I Have Arrived!

Happy Monday y'all...We've made it another week, plugging through Watchman, working comics, clothes and ice cream, and enjoying this 60 degree day here in Mid-December Boston.
The Holiday hits keep on coming, and no punches were pulled at the Watson Street Holiday Fiesta! Last night, my neighbors and I got together with our better halves and enjoyed a little suaree, filled with miniture food, good tunes and some ol' fashioned holiday cheer. Its nice to get to know the people you've been living next to for the past four months, and it felt quite grown up to be at a party that was not focused around drinking and video games...no need to worry, we broke out the N64 late into the evening. Sometimes all it takes is a night of getting to know people over eggnog and shared woes of the landlord to make a place feel a little more like home. Living in the dorm, you not only live with people, but you go to class with them, and eat in the same cafateria...but apartment living yields stairwell passes and the occasional door hold if one is not carefull. Four years ago I moved to Boston with the hopes of making it a second home. Well, eight semesters, seven jobs, two places of residence and a degree later, this place has never felt more like home. One thing they don't tell you on the tours and in the brochures, is that you never lose one home to gain another. With Chicago and Boston under my belt, and while I have no plans of leaving anytime soon, the obvious question is- where to next? With 60 degree days in December (we always seem to start where we end up don't we?) and some early afternoon sales at the shop, life is looking good. And I've even got my moms cookies to look forward to next week. cheers --d

Christmas, comics and crab rangoons... (not in that order)

Happy Monday...it is a rare Monday off for this post-grad, and after some Chinese food delivery, a little Love Actually and a fear of the 15 degree reading on the online thermostat, I've retreated to my bed for a bit of pondering.
"Christmas is all around..." Yesterday, Sunday- it was the first long-lasting snow of the season. A constant flurry whipped around landing anywhere but the ground for the better part of the morning. A setting fit for a slow walk through Cambridge, from Central to Harvard Sq, on a mission for crepes, gifts, and shared memories. There are certain elements of my life that have shifted instantly from one step to the next, "MTV editing" as my old film professor coined for the type of editing that is quick and unforgiving. The acquisition of bills. the compounding responsibility of scheduling your own classes, doctor's appointments...life. But there are other, far more abstract elements that change slowly as my life moves onward. My appreciation for the holidays is one of those tracking-shot type changes.
Each year I wake up on the brighter side of early- the morning after Thanksgiving- and head out to the Christmas Tree Farm for a little do-it-yourself pine cutting. We drag the tree three agonizing quarters of a mile back to the van, place it in the tree vibrator, freeing the dead needles from the ride home strapped to the hood of the Odyssey. Christmas music ensues and a day of tree lighting and ordainment hanging is upon us. As a middle "too cool for" schooler - this was a day I'd much rather spend on the sledding hill, or in the middle of an epic clash between aged high schoolers and us of youth on the snow ball battlefield. Not understanding the importance this day had on my poor mother, waiting for me to grow up and not only appease her, but truly appreciate that which the holidays have always provided...tradition, shared experience, appreciation for a year of work, and damn good cookies.
Well this year, the morning after Thanksgiving left me dozing on a train, city-bound for a day of work. No complaints there...just...not tradition. I didn't think much of it until I was in the middle of bringing home my first, very own Christmas tree. Now, a Christmas tree is never just one's own. It is my girlfriend's, my roommate's, her boyfriend's, and everyone else's who comes by between now and when we all head to our homes, for a taste of aged tradition. But until then...we're making it up as we go along, and I could not have asked for anything more. After yesterday's snowy adventure, there were cookies, there was music, icing, decorating, laughing, crashing on the couch for Christmas movies...new tradition.
I haven't seen any new films in the past week, or done much reading, though I have made a serious dent in The Watchman. It's my second tour through Alan Moore's earth shattering 1985 graphic novel. An old boss/current friend of mine is itching to borrow it, so I must make my way in haste. The piece has been optioned for a film, and is due for release in March, Moore has completely removed himself from the project. Avid readers of this blog may remember a thesis I wrote (and often reflected on here) regarding the philosophy of film. It was a concept that I explored, attempting to pinpoint the importance of film in the development of our subjective reality. In the spirit of my own past studies, I am having a hard time accepting the film as something valid, seeing as its source's creater has declaired that his novel could not be reproduced in any other medium. Regardless, The Watchman is about to impact a whole new audience...though the orginal commentary on mid 1980's global politics, the essence of the super hero and the eternal question "Who Watches Thw Watchmen?" will most likely be lost behind 300-esque effects. Bitter? Not in the least...I'll be first in line, March 8th - midnight. See you there.

got milk?

Happy Monday...as I come off an enjoyable holiday weekend I am overwhelmed with the influence of this minute's hottest pop culture.
I've breached the cover of Junot Diaz's wildly popular novel starring nerd-galore, Oscar. While I am only 49pgs into The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao - I am enthralled by the blend of Dominican-geek-teenager despair that makes up the self-deprecating main character. I'll provide a more comprehensive commentary when I've finished the story - for now, I can say that I was hooked by the comic/"speculitive genre" refrences, but have stayed for the eerie insights into universal adolecence that Diaz has proposed.
Two pieces of art I can fully commnet on are but the new Bond film, and the indie - Milk.
22 films strong, the Bond franchise is something I grew up on. Coupled with Jean-Luc Picard, Bond was the epitmity of cool at age 12. (X-Men was another childhood infactuation, so you can imagine the excitment my inner/very much outer kid experienced watching Patrick Stewart portray Professor Charles Xavior in not one, but three X-films.) Bronsan (Goldeneye) was the first Bond I saw, Connery, the best. Though my favorite film would have to be Licence to Kill starring Timothy Dalton.
Quantum of Solace brought Bond back for revenge...and as a revenge film, it hit all the marks. But as Bond film, we were missing some serious plot-points, things you come to expect from 007. (One of which not being The Dame Judy Dench reprising her role as M...a show-thief if I've ever seen one.) Not a once, did we hear those immortal words, "Bond, James Bond." Gadget Extrodinare, Q was no where to be found, and the "shaken, not stirred" emphasis was minimal at best. Though, we did have our Bond girls...no complaints there.
Daniel Craig has brought a personallity to the character in the sence that Bond is invested in his missions as more than mere assignments, thought without the Bond traditions, expectations are sorely not met. Again, good revenge flick, but as a modern instlament of the MI6 architype...I'm left wanting to pop in the dvds just to rekindle my faith in 007.
Milk...a film I knew very little about, always a tight-rope situation. Until last night, I would adamantly claim Fast Times at Ridgemont High to be Sean Penn's greatest film...what can I say, I have a soft spot for Mr. Hand, piano key scarves and Forrest Whitaker. Portraying Harvey Milk, Penn truly captured the essence and energy of the politcal figure. The entire casting was spot on, it was nice to see James Franco do something a bit more interesting than his as-of-late-slapstick, and Emile Hirsch is becoming one the most versitile actors of my generation (note- Alphadog.) The splicing of actual footage with what was filmed for the picture was done well, and Danny Elfman's music brought the final project together.
So what am I thankful for? Good art, inspiration, the beautiful day here in Boston that is allowing me to keep the door open at work, Spicoli, El Triunfo...the greatest tacos in town, and they've just arrived - cheers. --d

Don't Stop Believeing, Cruiserweight

I'm perched in my thinking chair, a rarity at this hour on Tuesday nights, as I await a 6:20am wake up call oh so soon. New comic day is upon us, and with the JSA special, Uncanny X-Men and Final Crisis tie-in on deck, its gonna be a doozy! But tonight is the night an ol' fav, Cruiserweight, graced the stage of TT's but three blocks from my house. If you are unfamiliar with this Austin, TX outfit, imagine the Charlie Chaplain of front-ladies...sans mustache but mega pantomime and oodles of stage persona. I can't help but laugh as her hand motions and facial expressions tell as much of the story as her lyrics do. Stella is backed by her two brothers, Ernie and Yogi, their friend Dave rounds out the band. They're a toe-tappin crew who remind me how the simplest of metaphors and peppiest of beats put together in a clean, unique and distinct style bring the best out of a November night. And I'm not the only one...the audience is sprinkled with the Cambridge vets out to enjoy a good set mid-week and under 21 fan-girls sporting the newest alt-rock uniform of colored tights, cowboy boots and funky tops inspired by Jenny Lewis, Zooey Deschanel and the like. Few things warm your heart like a good band on a cold night after a long day in retail. Its the little things that remind you why you've moved to Central Sq.

The night was capped with a dance contest to one of their old hits and a cover of Journey bringing beers in the air every dreamer to their knees...don't stop believing Cruiserweight, you're all right in my book. --d

http://www.myspace.com/cruiserweight

Contemplation yielded by travel...who knew

As I write this (though posted later) I am traveling back from Seattle, approaching Denver for my connection to Boston. Brought there by a wedding, my girlfriend and I enjoyed all that Seattle had to offer. From Pikes Place to the Experience Music Project, we tramped cross the Northwestern city. The last, and only other time I was in Seattle, was to take a look at the University of Washington...a highly plausible option for undergrad. It was fun to come back, and we were able to spend some time across the Sound in Bremerton, where the wedding was held.

As we all know, there are certain things you only get to do at very specific ages. Crying in public: 0-5 yrs. Coloring outside the lines: 3-8 yrs. Going on a date...and getting a ride from your parents: 13-16 yrs. Going to an obscene amount of weddings in a short amount of time: 23-25 yrs. After my years of tears, coloring on the walls, and embarrassing rides to the movie theater, I have entered into one very interesting point of my life. This particular ceremony was held for my girlfriend's good friend from college, but has caused me to obsessively contemplate the futures of me and my good friends. There's the first best-friend journalist who's slotted to tie the knot next summer, where yours truly will be presiding over the duties of best man. And the best-friend (#2) front-man who's poised to rock and roll till his heart's content, while enjoying one of those sickly healthy relationships. Watching someone change their life in such an anticipated moment does a lot for the well being of one's psyche.

In this case, this wedding has caused me to solidify my post-grad decisions once again. While in college, I always had an idea of where I was going to be in the next couple of months. From September of 2004, I knew exactly where I was going to be come May of 2008, allowing me to take chances within the comfort of structure. Since then, this post-grad freedom has repeatedly caused me to qualify my actions with justification, as I have no commitments besides the ones I chose. Granted this was true in college, but I made a four year commitment four years ago, and now its time to decide if another four your commitment is in order, or are a series of <1yr commitments to suffice? I am weary to take comfort in committing for the sake of committing, though giddy at the prospect of stability as it yielded so positively the first time around.

What I've pulled from this weekend more than anything, is to take comfort in the process of discovering what it is I want to commit to, find solace in the temporary, and accept when it comes permanent. And to enjoy coloring on the walls, cause one day, you just won't be able to do it anymore. Cheers --d

(And check out GIRL TALK...its dance music you'll dance to by yourself : )

Siamo Nella Stessa Barca

Happy Thursday folks...hope you've enjoyed the week and gearing up for the weekend. I have some very exciting news in the life of this post-grad: In addition to my current jobs I have added Comic Clerk to my resume. Last Wednesday I traveled to Million Year Picnic in Harvard Sq at 7am to fulfill my clerk duties. Much like the new releases of records on Tuesdays and theatrical films on Fridays, Wednesday is the faithful day when new books are released. In addition to talking comics, organizing comics, breathing comics and sleeping comics...I'm getting paid. Can't beat it.
I partook in a bit of culture this weekend, enjoying Boston Ballet's rendition of Cinderella. It was an amazing performance at The Wang Theater, and made even better with some killer seats ten rows back from the orchestra. The Boston Ballet preformed the show with a 1920's art-deco influence, modernizing the age-ol' classic. The dancing was phenomenal, and struck a chord as my sister is a ballet major at a school back in the Midwest. With a meal at CPK before... and after the show (don't ask) a better Saturday afternoon could not be asked for.
Before entering Suffolk I took myself on a forty-nine day backpacking trip through Europe. I graduated high school in Chicago on a Saturday, flew to Boston for Suffolk Orientation on Sunday and headed straight for London that Tuesday. By happenstance, I was born in Milan, Italy and having only lived there for a few months before moving to the states, I always had this drive to return. In my senior year of high school, I decided that I would travel to Europe the next summer. After visiting and applying to colleges, getting into Suffolk and others, I put all my energy into planning this trip.
The summer of 2004 turned into an amazing ride through six countries in seven weeks that I began and finished on my own. There has not been a collective of experiences that has taught me as much about myself, people as a whole, and life, as this trip did. Though I was traveling on my own, I met over 150 people throughout thirteen destinations. Some of the most memorable being the Italian jugglers I met in Barcelona. These five kids, ages 15-18 were riding their bikes to Paris for an international juggling festival. I spent ten hours with these cross-world peers of mine. After a long conversation with one of the girls, I realized that even though we had grown up on opposite sides of the world, we very much had similar outlooks and philosophies on life. I made the off handed comment, inspired by the Spanish port we were enjoying..."We're all in the same boat" She understood what I said, but not what I meant. After explaining the indium, she responded, "Ahh...Siamo Nella Stessa Barca" It was my phrase in Italian, and being one of the most beautiful things I had ever heard, I of course had her teach me how to say it. In this impromptu language lesson, she used my left forearm as her slate and I have since commemorated the event with a tattoo of the phrase between my left elbow and wrist.
One regret many assume I have is not studying abroad in college. Anyone who has studied abroad assumes its the regret of others that they haven't. I never once wished I had spent a semester elsewhere in the world, but that is only because of my own travels and the promise I make to myself to explore the world independently. One can never truly appreciate the size of the boat, through the stories of others or the books one reads. It is by actual lived experience that any ounce of understanding comes one's way.
If you're reading this and have yet to enjoy the conversation of another in a place you've never been, let that be my one piece of advice...whether its in college, studying abroad, or throwing yourself into another environment for any amount of time, take time to understand other people by experiencing them. If you have explored yourself through your interactions with others, take the time to remind others to do the same. Until next week - enjoy life -- cheers

And with the diploma came...

Happy Thursday rabble rousers...hope you all are enjoying the week. With hours dedicated to ice cream, clothes and comics there was little to complain about the past week and a half. I spent my last entry catching you up on my Suffolk past with the anticipation of filling you on what I've been doing since crossing the stage over four months ago...
As I wrapped things up at Suffolk I started two brand new money-making-endeavors. These positions began alongside my last Suffolk role as a Conference Coordinator for the Summer Program office. My first job put me behind the world renown dipcases of Ben and Jerry's. There's something about scoopin ice cream in the summer that just doesn't seem like work. Don't get me wrong, blood, sweat and tears have gone into happiness of many-a customer. Especially when I took perch atop the Ben and Jerry's truck I was manning on the Esplanade come 4th of July, and slipped and fell, crashing down on what was luckily, a closed ice cream cooler. This job has yielded positive results as I've begun shift-managing at both the Newbury St. and Harvard Sq. locations. (find me rockin' and rollin' with a straw fedora, mention this blog and get 10% off...no joke!) As fall has begun to slip in, with cold feet on hardwood floors and nipped ears on cross-bridge bicycle rides become daily routine...good tunes, Chunky Monkey milkshakes and straw hats bring a little summer all winter long.
While I love my summer vibes, it is fall fashion that puts a hop in my step. At the same time I took up the mantel of "scooper", I also began my learnings in the inner-workings of small business. Uniform, a mens clothing store in the South End of Boston welcomed me into their ranks. A small shop that collects pieces from numerous clothing lines from L.A. to Amsterdam, Uniform has shown me what a personalized shopping experience can do for both the customer and the store. I still have a long way to go, but when part of my job was getting to know the regular customers and what they liked, I knew that my past experiences of working the stock room at The Gap were going to be of little use.
Between the two jobs, I'm putting plenty of hours in, supporting my self in an apartment in Cambridge and continuing to learn everything I can...including what's to know from my weekly stash of comics.
I've found that many of the people I've gotten to know in college are expecting these life changing scenarios to present themselves, and for their daily lives to begin to fit into a 9-5 work week. Those of us I can visibly see are the most happy are those who are embracing change, not holding on to the past, put also not dropping whats important to them, in order to make room for "the next step".
I've always wanted to put myself back in the classroom as a teacher or professor. Most recently I've wanted to teach philosophy to upper-level high school students. These are things that I very much want for myself...but not when I'm 23. When I explain this to many "adults" I usually responded to with the understanding that I'm "taking time off"...the best teachers I've had are those who have lived experiences that they bring into the classroom. And I would never want to teach anybody anything if I could not relate to it myself. At age 23, I want to enjoy not working 9-5, living in Cambridge, going to shows on weeknights and saving money for pending travels, see next post! So no...not taking time off, just enjoying life, which if anything, is the most important thing college taught me.
In response to my good buddy, Gonzo, and his comment to the last post, I've retitled this here venue to something a bit more appropriate. It's not quite what he recommended, but I hope he digs...till next time when we tackle foosball dinner tables, past travels and the weeks events -- enjoy life, cheers.

Welcome back ramblers...

Welcome back to Senior Struts - and now that I've graduated, I'm searching for a new title...any thoughts? I'll be unvailing the new header next week...
After graduating Suffolk four months ago I've returned to this venue to recount my adventures post-graduation. For those of you new to these readings, allow me to introduce myself...
My name is Drew Allison and I attended Suffolk for the past four years. After visiting over fifteen campuses from Boston to San Diego, Chicago to Seattle, I settled on Suffolk.
As most of you know, or will soon find out, picking a college is much like digging for that proverbial needle. Not only that, there are a slew of needle-looking-pieces-of-hay to distract you. When I visited Suffolk in the October of my senior year, three things immediately grabbed my attention: I had never been to Boston, and growing up outside of Chicago, the prospect of full-time city life was appealing enough. But other cities had done the same, so it was up to the school to complete the sell. I was able to sit in on a philosophy class after my campus tour. Its funny calling them "campus tours" when there are more non-Suffolk buildings along the route than university facilities. But that was it...Suffolk only makes sense in the context of the city. The connotation of Suffolk was different for every person on that tour, and yet, works so well for so many different types of people.
Back to that philosophy class I mentioned...it was an entry level ethics class with one of the full time professors. As I sat, waiting for the class to start, I was invited to a weekend paintball game...yep, this Mid-Western highs school senior was suddenly apart of this East Coast community. This coupled with the amazingly interesting lecture and discussion had added to the overall good-vibe I had gotten from Boston, and Suffolk. Between the school-within-a-city vibe, friendly folks, and stimulating philosophical discussion...I was hooked.
I moved to Boston in the fall of 2004 from Chicago and lived in Miller Hall up until one month ago. After my freshman year I was hired as an RA (Resident Assistant) and began working for Residence Life and Summer Programs, a relationship that would last three and a half years. Also in my sophomore year, I was hired as a Trustee Ambassador and tour guide with the admissions office.
I was lucky enough to enter college knowing what it was I wanted to study. Even knowing this, I was still tempted to pick a "practical" major and entered Suffolk with a focus in advertising. Day one I went to the registrars office, picked up a change of major form, and headed to the philosophy department. The only other thing I knew, besides knowing I wanted to study philosophy, was that I did not want to spend my whole life competing, constantly trying to outdo others for a chance to move upward in my profession. Naive perhaps, but I still hold this belief today. Competition is inescapable, but by minimizing it, I've improved my quality of life exponentially. In my sophomore year I declared a film studies minor within the communications department, and incorperated my film interest into my final undergraduate philosophical endeavorer. I spent the past four years studying numerous fields of philosophy, focusing on phenomenology and what I called "the philosophy of film", completing my studies with a year-long honors thesis.
As I wrapped up my career at Suffolk I sincerely felt as though I had something to say. And not just an homage to remembrance, but an insight that was universal yet readily overlooked. I feel that too often people spend days of celebration merely remembering what had come before, never taking a moment to sit and appreciate a day, such as graduation, for what it is. It was with the motivation to remind everyone to enjoy the day that I applied to be the student speaker at graduation. The auditions were on reading day, the last day of the semester before finals, and if you are a philosophy major with a thesis to defend, the most important week of the year. The early morning adrenaline burst must have been enough, as that afternoon I got the call, awarding me the responsibility of the only student speaker at my graduation. I could not think of a better way to sign off at Suffolk. With four years worth of friends and mentors, and my family in front of me, it was a tough day to top.
Well I think you have a good idea of where I've come from, and in the next weeks I'll give you an idea of where I am now, and where I plan to be. If you have any questions, comments, or thoughts please leave a message! Until next time...enjoy life -- cheers

The End?

Spring...has sprung. Is there much more to say about that? Well yes, frisbee at 5pm in the park, be there or be square.

After ten months of research, outlining, drafting, editing, re-editing and re-re-editing, my senior thesis is in the books! While there still may be weeks left in the semester, relaxation has commenced...With San Francisco but five days away, and the Langorne Slim show this evening, life does not get much better than this...oh wait, I watched Empire Strikes Back last night! This viewing was a direct result of a lightsaber sparring match I had with a resident of mine a few nights ago (see pictures bellow).

Not much else to update, just enjoying the days as they come. Apartment hunting, job searching, existential exploration...sometimes I feel like a neo-urban cultural circumnaviagtor of experiences...with a rockin' soundtrack. enjoy life...

Current Song -- Breakin' Up -- Rilo Kiley

Over done, not cajun style...

Good morning...This post has been a long time coming, and I due apologize for the lack of presence throughout the month of March. But here we go with some heavy duty updates...

Since I've been here last, I've enjoyed all those shows I listed before, geeked out at a comic book convention, and have reached near completion on the year-long thesis. We've been uber-busy at admissions as well (hence the lack of posts) with tons of events for incoming students. Its been great having so many prospective students on campus, nothing better than being busy at work...

As always, there are some amazing shows on the horizon! Saul Williams, who you may know as a spoken word artist is playing at the Paradise next Tuesday in support of his hip-hop record. If you are a fan of TV on The Radio, Williams is in the similar vein. Folk/blues/raw/rockin' Langhorne Slim and dirty/funk-filled Aggrolites are playing at The Middle East next Thurs and the following Tues respectively. Excellent evenings of relief in the midst of final papers and real-world planning.

I just found out that I will be doing an awesome trip to San Francisco with the admissions office, working a national college fair. While I'm there, Rilo Kiley is playing downtown. I love that city, I love to talking to people and I love that band, it is truly a win, win, win situation.

As you've heard throughout the year, I've been diligently scribing away at my honors thesis, and we are all happy to hear that it is nearing completion!! Come Monday, the paper will be finalized and turned in for review. To describe the excitement to come would fill a novella and still would not come close to fully articulating said excitement...perhaps I will embark on the great American Novel. Thoughts?

Back to footnotes, bibliographies and title pages...be back soon, I promise! enjoy life...

Current Song -- I Love To Dance -- Langhorne Slim

Who Listens to Music?

Tuesday is as Tuesday does here in Boston...its been a good morning so far, and the day holds promise for the hours to come. I left last week with excitement for the Limbeck Band show, and I come to you today riding still on the wave of lovely lovely times had at The Middle East. The opening bands weren't bad for what they were...which were opening bands. House of Fools pulled some toe-tappin S. Carolina rock, which prepped the scene for The Travelin' Limbeck Bands S. California breed of shoulder-shakin jams. This kicks of what's going to be a Spring filled with one dance band after another...

Spring Break yields three shows in one week - Bad Manners being supported by The Allsotonians (some two-tone ska for midweek skankin), followed by The Honorary Title (Indie-rock duo that promises to pull on my heartstrings) and finishing with the icing on the cake...Tilly and The Wall! If you don't produce smiles with the sounds of Tilly, you're not appreciating the finer things in life.

Later in the season, The Aggrolites will grace The Middles East downstairs. Aggro is one of the top reggae acts this side of the Atlantic, and it will be their ultra-funk dirty reggae that will fill anticipations until mid-April. Plus, there are rumors of Toots and The Maytals playing the Paradise Rock Club (2 nights worth!), which will be the highlight of the semester! Toots Hibbert is the premiere survivor of reggae's golden age, with decades of performing under his belt, this will kick off spring in true Moon-Stompin' Fashion!

With all this music flowing around, I've had to buckle down on some serious thesis work. With only one month to go before my final draft is due, it's crunch time! Things are right on track, and I am more than looking forward to getting this year long project off my hands as to allow myself to focus on the uber-pertinent matter or securing an occupation come summer's end.

Life is good, Manchester United is on point to take the top of the Premiership table, by the lead of the Rinhaldo/Rooney powerhouse...and summer=frisbee is right around the corner!

Current Song -- Countryman Fiddle -- The Aggrolites

Hi, My Name is Drew, and I'm a Blogaholic

Twice in one week, we're coming out of that blogging ebb and entering an era of constant updates! Life is still good, still rollin along. Everyone around me seems to be counting down to something. My buddy is counting the days till graduation, a friend back home waits for spring break, and a girl a work anxiously twiddles her fingers at the prospect of the up coming weekend. Me...I'm not counting at all, but instead trying to enjoy this minute, leading into the next minute, and will hopefully ride that wave for as long as humanly possible. Until I learn to surf (which is goal #2 in my life after developing a solid sense of self, philosophy major remember?) I'm going to ride out good vibes, if you're not expecting anything, then there is no way to be disappointed...and life therefore, is good...always. (That's a metaphor for life up there, dude surfing...ponder that hombre.)

I suppose this will be a life-long effort, for as I sit here, I find myself very excited for the Limbeck show I am going to this evening. Limbeck...a wonderful band from Orange, California. I've been listening to them since high school, and seen them countless times, and they never disappoint. They're playing The Middles East Upstairs, and I'm bringing some friends who have never heard them before. I am thoroughly jealous of their ability to experience Limbeck for the first time, for we all know that everything from music to love to burritos, are experienced best the first time around. (That's Limbeck there...cute right?)

Hopefully this weekend will yield even a fraction of the good times of last, but I have no expectations, so no doubt good times will be had. Life is rapidly approaching, real jobs, real apartments...luckily I'm not expected to learn how to tie a tie anytime soon - enjoy life...

Current Song -- Julia -- Limbeck

I'm Not a Suit, I Just Wear One...

This inconsistent blogging is as much an issue for me, as it is for you...trust me! So much happens, and it's all so fleeting, there is no way to remember all the wonderous moments that comprise my day, regardless, we must try...

My love for B&S (see post bellow) has yet to wane, though I have discovered Amy Winehouse's first record, Frank, and my iTunes has yet to play much else for the past week. (Though I give credit to the newest Rilo Kiley record Under The Blacklight and Saul Williams' self-titled release, where credit is most obviously due.)

I enjoyed a weekend of surprises...no plans were made, just good times. Late night food is soon to become a tradition for this "barely-eat-anything-after-9pm" dude, as it is hard to resist crab rangoons at any hour, though once spring is fully sprung, I may need to institute a ban on Chinatown as too not OD on MSG.

I started today with a nice early morning knock from my Assistant Director in the res hall...as it is RA Appreciation Day, and he was appreciating me, it was hard to complain. Plus, he brought bagels...Honey-oat wheat bagels : )

I am a big fan of appreciation, I feel I spend most of my day appreciating the ability to do most of the things I do. This being my third RA Appreciation day, it has yet to lose its charm, its always nice to love the ones your with...even (and perhaps especially) your co-workers.

So I know I've proselytized about these fellows before, and their banner is at the end of this page, but this incredibly sexy group of Illinois dudes rocks this quartet, Snowsera, and they are in the running for Best New Band in Urbana-Champagne IL! Check em out, www.myspace.com/snowsera , and if you like what you hear, place those votes, http://www.cumusicawards.com/2008/awards/vote From one purveyor of music to another, thank you.

So the day is packed, there's a tour under my belt, an RA lunch to come, a bit more time in the office, a lecture on international communism (w/free Thai food! are we seeing a pattern in this blog, music & food?) a possible game of GO and the Suffolk Rams lady basketball team have their last home game tonight! Then home for some good ol' fashion homework. Hopefully I'll keep you posted (no pun intended!) sooner than later! enjoy life...

Current Song -- The Moneymaker -- Rilo Kiley

Belle and Sebastian is My Valentine...

It is upon us, the Hallows Eve of Love...a day where hearts are exposed in chalk-candy form and we put our happiness in the hands of those with the single rose...

I could not be happier! I've adopted an early waking sleep habit that rose me around 8am. Wide awake, I enjoyed a bit of lounging, and started the day with Belle and Sebastian's "Dear Catastrophe Waitress." One of the best albums of our time, and sums up my take on love in a two-lp set. B&S has an amazing catalog of records spanning the past 9 years. I've included the cover art for their records in this post...to give you a visual tasting of their sound.

I had a nice tour this morning, private, a mother and son from Western Mass, and just partook in a chili-garlic stir-fry from our Law School Cafe.

We're in the midsts of RA selection for next semester, and I'm administering my third interview of the week this afternoon. Hopefully it will go well, sending me to enjoy some quality time with some quality friends, and to kick off this glorious long weekend!

On Tueaday, Program Council put on the annual Build-a-Bear event, where 150 bears were offered to the Suffolk masses for stuffin 'n' lovin! I missed out on it last year, so I was sure to make it this year. His name is Remy LeBeau, French Casanova, past member of the X-Men and he is snuggly!!

The thesis is cooking along, and with no school on Monday, I've got a 6 day weekend...senior year : )

I recently got an email from a friend of mine who is studying abroad in Kenya, and she spewed so much good will that I had to pay it forward...enjoy the day, love to love...and show it. Its something I love doing all the time, but today, it's just so easy! enjoy life...







Current Song -- If She Wants me -- Belle and Sebastian

Doon't Say We Never Do Antyhing Nice...

Last night comedian Lynne Koplitz was on campus. You may have seen her on comedy central or elsewhere, and I must say, I was thoroughly impressed. My live comedy experience is limited, but this was a riot...and quite informative.I learned about everything from life changes as you hit your mid-30's to how women fake orgasims...I mean, the things you can really bring home to the dinner table. It was a solid mid-week evening, that will carry me calmy into the weekend.

This was the first full week of classes, and by full, I mean 5 straight days of the Univeristy actually being open. I've dove deeper into the philosophy of War and Truce, reading up on Kant's article "Perpecual Peace" and have emerced myself in the language of Truth Functional Logic. I've begin editing the draft of my thesis from last year, and am focusing on some more technical phenomenological research. A deadline was set as well, my thesis is due the first week of April, and the defense is scheduled for the end of that month. So with about 8 weeks to go, if I appear a bit frazzled for the rest of the winter, you'll all know why!

My pop-culture vices are being fulfilled to the max this week...First, yesterday marked Alex Ross's return to Marvel Comics! Captain American #34 came out yesterday, and not only did Ross draw a varient cover (shown here) but the new Cap was introduced. I don't want to give too much away, but your favorite WWII sidekick may be dawning the red, white and blue...

And tonight, as if you didn't know...is the triumphant return of LOST! With only 8 episodes written so far, we'll see how long season 4 will last, but regradless, I can't wait to see what's going on with our favorite castaways, others and frensh jungle woman!

With a friends birthday (dejavu from last weekend I know) this should be a great end to the week. At least before I continue my research and start sending out cover letters to possibly my future employers! Cheers -- enjoy life...

Current Song -- Sun, Sun, Sun -- The Elected

Art Breaks My Heart...

Like I promised, I made my way to the ICA last night...and after a half-hour walk along the water, we embarked on a 2hr excursion through the hallows of modern art. As expected, there were some incredible pieces, including a rug made of thousands of tiny pins, a room filled with foam mattresses that had silhouettes of people dug out of them, and a video piece featuring a gentleman mimicking his hunting heritage by shooting his groceries in the supermarket with a bow & arrow before purchasing them.

But none was as creepy as Cornelia Parker's "Hanging Fire." I came around a corner to find remains of a burnt art studio, suspended from the air, resembling a still explosion. The instant my eyes settled on the piece, my heart raced and a single bead of sweat attacked my cheek from my temple.

I've included pictures of two works similar to that which now haunts me. (to the left - "Heart of Darkness". to the right - "Cold Dark Matter") Trust me when I say that a picture does no justice...as if they ever do.

When I first laid eyes on the piece I felt as though I was looking into the future, and suddenly knew I was destined to experience a blaze similar to that which created the shards of wood and nails I was staring at. There are few times when art effects you as much as "Hanging Fire." It is my destiny to travel to a small island off the Western Coast of Japan, train for several life-times...return to the frozen flame with a centuries old Japanese blade, and defeat that which as tortured my soul. It is for this reason, that this was my favorite piece in the gallery.

Current Song -- So Subtle -- Snowsera

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Weekday Prep for Weekend Par-tay

The semester is in full swing, and for the moment, work, school, comic reading and movie watching are in a harmoneous equilibrium. I've managed to catch up on weekly issues (comics) and add pages upon pages of reading with logic problem sets into my weekly dose of mental exercise.

Today's a workin day, with classes tomorrow...which means I'm listening to The Moldy Peachesall day long! If you're not down with TMP's you best get on that pronto...they're more geeked out than Weezer...if that is humanly possible.

This seems to be a week of preperation...we're preparing the phil. film meetings, classes are in the clickity-clack stage of the roller coaster and my leftover Chilli's chips and salsla are in the mirowave...

The ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) happens to be free on Thurs. nights after 5pm, and is conviently located just across the water in South Boston. Once some fellow philosophy enthusiests get out of class, we'll be adventuring over for some culture to kick off the weekend.

I'm on RA duty tonight and Friday, which could be worse, I've got Lost Season 3 to catch up on before the 31st ans a slue of graphic novels to dive into if the residents opt to behaive. With a friend's brithday on Sat the weekend is looking promising. Enjoy life...

Current Song -- Hold On -- Tim Armstrong

With the first day of the semester behind me, it appears that '08 holds some significant promise. I had a wonderful break in Chicago, with a trip-within-a-trip to Cancun for New Years! It's amazing how the sense of home is very different everytime I go back. What constitutes home, and how that notion relates to where I am in my life, always seems to clarify my current outlook or attitude on the given moment. So for that effect, home was great, but I am thrilled to be back!

Second semester senior year could not provide a better schedule, and with only two classes, both on Mon and Wed afternoons, my days are wide open for riding bikes and playing frisbee...come sping anyway. But in the meantime, it'll be snowy walks and bar room banters to pass the non-working hours away. As far as academics goes, I'll be enjoying Philosophy of War and Truce and Advanced formal logic. Phil War should be truly interesting...the class consists of me (interested in logic and aesthetics, which is a paradime in and of itself), the professor and about a dozen poly-phil interested peers. The class focuses on the (possible) false dicotamy of War and Peace. The idea is that there is an existant middleground between these two extremes, and that the societal norm of dicotamies is plain wrong. I wonder if dicotamies are inherint within ourselves, and thus are manifested socially and politically? I'll keep you posted as this all developes.

Advanced Formal Logic is an extention of the Formal Logic course, and focuses on the notion of Truth, and how logical reasoning will eventually lead us to an understanding of that Truth. We will spend our time learning the tools of the logic trade, and completing problem sets. It's a blend of arithamtic and philosophy, and is a concept that is more applicable to my daily life than anything else I've learned in any other class. I'm not delusional enough to think that I'm a logician by any stretch of the means, but the amount of logical falicies out there would astonish you. Eventually we will transend logic and discuss the theory of logic in terms of metamathmatics.

The two seem to compliment each other well, but more than anything, it just feels great to be in the classroom. You can't beat it when your "job" is to learn, which is cleche enough, but something I will definatly miss come May.

This afternoon I will be enjoying Juno for the second time! Parker Posey watch out (though Broken English may have stolen my heart, turned it inside out, gave it back in broken-puzzle form, and taught me to speak French) I think we may have a new queen of Indi-ville USA. Elen Page brings sarcasim to a whole new level. With refrences to the likes of The Thundercats, slight chuckles were pleantiful the first time around, and will hopefully lead to an appreciaton of the follow-up jokes that I missed while laughing at the leading jokes durring the first screening. (Reference Superbad for a similar experience.)

This is one of the best times of the semester. Most people are yet to be jaded and spring is somewhere in sight. Enjoy life.

Current Song -- All Right Now -- Free