Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Tuesday, May 22, 1984
Song of the day: Beautiful Girls - Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. No Way Out - Jefferson Starship
2. Round and Round - Ratt
3. My Oh My - Slade
4. Whisper to a Scream - Icicle Works
5. Don't Give It Up - The Lyres
What a nice day. It hit 83! It was sunny all day, too!
The Civics test was easy and I hope I did good on the Algebra quiz.
The pot seed [a buddy] planted in Bi Sci sprouted. It was watered today.
I'm going to bed now.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, May 23, 1984
Song of the day: On Fire - Van Halen
The Kumar Curse strikes again! I went to Market Basket. Jeremy went in before me. While I was waiting, some guy says that the manager has a meeting right away and I'll have to come back next week! Now does that suck or what?! Jeremy got the job but he can only start in August because he isn't 16 yet.
I was pissed at first but I've cooled off now. Just have to wait another week.
Today's high was 88! (But it felt hotter.) Around 6, we had a massive T-storm for a while, then it stopped.
I got an 85 on the Algebra quiz. Not bad.
Tomorrow's Senior skip day but I"m not going. Soph skip day is June 6. I'm skipping on that day. Still don't know about Junior skip day.
- The (impatient) Barbarian
Thursday, May 24, 1984
Song of the day: House of Pain - Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. My Oh My - Slade
2. Legs - ZZ Top
3. No Way Out - Jefferson Starship
4. Panama - Van Halen
5. Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol
Today it was windy! The seniors picked a lousy skip day, it was too cool out.
I dead-lifted 255 lbs. today. Not bad.
I'm reaching the panic stage now: 3-page typewritten Prep for College report due Monday. I don't even know what to do it on. And an oral report in Civics. Aaargh!
I'm trying to get closer to [cute chick I previously liked] again. She got the Market Basket cashier job starting June 4. If I get a job there, that'll be great! I'd see her in summer, too. She's awesome; I hope I can start up a relationship with her.
- The Barbarian
Friday, May 25, 1984
Song of the day: Roller - April Wine
Top 5 at Five
1. Missed
2. Missed
3. Voices - Russ Ballard
4. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
5. Magic - The Cars
Well, this week wasn't half bad!
In Civics, while everyone else was taking the NH Competency Test, I went to the library and got the last 3 books on words before [classmate] got to 'em! I did alright in the Geometry quiz, I flunked the Prep for College quiz, and I did good on the French quiz.
After school, I took Dad's car and went and dropped JP off at the library. Then I went to the Sanborn tennis courts where [three buddies] were playing tennis. I goofed around for a while then took JP home. I also drove us to music lessons.
I left in the Senior class will my GI Joe with the Kung Fu grip to [a buddy]. Right.
I'm gonna see if I can talk Mom into letting me have the car on June 6. Late-breaking news: Jeremy told me that [hot chick] broke up with her boyfriend. Awesome! Who knows? We'll see what happens next.
- The Barbarian
Saturday, May 26, 1984
Song of the day: Over the Mountain - Ozzy Osbourne
Lazy day. I didn't get as much done on my report as I had wanted to, but I got 3 written pages done.
Dad bought a new Lawn Boy mower today, so guess who had mow the lawn? You betcha, yours truly. That blew my afternoon.
It was a nice day, hitting around 90. Around 7, there was a mass T-storm, but it passed by pretty quick.
WAAF has got the US Festival from last year on at 10. Tonight was Quiet Riot, Ozzy and Motley Crue.
- The (heavy metal) Barbarian
Sunday, May 27, 1984
Song of the day: Voices - Russ Ballard
Whew! I finally did it! I finished the report! A little more than 3 typed pages long. I finished it around 9:40 p.m. It took me all day. I hope I get a good grade.
I got some new batteries for my Walkman so I can take it to school tomorrow.
- The Barbarian
Monday, May 28, 1984
Song of the day: Little Lady - Duke Jupiter
Top 5 at Five
1. Round and Round - Ratt
2. Bringin' on the Heartbreak - Def Leppard
3. My Oh My - Slade
4. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
5. Big City Nights - Scorpions
Lousy weather, man. It rained all day. Just my luck, NH is the only state to not have a long weekend!
Jeremy invited me to a party [his girlfriend] is having on Saturday. I said sure and Mom should be no problem 'cause it's from 6-11 and Jeremy's mom will give me a ride there and back. He said [cute girl who supposedly liked me] was asking him to invite me (she'll be there), but I don't know if I believe him or not. We'll see.
I think [cute chick I previously liked] is going with [some other dude] now. After Algebra, she waited for him and he said something about calling her. Oh well. So much for that idea!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, May 29, 1984
Song of the day: Blue Light - David Gilmour
Top 5 at Five
1. No Way Out - Jefferson Starship
2. Little Lady - Duke Jupiter
3. Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol
4. Magic - The Cars
5. Legs - ZZ Top
Even worse weather today. Rained hard all day. I got a 89 on a French quiz. Thank goodness tomorrow's a holiday. I need the rest! Actually, tomorrow's my job interview (I hope!). Man, I hope I get the job! I need it!
Mom said I could go to the party Saturday. For the SAT, I have to be at the high school (Exeter) before 8:30 A.M.! No Friday Night Videos! And they're having "Panama" by VH on that show. I'm gonna see if I can tape it.
[Classmate] got fired for not showing up at Yankee Bargain! Ha! He said he thought he had to work so he didn't show up. Makes sense, huh?
Hope I get the job!
- The Barbarian
Postscript: The job hunt was in full swing here. It was difficult to finance my swanky lifestyle (which admittedly was primarily buying vinyl and comic books) on the measly allowance I was getting from my parents. Especially with summer coming.
The SATs were coming up, but I didn't really get all worked up about them. No prep courses or anything like that. I like how it's all very nonchalant: "Oh BTW, the SATs are Saturday." My biggest concern was having to get up early on a Saturday...and missing Friday Night Videos. Life was rough, man.
"Blue Light" was quite the departure for David Gilmour, with horns and dancing and shit:
And I had forgotten all about this song from Russ Ballard, who was in the band Argent (of "Hold Your Head Up" fame) and wrote a ton of songs covered by other artists like "God Gave Rock and Roll to You" (KISS), "Winning" (Santana), "You Can Do Magic" (America) and "I Know There's Something Going On" (Frida). Definite AOR songsmith, but this song ain't bad:
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Completely Conspicuous 280: All Together Now
Part
2 of my conversation with guest Jay Breitling as we discuss some of our
favorite compilation albums. Listen to the episode below or download it directly (right click and "save as").
Show notes:
- Recorded at Clicky Clicky world HQ
- Drinkin' beer and talking rock
- Check out JB's new comp, And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel
- Covers of early period Lilys songs
- JK: Three basic types of comps, not including soundtracks
- Tribute, genre and benefit comps
- No Alternative came out in '93
- We learn more about Lance Diamond
- During the Goo Goo Dolls' last days of non-suckage
- Part of Red Hot series
- JB: Red Hot and Bothered was the indie rock version
- JK: Deadicated was a Grateful Dead tribute featuring the likes of Jane's Addiction, Elvis Costello, Lyle Lovett
- Taping songs off the radio
- JK: The Bridge was a great Neil Young tribute featuring alt-rock artists like Pixies and Sonic Youth
- Lots of tribute comps came out in early '90s
- Now there are string quartet and bluegrass tributes to just about everyone
- Label comps are fun, like What's Up Matador?
- Safe and Sound comp featured Boston bands from mid-'90s
- JB: Simple Machines comp featured great DC acts
- JK: Twisted Willie paid tribute to Willie Nelson
- JB: Darla 100 may have been too long
- JB: Ten Cent Fix was a good one
- JB: Why Do You Think They Call It Pop? was collected by Pop Narcotic
- First SPINart release was One Last Kiss, featuring Swirlies, Small Factory, Velocity Girl
- JB: This is Harrisburg, Not Topeka featured the mighty Torgo, with one Jay Breitling on guitar
- A takeoff of the great This is Boston, Not LA
- Get Jay's comp at Clicky Clicky
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
Speedy Ortiz - The Hermit Crab
Thee Oh Sees - Devil Again
Mikal Cronin - Better Man
The Melvins - Dr. Mule
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The song from Speedy Ortiz is available on the compilation And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel. Download the comp exclusively at ClickyClickyMusic.
The songs from Thee Oh Sees and Mikal Cronin are on the compilation Garage Swim. Download the entire compilation for free at AdultSwim.com.
The Melvins song is on the Scion 10 Series Music Release. Download the song for free at Soundcloud.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Show notes:
- Recorded at Clicky Clicky world HQ
- Drinkin' beer and talking rock
- Check out JB's new comp, And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel
- Covers of early period Lilys songs
- JK: Three basic types of comps, not including soundtracks
- Tribute, genre and benefit comps
- No Alternative came out in '93
- We learn more about Lance Diamond
- During the Goo Goo Dolls' last days of non-suckage
- Part of Red Hot series
- JB: Red Hot and Bothered was the indie rock version
- JK: Deadicated was a Grateful Dead tribute featuring the likes of Jane's Addiction, Elvis Costello, Lyle Lovett
- Taping songs off the radio
- JK: The Bridge was a great Neil Young tribute featuring alt-rock artists like Pixies and Sonic Youth
- Lots of tribute comps came out in early '90s
- Now there are string quartet and bluegrass tributes to just about everyone
- Label comps are fun, like What's Up Matador?
- Safe and Sound comp featured Boston bands from mid-'90s
- JB: Simple Machines comp featured great DC acts
- JK: Twisted Willie paid tribute to Willie Nelson
- JB: Darla 100 may have been too long
- JB: Ten Cent Fix was a good one
- JB: Why Do You Think They Call It Pop? was collected by Pop Narcotic
- First SPINart release was One Last Kiss, featuring Swirlies, Small Factory, Velocity Girl
- JB: This is Harrisburg, Not Topeka featured the mighty Torgo, with one Jay Breitling on guitar
- A takeoff of the great This is Boston, Not LA
- Get Jay's comp at Clicky Clicky
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
Speedy Ortiz - The Hermit Crab
Thee Oh Sees - Devil Again
Mikal Cronin - Better Man
The Melvins - Dr. Mule
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The song from Speedy Ortiz is available on the compilation And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel. Download the comp exclusively at ClickyClickyMusic.
The songs from Thee Oh Sees and Mikal Cronin are on the compilation Garage Swim. Download the entire compilation for free at AdultSwim.com.
The Melvins song is on the Scion 10 Series Music Release. Download the song for free at Soundcloud.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Life Sucks, Then You Die
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Thursday, May 17, 1984
Song of the day: Life Sucks, Then You Die - The Fools
Top 5 at Five
1. My Oh My - Slade
2. Blue Light - David Gilmour
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Legs - ZZ Top
5. Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol
Today was somewhat better, but not much. I didn't even speak to [ex-gf] till after 5th period. I told her there were no hard feelings and I even had lunch with her. Oh well.
I was looser today. In 3rd period, me and some buddies were doing Eddie Murphy material all class. It was wild! Surprisingly, [teacher] didn't do anything.
I think I'm finally better from that stupid cold. I hope.
Edmonton was winning 6-2 at this time (11:20 p.m.) over the Isles in the 3rd period. If they win, it'll be 3-1! Go Oilers1
I better get some sleep. I need it.
Remember, "Life sucks, then you die."
I'm a survivor.
- The (lonely once again) Barbarian
Friday, May 18, 1984
Song of the day: Hey, Hey, What Can I Do? - Led Zeppelin
Top 5 at Five
1. My Oh My - Slade
2. Round and Round - Ratt
3. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
4. Drive - The Cars
5. Sister Christian - Night Ranger
Man, what a lousy week.
Today was alright. I got a 94 on that Geometry test. I think I did good on today's Bi Sci test.
I don't know what to do now. My life is a mess. Who knows when I'll find another girl. I'm trying to be optimistic, but it's hard for a guy like me, being "brown" and all. Dammit, [ex-gf] was perfect for me! Why'd she change her mind? Why?
Guys like me and [a recently dumped buddy], we seem to get the bum rap all the time. It just ain't fair.
- The (lonely) Barbarian
Saturday, May 19, 1984
PETE TOWNSHEND'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: A World of Fantasy - Triumph
They did it! Edmonton won the Stanley Cup! They beat the Isles, 5-2. Gretzky got 2 goals! Yaah! Way to go!
Otherwise, today was pretty boring. I got up at 10. We went to the Mall of New Hampshire for 2 hours. I didn't get anything. It was boring. We got home at 5 and then I got bored some more!
I am lonely. I guess I'm just strung out over [ex-gf]. I still think about her all the time. I just have lousy luck.
- The (bored and lonely) Barbarian
Sunday, May 20, 1984
Song of the day: Can't Stand Losing You - The Police
Today we went to the Methuen. First we went to Caldor, where I got 2 short sleeve shirts. Then we went to the mall, where I got that "No Bozos" jersey I've been wanting to get. Plus I picked up the new Guitar World with KK and Glenn from Judas Priest on the cover. Good deal.
That about sums it up.
- The Barbarian
Monday, May 21, 1984
Song of the day: You've Got Another Thing Comin' - Judas Priest
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Strung Out - Steve Perry
Missed the rest
For a Monday, today was pretty good. I got a positive reaction to my "No Bozos" shirt at school. [Ex-gf] wasn't at school today. They're thinking of having Soph skip day on May 31st. No word on Junior skip day. I'm skipping on both days. I got an 88 on the Bi Sci test. Jeremy got back today from Washington (actually Sat.). After school, we decided to go job-hunting. I got the car and we went to a lumber place first. We were too young, so we went to Market Basket. Interviews are on Wednesday from 2-4! Kick! We went to Ames and filled out applications, and then we went to D'Angelo's but that job was post-11 p.m. We also checked out Pizza Hut before going home. Not bad. Hopefully we can both get jobs at the Bucket. That'd be great.
- The (job-hunting) Barbarian
Postscript: The post-breakup malaise continues. Jesus, what a puss. Thankfully, the moping will end soon.
The concept of "skip days" was a new one to me. Apparently, each class (except freshmen) would pick a date in the spring and then most of the kids would just not go to school, and nobody would get in trouble. Not sure why I thought I could go on both days, since I was a junior. Don't remember if there were any consequences, but I guess we'll find out in a few weeks.
Ah, the search for my first job. I had briefly done a paper route when I was in Washington state, but this would be my first real paying job. It's not revealing any secrets to anyone who's read this blog to say I was successful, but I'll hold off on where I landed the lucrative gig until it comes up.
Slade had themselves quite the little resurgence in '84, although they weren't able to parlay it into much more. But I'm sure they enjoyed the royalties from Quiet Riot covering "Cum On Feel the Noize" and later "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" (good spellers they weren't).
As for the Fools, they were a local novelty band that scored some FM radio hits in this area with a parody of the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" called "Psycho Chicken" and this little ditty, which fit my mood perfectly at the time:
Thursday, May 17, 1984
Song of the day: Life Sucks, Then You Die - The Fools
Top 5 at Five
1. My Oh My - Slade
2. Blue Light - David Gilmour
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Legs - ZZ Top
5. Eyes Without a Face - Billy Idol
Today was somewhat better, but not much. I didn't even speak to [ex-gf] till after 5th period. I told her there were no hard feelings and I even had lunch with her. Oh well.
I was looser today. In 3rd period, me and some buddies were doing Eddie Murphy material all class. It was wild! Surprisingly, [teacher] didn't do anything.
I think I'm finally better from that stupid cold. I hope.
Edmonton was winning 6-2 at this time (11:20 p.m.) over the Isles in the 3rd period. If they win, it'll be 3-1! Go Oilers1
I better get some sleep. I need it.
Remember, "Life sucks, then you die."
I'm a survivor.
- The (lonely once again) Barbarian
Friday, May 18, 1984
Song of the day: Hey, Hey, What Can I Do? - Led Zeppelin
Top 5 at Five
1. My Oh My - Slade
2. Round and Round - Ratt
3. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
4. Drive - The Cars
5. Sister Christian - Night Ranger
Man, what a lousy week.
Today was alright. I got a 94 on that Geometry test. I think I did good on today's Bi Sci test.
I don't know what to do now. My life is a mess. Who knows when I'll find another girl. I'm trying to be optimistic, but it's hard for a guy like me, being "brown" and all. Dammit, [ex-gf] was perfect for me! Why'd she change her mind? Why?
Guys like me and [a recently dumped buddy], we seem to get the bum rap all the time. It just ain't fair.
- The (lonely) Barbarian
Saturday, May 19, 1984
PETE TOWNSHEND'S BIRTHDAY
Song of the day: A World of Fantasy - Triumph
They did it! Edmonton won the Stanley Cup! They beat the Isles, 5-2. Gretzky got 2 goals! Yaah! Way to go!
Otherwise, today was pretty boring. I got up at 10. We went to the Mall of New Hampshire for 2 hours. I didn't get anything. It was boring. We got home at 5 and then I got bored some more!
I am lonely. I guess I'm just strung out over [ex-gf]. I still think about her all the time. I just have lousy luck.
- The (bored and lonely) Barbarian
Sunday, May 20, 1984
Song of the day: Can't Stand Losing You - The Police
Today we went to the Methuen. First we went to Caldor, where I got 2 short sleeve shirts. Then we went to the mall, where I got that "No Bozos" jersey I've been wanting to get. Plus I picked up the new Guitar World with KK and Glenn from Judas Priest on the cover. Good deal.
That about sums it up.
- The Barbarian
Monday, May 21, 1984
Song of the day: You've Got Another Thing Comin' - Judas Priest
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Strung Out - Steve Perry
Missed the rest
For a Monday, today was pretty good. I got a positive reaction to my "No Bozos" shirt at school. [Ex-gf] wasn't at school today. They're thinking of having Soph skip day on May 31st. No word on Junior skip day. I'm skipping on both days. I got an 88 on the Bi Sci test. Jeremy got back today from Washington (actually Sat.). After school, we decided to go job-hunting. I got the car and we went to a lumber place first. We were too young, so we went to Market Basket. Interviews are on Wednesday from 2-4! Kick! We went to Ames and filled out applications, and then we went to D'Angelo's but that job was post-11 p.m. We also checked out Pizza Hut before going home. Not bad. Hopefully we can both get jobs at the Bucket. That'd be great.
- The (job-hunting) Barbarian
Postscript: The post-breakup malaise continues. Jesus, what a puss. Thankfully, the moping will end soon.
The concept of "skip days" was a new one to me. Apparently, each class (except freshmen) would pick a date in the spring and then most of the kids would just not go to school, and nobody would get in trouble. Not sure why I thought I could go on both days, since I was a junior. Don't remember if there were any consequences, but I guess we'll find out in a few weeks.
Ah, the search for my first job. I had briefly done a paper route when I was in Washington state, but this would be my first real paying job. It's not revealing any secrets to anyone who's read this blog to say I was successful, but I'll hold off on where I landed the lucrative gig until it comes up.
Slade had themselves quite the little resurgence in '84, although they weren't able to parlay it into much more. But I'm sure they enjoyed the royalties from Quiet Riot covering "Cum On Feel the Noize" and later "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" (good spellers they weren't).
As for the Fools, they were a local novelty band that scored some FM radio hits in this area with a parody of the Talking Heads' "Psycho Killer" called "Psycho Chicken" and this little ditty, which fit my mood perfectly at the time:
Completely Conspicuous 279: Now That's What I Call a Compilation
Part
1 of my conversation with guest Jay Breitling as we discuss the new Lilys
tribute compilation he curated. Listen to the episode below or download it directly (right click and "save as").
Show notes:
- Recorded at Clicky Clicky world HQ
- JB's writing for new music site Vanyaland
- Breitling's second compilation; first one came out a year ago
- Comp's called And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel
- Covers of early period Lilys songs
- Found bands from Boston and beyond who were Lilys fans
- Would have liked to do this comp first
- Great response to Nofuckingwhere, the first comp
- Ride's management contacted JB
- Future .38 Special comp?
- Shout out to our good friend Mike Piantigini
- Why aren't we getting free beer?
- JB also organized a great benefit show last November
- Starting to plan next benefit for Community Servings
- JB's doing some promo for the comp
- Hasn't talked to Lilys leader Kurt Heasley about the comp
- Last four songs come from album Eccsome the Photon Band
- Would have liked to include some rare tracks
- Get it at Clicky Clicky
- To be continued
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
Pet Milk - February Fourteenth
Infinity Girl - Claire Hates Me
The Weaks - Elsa
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The songs from Pet Milk, Infinity Girl and The Weaks are available on the compilation And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel. Download the comp exclusively at ClickyClickyMusic.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Show notes:
- Recorded at Clicky Clicky world HQ
- JB's writing for new music site Vanyaland
- Breitling's second compilation; first one came out a year ago
- Comp's called And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel
- Covers of early period Lilys songs
- Found bands from Boston and beyond who were Lilys fans
- Would have liked to do this comp first
- Great response to Nofuckingwhere, the first comp
- Ride's management contacted JB
- Future .38 Special comp?
- Shout out to our good friend Mike Piantigini
- Why aren't we getting free beer?
- JB also organized a great benefit show last November
- Starting to plan next benefit for Community Servings
- JB's doing some promo for the comp
- Hasn't talked to Lilys leader Kurt Heasley about the comp
- Last four songs come from album Eccsome the Photon Band
- Would have liked to include some rare tracks
- Get it at Clicky Clicky
- To be continued
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
Pet Milk - February Fourteenth
Infinity Girl - Claire Hates Me
The Weaks - Elsa
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The songs from Pet Milk, Infinity Girl and The Weaks are available on the compilation And I Forgot a Long Time Ago How You Feel. Download the comp exclusively at ClickyClickyMusic.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Bringin' On the Heartbreak
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Thursday, May 10, 1984
Song of the day: Infatuation - Rod Stewart (Jeff Beck on guitar)
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
3. This Fall - Bob and Zip
4. Round and Round - Ratt
5. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
One more day! WOW! [Prom date] wasn't at school today. She slept in. Boy, was school boring today! A bunch of people were gone for one reason or another. I talked [teacher] into giving us the Algebra test on Monday instead of tomorrow. That leaves 4 tests or quizzes. Sheesh!
Mom's wicked sick. She can hardly stand up! I hope she gets better soon.
I'm feeling better. I can breathe normally, but I'm still coughing a bit. Hopefully it'll be cleared up by tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be really nice tomorrow. Excellent!
I'm wicked psyched! After school I have to pick up the corsage, take a shower, get my hair done, and who knows what else! The school day will drag on, no doubt. But I don't care. The prom will be awesome!
- The (anxious) Barbarian
Friday, May 11, 1984
Song of the day: Don't Forget to Dance - The Kinks
Well, it's here and gone. The day dragged on painfully, but it's over finally.
When I got home, Mom had already bought the corsage. I called [hairdresser] and she said she could take me at 3, so I went there and got back around 3:45. At 5, I went to pick up [prom date]. She looked so beautiful in that dress! Wow! We got to the Ashworth at 6:15. Valet parking, ha! I parked myself and we went in. We had to wait half an hour to get our pictures taken. We get 'em on June 1. We had to wait till 7:30 to eat and even then we didn't have much. The band came out around 8. They were alright, but I think they could've played more slow songs. They only played 3! [Prom date] had a headache for a while. All in all, not so hot. we took [another couple] to [friend's] house with us. [Buddy] got us going a different way that took longer. We got to the house and I parked on the street. The cops came and said to park in the driveway! I almost died! After a while, I took [prom date] home. I gave her a goodnight kiss and she said, "Still friends?" I go, "Yeah, I guess."
Still friends. Hmm.
- The (un-psyched) Barbarian
Saturday, May 12, 1984
Song of the day: Bringin' on the Heartbreak - Def Leppard
I was awakened this morning at 11 with some bad news: Caesar got hit by a car. He was gone since 6:30 Friday evening. We found him across the street at the side of the road. Caesar was dead. He was just lying there. I think he bled internally to death. Poor boy. If the jerk who hit him had told us then, maybe we could've saved him! I felt so lousy seeing him just lying there with his eyes closed, knowing he'd never get up again. We took him to the vet. They'll bury him somewhere in Mass. Poor Caesar.
Caesar, may you rest in peace.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, May 13, 1984
Song of the day: Touch and Go - The Cars
Not much happened today. It was sunny. I took the garbage to the dump. I did my homework. I cleaned up the spare room. I moped around all day.
I decided that I'm not going to call [prom date] anymore. I'm not going to tell her to call me. I'll still hang around with her at school and everything. If she calls me on her own, fine. I want to see what she does. It's starting to look hopeless for me...
Boy, is my life messed up.
- The Barbarian
P.S. I miss Caesar. A lot.
Monday, May 14, 1984
Song of the day: Red Lenses - Rush
Top 5 at Five
1. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
2. Blue Light - David Gilmour
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
5. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
Weird day. We had a sub in Civics because [teacher] (and Jeremy) is in DC. Yay! I forget her name. She was nice, but the way she read the lesson was like we were second graders!
We took a Geometry quiz, hope I did alright. I got a friggin' 48 on a Bi Sci test! Out of 100. 48! I have to get As on everything in there from now on. Damn!
Took an Algebra test, hope I did good on it.
I scrapped that plan I came up with about not calling [prom date]. I like her too much not to call her! She called me after school (after I told her to).
Today would have been Caesar's first birthday.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, May 15, 1984
Song of the day: Out of My Hands - Face to Face
Top 5 at Five
1. My Oh My - Slade
2. Round and Round - Ratt
3. A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
4. Drive - The Cars
5. Leave It - Yes
So-so day. Bus was late because we had some other driver who kept pulling over to let cars go by! Sheesh!
I got an 83 on that Geometry quiz, 74 on the Algebra test. Not so hot. We got a Geometry chapter test tomorrow. I think I'll do better on that!
I got 95 on the outlining quiz in Prep for College and 42% on the "How to Study" quiz. Well, it beats 5%!
[Prom date] taught me how to play UNO on the phone yesterday and I played my first game today. Wow. Alert the media!
Okay, here's the game plan about [prom date]: I figured it all out. I play it cool till school's out. Just friends, she said. Well, she's got it! No more compliments, reduced phone calls. It's back to Kumar the Barbarian for me! No more wallowing in self-pity! No more feeling sorry for myself! I'm gonna get out there and kick some butt! And I'm gonna have fun doing it! So there!
Like the song says, "It's out of my hands." Like wow, man.
- The (rejuvenated, for real, this time) Barbarian
Wednesday, May 16, 1984
Song of the day: Lunatic Fringe - Red Rider
Top 5 at Five
1. Legs - ZZ Top
2. My Oh My - Slade
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
5. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
Wednesdays suck! At least for me they do! Remember all that rejuvenated bullcrap yesterday? Forget it. It doesn't work.
After break, when I was walking her to French, [prom date] told me not to walk her there anymore. I was messed up after that.
I stumbled through the rest of the day and made it home alive but depressed.
After dinner, I called her up. I asked her straight out if we had a chance of going together. She said no. I asked her why not. She gave me some bullshit answer that made no sense. I asked howcum alluva sudden she just wanted to be friends. She couldn't tell me. Can you believe that? Boy, did she really do a number on me! Well, it's over. Finito. Kaput. I can't believe it. I still like her a lot, but I can't hang around her anymore. I'm staying away. I can't believe I fell for her like I did. That's partly her fault, too. It's gonna be tough, but I'm gonna have to get up, brush myself off and move on.
- The (naive) Barbarian...naive ain't the word!
Postscript: Jesus, that was rough. The weird thing was I should've seen the whole breakup thing coming, but I somehow stupidly thought the prom would be great. It was miserable. I remember during one of the slow dances, she literally held me at arm's length. It was like one of those instructional videos from the '50s. And then to get home and have my dog die overnight was just the icing on the shit cake. Brutal.
At least the girl situation didn't drag on too long after the prom. I suppose I should be thankful for that. I'm glad I asked her if it was going to happen, instead of just hoping against hope. Made it easier (sort of) to make a clean break. And besides, things were about to get interesting.
Thursday, May 10, 1984
Song of the day: Infatuation - Rod Stewart (Jeff Beck on guitar)
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
3. This Fall - Bob and Zip
4. Round and Round - Ratt
5. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
One more day! WOW! [Prom date] wasn't at school today. She slept in. Boy, was school boring today! A bunch of people were gone for one reason or another. I talked [teacher] into giving us the Algebra test on Monday instead of tomorrow. That leaves 4 tests or quizzes. Sheesh!
Mom's wicked sick. She can hardly stand up! I hope she gets better soon.
I'm feeling better. I can breathe normally, but I'm still coughing a bit. Hopefully it'll be cleared up by tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be really nice tomorrow. Excellent!
I'm wicked psyched! After school I have to pick up the corsage, take a shower, get my hair done, and who knows what else! The school day will drag on, no doubt. But I don't care. The prom will be awesome!
- The (anxious) Barbarian
Friday, May 11, 1984
Song of the day: Don't Forget to Dance - The Kinks
Well, it's here and gone. The day dragged on painfully, but it's over finally.
When I got home, Mom had already bought the corsage. I called [hairdresser] and she said she could take me at 3, so I went there and got back around 3:45. At 5, I went to pick up [prom date]. She looked so beautiful in that dress! Wow! We got to the Ashworth at 6:15. Valet parking, ha! I parked myself and we went in. We had to wait half an hour to get our pictures taken. We get 'em on June 1. We had to wait till 7:30 to eat and even then we didn't have much. The band came out around 8. They were alright, but I think they could've played more slow songs. They only played 3! [Prom date] had a headache for a while. All in all, not so hot. we took [another couple] to [friend's] house with us. [Buddy] got us going a different way that took longer. We got to the house and I parked on the street. The cops came and said to park in the driveway! I almost died! After a while, I took [prom date] home. I gave her a goodnight kiss and she said, "Still friends?" I go, "Yeah, I guess."
Still friends. Hmm.
- The (un-psyched) Barbarian
Saturday, May 12, 1984
Song of the day: Bringin' on the Heartbreak - Def Leppard
I was awakened this morning at 11 with some bad news: Caesar got hit by a car. He was gone since 6:30 Friday evening. We found him across the street at the side of the road. Caesar was dead. He was just lying there. I think he bled internally to death. Poor boy. If the jerk who hit him had told us then, maybe we could've saved him! I felt so lousy seeing him just lying there with his eyes closed, knowing he'd never get up again. We took him to the vet. They'll bury him somewhere in Mass. Poor Caesar.
Caesar, may you rest in peace.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, May 13, 1984
Song of the day: Touch and Go - The Cars
Not much happened today. It was sunny. I took the garbage to the dump. I did my homework. I cleaned up the spare room. I moped around all day.
I decided that I'm not going to call [prom date] anymore. I'm not going to tell her to call me. I'll still hang around with her at school and everything. If she calls me on her own, fine. I want to see what she does. It's starting to look hopeless for me...
Boy, is my life messed up.
- The Barbarian
P.S. I miss Caesar. A lot.
Monday, May 14, 1984
Song of the day: Red Lenses - Rush
Top 5 at Five
1. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
2. Blue Light - David Gilmour
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
5. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
Weird day. We had a sub in Civics because [teacher] (and Jeremy) is in DC. Yay! I forget her name. She was nice, but the way she read the lesson was like we were second graders!
We took a Geometry quiz, hope I did alright. I got a friggin' 48 on a Bi Sci test! Out of 100. 48! I have to get As on everything in there from now on. Damn!
Took an Algebra test, hope I did good on it.
I scrapped that plan I came up with about not calling [prom date]. I like her too much not to call her! She called me after school (after I told her to).
Today would have been Caesar's first birthday.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, May 15, 1984
Song of the day: Out of My Hands - Face to Face
Top 5 at Five
1. My Oh My - Slade
2. Round and Round - Ratt
3. A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
4. Drive - The Cars
5. Leave It - Yes
So-so day. Bus was late because we had some other driver who kept pulling over to let cars go by! Sheesh!
I got an 83 on that Geometry quiz, 74 on the Algebra test. Not so hot. We got a Geometry chapter test tomorrow. I think I'll do better on that!
I got 95 on the outlining quiz in Prep for College and 42% on the "How to Study" quiz. Well, it beats 5%!
[Prom date] taught me how to play UNO on the phone yesterday and I played my first game today. Wow. Alert the media!
Okay, here's the game plan about [prom date]: I figured it all out. I play it cool till school's out. Just friends, she said. Well, she's got it! No more compliments, reduced phone calls. It's back to Kumar the Barbarian for me! No more wallowing in self-pity! No more feeling sorry for myself! I'm gonna get out there and kick some butt! And I'm gonna have fun doing it! So there!
Like the song says, "It's out of my hands." Like wow, man.
- The (rejuvenated, for real, this time) Barbarian
Wednesday, May 16, 1984
Song of the day: Lunatic Fringe - Red Rider
Top 5 at Five
1. Legs - ZZ Top
2. My Oh My - Slade
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
5. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
Wednesdays suck! At least for me they do! Remember all that rejuvenated bullcrap yesterday? Forget it. It doesn't work.
After break, when I was walking her to French, [prom date] told me not to walk her there anymore. I was messed up after that.
I stumbled through the rest of the day and made it home alive but depressed.
After dinner, I called her up. I asked her straight out if we had a chance of going together. She said no. I asked her why not. She gave me some bullshit answer that made no sense. I asked howcum alluva sudden she just wanted to be friends. She couldn't tell me. Can you believe that? Boy, did she really do a number on me! Well, it's over. Finito. Kaput. I can't believe it. I still like her a lot, but I can't hang around her anymore. I'm staying away. I can't believe I fell for her like I did. That's partly her fault, too. It's gonna be tough, but I'm gonna have to get up, brush myself off and move on.
- The (naive) Barbarian...naive ain't the word!
Postscript: Jesus, that was rough. The weird thing was I should've seen the whole breakup thing coming, but I somehow stupidly thought the prom would be great. It was miserable. I remember during one of the slow dances, she literally held me at arm's length. It was like one of those instructional videos from the '50s. And then to get home and have my dog die overnight was just the icing on the shit cake. Brutal.
At least the girl situation didn't drag on too long after the prom. I suppose I should be thankful for that. I'm glad I asked her if it was going to happen, instead of just hoping against hope. Made it easier (sort of) to make a clean break. And besides, things were about to get interesting.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Completely Conspicuous 278: The Mod Squad
Part
3 of my conversation with guest Ric Dube as we dissect a swingin'
episode of I Dream of Jeannie. Listen to the episode below or download it directly (right click and "save as").
Show notes:
- Recorded at More Lost Time world HQ
- Watch the episode along with us at the CompCon YouTube channel
- Season 2 of I Dream of Jeannie, episode aired in April 1967
- Larry Hagman, R.I.P.
- Did Americans really throw "mod parties"?
- Pre-Summer of Love '67
- Barbara Eden hasn't really done anything else
- Young Dabney Coleman makes a cameo
- Bill Daily plays the George Costanza-esque sidekick
- Sitcom lies are so badly written
- This show was a clear ripoff of Bewitched
- Jay breaks out his Paul Lynde impression
- Trying to create a new dance craze
- Unrelated sight gag in the kitchen
- Imagining a darker turn of events
- Much of the episode was people dancing
- Dube: Too much plot and not enough going on
- The whole master-servant theme was odd
- Dube goes off on Kate Hudson
- Modern version would make the guy dumb and the woman smarter
- Coming soon: We pitch remakes of old shows
- Lassie reimagined
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
At the Drive-In - One-Armed Scissor
Shellac - Watch Song
Jawbox - 68
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The At the Drive-In song is on the album Relationship of Command on Grand Royal. Download it for free at Epitonic.
The Shellac song is on the album 1000 Hurts on Touch and Go. Download it for free at Epitonic.
The Jawbox song is on the album My Scrapbook of Fatal Accidents on DeSoto Records. Download it for free at Epitonic.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Show notes:
- Recorded at More Lost Time world HQ
- Watch the episode along with us at the CompCon YouTube channel
- Season 2 of I Dream of Jeannie, episode aired in April 1967
- Larry Hagman, R.I.P.
- Did Americans really throw "mod parties"?
- Pre-Summer of Love '67
- Barbara Eden hasn't really done anything else
- Young Dabney Coleman makes a cameo
- Bill Daily plays the George Costanza-esque sidekick
- Sitcom lies are so badly written
- This show was a clear ripoff of Bewitched
- Jay breaks out his Paul Lynde impression
- Trying to create a new dance craze
- Unrelated sight gag in the kitchen
- Imagining a darker turn of events
- Much of the episode was people dancing
- Dube: Too much plot and not enough going on
- The whole master-servant theme was odd
- Dube goes off on Kate Hudson
- Modern version would make the guy dumb and the woman smarter
- Coming soon: We pitch remakes of old shows
- Lassie reimagined
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
At the Drive-In - One-Armed Scissor
Shellac - Watch Song
Jawbox - 68
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The At the Drive-In song is on the album Relationship of Command on Grand Royal. Download it for free at Epitonic.
The Shellac song is on the album 1000 Hurts on Touch and Go. Download it for free at Epitonic.
The Jawbox song is on the album My Scrapbook of Fatal Accidents on DeSoto Records. Download it for free at Epitonic.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Downed
I'm not ashamed to say I take sports seriously. Yeah, I know they're just games and in the grand scheme of things, they don't mean a whole hell of a lot. But they provide me with entertainment and that's good enough for me. I don't paint my face in my favorite teams' colors and I don't even go to a lot of games in person anymore. But I watch my teams play religiously, especially the Toronto Maple Leafs. Sadly, as I've documented on numerous occasions here, the Leafs have disappointed me much more often than not throughout my life.
But this season, after a nine-year absence, the Leafs made the playoffs and had the seeming misfortune to play the Boston Bruins in the first round, a team that has dominated them over the last three seasons. I didn't have high hopes going into the series, guessing that Boston would win in 5, but I hoped the young Leafs would get some valuable experience in the process. Game 1 bore out that original line of thinking as Boston just dominated Toronto, with a 4-1 win that felt more like 10-1. It looked like it was going to be a quick series. But the Leafs, as they've done all season, proved resilient and trounced the B's in game 2 by a 4-2 score. Rather than sit back and get outshot and outplayed like they had done in much of the previous three weeks, the Leafs started using their speed and size to attack the Bruins. Unfortunately, they were still making defensive mistakes and lost game 3 by a 5-2 score. In game 4, the Leafs dominated the third period and OT but lost when captain Dion Phaneuf went for a risky hit in the offensive end and was caught up ice while the Bruins scored on a 2-on-1. Things didn't look good and Boston fans were already starting to look ahead to the next round.
Instead of roll over, the Leafs came back strong and won two straight 2-1 games, with goalie James Reimer playing like he did for most of the season. The series came back to Boston last night for game 7 and I tried not to get my hopes up. It was a nerve-wracking affair, but the Leafs played a smart game and took a 2-1 lead into the third period. Two minutes in, Phil Kessel--who had spent the last few years being tormented by Bruins fans after being traded to the Leafs for draft picks that turned into Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton--banged home his fourth goal of the series to make the score 3-1. And a few minutes later, Kessel took a shot that was kicked right to Nazem Kadri, who fired it home to give Toronto a seemingly insurmountable 4-1 lead. The air went out of the TD Garden and the Bruins looked listless. But there were still nearly 15 minutes left. I wasn't getting excited yet. Then Nathan Horton scored at 9:18 to make it 4-2. The Bruins started attacking more, but the Leafs were able to fight them off until there were only 2 and a half minutes left to go. The Bruins pulled their goalie and there was a scramble in front and Milan Lucic fired in a wrister to make it 4-3. With the net still empty, the Leafs were unable to clear the puck and with monstrous Zdeno Chara acting as a screen, Patrice Bergeron scored to tie the game with 51 seconds left. Unfuckingbelievable. This was a comeback of historic proportions. The Bruins nearly scored the winner in the dying seconds, but the game went to overtime.
I was in utter disbelief, but Toronto could still win it. The overtime began and Toronto had some good chances, including a one-timer by Joffrey Lupul that Tuukka Rask made a wicked glove save on. Then about 6 minutes into OT, there was yet another scramble in the Leafs end. Three Leafs were unable to corral a rebound and Bergeron buried it for the series winner. I saw him get to the puck and knew it was the winner before it went into the net. I just got up and left the room, not wanting to hear Bruins announcer Jack Edwards bellow one of his patented game-winning speeches or see the replay. It felt like I'd been kicked in the gut. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. It took me a while to get my bearings.
But I've had this experience before. With the Leafs, there were numerous examples over the years, but probably the worst was in '93 when they lost in OT to Wayne Gretzky and the Kings in game 6 and then Gretzky just dominated game 7 to send LA to the finals. The last time the Leafs were in the playoffs, way back in 2004, they lost a game 7 in OT to the Flyers when Jeremy Roenick roared down the wing and fired a laser past Ed Belfour. Two years earlier, the Leafs lost to Carolina in the conference finals in overtime when Martin Gelinas scored, again preventing a trip to the Cup finals.
The Blue Jays had their share of heartbreak in the '80s, blowing a 3-1 lead to Kansas City in the 1985 ALCS to lose the series. Two years later, the Jays had a seemingly solid 3.5 game lead in the AL East with a week to go in the season and then proceeded to lose SEVEN straight and see Detroit take the division. At least, the Jays ended up winning the World Series in '92 and '93, so the suffering paid off. Since then, of course, the Jays haven't even had a sniff at the postseason.
And I became a New England Patriots fan after moving to this area 30 years ago, which only paid off after Bill Belichick took over the team and the Pats won three Super Bowls early in the last decade. But despite having loaded teams over the last several years and making the Super Bowl twice after the 2007 and 2011 seasons, the Pats have disappointed, suffering heartbreaking losses to the New York Giants in both championships.
This Leafs loss feels the worst because they were so goddamn close to moving on to the next round to take on the New York Rangers. But there were certainly positives to come out of the series. Toronto's young forwards, including Kessel, Kadri, Lupul, James Van Riemsdyk and others, played well, and once Carlyle started playing slick d-man Jake Gardiner in game 4, he was an offensive force. The team needs a top-line centerman and some good defensive defensemen, but they've proven they can play with one of the top teams in the league. After all, the Bruins had a monumental choke of their own in 2010, blowing a 3-0 series lead and a 3-0 lead in game 7 to the Flyers; the following year, Boston won the Stanley Cup. I'm not saying the Leafs will win it all next year, but hopefully they learn from this and get better. I know I'll be watching. It hurts now, but it'll get better. Right? Right.
But this season, after a nine-year absence, the Leafs made the playoffs and had the seeming misfortune to play the Boston Bruins in the first round, a team that has dominated them over the last three seasons. I didn't have high hopes going into the series, guessing that Boston would win in 5, but I hoped the young Leafs would get some valuable experience in the process. Game 1 bore out that original line of thinking as Boston just dominated Toronto, with a 4-1 win that felt more like 10-1. It looked like it was going to be a quick series. But the Leafs, as they've done all season, proved resilient and trounced the B's in game 2 by a 4-2 score. Rather than sit back and get outshot and outplayed like they had done in much of the previous three weeks, the Leafs started using their speed and size to attack the Bruins. Unfortunately, they were still making defensive mistakes and lost game 3 by a 5-2 score. In game 4, the Leafs dominated the third period and OT but lost when captain Dion Phaneuf went for a risky hit in the offensive end and was caught up ice while the Bruins scored on a 2-on-1. Things didn't look good and Boston fans were already starting to look ahead to the next round.
Instead of roll over, the Leafs came back strong and won two straight 2-1 games, with goalie James Reimer playing like he did for most of the season. The series came back to Boston last night for game 7 and I tried not to get my hopes up. It was a nerve-wracking affair, but the Leafs played a smart game and took a 2-1 lead into the third period. Two minutes in, Phil Kessel--who had spent the last few years being tormented by Bruins fans after being traded to the Leafs for draft picks that turned into Tyler Seguin and Dougie Hamilton--banged home his fourth goal of the series to make the score 3-1. And a few minutes later, Kessel took a shot that was kicked right to Nazem Kadri, who fired it home to give Toronto a seemingly insurmountable 4-1 lead. The air went out of the TD Garden and the Bruins looked listless. But there were still nearly 15 minutes left. I wasn't getting excited yet. Then Nathan Horton scored at 9:18 to make it 4-2. The Bruins started attacking more, but the Leafs were able to fight them off until there were only 2 and a half minutes left to go. The Bruins pulled their goalie and there was a scramble in front and Milan Lucic fired in a wrister to make it 4-3. With the net still empty, the Leafs were unable to clear the puck and with monstrous Zdeno Chara acting as a screen, Patrice Bergeron scored to tie the game with 51 seconds left. Unfuckingbelievable. This was a comeback of historic proportions. The Bruins nearly scored the winner in the dying seconds, but the game went to overtime.
I was in utter disbelief, but Toronto could still win it. The overtime began and Toronto had some good chances, including a one-timer by Joffrey Lupul that Tuukka Rask made a wicked glove save on. Then about 6 minutes into OT, there was yet another scramble in the Leafs end. Three Leafs were unable to corral a rebound and Bergeron buried it for the series winner. I saw him get to the puck and knew it was the winner before it went into the net. I just got up and left the room, not wanting to hear Bruins announcer Jack Edwards bellow one of his patented game-winning speeches or see the replay. It felt like I'd been kicked in the gut. Talk about snatching defeat from the jaws of victory. It took me a while to get my bearings.
But I've had this experience before. With the Leafs, there were numerous examples over the years, but probably the worst was in '93 when they lost in OT to Wayne Gretzky and the Kings in game 6 and then Gretzky just dominated game 7 to send LA to the finals. The last time the Leafs were in the playoffs, way back in 2004, they lost a game 7 in OT to the Flyers when Jeremy Roenick roared down the wing and fired a laser past Ed Belfour. Two years earlier, the Leafs lost to Carolina in the conference finals in overtime when Martin Gelinas scored, again preventing a trip to the Cup finals.
The Blue Jays had their share of heartbreak in the '80s, blowing a 3-1 lead to Kansas City in the 1985 ALCS to lose the series. Two years later, the Jays had a seemingly solid 3.5 game lead in the AL East with a week to go in the season and then proceeded to lose SEVEN straight and see Detroit take the division. At least, the Jays ended up winning the World Series in '92 and '93, so the suffering paid off. Since then, of course, the Jays haven't even had a sniff at the postseason.
And I became a New England Patriots fan after moving to this area 30 years ago, which only paid off after Bill Belichick took over the team and the Pats won three Super Bowls early in the last decade. But despite having loaded teams over the last several years and making the Super Bowl twice after the 2007 and 2011 seasons, the Pats have disappointed, suffering heartbreaking losses to the New York Giants in both championships.
This Leafs loss feels the worst because they were so goddamn close to moving on to the next round to take on the New York Rangers. But there were certainly positives to come out of the series. Toronto's young forwards, including Kessel, Kadri, Lupul, James Van Riemsdyk and others, played well, and once Carlyle started playing slick d-man Jake Gardiner in game 4, he was an offensive force. The team needs a top-line centerman and some good defensive defensemen, but they've proven they can play with one of the top teams in the league. After all, the Bruins had a monumental choke of their own in 2010, blowing a 3-0 series lead and a 3-0 lead in game 7 to the Flyers; the following year, Boston won the Stanley Cup. I'm not saying the Leafs will win it all next year, but hopefully they learn from this and get better. I know I'll be watching. It hurts now, but it'll get better. Right? Right.
Thursday, May 09, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Round and Round
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Thursday, May 3, 1984
Song of the day: Me and My Wine - Def Leppard
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
3. Against All Odds - Phil Collins
4. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
5. Round and Round - Ratt
I took my Walkman to school with my Eddie Murphy tape. Wow.
What a lousy week! Every day has been a total drag. Nothing seems to be going right. [Girlfriend?] and me, I don't know what the hell's gonna happen there! I want her so bad and I know she likes me, but she's so messed up over you-know-who that she doesn't know what the heck she wants! I mean, we were going great till Monday! What's going on?
Dad could get laid off if Seabrook shuts down. If he does, we'd have to sell our house!
Actually I got a couple of good test grades this week, but I've got some definite crises with schoolwork. Plus Mom's still checking up on me!
I don't know what's happening with my life. Tomorrow, things have to get better; they couldn't get much worse!
- The (down on his luck) Barbarian
Friday, May 4, 1984
Song of the day: My Oh My - Slade
Top 5 at Five
1. Beats Me - K the B
2. Blue Light - David Gilmour
3. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
4. This Fall - Bob and Zip
5. The Ghost in You - Psychedelic Furs
Well, it happened. Me and [girlfriend] broke up. Sort of. Lemme start from the beginning. On the bus this morning, Jeremy told me he heard that she was interested in [a buddy of ours] and that's why she wanted to be friends. Well, this really messed me up. After lunch, I talked to her about it. She said she liked [buddy] but that's not why she wasn't sure. We both agreed that we should just be friends for now. I talked to her on the phone and she said she doubted she would go out with him. Good! In fact, for all you know, we could be back together sometime soon! Who knows?
This is just the low point of a pretty shitty week. Anyways, we both plan on having a good time at the prom. I sure hope we get back together. She is so awesome! I miss her already.
- The (unlucky in love) Barbarian
Saturday, May 5, 1984
Song of the day: Kid Gloves - Rush
Hmm. Wow, man. I'm surprised that I wasn't really that depressed at all today. I'm feeling pretty optimistic about things now. I have a feeling that [ex-girlfriend] hasn't seen the last of me (boyfriend-wise)!
We went to Methuen today. First, at Caldor, I bought "Grace Under Pressure," Rush's new album for $5.96! We went to the mall where I got "Queensryche" for $4.99. Not bad.
Midland Records is way better now. There's more room there than before. I saw [two female classmates].
I drove home from the mall and I did a good job. Later I talked Mom into letting me drive [ex-girlfriend] to the prom. Tomorrow I'm going to learn the way to Hampton Beach. Wow!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, May 6, 1984
Song of the day: Round and Round - Ratt
Yeah! I can drive [ex-girlfriend] to the prom! Today I drove Mom to Hampton Beach. I drove good and Mom said I can have the car Friday night. Awesome deal! It's wicked easy to get there; only takes half an hour! It was a nice day today: Sunny, 70 degrees. This is great!
Bad news. JP gave me his cough. Stupid jerk! I should be alright in a couple of days (I hope).
The Blue Jays won again! They're 18-10 and 9-1 in their last 10 games.
The Islanders play Edmonton for the Cup. NY beat Montreal, 4-2. I hope Edmonton wins.
The prom's gonna kick butt! I can't wait! Everything's set. They're even got valet parking. Good deal.
I'm not even depressed. Like wow, man.
- The (rejuvenated) Barbarian
Monday, May 7, 1984
Song of the day: Blinding Light Show - Triumph
Top 5 at Five
1. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
2. This Fall - Bob and Zip
3. Run Runaway - Slade
4. Round and Round - Ratt
5. Strung Out - Steve Perry
A good Monday, for a change. A beautiful day, sunny and warm.
[Prom date] said that after prom we were invited to [a friend's] house for pizza. I asked Mom and she said yes! Yaah! I can't wait!
I got a 98 on that Algebra quiz and an 86 (43/50) on last week's Bi Sci test.
[Buddy of mine] was wicked pissed at [asshole ex of prom date] this morning. He's thinking of starting up a lynch mob to kick his butt! I said go for it!
I got a letter from [old friend from Richland, Wash.] today. He had a massive party and his house got trashed. Ha!
[Another buddy from Richland] sent me a letter on Friday. He also sent me a Red Robin pin. That guy is wicked cool! Hanford's prom is on the 12th and it cost $40.
Four more days! I'm psyched!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, May 8, 1984
Song of the day: Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
Top 5 at Five
1. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
2. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Oh Sherrie - Steve Perry
5. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
Weird day. I was sick as a dog. Blocked nasal passages and massive chest cold and cough. Ugh!
I was totally out of it today. I did something real stupid. In Bi Sci, [classmate] stuck some sign on [another kid's] back saying "Kick me." And I did. Kneed him. Right in the ass! He was pissed. Gave me a dirty look. I apologized. I sure hope he doesn't kick my ass tomorrow! Stupid!
I fell asleep in Algebra again. Geez!
I got a 91 on a French quiz.
I haveta get better soon! Like tomorrow. I'm taking massive medication and I hope it works!
- The (sick) Barbarian
Wednesday, May 9, 1984
Song of the day: A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
Top 5 at Five
1. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
2. Run Runaway - Slade
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Blue Light - David Gilmour
5. This Fall - Bob and Zip
Today was better, I think. At first, I was pretty sick, but around 3rd period I started feeling better. I got a 70 on last week's Geometry quiz.
JP barfed on the bus this morning (after high school) and had to go home. Ha!
After school, I drove Mom and me to Exeter to pick up my tux. [A classmate] was there too. My tux looked pretty good on me! It didn't need any alterations. Good deal.
My cough's almost better! Awesome.
- The (recovering) Barbarian
Postscript: The emotional roller coaster continues, despite actually getting dumped. Somehow I was in this weird denial phase, but that would end soon. And it's kind of strange how excited I was by the prom.
My dad's employment situation was sketchy for a while, although he managed to hold onto his job for a few more years.
I was still buying new albums on vinyl and would continue to do so until '89, when I finally got a CD player. Midland Records was a cool store, but it's long gone now.
With the glam metal road paved by the likes of Motley Crue and Def Leppard, bands like Ratt started to make inroads on rock radio. Before long, there were poofy haired guys in makeup playing hard rock everywhere. Gotta say, "Round and Round" is still a great song.
Thursday, May 3, 1984
Song of the day: Me and My Wine - Def Leppard
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
3. Against All Odds - Phil Collins
4. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
5. Round and Round - Ratt
I took my Walkman to school with my Eddie Murphy tape. Wow.
What a lousy week! Every day has been a total drag. Nothing seems to be going right. [Girlfriend?] and me, I don't know what the hell's gonna happen there! I want her so bad and I know she likes me, but she's so messed up over you-know-who that she doesn't know what the heck she wants! I mean, we were going great till Monday! What's going on?
Dad could get laid off if Seabrook shuts down. If he does, we'd have to sell our house!
Actually I got a couple of good test grades this week, but I've got some definite crises with schoolwork. Plus Mom's still checking up on me!
I don't know what's happening with my life. Tomorrow, things have to get better; they couldn't get much worse!
- The (down on his luck) Barbarian
Friday, May 4, 1984
Song of the day: My Oh My - Slade
Top 5 at Five
1. Beats Me - K the B
2. Blue Light - David Gilmour
3. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
4. This Fall - Bob and Zip
5. The Ghost in You - Psychedelic Furs
Well, it happened. Me and [girlfriend] broke up. Sort of. Lemme start from the beginning. On the bus this morning, Jeremy told me he heard that she was interested in [a buddy of ours] and that's why she wanted to be friends. Well, this really messed me up. After lunch, I talked to her about it. She said she liked [buddy] but that's not why she wasn't sure. We both agreed that we should just be friends for now. I talked to her on the phone and she said she doubted she would go out with him. Good! In fact, for all you know, we could be back together sometime soon! Who knows?
This is just the low point of a pretty shitty week. Anyways, we both plan on having a good time at the prom. I sure hope we get back together. She is so awesome! I miss her already.
- The (unlucky in love) Barbarian
Saturday, May 5, 1984
Song of the day: Kid Gloves - Rush
Hmm. Wow, man. I'm surprised that I wasn't really that depressed at all today. I'm feeling pretty optimistic about things now. I have a feeling that [ex-girlfriend] hasn't seen the last of me (boyfriend-wise)!
We went to Methuen today. First, at Caldor, I bought "Grace Under Pressure," Rush's new album for $5.96! We went to the mall where I got "Queensryche" for $4.99. Not bad.
Midland Records is way better now. There's more room there than before. I saw [two female classmates].
I drove home from the mall and I did a good job. Later I talked Mom into letting me drive [ex-girlfriend] to the prom. Tomorrow I'm going to learn the way to Hampton Beach. Wow!
- The Barbarian
Sunday, May 6, 1984
Song of the day: Round and Round - Ratt
Yeah! I can drive [ex-girlfriend] to the prom! Today I drove Mom to Hampton Beach. I drove good and Mom said I can have the car Friday night. Awesome deal! It's wicked easy to get there; only takes half an hour! It was a nice day today: Sunny, 70 degrees. This is great!
Bad news. JP gave me his cough. Stupid jerk! I should be alright in a couple of days (I hope).
The Blue Jays won again! They're 18-10 and 9-1 in their last 10 games.
The Islanders play Edmonton for the Cup. NY beat Montreal, 4-2. I hope Edmonton wins.
The prom's gonna kick butt! I can't wait! Everything's set. They're even got valet parking. Good deal.
I'm not even depressed. Like wow, man.
- The (rejuvenated) Barbarian
Monday, May 7, 1984
Song of the day: Blinding Light Show - Triumph
Top 5 at Five
1. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
2. This Fall - Bob and Zip
3. Run Runaway - Slade
4. Round and Round - Ratt
5. Strung Out - Steve Perry
A good Monday, for a change. A beautiful day, sunny and warm.
[Prom date] said that after prom we were invited to [a friend's] house for pizza. I asked Mom and she said yes! Yaah! I can't wait!
I got a 98 on that Algebra quiz and an 86 (43/50) on last week's Bi Sci test.
[Buddy of mine] was wicked pissed at [asshole ex of prom date] this morning. He's thinking of starting up a lynch mob to kick his butt! I said go for it!
I got a letter from [old friend from Richland, Wash.] today. He had a massive party and his house got trashed. Ha!
[Another buddy from Richland] sent me a letter on Friday. He also sent me a Red Robin pin. That guy is wicked cool! Hanford's prom is on the 12th and it cost $40.
Four more days! I'm psyched!
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, May 8, 1984
Song of the day: Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
Top 5 at Five
1. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
2. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Oh Sherrie - Steve Perry
5. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
Weird day. I was sick as a dog. Blocked nasal passages and massive chest cold and cough. Ugh!
I was totally out of it today. I did something real stupid. In Bi Sci, [classmate] stuck some sign on [another kid's] back saying "Kick me." And I did. Kneed him. Right in the ass! He was pissed. Gave me a dirty look. I apologized. I sure hope he doesn't kick my ass tomorrow! Stupid!
I fell asleep in Algebra again. Geez!
I got a 91 on a French quiz.
I haveta get better soon! Like tomorrow. I'm taking massive medication and I hope it works!
- The (sick) Barbarian
Wednesday, May 9, 1984
Song of the day: A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
Top 5 at Five
1. Dancing in the Dark - Bruce Springsteen
2. Run Runaway - Slade
3. Round and Round - Ratt
4. Blue Light - David Gilmour
5. This Fall - Bob and Zip
Today was better, I think. At first, I was pretty sick, but around 3rd period I started feeling better. I got a 70 on last week's Geometry quiz.
JP barfed on the bus this morning (after high school) and had to go home. Ha!
After school, I drove Mom and me to Exeter to pick up my tux. [A classmate] was there too. My tux looked pretty good on me! It didn't need any alterations. Good deal.
My cough's almost better! Awesome.
- The (recovering) Barbarian
Postscript: The emotional roller coaster continues, despite actually getting dumped. Somehow I was in this weird denial phase, but that would end soon. And it's kind of strange how excited I was by the prom.
My dad's employment situation was sketchy for a while, although he managed to hold onto his job for a few more years.
I was still buying new albums on vinyl and would continue to do so until '89, when I finally got a CD player. Midland Records was a cool store, but it's long gone now.
With the glam metal road paved by the likes of Motley Crue and Def Leppard, bands like Ratt started to make inroads on rock radio. Before long, there were poofy haired guys in makeup playing hard rock everywhere. Gotta say, "Round and Round" is still a great song.
Wednesday, May 08, 2013
Completely Conspicuous 277: Take Me to the Pilot
Part
2 of my conversation with guest Ric Dube as we
dissect a not-so-classic episode of The Brady Bunch. Listen to the
episode below or download it directly (right click and "save as").
Show notes:
- Recorded at More Lost Time world HQ
- Watch the episode along with us at the CompCon YouTube channel
- Season 5 of the Brady Bunch, episode aired in January 1974
- Brady Bunch producer uses the show to air a pilot for a spinoff
- Ken Berry is the "star"
- Berry was in Disney movies, F Troop, failed pilots, later Mama's Family
- Show's kind of a bummer
- Brady Bunch audience must have been annoyed by lack of Bradys
- Gotta love the racial platitudes
- Where are the blue kids?
- The mini-Warriors
- Berry teaches the kids the ol' soft shoe
- Snobby racist neighbor character
- Groovy Greg Brady makes an appearance
- Dube makes gratuitous Arkancilliopoulos reference
- Pilot was never picked up
- Norman Lear was doing cutting edge racial humor; this show, not so much
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
The Gories - On the Run
King Khan - Strange Ways
Mind Spiders - They Lie
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The songs from the Gories, King Khan and the Mind Spiders are on the Adult Swim compilation Garage Swim. Download the entire compilation for free at AdultSwim.com.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Show notes:
- Recorded at More Lost Time world HQ
- Watch the episode along with us at the CompCon YouTube channel
- Season 5 of the Brady Bunch, episode aired in January 1974
- Brady Bunch producer uses the show to air a pilot for a spinoff
- Ken Berry is the "star"
- Berry was in Disney movies, F Troop, failed pilots, later Mama's Family
- Show's kind of a bummer
- Brady Bunch audience must have been annoyed by lack of Bradys
- Gotta love the racial platitudes
- Where are the blue kids?
- The mini-Warriors
- Berry teaches the kids the ol' soft shoe
- Snobby racist neighbor character
- Groovy Greg Brady makes an appearance
- Dube makes gratuitous Arkancilliopoulos reference
- Pilot was never picked up
- Norman Lear was doing cutting edge racial humor; this show, not so much
- Bonehead of the Week
Music:
The Gories - On the Run
King Khan - Strange Ways
Mind Spiders - They Lie
Completely Conspicuous is available through the iTunes podcast directory. Subscribe and write a review!
The songs from the Gories, King Khan and the Mind Spiders are on the Adult Swim compilation Garage Swim. Download the entire compilation for free at AdultSwim.com.
The opening and closing theme of Completely Conspicuous is "Theme to Big F'in Pants" by Jay Breitling. Find out more about Senor Breitling at his fine music blog Clicky Clicky. Voiceover work is courtesy of James Gralian.
Thursday, May 02, 2013
Through the Past Dorkily: Up the Creek
Editor's note: Through the Past Dorkily is a recurring feature that looks back at the embarrassingly dorky diary I kept as a 16-year-old in 1984.
Friday, April 20, 1984
Song of the day: Could This Be Magic? - Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. Distant Early Warning - Rush
2. Don't Leave Me This Way - The Ravyns
3. Leave It - Yes
4. Top of the Rock - HSAS
5. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
Wow, man1 What a day. I got up and Mom started bitching at me about goofing off at school. It ended up with minimal homework so that's good.
I rented my tux after school today. It's cool-looking. It's got a white jacket with black pants. Good deal.
Boy, is [girlfriend] awesome or what? I talked to her 3 times on the phone, the last time for an hour! Dad got pissed at me, but I don't care. She's great. I can't wait till tomorrow night! It's gonna be cool!
This relationship is great!!!!! [Girlfriend] is incredible!
- The (anxious) Barbarian
Saturday, April 21, 1984
Song of the day: Wild Horses (again) - The Stones
WOW!!!!!
Forget everything up till 6 p.m. I got to [girlfriend's] house then. Actually, I knocked on the wrong door, but luckily she saw me and got me. I met her parents and we went to her room before dinner. We played 2 games of Boggle. Then we started talking. We were sitting and started playing footsies with each other! It was great!! Dinner was good. Me and [girlfriend] ate alone. We went back to her room, sat on her bed, and started looking at old yearbooks. We started sitting wicked close, and I finally got up the guts to kiss her on the cheek. She liked it! She put "Wild Horses" on, and we slow danced. I sang it to her and we squeezed tight and kissed more!!! She is awesome!!! We kept kissing a wicked lot!! That girl is incredible!!!!!
I had to leave at 10. While waiting for Mom outside, me and [girlfriend] were conserving body heat! I'm gonna miss her. I won't see her till Tuesday. Bummer.
I'm crazy about her and she's crazy about me! I can't wait till Tuesday!! She's awesome!!!
- The (stimulated) Barbarian
Tuesday, April 24, 1984
Song of the day: Just Between You and Me - April Wine
Top 5 at Five
1. Distant Early Warning - Rush
2. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
3. So You Ran - Orion the Hunter
4. It's My Life - Talk Talk
5. Heaven - Bryan Adams
Wow, man. I went with [girlfriend's] mom to Marblehead (near Salem, Mass.) to pick her up from her grandmother's house. We talked all the way there. [Girlfriend] looked great when we got there. Her grandmother was cool. She was real friendly. She drove us around Marblehead and we went to a shopping center. We were looking around at Caldor where I finally saw "Grace Under Pressure." I didn't buy it, though. We had lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken and had some ice cream, too.
We got back to Kingston around 3 p.m. and they dropped me off at home. That bummed me out because I wanted to go to her place. I got over it, though.
I got Mom to call that insurance guy so I can drive to [girlfriend's] house tomorrow. He wasn't there so Mom will call him in the morning.
I drove Mom, in the rain, to Market Basket tonight. I did pretty good, too.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, April 25, 1984
Song of the day: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Stones
Top 5 at Five
1. Between the Wheels - Rush
2. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
3. Big City Nights - Scorpions
4. The Ghost In You - Psychedelic Furs
5. Run Runaway - Slade
What a lousy day. You know that watering of the eyes I've been having? It turns out I've got conjunctivitis, aka Pink eye. It's very contagious so I couldn't see [girlfriend] today and I can't see her tomorrow either! Drat!! I can't touch my eyes and I have to use eye drops.
Mom called the insurance guy this morning and I can drive on my own now. It figures that on the first day I can go myself to [girlfriend's] house, I catch this stupid disease! Damn!
The doctor says it should go away by the end of the week. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll be able to see her on Friday. I sure hope so. I miss her so much. She is so awesome! Oh [girlfriend].
- The (lonely and sick) Barbarian
Thursday, April 26, 1984
Song of the day: No One Like You - Scorpions
Top 5 at Five
1. Between the Wheels - Rush
2. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking
3. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
4. Magic - The Cars
5. A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
Limbo day. Forced to stay indoors because of my eyes, I sat around trying to do my homework. I only got 2 definitions done. Most of the writing I did was putting [girlfriend's] initials all over my books!
The guy put in the new steps. Those things are massive! It looks way better now!
What a day! It was wicked nice today: Sunny, in the 60s. And I had to stay at home all day. Crap!
I talked to [girlfriend] later and she said that [classmate] and her boyfriend would like to get together with us tomorrow. I said fine but there's a big problem. Now Mom can give me a ride to her house, but how the heck do I get home? Mom works evenings tomorrow. Both mine and JP's bikes are busted because of those stupid movers. [Girlfriend] said she'd call me in the morning and we'll try to work something out. She's great. I have to see her tomorrow. It's been 2 days and I'm going crazy!
- The (anxious) Barbarian
Friday, April 27, 1984
Song of the day: When the World is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Around - The Police
Freedom! I'm better! Well, Mom took me to Exeter and we got JP's bike fixed (mine will be at the shop for a week). I took JP's bike to [girlfriend's] house! Actually, Mom dropped me off there with the bike. Boy, was it great to see her again! I really missed that babe! I went there at 2:30. [Classmate] was there, too, and her boyfriend was supposed to come but he couldn't make it. We were supposed to play tennis but we didn't. I left my racket at her house. We (me and girlfriend) sat on the couch and kissed a lot! She's awesome! I was there until 5:15. She rode with me until 125. It only took me half an hour to ride home! Not bad. I can ride there all the time now! Good deal!
I hope to see her tomorrow, too!
Mom got me an appointment for a haircut tomorrow at 9:30. Geez!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, April 28, 1984
Song of the day: I Got You - Split Enz
What a beautiful day (weather-wise)! At 9:30, I got my hair cut. Sandy styled it different, though. She feathered it back, and it looks wicked cool!
At 12 noon, I had to paint the deck. We only have one brush, so I had to do it all myself. It took me 2 hours to do it. It looks pretty lousy, but hey, I never said I could paint!
I couldn't see [girlfriend] because she was busy all day, but we should be able to get together tomorrow.
Tonight, we move our clocks up 1 hour. We're not going to church tomorrow because we'd be too tired.
I think [girlfriend] will like my hair. She said if I liked it, then she would. What a babe! I might even go with her to see her dress tomorrow, I'm not sure. But we'll see.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, April 29, 1984
Song of the day: Tops - The Stones
Today was even better than yesterday, but it was wicked hot!
I got up at 10:45 (actually 9:45) this morning, and Mom made me take the garbage to the dump. By myself. And I did it! No problem!!
When I got home, I ate some cereal and called [girlfriend]. She said I could come over. As I was getting ready, that vicious dog next door came over and started biting Sammy, who was tied up out front. We called the neighbors and they took the little bastard! Sammy was alright.
When I got to [girlfriend's], we went to play tennis. But there was no net at the court, so we played a little and went back. I had lunch there (2 hot dogs) and then we played zim-zam awhile. We went into the house and talked. She said she was pissed at her ex about stuff he said to her and I told her I was there to listen if she ever needed to talk to someone. We went to her room and looked at a Stones book for a little while and then we started kissing. I started kissing her on the lips more. Wow! I had to leave at 4, but I had a great time. She's terrific.
- The Barbarian (of love)
Monday, April 30, 1984
Song of the day: Can't You Hear Me Knocking? - The Stones
Top 5 at Five
1. Legs - ZZ Top
2. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
3. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
4. The Ghost in You - Psychedelic Furs
5. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
Weird day, man. When [girlfriend] got to school today, she said she was thinking a lot last night and she didn't want a heavy relationship. She said that we could see each other but just not use the term "going together." I said, "Huh?" I was kinda messed up after that, but I talked to her at lunch, and she said that didn't really change anything between us! Phew! I said we could go a little slower if she wanted and she said yes. So really nothing's different between us. We weren't going that fast anyways. We'll just take it one day at a time and everything will be fine. I hope!
I got a 91 on that Bi Sci test I took before vacation.
I called her later and she said she was alright. She was pissed at herself for falling for her ex. I told her it happens to all of us (and it does!) and that she should forget the past. She's in a good mood now. She was depressed before. The poor babe's been through a lot. We'll be alright.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, May 1, 1984
Song of the day: I Like to Rock - April Wine
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Bark at the Moon - Ozzy
3. Beats the Heck out of Me - Kumar the Barbarian
4. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
5. Whisper to a Scream - Icicle Works
Today was much better. When I got to school, I went straight to the Guidance office to get my insurance form signed. When I got to the cafe, [girlfriend?] was already upstairs. I bopped over there. She was feeling a lot better. Me too.
I slept in 15 minutes after my alarm went off, so I couldn't shave.
In Weight Training, in squats I did 205 and deadlifting I did 195. Then, to my total surprise in Civics, [teacher] moved me right beside [girlfriend?]! I couldn't believe it!! She moved [another girl] in my seat and [yet another girl] into her seat. I was stunned but grateful! I didn't make a peep (well, maybe one peep) for the rest of the class! Wow!
After school, we had to wait for another bus because the steering was gone in ours. It was unbearable. Those stupid brats were screaming their heads off! I got home at 2:45.
She got a haircut after school today. Can't wait to see her! What a babe!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, May 2, 1984
Song of the day: Centre of Eternity - Ozzy
Top 5 at Five
1. Bark at the Moon - Ozzy
2. Rock and Roll Rebel - Ozzy
3. Run Runaway - Slade
4. Beats the Heck Out of Me - Kumar the Barbarian
5. I Don't Know - Kumar the Barbarian
Another tricky day, fellah. [Girlfriend?] was kinda spaced this morning and after lunch, I found out why: She started telling me at lunch what was wrong, but she started to cry and we went upstairs. In the hall, she told me that she wasn't sure she wanted a boyfriend right now or not. She is so messed up because of that asshole [her ex] that she doesn't know what she wants. She said she still wanted to go to the prom with me and she still would call me and stuff. What it really boils down to is that we'll still be together all the time, just that we won't get "intimate" with each other. Well, I guess it could be worse. At least she still cares for me! I told her after the prom we'll see how she's feeling about "stuff." This is all [the ex's] fault! She's so upset about letting herself get used by him that she's confused about everything. I hope she comes to her senses and accepts me as her boyfriend! Why does everything have to be so complicated?
I got the Eddie Murphy tape today. It's hilarious! It cheered me up after what I've been through. Sheesh!
- The (confused) Barbarian
Postscript: Quite the roller coaster of emotion over this stretch of entries. Went from very high highs of young love to a sudden about-face all in the span of a few days. I can still remember the stunned feeling I had standing in that hallway as she laid this rap on me; I was dumbfounded. But don't worry...it gets worse.
In some respects, it's good that this happens at this point because those lovey-dovey passages were pretty fucking nauseating. But y'know, it was my first love. And it was valuable experience into the confusing ways of women.
Friday, April 20, 1984
Song of the day: Could This Be Magic? - Van Halen
Top 5 at Five
1. Distant Early Warning - Rush
2. Don't Leave Me This Way - The Ravyns
3. Leave It - Yes
4. Top of the Rock - HSAS
5. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
Wow, man1 What a day. I got up and Mom started bitching at me about goofing off at school. It ended up with minimal homework so that's good.
I rented my tux after school today. It's cool-looking. It's got a white jacket with black pants. Good deal.
Boy, is [girlfriend] awesome or what? I talked to her 3 times on the phone, the last time for an hour! Dad got pissed at me, but I don't care. She's great. I can't wait till tomorrow night! It's gonna be cool!
This relationship is great!!!!! [Girlfriend] is incredible!
- The (anxious) Barbarian
Saturday, April 21, 1984
Song of the day: Wild Horses (again) - The Stones
WOW!!!!!
Forget everything up till 6 p.m. I got to [girlfriend's] house then. Actually, I knocked on the wrong door, but luckily she saw me and got me. I met her parents and we went to her room before dinner. We played 2 games of Boggle. Then we started talking. We were sitting and started playing footsies with each other! It was great!! Dinner was good. Me and [girlfriend] ate alone. We went back to her room, sat on her bed, and started looking at old yearbooks. We started sitting wicked close, and I finally got up the guts to kiss her on the cheek. She liked it! She put "Wild Horses" on, and we slow danced. I sang it to her and we squeezed tight and kissed more!!! She is awesome!!! We kept kissing a wicked lot!! That girl is incredible!!!!!
I had to leave at 10. While waiting for Mom outside, me and [girlfriend] were conserving body heat! I'm gonna miss her. I won't see her till Tuesday. Bummer.
I'm crazy about her and she's crazy about me! I can't wait till Tuesday!! She's awesome!!!
- The (stimulated) Barbarian
Tuesday, April 24, 1984
Song of the day: Just Between You and Me - April Wine
Top 5 at Five
1. Distant Early Warning - Rush
2. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
3. So You Ran - Orion the Hunter
4. It's My Life - Talk Talk
5. Heaven - Bryan Adams
Wow, man. I went with [girlfriend's] mom to Marblehead (near Salem, Mass.) to pick her up from her grandmother's house. We talked all the way there. [Girlfriend] looked great when we got there. Her grandmother was cool. She was real friendly. She drove us around Marblehead and we went to a shopping center. We were looking around at Caldor where I finally saw "Grace Under Pressure." I didn't buy it, though. We had lunch at Kentucky Fried Chicken and had some ice cream, too.
We got back to Kingston around 3 p.m. and they dropped me off at home. That bummed me out because I wanted to go to her place. I got over it, though.
I got Mom to call that insurance guy so I can drive to [girlfriend's] house tomorrow. He wasn't there so Mom will call him in the morning.
I drove Mom, in the rain, to Market Basket tonight. I did pretty good, too.
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, April 25, 1984
Song of the day: (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction - The Stones
Top 5 at Five
1. Between the Wheels - Rush
2. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
3. Big City Nights - Scorpions
4. The Ghost In You - Psychedelic Furs
5. Run Runaway - Slade
What a lousy day. You know that watering of the eyes I've been having? It turns out I've got conjunctivitis, aka Pink eye. It's very contagious so I couldn't see [girlfriend] today and I can't see her tomorrow either! Drat!! I can't touch my eyes and I have to use eye drops.
Mom called the insurance guy this morning and I can drive on my own now. It figures that on the first day I can go myself to [girlfriend's] house, I catch this stupid disease! Damn!
The doctor says it should go away by the end of the week. Maybe if I'm lucky, I'll be able to see her on Friday. I sure hope so. I miss her so much. She is so awesome! Oh [girlfriend].
- The (lonely and sick) Barbarian
Thursday, April 26, 1984
Song of the day: No One Like You - Scorpions
Top 5 at Five
1. Between the Wheels - Rush
2. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking
3. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
4. Magic - The Cars
5. A Whiter Shade of Pale - HSAS
Limbo day. Forced to stay indoors because of my eyes, I sat around trying to do my homework. I only got 2 definitions done. Most of the writing I did was putting [girlfriend's] initials all over my books!
The guy put in the new steps. Those things are massive! It looks way better now!
What a day! It was wicked nice today: Sunny, in the 60s. And I had to stay at home all day. Crap!
I talked to [girlfriend] later and she said that [classmate] and her boyfriend would like to get together with us tomorrow. I said fine but there's a big problem. Now Mom can give me a ride to her house, but how the heck do I get home? Mom works evenings tomorrow. Both mine and JP's bikes are busted because of those stupid movers. [Girlfriend] said she'd call me in the morning and we'll try to work something out. She's great. I have to see her tomorrow. It's been 2 days and I'm going crazy!
- The (anxious) Barbarian
Friday, April 27, 1984
Song of the day: When the World is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Around - The Police
Freedom! I'm better! Well, Mom took me to Exeter and we got JP's bike fixed (mine will be at the shop for a week). I took JP's bike to [girlfriend's] house! Actually, Mom dropped me off there with the bike. Boy, was it great to see her again! I really missed that babe! I went there at 2:30. [Classmate] was there, too, and her boyfriend was supposed to come but he couldn't make it. We were supposed to play tennis but we didn't. I left my racket at her house. We (me and girlfriend) sat on the couch and kissed a lot! She's awesome! I was there until 5:15. She rode with me until 125. It only took me half an hour to ride home! Not bad. I can ride there all the time now! Good deal!
I hope to see her tomorrow, too!
Mom got me an appointment for a haircut tomorrow at 9:30. Geez!
- The Barbarian
Saturday, April 28, 1984
Song of the day: I Got You - Split Enz
What a beautiful day (weather-wise)! At 9:30, I got my hair cut. Sandy styled it different, though. She feathered it back, and it looks wicked cool!
At 12 noon, I had to paint the deck. We only have one brush, so I had to do it all myself. It took me 2 hours to do it. It looks pretty lousy, but hey, I never said I could paint!
I couldn't see [girlfriend] because she was busy all day, but we should be able to get together tomorrow.
Tonight, we move our clocks up 1 hour. We're not going to church tomorrow because we'd be too tired.
I think [girlfriend] will like my hair. She said if I liked it, then she would. What a babe! I might even go with her to see her dress tomorrow, I'm not sure. But we'll see.
- The Barbarian
Sunday, April 29, 1984
Song of the day: Tops - The Stones
Today was even better than yesterday, but it was wicked hot!
I got up at 10:45 (actually 9:45) this morning, and Mom made me take the garbage to the dump. By myself. And I did it! No problem!!
When I got home, I ate some cereal and called [girlfriend]. She said I could come over. As I was getting ready, that vicious dog next door came over and started biting Sammy, who was tied up out front. We called the neighbors and they took the little bastard! Sammy was alright.
When I got to [girlfriend's], we went to play tennis. But there was no net at the court, so we played a little and went back. I had lunch there (2 hot dogs) and then we played zim-zam awhile. We went into the house and talked. She said she was pissed at her ex about stuff he said to her and I told her I was there to listen if she ever needed to talk to someone. We went to her room and looked at a Stones book for a little while and then we started kissing. I started kissing her on the lips more. Wow! I had to leave at 4, but I had a great time. She's terrific.
- The Barbarian (of love)
Monday, April 30, 1984
Song of the day: Can't You Hear Me Knocking? - The Stones
Top 5 at Five
1. Legs - ZZ Top
2. Deeper and Deeper - The Fixx
3. Up the Creek - Cheap Trick
4. The Ghost in You - Psychedelic Furs
5. Rock You Like a Hurricane - Scorpions
Weird day, man. When [girlfriend] got to school today, she said she was thinking a lot last night and she didn't want a heavy relationship. She said that we could see each other but just not use the term "going together." I said, "Huh?" I was kinda messed up after that, but I talked to her at lunch, and she said that didn't really change anything between us! Phew! I said we could go a little slower if she wanted and she said yes. So really nothing's different between us. We weren't going that fast anyways. We'll just take it one day at a time and everything will be fine. I hope!
I got a 91 on that Bi Sci test I took before vacation.
I called her later and she said she was alright. She was pissed at herself for falling for her ex. I told her it happens to all of us (and it does!) and that she should forget the past. She's in a good mood now. She was depressed before. The poor babe's been through a lot. We'll be alright.
- The Barbarian
Tuesday, May 1, 1984
Song of the day: I Like to Rock - April Wine
Top 5 at Five
1. Run Runaway - Slade
2. Bark at the Moon - Ozzy
3. Beats the Heck out of Me - Kumar the Barbarian
4. The Pros and Cons of Hitch-hiking - Roger Waters
5. Whisper to a Scream - Icicle Works
Today was much better. When I got to school, I went straight to the Guidance office to get my insurance form signed. When I got to the cafe, [girlfriend?] was already upstairs. I bopped over there. She was feeling a lot better. Me too.
I slept in 15 minutes after my alarm went off, so I couldn't shave.
In Weight Training, in squats I did 205 and deadlifting I did 195. Then, to my total surprise in Civics, [teacher] moved me right beside [girlfriend?]! I couldn't believe it!! She moved [another girl] in my seat and [yet another girl] into her seat. I was stunned but grateful! I didn't make a peep (well, maybe one peep) for the rest of the class! Wow!
After school, we had to wait for another bus because the steering was gone in ours. It was unbearable. Those stupid brats were screaming their heads off! I got home at 2:45.
She got a haircut after school today. Can't wait to see her! What a babe!
- The Barbarian
Wednesday, May 2, 1984
Song of the day: Centre of Eternity - Ozzy
Top 5 at Five
1. Bark at the Moon - Ozzy
2. Rock and Roll Rebel - Ozzy
3. Run Runaway - Slade
4. Beats the Heck Out of Me - Kumar the Barbarian
5. I Don't Know - Kumar the Barbarian
Another tricky day, fellah. [Girlfriend?] was kinda spaced this morning and after lunch, I found out why: She started telling me at lunch what was wrong, but she started to cry and we went upstairs. In the hall, she told me that she wasn't sure she wanted a boyfriend right now or not. She is so messed up because of that asshole [her ex] that she doesn't know what she wants. She said she still wanted to go to the prom with me and she still would call me and stuff. What it really boils down to is that we'll still be together all the time, just that we won't get "intimate" with each other. Well, I guess it could be worse. At least she still cares for me! I told her after the prom we'll see how she's feeling about "stuff." This is all [the ex's] fault! She's so upset about letting herself get used by him that she's confused about everything. I hope she comes to her senses and accepts me as her boyfriend! Why does everything have to be so complicated?
I got the Eddie Murphy tape today. It's hilarious! It cheered me up after what I've been through. Sheesh!
- The (confused) Barbarian
Postscript: Quite the roller coaster of emotion over this stretch of entries. Went from very high highs of young love to a sudden about-face all in the span of a few days. I can still remember the stunned feeling I had standing in that hallway as she laid this rap on me; I was dumbfounded. But don't worry...it gets worse.
In some respects, it's good that this happens at this point because those lovey-dovey passages were pretty fucking nauseating. But y'know, it was my first love. And it was valuable experience into the confusing ways of women.
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