A Final Hiatus

With this upcoming week being my last week of school, then finals, I'm going to be super busy for the next few days.  Because that is the case, I'm going to take one final hiatus.  It may be long (2-3 days), but when I come back, I'll hopefully have a bunch of interesting things to say and write.  Till then...

The NFL Draft

With today being the NFL draft today, all I can say is that I'm excited.  The draft may be boring to some people, but for my friends and I at home, it's an event.  We all gather at each others house, order food; it's great!  And it's made better by the fact for hours we just get to chill and talk football, so in light of today being NFL draft day, I just want to show everyone this Super Bowl commercial (if they haven't seen it already).  Let's here it for Leon Sandcastle!

WEEI In The Wind

For those of you who don't know, once upon a time, the sports radio station WEEI 850AM, was the #1 radio station in America.  It wasn't just for sports, it was number one for all stations.  I first listened to WEEI back in 2003 when I started getting into the Red Sox.  I didn't have cable back then (and still don't), so I listened to the games on the radio.  I expected that to be all WEEI gave me, but they gave me so much back then.  Their shows were great with Dennis & Callahan, Dale & Holley, The Big Show, and Ted Nation, who actually talked sports intelligently, including college basketball.  Yes, it was safe to say WEEI was riding high, and had me hooked.

As the years went by though, something changed.  WEEI was losing ratings, and losing them fast, causing them to make steep changes to the shows and personalities I love.  Dale & Holley was no more, as was Ted Nation, causing two of my favorite personalities to be off the air.  Dale Arnold came back, and is still on the station, but in a limited role, while Ted Sarandis is God knows where.  Added onto WEEI's problems was that new rival sports station 98.5 The Sports Hub arrived, and hasn't looked back since, repeatedly beating WEEI in ratings.

So why write about WEEI?  Because their station isn't what it used to be anymore.  I loved their station because of the shows, personalities, and the fact they had games, but that isn't enough now.  Since modern day interest in sports radio is different now compared to back then, all the people I used to listen to, don't have their jobs anymore, including Glenn Ordway, Pete Sheppard, and now recently Jon Rish.  It's sickening and sad to see what WEEI has become, and how disloyal sports radio has become, since it didn't always used to be like this, but maybe it always was, and I just didn't notice.

Now, I won't abandon ship since I'm a loyal person, and WEEI still has some entertaining things, like Dennis & Callahan (when they don't talk about politics), Red Sox/Celtics games, and the Jimmy Fund Radio Telethon, but the golden days of WEEI and sports radio are over, which to me, is a sad revelation.

One Week Ago...

Looking back on the past week in Boston, with the marathon tragedy, and the capture of suspect #2, for some reason, I'm thinking of a scene from Dead Poets Society.  The scene I'm talking about in particular is when Professor Keating, played by Robin Williams, goes on his desk and tells the boys in his class that everything is different based on perspective.  The boys laugh what he is saying at first, but then they get on his desk and realize what he's talking about.  That scene had to do with telling the boys to do things for themselves, and to think about things in depth.  I know that scene and the film have nothing to do with what happened last week, but I can't help but look back on a week ago with the perspective I have now.

A week ago, I was in Amherst at this time, having breakfast with my friend Scotty, then going to the library to do some homework with him.  I did a little, but not much because I was focused on the Red Sox (who always play early on Patriots day for those of you who don't know).  After spending a few hours there, I ate lunch with my other friends Phu and Johnson.  Once we were done eating, I figured the rest of the day would be quiet with the marathon going on, but that's when I, and many others found out what happened at 2:50.  Most people were at the marathon, or saw on TV what happened, but I found out because my sister texted me about it.  At first, I didn't understand it, but once I turned on the TV, it was hard not too.  I was worried because my dad and his friends were there, but luckily they weren't hurt.  Unfortunately, others were because of what happened.

Now that a week has passed, it's hard to believe that it was that long ago, when the feeling of it is still very fresh.  Suspect #2 was caught on Friday, but I know that this dilemma is far from being solved, and the people who lost loved ones or sustained injuries will never heal.  As time goes by, maybe things will get better, but we'll never forget what happened at 2:50 on April 15, 2013 because it's part of our lives forever.  Our perspectives may change, but the feelings of sadness, sorrow, etc, never will.

R.I.P all the victims of the Boston Marathon Tragedy.  None of you deserved the pain you endured.

My First Bank Account

Being 21 years old, it seems hard to believe that I never had a bank account before today, but it's true; I never did.  My reasoning most of the time was because I was too young, but when I was finally old enough, my excuses were that I liked cash, or I'd wait until I got a job.  I still like cash, but I never worked, so I put off getting a bank account until I got a refund check recently.  Getting that check prompted me to finally open a bank account (or face jokes from my friends),  It took much longer than I expected, but it was much easier than I expected too.  I still have a ways to go until I get used to it, but it's nice to feel closer to society.

Also, have to give a shout out to Kristina, the woman at the Bank Of America I went to, who was so nice and gracious to me.  People say that people who work in banks are rude, but not her. 

Registering For Classes

Today is April 18th, which means for me, it's the first day to register for classes.  Usually I always find this day daunting because there are so many classes I need to take, but no room for it with my schedule and need to write.  This year though, that's all got to change because finances are starting to change, and I need to graduate.  I admit, that I'm still nervous about registering for classes, but I got up early today just to make sure I got the ones I wanted.  And it's safe to say, that I did.  I registered for 5 classes, even though I wanted six.  I was still confused by a few things, but with my adviser's help, I know I'm better off than I where I'd usually be.

Here's hoping when next year comes, all will be good!

More Boston Marathon Tragedy Thoughts

Whenever I blog about an idea, I try not to do the same subject twice, but I had to write about the Boston Marathon tragedy again because I was in Boston today, with more feelings than I had yesterday.  Here are some of them...

• Walking in Boston, you can see the effect the tragedy has had on the city.  People seem sadder, places like South Station were emptier, and police were everywhere.  I even saw armored vehicles for the first time today.
• Hearing President Obama speak today gave me some answers and hope, though I don't know what kind.
• Reading all the stories of tragedy and triumph was truly moving.  
• Re-watching the explosion video again brought tears to my eyes for various reasons.  The pain, the sound, the fact that the people there were just normal people like me and you, who weren't looking for trouble, but somebody wanted to give it.
• Sports is secondary to this, as it should be, but it's a nice when athletes do nice things to help out for a cause, like Danny Amendola offering to donate money for his catch totals next season.  It shows that athletes aren't as stuck up as they look on TV, and that sports can help people move on.
• Lastly, the word terrorism has been used, which has caused many people I know to rush to conclusions, but regardless of who did it, everyone shouldn't discriminate against a whole race or ethnicity because the person/people who planted the bombs don't represent the majority.  What I'm technically saying is, don't discriminate.  It's already political enough, so let's not dirty ourselves in it. 

Boston Marathon Tragedy Thoughts

Usually, when it comes to the current events in the world, I tend to have an opinion on it, but when something like what happened at the Boston Marathon happened, I'm honestly thrown off.  I understand it's a tragedy, but I can't fully comment on it until more facts are released.  I understand it's easy to place blame, but I don't think it's right to do that yet.

One thing I can do though is say how I feel, so here it is, even though it isn't much...

• Like everyone, I am saddened that this tragedy occurred in the first place. Patriots Day is supposed to be a relaxing day off, where people can enjoy the marathon, but unfortunately, some sick minded individual/s thought otherwise.  Any time people get hurt is terrible, but I am glad many others were unharmed.  
• Kudos to the police, doctors, ambulances, and anyone else who helped aid those who were hurt from this ordeal.  
• This tragedy reminds me of the Virginia Tech incident only because I remember it happening during the Boston Marathon many years ago.  Two different events, but two terrible tragedies.
• My dad, and one of his friends running in the marathon were down there today, but thankfully none of them were hurt.
• An event like this makes you grasp onto life a little more, and makes you think of think of life from a different perspective.
• Boston is hurt right now, but we'll get through this ordeal together.
• Lastly, my thoughts and prayers to all those affected from the tragedy. 

4 Player Team Video Games

As a child, when it came to gaming, I always played solo, besides the few occasions when I played with friends.  The games we always played, like Starfox 64 and Mario Kart 64 were fun, but we were always going against each other, which after awhile lost interest.  I wished we could have had more four player team video games back then, but unfortunately, I don't think that many of them existed.  Now though, things have changed.

In the present day, there are a levy of four player team video games to play.  Yes, most of them are shooting games like Call of Duty, but they're still four player team games nonetheless.  Added onto that list is Castle Crashers, a video game I just played recently.  I didn't know what to expect playing it, but once I played it with my friends Phu, Johnson, and Jayke, we had a hell of a time, further enhancing why playing 4 player team video games is the sh**! 

Good Luck Scotty!

Nothing special here.  I just wanted to take some time on my blog to wish my friend Scotty good luck on his teaching exam today in Boston!

Yu-Gi-Oh

I've been on break from blogging the past few days because of school and other engagements, but now cause it's Saturday, I'm back, and ready to talk about what I love talking about most on this day, cartoons.

The cartoon on my mind today is Yu-Gi-Oh, which I think needs no introduction to viewers of the show and to duelists.  It's on my mind today because lately, I've been getting back into the card game and re-watching the show.  It doesn't have have the same grip on me it did when I was a child, obviously, but looking back, it was great!  The bad-ass cards, the over-seriousness, the long duels, what wasn't to love?  Back then, I'd watch and record Yu-Gi-Oh on Saturdays, then go to school and talk about it with my friends.  If I was really lucky, I'd even have money from allowance or something, and buy booster packs from the local store.  Such a long time ago, but simpler times.

I'm not saying Yu-Gi-Oh was the greatest show on Saturdays, because I don't think it was (especially with others shows I love like Digimon, Recess, Weekenders), but but it was a show that had everything I was looking for at the time, which is something that isn't possible with new cartoons anymore.  Old Saturdays are gone, but we'll always have the memories and cards in this case.

April 9th

Today is April 9th, so in honor of it being April 9th, I thought it would be fitting to show everyone the Arthur episode "April 9th".  I know you're probably wondering why I'm doing this, but I assure you, watch the episode and you'll see what I mean.  This has to be one of the most serious episodes of Arthur ever, up there with when Mrs. McGrady gets cancer.  It touches on so many themes that I think are important in the world like friendship, family, etc.  I'd say more, but I don't want to give too much away, so watch the episode and enjoy.

Eye Doctors

This past weekend, I went to the eye doctor for my annual eye exam.  I knew what to expect since I've been seeing my eye doctor for many years, but something I've always wondered is why eye doctors seem so different than other doctors I have?  I mean, I know they're optometrists so they study eyes, instead of what dentists and medical doctors study, but they seem so different.  Not that they're less nice, but they seem so much more grittier and down to business.  I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but I've had two eye doctors my whole life, and had various eye exams, yet no matter how many times I go through with them, it always feels uncomfortable compared to the others.  Then again, that could just be because I've had mixed experiences with doctors, like most people, because they hold the fate of your health in their hands. 

Nothing new or important, just something on my mind that happened this weekend.

Two Thumbs Up For Roger Ebert

Roger Ebert in his last years.  He was missing his jaw, but still had his signature "Two Thumbs Up"

Roger Ebert wasn't a film, but to a lot of people in the world, including myself, he was the man we turned to when we needed an opinion on one.  That wasn't always the case for me though.  When I was a child, and first became interested in film, I just watched anything and critiqued it.  I didn't think much of it because it was just a film, but that all changed when I first saw Siskel and Ebert.  I had never seen two people on a show like that before, let alone talking about films so passionately.  Once I saw it, I was hooked.  Gene Siskel unfortunately died in 1999, but Roger went on despite his declining health.  Now that isn't the case anymore, sadly, because Roger is now gone after a bout from cancer.

I first heard the news Thursday afternoon around 4 o'clock.  My friend Scotty told me via text about what happened to Roger, and I had to take a moment to take it all in.  I didn't know Roger and never met him personally, but in some ways, like a lot of people, I felt like I did because of the type of person he was on TV: nice, thoughtful, harsh at times with his criticism, but you knew he was honest and passionate with how he felt about films.  I respected that, but respected him even more when I read his reviews because he could portray his opinion on any medium effectively, and he never backed down.

To say the influence Roger Ebert has had on me would be hard to say.  He has showed me a lot about films and writing, but he's done so much more than that.  His website provided constant comfort for me the past few years, and he delighted me with his personal life.  My career goal is to be a writer/novelist, but I always said to my friends and parents that the backup was to be a film critic like Roger Ebert.  I knew I could never be him, but I liked the feeling of just being connected with him when it came to films.  Unfortunately, because of Roger's death, that can't happen anymore, but his voice and writing will live on forever.  And if we miss him, we'll always have the films because I think that is what he'd want to be remembered for.  God Bless You Roger Ebert!  May you rest in peace with Gene Siskel.  You both went far too soon.

Siskel & Ebert Intro

Brushing Methodology

When I was younger, I hated brushing my teeth, but I changed my attitude once I realized the risks of not brushing your teeth everyday, and had to get numerous fillings.  Many years later, here I am now, hygienically sound, with healthy teeth.  There's just something I noticed recently.  As I was brushing my teeth last night, I realized that I didn't rinse my mouth or toothbrush, and just started brushing.  It felt different than my normal routine of brushing since it took longer for my mouth to get wet, but the upside was that there was no mess from the toothpaste.  I switched back to how I usually brushed this morning, but it got me thinking.  Have I been brushing my teeth wrong my whole life?  I don't know for sure since I don't watch people while they brush, but that explains how people in movies and TV shows can just walk and brush without making a mess.  So that's why I want your opinion  Have I been brushing wrong?  And how do you brush your teeth?

My Sweet Lord

Keeping up with Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler, which has to do with God and religion, I was reminded on the song "My Sweet Lord" by George Harrison, because the song reflected Harrison's search for God, which is what the protagonist Lauren, kind of wants to do in the novel (except she has her own religion, Earthseed).  

I didn't just post about "My Sweet Lord" because it reminded me of Parable of the Sower.  I posted about it because it's a song I've been listening to a lot lately, and it represents something I wish I could feel sometimes, which is true belief in God or a religion.  Don't get me wrong, I believe there is a God, but that's all I feel.  That's why I envy people sometimes, who are faithful to God or religion because it's so rare nowadays, and something I think would be comforting in difficult times. 

I'm not saying I wish I was religious, but I do wish I had enlightenment.  Then again, I guess everyone wants that, so till that time comes, let's just listen to the music.

 The live version of "My Sweet Lord" (in case the other version I posted didn't appeal to you).  I like both versions, but seeing George Harrison sing live, unifying a crowd, is a beautiful thing. 

Parable of the Sower So Far...

So far, in my Contemporary American Fiction class, we've had some hits and misses when it comes to novels we've read, but that stops here, because the novel we're currently reading, is amazing.  The novel I'm speaking of is Parable of the Sower by Octavia Butler.  I won't give too much away for obvious reasons, but it's a dystopian novel, set in the future, so if you're really into these things, maybe you should check it out.  I've never read any dystopian novels before, so I didn't know what to expect prior to reading this, but if this is what most of them are like, I have a new favorite genre.

I haven't finished the novel yet, so my opinion of it could change when it's over, but so far, that's looking like it's not going to happen.