| Wow |
[Oct. 1st, 2005|12:33 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  contemplative | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "The Catalyst" by the Abandoned Pools | ] |
Hey all,
It's been a while, but I'm still here. So, this past month has been absolutely insane, although quite good all in all. Internship's going well. I got to meet the head of a Chinese think tank on Thursday, and he brought me a present for scheduling the programming for his visit to the US. It was cool! :) Classes are surprisingly good, although my professors assign waaaaay too much reading. Work is... well, work. Trisk/QRC are both going well, and my show on WBRS is one of my best yet!
So, I guess in most aspects life is pretty good right now. Still feel like there are pieces missing here and there, so hopefully I'll be able to work on those in the coming weeks. =p Anyways, long weekend/mini-break, so I'm going to enjoy it!
Cheers,
J |
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| Fun times |
[Aug. 16th, 2005|03:34 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  busy | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Enough Space" by the Foo Fighters | ] |
You're the Indie Guru!
Take What sort of Hipster are you? today!
Created with Rum and Monkey's Personality Test Generator.</p>You're practically too cool for words. You've got more indie rock knowledge in your pinky finger than Guided By Voices has songs! You went to your first Mudhoney concert when you were 14. You knew Green Day before they sold out to the masses. You can name every side project Lou Barlow has been in, complete with all album and song titles. You throw out words like "Thurston," "lo-fi," and "Kill Rock Stars." You wear jeans, old band tees, Converse. You hang with other gurus and people you can lord over. You're intelligent, but big-headed. Passionate, but hot-tempered. You will one day rule the earth.
Which Presidential Candidate Are You?
Rung from Rum and Monkey's very own liberty bell.
Lol, I'm John Kerry... how amazing! ;) Anyways, not much going on here. Just getting ready to go back to Deis, and taking care of last minute work things here and there. Also, here's hoping I get some sort of internship for the fall!
~J |
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| Because I Can |
[Aug. 12th, 2005|11:13 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  hopeful | ] |
And now it's time for the Top Ten Songs of My Summer. ;) Woot! This isn't very scientific, and I'm not the best music critic, but I thought I'd give it a whirl. This is only the tip of the iceberg for this summer (Alaska, haha), but it's just a taste of what I've been wetting my musical palate on this summer. Enjoy!
10. The Beatles - "Eight Days a Week" ~ No one ever said it had to be all new music. I actually dipped back into my Beatles collection and really became fond of this song. It starts off very much like Weezer's "Keep Fishin'" (wait, does that mean Weezer borrowed from this song?), and then with a cymbal splash we're off into this catchy, light-spirited lovey dovey song. It's definitely a feel good summer song, which kept it playing on my car stereo all summer long. :)
"Hold me, love me, hold me, love me."
9. Green Day - "Holiday" ~ Although this album was so last Spring, I still love it. This song, which was originally one of my favorites, was unfortunately killed by the radio station I've been working at this summer, since they play it at least 325 times a day. Besides that, though, "Holiday" will endure. I love every single piece of this song, from the lyrics to the vocals to the guitar-work and even to the punchy bass drum, I love it all! If only more rock could be this good these days!
"I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies"
8. The Abandoned Pools - "Catalyst" ~ Despite my friend and fellow Abandoned Pools fan telling me their new stuff wasn't as good as their old, I decided to pick up their "Armed to the Teeth EP" for $5.99 at Newbury Comics one day. I must say, I haven't been disappointed, although I'd agree that their new stuff isn't quite as inventive as "Humanistic". "Catalyst" is a song that blends rather soothing, whimsical vocals with a strong rock instrumental background. Now let's hope their full album keeps it up this fall!
"And if there's something more than this, Then I will be the catalyst"
7. The Mars Volta - "The Widow" ~ This is a group and song I discovered by accident this summer, when I got their CD for free from the radio station I'm interning at. Although I don't really care for the rest of the album yet, this song just stuck for some reason. It's rather dark in style and lyrics, but the way the song unfolds is just stunning! From very gloomy verses to highly charged choruses, then gliding back into the verse with such skill. I like it, although it's definitely not something I thought I'd like initially.
"Freeze without an answer, Free from all the shame"
6. Incubus - "Under My Umbrella" ~ Once again, sometimes oldies can be goodies as well. Although this song is from way back on "Morning View", I didn't really get into this song until this past spring, and I've been playing it ever since. For some reason I can picture it coming off of "S.C.I.E.N.C.E.", but it does fit on the album it's found in as well. Whenever I hear it I just feel like rocking out (yeah!), so it's definitely good for a refreshing summer drive or to keep me going at the gym.
"If this is right I'd rather be wrong"
5. Foo Fighters - "DOA" ~ Although I'm mad at this album for not working on my computer (stupid license download thing freezes), thus making it impossible to listen to on my MP3 player at the gym, "In Your Honor" is still one of the best new rock albums out there today. "DOA" starts off with a strong guitar riff, in come some vocals, and then the song explodes out from your speakers. The good thing is this song just keeps bringing it from start to finish. This is definitely one of the best recent Foo Fighters songs, although I still love the days of "The Colour and the Shape". Very good rock song indeed, though.
"Oh you know I did it, It's over and I feel fine"
4. Beck - "Girl" ~ I must admit, I was very skeptical when I picked up Guero at Newbury Comics, but I don't regret it. The album is fun to listen to, with it's classic Beck meets Mexico sound, it offers something that you don't hear every day. This track would be excellent at the beach, or just for dancing on a table somewhere. You can't help tapping your foot or your hands when you listen to this.
"Hey, my sun-eyed girl"
3. Nine Inch Nails - "Only" ~ Yes, I'm an avid NIN fan (except for the Fragile, which I don't own), and the album #3 comes off of is a fine piece of work. In fact, it's one of my favorite albums of the past year. From the first track to the last "With Teeth" lends to past NIN works while also staying very fresh at the same time. "Only" sounds like it could've come out of some gothic disco, which is just a bizarre mix that somehow works so well! The beat keeps the song moving from start to finish, and with scathing vocals in the chorus and powerful lyrics throughout, this song is a keeper!
"I'm becoming less defined, as days go by, Fading away, well you might say I'm losing focus"
2. Spitalfield - "From the Desk of B. Larsen" ~ Every track on Spitalfield's album "Stop Doing Bad Things" has an equally bizarre title, but this song, unlike parts of the album, are a step up from their earlier amazing work "Remember Right Now". At some points the vocals sound a bit AFI-ish (humph), but it's the music that really keeps this song bouncing on. Sprinkle on some very interesting lyrics, a kick butt pedal to the metal chorus, and you've got yourself a winner! Well, a number 2, which still ain't bad.
"And at this hour, all fears and reservations, Escape through open windows into the southern skies"
1. Queens of the Stone Age - "Medication" ~ If I could've, I would've included the entire "Lullabies to Paralyze" album in this top spot, but the rules were strict for this top ten list. ;) Seriously, I got this album the first week of summer and have been playing it through ever since. It's top notch from track 1 to track 14, which is VERY rare these days. As for this song, it's a quick (under 2 minute) song which really catapults the listener into the QotSA fray. Throughout it has steady drums, some nice riffs, and pretty sweet vocals! It's energetic, strong, and refreshing. Mmm... minty fresh!
"Medication for us all, it is a new way, And we're gonna take it cause wa love it, Don't you know?" |
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| Justin Loves the T |
[Aug. 5th, 2005|02:24 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  bouncy | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Foo Fighters - "Free Me" | ] |
Word up, P-Funk,
Yeah, that was dumb. Anyways, yesterday I had an amazing adventure with the MBTA, so I thought I'd share for all you wonderful readers out there. Hello? Anybody?
So, I was going into the city to visit my friend Ian. I needed to make it to the Hynes stop on the green line, so I thought, why not take the T in from Riverside? Sounds easy enough. So I drove down I-95 and took exit 24 to Brandeis. Ack. I guess it was just a force of habit or something, so I turned around and got back onto the highway for two more exits.
As I turned onto the offramp, I ran into a line of cars heading for Riverside, nearly at a dead stop. Hmm... maybe there was an accident or something? Yeah, that's it. So we slowly move and turn off the highway, only to see herds of people in Red Sox gear heading for the T station. Uh oh! My fears were confirmed when I finally made it to Riverside and was told by an officer that the lot was full. Great! So, as fast as I could, which was about 5 mph, I inched back towards the highway and headed back up to Brandeis and my old friend the Brandeis/Roberts commuter rail station.
I pulled into the station after getting off the highway to see when the next train was to arrive, but no schedule was posted. Wonderful! To my recollection, there was a 12:18 train, and it was about 12:08. With all the speed I could muster (although I still went the speed limit more or less) I bolted for T Lot at Brandeis, booked it to Shapiro, ran upstairs to the computer library, and checked the commuter rail schedule. By the time I made it to the right page it was 12:18, and the next inbound train was due for 12:22. I immediately bolted out the door and made for the stairs, since the elevator moves too slowly, only to find them roped off for the seven billionth time for repainting. I then turned around, made for the Shapiro library (no thank you, Mr. Elevator) and ran down the stairs. I ran to the door, then put my experience at the gym to use and ran from the Shapiro Campus Center to the commuter rail station. I checked my cell phone after running out the door, 12:19. Woo hoo! Somehow, I made it to the station by 12:21, and had a minute or so to catch my breath before the train came. If you think the fun stops there, you're sadly mistaken my friend! ;)
One more amazing T moment to share. When I changed to the green line at Park Street I got on the first train I could find, which happened to be completely packed. I was stuffed into the stairwell next to the door, seeing as I was one of the last people to get on. During my ride of four stops on the green line, a man behind me sneezed, and sent a gigantic wad of snot flying into the back of my arm. Nasty! I was so grossed out! He made some stupid comment, like "oops, looks like I hit ya!" and I turned around and said "aw, it's alright." I'm nice like that. :) Then, I guess for consolation, he offered me the last sip of his can of Sprite. Ewwwwwwwww! First your snot, now your saliva? Ick ick! Needless to say, I politely declined, but thanked him for the gesture.
That was my fun day on the T! Let's hope for many more. =O
~J |
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|
| Around and Around |
[Aug. 3rd, 2005|12:30 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  bored | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Praga Khan - "Love" | ] |
Hey all,
Long time, no post. I miss y'all, I really did. :) Anyways, got back from Vancouver/Alaskan cruise a few days ago, and am now stuck in the August blaaahs. There's nothing to do now, and to make matters worse they cut back my hours at my paying job (joy) so now I really have nothing to do. Still, I've managed to keep myself busy.
Things are still going well at Rock 101, where I'll be running the Dukes of Hazard Opening on Thursday night (oh joy) and doing a van run on Saturday at a gas station, pushing Moxie energy drinks (double joy). This week is also the week of catching up with friends, new and old. Today Bridawg, Rydawg, Keith, and myself attempted a LOTR: Extended Edition marathon, but couldn't make it through the second movie. Those things are way too long! So instead, we hung out, went to BK, and watched some Family Guy. Tomorrow it's office hours and dinner at night with Kim, and then Thursday I'm going down to Massachusetts (hopefully) to visit. Woot!
Nothing else too exciting to report right now. If you want details on my vacation, ask me, because it's way too much to write here. At this point, I'm soooo ready to go back to school! Yay Deis!
~J |
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|
| Brief Update |
[Jul. 6th, 2005|10:44 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  cheerful | ] |
| [ | music |
| | "Building a Better City by Design" by Spitalfield | ] |
Word,
So, it's been a while, so I just thought I'd check in. This summer I'm juggling three jobs: Non-paying internship at Rock 101 FM, job at K-Sears doing conversion work, and old job at Market Basket. It's been busy, and I feel extremely underpaid, but other than that, it's actually been a very good summer! Completed some personal goals which I'm very happy about, spent some good times with friends so far, finished my first novel that I've "read for pleasure" in many years, and had an amazing four day weekend extravaganza for July 4th! Bah, I don't like livejournal sometimes, since I have to be fairly vague. Anyways, overall summer's been treating me well, and there should be many more good times ahead before the fall, which I'm actually looking forward too quite a bit! I've been honing my cooking skills, and can't wait to be off the meal plan for the first time since starting college.
Cheers!
~J |
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|
| Word |
[Jun. 8th, 2005|06:49 pm] |
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|
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| Happy Anniversary! |
[May. 17th, 2005|03:25 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| | hopeful | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Nine Inch Nails - "Right Where it Belongs" | ] |
That is all. :)
~J |
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| YAY!! |
[May. 15th, 2005|03:09 pm] |
| [ | mood |
| |  happy | ] |
| [ | music |
| | Foo Fighters - "I'll Stick Around" | ] |
Yay for not failing Macroeconomics. I was worried about this grade more than any other, and ended up getting a B, which is fine in my book. I'm not one of those "oh no, an A-!" folks. ;)
~J |
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|
| Summertime! |
[May. 15th, 2005|12:03 am] |
| [ | mood |
| |  excited | ] |
Hey all,
Long time, no update. So, I decided to give you all the update, fo sho. Did I just say fo sho?
Anyways, this past week was pack up and move back home for the summer week. It went pretty well, I'd say, except now I'm all alone up in NH. I'll be seeing some friends within the next week, though, so it's not all bad. We had to put my dog of 12 and a half years to sleep though on Thursday, which was extremely sad. She was the most amazing pet anyone could ask for: gentle, happy go lucky, protecting of our family, loyal... the works. She'll be sorely missed. :(
In happier news, I may be interning at Rock 101 for the summer. =D Kick butt! It's one of the biggest radio stations in NH, so if I get the position it's going to be a rockin' good time. I also have to find some sort of paying job too though, which is most likely going to be a drag. Anywhere by MB, though, and I'll be happy. This summer is going to be something special, I can tell. I've spent the past two days digging around in my room during my boredom, and found a lot of my old writings/videos/recordings from high school, which has been pretty inspiring to tell the truth. Going to be a little ambitious this summer finally, now that I have the time. Going to make things happen. =D
Word.
~J |
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