This is where you can get to know me a little better, if you care to. My name is Jes and I am back in the wonderful city of Rochacha, where I am lovingly referred to as The Rochester Ratette. I've been a Good Rats fan since as far back as I can remember. My father used to go see them on LI when he was a teenager; he used to sneak in the shows either via air conditioning ducts or by pretending he was helping the band unload their instruments and equipment. I can remember always pulling the "Tasty" album out of my Dad's record shelf and staring at the cover art! I would have never guessed in a million years that I would ever see them play live. Peppi is nothing short of a god to me. I believe he is one of the most gifted and amazing songwriters America has ever seen. It is nothing short of shame that he is not a household name--the man's music is outstanding.
I was born in Walton, NY, which is a podunk valley town near Oneonta and Delhi. When I was a baby, we moved back to the Island where my parents hailed from. We lived in Mastic Beach and Brentwood. We moved back to Walton when I was 8 years old, where I was raised until I left for Potsdam State University in 1994. I studied music for a year at the Crane School there, but found that I didn't enjoy spending my days with some of the most conceited people to walk the face of the earth, so I switched majors in 1995 to Fine Art and double majored in English/Creative writing. In 1996 I pledged Sigma Alpha Iota, where I met my good friends Jen, Christine and Courtney (visit www.courtneyzito.com--she's almost famous!). I spent most of my time at Theta Omega Phi (Prometheus), a fraternity whom I had attachments to, and learned how to increase my alcohol tolerance. ;-) In 1997, I moved to Estes Park, CO, where I worked as a housekeeper at the Stanley Hotel (where Stephen King wrote "The Shining") but found it to be too secluded from everything and rent was exorbitant, so I moved to Fort Collins, CO and started working towards attending CSU to pursue art. I was accepted into the art program, but unfortunately tuition was sky high, so I didn't get to go. When I moved to Denver, CO in 1998, I started attending the Bel-Rea Institute of Animal Technology to become a veterinary technician. I met my good friend Kim there. We graduated in 2000. I moved back to New York and lived in Walton for a year while working as a tech at a veterinary clinic there. After finding I couldn't support myself working in Walton, I moved to West Henrietta in 2001 and started another tech job at a different veterinary hospital, which was HORRIBLE(...you ever had that job that you don't even want to bother going to because your bosses are complete assholes?). I first saw the Rats in July at Fat Moe's, and in August I quit my job. At the end of August I started a new tech job at another hospital, then in January of 2003 I quit and we moved BACK to Walton (noticing a pattern here?), separated from my husband who was not as supportive and caring as I once believed, moved BACK to Rochester in May of 2004, got me a sweetheart of a boyfriend, and that pretty much brings us to the present.
I am a freelance artist dabbling in everything from graphic design to cartooning. Stephen King is my favorite author...has been since I was 8 years old. Although I have been reading Augusten Burroughs lately, and am quite enjoying his unfortunately too-small body of work. My favorite bands beside the Rats are Stone Temple Pilots, Hole, Alice Cooper, Fleetwood Mac, The Doors, The Who, Zeppelin, Nirvana, Elton John, and Queen. I've got the type of personality where I will walk up to just about anyone and talk to them- I love being spontaneous. I LOVE meeting new people and have a wide variety of friends. Horror and cult flicks are my absolute weakness, especially campy stuff like "Friday the 13th". And Kevin Smith films are the BEST FILMS EVER MADE, and don't you forget it!! I've got a brother named Rich; two sisters, Amy and Mallory; a nephew, Gage Schuyler; and a niece, Riley Paige. My folks own The Daily Grind in Walton, the coolest alehouse/live entertainment venue in the world. I can't live without watching The Simpsons and South Park. Cartman is the BEST! I don't think there's anything else I could possibly tell you here...any questions, email me! LOL.
So, that's all about me, pretty boring shit...figured I'd get it all out in the open. See ya at the next Good Rats show!
In Memoriam: My friend Matt died Sept. 10th, 2002 of a heart attack. He was only 27. I hadn't seen him in a few years, but his death hit me rather hard. This is a reminder to all that life can fade quickly, and we should all take time to call our friends and loved ones and tell them how much we love and appreciate them. His obituary follows.
Moran, Matthew D.
Date published: 9/13/02
ELMIRA: Passed away Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2002 at age 27. He is survived by his wife Jennifer Moran; mother Diane Moran; brother James (Jamie) Moran; sister Nora Moran; grandmothers, Lucille Moran, Margaret Powers; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins. Matthew was predeceased by his father Lawrence Moran. Family & friends are invited to call Friday 2-4 & 7-9PM at McGUIRE/HARGRAVE&MURPHY FUNERAL HOME, 123 East Jackson St., Palmyra, where a Funeral Service will be held 4:30PM Saturday. Interment will be at St. Anne's Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Lollypop Farm or the Heart Association.