Listen Up Mother Fuckers: The Luck of the Langevin

"SPEECH!!!"

Thats a common joke between Mullen and myself. Before I leave the dorm to give a speech He normally yells it until I walk down the hall and out of sight. I always hated speech class. Not sure what it is, welp, I kinda do. Since coming to Eastern I have been a bit socially awkward. And that is more on my part. I just have a natural hatred towards people now. So the last thing I want to do is stand in front of 30 people and give them a speech about something they don't care about.

For some people that may be easy, because nobody cares right. Well, in a sense I kinda care. I take SOME pride in my work. So I was generally nervous about my first speech. The 1916 Rising. I was just 2 weeks removed from Ireland so I couldn't wait to present it. I had a great command over the knowledge of the subject so I figured all would go well. Sadly, I stuttered a bit which I knew was gonna happen cause I tend to naturally do it. But when I got a fuckin' 84 I was quite pissed off.

My next speech was on Manchester United. To tell you the truth I didn't spend anytime on preparation because, lets face it, I know a lot about United. I also had an impossible Econ test that week (got a B) So I figured I would do work on the next few. Well, I got a comfortable 83% on that. So I was pleased. I would have gotten a 98 but I messed up on my outline... I never handed it in. Oh, well.

On my group project about Conflict Diamonds my group of course had to be a group that barley met. Well, we met once before the speech. We were supposed to be up for the 20-26 minutes. We also were missing our leadoff man, Zach, because of Swine Flu. So long story short before I was gonna give my portion of the speech I looked up at the clock and we were at 7 minutes. Which meant I hate to talk for at least 13 minutes about ways of preventing a disastrous score. Well I got up there and rambled, and blabbed, and rambled, and blabbed some more. I talked for about 19 minutes. I prevented any possible failure on that speech. Zach also spoke about it the next Monday and ensured a top score. We got a 98%.

But my luck was soon to be stretched. I had a speech this Wednesday. It was a special occasion speech. So I choose to talk about my Grandfathers accomplishments in WWII. Well I didn't practice it at all. I was feeling confident about it though. I was my Grandfather and I always admired his past. Well, long story short. The girl who went before me got the class to cry during her speech. I figured I was gonna get a failing grade cause my teacher was sobbing throughout my speech. I also had to carry on while a girl left the room crying. Long story short I got a 94% so I guess it worked out. I am realizing I have a 89% in class which kinda sucks because my hardest final, math, is on the same day. I also have my other two hardest finals, Econ and History that Wednesday so If I get a mother fuckin B I will freak out.

Peace out

Bill Langevin

October/November Sucks

Whats up wolfmothers? Welcome back to the life and times of William Langevin. Well, tis Nov. 22 and I just realize how much I hate the fall and winter. More importantly the dreaded months of Sept-Nov. The trees are dying and yeah it may look cool but it sucks. I hate being cold. I hate not being able to go out in shorts and a shirt and enjoy a sunny day. There are numerous other things that you lose in the winter/fall.

Also, every year I seem to sink into depression around this time. Mainly sporting depression. The Fire after being picked to win the MLS Cup (pre season favs) got knocked out by a team named after a lake with salt in it. Bollocks I say. The Fire outplayed em for more or less than 130 mins. Credit to real salt lake they did have chances and they kept themselves in the game. However, a pk shoot out is no way to decide my feelings for the next few months. Clearly the Fire lost after having a 3-2 lead.

Also for me this summer will make or break my life. For me this seems like my last World Cup. Now, some will often ask why? You're 19. Well, for me I think I can get away with not having a full time summer job so I can spend a month watching the world's best teams (and France) play. Sadly 2/3rds of my teams are there. USA and New Zealand both qualified but the Irish Republic was 'handed' an exit from South Africa. I always admired the French team greats like Zidane, Bartez, Cantona, etc etc all played for em. And Ribery, happens to be one of my favorite non United players in the world. But Mr. 'Top Class my game is fair play' Henry handed a ball (twice) to set up a goal for France in overtime which knocked out Ireland.

As a big supporter of Irish soccer at first I was mad, then sad, then clinging to desperate hope that Ireland would score later. But nothing just replays and analysis and controversy. Now, so I wouldn't harm the dorm room at all I went on a nice long run before work. On the run I still had pictures of Big Rich Dunne sitting on the pitch looking like he just realized he would never be able to walk again or something or Robbie Keane crying on the ground and Damien Duff doing the same. This was the underdog team that got robbed. Sadly, talk of a replay emerged and then was shot down by Fifa, I assume with little consideration. Long story short the run didn't help the weather makes me feel sad because all the trees are dying its getting colder and well nothing good comes from the weather. I just feel limited about things.

There is only so much you can do about the weather and as a soccer fan. You can't control what will happen next in life/a match. That feeling of helplessness is something I hate/love. I love waking up on a Saturday morning walking outside in my short shorts I tend to sleep in and realize that its a beautiful day. The Fire will have a homegame and I'll enjoy the craic while tailgating with my friends. Nope November comes and goes nothing. Sure football is on. For me its not the same.

I'll wrap it up but yesterday Marist football was playing in a state semi final. Now, all of those who know me, knows I am a huge Marist fan no matter what team. I had the chance to go but I lacked that emotion that passion that used to drive me to take my shirt off and cheer in 20 degree weather. I blamed it on the Irish loss saying I was done with sports for a while. I'm not sure what the point I am trying to make but lets just all agree that this time of the year may 'look pretty' but its a tie in the fallish winter that makes me feel miserable

Bollocks

marist high football rules!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WAOxY_nHdew&feature=related

Um... Is This Thing On?

Hes back!

Whats up my blogger loggers? Don't call me 'The Comeback Kid' for that is sorta lame but I have been thinking about coming back into the blogging world with no support from my friends or family. Fear not. I will not bore you with details of why I came back but I want to spread something like butter on you. (in a non sexual way of course)

Have you ever had that Teacher/Dr./ Prof that just thinks he is hilarious/funny/smarter than a 3rd a grader? Well, I hate Econ but my Prof is something else. He is nice guy corky but the San Fran Hit Man as I call em gets nothing done at all. recently we had a 'half exam' which he told us about on Sunday at 11:49 on. Now the fuck also pisses me off cause he is horrible at explaining things and wears a shirt, tie, dress slacks (never turn down a chance to say slacks), and.... running shoes?

First of all you look like a jackass. Second of all you preach and preach and preach about professionalism and the lack of it at EIU when you look like a 32 year old female accountant walking out of work trying to catch a train.

Now that I am worked up time to eat cereal!

Peace out Girl Scouts!

The One That Got Away

Whats in the number 100? It is a nice round number that makes you feel comfortable or even acomplished. But what about the number 99? What feelings emerge? For me, the number 99 is simply one step behind 100. Just a baby step away from something better. Well for about 12 years Super Mario World on Super Nintendo has been bothering me. After 'beating' the game multiple times the beginning still reads 99% completed. Among other things this is my white whale, I just can not seem to beat the game. Which leads me to my hatred f the number 99. Since the game destroyed my childhood all the negative images in the game led me to resent them. Like the number 99.

If you have 99 cents you can not really buy anything. You are one cent away from the dollar menu at McDonalds or various fast food stores. Also its a means of illusion. Everything on infomercials cost 19.99 well you think your really paying under 20 bucks but your actually spending more

Alright I don't feel like writing anymore i need to play super nintendo

ANZAC Day

AUZZIE! AUZZIE! AUZZIE!

Well for most Americans in this day the dying generation is sadly World War II vets. Now, in America WWII vets are known as the greatest generation. Since such programs like the History Channel and other similar programs came into existence the stories of the brave heroes live on. But one problem arises World War I. Now, most people know little or nothing at all about WWII except the obvious answer that it was before WWII. I myself has never really gotten into WWI other than learning about Patton and Snoopy and the Great Barren. But one song evoked some emotion to this subject. 

I was walking back from class and the song The Band Played Waltzing Matilda. Its a tragic song about a Australian rover who was drafted into the war. He speaks about going to war in the battle of Gallipoli, while fighting the Turks. He describe the devastation to where 50,000 Australian and New Zealand soldiers died. Which in itself is astonishing to think about. The Iraq and Afghanistan as horrible as they are have not suffered the same amount of casualties as this one battle.

The main character 'survived' the battle. His world was forever changed tho when a Turkish shell 'knocked him head over arse' When he awoke from his hospital he found out that he had no more legs. A classic and bone chilling line from the song is 'I never knew there was worse things than dying' Obviously this man has to suffer for the rest of his life both physical and mentally. When he finally gets home nobody is there waiting for him. But he Thanks Christ nobody is there waiting for him. 

Every April, (25th)  he watches the from him porch and watches the (ANZAC) parade pass. He sees his old comrades while the youth does not know why they are marching. Which is sad to think about. Granted the parade I assume was around the 1970's because thats when the song was made. But its scary to think about the sacrifice that WWI vets gave both voluntarily and involuntarily but the little amount of appreciation they got from it. Being in the shadow of WWI. 'The Great War" didn't last the test of time. As the sons of Australia and the Allied nations suffered more within the next couple of decades. 

One question remains. Although tomorrow April, 25th is ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) Day a fading holiday commemorating the sons of Australia and New Zealand who fought/died in the battle or Gallipoli. But how do we remember those of past wars fought like WWI. Sure we have Memorial Day and Veterans Day but what is it? Its a family holiday where maybe if were in the right place at Gaelic Park we will see a 10 minute service.  Where are the parades of those who fought in WWI,WWII, Korea, Vietnam? Or do we just leave it up to AMC to show John Wayne type movies to 'honor' them?

ANZAC Day April 25th

Thought of the Day:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFCekeoSTwg

Keane

Well I have started reading a book called Keane by Roy Keane and Eamon Dunphy. Two 'characters' in the Irish football world. Now, I know what your thinking here goes Bill on another stupid Roy Keane soccer junk. Well the truth is this whimsical character played a huge part as my development as a nut that I grew up to be.

I'll keep this as brief as possible because I get to write an extra credit paper on this man. Mainly I always admired Keane because A. He was Irish. B. He played football and C. He went all out and played the game hard. I never admired the flashy players in any sport like Kobe, Lebron, C. Ronaldo etc. But after reading half of the book but there is something deeper inside it. As much as I think that he is not its apparent to me that he was a normal hard working Irishmen from Cork. He wanted self respect through life and football. Each match he would start of physical so the other team wouldn't fuck around with him. He would also never quit on his job when Nottingham Forrest looked to be dropped from the league, something many players did. 

He physical numbers were not there either. Not the biggest, not the fastest, and certainly no the best technical player. But his drive and passion for the game is unmatched alright I am kinda getting bored of this. What!? Me getting bored talking about Roy Keane and football... Hey i am only human... Not like Keane

Thought of the Day: What would you do if you were drafted?

Extra Credit Assignment 3

Alright for those who don't know I do this for some english extra credit and this one is a fun one.

I have to put on itunes and pick put it on random and talk about the first song that comes up. The song is..........

Roddy McCorley by Tommy Makem......Thank God it wasn't a techno song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Slu23kGEw48

 1. What is the song about? The song is about a young Irish rebel who started an armed uprising in the 17th century, I think. The song takes place after the fight when the young man is sentenced to death by hanging on a bridge in Taum Antrim Ireland. 

2. What emotion does the song evoke in you? The song evokes a weird emotion in me obviously sorrow for the kid who is going to die but pride also slips into it. The line "About the hemp rope on his neck the bold on ringless clung. There is never a tear in his blue eyes both glad and bright are they. As young Roddy McCorley goes to die on the bridge of Taum today."

3.Why do you think this emotion was brought out? Sorrow obviously because the man is going to be hung after fighting for his freedom. But the pride part was in due because he stood up for what he believed for and paid the ultimate price for it

4. Is there a deeper meaning behind the song? For me there is. I always loved folk music mainly the lyrics. the country of Ireland has been plagued by the British Empire for 800 years and this song glorifies the struggle and their heros. The song is to help call out those to joing the fight and a sense of national pride. Also,  the struggle for freedom was plagued with collaborators and traitors Roddy symbolizes what Irish people should do, live without fear and fight for his freedom. He is proud that he has done his part. The county of Antrim came out in honor to see the man die. Men fought for him in anger of his death. The song is to glorify the Irish revolution(s)