MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1988 [Written in the Inside Cover]
This is a present from me to me! No one else will understand. Leanne will bitch about the price, but I don’t care. Some things are simply more important than money. The cover may appear a bit plain, but it certainly beats out the alternatives: unicorns, rainbows, Bible quotes… the cover is plain and so, at least as I write this, are the pages. What it eventually becomes is up to me… [At this point, there is a knock at my door… “I’m Bob Edwards. I’m running for State Representative and I’d appreciate your vote tomorrow”… Sorry Bob, I’m voting for Kay Hart…]
This is a present from me to me! No one else will understand. Leanne will bitch about the price, but I don’t care. Some things are simply more important than money. The cover may appear a bit plain, but it certainly beats out the alternatives: unicorns, rainbows, Bible quotes… the cover is plain and so, at least as I write this, are the pages. What it eventually becomes is up to me… [At this point, there is a knock at my door… “I’m Bob Edwards. I’m running for State Representative and I’d appreciate your vote tomorrow”… Sorry Bob, I’m voting for Kay Hart…]
SONG LYRICS
LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE
So, my friend, are things so tough
That the simple things are no longer enough?
Is reality so frightening you’re forced to hide
Behind your lysergic acid diethylamide?
LYSERGIC ACID DIETHYLAMIDE
So, my friend, are things so tough
That the simple things are no longer enough?
Is reality so frightening you’re forced to hide
Behind your lysergic acid diethylamide?
I’m sorry to slaughter your sacred cow
But your opinions Don’t mean a thing to me now
But your opinions Don’t mean a thing to me now
I’ve discovered that all I really need
Is a warm cup of tea and a book to read
And I’d prefer that my mind not be fried
On your lysergic acid diethylamide
Is a warm cup of tea and a book to read
And I’d prefer that my mind not be fried
On your lysergic acid diethylamide
And I’m sorry to slaughter your sacred cow
But your opinions don’t mean a thing to me now
But your opinions don’t mean a thing to me now
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1988
It’s now 5 minutes past midnight on election day 1988. That town on the east coast which always votes first is probably voting as I write this. My thoughts on voting? Well, having the right to vote is like a carpenter having a hammer. On the one hand, the hammer is but one of many tools the carpenter will need to function effectively. On the other hand, that hammer is indispensable. If you don’t use it, you’re not much of a carpenter.
It’s now 5 minutes past midnight on election day 1988. That town on the east coast which always votes first is probably voting as I write this. My thoughts on voting? Well, having the right to vote is like a carpenter having a hammer. On the one hand, the hammer is but one of many tools the carpenter will need to function effectively. On the other hand, that hammer is indispensable. If you don’t use it, you’re not much of a carpenter.
DUMB ANALOGY – Part II -
Seeing a girl dressed in clothes from Frederick’s Of Hollywood is about as much fun as playing football without an opposing team. You know you’ll be able to score as much as you want, but there doesn’t seem to be much point in doing so!
Seeing a girl dressed in clothes from Frederick’s Of Hollywood is about as much fun as playing football without an opposing team. You know you’ll be able to score as much as you want, but there doesn’t seem to be much point in doing so!
Here’s the sticker which I proudly wore for 35 minutes until
it started coming off my shirt. (At least it still sticks to paper.)
FYI: The “town on the east coast” is Dixville Notch.
Bush won by a landslide. (At least there.)
Last night I had an interesting dream: It had been raining
for several days. I was sitting on our porch watching the deluge. I found the
incessant rain & overcast skies rather dull. Just then, I had a thought: “A
flood sure would liven things up.” Sure enough, just as I thought that, the
ground became saturated & water began collecting in pools in the yard. My
adrenaline began flowing and… the rain stopped. Wazzit all mean? (If anything…)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1988
Well, the expected happened. George Bush is now the president-elect. There was no upset and I wasn’t expecting one. I suppose that I can find some consolation in the fact that the Democrats made some gains in both the House and Senate. In addition, Dukakis did manage to win in 10 states. (After Reagan’s 49-state blowout in 1984 over Mondale, even this small achievement seemed refreshing.) At least Bush can’t legitimately claim a conservative “mandate”. Am I disappointed? Yes. But after 8 years of Reagan who’ll be able to tell the difference? Besides, when it comes to U.S. politics, I like to hope for the best while expecting the worst. Hopefully, Bush will fuck-up and people will be through with the Republicans. Dukakis will hopefully step aside for the ’92 campaign & people will finally be ready for Jesse Jackson. But then again this is just the daydream of a powerless Midwestern leftist. Time to face the cold, hard reality of a 4-year Bush administration. Sigh… (P.S. – Kay Hart won.)
Well, the expected happened. George Bush is now the president-elect. There was no upset and I wasn’t expecting one. I suppose that I can find some consolation in the fact that the Democrats made some gains in both the House and Senate. In addition, Dukakis did manage to win in 10 states. (After Reagan’s 49-state blowout in 1984 over Mondale, even this small achievement seemed refreshing.) At least Bush can’t legitimately claim a conservative “mandate”. Am I disappointed? Yes. But after 8 years of Reagan who’ll be able to tell the difference? Besides, when it comes to U.S. politics, I like to hope for the best while expecting the worst. Hopefully, Bush will fuck-up and people will be through with the Republicans. Dukakis will hopefully step aside for the ’92 campaign & people will finally be ready for Jesse Jackson. But then again this is just the daydream of a powerless Midwestern leftist. Time to face the cold, hard reality of a 4-year Bush administration. Sigh… (P.S. – Kay Hart won.)
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1988
Procrastination. I’ve fought against it all my life but it always seems to win. I’m paying the price even now for putting things off. I somehow have to transcribe hours of raw interview footage by Monday. (It’s now Thursday nite.) I’m exhausted and panicky. That explains the poor quality of today’s entry. Procrastination should be the death of me, but in its own perverse way, it may prove to be my salvation. Example: “You’re 97 years old. Why are you still alive?” Answer: “I haven’t gotten around to dying yet.” Etc., etc. Who knows? It may one day work to my benefit.
One thing I’m not putting off, though, is a good night’s sleep tonight. I’ve had it!
Procrastination. I’ve fought against it all my life but it always seems to win. I’m paying the price even now for putting things off. I somehow have to transcribe hours of raw interview footage by Monday. (It’s now Thursday nite.) I’m exhausted and panicky. That explains the poor quality of today’s entry. Procrastination should be the death of me, but in its own perverse way, it may prove to be my salvation. Example: “You’re 97 years old. Why are you still alive?” Answer: “I haven’t gotten around to dying yet.” Etc., etc. Who knows? It may one day work to my benefit.
One thing I’m not putting off, though, is a good night’s sleep tonight. I’ve had it!
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1988 (12:36 a.m.)
I’ve been transcribing for hours. I’ve filled-out 13 pages. I feel like I’ve been busting my ass, but when I look at what’s left to transcribe, I haven’t really made a dent. My hand is killing me & my vision is blurry. Writing is the last thing I feel like doing. Next week is going to be a torment. More tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. Sigh. Oh well, I guess we all need weeks like this to make otherwise bland times look attractive. Anyways, not much to write tonight and even if there was my hand would be too cramped to write it. Hope Leanne can put up with me for the next 7 days. Hell, I hope I can put up with me…
I’ve been transcribing for hours. I’ve filled-out 13 pages. I feel like I’ve been busting my ass, but when I look at what’s left to transcribe, I haven’t really made a dent. My hand is killing me & my vision is blurry. Writing is the last thing I feel like doing. Next week is going to be a torment. More tomorrow. And the next day. And the next day. Sigh. Oh well, I guess we all need weeks like this to make otherwise bland times look attractive. Anyways, not much to write tonight and even if there was my hand would be too cramped to write it. Hope Leanne can put up with me for the next 7 days. Hell, I hope I can put up with me…
11/12/88 (Later in the day)
Transcribed 17 more minutes of interviews. My hand is permanently curled into its pen-holding position. Ouch! Fortunately, Leanne stopped by to calm me down. Good news, though. Woody has decided to alter the schedule so that I’ll have an extra day to transcribe. I hope that by this time next week we’ll have a decent finished show. Here’s a stupid list I came up with today “just because”.
Transcribed 17 more minutes of interviews. My hand is permanently curled into its pen-holding position. Ouch! Fortunately, Leanne stopped by to calm me down. Good news, though. Woody has decided to alter the schedule so that I’ll have an extra day to transcribe. I hope that by this time next week we’ll have a decent finished show. Here’s a stupid list I came up with today “just because”.
5 Things That Are Underrated
1. Recycling
2.Earthworms
3.Books
4. Liberalism
5.DEVO
1. Recycling
2.Earthworms
3.Books
4. Liberalism
5.DEVO
5 Things That Are Overrated
1. Professional Sports
2. Israel
3. Popular Opinion
4. Religion
5. Soap Operas
1. Professional Sports
2. Israel
3. Popular Opinion
4. Religion
5. Soap Operas
So now you know…
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1988
All this working and transcribing is a drag… especially when it comes to writing in this book. I have about a zillion things I want to write about… things that piss me off, things I like… or just plain thoughts… but there’s little if any time to write it down and when there is time (just before sleepy time) I’m too exhausted to write. In the future, when I look back at this book, I may very well skip over this week’s entries. They’re destined to be short and boring. C’est la vie!
All this working and transcribing is a drag… especially when it comes to writing in this book. I have about a zillion things I want to write about… things that piss me off, things I like… or just plain thoughts… but there’s little if any time to write it down and when there is time (just before sleepy time) I’m too exhausted to write. In the future, when I look back at this book, I may very well skip over this week’s entries. They’re destined to be short and boring. C’est la vie!
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1988
The other day, I was watching a Christian TV show. The show, like many others of its genre, was biased against something they conveniently labeled as “secular humanism”. In it, they claimed that all atheists, agnostics, etc. were “evil” and “must be stopped”. Needless to say, I got rather pissed-off at the self-righteous morons. I am an agnostic not because I am evil but because, through reason, I am led to the belief that the nature of the forces which created the universe cannot be empirically determined. I have started working on my philosophy of religion & if I have time I’ll start jotting it down tomorrow. But for now, I’ve got to get some sleep - - -
The other day, I was watching a Christian TV show. The show, like many others of its genre, was biased against something they conveniently labeled as “secular humanism”. In it, they claimed that all atheists, agnostics, etc. were “evil” and “must be stopped”. Needless to say, I got rather pissed-off at the self-righteous morons. I am an agnostic not because I am evil but because, through reason, I am led to the belief that the nature of the forces which created the universe cannot be empirically determined. I have started working on my philosophy of religion & if I have time I’ll start jotting it down tomorrow. But for now, I’ve got to get some sleep - - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1988
Now, as promised and for what it’s worth, here’s a short statement of what I believe and why I believe it, regarding religion. Step by step, here it is…
1. Through empirical observation, it can be determined that the Earth and physical universe exist.
2. The structure and complexity of this physical universe are such that it is obvious it was brought forth by forces other than and greater than humanity.
3. The nature of the force which created the universe cannot be discerned through empirical observation. Any and all theories concerning its nature must therefore be regarded as speculation.
4. Many religions – Christianity not excepted – are based upon the notion that human beings, through prayer and similar means, can call upon the force of creation (“God”, in their terms) to intercede in human affairs.
Empirical observation, however, demonstrates that despite even the most rigorous prayer, “God” will not do so much as open a book placed before us.
I, however, or another human being, can accomplish this task with ease.
While I am not saying that such divine intervention – if the Creative Force is indeed in the form of the Judeo/Christian/Islamic “God” – is absolutely impossible, I am saying that such intervention is unreliable to the point of being irrelevant to normal human affairs.
5. “God” cannot be relied upon to help humanity.
If a man is hungry, prayer will not feed him, though a soup kitchen will.
If a worker is being exploited by his boss, prayer will not bring him justice, though direct confrontation can.
In short, only humans can be relied upon to help humans.
To argue theology while people are homeless and hungry is pointless at best; negligent, foolish and ignorant at worst.
Whether or not “God” exists is something which I cannot truthfully claim to know.
What I do know, though, is that there are people in need and that man’s prayers have not relieved their conditions thus far.
We have, therefore, only ourselves to rely on.
I suppose, in the eyes of those “born-again” Bible pounders, this makes me a “humanist”. So be it. I feel my views are justified.
Let the self-righteous religious people argue vainly amongst themselves. Faith in “God” has accomplished nothing as far as I can tell. I must, therefore, rely on humanity – despite its flaws – to be its own salvation.
Now, as promised and for what it’s worth, here’s a short statement of what I believe and why I believe it, regarding religion. Step by step, here it is…
1. Through empirical observation, it can be determined that the Earth and physical universe exist.
2. The structure and complexity of this physical universe are such that it is obvious it was brought forth by forces other than and greater than humanity.
3. The nature of the force which created the universe cannot be discerned through empirical observation. Any and all theories concerning its nature must therefore be regarded as speculation.
4. Many religions – Christianity not excepted – are based upon the notion that human beings, through prayer and similar means, can call upon the force of creation (“God”, in their terms) to intercede in human affairs.
Empirical observation, however, demonstrates that despite even the most rigorous prayer, “God” will not do so much as open a book placed before us.
I, however, or another human being, can accomplish this task with ease.
While I am not saying that such divine intervention – if the Creative Force is indeed in the form of the Judeo/Christian/Islamic “God” – is absolutely impossible, I am saying that such intervention is unreliable to the point of being irrelevant to normal human affairs.
5. “God” cannot be relied upon to help humanity.
If a man is hungry, prayer will not feed him, though a soup kitchen will.
If a worker is being exploited by his boss, prayer will not bring him justice, though direct confrontation can.
In short, only humans can be relied upon to help humans.
To argue theology while people are homeless and hungry is pointless at best; negligent, foolish and ignorant at worst.
Whether or not “God” exists is something which I cannot truthfully claim to know.
What I do know, though, is that there are people in need and that man’s prayers have not relieved their conditions thus far.
We have, therefore, only ourselves to rely on.
I suppose, in the eyes of those “born-again” Bible pounders, this makes me a “humanist”. So be it. I feel my views are justified.
Let the self-righteous religious people argue vainly amongst themselves. Faith in “God” has accomplished nothing as far as I can tell. I must, therefore, rely on humanity – despite its flaws – to be its own salvation.
11/15/88 (Later entry) – Today, the exiled Palestinian
parliament-in –exile*declared an independent Palestinian state! Right on! Power
to the Palestinians!
(*O.K., so it’s redundant! 12/3/88)
(*O.K., so it’s redundant! 12/3/88)
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1988
Up all night editing Greenpeace. Got 10 ½ minutes of raw audio done which isn’t bad. I’m happy with the results so far. It’s now 6:40 a.m. It’s dark and raining torrents. I’m exhausted. More editing tomorrow. Hope it goes as smoothly as tonight did. I hate night shift, but this show should be worth the hassle. ‘Til later today…
Up all night editing Greenpeace. Got 10 ½ minutes of raw audio done which isn’t bad. I’m happy with the results so far. It’s now 6:40 a.m. It’s dark and raining torrents. I’m exhausted. More editing tomorrow. Hope it goes as smoothly as tonight did. I hate night shift, but this show should be worth the hassle. ‘Til later today…
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1988
Here’s some potential lyrics I came up with today:
Waiting for the Big “I Told You So”
You were living your life – I was living mine
If we’d have left it at that, things would’ve been fine
But we were both too stupid to let things be
And we both had to prove our superiority
Here’s some potential lyrics I came up with today:
Waiting for the Big “I Told You So”
You were living your life – I was living mine
If we’d have left it at that, things would’ve been fine
But we were both too stupid to let things be
And we both had to prove our superiority
“My way is better”, the both of us said
“And if you don’t stop what you’re doing, you’ll end up dead”
“And if you don’t stop what you’re doing, you’ll end up dead”
One thing led to another, trouble started to grow.
Now we’re both waiting for the big “I told you so”.
Now we’re both waiting for the big “I told you so”.
We’re each waiting for the other to stumble and fall
So we can laugh in their face and make ‘em feel small
Each hopin’ it’s the other guy who gets laid low
Both waiting for the big “I told you so”.
So we can laugh in their face and make ‘em feel small
Each hopin’ it’s the other guy who gets laid low
Both waiting for the big “I told you so”.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1988
(3:00 a.m.) Just got back from Detroit. Went with Jeff Mintline to see the “Red Hot Chili Peppers”. Jeff had been raving about them for so long, I figured I just had to see for myself. They were pretty cool. Seeing D.H. Peligro drumming for them was especially worth it for me. Peligro kicked ass despite the fact he was knocked out cold early in the set when the singer toppled the cymbal stand into his face in an overzealous frenzy. My ears are ringing and I smell like cigarette smoke. It was worth it.
(3:00 a.m.) Just got back from Detroit. Went with Jeff Mintline to see the “Red Hot Chili Peppers”. Jeff had been raving about them for so long, I figured I just had to see for myself. They were pretty cool. Seeing D.H. Peligro drumming for them was especially worth it for me. Peligro kicked ass despite the fact he was knocked out cold early in the set when the singer toppled the cymbal stand into his face in an overzealous frenzy. My ears are ringing and I smell like cigarette smoke. It was worth it.
(10:00 p.m.) Today was a relaxing day – the type which makes
life worth living. Went with Leanne to her sister Karen’s for some delicious
homemade pizza. Then went back to Leanne’s & watched some old slides with
their family. I didn’t particularly do much today, but I suppose that’s
the whole point. Today, I felt a sense of belonging which I haven’t felt –
which I had almost forgotten could exist – for a long time. The more
time passes, the more convinced I am that marrying Leanne will be the best
thing that I could do.
Another thing I became convinced of, while watching those slides, is the importance of home photography. So convinced, in fact, that I have decided to buy – and use – at least one roll of film per month for as long as possible. Starting tomorrow…
Another thing I became convinced of, while watching those slides, is the importance of home photography. So convinced, in fact, that I have decided to buy – and use – at least one roll of film per month for as long as possible. Starting tomorrow…
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1988
(1:23 a.m.) Just a thought: I wondered about punk rock & Christianity today & figured that their developments must have been similar. With punk, when it began, those into it truly were dedicated and had a true bond with other punkers. As it became popular, though, the assholes moved in (e.g., skinheads and other assholes who had no concept of what punk was really about) and diluted and destroyed the scene. Perhaps the first Christians were truly sincere people with genuine beliefs, but Christianity today – at least as an organized entity - is in such a pathetic state that the original Christians would likely be ashamed of what it has become. Today’s Christianity would have little to offer the original Christians – much like today’s punk being devoid of the original ideals of its founders.
(1:23 a.m.) Just a thought: I wondered about punk rock & Christianity today & figured that their developments must have been similar. With punk, when it began, those into it truly were dedicated and had a true bond with other punkers. As it became popular, though, the assholes moved in (e.g., skinheads and other assholes who had no concept of what punk was really about) and diluted and destroyed the scene. Perhaps the first Christians were truly sincere people with genuine beliefs, but Christianity today – at least as an organized entity - is in such a pathetic state that the original Christians would likely be ashamed of what it has become. Today’s Christianity would have little to offer the original Christians – much like today’s punk being devoid of the original ideals of its founders.
(Later entry) I’ve gotta hand it to those people at A &
E Cable network. On this, the 25th Anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s
assassination, they ran NBC’s coverage of the event, in real time, at the same
time of day, that it occurred in 1963. Being a broadcast/history fanatic, I
naturally was captivated by this program. But that’s not why I’m impressed with
A & E. No, it was their selection of the program which ran before the
assassination coverage. It was an unrelated black & white program from
television’s “Golden Age”. Something about a pool hustler running afoul of the
mafia. The show’s title? “Goodbye Johnny”! Can ya believe it? Anybody with a
sense of humor that warped has my undying admiration!
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1988
I am becoming convinced that the key to happiness lies not in accumulating those things which bring one joy, but in liberating oneself from those things which do not.
I am becoming convinced that the key to happiness lies not in accumulating those things which bring one joy, but in liberating oneself from those things which do not.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1988
(12:30 a.m.) Thanksgiving was typical this year. Dinner at Leanne’s sister Rena’s. Watched Mary Poppins. Leanne spent the night. Friday: relaxed, worked on class project, then practiced w/the G.B.’s at Jeff’s. My new song is coming together. I’m happy with it. I love having time off work. Nothing much to say right now. My mind is on holiday, too.
(12:30 a.m.) Thanksgiving was typical this year. Dinner at Leanne’s sister Rena’s. Watched Mary Poppins. Leanne spent the night. Friday: relaxed, worked on class project, then practiced w/the G.B.’s at Jeff’s. My new song is coming together. I’m happy with it. I love having time off work. Nothing much to say right now. My mind is on holiday, too.
(8:30 p.m.) The United States, in a gutless and illegal
move, has proven itself unworthy of hosting the United Nation General Assembly.
By denying PLO Leader Yassir Arafat entry to the U.S. to speak at the U.N. –
despite its obligation under the U.N. Charter to let him do so – the U.S. State
Department has demonstrated its role as a Zionist pawn. If you ask me, I think
the U.N. should pack up and move to Geneva where they can conduct it business
without the needless interference of the U.S.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1988
Democracy. It sounds like a noble idea. Authoritarianism is prevented by having the majority make the rules. Not bad, but… I was reading about the U.S. North in the early 1800’s and I began to wonder: what if the “majority” is clearly wrong? Contrary to contemporary belief, white northern residents were not anti-slavery and, in fact, a majority were vehemently anti-black. Mob killings and other violent harassment often was the fate of the few people in the north who dared to speak-out against slavery and the unfair treatment of blacks. The abolitionist movement was in fact spearheaded by a brave minority who refused to be intimidated by the violent words and actions of the unenlightened majority. The social essayist Emma Goldman, in fact, commented that progress in society is initiated by minorities – ideological and otherwise. Furthermore, she observed, majorities were not only sluggish in their acceptance of progressive ideals, they often were outright hostile to any ideas which threatened to upset the status quo.
When I reflect on such things, I am no longer disheartened by being of a minority ideological viewpoint in this conservative era of Reagan and Bush.
I will not cower in fear of being tagged with “the ‘L’ word”. In fact, I openly declare: “I’M LIBERAL AS HELL AND I’M DAMNED PROUD OF IT!”
Change may be slow in coming, but I feel that the forces of reason not only should prevail but that they must prevail!
P.S. – Sorry about the sloppy writing, but I’m fighting-off the flu.
Democracy. It sounds like a noble idea. Authoritarianism is prevented by having the majority make the rules. Not bad, but… I was reading about the U.S. North in the early 1800’s and I began to wonder: what if the “majority” is clearly wrong? Contrary to contemporary belief, white northern residents were not anti-slavery and, in fact, a majority were vehemently anti-black. Mob killings and other violent harassment often was the fate of the few people in the north who dared to speak-out against slavery and the unfair treatment of blacks. The abolitionist movement was in fact spearheaded by a brave minority who refused to be intimidated by the violent words and actions of the unenlightened majority. The social essayist Emma Goldman, in fact, commented that progress in society is initiated by minorities – ideological and otherwise. Furthermore, she observed, majorities were not only sluggish in their acceptance of progressive ideals, they often were outright hostile to any ideas which threatened to upset the status quo.
When I reflect on such things, I am no longer disheartened by being of a minority ideological viewpoint in this conservative era of Reagan and Bush.
I will not cower in fear of being tagged with “the ‘L’ word”. In fact, I openly declare: “I’M LIBERAL AS HELL AND I’M DAMNED PROUD OF IT!”
Change may be slow in coming, but I feel that the forces of reason not only should prevail but that they must prevail!
P.S. – Sorry about the sloppy writing, but I’m fighting-off the flu.
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1988
Just a thought. One of the few good things about George Bush assuming the presidency is that he’ll bring the word “Kennebunkport” to national prominence.
What a name! I love it!
Just a thought. One of the few good things about George Bush assuming the presidency is that he’ll bring the word “Kennebunkport” to national prominence.
What a name! I love it!
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1988
Still fighting this flucoldwhatevervirusitis thing.
Still fighting this flucoldwhatevervirusitis thing.
A veritable
biological “siege of Stalingrad” scourging my body. I feel rotten. & I’ve
got night shift 2nite. (More Greenpeace.) Nothing much to do but swallow
Aspirin & guzzle caffeine (in the form of RC Cola) as a chaser. Twenty
years from now I’ll either look upon this period of my life as “the good old days”
or the depths from which I raised myself. I can only hope it’s the latter.
Grumble, grumble…
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1988
Self-esteem. What a bizarre critter it is. Those who don’t have enough often become insecure and withdrawn – with a susceptibility to depression and self-doubt. Those who have too much are usually arrogant, obnoxious asshole. The trick is to be somewhere between the two extremes. But how does one judge what the proper amount to self-esteem is?
Pride is the same way. Society treats modesty as a virtue to such an extent that – by some twisted logic – people are ashamed to be proud. (No wonder so many people are confused.)
Personally, I find pompous, egotistical people revolting. So much so, in fact, that I tend to overcompensate by being self-effacing and withdrawn. It has only been recently that I’ve found I can have pride in my accomplishments without succumbing to egotism.
The rectification to this dilemma was rather simple once I thought about it. For an example, I’m proud of this book. Not because I feel it’s particularly good, and not because it in any way makes me better than any other person. No, I’m proud of this book because I feel I’m better off for having written in it than I would have been had I decided to sit on my ass and watch TV.
In other words, I base my pride relative to myself – or, more precisely, to what I otherwise might or might not have done. (i.e., I’m proud of doing “X” because I’m better off than I would have been had I not done “X”… if, for instance, I had just sat around being bored.)
In this way, I can have pride in my achievements, and the consequent self-esteem this brings, and still not feel the need to judge myself with reference to others, which, I believe, is the cause of obnoxious vanity. Feeling good about yourself without putting down others. That’s the key to personal happiness/coexistence with others. Anyways…
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
It’s pledge drive time again and as usual a certain segment of home viewers assume that we derive a degree of sadistic satisfaction from this madness. Let the truth be known: I, as an employee of a PBS station, hate pledge drive as much – if not considerably more - than the average home viewer. If we had some decent government funding, we wouldn’t have to do this! Oh, well, not much hope of that under Bush, I suppose! No time to write… gotta edit Greenpeace!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
Christmas is approaching and my anticipation of opening my presents has not diminished with age. Funny thing, though. When I thought about the kinds of gifts I’d most like to receive, things like shortwave radios and telescopes came to mind.
This betrays a fascination with things which are distant… voices from the other side of the world… galaxies which are many light-years away… How ironic, then, is my fear of things which are near: fear to look someone in the eye… fear to talk to a stranger… Fascination with the distant, fear of the near. I don’t have any nice-sounding conclusion to draw from this. It was just a thought ---
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988 – Boxing Day
Working over the holidays is a drag. Especially when most people are enjoying a vacation. At least I’ll be getting tomorrow off. I was supposed to work MCR sign-off, but I managed to get the day off so that I could attend the G.B.’s practice. It’s difficult to believe that the band has been around – in one form or another - for five years.
Self-esteem. What a bizarre critter it is. Those who don’t have enough often become insecure and withdrawn – with a susceptibility to depression and self-doubt. Those who have too much are usually arrogant, obnoxious asshole. The trick is to be somewhere between the two extremes. But how does one judge what the proper amount to self-esteem is?
Pride is the same way. Society treats modesty as a virtue to such an extent that – by some twisted logic – people are ashamed to be proud. (No wonder so many people are confused.)
Personally, I find pompous, egotistical people revolting. So much so, in fact, that I tend to overcompensate by being self-effacing and withdrawn. It has only been recently that I’ve found I can have pride in my accomplishments without succumbing to egotism.
The rectification to this dilemma was rather simple once I thought about it. For an example, I’m proud of this book. Not because I feel it’s particularly good, and not because it in any way makes me better than any other person. No, I’m proud of this book because I feel I’m better off for having written in it than I would have been had I decided to sit on my ass and watch TV.
In other words, I base my pride relative to myself – or, more precisely, to what I otherwise might or might not have done. (i.e., I’m proud of doing “X” because I’m better off than I would have been had I not done “X”… if, for instance, I had just sat around being bored.)
In this way, I can have pride in my achievements, and the consequent self-esteem this brings, and still not feel the need to judge myself with reference to others, which, I believe, is the cause of obnoxious vanity. Feeling good about yourself without putting down others. That’s the key to personal happiness/coexistence with others. Anyways…
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1988
$25,000,000,000. That’s how much Kohlberg, Kravitz & Roberts (a “buyout specialist” firm I had never heard of before today) is going to pay for the RJR Nabisco corporation.
$25 billion. I was going to figure out how long someone making minimum wage would have to work to make that much money, but “25 billion” wouldn’t fit on my calculator.
Yeah, I suppose I could have figured it out by toying with decimal points or by figuring it out by myself. But the mere fact that “25,000,000,000” didn’t fit on a single calculator display told me all I needed to know.
The fact that $25,000,000,000 is being tied-up as leverage money so that a very small number of already wealthy people can amass a vast amount of personal wealth while other people…working people… cannot afford basic health care, food or housing (to say nothing of the unemployed) is, in my opinion, obscene!
Where did KKR get $25 billion? How much productive labor did they create? Did they do $25 billion worth of work? I doubt it.
$25 billion could have helped some of these people.
Yeah, yeah… I’m sure that there are those who would argue that the $25B “belonged” to KKR and it was theirs to do with as they pleased.
I, however, agree with the assumption that Labor creates all wealth. I seriously doubt that KKR produced $25B. (if indeed they created any actual productive labor).
This leads to the question: if the $25B. does not rightfully belong to KKR… who does it belong to?
I say it rightfully belongs to the working men & women whose labor power was exploited and whose profits were siphoned-off to benefit the corporate “owners”.
Hell, the Communist Chinese shot bastards like that. While I usually don’t condone violence, I don’t think I’d feel too bad if someone were to empty a handgun into these shitheads.
Some apologists for the corporate robbers may counter that what they do is okay because it is legal.
Oh? Well slavery was once “legal”. Burning accused witches was once legal. Legality and morality are not synonymous.
Does this mean that I view these people as evil? Well… not necessarily.
Let me draw an analogy (whether you want one or not).
If someone shoots, intentionally, at point-blank range, an unarmed an innocent person for no reason, that is evil.
If someone in a skyscraper begins firing aimlessly out the window with no other intent but that of the enjoyment of firing the weapon and in the process happens to shoot someone… that is ignorance and – to some degree – stupidity, but if the person shooting out of the window is unaware of the effects of his/her action, they cannot be considered truly evil… at least not until the effects of their actions are pointed out to them. If, at that point, they continue with their actions, it can then be considered evil.
Oh, what I’m trying to say is that these dipshits’ quest for wealth is hurting a lot of people. Let’s face it, as soon as KKR buys RJR Nabisco, they’ll want to increase their profits. How? By firing employees they deem non-essential. KKR gets rich, the employees gets screwed.
Oh, fuck it. Maybe the Red Chinese had the right idea.
$25,000,000,000. That’s how much Kohlberg, Kravitz & Roberts (a “buyout specialist” firm I had never heard of before today) is going to pay for the RJR Nabisco corporation.
$25 billion. I was going to figure out how long someone making minimum wage would have to work to make that much money, but “25 billion” wouldn’t fit on my calculator.
Yeah, I suppose I could have figured it out by toying with decimal points or by figuring it out by myself. But the mere fact that “25,000,000,000” didn’t fit on a single calculator display told me all I needed to know.
The fact that $25,000,000,000 is being tied-up as leverage money so that a very small number of already wealthy people can amass a vast amount of personal wealth while other people…working people… cannot afford basic health care, food or housing (to say nothing of the unemployed) is, in my opinion, obscene!
Where did KKR get $25 billion? How much productive labor did they create? Did they do $25 billion worth of work? I doubt it.
$25 billion could have helped some of these people.
Yeah, yeah… I’m sure that there are those who would argue that the $25B “belonged” to KKR and it was theirs to do with as they pleased.
I, however, agree with the assumption that Labor creates all wealth. I seriously doubt that KKR produced $25B. (if indeed they created any actual productive labor).
This leads to the question: if the $25B. does not rightfully belong to KKR… who does it belong to?
I say it rightfully belongs to the working men & women whose labor power was exploited and whose profits were siphoned-off to benefit the corporate “owners”.
Hell, the Communist Chinese shot bastards like that. While I usually don’t condone violence, I don’t think I’d feel too bad if someone were to empty a handgun into these shitheads.
Some apologists for the corporate robbers may counter that what they do is okay because it is legal.
Oh? Well slavery was once “legal”. Burning accused witches was once legal. Legality and morality are not synonymous.
Does this mean that I view these people as evil? Well… not necessarily.
Let me draw an analogy (whether you want one or not).
If someone shoots, intentionally, at point-blank range, an unarmed an innocent person for no reason, that is evil.
If someone in a skyscraper begins firing aimlessly out the window with no other intent but that of the enjoyment of firing the weapon and in the process happens to shoot someone… that is ignorance and – to some degree – stupidity, but if the person shooting out of the window is unaware of the effects of his/her action, they cannot be considered truly evil… at least not until the effects of their actions are pointed out to them. If, at that point, they continue with their actions, it can then be considered evil.
Oh, what I’m trying to say is that these dipshits’ quest for wealth is hurting a lot of people. Let’s face it, as soon as KKR buys RJR Nabisco, they’ll want to increase their profits. How? By firing employees they deem non-essential. KKR gets rich, the employees gets screwed.
Oh, fuck it. Maybe the Red Chinese had the right idea.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1988
I learned since yesterday that about 90% of KKR’s $25 billion was obtained through bank loans! Don’t these banks have anything better to invest their money in? How ‘bout loaning it to people who need it?
I learned since yesterday that about 90% of KKR’s $25 billion was obtained through bank loans! Don’t these banks have anything better to invest their money in? How ‘bout loaning it to people who need it?
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1988
Well, today was “Swingin’ Bachelor Day” for me! Leanne was in Chicago, so Steve Newlin, my brother and I just sorta “hung out”. Ordered pizza, went to a movie, etc. Later, I spent hours looking through the 1989 “Information Please” almanac. Hey, I thought it was fascinating – so fuck you!
(Sigh.) Leanne’s been gone less than a day and I already miss her. I guess I’m in love! Hope she’s O.K.
No foaming-at-the-mind polemics tonight. No real attempt to polish my writing (not that anyone would notice).
It’s just kinda quiet, so I’ll simply relax.
Tomorrow is my first day of pledge drive for December, and after that – more Greenpeace editing. It’ll be a long day… it’ll be a long week.
Well, today was “Swingin’ Bachelor Day” for me! Leanne was in Chicago, so Steve Newlin, my brother and I just sorta “hung out”. Ordered pizza, went to a movie, etc. Later, I spent hours looking through the 1989 “Information Please” almanac. Hey, I thought it was fascinating – so fuck you!
(Sigh.) Leanne’s been gone less than a day and I already miss her. I guess I’m in love! Hope she’s O.K.
No foaming-at-the-mind polemics tonight. No real attempt to polish my writing (not that anyone would notice).
It’s just kinda quiet, so I’ll simply relax.
Tomorrow is my first day of pledge drive for December, and after that – more Greenpeace editing. It’ll be a long day… it’ll be a long week.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1988
It’s pledge drive time again and as usual a certain segment of home viewers assume that we derive a degree of sadistic satisfaction from this madness. Let the truth be known: I, as an employee of a PBS station, hate pledge drive as much – if not considerably more - than the average home viewer. If we had some decent government funding, we wouldn’t have to do this! Oh, well, not much hope of that under Bush, I suppose! No time to write… gotta edit Greenpeace!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5, 1988
(6:20 a.m.) The Greenpeace show is over half done. I realize this isn’t much of an entry, but I just felt as though I should write it down. So far, I like it.
(Later Entry) Today was my first pledge drive day as an EA and a busy one it was. How busy? Well, if this is any indication – I turned down some free pizza because I had work to do! A rare occurrence, to say the least! I have the strange hyperactive-yet-tired feeling that only exhaustion drowned in caffeine can produce. I’ll be able to sleep soon. Thank goodness!
(6:20 a.m.) The Greenpeace show is over half done. I realize this isn’t much of an entry, but I just felt as though I should write it down. So far, I like it.
(Later Entry) Today was my first pledge drive day as an EA and a busy one it was. How busy? Well, if this is any indication – I turned down some free pizza because I had work to do! A rare occurrence, to say the least! I have the strange hyperactive-yet-tired feeling that only exhaustion drowned in caffeine can produce. I’ll be able to sleep soon. Thank goodness!
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1988
I was going to write some stuff about the gay rights movement today, but with pledge drive, Greenpeace editing and other things happening, I just ain’t got the time. Now I know why revolutions don’t start with the working class. They’re so damned busy trying to scrape-out a living that they don’t have time and/or are too tired to do much else. And what’s worse, in broadcasting, there’s no such thing as being assured of weekends/holidays off. The show must go on! Well, it certainly beats the crap outta being an investment banker. I can have a clean conscience and a paycheck.
I was going to write some stuff about the gay rights movement today, but with pledge drive, Greenpeace editing and other things happening, I just ain’t got the time. Now I know why revolutions don’t start with the working class. They’re so damned busy trying to scrape-out a living that they don’t have time and/or are too tired to do much else. And what’s worse, in broadcasting, there’s no such thing as being assured of weekends/holidays off. The show must go on! Well, it certainly beats the crap outta being an investment banker. I can have a clean conscience and a paycheck.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1988
Remember Pearl Harbor! The Greenpeace show is done! Alleluia! It’s 6:50 a.m. & I have to get back to the pledge drive at 12:30 p.m., so it’s time for my couple hours of sleep.
(Later Entry) It’s now 1:45 p.m. I’ve had 3 ½ hours of sleep and I’m running on autopilot. This perhaps isn’t the best time to write about anything in depth, but, despite the danger of clouded thinking, I’ll give it a try.
The subject? The gay rights movement. I’ve been a longtime supporter of gay & Lesbian rights, even though I’m not gay myself. Now I didn’t want this to sound like the old clichéd “Well, it’s O.K. to be gay but I sure as hell ain’t one.” type of thing. I’m merely pointing out that “straight” as well as gay people will benefit from the abolition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
I did not “decide” to be straight. The fact that I am physically attracted to members of the opposite sex is something that takes place independent of any conscious decision.
Because of this, since I can’t “help” being straight, it seems to me only logical that gay people do not consciously “decide” to be gay. Why, then, should they be punished as though they are criminals? They are no worse than “mainstream society” (if such a thing exists) – merely different.
The fact that members of the gay/Lesbian community are often harassed for living their private lives in their own way is perhaps the very reason I empathize with them so strongly.
I, too, know what it’s like to be harassed by self-appointed “guardians of morality” simply because my views and actions – even though they don’t directly hurt others – are different from theirs. Even though these (my) actions and ideas were not of a sexual nature, the anger and bitterness I felt at their conservative arrogance was the same. I don’t deserve the hassle and neither do the gays and Lesbians who suffer verbal – and sometimes violent physical – abuse from those who try to impose their morals on others.
If everyone were the same, the world would be about as exciting as the stock report in the Sunday paper. (Yawn!)
Diversity – as long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others – should be encouraged, not condemned!
Whenever gays and Lesbians are discriminated against, I’ll be unequivocally on their side. Later, I might be the victim of discrimination and might need their help. We are in fact defending our own rights when we defend the rights of others! I’m not sure whether this made some sense or whether this was just rambling, but it’s the best I can do under the circumstances.
(10:00p.m.) When I drove home from Leanne’s tonight, the sky was darker than I ever remember it being. So dark that I began to wonder if it was still there…
Remember Pearl Harbor! The Greenpeace show is done! Alleluia! It’s 6:50 a.m. & I have to get back to the pledge drive at 12:30 p.m., so it’s time for my couple hours of sleep.
(Later Entry) It’s now 1:45 p.m. I’ve had 3 ½ hours of sleep and I’m running on autopilot. This perhaps isn’t the best time to write about anything in depth, but, despite the danger of clouded thinking, I’ll give it a try.
The subject? The gay rights movement. I’ve been a longtime supporter of gay & Lesbian rights, even though I’m not gay myself. Now I didn’t want this to sound like the old clichéd “Well, it’s O.K. to be gay but I sure as hell ain’t one.” type of thing. I’m merely pointing out that “straight” as well as gay people will benefit from the abolition of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation.
I did not “decide” to be straight. The fact that I am physically attracted to members of the opposite sex is something that takes place independent of any conscious decision.
Because of this, since I can’t “help” being straight, it seems to me only logical that gay people do not consciously “decide” to be gay. Why, then, should they be punished as though they are criminals? They are no worse than “mainstream society” (if such a thing exists) – merely different.
The fact that members of the gay/Lesbian community are often harassed for living their private lives in their own way is perhaps the very reason I empathize with them so strongly.
I, too, know what it’s like to be harassed by self-appointed “guardians of morality” simply because my views and actions – even though they don’t directly hurt others – are different from theirs. Even though these (my) actions and ideas were not of a sexual nature, the anger and bitterness I felt at their conservative arrogance was the same. I don’t deserve the hassle and neither do the gays and Lesbians who suffer verbal – and sometimes violent physical – abuse from those who try to impose their morals on others.
If everyone were the same, the world would be about as exciting as the stock report in the Sunday paper. (Yawn!)
Diversity – as long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others – should be encouraged, not condemned!
Whenever gays and Lesbians are discriminated against, I’ll be unequivocally on their side. Later, I might be the victim of discrimination and might need their help. We are in fact defending our own rights when we defend the rights of others! I’m not sure whether this made some sense or whether this was just rambling, but it’s the best I can do under the circumstances.
(10:00p.m.) When I drove home from Leanne’s tonight, the sky was darker than I ever remember it being. So dark that I began to wonder if it was still there…
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1988
Some people will never be satisfied. Yesterday, at the U.N, Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev announced a unilateral Soviet troop reduction of 500,000 troops over the next 2 years. This amounts to 10% of total military strength in the U.S.S.R. And this was on top of his cease-fire/Afghanistan withdrawal proposals.
So what do I see on CNN this morning? Some young conservative denouncing the proposal likening it to “a salesman selling you what you don’t want”. What a dipshit!
Granted, there is a long way to go before there is true world peace, and Gorbachev’s proposal will not solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction and should be applauded.
Some of the conservatives, however, seem stuck in the “everything the Soviets do is evil – no matter what it is” mindset. They don’t think critically about Soviet actions, they merely react.
I get the feeling that even if Gorbachev would have made a tear-filled denunciation of Communism and begged on his knees that the U.S. allow the Soviet Union to become the 51st state, these conservatives would still be negative. After all, if there is no “Soviet threat” to whine about and warn against, these people would have nothing left to do.
And I think I’d almost feel pity for ‘em. Kinda like the final scene in the “Winnie the Pooh” cartoon where Tigger can’t bounce any more. It was the only thing which gave him pleasure and when he was deprived of it, he was a lost, pathetic sight. I can imagine ‘em…
“Listen here, you liberal son of a bitch! You’ve been duped by the Commun… [long pause]… never mind.” [Slow sigh.]
Ah! That I should live to see it!
Some people will never be satisfied. Yesterday, at the U.N, Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev announced a unilateral Soviet troop reduction of 500,000 troops over the next 2 years. This amounts to 10% of total military strength in the U.S.S.R. And this was on top of his cease-fire/Afghanistan withdrawal proposals.
So what do I see on CNN this morning? Some young conservative denouncing the proposal likening it to “a salesman selling you what you don’t want”. What a dipshit!
Granted, there is a long way to go before there is true world peace, and Gorbachev’s proposal will not solve everything, but it’s a step in the right direction and should be applauded.
Some of the conservatives, however, seem stuck in the “everything the Soviets do is evil – no matter what it is” mindset. They don’t think critically about Soviet actions, they merely react.
I get the feeling that even if Gorbachev would have made a tear-filled denunciation of Communism and begged on his knees that the U.S. allow the Soviet Union to become the 51st state, these conservatives would still be negative. After all, if there is no “Soviet threat” to whine about and warn against, these people would have nothing left to do.
And I think I’d almost feel pity for ‘em. Kinda like the final scene in the “Winnie the Pooh” cartoon where Tigger can’t bounce any more. It was the only thing which gave him pleasure and when he was deprived of it, he was a lost, pathetic sight. I can imagine ‘em…
“Listen here, you liberal son of a bitch! You’ve been duped by the Commun… [long pause]… never mind.” [Slow sigh.]
Ah! That I should live to see it!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1988
Today I got another indication of how damned wasteful our society is. (As if I
needed any more.) As I opened up a new shirt today, I found: six pins, two
pieces of cardboard, two pieces of plastic, two sheets of tissue paper and all
this was wrapped in a plastic wrapper which in turn was put inside a plastic bag when I bought it.
There were literally hundreds of similarly packaged shirts in the store. And
people can’t figure out why we’re running out of places to dump our trash? Whatever
happened to A.) Recycling and B.)Less wasteful packaging? But of course people
won’t learn until it’s damned near too late… 
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1988
(12:25 a.m.) Radisson Suite Hotel. Farmington Hills. Room 202. Well, here I am. Staying with Leanne in a hotel we wouldn’t be able to afford if her travel agency weren’t footing the bill. It’s kinda nice as a getaway. Too bad it’s only for overnight.
Did some things I usually don’t do. Like dressed up (complete with tie!) for her TTM Christmas party. & slow danced with Leanne. It was kinda disorienting being surrounded by well-dressed strangers who danced like people being electrocuted in slow-motion, but the food was free & there was a comedian/magician who performed and was good for a laugh.
Now we’re back, it’s cold & I’m getting sleepy, so I guess that’ll do it for tonight.
P.S. – This room has a great view of the roof’s air conditioning unit!
(Later Entry) Another pledge drive has come & gone. The goal was $80,000. We raised a little over $75,000. Not too bad.
The other members of the Guilty Bystanders made their T.V. debut this morning while I was still in Farmington Hills. They left with rave reviews & an idea for a new name: The Pop Machine! I Love It! The 3 Steves and Jeff played background Christmas stuff during the morning pledge breaks. Instrumental stuff, so there (snif!) wasn’t much need for me to be around. At least now Channel 28 will cool down to a rough approximation of sanity.
Back to normal tomorrow.
(12:25 a.m.) Radisson Suite Hotel. Farmington Hills. Room 202. Well, here I am. Staying with Leanne in a hotel we wouldn’t be able to afford if her travel agency weren’t footing the bill. It’s kinda nice as a getaway. Too bad it’s only for overnight.
Did some things I usually don’t do. Like dressed up (complete with tie!) for her TTM Christmas party. & slow danced with Leanne. It was kinda disorienting being surrounded by well-dressed strangers who danced like people being electrocuted in slow-motion, but the food was free & there was a comedian/magician who performed and was good for a laugh.
Now we’re back, it’s cold & I’m getting sleepy, so I guess that’ll do it for tonight.
P.S. – This room has a great view of the roof’s air conditioning unit!
(Later Entry) Another pledge drive has come & gone. The goal was $80,000. We raised a little over $75,000. Not too bad.
The other members of the Guilty Bystanders made their T.V. debut this morning while I was still in Farmington Hills. They left with rave reviews & an idea for a new name: The Pop Machine! I Love It! The 3 Steves and Jeff played background Christmas stuff during the morning pledge breaks. Instrumental stuff, so there (snif!) wasn’t much need for me to be around. At least now Channel 28 will cool down to a rough approximation of sanity.
Back to normal tomorrow.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1988
Noticed something interesting while doing some Christmas shopping at the mall. The parking lots were crowded and good parking spots were at a premium. As is usually the case in such situations, there were some inconsiderate jerks who insisted on parking in the spaces reserved for handicapped people, even though they themselves were in good health (physically, at any rate).
The interesting part about these illegally parked cars was that nearly all of them were luxury and/or expensive sports cars which indicated that their owners were at least of above average wealth. Could the greed and lack of concern for others which led them to steal parking spaces from those who needed them have also been the driving force which allowed them to accumulate their wealth? Granted, this isn’t a scientific query, but it makes me wonder…
Noticed something interesting while doing some Christmas shopping at the mall. The parking lots were crowded and good parking spots were at a premium. As is usually the case in such situations, there were some inconsiderate jerks who insisted on parking in the spaces reserved for handicapped people, even though they themselves were in good health (physically, at any rate).
The interesting part about these illegally parked cars was that nearly all of them were luxury and/or expensive sports cars which indicated that their owners were at least of above average wealth. Could the greed and lack of concern for others which led them to steal parking spaces from those who needed them have also been the driving force which allowed them to accumulate their wealth? Granted, this isn’t a scientific query, but it makes me wonder…
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1988
A thought after watching a documentary of Father Coughlin, a reactionary radio preacher of the 1930’s: one cannot have a complete understanding of the present without an understanding of the past. This may not be a very original thought, but it is as important as it is forgotten…
A thought after watching a documentary of Father Coughlin, a reactionary radio preacher of the 1930’s: one cannot have a complete understanding of the present without an understanding of the past. This may not be a very original thought, but it is as important as it is forgotten…
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1988
One of the last acts of the last congress was the rejection of an increase in the $3.35 an hour minimum wage.
One of the first proposed acts of the new congress is to vote themselves a 50% pay hike. Just after they were safely re-elected, too. Hmmm… how convenient. Even a person less cynical than myself would find it difficult to avoid finding a bit of hypocrisy in the actions of congress.
What gives? Are people making minimum wage who want improved wages “greedy” while congressmen who want 6-figure salaries merely “adjusting their financial situation”?
How can a pampered bureaucrat who can vote him/herself a raise at will feel empathy for the working Americans he/she supposedly represents?
I have a proposal of my own regarding congressional compensation. Namely, that a congressman’s salary should be tied to the average per capita American income. Currently, this stands at $15,340.
I can nearly hear the congressmen now. “$15,340??!? We can’t be expected to survive on that?!? We’re congressmen! We’re special!” My gut reaction would be to show them the same compassion they’ve shown to those making minimum wage. (Namely, none.) But heck, I’m a soft-hearted guy and I suppose after a certain amount of congressional whimpering I’d finally show some mercy. After all, why should I sink to their level? Therefore, I would give them twice the average per-capita American income. After all, they’re congressmen. That’ll give ‘em $30,680 per year. If the average per capita income goes up, they’ll get a raise accordingly. If per capita income goes down, congressional salaries will decline correspondingly. In this way their welfare will be linked inseparably with that of the average American’s.
I have a hunch if this were to take place; the minimum wage would somehow increase. And quickly.
Maybe someday…
One of the last acts of the last congress was the rejection of an increase in the $3.35 an hour minimum wage.
One of the first proposed acts of the new congress is to vote themselves a 50% pay hike. Just after they were safely re-elected, too. Hmmm… how convenient. Even a person less cynical than myself would find it difficult to avoid finding a bit of hypocrisy in the actions of congress.
What gives? Are people making minimum wage who want improved wages “greedy” while congressmen who want 6-figure salaries merely “adjusting their financial situation”?
How can a pampered bureaucrat who can vote him/herself a raise at will feel empathy for the working Americans he/she supposedly represents?
I have a proposal of my own regarding congressional compensation. Namely, that a congressman’s salary should be tied to the average per capita American income. Currently, this stands at $15,340.
I can nearly hear the congressmen now. “$15,340??!? We can’t be expected to survive on that?!? We’re congressmen! We’re special!” My gut reaction would be to show them the same compassion they’ve shown to those making minimum wage. (Namely, none.) But heck, I’m a soft-hearted guy and I suppose after a certain amount of congressional whimpering I’d finally show some mercy. After all, why should I sink to their level? Therefore, I would give them twice the average per-capita American income. After all, they’re congressmen. That’ll give ‘em $30,680 per year. If the average per capita income goes up, they’ll get a raise accordingly. If per capita income goes down, congressional salaries will decline correspondingly. In this way their welfare will be linked inseparably with that of the average American’s.
I have a hunch if this were to take place; the minimum wage would somehow increase. And quickly.
Maybe someday…
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1988
God damn! Can it actually be true?!? Has the lame-duck Reagan administration done something I approve of for a change? Yesterday, secretary of State George Shultz announced that the U.S. will begin a dialogue with the P.L.O.! Hell, it’s about time. At the U.N., literally every country in the world expressed approval of the move… with the exception of Israel. Maybe soon they’ll get the hint. The international community wants a Palestinian homeland and is losing patience with Israel’s obstructionist policies.
God damn! Can it actually be true?!? Has the lame-duck Reagan administration done something I approve of for a change? Yesterday, secretary of State George Shultz announced that the U.S. will begin a dialogue with the P.L.O.! Hell, it’s about time. At the U.N., literally every country in the world expressed approval of the move… with the exception of Israel. Maybe soon they’ll get the hint. The international community wants a Palestinian homeland and is losing patience with Israel’s obstructionist policies.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1988
(12:45 a.m.) Saw the “concert of the year” tonight – Andy Fuckin’ Williams! I ain’t kidding, either. I’d write about it right now except A.) I’m tired and B.) This book has been in my car for hours – exposed to single-digit temperatures and the pages are as frigid as my stepmother’s personality. (But that’s another story.)When the pages are thawed and I am rested more details will be recorded, but for now it’s zonk city, children! Yobba! (Before you ask, “Yobba” – to my knowledge - doesn’t mean anything. I just felt like writing it. Told ya I was getting tired!)
(Later entry) More about yesterday. Leanne and I went to the Palace in Auburn Hills to see the Andy Williams Christmas Show. It was great! (Which is unusual for me – I usually like disgusting punk bands.)
It had everything. Lights, an orchestra, Andy’s voice. Andy ruled! & get this – the drummer was “Cubby” from the Original Mickey Mouse Club! And with Leanne there… well, shucks… it was kinda romantic. Went to Johnny’s in Fenton for pizza afterwards! It was fun! Today wasn’t bad, either. Steve Newlin came over. We went to see “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka!” a parody of Blaxploitation flix. Funny! Later, my brother Steve stopped by & we worked on some music. For a day off, it was rather busy. I’m workin’ sign-on tomorrow, so I’d better get some shut-eye. Yawn!
(12:45 a.m.) Saw the “concert of the year” tonight – Andy Fuckin’ Williams! I ain’t kidding, either. I’d write about it right now except A.) I’m tired and B.) This book has been in my car for hours – exposed to single-digit temperatures and the pages are as frigid as my stepmother’s personality. (But that’s another story.)When the pages are thawed and I am rested more details will be recorded, but for now it’s zonk city, children! Yobba! (Before you ask, “Yobba” – to my knowledge - doesn’t mean anything. I just felt like writing it. Told ya I was getting tired!)
(Later entry) More about yesterday. Leanne and I went to the Palace in Auburn Hills to see the Andy Williams Christmas Show. It was great! (Which is unusual for me – I usually like disgusting punk bands.)
It had everything. Lights, an orchestra, Andy’s voice. Andy ruled! & get this – the drummer was “Cubby” from the Original Mickey Mouse Club! And with Leanne there… well, shucks… it was kinda romantic. Went to Johnny’s in Fenton for pizza afterwards! It was fun! Today wasn’t bad, either. Steve Newlin came over. We went to see “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka!” a parody of Blaxploitation flix. Funny! Later, my brother Steve stopped by & we worked on some music. For a day off, it was rather busy. I’m workin’ sign-on tomorrow, so I’d better get some shut-eye. Yawn!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1988
Christmas is approaching and my anticipation of opening my presents has not diminished with age. Funny thing, though. When I thought about the kinds of gifts I’d most like to receive, things like shortwave radios and telescopes came to mind.
This betrays a fascination with things which are distant… voices from the other side of the world… galaxies which are many light-years away… How ironic, then, is my fear of things which are near: fear to look someone in the eye… fear to talk to a stranger… Fascination with the distant, fear of the near. I don’t have any nice-sounding conclusion to draw from this. It was just a thought ---
MONDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1988
It’s been a long day, today. Work started at 8am this morning. I’ll be here ‘til 1am. I don’t feel like thinking right now & if I don’t think, it’s kinda difficult to write. Nothing to say. I’ll just let the world happen to me tonight.
It’s been a long day, today. Work started at 8am this morning. I’ll be here ‘til 1am. I don’t feel like thinking right now & if I don’t think, it’s kinda difficult to write. Nothing to say. I’ll just let the world happen to me tonight.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1988
Isn’t it great to be living in a free and just nation? Earlier this week, a Texas judge gave lenient sentences to the killers of two men. Why? Because the victims were gay. Such puritanical, biased and evil actions are morally, legally and ethically indefensible. I hope that this judge is booted out of office (or better yet, hung). Maybe the lynch mob will get a lenient sentence because the victim is an asshole.
Isn’t it great to be living in a free and just nation? Earlier this week, a Texas judge gave lenient sentences to the killers of two men. Why? Because the victims were gay. Such puritanical, biased and evil actions are morally, legally and ethically indefensible. I hope that this judge is booted out of office (or better yet, hung). Maybe the lynch mob will get a lenient sentence because the victim is an asshole.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1988
Christmas, the foremost Christian holiday, is a mere 4 days away. So, in the great contemporary Christian tradition, people’s hearts turn to… GREED! For that reason, I now present the greedy capitalist pig list of 10 material things I’d like to own “someday”. (In no particular order.)
1. A set of top-quality radios covering all frequencies from longwave to UHF.
2. A multitrack tape recorder.
3. A word processor/printer. (& if it does other “computer stuff”, that’s fine, too.)
4. A big reflecting telescope.
5. A good video camera.
6. A good set of encyclopedias.
7. A reasonably new Buick.
8. A good stereo system.
9. A modest house with a nice basement for band/music practice.
10. A decent still photography set-up.
[11. …and a desk. 3/28/89]
Christmas, the foremost Christian holiday, is a mere 4 days away. So, in the great contemporary Christian tradition, people’s hearts turn to… GREED! For that reason, I now present the greedy capitalist pig list of 10 material things I’d like to own “someday”. (In no particular order.)
1. A set of top-quality radios covering all frequencies from longwave to UHF.
2. A multitrack tape recorder.
3. A word processor/printer. (& if it does other “computer stuff”, that’s fine, too.)
4. A big reflecting telescope.
5. A good video camera.
6. A good set of encyclopedias.
7. A reasonably new Buick.
8. A good stereo system.
9. A modest house with a nice basement for band/music practice.
10. A decent still photography set-up.
[11. …and a desk. 3/28/89]
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1988
I feel nothing but hatred, bitterness and contempt for life. I feel like releasing my frustrations in a violent rage. I feel like destroying all the phony bullshit our society is based upon. If I had a gun right now, I could kill. And I would enjoy it. And no one who hasn’t read this would ever know. Being quiet has its advantages.
Some might think that I am not thinking clearly
On the contrary. This is one of the few times I have managed to see through the lies that we tell each other and ourselves. There will be no “happily ever after” to look forward to. The only inevitability is death. If you consider that pessimism, then prove me wrong. You can’t and you know it. Yesterday’s jet explosion merely underscores my point. One minute, they were happily anticipating Christmas. The next, they were a mass of charred body fragments strewn across the Scottish countryside. Executives, diplomats, two month old infants. It didn’t fucking matter. Fate is merciless.
That merely shows how fucking pathetic my own plans are. Here I am, stupidly planning my “future”. If I’m lucky, I’ll have a warm house where I can sit around & feel my body deteriorate until it finally won’t take any more.
Fuck life. Fuck living. The only thing that keeps me from self-destructing is my own masochistic curiosity. I want to stick around so I can stare in warped fascination at how much worse things can get.
There might be those who would condemn me for having the nerve to write these things, saying that they’re too “depressing”. Tough shit! It happens to be the truth! Those are the phony assholes I wouldn’t mind killing.
P.S. – Only one person in my video production class got an “A”. Me. Whoopie-shit.
I feel nothing but hatred, bitterness and contempt for life. I feel like releasing my frustrations in a violent rage. I feel like destroying all the phony bullshit our society is based upon. If I had a gun right now, I could kill. And I would enjoy it. And no one who hasn’t read this would ever know. Being quiet has its advantages.
Some might think that I am not thinking clearly
On the contrary. This is one of the few times I have managed to see through the lies that we tell each other and ourselves. There will be no “happily ever after” to look forward to. The only inevitability is death. If you consider that pessimism, then prove me wrong. You can’t and you know it. Yesterday’s jet explosion merely underscores my point. One minute, they were happily anticipating Christmas. The next, they were a mass of charred body fragments strewn across the Scottish countryside. Executives, diplomats, two month old infants. It didn’t fucking matter. Fate is merciless.
That merely shows how fucking pathetic my own plans are. Here I am, stupidly planning my “future”. If I’m lucky, I’ll have a warm house where I can sit around & feel my body deteriorate until it finally won’t take any more.
Fuck life. Fuck living. The only thing that keeps me from self-destructing is my own masochistic curiosity. I want to stick around so I can stare in warped fascination at how much worse things can get.
There might be those who would condemn me for having the nerve to write these things, saying that they’re too “depressing”. Tough shit! It happens to be the truth! Those are the phony assholes I wouldn’t mind killing.
P.S. – Only one person in my video production class got an “A”. Me. Whoopie-shit.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1988
Yesterday, I was mad at the world. Leanne calmed me down. Today, Leanne was the one who was upset. I calmed her down. That’s what love is all about. Short of the inevitability of death, there is nothing that love and patience cannot conquer.
Yesterday, I was mad at the world. Leanne calmed me down. Today, Leanne was the one who was upset. I calmed her down. That’s what love is all about. Short of the inevitability of death, there is nothing that love and patience cannot conquer.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1988
As if we need any more proof that Christmas has lost its religious significance and is now purely commercial: while listening to Radio Japan early this morning, they reported on the rise in the giving of Christmas presents, the decorated stores and the booming sales. Funny thing, though… only 1% of Japan’s population is Christian.
As if we need any more proof that Christmas has lost its religious significance and is now purely commercial: while listening to Radio Japan early this morning, they reported on the rise in the giving of Christmas presents, the decorated stores and the booming sales. Funny thing, though… only 1% of Japan’s population is Christian.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1988 – Christmas
Had a nice Christmas Eve & Christmas. Yesterday, I went to the mall & battled crowds to do some last-minute shopping. Then we went to my Aunt & Uncle’s for about an hour. We then had our traditional Christmas Eve get-together at Leanne’s sister Karen’s. We opened our gifts after having Karen’s wonderful homemade pizza. Mere words fail to express how much I love that pizza! Stopped back to Leanne’s for a while & got home at about 11p.m. Mom woke me up at 7 a.m. Christmas morning & I opened my gifts from her, Paul & Steve. Just “because”, here’s a list of the stuff I got. From Leanne: some old-time radio tapes I’d asked for (I’ll probably write more about ‘em at a later date) a Guindon sweatshirt (re: Michigan in Winter) and a subscription to the “Guardian”. From Leanne’s mom & Karen: a tape of acoustic folk/Bluegrass music. From mom: a UHF/VHF/SW radio (Yeah!) and a horoscope calendar. From Steve: a $25 gift certificate from the mall. From Paul: A spiral notebook & some pens (one of which I’m using to write this.) All in all a very nice Christmas both in terms of presents received and in joy experienced. Too damn bad I have to work this afternoon!
(Later Entry) Got some other goodies from co-workers. Jennifer got me “Bluebeard”, the latest Vonnegut novel. A few days ago, Woody got me a sweatshirt with the Soviet coat of arms and Cyrillic writing. I love it. Yeah, death may be inevitable (see 12/22) but that doesn’t mean there can’t be a few moments of joy on the way to the grave. I feel more genuine optimism for 1989 than I have felt for any imminent New Year. Hope my gut feelings are correct. Stay tuned!
Had a nice Christmas Eve & Christmas. Yesterday, I went to the mall & battled crowds to do some last-minute shopping. Then we went to my Aunt & Uncle’s for about an hour. We then had our traditional Christmas Eve get-together at Leanne’s sister Karen’s. We opened our gifts after having Karen’s wonderful homemade pizza. Mere words fail to express how much I love that pizza! Stopped back to Leanne’s for a while & got home at about 11p.m. Mom woke me up at 7 a.m. Christmas morning & I opened my gifts from her, Paul & Steve. Just “because”, here’s a list of the stuff I got. From Leanne: some old-time radio tapes I’d asked for (I’ll probably write more about ‘em at a later date) a Guindon sweatshirt (re: Michigan in Winter) and a subscription to the “Guardian”. From Leanne’s mom & Karen: a tape of acoustic folk/Bluegrass music. From mom: a UHF/VHF/SW radio (Yeah!) and a horoscope calendar. From Steve: a $25 gift certificate from the mall. From Paul: A spiral notebook & some pens (one of which I’m using to write this.) All in all a very nice Christmas both in terms of presents received and in joy experienced. Too damn bad I have to work this afternoon!
(Later Entry) Got some other goodies from co-workers. Jennifer got me “Bluebeard”, the latest Vonnegut novel. A few days ago, Woody got me a sweatshirt with the Soviet coat of arms and Cyrillic writing. I love it. Yeah, death may be inevitable (see 12/22) but that doesn’t mean there can’t be a few moments of joy on the way to the grave. I feel more genuine optimism for 1989 than I have felt for any imminent New Year. Hope my gut feelings are correct. Stay tuned!
MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1988 – Boxing Day
Working over the holidays is a drag. Especially when most people are enjoying a vacation. At least I’ll be getting tomorrow off. I was supposed to work MCR sign-off, but I managed to get the day off so that I could attend the G.B.’s practice. It’s difficult to believe that the band has been around – in one form or another - for five years.
I know damn well it won’t be around
for another five.
It’ll be miraculous if it sees 1990.
I hope the practice will go smoothly. I could sure use a reminder of why I’m in a band… to express myself and to have fun. It seems that lately the band has brought me more pain than pleasure. Petty hassles and harsh criticisms leveled at our recent endeavors have made what should be plain fun a definite drag. For example: the Christmas morning broadcast of “Take No Prisoners” featured an abundance of panning regarding our recent music & proposed name change. I have no problem with that. But they also suggested “slitting their throats and throwing them into Lake Fenton”. That’s where I draw the line! I can handle criticism of the music, but when it gets personal, that’s bullshit! Contrary to popular belief, I do have feelings and it did hurt, especially on Christmas Eve (Morning). Perhaps if we were multi-platinum rock stars it would be no big deal, since we could play sold-out stadium shows and count our money afterwards, allowing us to ease our bitterness. But hell, we’re a local band which has lost more money than it has ever made. For better or worse we got off our asses and tried. We can’t be faulted for that. It just makes me wonder if it’s worth all the hassle. I don’t know. As the old Clash T-shirt said: “The future is unwritten.”
It’ll be miraculous if it sees 1990.
I hope the practice will go smoothly. I could sure use a reminder of why I’m in a band… to express myself and to have fun. It seems that lately the band has brought me more pain than pleasure. Petty hassles and harsh criticisms leveled at our recent endeavors have made what should be plain fun a definite drag. For example: the Christmas morning broadcast of “Take No Prisoners” featured an abundance of panning regarding our recent music & proposed name change. I have no problem with that. But they also suggested “slitting their throats and throwing them into Lake Fenton”. That’s where I draw the line! I can handle criticism of the music, but when it gets personal, that’s bullshit! Contrary to popular belief, I do have feelings and it did hurt, especially on Christmas Eve (Morning). Perhaps if we were multi-platinum rock stars it would be no big deal, since we could play sold-out stadium shows and count our money afterwards, allowing us to ease our bitterness. But hell, we’re a local band which has lost more money than it has ever made. For better or worse we got off our asses and tried. We can’t be faulted for that. It just makes me wonder if it’s worth all the hassle. I don’t know. As the old Clash T-shirt said: “The future is unwritten.”
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1988
Practice went pretty well today. So well, that we’re planning to do it again on New Year’s Day. Came up with the following words during practice. They didn’t fit, but I guess they’re O.K. considering I wrote ‘em on the spot:
Well past midnight, 10 below
A full moon glistens on the snow
All is silent; I’m all alone
And the only footprints are my own (Repeat several times)
Should I keep on walking
Or trace them back home?
Practice went pretty well today. So well, that we’re planning to do it again on New Year’s Day. Came up with the following words during practice. They didn’t fit, but I guess they’re O.K. considering I wrote ‘em on the spot:
Well past midnight, 10 below
A full moon glistens on the snow
All is silent; I’m all alone
And the only footprints are my own (Repeat several times)
Should I keep on walking
Or trace them back home?
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1988
Woah, gosh! Am I ever tired! I’ve gotta get up early tomorrow, so I’d better just crash out. Nitey-nite! I’ll write 2-morrow.
Woah, gosh! Am I ever tired! I’ve gotta get up early tomorrow, so I’d better just crash out. Nitey-nite! I’ll write 2-morrow.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1988
What a mixed-up fool I am! I’m content when I should be depressed and depressed when I should be happy. Example: I should be bummed-out on the first day of winter and happy on the first day of summer. But am I? Noooo! On the longest day of the year, all I can think of is the fact that the days will be getting shorter from then on. And on the first day of winter I’m happy because I know it’ll only get better from there. If only I can appreciate and enjoy all the seasons on their own terms and for what they are, I’ll be much better for it. O.K., so perhaps this isn’t great philosophy, but it’s as good as I get before 8 a.m.
What a mixed-up fool I am! I’m content when I should be depressed and depressed when I should be happy. Example: I should be bummed-out on the first day of winter and happy on the first day of summer. But am I? Noooo! On the longest day of the year, all I can think of is the fact that the days will be getting shorter from then on. And on the first day of winter I’m happy because I know it’ll only get better from there. If only I can appreciate and enjoy all the seasons on their own terms and for what they are, I’ll be much better for it. O.K., so perhaps this isn’t great philosophy, but it’s as good as I get before 8 a.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1988
(12:12 a.m.) Today, outside the Genesee Valley Mall, I saw a man holding a cardboard sign saying “I Will Work For Food”. So much for the “Reagan Recovery”.
In other news: Sandyl played at a hall show tonite. It went pretty well considering we had less than 24 hours’ notice.
(Later entry) New Year’s Eve. The words of Black Flag’s “Nervous Breakdown” keep pounding through my head. “I’m about to have a nervous breakdown/And it really hurts…” My hands quiver… quiver… quiver more, my pulse threatens to rip my throat open from the inside. Happy Fucking New Year from a trapped pathetic whatever-I-am-if-anything…
(Third entry) New Year’s Eve in Master Control. Some awful Mel Torment… uh… Torme show is on. It’s 10:23 p.m.. The words of EA Larry Russell pretty well sum up my feelings: “It’s bad enough we have to work tonight, but do they have to torture us as well?” I hate Mel Torme with a passion. He’s an overrated, pretentious and arrogant zit who needs to be popped before he gets any bigger or whiter.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1989
Snow… snow… snow… I love watching it but I hate driving in it! I had to stand in line over 1 ½ hours to register for winter classes. By the time I was through, my car was covered with over an inch of the chilly white stuff, and driving was tricky. So naturally, my heater decided to die. (Sigh.) I’ll always hate cars. Hopefully, someday, I’ll have a job where I’ll have actual vacations… where I can drink tea, watch the flakes drift slowly to the ground – illuminated only by the streetlights… silent, pure, muffled… secure in the knowledge that I could wake up the next morning and not have to drive in it. I need a vacation. I haven’t had a week off since August 1987. Since then I’ve worked unceasingly through weekends, weekdays and holidays. Shift lengths ranging from 6 to 16 hours. I feel like I have no time to relax and no real home to relax in if I did. Sure, I live in the trailer… it’s a house, of sorts,… but not a home. Hopefully, living with Leanne will change that. This year will change me forever… for better or worse.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11, 1989
(12:12 a.m.) Today, outside the Genesee Valley Mall, I saw a man holding a cardboard sign saying “I Will Work For Food”. So much for the “Reagan Recovery”.
In other news: Sandyl played at a hall show tonite. It went pretty well considering we had less than 24 hours’ notice.
(Later entry) New Year’s Eve. The words of Black Flag’s “Nervous Breakdown” keep pounding through my head. “I’m about to have a nervous breakdown/And it really hurts…” My hands quiver… quiver… quiver more, my pulse threatens to rip my throat open from the inside. Happy Fucking New Year from a trapped pathetic whatever-I-am-if-anything…
(Third entry) New Year’s Eve in Master Control. Some awful Mel Torment… uh… Torme show is on. It’s 10:23 p.m.. The words of EA Larry Russell pretty well sum up my feelings: “It’s bad enough we have to work tonight, but do they have to torture us as well?” I hate Mel Torme with a passion. He’s an overrated, pretentious and arrogant zit who needs to be popped before he gets any bigger or whiter.
HAPPY FUCKIN’ NEW YEAR!! 1989!!!!
SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 1989
On the way to today’s band practice I saw not one, but two bumper stickers put out by some conservative Christian group reading “I Don’t Believe the Liberal Media”. Way to go! They believe some guy who’s been dead for 2,000 years is going to descend from the skies to save them, but they don’t believe the Contras are a bunch of assholes. If the American public falls for this bullshit, they deserve what they get! I get my news from an incredibly wide range of sources – via shortwave international broadcasts and newspapers – ranging from fascist to communist (& everything in-between). I still believe America is in more serious trouble than it realizes. I hope these Christians feel good about advertising their ignorance.
(DUMB PONDERANCE OF THE DAY – For some stupid reason unknown to me, I began to wonder which would be better: good actors performing a bad script or bad actors performing a good script. My conclusion? That asking the above question is as pointless as wondering whether a truck would run better A.) without gas or B.) without an engine. [i.e., both are needed] Only good actors – performing good scripts will work. Nothing else will.)
On the way to today’s band practice I saw not one, but two bumper stickers put out by some conservative Christian group reading “I Don’t Believe the Liberal Media”. Way to go! They believe some guy who’s been dead for 2,000 years is going to descend from the skies to save them, but they don’t believe the Contras are a bunch of assholes. If the American public falls for this bullshit, they deserve what they get! I get my news from an incredibly wide range of sources – via shortwave international broadcasts and newspapers – ranging from fascist to communist (& everything in-between). I still believe America is in more serious trouble than it realizes. I hope these Christians feel good about advertising their ignorance.
(DUMB PONDERANCE OF THE DAY – For some stupid reason unknown to me, I began to wonder which would be better: good actors performing a bad script or bad actors performing a good script. My conclusion? That asking the above question is as pointless as wondering whether a truck would run better A.) without gas or B.) without an engine. [i.e., both are needed] Only good actors – performing good scripts will work. Nothing else will.)
MONDAY, JANUARY 2, 1989
Already making plans for the June 3rd wedding. Reserved Walli’s banquet room 2-day. Also checked on some hotel rooms for the wedding night. Had to work a 9 ½ hour EA shift tonight. Greg & I pondered the fate of our FM radio proposal. Tonight’s weather is frigid. It’s a good thing I’ve got my new hat & gloves! Not much else to say tonite. It looks like it’ll be a busy day tomorrow.
Already making plans for the June 3rd wedding. Reserved Walli’s banquet room 2-day. Also checked on some hotel rooms for the wedding night. Had to work a 9 ½ hour EA shift tonight. Greg & I pondered the fate of our FM radio proposal. Tonight’s weather is frigid. It’s a good thing I’ve got my new hat & gloves! Not much else to say tonite. It looks like it’ll be a busy day tomorrow.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1989
Snow… snow… snow… I love watching it but I hate driving in it! I had to stand in line over 1 ½ hours to register for winter classes. By the time I was through, my car was covered with over an inch of the chilly white stuff, and driving was tricky. So naturally, my heater decided to die. (Sigh.) I’ll always hate cars. Hopefully, someday, I’ll have a job where I’ll have actual vacations… where I can drink tea, watch the flakes drift slowly to the ground – illuminated only by the streetlights… silent, pure, muffled… secure in the knowledge that I could wake up the next morning and not have to drive in it. I need a vacation. I haven’t had a week off since August 1987. Since then I’ve worked unceasingly through weekends, weekdays and holidays. Shift lengths ranging from 6 to 16 hours. I feel like I have no time to relax and no real home to relax in if I did. Sure, I live in the trailer… it’s a house, of sorts,… but not a home. Hopefully, living with Leanne will change that. This year will change me forever… for better or worse.
Sure, it’s unrealistic to think that
being with and sharing one’s life with a special someone will miraculously make
everything wonderful, but I do feel it can be a starting point from which, with
patience, communication and honesty, one can learn to survive in a fucked-up
(sometimes) and beautiful (sometimes) world. This* will either be the longest
or shortest six months in my life. I’m still not sure which.
(*the next six months)
(*the next six months)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1989
Preparing for the “real world” sure is a drain on the old senses. Wedding plans, apartment plans, forms, hassles etc. I’ll be glad when it’s June 4th and I can enjoy two weeks on the Atlantic coast. At least it’s coming before the year is out!
Preparing for the “real world” sure is a drain on the old senses. Wedding plans, apartment plans, forms, hassles etc. I’ll be glad when it’s June 4th and I can enjoy two weeks on the Atlantic coast. At least it’s coming before the year is out!
THURSDAY, JANUARY 5, 1989
“Christian schools do a better job because blah, blah, God, blah, blah, country, blah, blah, values…” I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard such tripe. Today, I got some quiet satisfaction that a team from a Christian school scored the lowest-ever score on Channel 28’s “High School Challenge” quiz show: 20 points. So much for God in schools!
“Christian schools do a better job because blah, blah, God, blah, blah, country, blah, blah, values…” I wish I had a dollar for every time I’ve heard such tripe. Today, I got some quiet satisfaction that a team from a Christian school scored the lowest-ever score on Channel 28’s “High School Challenge” quiz show: 20 points. So much for God in schools!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 7, 1989
If you want to know what tomorrow’s “middle of the road” politicians will be espousing 50 years from now, just look at what today’s “radicals” are being condemned for advocating.
If you want to know what tomorrow’s “middle of the road” politicians will be espousing 50 years from now, just look at what today’s “radicals” are being condemned for advocating.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 8, 1989
Currently, I am reading a book on Mass Media Research which explores the effects of television on individuals. It’s fascinating stuff, especially since I work in the field. Speculation on television’s role in agenda setting and on shaping people’s perceptions of reality particularly intrigues me. My own ideas on these two facets of mass media effects are the following:
A.) Agenda Setting – Though it may be true that television cannot tell a person what to think, I do feel that it is effective in telling them what to think about. Example: during the last presidential campaign, George Bush convinced reactionary conservatives that “the ‘L’ word” (liberal) and the ACLU were virtual moral equivalents of Satan himself. Was this effective? Well, I can give you a true account of something that happened to me shortly before election day. I was at work and the “MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour” was on. An interview segment was airing. The phone rings. A middle-aged woman speaks on the other end of the phone line. She does not sound very intelligent.
Woman: I’ve been watching your program. Is the person they’re interviewing a… a liberal?
The way she said “liberal” I could have sworn she meant to say “child molester”… it was “that” tone of voice.
If I wouldn’t have been at work, I would have replied that if she had any goddamned political sophistication she would have been able to determine his place on the political spectrum by analyzing his statements. But, being at work, I merely replied that I was occupied with other things and didn’t notice. (Hey, it was the truth!)
Woman- I don’t like liberals. They support the… [dramatic pause] A.C.L.U.!
There was silence – as though she was expecting me to gasp in horror. I got the distinct impression that she didn’t know what the ACLU was all about or even what the letters “A.C.L.U.” stood for. But she knew that she wasn’t supposed to like them… that they were supposed to be evil.
I gave her some feeble excuse about it being a network program and that we didn’t control network programming.
But this short conversation showed me that there are people who do not reason-out a situation but rather react to the symbols that the media presents in unembellished “soundbites”. A resulting reactionary “soundbite mentality” results. People react to the soundbites presented by the media.
B.) Perceptions of reality - On television, 60% of homicides are committed by strangers. In reality, only 16% are. On T.V., 12% of working males are law enforcement officials. In reality, only 1% are. Someone once said to me that they watch soap operas “to learn about real life”. Right. Such a comment is unworthy of a serious response.
Currently, I am reading a book on Mass Media Research which explores the effects of television on individuals. It’s fascinating stuff, especially since I work in the field. Speculation on television’s role in agenda setting and on shaping people’s perceptions of reality particularly intrigues me. My own ideas on these two facets of mass media effects are the following:
A.) Agenda Setting – Though it may be true that television cannot tell a person what to think, I do feel that it is effective in telling them what to think about. Example: during the last presidential campaign, George Bush convinced reactionary conservatives that “the ‘L’ word” (liberal) and the ACLU were virtual moral equivalents of Satan himself. Was this effective? Well, I can give you a true account of something that happened to me shortly before election day. I was at work and the “MacNeil/Lehrer Newshour” was on. An interview segment was airing. The phone rings. A middle-aged woman speaks on the other end of the phone line. She does not sound very intelligent.
Woman: I’ve been watching your program. Is the person they’re interviewing a… a liberal?
The way she said “liberal” I could have sworn she meant to say “child molester”… it was “that” tone of voice.
If I wouldn’t have been at work, I would have replied that if she had any goddamned political sophistication she would have been able to determine his place on the political spectrum by analyzing his statements. But, being at work, I merely replied that I was occupied with other things and didn’t notice. (Hey, it was the truth!)
Woman- I don’t like liberals. They support the… [dramatic pause] A.C.L.U.!
There was silence – as though she was expecting me to gasp in horror. I got the distinct impression that she didn’t know what the ACLU was all about or even what the letters “A.C.L.U.” stood for. But she knew that she wasn’t supposed to like them… that they were supposed to be evil.
I gave her some feeble excuse about it being a network program and that we didn’t control network programming.
But this short conversation showed me that there are people who do not reason-out a situation but rather react to the symbols that the media presents in unembellished “soundbites”. A resulting reactionary “soundbite mentality” results. People react to the soundbites presented by the media.
B.) Perceptions of reality - On television, 60% of homicides are committed by strangers. In reality, only 16% are. On T.V., 12% of working males are law enforcement officials. In reality, only 1% are. Someone once said to me that they watch soap operas “to learn about real life”. Right. Such a comment is unworthy of a serious response.
MONDAY, JANUARY 9, 1989
I remember hearing a television evangelist say that if you give your money for the glory of God (i.e., if you send it to him – the preacher) God would look upon the gift as “seed money” and would restore the money to the donor “many times over”. There was a father of a family of four who took such advice seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he and his family went hungry while over $3,000 was in his bank account. He refused to withdraw the money because it was to be “a tithe for the Lord”.
Three of the family members are currently in the hospital being treated for malnutrition. The fourth one: a 13-year-old boy, died of starvation. He weighed less than 80 pounds.
As if this situation weren’t tragic enough, it will be compounded by the refusal of mainstream society to judge it on an equal standard with other “cults”. Why? Because it involved a mainstream Christian sect. Yep, it’s the old double standard game.
If that same $3,000 would have gone toward drugs, a demonic cult or a contribution to the (“gasp”) A.C.L.U., one could be assured that every clown who ever thumped a Bible would be denouncing it as a terrible evil which must be stopped.
As it is, though, it is nearly certain that this will be classified as an “isolated incident” caused by an “overzealous believer” and that the tragic occurrence should in no way reflect badly upon contemporary Christianity or religion in general.
In the meantime, an emaciated body is laid to rest. Pompous religious followers will pray for the soul of the deceased. As if that makes a damned bit of difference now…
I remember hearing a television evangelist say that if you give your money for the glory of God (i.e., if you send it to him – the preacher) God would look upon the gift as “seed money” and would restore the money to the donor “many times over”. There was a father of a family of four who took such advice seriously. So seriously, in fact, that he and his family went hungry while over $3,000 was in his bank account. He refused to withdraw the money because it was to be “a tithe for the Lord”.
Three of the family members are currently in the hospital being treated for malnutrition. The fourth one: a 13-year-old boy, died of starvation. He weighed less than 80 pounds.
As if this situation weren’t tragic enough, it will be compounded by the refusal of mainstream society to judge it on an equal standard with other “cults”. Why? Because it involved a mainstream Christian sect. Yep, it’s the old double standard game.
If that same $3,000 would have gone toward drugs, a demonic cult or a contribution to the (“gasp”) A.C.L.U., one could be assured that every clown who ever thumped a Bible would be denouncing it as a terrible evil which must be stopped.
As it is, though, it is nearly certain that this will be classified as an “isolated incident” caused by an “overzealous believer” and that the tragic occurrence should in no way reflect badly upon contemporary Christianity or religion in general.
In the meantime, an emaciated body is laid to rest. Pompous religious followers will pray for the soul of the deceased. As if that makes a damned bit of difference now…
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1989
One cannot write well unless one thinks well. Right now, I’m too tired and mush-brained to think about much of anything. So why bother? Besides, I’ve got homework to do.
One cannot write well unless one thinks well. Right now, I’m too tired and mush-brained to think about much of anything. So why bother? Besides, I’ve got homework to do.
This is one of those frustrating times when there are a lot of things I’d like
to write about, but with work and school stealing so much of my time, I can’t devote as
much time to a topic as I’d like.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 22, 1989
For instance, the inability of
mainstream Americans to differentiate between disagreeing with one’s ideas and
not liking them personally. For example, there are some people with
conservative views whom I get along with quite well on a personal level.
Conversely, there are those with whom I agree socially and politically even
though I find they have all the charm of a squid. Admittedly, the above two
examples are the exception to the rule, but they do demonstrate that
ideology and likability are not inseparably linked. If there is to be true
peace and freedom, imposed homogeneity is not the answer. Tolerance and
diversity is our best hope for tranquility and progress.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 12, 1989
A typical long-ass day. Sign-on shift, class, reading. At least I got to see Leanne tonight. I filled-out an application for American Express which’ll probably be rejected… but oh well. I’ve gotta build up that credit rating. (Sigh.)
I’m looking forward to house-sitting while Woody goes to Israel. The change of scenery should do me some good.
A typical long-ass day. Sign-on shift, class, reading. At least I got to see Leanne tonight. I filled-out an application for American Express which’ll probably be rejected… but oh well. I’ve gotta build up that credit rating. (Sigh.)
I’m looking forward to house-sitting while Woody goes to Israel. The change of scenery should do me some good.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 1989
For a Friday the 13th, yesterday wasn’t too bad.
I finally got authorization to send to record companies for some albums for the radio show. I’ve gathered 99 record label addresses so far and I plan to write to them all. (And why not? Ch.28 is springing for the postage!) Looks like I’ll be busy, but it’ll sure be fun!
(Later entry) Why is it that on my “day off” I feel like I’m busier than ever? I spent all day with Leanne today. Took a walk at For-Mar nature preserve, finally bought a flash for my camera (something I should have done years ago) and drove home in a snowstorm that came out of nowhere. Craziest of all, we went to Dairy Queen and had a “Blizzard” during a blizzard! Hey, we’re young and foolish!
Upon returning to Leanne’s, we took a nap, made love & then had a snowball fight. If it makes any difference, she seemed to enjoy the snowball fight the best. Oh well!
Tomorrow I begin house-sitting. It should be interesting.
For a Friday the 13th, yesterday wasn’t too bad.
I finally got authorization to send to record companies for some albums for the radio show. I’ve gathered 99 record label addresses so far and I plan to write to them all. (And why not? Ch.28 is springing for the postage!) Looks like I’ll be busy, but it’ll sure be fun!
(Later entry) Why is it that on my “day off” I feel like I’m busier than ever? I spent all day with Leanne today. Took a walk at For-Mar nature preserve, finally bought a flash for my camera (something I should have done years ago) and drove home in a snowstorm that came out of nowhere. Craziest of all, we went to Dairy Queen and had a “Blizzard” during a blizzard! Hey, we’re young and foolish!
Upon returning to Leanne’s, we took a nap, made love & then had a snowball fight. If it makes any difference, she seemed to enjoy the snowball fight the best. Oh well!
Tomorrow I begin house-sitting. It should be interesting.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 15, 1989
Today is the day! It’s a new house until Jan. 26th! It’ll take some getting used to… the cat is spoiled and demands attention… it actually used its nose to close a magazine I was reading in hopes I would pet it more. The fridge is stocked only with beer & M&M’s and I can’t even figure out how to turn the T.V. on yet! (It’s wired-in with his stereo equipment with a pasta-like mess of patch wires.) But it’s a change of scenery and it’s located only a few blocks from work & school. It’ll be fun!
Today is the day! It’s a new house until Jan. 26th! It’ll take some getting used to… the cat is spoiled and demands attention… it actually used its nose to close a magazine I was reading in hopes I would pet it more. The fridge is stocked only with beer & M&M’s and I can’t even figure out how to turn the T.V. on yet! (It’s wired-in with his stereo equipment with a pasta-like mess of patch wires.) But it’s a change of scenery and it’s located only a few blocks from work & school. It’ll be fun!
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 1989
Slept on the waterbed last night. Didn’t know whether to enjoy it or puke from seasickness. I survived the night but the jury is still out, as they say.
This week will wear me down, I can already tell. I’m working late every night until Friday, am working extra early the next two mornings and have to go to class & do homework and on & on & on… and no one will notice, no one will care. The only likely reaction will be Leanne’s dismay at my being exhausted. As if I enjoy it. Sometimes it seems like I’ll never get a chance to rest. I feel like taking a few hundred dollars, renting a hotel room in the middle of some God-forsaken cow-town for a couple weeks and just disappearing. God only knows I’ve earned it! Of course, if I were to dare such a thing I’d lose my friends and my job. Where is justice??
Slept on the waterbed last night. Didn’t know whether to enjoy it or puke from seasickness. I survived the night but the jury is still out, as they say.
This week will wear me down, I can already tell. I’m working late every night until Friday, am working extra early the next two mornings and have to go to class & do homework and on & on & on… and no one will notice, no one will care. The only likely reaction will be Leanne’s dismay at my being exhausted. As if I enjoy it. Sometimes it seems like I’ll never get a chance to rest. I feel like taking a few hundred dollars, renting a hotel room in the middle of some God-forsaken cow-town for a couple weeks and just disappearing. God only knows I’ve earned it! Of course, if I were to dare such a thing I’d lose my friends and my job. Where is justice??
TUESDAY, JANUARY 17, 1989
Yuck. I’m tired, stressed-out and too damned messed-up to write anything. I can’t wait to get back to Woody’s so I can grab a beer. (But only one!)
Yuck. I’m tired, stressed-out and too damned messed-up to write anything. I can’t wait to get back to Woody’s so I can grab a beer. (But only one!)
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18, 1989
I get to sleep-in tomorrow morning! Hooray! (As if one couldn’t figure it out, I’ve gotten quite used to the heated waterbed…and I don’t even mind Thalia, the cat. In fact, I kind of like her now.) Remember the VHF/UHF radio I got for Christmas? I did some tinkering with it (using Woody’s cordless phone) and found out that cordless phones use the 45-50Mhz range. Being a bastard, voyeuristic dipshit, I managed to get a clear reception of someone, apparently of religious persuasion, concerned about the spiritual welfare of several of his fellow parishioners. Funny thing, though… all his contacts sounded like young women. Hmm... God sure works in mysterious ways! Oh, well, I'm feeling relaxed and amused in a cynical sort of way. Much better… don’t forget to take out the trash…
I get to sleep-in tomorrow morning! Hooray! (As if one couldn’t figure it out, I’ve gotten quite used to the heated waterbed…and I don’t even mind Thalia, the cat. In fact, I kind of like her now.) Remember the VHF/UHF radio I got for Christmas? I did some tinkering with it (using Woody’s cordless phone) and found out that cordless phones use the 45-50Mhz range. Being a bastard, voyeuristic dipshit, I managed to get a clear reception of someone, apparently of religious persuasion, concerned about the spiritual welfare of several of his fellow parishioners. Funny thing, though… all his contacts sounded like young women. Hmm... God sure works in mysterious ways! Oh, well, I'm feeling relaxed and amused in a cynical sort of way. Much better… don’t forget to take out the trash…
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 1989
I thought I’d finally get a chance to sleep-in tomorrow morning. Fat chance! I got scheduled for an 8:15 a.m. show. Shit! And I have to work sign-off tomorrow, too. Anyway, at least I’ve got 50 letters on their way to record labels, so at least something is working out!
I thought I’d finally get a chance to sleep-in tomorrow morning. Fat chance! I got scheduled for an 8:15 a.m. show. Shit! And I have to work sign-off tomorrow, too. Anyway, at least I’ve got 50 letters on their way to record labels, so at least something is working out!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 1989
President George Bush. Frightening. Vice-President Dan Quayle. Very frightening. Today was the day that the Bush administration began and punk rock (at least its 1980’s incarnation) must be considered dead by even the most diehard fanatics. After all, 1980’s American punk was essentially a rebellion against the right-wing policies of the Reagan administration. With Reagan out of office, the original reason for American hardcore is now part of history. All the “Fuck You Reagan!” lyrics are now meaningless, at least to today’s world and today’s challenges. A new approach is needed. Hopefully, the creative left will be able to rise to the challenge.
I watched Bush’s inauguration. I’ve seen every one since Nixon took the oath in January, 1969. He paid so much lip-service to “caring for our people” & “kindness & gentleness” that I almost forgot he was a Republican! It would be nice if by some miracle he would follow-through on his rhetoric, but I have an inherent distrust for anyone who was a former head of the CIA. Oh well… Reagan’s out of office, Bush is now president and I hope to hell he doesn’t die in office! (President Quayle??? Spare us!)
President George Bush. Frightening. Vice-President Dan Quayle. Very frightening. Today was the day that the Bush administration began and punk rock (at least its 1980’s incarnation) must be considered dead by even the most diehard fanatics. After all, 1980’s American punk was essentially a rebellion against the right-wing policies of the Reagan administration. With Reagan out of office, the original reason for American hardcore is now part of history. All the “Fuck You Reagan!” lyrics are now meaningless, at least to today’s world and today’s challenges. A new approach is needed. Hopefully, the creative left will be able to rise to the challenge.
I watched Bush’s inauguration. I’ve seen every one since Nixon took the oath in January, 1969. He paid so much lip-service to “caring for our people” & “kindness & gentleness” that I almost forgot he was a Republican! It would be nice if by some miracle he would follow-through on his rhetoric, but I have an inherent distrust for anyone who was a former head of the CIA. Oh well… Reagan’s out of office, Bush is now president and I hope to hell he doesn’t die in office! (President Quayle??? Spare us!)
I think I’m one of about a dozen people in the Western Hemisphere who doesn’t
give a damn about today’s Super Bowl. I don’t even know who’s playing! Working
six nights a week is kind of a drag, but it has its advantages… I get to watch
some good programming – not a vastly-overrated pigskin toss. Woody
called from Israel. I was out shopping at the time, but the message he left on
the answering machine indicated he was doing just fine: getting drunk in
Jerusalem bars and hopefully getting a good program. My work week starts anew. Next day off: Saturday
the 28th. But of course, I got a phone call – the band wants me to
practice on that day. If I do, Leanne will be pissed. If I don’t, the band will
be pissed. I lose either way. Such is the reward for a hard week’s work! I hope
things will someday be better than this.
SUNDAY, JANUARY 29, 1989
Today at work, there was a program about facelifts and cosmetic surgery. Personally, I think all the emphasis on “youth” and superficiality is unfortunate. Why can’t we simply accept people’s physical features for what they are? People get older, and as they do, their physical appearance changes. Big deal!! I’m not sure whom I feel sorriest for - the people who judge others by their appearance or those who feel they must give-in to the pressures of others and change the way they look.
Let’s just accept each other! And if people can’t accept how a person looks… tough shit.
The scars on my face which I suffered in an auto accident are a case in point. I’ve had them for as long as I can remember. As I grew up, I couldn’t help but wish that I had an unblemished face like the others my age – somehow I thought that with a “normal” face, I could be liked by more people. Eventually, however, I grew to realize that anyone who would reject me simply because my face is scarred isn’t the kind of person I would want for a friend anyways! Looking at things from that perspective, the scars could be viewed as beneficial, a means of filtering out the superficial jerks. My face is my face and it looks the way it looks. How others perceive or react to it is up to them. I cannot change it. My face – my thoughts – my personality: they must be accepted or rejected on their own terms.
MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 1989
I just figured out that I’ll be working over 46 hours this week. This is in addition to my two classes, my homework, work on the FM show and demands by Leanne and the band for my time. June 3rd seems like such a long was away. I’m having my beer and am waiting to begin my 6 hours of sleep. I have a HSC remote tomorrow morning in Perry (wherever the hell that is) plus another sign-off shift tomorrow night. I’m buzzed. I don’t care.
I just figured out that I’ll be working over 46 hours this week. This is in addition to my two classes, my homework, work on the FM show and demands by Leanne and the band for my time. June 3rd seems like such a long was away. I’m having my beer and am waiting to begin my 6 hours of sleep. I have a HSC remote tomorrow morning in Perry (wherever the hell that is) plus another sign-off shift tomorrow night. I’m buzzed. I don’t care.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 24, 1989
Another lousy day. Work began at 8:15 a.m. and won’t end until 12:30 a.m. I was looking forward to having Leanne comfort me, but she came into work crying because she’d been passed-over for a promotion. I’m slowly being ground down and worn away.
In other news: Leanne and I decided to have our honeymoon in Washington, D.C. rather than Cape Cod. Reason: money and convenience. Also: I left some more envelopes to be mailed to record labels for the FM show. I’ve sent out 80 so far. 20 to go. I’m supposed to be able to sleep-in tomorrow, but the way things are going, I’m not counting on it.
Another lousy day. Work began at 8:15 a.m. and won’t end until 12:30 a.m. I was looking forward to having Leanne comfort me, but she came into work crying because she’d been passed-over for a promotion. I’m slowly being ground down and worn away.
In other news: Leanne and I decided to have our honeymoon in Washington, D.C. rather than Cape Cod. Reason: money and convenience. Also: I left some more envelopes to be mailed to record labels for the FM show. I’ve sent out 80 so far. 20 to go. I’m supposed to be able to sleep-in tomorrow, but the way things are going, I’m not counting on it.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25, 1989
(12:40 a.m.) I think I’ve figured out my problem… I’m too damned smart to believe that contemporary society is worth a damn and too damned stupid to come up with an alternative.
(Later Entry) I’ve finally got all 100 letters mailed out to the record labels. No replies yet, but I’m still waiting…
High School Challenge tomorrow. Then class. Then another sign-off in MCR. My entries of late have been short & uninteresting. Not much I can do. I haven’t been able to sit still long enough to come up with a coherent idea, much less write it down… and the work load doesn’t look as though it’ll be easing-up anytime soon, either. Yuk. By the way… I was right in thinking I wouldn’t be sleeping-in as long as I’d want. Leanne called and woke me up before 9a.m. It’s the story of my life.
(12:40 a.m.) I think I’ve figured out my problem… I’m too damned smart to believe that contemporary society is worth a damn and too damned stupid to come up with an alternative.
(Later Entry) I’ve finally got all 100 letters mailed out to the record labels. No replies yet, but I’m still waiting…
High School Challenge tomorrow. Then class. Then another sign-off in MCR. My entries of late have been short & uninteresting. Not much I can do. I haven’t been able to sit still long enough to come up with a coherent idea, much less write it down… and the work load doesn’t look as though it’ll be easing-up anytime soon, either. Yuk. By the way… I was right in thinking I wouldn’t be sleeping-in as long as I’d want. Leanne called and woke me up before 9a.m. It’s the story of my life.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 1989
Woody returned from Israel late last night. I was up until 2:00 a.m. talking about the Middle Eastern situation. After hearing what he had seen while there, I despise Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians more than ever. Woody summed it up best when he said “Israel is a democracy in name only”. Examples of some of what he saw or found out from interviews:
1. A Palestinian man, with two wives and 12 children was awakened by Israeli security forces… “We’re bulldozing your house. You have 10 minutes to leave.” It turned out that the Israelis suspected - (no trial was held) – that one of the man’s sons was a PLO sympathizer. Needless to say, the Israelis were true to their word. Before the night was through the house was in ruins.
2. Four or five Palestinian teens were accused of throwing stones in Jerusalem. Five fully manned security vans chased them down and Israeli security forces (armed with M-16s and tear gas guns) apprehended them. So what did the news reports say? “A major disturbance at the western wall necessitated the deployment of security forces…” etc., etc., etc… And I’m sure the world’s wire services are eating this shit up.
3. Israeli forces made a Palestinian remove a flag which had been hung from a power line. (Palestinian flags are banned on the West Bank.) In the process, the Palestinian was electrocuted.
4. So-called “rubber bullets” (actually lead shot with a thin rubber coating) have killed dozens of Palestinians. Rock throwing is viewed by the Israelis as justification for firing. (Perhaps the Palestinians should throw rubber-coated rocks!)
This doesn’t even cover the humiliating treatment of Arab tourists on El-Al Airlines security searches, the brutal beating death of a 12-year-old Palestinian by a West Bank settler, or the arrogance of the Israeli military. AND U.S. TAXPAYERS ARE BANKROLLING THESE TRAVESTIES!! Who are the real “terrorists”? Fuck Israeli policies! POWER TO THE PALESTINIANS!! I say that foreign aid to Israel should be cut-off until they decide to recognize a free Palestinian homeland!
Woody returned from Israel late last night. I was up until 2:00 a.m. talking about the Middle Eastern situation. After hearing what he had seen while there, I despise Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians more than ever. Woody summed it up best when he said “Israel is a democracy in name only”. Examples of some of what he saw or found out from interviews:
1. A Palestinian man, with two wives and 12 children was awakened by Israeli security forces… “We’re bulldozing your house. You have 10 minutes to leave.” It turned out that the Israelis suspected - (no trial was held) – that one of the man’s sons was a PLO sympathizer. Needless to say, the Israelis were true to their word. Before the night was through the house was in ruins.
2. Four or five Palestinian teens were accused of throwing stones in Jerusalem. Five fully manned security vans chased them down and Israeli security forces (armed with M-16s and tear gas guns) apprehended them. So what did the news reports say? “A major disturbance at the western wall necessitated the deployment of security forces…” etc., etc., etc… And I’m sure the world’s wire services are eating this shit up.
3. Israeli forces made a Palestinian remove a flag which had been hung from a power line. (Palestinian flags are banned on the West Bank.) In the process, the Palestinian was electrocuted.
4. So-called “rubber bullets” (actually lead shot with a thin rubber coating) have killed dozens of Palestinians. Rock throwing is viewed by the Israelis as justification for firing. (Perhaps the Palestinians should throw rubber-coated rocks!)
This doesn’t even cover the humiliating treatment of Arab tourists on El-Al Airlines security searches, the brutal beating death of a 12-year-old Palestinian by a West Bank settler, or the arrogance of the Israeli military. AND U.S. TAXPAYERS ARE BANKROLLING THESE TRAVESTIES!! Who are the real “terrorists”? Fuck Israeli policies! POWER TO THE PALESTINIANS!! I say that foreign aid to Israel should be cut-off until they decide to recognize a free Palestinian homeland!
FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 1989
Well, darn it, I’ve joined the 1980’s. I finally broke down and got a CD player. I resisted at first. I have hundreds of vinyl records and I didn’t want to have to start buying CDs, but three factors prompted me to give in. First of all, hearing in detail the fidelity and sound quality of CDs while house-sitting at Woody’s made me believe that the sound improvements were substantial enough to warrant the investment.
Secondly, if record companies send us CDs, I want to be able to listen to ‘em.
And finally, I got a good deal. Woody has acquired a new CD player, so he sold his old one [not that old, though, it was manufactured in May, 1988] to me for $100. So now I have a CD player. Too bad I only have one CD!
Well, darn it, I’ve joined the 1980’s. I finally broke down and got a CD player. I resisted at first. I have hundreds of vinyl records and I didn’t want to have to start buying CDs, but three factors prompted me to give in. First of all, hearing in detail the fidelity and sound quality of CDs while house-sitting at Woody’s made me believe that the sound improvements were substantial enough to warrant the investment.
Secondly, if record companies send us CDs, I want to be able to listen to ‘em.
And finally, I got a good deal. Woody has acquired a new CD player, so he sold his old one [not that old, though, it was manufactured in May, 1988] to me for $100. So now I have a CD player. Too bad I only have one CD!
SATURDAY, JANUARY 28, 1989
Spent the day in Ann Arbor mixing-down some Guilty Bystanders songs we had done several months back. They turned out quite well, I think but I won’t know for sure until I listen to ‘em again after a while. Leanne’ll be pissed at me since I didn’t get back early enough to see her afterwards. Not much I can do… I didn’t drive. Steve Newlin kindly loaned me a few CDs to listen to so I can give my CD player a workout. God, I’m tired – nite! Also – Steve N. agreed to be the Best Man at the wedding.
Spent the day in Ann Arbor mixing-down some Guilty Bystanders songs we had done several months back. They turned out quite well, I think but I won’t know for sure until I listen to ‘em again after a while. Leanne’ll be pissed at me since I didn’t get back early enough to see her afterwards. Not much I can do… I didn’t drive. Steve Newlin kindly loaned me a few CDs to listen to so I can give my CD player a workout. God, I’m tired – nite! Also – Steve N. agreed to be the Best Man at the wedding.
Today at work, there was a program about facelifts and cosmetic surgery. Personally, I think all the emphasis on “youth” and superficiality is unfortunate. Why can’t we simply accept people’s physical features for what they are? People get older, and as they do, their physical appearance changes. Big deal!! I’m not sure whom I feel sorriest for - the people who judge others by their appearance or those who feel they must give-in to the pressures of others and change the way they look.
Let’s just accept each other! And if people can’t accept how a person looks… tough shit.
The scars on my face which I suffered in an auto accident are a case in point. I’ve had them for as long as I can remember. As I grew up, I couldn’t help but wish that I had an unblemished face like the others my age – somehow I thought that with a “normal” face, I could be liked by more people. Eventually, however, I grew to realize that anyone who would reject me simply because my face is scarred isn’t the kind of person I would want for a friend anyways! Looking at things from that perspective, the scars could be viewed as beneficial, a means of filtering out the superficial jerks. My face is my face and it looks the way it looks. How others perceive or react to it is up to them. I cannot change it. My face – my thoughts – my personality: they must be accepted or rejected on their own terms.
MONDAY, JANUARY 30, 1989
I got the first responses to the FM radio requests for materials: two cassettes from the Black & Blue label. I have a funny feeling that the smaller labels will be more receptive to our requests: they want exposure for their stuff. The major labels, on the other hand, will probably expect us to kiss their corporate asses in order to get vinyl. Fuck ‘em. If they feel they’re too good to help out a fledgling show at a Public Radio Station, that’s fine. I’m sure we’ll survive somehow without ‘em. In the meantime, I hope that I’ll be exposed to some interesting and diverse music in the weeks ahead.
I got the first responses to the FM radio requests for materials: two cassettes from the Black & Blue label. I have a funny feeling that the smaller labels will be more receptive to our requests: they want exposure for their stuff. The major labels, on the other hand, will probably expect us to kiss their corporate asses in order to get vinyl. Fuck ‘em. If they feel they’re too good to help out a fledgling show at a Public Radio Station, that’s fine. I’m sure we’ll survive somehow without ‘em. In the meantime, I hope that I’ll be exposed to some interesting and diverse music in the weeks ahead.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1989
Goddamn! This is like Christmas! 3 albums and 4 CDs!! This is great!! What a day! Not only that, but it seemed like spring – temperatures reached near 60! It was kinda strange wearing a denim jacket in January, but I’m not complaining. If I can just “hang in there”, things should work out okay this year.
Goddamn! This is like Christmas! 3 albums and 4 CDs!! This is great!! What a day! Not only that, but it seemed like spring – temperatures reached near 60! It was kinda strange wearing a denim jacket in January, but I’m not complaining. If I can just “hang in there”, things should work out okay this year.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1989 (Groundhog’s Eve)
O Jesus fuck I’m exhausted. Not physically so much as mentally. I have no idea when I’ll have another day off. And I doubt that anyone but myself realizes how this is wearing me down. At least tomorrow is a holiday.
O Jesus fuck I’m exhausted. Not physically so much as mentally. I have no idea when I’ll have another day off. And I doubt that anyone but myself realizes how this is wearing me down. At least tomorrow is a holiday.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1989 – Groundhog’s Day!!
Yep! It’s my fave holiday of the year! A holiday with no political, commercial or religious overtones. The groundhog didn’t see his shadow, by the way. And time goes on…
(Later Entry) Thought for the day: judging Karl Marx by the actions of Joseph Stalin is like judging Jesus Christ by the actions of Jim & Tammy Bakker.
Yep! It’s my fave holiday of the year! A holiday with no political, commercial or religious overtones. The groundhog didn’t see his shadow, by the way. And time goes on…
(Later Entry) Thought for the day: judging Karl Marx by the actions of Joseph Stalin is like judging Jesus Christ by the actions of Jim & Tammy Bakker.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1989
Why oh why oh why oh why do I agree to do such stupid things? Now I’m stuck having to get up early tomorrow morning, going to Lapeer and having to teach two 90-minute video classes to some school kids. Why and when the fuck will I learn to “Just Say No!”?! Shit.
Why oh why oh why oh why do I agree to do such stupid things? Now I’m stuck having to get up early tomorrow morning, going to Lapeer and having to teach two 90-minute video classes to some school kids. Why and when the fuck will I learn to “Just Say No!”?! Shit.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1989
Somehow, I survived yesterday. It went better than I’d expected it to, but then again, I’d expected a complete disaster. I got home and Leanne treated me to Chi-Chi’s. Then I went to Sears and racked up $75 on my charge card. (New pants, socks…) I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until Leanne left at 8:00 p.m. I closed my eyes while laying down, and when I opened them again it was 8:30… the next morning!
Today was fairly productive – Greg Koch and I finished episode one of “Breakaway”, an alternative music radio show which is scheduled to start in about a month. I also put in 9 hours in MCR. What a day. Tomorrow, I’m going to Lansing for a Broadcast Engineer’s meeting. Should be interesting…
Somehow, I survived yesterday. It went better than I’d expected it to, but then again, I’d expected a complete disaster. I got home and Leanne treated me to Chi-Chi’s. Then I went to Sears and racked up $75 on my charge card. (New pants, socks…) I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until Leanne left at 8:00 p.m. I closed my eyes while laying down, and when I opened them again it was 8:30… the next morning!
Today was fairly productive – Greg Koch and I finished episode one of “Breakaway”, an alternative music radio show which is scheduled to start in about a month. I also put in 9 hours in MCR. What a day. Tomorrow, I’m going to Lansing for a Broadcast Engineer’s meeting. Should be interesting…
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1989
Went to Lansing for most of the day for the MBE meeting. Saw Gov. Blanchard & some great Audio & video stuff. Then went to Leanne’s. I’m exhausted. Less than 4 months ‘til we’re married. I hope I make it.
Went to Lansing for most of the day for the MBE meeting. Saw Gov. Blanchard & some great Audio & video stuff. Then went to Leanne’s. I’m exhausted. Less than 4 months ‘til we’re married. I hope I make it.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1989
Spent the first part of the day in Lansing again. By looking at all this new technology, I learned quite a lot… mostly that I don’t know very much. Spent the remainder of the day in Master Control – switching and training a future master control director. I can’t believe all the stress I’m under – the one thing I want: a day off – is the one thing that seems so elusive. (Sigh.) Hopefully, when this class is over (the MCR class, that is) some of the pressure will ease up, since the current trainees will take over some shifts. That won’t be until at least mid-March, though. All I can do is simply hang in there…
Spent the first part of the day in Lansing again. By looking at all this new technology, I learned quite a lot… mostly that I don’t know very much. Spent the remainder of the day in Master Control – switching and training a future master control director. I can’t believe all the stress I’m under – the one thing I want: a day off – is the one thing that seems so elusive. (Sigh.) Hopefully, when this class is over (the MCR class, that is) some of the pressure will ease up, since the current trainees will take over some shifts. That won’t be until at least mid-March, though. All I can do is simply hang in there…
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1989
Karl Marx once said that under Capitalism, the interests of labor and management are diametrically opposed.
Though many practitioners of the “new” management style might say that with new trends toward labor-management co-operation, this is no longer so, the ugly reality occasionally surfaces.
One such instance was on an episode of the “Nightly Business Report” last week. The big news was that there was a drop in the unemployment rate. Good news, right? People can find jobs and the economy apparently is healthy. Right? Right?... Uh, well, not exactly… y’see the business leaders who responded to the news were concerned that the economy was doing “too well” and that it might “overheat”. What concerned them was that if workers could be choosy about what job to take, they would be free to choose a high-paying job over a low-paying one. The corporate owners were worried that they might be forced to pay some decent wages in order to avoid a labor shortage: thus hurting their profit margin. This upset me for two reasons:
1. The corporate leaders seemed more concerned with numbers and abstract concepts than with the real welfare of their fellow human beings. (Money, after all, is an abstraction! It has little if any inherent use value, whereas productive human labor and things it creates does!)
2. This merely points out that in order for capitalism to work effectively, a segment of the population must be unemployed. If the competition for jobs is fierce, employers can pay lower wages and have lower labor costs.
I’ve always thought that Marx had valuable insights into the nature of capitalism, but I never suspected that his theories would be reinforced by such an unlikely source as the “Nightly Business Report”.
Karl Marx once said that under Capitalism, the interests of labor and management are diametrically opposed.
Though many practitioners of the “new” management style might say that with new trends toward labor-management co-operation, this is no longer so, the ugly reality occasionally surfaces.
One such instance was on an episode of the “Nightly Business Report” last week. The big news was that there was a drop in the unemployment rate. Good news, right? People can find jobs and the economy apparently is healthy. Right? Right?... Uh, well, not exactly… y’see the business leaders who responded to the news were concerned that the economy was doing “too well” and that it might “overheat”. What concerned them was that if workers could be choosy about what job to take, they would be free to choose a high-paying job over a low-paying one. The corporate owners were worried that they might be forced to pay some decent wages in order to avoid a labor shortage: thus hurting their profit margin. This upset me for two reasons:
1. The corporate leaders seemed more concerned with numbers and abstract concepts than with the real welfare of their fellow human beings. (Money, after all, is an abstraction! It has little if any inherent use value, whereas productive human labor and things it creates does!)
2. This merely points out that in order for capitalism to work effectively, a segment of the population must be unemployed. If the competition for jobs is fierce, employers can pay lower wages and have lower labor costs.
I’ve always thought that Marx had valuable insights into the nature of capitalism, but I never suspected that his theories would be reinforced by such an unlikely source as the “Nightly Business Report”.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1989
I GET A DAY OFF TOMORROW!!! AND IT’S PAYDAY! AND THERE’LL BE A LOT OF OVERTIME HOURS ON THE CHECK!!! YEAH!!! P.S. – Woody liked our first episode of “Breakaway”. We’re going to re-master it due to some minor problems, but overall, he liked it. Cool biz!
I GET A DAY OFF TOMORROW!!! AND IT’S PAYDAY! AND THERE’LL BE A LOT OF OVERTIME HOURS ON THE CHECK!!! YEAH!!! P.S. – Woody liked our first episode of “Breakaway”. We’re going to re-master it due to some minor problems, but overall, he liked it. Cool biz!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1989
I thought I would get today off. Boy, was I stupid! People were sick, so I had MCR duty this afternoon.
I thought I would get today off. Boy, was I stupid! People were sick, so I had MCR duty this afternoon.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1989
Hi! I’m back! I took some time off from most of my hectic schedule – including writing in this book - just so that I could relax a bit. Leanne & I have been doing a bit more preparation for our future. I charged a dining room table w/4 chairs at Sears today. Now if we can only get an apartment at Maplebrook we’ll be off to a fairly good start. Hope the future will work out okay.
Hi! I’m back! I took some time off from most of my hectic schedule – including writing in this book - just so that I could relax a bit. Leanne & I have been doing a bit more preparation for our future. I charged a dining room table w/4 chairs at Sears today. Now if we can only get an apartment at Maplebrook we’ll be off to a fairly good start. Hope the future will work out okay.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1989 (Valentine’s Day)
I’m a damned lucky guy. I have a wonderful fiancée who in June will make a wonderful wife. I have no illusions about the future being easy. Like everything in life, happiness and success will have to be earned. One gets out of life what one puts into it. But still… I am optimistic. I gave Leanne her Valentine’s presents today. The smile and hug she gave me in gratitude made me the happiest man alive. I love her.
I’m a damned lucky guy. I have a wonderful fiancée who in June will make a wonderful wife. I have no illusions about the future being easy. Like everything in life, happiness and success will have to be earned. One gets out of life what one puts into it. But still… I am optimistic. I gave Leanne her Valentine’s presents today. The smile and hug she gave me in gratitude made me the happiest man alive. I love her.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1989
Today has been rather uneventful. Leanne gave me a $20 gift certificate for Young & Welshan’s. I got two books: Bearing the Cross, a biography of Martin Luther King and Marx for Beginners. Worked sign-off shift. High School Challenge tomorrow. Not much happening.
Today has been rather uneventful. Leanne gave me a $20 gift certificate for Young & Welshan’s. I got two books: Bearing the Cross, a biography of Martin Luther King and Marx for Beginners. Worked sign-off shift. High School Challenge tomorrow. Not much happening.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1989
More mental meandering: I was reading in the “Marx for Beginners” book about the historical development of social theory. One thing which I noticed was that social theories are often conceived and patterned after prevailing theories of natural science. For example: the notion that god made the universe coincides with the idea of divine authority (“by the grace of god”) rule. Later, the mechanistic theories of the universe (that the universe operated according to fixed rules – like clockwork) gave rise to the notion of societies operating according to fixed social laws. Darwin’s theories gave rise to “social Darwinism”.
Now, however, the natural sciences are giving more and more attention to the role of randomness and chaos in an ever-changing universe. If these theories develop further and show more promise, their effect on social theory may prove profound.
For example, most if not all attempts to formulate a “theory of revolution” (to draw up a necessary list of preconditions for revolution) have failed. Could this be due to the fact that seemingly unplanned and random events could act as catalysts to revolutionary action? For example, the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s (though not a revolutionary movement) could arguably be traced to the Birmingham bus boycott, which, in turn, can be traced to Mrs. Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat! What social theorist could have foreseen such a causal link?!? Perhaps there’s something to be said of randomness/chaos theory. And perhaps it has important ramifications for the social sciences! Hmm… it’s kind of exciting to think about!
More mental meandering: I was reading in the “Marx for Beginners” book about the historical development of social theory. One thing which I noticed was that social theories are often conceived and patterned after prevailing theories of natural science. For example: the notion that god made the universe coincides with the idea of divine authority (“by the grace of god”) rule. Later, the mechanistic theories of the universe (that the universe operated according to fixed rules – like clockwork) gave rise to the notion of societies operating according to fixed social laws. Darwin’s theories gave rise to “social Darwinism”.
Now, however, the natural sciences are giving more and more attention to the role of randomness and chaos in an ever-changing universe. If these theories develop further and show more promise, their effect on social theory may prove profound.
For example, most if not all attempts to formulate a “theory of revolution” (to draw up a necessary list of preconditions for revolution) have failed. Could this be due to the fact that seemingly unplanned and random events could act as catalysts to revolutionary action? For example, the civil rights movement of the 1950’s and 60’s (though not a revolutionary movement) could arguably be traced to the Birmingham bus boycott, which, in turn, can be traced to Mrs. Rosa Parks refusing to give up her bus seat! What social theorist could have foreseen such a causal link?!? Perhaps there’s something to be said of randomness/chaos theory. And perhaps it has important ramifications for the social sciences! Hmm… it’s kind of exciting to think about!
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1989
There are a lot of things I’d like to write about tonite, but I’m just too goddamned tired. Maybe tomorrow. Z-Z-Z-Z…
There are a lot of things I’d like to write about tonite, but I’m just too goddamned tired. Maybe tomorrow. Z-Z-Z-Z…
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1989
Today was my first day away from work since Jan. 28th. We had a band practice at Steve Newlin’s. He’s trying to talk me into taking a four-day trip to Athens, GA at the end of March. I’m thinking about it, but who knows? Went to Leanne’s. We bought a nice bed frame at Goodwill’s for $25. Now all we need are some mattresses. The expenditures will never end. Anyways, tomorrow it’s back to work.
Today was my first day away from work since Jan. 28th. We had a band practice at Steve Newlin’s. He’s trying to talk me into taking a four-day trip to Athens, GA at the end of March. I’m thinking about it, but who knows? Went to Leanne’s. We bought a nice bed frame at Goodwill’s for $25. Now all we need are some mattresses. The expenditures will never end. Anyways, tomorrow it’s back to work.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1989
I remember when I was in 8th grade. I used to buy Popular Science magazine and read it cover to cover. By the end of the month, the cover was tattered to shreds. Then the new issue would come out and I’d start all over again. I was reading about CDs in 1977.
I suppose that what all this rambling is about is just pointing out that when I was younger I was fascinated by new technologies and scientific achievements. Later on, I began to deal more with human concerns and had no time to be bothered with the tinkering of technoids.
In today’s paper, there was an article about quantum lasers. Normally, I would have passed it by. But today, for some reason, I not only read it, but found it interesting.
It must have been all the new technology I saw at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters conference. I might have to pick up a copy of Popular Science one of these days. Who knows? I may read it cover to cover!
I remember when I was in 8th grade. I used to buy Popular Science magazine and read it cover to cover. By the end of the month, the cover was tattered to shreds. Then the new issue would come out and I’d start all over again. I was reading about CDs in 1977.
I suppose that what all this rambling is about is just pointing out that when I was younger I was fascinated by new technologies and scientific achievements. Later on, I began to deal more with human concerns and had no time to be bothered with the tinkering of technoids.
In today’s paper, there was an article about quantum lasers. Normally, I would have passed it by. But today, for some reason, I not only read it, but found it interesting.
It must have been all the new technology I saw at the Michigan Association of Broadcasters conference. I might have to pick up a copy of Popular Science one of these days. Who knows? I may read it cover to cover!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1989
Funny how things seem to work out. Just as I was running short on cash, I found a check in my mailbox in payment for the workshop Gary Ewell and I did in Lapeer on Feb. 4th. $25. I’ll get $12.50 once I split it with Gary, but when you’re not expecting it, it’s good news! Not too much else happened today. Just a rather quiet EA shift at work. It’s snowing like hell tonite, but not too much has accumulated yet. At least I get to sleep-in tomorrow. G’nite!
Funny how things seem to work out. Just as I was running short on cash, I found a check in my mailbox in payment for the workshop Gary Ewell and I did in Lapeer on Feb. 4th. $25. I’ll get $12.50 once I split it with Gary, but when you’re not expecting it, it’s good news! Not too much else happened today. Just a rather quiet EA shift at work. It’s snowing like hell tonite, but not too much has accumulated yet. At least I get to sleep-in tomorrow. G’nite!
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 1989
Phrases grandfathers use: “Finer than frog fur.”
Phrases grandfathers use: “Finer than frog fur.”
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1989
A miserable past two days. Last night, I was sick as a dog but worked anyway. Tonight there was record cold temperatures (-2 degrees F without windchill). Throughout this period my radiator is leaking and steaming as I drive to and from work. Tuesday is the earliest I can have it fixed. I hate cars. Too bad ya need ‘em!
A miserable past two days. Last night, I was sick as a dog but worked anyway. Tonight there was record cold temperatures (-2 degrees F without windchill). Throughout this period my radiator is leaking and steaming as I drive to and from work. Tuesday is the earliest I can have it fixed. I hate cars. Too bad ya need ‘em!
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1989
Worked a hectic EA shift today. I haven’t written much lately. I guess I’ve just been sitting around waiting for a revolution.
Worked a hectic EA shift today. I haven’t written much lately. I guess I’ve just been sitting around waiting for a revolution.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1989
While watching Bookmark at work, one of the writers on the discussion panel speculated that in the next 100 years, the multinational corporation will rival or surpass the conventional nation-state in terms of global power. Frightening thought. Corporations have no constitutions or codes of justice. Their sole reason for existence is to accumulate private profit. Hope his speculation is wrong, but then again I don’t see much reason to refute his fears. GM made record profits last year, but thousands remain unemployed. Greedmongers must die! No more treating the working people as mere numbers. I’m no one’s tool for profit! I am not treated as a person by them so why shouldn’t I treat them in the same way? They look at me only in terms of money. I shall reciprocate!
While watching Bookmark at work, one of the writers on the discussion panel speculated that in the next 100 years, the multinational corporation will rival or surpass the conventional nation-state in terms of global power. Frightening thought. Corporations have no constitutions or codes of justice. Their sole reason for existence is to accumulate private profit. Hope his speculation is wrong, but then again I don’t see much reason to refute his fears. GM made record profits last year, but thousands remain unemployed. Greedmongers must die! No more treating the working people as mere numbers. I’m no one’s tool for profit! I am not treated as a person by them so why shouldn’t I treat them in the same way? They look at me only in terms of money. I shall reciprocate!
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1989
Tomorrow morning… early… I’ll be taking my car into AAA Radiator to be re-cored. It has been leaking for quite some time now and hopefully they’ll be able to fix it. I’ll finally be able to go more than a few miles without a trail of steam wisping through the chilled air. It’s bad for the engine and embarrassing for the driver. I don’t know why – but car problems bother me. I hope I’ll be driving a new car by the end of the year. I hope… I hope… But then again, with Leanne at home (after June) why would I need to go anywhere?
Tomorrow morning… early… I’ll be taking my car into AAA Radiator to be re-cored. It has been leaking for quite some time now and hopefully they’ll be able to fix it. I’ll finally be able to go more than a few miles without a trail of steam wisping through the chilled air. It’s bad for the engine and embarrassing for the driver. I don’t know why – but car problems bother me. I hope I’ll be driving a new car by the end of the year. I hope… I hope… But then again, with Leanne at home (after June) why would I need to go anywhere?
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1989
Recent events have convinced me that religion promotes ignorance and is an enemy of decency and freedom.
First of all, the fundamentalist Moslems’ call for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses, makes me sick to my stomach. What are they so afraid of? The truth? If his book is wrong, where’s their evidence to refute it? Fanaticism is evil – regardless of the religion.
Secondly, on a program about Aids, there were a bunch of Bible-belt rednecks protesting the enrollment of a young Aids-infected child in a local school. Not only were they carrying protest signs (“No Aids in our schools”, etc.) but they were screaming indignantly at the child and parent: “You’re not gonna kill my baby!” What Christians! Didn’t Jesus accept lepers? And hell, leprosy is highly contagious. Aids isn’t. Better yet, why don’t they get one of those “faith healers” to cure the kid & bring this to an end. When I see religious ignorance/intolerance I feel like going to the pawn shop, buying an AK-47 and… well, anyways you get the picture.
Recent events have convinced me that religion promotes ignorance and is an enemy of decency and freedom.
First of all, the fundamentalist Moslems’ call for the death of Salman Rushdie, author of The Satanic Verses, makes me sick to my stomach. What are they so afraid of? The truth? If his book is wrong, where’s their evidence to refute it? Fanaticism is evil – regardless of the religion.
Secondly, on a program about Aids, there were a bunch of Bible-belt rednecks protesting the enrollment of a young Aids-infected child in a local school. Not only were they carrying protest signs (“No Aids in our schools”, etc.) but they were screaming indignantly at the child and parent: “You’re not gonna kill my baby!” What Christians! Didn’t Jesus accept lepers? And hell, leprosy is highly contagious. Aids isn’t. Better yet, why don’t they get one of those “faith healers” to cure the kid & bring this to an end. When I see religious ignorance/intolerance I feel like going to the pawn shop, buying an AK-47 and… well, anyways you get the picture.
THURSDAY, MARCH 2, 1989
This week has been pretty good in terms of material goods. First of all, my radiator is fixed and second of all, my brother brought over the receiver and tape deck for my stereo system. Good deal! Shit, I wish we’d get warmer weather sometime soon. It’s 20 degrees F and I’m ready for warmer temperatures! I want spring!
This week has been pretty good in terms of material goods. First of all, my radiator is fixed and second of all, my brother brought over the receiver and tape deck for my stereo system. Good deal! Shit, I wish we’d get warmer weather sometime soon. It’s 20 degrees F and I’m ready for warmer temperatures! I want spring!
FRIDAY, MARCH 3, 1989
(3:25 a.m.) Three months until I’m a married man. Today was rather productive. Greg Koch and I finished taping episode #2 of Breakaway, out FM radio show. We worked on it until about 3 a.m. I’m beat. I think (hope) that it’s a good show. We’ll see. No one’ll listen, though, since the (non-) format is too weird. But anyways, at least we’re giving it a try. C’est la vie!
(Later Entry) I heard today that President George Bush doesn’t consider atheists as citizens. Gee, if that’s the case, I wonder if they’ll have to go to war or pay taxes?
(3:25 a.m.) Three months until I’m a married man. Today was rather productive. Greg Koch and I finished taping episode #2 of Breakaway, out FM radio show. We worked on it until about 3 a.m. I’m beat. I think (hope) that it’s a good show. We’ll see. No one’ll listen, though, since the (non-) format is too weird. But anyways, at least we’re giving it a try. C’est la vie!
(Later Entry) I heard today that President George Bush doesn’t consider atheists as citizens. Gee, if that’s the case, I wonder if they’ll have to go to war or pay taxes?
SATURDAY, MARCH 4, 1989
A miracle! A day off! I spent the day with Leanne: shopping, eating out & watching TV. It was relaxing and fun. It’s nice to know that there’s more to life than working & school. I’m pretty happy.
A miracle! A day off! I spent the day with Leanne: shopping, eating out & watching TV. It was relaxing and fun. It’s nice to know that there’s more to life than working & school. I’m pretty happy.
SUNDAY, MARCH 5, 1989
Pledge drive starts again today. (For me anyways. It actually began yesterday.) Increased government funding coupled with a new emphasis on programming could eliminate this tin-cup rattling. But anyways… there have been several news stories throughout the past week and being the sort of opinionated fool that I am, I felt compelled to comment – whether anyone is listening or not:
The Tower Nomination - The Senate is threatening not to confirm John Tower as Secretary of Defense. This is due to Tower’s alleged drinking and womanizing problems. As for myself, I couldn’t care less if Tower were sober and celibate. He still shouldn’t be confirmed.
The reason? Anyone who made $3/4 million in consulting fees from defense contractors cannot be expected to run the Pentagon in an objective and unbiased manner. The job calls for someone who isn’t in the contractors’ back pockets. John Tower is not such a man.
The Trial of Ollie North – Where’s a good lynch mob when you need one? North and his lawyers will withhold damning evidence on the grounds it’ll damage “national security”. Bullshit! They’re just worried that if the truth comes out people will see how much dirty dealing is done in the name of “defense”. These military assholes had better learn that we live in a democracy and in a democracy the people decide! The people cannot make wise decisions without full information. In a democracy, the people limit and/or define the government’s power… not the other way around!!
Pledge drive starts again today. (For me anyways. It actually began yesterday.) Increased government funding coupled with a new emphasis on programming could eliminate this tin-cup rattling. But anyways… there have been several news stories throughout the past week and being the sort of opinionated fool that I am, I felt compelled to comment – whether anyone is listening or not:
The Tower Nomination - The Senate is threatening not to confirm John Tower as Secretary of Defense. This is due to Tower’s alleged drinking and womanizing problems. As for myself, I couldn’t care less if Tower were sober and celibate. He still shouldn’t be confirmed.
The reason? Anyone who made $3/4 million in consulting fees from defense contractors cannot be expected to run the Pentagon in an objective and unbiased manner. The job calls for someone who isn’t in the contractors’ back pockets. John Tower is not such a man.
The Trial of Ollie North – Where’s a good lynch mob when you need one? North and his lawyers will withhold damning evidence on the grounds it’ll damage “national security”. Bullshit! They’re just worried that if the truth comes out people will see how much dirty dealing is done in the name of “defense”. These military assholes had better learn that we live in a democracy and in a democracy the people decide! The people cannot make wise decisions without full information. In a democracy, the people limit and/or define the government’s power… not the other way around!!
TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 1989
(12:40 a.m.) What a day! Pledge drive EA shift. Wrote a Breakaway press release. Ran around like a headless chicken. Now I’m sitting in MCR waiting for the janitor to finish cleaning the studio. Tomorrow will be a killer. I’ll get 5 hrs. sleep tonite (if I’m lucky). Then it’s non-stop from 7am until at least 3am the next morning. Shit! I’ll be glad when I get a day off!! (Saturday, I hope!)
(10:45 p.m.) More hard long hours. I got 3 hours of sleep last night ---
(12:40 a.m.) What a day! Pledge drive EA shift. Wrote a Breakaway press release. Ran around like a headless chicken. Now I’m sitting in MCR waiting for the janitor to finish cleaning the studio. Tomorrow will be a killer. I’ll get 5 hrs. sleep tonite (if I’m lucky). Then it’s non-stop from 7am until at least 3am the next morning. Shit! I’ll be glad when I get a day off!! (Saturday, I hope!)
(10:45 p.m.) More hard long hours. I got 3 hours of sleep last night ---
SUNDAY, MARCH 19, 1989
It’s been a while since I’ve written, although I must admit I was surprised that the last entry was written less than two weeks ago. It has seemed like it’s been longer. I guess the past few weeks have been so hectic that it seemed like too short a time to do so much. But it wasn’t. Among the highlights… I directed a Friday morning pledge shift & got pretty good reviews. (I didn’t much enjoy it, though.) On the 13th (actually, early morning on the 14th) I saw the Northern Lights – the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in the sky – brilliant reds, curtains of blue-greens w/blue-white shafts. Also: our radio show debuted & we got a bit of a write-up in the Flint Journal. (Woo!) I’ve been away from work for the past 4 days (sick) – the most I’ve been away for a couple years. I sure needed the rest. Spent some wonderful time with Leanne. I love her more than ever, now. This evening, I’ve been looking through my old diaries. (I kept one from Dec. 1974 until Feb. 1980.) & that’s what prompted me to start writing again. I’m thinking too many thoughts to put onto paper right now but perhaps in the future I can get to ‘em. And how do I feel about the future? I’m optimistic!
It’s been a while since I’ve written, although I must admit I was surprised that the last entry was written less than two weeks ago. It has seemed like it’s been longer. I guess the past few weeks have been so hectic that it seemed like too short a time to do so much. But it wasn’t. Among the highlights… I directed a Friday morning pledge shift & got pretty good reviews. (I didn’t much enjoy it, though.) On the 13th (actually, early morning on the 14th) I saw the Northern Lights – the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen in the sky – brilliant reds, curtains of blue-greens w/blue-white shafts. Also: our radio show debuted & we got a bit of a write-up in the Flint Journal. (Woo!) I’ve been away from work for the past 4 days (sick) – the most I’ve been away for a couple years. I sure needed the rest. Spent some wonderful time with Leanne. I love her more than ever, now. This evening, I’ve been looking through my old diaries. (I kept one from Dec. 1974 until Feb. 1980.) & that’s what prompted me to start writing again. I’m thinking too many thoughts to put onto paper right now but perhaps in the future I can get to ‘em. And how do I feel about the future? I’m optimistic!
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 1989
Went back to work today for the first time since last Wednesday night. It was a hectic EA shift, but I’m just about done as I write this. I’ve been trying to watch my diet so I don’t come down with whatever I had the past several days. I have an exam tomorrow, so I really should spend more time studying. (Like now!) So… hasta manana.
Went back to work today for the first time since last Wednesday night. It was a hectic EA shift, but I’m just about done as I write this. I’ve been trying to watch my diet so I don’t come down with whatever I had the past several days. I have an exam tomorrow, so I really should spend more time studying. (Like now!) So… hasta manana.
TUESDAY, MARCH 21, 1989
Relax… relax… warm Mandarin orange tea & Austin City Limits. Funny, though, this tea tastes more like cloves. You figure it.
I’ve been writing & typing & stuff. Good news: I don’t have to work in MCR tomorrow nite. Bad news: I have to work a HSC remote in Bendle early 2morrow morning.
Hope I’ll get to see Leanne tomorrow nite. & I hope I hear from Maplebrook soon. Let things happen. It’s all gonna work out. Get ready to have some fun the rest of my life. Married bliss awaits!
Relax… relax… warm Mandarin orange tea & Austin City Limits. Funny, though, this tea tastes more like cloves. You figure it.
I’ve been writing & typing & stuff. Good news: I don’t have to work in MCR tomorrow nite. Bad news: I have to work a HSC remote in Bendle early 2morrow morning.
Hope I’ll get to see Leanne tomorrow nite. & I hope I hear from Maplebrook soon. Let things happen. It’s all gonna work out. Get ready to have some fun the rest of my life. Married bliss awaits!
THURSDAY, MARCH 23, 1989
I can’t believe the stupidity of some of this area’s so-called “urban planning experts”. The same sort of people who brought us such fiascos as AutoWorld, Windmill Place and Water Street Pavilion have a new scheme brewing. The so-called “Downtown Development Authority” – (D.D.A.) – the same agency which took great pains to ban skateboarding from downtown (bad for business, they thought) is once again showing its ignorance. Why? Their new plan is to build an office building adjacent to Water Street Pavilion. Why do I find this so stupid? For the following reasons:
1. An office building will only bring a lunchtime office worker crowd into Water Street Pavilion.
2. Water Street Pavilion and its neighbor Windmill Place is already doing a great lunchtime business from the people who work at the State of Michigan Building, banks and other downtown office buildings.
3. The lunchtime crowd does not need to be boosted. It is already healthy. The reason the downtown shop/restaurant complexes are losing money is that no one goes there outside the lunch hour!!
4. People will buy from where it is most convenient. For downtown office workers, it is convenient to eat downtown. When they go home to the suburbs on evenings and weekends, they will shop and eat in the suburbs.
5. It is obvious that if the downtown businesses are to remain healthy, there will have to be a segment of the population which will find them convenient after business (office) hours. In other words, no one will shop at the downtown stores until there are people who live downtown!! Apparently, the DDA has never thought of this. If the DDA is serious about an economic revival of Flint, they should focus their efforts on residential development of the downtown area. Fuck the office buildings - there are already enough of ‘em. People won’t shop away from where they live (most of the time).
Only a thriving residential community downtown can breathe economic life into Flint’s downtown. But the DDA has proven its incompetence by its past actions. I am not optimistic about downtown Flint’s future so long as they are in charge.
I can’t believe the stupidity of some of this area’s so-called “urban planning experts”. The same sort of people who brought us such fiascos as AutoWorld, Windmill Place and Water Street Pavilion have a new scheme brewing. The so-called “Downtown Development Authority” – (D.D.A.) – the same agency which took great pains to ban skateboarding from downtown (bad for business, they thought) is once again showing its ignorance. Why? Their new plan is to build an office building adjacent to Water Street Pavilion. Why do I find this so stupid? For the following reasons:
1. An office building will only bring a lunchtime office worker crowd into Water Street Pavilion.
2. Water Street Pavilion and its neighbor Windmill Place is already doing a great lunchtime business from the people who work at the State of Michigan Building, banks and other downtown office buildings.
3. The lunchtime crowd does not need to be boosted. It is already healthy. The reason the downtown shop/restaurant complexes are losing money is that no one goes there outside the lunch hour!!
4. People will buy from where it is most convenient. For downtown office workers, it is convenient to eat downtown. When they go home to the suburbs on evenings and weekends, they will shop and eat in the suburbs.
5. It is obvious that if the downtown businesses are to remain healthy, there will have to be a segment of the population which will find them convenient after business (office) hours. In other words, no one will shop at the downtown stores until there are people who live downtown!! Apparently, the DDA has never thought of this. If the DDA is serious about an economic revival of Flint, they should focus their efforts on residential development of the downtown area. Fuck the office buildings - there are already enough of ‘em. People won’t shop away from where they live (most of the time).
Only a thriving residential community downtown can breathe economic life into Flint’s downtown. But the DDA has proven its incompetence by its past actions. I am not optimistic about downtown Flint’s future so long as they are in charge.
FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1989
Good Friday. I’m working sign-off shift and then through the night on Breakaway #105. Spent the first part of the day with Leanne. Today was payday, so I cashed my check. After putting $120 in the bank, our bank account total has reached the $3,000 mark. (Yeah, it’s not extravagant, but it could be worse!) We put a down-payment on a 20” Sony stereo television. I’m happy. Leanne’s lukewarm & her mom is convinced I’m crazy. $520 for a TV!?! Yes, dammit! Got a problem with that? Tough! I figured that since this was a major investment and since we’ve been good & sacrificed to save our money… well, we’ve earned it! Case closed. Oh, well, I hope I’m moved in and watching it at the end of May.
Good Friday. I’m working sign-off shift and then through the night on Breakaway #105. Spent the first part of the day with Leanne. Today was payday, so I cashed my check. After putting $120 in the bank, our bank account total has reached the $3,000 mark. (Yeah, it’s not extravagant, but it could be worse!) We put a down-payment on a 20” Sony stereo television. I’m happy. Leanne’s lukewarm & her mom is convinced I’m crazy. $520 for a TV!?! Yes, dammit! Got a problem with that? Tough! I figured that since this was a major investment and since we’ve been good & sacrificed to save our money… well, we’ve earned it! Case closed. Oh, well, I hope I’m moved in and watching it at the end of May.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25, 1989
It seems like today should have a name. Good Saturday? Easter Eve? Whatever it is, it was a beautiful spring-like day. I spent much of it at Leanne’s. Next year, Leanne & I will make a special event out of coloring Easter eggs & stuff, but for today we just walked around the Maplebrook complex & enjoyed the day. Later, we rented one of those movies Leanne likes – the kind that’s just good enough to make you watch ‘til the end but not good enough to remember anything about afterward. She took my lack of maniacal enthusiasm nearly as a personal insult Oh well – she can’t tell a robin from a blue jay, so what the hell does she know?
If it’s true that opposites attract, divorce is out of the question.
It seems like today should have a name. Good Saturday? Easter Eve? Whatever it is, it was a beautiful spring-like day. I spent much of it at Leanne’s. Next year, Leanne & I will make a special event out of coloring Easter eggs & stuff, but for today we just walked around the Maplebrook complex & enjoyed the day. Later, we rented one of those movies Leanne likes – the kind that’s just good enough to make you watch ‘til the end but not good enough to remember anything about afterward. She took my lack of maniacal enthusiasm nearly as a personal insult Oh well – she can’t tell a robin from a blue jay, so what the hell does she know?
If it’s true that opposites attract, divorce is out of the question.
SUNDAY, MARCH 26, 1989 (Easter)
As usual on Easter, I got an Easter basket. This year, it was hidden behind my guitar amp. I got candy and the Beatles’ Past Masters Vol. 1 CD.
Later, I went to Leanne’s. We went for another walk & then had a ham brunch. Today was another work day for me. Poor me… always working holidays. I’ll be working ‘til 11 p.m. & then ‘til god-knows-when on Breakaway 105 (we didn’t get around to doing it on Friday).
Beginning this week, the new Master Control people will be taking their shifts, so I’ll have an extra day off every week. That’s fine with me. I’ve been feeling overworked lately. I’ll finally be able to devote more time to other activities. It’ll be a welcome change of pace. I figure I’ll still make enough money to get by. I could use the rest.
As usual on Easter, I got an Easter basket. This year, it was hidden behind my guitar amp. I got candy and the Beatles’ Past Masters Vol. 1 CD.
Later, I went to Leanne’s. We went for another walk & then had a ham brunch. Today was another work day for me. Poor me… always working holidays. I’ll be working ‘til 11 p.m. & then ‘til god-knows-when on Breakaway 105 (we didn’t get around to doing it on Friday).
Beginning this week, the new Master Control people will be taking their shifts, so I’ll have an extra day off every week. That’s fine with me. I’ve been feeling overworked lately. I’ll finally be able to devote more time to other activities. It’ll be a welcome change of pace. I figure I’ll still make enough money to get by. I could use the rest.
MONDAY, MARCH 27, 1989
It’s about 4:30 in the morning. Greg & I just finished producing Breakaway #105. We tried a new way of producing it & we’ve been happy with the results. Not a big entry. Just glad it seemed to work out. Now it’s off to sleep & more errands later today. Nite!
(Later Entry) A pretty laid-back day. Sunny & warm. Near 80. Did some grocery shopping. Did my EA shift. Things were busy, but things worked out O.K. No biggie. Time for Tuesday.
It’s about 4:30 in the morning. Greg & I just finished producing Breakaway #105. We tried a new way of producing it & we’ve been happy with the results. Not a big entry. Just glad it seemed to work out. Now it’s off to sleep & more errands later today. Nite!
(Later Entry) A pretty laid-back day. Sunny & warm. Near 80. Did some grocery shopping. Did my EA shift. Things were busy, but things worked out O.K. No biggie. Time for Tuesday.
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 1989
Most of the people who proclaim themselves as being “open minded” are actually just as culturally myopic as the “close-minded” people they take such great pains to criticize. The only difference is that they’re close-minded in a different way than the mainstream. I am becoming increasingly convinced that in American society there are very, very, very few truly open-minded people. No wonder our society is declining. And the saddest part is that when it finally dies, they’ll have to get a foreigner to carve the tombstone because there’ll be no one left who’ll be able to spell out the inscription.
Most of the people who proclaim themselves as being “open minded” are actually just as culturally myopic as the “close-minded” people they take such great pains to criticize. The only difference is that they’re close-minded in a different way than the mainstream. I am becoming increasingly convinced that in American society there are very, very, very few truly open-minded people. No wonder our society is declining. And the saddest part is that when it finally dies, they’ll have to get a foreigner to carve the tombstone because there’ll be no one left who’ll be able to spell out the inscription.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29, 1989
Oh my God! I didn’t have to work tonight! It’s a miracle! Major accomplishments today: completed a paper for mass media research class & saw Leanne. Hopefully, this spare time will allow me to work on misc. projects I’ve been wanting to do. Stuff like a paper on the future of PBS. Perhaps I’ll get to work on it this week. Perhaps not. Who knows? I’m not worried.
Oh my God! I didn’t have to work tonight! It’s a miracle! Major accomplishments today: completed a paper for mass media research class & saw Leanne. Hopefully, this spare time will allow me to work on misc. projects I’ve been wanting to do. Stuff like a paper on the future of PBS. Perhaps I’ll get to work on it this week. Perhaps not. Who knows? I’m not worried.
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 1989
I keep thinking of my future – hoping that within two months I’ll be living in an apartment in Maplebrook. I’ve also been thinking about the old clichéd adage: “You get out of life what you put into it.” I suppose that it logically follows that if you put the same thing into it day after day you’ll keep getting the same thing out of it. In order to avoid tedium and repetition, one must strive for new goals and try to put an effort into accomplishing new things. Okay, so it’s not exactly deep, but that’s the good thing about writing for yourself – who’ll ever know? Screw it. Tonight’s episode of Nova looks good. I think I’ll watch it before my pen does much more damage.
I keep thinking of my future – hoping that within two months I’ll be living in an apartment in Maplebrook. I’ve also been thinking about the old clichéd adage: “You get out of life what you put into it.” I suppose that it logically follows that if you put the same thing into it day after day you’ll keep getting the same thing out of it. In order to avoid tedium and repetition, one must strive for new goals and try to put an effort into accomplishing new things. Okay, so it’s not exactly deep, but that’s the good thing about writing for yourself – who’ll ever know? Screw it. Tonight’s episode of Nova looks good. I think I’ll watch it before my pen does much more damage.
SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 1989
Yesterday was one of those extremely rare days when I had no work, school or plans to see Leanne… so I went to see my friend John Clark for the first time in I don’t know how long. Spent the day BS-ing and messing around with his camcorder. Not a bad day.
Today, Leanne & I did some running about town. We put some money down on a headboard at a furniture store. Then she treated me to lunch at Chi-Chi’s. Got a card for my Grandma and dropped it off. It’s her 71st birthday today. My grandpa was 71 when he died. I wonder if she ever thinks about that.
Had to work someone else’s shift tonite. Hopefully, they’ll work one of my shifts next week. I’ll be busy regardless. Well, anyways, back to work. More fun tomorrow. “Spring forward” DST starts tonite. Yippie!
Yesterday was one of those extremely rare days when I had no work, school or plans to see Leanne… so I went to see my friend John Clark for the first time in I don’t know how long. Spent the day BS-ing and messing around with his camcorder. Not a bad day.
Today, Leanne & I did some running about town. We put some money down on a headboard at a furniture store. Then she treated me to lunch at Chi-Chi’s. Got a card for my Grandma and dropped it off. It’s her 71st birthday today. My grandpa was 71 when he died. I wonder if she ever thinks about that.
Had to work someone else’s shift tonite. Hopefully, they’ll work one of my shifts next week. I’ll be busy regardless. Well, anyways, back to work. More fun tomorrow. “Spring forward” DST starts tonite. Yippie!
SUNDAY, APRIL 2, 1989
The first step toward self-improvement is recognition of problems. One of my biggest problems is an inability to accept criticisms and unfavorable comments from others without becoming discouraged or depressed. Whenever someone pans on something I do or try to do, I very easily give-in to a “why bother trying?” mentality. When I read about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I realize that he’d gone through much more shit than I ever had… he had to put up with death threats, bombings, constant legal harassment – but he didn’t give up!
Because he didn’t, he achieved greatness. (Of course, he also got killed, but at least his ideas had made an impact.) I certainly don’t pretend to be as great as Dr. King, but I do feel that I have much to learn from his example: don’t give up, your best is yet to come! If Dr. King had given-in to the pressure of 1959, he would never have given his “I Have a Dream: speech in 1963. It gives me encouragement to go on trying.
The first step toward self-improvement is recognition of problems. One of my biggest problems is an inability to accept criticisms and unfavorable comments from others without becoming discouraged or depressed. Whenever someone pans on something I do or try to do, I very easily give-in to a “why bother trying?” mentality. When I read about the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I realize that he’d gone through much more shit than I ever had… he had to put up with death threats, bombings, constant legal harassment – but he didn’t give up!
Because he didn’t, he achieved greatness. (Of course, he also got killed, but at least his ideas had made an impact.) I certainly don’t pretend to be as great as Dr. King, but I do feel that I have much to learn from his example: don’t give up, your best is yet to come! If Dr. King had given-in to the pressure of 1959, he would never have given his “I Have a Dream: speech in 1963. It gives me encouragement to go on trying.
MONDAY, APRIL 3, 1989
I can’t believe it! I’ve drawn a blank. Can’t think of anything to say.
I can’t believe it! I’ve drawn a blank. Can’t think of anything to say.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5, 1989 – 12:40 a.m.
Insomnia has its benefits. I went to sleep for a couple hours then woke up completely. I must be more used to sign-off shift than I’d realized. I turned on the TV to see reports of numerous tornadoes in the S.E. U.S.. Here, though, it was calm and starry-skied, so I took a walk. It was so peaceful that I’d almost forgotten that I live in a trailer park and work at a low-paying job. It made me realize that there are more important things than short-term “gotta have it now” mindsets. I read in today’s paper about a man who made an average of $1,046 a minute (24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week) last year. Tonite, under the quiet stars, I felt richer than he ever could.
I wonder why stars don’t make any noise?
(Later Entry) I’m beginning to see a pattern in the way President Bush operates. He pays lip service to a problem then proposes a ridiculously ineffective program which he claims will fix it. His education bill is a case in point. The $440 million bill, unfortunately, is pathetic given the scope of this nations’ problem. He proposes a scholarship for the top 500 seniors in the nation (woo!) – dammit! The top 500 can already get scholarships! What the fuck – Bush can come up with $40 billion to bail out mismanaged and fraud-laden savings & loans but can only find a fraction of that for education? The “education president” my ass! His education bill is just as ridiculous as his “I.S.A.” plan. His Individual Savings Account – which Bush claimed would help younger people afford a home – sounded good until someone began adding up the numbers. The result? After 10 years in an ISA, a person would have $20 more than if it had been in a standard bank account. A house?!? With $20!?! Riiight. Bush is the all talk/no action president. We don’t need Bush’s placebo politics. We need decisive legislation!
Insomnia has its benefits. I went to sleep for a couple hours then woke up completely. I must be more used to sign-off shift than I’d realized. I turned on the TV to see reports of numerous tornadoes in the S.E. U.S.. Here, though, it was calm and starry-skied, so I took a walk. It was so peaceful that I’d almost forgotten that I live in a trailer park and work at a low-paying job. It made me realize that there are more important things than short-term “gotta have it now” mindsets. I read in today’s paper about a man who made an average of $1,046 a minute (24 hrs. a day, 7 days a week) last year. Tonite, under the quiet stars, I felt richer than he ever could.
I wonder why stars don’t make any noise?
(Later Entry) I’m beginning to see a pattern in the way President Bush operates. He pays lip service to a problem then proposes a ridiculously ineffective program which he claims will fix it. His education bill is a case in point. The $440 million bill, unfortunately, is pathetic given the scope of this nations’ problem. He proposes a scholarship for the top 500 seniors in the nation (woo!) – dammit! The top 500 can already get scholarships! What the fuck – Bush can come up with $40 billion to bail out mismanaged and fraud-laden savings & loans but can only find a fraction of that for education? The “education president” my ass! His education bill is just as ridiculous as his “I.S.A.” plan. His Individual Savings Account – which Bush claimed would help younger people afford a home – sounded good until someone began adding up the numbers. The result? After 10 years in an ISA, a person would have $20 more than if it had been in a standard bank account. A house?!? With $20!?! Riiight. Bush is the all talk/no action president. We don’t need Bush’s placebo politics. We need decisive legislation!
THURSDAY, APRIL 6, 1989
Geez! I’m ready to fall asleep, but I’m at work. Why am I sleepy at work, but not when I should be sleeping at home. Worked on HSC from 9-noon, then had class & then did data entry in the computer lab. The more I mess around with computers, the more I want one. It’s been a busy day, but it’s back to work tomorrow. C’est la vie! At least it’s pay day & I get Saturday off!
Geez! I’m ready to fall asleep, but I’m at work. Why am I sleepy at work, but not when I should be sleeping at home. Worked on HSC from 9-noon, then had class & then did data entry in the computer lab. The more I mess around with computers, the more I want one. It’s been a busy day, but it’s back to work tomorrow. C’est la vie! At least it’s pay day & I get Saturday off!
SUNDAY, APRIL 9, 1989
A rather busy past few days. Spent Friday videotaping the Project Graduation Kickoff rally. It’s one of those “Don’t drink/take drugs & drive things.” Hope it does some good. Not to make any moral judgments about regular drug/alcohol abuse, but I’ve never seen anybody benefit from it. Drugs mess people up. There’s nothing glorious or glamorous about it. People should use these substances in extreme moderation, if at all. It isn’t a moral issue, it’s a matter of health.
Saturday, Leanne & I did some shopping around. I put $50 on the T.V. Someday it’ll be paid off. Also paid my Sears bill. I then saw Steve Gilbert, a High School friend of mine, for the first time in years. He seems to be doing fine, despite all that’s happened to him. A divorce, a grueling paramedics job, raising twin girls (they’re 5 ½ now). It’s hard to believe we graduated together. Today, it’s back to work. Tonight we work on Breakaway 107. I’ll be up ‘til well past 4am. (Sigh.) Oh, well, I can’t wait to be in Maplebrook.
A rather busy past few days. Spent Friday videotaping the Project Graduation Kickoff rally. It’s one of those “Don’t drink/take drugs & drive things.” Hope it does some good. Not to make any moral judgments about regular drug/alcohol abuse, but I’ve never seen anybody benefit from it. Drugs mess people up. There’s nothing glorious or glamorous about it. People should use these substances in extreme moderation, if at all. It isn’t a moral issue, it’s a matter of health.
Saturday, Leanne & I did some shopping around. I put $50 on the T.V. Someday it’ll be paid off. Also paid my Sears bill. I then saw Steve Gilbert, a High School friend of mine, for the first time in years. He seems to be doing fine, despite all that’s happened to him. A divorce, a grueling paramedics job, raising twin girls (they’re 5 ½ now). It’s hard to believe we graduated together. Today, it’s back to work. Tonight we work on Breakaway 107. I’ll be up ‘til well past 4am. (Sigh.) Oh, well, I can’t wait to be in Maplebrook.
TUESDAY, APRIL 11, 1989
(1:00 a.m.) There won’t be much of an entry tonight. Y’see I forgot to bring this book in to work so now I’m home & tired. Blah, blah. Another day awaits. At least I get to sleep-in a bit. Can’t wait to hold Leanne again. Can’t wait ‘til I’m in Maplebrook, but that’ll happen in its own time.
(Later Entry) Geez, I have so much writing to do for school & at work I’ve got little time or energy left for scribbling here. If this book should reach the hands of “posterity”… my apologies. I hope you’ll forgive me for being so goddamned boring. I’ll try harder to say something of substance in future chapters.
(1:00 a.m.) There won’t be much of an entry tonight. Y’see I forgot to bring this book in to work so now I’m home & tired. Blah, blah. Another day awaits. At least I get to sleep-in a bit. Can’t wait to hold Leanne again. Can’t wait ‘til I’m in Maplebrook, but that’ll happen in its own time.
(Later Entry) Geez, I have so much writing to do for school & at work I’ve got little time or energy left for scribbling here. If this book should reach the hands of “posterity”… my apologies. I hope you’ll forgive me for being so goddamned boring. I’ll try harder to say something of substance in future chapters.
THURSDAY, APRIL 13, 1989
I saw Leanne last night after she’d put in her third consecutive 12-hour day. Her job sucks and I wouldn’t blame her for getting a bad attitude. I cheered her up as well as I could. Hopefully, things will work out better in the future. If her boss keeps it up, he’ll create a socialist. Hope so! We’ll need another one to replace Abbie Hoffman. The former Yippie leader died this morning. He criticized the present generation for being too complacent and boring. Unfortunately, I must agree. I want things to change for the better, but nothing’s happening. Thanks goodness for books! Without ‘em, I’d die of boredom. I hope to see some progressive action in this country before I die.
I saw Leanne last night after she’d put in her third consecutive 12-hour day. Her job sucks and I wouldn’t blame her for getting a bad attitude. I cheered her up as well as I could. Hopefully, things will work out better in the future. If her boss keeps it up, he’ll create a socialist. Hope so! We’ll need another one to replace Abbie Hoffman. The former Yippie leader died this morning. He criticized the present generation for being too complacent and boring. Unfortunately, I must agree. I want things to change for the better, but nothing’s happening. Thanks goodness for books! Without ‘em, I’d die of boredom. I hope to see some progressive action in this country before I die.
FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 1989
Shit, I’m exhausted! I got 5 hrs. of sleep, then it was back to work for a High School Challenge halftime at Lakeville. As if that weren’t bad enough, I had to drive the Suburban. My lack of depth perception makes it hard enough to drive a smaller car, to say nothing of lugging that tank around. Anyways, it eventually ended and I came home to crash. I got some roses for Leanne & surprised her by dropping them off for her at work. Came back & saw grandma. Napped again. I don’t know why I’ve been tired for the whole day. At least I don’t work tomorrow, but it’ll still be a busy day. Band practice and the wedding of one of Leanne’s friends. YAWN!
Shit, I’m exhausted! I got 5 hrs. of sleep, then it was back to work for a High School Challenge halftime at Lakeville. As if that weren’t bad enough, I had to drive the Suburban. My lack of depth perception makes it hard enough to drive a smaller car, to say nothing of lugging that tank around. Anyways, it eventually ended and I came home to crash. I got some roses for Leanne & surprised her by dropping them off for her at work. Came back & saw grandma. Napped again. I don’t know why I’ve been tired for the whole day. At least I don’t work tomorrow, but it’ll still be a busy day. Band practice and the wedding of one of Leanne’s friends. YAWN!
SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 1989
I don’t like this pen. Its ink smears – but it’s the only one I can find right now. I’ll keep this short to keep the ink off my hands. Had a band practice this morning. It went great. I can’t wait to go into a studio to record our new stuff. The band has its shit together musically & if the recordings are made and turn out well, we’ll have something to be proud of. Leanne’s friend Amy was married today. Boring ceremony. Boring reception. Had fun at Leanne’s afterward, though. Back to work tomorrow. Oh, well…
I don’t like this pen. Its ink smears – but it’s the only one I can find right now. I’ll keep this short to keep the ink off my hands. Had a band practice this morning. It went great. I can’t wait to go into a studio to record our new stuff. The band has its shit together musically & if the recordings are made and turn out well, we’ll have something to be proud of. Leanne’s friend Amy was married today. Boring ceremony. Boring reception. Had fun at Leanne’s afterward, though. Back to work tomorrow. Oh, well…
SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 1989
It’s been a beautiful spring day. It seems a shame that I have to work through the second part of it. Leanne spent the late morning and early afternoon spoiling me. She took me to a new (opened yesterday) miniature golf place called Pirate’s Cave. I won 54-59! She then took me to Elias Brother’s for brunch. What a sweetie! (She always snoops in this damned book, so I have to write things like that every so often to keep her happy.) She also stopped by work to show me the silverware that she’s picked up. It has thinck handle like I wanted. Good choice! Things here at work are going pretty slow. Greg & I work on Breakaway #108 tonite. Sometime between now and Tuesday at 1 p.m., I have to type-up my final paper (shit, I have to write my final paper) for COM 300. At least I don’t have as many MCR shifts anymore. I won’t get much sleep ‘til Tuesday.
(Later entry) Upon observing things for the past few years, I have come to the conclusion that the quality of only one consumer product has dramatically increased from the time I was a kid. And just what is it? Plasticware!! The plasticware I used as a child was so flimsy you couldn’t stick a fork into mashed potatoes without fear of breaking a tine. Now, however, plasticware is thick, durable, industrial-strength and can be used as a lethal weapon, if necessary.
In addition, it’s cheap and plentiful. I usually don’t throw it away anymore, but wash and re-use it instead.
Today’s plasticware… it’s too good to throw away.
It’s been a beautiful spring day. It seems a shame that I have to work through the second part of it. Leanne spent the late morning and early afternoon spoiling me. She took me to a new (opened yesterday) miniature golf place called Pirate’s Cave. I won 54-59! She then took me to Elias Brother’s for brunch. What a sweetie! (She always snoops in this damned book, so I have to write things like that every so often to keep her happy.) She also stopped by work to show me the silverware that she’s picked up. It has thinck handle like I wanted. Good choice! Things here at work are going pretty slow. Greg & I work on Breakaway #108 tonite. Sometime between now and Tuesday at 1 p.m., I have to type-up my final paper (shit, I have to write my final paper) for COM 300. At least I don’t have as many MCR shifts anymore. I won’t get much sleep ‘til Tuesday.
(Later entry) Upon observing things for the past few years, I have come to the conclusion that the quality of only one consumer product has dramatically increased from the time I was a kid. And just what is it? Plasticware!! The plasticware I used as a child was so flimsy you couldn’t stick a fork into mashed potatoes without fear of breaking a tine. Now, however, plasticware is thick, durable, industrial-strength and can be used as a lethal weapon, if necessary.
In addition, it’s cheap and plentiful. I usually don’t throw it away anymore, but wash and re-use it instead.
Today’s plasticware… it’s too good to throw away.
MONDAY, APRIL 17, 1989
What a strange day. A sort of emotional blow job. First off, Leanne thinks she’s found someone to perform our wedding ceremony. Hope he’s cool. I didn’t want a religious ceremony, but no civil magistrate is available for the time and place we’ve reserved. Secondly, we’ve got some information on the apartment situation. They say they’ve got a ground level apartment with a sliding glass door facing the park area. If that’s the case, I’ll be one happy camper! Being able to go right o8ut into the park area without trudging up 50 flights of stairs will be cool!
Now the fuckup part. Leanne had to work another 13-hour day today. She called me at work crying. I feel so fucking hopeless. I hope her fat-ass boss is happy. The bastard changed to a new computer system. The computer company is paying TTM (where Leanne works) a substantial sum of money to tie-in to their computer network. Needless to say, none of this money is going to the employees. Result: the employees have to retrain and work endless hours while the bosses profit. All the while the management blames the workers for taking longer to perform their tasks. As if they want to work 13-hour days! I hope the bosses die! If that sounds cruel,, let me simply say in my defense that I am showing no less compassion than the bosses are showing their employees. CAPITALISM BE DAMNED!!! Any system which reduces the woman I love into a nervous, crying basket-case deserves to wiped off the face of this planet!
What a strange day. A sort of emotional blow job. First off, Leanne thinks she’s found someone to perform our wedding ceremony. Hope he’s cool. I didn’t want a religious ceremony, but no civil magistrate is available for the time and place we’ve reserved. Secondly, we’ve got some information on the apartment situation. They say they’ve got a ground level apartment with a sliding glass door facing the park area. If that’s the case, I’ll be one happy camper! Being able to go right o8ut into the park area without trudging up 50 flights of stairs will be cool!
Now the fuckup part. Leanne had to work another 13-hour day today. She called me at work crying. I feel so fucking hopeless. I hope her fat-ass boss is happy. The bastard changed to a new computer system. The computer company is paying TTM (where Leanne works) a substantial sum of money to tie-in to their computer network. Needless to say, none of this money is going to the employees. Result: the employees have to retrain and work endless hours while the bosses profit. All the while the management blames the workers for taking longer to perform their tasks. As if they want to work 13-hour days! I hope the bosses die! If that sounds cruel,, let me simply say in my defense that I am showing no less compassion than the bosses are showing their employees. CAPITALISM BE DAMNED!!! Any system which reduces the woman I love into a nervous, crying basket-case deserves to wiped off the face of this planet!
TUESDAY, APRIL 18, 1989
Today has been pretty laid back. I didn’t work today, despite the attempts of others to have me fill-in for them. I’ve got to say no sometime. I already am scheduled for 40 hours this week and if I go over that, they’ll have to pay me overtime, which they don’t like to do. Besides, I need some time to take care of things at home. Things like cleaning-up in preparation for next month’s move.
Today was also the final class session of my mass communication research class. The final is April 27th.
Leanne still hasn’t called, so it looks like she’s in for another long night. And so it goes…
(Later entry)Leanne is working another late shift tonight. If she’d had worked an 8-hour day, we would have spent the evening together.
According to my astronomy book, the moon is at Apogee tonight: the farthest point from the Earth. Kind of appropriate. I feel just as far from Leanne tonight.
Today has been pretty laid back. I didn’t work today, despite the attempts of others to have me fill-in for them. I’ve got to say no sometime. I already am scheduled for 40 hours this week and if I go over that, they’ll have to pay me overtime, which they don’t like to do. Besides, I need some time to take care of things at home. Things like cleaning-up in preparation for next month’s move.
Today was also the final class session of my mass communication research class. The final is April 27th.
Leanne still hasn’t called, so it looks like she’s in for another long night. And so it goes…
(Later entry)Leanne is working another late shift tonight. If she’d had worked an 8-hour day, we would have spent the evening together.
According to my astronomy book, the moon is at Apogee tonight: the farthest point from the Earth. Kind of appropriate. I feel just as far from Leanne tonight.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 19, 1989
Didn’t have work today. Wait… yeah I did – I had a HSC halftime shoot at Durand. Then class (the last session of COM310). I spent most of the rest of the day sorting through things in my room. I threw out two boxes worth of stuff, trying to minimize the amount of stuff I’ll have to move in May. Now I’m tired. It’ll be a long day tomorrow…
Didn’t have work today. Wait… yeah I did – I had a HSC halftime shoot at Durand. Then class (the last session of COM310). I spent most of the rest of the day sorting through things in my room. I threw out two boxes worth of stuff, trying to minimize the amount of stuff I’ll have to move in May. Now I’m tired. It’ll be a long day tomorrow…
THURSDAY, APRIL 20, 1989
I forgot to mention in yesterday’s entry that “Welcome Home”, a documentary on which I was a co-producer, was nominated for a local Emmy. Kinda cool. It would be great if it won, but even just being nominated is nice.
I worked the final High School Challenge for the season (Davison won), a Passing Through and sign-off shift in MCR. A long day. I have to be back here at 7:30 a.m. for another goddamned HSC halftime. (I can’t wait ‘til they’re done.) Then I have sign-off tomorrow night. At least it’s payday.
I forgot to mention in yesterday’s entry that “Welcome Home”, a documentary on which I was a co-producer, was nominated for a local Emmy. Kinda cool. It would be great if it won, but even just being nominated is nice.
I worked the final High School Challenge for the season (Davison won), a Passing Through and sign-off shift in MCR. A long day. I have to be back here at 7:30 a.m. for another goddamned HSC halftime. (I can’t wait ‘til they’re done.) Then I have sign-off tomorrow night. At least it’s payday.
FRIDAY, APRIL 21, 1989
Another payday comes & goes. Did a High School Challenge halftime in North Branch. I hate doing these halftimes. Jody Watkins, the HSC Associate Producer is so goddamned picky about the shots she wants – and is inflexible and formulaic - I wonder why they need a cameraperson at all. I expect to be able to be creative. If all I’m doing is pointing a camera on command, why bother? Jody’s a nice person, but a pain to work for. Now I’m working sign-off in MCR. Tomorrow is practice in Ann Arbor. Should be cool. Damn, I’m ready for sleep, but I have two hours to go. I guess I’ll just have to hang in there.
Another payday comes & goes. Did a High School Challenge halftime in North Branch. I hate doing these halftimes. Jody Watkins, the HSC Associate Producer is so goddamned picky about the shots she wants – and is inflexible and formulaic - I wonder why they need a cameraperson at all. I expect to be able to be creative. If all I’m doing is pointing a camera on command, why bother? Jody’s a nice person, but a pain to work for. Now I’m working sign-off in MCR. Tomorrow is practice in Ann Arbor. Should be cool. Damn, I’m ready for sleep, but I have two hours to go. I guess I’ll just have to hang in there.
SUNDAY, APRIL 23, 1989
Howdy. I’m back. We didn’t practice yesterday since it’s exam week in Ann Arbor and it’s supposed to be quiet in the dorms. Good news, though. We’re going to record some of our new stuff at the WFBE studios next Saturday. I can’t wait!
I saw Leanne yesterday and again today. Made another payment on the TV. Yesterday, we met the pastor who’s going to marry us. His name is Rev. Eugene Simpson. He seems extremely nice. We also bought our tickets for our Washington D.c. honeymoon. We leave on June 4th and return on the 14th. Now all we need is a place to stay during that time. Hopefully, things will be arranged in that regard by the end of this week. We’re putting together Breakaway 109 tonite.
Not much else. I’m working late tonite, but at least I get to sleep-in tomorrow.
Howdy. I’m back. We didn’t practice yesterday since it’s exam week in Ann Arbor and it’s supposed to be quiet in the dorms. Good news, though. We’re going to record some of our new stuff at the WFBE studios next Saturday. I can’t wait!
I saw Leanne yesterday and again today. Made another payment on the TV. Yesterday, we met the pastor who’s going to marry us. His name is Rev. Eugene Simpson. He seems extremely nice. We also bought our tickets for our Washington D.c. honeymoon. We leave on June 4th and return on the 14th. Now all we need is a place to stay during that time. Hopefully, things will be arranged in that regard by the end of this week. We’re putting together Breakaway 109 tonite.
Not much else. I’m working late tonite, but at least I get to sleep-in tomorrow.
MONDAY, APRIL 24, 1989
Good news! It turns out that the Guilty Bystanders/Oatmeal Foam/Cardboard Box/Pop Machine (take your pick) will be playing live on “Take No Prisoners” Saturday night! Can’t wait! Hope it goes O.K. I’m wiped-out. Too tired to write much. More work 2morrow. Yippie.
Good news! It turns out that the Guilty Bystanders/Oatmeal Foam/Cardboard Box/Pop Machine (take your pick) will be playing live on “Take No Prisoners” Saturday night! Can’t wait! Hope it goes O.K. I’m wiped-out. Too tired to write much. More work 2morrow. Yippie.
TUESDAY, APRIL 25, 1989
Leanne’s got a D.C. motel booked. Can’t wait ‘til June 3rd!!! VACATION!!! Z-Z-Z-Z-Z…
Leanne’s got a D.C. motel booked. Can’t wait ‘til June 3rd!!! VACATION!!! Z-Z-Z-Z-Z…
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26, 1989
Lucille Ball died this morning. When I think of Lucy, I think of endless summer afternoons in front of the T.V., eating spaghetti out of a can. In the mid-70’s, channel 50 would always show Lucy programs around lunchtime and I would always watch. It wasn’t until my later involvement with television, however, that I realized her importance and pioneering role in the young medium. On a tribute program this evening, several people were asked whether Lucy would be remembered in the future or would simply fade from memory.
My answer? How could she be forgotten? American culture would not have been the same without television and television would not have been the same without Lucille Ball.
Lucille Ball died this morning. When I think of Lucy, I think of endless summer afternoons in front of the T.V., eating spaghetti out of a can. In the mid-70’s, channel 50 would always show Lucy programs around lunchtime and I would always watch. It wasn’t until my later involvement with television, however, that I realized her importance and pioneering role in the young medium. On a tribute program this evening, several people were asked whether Lucy would be remembered in the future or would simply fade from memory.
My answer? How could she be forgotten? American culture would not have been the same without television and television would not have been the same without Lucille Ball.
SUNDAY, APRIL 30, 1989
(2:30 a.m.) Just finished playing live on WFBE’s “Take No Prisoners” (and taping some stuff before that). I’m not really sure how it sounded, since I was singing without headphone in an adjacent room to the rest of the band, but when I can get a cassette copy, then I’ll know. What the fuck, it was fun. Earlier in the day, Leanne took me out to Dead Lobster where I got (surprise!) lobster. Yum! I’m ready to zonk out, so nitey-nite y’all!
(Later Entry) Leanne spent the day spoiling me. I love her so much & can’t wait to be her husband. Worked in MCR & on Breakaway 110. Tired. G’nite!
MONDAY, MAY 8, 1989
Leanne & I went to a presentation about sexually transmitted diseases at the Genesee County Administration Building. It’s required before a marriage license is granted. It was tolerable because the speaker was interesting and entertaining. After that, an EA shift. I missed out on a free meal since the Student/Volunteer Dinner was tonight. I wonder who won “student employee of the year”? It bothers me that I give a damn! Oh well, if I would have won, somebody would have called me by now.
FRIDAY, MAY 19, 1989
WOW! What a busy few days this has been! I’ll try to recap things in something approaching chronological order so that I’ll remember what happened when.
Wed.- Was informed that our apartment was ready. Leanne & I filled-out our paperwork during Leanne’s lunch hour. (I had the day off.) As soon as we were done, I began moving boxes into the apartment.
Wednesday night, the only real furnishings in the apartment were the four chairs for the dining room set which I put together. Despite that, I spent the night (sleeping on the floor). I got a good chance to listen to the shortwave. I’d never realized how much the aluminum shell of the trailer was affecting reception. At Maplebrook, the entire southern sky is exposed, with only a window between me & outside. I was pulling-in Radio Beijing & Radio Finland with crystal clarity – both stations had been difficult to pick up in the trailer. This’ll be great!
(2:30 a.m.) Just finished playing live on WFBE’s “Take No Prisoners” (and taping some stuff before that). I’m not really sure how it sounded, since I was singing without headphone in an adjacent room to the rest of the band, but when I can get a cassette copy, then I’ll know. What the fuck, it was fun. Earlier in the day, Leanne took me out to Dead Lobster where I got (surprise!) lobster. Yum! I’m ready to zonk out, so nitey-nite y’all!
(Later Entry) Leanne spent the day spoiling me. I love her so much & can’t wait to be her husband. Worked in MCR & on Breakaway 110. Tired. G’nite!
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 1989
Things are falling into place for our life t’gether. We now know which apartment we’re getting at Maplebrook, we’ve gotta watch an Aids movie on Monday (required for a Marriage License) & other plans are falling into place. With so much stuff coming up (wedding, moving, vacation, etc.) I haven’t written much about what I’ve been thinking – just what I’ve been doing. For anyone who may be concerned, I haven’t stopped thinking. I’m still the same opinionated butthole I’ve always been. It’s just that I’ve been too tired or too busy to write down much in detail. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to jot a few things down before the week is thru.
(Later Entry) Caterpillar. Caterpillar, caterpillar, caterpillar. Caterpillar? CATERPILLAR!
Things are falling into place for our life t’gether. We now know which apartment we’re getting at Maplebrook, we’ve gotta watch an Aids movie on Monday (required for a Marriage License) & other plans are falling into place. With so much stuff coming up (wedding, moving, vacation, etc.) I haven’t written much about what I’ve been thinking – just what I’ve been doing. For anyone who may be concerned, I haven’t stopped thinking. I’m still the same opinionated butthole I’ve always been. It’s just that I’ve been too tired or too busy to write down much in detail. Hopefully, I’ll get a chance to jot a few things down before the week is thru.
(Later Entry) Caterpillar. Caterpillar, caterpillar, caterpillar. Caterpillar? CATERPILLAR!
THURSDAY, MAY 4, 1989
Several days ago, Leanne was kind enough to get a book for me: The Tao of Pooh. Great book! Although I had previously read the Tao Te Ching, I never really felt that I understood Taoism until now.
The Tao Te Ching used analogies to explain Tao, but given the fact that these analogies refer to Chinese society of 2,500 years ago… not exactly something I can readily relate to. The Tao of Pooh, however, made Tao easier to understand. After having read it, I think Taoism is a fascinating and potentially helpful philosophy. I want to find out more!
Several days ago, Leanne was kind enough to get a book for me: The Tao of Pooh. Great book! Although I had previously read the Tao Te Ching, I never really felt that I understood Taoism until now.
The Tao Te Ching used analogies to explain Tao, but given the fact that these analogies refer to Chinese society of 2,500 years ago… not exactly something I can readily relate to. The Tao of Pooh, however, made Tao easier to understand. After having read it, I think Taoism is a fascinating and potentially helpful philosophy. I want to find out more!
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1989
The life of a student employee:
RULE ONE – When a student employee does a good job, a full timer will take all the credit. When a full timer messes up, a student employee will get all the blame.
The life of a student employee:
RULE ONE – When a student employee does a good job, a full timer will take all the credit. When a full timer messes up, a student employee will get all the blame.
SATURDAY, MAY 6, 1989
All the bits & pieces are falling into place. It turns out that our apartment should be ready by May 19th. We also put $50.00 more down on our T.V. Less than two weeks to go! The days are getting nearer. Moving… vacation…YEAH!
All the bits & pieces are falling into place. It turns out that our apartment should be ready by May 19th. We also put $50.00 more down on our T.V. Less than two weeks to go! The days are getting nearer. Moving… vacation…YEAH!
SUNDAY, MAY 7, 1989
Went to Leanne’s today. We took a look through the windows at what is scheduled to be our new apartment. Looks like it’ll be a tight squeeze getting all our furniture in there.
We also looked at some phones, but couldn’t decide on anything.
Tonight, I’m working in MCR and on the radio show after that. Yippie. I’ll be working every day until Saturday. Vacation… vacation… vacation… (my new mantra).
Went to Leanne’s today. We took a look through the windows at what is scheduled to be our new apartment. Looks like it’ll be a tight squeeze getting all our furniture in there.
We also looked at some phones, but couldn’t decide on anything.
Tonight, I’m working in MCR and on the radio show after that. Yippie. I’ll be working every day until Saturday. Vacation… vacation… vacation… (my new mantra).
MONDAY, MAY 8, 1989
Leanne & I went to a presentation about sexually transmitted diseases at the Genesee County Administration Building. It’s required before a marriage license is granted. It was tolerable because the speaker was interesting and entertaining. After that, an EA shift. I missed out on a free meal since the Student/Volunteer Dinner was tonight. I wonder who won “student employee of the year”? It bothers me that I give a damn! Oh well, if I would have won, somebody would have called me by now.
Tomorrow morning is the final “High School Challenge”
halftime shoot of the year. Thank God!
This’ll be a weird two months! Hope it all works out.
This’ll be a weird two months! Hope it all works out.
TUESDAY, MAY 9, 1989
Quote of the day: (From Gary Ewell, who worked in Master Control with me last night, thereby missing the student recognition dinner) “They didn’t want us to show up because we dress like plumbers.”
Quote of the day: (From Gary Ewell, who worked in Master Control with me last night, thereby missing the student recognition dinner) “They didn’t want us to show up because we dress like plumbers.”
WEDNESDAY, MAY 10, 1989
Ouch! It hurts to write! I finally broke down and started playing with Paul’s Nintendo video game. I finally got the hang of “Duck Hunt” & racked up 198,500 points. Now my hand hurts from pulling the trigger so much.
In other news, Leanne & I got a phone today. It was an AT & T model that we picked up for $50. We tried it out at her mom’s & it seemed to work just fine.
Countdown to the new apartment: nine days!
Ouch! It hurts to write! I finally broke down and started playing with Paul’s Nintendo video game. I finally got the hang of “Duck Hunt” & racked up 198,500 points. Now my hand hurts from pulling the trigger so much.
In other news, Leanne & I got a phone today. It was an AT & T model that we picked up for $50. We tried it out at her mom’s & it seemed to work just fine.
Countdown to the new apartment: nine days!
THURSDAY, MAY 11, 1989
Worked in MCR tonite. Steve Newlin & my brother stopped by the station & we recorded an acoustic version of “Spinning Around”. It came out O.K., given the circumstances. Perhaps we can get some other bands to stop by & record. Who knows?
Worked in MCR tonite. Steve Newlin & my brother stopped by the station & we recorded an acoustic version of “Spinning Around”. It came out O.K., given the circumstances. Perhaps we can get some other bands to stop by & record. Who knows?
FRIDAY, MAY 12, 1989
Tonight I’m gonna gripe about those who want to prevent the public from monitoring certain radio frequencies (most notably police & cellular telephone frequencies) for reasons of “security” (police) and “privacy” (cellular phones). I am strongly opposed to any attempt to limit the public’s right to monitor the airwaves for the following reasons:
1.The airwaves are public domain! This doctrine was established by Federal Law by the Federal Communication Act of 1934 (or whenever it was).
2. Since they are public domain, the public has a right to monitor them. If those sending don’t want their messages to be intercepted, it is their responsibility to encode it by some means, electronic or through use of cyphers. Otherwise, it must be assumed their communications may be heard by others.
3. Some may gripe that police frequencies should be off limits since such monitoring could aid criminals in committing their crimes. My response… tough shit. We taxpayers have a right to monitor the activities of our public servants. Law abiding citizens should be free to monitor all radio frequencies without any fear. If someone breaks the law & used a police scanner to facilitate the commission of the crime, fine, bust him. But those people who are law abiding should be free to monitor the airwaves.
NOBODY’S GONNA TAKE AWAY MY RIGHT TO MONITOR THE AIRWAVES!!
Tonight I’m gonna gripe about those who want to prevent the public from monitoring certain radio frequencies (most notably police & cellular telephone frequencies) for reasons of “security” (police) and “privacy” (cellular phones). I am strongly opposed to any attempt to limit the public’s right to monitor the airwaves for the following reasons:
1.The airwaves are public domain! This doctrine was established by Federal Law by the Federal Communication Act of 1934 (or whenever it was).
2. Since they are public domain, the public has a right to monitor them. If those sending don’t want their messages to be intercepted, it is their responsibility to encode it by some means, electronic or through use of cyphers. Otherwise, it must be assumed their communications may be heard by others.
3. Some may gripe that police frequencies should be off limits since such monitoring could aid criminals in committing their crimes. My response… tough shit. We taxpayers have a right to monitor the activities of our public servants. Law abiding citizens should be free to monitor all radio frequencies without any fear. If someone breaks the law & used a police scanner to facilitate the commission of the crime, fine, bust him. But those people who are law abiding should be free to monitor the airwaves.
NOBODY’S GONNA TAKE AWAY MY RIGHT TO MONITOR THE AIRWAVES!!
SATURDAY, MAY 13, 1989
Practiced at Andy’s today. Steve Reddy wasn’t there so it wasn’t as good as it could have been. Before practice, I went to John Clark’s. Ivan was there and we just talked for a while. Stopped w/Steve Newlin at the Heritage after practice fer some food. I went to Leanne’s after that. Not much else. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot – I checked my heart rate on one of those machines which tells you those things for 25 cents. Mine was hovering between 74 & 75, which the chart said was “normal”. Steve N’s was so high he should’ve been dead five years ago. But life goes on…
Practiced at Andy’s today. Steve Reddy wasn’t there so it wasn’t as good as it could have been. Before practice, I went to John Clark’s. Ivan was there and we just talked for a while. Stopped w/Steve Newlin at the Heritage after practice fer some food. I went to Leanne’s after that. Not much else. Oh, yeah, I almost forgot – I checked my heart rate on one of those machines which tells you those things for 25 cents. Mine was hovering between 74 & 75, which the chart said was “normal”. Steve N’s was so high he should’ve been dead five years ago. But life goes on…
MONDAY, MAY 15, 1989
(1:00 a.m.) By this time next week I’m supposed to be in our new apartment in Maplebrook. Can’t wait! Today’s highlights: got black pants for the wedding & some decent sunglasses for the vacation. Worked in MCR & on Breakaway 112 tonite. Tired. Oh, & Jennifer at work loaned me a book: Franny & Zooey by J.D. Salinger. Good so far.
(Later Entry) Spent a good part of the day putting things in boxes, preparing to the move. Saw grandma & worked an EA shift. Looks like more sorting and boxing things up tomorrow.
(1:00 a.m.) By this time next week I’m supposed to be in our new apartment in Maplebrook. Can’t wait! Today’s highlights: got black pants for the wedding & some decent sunglasses for the vacation. Worked in MCR & on Breakaway 112 tonite. Tired. Oh, & Jennifer at work loaned me a book: Franny & Zooey by J.D. Salinger. Good so far.
(Later Entry) Spent a good part of the day putting things in boxes, preparing to the move. Saw grandma & worked an EA shift. Looks like more sorting and boxing things up tomorrow.
TUESDAY, MAY 16, 1989
Stupid Thought Meanderings. Vol. 1: While putting my canned spaghetti in the microwave I began thinking about vanity. (Don’t ask me why – I don’t know.)
“Everybody must have at least a little vanity,” the thought said. “If not, they’d commit suicide.”
Just then, I realized I’d had it backwards! Suicide is the ultimate vanity! It is only those who don’t take themselves seriously who can enjoy life.
(Later Entry) Leanne & I got our wedding license applied for today. I spent more time packing things up. We looked at our apartment and it looked done. We’ll call tomorrow & see if it’s ready to be moved into. Vicky (my sister) called up sniveling about our not inviting my dad to the wedding. My mom made similar grumblings a few days ago.
Leanne & I decided that we may invite him just to shut everybody up & get ‘em off our backs. Fuck ‘em. It’s only one goddamned ceremony, I suppose.
The whole concept of the “wedding” is just a sham as far as I’m concerned. I strongly resent being coerced on the name of “God” and “state” to get their blessing regarding something that should be a private agreement between individuals. The whole fucking thing is something which is causing me a bunch of fucking headaches – and the infuriating thing is that if I had my way I wouldn’t even bother with any of it.
I love Leanne completely – that’s not the point - my gripe is that I don’t see why I need the state’s “approval” to make things “official”. What a fucking pain!
Stupid Thought Meanderings. Vol. 1: While putting my canned spaghetti in the microwave I began thinking about vanity. (Don’t ask me why – I don’t know.)
“Everybody must have at least a little vanity,” the thought said. “If not, they’d commit suicide.”
Just then, I realized I’d had it backwards! Suicide is the ultimate vanity! It is only those who don’t take themselves seriously who can enjoy life.
(Later Entry) Leanne & I got our wedding license applied for today. I spent more time packing things up. We looked at our apartment and it looked done. We’ll call tomorrow & see if it’s ready to be moved into. Vicky (my sister) called up sniveling about our not inviting my dad to the wedding. My mom made similar grumblings a few days ago.
Leanne & I decided that we may invite him just to shut everybody up & get ‘em off our backs. Fuck ‘em. It’s only one goddamned ceremony, I suppose.
The whole concept of the “wedding” is just a sham as far as I’m concerned. I strongly resent being coerced on the name of “God” and “state” to get their blessing regarding something that should be a private agreement between individuals. The whole fucking thing is something which is causing me a bunch of fucking headaches – and the infuriating thing is that if I had my way I wouldn’t even bother with any of it.
I love Leanne completely – that’s not the point - my gripe is that I don’t see why I need the state’s “approval” to make things “official”. What a fucking pain!
WOW! What a busy few days this has been! I’ll try to recap things in something approaching chronological order so that I’ll remember what happened when.
Wed.- Was informed that our apartment was ready. Leanne & I filled-out our paperwork during Leanne’s lunch hour. (I had the day off.) As soon as we were done, I began moving boxes into the apartment.
Wednesday night, the only real furnishings in the apartment were the four chairs for the dining room set which I put together. Despite that, I spent the night (sleeping on the floor). I got a good chance to listen to the shortwave. I’d never realized how much the aluminum shell of the trailer was affecting reception. At Maplebrook, the entire southern sky is exposed, with only a window between me & outside. I was pulling-in Radio Beijing & Radio Finland with crystal clarity – both stations had been difficult to pick up in the trailer. This’ll be great!
Thu.- Whew!
A busy day! Spent the first part of it moving furniture which had been stored
at Leanne’s sister Karen’s for the past several months. Leanne’s Brother-in-Law
John helped with the moving & also provided the truck to haul the stuff.
When the moving was done, I assembled the entertainment center and the dining room table. The place was beginning to look like a real apartment. The place was looking O.K. by the time I left to work my MCR shift at 6 p.m. [Oh yeah, on Wed. nite we also put up the shower curtain and liner. It has a large map of the world on it. Looks cool!]
Once again, I slept on the floor.
Fri.- Today! More things falling into place! Finally picked up the 20” stereo Sony TV which has been in layaway for all eternity (well, it seemed like it anyway).
Plugged it in and put it in the entertainment center. The picture and sound are excellent (and, hell, it even looks great when it’s turned off!!!). I also picked up my stereo stuff from the trailer and hooked ‘em up. Sounds and looks good.
We also got our mattress and bedframe delivered today. Things are going so smoothly it’s almost frightening! The past few days have been busy so that today – here in MCR – was my first chance to write things down.
We’re supposed to play/practice in Ann Arbor tomorrow. It’ll be fun, but I’m so excited about the new apartment that I hate to leave it! Oh, well… c’est la vie! I won’t get much of a chance to settle down and enjoy it for a while yet. Can’t wait for a few quiet evenings in the apartment with Leanne. It’ll happen. I’ve just got to be patient.
When the moving was done, I assembled the entertainment center and the dining room table. The place was beginning to look like a real apartment. The place was looking O.K. by the time I left to work my MCR shift at 6 p.m. [Oh yeah, on Wed. nite we also put up the shower curtain and liner. It has a large map of the world on it. Looks cool!]
Once again, I slept on the floor.
Fri.- Today! More things falling into place! Finally picked up the 20” stereo Sony TV which has been in layaway for all eternity (well, it seemed like it anyway).
Plugged it in and put it in the entertainment center. The picture and sound are excellent (and, hell, it even looks great when it’s turned off!!!). I also picked up my stereo stuff from the trailer and hooked ‘em up. Sounds and looks good.
We also got our mattress and bedframe delivered today. Things are going so smoothly it’s almost frightening! The past few days have been busy so that today – here in MCR – was my first chance to write things down.
We’re supposed to play/practice in Ann Arbor tomorrow. It’ll be fun, but I’m so excited about the new apartment that I hate to leave it! Oh, well… c’est la vie! I won’t get much of a chance to settle down and enjoy it for a while yet. Can’t wait for a few quiet evenings in the apartment with Leanne. It’ll happen. I’ve just got to be patient.
TUESDAY, MAY 23, 1989
It’s been a few days since I’ve had any time to write. Once again the reason is moving in/working. We practiced for 5 hours in Ann Arbor last Saturday. Went well. Yesterday & today I got sunburned while running camera for An Herbal Harvest. It was taped in the gardens of the show’s hostess – a beautiful farm just east of Metamora. Damn! It’d sure be nice to live out in the boonies like that! (Sigh!) But I’m happy at the apartment. The bed is in, the details are coming together & I love it here! Leanne & I have even been able to spend some time together here. Less than two weeks before life gets good! Hang in there!
It’s been a few days since I’ve had any time to write. Once again the reason is moving in/working. We practiced for 5 hours in Ann Arbor last Saturday. Went well. Yesterday & today I got sunburned while running camera for An Herbal Harvest. It was taped in the gardens of the show’s hostess – a beautiful farm just east of Metamora. Damn! It’d sure be nice to live out in the boonies like that! (Sigh!) But I’m happy at the apartment. The bed is in, the details are coming together & I love it here! Leanne & I have even been able to spend some time together here. Less than two weeks before life gets good! Hang in there!
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 1989
Started the day by taping a testimonial at D & N Savings in downtown Flint. Then came to the apartment & did some cleaning. My mom, grandma & sister came over to see the apartment. They apparently liked it. After Leanne left, she called, sobbing to say she lost a bracelet I had given her. I walked over to comfort her. I looked in the lawn on the way back – nothing. I returned to a ringing telephone – Leanne found the bracelet under her bed. And she calls me forgetful! Oh well! I get to sleep in 2morrow! Yea!
Started the day by taping a testimonial at D & N Savings in downtown Flint. Then came to the apartment & did some cleaning. My mom, grandma & sister came over to see the apartment. They apparently liked it. After Leanne left, she called, sobbing to say she lost a bracelet I had given her. I walked over to comfort her. I looked in the lawn on the way back – nothing. I returned to a ringing telephone – Leanne found the bracelet under her bed. And she calls me forgetful! Oh well! I get to sleep in 2morrow! Yea!
SUNDAY, MAY 29, 1989
I’m recovering from last night’s bachelor party. As a drinker, I’m strictly a lightweight. I was drunk on three beers. The worst part of everything was it was held at our apartment – I was in constant fear of spills, stains or other mishaps. Fortunately, when the festivities ended at 2:15 a.m., I was left with neither a dirty carpet or an eviction notice. I guess that means it went well. Rick had a few too many, so he slept on the couch ‘til morning. Steve N. put on a pretty good bash.
Earlier yesterday Leanne & I went on our first joint grocery shopping jaunt. It’ll take some getting used to – but given time & patience we’ll adapt. She gets picky and I get impatient. Oh, well.
In other news, I found out on Friday that Breakaway will not be renewed for a second season.
Oh, well. At least we got a chance. The official version given by the University was something about a decision that local programming from now on will deal with news & public affairs and not on entertainment programming. Whetever. I’m glad we at least got 16 weeks.
I’m working MCR tonight and tomorrow I’m working 10 hours as an EA. (At least I’ll get Memorial Day holiday pay.) Also, I’m supposed to see my dad tomorrow for the first time in probably three years. I’m not looking forward to it but I’m doing it simply to get certain family members off my back. I strongly resent being put through this.
When I was living at home, I was the target of abuse, false accusations, slander and deliberate lies. If I am made to feel unwelcome I do not feel an obligation to kiss ass and put on a phony act due to a chance biological incident.
Outside I am calm, but inside I carry deep resentment and anger toward my family. The only member of my family whom I have any genuine affection for is my grandmother. After the wedding, all ties to my family will be at a minimal level as far as I’m concerned.
I have Leanne. She’s all I need. My friends are nice, too, but I could get by without them if I had to. As long as I have Leanne, I’ll be okay.
I’m recovering from last night’s bachelor party. As a drinker, I’m strictly a lightweight. I was drunk on three beers. The worst part of everything was it was held at our apartment – I was in constant fear of spills, stains or other mishaps. Fortunately, when the festivities ended at 2:15 a.m., I was left with neither a dirty carpet or an eviction notice. I guess that means it went well. Rick had a few too many, so he slept on the couch ‘til morning. Steve N. put on a pretty good bash.
Earlier yesterday Leanne & I went on our first joint grocery shopping jaunt. It’ll take some getting used to – but given time & patience we’ll adapt. She gets picky and I get impatient. Oh, well.
In other news, I found out on Friday that Breakaway will not be renewed for a second season.
Oh, well. At least we got a chance. The official version given by the University was something about a decision that local programming from now on will deal with news & public affairs and not on entertainment programming. Whetever. I’m glad we at least got 16 weeks.
I’m working MCR tonight and tomorrow I’m working 10 hours as an EA. (At least I’ll get Memorial Day holiday pay.) Also, I’m supposed to see my dad tomorrow for the first time in probably three years. I’m not looking forward to it but I’m doing it simply to get certain family members off my back. I strongly resent being put through this.
When I was living at home, I was the target of abuse, false accusations, slander and deliberate lies. If I am made to feel unwelcome I do not feel an obligation to kiss ass and put on a phony act due to a chance biological incident.
Outside I am calm, but inside I carry deep resentment and anger toward my family. The only member of my family whom I have any genuine affection for is my grandmother. After the wedding, all ties to my family will be at a minimal level as far as I’m concerned.
I have Leanne. She’s all I need. My friends are nice, too, but I could get by without them if I had to. As long as I have Leanne, I’ll be okay.
THURSDAY, JUNE 1, 1989
What a strange week it’s been. Went to see my dad on Monday. It was kinda bizarre. He was working in the back yard.
“So, you finally made it back,” he said. He shook my hand & hugged me for I think the second time in my life. Within minutes, he was showing me the work he’d been doing in his garage. It was as if nothing had happened. Neither one of us is very good at displaying emotion so we didn’t.
I still think Marcia (his wife) is a complete psychotic bitch (and I mean “psychotic” literally) but otherwise, things went O.K.
I got the cable hooked-up to the TV. Civilization has hit our apartment – for better or worse.
It’s just sinking in that the day after tomorrow is the wedding. Tomorrow will be incredibly busy with Leanne and I making last minute preparations for the wedding, etc. Rehearsal will be at 4:30 p.m. I can’t wait until all the craziness is over and the fun begins. Shit, I haven’t had a real vacation for SEVEN YEARS!! I’m ready! Washington D.C. – here I come! When I sign-off tonight… TWO WEEKS OFF!!
What a strange week it’s been. Went to see my dad on Monday. It was kinda bizarre. He was working in the back yard.
“So, you finally made it back,” he said. He shook my hand & hugged me for I think the second time in my life. Within minutes, he was showing me the work he’d been doing in his garage. It was as if nothing had happened. Neither one of us is very good at displaying emotion so we didn’t.
I still think Marcia (his wife) is a complete psychotic bitch (and I mean “psychotic” literally) but otherwise, things went O.K.
I got the cable hooked-up to the TV. Civilization has hit our apartment – for better or worse.
It’s just sinking in that the day after tomorrow is the wedding. Tomorrow will be incredibly busy with Leanne and I making last minute preparations for the wedding, etc. Rehearsal will be at 4:30 p.m. I can’t wait until all the craziness is over and the fun begins. Shit, I haven’t had a real vacation for SEVEN YEARS!! I’m ready! Washington D.C. – here I come! When I sign-off tonight… TWO WEEKS OFF!!
FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 1989
It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is my wedding day! We spent the day preparing for the wedding and the honeymoon. Lots of stuff to do. I don’t know why, but I’m kind of nervous.
I’d expected that I’d write something sort of profound on the day before my wedding - but like I said, it’s just so hard to believe this is it!
I hope it doesn’t rain and/or storm tomorrow. The weather for the rehearsal today was great. Hope it holds out. The weather forecast said that there’s a 50% chance of rain tomorrow. Some help! I coulda flipped a coin!
I’m tired! Just think, the next time I write in this book, I’ll be Leanne’s husband. Geez…
It’s hard to believe that tomorrow is my wedding day! We spent the day preparing for the wedding and the honeymoon. Lots of stuff to do. I don’t know why, but I’m kind of nervous.
I’d expected that I’d write something sort of profound on the day before my wedding - but like I said, it’s just so hard to believe this is it!
I hope it doesn’t rain and/or storm tomorrow. The weather for the rehearsal today was great. Hope it holds out. The weather forecast said that there’s a 50% chance of rain tomorrow. Some help! I coulda flipped a coin!
I’m tired! Just think, the next time I write in this book, I’ll be Leanne’s husband. Geez…
SATURDAY, JUNE 3, 1989 – MY WEDDING DAY!!
Leanne & I are now Mr. & Mrs. Vamossy. I was nervous all day. I watched CNN’s coverage of the Military crackdown in Beijing to keep my mind off of things. It was a damp wedding, but the rain was light enough to be tolerable.
It was a nice ceremony and the reception at Walli’s West was also nice.
I don’t have time to write much tonite (if you can’t figure out why, go ask your mom.) We spent time packing for tomorrow’s trip.
If all goes well, by this time tomorrow I’ll be lounging in a hotel room in our nation’s capital.
Well, Leanne seems anxious to do things other than watching me write in this book. Who am I to refuse? Married life beckons…
Leanne & I are now Mr. & Mrs. Vamossy. I was nervous all day. I watched CNN’s coverage of the Military crackdown in Beijing to keep my mind off of things. It was a damp wedding, but the rain was light enough to be tolerable.
It was a nice ceremony and the reception at Walli’s West was also nice.
I don’t have time to write much tonite (if you can’t figure out why, go ask your mom.) We spent time packing for tomorrow’s trip.
If all goes well, by this time tomorrow I’ll be lounging in a hotel room in our nation’s capital.
Well, Leanne seems anxious to do things other than watching me write in this book. Who am I to refuse? Married life beckons…
SUNDAY, JUNE 4, 1989 [Washington, D.C.]
Here I am in Washington, D.C. I’ve discovered that I don’t like flying. I love looking out the window, but I’m pretty susceptible to motion sickness. We’re in the Washington Plaza Hotel because the Best Western was overbooked due to a bookseller’s convention. Oh well. Leanne & I walked to the Mall. Took a quick visit to the Museum of American History as well as looking at the outside of the White House. (And yes, George was home. Big Deal.)
I still feel mildly queasy from the flights, but at least I didn’t throw up.
In other news, Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini died. In 1979, that’s what everybody wanted. Now it’s happened and it’s not even the top news story. The aftermath of the Beijing bloodbath is shaking the world. Up to 3,000 people may have been shot down. Yeah, I may be a Marxist, but the Chinese government is against the people. Socialism and democracy need not be mutually exclusive. I support the student uprising.
It seems weird to go from Flint to Washington in a matter of hours. It seems as though we should have been driving for a couple days. Hmmm…
Washington D.C. says a lot about America. Homeless people sleep on sidewalks in front of massive Federal buildings. It’s all kind of confusing.
Even so, this place doesn’t bother me nearly as much as E. Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, where Woody & I stayed for 3 days for last year’s Greenpeace shoot.
More fun tomorrow! 10 more days ‘til I have to fly again. I’d better enjoy them while I can!
Here I am in Washington, D.C. I’ve discovered that I don’t like flying. I love looking out the window, but I’m pretty susceptible to motion sickness. We’re in the Washington Plaza Hotel because the Best Western was overbooked due to a bookseller’s convention. Oh well. Leanne & I walked to the Mall. Took a quick visit to the Museum of American History as well as looking at the outside of the White House. (And yes, George was home. Big Deal.)
I still feel mildly queasy from the flights, but at least I didn’t throw up.
In other news, Iran’s Ayatollah Khomeini died. In 1979, that’s what everybody wanted. Now it’s happened and it’s not even the top news story. The aftermath of the Beijing bloodbath is shaking the world. Up to 3,000 people may have been shot down. Yeah, I may be a Marxist, but the Chinese government is against the people. Socialism and democracy need not be mutually exclusive. I support the student uprising.
It seems weird to go from Flint to Washington in a matter of hours. It seems as though we should have been driving for a couple days. Hmmm…
Washington D.C. says a lot about America. Homeless people sleep on sidewalks in front of massive Federal buildings. It’s all kind of confusing.
Even so, this place doesn’t bother me nearly as much as E. Jefferson Avenue in Detroit, where Woody & I stayed for 3 days for last year’s Greenpeace shoot.
More fun tomorrow! 10 more days ‘til I have to fly again. I’d better enjoy them while I can!
TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 1989 [Washington, D.C.]
Spent yesterday and today getting used to Washington. We’ve got the Metro pretty much figured out so the remainder of our stay should be pretty smooth. Saw Mount Vernon yesterday. Today we went to the Smithsonian Natural History and American History Museums. We also visited the Lincoln Memorial and paid a quick visit to The Wall (Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial). It was moving beyond words. This is a great vacation! Tomorrow we’re planning to visit the National Zoo (if it doesn’t rain). More tomorrow…
Spent yesterday and today getting used to Washington. We’ve got the Metro pretty much figured out so the remainder of our stay should be pretty smooth. Saw Mount Vernon yesterday. Today we went to the Smithsonian Natural History and American History Museums. We also visited the Lincoln Memorial and paid a quick visit to The Wall (Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial). It was moving beyond words. This is a great vacation! Tomorrow we’re planning to visit the National Zoo (if it doesn’t rain). More tomorrow…
WEDNESDAY, 6789… [Washington, D.C.]
The weather today was a bit damp, so we didn’t make it to the zoo. We did, however, make it to the National Archives to see the Constitution, Declaration and Bill of Rights. (As well as one of the copies of the Magna Carta.) We also went to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (where all the paper money and stamps come from)and the top of the Washington Monument. After a quick preview of the National Air & Space Museum, we went to Armand’s Pizza place for a deep dish pizza. The verdict? The best pizza I’ve ever had!!! Spent some time at Union Station before heading back to the hotel (Room 209 Best Western Center City – Just for the record.) I haven’t the foggiest idea what we’re doing tomorrow, but I’m sure we’ll think of something. More fun 2morrow!
The weather today was a bit damp, so we didn’t make it to the zoo. We did, however, make it to the National Archives to see the Constitution, Declaration and Bill of Rights. (As well as one of the copies of the Magna Carta.) We also went to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (where all the paper money and stamps come from)and the top of the Washington Monument. After a quick preview of the National Air & Space Museum, we went to Armand’s Pizza place for a deep dish pizza. The verdict? The best pizza I’ve ever had!!! Spent some time at Union Station before heading back to the hotel (Room 209 Best Western Center City – Just for the record.) I haven’t the foggiest idea what we’re doing tomorrow, but I’m sure we’ll think of something. More fun 2morrow!
THURSDAY, JUNE 8, 1989 [Washington, D.C.]
Another busy day! We saw the Capitol, all of the Air & Space Museum, Arlington Cemetery and ate at Union Station. Leanne told me to note that we went to the Jefferson Memorial yesterday. I just did. I’m exhausted. We’ve walked for miles the past few days. Our legs will certainly be in shape by the time we get back!
Another busy day! We saw the Capitol, all of the Air & Space Museum, Arlington Cemetery and ate at Union Station. Leanne told me to note that we went to the Jefferson Memorial yesterday. I just did. I’m exhausted. We’ve walked for miles the past few days. Our legs will certainly be in shape by the time we get back!
FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 1989 [Washington, D.C.]
More honeymoon sightseeing today. We went to the National Geographic Building (I want a subscription!) the National Aquarium, the Botanic Gardens and went back to the Smithsonian Am. History Museum to get a picture of the original “Star Spangled Banner” which flew over Fort McHenry. We later went back to Union Station to do a bit of shopping and to have a roll of film developed. (They came out O.K. – at least now I’m sure I know how to work the flash attachment.) Tomorrow, it looks like we’re finally going to the zoo. We’ll see…
More honeymoon sightseeing today. We went to the National Geographic Building (I want a subscription!) the National Aquarium, the Botanic Gardens and went back to the Smithsonian Am. History Museum to get a picture of the original “Star Spangled Banner” which flew over Fort McHenry. We later went back to Union Station to do a bit of shopping and to have a roll of film developed. (They came out O.K. – at least now I’m sure I know how to work the flash attachment.) Tomorrow, it looks like we’re finally going to the zoo. We’ll see…
SATURDAY, JUNE 10, 1989 [Washington, D.C.]
Went to the National Zoo. Saw the Pandas. Then we ate at some overpriced seafood place to celebrate our one week anniversary. Got a sunburn.
Cool bumper sticker of the week: “Real Men Don’t Preview Their Edits”.
Went to the National Zoo. Saw the Pandas. Then we ate at some overpriced seafood place to celebrate our one week anniversary. Got a sunburn.
Cool bumper sticker of the week: “Real Men Don’t Preview Their Edits”.
TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 1989 [Washington, D.C.]
Our honeymoon trip is almost over. It’s been rather busy. It’s been so much fun that I’ve almost forgotten that I have to return to Flint… to work… to school. One thing’s for sure – I’m not waiting another seven years for my next vacation! In fact, Leanne & I are already talking about going to Traverse City next summer.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to drive there! Over the past couple days we’ve visited the following places:
Sun. – 100 Year Exhibit (1876), Tidal Basin paddleboats by the Jefferson Memorial, “The Wall”, then took a bus tour to see Washington D.C. at night – seeing the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Watergate, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the monuments…
Mon. – Saw the Pentagon & the Supreme Court.
Today – Were going to tour the White House this morning, but the tour tickets were gone by the time we got there (9:45 a.m.). We went to Ford’s Theatre and the house across the street where Lincoln died.
Later, we went to the “Airhead and Space Cadet” museum to see the Planetarium show.
Well, tomorrow at this time I’ll be back in Flint. The vacation trip was fine, but I’m also looking forward to getting things rolling at our apartment.
Hope the airplane ride back goes better than the one here. At least I get a few more days off…
Our honeymoon trip is almost over. It’s been rather busy. It’s been so much fun that I’ve almost forgotten that I have to return to Flint… to work… to school. One thing’s for sure – I’m not waiting another seven years for my next vacation! In fact, Leanne & I are already talking about going to Traverse City next summer.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to drive there! Over the past couple days we’ve visited the following places:
Sun. – 100 Year Exhibit (1876), Tidal Basin paddleboats by the Jefferson Memorial, “The Wall”, then took a bus tour to see Washington D.C. at night – seeing the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the Watergate, the Iwo Jima Memorial and the monuments…
Mon. – Saw the Pentagon & the Supreme Court.
Today – Were going to tour the White House this morning, but the tour tickets were gone by the time we got there (9:45 a.m.). We went to Ford’s Theatre and the house across the street where Lincoln died.
Later, we went to the “Airhead and Space Cadet” museum to see the Planetarium show.
Well, tomorrow at this time I’ll be back in Flint. The vacation trip was fine, but I’m also looking forward to getting things rolling at our apartment.
Hope the airplane ride back goes better than the one here. At least I get a few more days off…
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 14, 1989 [Cleveland, Ohio]
I’m waiting for our connecting flight back to Flint. Can’t wait to be on the ground once and for all. The
I’m waiting for our connecting flight back to Flint. Can’t wait to be on the ground once and for all. The
D.C./Cleveland flight was smoother than the flight there –
hope this final flight goes O.K. At least the long flight is done. Actually, I
just wrote to say I wrote something in Cleveland. Big deal. Does my writing
betray my frazzled nerves?
FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 1989 [Back in Flint]
Goddamn! I’ll never get used to being buffeted about in a fucking propeller driven craft. Designed by the French; built in Brazil. (Talk about the best of both worlds! Aack!) We’ve been spending the past two days doing legal-type stuff – things such as changing addresses (and for Leanne, names and addresses) on licenses, voter registrations, etc. We also opened a joint checking account. (Whoa! What Yuppies!)
I found out that while I was gone, our band was booked to play the Hot Rock (a bar in downtown Flint) this Wednesday. It’ll be our first live show in nearly a year, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Today, we bought a microwave. It’s a behemoth Tappan – guaranteed to nuke the shit out of anything to be trapped inside it. FUN!
Tomorrow, it’s back to work to tape & possibly edit a “Drug Free” PSA with/for the Genesee County 4-H. Hope it goes O.K. I’ve enjoyed the time off – I dread going back. Oh, well…
Goddamn! I’ll never get used to being buffeted about in a fucking propeller driven craft. Designed by the French; built in Brazil. (Talk about the best of both worlds! Aack!) We’ve been spending the past two days doing legal-type stuff – things such as changing addresses (and for Leanne, names and addresses) on licenses, voter registrations, etc. We also opened a joint checking account. (Whoa! What Yuppies!)
I found out that while I was gone, our band was booked to play the Hot Rock (a bar in downtown Flint) this Wednesday. It’ll be our first live show in nearly a year, and I’m really looking forward to it.
Today, we bought a microwave. It’s a behemoth Tappan – guaranteed to nuke the shit out of anything to be trapped inside it. FUN!
Tomorrow, it’s back to work to tape & possibly edit a “Drug Free” PSA with/for the Genesee County 4-H. Hope it goes O.K. I’ve enjoyed the time off – I dread going back. Oh, well…
SUNDAY, JUNE 18, 1989
Yesterday: the PSA from hell! I won’t go into details because I don’t want to think about it. All I need to say is this: 20 hours were spent putting together a 30-second spot. I hate television. I didn’t get home ‘til 4am. Yuk.
Today we had our one and only rehearsal for the Hot Rock show. It went quite well. My throat got a good workout. Andy’s got a new song called “Setting Sun” which came together great!
After practice, Greg Koch & I put together the final episode of Breakaway. I’ll miss it, but shit, we tried our best – I’m not ashamed. Tomorrow is a remote in Metamora for the Herbal Harvest program. I’ll probably get sunburned again.
We’ll meet again…
Yesterday: the PSA from hell! I won’t go into details because I don’t want to think about it. All I need to say is this: 20 hours were spent putting together a 30-second spot. I hate television. I didn’t get home ‘til 4am. Yuk.
Today we had our one and only rehearsal for the Hot Rock show. It went quite well. My throat got a good workout. Andy’s got a new song called “Setting Sun” which came together great!
After practice, Greg Koch & I put together the final episode of Breakaway. I’ll miss it, but shit, we tried our best – I’m not ashamed. Tomorrow is a remote in Metamora for the Herbal Harvest program. I’ll probably get sunburned again.
We’ll meet again…
MONDAY, JUNE 19, 1989
O.K…. so television isn’t all that bad. We taped a cooking segment of Herbal Harvest & we got to eat the stuff that was cooked. John Clark stopped by the apartment tonight. I’m tired. I’m gonna sleep.
O.K…. so television isn’t all that bad. We taped a cooking segment of Herbal Harvest & we got to eat the stuff that was cooked. John Clark stopped by the apartment tonight. I’m tired. I’m gonna sleep.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 1989
Just a random thought: trying to find enlightenment with the rational, logical part of the mind is like trying to hear with your eyes.
Just a random thought: trying to find enlightenment with the rational, logical part of the mind is like trying to hear with your eyes.
THURSDAY, JUNE 22, 1989
Today’s my first day back in MCR in over two weeks. Yippie! The past couple days have been pretty good. On Tuesday, Leanne celebrated her 22nd birthday. I got her an “Italia” sweatshirt and some candy.
Yesterday, the Guilty Bystanders played live for the first time in nearly a year. The spot was the Hot Rock Café in downtown Flint, opening for the Iodine Raincoats. It was cool being able to play “First Night of Summer” on the first night of summer.
I guess we did O.K., since they asked us to play again. From here on in, it’s back to the old grind.
Today’s my first day back in MCR in over two weeks. Yippie! The past couple days have been pretty good. On Tuesday, Leanne celebrated her 22nd birthday. I got her an “Italia” sweatshirt and some candy.
Yesterday, the Guilty Bystanders played live for the first time in nearly a year. The spot was the Hot Rock Café in downtown Flint, opening for the Iodine Raincoats. It was cool being able to play “First Night of Summer” on the first night of summer.
I guess we did O.K., since they asked us to play again. From here on in, it’s back to the old grind.
FRIDAY, JUNE 23, 1989
All the bitching about the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to legalize the burning of the American flag makes me puke. The Senate voted 97-3 to disapprove of the court’s decision. This is hypocrisy! Lemme explain my view:
1.I feel that the burning of the flag is a legitimate expression of a political viewpoint and is – consequently – protected by the first amendment. Those who feel that such actions should be punished are sending a warped and dangerous message to the people of America. Their argument seems to be “The flag is a symbol of freedom and if you disagree we’ll take your freedom away.” Makes a lot of sense, huh?
2. Is it actually a political expression? Of course it is! The entire point those who are bitching about the court’s decision are making is that the flag is a symbol. The physical destruction of a symbol of an idea is a common method of expressing a viewpoint. In fact, the Congress itself used this type of action to express a viewpoint themselves. When some congressmen were pissed at Toshiba Corporation, they demonstrated their feelings by smashing a Toshiba radio with sledgehammers.
3. Should such expression be protected? HELL YES!! One news reporter said it should be illegal to burn the flag since it is an implied call to overthrow the U.S. government. That asshole reporter should read the Declaration of Independence. In it, Thomas Jefferson states that if a people don’t like a government “it is their right to alter or abolish it”. If the people have a right to overthrow a government it implies the right of open advocacy to such an overthrow,
If the founding fathers were alive today, they’d be labeled “radicals” or worse and would likely be scorned for their ideas. I believe in the first amendment! I will fight to protect the rights granted to me by it!
All the bitching about the Supreme Court’s 5-4 decision to legalize the burning of the American flag makes me puke. The Senate voted 97-3 to disapprove of the court’s decision. This is hypocrisy! Lemme explain my view:
1.I feel that the burning of the flag is a legitimate expression of a political viewpoint and is – consequently – protected by the first amendment. Those who feel that such actions should be punished are sending a warped and dangerous message to the people of America. Their argument seems to be “The flag is a symbol of freedom and if you disagree we’ll take your freedom away.” Makes a lot of sense, huh?
2. Is it actually a political expression? Of course it is! The entire point those who are bitching about the court’s decision are making is that the flag is a symbol. The physical destruction of a symbol of an idea is a common method of expressing a viewpoint. In fact, the Congress itself used this type of action to express a viewpoint themselves. When some congressmen were pissed at Toshiba Corporation, they demonstrated their feelings by smashing a Toshiba radio with sledgehammers.
3. Should such expression be protected? HELL YES!! One news reporter said it should be illegal to burn the flag since it is an implied call to overthrow the U.S. government. That asshole reporter should read the Declaration of Independence. In it, Thomas Jefferson states that if a people don’t like a government “it is their right to alter or abolish it”. If the people have a right to overthrow a government it implies the right of open advocacy to such an overthrow,
If the founding fathers were alive today, they’d be labeled “radicals” or worse and would likely be scorned for their ideas. I believe in the first amendment! I will fight to protect the rights granted to me by it!
SATURDAY, JUNE 24, 1989
What a wonderful day this has been! Not for any particular reason… just because it was! Leanne and I both had the day off & we spent it together. We went to the theatre to see “Dead Poet’s Society”. Cool flick! Then went grocery shopping. Ate at Chi-Chi’s. Later, I took a dip in the pool, then bummed (and dried) out on the patio in a lawn chair while reading an old copy of People magazine. I wasn’t making an effort to do anything great or to be profound… I was simply relaxing – and in so doing I found great pleasure in living. As the Tao Te Ching says: “Yield and overcome”.
What a wonderful day this has been! Not for any particular reason… just because it was! Leanne and I both had the day off & we spent it together. We went to the theatre to see “Dead Poet’s Society”. Cool flick! Then went grocery shopping. Ate at Chi-Chi’s. Later, I took a dip in the pool, then bummed (and dried) out on the patio in a lawn chair while reading an old copy of People magazine. I wasn’t making an effort to do anything great or to be profound… I was simply relaxing – and in so doing I found great pleasure in living. As the Tao Te Ching says: “Yield and overcome”.
SUNDAY, JUNE 25, 1989
Howdy! Didn’t do much today. Bought a pair of pants at Sears. Then went to work in MCR. At least I don’t have to stay and work late on Breakaway anymore…
Howdy! Didn’t do much today. Bought a pair of pants at Sears. Then went to work in MCR. At least I don’t have to stay and work late on Breakaway anymore…
MONDAY, JUNE 26, 1989
My first night as an EA in about a month… and what a night it was! A nasty thunderstorm knocked us off the air for over an hour. Power also went out in MCR long enough to necessitate having to reset everything electronic. (And in this place, that’s a lot!) That, combined with records and the weather warnings made for a lousy evening. Oh, well. Leanne called earlier this evening & said the power was out at Maplebrook. Hope it’s back on by now!* I DON’T WANT OUR FOOD TO SPOIL!!
*It was on when I got home.
My first night as an EA in about a month… and what a night it was! A nasty thunderstorm knocked us off the air for over an hour. Power also went out in MCR long enough to necessitate having to reset everything electronic. (And in this place, that’s a lot!) That, combined with records and the weather warnings made for a lousy evening. Oh, well. Leanne called earlier this evening & said the power was out at Maplebrook. Hope it’s back on by now!* I DON’T WANT OUR FOOD TO SPOIL!!
*It was on when I got home.
TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 1989
It was a pretty quiet day today. I enjoyed my day off by vacuuming the apartment and poring over my seven National Geographic magazines which came yesterday. Leanne & I made chili for dinner. It wasn’t bad. There was a beautiful sunset tonight. Brilliant pink clouds. Another day off tomorrow.
It was a pretty quiet day today. I enjoyed my day off by vacuuming the apartment and poring over my seven National Geographic magazines which came yesterday. Leanne & I made chili for dinner. It wasn’t bad. There was a beautiful sunset tonight. Brilliant pink clouds. Another day off tomorrow.
THURSDAY, JUNE 29, 1989
Another rather uneventful day. About all I did was deposit some money in the checking account and work on the photo album. Also cleaned the bathtub. Damn! I’m becoming a househusband! Rick Anderson stopped by for a few minutes today. We talked about starting a new folk duo. Unlike Sandyl, the new incarnation – the Folk Martyrs – will do original material. We’ll prob’ly start practicing in a couple weeks.
I’m working in MCR tonite. No big deal.
Another rather uneventful day. About all I did was deposit some money in the checking account and work on the photo album. Also cleaned the bathtub. Damn! I’m becoming a househusband! Rick Anderson stopped by for a few minutes today. We talked about starting a new folk duo. Unlike Sandyl, the new incarnation – the Folk Martyrs – will do original material. We’ll prob’ly start practicing in a couple weeks.
I’m working in MCR tonite. No big deal.
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
Prez Bush is certainly using the flag-burning issue for all it’s worth. Today, in front of the Iwo Jima memorial, he proposed a constitutional amendment to prohibit “the physical desecration of the flag”.
For the first time in our nation’s history, the rights guaranteed by the first amendment will be limited.
If the amendment should become law, some interesting legal questions would arise. What if someone were to burn a flag with 49 stars? Are they burning a flag or must it have 50 stars to be taboo to burn?
When does a flag become a flag? When the 50th star is sewn on or at its conception? Will any swatch of cloth be protected since it has the “potential of becoming a flag”? Hmm… a flag with 51 stars!! Yeah! People could burn it (& perhaps not be locked-up since it’s not an “official” flag) and still get their point across. Yeah! I’ll sell 51-star flags and get rich!! (And, hell, if we should happen to add another state, I’ll be one step ahead!) Yeah, I could sell ‘em to protesters & say something about the 51st star representing “the rights of the individual”.
If ya can’t enjoy your First Amendment rights, why not get rich while your rights are withered away?
SUNDAY, JULY 9, 1989
Yesterday was the day I really celebrated my birthday. After doing our grocery shopping we went to Leanne’s sister Karen’s for some of her pizza. (Yeah!) Later, at about 7:30 p.m., family and friends came over & we just sat around and gabbed. My mom, Paul, Steve & Jill, Steve Newlin, John Clark & my grandma were over.
Steve (my brother) gave me his turntable as a present. It’s hooked-up and working.
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1989
Chawmpin’ at the bit. That, I guess, can accurately describe my attitude toward putting out our tape. I
MONDAY, JULY 31, 1989
I wonder what married life is doing to me? When I was a single guy, my room was invariably a pig sty. Now, however, I spend my free time tidying-up the apartment to the point where Leanne is impressed. (She’s notoriously neat, y’see.) Today, f’rinstance, I dusted, cleaned the windows, mirrors, kitchen appliances… and Leanne noticed. (In fact, she seemed amazed!) I don’t know why I do this – I guess – for the first time in my life I feel truly responsible for someplace I live. Whatever it is, it’s been going on for nearly two months & I’m kinda proud of it.
I’m working EA tonite. I have tomorrow off.
Prez Bush is certainly using the flag-burning issue for all it’s worth. Today, in front of the Iwo Jima memorial, he proposed a constitutional amendment to prohibit “the physical desecration of the flag”.
For the first time in our nation’s history, the rights guaranteed by the first amendment will be limited.
If the amendment should become law, some interesting legal questions would arise. What if someone were to burn a flag with 49 stars? Are they burning a flag or must it have 50 stars to be taboo to burn?
When does a flag become a flag? When the 50th star is sewn on or at its conception? Will any swatch of cloth be protected since it has the “potential of becoming a flag”? Hmm… a flag with 51 stars!! Yeah! People could burn it (& perhaps not be locked-up since it’s not an “official” flag) and still get their point across. Yeah! I’ll sell 51-star flags and get rich!! (And, hell, if we should happen to add another state, I’ll be one step ahead!) Yeah, I could sell ‘em to protesters & say something about the 51st star representing “the rights of the individual”.
If ya can’t enjoy your First Amendment rights, why not get rich while your rights are withered away?
SUNDAY, JULY 2, 1989
Another quiet Sunday (so far) at work.
Yesterday, the Guilty Bystanders practiced in preparation for a show on the 4th of July at the Capitol Theatre.
Today, Leanne & I went shopping. Not too much else happened. A quiet Sunday… just the way I like ‘em.
Another quiet Sunday (so far) at work.
Yesterday, the Guilty Bystanders practiced in preparation for a show on the 4th of July at the Capitol Theatre.
Today, Leanne & I went shopping. Not too much else happened. A quiet Sunday… just the way I like ‘em.
MONDAY, JULY 3, 1989
Spent the day dusting & cleaning the windows & mirrors in the apartment. Spent the evening working in MCR. I had a hairy moment when I discovered that a one-hour that was to be played back in 30-minutes wasn’t recorded at all and that the next feed was to begin in less than 2 minutes. Somehow, Chris Barkey (the MCD) and I pulled it off – using an A-B-C roll on-air!! We only missed the first 45 seconds.
Not bad!!! Tomorrow’s the 4th of July!! We’ve got putt-putt, meatloaf, the Capitol show & fireworks scheduled for tomorrow. Yahoo!
Spent the day dusting & cleaning the windows & mirrors in the apartment. Spent the evening working in MCR. I had a hairy moment when I discovered that a one-hour that was to be played back in 30-minutes wasn’t recorded at all and that the next feed was to begin in less than 2 minutes. Somehow, Chris Barkey (the MCD) and I pulled it off – using an A-B-C roll on-air!! We only missed the first 45 seconds.
Not bad!!! Tomorrow’s the 4th of July!! We’ve got putt-putt, meatloaf, the Capitol show & fireworks scheduled for tomorrow. Yahoo!
WEDNESDAY, JULY 5, 1989
Yesterday went pretty much as planned. We played putt-putt at Pirate’s Cove. (I beat Leanne 56-61!) Then we came home & made some meatloaf. By some miracle, it was actually pretty good. Leanne’s mom came over for dinner.
At the Capitol Theatre our show went pretty well. We played well and the sound system was in good shape. I feel better about this show than about the Hot Rock gig. When the show was done (our set, anyways…) we went downtown to catch the rest of the fireworks.
Steve (my brother, that is – why is everybody named Steve?) called to say he’s gonna try to book the WFBE studio in a couple weeks so that we can record a demo tape. I’m looking forward to it!
(Later entry) It’s nearly midnight. I just went in the bedroom & saw Leanne peacefully sleeping – with an angelic calm look on her face and a bit of bedsheet crumpled in her hand. I felt so wonderful inside… I never realized that life could bring such pleasure… or that such simple things could trigger it. I never realized I could be so happy for so long! (And hell, the fact that my birthday is coming this week doesn’t hurt things, either!)
Yesterday went pretty much as planned. We played putt-putt at Pirate’s Cove. (I beat Leanne 56-61!) Then we came home & made some meatloaf. By some miracle, it was actually pretty good. Leanne’s mom came over for dinner.
At the Capitol Theatre our show went pretty well. We played well and the sound system was in good shape. I feel better about this show than about the Hot Rock gig. When the show was done (our set, anyways…) we went downtown to catch the rest of the fireworks.
Steve (my brother, that is – why is everybody named Steve?) called to say he’s gonna try to book the WFBE studio in a couple weeks so that we can record a demo tape. I’m looking forward to it!
(Later entry) It’s nearly midnight. I just went in the bedroom & saw Leanne peacefully sleeping – with an angelic calm look on her face and a bit of bedsheet crumpled in her hand. I felt so wonderful inside… I never realized that life could bring such pleasure… or that such simple things could trigger it. I never realized I could be so happy for so long! (And hell, the fact that my birthday is coming this week doesn’t hurt things, either!)
THURSDAY, JULY 6, 1989
Pah-dimmle-dee paffa hupple duffle. Yob. Ah… opps! Just havin’ fun, kids! I had my hair cut today. Now I have a headache. I wonder if there’s a connection. Tomorrow is my birthday. The horoscope in The Flint Journal said that people born on that date are in for a “financial windfall” in August. Uh-huh. We’ll see about that! I’d write more, but my head is Throbbing… Throbbing… Throbbing…-
Pah-dimmle-dee paffa hupple duffle. Yob. Ah… opps! Just havin’ fun, kids! I had my hair cut today. Now I have a headache. I wonder if there’s a connection. Tomorrow is my birthday. The horoscope in The Flint Journal said that people born on that date are in for a “financial windfall” in August. Uh-huh. We’ll see about that! I’d write more, but my head is Throbbing… Throbbing… Throbbing…-
FRIDAY, JULY 7, 1989
IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!! So now I’m 27. 27 seems a good age to be…especially if you’ve been around for 27 years. I spent the first part of my day enjoying the presents that Leanne let me open. She got me a Beatles CD (“HELP!”) and a book on drawing. I’ll be having some more birthday-related goings-on tomorrow, since I have to work a sign-off shift in MCR tonight.
Before I went into work, I looked over some old diaries and listened to some old cassette tapes. Before, if I would have done this, I probably would have gotten rather depressed about those “days gone by” & about how the innocence of childhood has gone, etc. I used to feel the same way about summer ending, too.
I look at things differently, now. Just as every time of the year is beautiful – once you know how to look for that beauty – every age is wonderful… each age has its own opportunities and chances for fulfillment.
One should rejoice for the memories of the past while making the most of the present and anticipating the future. I’m gonna enjoy my life until I die. And even death, since it is perfectly natural, is nothing to fear. Worrying – in and of itself – is worse than anything one could worry about!
IT’S MY BIRTHDAY!! So now I’m 27. 27 seems a good age to be…especially if you’ve been around for 27 years. I spent the first part of my day enjoying the presents that Leanne let me open. She got me a Beatles CD (“HELP!”) and a book on drawing. I’ll be having some more birthday-related goings-on tomorrow, since I have to work a sign-off shift in MCR tonight.
Before I went into work, I looked over some old diaries and listened to some old cassette tapes. Before, if I would have done this, I probably would have gotten rather depressed about those “days gone by” & about how the innocence of childhood has gone, etc. I used to feel the same way about summer ending, too.
I look at things differently, now. Just as every time of the year is beautiful – once you know how to look for that beauty – every age is wonderful… each age has its own opportunities and chances for fulfillment.
One should rejoice for the memories of the past while making the most of the present and anticipating the future. I’m gonna enjoy my life until I die. And even death, since it is perfectly natural, is nothing to fear. Worrying – in and of itself – is worse than anything one could worry about!
SUNDAY, JULY 9, 1989
Yesterday was the day I really celebrated my birthday. After doing our grocery shopping we went to Leanne’s sister Karen’s for some of her pizza. (Yeah!) Later, at about 7:30 p.m., family and friends came over & we just sat around and gabbed. My mom, Paul, Steve & Jill, Steve Newlin, John Clark & my grandma were over.
Steve (my brother) gave me his turntable as a present. It’s hooked-up and working.
Today, Leanne &
I went to my dad’s. He served us some chicken paprikos. Delicious as usual. We
showed him our honeymoon pictures. It went quite well. I’m working sign-off in
MCR tonight. Should be pretty calm.
MONDAY, JULY 10, 1989
Stupid pondering of the day: for entertainment, I sometimes watch those fundamentalist religious shows on Channel 49, the local Christian TV station.
On one show, the hostess said that hell was eternal… forever – and that Satan would barbecue you fer all time. O.K., I suppose I can’t prove her wrong. But then this week, she said that in the end, Satan would be defeated by God. But if he’s defeated, how can he burn people in hell forever? Huh? No wonder religion doesn’t make any sense to me.
Stupid pondering of the day: for entertainment, I sometimes watch those fundamentalist religious shows on Channel 49, the local Christian TV station.
On one show, the hostess said that hell was eternal… forever – and that Satan would barbecue you fer all time. O.K., I suppose I can’t prove her wrong. But then this week, she said that in the end, Satan would be defeated by God. But if he’s defeated, how can he burn people in hell forever? Huh? No wonder religion doesn’t make any sense to me.
TUESDAY, JULY 11, 1989
Hooray! A day off! I went to see my grandma, who was babysitting some dogs over at my Uncle’s in Flushing. Then I got myself a Rubber Soul (Beatles, of course) CD with my birthday money. When I got home, Leanne & I made some barbecue chicken. It was O.K. – for chicken. We then went out to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard.
Good news: Leanne will get promoted to travel agent in a few weeks. Bad news: she has to leave for two weeks for training. Oh well, it’ll bring some much-needed money into the household. Another day off tomorrow – how can I stand it?
Hooray! A day off! I went to see my grandma, who was babysitting some dogs over at my Uncle’s in Flushing. Then I got myself a Rubber Soul (Beatles, of course) CD with my birthday money. When I got home, Leanne & I made some barbecue chicken. It was O.K. – for chicken. We then went out to Dairy Queen for a Blizzard.
Good news: Leanne will get promoted to travel agent in a few weeks. Bad news: she has to leave for two weeks for training. Oh well, it’ll bring some much-needed money into the household. Another day off tomorrow – how can I stand it?
THURSDAY, JULY 13, 1989
It’ll be a busy couple of days. I work sign-off tonight, sign-on tomorrow morning and sign-off again tomorrow night. All this so I can get Sunday off. We’re thinking of releasing a cassette of the WFBE stuff if it comes out O.K. Hope so!
Saturday is a picnic for TTM, where Leanne works. We get to spend the night at the Plymouth Radisson. If I make it through tomorrow, I should be in pretty good shape. And it’s pay day, too, so that’ll be nice!
It’ll be a busy couple of days. I work sign-off tonight, sign-on tomorrow morning and sign-off again tomorrow night. All this so I can get Sunday off. We’re thinking of releasing a cassette of the WFBE stuff if it comes out O.K. Hope so!
Saturday is a picnic for TTM, where Leanne works. We get to spend the night at the Plymouth Radisson. If I make it through tomorrow, I should be in pretty good shape. And it’s pay day, too, so that’ll be nice!
FRIDAY, JULY 14, 1989
Why do I agree to these things? I haven’t had much sleep, but all things considered, I’m not doing too bad. I’ve been gulping-down a 2-liter Coke & the caffeine is keeping me awake. Tomorrow is the picnic. Yahoo.
Why do I agree to these things? I haven’t had much sleep, but all things considered, I’m not doing too bad. I’ve been gulping-down a 2-liter Coke & the caffeine is keeping me awake. Tomorrow is the picnic. Yahoo.
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 1989
Boy! I’ve really been slacking-off on my journal entries, haven’t I? It’s been nearly a week! Well, the picnic last Saturday at Camp Dearborn went O.K. We spent the night at the Plymouth Radisson. It was kind of a cool hotel room, since it was near the pool, weight room and pool table.
On Sunday, we recorded at WFBE from noon until about 2 a.m. (Hey, give us free studio time & we’ll use it!) The stuff we recorded sounds great considering it was recorded on 2-track equipment. Hopefully, we’ll send it around to see if we can get any response.
On Monday, we taped a segment of Herbal Harvest at Crossroads Village. It was a nice place, but it was too damned hot for my liking.
Today, I’m going to submit a resume for the Traffic position at Channel 28. I’m not too optimistic about getting the job, but I figure it’s worth trying.
(Later entry) …sure I’m gonna submit a resume! Just as I was about to start the ol’ Buick to drop the resume off, the car decides it isn’t going to start. I suspect it has something to do with the fuel line, but I couldn’t do anything about it today. I borrowed Leanne’s car to get to work. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get it started tomorrow.
Boy! I’ve really been slacking-off on my journal entries, haven’t I? It’s been nearly a week! Well, the picnic last Saturday at Camp Dearborn went O.K. We spent the night at the Plymouth Radisson. It was kind of a cool hotel room, since it was near the pool, weight room and pool table.
On Sunday, we recorded at WFBE from noon until about 2 a.m. (Hey, give us free studio time & we’ll use it!) The stuff we recorded sounds great considering it was recorded on 2-track equipment. Hopefully, we’ll send it around to see if we can get any response.
On Monday, we taped a segment of Herbal Harvest at Crossroads Village. It was a nice place, but it was too damned hot for my liking.
Today, I’m going to submit a resume for the Traffic position at Channel 28. I’m not too optimistic about getting the job, but I figure it’s worth trying.
(Later entry) …sure I’m gonna submit a resume! Just as I was about to start the ol’ Buick to drop the resume off, the car decides it isn’t going to start. I suspect it has something to do with the fuel line, but I couldn’t do anything about it today. I borrowed Leanne’s car to get to work. Hopefully, I’ll be able to get it started tomorrow.
FRIDAY, JULY 21, 1989
Didn’t get much sleep last night. I took Leanne to work in her “Japmobile” (a Toyota)< [palindrome]. I dropped off my resume for the Traffic job and then got my car going. Some gas treatment and a squirt of starting fluid seemed to do the trick. I’m working MCR tonight. Tomorrow, I’ve got the 1p-7p shift.
Didn’t get much sleep last night. I took Leanne to work in her “Japmobile” (a Toyota)< [palindrome]. I dropped off my resume for the Traffic job and then got my car going. Some gas treatment and a squirt of starting fluid seemed to do the trick. I’m working MCR tonight. Tomorrow, I’ve got the 1p-7p shift.
SUNDAY, JULY 23, 1989
Worked 8hrs. today. I’ll be working 12 hours tomorrow. Oh, well. I need the money. Before I came into work, Leanne and I went shopping.
Worked 8hrs. today. I’ll be working 12 hours tomorrow. Oh, well. I need the money. Before I came into work, Leanne and I went shopping.
MONDAY, JULY 24, 1989
Today has been spent racking-up hours for a future paycheck. Although the hours are long, today, things have gone smoothly up until now. I have tomorrow off of work. There’s a chance that we’ll go to WFBE to polish up some stuff for our tape. I might also go to the planetarium to see some live feeds from the Voyager mission to Neptune. Wednesday night will be a G.B. performance at the Hot Rock. I guess they’ve been announcing it on 105 FM. (Wow!) as well as on WFBE. Now if people just show up…
Today has been spent racking-up hours for a future paycheck. Although the hours are long, today, things have gone smoothly up until now. I have tomorrow off of work. There’s a chance that we’ll go to WFBE to polish up some stuff for our tape. I might also go to the planetarium to see some live feeds from the Voyager mission to Neptune. Wednesday night will be a G.B. performance at the Hot Rock. I guess they’ve been announcing it on 105 FM. (Wow!) as well as on WFBE. Now if people just show up…
THURSDAY, JULY 27, 1989
Today began with some moderate excitement. Leanne woke me up to tell me that there were news reports of a commercial plane preparing to make an emergency landing at Bishop Airport due to the fact that the landing gear wouldn’t come down. I listened to the air band on one of my radios and caught a good portion of the air-to-ground traffic. Fortunately, the plane managed to get two of the wheels down and landed safely.
We played live, last night. Didn’t get paid. I’m sick of people’s excuses. I’m going to propose to the rest of the band that we not play live again unless we get paid $50 cash in advance. (This will not include a show in Flushing on August 12th, which we already have agreed to. This will likely be the end of our live performances, but it’s getting to the point where it’s not worth the expense and/or the insult of being constantly stiffed. Besides, if we don’t draw a large enough crowd, why should we go through the hassle of set-ups? I’ll be happy just recording and writing new material.
Speaking of which, we finished our master of our new tape on Tuesday night. I’m quite happy with it. The probable title is “Building for the Future”. The cover will be a picture of the Titanic under construction!
Anyways… I finally managed to get to the planetarium to see the Neptune photos. It’s still quite a ways away, but surface details are beginning to emerge. I’ll have to see how much closer it gets next week. Tomorrow is payday. I’m a happy camper!
Today began with some moderate excitement. Leanne woke me up to tell me that there were news reports of a commercial plane preparing to make an emergency landing at Bishop Airport due to the fact that the landing gear wouldn’t come down. I listened to the air band on one of my radios and caught a good portion of the air-to-ground traffic. Fortunately, the plane managed to get two of the wheels down and landed safely.
We played live, last night. Didn’t get paid. I’m sick of people’s excuses. I’m going to propose to the rest of the band that we not play live again unless we get paid $50 cash in advance. (This will not include a show in Flushing on August 12th, which we already have agreed to. This will likely be the end of our live performances, but it’s getting to the point where it’s not worth the expense and/or the insult of being constantly stiffed. Besides, if we don’t draw a large enough crowd, why should we go through the hassle of set-ups? I’ll be happy just recording and writing new material.
Speaking of which, we finished our master of our new tape on Tuesday night. I’m quite happy with it. The probable title is “Building for the Future”. The cover will be a picture of the Titanic under construction!
Anyways… I finally managed to get to the planetarium to see the Neptune photos. It’s still quite a ways away, but surface details are beginning to emerge. I’ll have to see how much closer it gets next week. Tomorrow is payday. I’m a happy camper!
FRIDAY, JULY 28, 1989
Chawmpin’ at the bit. That, I guess, can accurately describe my attitude toward putting out our tape. I
want to get it out soon, but I haven’t been in touch with
any of the other band members since Wednesday night’s show. I bought some
letters at Rider’s Hobby Shop and started working on the flyer. I got a
cassette to put the tape on, but I can’t get a copy since the master is at WFBE
& my brother isn’t home to dub me off a copy. I want to start putting out
the tape, but I can’t even get a copy for myself. (Sigh.)
Word has it (in other news) that I am one of eight finalists for the traffic position at TV-28 It could be worse. I’m still not getting my hopes up. In this situation, second place means nothing. Blah.
Word has it (in other news) that I am one of eight finalists for the traffic position at TV-28 It could be worse. I’m still not getting my hopes up. In this situation, second place means nothing. Blah.
[Here’s the lyrics to a song I wrote for a proposed rock
opera about a paper birch tree: TREE.]
GROW WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
Nobody has it all
Yet no one is left with nothing
The key to success is
To use what you can
GROW WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED
Nobody has it all
Yet no one is left with nothing
The key to success is
To use what you can
For some this is easy
While others must work a lifetime
It’s not injustice
Just part of the plan
While others must work a lifetime
It’s not injustice
Just part of the plan
So grow where you’re planted (x2)
Grow where you must grow
And things will work out for the best
Grow where you must grow
And things will work out for the best
Life’s not a contest
A race or a beauty pageant
And if it was
All would end in a tie
A race or a beauty pageant
And if it was
All would end in a tie
Though some may have beauty
Or speed or a special talent
All things are equal
The moment they die
Or speed or a special talent
All things are equal
The moment they die
So grow where you’re planted (x2)
Grow where you must grow
Let nature care for the rest.
Grow where you must grow
Let nature care for the rest.
-John O’Cyde July 1989
SATURDAY, JULY 29, 1989
For some reason, I keep thinking that today is Sunday. Hmmm…
I have a new theory about the world. Leanne’s mom doesn’t believe that Apollo 11 actually landed on the moon. She’s convinced that it was faked by the CIA in an airplane hangar somewhere. After watching reruns of the Lawrence Welk Show at work, I’m convinced that the entire decade of the 1960’s never happened. Just a clever CIA videotaped fabrication. Think I’m crazy? Just watch a few minutes of the old Lawrence Welk reruns. None of this could have really happened? Could it? The moon landing is certainly more believable than this stuff!! Yecch!!
[Later Entry] There’s a book on the bookshelf of one of TV-28’s Producer/Directors. The book’s title? Test Your Cultural Literacy by Zahler & Zahler. It contains 14 50-question tests on a wide range of topics. Each question counts for two points. I finished the tests today. Here, for posterity, are my scores. A score of 90 or better is rated as “excellent” by the authors.
AMERICAN HISTORY – 98
WORLD HISTORY – 92
CIVICS – 96
GEOGRAPHY – 100
ART/ARCHITECTURE – 90
MUSIC – 90
MYTH/RELIGION – 96
QUOTES/PHRASES – 96
AMERICAN LITERATURE – 74
WORLD LITERATURE – 62
LIFE SCIENCE – 90
PHYSICAL SCIENCE – 100
TECHNOLOGY – 96
MATH/ECONOMICS – 94
For some reason, I keep thinking that today is Sunday. Hmmm…
I have a new theory about the world. Leanne’s mom doesn’t believe that Apollo 11 actually landed on the moon. She’s convinced that it was faked by the CIA in an airplane hangar somewhere. After watching reruns of the Lawrence Welk Show at work, I’m convinced that the entire decade of the 1960’s never happened. Just a clever CIA videotaped fabrication. Think I’m crazy? Just watch a few minutes of the old Lawrence Welk reruns. None of this could have really happened? Could it? The moon landing is certainly more believable than this stuff!! Yecch!!
[Later Entry] There’s a book on the bookshelf of one of TV-28’s Producer/Directors. The book’s title? Test Your Cultural Literacy by Zahler & Zahler. It contains 14 50-question tests on a wide range of topics. Each question counts for two points. I finished the tests today. Here, for posterity, are my scores. A score of 90 or better is rated as “excellent” by the authors.
AMERICAN HISTORY – 98
WORLD HISTORY – 92
CIVICS – 96
GEOGRAPHY – 100
ART/ARCHITECTURE – 90
MUSIC – 90
MYTH/RELIGION – 96
QUOTES/PHRASES – 96
AMERICAN LITERATURE – 74
WORLD LITERATURE – 62
LIFE SCIENCE – 90
PHYSICAL SCIENCE – 100
TECHNOLOGY – 96
MATH/ECONOMICS – 94
The overall
average: 91. I’m pretty happy, but I prob’ly should brush up in the literature
area.
SUNDAY, JULY 30, 1989
I started the day shopping with Leanne. I’m surprised our shopping trips haven’t been a source of more friction. I prefer to rush through it all, while she scours the aisles with all the speed of an advancing glacier. Somehow we manage.
We went to Leanne’s mom’s for dinner. Pot roast. Yeah!
At work today I made up some stickers for the new Guilty Bystanders tape. (I put one at the end of this book if you’re curious.) I do this stuff at work because here I have free access to a Xerox machine. I kinda like ‘em, but I’m not sure when anyone else will see ‘em.
I started the day shopping with Leanne. I’m surprised our shopping trips haven’t been a source of more friction. I prefer to rush through it all, while she scours the aisles with all the speed of an advancing glacier. Somehow we manage.
We went to Leanne’s mom’s for dinner. Pot roast. Yeah!
At work today I made up some stickers for the new Guilty Bystanders tape. (I put one at the end of this book if you’re curious.) I do this stuff at work because here I have free access to a Xerox machine. I kinda like ‘em, but I’m not sure when anyone else will see ‘em.
MONDAY, JULY 31, 1989
I wonder what married life is doing to me? When I was a single guy, my room was invariably a pig sty. Now, however, I spend my free time tidying-up the apartment to the point where Leanne is impressed. (She’s notoriously neat, y’see.) Today, f’rinstance, I dusted, cleaned the windows, mirrors, kitchen appliances… and Leanne noticed. (In fact, she seemed amazed!) I don’t know why I do this – I guess – for the first time in my life I feel truly responsible for someplace I live. Whatever it is, it’s been going on for nearly two months & I’m kinda proud of it.
I’m working EA tonite. I have tomorrow off.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1989
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about work. I’ve been asked to direct High School Challenge for a good portion of next year. On the plus side, I guess it’ll be good experience. On the minus side, I hate directing and I really don’t give a shit about a damned cheesy show like HSC. I dunno what I’ll do. (Sigh.)
I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about work. I’ve been asked to direct High School Challenge for a good portion of next year. On the plus side, I guess it’ll be good experience. On the minus side, I hate directing and I really don’t give a shit about a damned cheesy show like HSC. I dunno what I’ll do. (Sigh.)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 3, 1989
Yesterday, there was a one-man drama about Lyndon Johnson. The actor who played the part was good, but hell, it makes a person wonder who they’ll deify next!
Yesterday, there was a one-man drama about Lyndon Johnson. The actor who played the part was good, but hell, it makes a person wonder who they’ll deify next!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 4, 1989
Austin City Limits has a promo spot for an upcoming show featuring Highway 101. The spot plugged the band as “A country band for the ‘80’s”. Hey! It’s August 1989!! Whatever…
Austin City Limits has a promo spot for an upcoming show featuring Highway 101. The spot plugged the band as “A country band for the ‘80’s”. Hey! It’s August 1989!! Whatever…
SATURDAY, AUGUST 5, 1989
The G.B.’s practiced this afternoon at Steve Newlin’s parents. The practice went well and they seemed to like the tape label design I worked on. I should have the lyric sheet ready by the end of the week. I’m working in MCR tonight.
What happens in the next two weeks will likely affect what I do for the next year. I have a job interview on Monday (for the Traffic position) and probable registering for classes. To top things off, Leanne will be in Birmingham for the next couple weeks (except weekends). Shit – one week from today I have to make my first trip to the dentist in probably six years. Yuck. At least – if all goes well – I’ll be able to get my barometer.
The G.B.’s practiced this afternoon at Steve Newlin’s parents. The practice went well and they seemed to like the tape label design I worked on. I should have the lyric sheet ready by the end of the week. I’m working in MCR tonight.
What happens in the next two weeks will likely affect what I do for the next year. I have a job interview on Monday (for the Traffic position) and probable registering for classes. To top things off, Leanne will be in Birmingham for the next couple weeks (except weekends). Shit – one week from today I have to make my first trip to the dentist in probably six years. Yuck. At least – if all goes well – I’ll be able to get my barometer.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 6, 1989
Looks as though it’ll be a typical Sunday. Leanne & I went shopping & now I’m working sign-off in MCR. At work tonight I saw a show on Japan which reminded me of something I saw on our honeymoon in Washington, D.C. On one of the cable channels was a Japanese soap opera. In one of the scenes was a board meeting at a diaper company. In it, one of the board members gave a speech on the importance of achieving the satisfaction of the customer by constant work and innovation. And hell, this is a soap opera!! We’re talking about something as trivial as diapers!! No fucking wonder they’re kicking our ass economically! Quality, hard work and innovation are emphasized. When these goals are attained, economic success can follow. America’s recent emphasis on cost-cutting (usually by skimping on quality) will naturally lead to inferior products. Until American business decides to stop being obsessed by the short-term goals of the profit margin and begins investing for the long term (by research and development & paying attention to the workers’ well-being [a company that doesn’t give a shit about its workers can’t realistically expect their workers to give a shit about the company]) they will continue to be blown away by nations and corporations with far-reaching goals and visions. Amen.
Looks as though it’ll be a typical Sunday. Leanne & I went shopping & now I’m working sign-off in MCR. At work tonight I saw a show on Japan which reminded me of something I saw on our honeymoon in Washington, D.C. On one of the cable channels was a Japanese soap opera. In one of the scenes was a board meeting at a diaper company. In it, one of the board members gave a speech on the importance of achieving the satisfaction of the customer by constant work and innovation. And hell, this is a soap opera!! We’re talking about something as trivial as diapers!! No fucking wonder they’re kicking our ass economically! Quality, hard work and innovation are emphasized. When these goals are attained, economic success can follow. America’s recent emphasis on cost-cutting (usually by skimping on quality) will naturally lead to inferior products. Until American business decides to stop being obsessed by the short-term goals of the profit margin and begins investing for the long term (by research and development & paying attention to the workers’ well-being [a company that doesn’t give a shit about its workers can’t realistically expect their workers to give a shit about the company]) they will continue to be blown away by nations and corporations with far-reaching goals and visions. Amen.
MONDAY, AUGUST 7, 1989
Today Leanne left for Birmingham for her two weeks of training to become a res. agent. It was also the day that I was interviewed for the traffic manager’s position at Channel 28. I felt as though I was on the spot – taking questions from the three member search committee. I have no reason to be overly optimistic and I won’t know the results of their search for at least a week – but it’ll be a damned long week regardless. All I can do is hope for the best while preparing for the worst. (Sigh.) This place is awful quiet without Leanne around.
Today Leanne left for Birmingham for her two weeks of training to become a res. agent. It was also the day that I was interviewed for the traffic manager’s position at Channel 28. I felt as though I was on the spot – taking questions from the three member search committee. I have no reason to be overly optimistic and I won’t know the results of their search for at least a week – but it’ll be a damned long week regardless. All I can do is hope for the best while preparing for the worst. (Sigh.) This place is awful quiet without Leanne around.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 9, 1989 [Troy, MI – Hilton Rm. 1194]
I’m here in Troy visiting Leanne. I’m surprised the ol’ Buick made it. It really sucked when I got here because there were no parking spaces, which sorta got me in a foul mood. After a long while, I managed to get my car parked. It turned out that Dizzy Gillespie is playing in the hotel’s courtyard. I had my camera so I took some pictures – including some really great ones of Dizzy clowning around on conga drums.
But, as my luck would have it, just as I was about to return to my room, I dropped my camera and the back flew open – ruining the film.
What a fucking crock of shit. Fate seems to be fucking with me. Hope followed by disappointment & then more disappointment. It’s so goddamned frustrating.
It’s weird. I usually can’t stand jazz when I hear it recorded, but when it’s live, I don’t mind it. In fact, when they were playing a blues number tonite, I was actually kinda getting into it. I’m so goddamned pissed about losing those pictures, though. SHIT!!!
I’m here in Troy visiting Leanne. I’m surprised the ol’ Buick made it. It really sucked when I got here because there were no parking spaces, which sorta got me in a foul mood. After a long while, I managed to get my car parked. It turned out that Dizzy Gillespie is playing in the hotel’s courtyard. I had my camera so I took some pictures – including some really great ones of Dizzy clowning around on conga drums.
But, as my luck would have it, just as I was about to return to my room, I dropped my camera and the back flew open – ruining the film.
What a fucking crock of shit. Fate seems to be fucking with me. Hope followed by disappointment & then more disappointment. It’s so goddamned frustrating.
It’s weird. I usually can’t stand jazz when I hear it recorded, but when it’s live, I don’t mind it. In fact, when they were playing a blues number tonite, I was actually kinda getting into it. I’m so goddamned pissed about losing those pictures, though. SHIT!!!
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10, 1989
Yuck. I’m back in Flint… back at work. I’m feeling stressed-out and I can’t really figure out why. Probably because Leanne isn’t around – combined with the fact that I’m working sign-off tonight, then an early remote ‘til 3pm tomorrow then sign-off tomorrow (then, I have my first dentist appointment in 6 years on Saturday) – all topped off by the near certainty of being turned-down for the Traffic Manager’s job. The fact that the remote tomorrow will be directed by one of the members of the search committee does precious little to ease the tension.
On the positive side, I finally got the lyric sheet prepared (as well as 25 cassette-box labels) for the new tape. Now if the other band members get their act together, we’ll have the tape out before too long. Not much else to say, I guess. Nothing much to look forward to but little sleep & lotsa work. (Sigh.)
Yuck. I’m back in Flint… back at work. I’m feeling stressed-out and I can’t really figure out why. Probably because Leanne isn’t around – combined with the fact that I’m working sign-off tonight, then an early remote ‘til 3pm tomorrow then sign-off tomorrow (then, I have my first dentist appointment in 6 years on Saturday) – all topped off by the near certainty of being turned-down for the Traffic Manager’s job. The fact that the remote tomorrow will be directed by one of the members of the search committee does precious little to ease the tension.
On the positive side, I finally got the lyric sheet prepared (as well as 25 cassette-box labels) for the new tape. Now if the other band members get their act together, we’ll have the tape out before too long. Not much else to say, I guess. Nothing much to look forward to but little sleep & lotsa work. (Sigh.)
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11, 1989
What a day. I’m tired, I’m soaked and I’m still in a limbo about my job in Traffic. (Oh, yeah, and I got sunburned earlier, too.)
We did the Herb show in Metamora today. Still no word on the Traffic job other than an ambiguous “You did real good in the interview” I wish I could tell you the result, but officialdom has to approve things”, from Annie. Whatever. “Good” is nice, but in this situation, a close second isn’t good enough.
I dropped the lyric sheet off to Steve Reddy so he could put the other liner notes on the other side.
I had a lousy time getting to work. There was a massive cloudburst and my car stalled-out in a deep puddle. I managed to get the car restarted and back home. I took Leanne’s car but was caught in an even bigger downpour. Visibility was less than a car length. Then the ½” diameter hail began. I was thoroughly drenched. (And am still damp.)
Tomorrow: the dentist. Yuk. 4 more hours to stay awake. (Yawn.)
What a day. I’m tired, I’m soaked and I’m still in a limbo about my job in Traffic. (Oh, yeah, and I got sunburned earlier, too.)
We did the Herb show in Metamora today. Still no word on the Traffic job other than an ambiguous “You did real good in the interview” I wish I could tell you the result, but officialdom has to approve things”, from Annie. Whatever. “Good” is nice, but in this situation, a close second isn’t good enough.
I dropped the lyric sheet off to Steve Reddy so he could put the other liner notes on the other side.
I had a lousy time getting to work. There was a massive cloudburst and my car stalled-out in a deep puddle. I managed to get the car restarted and back home. I took Leanne’s car but was caught in an even bigger downpour. Visibility was less than a car length. Then the ½” diameter hail began. I was thoroughly drenched. (And am still damp.)
Tomorrow: the dentist. Yuk. 4 more hours to stay awake. (Yawn.)
Well, I survived yesterday’s dentist appointment. Good news: after 6 years, no
cavities! Bad news: I need two wisdom teeth pulled. My gums were sore for the
rest of the day. Leanne & I then went to Frankenmuth. We got some Christmas
ornaments at Bronner’s, then relaxed on the banks of the Cass River.
Today, the usual shopping/MCR routine. Leanne will be leaving for the second & final week of her res agent training. Not much else to say. Bye!
[Later Entry] Score another one in the vanity department. As I was buying a lotto ticket yesterday at a local Rite-Aid, the cashier asked to see my I.D.! Ya shoulda seen her face when she saw I was 27! Love it! Yuk! Yuk! Yuk!
Today, the usual shopping/MCR routine. Leanne will be leaving for the second & final week of her res agent training. Not much else to say. Bye!
[Later Entry] Score another one in the vanity department. As I was buying a lotto ticket yesterday at a local Rite-Aid, the cashier asked to see my I.D.! Ya shoulda seen her face when she saw I was 27! Love it! Yuk! Yuk! Yuk!
MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 1989
Not a very eventful day. Leanne left for Troy for a week – her second week of res. training. No news yet regarding the Traffic job. This waiting sucks. Other than that, a quiet EA shift. I think I’m ready for a wine cooler tonite.
Not a very eventful day. Leanne left for Troy for a week – her second week of res. training. No news yet regarding the Traffic job. This waiting sucks. Other than that, a quiet EA shift. I think I’m ready for a wine cooler tonite.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1989
A day off. Went to the planetarium & then saw grandma. Later went to my brother’s. We made a couple copies of our tape & worked on some new songs. Not much else. I’m working sign-on tomorrow. Still no news on the job. Not that I could’ve been told – the phone is out and Michigan Bell is on strike. I’ve gone a whole day without hearing from Leanne. (sigh.)
A day off. Went to the planetarium & then saw grandma. Later went to my brother’s. We made a couple copies of our tape & worked on some new songs. Not much else. I’m working sign-on tomorrow. Still no news on the job. Not that I could’ve been told – the phone is out and Michigan Bell is on strike. I’ve gone a whole day without hearing from Leanne. (sigh.)
THURSDAY, AUGUST 17, 1989
Geez, I’m tired. I stayed up late last nite to see the lunar eclipse. It was great – the moon was a brick-red-mixed-with-burnt-orange color. Today, I had a remote. Met Roscoe Orman (“Gordon” from Sesame Street). Now I’m working MCR. I can’t wait to go home and sleeeeep! Pledge drive starts tomorrow. Poop. Z-Z-Z…
Geez, I’m tired. I stayed up late last nite to see the lunar eclipse. It was great – the moon was a brick-red-mixed-with-burnt-orange color. Today, I had a remote. Met Roscoe Orman (“Gordon” from Sesame Street). Now I’m working MCR. I can’t wait to go home and sleeeeep! Pledge drive starts tomorrow. Poop. Z-Z-Z…
FRIDAY, AUGUST 18, 1989
I noticed how times have changed since I was a brat. When I was a kid, parents were always saying stuff like “Get out in the sun! It’s healthy! You’re too pale and sickly looking!” Now it’s “Get in the shade! You’ll get skin cancer!”
I noticed how times have changed since I was a brat. When I was a kid, parents were always saying stuff like “Get out in the sun! It’s healthy! You’re too pale and sickly looking!” Now it’s “Get in the shade! You’ll get skin cancer!”
SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 1989
Hay fever season. Allergy medication. Yippie. The medication eliminates the hay fever symptoms, but it seems to wipe out all brain activity. Fortunately, since it’s pledge week, this is no big deal.
I took a nap where I slept so deeply that I didn’t dream or sense anything. I simply faded from existence for a while. Yesterday, the Guilty Bystanders played an outdoor benefit show in Flushing. We were sloppy, but politely received, nonetheless. Andy’s friend Vino looks like he wants to manage us, so that should help us out. Shit, that Teldrin really mellows me out. It’s gonna be a helluva week.
It turns out that the news on the Traffic position will be delayed ‘til early this week because the paperwork didn’t bear the station manager’s initials. University bureaucracy.
Lotsa work, not much sleep this week.
Hay fever season. Allergy medication. Yippie. The medication eliminates the hay fever symptoms, but it seems to wipe out all brain activity. Fortunately, since it’s pledge week, this is no big deal.
I took a nap where I slept so deeply that I didn’t dream or sense anything. I simply faded from existence for a while. Yesterday, the Guilty Bystanders played an outdoor benefit show in Flushing. We were sloppy, but politely received, nonetheless. Andy’s friend Vino looks like he wants to manage us, so that should help us out. Shit, that Teldrin really mellows me out. It’s gonna be a helluva week.
It turns out that the news on the Traffic position will be delayed ‘til early this week because the paperwork didn’t bear the station manager’s initials. University bureaucracy.
Lotsa work, not much sleep this week.
MONDAY, AUGUST 21, 1989
Another night of pledge breaks. Fortunately, I’m working EA tonite, so I’m not too terribly busy. (During pledge drive, switching is more difficult. EA is easier.) Leanne had her first day of res. agent work. She came home crying during lunch (“the stress”, she claimed) but she seemed to be doing better when she got home. More pledge madness tomorrow…
Another night of pledge breaks. Fortunately, I’m working EA tonite, so I’m not too terribly busy. (During pledge drive, switching is more difficult. EA is easier.) Leanne had her first day of res. agent work. She came home crying during lunch (“the stress”, she claimed) but she seemed to be doing better when she got home. More pledge madness tomorrow…
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 1989
I was watching the Comcast (the Flint cable TV company) public access channel today. By some miracle, someone decided to put the channel to use by showing the live feeds from the Voyager II Neptune fly-by. The black & white images of a heretofore unseen Neptunian surface were fascinating and thought-provoking. So what happens? Right as the pictures were getting especially good, some poor-budget Bible-thumping inarticulate self-righteous asshole comes on. The basic flow of the dialogue was something along the lines of “Blah blah blab blab and God wants us to blah blah as it is written in blah blah chapter blah verse blah…” To tell you the truth, I think that a person can learn more and receive more spiritual fulfillment from gazing at the wonders of the universe as revealed in the Neptune photos.
P.S. – Still no news on the traffic job.
I was watching the Comcast (the Flint cable TV company) public access channel today. By some miracle, someone decided to put the channel to use by showing the live feeds from the Voyager II Neptune fly-by. The black & white images of a heretofore unseen Neptunian surface were fascinating and thought-provoking. So what happens? Right as the pictures were getting especially good, some poor-budget Bible-thumping inarticulate self-righteous asshole comes on. The basic flow of the dialogue was something along the lines of “Blah blah blab blab and God wants us to blah blah as it is written in blah blah chapter blah verse blah…” To tell you the truth, I think that a person can learn more and receive more spiritual fulfillment from gazing at the wonders of the universe as revealed in the Neptune photos.
P.S. – Still no news on the traffic job.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 23, 1989
I GOT THE JOB!! Starting Monday, I’ll be Channel 28’s Traffic Manager!! 17K a year, full time with benefits!! Yeah!! I’m a happy camper!!
I GOT THE JOB!! Starting Monday, I’ll be Channel 28’s Traffic Manager!! 17K a year, full time with benefits!! Yeah!! I’m a happy camper!!
FRIDAY, AUGUST 25, 1989
A miracle! A night off! I have so many new responsibilities to look forward to – and so many benefits! Starting Monday, I’ll be working a normal 9-5 schedule with weekends off, holidays off, paid vacations and sick days and – eventually – dental & health benefits & a retirement plan. Plus – MORE MONEY!! (Yippie!) I guess about 70 other people applied for the job. I’m pretty lucky to get it! Tomorrow’s the Crim race. Wake up at 5am. Yuk.
A miracle! A night off! I have so many new responsibilities to look forward to – and so many benefits! Starting Monday, I’ll be working a normal 9-5 schedule with weekends off, holidays off, paid vacations and sick days and – eventually – dental & health benefits & a retirement plan. Plus – MORE MONEY!! (Yippie!) I guess about 70 other people applied for the job. I’m pretty lucky to get it! Tomorrow’s the Crim race. Wake up at 5am. Yuk.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 27, 1989
So this is it. My last official MCR shift of the last day of pledge drive. Tomorrow begins my work as Traffic Manager. Yesterday, we had band practice. We’ve got a lot of new songs developing. Though most are in the early “polishing up the instrumentals” stages, by the sounds of ‘em it should be some good stuff. I’m looking forward to my new responsibilities tomorrow. I hope I can handle it.
So this is it. My last official MCR shift of the last day of pledge drive. Tomorrow begins my work as Traffic Manager. Yesterday, we had band practice. We’ve got a lot of new songs developing. Though most are in the early “polishing up the instrumentals” stages, by the sounds of ‘em it should be some good stuff. I’m looking forward to my new responsibilities tomorrow. I hope I can handle it.
MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 1989
Well, as of today, I’m now WFUM’s Traffic Manager. It was kind of frustrating to go from a job I was quite good at to one about which I don’t know enough about to work at on my own. I guess I’ll get used to it in time, but for now it’s kind of a drag.
I’ve got a terrible headache and next week I’ll be on my own since my boss, Ray Miller will be on vacation.
On the bright side, I found out about all the benefits I’ll receive as a full-time University employee. I’ll also see more of Leanne.
I hope I’ll learn enough this week to take things over next week.
Well, as of today, I’m now WFUM’s Traffic Manager. It was kind of frustrating to go from a job I was quite good at to one about which I don’t know enough about to work at on my own. I guess I’ll get used to it in time, but for now it’s kind of a drag.
I’ve got a terrible headache and next week I’ll be on my own since my boss, Ray Miller will be on vacation.
On the bright side, I found out about all the benefits I’ll receive as a full-time University employee. I’ll also see more of Leanne.
I hope I’ll learn enough this week to take things over next week.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 29, 1989
My second day as Traffic Manager. I guess I know more than I did yesterday but I feel nowhere near being ready to handle things on my own. Yuck. I can’t wait until I feel in control.
After work, Leanne and I had sloppy Joes. Then I went to my brother’s and then to WFBE where we recorded a demo of a new song “Fargo Bound”. Sounds like it could be okay. More traffic uncertainties tomorrow.
My second day as Traffic Manager. I guess I know more than I did yesterday but I feel nowhere near being ready to handle things on my own. Yuck. I can’t wait until I feel in control.
After work, Leanne and I had sloppy Joes. Then I went to my brother’s and then to WFBE where we recorded a demo of a new song “Fargo Bound”. Sounds like it could be okay. More traffic uncertainties tomorrow.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 30, 1989
Yow! I worked until 7:30 p.m. typing the log info into the computer. Anything to keep from having to rush tomorrow. Leanne & I went shopping for a few things. Not too much else today. I’m slowly gaining confidence in my job. Hope it goes ok.
Yow! I worked until 7:30 p.m. typing the log info into the computer. Anything to keep from having to rush tomorrow. Leanne & I went shopping for a few things. Not too much else today. I’m slowly gaining confidence in my job. Hope it goes ok.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1989
Things are falling into place. I think I’ll be able to handle my first solo week as traffic manager this week. Tomorrow will be a paid holiday for me. (Hooray! A benefit of being a full-timer!) We’ll be going up north with my mom for the Mackinaw Bridge walk.
It’s great having three days off!!!
Today we bought a dresser for $95 from Leanne’s sister Rena. We put it in the bedroom & it looks quite nice. I’ve been slobbing around today – wearing an unbuttoned flannel shirt & sweat pants. Damn, I’m comfy. Now I know why spiritual-type people wear loose-fitting clothes (robes & stuff). It’s hard to be uptight wearing stuff like this!
Things are falling into place. I think I’ll be able to handle my first solo week as traffic manager this week. Tomorrow will be a paid holiday for me. (Hooray! A benefit of being a full-timer!) We’ll be going up north with my mom for the Mackinaw Bridge walk.
It’s great having three days off!!!
Today we bought a dresser for $95 from Leanne’s sister Rena. We put it in the bedroom & it looks quite nice. I’ve been slobbing around today – wearing an unbuttoned flannel shirt & sweat pants. Damn, I’m comfy. Now I know why spiritual-type people wear loose-fitting clothes (robes & stuff). It’s hard to be uptight wearing stuff like this!
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1989
Yesterday, for the second year in a row, I walked the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day. The walk was fun, the weather & view were beautiful. The two hour wait for a bus ride and stop & go traffic on the return trip sucked. It was also the first time I got to ride in my mom’s Riviera. Nice car! Even has AM stereo!
The best part of the entire trip, though, was the half hour or so we spent on a beach near Brevort, MI, in the U.P. – along Lake Michigan’s northern shore. Leanne & I kicked off our shoes & just plain relaxed/enjoyed ourselves. I’m going back there some day!!
Today, it was back to work but I feel more relaxed because of our time on the beach!
Yesterday, for the second year in a row, I walked the Mackinaw Bridge on Labor Day. The walk was fun, the weather & view were beautiful. The two hour wait for a bus ride and stop & go traffic on the return trip sucked. It was also the first time I got to ride in my mom’s Riviera. Nice car! Even has AM stereo!
The best part of the entire trip, though, was the half hour or so we spent on a beach near Brevort, MI, in the U.P. – along Lake Michigan’s northern shore. Leanne & I kicked off our shoes & just plain relaxed/enjoyed ourselves. I’m going back there some day!!
Today, it was back to work but I feel more relaxed because of our time on the beach!
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1989
It’s been rough at work these past two days. I’ve had to work late both nights. I’ve even been dreaming about putting together facs and stuff. At least this week’s facs are completed. Tomorrow hopefully won’t be quite as hectic. At least it’ll be Friday.
It’s been rough at work these past two days. I’ve had to work late both nights. I’ve even been dreaming about putting together facs and stuff. At least this week’s facs are completed. Tomorrow hopefully won’t be quite as hectic. At least it’ll be Friday.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1989
I’m spending today recovering from having two wisdom teeth gouged out yesterday. Although the teeth were not impacted, there was difficulty in getting them out. The top one had three long roots which were slightly curved, so a lot of hard pulling was needed to get it out. The bottom one had a root which curved at a 90-degree angle. That one had to be “sectioned” (the dentist’s nice way of saying it had to be drilled in two and pulled out in pieces). That one required two stitches. At least they gave me a Walkman cassette player and a cassette to listen to – (they had a pretty varied list of choices – I chose ABBA – what else?) – but when they were drilling it was hard to hear.
It was over in about 45 minutes. Then it was home to a numb puffy mouth, blood soaked gauze and saliva which still tasted like latex from the dentist’s gloves.
Tomato soup and oatmeal when I’d rather have a pizza. Salt rinses and penicillin pills the size of hailstones. (Sigh…)
At least there’s been one bright spot through all this – Leanne has been a sweet little angel through all this. Bringing me things, waiting on me through the worst part of it - & just plain being there & being concerned. I love her!
I’m spending today recovering from having two wisdom teeth gouged out yesterday. Although the teeth were not impacted, there was difficulty in getting them out. The top one had three long roots which were slightly curved, so a lot of hard pulling was needed to get it out. The bottom one had a root which curved at a 90-degree angle. That one had to be “sectioned” (the dentist’s nice way of saying it had to be drilled in two and pulled out in pieces). That one required two stitches. At least they gave me a Walkman cassette player and a cassette to listen to – (they had a pretty varied list of choices – I chose ABBA – what else?) – but when they were drilling it was hard to hear.
It was over in about 45 minutes. Then it was home to a numb puffy mouth, blood soaked gauze and saliva which still tasted like latex from the dentist’s gloves.
Tomato soup and oatmeal when I’d rather have a pizza. Salt rinses and penicillin pills the size of hailstones. (Sigh…)
At least there’s been one bright spot through all this – Leanne has been a sweet little angel through all this. Bringing me things, waiting on me through the worst part of it - & just plain being there & being concerned. I love her!
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1989
The place where my wisdom teeth used to be is no longer quite as sore. Today was kind of a hectic day at work, but I think I got most of the stuff squared away. I cleaned the apartment. Leanne & I went to Meijer’s and picked up our pictures of the Labor Day bridge walk. Leanne & I then took a walk around Maplebrook. I think I like this new schedule. Not much else. More work tomorrow.
The place where my wisdom teeth used to be is no longer quite as sore. Today was kind of a hectic day at work, but I think I got most of the stuff squared away. I cleaned the apartment. Leanne & I went to Meijer’s and picked up our pictures of the Labor Day bridge walk. Leanne & I then took a walk around Maplebrook. I think I like this new schedule. Not much else. More work tomorrow.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1989
Took my DX-440 to Radio Shack to get repaired. Should take about a week, they said. Work is going O.K. Not much else except that Leanne broke down crying when her salmon patties came out too dark. Ah, the trials and tribulations of married life.
Took my DX-440 to Radio Shack to get repaired. Should take about a week, they said. Work is going O.K. Not much else except that Leanne broke down crying when her salmon patties came out too dark. Ah, the trials and tribulations of married life.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1989
This Saturday has certainly been more pleasant than the last one. My mouth is still a little bit sore but my stitches were removed yesterday and things should return to normal in time. Tomorrow will be the first Guilties practice in 3 weeks – it’ll help us to get ready for a hall show at the Capitol Theatre which’ll be held next Friday.
Earlier in the week, my brother, Steve Reddy & I went to Lee Conquest’s house & did some messing about with his 4-track tape deck. It’s a nice set-up, but can only record on two tracks at once. He had some catalogs of other tape equipment, so I wrote to one of them today to get more info. Hopefully, by the end of 1990, I’ll have my own nice 4-track set-up.
The hard part will be the waiting…
This Saturday has certainly been more pleasant than the last one. My mouth is still a little bit sore but my stitches were removed yesterday and things should return to normal in time. Tomorrow will be the first Guilties practice in 3 weeks – it’ll help us to get ready for a hall show at the Capitol Theatre which’ll be held next Friday.
Earlier in the week, my brother, Steve Reddy & I went to Lee Conquest’s house & did some messing about with his 4-track tape deck. It’s a nice set-up, but can only record on two tracks at once. He had some catalogs of other tape equipment, so I wrote to one of them today to get more info. Hopefully, by the end of 1990, I’ll have my own nice 4-track set-up.
The hard part will be the waiting…
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1989
I haven’t written in a while. I guess on those days when I have time, I haven’t done much, and when something’s going on, I’m too busy to write. I’ll get over it –
I haven’t written in a while. I guess on those days when I have time, I haven’t done much, and when something’s going on, I’m too busy to write. I’ll get over it –
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1989
Antiseptic is our home
A fortress from all strife – all pain
With walls sealed fast from all outside
With nothing passing through our doors
Save that which we decide shall pass;
And no surprises – fair of foul
Shall interrupt our well-planned bliss.
A soft couple in our soft cocoon.
The blank white walls
Could mirrors be.
Antiseptic is our home
A fortress from all strife – all pain
With walls sealed fast from all outside
With nothing passing through our doors
Save that which we decide shall pass;
And no surprises – fair of foul
Shall interrupt our well-planned bliss.
A soft couple in our soft cocoon.
The blank white walls
Could mirrors be.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 2, 1989
The chill winds of Autumn are blowing. Bleak, overcast yet somehow comforting to me.
I guess the big news since I wrote last has been my brother’s wedding. Steve & Jill were married on September 30th and are now honeymooning in Toronto.
On the 29th, I got my first paycheck as Traffic Manager. $1,084 take home for the month of September. Not bad! (At least it’s a lot better than what I’ve ever received before!) Most of it went for bills and into the savings account This coming weekend we’ll get serious about looking for a car.
Even though I dream of one day buying a nice Buick, I realistically think I’ll have to settle for a Chevy (perhaps a Cavalier) at least this time.
Hopefully, by the end of the month, I’ll be driving a new car.
The chill winds of Autumn are blowing. Bleak, overcast yet somehow comforting to me.
I guess the big news since I wrote last has been my brother’s wedding. Steve & Jill were married on September 30th and are now honeymooning in Toronto.
On the 29th, I got my first paycheck as Traffic Manager. $1,084 take home for the month of September. Not bad! (At least it’s a lot better than what I’ve ever received before!) Most of it went for bills and into the savings account This coming weekend we’ll get serious about looking for a car.
Even though I dream of one day buying a nice Buick, I realistically think I’ll have to settle for a Chevy (perhaps a Cavalier) at least this time.
Hopefully, by the end of the month, I’ll be driving a new car.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1989
Leanne & I are the proud owners of a new 1989 Chevy Cavalier. It’s red, has automatic transmission and a nice radio. We’ve decided to switch off between the Toyota and the Chevy. My brother is scheduled to buy the old Buick for $100. Today, the Guilties practiced in Ann Arbor. Some of our newer songs are beginning to take shape. Not much else exciting going on. I’m just trying my best to keep in control. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make our car payments and still save money for other things. Only time will tell.
Leanne & I are the proud owners of a new 1989 Chevy Cavalier. It’s red, has automatic transmission and a nice radio. We’ve decided to switch off between the Toyota and the Chevy. My brother is scheduled to buy the old Buick for $100. Today, the Guilties practiced in Ann Arbor. Some of our newer songs are beginning to take shape. Not much else exciting going on. I’m just trying my best to keep in control. Hopefully, we’ll be able to make our car payments and still save money for other things. Only time will tell.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 9, 1989
Just a bit of pointless trivia: last Thursday, there was a technical rehearsal of High School Challenge. I got to actually take part in a game. It was the guys in production against the girls in development. We won: 285-140.
Just a bit of pointless trivia: last Thursday, there was a technical rehearsal of High School Challenge. I got to actually take part in a game. It was the guys in production against the girls in development. We won: 285-140.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 1989 (9:30 a.m.)
Strange weather we’ve been having. My WeatherAlert radio has just gone off… there’s a severe thunderstorm watch for just north of here. This is the latest I ever remember it going off for a thunderstorm-related alarm.
Strange weather we’ve been having. My WeatherAlert radio has just gone off… there’s a severe thunderstorm watch for just north of here. This is the latest I ever remember it going off for a thunderstorm-related alarm.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1989
I guess I’m getting used to the Traffic Manager’s job. Jim Gaver, the TV-28 Program Director said that I was doing an “excellent” job. So naturally I fucked-up over the weekend. I mis-assigned two tape numbers for playback on the Facs.) Way to go. The last Traffic Manager was fired for pulling shit like that. I’ve got to get my act together! This job is too important to me to mess up.
I guess I’m getting used to the Traffic Manager’s job. Jim Gaver, the TV-28 Program Director said that I was doing an “excellent” job. So naturally I fucked-up over the weekend. I mis-assigned two tape numbers for playback on the Facs.) Way to go. The last Traffic Manager was fired for pulling shit like that. I’ve got to get my act together! This job is too important to me to mess up.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1989
Intelligence can be measured by the degree to which one can deal with abstractions. Wisdom is measured by the degree one can deal with reality.
Intelligence can be measured by the degree to which one can deal with abstractions. Wisdom is measured by the degree one can deal with reality.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1989
Hi. I’m back. It’s been so long since I’ve written that I’m not sure what the hell I should write about. It’s been a strange year. Perhaps it could best be summed up by the feeling I had in a supermarket checkout lane. Y’see, there was one of those “decade in review” magazines. I guess it was early October or so when I saw it. For some reason, I just had a notion that the most fascinating things of the 80’s were yet to happen. I had no way of knowing, mind you… it was just a feeling.
Sure enough, the San Francisco Earthquake, the crumbling of the Soviet empire in Eastern Europe, the opening of the Berlin Wall the US invasion of Panama…
1989 – One of the major network news anchors called it the busiest news year since 1968. I believe it! Add to that the major developments on the personal front – a new wife, a new car, a new apartment, a new full-time job…
It’ll probably take a good share of 1990 to figure out what the hell happened in 1989.
In other news: I’m getting better at my Traffic job. At least now I’m no longer worried about having to “prove myself” – I can now concentrate on being quietly competent. Another cool thing about the job is the paid holiday – and the time off (except for one day) between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s nice and relaxing. It gives me a chance to unwind.
Also, Michael Moore’s film “Roger & Me” premiered a few weeks ago. Great flick! I’ll probably write more about it later. It’s been a long time. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
Hi. I’m back. It’s been so long since I’ve written that I’m not sure what the hell I should write about. It’s been a strange year. Perhaps it could best be summed up by the feeling I had in a supermarket checkout lane. Y’see, there was one of those “decade in review” magazines. I guess it was early October or so when I saw it. For some reason, I just had a notion that the most fascinating things of the 80’s were yet to happen. I had no way of knowing, mind you… it was just a feeling.
Sure enough, the San Francisco Earthquake, the crumbling of the Soviet empire in Eastern Europe, the opening of the Berlin Wall the US invasion of Panama…
1989 – One of the major network news anchors called it the busiest news year since 1968. I believe it! Add to that the major developments on the personal front – a new wife, a new car, a new apartment, a new full-time job…
It’ll probably take a good share of 1990 to figure out what the hell happened in 1989.
In other news: I’m getting better at my Traffic job. At least now I’m no longer worried about having to “prove myself” – I can now concentrate on being quietly competent. Another cool thing about the job is the paid holiday – and the time off (except for one day) between Christmas and New Year’s. It’s nice and relaxing. It gives me a chance to unwind.
Also, Michael Moore’s film “Roger & Me” premiered a few weeks ago. Great flick! I’ll probably write more about it later. It’s been a long time. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1989
While reading yesterday’s obituary page, I learned that a person who graduated with me from High School had died the day after Christmas. His name was Nick Connelly. He was 26. Although the obituary did not list the cause of death, it implied that it was from a prolonged illness. This, combined with the fact that Nick was gay, can only lead one to speculate that A.I.D.S. was a likely cause of his death.
Nick had been living in Pittsburg, PA since not long after graduation, so I hadn’t seen him for years. Even so, we kinda hung out for a while around graduation time. I don’t suppose I have any profound statement to make. It just seems weird, though…
While reading yesterday’s obituary page, I learned that a person who graduated with me from High School had died the day after Christmas. His name was Nick Connelly. He was 26. Although the obituary did not list the cause of death, it implied that it was from a prolonged illness. This, combined with the fact that Nick was gay, can only lead one to speculate that A.I.D.S. was a likely cause of his death.
Nick had been living in Pittsburg, PA since not long after graduation, so I hadn’t seen him for years. Even so, we kinda hung out for a while around graduation time. I don’t suppose I have any profound statement to make. It just seems weird, though…
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1989
Another lazy day. My brother Steve came over. Leanne, Steve and I played Trivial Pursuit and UNO. We’re having an ice storm right now. The snow is covered with a shimmering coat of ice. It looks almost plastic-coated.
Another lazy day. My brother Steve came over. Leanne, Steve and I played Trivial Pursuit and UNO. We’re having an ice storm right now. The snow is covered with a shimmering coat of ice. It looks almost plastic-coated.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1989
In a few hours, the sun will go down. Tomorrow morning it will come up again. Nothing more spectacular than what happens every day. To the Western mind, however, which has an obsession with labeling and categorizing everything, today is the end of an era. Tomorrow, the beginning of another.
The 1980’s began as I was a High School Junior, struggling to find an identity, a purpose and someone to love. The 1990’s will enter to see me as a married man. In an apartment, with a loving wife, a new car and a promising future.
Strangely, though, it doesn’t feel as though ten years have passed since 1980… and for some reason, I don’t think I’ll be able to determine the significance of the 1980’s until sometime around the year 2000.
At any rate, the 1990’s lie ahead. A new opportunity for progress, for realizing new dreams. And after that? A new millennium.
I have no more idea where and who I’ll be in the year 2000 than that High School Junior had of where I’ll be now. I hope to keep jotting down my impressions in the decade ahead. Day by day – page by page – word by word. I’m curious as to what the 90’s will bring – but on the other hand I’ve no need to be in any hurry.
After all, the sun still has to set tonight and rise tomorrow. Why not enjoy it?
In a few hours, the sun will go down. Tomorrow morning it will come up again. Nothing more spectacular than what happens every day. To the Western mind, however, which has an obsession with labeling and categorizing everything, today is the end of an era. Tomorrow, the beginning of another.
The 1980’s began as I was a High School Junior, struggling to find an identity, a purpose and someone to love. The 1990’s will enter to see me as a married man. In an apartment, with a loving wife, a new car and a promising future.
Strangely, though, it doesn’t feel as though ten years have passed since 1980… and for some reason, I don’t think I’ll be able to determine the significance of the 1980’s until sometime around the year 2000.
At any rate, the 1990’s lie ahead. A new opportunity for progress, for realizing new dreams. And after that? A new millennium.
I have no more idea where and who I’ll be in the year 2000 than that High School Junior had of where I’ll be now. I hope to keep jotting down my impressions in the decade ahead. Day by day – page by page – word by word. I’m curious as to what the 90’s will bring – but on the other hand I’ve no need to be in any hurry.
After all, the sun still has to set tonight and rise tomorrow. Why not enjoy it?
HAPPY NEW YEAR (and
Decade) 1990!
MONDAY, JANUARY 8, 1990
The 1990’s have been kinda uneventful for me so far. On Saturday, Leanne and I went to the planetarium for a presentation on stargazing throughout the year. Yesterday, while Leanne was at her sister’s, I went with Steve & Jill to Fairlane Mall. No real reason for going other than that Jill had to figure out how to get to Fairlane for a job. While there, I got the “Beetlejuice” soundtrack for Leanne. She likes the “Jump in Line” song by Harry Belafonte that’s on it.
I think I like my traffic job more and more. I had today off since I had to work one day over Christmas vacation. Tomorrow it’s back to work but for today I just relaxed, dusted, read, washed the Toyota (the temperatures were in the low 40’s) and started cataloguing my Beta videotapes.
The 1990’s have been kinda uneventful for me so far. On Saturday, Leanne and I went to the planetarium for a presentation on stargazing throughout the year. Yesterday, while Leanne was at her sister’s, I went with Steve & Jill to Fairlane Mall. No real reason for going other than that Jill had to figure out how to get to Fairlane for a job. While there, I got the “Beetlejuice” soundtrack for Leanne. She likes the “Jump in Line” song by Harry Belafonte that’s on it.
I think I like my traffic job more and more. I had today off since I had to work one day over Christmas vacation. Tomorrow it’s back to work but for today I just relaxed, dusted, read, washed the Toyota (the temperatures were in the low 40’s) and started cataloguing my Beta videotapes.
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21, 1990
Hi there. Haven’t written in a while. Stuff I’ve done lately: well, we just got through a two-week pledge drive. Since one of the regular producer/directors was off for maternity leave, I had to fill-in for four drive director’s shifts. Meanwhile, I still completed the facilities schedules, did the inventory and helped Kim with the logs. Also, I recently saw Pat Paulsen do his comedy routine at Mr. G’s. Shit, my first entry in months and I’m dead tired. Perhaps I’ll try again tomorrow.
Hi there. Haven’t written in a while. Stuff I’ve done lately: well, we just got through a two-week pledge drive. Since one of the regular producer/directors was off for maternity leave, I had to fill-in for four drive director’s shifts. Meanwhile, I still completed the facilities schedules, did the inventory and helped Kim with the logs. Also, I recently saw Pat Paulsen do his comedy routine at Mr. G’s. Shit, my first entry in months and I’m dead tired. Perhaps I’ll try again tomorrow.
SUNDAY, MAY 20, 1990
Call it neglect, call it whatever. I just haven’t gotten around to scribbling in here for a while. Just as a quick overview, things have been very well for me at work. Leanne and I are doing fine and are looking forward to our first wedding anniversary. In June, we’ll be vacationing in Traverse City. Things are rather quiet here at Maplebrook. Our current hope is to be able to save enough money to put a down payment on a decent house in about two years. Currently, we have about $2,500 saved up. Obviously, we’ll need much more.
Other things which have happened since my last entry… The Guilty Bystanders performed on the Comcast public access video version of “Take No Prisoners”. It went quite well. That show was also Andy Wheat’s last show drumming for us. Since then, we’ve played an acoustic set at the Capitol Café which was well received. After that, nothing. There’s talk of getting a new drummer, but nothing’s certain. Whatever happens happens. I’ve worked on several new songs, so I’ll be ready.
Also, on May 16th, Channel 28 held its first Kalbunjifest. (A lunchtime picnic-type thing.) It went well. I suppose I could try to explain the story behind it – but it would take a while. Maybe later.
Finally, my voice is being heard once a week for the first time since Breakaway went away last year. I’ve been doing the narration for Channel 28’s “Operation Earth” environmental fillers which air on Sunday nights. It’s not exactly the big time, but it’s kinda neat hearing myself on T.V. Tomorrow, it’s back to work. Less than a month until vacation, though!!!
Call it neglect, call it whatever. I just haven’t gotten around to scribbling in here for a while. Just as a quick overview, things have been very well for me at work. Leanne and I are doing fine and are looking forward to our first wedding anniversary. In June, we’ll be vacationing in Traverse City. Things are rather quiet here at Maplebrook. Our current hope is to be able to save enough money to put a down payment on a decent house in about two years. Currently, we have about $2,500 saved up. Obviously, we’ll need much more.
Other things which have happened since my last entry… The Guilty Bystanders performed on the Comcast public access video version of “Take No Prisoners”. It went quite well. That show was also Andy Wheat’s last show drumming for us. Since then, we’ve played an acoustic set at the Capitol Café which was well received. After that, nothing. There’s talk of getting a new drummer, but nothing’s certain. Whatever happens happens. I’ve worked on several new songs, so I’ll be ready.
Also, on May 16th, Channel 28 held its first Kalbunjifest. (A lunchtime picnic-type thing.) It went well. I suppose I could try to explain the story behind it – but it would take a while. Maybe later.
Finally, my voice is being heard once a week for the first time since Breakaway went away last year. I’ve been doing the narration for Channel 28’s “Operation Earth” environmental fillers which air on Sunday nights. It’s not exactly the big time, but it’s kinda neat hearing myself on T.V. Tomorrow, it’s back to work. Less than a month until vacation, though!!!
SATURDAY, MAY 26, 1990
It’s an idyllic May afternoon – the beginning of Memorial Day weekend. It’s nice not having to work holidays like I did when I worked in Master Control. I’ve just been taking it easy. There was a time when getting three consecutive days off would have been unthinkable. Now, I get time off paid. Cool biz.
We bought an RCA stereo VHS VCR with our tax refund money so now we’re able to rent movies. Yesterday, we watched Sea of Love with Al Pacino & tonight we’ll be watching Field of Dreams.
We spent the early afternoon running errands & stopping by the library. I checked-out a two-record phonograph album set of World War II broadcasts by Edward R. Murrow. It proves to me what radio can accomplish when it’s done right.
Things at work are going well. I’m getting my work done yet still managing to have a good time – a rare combination! I guess on Memorial Day we’ll be going to Leanne’s sister Karen’s for a cookout – type thing. As for now, just relax-time. Time to enjoy the beginning of a beautiful summer. The pool here at Maplebrook is open, so it’s at least semi-official. More later…
It’s an idyllic May afternoon – the beginning of Memorial Day weekend. It’s nice not having to work holidays like I did when I worked in Master Control. I’ve just been taking it easy. There was a time when getting three consecutive days off would have been unthinkable. Now, I get time off paid. Cool biz.
We bought an RCA stereo VHS VCR with our tax refund money so now we’re able to rent movies. Yesterday, we watched Sea of Love with Al Pacino & tonight we’ll be watching Field of Dreams.
We spent the early afternoon running errands & stopping by the library. I checked-out a two-record phonograph album set of World War II broadcasts by Edward R. Murrow. It proves to me what radio can accomplish when it’s done right.
Things at work are going well. I’m getting my work done yet still managing to have a good time – a rare combination! I guess on Memorial Day we’ll be going to Leanne’s sister Karen’s for a cookout – type thing. As for now, just relax-time. Time to enjoy the beginning of a beautiful summer. The pool here at Maplebrook is open, so it’s at least semi-official. More later…
SUNDAY, MAY 27, 1990
Another relaxing day. Other than shopping, we didn’t do a heck of a lot. I watched the Indy 500 – some guy I’d never heard of won.
I sat and read on the patio – sitting on the lawn chair, but the breeze was a bit on the chilly side.
Tomorrow, we’ll be going to my mom’s and then to Karen’s for Memorial Day. I’ll probably be seeing grandmas tomorrow. She’ll be glad that the “Pink Splash” plant that she helped me repot is thriving. My contribution to the environment, I suppose. I’ll probably spend the night “tubing out” and/or listening to the shortwave.
Another relaxing day. Other than shopping, we didn’t do a heck of a lot. I watched the Indy 500 – some guy I’d never heard of won.
I sat and read on the patio – sitting on the lawn chair, but the breeze was a bit on the chilly side.
Tomorrow, we’ll be going to my mom’s and then to Karen’s for Memorial Day. I’ll probably be seeing grandmas tomorrow. She’ll be glad that the “Pink Splash” plant that she helped me repot is thriving. My contribution to the environment, I suppose. I’ll probably spend the night “tubing out” and/or listening to the shortwave.
MONDAY, MAY 28, 1990 [MEMORIAL DAY]
I must be getting old. I spent the better part of an hour sitting on Karen’s front porch in one of those swinging porch benches. Didn’t do much but listen to birds, watch squirrels hopping about and enjoy the late May weather. Loved it!
Also saw my mom & grandma earlier in the day. The only thing between now & vacation are two four-day work weeks! Traverse City should be great!!
I must be getting old. I spent the better part of an hour sitting on Karen’s front porch in one of those swinging porch benches. Didn’t do much but listen to birds, watch squirrels hopping about and enjoy the late May weather. Loved it!
Also saw my mom & grandma earlier in the day. The only thing between now & vacation are two four-day work weeks! Traverse City should be great!!
TUESDAY, MAY 29, 1990
Weird. Just weird. A few nights ago I had a dream that included a minute – almost insect-sized – hummingbird. I remember that in the dream I was fascinated by the bird’s small size and colorful markings.
Just today in the mail I got this month’s National Geographic Magazine. It contained an article on the world’s smallest bird… a Bee Hummingbird… it looked exactly like the one in my dream!! Until then, I thought the bird in my dream was nothing more than imaginary. This is kinda bizarre!
I’m not much of a believer in E.S.P. or anything, but I’m kind of at a loss to explain this one other than it being one hell of a coincidence.
Weird. Just weird. A few nights ago I had a dream that included a minute – almost insect-sized – hummingbird. I remember that in the dream I was fascinated by the bird’s small size and colorful markings.
Just today in the mail I got this month’s National Geographic Magazine. It contained an article on the world’s smallest bird… a Bee Hummingbird… it looked exactly like the one in my dream!! Until then, I thought the bird in my dream was nothing more than imaginary. This is kinda bizarre!
I’m not much of a believer in E.S.P. or anything, but I’m kind of at a loss to explain this one other than it being one hell of a coincidence.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 30, 1990
Just over a week until vacation time. In preparation, we took our Cavalier to Vic Canaver’s (the dealership where we bought the car) for its 6,000 mile check-up and maintenance. June promises to be an interesting month, but it should be fun.
Leanne & I will be carpooling tomorrow & possibly the next day while the Cavalier is being worked on. Tomorrow is payday! Hooray!!
Just over a week until vacation time. In preparation, we took our Cavalier to Vic Canaver’s (the dealership where we bought the car) for its 6,000 mile check-up and maintenance. June promises to be an interesting month, but it should be fun.
Leanne & I will be carpooling tomorrow & possibly the next day while the Cavalier is being worked on. Tomorrow is payday! Hooray!!
THURSDAY, MAY 31, 1990
I hate hypocrisy. I can’t count all the times Leanne has come home from work in a bitchy mood – blaming it on some customer who was rude and lacked understanding. Then at times, like today, she is just as rude and ignorant to others who are trying to do their job. Y’see, our Cavalier sometimes makes a clicking sound & we’d like it fixed. Only problem is that it doesn’t always click. As luck would have it, it didn’t click when the car repair people took it for a test drive. Their assertion that it couldn’t effectively be repaired until they could actually hear & determine the nature of the clicking sound seemed entirely rational and plausible to me. But Leanne, refusing to listen to their explanation, raised a fuss and stormed off in a huff. In such situations, it is an embarrassment to be associated with her and her behavior.
When confronted on this, she becomes defensive and/or will blame anyone but herself. It is exceedingly difficult to be intimately involved with a woman who without notice turn into a psychobitch the moment something doesn’t go her way. If she reads this, she will probably be resentful. I’m sorry, but I have written my honest feelings. Leanne must learn to deal with situations that she doesn’t like in a more calm and rational manner. I have tried to be patient with her erratic mood swings and inability to deal effectively with hardship – but my patience, like anyone else’s – has its limits.
SATURDAY,
JULY 28, 1990 [Dearborn, MI]
Still here at the Dearborn Hyatt. We spent the day at Greenfield Village & the Henry Ford Museum. I loved it! I’d write more but I’m tired, so I won’t. More later.
I hate hypocrisy. I can’t count all the times Leanne has come home from work in a bitchy mood – blaming it on some customer who was rude and lacked understanding. Then at times, like today, she is just as rude and ignorant to others who are trying to do their job. Y’see, our Cavalier sometimes makes a clicking sound & we’d like it fixed. Only problem is that it doesn’t always click. As luck would have it, it didn’t click when the car repair people took it for a test drive. Their assertion that it couldn’t effectively be repaired until they could actually hear & determine the nature of the clicking sound seemed entirely rational and plausible to me. But Leanne, refusing to listen to their explanation, raised a fuss and stormed off in a huff. In such situations, it is an embarrassment to be associated with her and her behavior.
When confronted on this, she becomes defensive and/or will blame anyone but herself. It is exceedingly difficult to be intimately involved with a woman who without notice turn into a psychobitch the moment something doesn’t go her way. If she reads this, she will probably be resentful. I’m sorry, but I have written my honest feelings. Leanne must learn to deal with situations that she doesn’t like in a more calm and rational manner. I have tried to be patient with her erratic mood swings and inability to deal effectively with hardship – but my patience, like anyone else’s – has its limits.
SATURDAY, JUNE 2, 1990
Well, hopefully, Leanne and I have our disagreements worked out. After all, tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary, and our vacation starts in one week.
I went to work for six hours today – despite it being a weekend – so that I could get ahead on my work. I’m going to work in advance for the time I’m going to be on vacation.
I can’t wait to be sitting on the beach in Traverse City. Just a week away!!!!
Well, hopefully, Leanne and I have our disagreements worked out. After all, tomorrow is our first wedding anniversary, and our vacation starts in one week.
I went to work for six hours today – despite it being a weekend – so that I could get ahead on my work. I’m going to work in advance for the time I’m going to be on vacation.
I can’t wait to be sitting on the beach in Traverse City. Just a week away!!!!
SUNDAY, JUNE 3, 1990 [Our First Wedding Anniversary]
Has it really been a year already? It seems as though the last twelve months have flown by. Leanne & I exchanged gifts (I got an electric razor, she got a pair of candlestick holders and a rose.) Later, I treated her to dinner at Red Lobster. Everything so far in our married life has gone smoothly. Hopefully, this will be the first of many, many anniversaries to come.
Has it really been a year already? It seems as though the last twelve months have flown by. Leanne & I exchanged gifts (I got an electric razor, she got a pair of candlestick holders and a rose.) Later, I treated her to dinner at Red Lobster. Everything so far in our married life has gone smoothly. Hopefully, this will be the first of many, many anniversaries to come.
FRIDAY, JUNE 8, 1990
Yeah!! Now this is living!! Yesterday was my last day of work until June 19th!!! We spent the early part of the day going to the bank, getting maps at the AAA & dropping off “Spot” – my houseplant – at my grandma’s. Tonight, Leanne & I will be attending the wedding of Leanne’s Nephew Terry. Then… tomorrow… OUR VACATION!!! An entire week in Traverse City!!! Right now, Leanne is frantically packing things away while I sit around watching a World Cup playoff game on T.V. (I knew there was a reason I got married!) This’ll be my first paid vacation since the early ‘80’s – (when I worked at V.G.’s). This’ll be great!!!
Yeah!! Now this is living!! Yesterday was my last day of work until June 19th!!! We spent the early part of the day going to the bank, getting maps at the AAA & dropping off “Spot” – my houseplant – at my grandma’s. Tonight, Leanne & I will be attending the wedding of Leanne’s Nephew Terry. Then… tomorrow… OUR VACATION!!! An entire week in Traverse City!!! Right now, Leanne is frantically packing things away while I sit around watching a World Cup playoff game on T.V. (I knew there was a reason I got married!) This’ll be my first paid vacation since the early ‘80’s – (when I worked at V.G.’s). This’ll be great!!!
SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
Hooray!!! We made it!!! We’re finally here in Traverse City!!! (And as opposed to usual – I drove!!) We’re staying in a place called the Bay Shore Resort, which is on the shore of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The trip up here took about 3 hours or so – it was rather uneventful. About all we did today was do a bit of exploring around Traverse City. When we got back, we spent a lot of time sitting in chairs near the beach.
Although last year’s trip to Washington D.C. was fun & exciting, there was so much to do that it wasn’t really relaxing. I think this trip’ll be different. We’re figuring out what we’re gonna be doing for the rest of the week. I’m hoping we’ll get to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes and take a ferry ride to South Manitou Islland. I’m also hoping that being near the lake will mean a decrease in light pollution – thus enabling me to get in some stargazing.
While in our room, we watched “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”. Interesting movie, I guess. Leanne’s getting ready for bed & I’ve got some postcards to write – so more tomorrow…
Hooray!!! We made it!!! We’re finally here in Traverse City!!! (And as opposed to usual – I drove!!) We’re staying in a place called the Bay Shore Resort, which is on the shore of the West Arm of Grand Traverse Bay. The trip up here took about 3 hours or so – it was rather uneventful. About all we did today was do a bit of exploring around Traverse City. When we got back, we spent a lot of time sitting in chairs near the beach.
Although last year’s trip to Washington D.C. was fun & exciting, there was so much to do that it wasn’t really relaxing. I think this trip’ll be different. We’re figuring out what we’re gonna be doing for the rest of the week. I’m hoping we’ll get to see the Sleeping Bear Dunes and take a ferry ride to South Manitou Islland. I’m also hoping that being near the lake will mean a decrease in light pollution – thus enabling me to get in some stargazing.
While in our room, we watched “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?”. Interesting movie, I guess. Leanne’s getting ready for bed & I’ve got some postcards to write – so more tomorrow…
SUNDAY, JUNE 10, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
It was kind of a busy day today. We went to the Traverse City Zoo, went to Acme, MI to look around, went to – of all things – a dog show (there just happened to be one in the area) and played 36 hole of miniature golf at Pirate’s Cove. In between all that, we also put in a bit of time getting a moderate sunburn sitting by the bay – both in our room & at the breakwater near the downtown marina. Oh, by the way – I saw the stars last night. I’d almost forgotten how beautiful they can be when they’re not washed-out by urban lights.
It was kind of a busy day today. We went to the Traverse City Zoo, went to Acme, MI to look around, went to – of all things – a dog show (there just happened to be one in the area) and played 36 hole of miniature golf at Pirate’s Cove. In between all that, we also put in a bit of time getting a moderate sunburn sitting by the bay – both in our room & at the breakwater near the downtown marina. Oh, by the way – I saw the stars last night. I’d almost forgotten how beautiful they can be when they’re not washed-out by urban lights.
MONDAY, JUNE 11, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
Wow!! This was the greatest day I’ve had in a long time. We spent most of it on South Manitou Island, which is located about 7 miles off the Michigan mainland. I loved it… the scenery, the peacefulness, the history… the impact that the island had on me defies description! It’s hard to believe that such a relatively small island can have such a large variety of environments – from the sand dunes of the shore, to the wooded inland lake, to the canopy woods… and to see a farmstead that was at one time world renowned as an abandoned, overgrown ruin was rather haunting. I’m hoping that I can talk my brother into an overnight camping trip there next summer. I hope the pictures I took there turn out. I’m having a great time on this vacation… and there’s still a week before I have to go back to Flint. (Do I have to go back?)
Wow!! This was the greatest day I’ve had in a long time. We spent most of it on South Manitou Island, which is located about 7 miles off the Michigan mainland. I loved it… the scenery, the peacefulness, the history… the impact that the island had on me defies description! It’s hard to believe that such a relatively small island can have such a large variety of environments – from the sand dunes of the shore, to the wooded inland lake, to the canopy woods… and to see a farmstead that was at one time world renowned as an abandoned, overgrown ruin was rather haunting. I’m hoping that I can talk my brother into an overnight camping trip there next summer. I hope the pictures I took there turn out. I’m having a great time on this vacation… and there’s still a week before I have to go back to Flint. (Do I have to go back?)
TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
Today turned out much different than we thought it would have at the beginning of the day. It started out as a dismal downpour day. Because of this, we scrapped our original plans of going to Sleeping Bear Dunes and instead killed time at several malls and stores in the area. The rain kept pouring into the early afternoon, so – being tired of sitting in our room – we decided to drive down the Old Mission peninsula. As luck would have it, the rain stopped as we visited an antique store on the way. When we got done shopping (I bought a bunch of Reader’s Digests from 1966 and 1967… uh, it’s a long story) the sun was shining in a mostly blue sky… hey, it’s Michigan! Anyhow, we enjoyed wading along the beach near the Old Mission lighthouse. It was great!!! What we do tomorrow depends on the weather, which, according to the latest forecasts, is still iffy. Anyways, no matter what happens, I’ll probably enjoy it.
(P.S. – Just for the record, I finished reading the book The World of Zen by Nancy Wilson Ross today.)
Today turned out much different than we thought it would have at the beginning of the day. It started out as a dismal downpour day. Because of this, we scrapped our original plans of going to Sleeping Bear Dunes and instead killed time at several malls and stores in the area. The rain kept pouring into the early afternoon, so – being tired of sitting in our room – we decided to drive down the Old Mission peninsula. As luck would have it, the rain stopped as we visited an antique store on the way. When we got done shopping (I bought a bunch of Reader’s Digests from 1966 and 1967… uh, it’s a long story) the sun was shining in a mostly blue sky… hey, it’s Michigan! Anyhow, we enjoyed wading along the beach near the Old Mission lighthouse. It was great!!! What we do tomorrow depends on the weather, which, according to the latest forecasts, is still iffy. Anyways, no matter what happens, I’ll probably enjoy it.
(P.S. – Just for the record, I finished reading the book The World of Zen by Nancy Wilson Ross today.)
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
The wonderful week continues. Today we went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was raining on & off so we climbed up and right back down. On the way back, we stopped at Sutton’s Bay for a bit…shopping and getting lunch. Not too much else. More tomorrow.
The wonderful week continues. Today we went to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. It was raining on & off so we climbed up and right back down. On the way back, we stopped at Sutton’s Bay for a bit…shopping and getting lunch. Not too much else. More tomorrow.
THURSDAY, JUNE 14, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
Today was a tiring day. We rode to Interlochen State Park & played some Frisbee. (And while in Interlochen, we visited the Traverse Bay Woolen Co. where Leanne let me buy a full-length Mackinaw coat!!! I’ve wanted one ever since I was a kid – and now I have one!!!) We then visited Crystal Lake. Finally, we went back to Sleeping Bear Dunes, since the weather was good. We climbed the dunes and kept going… and going… and going…over a mile-and-a-half until we reached the shore of Lake Michigan. The heat combined with the uphill climbs & loose sand made it a difficult journey. We had fun in the cool breezes on the Lake Michigan beachfront, but then came the trip back. The trail seemed more fitting for the Sahara than for northern Michigan and for a while I was worried that Leanne was going to pass out. Fortunately, she made it back & we’re now recovering – sunburned despite putting on sunscreen beforehand. Oh well, we’ll take it easy tomorrow.
Today was a tiring day. We rode to Interlochen State Park & played some Frisbee. (And while in Interlochen, we visited the Traverse Bay Woolen Co. where Leanne let me buy a full-length Mackinaw coat!!! I’ve wanted one ever since I was a kid – and now I have one!!!) We then visited Crystal Lake. Finally, we went back to Sleeping Bear Dunes, since the weather was good. We climbed the dunes and kept going… and going… and going…over a mile-and-a-half until we reached the shore of Lake Michigan. The heat combined with the uphill climbs & loose sand made it a difficult journey. We had fun in the cool breezes on the Lake Michigan beachfront, but then came the trip back. The trail seemed more fitting for the Sahara than for northern Michigan and for a while I was worried that Leanne was going to pass out. Fortunately, she made it back & we’re now recovering – sunburned despite putting on sunscreen beforehand. Oh well, we’ll take it easy tomorrow.
FRIDAY, JUNE 15, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
Hooray!! A couple of neat things happened last night after I wrote my entry – first of all, it was a clear night & the stars were shining brightly. I saw the Milky Way for the first time all year. I also saw two satellites. Secondly, the Detroit Pistons won their second consecutive NBA Championship.
Today, Leanne and I took a trip up to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. There was a neat lighthouse but the swarms of hungry flies cut our stay short.
We also visited Northport on the way back. Not a bad place… Three vacation days left!
Hooray!! A couple of neat things happened last night after I wrote my entry – first of all, it was a clear night & the stars were shining brightly. I saw the Milky Way for the first time all year. I also saw two satellites. Secondly, the Detroit Pistons won their second consecutive NBA Championship.
Today, Leanne and I took a trip up to the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula. There was a neat lighthouse but the swarms of hungry flies cut our stay short.
We also visited Northport on the way back. Not a bad place… Three vacation days left!
SATURDAY, JUNE 16, 1990 [Traverse City, MI]
Today we enjoyed our final day here in Traverse City. We took another trip to Old Mission Lighthouse. Later, we went downtown to the Nutcracker – a Christmas store, where we kept up our tradition of buying a Christmas tree ornament from our vacation destinations. Tomorrow it’s off to Ludington…
Today we enjoyed our final day here in Traverse City. We took another trip to Old Mission Lighthouse. Later, we went downtown to the Nutcracker – a Christmas store, where we kept up our tradition of buying a Christmas tree ornament from our vacation destinations. Tomorrow it’s off to Ludington…
SUNDAY, JUNE 17, 1990 [Ludington, MI]
All good things eventually come to an end, and this vacation is no exception. Today is the last full day. We drove from Traverse City to Ludington, where we’re spending the night. On the way, we stopped at the micropolis of Dublin to get some of the beef jerky that Sandra Coots at Channel 28 told me about. It was worth the trip!! Delicious! Here in Ludington, we played a game of putt-putt golf and watched the sun set over Lake Michigan. A fine end to a fine trip. Tomorrow is the trip home. Then it’s back to work on Tuesday. I’ll be recharged!!
All good things eventually come to an end, and this vacation is no exception. Today is the last full day. We drove from Traverse City to Ludington, where we’re spending the night. On the way, we stopped at the micropolis of Dublin to get some of the beef jerky that Sandra Coots at Channel 28 told me about. It was worth the trip!! Delicious! Here in Ludington, we played a game of putt-putt golf and watched the sun set over Lake Michigan. A fine end to a fine trip. Tomorrow is the trip home. Then it’s back to work on Tuesday. I’ll be recharged!!
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 1990 [Back in Beautiful Downtown Flint]
Well, we got back home yesterday with no problems. Vacation is now over. Today it was back to work and I obviously have some re-adjusting to do – I have a killer headache and a bunch of work to catch up on. Back to reality…
Well, we got back home yesterday with no problems. Vacation is now over. Today it was back to work and I obviously have some re-adjusting to do – I have a killer headache and a bunch of work to catch up on. Back to reality…
TUESDAY, JUNE 19, 1990 [11:15 p.m.]
Just as I was finishing up the previous entry, I heard some sirens. I looked out the window and discovered that one of the buildings in Maplebrook was on fire. Firefighters finally brought the blaze under control, but not until about a third of the building was gutted. As far as I know, no one was hurt.
Just as I was finishing up the previous entry, I heard some sirens. I looked out the window and discovered that one of the buildings in Maplebrook was on fire. Firefighters finally brought the blaze under control, but not until about a third of the building was gutted. As far as I know, no one was hurt.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 20, 1990
Today was Leanne’s 23rd birthday. It was also her first day back at work after vacation. Oh, well. Mom & Grandma came to visit me at work and also stopped by after work to wish Leanne a happy birthday. Not too much else happened today.
P.S. – Mom & Grandma got Leanne a book. I got her a kite.
Today was Leanne’s 23rd birthday. It was also her first day back at work after vacation. Oh, well. Mom & Grandma came to visit me at work and also stopped by after work to wish Leanne a happy birthday. Not too much else happened today.
P.S. – Mom & Grandma got Leanne a book. I got her a kite.
THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 1990
“HERE IT COMES, THE FIRST NIGHT OF SUMMER…” Here I am, sitting on a lawn chair on our patio. The sun is shining… it’s nearly 9:00 p.m. I love it!!! I still enjoy this longest day of the year as much as I always have, but unlike in the past, I no longer get depressed that the days will be getting “darker and colder from here”. I’ve now grown to appreciate the beauty in all seasons… not just the warmth of summer. I usually take a walk at sunset on June 21st. Today will be no exception. Bye!!!
“HERE IT COMES, THE FIRST NIGHT OF SUMMER…” Here I am, sitting on a lawn chair on our patio. The sun is shining… it’s nearly 9:00 p.m. I love it!!! I still enjoy this longest day of the year as much as I always have, but unlike in the past, I no longer get depressed that the days will be getting “darker and colder from here”. I’ve now grown to appreciate the beauty in all seasons… not just the warmth of summer. I usually take a walk at sunset on June 21st. Today will be no exception. Bye!!!
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 1990
Recently, I have given a great deal of thought to the environment, and what steps may be taken to prevent its further deterioration. It doesn’t seem like enough to pay lip service to the “3 R’s” of the environment (reduce, reuse and recycle).
I have, therefore, working with co-employee Donna Deringer, drawn up a proposal for the implementation of a waste-paper recycling program at channel 28.
When the proposal is polished-up (hopefully tomorrow or thereabouts) we plan to submit the proposal to Station Manager Gordon Lawrence. If it is approved, we are ready to help implement the program and work to make it a success.
I hope that ten or twenty years from now, recycling programs will be the norm, and that such programs will be integrated into the usual trash pick-up services. But we’ve got to start somewhere, and we’ve got to start soon. Thinking globally and acting locally!!
Recently, I have given a great deal of thought to the environment, and what steps may be taken to prevent its further deterioration. It doesn’t seem like enough to pay lip service to the “3 R’s” of the environment (reduce, reuse and recycle).
I have, therefore, working with co-employee Donna Deringer, drawn up a proposal for the implementation of a waste-paper recycling program at channel 28.
When the proposal is polished-up (hopefully tomorrow or thereabouts) we plan to submit the proposal to Station Manager Gordon Lawrence. If it is approved, we are ready to help implement the program and work to make it a success.
I hope that ten or twenty years from now, recycling programs will be the norm, and that such programs will be integrated into the usual trash pick-up services. But we’ve got to start somewhere, and we’ve got to start soon. Thinking globally and acting locally!!
SUNDAY, JUNE 24, 1990
Today was another beautiful day. Leanne finally got to try out the kite I got her for her birthday. We both had fun. Hopefully, we’ll be trying it out more before the summer is out…
Today was another beautiful day. Leanne finally got to try out the kite I got her for her birthday. We both had fun. Hopefully, we’ll be trying it out more before the summer is out…
TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 1990
Jeez! It seems I just can’t get out of “work mode”! I feel like I’m just sort of running on autopilot. Oh, well… I’ll get over it. Good news concerning the band – it looks like we’ll be going into the studio in Ann Arbor to finish up the recording we were working on earlier this year. We’re also scheduled to play a show on Friday the 13th in July. Mark Allen has agreed to play drums. I’m lookin’ 4ward to it. Back to work in the morning.
Jeez! It seems I just can’t get out of “work mode”! I feel like I’m just sort of running on autopilot. Oh, well… I’ll get over it. Good news concerning the band – it looks like we’ll be going into the studio in Ann Arbor to finish up the recording we were working on earlier this year. We’re also scheduled to play a show on Friday the 13th in July. Mark Allen has agreed to play drums. I’m lookin’ 4ward to it. Back to work in the morning.
SATURDAY, JUNE 30, 1990
I haven’t written for a few days, but nothing too dramatic has happened in that time, so it’s no big deal. We went to A2 on Thursday night, but due to a lack of patching adapters, we were unable to get much done. We’ll try again on Sunday. I got paid yesterday, but most of the money went to bills left over from our vacation. We’re going to have to start saving more seriously if we’re going to get a house. We only have $2,300 saved up. We’ll need much more!
I haven’t written for a few days, but nothing too dramatic has happened in that time, so it’s no big deal. We went to A2 on Thursday night, but due to a lack of patching adapters, we were unable to get much done. We’ll try again on Sunday. I got paid yesterday, but most of the money went to bills left over from our vacation. We’re going to have to start saving more seriously if we’re going to get a house. We only have $2,300 saved up. We’ll need much more!
Gosh, here it is the first day of
July. It’s hard to believe that summer finally got here! Last night we went to
see a band called the “Vettz” in Otter Lake. (Gary Ewell, whom I work with, got
us free tickets.) I was impressed!!
Today, we went to A2 to work on our tape. We completed the rough instrumental mix for what I hope was the final time. (We did it earlier in the year, but a problem with their tape deck messed things up.) We didn’t start adding vocals due to the lack of an adequate mic. Oh, well… there’s no real rush.
Today, we went to A2 to work on our tape. We completed the rough instrumental mix for what I hope was the final time. (We did it earlier in the year, but a problem with their tape deck messed things up.) We didn’t start adding vocals due to the lack of an adequate mic. Oh, well… there’s no real rush.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 4, 1990 HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!
Well, let’s see… it’s still morning so
not much has happened yet today. Yesterday, The Guilty Bystanders practiced for
the first time since March (Mark Allen sitting-in on drums). Considering how
long it had been since we played last, we didn’t do too bad.
The only special thing we have planned
for today is a cookout this afternoon at my brother Steve’s new house. There
won’t be any fireworks in downtown Flint this year. It seems Mayor Matthew S.
(S for Shithead) Collier didn’t want to spend $40,000 for fireworks in Flint.
He’d rather spend $700,000 to promote the eternally flopping AutoWorld. (I
guess he has to give his brother-in-law [who heads AutoWorld] something to do.
Any rational person with a sense of
history will realize that AutoWorld is a flop. It has always been a flop. It
will always be a flop.
I remember when it was opened in its
first run – a friend gave me some free passes. I literally couldn’t give them
away! No one wanted to go more than once. And Flint wants to be chosen as an
“All American City”? With no fireworks on the 4th of July?? How “All
American” is that?? What a fucking crock of shit!!
THURSDAY, JULY 5, 1990
Yesterday’s cookout was pretty good,
despite the record (95 degrees F) heat. While there, I watched West Germany
defeat England in the World Cup semifinals. I suppose it was somewhat
anti-social to be watching T.V. in the living room while everyone else was in
the backyard partying, but hell, I wasn’t about to miss it!
We didn’t go to any fireworks display
– we just watched people in the Maplebrook area light-off what they had. Today
at work was a pain. It seemed that no matter how frantic my work pace,
something else would pop up. Headache after headache after headache…
Oh, well… tomorrow will hopefully be a
bit more laid back.
SUNDAY, JULY 8, 1990
I’ve had a pretty good time the last
couple of days. On Friday, the people at work celebrated my birthday They gave
me a hilarious pair of slippers with caricatures of Ron & Nancy Reagan on
them. (When I tried them on, station manager Gordon Lawrence took off with my
regular shoes so I had to wear the slippers for a while.)
Kim brought me some soap bubble stuff
and a weird rubber ball kinda thing with tentacles – sort of. Don’t ask.
On my birthday yesterday (WOW! I’m
28!!) I got cards w/money in ‘em from Leanne’s mom & sisters, as well as my
mom. I stopped by Rock-a-Rolla Records where Steve Newlin was working. He gave
me – er, uh – substantial discounts (a three-digit percentage discount
if you get my drift) on several CD’s.
That night, I went to see Steve’s
other band – Junebug Spade – play at the Capitol. They were cool! I’m now
waiting for the World Cup game between West Germany and Argentina. Should be
good!
MONDAY, JULY 9, 1990
The World Cup was won by West Germany
1-0. After all the hype, the actual game was kind of dull. The lone goal was
won by a penalty kick late in the game.
Good news from the work front. Gordon
Lawrence informed me that the recycling plan we submitted has been approved.
There are some minor details to be worked out, but the final plan looks like
it’ll happen. Cool biz!
MONDAY, JULY 16, 1990
Funny how things work out. The day
after Gordon approved our recycling plan, the University sent out a memo
announcing the formation of a recycling committee. Gordon has asked me to
become a member. Over the weekend, Leanne and I stayed at the Sheraton Oaks –
Novi. It was kinda fun. On Friday the 13th the Guilty Bystanders
played a live set at the Capitol Theater. (Our first live show in about 3
months.) Considering how long it’s been, it didn’t go too bad.
SUNDAY, JULY 22, 1990
It was kind of an exciting week
weather-wise. On Wednesday, a debris cloud from a tornado was spotted near
Torrey and Maple Roads – about a mile from our house I didn’t see it, though.
In other news, I went to the first
meeting of the Recycling Task Force. It’s amazing what we learned. For example,
the University of Michigan-Flint throws out 32 tons of high-grade paper per
year. That’s a lot of damned trees!!!
It looks as though we’ll have to cut
through a shitload of bureaucracy to get anything done, but we’ve got to start
somewhere.
Talk is cheap. Action is valuable.
Initiative is priceless.
FRIDAY, JULY 27, 1990 [Hyatt Regency Dearborn, Room 1141]
We’re spending the weekend here in
Dearborn since Leanne got a freebie Hyatt weekend from her travel agency job.
As opposed to most of our free hotel rooms, which offer views of heat vents or
parking lots, this room is on the 11th floor with a dramatic view of
the Detroit skyline in the distance. Not bad!!!
Still here at the Dearborn Hyatt. We spent the day at Greenfield Village & the Henry Ford Museum. I loved it! I’d write more but I’m tired, so I won’t. More later.
THURSDAY,
AUGUST 2, 1990
The big news today was the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. By the looks of things, I wouldn’t be too surprised if the U.S. gets entangled in this mess. Well, the Guilties played at the Hot Rock last night. It didn’t go too badly.
The big news today was the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. By the looks of things, I wouldn’t be too surprised if the U.S. gets entangled in this mess. Well, the Guilties played at the Hot Rock last night. It didn’t go too badly.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1990 [Seattle, WA]
Wow! Two vacations in one year!! The
flight out here wasn’t as bad as I’d expected. We went to the Space Needle
today. Not much else. We’re just going to relax for the rest of the day and get
used to the three-hour time difference. I’m not really sure what to think of
Seattle, but I’m glad we’re here. Starting tomorrow, we’ll really start
checking out the city. It’s currently 6:30p.m. Pacific Time (9:30 p.m.
Eastern). It seems strange to wake up in Flint and then spend the afternoon in
Seattle. This is kinda neat. We head back on Monday. Three days to have fun!
(P.S. – As [bad] luck would have it, New Kids on the Block is playing the
Kingdome. This city is full of stupid teenyboppers hyper about the show. I
swear that if I see one more New Kids T-shirt, I’ll puke!)
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1990 [Seattle, WA]
Our first full day in the Pacific
Northwest! The highlights today: a visit to the Seattle Science Center (big
& fun!) and a Ferry boat cruise around Puget Sound. We’re already used to
the time difference. More fun tomorrow!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1990 [Seattle, WA]
What a quick few days it has been in
Seattle. Yesterday, we went to the wonderful Seattle Aquarium, as well as
visiting Pike’s Place Market and various shops along the waterfront. Today, we
went to a giant flea market, rode the monorail and went downtown for a while.
Then a real surprise: there was a free concert in Seattle Center featuring the
Young Fresh Fellows!! Cool biz! Tomorrow, it’s another 4½ hour plane ride back
to Detroit, then a 20 minute flight back to Flint. On Tuesday, a very long day
at work and school (sigh). Oh, well, it was too good to last, but I’m glad it
happened!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1990
The last day of our Seattle trip was a
long one. Our flight out of Sea-Tac airport was fog bound for three hours,
causing us to miss our connecting flight out of Detroit. Leanne’s mom picked us
up at Detroit Metro.
I spent a busy four days at work getting
caught-up with my job.
Today, we practiced at my brother’s
house with our original drummer Dave Bosak. It sounds great!!!
The big news in this area is the
explosion of an oil tanker in Bay City. Smoke from the tanker Jupiter is
visible even from our apartment, covering the northern horizon. Tomorrow, it’s
back to work. (sigh) I’m already set for next weekend!!
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1990
Autumn is settling in. The trees are
just beginning to change colors – bright reds, oranges and yellows – as if to
compensate for the drab gray overcast sky.
Today is just a quiet weekend day –
spent getting my haircut, doing homework and trying to come up with song lyrics
– without much success. It’s hard to believe that writing songs used to be so
easy. Maybe when I get using the reel to reel 4-track tape machine things will
be easier.
In other news… add another point in
the disgust factor. Here at Maplebrook there’s a small playground with some
modest equipment for the kids to play on. Among the equipment is a slide that
the young kids like to play on. This morning, I noticed that the metal
handrails at the top of the ladder were bent and twisted around so that the
slide was no longer usable. The people who did it had to be older, since a
considerable amount of strength would have been needed to bend the bars.
All I can say is that I find this a
sickening example of stupid, mindless destruction and that the assholes
responsible should get a good swift kick in the ass.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 1990
Not much happened today. We went shopping, I
went to TV-28 to use the word processor to type-up a paper for the History of
Mass Communication class. I then paid a quick visit to my mom’s & my
grandma’s. All I’m likely to do tonight is watch television.
Last night, I heard what was likely to be one
of the final broadcasts of Radio Berlin International - the Voice of the German
Democratic Republic. They sounded kind of pessimistic about Wednesday’s
reunification… complaining about West German factories which bought-out East
German ones and closed them in order to wipe out competition. The next several
years will definitely be interesting ones as far as Europe is concerned.
You're a good writer, John.
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