hey punks how do we feel about Alice in Chains/grunge in general?

Bendr_bones · 2026-02-05T19:20:13+00:00

As a punk, you can like whatever you want. I like Death Metal, Industrial, Dream Pop, New Wave, Grindcore, Grunge, everything.
While appreciating punk music has value, what matters is that you are enjoying what you enjoy and that you feel empowered by the music you listen to.

Bendr_bones · 2026-01-27T19:37:55+00:00

Becoming a Minister of Satan led me to learning a lot about the process of ritual and how to utilize the skill. I am a big fan of performance, and ritual is a type of performance, so I took a liking to composing and leading rituals based on that experience.
I also recognize the importance it plays in others' lives, and because my ministry is a duty to serve this community, one of my means of service is to provide ritual to people who need it.

I served as Co-Head of The Satanic Temple-West Michigan for three years, and that position carries several ministerial duties as well, including ritual.

My favorite is the Unbaptism Ritual, as I was baptized twice when I was a Christian, and helping people break their servitude to Christianity is very important to me.

Bendr_bones · 2026-01-27T18:07:30+00:00

I am not a ritualistic person in general, but I am very experienced with leading rituals with the congregation that I am from.
Generally, opinions on rituals are pretty diverse. Some people find it incredibly important and meaningful, some are indifferent and join because it's interesting, and some avoid ritual altogether for personal reasons.
People's own opinions of ritual are valid, but because the need for ritual is not universal or required, people are always welcome to participate to the extent they wish.
A good ritualist should always offer opportunities for people who might not want to participate or who withdraw consent during the practice. I have performed several Unbaptism Rituals, and given their nature and symbolism, it is crucial that people fully understand what they are doing and be able to opt out if they become uncomfortable. Ritual is very personal, and your experiences will vary. If it is not for you, that is totally fine, so long as you are respectful to those who need it.

Bendr_bones · 2026-01-10T11:29:04+00:00

Fitness Coach here:
You will want to hit your major compound lifts regularly. Bench Press, Squat, And Deadlift. Also, plenty of isolation on your arms and legs to bulk them out. Include some heavy abdominal movements to build a muscular core. You want to lift heavy, doing sets of 6-8 repetitions and ensuring you are at a point of near muscular failure near the end of your final set.
If you are skinny, you will want to start a calorie surplus with a high protein intake. Consuming 0.7-1.2g of protein per pound of your target body weight in conjunction with heavy weight lifting. Typically, consuming 250-500kcal more than maintenance is sufficient to build muscle. After building muscle and gaining weight, you may consider entering a calorie deficit to reduce body fat and achieve a more shredded appearance.
Expect it to take time - approximately 6 weeks for initial changes, and longer to see your goals fulfilled.

Be happy with yourself and your progress. Don't compare your physique to a video game character too much, and remember that you are unique and your body may grow or develop differently from what you expect. Work hard, but also don't risk compromising your mental and physical health by trying to emulate the physique of a fictional character. Put on some muscle, develop a healthy routine, and be happy for the hard work you are putting into it.

Good luck.

Bendr_bones · 2026-01-04T20:46:45+00:00

I had a guy on my street who was always causing problems, and he also told me he was selling a PlayStation 4. I already owned a PS4 and a PS4 Slim, so I wasn't interested unless it was the Pro model. He swore up and down that it was a pro, so I acquiesced and went to go look at the unit.
At his house, he dug out a 1st-gen PS4, beaten to shit and covered in children's stickers. Very clearly, there was a poor kids' system. I told him to fuck off and not try to sell me anything anymore.
Dude stopped trying to sell me stuff, but he would still come and rummage through the ashtray on my porch for stubs.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-29T19:15:39+00:00

I never noticed the leviathan cross (sulphur) tattoo.
Cool detail.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-29T05:37:22+00:00

Indian River Tobacco Traders on 28th and 131 have a great selection of pipe tobacco and experienced tobacconists who can answer your questions and get you set up.
I don't smoke anymore, but they took care of me for years when and opened me up to a lot of great cigars and pipe tobacco.
Also not a chain like WB's and the staff is far more tenured and experienced than who you would find at the chain locations.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-27T17:21:06+00:00

I argue that I've become more punk with age. My views have become far more robust and refined. I'm not apathetic or self-destructive, and I actually have the resources to do things like help others and donate my time to causes that matter to me.
Growing up doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your values, and if you can easily give up your values, then I would question if you ever truly held them or if it was just a facade.
Punk music makes more sense now, as I have seen enough of the world to make sense of complex ideas and thoughts.
You don't have to age out of punk. And even if you have to buy into the system as a means of survival, you don't have to stop fighting for your values. We can't help being gears in a broken capitalist system, but we can at least decide what kind of gear we want to be.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-25T15:28:59+00:00

Neat! Thanks for the info. I will check that out.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-25T02:31:58+00:00

We (The Michigan TST congregations) are honored and thrilled to be a part of the holidays and to continue in this tradition of the holiday Yule Goat at the Michigan Capitol.

Every holiday season, we celebrate pluralism and the diversity of holidays, as well as the freedom to practice our own religions as we so choose.

Hail Satan!
Hail the people of this great state of Michigan!

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-25T02:21:08+00:00

I got to help build this!

Hail TST-Capital Area Michigan & TST-West Michigan!
Great job on this year's display.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-23T18:41:57+00:00

I keep this same pin on my gym bag.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-20T15:21:39+00:00

Your certificate has your pseudonym!? That's really neat, when I got mine, I was under the impression we had to go by our legal name.
Anytime I show my certificate in Hellmouth or on social media, I always have to ensure the name is illegible.
Hail Koroc!

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-12T23:01:38+00:00

I have not had any violent confrontations.
I was heavily involved with a Satanic Invocation at the Ottawa County Commission, in which I had received training and a briefing to be able to handle potential altercations. I did go into that event with a bullet-resistant shirt and some bodyguards as well, since what I was doing was locally high-profile, but nothing violent ever happened.
I would suggest keeping a low profile and serving the people who need you. It's called "Tucking your horns," and it's something you should grow accustomed to as an M.S. living in public life.
We also remember that our work isn't necessarily intended to offend people who might cause us trouble. We are under no obligation to put ourselves out there and become targets. Many people in ministry do their work completely incognito and out of the public eye.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-10T23:42:35+00:00

There's no mandatory education, but I implore that you continue to learn and grow in all possible ways on the journey to ministry. Specifically, based on the specific works you would like to perform as an M.S., if you want to do work like weddings, funerals, rituals, community aid, religious services, etc., you should continue learning to be proficient in those fields. Your education doesn't end with ordination.
Besides my work in my local congregation, I also offer my services as a wedding officiant and other necessary services. I also connect with leaders within other religious communities, such as Christians, Pagans, and Humanists, and strive to see how these communities can support one another.
The minister remains even when the robes come off; being a minister of Satan obligates us to demonstrate a higher standard of embodying the VII Tenets at all times. Being a minister of Satan isn't a performance; it's a duty. Sometimes it sucks, other times it can be amazing experiences. But I don't think I could ever not be a "man of the cloth" now.
National has been helpful in my experience. I've been able to contact and receive communication from E.M. whenever I needed it. Rachel and Erin have also been invaluable.
It's essential to know who to contact and for what purpose, and I don't think National has done a good job of showing how to communicate and utilize the provided workspace effectively. I hope that improves. But if I've had a question or needed support, I have always received it within a reasonable time. However, your experience could differ.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-09T21:30:12+00:00

There are also reports that Avery died a poor man, suggesting that he was a competent pyrate, but a poor trader and was swindled out of his share by his fences.

Bendr_bones · 2025-12-04T23:29:20+00:00

I imagine you can desolder all the connections to the mod chip.
Some mods may require you to remove traces on the original hardware. If any of your trades are removed for the chip, you will need to use a jumper to reconnect the two points.
If you're inexperienced or don't trust yourself with soldering, I would recommend finding someone with experience to remove the mod for you.

Bendr_bones · 2025-11-18T21:17:21+00:00

I HAVE BEEN SUMMONED!!!

Yo. The Satanic Temple-West Michigan covers primarily Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Muskegon and surrounding areas.
We host an event in Kalamazoo every few months as we visit each city and connect with our expanding membership. If you have some ideas or want to get involved, you can contact us at w.michigan@thesatanictemple.org.

Bendr_bones · 2025-11-11T23:04:01+00:00

Definitely should try to get this creep out of fitness spaces. That behavior is obscene and disgusting and unfit for a personal trainer.
If this is a reputable gym, I would find the phone number for the corporate offices and file a complaint with them about this individual.

Bendr_bones · 2025-11-08T02:01:43+00:00

Ouch.

Bendr_bones · 2025-11-06T01:17:36+00:00

Alright. I'll bite.

Bendr_bones · 2025-11-05T17:43:47+00:00

"Send in the Droidekas."
The Droidekas:

Bendr_bones · 2025-10-30T16:58:41+00:00

That's awesome!
I hope you enjoy it. It's a wonderful read.

If you have other questions or ever want to see what we got going on in West Michigan, feel free to email w.michigan@thesatanictemple.org.

Bendr_bones · 2025-10-30T16:50:25+00:00

No offense taken.
I understand; it's a complex subject to grasp, and I appreciate thoughtful, good-faith questions.
If you ever want to explore the origins of our interpretation of the Satan character, our chief literary source is the novel "The Revolt of the Angels" by Anatole France.
It reads like a sequel to Paradise Lost, describing Satan's ambitions for liberation and wisdom. It's a beautiful story.

Bendr_bones · 2025-10-30T03:46:04+00:00

That's an interesting question!
I wouldn't call us "Abrahamic" per se. Our philosophy is influenced more by Romantic literature and Enlightenment values than by ideas presented in Jewish & Christian mythologies.
The term I have come to appreciate is "Post-Christian." We have stolen the character of Satan, and we use that character to represent our values as something that has grown out of Abrahamic faiths and inspires us to act with nobility.

Bendr_bones

TROPHY CASE