Mr. E

Because i'm finding my life increasingly less interesting, and feel even less of a motivation to write about it, i am retiring this livejournal FOREVER. Finally! i know right? I guess i threaten this every now and then. But this time i mean it. I'm still going to "use" it, in that I'll still comment on your things and read most of your things and read most of my comic feeds and whatever feeds. And every now and then when i'm feeling particularly useless i might ask a question on an discussion board. BUT THAT'S IT. It's in part a self-imposed exile because it's like... embarrassing? But it's mostly that i don't know what to really do with this livejournal. It's lost its use. I mostly want to forget about things behind me now, and just trudge forward as well as i can. And the things that i do want to remember, I'll just write down privately somewhere. And considering my friends that still use lj have slowly dwindled, there's no sense in keeping them updated in my life (not that this was ever a motivation). Soo...YEP.
It was really nice having this time with you. As mentioned if you still update, i'll still read and still be commenting and what not. And i'm not retiring epoolio so there is always that connection. Also, i'm pretty sure i'll be starting a blog soon. That won't be life related however. It will be more reviews of songs and albums and movies and books, similar to what you've seen here but in greater depth. I think i will mostly keep it positive though, and talk about things that i love in depth.
So I guess what i'm saying is, this isn't goodbye. 
Only kind of.
It's like a half goodbye.
Anyway.

This journal is now friends only.
If you're on my friends list already, then you will have stayed there. I haven't deleted anyone.

If you're reading this, and you decide you want to add me then go for it. The odds are i will add you back. With that said, all newcomers should place a comment in this entry stating who they are. Even if we dont know each other in real life.
The reason this journal is friends only is not to prevent certain people from reading it. It's for me just to know who actually is.

99% of the time i will add you. But if i don't it will be for one of three reasons:
1. I know who you are and dislike you. (i like most people)
2. I believe there's a strong possibility you'll blab something that i'll make a friends-only entry. (rare)
3. You haven't made yourself known.

If one of the three applies, then you'll probably be banned. Nothing personal. I just don't like my friends list to be uneven. You can always email me (check userinfo) if you're banned and would like to be unbanned.

( The Friends Only Banner They Didn't Want You To See )

1. Rent: The Musical is better be the  biggest joke on humanity. Otherwise it is just incredibly incredibly bad: "In five hundred twenty-five thousand, six-hundred minutes - how do you measure a year in the life?............ How about love? How about love? How about love? Measure in love! Seasons of love." That HAS to be a joke. Otherwise i just don't know how something could be so abysmally bad. Screw new wave broadway.
2. Though i loved Vivre Sa Vie, i'm thinking that Godard is one of those people who violates film rules just because he can, as opposed to actually doing it for a purpose. I don't have proof for this. Just a rooted suspicion.
3. Far be it for me to gripe about bands, but jesus h. christ do i ever hate simple plan. I can understand why someone would want to listen to say Britney Spears or Nickleback. But not only does Simple Plan write the most hypocritical self-appeasing lyrics i've ever heard, but their singer sounds like a cat in heat backed by musical instruments.
4. On the thread of music, i'm liking the new White Stripes video. And i don't even particularly like the White Stripes.
I'm also liking the new Broken Social Scene video. A lot. And i particularly like BSS.
5. In the bottom left corner of this website there's an interview with Kurt Vonnegut on The Daily Show. Until watching it, i had no clue what Vonnegut sounded like. I was so shocked to hear how similar his voice was to the character Milton in the film Office Space. I also noticed how old he was, and it made me incredibly sad. I don't feel any sadness that Shakespeare's dead when reading Macbeth. But knowing and growing up with Vonnegut's novels, while he's still around is different. I guess I find some comfort that there are good things to come, with people like that around. Which makes it all that harder to see them, close enough to their death.
6. My mom talking with a neighbour about our dog: "Oh no he won't bite. He might bite a little 2 year old though...."
She was completly serious and that scares me.
7. What are they going to do with that "Prison Break" show? How many seasons will it take for them to break out of prison and have wacky adventures in college?
8. South Park is easily the funniest show on television right now, proved by the few episodes i watched today (instead of working on my essay.) Trey Parker is a god among men. Screw Matt Stone. He's a cool guy, but he doesn't contribute much to the show besides voices and animation. Trey Parker is the humour behind it. I want to be him. Simply for the scientology episode. That was the essence of brilliance. Especially at the very end where they have the scientologists scream that theyre going to sue Stan for discrediting their religion and Stan shouts "COME ON THEN! SUE ME!" as it cuts to credits. Awesome subtle threat. I love that show. This quote on the gay marraige issue isn't half bad either:
Governor: I believe that i might have come up with a compromise to this whole problem that will make everyone happy! People in the gay community want the same rights as married couples. But the censors don't want the word "marraige" corrupted. So how about we let gay people get married but call it something else? You homosexuals will have all the exact same rights as married couples. But instead of reffering to you as "married" you can be "butt buddies." (silence) Instead of being "man and wife" you'll be "butt buddies." (silence) You won't be "bethroded." You'll be...."butt BUDdies." (more silence) Get it? Instead of being a "bride" and "groom" you'd be..."butt buddies."
Gay Couple: We want to be treated equally!
Governer: You are equal. It's just that instead of getting "engaged" you would be "butt BUDdies." And everyone is happy!
Lesbian Couple: Well what about lesbians?
Governor: Yeah like anyone cares about fuckin dykes. (crowd outrages) God, i was SURE that would work.

I'm almost done my essay for journalism (due tomorrow, or rather today as it's 1am presently.) Personally......i think it kicks major ass. it sucked before. But it's looking good now. You have no idea how good it feels to get this done finally. My History essay is another matter. I have no clue what i can argue with it. Thank god he gave me an extension till Tuesday. I love that teacher. I truly do. If only for the fact that i've always hated history class, but now it's become my favorite (next to film of course.) I'm...PROBABLY going to skip English tomorrow: my first class of the day. Either to finish my jour. essay (if im not done it tonight) or just to sleep in. I hate that class so much. I can't believe i like History more than English this year. Bizarro world.
I can't wait until winter cold fully sets in, so i can start wearing the bitching winter hat i got last year. It's one of those wool ones with ear flaps, and those weird ponytail looking things hanging from them. I know most people will think i'll look like a dork, but i think it looks cool on me. And i don't recall ever giving a rat's ass about what people think of my fashion sense (wears a sweatshirt almost every day, even in summer, oh yeah.) Actually even i dont give much thought to my fashion sense. I just like this hat cause its warm. Soooo warm.
Apparently there are printers in Carleton's library. This is too awesome for words. I can look over my paper after history, and if i notice anything fucked up i can just open it from my email in the library and print it out. AWESOME! A-Higha-fivah! (I love Borat so much)
( And now.....HERE'S SOME PICTURES OF ADORABLE PUPPIES!!! HAHAHAHAHAHA!! )

( Stolen from Jess. Despite questions on nail polish )

elliot is a 'larger' woman who is also big on talent
elliot is ted
elliot is a queen's counsel
elliot is presenting on the tele tonight
elliot is working on a studio project with reset and sam from the seminal band 'gramme' on vocals
elliot is a crested brown and beige boy born july 6
elliot is nominated for a golden globe award by simon davis in los angeles
elliot is god
elliot is ashamed of losing
elliot is also a distinguished graduate of the united states air force officer training school
elliot is a weird looking creature
elliot is our corba expert
elliot is featured in the february cover story of chain leader magazine
elliot is lodged firmly within the first camp
elliot is the bbc version of rocky
elliot is no different
elliot is my assistant instructor
elliot is all about the ballet
elliot is fat
elliot is famous for his cover versions of popular songs
elliot is the colombian drug dealer when he goes into see alison to accuse her of her affair. she throws her hairbrush at him
elliot is fringed on all sides by coral
elliot is weird and talks funny
elliot is hesitant to tell his secret with rodney and rusty standing there
elliot is a worthwhile night at the movies
elliot is introduced to john blair
elliot is a senior manager with the international intellectual property consultancy
elliot is mobile at last
elliot is not your usual hero
elliot is not unique
elliot is much better than rocky in toe shoes
elliot is the most annoying human being in the known universe
elliot is now pursuing a new project in the digital music realm
elliot is well known for his quality of work
elliot is on board
elliot is 11 years old
elliot is much more than just a teacher or a coach
elliot is a superior software designer
elliot is a welcome addition to the stanford arsenal of athletic players this year
elliot is good in that it manages to keep itself funny and entertaining while at the same time going deeper and deeper into the dramatic side
elliot is in a hurry to break the chocolate and see the surprise inside

( Let's delay the essay eh? With a survey! )

It's 2:30 am. Essay you ask? Nay i say. Final Fantasy: Advent Children was on the list today. Ive only watched the first half hour and i am thoroughly thoroughly impressed with everything (except for the awkwardly translated dialogue in parts.)
I discovered today that i DO have a wireless connection near my house. The reason wireless wasn't working earlier?...i..er...didn't realize i needed to flip a switch on my laptop turn it's wireless capabilities on....... *cough* Anyway now that its all set up, ill have no reason to ever use the computer downstairs ever again. Except to listen to my old music and look at old pictures. I've got my webcam working on MSN too!!! That makes me really happy. Not because i'll use it often (far from it) but because i like being an idiot on camera, even though noones watching. Yeah you heard me. The first thing i did with my wireless connection however was download the free trial of the game Out from Boneville. I was pretty impressed, but it doesnt seem very complex so i dont know if its worth the risk of shelling out 20 bucks for the rest of the game.
I realized today that 90% of our books for English class either relate to coloniolism or take place in the victorian era. (Heart of Darkness, Things Fall Apart, and Nectar in a Sieve. Three colonization books in a row) FUCK! It's a boring time/subject to talk about, let alone dedicate an entire course to it. ESPECIALLY A COURSE CALLED 20TH CENTURY LITERATURE NOT END OF 19TH CENTURY LITERATURE AND MODERN BOOKS THAT TAKE PLACE THEN AS WELL OH AND THE HISTORY OF COLONIZATION IN FICTIONAL WORKS. It's a good thing i'm doing good in that course otherwise there would be hell to pay.
Its weird typing on a laptop. The keys are so...small.
On a personal note, i don't understand my brain's rational on crushes. Right now i'm crushing on two seperate people WHO I SHOULDNT EVEN BE CRUSHING ON IN THE FIRST PLACE (i like caps today. my apologies.) ie my judgement and rational thoughts are being completly ignored by a brain that doesn't know where it's going or what it's doing. With my brain's track history, it's really not very deserving of love. God knows what would happen if it were ever to be requited. which is probably why my brain picks people that are pretty much out of my reach.


"There's always a siren singing you to shipwreck. (don't reach out, don't reach out)
Steer away from these rocks, we'd be a walking disaster. (don't reach out, don't reach out)
Just because you feel it doesn't mean it's there. (there's someone on your shoulder)
Just because you feel it doesn't mean it's there. (there's someone on your shoulder)
There there. Why so green and lonely?"

Today i finished reading A Scanner Darkly by Phillip K. Dick. Also today by the biggest coincidence of the month, i found out that they're making it into a animation film with Keanu Reeves (think Waking Life animation, and not Pixar or Disney.) it's a big coincidence because i wasn't even looking up A Scanner Darkly. Just browsing random movie trailers. Anyway, the book was amazing. I don't know how well a film adaptation will work, simply because the character doesn't realize he's retreating into two dual personalities. And we wouldn't realize it either, if we didn't have direct access to both of their thoughts from beginning to end. (I'm not going to give a plot synopsis, so continue to be confused.) I'm going to check out some more of his books, when i have time.
I've been averaging 6.25 hours of sleep. I don't think this is good. I nap during my breaks between classes almost every day. That's potential work time. Like right now.
I got 4/5 on my poetry quiz in English, which is amazing seeing as how i totally didn't catch on that "The Hollow Men" by TS Elliot was referencing Heart of Darkness. Apparently i had great ideas, but then got nutso trying to expand on these ideas with every word/sylabble. The teacher is definitly right.

Currently Reading: -Indian-European Trade Relations in the Lower Saskatchewan River Region to 1840 by: Paul C. Thistle
-Catcher in the Rye by: JD Salinger
-Nectar in a Sieve by: I'm not sure. I'll have to look later.
Currently Listening to: -Wintersleep
-Matthew Good
-Incredibad

I want to read the bible. As a nontheist agnostic, i figure i should probably know a bit more about the most predominant western religion. Plus even people i know that are complete athiests and despise the church and what not, still admit that Jesus (fictional or not) was a chill guy. And i've heard too many good quotes of him by more religious friends, for me not to be a little impressed by said character/person.
I wanted to write the review for the Charlatan on the new Hi Lo Trons cd, or even do the story/interview on their upcoming concerts and what not. But i have two essays to deal with. I hate timing.
I got so many books from the library today. I was afraid my bag was going to rip open the whole time i was walking around. I could support the weight easily, but my bag isn't as cooperative. Every now and then i'd hear a soft "rrip." I made it through ok. I must have a million books out of various libraries now.
Even though the video for Buck65's "Devil's Eyes" is kind of a cheesy cliche mix of detective/noir/splashes of red, i still really like it. A lot.
We saw Vivre sa Vie in film class today. I really like it. A lot. There were times when you can tell Godard decided to fuck around with cinematic rules just because he had that power. But most of the time it was purposful/beautiful. I've changed my decision on who shall direct my life. I think Godard would get it a lot more than Allen ever would. When viewing the credits and seeing the main character's name was Anna Karina, i was plagued through the whole movie trying to figure out where i had heard that name. Turns out i was thinking of Anna Karenina (the novel by Tolstoy.) The more you know.

My journalism essay's got almost all of the backup facts i need (3.5 pages worth) so i just need to actually format it all into an essay and i'm set.
My history essay on the other hand is going to kill me. I HAVENT EVEN STARTED AND ITS DUE ON THE 15TH?!?! But now i know what my topic is going to be and all sorts of books are available on it (luckily enough) so its just a matter of finding them in the school library. Which by the by is the most confusing library to navigate. I don't even think it uses the dewey decimal system. I think it just likes to do its own thing. I think my main problem is that i'm kind of forgetting i need to start my essays early with different phases of work. Something that we were forced to do in high school, apparently for good reason.
Probably another one of my main problems is video games. Fuck video games. And you know what? Pokemon Silver is a damn good game. It's extensive, lengthy, new things around every corner, and shut your damn mouth. But never give your number out to trainers in that game, because then they call you every fucking second *ring ring* "Hey ____! Guess what? I just caught a Nidorino on route 45! You should come check it out! Bye!" *click*
"....."
*ring ring* "Hey! _____! We should battle again! I've trained since you last saw me so it won't be an easy battle like last time."
"..wha.."
"Bye!" *click*
".......can i change my number in this game?"
*ring ring* "Hey ____! Guess what? I just caught a Nidorino on route 45! You should come check it out!"
"Ralph? Stop fucking calling me. You must have caught like 300 Nidorinos by now. And i've had to hear about every single one. Fuck off. I'll call the cops. The pokemon cops. The ones with flashlights. I'll do it, i swear. You call me again, i'll have your ass blinded."
I should avoid coffee. I should avoid coffee at 1:00am.

"I cannot guess what we'll discover. We turn the dirt with our palms cupped like shovels
But I know our filthy hand can wash one another’s and not one speck will remain
I do believe it’s true that there are roads left in both of our shoes
If the silence takes you, then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near because you’re the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere, where soul meets body"

# I need to learn how to write with less words. I elaborate way too much. Journalism courses are probably only going to make this trait worse.
# I listened to Belle & Sebastian finally. I got to say that i'm dissapointed. They're decent. But they don't live up to everyone else's hype. I'm obsessed with "The Boy with the Arab Strap" however. If i could define the word catchy, i would add a footnote: "See: The Boy With The Arab Strap by: Belle & Sebastian." Because footnotes kick ass. i'd probably use less colons though. They can confuse people. Including me. If i wrote a dictionary (before killing myself from boredom) i would hire an editor.
# I'm wondering if next year i want to take 1000-level poli-sci. I hate English. And i dont want to concentrate in Film, because i dont think its very practical. And i like politics enough. But i wonder how much of my life i'm willing to sacrifice for practicalities. Then again, who says i'll even make it to 2nd year. Is there a god of University Grades that i can pray to i wonder?
# Saw the Gades play today. Paopao is gone. Cool guy, crappy coach. Ottawa won the game, though Toronto obviously didn't bust out their star line (being already in the playoffs.) I caught a mini-football when they threw them out. i don't know what the hell to do with it. i'm thinking of bronzing it. but i dont want it to lose its plushy soft appeal. is there such thing as a malleable bronzing? maybe i'll just paint it yellowish-brown.
# I woke up with what looks like a bruise on my cheek. It's small though and hurts more than a bruise. Oh and it's not a pimple. I'll just hope its not a cancer sore. (it so is)
# Sleeping is hard for me this past week. My ego needs to ask my id what the deal is.
# Found a picture of me at 14 or 15th birthday party. Still giving the thumbs up. I laughed for a good minute.
# I heard a band called The Most Serene Republic on muchmusic yesterday, and was so impressed. So i downloaded some more of their stuff, looked up the band, and theyre signed to the A&C label. Fucking a. They rule simply for having a song called "You're a Loose Cannon McArthur..... but you get the job done."
# It's amazing how much i can type with so little important information. Like who seriously cares what marks i woke up with on my face?
# *sob*
( Amusing convo )

5 days late. Still fucking brilliant.
It makes me glad that i'm not the only one who thinks that Bob Geldof is full of shit. It makes me gladder to know that the people who also think this are the people that i loved to listen to before. The video is worth watching simply for David Cross's audio. Buck 65's cameo isn't bad either because he uses his lonesome cowboy voice for a spooky ghost character. I non sexually <3 Buck 65.

While we're at it though, what the fuck is up with people and scientology (inclusive of Beck)? I seriously don't get it. Are people members of it as a joke? Or do they honestly take literally things a science fiction writer said? I really don't understand it, and if someone would like to explain to me why it's so popular i would appreciate it.
To me it seems like something out of a Vonnegut novel, involving a worship of Kilgore Trout. But that's just me.

( First to send it back Chrissy? PROVED YOU WRONG!! FIRST TO POST!!! I showed you. (its a survey) )

What the hell is wrong with Ann Coulter? Seriously. She's fucked up in the head. Who allowed her near a television? Or even a pen for that matter?
I got a shock when i realized my History essay is due on the 15th. I haven't even picked a topic yet. I really have to buckle down now. Goddamn work.
I just learned today that the character of Sam (of Sam & Max Freelance Police fame) was meant to be a parody of Orson Welles in Touch of Evil. The game and the comics just took on a whole new meaning for me.
On a similar note Charlton Heston is the smoothest bastard alive:
"Mike, do you realize this is the very first time we've been together in my country?" "Do you realize I haven't kissed you in over an hour?"

Movies i'm looking forward to seeing:
-Jarhead
-Brick
-The Squid & The Whale
-Good Night and Good Luck (i know. It's Clooney. Shut up.)
-Everything is Illuminated
-Proof
-Zodiac (YES this is the third Gylenhaal movie i've listed. But come on.)
-V for Vendetta
-The Fountain

-"My teapot is talking to me."
-I spoke too soon with epoolio. I think i just needed a change in medium for awhile.
-My dog smells disgusting today. We don't have any dog shampoo left, and because of this street we live on, some assholes stole our hose. So he's going right along and stinking. It's really really disgusting.
-I never bought that halloween costume. I ended up buying things i probably shouldn't have bought, and thus i dont really have the spare dough for a costume. I still have my backup costumes should i need one.
-I realized that i have a film class until 9pm on Halloween. What up with that? We're watching Citizen Kane. I guess i could skip seeing as how ive seen the movie a million times + i probably wont learn much else new. But then again, my alternative is handing candy out to children and the only way to scare them now and days is to pretend you're a pedophile. And that just didn't fly with the police last year. I'm wondering if people will be wearing costumes to class. Am i still in high school?
-I don't know if i like the film Man on the Moon. But i like Carrey's performance. And i love Andy Kaufman. I don't have many heroes but he's certainly one.
-It would be nice if i had friends that would accept the fact that i don't like to do what they like to do. Instead i have to put up with assholes who think its a matter of pretentiousness.
-I think everyone's out for attention (including myself of course.) And it's strange how we go about doing it in different ways. Some want to achieve it by getting others to feel bad for them. Others want to achieve it by getting others to idolize them. But about 90% of the time they fail. And people just think theyre retards for making up problems or bragging about stories. Lying (which has been GREATLY reduced from last year) is my means of getting people's attention. But my lies are so realistic and undramatized that my method often works. As far as i can tell anyway. But i'm tired of attention, and i'm not even sure why i wanted it in the first place. Attention is pretty cheap i've discovered.
-On a personality quiz about Sesame Street i was classified as Bert. I was horrendously pissed off until i read their rationale. It was well founded. But Bert's more of an asshole than i am. Still....i was pulling for Grover
-I'm wondering now about creating a makeshift costume for tomorrow. I dont think i have that kind of creativity.

Andy Kaufman: You don't know the real me.
Lynne Margulies: There isn't a real you.
Andy Kaufman: Oh yeah, I forgot. 

-I keep my own secrets probably too well. Eventually there will be a cave-in, and i'll be trapped under my own rocks while people up above come to the consensus on whether or not i'm worth saving. They'll probably at least come back for the diamonds.
-Eventually one of us is going to fess up. I hope it will be me.
-On a whim i decided to search The Onion to find an article i read awhile ago that made me almost die laughing in the middle of Chapters. I was succesful
-I have been in an angsty mood, and thus ive been listening to my angsty music (Okkervil River and certain songs by The Dears [namely Heartless Romantic and Lost in the Plot])
-Today i've rediscovered Bark Psychosis. A shoegazing band that doesn't provoke my atmospheric imagination, but is still excellent easy listening music.
-For the first time EVER i have heard Matthew Good's experimental band from a few years back: Bon Tempo. It is so hilarious, words cannot even say. Except for the actual lyrics.
-Today we can travel back in time.
EDIT: This is Elliot from the past with a message for Elliot in the future: Stop worrying about things and wasting time editing and go to bed.

( Why Indigo Prophecy Sucks. )

The Dame Requires A Credit Card
Went to invisible cinema with Sami. Empty. Strangly empty. Needed a credit card to rent. Should have seen it coming. Didn't. Left without a movie. Left without a credit card. Considered employment. Went to comic shop across the street. Browsed around. Bought Bone Vol. 1. Amazing comic; stupid purchase. Goodbye to $15. Nerd cashier says Advent Children will be out by the end of November. Thanks. French black man on the bus listens to his different rap cell phone rings. Thanks. Discussed breifly moving out. Sami says he's moving out next year. Considered employment. Went home. Wondered what happened to talking in first person. Lit another cigarette. The city outside fades away to look for an appropriate conclusion.
( It settles for a survey )
And a song quote:
"Take me for a drive to the coastline. Pull me to the depths of the sea.
Leave me in the middle of the ocean. I can walk the rest of the way.
And i promise not to cry anymore. All the reasons beat the crap out of me.
Every day when i wake up they are waiting but i promise not to cry anymore.
Cause it's the same old plot to these things
Oh it's the same old plot to these things
Our love, don't mess with our love. Our love is so much stronger."