siskyonfoe

MISS LUCY weighing in at just over 2 lbs. 

My little friend Maggie in the drivers seat. What a good poochie

Home sweet Home

Bold move. I don’t know whether I hate or love the guy who posted this at the base of a traffic light. I hope he finds a damsel in distress.

Hello my friends.

I am sorry to have started this blog with good intentions and then proceed to fail at updating it this month.

The truth is, it’s been a crazy past few weeks.

I still have no use of my right hand.

I’ve been doing the physical therapy every day.

I am still unable to move the index finger which sucks Hyena butts.

The worst part is that I am not capable of playing most musical instruments.

I have been working on my Harmonica and The Butcher has recently informed me that I can still play the “skin flute.”  

Good one The Butcher.

I have spent much time on the couch watching the NBA and NHL playoffs.

I went to game three of the Bulls+Celtics, only to watch my team get stomped.

I went to game five of the BlackHawks+Flames, which had favorable results.

I drove down to White Sox Park on Monday to watch them play the Mariner’s but just as I got to my seat, it started pouring.  I sat in the rain for an hour before the postponed the game.

I even went out to Romeoville, Illinois to watch my own band play a show without me.

I watched from the front of house and it was a lot of fun to be on the other side of things.

I like to think that had I never been a part of TAI, I would still dig the band and go check out the show.

It was a lot of fun.

I am planning on leaving the country in two days.  I will not say where I am going.

Maybe this blog or twitter will let you know while I’m there.

I feel I need a little peace and quiet.

Some time for what they call “soul searching.”

Leaving during all the excitement in sports is rough, so you will have to keep me posted.

I love you.  

bye

Hey there my friends.

As some of you may have heard there was a freak accident last Wednesday night.

I will be undergoing a surgery tomorrow morning and will unfortunately be unable to accompany the band on the upcoming trip to The United Kingdom & Belgium.

I had really been looking forward to these shows and I cannot express the disappointment I feel.

In times of need it is nice to know that I have so many beautiful and amazing friends I can turn to for support.

My bestest buddy the Butcher will be playing bass for me at these shows.
He has been perhaps my biggest musical inspiration over the last several years and I know those attending the shows will be amazed by his bass playing chops.

You must now be asking yourself  “Butcher?? Playing bass??  Who is going to play drums????”

The answer to your question, the amazingly talented Nash Breen will be the man for the job.

Nash plays in band called Armor For Sleep and he is one of the best drummers I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
We have done many tours together over the years and he has become one of our best friends.

I really wish I could come along to see the show and to say hi to anyone who is going, but my Doc told me it’s in my best interest not to leave the country.

I love you guys and appreciate your understanding.  Wish me well!

Love, Adam

p.s. check out my new online fun…

www.twitter.com/siskybusiness

Hey guys.  Sorry I have already let the slack pick up on my blog.  Its been a rough week in and out of the hospital.

I read a blog by my friend The Butcher and it made me laugh many times.

I think its from his myspace.

Anyway if you haven’t already read this, it should help bring you up to speed on a few things.

More from me soon!  I pinky promise!

new butchanski blog :)
April 13, 2009 - Monday 
Sweaty hands…. 
As some of you may know- from sources unknown to me- Sisky sliced/severed the tendon running through his right-index finger. Rendering him even MORE useless (HAHAH!!) than before. Just playin’ Siskel. So, guess who they asked to play bass?


MEE!!

Yep. Me. Which would explain the sweaty hands. I’m sosososo pumped to play bass for TAI, they’re like, TOTALLY my favorite band. My dear, dear sweet-hearted friend, Nash Breen, drummer of Armor For Sleep, will be filling in on drums. Which is a whole other reason to be stolked, I get to travel overseas with an old friend. Nash and I always got along quite well. On the Sleeping With Giants tour, we were like 2 peas in a pod. We would eat together, talk about girl issues together. One time, he even fell asleep on my shoulder. Just kidding, although I would totally let him. 

So I’m expanding my ink collection. I just bought sunshine yellow, green, blue, white, nut brown, and gold ink for these “blowings”, or whatever. I’m really quite pleased with the results. I want to incorporate this method into all my works, because it gives a very natural, yet deliberate feel to existing ink drawings. Like, making the hair on a character totally wild, by using that method. Stolked. Also, I think most of the MERCH designs will have that incoprorated into them, one way or another.

Easter was great. I ate terribly delicious food. I almost threw up from over consumption, but you can blame that on the munchies. That’s right, I said it. I ain’t never scared. As my good pal Courtney just wrote, “God bless the first Amendment”. Amen.

Also, an old friend from the past contacted me on here. I was tickled.

The melonade is-a-flowin’… I think it’s time for Q&A!

Q- What’s with the hair trimmer?
A- I’m gonna shave my head today. !!

Q- Really? But I like your mullet. 
A- I’m pretty sure that’s bullshit. Plus, I’ve been spouting grey hairs like Tony Marino.

Q- Okay, just promise you’ll grow it back.
A- Promise.

Q- Dude, lovin’ you from the waste DOWN brother. Where’d you get geared up?
A- Fucking TopShop just opened in SoHo. I kindof spent alot of money. Finally, I can wear jeans that dont look painted on. And these pointy shoes are sweet.

Q- Yeah, typically I would make fun of you for wearing pointy shoes, but somehow those work. Is this your new “thing”?
A- Kind of. I just have to get a new look before playing bass.

Q- Yeah, about that… Are you gonna be able to learn all those songs in 2 days?
A- Well, I already know them. Front to back. Honestly, the thing I have to work on, is my 1000-yard-stare, and my rock-stance. I fear that I’ll look foolish standing on stage. I’m simply not used to it.

Q- I can see why that might be tough. You’re singing still, right?
A- Shit yes Benji. More than usual, assuming I’m comfortable enough..

Q- I think they make stuff to calm you down…
A- Yeah, it’s called Whiskey. WHO WANTS A SHAAAWT??

Q- That’s funny. So, is sisky just gonna stay home?
A- Nah, he already has a ticket. I bet that he’ll heckle us from the crowd.

Q- Oh yeaaaah, I heard the show in Belgium is primarily crusty punk bands…
A- That’s right, Q. Although the mothafuckin Get Up Kids are headlining, we may experience some flying debris. The one time I actually get to be in the front of the stage, people are gonna throw shit at me.

Q- Brutal mosh. What else do you got for me?
A- I had a discussion with Lee that has left me feeling a thousand different things.

Q- Care to elaborate, Mr. Cryptic?
A- I dont think so. I do have a request, though, for everyone reading this.

Q- Wazzat.
A- It’s Lee’s Birthday Tomorrow. He’ll be 26. So, for all of you true buddies of mine, if you wouldnt mind sending him a quick hello and Happy Birthday message, I’d really be happy. 

Q- Annnnd how do we do that?
A- Well, it’s simple. He’s my #1 friend, both in real-life and on Myspace. You know what to do. Make papa proud.

Q- That’s sort of creepy.
A- Sowwieeee. 

Okay guys. I’m gonna go shave my head, send me blemish-free-scalp vibes! Ewwww hahah

Butchanski

A photo of my friend Mike Carden as a young little bastard.
This photo captures the essence of the man, the myth, the maniac.
I first met Mike at our the very first band practice of “The Academy” on March 4th, 2003.

I had been a fan of his former band “Jodie” so I was very nervous about meeting such an established rocker.
I came down in the basement and found him wearing a blue Chicago Bears beanie that was just barely resting on his 18 year old head.
I was a very inexperienced musician and when I had to have Mike tune my bass for me because I didn’t know how.
I thought for sure that I would not be asked back for the next practice.

However, I was I felt great relief when Mike Carden began speaking and had frequent pubescent voice cracks. I felt that since I was 15 and didn’t have voice cracks that I had some sort of leverage over him.

This gentle beast was destined to be my brother.

It is amazing to think of where our lives have taken us.
I am forever grateful for these friends I have.
I really don’t know what, where or who I would be without them.

I really wish I could have known Mike Carden at the time this photo was taken, I know we would have caused much mischief together.
We probably would have ding dong ditched your house somewhere along the way.

More embarrassing photos of all the band members coming…

This is my first post. I am not too internet savvy so you may have to bear with me while I figure out what a blog is.
This will be a way for me to reach out to you and voice my opinions on various subjects.
I am excited to join the 21st century, I have even started a twitter account.
I look forward to sharing words from my brain with you as well as many photos compiled throughout this crazy life.
Thanks for reading… more soon!

THESE ARE MY PICKS, NOT MY PREDICTIONS...



ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE:

MICKEY ROURKE- THE WRESTLER

ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:

MICHAEL SHANNON- REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE:
KATE WINSLET- THE READER

ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE:
MARISA TOMEI- THE WRESTLER

ANIMATED FEATURE FILM-
WALL-E

ART DIRECTION-
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

CINEMATOGRAPHY-
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

COSTUME DESIGN-
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

DIRECTING-
SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE

FILM EDITING-
THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

MAKEUP-

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

BEST PICTURE-

THE CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON

...MY FAVORITE FILM OF THE YEAR, REVOLUTIONARY ROAD, WAS NOT NOMINATED. EITHER WAS LEO WHO I THINK DESERVED THE NOMINATION... I THINK KATE WINSLET SHOULD HAVE BEEN NOMINATED FOR THAT FILM TOO, BUT I STILL HOPE SHE WINS FOR THE READER.

Its new years eve and I'm in Maui.

It's about 5 minutes until the ball drops in times square and I'm watching on CNN.

Kathy Griffin has one of the more annoying voices I have heard in my life, I don't understand why she still has a place on television...

They are playing Imagine in Times Square.  Lennon really had the right idea when he wrote that one.

One minute left until 2009...

I know this year is going to be better than the last.

There it is, happy new year New York.

I saw some Humpback Whales today.  They come down here to Maui from Alaska to mate.  Then the go back up North to eat, before coming back down here to give birth.  I think that's pretty awesome. 

I will be here in Maui until the 8th, my 21st birthday. 

Andrew McMahon told me that I should go to Charley's before my flight leaves on the 8th for my first legal Pina Colada.  Charley's is owned by Willie Nelson, who is a pretty righteous guy, so I'd be pretty happy to give him my business.  So hopefully I will make it over there.  I hope we can come play a show here in Maui, or anywhere in Hawai'i for that matter.

I wish you all a very happy 2009 and I look forward to seeing you again. 

p.s. i hope you liked the MTV performance.  Thankyou to everyone who came out and supported us for the taping of it.  performing for television can always be a little awkward, and you all gave us a sense of belonging.  You have always been good for that.

We have some really exciting stuff planned for the next few months... more on that soon.

Thanks for a great year, it was a really nice one for all of us in TAI.

see you soon.

Sorry I haven't posted here for a while... its my new years resolution.

Chicago Bulls vs. Utah Jazz tonight at the United Center. May the best team win... nah... may the Bulls win!

My cat baby has been extra grumpy lately, but his daughter Little Girl is always nice.

Baby always goes outside and gets covered in snow and then comes back in and spreads it all throughout the house.  What a crazy cat. 

I am watching "Jingle All the Way" on ABC family, Arnold and Sinbad are a match made in heaven.

If you see me at the game tonight, come say hi. 

LOVE ADAM

p.s. who should we go on tour with in 2009?

 

adam t siska's name drop of the day: Andres Nocioni

adam t siska's song of the day: The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carrol

 

1.  Bob dylan- subterranean homesick blues Buy  It Here
2. Jacks mannequin- the resolution Buy It Here
3. Ryan adams- oh my sweet carolina Buy It Here
4. Tyga- coconut juice Buy It Here
5. Bob dylan- positively 4th street Buy It Here
6. Panic at the disco- northern downpour Panic Buy It Here
7. Cobra starship- snakes on a plane Buy It Here
8. Against me!- don't lose touch Buy It Here
9. smashing pumpkins- 1979 Buy It Here
10. The fleshy- caw mr. Seagull Listen To It Here

HEAD on over to THEACADEMYIS.COM!!!!

Hey guys, here are some of my responses to your questions. My apologies if I skipped over yours, I have been pretty busy. I hope that you enjoy, and I will try to respond to more as soon as possible!



Q: If you were stranded on a desert island that just so happened to have a cd player-and you could only bring one cd- which one would you choose?

A: I would have to go with Jimmy Cliff's Soundtrack to the film "The Harder They Come." Being stranded on an island listening to reggae music sounds a lot like my childhood.




Q: Did you always want to be in a band and travel or did you have other dreams??

A:From a young age I always believed that traveling and experiencing new places with new people was the only real way to learn more about the world. Through my dreams of traveling and my hopes for the future, came my love for music. I think the two go hand in hand.




Q: Who do you think influenced you the most into becoming a musician?

A: As a kid, the only thing my parents ever tried to push on me was their love for Reggae and Rock n' Roll. To me, the musicians that my family idolized were like the Superheroes in the comics I read. They stood for something important and they were defending the world against the bad guys. It was really the only thing I ever really thought I would want to do.


Q: Did you ever play basketball b/c you seem to really like the Chicago Bulls




A: Yes I did play basketball. I was always a big fan of the Chicago Bulls so when I moved to Chicago I decided to sign up for the Wilson Hoops Camp. I was terrible but I always loved to play. Plus I won the Crazy Hair Day competition and I didn't even do anything different to my hair.




Q: Who is your least favorite person on survivor this season?

A: My least favorite person on Survivor is Eliza. I think she nags a lot and she is a complete waste of space. Jason Siska= Total Domination




Q: Who is the best and worst driver of TAI?

A: I wouldn't say that any of us are great drivers, but we also aren't terrible drivers. I have never gotten in an accident or gotten a ticket, but I hate merging onto I-90 by my house. Mike Carden isn't too bad but he kinda drives like a Grandpa. William isn't bad either, but one time he blew a stop sign. I've never seen Michael drive and The Butcher doesn't have his drivers license.




Q: What is your favorite sandwich

A: The Chicken Parmesan. Mmmmm.




Q: What did you think as you met Mike Carden for the first time in your life? Were you scared?

A: The first time I met Mike Carden was March 4th, 2003 (my brothers 18th Birthday) the day that we formed The Academy Is... I wouldn't say that I was scared of Mike, but I was definitely intimidated. I had been a fan of Mikes previous band, Jodie, and I knew that Mike was probably a lot smarter than me. I had never played in a band that didn't suck before so I was pretty nervous. I didn't know how to tune my bass so I had to hand it to Mike to do it. I felt really dumb, but Mike was cool. I have learned a lot from my band mates over the years.




Q: Is it hard to keep in touch with family and friends while on the road, since you guys tour alot?

A: Yes it is definitely hard. I don't keep in touch with too many people. I try to make sure I call each family member at least once a week. I am also a fan of sending postcards from the road.





Q: If you had to choose one city besides Chicago, to live at where would it be and why?

A: I am very into traveling and changing my surroundings. There are a few cities that I definitely plan on living in at some point in my life. My favorite city in the U.S.A. is El Paso, Texas and I would love to live there someday. I would also to love in Camden, London. Los Angeles is treating me well at the moment. I'm sure I will just end up back in Coral Bay, St John, in the Virgin Islands.


Remember... If you've got Questions, Sisky Business has answers.

Whats up friendo, Its me Sisky fuckin' Business.

The time has come for us to play a little game called ASK SISKY

Some of you may have played before, others for the first time...

Heres how you do it...

Ask Me anything you want to know.

I will respond to as many as I can and post within the next few days!

Have fun and keep it clean!

-SISKY BUSINESS

WHATS YOUR FAVORITE ANIMAL?

I have a few.  Orangutans, Camels, and Turtles.  But I love them all...

Hey there my friends.  Its The Business.

I was very pleased to see how many of you responded to my first post and asked some very interesting questions!  I was going to individually write you all back on your own accounts but I figured I would share more about myself with you guys and show all of you the answers!  Unfortunately I am beginning this at 1:20  AM and am planning an early wake up tomorrow morning.   So I figured I would post the answers to some of the questions now, and come back and add more within the next couple of days.  Also that will give you all more time to soak in the fun facts about yours truly, Sisky Business...

Here it goes...

Q:  Does Being the Youngest Member of TAI have any advantages or disadvantages?

A:  As the youngest member of TAI, I will always be the "kid brother" to the other guys in the band, and at times I can get picked on.  But I also realize that it is just part of the brotherly love we have for each other.  As a band,  I think we are very much like a family.  We are all very different from one another, but we find our selves on a common ground with the love for music and each other.  I have learned a lot from my band mates, and they have learned a lot from me.  I have always tried to bring a youthful and positive outlook into the band, and with that I think we will remain forever young.

Q:  When will the  TAI DVD be released?

A:  The truth is, I am not exactly sure at this point.  We are extremely anxious and excited to share with you more of the craziness inside the world of TAI and Jack the Camera Guy.  We would love to have it out as soon as possible!

Q:  What is the coolest place you've ever been?

A:  My years spent in the Virgin Islands as a youngster, were some of my finest.  St. John is a wonderful island which I will always look at as home.  In my recent travels,  I have fallen in love with every country I have toured.  The USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Singapore, Japan, Belgium, Germany, France and the United Kingdom have all been full of wonderful people and places.

However, one of the greatest days of my life was spent in Brussels, Belgium this past August (the day before we played the Pukkelpop Festival.)  The Butcher and I spent the day wandering aimlessly around the streets, in awe of all the utopian city that is Brussels.  It was a great bonding experience for the Butcher and I as friends and as the rhythm section of TAI.

Q:  What Is Your Favorite Christmas Song?

A:  Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer....or Yule Shoot Your Eye Out.

Q:  If you could open for anyone dead or alive who would it be and why?

A:  Growing up, my favorite rock band was the Smashing Pumpkins.  They were completely different than any other music I had ever heard.  When I saw the Vieuphoria VHS tape (check it out, its on DVD now!) I got to see the bands personalities for the first time.  They were completely insane and out of this world.  Being the weird kid that I was (and still am,)  I looked at them as heroes because they represented the people like me who were a bit odd and had a-hole fathers (haha) and managed to feel better about it through music.   They were the band who inspired me to feel confident enough to pick up an instrument and make some friends with it.  If TAI were able to tour with the Smashing Pumpkins of 1993, I think we would have made great friends.  We were fortunate enough to play with them at the Pukkelpop Festival this past summer in Belgium.  Unfortunately Billy Corgan was only at the festival long enough to play their set, and then bounced in a hellacopter immediately after finishing.  Total bummer...  Maybe I can train to be a hellacopter pilot so I can one day talk to Billy.

Q: Will You Marry Me?

A:  No, and as Wayne Campbell once told me, marriage is punishment for stealing in some countries...

Q:  Would You Ever bring your cats on tour?

A:  If it were up to me, I would bring Baby and Little Girl with me everywhere, however I can't for 3 reasons.

1. The Butcher is Allergic to Cats

2.  Michael Guy Chislett is Allergic to Cats

3.  My Mom would get Mad.

Q: Obama or Clinton?

A:  Personally I like favor Obama, but I will vote for either.  I don't pay too much attention to politics, however I do know that our country and the entire world are in need of some big changes.  I will vote for, and encourage you to vote for the candidate (if any of them) who, as a leader,  is ready to light a fire up under our asses to stop talking and start acting.

Q:  Ryland Blackinton or Guy Ripley?

A:  I could never pick between the two, in fear of hurting either ones feelings.  It is funny that you ask though becuase I have always thought that they look very similar to each other.  Like long lost brothers if you will...  Ryland is an amazing man and we have toured the world together for the last 6 months.  Since the night I met him, at the Snakes on a Plane premier, we have grown closer every day.  He is easily the most brilliant man I know.  As far as Guy Ripley goes,  he has always supported our band greatly and has always been very great during interviews.  Plus I hear he is a great kisser! (Alex Sarti told me!)

Q: Have you ever considered a solo rap Career?

A:  Yes.

 

So there you have it, part one of ASK SISKY!

I hope you have a better understanding of your good friend Adam T. Siska.

I will answer more questions soon!

I have one question for you...

If I made Sisky Business t-shirts would you wear them???