Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Frosted Mini-Wheat Thoughts and Theories
I think however, they sort of present a metaphor for my present state. I realized Monday that the past three weeks I have been strangely depressed. Probably more depressed than I have at any other point in college so far. I think it's been a combination of things, including a big fight with my parents and me not getting into a show this semester.
Fortunately, though, I think I'm pulling through pretty well now. I've done a lot of self-re-evaluation the past two days, and I actually feel a lot happier. I felt out of balance and without purpose. I sat down and figured out what direction I want to go in, which includes a renewed dedidication to acting and getting a job that I really want. So far so good. I have reconciled with my family. I've put a lot of thought into my characterization scene, and I think I have a really good shot at this job I applied for at a fancy-schmancy Chocolate Lounge in Evanston. And I have been listening to a lot of White Stripes.
Yeah, I know this post is pretty lame. Think of it as an open letter, to you. Personally, I mean it. Nobody else can read this. Here's to you, reader.
With love,
--Barry
Friday, September 14, 2007
Free Chipotle and Other Thoughts
Other than that, times are good. I'm gonna turn in my application tomorrow at a tropical fish store in Old Town. I already called, and they seemed mildly interested. I think it'll go well. Also tomorrow, I'm going to see that new Beatles movie musical, "Across the Universe." I've heard mixed things about it, but it looks crazy enough to be really good. I'll report back, never you worry, loyal reader.
Also, Courtney and myself will hopefully see that Rilo Kiley on Saturday. I think I can swing some decently discounted tix off Craigslist. Cross your fingers. And maybe your toes.
Who rocks the party (rocks the party),
Barry
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
100 posts
So I after getting called back for 4 of 6 male roles in Diviners, I did not get a part. This means I'm essentially out of theatre productions until late this semester, with the exception of directing scenes, etc.
I'm trying to keep it positive. Thinking I'll get a job with the extra time. We shall see.
Did you see High School Musical's Vanessa Hudgens nude photos?
I did,
Barry
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Shot through the heart, and You're to Blame
I've gone through two auditions, one callback, and nine classes. The classes aren't so bad, characterization (basically, intro to Shakespeare), ancient philosophy, spanish 101 taught by a guy who can barely speak English, Arabic 101, stage design, and theatre history...fun stuff all around. And I kinda already have a huge project due on Wednesday.
Loyola held auditions for productions of 'Arcadia' on the mainstage and 'Wit' in the studio, and I'd be cool to get into either one (Arcadia moreso than Wit). However, I totally blew my monologue. Both times. I think Tuesday night might've been my worst auditions of all time. I world get through a few lines, start thinking, hey Barry, doing pretty good, let's not screw up, get pulled out of the moment, and then everything would shatter apart. I forgot words and had to repeat sentences. It really sucked, and I was pretty depressed after the fact.
However, I somehow made callbacks for Arcadia. Those were pretty meh. I waited around for an hour, read for one scene, and then the director said, "alright, there's nothing I can really give direction-wise" and we let go. I'll see tomorrow if I made it. Here's hoping. I've already made good use of the leftover tequila, so everything's pretty cool.
And I also was ask to help plan the fresh faces party, basically where the older theatre kids get the freshman drunk. Myself and three other friends of mine (none of us really are that hip to the idea) have to get a location, set a date, and raise money. Whatever.
I think I'm going to see Herbie Hancock tomorrow night.
-The Barry
Monday, August 27, 2007
The Barry is Back
"Oh, hey," I said, "how's it going?"
"I just woke up in the hospital."
Yes, I am back in college.
We kinda chilled here for my first night, I unpacked my things, tried to figure out my TV, etc., etc. Fransico, myself, my friend Courtney who transferred here from JC (and a member of our Toledo Cru), and two of Fransico's friends drank a little in our new wicked sweet room Saturday night. Not gonna lie, I was sweetly surprised when I stepped in. We got like a table, and some cool chairs, and a stove, and a fridge, it's not what I expected at all. We still need to get groceries and install the putting green, but it will come with time.
Today I helped set up Fransico's stuff, and then went downtown with Courtney and her roommate to see some old friends and get dinner. They got a truly loaded English roommate who buys $80 bottles of champagne. Some people have all the luck. Not this guy.
Well maybe.
Then I went off to the beach with my theatre friends who were quite high. I borrowed a play to get monologue for Tuesday's auditions (I freakin know). And I figured out my class schedule for tomorrow, and added some 300-level Ancient Philosophy to the mix. Semi-productive. Always sexy.
Welcome back,
Barry
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Rockit
Today I went to Swedish design paradise insanity IKEA in Canton, MI to get stuff for ma new dorm. Pretty exciting, I know. All in all, I spent about ten dollars. I got a rug, two coffee mugs, a wine glass, a dish towel, two picture frame things, a measuring thing set, and a threesome of cooking stuff (as in a spatula, a giant fork, and a giant spoon). Wow, if my life could get any more exciting. Basically, Drew and I spent the day hitting each other with random found objects, some hurt more than others.
I have three more days here, and I have still a lot of people to see. It doesn't seem like a big deal, cause I'm sure I'll be back for breaks, but it still kinda is. I think I'm a little nervous to get back into the routine after spending most of the summer watching Spongebob. Loyola already has auditions for Arcadia on the 28th, two days after classes start. I have yet to start thinking about a monologue. Some people might toss around the word totally screwed, but I'm not some people.
Stressed in Bedford,
Barry
Monday, August 20, 2007
Late
And then Drew, who drove with me, shattered the hookah. Good times, indeed. Everyone was a little sad, but everything was settled (except for one cat, who was really, really pissed/drunk/sick for awhile, but that's a different story). I was half-worried they might kick Drew out and then I would be stuck going home waaay early and be in quite the awkward situation in general. In the end, I think my good chi was able to overcome all the bad chi that follows Drew by principle.
I finally got home around 5 AM, and then set my phone for 10 AM, because I had to open at President at 11. Then I woke up at 10:58. My phone had died. I flew around the house, a blur of water and pants and tie. I finally got to the store and had the drawer counted at 11:22. We'll see what happens, but I'm none to worried. I bank a lot on the fact that everyone loves me.
I spent the day staring blankly into space, talking with the other dude who came in at noon and just moved in to the University of Toledo, and trying to find prices on cocktail shakers for Barry's superdorm (Coming to you live, August 25th, 2007).
The rest of the week is pretty dull, working like 36 hours and then moving in on Saturday. I'll prolly end up spending at least one more night in BG, but not much other than that. I kinda want to go to the IKEA in Canton on Tuesday, so we'll see how that goes. Maybe get some sexy stuff.
And I saw Superbad on Friday. Funny stuff. One of the best depictions of high school life ever on film, and even better because most of the actors are pretty lowkey. I'll tell you, with a track record of the 40 Year Old Virgin, Knocked Up, and now this, these guys are on a roll. We'll see if they can keep it going. But seriously folks, see the movie. There's alcohol, menustration, and guns. Make it happen, bub.
Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh,
Barry
Friday, August 17, 2007
Working Hard For the Money
Last night I went and visited my friends' spankin new apartment in Bowling Green, and not gonna lie, it's pretty sweet. It got me thinking, uh oh, I need to amass all the stuff for my dorm. Fact: I leave in 8 days. I have yet to get a hold of my roommate to talk about what we're both bringing. Actually, I probably should be doing that than writing this. What can I say? I love each one of my fans.
Here's a list of crap off the top of my head that I want.
NEW STUFF I NEED TO GET:
A good blender that will last me forever
A Big Cactus that could possibly kill me when I'm drunk and stumbling around in the dark
A Martini mixer
A light-up globe
An Interesting rug, perhaps
Silverware
Really sharp knives
Walk-in humidor/gun safe
That one was a joke
My Monopoly Millenium edition
Julia Child's French Cookbook
Etc. Etc.
I got to get to President Tuxedo--and after my shift I'm hoping to catch Superbad (Hoorah!)
Give me something to believe in,
Barry
*************BARRY AND THE ON OCCASIONS NEWS********
I've actually been quiet on here about it, but me and my one-man band have been working pretty intensely on a few new mashups, and they been getting pretty semi-decent viewings on a few mashup sites. I'm working on a pretty intense one now (with like 10 songs, including Makes Me Wonder, Crazy, and LoveStoned)....so get pumped.
My latest, Da Superclub
50 Cent + RHCP + Gym Class Heroes + Stevie Wonder + Rick James
Another, the Cure and OutKast
And our official (albeit not very decorated) MySpace:
http://www.myspace.com/barryandtheonoccasions
Enjoy.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Is Your Ego Satisfied?
Other than that, twelve days till move-in/move-on. Exciting. I know.
Either way, you should check this out.
I like to think I change lives with this blog. You can thank me later.
Love,
Barry
Thursday, August 09, 2007
The Return
I ain't gonna post any pics here, cause there are just too many--click on the link to see the whole album. You won't be disappointed.
http://luc.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2074117&l=7ac68&id=20012412
Alas, the summer comes closer and closer to an end. The guy I went to Canada with leaves Sunday for Dayton (which means I have to get the $37 I owe him to him soon). It's weird to think about it, but I guess it has been like 4 months. Deep. Well, I'm ready to be rid of the 80% humidity outside here right now. It's like hitting a wall when I go outside. F you, heat index.
--Barry
Sunday, August 05, 2007
Adventures, etc.
I just finished packing my bag, and I think I'm pretty much set: clothes, shampoo, rape whistle...
We hope to get to Windsor by 1 PM tomorrow, maybe have a few drinks, and then it's on to a 3 hour train ride to the fourth biggest city in North America (and the second gayest city...). The hostel my buddy Eric and me are staying at is an old hotel, and apparently the Rolling Stones have stayed there, among others.
Hopefully we'll get to the CN Tower, a Blue Jays game, China town, whatevs. And lots of legal alcohol. My liver and myself are very excited. I should probably get some shut-eye, after that, it's O Canada!
A-boot?
-Barr-eh
Har har har.
The Baricamera is coming along, so be prepared for lots of pictures when it returns.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Barry Simpson

-Barry
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Updates, etc.
I went to Cedar Point on Monday, the new Maverick is frickin amazing. I didn't really know what was so cool, but a lot of people were standing in line, and when hasn't a random mob been right? Anyway, I soon found out it ("soon" is relative, I waited 2 hours in line) it drops you at a 95 degree angle. It's pretty neato. They ask everyone to take out their earrings before entering, and that kind of confused me.
Other than that, I haven't been doing much. I'm working a little at President Tuxedo again, but I'm bored to tears there. Whatever. Life goes on.
Still alive,
Barry
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Harry Potter, etc.
Thursday I had to wake up at 4:30 AM to drive up to Westland for this job thing. I was kind of in the dark as to what I'd actually be doing (but when am I not?). We drove an hour to get up there, and then were informed that we were needed at another store and followed a manager to the new store. This guy had bad directions and we ended up getting lost for two hours (which equals twenty dollars for sitting in a car). We finally got there at around 8, and then we had to wait and eat breakfast (wouldn't want to make anyone look bad). Basically, our "job" was to switch old Farmer Jacks into the Krogers they were blossoming in to. Our morning wen like this: kinda walked around for awhile, took some breaks, tried to find the dairy cooler, took a break, stopped for lunch. This is perhaps the best job I've ever had. We finally did some work after lunch when the truck came in. We stocked some dried fruit, which consisted mostly of us attacking each other with the price-tag gun. It was heaven. And I'm getting paid for two hours of driving when I didn't even drive! Ha. Take that, system.
Then today I got my hair dyed finally. I've been planning this for like two years, but never really had a chance between jobs and shows. My friend is studying to be a hairdresser, so I was able to have her do it, and it's pretty fly. I'm pretty blonde now, and I don't even look that flaming. It took like three hours, but I like going to that place. All the girls are pretty hot (they stand around and do their hair and makeup all day, so it makes sense) and they seem to get kind of excited when younger guys come in. I'll prolly go back soon.
Finally, tonight I accompanied my bud Drew to the release of the seventh Harry Potter. I don't read the Harry Potter books. It isn't my illiteracy--I have this aversion to stuff that is so immensely mainstreamly popular. I did have the first book read to me in seventh grade, but that's as far as I got. I'm sure they are pretty good books, but for me to catch up, I'd have to read a lot of pages. And I'm too busy thinking about...tacos.
The release wasn't as crazy as I thought it would be. Some people were dressed up, but not a whole lot. I have glasses, so I think I kinda fit in. And my friend seemed to be pretty "in" with the nerd circuit. He knew a lot of people. I felt a little out of place, but whatevs. I wanted to try the whole waiting thing, and this was my last chance. I did get some free Red Bull, so I think I came out on top.
That's what she said,
Barry
P.S. Apparently, some book website accidently sent out a 1000 copies of the book before the release date, and the NY Times got their hands on one and reviewed it. See it here
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Trip out East
Times Square and my cousins looking confused.
And of course the Simpsons-themed 7/11
Yeah, the trip was kinda short, but I did make it out to the Jersey Shore as well. It was a pretty good time. Honest.
--Barry
Friday, July 13, 2007
How I Saw Bob Dylan Up Close for $30 or Why Barry is the Slickest

So, naturally, my mom buys tickets for my little sister and her little friend, neither of whom have actually heard a Bob Dylan song. Now me, I'm a different story. I know, like, two. C'mon.
Anywho, my mom was just going to sit at the park outside and listen, and I was like, I'll go to. The Barry loves to free load. So the opening act begins and my mother and me are sitting across the street just chillaxing. Apparently, the opening act was Stevie Ray Vaughn's older and not-as-successful brother Jimmy Vaughn. I wasn't really into them, they were a bit too bluesily generic.
As we sit, a 50-something old woman (who was actually kinda cute for a 50-year-old) is standing in front of the entrance waving around tickets. And I felt the need to haggle so I saddled over to her and asked what we were looking at. She had a $90+ ticket that she was going to give to her friend who had come down with pneumonia, and now she had to get rid of it. I offered what was in my wallet--$30. After some well-planned nudging, she relented and sold me the ticket. The seats were amazing. We were up in the chair area (ohhhh), about 15 yards from the stage. She even bought me a water (I just don't know what to do with all my charm). This had to be one of the coolest shows I've been to, mostly because of the ticket story.
Not to say the concert wasn't crazy cool. Although Bobby D does tour a lot, this felt like a rare oppurtunity to see probably the greatest living songwriter. He comes out in a double breasted suit with this fuschia tie on and a giant gray fedora, and immediately starts playing. Apparently that's his thing--he doesn't talk. I actually heard that he was notorious for playing like three songs, getting pissed, and then leaving, but people there who had seen him 50 times assured me they never heard about that. I kinda wanted a reason to riot, but oh well.
Say what you will about his voice, Dylan has a great musical touch. And live it's even better because he pretty much redoes the songs with different melodies. And his live band is pretty kickin too, the whole thing was pretty energized. He has a much more smooth jazzy sound then on his recordings, and I actually liked to hear him live more than on the radio.
While we driving down to Bonnaroo, we had a long discussion about Dylan and the nature of art in general. My companions Dave and Evan had major problems with him, mostly that they thought he sucked at singing. Dave also said that he probably chose being a singer over merely a poet for monetary reasons, which I thought was a crock of bull. Not only does he write inciteful lyrics, Dylan writes the memorable music as well, obviously he has a lot of songwriting ability. In the end, I actually like Bob Dylan. His voice is hard to understand and somewhat abrasive, but it mixes well with the music. There is so a very tangible amount of raw emotion in his voice, too. His solos are also inciteful. He plays guitar almost like he is giving an impromptu speech. There is an element that he might not know exactly where he is going, but he always comes to a conclusive point.
Basically, if you have the chance, go see him. Especially if you can get VIP seats for $30. Hahahaha.
Tomorrow morning I head off for New Jersey. YEAH! (no) Hopefully I'll get to go to the NYC, so we shall see.
Like a rolling stone,
Barry
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Are you a dreamer?

A few nights ago I went out and rented a copy of Waking Life, a film directed by Richard Linklater. It quickly skyrocketed into the elite handful of movies that can be called "Barry's Total Favs." It's basically about a dude walking around in a lucid dream, which is a dream where you are in control. They are pretty sweet. You can like fly, punch people, and have super cool sex with like 8 hot chicks, or seven hot chicks and a dude, whatever your into. Anyway, there isn't crazy sex in this movie. It is totally rotoscoped, as in the filmmakers shot the whole movie digitally and then went in and drew over everything, which makes everything totally trippy. And there really isn't much of a plot, just this dude talking to a whole bunch of different people. And they say the most mind-blowing things. There are very few works of art that succeed in helping me get to a higher plane of existence, and this is definitely one of them.

Anyway, there's life for you.
Unplugged,
The Barry.
Monday, July 09, 2007
88 Degrees and Rising
This weekend was pretty cool. Probably the best party I have been to all summer. Erik and myself drove his convertible into the Port Clinton sunset, which was decently moody. We got there late, everyone was already drunk. We caught up pretty well, and I was able to get ahold of some decent beer. And then these random Perrysburg high school kids came, and produced the biggest bag of...enlightenment...I had ever seen in my life. Of course I didn't tell them that; I was all like, I'm in college, I've seen quite a bit. And me being one of like two kids in our group of friends, I was able to get really enlightened. Which was really nice, since I hadn't since with our shady neighbors at Bonnaroo. And I think one friend of mine might have had a tent threesome with two of our female friends. I wasn't even jealous. Okay, maybe a little. Alright, a lot.
I got back, and then went swimming at Maumee Bay with the fam. Hooray for Lake Erie!
Other than that, I've just been chilling, flexing my alter-ego as a DJ. Speaking of which, check the post below for my two most recent mash-ups. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
And, according to my Google Analytics, nobody has visited my blog for like a week. You guys suck. Just kidding, please come back some more. I've got candy!
Desperate in Bedford,
Barry
SONG OF THE WEEK
THE ROAD I MUST TRAVEL
by THE NIGHTWATCHMAN
This is Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine all acousticish and angry. He has this really cool baritone thing going, and his lyrics are pretty haunting. Go out and download.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
New Mashups for Everyone
Either way, I channeled all this energy in creating a new mashup for Barry and the On Occasions. Hope you enjoy it. One or two more, and I can create a MySpace. That'll be kinda cool.
Barry and the On Occasions Present: Battle Drop
Flaming Lips "Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, Pt 2" vs. Snoop Dogg "Drop it Like it's Hot"
And here is a link to another one, based basically on After the Fire's "Der Kommisar," with a little Jacko, Daft Punk, and Tag Team thrown in for good measure.
Barry and the On Occasions Present: Just Turn Around
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Knee High By Today
Then I went over to my good friend Dan's house until like 3:45 AM, where I learned more about a lucrative offer where I stock shelves at Detroit soon-to-be Krogers for $10 an hour. The catch? I have to be there at 6 AM. But I'm feeling pretty good about it.
After that, I came home, watched Swingers, and then walked around my yard like a crazy person at 5:30 AM setting off small fireworks with a cigar. A pretty interesting 4th, I must say.
I think this is the correct time and place for a hokey patriotic thing. The local Hippie-mart, the "Happy Badger," sent me, a concerned citizen on their mailing list, this today. Enjoy:
Fourth of July. “Freedom.” We see it shouted in the movies from the last breath of a dying Scottsman. “Freedom.” We feel it in our garden early each morning. “Freedom.” We see it in the eyes of a happy baby. “Freedom.”We enjoy it and battle for it every day.
“Freedom.”Feel it. Enjoy it. Fight for it. Nothing makes us feel more proud; our chests expand. “Freedom.” Nothing makes us feel more alive; craving it's passion. “Freedom.” It's a prayer that everyone can speak, and knows some Great Spirit is listening.
“Freedom.” Is there any concept more definable, more universal and more prompting of comradeship? This fourth of July, remember, honorably, the constitution signing of 1776, but rejoice and feel the fiery passion of “Freedom,”which fueled their fight. The battle for and joy of “Freedom” is waged and felt every moment in an infinite number of shapes,scenarios and stages, large, small, and even invisible.
Remember your strength comes from within, knowing “Freedom” is always yours, alive,whether born in a battle, working a garden or sharing a child's curiosity. Use it as a shield of thought against the multitude of invaders, human, man made or contrived, in every moment of life. You're always a winner when you fight for "Freedom," win your battle or not.
Rally tonight, the fourth of July for “Freedom.” Enjoy. Energize. Enlighten. Celebrate. Shout“FREEDOM! from within and to the world!” "Freedom!"
Pretty Cool, Huh?
Barry.