The Gaslight Anthem

So last Tuesday (21st) The Gaslight Anthem came to my town (Tempe) for a show. For my newspaper story this week, I asked my editor if I could write a story about their show. I gave some background info on the band and she agreed. I got to write about something I love, rather than another ASU art show.

My editor asked me if there's a chance I could talk to the band. I didn't really think much of it because I thought they would be too busy to sit down with some college kid, but I gave it a shot and e-mailed their manager. Surprisingly they were open to the idea and set me up with an interview with guitarist Alex Rosamilia and bassist Alex Levine.

I got to sit down with the boys and talk to them for about half n hour. I asked 'em about their recent trip to the Coachella Festival. Both agreed that it was one of their highest points of their lives.

They both spoke about their tour last fall with heavyweights Rise Against, Alkaline Trio and Thrice. Both agreed that it was a huge shock playing in big amphitheaters and that they used so much more equipment then there casual small venue that their used to.

Both of the guys were extremely nice and open to my questions. They didn't treat it as an interview, it seemed like they were just sitting down with a friend, talking about what's new.

After the interview, I caught there set which was amazing. They don't talk much in between songs which can be seen as both positive and negative. Mostly positive with them because they got to squeeze in more songs into their set. The crowd was more raucous then I thought they were going to be which made the show better.

I left with a story, a t-shirt and an experience that won't be discarded.

Heaviest Time Of My Life

So for those who do not know me, I am a 22 year old college student. 

I don't live the typical college life. While I still go out and grab a drink or two, I am not completely free like most are. I have a full time job and also a part time job. My full time job is selling shoes. I work about 38-40 hours a week and I get the typical two days off a week. My other job is writing for my schools newspaper. So while I have a couple of days off, those two days are used for doing my stories for the paper. It's all completely overwhelming and I feel like I'm 42 rather than 22. 

I should first clarify that I am completely grateful for the responsibilities that I have. I'm completely lucky that I've been blessed with these opportunities. 

Yet, I'm also not gonna ignore my desire to have the typical college experience. But I think the typical college life has been altered throughout the years.

But should I yearn to get hammered and have my "friends" draw stupid jokes on my body as if I'm a living canvas?

Do I really want to have numerous one night stands to a point where I'm dubbed the sleaziest guy on campus?

I'm gonna have to answer both of those questions with a fuck no.

So what should I do I ask myself?

Compromise.

And listen to more Against Me!

2009 MLB Predictions

Here are my predictions for this year in baseball:

AL West Champs: Angels

AL Central Champs: Twins

AL East Champs: Red Sox

Wild Card: Indians

NL West Champs: DBacks

NL Central Champs: Cubs

NL East Champs: Mets

Wild Card: Phillies

Playoffs

AL: 

Red Sox over Twins

Angels over Indians

Red Sox over Angels

NL:

DBacks over Mets

Cubs over Phillies

DBacks over Cubs

World Series:

Red Sox over DBacks

NL MVP: Ryan Braun Brewers

AL MVP: Matt Holliday A's

NL Cy Young: Dan Haren DBacks

AL Cy Young: Roy Halladay Blue Jays

FRAIL

I've been thinking lately how I don't get scars anymore. I know it is a weird thing to ponder, but back in junior high and high school, I would have a lot more scars and scabs. Now I know possessing a plethora of these isn't something to brag about, but they are cool to have.

Fact is that I don't participate in many rough activities these days. I used to play football, lacrosse, baseball, skateboarded and snowboarded, which I still participate from time to time. What really is the issue is that those activities brought happiness to my life. It kept me active and alive. Now I'm not saying I'm not "alive" but I certainly lack things that can bring a smile to my face these days.

Here are a list of things besides the obvious (movies, music, friends and family) that make me happy: photography, watching sports, and concerts which technically falls into the category of music. 

My point being is that growing up has taken a huge toll on me. I work a full time job, I part-time write for my college's newspaper and I am a full time student. I can't complain about this workload because it will only make me more prepared for what's to come, I've sort of lost sight on what makes me happy. 

SOLUTION: More me time.

Listen to NEW FOUND GLORYS newest album "Not Without A Fight"