Random telephone conversation between me and my dad from last night:
Dad: Hello?
Me: Hi Dad, it's Christine!
D: Christine who?
M: You know... Christine, as in your daughter?
D: Oh, what do you want? You woke the entire house up.
M: Dad, it's only like 10pm. Where is mom?
D: She's at work. She goes to work at 9pm.
M: Oh, well I was just calling to say hi. You know, I haven't talked to you in like 2 months.
D: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Next time call before mom leaves for work, you woke the entire house up.
M: My apologies. Guess what?
D: What?
M: I just got back from Villanova University. I saw Archbishop Desmond Tutu!
D: Who's that? Your drug dealer?
M: No! Tutu, as in he won the 1984 Nobel Peace Prize for ending the Apartheid regime in S. Africa. And I was invited to the special presentation afterwards. I got to meet him, he shook my hand, and I got a picture of us for the newspaper.
D: You know, you really need to lay off the booze and drugs.
Ahhhhh, the family is coming tomorrow night to pay me a visit! I actually am really excited to see them. They bring such amusement to my life.
By the way, 8 reasons why I'll miss my Fullerton when I go to NYC:
Kicksnwindmills: ok, here are my comments on the records.
Kicksnwindmills: Elliott Smith is very disorienting, it kinda fucks me up on repeated listens, a good sleeping pill album. Twilight is the jam and so is Fond Farewell
Kicksnwindmills: Trail of Dead is wildly awesome although it doesn't sound finished yet, the need to do something more with the production, but the songs are awesome
Kicksnwindmills: "Beating Hearts Baby" is like the best song I've heard in a while, props on "Fit and you know it" and "Dance Commander"
Kicksnwindmills: Your away message is the only Broken Social Scene song I like
Kicksnwindmills: Joseph Arthur's "Even Tho" should definetly be on your playlist, it's so well arranged, it's like a lost Peter Gabriel song
Kicksnwindmills: I think it's wild that "Lottery Winners on Acid" is in the top 10 of the CMJ chart
Kicksnwindmills: Haven't gotten to Moving Units or Blue Van yet, more on them later
I make him CD's and dance mixes and he talks to my away message about them...always a happy surprise for me to wake up to in the morning.
I leave for CMJ in 5 days! Loud Rock Dave is whisking me away at some point during my office hours today so we can go "shopping." (Shopping as in I need to get my house-warming present for my Daniel)
And the disturbing note of the day is that I realized to be cool you have to wear your collar up, at least in Radnor. I don't have enough shirts to wear my collar up everyday and frankly I just don't look like the kind of person to rock the collar up thing. But perhaps its only at Villanova that you need to wear this trend. Damnit, now I'll never be cool. I'm crying right now, really...
(if you cannot sense the sarcasm there, I suggest you wear your collar up because perhaps you are one of those barbie/ken freaky reproductions of perfection that I had to associate with last night.)
Thursday, October 7
Wednesday, October 6
Read This Bitches, Then Vote or Perish
A majority of college students should make careful considerations before voting in this upcoming election for one simple reason: they just do not fully understand the issues.
It is a known fact that college students are well-educated young adults that are given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, but the truth is that most of the issues that are presented to them via the election are still too complex. At times, it seems like sorting out all the issues between the presidential candidates is like being caught smack dab in the middle of New Year’s Eve; you’re getting continually punched in the face by other members of the crowd while all you want to do is gasp for air, and try to make sense in the confusion.
Now many will argue and say that it is the young adult’s job to make sense of all the issues if they intend to cast their vote come Election Day, but sometimes it is a little difficult to grasp predicaments that will not affect them for years down the road.
When was the last time a college student had to stand in a doctor’s office and depend on Medicare to cover their visit? Has anyone heard a college student say that they are glad that Social Security is still present in the United States so he can retire right now? Experience is the one of the best teachers, but unfortunately young adults do not have the ability to really be subjected to most issues being shoved in their faces.
Yes the above situations are ridiculous, but it is also ridiculous to think that a college student can fully understand that type of issue unless they have experienced it first-hand, in their own lives.
Perhaps the only way to conquer the overwhelming task of picturing yourself in 50 years is to bypass it for the moment, and focus on the present.
Recently there has been a lot of activity occurring with the upcoming election and music. Some look down upon this convergence, wondering why bands, that have little to nothing in common, like Death Cab for Cutie and Pearl Jam are touring together. Everyone please be a big girl or big boy and think outside of the box for once because this junction of politics and music really is a beautiful thing.
A new CD that has been highly rotated in the college-radio airwaves is Future Soundtrack of America. Presenting politically charged music with a track listing including artists such as Tom Waits, Jimmy Eat World, Elliott Smith, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and R.E.M. is enough to catch the attention of young adults and adults alike. Music for America and MoveOn.org teamed together with Barsuk records to create this fundraising compilation that will certainly make everyone’s head turn.
Go to Music for America’s Website (http://www.musicforamerica.org/) and see exactly why that organization formed. It was because none of them really understood issues, but they did not like what was occurring with politics.
This non-profit, partisan organization does an excellent job of explaining the topics that are relevant to a college student’s life. No matter what your political party is, this website can help shed some light on the mysteries that are in fact some of the biggest concerns that affect young adults.
Some of the issues that are explained in the website are higher education, media consolidation, youth service funding and environmental issues. Not only does the organization explain them, it also encourages voters to get out there and make a difference. A recent post on the Music for America’s Website says, “Don’t just get pissed-off, get involved. Go to a show. Participate.”
It is up to every voter in college to make sure he understands the issues fully in his mind before he decides which candidate to vote for in the next election. All young adult voters should go find a way to connect politics with something they feel passionately about, like music. Just remember on Election Day: voting without fully comprehending the issues is the same as throwing a vote away.
Do you know that you just read one of my newspaper articles? Yes I am a tricky bastard, but you probably learned something so don't complain. You should read more articles from our paper, because I certainly am the first to admit that the majority of the writers on staff this year kick my ass in politics, and sometimes in writing too.
It is a known fact that college students are well-educated young adults that are given the opportunity to exercise their right to vote, but the truth is that most of the issues that are presented to them via the election are still too complex. At times, it seems like sorting out all the issues between the presidential candidates is like being caught smack dab in the middle of New Year’s Eve; you’re getting continually punched in the face by other members of the crowd while all you want to do is gasp for air, and try to make sense in the confusion.
Now many will argue and say that it is the young adult’s job to make sense of all the issues if they intend to cast their vote come Election Day, but sometimes it is a little difficult to grasp predicaments that will not affect them for years down the road.
When was the last time a college student had to stand in a doctor’s office and depend on Medicare to cover their visit? Has anyone heard a college student say that they are glad that Social Security is still present in the United States so he can retire right now? Experience is the one of the best teachers, but unfortunately young adults do not have the ability to really be subjected to most issues being shoved in their faces.
Yes the above situations are ridiculous, but it is also ridiculous to think that a college student can fully understand that type of issue unless they have experienced it first-hand, in their own lives.
Perhaps the only way to conquer the overwhelming task of picturing yourself in 50 years is to bypass it for the moment, and focus on the present.
Recently there has been a lot of activity occurring with the upcoming election and music. Some look down upon this convergence, wondering why bands, that have little to nothing in common, like Death Cab for Cutie and Pearl Jam are touring together. Everyone please be a big girl or big boy and think outside of the box for once because this junction of politics and music really is a beautiful thing.
A new CD that has been highly rotated in the college-radio airwaves is Future Soundtrack of America. Presenting politically charged music with a track listing including artists such as Tom Waits, Jimmy Eat World, Elliott Smith, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and R.E.M. is enough to catch the attention of young adults and adults alike. Music for America and MoveOn.org teamed together with Barsuk records to create this fundraising compilation that will certainly make everyone’s head turn.
Go to Music for America’s Website (http://www.musicforamerica.org/) and see exactly why that organization formed. It was because none of them really understood issues, but they did not like what was occurring with politics.
This non-profit, partisan organization does an excellent job of explaining the topics that are relevant to a college student’s life. No matter what your political party is, this website can help shed some light on the mysteries that are in fact some of the biggest concerns that affect young adults.
Some of the issues that are explained in the website are higher education, media consolidation, youth service funding and environmental issues. Not only does the organization explain them, it also encourages voters to get out there and make a difference. A recent post on the Music for America’s Website says, “Don’t just get pissed-off, get involved. Go to a show. Participate.”
It is up to every voter in college to make sure he understands the issues fully in his mind before he decides which candidate to vote for in the next election. All young adult voters should go find a way to connect politics with something they feel passionately about, like music. Just remember on Election Day: voting without fully comprehending the issues is the same as throwing a vote away.
Do you know that you just read one of my newspaper articles? Yes I am a tricky bastard, but you probably learned something so don't complain. You should read more articles from our paper, because I certainly am the first to admit that the majority of the writers on staff this year kick my ass in politics, and sometimes in writing too.
You Look Like a Normal Person But Actually You're An Angel of Death
Yesterday night I threatened to curb stomp a person's face until he begged for my mercy to stop. My buddy, "Loud Rock Dave" was concerned I was going to reach over in the executive staff meeting and choke this particular person.
Alas I did nothing of the sort. I sat in the executive meeting with a curt smile on my face then retreated quickly back to the haven that is the office.
I screamed very loudly in my office. I wrote obscene things on our whiteboard that my roommate quickly erased. I banged my head on my desk repeatedly over and over again. I stared at my pen for about 5 minutes and then decided that all the stress wasn't worth it at all.
When this particular person came into my for the 3rd time, I calmly told him everything that was on my mind. I gave him whatever he was badgering me for and then explained how I was never going to do anything for him again.
I apologize to everyone that had to witness the not-so-nice scene that occured in my office last night. I'm sorry to all the people in the room with somewhat virgin ears that heard me say, "Not that I would want any, but there won't be any dick left at Cabrini...because he is sucking it all."
Yes it was not very nice of me, but then again you know what to expect if you walk into me and Dave's office anyhow.
Alas I did nothing of the sort. I sat in the executive meeting with a curt smile on my face then retreated quickly back to the haven that is the office.
I screamed very loudly in my office. I wrote obscene things on our whiteboard that my roommate quickly erased. I banged my head on my desk repeatedly over and over again. I stared at my pen for about 5 minutes and then decided that all the stress wasn't worth it at all.
When this particular person came into my for the 3rd time, I calmly told him everything that was on my mind. I gave him whatever he was badgering me for and then explained how I was never going to do anything for him again.
I apologize to everyone that had to witness the not-so-nice scene that occured in my office last night. I'm sorry to all the people in the room with somewhat virgin ears that heard me say, "Not that I would want any, but there won't be any dick left at Cabrini...because he is sucking it all."
Yes it was not very nice of me, but then again you know what to expect if you walk into me and Dave's office anyhow.
Monday, October 4
Just Fucking Say No!!!
On Saturday I gave tours all day long. It was not fun (and that's an understatement.) It was more like 7 hours of hell, only that it was really cold and raining. Oh, and I rode around on a minature train for about 4 hours that was made from a John Deere lawn mower. Yes, I was supossed to give tours from that train, but my friend Melissa and I decided we were going to just try to not die instead of completing the task of shouting over the crazy loud John Deere.
(By the way, I fell off this minature train, and almost broke my wrist. At one point I was halfway on the train and halfway off while being drug on the pavement...I should have laughed, but unfortunately both Melissa and I started crying. We told Mr. Psychopath Trainman we were going to the bathroom...he never saw us for the rest of the day for we ran like those boys over at Valley Forge when they finally get a chance to see girls)
It seems like this week everyone decided it would be a good idea to ask a favor of me. The Loquitur asked me to write 3 articles by this Wednesday. Justin asked me to write 2 articles for the radio newsletter. Admissions asked me to ride on the crazy death train for 4 hours. The Loquitur asked me to have a video accompany one of my stories.
Like the idiot I am, I agreed to everything. Now my head feels like it might explode.
The wise, old Scottish man I gave a tour of the campus to on Saturday gave me some words of wisdom. He said, "Whenever you need something to get done, give it to the busiest person for he knows how to get it done. That is why he is so busy."
Well I don't know if that's right or not. I do know that I'm fucking busier than ever. And if you read this, please don't ask any favors of me unless you wish to recieve a punch to the face.
On a brighter note, I leave for CMJ in 8 days! Amanda wants me to be careful and not trust everyone I meet in NYC. I think Wayne and good Dave are afraid my promoters will rape me. Good Dave also told me not to get involved with any promoters on a romantic level...haha, but I don't always follow his advice. Krista told me she's going to miss me for a week...she also reminded me of all the mail that will pile up while I'm gone.
My mom of course is having a total "filipino freak attack" about me leaving for NYC. She is going to visit me this Friday night. Haha, I can't hardly wait to see what advice she gives to me! She absolutely abhors Philly...so I can just begin to guess how she feels about NYC. I'm actually glad the parentals are coming to visit. I haven't seen them in a good while, and my mom is going to bring Amanda and I more soy sauce. ( I seriously haven't been hungry since my mom bought me my rice cooker. Hooray for me relying on the fact that I'm asian to solve any hunger problems that might arise!)
Three things that I think about that make everything better:
1) My dance party that I previously had tonight on my radio show.
2) On Saturday night Amanda and I are going to the Rilo Kiley / Tilly and the Wall / Now It's Overhead show in Philly. Yes I'm a geek, but I'm super super excited for Tilly and the Wall. Their percussion section is a tap dancer. And if you have the gall to tell me you don't like Tilly and the Wall to my face, I have three words for you: "GO KILL YOURSELF"
3) This picture below of Amanda and Richard...after a little alteration courtesy of Nikki and I, it looks like the two of them are having a sexy dance party together!
This picture still brings a smile to my face despite all the craziness going down recently.
(By the way, I fell off this minature train, and almost broke my wrist. At one point I was halfway on the train and halfway off while being drug on the pavement...I should have laughed, but unfortunately both Melissa and I started crying. We told Mr. Psychopath Trainman we were going to the bathroom...he never saw us for the rest of the day for we ran like those boys over at Valley Forge when they finally get a chance to see girls)
It seems like this week everyone decided it would be a good idea to ask a favor of me. The Loquitur asked me to write 3 articles by this Wednesday. Justin asked me to write 2 articles for the radio newsletter. Admissions asked me to ride on the crazy death train for 4 hours. The Loquitur asked me to have a video accompany one of my stories.
Like the idiot I am, I agreed to everything. Now my head feels like it might explode.
The wise, old Scottish man I gave a tour of the campus to on Saturday gave me some words of wisdom. He said, "Whenever you need something to get done, give it to the busiest person for he knows how to get it done. That is why he is so busy."
Well I don't know if that's right or not. I do know that I'm fucking busier than ever. And if you read this, please don't ask any favors of me unless you wish to recieve a punch to the face.
On a brighter note, I leave for CMJ in 8 days! Amanda wants me to be careful and not trust everyone I meet in NYC. I think Wayne and good Dave are afraid my promoters will rape me. Good Dave also told me not to get involved with any promoters on a romantic level...haha, but I don't always follow his advice. Krista told me she's going to miss me for a week...she also reminded me of all the mail that will pile up while I'm gone.
My mom of course is having a total "filipino freak attack" about me leaving for NYC. She is going to visit me this Friday night. Haha, I can't hardly wait to see what advice she gives to me! She absolutely abhors Philly...so I can just begin to guess how she feels about NYC. I'm actually glad the parentals are coming to visit. I haven't seen them in a good while, and my mom is going to bring Amanda and I more soy sauce. ( I seriously haven't been hungry since my mom bought me my rice cooker. Hooray for me relying on the fact that I'm asian to solve any hunger problems that might arise!)
Three things that I think about that make everything better:
1) My dance party that I previously had tonight on my radio show.
2) On Saturday night Amanda and I are going to the Rilo Kiley / Tilly and the Wall / Now It's Overhead show in Philly. Yes I'm a geek, but I'm super super excited for Tilly and the Wall. Their percussion section is a tap dancer. And if you have the gall to tell me you don't like Tilly and the Wall to my face, I have three words for you: "GO KILL YOURSELF"
3) This picture below of Amanda and Richard...after a little alteration courtesy of Nikki and I, it looks like the two of them are having a sexy dance party together!
This picture still brings a smile to my face despite all the craziness going down recently.
Sunday, October 3
Playlist from October 3rd
The Crimea -- Opposite Ends
Pretty Girls Make Graves - - This is Our Emergency
Interpol - - Slow Hands
The Faint - - I Disappear
The Faint - - Paranoiattack
Diplo - - Diplo Rythym
Dogs Die In Hot Cars - - I Love You Cause I Have To
The Goodlife - - Notes In His Pocket
Cat Power - - He War
Jimmy Eat World - - Nothing Wrong
The Start -- Conversation
Braid - - A Dozen Roses
Travis Morrison - - Born in '72
Palomar - - Albacore
Endicott - - Perfect Like Paper Knives
Radio 4 - - Absolute Affirmation
The Features - - The Idea of Growing Old
Moving Parts - - Emancipation
Junior Boys - - High Come Down
Junior Boys - - More Than Real
Pretty Girls Make Graves - - This is Our Emergency
Interpol - - Slow Hands
The Faint - - I Disappear
The Faint - - Paranoiattack
Diplo - - Diplo Rythym
Dogs Die In Hot Cars - - I Love You Cause I Have To
The Goodlife - - Notes In His Pocket
Cat Power - - He War
Jimmy Eat World - - Nothing Wrong
The Start -- Conversation
Braid - - A Dozen Roses
Travis Morrison - - Born in '72
Palomar - - Albacore
Endicott - - Perfect Like Paper Knives
Radio 4 - - Absolute Affirmation
The Features - - The Idea of Growing Old
Moving Parts - - Emancipation
Junior Boys - - High Come Down
Junior Boys - - More Than Real
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