Monday, December 1, 2008

No Shave November Final Numbers




So here we are at our best (or worst you decide). The month went by really quickly and while I'm looking forward to a cleaner face tonight, I've kind of grown to enjoy my beard. Saturday night however I had to provide 4 forms of ID to prove that I was 21. Apparently I just don't look like my 16 year old license picture anymore. Anyway, the final numbers are in and we raised just over $400 for the Greater Boston Food Bank. On behalf of the Food Bank, Steven, and myself, THANK YOU for your generosity.

If you haven't donated or if you haven't made your payment to me yet, you can mail it to me or make it directly to the Greater Boston Food Bank online. Let me know either way so the money is accounted for.

It's December first and its time to start fresh again. Cleaned my room and downloaded some new tunes. The sun is shiny after a really crazy, rainy day yesterday. Working for the majority of the day then off to the gym for the first time in probably a month.

Home was a much needed escape from Boston. It had been way too long (3 months) since the last time I was home and sometimes its nice to just be with family, even if it means sleeping on a couch or two.

-Sh

"I'm in a New York state of mind"

Saturday, November 8, 2008

Day 8 Update


Participants - Daily Pledge - Pledge Total:
Shawn Wolfgang - $1 - $8
Steven Adams - $1 - $7

Sponsor - Participant - Daily Match - Match Total
Wolfgang - Steven Adams - $1 - $7
Rebecca - Shawn - $1 - $8
Chris Adams - Steven - $1 - $7
Mom Wolfgang - Shawn - $.25 - $2.00
LaToya Moore - Shawn - $1 - $8
Brooke - Shawn - $1 - $8
Jul - Steven - $1 - $7
Deanie - Shawn - $1 - $8
Grandma Wolfgang - Shawn - $1 - $8
Theresa Shear - Shawn - $1 - $8

According the GBFB, "Every $15 donation will help us provide a family with a 12-14 pound turkey this holiday."

If you would rather make a one time donation in lieu of creating a pledge or sponsoring a participant you are more than welcome to:

Martin Hough - $15
Jessie Goldbas - $50

Grand Total: $151 (Updated 11/8 1:08PM)
# of Turkeys: 10

Steven fell off the wagon for a day to interview for coops but is back with us.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

UPDATE: No Shave November




Okay Steven on Day 4 and me on Day 5. Not too shabby if I do say so myself. Here's the money totals to date:

PARTICIPANTS DAILY TOTAL
Steven Adams $1 $5
Shawn Wolfgang $1 $5
TOTAL: $10

SPONSOR PARTICIPANT PLEDGE TOTAL
Shawn Wolfgang Steven Adams $1 $5
Rebecca Millette Shawn Wolfgang $1 $5
Chris Adams Steven Adams $1 $5
Mom Wolfgang Shawn Wolfgang $.25 $1.25
LaToya Moore Shawn Wolfgang $1 $5
TOTAL: $21.25
DONATIONS:
Martin Hough $15
Jessie Goldbas $50
TOTAL: $65

GRAND TOTAL: $96.25 which is equal to 6 Turkeys.

Congratulations to Barack Obama for making history! Let's see the change you promised.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

No Shave November...Donate NOW!



Okay. So I haven't blogged in a while because I just wasn't feeling it, but now I have something to say. What started out as an innocent email forward from Marty to Steven to me has now become a challenge, and a challenge for charity. Here's the concept:
For the entire month of November Steven and I will not be touching a razor. They will sit quietly in the bathroom while we attempt to grow what some may call facial hair. Here's where we got serious. In an effort to be good people, and to help out our good friends at the Greater Boston Food Bank, we will be donating a dollar for everyday that we successfully go with out shaving. We are also asking for your help. You can help us by sponsoring us. $.25/day $1/day whatever you want. At the end of the month you can send us the check and we will deliver the grand total to the food bank. I'm going to keep everyone updated here and for you younger folks on Facebook there is an event that you can visit to see our progress. I know its a tough time of year for everyone and a tough economy, but if we are struggling imagine the people on the street. $1 donated is equal to $4 spent by the food bank.

Totals:
Steven $4
Shawn $4

Sponsors:
Shawn sponsors Steven
Rebecca sponsors Shawn
You're Next!!!

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Just a few thoughts on the election (Stolen from Rob Thomas)

WHAT IF..

Obama/Biden vs McCain/Palin, what if things were switched around?

.......think about it.

Would the country's collective point of view be different? Could racism be
the culprit?

Ponder the following:

What if the Obama had paraded five children across the stage, including a
three month old infant and an unwed, pregnant teenage daughter?

What if John McCain was a former president of the Harvard Law Review?

What if Barack Obama finished fifth from the bottom of his graduating class?


What if McCain had only married once and Obama was a divorcee?

What if Obama was the candidate who left his first wife after a severe
disfiguring car accident, when she no longer measured up to his standards?

What if Obama had met his second wife in a bar and had a long affair while
he was still married?

What if Michelle Obama was the wife who not only became addicted to pain
killers but also acquired them illegally through her charitable
organization?

What if Cindy McCain graduated from Harvard?

What if Obama had been a member of the Keating Five?
(The Keating Five were five United States Senators accused of corruption in
1989, igniting a major political scandal as part of the larger Savings and
Loan crisis of the late 1980s and early 1990s.)

What if McCain was a charismatic, eloquent speaker?

What if Obama couldn't read from a teleprompter?

What if Obama was the one who had military experience that included
discipline problems and a record of crashing seven planes?

What if Obama was the one who was known to display publicly, on many
occasions, a serious anger management problem?

What if Michelle Obama's family had made their money from beer distribution?


What if the Obama's had adopted a white child?

You could easily add to this list. If these questions reflected reality, do
you really believe the election numbers would be as close as they are?

This is what racism does. It covers up, rationalizes and minimizes positive
qualities in one candidate and emphasizes negative qualities in another when
there is a color difference.

Educational Background:

Barack Obama:
Columbia University - B.A. Political Science with a Specialization in
International Relations.
Harvard - Juris Doctor (J.D.) Magna Cum Laude

Joseph Biden:
University of Delaware - B.A. in History and B.A. in Political Science
Syracuse University College of Law - Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Vs

John McCain:
United States Naval Academy - Class rank: 894 of 899

Sarah Palin:
Hawaii Pacific University - 1 semester
North Idaho College - 2 semesters - general study University of Idaho -
2 semesters - journalism Matanuska-Susitna College - 1 semester University
of Idaho - 3 semesters - B.A. in Journalism

Education isn't everything, but this is about the two highest offices in the
land as well as our standing in the world. It saddens me to think that this
is the America (Every one is created equal, land of the free, and home of
the brave.) that we live in but it is sadly reality.
RT

Saturday, October 11, 2008

"look at us all grown up"

Those were the words out of Matt Nathanson's mouth at the Berklee Performance Center last night. From afterHOURS at Northeastern to free concerts in Copley Park, back to Northeastern to Tufts, and back again, Matt Nathanson has been a local favorite of mine. Originally from Lexington, MA and since transplanting to San Francisco he has been a constant part of the Boston music scene. For years he lived just under the radar. Putting out nearly a dozen CDs and getting rave reviews, but never quite breaking. This year was his year. He's all grown up. A feature on VH1, a single, a sellout crowd, and FINALLY a tour bus. My good friend Megan has moved up from Merch Girl to Tour Manager and things are going really well. Some people would be annoyed that 'their' band isn't their band anymore, but I can't be more excited for Matt. He deserves it (no matter what the Globe says) and he still took the time to meet fans out by the bus after and signed almost everything that everyone had.

Although I was shadowing for work, I did see the majority of the show. From Car Crash and Come On Get Higher to I Saw and Suspended, Matt's words ring true for almost everyone. He ended the night with one of my favorite songs 'Answering Machine' which as my co-worker pointed out shows how long he's been playing/writing music.

If you don't know him. Check him out www.mattnathanson.com

Thursday, October 9, 2008

Why I Still Love John Silveria

So freshmen year I was broke. I had work-study so I went to Student Activities and got a job. It was awful, but it was beer money (I didn't drink freshmen year mom this is all lies). The next semester there was an empty office that they had us man a phone in. Something called LEGO was starting (NOTE: Lego toys has recently contacted the university with an order to stop using said name) and they needed people to answer questions. Then they hired some guy named John and instead of hiring new people he kindly took us on as his staff and saved us from the hell hole that was Student Activities. For the next couple years John was not only a boss, but a mentor and a friend. In my interview for my current job, they asked me about an experience where I learned something about myself and how I improved my work habits. I remember it like yesterday. It was 8:15am and I had been the dumb kid who signed up for the 8am shift in the office. My phone rang and the voice on the other end was non-judgmental and simply said, "Wolf G, dust off the cobwebs, jump in the shower, grab a bottle of water and get your ass in here." I don't think I've been late for a job since that day (now I only take jobs that start at 10am or later). He truly someone who I tried to be like. After college he had done some work in the music industry with bands like Blink-182 and went back to school and jumped around a bit. He made me realize it was okay to not know what you wanted to do for the rest of your life the first 1, 5, 10 years. As a fraternity adviser, he was an outside voice who had similar experience being a young leader and the pressures from alumni and friends and all the shit that comes with it. Most of all he was no BS and all reality. He told it how it was whether you wanted to hear it or not. And I am truly grateful for that.

Jump ahead a few years. While I was home co-oping before MTV and Australia, I got word that John had accepted a position at Suffolk University and would be leaving Northeastern. I was devasted. In fact I took a day off to drive out to Boston to make sure I was at his goodbye party to let him know I was pissed. (And who doesn't love free food) So every once and a while I shoot him an email and I read his blog (Thoughts From A Train) to catch tidbits of how the kids and his life are. Yesterday I got an email offering me tickets the Jason Mraz show at Suffolk from non other than John Silveria. I jumped on the chance because not only was I not working, but I also love Mraz and have never had the opportunity to see him live. So I show up tonight not sure if John was working and walk through the door and there he is. Smiling as always and not only did I get comp tickets but I got a VIP pass and got to hang up on the balcony level and see another awesome show.

Mraz is laid back and played some new and some old songs. All of which made me wish I was on a beach somewhere (Australia?) with my rainbows (they were on) and the bright sun. He had planned to play Lucky (originally with Colbie Caillat) with opener Lisa Hannigan, but at the last minute bailed. The only other down was he didn't play Geek In The Pink or Details in the Fabric, but overall great show. The crowd was awfully chatty at the beginning and the sound system seemed a little quiet, but by the second half people caught on that they were at a concert and started paying attention.

So thank you John. For the hook up and for everything. Glad to know things are going well and if I get my marathon number in a couple weeks I'll be calling for some more advice, even though at this point I know I owe you a really nice dinner and drinks.

Tomorrow night Matt Nathanson!!

-SW

"And It's our God-forsaken right to be loved" - JM

Toby Lightman/Lucy Woodward/Rachel Platten

Here is my review from the show on Tuesday. I have had quite the week in music and it doesn't stop here. Tonight I'm going to the Roxy for the Jason Mraz performance and tomorrow night is Matt Nathanson/Jessie Baylin. Look for those reviews coming up.

Let me tell you. I went into this night expecting it to be a great show. These three ladies exceeded all expectations. Although the crowd at 939 chose to spend the majority of the night sitting on the floor, the ladies plowed through 3 hours of rocking music. Rachel, a Newton native, opened the show with a strong set. Her catchy tunes and playful attitude encourage a few adventurous patrons to stand and dance along. Lucy came up next and mixed some soulful originals with a cover from the Jungle Book that definitely brought me back and got me on my feet grooving along. And last but certainly not least was Toby Lightman. Two years ago (the last time she was in Boston) I saw Toby open for Rob Thomas and Jewel and was blown away. Tonight as a headliner she did it again. With a simple set-up of bass, drums and her on guitar she played some old songs, some new songs, and some 'alter-ego' songs that she isn't really quite sure where they came from. She gave the boys a rest on a couple and it was just her and her guitar and some "love, love, love." To close the night she sang one last solo song dedicated to those in the 'Front Row'. These girls deserve all the praise they get and if you missed the show make sure to get out and see them. Or check them out in our friends on MySpace. Buy a CD (Lucy's being distributed by Barnes & Noble or listen for Toby on HSN) go to a show and you will definitely ENJOY THE MUSIC.

Why Obama...

I'm not very political and I probably would have voted for Obama anyways, because McCain/Palin just scares the hell out of me (can you picture her jumping out of a helicopter and shooting rabbits on the front lawn of the white house?). This speech given by Bruce I think sums up what America is feeling. I don't believe that American's should be swayed by Bruce or any celebrity for that matter because of who they are, but they are entitled to their opinions as is everyone. I just happen to agree with this particular opinion:

"I've spent 35 yrs writing about America, its people, and the meaning of the American Promise. The promise that was handed down to us, right here in this city from our founding fathers, with one instruction: Do your best to make these things real. Opportunity, equality, social and economic justice, a fair shake for all of our citizens, the American idea, as a positive influence, around the world for a more just and peaceful existence.

These are the things that give our lives hope, shape, and meaning. They are the ties that bind us together and give us faith in our contract with one another.

I've spent most of my creative life measuring the distance between that American promise and American reality. For many Americans, who are today losing their jobs, their homes, seeing their retirement funds disappear, who have no healthcare, or who have been abandoned in our inner cities, the distance between that promise, and that reality, has never been greater or more painful.

I believe Senator Obama has taken the measure of that distance in his own life and in his work. I think he understands in his heart the cost of that distance, in blood and suffering, in the lives of everyday Americans. I believe as president, he would work to restore that promise to so many of our fellow citizens who have justifiably lost faith in its meaning.

After the disastrous administration of the past eight years, we need somebody to lead us in an American reclamation project. In my job, I travel around the world, and I occasionally play big stadiums, just like Senator Obama. I've continued to find, whereever I go, that America remains a repository of peoples' hopes, possibilities, and desires, and that despite the terrible erosion to our standing around the world, accomplished by our recent administration, we remain for many, many people this house of dreams. One thousand George Bushes and one thousand Dick Cheneys will never be able to tear that house down.

They will, however, be leaving office -- that's the good news. The bad news is that they'll be leaving office dropping the national tragedies of Katrina, Iraq, and our financial crisis in our laps. Our sacred house of dreams has been abused, it's been looted, and it's been left in a terrible state of disrepair. It needs care; it needs saving, it needs defending against those who would sell it down the river for power or a quick buck. It needs a citizenry with strong arms, hearts, and minds. It needs someone with Senator Obama's understanding, temperateness, deliberativeness, maturity, compassion, toughness, and faith, to help us rebuild our house once again.

But most importantly, it needs you. And me. It needs us, to rebuild our house with the generosity that is at the heart of the American spirit. A house that is truer and big enough to contain the hopes and dreams of all of our fellow citizens. Because that is where our future lies. We will rise or we will fall as a people by our ability to accomplish this task. Now I don't know about you, but I know that I want my house back, I want my America back, and I want my country back.

So now is the time to stand with Barack Obama and Joe Biden, roll up our sleeves, and come on up for the rising."

The time is now for a change. PLEASE get out and vote.

-SW

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

"We'll never stop this train..."

Today I had the distinct pleasure of sitting in on a clinic at Berklee. Clinics give students the opportunity to sit before some world renown musicians and hear them talk about their craft and their experiences and do some Q&A. If they are lucky even get a short performance. So not being a musician (yet) and not having been to a clinic I didn't really know what to expect. What I got was a year's worth of advice and an awesome show.

So at this point I'll divulge that the artist giving the clinic was John Mayer a former Berklee student (are you an alum after only 2 semesters?). There is this perception that he is an arrogant prick, based on media coverage and what not, but I am happy to report that he is anything but. The two and a half hours that he spent with us, the Berklee community, were deep, well thought out, well received, and anything but arrogant. I had even heard from people at Berklee that he had somewhat turned his back on the college and was almost ashamed of his affiliation, but today he spoke highly and we even discovered it was he who reached out to come for the week (that's right he's been sitting in on classes and jamming with students all week.)

I walked out of the clinic not only inspired, but in many ways happier than I have been in a while. To realize that you can be as big (read rich and famous, which he confirmed for all of us) as John Mayer and still be real, still be grounded, and still have a real sense of who you are and where you came from.

So let me share a little about what I took away from John today.

Define expectation. If you ever expect to be satisfied in life, to feel like you reach your goals, you have to define your goal. You can go out and sell 2 million records and not feel accomplished if you never set the bar. But if you set the bar at 5000 copies sold and you sell 5000 then you can take yourself out to dinner because its real and you did what you wanted to and now you can set more goals. I guess you hear that over and over that you have to set goals. Realistic goals and long and short term goals. But you never really see the application of it. John Mayer is someone who has set clear goals and accomplished them. He wasn't a factory produced star, he as he says wasn't rich because he is famous, he earned both because he worked hard, set goals, and is talented.

Information feeds inspiration. You have to know the basics and the facts before you can take it and create something. If you don’t know the basics to songwriting you can’t build off it. Inspiration doesn’t exist in the ether. The ether isn’t real, it isn't something you can grasp. The same thing goes about the internet. John touched on how he used to read blogs about himself and even write a blog, but he quickly came to a new conclusion. If it happened on the internet, it didn’t happen. You can’t GO somewhere on the internet, your ass is in a chair. If you want to go somewhere you have to get up and go.

Feel it. Along the lines of knowing the information, you have to feel the inspiration and know both your ceiling/boundaries and understand it. He is able to make a connection because he doesn't write songs for other people. He puts himself in other peoples shoes and writes the song for himself. I think that is what makes him relate able and genuine. He talked a little bit about how you do have to make some sacrifices to be successful. You have to learn to compromise on things that can be compromised and hold strong on others. His song Stop This Train was an example on something he wouldn't compromise because every aspect of that craft was essential to the meaning and vision of that song. As opposed to say another song that may be able to stand on its own for a radio edit if you take out the second verse. From a life standpoint I think this is extremely important to realize that you do have to make sacrifices and compromise on things to move forward and to really succeed. If you are unwilling to do so you are closing the door on a million opportunities, because you were afraid of give up a little part of yourself. But be true.

Solitary refinement. John joked a little about how he used to at 23 be able to dumb himself down to impress or hang with younger girls. He would use his songs to get what he wanted. But he had reached a time in his life where he couldn't justify pretending to be immature than he was. He talked about a time in your life, when your insides come screaming out and say hey, I’m down here. This idea of self discovery. The idea that we all will eventually grow up. We spend a month or two away from mom and dad and our friends and we meet new people and really enjoy freshmen year. But then the reality sets in and you wake up one day and are like WHERE AM I? WHAT AM I DOING? When he wrote Stop This Train, he had gotten diagnosed with double kidney stones and was medicated and almost bed-ridden. It was a time when solitary confinement allowed him to dig deep and tap into that inner self. When this happens don't run home. Go for a walk. Go explore Boston and leave the axis of evil (Mass Ave and Boylston the main part of campus). It isn't solitary confiment, it's more solitary refinement.

I think this was the part that hit home the most. I thought I had done that discovery part freshmen year, but when I got to Australia, way farther from home and friends than I had ever been that voice inside totally took over. John talked about how its a scary and sometimes dark voice/feeling. In Australia it totally was a really dark part of my life. A lot of self-discovery and inner thoughts questioning what I had done to that point. What I was going to be doing the next part of my life and really asking who I was? I wrote a lot here about some of it, but some of it was more private and more important for me to know and not necessarily share with everyone. I still keep it and look back (and think this will be a great song someday) and think about how important that time was. I believe this is why John is so grounded and so real and personal, because he has gone through this. He was able to pull himself away and really discover himself, the true self, not the media portrayed self. If you look at some of these stars who came of age in the spotlight their image of self is that image that is portrayed because that is all they know. They are never alone to really see the real them. Or by the time they are alone after failed marriages or dipping careers it's darker and scarier than if they had experienced it normally.

The fact that John Mayer stayed with friends, not at the Four Seasons. The fact that he doesn't have an assistant or security or an entourage allows him to stay connected to reality. He mentioned Chris Rock and how he is so successful because even though he may have a house outside the city in a gated community, he stills goes into the village once a week, shows up at the Comedy Cellar and tries out his new material. He reads it from a paper or from his blackberry and he nails some and he bombs some. But it's an experience he can't get being holed up away from everyone.

Perhaps that's why John's relationships with these uber celebrities don't work. He doesn't like the spotlight. He doesn't like having to travel in Black SUV's and to fight away the constant surveillance. He understands the balance between personal and private and although he may have had a connection with Jennifer or Jessica, he couldn't maintain his identity by being with them. He had to stay true to himself.

I have a new respect for John Mayer and it gives hope that there are musicians in it for the music. It also inspires me to set goals for myself and to get out there and do it. Because "if you start something today, in two weeks you will be two weeks better at it."

-SW

Thursday, October 2, 2008

Please Don't Vote

http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=43877316

Monday, September 29, 2008

The End of the World As We Know It...Well At Least America

So today as I dropped the pounds on the bike at the gym, I watched a the news like a bad accident. You can't help but look, but as it become clears you're stomach drops. Record setting is usually good, but today the economy set a record for worst ever point drop. That's EVER. I don't really understand too much about it all. But I do know that something has to give. People are paying to Clinton and Palin as they shatter the glass ceiling during the past few months in this historic election, but no one is paying attention to the glass floor below us. When the economy began to turn down months ago, we were reassured that it wasn't a recession, it was just a small dip in the road. Today as Congress failed to pass a $700 billion bail-out. Can creating more money really fix the situation? Isn't it just a band-aid on an open wound? Something has gone terribly wrong with the infrastructure of our country. I don't think that the government should have its hand in everything, nor do I believe that the government to should have a strong control of anything, but I do think that the government is a government of the people, all people. For the everyday guy or gal, we may not feel the effects of the market today, but we will feel it. Those people who live day to day will continue to struggle to survive. The unemployment rates have already begun to rise. With the mortgage crisis, more and more people will be on the street. It's time for the government to help the people. It's time to turn our attention away from other countries needs and be selfish. Time to focus on America and restoring it to prosperity. I was lucky. I graduated and I found a job relatively easily, but I know many people who haven't had that luck. People who graduate in the next year or two probably won't have that luck either. It's beyond the blame game. It's beyond saying that an administration or a president or a political party has failed. Everyone has failed. Time to step it up.

On an ironic note, the sun came out today after about 4 days. (I don't know if that's the right use of irony. I should check with Norm MacDonald.)

Saturday, September 27, 2008

You know the economy is bad when...

From MSNBC.com

FOUNTAIN, Colo. - A Colorado teenager hired men to kill his mother so he could use her money to get breast implants for his girlfriend, police said.

Fortunately for the mother the man hired to kill her tried to use a baseball bat and only slightly injured her. But I mean seriously what in the world was this guy thinking that he could just off his mother so his girlfriend could have nicer breasts. Crazy people in this world that is for sure. I'd only kill my mom if I was going to buy something for myself. (just kidding. Love you mom!)

In other sad news actor Paul Newman succumbed to cancer at the age of 83. In addition to starring in, directing and producing some classic movies, Newman worked hard to give back. After his son died of a drug overdose he started a foundation to produce anti-drug movies and perhaps most famously started Newman's Own line of food items originally as a joke. That small joke has gone on to donate over $140 million. He was a great American, although his liberal politics once landed him on Richard Nixon's 'enemies' list. He will be missed. I think I'll have some Newman's Own salsa in memory of him.

Went out last night for Rebecca and Steven's birthdays and had a great time. Was supposed to be working today at Jazzfest but they canceled it because of rain, although it isn't raining today yet. It's great that I don't have to work, but I totally would have gotten paid extra for this gig. Oh well.

Hanging out and watching movies all day.

Shawn

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Jiggy The Dragon

So when I moved out Steven and I stole Mikey's stuffed dragon Jiggy. And it was supposed to a funny joke and we were going to hold him hostage. Then we got a great idea we would send him to people we know all over and take pictures kind of like the Flat Stanley thing. And send ransom notes to Mikey. But its 2008 and no one sends letters so we started a blog and it's gotten bigger than we could imagine. Jiggy is at Kenyon College and he is going on tour with the Women's Field Hockey team this weekend. So check out the website at jiggythedragon.blogspot.com

I'll be putting up pictures of the apt soon. Promise.

Shawn

Friday, September 19, 2008

New Mattress

YAY!! Probably should have put some more time and effort and not been such an impulse buy, but no more air mattress tomorrow!!

Thursday, September 18, 2008

So on my way to work this morning I had a feeling that I was back in NY. Since last summer when Boston lowered the tax on filming in Boston there has been an influx of film crews. The latest is the new Mel Gibson movie "Edge of Darkness." I'm pretty sure it is the only one filming here although it just looked like a bunch of extras sitting outside Bar Lola waiting for filming to start. But it was still pretty exciting.

Sitting at work trying to do the switch over between Sarah and I because tomorrow is her last day. So it's going to be a busy day and then tonight I'm going to meet Sarah for her birthday. It was nice when I went for my run, but it seems to be getting cloudy out.

Happy Birthday Sarah!!

-Shawn

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Thoughts from an office.

So I don't know if it's that time of year when summer is over and people are going back to school that gets me bummed out, but it seems to happen when it gets dark earlier and when it's just not warm enough to wear shorts. Although I tend to hold out until the first snowfall with my sandals, holding on to some sort sunshine. The job is going great and events like tonight's open mic make me really jealous of these kids who are so musically talented. Not only can they sing and play, but they write their own stuff, and play their own stuff and keep the audience and me captivated. I'd pay to see most of these people play.

It's weird to not be in classes and to not really see everyone. Now that I'm back at work I'm working some days some nights and I'm still trying to find the balance. The job is great and don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, because I could be busting tables, but I get paid much finer to hang with rockstars and soon to be rockstars. I just hope that I'll be able to stay in contact with some of the kids from school who are local. It just seems so hard with people working and having different schedules. You really have to make the effort to stay in contact. I just have to try and make the effort now.

Tomorrow is pay day and I'm going out and buying a bed :) :) finally! No more squeaking on the air mattress which Steven has no problem sleeping through, meanwhile I keep myself awake. Maybe a good night's sleep will cure the end of summer blues. Okay back to the music.

-S

Monday, September 15, 2008

Everything happens for a reason.

So it was often speculated and rumored while I worked at MTV, but today it was made official that in November Total Request Live (TRL) will broadcast its last show. The music countdown that debuted in 1998 and served as the springboard for the likes of Britney Spears and N'Sync along with personality Carson Daly is coming to an end, "for now." Although in the past few years even TRL has shown less videos and more interviews, it seemed to be one of the last programs that focused on music videos on the channel. The show will conclude with a 2 hour special on a Saturday in November.

So while I wanted very much to have a real shot as an MTV VJ for TRL, it seems that the reason I didn't hear back was that perhaps they already knew the end was near. Imagine if I had up and moved to NYC for this position only to have it end 2 months later. Now instead, I have another job of my dreams and its going great.

This just solidifies more my decision to stay in Boston. Things are going the right way.

-S

Laundry Day

As I sit here folding laundry, I remember fondly what is like to have laundry in your apt. I took it for granted that any day of the week without having to dig for change I could walk down that long hallway and throw in half a load, a pair of socks or do four loads of laundry. Now I'm back to jamming everything I can into one load for $1.50 wash and $1.50 dry and our couch is so new I can't even dig for change. I guess things could be worse, I could have to walk to a laundry mat.

-s

Friday, September 12, 2008

Live at Cafe 939: NeedToBreathe

Lead singer Bear Rinehart said that after one of their first shows he was afraid the reviews were going to be headlined "NeedToPractice." They weren't and it also wasn't the case last night. NeedToBreathe provided a nice mix of both known songs with a couple new ones from a yet to be recorded upcoming album, that kept fans and newcomers alike wanting more. Blues and southern rock influence was evident on songs such as Streets of Gold and Signature of Divine. Andy Davis, the opener, made a guest tambourine appearance with the band on song Girl Named Tennessee, after which they mentioned their nickname for him...Sandy Anus. He's only been mildly irritating as a tour mate. What was most impressive was the contrast from simplicity and stripped songs to some of the more rocking tunes. The greatest example of this was the encore when the band unplugged moved over the couches and played Washed By The Water.

These guys put on a great show and will continue to rock on the road until the end of September. Definitely get out and see them.

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Live from Cafe 939: Andy Davis

So Andy Davis just left the stage of Cafe 939 for the second time this year. Andy hails from Nashville and previously graced us as part of the Ten out of Tenn tour. This time he returned for a solo jaunt (with only his iPhone as a backing band on a few songs.) Andy started playing guitar and quickly moved to the keyboard for his first song "Good Life". It wasn't long before he had the audience clapping along. After a couple originals, we were graced with a song he wished he wrote "At Last" by Etta James. The follow-up his own "Believable Doubt" was a killer and after a few more songs Andy got the crowd to sing-a-long with the title track to his album "Let The Woman". At one point Andy sang "And Boston goes wow..." and Boston was less than enthusiastic, but after a second try they got it and Boston showed what they were made of. Andy's sound and performance style reminds me a little of Ben Folds and I am sure he has a long career ahead of him.

Andy will be touring with NeedToBreathe thru the end of the month. Check him out if you can.

Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Music Lives (or should I say rocks)

For those of you concerned that if MTV forgets to highlight music, everyone will, don't fear. Tonight's Fashion Rocks (recorded last week before the VMA's) was equal parts fashion and good ol' rock and roll. Tributes to Etta James, Marvin Gaye, and many other greats by today's stars including Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Duffy, Kid Rock, Chris Brown and Mary J Blige. These stars shined and sang. Host Dennis Leary even pointed out how unlike the VMA's the show was going to be, lots of music, real singing and no Britney Spears. The only scary part so far has been Debbie Harry who looked kind of like Madonna, on crack. She looked like she stuck her face out of a cab doing 90 down Sixth Ave and it stayed like that. Her vocals sounded okay though on her duet with Fergie.

UPDATE 10:20PM
Kid Rock just performed again. This time his own song "All Summer Long" which combines the backing tracks of Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London" and Lynard Skynard's "Sweet Home Alabama" an awesome song. Then afterwards he intro'd three members of the current incarnation of Lynard Skynard for a full on "Sweet Home Alabama".

More to come.

-S

Monday, September 8, 2008

MTV VMA's 25 Years later.

Ok so I can't really say later. Because I wasn't around for the first couple, but I have been around for the last couple and while some performances shined (Pink)others were just okay (Rihanna) and some were just a surprising mess (Christina Aguilera). It seems MTV was all about restoring bad images. Britney Spears went from comeback flop last year to comeback flat this year. Her opening sequence with Jonah Hill was mediocre at best. It got a couple chuckles but it was safe. Then every award she was nominated she got. I don't know if the awards are even relevant anymore, but they seemed to think by giving Britney these awards they were some how saving her career.

Okay on to some highlights. Pink is looking better than ever. I have to say I have always been a fan and I think she is really underrated. If you compare Pink and Christina Aguilera last night, Pink's performance was crazier and provided more VMA quality surprises with explosions and costume changes and SINGING. Christina's performance for me was very disappointing. The reworked Genie In A Bottle was interested but obviously pre-recorded and during the dance sequence I kept having flashbacks of Britney's performance last year. You're a mom now Christina, have some class.

I have to admit I do really enjoy the Kid Rock song he performed, but the Lil Wayne combo was a little strange for me. Also really enjoy Leona Lewis but again the Lil Wayne collaboration was not a highlight for me.

Overall I feel like the VMA craze is over. No longer is it about pushing the envelope and being the craziest award show, the craziest parts came from the host who did a great job for being a relative unknown to American audiences. The days of climbing podiums and flying Sterns have come and gone. Maybe its time to say goodbye to the VMAs and work on something new. Like playing more music.

-S

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Feet for Pete

Happy birthday Peter! Hope school is going well.

Every year my family gets together and walks for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Our team Feet for Pete raises money in hopes that our lifetime will see not only improved medications and devices for juvenile diabetes, but we want to see a cure.

We can't do it alone. I invite you to join us in the walk in Albany, NY or to make a donation. A dollar goes a long way. This year i hope to raise at least $250 and with your help way more. You can make a difference.

To make a donation you can visit my donation site HERE or you can send me a check made payable to JDRF to my new address in Boston:
Shawn Wolfgang
222 Beacon St Apt 52
Boston, MA 02116

Pete and I thank you in advance for your generosity.

Saturday, August 30, 2008

Moving Day for the Wolfgang Boys

Busy day in the Wolfgang house. Petey's off to Siena, Mark back to Baltimore, and I got the keys to my new apartment. The place is awesome. Bright with a couple skylights, hardwood floors in the room and a decent size living area. I have almost everything in and are just waiting to move my dresser and desk chair. Steve still has a lot of stuff to move in. The pictures below are a shot of the kitchen area, the living area, and both of the rooms. Hopefully the next couple days we will have more stuff unloaded and get our couch and tv and bedrooms set up. Definitely excited to be in the new place. Dinner tonight in Cambridge at Border Cafe with some of the guys and then back to unpacking.

Happy Belated Anniversary Gram and Pa!! 59 years!

Happy Belated Birthdays to Aunt Pat, Deanie and Aunt Gin! Hope you all had great days!

PS I won the Megamillions last night
PPS By won I mean I had one number and the megaball and won $3.





Sunday, August 24, 2008

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Steady As We Go

"I'll walk halfway around the world
just to sit down by your side
I would do most anything, girl
to be the apple of your eye
Troubles they may come and go
but good times they're the gold
So if the road gets rocky, girl
Just steady as we go

Any place you wanna go
you know I'll be next to you
If it's treasure, baby, you're looking for
I'll search the whole world through
Troubles they may come and go
but good times they're the gold
So if the road gets rocky, girl
Just steady as we go

When the storm comes you shelter me
When I don't say a word and you know exactly what I mean
In the darkest times you shine on me
You set me free
Keep me steady as we go

So if your heart wrings dry, my love
I will fill your cup
and if your load gets heavy, girl
I will lift you up
Troubles they may come and go
but good times be the gold
So if the road gets rocky, girl
Just steady as we go

shine on me, baby"

The deed is done. Another one bites the dust. Caitlin and Pat are officially Caitlin and Pat. I'm sure I will have a bunch of pictures to post once we are home, but it was a really nice ceremony. The day was perfect, nothing but sun and the reception was really nice as well. From the terrace you could see the outline of the NY skyline as the sun set. I think everyone enjoyed themselves.

Congrats guys!!

-S

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

SAD NEWS: Leroi Moore Passes Away


It is with great sadness that I pass on the news the Leroi Moore has died of complications from an ATV accident two months ago. Leroi was the saxophonist and a founding member of the Dave Matthews Band. His contribution was great and he will be missed.

From DaveMatthewsBand.com:
"We are deeply saddened that LeRoi Moore, saxophonist and founding member of Dave Matthews Band, died unexpectedly Tuesday afternoon, August 19, 2008, at Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center in Los Angeles from sudden complications stemming from his June ATV accident on his farm near Charlottesville, Virginia. LeRoi had recently returned to his Los Angeles home to begin an intensive physical rehabilitation program."

Come Hell or...

High Water. And it was exactly that. Nearly 4ft of water almost kept my family from going to the Outer Banks, NC this year, but like most other obstacles we made it through. With some help from some family and some bleach and elbow grease, we managed to clean up from Rose Ct's Hurricane Katrina and a bent L bracket in the van to make it on the road by noon time on Saturday.

A week with only one real washout on Wednesday was another success. There was lots of sun, lots of beach, some pool, some mooning, and lots of book reading. I cranked through Five Skies (good after get past the first part), Choke (not for the faint of heart), The Crucible (there was a reason I didn't read it in High School), and Twilight (a little girly, but still a good read. Now it's on to the other 4 and a movie in November)

My drink the Sparkling Funny Cider made it into the top 6 drinks in a Travers' Week drink competition run by Steve Barnes of the Timesunion. Although I didn't come in first place, the drink is still delicious and we enjoyed several on vacation.

I got the job at Berklee's Cafe 939 and it started today with a lot of meeting different people and a horrible ID card. The lighting makes me look like a balding 35 year old so I may have that retaken. The people are awesome and I can't wait to get my hands dirty with some of the real work. Look here for tons of new music as once again my life will be filled with it. I'm ecstatic...aren't you.

The big move to the new apartment comes in just under two weeks. I'm starting to pack up my room, but I just don't have the energy. I hate packing. Also, many of you have volunteered to donate things for the new place and I am definitely grateful and interested. Not really sure what we need because Steve has some stuff as well, but stay tuned for a complete list of needs in the next couple weeks.

Also Grandpa Wolfgang had some surgery today to clean out some artery. He's resting and doing well. Thinking about you all day Gramps. Hope you feel better soon.

Deli Plus is SOLD. It's a bittersweet day. After preparing myself for what seems like forever for the inevitable end, it's still hard to think something that has been such a major part of our lives is no longer ours. It's a little less stress but as Abigail said "Where are we supposed to get our Philly Steaks?" or our potato logs. I guess we'll just have to re-do the kitchen so Dad can make them all at home.

Busy week for the Wolfgangs and now it's Gould(Hayes) time. Caitlin gets married on Friday. It's weird enough for aunts and uncles to get married, and then friends from High School, but Caitlin, really? I get to do a reading at mass and I'm sure knowing the crowd it will be a great reception.

Stay tuned for all the details.
-S

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

It's Unofficial...It's Official

As official as Favre's trade to the JETS, I am now an adult. I have received word that the next day or two the HR dept at Berklee will be calling me discuss the offer of my dream job. I'm ecstatic. I'm like a 5 year old. I wanna jump up and down on my bed(bed which I will be throwing out and buying a new one!!). When I get the official word look for more details, but as of now I am working my last day at California Pizza Kitchen tomorrow then headin to North Carolina for at least a couple days before entering the Real World.

I wouldn't be where I am without you. Thanks.

-S

No News.

Second interview went very well. Now it's back to the waiting game.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

Early News

Well the big interview is today at 3pm. I'm trying not to think about it too much. I have work between now and then so that will help me relax. Hopefully. Here's some news to hold you over for a few hours.

Morgan Freeman is recovering after an accident and is in good spirits.

Weezer hints at their tour stops in this YouTube video. Bostonians, the video opens with Rivers' alma mater Harvard, let's hope that means an upcoming date.

Keane is offering free music. Sign Up here.

Yankees, Rays and Sox all lost in MLB news. No change in the standings. Joba left with shoulder tightness. Hopefully he's not out for because our pitching is really hurting.

Off to get the day started. Look for an update tonight.

-S

Monday, August 4, 2008

I'm wide awake and so alive...

"i guess that's what great art does though...
it puts things into perspective, and at the same time, it kicks out the walls.
it blows your mind...humbles you, and at the same time it lights you up
and makes you feel completely unstoppable." - Matt Nathanson

So the past few hours since my Bruce review something crazy happened. I turned off the TV turned up the tunes and just started focusing on music. New music old music, but actually focusing on it. I have so much that its hard to not listen to one thing over and over. I totally forgot about Matt Nathanson for a while. He's awesome.

But the real reason I'm back so to say is because that I really feel like I'm on the brink of a new chapter in my life. This summer has been fun but I've been caught up in 40 hour weeks at CPK working my tail off to pay bills and debts and not really having fun. Not to say I haven't had any fun, the road trips and baseball games and concerts have been fun, but I come back and think I have to work nonstop to make up for it or to prepare for the next trip.

Tomorrow I have a second interview for MY job at Berklee. The job is my job. As I sit and prepare for the interview tomorrow I realize that this is what I want to be doing. It's what I need to be doing. After the first interview I woke up. I started scanning MySpace and Billboard and Rolling Stone and really getting back into the groove. It took a little effort but it's like riding a bike. My heart is happy. Music makes my mind soar and makes me want to write. I don't know if any of my songs/poems/blogs will ever get me any where but I know of at least one or two people who feel what I feel. I may not be able to write the melodies or the beats but I definitely have the words and the feelings.

So today I pledge to start writing more and I may not share it all here, but I may. And with this job. I really want it. I want to get up every morning like in NY and be excited to go to work. To meet new people and hear new music and see live music everyday. I want to have time and money to go see shows big and small. I want to feel like I did at the end of Ben Folds. To feel like I made a difference and that 1000 people or 200 people were able to enjoy music for a couple hours and discover something they didn't know before. Something about music or even maybe something about themselves.

I don't know where I was. I don't even think I knew I was gone. But I'm happy to report that I'm back.

-S

Who'll stop the rain?


Did I have fun? Absolutely. Was it everything I had hoped for? Not so sure. I'm not one to complain and I guess I've been a little spoiled in the past. I had awesome seats for the Bruce Springsteen stop at Gillette Stadium this past Saturday, and I sang my heart out along the way, but sadly I can only give the show an 8.

An 8 because the band was in fine form. Nils' guitar solos, Max's pounding drums and the Big Man's sax on Jungleland made it way worth the price of admission. And let's not forget about the Boss himself. Running back and forth, hanging from his mic stand and even doing the knee slide during Mary's Place.

An 8 because he played some great songs 10th Ave Freezeout, SPIRIT in the Night (one of my all time favs), and Rosalita. Jungleland, I'm Going Down, and Who'll Stop The Rain (dedicated to Bill Belichick). But where was Backstreets or Because The Night, and most of all after the rain delay and thunder storms, WHERE WAS THUNDER ROAD? The punch to the gut was not that it wasn't played, because he can't play every song every night, BUT IT WAS ON THE SETLIST and he opted not to play it for something else.

One of the best parts of the show was the sign collecting. This tour Bruce has started taking requests from the crowd based on their created signs. This show signs included Little Latin Lupe Lu (Played with the band for the first time since '77) Does This Bus Stop...? and I'm Going Down. Awesome part of the show that keeps even the most obsessed setlist watchers, guessing at what Bruce will play next.

Overall it was a great show and I'm sure I'll continue to listen to it on my iPod for a while, and maybe it's because I follow and download EVERY show of the tour that I know what he has been playing and know what I could have seen/heard. But that's what makes me a fan and what makes it so much fun. Now I have more reason to go back and see him and hear more songs that didn't come out at Gillette.

I understand the thunderstorms put a damper on the show and I understand this was the last show before a two week break. You played your hearts out and I had a great time, but next time you know I'll be in the pit with my Thunder Road sign. I guess I'm being selfish. The show was definitely a 10.

Thursday, July 31, 2008

1200 Miles, 8 states, 43 license plates, and a partridge in a pear tree!

Well. Lots going on. Been working an incredible amount at CPK and working hard, but it's paying off and the money is coming in pretty well. Which is good because Steve and I finally found an apartment for the fall and having to put down a whole bunch of money up front SUCKS. This past weekend was the Kappa Sigma leadership conference in Richmond, VA. Richmond also sucks. The highlight of the trip was probably the trip itself. My grandparents were kind enough to let us borrow their car to drive down to Virginia and it was quite the trip.

We got on the road at about 5am on Thursday and before we out of Albany my trusty co-pilot had fallen back to sleep. It was torrential downpours for the first, oh 4 hours. Once we hit Pennsylvania the rain let up and it was smooth sailing. We actually traveled through six states in under six hours. We made it to Charlottesville, VA where our national headquarters are and it has a cool downtown area. The new headquarters is huge and has a lot of really interesting history from the founding of our fraternity in 1869. We also saw the meeting room over at UVA where the founding fathers met for the first time.

That night we went out in downtown Charlottesville. There was a cool little bar called Fellini's #9 that had live band karaoke night. It was your typical karaoke night some locals making fools of themselves. This one guy put in the most passionate karaoke I've ever seen. He did Fortunate Son by CCR and I think at one point he almost took out the bass player with his leg kicks. Then we went over to Miller's. Miller's was a real dive bar and no one else really wanted to go. But Daryn, Steve and I went and had a beer. What makes Miller's more than your average bar? In 1990, a certain little Dave Matthews was a bartender at Miller's where he met a lawyer who encouraged him to record and perform some of his songs. Today he is who is. Dave wasn't our bartender but the beer was good.

Friday night Steve, Dan, and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings to grab some food and watch the Yankees game. The wings were really delicious. I think they had 20 different sauces. Saturday we watched the game at Cha Cha's and ate a ridiculous amount of nachos before our dinner banquet and enjoyed some Dos Equis.

Sunday's trip back was not as smooth as the trip down. We made a stop in California, MD to see Christopher, Shaunna, Ethan and Kim and grab some lunch. We went to Cheeseburger in Paradise, appropriately since Jimmy Buffett is a KappaSig. From there on out my trusty co-pilot returned to his position of passed out. We came back a little differently and hit tons of traffic in Jersey. I'd like to think everyone was going to the Springsteen's show at Meadowlands even though I was not. A quick side note, I will going to Springsteen this Saturday night at Gillette Stadium. I will be sitting right near the soundboard (which means they will be tuning the speakers so that we hear the mix perfectly) at the 50 yard line. Now I just need to figure out how we are getting down there.

So we got through some of the traffic and I had to make a pit stop. While we stopped we decided to get gas too. After waiting for 45minutes in line for gas the attendant tells us that they are all out of regular. So we waited for nothing and we continued on our way. After leaving VA at 8:30, we finally pulled back into Gram and Pa's driveway around 10:00pm.

It was a long trip, it was a fun trip, and next time we're going to Disney!

Picking up my Springsteen's tickets today after work, double tomorrow, Springsteen on Saturday. Busy couple of days. Also waiting for a phone call to come and something tells me it may come today. If I get that call you'll be the first to know.

-S

Monday, July 7, 2008

Don't Ask Questions

So the past couple weeks I've been living by this philosophy: Don't Ask Questions. When people say there are no stupid questions they are wrong. There are stupid questions and there are unnecessary questions and there are questions that shouldn't be asked. So to solve this dilemma, I decided to enact this new philosophy. It's been working out great. It plays along with this idea of fate. When someone asks why this or why that, I simply respond "don't ask questions" and the discussion is over with.

Then recently (while at the movies watching Wanted, which tells you the quality of that movie) I realized that my new philosophy is totally stepping on the premise of one of my previous philosophies that to get a head in life you have to ask tough questions. So now here I am between a rock and a hard place. Which philosophy do I live by? Do I ask the tough questions and maybe get answers that I'm not ready for? Or do I keep up my current trend and just go with the flow and not stop to ask any questions? I think for now I'm going to stick with the no questions. Life is good and I don't really want to mess that up right now.

The job at Berklee has been posted and I submitted my resume and cover letter last Tuesday. Fingers crossed I'll hear something this week about setting up an interview. Last week was great because I had Sarah's car for the week while she was at Disney. We went to Costco and laid out by the pool for a day and drove to Carrabbas and just the freedom to go places very easily was awesome. If I get this job at Berklee I'm totally going to look into buying a car. I miss the shark.

Fourth of July was okay. I had to work on the bar Friday night, but we were able to catch a small part of the fireworks from right outside work. Fireworks aren't all they are cracked up to be. The best part of the Fourth is bbq and family. None of that this year, but maybe next year.

Summer is flying by. Can't believe its July already. It is sinking in more and more that I don't have to go back to school in the Fall and that the end of summer doesn't really mean anything for me in particular. Except that at the end of the summer I need to find a new apt. Still on the hunt for that apt and its not going so hot. But we still have some time.

Until Laters

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Someone is having the Best Week Ever

So following a great weekend in the Capital Region, I kicked off this week on Monday by attending the Red Sox-Diamondback game at Fenway Park. The heat and humidity caused some thunderstorms to blow through the area and delay the game by a half hour, but the game was played. Fast forward through two days of work and you come to Thursday. After much back and forth I was like a maniac on stubhub and priceline and bought two pairs of tickets and a hotel room and two one way tickets to NYC. This was the first time I'd been back to the city since moving out a year and a half ago. It was worth the wait.

Thursday night's bus ride was a bargain at only $10 a person (way cheaper and more comfortable than the Albany trip) and got us into the city around 10pm. Unlike Boston we weren't feeling rushed knowing that bars would be open til 4am. Hansen was stayin in the city for business and was kind enough to let us crash in his hotel room. It was a nice night in NY so we walked the 20 or so blocks through Times Square to the hotel. We checked in and headed to Virgil's for some BBQ. After stuffing our faces for the first time (and definitely not the last) we headed uptown to meet up with Hansen. After meeting up we decided we would head back to Midtown and go to McFadden's. We enjoyed a couple beverages and decided it was time to move on. While Steve and I had only a handful of drinks, the rest of the crew had been out since dinner and some(Hansen) were ready to go back. Sam had other plans however and we headed to the west side to Home club for a round of drinks. Then it was on to the diner. At about 4 oclock, after our stomachs were beyond full, we called it a night and headed back to our hotels.

Friday morning I was up at the crack of dawn in anticipation of our big day. It was the day that not only would I be attending my first game at Yankee Stadium, but I would also be attending my first game at Shea Stadium in only the fifth Subway Series split double header. Around 10am we checked out and parted ways with Hansen. We walked down to our hotel right in Times Square where we dropped off our bags. Then we grabbed some NY bagels and headed over to Rockefeller Center to eat up. Then it was off to the Bronx.

Yankee Stadium is huge, and so is Yankee Stadium. The new stadium is like the old stadium with new seats. Anyways. It's huge. We got there about an hour before game time so had some time to walk around and check it out. Our seats were upper right field near the foul pole and after we settled in we got to enjoy a great game. It was a great game not because the Yankees won (they didn't they got spanked 15-6) but because for the most part there was a lot of action on both sides. Hits, steals, a Mets Grand Slam. Every part of the day was enjoyable, except maybe the $9 beers. But hey it's $9 beers they bring to you in your seat, as opposed to the $7 beers you have to go get at Fenway.

We stuck it out to the very end, because who leaves a game before its over? 4 hours after the start of the game we were out of there and back on the Subway to see the second half of the Subway Series over at Shea. It took us probably an hour on public transportation to get out to Shea but we made it. This time the tables were turned. The Yankees not thinking too hard about the first loss, came to Shea and shut out the Mets and sent Pedro home early after just 5 innings. Our seats weren't as good this time around, but we were able to move a little closer to enjoy the game. We also stuck this one out to the end before heading back to the city.

When we started the day the plan was to go out after the games, but after a short night of sleep the night before and marathon drinking at the two games we decided to head to a diner and then call it a night so we could get a full day in Saturday before heading back to Boston.

We checked out of our hotel around 11am Saturday and went over to NBC to buy tickets for the studio tour. With the first available tour not available until 1:30pm we had some time to go grab some NY Pizza and take a short stroll through Central Park. While walking through Central Park we decided to take the 5:30pm bus back to Boston to give us time to get back and maybe see a movie. Plus we had time to do a few other things before rushing back to catch the bus. I call to make reservations and surprise surprise, the 5:30pm bus is sold out, and so are the rest of the buses. Luckily we were right by the Apple store and while Steve took the time to update is pizza game, I found us two tickets on one of the other discount buses for 5:30 also. Now it was off to NBC.

I have done the NBC tour before, but last time I was by myself and it was the middle of the week so Conan and SNL were taping or rehearsing so I only got to see the NBC Nightly News and Sports studios. This time around we got the full blown tour. Seeing every studio and learning a lot from the beautiful Kara. After the tour we had about and hour and a half and Steve had never been Ground Zero, so we jumped on the subway and headed downtown.

The last time I had been was a year and half ago and at that point little had changed from after the attacks. The stairwell from building two was still visible and make shift memorials still existed. Now with plans finalized and construction began it was kind of an in between stage. There was no more rubble remaining, but there hasn't been significant progress in construction. It definitely did not have the same effect on me that it has in the past, but it will be interesting to see the final result in 4 years when it's all said and done.

Now with about an hour left before we had to head up to the hotel we decided to grab some lunch in Chinatown. As we were walking our way down Canal St, fighting vendors and tourists the sky decided to open up and down pour. Now not only were we wet from the heat and humidity (read "sweating like pigs") but we were also getting a good shower from the rain. It let up after a few minutes and we began searching ferociously for a quick bite to eat at a relatively safe looking Chinese restaurant. We finally settled on Big Wong. Don't ask why we decided to venture here, but we did and it was delicious. Steamed dumplings, BBQ Spare ribs, Chicken Fried Rice, and Beef Lo Mein all hit the spot perfectly and while we sat in the cab ride uptown we both fought exhaustion a combination of food coma and walking all over the place. "I'm glad we decided to come to NY and walk around and be fat as opposed to sitting on the couch watching movies all weekend." We made it to the bus just in time to grab the handicap row (with extra leg room!!) and the 4 hour bus ride wasn't that bad. We opted out of the movie last night and was asleep on the couch by midnight.

We set out to see two baseball games and did a lot more than that. I realize why I love NY and definitely look forward to going back soon. Next time on the agenda: Little Italy, Comedy Cellar, Conan/SNL, and McSorrely's. Now it's back to work and making money so I can spend it on our next trip.

Travelling is fun.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Birthday, Grad Party, and Friends

Well two weekends in a row I've had the time of my life. First I was able to go to the cape for a weekend and take a full day to hang out in the sun on the beach. Then this past weekend I was able to share my birthday and graduation celebration with friends and family to make for one kick-ass weekend.

Friday night Albany and Boston collided when we took Lark Street by storm and taught the Bostonian what happens when bars stay open past two. The Shate 08 pub crawl lacked the -ate but we still enjoyed ourselves starting with SoCo and lime shots at Legends and getting kicked out of Bayou at 3am after some intense sing-a-longs reminiscent of basement parties at 8 Eldora. Just when we thought the night was over (after momma Caitlin ushered us all into cabs) we made one last stop, Dino's pizza. Like Pizzeria 54 in Downtown Albany or Sunrise or Little Stevies in Boston, Dino's was delicious probably because of the deadly combination of our intoxication and the time of night. Then it was off to Rose Ct.

The following morning was an early one for some of us. The weather was Sunny from the start and by the time everything was set up and the official kick off started at 1pm the bathing suits were on and the cannonballs started. The weather never wavered (although I may have). Friends and from from across the Northeast came to celebrate and make it a special day. Thank you for that. The keg was shortly after beer pong started. The quote of the night may have been my grandmother just before midnight..."I'm glad you are playing this game. You seem to be sobering up by how bad you are playing."

After two long nights of drinking we called it a night just after One. The thunderstorms were intense Sunday morning and made for a perfect Sunday Funday. Our attempts at a double feature were thwarted by the 'intelligent' schedulers at Regal and we were only able to see The Incredible Hulk. I'd give it a solid B. Good, but not incredible. More food and cake and birthday presents and then Sunday night we kicked back watched some Dateline, read some books (The Art of Racing in the Rain, and The Last Lecture were gifts that I got over weekend and were so good that not only did I finish them already, but I also was moved to tears both times). A quick late night dip to cool off and then we passed out for the last time in the 518 for this trip.

An early morning bus ride today proved disasterous, although not because of anything we did. We arrived 45 minutes before departure, secured our tickets and sat down and immersed ourselves into our books. About 20 min prior to departure we lined up to make sure we got a seat. We were still standing in line 40 minutes after our scheduled departure with no sign of our bus, or anyone that cared to explain the delay. We finally were asked to change gates and our bus was loaded. Steve and I got the last two seats before people were bumped to the later bus. Now we are already an hour delayed and the bus driver announces that we have to make an unscheduled stop in Springfield, but would not be making the other stops. Fine. Well when we get off the exit for Springfield, the bus driver asks anyone who may know how to get to the bus station to come to the front of the bus to give him directions.

Needless to say we made in one piece back to Boston. Tonight barring thunderstorms and rain we are going to the Red Sox game. Then a couple days of work and then down to NYC to see the Mets Yankees game for my first trip to Yankees Stadium and a possible double header at Shea Stadium also a first for me. So we will see.

Thanks again. Love you all.

Wednesday, June 11, 2008

No One Can Get In The Way of What I'm Feeling.

It's been a few weeks and Alicia Keys has inspired me to get back to blogging. Why? because blogging is what I do and what I enjoy and what I've been missing the past few weeks. Lots of things have happened. I've been looking at apartments. I've been to Albany and back. I've bought a ton of new CD's and yet nothing seemed to have inspired to me to sit down and write. It's been nice out too so I've been doing my best not to sit inside behind a computer, but sometimes its needed. I need to update my resume and my cover letter because I'm going to be applying for a job at Berklee College of Music. The other day I got to work at CPK and realized that I serve other people for a living. That's not what I want to do with my life. I have a degree. I'm going to try and make it useful.

Alicia was awesome tonight. Jordin Sparks rocked the house as an opener and Ne-Yo was good. Hopefully I'm going to the Cape this weekend and hopefully I'll have more time the next couple days to write. I have a lot on my mind so there will be plenty to write. Happy 80th birthday Grandpa. Hope is was a good one.

Shawn
BASBHAT

Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Life in the Real World

Life is good. Keeping busy working at CPK and making good money lately. The weather has been nice. Not too warm yet, but nice. No complaints. Enjoying the graduated life so far. Have more of a routine now then when I was in school. Feeling great. Hoping for a job here in Boston for the next year. After much deliberation and thought I've decided to stay here in Boston at least for a year. Now that school is over I've had a little more time to appreciate Boston and who doesn't love summer in the city. Taking each day as it comes and for now, just enjoying the coffee.

We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things - Jason Mraz. Check it out!!

GRADUATION PARTY JUNE 21st DETAILS TO FOLLOW

Thursday, April 24, 2008

Holy Sh*t!!!

I'm done. It's really here. I've finished 5 years of college. It's awesome, it's sad, it's overwhelming. It's crazy. 5 years ago I was 18. I had never been out of the country, never lived outside of Albany, NY. 5 years later, I've lived in Boston, New York City, and Sydney, AUS. I've worked for Fly92, MTV, CSN, and a thousand other jobs in between with a variety of initials. I've laughed, I've cried, I've had a lot of fun, I've been bored out of my mind. I've met some great people and some not so great people. I've learned some in class, I learned a whole lot more in the real world. I did the one thing I swore I'd never do, I grew up.

A major part of my life just ended. Like that. I burned a DVD and left in on Ron's desk and walked across campus for the last time as an undergraduate. It was fitting that it was a DVD project about Bruce. College began and ended with Bruce. September 6, 2003 I moved into White Hall to start one of my favorite years of college. That night I walked over to Fenway Park and sat outside as Bruce played the first of a two night stand there with the E St Band. Here I met Mike who I've keep in contact with all these years. He even took me to a Bruce show middler year at the Orpheum, my first. I remember Fenway like it was yesterday. Some homeless guy offered two girls with us tickets bc 'sorry boys, they have boobs'. We thought whatever they can't be real. The tickets that is. So the girls walk off with the tickets. About 20 minutes later they come back.
"Weren't real huh?"
"No they were real Fenway Park is awesome."
That's why I couldn't tell you the name of those girls today. They ruined my chance to see the E St Band that night. They took two legit tickets to Bruce Springsteen and used them to check out Fenway for 20 minutes. After that we stayed for a while then walked home. About halfway through the park we heard them as they started to play Rosalita and I sprinted back in time to hear "Your mama says she knows that I don't have any money". That's how I started my college career. And here I am.

The Glory Days. The things I'll never forget. The things in 20 years I'll be able to call up my friends and say do you remember when...we were orientation leaders for a summer and you all got fired while I was on the cape eating lobster. Remember that time we drove down to Dave Matthews at the Tweeter center and saw him play #34. Remember when camped out at Fenway for Yankees/Sox tickets. Remember when we played two-up on ANZAC day or laughed til we cried and possibly pissed ourselves. Remember that time at Conor's. Why is this so warm? Why are you so bad at quarters?

Water balloon fights at the house, inflatable pools after formal, scavenger hunts, marathon mondays, Stella, Law & Order reruns until 3am, a trip to UConn for Spring weekend, random trips to Montreal, the shark and how it chose to work when it wanted to. Broomball freshmen year, Johnny Applesauce, Elia's buffalo chicken calzones, Little Stevies, and Scorpion Bowls at Tiger Lilly's. Road trips to Newport, Ben Folds, Unwritten Law, Bruce, Bruce, Jonny Lang, The Last Dispatch, Papa Roach, Gin Blossoms, and so many more concerts. Getting told by Matt Nathanson that Halloween colors are always appropriate in February.

There are so many more things that I'm sure people will chime in with, but I have to say through all the ups and downs, the highs and lows, it was a good ride. There is nothing I would change if I could because I did my best and that's all that counts. I learned more about myself than I ever could have hoped. So I took the long way to life. Jay Mohr said it best "leaving a school after four years is like leaving a party at 10pm." You know I never left a party at 10pm in my life.

"Now I think I'm going down to the well tonight
and I'm going to drink till I get my fill
And I hope when I get old I don't sit around thinking about it
but I probably will
Yeah, just sitting back trying to recapture
a little of the glory of, well time slips away
and leaves you with nothing mister but
boring stories of glory days" - Glory Days

"I am but one man in a raging sea, but I'm still afloat. And we're all still here."

So here's to the memories, to the glory days, to the friends that have come and gone and the friends I've yet to meet. To my family who stood behind me and the mentors and faculty who gave me a kick in the ass when I needed it. To the fraternity that taught me commitment and dilligence and leadership skills that I will use forever. And to the 'blood brothers', I swear forever friends.

"Tonight, tonight the strip's just right
I wanna blow 'em off in my first heat
Summer's here and the time is right
For goin' racin' in the street" - Racing In The Streets

Thursday, April 17, 2008

RIP Danny Federici

It takes a lot lately me to feel the need to blog. Before I get into the bulk of this post I just want to thank the fam for a great day on Wednesday. It was beautiful out and awesome to get to share Boston with them, even for a short time.

No on to the sad news. Danny 'Phantom' Federici the organist and accordian player of the E Street Band lost his battle with cancer today. I'm deeply saddened by the death of a man I never had the opportunity to know or meet or hear live. I know that I will never have the opportunity to see the real E Street Band with the loss of our friend Danny.

For Danny :
They built the Titanic to be one of a kind,
but many ships have ruled the seas
They built the Eiffel tower to stand alone,
but they could build another, if they pleased
The Taj Mahal, the pyramids of Egypt are unique, I suppose,
but when the built you brother, they broke the mold

The world is filled with many wonders
under the passing sun
But sometimes something comes along
and you know, it's for sure the only one
The Mona Lisa, the David, the Sistine Chapel,
Jesus, Mary and Joe
and when they built you brother, they broke the mold

When they built you brother
they turned this dust to gold
When they built you brother
they broke the mold

They say you can't take it with you
but I think that they're wrong
All I know's I woke up this morning
and something big was gone
Gone in to that dark ether
Where you're still young n' hard and cold
Just like when they built you brother
and broke the mold

Now your death is upon us
And we'll return your ashes to the Earth
And I know you'll take comfort in knowin'
You've been roundly blessed and cursed
But love is a power
Greater than death
Just like the songs and stories told
And when she built you brother
She broke the mold

A bad attitude is a power stronger than death
Alive n' burnin' or stone cold
And when they built you brother ...

Tuesday, April 8, 2008

Redemption

The screen door slams
Mary's dress waves
Like a vision she dances across the porch
As the radio plays
Roy Orbison singing for the lonely
Hey that's me and I want you only
Don't turn me home again
I just can't face myself alone again
Don't run back inside
darling you know just what I'm here for
So you're scared and you're thinking
That maybe we ain't that young anymore
Show a little faith, there's magic in the night
You ain't a beauty, but hey you're alright
Oh and that's alright with me

You can hide 'neath your covers
And study your pain
Make crosses from your lovers
Throw roses in the rain
Waste your summer praying in vain
For a savior to rise from these streets
Well now I'm no hero
That's understood
All the redemption I can offer, girl
Is beneath this dirty hood
With a chance to make it good somehow
Hey what else can we do now
Except roll down the window
And let the wind blow back your hair
Well the night's busting open
These two lanes will take us anywhere
We got one last chance to make it real
To trade in these wings on some wheels
Climb in back
Heaven's waiting on down the tracks
Oh oh come take my hand
Riding out tonight to case the promised land
Oh oh Thunder Road, oh Thunder Road
oh Thunder Road
Lying out there like a killer in the sun
Hey I know it's late we can make it if we run
Oh Thunder Road, sit tight take hold
Thunder Road

Well I got this guitar
And I learned how to make it talk
And my car's out back
If you're ready to take that long walk
>From your front porch to my front seat
The door's open but the ride it ain't free
And I know you're lonely
For words that I ain't spoken
But tonight we'll be free
All the promises'll be broken
There were ghosts in the eyes
Of all the boys you sent away
They haunt this dusty beach road
In the skeleton frames of burned out Chevrolets

They scream your name at night in the street
Your graduation gown lies in rags at their feet
And in the lonely cool before dawn
You hear their engines roaring on
But when you get to the porch they're gone
On the wind, so Mary climb in
It's a town full of losers
And I'm pulling out of here to win.


-Bruce Springsteen "Thunder Road"

PS Bruce knew how I was feeling tonight, he just opened the show in Anaheim with Thunder Road...Man I love that guy

Disappointment

I really feel like this semester has been great. There have been great times and there were better times. But there has also been a lot of disappointments. As a sidenote I have not heard anything from MTV yet, but I'm not even disappointed in that. If it wasn't meant to be it wasn't meant to be, there are still thousands of opportunities out there. So don't be worried about that.

The recent disappointment has been with my fraternity. The fraternity which I have put a great deal of work and effort into and which I have gotten more out of than perhaps anything else in college has become an insignificant part of my life the past few weeks. I chose not to go to formal this weekend which used to be my favorite event of the year. Tonight we had a our last meeting of the year and my last meeting as an undergraduate. It was an absolute joke. Don't get me wrong I had a few drinks this afternoon with Mikey and I didn't follow dress code (I had my sandals on), but I had to leave. We have a ceremony for graduating seniors and people couldn't even take that seriously. It may seem dumb but I was really looking forward to it. And it was made out to be dumb and unimportant. People were drunk* during the meeting which is not only dumb, but its against so many rules.

Greek week was last week and I couldn't even get excited. Again another high point of my college life has been the Greek Weeks of the past and this one was eh. I mean we won Fraternity of the Year and I couldn't care less. Not because we didn't deserve it as a chapter, but because I think we were too cocky and we settled for less than the best. We didn't dominate. It was real close, it came down to grades and that has nothing to do with our chapter that has to do with the intelligence of our individual members. I've tried so hard to make people want more to always be better and tonight they proved that they don't give a shit about any of it. It was just about having a good time and not about the brotherhood and the bonds that we create when we join. If they are drunk what do they care. Selfish, f*cking selfish.

I guess I expect more of people. Not only more but a lot more. This guy came into my class last night and was talking about working with different artists and how they all have different expectations. I don't remember who he was talking about, but he said that someone in particular was very difficult to work with. Not in a bad way, just difficult because he really expected a lot of himself and also of the people who worked with and for him. This is how I imagine Springsteen to be. He goes out every night and expects himself to put 110% and also expects the entire band to do the same. That's why they are so good at what they do.

I hope to resolve these issues I have with the chapter and to be able to look back in a couple years and remember the good times and not the petty bullsh*t. I want to look back and remember that I was part of a great fraternity not a weak sorority. I want to be proud that I'm a Greek and right now I'm just disappointed.

This weekend marked the anniversary of Martin Luther King Jr.'s death and in honor of him I leave you with this quote.

"We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope." -MLK Jr