this is the first holiday season i have spent away from home.
i've always been able to get back home for christmas and new year's even the years where i was dirt poor and going broke to get back home.
it was a vacation from my worcester life. lots of time with the family. seeing extended family. catching up with high school friends.
christmas was the family holiday and new year's the friends holiday.
this year, i spent christmas eve sleeping because i was just coming off night crew at tj's. christmas was spent at my place with my roommate sim and, during the late night, others. my roomie and i had christmas lunch at denny's.
that was a trip. the whole place was filled with low socio-economic scores. denny's was the cheapest restaurant open. we tried some fast food places, but even mcdonald's honors santa's birthday.
new year's at home for the last couple passings were at al hill's place. out in the sticks of hibbing, we would party til the wee hours of the morning. my best friends from home rocking in the new year probably watch some really weird movie.
new year's this time 'round will be spent probably at my apartment with as many people as me and eb can get. we'll ring in 2005 well. and we'll wish 2004 a fond farewell. it was a good year, at least to me.
12.28.2004
12.23.2004
night crew and trader joe's
i have now been a Trader Joe's manager, or "full-timer" in our jargon, for a little over 3 months now.
and i am loving the career choice.
my job is basically prioritizing tasks and delegating work to the employees. i also have to do paperwork and deal with customers, but the bulk of it is formulating a list of tasks and managing people to get said tasks done in the most efficient manner.
i work quite a bit, 50+ hours most weeks, but the benefits are well worth it. first, the paycheck. it is the biggest i have ever gotten. health benefits are good--medical, dental and vision. a retirement fund that matches 15.4% of my gross pay without forking over a dime. 2 days off in a row (albeit tuesday and wednesday most weeks), which i hear is unheard of in the food retail business.
there are a few reasons why i could see myself doing this for quite a few years.
one, i feel challenged at my job.
when i go to work, i work. i have to put in effort for 10+ hours and be in constant activity. there is not a lot of down time, the occasional breather if it slows done for a few minutes or if customers are being friendly and want to chat. depending on what hours i am at the store (my shift switches pretty much every day--which i kinda like), i have a whole new set of tasks to oversee and accomplish.
two, i am good at it.
it is not hard manual labor, but it is physically active. i am on my feet for the whole time, constant bending, moving weights of 5lbs to 200lbs, and cleaning. as sad as it is to admit, i kind of like coming home and being wiped out. in a masochistic way, it feels like i've accomplished something real.
delegating jobs and assigning crew members to tasks is something i'm good at and enjoy. organizing willing people into accomplishment is a satisfying feeling. sometimes crew members don't live up to my expectations (a few have wore my expectations low, so i'm surprised when they do anything, but i digress), and i have to pick up the slack which sucks. though more often than not, i am impressed by the vast majority of the employees and the effort they put out.
which leads into three, my coworkers are excellent.
my boss, the captain, is a fantastic manager. he has his quirks and faults,--so does everyone--but i have learned a lot from him about how to manage employees and the logistics running a grocery store.
our current first mate is wicked cool as well. i am learning a lot from talking to him and getting his thoughts on things.
the other established fulltimers at the store are fantastic as well. one is a merchant, and he has been such a big influence on me as a manager. he helped give me the confidence to really give this job the effortto succeed. the specialist is a damn hard worker. when i am working with him, i feel pushed to get that last extra bit done. anytime i ask him a question or present a scenario, i get a good, concise answer i can use.
we have lost a couple full timers since i came on board. one was one of the funniest guys i know. he would joke about everything and anything. he had some crazy stories. you could tell he wanted to slack, but he knew when there was work to be done. the other was one of the most cynical people i knew, but gave me great advice when i was thinking about accepting the promotion to full time. i developed a good friendship with him.
we currently have another newbie full timer. he's got a fun attitude most of the time and a sense of humor i like, but he is a bit harsh in his mangerial style. very much a d in the disc personality test (i'm a strong i), so he has some leadership experience to earn, but i think if he consciously tries to improve he will be fine.
the part timers are what make the job really great. one of my roommates is one. i actually got him the job at trader joe's. over the summer we got one of his friends to start there, but he left when school started up. so we replaced him with another aquaintance who has become a friend as well.
i have become really good friends with one of my original overnight crewmates. he has had a lot of awesome experiences in his life and if you want to define what a "good" person is it is him. also he may be the best stocker in the store which is nice.
we have this high school kid who i think is fantastic. i really like him and his attitude. i think he'll do good someday when he finds a career.
then there is college student who is one of the funniest and kookiest kids i will ever meet, but he loves trader joe's and does anything i ask with a smile on his face.
each part of the day has different workers bringing a creating unique atmospheres. i see the morning crew as more the people where trader joe's is their main occupation, while the evening and night people are more there for part time work--after school, pay for college, supplement the spouse's work or because it is a really fun, laid back place. each crew member is different and that keeps the interactions fresh and exciting.
there are a few things that aren't that great about the job. the long hours do get to me once in a while, but that is minor. bitchy customers are sometimes a hassle, but they are a very small minority of the shoppers (two slogans i like about trader joe's and our demographic are: "champagne taste on the beer budget" and "the overeducated, underfunded shopper"). most are fantastic, and i am starting to get to know the regulars.
then there are the crew members who perform below their potential for whatever reason--bad day, stress outside of work, getting sick of the job or they just plain suck. the three are easier to deal with than the last. that one takes a lot of effort, or they quit.
some of the employees are pretty close to my age (20-24). sometimes i feel they want to take advantage of the fact that i am in their peer group and maybe let them slide for slacking. or it could be i am just paranoid about over stepping the supervisor/employee boundaries.
my approach is to interact with each employee uniquely to ensure i stay within their comfort zone for work relationships.
the fulltimers have helped me get a lot of hands-on experience and know-how for the job. my other big source of education was the training program tj's has for first time managers. there i got to interact with other people in the same situation with me and learn a lot of abstract and intelletual aspects of how to be a manager. the things i learned i have tried to assimilate into my managerial style. i think i am doing a decent job at that. i can tell that i can get more out of the employees after the training then i could before.
combine the continually growing experience with that intellectual knowledge and i am becoming a better manager--more efficient and more empathetic with the employees.
this job is helping my personal life out as well. i appreciate the time i spend with carla and my friends way more now. all because it has become a much smaller portion of my time. i try to pack it in and balance it all. i am using my skills at interacting with customers and crew members in interacting with my friends and people i meet out in the world. i also have a lot of sympathy for anyone that works retail now. my eyes are wide open to the world of commerce.
and the money helps, but that isn't my main motivator.
don't get me wrong, it's a close second, but the satisfaction i get from knowing i am successful--i'm fully capable of the position, and i enjoy it immensely--at something is a damn good feeling.
and i am loving the career choice.
my job is basically prioritizing tasks and delegating work to the employees. i also have to do paperwork and deal with customers, but the bulk of it is formulating a list of tasks and managing people to get said tasks done in the most efficient manner.
i work quite a bit, 50+ hours most weeks, but the benefits are well worth it. first, the paycheck. it is the biggest i have ever gotten. health benefits are good--medical, dental and vision. a retirement fund that matches 15.4% of my gross pay without forking over a dime. 2 days off in a row (albeit tuesday and wednesday most weeks), which i hear is unheard of in the food retail business.
there are a few reasons why i could see myself doing this for quite a few years.
one, i feel challenged at my job.
when i go to work, i work. i have to put in effort for 10+ hours and be in constant activity. there is not a lot of down time, the occasional breather if it slows done for a few minutes or if customers are being friendly and want to chat. depending on what hours i am at the store (my shift switches pretty much every day--which i kinda like), i have a whole new set of tasks to oversee and accomplish.
two, i am good at it.
it is not hard manual labor, but it is physically active. i am on my feet for the whole time, constant bending, moving weights of 5lbs to 200lbs, and cleaning. as sad as it is to admit, i kind of like coming home and being wiped out. in a masochistic way, it feels like i've accomplished something real.
delegating jobs and assigning crew members to tasks is something i'm good at and enjoy. organizing willing people into accomplishment is a satisfying feeling. sometimes crew members don't live up to my expectations (a few have wore my expectations low, so i'm surprised when they do anything, but i digress), and i have to pick up the slack which sucks. though more often than not, i am impressed by the vast majority of the employees and the effort they put out.
which leads into three, my coworkers are excellent.
my boss, the captain, is a fantastic manager. he has his quirks and faults,--so does everyone--but i have learned a lot from him about how to manage employees and the logistics running a grocery store.
our current first mate is wicked cool as well. i am learning a lot from talking to him and getting his thoughts on things.
the other established fulltimers at the store are fantastic as well. one is a merchant, and he has been such a big influence on me as a manager. he helped give me the confidence to really give this job the effortto succeed. the specialist is a damn hard worker. when i am working with him, i feel pushed to get that last extra bit done. anytime i ask him a question or present a scenario, i get a good, concise answer i can use.
we have lost a couple full timers since i came on board. one was one of the funniest guys i know. he would joke about everything and anything. he had some crazy stories. you could tell he wanted to slack, but he knew when there was work to be done. the other was one of the most cynical people i knew, but gave me great advice when i was thinking about accepting the promotion to full time. i developed a good friendship with him.
we currently have another newbie full timer. he's got a fun attitude most of the time and a sense of humor i like, but he is a bit harsh in his mangerial style. very much a d in the disc personality test (i'm a strong i), so he has some leadership experience to earn, but i think if he consciously tries to improve he will be fine.
the part timers are what make the job really great. one of my roommates is one. i actually got him the job at trader joe's. over the summer we got one of his friends to start there, but he left when school started up. so we replaced him with another aquaintance who has become a friend as well.
i have become really good friends with one of my original overnight crewmates. he has had a lot of awesome experiences in his life and if you want to define what a "good" person is it is him. also he may be the best stocker in the store which is nice.
we have this high school kid who i think is fantastic. i really like him and his attitude. i think he'll do good someday when he finds a career.
then there is college student who is one of the funniest and kookiest kids i will ever meet, but he loves trader joe's and does anything i ask with a smile on his face.
each part of the day has different workers bringing a creating unique atmospheres. i see the morning crew as more the people where trader joe's is their main occupation, while the evening and night people are more there for part time work--after school, pay for college, supplement the spouse's work or because it is a really fun, laid back place. each crew member is different and that keeps the interactions fresh and exciting.
there are a few things that aren't that great about the job. the long hours do get to me once in a while, but that is minor. bitchy customers are sometimes a hassle, but they are a very small minority of the shoppers (two slogans i like about trader joe's and our demographic are: "champagne taste on the beer budget" and "the overeducated, underfunded shopper"). most are fantastic, and i am starting to get to know the regulars.
then there are the crew members who perform below their potential for whatever reason--bad day, stress outside of work, getting sick of the job or they just plain suck. the three are easier to deal with than the last. that one takes a lot of effort, or they quit.
some of the employees are pretty close to my age (20-24). sometimes i feel they want to take advantage of the fact that i am in their peer group and maybe let them slide for slacking. or it could be i am just paranoid about over stepping the supervisor/employee boundaries.
my approach is to interact with each employee uniquely to ensure i stay within their comfort zone for work relationships.
the fulltimers have helped me get a lot of hands-on experience and know-how for the job. my other big source of education was the training program tj's has for first time managers. there i got to interact with other people in the same situation with me and learn a lot of abstract and intelletual aspects of how to be a manager. the things i learned i have tried to assimilate into my managerial style. i think i am doing a decent job at that. i can tell that i can get more out of the employees after the training then i could before.
combine the continually growing experience with that intellectual knowledge and i am becoming a better manager--more efficient and more empathetic with the employees.
this job is helping my personal life out as well. i appreciate the time i spend with carla and my friends way more now. all because it has become a much smaller portion of my time. i try to pack it in and balance it all. i am using my skills at interacting with customers and crew members in interacting with my friends and people i meet out in the world. i also have a lot of sympathy for anyone that works retail now. my eyes are wide open to the world of commerce.
and the money helps, but that isn't my main motivator.
don't get me wrong, it's a close second, but the satisfaction i get from knowing i am successful--i'm fully capable of the position, and i enjoy it immensely--at something is a damn good feeling.
12.01.2004
8.22.2004
i hope my feet don't fail me now
meeting someone new always brings me a slight anxiety. is this person cool? are we going to relate on anything? do i want them in my circle of friends or do i need to drop this kid like a lit firecracker?
but then you have "the conversation." the one where you find that point that you both totally agree upon; you realize that your worldview, your experiences--hell, maybe even your goals--are all similiar enough that you become relieved that this person has entered your corner of earth.
it is even better when you have "the conversation" with established friends. when you re-enforce those bonds that brought you together in the first place. you renew that feeling when everything was the shit in your friendship. before the little tics and habits that constantly piss you off, but you always let them slide because you think, no--you know, that there is a love that only you and your boys can possess.
this ain't romantic love or family love. these are your boys. even if they move out of state or jobs and lifestyles keep you apart, you can always carry your certainty that it's just a phone call to their help if you need it.
some of my boys have moved on, i live with some of my boys, i've picked a couple new ones on my way. my words are not coming anywhere close enough to do the feeling of friendship justice.
but if you are reading this and you understand where i am coming from, then more power to you. at 23, i have friends i've had for half my life and i've had friends for a few months. i just hope some of them need me for the rest of my life the way i'll need them. because, buddy, blessed are those with friends and blessed are the friends.
but then you have "the conversation." the one where you find that point that you both totally agree upon; you realize that your worldview, your experiences--hell, maybe even your goals--are all similiar enough that you become relieved that this person has entered your corner of earth.
it is even better when you have "the conversation" with established friends. when you re-enforce those bonds that brought you together in the first place. you renew that feeling when everything was the shit in your friendship. before the little tics and habits that constantly piss you off, but you always let them slide because you think, no--you know, that there is a love that only you and your boys can possess.
this ain't romantic love or family love. these are your boys. even if they move out of state or jobs and lifestyles keep you apart, you can always carry your certainty that it's just a phone call to their help if you need it.
some of my boys have moved on, i live with some of my boys, i've picked a couple new ones on my way. my words are not coming anywhere close enough to do the feeling of friendship justice.
but if you are reading this and you understand where i am coming from, then more power to you. at 23, i have friends i've had for half my life and i've had friends for a few months. i just hope some of them need me for the rest of my life the way i'll need them. because, buddy, blessed are those with friends and blessed are the friends.
8.17.2004
uh i like it like that
suppose person 1, 2 and 3 are sitting in a room and person 4 walks in.
#4 takes something out of his pocket and hands it (say it is a really cool toy that person 1 would not mind owning) to person 1 who says, "what's this?"
person 2 responds "person X got that for you"
person 1 is going to think that it is a present for them.
the problem arises when person 2 was talking to person 4 and not to #1 who actually asked the question.
person 2 was wrong for answering the question like that. semantics or for just not paying attention to the conversation. just as long as we are clear on person 2 being wrong.
the olympics are now in full swing. i love the olympics. the idea of pure sport and pure competition is what i like to see and experience.
which is why i hate the way the nbc commentators are always talking about medals and how the americans are trying to win everything. ugh. it just seems such an american-centric thing to say. yes, it is great that our nation's athletes are some of the best in the world and we do kick all around ass living in this country of ours, but i feel that is missing the point of the olympics.
growing up i used to watch the canadian station (cbc) coverage of the olympics because they offered a more rounded view of what was going on at the games than the american stations.
i wish our media would realize that it is the ideals of the olympics that make the games great, not which country takes home the gold.
#4 takes something out of his pocket and hands it (say it is a really cool toy that person 1 would not mind owning) to person 1 who says, "what's this?"
person 2 responds "person X got that for you"
person 1 is going to think that it is a present for them.
the problem arises when person 2 was talking to person 4 and not to #1 who actually asked the question.
person 2 was wrong for answering the question like that. semantics or for just not paying attention to the conversation. just as long as we are clear on person 2 being wrong.
the olympics are now in full swing. i love the olympics. the idea of pure sport and pure competition is what i like to see and experience.
which is why i hate the way the nbc commentators are always talking about medals and how the americans are trying to win everything. ugh. it just seems such an american-centric thing to say. yes, it is great that our nation's athletes are some of the best in the world and we do kick all around ass living in this country of ours, but i feel that is missing the point of the olympics.
growing up i used to watch the canadian station (cbc) coverage of the olympics because they offered a more rounded view of what was going on at the games than the american stations.
i wish our media would realize that it is the ideals of the olympics that make the games great, not which country takes home the gold.
8.13.2004
sometimes opportunity doesn't knock
and it just sits on your front porch because it is a complete idiot.
having digital cable has slowly evolved my tv viewing patterns into something i don't know if i can handle for much longer.
5:30pm is jeopardy on channel 8. this is about the only thing i watch at a specific time. i absolutely love this show and it is on just before i go to work, so i'm usually always home.
the ondemand movie selection that comes free with the hbo, cinemax and starz package has also changed my appreciation of tv. it's gone from an 8.8 to a 9.9. watching all of these movies AT ANY TIME YOU WANT was more than i asked for when i signed up.
then there is the requeisite sportscenter. i'll watch any viewing of the show. it's usually the 4 or 5 am show just before i go to bed.
what has really changed my life is the music video channels. i spend way more time than i should flipping back between all of them.
fuse: not bad, lots of alternative a bit too much whiny emo/punk/pop/rock, though
m2: good because they play beavis and butthead at 3am
mtv jams: all hiphop all the time, but not necessarily good hiphop all the time
mtv hits: if it is song that plays on jams, vh1 soul or vh1 megahits, it's good otherwise it is trl garbage
mtv espanol: spanish videos are the funniest, but only because i have no clue what they are singing.
vh1 classic rock: which is really more 80s than classic rock (which i think was mainly late 60s and the 70s)
vh1 soul: i think this is the best one of all of them. it has the best videos consistently. and they play the more powerful version of kanye west's "jesus walks" video.
vh1 mega hits: from the early 90s on, all the classic rock and pop videos of my generation
i bet i waste at least 10-12 hours a week on these channels. before you start judging, most of those hours are when the roomies and guests are all hanging out. we get a variety of music and something to watch if the conversation lulls. so we have a point dammit.
Lemme tell it to you one mo' again
All I got to do is tell a girl who I am (Petey!)
Ain't naa chick in here dat I can't have
Bada boom bada bam ba bam!
--"goodies" by ciara featuring petey pablo
having digital cable has slowly evolved my tv viewing patterns into something i don't know if i can handle for much longer.
5:30pm is jeopardy on channel 8. this is about the only thing i watch at a specific time. i absolutely love this show and it is on just before i go to work, so i'm usually always home.
the ondemand movie selection that comes free with the hbo, cinemax and starz package has also changed my appreciation of tv. it's gone from an 8.8 to a 9.9. watching all of these movies AT ANY TIME YOU WANT was more than i asked for when i signed up.
then there is the requeisite sportscenter. i'll watch any viewing of the show. it's usually the 4 or 5 am show just before i go to bed.
what has really changed my life is the music video channels. i spend way more time than i should flipping back between all of them.
fuse: not bad, lots of alternative a bit too much whiny emo/punk/pop/rock, though
m2: good because they play beavis and butthead at 3am
mtv jams: all hiphop all the time, but not necessarily good hiphop all the time
mtv hits: if it is song that plays on jams, vh1 soul or vh1 megahits, it's good otherwise it is trl garbage
mtv espanol: spanish videos are the funniest, but only because i have no clue what they are singing.
vh1 classic rock: which is really more 80s than classic rock (which i think was mainly late 60s and the 70s)
vh1 soul: i think this is the best one of all of them. it has the best videos consistently. and they play the more powerful version of kanye west's "jesus walks" video.
vh1 mega hits: from the early 90s on, all the classic rock and pop videos of my generation
i bet i waste at least 10-12 hours a week on these channels. before you start judging, most of those hours are when the roomies and guests are all hanging out. we get a variety of music and something to watch if the conversation lulls. so we have a point dammit.
Lemme tell it to you one mo' again
All I got to do is tell a girl who I am (Petey!)
Ain't naa chick in here dat I can't have
Bada boom bada bam ba bam!
--"goodies" by ciara featuring petey pablo
8.11.2004
don't say nuthin
first, i found the worst panda express on the planet. i have eaten at a lot of panda expresses. it is just one of those food court staples that i seek out.
on the h concourse food court of o'hare airport in chicago sits the worst panda express ever. sloppy service, too much english spoken (hell even some white folks were working there), the beef and broccolli was shaved beef with brown gravy. the fried rice was more like dried rice. it was just so disappointing.
it shatters a conception i had about the panda express being one of the greatest food court venues of all time. it will take me a while to recover.
yesterday i think was officially the last day of summer for me. it was absolutely beautiful outside. i was hanging out with friends. it could not have gotten any better.
but it was the end of summer. all this weekend almost every one of my worcester friends will be in vermont for the phish show or tke retreat. i will be working. then just under a month school starts up again for everybody. working and school and finding time to relax basically sucks.
the summer is by far the best. you work and chill out.
summer rules.
only if it wasn't so damn hot...
God show me the way because the Devil's tryna to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me)
The only thing that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
(Jesus Walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus Walks with me)
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long.
--"jesus walks" by kanye west
on the h concourse food court of o'hare airport in chicago sits the worst panda express ever. sloppy service, too much english spoken (hell even some white folks were working there), the beef and broccolli was shaved beef with brown gravy. the fried rice was more like dried rice. it was just so disappointing.
it shatters a conception i had about the panda express being one of the greatest food court venues of all time. it will take me a while to recover.
yesterday i think was officially the last day of summer for me. it was absolutely beautiful outside. i was hanging out with friends. it could not have gotten any better.
but it was the end of summer. all this weekend almost every one of my worcester friends will be in vermont for the phish show or tke retreat. i will be working. then just under a month school starts up again for everybody. working and school and finding time to relax basically sucks.
the summer is by far the best. you work and chill out.
summer rules.
only if it wasn't so damn hot...
God show me the way because the Devil's tryna to break me down
(Jesus Walks with me)
The only thing that I pray is that me feet don't fail me now
(Jesus Walks)
And I don't think there is nothing I can do now to right my wrongs
(Jesus Walks with me)
I want to talk to God but I'm afraid because we ain't spoke in so long.
--"jesus walks" by kanye west
8.08.2004
the twins played 18 innings and only got one loss.
well, i just got back to my parent's after spending the whole weekend with my extended family.
just a few quick notes:
1. too many members of my family listen to country music. the problem i have with country music (and i think pop music) is that it is too narrative. not enough imagery and analogies and lyrics that make no sense. country music is too straight forward for my style.
2. too many members of my family watch nascar. and by too many, i mean more than zero.
3. i never get to see my little cousins enough. the joy of trying to find your hat that 3 of them are hiding on you is a joy that everyone needs in their life. so is playing the "pick me up and let's go tap the big people on the head" game. the only equipment you need for that one is a 4 year old.
4. trying to do family pictures with 20+ in the picture is near impossible.
5. i wish i could come home more.
qotd: "they kept telling me that you moved back to hibbing and that you're an alcoholic...i told them you probably did that out in wooster."--my sister katie.
just a few quick notes:
1. too many members of my family listen to country music. the problem i have with country music (and i think pop music) is that it is too narrative. not enough imagery and analogies and lyrics that make no sense. country music is too straight forward for my style.
2. too many members of my family watch nascar. and by too many, i mean more than zero.
3. i never get to see my little cousins enough. the joy of trying to find your hat that 3 of them are hiding on you is a joy that everyone needs in their life. so is playing the "pick me up and let's go tap the big people on the head" game. the only equipment you need for that one is a 4 year old.
4. trying to do family pictures with 20+ in the picture is near impossible.
5. i wish i could come home more.
qotd: "they kept telling me that you moved back to hibbing and that you're an alcoholic...i told them you probably did that out in wooster."--my sister katie.
8.05.2004
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the end of the night
He’s gotta be strong
And he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure
And it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life
bonnie tyler's lyrics hold true today just as they did back in the 80s.
a short list of my heroes is as follows (and by heroes i more mean people that have really fucking cool lifestyles that while a) they help society out in some manner they also b) make a ton of money):
john stewart--the host of the daily show is one of my favorite people. his job is to be sarcastic about the news and then interview celebrities and pundits and authors and politicians and make fun of them.
jack black--he has musical talent, which i have none of. he acts in movies, which i could if discovered, and he just keeps on rocking. he's funny all the time. subtract the enormous amounts of coke that he snorts, and his life is pretty cake.
molly ivins--she's a syndicated columnist (the most bullshit job in the history of employment) that i find to be very intelligent. while quite the liberal, she does make some good points and i usually find her arguments against conservatives at least well constructed unlike some of her counterparts that i also find on the editoral page.
lotd: this land
qotd: "king kong ain't got nothing on me!"-- b-rad from malibu's most wanted
He’s gotta be strong
And he’s gotta be fast
And he’s gotta be fresh from the fight
I need a hero
I’m holding out for a hero ‘til the morning light
He’s gotta be sure
And it’s gotta be soon
And he’s gotta be larger than life
bonnie tyler's lyrics hold true today just as they did back in the 80s.
a short list of my heroes is as follows (and by heroes i more mean people that have really fucking cool lifestyles that while a) they help society out in some manner they also b) make a ton of money):
john stewart--the host of the daily show is one of my favorite people. his job is to be sarcastic about the news and then interview celebrities and pundits and authors and politicians and make fun of them.
jack black--he has musical talent, which i have none of. he acts in movies, which i could if discovered, and he just keeps on rocking. he's funny all the time. subtract the enormous amounts of coke that he snorts, and his life is pretty cake.
molly ivins--she's a syndicated columnist (the most bullshit job in the history of employment) that i find to be very intelligent. while quite the liberal, she does make some good points and i usually find her arguments against conservatives at least well constructed unlike some of her counterparts that i also find on the editoral page.
lotd: this land
qotd: "king kong ain't got nothing on me!"-- b-rad from malibu's most wanted
8.04.2004
when sheriff john brown comes for you
I leave for the blogging world for 3 months and all of sudden no one else is blogging. isaac, dan, madpony, chunshek everybody is all out of the blog world. many different reasons, but i feel as though i missed a memo or something. i enjoyed all of those insights, ramblings, commentaries, whatever you want to call them. so now i must carry on the torch.
as the D would say: rock ON!
peter gammons claims that one of the best things for baseball would be for the minnesota twins to win the world series. after watching them blank the anaheim angels last night 10-0, i am getting the bug. i knew they would win the AL central again. it is the weakest division in baseball. even when the chisox were threatening, i was not concerned. now they are clicking and have a 5 game lead in the division.
let's look at the other probable AL playoff teams. in the east, you have the yankees. their pitching will self destruct this postseason just as it did in 2002. brown is about the best thing on that team and he's just getting back from an injury. they will go nowhere.
the A's are in the lead out west, but they have a nice curse going on the last few years that they can't make it the fall classic. and the twins made a improbably comeback in 2002 against them, as did the red sox last year, so the A's are broken.
the rangers could make the playoffs as the wildcard, but the only reason they are having a good season is because a-rod left. teams always do this when their overpaid superstar leaves. they exceed expectations until it really counts and they fall. it has been well documented.
then we have the red sox. i actually hope they get the wild card. that way, they play the A's in the first round and the underdog twins can whoop on the yankee's. then we whomp on the red sox in the alcs. and maybe i can get tickets to fenway and get my ass kicked by angry sox fans when the twinkies wrap up the series in game 4 at the fen.
then whoever comes out of the NL will have to put up with the twins facing destiny. let it be the cards. we won the 87 series agains them. the dodgers traded deluca away, so they lost some of the heart they had before. and gagne is no longer invincible--still really good, but not invincible. we beat the braves in 91 for the best world series of all time (kirby in game 6, then jack morris in game 7). and the wild card can be the cubbies, and they will lose because nomar is the one with the curse. he can't win the big one. he has a jerk agent.
so come october, the twins will be going to disneyland.
link of the day (lotd): sportsguy.net bill simmons page updated everyday. espn's greatest columnist and one of my heroes.
quote of the day(qotd): "havin' a girl as a friend is like having 19 dollars in your bank account and looking at your ATM card"--cash
as the D would say: rock ON!
peter gammons claims that one of the best things for baseball would be for the minnesota twins to win the world series. after watching them blank the anaheim angels last night 10-0, i am getting the bug. i knew they would win the AL central again. it is the weakest division in baseball. even when the chisox were threatening, i was not concerned. now they are clicking and have a 5 game lead in the division.
let's look at the other probable AL playoff teams. in the east, you have the yankees. their pitching will self destruct this postseason just as it did in 2002. brown is about the best thing on that team and he's just getting back from an injury. they will go nowhere.
the A's are in the lead out west, but they have a nice curse going on the last few years that they can't make it the fall classic. and the twins made a improbably comeback in 2002 against them, as did the red sox last year, so the A's are broken.
the rangers could make the playoffs as the wildcard, but the only reason they are having a good season is because a-rod left. teams always do this when their overpaid superstar leaves. they exceed expectations until it really counts and they fall. it has been well documented.
then we have the red sox. i actually hope they get the wild card. that way, they play the A's in the first round and the underdog twins can whoop on the yankee's. then we whomp on the red sox in the alcs. and maybe i can get tickets to fenway and get my ass kicked by angry sox fans when the twinkies wrap up the series in game 4 at the fen.
then whoever comes out of the NL will have to put up with the twins facing destiny. let it be the cards. we won the 87 series agains them. the dodgers traded deluca away, so they lost some of the heart they had before. and gagne is no longer invincible--still really good, but not invincible. we beat the braves in 91 for the best world series of all time (kirby in game 6, then jack morris in game 7). and the wild card can be the cubbies, and they will lose because nomar is the one with the curse. he can't win the big one. he has a jerk agent.
so come october, the twins will be going to disneyland.
link of the day (lotd): sportsguy.net bill simmons page updated everyday. espn's greatest columnist and one of my heroes.
quote of the day(qotd): "havin' a girl as a friend is like having 19 dollars in your bank account and looking at your ATM card"--cash
8.03.2004
i don't remember the last 3 months
that's a total lie. i remember what i did the last three months. not totally interesting. i moved into a new apartment (172 russell st, if you are ever in worcester).
but don't come visit right now because this week i am in minnesoter. rocking the home state for my sister's high school grad party. she will be attending u of wisconsin stevens point in just a few short weeks.
i know i make the promise to write here everyday after i quit for a couple months, and this being my third such break, i will stop with the bullshit and just post whenever the hell i feel like it. which--for the next few weeks--should be quite regular now that i have decided to care again.
observations i would like to share:
i read the sixth book in the dark tower series--song of susannah. the book is completely superb. i was a little worried about a couple plot devices, but king was able to pull it all together. the seventh--and final (*tear*)--volume will come out soon, and i cannot wait. when it is all over i do not know what i will do. this is the first book series that i discovered while it was still being written. i've been waiting 10 years for these final books to be published. i love books.
a friend of mine got a job at trader joe's. he got the job basically because he wanted something to do for the summer. this absolutely blew me away. all his bills are paid for. money is not an issue. it was basically for extra spending cash. i do not understand this. if i did not need the money i would not work. i just wouldn't. working takes up WAY too much of my day. and i don't get enough non-work days in a week. i want something where a check is deposited into my bank every couple weeks (and not welfare!). i am basically left with the lottery, but the odds are so shitty that it is not a viable enough risk to take. unless the jackpot is up over 200 mil. then i'll drop $5. but if i did not have to work, i sure as hell would not.
the manchurian candidate has been remade with denzel washington. remaking classic movies which are really good to begin with is a trend that i despise with hollywood. the original candidate with the chairman is a fantastic film. but what really bothers me is the commercial for the new one that has a quote from some critic that basically says: no one will breathe in the final 30 minutes of the movie. can this quote be any more stupid? if no one breathes for half an hour they will die.
i have been listening to the tenacious d album so much in the last couple weeks. jack black is my new hero. the ten commandments of the d are nothing but pure, unadulterated genius.
1. Never stop Rocking.
2. Legalize all drugs.
3. Quit your day job.
4. All Religion should be taxed.
5. Cut down on carbohydrates.
6. Fuck her gently.
7. Never believe what people tell you after a show.
8. Always take a spoon full of Metamucil after a heavy day of eating.
9. Get at least 9 hours of sleep a day.
10. Eatin' ain't cheatin'.
for everyone that tells me that my political viewpoints will not ever take hold in the mainstream, i leave you with this quote from florence kennedy:
be patient. it may take thirty years, but sooner or later they'll listen to you, and in the meantime, keep kicking ass.
but don't come visit right now because this week i am in minnesoter. rocking the home state for my sister's high school grad party. she will be attending u of wisconsin stevens point in just a few short weeks.
i know i make the promise to write here everyday after i quit for a couple months, and this being my third such break, i will stop with the bullshit and just post whenever the hell i feel like it. which--for the next few weeks--should be quite regular now that i have decided to care again.
observations i would like to share:
i read the sixth book in the dark tower series--song of susannah. the book is completely superb. i was a little worried about a couple plot devices, but king was able to pull it all together. the seventh--and final (*tear*)--volume will come out soon, and i cannot wait. when it is all over i do not know what i will do. this is the first book series that i discovered while it was still being written. i've been waiting 10 years for these final books to be published. i love books.
a friend of mine got a job at trader joe's. he got the job basically because he wanted something to do for the summer. this absolutely blew me away. all his bills are paid for. money is not an issue. it was basically for extra spending cash. i do not understand this. if i did not need the money i would not work. i just wouldn't. working takes up WAY too much of my day. and i don't get enough non-work days in a week. i want something where a check is deposited into my bank every couple weeks (and not welfare!). i am basically left with the lottery, but the odds are so shitty that it is not a viable enough risk to take. unless the jackpot is up over 200 mil. then i'll drop $5. but if i did not have to work, i sure as hell would not.
the manchurian candidate has been remade with denzel washington. remaking classic movies which are really good to begin with is a trend that i despise with hollywood. the original candidate with the chairman is a fantastic film. but what really bothers me is the commercial for the new one that has a quote from some critic that basically says: no one will breathe in the final 30 minutes of the movie. can this quote be any more stupid? if no one breathes for half an hour they will die.
i have been listening to the tenacious d album so much in the last couple weeks. jack black is my new hero. the ten commandments of the d are nothing but pure, unadulterated genius.
1. Never stop Rocking.
2. Legalize all drugs.
3. Quit your day job.
4. All Religion should be taxed.
5. Cut down on carbohydrates.
6. Fuck her gently.
7. Never believe what people tell you after a show.
8. Always take a spoon full of Metamucil after a heavy day of eating.
9. Get at least 9 hours of sleep a day.
10. Eatin' ain't cheatin'.
for everyone that tells me that my political viewpoints will not ever take hold in the mainstream, i leave you with this quote from florence kennedy:
be patient. it may take thirty years, but sooner or later they'll listen to you, and in the meantime, keep kicking ass.
5.18.2004
i heart pancakes
it has taken 23+ years, but i actually like hip hop music now. i used to never be able to stand it, but i've been brainwashed by my friends and mtv.
being a new member of the hiphop fan club, i don't know everyone and if they are good or not, but there are a couple people i really like.
kayne west and twista are really good. kayne just makes really good music and twista has quick rhymes. he actually beat busta rhymes for fastest rapper. i don't know what kind of quantitative measures they took to determine that, but there you go.
as far as new groups or new albums (or new to me) go, i am a huge fan of wookie foot. these guys are great. i have finally realized the musical genius that is outkast. also just started getting into atmosphere, it's just a ten letter word.
jet, the postal service, white stripes, mars volta, the new alanis, the new incubus, modest mouse, and shamed as i am to admit it, new found glory.
for me, music never really took on an important status in my life until sometime in my senior year of high school. now it's the background to most of my life. we'll sit around and just listen to music. we'll drive around and just listen to music. i love hearing a song and having the memories it is associated with pop up in my head. good times.
and can someone please explain to me why jessica simpson's little sister ashley(?) gets her own ablum and i still don't have my own tv show?
being a new member of the hiphop fan club, i don't know everyone and if they are good or not, but there are a couple people i really like.
kayne west and twista are really good. kayne just makes really good music and twista has quick rhymes. he actually beat busta rhymes for fastest rapper. i don't know what kind of quantitative measures they took to determine that, but there you go.
as far as new groups or new albums (or new to me) go, i am a huge fan of wookie foot. these guys are great. i have finally realized the musical genius that is outkast. also just started getting into atmosphere, it's just a ten letter word.
jet, the postal service, white stripes, mars volta, the new alanis, the new incubus, modest mouse, and shamed as i am to admit it, new found glory.
for me, music never really took on an important status in my life until sometime in my senior year of high school. now it's the background to most of my life. we'll sit around and just listen to music. we'll drive around and just listen to music. i love hearing a song and having the memories it is associated with pop up in my head. good times.
and can someone please explain to me why jessica simpson's little sister ashley(?) gets her own ablum and i still don't have my own tv show?
5.17.2004
5.16.2004
...and the well ran dry
if you imbibe the amount of alcohol in order to black out, an interesting thing happens. the cause of the blackout is the hippocampus. or more specifically, the hippocampus stops working.
the purpose of the hippocampus is to transfer information from the short-term to the long-term memory. now when you get really drunk, it just shuts off and doesn't transfer the memory--your experience--to storage.
since short term is that, short term. i would think that when you reach blackout stage, you aren't really aware about why you are doing something, just that you are doing it. think about it. if you can only remember back 30 seconds you won't remember why the cops are using tasers on you, only that they hurt.
i used to think that you did create and store the memories, you just broke the retrieval system for those memories. but you don't even store the experience. it never exists inside your head!
if you think that our memories and experiences define our reality, the fact that these memories--and effectively, the experiences--do not exist your reality may be skewed.
it is a good thing i subscribe to a theory of objective, concrete reality.
the purpose of the hippocampus is to transfer information from the short-term to the long-term memory. now when you get really drunk, it just shuts off and doesn't transfer the memory--your experience--to storage.
since short term is that, short term. i would think that when you reach blackout stage, you aren't really aware about why you are doing something, just that you are doing it. think about it. if you can only remember back 30 seconds you won't remember why the cops are using tasers on you, only that they hurt.
i used to think that you did create and store the memories, you just broke the retrieval system for those memories. but you don't even store the experience. it never exists inside your head!
if you think that our memories and experiences define our reality, the fact that these memories--and effectively, the experiences--do not exist your reality may be skewed.
it is a good thing i subscribe to a theory of objective, concrete reality.
5.10.2004
read and be amazed by our government.
both by the dem senator from minnesota and the geniuses in the administration as they discuss the cbs report on the iraqi prisoner photos. (transcript from washington post)
towards end of hearing...
MEYERS: I called CBS to ask them to delay the pictures showing on CBS's "60 Minutes" because I thought it would result in direct harm...
Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.): Mr. Secretary, is that standard procedure for the military command of this country to try to suppress a news report at the highest level?
MYERS: It didn't -- let me just -- Senator Dayton, this is a serious allegation...
DAYTON: Sure is.
MYERS: ... and it's absolutely -- the context of your question, I believe, is wrong.
DAYTON: I understand the context, General, you...
MYERS: Let me just...
DAYTON: ... told us the context earlier. I have very limited time, sir.
(CROSSTALK)
MYERS: I want to take as much time as we need to straighten this out.
This report -- the report was already out there, the news was out there about the abuse...
DAYTON: General, if the news had been out there and we had all known about it...
(CROSSTALK)
Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va). (Chairman): Senator, I ask that the witness be allowed to respond to your question. They're very important questions.
General, would you proceed?
MYERS: Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Senator Dayton.
This was not to suppress anything. What I asked CBS News to do was to delay the release of the pictures, given the current situation in Iraq, which was as bad as it had been since major combat ended, because I thought it bring direct harm to our troops; it would kill our troops.
We talked about it, and I said, "I know this report will eventually come out. But this -- if you can delay it for some period of time -- it would be helpful."
DAYTON: What period of time is that?
MYERS: I did it based on talking to General Abizaid and his worry was like mine, and he convinced me that this was the right thing to do. There was no -- this report has been around since January. What was new were the pictures. I asked for the pictures to be delayed.
DAYTON: Did you discuss delaying -- calling CBS to ask them to delay their report, with the secretary of defense, or the vice president or the president?
MYERS: Of course not.
DAYTON: None of those.
MYERS: Of course not.
DAYTON: I would just say, General -- and I agree with your assessment of the consequences of this on our troops, and that's the great tragedy of this, but attempts to suppress news reports, to withhold the truth from Congress and from the American people is antithetical to democracy.
MYERS: You bet it is. And that's not what we were doing.
DAYTON: And whatever the intentions may be, sir, the result is always the same. And it's, I think, terribly tragic that the president, who wants to expand democracy around the world, by actions of his own administration is undermining that democracy in the United States.
DAYTON: That's always the result when people try to control information, delay it, manage it and suppress it, it has that result. It's antithetical to a democracy.
RUMSFELD: May I speak a minute, Mr. Senator?
Throughout the history of this country, there have been instances where military situations have existed that have led government to talk to members of the media and make an editorial request of them that they delay for some period disclosing some piece of information. It is not against our history. It is not against our principles. It is not suppression of the news. And it's a misunderstanding of the situation to say it is.
DAYTON: It is against our principles. It's against our principles when you come before 40 to 45 members of the Senate three hours before that news report is going to occur and don't mention one word about it, sir.
That is antithetical to democracy and the Constitution, which has the Senate and the House as co-equal responsibility for this country.
I want to just ask about the escalation of American forces, sir. You're bringing in, in response to all of this -- and this is also important. This is the future of this nation and the people who are over there.
You're increasing the number of forces, the number of tanks over there. How can this have anything to do but to escalate the level of violence, the opposition of Iraqis, intensify the hatred across the Arab world to the United States, and more atrocities? How can this have any result other than to put us deeper into this situation and make the conditions there worse for our forces and for our nation and for the world?
man, nov 2 can't come fast enough
towards end of hearing...
MEYERS: I called CBS to ask them to delay the pictures showing on CBS's "60 Minutes" because I thought it would result in direct harm...
Sen. Mark Dayton (D-Minn.): Mr. Secretary, is that standard procedure for the military command of this country to try to suppress a news report at the highest level?
MYERS: It didn't -- let me just -- Senator Dayton, this is a serious allegation...
DAYTON: Sure is.
MYERS: ... and it's absolutely -- the context of your question, I believe, is wrong.
DAYTON: I understand the context, General, you...
MYERS: Let me just...
DAYTON: ... told us the context earlier. I have very limited time, sir.
(CROSSTALK)
MYERS: I want to take as much time as we need to straighten this out.
This report -- the report was already out there, the news was out there about the abuse...
DAYTON: General, if the news had been out there and we had all known about it...
(CROSSTALK)
Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va). (Chairman): Senator, I ask that the witness be allowed to respond to your question. They're very important questions.
General, would you proceed?
MYERS: Thank you, sir.
Thank you, Senator Dayton.
This was not to suppress anything. What I asked CBS News to do was to delay the release of the pictures, given the current situation in Iraq, which was as bad as it had been since major combat ended, because I thought it bring direct harm to our troops; it would kill our troops.
We talked about it, and I said, "I know this report will eventually come out. But this -- if you can delay it for some period of time -- it would be helpful."
DAYTON: What period of time is that?
MYERS: I did it based on talking to General Abizaid and his worry was like mine, and he convinced me that this was the right thing to do. There was no -- this report has been around since January. What was new were the pictures. I asked for the pictures to be delayed.
DAYTON: Did you discuss delaying -- calling CBS to ask them to delay their report, with the secretary of defense, or the vice president or the president?
MYERS: Of course not.
DAYTON: None of those.
MYERS: Of course not.
DAYTON: I would just say, General -- and I agree with your assessment of the consequences of this on our troops, and that's the great tragedy of this, but attempts to suppress news reports, to withhold the truth from Congress and from the American people is antithetical to democracy.
MYERS: You bet it is. And that's not what we were doing.
DAYTON: And whatever the intentions may be, sir, the result is always the same. And it's, I think, terribly tragic that the president, who wants to expand democracy around the world, by actions of his own administration is undermining that democracy in the United States.
DAYTON: That's always the result when people try to control information, delay it, manage it and suppress it, it has that result. It's antithetical to a democracy.
RUMSFELD: May I speak a minute, Mr. Senator?
Throughout the history of this country, there have been instances where military situations have existed that have led government to talk to members of the media and make an editorial request of them that they delay for some period disclosing some piece of information. It is not against our history. It is not against our principles. It is not suppression of the news. And it's a misunderstanding of the situation to say it is.
DAYTON: It is against our principles. It's against our principles when you come before 40 to 45 members of the Senate three hours before that news report is going to occur and don't mention one word about it, sir.
That is antithetical to democracy and the Constitution, which has the Senate and the House as co-equal responsibility for this country.
I want to just ask about the escalation of American forces, sir. You're bringing in, in response to all of this -- and this is also important. This is the future of this nation and the people who are over there.
You're increasing the number of forces, the number of tanks over there. How can this have anything to do but to escalate the level of violence, the opposition of Iraqis, intensify the hatred across the Arab world to the United States, and more atrocities? How can this have any result other than to put us deeper into this situation and make the conditions there worse for our forces and for our nation and for the world?
man, nov 2 can't come fast enough
quitting an addiction is for the weakwilled
i liked this personality test at animalinyou.com
i was either a hippo or zebra. i could be a gorilla.
i think that zebra fit best, though.
i was either a hippo or zebra. i could be a gorilla.
i think that zebra fit best, though.
5.09.2004
understanding as i know it
the other day at work we were getting rid of some oj that was going to expire the next day. the store policy is to toss out all out dated products. i took one of the ojs and drank it.
one guy at work said it was wrong to do that because it is against store policy. then another coworker said she thought it was immoral to waste good food like that. the guy said it didn't matter, wrong was wrong.
i said that defying company policy would be an ethical issue, and i have no problem being unethical. and if wasting food was immoral, then damnit let's drink this oj!
the guy went back to stating that wrong is wrong.
now, i realize moral relativisim is a slippery slope. but that is just as bad as thinking there should be no latitude in the severity of an offense.
it is amazing how much you can gleam from people based on one comment or one stance on a subject. among my coworkers, his stock dropped, and hers rose.
and the oj was delicious.
one guy at work said it was wrong to do that because it is against store policy. then another coworker said she thought it was immoral to waste good food like that. the guy said it didn't matter, wrong was wrong.
i said that defying company policy would be an ethical issue, and i have no problem being unethical. and if wasting food was immoral, then damnit let's drink this oj!
the guy went back to stating that wrong is wrong.
now, i realize moral relativisim is a slippery slope. but that is just as bad as thinking there should be no latitude in the severity of an offense.
it is amazing how much you can gleam from people based on one comment or one stance on a subject. among my coworkers, his stock dropped, and hers rose.
and the oj was delicious.
5.04.2004
nobodys romancing because its too early for dancing
wet bread is one of the grossest things i can imagine.
a sink of full of dirty dishes, soaking away in the soapy water. one hunk of white bread blown up like a sponge.
you can't grab it and pick it up because it will just disintegrate in your hand. like a piece of decaying tissue.
correction, it is the grossest thing i can imagine. i was gagging just writing these couple sentences.
i bring it up because i was watching "surviving nugent" tonight on vh1. and they had a contest where one person would jump in a vat of baked beans then their partner would have to remove the beans from the first person with their mouth and fill up a can. it was one of the creepiest things i have ever seen. their were 3 pairs. one set of girls, a mixed couple and 2 guys. the guys won.
ted nugent is a crazy, crazy man, but he has a hot wife. and anytime i see a whack job or an ugly guy with a hottie, it gives me faith that beautiful women will put up with ugly whack jobs like myself.
/change subject/
i respect tilman (the pro football player that quit to join the army and died in afghanistan) and believe what he did was right and good. but the excessive media coverage by espn and other stations is wearing thin.
are acts of deceny of moral uprightness that few and far between in our society that the ones do happen must be elevated to some larger proportion? where is the coverage of all the other service men and women that have given their lives for this great nation?
giving up riches does not give your greatness. having athletic prowress but giving it up for public service does not give you greatness. to borrow a page from shoes, only greatness gives you greatness.
tilman was a great man. so media, please don't diminish it by forcing your commentary down my throat. i will discuss life and death when i want to.
a sink of full of dirty dishes, soaking away in the soapy water. one hunk of white bread blown up like a sponge.
you can't grab it and pick it up because it will just disintegrate in your hand. like a piece of decaying tissue.
correction, it is the grossest thing i can imagine. i was gagging just writing these couple sentences.
i bring it up because i was watching "surviving nugent" tonight on vh1. and they had a contest where one person would jump in a vat of baked beans then their partner would have to remove the beans from the first person with their mouth and fill up a can. it was one of the creepiest things i have ever seen. their were 3 pairs. one set of girls, a mixed couple and 2 guys. the guys won.
ted nugent is a crazy, crazy man, but he has a hot wife. and anytime i see a whack job or an ugly guy with a hottie, it gives me faith that beautiful women will put up with ugly whack jobs like myself.
/change subject/
i respect tilman (the pro football player that quit to join the army and died in afghanistan) and believe what he did was right and good. but the excessive media coverage by espn and other stations is wearing thin.
are acts of deceny of moral uprightness that few and far between in our society that the ones do happen must be elevated to some larger proportion? where is the coverage of all the other service men and women that have given their lives for this great nation?
giving up riches does not give your greatness. having athletic prowress but giving it up for public service does not give you greatness. to borrow a page from shoes, only greatness gives you greatness.
tilman was a great man. so media, please don't diminish it by forcing your commentary down my throat. i will discuss life and death when i want to.
4.28.2004
i mine authority
i am losing my capacity to care about school. 2 weeks left including finals week, and i am getting tired of it. i just did some homework and checked up on a couple classes online. it looks like Bs across the board again, which is fine with me. i just want to finish this degree. this post may get whiny, but i am in a whiny mood.
5 years ago, i would have been hard pressed to believe you if you told me at 23 i would be a 2 time college dropout, looking at 2 more years of school, and the vast majority of my college boys settling down successfuly in the real world.
there was a time when i considered myself one of the most intelligent and most together people around.
2 things wrong with that image. first, i am way more intelligent now than i was then, where i now realize that i am still a complete idiot.
second, i don't have shit together. i am barely able to function as a normal member of society. any of my friends could tell you that.
ugh. i'm such a whiny bitch.
basically spending a weekend with my friends i came to college with (who have been out for a year with degrees), has made me feel way less secure about myself and what i am trying to do with my life. these guys all have jobs, one is going to take over his own company, a couple are definately close to being married (one is doing it in a month!).
i am that friend that hasn't done anything. and then they ask what i'm up to when i haven't seen them for awhile, and i feel embarrassed telling them "worcester state, nite stock at trader joe's." it feels like saying "loser."
not there is anything wrong with what i'm doing, it's just not the 5 year plan i started out on. and i think i feel embarrassed more for the reason that they all knew me when it looked like i was on the same track as them, not the "that guy" track.
5 years ago, i would have been hard pressed to believe you if you told me at 23 i would be a 2 time college dropout, looking at 2 more years of school, and the vast majority of my college boys settling down successfuly in the real world.
there was a time when i considered myself one of the most intelligent and most together people around.
2 things wrong with that image. first, i am way more intelligent now than i was then, where i now realize that i am still a complete idiot.
second, i don't have shit together. i am barely able to function as a normal member of society. any of my friends could tell you that.
ugh. i'm such a whiny bitch.
basically spending a weekend with my friends i came to college with (who have been out for a year with degrees), has made me feel way less secure about myself and what i am trying to do with my life. these guys all have jobs, one is going to take over his own company, a couple are definately close to being married (one is doing it in a month!).
i am that friend that hasn't done anything. and then they ask what i'm up to when i haven't seen them for awhile, and i feel embarrassed telling them "worcester state, nite stock at trader joe's." it feels like saying "loser."
not there is anything wrong with what i'm doing, it's just not the 5 year plan i started out on. and i think i feel embarrassed more for the reason that they all knew me when it looked like i was on the same track as them, not the "that guy" track.
4.19.2004
this picture's frozen and i can't get out
this weekend was the 40th annual sewer party. the biggest party of the year for TKE, and one of the largest at wpi. hell, even in worcester college scene.
anyway, i hear that this year's was just absolutely insane. off the hook, if you will.
i say i hear that because i was at work saturday night and i didn't go to the party.
most people, when they heard i was working instead of partying, gave some variation on this response: "oh man. that sucks."
i would invariably respond with, "yeah, man. what you gonna do?" mainly because that is easier than explaining to people that if i was at the party i wouldn't be in the party room at all. i would spend time in the upstairs bar or in the quad away from everyone.
i don't like parties. i haven't for awhile. inviting a few hundred strangers into my house to drink beer i pay for is not my idea of a good evening.
and other people were looking ahead to this party so much, i didn't want to say anything about my anti party stance as to bring them down.
so i spent yesterday hearing all about the crazy shit that went down on saturday night, and the whole time i was just thinking, "i don't care."
i find that a majority of my friends that are still in worcester are just interested in different things than i am. and it is hard to explain this to them in a way they actually understand, so they don't think i am just being a bitch or lazy.
anyway, i hear that this year's was just absolutely insane. off the hook, if you will.
i say i hear that because i was at work saturday night and i didn't go to the party.
most people, when they heard i was working instead of partying, gave some variation on this response: "oh man. that sucks."
i would invariably respond with, "yeah, man. what you gonna do?" mainly because that is easier than explaining to people that if i was at the party i wouldn't be in the party room at all. i would spend time in the upstairs bar or in the quad away from everyone.
i don't like parties. i haven't for awhile. inviting a few hundred strangers into my house to drink beer i pay for is not my idea of a good evening.
and other people were looking ahead to this party so much, i didn't want to say anything about my anti party stance as to bring them down.
so i spent yesterday hearing all about the crazy shit that went down on saturday night, and the whole time i was just thinking, "i don't care."
i find that a majority of my friends that are still in worcester are just interested in different things than i am. and it is hard to explain this to them in a way they actually understand, so they don't think i am just being a bitch or lazy.
4.16.2004
i should buy a boat!
isaac has this link to this quiz (they call it a game) about morality.
the problem that i had with the quiz was that i didn't think that a lot of the questions were about morality. i felt that a lot of it could have been classified as ethics more than morality.
i believe in a universal morality. whether it be handed down by God or if it is a prequesite condition of awareness, i think there is a basic level of behavior that we should all follow.
my version of morality mainly consists of things that cause unneccesary physical or mental harm to self, others or environment. things such as murder, rape, child abuse, arson, and a whole slew of other things i could list count as "immoral."
a good morality would be that in which no harm is done to self, others or environment. you don't even have to prevent or cure harm. not harming another is the bare minimum that you should be able to accomplish. the rest is gravy and just gets you a better table in heaven.
things like flag desecration, homosexuality or fucking a dead chicken (take the quiz)--while repulsive to some (the chicken creeps me out)--are issues of "ethics." they are social norms that vary from society to society. the "rules" that govern these behaviors, i find, are more for the sake of conformity and communal safety than they are about true morality and understanding a proper way of treating others.
the morality that is handed down to use through organized western religion is more a form of ethics, i feel. i qualify that statement with "western religion" because from my study of buddhism, confucism and taoism most eastern religions fit the worldview i have created of morals and ethics.
i like to think of myself as ahead of the curve in understanding the human condition than most people. or it could be i am an idiot. either way, i still think i am right.
so i feel that people need to do more about worrying about how they are treating themselves and the people around them before they start handing down judgements and punishments for behavior that they find "immoral" mainly because they do not--or cannot--understand the other's point of view.
"God loves ugly"--atmosphere
the problem that i had with the quiz was that i didn't think that a lot of the questions were about morality. i felt that a lot of it could have been classified as ethics more than morality.
i believe in a universal morality. whether it be handed down by God or if it is a prequesite condition of awareness, i think there is a basic level of behavior that we should all follow.
my version of morality mainly consists of things that cause unneccesary physical or mental harm to self, others or environment. things such as murder, rape, child abuse, arson, and a whole slew of other things i could list count as "immoral."
a good morality would be that in which no harm is done to self, others or environment. you don't even have to prevent or cure harm. not harming another is the bare minimum that you should be able to accomplish. the rest is gravy and just gets you a better table in heaven.
things like flag desecration, homosexuality or fucking a dead chicken (take the quiz)--while repulsive to some (the chicken creeps me out)--are issues of "ethics." they are social norms that vary from society to society. the "rules" that govern these behaviors, i find, are more for the sake of conformity and communal safety than they are about true morality and understanding a proper way of treating others.
the morality that is handed down to use through organized western religion is more a form of ethics, i feel. i qualify that statement with "western religion" because from my study of buddhism, confucism and taoism most eastern religions fit the worldview i have created of morals and ethics.
i like to think of myself as ahead of the curve in understanding the human condition than most people. or it could be i am an idiot. either way, i still think i am right.
so i feel that people need to do more about worrying about how they are treating themselves and the people around them before they start handing down judgements and punishments for behavior that they find "immoral" mainly because they do not--or cannot--understand the other's point of view.
"God loves ugly"--atmosphere
4.15.2004
crazy dream #1,267
i'm on the porch outside the quad. a bunch of us are standing out there. talking, laughing. i hear some laughter and look inside. ben affleck is sitting on the short couch with sarah silverman. they are watching tv. i come in and ask what is so funny. ben says something about this chick on tv has her own show. then sarah stands up and bends over.
ben looks at me and starts laughing.
"i saw you checking out her ass," he says. "that's my girl, jackass."
i sit down on the other couch.
"i'm not going to lie, affleck. she has a seriously nice ass."
"as long as you don't hook up with her."
he sounds menacing. like daredevil level menacing.
"i can handle that, " i reply.
"you can give me a back rub, though," sarah pipes in.
ever the gentlemen, i bend to the lady's request and give her a back rub. this is where stuff gets weird.
as i'm giving the back rub, her head disappears. she grows like 200lbs and her arms turn backward, and this new monster gives me a bear hug.
i start freaking out. i struggle to no avail. the sarah monster squeezes harder and harder. i turn my head and i see myself asleep on the blue couch.
it is weird seeing yourself outside yourself inside your own head.
so i start screaming, "wake up!"
i keep screaming it in my dream. i see myself on the couch moving. i keep screaming at myself. the sarah monster is squeezing harder and harder. it is getting hard to breath. i don't think i will last much longer. i keep screaming.
WAKE UP
i'm awake laying on the blue couch. but i have the physical sensation of being squeezed really hard. i am quite freaked out by all this.
but sportscenter is still playing, so i watch it for a few and gently slide back to dreamland where this time it's me, a penguin and donald trump.
but that's another story.
ben looks at me and starts laughing.
"i saw you checking out her ass," he says. "that's my girl, jackass."
i sit down on the other couch.
"i'm not going to lie, affleck. she has a seriously nice ass."
"as long as you don't hook up with her."
he sounds menacing. like daredevil level menacing.
"i can handle that, " i reply.
"you can give me a back rub, though," sarah pipes in.
ever the gentlemen, i bend to the lady's request and give her a back rub. this is where stuff gets weird.
as i'm giving the back rub, her head disappears. she grows like 200lbs and her arms turn backward, and this new monster gives me a bear hug.
i start freaking out. i struggle to no avail. the sarah monster squeezes harder and harder. i turn my head and i see myself asleep on the blue couch.
it is weird seeing yourself outside yourself inside your own head.
so i start screaming, "wake up!"
i keep screaming it in my dream. i see myself on the couch moving. i keep screaming at myself. the sarah monster is squeezing harder and harder. it is getting hard to breath. i don't think i will last much longer. i keep screaming.
WAKE UP
i'm awake laying on the blue couch. but i have the physical sensation of being squeezed really hard. i am quite freaked out by all this.
but sportscenter is still playing, so i watch it for a few and gently slide back to dreamland where this time it's me, a penguin and donald trump.
but that's another story.
4.13.2004
i'm back, baby
regerchris.com
it now exists thanks to my lovely and talented assistant carla. it just points to here--for now, but the future looks bright, baby!
i apologize for the lack of posting here, but i've been slacking in most things lately. the quick update is this:
still going to worcester state
still working at trader joe's
still dating carla who is currently in copenhagen for school
moving out of the TKE house to an apartment in 6 weeks.
have incubus tickets for july 3
being a groomsmen (groomsman? groommen? groomman?) for my boy mcd at the end of may.
ok that's good for a return post.
i'm back!
it now exists thanks to my lovely and talented assistant carla. it just points to here--for now, but the future looks bright, baby!
i apologize for the lack of posting here, but i've been slacking in most things lately. the quick update is this:
still going to worcester state
still working at trader joe's
still dating carla who is currently in copenhagen for school
moving out of the TKE house to an apartment in 6 weeks.
have incubus tickets for july 3
being a groomsmen (groomsman? groommen? groomman?) for my boy mcd at the end of may.
ok that's good for a return post.
i'm back!
2.09.2004
boring + weblog = wering or bolog
i have never been alone.
and i don't mean, shit the roomies are gone tonight, i can walk around naked type of alone.
more of the never lived by myself, had a job where i just worked at and had no friends in the area.
i don't know how long i could stand. but think i would enjoy it to begin with. all your time on you. reading books. cooking food. watching movies. downloading porn. taking up knitting. it might be serene.
for awhile. i would definately miss the girlfriend, late night drunk talks or just community experience.
it might be an interesting thing to try for a couple months or so.
and yet there's that one spot on my back i just can't scratch myself...
8 is great
and i don't mean, shit the roomies are gone tonight, i can walk around naked type of alone.
more of the never lived by myself, had a job where i just worked at and had no friends in the area.
i don't know how long i could stand. but think i would enjoy it to begin with. all your time on you. reading books. cooking food. watching movies. downloading porn. taking up knitting. it might be serene.
for awhile. i would definately miss the girlfriend, late night drunk talks or just community experience.
it might be an interesting thing to try for a couple months or so.
and yet there's that one spot on my back i just can't scratch myself...
8 is great
2.08.2004
bonafide rarity
when i was in seventh grade social studies, we were talking about canada--specifically prince edward island--and its exports. the teacher--mr. hanson--was trying to prompt a kid to say potatoes.
now, in 7th grade i was the kid if the teacher couldn't get another student to get the answer the teach would ask me. so the potato inquiry gets turned my way. and to be a smart ass i said "blue potatoes."
"what?" the class laughs
"blue potatoes"
"blue potatoes? there's no such thing as blue potatoes." more chuckles from the kids. i don't think anyone knows i am serious.
"yes i am. we grow them in our garden. i'll bring some in."
so i went home, asked mom for a couple blue potatoes. sliced them open so you could see they were guarantee. brought them in the next day and impressed the teach. he said later that he was amazed and they taste quite normal. i wanted to say, "i told you so." instead i warned him about using them for mashed potatoes, cuz they turned out more grey than blue.
i am the seventh son
now, in 7th grade i was the kid if the teacher couldn't get another student to get the answer the teach would ask me. so the potato inquiry gets turned my way. and to be a smart ass i said "blue potatoes."
"what?" the class laughs
"blue potatoes"
"blue potatoes? there's no such thing as blue potatoes." more chuckles from the kids. i don't think anyone knows i am serious.
"yes i am. we grow them in our garden. i'll bring some in."
so i went home, asked mom for a couple blue potatoes. sliced them open so you could see they were guarantee. brought them in the next day and impressed the teach. he said later that he was amazed and they taste quite normal. i wanted to say, "i told you so." instead i warned him about using them for mashed potatoes, cuz they turned out more grey than blue.
i am the seventh son
2.06.2004
2.05.2004
quantum reversion
so i get a letter in the mail today asking if i have checked my retirement account lately and if i have noticed the big deposit.
what retirement account?
oh, letter number 2. log in information and a web address.
i guess my work automatically enrolled me in a retirement plan. they deposit 15.4% of my gross pay yearly into an account. i don't even have to match it. they just toss it in.
not that this is going to make me want to work at tj's for life. but i'll have this job for at least another year (til i finish school), so i'm getting a little head start on my nest egg!
i'm just excited about having money invested. money that wasn't even mine to start with! haha!
TAO!
what retirement account?
oh, letter number 2. log in information and a web address.
i guess my work automatically enrolled me in a retirement plan. they deposit 15.4% of my gross pay yearly into an account. i don't even have to match it. they just toss it in.
not that this is going to make me want to work at tj's for life. but i'll have this job for at least another year (til i finish school), so i'm getting a little head start on my nest egg!
i'm just excited about having money invested. money that wasn't even mine to start with! haha!
TAO!
2.03.2004
van morrison is sunset music
and i mean it. i wil not argue this.
Don't wannna discuss it
Think it's time for a change
You may get disgusted
Start thinkin' that I'm strange
In that case I'll go underground
Get some heavy rest
Never have to worry
About what is worst or what is best
(Get it)
Oh oh Domino (it's all right)
Roll me over, Romeo, there you go
Lord, have mercy
I said oh-oh, Domino
Roll me over, Romeo, there you go
Say it again
I said oh-ooh-oh Domino
I said oh-ooh-ooh-oh Domino
(Dig It)
There's no need for argument
There's no argument at all
And if you never hear from him
That just means he didn't call
Or vice versa
That depends on where ever you're at
(All right)
And if you never hear from me
That just means I would rather not
(Hit it)
Oh oh Domino
(All right)
Roll me over Romeo, there you go
Lord have mercy
I said, oh oh Domino
Roll me over Romeo, there you go
(Hey, all right)
Say it again
Oh-oh-ooh-ooh Domino
(Hey, hit it)
I said oh-ooh-ooh Domino
Well, Mr. DJ I just wanna hear
Some rhythm and blues music
On the radio
On the radio
On the radio
Uh-uh, all right
Uh-uh, all right
Uh-uh, all right
Uh-uh
Hear the band
One more time
and the credit goes to my lovely gf for yesterday's quiz link.
more tao
Don't wannna discuss it
Think it's time for a change
You may get disgusted
Start thinkin' that I'm strange
In that case I'll go underground
Get some heavy rest
Never have to worry
About what is worst or what is best
(Get it)
Oh oh Domino (it's all right)
Roll me over, Romeo, there you go
Lord, have mercy
I said oh-oh, Domino
Roll me over, Romeo, there you go
Say it again
I said oh-ooh-oh Domino
I said oh-ooh-ooh-oh Domino
(Dig It)
There's no need for argument
There's no argument at all
And if you never hear from him
That just means he didn't call
Or vice versa
That depends on where ever you're at
(All right)
And if you never hear from me
That just means I would rather not
(Hit it)
Oh oh Domino
(All right)
Roll me over Romeo, there you go
Lord have mercy
I said, oh oh Domino
Roll me over Romeo, there you go
(Hey, all right)
Say it again
Oh-oh-ooh-ooh Domino
(Hey, hit it)
I said oh-ooh-ooh Domino
Well, Mr. DJ I just wanna hear
Some rhythm and blues music
On the radio
On the radio
On the radio
Uh-uh, all right
Uh-uh, all right
Uh-uh, all right
Uh-uh
Hear the band
One more time
and the credit goes to my lovely gf for yesterday's quiz link.
more tao
2.02.2004
hey, carolina. don't start whining until you lose 3 more superbowls. then you can whine like we viking fans.
see which presidential candidate you align with most
i went and took this test, and of candidates i think actually have a chance of winning the election i matched up with
dean 79%
edwards 70%
clark 69%
kerry 66%
bush 24%
i still haven't decided who i am going to endorse yet. i almost decided, but then i've backtracked a bit (just like a politician!). i will give my endorsement for democratic nominee a week before super tuesday, so in 3 weeks.
also, i'll be voting for the democrat in november as long as it's dean, clark, edwards or kerry. sorry to all my conservative readers, but i didn't vote for bush in 2000, so i'm not doing it in 2004.
4
i went and took this test, and of candidates i think actually have a chance of winning the election i matched up with
dean 79%
edwards 70%
clark 69%
kerry 66%
bush 24%
i still haven't decided who i am going to endorse yet. i almost decided, but then i've backtracked a bit (just like a politician!). i will give my endorsement for democratic nominee a week before super tuesday, so in 3 weeks.
also, i'll be voting for the democrat in november as long as it's dean, clark, edwards or kerry. sorry to all my conservative readers, but i didn't vote for bush in 2000, so i'm not doing it in 2004.
4
1.31.2004
if a tv commercial says something is a $40 value and then sells it at $14.99, isn't really a $14.99 value?
this i find amusing.
i find myself amazed when conservatives do not agree with me. can they possibly actually believe the party line? but then they probably think i'm an even bigger idiot for being a bleeding heart liberal.
then i remind them i am an idealist, not a liberal. idealists are much more dangerous.
i'm starting to think that the two party system is what is causing there to be such opposite sides of coin here in america. if we were to have another party or two (and i mean real parties with spectrum covering ideologies, not pet issue parties like the greens), i think the barriers between right and left would break down.
from a purely philosophical standpoint, it is too bad that the communism that was tried became so corrupted and failed so miserably. it may have offered that alternative choice to the captialist conservatism and liberalism that are the only two choices with enough clout to power the current system.
it's hard to understand which point of view is the "right" pov. and in this context of politics i mean "right" to be the system that can provide the greatest amount of good to the greatest amount of people. both sides have their arguments and justifications, and both sides have good ones.
i'll just be arrogant and think i'm the right one.
3
i find myself amazed when conservatives do not agree with me. can they possibly actually believe the party line? but then they probably think i'm an even bigger idiot for being a bleeding heart liberal.
then i remind them i am an idealist, not a liberal. idealists are much more dangerous.
i'm starting to think that the two party system is what is causing there to be such opposite sides of coin here in america. if we were to have another party or two (and i mean real parties with spectrum covering ideologies, not pet issue parties like the greens), i think the barriers between right and left would break down.
from a purely philosophical standpoint, it is too bad that the communism that was tried became so corrupted and failed so miserably. it may have offered that alternative choice to the captialist conservatism and liberalism that are the only two choices with enough clout to power the current system.
it's hard to understand which point of view is the "right" pov. and in this context of politics i mean "right" to be the system that can provide the greatest amount of good to the greatest amount of people. both sides have their arguments and justifications, and both sides have good ones.
i'll just be arrogant and think i'm the right one.
3
1.30.2004
broken and broked
i love food.
and i mean i love food.
food is absolutely delicious. especially tasty food.
some of my friends would say, "reger, you eat anything! don't talk about caring about the taste!"
my response is i can't help it that everything tastes great.
but even better than just eating is cooking.
making your own food is just fantastic.
opening up a cupboard or fridge, taking out a whole slew of ingredients and creating something delictable...well, that's my little slice of heaven on earth.
i worked as a cook for a few months and that was a great job. it didn't last because i needed to go back to school, but i had a great time with that job. i learned a lot of little things about cooking then.
like seasoning the beef before hand for shepards pie.
constant basting with butter for roast chicken.
LOW heat for alfredo sauce.
putting wine in any marinara sauce makes the meal.
i've also learned some great recipes just on my own. basically having no clue what to do but having a lot of ingredients to do it with. i make a fantastic chicken parm. my sloppy joe mix is amazing. and don't even get me started on breakfast foods. i can make cheesy eggs that will make you cry they are so good.
oh, and heating stuff up in the microwave doesn't count as cooking. a microwave is for defrosting, reheating or frozen dinners. a stove or oven or open flame is required to be cooking. i feel very strongly about this. even if it is frozen vegetables or just pasta don't use a microwave. you're no better than a freshmen in a dorm if you do.
tao te ching 2
and i mean i love food.
food is absolutely delicious. especially tasty food.
some of my friends would say, "reger, you eat anything! don't talk about caring about the taste!"
my response is i can't help it that everything tastes great.
but even better than just eating is cooking.
making your own food is just fantastic.
opening up a cupboard or fridge, taking out a whole slew of ingredients and creating something delictable...well, that's my little slice of heaven on earth.
i worked as a cook for a few months and that was a great job. it didn't last because i needed to go back to school, but i had a great time with that job. i learned a lot of little things about cooking then.
like seasoning the beef before hand for shepards pie.
constant basting with butter for roast chicken.
LOW heat for alfredo sauce.
putting wine in any marinara sauce makes the meal.
i've also learned some great recipes just on my own. basically having no clue what to do but having a lot of ingredients to do it with. i make a fantastic chicken parm. my sloppy joe mix is amazing. and don't even get me started on breakfast foods. i can make cheesy eggs that will make you cry they are so good.
oh, and heating stuff up in the microwave doesn't count as cooking. a microwave is for defrosting, reheating or frozen dinners. a stove or oven or open flame is required to be cooking. i feel very strongly about this. even if it is frozen vegetables or just pasta don't use a microwave. you're no better than a freshmen in a dorm if you do.
tao te ching 2
1.27.2004
doing homework and procrastinating
today is the new hampshire primary. it will be interesting to see how it comes out. expect an analysis tomorrow.
i have a new plan for my blogging world. i am going to analyze several major religious works in a blog.
starting with the tao te ching.
i have a new plan for my blogging world. i am going to analyze several major religious works in a blog.
starting with the tao te ching.
1.23.2004
1.20.2004
another semester, another vague attempt at getting my life in order
MWF 11:30-12:20 MA 350 History of Mathematics
MW 1:30-2:45 MA 360 Number Theory
TR 10:00-11:15 ED 270 Multicultural Diversity
TR 11:30-12:45 ED 251 Foundations of Education
TR 1:00-2:50 MA 290 Discrete Mathematics II
MW 1:30-2:45 MA 360 Number Theory
TR 10:00-11:15 ED 270 Multicultural Diversity
TR 11:30-12:45 ED 251 Foundations of Education
TR 1:00-2:50 MA 290 Discrete Mathematics II
1.19.2004
for the creatively lazy
LAYER ONE:
-- Name: christopher john reger
-- Birth date: oktoberfest 9
-- Birthplace: wadena, mn
-- Current Location: worcester, ma
-- Eye Color: hzl
-- Hair Color: brwn
-- Height: 6'2"
-- Righty or Lefty: righty
-- Zodiac Sign: libra
LAYER TWO:
-- Your heritage: american
-- The shoes you wore today: old payless puma imitations
-- Your weakness: the couch
-- Your fears: failure, death, oreo production stopping
-- Your perfect pizza: ernie's porky pig
-- Goal you'd like to achieve: finish college
LAYER THREE:
-- Your most overused phrase on AIM: haha
-- Your first waking thoughts: she's late for class
-- Your best physical feature: eyes
-- Your most missed memory: am i missing the memory, or am i missing what happened in the memory?
LAYER FOUR:
-- Pepsi or Coke: fountain coke
-- McDonald's or Burger King: wendy's
-- Single or group dates: single
-- Adidas or Nike: payless
-- Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: arizona
-- Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate
-- Cappuccino or coffee: coffee, black as my soul
LAYER FIVE:
-- Smoke: only in crowded hospitals
-- Cuss: fuck no
-- Sing: not on your life
-- Take a shower everyday: depends on if i'm leaving the couch that day
-- Do you think you've been in love: have and am
-- Want to go to college: i'm the living the dream
-- Liked high school: yes
-- Want to get married: definately
-- Believe in yourself: between sleep and awake
-- Get motion sickness: not that i remember
-- Think you're attractive: a bit too pudgy
-- Think you're a health freak: kind of an unhealth freak
-- Like thunderstorms: of course
-- Play an instrument: the buttons on my cd player
LAYER SIX: In the past month...
-- Drank alcohol: yep
-- Smoked: yep
-- Done a drug: yep
-- Made Out: yep
-- Gone on a date: does grocery shopping count as a date?
-- Gone to the mall?: yes
-- Eaten an entire box of Oreos?: not in the last month, but as often as i can
-- Eaten sushi: yes
-- Been on stage: no
-- Been dumped: thankfully, no
-- Gone skating: no
-- Made homemade cookies: no cookies, but cornbread!
-- Dyed your hair: no
LAYER SEVEN: Ever...
-- Played a game that required removal of clothing: nope
-- If so, was it mixed company:
-- Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: check please
-- Been caught "doing something": something? could be a broad topic...oh. no. i use upmost decorum at all times.
-- Been called a tease: nope
-- Gotten beaten up: but you should have seen the other guy!
-- Shoplifted: yes
-- Changed who you were to fit in: yes
LAYER EIGHT:
-- Age you hope to be married: 27
-- Numbers and Names of Children: at least 2, miles and autumn
-- Describe your Dream Wedding: shotgun in vegas
-- How do you want to die: as a martyr
-- Where you want to go to college: i don't know yet
-- What do you want to be when you grow up: happy
-- What country would you most like to visit: kenya
LAYER NINE:
-- Number of drugs taken illegally: i don't do drugs. down with dope, up with hope!
-- Number of people I could trust with my life: 5, 6, maybe 7 if they were close by
-- Number of CDs that I own: less than i would like
-- Number of piercings: none yet
-- Number of tattoos: none yet
-- Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: more than i know. the police blotter is always in such small type.
-- Number of scars on my body: several
-- Number of things in my past that I regret: cliche, but i do not regret the things i have done, only those i did not do.
-- Who did you get this from: the master master
-- Name: christopher john reger
-- Birth date: oktoberfest 9
-- Birthplace: wadena, mn
-- Current Location: worcester, ma
-- Eye Color: hzl
-- Hair Color: brwn
-- Height: 6'2"
-- Righty or Lefty: righty
-- Zodiac Sign: libra
LAYER TWO:
-- Your heritage: american
-- The shoes you wore today: old payless puma imitations
-- Your weakness: the couch
-- Your fears: failure, death, oreo production stopping
-- Your perfect pizza: ernie's porky pig
-- Goal you'd like to achieve: finish college
LAYER THREE:
-- Your most overused phrase on AIM: haha
-- Your first waking thoughts: she's late for class
-- Your best physical feature: eyes
-- Your most missed memory: am i missing the memory, or am i missing what happened in the memory?
LAYER FOUR:
-- Pepsi or Coke: fountain coke
-- McDonald's or Burger King: wendy's
-- Single or group dates: single
-- Adidas or Nike: payless
-- Lipton Ice Tea or Nestea: arizona
-- Chocolate or vanilla: chocolate
-- Cappuccino or coffee: coffee, black as my soul
LAYER FIVE:
-- Smoke: only in crowded hospitals
-- Cuss: fuck no
-- Sing: not on your life
-- Take a shower everyday: depends on if i'm leaving the couch that day
-- Do you think you've been in love: have and am
-- Want to go to college: i'm the living the dream
-- Liked high school: yes
-- Want to get married: definately
-- Believe in yourself: between sleep and awake
-- Get motion sickness: not that i remember
-- Think you're attractive: a bit too pudgy
-- Think you're a health freak: kind of an unhealth freak
-- Like thunderstorms: of course
-- Play an instrument: the buttons on my cd player
LAYER SIX: In the past month...
-- Drank alcohol: yep
-- Smoked: yep
-- Done a drug: yep
-- Made Out: yep
-- Gone on a date: does grocery shopping count as a date?
-- Gone to the mall?: yes
-- Eaten an entire box of Oreos?: not in the last month, but as often as i can
-- Eaten sushi: yes
-- Been on stage: no
-- Been dumped: thankfully, no
-- Gone skating: no
-- Made homemade cookies: no cookies, but cornbread!
-- Dyed your hair: no
LAYER SEVEN: Ever...
-- Played a game that required removal of clothing: nope
-- If so, was it mixed company:
-- Been trashed or extremely intoxicated: check please
-- Been caught "doing something": something? could be a broad topic...oh. no. i use upmost decorum at all times.
-- Been called a tease: nope
-- Gotten beaten up: but you should have seen the other guy!
-- Shoplifted: yes
-- Changed who you were to fit in: yes
LAYER EIGHT:
-- Age you hope to be married: 27
-- Numbers and Names of Children: at least 2, miles and autumn
-- Describe your Dream Wedding: shotgun in vegas
-- How do you want to die: as a martyr
-- Where you want to go to college: i don't know yet
-- What do you want to be when you grow up: happy
-- What country would you most like to visit: kenya
LAYER NINE:
-- Number of drugs taken illegally: i don't do drugs. down with dope, up with hope!
-- Number of people I could trust with my life: 5, 6, maybe 7 if they were close by
-- Number of CDs that I own: less than i would like
-- Number of piercings: none yet
-- Number of tattoos: none yet
-- Number of times my name has appeared in the newspaper?: more than i know. the police blotter is always in such small type.
-- Number of scars on my body: several
-- Number of things in my past that I regret: cliche, but i do not regret the things i have done, only those i did not do.
-- Who did you get this from: the master master
and the moose came out of the river
i like it only because it makes fun of the mtv generation.
Good. You know your music. You should be able to
work at Championship Vinyl with Rob, Dick and
Barry
Do You Know Your Music (Sorry MTV Generation I Doubt You Can Handle This One)
brought to you by Quizilla
Good. You know your music. You should be able to
work at Championship Vinyl with Rob, Dick and
Barry
Do You Know Your Music (Sorry MTV Generation I Doubt You Can Handle This One)
brought to you by Quizilla
1.16.2004
yogurt slinger
with the primary season about to get into full swing with nh, i've spent the morning reading the websites of what i consider the major democratic runners: clark, dean and kerry.
john kerry has a good website. i like this guy. not bad at all for a masshole. he has a broad plan with his 100 days initiative. whether it will pan out as a campaign support or not is still to be seen. what really struck me is this statement about john ashcroft--who everyone knows, is the devil incarnate:
"John Ashcroft has launched an all-out assault on individual rights, allowing for a wholesale invasion of attorney-client conversations, e-mails and telephone calls. Immediately after the election, John Kerry will name a new Attorney General whose name is not John Ashcroft. We will also fight to protect women’s rights, civil rights and workers rights and enforce anti-trust laws." (my emphasis)
dr howard dean has me in a conundrum. a buddy of mine from vermont did not like how dean ran the state while governor. on the other hand, i find his position on the issues enticing and i like the fact that he challenges the current administration. and i like electing members of the executive branch or members of the legislative for office of the president. (carter, reagan, clinton)
wesley clark (who has the best website). former nato supreme commander and experienced administrator. he even has been endorsed by michael moore. master of quotes such as this: "I will never challenge the patriotism of Americans who question my policies or express their disagreement." while not that monumental (and in my opinion a given) putting it on the record is what i like. another good quote from the general: "When we look at it in human terms, we recognize that this issue [gays recieving equal rights] is about how we want our children to be treated. In America, every child should be equal in the eyes of the law, period."
the jan 27 nh primary is going to be huge, and so is super tuesday (feb 3) when 7 states have their primaries. the massachusetts primary is on march 2. i don't know who i would vote for yet, but i hope all 3 are still in it when i get a chance to make my contribution.
i find myself to be a staunch idealist when it comes to the principles and foundations this nation was founded upon. yes, things are a bit different now then when the consitution was written, but there are still a lot of good things in that document. things that we need to heed now as we are rip-roaring through the 21st century. ideas that we need to keep at the forefront of our discussions as we decide the direction of this--the greatest of all time--nation in november.
i think dylan said it best:
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'
john kerry has a good website. i like this guy. not bad at all for a masshole. he has a broad plan with his 100 days initiative. whether it will pan out as a campaign support or not is still to be seen. what really struck me is this statement about john ashcroft--who everyone knows, is the devil incarnate:
"John Ashcroft has launched an all-out assault on individual rights, allowing for a wholesale invasion of attorney-client conversations, e-mails and telephone calls. Immediately after the election, John Kerry will name a new Attorney General whose name is not John Ashcroft. We will also fight to protect women’s rights, civil rights and workers rights and enforce anti-trust laws." (my emphasis)
dr howard dean has me in a conundrum. a buddy of mine from vermont did not like how dean ran the state while governor. on the other hand, i find his position on the issues enticing and i like the fact that he challenges the current administration. and i like electing members of the executive branch or members of the legislative for office of the president. (carter, reagan, clinton)
wesley clark (who has the best website). former nato supreme commander and experienced administrator. he even has been endorsed by michael moore. master of quotes such as this: "I will never challenge the patriotism of Americans who question my policies or express their disagreement." while not that monumental (and in my opinion a given) putting it on the record is what i like. another good quote from the general: "When we look at it in human terms, we recognize that this issue [gays recieving equal rights] is about how we want our children to be treated. In America, every child should be equal in the eyes of the law, period."
the jan 27 nh primary is going to be huge, and so is super tuesday (feb 3) when 7 states have their primaries. the massachusetts primary is on march 2. i don't know who i would vote for yet, but i hope all 3 are still in it when i get a chance to make my contribution.
i find myself to be a staunch idealist when it comes to the principles and foundations this nation was founded upon. yes, things are a bit different now then when the consitution was written, but there are still a lot of good things in that document. things that we need to heed now as we are rip-roaring through the 21st century. ideas that we need to keep at the forefront of our discussions as we decide the direction of this--the greatest of all time--nation in november.
i think dylan said it best:
Come senators, congressmen
Please heed the call
Don't stand in the doorway
Don't block up the hall
For he that gets hurt
Will be he who has stalled
There's a battle outside
And it is ragin'.
It'll soon shake your windows
And rattle your walls
For the times they are a-changin'
1.15.2004
complimentary post
for me, the purpose of the politician is to work for what is best for the body politic.
which, to me, means that they work for what is best for the overall society.
which, to me, may mean that they should do what is best for the most amount of people, even if it isn't the most advantageous situation for some.
which, to me, is not happening lot today.
there are several things that we in america don't do that we could, but at the expense of a few.
mainly, i'm talking about a couple issues that are really important to me.
universal health care. the biggest estimate i've seen for a universal health care system is $100 billion. this may seem like a lot of money, but consider the fact that the defense budget will be close to $500 billion (half a trillion!) this next year. we aren't having a shortfall of resources in this country. we don't even have to go to the completely subsidized programs of canada and europe. i would even be fine with creating a system where the government provides complete health care (medical, dental, etc) for minors, umemployed and social security beneficiaries. this would probably cost well under a $100 billion price tag, and provide good social net.
cost of education. again, money is an important factor. the education department's budget is a mere $30 billion. compare with the defense's near $500 billion, and we have some disparity. increase the education spending to $100 billion, and we can solve a lot of problems. of course, throwing money at problems won't solve them. but providing resources will. $100 billion will build better schools, train more teachers, train better teachers and increase the intellectual level of the american youth. and if anyone argues with me that better educating our children is a waste...well, i'll just have to shake my head and walk away, because--obviously--you are an idiot.
does it make me a bleeding heart liberal because i want to provide--what i feel are--basic services to the general population? well, then get me a bumper sticker then.
also, i make the argument that we should reduce the defense budget. i am not making the argument that we should reduce the size of our standing army. i am not arguing for closing bases. i am not saying let's not do research. but if you increase education by $70 billion and start a uhc program at $50 billion, we can still spend $400 billion on defense and only add $20 billion to the budget (which could be paid for by reversing bush's tax cuts for the rich, but that's another post). by the way, $400 billion is still more than any other country is spending on defense. one way to get out that money is to make better decisions on how the money is being made.
a friend of mine is working in the defense industry. he is working on designs for a plane that physically cannot exist. we are designing a plane that is so technologically advanced, that we don't even have the machinary to build it. but shouldn't we always work to advance our technology? as a big fan of technology to save society, i would usually answer yes. but when our own fighters are the most technologically advanced in the world to begin with, i say spend the money on something a bit better.
like ourselves.
which, to me, means that they work for what is best for the overall society.
which, to me, may mean that they should do what is best for the most amount of people, even if it isn't the most advantageous situation for some.
which, to me, is not happening lot today.
there are several things that we in america don't do that we could, but at the expense of a few.
mainly, i'm talking about a couple issues that are really important to me.
universal health care. the biggest estimate i've seen for a universal health care system is $100 billion. this may seem like a lot of money, but consider the fact that the defense budget will be close to $500 billion (half a trillion!) this next year. we aren't having a shortfall of resources in this country. we don't even have to go to the completely subsidized programs of canada and europe. i would even be fine with creating a system where the government provides complete health care (medical, dental, etc) for minors, umemployed and social security beneficiaries. this would probably cost well under a $100 billion price tag, and provide good social net.
cost of education. again, money is an important factor. the education department's budget is a mere $30 billion. compare with the defense's near $500 billion, and we have some disparity. increase the education spending to $100 billion, and we can solve a lot of problems. of course, throwing money at problems won't solve them. but providing resources will. $100 billion will build better schools, train more teachers, train better teachers and increase the intellectual level of the american youth. and if anyone argues with me that better educating our children is a waste...well, i'll just have to shake my head and walk away, because--obviously--you are an idiot.
does it make me a bleeding heart liberal because i want to provide--what i feel are--basic services to the general population? well, then get me a bumper sticker then.
also, i make the argument that we should reduce the defense budget. i am not making the argument that we should reduce the size of our standing army. i am not arguing for closing bases. i am not saying let's not do research. but if you increase education by $70 billion and start a uhc program at $50 billion, we can still spend $400 billion on defense and only add $20 billion to the budget (which could be paid for by reversing bush's tax cuts for the rich, but that's another post). by the way, $400 billion is still more than any other country is spending on defense. one way to get out that money is to make better decisions on how the money is being made.
a friend of mine is working in the defense industry. he is working on designs for a plane that physically cannot exist. we are designing a plane that is so technologically advanced, that we don't even have the machinary to build it. but shouldn't we always work to advance our technology? as a big fan of technology to save society, i would usually answer yes. but when our own fighters are the most technologically advanced in the world to begin with, i say spend the money on something a bit better.
like ourselves.
1.13.2004
so sue me
i have done nothing.
i've been in worcester ten days and this is what i have accomplished:
watched the entire indiana jones trilogy
saw underworld, big fish, masked and anonymous, and punch drunk love for the first time.
i bought a pur water pitcher.
i went to work every day (all 3 of them) i was scheduled
i got cold feet put on my warm skin courtesy of carla
i slept.
i ate a whole bag of potato chips.
things are pretty fan-freaking-tastic right now.
i've been in worcester ten days and this is what i have accomplished:
watched the entire indiana jones trilogy
saw underworld, big fish, masked and anonymous, and punch drunk love for the first time.
i bought a pur water pitcher.
i went to work every day (all 3 of them) i was scheduled
i got cold feet put on my warm skin courtesy of carla
i slept.
i ate a whole bag of potato chips.
things are pretty fan-freaking-tastic right now.
1.01.2004
so kiss me and smile for me
Passenger Name(s): REGER/CHRISTOPHER
Passenger Classification: ADULT
Flight/Class: Northwest Airlines flight 1078/Class K
Depart: Duluth/Superior, MN (DLH) - January 02 at 5:30am
Arrive: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) - January 02 at 6:19am
[Connecting To]
Flight/Class: Northwest Airlines flight 844/Class K
Depart: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) - January 02 at 7:18am
Arrive: Boston, MA (BOS) - January 02 at 10:55am
did ya notice the 5:30AM part?
did ya know i live over an hour from the duluth airport?
did ya realize i should be in bed at this hour?
Passenger Classification: ADULT
Flight/Class: Northwest Airlines flight 1078/Class K
Depart: Duluth/Superior, MN (DLH) - January 02 at 5:30am
Arrive: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) - January 02 at 6:19am
[Connecting To]
Flight/Class: Northwest Airlines flight 844/Class K
Depart: Minneapolis/St Paul, MN (MSP) - January 02 at 7:18am
Arrive: Boston, MA (BOS) - January 02 at 10:55am
did ya notice the 5:30AM part?
did ya know i live over an hour from the duluth airport?
did ya realize i should be in bed at this hour?
my resolution is to be resolute.
at 11pm local time, i got a call from the future. my friends in massachusetts were already in the year 2004.
at just after midnight, i got a call from the past. my girlfriend in oregon was still trapped in 2003.
the whole temporal dynamics of the evening blew my mind. even more than the whiskey cokes did.
i have an ongoing list of resolutions that i may or may not complete. may not is favored by at least touchdowns.
finish college (not gonna happen in 2004, but it's important to stay on top of things)
get a car
buy a new computer
travel to at least 3 new states this year
that should be good enough for now. i'm on my way.
at just after midnight, i got a call from the past. my girlfriend in oregon was still trapped in 2003.
the whole temporal dynamics of the evening blew my mind. even more than the whiskey cokes did.
i have an ongoing list of resolutions that i may or may not complete. may not is favored by at least touchdowns.
finish college (not gonna happen in 2004, but it's important to stay on top of things)
get a car
buy a new computer
travel to at least 3 new states this year
that should be good enough for now. i'm on my way.
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