I'm pretty much stoked right now. My arcade parts have been shipped from LizardLick this week. I cannot wait for them to get here. Arcade stick goodness for all of my systems is gonna be sweeeeeeeet.
Street Fighter IV? I will dominate. HD Remix? I'm gonna rock. Tatsunoko vs. Capcom? Sweet joy!
My Shoryuken hoodie (outwardly marking my affiliation with Shoryuken, a community devoted to Street Fighter and other fighting games) shipped out today, too. This is awesome. I love my Target special Hanes hoodie and all, but I've worn it every day (yes, I've washed it, too) for several months. It's time for a new one.
Showing support for one of my favorite websites/online communities is a strong plus. It's kinda like having a chemical burn in the shape of lips on my wrist. (Points for those of you who get the reference.)
Oh. And my trade on Goozex... the game I shipped out... was delivered today. Now I'm just waiting for the recipient to complete the transaction. Once that's done, I can order up my pair of Final Fantasy games.
Oh. Yes. I have dat hype.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Funny Cat Videos
Okay. So. As I pointed out not that long ago... the internet gets boring.
Still... somehow... I laughed pretty hard when I saw a pair of crazy cat videos on YouTube today. For lack of something better to talk about, I thought I'd share them with you.
The first... is of... a cat that has some crazy sliding technique. Check it out:
The second... involves a baby gate, a cat, and his will to get over it:
Still... somehow... I laughed pretty hard when I saw a pair of crazy cat videos on YouTube today. For lack of something better to talk about, I thought I'd share them with you.
The first... is of... a cat that has some crazy sliding technique. Check it out:
The second... involves a baby gate, a cat, and his will to get over it:
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
How Dull
Have you ever noticed how ridiculously boring the internet is? Seriously. Unless if there's something specifically in mind to research, the internet is really, really boring.
Facebook is good, right? Only when there are people online worth talking to.
There's also dat YouTube, though? Meh. You can only watch so many viral videos.
Could watch some shows on hulu. Blah. TV is just as boring.
I feel like I should just go to bed on account of boredom, but that seems weak. Could try composing a new song.
Yes. I think I'll do that.
Facebook is good, right? Only when there are people online worth talking to.
There's also dat YouTube, though? Meh. You can only watch so many viral videos.
Could watch some shows on hulu. Blah. TV is just as boring.
I feel like I should just go to bed on account of boredom, but that seems weak. Could try composing a new song.
Yes. I think I'll do that.
Monday, April 27, 2009
It's Coming!
It's finally official. Marvel vs. Capcom 2 is coming to PS3s and Xbox 360s worldwide through their respective download services. $15 for the game. A demo confirmed for PSN on Thursday. Pseudo-widescreen support, a new graphics filter, and... best of all... online play. I, for one, am madly hyped.
Check out Kotaku's rundown of the news for more details and some pretty screenshots.
Now if Capcom would just show me some demo love by hooking up 360 users with their demo.
Oh, and my arcade parts are soon to ship out from LizardLick. It's been a long-time coming, but they'll be here soon. Can't wait. I've been waiting ages. No hate for LizardLick... there's no way they... a small operation... could have predicted the massive rush of orders following SFIV's release, but I've been without an arcade stick for far, far too long. Haven't even been playing SFIV in light of it.
Check out Kotaku's rundown of the news for more details and some pretty screenshots.
Now if Capcom would just show me some demo love by hooking up 360 users with their demo.
Oh, and my arcade parts are soon to ship out from LizardLick. It's been a long-time coming, but they'll be here soon. Can't wait. I've been waiting ages. No hate for LizardLick... there's no way they... a small operation... could have predicted the massive rush of orders following SFIV's release, but I've been without an arcade stick for far, far too long. Haven't even been playing SFIV in light of it.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Capitalism
Ah, capitalism. Wait. This isn't a political blog. I won't be making a political commentary here.
Nah. None of that. Too much hassle.
But I will point out how much I love using my cunning, market awareness, and a little investment capital to pull out some considerable gains.
I was given a bag of random PC games by a relative the other day. They all look more-or-less like shovelware games with some kind of base in the classic adventure genre. Whatever the case, thanks to Goozex, a site where you can trade games for points... which can then be traded for other games, I'm shipping out one of the games for 450 points.
450 points doesn't necessarily sound like a lot, but as soon as my transaction goes through fully, I'll be picking up Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX with 50 points to spare.
The only cost to me is the cost of shipping on the game I'm sending, and then a buck a game as the "trade tax" (for lack of a better term) that Goozex charges in order to make money (unlike Gamestop, they take no part of the trade value of a game... which works out really well for the end users).
So. That comes out to like... what... five bucks outta pocket for two Final Fantasy games? Yes. I'll take that.
Okay... so it's not actually a "profit" in the traditional sense since I'm still spending a couple of bucks, but the comparative cost to purchase the games outright would be somewhere around $40 or so. Savings of $35? Pretty sweet deal. I'll take it.
Then... later on in the day... I went to Gamestop. Traded in five old games that I paid like... $5 each... and picked up three new games (total used value over $40) with no cash out of pocket.
Financial gain? Though small... yes. Collection gain? In terms of quality... yes.
All because there are markets in place that a little research and wit can give me what it takes to come out ahead.
Love it.
Now... back to those games.
Nah. None of that. Too much hassle.
But I will point out how much I love using my cunning, market awareness, and a little investment capital to pull out some considerable gains.
I was given a bag of random PC games by a relative the other day. They all look more-or-less like shovelware games with some kind of base in the classic adventure genre. Whatever the case, thanks to Goozex, a site where you can trade games for points... which can then be traded for other games, I'm shipping out one of the games for 450 points.
450 points doesn't necessarily sound like a lot, but as soon as my transaction goes through fully, I'll be picking up Final Fantasy VIII and Final Fantasy IX with 50 points to spare.
The only cost to me is the cost of shipping on the game I'm sending, and then a buck a game as the "trade tax" (for lack of a better term) that Goozex charges in order to make money (unlike Gamestop, they take no part of the trade value of a game... which works out really well for the end users).
So. That comes out to like... what... five bucks outta pocket for two Final Fantasy games? Yes. I'll take that.
Okay... so it's not actually a "profit" in the traditional sense since I'm still spending a couple of bucks, but the comparative cost to purchase the games outright would be somewhere around $40 or so. Savings of $35? Pretty sweet deal. I'll take it.
Then... later on in the day... I went to Gamestop. Traded in five old games that I paid like... $5 each... and picked up three new games (total used value over $40) with no cash out of pocket.
Financial gain? Though small... yes. Collection gain? In terms of quality... yes.
All because there are markets in place that a little research and wit can give me what it takes to come out ahead.
Love it.
Now... back to those games.
2S1W?
Two songs, one week? Yes. It's true. I've done it, and I have no interest in slowing down now.
Riding on the heels of "A Mine So Deep," I released tonight my newest song: "The March of Dawn"
"The March of Dawn" is the first movement in my impending symphony, "The Battalion." The story within the notes follows a medieval army as they set out for, begin, and triumph in battle. This first movement focuses on the on the preparation for battle in light of the threat it carries.
Head over to my SoundClick to check it out. I'm a poor boy wanting to make some money off of my music, so purchasing this song (or any others on my account) would be very much appreciated.
Here's your link: http://www.soundclick.com/kennyyeager
Riding on the heels of "A Mine So Deep," I released tonight my newest song: "The March of Dawn"
"The March of Dawn" is the first movement in my impending symphony, "The Battalion." The story within the notes follows a medieval army as they set out for, begin, and triumph in battle. This first movement focuses on the on the preparation for battle in light of the threat it carries.
Head over to my SoundClick to check it out. I'm a poor boy wanting to make some money off of my music, so purchasing this song (or any others on my account) would be very much appreciated.
Here's your link: http://www.soundclick.com/kennyyeager
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Regarding These Ads
As you've probably notice, I have ads strewn about my blog. I'm trying to get a little cash, so I have chosen to have them.
That being said, I'm seeing ads for playing burned games and whatnot.
Last I checked, "archive" copies are perfectly legal so long as you own the original media. I have no problems with that.
That being said, I don't condone outright piracy. I love my hacked Wii, no way around that, but I don't mean to be promoting the playing illegal copies of games.
That is all.
That being said, I'm seeing ads for playing burned games and whatnot.
Last I checked, "archive" copies are perfectly legal so long as you own the original media. I have no problems with that.
That being said, I don't condone outright piracy. I love my hacked Wii, no way around that, but I don't mean to be promoting the playing illegal copies of games.
That is all.
I Wish I Were a Black Mage
Ever heard of the Black Mages?
It's a reference to Final Fantasy... which is fitting since they perform Final Fantasy songs.
While listening to Mozart's Requiem for the umpteenth time today, it somehow reminded me of some of the opera-inspired songs from the Final Fantasy series. In no time, I found myself listening to said songs... then loading up the Black Mages' takes on them.
Absolutely amazing.
I insist that you give "One Winged Angel" a shot. It blows my mind 92% of the time it's playing. Here it is on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5st0b3ln5U
For more on the Black Mages, here they are on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Mages
It's a reference to Final Fantasy... which is fitting since they perform Final Fantasy songs.
While listening to Mozart's Requiem for the umpteenth time today, it somehow reminded me of some of the opera-inspired songs from the Final Fantasy series. In no time, I found myself listening to said songs... then loading up the Black Mages' takes on them.
Absolutely amazing.
I insist that you give "One Winged Angel" a shot. It blows my mind 92% of the time it's playing. Here it is on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5st0b3ln5U
For more on the Black Mages, here they are on Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Black_Mages
Friday, April 24, 2009
Championship Mode
Today saw the release of a previously announced update to Street Fighter IV. The update came with a few features that many people thought should have been included in the original release: the ability for top players to upload replays of their battles to a central server, the ability for anyone with the update to watch and save these replays, and an entirely new online ranking system.
There's no way around it, the replay functionality is very nice. Though only the top 5,000 players in the new ranking system (which I'll get back to in just a moment) are able to upload and share their favorite fights with the world, which means that regular people can't save any given fight of theirs on a whim, it can actually make the game better. That is, since only the top players can share their replay data, those of us who actually study the game and its players to get better have a whole new resource to use. The replay data itself is great because you gain access not only to the replay video, but you also gain access to the actual controller input data in addition to the ability to play it all back in slow motion.
Then there's the new ranking system. To be fair, calling it a ranking system might be a bit misleading since it's more than just that. The update gives players access to a new online Championship mode. Though there is little variation in practice from Championship mode to Ranked matches, it does make winning individual matches a bigger deal than simply gaining Battle Points. In Championship mode, the game creates pseudo-tournament brackets on the fly.
In order to make this work with the drop-in drop-out nature of online gaming where people can't typically set aside hours on end to compete in a tournament, the system keeps track of which round in a bracket you currently sit. After winning a match, you advance to the next round just like any single-elimination tournament. Unlike traditional tournaments, though, the next opponent is anyone that you are randomly matched up with who is in the same round of a bracket and has a similar score.
Which reminds me, there's a new scoring system to go with Championship mode. Winning tournament brackets gives you Championship Points. These are basically the same as your Battle Points in Ranked; they go up and down with wins and losses. Beyond CP, there's an additional Grade Points system. GP are earned by playing Championship matches; winning tournaments results in considerable gains, but losses don't seem to damage your GP score. These are what determine your ability to enter higher tiers of tournaments.
There's also a feature that publicly tarnishes the image of people who ragequit. Before a match starts, you can see the percentage of games your opponent quit prematurely. A definite plus!
All in all, the update is very nice. No, it doesn't totally change the game. Yes, there are things still to be desired (such as the ability to save any and all matches for later viewing). But the overall results is good and easily worth the 15MB to download.
There's no way around it, the replay functionality is very nice. Though only the top 5,000 players in the new ranking system (which I'll get back to in just a moment) are able to upload and share their favorite fights with the world, which means that regular people can't save any given fight of theirs on a whim, it can actually make the game better. That is, since only the top players can share their replay data, those of us who actually study the game and its players to get better have a whole new resource to use. The replay data itself is great because you gain access not only to the replay video, but you also gain access to the actual controller input data in addition to the ability to play it all back in slow motion.
Then there's the new ranking system. To be fair, calling it a ranking system might be a bit misleading since it's more than just that. The update gives players access to a new online Championship mode. Though there is little variation in practice from Championship mode to Ranked matches, it does make winning individual matches a bigger deal than simply gaining Battle Points. In Championship mode, the game creates pseudo-tournament brackets on the fly.
In order to make this work with the drop-in drop-out nature of online gaming where people can't typically set aside hours on end to compete in a tournament, the system keeps track of which round in a bracket you currently sit. After winning a match, you advance to the next round just like any single-elimination tournament. Unlike traditional tournaments, though, the next opponent is anyone that you are randomly matched up with who is in the same round of a bracket and has a similar score.
Which reminds me, there's a new scoring system to go with Championship mode. Winning tournament brackets gives you Championship Points. These are basically the same as your Battle Points in Ranked; they go up and down with wins and losses. Beyond CP, there's an additional Grade Points system. GP are earned by playing Championship matches; winning tournaments results in considerable gains, but losses don't seem to damage your GP score. These are what determine your ability to enter higher tiers of tournaments.
There's also a feature that publicly tarnishes the image of people who ragequit. Before a match starts, you can see the percentage of games your opponent quit prematurely. A definite plus!
All in all, the update is very nice. No, it doesn't totally change the game. Yes, there are things still to be desired (such as the ability to save any and all matches for later viewing). But the overall results is good and easily worth the 15MB to download.
A Few Days Later
Wow. The last few days have gone by quick. I've been caught up in
things like... getting sick with a fever... going to school...
playing Final Fantasy XII... composing a symphony... writing a
separate piece... etc.
things like... getting sick with a fever... going to school...
playing Final Fantasy XII... composing a symphony... writing a
separate piece... etc.
Well... the symphony still has a long ways to go. I'm backing off of
it a little bit to work on other pieces. I want to improve my skills
before tackling something so big as a symphony.
So I wrote a new piece yesterday. Very piano-heavy (for a while,
anyway) and a bit inspired by Koji Kondo (known especially for the
music behind the Legend of Zelda game series). It's on my
SoundClick, so be sure to check it out: <a href="http://
www.soundclick.com/kennyyeager">http://www.soundclick.com/
kennyyeager</a>
Like I said... been sick with a mild fever. No real explanation of
why. No other symptoms that I can see. Still, I'm freezing even
when I'm sweating and the slightest exertion makes me overheat. Not
cool. Been this way for a few days. Need it to go away.
Oh. It's officially official... I'm getting my AAS in software
solutions development at the end of the term. Graduating with honors
and Phi Theta Kappa membership, too.
In light of being sick, there's not a ton I can do. Sooooo... I've
been playing a ton of Final Fantasy XII.
It doesn't matter who you are or what you like, I highly recommend
getting your hands on this game and playing it. It's that good.
Only reason I'm not playing it right now is because I have work to do.
Oh. I got a little Street Fighter IV in today. The new update is
sweet. I won most of my matches, so that's a definite plus.
And. That's it for now. Gotta get back to working on shtuff.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
I May Or May Not Know
Oops. Forgot again to update the blog. Blast.
Today has been full of things I may or may not know about.
For instance, I may or may not know about some really, really cool
things that can be done with a Wii. Things involving software
hacks. Things involving software other people put together for the Wii.
Things that are really, really cool. Like running an FTP server on
the device or playing PSX games on it. Then again... these are only
things that I may or may not know about.
I also may or may not know about an upcoming game based on the UFC.
I may or may not know that the official demo releases in a few days.
And I may or may not know that the demo was leaked to the internet
and could be burned to a disc.
This UFC game may or may not be amazing. If I knew for certain, I
would probably be very excited about it. However, I may or may not
know this... so I can't really say much about it.
I may or may not have mowed the lawn today. May or may not have
given more thought to Florida. May or may not have had Carl's Jr.
for the first time in a long while.
I may or may not think that Carl's Jr. is amazing as far as fast-food
is concerned... and is actually pretty dang solid even without that
qualifier.
I may or may not have done homework this weekend. I may or may not
have made more progress on my symphony.
I may or may not have played Street Fighter IV for a short bit...
which I may or may not have done for almost a month. I may or may
not have won five (out of five) matches for the evening.
I may or may not need to go to sleep now.
No. I certainly need to go to sleep now. Goodnight.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
More Progress
So. I'm running on little sleep right now. Turns out one of the
dogs decided to urinate on my bed. Stupid dog. Now I have to wonder
if it was actually the dog who did the same thing to my bed last week.
dogs decided to urinate on my bed. Stupid dog. Now I have to wonder
if it was actually the dog who did the same thing to my bed last week.
All the same, I continue to work on my symphony. I'm getting new
pieces in place. New melodies and harmonies. Ideas on where to
expand as well as what to do with the general flow.
But, I still have a long way to go.
I know there should be more things on my mind, but music is pretty
much it right now.
I need to get back to work on financial aid stuff for Florida,
actually. Mmm. I need me some of that Florida.
Friday, April 17, 2009
All Day, No Post?
Have I really been so busy today as to not update my blog?
Yes. More or less. Was in school most of today. Except for the
part where I wasn't. And part of the time that I was at school was
spent reading World War Z.
What is World War Z, you ask? Well. It's kinda like... uhm... a
book... that's awesome so far. It's a narrative written like a
series of personal reflections and interviews from survivors of the
Great Zombie War. It's actually a really cool style.
And... I won't deny it... I have a fondness for zombie literature and
films.
Enjoying that.
Also... wrote a piece on faith and reason for Revolve21. Took a
while, but it's done.
Now... back to working on my symphony before bed.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Making Headway
So... I'm about... two and a half minutes in on my symphony.
Yeaaaaaaah. It's not even funny how little there is to it so far. I'm getting a feel for what I want to do (in general) with three of the four movements. Haven't decided on the last movement yet.
I'm linking you to the sampling of what I have so far. Really, really minimal melodic pieces. Ridiculously far from complete movements.
...
It's really obvious that I just started working on this today. Still, I'm quite excited about it.
Anyway... here's what I have so far to show for it. A really brief intro that foreshadows a theme in movement two (my favorite theme from the symphony so far). Then a little of movement one... and a brief glimpse at movement two.
If I get this complete by the end of the term... I will be thrilled.
And amazing.
And needing to find a way to make money off of it.
http://live2rock.googlepages.com/sample.mp3
I'll update the file from time to time... so you should always have the latest version of the work in progress any time you download it.
Yeaaaaaaah. It's not even funny how little there is to it so far. I'm getting a feel for what I want to do (in general) with three of the four movements. Haven't decided on the last movement yet.
I'm linking you to the sampling of what I have so far. Really, really minimal melodic pieces. Ridiculously far from complete movements.
...
It's really obvious that I just started working on this today. Still, I'm quite excited about it.
Anyway... here's what I have so far to show for it. A really brief intro that foreshadows a theme in movement two (my favorite theme from the symphony so far). Then a little of movement one... and a brief glimpse at movement two.
If I get this complete by the end of the term... I will be thrilled.
And amazing.
And needing to find a way to make money off of it.
http://live2rock.googlepages.com/sample.mp3
I'll update the file from time to time... so you should always have the latest version of the work in progress any time you download it.
Oops
So... uh... I just realized that I haven't updated the blog today.
Got... kinda... carried away.
Got... kinda... carried away.
See... pretty much as soon as I got home from school (a fairly
mediocre day at school, by the way)... I went to work on composing my
first symphony.
Uhm. I'm really excited about it. I'm making progress.
Naturally, I've got a long ways to go on making it complete or
awesome. But I am starting.
And I am planning to finish.
It's just gonna be a long fight.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
The Wednesday Progression
Today has been an interesting progression so far. Started off lamely... waking up early-ish for school. It's no secret that I dislike mornings.
Then it took a term toward poopy. No. Seriously. My stomach was on the fritz this morning. Not any fun.
From there... it was all a steady progression toward awesomeness.
I feel very confident about my political science quiz from this morning. Like. Aced it.
Also aced? My music theory class. I accidentally caused parallel fifths during parts-writing and macro analysis, but only once. This landed me a 98 on the quiz. Go. Me.
Went to the computer lab... it was full... so I opted to eat my lunch and... gasp... work on homework. While continuing to listen to Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, I finished out enough homework for a full week of theory class.
Went back to the computer lab, checked my email, and saw some awesome news about Florida. Still got work to do, but things are looking better than they were yesterday.
Seems like there was more awesomeness... but I'm drawing a blank.
Oh. I did get another two mile walk in after school. A definite plus.
A nap is sounding good right now, but I'm thinking that more Buffy is in order.
Hmm. Guess there's a bit of redundant stuff in addition to a bit of redundant stuff in this post. Oh well! It's a good day, and I'll say so twice if I feel so inclined.
Then it took a term toward poopy. No. Seriously. My stomach was on the fritz this morning. Not any fun.
From there... it was all a steady progression toward awesomeness.
I feel very confident about my political science quiz from this morning. Like. Aced it.
Also aced? My music theory class. I accidentally caused parallel fifths during parts-writing and macro analysis, but only once. This landed me a 98 on the quiz. Go. Me.
Went to the computer lab... it was full... so I opted to eat my lunch and... gasp... work on homework. While continuing to listen to Wagner's Tristan and Isolde, I finished out enough homework for a full week of theory class.
Went back to the computer lab, checked my email, and saw some awesome news about Florida. Still got work to do, but things are looking better than they were yesterday.
Seems like there was more awesomeness... but I'm drawing a blank.
Oh. I did get another two mile walk in after school. A definite plus.
A nap is sounding good right now, but I'm thinking that more Buffy is in order.
Hmm. Guess there's a bit of redundant stuff in addition to a bit of redundant stuff in this post. Oh well! It's a good day, and I'll say so twice if I feel so inclined.
Good News?
Wait. What's that? Good news regarding Florida? Yes. It's possible.
Quite possible, actually.
The latest numbers are down to about 64 credits remaining on a BS in
Bible at Florida. That's like... 16 credits a term.
16 credits a term sounds pretty doable.
There's also the possibility that I can talk my way into getting more
transfer credits, but even without that... 16/term... sounds viable.
THERE IS YET HOPE.
I'm also really tired. Does it show?
In spite of tiredness... I feel like I aced this morning's political
science quiz. I all but aced my theory quiz yesterday (I can't
believe I missed the parallel fifth... granted... everyone in the
class missed it). I also managed to get a full week ahead in my
theory homework.
These things are good news.
Also good? Definitely listening to Mozart right now. Good stuff, that.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
And Then?
Looks like I've already mentioned that whole "lots of credits to go if I transfer to Florida" thing. Still sucks.
I tried playing SFIV earlier... but couldn't pull off anything. Partially because of how out of practice I am. Partially because I was in a state of mild depression... lame as that is.
Anyway. Blah. What good does it do to dwell on such things? No, Florida isn't looking very probable in the immediate future... but it has not been deemed impossible.
On an more interesting note, I watched The Spirit earlier. I loved it. I can see why a lot of people wouldn't like it, but it used comic-book stereotypes to its advantage, had legitimately funny dialog, characters I cared about, and most importantly of all... it oozed of style.
Not just any style. Yeah. Great style was achieved in 300, but here was a pseudo-film-noir style. I love that style so much.
I also think that I could put together the costume of The Spirit without buying anything new. Not sure what that says about me.
I tried playing SFIV earlier... but couldn't pull off anything. Partially because of how out of practice I am. Partially because I was in a state of mild depression... lame as that is.
Anyway. Blah. What good does it do to dwell on such things? No, Florida isn't looking very probable in the immediate future... but it has not been deemed impossible.
On an more interesting note, I watched The Spirit earlier. I loved it. I can see why a lot of people wouldn't like it, but it used comic-book stereotypes to its advantage, had legitimately funny dialog, characters I cared about, and most importantly of all... it oozed of style.
Not just any style. Yeah. Great style was achieved in 300, but here was a pseudo-film-noir style. I love that style so much.
I also think that I could put together the costume of The Spirit without buying anything new. Not sure what that says about me.
73
73? Mystical number? The secret to alchemy? The number of posts
I've made so far?
I've made so far?
No. No. Not yet. It's actually the number of credits I would need
to graduate from Florida Christian if I were to transfer.
In two years... that's over 18 credits a term.
Multnomah has around 40 credits needed to graduate.
Bah. I'm disappointed. It's becoming depression.
I want out of the northwest. Badly.
Doesn't look like that's happening for another two years.
Monday, April 13, 2009
In Reflection: I've Lost My Edge
Contemplative post title is contemplative.
And misleading.
Yesterday, I grabbed the demo for Mirror's Edge.
I'm guessing that... uhm... two of you would have an idea what this is without my telling you.
Basically, it's amazing. The setting: highly controlled world a la 1984. The character: a Runner who works in rebellion to the rule. The gameplay: first-person parkour action that seriously gets a sense of speed and world-interaction few other games get.
Wait. Not even Assassin's Creed pulls off the stuff that Mirror's Edge does... and I love Assassin's Creed... so that's not me talking smack about the game.
The thing about the game is... the design is addictive. Gotta climb one more building. Gotta find one more path to the destination that gets me there faster. Gotta make a bigger jump. Gotta kick off of that wall. Gotta...
It's parkour in a game... and it's done well.
I already love parkour. I've loved it since I was pointed in its direction two years ago or so. If I weren't so outta shape (and so much a hater of heights), I'd be out there doing parkour myself (hmm... those are probably very good reasons to take up parkour).
The fact that parkour has been so well captured in a game... is awesome.
It's also dangerous. No. I'm not gonna go run across skyscrapers after playing the game (though it is reminding me of how awesome parkour is... so I do feel some more nudge to get working on getting in shape). However, like my Street Fighter IV addiction... I find myself playing the game in my mind when I need to be doing other things (like listening to a class instructor).
Okay... it's not as bad as my Street Fighter addiction was... but when there's too much going on in a room... or I just have nothing to do... it's a nice little escape.
I have to buy this game.
I need money first.
It's a vicious cycle.
And misleading.
Yesterday, I grabbed the demo for Mirror's Edge.
I'm guessing that... uhm... two of you would have an idea what this is without my telling you.
Basically, it's amazing. The setting: highly controlled world a la 1984. The character: a Runner who works in rebellion to the rule. The gameplay: first-person parkour action that seriously gets a sense of speed and world-interaction few other games get.
Wait. Not even Assassin's Creed pulls off the stuff that Mirror's Edge does... and I love Assassin's Creed... so that's not me talking smack about the game.
The thing about the game is... the design is addictive. Gotta climb one more building. Gotta find one more path to the destination that gets me there faster. Gotta make a bigger jump. Gotta kick off of that wall. Gotta...
It's parkour in a game... and it's done well.
I already love parkour. I've loved it since I was pointed in its direction two years ago or so. If I weren't so outta shape (and so much a hater of heights), I'd be out there doing parkour myself (hmm... those are probably very good reasons to take up parkour).
The fact that parkour has been so well captured in a game... is awesome.
It's also dangerous. No. I'm not gonna go run across skyscrapers after playing the game (though it is reminding me of how awesome parkour is... so I do feel some more nudge to get working on getting in shape). However, like my Street Fighter IV addiction... I find myself playing the game in my mind when I need to be doing other things (like listening to a class instructor).
Okay... it's not as bad as my Street Fighter addiction was... but when there's too much going on in a room... or I just have nothing to do... it's a nice little escape.
I have to buy this game.
I need money first.
It's a vicious cycle.
It's Official
Three things are official today.
I brought an umbrella to school, but it seems to stop raining when I'm
getting from one class to another.
I have been accepted into Phi Theta Kappa.
And I have not played Street Fighter IV in nearly three weeks.
My responses to these things, in respective order, are: Lame, awesome,
and that sucks.
Umbrellas (ellas, ellas) are pretty sweet. With how much it rains
around here... seems like everyone should have one. It is pretty weak
that the first time I try to carry one... the rain dumps while I'm
inside, but barely drizzles (at the most) while I'm outside...
rendering it pretty useless.
Phi Theta Kappa? I hope this helps me get scholarships. It'll look
good on applications... as well as job apps/resumes. Yay for that.
But what is up with not playing Street Fighter in that long? That
sucks so epically. It wasn't <i>that</i> long ago that I would often
play with some of the best people in the Northwest. I would generally
get dominated by them, but at least I played them and more or less had
their respect. Being out of the scene for so long is lame.
Sure, I've been busy with more important things like trying to get
into college over in Florida, but it still seems weak.
I think it also has to do with my love for the game diminishing in
light of my picking up an import copy of Tatsunoko Vs. Capcom. That's
another topic altogether, though... and I'll save my raving for
another post.
Right now, it's time for lunch.
I love this "meals made in advance then frozen for later eating"
thing. Today? A variant on the rice bowl. Teriyaki chicken, fried
rice, and lo mein noodle.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
In Love... Again
No. This is not some confession to being in love with a nice young
lady. I just try want to grab your attention.
lady. I just try want to grab your attention.
Have I lost it already? Drat.
Well. As I mentioned earlier today, it was brought to my attention
that seasons of Buffy are on Hulu.
I have watched five episodes of season two since I made that post.
I'd watch another right now, but I actually need sleep for school
tomorrow.
Wait. I can survive on less than eight hours of sleep.
I may just go start another episode.
Yes. I'm in love... with a TV series... again.
Ignorance Is Less Than Bliss
So. I found out today by fellow Buffy fan, Zack (who is definitely
more rabid a fan than I), that Buffy is on Hulu.com.
more rabid a fan than I), that Buffy is on Hulu.com.
This. This made me very happy, and very sad.
Very happy because I can't afford to go buy the seasons on DVD right
now, but I really want to see them without resorting to less-than-
legal means.
Very sad because I thought Buffy <i>wasn't</i> on Hulu or any other
legal streaming service, and that means I've been wasting a lot of
time that could have been spent watching Buffy.
What a waste of spring break.
Time to get started on season two, now.
Another Gadget
I've been recording samples from my electric guitar lately. I'm
ghetto like this, so I've been simply recording with my laptop's
built-in mic It sounds bad, but it works for demo stuff.
ghetto like this, so I've been simply recording with my laptop's
built-in mic It sounds bad, but it works for demo stuff.
I (re-)realized today that the microphone used with Rock Band... is a
USB mic. I plugged it into my laptop... and it shows up as a
Logitech USB Mic. Hmm. That's pretty cool.
Then it was time to figure out how well it actually worked.
So I set it up in front of my amp... got the levels balanced out.
It's not pro-grade recording quality, but it actually works
surprisingly well.
That made me happy. Now I've gotta record something of my own to
share. Can't exactly post covers thanks to copyright laws. (See a
previous post for my mild rant on that.)
Saturday, April 11, 2009
More Blogger Toys
Have I mentioned that I love Blogger?
It turns out that I can post directly (and immediately) to my blog
via email. I don't even have to sign into Blogger to make this
happen. Seriously. That is awesome.
Er. Disregard that this makes me sound lazy... it's not about that.
It's about the fact that I can maintain multiple blogs without having
to sign in and out of accounts all the time.
Wait. Dangitall. It really is about me being lazy.
Well. Whatever. I'm posting this from my email. Go me.
Too Creative?
I gotta wonder if I'm too creative for my own good sometime.
While talking with a couple of people online tonight, I improvised a proverb. Naturally, I began it with "Wise man say:"
Then... I did it again. And a third time.
Then the brilliant idea hit me. I was talking with Riley at the time. I think my actual exclamation went something like:
RILEY! Do you wanna start a blog with me? "Wise Man Say: Proverbs for the 21st century"
Then. I went on to put together the actual blog space for it.
Blogger makes life easy. I love it.
Oh... the link. Check it out: Wise Man Say - Proverbs for the 21st century
While talking with a couple of people online tonight, I improvised a proverb. Naturally, I began it with "Wise man say:"
Then... I did it again. And a third time.
Then the brilliant idea hit me. I was talking with Riley at the time. I think my actual exclamation went something like:
RILEY! Do you wanna start a blog with me? "Wise Man Say: Proverbs for the 21st century"
Then. I went on to put together the actual blog space for it.
Blogger makes life easy. I love it.
Oh... the link. Check it out: Wise Man Say - Proverbs for the 21st century
Evolve Monstar
Okay, so I mentioned earlier that I'm rapidly falling in love with Mozart and opera and so on. But just before that, I was praising Coheed and Cambria.
I haven't had a chance to put the classical and opera music on my Zune yet, so guess what I was listening to earlier. Yep. Coheed.
They're still amazing. Straight up. I think the only other modern bands to be able to get an emotional response from me are Thrice and Emery (unsurprisingly, these are the other two of my top three currently performing bands).
Hmm. Really. I'm always impressed when a band can invoke an emotional response in me. I'm admittedly a fairly "soft" guy when it comes to having emotional responses to things, but few bands really get to me emotionally.
There's something magical in effect, I think, in order for an emotional response to hit. There's gotta be a certain power in the music as well as the lyrics. Not only in the writing, but also in the execution.
I can't pinpoint the exact details, but I can say that Thrice's Artist in the Ambulance album pulls this off with every track.
I can also say that I hope to someday write music that powerful.
I have so much more work to do.
I haven't had a chance to put the classical and opera music on my Zune yet, so guess what I was listening to earlier. Yep. Coheed.
They're still amazing. Straight up. I think the only other modern bands to be able to get an emotional response from me are Thrice and Emery (unsurprisingly, these are the other two of my top three currently performing bands).
Hmm. Really. I'm always impressed when a band can invoke an emotional response in me. I'm admittedly a fairly "soft" guy when it comes to having emotional responses to things, but few bands really get to me emotionally.
There's something magical in effect, I think, in order for an emotional response to hit. There's gotta be a certain power in the music as well as the lyrics. Not only in the writing, but also in the execution.
I can't pinpoint the exact details, but I can say that Thrice's Artist in the Ambulance album pulls this off with every track.
I can also say that I hope to someday write music that powerful.
I have so much more work to do.
Parting Ways
So... here goes my tale of tragedy... parting with friends for bizarre reasons... and... wait. No I'm not.
I am wanting to sell some of my guitar stuff, though. Selling a wah, echo, and vintage overdrive/distortion pedal. I just don't use 'em... at all. May as well pocket some cash for music stuff that I will use.
Also. Gonna sell my Washburn frankenelectric (once I solder everything back into place and put the strings back on) along with my upgraded Fat Strat.
I sound so heart broken, don't I?
Ideally... I'd like to apply this money to other music gear. Not sure if that'll happen in reality (need the money for school after all)... but it'd be nice.
I want to pick up a Visual Sound Route 66 for its Tubescreamer and compressor options.
Maybe some day... I'll sell my SE Custom, too... then buy a Schecter C-1 Classic.
Love that guitar so much. Even more now that it comes with a Seymour Duncan Jazz stock.
I am wanting to sell some of my guitar stuff, though. Selling a wah, echo, and vintage overdrive/distortion pedal. I just don't use 'em... at all. May as well pocket some cash for music stuff that I will use.
Also. Gonna sell my Washburn frankenelectric (once I solder everything back into place and put the strings back on) along with my upgraded Fat Strat.
I sound so heart broken, don't I?
Ideally... I'd like to apply this money to other music gear. Not sure if that'll happen in reality (need the money for school after all)... but it'd be nice.
I want to pick up a Visual Sound Route 66 for its Tubescreamer and compressor options.
Maybe some day... I'll sell my SE Custom, too... then buy a Schecter C-1 Classic.
Love that guitar so much. Even more now that it comes with a Seymour Duncan Jazz stock.
Forgetfulness
I'm so forgetful. It's not even funny. I should start leaving notes for myself, but I'd probably not even see them.
Go figure.
Bah. Gotta remember to scan and email these forms to Multnomah.
Also. Parks and Recreation... though a blatant knock off of The Office... is pretty funny so far. I'm enjoying it.
Haters. You can go hate in the corner.
Go figure.
Bah. Gotta remember to scan and email these forms to Multnomah.
Also. Parks and Recreation... though a blatant knock off of The Office... is pretty funny so far. I'm enjoying it.
Haters. You can go hate in the corner.
Things Go Wrong
I hate it when things go wrong. Specifically, the college is saying that I don't have the right classes to graduate.
I was previously told that these classes could and would be overridden.
So I sent the credential evaluations office an email explaining the situation.
I hope that get this fixed. I'm so ready to have some kind of official paperwork that objectively validates my academic work.
Four years through college... often the brightest in my classes (whether or not my grades always show that)... and I have nothing to show for it. I don't even have a legitimate high school diploma since I was homeschooled and took the GED route for graduation.
I'm so overdue for something that shows I've actually accomplished something.
I was previously told that these classes could and would be overridden.
So I sent the credential evaluations office an email explaining the situation.
I hope that get this fixed. I'm so ready to have some kind of official paperwork that objectively validates my academic work.
Four years through college... often the brightest in my classes (whether or not my grades always show that)... and I have nothing to show for it. I don't even have a legitimate high school diploma since I was homeschooled and took the GED route for graduation.
I'm so overdue for something that shows I've actually accomplished something.
Friday, April 10, 2009
Layered Grilled Burritos - A Recipe
Does that title whet your appetite? Feeling hungry now? Sounding pretty tasty?
Oh. These burritos are tasty. Better yet... they freeze and microwave well. Can you say "make a bunch up front... save what you have left over for easy meals later"?
Definitely had one such burrito for lunch today.
So... basically... what I do is get my ingredients together.
Core ingredients:
Large tortilla shells.
Can of refried beans.
Can of thick chili (big fan of Nalley's Thick).
Shredded cheese.
Cooked white rice.
Seasonings and sauces.
First things first... get yourself a bunch of white rice cooked up. Don't care if you use the instant stuff or cook it in a steamer and put it in the fridge overnight (supposedly the better way to go). Making the rice good for this project is the most time consuming part, so it's best to do it first.
Once you have fully-cooked white rice... it's time to turn it into zesty rice well suited for burritos. This is one of those times when I have no particular system or measurements in place. I just dig through the kitchen to find what sounds good. Last time I made it, if I recall, I used a little diced up bell pepper, a couple of pepper sauces (jalapeno with some chipotle and maybe some hints of habanero), some miscellaneous spices, and... perhaps the most useful thing... this magic prepackaged taco seasoning usually used with ground beef.
Once you pick a desirable blend of spices and sauces, get out a large pan, heat it up... add a little vegetable oil. Once it's heated, throw your rice and sauces in. Also, add in your spices. If you go with a lot of spices (or the taco seasoning) route... add a little water in to the pan to get the spices absorbed (you'll be cooking the water out in the long run, so don't worry about that). So. Basically. Cook until the flavors have had a chance to get into the rice. Mess with it until it tastes good.
Finally... we can move on. The rest is straight forward. Use a microwave to heat up your refried beans and chili. You don't need 'em hot... just warm since you're gonna be cooking them again in the completed package... they're just easier to deal with while warm. Likewise, heat up your tortilla shells enough to make them malleable.
Once your ingredients are all ready for being put together... do the obvious... put the burritos together. Layer of rice, layer of beans, layer of chili, layer of cheese. The trick here is to not overstuff. You want to be able to wrap these entirely closed since you will be grilling them. It's better in this case to make a lot of smaller burritos than a few big ones.
Just in case you need help with the wrapping of the burrito... looking down on the shell... fold the north side over the contents, and squeeze the content back tightly... fold the west and east sides over the top... then roll the burrito into the south side. The goal is to have the contents completely contained.
Get your large pan back out. Add some fresh vegetable oil. Drop however many burritos you can fit into your pan at once into it. Let them cook on that side until golden brown... then flip 'em over until browned on the other side.
Just keep doing this until you run out of contents or shells. I recommend adding vegetable oil between every batch of burritos to keep the browning nicely.
What can I say? When I cook, I figure it's worth the extra little bit of time to make it look good in addition to tasting good.
And there you have it. Layered grilled burritos. Nothing too terribly complex, but still very tasty. Enjoy!
Oh. These burritos are tasty. Better yet... they freeze and microwave well. Can you say "make a bunch up front... save what you have left over for easy meals later"?
Definitely had one such burrito for lunch today.
So... basically... what I do is get my ingredients together.
Core ingredients:
Large tortilla shells.
Can of refried beans.
Can of thick chili (big fan of Nalley's Thick).
Shredded cheese.
Cooked white rice.
Seasonings and sauces.
First things first... get yourself a bunch of white rice cooked up. Don't care if you use the instant stuff or cook it in a steamer and put it in the fridge overnight (supposedly the better way to go). Making the rice good for this project is the most time consuming part, so it's best to do it first.
Once you have fully-cooked white rice... it's time to turn it into zesty rice well suited for burritos. This is one of those times when I have no particular system or measurements in place. I just dig through the kitchen to find what sounds good. Last time I made it, if I recall, I used a little diced up bell pepper, a couple of pepper sauces (jalapeno with some chipotle and maybe some hints of habanero), some miscellaneous spices, and... perhaps the most useful thing... this magic prepackaged taco seasoning usually used with ground beef.
Once you pick a desirable blend of spices and sauces, get out a large pan, heat it up... add a little vegetable oil. Once it's heated, throw your rice and sauces in. Also, add in your spices. If you go with a lot of spices (or the taco seasoning) route... add a little water in to the pan to get the spices absorbed (you'll be cooking the water out in the long run, so don't worry about that). So. Basically. Cook until the flavors have had a chance to get into the rice. Mess with it until it tastes good.
Finally... we can move on. The rest is straight forward. Use a microwave to heat up your refried beans and chili. You don't need 'em hot... just warm since you're gonna be cooking them again in the completed package... they're just easier to deal with while warm. Likewise, heat up your tortilla shells enough to make them malleable.
Once your ingredients are all ready for being put together... do the obvious... put the burritos together. Layer of rice, layer of beans, layer of chili, layer of cheese. The trick here is to not overstuff. You want to be able to wrap these entirely closed since you will be grilling them. It's better in this case to make a lot of smaller burritos than a few big ones.
Just in case you need help with the wrapping of the burrito... looking down on the shell... fold the north side over the contents, and squeeze the content back tightly... fold the west and east sides over the top... then roll the burrito into the south side. The goal is to have the contents completely contained.
Get your large pan back out. Add some fresh vegetable oil. Drop however many burritos you can fit into your pan at once into it. Let them cook on that side until golden brown... then flip 'em over until browned on the other side.
Just keep doing this until you run out of contents or shells. I recommend adding vegetable oil between every batch of burritos to keep the browning nicely.
What can I say? When I cook, I figure it's worth the extra little bit of time to make it look good in addition to tasting good.
And there you have it. Layered grilled burritos. Nothing too terribly complex, but still very tasty. Enjoy!
The lolwat?
In case you haven't noticed, there are times (lots of them) when I say something random for the sake of confusing you and/or making you laugh at ridiculous comments.
I call this "going for the lolwat?"
The "lolwat?" as I define it is simple: it is a response to something wherein you laugh but then realize you have no idea why you laughed.
The thing about getting a lolwat? out of someone is that it's a challenge. It's a special kind of humor. Telling a joke can get a laugh, but there you know why you're laughing.
Getting a lolwat? requires doing something so out there but somehow intrinsically funny that a person cannot help but laugh... and then try to figure out why after the fact.
Being able to get a lolwat? is a gift.
Try it sometime.
I call this "going for the lolwat?"
The "lolwat?" as I define it is simple: it is a response to something wherein you laugh but then realize you have no idea why you laughed.
The thing about getting a lolwat? out of someone is that it's a challenge. It's a special kind of humor. Telling a joke can get a laugh, but there you know why you're laughing.
Getting a lolwat? requires doing something so out there but somehow intrinsically funny that a person cannot help but laugh... and then try to figure out why after the fact.
Being able to get a lolwat? is a gift.
Try it sometime.
Vampire? I Hope Not
Who here knows me? Yeah? Really.
Huh. I guess it's true. Only three of you actually read my blog.
Guess I'm just not that interesting.
Well... I was thinking again today... I hope I'm not a vampire.
I know. Be shocked that I'd say something so random. It's cool. I'm used to it.
Seriously, though... I have this weird thing about beef. If I don't have sufficient beef intake regularly... I get all kinds of crazy and hostile.
It's weird... and seems backward... but it's a pretty consistent theory for me. I wish I were joking.
I think I'd make a good lesser deity of the Spartans... what with my demand for meat offerings to appease my wrath and all.
Blast. I hope I'm not a vampire.
Huh. I guess it's true. Only three of you actually read my blog.
Guess I'm just not that interesting.
Well... I was thinking again today... I hope I'm not a vampire.
I know. Be shocked that I'd say something so random. It's cool. I'm used to it.
Seriously, though... I have this weird thing about beef. If I don't have sufficient beef intake regularly... I get all kinds of crazy and hostile.
It's weird... and seems backward... but it's a pretty consistent theory for me. I wish I were joking.
I think I'd make a good lesser deity of the Spartans... what with my demand for meat offerings to appease my wrath and all.
Blast. I hope I'm not a vampire.
Honor Societies
Wait. What?
There's honor in society?
Oh. I read that wrong (don't ask how I can misread what I wrote). This is about honor societies. Y'know... those things... those groups of people who are deemed smart enough in school matters to get special recognition?
Well... somehow... I'm eligible for Phi Theta Kappa here at Clark. Surprises me.
I mean... they've been hounding me for years now... but after my big whiff of a term last night... it surprises me that I'm still eligible.
Not that I'm complaining. I'll look all smart and dedicated and stuff on job and scholarship applications here on out. That's a pretty good deal.
Anyway... yeah... finally turned in my paperwork. Too bad I won't be going through Clark's graduation ceremony (missed the cut-off registration day for that)... I'd get special note there.
Oh well. Here's to more scholarships. I hope.
There's honor in society?
Oh. I read that wrong (don't ask how I can misread what I wrote). This is about honor societies. Y'know... those things... those groups of people who are deemed smart enough in school matters to get special recognition?
Well... somehow... I'm eligible for Phi Theta Kappa here at Clark. Surprises me.
I mean... they've been hounding me for years now... but after my big whiff of a term last night... it surprises me that I'm still eligible.
Not that I'm complaining. I'll look all smart and dedicated and stuff on job and scholarship applications here on out. That's a pretty good deal.
Anyway... yeah... finally turned in my paperwork. Too bad I won't be going through Clark's graduation ceremony (missed the cut-off registration day for that)... I'd get special note there.
Oh well. Here's to more scholarships. I hope.
Intro to Mozart
So... this morning was like the last couple before it... I got sick on my way to school. (Though I pat myself on the back for roughing it out... getting to school on time in spite of having a heaving fit while waiting on the bus.) Made it to political science class. Got annoyed with the people there, but rode it out, collecting the information that was actually useful.
Then came music class.
Great music class today. Like. Couldn't have gone much better.
I was expecting to keep going over non-dominant seventh chords, but that's not what happened. Two things I was not expecting happened.
The first is that, in spite of many available seats, my almost-rival from last term, a nice and very cute girl (who gave me a challenge when it came to being the quickest to finish a test well... thus the almost-rival status) sat next to me. No complaints about that.
The second thing that happened (and yes guys, you can hate me for this) was far more mindblowing and awesome.
We had an introduction to Mozart.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know as much classical music as I should... by any stretch of the imagination. Still... today... being properly introduced to Mozart by someone who knows what's up... left me dumbfounded.
Listened to some pieces from piano concertos, some operas, a clarinet quintet, some symphonies.
"Wow" is pretty much the only expression to come close to reflecting my response. The music is so beautiful, so dynamic... I honestly wish I were listening to it over Coheed and Cambria right now (which is no small claim... see my previous post).
Alas. I can't update my Zune from school.
Basically... I want to listen to more Mozart... but I also have that "that's so cool... I wanna do that!" mentality going on right now. I'm no child prodigy... but it would be so awesome to hit the composing hardcore.
I especially want to look into opera.
Then came music class.
Great music class today. Like. Couldn't have gone much better.
I was expecting to keep going over non-dominant seventh chords, but that's not what happened. Two things I was not expecting happened.
The first is that, in spite of many available seats, my almost-rival from last term, a nice and very cute girl (who gave me a challenge when it came to being the quickest to finish a test well... thus the almost-rival status) sat next to me. No complaints about that.
The second thing that happened (and yes guys, you can hate me for this) was far more mindblowing and awesome.
We had an introduction to Mozart.
I'll be the first to admit that I don't know as much classical music as I should... by any stretch of the imagination. Still... today... being properly introduced to Mozart by someone who knows what's up... left me dumbfounded.
Listened to some pieces from piano concertos, some operas, a clarinet quintet, some symphonies.
"Wow" is pretty much the only expression to come close to reflecting my response. The music is so beautiful, so dynamic... I honestly wish I were listening to it over Coheed and Cambria right now (which is no small claim... see my previous post).
Alas. I can't update my Zune from school.
Basically... I want to listen to more Mozart... but I also have that "that's so cool... I wanna do that!" mentality going on right now. I'm no child prodigy... but it would be so awesome to hit the composing hardcore.
I especially want to look into opera.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
One Step Closer
Hmm. Not a Linkin Park reference... not intentionally, anyway.
I am, however, one step closer to getting into Florida Christian College. I officially submitted my application tonight (silly online applications).
Go me.
No. Seriously. Go me. Go me to Florida.
Please?
I am, however, one step closer to getting into Florida Christian College. I officially submitted my application tonight (silly online applications).
Go me.
No. Seriously. Go me. Go me to Florida.
Please?
Coheed and Cambria
Ah. Coheed and Cambria... where would I be without you?
Probably in the same place... doing the same thing... if I'm totally honest.
But now is not the time for honesty. Now is the time for raving fanboyism.
After the insisting of my best friend a while back, I finally listened to their music... I initially had a response of "ah... that's cool... I guess." But... I listened more. Grabbed the other albums.
I was hooked.
I will go so far as to say that any time I turned music on on my Zune... it was Coheed... for a good while. Obsessive? Sad? Ridiculous? Yes, kinda, and definitely not.
The music alone is enough to get me hooked (and it's what got me hooked originally). But then I listened to the lyrics... and was puzzled. Then I was pointed to some of the comic books.
See... Coheed and Cambria's albums are all linked in this epic-scope story with crazy happenings and character interactions... and part of those stories have been written about in comic books/graphic novels.
There is still so much more to the story that I've yet to learn... but every bit I learn about the story makes me appreciate all of the works of Claudio Sanchez more.
I have so much appreciation and respect for Coheed and Cambria.
Probably in the same place... doing the same thing... if I'm totally honest.
But now is not the time for honesty. Now is the time for raving fanboyism.
After the insisting of my best friend a while back, I finally listened to their music... I initially had a response of "ah... that's cool... I guess." But... I listened more. Grabbed the other albums.
I was hooked.
I will go so far as to say that any time I turned music on on my Zune... it was Coheed... for a good while. Obsessive? Sad? Ridiculous? Yes, kinda, and definitely not.
The music alone is enough to get me hooked (and it's what got me hooked originally). But then I listened to the lyrics... and was puzzled. Then I was pointed to some of the comic books.
See... Coheed and Cambria's albums are all linked in this epic-scope story with crazy happenings and character interactions... and part of those stories have been written about in comic books/graphic novels.
There is still so much more to the story that I've yet to learn... but every bit I learn about the story makes me appreciate all of the works of Claudio Sanchez more.
I have so much appreciation and respect for Coheed and Cambria.
Strategy Guides
I busted out Blue Dragon today (for those not in the know, it's the game from a group of people who would pretty much make up my dream team of creators). It's awesome.
It doesn't have a journal system within the game. It's a huge game. When I booted it up... seems I just finished a major quest (that much I could remember)... but I had no idea where to go next.
I had to break down and do something I hate. I had to use a strategy guide to get back on track. I would have been lost for an hour if I didn't.
I hate using strategy guides... they seem to spoil the game. Times like these... when I just need to know where I was going... I'll make exceptions.
But then I got to thinking... what if life had a play-by-play strategy guide?
It'd kinda be nice to go... "hmm... let's see where I'm supposed to go next." Then again... the adventure would be lost.
I'll pass on a strategy guide to life.
It doesn't have a journal system within the game. It's a huge game. When I booted it up... seems I just finished a major quest (that much I could remember)... but I had no idea where to go next.
I had to break down and do something I hate. I had to use a strategy guide to get back on track. I would have been lost for an hour if I didn't.
I hate using strategy guides... they seem to spoil the game. Times like these... when I just need to know where I was going... I'll make exceptions.
But then I got to thinking... what if life had a play-by-play strategy guide?
It'd kinda be nice to go... "hmm... let's see where I'm supposed to go next." Then again... the adventure would be lost.
I'll pass on a strategy guide to life.
Opinionated People: Shut Up
I'm in a political science course right now, so I really shouldn't be surprised by the way people are in the class. Actually, I'm not surprised at all, but I am annoyed.
I live in the Northwest... a pretty liberal-aligned part of the country. I live just outside of Portland... a city with a very strong liberal slant.
I really don't care about statistical leans, actually. Like... sure... I consider myself heavily conservative regarding politics (which is not to say that I consider myself heavily Republican... because I don't... I lean much, much more toward libertarianism), but this isn't a "I'm a conservative, and I hate liberals" post. Not at all. Some of my closest friends are also some of my most consistently liberal friends.
I'm just fine with people having views unlike my own. As long as you actually think things through before coming to a viewpoint, then I have little beef with you on that.
I do have problems with people that are really opinionated and vocal about it. You can think what you want... you can even debate (in a mature fashion) in favor of your viewpoint.
But 99 times out of 100... that's not what I see.
I see stupid people being pushy, all-knowing, self-righteous jerks. They are unwilling to see something from both sides. What's worse, though... is if you disagree... then they paint you as a great evil.
Oh. I can't stand people when they do that.
And yet it's so frequent.
Opinionated people: Do the rest of us who try to be fair/balanced in spite of our personal leans a favor and shut up.
I think it's gonna be a long term.
I so wanna live somewhere where the people have an opinion and simply leave it at that.
I live in the Northwest... a pretty liberal-aligned part of the country. I live just outside of Portland... a city with a very strong liberal slant.
I really don't care about statistical leans, actually. Like... sure... I consider myself heavily conservative regarding politics (which is not to say that I consider myself heavily Republican... because I don't... I lean much, much more toward libertarianism), but this isn't a "I'm a conservative, and I hate liberals" post. Not at all. Some of my closest friends are also some of my most consistently liberal friends.
I'm just fine with people having views unlike my own. As long as you actually think things through before coming to a viewpoint, then I have little beef with you on that.
I do have problems with people that are really opinionated and vocal about it. You can think what you want... you can even debate (in a mature fashion) in favor of your viewpoint.
But 99 times out of 100... that's not what I see.
I see stupid people being pushy, all-knowing, self-righteous jerks. They are unwilling to see something from both sides. What's worse, though... is if you disagree... then they paint you as a great evil.
Oh. I can't stand people when they do that.
And yet it's so frequent.
Opinionated people: Do the rest of us who try to be fair/balanced in spite of our personal leans a favor and shut up.
I think it's gonna be a long term.
I so wanna live somewhere where the people have an opinion and simply leave it at that.
Eight Hours is a Lie
Whoever said that you need eight hours of sleep is a liar.
I need nine. Without lots of sleep... I'm groggy, slow to think, and generally unhappy. Not a big fan of that.
I think I got nine and half hours of sleep last night.
I have averaged six this week.
One night of solid sleep... though nice... hasn't offset the days before.
I'm still tired. If I were to lay back down right now... I'd pass out again.
That actually sounds really good.
Why did I think a 9AM class was a good idea?
I need nine. Without lots of sleep... I'm groggy, slow to think, and generally unhappy. Not a big fan of that.
I think I got nine and half hours of sleep last night.
I have averaged six this week.
One night of solid sleep... though nice... hasn't offset the days before.
I'm still tired. If I were to lay back down right now... I'd pass out again.
That actually sounds really good.
Why did I think a 9AM class was a good idea?
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Since When...
Since when is 9PM late?
Since I started having to set my alarm for 7:30AM.
And since my mind still runs until at least midnight every day... and that's being generous.
I haven't felt this tired in quite a while, I think. It's been a long day (actually... it's been a long several days). I mean. Wake up early after getting little sleep (remember that cat pee incident mentioned about 24 hours ago... I couldn't sleep to save my life on the couch and floor), throw up before making it to the bus. Walk a couple miles. Do homework. Attend crazy classes.
Okay... so maybe my classes aren't that crazy, but I was surprised that the first "real" day of class in ethics (at a community college, I should add) wasted no time to get into a semi-debate regarding free will and determinism.
Anyway. For most people... it isn't "late" yet. For me? It's not late... but I'm tired.
Consider me down for the count.
Since I started having to set my alarm for 7:30AM.
And since my mind still runs until at least midnight every day... and that's being generous.
I haven't felt this tired in quite a while, I think. It's been a long day (actually... it's been a long several days). I mean. Wake up early after getting little sleep (remember that cat pee incident mentioned about 24 hours ago... I couldn't sleep to save my life on the couch and floor), throw up before making it to the bus. Walk a couple miles. Do homework. Attend crazy classes.
Okay... so maybe my classes aren't that crazy, but I was surprised that the first "real" day of class in ethics (at a community college, I should add) wasted no time to get into a semi-debate regarding free will and determinism.
Anyway. For most people... it isn't "late" yet. For me? It's not late... but I'm tired.
Consider me down for the count.
Pretty Women
Now that I've gotten your attention with the post title, I get to point out that it was a red herring.
Kind of. I'm not talking about women, but I am talking about Pretty Women.
That is... I'm talking about the amazing song called Pretty Women from Sweeney Todd. I love the song. A lot. It's super well-written musically and lyrically. Add in the quality of execution (no pun intended) from the cast of Tim Burton's adaptation, and... wow.
Yes. I really love the song.
Actually, I really love the film version of Sweeney Todd. I hated it at first, but it's now one of my favorite movies around. Period.
Kind of. I'm not talking about women, but I am talking about Pretty Women.
That is... I'm talking about the amazing song called Pretty Women from Sweeney Todd. I love the song. A lot. It's super well-written musically and lyrically. Add in the quality of execution (no pun intended) from the cast of Tim Burton's adaptation, and... wow.
Yes. I really love the song.
Actually, I really love the film version of Sweeney Todd. I hated it at first, but it's now one of my favorite movies around. Period.
I'm a Fatty, What's Your Point?
Those of you who know me are aware that I'm a big guy. I'm not a 600-pound elephant man, but I've still got some excess weight going against me.
Since this term started, I've been walking like... two-ish miles a day to catch the bus back home from school. Nah. It's not a ton... and there's more I can do (and would like to start doing once I get a schedule going)... but it's something.
I refer you to my "endorphin rush" post. It's good stuff.
Now. To get some water.
Also... who's Mariah in Coheed and Cambria canon?
Since this term started, I've been walking like... two-ish miles a day to catch the bus back home from school. Nah. It's not a ton... and there's more I can do (and would like to start doing once I get a schedule going)... but it's something.
I refer you to my "endorphin rush" post. It's good stuff.
Now. To get some water.
Also... who's Mariah in Coheed and Cambria canon?
I'm Hungry... Do I Eat?
Bah. You ever know that there's something you gotta do... but you're too busy with something else to want to put it down?
That's me right now. I'm actually doing homework (well... I was until I decided to post this) right now... but I'm hungry... and I have an hour until my next class.
If I get up for food now... I'll have nothing to do with the rest of that hour.
If I stay here... my stomach will constantly disrupt my focus.
WHAT DO I DO?
I flip a coin and let fate decide what to do. ...not really.
I gotta go turn this paperwork in. One step closer to graduation... one step closer to Florida. Awesome.
That's me right now. I'm actually doing homework (well... I was until I decided to post this) right now... but I'm hungry... and I have an hour until my next class.
If I get up for food now... I'll have nothing to do with the rest of that hour.
If I stay here... my stomach will constantly disrupt my focus.
WHAT DO I DO?
I flip a coin and let fate decide what to do. ...not really.
I gotta go turn this paperwork in. One step closer to graduation... one step closer to Florida. Awesome.
Morning Sickness... Wait... What?
Hmm. Last quarter, as some of you may know, I found myself suddenly caught up with what I could only describe as morning sickness. Being a guy... this is obviously impossible.
Still, I seemed to throw up in the morning before school on a daily basis for several weeks. Kinda made it impossible to make to classes regularly.
Over spring break, I don't recall have any episodes with this bizarre condition.
This morning... it hit again. Or something hit again.
Whatever the case, I woke up feeling ill... and continued to feel sick until I was walking to the bus.
At which point, I found myself looking like a drunk (bear in mind, I've never drank an alcoholic beverage) while hunched over a storm drain.
I'll spare the details.
Still, what on earth is up with this? Seriously. Weird stuff. The docs couldn't find anything clearly causing it before. It's not psychological (at least... it's not stress or contempt for school... I actually wanna be here this term). It's just weird.
It's just irritating... and even debilitating.
But. I'm at school now. At least my first class of the day is with a professor who knows me (and my bizarre sickness) from the term before.
Still, I seemed to throw up in the morning before school on a daily basis for several weeks. Kinda made it impossible to make to classes regularly.
Over spring break, I don't recall have any episodes with this bizarre condition.
This morning... it hit again. Or something hit again.
Whatever the case, I woke up feeling ill... and continued to feel sick until I was walking to the bus.
At which point, I found myself looking like a drunk (bear in mind, I've never drank an alcoholic beverage) while hunched over a storm drain.
I'll spare the details.
Still, what on earth is up with this? Seriously. Weird stuff. The docs couldn't find anything clearly causing it before. It's not psychological (at least... it's not stress or contempt for school... I actually wanna be here this term). It's just weird.
It's just irritating... and even debilitating.
But. I'm at school now. At least my first class of the day is with a professor who knows me (and my bizarre sickness) from the term before.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Cover Songs
I was talking about wanting to do an acoustic cover of a song earlier... and how copyright laws get in the way of that.
The last like... ten minutes... I've been half-thinking about cover songs... and how they're a seriously mixed bag for me. Sometimes, covers are awesome. Sometimes, they're just annoying (and if I hear anyone ever cover "Time After Time" again... ooooh... I am pretty sick of that song being covered).
The thing is... I treat them differently from an original song. What's up with that? Is it that Johnny Cash is really so amazing that nobody can touch his songs without me wanting to tear the cover artist apart?
Probably not. But for some reason that I haven't figured out... my demands on cover songs are so much higher than my demands for original songs.
Got any idea why that might be?
Also... I'm tired. My words aren't coming out right any more. Goodnight.
The last like... ten minutes... I've been half-thinking about cover songs... and how they're a seriously mixed bag for me. Sometimes, covers are awesome. Sometimes, they're just annoying (and if I hear anyone ever cover "Time After Time" again... ooooh... I am pretty sick of that song being covered).
The thing is... I treat them differently from an original song. What's up with that? Is it that Johnny Cash is really so amazing that nobody can touch his songs without me wanting to tear the cover artist apart?
Probably not. But for some reason that I haven't figured out... my demands on cover songs are so much higher than my demands for original songs.
Got any idea why that might be?
Also... I'm tired. My words aren't coming out right any more. Goodnight.
My Cat, the Great Evil
So. I love my cat. Usually. He's kinda useless... just hides away until he decides he needs to thump around the house and make a scene because he wants more food... but he's still my cat, y'know?
Today, he is not on my good list. I went to make my bed a short bit ago. Guess what.
Yep. He decided that my bed was a better place to take care of business than the catbox (which, I should add so that nobody wants to blame this on me, was plenty clean for using). Nothing like walking back to your room to find that your bed is soaked in cat urine.
Bah. Sheets and blankets gotta wash and dry before I can use them again. Not to mention the mattress itself took a hit and is undergoing treatment right now.
Looks like I'm sleeping on the couch tonight.
Today, he is not on my good list. I went to make my bed a short bit ago. Guess what.
Yep. He decided that my bed was a better place to take care of business than the catbox (which, I should add so that nobody wants to blame this on me, was plenty clean for using). Nothing like walking back to your room to find that your bed is soaked in cat urine.
Bah. Sheets and blankets gotta wash and dry before I can use them again. Not to mention the mattress itself took a hit and is undergoing treatment right now.
Looks like I'm sleeping on the couch tonight.
The Mad World of Adam Lambert
Alright. I just caught the tail end of American Idol. I try to act like I don't pay attention to it. I don't exactly watch it religiously, but I still watch it in passing fairly regularly this season.
Adam Lambert is the best vocalist on the show. Hands down.
I can see why people wouldn't like him. Honestly, I doubt he'll actually win this season. I don't think he has enough mainstream appeal to the Idol watching public to win. Danny has a much better shot at that.
Still, Lambert is not only ridiculously talented as a vocalist (extremely good control, vocal range, and tonal variety), he also has creative skill. I mean, I was taken aback at first by his twist on Johnny Cash (you just don't mess with Cash), but then I saw the creative genius behind it.
The man has skill. Period.
And that's all I have to say on the matter.
Adam Lambert is the best vocalist on the show. Hands down.
I can see why people wouldn't like him. Honestly, I doubt he'll actually win this season. I don't think he has enough mainstream appeal to the Idol watching public to win. Danny has a much better shot at that.
Still, Lambert is not only ridiculously talented as a vocalist (extremely good control, vocal range, and tonal variety), he also has creative skill. I mean, I was taken aback at first by his twist on Johnny Cash (you just don't mess with Cash), but then I saw the creative genius behind it.
The man has skill. Period.
And that's all I have to say on the matter.
Coprights... A Brief Rant from a Disgruntled Guy
Copyrights. We all live in a world full of 'em. As a musician and somethetimes creative guy, I can appreciate that they are in place to make sure other people don't make fortunes off of my hard work.
However, there are times when I really don't like copyright laws. Namely... times like right now. Like. I love songs. I love songs that other people have written. I like rearranging them.
Copyright laws forbid me from composing an acoustic rearrangement of a song and posting it on YouTube. Yeah. Tons of people do it... but it's a copyright infringement unless if I have clear permission from the copyright holder.
Yeah. Like it's gonna be easy to get the copyright holder's approval to do an acoustic cover on YouTube. No money for them by sharing, no money for me to entice them to share.
Usually, I like and support copyright laws. It's just when I can't do things like this that they bug me. Bah.
No acoustic cover for you tonight. Alas.
However, there are times when I really don't like copyright laws. Namely... times like right now. Like. I love songs. I love songs that other people have written. I like rearranging them.
Copyright laws forbid me from composing an acoustic rearrangement of a song and posting it on YouTube. Yeah. Tons of people do it... but it's a copyright infringement unless if I have clear permission from the copyright holder.
Yeah. Like it's gonna be easy to get the copyright holder's approval to do an acoustic cover on YouTube. No money for them by sharing, no money for me to entice them to share.
Usually, I like and support copyright laws. It's just when I can't do things like this that they bug me. Bah.
No acoustic cover for you tonight. Alas.
Rocking the Guitar
I love playing the guitar. Have I mentioned that in the last hour?
I used to be "all about" electric guitar playing. I've since gotten a pretty solid guitar rig up and running. Lately, though... I've really loved playing my acoustic. I think, really... it comes down to not having people to play music with. It's a lot easier to write songs on the acoustic guitar than the electric guitar when I have nobody to rock with.
I have a couple of demo tracks recorded and posted on Soundclick (http://www.soundclick.com/kennyyeager). My more recent stuff is really taking more influence from Emery than anyone else. I'm just fine with that (seeing as Emery is my favorite band around), but it means a major change in melodic direction.
Speaking of guitar and songwriting and so on... I think I'm gonna try and record my acoustic cover/rearrangement of Chevelle's "The Red" to post on YouTube.
Do that... and take care of some music theory homework due tomorrow.
Sounds like a good way to wrap up the evening.
I used to be "all about" electric guitar playing. I've since gotten a pretty solid guitar rig up and running. Lately, though... I've really loved playing my acoustic. I think, really... it comes down to not having people to play music with. It's a lot easier to write songs on the acoustic guitar than the electric guitar when I have nobody to rock with.
I have a couple of demo tracks recorded and posted on Soundclick (http://www.soundclick.com/kennyyeager). My more recent stuff is really taking more influence from Emery than anyone else. I'm just fine with that (seeing as Emery is my favorite band around), but it means a major change in melodic direction.
Speaking of guitar and songwriting and so on... I think I'm gonna try and record my acoustic cover/rearrangement of Chevelle's "The Red" to post on YouTube.
Do that... and take care of some music theory homework due tomorrow.
Sounds like a good way to wrap up the evening.
Rap Music
I go through phases with my music every now and then. There will be times when I can listen to Coheed and Cambria non-stop. Times when I think metal is the greatest thing ever (like... all the time).
Right now, I'm strangely hooked on rap. Rap is definitely a "comes in phases" genre for me. I gotta say, though... I'm really enjoying the phase.
One of my friends from the Rev21 staff keeps hooking me up with these Christian rap artists that are actually surprising good (I admittedly have pretty low expectations for Christian rap artists). The fact that they have good music... good style... and I can listen to them around anyone without the kind of looks that Eminem can get... well... that makes me happy, too.
Here are a few current favorites:
Lecrae - After the Music Stops
Lecrae ft. Trip Lee - Jesus Muzik
Ambassador - Gimme Dat
Right now, I'm strangely hooked on rap. Rap is definitely a "comes in phases" genre for me. I gotta say, though... I'm really enjoying the phase.
One of my friends from the Rev21 staff keeps hooking me up with these Christian rap artists that are actually surprising good (I admittedly have pretty low expectations for Christian rap artists). The fact that they have good music... good style... and I can listen to them around anyone without the kind of looks that Eminem can get... well... that makes me happy, too.
Here are a few current favorites:
Lecrae - After the Music Stops
Lecrae ft. Trip Lee - Jesus Muzik
Ambassador - Gimme Dat
Exercise Is Pretty Awesome
I walked about halfway home from school before the bus that I ride finally came. The whole trip is a little over five miles, so I walked around two miles. For me... a "walk" of this kind is fast and driven... a valid exercise... not casual stroll.
That being said... I was reminded of how awesome exercise is. Yeah... there's "better health," but I'm not gonna lie. I think I could easily get addicted to "runner's high" as some people call it.
Basically, the endorphin release associated with significant exercise is... uhm... awesome.
It's a good thing I stay away from drugs. I would get addicted so bad... and get so screwed up by it.
With that aside... now... uhm... done. It's crazy to compare yesterday (which didn't feature any significant exercise) with today (which did). Sure... there were more things that happened yesterday that could legitimately be considered mildly depressing... but I just wasn't particularly happy yesterday. Today... I feel awesome (and tired)... even though the stuff that happened yesterday is just as real today.
Yeah. I'm all for having control over my perspective from a pure force-of-will standpoint... but considering I have access to this little attitude booster simply by exercising (something I need to do to get physically conditioned, anyway)... well... that's pretty sweet.
Exercise is awesome.
the end.
That being said... I was reminded of how awesome exercise is. Yeah... there's "better health," but I'm not gonna lie. I think I could easily get addicted to "runner's high" as some people call it.
Basically, the endorphin release associated with significant exercise is... uhm... awesome.
It's a good thing I stay away from drugs. I would get addicted so bad... and get so screwed up by it.
With that aside... now... uhm... done. It's crazy to compare yesterday (which didn't feature any significant exercise) with today (which did). Sure... there were more things that happened yesterday that could legitimately be considered mildly depressing... but I just wasn't particularly happy yesterday. Today... I feel awesome (and tired)... even though the stuff that happened yesterday is just as real today.
Yeah. I'm all for having control over my perspective from a pure force-of-will standpoint... but considering I have access to this little attitude booster simply by exercising (something I need to do to get physically conditioned, anyway)... well... that's pretty sweet.
Exercise is awesome.
the end.
Communication is a Five-Syllable Word
So. This morning. Before heading out to school... I thought I would do something witty... like compose a jesting haiku.
I then tried to use "communication" in the second line of the haiku.
Well. I was tired. Like... my brain wasn't working. Somehow... I counted a mere four syllables for "communication."
I ended up with a non-haiku as a result... just words without proper form.
Yep. Today's lesson: Avoid writing haikus shortly after waking up.
I then tried to use "communication" in the second line of the haiku.
Well. I was tired. Like... my brain wasn't working. Somehow... I counted a mere four syllables for "communication."
I ended up with a non-haiku as a result... just words without proper form.
Yep. Today's lesson: Avoid writing haikus shortly after waking up.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Of Music and YouTube
I need to be asleep. Like. For real. I'm exhausted... have been all day... but my brain just won't shut down.
So... here we go... last post before bed.
Some of you know that I love music. Some of you know that I like to play the guitar. Some of you may even be aware of the fact that I actually write some music.
But I bet only two of you are aware of my decision to start recording my acoustic tracks for putting up on YouTube. Yep. I'm pretty excited about that. I doubt I'll gain David Choi publicity or anything, but viral marketing is good times.
Especially for a guy who wants to write music that people will enjoy.
So... here we go... last post before bed.
Some of you know that I love music. Some of you know that I like to play the guitar. Some of you may even be aware of the fact that I actually write some music.
But I bet only two of you are aware of my decision to start recording my acoustic tracks for putting up on YouTube. Yep. I'm pretty excited about that. I doubt I'll gain David Choi publicity or anything, but viral marketing is good times.
Especially for a guy who wants to write music that people will enjoy.
I'm Poor
Yeah. So. I'm poor. When did this happen?
Uhm. It happened when I decided to pass on school loans in favor of just getting by with grants, scholarships, and whatever money I could make on my own for a little while.
It's not working out that great. I'm dead broke. Like. More broke than I've been for as long as I can remember. It sucks. Bah. I'm gonna have to go get me one of those job things I hear so much about. Being a full time student without a job has been nice while it lasted.
And now... sleep. 9AM class + public transit to get there = waking up early.
I'm not good at waking up early. Somehow, I'll do it.
Decided that I'm gonna take the bus downtown... then walk from there (around a mile) instead of waiting on a transfer. Yay for walking.
Endorphins to start the day with? Can't complain about that.
Uhm. It happened when I decided to pass on school loans in favor of just getting by with grants, scholarships, and whatever money I could make on my own for a little while.
It's not working out that great. I'm dead broke. Like. More broke than I've been for as long as I can remember. It sucks. Bah. I'm gonna have to go get me one of those job things I hear so much about. Being a full time student without a job has been nice while it lasted.
And now... sleep. 9AM class + public transit to get there = waking up early.
I'm not good at waking up early. Somehow, I'll do it.
Decided that I'm gonna take the bus downtown... then walk from there (around a mile) instead of waiting on a transfer. Yay for walking.
Endorphins to start the day with? Can't complain about that.
Short Term Sanctuary
I love showers.
Seriously. Nobody needs my attention. I just get to blow off the world for a little bit and think about whatever I want... or let my brain shut off entirely. It's an escape.
Escapes are nice. Living a life of constant escapism would suck... I'm sure of that. But life can use a few escapes every now and then. The fact that I get one of those every day? Kinda awesome.
The simple things. I like the simple things.
Seriously. Nobody needs my attention. I just get to blow off the world for a little bit and think about whatever I want... or let my brain shut off entirely. It's an escape.
Escapes are nice. Living a life of constant escapism would suck... I'm sure of that. But life can use a few escapes every now and then. The fact that I get one of those every day? Kinda awesome.
The simple things. I like the simple things.
Florida (I Hope To See You Soon)
Some of you... alright... many of you who know me... are possibly aware that I'm working to continue my schooling in Florida. I've lived in the Northwest most of my life. I've lived here for eight straight years now. I'm long overdue for a change.
After going to Florida last year, I found my body changed. Like. Seriously. I've been cold every day since then... which is weird to me. Even today... with temps surpassing 76*F... I was wearing a jacket and feeling just fine. As I write this... in a room in the low 70s... my arms are cold. I don't know if it's physically possible to have such a shift in sensation of weather, but the end result is that I have been cold... a lot... for half a year now. Not fun.
Anyway, I found a college there that sounds pretty comparable to Multnomah, Florida Christian College. It's small, but sounds solid. The cost of the school... after living expenses... is actually lower than the cost of Multnomah while living at home. Another bonus.
So, I'm working on pulling things together to go. It's not certain yet, but I want it so bad. It's not even funny.
Well, it probably is funny to someone else. Me. I sit in excitement or agony all day long... minus the sitting part.
So... I'm trying to make money... fast... to get there. A straight up job sounds great, and I'll be looking for one. In the meantime, I'll be posting to this blog all the time. See. I'm pushing advertising (annoying, right?) as supplemental income in the meantime... along with straight up soliciting donations on the side bar.
But. I'm also gonna just say a bunch of who-knows-what... and maybe... just maybe... I'll entertain you. So. Bring your friends. The more the merrier.
After going to Florida last year, I found my body changed. Like. Seriously. I've been cold every day since then... which is weird to me. Even today... with temps surpassing 76*F... I was wearing a jacket and feeling just fine. As I write this... in a room in the low 70s... my arms are cold. I don't know if it's physically possible to have such a shift in sensation of weather, but the end result is that I have been cold... a lot... for half a year now. Not fun.
Anyway, I found a college there that sounds pretty comparable to Multnomah, Florida Christian College. It's small, but sounds solid. The cost of the school... after living expenses... is actually lower than the cost of Multnomah while living at home. Another bonus.
So, I'm working on pulling things together to go. It's not certain yet, but I want it so bad. It's not even funny.
Well, it probably is funny to someone else. Me. I sit in excitement or agony all day long... minus the sitting part.
So... I'm trying to make money... fast... to get there. A straight up job sounds great, and I'll be looking for one. In the meantime, I'll be posting to this blog all the time. See. I'm pushing advertising (annoying, right?) as supplemental income in the meantime... along with straight up soliciting donations on the side bar.
But. I'm also gonna just say a bunch of who-knows-what... and maybe... just maybe... I'll entertain you. So. Bring your friends. The more the merrier.
Welcome to the Mind of Kenny
Yo. Do you know who I am? You will soon.
I'm Kenny. I've been involved in a bunch of websites all over. The most recent project I've taken on is Revolve21. Be sure to check it out for theological writings, media reviews, and a small but growing community.
I'm also pretty connected with the premier website devoted to fighting games, Shoryuken. I love my fighting games. Don't be surprised if I write about them... a lot.
Don't be surprised if I write about anything. I have no clear direction for this blog. You have, after all, entered the Mind of Kenny... and my mind goes everywhere.
Check back often, I'm going to write a bunch. I don't promise lengthy or insightful posts all the time, but I'm sure those will show up.
I'm Kenny. I've been involved in a bunch of websites all over. The most recent project I've taken on is Revolve21. Be sure to check it out for theological writings, media reviews, and a small but growing community.
I'm also pretty connected with the premier website devoted to fighting games, Shoryuken. I love my fighting games. Don't be surprised if I write about them... a lot.
Don't be surprised if I write about anything. I have no clear direction for this blog. You have, after all, entered the Mind of Kenny... and my mind goes everywhere.
Check back often, I'm going to write a bunch. I don't promise lengthy or insightful posts all the time, but I'm sure those will show up.
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