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)

Charlie Gordon

"ps if you remember can you put flowers on algernons grave"

Oops!

Well, I haven't been writing in a long time which is killing my extra credit grade but I do not seeing it effect the grade too much. But today was Champions League day for me. Which for me is worrying so all day then sweating it out come game time. The arch rivals liverstool (liverpool or Scousers) demolished Real Madrid and set the tone for the the League. The defending Champions of Europe, Manchester United, played well under pressure. So I skipped my Political Science class to watch 10 minutes of pregame. I try to make out my start XI and match it to how Sir Alex Fegurson, United's manager, has his. I was so nervous about the game I bought a AMP energy drink which didn't calm my nerves but just mad me feel something else but pure fear. Then it was on to my room for game time.

The first four minutes of game went Uniteds way. The Serb of Nemanja Vidic scored a beautiful header to put the Red Devils up by one early. It set the tone for the rest of the game. Old Trafford or the Theatre of Dreams, United's home field, was rocking. As Derek Raye said "A deafing crowd is on hand tonight" Now, this was one of the wildest crowds at the Theatre of Dreams I have ever seen. You can tell because the whole Stretford end was bouncing. After the first goal United had more chances but couldn't put the game away. One of my favorite players John O'Shea, a man who gives all tall, pigeon toed, goofy Irish kids hope at playing soccer, had a brilliant chance to score but was saved. Now, it was not a one way match Inter Milan hit the post a couple of times. United was the better team today. 

The best part of the game was the second goal. Ryan Giggs a 35 year old who has more trophies than most teams looked like he was 20 again. Bobbing and weaving he played out of his mind he sent Wayne Rooney on a run in the second half to the corner which was quickly sent into the box and Ronaldo headed it into the old onion bag. Giggs who was wearing the yellow captains armband was a childhood hero of mine along with current team mate Paul Scholes, is a man who plays the game right. Seeing him play that great was something special to see. Even though he signed 1 year contract everybody knows that his days are numbered.

Saint Valentine Day Shopper

Well for some of you it was Saint Valentines day, for some you were excited. For me just another day except the fact I was home. I told some people at Eastern (some that don't know me very well) That I had a girl friend back home just so I wouldn't get 1,000 questions on why I was taking the trek. But for me I had a 3 day weekend and I wasn't gonna spend it here. I made plans to go to Marquette but my father could make or break the trip, he let me use the car so he made it. But since I am a great facestalker I found out Trev was coming home. So I contacted him and we made plans to go up to Wisconsin for the Friday-Saturday morning 

I plan on trying to keep this short and sweet but the trip was amazing. I really did nothing but hang out with a couple of my best friends which was heaven for me. The next day I woke up and I did what I did every morning snuggle with a blanket and not want to start moving. Normally on significant holidays and such I wake up and turn on the T.V to see if a special is on, but for me it was just Feb. 14th like it has always been. Just plain old Feb 14th 3 days after my Dads birthday and 3 days after USA beat mexico in soccer. 

When I came home from a fun filled night with my most recent friends (still not sure if they consider me a friends but we shall see) I was in a great mood because A. I got some new clothes without trying to kill somebody, although I couldn't have done it without the two lovely girls B. I went to Sonic YES! The fast food chain sukka! And C. I just had a good time doing nothing. But I was driving home from Orland and I wasn't in the mood for anything so I turned on the radio and WGN was one because I caught the Hawks pre game on it and all of a sudden my eyes opened up.

It was the Nick Degillio Anti- St. Valentines Day Spectacular. Now Nick is a man and by man I mean friends that I will "have a drink with him and let him throw up in my car" type of man (he always says that) and he had it right. Why should you be forced to be in a romantic mood because someone wants you too? Won't that make it kinda fake. If I am with somebody and I have a bad day at school or work why should it be different that I am not romantic on Feb 14th? Shouldn't you be loving and that junk every day? Truthfully I hate holidays like this. I don't remember their dates. It will bite me in the ass later on but it just seems fake. This might be a little vulgar but why should somebody say "I love you.....yatty yatty yatta" just to get inside their pants? Now, there are some great geuine people out there who may mean it and all that but as an 18 year old I have no idea what love is yet. All I know is that i don't have all the answers. 

Thought of the Day: I don't have all the answers...If I did I would run for God

USA all the way in eating?

Well its not the season for competitive eating but MTV2 is showing "True Life I am a Competitive Eater" Honestly, I can't wait for the 4th of July to hopefully watch the showdown. Last year Joey Chestnut beat Kobayashi and beat his record in 2007. I always hated Kobayashi mainly because he had monopoly on the sport that lasted 2001-2006. Which included breaking 3 records during that era of dominance. It was really out of jealously why I hated him mainly like the reason I dislike many professional athletes. That is beside the point. 

This true life followed Tim the "Eater X"  when he was a young lad bursting on the scene in 2005. He only had 22 1/2 hotdogs which placed him in 9th out of 16 eaters. He was quite displeased with himself but later they show him signing autographs and him being named the Rookie of the Year. Will he be the American that finally gets the Americans back on the map? Well not so fast Joey Chestnut is the savior for the Americans. He has won 2007 smashing the record by punishing 66 hotdogs to Kobayashi 63 a great sporting spectacle for everybody. In 2008 Chestnut took home the coveted Mustard Belt. Another great sporting event that ended in overtime. Overtime? Like most people I had no idea there was overtime in competitive eating. But there is it was tied at 59 dogs at the end of the 10 minute regulation. The dreaded hotdog penalty shootout. Whoever finishes the 5 dogs is the winner. Two of the most impressive eaters face off. Chestnut downed the 5 dogs and was named champion and king of the world. Not so much the world part but a cult hero. He brought the stars and stripes back on the eating map. 

Two years before a great slap in the face when Americans were chanting Kobayashi's name. It was all out of good fun but still for me its like Americans cheering for the Russians during the 1980 olympics. But after hearing "USA!?"Coney Island the past two years a tear of joy wrung down somebody's face somewhere. Given the current status as Americans being one of the worst fit nations we really have no place winning this. The Japanese take this as a sport. Anybody can eat sure. But do you expect lazy Americans to get out and train? Who knows but it is all good fun. So on your 4th of July Bar-b-Que's turn on some ESPN-ESPN2 and watch the dual between the eaters of Coney Island.

Though of the Day: What would you eater name be?

Dos a Cero, 2-1, and 9-5

Well its another  "rivalry week" on ESPN-ESPN2. What was special about this one? Well for all you football fans USA played mexico in the final round of the World cup Qualifying. Now, some may have no clue what this means. I'll try stress TRY to explain it. Well there is one group and 10 game I believe you play each team twice in a home and home series USA and mexico are by far the favorites to qualify. The top three teams who finish with the most points, 3 for a win 1 for a tie and 0 for a loss, move one to the World Cup in South Africa 2010. So like most USA mexico WCQ (World Cup Qualifiers) tensions were high and mexico had yet another head coach. The USA had a usual line up with: Howard in the net, Frankie Hedjuk, Gooch, Carlos Bocanegra, Heath Pearce, making up the back line. Demarcus Beasley, Sacha Kljestan, Michael Bradley, Clint Dempsey making up the Mid. Landon Donavon as an attacking mid and Big Brian Ching up top.

The game started out strong. Mullen and I were quite worried because mexico got behind our backline and should have scored but as Pat Foley would say it "GREAT SAVE!" By Timmy Howard. USA had chances too but Oswaldo "dirty" Sanchez was too much for the USA. It seemed the game was up in the air and was going to be scoreless going into half. Until a Beasley corner that went past the goal a brilliant move by Donavon to put it back in the danger area to Gooch to head it only to be blocked by a diving Sanchez but only to fall to Michael Bradley to blast it into the old onion bag. Now I was screaming my head off and was quite calm but that big grin fell across my face. I yelped out a few "WOO HOO HOO's!" And got back to business. 

The second half Marquez, the mexico captain took a cheap shot at Timmy Howard and deliberately tried to hurt him. No argument there that punk was sent off. Mexico for being a man down played great d but the USA didn't do too much until the 2nd minute of stoppage time. A good pass by Jozy Altidore (subbed in for Ching) that sent Mikey busting up the middle to take a brilliant shot that dipped right under sanchez into the back of the net. A clutch goal yes.  A few altercations after the game happened but minor. Frankie Hedjuk a mans man in my opinion. This guy is 34 missed 2 world cups to knee injuries busts his ass in every game and although he plays for the Crew he is one of my favorite players to watch. Well anyway he was jacked up because 1. He is on the National team. 2. Looked like he was playing hurt but that wouldn't stop him. 3. It was a USA mexico WCQ game and 4. He was the home town hero playing in Crew Stadium. But the surfer boy Hedjuk was running around screaming "Fuck Yeah" hahaha not a great choice of words but I'll allow it. A player on the mexico side slapped him on he face. Really a slap? Hedjuk said it was a "love tap"and said it was no problem because players held the mexican player back and Hedjuk went about his celebrating.

Well the 2-1 part of the title is the score of Ireland-Georgia game. I must give Georgia credit they were beating Ireland 1-0 in the second half when I turned it on. Also, these poor guys couldn't play at home for their WCQ games due to the conflict between Russia and Georgia. But Robbie Keane got a 73rd minute goal and a 78th minute penalty to win it. 

Another Wednesday and it was going great Ireland won USA won and Indoor soccer. Our team is kind of a "rag tag" team kind of thrown together at the last minute. My thigh has been feeling quite tight lately and I probably pulled something in weeks past but I was in little pain that I could play it off. During warmups I knew it was gonna be different I couldn't shoot with out it hurting. Of course its on my right leg (shooting leg) So mid way through the game I felt pain and walked off. Came back on for a power play passed it to Travis and I knew something was wrong. Travis netted the ball but I knew this was bad. I limped off but still wanted to play but I could barley kick it. Our goalie you is quite talented tall skinny just the perfect dimensions to play in the net. He told me I could play net so we wouldn't be down 2 subs the whole game (mullen was out due to Duke-UNC game) So I played goal the second half. 

I thought I did quite well I would get into a Peter Schemichel crouch with my hands ready at the side knees bent ready for anything. I felt like I was back on the volleyball court ready to keep the ball up. But I think i was doing great blocking shots and diving. It did play a part on my leg but it wasn't bad. I let is a couple of goals 2 of em were redirected by our defenders (no fault on them just happens in indoor) and one was a handball in the area so its an automatic goal. One was a great goal on their part it hit my head but still a good goal. 

It felt good to play goalie I was by their bench and the frat boys kept trying to get into my head saying I was fake limping and I kept getting lucky. My favorite was "look at the dork bending his knees" What that means I have no clue but I know I played a good game and plan on playing it some more in the future because last night I would wake up in terrible pain due to the legski. But sorry for those who don't like football and indoor soccer. But for some reason I am drawn to it. Why idk maybe its the team effort, the passion that fans and players have, or just something I grew up with. But I kept telling people that USA mexico was the biggest game of my life. Now, I am not on the team but I am on the team? I support the Nats (national team) no matter what. If that means wearing all red on wednesday head to toe (which I did) then I will wear all red. Alright this is too long so I will leave you.

Thought of the Day: What would you do if somebody tried to hurt you in a sport?

Voodoo = Treasonous cowards

Ah that glorious time is back USA v mexico. This game as I have been telling the world is he most important game of my life. First game of the world cup qualifiers kicks off Wednesday, Feb 11 6 O'clock CT on ESPN2. The mexican squad is looking quite god to my eyes mainly because of suspensions and injuries. Walk it the park? Not a long shot. This rivalry is by far my favorite to watch in any sporting event. Both sides hate and I mean hate each other immensely. It basically turns into the love child of one dirty hockey team playing the "underdog" hockey team who fights back.  The game is always chippy and ends up with fans on either side being disappointed. 

Now, I had the chance to go home on wednesday night due to us having friday off and my thursday class being cancelled but I would have missed this game which I have been waiting for since the end of the Gold Cup (we beat mexico 2-1 in the final) Some questions arise who will start for the Nats? The only solid answer I Landon Donavon, CARLOS BOCANEGRA (chant), Gooch, and Timmy Howard. Bob Bradley uses a pool of players and it seems to be working well minus the fact that Jozy Altidore and Freddy Adu have been suffering in Europe which may limit their national team contributions. But I would love to see Jozy get the nod I know the young man is ready to play (18 yes 18 years old, What did you d when you were 18?) He scored his first ever goal against Mexico is a 2-2 tie (friendly) The big guy shows a ton of promise but Brian Ching is the same type of player, slower, not as quick and exciting to watch but great experience. So either way its a win-win mainly because our defense is good minus some set pieces and our mid is exciting with Bradley, Sacha, Demarcus, Adu, name more? Ok! Landon Donavon, Maurece Edu, Johnny Thorrington, Clint Dempsey. Ok enough of that.

But I had myself a little think and went on facebook/USA sights to see the roster (not out yet) and I found some bunk aboot, yes I said aboot, Mexico and blockbuster teaming up to make voodoo dools that resemble USA football (soccer) players. My first reaction was "Really?" but then I read on saying how  the back of the jersey reads "Gringos" Now, I really don't mind being called a gringo its no skin off my back but it is a racial slur so it crosses the line. However, the reason that I am pissed is because blockbuster gave me, my sport, and my country the big "Fuck you" I told myself I would never put another dollar into blockbuster as long as I live and let em know how I felt through an Email to the store. Come on a voodoo doll? Thats borderline crazy/pathetic. They are desperate the mexican fans are desperate they see their national team which is very strong with good players under achieving and seeing the only thing they had over the US slip into our favor, we own them in football. 

Another exciting thing about the match is that ussoccer.com is promoting the wear red campaign. They have cards you can print out that look pretty cool, and I anticipate a red third jersey. Sam's Army has always wore red even when the US stopped it as the national team jersey color but they want crew stadium to be filled with red. Just like when the Fire play there.....kil. I urge all of ye, my flock who reads, to watch the game. If you hate soccer give this game a chance you should become a fan, its gonna be cold, snowing/raining, players will be highly physical, the supporters are gonna be singing loud and proud and it may change your belief in this crazy thing called "soccer"

Thought of the Day: Where will you be watching the game, what red shirt will you wear, and what are your predictions? Who is your biggest rival (beside USA meixco)

Mine is possibly brether rice, or st. rita (killed em both)

Punky Chips Ahoy! Oi Oi Oi!

Alright so I am blog challenged still SO WHAT!? Well my last blog was kinda long about my excursion into Champaign Urbana. But Guess shwhat? I deleted it. Also, I am too lazy to re write it so I am gonna babble about what has been running through my mind for the past couple of days. That competitive edge I thought I lost. Just so happens we joined a indoor soccer league team name you ask, "A Few Good Men" I think its hilarious. But anyway the first game was a tough loss we had 5 good men 2 of which have some soccer experience, Mullen and myself. Mullen scored, Travis scored, I netted a goal. But we were no match for the feckin Delts. The frat just kept pouring subs onto us and we had no shot. the score was 5-3 but the last 4 minutes we couldn't move. I nearly threw up.

Walking back to the dorm just reminded me of all those volleyball practices that I know and miss so much. I remember a couple of times throwing up after em just from going balls out the entire times. SIDE NOTE! For some reason while doing sports I tend to relieve my stomach, ie Cross Country. But if there is one thing I miss most about Marist its probably that 08 volleyball team. I played on Attack during the club season with Keith and Dave and we become really close. Keith and I could just read each other so well mainly because he covered 90% of the court I just backed him up. But nothing beat high school season for me nothing. 

The 2 a days were my favorite. Why? I have no clue I loved to practice before then go again after it was great. I had Modern World issues mod A and would sleep through it but I didn't mind I knew the stuff anyway. But let me just tell ya aboot (Yes, I said "aboot") Game day. For me there wasn't a single most important day of the year except game day. I considered and was called an intense player. My game day rituals were nuts. I would go to the pre game meeting we usually had against formidable opponents, go home sleep for an hour/fill up on gator ade, and here is the weird part either take a shower at my house or school (usually school) then when it was about time to warm up I would brush my teeth, I had to I would feel like we would lose if we didn't then we would warm up and harass people running through the halls, when it was time to go out I would just sit and stare at myself in the mirror. One of those stares where nothing mattered around you and you thought of nothing. I would do this for a couple of minutes and then I would be so motivated it freaked me out. 

Honestly I can write a book about Marist mens volleyball just because it means that much to me. I would put 1,000% of effort into everything and was heart broken when it ended that I didn't want it to end. But I still have the memories, and even better shot at getting my old teammates a state champion medal. For a couple of months all the babys (juniors who are now seniors) have been talking to me because we were all a close knit group. And some have been worried about this year which is natural, some were worried about not being team captain, the regular stuff I went through. Well, I was a captain and I was very proud of it but it really doesn't mean anything. Anybody on a team can lead. and I know everybody on the upcoming team is a leader. Even little Garret Dempsey, Sophmore. I wasn't by far athletically talented or the biggest or the best but I tried the most I tried to, in practice get the "second" team or as we called ourselves "team two scrubs" to push the ones team. So that they would be better. I remember Pat Feltman looking dead because he never could be switched out he was our only middle. But if any of the Volleyball team is reading, at this point nobody probably is, kil, Listen up good boy, because you always have the ability to be a leader. You have 50-75 points a game to be a leader no matter who your playing. When I was playing I would think I 8ft tall because I would try to make so much noise and act like a hard ass all the time. Really, I am a big coward who hates confrontation. But thats the beauty of it, don't let the other team affect the game you should. You should want the ball every time on serve receive or you should want to get set even if you put the ball in the net or in the block 10 times in a row.  It's easy to feel sorry for yourself but turn it around and feel sorry for the other team because your gonna bounce the next one.

Ok I went on a huge rant there and I apologize but what I was going to say was I enjoy helping the guys out so much. I am maybe more excited for them this year than I was the last. I love having Mike Flavin text/call/Instant Message me saying woo hoo hoo, I would scream that during games. Honestly I can't wait to come home and watch them play and get involved with that program again. But I do realize that it is their time not mine anymore and I am kinda excited to sit in the stands like a retired player and watch them and yell at the ref when they don't make a call. I also like to be there for emotional support for when the guys are confused about what to do. Maybe thats why I want to be a high school teacher/coach so much. I enjoy learning about history and put the same about of passion in it as I did for volleyball. It's kinda of weird this first year at college. I don't know what I want to do but yet again I do. Obviously it going to be a bitch finding a job and I tell myself now I would never teach at Providence or Brother Rice but who knows what the future has.

If anybody is left I applaud you on surviving. I got thrown too far off course. I thought I was in India but really I ended up in North America, bad history joke.

Thought of The Day: What the hell does the title mean? 

Mass Confusion at Eastern Illinois University

Lets face it walking to class blows. The worst part is passing kids who are done for they day and you are just getting started. Today I am furious mainly because I am cold, tired, and a long ways away from my class. So I decided to have a wee bit o fun with myself. I noticed that nobody looks each other in the eye when they pass each other and when they do and eye contact is made they look away. I figured hell since I don't know these people and don't really care what they think I will stare one person down and not break it off. So it started with this one girl walking with friends. Kinda of attractive and boom eye contact was made now at this point I was not ballsy and doing funny looks but just the normal eye contact as she got closer she would look away and check back and see me and look away again. When she passed by I couldn't help but laugh and for once I made somebody else feel really awkward. As woman number 1 passed I waited 10 secs the looked back and bam eye contact again. I broke out in laughter, this worked out pretty good. One day I figure I will get the pepper spray one day if I keep this up. I think its worth it though. 

The second time was this one kid he was pretty big walked like he had muscles the size of Uganda. I have no idea if Uganda is big but lets pretend that it is. He was walking shorts, and a golds gym sweatshirt. So I figured lets just risk it. O yeah its freezing and snowing out and this bhoyo is in shorts. But anywho I was getting worried no eye contact was made but as soon as he got withing 15 feet he looked over and he was locked. The stare down! Eyes locked just mono e mono. I slowed up my walk to allow more time and his face began to turn awkward and bam the double and triple take. Hahaha I couldn't stop laughing at myself I mean come on this kid felt awkward around me. He had like 5 of his friends around him and the whittle guy made him feel awkward. Just a small little victory on my way to class. O yeah class was cancelled! LETS GO!!!!

Why I am writing this? I have no idea. I think that this helps in my lack of self confidence sometimes around strangers. But its also a fun game. On the way back I had a few notables but nothing as spectacular some people just doing the double take. But its a fun game to play walking in public places or just walking to and from class. I am gonna play this game everyday not with the same people because, as my buddy Danndy Dire on wheel football factorweese, "Things are gonna get naughty!"

Thought of the Day:  What movie do you most want to see? I want to see Grand Torino, just because of Clint.  

Kel, Kil, or Kill?

This took me a long time to even decide if I wanted to spoil the mystery of the word 

Well recently people have been wondering about the word "Kill" As long as I can remember my Uncle P has been saying the word "kill" after somebody said something funny. When we were younger we used to think Uncle P was just saying "Kel" because of the show Keenan and Kel, yes the show with the Orange Soda. But after about 2-3 years of living a lie we found out or he told us that it was actually "kill" So it took a couple of year more like anywhere from 8-10 where it finally stuck in and I started to use it during my high school years.

It only took a crack team of experts like Eduardo, and Adams to perfect it. Sitting in Eddies basement probably making fun of women or meowing I used the word "kill" after a joke and it stuck. Now, I can't seem to stop using it or my friends to stop using it. During a long texting conversation one of my friends once said "I feel so accomplished when I get you to say kill." But what is the real story behind the word? 

Well my Uncle P uses the word "kil" instead of "kill" but its too late in my group because everybody says 'kill" But the real story went something along with a late pizza guy and a phone call. Now, I forgot the complete story but the word has a humble background. Despite the humble background it quickly rose to superstar status. The word Kil or Kill is the perfect example of the American Dream. 

Thought of The Day: When did you first hear Kil or Kill?

Simple Happy Memories

Today sitting in Biology trying to pay attention I couldn't help but wish that I could punch the DNA out of the kid next to me. I hate science always have and I suppose I always will. The kid and his buddy next to me had to be a ignorant prick to put it nicely. Luckily the Dr. Pederson got so side tracked we were asking questions about his dogs and family. So I just sat there thinking I don't know how but my mind went back to the good olde Dewey Lake.

Now, most likely I spelt the name wrong but it doesn't matter. My first memory of the glorious weekend was working at RSM a couple of days before the 4th of July. I had been hanging out with Tara and we have become pretty good friends and since her house/basement/backyard is the ultimate place to hang anytime of the year I got to meet her best friends: Meg, Colleen, and Grace (the Queen) Also I brought in Trev and we all just meshed well.  So Colleen asked me and Trev to go up to the cottage or house in the sisters lakes. Me and Trev had been there in May after prom and had a blast but that was with a different group. So sitting at RSM doing nothing like normal I was nervous my old man gave me some tude about it. He worries which is a good sign and I kinda expected it but later that day he gave me the go ahead. I think I was more worried than him though. Tara whom I knew the most was not going do to unforseen circumstances. So it was a gamble because I am kinda awkward and by kinda I mean very awkward. Throw in some women-folk I am like at a 7th grade dance all over again. You know the time when you dance with a girl arms fully extended on her hips she is doing the same. 

But any who I was in my little desk area debating if I should go texting Tara for some help, she is great at helping people. So with some thought I figured what the hell why not. Best decision I ever made. It started off kinda rocky the night before I had a long night and had a couple hours of sleep (3) and I was cranky and packed in to a little car named "Blue Angel. Meg was the Pilot of the vessel Coll riding shotgun Trev to the left window Grace in the middle for comic relief and the old cranky geeser to the right window, also all our gear was packed into the car too I might add! Once I herd the music we were listening to and the volume it was played at I knew no sleep could come my way. However, I did catch my self becoming a Taylor Swift fan, even though she is a shameless hussy who sings country. Traffic was horrible and this was my fault because they had to delay deployment because RSM needed me to be on facebook until 5. A two hours trip turned into a 5 hour voyage into across Indiana into Michigan. 

We started to play games in the car like 6 degrees of from kevin bacon, Trev is amazing at that. We started with the actor Sean Connery or Robert Mitchum. Trev did it in like 3 minutes. When we got to the house it was awesome Mrs. "C" was there with the family Sister 1 and brother 3 I think. Brother 3 was being a little brother lighting fire crackers and so on (2 days before the 4th) In a way I saw myself in him "bothering" or as I see it playing with the older kids. After many attempts we got a fire started and the good times rolled from there.  We all talked played some card games like circle of death and just chilled. It was great to sit relax and have some fun. 

The first night was a blast and a perfect way to vent and just enjoy each others company. The Rover T (trev), Grace, and I all stayed up later than the rest talking about various things on the boat, the bart.  It was one of those moments that after the first day you were like "O no I only have three more days" Actually I know I did that cause Meg goes "Just think we still have three more days!" And that changed my thinking a bit to not worry about time, TPS reports, files, waking up, or anything else. Swimming, trying to start the boat, more card games, watching the teenage couple and the third wheel next door, and just enjoying the company were all part of the next couple days agendas. 

Now, you know how I said I never really knew the other girls too well and was scared? Well it seemed I left all that back in Chicago. That summer we all become basically one. We all were best friends after that. Its hard to describe that weekend mainly because so much good came out of it. One of those moments where you feel like you knew the people forever. I for one cannot wait to go back. Now here is kinda a cheesy comment. The 4th of July is typically a holiday where you spend with your family. And I consider Trev, Meg, Coll, The Queen, and even Tara my family.

Suddenly the (stress the "e") Dr. Pederson said "woops of track again" the kids to the right of me finished their conversation about the useless crap they were talking about exchanged a quick "bro" handshake. I walked on past with a smile on my face only to step out into the cold artic wind. But I didn't mind because soon summer will be here and dewey will be lurking around the corner.

Thought of the Day: If you could pick one name what would it be? 

Obama My Momma!

It seems kinda goofy for me not to talk about the inauguration today. So I will, today I woke up early to go to the evil bio lab then to hand in my insurance wavier form that Big Bill and Marion have been nagging me about. So I was in the office and I hear Obama speaking and was upset because I missed him being sworn in. Mullen and I made hast back across campus to a dinning center ate and caught the tail end of the speech. After the meal of watered down noodles (don't ask or pretend to know what it taste like) We hustled back I took off my jeans only to wear my blue long underwear from 4th grade (doesn't fit well but who cares)  and I watched the remainder of the ceremonies. Now, I love parades normally because the troops marching in perfect step, bands playing, and all the motorcycles and that junk. The first two I watched were the Bush ones where some knuckle heads hurled eggs at the leader of the free world. But this time it was different, seeing the Revolutionary War troops walk to the step of fife and drum kinda got me thinking about How cool it would be to be president, How awesome it must be to have that costume, and how "All men are created equal" were put into play. 

Of course after the Independence of the United States black and women weren't "equal" women I can understand not being equal (joke) but the slaves even those who fought the brits weren't equal in the eyes of the law. In fact they were not equal until the Civil Right era hundreds of years later.  So it was great to see our New President Obama getting a rock star like attention from all ages and races. I will not never understand how it feels to be African American from one of my earliest memories and saddest memories was lining up outside school for my kindergarden graduation. Only to see police cars and what not because of some j ass threw a brick into a black family's front window. I am personally proud of this moment. 

Well I was going to add this story a little earlier about my trip to disney world and how my love affair for the old fife and drum troops started but for those who got dragged to Epcot First I apologize, but I do remember trying to find a place to eat and my sisters and I didn't want to go to the ethnic restaurants mainly because we had no idea what kind of food was on the menus. So we picked the remake of the Independence Hall and had hotdogs and hamburgers. While we scarfed down the delicious yum yums I remember a small band of 6 guys playing the fife and drums and carrying the old "Don't Tread on Me" and the original 13 stars and stripes flag. It was really loud and possibly the coolest thing to hear Yankee Doodle Dandy being played instead of light jazz over a p.a system. Now, you are probably calling me a dork at this point so I am gonna watch the rest of the Neighborhood Ball hopefully I get to see that mick band called U2 or something perform.

Thought of the Day:  Who are ya?

Finally watching movies

Well thursday at about 11 a miracle happened. "The Dark Knight" was on HBO. Since Eastern pays for all the dorms t have HBO I have been waiting for the movie to come out on it. I missed it a day or two before due to class. Now over the summer when everybody went Batman crazy I kinda felt like a bum. When we saw Batman begins and the theatre screen broke or something during the last ten minutes (just my luck) we got a full refund and went on to do our hoodrat stuff in Chicago Ridge Mall. So years go by and I just never saw the end, although I am a huge batman fan. Growing up at 4:30 cartoon network would play the batman cartoons and I loved em. I never liked Spiderman as much because he wasn't really human and Superman was just an alien to me but batman was the uber badass in my opinion. Quick story I remember crying because the Police Chief died in one of the special movie cartoons. 

So when the Dark Knight came out in theaters I was estatic but too lazy to rent the old version of batman instead i waited until TNT or TBS played it and I stayed in to watch it. Worth the wait? Yes, Liam Neeson broke my heart playing a villain. But I still enjoyed it. But the down fall of me is I build things up in my head or hear people building things up so I expect something beyond perfect. So when I watched it my head was spinning. Mullen left the room to go eat during the beginning and towards the end I was standing blanket wrapped around me getting as close to the tv without hurting my eyes or, more importantly, ruining the picture. 

Was it the greatest movie the world has ever seen? I still don't know maybe I'll never know. I love to watch movies and break them down in my head and do it over and over again. Last night I watched "No Country for Old Men" Mullen has been talking about it for a long time basically how awesome it was, and how its his favorite and blah blah. I remember getting in a argument over who was a better villain him or Darth Vader. Now me being a Star Wars dork I fought for Vaders respect to no avail, he did the same. The movie pissed me off mainly because the good guy didn't win. To think about it nobody really won. The Sheriff didn't even win he left thinking he was a failure. But I couldn't go to bed that night until 3-4 because I couldn't stop thinking about it. So I turned on Rock of Love Bus to put me to bed. 

So when I woke up I kinda asked myself. Isn't that the sign of a good movie always making you think? Making you lose sleep or am I just crazy? Now odds are that I am crazy but I still think the first one is true. So is it my favorite movie? Only time will tell but is it a great movie? Yes. Now I can't wait for the Dark Knight to be on again so I can watch it. I just hope its not during one of my classes or a soccer game......kill

Thought of the day: 

Who is the greatest Movie Villain? 

Hooked but not a Hooker

Alright this is kinda fun. Wow I sound like the guy from the twix commercial with the lady he was trying to boinke and uses blogging as the in. Well my last post 30 mins ago was kinda weak and I wanted to actually write something that has been playing in my head for a couple of days now. Well, if you don't know me that well then you should know I love soccer (football) Easy dorks I do call it football not futbol like hispanics I call it Football or English football. Why you ask? Because thats the feckin name. But on the Youtube I love to watch Manchester United fans chanting. One of my favorites is a Asian man standing on a table doing a Jaap Stam chant. here is how it goes ahem

"Jip Jaap Stam is a big Dutchman. 

Get past him if ya fuckin can.

Try a little trick he'll make ya look a dick

Jip Jaap, Jaap Stam."

One of my best friends Colleen started the daunting task of becoming a follower and supporter of The Fire and by the grace of God she had the Old Manchester United spirit in her. So part of our friendship is sending each other chants and videos via the facebook. I enjoy getting them I can just see her eyes lighting up or at least i hope they do. Most people when I send them my favorite ones don't ever look at it or just write it off as Bill being a nut. So when she sends them to me I feel like I accomplished something.

 Well I think or hope I warned her about football. It breaks my heart but I keep going back for it. It took my life over when I was young. My favorite memories was going to the Fire game with my Uncle P (the name will be a post later) Standing as a 8-18 year old in various stadiums in various places Mainly Old Soldier field, Cardinal Stadium in Naperville, New Soldier Field, and of course Toyota Park. Those memories ok school friday then a soccer game that night (they used to play some games on friday if i remember correctly, a night downtown with easily my favorite uncle seeing various places going to eat at great little places, and of course classic memories that I will cherish. 

Has football affected my life? O God yeah. Mostly positive some negative. Classic example was Volleyball. Now me being 5 foot nothing and in my opinion a great work ethic (sports wise) was never a "gifted" athlete. So I was cut from soccer freshman year. So during volleyball Freshman-Senior year I worked hard and tried to mimic Manchester United legend and Captain Roy Keane. (first time I saw him was with uncle P at soldier field.....kill (explain later)

For those lucky ones who saw a Marist Mens Volleyball game would notice that I would wear my emotions on my sleeve. First night at Eastern a rice boyo said he went to the Marist Rice game (killed em) and said I was "Nuts" huge compliment in my opinion. I would scream taunt and rallied, or I hoped I did was rally the troops.....Ahhh just like Roy Keane. Being hated by opponents in club and stuff. Quick example was my club team holding me and Dave Brew trying to keep my mouth shut. Now the team reffing kinda screwed us out of a vital win and I voiced my opinion to the kid watching the lines and he said he "O well" or some smart ass comment so I went after him. Like Roy Keane did in the tunnels a couple of times.

Now was I trying to be a copy cat? No I just worked hard that tourny (Keith was out) and wanted to win gold and felt screwed about it.

Random thought: 

I am not a hooker I am just love to blog already. But would love to be a male hooker, get paid for having sex? Give me a better job.

Is this thing on?

Um is this thing on? You know that bad comedian who is sweating profusely on T.V shows? Well as of right now I am that young man or woman. This is the official blog of William Langevin. The main use of this blog is to keep me from pounding my head into this desk. Some questions arise will anybody read this? The realistic answer is "No" Some people I imagine get a laugh or a glimpse of my world. I think that other than some family members that nobody will. My friends don't blog so I don't think they would even want to read one. Another question arises will i write often? At first I think hell no here is an example of why. I love watching T.V I love to watch good shows but I never make a specified time out of each thursday to watch "The Office". I would watch "Always Sunny in Philadelphia" But missed the rest of the season due to Chicago Fire games. My journal for english, which i enjoyed somewhat, I kept for a week or two then wrote them all before the last class. So this blog is really up in the air. I just hope my most die hard fans don't bother me to keep writing.  Joke of course. 

Well I think thats it for today.

Keep checking if you enjoyed it. 

Thought of the day: 

If I die from eating contaminated peanut butter, I am going to come back and kick some ass that way people would know of me as a pest and not as that kid who died from peanut butter.