Just another Citizen Wausau weblog
by politicalactorvist on September 4th, 2008 • No Comments »
Hello All:
I’m sorry I’ve been away for so long. I’m officially a student at UW-Eau Claire now but never fear, I’m my heart is still in Wausau!
Break a leg to the cast of SWEENEY TODD! I’m sorry I won’t be there to see you, but I know you’ll shine. Especially Andy and Jill!!!
I’m also sorry that my first post since I’ve left has to be such a downer. It’s probably by far the most controversial thing I’ve EVER blogged about, so we’ll see how that goes.
It’s as follows….
So, I’m crusing around Facebook the other day, when I see that a guy I went to middle school with has this very depressing status.
It’s something along the lines of “Can’t believe it’s happening, RIP Mike, Praying for Shawn”, except written in thug spelling where the LeTtErs ArE LiKe ThIs.
I get a tad alarmed, as I also went to middle school with a “Mike” and “Shawn” so I investigate further, because I want know now if someone I know is suddenly no longer alive anymore.
I find a local article in the paper that matches the description. Apparently, a 17 year old got into a crash, killing this Mike, and critically injuring Shawn, who was flown to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota.
As it turns out, I did not know these people. However, this feeling of relief was quickly replaced with anger as I read further.
Because then it reads that the driver, who was apparently treated for minor injuries and released, is being charged with negligent homicide, and intoxicated use of a motor vehicle.
WTF?!?!?!?
Seriously people, you need to get your heads out of your asses.
I got to the “Memorial” page on Facebook, and it’s filled with this crap, like “Man, Mike waz teh best at PaRtYs!!” and other completly unreadable trash.
Everyone is COMPLETELY SHOCKED as to how something like this could happen… and then go on to talk about how there’s a party this weekend and it’s too bad that they won’t be able to be there.
And then there’s the Related Groups on the Side of the Page, and I quote:
RIP Troy
Pray For Shawn
You know you’re from Wisconsin if…
WISCONSIN: OUT DRINKIN UR STATE SINCE 1848
Hail to Wisconsin: #1 most underage drinking state!!11!!
*breath*
How on earth is this some sort of mystery?!?!?!? Every single picture on Facebook depicted these kids being high, or drunk, or both. And yet everyone is COMPLETELY MYSTIFIED as to how something like this could happen, even when it’s not their first friend to die!
And now, this 17 year old has to live with the fact that he just ended one friend’s life, and the other is on the brink of dying.
I’m not preaching some holier-than-thou attitude towards drinking or anything like that, because it’s the driving that bothers me not so much the drinking. (Whatever happened to taking keys away??)
And I have nothing but sympathy for the families of these kids who are going through an incredibily tough time.
However, I say this to the Youth of Wisconsin, America, and my OWN generation:
Get a life, get a clue. And your friends just might live longer.
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by politicalactorvist on August 7th, 2008 • 2 Comments »
I figured that was an appropriate subject line, considering all that’s going down in Green Bay.
But, that’s all I’m going to say about it, as there a other blogs that are much more equipped when it comes to talking about football… That, and I’m kind of sick of hearing about it.
USSA Congress was FANTASTIC! I actually got to draft a resolution, and though my committee didn’t go with it in the end, I’m really glad I got the process down. That’s definitely a skill I can bring to United Council.
I met lots of really awesome people this week from: UMass Amherst, UC-Santa Cruz, Colorado State, and other places that I can’t really remember… it was a long week!
Anyway, that’s all for now!
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by politicalactorvist on July 31st, 2008 • 3 Comments »
Actually, it’s pretty fair. And exciting.
On Saturday, I leave for Madison to spend five days as a part of USSA’s Summer Congress.
For those of you who aren’t aware, USSA, or United States Student Association is like student council on steroids. College students from all over the country come together to talk about student issues, and how we can lobby with lawmakers to make them better!
So, it’s really awesome that this is in WI!!
I’m really looking forward to meeting up with fellow Student Gov. nerds (as my friend Dakota likes to call us…) The event should prove to be very exciting, as well as informative. I’ll give you the full scoop when I get back!
In other news, I’m currently reading New Moon, which is the second book in the AMAZING Twilight series. I’ve meant to read it for some time, as I finished the first book around Christmas time. Alas, college, and other obligations have delayed my continuing with the series until now.
However, I’m loving EVERY minute of it! I haven’t haven’t been so sucked into a story in ages… perhaps even more so than Harry Potter *gasp*
It shocks me to even think such a thought! ESPECIALLY on Harry’s (and JKR’s) birthday. Can I possibly be a devoted fanboy to two different book series?
The fourth (and I think??) final book, Breaking Dawn, comes to stores tomorrow. There’s going to be a big party at Barnes and Noble… my sister’s pretty amped about it. I’m pretty sure she and her friends are making t-shirts…
I would make fun, but I guess I did dress up for the Harry Potter movie release… so sue me.
On the topic of movies, I made a rare trip to the cinema not once, but TWICE this week… My friend Autumn and I saw Step Brothers, which is the new Will Ferrell movie.
All I can say about that one is, “Meh.” It was your typical Ferrell gimmick, but with a lot more swearing than I remember. So much, that I got distracted by all of it. Even so, there were quite a few enjoyable moments, even if they were immature.
On Sunday, I went with the family to see The Dark Knight, and it was EVERYONE I had hoped for and more. I was pretty much in full geek mode from the moment the previews started. (All graphic novel adaptations… those movie companies sure play to their audiences!) My favorite was for Watchmen, which I’ve been following since I saw some production photos…
But the movie was quite wonderful, even if it did explore some really dark themes that I was totally not expecting. The whole thing was quite intense right from the get-go, and caused me to yelp vocally quite a few times. Luckily, there weren’t many people in the theater, but my sister was getting annoyed… but she was the same way!
So yeah, it was one of the most satisfying movies I’ve seen in a long time… at the theater at least.
Thanks all for now!
-PoliticalACTORvist
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by politicalactorvist on July 25th, 2008 • One Comment »
I would just like to start off by saying that it’s really true what they say: You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.
My laptop, which has been nothing but faithful to me since I started college is temporarily out of commission. It would appear that Neville, my cat (Named after Longbottom, o’ course) found the charger cord to be reaaaallllly tasty. So he erm, ate some of that nice black wire coating. So now, I can only charge my lappy when I bend the charger cord juuuuuuust so.
The entire process has proven to be more difficult every time, and really, it’s just too sketchy. Seriously, I’m like afraid I’m going to burn the house down. So now, I’m using the ol’ family desktop… Which operates as if the entire thing was dunked in jello. Slooooooooooooow.
All I can say is Neville is darn lucky he’s cute and fluffy!
Well, it’s been a pretty busy few weeks…
The Edgar Theatre Company show Working was last Thursday and Friday. You might have seen a blurb about it in last weeks GO Section of the WDH. I also appeared on Channel 9 with one of the other actors during the morning show.
Anyway, it went very well, and I’m a little sad to see that it’s over. However, it does mean that I get most of my summer nights back!
I thought it would be weird, working with all high schoolers again, but it was amazing how you just get back into the swing of things. Not to mention that most of the kids (ESPECIALLY the underclassmen) are some of the most dedicated student actors I’ve ever seen. If you haven’t been to an Edgar show yet, you are MISSING OUT!
The saddest part of the entire thing was that Working will be my last stage appearance for a while… I’m giving that up for my student political career. Which, I’m learning everyday is JUST like acting… but not always in the good way.
Last night, I got to attend Mosinee’s Summer musical, The Music Man, and I thought it was Great! Beautiful scenery, great acting, wonderful singing! Bravo to everyone involved!!
It was also during this show that I realize how grateful I am to tech crew people. I have always loved them, but the techies at Mosinee were really SOMETHING!
Of course, it should also be noted that I am probably the world’s WORST techie. I know, I’ve tried it. I’ve gone to tech rehearsals because I wanted to help out. Sadly, my inability to use any powertool pretty much shot down that idea. But, I did get to do a lot of painting! Ah well. I’ll just stick to delivering lines and stuff.
Right now, I’m contemplating what showing of The Dark Knight I want to see tonight… I tried to see it on Monday, but it was sold out. Hopefully tonight will work better. I needs me some Superhero antics.
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by politicalactorvist on July 2nd, 2008 • 2 Comments »
*laughs*
Oh, I tell you, it sure pays to be friends with the person who updates the weekly news on the main site.
Andy will be happy to know that his snarky little comment resulted in an update.
I guess I should apologize for not really updating this blog, but there really wasn’t that much of importance to report. Rehearsals for WORKING are going very well, and I’m having so much with with the cast.
Also, the musical that I’m currently addicted to is 1776, and I simply cannot get enough of it. The songs are so good, and it’s only downfall is that it’s kind of male dominated (read: 17+ Males, 2 Females) this would make it difficult to do in the area, beacuse guys are often in short supply in the theatre. Even still, I would LOVE to see Wausau Community Theatre take on this project. It’s just SO GOOD!
That’s really all I have to say. Now there’s just the issue of dealing with Andy’s smug little face.
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by politicalactorvist on June 18th, 2008 • 2 Comments »
Hello there CitizenWausau people!
My name is Ben, and this is my blog!
I suppose as the “first time” post, the best thing to do would be to introduce myself!
I am a third year college student attending the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I’m currently a Political Science/Legal Studies major, and am looking at law school for the future.
I’m am also serving as a Board Member for the United Council of UW Students. Hurray for student rights!
Besides all those “professional” things, I am also very involved with theatre stuff, including the ever fantastic Wausau Community Theatre!! While involved with WCT, I have acted in “Once Upon a Mattress”, “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “West Side Story”, “A Christmas Carol”, and “Gypsy”.
Right now, I’m performing in Edgar Theatre Company’s (My old high school!) production of WORKING. It’s a great, great show, and I think everyone should come out and see it!
So, unlike my personal blog, which is usually filled with dramtic dribble of all sorts, this blog will be devoted to things that other people might actually want to read about. Feel free to comment, share your thoughts, and all that jazz.
I promise the next post will be more productive!
-BK, the PoliticalACTORvist
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