Last Thursday night, my computer died. Dead. Nada. Kaput. Game over. Do not pass go do not collect $200 dollars.
So I called Tech support, which is always interesting. Everyone there has the thick Indian accent, and I talk funny, so we end up repeating ourselves ad nauseum. Anyway, I was finally able to communicate to my tech support chick that my computer was unfixable by someone as qualified as myself. They promptly sent me a box with the firm instructions to only send it from a Fedex Store, the closest of which is in Skokie.
That was my journey today. The quest to Fedex. It started off innocently enough, me catching all the trains right in the nick of time, not having to wait for anything. I was somehow always afraid of Skokie. It sounded like a place I'd be totally cool with not ever having been to in my life. I mean Skokie, it sounds like some punchline, like Yonkers.
It turned out to be pretty enough. It reminded me of home, since most of everyone I know lives in the Toledo suburbs. Just a bunch of cute little houses huddled in the snow. And I had to trek through a needless block of the snow because I didn't know how to manage the Pace bus. And that's where my trouble began...
Shipping my laptop consisted of me waiting behind two people, both of which got a snappy response from the attendant ("um, it says that my package is here." "Yes, but it won't be available until tomorrow." "So, wait, it's here, but I have to wait a day to get it?" "Yes, sir, that's just how it works. NEXT!") I have expected her to chew me out for having the sticker in the wrong place, but I got finished in roughly two and half seconds.
Then I waited for the bus for 15 minutes. In subzero temperatures. Without gloves.
That wasn't the bad part. The bad part was my Chuck Taylors, which sucked up the water and turned my little piggies into toesicles. I have expected to peel my sock off when I got home and find my foot had been turned black from frostbite. That might not be so good for my career...
However, I wouldn't let my foot take the rest of me down. I walked around a little of downtown Skokie, which consisted of mostly delis (Skokie has always for some reason brought up images of some sort of 'Jewville, USA,' and, like always, I wasn't far off). The food was good, and I left happy.
The real highlight of the trip, though, is that I was able to steal one of the Yellow Line map things. The Yellow Line has two stops...Howard, and Skokie. But for some reason they figured they might as well put up maps. For all those people who felt their intelligence was insulted, I decided to steal one and plus it adds to my collection (I got red, and purple, and that's about it right now).
Alright, well I gotta peace,
B to the arry.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Sunday, February 04, 2007
Monday, January 29, 2007
Radio Golf
I've gotten tired of looking at my "facebook etiquette" post, and I'm mildly pissed no one commented on my 2006 music review (yeah, I'm talking to you), so I decided I would rant and rave about my recent weekend and other developing developments in my life.
Maybe I haven't made it clear enough that I am now in Loyola's production of "The Visit," starring as Hofbauer (or 'First Man' if you read the program). Anyway, rehearsals have been going pretty well, which I'm at 7 days a week, usually for at least 4-6 hours. And that's what I was doing Friday night. After rehearsal, I kicked back with some of my scenemates at this one group of senior's apartment. One Fab-u-lous man was making all sorts of yummy cocktails (no pun intended, oh I slay me)....with free Skye vodka. It was quite good. I'm pretty sure I kissed him at some point, but I won't get into that. After that I walked back to CFSU, which was having some sort of all-nighter fun times thing...with a mechanical bull. There are some rare cell phone pictures of me spanking the thing (not gonna lie, I owned that muthaf*cker), but they'll never end up here, so suck it.
Saturday was also good times. I woke up at freakin 10 AM, had rehearsal until 5, and then got ready to go with Samira to "Radio Golf" down at the Goodman:
In case you didn't read the top paragraph.
Anyway, it was freaking amazing. It's the first show I've ever seen in the Theater District, and it was hella cool. August Wilson, he's a good guy. Funny too.
The best part about it? I got in for free. I wrote a review of the show, and so got two free passes, and they were awesome seats. Afterwards, we went to Giodarnio's or whatever (darn wop names...j/k j/k, you know I'm the Eitelian Stallion) because it was the only place open in the whole snow-covered place. There famous for their stuffed crust pizza, and I can see why. I had a bunch of mine left over. It was also pretty friggin cold. Really cold. But overall it was an amazing evening. Quite awesome.
I would put up the pictures that I got free for being in the press, but I figured it might make a little trouble for your's truly, and I wouldn't want to lose my free theater stuff. Guess you'll have to check out this Wednesday's Phoenix to get the whole story....
Check it. I gotta go do laundry,
Barry
P.S. Dates for Visit: Feb. 15-18, 22-25. Come see. You won't be disappointed.
Maybe I haven't made it clear enough that I am now in Loyola's production of "The Visit," starring as Hofbauer (or 'First Man' if you read the program). Anyway, rehearsals have been going pretty well, which I'm at 7 days a week, usually for at least 4-6 hours. And that's what I was doing Friday night. After rehearsal, I kicked back with some of my scenemates at this one group of senior's apartment. One Fab-u-lous man was making all sorts of yummy cocktails (no pun intended, oh I slay me)....with free Skye vodka. It was quite good. I'm pretty sure I kissed him at some point, but I won't get into that. After that I walked back to CFSU, which was having some sort of all-nighter fun times thing...with a mechanical bull. There are some rare cell phone pictures of me spanking the thing (not gonna lie, I owned that muthaf*cker), but they'll never end up here, so suck it.
Saturday was also good times. I woke up at freakin 10 AM, had rehearsal until 5, and then got ready to go with Samira to "Radio Golf" down at the Goodman:
In case you didn't read the top paragraph.
Anyway, it was freaking amazing. It's the first show I've ever seen in the Theater District, and it was hella cool. August Wilson, he's a good guy. Funny too.
The best part about it? I got in for free. I wrote a review of the show, and so got two free passes, and they were awesome seats. Afterwards, we went to Giodarnio's or whatever (darn wop names...j/k j/k, you know I'm the Eitelian Stallion) because it was the only place open in the whole snow-covered place. There famous for their stuffed crust pizza, and I can see why. I had a bunch of mine left over. It was also pretty friggin cold. Really cold. But overall it was an amazing evening. Quite awesome.
I would put up the pictures that I got free for being in the press, but I figured it might make a little trouble for your's truly, and I wouldn't want to lose my free theater stuff. Guess you'll have to check out this Wednesday's Phoenix to get the whole story....
Check it. I gotta go do laundry,
Barry
P.S. Dates for Visit: Feb. 15-18, 22-25. Come see. You won't be disappointed.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Barry's Guide to Proper Facebook Etiquette
After doing some pretty heavy Facebooking, I've realized that people bug me. All of them. Well, maybe minus a few. I think I feel some grievances about to air....
*Alright, it's all cool to put up pictures of you and your friends on facebook. Good. I like to see people. But I draw the line when I see people who put albums containing approximately 60 billion photos that all depict a group of college kids getting sloshed. C'mon, people, be a little more selective with your pictures. If you wouldn't develop all of these pictures, don't put them up. Just because it's possible to vomit up all your photographic trash on Facebook doesn't mean you should. And to those kids who are tagged in 7000 pictures....I wish I was you. There just is not enough pictorial evidence to document my life. I digress; that's a story for another day.
*The other day I came across a group griping about the limits of the relationship status. What a bunch of losers. They were all like, "If you can input what religion you are, why can't you make up a relationship status," and I was all like "Why don't you download some more kiddie porn, douchebag?" But yelling at my computer doesn't have much affect. If you take Facebook that seriously, well, you might have less of a life than your's truly. Although it would be kinda cool to have my status be "Playa Fo Real."
*Notes. If you make them depressing, I'm going to make some snide comment making fun of your crappy life. Facebook is no place for making anybody feel bad about anything. It's a place of fun and carefreeitude. Go complain on your blog that nobody reads (case in point. At least I follow my own rules).
*If you have the nerve to invite to a group, it better have a pretty freakin hilarious title. Otherwise you're not worth my time, I'm not gonna join your group, you pissed me off, and you're gay. What's the point of any Facebook group if reading the title doesn't inspire chortling from viewers of your profile? Eh? And any group with words like "official petition" can suck it. For one, it's not official, for two, it's not a petition. Shut up.
*To all those dudes who operate under the "I don't friend request people, people friend request me"--I wish I was as popular as you.
There it is.
From me to you,
--The Illustrious Barry
*Alright, it's all cool to put up pictures of you and your friends on facebook. Good. I like to see people. But I draw the line when I see people who put albums containing approximately 60 billion photos that all depict a group of college kids getting sloshed. C'mon, people, be a little more selective with your pictures. If you wouldn't develop all of these pictures, don't put them up. Just because it's possible to vomit up all your photographic trash on Facebook doesn't mean you should. And to those kids who are tagged in 7000 pictures....I wish I was you. There just is not enough pictorial evidence to document my life. I digress; that's a story for another day.
*The other day I came across a group griping about the limits of the relationship status. What a bunch of losers. They were all like, "If you can input what religion you are, why can't you make up a relationship status," and I was all like "Why don't you download some more kiddie porn, douchebag?" But yelling at my computer doesn't have much affect. If you take Facebook that seriously, well, you might have less of a life than your's truly. Although it would be kinda cool to have my status be "Playa Fo Real."
*Notes. If you make them depressing, I'm going to make some snide comment making fun of your crappy life. Facebook is no place for making anybody feel bad about anything. It's a place of fun and carefreeitude. Go complain on your blog that nobody reads (case in point. At least I follow my own rules).
*If you have the nerve to invite to a group, it better have a pretty freakin hilarious title. Otherwise you're not worth my time, I'm not gonna join your group, you pissed me off, and you're gay. What's the point of any Facebook group if reading the title doesn't inspire chortling from viewers of your profile? Eh? And any group with words like "official petition" can suck it. For one, it's not official, for two, it's not a petition. Shut up.
*To all those dudes who operate under the "I don't friend request people, people friend request me"--I wish I was as popular as you.
There it is.
From me to you,
--The Illustrious Barry
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Annual Music-Mania
I kinda been wanting to do this for awhile, so I figured I better get it out of my system before February rolled around. So here it is. My music picks for 2006 (whoa, that rhymed):
These are in no particular order.
STADIUM ARCADIUMRED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Not gonna lie, this is prolly like one of my fav CDs of all time and space. But, seriously, folks, this double disk is great. Pretty much any song picked off the album could be a good single, but my favorite is "Snow," and I'm so glad they finally released it as a single a little while ago. I never really figured out what an Arcadium Stadium was, but I can get pass that. If there is one your gonna buy, make it this one.
FEEDBACKJURASSIC 5
I got this one on a bit of a whim, and was pretty impressed. I was turned on to these guys a few years ago by this really tall guy. Basically, Jurassic 5 is a bunch of old black dudes rapping, and they have a real old school (or ol skewl, if you will) feel. They actually have one song featuring Dave Matthews, and it's pretty fresh. The songs on this album are so different than most other rap out there. There is a lot more of a focus on samples and funkiness, like one song which samples "Love and Happiness" by Al Green, which I always thought would be a good idea.
THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE MOONRICHARD CHEESE
This is basically a greatest hits collection, but I love this guy. He and his backing band (Lounge Against the Machine) cover alternative and top 40 hits in a very groovy way (their cover of "Down With the Sickness" is featured in "Dawn of the Dead"). His big band versions of NIN's "Closer" or Nirvana's "Rape Me" are great, and when I hear "Badd" by Ying Yang Twins, I laugh every time. At least listen to the free samples on his MySpace.
BEGIN TO HOPEREGINA SPEKTOR
This CD has been out since June, and I was just turned on to it over Christmas break. Spektor and her "anti-folk" movement are pretty fun to listen to. Basically, picture Fiona Apple without the suicidal tendencies and the man-hatred.
A MILLION MICROPHONESSUPERSYSTEM
This is a Chicago band, and coincidently, the first CD I bought in Chicago. It's pretty electro-boogie-funkalicious. Although the lyrics are somewhat, how you say, retarded, the music is innovative enough to make up for it. This is one band I would recommend to pretty much anybody.
ONCE AGAINJOHN LEGEND
When I found out John Legend was releasing his sophomore album this year, I nearly wet myself. Alright, take out the nearly. But nevertheless, this is one of the top of my top picks of CD this year. In my mind, Legend is single-handedly saving R & B as we know it. He is quite the keyboardist. Although some of his songs make him seem like a sleezebag, I really don't mind. His songster ability makes up for it.
EYE TO THE TELESCOPEKT TUNSTALL
This is the British chick that sings the "wa-hoo" song. Like Spektor, this CD has been out for quite awhile (like Feb) and I was just turned on to her recently. Quite a bummer, cause then I could've enjoyed it sooner. Alas, that is life. Anyway, the music has a pretty stripped down rock feel to it. Although the best songs are the singles, the rest is not bad, either. I wouldn't exactly call it chick rock...mostly because I own the CD.
STRAIGHT OUTTA LYNWOOD"WEIRD AL" YANKOVIC
Last not but not least, one of my other most anticipated releases of the year. And his best selling album to date. I love it. Actually, even though I've heard almost all his other CDs, this is the only one I own. "White and Nerdy" has quickly became one of my favorite songs by him, and the polka on this is superb, putting Pussycat Dolls and Franz Ferdinand to accordion (just like God intended).
Well, I hope you were entertained. Feel free to sing my praises and/or add your own inadequate ideas.
Love,
Barry
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Starting 2007 off on the right foot
So, today the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists has turned the "doomsday clock" closer to midnight two minutes, to five minutes 'till midnight. Midnight means "end of the world."
The clock was created in 1947 and is an arbitrary measure of how close humanity is to destroying themselves. Good stuff.
Apparently, increased nuclear proliferation, global warming, and the fact that the U.S. and Russia have 2,000 missiles at the ready to destroy the world bugs someone else as well. We'll see, I'll probably be asleep in five minutes.
--Barry
The clock was created in 1947 and is an arbitrary measure of how close humanity is to destroying themselves. Good stuff.
Apparently, increased nuclear proliferation, global warming, and the fact that the U.S. and Russia have 2,000 missiles at the ready to destroy the world bugs someone else as well. We'll see, I'll probably be asleep in five minutes.
--Barry
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Detroit Auto Show Mania!!!!!!
As a last hoo-rah for Christmas break, I thought it would be a hoot if we went up to the Detroit International Auto Show. Yes, I know nothing about actual automobiles, but I am intrigued by spinny and shiny things. Anyway, here are some pictures.
This is the new Honda Accord Coup. Subtract 15 years and add two doors...you get my car.
The Ford Airstream concept car. The most pimpinest mini-van ever created (voted by JD Power and Associates). Notice the swivel passenger chair. Pimpinest.
This thing is now my dream car. It's called the Efijy. Mmmm. What would I do for one? I'd rather not get into it....
Does the girl come with the car? [rimshot]
Well, I gotta head on out, partner.
Vroom!
-B@rry
This is the new Honda Accord Coup. Subtract 15 years and add two doors...you get my car.
The Ford Airstream concept car. The most pimpinest mini-van ever created (voted by JD Power and Associates). Notice the swivel passenger chair. Pimpinest.
This thing is now my dream car. It's called the Efijy. Mmmm. What would I do for one? I'd rather not get into it....
Does the girl come with the car? [rimshot]
Well, I gotta head on out, partner.
Vroom!
-B@rry
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Licking shots...
Not gonna lie, today was pretty jam-packed.
As the second to last day of my stay in the scenic Southwest Michigan area, I decided that I would hang out with some BGSU buddies last night. We ate these giant "stuffed" breadsticks, which were kinda like canoli, but instead of whipped cream they were filled with cheese and meat. I stayed there pretty late, but made the long haul back to Bedford because my mom needed a car (my dad's transmission got killt, so we were playing man down for awhile there).
Today I went with an old friend and his uncle to a shooting range where we shot a multitude of pistolas. Now I haven't shot a handgun in like 3 years, and I definitley felt like the idiot in the group. I'm just not hick enough. It was still fun though, especially my friend's .45 revolver, which is freakin huge. I think even I could intimidate someone with this gun.
After that and some Elbo Room pizza, we went out to see "Children of Men" or some crap, which was an excellent movie. There were lots of explosions and British people and fascists and the future. Go out. Watch it.
However, apparently after the premiere of "Stomp the Yard" a huge fight broke out. I was like, "Wow, that movie musta sucked! [rimshot]" We came down the escalator to find the parking lot flooded with 5-0 and a bunch of young black kids. We asked an officer what was up, and he told us about the fight. Man, how come fights never happen at the end of my movies?? I'd love to take some kid out, and then quickly duck out before being caught by the authorities. Word.
And then tomorrow I'm prolly headed up to the International Auto Show Extravaganza!! in Detroit. We'll see. Not gonna lie, not a huge car guy, but I do like shiny things that I'm not allowed to touch (like girls), so I don't think I'll be disappointed.
I also just found out that my spring practicum assignment is being Assistant Stage Manager for a show, a position I didn't exactly sign up for. I'm somewhat flattered, but I don't know if this plus being in Das Visit will suck away my life. But then again, I like being busy. We shall see.
Stompin the yard,
Barry.
P.S. I love this White Rapper show on VH1. Love it.
As the second to last day of my stay in the scenic Southwest Michigan area, I decided that I would hang out with some BGSU buddies last night. We ate these giant "stuffed" breadsticks, which were kinda like canoli, but instead of whipped cream they were filled with cheese and meat. I stayed there pretty late, but made the long haul back to Bedford because my mom needed a car (my dad's transmission got killt, so we were playing man down for awhile there).
Today I went with an old friend and his uncle to a shooting range where we shot a multitude of pistolas. Now I haven't shot a handgun in like 3 years, and I definitley felt like the idiot in the group. I'm just not hick enough. It was still fun though, especially my friend's .45 revolver, which is freakin huge. I think even I could intimidate someone with this gun.
After that and some Elbo Room pizza, we went out to see "Children of Men" or some crap, which was an excellent movie. There were lots of explosions and British people and fascists and the future. Go out. Watch it.
However, apparently after the premiere of "Stomp the Yard" a huge fight broke out. I was like, "Wow, that movie musta sucked! [rimshot]" We came down the escalator to find the parking lot flooded with 5-0 and a bunch of young black kids. We asked an officer what was up, and he told us about the fight. Man, how come fights never happen at the end of my movies?? I'd love to take some kid out, and then quickly duck out before being caught by the authorities. Word.
And then tomorrow I'm prolly headed up to the International Auto Show Extravaganza!! in Detroit. We'll see. Not gonna lie, not a huge car guy, but I do like shiny things that I'm not allowed to touch (like girls), so I don't think I'll be disappointed.
I also just found out that my spring practicum assignment is being Assistant Stage Manager for a show, a position I didn't exactly sign up for. I'm somewhat flattered, but I don't know if this plus being in Das Visit will suck away my life. But then again, I like being busy. We shall see.
Stompin the yard,
Barry.
P.S. I love this White Rapper show on VH1. Love it.
Saturday, January 06, 2007
I'd like to Auld Lang her Syne...
Yeah, it's a bit of a stretch for a title, but I couldn't think of anything that rhymed with 2007 (besides "heaven," or "Oy! Glevin!," which I'm pretty sure doesn't mean anything). Not gonna lie, I've been meaning to update this sooner, and I'm just getting around to it now.
Let me tell you, New Years Eve was a blast. I was invited this fabolous man's house for a party with some close friends and some random chicks. And the free booze was flowing like, well, free booze. What can I say, I'm an oppurtunist; morals aren't my thing. I had lots of liquer that I've never tried before, and I got to play Barry the Bartender for myself and create crazy drinks. Like gin and [dollar store] juice. Or a White Barry. I got pretty tipsy, but not so much as everyone else. To be honest, the whole experience was a little weird cause I never drank really with my Toledo friends. It was a little surreal, now that I'm reflecting on it. And I got to sleep under the pool table, so I never actually went to sleep. I had to work the next day, so I just left at 7 AM (don't worry ladies, I was sober) and crashed (pun intended) at my house. And my Jello (TM) shot at midnight was still liquid, and pretty much disgusting. Good times, though.
The next day I think was much more prophetic about how 2007 will turn out for me. I went bowling in Monroe with Miles (grade school buddy), his girlfriend, and this chick who works at Krogers.
I scored the highest bowling ever scored by me in my short life:
114.
Don't laugh. This is freakin monumental. I got three strikes in a row, too (a little Turkey popped up on the moniters). And I won the game. I went for 200 the next game, but had to settle for 60. Still, 2007 is shaping up pretty sweetly.
Also in the new year I've gotten the back of my calves chewed up by my ice skates, seen Marie Antoinette (sp?) and The Departed, and tried my hand at making homemade ginger ale. I saw it on Wikihow and decided to give it a whirl cause I was bored. I'll try it out tomorrow and tell ya what I think. Supposedly it has some alcohol in it.
And then today I spent most of the day replaying some good ol' Age of Empires, but I had to stop my seige of Gaul by the Huns because my dad kept talking to me about scholarships, and it was distracting me from conquest. Bummer.
Tomorrow I go to Ann Arbor with some buds. Hopefully they'll be some awesome photos to come.....
Oy! Glevin! it's 2007
--Barry
Let me tell you, New Years Eve was a blast. I was invited this fabolous man's house for a party with some close friends and some random chicks. And the free booze was flowing like, well, free booze. What can I say, I'm an oppurtunist; morals aren't my thing. I had lots of liquer that I've never tried before, and I got to play Barry the Bartender for myself and create crazy drinks. Like gin and [dollar store] juice. Or a White Barry. I got pretty tipsy, but not so much as everyone else. To be honest, the whole experience was a little weird cause I never drank really with my Toledo friends. It was a little surreal, now that I'm reflecting on it. And I got to sleep under the pool table, so I never actually went to sleep. I had to work the next day, so I just left at 7 AM (don't worry ladies, I was sober) and crashed (pun intended) at my house. And my Jello (TM) shot at midnight was still liquid, and pretty much disgusting. Good times, though.
The next day I think was much more prophetic about how 2007 will turn out for me. I went bowling in Monroe with Miles (grade school buddy), his girlfriend, and this chick who works at Krogers.
I scored the highest bowling ever scored by me in my short life:
114.
Don't laugh. This is freakin monumental. I got three strikes in a row, too (a little Turkey popped up on the moniters). And I won the game. I went for 200 the next game, but had to settle for 60. Still, 2007 is shaping up pretty sweetly.
Also in the new year I've gotten the back of my calves chewed up by my ice skates, seen Marie Antoinette (sp?) and The Departed, and tried my hand at making homemade ginger ale. I saw it on Wikihow and decided to give it a whirl cause I was bored. I'll try it out tomorrow and tell ya what I think. Supposedly it has some alcohol in it.
And then today I spent most of the day replaying some good ol' Age of Empires, but I had to stop my seige of Gaul by the Huns because my dad kept talking to me about scholarships, and it was distracting me from conquest. Bummer.
Tomorrow I go to Ann Arbor with some buds. Hopefully they'll be some awesome photos to come.....
Oy! Glevin! it's 2007
--Barry
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Year XIX
This post is a little sentimental, so if you can't stomach sappiness, check out of the archives for something a little maschuliner.
On this fateful day exactly nineteen years ago, the wrath of God was unleashed into the world in the form of yours truly.
Over these past 19 years, I've met a lot of people. I'd like to take this oppurtunity to give some props to all those who've been part of my lifestory.
-My peeps in Rossford who knew me until the third grade.
-All the people in Bedford, no matter how much of a hillbilly you are.
-My neighbors, even though you're total pricks.
-Those Marching Titans whom I knew every intimate detail regarding your personal lives.
-All those crazy St. John boys.
-And the teachers. Yes, that includes you, Morrison. You gave me something to laugh about and hate at the same time.
-The beautiful St. Ursula girls I knew.
-All those intelligent Notre Dame girls I knew.
-My Gautemala and New Orleans fellas.
-Anyone in a show with me, from Bedford, to high school, to TCAP.
-My co-counselors at Lakota, even though you were all guys.
-Those crazy college kids I hang out with now.
-And of course, my family, who's total insanity has inspired many interesting storylines.
I'd also like to thank now all those who haven't yet met me but will in the future (Like you, Ms. Lohan, or you, Bono).
So, yeah. Happy birthday to me. (you can sing the song now)
Let's get drunk in Canada,
Barry
On this fateful day exactly nineteen years ago, the wrath of God was unleashed into the world in the form of yours truly.
Over these past 19 years, I've met a lot of people. I'd like to take this oppurtunity to give some props to all those who've been part of my lifestory.
-My peeps in Rossford who knew me until the third grade.
-All the people in Bedford, no matter how much of a hillbilly you are.
-My neighbors, even though you're total pricks.
-Those Marching Titans whom I knew every intimate detail regarding your personal lives.
-All those crazy St. John boys.
-And the teachers. Yes, that includes you, Morrison. You gave me something to laugh about and hate at the same time.
-The beautiful St. Ursula girls I knew.
-All those intelligent Notre Dame girls I knew.
-My Gautemala and New Orleans fellas.
-Anyone in a show with me, from Bedford, to high school, to TCAP.
-My co-counselors at Lakota, even though you were all guys.
-Those crazy college kids I hang out with now.
-And of course, my family, who's total insanity has inspired many interesting storylines.
I'd also like to thank now all those who haven't yet met me but will in the future (Like you, Ms. Lohan, or you, Bono).
So, yeah. Happy birthday to me. (you can sing the song now)
Let's get drunk in Canada,
Barry
Monday, December 25, 2006
An Eitel Family Christmas Pt. I
So this Christmas, like most recent Christmases, I've been trying to find the "true spirit of Christmas," much like that Charlie Brown fellow.
I have discovered that it is not in the song "The Christmas Shoes," which is perhaps the worst Christmas-related tune written in 2000 years. Not only is it depressing and puts a damper on the whole day, it is incredibly stupid. What kinda person would want shoes to put on before they die? I would much rather want anti-biotics, or at least morphine. However, now that I have realized how awful a song "Christmas Shoes" is, I can't wait to hear it whenever I listen to 101.5 The River's Continous Christmas Music Insanity. If I ever go to a Christmas party and there is karoki, I mos def am doing "Christmas Shoes."
Anyway, back to real life. I finished all my shopping for people on Thursday after a quick trip to Kohl's and the mall (which I hate going to if I'm not getting paid to be there, BTW). I got some pretty sweet stuff, like a robo-dinosaur, and a pirate book, and a chocolate fondue thing that I say is for Mom but is pretty much for me, and a hat...pretty exciting. Wrapping is another story. I suck. I'll have to post up pics soon if I can get a working camera, because it's pretty sad. Alas.
We bought a real tree this year after I dropped a random hint I wanted one over Thanksgiving, which kinda blew my mind. However, we didn't really have a true topper for it. So Friday I got the idea to go up to Frankenmuth (Michigan's little Bavaria) and buy a tree topper at the largest Christmas store in the world (go big or go somewhere else, that's my motto). Unfortunately, none of my friends wanted to make the 1.5+ hour trip up there. Somehow I convinced my dad, and so me, my father, my insane little sister, and my cute little sister (we sorta kidnapped her) went on a noble quest to get the tree topper, although I seemed to be the only one really loyal to the cause. We did a little site-seeing; it's very pretty there. They have lots of kandy (German for candy), and the people who serve it look like they belong in the "It's A Small World" ride.
Finally we got to Bronner's, and I got lost among the Magi, dancing snowmen, and novelty chili-pepper lights. I finally found a glorious tree topper--an angel with these crazy fiber optic wings. I told my dad about the pressing need for one, and we got it. Then I drove the hour and a half home in rain and general nastiness (the Christmas Shoes song never played, to my disappointment).
Christmas Eve was interesting. I took my crazy sister out to buy Tim Horten gift cards for my parents in the morning. Then I came back, saw the holiday Office special, ate a good dinner, went to Church (which was incredibly hot considering all the C +E Catholics came out of the wordwork), suffered through my little sister having a complete meltdown and semi-ruining Christmas...
Then I hung out with a good friend of mine at his step-dad's family's Christmas celebration. I made a few good pedaphilia jokes in front of toddler parents, and then took off back towards my place. There we watched some Christmas Story (very good movie) and had some Grogg (it's Swedish) and then I drove him home. Over at his house we had long discussions about family, tradition, and this thing called Holiday Spirit. I left at about 3 AM, after the radio played "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," which, coincidentally, is one of the best Christmas songs ever thought up.
The last few years I have trouble around Christmas because I'm older and I feel like I've lost something connected to the season. I used to love this time of year, but global warming, my family's general dysfunctionality, and our lack of Nutcrackers have all taken a toll on my Christmas spirit. However, I think I've finally been able to overcome these obstacles. I'm trying to think of something deep to say, but I can't really come up with something. But while we were lip-syncing to "Hippopotamus for Christmas," I realized I've been able to finally be at peace with Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all....and to all a Good Night,
Barry
P.S. La la la la, look at the bells, look at the bells,
Holy crap here comes Jesus
And he doesn't look too happy...best Family Guy line ever..
I have discovered that it is not in the song "The Christmas Shoes," which is perhaps the worst Christmas-related tune written in 2000 years. Not only is it depressing and puts a damper on the whole day, it is incredibly stupid. What kinda person would want shoes to put on before they die? I would much rather want anti-biotics, or at least morphine. However, now that I have realized how awful a song "Christmas Shoes" is, I can't wait to hear it whenever I listen to 101.5 The River's Continous Christmas Music Insanity. If I ever go to a Christmas party and there is karoki, I mos def am doing "Christmas Shoes."
Anyway, back to real life. I finished all my shopping for people on Thursday after a quick trip to Kohl's and the mall (which I hate going to if I'm not getting paid to be there, BTW). I got some pretty sweet stuff, like a robo-dinosaur, and a pirate book, and a chocolate fondue thing that I say is for Mom but is pretty much for me, and a hat...pretty exciting. Wrapping is another story. I suck. I'll have to post up pics soon if I can get a working camera, because it's pretty sad. Alas.
We bought a real tree this year after I dropped a random hint I wanted one over Thanksgiving, which kinda blew my mind. However, we didn't really have a true topper for it. So Friday I got the idea to go up to Frankenmuth (Michigan's little Bavaria) and buy a tree topper at the largest Christmas store in the world (go big or go somewhere else, that's my motto). Unfortunately, none of my friends wanted to make the 1.5+ hour trip up there. Somehow I convinced my dad, and so me, my father, my insane little sister, and my cute little sister (we sorta kidnapped her) went on a noble quest to get the tree topper, although I seemed to be the only one really loyal to the cause. We did a little site-seeing; it's very pretty there. They have lots of kandy (German for candy), and the people who serve it look like they belong in the "It's A Small World" ride.
Finally we got to Bronner's, and I got lost among the Magi, dancing snowmen, and novelty chili-pepper lights. I finally found a glorious tree topper--an angel with these crazy fiber optic wings. I told my dad about the pressing need for one, and we got it. Then I drove the hour and a half home in rain and general nastiness (the Christmas Shoes song never played, to my disappointment).
Christmas Eve was interesting. I took my crazy sister out to buy Tim Horten gift cards for my parents in the morning. Then I came back, saw the holiday Office special, ate a good dinner, went to Church (which was incredibly hot considering all the C +E Catholics came out of the wordwork), suffered through my little sister having a complete meltdown and semi-ruining Christmas...
Then I hung out with a good friend of mine at his step-dad's family's Christmas celebration. I made a few good pedaphilia jokes in front of toddler parents, and then took off back towards my place. There we watched some Christmas Story (very good movie) and had some Grogg (it's Swedish) and then I drove him home. Over at his house we had long discussions about family, tradition, and this thing called Holiday Spirit. I left at about 3 AM, after the radio played "I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas," which, coincidentally, is one of the best Christmas songs ever thought up.
The last few years I have trouble around Christmas because I'm older and I feel like I've lost something connected to the season. I used to love this time of year, but global warming, my family's general dysfunctionality, and our lack of Nutcrackers have all taken a toll on my Christmas spirit. However, I think I've finally been able to overcome these obstacles. I'm trying to think of something deep to say, but I can't really come up with something. But while we were lip-syncing to "Hippopotamus for Christmas," I realized I've been able to finally be at peace with Christmas.
Merry Christmas to all....and to all a Good Night,
Barry
P.S. La la la la, look at the bells, look at the bells,
Holy crap here comes Jesus
And he doesn't look too happy...best Family Guy line ever..
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Some Official Late Fall/Winter Movie Reviews
So, I've been seeing a lot of movies lately, and since I'm home and have nothing to do at all, I figured I'd kill some time by sharing with you my thoughts on certain recent cinematic events. I think I just might be all caught up on what I want to see, so I figured this was a good time....
Borat
I saw this the first week it was out. Not gonna lie, probably one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. And most people would agree with me, besides perhaps our friends the Jews, the Christian right, blacks, Alabamans, homosexuals, frat boys, Kid Rock, and pretty much anyone else who isn't young and white and sheltered. Either way, I thought it provided some of the best satire of the American view of the outside world through the mouths of Americans. What is even funnier, I think, is that someone was telling me how she was telling all her friends that Kazakhstan (sp?) was a real country, and her friends were like, "What an idiot, she doesn't get the joke. It's made up." Not so, douchebags. Not so. Better brush up on your former Soviet Eastern European nations.
My Rating: Wary Nice!
Casino Royale
I went into this movie thinking, meh, James Bond. He gets a lot more action (in all sorts of ways) than I do, so naturally, I can't say I love the guy. This movie could be my favorite Bond movie, and I've seen quite a bunch. Peirce (sp?) Brosden can suck it. I like it cause he straight up kills people, he's so, as the late Rick James would say, Cold...Blooded. Note how the Ugandans are the bad guys, after all the "Invisible Children" publicity. I also wonder why the Bond franchise have never resorted to using the sterotypical crazed A-rab terrorist. Maybe they think they'll be killed. Those crazy Islamists (jk jk. Don't kidnap me).
My Rating: Good one!
Deju Vu
No connection with the gentlemans club (calm down, fellows). I saw this most recent Denzel movie after leveling a stop sign with my car. The excitement of the movie didn't match the trip. It's like an hour and a half CSI. Plus, the crazy time bending concept wasn't really explained too well. The chick was pretty hot, I will give them that.
My Rating: See it on DVD when you and your buddies are wasted. That 's more advice than a rating, but it's my house, my rules. Jerk.
Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny
At first I thought this was going to be some sort of Andrew Lloyd Webber metal musical, so I was pleased when someone had some dialogue. Although a lot of the humor appeals to seven year olds (and some 18 year olds), I still found myself having a laugh and a half. It also requires a bit of an interest in classic rock/metal, so be forewarned if that is not your cup of tea. Either way, see Borat first.
My Rating: Pretty righteous.
Apocalypto:
Despite Mel Gibson being a bit of an anti-Semitic Austrailian douchebag (though I can't say I'm a whole lot better, and he is richer than I am), he's still a decent director, and I was pretty pumped to see his newest Maya epic. I loved it, even though it was in subtitles. It's pretty violent, so be forewarned, you ladies (and girly men). Actually there's a lot of "Oh snap" moments, such as "Oh snap, dude just got his heart pulled out" or "Oh snap, dude just jumped off a waterfall and hit a rock." BTW, definitely buying this when it appears on DVD.
My Rating: Oh snap, dude just got his face eaten by a panther.
Hope this blog has helped you in your filmatic decisions. I think I'm going to go make some cookies. Feeling a little domestic today.
That is all
~Barry
Borat
I saw this the first week it was out. Not gonna lie, probably one of the funniest movies I've ever seen. And most people would agree with me, besides perhaps our friends the Jews, the Christian right, blacks, Alabamans, homosexuals, frat boys, Kid Rock, and pretty much anyone else who isn't young and white and sheltered. Either way, I thought it provided some of the best satire of the American view of the outside world through the mouths of Americans. What is even funnier, I think, is that someone was telling me how she was telling all her friends that Kazakhstan (sp?) was a real country, and her friends were like, "What an idiot, she doesn't get the joke. It's made up." Not so, douchebags. Not so. Better brush up on your former Soviet Eastern European nations.
My Rating: Wary Nice!
Casino Royale
I went into this movie thinking, meh, James Bond. He gets a lot more action (in all sorts of ways) than I do, so naturally, I can't say I love the guy. This movie could be my favorite Bond movie, and I've seen quite a bunch. Peirce (sp?) Brosden can suck it. I like it cause he straight up kills people, he's so, as the late Rick James would say, Cold...Blooded. Note how the Ugandans are the bad guys, after all the "Invisible Children" publicity. I also wonder why the Bond franchise have never resorted to using the sterotypical crazed A-rab terrorist. Maybe they think they'll be killed. Those crazy Islamists (jk jk. Don't kidnap me).
My Rating: Good one!
Deju Vu
No connection with the gentlemans club (calm down, fellows). I saw this most recent Denzel movie after leveling a stop sign with my car. The excitement of the movie didn't match the trip. It's like an hour and a half CSI. Plus, the crazy time bending concept wasn't really explained too well. The chick was pretty hot, I will give them that.
My Rating: See it on DVD when you and your buddies are wasted. That 's more advice than a rating, but it's my house, my rules. Jerk.
Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny
At first I thought this was going to be some sort of Andrew Lloyd Webber metal musical, so I was pleased when someone had some dialogue. Although a lot of the humor appeals to seven year olds (and some 18 year olds), I still found myself having a laugh and a half. It also requires a bit of an interest in classic rock/metal, so be forewarned if that is not your cup of tea. Either way, see Borat first.
My Rating: Pretty righteous.
Apocalypto:
Despite Mel Gibson being a bit of an anti-Semitic Austrailian douchebag (though I can't say I'm a whole lot better, and he is richer than I am), he's still a decent director, and I was pretty pumped to see his newest Maya epic. I loved it, even though it was in subtitles. It's pretty violent, so be forewarned, you ladies (and girly men). Actually there's a lot of "Oh snap" moments, such as "Oh snap, dude just got his heart pulled out" or "Oh snap, dude just jumped off a waterfall and hit a rock." BTW, definitely buying this when it appears on DVD.
My Rating: Oh snap, dude just got his face eaten by a panther.
Hope this blog has helped you in your filmatic decisions. I think I'm going to go make some cookies. Feeling a little domestic today.
That is all
~Barry
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Something other than what I should be doing
Huh, this week is finals week. And I have a pretty locked and loaded schedule. I had my DSTP exam today, my "crafts for the stage" one tomorrow (kinda a joke, not gonna lie). Then Thursday I have a philosophy exam, and a philosophy paper due, and my anthropology exam (it's like 9 blasted pages of single space hell) is due on top. And then Friday I have my Virtuous Eating. Then I will have made it outta the dark tunnel and into the beautiful Black Swamp region. Did I mentioned that the d-bag who made the schedule at work has me closing last night, tonight, tomorrow night, and Thursday night? There's the catch, how can me not fail skool with my nights taken up? Study during the day? Are you kidding? I'm too busy wasting my life doing this.
This weekend was...eventful. I worked Friday (I'm getting pretty good at the closing gig, mostly cause I cut a lot of corners and I know that appearences are everything. Muwhahaha....if you're a future employer of mine, I'm just kidding of course.) Saturday was the closest thing to a high school dance involving me since, well, high school. A lovely friend of mine accompanied me to a performance of "The Nutcracker" by the Joffrey Ballet (there really world-renowned, for all you swine out there). However, before we were a little late because her whole floor was involved in dressing her up. There was even the prom mom to take a poloroid of us (I haven't seen it, I have feeling I look pretty goofy..not that I don't all the time).
Let me throw this out there and I'm not gonna get into it because I'll get all perturbed: Public transportation is not the classiest way to travel.
The ballet was pretty good. Not gonna lie, I was entertained. Plus, I've never actually seen Nutcracker. Afterwards, we walked about 7 billion blocks to Cheesecake Factory, which was delicious.
Until about 5 AM the next morning, when I started vomiting violently. I had probably the worst case of food poisoning I've ever had, I'm guessing from the cheeseburger. I think I'm going off beef for a small while. I mean, I could barely hold down water. It was nuts. I know, I know, it sucks that you didn't know about it while it was actually happening so you could offer your condolences sooner. Don't worry, I forgive you.
Then during study day, I went to the Michigan Ave (say it ave, not avenue. It sounds more chic). I decided to continue my tradition of giving socks to someone for Christmas, because, honestly, is there a suckier gift than socks? Psyche! There $16 socks from the 5 story Polo store (marked down to $4.89, but that's beside the point). Anybody would be proud to don these babies, lemme tell you.
I really should be working on something meaningful, it's pathetic. I'm sorry.
Remember, time is the enemy of cheese,
-me
This weekend was...eventful. I worked Friday (I'm getting pretty good at the closing gig, mostly cause I cut a lot of corners and I know that appearences are everything. Muwhahaha....if you're a future employer of mine, I'm just kidding of course.) Saturday was the closest thing to a high school dance involving me since, well, high school. A lovely friend of mine accompanied me to a performance of "The Nutcracker" by the Joffrey Ballet (there really world-renowned, for all you swine out there). However, before we were a little late because her whole floor was involved in dressing her up. There was even the prom mom to take a poloroid of us (I haven't seen it, I have feeling I look pretty goofy..not that I don't all the time).
Let me throw this out there and I'm not gonna get into it because I'll get all perturbed: Public transportation is not the classiest way to travel.
The ballet was pretty good. Not gonna lie, I was entertained. Plus, I've never actually seen Nutcracker. Afterwards, we walked about 7 billion blocks to Cheesecake Factory, which was delicious.
Until about 5 AM the next morning, when I started vomiting violently. I had probably the worst case of food poisoning I've ever had, I'm guessing from the cheeseburger. I think I'm going off beef for a small while. I mean, I could barely hold down water. It was nuts. I know, I know, it sucks that you didn't know about it while it was actually happening so you could offer your condolences sooner. Don't worry, I forgive you.
Then during study day, I went to the Michigan Ave (say it ave, not avenue. It sounds more chic). I decided to continue my tradition of giving socks to someone for Christmas, because, honestly, is there a suckier gift than socks? Psyche! There $16 socks from the 5 story Polo store (marked down to $4.89, but that's beside the point). Anybody would be proud to don these babies, lemme tell you.
I really should be working on something meaningful, it's pathetic. I'm sorry.
Remember, time is the enemy of cheese,
-me
Monday, December 04, 2006
Loose Change...pretty tight
This is one you might wanna read in your basement with an aluminum foil hat on.
Politically, I try not to dabble in the whole left-right spectrum. I think both Republicans and Dems are nowadays whack groups (although I do like hard-core liberals better than hard-core neo-cons). After reading some interesting literature and meeting some people, I would have to say I'm in the anarchist camp. Would I blow up a Wal Mart? We'll see, they don't have them in Chicago. However, considering this is a personal blog and not a hardcore political one, I'm not gonna shove some views down your throat....and then show you pictures of my cat.
However, I heard about a video today, and after watching it, my mind is not far from being blown. It's called "Loose Change," and it basically lays out how 9-11 was a act of state terrorism committed by the United States government. Not gonna lie, they have some semi-convincing evidence. Supposedly the movie is gonna go to theaters sometime in '07. I have my doubts about that, but it is one of the most watched movies on the internet.
Here it is:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7866929448192753501&q=loose+change&hl=en
It's long (about 1.5 hours), so give yourself some time to watch it.
And then here is a blog created solely to refute it (hey, man, I'm all about balance....and honey mustard, but that's a different story):
http://screwloosechange.blogspot.com (I love that title)
Anyway, check that out. Arm yourself with knowledge, that's what I say.
Barry. Out.
P.S. Yes, I know I'm going to be blacklisted for this. I'm pretty sure I am already, though.
Politically, I try not to dabble in the whole left-right spectrum. I think both Republicans and Dems are nowadays whack groups (although I do like hard-core liberals better than hard-core neo-cons). After reading some interesting literature and meeting some people, I would have to say I'm in the anarchist camp. Would I blow up a Wal Mart? We'll see, they don't have them in Chicago. However, considering this is a personal blog and not a hardcore political one, I'm not gonna shove some views down your throat....and then show you pictures of my cat.
However, I heard about a video today, and after watching it, my mind is not far from being blown. It's called "Loose Change," and it basically lays out how 9-11 was a act of state terrorism committed by the United States government. Not gonna lie, they have some semi-convincing evidence. Supposedly the movie is gonna go to theaters sometime in '07. I have my doubts about that, but it is one of the most watched movies on the internet.
Here it is:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7866929448192753501&q=loose+change&hl=en
It's long (about 1.5 hours), so give yourself some time to watch it.
And then here is a blog created solely to refute it (hey, man, I'm all about balance....and honey mustard, but that's a different story):
http://screwloosechange.blogspot.com (I love that title)
Anyway, check that out. Arm yourself with knowledge, that's what I say.
Barry. Out.
P.S. Yes, I know I'm going to be blacklisted for this. I'm pretty sure I am already, though.
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Mark your calenders: Some weekend in Feburary
Steak knife. Card Shark. Con Job. Boot cut.
Those are just some of the lyrics of "By the Way" by RHCP, who are coming to Chi-ville Feb. 27th, and I kinda need to go to that.
By the way (see, it all goes together), I did get into Loyola's production of "The Visit" by Freddrich German Guy (I have no respect for anything). I'm First Man, but don't let that fool you, I have lotsa lines. Considering the play takes place in Germany, I think I might give myself a fitting name such as Adolf Schwartzinager. We'll see, but not until second semester. The weird thing about getting into a play is that whenever I see a theater major they offer their congratulations. People I didn't even think knew me are all like "Hey, congratutions" and I'm all like "Hey, thanks. Same to you." Honestly, however, I don't have the cast list memorized, so I might be congratulating people who didn't get in. But really, it's so weird that the whole community knows I got the part. Weird.
So, Cinderella auditions were today, I am almost positive I bombed them. I didn't really have real piano music, found my monologue at 3 AM the night before on the internet, and the dance audition was the most intense dance audition I ever have been in. It was straight up ballet. Because I knew there was no way I could do it actually, I tried going for "goofy." Unfortunately, I think the choreographer was looking for "good." I'm not called back, so we'll see. Honestly, I am not going to be too sad if I don't get in, considering that I nailed it in The Visit. And, this is Barry speaking from the heart here, Cinderella is probably one of the suckiest musicals ever. All the music is waltz, the same waltz. Rogers and Hammerstein wrote it for TV. I'm not even joking. But, it would still be a blast to be in, so here's to getting in.
I saw "Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny" tonight....I'm going to have to have a winter movie review, because I have been to the theaters a lot recently. More on this later.
And I get back from Campion to Mertz at 4 AM to find out there was a fire drill in process. In 20 degree weather. But, I wasn't too pissed....at least I walked in on it, and didn't wake up to it. When I walked up to Mertz, there was a girl making out with some random dude. Then she walked up and I told her about the fire alarm, and we talked for a little bit. So at least I met someone knew (if she remembers me at all). She had a lot more of a liquid coat on at the time; I only had one Corona all night (yeah for free good beer).
I found out today that I close at work Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and next Monday. I might slit my wrists before next week....thank God I still have that option.
And the beat goes on,
B-arry
Those are just some of the lyrics of "By the Way" by RHCP, who are coming to Chi-ville Feb. 27th, and I kinda need to go to that.
By the way (see, it all goes together), I did get into Loyola's production of "The Visit" by Freddrich German Guy (I have no respect for anything). I'm First Man, but don't let that fool you, I have lotsa lines. Considering the play takes place in Germany, I think I might give myself a fitting name such as Adolf Schwartzinager. We'll see, but not until second semester. The weird thing about getting into a play is that whenever I see a theater major they offer their congratulations. People I didn't even think knew me are all like "Hey, congratutions" and I'm all like "Hey, thanks. Same to you." Honestly, however, I don't have the cast list memorized, so I might be congratulating people who didn't get in. But really, it's so weird that the whole community knows I got the part. Weird.
So, Cinderella auditions were today, I am almost positive I bombed them. I didn't really have real piano music, found my monologue at 3 AM the night before on the internet, and the dance audition was the most intense dance audition I ever have been in. It was straight up ballet. Because I knew there was no way I could do it actually, I tried going for "goofy." Unfortunately, I think the choreographer was looking for "good." I'm not called back, so we'll see. Honestly, I am not going to be too sad if I don't get in, considering that I nailed it in The Visit. And, this is Barry speaking from the heart here, Cinderella is probably one of the suckiest musicals ever. All the music is waltz, the same waltz. Rogers and Hammerstein wrote it for TV. I'm not even joking. But, it would still be a blast to be in, so here's to getting in.
I saw "Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny" tonight....I'm going to have to have a winter movie review, because I have been to the theaters a lot recently. More on this later.
And I get back from Campion to Mertz at 4 AM to find out there was a fire drill in process. In 20 degree weather. But, I wasn't too pissed....at least I walked in on it, and didn't wake up to it. When I walked up to Mertz, there was a girl making out with some random dude. Then she walked up and I told her about the fire alarm, and we talked for a little bit. So at least I met someone knew (if she remembers me at all). She had a lot more of a liquid coat on at the time; I only had one Corona all night (yeah for free good beer).
I found out today that I close at work Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and next Monday. I might slit my wrists before next week....thank God I still have that option.
And the beat goes on,
B-arry
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
Camera Time
Now that I have a digital camera, I have something to fill up the empty void of a life I call exsistence. I'm gonna go get some eyeliner.
These aren't in any space-time order because blogger's photo adding tool confused me.
This is what you can see from my window at about 5:00 PM. Yes, that is Lake Michigan.
The stuff on my desk after I messed around with the "effects" button on my camera.
My boss sent this to me. Go figure. It holds up my DVD player. 
Anyway, there is my free and unasked for tour of my room (minus the stuff I didn't want you to see, i.e. whips and chains, my Haitian slave). Hope you enjoyed it enough to come back someday.
These aren't in any space-time order because blogger's photo adding tool confused me.
This is my roomate. It is a fern. I'm deciding what to name it.
This is what you can see from my window at about 5:00 PM. Yes, that is Lake Michigan.
The stuff on my desk after I messed around with the "effects" button on my camera.
My boss sent this to me. Go figure. It holds up my DVD player. 
This is what you see when you enter.
This is my ode to sticky tack.
Huh, wonder who that creeper could be....
Anyway, there is my free and unasked for tour of my room (minus the stuff I didn't want you to see, i.e. whips and chains, my Haitian slave). Hope you enjoyed it enough to come back someday.
Monday, November 27, 2006
It's been one week--
Oh, barenaked ladies. I wonder how many elderly perverts went to one of their concerts planning to see a few barenaked ladies. That kinda disappointment just sucks.
I'm not even gonna try to describe everything that's happened since my last post, for one because I don't think anyone really cares....for two, it would be a lot of writing.
What can I say, SOA was a blast. I got to meet up with old friends (yes, you Courtney) and make some new ones (like smelly Larry, and some dude we found on our hotel room's floor). Somehow I was able to abuse everyone's charitable spirit and get the bed both nights. Wary nice!
After getting back at 6 AM Monday, I went back to the 734 at 3:30 Tuesday. And yes, I almost missed the bus for a second time. Tuesday night I hung out with my buddy Eric, and concieved plans for a Toronto trip after I turn 19. Wednesday I worked for a good amount of time, then went to Texas Roadhouse (for the first time in about five years) with another Erik, Dano, Colleen, Julie, and other assorted band chicks. Quite yummy. Then the night continued with a trip to Maxwells to converse with two Houstons, a Hasbrook, and Chrandy (basically we swapped drinking stories).
Thursday was Thanksgiving, which we had at out house for a change. The turkey was a little dry, but I did manage to sneak some wine with my parents. My aunt came with a OSU Taiwanese exchange student who was pretty good at making pie. I thought maybe I should hang out with her, but I had so many people to do and places to see, it was tough.
Highlight of the break: Thursday night was very foggy, and we had the bright idea to go see a movie in Maumee. I was looking for (then passing) the theater in my trusty '93 Honda Accord when the road dead-ended without my knowledge. I slammed on the brakes just in time to take out a sign with a bunch of reflectors on it (first technical "crash" on my list). Some old lady saw and came over to see if I was alright. I thought the whole thing was pretty righteous, but I tried to look somewhat shaken. We put the sign up and made some small talk, and then some lady in the parking lot yelled "hey!" and the lady suggested I take off, and I didn't argue. Good times. Diane, if your reading this, thanks for "not seeing anything," as you said (no, I didn't pay her off).
Black Friday was pretty dark. I got up at 4:20, went with my mother to Circuit City, waited in line for 1.5 hours to get a camera (hooray, now my blog can have some visual media), Tom Petty's Greatest Hits, and Office Space. Bummer. I napped then worked again, then hung out with some St. Pats people and learned some interesting things about people I thought I knew well. Saturday I went to some rich kid's house, lost at pool, then had the first Waffle House grease sandwich in about five months.
Today I laid low, packed, memorized a monologue for audition Monday, and then set off on a Megabus journey back to the 773. I had an interesting conversation with Rami and this kid who goes to Vanderbuilt School of Music about bassists throughout history, and then went on my first cab ride ever with two other dudes. Now I'm listening to the Offspring CD I got a week ago.
Oh yeah, I switch phone plans and broke down and got a Razor (I swear, it was the cheapest one available). No longer am I a virgin (mobile); I'm a T (mobile) man now.
Here's to you, old lady at Chesterfield apartments,
Barry
I'm not even gonna try to describe everything that's happened since my last post, for one because I don't think anyone really cares....for two, it would be a lot of writing.
What can I say, SOA was a blast. I got to meet up with old friends (yes, you Courtney) and make some new ones (like smelly Larry, and some dude we found on our hotel room's floor). Somehow I was able to abuse everyone's charitable spirit and get the bed both nights. Wary nice!
After getting back at 6 AM Monday, I went back to the 734 at 3:30 Tuesday. And yes, I almost missed the bus for a second time. Tuesday night I hung out with my buddy Eric, and concieved plans for a Toronto trip after I turn 19. Wednesday I worked for a good amount of time, then went to Texas Roadhouse (for the first time in about five years) with another Erik, Dano, Colleen, Julie, and other assorted band chicks. Quite yummy. Then the night continued with a trip to Maxwells to converse with two Houstons, a Hasbrook, and Chrandy (basically we swapped drinking stories).
Thursday was Thanksgiving, which we had at out house for a change. The turkey was a little dry, but I did manage to sneak some wine with my parents. My aunt came with a OSU Taiwanese exchange student who was pretty good at making pie. I thought maybe I should hang out with her, but I had so many people to do and places to see, it was tough.
Highlight of the break: Thursday night was very foggy, and we had the bright idea to go see a movie in Maumee. I was looking for (then passing) the theater in my trusty '93 Honda Accord when the road dead-ended without my knowledge. I slammed on the brakes just in time to take out a sign with a bunch of reflectors on it (first technical "crash" on my list). Some old lady saw and came over to see if I was alright. I thought the whole thing was pretty righteous, but I tried to look somewhat shaken. We put the sign up and made some small talk, and then some lady in the parking lot yelled "hey!" and the lady suggested I take off, and I didn't argue. Good times. Diane, if your reading this, thanks for "not seeing anything," as you said (no, I didn't pay her off).
Black Friday was pretty dark. I got up at 4:20, went with my mother to Circuit City, waited in line for 1.5 hours to get a camera (hooray, now my blog can have some visual media), Tom Petty's Greatest Hits, and Office Space. Bummer. I napped then worked again, then hung out with some St. Pats people and learned some interesting things about people I thought I knew well. Saturday I went to some rich kid's house, lost at pool, then had the first Waffle House grease sandwich in about five months.
Today I laid low, packed, memorized a monologue for audition Monday, and then set off on a Megabus journey back to the 773. I had an interesting conversation with Rami and this kid who goes to Vanderbuilt School of Music about bassists throughout history, and then went on my first cab ride ever with two other dudes. Now I'm listening to the Offspring CD I got a week ago.
Oh yeah, I switch phone plans and broke down and got a Razor (I swear, it was the cheapest one available). No longer am I a virgin (mobile); I'm a T (mobile) man now.
Here's to you, old lady at Chesterfield apartments,
Barry
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Party on, SOA
Tonight at 9:30, 10:30 Georgia time, I embark for the second time on a 17 hour odyssey to Columbus, Georgia and the School of America's Protest. This week/weekend is the anniversity of the murder of the four Jesuits and their housekeeper in El Salvador (I actually walked the trail the killers took when I visited San Salvador). Many of the murderers were SOA graduates, as was the killer of Oscar Romero and those that massacred the town of El Mozote. Peace in Latin America is something I feel especially connected with since I went down to Guatamala two summers ago.
That aside, the protest is actually a pretty good time. I am hopefully going to meet up with old friends and make some new ones, lots of free love, hoorah. Actually, the hippie ratio at the protest is pretty good, lots of chicks with dreadlocks (ewwww....you get used to it after awhile). I really enjoyed it last year, so we'll see how it goes again. I hope the bus ride isn't too awkward because I don't anyone well that's going down with Loyola. During the trip I hope to knock out a Virtuous Eating term paper, so I got that to look forward to.
Today I also was able to register for classes (ha, all you other freshman can eat your heart out). Right now I'm taking two more theater classes (to be a major is ridiculous, it's like 48 credit hours, one of the most here), another philosophy for that major, a theology because my Virtuous Eating prof is teaching it (it's titled "Jesus Christ," which I'm sure will be pretty good fodder for jokes), and another anthropology cause I wanna minor in that. I decided I'd sign up orchestra, too, though I don't know if I'll stick with it....17 credit hours again. I'm a little pissed because even I wasn't able to get into a langauge 101...I wanted to take Spanish, or Italian, or Chinese, or Arabic, or something. But I got nothing. Story of my life...no, that would be "Play it Off...Cool."
And yes, my Twisted Sister review got top bill in Diversions. Two pats on the back for that.
Georgia (all the time) and Georgia (on my mind),
Barry
PS--in case anybody cares, you can visit www.soaw.org for more SOA info, and perhaps a pic of me if I get really lucky. Now I gotta pack.
That aside, the protest is actually a pretty good time. I am hopefully going to meet up with old friends and make some new ones, lots of free love, hoorah. Actually, the hippie ratio at the protest is pretty good, lots of chicks with dreadlocks (ewwww....you get used to it after awhile). I really enjoyed it last year, so we'll see how it goes again. I hope the bus ride isn't too awkward because I don't anyone well that's going down with Loyola. During the trip I hope to knock out a Virtuous Eating term paper, so I got that to look forward to.
Today I also was able to register for classes (ha, all you other freshman can eat your heart out). Right now I'm taking two more theater classes (to be a major is ridiculous, it's like 48 credit hours, one of the most here), another philosophy for that major, a theology because my Virtuous Eating prof is teaching it (it's titled "Jesus Christ," which I'm sure will be pretty good fodder for jokes), and another anthropology cause I wanna minor in that. I decided I'd sign up orchestra, too, though I don't know if I'll stick with it....17 credit hours again. I'm a little pissed because even I wasn't able to get into a langauge 101...I wanted to take Spanish, or Italian, or Chinese, or Arabic, or something. But I got nothing. Story of my life...no, that would be "Play it Off...Cool."
And yes, my Twisted Sister review got top bill in Diversions. Two pats on the back for that.
Georgia (all the time) and Georgia (on my mind),
Barry
PS--in case anybody cares, you can visit www.soaw.org for more SOA info, and perhaps a pic of me if I get really lucky. Now I gotta pack.
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Georgia on my mind
I gotta make this quick, cause I think I'm goin to my first college basketball game soon (r a m b l e r s, that spells ramblers. hoorah.).
I finally got done practicumming (ha, I said cumming) on Sunday, on which day I had to wake up at 5:10 because the certain people at work forgot I requested off and scheduled me to open. I was pretty pissed, and I think if they ever have me open again, I might quit right then and there. Mark my words. And then, after working 5.5 hours, I had to run some costumes and then strike, which actually didn't take all that long for Barry, but it still sucked. Overall practicum wasn't too terrible because I got to get to know some others in the department. What can I say, I build bridges. It's what I do.
And now I'm preparing myself for my Georgia SOA protest trip on Thursday (thus the title thusly). It's gonna be good time. Major hippie fest, free love and maybe free illicit substances, who knows. I'll know at least one girl from John Carrol, and a few others that are going from here....17 hours on a bus, hopefully it won't get crazy. And I'll be in a room with around 7 other dudes. Yeah for protests. Boo for Wal-Mart (yeah, I said it. Watcha gonna do? Hire Asians for miserable wages to keep your prices down? Oh wait, you already do that).
Two days later, I leave for the big Toledo. Ohio. Thanksgiving funtimes.
Also, I'm very excited. The Phoenix comes out tomorrow, and hopefully in the front section of diversions will be my masterpiece so far, my review of Twisted Sister's newest album, "A Twisted Christmas." I might repost here in it's entirety if I feel like it. And yes, I got to keep the CD for free. If I'm in a good mood I might let you listen to it.
Wrecking the halls this season,
Barry
I finally got done practicumming (ha, I said cumming) on Sunday, on which day I had to wake up at 5:10 because the certain people at work forgot I requested off and scheduled me to open. I was pretty pissed, and I think if they ever have me open again, I might quit right then and there. Mark my words. And then, after working 5.5 hours, I had to run some costumes and then strike, which actually didn't take all that long for Barry, but it still sucked. Overall practicum wasn't too terrible because I got to get to know some others in the department. What can I say, I build bridges. It's what I do.
And now I'm preparing myself for my Georgia SOA protest trip on Thursday (thus the title thusly). It's gonna be good time. Major hippie fest, free love and maybe free illicit substances, who knows. I'll know at least one girl from John Carrol, and a few others that are going from here....17 hours on a bus, hopefully it won't get crazy. And I'll be in a room with around 7 other dudes. Yeah for protests. Boo for Wal-Mart (yeah, I said it. Watcha gonna do? Hire Asians for miserable wages to keep your prices down? Oh wait, you already do that).
Two days later, I leave for the big Toledo. Ohio. Thanksgiving funtimes.
Also, I'm very excited. The Phoenix comes out tomorrow, and hopefully in the front section of diversions will be my masterpiece so far, my review of Twisted Sister's newest album, "A Twisted Christmas." I might repost here in it's entirety if I feel like it. And yes, I got to keep the CD for free. If I'm in a good mood I might let you listen to it.
Wrecking the halls this season,
Barry
Friday, November 03, 2006
Broken Glass Under Nino's Feet
So, today in the mail I got "The Sunny Side of the Moon: The best of Richard Cheese." It's a bunch of lounge versions of songs such as Rape Me, Closer, Gin and Juice, Creep, Baby Got Back, and other hard rock/rap/other stuff. Not gonna lie, this guy is pretty much my hero. If I could ever scrounge up a jazz combo, I would definitely do the same thing, only we would be better. You just watch.
So for the past week and for the next two I'm costuming running for the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" here, which kinda sucks. It's not really hard, it just takes up huge blocks of my time. We also have a pretty motley crew, if I do not say so myself. There's me, the semi-racist bigot from rural Michigan, a lesbian, a girl from Kentucky, a girl from Africa, another guy who seems too have a little a clue as I do, our fearless leader, Jeff, and three assorted freshman girls who add something but I'm not sure exactly what. It makes for some interesting times, quite a few of them at my expense it seems. Whatevs, at least I'm meeting people in the department, and it's a decently good time, except for when tonight I had to do laundry until 12:30. Such is life. There is free candy involved. And the girl from Kentucky is cute. I can deal.
Waitress, can I get the..
check, mic check, 1...2...
--Barry
So for the past week and for the next two I'm costuming running for the production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" here, which kinda sucks. It's not really hard, it just takes up huge blocks of my time. We also have a pretty motley crew, if I do not say so myself. There's me, the semi-racist bigot from rural Michigan, a lesbian, a girl from Kentucky, a girl from Africa, another guy who seems too have a little a clue as I do, our fearless leader, Jeff, and three assorted freshman girls who add something but I'm not sure exactly what. It makes for some interesting times, quite a few of them at my expense it seems. Whatevs, at least I'm meeting people in the department, and it's a decently good time, except for when tonight I had to do laundry until 12:30. Such is life. There is free candy involved. And the girl from Kentucky is cute. I can deal.
Waitress, can I get the..
check, mic check, 1...2...
--Barry
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