Once More, With Feeling

Assuredly, that's the Skinniest Leather Tie I've Ever Seen!

2007-11-28T11:48:00.000-05:00

Okay, so once again I have fallen into that rut where I don't end up updating when I want to. There have been a lot of things I've had on my mind that I wanted to bring up here, for anyone who was interested, but alas. That has not happened.

Briefly, I had the wonderful opportunity of going home for almost a full week for Thanksgiving. As my mother kindly reminded me, it was the first time I've seen my parents in 13 weeks. I suppose that is a fairly long time. It was nice being home...I had wanted to work on my senior project, but extended family that I haven't seen in years were in town/staying with us, so not very much of that happened. You can read more detailed accounts of my break in my Journal of Extreme Emotions, though.

I seem to keep on rediscovering the fact that tv on the interweb is one of the greatest creations ever. I was FINALLY able to watch full episodes of Weeds, and I ended up watching the entire first season in a two day period [so really, maybe THAT's why i didn't get anything done on my senior project...]. I mean, i've always been interested in seeing the show, and it DEFINITELY didn't let me down. It was even more funny than I thought it would be [and also...they're only half hour episodes. for some reason i was under the impression it was an hour-long show]. AND they use AMAZING music which is always fantastic. It was...episode 8 i want to say...where ALL of the music was by The Mountain Goats. That excited me severely.

[I somewhat-recently saw them live at The Mad Hatter in Covington, Kentucky (it's an old converted 'gentlemen's club' if you must know...and it shows. it seems somewhat reminiscent of an X-Rated Bowling Alley). The following picture is courtesy of Kathee without her permission from her sketchbook documenting the entire concert in all its glory.

The concert ended with us talking to The Mountain Goats Bass player, Peter Peter Hughes [click for free downloads of some of his solo stuff, straight from the artist himself!], who I think we all kind of fell in Love with quite a bit. he was very attractive, and has amazing taste in vests. The opening band, the Bowerbirds, also had someone crush worthy. Mark, the violinist and sometimes drum player. He was very attractive and smarmy. couldn't ask for anything more. maybe quote of the night? "We're not here for a history lesson!"]

Anyway, Weeds uses some really awesome music. I'm excited to start season 2 when they have the guest artists perform the theme song.

Also during break I saw Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium. I don't really pay too much attention to critics, but my brother had said that something he saw didn't give it very good reviews. I'm going to have to disagree severely. Granted, the storyline itself isn't anything too exciting or intense or brilliant. But Dustin Hoffman + Jason Bateman + Natalie Portman + Zach Mills made for a fantastic troupe of actors to watch. The movie was a LOT more funny than I thought it was going to be, and it had some incredibly clever writing. There were also a lot of references to other cultural happenings such as little indie bands and Monty Python and things of that nature, which was really exciting to pick up on, and made for some really funny moments if you DO pick up on them. It's also one of those movies that it pays to really pay attention to what is going on in individual frames of the movie. There is some fantastically humorous events that just happen in passing in the background of a lot of the scenes that really add a lot to the movie. So all in all- I really liked this movie, mostly just because of the fact that it was so incredibly entertaining. There's nothing all that deep or particularly amazing about it- it's just really fun to watch. So that's my two cents. howdy do.

and now, doing a transitional piece, is the rather svelte Jay Brannan of Shortbus acting fame and "Soda Shop" singing fame doing a duet with Terra Naomi in London.

I say transitional because now we move onto a whole lot of gay. okay, maybe just a little gay. From The Visible Vote 08 on LogoOnline.com:

GOP Candidates Put to the Gay Question

By: Jennifer Vanasco

When I first heard that Wednesday’s CNN/YouTube Republican debate will include at least one gay question, I was skeptical.

I thought - Well, whatever someone asks, we know the answers already. No gay marriage, no gays in the military, no, no, no, etc., etc., etc.

But then I learned what the question was.

Lynn Michaels, whose son Ryan Skipper was killed because he was gay, will ask the candidates how they will foster a climate of understanding and respect for gay and transgendered people.

It’s a good question And I wish they would answer honestly. Because really, Republican candidates, how DO you foster of culture and respect when you are against any laws that would make GLBTs equal in the eyes of the government - and therefore equal in the eyes of ordinary Americans?

I'm very interested to see what the results of this will be, and I hope that it receives more than just some kind of obligatory lip service. Also from the world o' gay-

College: Pet Insurance Yes, Gay Partner Insurance No
by 365Gay.com Newscenter Staff

(Palm Beach, Florida) After rejecting a proposal earlier this year to provide health benefits to the same-sex domestic partners of its employees Palm Beach Community College has decided to offer workers insurance for their pets.

Anyone who works for the college would be able to enroll in the pet insurance plan, through Veterinary Pet Insurance. It would cost employees between $22 and $28 per month for dogs and $15 to $18 per month for cats.

The plan will come into effect on January 8.

LGBT civil rights group the Palm Beach County Human Rights Council called the decision an outrage coming just months after the college's Board of Trustees deadlocked on domestic partner benefits.

"While many pet owners consider their dogs and cats part of their families, there is a basic disconnect when an employer will insure an employee's pet but not an employee's partner," Deidre Newton, a PBCC alumnus who is now vice president of the human rights council, told the Sun-Sentinel.

Last August a proposal to provide domestic partner benefits died when the trustees deadlocked in a 2-2 vote.

Partner benefits would not cost the college any additional money. It pays only the premiums for employees. Under the current scheme workers pay the added premium for spouses or children. The domestic partner proposal would have mirrored that - making gay and lesbian employees responsible for paying the added premium costs.

When the board deadlocked the trustees asked staff to collect more information on the potential impact of the benefits and another vote is expected in 2008 to add the benefits the following year.

Still the human rights council says taking up pet insurance now was highly insensitive.

"The only distinction I can see is one covers human beings in committed relationships, and the other covers animals in committed relationships," said council president Rand Hoch.

A majority of the nation’s largest corporations, and a growing number of universities and colleges provide health insurance for domestic partners of employees.

This makes me really kind of sad. I mean, I love pets and all, but I think that people are pretty important too. This brings to mind that whole argument some people seem to have that allowing gay marriage is going to lead to legalized beastiality and animal-people weddings. Something that I will never understand. And I'm not even going to get into that. Surprisingly enough, Miami University has a decent partner-benefits policy from what I understand, which I really appreciate. The school was even sued by that one loser of a representative that we have saying that the policies went against the constitution. That also seemed incredibly ridiculous, and thankfully the Ohio Supreme Court thought so too. Some of those details might be a little off.

QOTD: Another quote from Tom, my boss [and it's from a long time ago]:

"You guys are going to wish you had hardhats...Tom is fucking crazy today!"

Third person AND swears. ahluvit.

And now, those mp3s!

Jam Eater Blues [Live] - The Mountain Goats
Living Room - Tegan and Sara
Leading Man - The Long Goodbye [Michael Cera's Band!]

kthanksbye
brandon.m.c.

Sweet Nut Sampler!

2007-10-29T20:19:00.000-04:00

ooooooooooh my gosh. here it is folks. the return of me and my blogging. let us just see how this goes [even though *really* I should be working on furthering the lit review of my sr. proj]

First up. Gay Worms! Gworms? Gwar might not like that very much, though.

CHICAGO (Reuters) - Altering a gene in the brain of female worms changed their sexual orientation, U.S. researchers said on Thursday, making female worms attracted to other females.

The study reinforces the notion that sexual orientation is hard-wired in the brain, said Erik Jorgensen, scientific director of the Brain Institute at the University of Utah.

"They look like girls, but act and think like boys," Utah researcher Jamie White, who worked on the study published in the journal Current Biology, said in a statement.

Researchers in Jorgensen's lab switched on a gene in female worms that makes the body develop male structures, but they only activated the gene in the brain.

As a result, the female worms still had female bodies, but they behaved like males.

"It suggests sexual behavior is encoded in our genes" and not caused by extra nerve cells specific to males or females, Jorgensen said in a telephone interview.

Animals such as nematodes, fruit flies and mice share many of the same genes as humans and are often used as models to understand human genetics.

But Jorgensen said the study is not likely to resolve the burning question about the genesis of sexual orientation in humans. "A human's brain is much more complex than a worm's brain," he said.

Many scientists think a host of factors such as genetics, hormones and environment may play a role in determining sexual orientation in humans, but this has not been proven.

Jorgensen said the study is interesting because it suggests rather than being caused by extra, sex-specific nerve cells, attraction behaviors are part of the same brain circuit.

The finding was part of a study looking at areas in the worms' brains involved in sexual attraction.

LIVE IN DIRT, EAT GERMS

Nematodes, or C. elegans, are tiny worms about one millimeter long that live in the dirt, chomping bacteria. They have no eyes and rely on smell for navigation and propagation.

There are few males, only one in 500, so most of these female nematodes are hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female sexual organs. This gives the female worms the ability to fertilize their own eggs and produce offspring in the absence of a male.

"For the most part they are females," Jorgensen said. "It's really hard to tell that they are hermaphrodites, but they do make these few sperm."

When they do mate with males, female worms produce 1,200 progeny, compared with just 200 when they produce their own sperm.

The researchers were trying to understand the underpinnings of sexual attraction in the male nematodes.

They reasoned it could arise from four extra smell-related nerve cells found only in male worm brains, from four core nerves found in both males and females or from a mix of both.

When they systematically neutralized the male-only neurons, mature male worms still responded to the females.

The findings imply nerve cells common to both male and female worms are central to sexual attraction and sexual orientation.

"They have genes for both male behavior and female behavior in them," Jorgensen said. "It suggests the brain determines behavior."

The study expands on prior studies suggesting a genetic component to sexual orientation.

"This is one more observation. We've seen this in flies and in mice," he said. "The difference is we know what cells are involved."

The study was funded by the National Science Foundation.

Well, duh. I think most members of the GLBTQ community would be able to tell you that there was a genetic component to it. Why would anyone choose something that causes much stress and discrimination? It was a silly argument to begin with. [O! This reminds me. Even though I have no invested interest in this particular movie, and haven't even seen it yet, I'm quite excited about it and feel the need to hawk it- For the Bible Tells Me So- check it! Site|Trailer] I won't lie though, and say that I feel this has potentially disastrous consequences as well if, as I believe they probably hope to do, scientists begin working on some sort of genetic therapy treatment in which they tamper with peoples sexuality. So maybe people actually will have the option to decide to become a big ol' homo! Or, more likely...for gays to have the option of going straight. I don't know. It just seems like a very messy thing to be tampering with. Sometimes I think science just needs to let things go. I suppose it wouldn't even be an issue though if people could just learn to accept people for who they are and move on with their own lives.

And now for a word on the wise use of military forces:

BERLIN (Reuters) - Twenty German soldiers were deployed on Friday to help recapture around 17,000 minks on the run.

The animals had been let out from a mink farm into the eastern German countryside by unknown perpetrators, according to police in Stendal, 55 miles west of Berlin.

Local officials and mink farm employees also spent the day trying to trap the animals at large.

"So many minks escaped, I have no idea how many they'll catch," police spokesman Joachim Albrecht said.

Authorities suspect the minks -- small mammals whose fur is used for making expensive coats and accessories -- had been let out by animal rights activists, he said.

Okay. So Miami University has recently [well, as of this school year] started getting the Dayton Daily News in addition to the plethora of Cincinnati and National newspapers. And for this, I am so glad, because it gave me the opportunity to see this wonderful act of juxtaposition in action:

Okay. So let me summarize this for you. One the left we have britney spears in another one of her fantastically dramatic legal debacles. On the right we have her mother announcing her autobiography featuring child-rearing advice and how to turn children into stars. Being published by a publisher of Christian books, nonetheless. I don't even think commentary is really necessary. This is a crazy world we live in, folks.

Today's QUOTE OF THE DAY also doubles as words of wisdom. It's a good good day. Although it's also cheating. since it was said on saturday, and not today.
STEVE: Things probably aren't normal if you're finding them in meteorites.

And with that...

I will leave you some music. one new, one old.

My Favourite Book - Stars [I really love what i've heard of their new album so far. and this song is so hopeful. something that i wouldn't be opposed to having more of. And their tours are now Carbon neutral - yAy environmentalism!]
Neighborhood #1 (Tunnels) - Arcade Fire [inspired by the fact that i'm watching Chuck and he/[his character?] has great taste in music]

on the note of music...have any of you heard of the band The Cave Singers? I'm thinking I should recommend them to my dad. He likes hearing about new music when it's something that he'll actually listen to, but he definitely has his heart set on people like Van Morrison and old school classic folk rocker type people. And i feel like The Cave Singers have a James Taylor-esque quality about them- or am i way off base? I think maybe he would like them.

peace&puppyciao
br@nd0n

Currently Watching: Chuck

The Return of the Fig Newton

2007-10-28T10:48:00.000-04:00

Well Folks. What is there to be said at a time like this? It has been over a year since the last time I posted, and let us all admit, the last couple of posts have been less than stellar.

The theory of this blog was originally for me to have a forum for more worldly exploits and writing and share my own maybe slightly sarcastic nature with YOU, my general reading audience. I got lazy though and decided to become really good at procrastinating, letting school become rather overwhelming at times. This is still the case. Maybe even moreso now because I am currently in the midsts of writing a research dissertation [it has a working title of: Disempowerment through Ecotourism: Increasing Civic Discourse with Indigineous People and the Ramifications for Ecotourism Management. It's main purpose is going to be ways in which to increase community engagement between indiginous cultures and ecotourism companies in the hopes of more win-win situations for everyone. It will also be including a brief history of ecotourism and the environmental impacts associated with all of this. Is that too far off the main point? maybe. I don't even know any more. I love my thesis so much I wish I wasn't the one writing it, because really, will I be able to do it justice? Only time can tell]

Back to the point though. I am looking to return. I wish to once more make my comments on ridiculous news stories, share my thoughts and feelings on worldly issues, and possibly even share with the good folks out there some of my latest music/movie/book finds which will, I'm sure, have a rather 'indie' slant. We'll see where all of this goes. But it seemed silly during that brief time period in which I was just copying my day-to-day rant entries from LiveJournal to here.

So look forward to the change back, and hopefully this might actually go somewhere again.

And because he seems to be so relevant in life as of late, I present to you some Jens Lekman:
Friday Night at the Drive-In Bingo
The Opposite of Hallelujah

puppyciao&loverlyautumnweather
br@nd0n

Listening to: Nick Drake [Album: Five Leaves Left]

haha...you have to have sex with chickens

2006-06-14T13:53:00.000-04:00

it's been a really long time since i've updated, and once again this is going to be a fairly atypical update. i don't really have anything too excited to report.
/
or do i?
/
i'm just going to copy and paste from my other journals the random stuff that 'hasn't' been happening.
/

as it becomes disgustingly obvious, I never use livejournal. being home and having time + easily accessible internet, i decided to take a gander. i'm so confused. there are so many buttons and links, i don't even know what is going on anymore. craziness.

and i think i can tell everyone that i feel really happy. and that is amazing.

and i feel like i'm pretty much running the office. a summer job shouldn't be so effing stressful. this is seriously beyond the redonkle now. why am i so invested in it?

but i am happy. and there is lots of hope.

and i have sorely missed my cats.

i'm taking my mom + dad out to see "Cars" for their bday/fathers day (respectively). damn i love my parents so much sometimes. had a real breakfast this morning with my mother. and it was delicious. and we didn't even fight.

i'm also sporting a faux hawk. and probably the coolest sunglasses i have ever owned.

OHIO: While walking, you think to yourself "Damn, this is the most rancid smell I ever have smelled." Then you take another couple of steps and just as you think it can't get any worse, it begins to smell twice as bad.

oh well, at least i get to live on a beach. that's pretty effing sweet if i say so myself.

i think what i feel most like is an 8 year old trapped in the body of a rather ancient woman who has taken on the appearance of a rather strapping young fellow.

/
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the new regina spektor is pretty much everything you would expect it to be. and maybe more. she is just such an incredibly beautiful person both inside and out. I do hope she comes back from her european tour and decides to do some shows here that i might be able to see. she just seems to embue love and everything to do with love. and she's on conan o'brien tonight. i think you all need to see it. i can't wait to see her.

got out of work like an hour early yesterday. it was pretty sweet too...i was rebellious. i pretty much just walked and left, saying my good bye and not looking back. i just couldn't sit in that office anymore. i really hate the night shift i guess. and i have to do it again tonight. ew. but i have conan to look forward to.

i am very content with life right now. and it is such a great feeling.

there are some people that i do however miss a little too much. western love has been lacking, and all the joys that come with it. at the same time I've been meeting some damn awesome people thatare so reminiscent of what i have left behind, that it makes the transitions so much easier. i also miss my cats. damn they're cute. i have this weird urge of missing the renaissance festival too.

i had two bowls of cinnamon life this morning. i'm such a pig.

and i made a complete arse out of myself this morning as well, but I'm over it now.

ps. i'm going to be seeing Monty Python's Spamalot. Seriously. Can I even begin to describe to you how effing excited I am? I'm pretty sure I can't.

/
/

i suppose there's been stuff going on. you just don't know all of it. sorry this hasn't been more fulfilling. internet access doesn't exactly come easily to these parts. and it's inconvenient. and rather boring. and not comfortable.
/
i'm so excited to be reading again. i've read about 5 books already this summer and it has been fantastic. i love it. and i'm in love with it.
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good things are happening.
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my bday is coming up and i don't know what to ask for. my parents offered an expense paid vacation to someplace like chicago with a friend or two. and as amazing and perfect as that would be, i feel i should be working on getting more practical stuff. i'm in debt and have a lot of expenses coming my way. but damn i need a vacation.
/
can i just begin to even describe how taken advantage of i am at work? seriously. i do SO DAMN much in that office, and i hardly get compensated. their idea of compensation is a free giant cookie. that's cool i guess, but it's hardly compensation. i mean, seriously. i've been training most of the new people coming in her and i do all the duties that a blue tag (level higher supervisorial type position) does without getting the pay and benefits. it's a little upsetting, but maybe it will be changing. i AM glad however for the fact that my supervisor's love me and are willing to trust so much with me. that IS rewarding. but not enough.
/
it's so nice outside. it's silly for me to be sitting her typing to you.

Drag....Again...

2006-04-21T01:48:00.000-04:00

As previously stated, this is Spring Fling week on the love that is Western Campus at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Today, Thursday, marked "Identity Crisis Day" in which you switch "identities" with another person...friend, acquaintance, professor, staff member...whatever. Hilary had the swell idea of us switching identities because apparently we don't get enough of each other. I think it's just because she really wanted to wear my duck tie. But then again...who doesn't? Of course I had to agree. It's bad taste to go against your facebook wife. (ok. so i lie. i was really happy about the idea. and deer Lord how i love her pants. the shirt, as cool as it is...was rather tight however haha) I'm not going to lie...I got more than a handful of stares on my journeys in and around campus. Today was quite the day of errands too...good timing. Went to econ with Katie, afterwards we went ALL throughout uptown on various errands (even so far as going to Ace Hardware), coming back to the package center and back on down to Peabody. Funny thing is...I don't think I ever felt so confident. It was a strange feeling knowing that I was pretty dern ridiculous and not really caring at all what other people were thinking. And I was really happy, and much more outgoing. Maybe some of Hilary actually was rubbing off on me. Afterwards, there was a bonfire in Pfeffer Park for us Westerner's and our Spring Flinging. And damn Hilary makes a good me. Especially with the beanie...she looked like quite the boy haha. Basically, this all comes down the fact that I was, technically, in drag. oh goodie. and it's not even the first time. some of you might remember Rocky Horror from last semester. And then there was always the time when it all began way back in ninth grade english with ms. garden when I was Juliet and Jessica was Romeo. those were really good days. but apparantly corruptionary.

tomorrow is the twin party and the band festival happening at presser. for FREE. it should be good stuff. and a good excuse to see some of hilary's friends from home again. i do love them so.

saturday I'm ushering (read as getting to see for free) the A.R. Rahman concert in Dayton. It should be pretty cool. I'm sad about (most likely) missing the Western formal...but it will happen again, and there was the charter day ball earlier this year that was a lot of fun, not to mention my closest group of friends doesn't seem too enthusiastic about it, so I think I have my priorities straight here. It should be cool I'm thinking.

The Dresden Dolls were on Jimmy Kimmel last night. Not gonna lie...I might have been a tad bit disappointed. Only a tad though.

Things with Western are still oot and aboot. and scary. really scary. i don't like this at all. how can a place so chock-full of true, deep, Love be such an easy target?

i dont really understand.

saddened by the returning of mona's pants,
brandon

PS There's nothing lucky about a bunny with no feet.

Currently Listening to: An assortment of Nellie McKay as well as The Dresden Dolls (naturally)

Love is in the Art

2006-04-18T17:22:00.000-04:00

A couple of updates:

It's my brothers birthday! Happy Birthday Jason!
Sunday, Easter, I had a revelation while in church. A message from God perhaps? Maybe. Shiree, funny enough, got the same message. We had a really nice talk about it, and it's very very fitting that we both get the same thing. it deals with the romantic realm.
Sunday, Easter, I was lucky enough to spend it with Hilary's family and friends. As always, Mrs. Stevens made oodles and oodles of very yummy food. I missed being with my own family, but it was a good alternative.
More stuff with the Western stuff is happening. There are some articles in the Miami Student coming out. Front Page Story HERE and Editorial HERE
Western College's Spring Fling Started yesterday. Oh! The Excitement! Yesterday was the kickoff with the pancake dinner and start of the Kill Game where people are assigned other people that you hunt down with water guns. it's fun. Today is Get Wet Day on the McKee Beach (complete with water balloons, slip 'n' slides, etc). Wednesday = Movie outside in Ernst Nature Theater day. Thursday is identity crisis day- switch personalities/clothes with someone else. Friday is the twin party. saturday is Western Games! Three-legged race, shore to slimey shore canoe race in the swan pond, and the Box Game (only the best game ever, or so they say). Western's pretty sweet. and it's love.
THIS FRIDAY! 5 Bands playing for FREE at Presser Hall at Miami! FANTATIC bands. It starts at 7pm. Be there!

Open, O' Coloured World

Delhi Drive

Yale

Orange Lazarus

New Zion Haste

In other music news, the long anticipated Dresden Dolls album “Yes, Virginia…” was officially released today. I got it from my mailbox yesterday. It is a vast understatement to say that it is a thing of beauty. There are thirty original art pieces in the booklet and then there is of course the album itself. If you were just planning on downloading the album, I highly shun you, and you are missing out on an amazing experience from actually owning this amazing piece of art (although you can legally listen to the entire album on MySpace. PS I highly recommend the music video for "Sing" - check it out on MySpace...just scroll down the page a lot. It quite literally brings tears to my eyes). Below is the article from which the album name was derived. I really like it.

Dear Editor- I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, If you see it in The Sun, it's so. Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? - Virginia O'Hanlon

Virginia, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The external light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if you did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus? Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

(Printed as is, from the New York Sun, 1897)

Have a great Spring Fling, and enjoy the weather. All my creative juices are being sweated out of my body.

Currently Listening to: The Dresden Dolls - "Yes, Virginia..."

PS The Dresden Dolls will be appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Wednesday, April 19th on your local ABC. Check it out! Also on Wednesday, Alias will be starting up again for its last season. I miss the good ol' days. That used to be such a fantastic show.

Covered Tools (IMPORTANT!)

2006-04-13T15:22:00.000-04:00

[UPDATED: April 19, 2006]

Stuff with the Western College has [literally] blown up within the last 24 hours, and things are a little crazy. I'm not even quite sure how to formulate all of these thoughts. Since the Public Open Forum with the President and Provost last week, things have been all quiet on the Western front. And then...then I don't know what happened. Things have gone buck nutty. I woke up this morning to check my email to find [literally] dozens of outraged emails from fellow westerners. And I must say...looking through all this stuff...I'm rather ashamed of being associated with Miami University, as I feel others should be as well. Why are not more students and community members concerned with what has been going on???? Are the people of this community even more numb to life than I ever thought before? (and i didn't think that was possible) GET UPSET PEOPLE!!!!!

I guess I'm actually delaying relating everything that has happened within the last 24 hours because I'm still trying to make sense of it all myself. There's a lot to take in. On the positive note...we're getting PRESS COVERAGE!! And the one's that are not completely unbiased, are on the side of the students, and I personally find that very encouraging. Current links to relevant articles in:

The Oxford Press: More Time | More Time [Again] | Opinion Pt 1 | Opinion Pt 2
The Columbus Dispatch
The Cincinnati Enquirer
ALL Major Ohio Papers soon to follow! And the NYTimes has been contacted as well. There is a small chance there might even be something in the US News and World Report coming up soon
But then, of course, there is everything in the Miami Student and The Amusement which isn't even worth linking to and is downright disgusting with articles that [for the most part] lack any kind of actual reporting and play only upon stereotypes and personal opinions [such as 'Miami Should Sell Western to Wal-Mart']

I HIGHLY recommend that you spend the time to read these articles. The rest of the information would probably just be better to direct you to our Wiki Page (wiki.wcp.muohio.edu - Spread the Word! It's updated constantly!) Of special interest is some of the new stuff that has come from THIS

Basically...a short summary of things that have happened. We (along with University Senate) are completely incensed at how everyone in this process has been completely ignored and not even ALLOWED to have a part of any of this. Students have had NO PART until we [almost literally] bust down their doors demanding some kind of representation and to have our voice be heard. Which since then have been "giving in to our demands" but only as a lip service...they make it pretty obvious they're not really listening a whole heck of a lot. The big thing that we (along with University Senate) have asked for is more time. Senate approved the bill that was proposed, the President on the other hand seems to be of the mind to ignore what his colleagues have suggested. Only time will tell though...apparantly his decision will be made today or tomorrow. The tension. You can cut it with a knife. Maybe even a spoon. A grapefruit spoon? I can only hope that if President Garland completely deisregards what his colleagues have approved that there will be great consequences (especially considering the whole Harvard fiasco).

More recently is stuff concerning Dr. Carolyn Haynes...a [supposedly] "new" figure to the scene. I'm not really sure where to get started with all of this, but I am going to try my hardest to remain composed and civil. Here's the scoop...recently, Dr. Haynes (the head of the Honors College here at Miami) held a meeting with the honors students to talk about what has been happening with all of this stuff (since it effects them as much as us, and they REALLY don't seem to have any clue as to what has been going on). Since Western kids are obviously smart, there were quite a few Western kids at the honors meeting and Dr. Haynes told what we have since found out has been a complete lie to everyone at the meeting. She had said at one point that she knew very little about what was going on because she had only "one brief 45 minute meeting" with the President and Provost. Within the last 24 hours, it has been found out she was told to lie to everyone. She has actually been in cahoots with the President and Provost on this whole thing for the LAST 2 YEARS and has been integral in the many documents that have come from the Provost's office [Herbst wrote on March 17: "Carolyn, Thanks for your message. In my report, you may recognize some of your text (unattributed). I hope that is all right. Best, JH".

In response on March 20, Haynes wrote: "Of course Jeff! We are a team."] In fact, she is the one who wrote the Provost's report. Everything in the Provost's report came directly from a presentation that Hayne's has given. An interesting quote from Provost Jeffrey Herbst:

"Dr. Garland and I had already agreed that the new Honors College would be headed by a dean. I forgot to put this in the draft report. I apologize to you if this is a rather roundabout way of saying that I would like to change your status. I am not sure when this changeover would occur (probably not next year) and it might require some kind of search (sorry to be vague)."

There is so much deceit, deception, lies, cheating, roundabout MUCK that just makes me sick. I understand that they have their opinions that all of this has probably been in the best interest of the Honor's students, so maybe cannot be contrived as a conspiracy or whatever, but come on people! This is completely disgusting and I cannot believe that money that has been hard earned is going to support such people. I hope they are completely ashamed of themselves in all of this deceit and that just action will be taken.

I just don't understand how the people who shape MY education can pull such moves and fail to realize the drastic consequences and unfairness of all of their actions. I am completely disgusted.

In other news, this past weekend came and went. I went to Columbus for CD101 day and that was pretty darn amazing. Rock Kills Kid (Very good and this weeks free song from iTunes), Bril (not very good at all), Nine Black Alps (a good band from England) [Videos: 1 | 2 ], The Sun (from Columbus, rather fun and enjoyable), The Dresden Dolls (obviously the whole reason why I went) [Videos: 1 | 2 | 3 ], and Ok Go [Videos: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4a/4b ] (the supposed headliner, but I would say over half the place cleared out after the Dresden Dolls. but they were good in any case, and I enjoyed seeing them. They even did a scene from Les Miserables. That was pretty fantastic). I have a lot of pics and video coverage from the concert available. The pics haven't made it to flickr yet [UPDATE: Yes! They Have!], and only one video is up so far (the sound isn't the greatest, and I tried to show a ridiculous "mosh pit" thing going on, and unsuccesfully, but you get the general picture)...but the rest should be up [somewhat] soon. [UPDATE: And Now it is!! All videos are up, including Ok Go performing "The Confrontation" from Les Miserables. Check out my video's HERE. Thanks]

This weekend is Easter. Woot? I wish I could somehow go home, I would like to see my family and be there with them. I miss my family and my grandparents (and their cooking!). Who knows what will happen this weekend.

The weather has been ridiculously nice all of a sudden...it kind of came out of nowhere if you ask me. But I won't complain. It has just made me realize that I should probably have a pair of sandals. I hate wearing shoes. Especially when it's warm out.

I'm ushering some shows coming up, so that should be cool (read as get in for free!). This weekend for The Good Person of Setzuan which I've helped build the set for and everything, and that it should be cool to see the fruition of all that work. Next weekend I will be going to Dayton to usher an A.R. Rahman show called Wake Up! He has personally asked for Western Students to usher his show because he was so impressed by us when he came last semester (so that's pretty cool). He's the most famous composer in Bollywood (who knows how many times larger than hollywood), the composer of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Bombay Dreams, the new Lord of the Rings musical, many MANY movies (including Spike Lee's Inside Man and Andrew Niccol's God of War) and he has been signed on for the 2008 Olympics. That should be pretty cool I would imagine.

I miss reading for fun. And feeling unstressed. So many things going on. And I'm starting to feel kind of empty inside. That's no good at all.

Before I start another rant...

Peace, Pillows, and Fairness to All,
brandon michael

Currently Watching: The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Elephants and Midgets [IMPORTANT!!]

2006-03-26T02:05:00.000-05:00

[UPDATED: March 28, 2006]

Pre-P.S. Due to the length and importance of this blog, I probably won't be writing any new entries for some time. But as new information becomes available, I will most likely be adding to this entry, so please be on the lookout for such happenings. And on to the regularly scheduled programming...

Friday night, it was Lindsey Manilla’s 20th birthday. There was a party. Not any party. The kind of party you get to call a Rootbeer Kegger dance party down in the ol’ ‘Nati. It was a fantastic time. Especially when we brought out the games. Apples to Apples is a new co-favorite game. Lindsey, may I just reiterate how glad I am that you decided to push your way forth from that bleeding placenta. I spent the night in a nook. There was only a small semblance of a cranny. It was probably the most amazing sleeping arrangement ever and I should have taken pictures. It was a loverly nook that makes me want to live with Lindsey forever.

Thursday I was at the hub from before 8 in the morning until 5:30 at night minus the time from 1230-145 when I went to my econ class. I didn’t eat. I didn’t pee. I vocalized my life away trying to save Western. We got 1300 signatures on our petition. Not too shabby I suppose. But this is only the beginning. And the frank ol’ meanness of fellow students is unsettling. I’m getting more into all of this later though…it’s essentially what this entire post is about, I’m just trying to recall some of the other events that have been happening lately.

Thursday night, after the exhausting time at the hub, a group of us got all dressed up fancy-like and had dinner in the 1809 room. Good times. Me and Shiree split from the group to go to the Remnants/Misfitz concert. It was excellent. I was thinking about western stuff the whole time though and that made it a little harder to enjoy. Benny was wearing a tie that I own. Good times. Shiree is a loverly date.

I feel there were other things that have been going on, but they all seem so inconsequential and unimportant with all these other happenings going on, so lets get to it.

So, this whole Western thing has really been a source of much upsettedness, frustrations, and just general depression and anger. There are so many fallacies and just general rumors that seem to be circulating both from a student perspective and an administrative one. Maybe it’s somewhat expectant to hear students spread such things, but the administration? I find that absolutely disgusting and unprofessional. There is no reason why students paying $120k+ should be subject to such treatment. And our fellow students…what is wrong with you? We are humans just like the rest of you. We passed the same admittance tests and procedures as you. We are members of this (fine?) institution like the rest of you. Why so much hate? Why is there this ridiculous amount of passion against this random group of students who happen to have a different major than you? That has got to be one of the most ridiculous set of criteria to dislike someone as I have ever heard. And because we are a small fraction of the population, we can be bullied and singled out. And the fact that the administration is really actually fueling all of this distrust and pack of lies…completely disgusting. The truth needs to get out there. I know this silly little blog isn’t going to reach very many people (and certainly nobody with any kind of power or probably any other random Miami kid whose undecided on the issue and who would most benefit from such a thing), but if anything, maybe it will make me feel slightly better and have a little more hope.

The Claim (Administrative Based): The Western College program is ungodly expensive (2-3 times as much!) and it’s not fair that it costs the university so much money when so many other poor little programs throughout the university are so poor and are no burden whatsoever upon the university.

The Facts: The cost per student (or FTE) goes something like this:
The Average cost of a Miami Student to the University: $3430/Semester
The cost of a western Student: $5210/Semester
The cost of a Botany student: $5270/Semester
The cost of an engineering student: $27,930/Semester

As much as the provost would like to tell everyone that we cost twice (and sometimes three) times as much as anybody else on campus, that statement is obviously false. We are only about 50% more, and there are many other programs that cost more than us, some cost SIGNIFICANTLY more than us. Another irony in the whole thing, the engineering college is fairly small as well, so it seems silly that we would be the target of all of this. Not to mention that western is incredibly unique to Ohio, while there are so many better qualified engineering schools in Ohio and the Midwest in general than the Miami program.

There is also more to these figures. They do not include outside administrative costs. The western college program has almost no costs because of this…we have one dean, two assistant deans, and in terms of building maintenance, all our classes are combined in two buildings, one of which houses mostly other departments classes (such as English, science, and education). The college of arts and sciences on the other hand racks up HUGE costs in all of the administrative costs that go into running such an extensive school.

NEW Updated Information (3/26/2006):

From the 2005-2006 General Fund Budget (Oxford Campus ONLY):

TOTAL Oxford Campus General Fund Budget: $394,293,742

School of Interdisciplinary Studies portion of that general budget: $2,095,991 (this $2 million goes toward instruction and administration and that is all)

$2,095,991 of $394,293,742 equals .53% of the general fund budget for the Oxford Campus. Western College students comprise 1.3% of the student body.

To say that Western costs 2-3 times as much is completely absurd and not something the administration should be able to get away with saying.

The Claim (Administrative Based): The Western College Program is insular and doesn’t integrate with the rest of the campus, and really doesn’t add anything to the Miami Community whatsoever.

The Facts:

In a recent survey of just 35 random Western students, over 100 Miami organizations were represented. There is no doubt that we are active throughout campus.

The Living-Learning community which is so widely used across Miami’s campus was founded in the Western program, and shows great success in its hoped goals.

Western also adds prestige…but that’s another claim that needs to be recognized separately.

Western students are represented in all other departments. Just like everyone else, we take our BMZ classes and our psych classes and our business classes etc etc.

A 1995 award of $1.7 million by the National Science Foundation, in cooperation with the National Science Teachers Association, has supported creation of Dragonfly, an online and print journal of science discovery that publishes writings by both practicing scientists and elementary school children. This project links faculty committed to writing, computer-assisted learning, and discovery science in a publishing venture that grew out of undergraduate team-teaching in the Western College Program. The organization facilitates interdisciplinary teaching online to about 600 teachers online and takes about a hundred teachers and Miami students abroad to countries like Namibia and Thailand for experiential instruction each year.

The idea of the Senior Capstone was created in the Western Program which adds to the prestige of the students coming out of Miami.

The Claim (Mostly Student based): Western has no academic credibility. They just sit over there coloring- they like to “free-load” off the rest of the students at Miami.

The Facts: Where to even begin?

President Garland himself can be quoted as saying that Western College consistently has the highest marks as a department in terms of high school GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and in their essays.

80% of Western Students continue on to graduate school, the highest proportion of any department in the University. This structure and the prevailing seminar format of classes, a core ideal at Western, is similar in grad school so Western graduates can be particularly avid in such environments right from the start.

As stated before…the senior capstone was created at Western, but no program has nearly the extensive requirements that Western expects of all its students. The senior western project includes a minimum of an 80 page report (usually closer to 100 pages), extensive research, a literary review, and close advising over multiple years in preparation. Making it through this process is anything but a walk in the park. The administration has also commended the efforts of all graduating western majors in the completion of this rigorous process that they say goes above and beyond what anyone could expect of them.

College Review publications like Barron's have cited ("Miami's strongest programs, those of the very liberal-arts-oriented School of Interdisciplinary Studies and the real-world Richard T Farmer School of Business Administration, represent both extremes of academia" --“Barron's Best Buys in College Education” Eighth Edition by Lucia Solorzano. P.447) it along with the Farmer School as one of Miami's strongest programs. Another book, by Frank Ha, called "America's Top 229 Universities" (available in multiple languages such as Chinese) gives credit to the Western Program as a source of great academic achievement at Miami.

A comparative study of Western students in their first year clearly shows Western achievement.

Western Student Awards received per Year: Awards List (starting 1999)

Despite only making up 1.3% of the total Miami Student body, graduating Western College Program seniors make up 25% of the awards administered by the university. Western students also make up 10% of the honors college. It seems key from these disproportionate numbers that Western needs to stay intact in order to attract such high level students to the university that otherwise wouldn’t be here.
Procter and Gamble has been quoted as saying that the percentage of the people whom they higher who actually have business degrees is very very low. Most of the people they are looking for and hiring now are people with strong Liberal Arts/Interdisciplinary backgrounds. This is a continuing trend that has exploded in the business world and strengthens the argument that such programs need to stick around.

The Claim (Sadly, only mostly student claims. This includes campus tour guides): Over there is just where all the pot-smoking tree-hugger hippies live.

The Facts: Cool, lets resort to downright name-calling. I find it doubtful that the percentage of pot smokers is any different at Western than anywhere else. Yes, maybe some of us are ‘tree-huggers.’ Lets also consider that Western College houses the majors of Environmental Studies and Environmental Science. Just because someone has different political ideals doesn’t make them wrong or stupid or anything else. It seems silly that on a college campus of all places, where progressive thought is supposed to be encouraged and nurtured, you can be segregated from the rest of a campus because your programs percentage of students who identify themselves as liberal is slightly higher than the campus average. There are certainly more than just a couple conservatives over here…so what’s the big deal? You’re in college paying thousands of dollars…add learning to have an open mind to your list of educational experiences. It will prove to be invaluable.

The Claim (Administrative): This has been a transparent process. We have asked for student involvement.

The Facts: Any one with any sense of anything could be able to see instantly that students have been no part of this whatsoever. They are able to make this claim of student representation because a year ago an External Review Committee sat down with three randomly selected students for a period of two hours to talk about the strengths and weaknesses of the program. It seems highly inappropriate for an administration to completely dissolve a program that would effect hundreds of students currently, previously, and thousands in the future on the opinion of what three people were able to say in a period of two hours. This process didn’t became transparent to the students of Western until March 6th of this year, when the deadline for decision was the end of April. A month and a half the students would have. And THIS is the main concern. Why won’t the administration allow for student input? Is there NO concern for the education of the students who are putting a ridiculous sum of money into the institution? Isn’t it fair to just step back from the corporate world for just a couple minutes to realize that education is on the line here? I realize the need to be business-savvy in running a university, but is there no weight at all put upon the importance of the education factor? If rather than being sneaky and having apparently life-changing decision making processes behind closed doors with a select few hired committees, why couldn’t the administration just said hey, we’re making some changes, this is what we want our end result to be…what can we do to get to this end goal? If this were the case Western would have been more than happy to be collaborative with the administration in making these changes and making sure it was satisfactory for everyone.

And now, the outside resources:
1) In 2004, Western was under review and asked to submit a strategic plan for change as part of a process that every department goes through with no implication that it was for the cause of possible complete revamping and dissolution of the program. Western embraced this and got really excited about having the chance to make reforms to our program. As a community we sat down and held discussions about changes we would like to see and how to develop them and we came up with a significant 70 pg report by Western faculty which, except one point, was largely ignored by both subsequent University Publications. It was released in January but was recently erroneously quoted in the Miami Student as being non-existent ("Western also doesn't have a strategic plan"--the quote was outdated).

Contains changes to raise FTE (faculty output) numbers to mitigate the cost per student now that it is evident this is needed (pg 26).

Is consistent with established academic Interdisciplinary methodologies because it was developed with professors in this field.

It makes significant changes to the structure of Western cutting across the program--All parties acknowledge that the program is ripe for interesting changes.

The report: 2006 and Future Strategic Plan (pdf)
2) WCP External Review (pdf) - These faculty from other colleges published from their experiences after a three day visit in January 2005.

"Our most important conclusion is that the Western College Program has much to offer its students, the university and higher education as a whole and that it should be valued, preserved, nurtured and developed. It has successfully addressed a number of critical challenges facing US education over the past thirty years, creating a coherent set of programs that is quite rare." (pg 1)

3) Provost Site

Winkler Report This report was released from a private committee the Wednesday before Spring Break (March 6) to Western College members but kept off limits to requesting faculty generally throughout the university for several more weeks. Though reasonable & due communication process was claimed on this committee, the Dean of Western Bill Gracie was not given any updates or correspondence on the contents of the report until the final release. It was originally stipulated that he would be the sole outlet for the closed committee.

One crucial criticism that was made here was that the other Interdisciplinary Departments at Miami (Interactive Media Studies, Women Studies, International Studies, etc) were invited in front of the Winkler committee and did not want to slide their program into the existing School of Interdisciplinary studies.

There were suspicious happenings here though: four of the nine interdisciplinary programs were initially invited and then disinvited from the proceedings, leaving only five departments from Arts and Science to unanimously disagree.

Herbst Report Provost Jeff Herbst's report on Western taking into account the Winkler report, personal appreciations, and (allegedly) the 2006 Strategic Plan. It becomes plainly obvious that he really didn't go over the strategic plan we worked on for him though. He covers his ground by slightly mentioning it, but by name only. None of the proposals we actually worked on were commented on or mentioned, so it seems rather likely that all of our work was thrown out the window. We're disrespecting the other students in all of this? That is absurd. We are the ones being disrespected.

This release was timed such that six students had to skip their spring break, remaining in Oxford, in order to meet with Herbst and have any say in the report.

As Western Students, We take deep offense at the condemning language in several parts of this report. It is unfoundedly severe. Specifically Section III implies fundamental flaws in Western College without providing any concrete backing. It also ignores the high quality students which demonstrably rise from Western.

A Resolution to Maintain the Core Values of the WCP (pdf) - ASG Resolution passed March 21 supporting and reaffirming Western student's voice and recommending 25% student involvement in any planning committee which has so far largely been left out.

I have taken up a lot of your time, but I hope that you have all taken the time to go through all of this and made an honest effort to make any kind of sense out of everything. It is clear that a democratic process has not been followed and that the past, present, and future of Western is seriously being wronged. And for what reason? I’m still not entirely sure. It’s really seeming like more of a personal attack than anything else. Once again, thank you for going through all of this hearing a simple Western student’s point of view and taking the time to learn some of the real facts.

If you would like to help, send an email to President Garland (president@muohio.edu) and Provost Herbst (herbstj@muohio.edu) and let them know that you don’t appreciate ignoring the democratic process, and that this vital, rich, and beautiful community deserves to stay and allowed to grow. This hits close to home. This IS my home. This is my family. Never before have I been so passionate about anything or had so much pride in anything. We are an amazing and unique community that should be allowed to flourish. This is our education and should be treated as such.

Of course, if all else fails, we still have our elephant, midgets sheathed in plastic, and a beaver. And where is Helen Peabody in all this? We told her that she was relieved of her haunting duties in order to give her time for more planning on her part. We can use all the help we can get. She was busy fishing at the time.

Currently Listening to: Regina Spektor's "Soviet Kitsch" (Umm...yeah. I think it's love)

PS. Some very happy news...the CD101 concert is happening again. And soon. And I'm going! I wish someone owed me money. The Sun!! Ok Go!!!!! THE DRESDEN DOLLS!!!!!!!! (along with Bril, Rock Kills Kid, and Nine Black Alps) How can you not get excited?!? It's going to be a dance party for the ages. I really wish someone owed me money. And lots of it. How about President Garland? I kinda feel like maybe he owes me some money.

PPS. My obsession has officially reached obsession level, finally. Two nights ago I actually had a dream about the Dresden Doll. I was reading their blog, and they mentioned my name specifically. That's all there was to it, but I woke up feeling very very happy. I do comment on all her blog entries afterall, and she did give me a hug all on her own. Maybe there's something to it.

Buttercup

2006-03-02T13:53:00.000-05:00

Today:

Sasha Cohen was on Ellen (maybe a little short and disappointing, but it was Sasha Cohen nonetheless)
Made a complete arse out of myself by being the awkward person that I am and I love it and feel good about it and am rather hopeful.
My parents have bribed me with food, and I love it. Today I received two packages...one with Paczki (apple and raspberry nonetheless), and fudge. Oh some very delicious fudge from Frankenmuth. Black forest and Turtle variety (probably only my favorites).
The weather is rather nice outside...really windy...but nice.
My pool game is getting better (I think)
My fridge is full of delicious food
I got more than 7 hours of sleep last night
The weekend is coming up
Swing Dancing Saturday night!!
I like shy people
Feeling confident (despite the fact I'm doomed to be wearing my glasses for an unknown length of time that I'm sure is going to be longer than I would like. I haven't been out in public in my glasses since coming to college...it feels kinda weird.)
One test down, one to go
The weekend is coming up and my fridge is full of delicious food and I am awkward.

It's a good day.

Currently Listening to: "Simple Things" by Zero 7

Prostitutes, Jesus, and Billy Joel

2006-03-01T19:26:00.000-05:00

So last night was excitingly uneventful. Or maybe it's the other way around. Slightly disappointing maybe is actually the best way of putting that. At roughly 1am I changed into my hoodie and sneakers and decided to go for a little jog around Western while listening to some rather spectacular music from my oh-so-aptly named "Dancing Happiness" Playlist on my overly stuffed iPod. In the middle of the jog I decided to stop for a couple rounds of pool to try to get my game back to par, and I did fairly well and did a couple of rather impressive shots if I do say so myself. Maybe it's just the pressure of the game thats got me. Oh well. With a little more practice maybe the "pressure" won't be so devastating on my game and I might actually be semi-decent rather than the previous embarrassing performances. Anywho...

2 happy things of the week (and they're really really shallow):

Felicity Huffman was on Ellen DeGeneres' show today - seriously, my heart was overwhelmed. Probably 2 of my most favorite female celebs...altogether as one happy family.
On a very related note, tomorrow Sasha Cohen will be on Ellen. The newest person to whom I must bestow a smile and a slight uplifting of the heart towards.

Sad, but true. And now, for the real reason for this post...it was something that Hilary got really really excited about and she ended up writing a short entry in her journal about it, so I decided to copy and steal it. So the following are all of Hilary's thoughts and words, I just thought it would really be worth sharing it with more people, because I think it's fantastic, as most things Hilary does are.

Matthew makes such a big point of saying that the line of David has whores in it. Jesus=related to prostitutes(Tamar, Rahab). and the ungodly rulers of Israel (Jehoshaphat, Asa). The very first chapter in the very first book of the new testament. that's what was important first. that Jesus was irreversably connected to harlots and corrupt politicians. it's supposed to be obvious, but it gets lost in all those "begat"s.

Isn't that loverly? I love my Hilary dearly. And I finished the third Lemony Snicket book last night.

Mustard and Pork Chops,
Brandon Michael

PS. Today is the first day of March...happy getting closer to spring day! Also also...yesterday was PACZKI DAY!!!! It's not celebrated in this part of Ohio sadly enough, but my mom is supposedly sending some my way so that I may have a slightly late celebration of this fantastic Polish Fat Tuesday. I really love being Polish. And days like this can really make me miss home sometimes.

Currently Listening to: Whatever incredibly annoying thing my roommate has decided to put on while I "try to get my work done" is on in the background. Seriously...what is this crap?

Vagina's and Pineapple

2006-02-24T00:32:00.000-05:00

Sasha Cohen- I Love you. And I want to take you home. And this part of the blog is going to be a random slideshow dedicated to her. I just think that she is pretty much the essence of "cute" and "adorable" in every way imaginable. She just seems like an incredibly sweet and kind person, and she appears to be chock full of personality. A very colorful, vivacious person. She had an amazing short program in figure skating in the 2006 Torino Olympics and ended up finishing figure skating with a silver medal under her belt after the disappointing long program. Frankly...I'm surprised she did so well considering her last performance. But I am proud of her, and I really hope to see her skate again at the next olympics. I don't entirely know what it is...but I just think she is the most amazing person I have ever watched skate. She just seems incredibly beautiful and artistic and aesthetically pleasing in everything she does on the ice. She truly captivates all of my attention when she skates. It was nice to see her awarded as such. Sasha...I look forward to seeing you skate again. And keep on smiling. I think she kind of reminds me of Audrey Tautou...maybe thats a part of it. I dunno. I just want to take you home.
In other news, today I went on my second date of the week with my beautiful and amazing wife Hilary to see The Vagina Monologues, directed by our very own Sally Harrison-Pepper who I had the great pleasure of having as my prof. last semester for my feminist theater class. I also had quite a few friends who were in it which is always fun to see. It also helps that it was on the first floor of Peabody, where I happen to live in good ol' Leonard Theater. Everyone seriously did an amazing job and I'm very glad that I was able to see it, and that the proceeds go to a great charity. I recommend that if you haven't seen it...to go do so. Truly an amazing piece and worthy of all the acclaim it has received. It was actually quite a bit funnier than I thought it was going to be. Always a plus in my books, especially since it still retained the power that's so mandatory in making it a success.

My Human Nature paper isn't due until monday now. This excites me. Especialy since I already started it. Kind of. It looks like I'll be having all weekend to work on it though...nothing seems to be happening this weekend. I'm a little sad/bitter about that. But that's ok. I'll get over it. The last couple of weekends have been really fun, so that's cool.

I feel like there were other things I was wanting to say when I started this off. I guess I just got really sidetracked by the beauty that is Sasha Cohen. Sigh. lol.

At this point...I guess it is toodles for now.

Peace and Pillows
brandon michael

Listening to: A Happy medley with the likes of the beatles, white stripes, mighty mighty bosstones, big bad voodoo daddy, old canes, and modest mouse.

Waste of Time

2006-02-23T01:17:00.000-05:00

This is entirely an unconventional post.

I did some silly survey-ing on my MySpace blog...you can get to it HERE.

Some Updates:

I found my list of crazy Cedar Point occurances. I do hope to update you all on that when I have time
This past weekend was a long one and not too shabby. Was 173% lazy on friday and saturday, sunday went to Hilary's to spend the night and share in board game night, fantastic food, the most comfortable bed I have ever experienced in my life, and just general goodness.
Tonight saw "How I Learned to Drive" in Studio 88 at Miami University (Oxford, Ohio) and the cast did an amazing job. I helped make the set :-D And the loverly, beautiful, talented Shiree Campbell was absolutely amazing in it and I am very proud of her. It's a rather disturbing/awkward play. And very good. Different.
I rather enjoy my job. I get really dirty, sweaty, and smelly. And I love it. And the people are fantastic. It's not a lot...but enough for cell phone bill and a movie once in a while or whatever.
School is incredibly stressful and it causes me to upset myself.
In terms of relationships...I just don't know. I get really hopeful...and maybe too easily. No, definitely too easily. But I'm also very cautious. Usually. Currently, I am rather fine being single and all...but sometimes it would be nice to have that extra glow in my life. I am patient now though. And I have quite the abundance of love in my life as it is.
I'm starting to act upon my spirituality, and I've been rather enjoying it. Hilary has been a major influence, I won't lie. I think it's fantastic though.
Tomorrow I'm seeing The Vagina Monologues being staged right here in Peabody Hall on Leonard Theater. I have a lot of friends in it. I'm rather excited. It's my second date of the week with Hilary, my amazing wife whom I am very much in love with. I wish.
Last night I sat in my room and cried for hours. And I'm pretty sure there wasn't much of a reason.
I am completely and totally infatuated and in love with the Olympics. And Sasha Cohen. I want to take her home. People say I'm weird because I think the Olympics are incredibly romantic. So criterion for a date would be for them to not think this all that weird lol.
I feel like a balanced life is not present or happening whatsoever. And that sucks.
Overall, this has been an amazing year and I have been exceptionally happy.
I'm scared of being too hopeful about something that may only end up disappointing me. I so badly want to be right, though.
This coming monday is the birthday edition of our radio show. You should listen. A User's Guide to Sherpa's. http://www.redhawkradio.com 8-9pm EST. Click on "Listen In"
Money is a very stressful thing.
I feel really behind.
I feel like I'm lacking motivation.
I'm most likely working at Cedar Point this summer again. Janna better be coming back, as well. I hope I can figure out a way of getting some sort of internet connection so I can write to people.
I really really really miss Marvin. My car. He's beautiful. And would come in so handy. And make everyone's lives so much easier. Especially this weekend.
I hope something comes out of this weekend. I hope it might happen. Once again...too much hope.
I wish I could go to bed at reasonable times.
I want my room to be cozy. I almost hate every second I am in it. And I don't want that. Current suggestions to maybe help next year: Curtains on window, curtains over closet opening, a loveseat for next year (the couch seems maybe a bit too long), some really nice rugs/carpets, a hutch for my desk seems borderline mandatory. I DEFINITELY need to change the whole storage/shelving thing. Badly. hardcore style.
I really really love music. I wish I could see concerts more regularly.
I wish less things in life were so complicated.
I wish emotions didn't always have to be so complicated.
I wish the Republican party wasn't so powerful. The Supreme Court stuff is downright scary. Don't they know they need to make things more moderate? I realize you want power, but that's not good for the country. And you should be smart enough to realize that. We need equal authority. The whole congress thing. Senate thing. Too much power. And it's downright scary.
I'm going to continue on with this rant for as long as I can sustain it...the state of the government truly scares me. I have actually cried about it. I have yelled about it. I feel like so many people don't seem to understand things that seem so clear to me. But thats why there's difference of opinions. I'm not even really a hardcore democrat or anything. The whole system is messed up, in my opinion. And nobody wants to change it. And now they wouldn't be able to even if they wanted to. Too much power to republicans. Republicans aren't the only moral people. Democrats are religious moral people as well. They're just able to recognize that religion isn't supposed to play such a horrific hand over the power of the government. So you don't like gay people? That's fine. I can (kinda) understand that I guess. It scares you. You are unfamilar. You have had an odd experience. Whatever. But it is completely utterly ridiculous to say that two people who love each other and are willing to devote themselves to one another should be denied any other person in the same situation. Don't call it marriage..thats fine. That's a religious thing. There's no reason for government to not recognize a union of two people who are together however. And ruin the sanctity of marriage? What does that mean nowadays anymore? Because I'm sure all the taboo crap involving celebrities and whatnot has done so much to save the sanctity of marriage. This country is at a 50% divorce rate. That's ridiculous. Marriage obviously doesn't mean so much to people anymore. And it's actually more likely for gay people to stay together. And why not? Think of all the crap that has to be gone through in order to get to that point. It's something that is taken much more seriously and sacred within the gay community. And if you want to think about it in shallow terms...marriages are one of the most lucrative businesses out there. It brings millions of dollars into the economy each year. Let more people get married. Bring in more money.
If two people get married, they're gonna want to marry animals. To this I say...what the fuck? Nobody is asking to get married to their pet goat. A human being isn't on the same level as an animal when it comes to something like marriage. A goat can't consent to a marriage. A goat can't come and visit you at the hospital when you're in a life-threatening situation. And currently, neither can your spouse. Unless they happen to be of a different gender. You lucky sons of a gun you. Allowing two people to get the same benefits has nothing to do with superiority or whatever it is people like to argue. It's just about equality. it's just about getting what heterosexuals have been able to enjoy for centuries. Marriage shouldn't be a heterosexual privilage...it should be able to be enjoyed by any two loving people who want to be able to.
Newly acquired is the gay adoption thing. This I can understand concern maybe a little bit more. Obviously, completely disallowing it is dumb. But aren't there tests to check for stable homes anyway? If two people can provide a stable, loving environment and is able to deal well with the pressures, then those kids deserve to have a home. How could you deny a child a home and force him to live in subpar foster or orphanages when there are perfectly willing/capable/loving homes available? And don't even say the child will become gay. I'm going to go way down the maturity ladder and say, flat out. You are dumb. Obviously, straight parents dont produce straight kids 100% of the time. And unless you are under some kind of severe psychological stress, nobody just "chooses to be gay" for the fun of it. It's not fun. It's hard. It's complicated. It hurts. It's a way of life you've just got to deal with like anything else.
Why the hell can't people just be open minded and try to learn something and accept something that has no negative impact? Allowing gays to marry will have no affect on you whatsoever. At least no negative effect. Except maybe they reserve the banquet hall for the time you wanted.
Brinkman came to Miami a while ago, and a path to the Supreme Court may be in Miami's future. Brinkman is threatening to sue Miami University because it allows for same-sex domestic partners to receive benefits, which goes against the newly approved Issue One in the state of Ohio. I hope to everything holy and not that Miami doesn't become a wimp and just rollover and give up. It doesn't seem to be showing any signs of that, and the rally against Brinkman seemed pretty strong. If this goes through...it m ight go straight to the supreme court I would think. In a more normal world, this would probably be pretty fantastic. But at this rate, if we have 9 hardcore conservatives serving in the court, I suppose we're pretty screwed.
These thoughts are abrupt and not completley thought out. Sorry if there's any kind of disconjunction.
I really like making up words.
Happy Birthday Karen! Happy Birthday Chris!
I think it's time to end this silly post.

Listening to: Veggie Tales!

Apple Tree

2006-02-15T16:52:00.000-05:00

I think it is safe to say, that as of yet, this has been, by far, the most life-changing year of my life. I feel almost like I have been renewed as a person and that maybe, just maybe, things will start falling together as they should. I have been inexplicably happy these past several weeks with bad days happening less and less. Things don't bother me quite as much as they used to and I seem to be finding joy in the little things now, like I used to when I was little, and I've just been much better about staying in tune with what I want and need out of life and am actually being proactive about making sure this stuff happens.

I feel that everyone should read the book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. I'm definitely going to be looking to read his other books. It was recommended to me by Hilary and she's right in saying that it can definitely be life changing. Reading this book certainly hasn't been the reason why I've been so happy this year and whatnot, but it's a good way of coming into some realizations, especially when coupled with the fantastic therapy that is "Danger Group." I've been able to go twice, while Hilary had a car available unto her, and that was pretty sweet. But now we don't really have a way of getting there anymore and that can be rather unfortunate. Anyway, here is a good quote that I rather enjoy from his chapter titled "Alone: Fifty-Three Years in Space" (it does hold much true afterall, and I can relate):

"I was in Love once. I think Love is a bit of heaven. When I was in Love I thought about that girl so much I felt like I was going to die and it was beautiful, and she loved me too, or at least she said she did, and we were not about ourselves, we were about each other, and that is what I mean when I say being in Love is a bit of heaven. When I was in Love I hardly thought of myself; I thought of her and how beautiful she looked and whether or not she was cold and how I could make her laugh. It was wonderful because I forgot my problems. I owned her problems instead, and her problems seemed romantic and beautiful. When I was in love there was somebody in the world who was more important than me, and that, given all that happened at the fall of man, is a miracle, like something God forgot to curse."

That, my friends, is one of the most beautiful things I have ever heard and it really touches me. As does the fact that Hilary got me a Happy Book. It's a fantastic concept and beautiful because she made it.

This week is rather stressful and probably one of the worst so far this semester, and yet it's still not all around a very bad week, so I find that pretty fantastic. This stupid Western Class "What is Human Nature" is going to kill me. Stick spoons in my eyes and toothpicks through my alveolus while slowly being force-fed llama excrement and sour cream.

I don't really like sour cream.

Also...You all should be listening to my radio show.

**A User's Guide to Sherpa's**
Mondays @ 8pm EST
www.redhawkradio.com (new and improved!)
or
Cable Channel 63 if you're lucky enough to live on Miami's Campus in Oxford, OH
(picture coming soon...hopefully)

And with that, I don't think I have much else to say. I probably actually do, but it must not be all that important.

Many Smiles,
Brandon Michael

Listening to: My "Almost Ultimate" Mix feat. songs by The Decemberists, Shout Out Louds, Muppets, They Might be Giants, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, and much much more happiness.

Flying Cupids

2006-02-14T09:05:00.000-05:00

It has been an insanely long time since I've updated my ol' friend here and for that, many apologies. Currently I don't really have a whole lot of time for an extended update. But I think it's worth it to be cliche and say

Happy Valentine's Day :-D

So I'm not really a huge fan of the holiday, but it's just another day, right? Actually, I can't even say that anymore...I used to not like the holiday, but there's no reason to anymore I realize. Even with being single and all (as I'm apt to be) there's no reason to be bitter. I have so many people in my life who I love and feel loved in return, it matters not. I can not extend enough thanks to the many wonderful people in my life who continue to allow me to shed my Love upon them. A big thank you to all of you.

It doesn't help that this has been a fantastic morning. Yes, it's only 9am and this has been a fantastic morning. When Hilary is right, she is right. I woke up unreasonably early this morning so that I may have the pleasures of having a morning meal commonly known as breakfast uptown with the loverly Kimi Young (who I do not see nearly enough), the beautiful and talented Karen Gotter (whose birthday is fast approaching), and, naturally, Hilary, for whom I am so incredibly thankful for this year. It was a fantastic breakfast and it really did help to brighten the day and just make life seem truly beautiful. So woot for that.

Things have been fantastic this semester. Maybe that's why I haven't been updating. I tend to update when I'm feeling down it seems. And I would love to share all this happiness with you, but today probably isn't the day. At least not now. I should be getting ready for a long day of classes and all that jazz. Tuesday's aren't usually the shortest of days. Much to do.

I have come across the list of crazy people/occurances that happened over this summer at Cedar Point, so hopefully sometime I can get that up. What else is stewing in the books? More movie reviews, maybe some music reviews, and a summary of some of the great happiness happening this semester.

Miami University's Tri-Annual Charter Day Ball was this weekend and it was absolutely fantastic. Pics are up on my flickr site [site|Charter Day Ball]. Not a lot of pics were taken (we were too busy dancing! My calves still hurt...) but you can at least get an idea. I was sporting a stylish suit straight from the '40's, a '60's stretchy red polyester shirt, and a faux hawk, courtesy of Hilary. Everyone looked absolutely amazing and gorgeous. What a fantastic night.

Ok, for real...I should be getting ready for class. Maybe we can have a good chit-chat later.

Many Smiles
Brandon Michael

Casting On

2005-12-21T14:40:00.000-05:00

It is good to be home. I have been home for five days and have essentially done nothing. Mr. Jay was kind enough to drive me back from school and he henceforth spent two nights at my house putting up with my crazy parents asking silly things like they are apt to do. Saturday we went to the Detroit Zoo which was pretty bitterly cold, yet still nice and relaxing. The animals for the most part, weren't on exhibit. But those that were, were fairly active and fun to watch. One case in point is the polar bear exhibit. They had a cub last year and she was rather active when we visited. You can see some video footage I took of her HERE. Listen to the kids...they're pretty funny. We then met my parents at the wonderously delicious and always packed "Alibi" in Rochester...probably one of my very favorite restaurants at home. Their French Onion Soup is truly worthy of killing someone over.

Monday night I met up with Brian and his friend Nicole in Royal Oak, which is now apparently my second home considering that in a four day period since saturday I had been there three times. It was great meeting Nicole and being able to see Brian. We ate at Pronto! which was rather delicious as always. Also as always, a great amount of time was spent at Barnes & Noble. I think it's possible I might have fallen in love there as well haha. But that can be a story for another day.

Today I lunched with my grandparents at Olga's Kitchen since that is right by their condo and it was rather good. I had their Spinach Pie and a bowl of their delicious White Chicken Chili or whatever it's called. It is really rather quite good.

And the rest of my break I have really done nothing but see movies and the like. And now, because nothing else has happened and I have nothing else to recount, I might talk about said movies. But not too much. I personally hate reviews and the like, so that's not really what this is. Just a short recounting.

The Ice Harvest (Currently in Theaters) - Starring John Cusack, Billy Bob Thornton, Oliver Platt, Randy Quaid, Connie Nielsen - Saw this Saturday night with Jay. It was rather delightful. John Cusack and Oliver Platt were especially swell in their performances in this movie. The movie is rather "Fargo"-esque in that it takes place in the cold and is a rather dark-comedy about crime and the things that can go wrong. This movie is rather centered around Christmas so it can be a nice holiday movie. Not really something to bring the kids to though. There are some really good lines and it was worth seeing.

The Muppet Movie (1979) - Starring Frank Oz and Jim Henson with special guest appearances by the likes of Steve Martin, Mel Brooks, Milton Berle, Bob Hope and many others. It's the Muppets, and a classic, and I'm not sure what else there is to say about it. I sadly hadn't seen it before so it was long overdue. I needs to be much educated in the ways of the muppets, but I am getting there. (Random Sidenote: Go HERE if you happen to listen to my radio show, enjoy the muppets, enjoy liquid refreshments, or are unfortunate enough to be of the human race. It's rather mandatory) So yeah...it's basically the journey of how the muppets met kind of and it is naturally filled with the wonderful classic muppet humor we have come to know and love. It is a must see, naturally.

Muppets from Space (1999) - Starring Frank Oz, Brian Henson, Jeffrey Tambor, Dave Goelz, Steve Whitmire, Bill Barretta - A story focused around the very lovable Gonzo the Whatever. Basically, it's his whatever-ness that gets him is a huff as he tries to figure out where he comes from and the like. It is, of course, filled with that loverly muppet humor that we have come to learn to love and adore. I remember when this movie had come out I had no interest in seeing it, but I guess I also didn't realize how beautiful the muppets were at that time. I was not disappointed with this movie, and even though it comes after the passing of Jim Henson, it is a rather fantastic movie and is written very well. I once again will recommend this movie to any muppet fan. It's better than it seems, in my opinion.

Brokeback Mountain (Currently in Theaters) - Starring Heath Ledger, Jake Gyllenhaal, Randy Quaid, Anne Hathaway, Michelle Williams - I saw this with John in Royal Oak last night. A much hyped up fairly independent film from director Ang Lee (Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon). It was rather disappointing though, and I have heard from others that it wasn't as good as they were hoping. It was still pretty good though, don't get my wrong, but it seems much more hyped up than what it was worth. I think that it is worth seeing, but it is rather slow moving and to tell you the truth, not a whole lot happens. I found myself being bored for parts of it, but I do appreciate the story quite a bit and I'm glad at the splash that it appears to be having with the public. Both Jake and Heath do a great job acting I feel. So take it for what you will, maybe slightly disappointing, but a good story and great acting. Just slightly slow moving.

Empire Records (1995) - Starring Anthony LaPaglia, Rory Cochrane, Johnny Whitworth, Robin Tunney, Renee Zellweger, Liv Tyler, Ethan Embry, Coyote Shivers, Maxwell Caulfield - I will say that I am quite disappointed nobody has told me to see this before. Maybe it was assumed that I already had, a fairly safe assumption, considering it has quite a few things that I love, Renee Zellweger among them. I have the Remix Special Fan Edition, and now I am just that. A fan. A big one. It's like a (slightly) updated Breakfast Club and just fantastic on so many levels. Great music, great story lines, and superb acting. Maybe it's a little cliche and slightly predictable, but the way they get you there is worth it. This seriously has to be one of the great movies of my generation and I am so glad it was $7 at Best Buy which tempted me to pick it up. Ok, so maybe "great" over does it, it's certainly no Amelie or something like that, but as a cultural-identity piece in a teenage struggle, it is perfect. I think that's all I can say about that. This is such a great movie, and now one of my favorites. Kudos.

PS. Movies I still want to see that I haven't seen and need someone to go with to see them (in no particular order):

Chronicles of Narnia
King Kong (I think I'm going with my family though...)
Syriana
The Producers
The Squid and the Whale
TransAmerica
Walk the Line
The Family Stone (Yeah, this is sad, but true. I shouldn't admit to wanting to see this)
Memoirs of A Geisha
Mrs. Henderson Presents
Pride & Prejudice
Capote

And that's about all I can think of right now...

It seems feasible that I won't be updating again until after Christmas, so I hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday season and all that jazz.

Peace, Pillows, and many warm Candles,
Brandon Michael

Currently Listening to: Misc. Tegan and Sara, and also Belle & Sebastian - "Fold Your Hands Child, You Walk Like a Peasant" and some misc.

PPS. "Step Into my Office, Baby" by Belle and Sebastian has to be one of the greatest songs ever. The end.

Moo Cows and Oink Oinks

2005-12-01T19:29:00.000-05:00

And on this day, the first of December in the year of 2005, much happiness has entered the aura of Brandon. I wake up on this fine day to fairly bright and cheery morning and while watching the outside world on my Thursday morning of laziness awaiting Ellen DeGeneres' arrival on the tube, it begins to snow. A snow of big white fluffy flakes that is the essence of all snows everywhere. The first REAL snow of the season before it gets all nasty and grody and dirty and just filled with the happy fluffiness one comes to love in snow. After the day pauses for this delightful moment, I realize Ellen is about to start, so I rush my Cherry Poptart to the microwave for it's heated pastry goodness and turn on the tellie tube. Lo and behold, Ellen is on as I was expecting. Being still in my pajazma's of cuddly goodness, I grab my fuzzy blanket and snuggle in on the couch for an hour of Ellen and PopTart goodness. And goodness it was. The next little while passes without much cause as I lazily waste away the time until my first class starts at noon thirty in the basement of where I live in the glorious Peabody Hall. My Medicine and Ethics class. Normally, it is an interesting class, but the class period goes on without much direction and it seems to center around endless debates. Today, the entire class seemed to be in quite the odd mood as was I, and it being towards the end of the year, it was an odd mood of goodness, and overall a very interesting class period. Some of which I will recount for you.

Medicine and Ethics, WCP 231: Let me get my notes out for a little better recounting of the incident. Un memento por favor.

...

Here they are. The entire class period centered around Death and Grief, and I must say, it was highly entertaining and quite happy. Funny how that works. Oh, before continuing. On Monday, we are holding a memorial service in Kumler Chapel for all those people that we have studied this year who have passed on. It's at 11am for roughly an hour and various people will be doing various creative-type things to express ourselves on such a subject. It should be nice, and I'm actually kind of looking forward to it if that doesn't sound too weird and disturbing.

Anyhoosiers, back to the class period of this day. Death and Grief. We began by doing a creative activity, in which she (being my prof Muriel- PS- a Segue...A cool thing about Western. ALL of the professors want and expect you to be quite casual and call them by first names and stuff. I think that's cool. Not many people with Doctorates are ok with that.) Anyway she wanted us to create a metaphor for these two concepts. Creativity certainly is not my forte (And for Hilary's sake, the bunny I painted as a little kid doesn't count lol). I was pretty pleased with myself though. I suppose they're incredibly cliche. But I'm ok with that. And here they are. Death: The last leaf on the trees of Autumn falls to the ground and gives way to new life. So maybe the wording needs to be redone, it seems kind of awkward but we didn't have a lot of time here people. Grief: The tumultuous waves of the sea crash against one another until received calmly at the shore. (PS: We put these one overheads (do those even still exist? I haven't seen them since like junior year of high school!) and this is always nice for those of us lucky enough to be left-handed- it's a bad picture, but trust when I say there is overhead marker EVERYwhere)

Some other interesting metaphor's that had been brought up from the idea of grief was drying off with a wet towel and a scream in the darkness. It was a really interesting conversation that developed because it turned out that a lot of people had very similar ideas behind their metaphors. The idea of death usually had something to do with some kind of change and a type of closure. It was looked upon as a good thing for the most part, and a very natural process. Grief on the other hand had lots of negative connotations and usually revolved around processes that served no real purpose or didn't accomplish anything and as an unnatural process. I never really realized how unanimous it was that death was seen as a relatively good thing...It's the grief that's really the culprit. Interesting I thought, kind of put things in perspective more. This led to a discussion of the many different types of funerals and such which I never really thought about either. There are your standard religious centered funerals, but then you also have jazz funerals which are fairly popular, those that decide they want to do the preparing and burying type activities themselves, and wakes among others. Jazz funerals seem pretty cool...The body is accompanied by slowish jazz music, it's buried, then the music breaks off into celebratory happiness. Some families feel comforted by doing the dressing and stuff themselves when preparing the body and it makes sense that it would be much better upon the grieving process. I was personally very attracted to the idea of the wake, and I think it is what I would like to have done. It's pretty much, putting it simply, a party at the dead guy's house. It's a celebration of the person's life and a way of keeping the body company between death and being put to rest. I would like to think that people could be happy upon my passing and that there would be enough people around who cared that an awesome party could be commenced in my honor. Who wants all that sadness in their memory? Obviously people are allowed to have their nice quiet moments of reflection and whatever, but overall, I think people should enjoy some wining and dining and some rock & roll. That is what I want.

Random segue: I really heart Ellen DeGeneres. Her little part in the new satellite radio commercials makes me laugh. Quite heartily. Especially her comment about wanting to be Amish. Oh Randomitity. I heart thee.

Back to the events of the day...Medicine and ethics ended, I bundled up, tuned into my iPod and trudged across campus in the wintery goodness to my BMZ (Botany, Microbiology, Zoology) class. Which is hell, to say the least. I hate that class with a passion. It's boring and just blah. It doesn't make me feel like the smartest person in the world. There are three different prof's that kind of teach their own specialties. One of them is a guy who I really dislike with quite a passion if nothing else just because he annoys me to no end (although, he did play "They Might be Giants" one day in class and that did bring some bliss and if it was anyone else would have scored some massive points) and the other professor doesn't speak english. He was nice enough and cool, but I couldn't understand anything he ever said and that made it quite difficult. The third professor however I really like. Her quiz's are quite difficult because she likes to make them fill in the blank without a handly little word bank and I'm sorry...but I don't remember silly terms that easily when they're long complicated words I never use. Anywho, I really like her. And she is filled with randomitity. And now, some Quotes: (I think a lot of the humor comes from how she stated the following, but on their own still rather funny in their random way)

Turning around from the board, she was talking about how, as odd and unbelievable and some people seem to think it is, people are animals as well. Which she followed by: "Think about a giraffe driving a car. *long pause* That's CRAZY!" It was really quite funny.
A couple slides later, in a slide that had random different types of animals, we were discussing what makes an animal an animal. One of the pictures was a cat. "This is Edgar. As you can see, he's very well-fed. *long pause* Sigh, my first born!"
In talking about cell division and mitonic cleavage: "I know, it's a time in your life when you've got a lot going on with cleavage." At this point, I think I fell in love.
In talking about different types of animals, there are those that are "less sophisticated" and have one opening for both the mouth and anus. Then, we discuss "more advanced" animals that have the separate openings for the mouth and anus, to which this was added to such creatures: "Now with Christmas and all that mistletoe, Phew. Wouldn't want the mouth-anus guys."

I came back, did some more chilaxing, working out, showering, and then a loverly evening commenced with my friend Laura. We wanted to go bowling, but they didnt have open bowling going on, so we decided to get some food. I needed to go to the devil that is known as Wal-Mart to pick up some boring generic yarn for a class project and some cool yarn for my own indulgence. There's a Subway inside so we ate there. It apparently only employs people with serious malfunctions. They were quite incompetent. But anywho, I had a nice half sub and some yummy soup. Despite the incompetence. While driving back, we went through Uptown Oxford and it was just so pleasant in the fluffy snow and bright glowing gorgeous Christmas lights that decorated the town. We decided to stop at Starbucks and man what an awesome decision. Apparently, Starbucks is amazing. They were giving away FREE Peppermint Mochas. We were not aware of this originally, but it was quite the wonderful discovery. I went in there and asked for the Grande Peppermint Mocha (I decided to be adventerous. I normally get the peppermint hot chocolate during the time of holiday greetings) and the cashier stated, "Well, if you get the Tall, it's free." How could I pass this up? And it was crazy delicious. And Free. As we exited the establishment de Free Coffee Goodness, Christmas Carols Commenced and we entered the fluffy snow goodness once more with hot peppermint mocha in hands, keeping them warm.

All of this, has definitely led to happiness. And now...it can only go up. Tomorrow will be the loverly choraliers concert and I can see the talent of many of my friends. It will then be followed by a weekend which can only be pure bliss, I'm sure.

Then a week of hell. Damn. But I'll worry about that later.

For now, I am happy.

Peace, Cherries, and Oodles of Noodles,
Brandon

Currently Listening to: Squirrel Nut Zippers - "Hot"

Chance of Meatballs

2005-11-30T17:15:00.000-05:00

Well Hello and Good Evening.
I don't really have much to report, I just wanted to direct your attention to this. It's a PDF file (Get Adobe Acrobat Reader for free HERE) that was published by the Human Rights Campaign that goes through and rates different companies upon their kindliness. Some things were certainly surprising going through it. Meijer is one of the lowest rated stores in all of the categories (and we all know how much I Love Meijer) and some how disgustingly enough Wal-Mart got a fairly decent score. Also, Abercrombie & Fitch/Hollister recieved relatively low scores. That's pretty damn odd considering...lol. That's ok...I refuse to shop there anyway. In related news, Miami University of Ohio is currently undergoing some legalities because State (Ohio) Representative Thomas Brinkman, Jr. has decided to sue the university "alleging that Miami's domestic partner benefit program violates Article XV, Section 11 of the Ohio Constitution (the "Marriage Amendment"). The lawsuit asks the Butler County Court of Common Pleas to enjoin the University from continuing to provide domestic partnership benefits. " How are people like this elected? This is dispicable, and I hope he is ashamed of himself and realizes what a horrible thing he is doing. Why shouldn't people with slightly different (and in NO way harmful to others) views be kept from recieving their benefits? Argh. People make me sick sometimes.

Christmas is going to be a little odd this year I think. We don't really have any decorations up because of our new furry friends that enjoy ransacking the house and anything/everything in it. Hopefuly by next year they'll be a little less curious about everything. They are too lovable to get angry with though. It will be held at my Aunt Jan's this year, and once again Christmas Eve will be at my household instead of my grandparents. I suppose this shall do. It will kind of be stinky without all of the decorations though. Our house is normally so pretty with all of the Christmas decorations. My mom is going to make all the food she was originally intending to make for Thanksgiving, so that's good.

I expanded on my "Uncle Ben's Ready Rice" adventure today. Last time I had tried Roasted Chicken and it was quite good, but left a somewhat rank odor in the microwave. Today I tried the Spanish Rice and it was both even more delicious and less odorific. I am so glad I have discovered this wonderful feat in food. This stuff is amazing and will hopefully be fulfilling all of my long overdue rice desires for some time to come.

Sadly, "A User's Guide to Argyle" did not air this week, but if any of you are concerned, it will be airing next week, and that could possibly be our last show of the semester. Maybe we'll do one Final's Week...we're not sure yet. We'll have to see how it goes. OH! Speaking of which...I apparently only have one final on final's week, and it happens to be 7:30AM on Tuesday, which means, I mayhaps have the opportunity of being home for a slightly extended time period. Getting a ride will be pretty difficult though, considering it's so early in the week. Mayhaps my parents will be ok with driving me since it's like in the middle of the week. I would rather not be here for a bunch of days longer than I have to be. But we shall see. I won't worry about that now. Haha. Of course I will, but it's certainly not the most cumbersome of my worries currently. Exams are coming and going, and this loverly semester is drawing to a close. Sadness. I was spoiled this semester in my schedule, and next year will most likely not bring a whole lot of happiness haha. But once again, I must try not to focus on that now and just get through my final exams. Oh, and going back to how this paragraph started before majorly tangenting, next semester me and Hilary are pretty confident we'll be able to get a 2-Hour show next semester. I sure hope so, I think that would be fun.

And now I think I'm done...
Until next time...
Peace and Pillows.
-Brandon Michael

Currently Watching: The Dresden Dolls Live at The Paradise (Basically, an orgasm for all my eyes, ears, and soul)

Pineapples and Fish Stix

2005-11-26T23:07:00.000-05:00

November 22nd, 2005 a little after 6pm has been marked as the time I was able to officially start my Thanksgiving holiday from Miami University of Ohio as my wonderful ride, Emily, came to pick me up and we started on our fairly long trek home. She picked me up from Peabody Hall on Western College, me with my laptop, backpack, laundry bag, and duffel bag in hand. So, there's no room for my stuff in the trunk of your little silver Jetta, eh? That's ok, I'll just throw it in the back with me. She was also driving another friend of hers. David I want to say his name was. Or was it Matt? Damn, I can't even remember. It's probably neither of those. In any case, they were incredibly nice people and I had a pretty good time driving back...I felt really comfortable which is always a plus. I even dozed off every now and again. I almost felt rude about it, but I hadn't slept the night before, so I guess in a dark car it's somewhat to be expected, right? Somehow, Emily was able to perform miracles and we were at her house in Novi in pretty much exactly four hours from when we left. In Toledo I had told my dad that he should leave the house so he could be there when we got there. Perfect I say, perfect! He arrived less than three minutes before us. Am I good or what? Yeah, just say that I am. That was pretty much the conclusion of that night. I got back to my house a little after 11pm and I just unpacked and did all that kind of jazz around the house.

At this point, my mom had already gone to bed and had locked up the cats in the basement. I decided to take a gander and take a lookesy. I had, afterall, never met our newest member of the family, Izzy his name is, and I hadn't really had all that much exposure to Tiger either, so we had a short little bonding experience. I'm not going to lie...I wasn't immediately taken by Izzy. He smells, the poor cat. He has some kind of stomach worm and it has made him bloated and he farts a lot. Farty Marty he has been affectionately coined. Tiger was, of course, the regal and amazing cat that I had remembered from our brief meeting over the summer. He truly is a great cat and incredibly gorgeous to top it all off. And he can even be quite playful. He doesn't seem to like Izzy very much, which is kinda sad considering that's actually the only reason we had gotten Izzy. Tiger needed some company while everyone was away from the house now that my mom has started working again. He was getting kind of lonely apparently, so my mom bought him a friend. Tigers likes to hiss at Izzy whenever he walks by though. Anyway, this was my tuesday and I then decided going to bed wouldn't be such a bad idea.

Wednesday:...
I'm trying to remember. What happened on Wednesday? Ah, yes. I drove over to my grandparents (from my mom's side) at noon to meet up with them, my mom, and my awesomely awesome uncle from Washington (State, duh) and we had lunch together. It was really nice seeing my uncle and grandparents again...it has been quite a while. And come to think of it, this was actually my first time seeing my mom since I got home as well. Quite the reunion of goodness. Lunch was good and we talked a lot, naturally. About nothing overly exciting that I can remember. It was really nice to be able to drive again too. Man I miss it. And Marvin is so good to me, I hope he doesn't feel sad and lonely. What a great car he is.
After lunch, we drove my grandparents back and kidnapped my Uncle Bob so that he could come back to our place and show us some pics from his trip to the Swiss Alps. He's big on skiing. While my mom was driving him back to our house, I took a small detour to FINALLY get my pics finished from the Dresden Dolls Concert so that I can finish up my poster and stopped at the movie theater in Chesterfield to pick up tickets for RENT. Surprisingly enough, my uncle wanted to come with us. How cool! and surprising. I got back and joined my mom, Uncle Bob, and Tiger in the photo tour of Switzerland. Good times.
I'm not going to lie...I certainly wasn't disappointed with RENT. And surprisingly enough, my uncle loved it. It doesn't seem like his kind of a thing. But that's cool. I don't really want to get to into it, but I'm definitely ok with seeing it again if there's anybody that wants to see it. I think that having the original cast (for the most part) was helpful in keeping the integrity of the show, but it certainly wasn't entirely there, which is slightly disappointing. They "dumbed" it down a little it seems to make it PG-13, the pace seemed a little fast, seeing as there is next to no dialogue in the movie, and some of the characters seemed to have changed a little bit. I've never seen the stage version, so I guess I really don't have all that much right to be critical in comparing them, but just from what I know and being very familiar with the music, it seems like the characters have changed a little bit. Mimi seems to have gained a lot more importance to the movie and Angel seemed to have lost quite a bit of importance. He really is kind of like the glue that held the whole group together and who really taught everyone what Love really was, and that wasn't really conveyed in the movie I thought. But yes, it was an excellent movie and I would be ok with seeing it again.
After getting back from the movie, I hung out with Meghan and it was more than loverly being able to finally see her. We had some good times with the Food Network, Scrabble, and a run to Caribou and Target. Good times, good times. I suggest not leaving your keys in your car haha. Going to Target made me not be able to wait until I have a place I can spend money on and get cool random decorations and stuff. That's kind of sad now that I think about it. Why does stuff have to cost money? We should enter the barter system with leaves and grass or something. And I had a new drink for me at Caribou...Turtle something or other. It was muy delicious. I even got a Bavarian Cream pastry thing with it. Man that was good. I heart Caribou and feel that they should be more abundant in Ohio. It was a good day.

Thursday:
Obviously, the day of giving thanks. As per tradition (and I'm a big fan of tradition) I woke up at nine to scuttle downstairs in my PJ's, robe and slippers to plop in front of the tv for a little rendition of "America's Thanksgiving Parade" in good ol' Detroit, Michigan on local NBC. Good times indeed. Actually, maybe not so much. The parade wasn't all that exciting this year. Really, quite atrocious to be honest. It was boring, there were a lot of commercials, and nothing cool happened. There's usually some celebrities and such, this year we had Ryan Cabrerra. WTF? All he did was complain about the cold. So go back to LA you twit. The Briefcase Men, obviously pretty much the coolest act at the Detroit Parade every year, became sell-outs this year. Instead of briefcases, they were using "White Castle Crave Cases." Are you frickin' kidding me? This was probably one of the saddest and most disturbing things I've seen in a long time. What is going on? Sometimes, I really hate America and just the human race in general. Why does everyone have to be such a sell-out and be so concerned with money and whatnot? Do the right thing once in a while. Be true to yourself and what you stand for. Why is that so hard to ask?That's pretty much when the whole traditional thing stopped this year. I'm a big fan of doing things according to tradition and whatnot and having some intimate time with family but that's not really what happened this year for various reasons.

After the parade we went over to my brothers ridiculously nice apartment to watch the football game. This was a joke on its own. If anybody else watched the Lions game, I feel the need to apologize. Seriously, WTF? I mean, I know we're bad, but I think they just added a whole new level to the meaning of the word. Although, it was entertaining in its own right in that the Lions were great at just randomly falling down for no apparent reason. Like, the Falcons would catch the ball, and as they were running there was nobody to tackle them because all of the Lions were just sprawled all over the ground. WTF indeed. Oh well, we have the Red Wings and Pistons, so I can be happy with that. The Lions were really quite pathetic though and it made me more than a little sad. And they were just pretty boring to watch on top of it all. They could have at least lost in some kind of style. I decided to derive my entertainment from my brothers cat, Bosco, who really is quite the entertaining cat. He enjoys climbing up your chest and just staring at you in the face. He also gets great pleasure from milk rings. Good times. He was swell at entertaining himself...and me.
After my brothers we went to my grandparents where we met up with them, my uncle from Washington, and then my other uncle and his family who live in Wisconsin. Because nobody was willing to cook for all of these people, we went to Filipa's for dinner which is rather unfortunate, but the food was amazingly delicious, so I suppose it wasn't all that bad. I had this pineapple glazed ham thing with French Onion soup and scalloped potatoes. Quite delicious indeed. I don't normally like potatoes, but apparently of the scalloped variety I quite enjoy. Good to know. Because it was my grandma's birthday the following day, we had a little celebration with that at the restaurant. The manager had actually gone out and bought a cake for us to bring out to my grandma once the meal was over with. It was quite delicious and rather lemony. I enjoyed it. After this celebration we went back to my grandparents for some of her DELICIOUS homemade desserts. Man is she a good cook. I miss her food over at school. But yeah...pies and cakes galore. Woot woot!

Friday was a day filled with yet more family goodness. I went to my grandparents on my dad's side where we met up with my Uncle Mark, Aunt Diane, and my cousin Amber who I hardly ever get to see. We're getting so old. She's all grown up and will be student teaching after this semester is done with and will hence graduate in the spring. Ridiculous. It was cool seeing them again, it really is far too long between seeing them, I really enjoy their company. My grandma made her delicious White Spaghetti. It's truly orgasmic. The day was filled with good conversation and yummy food. Can't ask for much more. After this I went and saw the new Harry Potter with my mom. I must say, I think this was the best Harry Potter movie yet. I really liked the direction of it, some of the transitions were really cool and I just think that overall it was pretty cool. I was surprised that John Williams was no longer doing the music for it, that seems kinda weird. Maybe he couldn't be dark enough or something. Or was just sick to death of doing it. That could make sense as well. After this went to my other grandparents again for some more homemade desserts and family visiting time.

Since then, I really haven't done a whole lot. I had a six hour phone conversation lol. That has definitely never happened in my life. The phone usually gets to me way before that. I walked around a little bit outside. Bought some wintery "pajazma" pants. That's exciting.

I must say though, that I am really starting to fall in love with my new cats. Tiger is of course gorgeous and intelligent and everything you could hope for. Izzy...is really quite lovable. Yes, he smells. Yes, he could never make it as a show cat. But he's endearing. His eyes are too close together, his head is way too small for his body, his tail is absurdly long, and his hind legs are much longer than his front legs, so he always looks like he's walking downhill. Poor cat lol. He's mostly black and has two white toes and some random white sploches across his belly. Silly kitty. He certainly still acts like a kitten, but he's not really kitten sized anymore. He's intrigued by everything and always wants to play. He's especially obsessed with anything that has any kind of resemblace to string. I wonder why that is. He also has a bad habit of jumping from our upstairs railing onto the stairs below. Without you actually seeing this, I can only say that it is incredibly not safe nor a very koscher thing to do. Silly Izzy.

This has been way too long and has taken me way too long to write. I leave tomorrow in the afternoon to head back to school for what will hopefully be an enjoyable rest of the semester. How come things can't ever just be perfect for a while? There's always the massive downside to everything and that can be kind of annoying. Oh well. This has been a great break, very relaxing, filled with food goodness, and will hopefully give me something to be hopeful and happy about in the near future. I'm not going to lie, I'm starting to lose patience.

Peace and Pillows,
Brandon Michael

PS Sorry for the long breaks between updates...it saddens me much more than you, don't worry. Maybe this will change soon. I can only hope.

Listening to: Misc. songs by The Decemberists

The 10/24 Edition of A User's Guide to Argyle

2005-10-26T00:27:00.000-04:00

A small break from the weekend post because I don't have that kind of patience right now to recap everything, I will instead do this week's "A USER'S GUIDE TO ARGYLE" summary (Remember...Monday nights. At 8pm (EST). www.redhawkradio.com (click on listen in)).

So this week's show got off to a semi-rocky start. As we started the show, we randomly had the first song already playing so when we went to play it, it was almost done. Nice and smooth. We tried playing another song from the cd, but it wasn't very good. Ah well. It happens in this business ;-) lol. Also, Gorbachev, the past president of the Soviet Union, was on campus giving a lecture (news article HERE), so I can't imagine any Miami University students were listening. My parents were apparently listening as usual though, and it's possible we had somebody from Panama listen in. She had emailed me through my photo site, Flickr, when she had come across a picture I had taken of the studio and mentioned I had a radio show. So that would be exciting...you know you're moving up in the world when you have an international audience!

OH! By the way...almost all of the shows have been recorded...so take that for what you will. Last weeks wasn't, but other than that we have some form of recording of the previous shows. I personally find that exciting, mayhaps you'ld be able to score a copy if you would like ;-)

Anyhoosiers, back to the show...
Word of the Day: Obsequious
It was badly underused. Sadness.

Now on to the stories...we begin with the real Canard (a corpse theme in a pre-halloween mood. Speaking of which...we have a show ON Halloween! Get excited, foo!):

TIJUANA, Mexico (Reuters) - A motorcyclist with a helmet-wearing corpse strapped to his back crashed in this Mexican city on the U.S. border on Friday and fled on foot, setting off a police murder hunt.

The unidentified driver was trying to ride with the body through the center of Tijuana, south of San Diego, California., when he lost control rounding a curve.

He fled the scene, leaving the dead passenger on the curb. Police said the corpse, which had head injuries and bore strangulation marks, had died at least six hours earlier.

"When the police arrived they took the helmet off the corpse, believing at first that he had died in the crash," said Francisco Castro, a spokesman for the Baja California state police's homicide division.

"But he had adhesive tape stuck to his face, a knife wound to his forehead, and showed signs of strangulation," he added.

Castro said the dead man had wraps of methamphetamine in his pocket and an unkempt appearance, which led investigators to believe the killing was drug related.

"We think the killer was trying to take the body to a more deserted area to dispose of it," he said.

That's rather disturbing. And now onto Story Numero Dos which is just plain sad...

SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian authorities have apologized to the family of an elderly man who was given a parking ticket while he lay dead in his car in a suburban shopping center.

The 71-year-old man, known to be seriously ill, went missing nine days ago and his body was found in his car in a shopping mall car park in a Melbourne suburb, police said.

A parking ticket had been placed on the car the day before his body was found.

"It's just tragic. It must be just so sad for the family and we extend our sincere sympathies to them," local mayor Paul Denham told Australian Broadcasting Corp. radio on Friday.

"The circumstances surrounding the location of this poor fellow must make it all the harder for the family. It is simply a case of the parking officer not noticing."

Just odd. Story Numero Tres is quite a bit lighter...

BERLIN (Reuters) - The world's tallest -- and smelliest -- flower has bloomed, reaching a height of 2.94 metres, 18 centimetres more than the previous record for the species, the Stuttgart botanical garden said Friday.

The Titan Arum, or Amorphophallus Titanum, nicknamed "corpse flower" because of its putrid stench, blooms rarely and briefly.

Garden staff have nicknamed the purple flower "Diva" and are charting its life on their web site, www.wilhelma.de.

But those keen for a glimpse, or a whiff, in person must be quick: just 24 hours after the 11 year-old plant produced its first flower, the bloom began to wilt Friday.

The Titan Arum was discovered in 1878 in its sole indigenous habitat, the Indonesian island of Sumatra, and grows in cultivation in only a handful of places around the world.

Its scent has been likened to rotting fish or animal flesh.

"The smell is crucial to its survival in its natural habitat because it attracts pollinating carrion beetles and flesh flies," said botanist Franziska Lo-Kockel.

Lo-Kockel brought the bulb of the plant, weighing some 40 kilograms, from the University of Frankfurt to the Stuttgart gardens 11 years ago.

Yay for smelly flowers! This next one is just plain interesting...

LIMA, Peru (Reuters) - Archeologists have uncovered the remains of the oldest mummy ever found in Peru's capital, Lima -- a high-ranking official of the Huari tribe who lived about 1,300 years ago, researchers said on Wednesday.

The headless mummy was found in September in Lima's Huaca Pucllana ceremonial complex after studies and exploration at the site.

"He was decapitated and belongs to the Huari culture that invaded Lima," said archeologist Isabel Flores, director of the Huaca Pucllana museum, adding the Huaris predated the Incas, who dominated South America from Colombia to Chile until being toppled by Spanish conquerors in the 1530s.

"Judging by the clothes he is wearing, we're talking about a senior official who was buried wrapped in cloth and tied with rope made of vegetal fiber," Flores added.

The Huaris, a warrior society that conquered Peru's central Andes and coastal regions between 600 and 1000 A.D, were known for their high-quality textiles and pottery styles.

They were supplanted by Ichmas, who Flores said were likely responsible for decapitating the Huari official well after he was buried in an attempt to erase all vestiges of a tribe that dominated them for years.

"It was an act of rebellion against the Huaris. Without doubt, this gives us valuable information about ancient inhabitants of what is now Peru's capital," she added.

The mummy, which was found surrounded by tunics and food such as corn and beans, is not well preserved because of the humidity of Peru's coast. Its dried skin and bones are badly chipped and many of its ligaments are visible.

Peru has made some striking mummy discoveries in recent years. In February last year, two 700-year-old mummies were found in southern Peru by construction workers under a school. Thousands of Inca mummies were found at an ancient cemetery under a shantytown near Lima in 2002.

So that's exciting. And finally, the last Real Canard of the day...

BHOPAL, India (Reuters) - Hundreds of Indians flocked to a village in the central state of Madhya Pradesh on Thursday to see if an astrologer who forecast his own death would die as predicted.

Kunjilal Malviya, 75, who lives in Sehara village, about 125 miles south of state capital Bhopal, was meditating in his house after announcing he would die on Thursday.

His family fears his forecast will come true.

"We are afraid of his prediction coming true because all his predictions till date have been correct," his son Anirudh said by phone.

"My father had predicted the death of my grandfather 15 years ago and it came true exactly like he calculated."

Television footage showed relatives and friends seated around Malviya, singing religious songs and reading Hindu texts.

Policemen have been posted near his house to prevent the astrologer from killing himself, authorities said.

The "Argyle Around the World" segment went back to our roots as we traveled once again to Argyle, Texas, but this time to focus in on what appears to be a very successful school district.

The Argyle Independent School District (or Argyle ISD) centered in Argyle Texas, which was the season premiere of Argyle Around the World, this school district is worthy of mention. It consists of one elementary called Hilltop, a middle school, and a high school. In 2004, the high school received an exemplary rating (one of only 15 in the state), the middle school received recognized, and the elementary school also achieved an exemplary. Class of 2003 was first graduating class and all years since then have had 100% graduation rate. High School was 2004 UIL State Academic Champion. 2003, 2004, 2005 Texas Math and Science Coaches Association Champion. The Argyle High School Band is the current Class 2A State Marching Band Champion, the middle school’s band is the current State Honor Band. The High School’s One Act play was the district championship this school year. Their school mascot is the Eagle. The library contains 9700 books, 350 Videos, and 65 current periodical subscriptions. Cafeteria prices at the elementary school is $2 for students and $2.50 for adults, Robin McWhorter is the principal. Salary increase for every year you work up to 26 years. A teacher with no experience with a Masters degree will make $38,700 the first year working. Without a master’s degree, $37,200.

That's basically the mangled mess of a summary I read on the air. You can go to their actual site HERE.

So this has been fairly long. Lots of Canardage. Soon (hopefully!) I will be updating you all on the fabulousness of this past weekend and maybe some other such things. I do believe I should be going now...

Happy thoughts and yummy dreams!
~Brandon Michael

Listening to: My Music library on Shuffle...ecclectic to say the least.

A Temporary Post

2005-10-24T12:04:00.000-04:00

This is just going to be a temporary post until I have the time/patience to write a real one and go into the actual details. But needless to say, angels did sing on high this weekend... :-)

Oh sweet jesus how I was not disappointed. I am so behind in updating, I can not apologize enough, but the last two weeks I have been rediculously unable to do anything because of a certain suck known as school. But I think things will be calm again for a while...so woot. Hopefully the upcoming updates will not be a disappointment!

Much happiness is found in the picture above. I made out like a frickin' bandit!

Ciao and Happiness...
Brandon Michael

EDIT: I know there are some of you out there who could quite possibly be expecting a post from this redonkulous summer, and I have been planning on working on it now that I am getting my life back this week, although I appear to have misplaced all the notes I had taken so as not to forget a lot of the key points, so the search for those is going to continue, and hopefully before Christmas the summer post will be here.

The Virgin Run

2005-09-21T18:28:00.000-04:00

Greetings!
I'm not going to lie, I enjoy the picture in my previous post so much I didn't really want to update just so I can have that picture permanently at the top of the screen, but alas, an update is due. I promised to talk about my show, and that is what shall be done. First off, a huge thank you to all of you who listened, or had the intention of listening, it means a lot, and I hope that you don't regret it. I personally had tons of fun and I feel it went really really well, so I cannot wait until next week. It is absolutely unbelievable just how quickly that hour went by...the show was over just as I was getting into the groove of it. But alas. Such things happen. Apparently alas is the word of the day.
As A reminder:A USER'S GUIDE TO ARGYLE
MONDAYS @ 8pm
WWW.REDHAWKRADIO.COM
It's INVESTIGAMAZING! So be there...or miss out on some cool stuff...

Anyhoosier, about 7 mins before the show ended Hilary had the audacity to remember that it just so happened to be Talk Like a Pirate Day (only the coolest day of the year) and we had wasted nearly the entire show without talking like a pirate. We were really missing out, so we had to shove a lot of pirate talk into those 7 minutos. But all is good in the land of Argyle. Speaking of which...this weeks score:
Argyle: 3
Miami Butts: 137

Argyle, you really need to get moving on this. Power to the argyle. PS. If anybody wants to get me some argyle...I shall be...really nice to you. Or something. I don't know haha. But it would definitely be appreciated.

So the music we played was rocking, I had fun talking, and me and Hilary were going a little buck nutty. It was definitely good times filled with interpretive dances and much laughage. Yay for giggles.

And on to the news, or as we say in the land of Argyle, Canard:

Sri Lanka- The Sri Lankan cabinet has decided to reduce the age of consent for sexual encounters from 16 to 13. Why? you might ask. Well it's obvious, isn't it? Cabinet spokesperson Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said the action has been taken due to rising numbers of men arrested for sexual relations with girls below the age of 16.

Isn't this essentially saying too many people are getting arrested for murdering people, so lets legalize it? A little redonkulous if you ask me. Silly silly Sri Lanka, you're such a pushover when it comes to criminals.

A Czech town has built a 10,000-euro (12,000 dollar) bridge to protect a handful of squirrels from a busy road, without knowing if they will use it.

The seven-metre (23-foot) high cable bridge attached to two trees spans a road that divides a large park in the town of Sokolov in the west of the country, near the German border.

"We think this construction is unique in the world. I myself witnessed two dead squirrels on the road in the space of two months and I felt we had to do something," Sokolov mayor Karel Jakobec told AFP Thursday.

At the moment the park is home to just three squirrels.

"The idea is that instead of going down trees and crossing the road to get to the other side of the park the squirrels will go up and across. But we don't know yet if it will work," he added.

Most of the 290,000 koruna (9,920 euro) cost was met from a grant by Czech brewer Staropramen as one of 10 grants it awarded for ecological projects in the country. The remaining 40,000 koruna was funded by the town council.

"We have already arranged for two more pairs of squirrels to be brought from an animal rescue centre and we are hoping that the squirrel population in the park will now grow," added Jakobec.

Squirrels are a protected species in the Czech Republic.

I personally feel there are probably much better uses for that money. But alas (ha! you thought I forgot!) I suppose that's just me.

In other news, I received one of the coolest emails of my life today. It's from a radio station in Boston that are going to be having the Dresden Dolls on their show and they sent me a personal email saying that they wanted my input (due to the fact that I "shamelessly promote" them, direct quote)[Set to air October 6th here]. So that was pretty awesome. And be sure that I am going to respond, let them know how badly I am in love with them, and the fact that they should come on my radio show haha. Obviously they will not be doing such a thing, but how investigamazing would it be if they did? It would make my millennium like you wouldn't believe. So yeah...I get to add input to a show with the Dresden Dolls. My lovers. They just don't know it yet. Speaking of which...they will be in Columbus in less than a month. Me and Laura shall be going, at this point I don't care anymore. I have to see them when an opportunity like this arises...the details can be worked out later. I shall be buying three tickets, with the hopes the third one will be used. I love them to no end and I HAVE to take advantage of them being here. Maybe it is no coincidence that I just happened to be wearing their shirt today too. Woot.

Well, I really need to be off to Rocky Horror rehearsal, so alas, I send this to the wind and may it find its way to your computer screen.

Yes, I had quite a bit more I have to say, but I am late. Late for a very important date. With a bunch of transvestites. Yay rocky horror!

Listening to: Garden State Soundtrack, cliche maybe, but man it's so beautiful good and wholesome and full of that sweet sweet love.

A User's Guide to Argyle Part Deux

2005-09-18T20:54:00.000-04:00

So really, this is just more of the same. I am stealing this completely and word for word right from Hilary's Xanga, and I do hope you can forgive me, but I love it so much. So very very much.

If you have any dignity and self respect at all you will tune in to The User's Guide to Argyle on Monday nights at 8 here.

There is a lot more I can say, but I shan't now. The "Current Events" section of our program is referred to as The Real Canard...much of what I say there is going to end up being posted here since it's the kind of stuff that I used to post here. I'll try to post that up on tuesday or wednesday hopefully, maybe along with other highlights of the show.

Continue you with your life...peace & pillows, and Happy Listening :)

Listening to: FAMILY GUY IS ON!!!

PS. Quite possibly my favorite picture of me...EVER. Oh wait, that one baby pic of me is really really investigamazing...haha.

A User's Guide to Argyle

2005-09-12T23:02:00.000-04:00

I Got my Radio Show!! You must listen in...all of you!

A USER'S GUIDE TO ARGYLE
AIRING MONDAYS FROM 8PM TO 9PM
HTTP://WWW.REDHAWKRADIO.COM - Click on "Listen In"
HOSTED BY: YOURS TRULY & HILARY STEVENS

You can listen in anywhere in the world through the worldwide web. You are also free to call in (I believe) as well as make requests/talk to us through AIM using the screenname wmsrdj.

Well, for now I will leave this as my entry, and let the happiness soak in. Hopefully sometime fairly soon I shall have a more "real" entry. Happy listening :)

Listening to: Blessid Union of Souls

...And there was Much Rejoicing...

2005-09-11T02:35:00.000-04:00

Yay.

So I am back. Kind of. I don't mean to make any promises early in the game, but I am very excited about coming back to this blog. I did not have internet access over the summer, so I was not able to update, but I am going to try to stay up to speed now, as well as update you in all the happenings of the summer. The last couple of days I have just been trying to fix up some of the little things that seemed to have gone wrong with my blog, like the lack of pictures. As you scan through the old entries you will see that a lot of them just have a placeholder picture where a really cool picture used to be, and I do apologize for the ugliness. I may just end up getting rid of those altogether. I have been doing my best to go back and replace as many pictures as possible, however it seems that a lot of them have been lost. That silly picture hosting site decided that over the summer it would be fun to delete all of my pictures apparently. This means that I will now more than likely be using by trusty ol' Flickr site to store my blog images which will kind of get in the way of the loverly photostream I have been developing, but I suppose it is another way of letting people know that my blog has been updated occassionaly. It would be spectacular if you could move the photos in the stream, or maybe even mark them as private yet still be able to link to them, but alas, 'tis not the case.

I also had started a little thing where I was posting the stories (with pictures of the illustrations) that I had written as just a wee little one. Those have been lost from my computer, so as of now only that one remains. However, I believe I would like to continue this, so maybe over Christmas Break I shall try to get all of those stories on my computer again so the fun may continue.

So it is late and this isn't anything exciting, so I do apologize. But soon, hopefully very soon, you will begin to see stuff popping up here again. For now however, may you have very yummy dreams and delicious days.

Listening To: Tommy ~ The Who

Do YOU Know?

2005-04-07T03:11:00.000-04:00

Oh My! I do apologize my dear ladies and jellybeans. It has been almost a month since I have updated this and that is uncalled for. I realize that now. Not that it matters...I'm pretty sure I probably lost most of my readers in this time anyway. There is a lot I need to touch on, so bear with me...hopefully sometime soon I can get back to my normal blogging practices.

As a warning, this blog isn't going to contain any fun news stories or, more importantly, any sex-related stories. Sorry about that as well. The title of this blog, and the initial reason for writing this blog is at the end, and I think it is very interesting, so maybe you shall too- I suggest you get on that. There are some things about Spring Break I would like to bring up, and maybe a little more if I feel like it...

So Spring Break. It was a couple weeks ago and quite the roller coaster ride. But we don't need to hear about that. I guess the easiest way to go about this is with some good ol' fashioned chronological-ness.

Saturday evening was very exciting. My high school, Utica Eisenhower of Shelby Twp, MI was the first high school in the country to put on the Elton John/Tim Rice Musical Aida. It will also be the last show in Eisenhower's "Little Theater" as construction on the new bond-approved theater wing starts underway fairly soon, if it hasn't already. All I can say is, "WOW!" They did an amazing job, and I know that Mrs. DeWulf has to be proud (man I miss her!). Briefly, this is probably one of the more powerful love stories ever told, and to see it come to life at my high schools theater, knowing it was the last show on that stage, as well as the first high school in the country to produce it, makes me swell with pride. In days gone by, I was the sound crew head for the theater department, and some of my best high school memories and most fun friends definitely come from those experiences. Anywho, the story in a nutshell is this: The story begins in an art museum in the Egyptian art exhibit, and then the art comes to life as the story of the art unfolds. Aida, an Ethiopian princess, is captured into slavery in Egypt. A military commander, Radames, struggles to choose between his love for her and his loyalty to the Pharaoh, whose daughter, the princess Amneris, Radames is soon to marry. After the problems are "solved" (although not in the happiest of ways), the audience returns to the art museum from the beginning, with an absolutely amazing ending that will make your heart leap. I am still in shock over what a fantastic performance everybody put on, and I can't express enough how proud I am. It is very obvious that they put lots of money and time into making this the wonderful production that it was. And where did all this talent come from? There were so many new faces to the theater this time around, and at times they sounded just as good as the professional's on the CD. So good job to all of you out there, and it was great seeing some of my old high school friends again, I only wish I could have spent more time with a lot of you. Congratulations on such a successful performance! See all of my Aida photos here and preview the music on Amazon here.

So my Spring Break was full of Musical goodness. The following Tuesday I went down to Downtown Detroit to the Masonic Temple to see The Phantom of the Opera with a great group of people...it was mucho fun. The evening wouldn't have been complete without me getting massively lost and being stuck down so many one-way streets it made my head spin...thankfully I made it out without a scratch. After that lovely beginning, I somehow managed to make it to John's house where I met many of his friends and we piled into a big ol' van and carefully tread our way across Mexicantown into the depths of Greektown, where we ate a delicious restaurant Cyprus Taverna. We then made it to the Masonic Temple in enough time to let us have time to frolic in the basement and be mesmerized by a disco ball. The Phantom of the Opera is the first musical that my parents had taken me to as a little tyke and I don't really remember it that much, and I must say, I was really taken back by the show. This touring cast was absolutely amazing when it came down to the acting and singing- I was thoroughly impressed. If you don't know the story, I would recommend the movie that came out not all that long ago. I feel they could have chosen a better singer for the part of the phantom (apparently he has no prior singing experience, only acting) and the whole part where they go into his childhood was kind of annoying and certainly not necessary. Overall though, it was a very good movie, and who doesn't like Minnie Driver? She was fantabulous in the movie. So yeah...I recommend the movie, and if you ever have a chance to see Phantom in the theater, it is a MUST. I feel that what really makes this show what it is, is the staging. Much like The Lion King. But I digress. There is LOTS of cool staging effects that happen, from when they go down to the Phantom's lair and they have the freakishly accurate portrayal of the boat gliding over the water with all the hundreds of candles, to the magic disappearing acts, to the times when they switch between the front of the stage and behind the stage views. It's all very cool. Live theater is so much more exciting than just seeing a movie, I really think more people should go see these amazing shows. This also happened to be Nia's Birthday. Happy Birthday Nia! I'm so glad I got to spend this time with everyone and get to know you a little better...I had tons of fun.

And that's a good transition into the next point- Birthday Goodness! This Spring Break also seemed to be filled with QUITE the birthdays. Sunday, March 13th, was my dad's 50th Birthday. What an old fart. 50! That's just crazy go nuts ;) Anyway,

HAPPY 50TH BIRTHDAY DAD!

It also happened to be Bill's 21st Birthday on Saturday, March 19th. Craziness! In one week three birthday's, and two of them are big milestone ones. I only wish there was more I could have done for these very special people...

Now to what I really wanted to write about, and at this point, I guess I should be pretty brief. While watching TV the Monday of spring break, it came to my attention that What the #$*! Do We Know!? was coming out on Tuesday. I had been wanting to see this movie since I saw an advertisement for it during a visit to the Royal Oak Main Art Theater one summer's day, so I was determined to rent it before the end of my break, and I'm glad I did. It's definitely a movie you have to be awake for and one that you are in the mood to watch. It's basically about quantum physics and trying to explain different theories about why we are here and some very interesting theories. One scene talked about only being able to see what you believe, in a way. The example they gave talked about when Columbus' ships sailed to the America's, the Native American's couldn't see the ships because such things were incomprehensible. They were able to see the ripples in the water, but they could not see the ships. The village Shaman sat outside for a couple days peering into the distance, until finally he was able to see the ships. So that begs the question, what are we missing, and what can actually be believed? Another scene really hit me hard. I found it absolutely incredible, and I wish there was a good way for me to explain it- the movie shows it very very well. It revolves around the work and theories of Dr. Masaru Emoto who does a lot of scientific research involving water. He has titled his work appropriately enough "Messages from Water." Go here for a good summary of his work that includes some pictures.

To save the painstakingness of pressing on a link, the brief summary is this: Water can be found in crystalline form, and like the saying goes, every snowflake is unique, which is determined by what they "experience." There are two experiments of Dr. Masaru Emoto's the movie focused on. The first is of the Fujiwara Dam. He looked at the water in crystal form and it was fairly chaotic. He then had a monk bless the same water, and looked at the crystalline form again, and it was in a beautiful snowflake-like shape. He then did something similar with distilled water. He had many bottles of distilled water which all had the same crystalline structure. He then took all of the bottles except one and put a different label on each one with sayings such as "I love you," (pictured above, left) "Thank You," and "You Make me Sick, I will Kill You" (pictured above, right). After many hours he examined the crystal structure again. The normal unlabeled distilled water remain unchanged, the other bottles all had their own unique structure. The positive messages all formed beautiful snowflake-like crystals, while the negative messages formed very chaotic and disturbed structures. Combine this with the fact that a majority of our bodies our made of water, and that really makes you think. As the movie says, "If those feelings can do that to water, what can they do to our bodies?"

So I have kept you long enough, and if you have actually made it through this, thank you and I hope you enjoyed. Coming Next Entry: Music, Music, Music Galore...

Currently Listening to: Welcome Interstate Managers Album ~ Fountains of Wayne; Yourself or Someone Like You Album~ Matchbox Twenty; The Alternative to Love Album ~ Brendan Benson; Miscellaneous Guster - Yeah...I've been writing this a long time...