West Charlotte

I will be living in West Charlotte for the summer, which is probably one of the best things that could of happen to me this year. Up until school starts, I will be crashing on Shane Travis's and Elijah Von Crammer's couch. The neighborhood I stay in is basically as close to getting into the "hood" without being in the "hood". Will it be interesting living there, most defiantly. Will it be a lot of fun, even more so.

While being there, I am highly looking forward to Elijah throwing house shows in his basement almost every weekend there. In that basement, will get to meet some of the most interesting kids living in the Charlotte area. Elijah currently has a deal with the owners of the Milestone, so his basement is even books for bands that come from places like New Orleans, New York and even Canada.

I also find it pretty funny on some peoples reactions when I tell them I am living in West Charlotte. The neighborhood I live in is not the best one, but in all honestly its not that bad. Don't get me wrong, there is some crime that is prevalent in that neighborhood. I actually heard one of there neighbors is responsible for shooting Waka Flocka when he came to Charlotte. Yet, despite the higher rate of crime, Shane told me once he actually enjoyed that neighbors there more so then suburban neighborhoods he has lived in. He says that you actually get to know your neighbors, and that the people living there are generally nicer and more hospitable then your traditional suburban.

Yes, don't get me wrong, it totally and completely sucks that me and my father had an extremely big falling out. Does having enough money for rent, gas, and macaroni and cheese suck. Hell yes it does? But at the same time I would most rather be "on my own", living off of great value pasta and pal mal cigarettes with friends, then being at my home in Huntersville at 22 years of age.

Regardless of the positives of my friend letting me stay there, It still is kind of depressing I don't have the finances to get my own place, but the fact that I will be living with two really cool and interesting people surely makes up for it.

Intro to Journalism Final Article - Music Lives Through Bill Hanna - The Profile of Bill Hanna

This is my Intro To Journalism Final Article. I originally wrote this back in December 2009. It is my oldest article I posted up here. Read it and Enjoy

Music Lives Through Bill Hanna

The Profile of Bill Hanna

On a cold and rainy December night, inspiring guitarist Andy Perez decided to venture to Uptown Charlotte to perform at the Double Door Inn. He has been at the Double Door a few times before to jam with some of Charlotte, North Carolina veteran jazz musicians. A few weeks ago he had technical difficulty with is guitar causing a less then satisfying performance. Hoping not to repeat that again tonight, Andy reaches for his guitar and steps on stage. During the set, he stayed on rhythm, progressed the correct chords, and his solos showcased his ability as a guitarist. There weren’t any technical difficulties with the amps, and his guitar stayed in tune. Overall it was a great performance on stage, making this the highlight of Andy’s week. But none of this could have been possible if it wasn’t for Charlotte’s God Father of Jazz, Bill Hanna.

Bill Hanna has lived an eventful life dedicated to music. Graduating from Mooresville High school in Mooresville North Carolina, he then went on to get his Bachelor’s degree in business from Davidson College. From there he earned a Masters degree in Music with and emphasis on trombone from Indiana University. For a time in his life, he was enlisted in the army. While in the army, Bill started playing in a Jazz band in 1955. It wasn’t until in the Army Jazz Band that Bill realized that music was going to be his life’s work.

Bill then played on the road performing with different musical acts. He has performed with the Stan Kennedy Band, the Woody Herman Band, and the Glen Miller Orchestra. Even during his days at Davidson College, he had a chance to s play a song with one of the most legionary Jazz musicians ever. “I sat in with Louis Armstrong once. One tune, a blues in B flat,” said Bill Hanna. For most of Bills life though, he has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina. While in Charlotte, he has performed for the circus, performances on ice, and the Charlotte Sympathy Orchestra for a period of seven years. He has been a member of several Rock, Country, Beach, and Jazz Big Bands. “I have done everything you can do musically,” said Hanna. For years now Bill has hosted a Jazz Jam at the Double Door Inn for up and coming musicians as well as veterans who have not been musically active for a while.

Bill’s love for music can be rooted to the fact he was born into a musical family. His parents meet when his father was auditioning for his mother’s band. They eventually married and had William Hanna on November 10, 1932 in Louisville Kentucky. His mother taught piano to Bill in the first and second grade. Then in the seventh grade, it was when his uncle introduced him to trombone. In elementary school, Bill decided to join the school band. Bill originally wanted to play the saxophone, but his band director caused him to switch instruments. Bill had a C melody saxophone, but his director kept giving him E flat sheet music. When Bill would try to play the parts for class, the music would end up sounding horrific. So his uncle introduced him to the trombone so that he could play that in band. “If my elementary school band director knew what a C melody sax was, I would be playing sax today,” said Hanna.

While being a musician, Bill Hanna is also a teacher. He has taught music for 50 years of his life now. For the first 30 years he would teach at various Jr. High and High school around Charlotte North Carolina. Then for the last 20 years, he has been teaching at Central Piedmont Community College. And at Central Piedmont community college, that is where Andy Perez was introduced to his Jazz improve instructor Bill Hanna. Bill chooses to teach others on music so that one day a younger generation would be able to achieve their dreams. Bill Hanna is an inspiration for a younger generation of musicians go out and to reach their potential. “Because he is such a good player, he want me to be that someday”, said Andy Perez. More than just scales and modes, Bill has taught his students something more important. “What counts is being you on stage. He encourages me to play Jazz as Andy Perez plays Jazz because Bill plays jazz as Bill,” said Perez.

Bill Hanna is a veteran when it comes to music, but he isn’t going to stop playing anytime soon. He keeps playing for his own personal reasons, not for the public. Music to Bill is something no one can ever master, because of that Bill only sees himself becoming a better musician every times he plays. “I love the way music feels, I love the way it sounds, I love the way it keeps you youthful.” And all of Bill Hanna success, achievements, influence to others some from his genuine passion for music. Bill Hanna is the perfect example of if you dedicate yourself for to something for so long; this is what you can one day become.

Why I love Quinton Gilling.

This post isn't going to be that funny/interesting unless you know Quinon Gilling personally. I'm just giving yall blog readers a fair warning.

Well, today I gave my friend Quinton a ride to his job at Nike Factory. I he gave me a place to crash tonight, so giving him a ride was the least to do. Well, during that car ride he said some of the honest, ironic, and funniest thing I heard in a while.

About 2 months ago, which was probably the last or second to last time I saw Q, he went up to me and busted out laughing saying I looked homeless while behind the check out counter at the Nike Factory.

Anyway, I wake up this morning to give him a ride to his job. We get inside my car and the first thing he says when he gets inside my car was why the "fuck is your car dirty, I don't have a car, but if i did, it would be spotless". My car was a bit dirty, but I just thought it was extremely ironic for him to complain about the conditioning my car. Not making excuses, but the well cleanest of my interior of my car of my car is the last thing on my mind the last few days. He went on to say that you need to get your whole "look" together. He then made a statement saying how I was wearing the same blue flannel that I was wearing the other day as well as the one seen in my Facebook picture, and I really need to get a since of style. I then explained to him that all my clothes are in my dads house and I was unable to get them before I left.

He replied with something like, I don't give a fuck. Present yourself with pride despite your situation no matter how "bad" it is. He is absolutely right for saying that.

I havn't really chilled with Q in months now because I been so busy with work, school ,and white girls thats its really hard to see many of my good friend on a regular basis. But the fact that he is still getting on me for how a dress, even while "I'm homeless", just remind me how some thing about people wont ever change. He been giving me bluntly honest advice about my style for the last four years, which I never take. I do admit my style has improved slightly, but not that much in his opinion.

In short. I just think its very ironic for someone to have a major pet peeve about someone looking homeless, when they are presently are.

Potential

The biggest epiphany I had in a while just clicked in my head. Nothing pisses off a loved one more then seeing them not applying themselves to their full potential. I'm not sure if this is common scene, or a life lesson each and everyone must learn the hard way, yet by understanding this truth about human nature makes understand how the "world spins" a little bit easier.

That is the Facebook statues I just posted up literally 5 minutes ago. About 30 minutes ago, I got off of work and I saw one of my friends outside Fox and the Hound smoking a cigarette. Of course I sat down with him like I usually do when I see a good friend hanging out at my work and started to chat.

I recently got kicked out of my house (Don't worry blog readers, I will eventually go into the long series of event leading up to this in a another post) a week ago. Anyway, I came to the conclusion the real reason why my dad forced me to be on my own with 60 dollars in my bank account and no place to sleep is because he trust me well enough to figure out how this world spins on my own. Is it fair that my dad did this to me? Hell no? But is at the same time it is very liberating knowing that he trust me well enough to think that I am able to hold a job well enough to pay for rent, gas, and everything else needed to live a normal life.

To days before I got kicked out of my house, I had a very interesting convocation with my dad. I upfront and told him that I am scared to death of the real world. We all should be though in our young 20's. I'm not scared to be fiscally independent or working for what I want to make me happy in life, I'm scared to fucking death knowing where my future will take me. I'm scared to death to take that "real job" which I am still busing my ass in college to achieve. In short, I am scared to death of utilizing my full potential because it is so easy to settle for mediocre.

My dad can be honestly a major bitch at times. And he is indeed a major ass hole at times. But despite his flaws that only me and my sister can truly see and truly, he is a very respectable person and I am blessed to have him raised me as a child.

But I'm not a child anymore. I'm not a "real" adult either. I'm in that transitioning period to reach that next step in life, whatever that is.

Yet, despite the feelings of liberation I have gained, it simply sucks being forced into the real world in such an irrational way on my dad's part. Being "homeless" isn't fun at all. Yet, it really isn't a big deal in the long steam of things. Several of my friends from Huntersville were placed in a similar sitationa and they worked themselves out out it. Knowing that my boys from the 'vill was in my same shoes a year ago and WORKED themselves to a position to be fiscally independent just makes me realize I can do the same as well.

How to be a Hipster - By Devin K Phillips

For the majority of American’s, there life style is pretty basic. What about the poor young urban demographic that doesn’t want to conform to that. Well, here is a step by step guide how not to conform to masses and into an independence motivated alternative lifestyle w

First off, to have alternative perspective to main stream culture, you will need to have the proper clothing to show that you just don’t want to conform. First you got to work from the bottom up and get a pair of Chuck Taylors or any type of skate shoe to wear. Jordan would make you look like your athletic, running shoes are just lame, and most people who wear boat shoes on a regular basis think that O.A.R. makes quality music. Note, bowling shoes can work in certain situation.

Now you must shop at thrift stores on a regular basis. The prices are cheap, but the real reason is that it is trendy to shop there. Also, shopping at thrift stores is “sticking it to the man” who run the evil corporate clothing giants. If you have the money (which you probably don’t) to shop at American Appeal do so. It is also acceptable to shop at Hot Topic at the mall if you mention that you loved coming here in back in the 8th grade every time you walk through the front entrance.

Now you must have a better music taste then anyone you know. To make that easy, follow the these 7 simple rules when it comes to music.

1 T - Try to listen to as many bands that rip off of Sonic youth as possible. It doesn’t matter if Sonic Youth music sounds like random noises; they were the most experimental band of the 80’s. And if you can name the most bands that copy that experimentation in their music, you’re gold. Remember, it doesn’t matter if you like the bands or not, just naming them is all that matters

- - Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison have to be on your top 10 list of artist. Why? There really is no reason. I do think they are a bit overrated, but there in my top ten list because its taboo if there not. It’s just good to be cliché at times.

- Think that Radiohead and Nirvana are the most influential bands of the 90’s. Whether or not that statement is true or not is not the case, it is clesay to say that about those bands, thus will make that repeative convocation easier

- Pretend to hate mainstream radio pop songs even though you know every lyric to the latest Rihanna songs when you’re driving in the car by yourself.

5 - - Go to a show in a dirty music venue every month. Even if you don’t like the band, go to a show anyway. If not, then the same people you scene at those music venues will think you are dead or something. Remember the smaller the better

- Have an overall general knowledge of hip hop better than the “Stereotypical African American” that is portrayed in the media. That includes underground rap artist, old school hip artist, and a hatred for anyone who rips off of Lil Wayne’s “Music”. Try to listen only authentic disenfranchised black man music like the Wu-Tang Clan, Dr. Dre, or Public Enemy. To be safe, I recommend keeping a copy of N.W.A’s straight out of Compton in your call at all times.

- - Love Dub Step. It’s new, underground and edgy. That’s enough of a reason to illegally download as many D.J.s as possible. Even though it might take you a few years to realize if you genially like it, or the fact the todays music is so horrible that you will cling to the first alternative presented.

Fo Follow these 7 rules, and your process of becoming a hipster can go a lot faster.

FAAlso, try to adjust your film watching as possible. Try to think that until Quinton Tarentino or Wes Anderson personally changed how films were directed in our generation. Try to watch as many movies who got nominated at the Sundance Film festive. Own a few old Clint Eastwood movies. Remember, the more black and white films you seen the better. Also, it is perfectly fine for you to Dress up and go to the latest Harry Potter or Twilight when it comes out in theaters. You should also think that Jonny Depp is the most creative actor in Hollywood. The more stereotypical action movies you watch on a regular basis, the alternative you appear. Note, if you think that Tim Bertin is equivalent to God, then your alternative film watching is set in stone.

For television, try to watch the least amount as possible. Since the main stream media totally sucks, then watching it will make you lame. If you do, I suggest watching from this small list of shows.

Try to watch a lot of adult cartoons, which include, South Park, Family Guy, Archer, or anything on Adult swim. For sitcoms, watch only Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia on a regular basis. The dumb satire on society is perfect for any skinny jean wearing, PBR drinking young adult. Plus Hipsters are supposed to be intelligent, so watch the educational programing that comes on The History Channel, The Travel Channel, The Discovery Channel, National Geographic or any program that makes you learn. You should be fine by watching anything on HBO or Showtime because they actually devote themselves to making quality programing.

Also, try to conform your reading as much as possible. I recommend reading Authors like Hunter. S. Thompson, Chuck Palahniuk, George Orwell or Allen Kinsey. The more books your read that satire the stupidity of society, the better.

You should also try not to be good at sports. Remember, if you were good at football or basketball in 8^th grade, you probably would have started focusing all your time on skateboarding, guitar, or trying to find pot. If you do play sports, try to make them as lest athletic as possible. I recommend disc golf, ultimate Frisbee, or just running.

Smoke Cigarettes. That is the second most hipster thing you can do. I recommend American Spirits, Camal Turkish Golds or Silvers. You gain quite a big of hipster points of you smoke hand rolled cigarettes.

Drink Pabst Blue Ribbon at least once a week. This is the most Hipster thing you can do. I repeat, this is the most Hipster thing you can do. It is the cheapest beer, and you’re probably broke. If they don’t drink Pabst on a regular basis, you use your hipster card A.S.A.P.

Follow these rules, and you will soon become conform to the anti-mainstream demographic of the “Hipster” subculture.

A scene of my screenplay "Lost on the way to cookout" - That is some Ignorant Shit

Devin

Andy, what the fuck are you doing here?

Andy

You know Jessy, the drummer, well I have a class with him and I told him I was doing stand-up, well, he said I can open for them with my 5 minute Act.

Devin

What the fuck man, why didn't you tell me you were coming here the other night at Luc’s. You could of car pooled with us.

Andy

Why didn't you tell me you were coming out tonight.

Devin

I though you stopped doing stand up since school started back up.

ANDY

I would talk longer, but I literally go on in fine minutes.

SHANE

I have never seen someone do stand up before a concert before.

DEVIN

It's a good idea.

SHANE

Yeah. So is Andy pretty good at stand up.

DEVIN

Yeah, he pretty good.I mean he no Dave Chapelle, but he pretty damn funny.

Shane and Devin then stand around talking about stuff for a few more minutes until they seen Andy get on stage.

DEVIN

(While yelling)

Andy Perez, I want your babies.

SHANE

(While yelling)

Devin, stop telling the whole world your gay

DEVIN

Fuck you.

Andy then walks up to the microphone and starts talking

Andy

OK, my name is Andy Perez, and I’m about to do some stand-up comedy.

Crowd

Yeah!!!!

Andy

I know yall came for music, but I’m about to make yall laugh. I want to thank Jessy for letting me come up here for them. So how many of yall love Lucky Five.

Crowd

Yeah!!!

Andy

You know Lucky 5 is from Charlotte. And I honestly love Charlotte North Carolina. Can I get some love for Charlotte, North Carolina?

Crowd

(Cheers)

Andy

But how many of yall are actually from Charlotte.

Crowd

(Crowd laughs)

Andy

So let me tell you something. I lived in Charlotte my whole life. And one thing I realized is that when all the new comers come around here, they only show them the good part of town. They show you uptown, the south end, lake Norman, the speed park, but they always seem to avoid the bad areas. Especially if your white.

Crowd

(Laughs)

Andy

Well, I decided to come up with a new game, it’s called find the white people on Beaties ford road. What you do is you drive up and down it, and you could all the white people you see. So far the highest I got was 5.

Crowd Laughs with a good reaction.

Devin

I told you he pretty funny.

Shane

Yeah, he’s good.

Andy

Yeah….I love black people though. I just love the welfare I have to pay to support them. Really, my families goes out and out to pay thousands of dollars go to college, get a degree, and get a job to just pay for their shit.

Crowd Laughs a lot less.

Andy

Really, and they don’t even save that money. Believe me, I know, I’m Jewish, they just spend it on the craziest things.

Crowd starts laughing a little less.

Andy

Really, all that money goes to trying to start a record label, shit for their bad car, or some type of substance. Again, I love black people, If I could spend other people money on alcohol and Newport’s I would be quite happy as well.

Crowd stops laughing a lot less.

Andy

Really. And let’s talk about Newport’s, every time a black guys ask me for a cig, he ask me for a Newport. And I’m like, if you’re gonna smoke, why not a good cigarette, not some cheap menthol shit.

Random Guy in Crowd

Hey shut the fuck up.

Andy

I’m sorry, but really when you think about it. I don’t stereotype, but a lot of them are based off of truth. Every time I walk into a Bojangles, all the workers are black.

Random Guy #2

Yo, that is some ignorant shit you are saying.

Random Guy #3

Yeah, fuck you you wanna be Michael Richards.

Members in the crowd then cheer.

Andy

I mean, I’m only telling jokes, I’m not...

Random Guy #4

Fuck you man, that was pretty racist.

Random Guy #5

Like, that really was some ignorant shit.Andy then runs off the stage.

Devin

Dude you OK man.

Andy

I need to go to the bathroom man.

Devin

Yo, talk to me man, I know you not.

Andy

No, I really need to go to the bathroom. I think I sharted up there, and….

Devin

Dude, what you are trying to say?

Andy

Dude, like I’ll talk to you later.

Andy then walks into the Bathroom.

Devin

I hope Andy is fine.

Shane

He will be, I mean the jokes were off putting, but the crowd didn’t have to say that shit.

Devin

Lets get back up to the stage

Devin and Shane then walk back up front.

Marquis

OK my babies,my babies. Let's calm down a little bit. My babies my babies, just calm down. Let’s get ready for some music.

Marquis

Yeah, yall came for some music right. Well, let’s play some music. Well, let’s get into some of our new songs.

Scene then goes into them playing one of their new songs (5 minutes of music to showcase one of lucky fives songs.

Marquis

Alright, what did yall think that that one. Yall loved it right!!!!

Crowd Cheers. But then you hear a lone voice in the crowd.

Heckler

Yo, you suck.

Marquis

Who the fucked said that.

Heckler

It was me.

Marquis

Oh you mother fucker. You come down here to my music show, and you say we suck. Man I should smack that white off your cracker ass.

Heckler

I don’t feel like embarrassing you anymore tonight. But if I have to, Ill beat the shit out of you Ray Charles.

Marquis

Oh you mother fucker, I’m gonna come down there and beat the shit out of you. You know where I’m from,…..Ohio mother fucker. Mother fuckin Ohio, and we do shit different there then in the South.

Band then crowd around marquis to calm him down.

Heckler

What are you gonna do you fuckin fagot. Look at Elton John up there singing his little songs then fuckin some random guy after this show.

Marquis

No, No, you think I’m all happy go lucky on the piano I forgot to beat a nigga’s ass. I can beat a nigga’s ass. You don’t know me. Not of yall fuckin know me. Fuck with Nash, Ill beat your fuckin ass. They used to call me blood motha fucka. Blood I say, blood.

Marquis

(Sounding like a dog)

Arf Arf

Marquis

Now kiss my black ass.

Marquis then shows his ass, then runs off then runs off the stage.

Shane

Dude, what the fuck is going on man. I never have seen you react like that to a dude in the crowd.

Marquis

Oh man. That was just an act.

Shane

Huh.

Marquis

Well, yeah, I just cussed out some random buy, but I’m not seriously pissed. Me and the band at Monaray's not to long ago, and I need to take a massive shit.

Shane

Are you fucking serious?

Marquis

Yeah, I whispered it to their ears just now. But dude, I can’t talk, l just got these pants the other day.

Marquis then runs into the bathroom. Andy is the seen coming out.

Devin

Dude, are you straight. And why are you holding your shirt.

Andy

I don’t want to talk about it.

Devin

Did you just...

Andy

Dude, I’m just gonna go home.

Devin

I’ll see you at Luc’s later this week.

Andy

I'll let you know.

Then the manager of the Tremont music venue comes onto the state. He walks up to the microphone and makes an announcement.

Manager

Due to some unexpected events, we are just gonna let the next band go on now. Please stay around and enjoy the rest of the music.

Devin

Well man, you trying to leave

Shane

Yeah.

Devin

Well, what do you want to do?

Shane

Well, do you want to go straight to cook out?

Devin

Do you know how to get to one from here?

Shane

Yeah….I can find one around Tremont. Then I’ll drop you back off at home.

Shane

Will do.

Shane and Devin then walks out the door. Camera then turns to Marqus walking out the bathroom.

Marquis

That was the biggest shit I have ever taken in my entire fucking life.

An Article For My Political Journalism Class - Freedom Lives through Lon Cecil

I originally wrote this after Interviewing Lon Cecil, the Libertarian canadite for the United States house of Representatives in North Carolina on Oct. 28 . He was one of the most interesting people I ever interviewed, and this was a very enjoyable article for me to write. I hope you enjoy reading

Freedom Lives through Lon Cecil

Politics can be a nasty game for anyone who chooses to become a part of it. What makes it harder to play in this game today is if you not a part of one of the two main parties. Well, Lon Cecil is one of the few Politicians today who runs with an honest campaign for a contender who probably isn’t going to achieve victory. Then why would someone spend the last few months campaigning and advertising on what is most likely is an impossible victory. Well, for Lon Cecil and many other Libertarian Canadians in the U. S. today, their passion in their political, social, and moral ideology is too strong for them to not become a new voice in
American politics.

The Libertarian Party of the United States is currently the third largest party in the United States. The platform of the party is libertarianism, which favors strong civil rights, a unregulated capitalistic market system, and nonintervention in foreign policy that freedom of trade and travel to any foreign country. There are currently 250,000 thousands in 30 states who are registered with the party. While taking that ideology to heart, Lon Cecil wishes to be the next one elected under his party banner into office.

Lon Cecil was born in 1946 to a working class family in Ada Oklahoma. Like many other Americans who were coming of age in the 1960’s, he spent two years fighting for his country in Vietnam. “It had a lot of influence on me personally. I was not a volunteer, I was drafted in 1969. It was off to boot camp, then training. For me Vietnam was an eye opening experience”, said Cecil about his tour in Vietnam.

After finish is tour overseas, he graduated with an engineering degree from Oklahoma State University in 1972. The majority of his life was concentrated in his career which he helped small and large business develops consumer electronics. While in the work force he used his creativity to innovate many different types of electronics. “I developed a wireless home alarm system in the 1970’s. I develop a device to help people start a small inventory stock. That they sued as a bar cord reader. I have a patent. Some of the other develop were sprit horns. They were manufactured in the United Stated. All American made. It was pure manufacturing economy.”

Sadly though, in 2009, his wife died after 37 years of marriage. “It changed a lot of things around my life. I don’t have children. Now the family is down to me and the three dogs.” Living through the tragedy of his wife death, Lon then decided to run for the North Carolina in district 12.

The majority Lon’s platform stems are based on the fact that America is designed to be a self-sufficient nation. Anyone living in America can succeed in this country if they have the perseverance and sheer will power to do so. For Lon, individual responsibility is a key motivation behind is reasons for running. “I was first and for most interested in individual responsibility. You pretty much think you should take care of yourself and your family. Relining on the state for things is irreverent. We want to minimize government. Minimize government taxes. We hate large amounts of government intervention,” said Cecil. Cecil campaign platform is a complex one then is Democrat or Republican counterparts. He thinks that high taxes and government intervention are two things are country needs to get rid of. “We are spending money that our grandchildren are going to have to pay off,” said Cecil. He is for the reform of many drug laws in America right now. “We look at the drug laws as establish control,” said Cecil. Cecil feels the current drug war we are in concerns a lot of federal resources. It gives other countries support there economy. He feels that if medical marijuana were legalized, it would be a great source of tax revenue. “It would comply dry out the illegal market in the United States, said Cecil.

He also supports the closing of the borders of the United States to help control illegal immigration. He is also against the Patriot Act, which was put into effect during the Bush Administration. “Get rid of it completely. It is a great intrusion of our personal freedoms,” said Cecil. And not only does he support ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, he wishes that the U.S military bring home the troops that are currently station in Japan, Germany, and Korea.

Cecil is currently running against Congressman Mel Watt, which is a hardcore Democrat. He has been the incumbent representative for the last 18 years in district 12. “He has done a very effective job for voting for every tax in the last 18 months,” said Cecil. Cecil feels that the people of North Carolina want to see the bush tax cuts increase. He also thinks that many feel the health care bill that Watt supported was the wrong direction that the United States is taking. “It is very good plan to bankrupt way to bankrupt up us,” said Cecil. The republican candidate that Cecil is running against is presently Greg Dority.

It honestly does it take a great amount of effort for a part of a third party system in America. We currently live in a two party system in which the chance for a third party victory is at a strong statistical disadvantage. Currently in almost every election the clear cut winner is either a Democrats or a Republican. And many times a third party often not even recognized. Cecil struggles with that disadvantage in his current election. “We have just been ignored. Libertarian, greens, conservatives, and any of the other party”, said Cecil. While becoming a strong third party is a difficult task for Libertarians, it is something the ones who agree with the ideology think that it is necessary to do put up with. “It’s difficult. It’s frustrated. It’s in many ways it’s discriminating,” said Cecil. Hopefully in time, Cecil feels that this taboo against a third party will be reversed.

Lon Cecil’s campaign is proves that libertarian party is a grass roots movement. It’s small in size, and many times their cannonades only run so that the major parties can change their statues on issues slightly.

The Libertarian Party was formed in the United States in late 1971 because of the controversy surrounded by the Vietnam War as well as the plea to get American monetary system back on the gold standard. In the last 40 years though, the party continued to grow. And by 2009, 146 libertarians were holding elected offices throughout the United States. Individuals like Lon Cecil want to continue the dream of the Libertarian philosophy by presently running for office in late 2010. Only time will tell though, how Cecil and others will change the United States of America.

A scene of my screenplay "Lost on the way to cookout" - The American Dream

Here is another scene from my screenplay of lost on the way to cookout. It has some of the best dialog in the film. Read it and enjoy.

The scene starts off again with Shane and Devin sitting at a waffle house dinner. A older looking waitress walk up to their table

Waitress

Do yall need any more drinks

Shane

Yeah, another coke will do.

Waitress

With Vanilla

Shane

Yep

Devin

I’ll have some water instead of a coke.

Waitress

Ok, be right back.

Devin

So, what do you think the American Dream is about?

Shane

I guess the cheesy answer would be have a Job, a wife, two kids, and a white picket fence with a Dog running in the back of it.

Devin

Really

Shane

No, I guess it’s more than that. Maybe it’s the fact that anyone can come to this country and succeed and make a better life. You know the stereotypical Ellis Island Immigrants coming to New York City. You know, leave your poor home country, move into a tenements slum, and work your way so that you kids and grandkids can live in freedom.

Devin

Maybe. But those immigrants faced so much racism. The Irish had it bad, as bad as the black at the time in some places. You don’t think the Italians and Polish faced discrimination at the turn of the century.

Shane

They did, but still they came here because the conditions here were better southern or Eastern Europe. Or any country at the least.

Devin

If you say so. Look at the story of Tony Montano.

Shane

Huh?

Devin

Tony Montano from Scarface. Probably the best crime movie ever made other than the godfather. That explains the American Dream when you think about it.

Shane

I say Goodfellas, but please continue.

Devin

Well, Tony Montano came off a boat to America with literally nothing in his pockets wanting a better life. That poor Cuban immigrant worked his way, selling drugs and killing people, but work his way to the top from being some type of errand boy to a drug king pin. Working your way to the top. Sounds like the American dream right there.

Shane

Yeah, but did he do it honestly, no. Maybe it is to work your way to the top, but do it the honest way.

Devin

I can agree with you there.

Shane

Like, a young kid, going to college, getting a good job, and then owning his own business. That’s the American dream.

Waitress then comes back into the room.

Waitress

Here is your vanilla coke, and here is your water

Devin and Shane (at the same time)

Thanks

Waitress

No problem

Devin

But those business can prevent others from reaching there.

Shane

Huh?

Devin

Yeah, but if you have too well of a business, you prevent others from having a good living.

Shane

Well, that’s why I don’t like capitalism.

Devin

Yeah, that’s why I don’t like it either. Why, because a lot of those business sometimes take advantage of the American people just for profit.

Shane

Well, some do, some don’t. Who knows?

Devin

You have whole industries dedicated to take advantage of the American people. Look at the pharmaceutical industry. Do you really thing that all those millions of people need those psychiatric meds??? Honestly I only think 5% of all those people on them really need it.

Shane

I agree. What about the military industrial complex. The United States spends more money on the Department of defense than any other governmental agency.

Devin

War makes money, WWII got us out of the depression.

Shane

True, so true.

Devin

But is that right, having a business out of killing people. Well, I would say killing people. But if we stopped investing in our military, the economy would fall to greater shit then it is now.

Shane

Yeah, I guess that’s true. But still, when is the line cross. I’m sorry, but we should of never went to Iraq in the first place, did we really have to stay in Afghanistan so long. Why are we still in Germany, why are we still in Japan, hell, why do we even have bases over seas.

Devin

They create jobs….Duh……well, other reasons and security purposes. But sad to say, an ugly truth is that we would invest so much money into a military if it wasn’t for jobs. What it comes down to how politics or anything works is money. People want enough money to make a good living. If you can’t do that, you probably don’t like the government.

Shane

You don’t like our government.

Devin

I don’t. I like the consultation. But then people argue how you read it and everything, and that’s a whole different story.

Shane

What it comes down to, if you have money, you usually vote republican, you don’t you usually vote democratic. Yes, religion plays an issue it a lot of times, race to a point I guess, and special interest as well. But for most people, people vote by their bank accounts. One help out upper middle and wealth class, the other is lower middle and poor. Guess which one I fall into to.

Devin

The same one as me.

Shane

Which is.

Devin

The very few ones, who look at all sides of an issue, argue why they do the things they do. But how we different is that we see all sides of the issue, and the end of the day we consume all sides have more flaws than good. So we just don’t pick one.

Shane

So I guess were just kids with opinions about shit.

Devin

Yep. That sounds about right.

Shane

I like that, were just kids with opinions about shit.

Watress then walks up to them handing them their checks.

Devin

Thanks

Shane

Sorry for just sitting here for the last. few hours, it been an eventful night, and we just wanted to relax.

Watress

It’s all good huh, yall are perfectly fine. Most people here this time of night are drunk as hell or on something. (While chuckling) I’m kind of surprised young guys like you are sober coming into here this time of night.

Shane

Waffle house is known for their drunken cliental.

Waitress

Tell me about it. A guy last week puked on that table over there. He was 30 some years old talking about the strip club he was just at, projective vomits all over that wall, and his buddy just leave the cash on the table and leave out here laughing…….Ugh.

Devin

That really sucks. I wouldn’t of wanted to clean that mess up.

Watress

(WHILE LAUGHING)

Oh hell no, I made the new girl clean it up. Come in smart talking me….ugh. But have seen worst working here. The 15 year old gang fight was tops them all. A bunch of middle schoolers come up in the parking lot and start fighting, I watched for a while before calling the cops. It was actually quite entertaining watching it. One of those guys pants kept falling down to the ground, and they had the worst insults for each other. It was one of the worst fights I ever seen.I almost laugh when I was talking to the cop during the police report.

Shane

That does sound kind of funny.

Waitress

It was honestly

Waitress then walks off back behind the waffle house counter.

Shane

I’m just fucking tired of being broke. I’m tired of dead end jobs. I want an opportunity to make something for myself. I want to do graphic design, but that takes money to start doing. Everything takes money. I guess I wouldn’t be so anti-capitalism if I feel like I could succeed with it. And capitalism does that best if your do it right. Capitalism does give people money purse their dreams more than any other ideology. It’s Pandora box, everything is Pandora box.

Devin

Fuck money. Money is the root of all evil.

Shane

No, the pursuit of money is the root of all evil.

Devin

True, but if the pursuit of money is the root of all evil, and capitalism is about making the most money. Is capitalism evil?

Shane

No, I don’t understand how an ideology can be evil, it’s impossible. People are evil. Look at Socialism with Hitler. Communism speaks for itself. I don’t even know what a society would look like if everyone was an anarchist, but I’m sure one of them would be evil.

Devin

(While laughing)

I can’t even define that word and I tell people I’m one.

Shane

I can’t really either. I guess though capitalism is good when it helps people work for a happy life. But it isn’t working for me right now. So many people get trapped in the Irish ghettos of Boston, the Mexican ones of L.A. The poor in West Virginia. The south side of Chicago. Shit, look how fucked up Hidden Valley is here in Charlotte. What about those people. What about them.

Devin

Yeah, things do suck for people living here. People sometimes have to work 3 times as hard to succeed in this country. And it not fair for the people who have to. It’s just not fair.

Shane

Its sad to say, but life isn’t fair …. It could be so much worst for us. We could be living in Haiti, or Sudan.

Devin

Yeah, living in Dafur would completely stuck.….and you know what’s funny, people work there ass off over there to come to America for school. We kind of take that shit granted. I know do.

Shane

Don’t feel bad, it’s a generational thing.

Devin

I guess so.

Shane

You ready to leave now.

Devin

Yeah, can you drop me back off, I have work later in the day.

Shane and Devin Walk outside and sees the Waitress about to smoke a cigarette

Waitress

Fuck, do yall have a lighter I can borrow.

Shane

HERE

Waitress

I overheard what yall been talking about for the last hour, and to answer your question, the American Dream is simply about being free. Freedom is the greatest liberty. And self sufficiency is the greatest freedom. But what is difficult to understand is that freedom isn’t free. I swear to god I hear young kids like you have convocations like this every single night. Talking about any and everything. Believe me, I’m glad yall are socially aware. That better then 90 percent of kids your age. But what are yall doing to change things….jack shit. Wanna know why, I was just like you 2 when I was your age. I was half way to Woodstock before I realized it would of cost me and my 2 best friends every last dime I had to make it there with the cost of gas, food, and drugs. You think I didn’t have convocations like these before, fuck, this is all me and my counter culture friends did. Yall are only 21 years old, yall are supposed to be lost. Confused. Not knowing what you are supposed to do for your life. And if you did, that would kind take the fun out of it.I used work at the best bank in Greensboro and could have moved up if I wanted to, but I decided I had a passion for nursing. I got to be in the peace core for 2 years in Argentina before coming back home. I got a job at a different bank and met someone one night with some co workers. Then I wanted to settle down. Get married, have kids, a white picket fence, and have a family. I lift that job to work at Denny’s because it was less stressful and I could and my friend would visit me at work. Kids got older, got divorced, and then remarried. I then retired, got bored, and started working here because I am a night owl and this keeps me busy. Yall are intelligent young kids, but yall don’t know jack shit about how the world spins. Yall have so much more to experience and with experience comes wisdom, and all that will come with time. Just give it time, I still learn things every day and I’m 67. The best advice I ever heard was from this security guard back when I went to school, and it was just realize you don’t know shit about anything. I love ya’ll naive punks because I was just like you 40 years ago. I gotta go back inside now, fuckin have to clean the store a bit before the morning shift gets on. Here’s your lighter back huh. Yall take care now.

THE WAITRESS THEN WALKS BACK INSIDE THE WAFFLE HOUSE

Shane

Damn.

Devin

I just don't know what to think after hearing that

Shane

Yeah.

Business Journalism Final: Personal Pride over Profit: The Shops of the Oak Street Mill Village

This is my final paper for my Business Journalism Class. Originally written on May 3, 2010, its one of the most enjoyable articles I ever written. Read it and enjoy.

Personal Pride over Profit:

The Shops of the Oak Street Mill Village

When Nan Fabio drives off to work every morning, she passes the same chain stores each day. She passes by two Mc Donald’s, three Starbucks, a Staples, a Best Buy, a Wal-mart, as well as hundreds other nationally known stores that are notorious placed around many of Lake Norman’s strip malls. While there is no wrong in large corporations providing their services to the Lake Norman community, many residences want some local flair in their shopping experience. Nan Fabio, as well as other small business owners that occupy the Oak Street Mall Village, are attempting to develop an alternative shopping experience to typical “Big Box” corporate franchises.

Hidden from the primary roads of Cornelius North Carolina, The Oak Street Mill Village is located behind the Cornelius Police Station off of East Catawba Ave. and the Rite Aid Pharmacy of Old Statesville Rd. The complex happens to be Cornelius oldest mill, which was build around the year 1910. Originally used for the production Jim Yarns Cotton, the 100 year old building gives the shopping complex a vintage atmosphere that is difficult to find in the Lake Norman area. The majority of the stores there are small business. The stores there include a few small jewelry/novelty stores, art galleries and studios, and even an antique store. While it is difficult for a business to succeed in this economy, the motive behind the success these small businesses is a byproduct of the old fashion way of investing in the individual’s customer. Although these businesses are creating a profit, they are doing so by investing their time back into their community.

The flag ship store of the complex is the Oak Street Mill. Being the first business in the Oak Street Mill complex, they were the drawing card for other business to invest here. Owned and operated by Nan Fabio, The Oak Street Mill has been dealing antiques and collectables for over 10 years now. The majority of her customers hear of her business by word of mouth. The majority of the venders live within a 30 minute radius of the store thus cause the profits made by them to be reinvested back into the community. Nan Fabio doesn’t have her business to produce a profit. She is retired, and operates her business because dealing antiques is her passion in life. Nan Fabio prides herself by saying that the Oak Street Mill gives her customers the experience of shopping therapy that you can get from shopping at the mall.

The Cornelius Art Gallery is also one of the main retailers of the complex. The Cornelius Art Gallery provides programs for anyone older than 18 months by providing an atmosphere to learn about arts and culture for all abilities and skill levels. They are working with the Town of Cornelius to develop the community arts project, a nonprofit organization which tries to increase awareness of the arts for the Lake Norman Community. It gives people a social network for individuals to see each other every day. The center provides a retail boutique that sells the work of local artist. By having a community art center in the Oak Street Mill, they are giving a service that benefits the community as a whole, rather than the back accounts of the owners in charge.

The newest project of the Oak Street Mill is the Carolina Art Garden. Owned and operated by David Austin, the Carolina Art Garden is attempting to become a haven for local artist to showcase here talent in the Lake Norman Area. Most of the artists they display are located in North and South Carolina. While still in the process of construction, Carolina Art Garden is planning on having a wine shop, coffee bar, as well as having live music and poetry reading on a regular basic once in operation. This project is attempting to bring the atmosphere found in NoDa (Acronym for North of Davidson Street, which is the unofficial arts district of Charlotte North Carolina) to the northern side of Mecklenburg Country. Austin feels that it is important to have a local arts scene in the Lake Norman Community. “When you take home an item, you have more than just the item. You have the emotions, the feelings; the history of who the work that was created,” said Austin. He also feels that local small business give our community a deeper since of pride. “If all we have is big box stores, we lose our identity. And really is an experience of who we are, and our community,” said Austin.

While these stores are small business that are trying to operate in a struggling economy, there model of achieving success is something that isn’t seen that often anymore. A since community is being lost because of corporate franchises replacing the mom and pop stores that would give a town its identity. These small businesses though give Cornelius a little more character then your every day box store. They are bringing pride back into the local community. These stores are giving local individuals a place for them to showcase their talent. They owners operate their business not for the profit that will be generated, but that they genially love the product they care about. The motive to improve the local community though is a noble and respectable business philosophy. And the lack of a humanistic mindset in business could be hurting American businesses more than the profits lost in this recession. The funny thing though, these individuals are doing jobs they love which they would do for free, but just happen to get paid a salary to the work.

The Controversy over Cannabis

This is the article I wrote for my final in my Advance News Reporting class. Its about one of my favorite subjects. I tried to make it as unbais as possible. I hope you enjoy it.

The Controversy over Cannabis

What comes to mind when one hears word Marijuana. The nicknames it has, the crime it causes, or the culture devoted around it .The drug that could be found in every city in America. Is it the “Devil’s Plant” that is a gateway drug to harder stuff, or is it an herbal used for healing purposes? The majority of American has admitted to being around Marijuana at some point in their life, and a significant percentage Americans have claimed to smoke it on a regular basis before. It is the same thing that funds international drug trades as well as peaceful counter culture music festivals. The drastic difference in perception of marijuana has caused many states to attempt reforming the laws regulating the cash crop of Cannabis Sativa.

For the majority who to smoke it used it to get a “high” sensation. That is done because of THC, which is the main chemical that is found in marijuana. Usually THC had to get into the body through into the body through smoking it. THC acts upon specific sites in the brain, called cannabinoid receptors which can leads to the "high" sensation. In most cases, the demographic that partakes in it the most are individuals in their late teens to their mid-20’s. It is common to find around a University setting, were many students at the University of Charlotte have mixed opinions of the drug.

“I personally don’t smoke”, said Paige Bicket, who is currently attending the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. “It smells bad, and in my personal experience it makes people lazier and absent minded.”

Other students have a more positive image of the drug.

“It makes people peaceful. It brings people together. And it’s medicinal,” said Rebecca Miasto, another University of North Carolina at Charlotte student.

Compared to the effects of cigarettes or alcohol, marijuana is surprisingly safe. In a recent case study, scientist found no positive associations between marijuana use and lung, upper respiratory or upper digestive tract cancers. That is in great contrast to the strong association of tobacco to lung and other cancers. That does not mean that marijuana doesn’t have its negative side effects. Not surprisingly, intoxication caused by marijuana has led to distorted perceptions, impaired coordination, difficulty with thinking and problem-solving, and problems with learning and memory. A number of studies have shown an association between chronic marijuana use and increased rates of anxiety, depression, and schizophrenia and other mental illnesses.

The majority of the public feels that it is currently illegal is mostly due to the crime produced through the trafficking of marijuana. The crime caused through the drug trade is near impossible to prevent in American Society. The drug has been used to fund an international drug trade that affects millions of Americans life. The high street value of the drug can cause rival gangs to kill each on the streets of major cities. The smuggling of is sometimes why a small percentage of illegal immigrants come into this country.

At the same time many fell that the laws regulating it are too unfair. The prisons are over crowed for individuals who have one or two minor drug offences, thus forcing individuals who have done more serious crimes to be back onto the streets. Many feel that if the laws were reform, the crime surrounding it will be decreased.

Recently in California, and effort has been made to help reform marijuana laws. On November 2, 2010, the residents of California were giving the option to vote on marijuana laws. If it would if passed, it would have legalized various marijuana-related activities. That in turn would allow the local governments to regulate these activities as well as impose and collect cannabis-related taxes. Proponents of Proposition 19 argued that it would help with California's budget shortfall, which is the state that accumulated the largest amount of debt in the United States. The act was voted down by a close vote of 53.7% of the population voting no to the act.

Currently in North Carolina there have been a few measure being placed to reform marijuana laws. The last one was the North Carolina Medical Marijuana Act. In summary, the proposed law state that a qualified patient or caregiver shall not be subject to arrest, prosecution, or penalty in any manner, or denied any right or privilege if the possession of or the medical use of marijuana if the quantity of marijuana does not exceed an adequate supply. The bill was passed in the first reading in the House and referred to the Committee on Health on Apr. 13, 2009. The bill is still currently pending in legislation.

University of North Carolina Students has mixed opinions about reforming the laws of marijuana.

“I’m from Maine where they have modern dispensaries. I think that if they make it less intense. It will be harder to monitor”, said Allie Bifulo, another University of North Carolina at Charlotte attended. “It would make it easier to find loop holes in the system.”

“They haven’t been updated since the 1970’s. So how do you think I feel,” said Miesto sacristy. “You can get thrown in jail for possession or longer then someone who raped someone. There is no logic behind it.”

But students still feel that there will be negative consequences if the laws were reformed.

“It’s a Gateway Drug”, said Lucas Baker. “Like it or not, marijuana use leads to harder drugs including prescription pills, cocaine, and even heroin.”

Some are even apathetic when it comes to reforming the laws regarding Marijuana.

“I don’t feel particular strong either way.” said Bicket.

The debates over the reforming the marijuana laws is going to be a long, slow process.. Many progressive minded people want the reforms to start taking into effect in California, North Carolina and other states. Yet, more rational individual’s fells want the present laws hold strong for many years to come. One can only guess what the effects of crime and the economic potential will be if the laws were reformed. The only that can tell what will happen with the controversy over the illegalization of Marijuana is time.

A scene of my screenplay "Lost on the way to cookout" - Elijah and Erin Argument.

This is honestly one of my favorite scenes I written in my movie. I personally think this has some of the best dialog in all of the movie. The Scene Sets up with Shane and Devin getting out of Shane’s car and walking up to the front door. They soon hear Erin and Elijah arguing in their back yard. They stop to watch the argument out of sight from the feuding couple.

Devin

I can’t believe you forgot to bring my 3 dvds, 2 books, and my had. You would. I texted you an hour before we met up and you said you would. You really didn’t have to drive out of your way to get it.

Shane

It was only 20 minutes out of the way. Plus I owe you.

Devin

If it was any other person I would be pissed. But since you are known to do shit like this, it’s cool. In all honestly, if you didn’t forget my shit you had for the last 6 months I would be pissed at you because something would of happened to my friend. It just would have been you.

Shane

Thanks. I guess

Devin

No problem. Dude, do you hear that.Shane and Devin Then walk around the corner of the house. The two of them then see Erin and Elijah having an argument.

Erin

Listen to Me. I said listen to me. I want to help you. I understand what you’re going through

Elijah

How do you understand? You have had a perfect life. You have had a perfect private school education, lived in a half million dollar house with a white picket fence, both parents have professional jobs. You have a boat and a cabin. A fuckin cabin!!!! What do you know about being broke your whole life. Nothing, I been through worst. I’m only gonna be homeless for 2 weeks. Then I’m moving in with some old friends from high school. They have the money for my rent for a month, and once my inheritance money comes through. I’m good. From then with the money from my job I’m set. Erin. I know your religious and you feel you need to help me out. But you don’t have to. I don’t want you to. You know I don’t like hand outs.

Erin

I know you’ll be fine. But as of know you are about to be homeless. Your about to be fuckin homeless. FUCKING HOMELESS!!!!!!!!

Elijah

All just crash on random friends’ houses for 2 weeks, or just sleep in my car a few days….I’ll be fine.

Erin

Your telling me is that you would rather sleep in your car then crash on our couch because my parents have money. And you don’t think I won’t understand your situation. You would always make smart marks about my religion. And I took it for a grain of salt.

Elijah

I just don’t like religion that much.

Erin

I’m a Christian first. A God Damn Christian. And yes I am religious, and there are flaws in my religion like with any ideology. And I do know that. And you are fucking retarded if you didn’t think I didn’t know it. I have hour’s worth of that convocation with my pastor about how Christianity is hypocritical in some ways. But that’s the religious aspect of it. But what being a Christian is being about is loving your neighbor and helping your fellow man, and being a good person. And you are too fucking independent to except help out because you think people are pitying you. People are trying to help you and you are taking it for granted. I just don’t understand why. You would do the same for someone else. I have seen you do it. That’s why I offered. I just don’t understand why you have to be so god damn independent all the time. Why can’t you except help. We been hanging out for a while, and basically dating without that stupid fucking Facebook label. I just don’t understand why you can’t except help

Elijah

You want to know why it’s hard for me to except help from you. You want to know why I am so fucking Independent. Why I am so against organized religion. Why I hate any type of government. Why I hate the media. Why I despise capitalism with a passion. You want to know why I have those core beliefs?

Erin

Why

Elijah

Because it’s hard to have faith in something you can’t control. Yeah it might sometimes help you, but if you keep getting fucked over by life it’s hard to. It’s so hard to. It is hard because I can’t trust anything that’s greater then myself. You don’t understand. You don’t fucking understand how alone I feel in this world. You will never understand how alone I feel in this world. I feel the whole world is against me. Erin. Ever since a young age I felt my family didn’t love me. And that hurt. To feel your caregivers not being there or you at such a young age would make anyone feel like a complete piece of shit.

Erin

You can’t tell me about it. Tell me about your family. Please do. Open the fuck up. Tell me about your life. I’m tired of you thinking I will never take you serious because I came from a good family with money. Money doesn’t mean shit. Want to hear about my dad. My dad cheated on my mom for a yeah, and do you know what my mom did. She hid it. She hid it from everyone because it would have made the family look bad. Yeah my dad loves her and regrets what he done, but not after my mom got into oxycotton, and it was bad.

ELIJAH

Your mom was on Oxycotton! I didn’t know that.

Erin

Yes, yes she was, and I had to go to school every single day seeing my mom slowly drown the pain from what my dad did inside. And I couldn’t tell anyone. The only person I told was this nerdy and awkward kid who people just give him the chance to know, and that kid is the reason why I am sane today. We were actually good friends. We were the only juniors in photo II, so we were forced to work together. He would show let me borrow these dvds he had like Resevor Dogs or and introduced me to bands like the Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and I loved it. The kids I hung out though never would do that for me. We would have relationships because we had mutual friends, and it was just convent to date.

Elijah

That just sounds stupid

Erin

Yeah, the very concept of it is retarded. I know, I would go to these parties every weekend with the same people, at lunch every day with the same kids and have the same boring convocations for 4 years. They were argent and judgmental. And in all honestly I was only really close to like 5 of them and the rest we literally just there. And I didn’t like half of them because of all the drama of who fucked who and who said what, but they never knew. No one ever knew who liked who outside that close inner circle of that 5. But I couldn’t open up to that 5 out of fear of what they would say.

Elijah

So you didn’t know the people you hung out every day were your real friends.

Erin

Yeah, at the time I didn’t. I later found out that the majority of them were going through some extreme shit, but that wasn’t until my freshman year of college. I was alone all throughout high school, but I had to mask it out of fear of frivolous shit. You were alone, but you didn’t hide it. You took pride in it. And that’s why people love you. That’s why I respect you. You walk around wearing old shirts and your worn pants with confidence.You had the freedom to express what you felt inside.That is something I wish I had. Now open up to me an show me the real you. show me the real you

Elijah

What are you talking about.

ERIN

Open up. Tell me what made you you.

ELIJAH

I don't know what to tell you.

ERIN

Tell me about your family

ELIJAH

Well, my older brother was always the star child. We would plan our Saturdays around his little league games, and I would just sit there and watch him pitched. I tried sports at a young age. But honestly, I just liked video games a lot more. All my friends played them instead of trying out for the soccer game so I didn’t mind. And Overtime, we got bored. So we stared skateboarding. And we did that all the time. It took my mind of the issues at home. It literally saved my life. At around the same time, we would be those 7th graders who would just walk around the track singing Blink 182, Green Day songs.

Erin

I could see you walking around the track sneaking off and smoking a cig while everyone else was playing baseball.

Elijah

Yeah, I did do that. We even had a little band going for a while and made half the songs from Dookie sound simi-decent. But the band thing faded out when we couldn’t get to Jimmy’s anymore because we left out a tin foil bowl sitting out with pot still in it. So we just started skating even more. And overtime everyone I hung out with skateboarded. My parents didn’t like them, but I didn’t care. I honestly had good parents. I mean my dad would come home once in a blue moon drunk because of the stress from the job, my attitude didn’t help him, but he was just so strict and hard on me. I felt I could never live up to him. And over time, if you get tired of hearing him compare me to Will. And I honestly felt like a complete piece of shit.

Erin

You fucking love Will.

Elijah

Yeah, he understands me more than anyone I know.

Erin

That’s because he’s your brother.

Elijah

And my mom was a little crazy at times. She was bi-polar. So there would be random times she snapped at all of us guys in the house. Not all the times, but for a few days every few months. When I was 14, I was like, mom how can you get mad at me for not respecting you when you come in here be letting all of us. She then cried. She then said, “I never meant to hurt someone I love more than my own self”. My mom would always have that outburst. But when she would calm down, we would always have a family dinner at Ihop. I remember late nights wishing my mom would come in an yell at us, just for that family dinner. That’s really the only time I felt close to my family.

Erin

Let me guess, you would always get the omelet.

Elijah

Yep, but anyways, the older kids who skated would then give me these cool CDs and would buy me a pack of cigs .We would sometimes just sit around talking about political and social shit because it was interesting then going inside and watching basic cable….all my friend were poor. But anyway I loved that music he gave me, it was different. It wasn’t like the punk pop I was used to, and I just couldn’t really get into that whole emo, scremo, hardcore, grindcore whatever core shit everyone seemed to love.

Erin

Like Paramore or the Used?

Elijah

I guess.

Erin

I told you I knew a little bit about your music.

Elijah

If you say so. anyway, this music was simple, loud and angry. I remember the first CD I got, it was the Clash self titled. And I loved it. Every time I saw him, he would always have another CD for me to burn or borrow. Bad Brains, Minor Threat, The Velvet Underground, The New York Dolls, The Dead Kennedys……..oh my god, the Dead Kennedys. The first time I heard chicken shit conformist I almost died. Patty Smith, the Velvet Underground, the god father of punk rock Iggy Pop.

Erin

You like all types of music though, I was Billy Joel greatest hits in your car.

Elijah

Yeah, I do like other types of music. I listen to a lot of old school rap. NWA, Public Enemy, I’m from the south now so UGK, Geto Boys, and of course Outkast. I love blues, jazz, folk. I just discovered Dub step. It sucked at first, but it grows on you fast. I just love good music in general. When I felt like a complete piece of shit, if Patty’s Smith - Gloria inspires me and gives me hope and that I have a friend in the world. That’s me Erin. That’s me in a nut shell.

Erin

No it’s not. You’re so much more. You see yourself as a broke kid, but you want to change the world. You value people. You have cause and reason for what you do and why. You see the world different. You think that one person can make a difference. And you have. You have in the 2 months we been hanging out.

Elijah

That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.

Erin

Let’s finish this convocation inside. There is a lot more I want to tell you.Elijah And Erin then walk inside.

Devin and Shane

(Speaking the same time)

Dude……Elijah is getting laid tonight.

Erin

(From Inside the house)

Elijah…..I thought I just heard someone yell from outside your house.

Devin

(WHILE LAUGHING)

Yes you did Erin and it was us because our friend is about to get his dick wet because of you.

Shane

Dick wet.I'm sure you could of came up with a better metaphor.

Devin

Shut up. Well, you ready to go to cook out now.

Shane

Yeah.

Shane Then checks his phone

Shane

Dude…..I got 3 missed calls from Eric saying he is off of Bettie Ford road and Lassle and to come by…it’s Important.

DEVIN

Why the fuck is Eric in west Charlotte at this time of night.

Shane

I though you said he was going to a frat party tonight.

Devin

That’s what he told me.

SHANE

Well, its look like were going to have to make a pit stop before going to cookout.