[Deviant Nation] Archangel_M's Journal

A brief update on my first day of classes, and some Nanachan.

Archangel_M — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 23:45:24 GMT

My younger brother is a flea-bitten mutt.

Archangel_M — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 13:29:23 GMT

My brother Dave is a flea-bitten mutt. The cats bring them in the house, but they tend to leave us humans alone—except for my brother. Does that mean Dave is inhuman, or that he's simply unlucky? Last night he came home from somewhere crawling with fleas, picking them off his shins. He took a quick soak in the bathtub to get them off, and guess what was in there this morning when I went to use the toilet this morning? The filthy little parasites were all crawling around in the tub, about four of them by my count. I killed them all through a combination of water, room freshener, and Raid. Don't ask.

Now I sit here typing this blog, and I just had to flick one of the bugs off my left arm. Dave moved back in a few months ago, ostensibly for a few days while he waited for his new apartment to be made ready. That fell through, his wages have been garnished because he didn't pay his rent at the last place he lived, and having missed a lot of work days, he has gone through whatever savings he had. I want the boy gone from here. I want the fucking fleas he's brought into the second floor of the house gone exterminated—with extreme prejudice (I'm probably going to have to bug bomb the place). Most of all, I want my living space to myself again.

Last night rocked and rolled.

Archangel_M — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 17:57:46 GMT

Last night I had a date with a young lady I met via MySpace by the name of Katerina. (Here's the link to her profile, for those of you who are nosy. :) ) I had a blast because, for the first time in a very long time (if ever), I was able to talk to a woman on a level at least equal to mine, if not actually exceeding it. Normally I don't have much to say to women because I rarely find that I have enough in common with them to just open up and share stuff that goes back years and is very personal. Last night, however, was different. Even my last girlfriend only communicated with me primarily through physical expression. Kate (one of her shortened names) told me she'd enjoyed the evening, too. I think there's definitely a second date for us in the near future. I just have to be careful not to get too excited, move too fast, or otherwise totally screw things up.

In other news, I finally bought some items on my Amazon Wish List. They all arrived yesterday, two music CDs and two DVDs, and the music plays splendidly. Now to settle down and watch No Such Thing and The Princess and the Warrior.

Deviant Artists, Part 1

Archangel_M — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:30:52 GMT

http://snapfoto.deviantart.com

http://sabineschoenberger.deviantart.com

http://pookaa.deviantart.com

http://darkmatterzone.deviantart.com

http://ganassa.deviantart.com

Greater Cleveland RTA up to deception and thuggery.

Archangel_M — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:05:26 GMT

RTA's board of directors, along with general manager Joe Calabrese, want to eliminate two dozen bus lines — including all community circulators, drastically reduce service on twenty-seven other routes, and raise fares to ridiculously high levels. The service cuts, scheduled to take place in October, would bring to an end the sole means of vehicular transport for thousands of workers, students, and patients in the Greater Cleveland area. This is unacceptable.

Compounding the decision, Calabrese lied to riders who attended several meetings held the week of August 4th, citing bogus numbers about ridership, national fare averages, and other subjects. This he did in an attempt to blame a projected $20-29 million deficit for 2009 on cuts in state funding and increased fuel costs. The numbers, however, do not add up. For one thing, according to research by the American Public Transportation Association, ridership has not going up for the last five years. For example, a comparison of December 2006 and December 2007 shows that ridership actually declined from 4,607.1 to 3,882.0. What's more, ridership dropped from 4,423.2 in January 2008 to 4,141.3, then went back up again in March to 4,260.2. That last number is lower than figures for March 2007, which was 4,982.

Source 1

Source 2

As to average fare rates, according to the following link:

Source 3

Average fare paid per unlinked trip was $1.12. For bus, it was $0.89, commuter rail $4.22, paratransit $2.45, heavy rail $1.10, and light rail $0.72.

The proposed fare increase for RTA riders? From the current $1.75 to $2.25, more than double the national average for 2006. Unfortunately, I don't have the 2008 average, but I'm certain it's not even close to what Calabrese and his fellow goons stated at the public hearings.

That Joe Calabrese is lying is evident. The question that must be asked is, "Why?" Why lie about these things? One theory suggests that decreased state funds and rising fuel costs are not the primary reason for the projected deficit. My guess is that the Euclid Corridor project, which is costing taxpayers around $200 million — 80-83% of which comes from the federal government, leaving the remaining $40 million or so to come from somewhere else, probably the operating budget — is the primary culprit. Another factor for consideration is the expensive replacement of the nineteen years-outdated fare boxes which, according to many riders, are experiencing numerous glitches.

Something fishy is going on, and I suspect it has to do with fiscal mismanagement at RTA by the administrators. This is worth looking into, as it affects the lives of thousands of people whose lives depend on the routes up for elimination and reduction.

Citizens of Cuyahoga County must rally not only to save the targeted bus and circulator lines and keep fares where they are; we must petition for the removal of Joe Calabrese and the RTA board of directors.

Ha ha ha!

Archangel_M — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 03:11:21 GMT

Stupid Family Drama Time, Part VI

Archangel_M — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:57:22 GMT

Friends Only Journal

New Kitten Smell

Archangel_M — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:17:30 GMT

I read Maggie's journal about Tiny. It's incredibly sad, but also ironic; years ago we had a kitten named Journey who had to be put down on account of he wasn't growing and had chronic diarrhea that wasn't going away. My mother was really broken up about it at the time; she even wrote a poem, which she dedicated to him.

I came home from classes today to learn that my mother has rescued and taken in a new kitten. It's a boy, from the same cat who birthed Journey and his litter sister (also now deceased), and he's a climber -- he has to be rescued from all these high places because he can't get down on his own. I've named him Leopold because of his markings. I can hear him meowing outside right now; he's probably stuck in the wisteria again.

Yep, I'm a gaping, bloody asshole.

Archangel_M — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 22:13:54 GMT

Friends Only Journal

Apology sent.

Archangel_M — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 13:20:20 GMT

This is the message I sent to that gal I apparently cheesed off to no end. Did I do right by sending this?

I know you're probably not in the mood for this, and I wouldn't blame you for not replying, but I feel terrible for having offended you and I want to make this right. Clearly I did something wrong, and I want to make a proper apology. First, however, I need you to talk to me.

I've guessed that you were offended by my overall behavior at Roverfest, but I'd like to know for the record what specifically I did wrong so I can make a point not to do it again. I know I am a goof, and a shameless flirt, and I imagine I overstepped boundaries I shouldn't have, but I don't know if it's one thing I said or did that offended you or if it was many.

I suppose I was trying too hard to fit into the crowd, and got carried away. If that's the case, if I embarrassed you in front of your friends or if it was some other insult, please know that it wasn't intentional; I'm not the sort of person who goes out of his way to offend people. I am truly, deeply sorry for having said or done anything to tick you off. I didn't mean to do it, and I can only hope you can find it in yourself to forgive me.

Thank you.

Why I shouldn't go clubbing -- EVER.

Archangel_M — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:48:03 GMT

1.) I try too hard to fit in.

2.) I act like too much of a goof.

3.) I'm too shameless a flirt, and I do too much of that.

I am annoyed with myself, because I think I've lost a friend.

Horny, Part II

Archangel_M — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 23:09:16 GMT

Any single ladies in Northeast Ohio?

UGH.

Archangel_M — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:27:53 GMT

On Thursday I got a ride home from one of my classmates in my art appreciation course. She is definitely my type: tall, beautiful (albeit heavy, but I really don't care), and obviously very opinionated and passionate in her views. We've gotten along rather well, I think, during the conversations we've had after class.

And then the subject of Iraq came up, and I had to open my mouth. She has a relative there, and she not only supports the war she thinks my views are sad. Even though she is appalled by the behavior and actions of her relative, she supports him and considers Iraqis to be little more than animals. I am disappointed, to say the least, because I think I could have had a good friend after this semester at Tri-C and now I don't think that's possible. I cannot be friends with anyone who supports this illegal and immoral war, and who thinks so little of human beings whose only crime was to be alive in a country our dictatorial government invaded.

UGH.

Horny.

Archangel_M — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 21:59:17 GMT

I haven't been laid in a year, and I am feeling mighty lonely these days. It was a year ago today that my last relationship (indeed, my only real relationship) ended. It's funny how something like that stays with you.

Societal Murder

Archangel_M — Sat, 31 May 2008 13:27:52 GMT

Last night, as I sat at my computer, an unholy stench came into the house and offended my olfactory nerves. It smelt of sewage, and something worse, but it seemed to come from outside. We have skunks in the neighborhood, and raccoons, so I assumed one of them had died or otherwise made some kind of mess. As it turns out. it was something far worse, and profoundly sad.

A few minutes ago I learned that Ernie, the crazy hermit who lived across the street, died some time between Wednesday and yesterday. I'm betting Wednesday or Thursday, judging by the odor. The coroner had to be called in after a neighbor called the police to check up on him. Ernie had been a shut-in, one of those mental cases that collects shit, unopened mail, and assorted garbage over the decades. It was likely Ernie's corpse I smelled last night as the process of decay took hold—though according to my mother it was more likely the stench of Ernie's collected feces. Funny thing is, the coroner didn't arrive until after midnight, and by then I was asleep. I tend to be woken up by sirens and flashing lights, but I guess the sleep of ages had taken hold of me because I dozed right through it. They all must have come right around the time I turned in for the night, which was after eleven.

I imagine this shall make the newspaper: "Crazy old guy dies in his own filth on Cleveland's West Side." What a depressing train of thought. This man, who probably should have been institutionalized decades ago, instead lived in the same house he lived in with his mother and became that most awful of social outcasts, the sort that just becomes the harmless yet deranged individual that maybe a neighbor treats with compassion and sympathy, but everyone else ignores.

How low have we sunk as a society to let this go on? How many Ernies shall die, undiscovered for days, weeks, months—perhaps even years, having spent their entire lives in squalor and the hell of mental illness? How long will the Ignored be forced to go without the care they need, before we wake up and start providing it? They are the Outcast, the Ignored, the Least Among Us. They are the people Jesus implored us to look after, for we are judged by how we treat them. Jesus...what would He say to us if He were to return today? This country, which lies to itself that it is a Christian nation, what would Christ Himself say of us?

But we're not supposed to ask ourselves these questions. We're not supposed to acknowledge just how cruel, unforgiving, depraved, greedy, selfish, uncompassionate, apathetic, materialistic, and oblivious we are. Because if we do, then we accept that at some point we must take responsibility for our crimes, and for those who cannot take care of themselves.

In the meantime, Ernie—and all those like him—go on, needing help but not getting it. We let them die; we let them expire alone, unloved, uncared for. We are all guilty of this form of societal murder.

Back to School

Archangel_M — Tue, 27 May 2008 00:13:38 GMT

Christ, I almost feel like Rodney Dangerfield -- only younger. Tomorrow I go back to college. It's been eleven years since I set foot in a classroom. How the hell did that much time pass that quickly?

Fortunately, because of the holiday, I get to kick off my Summer semester at Tri-C with Film Appreciation and Art Appreciation. Those, I think, are going to end up being my two favorite subjects. Mondays and Wednesdays I take English Composition and Math. Blah on the math, for which I'll need a tutor (I always sucked at anything beyond the most basic algebra).

It's weird; English Composition requires three textbooks. I own -- own, I say -- a copy of Strunk and White's Elements of Style, and a copy of Heath Grammar and Composition (teacher's edition). Do I really need three bloody textbooks? Who knows, maybe I'll learn more about the craft of writing anyway.

I'm fairly confident I'll pass my courses, and in the Fall I'll apply to go to Cleveland State University. Or, depending on my final GPA, Case Western Reserve University -- though I suspect that even if I were to get into the latter college, I'd have a much tougher time. I'll look more deeply into my academic options once I've reached the half way point at Tri-C, and had a talk with my aunt Kathy, who works at CWRU.

Two hours to bed time for this born-again college student. And I still have to read through the introductions in my textbooks. Yes, I'm a dork that way. Adieu.

Digital Arts Masters

Archangel_M — Sun, 25 May 2008 14:56:07 GMT

http://s1.zetaboards.com/Digital_Arts_Masters

If you're an artist and you work with digital media, sign up! This is a forum for you! Whether you're a model, actor or actress, editor, photographer, music composer, or you create digital portraits, if it's digital and you work with it there is a forum for you to network. The board is still taking shape, but that doesn't mean you can't join. See you there!

Photographic Trip

Archangel_M — Sat, 24 May 2008 14:22:05 GMT

Monday, weather permitting, I'm taking my camera and my tripod out to the park to photograph scenery. I'll edit the results in photoshop and post them here for evaluation.

Finally got my books.

Archangel_M — Fri, 23 May 2008 23:19:52 GMT

After a bit more hassle, I finally got my textbooks for classes. Six of them. All heavy. My poor backpack. My poor back!

On the bright side, a reimbursement check finally arrived in the mail today. I had shelled out $59.95 plus tax for an unabridged dictionary for school and personal use, and after weeks of waiting I was finally paid back for it -- and I got to write it off as an expense!

Took some pictures of my school.

More college "fun".

Archangel_M — Fri, 23 May 2008 00:39:18 GMT

So I go down to Tri-C -- again -- to find out exactly which books I need for class and to get them paid for and everything so I'm ready for classes on Tuesday. Not having any luck getting through by telephone, or online, I send e-mails to my instructors, only three of whom bothered to get back to me. Okay, three out of four isn't bad, but one said don't worry about the book and to just come to class Tuesday. Fuck that, I'm buying the textbook early, because this is all being paid for by Americorps and they only hold that money so long before it reverts back to the account and I have to go through the whole withdrawal process all over again. Anyway, I learned I need three textbooks for my English composition course, and going back and forth between the business office and the book store, I finally find out which books I need and how much the total is going to cost, because in order to authorize the transaction I MUST know the precise amount. Another reason I needed to know which textbooks I need.

So after spending a couple of hours going through all that, I find out I have to make a second trip tomorrow because it takes a day for the authorization on my Tri-C card to go through. UGH. And to top it all off, I think I need to fill out some more forms for financial aid, and I have no idea if I'm getting any money or when for the semester I'm currently taking. I'm going to ask them tomorrow, and then demand a complete walkthrough, because the forms are confusing as hell. UGH UGH.

Survey

Archangel_M — Wed, 21 May 2008 22:20:44 GMT

Pass this along.

1.) Who are you and what are you doing looking at this?

2.) Have you nothing better to do with your time right now than take some dumb survey?

3.) I like doughnuts. Do you like doughnuts?

4.) When was the last time you got laid?

5.) No, really, when was the last time?

6.) Seriously? That long ago?

7.) How much do I rule?

8.) Do I rule a lot, Big Time, or classy?

9.) Do you find those ads on MySpace as annoying as I do?

10.) Especially the ones at the sides of the web page whenever you post a bulletin, or read your messages?

11.) How much wood, really, would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

12.) Are you a dork?

13.) Are you proud of it?

14.) If you said yes to either of the above questions, why?

15.) Are dorks or are they not sexy?

Nikon Coolpix L11 + Windows Vista Home Basic = Frustration

Archangel_M — Wed, 21 May 2008 18:55:28 GMT

Sunday was my birthday, so I treated myself and splurged on a Nikon Coolpix L11 digital camera. It's my first digital, and it works nicely, but fucking Windows Vista Home Basic absolutely will not recognize or install the driver for the USB cable that came with the camera. I do not fault Nikon for this, as Microsoft operating systems are incompatible with, well, pretty much anything and everything you're likely to need on your computer. So where can I locate the driver that will allow me to upload images directly from my camera and onto my computer? I really don't feel like dragging my ass to the local Rite Aid or CVS, memory card, CDs and money in tow, only to deal with the prospect that the formatted CD will not be recognized by my computer once I get it home to transfer images from disc to hard drive. Any suggestions?

EDIT: Never mind. I called up Nikon and asked some questions. Very helpful people, once you've gotten through all the recordings. Among other things, I had to go to reset the interface on my camera so it behaves like a removable storage device instead of the USB connection. I was also told I had to connect the cable to a USB port in back of the computer, since the front ones essentially piggyback from those anyway, but no way was I going to pull out my computer just to hook up a cable. Not that I wouldn't have, but I wanted to give the front port one more try.

So I hooked it all up, and behold! I succeeded. I therefore bring to you my "smiling" mug!

How I spent my birthday.

Archangel_M — Sun, 18 May 2008 21:56:17 GMT

Yes, for those of you who may yet be unaware, today is my birthday. I turn thirty-four as of 8:34 PM tonight. I had an eventful weekend, to be sure; yesterday I was treated to a playing of Gustav Mahler's 2nd and 4th symphonies. They were on a pair of DVDs, though the original performances were filmed in 1974 and 1973, respectively. Leonard Bernstein conducted, and let me tell you, that man really threw himself into his work! Then I was treated to dinner, and as a birthday present I was given a copy of Frederick Delius's A Mass of Life. Later, I hung out at the mall with my friend Christine, and we did a little bumming around.

Today Christine and I went to see the Imperial Arms and Armor exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art. They had this huge collection of stuff from the Habsburg dynasty of the Holy Roman Empire. We each had to shell out money for the exhibit, which was a bitch because we're both low on cash, but fortunately we were able to get student discounts. After we got out of that museum, we tried to get in an the Museum of Natural History but they wanted to charge us and Christine's student discount was no longer in effect there, so we blew that off to go to the Hessler Street Fair. We hung out there for a bit, then headed on down to Best Buy to check out some batteries for her camcorder. She'd wanted to film this one bridge for a project she's doing, but she forgot her battery at home and wanted to check out the prices. The lowest-priced one was sixty dollars, so that was a no-go, but I saw this ass-kicking price on a Nikon CoolPix camera: $49.95! The store was out of them in stock, so I bought the display camera along with a 2 gigabyte memory card. I took some pictures with it, but for some reason my crappy Dell won't allow the device driver for the USB cable to install so I'm going to have to find another way to upload pictures. Damn it! But hey, at least now I can take pictures on a digital camera. :) It's 6.0 megapixels, 800 ISO, with a 2.4 inch LCD. For dinner I'm having this porterhouse steak, with mashed potatoes and asparagus.

George Kallis rocks!

Archangel_M — Sat, 17 May 2008 20:23:43 GMT

http://george-kallis.com/Highlander-The_Source/Highlander-The_Final_Battle.mp3