Tales From the Frozen North

Basitar

2007-04-20T01:54:00.000-04:00

If you've ever wondered what probably the oddest stringed instrument is, you might want to take a look at the basitar. It's a two-stringed guitar using heavy gauge strings and tuned to fifths. It was created by the Presidents of the United States of America (you know, that band from the 90s with the obnoxiously long name that did such catchy songs as Peaches, Lump, and Kitty) along with a 3 string version known as the guitbass.

With the power of eBay and Musician's Friend I've made one for less than $100.

More pictures

The basitar uses large gauge strings (.060 and .036) and is tuned to C# and G# (or Db and Ab if you like that kind of thing). The guitbass is tuned C#, G# (same as basitar), and C# an octave up. Both tunings have the useful effect that barring a fret produces or fits within nearly any chord. The tone is also great, a combination of gauge and tension. The guitar itself cost me only $75, including shipping. I then bought Ernie Ball custom gauge strings for $7.

It's a fun guitar to play, sounding like a low guitar but playing more like a bass. It can also handle walking lines and "chords" (more like double-stops) well. For more information, check out this page, which has instructions and background on both instruments.

New Ozma album!

2007-03-20T14:41:00.000-04:00

Ozma "Pasadena" - May 15, 2007

1. No One Needs To Know
2. Barriers
3. Eponine
4. Fight The Darkness
5. Heartache Vs Heartbreak
6. Incarnation Blues
7. Lunchbreak (Cobras Theme)
8. Motorology 3:39
9. I Wonder
10. Underneath My Tree
11. Straight Flush

The first three tracks are interesting, because they've all been released before by the band (or by Yes Dear in the case of track 2). I love Barriers, but I'm supprised that they are revisiting No One Needs to Know, and it's only been one album since Eponine. Looking forward to it, and definitely going to try to get it the day it is released.

Placated

2006-08-17T00:52:00.000-04:00

I was going to make a post about how much I hate "Fundamentalists". Then I found this video of Ozma with Star Wick playing a Keytar:

I have been thoroughly placted.

On finishing...

2006-08-14T22:59:00.000-04:00

I went into the studio last week to record for RK's new album. From what I heard (still raw) it's sounding great. He's doing the final mixing and mastering this week, and the album should be out around Labor Day. I'm really excited to be a part of it and I can't wait to get my hands on it. I'll let you know more when I get some info.

So some "Christians" think that without a preemptive strike by Israel against Iran, there will be no second coming. They actually want a war in Israel, because it lets them sell more books about their 'prophesy'. The best of these is Pat Robertson. It's pretty bad when your own webpage's biggest piece of news is that you appologized for claiming someone's stroke was divine.

What was it that Jesus said? I think it was "Blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called the sons of God."

I'm sure he didn't mean it...

What's before 'work - slave - die'?

2006-07-27T16:27:00.000-04:00

I'm pretty sure it's poor. People tell me that I should be thankful that I even have a job. Which I am. I still wish I actually worked, though.

Monday I worked 4 hours. I had to find a job of my own volition, because my supervisors failed to mention the clubhouse was closed for the day, although it made it a simple task to get some painting done.

Tuesday I worked 2 hours. Pretty usual stuff.

Yesterday I worked 2 hours. Once again I arrived at work at the time they asked me to come in, only to find that they had no idea what they wanted me to do. I ended up traveling out to a farm to get decorations for next week.

Today I worked 18 minutes. The work they wanted me to help do had already been done. I ended up helping to move a piano 30 ft and moved about 18 chairs 20 feet.

I may only need to work to provide myself with spending money, but it looks like I'm not going to have much. It's one thing to be frugal, but my monetary situation next year may require more drastic measures...

Economies of scale

2006-07-20T23:03:00.000-04:00

120 Loratadine tablets in bottle: $0.25 each
40 Loratadine tablets in blister packaging: $0.50 each
1 Loratadine tablet in 4"x4" box: $2.50

So I was debating with several friends over what exactly constitutes a sport. Of course, it needs to be directly competetive and have a specific win condition. It also needs to be located in the physical realm. Anything digital is not a sport, just a cyber-sport. I think it also needs to be analog, so board and card games are out (they are boolean and integer based, respectively). It needs to be based primarily on player skills, so plinko and horse-racing are out (horse racing due to the primary factor determining success is horse genetics and the jockey is, strictly, unnecessary). Athletic ability is not necessary, but skill is. You don't need to be in fabulous shape to be an archer, yet it is still a sport. Also, conditions for competition must be variable, either by varying locations (home field advantage), playing area (Daytona and Infineon are very different race tracks), weather, team composition (to exploit an opponent's weakness), or player attributes (right/left handed, height, etc). Also, scoring and success should be primarily empirical (new figure skating scoring fits this criteria, old scoring didn't).

And I think that covers it. Feel free to try and correct me on anything I mentioned, but be prepared to prove it. That's the point of debate, you know, not just claiming to be right because you want to be.

One Week...

2006-07-13T23:38:00.000-04:00

I sometimes wonder why people buy SUVs. It's not the fuel mileage, nor is it the interior room (that's what a minivan is for). And when I see an SUV drive gingerly across a short gravel patch, I wonder if they realize off-road capabilities are all that the SUV has going for it.

I continue to slowly accumulate money. I doubt it will be an optimal ammount, but next summer should remedy that. A full-time internship should do well to line my coffers and allow me to build a new PC.

So, everyone still needs to download The Few No More's music. I know that only about 5 of you have downloaded the new stuff, and fewer than than that have downloaded it all. I'm disappointed in you. Download it now, and rate us while you're at it.

Just one more week...

Can't Get Next To You

2006-07-12T00:43:00.000-04:00

I can turn gray sky blue.
I can make it rain, whenever I want it to. Oh, I
I can build a castle from a single grain of sand.
I can make a ship sail, uh,on dry land.
But my life is incomplete and I'm so blue.
'Cause I can't get next to you.

I can't get next to you, babe.(Next to you)
I can't get next to you. ( I just can't get next you)
I can't get next to you, babe.
I can't get next to you.

I can fly like a bird in the sky.
Hey, and I can buy anything that money can buy.
Oh, I
I can turn a river into a blazing fire.
I can live forever if I so desired.
Unimportant are all things I can do.
'Cause I can't get next to you.

I can't get next to you, babe. (No matter what I do)
I can't get next to you.
uh ya

Ooooo
Ooooo
Chica boom, chica boom
Chica boom, boom, boom

I can turn back the hands of time,
you better believe I can.
I can make the seasons change, just by waving my hand.
Oh, I
I can change anything form old to new.
The things I want to do the most, I'm unable yo do.

Unhappy am I with all the powers I possess.
'Cause girl you're the key to my happiness. And I

Can't get next to you.
Girl, you're blowing my mind 'cause I can't get...(Next to you)
Can't you see these tears I'm crying? I can't get...(Next to you)
Girl, it's you that I need. I gotta get...(Next to you)
Can't you see these tears I'm crying? I can't get...(Next to you)
I, I, I, I can't get ...(Next to you)
I, I, I, I can't get....(Next to you)
Girl, you're blowing my mind....

These are the immortal words of the Temptations. So good they have been used, in whole, by Al Green, the Rolling Stones, and 98 Degrees.

Comparisons

2006-07-10T16:37:00.000-04:00

So Italy won the cup. I'm glad. If the US couldn't win, and Germany couldn't win, and Brazil couldn't win, then Italy is the next best option. More simply put, anyone but France.

Here's why I think France lost:
Too reliant on PKs. They abuse the FIFA rule where any player on the field can take a PK. So, when their crappy forwards get tripped up in the box, they send in Zidane. So, they get a large portion of their points off of drawing fouls from situations where thy probably wouldn't have scored anyway if they didn't abuse FIFA's rules.
Zidane is a dick. He always had a scowl on his face. ALWAYS. I don't care what you were arguing about with Materazzi, you never had to get physical away from the ball. And a headbutt? That's a bitch move, Zidane. I hope you're always remembered for being headbutt guy, and are forever shamed by it.
When has France ever won anything?

I'm starting to get tired of smear ads on TV. Sure, Cable internet has a maximum speed of 5Mbps, but that's for your ntire neighborhood. When your 3 neighbors are all downloading pr0n movies you get what's left. Sure, it CAN be faster than DSL, but almost never by as much as they claim. Sometimes it is the better option, but this is just misleading.

The new Mac ads are hyperbolous to the max. They claim PCs do nothing but spreadsheets and boring stuff, but forget that every fun computer game in the last 10 years has come out for PC. Mac's can run windows now, but their hardware is still far more expensive. Assuming we can get our hands on a digital video camera, Dan and I will be making video rebuttals to these ads.

Awkward silence...

I think you'll like this...

2006-07-04T01:02:00.000-04:00

You've been waiting a long time for this, but now you have it.

For those of you who don't trust links without a description (which you shouldn't, good for you if you haven't clicked it yet), this is the link to all the TFNM songs. Tell your friends, tell your neighbors. Download them all, they're free! If you want to throw a few dollars our way too, that's nice as well...

Deutscheland über alles

2006-07-02T01:00:00.000-04:00

So Germany beat Argentina is a dramatic shootout, and Italy rocked the Ukraine. Everything else World Cup has been crazy. England lost to Portugal (Beckham was injured and they had a red-carded player) and Brazil lost to France. FRANCE?!

My prediction: Germany 2 - Italy 1; France 1 - Portugal 1 (Portugal winning in shootout or extra time); Germany 1 - Portugal 0.

And be expecting something you'll all like very soon...

Oh, snap!

2006-06-27T22:38:00.000-04:00

Holy cats, I am sore. Soccer Sunday then mad physical labor yesterday. At least it has been worth it. Physical discomfort is a small price to pay for a hat trick and $60. Next weekend will be good again as Dan and I go see Solo race, as well as 2 different figure-8 races.

So my work schedule is quite odd: go in at 2, stay until they're done with me. Unpredictable, but acceptable.

For the catch of the day, check out this video of Stevie Wonder on Sesame Street in the 70s:

WORK BITCH

2006-06-18T21:53:00.000-04:00

I've got a job at the Country Club now, and for lack of a job title, I'm going to have to just go with "Work Bitch". I got a nice little wakeup call from Dave: "Hey Andrew, do you have a job yet? Would you like one?" The next day I was already working doing some setup for a big wedding party for the Doan family (one of the Dow's wives was a Doan). I was slightly surprised with how quickly I felt like I fit in. After only a few hours I was already participating in a few of the dirty jokes. And if you've ever seen Waiting, it was kinda like that, except less crazy people and no penis-show game (at least, that I know of).

Of course, now my supervisor seems to have forgotten to call me to tell me when I'm working next. Hopefully I should have a schedule soon, but for now I have no idea if I'm working tomorrow, or what time. Well, here goes nothing.

Money money money money.
Money.
-The O'Jays

Shit happens...

2006-06-08T21:39:00.000-04:00

"I'm having a shitty day. Tell me a joke."

So today everything about being unemployed and not doing anything kind of hit me with a wave of depression. I just don't want to do anything, partly because there's nothing for me to do. I couldn't focus on anything for more than a few minutes and I'm feeling lethargic.

So what have I done about it? Smoked my pipe and grabbed another possible place to apply for a job (traveling salesman).

Now for phrases that I hate:

"No offense"
Really means: "I really want to offend you, but don't want to have any consequences from doing so," or "I think you will be offended by this because I have a low opinion of you."

"I'm not going to say anything"
Really means: "I want to say something that will antagonize you. I will instead just antagonize you with a generic comment in an attempt to avoid the consequences," or "I can't bite my tounge, but I'll pretend I can."

The job market...

2006-06-06T17:24:00.000-04:00

Still unemployed, and things aren't looking any better. It seems the bank wants a full-year intern (not me) and I'm still waiting for a call back from the Country Club (so far my only hope). My resume is even at Kelley Temp Services, but no bites. I've put in applications at the hardware store, movie store, and Subway. Out of those, only Subway seems to be actively hiring. I have yet to find anywhere else that is actually hiring.

At some point (probably pretty soon) I'm going to run out of spendable money. I'll still have gas to get places, but once I get to those places I will not be able to do anything there. And when do I usually spend money? Social gatherings. So I either don't spend any money (no coffee, no dinner, no movie), or somebody else pays for me (not a big fan).

Well, if anyone would like to pay me to fix their computer or do an odd job, feel free to call.

Please call, I'm pretty desperate.

"I learned if you ask women for money, they'll give it to you. And there's no strings attached. Except sex."
-Cal

Horsepower

2006-05-26T00:20:00.000-04:00

I've been playing Forza Motorsport lot this week. I think that every guy can appreciate the raw power and competition in auto racing. Forza's even better because of the raw number of cars and customization. It's like being one of the kids who squeals their tires whenever they drive, except here you're actually doing something with the car.

I really need a job.

And there's something else missing here in Midland...

Food pantry

2006-05-24T23:19:00.000-04:00

So I spent 6 hours today working at a food pantry at my church. It was actually some pretty hard work for a lot of it. Some pretty heavy lifting and such, and I probably worked some of the most of all the people there. I've worked food pickups before, but have never done distribution before. It was great seeing people's faces light up with every new item you put in their cart. You could tell that this was more than they were used to getting. I was also hnding out the Oreos and popcorn, and seeing the kids' smiles that they had junk food was amazing.

The thing that touched me most was when you gave people a little extra who needed it. Our old pastor was helping a family of 8, who would normally get the same food as a family of 5 due to the distribution rules. So we would give them the stuff, and he would say "did you get all 4?", to which they would say 'yes'. He would then grab one or two more items for her, since he knew they could use them. The appreciation that woman had was unbelievable.

My parole officer loves me.

Freetar

2006-05-23T22:17:00.000-04:00

So last weekend was fun. Saw Emma Saturday and we had a grand old time. Sunday went to see Lee and we got reaquainted. Also saw Thank You for Smoking, which is a great satire. Everyone should go see it. Then today and yesterday I helped my grandma do some gardening, so now my wallet is no longer empty.

Freetar went into beta today, which made me happy. So happy that I bought a PS2 controller to USB connector online so I can play it. It's basically Guitar Hero for PC, so I'm looking forward to what the author does with it.

So Lackey and I may make an excursion to the Naperville IKEA for some apartment storage items. Why? We have too much stuff. WAY too much stuff. We will have 4 console systems (5 when Wii comes out), big TV, lots of seating, guitars, 4 large monitors, and many assorted bits of junk. We need a TV stand for our movies, and any other small storage things. We also plan on putting a riser under one of our couches, both to get "stadium" seating and some bonus storage space. Needless to say the apartment will be awesome, if not a little crowded.

So bored...

2006-05-18T18:20:00.000-04:00

So this week has been even more boring than the last one. The weather has kept me inside (not like I left the house that often before); so I haven't even done anything in the evenings, in addition to doing nothing during the days. Still no job, which still sucks. I'm even getting bored with computer games.

So today I thought "well, at least I can stay in shape." Unfortunately, that's not as easy as it sounds. Sure, I have time in the day to workout. Of course, the weather hasn't been kind to cardio (and that's not what I want to focus on, anyway). So I look at fees for the Community Center; holy crap. It's $5 for drop in, or $22 monthly. Monthly looks fine, until I saw there is a $50 one-time fee to start a membership. Sorry, but $116 for summer access to weights just doesn't fit into my budget (currently $0). And this is the same place that could only afford to pay me minimum wage as a lifeguard? And they're subsidized by local taxes? I call 'Bollocks'!

So now I sit and hope to find some way to get my hands on some weights. Until then it looks like around and keep doing nothing...

Is it fall yet?

2006-05-17T00:20:00.000-04:00

I'm ready to go back to school. Not necessarily for the school, but more for the people and the environment.

Basically my days have been filled with sitting at home, doing nothing. My evenings are usually a little more eventful, but nothing earth-shattering most of the time. I need a job, and barring that I need something to do with my time.

This weekend should be fun, at least. I'll probably go to the races Friday, then Saturday I'm going on a short road trip somewhere special.

I need some cash. I might have to resort to selling stuff on eBay...

Ahhhhh!

2006-05-14T01:16:00.000-04:00

It's nice when things work out...

This was a pretty good week. It looks like I may get a job interview next week as IT. I also got out of the house plenty and tended to be happy most of the time. Got together with RK and Brokewood and had an old-school chat like we used to. Good times, but I'm happier now than I was then (although I'd gladly play music with them again).

Speaking of that, I may be guesting on RK's album which he'll be recording later this summer. And the TFNM stuff just needs a little ironing out, then I'll upload it to multiple places for you to enjoy.

Things are looking up.

Random stuffage

2006-05-05T01:03:00.000-04:00

So I'm pretty hopefull about a job as a community center daycamp counselor. So far it's the only place that I'm not sure is full for the summer. I also dropped a resume at Kelly temp services, so that's a possibility too. I've got a few other leads, so we'll see. In any case, money is good; you need money to spend it, and I hope to spend money next year.

And now some interesting quotes of the past day:

Girls are like finals because:
-You'd rather get an easy one.
-You get in trouble if you get caught cheating on one.
-If you are drunk when you do one, it takes a lot longer to finish.
-The less they have on them the better.
-If you have more than one at the same time, you have a problem.
-You have to put in a lot of effort for little reward.
-Nothing about them makes fucking sense.
-They just lie there and you have to do all the work.
-Good curves make for a better experience.

"Poor Faye, she's more conflicted than a furry at the petting zoo."

All in all, a good year

2006-04-29T00:36:00.000-04:00

So school's out for the summer, and I'm back in Midland. Classes went pretty well and my GPA should stay about as high as it was last semester. Next year I will also be the Wireless Project manager for my enterprise. Both of those things are very good for finding internships.

Next year I live off campus with Lackey and Soap, which should be fun. A little more space and better arrangements, plus we can do more with it. Plus it's close to campus, my church, and some friends, so living arrangements are primo.

And finally, a friend and I finally realized something that took 2 years to see...

"Man, oh man." -American Beauty

High times

2006-04-20T16:51:00.000-04:00

Last friday was spring fling. Always fun, just slightly chilly. Then sunday was Easter, which meant Jesus came and gave us all candy so our sins can be forgiven.

I played soccer pretty much every day this week, and I'm loving it. I've missed sports so much recently. We also won the first game of our tournament, so we get to keep playing.

I also won the doubles 8-ball tournament in my billiards class and got third in singles 9-ball. Go defense!

This comic was VERY familiar. Not the last frame so much, but the other three.

Nearing the end...

2006-04-13T00:40:00.000-04:00

School is getting busy and interesting once again. Too many papers, and it still hasn't quite sunk in that it's almost summer. Hopefully the job search will go alright and I can make some scratch.

So my church up here has decided to become a part of some new group. The idea is to be non-discriminatory to people of all sexual orientations. I'm slightly concerned. I definitely not in favor of hate crimes or bigotry, but I'm also not too sure that the church should condone homosexuality. I've never seen a passage in the Bible condoning homosexuality, but I've seen many suggesting it to be a sin. I'm certainly not sure, but I'd rather not err against God.

I'm not sure, I'm not perfect, and I'm not judging. But still, I don't think homosexuality has a place in the church. However, if someone has a strong faith and knowledge of the Bible and still feels that homosexuality is acceptable to God, then I will not judge them. I cannot agree with them, but if they truly feel it is right, I cannot tell them otherwise.

BUT, if anyone feels that it COULD be a sin, then it is for them. Of course, that makes them a sinner just like the rest of us. As far as whether they're worse than the rest of us... who knows?

Stuff

2006-04-05T23:44:00.000-04:00

So we finished our indoor soccer season on tuesday. Now we prepare for an outdoor tournament.

Riya is now public, so you can check out my pictures. Most of them are private, so you'll have to add me as a contact. Fun software, everyone should check it out.

It's our gay pride week up here. My only complaint is the amount of cash that gets poured into it. $2000 for a drag show alone. Add a comedian and speaker and you've got a hefty wad of cash.

Then looking at their wishlist (thumb drives for members, a laptop, a car, a house, and a nightclub) I get even angrier (fortunately they're asking for donations outside the university).

Can't GLBT people buy their own thumb drives? I did not know that. They taught me something today. A laptop I can see for their presentations, though.

The cars they want are ridiculous (PT Cruiser, Grand Caravan, Econovan, or Lotus Elise). Seriously, if you want to move a lot of people, go ahead and get a minivan, but a Lotus? It's really cocky for a student organization to ask for a $43k, two-seat sportscar to TRANSPORT IT'S MEMBERS!

Five bedroom house? They're all bought, sorry.

And a NIGHTCLUB? Seriously, you should have thought of that before you decided to live in HOUGHTON! You do have a choice as to where you go to school, you're not being forced here. Now get a clue and if you REALLY want to party so much, get out of here.

Sorry for the rant, but arrogance really pisses me off. ESPECIALLY since Fencing club is on a shoestring budget and actually NEEDS equipment.

technorati tags: GLBT, Keweenaw, Pride, Riya

Fun week

2006-04-02T21:44:00.000-04:00

Well, things have been interesting here. Solo's girlfriend came up for a visit, so we had a full group. Friday evening was pretty laid back, but enjoyable. Saturday we had a fencing tournament with NMU. I didn't do to well (combination of being out of practice, having a weak ankle, and just being unfocused), but the club won gold in all three weapons. Then we hung around the dorms the rest of the night after dinner at the Library. Today we defended our hall cup in dodgeball. We went 3-0 and never had fewer than 6 people on the court at a time. This is the same hall that changed the rules to beat us in ultimate frisbee last time, so this was a great revenge.

Now for another week...

It's coming...

2006-03-25T01:02:00.000-05:00

So I've been working on the old Few No More album. Winter is now up. I'm working on finishing Today, Reality, and Sing Bird. Then a few touch ups to the others and everything will be all done! That means a summer release for the album, in some form or another. It feels good to finish this up, but looking back I've definitely learned a lot. What took me 4 hours to do before is now taking me minutes, partly from new tools, and partly because I know what I'm doing. Even though it's taken forever, this extra time means that everything sounds WAY better. What used to sound thin and weak is now full and rich. I'm pretty happy with things for the time being, and hopefully everything will turn out well.

Sean's friend from back home baked him cookies and brownies and sent them up here, and man they taste good.

Everything else is a balance between boring and fun.

Riya, first impressions

2006-03-21T21:55:00.000-05:00

Riya's alright.

It's a photo sharing service, like Flickr, but with face recognition. It's probably the coolest web application I've ever used.

Imagine uploading a few hundred photos somewhere else. The only way to know who's in them is to mark them all by hand. With Riya, it will show you faces, and you identify them. Once it's seen someone's face enough, it will start to pick them out automatically. Now all you need to do is confirm that those faces actually belong to that person. It's suprisingly smart, and will truly amaze you from time to time. Of course, the system isn't perfect yet, and there's some errors to catch, but the decisions are pretty spot on most of the time.

Of course, there are other problems. The UI isn't up to snuff yet (no batch operations like mass deletion, no easy way to expand/change the training for a person's face, can't view the full size picture while training). Once these problems get sorted out, this is going to be one of the greatest photo sites around.

Of course, if you want to check some of my pictures, drop me an e-mail and I'll send some over to you, post haste.

Better late than never...

2006-03-16T13:43:00.000-05:00

So the TFNM music is starting to go up on the MySpace. "Crush" and "Stars Hanging Silent" are up, and give me a few more days and I'll put some more up (as soon as I finish them). Tell all your friends!

Weather

2006-03-13T23:48:00.000-05:00

Yesterday's weather: Spring

Today's weather:

A BLIZZARD WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 12 PM EST TUESDAY.
LOOK FOR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TO CONTINUE OVERNIGHT DUE TO SNOW AND WINDS GUSTING AS HIGH AS 45 MPH. EXPECT THE SNOW AND WINDS TO GRADUALLY DECREASE IN INTENSITY LATE IN THE NIGHT...BUT LAKE EFFECT SNOW SHOWERS WILL CONTINUE INTO TUESDAY. PLAN ON ADDITIONAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 4 INCHES BY SUNRISE WITH AN ADDITIONAL 2 TO 4 INCHES ON TUESDAY.
THE HOUGHTON COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION AND THE KEWEENAW COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION HAVE PULLED SNOW PLOWS OFF THE ROADS UNTIL EARLY TUESDAY MORNING.
A BLIZZARD WARNING MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED OR OCCURRING. FALLING AND BLOWING SNOW WITH STRONG WINDS AND POOR VISIBILITIES ARE LIKELY. THIS WILL LEAD TO WHITE-OUT CONDITIONS...MAKING TRAVEL EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. DO NOT TRAVEL. IF YOU MUST...HAVE A WINTER SURVIVAL KIT WITH YOU. IF YOU GET STRANDED...STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE.

I love Houghton.

Can anyone loan me $1300?

2006-03-10T13:25:00.000-05:00

Mid Michigan Music has a '62 Fender Jazz Bass on sale! Regular price was $1750, now it's down to $1250. It's in great condition too. If only I had money to spend on an expensive luxury good...

So inconsistent

2006-03-09T23:57:00.000-05:00

So I've pretty much done nothing this week. Well, I have, but not much of what I intended (I guess).

Went to work on Solo's car. Not much seemed to get done, but most of the bodywork is finished.

Did a lot of work on Wikipedia. Seriously, hours. If you don't use it, you should. I've studied for exams from it, and learned more than in class. You obviously need to check sources, but it tends to be a good reference.

Still need to put in job applications. I hate doing that. It always feels like I'm being rude and saying "Give me a job! I just need the money, I don't care about your crappy company, just hand over the cash." Maybe it's because that's what I'm thinking.

Took an IQ test the other night, just to see how bad it was. Just about what I expected, the usual mix of word, pattern and math puzzles. Of course, IQ has nothing to do with intelligence, just how good you are at solving the kinds of questions on the "IQ test". What I found hilarious was the sites reference to "Frames of Mind: A Theory of Multiple Inteligences". This book basically said "IQ is a crock, don't listen to it. Any number you try to put on intelligence is pointless." Yet this somehow made it into their test? The only people who really care about IQ are the Mensas who make it. Of course you can only join their "genius club" if you score high enough on the test. They're not really geniuses, just puzzle masters who enjoy looking down on others with their snobby, thick-rimmed glasses. "Look at me, I made a test that I can score better than you on! I'm special!"

If you don't believe me, explain how a university class which is intelligent enough to discuss the nature of intelligence can have an average "IQ" of 95. Explain how a person can get a 70 one week and a 120 the next. Explain how the IQ test has anything to do with anything.

And the jewel of it all:

The word "Mensa" means "table" in Latin. The name stands for a round-table society, where race, color, creed, national origin, age, politics, educational or social background are irrelevant.

Of course if you're "stupid", you have to sit at the kid's table.

"Later you can venture on what may be called the Generous Conflict Illusion. This game is best played with more than two players, in a family with grown up children for example. Something quite trivial, like having tea in the garden, is proposed. On member takes care to make it quite clear (though not in so many words) that he would rather not but is, of course, prepared to do so out of 'Unselfishness'. The others instantly withdraw their proposal, ostensibly through their 'Unselfishness', but really because they don't want to be used as a sort of lay figure on which the first speaker practises petty altruisms... He insists on doing 'what the others want'. They insist on doing what he wants. Passions are roused. Soon someone is saying 'Very well then, I won't have any tea at all!', and a real quarrel ensues with bitter resentment on both sides. You see how this is done? If each side had been frankly contending for his own real wish, they would all have kept within the bounds of reason and courtesy..."

-The Screwtape Letters #26

Sounds familiar, doesn't it?

Now I just wish I could be consistent and finish what I start. I'll never get where I'm going if I keep going back.

It's the law

2006-02-27T22:53:00.000-05:00

So with that last post, I decided to explain how I see the Laws of Sexual Dynamics, and where I may have borrowed the idea from.

First Law:
Nobody knows what they want, but everybody thinks they do.

Second Law:
If you think a girl is attracted to you, you are wrong. (QC, my new favorite webcomic. If you don't read it, I pity you.)

Third Law:
Men are attracted every woman they know. (Ladder Theory)

Fourth Law:
Women can be attracted to, friends with, or in love with a man, and never more than one at a time. (Ladder Theory)

Fifth Law:
If two friends have a phyical encounter, one of the two must make a move within exactly 48 hours or the two will never be more than friends. (Scrubs)

In other news, I'm off the crutches completely. My ankle's still pretty weak, but hopefully things will be strengthening up promptly. Even better, we got 15 free computer monitors today, so now I have a 21". I love when people get rid of working technology.

What's the first law?

2006-02-23T16:03:00.000-05:00

If you think a girl is attracted to you, you are wrong.
-Second law of Sexual Dynamics

The ankle's doing way better and I'm walking on it most of the time without crutches. Aside from that, nothing much interesting is happening. One more week, then spring break, so I'll be in town most of that period. I'll probably head down to Grand Rapids for a few days as well. Hopefully I'll see everyone then.

Gah! Update

2006-02-18T21:32:00.000-05:00

It's been a week. Let's see what happened...

I've started physical therapy, and now my ankle's feeling a lot better. It's still a little swollen and I can't put much weight on it, but it's definitely an improvement. Hopefully things will keep getting better and I'll be back to normal in time for our fencing tournament with NMU, spring soccer, and everything else I want two legs for.

Apparently North Dakota is angry at Michigan because we broke the world record for most simultaneous snow angels. Apparently, once a world record is set, nobody is supposed to try and break it ever again. It's also "unfair" to use school children, because heaven forbid we expose children to snow angels! Read the article, it's quite funny.

Apparently my problem is that I need to be taller...

Something

2006-02-12T01:35:00.000-05:00

So, the ankle's doing alright. I have a Monday appointment to figure out what's broken. I've got a really nice bruise at the two points where a tendon is supposed to anchor, so I'll bet you that's probably what's doing it. Classes were interesting this week, at least, the half of them I went to. The rest I just kept off my feet and enjoyed the Vicodin and doctor's note.

Then there was carnival, and Jill came to visit. Took it easy some more, watched season one of Scrubs and started on two. One more day and things get back to usual, I guess.

Looong day

2006-02-07T00:06:00.000-05:00

Blech. Today was somewhat tiring. It was just fine until tonight, then things started to get a little stressfull. Being injured is a trial in patience and humility. You have no choice but to accept the generosity of others. I was dealing pretty well up until tonight, then people really started getting on my nerves. I don't think it was just me either, I'm pretty sure people just became more irritating regardless of how I was feeling. The Vicodin may or may not have something to do with it. Whatever, it's just a bit of stress. Wish I had something to releave it better.

Something interesting I found today is the My Beating Heart pillow. It's a heart-shaped pillow with a mircoprocessor which simulates the feel of a heartbeat. Hold it, and it provides a calming effect just like holding a loved one, or a purring kitten. It will actually slow your heart rate as well, pretty well removing any stresses or anxieties.

If only I had a $120 pillow right now...

Things broken...

2006-02-05T22:34:00.000-05:00

Well the last two days were exciting. We played two broomball games yesterday, and won one. It was against the worst team, but a win's a win.

Then today I was fencing and rolled my ankle. Really bad, too. I even felt a little cracking pop and couldn't put any weight on it anymore. I spent the next hour and a half laying down, then got some dinner and went to the ER. I didn't break anything, but my ankle was too swollen to tell exactly what happened. Now it looks like I have an orange in my ankle, and I have an air brace and crutches. Anyways, looks like I'll be taking it easy for a while.

Carny

2006-02-04T17:33:00.000-05:00

Winter Carnival has started up this week. My Church's broomball team won the community championship, not letting a single goal. My hall team hasn't been so lucky, but we've been playing better the more we work together. Solo's g/f and her sister have been up this weekend and we've watched several movies (Grosse Pointe Blank, Evolution). This next week, though, is all our other activities, and a 4 day weekend.

Not much else big. I've been working on my homemade guitar distortion pedal, and about a third done. Now I'm off to do some work, finish some stuff up.

Stuff

2006-01-30T22:48:00.000-05:00

So I checked what keywords people use to find my blog, and the results are interesting:
I guess I've had an interesting week of sorts. I'm actually pretty legitimately busy most of the time. I've had a decent ammount of leisure time still, but I'm far busier this year. A little bit of drama, a little bit of fun. I'm floating on, taking it easy.

Let it ride.

Records

2006-01-28T12:59:00.000-05:00

The record high temperature in January for Houghton was 43 degrees. Yesterday it reached 51.

Nice weather... in March. Not appreciated before winter carnival, especially since the broomball rinks are melted.

I got on the Dean's List and all I got...

2006-01-27T00:55:00.000-05:00

So there was this raffle that everyone in who lives on campus and was on the dean's list got entered into. Top prize was an iPod Nano. Guess what I won?

A "Party Cup".

It wasn't even a cup with candy inside or anything. It's a yellow cup that says "Awesome; Dean's List". It's good to know that I'm valued.

"Oh it's almost Valentine's Day already?! Oh man, I forgot to get a girlfriend again!"
-Futurama

Update

2006-01-26T01:01:00.000-05:00

Nothing much of interest has happened recently. I'm back in drifting mode, since there's nothing to really puch me in any direction. I'm sure in a week or two that will all change. Come to think of it, Winter Carnival is in 2 weeks...

I'm back in the weight room most nights, but oddly I haven't felt like fencing and have skipped about half of our times in the last few weeks. Just haven't felt like doing it, but I'm sure I will prett soon. Broomball and Tae Kwan Do are my other activities, so at least I'm not just vegetating. Today was the exception, where I planned to go to a broomball practice until I was canceled; then I just sat around.

Yup, pretty boring.

Now is the winter...

2006-01-22T01:24:00.000-05:00

It's been a very mild winter this year, which is quite unfortunate. It's been above freezing most days. So to all of you who think Houghton is a frozen tundra, think again. What we really want, though, is some heavy snow. Two months straight would be acceptable. We're still waiting for another winter where the snow covers the first 2 stories of the dorms and the sidewalks become tunnels.

We lost our first two broomball games, and the same way, too. 3-2 in overtime, which is just depressing. It also seems that we don't have any of the luck, which just goes to show it's better to be lucky than good.

I'm finally down in the weight room on a pretty regular basis. I have two pretty abstract goals: to feel and look in shape, and to be able to carry weight long distances. I figure if I keep going I'll be right about there at the end of the year. I also have Solo to compete with, so that's pushing me on. I'm trying to keep stronger in legs and curls, and him in everything else, so we should both come out of this pretty well off.

Also, since we're keeping our apartment over the summer, I might come up for a weekend or two for a vacation. Anyone else want to come?

Quick update

2006-01-18T09:46:00.000-05:00

Broomball has started. I've already got 2 assists on the season. You can check stats here.

Lackey and I have an apartment for next year. Decent size, good price.

I've gotten everything set back up to finish the TFNM stuff. I've almost finished SHS, it should be ready for you in less than a week.

I have the lab from Hell on Tuesday. Fortunately, it's the only class I really loathe.

I got the parts for my DIY guitar effects pedal yesterday.

That's about it.

On demons...

2006-01-14T01:13:00.000-05:00

"God is too big for one religion."
Of course. God created multiple, incompatible religions for his followers on Earth. What better way to recieve worship than to confuse and fragment your followers? Sorry, I don't buy it. There has to be one way God desires for us to know Him as. Everything else is a human construct.

"One can therefore formulate the general rule; in all activities of mind which favour our cause, encourage the patient to be unself-conscious and to concentrate on the object, but in all activities favourable to the Enemy bend his mind back on itself. Let an insult or a woman's body so fix his attention outward that he does not reflect 'I am now entering into the state called Anger - or the state called Lust.' Contriwise let the reflection 'My feelings are now growing more devout, or more charitable' so fix his attention inward that he no longer looks beyond himself to see our Enemy or his own neighbours." - The Screwtape Letters, C. S. Lewis

How brilliant! We all do this so often, to fixate on the object so we do not realize our sin; or to feel so devout that we forget to devote ourselves to God! As Paul said:

¹⁴We know that the law is spiritual; but I am unspiritual, sold as a slave to sin. ¹⁵I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. ¹⁶And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. ¹⁷As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. ¹⁸I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature.^[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. ¹⁹For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. ²⁰Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. -Romans 7:14-20

This sin inside of us is Satan's way of maintaining what little dominion over us that he can. He may not control our souls or minds, but he will fight tenaciously to keep our bodies. But, if we are mindful of this we can begin to fight back, since the first front in the spiritual battle is realizing there is a battle going on.

Then you have the Spiral Scouts, a wiccan-founded faux-boy/girl scout organization. I have nothing against them making an organization, but calling themselves Scouts angers me. They're attempting to gain legitimacy and respect that the BSA has already fought hard to gain. Why should some upstarts (with badges that are categorized by the 5 wiccan elements, but the list of badges is a secret. What are they afraid of?), be able to call themselves 'scouts' and bring down the reputation the BSA has built and maintained? More power to them for having their own group, but you're not scouts. You're posers.

And the oddest of the bunch, a full blown Satanist is running for Minnesota governor (by the way, his website sucks)! Just reading the story of his fall from 'grace' (he was always a bitter little boy) shows that he is fueled by hatred and believes that makes him fit to lead. He is even proud that he is full of hatred, comparing himself to Anakin Skywalker and feeling proud that he is evil because of "love for his wife". He denounced God because of the actions of his third wife (because, as we can plainly see, he was a model human), and though he states he has lost his humanity, he also claims his one desire is to protect innocents. What a sad, sad boy. He has spent his whole life running from his problems and blaming others, and now he has degenerated so far as to believe that hatred will give him power to overcome this.

Sorry for the downer post. Just a lot of things appeared this week. I'll be more upbeat next week.

Today got good fast

2006-01-10T01:07:00.000-05:00

Ozma is back.

Sony will compensate you for your DRM CDs. If you have any of their CDs with either MediaMax or XCP on them ("Nothing is Sound" and "In Your Honor" are notable inclusions, full lists are here and here), take advantage of this. You either will be getting $7.50 and a download/new CD OR 3 free downloads. I'll pass on more info when it's finalized.

I saw this today...

2006-01-09T19:42:00.000-05:00

PRESS RELEASE 01.09.06
WE: Star Wick, Ryen Slegr, Jose Galvez, and Daniel Brummel, do hereby declare our full and true intention to reform, reunite, and otherwise reanimate the rock group OZMA. Manning the drum kit for this incarnation of OZMA will be Kenn Shane, formerly of Addison. After rehearsing and working on new material since September 2005, we will play our first reunited concert on Sunday, March 12th 2006 at the Knitting Factory in Hollywood, CA. Tickets to this concert will be made available on January 14th, 2006. Announcements regarding future OZMA releases and tours will henceforth be made at our official website OzmaOnline.com.

Ryen, Daniel, Star, Kenn & Jose

You can not imagine how happy this makes me.

Yays!

2006-01-06T02:05:00.000-05:00

Got my programming project to read MIDI data (yay).

Beat Final Fantasy VII (yay).

Going back up north tomorrow (yay).

Meh...

2006-01-03T22:18:00.000-05:00

Went skiing and it was rainy. Meg was sick 2 days ago, and I just caught it (good thing we decided not to ski again today). Puking more than you ever have in your entire life isn't quite "fun", but you've got to be sick once in a while. It's not that bad either, compared to how Meg had it, or to Kuhko's Ebola last semester. Feeling better now, I should be feeling good again after tomorrow.

New years...

2006-01-01T02:05:00.000-05:00

Resolutions. More aptly titled: things I'm going to do next year that I've coincidentally decided to undertake beginning this new year.

Getting in better shape:
I'm already doing more weight training in fencing, but I want to be in the weight room another 3 days every week, to make it 6/7 for exercise. My younger cousin is slightly stronger than me, and that just won't do.

Music:
Here's a big one.

TFNM album. My fault. I've kept making promises as to a release, but kept not doing it. No excuses this time, I'm just going to do it.
More bass practice. I'm hoping for several hours a week, at least. Also, there are lots of songs I need to learn and I might start jamming with Solo as well.
My drum machine program. I got stuck on a piece of code, so I need to solve that and finish so I can...
Do more recording. I really like the process, and it's tough to be good at this kind of stuff without experience.

Bible:
I need to read it, and I haven't been since I've been at school.

And that's it. I'm tired, and I'm going to sleep.

Time...

2005-12-28T00:12:00.000-05:00

Well, the days are getting boring, now that the joys of doing nothing are wearing thin. Evenings are a different matter, but still. I'm thinking of going shopping tomorrow to make the day go by. Guitars, and maybe some new music. It's times like these that make me wish for a more permanent distraction.

A significant other would be nice, but that'll happen on it's own time.

A band would be great, although once I get back to school time will evaporate again.

A job would bring in some cash, but there just isn't anywhere, and the scheduling sucks on breaks.

Whatever.

A lesson from Paul...

2005-12-24T00:41:00.000-05:00

If your brother is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy your brother for whom Christ died. Do not allow what you consider good to be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by men.

Romans 14:15-18

What really struck me, on rereading this verse, was the New KJV version of verse 16.

Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil.

I tend to get caught up in doing what I know is right, but sometimes I get carried away. It's these times when we Christians end up causing more harm than good.

What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. "Expel the wicked man from among you.” If any of you has a dispute with another, dare he take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the saints? ...The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated? Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.

1 Corinthians 5:12-6:1,7-8

We tend to get caught up in "fixing" society to the litmus test of our Christian morals, but we're supposed to have a different set of rules from the world; that's what sets us apart. In our rush to make sure everyone else follow the Law, we forget what our true purpose is.

For none of us lives to himself alone and none of us dies to himself alone. If we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.

Romans 14:7-9 (emphasis added)

The Law was an old guide, all we need now is to live by the Holy Spirit and we can do no wrong. It seems so simple, yet it seems we all fail at this simple solution; I'm no exception.

With Christmas tomorrow, remember what it's truly about: God's gift to us of Jesus. He is our teacher, our friend, and the bringer of the Holy Spirit. Have a blessed Christmas everyone.

Hooray!

2005-12-21T13:50:00.000-05:00

Haircuts are awesome! Especially when your old hair resembled a hippy/Ringo Star at 4am.

Grades are awesome too. I had an "easy" semester (no h/w), so that was nice as a GPA booster.

Thousand Foot Krutch was the most requested song on Z93 last night. I always smile when a christian band gets "mainstream" popularity, doubly so when it beats a song with the lyrics:

Go home and get stoned
Because the sex is always better when you're mad at me

It's good to know at least some of the music on the radio isn't terrible. The DJ was so confused ("That's the first time they've topped the countdown, and I wanted the other guys to win").

Hooray!

Back in Midland

2005-12-18T01:32:00.000-05:00

Things have been good so far. Went bowling with the guys friday and got to meet Mark's girlfriend (I approve).

Tonight I went to the LS party and did some square dancing. It was nice to have some female contact.

2005-12-15T22:20:00.000-05:00

Early sleep tonight for driving tomorrow. I'm not a light packer at all. I have:
Computer
Monitor
Bass
Backpack
Duffle
Buttoned shirts (hanging in the car)

Yeah, it's a little bit.

All done

2005-12-15T01:16:00.000-05:00

Yup, I'm finished with exams, and I'm heading back home Friday early.

New game, this one is a political simulator. Come visit the somewhat socialist nation of Bakkestein.

Yup.

That's pretty much it.

New cartoon...

2005-12-11T14:23:00.000-05:00

So, we've found a great new cartoon called Questionable Content. It's like High Fidelity in webcomic form with more ironic and situational humor.

A good pre-exam stress reliever, and just right for satisfying the music-geek and interpersonal relationship philosopher in all of us.

The Final Countdown...

2005-12-11T00:18:00.000-05:00

First of all, let me get this off my chest:
I HATE PEOPLE ON THE INTERNET AND THERE IS NO WORD, EXPRESSION, OR PHRASE THAT CAN DESCRIBE MY VAST LOATHING FOR THE STUPIDITY AND ARROGANCE I WITNESS BECAUSE OF THE VAST AND ANNONYMOUS INTERTRON.

Ok, that felt good.

What brought that on was people's thoughts on Narnia and the new movie, including:
Christians thinking Narnia is Satanic because Aslan is like Jesus, or because little kids wander around in the woods.
Secular humanists thinking Narnia couldn't possibly have been written as a Christian allegory, since all media and culture can only be based on secular humanism.
People not reading the books and then acting like they know the movie.
People not having a clue who C.S. Lewis was.

Anyways, I found a letter where C.S. Lewis explicitely states that Aslan is Jesus, and the whole series is about Jesus. Take that, stupid secular humanists.

We defended our residence hall cup (a semester-long competition) after another hall challenged us to Halo 2.

That was a huge mistake on their part.

We won the first game 250-89. We then won capture the flag 4-0. They said they didn't feel like continuing after we got the first cap. We almost felt bad about the whole thing. It was like a crippled kid picked a fight with us and we just stomped his face on the curb.

There was also a big snowball fight between the residence halls. Pretty fun. There are plans to break the world records for largest snowball and snowball fight this year at winter carnival. I think we can do it, as long as we can get enough people to care.

Less than a week until break, and it will feel good to be back home. I have no idea what my work situation will be, since I need to renew my lifeguard certification, which expires friday.Then I need to seriously think about a summer job. I really want a thinking job, but I'm not sure if it's going to happen. More importantly, I need a job that makes money. I'm just afraid of being TOO qualified for jobs. It's more of a concern after graduation, but I can guarantee I'd get turned down at McDonalds. Why? Because I doubt McDonalds would feel right about giving a minimum wage job that any high-school dropout can do to a engineering sophomore with co-op experience who is on the dean's list and is also and eagle scout.

Ok, sleep sounds like a viable option, since last night was pretty restless and I haven't been thinking right (forgetting things, using the wrong words, etc) since thursday.

Short

2005-12-09T00:47:00.000-05:00

I beat Guitar Hero.

I'm going to Narnia tomorrow.

People don't think Narnia is an allegory.

We started negative reinforcement today.

I have 3 classes tomorrow, then finals, then I'm done.

Jesus-mas and Jesus-day

2005-12-08T02:08:00.000-05:00

If any of you listen to the hot topics in news, the typical December gripe is back:
Pagans don't want anything to do with Christmas and christians don't like to see their holiday taken over.

So let's solve the problem right now: call it Jesus-mas, and don't let the pagans celebrate. They'll get their wish, but they don't get the day off , presents, or anything else. Sure the pagans will tell you most Christmas traditions come from Yule, a Norse holiday. Fine, you celebrate Yule, and we'll take our Christmas. But who do you think will get days off from work? If you don't like it, deal with it.

Even more important to me, though, is Easter.

It's not about a bunny.

I propose we rename it Jesus-day, and only Chrsitians can get candy and eat hard-boiled eggs. What's the point in celebrating Easter if Jesus isn't your Lord and Savior? What's the point in Celebrating Independence Day if you're British? Any non-christian caught performing these religious rituals should be chastised for being insensitive and offensive; just like it's offensive to wear a rasta cap during Kwanza if you're white, it should be offensive to hard-boil eggs around Easter if you are a pagan. If all goes according to plan, I will make a shirt with an easter bunny being crucified, and the caption "It's not about a bunny". Maybe that will get the point accross, but enough is really enough.

I don't appreciate my Lord's death being ignored by those whom he came to save, and I hate his resurrection being celebrated by those who deny his existence.

On to current events:
My hall got challenged for our hall cup (a yearly competition) in Halo 2 for this weekend. This is ironic, because it was our safety competition: if anyone beat us, we'd beat them in Halo 2. We have 4 of the best players on campus, and another 4 to make a good 8-man team.

Next week I have a sparese 3 exams, all of which should be pretty simple. Just like that, I'm done.

Also starting next week Solo, KWay, and I will be using negative reinforcement to stop swearing. Any time one of us swears, we hit them. KWay's a big guy, I think I'll become master of my tounge real quick.

More, more, more...

2005-12-05T01:05:00.000-05:00

If you would like a close approximation of the weather here, look at a white sheet of paper. That is the view from my window.

I saw two movies this weekend, Logan's Run, and 40 Year-old Virgin. Logan's Run has been our list of movies to watch for a while and we finally got around to it. Seventies sci-fi, PG, and a LOT of exposed breasts. It's a heidonistic society, so in everyone's free-time they just have sex and do drugs. Can you tell it's the 70s?

40 Year-old Virgin was on my list too, so when I had the option to see it for $2 (hooray MTU film board) I went twice. Imagine Wedding Crashers, just with Steve Carell, funnier, and more sexually explicit. Basically, I wouldn't recommend either movie for those of you who object to objectionable content. For everyone who appreciates a little dirty humor, this movie is for you.

One more week of class. That's sooooooo nice.

Jukebox Hero...

2005-12-02T21:52:00.000-05:00

www.flickr.com

More of Bakkster_Man's photos tagged with guitarhero

Aslan...

2005-11-29T11:41:00.000-05:00

So, it sounds like C.S. Lewis didn't like live-action versions of his books. He preferred animation, but hated Disney. Remember what's coming out next month? Live action version of Narnia, by Disney. Lewis says a human-pantomimed Aslan would be "blasphemous", and I agree. Even the CG version (done, unfortunately, by Disney), as I've said, looks small and weak. We'll just have to wait and see, but this definitely doesn't raise my expectations.

Three weeks...

2005-11-29T00:18:00.000-05:00

So the last bit of this semester is going to be hard, not because of loads of work, but because of loads of gaming/movies/socializing that will be distracting me. Such is the price I pay.

Most of our snow is gone, which is disappointing. It should be back to stay, though, this friday.

The time is come
The song is over
Thought I'd something more to say

One Week...

2005-11-26T14:44:00.000-05:00

So, I'm going to try and remember everything that's happened in the last week.

Got Guitar Hero for my birthday. Think Dance Dance Revolution, just with a guitar and rock. Quite fun.

Took Dan to the train station in Flint monday. Even though Flint is the 3rd stop on the line, Amtrak still finds ways to be late.

Went to my sister's Venture meeting to play wallyball (volleyball in a racketball court, feel free to make liberal use of the walls). Now that was fun. I haven't had that much raw fun with a physical activity since youth group games.

Ohio was typical, I left more pissed than when I went. This time, it was due to the weather. More accurately, other people's unnecessary concern for the weather. They get a few inches of snow and it's already called The Big Thanksgiving Snow Storm! We get worse storms in Houghton on a regular basis, and we roll with it. Heck, Michigan was worse yesterday, and nobody moaned about that. And of course, Ohio drivers think that the middle lane is the slow lane, the right lane is the moderate speed lane, and the left lane is the "fast for everyone but the one guy who's going the same speed as everyone else and slowing the entire turnpike down" lane. I can't wait to get back to being around UP drivers.

Just a few more weeks of class, a little fun mixed in, and then it's X-mas (it's like the letter X was unhappy, so they needed to give it more things to do. "You can be associated with hugs and kisses and on a map you will mark the spot. You'll be a faster way to write Christmas and you can start the word xylophone. Happy now?"). I'm ready to be done, but I still have exams, a paper, and other miscellaneous stuff to do.

"If at first you don't succeed, try again, then quit. No use making a fool of yourself."

Of Home...

2005-11-20T00:06:00.000-05:00

So, the drive back wasn't bad. We made it in 9 hours, including dropping of Elaan an hour away. Even assuming the weather is bad for the drive back up (I'm expecting it) that's pretty good time. I did drive the whole way, but I don't have a problem with that as long as I've gotten enough sleep and have other people in the car to keep me awake. Oh and caffeine helps as well.

I beat We <3 Katamari today. It's a great continuation of the first game, with the tasks being varied among the ones from the original Katamari and several new modes. The levels have also increased in size and variety, so there's more room to roam. The 2-player level where one person makes the body of a snowman and the other the head was genius. It may not be the deepest game, but it makes up for this in pure fun.

I had dinner with Autumn tonight to celebrate our birthdays. It was nice. We went to 101 Main which is always good and had plenty of time to chat. Fun times.

And I finally found the last Dune book, Battle of Corrin, at B&N today. Hooray for 700 page sci-fi serial epics!

Snow!!!

2005-11-16T13:49:00.000-05:00

It's snowing here.

That means sauna tonight, maybe some pictures.

Tired...

2005-11-15T00:15:00.000-05:00

I'm REALLY tired. I haven't slept in in a long time. I slept for 11 hours friday-saturday, but it really wasn't restful because of my cold. As has always been the case in dorms, it's difficult to get to sleep as early as I want to. I'm usually one of the first to bed, but I'm still sleep deprived.

Add to all of this my work load, typical frustrations, and all other areas where I exert myself, and you get the idea.

So, so tired.

Lightning round!

2005-11-13T23:44:00.000-05:00

"Wait, didn't you just go out of turn?"
"No. This is the lightning round!"

I watched Say Anything, and it was good; not great but good. As far as John Cusack 80's movies go, this was the most hopeless romantic, and the least romantic comedy.

I've had a cold since about friday, just getting over it now.

Watched Saved as the only Christian in the room, made note that every character made the same mistake about Christianity. It's not about following the Law, it's about wanting to follow the law and living for God.

Hockey is cool, and it's good to have the NHL back.

Fencing equipment breaks a lot, and now I need my own electric foil equipment.

We DESTROYED NMU at our tournament, 1 gold and 1 bronze in each tournament. We ran short on time, but plan on fencing them again next semester.

Driving in snow is fun, and I'm glad I have a minivan.

Who hates Granholm?

2005-11-10T13:31:00.000-05:00

So, Jennifer Granholm is a horrible Governor. She's done some good things. Some.

So she signed into law a bill that would make it illegal to rent or sell mature and adult-only rated games to minors. Sure that makes sense, it's just like preventing minors from renting R movies or buying porn. I'm not sure on the specifics, but I can agree with the concept. A group of game publishers sued (as is their right) to prevent the law from going into effect, saying the law's result would be to cause all M, AO, and possibly T-rated games to simply be pulled from store shelves because retailers would not want to risk the fines. So, they got an injunction (the law was supposed to go into effect December 1st) and they are suing governor Granholm, Michigan Atourney General Michael Cox, and Wayne County Prosecuting Attorney Kym Worthy claiming the law is unconstitutional.

Now Granholm and Cox want to be removed from the list of defendants. What the hell for? These are the people who championed the bill, signed it into law, and are prepared to enforce it. They just aren't ready to defend it in a court of law? Whats worse is that there is no official explanation as to their motion to withdraw.

I agree that minors shouldn't be able to buy M and AO games. Like I said, it's the same as R/NC-17 movies. But I can't agree with Granholm when she tries to pull this kind of crap. Just stand up and defend yourself. You're the governor, it's your JOB to either defend the law or change it.

If I were to get my way, Granholm would defend the law, the law goes into effect, then Granholm resigns, because she sucks.

Wholesome goodness...

2005-11-09T22:21:00.000-05:00

First of all, Meg: your car? And second of all: YOUR car?

So after I wrote my last post wind gusts got into the 60s. Also, our campus is built like a wind tunnel, so most people experienced way more than 50mph. Then it started hailing, so we got pelted in the face by 60mph chunks of ice. And it's not even winter yet. I love Houghton, and I mean that with absolutely no sarcasm. I really do love the weather. Even when it's harsh, it's worth it.

I got Say Anything for $7 at The Wal-Mart yesterday. John Cusack is my hero (right behind Dave Grohl, Victor Wooten, and Jaco Pastorius). And $7! One step closer to my complete John Cusack collection.

Sunday I'm skipping church to fence against NMU. Hooray (for the fencing, not the church)! Then, next week is home.

Enjoy the weather! If I hear any of you complaining about the weather where you are, know that you have no right and that you will be officially whiny if you do so.

It's stupid windy

2005-11-09T14:29:00.000-05:00

Up here, it's stupid windy.
How stupid windy?
This stupid windy:

You read that right. We have 50mph wind gusts.
If you want up to the date weather from Houghton, so you can feel better about the weather wherever you are, check weather.com.

Death throes...

2005-11-07T00:01:00.000-05:00

So, my computer finally dies today. Actually, it was just Windows. I've reinstalled and am back up and running. Now comes the fun of getting everything back to the way it was. Fun.

Anyways, I have a new game.

More on the villany of Sony

2005-11-06T01:30:00.000-05:00

So, it appears lots of people are having problems removing the Sony rootkit. Not only does Sony make you jump through hoops to uninstall the software, it may crash your computer, as well as Sony denies anything is out of place here. Seriously, Sony sucks.

FYI, the copy protection only gets on your computer from the actual CD, not anything downloaded.

Under Attack...

2005-11-04T10:36:00.000-05:00

Remember that AIM virus a while back? Apparently it was nastier than usual, including a trojan horse, spyware and a rootkit.

For those of you who don't know what a rootkit is, it's pretty much the nastiest hacker tool around. It modifies your windows files so that files in a virus cannot be detected. Not only has it hidden a virus so that it can't be removed, it has also tampered with your operating system.

If any of you have the new Switchfoot album and bought it from a non-christian retailer, you got a rootkit that Sony BMG placed there. Why did they put it there? They say it's to prevent piracy, but Sony BMG will tell you how to copy it if you ask them just right. What they're really after is making sure that people can't easily copy the songs to their iPod, because the iPod sells more than Sony's MP3 players.

So, in exchange for buying their CD, they hack your computer and hide a program in your system. Not only this, but their rootkit can be used by malicious hackers to hide their own viruses, so now Sony BMG has opened a security hole in your computer. Why not thank them by telling them how pissed you are.

Let me know if you've gotten either of these bits of malware and I'll help you out.

Don't let the man get you down.

In review...

2005-11-02T22:51:00.000-05:00

The results of my fencing tournament are up. I finished 21st out of 44 in mixed foil (better than the median, but my DE performance left a lot to be desired) and 8th out of 12 in Epee (I really should have done better in pools). All together, I was happy with what I did well and know what I need to do to improve, which makes me even happier. Most importantly, There are talks of another tournament in Midland in the Spring, since this one was so successful, so look to me showing up there. Now I get to look forward to destroying NMU in out tournament in 2 weekends.

I wish I had a PS2. The problem with console wars is that some games only come out for one system. The most notable games I want to play right now are Katamari Damaci and We <3 href="http://www.guitarherogame.com/index.asp">Guitar Hero. Think DDR, just with a guitar and rock songs. It's as close to playing guitar without actually playing guitar. And it looks like a load of fun.

Jack Thompson keeps going lower and lower:
Oh, and certain regional governments in Japan have banned the sale of the Grand Theft Auto games to minors, but Japan's Sony has no problem whatsoever dumping this garbage into American kids' brains. Looks like Pearl Harbor 2 by Sony/Take-Two...
So now, video games aren't just the cause of violence in America, they're also a conspired attack by the Japanese on the scale of Pearl Harbor. Jack's currently prosecuting against Sony, WalMart, GameStop, Take Two, Rockstar, and Devin Moore in the civil trial concerning the so-called "GTA killer" shooting (please read this link so you understand the story). I wouldn't give Jack so much attention if people didn't take him so seriously. People need to realize that the roads in Hell are paved with good intentions, and Jack might just be walking them.

I still need ideas on how to get my hair cut. I want short, but not too short; not quite a buzz cut, but no more than 1.5". Any examples you guys can find would be appreciated.

I'm finally starting to appreciate the blessings of being single. It gives me more time to spend with the friends already have and fewer things to worry about. Also it gives me time to become a better man, so when it comes time, I can put that knowledge into practice. The only thing I can ask is that when I do meet Mrs. Right I realize it and do things right.

Happy Halloween!

2005-10-31T23:56:00.000-05:00

So, this weekend was quite enjoyable. Fencing went well. I did well in the foil pool (+4 indicator, seeded 18 out of 43) and in the epee direct elimination (beat the #7 seed out of 12 and went 8-15 with the #2 fencer). Of course I got trounced in the foil direct elimination (first round) and epee pool (-11 indicator, ouch). The highlight, though, was Soap getting his E ranking, placing 8th in foil.

After the tourny we had lasagna (mmmmm...), picked up a plethora of Jones in the can, and briefly saw the Midland folks (Autumn, Alexa, Cory, Matt, Ryan, Christina...). Then we saw Doom. Good movie if you don't mind not thinking at all. Kinda funny that they can miss key points of a video game plot, when the plot is as simple as "kill all the demons that came out of a portal on Mars".

On the way back up here we watched the whole season of Undergrads in the car, and STILL had time to kill afterward. Also last night we decided to make an IM indoor soccer team and our first game is tomorrow. We'll see how that goes.

Update on Jack Thompson: as much as I want to support the guy (a christian who wants to keep violent media out of the hands of minors), he's just completely loco. This guy sent a well thought-out letter to him and appealed (as a christian himself) for him to act more christ-like and gave some suggestions as to how to better accomplish his goals. Jack's response:
"Go to Hell. Thanks"

Currently Jack Thompson is prosecuting the civil lawsuit against Sony et al, saying that they are at least partially responsible for when Devin Moore shot three police officers saying "life is just a video game, we all have to die sometime". Jack claims GTA3 is responsible for the murder. Two problems: Jack Thompson may lose his Bar licence (in light of many unethical decisions over the years), and Devin Moore was not allowed to use GTA3 as a defense in his criminal trial.

Please pray for Jack. Not because he's God's footsoldier or because you agree that violent media is bad, but because he's borderline insane and quite violent.

Yay, Midland!

2005-10-28T12:26:00.000-04:00

Well, I leave for Midland in less than an hour. Fencing and good times will be had by all.

Let it ride.

Not again...

2005-10-24T09:36:00.000-04:00

It's Monday. Great.

Jill was here this weekend. To celebrate we went to Perkins and the hockey game.

I finally went to the sauna last night in this dorm, and it was nice. Even better is that Adam, Ryan, and Nathan are all habitual sauna-goers as well, so I'm looking forward to geing regularly now.

This weekend will be fencing. Hooray! Again, anyone planning on being in Midland this weekend, let me know. I'm hoping to get out to coffee, and I'd like to see everyone.

Nothing else that important to say. Signing off.

Wann eine Rose nur eine Rose sind...

2005-10-22T02:41:00.000-04:00

The first star I see may not be a star.
We can't do a thing but wait.
So let's wait for one more.
The time such clumsy time in deciding if it's time.
I'm careful but not sure how it goes.
You can loose yourself in your courage.
The mindless comfort grows when I'm alone with my 'great' plans.
This is what she says gets her through it:
"If I don't let myself by happy now then when?"
If not now when?
When the time we have now ends.
When the big hand goes round again.
Can you still feel the butterflies?
Can you still hear the last goodnight?
Close my eyes and believe wherever you are, an angel for me.

I need a haircut...

2005-10-20T01:11:00.000-04:00

I'm starting to look like a Beatle again, and I've decided that's a bad thing (for me especially).

Any suggestions on a new doo?

When second best is the best you can get...

2005-10-17T23:49:00.000-04:00

I'm kinda tired. It's kinda hard to focus on all my class work, recent competitions have been slightly disappointing, and I've spent a lot of time getting angry at stupid people.

Ever heard of Jack Thompson? He's a lawyer crusading for the end of ALL "violent" videogames, both to minors and adults. He also classifies all gamers as stupid, morally bankrupt degenerates, and frequently lashes out at those who disagree with him ("or you'll be sorry" seems to be one of his favorite phrases). He also claims to be delivering divine judgement (which last time I checked is reserved for God):

Jesus said, "If any of you should cause one of these little ones to stumble, it would be better for you if a millstone were tied around your neck and that you be cast into the uttermost depths of the sea." Jack Thompson is trying to tie that millstone around the violent video game industry's neck, and he needs your help. These people intend to do evil, but evil can be turned away by persistence and prayer. [emphasis added, and if he's trying to carry out the punishment, doesn't that mean he's encouraging the behavior in order to bing about the punishment?]

Last week Jack made an announcement that he would give a mere $10,000 to charity if a game company made a game where they were the target of violence. Turns out, the game idea was satire, and so was the money. Penny Arcade, a web comic, called him out on having such a small sum of money for charity. They pointed out that their charity has raised $500,000 in the last two years for children's hospitals, and that if a company made this game he'd have to sue himself for creating it. Jack responded with threats. Then, when Jack refused to donate the promised $10k, Penny Arcade did it for him.

As much as I want to agree with some of Jack's points (violent and sexual media should not be sold to minors), his confrontational attitude and lack of cohesive arguments forces me to hate him.

"Dave, it is laughable, it is absurd, that you have copied your email to Bill Gates, of all people. This is a guy whose Halo trained Malvo to kill in D.C. This is a guy who now has put all the Grand Theft Auto games on his XBox. This is a man who is going to release Bully when the coast is clear in the spring." -Jack Thompson
Last time I checked, Malvo learned to snipe from his partner who is an army sharpshooter. Also, I'm not sure how moving your thumbs in a fast-paced video game develops the breath control, body posture, and patience to snipe. Not only this, but Bungie began development for Halo BEFORE they were even associated with Microsoft, let alone that Bill Gates simply gives a cursory look to all the game division's decisions, so he can hardly be held responsible.

Ok, enough about the crazy guy who thinks that I'm a godless, imbesilic degenerate. Anyways, if you ever come accross this guy, run away. Most christian family groups even hate this guy. Besides, he thinks that calling Hitler a Nazi is an insult (which is just as much of an insult as calling Jack a lawyer). Pray that this guy realizes just how misguided he is and stops threatening people. Maybe he'll realize that arguments need to be supported by facts, and then he can start to bring about meaningful change in the way the US handles violent media and minors.

And would it hurt people to comment every once-in-a-while?

Rant over.

New Orleans sucks!

2005-10-13T21:08:00.000-04:00

New Orleans is not worth saving. Seriously.

FEMA and the local government conducted an exercise for a simulated catagory 5 hurricane hitting New Orleans. They claimed to have made strides to improve evacuation preparedness. They also determined that the city would be flooded by the storm surge of a strong category 3 hurricane.

And what happened when a category 4 hurricane headed for the city and President Bush declared the city a disastor area (2 days before landfall)? The national and regional heads of FEMA, Louisiana governor, and New Orleans' mayor were completely unprepared. No busses for hospital patients and retirees, no mandatory evacuation, no communication of the dangers faced by the city.

Over 1000 dead.

Now what do they want to do?

Spend billions of dollars to rebuild the city so the next hurricane can destroy it again.

Try this:
Rebuild the French Quarter and downtown, move everything else outside the city limits to above sea level. Add raised mass transit of high-speed trains to ferry people to and from the city. It will cost about the same ammount, and the cleanup will be far less.

Seriously, anyone who thinks New Orleans should be rebuilt is just asking to get smote by another hurricane. If you really think it's a good idea to rebuild, on the day the city gets flooded by another hurricane (probably in 20-30 years) I will come to your house, say 'I told you so', and laugh all the way to the bank.

Sorry about the political post, but I can only put up with immense stupidity like this for so long before I just need to bitch about it.

Happy is a yuppie word...

2005-10-12T22:34:00.000-04:00

We won our football game, but not as handily as we would have thought. They were down a player all game, but still managed to get more than half our points. Still a win, but not the blowout we had hoped for.

I fence in Midland in just over two weeks, and I'm not looking forward to anything more than that at the moment. After that we'll be fencing all day at NMU for a grudge tournament, and that's what I'm looking forward to the second most.

In the immortal words of Bob Dylan: "Happy is a yuppie word"

In the words of Switchfoot:

Everyone dies
Everyone loves a fight
Nothing is sound
Nothing is right side right
Evening comes, when the sun goes down in red
Nothing is cool
When will all the fighting end
When will all the fighting end

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out (cash out)

Everything fails
Everything runs it's course
A time and a place, for all of this loving war
Everyone buys, everyone's gotta price, and nothing is new
When will all the failures rise
When will all the failures rise, rise!

Happy is a yuppie word
Nothing in the world could fail me now
It's empty as an argument
I'm running down a life that won't cash out

Happy is a yuppie word
Blessed is the man who's lost it all
Happy is a yuppie word (word)

Looking for an orphanage
I'm looking for a bridge I can't burn down
I don't believe the emptiness
I'm looking for the kingdom coming down
Everything is meaningless
I want more than simple cash can buy
Happy is a yuppie word

Endurance...

2005-10-11T23:58:00.000-04:00

Today I fenced for 40 minutes straight. It made me quite happy, in a way only an athelete can understand. I won the first bout with Sean 15-14 and the second (extended) with Fig 18-9. Not only did I win with my shorter blade, I also held out for the full ammount of time. Of course, I had some troubles, so I'm not completely content with my abilities, but I still have time to get better.

And tomorrow, our last flag football game before the playoffs.

Finally, my week...

2005-10-11T00:08:00.000-04:00

First was our flag football game wednesday. It was cold and rainy, far worse weather than the game that got canceled on us. I don't remember the score, but we won handily.

The rest of the week was simple, no work, and lots of Double Dash. General enjoyment, but nothing to stand out.

On Friday my mom and Meg came up. Friday consisted of watching season 3 of Red vs Blue, followed by Halo 2 and more Double Dash.

Saturday was our flag football game against the campus radio station team. This time I had cleats and we won 46-6, which is unacceptable because it wasn't a shutout. Went to Perkins as a group (my mom was nice enough to pay), then to Shop-Co where we picked up Super Mario Sunshine. Then it was to our largest leture hall for a $2 showing of Batman Begins.

Sunday consisted of fencing, a little studying, and plenty of Mario Sunshine.

Today was class, Sunshine, and I finally got back into the weight room after about a month's absence.

Pending...

2005-10-09T02:12:00.000-04:00

In lieu of a full explanation of my week, I give you photos.

Full explanation will come when I have time to write it down.

This week... later

2005-10-07T01:04:00.000-04:00

This second half of the week was the fun half. I'll tell you about it later.

Casino Royale

2005-10-04T00:23:00.000-04:00

I just watched the movie Casino Royale, and I think it's one of the most ridiculous movies I've seen in a while, and that's a good thing. It has minimal plot (James Bond is being hunted by attractive female assasins), make absolutely no sense, and has Woody Allen as James Bond's cousin. Funy, and pointelss, I laughed.

I think I kept my head above water on the german exam, but who knows how it turned out. My hand hurt afterward, so I'm not looking forward to writing my paper about the play.

It's hot up here, well into the 80s.

That's just stupid hot.

Physiker...

2005-10-02T19:58:00.000-04:00

Ever read a novel or play for a class and not been able to follow all the crazy things the characters do and their hidden meanings to what they say? I'm reading a play like that right now, but I have an added problem: the novel is in German. It's hard enough reading a play about an insane asylum where the inmates all think they're physicists, it becomes harder when the play is in a foreign language you've mostly forgotten. It could be worse, since this is the only truly difficult class I have, but I still wish we had a more comprehensible play.

This weekend was pretty laxidaisical. We destroyed Gannon in football. We lost the haal cup in our Ultimate frisbee game, because the other team decided that if they didn't mean to commit a foul it wasn't a foul. I fenced both days and enjoyed it as always. I'm starting to prepare for the tournament in Midland this month. If any of you are in town the last weekend of the month I'd like to see you. Last night we played Halo for several hours, until we got shut down. Aparrently it's a tripping hazard to have a cable running ALONG THE WALL in the hall. This wasn't even accross the hall, this was off all the way to the side. You could only trip on it if you first fell over against the wall first.

Today was playing in church, more fencing, the picking up Kuhko from the airport. I just finished studying, and am planning on going to bed after Family Guy and American Dad.

The world lives for the weekend...

2005-10-01T11:38:00.000-04:00

Well, another weekend, but I actually have work this time. First, I need to do some hardcore studying for German. My vocabulary has atrophied and I need to get it back. Monday I have an exam and wednesday I have to turn in a 2-3 page paper, all in german. I also have exams in Digital Logic and Digital Signal Processing next week.

Of course, that didn't stop me from having a little fun. Last night we just played around the dorms, went to eat at the Library (big mistake, it took 2 hours), got some late-night food, then watched the first season of Futurama. Now it's tailgating (they force us there by not serving food in the dorms), football, fencing, and all the other things I need to do.

I think I've found the reason MTU seems like such a hostile dating environment. More like an explanation than anything else.

The ratio of men to woman is only the beginning of the problem. The real problem is with the ratio within the guys here. The guys can be divided into three groups: The guys who already have girlfriends, the guys who are assholes, and the average single guy. I'm in the last group, of course. This second ratio only compounds the last problem. Not only do the single guys have to compete with each other for a girl's attention, we have to compete with all the assholes and guys with girlfriends who have nothing to lose. And it's not even like it's 1:1 competition. Especially with the assholes, they hang out with lots of girls all the time, completely monopolizing them.

Sorry for the woe-is-me attitude, but I think that's pretty much the deal here.

Can't you just leave bad enough alone?

2005-09-27T00:36:00.000-04:00

First off, some geek innuendo.

Is it selfish to get angry when people come to me with inconsequential problems and whine about them to me? As much as I like helping people through their problems, and just talking about them, I can't help but get indignant sometimes when people think their problems are worse than mine. Of course, there's a period when you have the right to complain, but when you exaggerate your problems to get a rise out of me, that's not cool.

People seem to be pairing up all over. I've always loved when you see a couple and think "they are perfect for each other". Like the guy I know, where him and his girlfriend both have red hair and the same face shape. One look at them and you can basically say they're made for each other. Some might call it "cute", others call it fate. I call it human nature. We are attracted to comfort, and what could be more comforting than a partner who is our total double, both mentally and physically?

Sorry for the randomness. But really, who am I apologizing to? My blog, my topics.

Ups and Downs...

2005-09-25T23:46:00.000-04:00

So this weekend was either really boring or really fun. Friday consisted of Wario Ware and general fun. Saturday we won our homecoming football game, tailgated, then just hung out again. Around midnight we became incredibly bored, and that just wouldn't do for homecoming weekend.

Our solution: get some food.

On the way the 5 of us lit some cheap cigars (not bad for $1 a piece; really strong but no aftertaste) Pizza was out because the pizza places close at midnight (stupid). After grabbing some drinks we went to McDonalds and made the following order:
10 Double Cheeseburgers
1 McChicken sandwich
20pc. chicken McNuggets
1 McValue fires
And some waters..... 5
This order took about 2 minutes to place between our snickers, giggles, and flat-out laughter. Five guys ordering a ton of McDonalds food at midnight from a minivan that reeks of smoke just screams "Stoners", so it wasn't the most serious conditions. Afterward we came back to watch Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. What better movie for the circumstances?

Today Lew and Solo came to church with me, which was pretty cool. Then I spent most of the day lounging around. The Fencing Club watched Princess Bride today, then I just got finished doing my homework 15 minutes ago. Procrastination, yeah!

i'm bored, you're boarding the 504 out of town
it's late, so look straight, don't pull your eyes off the ground
you sit and wait across the gate, the minutes stretch themselves so long
you'll never be my destiny, because my destination's wrong

right coast, left coast
drifting round and round
i'm lost, always, and i know i can't be found

who made these customs i can't seem to get past?
it's no use, since you've been born into a higher class
when i want you, and only you, somehow your baggage comes along
and it never stops, no, it never stops, until i'm back where i belong

right coast, wrong coast
drifting round and round
i'm lost, always, and i know i can't be found

you can't see me across this great divide
i'm lost, always, if i'm not right by your side

back where i belong
back where i belong

That's the way you find your love...

2005-09-24T00:31:00.000-04:00

Nevermind what else happened today. Tonight we watched Garden State. It's been on my list to watch for a while, and I finally saw it. It was un-freaking-believable. Normally movies like that make me feel all depressed, but this one made me feel optimistic.

First I thought about how I just need to wait for my Natalie Portman to arrive. Then I remembered that Ozma wrote the song Natalie Portman, which I listened to immediately upon the movie finishing. This made me even more optimistic, because Ozma has to be one of the most genious bands ever. More so than Jimmy Eat World, the Foo Fighters, and all other bands combined (even the Beatles, there I said it). Melodic rock has never been so good, and emotion never so raw (eat your heart out, Chris Carrabba).

This is how it feels to be happy...

I finally feel at ease, i'm on an eastern breeze
It blows me into shore
Come back to kiss my dear, come back to face my fears
It can't be worse than war
Unless you say that you gave your heart away (gave your heart away)
Unless you say that i shouldn't have returned (shouldn't have returned)
And in that case... i'll go

Every night i see a shooting star and wonder if it's landing where you are
If you can see it then you can't be far
And if that's the way you do it, that's the way you find your love

Now the air is cold and thin, i'm on my second wind
It blows me to your door
Lean into the bell and press
You're in a brand new dress i've never seen before
But then you say that you gave your heart away (i gave my heart away)
And then you say that i shouldn't have returned (you shouldn't have returned)
So i turn my face... and go

Every time i take a look around, i find myself looking out
To a place that looks a lot more round
I find myself feeling down

Every night i see a shooting star and wonder if it's landing where you are
If you can see it then you can't be far
And if that's the way you do it, that's the way you find your love

I Love you all.

Sideways...

2005-09-23T01:04:00.000-04:00

I finally watched Sideways yesterday. I enjoyed it. Kinda like High Fidelity, just with a little less humor and a lot more wine. I haven't quite absorbed it yet, since there were a lot of distractions. This is the kind of movie that will throw me back into a depressed mood, although coming off the tail end of one, I shouldn't need to worry.

I put some more pictures on my Flickr, you can check them out on the right side of the page.

Sorry for the short, pointless post.

The Living Sword...

2005-09-21T23:27:00.000-04:00

From The Living Sword by Aldo Nadi:
"Judging by American screen plays and even some literature, one has the impression that no male over eighteen can walk the streets in daytime anywhere in the U.S. without risking to be attacked by nymphomaniacs. It is not so, however, to hear it told by young and not so young American men. They will tell you instead that the American female of the species is interested in only two things: money and/or marriage. Very seldom indeed do you hear men speak of spontaneous impulses on the part of attractive females, let alone passion. In fact, in twenty years in the U.S., the word itself had hardly ever reached my ears. Little wonder therefore that so many American women are not only frigid, but also look, in their actual unquestionable beauty, about as warm and vital as an indifferent piece of crystal. William Faulkner has called them "brainless and sexless," but I love Hemmingway's splendid portrait of them, "They are the hardest in the world: the hardest, the cruelest, the most predatory and the most attractive, and their men have softened or gone to pieces nervously as they have hardened." Although I should hope exceptions exist, I am certainly not going to argue with two Nobel Prize winner. And though I know little (?) about American women, I nevertheless will say that when a woman, and she does not have to be necessarily American, thinks with anything but her heart - as a woman she is greatly diminished.
"'To fear love is to fear life,' wrote Bertrand Russell, 'and those who fear life are three parts dead.' Also, 'The sexual freedom the artist needs is freedom to love, not the gross freedom to relieve the bodily need with some unknown woman; and freedom to love is what, above all, the conventional moralist will not concede.'
"Talk of women naturally brings me to talk of children. But insofar as the upbringing of American children and adolescents is concerned, I must forgo any comments, for I am afraid they would be uncommonly severe. In fact, for that purpose the rich English language would appear to me thoroughly inadequate. I shall limit myself in stating that whoever denies the full responsibility of cowardly, ignorant parents for acknowledged million (and actuall who knows how many more?) juvenile delinquents in our United States, must be either weak-minded or in complete bad faith."

Found that interesting, and I agree with some of it. I think the exceptions he talks about are actually pretty common, just not at the upper echelons of society. Are all women dead inside? Certainly not. Are some of them? Yes.

We played some two-hand touch football today, and it was a blast. I got leveled by Kuhko, who's about 50 pounds heavier than me. Then I smashed knees with Evan. I ended up with a nice bruise, plenty of scrapes, and a good story to tell. It'll be interesting to see how our season works out.

2005-09-19T19:22:00.000-04:00

While working on a poster last weekend I found what very well may be the best wedding pictures ever, so I figured I'd share them with everyone. Check the last four pictures in this set.

My favorite, though is this one:

Tales From the Frozen North

Basitar

New Ozma album!

Placated

On finishing...

What's before 'work - slave - die'?

More on the topic of money...

Economies of scale

One Week...

Can't Get Next To You

Comparisons

I think you'll like this...

Deutscheland über alles

Oh, snap!

WORK BITCH

Shit happens...

The job market...

Horsepower

Food pantry

Freetar

So bored...

Is it fall yet?

Ahhhhh!

Random stuffage

All in all, a good year

High times

Nearing the end...

Stuff

Fun week

It's coming...

Riya, first impressions

Better late than never...

Weather

Can anyone loan me $1300?

So inconsistent

It's the law

What's the first law?

Gah! Update

Something

Looong day

Things broken...

Carny

Stuff

Records

I got on the Dean's List and all I got...

Update

Now is the winter...

Quick update

On demons...

Today got good fast

I saw this today...

Yays!

Meh...

New years...

Time...

A lesson from Paul...

Hooray!

Back in Midland

All done

New cartoon...

The Final Countdown...

Short

Jesus-mas and Jesus-day

More, more, more...

Jukebox Hero...

Aslan...

Three weeks...

One Week...

Of Home...

Snow!!!

Tired...

Lightning round!

Who hates Granholm?

Wholesome goodness...

It's stupid windy

Death throes...

More on the villany of Sony

Under Attack...

In review...

Happy Halloween!