"The Network".
(cue the orchestra, please.)
Unlike many big universities, Wesleyan doesn't have port blockers (not that I'm aware of anyways), so all your file sharing programs should work fine--Even ones that utilize gnutella, which I think most of them do anyways, but I know that a lot of universities won't allow it to connect. Plus, Wes is small enough to have all its students connected to the same thing. I do think we might have rate limits, though, so watch out if you run bittorrent--Chances are it'll go ex.treme.ly. slow.ly. But that's okay, because as you'll see, it really isn't needed.
This is because of The Network, which allows you to directly access other people's computers, if they choose allow directory sharing. The benefits of this are enormous: First of all, since this is Wesleyan, you can usually find a lot more obscure and interesting things than you can on, say, Kazaa, and if you want to you can just transfer an entire folder of an album you like. Secondly, there is literally everything you could want: Anime, porn, music (obvi), movies, entire seasons of television shows, amusing video clips, and even some programs (photoshop 7.0 + serial, anyone?). Thirdly, file transfer speeds are RIDICULOUSLY fast--I'm talking about a 700+mb movie in about five minutes. What's more is that a lot of these computers are NOT read-only--some people even create a special folder so that other people people can add their own movies to the ever-increasing available library.
(And before you ask--transfer speeds via chat clients like AIM and MSN are amazingly speedy as well using send file or direct connect, as long as both people are at Wes)
How to dig in? I'm not sure how it works on Macs, but on PCs you can either open your internet browser of choice--oh and while I'm on that topic, PLEASE get firefox if you don't have it already--and just type \\ followed by the name of the individual computer (ie, \\JIM) in the address bar and hit enter. If you have an older version of Windows like I do, go to Start-->Run and do it there.
And of course, there is a search utility available that actually allows you to find specifically what you're looking for and which computer it's on.
http:\\bdolangavitt.stu
The site as well as the computers ONLY work if you as well as their owners are at Wesleyan and connected to their network, so the site should be down until at least the third of September, when upperclassman housing opens. The best and most specific results come from running boolean searches (look it up on google to learn how if you don't know already), or you can search for specific file types--for example, if you want a movie called "fire" but don't want to have to scroll through every single song that mentions the word, you can look up "fire"+"*.avi".
Individual computers often gain a quasi-famoso status through people using the network--Most notably, DONTSHOOT, which I recommend you check out at the soonest available moment...That guy has gigs upon gigs upon gigs of just about everything you could hope for.
And if he doesn't, there's always Kazaa.
-----
Everything you need for a great file-sharing experience at Wesleyan:
"THE NETWORK"
iTunes
myTunes (if you have a PC, or ourTunes if you have a Mac)
Wirehog (IM me at actiondisaster if you need an invite)
a p2p program as emergency backup.
OH, and before I forget--if you want to watch movies, download the DivX codec, BS player, and if you watch a lot of films with subtitles, VobSub. You'll thank me for it later, I promise.
See you all in a few days-- ¶ 6:50 PM 18 comments
Hot damn.
I feel as if myself and the other bloggers of WesBlog09 have provided you with a significant amount of guidance, or at least enough to make you seem cooler than your roommate.
Good luck!
- Joe John
PS- Any last minute requests? ¶ 11:40 AM 4 comments
First off, you should sign onto facebook before you view this entry as some links will bring you to facebook. Second, if you are a member of any of these societies/fraternities and feel misrepresented, please notify me and I will make the appropriate changes. I'd rather not have 10 WesSpeaks about something I was trying to do to be helpful and represent you beyond being, "like, the sketchy frat".
To add to Xue's post on MySpace...
Campus Greek life is extremely diverse, so there's not one type of person who chooses to pledge. There's an extensive hazing policy, so pledging for most of them isn't all too difficult...and will not involve drinking gallons of beer (or at least it shouldn't).
It's hard to generalize the members of each society, mostly because there are several exceptions to any generalization you'd make.
According to some kid on one of my tours, 5% of Wesleyan's population is involved in Greek organizations. I think this number is probably faulty...but whatever.
None of the societies require you to live in house, however...
These are the frats or societies WITH HOUSES on campus though...
Eclectic, Co-Ed Society
I wouldn't call it a "hipster society"...The mission statement is...
"The Eclectic Society is a coeducational society composed of House Members and Associate Members scattered about the community. While many house members are involved in artistic, political, and musical endeavors, there is no definition of what an Eclectic member actually is or does. This contributes to what is the only truly static attribute of the society: change."
They have a hipster reputation, but that's only because many "indie" bands (ie: The Walkmen, Mates of State, The Unicorns, etc.) perform there. The organization doesn't always bring them onto campus, but sometimes rents the space out to students since it is one of the largest common spaces in a Wesleyan residence. Some residents actually hate this.
The members are generally a diverse group of really nice people, rarely obnoxious in the hipster sort of way. All the largest campus parties are there. The society is much more laid-back than the Greek societies. Their "pledging" process is supposedly a lot of fun. A friend of mine went through it and is now house manager.
Eclectic isn't for everyone though. Creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Joss Whedon, was president his junior year. Apparently, by senior year he was so disgusted with the membership that he moved out and completely disassociated himself with the house. There are rumors that he based the vampires on the show off a few Eclectic members. "The Pit" in the movie PCU is also loosely based off of Eclectic (I think).
They hold open houses both semesters to recruit members. These usually involve loud music, a really cool ass room, and other (er) stuff. Their application involves a lot of weird ass questions...for example, you are asked your worst enemy...and then must draw a picture of the two of you fighting. It is different from some Greek organizations in the fact that you apply to join the society. The closest thing to recruiting members would be them urging you to fill out an application.
I've heard rumors about them stealing the Douglas Cannon. I don't know the truth to that. Xue also mentioned this.
They once had Greek affiliation, but no longer do.
Oh yeah, they're also co-ed!
Maybe I can convince Janine to write more on Eclectic.
These are some other activities and interests I've discovered at least ONE Eclectic member takes a part in: Fat Bottom Magazine, Smoking Cigarettes, Croquet, Society for the Objectification of Boys in Tight Pants, She-Wolves, Women's Rugby, Women's Hockey, Orientation Intern, Wesleyan Student Assembly- Student Budget Committee, Art, Intergalactic Blonde Squad, Frisbee, Argus, WESU radio, Precision Dance Company, Olin Library, Fusion, ITS (Information Technology Services), The Essie and Eliza Club, Bangs, Being Queer, Terpsichore Choreographer, The Cardinal Sinners (a cappella), Kim Stolz for Next Top Model, Theater, Awesomeness, Punk Rock, Vocal Debauchery (a cappella), Ska, Film, Wesleyan Democrats, Wesleyan Debate, Women's Water Polo, ASHA, UJAAMA, Volunteering, Gag Reflex Improv Comedy, USLAC, Ebony Singers, Second Stage, The Management (band), and more.
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Alpha Delta Phi, Co-Ed Literary Society
I am hesitant to talk about Alpha Delt as I am an inactive member on campus. I'm on okay terms with most members of the house, but having left the vice president position at the beginning of the semester...we're a little shakey with one another. I'd like to be on good terms with the house, so all I can tell you are positive things. I realize that some people find a home there, but it isn't for everyone. I'm one of those people. I will share my experience, but it may bore you.
I first heard of Alpha Delt as a "co-ed frat that has Saturday morning cartoon parties and dance parties". As an incoming freshman, this sounded awesome to me. Then, after hearing a lot of people talk about it, I fell under the superficial opinion, "Man, they're so dorky and everyone will hate me if I join them!". My opinion of the house was changed by one simple theatrical audition. After hearing that there was going to be a staged production of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer musical...I suddenly realized that I missed auditions. I frantically e-mailed the director and was able to audition at callbacks. I eventually was cast as Giles, and joined a cast with a large amount of Alpha Delt members. As I got to know the membership, I realized one great thing about them-- they have a lot of heart. I didn't really think of joining Alpha Delt, until I was invited to pledge. It was a surprise to me, but there was such an appeal to have a place on campus where I truly belonged. As I met the membership, I learned that they were a diverse group of people, and seeing as there was no typical Alpha Delt member, I couldn't see how I couldn't belong there. My first semester as a member, I was Music Series chair. This basically meant that I got to bring a lot of sweet musical artists to campus. I took part in bring Harry and the Potters, a Buddhist hip-hop act, and singer/songwriter Kate Callahan to campus. All three concerts went decently well. I did realize that I was slightly unhappy, so I came up with the bright idea of becoming a higher-up officer to attempt to change this. I ran for Vice President, won, and entered the second semester. In the beginning of the semester, I realized what bothered me about Alpha Delt-- it was taking too much time of my life. I couldn't take the late night meetings and other membership commitments. It wasn't the people, it was the responsibility I had to those people. Going inactive was something some people took personally. I hope that changes within time. I've gone through a period of being somewhat resentful towards the house, but I've gotten over it and am ready to change my relationship with the house.
Anyways, down to the business of it. Alpha Delt's mission statement is...
"The Alpha Delta Phi Society is a self-governing coeducational organization dedicated to cultivating character, scholarship, and enduring friendships. Our literary tradition fosters lifelong intellectual growth, mentoring, and achievement among our members. We stay crunchy in milk."
Their website is located here, and includes more information.
If you seem to be interested in Alpha Delt, your best bet is to hang around the house and get to know the membership. The easiest way to achieve this is to attend their events or The Star and Crescent Eating Club. The first three frosh through the door eat free. It has been deemed "the best place on campus to eat" by a non-member...and several other people in the facebook group. This is no lie. Recently, the S&C got a new chef and he makes the most delicious food you'll get on a Wesleyan meal plan. No. Really. His apple pizza is orgasmic. As far as events go, they range everything from a Goth Party, Porn and Milkshakes, movie nights, All-Night Book Readings, Halloween parties, and more.
As Xue said, they have a beautiful house. The members don't always keep this beautiful house clean, but it's still damn beautiful.
They also have a reputation of being sketchy...this is probably due to activity in "the grotto". Some people like to treat the grotto as another universe, where you're not responsible for your actions and there is no such thing as time. This leads to a lot of activity that could be construed as sketchy. Some of it is admittedly sketchy...but sometimes it's just public displays of affection. I might have failed to mention that some members are not comfortable with grotto activity. Those that frequent the grotto are known as "grotto rats".
These are some other activities and interests I've discovered at least ONE Alpha Delt member takes a part in: RAs, Onomatopeia (a cappella), Waiting in Line (a cappella), ITS (Information Technology Services), Harry Potter, Family Guy, Homestar Runner, Hugs, The Sandman (Graphic Novels), Ani DiFranco, Theater, Stage Crew, The Unnaturals (a cappella), Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Gilmore Girls, Gymnastics, Admissions, Senior Interviewer, Orientation Intern, Poker, Dungeons & Dragons, Web Comics, Your Mom, Comic Books, Emo & Punk Rock, Metal, The New Group (a cappella), Giant Robots, Second Stage, Prometheus (fire-spinning), Kol Israel, Tour Guides, CTY, Big Brothers/Big Sisters program, Wesleyan Singers, Opera and Oratorio Ensemble, Buddhism, Homosexuality, Bisexuality, Heterosexuality, Sexuality, WesCrew, World of Warcraft, Quest (Live Action Role-Playing), Vampire (Live Action Role-Playing), Argus, Terpsichore Dance, Hair Dye, Kosher Kitchen, Knitting, Femnet, Cartoons, Literature, Martial Arts, Art, Baking Cookies, Costume Shop, Folk Music, Creative Writing, Frank Sinatra, Pangea, Korean Students Association, Wesleyan Christian Fellowship, EON, Graduating and Coming Back and Hitting on Undergraduates, Italian Pop Music, Collegium Musical Group, Musicals, Somethingawful.com, Ninjas, Pirates, Guitar, Porches, British Accents, Sparkly Objects, Writing Tutors, Catholic Student Organization, The Panthers (band), Argus (Ampersand), Olin Library Staff, tap-dancing, and more.
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Beta Theta Pi, Fraternity
Across the street from Alpha Delt is Beta Theta Pi. I don't know much about them. They are a fraternity. They like to sit on their roof when it's hot out. They recently purchased a children's pool that the members like to sit in with some lady friends. I can not find their website...however their facebook page says...
"Dudes that are in Beta. Must like to hang out."
Also, anyone could join their facebook group technically. I find this funny. Hello, Bob Weisz.
These are some other activities and interests I've discovered at least ONE Beta member takes a part in: Wes Lacrosse, Big Pimpin, Traveling, Metal, Jogging, Men's Tennis, Neon Deli, The Middletown Housing Authority (finding low income families federal subsidized housing), University Relations, barbecuing, WesCrew, Sailing, Being Cool, Boobs in the Face Coalition, Hip Hop, Beer, Red Sox Fans, Wesleyan Football, Wesleyan Soccer, The Tech, Politics, Chillin', 80s music, Yankees, MidWes, Pi Cafe Barista, Fat Bottom Magazine, Theater, Thor the Dog, Girls, Beirut, Poker, Pink Floyd, and more.
23 Members of Beta think Meade is a techie and 16 think Hodge can't dunk.
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Psi Upsilon, Fraternity
Psi U used to have program house status, but no longer does. This was their former mission statement.
"The Xi Chapter of the Psi-Upsilon Fraternity exists in order to pursue personal responsibility, service to others, virtuous behavior, and a love of learning. The undergraduate members of the Xi represent a group of students with diverse backgrounds, interests, and directions. For the last 161 years, the ultimate goal of the Xi has been to contribute to the betterment of Wesleyan and society far beyond its numbers, which it continues to work towards today."
If you look on facebook they are described as "A distinguished gentleman's club."
Socially Psi U hosts a few all-campus parties every year. Their building includes a nice DJ booth which overlooks the first floor common space. They recently hosted several tsunami benefit events, including a stand-up comedy show by Punchline. One of their brothers is in my a cappella group, Waiting in Line. We performed in their building with Vocal Debauchery, another campus a cappella group. Dinner was served at the concert for the audience...I believe this was food from the Chique Chaque, a restaurant located in the building similar to the Star & Crescent at Alpha Delt. I'm sure eating in this restaurant is a way you can get to know the members, but there are plenty of other options at well. Stopping by events in the building are always a good plan...even if they're not sponsored by Psi U, brothers will most likely be there.
For more information on Psi U, check out their national website.
These are some other activities and interests I've discovered at least ONE Psi U member takes a part in: ITS (Information Technology Services), Wesleyan Debate, Wesleyan Democrats, RAs, Squash, Skiing, Golf, Scuba Diving, Soccer, Cooking, WesCrew, Politics, WesPolo, Sex, Partying, Video Games, Poker, Ultimate Frisbee, Boogie Club, Math Club, Wes Cross Country and Track, Wiffle Ball, Baseball, Apples, Japanese World Domination, Club Hockey, North End Action Team, Wesleyan Swimming, Writer's Block, Britney Spears, Thesis Dance Performance, Being Sexy, Pangea, Mentoring, Wesleyan Student Assembly- Student Budget Commitee, People who, despite an Interest in Science or Math, are socially apt and have fantastic Sex Lives, Argus, HALO, Alcohol, Music, Prometheus (Fire-Spinning), EON, Beirut, WesU Radio, Amnesty International, MidWes, Basketball, Nietchze Factor, Theater, and Waiting in Line (humor a cappella)
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Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE), Fraternity: Gamma Phi chapter
DKE apparently has a magic mirror on their second floor that makes them look hot. I didn't say this. Facebook did. They say that they could stand in front of the glorious mirror for several days. It's like the Mirror of the Erised in Harry Potter!!!!
OK, see. At least 33 DKE brothers probably would make fun of me now for being a techie. As if there wasn't enough evidence against me, that clearly pointed it out. I'm not really sure what the whole problem with "The Tech" is. I don't hate athletes. At all. I'd be just as supportive of your teams if you didn't apparently want to crush me like a techie deserves to be crushed and make facebook groups that make me afraid to go to the gym.
It goes without saying that DKE is one of the frats that has a somewhat accurate stereotype...Football players. Chances are that if you are a football player and active in a fraternity...that fraternity is going to be DKE. I am not generalizing. I am basing this off of factual facebook information. 19 out of 57 members on facebook play football. 19 out of 43 football players are DKE brothers.
DKE is going co-ed (kind of)! This year, in order to obtain program house status, DKE has added a female as a boarder. Rebekah Glatt, '07 will be the first female to live as a non-member resident of DKE. Kudos to you Rebekah.
George Bush Sr. and George W. Bush were both DKE brothers, obviously not at Wesleyan.
Here is DKE's website at Wesleyan. It includes a link to their national site.
Since DKE is now a program house, it will probably have more all campus events. This means that it should become easier to meet members. Your best bet really is being a football player, frequenting the weightroom, or stopping by the house for parties or events.
I just want to make it clear that despite the rant about The Tech, I do not dislike DKE brothers at all. I spent endless rehearsal hours with one of the (then potential) DKE brothers this past year and he was a great guy. One of them was in a class of mine, and he seemed like his heart was in the right place. At the burlesque show this year, several of the girls were very excited that the DKE brothers showed up. A few other girls in the cast found this strange...but there's nothing wrong with those guys. They're human. We both just need to respect one another's views...which apparently isn't happening anytime soon. Maybe I'll write a wespeak about it. Wait...that'd be so techie of me.
So yeah, DKE's reputation? Um, I've heard some rude things said about them...for example, calling them the "date rape" frat. As Xue said, she was advised not to go there alone. They have a "sketchy" reputation, but I've only heard of one sketchy story about a guy ejaculating on some girl's face without permission or warning and then passing out on the couch, not remembering it the following morning. I also think this might have been DKE's president of the time. I find this story slightly funny but moreso degrading, but it does not cause me to judge every single DKE brother on campus. People do weird things.
I came across another DKE related facebook group...Delta Kappa Epsilon for the Class of 2009.
Their description is...
"The Facebook exploits of the graduating class of the Year of our Lord two thousand nine are unparalleled. From the smiling, general clean appearance, and music taste often including the likes of Journey, Guns N Roses, and late 80's popular music, you guys have outdone yourselves. Because of this, we, select brothers of Delta Kappa Epsilon and the Kent Literary Society, have taken notice and have founded this group to serve as a support to all endeavours you may encounter in the following four years. We are here for you. Come talk to us, confide in us, you can even cry on our shoulders. Unless you're a guy (if you are a guy and you try to cry on our shoulders that would just be weird)."
These are some other activities and interests I've discovered at least ONE DKE brother takes a part in- Hockey, Neon Deli, Girls, Being conservative, Beer, Rugby, Partying, Girls, Basketball, Baseball, Wesleyan Investment Group, Mock trial, Girls, Golf, Ski team, Weightlifting, Beer, Politics, Girls, Boobs, Emotion-Free sex, Career Resource Center, Beer, The Sleazy Seven, Mario Kart, Tennis, Poker, Girls, Wrestling, Boating, The Red Sox, Being a "Sketchy DKE brother for life", Beer
Jon Golbe of Teen Homicide and New Teen Force fame was once asked to pledge DKE by the brothers. This was ironic on their part, but Jon almost joined out of pure irony. Wouldn't that alone have been ironic and unfortunate? IRONY OVERLOAD!!!!
Lastly, DKE has a program house mission statement...
The true mission of Delta Kappa Epsilon (DKE) Gamma Phi Chapter at
Some of you will unreasonably hate DKE, some of you will love it and find a home there.
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SHHHHH!!!...SECRET SOCIETIES!
So there are two known secret societies on campus, both with building on each side of the World Music Hall in the Center for the Arts (CFA). Their existence isn't a secret, but their membership is.
First, there are the Mystical 7. Last I heard, their society is largely inactive due to the fact that their building isn't in too good shape. There has been Mystical 7 activity on campus, but most people are certain that it has no affiliation to the original group. This activity involved vandalizing the CFA theater department.
Second is the Skull & Serpent Society. This society still has an active membership on campus, as they will occasionally have parties. My freshman year, a "queer make-out party" was held in their building, The Tomb. The Tomb is a small rectangular building with small white columns and a skull and serpent over the doorway. Back to the party...those invited received an anonymous e-mail. Strangely enough, people who were barely open about their sexuality with others on campus somehow got invited. Even stranger about the party is that no one knew who was a member. They just showed up...and the door was open. The Tomb has several parties similar to this. To further elaborate on secret society activity, I once saw some people in black cloaks and silver masks taking pictures outside of Doug Bennet's (President of the University) house. Word on the street is that the movie The Skulls was based off of The Skull and Serpent Society.
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OTHER FRATS AND SORORITIES
Here is a list of other Greek organizations on campus and anything I may know about them as well. They are mostly responsible for planning social events and community service on campus and in the Middletown community. Several of them are arms of alumni chapters, and therefore, their charters are not on campus
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Historically Black Sorority
- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Historically Black Fraternity
- Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Historically Black Sorority
- Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Historically Black Fraternity
- Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority
- La Unidad Latina LUL Fraternity, Inc., Latino Fraternity
- Lambda Pi Chi Sorority, Inc., Latina Sorority
- Lambda Psi Delta Sorority, Inc., Multi-Cultural Sorority
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Historically Black Sorority
That's all I got for you. If any members are reading this and would like to provide me with information, that would be awesome! Also, you're probably wondering...why don't sororities have houses. I honestly don't know...apparently there's a CT law that says a certain number of women living in a house alone together is considered a brothel...Snopes.com says this is not true.
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Alpha Alpha Awesome,
Joe John
Most likely, this will be a skill you acquire during your freshmen year, although no one will actually know unless you have dance parties that involve more than one person. ¶ 7:50 PM 1 comments
Here is the first episode...TEEN HOMICIDE.
(if this link doesn't work download Quicktime 7)
Here is the good news...Out of the ten pilots that were aired, including those that were returning for Prime Time...Teen Homicide got the second most votes!!! This means that they'll be returning with a second episode. I'm excited.
Lastly, you might be going to school with Haley Joel Osment, the not-so-little-now boy from The Sixth Sense and Forrest Gump. I saw him yesterday walking out of an admissions info session. Let's get the class of 2010 rumors started already! And maybe you can all start writing him fan letters about why he should come to Wes. Unfortunately, he didn't go on my tou...and I was sad. Let me also say that Denzel Washington's daughter was supposed to come visit, but that hasn't happened yet. Either way, Denzel called admissions...and that's pretty sweet. ¶ 6:05 AM 0 comments
You should.
The Wesleyan University class of 2006 is rocking out at the Channel 102 pilot premieres tonight!
The show was created by Jon Golbe, Jess Lane, and Jordan Fish. It has been described as an..."awesome, hilarious, frightening, sexy, emotional, action-packed TV show". It is called Teen Homicide, but it should have been called Awesome instead. Apparently, Teen Homicide is catchier.
Taken directly from Ms. Lane's e-mail...
"Teen Homicide," is about a brother-sister crime-solving duo who investigate New York's most brutal teen murders. They are also in a rock band! Yessss! High fives!
The episode is going to be screening at a monthly event that takes place at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theater...named (you guessed it) Channel 102. Basically, people watch 10 shows. Five of them are pilots, five of them are "Prime Time" (returning shows). Each month, the audience votes, choosing five shows that will continue into the following month.
This is your chance to show support for people you never met 09ers!
8PM, TONIGHT...The Upright Citizens Brigade Theater is in Manhattan on 26th St between 8th and 9th Ave. This show costs $5, and you can get directions from this site or watch previous Channel 102 shows here.
I'll keep you posted on whether the pilot goes through to next month! Also, after tonight's debut...I'll post links to the episode, especially for those of you who are nowhere near NYC.
Internet journals don't burn in fires!,
Joe John ¶ 2:32 AM 0 comments
I also have a picture of a kitten looking out of a pocket with the caption "HANG in THERE!" tacked next to my desk at ResLife. It makes me happy, even if it lowers my street cred. ¶ 10:27 AM 1 comments
Within the next few weeks, I met 4 other students who had been given the same diagnosis. The conclusion we all reached is that this doctor has been handing out the asthma diagnosis' like candy. I don't know if he is still up to it or not. Still, I would strongly recommend seeing him, if not for a correct diagnosis, then for the opportunity to be told something other than the reality that you just need more sleep. ¶ 4:18 AM 0 comments
