Hey guys! I decided to do a little something different today and give my typing fingers a break. Check out the video below for my first video blog/video review! They'll get better as time rolls on- I swear. All I need is a better camera and some time to edit. Shutterfly.com is a capable way of handling your photo needs, but how good is it? Check out the review below for more!
And yes, those are new glasses. Boomshakalaka.
Shutterfly Review- My First Video Blog!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
I originally wrote this post back before Christmas, but it took me two months to get around to editing it.
Winter in the midwest is not that much fun when you've entered the working world. Everything seems colder, icier, and any time spent outside is too long. So you can imagine my chagrin when I had to walk to the bus stop every day in freezing weather and wait for my bus to arrive.
As we all know, it gets darker much earlier in winter, and at 4:30 in the afternoon on this particular day, it was damn near pitch black. The location of my job doesn't help matters, either. I work in a neighborhood that's not ghetto, but isn't exactly put together, either. It's like that transitional patch of land between the nice side of town and the side that used to be nice 40 years ago. There's a McDonald's, a couple of barely-open diners, a gas station, and a liquor store with a drive thru window. In the morning, this setup doesn't look too bad, but at this time of day, darkness reared it's ugly head. Even as a guy who can defend myself pretty easily, I'm not too happy to have to stand here until the bus arrives late. Again. For the third day in a row.
Considering the situation, you can imagine the cold, distant look on my face as I await my late bus. Then imagine my surprise when someone approaches me- specifically, this short black guy with a couple missing teeth, a Chicago Bulls jacket that's seen better days, and dissheveled hair. At this point, he's done well to even appraoch me in this state.
"Hey mane, you got a couple dolluhs?" he said in a raspy, slurred tone. Obviously we know where that money is going.
"What?" I reply. My hands are finally warming up. I have no intention of releasing them back into the cold until I have to shell out bus fare. But I was subconscuiously testing to see if he had the nerve to keep asking me for money. I wasn't scared when he inched closer; poor people in Springfield aren't mean or belligerent for the most part...they're just poor. Petty crime really isn't their M.O.
"A couple dolluhs. Can you spayuh anything?" he says, in a slightly louder tone. I look over and I see desperation on his face.
Anyways, back to the story. I know I have a few singles because I need bus fare. So I reach in my pocket, and give this guy $2.
"Thanks man! I'm about to go up in here and get lit up!" he exclaims.
"Huh?" I retort. I mean, I already knew where my hard earned money was going, but since he was going to elaborate anyway, and my bus wasn't even in view, I wanted to see what he had to say.
"Yeah, I'm 'bout to get up in this heaw liccuh sto and get fucked up!" he says with a mischeivous smile on his face.
Something about this guy is just funny- endearing, almost. You could tell that in his heyday, he could have been the class clown or just really well liked- it even shines through in his hobo-chic wardrobe. You know the skinny person you see in some fat people? Like that, except involving a fifth of Early Times and a lack of dental care.
I couldn't help but laugh, smile, and return the high five he had extended his hand to receive. I really shouldn't be encouraging this type of behavior, especially with a McDonald's in plain view. That $2, plus a paltry 16 cents, would have been enough for him to get a McChicken and fries, but that wasn't his plan on this day. I see my bus's headlights in the distance- it'll be here in about 40 seconds. Like the trained broadcast interviewer that I am, I break down my plan of attack for the last few seconds of this conversation and prepare my final, poignant question.
"So why would you tell me that you're going to go get drunk right after I give you money?" I asked. I'm truly befuddled at this point- he doesn't seem drunk enough to be this honest- after all, he told me he was GOING to get "fucked up", implying that he's still somewhat sober at this point.
"Man, 'cause if I started walkin' to McDonald's when you get on this bus and you see me walk back to the liquor store, you'd be pissed. I'm just lettin you know right now what I'm gonna do. I'll give you back yo money if you want it."
I think for a second. "Nah, just keep it. At least you're honest about it."
"Thanks man. I'm gon' have a beer for you."
His honesty in a situation like this makes me look at him the same way I do Dirty Harry- he does the right thing when he's doing the wrong thing...kinda like an anti-hero.
As I board my bus, he points at me one time and salutes. He then races towards the liquor store with fists pumped in jubilation like he's crossing some imaginary finish line. I chuckle, turn my head, and prepare for the long ride home.
At least I'm not cold anymore.
Winter in the midwest is not that much fun when you've entered the working world. Everything seems colder, icier, and any time spent outside is too long. So you can imagine my chagrin when I had to walk to the bus stop every day in freezing weather and wait for my bus to arrive.
As we all know, it gets darker much earlier in winter, and at 4:30 in the afternoon on this particular day, it was damn near pitch black. The location of my job doesn't help matters, either. I work in a neighborhood that's not ghetto, but isn't exactly put together, either. It's like that transitional patch of land between the nice side of town and the side that used to be nice 40 years ago. There's a McDonald's, a couple of barely-open diners, a gas station, and a liquor store with a drive thru window. In the morning, this setup doesn't look too bad, but at this time of day, darkness reared it's ugly head. Even as a guy who can defend myself pretty easily, I'm not too happy to have to stand here until the bus arrives late. Again. For the third day in a row.
Considering the situation, you can imagine the cold, distant look on my face as I await my late bus. Then imagine my surprise when someone approaches me- specifically, this short black guy with a couple missing teeth, a Chicago Bulls jacket that's seen better days, and dissheveled hair. At this point, he's done well to even appraoch me in this state.
"Hey mane, you got a couple dolluhs?" he said in a raspy, slurred tone. Obviously we know where that money is going.
"What?" I reply. My hands are finally warming up. I have no intention of releasing them back into the cold until I have to shell out bus fare. But I was subconscuiously testing to see if he had the nerve to keep asking me for money. I wasn't scared when he inched closer; poor people in Springfield aren't mean or belligerent for the most part...they're just poor. Petty crime really isn't their M.O.
"A couple dolluhs. Can you spayuh anything?" he says, in a slightly louder tone. I look over and I see desperation on his face.
***SIDE NOTE: I actually have beggar policies. I don't discriminate against any of them. I don't care about race, age, gender, or whether you have a baby, a puppy, or a shopping cart- every beggar is the same to me. I will give you money if:
If I even think that I don't have a single, I won't even go into my wallet- I'm not going to let beggars see money and ask if I can go in anywhere and break change. I try my best to say "no, sorry" and not ignore them totally; after all, they are people too, and a sorry is more personal than staring, looking away, and walking off. When I'm downtown on a regular basis, I try and stick to giving every couple of days; karma is a bitch, and one wrong choice, even if it's not as drastic as getting your first fix or killing someone, could land you in the street begging right next to the person you once shunned. Lastly, if a beggar asks to be bought food, I can't turn them down. Many ask for cash, but if you're really hungry, you'll ask for food.
- I know I have pocket change or a single, and
- I can easily get it out and safely put away my wallet.
Anyways, back to the story. I know I have a few singles because I need bus fare. So I reach in my pocket, and give this guy $2.
"Thanks man! I'm about to go up in here and get lit up!" he exclaims.
"Huh?" I retort. I mean, I already knew where my hard earned money was going, but since he was going to elaborate anyway, and my bus wasn't even in view, I wanted to see what he had to say.
"Yeah, I'm 'bout to get up in this heaw liccuh sto and get fucked up!" he says with a mischeivous smile on his face.
Something about this guy is just funny- endearing, almost. You could tell that in his heyday, he could have been the class clown or just really well liked- it even shines through in his hobo-chic wardrobe. You know the skinny person you see in some fat people? Like that, except involving a fifth of Early Times and a lack of dental care.
I couldn't help but laugh, smile, and return the high five he had extended his hand to receive. I really shouldn't be encouraging this type of behavior, especially with a McDonald's in plain view. That $2, plus a paltry 16 cents, would have been enough for him to get a McChicken and fries, but that wasn't his plan on this day. I see my bus's headlights in the distance- it'll be here in about 40 seconds. Like the trained broadcast interviewer that I am, I break down my plan of attack for the last few seconds of this conversation and prepare my final, poignant question.
"So why would you tell me that you're going to go get drunk right after I give you money?" I asked. I'm truly befuddled at this point- he doesn't seem drunk enough to be this honest- after all, he told me he was GOING to get "fucked up", implying that he's still somewhat sober at this point.
"Man, 'cause if I started walkin' to McDonald's when you get on this bus and you see me walk back to the liquor store, you'd be pissed. I'm just lettin you know right now what I'm gonna do. I'll give you back yo money if you want it."
I think for a second. "Nah, just keep it. At least you're honest about it."
"Thanks man. I'm gon' have a beer for you."
His honesty in a situation like this makes me look at him the same way I do Dirty Harry- he does the right thing when he's doing the wrong thing...kinda like an anti-hero.
As I board my bus, he points at me one time and salutes. He then races towards the liquor store with fists pumped in jubilation like he's crossing some imaginary finish line. I chuckle, turn my head, and prepare for the long ride home.
At least I'm not cold anymore.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day, and I hope there are many more good ones in the cards for you!
Today, we're dealing with wordplay: I've got four....count em, 4, sets of words. Each set of words can all be followed by the same word to make four compund words, phrases, or names. For example, If I say STOP, HEAD, FLASH, and MOON, the correct answer would be LIGHT.
Here's the catch: The four correct answers in this puzzle are all followed by a common word as well: that's where you'll earn your fifth point today. Good luck!
1. CHOWDER, COPPER, HAMMER, LETTER
2. CLAIM, HIGH, SKI, TRIPLE
3. SCISSOR, CORNER, DROP, SIDE
4. CHIN, PULL, PUSH, SIT
5. ANSWER 1, ANSWER 2, ANSWER 3, ANSWER 4
Today, we're dealing with wordplay: I've got four....count em, 4, sets of words. Each set of words can all be followed by the same word to make four compund words, phrases, or names. For example, If I say STOP, HEAD, FLASH, and MOON, the correct answer would be LIGHT.
Here's the catch: The four correct answers in this puzzle are all followed by a common word as well: that's where you'll earn your fifth point today. Good luck!
1. CHOWDER, COPPER, HAMMER, LETTER
2. CLAIM, HIGH, SKI, TRIPLE
3. SCISSOR, CORNER, DROP, SIDE
4. CHIN, PULL, PUSH, SIT
5. ANSWER 1, ANSWER 2, ANSWER 3, ANSWER 4
Monday, February 14, 2011
Well, we did it back in November, and we're doing it again- the CSN Stores Giveaway is back, people!
If you don't know about CSN Stores, well let me tell you- it's a veritable smorgasbord, if you will, of merchandise. Around this time of year, life can get stressful for a grad student like me, and I could use some 1200 count sheets, a bigger bed, or maybe even this Eames lounge chair. Sure, it's a little pricey, but if you buy cheap, you get cheap. I'll be expecting delivery soon.
How does this benefit you? Well, the good people over at CSN Stores have been kind enough to supply me with a $35 gift certificate to help you get a little something for yourself! The best part? You don't have to buy anything first, register for this blog, or click on a bunch of crappy ads to win!
You'll gain an entry in the drawing every time you make a comment on this blog entry- only post once a day. The last day for you to enter will be on February 23rd, which means you can get up to TEN entries in the drawing! On February 24, I'll draw the winner by random number generator. For example, if there are 500 posts, I'll set the generator for a number between 1 and 500. If 177 comes up, the person with post #177 wins the contest.
So post early and post often to get a $35 bump in your online shopping budget! Don't forget to shop at http://www.csnstores.com/ for tons of great deals!
WINNER'S VERIFICATION CODE:
WAFFLES ARE FRAUDULENT PANCAKES.
If you don't know about CSN Stores, well let me tell you- it's a veritable smorgasbord, if you will, of merchandise. Around this time of year, life can get stressful for a grad student like me, and I could use some 1200 count sheets, a bigger bed, or maybe even this Eames lounge chair. Sure, it's a little pricey, but if you buy cheap, you get cheap. I'll be expecting delivery soon.
How does this benefit you? Well, the good people over at CSN Stores have been kind enough to supply me with a $35 gift certificate to help you get a little something for yourself! The best part? You don't have to buy anything first, register for this blog, or click on a bunch of crappy ads to win!
You'll gain an entry in the drawing every time you make a comment on this blog entry- only post once a day. The last day for you to enter will be on February 23rd, which means you can get up to TEN entries in the drawing! On February 24, I'll draw the winner by random number generator. For example, if there are 500 posts, I'll set the generator for a number between 1 and 500. If 177 comes up, the person with post #177 wins the contest.
So post early and post often to get a $35 bump in your online shopping budget! Don't forget to shop at http://www.csnstores.com/ for tons of great deals!
WINNER'S VERIFICATION CODE:
WAFFLES ARE FRAUDULENT PANCAKES.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Yeah, I know I was supposed to post 3 days ago...but grad school is hard, people. Now if you want to donate to my grad school tuition fund, I'd be more than happy to drink away..er...invest your donations!
Anyway, take a stab at these Famous Franks:
1. What Famous Frank was a musician who begat children named Dweezil, Ahmet, and Moon Unit?
2. What Famous Frank was not only the voice of Yoda, but also the creator of Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear?
3. What Famous Frank directed the classic films Mr Smith Goes to Washington, You Can't Take it With You, and It's a Wonderful Life?
4. What Famous Frank was played by Will Ferell in the 2003 comedy "Old School"? I'll take the real last name or the more famous nickname.
5. What Famous Frank's son was the inventor of Lincoln Logs?
Anyway, take a stab at these Famous Franks:
1. What Famous Frank was a musician who begat children named Dweezil, Ahmet, and Moon Unit?
2. What Famous Frank was not only the voice of Yoda, but also the creator of Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear?
3. What Famous Frank directed the classic films Mr Smith Goes to Washington, You Can't Take it With You, and It's a Wonderful Life?
4. What Famous Frank was played by Will Ferell in the 2003 comedy "Old School"? I'll take the real last name or the more famous nickname.
5. What Famous Frank's son was the inventor of Lincoln Logs?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
So the only thing my sister wanted for Christmas is a Wii. She's 32, by the way. She's married and has three kids, but that's the only thing she wants, as a present for the entire family. So my mom bought the Wii, and I bought another controller to go with it- after all, it makes packaging a lot easier than buying gifts for five people.
My sister grew up in the age of the NES (That's the Nintendo Entertainment System, for the lesser educated out there) and her Wii is coming prepackaged with New Super Mario Bros- the awesome platformer released by Nintendo earlier this year. It was then that I realized that gamers who grew up in the 80s and 90s are now having their own families and watching a new age of kids experience video games- even moreso than the parents. So how can companies still produce crap games?
Sure, we know that Barbie, Transformers, every cartoon movie, and whatever other cartoons kids watch nowadays are going to convert their popularity into video game form. But is it still okay for those companies to produce terrible games, especially when we as present and future gamer parents know how bad some of these games are? Well, I used to think it was a ripoff, but actually, it's probably okay.
Using emulators to play some of the games that I grew up with showed me how different I perceive those games now. Most of them weren't too bad, but they were pretty repetitive. But then again, the things I look for in a game now aren't the things I looked for then. Graphics, gameplay, and control scheme aren't exactly factors that a ten year old looks for- if the box art is awesome, then we'll get our parents to pony up fifty bucks to buy the game, regardless of how bad it might be- and we played those games until the cartridges were worn out.
Writing this post reminds me of the difference in the way parents and children perceive other things like toys, movies, and even breakfast cereal. Parents make choices based on sensibility, while kids make their choices based on the way the box looks or by what they've seen on TV. Even if parents think they know what's best, that choice is usually wrong in the child's eyes because, after all, parents are uncool. Will Smith, Brad Pitt, and Morgan Freeman are three of the coolest parents around, and their kids will probably think they're uncool.
Parents tend to look at prices and overall advantages of buying things, and that usually ends in them not buying everything their kids want. If I'm not a super-rich parent, I'm sure that will be my line of thinking too. I will say this though; I admit to being a 12 year old in a 23 year old's body, and If I ever have kids and they beg for some video game, I'm sure my sensibilities will fade, and all I'll see is the really really cool box it comes in.
Writing this post reminds me of the difference in the way parents and children perceive other things like toys, movies, and even breakfast cereal. Parents make choices based on sensibility, while kids make their choices based on the way the box looks or by what they've seen on TV. Even if parents think they know what's best, that choice is usually wrong in the child's eyes because, after all, parents are uncool. Will Smith, Brad Pitt, and Morgan Freeman are three of the coolest parents around, and their kids will probably think they're uncool.
Parents tend to look at prices and overall advantages of buying things, and that usually ends in them not buying everything their kids want. If I'm not a super-rich parent, I'm sure that will be my line of thinking too. I will say this though; I admit to being a 12 year old in a 23 year old's body, and If I ever have kids and they beg for some video game, I'm sure my sensibilities will fade, and all I'll see is the really really cool box it comes in.
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