Pete

Wed, 20 Oct 2004 05:35:00 GMT

A few days ago the new tuition rates were released. Tuition has gone up 3.6% to $36,363 (not including room and board) which would then make our school the most expensive university in the nation. The final price at the end-with room/board, food, etc- would be around $47,000-$48,000.

Yes, I know....pretty ridiculous.

Good night

Mon, 18 Oct 2004 04:51:04 GMT

Girls are the root of all my problems in life.

See ya in another few weeks. Peace.

Wed, 13 Oct 2004 05:18:25 GMT

here are a list of songs which have been running my life for the past few weeks:

Here I Dreamt I was an Architect- Decemberists
July, July- Decemberists
The Legionnaire's Lament- Decemberists
100 years- Five for Fighting
Two Points for Honesty- Guster
She Will be Loved- Maroon 5
Dukes Up- Modest Mouse
Medication- Modest Mouse
Float On- Modest Mouse (LOVE this song)
Ocean Breathes Salty- Modest Mouse (ditto)
Dance Hall- Modest Mouse
Trailor Trash- Modest Mouse
Out of Gas- Modest Mouse
Polar Opposites- Modest Mouse
Kissing the Lipless- The Shins (LOVE this one too)
Saint Simon- The Shins
Hopeless- Train
Mississippi- Train

Ya, I think thats it. Peace.

Sat, 02 Oct 2004 20:24:54 GMT

These past few days have been amazing. On Thursday I got invited back to the frat and they took us out to this HUGE estate out in Maryland (one of the brother's house) and we had a nice BBQ, played football and indoor soccer. It was really cool hanging out and getting to know them better. I came back to the dorm and was soooo tired but then 4 girls we know came over to hang out and they didnt leave until 330am. THEN, when they left another girl came but I couldnt stay up any longer so I passed out on my bed. Friday comes around and I was invited by them to go out to dinner to Morton's Steakhouse. We all got dressed up and went. Filet Mignon was delicious (I got it medium, austin) as was the desert. Following speeches by the president and rush chair cigars were distributed to everyone and we all just smoked and mingled. After a little we had to leave so that all the brothers could deliberate on who to give bids to. We left and came back to the room, got undressed and headed over to New Hall where some girls had a kickback. It was cool and chill. This morning I wake up at 11am to find myself pacing around and growing nervous about whether I got a bid or not....

At 1230pm I get a call telling me that they would like to offer me a bid. I was so happy and finding out that nick, scott and joe got bids as well was an amazing feeling. This is the outcome that I wanted, all 4 of us to be in the same fraternity. Tonight is going to be a crazy night (I hear). Supposedly we're going for sushi at Dupont Circle where there is an open bar. This is the beginning to one of the many open bars in my life. Now, I have to get some work done before tonight.

Good night everyone. I may not update for a while due to pledge...I hear its a long and strenuous process which takes up all your time. So for about 6-8 weeks I will be a Pi Kappa Alpha pledge.

Peace

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 07:06:57 GMT

I just got back from the club where Kevin Lyttle was performing. It was really cool walking around just being crazy not knowing anyone and acting drunk (even though we were perfectly sober). It was the most fun I've ever had at a club sober. But I have to tell you guys, this place was the classiest place I've ever been to. The way it was set up and how everyone was wearing suits and had a bottle in their hand dancing around. We got there at around 1130pm and Kevin didn't come on till like 2am. When he came on though, there were SOOOOOOOOO many people there; you couldnt even move. I got a Long Island Ice Tea with Nick and the bartender literally poured every kind of liquor into the shaker. It was the strongest mixed drink I've ever had in my entire life..and I've had a lot. Once again no luck on the girls..its ok, maybe next time. Thats what I keep telling myself, anyway.

G'night

Peace

Sun, 26 Sep 2004 01:25:12 GMT

Things have been going a little slow in terms of school, girls, and life. I feel like I should be waiting for something dramatic or spectacular to happen in my life right now but that it's never coming. Hopefully I get my bid into Pi Kappa Alpha and that turns things around. I went to another rush event this past thursday at this pub where all the brothers were along with a bunch of girls. It was really cool meeting everyone and talking more to those who I had met the previous night. I feel like I could really have fun with those guys especially since they actually do things and just dont sit down and drink 24/7. They're involved in every intramural sport, volunteer A LOT, and then party as well. So I think that its a good balance of getting shit done as well as being crazy, and thats what I want. There are 2 more events before invite night comes around on thursday, then another invite night on friday, and finally bid night on saturday. So if I make it on saturday with a bid then you'll be the first to know with an ecstatic post, and if I dont then you wont here from me for a while b/c I'll prolly be passed out from drinking myself to nothingness, haha. That wasnt supposed to sound suicidal so dont worry, I just really want this.

Friday night I didnt do anything. It was Yom Kippur so those of you who were fasting on the holiest day of the year (josh) congratulations on making it a day without any food or drink. Instead of going out we all decided to stay in and watch a movie. That's nights screening was Scarface and it was a REALLY good movie. I liked it a lot. Today I just got up, went and got a haircut at Pro Euro which is this really retro place. The guy who gave me my haircut was named Volkan and he was from Turkey. We talked the whole time and discussed the greece/turkey relationship, things we do on the weekends, etc etc. He was really cool and have now designated him as my official hair stylist..esp since he was giving me tips on my hair. After that I came back here read macro (since I have my first test on thursday) and watched Swingers with Scott. That is a really funny movie and I recommend it. I then went to the gym, and am now here writing this. Tonight we found out that Kevin Lyttle (singer, famous for "turn me on") is performing at this club so nick and scott are out on a booz run so we can prepare.

Thats all for now. Have a good weekend, everyone, and dont get too crazy. Peace

Thu, 23 Sep 2004 03:49:45 GMT

Its now official, I'm rushing a fraternity for real (Pi Kappa Alpha). Joe, Scott, me and hopefully Nick have decided to do this and tonight was our first rush event. The guys were REALLY cool and down to earth..not having the stereotype of being big meatheads who drink day and night. I can't wait...let's see if we get our bids.

And by the way..."Here I Dreamt I was an Architect" is a really cool song I've been a liking a lot lately. Thank you Decemberists.

Peace.

Sun, 19 Sep 2004 04:43:02 GMT

It's saturday night and I'm staying in tonight. I havn't done that for a long time in my GW career and you know what..it doesn't bother me. I like staying in sometimes and just talking to my roommates or watching tv or sometimes even being by myself. This weekend thus far has been very tiring. I havn't gone out at all because I'm working at this conference on the Warren report for a law firm. I started on Thursday and I go to the Marriot hotel, which is this HUGE resort-like place in the northern part of the town, and I have to register people, answer questions, and guard the archives. I've been working insane hours..like on friday I was there from 7am-8pm and today from 8am-7pm. Its ok though b/c its only for the weekend. I need a break from clubs, alcohol, and everyone so doing this was just what I needed....I think.

Last night I did go out though but not to a party. After I came home from work I ate dinner with Nick and Joe (Scott is at home for Rosh Hashana) and then headed over to this girl Dani's apartment and played soccer while watching austin powers. It was a lot of fun and laughed a lot. We ordered Dominoes which seemed to have taken forever and called them asking what was going on when only 15 min had passed. Finally they came and we ate voraciously. But I too must admit that our humor and my friend's humor here when playing soccer is definitely different. I found myself telling me to shut up at times. I had revelations and funny things which I wanted to write down but by the time I tried to I couldn't remember.

I've concluded that the best thing while playing soccer out of an enormous water bottle is that when you make 'that' kick (usually the 5th or so) and you can't talk for a period of a few minutes and your whole body is tingling while you're struggling to keep every limb of your body active, YOU KNOW that you're not only in outer space but in a totally different galaxy. I saw people in a light that I had NEVER seen nor thought that I would ever see in my life. Wow, the way the mind works is amazing.

Thats all for now, have a nice night and stay safe.

Peace

Jewish update

Thu, 16 Sep 2004 19:49:29 GMT

L'Shana Tova, everyone. Off to my law conference on the Warren Report. Have a good weekend.

Peace

Thu, 16 Sep 2004 05:56:08 GMT

don't worry, I'm still alive...when something noteworthy happens I'll update.

Peace

Mon, 30 Aug 2004 04:13:42 GMT

I'm back at GW writing this journal entry in the serene silence of my dorm room while my roommates (all 3 of them) are out partying. Today was a rough day. I flew into Reagan National this morning at 730 am. I gathered all my luggage, took the metro, and walked from there to my dorm (resolving not to get a cab due to my protest against their price gouging); it was a tough walk, but it was an adventure and fun having to do everything for yourself. Nothing can explain doing everything for yourself more than what I've done on this day. Starting from the time I got here, I've been running around getting my things straightened out with internet, storage, food, arranging the room and unpacking. Everyone here has their parents helping them out making them carry the burden..(sidenote: today I saw a family roll up in their big ass limo and have other people move their child in while they watched on...I could not help but become angry at how stupid and lazy people are). However, unlike most of these students moving in, I had to do everything myself. No one was there to help me, guide me, or instruct me on where to put what or what to buy. I made those decisions for myself and I'm happy that I was able to do that. I'm sure that there are plenty of people at this school who wouldn't know where to turn if their mommy and daddy couldn't make it move them in.

Sorry for the quasi-bitter post but the bottom line is that I got through this day without a hitch and I'm damn proud of myself. This has without a doubt shown me that I have grown as a person, going to college 3000 miles away from home. And thats a good thing.

On another note, I miss everyone from home already. Josh gave me a call while I was at McCarran last night and it was so nice to hear his voice. This summer was seriously the best summer of my 19 year existence. I didnt know that I could become so close to everyone in our group..so close that I consider you all my family.

Highlights of the summer:

-nick, scott, and joe coming to visit
-LDs with everyone
-BFS
-talks while at BFS
-kegger we threw
-party at the NW part of town
-soccer at chelsea's, josh's, kai's and my house.
-the LAN party at austin's
-meservey's party
-the hang outs and talks in front of kai's house after soccer or BFS
-tennis with blaine
-Buffalo Wild Wings contest
-talking to josh and austin at least once a day on the phone.
-the 4th of July
-dinner at my house
-the last time we would all be together at austin's house

I love you guys.

Fri, 06 Aug 2004 03:37:42 GMT

I've decided to officially hang my soccer cleats up on the mantle..no more for me, I'm done...seriously.

And don't worry because the Golden Axiom will not take into effect. I've prepped out against it and am prepared to go up against that and Austin.

I win, the end. "hehe"

Sun, 01 Aug 2004 02:08:27 GMT

man, I got jacked last night. I felt like we were in a soccer game and everyone on my team as well as the opposing team were shooting their balls at me..at high velocity speeds..and I could do nothing but take the pain.

Why is life just one big soccer game, huh?

Why?

I'm back

Fri, 23 Jul 2004 01:20:04 GMT

Sorry I havn't updated in a long time but I didn't really find the need to write every detail that was going on this summer.

So far, this summer has been amazing. As you all know, my friends from NY came to visit me in May and we had a blast. I've never seen so much of the strip as I did with them. We were seriously down there every night, but it was fun (yet very tiring) adopting the role of tour guide for a week. After they left, summer school started a few weeks later. I took international relations and a statistics course. Even though these two classes took up a lot of my time, it was fun to be on a different college campus with Elias. But by the end of the session I was sick of my classes because they were so rigorous that I would have to stay in on the week days to read.

Now that school is over, though, summer has been amazing. My parents have eased up so much on my brother and me in the past few months that we are now able to absorb the full dose of summer. It is so nice to spend all my time with good friends such as austin, kai, josh, sandeep, and now jordon duff.

But the highlite of the summer has to be the kegger that we threw this past saturday. I was kinda nervous at first that not a lot of people would show up or that we would definitely be in a lot of trouble, but nothing at all like that happened. The party was SO much fun and we had a HUGE turnout (more than 70 people). Alcohol was flowing like water..we had a keg, a cooler of jungle juice, 2 bottles of hard alcohol for shots, and wine. People were there that I had not seen in such a long time and it was so good to be surrounded by some of our closest friends, conversing from one group to another. I think one of the best parts of the party for me was being able to see Cristina. Yes, she came over at around 1 or so and it was so good talking/hugging her..given that I hadnt done so in over a year.

Overall, the party was a complete success (even though the cops came later on)and I cant wait to host another one with my buddies. Oh, and sam..if you're reading this, guess who was there who I NEVER thought would be..MITCHELL!!! I couldn't get over it at the time and I thought that you would have laughed at that too..I thought it was pretty funny.

Alright, thats it for now. Maybe there will be more later on. Peace!!!!

Mon, 03 May 2004 21:20:32 GMT

The countdown has begun...in 38 hours I will be on a plane back to Las Vegas and will officially have been declared a sophomore in college. Lately I've been feeling the same anxiety I've felt during the last few days before I left home to come here back in August. Ever since Nick left I've found myself not wanting this year to end and wanting him to come back so that we could all stay here and continue the fun times. But I know that can't happen so I must prepare to go home on wednesday. Dont get me wrong, I'm excited to go back and see my family and friends but I also want to stay here with everyone else. I guess its ok though because nick, scott and joe are coming to visit and I cant wait for that.

Something happened to me a few days ago in which I took a risk-one that I had never intended on taking, nor thought I would take. Before this happened, though, someone had given me something to read which unlocked all of life's secrets. These messages were things that you hear everyday but discard due to their triteness. But for me it was different this time...it all sank in and now I feel like I'm a different person, or I'd like to think so, even though those who know me may not notice. Anyway, this action which I partook in made me look at things differently and I'm happy that I did it. Thanks to that person for giving me the script on how live ideally.

Peace.

Tue, 20 Apr 2004 22:20:02 GMT

This weekend was spring fling here on campus. There were a lot of events, food, and people in University yard where everyone gathered to bask in the sun and enjoy the lovely weather. Kanye West, a rapper who sings Slow Jamz, and Through the Wire, was there. It was an amazing show and we all had a great time. There was one annoying this which happened and it was when the girl DIRECTLY in front of me pulled a joint out and started smoking-this happening after she was already drunk and high. When lit up, everyone around her got pissed and this fat, african american girl started yelling at her..I thought they were going to fight. Besides that, it was a great show. Here are some pics..

this group called NBS came out before Kanye..they were pretty good.

The man of the hour

This is Kanye's DJ. He has a hot shirt on...I'm gonna get one soon.

Mon, 12 Apr 2004 21:59:28 GMT

Sorry I havn't updated in a while but there wasn't anything monumental to post. It was Easter just this past Sunday so I went to New York to spend it with my Nick and my Godfather. It all began on Thursday afternoon when I was finished my Psych exam we rushed over to the airport to catch our flight. We arrived at LGA by 830pm and to Nick's house by 945pm. When we got home Nick's mother had waiting for us a nice dinner. It was very good and assuring to finally have a home cooked meal after some time here at GW. After dinner we went out and Nick showed me around Oyster Bay. The night culminated at Stephanie's house where we just talked and hung out with Caitlin. The next day was filled with taking a trip to visit Nick's grandmother and church. Church took up most of the day, from 3-4pm and 8-10pm. That night we went out again, back to Steph's. She had a little party with some of their high school friends. We played a little beer pong and just talked, laughed and had a great time; a chill evening.

The next day we were supposed to go to church at 830am but we didnt wake up until 915am so I had to rush getting ready and headed over to the service to receive communion. After that, my Godfather came to pick me up and I spent the rest of the trip with him. I really enjoyed getting to know him A LOT better. He told me pretty much everything that he's done throughout his life and I'm amazed at all the great things he's accomplished. It's crazy how someone so young can do so many great things. That night (Saturday) we went to Fairfield, Connecticut to spend easter sunday with some family that we have up there. I met relatives who I've never seen before and it was nice and over-whelming to know that I have yet even more family. Sunday night came around and my flight was at 830pm. My Nouno took me to the airport and it was sad to say goodbye to him because I didnt get to spend that much time with him even though I hadn't seen him in 11 years. But it's ok, I guess, because I vowed to return very soon and that we'd spend some real time with him, his wife, and kids. Overall, it was a great weekend and I'm very happy that I decided to go to Long Island for easter to stay with Nick at his house and more importantly to finally see my Godfather after so long.

Thu, 25 Mar 2004 23:25:59 GMT

Today was really an amazing day. It was not your usual Thursday morning, going to my 11 o'clock econ class. Rather, I woke up at 800am to be in Kogan Plaza by 830 am to volunteer for a rally. Now for you people who do not know what was going on Dean was endorsing Kerry and it just happen to be going on at our school. This was a pretty big moment for John Kerry, merging together the "Generation Dean" supporters with the "Stand for Kerry" supporters. Anyway, when I got there me and my friends volunteered as security. We were the first one allowed in (after passing through the metal detectors) and were just supposed to go around the crowd and make sure that no one brought in a sign or was making a public disturbance...and if they were then we would have to diplomatically calm them down. Having said this, the moment we were allowed into the event, we manned our spot RIGHT in front the podium Kerry and Dean spoke from. We stayed there from about 9am to 1130am when they came out. When the rally got off way, it was pretty amazing.

Even though I dont consider myself a liberal, I wanted to go see and hear the Senator and Governor. I have a deep respect for those men, going all around the country trying to persuade people to view things the way they do, or to better America in a way they see fit. It was great seeing them and I'm very happy that I went. I wouldn't want to be those who were rallying for Bush and Cheney outside the plaza because I did not agree with the signs and slogans that they were yelling. It doesn't matter to me who and from what party is speaking, I will always respect that person and give the courtesy to go and listen to them. As you can see, I am very politically tolerant.

Now, without further adieu...some pictures, Enjoy!!!

The stage when we got there in the morning.

The GW cupola which everyone manned during the speech.

A view of Lisner Auditorium. Kogan Plaza is right behind this building but you can see all the people. The streets were closed.

Sniper on Lisner Auditorium's rooftop.

Crowd of enthusiastic GW students.

The president of the university. A great guy.

Dean endorsing Kerry.

Kerry making a few kind remarks.

Classic Dean with the sleeves pushed up, haha.

Dean

me AND Dean...yea!!! What!!! This is for you Josh.

Kerry coming with the secret service.

Kerry being very close to me.

Oh look...it's me and Presidential Candidate John Kerry. Nice guy.

back at school...

Sun, 21 Mar 2004 18:53:11 GMT

I'm back at GW. Spring break was nothing more of just alright. I got my wisdom teeth out on the first Friday I was back, and then on Monday I woke up with a fever. So as you can see, this in combination with the fact that people were either working or had school/midterms, there wasn't a lot of going out. It was ok, I guess, because this just gave me an incentive to relax.

Easter is in 3 weeks...can't wait!!!

Thu, 11 Mar 2004 20:27:18 GMT

Just finished my Art History midterm, I feel pretty confident about it.

And now...Going home...yay!!

Wed, 03 Mar 2004 22:54:14 GMT

Sorry it's been a while, but I'm back. Something really funny happened in my Pop Culture and the Social/Political Critique class today. We were talking about Dogma and one of the kids in the class raises his hand and says...

Student: "What I dont understand is why God made the decision to have his great grand niece save existance. Why do we have to exist, why cant we be nonexistant?"

Professor: "Well, would you want to exist or be nonexistant?"

Student: "Personally, I would want to not exist."

While the whole class became silent and the slightest motion would have been heard, I could not contain myself and thus laughed out loud, literally.

On another note, this weekend was very fun. Nick's friend from home came into town to visit him. We had a great time and showed him the finest which DC has to offer...college style. Here are some pics...enjoy.

Mike is the new guy next to me.

Meet Grey Goose and Yeger

Product of the Grey Goose and Yeger.

Hello.

Our Hukah

I still dont know what was so funny.

What? I was hungry.

"Tipsy" Scott

'nuff said.

Fri, 27 Feb 2004 22:49:16 GMT

Today was an interesting day...I woke up at 11, got dressed and headed to Dupont Circle so that I could go over to the Greek Embassy. It was so cool walking there because there were so many embassies. You could look left and right and they were all from different countries around the world. It was great, and I was thinking to myself how glad I am that I came here because no where else can you walk down Massachusetts Ave. and see such a political saturation. So anyway, I walk into the Greek Embassy, meet the Ambassador and sit down for a bit in his office (speaking the greek the whole time, I mind you) and we then go out to lunch. It was awesome!!

Tue, 24 Feb 2004 07:25:02 GMT

This weekend was very.....interesting? I dont know, anymore.

Nick's brother, Pete, came into town along with his high school friend Greg. We housed them for 2 nights and it was cool hanging out with them.

Can never forget the countless times we played and sang along with "Fuck it" by Eamon in the late hours of the night. Can't wait to see them again.

Life is as usual, lifeless. Hopefully things change for the better...maybe the worse the way my luck heads.

Thats all for now. Who knows for how long.

Thu, 12 Feb 2004 23:04:18 GMT

March 4, 2004 will be one of the worst days of my life, equivalent to May 4, because I will be having 3 exams; one right after the other. Actually, May 4 will be far worse because they will be finals, whereas in March they're midterms, and I'll have to stay in a room for 2 hours finishing my exams. That means 6 hours of pure testing, which in turn equates to my head exploding by the end of the day. I only have 3 finals this semester and it just so happens that they are all on the same day.

On a slightly lighter note, the valentine's/president's weekend is upon us and no one will be here (friends) for me to hang out with...so I will be all alone watching MTV, and maybe some lifetime when I feel a little needy. Thats it for now.

Peace

Tue, 10 Feb 2004 00:59:28 GMT

It's been a while since I've posted but nothing ground-breaking has happened since we've last met. School is going well, I havn't gone to my english class in over 2 weeks because it's been canceled either for too much snow, family emergency, or the fire alarm going off in the building. My other classes like Psych and Macro are going really well. I like them a lot and am happy that my professors are cool and interesting...even Prof. Dunn (econ prof who everyone hates, but me).

Last weekend Nick's friend from high school who now goes to William and Mary in Richmond, VA came to visit with her college friend. It was a little weird having two girls that you didn't know sleep in your room, but it was only for one night and it was no big deal.

That same weekend Scott's parents came into town too. They were kind enough to take joe, nick, and I out to dinner to the Daily Grill. It great talking about Curb and other things. Later that night scott got the Lexus from his dad and he just drove us around for the rest of the night where we then concluded our night coming back to the room and buying a hukah off ebay-pretty random, no?

This week will just be another four days of school, nothing special. Everyone is probably going home or to their significant others for the valentines/presidents weekend coming up. I guess I'll just use that time to get in some extra reading and try to get ahead in some classes, or maybe even re-read parts of Baudrillard to know exactly what he's saying.

Alright, I think thats all for now. Hopefully there is more to come in the near future. Peace.