So, I figured after all the whining I did about how horrible rendering is, the least I could do is share with you what all the fuss was about. Here is my final project for my Materials & Lighting class:
The assignment was to simply texture a scene using multiple methods and light it. I decided to take a short animation I had previously made, with no textures or lighting whatsoever, and take it to the next level. Hands down the worse experience I've had with any final. However, I finally got it finished and to a point where I can be happy with it. Still not quite what I wanted, but good enough.
3.31.2010
3.30.2010
Magical Energy Drinks
A few days ago, I placed a Monster Energy drink into the freezer in an attempt to get it cold during the 30 minutes or so it took for me to get ready to go out. Unfortunately, I totally forgot about and there it stayed for days. As is always the case with canned beverages left in the freezer, it expanded as it froze and exploded leaving pink slush all over the shelf it was on; something I discovered when I opened the freezer earlier today.
I took out the can and placed it by the sink as I cleaned the freezer. After a while, when what remained in the can melted, I proceeded to pour it into the sink. Funny thing is that when I was pouring it, the liquid was green. It was pink when frozen; green when a liquid.
I wonder what color it is when it's a gas?
I took out the can and placed it by the sink as I cleaned the freezer. After a while, when what remained in the can melted, I proceeded to pour it into the sink. Funny thing is that when I was pouring it, the liquid was green. It was pink when frozen; green when a liquid.
I wonder what color it is when it's a gas?
3.29.2010
Jason Rico 2.0
What a strange week it's been. It started off with the normal stress from finals, but it's been a rollercoaster ride since then. There have been the events involving Leigh, the nonstop headache of having to deal with slow rendering, then finally the emotional rollercoaster from last night.
Obviously, I wasn't much in the mood to write anything last night, but since then, I've done a lot of thinking and my entire mindset has changed. I received some news last night involving Leigh and someone I considered a friend. The news really devastated me, and left me depressed and honestly more upset than I've been in a long time.
However, after talking to a few different people, I simply decided to change my outlook on some aspects of my life, and how I choose to react in certain situations. It's a new day and it's time for a new Jason; the leash has come off.
Obviously, I wasn't much in the mood to write anything last night, but since then, I've done a lot of thinking and my entire mindset has changed. I received some news last night involving Leigh and someone I considered a friend. The news really devastated me, and left me depressed and honestly more upset than I've been in a long time.
However, after talking to a few different people, I simply decided to change my outlook on some aspects of my life, and how I choose to react in certain situations. It's a new day and it's time for a new Jason; the leash has come off.
3.28.2010
Jason is Not in Right Now...
I know I'm supposed to post something everyday, but I honestly don't feel like posting anything of substance. So instead, I'll simply say this: I'm usually great with words, but right now I just can't describe the absolute anger and sadness I'm feeling. Why do words fail when you can need them the most?
3.27.2010
Who Wants to Go Shopping?
I've decided to become a personal shopper. Forget this animation nonsense; picking out outfits for other people is where it's at.
Today, while I was at the river with some friends, Leigh asked me to go and help her shop for clothes. My initial thought was, "Definitely not. I am not a platonic straight friend or your gay bff, and I don't want you seeing me as such". However, I eventually decided it might be fun, so I went along. After all, picking out outfits for her meant she'd have to try them on for me.
Personal motives aside, the experience was actually a lot of fun. I've always joked around that I wish I could dress some people, and this was finally my chance. By the time we were done, I helped her pick out some great clothes that made sure she'd look amazing. Having a beautiful woman try on clothes for you isn't the worst thing in the world.
This made me think: if I could help one person, why not others? There are plenty of people out there that have no idea how to dress, and it is my job to make this world a prettier place, one person at a time.
So, anybody need a personal shopper?
Today, while I was at the river with some friends, Leigh asked me to go and help her shop for clothes. My initial thought was, "Definitely not. I am not a platonic straight friend or your gay bff, and I don't want you seeing me as such". However, I eventually decided it might be fun, so I went along. After all, picking out outfits for her meant she'd have to try them on for me.
Personal motives aside, the experience was actually a lot of fun. I've always joked around that I wish I could dress some people, and this was finally my chance. By the time we were done, I helped her pick out some great clothes that made sure she'd look amazing. Having a beautiful woman try on clothes for you isn't the worst thing in the world.
This made me think: if I could help one person, why not others? There are plenty of people out there that have no idea how to dress, and it is my job to make this world a prettier place, one person at a time.
So, anybody need a personal shopper?
3.26.2010
Music Minute #14
Image from http://blasiusk.deviantart.com/As I struggle to keep my eyes awake due to the lack of sleep, I present to you these songs five - the lucky tracks to be featured in this Music Minute - in the hopes that you will listen to them while I attempt to find a few hours of much needed sleep. Enjoy.
- Akon - "Nosy Neighbour"
- Cassie feat. Akon - "Let's Get Crazy"
- Ellie Goulding - "Starry Eyed"
- Estelle feat. Kardinal Offishall - "Freak"
- Vampire Weekend - "Giving Up the Gun"
3.25.2010
Rendering STILL Sucks
I really have nothing else to say right now, so I guess that's it. Come back tomorrow.
Rendering Sucks
This is a note to anyone that at some point in their lives will have to deal with the process of rendering footage: it sucks.
I've been rendering a 14 second scene over the last three days, and just now did I realize I rendered the last half incorrectly. So now I have to re-render that, THEN render out another scene. All before 1 PM tomorrow. HA! Yeah, right.
Gods of Maya and Rendering, I need a miracle...
I've been rendering a 14 second scene over the last three days, and just now did I realize I rendered the last half incorrectly. So now I have to re-render that, THEN render out another scene. All before 1 PM tomorrow. HA! Yeah, right.
Gods of Maya and Rendering, I need a miracle...
3.24.2010
Slumber Party
Last night was very interesting.
I guess, technically, it would have been this morning, but the time of day isn't really important; it's what happened.
I've recently become friends with a girl at school, and over the last few days, this girl - whom we shall call Leigh - and I have found ourselves chatting and texting each other a lot. Two nights ago, during one of our late night text conversations, Leigh mentioned that she was hungry and that I should take her some food. I immediately responded that she should bring me some food. Just a little playful banter that I expected to lead into another conversation. To my surprise, she responded that we should both go out and eat. It was around 1 AM, and the two of us had never done anything aside from a couple of larger group functions. As busy as I was with finals, food sounded good, and soon so we found ourselves at Denny's. That night was great; we talked so much that neither of us had even looked at the menu by the time our server got to out table, we playfully threw trash at each other, and we made each other laugh. I think that's a great night in anyone's book.
However, this post is about last night. Again, it started with a late night conversation, this time online. The time was about 2:00 AM, and we're both still up working on finals. Earlier that day, Leigh's car had broken down, and during out conversation, she mentioned that she wasn't sure how she would get to school. Being the helpful gentleman that I am, I offered that I could pick her up early and we could ride over to school together. Again to my surprise, she responded that I should just go pick her up right now so she could use my bed to sleep since I wouldn't be using it. (Earlier on, I had mentioned that I would be up all night working on finals and wouldn't be getting any sleep.) As shocked as I was, and as tempted as I was with all the possibilities to which this could lead, I tried my best to squash the idea. I did, after all, have a lot of finals to work on, plus the fact that my room was an absolute mess and there would be no way anyone would be seeing it for a long time. After a few more back-and-forths, nothing more was said about her coming over.
At least not for a while.
About 30 minutes later, Leigh said that she was done with her homework, would be taking a quick shower, then I should go pick her up.
I'm sure my mind totally shut down for a moment as it overloaded trying to process the information. Clearly, she was determined on coming over, and I couldn't really say no. After all, it was I who first mentioned riding with me to school the next morning. I immediately jumped up, and spent the next 15 minutes trying my best to clean the living room and bathroom, as well as the computer room where the futon (that I was going to set up for her; I wasn't kidding about no one seeing my room) was located. I brushed my teeth, gave myself a quick check in the mirror, made a few adjustments, sprayed a little body spray, and I left to pick up my soon-to-be guest.
During our night out at Denny's, Leigh had mentioned that her hair is naturally wavy. When I suggested she come to school with wavy hair one day, she told me that the only way someone would see her hair like that is if they stood right next to her bed as she woke up; before she rushed to straighten it. So, you can imagine my surprise when I pulled up and out she comes with wavy hair. I don't know what she was talking about, but she's still gorgeous with wavy hair. I'll admit that some people look better with either wavy or straight hair, but she pulls off both so nicely. She also didn't have on any make-up; another first for my eyes. Again, still beautiful.
When we arrived at my place, my plan was for Leigh to get a few hours of sleep while I worked on my final. She, on the other hand, decided she would simply stay awake with me throughout the night. I didn't mind, of course, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to focus on homework when you have a beautiful girl sitting next to you, just staring at you? Nearly impossible; that difficult. Once I realized that I could just give up getting anything done the rest of the night, we moved over to the futon and just hung out. We sat down, chatted, and joked around. This lead to us laying down next to each other where we continued to goof around, this time including playful poking and tickling.
This went on for a while until, unfortunately, the time came when we had to get ready for school. (Damn school...) Maybe it was just a playful night amongst friends, but damn if it didn't leave me feeling confused. Oh well; I'm too busy with finals to even really think about any of it right now. For now, I'm just going to say it was very unexpected, but also very fun. Not at all a bad way to start the day.
I guess, technically, it would have been this morning, but the time of day isn't really important; it's what happened.
I've recently become friends with a girl at school, and over the last few days, this girl - whom we shall call Leigh - and I have found ourselves chatting and texting each other a lot. Two nights ago, during one of our late night text conversations, Leigh mentioned that she was hungry and that I should take her some food. I immediately responded that she should bring me some food. Just a little playful banter that I expected to lead into another conversation. To my surprise, she responded that we should both go out and eat. It was around 1 AM, and the two of us had never done anything aside from a couple of larger group functions. As busy as I was with finals, food sounded good, and soon so we found ourselves at Denny's. That night was great; we talked so much that neither of us had even looked at the menu by the time our server got to out table, we playfully threw trash at each other, and we made each other laugh. I think that's a great night in anyone's book.
However, this post is about last night. Again, it started with a late night conversation, this time online. The time was about 2:00 AM, and we're both still up working on finals. Earlier that day, Leigh's car had broken down, and during out conversation, she mentioned that she wasn't sure how she would get to school. Being the helpful gentleman that I am, I offered that I could pick her up early and we could ride over to school together. Again to my surprise, she responded that I should just go pick her up right now so she could use my bed to sleep since I wouldn't be using it. (Earlier on, I had mentioned that I would be up all night working on finals and wouldn't be getting any sleep.) As shocked as I was, and as tempted as I was with all the possibilities to which this could lead, I tried my best to squash the idea. I did, after all, have a lot of finals to work on, plus the fact that my room was an absolute mess and there would be no way anyone would be seeing it for a long time. After a few more back-and-forths, nothing more was said about her coming over.
At least not for a while.
About 30 minutes later, Leigh said that she was done with her homework, would be taking a quick shower, then I should go pick her up.
I'm sure my mind totally shut down for a moment as it overloaded trying to process the information. Clearly, she was determined on coming over, and I couldn't really say no. After all, it was I who first mentioned riding with me to school the next morning. I immediately jumped up, and spent the next 15 minutes trying my best to clean the living room and bathroom, as well as the computer room where the futon (that I was going to set up for her; I wasn't kidding about no one seeing my room) was located. I brushed my teeth, gave myself a quick check in the mirror, made a few adjustments, sprayed a little body spray, and I left to pick up my soon-to-be guest.
During our night out at Denny's, Leigh had mentioned that her hair is naturally wavy. When I suggested she come to school with wavy hair one day, she told me that the only way someone would see her hair like that is if they stood right next to her bed as she woke up; before she rushed to straighten it. So, you can imagine my surprise when I pulled up and out she comes with wavy hair. I don't know what she was talking about, but she's still gorgeous with wavy hair. I'll admit that some people look better with either wavy or straight hair, but she pulls off both so nicely. She also didn't have on any make-up; another first for my eyes. Again, still beautiful.
When we arrived at my place, my plan was for Leigh to get a few hours of sleep while I worked on my final. She, on the other hand, decided she would simply stay awake with me throughout the night. I didn't mind, of course, but do you have any idea how difficult it is to focus on homework when you have a beautiful girl sitting next to you, just staring at you? Nearly impossible; that difficult. Once I realized that I could just give up getting anything done the rest of the night, we moved over to the futon and just hung out. We sat down, chatted, and joked around. This lead to us laying down next to each other where we continued to goof around, this time including playful poking and tickling.
This went on for a while until, unfortunately, the time came when we had to get ready for school. (Damn school...) Maybe it was just a playful night amongst friends, but damn if it didn't leave me feeling confused. Oh well; I'm too busy with finals to even really think about any of it right now. For now, I'm just going to say it was very unexpected, but also very fun. Not at all a bad way to start the day.
3.23.2010
Push It to the Limit
Finals are always a stressful time, but this quarter has a new layer of stress. Now instead of just worrying about finishing, I also have to worry I don't ask too much of my computer. I've been working it extra hard lately, and I really hope it can take the heat. So far it's been a trooper, but I know everything has it's breaking point. I've been pushing it to the limit; let's hope I don't push it past the point of no return.
3.21.2010
Finals
Finals = No time for anything else. Hopefully I'll be back (and back to sanity) later this week.
3.20.2010
Top Gear
For those of you who have never watched it, please do yourself a favor and check out Top Gear. It's a British television series about cars, but it's way more fun than you would think, which means you don't need to be a fan of cars to enjoy it. Each episode features amazingly beautiful, yet ridiculous, supercars, and hilarious challenges that you really need to see to understand. When I first discovered it last year, I instantly fell in love and hands down, it has become one of my favorite TV series.
Top Gear on BBC America. Watch it.
Top Gear on BBC America. Watch it.
3.19.2010
The Final Countdown, Winter 2010
With the end of today came the end of Week 10 for the Winter Quarter and the realization that there is only one week left until Spring Break. I know this sounds like it should be cause for celebration, but this unfortunately means one last week of absolutely hell as I try to finish up my final projects in time, and to standards with which I am happy. Week 11 means little to no sleep, no free time, high stress, and constant doubting of my talents/creativity.
This is it; only one week to go until freedom. Cue music by Europe.
This is it; only one week to go until freedom. Cue music by Europe.
3.18.2010
Blog Update
As I'm sure most of you know, I am current in the middle of my goal to post in my blog once a day for an entire year. Although I've managed a post per day, these posts aren't always during that actual day; sometimes I don't get to post until after midnight the next morning. This has been especially true for many of my last few posts.
Just to clarify: my goal isn't to post an entry everyday during the hours of 12:00 AM and 12:00 PM. My goal is to post an entry that represent a day in my life for an entire year. Sometimes, my days don't actually end until the next morning, so although I will try my best to post entries during the actual calendar they represent, some of my posts will be posted early the next morning.
Ultimately, when 2010 is over, I want to look back and see at least 365 entries; sort of an online journal of the year, if you will. So far, I'm right on schedule.
Just to clarify: my goal isn't to post an entry everyday during the hours of 12:00 AM and 12:00 PM. My goal is to post an entry that represent a day in my life for an entire year. Sometimes, my days don't actually end until the next morning, so although I will try my best to post entries during the actual calendar they represent, some of my posts will be posted early the next morning.
Ultimately, when 2010 is over, I want to look back and see at least 365 entries; sort of an online journal of the year, if you will. So far, I'm right on schedule.
Happy St. Patrick's Day
Nothing says St. Patrick's Day like a drunk guy in a kilt (even though kilts are Scottish, not Irish), trying to fight off the attempts of his "friends" to get a picture of his leprechaun and pots of gold.
I hope everyone had a fun & safe St. Patrick's Day.
I hope everyone had a fun & safe St. Patrick's Day.
3.17.2010
Science Lab #1
Today's question come to us from Brittany, in Sacramento:
What a great question, Brittany! Simply put, Earth spins because of inertia.
What does that mean, you might ask?
Well, inertia means that an object will always continue moving at its current speed and in its current direction until some force causes its speed or direction to change.
What does that have to do with the Earth?
During its formation, the solar system was a large, rotating cloud of dust, rocks, and gas. Eventually, some of the gas and dust clustered together due to gravity to form planets. With nothing to stop the initial spinning of the solar system, the planets, including Earth, still spin to this day.
..........
There you have it! Thanks again for the question, Brittany! And to the rest of you, make sure you keep sending in your science questions and maybe I'll answer yours during the next Science Lab!
"Why does the world spin?"
What a great question, Brittany! Simply put, Earth spins because of inertia.
What does that mean, you might ask?
Well, inertia means that an object will always continue moving at its current speed and in its current direction until some force causes its speed or direction to change.
What does that have to do with the Earth?
During its formation, the solar system was a large, rotating cloud of dust, rocks, and gas. Eventually, some of the gas and dust clustered together due to gravity to form planets. With nothing to stop the initial spinning of the solar system, the planets, including Earth, still spin to this day.
..........
There you have it! Thanks again for the question, Brittany! And to the rest of you, make sure you keep sending in your science questions and maybe I'll answer yours during the next Science Lab!
3.15.2010
Music Minute #13
Image from http://germania.deviantart.com/Time for another Music Minute. Here are some of my favorite songs of the moment. Give them a listen and maybe they'll become some of yours, too.
- HardNox - "Fist Pump"
- HURTS - "Blood, Tears & Gold"
- HURTS - "Wonderful Life"
- Marina and the Diamonds - "Mowgli's Road"
- Trey Songz feat. Fabolous - "Say Aah"
3.14.2010
Club Suha
As promised, here is the story of last night, which shall come to be known as Club Suha.
Last night was the birthday party of a classmate, and everyone knew it would be THE event of the quarter. For the last few weeks, everyone had been talking about it, and I'm sure a lot of that had to do with the fact that it would be right before finals really kicked in. It would be the perfect way to get together with friends and have some fun before we each became locked up doing our individual projects.
When my buddy and I first got there, it was slightly like walking into a different world. We knew from the guestlist online that a lot of our classmate's family would be there, but walking up the driveway into a crowd where everyone was looking at us with expressions as is thinking, "Who are these guys and what are they doing here?" was a bit disconcerting. Still, we proceeded right into the house like we knew we belonged there.
As we made our way into the kitchen to greet our hostess, I felt like I had been magically transported into the episode of Friends, where Chandler gets drunk and sleeps with one of Joey's sisters, but cannot remember which one the next day. The kitchen was filled with about 10 girls, each a brunette with long hair, wearing something sexy and heels. It was like I had walked into the kitchen of a mad scientist who had decided to make clones of the same girl. Lucky, two close friends (the sisters from this post) were there, so that was a plus. Eventually, even more schoolmates showed up, and then things really got interesting.
I decided to give the birthday girl a faux-lapdance, which was all fun and games until some random girl who was having a little too much fun (and by fun I mean alcohol) ran up to me and started grinding up on me like I was a fire needing to be put out. She pressed up against me with such force that I almost crushed the birthday girl behind me. Sadly, that was not the last of that girl, whom would come to be known as the Pink Shirt Girl, as she later decided to take off her shirt and dance around in her bra. There's always one at every party...
About halfway through the night, a friend and I decided to have a krump battle, and even convinced the birthday girl to join in. It was definitely the most epic krump battle ever, or at least that night. I'm kind of surprised Pink Shirt Girl didn't join in. Maybe she was passed out somewhere.
At the end of the night, a small group of us were hanging out in the other room, away from the music and dancing, and somehow got into the intricacies of how to the the Worm. I'm not sure how it started, but we realized that one friend could only do it going backward, I could only do it going forward, and another friend could only look like a fool trying to do it going forward or backward.
As is always the case, the party came to an end, and we were kindly asked to leave. After my buddy and I were in the car, along with the sisters and one of their boyfriends, I attempted to drive off only to be blocked by someone standing in the middle of the road. I don't remember seeing him at all during the party, but for some reason he decided he needed to block us. At first I simply thought he was joking around, and I attempted to drive around, but he took a few steps back and kept blocking us. When we rolled down the window and kindly asked if he could please move, he simply responded saying that no one was leaving. The boyfriend decided to step out of the car and have a few words with our would-be roadblock, and was soon followed by my buddy. The only thing I thought was, "Great. We're gonna have fight on our hands when we almost went the whole night hiccup free." Luckily, the boyfriend and my buddy were able to move our blockade without any confrontation, although it was difficult to get the boyfriend back into the car. He clearly wasn't done exchanging words with our oppressor, despite the three times I yelled for him to get back into the car.
Eventually, we got him into the car, and we were off. After one final hurdle when we went the wrong way on a street for about 10 minutes, we finally found the freeway and with that, ended the chapter of a great night. I definitely look forward to doing that again.
Last night was the birthday party of a classmate, and everyone knew it would be THE event of the quarter. For the last few weeks, everyone had been talking about it, and I'm sure a lot of that had to do with the fact that it would be right before finals really kicked in. It would be the perfect way to get together with friends and have some fun before we each became locked up doing our individual projects.
When my buddy and I first got there, it was slightly like walking into a different world. We knew from the guestlist online that a lot of our classmate's family would be there, but walking up the driveway into a crowd where everyone was looking at us with expressions as is thinking, "Who are these guys and what are they doing here?" was a bit disconcerting. Still, we proceeded right into the house like we knew we belonged there.
As we made our way into the kitchen to greet our hostess, I felt like I had been magically transported into the episode of Friends, where Chandler gets drunk and sleeps with one of Joey's sisters, but cannot remember which one the next day. The kitchen was filled with about 10 girls, each a brunette with long hair, wearing something sexy and heels. It was like I had walked into the kitchen of a mad scientist who had decided to make clones of the same girl. Lucky, two close friends (the sisters from this post) were there, so that was a plus. Eventually, even more schoolmates showed up, and then things really got interesting.
I decided to give the birthday girl a faux-lapdance, which was all fun and games until some random girl who was having a little too much fun (and by fun I mean alcohol) ran up to me and started grinding up on me like I was a fire needing to be put out. She pressed up against me with such force that I almost crushed the birthday girl behind me. Sadly, that was not the last of that girl, whom would come to be known as the Pink Shirt Girl, as she later decided to take off her shirt and dance around in her bra. There's always one at every party...
About halfway through the night, a friend and I decided to have a krump battle, and even convinced the birthday girl to join in. It was definitely the most epic krump battle ever, or at least that night. I'm kind of surprised Pink Shirt Girl didn't join in. Maybe she was passed out somewhere.
At the end of the night, a small group of us were hanging out in the other room, away from the music and dancing, and somehow got into the intricacies of how to the the Worm. I'm not sure how it started, but we realized that one friend could only do it going backward, I could only do it going forward, and another friend could only look like a fool trying to do it going forward or backward.
As is always the case, the party came to an end, and we were kindly asked to leave. After my buddy and I were in the car, along with the sisters and one of their boyfriends, I attempted to drive off only to be blocked by someone standing in the middle of the road. I don't remember seeing him at all during the party, but for some reason he decided he needed to block us. At first I simply thought he was joking around, and I attempted to drive around, but he took a few steps back and kept blocking us. When we rolled down the window and kindly asked if he could please move, he simply responded saying that no one was leaving. The boyfriend decided to step out of the car and have a few words with our would-be roadblock, and was soon followed by my buddy. The only thing I thought was, "Great. We're gonna have fight on our hands when we almost went the whole night hiccup free." Luckily, the boyfriend and my buddy were able to move our blockade without any confrontation, although it was difficult to get the boyfriend back into the car. He clearly wasn't done exchanging words with our oppressor, despite the three times I yelled for him to get back into the car.
Eventually, we got him into the car, and we were off. After one final hurdle when we went the wrong way on a street for about 10 minutes, we finally found the freeway and with that, ended the chapter of a great night. I definitely look forward to doing that again.
TBA
I just got home from an awesome party and I am a bit too tired to actually post a full entry. Really quick though, a lot of good friends from school were at the party and the night was a lot of fun over all. There was an expected bit of immature drama right as we were trying to leave, but I'll talk more about that later. So for now, I will simply say that tonight was a good night, and the perfect last hurrah before these last two weeks of school and the accompanying stress of finals. OK, goodnight everyone. I'm exhausted.
Oh, and don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour. It's that time of year again.
Oh, and don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour. It's that time of year again.
3.12.2010
The Importance of Time
Time really is a precious resource. When you think about, we don't have that much in our lives. Sure, it might seem like we do sometimes, but in the grand scheme of the universe, we really don't. From the moment we are born, we are running out of time. The scary thing is we don't even know how much time we have to begin with, but it's running down and there's no way to make more.
I'm telling you this to show each and every one of you reading this to take advantage of the little time we do of. Make the most of it, so that when it's all over, you can look back upon it and know you didn't squander it.
I wish I had remembered this earlier today, before I wasted 30 minutes of my life watching some ridiculous live stream online. Hopefully future streams will be more entertaining.
I'm telling you this to show each and every one of you reading this to take advantage of the little time we do of. Make the most of it, so that when it's all over, you can look back upon it and know you didn't squander it.
I wish I had remembered this earlier today, before I wasted 30 minutes of my life watching some ridiculous live stream online. Hopefully future streams will be more entertaining.
3.11.2010
A Letter to Lady Gaga, Part III
Dear Lady Gaga,
This will be the last letter I will write to you, because I've given up. After seeing your latest video for "Telephone", I have come to conclusion that you are just ridiculous. From now on, I will only listen to your music, and will try at all costs to avoid seeing anything with you in it: pictures, videos, etc.
As an entertainer, you're supposed to entertain. Simple enough, but all you do is cause my blood pressure to rise with your absurdity. I know you have your fans, (though only God knows why...) but I simply do not see the appeal. I'm all for being trendy, avant garde, larger than life, etc., but you've surpassed all that and simply become a caricature.
Farewell,
Jason Rico
Jason Rico
P.S. For those who would like to see her video, here it is:
3.10.2010
Laser Cat
There are many die hard fans of SNL out there, myself being one of them, but this guy has taken his love of Laser Cats way too far.
Add to that the fact that he has the 80s trifecta:
- Cheesy 80s outfit, including ugly sweater, pink shirt & over-sized glasses? Check.
- Rat tail hair style? Check.
- Futuristic laser background? Check.
The perfect recipe for awesome. Or awkward. Maybe both.
Add to that the fact that he has the 80s trifecta:
- Cheesy 80s outfit, including ugly sweater, pink shirt & over-sized glasses? Check.
- Rat tail hair style? Check.
- Futuristic laser background? Check.
The perfect recipe for awesome. Or awkward. Maybe both.
3.09.2010
Words
Why is it so hard for people to properly pronounce words? I'm not asking anybody to be a freakin' poet laureate, or win any spelling bees, but c'mon!
It's libRary, not libary. Notice that there are two Rs in there.
It's ask, not aks. Notice the order in which the S & K appear. You're not talking about weapons.
And my favorite: saying supposably instead of supposedly. Really?! That's not just forgetting a letter or mixing them around; you're totally switching out letters. You might as well just make up your own words; you're already halfway there.
It's libRary, not libary. Notice that there are two Rs in there.
It's ask, not aks. Notice the order in which the S & K appear. You're not talking about weapons.
And my favorite: saying supposably instead of supposedly. Really?! That's not just forgetting a letter or mixing them around; you're totally switching out letters. You might as well just make up your own words; you're already halfway there.
3.08.2010
I Need an Intervention
AAHHH!!! I'm freakin' addicted to Superhero City, some stupid game on Facebook!
Last Friday, one of the three local game studios to come visit my school was KlickNation, the makers of Superhero City. They talked about the whole genesis of the game, and how it was their cash cow. Well, later that day, one of my friends that was also at attended the event had not only already signed up, but also requested I join.
I thought to myself, "Sure, why not? It's free, and it might be fun to play when I have nothing else to do."
If only I knew then what I know now... I can't stop playing! First of all, there's the fact that it's a superhero game, which is already news for a comic book nerd like me. Add to that the fact that there are so many mindless little tasks to do, and the ability to do them refreshes after a short time frame, so I just wait until I can do them again.
This is EXACTLY why I don't play World of Warcraft, otherwise I really would have no social life. Oh man, I don't even want to think what will happen when DC Universe Online is released.
Enjoy your time with me while you still can, because the countdown to the end of Jason has already begun...
Last Friday, one of the three local game studios to come visit my school was KlickNation, the makers of Superhero City. They talked about the whole genesis of the game, and how it was their cash cow. Well, later that day, one of my friends that was also at attended the event had not only already signed up, but also requested I join.
I thought to myself, "Sure, why not? It's free, and it might be fun to play when I have nothing else to do."
If only I knew then what I know now... I can't stop playing! First of all, there's the fact that it's a superhero game, which is already news for a comic book nerd like me. Add to that the fact that there are so many mindless little tasks to do, and the ability to do them refreshes after a short time frame, so I just wait until I can do them again.
This is EXACTLY why I don't play World of Warcraft, otherwise I really would have no social life. Oh man, I don't even want to think what will happen when DC Universe Online is released.
Enjoy your time with me while you still can, because the countdown to the end of Jason has already begun...
3.07.2010
Followers
For those unfamiliar with the way Blogger.com works, each blogger has their own Dashboard; in essence, their homepage. From here, bloggers can make posts, edit past posts, follow other blogger's posts, and see who is following them.
For a while now, my dashboard has told me that eight people are following my blog. The fact that I have even one follower makes me happy, but of my eight followers, I only hear from maybe three on a semi-regular basis. There were a couple more that used to comment earlier on, but those have slowly died out. So, now it's down to three.
However, I've decided that I want to hear from as many of my followers as possible, as well any potential "ghost" followers that have not indicated that they follow my blog. I'll even make it simple for you all. Just comment and tell me about a memory you have of us. That's it. It can be anything you want; good, bad, ugly, whatever. You don't even have to tell me who you are. Just tell me the memory anonymously. And for any followers that don't have an actual memory with me, just tell me how you stumbled across my blog.
Simple as that. I want to see how many people actually read my blog, and I figure this is a fun way to do it.
For a while now, my dashboard has told me that eight people are following my blog. The fact that I have even one follower makes me happy, but of my eight followers, I only hear from maybe three on a semi-regular basis. There were a couple more that used to comment earlier on, but those have slowly died out. So, now it's down to three.
However, I've decided that I want to hear from as many of my followers as possible, as well any potential "ghost" followers that have not indicated that they follow my blog. I'll even make it simple for you all. Just comment and tell me about a memory you have of us. That's it. It can be anything you want; good, bad, ugly, whatever. You don't even have to tell me who you are. Just tell me the memory anonymously. And for any followers that don't have an actual memory with me, just tell me how you stumbled across my blog.
Simple as that. I want to see how many people actually read my blog, and I figure this is a fun way to do it.
3.06.2010
Happy Blogday to Me!
I can hardly believe it, but my little blog is one year old today.
Ah, it seems like just yesterday when I first started making the clickety-clicks on the keyboard and now here we are, still going and still growing. What started as a simple little blog with no direction has become an important outlet for me.
I never imagined my blog would've grown into what it is today, but I'm so glad it has. Happy Blogday to me! I expect lots of presents.
Ah, it seems like just yesterday when I first started making the clickety-clicks on the keyboard and now here we are, still going and still growing. What started as a simple little blog with no direction has become an important outlet for me.
I never imagined my blog would've grown into what it is today, but I'm so glad it has. Happy Blogday to me! I expect lots of presents.
3.05.2010
My Fear
Today, three local game studios came to visit and meet with students from the Media Arts & Animation and Game Art & Design programs. It was primarily a meet and greet, but we also had the chance to bring in our portfolios and have the studio representatives take a look. I initially wasn't going to bring any form of portfolio, as I don't think any of my schoolwork is up to portfolio standards, but I figured late last night it's better to bring something than nothing at all.
So, I was up all night working on throwing a simple portfolio together. At the end of my troubles, I have eight pages to show for it; none of which I'm truly happy with. Oh well. I'll be sure to get a respectable portfolio together for next time.
The three studios came and each gave a little presentation on who they are, what they do, and what they hope to do in the future. As all of the studios are in Sacramento, none of them are big at all. In fact, the largest company had 20 employees; the smallest had three. Still, they it nice to hear their stories of how they started, and even some of their past failures at launching a company. It gave me, and the other students, a good perspective on how hard our future career paths can be sometimes.
When it came time to show the studios our portfolios, I was very reluctant at first. I wasn't confident at all with what I brought, and to honest, I just thought it'd be a waste of time. However, my academic director convinced me that no matter how bad I might think it was, it'd be better to show them something than nothing at all. So, I sat down with all the students that had portfolios; lined up like prostitutes and a ranch, hoping a client will like what he sees.
It was at that moment that my fears of failure really came down on me. I saw what some of the other students had to show, and they were good. I was nowhere near their level of talent. I remember asking myself, "What am I doing here?" I've spent the last two years at school, but I don't think I'm anywhere close to where I need to be to make it out there in the "real world". What if I leave here, a year from now, and I can't make it anywhere? This isn't some pity party where I want everyone to tell me, "No, it'll be alright. You have talent. You'll make it." Blah blah blah...
No, I'm very much a realist. I know I have talents. I know that if I can just get to where I want to be, I'll be great. Unfortunately, no one is going to be able to see those talents unless I get my foot in the door, and that's what I'm worried about. I don't think I'll be able to get my foot in the door I want. I know I'll be able to do something, but I fear it won't be what I want.
In a sense, I see that as failure. Not doing what I set out to do, because I couldn't make it, is failure in my eyes, and that scares me. I still have a year to prove myself wrong, so here's hoping.
So, I was up all night working on throwing a simple portfolio together. At the end of my troubles, I have eight pages to show for it; none of which I'm truly happy with. Oh well. I'll be sure to get a respectable portfolio together for next time.
The three studios came and each gave a little presentation on who they are, what they do, and what they hope to do in the future. As all of the studios are in Sacramento, none of them are big at all. In fact, the largest company had 20 employees; the smallest had three. Still, they it nice to hear their stories of how they started, and even some of their past failures at launching a company. It gave me, and the other students, a good perspective on how hard our future career paths can be sometimes.
When it came time to show the studios our portfolios, I was very reluctant at first. I wasn't confident at all with what I brought, and to honest, I just thought it'd be a waste of time. However, my academic director convinced me that no matter how bad I might think it was, it'd be better to show them something than nothing at all. So, I sat down with all the students that had portfolios; lined up like prostitutes and a ranch, hoping a client will like what he sees.
It was at that moment that my fears of failure really came down on me. I saw what some of the other students had to show, and they were good. I was nowhere near their level of talent. I remember asking myself, "What am I doing here?" I've spent the last two years at school, but I don't think I'm anywhere close to where I need to be to make it out there in the "real world". What if I leave here, a year from now, and I can't make it anywhere? This isn't some pity party where I want everyone to tell me, "No, it'll be alright. You have talent. You'll make it." Blah blah blah...
No, I'm very much a realist. I know I have talents. I know that if I can just get to where I want to be, I'll be great. Unfortunately, no one is going to be able to see those talents unless I get my foot in the door, and that's what I'm worried about. I don't think I'll be able to get my foot in the door I want. I know I'll be able to do something, but I fear it won't be what I want.
In a sense, I see that as failure. Not doing what I set out to do, because I couldn't make it, is failure in my eyes, and that scares me. I still have a year to prove myself wrong, so here's hoping.
3.04.2010
Sexism and Gender Roles
Earlier tonight, I watched NBC's new show, The Marriage Ref. I first saw the show last Sunday - when NBC brilliantly decided to interrupt the Olympic's Closing Ceremony to premiere an early episode - and it was surprisingly entertaining. There's something very intriguing about watching other people's relationship problems. Tonight's episode introduced a couple where the wife thought her husband should automatically know how to build a patio simply because he's a man. Surprisingly, Eva Longoria, one of the celebrity panel members, agreed with the wife. The husband argued that was ridiculous and that his wife was being sexist. If she expected him to just be good at manual labor because he was a man, then he expected her to serve him whenever he demanded. After all, that has been the "traditional" role of a woman.
This really got me thinking whether "traditional" gender roles and assumptions are as prevalent today as they were in past generations. Personally, I view the “proper” relationships of men and women as understanding that each gender has certain strengths, and that only by coming together can society be truly effective. For example, men are viewed as being more logical, while women are viewed as being more compassionate. Therefore, coming together ensures that multiple outlooks are used, as opposed to just one. This is not to say that men are incapable of feeling compassion, or women incapable of being logical. Not at all. I simply believe men and women are pieces of a puzzle, and only by equally coming together can the picture be complete.
I was raised in a family where both my father and mother were strong presences. My father was more of a traditional Mexican male, and from him I learned strength. Not physical strength, but the strength to be confident, stand up for oneself, and succeed in life. He taught this lesson to my younger siblings, but I believe he placed emphasis on me learning this. He expected my sisters to be strong for themselves, but he expected me to be strong not only for myself, but also for my sisters, mother and future family. To him, men are the protectors.
My mother, although also Mexican, had the outlook of perhaps more of a modern American woman; but combined it with an understanding of our Mexican heritage. She also placed emphasis on me being a strong presence for my sisters and future family, but instilled in me the importance of treating the women in my life with the upmost respect. It is perhaps more so from her that I learned the relationship between a man and a woman should be an equal partnership. The one thing that both parents taught me is that no matter what views people may hold, it is up to me to buy into them or be myself.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I agree with the husband. He shouldn't magically know how to install a patio simply because he's a man. That's ridiculous. That's like saying I'm magically amazing at soccer, simply because I'm Mexican.
Ridiculous.
This really got me thinking whether "traditional" gender roles and assumptions are as prevalent today as they were in past generations. Personally, I view the “proper” relationships of men and women as understanding that each gender has certain strengths, and that only by coming together can society be truly effective. For example, men are viewed as being more logical, while women are viewed as being more compassionate. Therefore, coming together ensures that multiple outlooks are used, as opposed to just one. This is not to say that men are incapable of feeling compassion, or women incapable of being logical. Not at all. I simply believe men and women are pieces of a puzzle, and only by equally coming together can the picture be complete.
I was raised in a family where both my father and mother were strong presences. My father was more of a traditional Mexican male, and from him I learned strength. Not physical strength, but the strength to be confident, stand up for oneself, and succeed in life. He taught this lesson to my younger siblings, but I believe he placed emphasis on me learning this. He expected my sisters to be strong for themselves, but he expected me to be strong not only for myself, but also for my sisters, mother and future family. To him, men are the protectors.
My mother, although also Mexican, had the outlook of perhaps more of a modern American woman; but combined it with an understanding of our Mexican heritage. She also placed emphasis on me being a strong presence for my sisters and future family, but instilled in me the importance of treating the women in my life with the upmost respect. It is perhaps more so from her that I learned the relationship between a man and a woman should be an equal partnership. The one thing that both parents taught me is that no matter what views people may hold, it is up to me to buy into them or be myself.
Basically, what I'm trying to say is that I agree with the husband. He shouldn't magically know how to install a patio simply because he's a man. That's ridiculous. That's like saying I'm magically amazing at soccer, simply because I'm Mexican.
Ridiculous.
3.03.2010
Music Minute #12
Image from http://camillecookiedough.deviantart.comLooks like it is time for another Music Minute. Here are some of my favorite songs of the moment, and if you give them a listen, I'm sure some might become yours, too.
- Gorillaz feat. Bobby Womack & Mos Def - "Stylo"
- I Blame Coco feat. Robyn - "Caesar"
- Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now"
- Little Boots - "Remedy"
- Marie-Mai - "Emmène-Moi"
- Gorillaz feat. Bobby Womack & Mos Def - "Stylo"
- I Blame Coco feat. Robyn - "Caesar"
- Lady Antebellum - "Need You Now"
- Little Boots - "Remedy"
- Marie-Mai - "Emmène-Moi"
3.02.2010
A Letter to Lady Gaga, Part II
Dear Lady Gaga,
WTF?! What goes through your mind when you go out in public with a ridiculous getup like this? Look at those two guys next to you. I know exactly what's going through their minds: "Please don't let anyone I know see me next to this weirdo." It's clearly written all over their face.
Please, let someone get you some help, because I think you might have a screw or two loose. I'm worried about you.
Again,
Jason Rico
Jason Rico
3.01.2010
365 in 2010: February Completed
February always seems to go by quicker than most months, no doubt due to the fact that there are only 28 days. As such, I actually forgot that yesterday was the last day in February, which means that with yesterday's post, I have successfully completed 1/6th of my goal to post an entry for everyday of the year.
This has definitely been no easy task, as everyday it seems like it gets more difficult to find something interesting to post. Not to mention my days are so busy sometimes that I don't really have the time to sit on my computer and type. Oh well, I made this goal and I have to stick with it for as long as I can.
Two months down, just ten more to go...
Days Completed: 59
Days to Go: 306
This has definitely been no easy task, as everyday it seems like it gets more difficult to find something interesting to post. Not to mention my days are so busy sometimes that I don't really have the time to sit on my computer and type. Oh well, I made this goal and I have to stick with it for as long as I can.
Two months down, just ten more to go...
Days Completed: 59
Days to Go: 306
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