This is the section of the site where I'll put updates that I want to save.  It's a nice trip down memory lane :)

Thursday October 21, 2004

AN IMPOSSIBLE DREAM - Last night I witnessed something I and many other Red Sox fans never thought was possible.  It was the greatest comeback in baseball (and maybe all of sports) history against the greatest team in baseball history.  The idea that the Red Sox could win four straight games against the Yankees after being down 3 games to none in the ALCS isn't even a good one for a Hollywood movie, simply because it's unrealistic.  Now to think that this ACTUALLY happened in real life is beyond incredible.  What the Red Sox accomplished is poetic, in so many ways.  Let me break down exactly what they did:

-      they are the first team in baseball history to carry a best-of-seven series to the final seventh game after losing the first three games.  That alone is an accomplishment simply for psychological reasons.  Facing elimination in 3 straight games is mentally exhausting, and overcoming that huge obstacle to pull off wins in Games 4, 5, and 6 is amazing, even WITHOUT a win in the seventh game.  On top of this, the Red Sox lost that Game 3 at home by a record-breaking 19-8, which by itself is pretty embarrassing.

-      they are the first team in baseball history to win a best-of-seven series after being down 3 games to none (with the final 2 games being in front of the ferocious Yankee crowd).  Honestly, I believe taking the series to a seventh game is a bigger accomplishment than actually winning that seventh game.  The reason is that going into Game 7 the Red Sox had the momentum; they just had to hold onto it.  The Yankees were fighting an uphill battle going into the game, with part of the reason being the pure horror of losing the series (to the Red Sox of all teams) after having a commanding lead in it.

-      they accomplished these two feats against the mighty Yankees, long-time rivals of the Red Sox.  In the history of their rivalry the Red Sox have always lost to the Yankees in games that decided who would move on to the next round of play-offs.  Examples just in my lifetime are: Bucky Dent's home run in a one-game playoff that allowed the Yankees to win the 1978 AL East crown and send them to the ALCS; and Aaron Boone's 11^th inning home run that won Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS and sent the Yankees to the World Series.  As a side note, add to this Bill Buckner's error on the easiest ground ball ever in the 1986 World Series against the Mets. 

Certainly the Red Sox have plenty of post-season memories they'd like to forget; the memory of this series is one they and the entire Red Sox nation will never want to forget.  To reverse decades of inferiority to the Yankees, in Yankee Stadium, and to do it by making a comeback that no team has ever made before, is the most perfect example of overcoming odds that I have ever known.  After they lost Game 3 by a score of 19-8, I didn't think it was possible for them to even avoid a series sweep, and I'm sure many other fans thought the same thing; to be sitting here days later knowing what they achieved is surreal.  Finally the Yankees have a bonehead story of their own that they'll want to bury, and what makes it so much sweeter is that it's a story that no other team in history can tell. 

When I think of all of this, the New England Patriots' two recent Super Bowl victories, as well as their current record-breaking winning streak, means absolutely nothing.  Not to belittle their accomplishments, but the Red Sox winning the 2004 A.L. Pennant is far superior in comparison.  For me anyway, it feels like they already won the World Series, even if they don't actually go on to do it.  It may be too soon to say, but I think this ALCS may have changed baseball forever, since the Yankee-Red Sox rivalry is so much a part of it.  I've heard of the 1967 Red Sox and their "Impossible Dream" season, and though I don't really know the details of it, I'd bet my life that the 2004 Red Sox are a suitable replacement.

Sunday October 17, 2004

10 MORE THINGS THAT BOTHER ME - As promised, here are 10 more things about everyday life that get to me.  This is a follow-up to my posting on September 9, which is now on the Archives page.

     1) People who wave on boats - Ever notice that when you're on a boat and you pass another boat, people on the other boat have to wave at you, as if boating is some new and innovative way to travel that they have to acknowledge themselves to you.  Please leave me alone and let me enjoy the ocean.  The reason I'm on a boat to begin with is to get away from people, so just move along.  This doesn't happen with any other mode of transportation, so why on boats?  Actually, people wave the finger when they're in cars, so I guess I stand corrected.

     2) Hidden/bonus tracks on CDs - Why don't artists advertise that there are more tracks on a CD than what is printed on the back of the jewel case?  Why bother putting a hidden track?  Nobody knows it's there, so it's not increasing sales.  They might as well just say that it's there.  On the other hand, some CDs will advertise a song as a "bonus track".  First off the song usually sucks.  Secondly, it's really not a bonus if everyone gets it; that's just part of the album. 

     3) The laugh noise in sitcoms - This one REALLY gets to me.  Even if it is real people laughing, they're definitely being told to laugh.  Nobody is going to convince me otherwise.  I think it's great that they film these piece-of-shit shows in front of live audiences, but the laughing should really be silenced during editing.  It's just annoying to hear other people laugh at jokes that are not even close to funny.  I guess the idea is that laughter is contagious; to me it's nauseating.  If a show is funny you'll just laugh, you don't need to hear other people doing it.  Now I know why I never liked "The Flintstones" when I was little.

     4) People who read and walk - I see this in the city all the time, mostly being done by yuppies.  Can't they put down the book for five minutes so they can see where they're going?  The only good thing that comes out of this is when they trip or walk into something.  I'm not a reader so I guess this bothers me more than usual, but still, I don't think when books were invented they were meant to be read while walking.  I guess it IS better than reading while driving though.

     5) 'In God We Trust' on money - The mention of anything religious has no business being on money or anything governmental.  The whole foundation of this country is based on freedom, namely the freedom to practice any religion (or no religion) that one desires.  Why must Americans be subjected to using money with someone's opinion printed on it?  What if I don't trust in God?  Does that mean I'm a lousy American? 

     6) Pocketbooks - Why do women have to carry a sack with them wherever they go?  It really baffles me, especially when you lift one these things.  They weigh like 20 pounds!  What the hell is in there?  To me that's just one big hassle, having to carry a pocketbook around everywhere.  Even in clubs you see most of the women dancing with their pocketbooks, which just looks ridiculous.  It's so nice to just carry nothing except what's in my pockets (except a load of change).  If womens' clothing doesn't have pockets, then shame on the seamstresses; they should really get with the program.

     7) Award pre-shows - The award shows themselves are really annoying, but what's worse are the pre-shows.  All these do is give everyone a chance to see what the celebrities are wearing and who they are with.  And you know what?  I really could care less.  I guess winning an Oscar is a big deal, but who cares what color the actress' dress is?  And then soon after we hear from the critics about the worst-dressed people and the fashion disasters of that night.  Seems like a lot of jealousy to me, because I bet these same critics would kill to be in the position that these "fashionably challenged" people are in.

     8) The mad rush when a new register opens - I hate when I'm in line at like CVS or Stop & Shop, and all of a sudden a new register opens and people run like animals to get to that new register.  Suddenly their position in the line they were just in doesn't matter.  To me that's really obnoxious and selfish.  A line is a line; it doesn't become void if a new register opens.  I have a problem with separate lines anyway.  There should be one line that filters down to each register, the same way it works at a bank. 

     9) People who comment on my ethnicity - I hate when people hear my last name (which is Italian) and feel the need to make a comment, like "You must be Irish huh?"  It's not really acceptable in any circumstance, so fuck off.  The most recent instance was last week when I was on the phone with an airline company.  Especially in a case like this, it's completely unprofessional and uncalled for. 

     10) People who drive like assholes - I could probably come up with 10 things just for this one category, but I thought I'd spare everyone and just cover it in one paragraph.  What I'm referring to are things like not using blinkers, throwing trash and cigarettes out the window, being in a turn only lane and not turning, riding my ass, not yielding (especially when coming onto a highway), and using cell phones (when it results in not paying attention to driving).  I find that overall cab drivers are the worst offenders, followed very closely by pick-up trucks and SUVs.  Driving is such a dangerous activity to begin with, and then on top of that we have to deal with these people who don't follow the rules of the road.  Needless to say I don't enjoy driving, and I don't see myself enjoying it anytime soon.

Thursday September 9, 2004

10 THINGS THAT BOTHER ME - This is just a random list of some things that get to me, in no particular order.  If you have some of your own I'd love to hear about them, and I’m sure I’ll have more very soon.

     1) People who ask for gum - I can never chew gum without having people ask me for a piece.  And it's never one person asking, it's always like three, which leaves me with one piece of gum left in the wrapper.  Gum isn't two bits anymore, it's getting close to a dollar these days.  Why aren't people more reserved about asking people for a piece of gum?

     2) When a song fades out at the end - Maybe some of you have never even noticed this, but why do songs fade out at the end?  They usually don't fade in at the beginning, so why this imbalance?  We can tell it's the end of the song by how everything is louder and repetitious, but why the fade-out?  If I really like the song I wanna hear how it actually ended, when the music or singer stopped.  I don't want the volume going down at whatever time the producers felt it should. 

     3) When men spit before they pee - This is a new one on my list, something I just started picking up on.  I've noticed that when men step up to a urinal, they spit in it first before they relieve themselves.  Why this christening ritual?  I'm sure women don't spit into the toilet before they pee, so I'm guessing it's another macho thing that guys have to do to make the urinal their own, as if the thought of another man being there before them is just too much to handle.  You're at work, not on a baseball diamond.

     4) Driving with body parts out the window - For some reason it bothers me when people are in cars and you see their elbow, hand, or in worst cases a foot, hanging out the window.  I assume it's relaxing, but aren't they afraid of getting sideswiped by another car? 

     5) People who point out that you're left-handed - Being a lefty, I go through this.  Growing up, and even now, it's a pain in the ass having to use my left hand for most things.  It's a right-handed world, so being lefty is almost like a handicap (I actually still have trouble using scissors to this day).  But some people are so amazed by this "freak of nature" that they have to say something:  "OH, so you're a lefty huh?"  Yes, I'm one of "those".  I know I'm part of a lefty minority, but is it that unusual that you feel the need to say it out loud?

     6) Elevator etiquette - This is just another one of those things people do that make no f*ckin' sense, so for that reason it makes this list.  It's this whole chivalry thing that really should be banned in the modern world, and the first place they should start is with elevators.  If we let women ON the elevator first, how can we let them OFF first as well?  I'm sick of twisting and contorting my body in a crowded elevator just so all the women in the back can get out first.  It makes a lot more sense for the guys to get out first; since we were the last ones in the elevator we're also closest to the door when it opens.  But I’m sure this won’t change because no man wants to take the chance of being seen as “rude”.

     7) Back-to-school commercials – I’m glad I’m not a kid these days, cuz the back-to-school commercials have become downright brutal.  I remember the night before the first day of school was hell; it was just a horrible feeling.  What I didn’t need were commercials showing parents doing end-zone dances to celebrate the start of a new school year; luckily I don’t have this awful memory.  I’m sure the commercials existed back then, but they were few and far between.  Now they’re everywhere, and they’re getting more and more vicious every year.  In general I’m not a big fan of children, but I wouldn’t hesitate for a second to march with them in an anti-back-to-school commercials protest.

     8)  Break dancers in clubs – I hate when I’m in a club that’s filled to capacity, and these hot shot guys have to clear a huge space on the floor so that they can do some idiotic dance move, as if people will be so impressed that they’ll just leave the floor entirely.  Usually they aren’t even good, they just roll around on the floor and swing their legs around a couple times.  Break dancing went out 20 years ago, and even if it wasn’t out of style it still doesn’t go with pounding dance music.  It’s not even about the dancing for these guys, it’s about showing off and getting attention.  I got kicked once by a swinging leg cuz I didn’t give the guy enough room; I guess I should have been more considerate, right?

     9) Prices that end in pennies – I hate when I go to Dunkin Donuts or Burger King and the price comes to like $2.04, or something of that nature.  You can’t tell them to keep the change cuz it’s almost a whole dollar, and they’re not gonna make it an even $2.00 cuz they don’t own the place (even if they did own the place they’re probably too cheap to give you the 4 cents).  So now I have to walk around with a pocketful of change all day, which sucks.  It’s heavy, and if you happen to sit on the change, you’re in for a world of pain.  I usually end up buying a bag of chips or something else I don’t want, just to lighten the load.  The government should really do away with pennies, the same way they did away with half-pennies many years ago.  They’re not practical in our high-priced, credit card society.  If all prices ended in denominations of either 5 or 10 cents, life would definitely be easier.

     10) People who say ‘Merry Christmas’ for no reason - I hate how people magically become nicer during the month of December, and then go back to their rotten selves a month later.  The ultimate joke is how people say “Merry Christmas” at some point during every interaction they have with someone.  First of all, maybe that person doesn’t celebrate Christmas; maybe their religion doesn’t observe it, or maybe a close friend or relative died during the Christmas season.  Second of all, just saying “merry” is ridiculous cuz you never hear that word in any other context; so as soon as I hear “Merry Christmas” I know the person doesn’t really mean it, and they’re saying it to be polite, kind of how we say “How are you” to people when we really could care less.

Sunday September 5, 2004

Friday August 27, 2004

THE 'BLESS YOU' PHENOMENON - There are a handful of noises that humans make on a daily basis:  coughs, burps, farts, and yawns immediately come to mind.  The one I'm confused about though, with regards to other people's reaction to it, is the sneeze.  To me it's a disgusting noise, just like the other noises I mentioned; sometimes it even results in a gooey discharge from the nose.  So why is it that when someone sneezes people are compelled to say "Bless you", but when someone burps or farts people look with disgust upon the person?  They're all completely natural things, so why the religious ties to that one in particular?  Apparently when we sneeze we skip a breath (or maybe that's a myth, I'm not completely sure), so I guess way back in the day (aka "simple times") people saw it as a miracle that the sneezer was still alive.  Today it's not a religious thing by any means, but instead it is said out of politeness, which to me is even more retarded than the religious reason of years ago.  Why do we excuse people who sneeze?  Like, it sucks when you sneeze (especially when you're sick and it really hurts your chest), but it's not a life-changing moment that should stop all space and time so that people can say "Bless you".  Next time I sneeze I'm gonna direct it at the person next to me, and we'll see if I get a "Bless you" or not!!

Wednesday August 25, 2004

F*CK THE MBTA! - I appreciate the MBTA's concern for its customers' well-being, but it feels like they're beating a dead horse.  For those of you who don't know, the MBTA is Boston's public transportation system.  They've recently come up with this Transit Watch program, which is basically their idea of making everyone more aware of their surroundings.  But now I'm tired of seeing all the posters and hearing all the announcements about remembering to take our briefcases and bags with us when we leave, as if we need to be constantly reminded about terrorism.  It's already all over the news and newspapers.  We're all aware of the threat of terrorism; there's no need for the constant reminders.  I can't even fall asleep on the subway in peace anymore!  And I'm sorry, but I don't feel confident that MBTA officials are ready to jump into action if there's a terrorism threat.  Massachusetts state workers are notorious for doing nothing all day at work, so why should the MBTA be any different?  And while I'm on the subject of complaining about the MBTA, I'm also sick of the "cool" names for the subway stops.  It's like they tried really hard to have as many one-word names for the stops as possible.  Davis, Porter, Kendall, Maverick, Andrew, etc.  It's stupid.  Just say Andrew Square, Kendall Square, etc.  I bet I sound like an idiot when I tell someone not from Boston to "get off at Andrew". 

Monday August 16, 2004

BOWLING - Usually in my weekly bowling write-ups I talk about how bad I suck, and about how bad my team sucks.  Those were still true as ever tonight, but something much more newsworthy happened at the alleys that I must share, something we all knew was coming for weeks now:  the once-a-year brawl.  This year it was our own Danny vs. some newbie Wally, who thinks he's on Candlepin Stars & Strikes' Tournament of Champions.  It was Dan's lob that enraged this idiot.  First off I should mention that Wally's team has basically already clinched 1st place, and his average is around 111.  With this in mind, why on earth would this guy get mad if Dan, with a 90 average, threw one lob that resulted in a spare?  Says a lot about his character, and about what a sore loser he is.  So they ended up in a heated argument where punches were very nearly thrown.  It was eventually broken up and peace was restored.  Later Gerry Sr. commended a heavy-breathing red-faced Dan for not backing down.  Personally I don't think anyone new to the league should be saying anything even remotely complaining.  Don't you wanna make a good impression?  Plus it is a fun league so there's no need for the drama.  So with 2 more weeks left in this league I don't think these teams will face each other again, thank God.

Monday June 28, 2004

DID BUSH SKIP 1ST GRADE??? - You know that song we all had to learn in 1st grade, called "My Country 'Tis Of Thee"?  Sure you do.  Well, in an obvious attempt to quote that song, President Bush proved once again that he actually looks smarter than he is.  Take a look:

I believe the last line of the song is "Let Freedom RING"!  Unless it was a play on words which doesn't really make sense, Bush goofed once again.  That's pretty sad that he doesn't know that song.  If you're gonna quote something, in writing especially, make sure of the source you're quoting from!!!

Saturday May 8, 2004

WHOA NELLY! - I had the immense pleasure of seeing Nelly Furtado live last night, a mere 10 minutes from my house!  She put on an excellent show at the Somerville Theater in Davis Square.  She sang a bunch of songs from the new album and mostly hits from her first album.  I didn't have the greatest seat in the house so my view was partially blocked throughout the show.  BUT what more than made up for it was the meet-and-greet after the show, where I took a pic with Nelly and got her to sign her new CD!!!

Thursday April 8, 2004

DO'S & DONT'S OF THE U.S. MAIL - After about 3 and a half months of delivering mail I've noticed a few things that do and do not work.  Please pay attention to the following and make your mail carrier's job just a bit easier:

     DO have a mail slot/box bigger than the size of a peanut - You know who you are.  You live in these old houses and never replaced the mail slot that was originally put in the door back in 1803.  Well I have trouble getting a letter in there, nevermind a magazine.  Please get with the program and provide a more modern way of accepting your mail.

    DON'T put the planet or galaxy of the addressee when sending a letter - I saw a letter addressed in the following way:  John Doe, 1 Main St, Anytown MA 02113, USA, North America, Earth, Milky Way.  Yes it's cute, but it's also suspicious.  Don't make your mailman take any more chances than he already is, especially with the huge anthrax scare a couple years ago.  Also on the flip side, don't just put the name of the street with no number and assume the post office will figure it out.  Take an extra 10 seconds to look in your address book and get the number of the street.

     DO address envelopes legibly - Chicken scratch won't get you or your mail too far; actually you might get it returned to you.  Please print (don't handwrite) neatly. 

     DON'T write all over a letter if it's not yours - People and machines make mistakes, so inevitably you will get a letter that does not belong to you.  Don't assume the post office is retarded and write all over it in big letters that it's not yours.  We'll get the hint if you just leave it in your mailbox.  How would you like to get a letter that someone else wrote all over cuz they had nothing better to do?

     DON'T hide behind the door waiting for the mailman to walk away - We have ears you know.  Maybe people are ashamed of how they look and they don't want to let the mailman see them, but we know you're there behind the door.  You're not fooling us, we can hear you.  We also see your sneaky hand creep out and reach into the mailbox as we're walking away, still trying to avoid being seen.  Once in a while, just come out and say hello.  Be friendly.  After all, we ARE the ones delivering your $5 rebate checks from Symantec!

Wednesday April 7, 2004

TRICK OR TREAT? - Oops, wrong holiday.  Though Halloween and Easter end pretty much the same way, with kids getting a basket or sack full of candy.  The difference is that on Halloween they have to dress like morons and hit the streets begging for it, and on Easter it's just there when they wake up in the morning.  How we went from Jesus's resurrection to rabbits is unknown to me; I guess they had to make it fun for the kiddies.  Speaking of Jesus, here are some violations of the 1st Commandment that you should be aware of, just in case you get the urge to use them this Easter week.  IF YOU'RE REALLY RELIGIOUS DON'T READ THESE CUZ THEY MIGHT OFFEND YOU:

     Jesus Cripe, Jesus Criminals, Jesus Christmas, etc (apparently taking his LAST name in vain is wrong, but you can allude to it)

     Gosh, Gosh Darn (these are pretty outdated; only place I've heard them is on black-and-white tv shows)

    Jesus, Mary, & Joseph (always one of my favorites cuz it takes Jesus into account along with his earth parents)

    Jesús McGinty (I made this one up myself years ago; don't know where it came from.  Spanish first name with an Irish last name)

    Jumpin' Jesus (used more in a comedic sense than any other, cuz anyone would laugh at you if you said it seriously)

Sunday March 21, 2004

A LEGEND FALLS - This morning at 7am Veterans Stadium was destroyed.  It was home to Philadelphia's baseball and football teams for many years, and now they each have a brand new stadium to play in.  In 1998 I visited "The Vet" to see the Phillies play the Padres (see Travel page) and was not impressed with the place.  But still, it's always sad when an old place is reduced to rubble.

Sunday January 25, 2004

WORDS OF AMUSEMENT - You're probably all mad that another weekend has come to an end, so I thought I'd share some funny one-liners to make Monday a little easier.  Enjoy!

When you're riding in a time machine way far into the future, don't stick your elbow out the window, or it'll turn into a fossil.

I hope if dogs ever take over the world, and they chose a king, they don't just go by size, because I bet there are Chihuahuas with some good ideas.

If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think a cute thing to tell him is "God is crying." And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing to tell him is "Probably because of something you did".

Whenever I see an old lady slip and fall on a wet sidewalk, my first instinct is to laugh. But then I think, what if I was an ant, and she fell on me. Then it wouldn't seem quite so funny.

To me, it's always a good idea to always carry two sacks of something when you walk around. That way, if anybody says, "Hey, can you give me a hand?," you can say, "Sorry, got these sacks."

I think there should be something in science called the "reindeer effect." I don't know what it would be, but I think it'd be good to hear someone say, "Gentlemen, what we have here is a terrifying example of the reindeer effect."

The prince decided he would learn anger. So he gathered his subjects together outside his balcony. "Who would teach me anger?" he said. "Fuck you!" somebody yelled. "Okay, how about algebra?" said the prince.

If you're a cowboy and you're dragging a guy behind your horse, I bet it would really make you mad if you looked back and the guy was reading a magazine.

Whenever you read a good book, it's like the author is right there, in the room talking to you, which is why I don't like to read good books.

During the Middle Ages, probably one of the biggest mistakes was not putting on your armor because you were "just going down to the corner."

Thursday January 22, 2004

WORDS OF WISDOM - I thought I'd get philosophical today and share some random things to think about.  These are things that I've learned or realized in my 26 years here on earth.  Of course not EVERYTHING is here, just a few things.  Some aren't so pleasant but then again, neither is the world we live in.

     1) Listen to your parents - Your parents have been around longer than you and have already experienced things that you're going through now.  Except for the occasional wacko, most parents want their children to be as happy as possible, so even when it seems like they're hassling you they probably do have good intentions.

     2) Little things sometimes mean a lot - Something that seems trivial to you might have made someone else's day.  Like the old woman living on your street who's always looking by the window: just saying hello to her as you walk by might have brightened her whole day; maybe she doesn't talk to many people or she's really lonely since her husband died.  You might have said hello and forgot about it 10 seconds later, but she may remember it for a lot longer.

     3) We're animals too - Whether you like it or not we are animals, just like cats, dogs, tigers, and giraffes.  We happen to be the smartest animal (so they say), but we're still animals.  We get hungry like other animals, we feel pain, we have sex, etc.  Our superior intelligence does not give us the right to abuse other creatures, so leave animals alone!  I'm not saying you should be an activist and protest outside the White House, but don't throw rocks and cigarette lighters at pigeons either.

     4) If you break up, move on - Your romantic relationship has just ended.  You think the world is going to end, and that you'll never find someone else.  The hardest thing to do is to let the person go, but in the long run it's also the healthiest.  Do whatever you have to do to get over your ex.  Join a club, rent movies, go kayaking, whatever.  You WILL get over the person and you WILL find another person.  And if you initiate the break up, back off.  Don't try to be their friend because you feel guilty and are trying to make yourself feel better.  You wanted to break up, so break up.

     5) People see you when you don't see them - You think nobody saw you trip and fall over that crack in the sidewalk.  Think again.  Someone tells you they saw you at the mall the other day, but you didn't see them.  Always be aware that people notice you without you noticing them (sometimes you might pretend not to notice them, but that's a whole different issue).  Also, ever notice when you take a picture or make a home movie, that a lot of people get in the shot who you don't even know?  You take a picture of your daughter at the playground, and you get other people's kids in the background too.  Well, YOU are in the background of many other people's pictures and videos as well.  It's a funny thought but it's true.  So I guess you should always try to look your best, cuz you never know when you're gonna be in someone's pictures.

     6) Expect the worst, but aim for the best - Maybe I'm wrong here, but so many people get overly optimistic about things and then end up getting really disappointed or even depressed.  I rather expect nothing, but then if something great happens it's even better.  And if nothing happens you're not disappointed.  If you go for a job interview, give it everything you got, but don't go in there assuming you will get the job, or don't start making plans with the money you will earn.  Instead assume that you have to prove why you should be hired or you will not get the job.

     7) Going to school does not make you smart - I've noticed that it's mostly common sense that makes people intelligent.  You're basically born with it or you're not, simple as that.  Sure, you can go to college and get a degree, but does that mean you're smart?  No.  Does that mean you're better than people who did not go to college?  No.  Some of the dumbest people I know went to college, so don't be intimidated by a college grad.  I think when you grow up in the city, on the streets, you realize this, that school is not the only place to get an education.  And plenty of people have become very successful without furthering their education, but you gotta be able to see opportunities for what they actually are.  Again, if you're not born with it, it's just bad luck I guess, or bad genes.  But you can still see how far a degree will take you.

Wednesday December 31, 2003

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! - Happy 2004 to everyone!  I hope 2003 was good to all of you.  Mine had highlights and lowlights, but more highlights I think.  Here are my top 3 highlights for 2003:

1) Visiting Chicago/Milwaukee - Seeing 3 baseball stadiums in 3 days was awesome, especially Wrigley Field.  I also loved the city of Chicago; it was the first place I ever visited that I could live in if I had to.

2) Meeting Paul van Dyk in NYC - How many people can say that they've met their favorite musician?  Not many.  I was lucky enough to meet PvD, as well as get his autograph and take a picture with him.  Part of what made this day trip great was that it was spur-of-the-moment, which is unusual for me.

3) Getting a job with the U.S. Postal Service - This happened late in the year (I only worked there 3 days in 2003) so I don't know for sure that it will be a good thing, but it definitely has great potential.  It's the first job I've ever had that could turn into a career, so I'm definitely excited.  Just getting my foot in the door was a great way to end 2003, and a great way to start 2004.

Tuesday December 9, 2003

Sunday December 7, 2003

YOU KNOW YOU'RE DOING SOMETHING RIGHT WHEN.....A complete stranger signs your guestbook and compares you to the prophet Mohammed.  Thanks buddy!  :)

Sunday November 30, 2003

THE FUNNIEST XMAS SHOPPING STORY EVER - I read this story and just HAD to share it.  After some of the paragraphs I put my comments in parentheses.  Enjoy!

Woman Knocked Unconscious While Shopping

ORANGE CITY, Fla. (Nov. 29) - A mob of shoppers rushing for a sale on DVD players trampled the first woman in line and knocked her unconscious as they scrambled for the shelves at a Wal-Mart Supercenter. (Gotta love the Christmas spirit!)

Patricia VanLester had her eye on a $29 DVD player, but when the siren blared at 6 a.m. Friday announcing the start to the post-Thanksgiving sale, the 41-year-old was knocked to the ground by the frenzy of shoppers behind her.

''She got pushed down, and they walked over her like a herd of elephants,'' said VanLester's sister, Linda Ellzey. ''I told them, 'Stop stepping on my sister! She's on the ground!''' (What do you expect when a store opens to the sound of a blaring siren?  A stampede of elephants of course!)

Ellzey said some shoppers tried to help VanLester, and one employee helped Ellzey reach her sister, but most people just continued their rush for deals.

''All they cared about was a stupid DVD player,'' she said Saturday. (Which is obviously all your sister cared about before she was trampled; after all, she was FIRST in line.)

Paramedics called to the store found VanLester unconscious on top of a DVD player, surrounded by shoppers seemingly oblivious to her, said Mark O'Keefe, a spokesman for EVAC Ambulance.  (HAHA!!  Well at least she managed to grab a DVD player before blacking out :D)

She was flown to Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach, where doctors told the family VanLester had a seizure after she was knocked down and would likely remain hospitalized through the weekend, Ellzey said. Hospital officials said Saturday they did not have any information on her condition.

Friday November 14, 2003

"AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH PAUL VAN DYK" - I don't know if last night was intimate, but that's what Axis was calling it.  I WILL say it was one of the better PvD performances I've seen.  The layout in Axis is much better than Avalon:  the DJ is basically down on the floor with the people, and basically no matter where you are you have a great view of everything.  And unlike Avalon you can kinda find a spot where not too many people are, so that nobody is bumping into you with their crazy dancing.  And I didn't smell one cigarette all night!  So all of that alone makes it more enjoyable than Avalon.  The scary moment of the night was when the record skipped that PvD was playing.  He thought someone dancing had reached over and touched it, but that's not what happened.  So I guess Axis needs to do some maintenance work on their equipment.  But overall a great night, and hopefully he goes back to Axis more often.

Sunday November 9, 2003

MEN ARE FROM EARTH, WOMEN ARE FROM EARTH - Why is there such an issue with communication between men and women?  It's like we're programmed not to understand each other:  men think women are impossible to comprehend, and women think the same about men.  And so it's been this way since time began.  Well I've had enough of this mystery, and so here are my ideas on why we all just can't get along.  If I stir up some controversy then so be it.  Feel free to contact me with comments, and I will even post them on the site if you want.

Genetics

     Of course our differences are partly genetic, dating back to early humankind when men were the hunters and providers and women kept up the home and raised children.  Women needed to be more in touch with their emotions for their role, whereas men needed to be more physical.  Even though life isn't like that anymore, men and women still carry that gene within them, which is why, for example, physical sports are generally dominated by men and women generally enjoy romance films.  Therefore what's important to a man may not be important to a woman.  And since women are generally more in touch with their emotional side than men, men will not always know or understand what a woman is thinking or feeling.

Society

     Until very recently it really was a man's world (some argue that it still is).  Some examples:  men worked, women stayed home; women swore to "love, honor, and obey" their husbands when reciting their wedding vows; men generally made the decisions for the household, etc.  The movement for women's rights gained momentum only within the last century.  Thus it is also society that has maintained gender differences.  Women and men were and still are raised to fit these traditional roles that society has already laid out for them. 

     Etiquette is also driven by these societal gender roles.  Still to this day men will open doors for women, carry their bags, let them on elevators first, etc.  Especially in today's world these behaviors seem not to make much sense; they are just what men are "supposed" to do.  My father was horrified to learn that men generally will not give up their seat to a woman on the train or bus just because she is a woman; apparently back in his day this was standard practice.  When I asked him why men should do this, he replied, "Because it's the right thing to do."  That is a perfect example of how people are not even aware of what they do or why they do it.  The norms of the society we are brought up in tell us what is right and wrong, even if there is really no good reason to back it up.

Conclusion

     Men and women will never understand each other the way men understand men and women understand women.  I would suggest that men take a womens' studies course, and that women should maybe try to watch a football game.  Here are some things I've learned or observed about male behavior and female behavior in general.  Feel free to send me additions to this list, and if I think of more myself I will add to it as well:

1) If women ask a question of opinion, they don't always want to hear your opinion; sometimes they want to hear what sounds nice.  If men ask a question of opinion, they want to know your opinion.  Don't say what sounds nice.

2) Women like to talk, a lot.  They like to talk about their feelings among other things.  Men on the other hand don't usually talk about their feelings; men are more likely to talk about events.  If men do talk about their feelings it lets their guard down, so women have to try really hard to get it outta them.

3) Making love is an emotional experience for women; they need to cuddle with their man afterwards to feel that emotional attachment.  For men it can be a purely physical act.  This is why women don’t understand how a man can get out of bed immediately following sex.

4) Also on the topic of making love, men want women to make suggestions on how they can improve pleasuring their women.  On the other hand if a man makes such a suggestion to a woman, it lowers her self-confidence and self-esteem.

5) Men don’t like to dance; we look and feel like idiots.  However, men WILL dance with a woman to show off to other men.  Women LOVE to dance; they’ll even dance with other women if they have to.  Again, I believe for women there is an emotional attachment to dancing with men, and for men it is purely physical.

Tuesday November 4, 2003

R.I.P. KENMORE BOWLADROME - Sadly I found out this past weekend that Kenmore Bowladrome, in historic Kenmore Square, has closed its doors for the final time.  At least in my day anyway, this is where the youth of the North End spent their Saturday mornings from September to May.  I bowled there for 6 seasons from 1990-1996 (which included one championship), and I still have vivid memories of my times there:  I can still remember all my team names and the kids who were on those teams; I still have all the trophies I won over those 6 years; I remember getting breakfast at McDonald's before bowling, when Teddy would always order a free smile; I remember the wrestling matches after breakfast, including the infamous "Royal Rumble"; I remember Clayton & Carl, and how patient they were in putting up with us punks; and I remember rushing to the Bath House every Monday after school to get the bowling sheet.  Luckily I have video of one Saturday morning at the alleys, from 1991.  I also have video of a tournament I bowled in there, back in 2000.  And the pictures of me on the BOWLING page were taken at Kenmore Bowladrome.  I believe I still have a couple bowling sheets somewhere too.  Other than that I have all the memories in my head, and it's a bond that almost every North Ender and former North Ender shares, something that we will all never forget  :'(