As 2009 comes to an end, it's inevitable that we reflect on the year that was. As with every year, a lot happened; new friendships were formed, some friendships were lost, I started an art "career", etc. All in all, 2009 was a good year, but I feel like 2010 will be even better.
Where 2009 was a year where I was still trying to figure out what I wanted and where I wanted to go, 2010 will be a year where I make things happen. It's time I take a more proactive role at school; not just in my education, but also in how my school works. It's time I take my art seriously and actually consider myself an artist, as opposed to a "wannabe artist", like I've previously seen myself. It's time I find a decent paying job, so that I can actually do the things I want to do. 2010 will not be a year where I'm hindered by lack of money. It's time I get into some form of regular workout regimen. I don't need to get ripped, but I do need to start taking my health seriously. And for crying out loud, it's time to find a girlfriend, because honestly, being single for over three years is just way too long.
This coming year, I'm not making any traditional resolutions that I'll just forget about. Rather, 2010 is the start of my future, and it's time I take charge of what I want that future to be. By this time next year, I'll be closer to the man I want to be. I hope you all can say the same. Happy New Year to all of you. Have fun, be smart and be safe.
12.31.2009
12.25.2009
Ode to Jesus
Happy Birthday, Jesus! You are the one;
Coming down to Earth from the planet Krypton.
With Lady Gaga at your side, you ghost ride the sleigh,
Shouting out to your apostles in your own special way:
Now, Bashful! Now, Happy! Now, Sleepy, and Doc!
On, Grumpy! On, Dopey! Sneezy, wake the fuck up!
Although you walk on water, you decide to take flight,
Delivering gifts to the children on that one special night.
And when your duty if through, you return to your home,
In the land where the penguins freely do roam.
They made you their king and follow your every command,
And built you a home in the North Pole so grand.
From your Fortress of Solitude you watch out below,
Protecting the world from your deadliest foe;
The monster, the legend that is vampire Obama,
Who otherwise might bite somebody’s mama.
So, on December 25th, we sing out to you,
Have a Merry Birthday, you cabinet-buildin’ Jew!
Merry Christmas, everyone! =]
Coming down to Earth from the planet Krypton.
With Lady Gaga at your side, you ghost ride the sleigh,
Shouting out to your apostles in your own special way:
Now, Bashful! Now, Happy! Now, Sleepy, and Doc!
On, Grumpy! On, Dopey! Sneezy, wake the fuck up!
Although you walk on water, you decide to take flight,
Delivering gifts to the children on that one special night.
And when your duty if through, you return to your home,
In the land where the penguins freely do roam.
They made you their king and follow your every command,
And built you a home in the North Pole so grand.
From your Fortress of Solitude you watch out below,
Protecting the world from your deadliest foe;
The monster, the legend that is vampire Obama,
Who otherwise might bite somebody’s mama.
So, on December 25th, we sing out to you,
Have a Merry Birthday, you cabinet-buildin’ Jew!
Merry Christmas, everyone! =]
12.23.2009
Quarterly Report, Fall 2009
Back in October, when the Fall quarter first began, I had the mindset that this was going to be my quarter. I had such high hopes, not just academically, but socially, romantically and artistically. I was going to make things happen, and end the quarter on top. Unfortunately, the quarter had plans of its own.
The first goal on my not-so-hefty-list-of-things-I-wanted-to-accomplish-this-quarter was to finally get the courage to talk to Elle - the (then) girl of my dreams - and get her to fall in love with me. It was a simple plan, really. I was going to say "Hello", I pay her a few compliments, we'd talk about things we had in common, I tell her a few more compliments, I'd charm her with a few silly jokes, and she'd be mine. Well, unfortunately her boyfriend kind of ruined that plan. Not the end of the world, except that Elle is the fourth girl at this school I've tried pursuing, and the fourth failure. Wow, what a horrible success rate.
Let's move on to the quarter itself. As with every quarter, my starting goal is to maintain my 4.0 GPA. Really, there is no practical reason for this. When I graduate, potential employers are going to look at my portfolio, not my GPA. A 4.0 doesn't come with any perks or get me into any secrets clubs; there is no cool 4.0 handshake. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA is really just for me; an indicator to me that I care about my education and am not going to slack on it just so I can go party or whatever.
Well, this quarter decided to throw me a few hurdles in my "Quest for the Holy GPA". After my first week, I received word that one of my classes had been canceled due to the low number of students, and I needed to replace the class. I decided to take Creative Writing, since I love writing, but unfortunately joining the class a week late meant I was week behind, and it took me a few weeks to fully catch up. On top of the headache of having to switch classes, before midterms arrived, I got sick not once, but TWICE! About three weeks in I caught a nasty cold, which made me miss one or two of my classes. Then two weeks later I came down with the flu! I can't remember the last time I had the flu, but here I was with it only two weeks after already being sick. What luck. I missed an entire week of classes because of the flu, and I fell far behind because of it. Still, with my goal of a 4.0 GPA foremost in my mind, I couldn't give up and I worked hard to catch up.
Now, all work and no play makes for a very dull Jason, so whenever possible, I made sure I went out and had fun. One of my more recent methods of having fun is taking part in art shows. It's a great kick in the butt to paint, and a great way to network with fellow artists and art appreciators. Normally I show up with anywhere between 4-6 paintings, hang out with friends, eat some sushi, and no very rare occasions have a drink. However, during my last art show I was lucky enough to sell one of my paintings for $100. Not too shabby for a self-proclaimed "wannabe painter". Although, I have to admit that having a sold painting out there does me me feel like a real painter after all.
So, now that the quarter is over, how do I feel it went? Well, grades came in a few days ago, and with a GPA of 3.7, this is by far my worst quarter. Still, I passed all my classes with nothing lower than a B, so I would say that is still a success. And maybe Elle won't be the love of my life, but I have potential prospects, so I'm not too torn up about it.
Maybe I didn't end the quarter on top, like I originally set out to do, but by no means do I consider the quarter a failure. A lot of good happened this quarter; I met a lot of good people and made a lot of good friends, and I'm walking away with even more good memories. At the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about?
The first goal on my not-so-hefty-list-of-things-I-wanted-to-accomplish-this-quarter was to finally get the courage to talk to Elle - the (then) girl of my dreams - and get her to fall in love with me. It was a simple plan, really. I was going to say "Hello", I pay her a few compliments, we'd talk about things we had in common, I tell her a few more compliments, I'd charm her with a few silly jokes, and she'd be mine. Well, unfortunately her boyfriend kind of ruined that plan. Not the end of the world, except that Elle is the fourth girl at this school I've tried pursuing, and the fourth failure. Wow, what a horrible success rate.
Let's move on to the quarter itself. As with every quarter, my starting goal is to maintain my 4.0 GPA. Really, there is no practical reason for this. When I graduate, potential employers are going to look at my portfolio, not my GPA. A 4.0 doesn't come with any perks or get me into any secrets clubs; there is no cool 4.0 handshake. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA is really just for me; an indicator to me that I care about my education and am not going to slack on it just so I can go party or whatever.
Well, this quarter decided to throw me a few hurdles in my "Quest for the Holy GPA". After my first week, I received word that one of my classes had been canceled due to the low number of students, and I needed to replace the class. I decided to take Creative Writing, since I love writing, but unfortunately joining the class a week late meant I was week behind, and it took me a few weeks to fully catch up. On top of the headache of having to switch classes, before midterms arrived, I got sick not once, but TWICE! About three weeks in I caught a nasty cold, which made me miss one or two of my classes. Then two weeks later I came down with the flu! I can't remember the last time I had the flu, but here I was with it only two weeks after already being sick. What luck. I missed an entire week of classes because of the flu, and I fell far behind because of it. Still, with my goal of a 4.0 GPA foremost in my mind, I couldn't give up and I worked hard to catch up.
Now, all work and no play makes for a very dull Jason, so whenever possible, I made sure I went out and had fun. One of my more recent methods of having fun is taking part in art shows. It's a great kick in the butt to paint, and a great way to network with fellow artists and art appreciators. Normally I show up with anywhere between 4-6 paintings, hang out with friends, eat some sushi, and no very rare occasions have a drink. However, during my last art show I was lucky enough to sell one of my paintings for $100. Not too shabby for a self-proclaimed "wannabe painter". Although, I have to admit that having a sold painting out there does me me feel like a real painter after all.
So, now that the quarter is over, how do I feel it went? Well, grades came in a few days ago, and with a GPA of 3.7, this is by far my worst quarter. Still, I passed all my classes with nothing lower than a B, so I would say that is still a success. And maybe Elle won't be the love of my life, but I have potential prospects, so I'm not too torn up about it.
Maybe I didn't end the quarter on top, like I originally set out to do, but by no means do I consider the quarter a failure. A lot of good happened this quarter; I met a lot of good people and made a lot of good friends, and I'm walking away with even more good memories. At the end of the day, isn't that what it's all about?
12.22.2009
The Morning Rapist
The call has come in...
Tonight's script has been written...
Roles are understood.
My co-star arrives;
She's unable to perform.
The show must go on.
The script's been thrown out.
I, alone, take center stage;
All focus on me.
My co-star adapts;
She makes sure I perform well.
The show's a success.
What a performance!
Those in the room yell, "Encore!"
I'm glad to oblige.
My co-star prepares.
This time, I know what to do;
I will take control.
Another success.
I leave it all on the stage.
Exhausted, I bow.
Tonight's script has been written...
Roles are understood.
My co-star arrives;
She's unable to perform.
The show must go on.
The script's been thrown out.
I, alone, take center stage;
All focus on me.
My co-star adapts;
She makes sure I perform well.
The show's a success.
What a performance!
Those in the room yell, "Encore!"
I'm glad to oblige.
My co-star prepares.
This time, I know what to do;
I will take control.
Another success.
I leave it all on the stage.
Exhausted, I bow.
12.21.2009
Music Minute #5
Image from http://itsmyshit.deviantart.com/Time for another Music Minute, with some more of my favorite songs of the moment. Give them a listen if you haven't already.
- Ciara feat. Missy Elliott - "Work"
- Fedde Le Grand feat. Mitch Crown - "Scared of Me"
- OONA - "Tore My Heart"
- SoulStice - "Colour"
- Young Money Entertainment - "Bedrock"
- Ciara feat. Missy Elliott - "Work"
- Fedde Le Grand feat. Mitch Crown - "Scared of Me"
- OONA - "Tore My Heart"
- SoulStice - "Colour"
- Young Money Entertainment - "Bedrock"
12.19.2009
Best. Day. Ever.
There are moments in life that, for whatever reason, people will remember for the rest of their lives. Whether it be for the emotions attached or the memories - good or bad, these moments will forever stand out. Tonight was one of those moments. Tonight topped off an already amazing day, which has led me to the conclusion that today was the best day ever.
Today's awesomeness started in the early hours of the morning with sex. Now, I'm not usually one to be so blunt, and I'm definitely not one to kiss and tell, but we're all adults here and this is an important component to today's events. I was pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish a project for finals, when I had a lady friend visit me to get our freak on. (Before you ask, the identity of this lady friend shall forever remain a mystery.) Sex is always a good thing, no matter the time of day, but when you start off a day with sex, I feel that's a good indicator of the type of day to come.
The next stop on today's tour of awesomeness was at school, during my first final, when I turned in the project I had stayed up all night finishing. All my hard work had paid off because my project was met with high praise by both my fellow students and the instructor. Normally, this sort of event wouldn't be enough to warrant a mention, but I feel it added to today's awesomeness, thus making it another important component to today.
At the end of class, when the dread of our next final approached, a classmate made an off-hand remark that we should go watch the new movie Avatar instead of taking what was to definitely be a tough, grueling final. The whole class played along and agreed, knowing it would never happen. However, to everyone's surprise, the instructor told the class to hang on for a few minutes while he went and check something, only to return with permission slips to go watch Avatar! Now, I don't know about you, but I've never before had the teacher himself blow off a final in favor of watching a movie, but I suppose there is a first time for everything. Instead of taking our last final of the quarter, my class watched the 2:55 PM showing of Avatar, which I have to say is a simply gorgeous film. This is really where I starting thinking that today was a great day.
Of course, once the movie was over and all my classmates and I stood around discussing the glory of the movie, the realization set in that the quarter was over and winter break was now upon us. This is always a good thing in my book, and another important component of today's awesomeness.
From here, we go on to the final and greatest moment of the day. The moment in life that I will always remember. My best friend sent me a text saying that we would be going out tonight to a night club with a bunch of friends. OK, cool. He then sent me a text saying he had invited two of our friends, a pair of beautiful sisters, to come along. Oh, sweet. I had absolutely no objections to them joining us and was looking forward to a fun night with lots of friends. As my friend and I were on our way to pick up the two lovely ladies, he mentioned that it would in fact just be the four of us. The other people he had invited were either busy or unable to make it. Instead of being a large group event, this was to be a more intimate night out with two beautiful girls.
We knocked on their door which opened to reveal two of the hottest girls I have ever seen. Before I continue, I really need to apologize for using such crude language of "hot", but if you had seen them, you'd say the same thing. These girls looked amazingly sexy. Both had on black miniskirt dresses and heels that said they meant business. I immediately felt underdressed. After the shock wore off, it sunk in that we were headed to a night club with two sexy ladies at our sides. Tonight was definitely going to be fun. The whole night, all eyes were on our "dates", which of course meant all eyes were on us, as the men capable of capture such fine prey. We danced the entire night, and let me tell you, these girls can move. I haven't danced like that in a long time.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and so did the night. We drove the girls back to their place, where we all talked and watched YouTube videos for a bit, and then bid our lovely ladies a good night. And as my buddy and I drove home, we had the biggest grins on our faces; proof of tonight's events.
So, as I'm typing this at 3:52 AM, all I can say is today was the best day ever. Sex, hard work acknowledged, ditching a tough final to go watch Avatar, the end of the quarter, and then topping it off with a night with two lovely ladies.... Yeah, I'd say December 18, 2009 is a day to remember.
Today's awesomeness started in the early hours of the morning with sex. Now, I'm not usually one to be so blunt, and I'm definitely not one to kiss and tell, but we're all adults here and this is an important component to today's events. I was pulling an all-nighter, trying to finish a project for finals, when I had a lady friend visit me to get our freak on. (Before you ask, the identity of this lady friend shall forever remain a mystery.) Sex is always a good thing, no matter the time of day, but when you start off a day with sex, I feel that's a good indicator of the type of day to come.
The next stop on today's tour of awesomeness was at school, during my first final, when I turned in the project I had stayed up all night finishing. All my hard work had paid off because my project was met with high praise by both my fellow students and the instructor. Normally, this sort of event wouldn't be enough to warrant a mention, but I feel it added to today's awesomeness, thus making it another important component to today.
At the end of class, when the dread of our next final approached, a classmate made an off-hand remark that we should go watch the new movie Avatar instead of taking what was to definitely be a tough, grueling final. The whole class played along and agreed, knowing it would never happen. However, to everyone's surprise, the instructor told the class to hang on for a few minutes while he went and check something, only to return with permission slips to go watch Avatar! Now, I don't know about you, but I've never before had the teacher himself blow off a final in favor of watching a movie, but I suppose there is a first time for everything. Instead of taking our last final of the quarter, my class watched the 2:55 PM showing of Avatar, which I have to say is a simply gorgeous film. This is really where I starting thinking that today was a great day.
Of course, once the movie was over and all my classmates and I stood around discussing the glory of the movie, the realization set in that the quarter was over and winter break was now upon us. This is always a good thing in my book, and another important component of today's awesomeness.
From here, we go on to the final and greatest moment of the day. The moment in life that I will always remember. My best friend sent me a text saying that we would be going out tonight to a night club with a bunch of friends. OK, cool. He then sent me a text saying he had invited two of our friends, a pair of beautiful sisters, to come along. Oh, sweet. I had absolutely no objections to them joining us and was looking forward to a fun night with lots of friends. As my friend and I were on our way to pick up the two lovely ladies, he mentioned that it would in fact just be the four of us. The other people he had invited were either busy or unable to make it. Instead of being a large group event, this was to be a more intimate night out with two beautiful girls.
We knocked on their door which opened to reveal two of the hottest girls I have ever seen. Before I continue, I really need to apologize for using such crude language of "hot", but if you had seen them, you'd say the same thing. These girls looked amazingly sexy. Both had on black miniskirt dresses and heels that said they meant business. I immediately felt underdressed. After the shock wore off, it sunk in that we were headed to a night club with two sexy ladies at our sides. Tonight was definitely going to be fun. The whole night, all eyes were on our "dates", which of course meant all eyes were on us, as the men capable of capture such fine prey. We danced the entire night, and let me tell you, these girls can move. I haven't danced like that in a long time.
Unfortunately, all good things must come to an end, and so did the night. We drove the girls back to their place, where we all talked and watched YouTube videos for a bit, and then bid our lovely ladies a good night. And as my buddy and I drove home, we had the biggest grins on our faces; proof of tonight's events.
So, as I'm typing this at 3:52 AM, all I can say is today was the best day ever. Sex, hard work acknowledged, ditching a tough final to go watch Avatar, the end of the quarter, and then topping it off with a night with two lovely ladies.... Yeah, I'd say December 18, 2009 is a day to remember.
12.08.2009
Russell
Good afternoon. My name is Russell and I am a wilderness explorer in tribe 54, sweat lodge 12. Are you in need of any assistance today, sir?
12.05.2009
Music Minute #4
Image from http://tpaf.deviantart.com/Time for another Music Minute, with some more of my music picks of the moment.
- Cheryl Cole feat. will.i.am - "3 Words"
- Missy Elliott - "Touch My Body"
- Rihanna feat. Justin Timberlake - "Hole in My Head"
- Three 6 Mafia feat. Flo Rida, Sean Kingston and Tiësto - "Feel It"
- Timbaland feat. SoShy and Nelly Furtado - "Morning After Dark"
12.04.2009
The Christmas Spirit
As the song goes, it's the most wonderful time of the year. Or something like that... Personally, my holiday cheer is more along the lines of this guy's.
Simply brilliant.
Simply brilliant.
11.29.2009
The Society Cometh...
I was originally going to wait a few weeks before I wrote this post, but my excitement has gotten the better of me. If you've been reading my blog, you know I'm a fan of the TV show Smallville. I've had a few posts dedicated to it, and now you can now add another to the list.
However, this post is like none before, because my nerd excitement level is through the roof. The Justice Society of America is coming to Smallville...
This is huge. Debuting in 1940, the Justice Society of America, or JSA, was the first team of superheroes in comic book history, and indeed the first time readers realized all their favorite superheroes existed in the same universe. They were the all-star team of DC Comics, if you will. No longer did readers have to buy separate comic book titles to catch the adventures of their favorite superheroes; they were now all together in one comic.
But enough of the history lesson. Although Smallville has introduced many guest characters from the pages of DC Comics before, this is the first time an entire team will be introduced, as well as the first hint at a larger superhero world outside of Smallville. Every prior introduction has been within the mythology of the show, but the introduction of the JSA is going to blow the doors wide open. We will know that there is an entire world of heroes, and that this is no longer a show set within Smallville or Metropolis, but indeed the entire DC Universe. I can't wait!
So, without further ado, here are some photos from the upcoming two-hour movie event airing the beginning of next year, as well as some screen caps from the promo; featuring Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Sandman, and a Green Lantern ring!
And for a look at the promo itself...
However, this post is like none before, because my nerd excitement level is through the roof. The Justice Society of America is coming to Smallville...
This is huge. Debuting in 1940, the Justice Society of America, or JSA, was the first team of superheroes in comic book history, and indeed the first time readers realized all their favorite superheroes existed in the same universe. They were the all-star team of DC Comics, if you will. No longer did readers have to buy separate comic book titles to catch the adventures of their favorite superheroes; they were now all together in one comic.
But enough of the history lesson. Although Smallville has introduced many guest characters from the pages of DC Comics before, this is the first time an entire team will be introduced, as well as the first hint at a larger superhero world outside of Smallville. Every prior introduction has been within the mythology of the show, but the introduction of the JSA is going to blow the doors wide open. We will know that there is an entire world of heroes, and that this is no longer a show set within Smallville or Metropolis, but indeed the entire DC Universe. I can't wait!
So, without further ado, here are some photos from the upcoming two-hour movie event airing the beginning of next year, as well as some screen caps from the promo; featuring Hawkman, Dr. Fate, Stargirl, Sandman, and a Green Lantern ring!
And for a look at the promo itself...
11.28.2009
Music Minute #3
Image from http://cande-knd.deviantart.com/Time for another Music Minute, with some more of my music picks of the moment.
- La Roux - "Bulletproof"
- La Roux - "In for the Kill"
- Tiësto - "Louder Than Boom"
- Tiësto feat. Nelly Furtado - "Who Wants To Be Alone"
- Tiësto feat. Tegan and Sara - "Feel It In My Bones"
11.27.2009
The Day After Thanksgiving
You know what my favorite thing about Thanksgiving is? No, it's not the time spent with family or the self-reflection we all should do over that for which we are thankful.
No, my favorite thing doesn't actually occur until the day after Thanksgiving. I'm not talking about Black Friday (which can actually be quite fun if you go with the right people and right mindset); I'm talking about the Thanksgiving leftovers. There's just something about opening up the fridge to find loads of Turkey and sides.
And don't get me started on the Turkey sandwiches. Now that is truly something for which to be thankful.
11.26.2009
Happy Thanksgiving
Well folks, it's that time of year where we stuff our faces with turkey, stuffing, potatoes, pie, and whatever else we can fit on the dinner table. So, to all you loved ones out there, all I have to say is...
11.22.2009
11.20.2009
11.19.2009
11.18.2009
Christoph Niemann's "Bio-Diversity"
I came across this today and found it was rather clever, so thought I'd share.
For more from Christoph Niemann, check out his blog: Abstract City Blog
For more from Christoph Niemann, check out his blog: Abstract City Blog
11.17.2009
11.16.2009
Love Note
Today, in Creative Writing class, an odd occurrence happened. I was sitting quietly, listening intently at the lecture being given so that I may earn a good grade and one day become a productive member of society, when the boy in front of me turned and passed me a note. I have not received a note since high school, and never from a boy. Instantly, I was faced with a dilemma - do I open it and deal with the consequences of what may be written inside, or do I simply ignore it and risk hurting this boy's feelings?
Well, I'm not some heartless creep, and I decided to read this love note from the brown-haired boy in front of me. To my amazement, this is what the note said:
I opened this letter from the boy - whose name, I later found out, is Ely - prepared to gently crush his romantic feelings for me, and instead was attacked with an insult. I was about to respond with a firmly worded rebuttal, when I asked myself why he would write such a thing. Could I have done something to make him feel that I was indeed lame/gay? Oughta I to be offended?
Well, in order to determine whether or not I should take it as an insult, let us determine if Ely's statement is true by first examining what is really being said. Here is Merriam-Webster's definition of lame:
Main Entry: lame
1 a : having a body part and especially a limb so disabled as to impair freedom of movement b : marked by stiffness and soreness
2 : lacking needful or desirable substance : weak, ineffectual
3 slang : not being in the know : square
4 a : inferior b : contemptible, nasty
Now, I don't have any disabled body parts, and I was not showing any signs of stiffness or soreness, so lame couldn't apply to me in that context. Having needful or desirable substance is subjective, so I suppose someone could consider me lame in that sense. I would hope not, but it's a possibility. I generally consider myself to be in the know, and I am definitely not square, so lame in that context is also out.
As far as being inferior goes, I would say that we are all inferior in some aspect. I would consider my intellect inferior to that of Stephen Hawking's, but my fashion sense superior to that of Larry the Cable Guy. It's simply a matter of to what/whom you are being compared. Also, I have been known to have quite the sarcastic attitude, which I suppose some could be considered nasty. Because of this, I have to admit someone could argue that I am, in fact, lame.
What about gay? Let's look at the definition:
Main Entry: gay
1 a : happily excited : merry b : keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits
2 a : bright, lively b : brilliant in color
3 : given to social pleasures; also : licentious
4 a : homosexual b : of, relating to, or used by homosexuals
synonyms see lively
I am rarely happily excited, merry, exuberant, or prone to inducing high spirits. In fact, I'm usually laid-back and kind of somber. However, I do wear a lot of bright colors, so I guess you could say I'm brilliant in color. Perhaps I'm gay in that context.
As far as being given to social pleasures and licentious... Let's just say, I have a decorated past. So, I guess we can say I am gay, and we don't even have to consider that fourth definition - "homosexual". Whatever that means.
Well, it looks like I am indeed lame/gay. Good call, Ely.
Well, I'm not some heartless creep, and I decided to read this love note from the brown-haired boy in front of me. To my amazement, this is what the note said:
I opened this letter from the boy - whose name, I later found out, is Ely - prepared to gently crush his romantic feelings for me, and instead was attacked with an insult. I was about to respond with a firmly worded rebuttal, when I asked myself why he would write such a thing. Could I have done something to make him feel that I was indeed lame/gay? Oughta I to be offended?
Well, in order to determine whether or not I should take it as an insult, let us determine if Ely's statement is true by first examining what is really being said. Here is Merriam-Webster's definition of lame:
Main Entry: lame
1 a : having a body part and especially a limb so disabled as to impair freedom of movement b : marked by stiffness and soreness
2 : lacking needful or desirable substance : weak, ineffectual
3 slang : not being in the know : square
4 a : inferior b : contemptible, nasty
Now, I don't have any disabled body parts, and I was not showing any signs of stiffness or soreness, so lame couldn't apply to me in that context. Having needful or desirable substance is subjective, so I suppose someone could consider me lame in that sense. I would hope not, but it's a possibility. I generally consider myself to be in the know, and I am definitely not square, so lame in that context is also out.
As far as being inferior goes, I would say that we are all inferior in some aspect. I would consider my intellect inferior to that of Stephen Hawking's, but my fashion sense superior to that of Larry the Cable Guy. It's simply a matter of to what/whom you are being compared. Also, I have been known to have quite the sarcastic attitude, which I suppose some could be considered nasty. Because of this, I have to admit someone could argue that I am, in fact, lame.
What about gay? Let's look at the definition:
Main Entry: gay
1 a : happily excited : merry b : keenly alive and exuberant : having or inducing high spirits
2 a : bright, lively b : brilliant in color
3 : given to social pleasures; also : licentious
4 a : homosexual b : of, relating to, or used by homosexuals
synonyms see lively
I am rarely happily excited, merry, exuberant, or prone to inducing high spirits. In fact, I'm usually laid-back and kind of somber. However, I do wear a lot of bright colors, so I guess you could say I'm brilliant in color. Perhaps I'm gay in that context.
As far as being given to social pleasures and licentious... Let's just say, I have a decorated past. So, I guess we can say I am gay, and we don't even have to consider that fourth definition - "homosexual". Whatever that means.
Well, it looks like I am indeed lame/gay. Good call, Ely.
11.13.2009
Wonder Twin powers, activate!
Sometimes, it's good to be a nerd.
We get excited over the little things. And tonight is one of those times, because tonight's episode of Smallville introduces us to Zan and Jayna, the Wonder Twins.
Yes, those Wonder Twins.
From the Super-Friends.
The ones with the pet monkey.
Why, you might ask, is Smallville introducing characters from a 70s cartoon show that never really had a presence in the comic books? Who cares?! Smallville is a reality in and of itself that doesn't need any connections to the comic books. As such, it is able to introduce any character with a fresh take - free from convoluted continuity - to be reintroduced into the Superman mythos.
So, let's learn a little bit more about Smallville's newest residents:
We get excited over the little things. And tonight is one of those times, because tonight's episode of Smallville introduces us to Zan and Jayna, the Wonder Twins.
Yes, those Wonder Twins.
From the Super-Friends.
The ones with the pet monkey.
Why, you might ask, is Smallville introducing characters from a 70s cartoon show that never really had a presence in the comic books? Who cares?! Smallville is a reality in and of itself that doesn't need any connections to the comic books. As such, it is able to introduce any character with a fresh take - free from convoluted continuity - to be reintroduced into the Superman mythos.
So, let's learn a little bit more about Smallville's newest residents:
Together with their pet monkey, Gleek, Zan and Jayna are siblings from the planet Exxor, able to activate their powers by fist bumping and speaking the words, "Wonder Twin powers, activate!" Zan is able to transform into water at any state (liquid, solid, gas), as well as weather patterns involving water, such as a blizzard, a monsoon, or a typhoon. Jayna can transform into any animal, real or mythological, native to Earth or extraterrestrial.
So, there we go, a little info on the Wonder Twins. Who's next, Apache Chief and Silver Samurai? With Smallville, you never know.
Music Minute #2
Image from http://amuse.deviantart.com/- David Guetta feat. will.i.am & apl.de.ap -"On the Dancefloor"
- Lady Gaga feat. Beyoncé - "Telephone"
- Leighton Meester feat. Robin Thicke - "Somebody to Love"
- Mike Posner - "I Don't Trust Myself"
- Shakira - "Did It Again" (English Version) / "Lo Hecho Està Hecho" (Spanish Version)
Check 'em out and let me know what you think.
11.11.2009
Second Saturday Art Show @ Kamon
PAPER ART SHOW
Featuring the art of
Featuring the art of
tiffVALDEZ. danMENDEZ.
This Second Saturday
Nov. 14th, 6pm-11pm
Kamon Japanese Restaurant
2210 16th St.
Sacramento, CA
Free admission.
$5 select sushi rolls
All work will be paper and it will be up for just one week.
Come out, have some drinks, eat some sushi, and check out some awesome art from some awesome artists.
This Second SaturdayNov. 14th, 6pm-11pm
Kamon Japanese Restaurant
2210 16th St.
Sacramento, CA
Free admission.
$5 select sushi rolls
All work will be paper and it will be up for just one week.
Come out, have some drinks, eat some sushi, and check out some awesome art from some awesome artists.
11.10.2009
Shark Tank Tuesdays
This installment of Shark Tank comes from the Canadian version of Dragon's Den. Enjoy.
10 Shocking Truths about Allergies
If you have allergies, you know they suck. I don't know about anybody else, but they always seems to hit me at random times, making it a pain in the ass to try and predict when I should take meds. Should I take them when needed, and wait for relief, or take them everyday, even if I don't have symptoms? That's going to add up, fast. Well, lo and behold, I came across some interesting facts about allergies. Here they are, 10 shocking facts about what may really be making you feel bad.
1. If you're the oldest in your family, you may be more prone to allergies.
Researchers in the UK recruited more than 1,200 children, testing them for signs of allergies at birth, age 4 and age 10. They found markers of allergies in firstborns, but not in later-born children, likely because firstborns experience different conditions in the womb, researchers say.
2. It may not be your pet that's causing your allergies.
"It could be something else entirely," says Jeff May, an indoor air quality expert and coauthor of Jeff May's Healthy Home Tips. "Dust mites from your animal's bed (or yours), or mold underneath antiques in small spaces" are possible culprits, he says. Even homes without pets can have an pet allergen problem. In fact, a study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports that more than 99 percent of homes in the U.S. have detectable cat or dog allergens even though less than half of those homes have a dog or cat living there. Allergens can hitch a ride on other people's clothes and they've been discovered in schools, hospitals, shopping malls, cinemas-and even in the offices of allergists.
3. Timing your meds right can make all the difference.
"Your body follows what's called a circadian rhythm-it acts differently at different times of the day," says Richard Martin, MD, head of the pulmonary division at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, CO. This natural rhythm influences when allergies worsen, and therefore determines when it's best to take medication to achieve its maximum effect. For example, if you have 24-hour meds, you should take them at night. "Allergy symptoms peak in the morning hours, so this ensures they'll be moving through your bloodstream when needed most," he says.
4. Obese children and adolescents have a higher risk of allergies.
Especially food allergies, a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology notes. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 subjects ages 2 to 19, and discovered that obese participants were about 26 percent more likely to have allergies than children of normal weight. The rate of food allergies was especially troublesome-59 percent higher for children who were obese.
5. Your sneezes around your daughter's new kitten may be more than just a cold.
"You can grow up with pets and still develop allergies to them as an adult," says Morris Nejat, MD, of the New York Allergy and Sinus Centers. "Having a pet gives you an immunity that can be lost when you leave that environment-to move away and start your own life, for example. If you then bring an animal into your own home, you may have lost your immunity and developed an allergy to your new pet."
6. Plants aren't as healthy as you think.
Unfortunately, "plants do not purify the air," May says. "Put a thin layer of gravel on top of each plant's soil-this helps keep debris in the plant, protecting you from mold allergens," recommends James M. Seltzer, MD, chairman of the Indoor Environment Committee of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Even silk plants can cause mold," Dr. Seltzer says.
7. Trouble breathing? Don't look to your lungs, look to your gut.
Upsetting the normal balance of microflora in your stomach and intestines can change your entire immune system, researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School report, intensifying your body's response to common allergens like pollen or animal dander. According to scientists, our modern diet and increased use of antibiotics may be at fault. Safeguard your health with a diet low in sugar and high in raw fruits and vegetables, especially following treatment with antibiotics.
8. Allergies can trigger bad breath.
"For some people, a dry mouth, caused by taking antihistamines for allergies or by the postnasal drip that streams down the back of your throat during allergy attacks, can result in bad breath," says Cyril Meyerowitz, DDS, director of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. "Sometimes tiny pieces of food lodge on the tongue or in the crevices of your tonsils and cause a nasty odor."
9. You can't become immune to your allergy meds.
"You may feel that your allergy medication has become ineffective, but there's no scientific basis for medication tolerance," says Linda B. Ford, MD, medical director of the Sarpy/Cass Department of Health and Wellness at the Asthma and Allergy Center in Papillion, Nebraska. "What's more likely is that the disease has become more severe, in which case you should consider other treatment options, like allergen immunotherapy, intranasal steroids, isotonic saline nasal washes and/or other antihistamines."
10. Your allergies may have an upside.
A study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston reports that people with a history of allergies have nearly a third lower risk of developing a type of brain cancer called glioma than those without the condition. Researchers suspect this may be due to the genetic variations that cause the allergies.
1. If you're the oldest in your family, you may be more prone to allergies.
Researchers in the UK recruited more than 1,200 children, testing them for signs of allergies at birth, age 4 and age 10. They found markers of allergies in firstborns, but not in later-born children, likely because firstborns experience different conditions in the womb, researchers say.
2. It may not be your pet that's causing your allergies.
"It could be something else entirely," says Jeff May, an indoor air quality expert and coauthor of Jeff May's Healthy Home Tips. "Dust mites from your animal's bed (or yours), or mold underneath antiques in small spaces" are possible culprits, he says. Even homes without pets can have an pet allergen problem. In fact, a study from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences reports that more than 99 percent of homes in the U.S. have detectable cat or dog allergens even though less than half of those homes have a dog or cat living there. Allergens can hitch a ride on other people's clothes and they've been discovered in schools, hospitals, shopping malls, cinemas-and even in the offices of allergists.
3. Timing your meds right can make all the difference.
"Your body follows what's called a circadian rhythm-it acts differently at different times of the day," says Richard Martin, MD, head of the pulmonary division at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, CO. This natural rhythm influences when allergies worsen, and therefore determines when it's best to take medication to achieve its maximum effect. For example, if you have 24-hour meds, you should take them at night. "Allergy symptoms peak in the morning hours, so this ensures they'll be moving through your bloodstream when needed most," he says.
4. Obese children and adolescents have a higher risk of allergies.
Especially food allergies, a study in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology notes. Researchers analyzed data from over 4,000 subjects ages 2 to 19, and discovered that obese participants were about 26 percent more likely to have allergies than children of normal weight. The rate of food allergies was especially troublesome-59 percent higher for children who were obese.
5. Your sneezes around your daughter's new kitten may be more than just a cold.
"You can grow up with pets and still develop allergies to them as an adult," says Morris Nejat, MD, of the New York Allergy and Sinus Centers. "Having a pet gives you an immunity that can be lost when you leave that environment-to move away and start your own life, for example. If you then bring an animal into your own home, you may have lost your immunity and developed an allergy to your new pet."
6. Plants aren't as healthy as you think.
Unfortunately, "plants do not purify the air," May says. "Put a thin layer of gravel on top of each plant's soil-this helps keep debris in the plant, protecting you from mold allergens," recommends James M. Seltzer, MD, chairman of the Indoor Environment Committee of the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. "Even silk plants can cause mold," Dr. Seltzer says.
7. Trouble breathing? Don't look to your lungs, look to your gut.
Upsetting the normal balance of microflora in your stomach and intestines can change your entire immune system, researchers at the University of Michigan Medical School report, intensifying your body's response to common allergens like pollen or animal dander. According to scientists, our modern diet and increased use of antibiotics may be at fault. Safeguard your health with a diet low in sugar and high in raw fruits and vegetables, especially following treatment with antibiotics.
8. Allergies can trigger bad breath.
"For some people, a dry mouth, caused by taking antihistamines for allergies or by the postnasal drip that streams down the back of your throat during allergy attacks, can result in bad breath," says Cyril Meyerowitz, DDS, director of the Eastman Institute for Oral Health, part of the University of Rochester Medical Center in Rochester, New York. "Sometimes tiny pieces of food lodge on the tongue or in the crevices of your tonsils and cause a nasty odor."
9. You can't become immune to your allergy meds.
"You may feel that your allergy medication has become ineffective, but there's no scientific basis for medication tolerance," says Linda B. Ford, MD, medical director of the Sarpy/Cass Department of Health and Wellness at the Asthma and Allergy Center in Papillion, Nebraska. "What's more likely is that the disease has become more severe, in which case you should consider other treatment options, like allergen immunotherapy, intranasal steroids, isotonic saline nasal washes and/or other antihistamines."
10. Your allergies may have an upside.
A study from the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston reports that people with a history of allergies have nearly a third lower risk of developing a type of brain cancer called glioma than those without the condition. Researchers suspect this may be due to the genetic variations that cause the allergies.
11.09.2009
Music Minute #1
Image from http://dirthat.deviantart.com/Time for a Music Minute, when I share my music picks of the moment with all of you out there.
- Adam Lambert - "Time for Miracles"
- Adam Lambert - "For Your Entertainment"
- Lady Gaga - "Bad Romance"
- Paramore - "The Only Exception"
Check 'em out and let me know what you think.
11.06.2009
11.05.2009
Playlist, Part 3 of 3
Image from http://tokyo-explosion.deviantart.com/Michael Bublé - "Kissing a Fool"
Michael Franti & Spearhead. feat. Cherine Anderson - "Say Hey (I Love You)"
Mike Posner and The Brain Trust - "Cooler Than Me"
Mike Posner and The Brain Trust - "Evil Woman"
Muse - "United States of Eurasia / Collateral Damage"
Muse - "Unnatural Selection"
Richard Vission and Static Revenger feat. Luciana - "I Like That"
Shiny Toy Guns - "Ghost Town"
Silversun Pickups - "Panic Switch"
Snoop Dogg feat. The-Dream - "Gangsta Luv"
See any of your fave songs? Have any music I should check out? Let me know and maybe it'll make it on my new regular feature, "Music Minute", where I'll highlight some new music or other songs I think you should check out. So, stay tuned.
11.04.2009
2009 World Series: Final Game Count Update
Nice try, Phillies. Kudos to Cliff Lee and Chase Utley on their efforts.Let's get 'em next year, Dodgers.
Playlist, Part 2 of 3
Image from http://punkrock55.deviantart.com/The Cataracs - "Club Love"
David Guetta feat. Akon - "Sexy Bitch"
Depeche Mode - "Enjoy the Silence"
Depeche Mode - "Strangelove"
Doves - "The Outsiders"
Ida Corr vs. Fedde Le Grand - "Let Me Think About It"
Jason Mraz - "If It Kills Me (From the Casa Nova Sessions)"
Jeremih - "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)"
Los Lobos - "Saint Behind the Glass"
Matt and Kim - "Daylight"
Come back tomorrow for Part 3. In the meantime, let me know what you think. See any of your fave songs? Have any music I should check out?
11.03.2009
Playlist, Part 1 of 3
Image from http://neverendingstomp.deviantart.com/It seems like the cool thing to do these days is to make a playlist. While I think it's a bit pointless to attempt to narrow down an extremely long list of fave music down to a short sampling, I love when someone turns me on to good music, even if it's just a song, so I figured I'd give it a try if it meant doing the same for someone else. However, even with my best attempts, I was only able to make a list of no less than 30 songs, which I will be posting in three separate lists.
Here is Part 1; a collection of songs du jour, old favorites, and classics that I have been playing nonstop over the past week or so:
Audio Bullys feat. Nancy Sinatra - "Shot You Down"
Bag Raiders - "Shooting Stars"
The Beatles - "All You Need is Love"
The Beatles - "Eleanor Rigby"
The Beatles - "I Saw Her Standing There"
The Beatles - "Let It Be"
The Beatles - "Yesterday"
The Black Eyed Peas - "Meet Me Halfway"
Britney Spears - "3"
Calle 13 feat. Café Tacuba - "No Hay Nadie Como Tú"
Come back tomorrow for Part 2. In the meantime, let me know what you think. See any of your fave songs? Have any music I should check out?
11.02.2009
2009 World Series: Game Count Update #5
I've said it before, and I'll say it again....
Cliff Lee is the fuckin' man.
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