Thursday, August 29, 2002

The Big Day

As the end of the month arrives, I begin the perilous journey of ... MOVING! My emotions are mixed. I am thrilled to finally be getting out of the cubicle I have called an apartement for the last 2 years. I am thrilled to be moving in with people I care about. I am elated to be paying about $100 less a month.

I am not looking forward to the acutal moving. You know, all of the packing, and cleaning, and packing some more, and the unpacking, and stacking, and shelving, and cleaning. Sigh. Such is life, I guess.

Well, no matter what it will be done by Labor Day...a day I have off. Huzzah.

Peace

Oh Hell Yeah!

I saw a commercial on TLC last night for a new show called Full Metal Challenge. It was created by the brains behind Junkyard Wars, Ms. Cathy Rogers. Now what really got me into the commercial, besides the fact that Ms. Rogers is amazing (she was one of the origional hosts of Junkyard Wars), but here co-host is non other the Mr. Henry Rollins. How freakin' awesome is that. He talks about his experience in his monthly newsletter. Sweet Ass!

I may be back later, but I just had to share the good new.

Peace

Tuesday, August 27, 2002

ok last quiz for a while

My brother sent this to me knowing how big of a fan of the movie:

I took the picture off because it is just do damn big.

Please Read

Ijust received this from Mike Noonan, Lisa Madigan's campaign manager. It is article from Crain's Chicago. Please read it, and consider it when November roles around.

A Great Story

I found this at the website of the youth group I belonged to in High School. It is a story from one of my favorite theologians, Tony Campolo.

Tripp, I think this is the kind of thing we are looking for!

Noted Christian author and speaker Tony Campolo tells a story of his visit to Honolulu for a Christian conference several years ago.

His first night there, Tony awoke sometime after three (a six-hour time difference had confused his sleep pattern) and left the hotel in search of a place to get something to eat.

Eventually he found a tiny coffee shop, with one man behind the counter who served him coffee and a doughnut. Tony was the only customer until, quite suddenly, the coffee shop was overrun with women. Some sat at small tables; others sat at the counter near Tony.

From their conversation, Tony learned an astonishing amount about Honolulu's night life, for the girls were discussing their night's work and their male clients. The girls were prostitutes.

Here's the rest of the story in Tony's own words:

I overheard the woman sitting beside me say, "Tomorrow's my birthday. I'm going to be thirty-nine."

Her "friend" responded in a nasty tone, "So what do you want from me? A birthday party? What do you want? Ya want me to get you a cake and sing 'Happy Birthday'?"

"Come on!" said the woman sitting next to me. "Why do you have to be so mean? I was just telling you, that's all. Why do you have to put me down? I was just telling you it was my birthday. I don't want anything from you. I mean, why should you give me a birthday party? I've never had a birthday party in my whole life. Why should I have one now?"

When I heard that, I made a decision. I sat and waited until the women had left. Then I called over the fat guy behind the counter and I asked him, "Do they come in here every night?"

"Yeah!" he answered.

"The one right next to me, does she come here every night?"

"Yeah," he said. "That's Agnes. Yeah, she comes in here every night. Why d'ya wanta know?"

"Because I heard her say that tomorrow is her birthday," I told him. "What do you say you and I do something about that? What do you think about us throwing a birthday party for her--right here--tomorrow night?"

A cute smile slowly crossed his chubby cheeks and he answered with measured delight, "That's great!"

"Look," I told him, "if it's okay with you, I'll get back here tomorrow morning about 2:30 and decorate the place. I'll even get a birthday cake!"

"No way," said Harry (that was his name). "The birthday cake's my thing. I'll make the cake."

At 2:30 the next morning, I was back at the diner. I had picked up some crepe-paper decorations at the store and had made a sign out of big pieces of cardboard that read, "Happy Birthday, Agnes!" I decorated the diner from one end to the other. I had that diner looking good. The woman who did the cooking must have gotten the word out on the street, because by 3:15 every prostitute in Honolulu was in the place. It was wall-to-wall prostitutes ... and me!

At 3:30 on the dot, the door of the diner swung open and in came Agnes and her friend. I had everybody ready (after all I was kind of the emcee of the affair), and when they came in we all screamed, "Happy birthday!"

Never have I seen a person so flabbergasted ... so stunned ... so shaken. Her mouth fell open. Her legs seemed to buckle a bit. Her friend grabbed her arm to steady her. As she was led to sit on one of the stools along the counter, we all sang "Happy Birthday" to her.

As we came to the end of our singing with "Happy birthday, dear Agnes, happy birthday to you," her eyes moistened. When the birthday cake with all the candles on it was carried out, she lost it and just openly cried.

Harry gruffly mumbled, "Blow out the candles, Agnes! Come on! Blow out the candles! If you don't blow out the candles, I'm gonna hafta blow out the candles." And, after an endless few seconds, he did. Then he handed her a knife and told her, "Cut the cake, Agnes. Yo, Agnes, we all want some cake."

Agnes looked down at the cake. Then without taking her eyes off it, she slowly and softly said, "Look, Harry, is it all right with you if I ...I mean, is it okay if I kind of ... want I want to ask you is ... is it OK if keep the cake a little while? I mean, is it all right if we don't eat it right away?"

Harry shrugged and answered, "Sure! It's okay. If you want to keep the cake, keep the cake. Take it home if you want to."

"Can I?" she asked. Then, looking at me, she said, "I live just down the street a couple of doors. I want to take the cake home, OK? I'll be right back. Honest!" She got off the stool, picked up the cake, and, carrying it like it was the Holy Grail, walked slowly toward the door.

As we all just stood there motionless, she left. When the door closed, there was a stunned silence in the place. Not knowing what else to do, I broke the silence by saying, "What do you say we pray?"

Looking back on it now, it seems more than strange for a sociologist to be leading a prayer meeting with a bunch of prostitutes in a diner in Honolulu at 3:30 in the morning. But then it just felt like the right thing to do. I prayed for Agnes. I prayed for her salvation. I prayed that her life would be changed and that God would be good to her.

When I finished, Harry leaned over the counter and, with a trace of hostility in his voice, said, "Hey! You never told me you were a preacher. What kind of church do you belong to?"

In one of those moments when just the right words came, I answered, "I belong to a church that throws birthday parties for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning."

Harry waited a moment and then almost sneered as he answered, "No, you don't. There's no church like that. If there was, I'd join it. I'd join a church like that!"

May our churches become the type of churches that would throw a birthday party for prostitutes at 3:30 in the morning, and may we all become the kind of Christian who would bring the cake!

Peace.

Fun little thing

I got this from Josh's site.

to big to
Peace

Monday, August 26, 2002

You need a reason?

Well, I am right now being reminded why I do not, nor ever have, played golf. Get this, I am in pain! Yes, I went to a driving range the other day and now the entire left side of my torso hurts. Dear Lord, I feel like such a wuss. I can walk around on a sprained ankle like it was nothing, but I go to a damn driving range and it hurts to breathe. Jeeze.

So, I was pleasantly surprised by my drive home from Springfield yesterday, it actually took 3 hours, yippee! I went down to Springfield to celebrate my Grandpaís 90th Birthday. He is an amazing man, first of all he is probably the most in shape, both physical and mentally, of any 90 year old I have ever met. I certainly hope I am blessed with the same genes that all of my grandparents have. My Momís folk both passed away when they were in their late 90ís (Grandma Mac was 96 and Grandpa Mac was 98). And they were both strong and healthy until the end. In fact Grandma Mac had a hip replacement surgery at 94. The doctors were a bit concerned about putting her under a general anesthetic, but they did an EKG and her heart was stronger than most 12 year olds.

So, Grandpa is 90 and Grandma is 88. Wow!

Well. I guess that is all for now.

Peace

Saturday, August 24, 2002

insert title here.

I am sitting at my mom's computer listening to oh my god, killing time, waiting to go to dinner. Just thinking, wondering, writing. It has been a while, and like Tripp mentioned in his blogs, it is just because I had nothing to say...that does not mean that I have something to say now, but rather, that I just have .... well, i just lost my train of thought... oh well.

recovering from wood putty fumes, yes, wood putty has fumes, and they are not pretty. They don't make one feel giddy like other fuems, but they just plain smell.

do you all really read this?

How about you people just crusing by to vote for my blog hot or not thingy. do you read this?

hell, I don't read it half the time, like now.



bye bye

peace

Wednesday, August 21, 2002


Which era in time are you?

Try This

I was told the link to my bro's site wasn't working. Please try it again, and let me know if this works.

Peace

Tuesday, August 20, 2002

Early in the Morning

Just a quick note, my brother now has a site. Check it out and, please be kind!

Monday, August 19, 2002

Look Carefuly

I found this here.

Uh

You know how I said today was flying...well I lied.

I am 52% Punk Rock

The intelligent punk. Tuff and Smart. I may be able to maintain a train of thought long enough... What the fuck was I talking about?

Take the Punk Rock Test at fuali.com

Wow! What a weekend.

Looking back at it, I had a really good weekend (except for the panic stricken Friday afternoon).

You see, I went to start my car and nothing happened. I put in the key, turned, and nothingÖPANIC.
So, I called Tripp who was gracious enough to come over and give me jump.

Friday night consisted of traveling to Streamwood for Soaked rehearsal. I think it was probably one of the best rehearsals we have had. I think it is because we wanted to be there. Usually, and I am guilty from time to time, we have people there because that is where they are supposed to be on Friday night. But this week it seemed like everyone wanted to work. At least that is what I felt. After the ride home, Leo dropped off at my car and, yep, it needed a jump.

Saturday
I decided to begin the joyful task of moving. With fear that my car wouldnít start I began loading boxes (please, donít ever pack Ω of your book collection into 1 boxÖtrust me). My car started. I began to go down Irving Park and discovered that there was a Cubs game, so I turn up an alley and make my way to LSD, nice driveÖthat is until I hit my destination exit of Fullerton, and then I rememberÖAIR SHOW! Damn it. 20 minutes later I finally cross Clark and am on my way to Kedzie.

The rest of the day was pretty chill.

Later that night I saw 3 good shows and 1 amazing show at the Double Door.

Sunday
Up EARLY. 8 am early. Sang in Choir for the first time in ages, and then sang with the band for about a 45 minute set. Then spent the rest of the day vegging in front of the idiot box watching The Mask of Zorro.

That is all I have. I am pretty content today, and time seems to be flyingÖwoo hoo!

Peace

Friday, August 16, 2002

Lazy Bloggin

I know I haven't posted in a few days, but I just haven't had anything to say. So, I figure I would let Mary Prankster once again do my post for to day...like to hear it here it goes:

GREEN EGGS AND HAMLET

Hey now Ophelia
Are you looking for a swim?
Yeah, your manís done you wrong
So, whatcha gonna do to him?

Any Daneíll tell you, girlie
You take a chance with one-night stands
Got a pocket full of posies
And a lily in your hands

Hey now, Ophelia
Gonna be or not to be?
Swirling in the icy water
Get thee to a nunnery

Such a shame that our affairs from England came too late
That Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are dead
Thereís something rotten in this state

Into the depths we go
Watch out for the undertow
The tide is high today
Watch you donít get swept away

Peace

Wednesday, August 14, 2002

Check these out

Go to Tripp's and Clifton's pages and read what they have to say about protestantism.

I will be posting my thoughts soon.

Peace

Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Good News

Beer is good for you!!!! I coulda told ya that.

peace

Today?

Well, I finally got the MRI of my ankle read, and it is just a severe sprain. No surgery required. Yippee!

Not a whole lot is going on right now...just suffering from the post-lunch lethargy. So tired. ug.

I did go to see Trish in The Taming of The Shrew up in Elgin this weekend. It was a pretty good show. I had fun, and the bugs weren't to bad (it is an outdoor theatre). Speaking of bugs, my boss told me that they were so bad at Grant Park this weekend that the Grant Park Symphony cut a few pieces out of their second act. Can you imagine taking a breath to blow in a tuba and inhaling a moth...yummy.

Tonight I may venture to Grant Park to see Vertigo.

Other than that...not much is up.

Peace

Friday, August 09, 2002

An Update

A while ago I posted that Bret Hart had a stroke. Here an update if you are ineterresed.

Peace

Thought of the Day

Punk Rock Heaven

Baby, youíre a poseur
Honey, I should know
You ask me where the shows are
But then you never go

Poseur purgatory
Awaits you at the end
But thatís not my story
Iíll tell you why, my friend

Got my Martens on with steely toes
Spike my hair and pierce my nose
Iím goiní up to Punk Rock Heaven

Hippie Hell awaits you, Jack
Unless you take that tie-dye off your back
And jump the track to Punk Rock Heaven

The smack up there is pearly white
Thereís always time to pick a fight
The leather pants are nice and tight
The Pistols play there every night

Got my guitar and my drum
Hey Johnny Thunders ó here I come!
Cominí up to Punk Rock Heaven

If I was you I tell you, son
Iíd pierce my nipples with a staple gun
And make a run for Punk Rock Heaven

The smack up there is white as snow
Pack my bags, man ó here I go!
Maybe in an hour or so
Iíll catch a G.G. Allin show

Hey every junky, punk and freak
If Manic Panic makes you weak
Then follow me and catch that train
Pleased to meet you, Kurt Cobain

I need a mohawked, tattooed, flannel-clad
Combat-booted lovely lad (las...jt)
To take me up to Punk Rock Heaven

---Mary Prankster

peace

Thursday, August 08, 2002

I Miss Mick

Just found this article, it is almost like a catch up on Mick Foley. I donít have many people that I look up to, but Mick is one of them. If you choose to read the article you should see why, especially when you get to pages 2 and 3. Not only did Mick perform with all his heart, but he has one of the biggest hearts of any famous person I can think of. It the article he talks about just returning from China. He was there with Operation Smile. And as a result of the trip he is planning on writing another childrenís book. His first one, Christmas Chaos, had a portion of the proceeds going to the Shriners Hospitals.

This is a man who never thinks of himself first, as a performer and a human being.

Peace,

P.S. If you havenít yet checked out his autobiographies. Even if you arenít a wrestling fan they are both great reads.

Wednesday, August 07, 2002

Help....me...eyes...

fading. blur. numbers. mind numb.

I don't know how I got the task of approving bills at the office. Yeah, I make the desicions on what to buy, but come on I can'e even pay mine on time. Though that isn't a problem here...if I misplace one I will eventually get a call from my vendor. Actually, I hate to do that because most of the places I deal with are Mom & Pop types of places. I really like that. I like being able to talk to the owner of the company and just chat. Also, they give us the best work...they need us as much as we need them.

What's new?

Mom's birthday was yesterday.

Looking forward to making a trip to Elgin in the near future to see Trish in Taming of the Shrew.


beYond thAt, our theatre company, became a not-for-profit corporation on July 19, 2002. Got the paper work yesterday.

Other than that...not much

Peace

Tuesday, August 06, 2002

Ok. Fín rant time.

(just a quick note. I began writing this on impulse at 9 this morning and finished after lunch...my blod pressure has dropped considerably since then)

Sorry, but I just read that one of the victims of the unfortunate accident on the south side, in which 3 women were hit by a van that lost control and the drive and passenger were then beaten to death (unfortunately one of the 3 women died yesterday), has filed suit against the estate of one of the men beaten to death and the van rental company.

I can understand the suit against the van rental company, especially if it is determined that there was a mechanical failure. But give me a damn breakÖincluding a dead manís estate in the suit. What is the point? This man was publicly beaten to death and now on top of his familyís grief there is the possibility of being suedÖthis just makes no sense to me. I know I donít know all the facts surrounding this, but from the outside looking in I think stuff like this is what is wrong with our society as a whole. We always seem to need someone to blameÖeven if it is nobodyís fault. We always seem to have the need for revengeÖeven if there is no need for it. Come on! How about we work to try to figure out what happened in this accidentÖhow about we work together to forgive each other for the accidents that we cause or have been victims of. ARGGHHH it is so damn frustrating.

I have calmed down considerably since I started this blogÖthat is what happens when updating at work and can type in-between projects.

I am in a much better mood now.

Peace

Is My Blog Hot or Not...huh?

click the link...please!?

ho hum


pitas
You are a very simple and leisurely person. You are quite contented with your life and have no ambition to improve it.

Which Blogging Tool Are You?

Monday, August 05, 2002

I'm Back

After a week of shear unaduterated bliss, I have returned. Yes, my previous post was a bit whiny, but the week got better. This was the first time in ages...and I mean it...that I did absolutely nothing.

It is such a wonderful thing to nothing, have no worries, no problems. AhhÖIt all ended so abruptly this morning at 7:30 with the strange buzzing sound coming from the other end of my roomÖoh yes, the dreaded alarm. But alas, all good things must come to an end.

One of the best parts of the vacation, was getting reacquainted to a friend I thoughtÖwell, we went separate ways for a bit. Not intentionally, but it just sort of happened. She was going through a rough patch and there was some miscommunication and we just have not talked for a a few monthsÖwho feels like an assÖyou got itÖME. But all is mended and forgiven. I love it when things like that happen. I feel like I shouldnít of left her when she was having her problems, but she said it was ok. I donít knowÖI still feel stupid.

Anyway. We are cool once again.

I guess that is all I have todayÖgood to be back.

Peace

New graphic on the side bar...yippee. Thanks Mary Prankster