Below are the 20 most recent journal entries recorded in Joe's LiveJournal:

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Wednesday, August 20th, 2008
10:09 pm	David Byrne and Brian Eno's latest record, Everything That Happens Will Happen Today David Byrne and Brian Eno have teamed up together for the first time since 1981's My Life in the Bush of Ghosts and Eno's work producing and co-writing with Talking Heads. Byrne is a New York based musician, writer, director, artist, and general polymath, best known as the man behind the Talking Heads. Eno is the founding father of ambient music, former member of Roxy Music, and producer extraordinaire, most recently of Coldplay's latest record, as well as classic record by the Talking Heads, U2, and others, as well as his own material. Coincidently, or perhaps not, I just the other day came across their first collaboration, released 3 years before I was born. And today I learned that their new record was released yesterday as well. Check it out at the links below, where you can also download a free track from the album. I am looking forward to getting paid so I can purchase a copy and listen to the whole thing. The record is also available for streaming on the site, though I can't check since I am at work. Speaking of which, back to work. http://everythingthathappens.com/ http://journal.davidbyrne.com/ http://thenewobjective.blogspot.com Oh, two more things though. David Byrne, who lives in NY, has an installation up at the Battery Maritime Building downtown. I've been trying to see/experience it all summer, and haven't made it down yet. This is the last weekend, and I will certainly be there. Check it out if you can. He has rigged an organ to resonate different parts of the building. For a better explanation, see the official site. And lastly, keep your eyes out for Byrne's recent bike racks he designed and installed around NYC, which the good graces of the Transit dept, of course. More info in this excellent NY Times piece and on Byrne's website. http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif Current Mood: tired Current Music: He Loved Him Madly-Miles Davis-Get Up With It (disc 1) take your best shot
Monday, June 23rd, 2008
1:17 pm	another update I took the job at Purchase.  Of course, I had wanted to go to Sweden.  I did make it to the finals, which I'm happy about, but I didn't get the grant in the end.  This was a dissapointment, but I don't think I could have written a better grant, at least not on that topic.  There is some measure of validation in the fact that I was able to propsoe a project that was recommended by Fulbright, made the top 10, and got me academic and cultural affiliations in Sweden.  I suppose I will reaaply.  I am more focused now on applying for graduate school.  I want to apply to interdisciplinary programs, though I am leaning towards more traditional programs in hopes of having more job oppurtunities.  I am also taking the LSAT this fall, just to see in case I do want to apply to Law school.  I very much want to continue with international studies, though I still think International Relations isn't what I am looking for intellectually.  I am leaning heavily towards History of Art programs, which will, I hope, allow me to continue and synthesize my various interests (history, art, music, effects of technology, ritual, etc.)   So, I will be working as Study Abroad Adviser fulltime this coming year. This will allow me to save money, as well as continue taking graduate classes here, studying German, and so on.  I hope to work at the museum in some capacity, either in research or as a guide, as well.  I also think Paula and I will be founding a student lead journal, tentatively to be called the Hovel.   I will also tentatively be taking a trip to the Dominican Republic, finally, for two weeks in July.  I will miss my friends in Europe, but I am looking forward to exploring a new place, and climbing a 3,000 Meter+ peak.  3shots take your best shot
Tuesday, May 6th, 2008
1:50 am	after birthday update Another semester is ending. We get sad because we know that these scenarios are changing and won’t be back. We mourn the loss of our ability to make decisions, the reality confronting us that our decisions have been made, always are being made but we lie to ourselves. I realized I feel this way, as this semester, which represents also the end of a complicated and ambiguous year in which I’ve done MUCH growing and thinking and doing if not much that seems practical. So I've been back in NY for over 4 months now. A lot of time to reflect. Seems a blur. What have I been up to? A lot of partying, city, conferences, shows, music, driving around, working various jobs, time at purchase, meeting people, reading, working on my paper, music, silent ballet, german lessons, bike riding, went skiing, my Fulbright is almost here, didn't get the job in italy, thinking about looking for jobs here, SF, Thailand, Italy/Germany, gearing up to apply for grad school for fall 09 which means applications in only 3 or 4 months will begin, traveling this summer cancelled since hopefully I'm going to Sweden, so going to Bonaroo, working shows, partying, Chicago and Austin, hopefully SF, new ink, swimming, and def keep recording new music. I'm excited to relax this summer and get the pressure off, and hopefully gear up for some serious and fun academic work in Sweden. I will know any day now. I need to cut down on the going out, it's been like a 3 week frenzy, mostly going out with ghazi and chilling with lee since he's got a new job now. i'm beat. finished my final paper last night, 20 pages, hopefully can rework it this summer. and some others. ok, time for sleep too long a last couple nights. Current Mood: tired Current Music: hammock take your best shot
Sunday, April 6th, 2008
5:27 pm	Current Mood: busy Current Music: Miles take your best shot
5:27 pm	Moving Mountains Record Release Show Monday 4/7 Tomorrow! Monday April 7th Moving Mountains (deep elm records) www.myspace.com/movingmountainsmusic Looking Glass Wars -myspace.com/lookingglasswars In the Distance: A Light! Two Shots of Rye www.myspace.com/twoshotsofrye All these bands have members who go to or graduated from Purchase, and many of them have just released new albums, so please come out and support. 8 pm / The Student Center, Purchase College FREE of course Current Mood: busy Current Music: Miles take your best shot
2:57 pm	China Program We still really need one or two more applicants for the program in Shanghai, so if anyone is interested, please apply right now! www.purchase.edu/studyabroad/china Apply Here Students will arrive in China and spend the next week experiencing some very interesting places that are off the typical tourists map, including Shangri-La, Snow Mountain, and Mosno VIllage. China is a rising power, and the opportunity to live there this summer during the Olympics, which will take place in Beijing, should not be missed. I studied in Beijing in 2005 and had an amazing experience. Summer Program in Shanghai, China June 28 - August 4rd, 2008 The Purchase College summer program in China is located in Shanghai, the leading city and center of modernization which has made China a leader in the 21st century. New China can be found in the superb museums, galleries, dramatic skyline, exciting night-life, outstanding libraries, and world-class shopping and dining possibilities. Shanghai still retains old China as well. Exploring the alleys and smaller byways, students can discover the culture of ancient China still resonant in the bird-and-flower streets, the sidewalk chess games, the tiny stalls, shops and markets, and the rich life of past and present. The program includes a week long tour of locations of historic and cultural significance as well as four weeks of study on a renowned Chinese university campus. Courses offered include Chinese Language, Calligraphy, Philosophy, Race and Gender, and more. Email Joseph.Sannicandro@purchase.edu or Marjorie.Miller@purchase.edu for more info. Thanks! Current Mood: busy Current Music: Miles take your best shot
Sunday, February 10th, 2008
11:00 pm	GY!BE Ok, I love Silver Mt. Zion, but... well, this sucks. http://www.drownedinsound.com/articles/2909075 According to Efrim, Godspeed You! Black Emperor have officially disbanded. No more hiatus. They have broken up. I was really hoping for a last record with studio versions of Albanian and Gamelan. I'm not giving up hope though. I mean, honestly, one day, at least some of the key members will play GY!BE material live again, there is no doubt in my mind. But still... Depressing. Otherwise, I had a productive weekend. Current Mood: accomplished Current Music: A Tailpiece-EF-I Am Responsible take your best shot
10:26 pm	stuff i'm working on -making art (collage, sculpture, pen and brush ink works, and more) and music (rock and electronic) -applying to go to Italy to work on a farm for 90 days this summer, which, if i get, means i'll be going to ATP in England -applying to do a research project in sweden next year -going to teach English in Asia, likely Japan, if i don't receive the grant -looking for other ways to travel and make money too -applying to grad school for Fall 2009 -booking shows again -working for a classical/instrumental music series in the city -studying the german language -going to the gym -trying to get a steady meditation practice going again -writing for the silent ballet (www.thesilentballet.com) Current Mood: accomplished Current Music: Bear-EF-I Am Responsible 2shots take your best shot
Friday, January 25th, 2008
2:03 am	13 Blues for Thirteen Moons The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tr-la-la Band- 13 Blues for Thirteen Moons Constellation Records (www.cstrecords.com) www.tr-la-la-band.com So it’s been almost 3 years since Horses in the Sky came out, and I’ve been fortunate enough to see SMZ play several shows since then, including their first ever show in the US. The same few days they were in NY, they also appeared on WNYC’s fabulous Sunday night show, Spinning on Air with David Garland (see my past post on that.) That recording remains the best recording we have of SMZ. It is well produced but retains the live energy I’ve found to be missing from their other recordings. The band thrives in the live setting, especially the more folk oriented music of HitS (which beg to be danced to) as well as the improvisation and extended versions of classic songs reinterpreted by the ever expanding line-up. Recently the bands latest record leaked, their 5th full length entitled 13 Blues for Thirteen Moons. I’m afraid I cannot share this album yet, but I would love to share my feelings on the band and the record. And I am very excited to get my hands on the vinyl version. This record begins with 12 tracks, over one minute total, of feedback. This is not a throw-away, and don’t think that it is. It is preparing us, like the first scene of a play, gathering our attention and establishing the proper mood. Each short feedback phrase is distinct from the others. The last four tracks, which are inarguably the meat of the album, are each about a quarter of an hour. “1,000,000 died to make this sound” begins, and it is clear from the opening words that the band is here, at their most political, angrier and noisier. Each release the various Silver Mt. Zion incarnations produce is distinct from the rest. HitS showed the band developing as a 7-piece, incorporating new instrumentation, and exploring protest-music and tradition folk rhythms and melodies. With the release, featuring new drummer Eric Craven of Hangedup, they are delving into what is almost psychedelic rock. These songs may make use of group vocals and employ similar compositional devices as their past record, but this is a clearly different beast. The focus is entirely on the distorted guitars, downplaying the strings, which are making use of more effects than in the past. “13 Blues for Thirteen Moons” and “Blue Waters Blowed/ Engine Broke Blues” are departures for the band, dark and bluesy, with off beat drumming and waves of noise. Of the new songs played live over the last 3 years, “Blindblindblind” seems to be the favorite, and it’s studio manifestation doesn’t disappoint. Though compositionally reminiscent of GY!BE in some ways, particularly the clearly demarcated movements within each song, 13 Moons also has satisfying climaxes that make use of repetition of melodies and parts effectively without crossing into pop territory. Efrim sounds great. Of course his vocal style is not for everyone, but I feel it suits the mood in a way that no one else’s can. Have you ever heard anyone cover SMZ? He has honed his style with over 100 lives shows over the last three years. The lyrics are superbly developed, and the band continues to progress and evolve, tinkering with new arrangements and compositions. Many of Efrim’s detractors, often GY!BE fans, prefer He Has Left Us Alone… or Born into Trouble…, both records I love very much. These records have a completely different aesthetic, however, as the band had a different composition and premise. Let us not forget that this is The Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra & Tra-la-la Band, and not A Silver Mt. Zion. Is this better than Horses in the Sky? I don’t think that’s a fair question, nor is it one really worth asking. It's a different record, with different aims and different, incommensurable styles. I have long thought that the band had yet to make a record that could capture their energy. The songs just hadn’t been translated properly on tape yet. Maybe the new version of Hotel2Tango did the trick it, because this record, whether you think it sounds HitS electric or not, fucking kills it. Many of the same lyrical themes, arrangements, etc, but this time fucking balls out, angrier, louder, looser, and with a new drummer, well produced. This is an achievement. I anticipate reactions to this record will be mixed. Some people will be missing out. Play it loud. Blast it out of your speakers. Or put on your headphones and smoke a joint if you need to. And come and see them on their upcoming tour. Current Mood: awake Current Music: The Prayer-Bloc Party take your best shot
Monday, January 21st, 2008
3:05 am	il mio baffo Today, I was called Dali, D'Artagnon, and Don Quixote. Current Mood: artistic Current Music: mono take your best shot
Tuesday, January 8th, 2008
2:01 am	my favorite episode of the office http://www.surfthechannel.com/info/television/The_Office_US/28973/S2E12.html Current Mood: artistic Current Music: mono take your best shot
Monday, December 31st, 2007
1:07 am	Bands Who Put out Great Albums in 2007 I am not going to group this by rank or genre or anything. But here are my favorites released this year, and some comments about them. Efterklang- (I fucking love this band. Both records released this year, Under Giant Trees and Parades, have blown Mew away; now they are officially the best band in Denmark) Rogue Wave-(After too much post-rock and classical, sometimes I need some good rock.) Kings of Leon- (I heard it this year anyway) Port Royal- (A great follow-up to the masterpiece of Flares, this Italian ambient group continues to impress.) God is an Astronaut- (Amazing post-rock group, I think from Scotland. This release showed tons of growth.) GRAILS- (Dark, moody, organic. Also one of the best live performances I've seen in a while.) Explosions in the Sky- (Many people seem to have been disappointed by All of A Sudden I Miss Everyone, but I loved it, especially the remixes. I think it will grow on listeners over time, like all their music. I am hoping for something a little more ground breaking on the next release though.) Caspian- (Probably the best release of the year that most people haven't heard. The Four Trees is phenomenal, cohesive and interestingly arranged with noticable thematic elements tying the instrumental release together. Beautiful special packing as well.) Do Make Say Think- (In truth, I was a bit let down by this release, but it grew on me and DMST are still amazing, even if Rust couldn't top &yet and hymns, which were amazing records. At least they tried some new things.) Feist- (I love Leslie Feist, and apparently so does the rest of the world now. It's ok; I've seen her live numerous times and it was obvious that someone with her talent and charisma would make it big. Cheers!) Holy Fuck- (Awesome electronic group from Montreal. This ep was so much better produced than there other stuff, very cool organic/electro stuff.) Battles- (Just check it out. Great live, very weird, total progression from the EPs, and not for everyone.) Radiohead- (I have nothing to say about this really. What else can be said? Grew on me big time.) World's End Girlfriend- (I first heard this Japanese polymath when he did a collab with Mono last year. His solo work is amazing. Crazy, glitzchy multi-instrumental genre defying beauty.) pg.lost- (A promising unsigned Swedish post-rock band.) Blonde Redhead- (A dreamy pop album) Eluvium- (Beautiful) Lights Out Asia- (After 4 years, the project began as Aurore Rien continues with LOA's second release, a stunning blend of ambient and post-rock.) Stars of the Lid- (This is an album to sleep/to drugs too. Very slow, but masterful developed.) Slow Six- (just go read my review on www.thesilentballet.com) Circa Survive- (On Letting Go really appealed to me, though some other's didn't seem to like it over their debut, which I also loved. Along the same lines with a few more experimental songs.) Aesop Rock- (Not his best, but still amazing, great lyrics, and some nice beats. Cool delayed guitar and spacey bits.) Tulsa Drone- (This record was scary on acid.) 65 Days of Static- (Yea, it's no fall of math, but its still solid.) Giuseppe Ielasi- (Another awesome Italian making ambient music.) Moving Mountains- (Pneuma is a solid rock record with strong song writing, arrangements, and local kids) Looking-Glass Wars- (I was shocked at how catchy and well written these songs are.) ---- I've been putting off really listening to Bright Eyes, Devendra, and Panda Bear, and I suspect they will all be great, so I'll mention them too. In addition, I urge you all to check out ---- The Fountain Soundtrack, written by Clint Mansell- Performed by the Kronos Quartet and Mogwai. Still amazing! Current Mood: artistic Current Music: Tree Of Life-Clint Mansell-The Fountain OST take your best shot
Sunday, December 30th, 2007
11:34 pm	Reflections This seems like an appropriate, if cliched, time to offer a few reflections on the past year. I have actually spent the last 18 months reflecting, but at least the 'New Year' offers us some sort of closure. What have I done in 2007? On the job front, I spent alot of time working hard to save money, and, though I have gained experience, I am not necessarily much close to my goal. I will not be in grad school until 2009. Oh well. I worked in Int'l education for 6 months, worked at Starbucks as well, bar tended for a catering company, and worked numerous temp jobs with office team. On the travel front I was more succesful. I visited Italy for 2 weeks, then San Francisco for 4 days. In the summer I visited Hungary, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy. I then moved to San Francisco, explored the Bay Area, found an apt, saw the redwoods, and visited my friends in Southern California. I took two full courses this year, one at Purchase in South Asian Lit, and one at SFSU in International Political Economy. I read alot of books on various subjects, and began writing a screen play, several short stories, and numerous academic articles and journalistic pieces that I hope to complete soon. I decided not to pursue IR for graduate studies, and hence I fell behind in my applications. I applied for a grant to do research in Sweden this coming fall however, so hopefully that will work out. I am also planning on working in Italy or Germany, and making a serious effort to learn one or both languages, at least to reading proficiency. On the personal development front, I feel like I have again become more aware of myself and know what problems I need to work on. I don't know how much progress I've made. If anything, being away from people who know me has made me more withdrawn. But I am trying. I did make some progress, as I've made some new friends. Also, Lexy and I, after almost four years together, broke up, which was difficult, but what I thought I wanted. It has given me the chance to meet other girls, experience new things, and learn who I am on my own; a valuable experience and one I've taken advantage of. I've really had some incredible times this year, and wish I could share all the crazy stories I've accumulated over the last 12 months. I'm looking forward to the next 12. I am resolving to be productive; this time next year I will have more music, stories, essays, and art works to share. Love Current Mood: artistic Current Music: Concerto for Clarinet, Percussion, Birds: First Movement-Brian Lock-Reve take your best shot
Friday, December 28th, 2007
2:12 pm	A Tale of Two Cities I am back in NY again, having flown in from SF on Sunday night. I was met at home by Lexy and Gialuca, who is visiting the US for the first time. He lives in Pisciotta, a small town in Campania where several of my friends and I have taken part in study abroad. Because of this, and the holidays, I haven't had a minute to rest. I need to make some money, quickly, figure out what I'm doing with my life for the next 6 months, work on applications, and catch up on my TSB work. But it's good to be home. Current Mood: artistic Current Music: brian lock take your best shot
Monday, December 3rd, 2007
12:49 pm	who's coming with me? http://www.atpfestival.com/events/explosions/  I'm going to this. Please someone come with me.  4shots take your best shot
Saturday, December 1st, 2007
3:36 pm	thoughts on new logo? I'm brainstorming some ideas for a new logo. thoughts on the general design? fav variation? suggestions? Current Mood: artistic Current Music: frou frou take your best shot
Wednesday, November 28th, 2007
8:41 pm	Why I'm Here; What am I doing here? Why I’m Doing This Why I'm here; Why I am Doing this? I’ve made this argument before, but let me lay it out here again. Many of my peers have made money in investments, or graduated top colleges and went right into the work force, or are struggling to climb the corporate ladder, selling drugs/trinkets/movies/ads/etc. This world has never held much appeal to me, and that hasn’t changed. If anything, I know have deeper philosophical and spiritual commitments to resist American capitalism. I believe that technology is something to be used skeptically, and that one must constantly ask and revaluate what we are gaining and what has been lost. Our way of life is not sustainable. I also understand that there are certain things that I can get away with doing in my early-mid 20’s that will be impossible later in life, once I begin to have my priorities diverted by responsibilities. I view most things from at least two perspective; that of my individuality, and historically, in terms of communities. I know that I will look back on this time in my life, this chapter of the narrative, and will be glad that it exists. I am learning alot about myself, and people in general, not to mentioned collecting valuable life experience and things to write about.. I suspect most of those who jump right into marriage and work will regret their decision. But, I am torn between staying here and struggling to make things work, and returning home. Friends, familiarity. A chance to save money. What harm can come from a few more months? But I worry so… I don't think I can save money, and getting a new place will require a longer commitment. I dunno. I'm starting to plan seriously for the summer, which I don't think I can do from here. _ What a month this has been. It’s beginning to seem like every time I speak with someone at home I learn of another death. First Matt the Bat. Then Sean’s mom. Now. DiPrinzio died? He still owed me a dinner for getting a 5 on my AP. I wish I'd gotten in touch with him over the years. He really made an impression on me, and certainly increased my interest in poetry and language. RIP. __ Do we become adults when our elders simply die off? Is it when we assume adult roles in the community by default, because they have gotten too old or have simply passed on? I wonder if anyone ever truly feels like they are worthy of their elders. I suspect that every generation in history has reservations about their ability to fulfill that role. When we are young, we don’t realize that they were in our place once, they were young once. We can’t really process the fact that they weren’t always around. We project that permanence into the notion of God, the proto-parent. I’ve made the mistake of reading On the Road again. From the first chapter I can’t wait to just jump on a bus. Luckily, or not, I got a job offer to ride me out until the end of next week. After that though… Adeventures! Can’t forget that. Time for adventures, freedom, the open road, seeing my friends. Damn bills. Where to go? LA. Denver. Arizona. Atlanta. Chicago. Temping seems like a good way to finance this, and Italy is right around the corner. Sweden looks like a possibility in the fall, and if not, well there’s Greece or Thailand, Germany or China. The world presents itself to me, it’s time to have a time. --- “A new kind of American saint.” Kerouac was really onto something, reminds me of Dreyfus writing on Heidegger. A medieval European saint, our notion of what a saint is, is not the same as a Middle Eastern saint or an Indian saint. Or a Greek Hero, or Chinese sage, or whatever other archetypes exist. These figures all embody, and typify, the spirit, the geist, of their civilization. Well, America was founded on a mix capitalism, individualism, and freedom, and so the living heroes of our day aren’t the Puritanical ascetics or morally virtuous saviors, but adventurers, the wanderers, those who make good for themselves and live a stylish, unique life. The Ghost of the San Francisco of Jack Kerouac. Even then, they felt the ghost of the past, in their case Jack London, now the Beats, and the Hippies, and the Queers, and so on. Time to make some times. ---- So, my schedule. Last week I hung out with Kara a bit, doing Thanksgiving dinner with her and her friends. We also saw Heima, the Sigur Ros movie last monday, and it was amazing. There music is very powerful, and, though the live recordings were flawless and the performance stellar, actually being-there is unlike any other "concert" (if it could be called that) I've ever been to. It was like church, when it still meant something to me, when it was still filled with unknowns (and wonder.) I purchased the "Heima" dvd, (Heima means both home and homeland in Icelandic) but havent yet the new double EP (with re-recorded versions of old songs, which are fantastic, and acoustic versions of others, plus some new material which is pretty majestic.) The dvd is on two discs, and is worth the 33 bucks for the delux edition, which includes a beautiful 100 page hardcover book of photographs. The first disc, which is what was screened, is a 93 minute documentary, following a series of free performaces the band gave in Iceland last summer (06) after their Takk... world tour. They also played a protest concert in Snæfellsskála, where a dam to produce electricty (and power aluminium factories) has been built. They played completely acoustic. The whole thing is unbelievably gorgeous, and the commentary, performances, and locals are beyond description. I wouldn't know where to start. But there seemed to be so much power underlying it all, the concept, there love for what they do, their real authenticity and resistance to commodification (which, even though they are selling a product now, financed the free concerts, in a manner of thnking, and they also made sure to make the product a worthy souvenir (a 100 pages of stunning photos! and! a double dvd! you should see the package.) The second disc features the performances uncut, along with bonus footage and more performaces, totalling over 150 minutes. (I'm beginning to think that my attention to detail and precision, as well as social awkwardness, makes me appear mildly autistic...) The director, and the directors of photography, have done an amazing job. Dean DeBlois, the director, is a canadian who has made such films as Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and the canadian tv series from the 80s the raccoons. He also made some of the bands other videos. He is actually incredibly talented. Then on Friday I hung out with the O'Reilly-Green's, which was too short. I wish I hadn't had work on Saturday morning. We did get to drive around and chat and see the Red Woods (finally!) and had a great dinner. ___ Hung out with Eliot the last two nights. He's been on tour with Through the Eyes of the Dead, All that Remains, Haste the Day, and As I Lay Dying. Interesting experience, I'll muse on it later. It was good hanging out with a friend from home. I;m going to LA in 2 weeks, and then Lauren will be in town, and then Caitlin too! I'm feeling better since I purchase my ticket home (Dec 23.) The rest will work itself out. I wish it would hurry up, though. I want to inspire, to create, and to influence. I am cultivating a public persona. _____ So it goes. Current Mood: artistic Current Music: Johnny Cash take your best shot
Wednesday, October 17th, 2007
7:51 pm	I'm just visiting... Being a visitor in NY was a strange experience. I had a great time, even though I didn't get to see Jamie, or spend enough time with Hannah, I got to see tons of people, and had a great time. I've been super stressed out since I've been on such a tight schedule, but despite the frustration, being home was exactly what I need it to be. II'm looking forward to being more productive in SF, and hopefully finding a new job, but it seems like it will be a bit harder to be away from my friends. This weekend reminded me how much I love all my friends, but also how distracting being in NY can be. There is so much to do, and so many people to spend time with. I think this was a good recharge, and hopefully I will be able to be more creative and productive in SF now, especially if I can find a job outside Starbucks. A brief recap: I arrived in NY at about 1230am, and had to take the airtrain, subway, and metro north in order to get back to Harrison. It was too late to call Blaire or Jamie, and I had an early meeting the next day. My aunt dropped me off the next morning, where I had a panel review for my grant proposal, which went rather well. I got to see Deirdre, Matthias, Brian, Pete, and the rest of the office. Following the interview, I went to the library, and bumped into some random aqcuantences. Next I met up with Paula, and we hung out for a while, catching up. She had to catch the bus to get to Fleetwood, so I saw Ghazi briefly, and then went and hung out with Lex. Went home, had pizza, and then returned to Purchase, where I met up with Mike and his girlfriend for the Purchase Symphony Orchestra, performing Messian, Ravel, Martin, and Debussy, and they were fantastic. Then I went to the Stood and met up with Drew, Lee, Rachel, Ghazi, Stevo, Jim, Hanna, and on and on. Gregory and the Hawk, Fireflies, and Urban Fetch were awesome. FOllowing the show, Drew, Lee, and I wandered around the dorms, and has various adventures and saw many people. Saturday was the wedding, and I had a great time with my family. Late that night Ghazi and I had a chance to catch up (and drink some scotch.) Sunday Lee and I hung out in the city, and went to Tailor, a new restaurant in SoHo. Afterwards we met up with Hill by Columbia. Monday I was back to Purchase for some more proposal nonsense and more hanging out with Lexy. Monday night I went into the city to hang out with Hill again. We saw the Lives of Others, probably the best movie I've seen in a while. I returned to Purchase on tuesday to turn in my final draft, and then headed off too the city for my flight. What a crazy weekend! Now I'm back in the Bay, and busier than ever.... Current Mood: stressed Current Music: krisha das take your best shot
Tuesday, October 9th, 2007
11:13 pm	So It's been a while I ride the bus probably twice a day minimum. It's a strange sort of realization to become to familiar with public transportation. I'm starting to settle into the city, but I am so exhausted from work and school and planning for the future, not to mention broke, that I haven't been able to do as much as I'd have liked. I am subletting an apt in the Presidio, a gorgeous park along the beach that is connected to the Golden Gate Bridge, until Nov 15th, so some of the stress has been temporarily relieved. I am hoping to find another job soon, since Starbucks is really killing me, and it feels like a massive step backwards, as I'd feared. I am trying to get into the music and art scenes here, by throwing shows, going to gallery openings, etc. I need to give myself more time to be creative, but lately all I do is write, and plan applications, read and work. I'll be in NY this weekend for my cousin Chris' wedding, and I'm looking forward to seeing all my friends and family. It'll be a nice diversion from all this stress. Current Mood: stressed Current Music: magentic fields 3shots take your best shot
Thursday, September 6th, 2007
4:16 pm	re-evaluating The crackheads here are not all as loveable as Tyrone Biggums, but they have their charm, I suppose, their own character. There is one guy for instance, I’ve seen him twice in the same spot. He has the characteristic whiteness around the mouth, telltale sign for sure. He stands at the bottom of the stairs leading to the Muni/BART station at Civic Center, playing the violin. But, well, he clearly has no clue how to actually play, but he is so intense and serious, so committed. He even has a stand set up, with music on it. Once I have a few bucks I think I’m going to go and interview him, bring my tape player. Someone probably beat me to it, but man, there’s got to be a story in that. I think I’ll do that tomorrow actually. And wait until I post that video, this guy is pretty funny. Anyway, kinda had an anxiety attack yesterday. Not sure what to do. I got so frustrated in class yesterday debating big issues in global political economy, and now, I dunno, I guess I'm not sure if I want to commit to grad school. I'll always be stressed. I want to do something to help people, so I guess if I can work for development, or import/export, with an MA in IR it could work. I dunno. This year has been one of admitting to myself that re-thinking, re-analyzing, re-adjusting, re-orienting, re-evaluating my plans is not giving up, is not quitting. I left Starbucks, I stayed in New York, Lex and I broke up, I came home early from Europe, I came to San Francisco. So, then, would staying here just for the sake of committing to something be intelligent? Would going home be giving in? I'm not ready to give in yet, but I am getting weary in this job/apt hunt, and these classes aren't enough to keep me here. Let's hope it falls into place soon. Current Mood: stressed Current Music: slow six 2shots take your best shot