The Daily News

1   So I pull into a Shell station near where I live, because they have a drive-thru car wash which, if you lay out like two more bucks, cleans your ride like there's no tomorrow.

2  I approached the bloke in the booth, a very cheery fellow, threw 20 bucks at him, and said, "Eighteen on gas, and a two-buck cleansing."

3  He proceeded to process my order, whatever THAT means.

4  Then he busted out in this high-pitched laugh.

5  Naturally, I retorted, "What's so funny, yo?"

6  Or words to that effect.

7  He said, and I SWEAR he said this: "It declinez! Hoo-hoo! Oh, da priSe ov gasoLEEN theze dehz! Hoo-hoo!"

8  Of course, I stood flabbergasted. "Are you telling me that I could put EIGHTEEN bucks into a tank, and it no longer reaches 8 gallons?" Upon which, I did some SERIOUS math, and figured rather quickly that the good fellow was quite correct.

10  Oy.

11  Fortunately, in this life, there are goodly people. While laughing and enjoying my ridiculousness, he let the car wash slide at 7.5 gallons, but let me know in no uncertain terms that I REALLY didn't deserve the break.

12  Hmm.

13  $18 bucks. No break on a car wash. What's wrong with this picture?

14  Fortunately, the guy turned into a Red Cross worker, and felt my angst and pain. He saved me, and for that I shall be forever grateful.

15  Moving forward: quite a game last night between the Yanks and the Sox. Classic stuff: Curt Schilling losing it early, Mike Mussina perfect for six innings,  the Sox coming back from what seemed a laugher at 8-zip, and finally, Mariano Rivera flying in from a funeral, stepping off the plane and onto the field, and shutting the door.

16  Great stuff.

17  Auditions for the one-acts TODAY and FRIDAY after school in the Theatre. Look to a reasonably short audition; interest in the Drama Workshop continues to wane, but the Show will be a soulful one, I'll tell you that much. Sad, in a way, that we could put on something as sensational as Midsummer as recently as last year, and kids STILL shy away. It's a shame, because in my eyes, the Drama Workshop is arguably one of the longest-surviving clubs at the school. I can't explain the decline, except to say that other clubs have swept in and taken all the kids who become involved. The involved kids today seem involved in five or six different activities, leaving loyalty for one club at the doorstep.

18  Ah, it's just the times, I suppose.

19  I promise great shows this year. And I will search for a suitable replacement, perhaps someone young and spirited enough maybe to keep the flame fanned, for next year.

20  Meanwhile, I am every bit as excited about starting this Show as any, ever. This one will be special, I promise you this.

21  All right then. Students, enjoy your two-hour classes. Teachers, get those grades in on time. Seniors, keep Senioring. Musicians, play on. And Drama Workshop: let's go in and do this!

22  Bye now.

The Daily News

1   Yesterday I found through Ms. Hooper that three keys on the acoustic piano in the lab were damaged. Um...folks? If you accidentally messed up an instrument, please report it. If you did it thorugh vandalism, get help. Why on Earth would you seek to vandalize something in this building, where you have top-notch teachers working their tails off for the kids?

2  Actually, why would you vandalize ANYTHING, ANYWHERE on this campus?  It shows an incredible amount of thoughtlessness and sloth.

3  Kindly reconsider.

4  Show respect for the arts, for goodness sakes. How sad, really.

5  Okay, so let us sally forth. Grades are due on Wednesday, so I might warn a lot of you NOT to drive your teachers crazy today, even if you are "trapped" for two hours. Maybe, just maybe, you could spend that time learning, listening, and getting yourselves smarter. What a concept.

6  My, oh my.

7  I spent a good part of last evening looking over students' works, giving constructive criticism, and enjoying some bright writing, an art that I certainly hope to teach, and that I hope a lot of you will try to master.

8  That's what we teachers want, more than you'll ever imagine. Sometimes when we are grading, we get upset at laziness, inattention, immaturity, and all the rest, because no matter what else, we do model the spirit of hard work and perseverance. We MODEL it.

9  Look to the BEST teachers you have. Do they slack? Do they quit, or get ornery when things don't go their way? Or do they smile, and see every "problem" as a challenge, smile, encourage, and work until they can't see?

10 Does Tracy Wolcott whine and moan, or get lazy? Does Paz Rocha? Does Heidi Hooper?  How about Coach Jimmy of Tennis fame?  Beth Kilduff? These are fighters, tough workers who don't laze out on you, who WORK hard to be the very best. I could name a whole bunch more teachers, but you get the drift.

11  So yeah. Just letting off a little steam after seeing vandalized pianos and sloppy, lazy efforts in my English class. I just wanted a lot of you to think about the virtues of working hard, of being tough, and of pushing yourselves to realizing your true potential.

12  And role models are allowed to laugh, enjoy others, and even let off a little steam now and again. We aren't saints by any means, just people who work hard, and want nothing but the best and good times for our students.  And we are all tough generals in the war against idiocy. Enlist now.

13  Enough of that. Let's get back to normal things. I understand Eminem's new video Just Lose It, lampooning Michael Jackson has the gloved-one up in arms, to the point of a massive lawsuit. Among other things, it has Eminem dressed as Jackson, dancing, when his nose flies off, and he jumps to the ground groveling for it. I hear it gets worse, but my! Nothing like a little controversy to start things off.

14  And in baseball, some fun stuff!  After years of being kept out of the playoffs by the ever-obnoxious Atlanta Braves, Craig Biggio, Jeff Bagwell, and the Houston Astros are in it, after having STOMPED the Braves in enemy territory, 12-3. A HUGE tomahawk-chop in yo face!!

15  And, oh my!  Tonight, in Yankee Stadium, we once again have the Yankees and Red Sox. The Yankees always seem to get to the Series, and the Red Sox...uh, can you say, "1918"??  The past few years have seen these two in some bloody battles, so this should be a huge one. Like most Americans, I am rooting against the Yankees, because unless you're from New York, and a Yankee fan, that's the American way!!

16  And that's about it, sports' fans. All apologies for the lecture, but I ain't erasing it. Read it, and become a powerhouse.

17  That's all, folks.

The Daily News

1   So...Christopher Reeve wheels into a bar...

2   That's a sad one.

3   So...Ken Caminiti walks into a bar...that makes two guys under the age of 55. Pretty young and tragic. Too bad.

4   We had a tech on Saturday. It turned into one of those rare days where everything just seemed to go right.  I began in the morning, searching hither and yon for a set design for the Pigeon Players' production of Thugs. Turns out, I found this painting that was French, a painting of a cafe and street in Paris. But it seemed to talk to me, you know how things do.

5  I LOVED the painting, and decided to adapt it to the Thugs script, and to see if it lined up with flats and platforms we already had.

6  Well, it did, and yes, we do have the stuff. Not all the stuff, but it is a beautiful concept for a set design, and we began. Okay, so we have to adapt a 19th Century cafe in Paris to a 1929 cafe outside Chicago. I think it can be done.

7  We worked, and worked, AND worked, 'til we were acting goofy.

8  But then, isn't that what art is all about?

9  Some fun.

10  Sunday came, and I made a nice, piping pot of Starbuck's, put on some Bach, and messed around a little with my computer. Later, I drove north to visit old people from my life, you know, the ones who are getting pretty-much up there, but who are also the wisest of the wise.

11  My wife's grandmother is in a home, because she can no longer get around, but she has maintained a razor-sharp memory, and she is as young as Spring. She complained for a time about the place, but soon settled in to stories about San Francisco in the early part of this crazy century. Within minutes, I was told about the beauty of a day in the park, with a picnic, with family, with friends...all happening in Golden Gate Park.

12  She also talked of how wonderful it was in the twenties (yes!), when people just enjoyed the absolute purity of the City in its prime.

13  We sat and chatted and enjoyed; she is 95 years' old, or young, or however you want to state it. She was living history, only history as experienced by people with hearts and with soul. Her eyes remained ice blue, and filled with youth. She shared her youth with us, and we were mesmerized. I could hear the surf of Santa Cruz, the jazz that played anywhere one had the energy and the feet to dance all night, and the summer smells of the hills.  Just lovely.

14 Afterwards, we hugged, and she waved good-bye with two arms and thumbs up.

15  Proceeded to visit my mom and dad, both of whom are home- grown Niner fans, having both lived within City blocks of the inimitable Kezar Stadium, the original turf of the original Niners of '48. My dad has had season tickets since 1952! How cool is that? And he maintains them to this minute!

16  So we visited yet more wonderful people who have so much history and love to share. We goofed, as always, on the Niners idiotic management this year, and settled into the game.

17  We watched the hapless 49ers make a huge comeback, almost like the old days. We saw the young Tim Rattay BREAK a record for completed passes in one game set by Joe Montana some time, long ago. He did it in front of Joe, who showed up at Candlestick Park, the Monster Park of the NFL.  Monster Park? It'll always be Candlestick to my family.

18  I have little more to say, except give the Ancients in your family all the love and respect they deserve. They have, all of them, stories and magic. They have lived...

19  Call a loved one.

20  Today.

21  You will be the richer for it.

22  Peace.

 

The Daily News

1   Okay, so here goes.

2   Yesterday we had our first meeting of the Drama Workshop, and I fell in love with Drama all over again. What can I tell you?  We didn't have the usual huge turnout because we are now into the school year, and everyone has already been approached by all the other clubs.

3  Meh.

4   It  didn't matter. There was this sort of amazing magic going on, because no matter what else, this is my last year directing. Period. That alone made it a very special meeting. Oh, the kids probably didn't really get it, or they did, but after this year, the Drama Workshop shall move into a different dimension. Hopefully, I can find a replacement who would have the same passion for the art as do I. Nothing would make me feel better.

5  This really isn't the time to be getting sentimental and all. I have too much else out there on the table. But I really feel special towards Drama this year, for obvious reasons.

6  It's funny. Yesterday,  I went to third period, after getting pummeled on my lesson plan first and second. First period, I began this lecture, but the kids were pretty much in a Martian bar, looking this way and that, and everywhere but interested. But the morning was torture!

7  Ah, vell.

8  I tried; I really did.

9  It all takes a back seat anyway.

10 Later in the day, almost all the Seniors, and all the Drama people had other things to do, so I actually sneaked out at 3 and WENT HOME!!!  Yay for me, and for my family!!

11 I actually had an afternoon off, and spent it diligently planning the One-Acts, my lessons, the Senior Class stuff, the sets for the Pigeon Players, and my grades. Amazing what an afternoon can do for one's spirit!

12  Actually, I was home by 3:26, and took a nice, long nap.

13  Haha.

14  Everyone should learn from that one.

15  Life's WAY too short to waste on issues involving your job.

16  Probably one of the most important lessons I could ever teach.

17  Enough on that.

18  Tech tomorrow, beginning at eleven. Our focus should be the Pigeon Players' set for Thugs. The REAL focus is to work so hard that we can't see, and then to chill, light down the set, and listen to music, especially the Grateful Dead, who have always been there for the Workshop.

19  And so it goes.

20  All that you measure...

21  Read between the lines.

22  Have a great weekend, everyone.

23  Out.

 The Daily News

1  So I wrote a DN about ten minutes ago, and it disappeared.

2  I pushed some dumb button or other, and it just decided to go away.

3  Why does this repeatedly happen?

4  Anyway, I was just rambling about useless stuff anyway, so I just am not going to allow myself to trip.

5  I actually wanted to take this space and brag that yesterday, my 5th period class jumped into my world and raised applause for my lesson on misplaced modifiers.

6  Meh.

7  I'm like, the only person who, like, cares.

8  Drama Meeting TODAY at lunch in the Theatre. Food will be provided.

9   I  understand that the Repubz are upset because they heard that filmmaker Michael Moore has been going to college campuses to wake up the slackers and get them out to vote. They're actually trying to get him to stop. Evidently, they want to prosecute him for trying to bribe the students with underwear and food. Personally, I think Moore is doing a very patriotic thing, not only getting our young people off their butts to get out there and vote, but also with supplying our next generation with clean shorts and full bellies, just like the portly filmmaker. Yeah, clean Michael. You da Buddha man.

10  I received a note from the American Musical Theatre of San Jose announcing a costume sale Friday and Saturday at their studio on Technology Way, but lost the announcement. If anyone out there could help get me some info, I'd love to pass it on. Great stuff for the theatre folk out there, as well as for the Halloween folk.

11  Spooking of which <m'bad>: Looks like the ASB is thinking of doing a haunted house somewhere around the 28th and 29th of October. Fun idea. I see some tough times, perhaps, since those dates are right on top of, ironically, Spirit Week, and I'd better stop all of this nonsense before someone gets dispirited with my slithy puns.

12  What on Earth are the Q Awards?  It seems that to Sir Elton, the Q Awards are a great place to Madonna-bash. Evidently, when Elton heard that Madonna had been nominated for best live act, he took to the Q Awards stage and said, "Since when has lip-syncing been live?  Anyone who lip-syncs in public onstage when you pay 75 pounds should be shot!"

13  Elton. Getting a little pissy these days, aren't we, hmmm?

14  It made my day yesterday when I heard that the Eminem of Taiwan, A-Yue, will be performing live in San Francisco on Thursday. Was anyone else as thrilled as me? As I?

15  One thing is sure: the guy wasn't born with a name that cool.

16  Trust me.

17  Okay, that's about all the nonsense I could throw out there for a Thursday morning. You all have a beautiful day, willya?

18  Peace.

The Daily News

1  So...Rodney Dangerfield walks into a bar...

2  They're dropping like flies, I tellya.

3  I'll get to The Rock Concert soon enough, but let's begin this morning with a few quotes from the immortal Dangerfield.

4  Here go:

      My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.

      When I was a kid, my parents moved a lot, but I always 
     found them.

      I told my psychiatrist that everyone hates me. He said I
      was being ridiculous. I haven't met everyone yet.

5    Rodney, we hardly knew ye.

6    Back to school...

7    The Rock Show last night turned into an amazing night. Nik told me that everything that possibly could have gone wrong DID, and still it went off without a hitch. Special thanks go out to Nik for pushing like hell for four years just to get me past my stubbornness. Of course, the thank-yous could go on from here to eternity, but certainly the bands who performed with so much heart and soul deserve our recognition. To the very talented young bands Called to Ruin, Undergone, Vindictive Tomorrow, A Life in Vain, and Redfall, you guys performed beyond the call of duty. Some of you just turned into blood, and made anyone who has ever felt pain scream to the heavens. That's pure rock. Thanks for bringing back pure rock. Thanks for playing and helping our Senior Class. And thanks, all of you, for your professionalism. I was quite impressed.

8  To my wonderful Senior Class officers, you guys ALWAYS amaze me! Thank you!!! Every moment...ya know?

9  To alumni:  you guys SO rock!!! I get a refreshing feeling every time you guys drop by!!!

10  And to Jose, your lights are magic, my amazing fellow. We joke, but without you, it wouldn't have been close. You're an artist, and it's time someone said it.

11  And most important, to the audience: way to show the school that we should have more!!!! You guys made the show for all of us, so thanks so much for coming and rockin' your butts off!!! Every band appreciates YOU most of all.

12  And Mr. Moser...you were right, dude.

13  Fun stuff!

14  And to the Bands, if I may send you a message from the immortal Willy Shakespeare:

     If music be the food of Love,
        play on...

                                          --King Lear                                 

15  Peace.

The Daily News

1   Well, howdy kids!!!

2   This is the Daily News, coming to you LIVE from YB's Performing Arts Department!

3   The Daily News has been around since 1996, but in recent months, had backed off going up on the PA wall, because it was feared nobody was reading it any longer.

4   Looks like people want to read it. 

5   So here's the first POSTED DN of the 2004-5 year. 

6   If you wish to see back to the beginning, just visit xanga.com/bharrington, and it will be there, in all its glory!

7   Well, BAND, you guys sound loud and proud this year!  I LOVE hearing when you march past my room. It always makes me smile, especially how much you have grown as a Band.

8   And Choir, I haven't yet been able to hone in on you, but I know a whole bunch of you, and you might be one of the largest Choirs we've ever had!  So stay in there and enjoy the wonder of singing; few things bring more joy than that!

9  And to everyone else: I'm going to sneak by and give a listen every now and again, maybe even find my way back to this building.

10 We had a GREAT tech on Saturday; I felt that I was taking the Theatre back, complete with clean-up, lighting down of the set for the rock show, and practicing doing rock cues for The Rock Show, which goes up TOMORROW night at 6 p.m.

11  Bands featured include Called to Ruin, Red Fall, Vindictive Tomorrow, A Life in Vain, and Under Gone. The Theatre is repainted, clean, and ready to rock for these great local bands, who are doing this as a benefit to the Senior Class of '05!  Come on down and have a great time listening to music and chilling with friends.

12  A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

13  Fun times for our sports teams, yeah?  The Giants' ridiculous choke on Saturday now stands as one of the all-time stinkers, yet legendary.

14  I could go on with the A's, Raiders, AND Niners, but oy.

15  YB won!!!! Yeah, Warri-YORS!!!

16  Nothing like a little crowing to bring the spirits up!

17  Well, nice to have this back on the PA wall once again. I honestly didn't think students were interested in this fluff, until Ms. Hooper said that a few kids wanted to know what ever became of the Daily News.

18  We're back.

19  'Til the next time...

 

 

 

The Daily News

1   So...you're YOUNG, and you think you have talent, ay?

2   Okay then, here ya go. Monday at 6 a.m. you could line up at San Francisco's Cow Palace and audition for American Idol. That's right; you heard it, American Idol.

3   If you make the first cut, then Wednesday thru October 8, you could begin auditioning for hosts Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, and Randy Jackson. The age limit has been upped to 28, because they want older people to audition. That counts ME in, but what about people who are older than 28?  Age discrimination. Oy.

4  Yesterday's Merc News had a picture of Simon, Randy, Paula, and the very toothsome Ryan Seacrest posed like the cover of the Beatle's first American album, Meet the Beatles, only the Beatles have been replaced with those four.

5  Look up "heresy" in the dictionary.

6   Anyway, I just thought I would throw a heads up to all of you who think they have it. Go there. Have some, as my old pal Maggie would say, "bawls".

7  So the debate happened last night. The Bush contingency called it a tie.

8  Where I came from, when two guys would get into a fight, the loser would always declare that it was a tie.

9   But are there any guys out there who ever claimed a tie? You know something about when you declare a fight a tie.

10  You KNOW that in reality, you got your ass kicked.

11  Haha!

12  Personally, I intend to watch the debate later, when I'm done writing this, and hoping beyond all hope that it somehow goes to press.

13  And personally, I hope that goober GETS his ass kicked!

14  Hey, just a personal opinion. Don't EVEN trip.

15  This is, after all, a well-rounded, unopinionated forum.

16  I just want to see him get his ass kicked so that the election will be more interesting, so PLEASE don't feel I am a traitor because I said that.

17  I don't wish to get carted away as a victim of the immoral Patriot Act.

18  Oops!!! I meant "immortal".

19  M'bad.

20  Tech for the Rock Show, and for Thugs, tomorrow beginning at around 11 a.m.

21  I forgot to wish Dirty Jose the merriest birthday ever.

22  Ya gotta love it.

23   Monday, the DN goes back up on the wall in the Performing Arts building. Lawdy!!!!

24  Meanwhile, have a great day, and an even greater weekend.

25  Go Giants; Go A's!!!!

26  See ya later.