|
[Friday
September 11th] |
|
Today is my sister's second day of high school. When she came home yesterday, she talked about how much she really liked high school as compared to elementary school. She's on the junior varsity soccer team and already got invited to a bon fire on the beach outside of her school. Silently I thought about how schools, jobs and relationships are pretty much the same; on the first day, everyone is on their best behavior, but by the time things are over, the two parties can't stand one another. This is the best it's going to be, I thought. I'm sure my sister will figure that out.
Eight years ago today was also my second day of high school. I'd have to believe that most people don't remember their second day of high school, but given the events of September 11th, 2001, I think my circumstances are a little bit different.
|
|
|
[Sunday
July 12th] |
|
I used to post a lot of pictures in this journal. If you miss them, go to one of my many other social networking venues.
edit:
So, except for following one community (which I am no longer a member of in real life) this journal is all but extinct. It's been pretty real, LJ. Maybe we'll get coffee sometime?
|
|
|
[Sunday
May 31st] |
Dear G Train,
I know, I've been seeing your friends F and E on a more regular basis, and it's not that they're better than you, but they have what I need. They go out to the city with me and don't care what time I come home. But you, you were my old standby. That's what makes this so hard.
We go back a long way, you and I. Remember when I was twelve and we went to the mall for the first time? That was great, wasn't it? Or that time I got stranded in Brooklyn when I was sixteen and my only beacon of hope was your illuminated green logo? It was magical.
But things changed when you moved out of Forest Hills.
You got too hip for your old digs and started catering exclusively to those Brooklynites. Sure, they're your bread and butter, but Queens was your heart and soul, baby. Every hipster from Greenpoint to Park Slope would rag on you, but I stood by you, G train--they didn't know you like I did, or so I thought.
The past day was the last straw, sweetheart. I thought we could pick things up where they left off, but you dropped the ball big time. All I needed was a few hours of your time to get me through Brooklyn and all you did was laugh at me. Fifteen minute wait at Court Square. Twenty minute wait at Smith/9th. And then, like a slap in the face, a thirty five minute wait at Nassau this morning. And then, to top it off, you have E clean up your mess and go local from Roosevelt to Forest Hills--that's just icy.
I don't know what to do with you. You're my link to second favorite borough but you just make it so hard to love you. You're dirty, you smell funny, you're continuously late and, frankly, you move like molasses, but I miss you.
Please, lets not fight anymore. I know you're never coming back to Queens, but...I still want to see you. Just don't make me regret it.
With much love and sorrow,
Al Rossin.
|
|
|
[Friday
April 3rd] |
|
Today, my last.fm account is exactly three years old and in that time I have listened to approximately 55,540 songs on my iTunes. That's approximately 50 songs a day for three years, not including things that aren't scrobbled onto last.fm.
THAT'S. CRAZY.
|
|
| 2008 was like a box of chocolates. I ate the ones I liked and hoped someone else ate the others. |
[Monday
December 29th] |
I really can't list a lot of things like I did in years past because so many things kind of melt together and I really can't remember when exactly they happened. The winter was full of going to the city to intern, working on my senior project and generally being an asshole to people. Something had to give, and it did during and soon after Culture Shock.
That next month leading up to the summer was just a TASTE of what the summer had in store. Topless nights in Armonk? Check. Staying up to all hours drunk with Cole and Kelly? Check. Generally having an amazing time? Check.
The summer got off to a bumpy start with the death of a friend that I wasn't very close to, but her passing affected many of the people living around me that summer. It brought all of us together and really set the stage for the summer in a strange way; really shitty lows, totally amazing highs, sometimes happening at the same time. The friendships I built this past summer were incredible--no words can really describe how wonderful these people are.
Really, all of the friendships I have right now are really fantastic and I really admire and love the people in my life. I think 2008 was the year of building/changing relationships for me more than anything else. I guess that really characterizes the year, also since the relationships we have with people are always changing, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, sometimes because they have to.
It's hard to imagine what next year will be like. I really have very few scholastic responsibilities left as my senior project is finished and submitted. Who knows where all of my friends will be? Who knows where I'll be this time next year? All I can hope for is my health and some moderate prosperity.
|
|
|
[Sunday
November 30th] |
| [ |
mood |
| |
 quixotic |
] |
| [ |
music |
| |
Caetano Veloso |
] |
My senior project is about 3/4 done now. I have about 10 pages to write in the next...thirty some-odd hours. I have a lot of work to complete by the end of the semester for other classes, as well. Regardless, I've already planned to throw a party this Friday. A celebration/goddamnit party.
Thanksgiving went off without incident, which was a pleasant surprise. I like being at home, but I can already see that I'm going to be wrangled into doing something construction-wise with my dad during the break. I'm going to find an internship/job that will keep me busy. I need to.
BACK TO WORK.
|
|
|
[Wednesday
November 12th] |
taken from K-Hulk
If you saw me in a police car, what would you think I got arrested for? Answer me, then post to your own journal (if you want to) and see how many crimes you get accused of.
|
|
|
[Monday
November 10th] |
I just registered for my last semester of undergraduate classes.
I am old.
|
|
| Be Good and Do Good |
[Tuesday
September 30th] |
For the last month or so, I've been in a real funk. It started with seeing many friends leave, in both physical and mental terms, and having to deal with that was especially hard. Then, I noticed a shift in a lot of things and was extra "not really around." The people I was meeting, while nice enough, and, in all honesty, will probably turn out to be good friends, were merely superficial. You can only ask the easy questions so many times before you start hating yourself. "So where are you from? How's school? How are you roommates this year? What's that like?" It was just frustrating to switch from almost a year of being around people who genuinely knew you (friends, roommates, significant others, etc) to be not only living with people you barely know you, but to also be separated from those who do.
It all really culminated yesterday. I'd had an especially rough night and was feeling awful. Not just about the night, but about how things are and especially how things used to be. All the bad things I'd done or said were haunting me. I couldn't sleep because anytime I did, my dreams were of my closest friends crying, so I'd just wake up. It was genuinely awful.
We had an in-service meeting later in the day which I was especially not looking forward to. But, as if someone cued it, we started playing this game. It was pretty simple: the moderator would pick out 10 people and the rest of the people would sit with their eyes closed and their heads down. Then, the moderator would tell the 10 people to tap the people who, for instance, make them laugh. They'd then go around and tap whoever they felt made them laugh and it'd be anonymous. However, some of the questions were a little more...powerful, I guess? There were some that asked to tap the person who you felt made you a better person, or someone who you care about, but they probably don't know it, or someone who makes you like you belong. With the state I was in, I scoffed at each one--"yeah, whoever taps me is a fucking idiot." But when they would tap me, it sort of unfroze this awful block I was in. It's corny, but for the time, it was the best thing that could have happened.
Later on in the night, my dad called me and we talked for a bit. I think he heard in my voice that something was up, and in his very dad way, he said, "Alright, I'm gonna get going, but remember, Al. Be good and do good." And that's when it hit me.
As awful as you may have been or been treated, it's the past and unchangeable. The most we can do is go out everyday and appreciate the good we see and reciprocate the same.
And you know, I feel better already.
|
|
|
[Sunday
September 14th] |
Today, well, tonight, rather, was one of those nights that really helped put some things in perspective that I never really thought about. Well, that's not true. I think about a lot of things. I don't talk about a lot of things that I think about, though.
For the past three months or so, it's felt as if there's been a clock ticking away. I can't tell it to stop or buy anymore time. Come the middle of May, about 8 months from now, my life at Purchase College ends and...then what? I look around at everything now and think, "This is only temporary." It's such an awful way of going about life. Temporary. Uncertain.
I feel that a lot of people have been very sad recently. Not the sobbing, moaning sad, but the kind of every-day sad that peeks through every so often to remind you that it's there. I think, more than anything, we all want to be loved and when we don't get the love we think we deserve or desire, we get sad or angry or both. Sometimes the sadness and anger consumes us to the point that we forget about the love we yearn for and we're just bitter. And then that makes the people who really do love you sad. And so on.
|
|
|
[Tuesday
August 12th] |
some images
|
|
| summer so far |
[Wednesday
June 11th] |
me: do you know what cole is up to today?
k-hulk: b&b
bioshock & buttsex
|
|
|
[Tuesday
May 27th] |
Mother Nature needs to figure out what the fuck she wants. This time last week, I was wearing a hooded sweatshirt to sleep and this morning I put in my air conditioner. This isn't normal.
Last night there was a pretty sweet vegan BBQ (yeah, I know) in Nyack, right on the water. Definitely the highlight of this past weekend which, in most respects, was pretty boring.
Right now I'm at the bookstore, working hard!, and the fire alarm has been going off for about an hour. The fire-strobe-lights in addition to the Madonna playing on the radio makes me want to throw up.
I'm on duty tonight from 8-12 and need to find something to occupy my time with. Thursday I'm covering a four hour shift at the office. That's 12 hours in J-2-1 this week. If only we got paid an hourly rate!
|
|
|
[Wednesday
May 21st] |
I'm 21 today.
When the hell did that happen, by the way?
I also got straight A's this semester. I honestly have no idea how I pulled that off, seeing as I'm probably one of the worst students ever in terms of attendance and actually paying attention.
There's actually a lot going on right now that I can't fully comprehend. Maybe I will soon.
|
|
|
[Thursday
May 1st] |
Yesterday (Tuesday), I had to travel up to Stamford, Connecticut to drop off tapes to A&E. I never want to go back. Luckily, GTA 4 was waiting at home for me. I've already spent 8 hours playing it over the past 2 nights. Thankfully, my 8 page Western final paper was due this evening, so it's smooth sailing until next weekend when I'll have to crap out a final 5 page philosophy and film paper.
So yeah.
|
|
|
[Sunday
January 6th] |
Review 1/4
I Am Legend
Will Smith
Dir. Francis Lawrence
I Am Legend is the newest adaptation of Richard Matheson's novel of the same name. Two past versions, The Last Man on Earth, starring Vincent Price and Omega Man starring Charlton Heston, have become cult classics in many respects, mainly due to their somewhat lovable campiness. That feeling of I-know-this-is-cheesy-but-let's-go-with-it was replaced with an utter sense of seriousness that, I feel, totally destroys the movie. No, it wasn't the horribly CGI'd vampires or the Bob Marley speech or reciting Shrek; Legend fails to remember its roots as a campy vampire story where the protagonist hangs garlic to defend his house and tries to be something it isn't--a serious, somewhat cautionary tale. Will Smith isn't believable as a top Army scientist, which begs the question, "How come he couldn't figure out a cure after three years of being completely alone if he's a top scientist?" Overall, Legend is a schmaltzy, overreaching dud that seems to have too many people fooled into believing that it's a good film.
C-
|
|
| January |
[Thursday
January 3rd] |
| [ |
music |
| |
Radiohead-Nude |
] |
I really haven't done a full-fledged update in a long time and I've found a nice chunk of time to fill.
I guess I left off in November with news about graduating early. At this point, I've decided to stick around Purchase for my entire 4th year, get some internships, finish my Senior Project over the course of three semesters rather than two and graduate in Spring of 2009. Studying abroad was just way too expensive and considering that most of the places I wanted to go had strong currencies, I would have been screwed. This upcoming semester, I'm slated to intern with Joe to create the reel-life videos for school and I have an interview scheduled with KPI, a non-fiction production house that makes cable specials (http://www.kpitv.com/home.htm).
My dad's surgery in October went well. A 15 lb fatty tumor was removed from his chest. Over the course of...a really long time, it had collapsed a lung and put a lot of pressure on other organs. Amazingly, none of these things were apparent--my dad's blood-oxygen levels were fantastic and he didn't experience any pain worth noting. The cut is long and he says it hurts, but I'm glad everything went well.
The apartment had a big shakeup at the end of the semester when both Chuck and his BFF Nicole were both thrown out of the Design Tech Program. It was a shock to everyone, more so in Chuck's case, considering he was a Junior and really good at Costume Design. I'm not sure what he's up to now, but I'll check in within a few weeks. I don't know the status of our vacancy, but we've requested a friend of Pam's, a former RA, Gilbert.
Christmas was pretty decent. New Years was uneventful. Break has been ok.
My mom gave me some old 8mm movies of her family and a viewer. It's a really cool find and I want to use the footage for my Senior Project. I'll just have to convert it to a digital format, which I think I can do kind of easily or just send it out. I love the feel of the film and I can see how editing by hand could get totally addicting.
I guess that's really all for now.
|
|
|
[Tuesday
January 1st] |
01. What did you do in 2007 that you'd never done before?
Made real videos, lived in an apartment..
02. Did you keep your new years' resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I hate this question.
03. Did someone close to you give birth?
not to my knowledge
04. Did anyone close to you die?
Nope, thankfully
05. What countries did you visit?
Not Italy, that's for sure.
06. What would you like to have in 2008 that you lacked in 2007?
I'd really like to have a job/internship focused around cinema because I need some more experience.
07. What date from 2007 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
December 21st because that's the day the semester from hell ended.
08. What was your biggest achievement(s) of the year?
I'd have to say not (completely) cracking under the pressure of school, life, family etc.
09. What was your biggest failure(s)?
I really wish my summer job would've been better, but that's not exactly my failure. I don't really know.
10. Did you suffer from any illnesses or injuries?
No, mostly common colds and mild insanity.
11. What was the best thing you bought?
My camera and a new external harddrive
12. Whose behaviour merited celebration?
My dad's. Although he's generally crazy and dramatic, considering what he went through, he hasn't missed a beat.
13. Whose behaviour made you appalled and depressed?
Sometimes my own. Appalled and depressed is a strong description, but I wasn't impressed with the way certain things were handled at school or with my dad's surgery. A lot of people suck these days.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Groceries/food and gadgety stuff.
16. What song will always remind you of 2007?
Justice's D.A.N.C.E or the entire album Hissing Fauna Are You the Destroyer?
17. Compared to this time last year, are you
i. older or younger? Um... Older, naturally.
ii. thinner or fatter? at this point, probably the same, though I was thinner during the summer.
iii. richer or poorer? about the same in terms of money in my bank account, but I earned a lot more this year
18. What do you wish you'd done more of?
more personal work rather than schoolwork
19. What do you wish you'd done less of?
Spending money
20. How will you be spending Christmas?
I dont know what I'm doing tomorrow. But probably stressing over Senior Project
22. Did you fall in love in 2007?
I've been in love for quite some time.
23. How many one-night stands?
24. Favorite TV program?
I watched a lot of sports this year, but I also watched Dexter.
25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year?
Umm..I dont think I have any new enemies.
26. What was the best book you read?
The Road was really good.
27. What was your greatest musical discovery?
Probably Justice. The show was so great. Although, I'd say the biggest rediscovery was Daft Punk.
28. What did you want and get?
A good GPA, a camera and equipment.
29. What did you want and not get?
HEAT IN MY MOTHERFUCKING LIVING ROOM
30. Favourite film of this year?
No Country for Old Men was really fantastic, Juno was enjoyable and I watched a lot of cool french movies.
31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I turned 20 and...I think moved back home? Nothing noteworthy, as usual.
32.What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
Not being so stressed out. But I think I run on stress. Which is fucking retarded.
33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2007?
jeans and a t-shirt.
34. What kept you sane?
Cole and Madden with Rob
35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
hmm...I'm not sure.
36. What political issue stirred you the most?
I think this whole thing in Pakistan is pretty crazy.
37. Whom do you miss?
I miss seeing Rusty, Tom, Kris, and Brian all the time. I'm probably going to miss Chuck a lot, too.
38. Who was the best new person you met?
I think becoming really good friends with Cole, Rob and Chuck was the best. I met a few great people on my staff as well.
39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2007:
Be thorough.
40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:
Work it harder make it better,
do it faster makes us stronger,
more than ever, hour after hour,
work is never over
A YEAR IN REVIEW
I can't really do a month by month breakdown because my memory, and livejournal, aren't up to the task.
here are some high and low points.
+Saw Of Montreal live
+Drunken Culture Shock
-Living in Big Haus
+/- Being 20
+Having a job during the summer
-The actual job and living arrangement
--My dad having to go into the hospital and canceling the vacation to Italy
+Getting a camera and equipment
++RA-Vue and the aftermath
+Living in K-1-1 with Chuck and Rob
-Living in K-1-1 with the extended family
+Girl Talk with Dan Deacon at Webster Hall
+Interpol live
-The city of Albany, NY
+Justice at Terminal 5
++Rusty's 21st with a keg and Hubba's
+/- "No Knock"
-The month of November
+Matoske taking down Cole
--Res Life Duty
+Midnight Madden Madness with Rob
+Rob's 21st Birthday
+Rob being 21
+Mad decent GPA
--Realizing I have only 4 months to hang with some really good friends
2008 should be interesting.
|
|
|
[Saturday
December 29th] |
HarpChick19:10:09:34 are they really winning by 12 to the PATRIOTS!
Alex Rossin: 10:09:54 i think i need a drink
HarpChick19: 10:09: 55 shit, i need another drink.
HarpChick19 10:10:03 HAHAHAHAHAHAH!~
|
|
|
[Monday
December 3rd] |
two things
|
|
|
[Thursday
November 15th] |
One of the first projects for my shooting/editing digital video class. Music; Daft Punk-Robot Rock
In other news, I may be going to China this summer? And then England in the fall? Maybe?
|
|
|
[Wednesday
August 15th] |
Got this badboy in the mail today:
Some accessories (tripod, case and 1 HDV tape) are on their way.
My family has upgraded to HDTV with the addition of two HD tvs since Sunday. My mom wanted a new TV in the kitchen/her work area because the tv that was there was this hulking mass of plastic that was just plain unsightly. So, we (my dad and I) went to costco and picked up a 20". It seems like 1/4 the size even though the screen is bigger. It's a nice tv and picks up the basic HD channels (2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13) really well. The shows on 13, which look great to begin with, look amazing now.
On Monday, my dad and I went back to costco and bought a 37" for the living room. We spent the entire day setting that up. It's nice, the picture is crisp and the widescreen makes such a difference.
Currently, I am taking the old kitchen tv (mainly because my past tv died and this one also has a built-in VCR, which is helpful because the Library has a lot of VHS-only movies. The old GIANT tv from the living room is now in my parents bedroom. Personally, I think it takes over the room, but hey, it's not my room.
My dad has been doing a lot better and says he has a lot more energy than before he went to the hospital. The blood clot in his leg seems to be clearing up very nicely, the as does the one in his chest. In a month or so they're gonna check his chest again to see if the fatty tumor taking up half his lung has gotten any bigger. Some doctors say they want to take it out anyway, some say not to because he's breathing fine and the tumor has probably been there a really long time. My dad doesnt want to do the surgery because, even though they say it won't be too difficult, he's still wary about getting his side open and someone scooping out fat from his chest. I would be, too. We'll have to see, though.
I move back up to Purchase on the 26th and I think this semester can be really great. I just hope my dad stays healthy. We're both starting an organic diet. Thank you, Trader Joe's. I want to keep this going up at school and also keeping a workout regimen with Joe. I think it'll be good for both of us. I briefly thought about vegetarianism, simply because meat is really expensive and red meat is pretty unhealthy to boot, but I think I want to balance out my diet before cutting something big like lots of protein out. I'm going to cut back on red meat and eventually ween myself down to poultry. I like chicken too much to give it up, really.
|
|
|
[Friday
August 3rd] |
I've already blown close to $200 on music/concerts. It's totally worth it.
Friday Sept 7- Editors/Biffy Clyro/Ra Ra Riot
Monday Sept 10- Interpol
Saturday Sept 15- Girl Talk/Dan Deacon/White Williams
Hopefully: October 20- Justice
woo.
|
|
|
[Wednesday
July 25th] |
After a pretty terrible past two days, it's been decided that we're not going to Italy.
Last weekend my dad was complaining of leg pain, so he went to to doctor. That same day, his left leg became really swollen. Monday, he went to go get x-rays on his leg and chest and in the x-ray, it showed that half of his left lung was "missing," presumeably from liquid accumulating in the lung. Today, he visited his doctor who told him that the swollen leg is probably due to a blood clot, but that an ultrasound is the only way to be sure. Sure enough, the ultrasound showed that there was limited blood flow in one of his veins. Later, we went to see a Pulmonary specialist to see what the deal with the lung was, but before he ran any tests, he had my dad admitted to the ER in North Shore because the blood clot could've become a serious problem. We sat in the waiting room for about 4 hours before he got seen. Around midnight, after a bunch of tests, it was tentatively ruled that my dad has a bunch of blood clots going around his body, the most troublesome being a saddle clot in his heart. Basically, it's a large blood clot that is going between two sides of his heart and can kill him if it were to dislodge and travel. They put him on some anticoagulants to help dissolve the clots, but if they don't work, heart surgery will be needed. Apparently, he was showing no signs of any of this. His doctor was saying that it was a God-send that he came in when he did.
I don't know what's going to happen now.
|
|
|
[Monday
July 23rd] |
I'm back home in Forest Hills, now.
My summer job was mostly lame, considering all I really did was make copies, file originals and deliver said copies to various people in the program. Most of the art was mediocre, even the Visual Arts Institute for High School Students, which is sad because this program was described as being "for serious artists." The main problem I seemed to hear a lot was that kids weren't engaged in their work. I understand that the summer is off time for most kids, but I can't comprehend why someone would pay thousands of dollars to send their children to art camp for them not to stay focused and screw around. Most TAs and instructors were told to employ as little discipline as possible. Rich Westchester Children + little/no discipline = Big trouble in little Purchase.
Job aside, the whole experience was still mostly dismal. Living with David gave the apartment situation some much needed help, but listening to a hip-hop beat on loop for 3 hours while no one is in the apartment but yourself (and ps, you're not the one playing it!) is a little bit ridiculous. So is a griddle pan with bacon grease (from the bacon you bought and that they cooked!) that stayed on the counter for 20+ days.
So now it's home time. My dad is having leg problems and is going for an MRI tomorrow. My mom is crazy as usual and my sister is becoming (if she hasn't gotten there already) a complete bitch.
I leave for Italy in 6 days. I only unpacked so that I can repack. And then I have to do the whole thing over again. Woo!
|
|
|
[Friday
July 13th] |
There are a lot of interesting things that happen to me on a daily basis, but in retrospect, I realize that no one else would really think they're interesting. For example, this student Julian--he's escorted to my office once a week by the same Teacher's Assistant. She always introduces him to me, although I already know his name is Julian because he's the only student that comes in as regularly as he does. Today, his left eye was irritated. Last week, he didn't feel well so he needed to call home--his mom told him to go back to the Shakespeare program. The first time, he stubbed his toe and needed an ice pack. He's 12 years old and wears t-shirts from bands that broke up years before he was born. His hair is floppy and his breath isn't fresh.
Yesterday in the bookstore, a few co-workers and I uncovered a number of thefts that our new supervisor Tina had been committing. Yesterday, she "returned" three books that were up on the counter--$116 straight into her pocket. Who knows how long or how many times she's already done this. Jay called our regional manager and Tina is on the cutting block. She'll be let go on Monday when our regional manager stops by for a visit. Also, I'm getting paid $8 per hour, which is 85 cents more that Barnes and Noble was paying me.
I officially have one week left at my summer job and I couldnt be happier.
|
|
|
[Tuesday
July 3rd] |
Dear parents of America's children (particularly those living in the Westchester/Connecticut region),
Stop making your kids into downright pussies.
After a week of working "First Aid" at a Youth Artist Camp (ages 7-18 in Shakespeare, Photography, Film, Theater, and Art), I've come to the sad realization that these kids are plain and simply wimps. Any scrape and/or bump requires a bandaid and/or icepack and/or mom and/or dad to pick-up and/or comfort their son and/or daughter. I'm sick and/or tired of it.
And your kids are fucking snots, too.
Sincerely,
Alexander M Rossin
|
|
|
[Sunday
June 17th] |
My past weekend was spent in Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, which is located in Bradford County, which is about thirty minutes from Binghamton, New York. It's a town of about 600 white, working class people. Main Street is home to the Wyalusing Hotel, an establishment that has been in business since 1894, and a few other small stores and political buildings such as the School Board and Chamber of Commerce. The Wyalusing Hotel also has the only bar that is open past 7pm. Last call is 1:30am. There are more insurance offices than there are restaurants and markets put together. A few years ago, the mayor dissolved the Wyalusing Police Department. Now, any police call made goes straight to the State Police barracks in Towanda, which is about 50 minutes away.
Along the highway, there is a gas station and a mini mall. Two years ago, a drug dealer practically set up shop outside the gas station and is now serving a long jail sentence. In the mini mall, there is a State-run wine and liquor store. The clerk of the store is an employee of the State of Pennsylvania, receives benefits and can detain someone inside the store if need be.
|
|
|
[Saturday
May 19th] |
So tonight is my last night at Purchase for about a month. It feels good knowing that by this time tomorrow, I'll be home and somewhat unpacked.
This week has been pretty crappy, mostly because of RA crap that really, really sucks. Otherwise, I'm doing fine.
Jesus, I turn 20 in 2 days.
|
|
|
[Tuesday
May 8th] |
So finally found a pocket of time in my life to dedicate to a LiveJournal entry. Recently, my time has been strictly regimented for optimal performance. Write 3 pages of a paper, take a nap for 3 hours, write 2 more pages, finish study guide, relax 1 hour, and so on, no matter what time it is. In that past week I've worked through the night and into the mid-morning about 3 or 4 times. Most of my afternoons have been dedicated to sleep, which is totally unhealthy, but will be changing soon. And by soon I mean Thursday. So that's soon.
After this week of hell, my life will be dedicated to the book store and Res Life. I won't be able to leave until Saturday, May 19th at 12:30pm because I'm on duty that morning. That's 4 days after regular residents leave. I guess it'll be time to relax and unwind by myself. I don't really know what awaits me at home, but I'm sure it'll involve work of some kind, especially with things vacation-related.
On June 23rd, I'll be moving back up to Purchase for a summer job with the Young Artists Camp. I'll be doing office work and a go-to person for TA's, parents and teachers. I didn't think it would be a big deal, but the job seems to bear a lot more responsibility that I'd expected. My Cinema Studies adviser and one of my (many) Res Life supervisors gave me "outstanding, great recommendations," so the woman who runs the program offered me the job instead of being a TA in the now defunct Young Photographers program. Chelsie and lot of my RA friends are going to be here over the summer doing other things, so when work lets out for the day, it'll be paarrtayy time.
Recently I've been listening to some happening tunes that I would like to share:
Man Man--Ridiculous! they're kind of like Tom Waits on speed.
The new Wilco album--really great to listen to on a warm, sunny day.
Ratatat--basically electronic, guitar/laptop remixes that are really chill.
TV on the Radio--really, really great band that came out of Purchase and is really inspired by Radiohead.
The Olivia Tremor Control--One of the electric 6 sweetheart groups that basically jammed for 7 years and came out with some really awesome stuff
of Montreal--I've been addicted to Hissing Fauna since I saw them in March. The B-sides are a lot like old of Montreal
Rodrigo y Gabriela--two mexican guitarists who used to produce metal albums but now do mexican-inspired acoustic work along with covers of famous rock songs like Stairway to Heaven and Orion.
The Benevento/Russo Duo--crazy ass electronic jazz group--one guy on drums, the other on a score of synths and soundboards
GirlTalk--laptop musician that takes practically every major hiphop song of the past 10 years and mashes them into a totally coherent and awesome album.
and as of today, Balkan Beatbox--two israeli guys who make some ridiculous beats and incorporate middle eastern/southestern europe instruments into crazy ass songs.
Also, some movies--
Underground by Emir Kusturica
Amator by Krzysztof Kieslowski
All the early short films by Roman Polanski (they can be found on the Knife in the Water 2-disc Criterion Collection DVD)
museums?
The Guggenheim has a show featuring some Robert Smithson, Carl Andre, Gordon Matta Clark, and Louise Bourgeois.
MoMA has a Jeff Wall show--great photos
The Met is featuring art from Barcelona, which includes Gaudi and Dali
The Neue is featuring a lot of Van Gogh and German Expressionists
BMA just opened a center for feminist art that features Judy Chicago's Dinner Party which is pretty impressive.
If you've got some time, head out to the Museum of the Moving image and catch a movie.
|
|
|
[Wednesday
April 4th] |
|
This afternoon, after not actually going to sleep until about 9am, I was awoken by a four year old jumping on my head, calling my name and pulling my hair. Needless to say, one of us is no longer living.
|
|
|
[Saturday
March 10th] |
Last night, I went to go see Of Monreal with Chelsie. The crowd was rude as fuck, the first band was terrible and I had back pains all night. But overall it was a good show.
Today, I had my RA/CA transfer interviews. They seemed to grill me pretty hard with 15+ questions about programming and upholding policy and I think I did alright. I'll find out Wednesday or Thursday, I suppose.
( of montreal )
|
|
|
[Tuesday
March 6th] |
I think this is going to be my first real post in over a month. I usually resort to this when I'm on RA duty for 4-5 hrs every so often, but I tend to find other things to do. Speaking of which, I'm on duty once this month which I definitely appreciate.
Recently, I've been pretty busy with schoolwork, as I expected. I have a Precalculus exam on Friday, which will be followed by Of Montreal in Irving Plaza for Chelsie's birthday. Their new album, Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? is on point and highly recommended. I got an A+ on my first Modern Art 2 exam, which is a definite improvement from last semester when I started off with a D-.
I've also been reading this obnoxious sci-fi book, Neuromancer for a class that I'm pretty sure is the bane of my existence. Computers and Culture meets on Tuesdays and Fridays at 8:30am, the professor hasn't been there for the past 3 classes, and when he is there, it's kind of like we just review the readings we had to do the night before and...that's about it. His quizzes are, for some reason, kind of difficult, but I've been doing alright.
I'm really enjoying my two cinema classes (Cin. Expression 2 and Eastern European Film). Cin Ex 2 is, in my opinion, a lot easier than last semester's Cin Ex 1 because I'm a lot more familiar with films from 1940-the present. Eastern European Cinema is pretty fascinating because I've hardly heard of many of the films that we're watching and they're all really good, so far. Plus, it's with a teacher that I've had for the past 3 semesters and we're on good terms.
Work at the bookstore is...alright. I recently had to sign a waiver saying that I wouldn't talk about the work environment and if I did, I would have to have a disclaimer saying that these views are my own and Barnes and Noble is a great company. I'll sum up my experience with this company with this; the only reason I got a raise of 15 cents was because the Federal Government said they had to give it to me.
I'm actually in the Transfer Process with Res Life right now because I'm looking to get into the Apartments for next year. I don't think I'll have a spectacularly hard time doing so because I had good scores in my peer evaluations, resident evaluations and supervisor evaluations.
For Spring Break, I'm heading out to Indiana, again. Who knows what I'll get myself into this time around.
|
|
|
[Sunday
February 11th] |
| You Are Most Like Bill Clinton | 
No doubt, your legacy may be a little seedier than you'd like.
But even though you've done some questionable things, you're still loved by almost all. |
|
|
| the email i just sent to my boss and fellow RA's |
[Thursday
February 1st] |
So after a fun night of Top Chef and Futurama, I came home to a used condom wrapped around my doorhandle and a chewed piece of gum smudged into my peep hole. Thank you Big Haus for ruining my night.
Sincerely,
Alex Rossin
|
|
|
[Wednesday
January 10th] |
|
HOLY SHIT IT'S ACTUALLY SNOWING
|
|
|
[Monday
January 8th] |
I've noticed that whenever I have to start doing work, I NEED to clean while listening to dated music.
Today's example: Sorting through packing slips to The Best of The Police while I should be designing a business card and a brochure for my dad's new fangled business.
I made two batches of blueberry muffins this weekend. One was made from a mix that was surely over 10 years old, so they never puffed up and were left scone-like. Gross. The second batch was a fresher mix with imitation blueberries. I asked myself in the store how they could accomplish this feat. And the answer is PELLETS OF BLUEBERRY GOODNESS. If you were to sift through the mix and collect all the imitation blueberries, it'd look like blue hamster food. This batch was kinda delish, though, blueberry pellets and all.
|
|
|
[Friday
January 5th] |
What's your full name? Alexander Michael Rossin
Do you like it? I wouldnt change it.
Describe yourself in 3 words? snarky, outspoken and serious
What's you favorite physical feature about yourself? My eyes are decent
What's your least favorite? The beer keg
Are you a good dancer? I'm your private dancer, I dance for your money
Are you a good public speaker? On a whim, I'm decent, but when I have to prepare, I suck
Can you sing? no
Do you look up the lyrics of songs and memorize them for future reference? Only when I cant understand what someone sang. This happens often.
Have you ever been out of country? yes.
Have you ever been on stage? Yes.
What grades were on your last report card? 3.6, 21 credits woo
Do like cheese? yes.
Are you allergic to anything? Nothing to my knowledge, which worries me.
WHAT'S YOUR...
Favorite drink? ginger ale
Favorite show? Good Eats or Dexter
Favorite body part? index finger
Favorite brand of gum? the kind that lasts
Favorite way to drive people nuts? via stupidity
Favorite super villain? the one who wins
Favorite Fresh Prince of Bel-Air character? Will's happnin' old grandmother
Favorite way to relax? movie
Favorite brand of peanut butter? peter pan
Favorite song? too many
Favorite person? I dont know
Favorite TV channel? food network
Favorite fragrance? I like Crave
Favorite online search engine? google.
RATE FROM 1 TO 10 (10 BEING THE HIGHEST).
Your hair. 6
Your smile. 4
Your all-around appearance. 4
Your grades in school. 9
Your listening skills. 7
Your attention span. 7
Your parents. dad-7 mom-4
Your social skills. 6
Your taste in music. (according to you) 6
Your taste in music. (according to others) 6
Your ablility to cope. 10
Your musical talent. 2
Your artistic talent. 5
Your athletic talent. 3
MORE RANDOM QUESTIONS.
Sex? male
Age? 19
Smoker? no, but I indulge every so often.
Drinker? When there isn't crappy beer
Are you gay, straight, bi, transgendered, etc? straight.
Do you have a crush right now? no
Whom would you make out with from the cast of the Harry Potter movies? Robbie Coltrane
Do you obsess over things easily? It wears out quickly
What's your IQ? I've never had it tested, but I'd guess its...normal?
Do you have any pets? yes.
What are you most afraid of? contracting an illness with a low cure rate.
What's your dream car? 1970 Charger
Have you ever been to a concert? A good few
Have you ever been arrested? no
Do you like scary movies? no
Do you personally know any famous people? not so much
Have you ever added a famous person on myspace? yea.
What TV show is most like your life? Bonanza.
What one word sums up your past relationships? over.
Do you enjoy taking online surveys? only when i'm REALLY bored.
Can you quote every line from the movie Mean Girls? noo, cant say i can.
Have you ever illegally downloaded music or videos? yessir
Do you like Adult Swim? some shows
Do you buy/do things cause others do them? 500,000 Elvis Fans Can't be Wrong.
Can you count to ten in more than 3 languages? yes
What are your religious views? god is dead
What are your political views? I guess they're liberal, although a number of people who claim to be liberals are just jokes.
Do you have any "frenemies?" not really.
Have you ever licked a frozen pole? no.
Do you consider yourself attractive? sometimes....
Would you make out with Prez Bush for 100 dollars? stupidity is contagious
Would you vote for Hilary Clinton? no.
Do you have more than one group of friends? yes.
Did you enjoy taking this survey? not so much
|
|
|
[Saturday
December 30th] |
|
You know how a lot of websites have those "You Might Also Like..." sections? Well, today as I was ordering $500 worth of textbooks for Spring, mostly film analysis texts, mind you, Barnes and Noble thought I might also like Mein Kampf. Coincidence? Foreshadowing? All I know is that I ordered seventeen (that's right, 17) books for next semester, eleven of them having to do with film. I guess it wouldn't have been so bad if I didn't have to get a $100 Pre-Calculus textbook FOR ONE SEMESTER.
|
|
|
[Tuesday
December 26th] |
|
I desperately need to lose weight.
|
|
|
[Friday
December 22nd] |
|
I've recently started watching Dexter online. I usually enjoy crime dramas, but this series is intoxicating. Last night alone I watched four episodes. There are eight left and I wish there were tons more.
|
|
| so talk about twist of fate |
[Tuesday
December 19th] |
Today, as my dad and I were going through bills for school and whatnot, my dad sidetracked and went to the Apple Website. He clicked on the "Refurbished" tab and then proceeded to order 2 Macbooks, one in Black, one in White, along with Office and ILife. Can anyone else say HOLY SHIT?
A few of my grades are coming in, including Iraq and the Arab World. I got a B, which is significant for two reasons: it is the lowest grade I've gotten at Purchase, but it also reinforced the notion that I can sleep and bullshit my way through an intro-level course, especially a Political Science course. To be honest, I expected to do way worse. SUPPLIES!
|
|
| navigation |
| [ |
viewing |
| |
most recent entries |
] |
| [ |
go |
| |
earlier |
] |
|
|
|
|
![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
youre_too_cool's journal
