My Salute to the Hardcore

I have been accused before of using the exclamation "HARDORE!" too often, but for me, it defines a quality that not too many other words can define: The almighty moxie. The chutzpah. The BALLS.

For instance: Michelle Rodriguez, of Lost and The Fast and the Furious, was picked up for DUI a few months ago. During sentencing, she had the choice between doing a couple months of Community Service, or five days in jail. She chose the jail time. HARDCORE!

For instance: Chef Mario Batali is getting some flack for putting duck testicles in his latest pasta dish. "They're delicious, they don't taste like anything you've had before. They're whole and they're white," Batali said. HARDCORE!

For instance: Snoop Dogg is writing his first novel, to be published in October. HARDCORE, Biatch!

For instance: A rapist who won lottery buys mansion only to have rich neighbours offer to kill him. "You are a dirty, vile rapist and residents of this estate don't want you here," reads his fan mail. "We have hired someone to harm you" HARDCORE! (this is of course aimed at the neighbors.)

For instance: In a popular MMORPG (look it up, kids), one player has grown a species of plant that grows twenty feet high if you pray to rain gods enough to water it. Hook: Its a pot plant. HARDCORE!

So here's to you, all you hardcore people. If I could think of a funny and apropo salute, Id give it to you.

Special Mention: To anyone who has told someone "Suck it", in a non-ironic fashion, you are my hero.