[Adam]

"I will either find a way or make one." -Hannibal, before crossing the Alps.

And it is with this spirit I will start a fresh, brand-spanking new journal. All are welcome.

My life is a busy one, working two jobs (Target and Marriott) with little time for anything else at the moment. My schedule is insane and has been since August 2008. I'm plan on returning to school in August.

A lot has happened in my life within the past 5 years but moreso last year . Although there are those who have fared much, much worse than me, I believe I've learned a lot about who I am and where I'm going. Psychologically I've been in dark places (who hasn't). With that said however I am now confident that there is no obstacle that I cannot overcome (this is starting to sound like a self-help class).

My life is my own and it is what it is. Maybe some things could have turned out differently but they haven't- I not only accept that but I embrace it. Despite the many, many dissappointments over the last 5 years over those I have loved, mistakes I've made, and especially in myself- I can say I am truly blessed with so many things. Out of all the other worlds that could potentially exist, I wouldn't want it any other way, failures and all.

I've got an amazing family that has supported me so much (especially my parents). There are so many people that can't say the same thing. I have a lot to be thankful for. I've been a very selfish person to my family and towards others I've loved and I've been really wrong.

So with that said, come on life- gimme ya best shot.

[Zooropa]

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6z...n-maxwell_news

[beanbag]

I thought I would return the favor by dropping by to say hello. =)

what do you plan on studying?

and...regrets are silly things to have, because it's not like the past can change anyways. good for you for pushing forward.

[Adam]

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x6z...n-maxwell_news

This is gonna sound really, really lame, but my computer is so slow I can't view the video. Plus my sound card is screwed up beyond belief. I am envisioning a new computer in the future, however. Usually mental visualization gets me what I want.

what do you plan on studying?

Not sure yet. I might just finish what I started in broadcast journalism or spring for a psych degree.

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by Adam

Not sure yet. I might just finish what I started in broadcast journalism or spring for a psych degree.

You could be an analrapist.







...hope you've seen "Arrested Development"

[Adam]

Yes, I am 25 and I still listen to Nine Inch Nails.

If only Trent Reznor had made The Fragile a single album it could have been truly great. The first disc, in my opinion is really very good, with the exception of "Pilgrimage" and arguably "No, You Don't." But I really enjoy every track on that first disc. The sequencing is perfect too. The album fares better as a whole rather than regarding the merits of particular tracks- that's mainly due to the instrumentals (especially "La Mer") which are integral to the entire first disc.

I think many critics judged at least this first disc mainly on a first listen. They didn't give it a fair shot, in my opinion. Of course when I first listened to this disc I didn't see what the big deal was either. It appeared convoluted and confusing- a rough sketch of compelling musical ideas at best. After several listens I think I finally understand it.

Unfortunately I can't say the same for the second disc. There are a couple of stand out tracks, notably "Where Is Everybody" and "The Big Come Down" (although the live version is much better). I can't figure out what he was trying to do with it. It is disjointed and mediocre. Perhaps some of the tracks would have made decent B-sides.

In summation the ambitiousness of The Fragile is commendable. Unfortunately Reznor's ambition inherent in this 2-disc project cannot offset its shortcomings. If Reznor were to have released this as a single disc I have no doubt it would have fared better critically. Still, even as a whole The Fragile is not as dumpy as some may think.

[Adam]

Originally Posted by slap_j

You could be an analrapist.







...hope you've seen "Arrested Development"

No I haven't. Does that profession bring in a six-figure salary? If so, I might consider it.

[Zooropa]

Originally Posted by Adam

No I haven't. Does that profession bring in a six-figure salary? If so, I might consider it.

You would like it. It's your type of humor.

I don't listen to NIN at all, but I'm psyched to see them live at 2 A.M. (!) if I go to Bonnaroo.

[slap_j]

Originally Posted by Adam

No I haven't.

The whole series is online for free. Lucky you!

http://www.hulu.com/arrested-development

[Adam]

Originally Posted by slap_j

The whole series is online for free. Lucky you!

http://www.hulu.com/arrested-development

Noice! I'll check this out. I've definitely heard of this show.

[Than]

Adam! What's up, man? How've you been lately? I just wanted to say hey. Read/listen/watch anything good lately?

[Adam]

Adam! What's up, man? How've you been lately? I just wanted to say hey. Read/listen/watch anything good lately?

Hey Nate! Good to hear from you. I've been doing ok, thanks. I really really really need to upgrade my music collection. All my Boards of Canada albums are scratched up so that's been really bugging me. That music is simultaneously therapy and artistic enlightenment for me. I need it! But I've mostly been listening to old White Stripes stuff, NiN and some Aphex Twin (26 Mixes). I really miss the days where I was so into music man. I've been out of it so long.

As you know I've been going through The Wire which is excellent. On the film side I've recently seen [i]Slumdog Millionaire[/i} (probably the last person on earth to see it). I enjoyed it. I mean, yes its a good film but upon further reflection I will add that it's not as great as some may perceive it to be. I enjoyed Sunshine much more (Boyle's last film) and that film accomplished greater feats within that genre (sci-fi). But Sunshine is severely underrated and overlooked by critics. I also enjoyed Sunshine's soundtrack a lot more.

[Adam]

In other news lightning struck my house and fried many appliances. And of course it fried my laptop. I'm afraid that I will only be able to post here at work until my insurance can reimburse me (hopefully).

Well its been exactly one year since I started working out on a regular basis. I can say that I am satisfied with my results. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life because I'm still young and I want to enjoy this mortal body before I get old and die. I guess my cognizance of how short this life really is...has inspired me. So far, so good. I've really cut back on my smoking habit. I'm gonna quit soon (yes don't we all say that).

Anyway I dropped 30 pounds in the first 3 months and I've been consistently gaining muscle. I'm at a solid 200 pounds, and I want to maintain this weight and maybe add 15 pounds of muscle. You know I've never really seen why some people are gym rats but now I understand. It all makes sense. Its therapeutic (excercising releases seratonin and endorphins, which also curbs food cravings) and yes as cliche as it sounds it does help with image. Its nice to not be injury prone either- so far no injuries. Damn I sound obsessed. Maybe I am and I'm cool with that. Also, I'm not gonna lie- getting looks from the ladies is a definite plus.

I know for sure that I'm going to lift weights my entire life- its pure fun (especially skull crushers and dips). I honestly never thought I could or would do this. But I did and I'm proud of myself.

I am not a personal trainer nor am I anywhere close to being an expert- but if anyone has excercise questions feel free to ask- I'd be glad to help.

[Zooropa]

Originally Posted by Adam

In other news lightning struck my house and fried many appliances. And of course it fried my laptop. I'm afraid that I will only be able to post here at work until my insurance can reimburse me (hopefully).

Well its been exactly one year since I started working out on a regular basis. I can say that I am satisfied with my results. My goal is to be in the best shape of my life because I'm still young and I want to enjoy this mortal body before I get old and die. I guess my cognizance of how short this life really is...has inspired me. So far, so good. I've really cut back on my smoking habit. I'm gonna quit soon (yes don't we all say that).

Anyway I dropped 30 pounds in the first 3 months and I've been consistently gaining muscle. I'm at a solid 200 pounds, and I want to maintain this weight and maybe add 15 pounds of muscle. You know I've never really seen why some people are gym rats but now I understand. It all makes sense. Its therapeutic (excercising releases seratonin and endorphins, which also curbs food cravings) and yes as cliche as it sounds it does help with image. Its nice to not be injury prone either- so far no injuries. Damn I sound obsessed. Maybe I am and I'm cool with that. Also, I'm not gonna lie- getting looks from the ladies is a definite plus.

I know for sure that I'm going to lift weights my entire life- its pure fun (especially skull crushers and dips). I honestly never thought I could or would do this. But I did and I'm proud of myself.

I am not a personal trainer nor am I anywhere close to being an expert- but if anyone has excercise questions feel free to ask- I'd be glad to help.

I would like to as well. Not anything serious or dedicated like you do, but something. I realize my youth is ending sooner than I would like to acknowledge. And I'm ready to try new things. I don't want muscle, just more definition. How does your smoking coincide with working out? I would think that would cause problems. I've been doing well with the elimination of smoking from my life, but I frequently miss the atmosphere they provide. Especially late at night. The key is to just not buy any so you don't have any around to grab.

[DKelly]

Originally Posted by Adam

On the film side I've recently seen [i]Slumdog Millionaire[/i} (probably the last person on earth to see it). I enjoyed it. I mean, yes its a good film but upon further reflection I will add that it's not as great as some may perceive it to be. I enjoyed Sunshine much more (Boyle's last film) and that film accomplished greater feats within that genre (sci-fi). But Sunshine is severely underrated and overlooked by critics. I also enjoyed Sunshine's soundtrack a lot more.

You're not the last. I haven't seen it yet either.

Sunshine was an incredible movie. I loved it. I was really impressed by Chris Evans in that film.

By the way, Adam, you should know, if you don't already, that the new Aronofsky film The Wrestler was released on DVD this past Tuesday(I've already bought it ). See it as soon as you can.