Are You There Readers? It's Me, John.

Hello? (Echo, echo, echo through the empty pages of my blog) Is anyone still reading this? (This, this, this...) Sorry I haven't posted in a while. I've been pretty busy with life, liberty, and the pursuit of slap-happiness. I'm sitting in my empty attic room after another Tofurkey-less Thanksgiving. I never know what to do on this holiday. It used to be about eating a lot of turkey and mashed potatoes. Now, as a vegetarian going on 3 years, I have no way to stuff myself to sleepiness. I never really have much to say with my relatives since I've only ever seen them on holidays, so all we ever talk about are the usual formalities. We don't really have vested interests in each other's lives. Plus, there's no cousins about my age living in the area, so I find Thanksgiving to be a pretty dull holiday. I don't care for football, I have no one to talk to, and I don't have a good excuse anymore as to why I'm hiding in my room. Tomorrow is Black Friday, for which, sadly, I get more excited. It's one of the rare times of year that I go clothes shopping. I'm used to skimming my brother's old clothes because he usually had stuff I liked. Now that he's pretty much done growing, he's not really giving away his clothes. Plus, I've taken to skinny jeans and shirts that better fit me since high school. Expect more posts since I have nothing to do yet other than read the books I brought home with me and browse the Internet, which doesn't hold my attention for very long. Also, expect news of possible internships for the summer.

"Comedy's a Dead Art Form. Tragedy, Now That's Funny."

This post may have the longest title of this blog so far. I'm off to Shakespeare's Comedies. We had to read Twelfth Night (twelfth is such a weird word to spell) during the weekend. While reading, I realized reading a play is not as fun as seeing the play. Much of the comedy doesn't translate without acting, but I still enjoyed it. It was entertaining, plus it had a great joke in it. At one point, the character Fabian observes the odd situation around him and says, "If this were played upon a stage, now, I could condemn it as an improbable fiction." A very apt summary of most any play. Though the live theatre is wondrous to partake and take part, in the end, it's just an improbable fiction. Also, I want a Shakespeare T-shirt. Find me some good ones if you can.

Surprise! It's I, Sufjan Stevens

So Sufjan Stevens, one of my favourite musicians in the entire world, just released a digital EP titled All Delighted People. Now, I have just learned that he will be releasing a full-length LP come October! So much Sufjan in such a short time span will set me spinning with shear squeals of joy. (Say that five times fast.) Also, I might be seeing him live, in the flesh finally, November 5, but that is yet to be confirmed. He'll be in Tennessee, the closest venue during this "North American" tour which skips out on Ohio entirely. It's a 6-hour or so drive from Athens, and the show costs $33.50, so we'll see if my friends are still interested come end of October.

Puzzled

I finished that puzzle of San Francisco. There was one piece missing, and, of course, it was that darned sky piece. I let the puzzle sit, 99.9% finished, on the board for a few days, and then decided to rebuild my M.C. Escher puzzle of the hands drawing each other. Unfortunately, I have no motivation to work on it as I feel all puzzled out. Instead, I'm watching Cowboy Bebop and trying to build up motivation to continue reading The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo.

The Boondocks

One of the greatest theme songs ever. This is an awesome show, and you should watch it if you do not already do so.

Puzzles and Podcasts

So, I got bored with playing video games. I replayed Luigi's Mansion, Legend of Zelda: Wind Waker, Super Mario Sunshine, Dark Cloud, and some

Pikmin and Harvest Moon: Back to Nature. I've moved on to puzzles after I decided to do the 500-piece Ansel Adam puzzle that's been sitting on my dresser for, I don't know, a year or so.

Now I'm connecting a 2000-piece puzzle of row houses with San Francisco in the background. Today I completed the sky, which is about a third of the puzzle (minus one piece that might be buried in the house/skyscraper pieces, or lost).

Unfortunately, the Full House theme song keeps popping into my brain as I'm working, so I've taken to distracting myself with my NPR podcasts. I've reclaimed time to listen to Fresh Air and Tell Me More. Now all I need is some time to listen to all my music-related podcasts.

Victory to the Prole-Harry-et

Harry Puppet Potter has become sentient to announce, much to my joy, a new channel solely for Potter Puppet Pals. Huzzah! I still think my favourite PPP video will forever be Snape's Diary, though.

In a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Darth Vader, what are you doing in this galaxy far, far away? Building a third Death Star? If so, you can't be Anakin Skywalker because Luke burned his dead body. Are you a clone? Hmmm, the world wonders... (Yes, I can be this nerdy sometimes. I play D&D for chrissake.)

Putting the Books Back on the Shelf

I finally updated The Book Shelf with a post that is more a review (the original intent of my creating another blog). I also spent a little time dusting the Shelf. I used the new template designer to rework the blog design. It's now much more fun (I added the book covers to the posts). It's far less stuffy than the original design. Any feedback would be appreciated, as always. Enjoy, and look forward to more posts on the Shelf and here, your one-stop shop for all things John Nero.

Special Day

The Wikipedia entry about today, July 13, my birthday. Enjoy reading.

Countdown to Castrophe

Gee wilikers! He's still alive. Cuba's former figurehead, Fidel Castro, is still kicking, though without much of his former gusto. Read all about his resurgence into the world here. What strange news to discover on my birthday.

Melodies & Desires

I've become addicted to this song. It's really not even a song; it's a poem set to a beat. A beautiful poem set to an enchanting background orchestration. Lykke Li is fantastic. Her album is just fantastic. It's danceable, loveable, and beautiful. Enjoy.

Obvious Outrage

Today, I went to a showing of The Last Airbender, a movie based on the critically acclaimed Nickelodeon show, Avatar: The Last Airbender (They had to drop the Avatar part because of the blue-people epic by Cameron). I was thoroughly excited for this. I have anxiously awaited the arrival of this film since it was announced while the television show was still airing. I am saddened to say I left the theater sorely disappointed. It was a catastrophe. The production team failed to cast not only Asian actors for the leads, but also actors that could act. After the initial fan outrage due to the white-washing of the leads, one part was recast; Dev Patel was signed on to play Zuko. This was the only proper casting. Patel channeled his character and delivered his lines with emotion. The other actors were flat, robotic even. But who could blame them? The script was so poorly written. Dialogue sounded as if it were read through a computer's speech function. Actors mispronounced the characters' names. Important information was prattled off, sounding as if it were straight from a reference volume. Transitions were non-existent, giving the film a fast pace with no time to breath. The most frustrating mistake in the film, however, was the abandoning of the theme, mythology, and martial arts of the television series. The idea of the Avatar was quickly explained, and the Avatar state went completely unexplained and was warped from its source. The original basis of the bending arts was almost completely abandoned. Benders went through many motions to do the simplest of bending, completely disregarding the martial arts form by which each bending style was inspired. In the end, Shyamalan created a clunky, loose adaption of a intelligent show containing tremendous depth.

Movin' On Up

After looking at my Google Analytics for this blog, I decided to search my name because someone who searched it found my blog 3 times. I discovered, to my delight, that my blog appears as the eighth result on the first page. I'm not really sure how to get my result higher as I know nothing about search engine optimization, but for now, I'm satisfied. Thanks for reading everyone! I'm leaving for my family vacation in a few days, so stay tuned for the continuing adventures of John Nero.

Sunday in the Fall

I listened to this song a while ago, but I just watched the video that accompanied NPR's Project Song. It was indeed a Sunday in the fall when everything was right. I wish I could go back to that Sunday, but, alas, I cannot. So here's to good memories that only cause us pain. They'll all go away once we've gone to sleep.

Tenniscoats

I would like to thank my friend Taylor for posting this on her Facebook. I've been catching up on my Concerts à Emporter from La Blogotheque. La Blogotheque is travelling around and recording underground, local musicians. Now, Tenniscoats is slightly known, so this isn't one of those concerts; however, I am new to them, so I'm introducing you, my readers, to them. I fell in love with them after hearing this song, and I hope you do also.

Two Weeks

I've been home for two weeks so far. I have yet to be employed. I received karlek, the Swedish word for love, from the adorable Swedish sisters that compose First Aid Kit. I saw Caribou, or, as Simone and I called him, Manibou (He originally went under the moniker Manitoba). And speaking of Simone, she and I almost got crushed to death during an MGMT concert in Columbus. Almost being crushed sort of ruined my MGMT experience, and the fact that these two guys costumed as purple and red Native Americans sweat their body paint all over my favourite shirt and tight jeans. Though, it's highly likely the paint will wash out easily. But back to the Columbus trip. We ate at Pita Pit. Dan and I had fun reading Sex Position of the Day while Simone searched for leggings at Urban Outfitters. Dan made me delicious scrambled eggs. Simone and I got smoothies at Inta Juice. Then we rode back to Cleveland aboard a Greyhound bus. When I haven't been gallivanting throughout Ohio, I've just been sitting at home, listening to podcasts, checking music off my "Listen To" list, applying to places online, watching television, playing Harvest Moon: Back to Nature, and reading Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire for, I don't know, the eighth time (possibly higher). I also unpacked and reorganized my books. I purged my collection, painfully, and removed a good two dozen books that I'm not too attached to. I plan to take them to Half-Price Books and use the money/store credit to purchase replacements. Some purged books might make back on the shelf, though. I always end up finding some defense for keeping things.

Happy Two Years

I've been posting on this blog for two years and a day. I've had a lot of good times. I'm surprised I still blog. But look for posts about a crazy trip to Columbus, a family vacation in Washington D.C. and Connecticut, and a trip to Chicago for the Pitchfork Music Festival. And also stayed tuned for any word on my getting a job. Fingers crossed!

Free Pepsi

For the third time this quarter, I have received a free Pepsi from the vending machine. Hoorah! This is all retribution for the one time it decided to eat my $1.25. So as I write this, I am enjoying a fresh-from-the-vending-machine, nice and cold Pepsi. Glug, glug, glug ... Aaaaahhhhhh! Isn't life refreshing?

The Last Airbender!!!!

I went to see Prince of Persia with my friends tonight. The movie was fantastic, but the trailers before the movie were great. One trailer in particular, I might add. The one for The Last Airbender, based on the first season of one of the greatest shows ever created, was just fantastic. I was not sure how I would like M. Night Shyamalan directing it, but the trailer dispelled my fears. It looks epic! Now for a slew of links!

Trailer 1

Trailer 2

Trailer 3

Insomnia!

I just don't feel like sleeping right now. I'm just not that tired, which is odd because I normally love to just lie in bed and do nothing.

Beatlemania

I've got this huge urge to sing Beatles songs, so I'm reading up on the songs I know and like.

These songs include:

Eleanor Rigby
Across the Universe
Let it Be
Rocky Raccoon
Come Together
While My Guitar Gently Weeps
Golden Slumbers
Oh! Darling
Nowhere Man
And more!

Post your favourite Beatles songs in the comments!

Hellhole Ratrace

Love this song! Thanks, Simone! Can't wait to see Girls at Pitchfork this summer.

I'm a Sad Slayer

I just watched the episode of Buffy where her mom dies. Oh my god! So sad! I shed a few tears. I'm almost done with Season 5, so just two more seasons left and I'll have finished the television part of the series. I'm not sure if I'll read the comic-book form Season 8, though. But since I'm almost done with Season 5, that means I'm really close to the musical episode! It's the seventh episode of Season 6. So pumped! I love musical episodes of TV shows! They're always so fun and well done.

Elliott Smith With the Lights Off

I feel as if I should just get a tumblr blog, especially because I just have this urge right now to keep posting quick posts. It's like a post burst. I've got my post shutter button held down. I'm blogging 20 posts per second. How many can you blog? Now a barrage of Elliott Smith songs. I'm kind of moody right now, if you couldn't tell.

Hey Summer, Where Ya Been?

Nine months, and here you are again. Well, almost again. I'm heading into an awesome summer on paper. Let's hope memories don't mar it.

Screw You, Pikachu

Just being passive aggressive. People need to think before saying things. Never tell someone they're more qualified than the person you hired; it just pisses them off more than they already would be. So screw you, Pikachu.

Grammar Granola

So I've been hashing out my plan for a new blog called Grammar Granola: A daily snack for the grammarian in all of us. I need some help. Should I stick with blogger for this blog, or make a Wordpress? I'm not really tech savvy, so I don't really know the difference between the two. Also, after you all have helped me decide, I would need help finding a template or creating one from scratch. On your mark! Get set! COMMENT!

Paparazzi

This kid's on the fast track to becoming a Rainbow Warrior. All fun-poking aside, this kid's got talent.

I Don't Love You No More

Let's ignore the double negative and just enjoy this fantastic song. Thanks KEXP for your wonderful "Song of the Day" podcast!

Is it Possible?

Anything's possible. But is this really possible? This vague post is brought to you by eerie coincidences that could be more than just coincidences. Quick! To the study lounge for further research! Away! (I'm not really going to the study lounge in my building. That place is for nerds.)

I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

I actually woke up at 7 a.m., decided I could sleep another hour, didn't actually fall asleep, just lay there, and then got up to my 8 a.m. alarm. I did my sketches for my CD cover for my class where we learn how to use InDesign. Then I got all ready to go and headed to Minuteman Press to print off my CD covers, which are due today at 1 p.m. I was talking about this last night, about how much worse of a procrastinator I am at college. I can't really motivate myself to do things I don't really want to do or can easily do at another time when I don't feel like relaxing. I've stayed up until 4 a.m. before doing nothing productive, and then woken up between 5 and 6 a.m. to write a paper due later that day. I could tell countless stories of how bad a procrastinator I am, now and prior, but alas, I have been struck with a strong case of the, "I'll do it later"s. Ta ta for now.

Pure Imagination

Editing

I was just going back through some past posts. I really need to take a day and just edit every thing, especially now that I have this zest for copy-editing.

Sing, Sing a Song

So I've recorded five videos on Facebook of me singing songs by some of my favourite artists. I just realized that I could easily embed the videos and post them here! I'll try and get those up as soon as possible!

Sick Slayer

Being sick sucks. But on a happier note, I finished the third season of Buffy. I've reached the edge of danger. Buffy has graduated high school, so that means she heads to college in the fourth season. When shows get to college, they start to suck. For example: Gilmore Girls, Saved by the Bell, and Skins (university in this case because the British school system has college then university). I hope this won't happy with Buffy because, so far, I like this show. Fingers crossed! Now I'm off to Japanese. Sayonara.

Broken Social Scream!

Broken Social Scene's new album drops May 5. I'm so excited. I love BSS! But even better news! I'm going to see them for the second time at this summer's Pitchfork!!! I'm so excited! A four-day trip to Chicago with three days consisting of music and one of Chicago exploration.

Listen to the new album in its entirety here.

More exciting music to come out soon!

Arthur Killroad

One of the best things about OU is about to leave. My favourite OU musician (because I'm a sucker for acoustic guitar and creative lyrics) is graduating! NOOOOO! Arthur Killroad is having his final show in Athens June 4th. I will be there singing every lyric I know. I can't wait to purchase his new album. I'm looking forward to this like nobody's business.

Listen here: http://www.myspace.com/xarthurkillroadx

It's great music. Enjoy.

Cautionary Tale

Never go out and drink after a week of coughing. Otherwise, you'll lose your voice and sleep for most of the following day. At least that's what happened with me. I'm not the brightest bulb in the bin, but I'm one of the brighter ones. But sometimes, the power just goes out up there in that factory called my brain. Despite my coughing since Tuesday morning, I decided it would be a great idea to go out and finish my 1.5 liter bottle of wine. What a terrible idea. Well, at first it was a wonderful idea. I had fun, got a little drunk (nothing like last week, phew), and then got a piece of pizza before retiring to my room. Alas, when I awoke this morning, my wine-related dehydration had robbed me of my voice. The worst part was that I had slept for only a few hours before waking up prior to my 8 a.m. alarm. I downed some water, turned on an episode of Buffy, and flopped back into bed. I next awoke shortly before 3 p.m., watched a few more episodes of Buffy, and then once again collapsed in bed for a few hours. Now, I've got some Tostitos, queso dip, and some Snapples to tide me over during my Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Season 2 Recovery Marathon. There's also a good chance I'll watch some movies. So what's the moral of the story? Drink when you're sick so you have an excuse to be a hermit the next day.

Run From the Rain!

So I woke up from my nap to be treating with the gift of watching rain pour down at a fast rate. I closed my window so as not to get my room wet. Then I sat back and enjoyed watching people run in the downpour. It lasted for a few minutes before the sun broke through. It was calm for a few minutes, but then started again. Right now it's not raining, so I'm about to head out before it does. Enjoy this rain-related video until my return.



I've actually kissed someone in this manner, except it wasn't raining and I wasn't wearing a mask.

Love and Vampires

No, this is not about Twilight (bleck!). This is about Buffy the Vampire Slayer. It has become my new favourite show. I started watching it this weekend on Netflix instant stream. So good! Extremely cheesy, but enjoyably so. I'm going to watch some before I go to bed tonight. Now, the love part of this title. My love life was a hot topic of discussion in the Post lobby this afternoon. I'm told I need to find someone. That's a little difficult for me right now. I'm still stuck on someone, and no matter how many times I tell myself or my friends tell me to let go, I just cannot. I have no reason to let go, nothing to be angry about. All I had was good things, good memories, good feelings. How can you let go of someone who did nothing wrong except be unable to commit, and even that wasn't wrong. We were never official. Neither of us was looking for a relationship. If anything, I'm the one at fault. I told myself that I wouldn't get too involved, and if I did, then I would cut myself off from that person. I don't know. I just need to distract myself and not think about relationships at all. Maybe I should become a hermit...

Metropolis

No, this isn't about Superman. It's about the animated adaptation of Fritz Lang's silent masterpiece, Metropolis. You should all watch it - I just did. It was based loosely off a combination of the Fritz Lang silent film and the Osamu Tezuka manga of the same name. For those of my readers who aren't as anime nerdy as I am, Tezuka is the creative mind behind Astro Boy and is sometimes considered the Japanese Walt Disney. The film is beautifully animated and poignant. It shows the complex relationship between humans and robots, the nature of mankind, and the possibility of robot sentience, all to a wonderful soundtrack of New Orleans jazz and Ray Charles singing, "I Can't Stop Loving You." Here is the climactic scene from the film.



And also, check out my friend Tony's blog! It's called Neat Stuff Found in Used Books.

Joanna Newsom's New!

I finally decided to listen to my NPR Music podcast of a Joanna Newsom concert. I wanted to listen to her entire album when NPR was streaming it on its website, but I didn't get a chance to before it was released. When I heard the first song, I fell in love. It was so beautiful! Now, be warned, Joanna Newsom is not everyone's cup of tea. I originally didn't like her when I first listened to her. Then I listened a second time, and her voice and lyrics are wonderful. They're otherworldly, much like Sigur Ros. Here's the first song she played at the concert.

Hello and Thank You

Yesterday was an interesting day. My acting skills were complemented by my cashier. I auditioned for the School of Theater's fall productions. That was last Friday, so he recognized me a week later and complimented my acting, saying I should be proud for having little experience and one acting class. Then it was the premiere of Fridays Live Season 22. After the show, I went to my dear friend David's birthday party. I was gifted with a 1.5 liter bottle of wine from one of my legal-aged friends. I finished about half the bottle, so a little more than a normal bottle of wine. Let's just say I was everyone's best friend. I kept introducing myself to the people I didn't know and saying "Hi" to everyone. I'm also a lot better at dancing when I'm drunk. Thankfully, I did not throw up my first time being drunk. I probably would have had David let me finish the bottle. But he cut me off and was kind enough to walk me home when I was too far gone. It was interesting being drunk. I'm still not sure how I feel about it, though.

What Did I Get Myself Into?

How could I let you drift away. I should be more aggressive before you're gone for good. I don't want to lose you, though I fear I might have already. I hope to god my fear does not prove true. I doubt you read this, but I think you might. If I try to learn what's going on in your life, I assume you might be doing the same. I doubt it though. I guess this is goodbye. Please, don't let it be...

Balance

Balance is being restored to my life somewhat. At least that's how it seems right now. Tomorrow looks a lot brighter. I'm going to make this a productive quarter. I'm going to read more often. I'm going to start writing something, get my thoughts and ideas down. And this summer, I'm going to get a license and a car. I'm going to travel. I'm going to live just a little more. And most importantly, I'm going to make sure I spend time with the people I care about most before they scatter in different directions, and reconnect with the people who are already drifting away.

Drama

I acted in a friend's short play for his play writing class a few days ago. I read/acted before his classmates in this short-play festival. My friend's play was last, so I got to sit and enjoy his classmates' plays. It was an interesting experience. There were some good short plays, others were a little long, and some were read oddly. There was a really dramatic one that was ruined for me by the way it was read. The "actors" read their lines in a way that made for more comedy than tragedy. After intermission, I just faded out and didn't really pay attention. I started thinking about writing something of my own, and the skeleton of this monologue just popped into my thoughts. Tell me what you think.

"It was a rush, a euphoria, a pure ecstasy I had never encountered before. I tried it before, but the previous times left me unsatisfied and wondering what everyone raved about. But then it finally happened. I couldn't believe it. It was absolutely wonderful. My heart raced. My knuckles clenched. My eyes rolled back. I was drunk on the feeling. I didn't want it to stop. But all good things come to an end, right? I keep trying to reach that experience, but I never can reach that intense rush. Every time I try, I just end unfulfilled and hating myself because I let that feeling end. I let that feeling escape. Nothing else does it for me. That time was something more. You didn't just fuck me like everyone else; you made love to me. You made me feel that I was the only person who mattered to you. Or was it all just in my mind, and you really did just fuck me, in more ways than one?"

Goodbye Blues

Despite dancing with friends on College Green for people to ogle at us, and having tons of fun doing it, I want to go home. But, I don't know if I'm ready to handle what might come my way while I'm at home. I don't know what to expect from a certain someone when I see them. I feel as if I'm losing my mind because of this person. So to help me cope, I've retreated to music, my comfort. Here's how I feel:



I wish I could play an instrument. People keep telling me it's easy to learn guitar. I tried to teach myself. It wasn't easy, especially since I didn't have a designated time to just sit and practice each day. I really want to learn piano, but the class for non-music majors fills so fast, I most likely won't be able to take the class until next year. Here's to hoping a spot opens up during Spring Quarter.

Jiminy Controversy, Batman!

So I wrote a column for Column Writing about hipsters and how they are invading Athens and OU mainly just for fun because I wanted to write something about hipsters, especially since people compare me to one constantly. So Ryan needed a Between the Lines to fill space on the Editorial Page, and he asked me if I could let him run one of assignments from Column Writing. It was between the Quidditch one and the Hipster one, but I decided on the Hipster column because I didn't see any good reason to run a random column about Quidditch and how it's spreading to college campuses. Yesterday, the Web page of my column received 35 comments in one day, and 1447 views. People searched for me on Google and found good 'ol Life of John Nero. My column has inspired some interesting responses. A good number of people cannot seem to understand the joke that is my column. Look the display image on this blog! It screams hipster. Well, I'm going to head back to bed as moving makes me extremely nauseous.

Read the crazy comments here.

Happy Birthday, Darling!

Have you ever seen me at a party? It's probably best you haven't. I'm normally the most sober person there, but also the most ridiculous. People ask why I don't go out to parties more. My main reason is I'm not much of a party person. I like to relax on my weekends by snuggling up in my chair, eating Ben&Jerry's, and watching stuff on Netflix or Hulu. I also try to read, not so much this quarter, but in past ones. And if I went out to every party, I might lose a lot of weight from dancing so much; and if you know me, then you know I don't have a lot of weight to lose. Slight digression time! I recently became obsessed with this song (not really). I keep finding moments to quote the beginning speaking part. Someone usually says something relating to a party, a birthday, or going somewhere, and I respond with, "We're going to a party. It's a birthday party. It's your birthday. Happy Birthday, darling. We love you very very very very very very very much."

Murder, He Wrote

According to my friend Adam, I'm a 40-year-old lesbian. Why? Because I watch Murder, She Wrote (I apparently furthered my lesbianism by admitting to liking Golden Girls also). I can't help myself! Angela Lansbury is so adorably British. She goes around solving murders with her super-human deduction abilities. She's the Sherlock Holmes of three decades ago. It's also super cheesy. The intro to the show has non-suspenseful music and her jogging around her Maine hometown waving to people on boats. It's absolutely hysterical!

Lost in Translation

So tonight was the final season premiere of Lost! I've been so pumped. I watched it on the big screen at The Post, and prior to its beginning, Dave thought it would be fun for me to explain everything that happened in Lost up to the end of season five. I said he should just watch the five-minute youtube video describing everything super fast with hilarious costume changes. He said it would be much more fun if I explained it to him. I'm not going to try that again. I didn't get to finish and was interrupted several times. Tristan became fascinated with the smoke monster and wouldn't stop asking if something had to do with the smoke monster. It was agitating, but they love to drive me insane at The Post. I admit, I react quite humourously. But yeah, Lost was great. Loved it!

Salaam, Salinger

I wish you hadn't been a recluse, and that I could have possibly trekked to your place of living before you died, but alas, the best laid plans. Thank you for your amazing works, Mr. Salinger. I know this is a day late, but I needed a day to accept that this was true and not another twitter faux death report. Here's to you, Salinger! The Onion by far did the best memorial for you, written in your most memorable character's fashion.

Singing Real Loud in My Room

I wonder if my neighbors ever get annoyed with my singing. I tend to play music and sing to it a little loudly. Like right now. I'm singing to The Hush Sound. They'll always have a special place in my heart. They were one of the first bands I started listening to when I finally found out about good music in good old tenth grade. Those were the days. Now it's four years later and I'm still singing them. I love music. This girl complimented me a few days ago when I was singing a song by Cold War Kids. She told me I should sing at the open-mic nights, but I need to find someone to play accompaniment so I don't speed up.

National Soup Month

So I've gone this whole month without knowing it was National Soup Month! I need to be on the planning committee for this month! We could totally plan a soup-a-day calendar! How did I find this out? Why Yahoo!'s home page! Here's the link. It just proves what I've always known! Soup is the most amazing food creation ever! Other than cheesecake of course!

Unidetified Liquid

So construction guys have been working on the roof outside my window, and they left their drinks right outside my window. There's an empty Minute Maid orange juice bottle, two Mountain Dew cans, and an unidentified liquid in a KFC paper cup. I want to know what's in it! It's going to drive me mad! What did that construction worker drink?! ARGH! I'm just kidding. Actually, I'm not. I'm sort of intrigued. I wonder if he'll get KFC tomorrow. I'll stake out in my room and try to catch a glimpse of the liquid's color that rises in the straw. Then I'll search KFC's offered soda fountain drinks. Huzzah! The game is afoot! Have at you!

Act I

So I went through with my Shakespeare in the Streets idea today. I performed Marc Antony's "Friends, Romans, countrymen..." speech. It was a little nerve-wracking, and I flubbed the lines a little, but it was fun. There was a woman radioing someone, but I was done and gone before anyone showed up. I'm not sure if I'm going to do another one right away though. I think I'll prepare for a few days, then shoot for this Friday. I'll plan on doing it in another location so I don't scare the Baker staff into thinking I'm off my rocker...even though some might say I am. Bah! I bite my thumb at those who say such things!

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Though it's nice to have a day off, that is not what this day is about. It's about celebrating the life of a wonderful person who was so hatefully taken from the world. Though his loss was tragic, it was also a catalyst. Here is his beautiful speech in front of the Lincoln memorial.

First Column

So I finished my first assignment for Column Writing. The theme was seasonal, so I decided to go with New Year's resolutions after bouncing around ideas covering Athens' weather. So here is the final product that I sent to be graded. Tell me what you guys think!


It's a new year, and we all know what that means: New Year's resolutions. Those are those plans you make at the beginning of the year, but never stick to, remember? Most people make resolutions to improve or change something about themselves. But this year, how about making some unconventional resolutions?

A Cookie a Day

Eat a cookie a day. Everyone loves cookies! Sure, it sounds somewhat unhealthy when you read it, but delve past the surface. You only eat one cookie a day and no other desserts. As long as you eat properly along side your cookie, you'll be fine. Plus, allowing yourself only one cookie a day makes that one cookie even more delicious. Just make sure not to give a mouse your cookie. It's your only cookie!

A Book a Week

Books seem to be going to the wayside because of new-fangled gadgets such as television and the Internet. Who doesn't love a good book? Curling up in an armchair, sipping whatever drink you prefer, petting the cat, and turning the pages are just a sample of the many fun things that come of reading a book. The books don't have to be classic or long works, just a book.

A Word a Day

Not one for reading? Why not try picking a new word from the dictionary each day? It's simple. Pick a random word each day, and then try to use that word once during the day. You'll impress your friends and co-workers with your advanced vocabulary, and also teach them. Plus, with your plethora of new words, crosswords will be a breeze!

A Food a Week

No one likes the same old thing week after week! So this year, try a new dish at one meal each week. There are so many cultures on the planet, so branch out and try the food of a different one. Sure Indian food may sound odd, and hummus may not look appetizing, but try it anyways. The only way to know if you like something is to try it! The worst that can happen is you end up not liking it.

A Picture a Day

The world is a busy place. People are constantly rushing and missing the beauty around them. So to capture the beauty around you, take a picture every day of something you find interesting. You only get one picture though, so don't waste it. Capture a moment that makes you laugh, smile, or remember a happy memory. It doesn't have to be artfully composed! Just have fun and take pictures!

A Movie a Week

New movies are being made every day, so who has the time to watch them all? I know I don't. Instead of trying to watch every movie ever made, watch one a week this year. Pick a day during the week and watch a movie you've never seen before. Don't stick to one section! Move around the video store or library, pick a random one at the movie theater, or check every genre's box in your Netflix options. With your new movie knowledge, at the end of the year you can apply to become a movie critic. Who wouldn't want to watch movies all the time?

These are just a few of many thing that you can fit into the a-day/a-week formula. If none of these appeals to you, then choose something else. Take some time and dance each day. Sing a song every day, Or say hello to someone you don't know each day. The possibilities are endless. Just make sure you stick to your resolution. If you don't, there's always next year, right?

And the Rain is Falling

And the snow is falling no more Belle & Sebastian. Now write might I for awhile like the Bard. I don't really remember where I was going with this post. I wish I had more money. Then I could help the people of Haiti. I also have to write my first assignment today for my Column Writing class. It's a seasonal piece. I have ideas, but I'm not sure if I can milk 500 words out of them. We'll see. On a side note, we finished Titus Andronicus, and have moved on to Hamlet! Yay! I can't wait to reread Hamlet. It's my second favourite play by the Bard.

Between the Lines Again

I wrote another Between the Lines for The Post again. It ran yesterday, but I've barely been in my room today, so here is the link. I hope you like it. I would also like to give a shout out to my girl, Sandra! I had her as a professor for News Writing last quarter, and today she had a minor stroke in class. Thankfully, she is doing alright. She taught me a lot of things that come in handy while working at The Post. She also loved my previous Between the Lines. I'd like to think that she felt better after reading my current one. And if she hasn't read it yet, then she will feel better when she does.

Acting in the Streets

So I've been thinking, dangerous I know. I'm in a class on Shakespeare's Tragedies this quarter. It has really gotten me into wanting to perform Shakespeare. I've come up with a brilliant idea. Shakespeare in the Streets! Friends and I shall perform scenes from Shakespearean plays on street corners, sidewalks, public areas. They would be key scenes, or if enough interest is garnered we could do more. We could possibly do a scene a day sort of thing. We also could do an act a day and only perform on weekdays since most of Shakespeare's plays are five acts. I think I really want to do this. It would be a lot of fun, especially if people stop and actually watch us perform. We would not have advanced costumes and only necessary props though. I could also try to get together a Shakespeare on the green thing going where we would use the Scripps Amphitheater to perform. Then maybe we could think about adding costumes. I'll keep you guys updated.

2 Atoms in a Molecule

Over break, I built up my music library so I can be more knowledgeable about music. I would like to thank NPR for turning me on to Noah and the Whale. I just actually listened to their music today. This is the first song on their album Peaceful, the World Lays Me Down. I instantly fell in love with it and the band. So, to spread my love, here they are singing 2 Atoms in a Molecule.

She's Got Me Dancing!

So this song has been stuck in my head for a few days. Now I shall get it stuck in all your heads, though I still think no one reads this despite what Google Analytics tells me. Be warned, it's pretty strange. It's something akin to 70's movie camp.

Fun Things Are Afoot at the Shively-K

I'll think I'll shoot for one odd pop culture reference per post. But to the point of this post, some fun things have happened today. At one point today, I heard what sounded like someone knocking on my dorm room wall from the other side. So what did I do you ask? Why, I knocked right back. We had a knocking game for like three minutes before my neighbors became bored and went back to whatever they were doing. The other thing is that there was a jam session going on two rooms away. They're taking a break right now. Oh wait, they're starting up again. My hall mates found some life over break because last quarter the only thing that happened was their shouting about sports they were watching. There is one non-fun thing that happened. The dining hall in my building that just opened this quarter does not serve breakfast. I cannot wake up and go eat breakfast in my pajama pants. Instead, I have to get dressed and put on my winter gear so I can walk five minutes or so to go eat at Nelson! The outrage! I'll get over it though. Stay tuned for more pop culture packed posts!

Morning Greetings

There are guys sweeping snow off the roof outside my window. One guy starting singing about sweeping and brooms and such. It made me think of Mary Poppins. To bad they're not soot-stained, British chimney sweeps. A boy can dream though...I feel I've said that several times. I like to dream a lot. If only I remembered my dreams that occur while I sleep. Mostly, I remember black, but every once and awhile I'll have these crazy narrative dreams about people who have no connection to me. Like recently I had a dream about some crazy skilled little boy who tried to bring something to The Rock so he could change back to a normal person and not be a tooth fairy anymore. This kid was chased across suburbia by some government agency. It was crazy. He was blowing stuff up, killing people, opening secret passages in his house that led to a crazy underground city with a waterfall and ivy everywhere. Eventually he got caught, but it was intentional. They put him under house arrest, and he escaped into the ruins under the city. They chased him there and then my dream ended. I rarely in my dreams.

This Year

I've done a lot this year. I finished my first year of college. I worked on two majors. I worked a lot at The Post. I got addicted to Gilmore Girls. I watched TV in The Post's lobby. I photographed a lot of stuff. I made a lot of new friends. I watched old ones fade away, move away, change a little. I read books. I saw movies. I went to plays. I saw David Sedaris and got him to sign all of his books that I own. My camera broke. My camera got fixed. I had a snow day. I ate a lot of wonderful food. I sustained my vegetarianism. I had a wonderful summer. I went to Pittsburgh. I went to Chicago. I saw a bunch of bands at Lollapalooza. I played video games. I took an acting class, and was complimented on my ability. I started copy editing. I got addicted to NPR and This American Life. I watched a lot of series online. I expanded my musical tastes. I wrote a Between the Lines that got rave reviews. I took an epic photograph of President McDavis. I was held, kissed and loved. I held, kissed, and loved. I laughed. I cried. I smiled. I had my heart broken a little, but it healed quite nicely. I forgave. I pined. I pondered. I pleaded. I plotted. I fantasized. I dreamed. I sang. I danced. I ran. I blogged. I made mistakes. I had triumphs. I lived my life for another year. Happy New Year's Eve everyone! Make the best of another year, and keep reading!

I'd Like to Thank...

All of you! My wonderful readers! What for? For reading this narcissist's bland portrait of course! As this blog is now over a year and a half old, I'd like to thank those of you who've been reading from the beginning, those that came along the way, and those who just might be starting to read it. As a present, I was wondering if you would like me to make a favorite posts list. Would you? If so, put your favorite posts in the comments and I'll make one. Stay tuned for my Year in Review post on the 31st. It'll be retrospectacular!

Melts in Your Mouth

Yesterday was my fantastic friend Simone's birthday, so several of us went to Melt to celebrate. We waited a good hour and a half just to be seated, and then about 40 minutes to get our food, but Melt is worth the wait. Its menu is just a variety of grilled cheese sandwiches to delight the eyes and mouth. I got the Roasted Vegetable for the second time and my god was it delicious! I was made fun of for being a fatty and finishing the first half of my sandwich before anyone was finished with half of the first half. I take big bites and let the deliciousness invade my mouth and dominate my taste buds, so sue me! Meanies! Actually, I find it quite comical myself. Simone also caught me foodgasming. Good food just makes me feel so good inside! At least I'm not like this lady.

Happy Christmas!

In the spirit of the holiday, and of Harry Potter, Happy Christmas everyone! We're all getting invisibility cloaks from an unknown person who was borrowing from our dead father. We'll find everything out when we've saved the world. Happy Christmas!

A Christmas Story

Don't you just love watching the 24 hour marathon of A Christmas Story every year on TBS? Well I do! Remember kids, drink more Ovaltine and don't shoot your eye out! Beware the dare! Someone could skip straight to a triple dog dare and you'll end up with your tongue stuck to a pole! Here's to a great movie set in Cleveland!

Fresh Air

Since I can't fall asleep, I've decided to catch up on the large amount of Fresh Air podcasts that I haven't had a chance to listen to. I've fallen in love with NPR. I love getting the 7am News podcast. I listened to it every morning, if it downloaded like it was supposed to, while walking to class along with the Story of the Day podcast which picks the most interesting story from all the NPR news programs. I also listen to Fresh Air. Terry Gross is just a genius interviewer. I also love All Songs Considered and it's partner podcast, the Tiny Desk Concert series. It's introduced me to some great music. NPR just seems to match my personality. It is also the only broadcast news I can listen to. I hate broadcast news. They rarely do any actual journalism and just beat pointless things to death because they're what get the ratings. It's sad. But let's not harp on the horrendous shape of the media. Instead let's talk about how much I love This American Life! It's the only public radio show not distributed by NPR that I listen to. I'm not much of a fan of Prairie Home Companion. I just find it boring. But This American Life is just wonderful. I've actually been contemplating approaching ACRN down at OU to think about a show called This Athens Life. If that doesn't work out, I'll try and get involved in a music radio show so I can start getting better acquainted with music.

Cedar Lee Movie Monday?

I've been home for 4 weeks or so and have not gone to Cedar Lee on a Monday night yet. That is, I hope, to be remedied tonight. Fingers crossed! I love me some Cedar Lee Movie Mondays. They're just wonderful, not as much as they used to be though. It used to be $5 and a free 32oz popcorn, costing only a dollar to upgrade. Free popcorn night was moved to Tuesday, but Monday still remains $5. It's just something about seeing a good movie, or an okay movie, for a low price that feels so good. If it doesn't happen tonight, there's always the new Student Night on Thursday. Only $6 with a valid student ID. Here's hoping!

SNOW!

Demand and you shall receive! I demanded snow, so I got snow! I can't wait to go play in it, take a walk in it, and sit and watch it fall while drinking hot chocolate, maybe be even get to kiss John Cusack in it! Just kidding! I can't wait till this light white blanket becomes rolling hills covered in soft powdery white substance! Hoorah!

Please Vote For Me! Democracy in Action

Since I can't seem to fall asleep until the early hours of the morning, I decided to watch an hour long documentary called Please Vote For Me. It follows the election of the class monitor of a third grade class. The catch? It is an exercise in democracy taking place in a Chinese elementary school. The interesting thing about it was that these children knew nothing about democracy, what it meant to vote, campaigns, and other election related things. The funny thing is that they perpetuated many of the same things we see here in elections. There were three candidates. The one little boy, Cheng Cheng really wanted to win, so from the beginning he was being underhanded, organizing the students to boo his opponent Xiaofei after she finished playing the flute for the talent portion of their little election. The other boy, Luo Lei, used gimmicks. His father arranged for the class to take a trip on the monorail and gave them what looked like tickets for the mid-autumn festival. All three thought of quitting at points when it looked like they had completely lost the class' votes. But their parents were right there to ensure their child won, acting as a sort of puppet master. The parents were very active in their children's campaign, writing their speeches, telling them how to present themselves, helping them sway their classmates. It was very similar to U.S. politics, how candidates appear prepackaged and often attack their opponents, something each child did during the debate portion. It was also similar on the voting end. There were undecided, abstainers, gender-line voters, party-line voters (in this case, the candidates' friends). In the end Luo Lei won, most likely because he had just given them the tickets, overshadowing his constantly strict behaviour as the present class monitor that was often brought up by his opponents.

Let it Snow!!!!!! NOW!

I want it to snow!!!!!! I love the snow!!!!!! It wraps the world in a pure white blanket. It's almost the official beginning of winter! I really hope it snows by or on the solstice! I can't have a snowless winter break! It just can't happen! I need this to happen!

Some Holiday Cheer

Because I started out celebrated Chirstmas, it will always be near and dear to my heart during the winter holidays. Here's some festive music.

Blue Christmas performed by First Aid Kit



Always in the Season performed by Pomplamoose and friends.



Merry Christmas!

Running Out of Time

I've only got half a month left to do 10 more post worthy things, and then a year-in-review post! If only I celebrated Hanukkah, then I would have 8 days of posts, maybe. I'm not sure how Hanukkah is celebrated other than the fact that they receive gifts everyday. Maybe next year I'll have a series of holiday related posts exploring the different winter holidays, they're origins, and how they're celebrated today. That's a good idea! In fact, I should explore holidays throughout the year. Put holidays I should learn about/celebrate next year in a comment! Happy Holidays!

Boring Break So Far

Well, that's not entirely true. I've had some fun nights. I saw The Big Lebowski at Cedar Lee with my friends. It was great! There were plenty of people dressed in robes, looking like the Dude. I never realized how much I love that movie. It's so funny and just plain awesome. I also went Black Friday shopping with my mother yet again. The one time a year I have any interest in shopping, mainly because it's the rare time of year where things are really cheap and I can convince my mom to buy me plenty of things, like the awesome peacoat I got at Old Navy, and the many books I picked out at Half-Price Books. I guess it hasn't been all that boring.

Waiting For the Snow

I really want it to snow. It's almost December. It snowed a little on Black Friday, but it wasn't much and it wasn't really around Euclid. But guess what tomorrow is! Monday! That means...CEDAR LEE MOVIE MONDAY! I can't wait! I haven't gone in awhile!

Tofurkey-less Thanksgiving, Yet Again

My Thanksgiving wish was not granted this year, but it was a fine "holiday." I'll try not to be a Debbie Downer and explain the quotes. I tend to just have fun with what I see as the pointlessness of some holidays. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays to ponder why we celebrate it and the false reasons I was taught in elementary school. Oh elementary school! To be naive again! To believe in Santa Claus and pilgrims sharing meals with the indians instead of raping and pillaging their lands essentially. Whoops! There I go with my ideals again. I've discovered I'm very much a foisting person. I definitely try to persuade people to my point of view, but only on things I believe I am right about, or things I think would help the foistee become a better person, a more intelligent, cultured, and open-minded person. I'm making the world a better place, one person at a time. Don't get me wrong. I don't think I'm the perfect person and everyone should be like me, I'm just letting you think I'm thinking it.

Back in the Euclid-SR

No, I do not think my home feels like an oppressive communist regime. But to the point, I'm back home for a little less than six weeks. Thanksgiving is in two days, and Black Friday is in three. Thanksgiving will be fun seeing as I'm still a vegetarian. But I'm really looking forward to Black Friday if my mom wants to go. Half-Price Books is having a special 20% off the alright slashed prices. And if we're in the first 100 customers we get a free tote bag and $5 gift card. I'm really excited. Happy beginning of the holidays, or as Cake Wrecks says, winter.

I "Like" This

Lately, I feel I am slowly going insane. One of the key reasons I feel this oncoming insanity is my constant thought of, "If this were on Facebook, I would 'like' this." I'm afraid I have become a "like"-button-happy person. I do like to "like" things on Facebook, though sometimes I don't like the notifications I get when I like someone's status and someone else commented on that status, yet it is irrelevant to me. But I digress. I also narrated my life for a short two minutes; a short two minutes that I spent walking to the bathroom, going to the bathroom, and returning to my room. I have also increased the amount of times I talk to myself in the mirror, making funny faces at myself, and then finding myself ridiculously insane, which makes me laugh at myself, furthering my insanity. Harrumph. Le sigh. Oh woe. Deep intake of breath...exhale sound effect.

Yes, you did just read that, meaning yes I did type it. Weeooweeoo sound effect. You're thinking, "My god! He has lost it!"

Maybe I have...maybe I have.

^_^

Synecdoche, New York

I was originally going to title this, "I Lost My Synecdoche, New York," and make it seem like I lost the key to the place I share with New York. No, not the STD-ridden reality star New York, just New York the city. Anyway, to the point of this post. I just watched the film Synecdoche, New York. It was strange, hard to follow, and sad. It follows Caden Cotard, played by the talented Phillip Seymour Hoffman, as his life slowly spirals. After his wife leaves him to work in Berlin, he receives a MacArthur Grant with which he builds a model of his world, hiring actors to play the people in his life, including a guy who followed him for 20 years to play himself. The time span is non-linear, yet at the same time linear. The film is ripe with odd occurrences such as him reading the diary his daughter left though it is filled with events from her life in Germany, things she could not possibly have written in it. Its central theme seems to be death, but it could also be the complexity and oddness of life, or even the wish to observe our lives as though it were a show. It obviously brings to mind Shakespeare's quote of, "All the world's a stage, and all its men and women merely players." Indeed, this film tries to portray that. The ending is unexpected and confusing, yet anticipation ending and engaging. It leaves the mind to wonder. Was it all a dream? A show? Unreal?

Finals Funtime

Since I do not have classes during finals, I end up having a lot of free time. Usually I watch stuff or rekindle my passion for video games. So far I've rewatched Wolf's Rain, seen Firefly with Bob, started Clone High with Bob, restarted Arrested Development with Bob, restarted Avatar: The Last Airbender by myself, and started playing Final Fantasy XII again. I've decided to finally finish the game after pretty much getting to the end long ago. The game is like three years old. I miss my Kingdom Hearts games. I need to get those back from my brother Jeff. I know you read this Jeff! You've been holding those games hostage for like two years now. I would like you to return them as soon as possible please. But I digress. I've also been catching up on all the Fresh Air podcasts I haven't had a chance to listen to, along with all the All Songs Considered podcasts I have taking up space on my computer. There's a lot of good music I need to get over winter break.

1000 Awesome Things

I would like to thank the awesome person that sent this as a reply to a PostSecret. 1000 Awesome Things is a blog chronicling 1000 awesome things. What makes these 1000 things so awesome? They are the little things that bring joy into people's lives. Today's post is waking up from a nightmare to realize it was only a dream. Other posts include finding money you didn't even know you lost, locking people out of the car and pretending to drive away, picking your nose, eating the last piece of dessert someone left at your house, real-bearded Santas, illegal naps, rain hair, sneezing three or more times in a row, your pillow, and over 300 more. The blog was started last year, and so far, has reached number 630 counting down from 1000. So here's to 1000 Awesome Things! It's one of my 1000 awesome things.

Link is in the list of Fun Blogs --------->

Fall Finals

I just finished my second final out of four for this quarter. I'm so glad this quarter is almost over. It's been almost stressful. I wonder if I'll ever actually feel stressed... Anyway, it's been pretty crazy also. I felt very lonely this quarter, and that led to thinking about my future, and consequently death. I had several near breakdowns because of my fear of the unknown. It's probably what caused my slight lack of motivation this quarter. But I did have my acting class to cheer me up and distract me. I'm going to miss that class. I hope Nicole will teach Acting Fundamentals II because then I would take it with her. I'll miss all my cool acting classmates. I've also decided, for now, that I'm going to be more of a masochist and try adding Acting or Performing, or whatever they call it here, as a minor. That way I can try out for the School of Theater's productions. I would love to be in one of its shows. We'll see next quarter. My last two tests are on Tuesday, and then I'm on my way home. Hurray!

A New Improved Post. Now With Extra Ranting

So I've been watching the show Firefly, and then subsequently the movie that follows the one season series, with my awesome friend Bob. We had several Firefly nights within the past two weeks. The series is a space western, one of my favorite genres. It was a really sad ending. I wish it didn't end though. It was a really good show. Why do most of the good shows get cancelled before their time? It's just not right! Well, at least they make movies to wrap everything up. I'm anxiously awaiting the Arrested Development movie. Such a great television show, and at least it had a somewhat good run. I wonder if they'll ever make a The 4400 movie. That would be awesome if they did because that show was so under-appreciated. It had four seasons, and then it got cancelled and ended on a huge cliff hanger because they didn't know they were going to get cancelled, so they couldn't wrap everything up in a nice little package. And The Riches! Don't get me started on that wonderful show! I'm so angry! That show was genius! Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver, fantastic chemistry! The actors playing the kids were brilliant! Only two seasons! URGH! WHY?!?!

Leggo My Eggo

Oh noes! Eggo waffles will be in short supply until mid-next year. What will all the hungry dads do without Eggo waffles to steal from their adorable daughters?



The world may never know...

(What's that? Two dated pop culture references in one blog post? Zoinks! (That makes three!))

Playtime With Puppies!

I just played with three adorable puppies and two dogs that were possibly just older puppies. It was awesome! I played for three hours and became an unofficial helper, making sure the one puppy didn't escape, the big dogs didn't fight, and that the puppies were spread out among the people. I also gave a two dollar donation, but I feel I should have given more. I'll give more next quarter, when they have the next Playtime With Puppies!

The Book of Love

I watched the supposed to be series finale of Scrubs a few weeks ago. It was absolutely beautiful, and it made me bawl my eyes out. The reason I am bringing this up now is because Nataly Dawn, adorable member of Pomplamoose, did a cover of the song, originally by The Magnetic fields, that plays during the final minutes of the finale. The song is called The Book of Love.

Here is the Scrubs finale with Peter Gabriel performing the song.



Here is Nataly Dawn's cover.

And...Scene!

Today was my last acting class of this quarter. I'm really going to miss it. I had so much fun and met so many cool people in it. I really enjoyed learning how to better my acting. I really have improved. But according to my classmates, I was always fantastic. Now, I know I wasn't great before, but I'm flattered that they think I'm really good. At the end of class today, we talked about the class overall. I'm not sure exactly what was said, but I think it was along the lines of none of us was going to become famous. Then Jenny said that I would, and several other classmates agreed. I was very happy I decided to take this class, and I'm really happy I took it when I did with the people I did. It was exactly what I needed after this summer. And those this class has ended, the curtain drawn, the lights faded, I hope to continue to act in someway, whether I add an Acting minor if possible, or I try and work the student theater group into my already busy schedule. I guess I'll have to sacrifice my super lazy Saturdays.

Missing the Play

So I'm missing my high school's Fall Play. It sucks, but I filled the theatrical hole with some plays at OU. The first was a second viewing of The Wonderful World of Dissocia. I never got to writing a post about it after I saw it the first time, so I'll write about it now. The Wonderful World of Dissocia follows Lisa Montgomery Jones as she takes a trip into the world of Dissocia in order to find her lost hour. She calls a number her watch repairer gave her, and suddenly her flat turns into an elevator that goes up, down, and sideways. She comes across a pair of Insecurity Guards, must take an oath with the Oathtaker who constantly spits oatmeal cookies, plays in a field of light circles that make sounds, is almost raped by a Scapegoat, fights the Black Dog King's supporters using bombs that leave animal shapes, meets a cavalcade of characters at a hot dog stand that doubles as a lost & found office, finds out she is the lost queen of Dissocia and her hour actually created the world, and encounters the Black Dog King. That was the first act. The second act brings Lisa back to the real world. After her episode, she spends the rest of the play in a hospital room. Nurses funnel in and out, making sure she takes her pills. Relatives visit. She has a tense visit from her boyfriend Vince. The play ends with her looking out the window. It's very sad, and yet it's also a little hopeful. Even though she lost her crazy, lewd, fantasy world, there is an implication that things will get better.

The second play I saw was a student's one-act adaption of Hemingway's short story, "Hills Like White Elephants." If you do not know or have not read the short story, then I suggest you acquaint yourself with it. It's a fantastically simple look at a relationship where the persons involved don't communicate. The student took an interpretative approach, making gestures important. I applaud him, but I found the gestures very random and distracting. In the beginning, a song played and the three actors entered the stage area by following the beats of the music. It was very strange. I found it slightly unnecessary and rather boring to watch, even when the couple did a sort of dance with each other. I love the shorty story, I liked the play. I would have loved it had the gestures emphasis not been there. The actor and two actresses did a superb job. They really brought the story to life. However, I just can't get over those gestures. At times they were very robotic, and other times they were just flailing about. The gestures were supposed to say what the couple could not say to each other. The only thing it communicated to me was a pointless attempt at trying to make something better by making it different. Once again, I applaud the student for trying, but I encourage him to rethink the necessity of the gestures. I do recommend that he spearhead a transformation of Hemingway short stories into a skit-play.

Loneliness

I'm lonely. You won't talk to me anymore, and it's only making my loneliness worse. I just want my friend back! I just want the person that I made funny comments during movies with, watched TV with, heard funny stories from, went to free screenings with, tasted extra sugary lemonade with, and found the remote for. I want my friend back!

Primer

I just traveled back in time to let you all know about the five-year-old movie Primer. It's insane. I definitely needed to read the Wikipedia page to fully understand it. It's all about Abe and Aaron who stumble upon a way to travel back in time. They build these time boxes, and at first they only travel back in time to make money on the stock market and other gambling games. But then they set out to stop anyone from getting hurt at this party. I felt like a lot was left out. The ending felt rushed to me, and though I enjoyed it, I felt like I should have gone back in time and not watched it. Instead, I've gone back in time to warn you all! Causality!!! Beware!!! Ethical repercussions!!!

How Horrible!

So yesterday, I finally watched Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog! I've been trying to watch it since shortly after it was made, but my internet connection was too slow to watch it on its original site. Then it sort of faded from my mind until I started watching Firefly with my friend Bob on Saturday. The lead in Firefly, Nathan Fillion, plays the antagonist in Dr. Horrible. Dr. Horrible creator Joss Whedon also created Firefly. Since Bob is just awesome, he let me borrow his DVD of Dr. Horrible! It is 42 minutes of musical awesomeness. Neil Patrick Harris shines as Dr. Horrible, Felicia Day sparkles as Penny, and Nathan Fillion blazes as Captain Hammer. On top of the 42 minutes, there is a 42 minute commentary know as Commmentary: The Musical! Hurrah! So wonderful! I really enjoyed it, and I recommend it to everyone who has any sense.

Let's Take the Day Off

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day. That means I do not have class! So tonight, I'm going to party like it's 2009! It is 2009? I can still party like is, right? Anyways, I only have the three more days of classes and then a week of finals before I return home for six weeks! I'll make sure I'm super busy during my break. That way, I ensure that I get to 200 posts by New Years Eve. I've always wondered if it's New Year's Eve or New Years Eve. Is it the eve of a new year? Or is it the eve of new years? I just checked Wikipedia. It's New Year's Eve, not anyone else's eve. Hmmm, then why is it not Christmas' Eve? Hmmmm...answer that grammar Nazis!

A Lover's Lament

Once, there were two lovers. They had met by pure chance, but it was as if they already knew each other. They were often together. Quickly and deeply, they fell in love. Everything was perfect. Until that fateful day...

It had come time for the one lover to return home. The summer was over, and so was the romance. The lovers said goodbye, but not without regret and sadness.

So the one lover returned home, only to find his heart was not with him. He thought he had brought it, but it seems his lover had stolen it. "Why did you do this? Why did you have to steal my heart?" he pleaded, but the lover responded with nothing but silence.

Having lost his heart, the one lover wandered aimlessly through his home, the anticipation of a return eating away at his mind. He slowly descended into madness and isolation.

One day, he had a chance to return to his lover-thief. It was a treacherous journey, filled with joy and tears at the prospect of seeing the one he loved once more.

His return was not as joyous as he hoped, but a spark of hope lit a candle of anxiety. "What if I only imagined the glances, the love-filled eyes?" he thought to himself.

He returned home, bringing with him an aura of anxious feelings. As his second return drew closer, the feelings worsened.

The day finally came. He shed his anxiety and held hope. It was true! Hurrah! The love was still there. They held each other close, their love-filled eyes connected. "I love you, and I have from the moment I met you," the lover said.

Alas it was but a dream. He awoke to his empty bed, his face soaked with tears, his heart pounding in his chest trying to escape.

A dream is such a beautiful thing, as beautiful as love. Unfortunately, both are just as destructive as they are beautiful.

Possiblity of Failure

I don't know if I can make it to 200 posts by the end of this year everyone. I'm going to see a supposedly crazy play tonight, so I hope that will fuel a post. Plus I'm sure I'll write something about my uncertain future soon. That's been occupying a huge chunk of my thoughts lately.

Ingird Michaelson

So instead of staying at OU for Halloween this year, I decided to go home to see Ingrid Michaelson and then the play Franklyn Stein's Project at CSU. It was the right choice in my opinion. I had a wonderful time. I saw Ingrid by myself at the Beachland Ballroom. It was so much fun. I made friends with the two girls in front of me while we waited for like 20 minutes in the cold for the doors to open. The opening act, Matthew Perryman Jones, was amazing. And then came Ingrid and her adorable band. They were all in quickly thrown together costumes that they bought at the vintage shop below the Ballroom. She was a cowgirl. She is amazing live, and a very funny person. She threw out candy, made several sexual jokes, and was just simply wonderful. Then my mom was kind enough to drive me to CSU for the midnight showing of Franklyn Stein's Project. I was supposed to see it with Ben and Kristen, but Ben forgot to inform me that he decided to work on Saturday night. So I reserved four tickets and only used one (thank goodness I didn't have to pay for them all). The play was fantastic. It was dark, dramatic, frantic, frightening, and comically gory, perfect for midnight on Halloween. It was student writ and directed perfectly if I may say so. I absolutely enjoyed it. Afterward, I got to see my friend Chad who made the air cannons that blew up the frog and shot guts and gore everywhere. Then my mom picked me up, I ate some candy, and then fell asleep. I hope your adorably awkward handshake was a sign that we're friends again.