allegations set forth in the (Bier) complaint,' Manson attorney Seth Miller wrote in a declaration to the court in support of his attempt to depose the guitarist.
The Manson legal team argued that if Putesky was not produced for the deposition tomorrow, Bier's lawyers should not be able to use Putesky's previously submitted sworn declaration in support of a crucial upcoming motion.
But Bier's lawyer, Olaf J. Muller, maintained that if he was forced to fly to Florida tomorrow, it would give him insufficient time to write responses to separate motions brought by Manson's lawyers that also have an upcoming filing deadline. Muller said the Manson papers are extensive and in his own documents maintains that the other side wanted to 'sandbag' him.
'I think Judge Stern saw right through what they were doing,' Muller said.
Muller said the Manson legal team is not being put at any disadvantage by having to depose Putesky on Sept. 20 because they can use his testimony in subsequent court papers.
Bier, better known by the stage name Madonna Wayne Gacy, fired the first shot in the litigation with a breach of contract suit filed last Aug. 2 against Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner.
Bier, who is seeking more than $20 million, alleges Manson used money from their former band partnership to buy items ranging from Nazi paraphernalia to a $150,000 engagement ring for ex-wife Dita Von Teese, depriving him of his partnership share.
Central to the litigation is whether steps were ever taken to dissolve the band partnership.
Manson maintains it ended 12 years ago and that Bier was an employee of his after that -- an assertion Bier and his lawyers soundly reject.
Putesky, who also sued Bier when he brought the lawsuit against Manson, settled with both in October 1998 for $666,000.
Manson countersued Bier on Dec. 19, alleging he breached a contract by not fully participating in the making of master recordings, performing in concerts and helping to sell band merchandise.
Manson also maintains that after the band partnership was dissolved he became the clear focal point and leader of the band.
From 1996 until he was fired in 2007, Bier never told Manson that he thought the original partnership agreement was still in effect, the singer maintains.
Manson, 39, and Bier, 44, have not been present for any of the court hearings in the case.'
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http://uk.eonline.com/uberblog/b32372_trying_times_marilyn_manson.html
Trying Times for Marilyn Manson
Fri., Oct. 3, 2008 1:52 PM PDT by Josh Grossberg
'Marilyn Manson's just been booked for an exclusive engagement—in an L.A. courtroom.
A judge has set a Nov. 3 trial date in dueling lawsuits between the mascara-favoring shock-rocker and former bandmate Madonna Wayne Gacy.
It's up to a jury to decide whether Manson, aka Brian Warner, owes Gacy, aka Stephen Bier Jr., $20 million in back pay.
The keyboardist sued the Antichrist Superstar singer in 2007, alleging Manson spent band earnings to buy 'sick and disturbing' Nazi paraphernalia and taxidermy—as well as a $150,000 engagement ring Manson gave to his now ex-wife, Dita Von Teese.
Bier, 44, hooked up with Manson in 1996 and claims he left the band in 2007. Manson, 39, filed a countersuit in December claiming he dumped Gacy for breach of contract and doesn't owe a penny.'
October 16, 2008
"The trial in the lawsuit between MARILYN MANSON and his former bandmate
MADONNA WAYNE GACY, whose real name is STEPHEN BIER, has been delayed.
A judge is pushing the start date from November 3rd to February 2nd.
The ruling came after Bier's attorney said the trial could last as long
as a month. He also stated that TRENT REZNOR has been added to his list
of potential witnesses.
Bier is seeking millions, claiming that Manson used money from the
band's partnership to purchase personal items such as Nazi memorabilia
and an engagement ring for ex-wife DITA VON TEESE. But Manson is
claiming that the partnership was dissolved 12 years ago when he took
control of the group. Since Reznor produced Marilyn Manson's debut
album, Portrait of an American Family, Bier clearly thinks he may be
able to shed light on the state of the band and the partnership.
Manson is counter-suing Bier for failing to fully participate in
recording, performing and helping to sell merchandise while he was a
member of the band."
source abc radio network posted by THE SPIKING VIKING on 10/16/2008 8:58:32 AM
http://93x.com/blog.asp?id=937877&SBID=4444
January, 2009
Motion to delay Marilyn Manson suit mulled
Daily News Wire Services
Updated: 01/09/2009 11:54:07 AM PST
"A request made by lawyers for a former bandmate of Marilyn Manson for a90-day delay in the scheduled Feb. 2 start of their client'smultimillion-dollar lawsuit against the shock rocker was taken undersubmission today by a judge.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael L. Stern did not say whenhe would rule on the motion, which was brought after lawyers forex-Manson band keyboardist Stephen Bier obtained new documents theymaintain will take considerable time to review.
Olaf J. Muller, one Bier's lawyers, said the papers were obtainedfrom a third party and that he did not know of their existence untilrecently.
Bier, better known by the stage name Madonna Wayne Gacy, filed thefirst lawsuit in the litigation -- a breach of contract complaint inAugust 2007.
Bier, who is seeking more than $20 million, alleges Manson usedmoney from their band partnership to buy items ranging from Naziparaphernalia to a $150,000 engagement ring for ex-wife Dita Von Teese,depriving him of his partnership share.
Manson countersued Bier in December 2007, alleging he breached acontract by not fully participating in the making of master recordings,performing in concerts and helping to sell band merchandise.
Manson dropped his countersuit this week."
Marilyn Manson Wants Ex-Wife Back...for Trial
Josh Grossberg, eonline
Fri Jan 2, 8:41 PM EST
Marilyn Manson wants to hook back up with Dita Von Teese...and Trent Reznor and several other old pals.
The shock-rocker's camp has unveiled a witness wish list that includeshis ex-wife, his Nine Inch Nails-fronting mentor to testify on hisbehalf in an upcoming court showdown with estranged keyboardist StephenBier.
Bier, otherwise known as Madonna Wayne Gacy, sued Manson for morethan $20 million last year, claiming Manson siphoned off millions ofdollars in band revenue.
The funds allegedly paid for drugs, assorted Nazi paraphernalia,the cost of Von Teese's engagement ring and the ex-couple's 2005wedding, and interior decorating of Manson's mansion, which features astuffed grizly bear, a pair of baboons and the skeleton of a 4-year-oldChinese girl.
Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, countersued in August,claiming Bier didn't live up to the terms of his contract and wassimply a disgruntled ex-employee. Bier left the band in 2005, shortlybefore Manson began work on his sixth album, Eat Me, Drink Me.
The trial is set to kick off on Feb. 2. Both Manson and Bier are expected to take the stand, along with their witnesses.
Reznor, for instance, is expected to speak about his tenureproducing Manson's debut album, Portrait of an American Family,released on Reznor's Nothing Records imprint.
As for Von Teese, the burlesque model will answer questions about their marriage and personal life.
Manson also wants to call former drummer Fred "Freddie" Streithorst, aka Sarah Lee Lucas, to discuss the band situation.
© 2009 E! Entertainment Television, Inc. All rights reserved., http://comcast.eonline.com/about/copyright/index.jsp
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Caitie, you own.
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February 18, 2010, 11:32:pm
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Proton 42 says:
I can't hang out with people my age, mostly arrogant self obsessed prick faces
Burnie[b][c=9]![/c][/b] simplify 2i<6u says:
and then my parents blocked it after the whole montreal shooting thing
Proton 42 says:
ROFL!
because that was TOTALLY VF's fault
Burnie[b][c=9]![/c][/b] simplify 2i<6u says:
my mom said it was satanic
Proton 42 says:
VF told that man to go on a shooting spree
Burnie[b][c=9]![/c][/b] simplify 2i<6u says:
and my dad was liek THE GUY IS A FUCKING RETARD
and i was liek
BUT DAD I HAVE FRIENDS ON THEIR =O
Proton 42 says:
I saw Jet's message. "Buddy, you should go kill a bunch of people for the glory of vampirefreaks"
true story
XD
Burnie[b][c=9]![/c][/b] simplify 2i<6u says:
LAWL
HE WOULD
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Google Trends Hilarity
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February 18, 2010, 08:44:pm
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Yep.
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February 11, 2010, 05:52:am
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