Stir Crazy

Long day today. It was, in fact, a half day, but I had musical practice until 3:45, from which I went to city hall to vote absentee and to register to vote, then to the dry cleaner's (my dad didn't give me enough money and gave me Canadian coins), then to the barber, then to Target. I realized I had to work Sun. I was not happy. I thought I had requested off... On the way home, I realized that I hadn't requested off for musical, so I had to go back there at 9:00 tonight, adding fuel to the "anger fire." I stopped in at the LAN at Mark's dad's office. I went home, lost some Warcraft III games, packed for Gulf Shores, got yelled at, ate some food, and felt tired.

My plane flight leaves Saturday at ~10:00am. This will be my last post until Thurs. or Fri. when I get back.

Today's Music
Linkin Park - Breaking the Habit
AFI - ...home is nowhere

Today's Poetry
Emblazened
The glint of something caught my eye
Like the fiery phoenix of the sunset
the waves of flame, the golden ringlets
dart about and swish and sway
running up and running down
the cascading hills ebb and flow
today they are controlled by some unknown hand
brought together as a quiver full of arrows
tightly packed powerfully taught
other days, swaying about freely
Golden locks emblazened with the sun's radiance

Loss of Faith

Today was a crummy day, for the most part and I've hit rock bottom. I can't take this war anymore. It crushes my soul. I can't take it. How dare this country wage a war like a video game? CNN feeds countless lines of bullshit stemming from its fucking ticker. Fuck it. We're powerless and everyone's stupid. No one knows what war looks like, even fewer know the history of the United States - its bloddy glory. Congratulations George W. Bush, you'll get your oil, you'll get Saddam, you'll kill countless innocent people, and you're killing your own people. Democracy has failed. The government does not represent the people any longer. Why don't you look at what war really is - a vast propaganda structure employed to get the lower and middle class to die for the rich in an effort to further subjugate the globe. My heart breaks and my tears flow freely.

This Nation is at the Hands of a Merciless Dictator with a 4 year Term
His Name is George W. Bush

The Unseen War
A Child in the Clutches of Death
American GI
POW Video
Killed American Soldiers

Summary
Saturday was our show choir competition. We got 4th, it was fun (Holmen). Afterwards, Taryn, Danny, and I went to Kohls and then to Taco bell, and finally to my house. Good stuff. Sunday, I worked for eight hours and did homework. Monday, I did the usual school things and had musical practice afterward.

Upward Spiral

I like the title, don't ask why. Today I got to jazz band a little bit late, but played great improvizational solo's in "Pick up the Pieces" and "Vehicle." Mr. Terhune paid me with a compliment, which is something rare for him. I was, in a word, elated. Social Studies and physics went well, as well. Study Hall was fine, my impromptu in English was so-so. Band didn't go as well, as I was disgusted to see the latest round of bombings on Baghdad. After choir, I went to the doctor and got a prescirption for Zithromax for whatever has been causing my now week old cough. I returned back to school for eight hour, to learn our final Calculus lesson of the year. After school, I went to target to get my schedule and to by my mom the Dixie Chicks CD, as it is her birthday today. Then, it was home and then off to Comp USA to attempt to buy a computer, which fell through, as there was a line 200 people long waiting before I got there. I drove to Hollywood Video to pickup a copy of Roger & Me and then got free noodles from Noodles & Co.

Today's Music
Ides of March - Vehicle
System of a Down - Boom
Manhatten Transfer - Birdland

My Rant
A Couple of things:
1.) First of all, I am so pissed off at all the stupid people who run their mouths. This constitutes a good 75% of the American population, at least.
2.) If you love war so much, when are you enlisting? War is fun when you're not the one dying!
3.) B-52's, as a general rule, do not drop precision munitions. They drop unguided weapons. 300,000 bombs will kill at least half that many people.

W-Day

Today, we invaded Iraq with full military force. Last night was marked with a "decaptiation strike" aimed at killing Saddam, which was the right thing to do, but that's not what this blog will devote itself to. School went reasonably well. I made t-shirts last night that say, "Power In Numbers" and cite a number of statistics in an effort to stir up the peace effort. We had a walk out 5th hour, which lasted roughly ten minutes. About two hundred people participated (in my estimation), with about 150 of those being pro-peace, and the other 50 being pro-Bush. There was no contention between the two groups, and one or two members of the media were present, along with the Social Studies Department, which was quite impressive and a welcomed sight. The administration was very non-confrontation about the whole ordeal, and Mr. O'Connell indicated he was pleased with the nature of the protest, even though I'm pretty sure he's pro-war. Nonetheless, goood stuff. After school, we had musical rehearsal, which was not very productive, but we did get to interact with more of the props, which was somehwat beneficial.

Today's News
16 Troops die in Copter Crash

Today's Music
The Get Up Kids - Valentine

Weekend Update (w/ Harry Caray)

Saturday we had our Jazz Band competition in Mundelein, IL. I was supposed to go down the night before with everyone else like, but as I mentioned, I was (and still am ill). I went down to Mundelein at about 9:45 (we left) w/ my mom. Arrived around 12:45; performed around 2:45; left at 6:45 or so. We played very well, and my sax solo (improvizational) went very well, I thought. We did not really have any major hiccups. We failed to place in the top 3 in our division, but we were probably the smallest school at the entire competition, which was dominated by the phenomenal Evanston, IL jazz band. We got home at 9:15. Played some Warcraft III. That was it. I went to bed because I had to work the next day.

Today I worked from 9:00am until 2:00. It was very uneventful. I saw my dad's tennis partner from the night before and had a chat with him. He and my dad had lost in pool to some women in pool at a bar the night before, which made for some pretty entertaining chit chat. After work, I came home, watched some basketball, relaxed, watched the NCAA selections, studied, played Warcraft III, watched the simpsons, did some more homework, tried to console Tamara, then wrote this (while consoling Tamara).

Today's Music
Vertical Horizon - You're a God

Hack 'n Sack

Today (Friday) I had jazz band in the morning. I had to run to the bathroom w/ some serious diarrhea that would plague me for the rest of the day. My cough still persists and my voice sounds pretty horrid to boot. I barely made it through the day, after which I participated in a thing for the peace group. But I felt sick, so I went to urgent care and got a note excusing me from work today and tomorrow. Tomorrow, I will be waking up early to go to a jazz band competition in Mundelein, IL. Should be interesting. In the mean time, I'm at home hacking up a lung.

No music today. Maybe some poetry, though.

AilMe -- NT

Crack the dawn wide open
Stretch the crevice into a gaping tear
The light pours in your soul out
Hacking, Aching, Breaking, Creaking, Stabbing
Body crumbles like a communion wafer
Dissolves into a filmy nothingness
Issue a violent shudder or three
Thick taste of M u c u S - disgustingly reassuring
Body sounds like a hollow tube, I'm a human digiridoo
Laf, Cough, Cough, painful humor
Throat issues cracked crosscutsawsongs - ghhhr ghhhr
Glowing EyeOrbs attach to the Grotesque. A beacon in the night
Pierce through the night like shrill bird screams
Spirit in his body cage never stops fighting.
The testament

Sing The Sadness

Sing The Sadness, AFI's new album is Indescribably Good, a musical gem. Every track flexes lead singer Davey Havok's vocal muscle, while beefing up the already tasty entree with some hearty grunge (and even some acoustic) guitar prowess (as is the case in "The Leaving Song"). Bass is also good - hearty but not over or underdone and is not omnipresent, which makes for a welcome change. AFI are masters of all the aspects of their craft. Carefully crafted drum fills are never over done but make their presence heard when necessary. The drummer makes careful use of the ride and crash symbols. As if this weren't enough, Havok et. al manipulate the listener with an uncommon bit of NU-Metal punk paraphernalia: they carefully blend solo and backup vocals to add increased strength and character to many of their songs. And it's not just typical 3rd, 5th, 7th harmonies, either. Many times AFI chooses to employ Unison shout choruses, which miraculously work, yet another testament to AFI's skill. AFI's style can be described only as unique. It's not punk, nor grunge, nor acid, nor industrial, nor goth. It's something all it's own that possesses a very original warmth and vibrance. The album is in general, very uptempo. But even as AFI's Sing the Sorrow seems up beat at times, there is a morose component to many tracks that leaves the album with a much more edgy feel. AFI's new album is a welcomed new release and also a welcome change from their more hardcore days, as this album hones in yet further on their own rich unique flavor.

Special Note: The album is only $6.00 at Target and Circuit City this week.

Back to Skewl

After two long days of sickness, I returned today (finally) to school. It was 1/2 Diversity Day, 1/2 Legit school. I had jazz band this morning, where i informed Mr. T. that I had to work on Fri. night, unfortunately, and that my mom will be driving me up Sat. morning to Mandelein, IL. He wasn't too happy. Diversity day kicked some ass. The African Tribal Dancing Group was very cool and did a great job of getting everyone to participate. Everyone in the school got to see yours truly break it down, which was fun. The speaker, a Mr. Nino Amato, I was not as impressed by. The theatre troup performing Silence.com, I thought was excellent. They dealt with so many pertinent issues relating to high school life. Had I not been sitting by someone so annoying (who shall rename nameless), I think the performance would have been even more effective. Finally, the day closed with a band, Reptile Lounge, whom I thought were excellent. Their guitarist was great, as were all of their members, by the same token. The music lacked a bit in the danceability department, so I don't think they received the same warm reception as did the African Group. Then it was Ice Cream bar time and off to Lunch, where Danny T. and I headed to my car to jam to AFI's new CD, Sing the Sadness.



Today's Music
AFI - The Leaving Song Pt. II

Getting Less Sick?

I did not get to sleep until about 4:30am last night. Of all the weird things, I could not stop burping, and I had heart burn / indigestion. Maybe that's what I get for eating nothing but Chex and Sprite all day long. I woke up at 3:45pm today. Then I did some math corrections. Again, just about every major orifice in my body is effusing mucus like there is no tomorrow. My voice was for shit up until about 15 minutes ago. But I do feel better than yesterday, which is something of a blessing. Hopefully school tomorrow will be a possibility.

Today's Music
Jazz June - Get on the Bus

The Sickness Continues

Upon going to bed on Monday night, I was feeling a bit sick. Sure enough, when I awoke, I felt like someone had been beating me with a sledge hammer for the last few hours. If you really want to know, my mucus membranes are going psycho. Sore throat, running nose, drainage, coughing, body aches, chills, etc. I went to the doctor. They took a throat culture - negative. Then I went to Target, where I coincidentally ran into Tamara. I picked up the new AFI cd but have yet to listen to it. It is only $6.00 there, though.

Today's Music
Thievery Corporation - Liberation Front

Eternity (Ctd.)

Sunday: We awoke at 7, hit the breakfast area at the hotel (not really that great), quickly showered, packed up and bussed off for home from TG. On the bus, we watched Ice Age, and Meet the Parents, both of which I enjoyed. After that, I listened to the Atari's cd, which is excellent. Pick it up. When we got back from school, I picked up my uniform, plunged Taryn's car (hehe), and drove home. I slept for five hours (1-6). Then did homework for another five (Calc:2, English: 3). Then it was time to hit the hay.

Today: (3/10/03) I awoke at 5:45 because I was supposed to have an interview for Spanish class (think job interview in Spanish). So, I had to dress up and be at school at 7:00 (I was almost positive Mrs. Fuller said that was the time). Well as it turns out, my interview was at 7:30am, so I thought the Senora was a no show, when in reality I had my times goofed up, and I woke up too early. These two combined to make my day pretty lousy. My science lab did not go too well, Social Studies was mostly goof off, Study Hall was unproductive (although I did read my Noam Chomsky book Tamara purchased for my b-day). English proceeded to deliver me with a number of ill-received grades on my impromptus. Band did not go well either. Choir, as usual, was a shoutfest. Spanish included a bombed quiz and printing of my Resume. Calculus was tough, but productive. After school, I had my interview, which went well. Then I met with coach Weum to get Tennis info. After that, I went to a choir practice and finally bought gasoline. That was my day *whew*

Today's Idea
Gresham's Law: "Bad currency will drive out the good"

Today's Music
The Ataris - Boys of Summer

Eternity

It has been an eternity since I updated the old page. So, here's a massive massive ah, screw it, uber-massive update for everyone who reads this.

I was sick Wed. in addition to Tues. On Wed., I went to Best Buy and bought myself my birthday presents (cd's by Johnny Cash, Ataris, Evanescence, and DDR Max). That was about it for Wednesday.

Thursday: I have no recollection of this day, other than that I was really really freaking sick feeling and did a lot of makeup homework and packed for Onalaska.

Friday: Jazz Band in the morning, and of course, it was my b-day, WOOHOOO!!!! The Big 18! Rita gave me a plunger; Jill, a balloon; Jerome and Danni Mack (later), a big pack of Twix's, a newspaper and a postcard; Leslie, a bouncy rubber ball. We had a good time at the hotel and on the bus ride up to Minnesota (we had a show choir competition). I ran on the treadmill, hit the hot tub (very key), played some Dance Dance Revolution, some GTA: Vice City, and went to bed late.

Saturday: We awoke at seven. I showered, had some doughnuts and then it was off to the competition at Totino-Grace high school. We placed 11th of 24 choirs, winning best crew award. Mrs. Nahirniak was in uber-nazi mode, forcing us to endure all the other show choirs' performacnes (I was in the auditorium for six horurs). The food was good. After the competition was over, we high tailed it to Cracker Barrel, where I had a so-so 10 oz. Rib Eye Steak. My mom, as a birthday present, paid for all the people at our table (Jerome, myself, Sarah, Beth, Reina, Alex, Nathan, Chris, Leslie, Taryn, Dani (D.), Seth). That was nice of her. You rule, mom! We got back to the hotel. I hit the hot tub, started watching Black Hawk Down, which was promptly nixed by the parentals as it was 12:00, curfew. Nonetheless, we occupied ourselves until girls could be properly brought into the room. We watched most of it, but we were so tired we fell asleep near the end. Zupan and Nathan TP'd Reina's and our rooms.

Sicktacular

Today, I'm sick. I was sick yesterday but made it through the day. Today, I'm really freaking sick. My nose is running like the Ohio River. My throat feels like someone shoved a red hot cactus into it and my body aches like oh, I don't know Somethign Achey (and if you say anything about Billy Ray Cyrus, I will still unleash the fervor of hell on your sould). Well, on that cheery note, let me discuss yesterday.

Monday, Monday, Monday a crappy day, to be sure. Physics was a disaster - nothing worked; Social Studies was a colossal waste of time; study hall was somewhat enjoyable (woot curtis); English was uneventful if not unproductive and then I started feeling sick. Ate lunch, thought about going home, sucked it up, went to the rest of my classes, and then we had show choir practice for 5 hours. That did not help me to feel any better. I went home, struggled with my calculus homework, downloaded some mp3's, did some research for my senior project, and went to bed. It was a crappy day.

Today's Music
Interpol - PDA

Biggggg Update

Friday I woke up late, then went to the LAN, read some Chomsky (woot). Jerome, Beth Hribar and I saw Daredevil I liked it a lot- probably more so than the aforementioned parties. I can't really remember what else happened...

Saturday was Solo & Ensemble. Again, I awoke quite late. I read some more Chomsky and went to Edgewood w/ my mom. I got a starred first (*1) on my vocal solo and on Jerome and my's saxophone duet. I was elated as I had put a lot of effort into it this year. After S&E, Jerome and I went to Greenbush for Doughnuts. We were supposed to meet up with Kathleen, but we missed her (due to Jerome's roundabout driving technique). After that, I went home and chilled out by listening to Wilco and Abandoned Pools. I also got $50 from my dad because Stanford sent me the post card acknowledging they had all my application information. Then, I went back to the LAN until about 8:45, after which I returned my computer home and went to go see Old School. I though it was pretty good on the whole.

Today (Sunday) I spent most of the day re-wiring our TV's and house to improve the picture. I also moved the cable modem and router into the basement and setup a hub down there. Now we have RJ-45 (ethernet cable) running throughout our house, which is excellent for internet purposes. After that laborious task was taken care of, I did my notecards for my senior project and then went off to musical practice, which was a complete and utter waste of time. When I got home, I check my e-mail and noticed that I had been accepted for the Warcraft III Beta Test. I was naturally elated. I played 2 games, won one, lost the other.

Today's Music
John Mayer - Neon

Today's Bushism
Freudian Slip?
"my pan will play down the national debt."

Today's Art
Eh Whatever

Two Quick Poems + Stories to be Added Later
(I wrote these on Thurs.)

Teen Angst
Isn't it wonderful?
That warbling period in your life?
Your knees shake. Your face fills with crimson.
you sweat a lot.
You worry a lot more.
The words, they never come out right.
My heart skips a beat.
And my voice darts away in scared fright.
Does she like me? I wonder by myself at night.
But tomorrow brings a new day. And that is the light.

Washed
Hammer and Hacksaw and Hauberk
Are useless here.
Hurl logic and reason out the front window.
My T-shirt is drenched with emotion.
I wring it out at home and watch
the tears cascade down its wrinkled skin.
I hurl my shirt in the hamper where it
Bleeds with all my other discarded
memories, concealed thoughts and sheathed agners.
I wash away my pain.
And hang myself up to dry.