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July 6, 2004

The past two weeks here in DC have been very eventful. I spent the Fourth of July with friends, highlighted by the best fireworks display I've ever seen on the National Mall. It is something that I'd highly recommend to everyone.

Work is going along ok...the work itself is tedious but it keeps me awake. I still chuckle whenever I send out an email with my official government address. Sadly, it won't exist in a few weeks, but just seeing @ed.gov at the end seems almost impossibly bizzare. The experience is well worth the time I've spent here. I was very relieved to find out, for example, that to do what I want to do I wouldn't have to try for the difficult Public Policy programs, but instead could focus on the more attainable (and less math intensive) Public Administration. Between the knowledge I've gained, the experience I've attained, and the new glowing addition to my resume, this has been a giant leap forward with regard to my future career. Add in the great time I'm having with all of my friends (albeit ones who I didn't really spend much time with at the beginning of the semester) and all in all this has been one of the best times of my life.

Other odds and ends before I get to the crux of this update...For those who haven't heard, there's a mouse that lives in my dorm. I don't feel like getting rid of the thing, so I'll buy a drink (once I'm 21) to anyone who comes up with the best name. This offer ends on Sunday the 11th, or if the exterminators come...I like the way the Phils are going: they seem to be getting healthy and really playing well. Here's hoping that continues past the all star break and beyond...I also like the Flyers acquisitions; Stevenson is a physical winger and Knuble could be a great asset to the Flyers. He had his share of fans in Boston last year...I'm not sure what to think of Edwards as Kerry's running mate. I don't generally pay much attention to the Vice Presidential candidate, so this whole Chaney/Edwards thing isn't going to do much for me.

Originally in this space, I was going to comment on the movies I've seen this summer. However, one movie (and it's obvious which one) deserves more attention. Thus, I'll talk about that one in more depth on another page. Here, now, is how I'd rank the movies I've seen (in reverse order):

6. The Stepford Wives:
We start with a movie that is actually pretty solid. This movie, during a normal viewing session, would probably be around the middle of the pack. However, I haven't really been disappointed by any movie I've seen, and thus this takes the mantle of last place. It's funny, the acting is decent (though nothing special) and while the plot has holes it has elements that should keep most people interested. I doubt the gags would work more than once, but if nothing else Christopher Walken and Jon Lovitz make this movie worth seeing.
6/10

5.The Terminal:
Again, a movie that's a victim of the good crop of films. This is a Tom Hanks movie...the rest of the cast is there so that he has something to interact with. Generally speaking, I prefer ensemble casts, but this is at least relatively well done. The ending left something to be desired, and at times the movie seems to get repetitive. Hanks and Tucci make this movie worthwhile, but its nothing remarkable.
7/10

4. Shrek 2:
The first of two sequels on this list. It doesn't lose the humorous tone of the first movie, but it's different in a lot of ways. Some people will prefer the first, others will prefer the sequel. Both films stand on their own as good to very good movies. I'll take the original, but I also really like this.
8/10

2 Spider-Man 2 and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind:
Both of these movies, in most other years, would be at or near the top of the list. They're different in many ways, yet each is very well done on it's scale. Spider-Man is of course a summer blockbuster, while Sunshine is a lower budget film. The men behind the visions of these films (Sam Raimi and Charlie Kaufman) are two of my favorite people in showbusiness. If their names are on something, I'll at least give it a shot. Each uses their style to their advantage (see the tentacle attacks that eerily resemble the floating evil from the Evil Dead movies and the scenes inside the mind of Jim Carey). Each movie bore the mark of its visionary force. There are similarities: the acting, storyline, and final result of each film is nothing short of excellent work (also, both have Kirsten Dunst, who acts well and looks great). Neither, however, would win a best picture award. That's not my standard, but it just says that there are certain flaws in these movies that would prevent such an award. Both have a message, but the message itself can get lost. Which brings us to...
9/10

1. Farenheit 9/11:
My Take on Farenheit 9/11

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June 20, 2004

It's been three weeks since I came down to Washington. Overall, I am absolutely enjoying myself. The things that I wrote in the last entry are still pretty much true. There is, however, a different feel about the entire thing. The novelty of the program and the experience has worn off. The surreal nature of the whole thing is still there though. I'm up every day, at my desk by 8:30 am, and I'm there until five. I have a government ID and email address now. It is, to an extent, the real world. Yet, I still don't feel like I should be a part of it. Is it that I'm not ready for it? I don't think so, though that could be the case. I guess I still think of myself as I was when I was 15. Maybe that's why I still feel weird being responsible and sociable...I hold this outdated vision of myself that perpetuates the stereotypes I have for myself. It's comforting, in a way, because a person who isn't sociable doesn't have to worry about the consequences of dealing with people.

Enough of that for now. Time for random thoughts...While I may be enjoying myself this summer, there are those who, for one reason or another, aren't. To those, I say that the bad times, like the good times, don't last forever. The more distance (i.e. time) you put between yourself and the thing that caused you pain, the weaker the pain gets...I'm looking for a picture to put on the front page of the site, but I don't particularly want it to be mine. I knew I needed to change the pic from Brak, but the page looks empty without something else there. Suggestions are welcome...For those who may be wondering, I did not attend any of the Reagan ceremonies. It's always sad when someone of his stature goes, even when its someone whose policies were not in line with my own...Speaking of which, I'm finding it hard to come up with a decent middle ground while having political discussions. I don't want to yell and scream, nor do I want to make myself look like a bigger idiot than I already am. At the same time, I tend to overcompensate for this by not sharing my opinion at all. Yet another thing I'll have to work on I guess...I'll end with this final thought: They always say beggars can't be choosers, and that's true. What happens, then, when you present the beggar with a choice? Or, alternatively, what happens when the beggar thinks there's a choice, even when it's not really there? Can the beggar comprehend the situation enough to make a decision, or will it cause the beggar to scoff, thinking it a cosmic joke, and not take either? Just musing, really.

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June 6, 2004

I've been in D.C. for a week now. This past week has been such a trip it makes me wonder what the next two months are really going to be like (and if I'll be able to keep up).

I guess the place to start would be my internship. Working for the Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education (hereafter referred to as FIPSE because I'm too damn lazy to type out the whole thing) has been awesome. To start, the people in the office have treated both me and Collin (the other AU intern) not just as people as opposed to interns, but almost as if we were actual employees. Everyone there has gone out of their way to make us feel welcome, from bringing donuts to eating lunch with us to offering suggestions as to the best places to get a drink in DC (and me only 2 1/2 months until I turn 21!).

In turn, we're doing work for them. Even the work, though, is a sign of relative respect, as it's not just a "coffee and copy" internship. Instead, we deal with the grants themselves, entering them into databases (which, while not the most interesting job in the world, allows us to see firsthand the types of projects they fund). Later we'll be helping to set up a conference, helping with evaluations, and even providing suggestions as to where they should look to use their funds over the next ten years. There will be lots of work, but thankfully very little "busy work."

What has absolutely made this endeavor worthwhile, though, are the other interns. I normally don't even start meeting new people until I've settled in and gotten comfortable with my surroundings. Yet, between the people I've met from my seminar (Bochet, Jana, et al) and the people I've met from just being in my dorm (my roommate Steve, Rachel, JJ, Natalie, Matt, and Emily), I've been surrounded by awesome people who are always up for a good time. If these two months are anything like the first week was, it will be because they continue to be the cool people they are.

This is already getting longwinded, so I'll stop here. Needless to say I'm pissed about the Flyers and Smarty Jones, but I think it'll be alright in the end...whatever that end may be. To those of you who may be stopping in DC this summer, just let me know. I'd love to see you guys. If not, drop me a line and let me know how things are going. Ideally I'll update this about once a week for those who I may not see online that often, so we'll see how it goes. Needless to say though, there should be plenty to write about.

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May 6, 2004

It's finals week, meaning that my junior year is almost over. It's amazing how much things change over the course of nine months. This year was as great as I was hoping it would be, but for completely different reasons than I anticipated. I lost a lot over the past year, such as my dog Christy, my computer, as well as several friendships. Yet, I've gained new friends and have a better sense of belonging than ever before. To those that made all this possible: thank you.

It's a little over three weeks until I leave for D.C. I don't know how this will turn out, but I do know that it is an important step for me in my life. An internship at the Department of Education is a big deal, even more so when it's taken into account that it may be what I wind up doing with my life. Hopefully, everything will turn out well.

On to lighter matters. I was 6-2 in the first round of NHL predictions, including 4-0 in the West. In the second round, I was either 3-1 or 2-2 depending on when I talked to you. I kept changing my pick between Calgary and Detroit, though since my first inclination was toward Calgary I think that says something. As such, I'm taking my 9-3 record into the conference finals.

San Jose Sharks vs. Calgary Flames

With Detroit, Dallas, and Colorado gone, the star power is quite limited in this West final. It would be a mistake, however, to think that the quality of play will suffer because of it. Both San Jose and Calgary have been excellent for most of the year. The Sharks are led by Evgeni Nabokov, their excellent goaltender, and Patrick Marleau. The Flames are led by All Star Jarome Iginla and goalie Mikka Kiprusoff. Calgary almost reminds me of the Flyers back in 1995: they have one powerful scoring line with a hot rising star and three lines of guys who work hard. There were two reasons that '95 team didn't go to the finals: poor goaltending and a Devils team that was superb defensively. While San Jose is very good defensively, they're not New Jersey. Kiprusoff in '04 is better than the '95 version of Ron Hextall. So, as good as San Jose is, I think we'll see a Canadian team playing in the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since Vancouver in 1994.

PREDICTION: Calgary in 6

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Philadelphia Flyers

I'll admit it's hard to be unbiased about this match. At the same time, my affinity for the Flyers is balanced by the knowledge that the Flyers didn't win a single game against Tampa this year. However, the team that lost those games is not the same team that will take the ice on Saturday. Esche is healthy, Zhamnov has arguably been the team's best player since he was acquired, and Primeau has been playing out of his mind since the playoffs began. Tampa, for it's part, boasts a slew of young, fast scorers like LeCalvailler and St. Louis, as well as a hot goalie in Nikolai Khabbibulin. However, Tampa has been playing against significantly weaker competition than the Flyers, not to mention that they are coming off of eight days of rest. I really think the Flyers need to at least split the first two games in Tampa to win the series. The fans have made it impossible for visiting teams to win in Philadelphia. If the Flyers can come home with a win under their belt, Tampa is in real trouble. This is not to take away from the fans on Long Island or in Montreal, but the atmosphere in Philly is the best it's been since 1987 (so I've heard). If the Lightning play their game, can outskate the Flyers and keep them away from Khabibulin, Tampa advances. If the Flyers jump on Tampa early, crash the net, and take advantage of the games they play at home, they advance. Either scenario is as likely as the other. In the end, the most consistant goalie the Flyers have had since the early days of Hextall will bring them through.

PREDICTION:: Flyers in 6

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April 6, 2004

Apologies for the last "commentary" that I attempted last week. It was a good idea, but would have taken way too long. If my past is of interest to you (and if you're here you're someone who I know) just ask. I'll tell you anything you want to know.

I went to Citizen's Bank Park, new home of the Phillies. If you have even the SLIGHTEST interest in baseball, make a trip there a high priority. The stadium combines Philadelphia culture (Geno's and Tony Luke's Steaks, view of the skyline, liberty bell in right), excellent architecture (good seats at all points in the park, ability to see the game from the concourse, no matter where you are), and great ballpark features (open bullpen right near the seats, wall of fame, real grass, etc). Just great stuff all around.

I know these are a few days late, but some brief, most likely inaccurate predictions on the baseball season:

Division Winners: Phillies, Cubs, Padres, Red Sox, Royals, Angels
Wild Cards: Marlins, Yankees
World Series: Red Sox over Phillies

Yeah...I said it. It sucks, but that's what I think will happen. The Phils will beat the Cubs for the NL and the Sox will beat (who else) the Yankees. I think the Phils are still a year away from being able to win it all. Barring disaster, that's likely going to be my pick next year.

While we're on the subject of predictions...

NHL First Round:
NEW YORK over Tampa (7 games): The upset of the first round, the Isles take advantage of Khabibulin to move on.

BOSTON over Montreal (5 games): Thornton may be out, but Boston's scoring touch is better than Montreal's, and Raycroft will shut down the Canadiens.

FLYERS over New Jersey (6 games): The curse is broken as Scott Stevens's injury is too much for the Devils to overcome.

TORONTO over Ottowa (7 games): Definition of a "pick 'em" series. Either of these teams could win. When in doubt, go with home ice.

DETROIT over Nashville (6 games): Nashville is going to be a bigger challenge than people expect, especially with Detroit's shaky goaltending situation. Still, it won't be enough to stop the Red Wings from advancing.

SAN JOSE over St. Louis (6 games): St. Louis is a team in transition. I don't really trust them at this stage. San Jose is a good, solid team that will give their second round opponent hell.

CALGARY over Vancouver (5 games): Vancouver has lost it's best player (Todd Bertuzzi) to suspension for the entirety of the playoffs and has a goaltender (Cloutier) that has little to no post season success under his belt. Jarome Iginla and Mikka Kiprusoff take Calgary through in the upset of the West.

COLORADO over Dallas (6 Games): Dallas is dangerous, especially with Turco in net. The Avs, though, have more scorers than anyone in the league and enough goaltending to pull through.

For more predictions, go to the ESPN website for experts as well as the websites of my friend Matt and for more amateur analysis. Comment on this entry: 0 Comments



February 17, 2004

I'm probably going to get in trouble for this. I rarely act without first giving myself time to calm down or at least talking with people first, but the more I think about it I need to get this off my chest.

This entry is a tale of two people. These two people have little in common, save for the fact that this entry is meant to say goodbye to them both:

The first person I didn't know all that well. Even now, after having known her as more than a face in the crowd for a few months, I know I'm not as well equipped to write something about who she is or why she left. That task is better left to someone who knew her better. The fact is, though, that her leaving Penn State caught me off guard. It was rather sudden and unexpected and thus somewhat disorienting to hear. She had the same semester standing as I did, and to be honest I know I personally could get through just about anything knowing I only have a year left. However, my circumstances are not hers. She obviously felt it was time for a change and was confident enough to make it.

The second person is someone who has been an integral part of my life for a little over four years. One of my closest friends, she was there for me when I needed her most and I did my best to be there for her as well.

Over the last few months, however, things have changed between us. Things were always awkward after our relationship ended, but as I said before, she was there when she had to be. As she went to college, became closer to her boyfriend (one could even say to the detriment of her personality) and found new friends, it was obvious that the friends she had in high school were quickly fading into the background. This in and of itself is understandable. People change, which sometimes means people grow apart.

I guess it just hit me the last night before I came back to Penn State, when I came to pick up something she had of mine, that I was next on the list to be forgotten. When someone you dub your "best friend" comes by to see you before they leave for two months, it's generally a good thing to talk to them, be social, and then say goodbye. Instead, what I got was equal parts apathy and contempt, as if I wasn't welcome. Granted, she had her boyfriend and a few friends over, but it's not like I was dropping in unannounced or that she wasn't aware I was coming. In fact, this little visit had been postponed a week prior to this. Still, while her boyfriend was hospitable and social, she remained on the sofa, neither making eye contact nor the slightest effort to appear happy to see me.

If this was all, I'd be ok with it. Like I said, people grow apart, and that's ok. In this specific instance, however, I have a serious problem with this. For someone who led me on for six months because she couldn't own up to the fact that she never liked me that way in the first place, asked me to lie or hide things from her friends (including boyfriends) and family, and for someone who would constantly make plans and never follow through with them to treat me like this is absurd. For too long I've hidden things from others so she could escape consequences for her actions. For too long I let her treat me however she wanted just because she was there sporadically. What I learned last semester, something I should have known all along, was that real friends are always there. Friends are honest with each other. I guess in that sense we were never friends, and saying goodbye to her is but a formality, inevitable all these years.

Why did I group these together? Both realized that there was a change to be made in their lives. Both set out to adjust to their new vision of what they should be. The big difference, though, is that one achieved it by being honest with themselves and others, carrying themselves with dignity and class. The other lied, exhibiting classlessness and a fundamental allergy towards honesty. I hold a lot of respect for those who can deal with themselves and others honestly. I hold little to none for those who can't. To Val: I hope these times find you better than when you decided to leave. May you find happiness in your true path, whatever it may be. To Kelli: I hope I'm wrong. If I am, prove it. Otherwise, since you obviously have better things to attend to, don't let me stand in your way.

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January 27, 2004

Happy 2004 everyone! Granted it's a month late but hey, I got around to it.

I was going to write this about a couple of different things. At first, I was gonna write a review of last semester and a preview of this one, but I decided I didn't care enough to do that. Then I was going to write about Thanksgiving and Christmas, but other than a little obnoxiousness at Thanksgiving not much really happened. Then I was going to write about the Eagles...well, we're not getting into that. It's just a shame that a bunch of moonshine swilling, NASCAR watching hicks are going to Houston (not for a car rally this time mind you, but for the Super Bowl)instead of a set of fans that deserve it. No, I'm not bitter in the slightest...

Instead, this will be about two relatively major happenings over the last week or so. First, in a move that shocked even me when I decided to do it, I am now the President of the International Languages House. Keep in mind it's a lot less impressive it than it sounds. In and of itself all it means is that I run the meetings. Still, it IS an important task, one that I feel I am up to. No matter how much joking I do about the fact that it was an uncontested nomination (it was) and how much I will turn into a tyrant because of this (I won't), I will take this very seriously. Krissy, our former President (and current Secretary) did an excellent job. However, I think there's more to be done. It'll be my job to see that it happens. In the coming weeks, I'll be advertising ILH events on the website. So, if anyone who goes to PSU or is planning on coming up wants to help an old friend out, attending an event or two would really help out.

The other bit of news is my surprising acceptance into the American University's Washington Summer Semester Program. I say surprising because even though I received a pamphlet from AU back around November, their program wasn't really on my radar screen until Winter Break. Before then, my summer plans hoped to include an internship at the Philadelphia School District, but backup plans (i.e. low paying summer jobs) were also being considered. To be honest, I didn't think I'd qualify for the program, as my GPA was only around 2.5 (now it's 2.75). PSU has a similar program that requires a 3.0, so I figured this program would be the same. Upon encouragement from my family, I looked into it anyway. When I saw the requirements, I knew I would have a decent shot at getting in.

The AU program is structured around a full time internship in Washington D.C. Before anyone asks...I don't know where I'm interning or what I'll be doing yet. I'll post it here when I find out. The internship is, of course, non paying. That's not really a concern right now as it's more about gaining experience. In addition to this internship, we're also required to take a once a week seminar worth three credits. So, I get closer to my degree and get a D.C. internship, all the while spending two months in a major city where I'll have nights and weekends to explore nightlife. Meanwhile, I'll have a month before and after to relax and spend time with friends. This program is, quite simply, the best case scenario for my summer.

Some other random thoughts: Now that the Eagles are done, the Sixers finally got so injured they're no longer capable of competing, and the Flyers are mired in the doldrums of the regular season, attention can now turn to baseball. It's less than a month until Spring Training starts and I have to say I'm pleased with the team as it stands now. Though the Phillies lost out on Schilling, getting Millwood and Eric Milton to fill out the rotation was a great move by GM Ed Wade. This rotation will be tough to beat, as it boasts four 15 game winners. The only one who has yet to reach that plateau, Myers, is considered by some to be the best of the bunch. The bullpen didn't shake out as expected, as Plesac retired and Adams went to the Toronto, but in acquiring Tim Worrell and Roberto Hernandez to set up Wagner the Phils put together a really solid mix of relievers. For their bench, they brought in Shawn Wooten from the Angels. A power bat who can back up Thome at first, Wooten fills every last need the Phillies had. In addition, bringing back Doug Glanville creates some options for Bowa in pinch hitting and lights a fire under Michaels, Ledee, and the other backup outfielders. Quite simply, this team will be awesome this coming year. I can't wait...Back in September, when a whole bunch of bad stuff happened within a week, I questioned whether or not this year would produce anything positive. My situation may not be perfect right now, but things are definitely looking up.

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