moved.

for now, you can find my musings on michaelw3217.tumblr.com

thanks blogger, you have been awesome, and I someday may return to you (if Mai starts consistently posting again!), but tumblr is just too awesome.

We've had some good times.

peace, love, & new opportunities,

m.w.w.

private eyes

This weekend was a lot of fun. I am very tired, but for some reason, I feel compelled to write something here, even though only Dan reads it.

Anyway, I spent the weekend in Brooklyn at Mary, Lynne, and Katie's apartment. It was hella swanky. Some of the highlights include Japas 38 for karaoke/shit-show, purchasing a George Washington needlepoint, meeting Chloe the cat, playing loaded questions, and eating a lot of good food.

peace, love & friends,

m.w.w.

one way or another

SO. It appears as if I will have a job this year. The family of one of my campers from the summer wants to hire a 1-to-1 for the school year, and yours truly might be that person. Besides the fact that I'd be makingpretty good money, I get the opportunity to work with one of my favorite campers from the summer. This could be fun. Or really hard work. Probably both. I'll keep you posted.

Next, the Penrose residency at Arlene's is over. It was awesome getting to see them almost 4 weeks in a row. As I said a few posts ago, they really change things up each time out, which is totally awesome to see. Not to mention they're all pretty good at their instruments. After Penrose is rock n' roll karaoke. This means karaoke infront of a live band. Awesome. This week I sang "Hot Blooded" by Foreigner. Sarah sang "One Way or Another," and was awesssssome, and Mike sang "Alive" by Pearl Jam. He was also awesome. So much fun.

peace, love & penrose,

m.w.w.

A rush, and a push, and the land is ours

For what its worth, 2010 has been a very strange year. I've had some not so great times, as well as many more really awesome times. There are moments from the past year that I'd definitely like to forget, and a boat-load more that I'd absolutely love for the opportunity to re-live.

These past few days have been especially weird because this is the first August in 4 years that I'm not putting the finishing touches on packing up my stuff to move back to Fordham. This is a very, very weird feeling. The fact that something like college exists kind of spoils us 20-somethings, I think. Never again will we get to move out, and live, pretty much unsupervised, with basically all of our closest friends...for four years straight. I can't speak for everyone, but the friends that I made became basically a second family. We definitely acted like a family. Some of us definitely fought like family members, but mostly things were pretty peaceful. We spent the "holidays" together. We had a lot of great times. And perhaps more importantly, we were there for each other through the more difficult times, even if we didn't know it.

I guess I'm writing this as a way to cope with the fact from here on out things are different. I definitely plan on living with a few of you again as soon as possible, but realistically I don't think we'll all be able to be within a 5 minute walk of each other. Also, I think this is the graduation entry that I was never able to finish. The transition from college to post-college is...interesting, to say the least. From here on out it gets pretty real I'd say. Jobs, graduate school...squalor. You name it. It can be anything, except, of course, for college. That's finished.

I wish I had some positive fortune cookie like statement to conclude this late-night rambling session, but I do not. Besides saying thanks, maybe? I don't know. I'll have everything figured out very soon! College 2.0?

peace, love, & homies,

m.w.w.

Not Fade Away

Hello!

So a lot of exciting stuff has happened since the last time we spoke.

1) I've had the pleasure of seeing my good friends Penrose play a few Mondays in August at Arlene's Grocery. This is wonderful, because A) i get to see my good friends in Penrose every Monday, and B) I get to see Penrose play live every Monday. What's great about seeing a band a few times a month is you get to see their songs grow and develop, as well as hear different interpretations of songs they cover. For example, they've played an old Son House cover (the name is escaping me right now) the three times i've seen them so far, and each week it's been a different interpretation. Regardless, they've rocked my face off, pretty much completely, this August and I'm thrilled I get to see them at least 2 more times.

2) Rock 'n Roll Karaoke. This pretty much speaks for itself. After Penrose plays at Arelen's on Mondays, another band comes out to back amateurs as they sing classic rock. This is a ton of fun. Last week I sang "Feel Like Makin' Love" by Bad Company. This week? I'm still deciding.

3) TSRJ REUNION SHOW. This was AWESOME. We played a lot of songs that we normally wouldn't have played, and many of them sounded really good. The show was also great because a lot of our friends traveled great distances to come see us (kinda). Regardless it was an awesome reunion of friends, set to everyone's favorite cover band! Hopefully there are some more shows on the horizon.

4) This past weekend was spent in the city, and down at the beach at Nate's for his graduation party. It was a lot of fun. Got a lot accomplished, and had an awesome weekend!

Upcoming: Penrose tonight, Tom Petty/My Morning Jacket tomorrow, Penrose Friday? FOOTBALL SEASON.

Also on the agenda: Find a job, start grad school.

love, peace, & harmonies,

m.w.w.

In the middle of a cloud

"So, this is finally it, huh? After 4 short years, it all comes down to this one day. I don't even know if there are enough words in the English language to..."

And so started the entry I had planned on writing about regarding graduation. Seems depressing. Seems true.

Summer is going very well though, and I am enjoying myself.

1) I've been going to see as much music as I possibly can, which has been amazing. I've been to Bonnaroo, seen The National, Beach Fossils, She & Him, Penrose (and the awesome other bands they played with), The Siren Festival (Dom, Surfer Blood, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart), and many more to come hopefully! This summer has been about seeing as much live music as possible, and it's definitely been working out! August is going to be awesome because I get to see Penrose every Monday! Also, the once lauded Sweet Raptor Jesuits are reuniting for a show on August 14th, which I cannot wait for.

2) Work has been good. Very tiring, but good.

peace, love & reunions,

m.w.w.

bingo. bango. bongo.

Hello! It's been about 10 months since I've done this, but hopefully I can shake off the rust and deliver a well-crafted blog post to all our faithful readers out there (aka Mike) just for old time's sake.

Where to even begin. Well, I'm graduating tomorrow, but that's all I'll say about that (if I start to write about graduation, this post will never end). In any case, I still haven't bought my plane ticket home yet. I'm usually bad about buying one early on, but I've never put it off for this long before. I've been saying that I haven't bought it because I have a lot going on right now and I just want to take care of other things first. That is true, but I think the real reason behind it all (which may have been obvious to everyone but me) is that buying a plane ticket is really a cheap symbolization of the school year ending.

Buying that ticket is the first real step towards acknowledging that "it's over," and I am just honestly not ready for that yet. Yes, classes have been over for two weeks now, and yes, Eddie's is covered with chairs and Keating with giant maroon banners, and yes, Fordham has been doing its best to instill a sense of finality in everything that us seniors do, but none of that has been my doing. I get to choose when I buy a ticket home; it's the only thing in this whole situation that I have any sort of control over. When I buy that ticket, I'll be putting the bookend on my undergraduate career, and I want to put that off as long as I can. I guess this turned into a post about graduation anyway. It's not nearly as light-hearted and witty as I was hoping it would be. Oh well, I'll do better next time, when I'm not in the midst of the most important milestone in my life-to-date.

Also, if I see you between now and graduation, I may or may not give you a huge hug and say "This could be the last hug we ever have!" I (inadvertently) made a habit of doing it last night (the phrase "drunken stupor" comes to mind), but any excuse to give and receive hugs is a-okay in my book. I'm such a hippie.

Closer I am to fine,
Mai

Greatest Hits

Well, I was reading some old entries, and I've decided to compile a list of what I consider "In Search of Lost Time's Greatest One-Liners/Few-Liners." Enjoy.

1) We were all doing homework. Mike and I were reading books for class (something we've both been doing a healthy amount of lately) and Jake, in typical fashion, was listening to the book I was reading on tape while watching tennis on his computer. - Mai

2) No longer is the caf a place to get together after class and discuss how the day has been, how excited we are for the new episodes of The Office and 30 Rock this Thursday, or how anyone could possibly think that serving mussels at the International Station would ever ever ever be a good idea. - Mai

3) As I meandered through those halls, unaware of what floor or wing I'd end up on as I turned each corner, I got a brief feeling of nostalgia that made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I remembered back when Sarah was that girl who kept doing that one Christopher Walken impression; when Claire was that girl who did cartwheels when she scored in a frisbee game; when Joe was that guy with the terrible roommate. - Mai

4) They had lamb stew again today. As well as chicken pot pie...minus the pie. Take the ingredients of a chicken pot pie, and put them in a lovely orange caf bowl. That's what they called chicken pot pie. Gotta love the caf! - M. Ward

5) So it's snowing pretty hard here, everyone seems to think snow day. And no, not the really good movie. Maybe it will be like that tomorrow, but without Josh Peck. I doubt it though. I ain't buying into the hype. Plus i don't think there's an evil plow guy on campus. Fordham's snow removal team seems to be one guy walking around throwing salt. - M. Ward

6) Mike and Jake have started going to bed with headphones on; I think it's because I snore too loudly. - Mai

7) i'd like to give a warm welcome to katie and ian to the "blogosphere". lawl. i heard they were dating. - M. Ward (This really isn't that funny, but it makes me laugh every time I see it.)

8) Also, I took a shower earlier but there is still a pair of socks on my bed. I can't tell if I'm wearing the "dirty" socks from before the shower or if the socks on my bed are the dirty ones. Yikes. - Mai

9) Speaking of which, I've been woken up early in the morning (8am-ish) twice by stupid birds that won't stop tweeting (we're keep our window open because it's not -892305.8 degrees out anymore). They should be restricted to love scenes and Disney movies. Let me sleep damnit. - Mai

10) The opening scene was a shot of both Batman and Robin's suits that had nipples. Oh and don't worry, the director threw in a few crotch shots too. And imagine that it got worse from there! In honor of being frank, we can end by saying that if you have a free 124 minutes, definitely check out Batman and Robin again, you will be disappointed. - M. Ward

11) Having balloons around you will amplify the effect of whatever facial expression you have on, good or bad, one-hundred fold. - Mai

I'm bored of this. More to come though! Some of these are very funny. Come back Mai!

peace, love, & abe lincoln,
m.w.w.

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Now playing: Titus Andronicus - Theme From "Cheers"
via FoxyTunes

watch me unravel, I'll soon be naked

It's been awhile, man. Life's so rad! This band's my favorite, man. Don'tcha love 'em?

So! Today I received my cap and gown, and my Fordham Alumni Card. Also, as a send off Fordham was giving out watercolour paintings of buildings on campus. I received a beautiful impression of the University Church. This is a nice compliment to the watercolour of Keating Hall that was bestowed upon me during this past year's orientation training. Looks like I'll have to try and gather the entire collection.

Anyway, besides getting my cap & gown, we set tables for Senior Ball and the Parents Appreciation Dinner. I'm glad that's done and out of the way. Excited for both, as they should be enjoyable events to cap off the end of the year.

So I haven't decided yet if I'm going to jump on the bandwagon with Camisa and Dan in writing entries about a "college greatest hits." Most of my favourite memories can be summed pretty briefly. Maybe I'll write it up at the end of the semester as one entry. Who knows though, maybe I can come up with enough to say and treat you all to multiple entries.

Until next time bros.

peace, love & baseball,
m.w.w.
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Now playing: The Allman Brothers Band - Dreams
via FoxyTunes

Read all my books and talked about, listened to my radio

So today on the train I finally sat down and listened to all of #1 Record by Big Star. I had listened to bits and pieces of it, and really liked a song or two, but never really gave it my full attention. Now you're probably saying to yourself, "who the hell is Big Star?" which actually isn't a bad question. They're a band who got their start in the early seventies, and amid critical success, were never able to get really big, like everyone thought they should have.

One of the many reasons I wanted to listen to it was because one of their main songwriters, Alex Chilton, died a week or two ago at a youngish age. The most interesting thing I learned in reading about him was that my first exposure to Alex Chilton was actually way before I knew who he was. He was the lead singer of band called The Box Tops, who's song "The Letter" I absolutely loved as a kid, and still do to this day. I remember it was on some compilation of 60's songs we used to keep in the car that had songs like "Mony, Mony," "Happy Together," and "Long Cool Woman" on it. You know, classic mid 60's radio rock songs.

Anyway, after reading some of the stuff people had to say about him & his music, I thought it was worth getting to, and boy am I glad I did. The album is incredible, but there was one song in particular that really, really stood out to me. It's one of those songs that you listen to 5 or 6 times in a row without thinking twice about hitting the back button on your iPod, or sitting by the turntable to move the needle back to the beginning of the song. As soon as it started I felt that connection that you only get from certain songs. It was the feeling I got the first time I heard "Change" by Blind Melon, or "Bittersweet Symphony" by the Verve. The song is called "Thirteen," and it is by Big Star. I highly recommend that you listen to it, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Thanks for writing it Alex Chilton.

peace, love, & big star,
m.w.w.
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Now playing: Big Star - Thirteen
via FoxyTunes

Listen to me, I'm on the stereo

So. It is spring break. This is pretty exciting news. So exciting that someone forgot to wake me up before 3pm this afternoon. What I'm really trying to say is: I have done pretty much nothing of note so far in this young week. I've watched a lot of movies though. I've watched Pirate Radio, Sex Drive, Fired Up!, and She's All That. Don't ask me why I watched Fired Up, but She's All That was on HBO after I came back from Davey's, and I watched Pirate Radio, and Sex Drive because I wanted to. That being said, Pirate Radio, Sex Drive, and, Fired Up were all enjoyable movies. As you could have guessed, I really, really, really enjoyed Pirate Radio. It had everything I look for in a movie: good soundtrack, took place in the 1960's, and was about music in the 1960's. Win, win, win. We all win. The other movies were just regular old high school comedies, but still weren't a waste of time. And yes, I had seen She's All That before. Don't worry.

Besides movies, its been all music. I've gotten the new Gorillaz, Titus Andronicus, Jimi Hendrix, and Broken Bells albums, as well as some Pavement albums I didn't have. I also had the pleasure of enjoying the new White Stripes live album, and new She & Him record. Thank goodness for NPR, right? Anyway, everything has been a joy to listen to, especially the new Titus Andronicus record. I had heard their first record a few times, and wasn't incredibly impressed, but this new record...wowee. It is really enjoyable. Its an added bonus that they mention New Jersey in the lyrics a bunch of times due to the fact that they're from Glen Rock.

In other news, March Madness! The tourney tips off Thursday, and I could not be more excited. Hopefully my bracket turns out okay. We shall see!

peace, love, & 12 seeds,
m.w.w.

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Now playing: Titus Andronicus - A More Perfect Union
via FoxyTunes

and that's a pretty nice hair cut

All in all, this was a pretty good weekend. I got do to a few things I don't normally do, which can be a fun thing.

Friday night I had to go into the city to go to the New York Historical Society to look at some paintings for my American Art class. The paintings I had to look at for class were pretty boring, but to my surprise, (and delight), there was a Grateful Dead exhibit, and a really awesome Abraham Lincoln exhibit at the museum. Besides the Grateful Dead exhibit, the museum was also giving away free Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream. After the museum, I headed into Willamsburg (not the Colonial one, unfortunately), with Gwen, Mary and Claire to meet up with Gwen's cousin who was bar tending at a restaurant. This was actually really great news, because besides the free ice cream, and whatever lunch I had that day, I hadn't eaten, and it was pretty late by the time we got there. Anyway, I had a pretty epic burrito for dinner. In the burrito was radishes (which I ate for the first time, and enjoyed), chicken, rice, and other stuff. It was awesome, and exactly what I was craving at the time. We hung out at the restaurant and had a few drinks, and then once Gwen's cousin was done with work, we headed to a different bar down the street. We got home around 3 or so, and I re-played a game of Madden that luckily didn't save because I lost. Unfortunately, I lost the second time as well, by one less point.

Saturday was cool too. At like 4 or so, Mai and I headed into the city to go to Guitar center so we could both get strings. At Guitar Center we met up with some other people, but that is not important. What is important is the beautiful left-handed Taylor Guitar Center had. Oh man. I could have sat in that Guitar Center all day and played it. I actually seriously considered buying it on the spot. Good thing I didn't because the price tag was a cool $850, which would have seriously depleted my funds. But hey, you can "finance," or whatever, things like that, right? Anyway, after Guitar Center we hung around the city for a bit, ended up at the restaurant where Warren plays piano. I'm fairly certain that you can assume that we went to hear him play, but I'll say it anyway. We went to see Warren play. Everyone ate, except me, but that was because I was saving room for Japanese food. At the restaurant I enjoyed a delicious German pilsner. At around 8:45 or so we left Warren's restaurant, and headed uptown to go out for Joe's birthday with 30 of our closest friends. The restaurant was called Chinatown East, and was pretty good. I think it was picked because of it's all you can eat/all you can drink menu. I didn't do all you can eat because it was sushi (I had chicken teryaki instead), but I did indulge in the all-you-can-drink aspect. Needless to say, the Sapporo was flowing. The food was good as well. I wish they had given me rice with the food though. I could have definitely used some. After we got back from the city a few of us tried going out, but to no avail. We just went home and hung around for a while.

Sunday was band practice. TSRJ is back and pretty much the same! I don't want to get everyone's hopes up. Keep your expectations low. But as Chris said in one of his most recent posts, keep your ears peeled because we do have some pretty exciting news coming your way. You didn't hear this from me, but, the news is actually exciting.

Also:
1) The mandolin is totally awesome.
2) Looking forward to going home for spring break.
3) Done with two-thirds of my graduate school applications.
4) NCAA Tournament/March madness bracket time very soon!
5) MLB opening day in less than a month!!!!
6) Started watching the O.C. It's actually not horrible, and kind of really good.

It's good to have these things to look forward to.

Thanks for reading.

peace, love, & the old grey cat,
m.w.w.
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Now playing: Broken Bells - Trap Doors
via FoxyTunes

There's blood in the streets its up to my ankles

There was a fight outside of my apartment yesterday. All year I've been sadistically hoping to witness one, and finally it happened. At first it was totally awesome. Then I went outside, and saw the bloodshed. Unfortunately, I am not exaggerating when I say that. I went to get a sandwich for lunch, and the blood stained the sidewalk for almost 2 blocks. Not to mention the fact that my front door/foyer looked like something out of CSI: Miami. *Insert awesome Horatio Caine one-liner*

In other news, Dan & Mai were the only ones who made the playoffs in our Madden game. Dan made it to the Super Bowl and lost to the Browns, riveting.

The 100 Nights 'Til Graduation dance was a ton of fun. Also, apparently it was not 100 nights, but 92 or something. Not sure how that works, but I definitely feel cheated out of those 8 days, and would like them returned eventually. Here I was thinking last Thursday was 100 nights until graduation. I feel cheated, somehow.

Last week I stared reading Oryx & Crake by Margaret Atwood. So far it's really good. I haven't had a chance to pick it up since but, it's a book about two friends living in a post-apocalyptic world. I'm excited to be able to get back to that later in the week once midterms/homework/graduate applications are out of the way. Come Thursday I am going to be one happy camper, I hope.

So, I know I mentioned our 100th (maybe 150th?) post, but for some reason I neglected to mention our 1 year anniversary at "In Search of Lost Time - (we)blog." Well, if it means anything, we've been writing for you for 1 year, 1 month, and 3 days. Here's to another year, month, and 3 days of blogging enjoyment in the future (at least).

EDIT: I knew I was forgetting something. American Idol! The new season has started, and it's pretty good so far. I don't have a favourite yet, but I'll keep you posted as time progresses. There doesn't seem to be anyone as awesome as Danny or Adam this season, so we'll see.

peace, love, & mandolins,
m.w.w.
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Now playing: Coldplay - Warning Sign
via FoxyTunes

climbing up the stairs

So today I took a major step forward in terms of the graduate school application process. I took the GRE. Don't tell anyone this, but, considering I did about 3 serious days of preparation, it went very well. This was very relieving, to say the least. The test was all the way in Fair Lawn, and now that I think about it, i should have stopped at Guitar Center on my way home. I literally drove past it. Regardless, the GRE took me about 3 hours. I was totally caught off guard by the writing section (forgot it was going to be on there). Luckily this was my only real surprise of the "experience." Now that the GRE is behind me, I can go back to solely doing work for school/just sitting around. Awesome.

In other news, I've acquired a lot of great tunes the past week or so. An LP and an EP by the Avett Brothers, an album by Sarah Jarosz (who is like a 17 year old mandolin/banjo virtuoso who plays very nice sounding folk music), and an album by a band called the Amazing. They're all really good, but right now I can't get enough of the Sarah Jarosz album. I recommend my currently playing if you are interested.

OH! I bought a mandolin!

Time for me to go to sleep. It's been a long day. Goodnight.

peace, love, & folk,

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Now playing: Sarah Jarosz - Left Home
via FoxyTunes

I'll call for pizza! I'll call my cat!

Hello men and women readers,

First of all, this Thursday is 100 Nights Until Graduation! Answer me this: How did that happen? Where did all of my time go? There is no reason that I should be sitting here tonight rushing out graduate school applications to try and apply for school in the fall. I would like at least one year back if you don't mind. I'd like it to be Spring 2008 again, if you must know. Okay, okay, that's two years, but still. Honor my request or pay the price! How nice would it be if all the snow melted and I could just go sit out on Eddie's and play the guitar, toss around a frizz, or just sit for sitting's sake? But I digress...

Not too much has really been happening since we last spoke. The 4 of us on Belmont have started a sort of post-football season fantasy team on Madden. Essentially, we sat down and drafted our own football teams. I'm the Jets, Dan is the Panthers, Mai is the Seahawks, and Jake is the Chargers. If all goes according to plan, the 4 of us will be the 4 teams in the AFC/NFC Championship games, then two of us will play for a Super Bowl. Some say "waste of time." Others say, "Incredible waste of time." We'll see how that goes. I'll keep you all posted. I promise.

And, how about all this snow! My goodness. We had a snow day the past Wednesday. This is great news because it is when i have my night class. Jake and I played snow football during the storm. It was actually my first experience playing tackle football. It was definitely interesting. Luckily I only had to be tackled once. I did make an incredible catch though, so well worth it. The games were more defensive than offensive due to the less than desirable conditions on the field. My play defensively can be described as nothing short of "Revis like" (NY Daily News).

That's all for now.

peace, love & friday night lights,

m.w.w.

After the Goldrush

My, my, my. Things are really in full swing on Belmont Avenue. A lot has happened since you last imagined me reading this blog to you.

Firstly, we had people move in upstairs. This really isn't that big of a deal except for the fact that every few hours or so it sounds like they are dropping a bowling ball on the ground. That or they are construction workers who bring their work home with them. Who knows. And FYI, as we speak it sounds like they are moving around furniture.

Next, when the semester started, we were playing a lot of board/card games here. The game action has cooled down a bit, which is kind of a bummer, but understandable nonetheless. We've played Stratego, Risk, Wizard, Boggle, Scrabble Slam, Pictionary Man, and probably others. I'd definitely be interested in picking that back up.

Other big news is our functioning record player. This is probably the most wonderful new addition to our apartment. Since we've been back at school we've spun many a record. I picked up What's Going On by Marvin Gaye, Songs in the Key of Life by Stevie Wonder, Illinoise by Sufjan Stevens, and Gish by the Smashing Pumpkins, which added to my already awesome (budding) record collection.

I also took my senior portrait. I got to wear a graduation gown and everything. I get a special sash because I get my B.S., rather than B.A. Its not as much "special" as it is different from the one the B.A. kids get, but I'll take what i can get, right? I thought it was kind of cool. In that same vein, I filled out my "intent to graduate" form. This ish is getting real, and fast.

I've resumed my practice of yoga, and also look forward to resuming my trips to the gym. On my to-do list for tomorrow is to go buy basketball sneakers so I can play basketball comfortably, as well as do other physical activities without having terrible foot pain, and leg pain, as well whatever other problems come from having bad shoes. I looked into getting the Kobe V's, but they are $130.00, and realistically, I'm probably not even cool enough to own them, let alone wear them AND attempt to play basketball in them. If only I could get $20 Starbury's.

Some of us also made it out to another "brewery." I only put brewery in quotes because it wasn't really a brewery like Yuengling was in the sense that it was like a factory-esqe place that did bottling and stuff. The place in question is the Brooklyn Brewery, located in, you guessed it, Brooklyn. The place was like two rooms: one where they brewed the beer, and another, which was kind of like a bar, where they sold beer. It was a totally different vibe than Yuengling, because of the fact that it was essentially a bar, rather than a beer museum. I still have to get out to the Sam Adams brewery, and the Magic Hat brewery, which is much less likely, because it is in Burlington, VT (how Vermonty!).

well, i guess that's enough for now.

peace, love, & new neighbors,

m.w.w.

i read the (huey lewis and the) news today, oh boy

1) The new vampire weekend album is really enjoyable. for a taste you should definitely listen to the song posted below. the album doesn't come as easy as the first one, but it definitely it worth that extra listen to really let it hit you. It definitely has the same, if not more, staying power than their first record.


2) St. Vincent - Dig a Pony

3) Did I tell you guys I went to the Yuengling brewery while I was in Philly last weekend? It was really cool. I got to see them canning the beer. For some reason, they don't do canning and bottling on the same day. Makes sense I guess. They only had one conveyer belt. Can't be mixing cans and bottles!

peace, love & contra,

m. ward

the end (of break) is nigh

hello loyal reader(s)...i think this may be a recycled joke, but i'll let it stay because it's still funny the second time.

First things first, Contra, the new Vampire Weekend record came in the mail today. I pre-ordered it on vinyl. To my delight, when I opened the package that the mailman brought me, the first thing that pops out is a folded piece of paper. This paper turned out to be a poster. Not just any poster. A poster signed by the guys from Vampire Weekend. I think that's pretty great that they include freebies when you buy vinyls. That will definitely get me to keep buying records, especially when they come with a digital copy. As I type to you, though, side A of Contra has just finished, therein lying the problem with vinyl for this generation. I now have to get up and flip the record to side B, or sit here in silence.

Tonight I watched Watchmen. It was too long. It looked good, but there was something about it that kept me from loving it. It was definitely decent, but not great, like the parts of the graphic novel that I have actually read.

I can't believe break is almost over. It really flew by.

Go JETS!

peace, love, & autographs,
m.w.w.

cant wait for kids

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/1kXRmw/www.eatmedaily.com/2009/09/psychological-experiments-in-self-control-the-marshmallow-test/

i really like the kid who keeps smelling it

nemo!

hello agian

well hello!

dan won fantasy, but i am going to win streak!

http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/9GNfty/youshouldhaveseenthis.com/
i rocked a bunch of these!

e.a.g.l.e.s.eagles

-jake

p.s. does anyone actually read this?
p.p.s.

playoffs & favorites

the Jets have made the 2009 NFL playoffs. This is amazing news. The game was FREEZING, but it was absolutely worth it. I can say I was at, most likely, the last game EVER played at Giants Stadium.

In other news, i was thinking about year end lists, and i thought i'd do one more. Songs. These songs were my favorites from 2009.

1) The Avett Brothers - Ten Thousand Words

2) Regina Spektor - Dance Anthem of the 80's

3) Vampire Weekend - Cousins (not sure if this counts, but i got it in 2009)

4) Phoenix - 1901

5) Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Higher than the Stars

6) Wilco - Wilco (The Song)

7) Jonsi - Boy Lilikoi

8) Passion Pit - Make Light

9) P.T. Walkley - Somebody

10) John Mayer - Who Says

notables: Phoenix - Liztomania; Paramore - The Only Exception; Passion Pit - Sleepyhead; Pearl Jam - Amongst the Waves; A Fine Frenzy - What I Wouldn't Do; The National - Ashamed of the Story I Told; Kings of Leon - Use Somebody

I probably forgot a bunch. Hope you enjoy the list. Definitely check these out.

peace, love & lists...Go Jets!

m.w.w.

J-J-J-Jimmy & the Jets

So, yesterday Rear Window was on TCM before I went out for New Year's Eve. This got me thinking. Last year, i watched Mr. Smith Goes to Washington before i went out to celebrate the eve. So from now on, every New Year's Eve before I get the party started, I am going to watch at least one Jimmy Stewart movie. Because, hey, what better way to say goodbye to a year than a great Jimmy Stewart movie. Next year I'll aim for The Philadelphia Story, or, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance. This way Jimmy Stewart can be to New Year's Eve, what Bing Crosby is to Christmas (and every other Holiday, really). It's a simple analogy:

Jimmy Stewart : New Year's Eve :: Bing Crosby : Christmas

I like it. Plus now that its 2010, the year I graduate, I'm looking to start all the tradition I can, because in a few short months, it all changes (which I type as I'm sitting here listing to "O Tannenbaum" by Vince Guaraldi...I'm just not ready to let go of the holidays yet).

Anyway, I hope you had a really nice New Year's. Mine was pretty good. The best part was finding out my friend has an extra seat for the Jets' game Sunday night. I am going to the Jets' game!

Also, I tried two new varieties of Sam Adams: Boston Ale, and Brown Ale. Both were very good. I'm quickly finding out that Sam Adams does not brew a beer that I do not like. Next on the list is Cream Stout, or Imperial White. Probably Cream Stout because I don't have to go as far to get it as the Imperial White.

Have a great New Year's Day, and a great 2010.

peace, love, Jimmy & Jets,

m.w.w.