Hey Kiddos -

It's James again, only about a month late for this issue. I always write these pieces early, to get them out of the way. Hell, right know I would be lying if I said I had 3 pieces done for the issue you are currently reading. I always say/brag about changes that I have enacted for the issue in question, and there really aren't many this time. I am writing most of these pieces after a particularly hellacious first half of a semester of the sophomore year here at DePauw. I completely threw myself into the twin pursuit of intense studying and drinking my ass off, only giving myself a day to recover. I can't pull this schedule anymore. My spirit is so frayed, my ambition so low, that something needs to change.

Fall break starts Friday, and I'm going on two trips during it, both with my quiz bowl team. It is a minor form of rejuvenation, as I can prove that I am actually worth something rather than failing miserably in a school environment. The week bookended between these trips will consist of me doing nothing, save for working on this issue. I don't know how it will turn out, but It really seems to have a more personal vein running through it. And I believe that I know why, as well. I am just so tired, so sick of dealing with all of these conventions, that I am leaving my shields down, shields that would typically block all emotional content from being vocalized.

#9?. Bah! I am not thinking about it. January 1st? Maybe. Right now, I could care less. When it is finished it will be finished. I give up trying to follow self-imposed deadlines. They always force me to speed through the process without being happy with it myself. I never look at my finished zines for this exact reason. I'm going to fall asleep from exhaustion, being that I am just going to bed at 5 A.M., but feel free to e-mail or AIM me. I won't bite, I promise.

James McQuiston.