"Feel Like Im A Fixin' To Work Blues"

Had my interview today at Blue Wireless. Two hours later they called me back up, and I am hired. Start training tomorrow. Starting pay for my first 90 days is $8.25 /hour with commission. $6.00 for every phone I sell, plus 10% on all accessories, and warranties. Sweet.

Also it is full time 40+ hours /week. I get health benefits, and a free phone of my choice, and completely free service. Way to go me!

To visit me, just go into the center of the mall...look around, yep! There I am.

Well, no time to write a real long post right now, so I will be talking to you all later on.
~Oz

"#1 In the 'Hood G' "

This is the first of many "Wierd Picture Study" moments here on the Cell Blog. Post a reply with as many things about this picture as you can. Where it is, when it was taken, whose in it, what items do you think you see. Just trying to get some participation going down.

I know Haji is reading, cause he is posting. Just need some ego stroking I suppose. I need to know who is reading, and I need others to know who is reading.

Pointless I am sure. But...such is life

~Oz

"My job at Mcdonalds is now"

LOST

Thats right Shylock! Just like Bette Midlers sitcom, it's all over. It is back to filming low budget adult films for me.

So, now I...whats that?

oh...I don't think...lemme check...

hmmm..."back to filming adult films for me"...dammit

okay, maybe noone saw that, maybe we can tip toe around the issue...

So now its back to working in the mall for me, it appears. I also have $148.00 coming to me for the Municipal Band Concerts, and with the money in the bank from my final paycheck(s) from Sears, I got the rent AND utilities covered for the month of July now.

I might also have to do menial tasks in the yard and on the house itself for my parents...but boy-yo is it worth it.

I could not, will not, WONT EVER flip no stinking greasy burger. Cant do it people.

.....sorry this is taking so long, I am looking up recipes for my mother on seagramscoolers.com.....

Honestly though, I want to thank Mcdonalds for hiring me. Even though I never officially worked for you, I blah blah blah...

~Oz

"None of us is as good as all of us"

Yep. Mcdonalds Corporate employee logo. Thats cheesier than friggin "Together Everyone Achieves More". And it seems to make no sense to me on a grammatical standpoint. Of course many of you are wondering, "Since when has Alex had good grammer?".

This past weekend was real fun for me. On Saturday, Mary Kate and myself went to the gorge ( I have NEVER been, believe it or not), and afterwards went to Bacrelona. Really enjoyed it. On Sunday went we went to Buffalo with my father for my cousin Kellys 32nd birthday party. Afterwards we had Olive Garden, (when youre here youre family)-much better slogan.

Thinking about moving to Buffalo come October, depending on how the job hunt goes. I am assuming there are much more jobs up there, also Kelly knows people who work at HSBC arena, so maybe something could come about there. Will have to wait and see...

Before I went to my exciting orientation, I stopped up to Blue Wireless in the Mall, because I saw they had an advert for employment. The woman interviewed me on the spot, they need to hire someone tomorrow. Good thing I stopped. They pay AT LEAST 8.00 /hour + commission, and that is to people with NO sales experience. It is a full time (40 hours + /week) with benefits. She said it was between me and one other, and I have more experience. So, tomorrow might be my last day at Mcdonalds.

Damn, that might just be a record.

Did anyone catch the 9:00pm showing of "Family Guy" last night. Damn near pissed myself, which would NOT have been cool. No. Not cool at all.

NHL schedule will be released Wensday at noon.

Sites to visit...who knows, ya might...learn something.

www.insidepulse.com

Great coverage on TV, Movies, Comics, Action Figures, Wrestling, Games, Music, Sports...you name it, they got it covered. Also, in the same category...

www.411mania.com

Actually, straight from insidepulse...

EA signs deal with Tolkien enterprises: EA have come to an agreement with Tolkien

Enterprises, the company which owns the rights to the Lord of the Rings and all other material written by JRR Tolkien. The agreement allows EA to produce games based on the literature of Tolkien, and not just the movies which they previously had the liscence to. This means EA can make a game based on the Hobbit, or make expanded games for Lord of the Rings. Prior to EA picking up the rights Vivendi Universal held them.EA also announced, largely thanks to this deal, that they are making a number of new games based on the LOTR franchise, including Battle for Middle Earth 2.Source: Shacknews

See, that site is useful.

Some more sites before I get out of here.

www.mugglenet.com

The BEST Harry Potter site out there. Hands down. Don't believe me? See for yourself.

www.opieandanthony.com

Find out for yourselves.

~Oz

"Fantasy Oz-Ball"

I guess this post is mainly for Haji, but if any others are into this sort of thing/ curious, here it is.

My 2005 Yahoo NFL Fantasy Team:

Starting Quarterback: Donovan Mcnabb

Backup QB: Byron Leftwich

Wide Receivers: Chad Johnson, Heinz Ward, Muhsin Muhammed

Backup WR: Jerome Pathon, Brandon Stokley

Running Backs: Priest Holmes, Curtis Martin

Backup RB: Warrick Dunn

Tight End: Daniel Graham

Kickers: Adam Vinatieri

Backup Kicker: Jeff Reed

Defense: Atlanta and Pittsburgh

It is the year of the OzBall. Even in Baseball I am dominating. I have been in first place since the first week of May, and no one has gotten within 8.5 games of me. I can already see victory lane. Time to go to EuroDisney Land!

~Oz

"Not Just for Italians Anymore"

This coming Wensday, the Jamestown Municipal Band will be having their "Directors Choice" concert. It is usually the best concert the band does, outside of the "Jazz" or "Movie Themes" concert. Sure to be played is "Great Themes From Great Italian Movies", which is one of favourite titled pieces we play. Dont know why really, come to think of it. Maybe it just serves as a great lead in to...

Italian Festival, at St. James Church on August 5th and 6th. Thats always fun. Its no Yassou, buts its still good food and good music.

Also it has been brought to my attention that for 7 years now I have been spelling "douchebag" incorrectly. Thank you for the info Katie, and the egg on my face.

In memorium: James Doohan, aka "Mr. Scott" from Star Trek "The Original Series" passed away yesterday at the venerable but disappointed age of 85. Straight from startrek.com "Here's to ya, lad"

~Oz

"What the Duck?" or "13- Didn't see that coming."

So the 2005 NHL entry draft lottery was just held in NYC, with the Penguins of Pittsburgh drawing the #1 bid to sign the player slated to be the next Wayne Gretzky (by the great one himself nonetheless). Second in the order is Anaheims Mighty Ducks. Where oh where did our beloved Sabres (who had THREE chances to win the lottery) place? 13th. Thats right. Its one thing to not land the spot, but for the UNLUCKIEST city in sports history to draw 13...what the duck? Pittsburgh is not going to be able to afford this kid. So what will happen? It will force a trade with either the Rangers, Capitols, Flyers, Maple Leafs, or Red Wings.

So much for small market competitiveness.

~Oz

"Horcrux"

Here is the deal: If you are a fan of the Harry Potter series, and you have NOT read "Half-Blood Prince" yet, or have not finished it, do NOT read on. Major Spoilers are contained within.

You have been warned.

Calling it as I see it.

R.A.B. is Regulas Black, Sirius brother.

The Silver Goblet that Dung had stolen from Grimauld Place was the missing Horcrux from the Inferi-ridden cave. This would fit in with the typical way Jo lets her mysteries unwind. If R.A.B. was Regulas, then it would fit that he had brought the Goblet to his house, and Dung preceived it only for its value on the street "whether or not he realizes it is a cherished heirloom from Hogwarts past or not is unknown".

This one is being talked about all over the net. Harry (or his scar at least) is the final Horcrux. Whether Voldemort meant this to be or no, it could be that he made Harry a Horcrux when couldn't kill him. (We still do not know why, at the end of "Goblet of Fire", Dumbledore had a look of triumph on his face when Harry explained to him that Voldemort used Harrys blood in the "re-birth" process)

And finally, I am in the boat of shippers that just can NOT believe that Snivellus is evil. I agree with the theory that Dumbledore was dying slowly from the poison and that he knew it. He was pleading with Snape to kill him off. Snape, reading his mind knew this and did so. It would provide the PERFECT smoke screen, as now not a single Death Eater nor Voldemort himself, would suspect Snape of being loyal to the order.

Thats why when Harry calls him a coward, Snape gets so angry. Harry has no idea the courage (and whatever else) it took to kill Dumbledore, or the pain that Snape has had to live with knowing that it was HE who caused Lily Evans to die.

Or I could be wrong. Only time will tell. Two to three years were looking at. Never thought I would care THIS much.

And I for one truly hope that she doesnt pull any "Mr. Spock" moves on us, and bring back DD or Sirius. She said she wont, so great. Good for her, sticking to her guns, not letting the fanbase push her around.

All right, geek moment over.

~Oz

"28 Days Later"

Well, after waiting for forty-five minutes or so in a hot court room (gymnasium) I got called before the judge.

Lawyer: I would like to adjourn so that I may explaion to my client our options and (the bargain?)

--> I was too nervous to hear for sure what she said, but that was the hi and low of it.

Judge: Okay, we will adjourn on August 18th. You are dismissed.

Me: (all aglow) Minga Butana! Okay. Thanks.

Lawyer: Call me so I can explain to you everything.

Me: Yeah, Bye.

So, all the worry about tonight was for naught. 4 more weeks to bemoan my fate, nervously waiting whatever doom the state of NY feels is appropriate.

~Oz

"25 Minutes To Go"

Well, at 6:00pm tonight I go in front of the honourable Judge Gerace in the town of Ellicott Courthouse. Should be fun. I was thinking of starting a campaign, you know get my own "army" of supporters outside the courthouse. Proclaim my innocence, and the ineptitude of officer Matson, the dipshit whose asshole cop tactics have landing me in this mess.

I know I claimed to leave out the immature theme that was the "ozporn newsletter", but I will not refrain from cursing out a cop who acted like a jack ass to me.

Hopefully the process will not take long. I would honestly prefer to simply walk in, be told what the decision is, and walk out. I do not have time for court room hearings. With my luck their will be surprise witnessess, each with more damning evidence than the last. I wonder if their will be a sketch artist on hand, see what I look like in cartoon form.

I have decided that if the state should take away my drivers license, totally rape me with all the charges they can, then I am going to thank them for saving me $1300 in gas this coming year. I will sell my car for oh i dont know how much. Hopefully can get between $6000 to $7500 for it. So now I will have to start walking, or riding a bike to work, and anywhere else I wish to go. That means I will get in shape again, and can explore the possibilities of cycling while intoxicated.

If I get it lowered to a DWAI (driving while ability impaired) I will get a 90 day restricted license, and have to attend those AA meetings. While this would be better than losing my licensce, I still am hoping for...

Complete dismissal of all charges. A pipe dream I know, but I did pay my lawyer $1000 just to get her, not to mention $125 per hour she works on the case. Well, I can only hope for the best. I now have a little under 3 hours to go. Well, I'll let ya all know how it went. And bon fire tonight (if the weather permits).
~Oz

"Project B"

A couple of years ago I had an idea or two for a reality show. Both were based on "Survivor". My first idea was take a load of prisoners on death row, put them on a deserted island, and you can either let them run free and film it, or you can do the show in typical survivor fashion. Immunity challenges and what not, but every 3 nights instead of being voted off the island, the person meets their demise. Obviously at the end of the show, their is now noone left to make up "the jury", so bring in family members of the convicts the final two have now killed, and let them decide which one dies, and which one gets to live on the island alone for the remainder of their days.

Well this idea seemed kind of morbid. It was then that I thought it would be neat to see a bunch of celebrities battle it out for the ultimate prize. The only thing is, what is a million bucks to a celebrity, and why would they suffer that time in the wilderness when they could easily be making a movie, singing a song, or playing in the world series? I dont know. I still to this day can not think of a legit reason for stranding celebrities on their own volition.

So earlier this year I voiced my idea to three others: Crystal, Kevin, and Josh. We spent an hour or so at Mileys making a list of who we would like to see on the show. This is what we came up with:

Tribe Sambuca: Nicholas Cage, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Bruce Willis, Anna Kourinakova, Drew Carrey, Kathy Bates, Stephen Speilberg and Tom Hanks.

Tribe Sangria: Stephen King, Liv Tyler, Denis Leary, Winona Ryder, Dave Matthews, Sinead O'Conner, Derek Jeter and John Cleese.

Tribe Equis Equis: Peyton Manning, Mia Hamm, Chris Tucker, Natalie Portman, Matthew Perry, Hillary Swank, Robert Dinero and Samuel L. Jackson.

Tribe Banini: Sean Connery, Rosie O'Donnell, Mel Brooks, Martha Stewart, Jackie Chan, Michelle Rodriguez, Christopher Walken and Sean Bean.

So, we had the teams. I even made nifty pictures for each team which I will post in a while. I devised a plan on how to work out the voting off process. It follows thusly:

Shows One through 4, their are four teams. Each challenge, sees two teams with immunity, two which most go to tribal council. Therefore, 2 ppl voted out each show.

SHOW 5: 24 ppl left. Teams Reshuffled into 3 teams of eight. Noone voted off.

Shows six through 10. Two tribes win immunity, one goes to tribal council.

SHOW 11, begins with 18 ppl left. The team which loses the challenge is absorbed by the other two teams. In the second challenge is for tribal Immunity, One to tribal council. 17 left at shows end

Shows 12-17. one team wins immunity, one goes to tribal.

SHOW 18: 11 ppl left. Teams are reshuffled randomly, one person still voted off at end

Show 19. just like 12-17

SHOW 20: MERGE . Now playing for individual immunity. one voted off.

Shows 21-25. One person voted off each show, one person wins immunity. PPL voted off make up the jury.

SHOW 26. FINAL FOUR. Two Immunity Challenges. When final two are picked, jury can now make comments, ask questions of final contestants. Jury Votes on who Wins.

Haji and me even made up scripts for the first show, but the idea was quckly scappred as it seemed to be a dead shipper. Well I am interested in trying to get this idea started up. I know most of you are groaning right now, thinking that this is going to be the "ORF" all over again. No. This will be the LAST TIME I mention this idea here on my blog. If you are interested in helping me and Haji get this off the ground, out of our minds, and on da net, email me. Call me. Respond to this post. Creative writers out their, we need ya. This is gonna take time and effort. Well thats all for now. Im gonna try and get those team pics posted.

~Oz

"Evening Posting: RVM"

Well, after I posted my morning reflections rant I ate lunch, checked out the family picture project my sister is working on, showered and was out the door. I said this day would not end without me getting positive feedback about a job. I sped to the mall, went to JC Pennys and demanded a job. Cindy, an elderly woman who worked with Mary Kate when she used to be down in mens took me to their Application Kiosk. I filled out the online app. and it asked me tons of questions...well 46 at any rate. After filling it out all, the computer informed me I was not qualified for the job I was applying for. No shit. Five years in customer service does not make one a great employee for a customer service job. Right. And Wars DO make one great... where was Yoda on that one?

After that let down I went to Auntie Annes, noticed a "NOW HIRING" sign up (this was not there a month ago when I last applied), so I filled out yet another app. there. Whilst I inked my signature, I was approached by none other than Cory Alm and Amber (his girlfriend). He told me that Game Crazy was hiring, and I was to go down and talk to his young friend Larry (the manager) about getting a job. Cool. I can sell video games. Speaking of that, I STILL have to get down there, as Larry was not in earlier.

After this I traveled to the Southside Plaza where I applied at Radio Shack. But still, no positive feedback. No assurance. Just a young red haired lad with promises of Video Game Splendour tm. Then I looked up and noticed it as if it has always been there: Golden Arches. A heavenly choir was ringing in my ears. I walked in through the gates and smelled the grease. Oh my God. What was I doing? I almost walked back through the doors, but no! I enveloped The Rage tm. and asked for an application. I promptly filled it out and went home.

Not one hour later the phone rings

"Hi this is Cherri from Mcdonalds calling, is Alex home?"

"Yeah, this is him. How are you doing?"

"Fine, so if you are still interested we would like to hire you, we just need to get you in for an interview. Is this still all right with you?"

"Yeah, I was only in there an hour ago, that was quick."

"Oh really? Well, is tomorrow all right?"

"Sure. What time?"

"How about 10?"

"Great. Thanks!"

"Okay. Have a nice day!"

"You too. Bye."

"Bye."

And thats that. I will now be asking the age old question "Would you like any fries with that?" These are great times we live in to be sure. Hopefully this will be a VERY short stint spent as MickyD's. I also today decided to reply to a letter I got. It was from JBC and I noticed they offer some teachings that I could benefit from, especially with my idea for my bar. So the plan is get enough money from MCDonalds to pay my next couple months rent, and utilities. During this time continue to look for a better job, who knows maybe Game Crazy will be Crazy Cool to me and hook a brother up.

Enough chit chat for now, Im punching out

~Oz

"Ben-Gals"

Well, it appears that the Sin Sin At Tea foot ball team also has some good teams coming to town this year. Gotta admit I would be down for a little road trip to see the Packers, or the Vikings, or the Colts, or HEY! the Bills are going down their too...on Dec.24th, well hmmm....maybe not. But hey, if this appeals to anyone as well get in touch. And Haji and Elisha live down there already so, we got peeps in the vicinity. OPA!

~Oz

"Bills, Bills, Bills"

This one is Short and Sweet. On October 9th the Fish are coming to play the Bills at the Ralph. Also on December 17th The Broncos are in town for an evening game on ESPN, or is it ABC, Im not sure. Either way, if anyone wants to go to either, get in touch with me ASAP, and we will try and find tickets. They are still available right now, but who knows in a month or so. And of course, and Sabres game all season long is fair game by me.

Its entertainment people. Its sports. Its my life.

~Oz

"What About Dave?"

Before 1994, the only bands I listened to which contained a members name in the title were Steve Miller Band, Edgar Winter Group, and oh lets see... I am not counting Rap Artist at all here, or any of those 80's one hit wonders---->J.Giles Band, Im looking at you. Then on September 27th, 1994 a album entitled "Under The Table and Dreaming" was released by a group which at that time was still widely unknown not counting the cult underground college following they were starting to obtain. Actually DMB formed back in 1991, and their success came mainly the same way Phishs came about; constant touring of small venues, college campuses, basically anywhere in the country willing to put them up. Once again the Word Of Mouth Machine tm. proved to be one of the best buildups a band can have.

Needless to say, the first time I heard "What Would You Say", complete with John Popper cameo I was hooked to Dave. With "Ants Marching" and "Satellite" following, "UTTaD" quickly became one of the staples in my record collection. It was at this point in my life that I gave up such Rap groups such as Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and put the edgier punk rock of Goldfinger NOFX on the backburner, eventually to forget the existed. Even the newer music I started to listen to that very year was put on haitus: Green Day, Offspring, Butthole Surfers etc, all forgotten about. Besides Dave, the only other new albums I was listening to were "Weezer" by Weezer, and "Defiantly Maybe" by Oasis.

It was something amazing in my mind, what DMB had going on. They had a sound that just wasn't heard in the mainstream really up to that point. With Boyd Tinsley on Violin and Leroi Moore on the Sax these two insturments that you almost NEVER would have heard on MTV or your popular radio station were suddenly represented wonderfuly. Thats not to mention the insane stylings of Carter Beauford on the drums (shout it x4). Stefan Lessard plays the bass, and Dave Matthews rounded out the quintet on the guitar.

My first concert experience was going to the Warner Theater in Erie Pa to see Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds do an accoustic show back in February '97. After all the concerts I have seen since then that still holds a special place in my heart and more so, it was one of the more awe inspiring shows I have attended. The second time I saw Dave it was in full tow of the Band down at Star Lake Ampitheater in Burgettstown PA in August '98. This show was great as well, but dwarfed by (in my opinion) the Phish show I would see one week later at Vernon Downs outside Albany NY.

Which brings my to my final point. The bands I listen to now are as follows: Phish, String Cheese Incident, Primus, Moe., Govt. Mule, Blues Traveler, John Butler Trio, Bela Fleck and the Fleck Tones, Guster, The Tragically Hip, Great Big Sea, Bare Naked Ladies, Moxy Fruvous, Dispatch, O.A.R., and much more of this simalar style and tone. Also on the prog Rock side of things I listen to Spocks Beard, OSI, Transatlantic, Dream Theater, King Crimson, Liquid Tension Experiment...on and on the list goes. Understand I became a much huger fan of Phish than I ever was or will ever be of DMB, and it was really Phish that got me into the other bands (Well it was Rush that got me into the prog rock, but I started listening to Rush off a tip of a fellow Phish fan). But at the end of the day, I wouldn't have given Phish a chance if I had not started listening to Dave Matthews Band.

Just think I might be listening to some strange Rapper making Music for Shorties or something, but my musical life was saved by Dave Matthews band.

So, one request before we leave. If you know of anyone with extra tickets (that wouldnt mind waiting a couple of weeks to a month or two for payment) to the Darien Lake Show this weekend, PLEASE let me know. And make them aware of me. I am going to need some sunshine and music (and beer) in my life this weekend following my DWI Trial this Thursday.

That was shameless.

~Oz

"Morning Reflections: The Easy Way"

In life we are faced with the choice in nearly every situation we come across of either taking the easy way out, or braving the trenches and doing what we know is right. It should be said here that just because something is easy, that doesn't necessarily mean it is wrong. It can be said that in the end the easy way is ultimatly self-serving and this erodes ones spirit.

My own case of easy -vs- right. EA Sports MVP Baseball 2005. Bear with me here. In this game you achieve points as you fulfill goals, some simple and some as hard as hell. These points can be used to unlock Classic Stadiums, Retro Uniforms, and Legendary Players. It took me about 2 months of toiling with an underachieving Chicago Cubs team, gaining some points but but never enough, to start over. I turned off the salary settings, the fair trade settings, and created a team that would have made the Evil Empire look like a bunch of Pee Wee Leaguers.

As you could assume the points came flying in. All I have left to unlock now is about 35 players and I will have unlocked everything possible in the game. Last week after a terrible game of poker (on my part) I turned on the game, and in the first inning versus the Orioles I blasted them with 21 runs. One of the poker crew, an avid Yankees fan looked at the screen and was disgusted with what he saw. Perfection.

I thought he was insane. I had developed a killing machine that any owner in baseball would love to have. Hell, what fan would not want to cheer for this team? And thats when it hit me. I would never cheer on this team in real life. Im sure most of you know my feelings towards teams like the Yankees, the Lakers, the Red Wings Rangers and Capitols. I never root for the easy, obvious victor. Half the time nowadays, the team you would expect to win fails short of t he prize to a team of largely unknowns outside of their hometome market.

That got me on this whole idea. The easy way seems like a lot of fun at first. But it slowly makes you passionless. You take things for granted, and give up caring about them. And then suddenly when you least expect it (hell you havent expected it for a LONG time) BAM! You get dealt a losing hand. And whereas one day long ago you could have taken it in stride, now it is a scathing wound. Even if to others it is preceived as a pin prick only, to you it is something much more. It is a reminder, a wake up call that you are failiable. For all of your devices, all your well laid out plans, someone was a little better. And that person took no shortcuts. It may have taken them longer, cost them more heartache, but they caught you up. They became as good as you, and now have overtaken you.

And they did it the right way. Call them suckers if you will, but their moral fiber is strong, unyielding, comfortable in the knowledge that though they will be the ones to suffer the heartaches over the years, in the end their struggle will win through. In the end the righteous will have the day.

Okay, that was unexpectedly deep. Or was it shallow, narrow-minded? I don't know, I just woke up and started righting. By the by, that is also the major theme taking shape in the "Harry Potter" series. The choices we have to face every day between doing whats easy and what is right. I am starting to look at my own life and I am now honestly asking for the first time in years (a lot of years) that very question: Is what I am doing right, or am I just taking the easy way out? And let me tell you, I am finding that the "right" way is sometimes the hard way. But I suppose that if their were no challenge in life, if you suffered no bumps and bruises, then well I guess life wouldnt be very fun after all.

Be back later with less insightful, possibly more comedic posts later

~Oz

On June 21st and 22nd I went to Philadelphia Pa. with Wyatt to see two Robert Plant and the Strange Sensation shows. We left on Monday morning (well, it was 1:45 in the afternoon when we finally got going, but the intention was there). Our trip down was enjoyable enough: two hours gentle traveling through the pastrol Amish Country. Our only "mistake" we made was in supporting local colour and atmosphere. We made the critical error of eating at the "Country Cottage", or "Sam Peckinpahs Slaughter House" whatever it was called I am not sure.

We figured it was better to support the yocales instead of eating at that staple of American Big Fat thats is Mcdonalds. If you haven'y guessed already, our meal was lackluster at best. Wyatts steak was done the way he asked only in the inch the waitress cut for him to ask him "that all right?" My roast was all right enough, but the put friggin' ORANGE PEALS in my mashed potatoes. ORANGE PEALS!!! Thats right, it warrented three exclamation points, that is to show you how pissed off I was at the culinary genius that is their chef.

Well, we made it to Philly (actually UPPER DARBY) around 9 that evening, and it wasnt until 11:30 or so that we made berth at the enchanted Summit Inn. All I am going to say about this charming little hostel was that at 5:30ish our first morning there we received a phone call from the front desk. Apparently when I parked my car I managed to block in a van. Damn. Didnt see the van, okay. Me and Wyatt go out to the parking lot, accompanied by a angry little man in coveralls. When I went to my car, where no van was withing a 10 yard radius he yelled, "No its down here". After explaining to him the car I was at WAS my car he insisted on showing us his blocked in van. Well, we didnt care and walked back to the motel. He followed us stating "I know what my driver will say 'Fuck it' thats what he'll say. 'Fuck it'" Fuck it. Wyatt replied "I know what I'm about to say..." and with that it was back to bed.

Oh yeah, the concert. We met up with a woman Wyatt had met at a Robert Plant show in Myrtle Beach earlier that year, Cindi, and a friend of hers named Matt. Both very nice people. The show itself was excellent, both nights. As you know, or will soon discover, I do not review live shows I see. I sometimes might give out a setlist, but not yet. Quick notes though. First night we were pretty close to the back of the venue. The Tower Theater seats roughly 5000 bodies. The second show we were in the 8th row I believe. Much better seats. He mixed his new material from "The Mighty Rearranger" with some retooled Zeppelin classics. This caused one negative quality in the show. Whenever a song started that was not well known, a large part of the audience sat down, much to the behest of Wyatt and myself. It was a relatively short set both nights, but to me at least very enjoyable.

The other memories I bring back are driving around downtown Philly at 1am trying to find out what hotel the band might be staying in, NOT seeing the Liberty Bell, and a girl asking Wyatt if she could kick him in the knee "Why?" girl-"Because it will make me happy". Wow. And I thought girls tripping on acid at Phish concerts stealing hats, yanking arms, with protectors named Timmy, made for good fun.

~Oz

"Hockey Stars: On Ice"

As many of you may have already seen this show, I will be brief. Last September a new TV show made its debut on ESPN, and TSN in Canada. It was called "Bob Goodenow and The Half-Assed Bargaining Agreements". It debuted nightly against the veteran show "Gary Bettman and the Order of the Richer Than Thou". Both shows jousted for the fans approval, and both lost their appeal after one show. Unfortunately we the fans had to suffer through the horrid shows, both with their predictable plot lines and horrible characters. Ow, they had good characters on each show, but they were never shown because they were contractually obligated to both shows, and therefore deadlocked from appearing on either. Finally ESPN cancelled "Half-Assed", and TSN only showed weekly recaps of the more important plotlines: NONE.

Well, in the most interesting development to those who still care (myself and one Josh Nathan), the two shows creators, Bettman and Goodenow got together and decided on the following agreement. This October, the stars of each show (the stars the fans actually cared about) will take center stage in a totally new show (well a new spin on and old chestnut). It is called "Hockey Stars: On Ice". They got the idea from those uber-popular Disney shows, and from the mega hot ice hockey stars Sasha Cohen and Sarah Hughes. Unfortunately, neither of the aforementioned ladies shall be starring in the show, but Hulk Hogans (for more info see "Hogan Knows Best, and Mr.Nanny) daughter will be singing the National Anthem (American only) at the Tampa Bay shows.

So, stay tuned this fall on NBC, TSN, MSG, possibly ESPN, and Lord only knows whatever stations, for what is sure to be the hit show of the season (disregarding "Lost"- which by the way was what most of the fans in the underground resistance against "Half-Assed" and "Richer" were calling the hope for ever seeing the real stars again).

Hey all. It has been 23 days since I have been fired from Sears Roebuck and Co. Now I know what some of you might be thinking; "Alex, before you got hired at Sears, you were unemployed for 4 months. How can this possibly be worse?" Well sir, I will detail that out for you nice and neat like.

The last time I was unemployed, I was not fired. I was working for Orbital Satellite, and we were evicted from the mall because our owner, who lived in Ohio, did not pay the rent for about 5 months. Overall, being evicted leaves a less acidic taste in your mouth than the stigma of being fired.

Back in November of 2001, my bills looked like this: $50 bucks a month to my parents, for whatever various things ie. college bills I owed them. Also, whatever I had to pay for gas. I still had around a thousand dollars in savings, as I hadnt squandered all of money on trying to win Ashley back after a pathetic year on my part (another story for another day), and I was still a year removed from ever laying fingers on a credit card.

Here today, July 17th 2005, my bills look a little more intimidating. I have racked up over $5000.00 on credit cards, owe $6000.00 for my latest car (yes thats right for those of you who do not know, the Statatuary Racer is lost and gone forever and ever amen). I have been living in an apartment with Joy, Crystal, Mark (well no longer Mark as of late April), and pseudo-Ben, since last October. Our lease is up in October, but I still have to come up with roughly $350.00 for the rent and utilities through then. I have absolutely $0.00 in my savings account, and havent put gas in my tank now for 10 days.

Well...

Sorry, this is no way to start my posting. Be back in a few.

~Oz