09/19/06
Hi from BrandNewStreet. We're happy to finally give you the BN street team interview! It's as exclusive as anything can be in a digital age. If it is reprinted on other boards and this angers you, well, let 'em know. And now, without further adieu...

1. What was the first record each of you ever bought?

Brian: The first CD I ever purchased by myself was Metallica ... And Justice For All. My mom took it away from me post-haste. Told me it was garbage. Also, Guns N Roses Use Your Illusion 2 on cassette. My parents read the lyrics in the booklet, and recorded over the songs they didn't like with the first song "Civil War". I never knew the song "Get In The Ring" until four years after that record came out.

Jesse: I hate Guns N Roses

Garrett: I stole Electric Larryland by Butthole Surfers from my sister. I don't know why she had that record.

J: Mine was probably Billy Joel's Greatest Hits or a Weird Al record. I listened to Billy Joel so much when I was a kid. Actually it might have been a Michael W. Smith record from the Billy Graham crusade. The Big Picture?

Vin: I don't remember the first record I bought, but I remember the first BMG record club albums I ever ordered were Pearl Jam Ten and RHCP Blood Sugar Sex Magic.

2. What would you each say your favorite song to play live is?

J: I like "Jaws Theme Swimming" every time we get to it. But right now it's "Degausser", or another one of the newer songs.

G: I would have to say all of our new songs.

V: I'd have to say "Jaws Theme" or "Degausser" also.

3. Does the new album have any musical influence not seen on previous Brand New records, either from a genre or a particular artist?

J: I hope so. But once again, probably not as much as we would like. Still, I think it would be ridiculous to assume that we discovered nothing new over the last three years. I've noticed with the other guys, as well as me, that it's a lot about REdiscovering. Who knows how many writers or records or--I don't know--foods or sports, whatever I was into when I was younger, that I'm realizing were pretty great then and now still are. You have to trust the taste you had when you were a more real person than you are now. When you didn't rely so much on other people to figure out what was good. For instance, Meltdown by Steven Taylor has some good tracks, you know?

V: It was probably not so much the discovery of new music but more about finding new ways to play my instrument. It's not so much any particular outside influence, but more about reevaluating the tools you already have and using them differently.

4. Now that you guys have moved on to a major label, are you afraid of anything that might come along with larger scale exposure?

G: Yeah, that we might get too big.

J: Yeah, I'm scared of the hype. I'm scared of people who never heard our band trying to sell it to people who are, you know, breathing it already.

V: Everything.

5. Did the internet leak of your demos affect the progress of the new album?

G: If it affected anything, I would say it did it in a good way 'cause so many people were curious to hear what we have been doing--and for the most part, the record tracks don't sound anything like the leaked demos.

J: For me it was different. It had me pretty down for a while. No one likes to show their creation in mid-process, and those songs weren't done. They were like blueprints. Just the plan, right? It put me in a state where I was under the impression that those songs had been wasted or something--that we had to go and write new things because those had been heard. Now, in retrospect, I want those songs to be on the album and many of them aren't, and I'm probably more to blame for that than anyone. This record already feels incomplete to me without those tracks and probably will forever.

V: I can relate to both of those sentiments. In one way it was kind of refreshing and motivating to know that people were still so interested and curious as to what we were up to in that period where we sort of disappeared. But I was also worried that it would derail the process because the four of us had created a pretty safe place where the only critics were ourselves. As much as we tried to shield ourselves from letting the leak affect us, it definitely did. There was a feeling of being robbed, after keeping everything so close to ourselves and then having it heard before it was completed. As Jesse said, I wish some of those songs were on the record. But they do exist on a certain plane, so people do know that we were working and creating.

6. In an industry where bands must constantly tour and put out new music to maintain sales and the interest of their fans, how do you think a relatively small band like yours has managed to keep such a diehard following during two years of downtime?

J: It's a mystery. I really have no idea, but we'd all like it to be known that we know how blessed we are.

G: 'Cause when it comes down to it, we are dedicated to what we do, and we aren't big-headed when it comes to our fans. We appreciate everything that has been thrown our way.

7. If you each had to pick a favorite song off the upcoming record, which one would it be and why?

J: "Degausser", 'cause it's the only song we ever wrote spontaneously with the four of us in a room together. After that, I'd pick "Handcuffs".

V: For me, it's too early to tell. But I agree with Jesse on "Degausser", and also "Handcuffs", because of the dramatic changes from its inception to completion. It ended up far more beautiful than I had hoped for. It truly exceeded my expectations.

8. Now that you've started using piano (specifically on one of the new songs you've been playing live), are there any other instruments that you would like to explore incorporating into your music?

G: Every instrument you can think of will be, or is on, the record.

J: Every instrument that has ever existed, he means. Not ones you can imagine.

G: Yeah, that's what I meant.

J: Answering this question feels like a cop-out because I don't think that the number of instruments a band incorporates says anything about their music. Especially now, with the trend in "performance bands," and the like. I think there are a lot of acts around now that should have just stuck to their guitars, or stuck to ENJOYING Elephant Six or Saddle Creek, and not trying to be it. On the other hand, I think there can be more to rock than a Mesa Boogie stack. I think the guitar is a limitless instrument and I hope I continue to explore it for the rest of my life, as well as other instruments. I DO play some okay brass.

V: As far as bands starting to explore the use of other instruments, it always seems to be a touchy subject--for both the band and audience. Both parties may feel alienated, to an extent. In the time that we had to get this record together, all four of us found a new level of comfort with the instruments we have been playing for so many years. But also in that time, we all became interested in others. Piano, Rhodes, bells, lap steel, brass, etc. I know for myself, playing other instruments always excites me to get back to my guitar. That might just be because I am better at it, but really, after playing piano or trumpet it would make me play my guitar differently due to trying to incorporate a certain skill learned from those instruments into my guitar playing. I think when we all started to get the idea that guitars might not be the only instruments on the record, we made sure to keep in mind that there still needed to be [a balance.] Otherwise, we would have sounded like a marching band. It's maintaining a balance. And it can be difficult to know when you've gone too far, especially when you are not accustomed to writing parts for other instruments, or even hearing them as a part of the music. Still though, I think we were able to achieve that. Guitars, bass, and drums remained the core of what was happening while everything else was simply used to enhance a song.

9. What is the title of the new album?

G: What do you want it to be?

J: We have a title?

10. If you had to describe the new album in one word, besides "good" or any of its synonyms, what would it be?

G: Really good.

V: Exhausting.

11. What were the best and worst parts of recording the new album?

G: (Worst) Recording it. (Best) Recording it.

J: The best, for me, was only working on it with people we consider friends. Sapone, Herring, Claudius, Rich Costey, etc. Also the Sherman/Accardi/Lacey percussion on "Millstone", and Vin and my double guitar wig out on the second half of "You Won't Know", which may or may not have made the final cut. Also, the catfish from Taylor's Grocery.

The worst was calling it finished.

V: Best- Taylor's Grocery. Spending late nights in Walmart with anyone else involved in the project who was losing their minds as much as I was at 4 am, leading us to make the most ridiculous, unnecessary purchases possible. Also, watching Jesse construct the scariest Halloween costume ever. Worst - any time I wasn't in Walmart or Taylor's Grocery.

12. Is Jesse's cousin, Derek, officially in the band now?

B: Derek has been with us throughout the making of the new record. He will be playing parts on every single song, and he will basically be playing an essential role in the future of the band. He is here for our own mental sanity, and to complete the sound on stage. He has been with us for a while now, and I easily consider him part of the band.

G: The Worm is in the band for good!

J: Let's stop calling him my cousin though. That was a joke.

B: No it wasn't

V: Sherman... now helping to sonically annihilate the world.

13. When writing the new album, did you ever feel that the pressure to progress outweighed the organic nature of your songwriting?

J: Uh…

G: Not for a second

J: Yeah, I guess not. If anything, it was the opposite. In terms of the "external forces" (quotation hand gestures) we felt more pressure to NOT progress on this album than ever before. It wasn't normal or healthy for us, and I think it played a large part in the struggle that was making this album. Left to ourselves, we probably would have been more self-indulgent and released something that wasn't financially in anyone's interest. Unfortunately, our creative decisions are no longer ours to be made alone for ourselves. We are only a small part, now, of a much larger machine that has made us completely dependent on it… but which, for all intents and purposes, can function perfectly well without us.

14. At a recent show, Jesse mentioned that he no longer agrees with many of the things he says in "Soco Amaretto Lime." How do you think the band has matured since the release of Your Favorite Weapon, and how has that affected the band both musically and individually?

J: It really isn't a matter of disagreeing with the lyrics of a song, which in this case wouldn't really make that much sense because the song is a story. It is more the feeling of no longer being able to relate to certain aspects of an earlier version of myself. There are certain things that you celebrate when you are young, and you do this BECAUSE you are young and so you have this built-in urge to scoff at various ideas of maturity or responsibility because you CAN. The problem lies in how unbecoming the same attitude is when you see it in someone who is only four or five years older. I don't think any of us have any Peter Pan fantasies, and I don't get down on myself for not having more foresight when I was younger, but there really is no part of me that wishes I was still there. More than anything, I was toasting youthfulness, not decadence, but I feel I used the wrong words. I am also completely fine with writing a song now, or having an idea, that someone ten years my junior can't relate to. In fact, I hope for it. I wouldn't speak for the whole band in this, but I know it happens. I saw Vin apply things to his life over the last couple of years that I am only starting to understand now, and he is five years younger than me. If changes like that in a person's real life don't reflect themselves in his art, then I think it is the audience's responsibility to ask why not. What is the appeal of someone who never learns anything or ever answers a question? Or worse, someone who never has a question? Or then what would the appeal be of someone who learns everything but never shares it? I'm not talking about disco either. People don't listen to our music cause you can dance to it. I know why people listen to our music and it has little to do with dancing.

15. How many songs have you written since the release of Deja Entendu, and how many of them are actually going to end up on the new album?

B: Around 750,000. The new record will have 11 or 12 of them.

G: About 45, about 45.

J: Forty or something. Yeah, I think 11 or 12 on the record?

16. Who have you always dreamed of touring with, that you've yet to have the chance to?

G: Grandfunk Railroad

J: I never dreamed of touring. Touring with Colour Revolt, Eisley, Hotrod Circuit... was a dream come true. People who you can spend time around and love and who love you back. Plus, they make music that you really don't grow tired of. It's a joy to witness these bands every night.

17. When will the new album be released?

G: November 21st.

J: Too soon

V: Yeah, November...of 2015. It will be in the form of the new iTunes microchip that will be directly installed into your brain. I am proud to say we will be the first band to deliver music in this format.

18. After the success of Deja Entendu and the hype surrounding its follow-up, did you ever worry that the new album might never actually be complete?

G: It almost wasn't

J: I think it still isn't

19. Why did you change your URL to fightoffyourdemons.com?

J: 'Cause we wanted people to ask us why.

G: 'Cause brandnewrock is (expletive).

20. With all the time you spend with each other, have you found yourselves taking on roles? i.e. "The Funny One" or "The Serious One"

G: That question is stupid.

V: I, too, think this is an outrageous question. I will say, however, that Brian once took the claim of "The Shy Guy." We all laughed at him.

21. What are the most difficult parts of having a career like yours--and when things get tough, where do you find the motivation and/or inspiration to keep going?

G: In other activities I enjoy, or the people I love the most.

B: The most difficult part about being in a band, for me, is being away from friends and family so much. This time around, we got to spend an ample amount of time at home in between touring and starting to make the new record, and it has helped me build new relationships and sort out old ones. It is something that is very hard to do when you are so far from home, so often. I love playing music. I love making music. That's always what balances it out. And when we play shows, the fact that people are there to see us is really what keeps me going.

22. With the titles of the new songs appearing on the set list as "Yeah," "Mamas," "Fork And Knife," and "Take Apart Your Head," has Brand New retired the practice of sentence-long titles that have nothing to do with the song?

G: Those are just abbreviations.

J: Abbreviations. I'm not so sure they have nothing to do with the song. I think "Positively 4th Street" is one of my favorite names for a song. I always wonder why it was named that.

23. Did the writing process for the new album differ from the previous albums?

G: Yeah, that's why it took two years.

J: It was the same process, essentially, of someone bringing an almost completed song to the rest of the band, and then the four of us hashing out the specifics of it: the tempo, the changes, etc. "Degausser" and "Yeah" were unique because they happened spontaneously with three, or all four, of us in the room together. All the music and lyrics for "Handcuffs" was finished by Vin when he brought it. I suppose there were more individual songs on this album that were either written by just one of us, or, by all of us together--but the meat of the record was the same process of an idea that got worked and reworked. A lot of that happens inside the studio when we are listening to things back on tape and realizing something doesn't sound how we expected… then we go in and figure out how to make it sound like we were all hearing it in our heads. There really is no secret or trick... it's the same way ten million other bands probably work out their stuff. All very tedious and boring.


24. Any chance you'll tell us the track listing of the album?

G: Nope

J: We don't know what tracks are gonna be on the album, and if we did, they would only have names that were "abbreviations" that would give you no real insight into what song it actually was 'cause we only made them up for ourselves and various people working on the project to be able to identify them. I just got bingo. We're all playing bingo now, just so you know

yeah...so im giving this journal up soon because i made a better one..ill change it over soon but at least give me til tomorrow...until then just know that im home...and i really dont have much to say other then that its taking some adjustment..until then...peace out kids

BEST SONG TITLE EVER: IF IT'S NOT A SIDE AFFECT OF THE DRUGS, THEN I GUESS IT MUST BE LOVE

by Megan Gerrity

I've been considering relationships lately. This is not a surprise for someone who writes a column named after a romance comic. But lately I have been considering relationships in a more academic way. How they work or don't work, what each person brings to and hopes to take away from them, how one embarks upon a relationship in the first place. The variations of potential disaster and success are incalculable and fascinating. If he had not gone on that ski trip, if she had not been stood up and gone to her friend's party, if they had not both been involved with other people, hanging out as friends for months and months, their guard down and so a connection steadily developing, then they would not be together today. And if she had called him back sooner, and if he hadn't emailed her quite so much, and if both of them hadn't assumed the other would act just like their ex instead of acting like an entirely new and different person standing hopefully in front of them, maybe something that seemed to have such promise wouldn't have crashed to the floor and shattered into a million little disappointments. Or maybe it is all inevitable; you end up with who you're supposed to, and break up with those you're not.

In the midst of my musings, as I spent my workday reading fictional scenarios of perfect romances while thinking about the messier but more interesting real-life ones, a friend emailed me an article from the New York Observer, an article that was making the rounds through my office and across the city. The article described a particular type of modern guy. A boyish guy. A sensitive guy. An emotionally vulnerable guy. A guy the authors, and the women hitting "forward" over and over again in Outlook and Hotmail, were sick to death of dealing with. I read the article and laughed and hit "forward" too.

I laughed because, like so many other middle-class women my age, I have dated the guy in the article. The seeming sensitivity. The sexual insecurity.  Yes, I'd been there, and it was funny and it was true. To an extent.

I thought back to all the strange things these young men I'd known had done, the mixed signals they'd sent, the confused way they'd dealt with whatever was burgeoning or taking place or ending. Then I thought past that to all the strange things I'd done, the mixed signals I'd sent, the confused way I'd dealt with whatever was burgeoning, taking place, ending. Who confused who first?

Meanwhile, the article was emailed and Googled and posted to message boards and MySpace and women across the city nodded sagely and said to each other, "It's true, it's so true. Men are so confused, such jerks. What's a single girl to do?"

And here is where I began to worry. Oh yes, the article rang true for some; seemed, in parts, as though the authors had been armed with spy cameras and hidden microphones. But individual truths aren't universal truths, and putting the blame on an entire gender doesn't mean your own actions are unimpeachable. Every one of us does something weird and inappropriate and filled with mixed signals at some point, and making assumptions about that behavior based on your last theory/conjecture/girl/boyfriend serves no one, least of all the person in front of you, about to be strange and confusing in their own unique way.

But more than that, I worried about the backlash. I worried that, any second now, these young men will turn their self-doubt and self-pity (the same things we all feel, every person on the planet, at some point) back on their girlfriends and ex-girlfriends and future girlfriends, saying, "You wanted me to not be a jerk, a pig, a misogynist, and so I became sensitive, and open, and passive and now you are complaining about that too. It is the fault of feminism and changing gender roles, it is your fault."

It is not our fault. It is not their fault. It is not even our mothers' fault. It is ever-changing modernity and it's just what happens. Not being aggressive does not mean falling into passivity and doing everything a girl says. Not being misogynistic doesn't mean that men are now the victims and women the victimizers, the cruel, irrational heartbreakers. Communicating does not mean talking about yourself all the time, constantly. Oh, sweet boys, it is not still all about you.

I thought about how we spend so much time trying to figure out the rules, how we write articles and conduct studies and turn to morning shows and magazines to find out who and why and how we should be dating. If he says this it means that. If she says that it's because of this. Each gender is presented as so unknowable you need a road map and a compass and a book and a website and a ten page questionnaire (all payable by credit card of course). And the more we spend and think and map, the more convinced we become that we are opposites in every way, and the more we put the burden on each other. Men are wimps, women are harpies, it is all their fault; no wonder we can't find love.

I read the Observer article again and smiled with recognition. I was the women in the article, yes, but I sympathized with the men as well; those young men stranded in the wasteland between their fathers' misdirected machismo and their mothers' burgeoning feminism. The men who were taught that they were not supposed to be aggressive and tyrannical, who were told that they should share their feelings and be sensitive, but never shown how. These men who are now defined adrift in an uncomfortable middle-ground. We empathize, we really do (or else why would we keep getting sucked in, over and over again?), but remember: We are as lost as you. We are trying to figure out what a woman is these days, trying to figure out how to be feminine and empowered at the same time; how to not live our mothers' lives even though there are some parts of those lives we envy; how to fill our needs without becoming a stereotype or lying prostrate to an ideal or losing ourselves in another person.

And I considered that maybe that was the heart of the problem. If things do not come easily, we strive to find a solution, to assume that the situation is broken and we can fix it, super-gluing the pieces into something resembling a relationship or a life. But maybe the situation isn't broken. Maybe there is no universal truth, where men do this and women do that and there are rules to be figured out. Maybe it's all glorious chaos, pulling at each of us in turn. Sometimes we react in the stereotypical ways we've been taught, but underneath we are just as hopeful and worried and excited and clueless as the next person, man or woman, boy or girl.

Next month: I meet the Cutest Boy in New York and never say a word to him.

yes...so i haven't updated this thing in a while...thats because I've been you know...busy for a while. But now its 10 o'clock...i just got back from the mall and rocking out to American Pie with Al...and I'm leaving at like 6 tomorrow morning to head back to the old dominion...all week i was looking forward to the semester being over...i think largely because i was just sick of the work...but now..i don't know...im really kind of sad to be leaving. I mean...I'm looking forward to going home and seeing all my old friends and my sisters...but I think I'm really gonna miss it...mostly the people...dont get me wrong...i love friends back home...but I've really gotten used to the ones I have here...and being someone who hates change..i don't know...it doesnt really sit well..its fine...ill see pretty much everyone in january...but some people are leaving too...brittany we'll miss you...good luck wherever and you had better keep in touch...anyways...everyone at rpi...keep in touch kids...hopefully ill remember what you all will look like in a month....if you're reading this...you have my screen name...pretty much everyone does...but if you wanna call me over break thats straight too...i think most of you have my cell phone number and im not gonna post it up here in case of creepy people...but just im and ill give it to you..this was a really girly entry...i feel like such a pansy...anyways...dc here i come...im listening to blinded by the light by the way...great song...so money...always reminds me of the movie blow..such a classic...watch it...probably johnny depp's finest...anyways...i gotta pack or ill be wearing old hockey jerseys for the next month...keep in touch kids..until then...i am out...
p.s...if my plane crashes tomorrow (i am flying independence air)...God forbid...anyone who has ever read this...yes...even you weird kid from boston sarah used to know...is welcome at my funeral...enjoy...and make sure you get some good speakers...i love you all

so you're standing on the ledge
it looks like you might fall,
so far down, or maybe you, were thinking about jumping
but you could have it all, if you learned a little patience,
but though i cannot fly, i'm not content to crawl
so give me a little credit, have in me a little faith
i wanna be with you forever, but tomorrow's not too late

but it's always too late when you've got nothing,
so you say
and you should never let the sun set on tomorrow,
before the sun rises today

if i am, another waste of everything you've dreamed of
i will let you down
if i am, only here to watch you as you suffer
i will let you down

so you're walking on the edge,
and you wait your turn to fall,
but you're so far gone that you don't see the hands upheld to catch you
and you could find a fault,
in the heart that you've been handed
but though you cannot fly, you're not content to crawl

and it's always too late when you've got nothing,
so you say
and you should never let the sun set on tomorrow,
before the sun rises...

if i am, another waste of everything you've hoped for
i will let you down
if i am, only here to watch you as you suffer
i will let you down

so you're standing on the ledge,
it looks like you might fall.......

if i am, another waste of everything you've dreamed of
i will let you down (i will let you down)
if i am, only here to watch you as you suffer
i will let you down

the answers we find,
are never what we had in mind
so we make it up as we go along
we don't talk the dreams, i won't let go tomorrow
we won't make those promises that we can't keep.......

i will never leave you,
i will not let you down

i need to update this thing....i have stuff to say...but not the time...maybe tonight

ITS 5 IN THE MORNING AND IM MAKING POWERPOINT PRESENTATIONS..::MASSIVE YAWN::...THIS JUST ISN'T RIGHT

does anyone know what exactly the fcc has to do with scientific atlanta...does anyone care?...no...well maybe charles...but that doesn't count...stupid intro....one left

Moving in slow like the smoke from your cigarette,
Every step a closer's a step that we both will regret,
Keeping a tally, but who can keep track?
Your overreacting is taking me back to a time better left alone,

Holding onto the phone,
Holding onto this glass,
Holding onto the memory of what didn't last.
Waiting for better words,
They'll never come.
So dry your eyes,
It's better,
Now it's done...

Keep a tight grip like a child holding onto a swing set,
Waiting and hoping to find what I can't figure out yet,
Please don't unless this is something to me,
Another nightmare instead of a dream,
Better left alone,

Holding onto the phone,
Holding onto this glass,
Holding onto the memory of what didn't last.
Waiting for better words,
They'll never come.
So dry your eyes,
Its better,

Holding onto the phone,
Holding onto this glass,
Holding onto the memory of what didn't last.
Waiting for better words,
They'll never come.
So dry your eyes,
Its better,
Now it's done...

I never lost so much...
I never lost so much...
I never lost so much...

Holding onto the phone,
Holding onto this glass,
Holding onto the memory of what didn't last.
Waiting for better words,
They'll never come.
So dry your eyes,

Holding onto the phone,
Holding onto this glass,
Holding onto the memory of what didn't last.
Waiting for better words,
They'll never come.
So dry your eyes,
Its better,
Now it's done...

 
Dear Santa Clause,
For Christmas I would like Michelle Nolan. She sings in Straylight Run. She seems like a really sweet girl and Adam Lazarra dumped her so I think she needs my help...we could write emo songs together...it could be a match made in heaven (probably not) there are a few other things I would ask you for but I must be realistic...I mean honestly...you're only one man...so good luck finding Michelle big guy....she should be somewhere near the tour bus..pull through...
Brad

Now the first of December was covered with snow
There's a song that they sing when they take to the highway
A song that they sing when they take to the sea
A song that they sing of their home in the sky
Maybe you can believe it if it helps you to sleep
But singing works just fine for me
Goodnight you moonlight ladies

Do you worry that you're not liked
How long till you break
You're happy cause you smile
But how much can you fake
An ordinary boy an ordinary name
But ordinary's just not good enough today

Alone I'm thinking
Why is superman dead?
Is it in my head?
We'll just laugh instead

You worry about the weather and
Whether or not you should hate
Are you worried about your faith?
Kneel down and obey
You're happy you're in love
You need someone to hate
An ordinary girl
An ordinary waist
But ordinary's just not good enough today

Alone I'm thinking
Why is superman dead
Is it in my head?
We'll just laugh instead

Doesn't anybody ever know that the world's a subway

Lead singer Raine Maida: "It's just about how hard it is for kids to grow up today. They're inundated with the media and images and cliques they try to have to fit into. Two images that are really strong for me lyrically are "Ordinary's just not good enough today" and when I think of kids today, I would never think of a group of eight year olds going out to a baseball park and throwing the ball around. It doesn't happen anymore. I have a nine year old brother; he's either inside playing Nintendo or staying up late on a school night to watch MTV. And you juxtapose that against the old Superman, on the black and white series. He was also a real hero, good values, strong willed, a gentleman, but I think MTV wins today."

so im sitting here in joe ecker's math class... ...yes...he's the one on the right and im feeling mighty bored....i mean....i dont care how good the teacher is...you can only sit through 30 minutes of math class before you just get bored...do i care about integrals...not really...because to be honest if i retain anything more then vague recollections of this class come 5 years from now i would be shocked...plus i havent had anything to eat yet which sends any focus i would have for math torwards my lack of food....i wish i has a camera so i could just capture the look on the faces around me as we struggle through our 71st minute on the present value of the income stream...i think rpi kids can be classified into distinct categories...i will categorize them because im just that bored (some may overlap)

Nerdy engineers- lack social skills, spend most of their time playing various computer games involving either trolls or automatic weaponry, usually respond to simple greetings such as hi with nervous looks and awkward movement of the hands...travel in packs and conversations usually revolve around things like how to get past the level twelve and how to re-program your hard drive

Tired engineers- came to RPI for the education but wants to be out as soon as possible. Spends most days walking around in a sleepy haze. Can never find anything to do. Probably won't be attending Chemistry tomorrow morning

Architecture students- the most dissillusioned kids you'll ever meet. Somehow "archy" kids have built up the idea that they are "artsy" just becuase they are surrounded predominantly by nerdy engineers. Never were very interested in art during high school. Actual artistic skills limited strictly to the use a digital camera and whatever tools they can find on photoshop.

Science/ Math Students- we're pretty sure they do lots of work and that pretty soon they're going to be working in that giant new biotech building but we're not really sure of much else

Management students- These are the coolest kids you'll ever meet. Constantly the butt of poorly timed jokes about having  class with the hockey players (damn hockey players) but we're ok with it becuase when we graduate we'll be making more than you esp. you archies. Baffled by the very idea of "doing math". Still wondering what the Lalli building is for. On Wednesdays make sure you don't knock until noon.
 

Those other kids- these are the kids that came to RPI to take a class like English or EMAC....seriously...what were you thinking. From now you will be banished to back of the room

Hockey players- generally idolized  as they are our only competitive sport. No one will admit it but everyone wants to be a hockey player (damn those hockey players)

Asian Frat- what...you're Asian? come join our frat...there are lots of us and we walk around pretending to be real tough...watch out we might give you an evil look

Troylets- little 15 year olds from troy high school that like to wander through campus...oh yeah...you're cool...all i can say is steer clear of the frats children...especially Acacia...yes....especially Acacia


Bigheaded girl- girl who decided she would take advantage of the fact that this school is 70% boys by pretending she was hot stuff....you are evil and I'm on to you missy

That kid who lives down the hallway- i think i saw him once....does he live there?...maybe...who knows

do you have friends who really just hate america and would just like to leave...give them a hand
http://www.helpthemleave.com/

Sleep with all the lights on.
You're not so happy.
You're not secure.
You're dying to look cute in your blue jeans,
but you're plastic just like everyone.
You're just like everyone.
And that face you paint is pressed
impressing most of us as permanent
but I'd like to see you undone.
College nights will draw the crowds.
Dorms unload & you're heading out.
Here is your moment to shine.

Making up a history.
That's nothing like the life you lead
but man, will they buy all your lines?

Sleep with all the sheets off
You're bearing your mattress
You're bearing your soul.
And you're dying to look smooth with your tattoos
but you're searching just like everyone
you could be anyone.
and I'd like to see you undone.
Youth's the most unfaithful mistress.
Still we forge ahead to miss her.
We're rushing our moments to shine


"We're not twenty-one,
but the sooner we are,
the sooner the fun will begin,
so get out your fake eyelashes,
and fake i.d's,"
and real disasters ensue

The Friday sun bears down again
As we drive without friends
And on these longest days we spend
All the time trying to pretend
That our stories could be true
Our chance to be cool
The setting sunset says the day is through
If only we knew...
And we all sit around here in our home town
Listen to the waves as they all crash down
And watch the fire as it slowly burns away
Glowing embers fly across the sky

And we laugh till we cry
Always so hard to say goodbye
And we all sit round here in our home town
It's so good like this, these are times we'll miss
The memories, I hope they'll never fade
Glowing embers lie across the sky

I would stop time to stay with you
I would stop time so we don't move
I would stop time
I would stop time
I would stop time to keep you

mtv is not music...music is a wonderful thing,,,it's like a drug really...it's played and it goes in our ear...and you get a vision...mtv is a video...and that goes where?...in your eye
look at your eye...look at your ear...there's a big difference...and...if you get a vision in your head after listening to some music...and you go home and turn on mtv...and the video they show is the same vision you had...kill yourself...you're better off coming back as a lobster