Harrisburg, Pennsylvania today; it's quite a bit better than I remember it (or maybe it's just gotten better). The Federal Courthouse is decidedly unimpressive, but the old brick and narrow alleys have a certain charm. And the commons before the Statehouse is verdant and encompassing -- even under a threat of stormclouds. So what if the "skyline" screams "Worcester, Mass."; I'll maintain 'till the end that Worcester ain't all that bad of a town.
And neither is here.
Incidentally, I've discovered a new way for me to be a total prick: Put IPod in suit breast pocket. Turn volume up to 11 in order to better ignore world. Walk with decisive purpose, occasionally shouting out song lyrics -- but never enough to give anyone a firm sense of what you're listening to. Say, "Fan-tas-tic" to underlings when the IPod is turned off (yet the tell-tale cords remain draped around my necktied neck). Occasionally scrunch face to people on the street passing by, mimicking that practiced look that accompanies my practiced lies, which tonight may include: "Merlot? I find it kinda boring, really."
Is there a saving grace from such total prickdom? Perhaps. 'Cause, approaching Courthouse security, no one knew that it was Screeching Weasel ("My Brain Hurts") blasting in my ears.
This is your total prick open thread.
Fan-tas-tic!
Is the aphasic post title part of the deal?
Posted by: rilkefan | May 23, 2005 at 05:18 PM
Somebody or other is being a something-or-other.
Posted by: rilkefan | May 23, 2005 at 05:20 PM
Wow. I guess you never know who is a Mac fan.
Posted by: liberal japonicus | May 23, 2005 at 05:25 PM
Yes, and since that Supreme Court decision, Mac fans can get married in all 50 states now.
Posted by: Anderson | May 23, 2005 at 05:56 PM
But intermarriages between Mac and PC fans are still outlawed.
Posted by: Jesurgislac | May 23, 2005 at 06:07 PM
'In Sadding Around' is an old song by Jawbreaker.
Posted by: matttbastard | May 23, 2005 at 06:07 PM
rilkefan, i'd love to play your little MadLib up there (the game, not the character), but posting rules forbid the most appropriate labels.
Posted by: cleek | May 23, 2005 at 06:28 PM
Wow. I guess you never know who is a Mac fan.
But not a Mac user, save for the IPod. So your notions may remain mostly confirmed.
Posted by: von | May 23, 2005 at 06:44 PM
Ah, von, it's not too late to step into the light...
Posted by: hilzoy | May 23, 2005 at 07:19 PM
did you go to that burrito place?
Posted by: praktike | May 23, 2005 at 07:38 PM
I think that listening to 'My Brain Hurts' is clearly the best part of this entry. What a excellent Weasel record.
Posted by: peppers | May 23, 2005 at 08:26 PM
When I was hitchhiking between Harpers Ferry and Pittsfield, somehow I got dropped off at and stayed the night in the YMCA in Harrisburg. I think that newer YMCA facilities are not fulfilling their original mission to be a place a young man can stay when he is a stranger in town. The YMCA camps, the swimming pools, and basketball courts are all ok but I don't think that was the Y's original purpose.
Posted by: DaveC | May 23, 2005 at 09:08 PM
Praktike --
Neato Burrito? Passed it, but didn't go in.
Peppers --
I'm convinced that Screeching Weasel is one of the secretly underrated and/or overrated for the wrong reasons bands of the 90s.
Posted by: von | May 23, 2005 at 09:47 PM
Given the number of Seattle-ites on the other thread - I think someone should organize a BBQ at discovery park (or some other place here).
Posted by: Fledermaus | May 24, 2005 at 12:05 AM
HOW TO MAKE ENEMIES AND IRRITATE PEOPLE is much better...
Posted by: Handsome Dan | May 24, 2005 at 10:35 AM
I guess I am now Ugly Dan...
Posted by: Dantheman | May 24, 2005 at 10:46 AM
So is "In Sadding Around" an "Inagaddadavida" or however it's "spelled" kind of title?
Posted by: rilkefan | May 26, 2005 at 01:58 AM
So is "In Sadding Around" an "Inagaddadavida" or however it's "spelled" kind of title?
"Remember when we used to make out to this hymn?"
Posted by: Anarch | May 26, 2005 at 11:29 AM