So... My iPod got stolen yesturday... that kind of sucks. No one has been caught for taking it. I'm kind of pissed, but I'm going to try and not let it bother me too much. I mean, sure they cost like, 300$, but it's not like he killed my dog or anything.


If anyone finds out who did it, or where it is or anything, tell me. I'm not looking to get anyone in trouble I just want it back.

So, I never update this anymore.


I got some new movies last weekend, here they are.


25th Hour: I originally bought it just because Edward Norton is in it... and he was good in Fight Club, so why not. It was a lot better than I thought it would be. It's suprisingly emotional. It's definately in my top 20.

Traffic: Great movie. Makes me REALLY not want to do drugs, not in a Requiem for a Dream kind of way... but still really powerful. I got THIS because I saw Benicio Del Toro was in it... and I challenge you to name one movie that he was in that WASN'T good.


The Elephant Man: I got it because.. it's kind of a classic, it's directed by David Lynch, and it has Anthony Hopkins in it. It was pretty good. I know it's not cool... but I don't really like black and white movies that much... I get used to it, but I like watching color movies so much more. It was a good movie, but not life changing.

Sorry to copy Kyle, but it's a good idea.

Here's the Crossmen tour schedule, come to a show to see us this summer!

May 27-28 Allentown, PA - Memorial Brass
June 11 Gettysburg, PA
June 29 Chesapeake, VA
June 30 Music in Motion; Allentown, PA
July 1 Music in Motion; New Jersey
July 2 Crossroads Dinner with the Crossmen - West Chester, PA
July 3 Bristol, RI
July 5 Beverly, MA
July 6 Ft. Edward, NY
July 7 Erie, PA
July 9 Louisville, KY
July 10 Fairfield, OH
July 11 St. Peters, MO
July 12 Ankeny, IA
July 13 Lincoln, NE
July 16 Denver, CO
July 18 Wichita, KS
July 19 Wichita Falls, TX
July 21 Midland, TX
July 23 DCI Southwestern Championship - San Antonio, TX
July 27 Tupelo, MS
July 28 Kennesaw, GA
July 29 Murfreesboro, TN (Featuring the Top 8)
July 30 DCI Midwestern Championship - Indianapolis, IN
August 1 Hornell, NY August 4 Music in Motion; West Chester, PA
August 6 DCI East - Allentown, PA
August 7 Music in Motion; New Jersey
August 11 DCI World Championship Quarterfinals - Foxboro, MA
August 12 DCI World Championship Semifinals - Foxboro, MA
August 13 DCI World Championship Finals - Foxboro, MA



If you don't come to at least ONE of the shows, you're not my friend anymore.

wow, so I've been pretty bored lately. We had a two hour delay today, which was nice... but I would've liked no school a LOT more... I've got so much shit to do to get ready for not failing school and Crossmen this weekend. I would definately be all about no school tomorrow.

I still have some shit to do... I'm so tired right now.

So, over the break I watched 4 movies I hadn't seen before and they were all incredible.


City of God: This is now in my top 10 list of favorite movies. Great plot, great acting, very interesting. It's in spanish, so if you have a problem with subtitles, don't see it. Otherwise, you should definately see it.

Dogville: One of the most disturbing movies I've ever seen. Definately not your typical movie. It was just a little bit too long and slow moving, but it was worth it. The set is definately the weirdest movie set I've ever seen. The whole movie takes place on a black rectangle with chalk outlines of buildings and streets on it. That means the buildings don't have walls or doors. You can see what all of the characters are doing all of the time. Watching it is kind of like watching a play, you have to imagine some of the scenery.

Love Liza: Great acting, great music. It's a really depressing movie, but also funny at times too. It's about how this guy Wilson deals with his wife's suicide, which spawns an addiction to huffing gas.

Nowhere in Africa: A Nazi would hate this movie. It's about a Jewish family that escapes from Germany durring WWII to go to Africa. It's one of those movies with a pretty basic and cliched plot, but it's just done so well. Kind of like Whale Rider. It's mostly in German, but it also has spots where it's in English and in some African language. Great movie.

Wow, I just finished my 8 page paper for Vetter's class... and because I haven't posted anything here in a while, I'm going to post the whole paper, including the works cited page. I had to change some of the stuff so it's not in the perfect MLA format, just so it would work on my blog. For some reason I can't indent.. so there's that too.


Brian Maher
Advanced Composition
Ms. Vetter
21 December 2004

Two Men Who Changed the World

Mohandas K. Gandhi once said, “Man’s nature is not essentially evil” (“Gandhi Quotes”). By the same token, man’s nature is not essentially good either. Think of the two people in history who are at the opposite ends of the good and evil spectrum. Chances are Gandhi and Hitler would be frequent answers. Think of their similarities. It’s not often thought of to compare such drastic opposites. Gandhi brought people together to overcome an oppressive force. Hitler brought people together to overcome a suspected blight in the German society. Both fought to make the lives of their people better. Both could change the actions of people just by speaking. Looking back on their history, they also highly valued education. Gandhi wrote in his autobiography that he was essentially a bookworm all throughout school (15, 26-30). Hitler, although not as studious as Gandhi, did a fair amount of reading. He also excelled in his two favorite subjects, geography and history (Hitler, Mein Kampf 10). Religion played a part in both of their lives. Hitler was brought up Catholic, and he used religion to justify some of the things he did. Gandhi, although he was Hindu, was influenced by Jesus. They were both men with a lot of power and influence. More obviously, they have their differences. One comes from the Eastern culture in India, the other from the very European German-Austrian culture. One was a pacifist, the other killed thousands of people. One must also be reminded that Gandhi and Hitler were both real people. They went to school when they were children, and they had emotions and fears just like everyone else. Their differences came more from what they did with their abilities than their abilities themselves. It takes a certain kind of person to run a country, or unite a people. Gandhi and Hitler used their similar abilities and power to change the world.

When it comes to the religious ideas of Hitler and Gandhi, there is no doubt that there are differences. Hitler grew up going to a Catholic church, and he enjoyed it. He would go to the church often, to take singing lessons and for other reasons. He also recalled in his book, Mein Kampf: “I had excellent opportunity to intoxicate myself with the solemn splendor of the brilliant church festivals” (6). In his later years, he was a devout Catholic. Mein Kampf is full of biblical references and altered quotes. “Here, of course, we encounter the objection of the modern pacifist, as truly Jewish in its effrontery as it is stupid! 'Man's role is to overcome Nature!'” and "the fall of man in paradise has always been followed by his expulsion" both refer to the book of Genesis (287, 292). He also quotes and alludes to the books of Mark, Luke, and John, as well as books from the Old Testament (“Hawaii Citizens”). His references to the Old Testament are quite ironic, considering it is the history of the people he hated so much. The Christian Social movement influenced Hitler greatly. It helped Hitler through propaganda and general support. The Vatican and Pope Pius XII helped Hitler gain power. Pope Pius XII and Hitler used an agreement called the Reich Concordat to silence all German Catholics and stop any criticism of the horrible things Nazis did. Pope Pius XII actually authorized labor from concentration camps to maintain church properties (“Hawaii Citizens”).

Gandhi obviously was influenced by the Hindu religion. He was very interested in all religions, including Christianity. Of course, he got something completely different out of Christianity than Hitler did. He even once said, “I like your Christ, I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ” (“Brainy Quotes”). The obvious difference is that Hitler did not think that we are all God’s children. Hitler was most known for being anti-Semitic, which means that he hated Jewish people. Christian anti-Semitism is always fairly ironic, considering Jesus was Jewish. Anything associated with Christianity and killing is ironic. Jesus said to a crowd of people who were intent on stoning a woman that only a perfect person who has never sinned could throw the first stone. In a sermon, he also said that instead of working to take a splinter out of your neighbor’s eye, you should work to take the log out of your own. Chances are high that Jesus would have approved more of Gandhi than of Hitler. Gandhi's mother was a highly religious woman, and he looked up to her because of it. In his autobiography he said, "The outstanding impression my mother has left on my memory is that of saintliness. She was deeply religious" (12). Religion is one thing that often has an impact on a person's life. In these two cases, the same religion led two people in entirely opposite directions. Any way you look at it, religion heavily influenced both Hitler and Gandhi.

One of the more obvious differences between Hitler and Gandhi is their ideas on how to change things. When comparing the way they did what they did, it is impossible to avoid the comparison of the outcome. Gandhi once said, "Power is of two kinds. One is obtained by the fear of punishment [Hitler's way] and the other by acts of love [Gandhi's way]. Power based on love is a thousand times more effective and permanent than the one derived from fear of punishment" ("Gandhi Quotes"). Gandhi was right. He was most likely referring more to his way and the way of the British. The British people had taken over India for no reason besides that they were white, and the Indians weren't. Gandhi had first experienced the effects of racism when he was a lawyer in South Africa. People who weren't white were forced to carry around papers. In 1913, Gandhi gathered a crowd of people together and encouraged them to rip up their papers. One of Gandhi's most famous accomplishments was the Salt March in 1930. He led a group of people 165 miles to the Gujarat Coast so that they could make their own salt in protest of the over-priced salt the British sold to Indians. In 1932 Gandhi organized a civil disobediance campaign against the British treatment of the lowest caste in Indian culture, which is called the "untouchables." Gandhi preferred to call them "Harijans" which means "God's children." Even from prison, Mohandas Gandhi still had influence. He organized boycotts of British goods and eventually went on a six-day fast. The British gave in and improved British treatment of untouchables. His biggest accomplishment was in 1947 when India broke free from British control. He did all of that without killing a single person ("Mahatma Gandhi Album"). People from all over the world have admired Gandhi for his methods.

Hitler, on the other hand, was not as successful, although his accomplishments should not be overlooked. The topic of Hitler's accomplishments is a touchy subject. When explaining them, it must be understood that things are seen differently from different points of view, and what one might see as something horrible and tragic, it could also be perceived as something good by someone of the opposite mindset. His first major accomplishment was taking control of Germany, even though he lost the election. After that, he eliminated all of the people who opposed him in Germany. It was clever thinking to get rid of all opposition early. He soon invaded Poland, Denmark, Norway, the Lowlands and France with little to no opposition. The French army was supposedly a force to be reckoned with, but they weren't a match at all for the German army and Hitler's tactics. Obviously, Hitler did not succeed in taking over the world. He ended up killing himself when the Russians attacked Berlin. One accomplishment for Hitler that is seen as one of the most horrific things in history was the Holocaust. In the genocide attempts of many races in history, Hitler has come the closest. Germany lost, and to this day, people of Jewish descent still exist (“World War II”).

The force behind Gandhi's movement was a principle called "Satyagraha." Satyagraha is the principle of nonviolent civil disobedience or passive resistance. The idea is that if there is something you feel is evil, you simply don't participate in it. Gandhi achieved a lot through non-violent protests and boycotts. Einstein, undeniably one of the greatest minds in history, was one of Gandhi's many admirers, and at one point even wrote him a letter. "I believe that Gandhi's views were the most enlightened of all the political men in our time. We should strive to do things in his spirit; not to use violence in fighting for our cause, but by non-participation in anything you believe is evil" (“Mahatma Gandhi Research”). Non-participation is incredibly effective. People throughout modern history have used such techniques, and have achieved incredible things. Martin Luther King Jr. was another one of Gandhi's admirers, and used his methods of non-violent, non-cooperation in the Civil Rights movement. He is another person who has achieved a lot through non-violent protests and boycotts. Gandhi believed his methods could even work against Hitler. He even ended up writing a letter to Hitler, urging him to stop what he was doing. In truth, it is highly possible that if a person like Gandhi had emerged in the Jewish community, they could have won against even someone like Hitler (“Mahatma Gandhi Research”).

Hitler's methods were much different. Where Gandhi thought that non-violence was the most important thing, Hitler thought that "Only force rules. Force is the first law" ("Hitler Quotes"). As a commander and strategist, Hitler was undeniably incredible. Using the blitzkrieg (lightning war) tactics, he took over France in weeks. When he eventually did fall, it took a whole lot to take him down (“World War II”). If the Allied forces hadn't eventually stepped in, it is possible Hitler could have killed every single Jewish person, and taken over Europe. If he had taken over Europe, not much would have been able to stop him from taking over the world. It is true to say that his way of changing the world wasn't as successful as Gandhi's, but his methods were the best for what he wanted. It is impossible to take over the world through non-violent, non-cooperation. However, it is possible to take over the world by killing everyone who opposes you and doesn't fit your idea of perfection. This is easier said than done, as Hitler has shown. In Mein Kampf Hitler stated, “In actual fact the pacifistic-humane idea is perfectly all right perhaps when the highest type of man has previously conquered and subjected the world to an extent that makes him the sole ruler of this earth… Therefore, first struggle and then perhaps pacifism” (288). In one sense, they could both agree that pacifism is a good thing. In fighting for what they believed, Hitler and Gandhi had drastically different ways of accomplishing their goals.

Speech is a powerful thing. The greatest leaders in history would not have been as incredible if they had not been such great public speakers. Martin Luther King Jr., Jesus, and many others have united people and changed the world through their words and voices. Written words are important, but an entirely different aspect and energy can be put into those words when they are spoken. There examples of this everywhere. When reading the lyrics of a popular band, you might identify with them, or think they are interesting. Once you hear those lyrics being sung by a singer, it triples the energy. Another key aspect that makes speeches so effective is the emotion someone can convey with his or her body. When seeing that same song performed live, it often has the power to bring people to tears.

The Nazi party put a lot of energy into the public speaking aspect of their propaganda campaign. They knew that people would believe what they heard if it was presented correctly, and having them believe what they wanted them to believe was a very important thing. When watching one of Hitler’s speeches, one can just feel the energy coming from him, even when watching it on a TV 60 years later. Hitler had a way of really connecting to the people and getting them on his side. When a person is in a situation like Hitler, where all of their opposition is in another country, or dead, you can say whatever you need to say to get your point across. He would often make jokes about Churchill and Duff Cooper, as well as other people who opposed him. He presented all of his opinions as fact, and nobody bothered to question him. He referred to Roosevelt as a "war-monger general," which was entirely false ("Hitler Was Right"). There is a big difference between reading something on a piece of paper and hearing someone speak it. When Hitler spoke, his voice was filled with emotion and confidence and, for people at that time, hope for the German people.

Although Gandhi did not put as much energy as Hitler did into public speaking, he was able to inspire many people with his words. His voice gave the same emotions of hope and confidence that were in Hitler's speeches. Confidence is a very important thing when fighting for a cause. If people who are willing to die for a cause are needed, they must be filled with confidence. Gandhi often times said things to people in a more personal setting, as opposed to Hitler's speeches to crowds of thousands. Gandhi had a way with words that could touch people individually so well. His voice had a certain warmth and comfort to it. Although some things are lost in translation, Gandhi's voice is something comforting to listen to, even if you don't know what he is saying. There have been books and books filled with things Gandhi has said. He really had a way with words. People's lives have changed because of simple sentences he said. It is also incredible the lasting effect Gandhi's words have had on the world. Someone living on the other side of the word decades later can still think of him as a great soul, a Mahatma (“Mahatma Gandhi Research”).

Gandhi and Hitler, like most celebrities, had more to them than what the public could see. When Gandhi was a little boy, he was just an average child. Significantly more shy than most, but still a child who went through the same things every child goes through. He wanted to be liked; he wanted to succeed in school. When he grew up and became a hero, he also became depressed. With the a title of such prestige such as "Mahatma" or "Great Soul," a lot of responsibility follows close. Gandhi had a hard time living up to the high expectations people had for him. Gandhi's secretary once wrote, "I found Gandhi to be the saddest man that one could picture when I rejoined him in the middle of December, 1947. In the midst of the pomp and pageantry of the capitol, surrounded by loving friends, and with his name on everybody's lips, he was spiritually isolated from his surroundings and from almost every one of his colleagues" (James). Sometimes the world needs to be reminded that our most highly regarded heroes were also people with feelings who are as imperfect as the rest of us.

People are often afraid to look and realize that Hitler was also a person as well. It is hard to remember that sometimes, considering the horrible things he did. But, in truth, Hitler was a person just like every other person. When he was a child his father wanted him to be a civil servant, but he wanted to be a painter (Hitler, Mein Kampf 7-8). What child hasn't rebelled against their parents at one point in his or her life. When he was a child, he was just like any other child. His mother didn't approve of his friends either (Hitler, Mein Kampf 7-8). His anger and other issues stemmed from his childhood, after his mother died. He mentioned in Mein Kampf that he did care when his father died, but he was somewhat relieved. When his mother died though, he said, he was much more upset. Although he did respect his father, his mother was the parent he loved (18). Toward the end of his life, Hitler must have been at least the slightest bit depressed. He ended up killing himself with his wife, Eva. It takes a significantly depressed kind of person to take their own life. Like Gandhi, Hitler was just another person when it came down to it. Gandhi and Hitler weren't identical to each other, but they did have some similarities. Most similarities stemmed from the positions they were in. People of power tend to have certain characteristics. There were the most surprising similarities, such as the influence of Christianity. It is interesting to think of how two people could get something so drastically different from the same thing. There were also some obvious differences, such as how they put their power to use. This is where they differed the most. Their ideas couldn't have been more opposite. Surprisingly, they were both essentially aiming for the same goal, to make the lives of their people better. Another similarity is their use of speech. All great leaders must be able to speak to a certain extent, but Hitler and Gandhi both excelled in their own ways. The impact they made with their words will stay with the world forever. And, not to be forgotten, there is the often overlooked fact that they were both people. Both of them had emotions and feelings, and were far from perfect. All in all, Gandhi and Hitler used their similar abilities and power to change the world forever.











Works Cited
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Hawaii Citizens for the Separation of State and Church 2002. HCSSC. 16 Dec. 2004. http://www.lava.net/~hcssc/index.html/
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James, E. Karen. "From Mohandas to Mahatma: The Spiritual Metamorphosis of Gandhi."
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I just saw the movie Elf for the first time


What a great movie.