Tonight I will be turning in early so that I can wake up even earlier than usual. Why? Well, Sundays are the special day when I get to work both my part-time jobs. This creates an impossible situation that prevents me from working on any school work. I'm not happy about but, after going through three consecutive weeks of it, it is now a way of life.
Upon getting out of the shower, a few minutes ago, I heard some chatter outside my window. I did not know what made me so curious, but could not pull my ears away from the window screen. I stood there in the darkness for nearly five minutes when I realized that they were speaking French next door! My heartbeat accelerated and I wanted to find someway--any way--to get in on that. Alas, I did not want to intrude. They were speaking it so beautifully too. My heart sank as I swooned.
My fluency, on the other hand, is shabby at the very best. What is a guy to do? I'm hungry for more.
Sunday, October 7, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Le premier fois, le dernier fois (The first time, the last time)
I never planned to go on such a hiatus, but I have been bitten by the blogging bug once again.
My first day of my sophomore year was yesterday, which happened to be quite underwhelming. Based on my experience last year, I have learned that this is simply the calm before the storm. Part of the reason for my anxiety was a false sense of security. I feel that I am much more prepared to resist such temptation. Sure, I might be taking twenty-one credit hours but, success is imperative.
As this year progresses, my blog will likely include more bilingual elements. Yesterday my French classmates and I discovered that our course will be taught entirely in French. No longer would we be allowed to speak in English either. As our instructor stated--it will be very painful, and I anticipate that. But I will not fail at my quest to become fluent.
Oh, and I am currently working two part-time jobs in Northside: one at a video store on weekend nights; a second job at a fine dining restaurant, bussing tables two night per week and one night as a dishwasher. My Wednesdays will be hell, but I'll resist redundancy in stating my mission...
My first day of my sophomore year was yesterday, which happened to be quite underwhelming. Based on my experience last year, I have learned that this is simply the calm before the storm. Part of the reason for my anxiety was a false sense of security. I feel that I am much more prepared to resist such temptation. Sure, I might be taking twenty-one credit hours but, success is imperative.
As this year progresses, my blog will likely include more bilingual elements. Yesterday my French classmates and I discovered that our course will be taught entirely in French. No longer would we be allowed to speak in English either. As our instructor stated--it will be very painful, and I anticipate that. But I will not fail at my quest to become fluent.
Oh, and I am currently working two part-time jobs in Northside: one at a video store on weekend nights; a second job at a fine dining restaurant, bussing tables two night per week and one night as a dishwasher. My Wednesdays will be hell, but I'll resist redundancy in stating my mission...
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Le Grand Rex
I really don't have much time to blog these days, as I have a 15-page paper to do tonight. I will not be sleeping, I won't be going to see !!! tonight, and I won't fret one bit. Why, you ask? The Smashing Pumpkins played their first gig back at Le Grand Rex in Paris, France.
If you know anything at all, you realize that the setlist below is pure "oozement". Consider it a word.
Happiness. (Bonheur.)
If you know anything at all, you realize that the setlist below is pure "oozement". Consider it a word.
Happiness. (Bonheur.)
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Ceci n'est ni spectaculaire ni cela n'est une pipe.
My brief break was resultant of my subpar academic work ethic. It's not quite there yet either, but after finishing off a pot of fettuccine with tomato basil, I happened to be in the mood to spill some beans here.
First of all, the weather is amazing today, and it has been for several consecutive days. It is a little difficult to be comfortable though, since it is presently sunny 84°F (29°C). When I say "comfortable", I'm talking about not having the willpower to do schoolwork as well as the humidity that is taking over. I will say that it sure beats temperatures below freezing. I would take my work outside but, knowing myself, I'd end up people watching and enjoying more of the day than I should. Decisions, decisions.
Today I found a brilliant music blog that happens to have the most impressive downloads I have ever seen in one place. I just enjoyed newer songs from Elk City, Travis, Cloud Cult, Klaxons, Moonbabies, The Rakes, Client, Johnny Boy, and Blood Red Shoes. All of them were quite good. If you know me, you realize how difficult it is for any music perspective to bat 1.000 with me. What can I say--certain music hits me just right. Perhaps I will be able to host downloads of my own, but for now...a link for 5 Acts can be found below.
First of all, the weather is amazing today, and it has been for several consecutive days. It is a little difficult to be comfortable though, since it is presently sunny 84°F (29°C). When I say "comfortable", I'm talking about not having the willpower to do schoolwork as well as the humidity that is taking over. I will say that it sure beats temperatures below freezing. I would take my work outside but, knowing myself, I'd end up people watching and enjoying more of the day than I should. Decisions, decisions.
Today I found a brilliant music blog that happens to have the most impressive downloads I have ever seen in one place. I just enjoyed newer songs from Elk City, Travis, Cloud Cult, Klaxons, Moonbabies, The Rakes, Client, Johnny Boy, and Blood Red Shoes. All of them were quite good. If you know me, you realize how difficult it is for any music perspective to bat 1.000 with me. What can I say--certain music hits me just right. Perhaps I will be able to host downloads of my own, but for now...a link for 5 Acts can be found below.
Friday, May 4, 2007
Le jour quand la musique est décédé (The day the music died)
Since the beginning of the year, I have assumed responsibilities for booking worthwhile acts for an area cafe. All the while they have built a reputation for hosting mostly singer-songwriter/folk outfits. My "associate" was bent on having me change that. Now, first of all, I am not getting paid a single penny for what is, simply, me, doing whatever I can to give our city another place to see quality live music. It's not for personal gain but for providing an additional avenue for traveling bands to reach an audience here.
Simply, I have been very much discouraged by the overall lack of support in my music booking endeavors. Ridiculous promotion on a shoestring budget (which is provided for me, but not always actually making it into my hands) has not payed off in the least. Tonight is the second show I will have put on, following two consecutive cancellations. No money was provided for fliers and posters this time around, as a result of poor communication across the boards. A variety of factors will possibility culminate into a disappointing turnout.
Really, all I want is for the people involved in making this work...to help make it work. Heck, this is the 4 straight time that my shows had not made it on to any calendars affiliated with the venue until just three or four days before the show. It is unbelievably frustrating to do something selflessly for the benefit of improving the music climate locally, yet a perceived indifference makes me question my willingness to continue.
I tend to become frustrated very easily and very quickly, yet I think my patience has been held up fairly well throughout this challenge. There have been many club promoters in the past that have had to endure years of painstaking efforts before they finally paid off. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Ultimately, I want the bands to have the best possible experience. I guess I am wondering whether I have the resources to make that happen.
The following is the virtual destination for my music promoting efforts. I hope I can keep the dream alive.
http://www.myspace.com/underteethproductions
Simply, I have been very much discouraged by the overall lack of support in my music booking endeavors. Ridiculous promotion on a shoestring budget (which is provided for me, but not always actually making it into my hands) has not payed off in the least. Tonight is the second show I will have put on, following two consecutive cancellations. No money was provided for fliers and posters this time around, as a result of poor communication across the boards. A variety of factors will possibility culminate into a disappointing turnout.
Really, all I want is for the people involved in making this work...to help make it work. Heck, this is the 4 straight time that my shows had not made it on to any calendars affiliated with the venue until just three or four days before the show. It is unbelievably frustrating to do something selflessly for the benefit of improving the music climate locally, yet a perceived indifference makes me question my willingness to continue.
I tend to become frustrated very easily and very quickly, yet I think my patience has been held up fairly well throughout this challenge. There have been many club promoters in the past that have had to endure years of painstaking efforts before they finally paid off. I need to keep reminding myself of that. Ultimately, I want the bands to have the best possible experience. I guess I am wondering whether I have the resources to make that happen.
The following is the virtual destination for my music promoting efforts. I hope I can keep the dream alive.
http://www.myspace.com/underteethproductions
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
la commentaire de la mode (an editorial on style)
Very unlike such that activists have fought for freedom, the oppression I have been experiencing will dissipate this weekend. I need to write several papers in the next two days, one of which is for my French honors class (imagine that). The topic is style in clothing, which can include an explanation of clothing I have worn over the years. What made me curious is the possibility of sharing my obvious (to some) view regarding clothing faux-pas. (I would have used "fashion" in place of "clothing", but I thought that would cause one to mistake me for a fashion design student...) Heck, I am one who must try his hardest to *not* match my clothing.
As picky as I am about my own wear, certain friends of mine also realize how particular I am about other people's clothing. Shoes, pants, tops, accessories, and hairstyle--it is impossible not to judge upon first impression. For instance, a few minutes ago, as I am sitting in cafe on campus, I saw a girl wearing galoshes with jeans and a t-shirt. What's the problem with that? Well--really, only the galoshes. It was not the first time I had seen this galoshes wear today. Three times, in fact. It's not raining, they are usually frighteningly ugly, and those who seem to wear them have a look of conviction, as if they think it is superiorly fashionable. Then again, I suppose that is how flip-flops, sweatpants, pajama pants, and wifebeaters became acceptable for casual wear outside the home.
Personally, choice in one's attire says much about the self. It can signify a person's sleep habits, level of dedication, social status, and attitude towards others. I try not to get too caught up in all the variables, but it can be very daunting. It is said that you should not judge a book by its cover, but I sure do. In fact, I judge it by whether its a hardcover over a paperback, its binding, and whether it has been dropped or leafed through before I have gotten to it. In the same way I judge books before opening them, I judge others (myself included) based on their packaging and physical features. It doesn't mean I won't take a chance on a book that makes a not-so-strong impression upon first glance. That's not so bad, right?
I would not be intimidated if I were you (whoever you are). Everyone judges as much, yet they are not so eager to be so vocal. I know what I like but I am certainly open to satisfactory anomalies. First impressions are everything--do you read me?
As picky as I am about my own wear, certain friends of mine also realize how particular I am about other people's clothing. Shoes, pants, tops, accessories, and hairstyle--it is impossible not to judge upon first impression. For instance, a few minutes ago, as I am sitting in cafe on campus, I saw a girl wearing galoshes with jeans and a t-shirt. What's the problem with that? Well--really, only the galoshes. It was not the first time I had seen this galoshes wear today. Three times, in fact. It's not raining, they are usually frighteningly ugly, and those who seem to wear them have a look of conviction, as if they think it is superiorly fashionable. Then again, I suppose that is how flip-flops, sweatpants, pajama pants, and wifebeaters became acceptable for casual wear outside the home.
Personally, choice in one's attire says much about the self. It can signify a person's sleep habits, level of dedication, social status, and attitude towards others. I try not to get too caught up in all the variables, but it can be very daunting. It is said that you should not judge a book by its cover, but I sure do. In fact, I judge it by whether its a hardcover over a paperback, its binding, and whether it has been dropped or leafed through before I have gotten to it. In the same way I judge books before opening them, I judge others (myself included) based on their packaging and physical features. It doesn't mean I won't take a chance on a book that makes a not-so-strong impression upon first glance. That's not so bad, right?
I would not be intimidated if I were you (whoever you are). Everyone judges as much, yet they are not so eager to be so vocal. I know what I like but I am certainly open to satisfactory anomalies. First impressions are everything--do you read me?
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
jamais deux sans trois (when it rains, it pours)
It took me over eight months to decide upon the creation of such a blog. For such a long time, I was paranoid that sharing my thoughts on a more permanent medium than my own mind would induce dissatisfaction overall. As with most things, this feeling passed and I pushed myself to establish this blog, much from the encouragement of two good friends. Some friends peer others to smoke drugs or eat concoctions in the school lunchroom. Mine mean well for the most part, fortunately.
Today, I thought I would take advantage of my recent dedication to only using my car when I must. Like yesterday, I walked to the small park near Ludlow to read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. On the way there from my house, I took very photos of what used to be old hotels in the Clifton area, which are now simply apartment buildings. There are also a few black & white shots of the old brick homes we have in the area. I feel likely to have so many inanimate subjects to shoot.
I figured I'd pick up groceries when I began to feel small raindrops. The event that followed is one reason why I settled upon the name for the username for my blog. As with every name I choose though, it ended up having several possible interpreted meanings, just the way I like it. You guessed it--it poured. Not only that, I chose paper over plastic while at the checkout register. I became as close as a couple hundred feet from home when the first handle broke. Two minutes later, the second handle broke and down fell one of my bags. I carried my two paper grocery bags like I would bring home a thirty-pound turkey or a restless child.
Somehow my rejection of convenience felt worthwhile, even though I dripped on to the hallway mat as I entired my front door. Yes, I dripped. I was one giant raindrop.
Today, I thought I would take advantage of my recent dedication to only using my car when I must. Like yesterday, I walked to the small park near Ludlow to read One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich. On the way there from my house, I took very photos of what used to be old hotels in the Clifton area, which are now simply apartment buildings. There are also a few black & white shots of the old brick homes we have in the area. I feel likely to have so many inanimate subjects to shoot.
I figured I'd pick up groceries when I began to feel small raindrops. The event that followed is one reason why I settled upon the name for the username for my blog. As with every name I choose though, it ended up having several possible interpreted meanings, just the way I like it. You guessed it--it poured. Not only that, I chose paper over plastic while at the checkout register. I became as close as a couple hundred feet from home when the first handle broke. Two minutes later, the second handle broke and down fell one of my bags. I carried my two paper grocery bags like I would bring home a thirty-pound turkey or a restless child.
Somehow my rejection of convenience felt worthwhile, even though I dripped on to the hallway mat as I entired my front door. Yes, I dripped. I was one giant raindrop.
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