11.29.2008

the november picture post (finally)

So first of all, I'd like to say Merry Christmas, it's officially Christmastime. I've also been holding out on posting pictures I've taken every so often. I keep wishing to be one of those people that brings his camera everywhere taking pictures of everything and everyone, but sadly my "good" camera has yet to make it on the official "personal effects list" (such as my phone, iSaac the iPod, which coincidentally has a camera, a pen, my MoleSkine, my wallet, my keys, and occasionally the Bag o' Tricks, which is merely my backpack that goes almost everywhere with me). So my phone has a camera, why don't I use it? Too frustrating to send picture to the Internet. It can be done but I need a strong connection and a couple minutes while it sends. I get more failed attempts than I would like, so by the 8th time I ask myself what is it really worth?

Anyway, my first picture comes from my office and is actually last years Christmas present from my boss. I'm considering starting a snow globe collection... but I'm not sure yet. So here is my Christmas greeting to you all.

I couldn't tell you why the snowman looks sad. Maybe he fell of his skis? I can't say.


The best stuff on Earth. This I sprinkle on a lot of foods from my eggs to veggies and of course, popcorn! What could be better? Adding it to Smartfood Popcorn, as if it didn't have enough cheese already. It also comes in other interesting flavors. Go to the site for more.


I'm the tech guru/PC doctor in my immediate family, yet my brother-in-law has a lot more knowledge than I, unfortunately he lives in Maryland. In any event, I get called upon by friends and family to see if I can figure out what's wrong with a computer. Fortunately, this was a successful attempt after about 6 hours of working. My grandmother's laptop ran disgustingly slow due to some corrupted file. Just because I'm good at problem solving, doesn't mean you can call me or drop off your computer. I have other things in my life that needs to be tackled. But I could use a good puzzle like this every so often.


One problem is freezer burnt ice cream. I can't just throw it away, especially when its a full carton of forgotten ice cream. That spells a wet and eventually stinky sticky mess in the garbage. So I sent it to liquid form down the sink and tried to make some art because it took awhile to melt. I certainly didn't feel bad about this because I hate freezer burnt ice cream.


I'd just like to take a moment to discuss the flash feature in my camera. This is the only way I can "freeze" something like water. I've taken pictures like this using drips of water and it's quite fun. But as you can see, the old ice cream is going quickly.


See the difference? No flash, and it looks like regular flowing water. My goal is to take pictures without the flash but achieve the same "freezing" effect. I require a more expensive camera that's on my celebrity wish list for that to take place.


This looks gross, but it was the last remains of the last carton of forgotten ice cream. It was vanilla, caramel swirl with caramel pieces covered in chocolate. It was okay. Would've been better in a small carton.


I had to make cornbread for Thanksgiving dinner. While I don't have trouble making it, I did have trouble with this pan. Sadly, I had to pull off the muffin tops and cut out the bottom stumps, then I put them back together on another pan hoping no one would notice. And yes, people did, and yes we talked about the Seinfeld episode. And yes that's cinnamon (and sugar... and nutmeg) sprinkled on top. It's my signature baking ingredient.


This picture was from my phone and didn't do my Thanksgiving meal justice. Don't look for the turkey, I'm not crazy about it and only had a few pieces the day after. The pink juice is a strange but delicious fruit punch. This was an excellent meal and it was funny that the only thing left on people's plate was my cornbread muffin. Am I hurt? No. I, too, couldn't finish and we all wanted to take a nap.


This is a tiny tiny taste of what I do when I'm not doing my current job, and what will be my main focus next month. I will explain more later. Obviously it's a piece of script from a short film titled The Last Meeting, and I have my friend in New York who already asked to direct it moments after reading the first draft. Hopefully, it's the first of many collaborations with her.


Do I really need to explain this one? This is the first of hopefully more awesome t-shirts I order from the web.

So that's some pictorials from around the workforce. I'll do what I can to be more consistent with them, but no promises. I rely more on my words and gift of imagery more than pictures, but pictures can say so much too. And maybe I will write less. And my photography skills will improve once I take pictures of things worth remembering forever.

Lastly, I know there wasn't a friPod post. Consider that I was on a holiday break. Honestly, there was nothing I was really iPodding that much this week. It was an off week for me at the office. I was feeling rather blah, and my drive to do any work was seriously lacking. Don't act like you don't know what I'm talking about. But nevertheless, I do indubitably have an iPick for this upcoming friPod iPick. I actually "discovered" it on my holiday break. And hey! It's holiday themed! So stay tuned and you'll figure out what it is. In the meantime, I shall reload my camera with more images that are worth talking about about.

11.25.2008

we wish you a happy thankgiving (and a happy african american friday)

It's Tuesday once again. What's different about this Tuesday is that to most people, it's like a Wednesday because of the holiday weekend. For me, this is my first 5 day weekend. Last year this time I was still at the Mart dreading African American Friday. I JEST! I jest... Black Friday it's called. Not everything "black" can be politically correct, I guess. So all people of all races celebrate in the same way by rushing out to their local outlets to solidify the commercialism of Christmas, putting those particular retailers in the black, versus the dangerous low sales of red, and in turn see green so they can afford a snow machine for a white Christmas, even though for some stores this will be their last go-round and it makes them very blue, indoob. Yes, 'tis very colorful, magical and bittersweet. I'm not feeling the same anti-commercialism as last year. Still cynical, not as critical. Does that mean I'm a sell out? No. (Not yet.) But nevertheless, just as long as I know what the holiday is all about to me and my loved ones, that's all I really care about this year. Besides, watching the stock market is more fascinating to me, even though the commercialism is directly related to economy. But I won't get into stuff I don't know too much about.


Let's not forget the reason why most people have Friday off. THANKSGIVING! Which is like a big pre-Christmas gathering and meal. It's an official Christmas Season Eve feast. Of course the stores have already started on November 1st, wanting you to get your plastic tree now! You don't want to be the last one and get stuck with a Charlie Brown tree. Actually, I don't think I'd mind it. I'd give it a good home. Then me and some people would gather around it and make it look awesome, then sing up to the sky "Hark! The Herald Angel Sing." (For more fun interesting trees like on the left, check out World's Most Unusual Trees.)


There's no sense in watching those Christmas specials on TV when you have them on DVD already. I'm just saying. I must comment on the brilliance of Stephen Colbert's Christmas Spectacular I watched this weekend. Totally a must if you are a fan of his show and his brand of humor.


It still makes me ask the question, which I still never get a response to, why aren't their Thanksgiving carols? I wrote an article about this for a school paper, and instead of getting answers I gained a following who echoed my question and agreed that Christmas and Halloween overshadow the holiday, as well as the general Autumn or harvest themes absorbing the feasting of turkeys and thanksgivinginess. Even these years later, I've succumbed to society's treatment of the Day to Give Thanks, and consider going to the Mart just to watch madness live and unadulterated. On second though, I'll stay home and sleep and stick to online or middle-of-the-day during the middle-of-the-week shopping when stores are less full. Not that I have much shopping to do, I did a lot of it during the year. I'm good like that, yes yes y'all!


There are pictures and links to new poems on the way, I'm just waiting for a package so I can group that post altogether so we can all see the newness together. Deal?

11.22.2008

indoob goes twitter

I've given in to another trend of the times. I keep hearing about this Twitter business, so I started one mere moments ago. I don't have many friends on it right now. In fact, the 1st guy I don't even know but sent me a friend's request on Facebook about a year ago. I still haven't accepted. Anyone else familiar with an Uncle Shag? He's not my uncle. I don't know who the stank he is. Maybe he created Twitter? I don't know.

What I do know is that it's way later than I'm normally awake and that's because I fell asleep from around 10pm to 1am. Oh yeah, it was a wild Friday night for me indubitably. I won't get into details of the unadulterated events. Actually, prior to my late night nap I had a fun day eating Stuffed Crust pizza with a belated birthday girl, venturing the mall with their pre-Christmas sales, coming home to do 2 hours of overtime work, then watching Tropic Thunder with commentary by the stars. Oh, and there was some mountain climbing and paintball gunning involved too. Lies. All of it were outright lies and I apologize. But hey, to get to my Twitter thingy just remember twitter.com/indoob so go check on it from time to time.

In any event, here I am blabbing away as usual about nothing in particular. Except about my new Twitter which I can now update via my phone. Actually, I'm able to update this blog with my phone, but I think with Twitter, it's built with text messages in mind, whereas regular blogs are not. Still, you can catch my latest up-to-date adventures on the side bar, and feel free to follow me and I may be inclined to follow you if you have one. I may actually be doing something worth Twittering about, which may find it's way in the next blog entry I write. Even if it doesn't, it's great for nosey people or those who just want a one sentence response to "what are you doing?" I'll refrain from bathroom adventures unless of course my pyromania returns and I feel the urge to light something on fire in the bath tub. I no longer have pictures of my last bout of excitement, but it was fun. It was also a good use to get rid of bad cologne.

Before I go, check out CommonCraft.com and their videos to break down things in simple terms for people like you and me to understand. They have a video about Twitter which encouraged me... So give it a look-see. Also, check out KarenJLloyd.com who is an expert storyboard artist, which I am beginning to feel is an under appreciated field once you realize how important this job is to the filmmaking process. I'm mentioning these two sites because they are further encouragement to me on how to tell better stories. More so Karen's blog than CommonCraft, but she explains that you can tell a really good story with stick figures, and CommonCraft gets the point across very effectively. Hey, I give props where props are due. (Plus she gave me a plug on her blog, it's about time I mention hers). And I think in December, I'll start work on a new writing project and seriously commit some time to completing my next script or scripts. I must remember to start small. Then, with my arsenal of scripts, I could rule the world! Muahahaha! Wow, I need to go to bed...

11.21.2008

fripodding and dining

I had my first staff meeting at an off-site location on Wednesday. Just to break it down a bit further, "off-site" means not in or around the office. With most of my team being work-at-home, it seems like a really good idea to do. And I will agree that it was a good idea! We had our luncheon at one of my semi-favorite place's to eat: Chili's. It's "semi" now due to the ever changing menu and me not going as often as I once did. It's still a great place. And there's a picture of some of my fun times on this blog back a few months ago. Anyway, the meeting wasn't really business related. With everyone being at their home all the time, we forget what each other look like or what they're doing. I personally don't mind turning invisible. The only times that's impossible for me is at church and when I was at Purchase in certain areas.

Later today, more like an hour from now, I'll be dining at one of my top favorite pizza joints. The one and only Pizza Hut. Oh Pizza Hut, how I love thee. Shall I count the ways? No, not right now. It is sad these places are disappearing. Sometimes you'll get the Pizza Hut Express which everyone tells me is crap and not worth it, but c'mon! It's the closest to Pizza Hut pizza until I make it to an official hut! At least we are getting an IHOP built closer to us. Oh IHOP, how I love thee...

Today's friPod iPick is an actual band. I've been iPodding this band all week since I heard a little diddy called This Ain't a Scene, It's an Arms Race. Actually, what I was listening to was a Kanye West remix, then I finally dove into the band's catalogue, something I was supposed to do a year or so ago since they were on my list of artists to check out.

I'm talking about Fall Out Boy. A band that has been labelled "emo" to "alternative rock" and a whole bunch of other things I may or may not understand or agree with. Actually, I've heard many people complain that these boys aren't "rock" at all, but how can one define such a genre? At one point, Chuck Berry was considered rock. How would I define it? Well if you can rock out, then it's a rock band. I can rock out to The Temptations, John Legend, Panic at the Disco, Daft Punk, Justice... The list can go on.

But F.O.B. is our topic today. I've been particularly infatuated with their last album, Infinity on High. Their new album Folie a Deux. There's no doubt I'll pick up that album either via iTunes or Wal-Mart, whoever has more tracks. Some of you know what I'm talking about. Having heard parts of their first two albums and all of Infinity and having seen most of their music videos, this is a band I really enjoy all day long.

I will say that they have elements of screamo is some of their songs... basically just screaming lyrics and I needed to fins the lyrics to translate. I could do without all that screaming, but hey... I guess it works for them. As for their lyrics, Pete Wentz is responsible for most of them. And if you read them, they are rather cryptic. At least they are to me. Some I can figure out, but that might be due to having already been told what the theme of the song is about. I also wanted to know the lyrics because the music is so good, I wanted to sing along but couldn't figure out the words. The Carpal Tunnel of Love is a good example. I'd link it to the music video, but I'm not a fan of the video. Just my opinion, find it on your own. Just shield the eyes of your children. Most of their songs have interesting titles too, some with their own back stories. Another well liked song, Thnks Fr Th Mmrs. A bit hit of theirs actually. Funny video too. By the way, they are friends with the other bands on their record label including Panic at the Disco and Gym Class Heroes, so don't be surprised to see them in their videos.

I will link you to a cover of Michael Jackson's Beat It which I really like, and one of their newer singles I Don't Care with the band being a crazy band. I enjoy driving to this song, but I amazing don't have road rage. Imagine that. Ooo! Pizza Hut time!

11.18.2008

summer cinema blockbusters = winter home entertainment

It took me a few years to realize it, but that tends to be how summer movies work. I say this only because I just came home from Hollywood Video with my new Tuesday releases Wall-e and Tropic Thunder. I also picked up Kung Fu Panda, a movie that came out a week or so ago but I forgot about. I managed to miss all of these (and a few others) when they were in theaters. Shame on me, I know. But I got to see the mega hits like Iron Man, Indiana Jones, Wanted and The Dark Knight, so that's all that matters (not really).

As the weather starts to turn into it's typical New Englandy cool-down (and lately it's been struggling to get there with stubborn spring-like temps every other day), I once again reminisce about my Purchase days and the theory--or philosophy--my buddy Ryder shared with me about the opposite sex that lived on campus. This actually could translate to other places besides college, like maybe the mall, but basically once it gets cold, all the pretty girls tend to stay inside. (This doesn't mean they never come out, since we still need to get to class. And it doesn't mean we are excluding less attractive women either. We weren't that shallow. But we had our preferences.) The trick is to get friendly with these hibernating ladies before the snow falls so they are snuggling up with you somewhere warm in a dorm room or house or something. Even though I was at Purchase for a year, this theory seemed to be true. There really weren't as many girls roaming the courts when it was cold and snowy unless it was necessary. The dorms were all connected with underground tunnels that also went to the dining hall, so that was a popular option for everyone, even if the food was... blah? But 'twas another chance to find more cuddle buddies.

And what better way to pass the snuggle time than with a warm summer blockbuster now on DVD? Well, actually watching old classics or TV shows on DVD worked just fine, sometimes better. What else may go on during these cuddly snuggly times I don't think I need to discuss, this is a college atmosphere I'm describing. As eccentric as the Purchase is, it's still college. But the great thing about that place is how movies of all kinds, old and new, domestic and foreign, would bring people together. Well, until Christmas break.

Reviews of the movies above will be (or have been) posted on my MySpace, per usual once the film has been viewed and I feel like writing about it.

11.14.2008

fripodding and changing

So I guess I'm still on my charity kick. Not a bad thing, but I enjoy writing the more light heart hearted material. I'll save the heavy stuff for those moving scenes in my movies. Speaking oh which, I'm formulating a plan in which I'll write short scripts for myself when I do podcasts. (Actually, I'm not sure if they'll be officially "podcasts" but it'd be cool if I could... and just the thought of me being in YOUR iPod... gives me chills all over my body. OoooOOoooo! Yeah, it's like that... which is a bit creepy... sorry.) Anyway, I'll bring my movie reviews to the Workforce, but after I'll actually film myself talking about it. I'd do it now, but I lack the capability of transferring video to PC... and I'm not about to just buy some run of the mill webcam when I know I can do better. In the meantime, I'll hone in on other crafts until I can afford that (and a Mac). The podcasts (which will have a special name all its own) will contain other fun things besides reviews... but we'll talk about that bridge when it's in sight.

Back to charity... Today's friPod iPick hails from the King... of Pop. And I'm sure it's some what inspired by the King... the Reverend. It's none other than the #1 hit in the '88 (and no, I don't remember it at the time, but I'm quite fond of it now), Michael Jackson's "Man In The Mirror" and I even provided a link which I wasn't going to do because EVERYONE should know this song.



The video is taken from the Moonwalker home video that was released back in his prime. I've watched it several times, I don't hide the fact that I'm a long time fan. I will say that at the time, I didn't know what or who were in most of those clips interlaced in the video. In fact, I didn't even really know what the song was about, but for some reason it made me wanna cry a little bit just because I could feel the emotion in the song. While it "randomly" iPodded the other day at work, it brought back a flood of memories like it normally does when I hear it. Then iSaac decided to keep repeating the song, what a weird iPod it is.

And it's a great song I love to lampoon because it's hard to translate some of his lyrics from what you actually hear, that is, if you don't know the song very well. At times I feel as though I'm singing with my teeth clenched. (Yes, I've sung this song many times in my room and in front of the mirror. Don't act like you haven't. Maybe not to this song, but there's something on Jackson's discography that makes you go into concert.) And of course there's the infamous "cha'mon!" Oh, these were the days. He practically ruled the world at this time. This is a time I was growing up listening to him and watching people go nuts. People don't pass out at concerts anymore. What a waste of money. Go see MMJ and you faint, then you're carried off to who knows where. And this dude has always been original with his wardrobe. I couldn't pull off have his outfits. But he did tend to pull them off. This is during the time he was... uh... fit? Young. We'll go with young. Can you believe this dude is 50? Have you seen my childhood?... (His? Yes.) I jest.

Again, I digress. With these times of change, I thought this song would be fitting. Even though we are looking for change from our new President, we must not forget that change starts with us. So go find a mirror right now (well, wait until you're done reading) and ask that man or woman or whatever to change their ways. (If the image talks back to you... I can't help you.) We all want, or should want to see this world change for the better and that can't happen if you don't do anything about it. Whether it's helping the environment, a wee child, your next door neighbor, their next door neighbor, a squirrel or the less fortunate: make that change.

11.12.2008

why i don't miss driver's ed class (a true story)

Yesterday I took my dreaded driver re-training class brought to you by CT DMV. Actually, A Better Connecticut Driver, but who's really keeping track of names? It's still a 4 hour class that's pretty much a refresh of something I learned 6 years ago. People who get caught speeding, running lights, stops signs, etc. have to take this class or get their license suspended. What I learned is that there are all kinds of people out there offending the traffic laws. Besides me, 25 multi-colored-personalities of fun! Fortunately for me, I got to sit at the same table with the chief offender. But we'll get to that in a bit.

This class took place at a local hotel (which actually was a nice blessing since some students had driven a considerable distance whereas I only took about 5-10 minutes). We were all packed into one of the smaller banquet rooms with tiny 3 people-per-table settings. I got there early due to the lady on the phone telling me the doors would be closed and locked had I gotten there a minute past the start time (she told me 5:45 sharp, in actuality it started at 6pm, and I just made it by 5:30... but at least I got a good seat).

OH!! Before we get to the hotel, let me tell you about before I got there. Per the lady on the phone, I had to pay with a money order of $60. (Which brings my total speeding offense to about $360.) So I went to the local money order place I knew of, a 24 hour store down the street from my house that I normally got money orders from. I rarely buy them, and I rarely use checks. So this is somewhat of a hassle for me, but I deal with it. It's about 5pm and the dude says the machine that does money orders is only on in the morning. I'm thinking... WHAT THE STANK?! I don't say it, but I want to. And I feel anger and frustration but I'm too much in a hurry to demand explanations.

I drive down to the grocery store thinking they might have my needs and call my mom on the way, looking for other options. She suggests a pawn shop the opposite way. I love my mom. She was correct. I get there and tell the dude I need a money order and begin to pull out the plastic. He stops me before I go any further to alert me its a cash only deal. It didn't dawn on me at the time. I mean c'mon, it's a pawn shop. He suggests the 24 hour store down the street has an ATM. The same one that turned off their money order machine. Big sigh.

I'm back at the 24 hour store and head straight to the ATM. I pay me stupid $2 to get $80, then grab a Pepsi to break one of the $20s so I have change to buy the money order. (Silly me, before leaving the house I could've grabbed $.60 to avoid this transaction, but the Pepsi comes in handy later.)

I'm back at the pawn shop, I get my money order, and I travel to the hotel. Had I not gone back and forth, I would've been there much earlier. But early birds get the better seats, once you find the room anyway. I helped an older gentleman find the same room too.

Walking in those rooms at evening hours gave me unsettling memories of when I was swindled out out $500 for a pyramid scheme. I don't wanna talk about it.

There's only 3 people in the room when I get there. Three older guys. In my head, being a young guy, I was hoping for some hot girls that happened to be bad drivers. Hey, I can dream. As the time got closer to 6, the room filled up with mostly older men. And what women that did come in, weren't really in my league. One such dude gave me hope when he came in, telling me the last time he had to come to such a class, it was full of girls. He knew me from high school, and he did look familiar, but still after he told me his name, I was drawing a blank. Alas, that night it was the opposite of hot girls.

I don't really like talking about people since I never know who might read this, but one such person who sat at my table... Let me put it like this, I'd never attack a woman. But this woman I think I wanted to duct tape her entire face. I'd leave holes to breathe through and maybe one eye hole, but deep inside, I didn't care much for her. (I wouldn't really do it. Just the sound of the duct tape would make me happy.) If the reason isn't clear, it's because she kept talking. Even before the class started, she was on her cell phone talking to whoever about who knows what. Wasn't really considerate to the others around her even though class didn't start. But while the teacher talked, she had comments. Not helpful or insightful. More along the lines of trying to be humorous. It came off as annoying. Perhaps it was thinking out loud. And when we did the tests? Between reading out loud and pointing out typos, I longed for escape. (I'll throw in the fact she felt like she wasn't supposed to be in this class due to her getting a ticket and it not being her fault. I lost so much interest that I don't remember the specific details of her offense.)

I'm missing a point here. I was at one end of the table, she was at the other. A kind lady sat between us. Like I said, it was cramped as it is. I don't think the lady at the end of the table would've lived very long if the class was 5 or 6 hours. And think, all I wanted to do was duct tape her. I could see the stress and frustration the lady next to me was feeling. She did the best she could to keep it inside, but she was also good with the sarcasm or gestures of "I really hate you right now, please don't speak to me" while smiling or brushing her off completely. At one point she turned to her and said she was giving a little too much class participation when the lady commented on why she doesn't like seat belts. (The lady was a rather large lady, especially in the chest area, and complained TO THE CLASS about having to get out of the seatbelt should there be an accident due to her, um, largeness.)

What made it worse was the dude who knew me (and sat in front of me) was part of the problem, kind of talking or commenting to her or her comments. He was actually making comments all all night to everyone and the teacher and even started a conversation with the teacher about being a teacher. This caused an unseen man in the back to blurt out "Get on with it!" Ironically enough, we just covered road rage.

The other pain we all endured was a man who didn't seem like he followed the whole program. That wasn't the problem I, or others, had with him. It was the coughing. Perhaps it was a smokers cough. I'm not sure. But it was a cough that sounded worse each time he did it. And by worse, I mean it was longer, louder and... uh... moister. I don't want to get too graphic. It just got unpleasant. I wouldn't have been surprised if he coughed up a shoe. In fact, I hoped he would so that way maybe we'd know and be aware "Okay, this guy had a shoe in his lung. Now he'll be quiet and okay the rest of the night."

The whole night could've been a lot worse. I don't want to imagine how. But at least now I'm done with the cops, the DMV and their fees for everything. I will do the best I can to avoid speeding, mostly so I can avoid sitting through another class, and spending hours with people I probably won't ever meet again. God forbid, but how ironic would it be if any of us got into an accident with each other?

11.09.2008

'tis the season

So I've been having the hardest time writing this particular post, because as most Indoobians know, I go into great detail, painting wordy pictures just to get to a point. And each time I begin writing this one, I go from talking about a lost article/essay I wrote for a high school newspaper, to childhood memories and epiphanies after watching a favorite Christmas-themed film from my youth, to how I've learned to cherish and appreciate my dearest loved ones and the material things I've been blessed with over the years. All and all, the post got seriously mushy and sentimental. Like a movie found on the Hallmark channel. And that is a stone's throw away from Lifetime! [Shudders.] Granted, having some sensitive material isn't harmful and shows that I do have a caring heart from time to time, but I want this blog to put smiles on the faces containing eyes that are reading. So all that stuff isn't bad... I just don't feel like writing that today. Plus I have a reputation to uphold being a lovable sarcastic smart mouthed jerk.

So I'll save my count-your-blessings and APPRECIATE speech for another day (because there are some people who really need to look at their life so far and realize they have nothing to complain about). Instead, I'm going to talk a little bit about charity.

With the festive holidays fast approaching, I don't want people to forget about the less fortunate. I went to the mall, as I usually do every few weeks, just to wander around and my friend noticed what she called "the baby tree." It's got wishes from children (actually children and adults) who are in hospitals, shelters, or being sponsored by foundations or something. These are hanging from the tree like ornaments, and the wishes are what that child wants.

My friend does this kind act every year, picking a boy and girl. I immediately decided to pick one too, so I looked for a wish that wouldn't make me broke... like a PS3 game, and wasn't too general... like "educational toy." I picked an 8-year old boy who wanted a book of all the maps of the world. Simple, specific and convenient. The tree was set up a few feet outside of Borders! So my crew and I went in search for a book, and found one in the kids' section with the help of a tall salesperson who looked like he goes surfing in the summer. Buying the book was a good feeling. Similar to warm and fuzzies. Fortunately it wasn't mold I had eaten this time. After the purchase, I dropped it off at the information desk like instructed on the little card I detached from the tree along with the original wish. The lady there seemed frustrated before I got there about something, but apparently by me giving this gift, it cheered her up tremendously, like I got the book for her or something. Silly lady. It's for the kiddies!

I keep saying this, but I really need to start bringing my camera with me and taking pictures to document these random adventures specifically for Indoobian purposes. Plus this would prove I leave the house and I do have friends.

So to conclude what I attempted to not be a long post: don't be afraid to do a random act of kindness, even when money is involved, and especially around this time of the year. Pay it forward, anyone? More on charity another day. In complete unrelated news, I'll debut a fresh new poem later this week. Maybe poems... maybe.

11.07.2008

fripodding and celebrating like a champion

Where to begin in the epic story of the week that was?

First of all, I must say that last Halloween was a blast for me, doing my annual DJ gig, playing good music for 3-4 hours straight for kids and adults to have fun to. The Jackson 5 was revisted. Pictures were taken, but I wasn't in any of them, so I won't share them. Don't get a hissy fit with me! I'm important too, ya know. Plus, I need a new MySpace picture, especially with me in action. I was Tito.

Monday I had computer issues. I had to upgrade a program I use for work. Sadly, it wasn't working, therefore I couldn't work. It was bittersweet. It gave me time to rewatch what may now be my favorite foreign film The Man Who Copied. If you've never heard of it, I suggest you Netflix it immediately. It hails from Brazil and stars Leandra Leal whom I've developed a hopeless crush over. I actually should dedicate a post for the movie alone. Anyway, I watched it a couple times picking up things I never noticed before as well as being re-inspired to fulfill my dream in wanting to tell the world stories through my writing and eventual filmmaking. My computer program finally worked correctly eventually, so that's great.

Tuesday. I said it before, I'm a news junkie. CNN.com is a friend on my work computer. I couldn't stop checking it all day long. I don't know why. I did my vote thing around 10ish. No lines. Awesome. A cute girl was working there, but no game was played. It's hard to do moves when you're with you mom, plus I think it would just annoy the worker. I really wanted to go back home anyway. After work, I ran out to rent some movies because I couldn't imagine watching the news from 7PM until who knew when. Even I need a break sometime. But my dad and I kept tabs on our laptops while we watched movies. Then my dad channel surfed until I decided to go to my room to watch Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert tell me the Earth-shattering news. I wish I was at someone's party or out in the streets. I really did. This needs a post all it's own, which I sort've addressed Tuesday night. But this can lead into today's friPod's iPick.

I've actually been waiting to talk about this song for a while. But after Tuesday, the message behind this song is clear: Kanye West's "Champion." I'm just going to throw this out now, as of today, I don't care too much for his new toy he likes to use in his songs. But hey, the same thing happened when music video directors discovered the fish-eye lense. And bullet-time. I still like bullet-time though.

I don't care much for the video, however it is very creative with Kanye as a puppet training to be a champion. Once again, I'd post it, but embedding is disabled. Watch and listen to the video here.

I actually made a playlist with iSaac featuring Champion-esque song. But this song is very uplifting, inspiring and empowering for me. It keeps me ambitious and working hard to achieve greatness. Furthermore, as the chorus suggest: did you realize that you were a champion in their eyes? And yes, after much reminding, I did realize that. And the eyes are those of children, peers and my family whom support me. So this song is a reminder as to who I'm working for, so to speak. Would you like to see the Champion Playlist? It's not long, and by no means is it complete. I don't think an average playlist is complete until you can fit it into a CD. Unless its for a specific event... like a 3-5 hour Halloween party. iSaac actually has the playlist called "champion beats" since I built the list on strong bass and/or drumlines. Not all of them had champion messages though*. Regardless--
  1. Champion Requiem - Mos Def
  2. Champion - Kanye West
  3. Move On Up - Curtis Mayfield
  4. We Want Your Soul - Andre 3000*
  5. I Need You - Alicia Keys*
  6. Hostile Gospel Pt. 2 - Talib Kweli
  7. Grammy Family - Consequence feat. DJ Khaled, Kanye West & John Legend
Like I said, it's a short playlist and I haven't added to it... yet. But that's what keeps me in a champion mind set, and Kanye is a good role model for that. Interestingly enough, he has a connection to every artist on that playlist. But we'll play that game another day.

Lastly, there's a poem I've been working on that also deal with the champion theme, but unfortunately I didn't finish it in time to go along with this post. Nevertheless, when it's complete, I shall make it known and also restate a revised playlist, hopefully.

Happy Friday all.

11.04.2008

WOOT

As I told my instant-friend Kathy moments ago, I'm so excited that I could pee.


PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA.


I know my vote counted.


Yes. Yes. Y'all.

votember 4th

Hey. Um... If you haven't already, go out and vote. If you don't, then you don't have the right to complain about anything. I don't know about you, but even though I don't complain much (except for here), I at least want my right to complain. At least I can say about our current president that I did not vote for him.

I'm really sleepy for some reason. I'm not sure who I can complain to about that problem.

And due to my sleepiness, I wish I was a full-time paid writer. That way, I can sleep whenever I want (almost), and then wake up to tap away at my computer creating lovely stories/poems/etc.

On a related note, I'm re-titling my "Writing Retreat" project to "Three 1/2 Stars". Unfortunately, I can't find any stars in a font. I've searched every webding and wingding I have... and nothing. Asterisks don't work for what I want either. Sigh. Oh well, I'll deal with it later. The story is more important than the title anyway.

But back to the topic at hand... 'Tis election day. Do your civil duty! Well, just as long as you are allowed to. Like... if you are 17 you are exempt, or if you've been in jail, or if you live in another country, or if you cease to exist. If you don't fit those categories... VOTE! Or I will beat you up. Friday. 3PM at the flagpole. That's not a threat.

Oh yeah, I forgot to say "Yes we can!"

11.02.2008

disc jockeying

Would you like to travel with me to another official Purchase College memory? Of course you would! I'll make it brief and not too un-relatable.

Basically I'm longing for my days of being on the radio. Even a college run radio station (which is nice to hone in on a craft). I think having this Indoob blog is the next best thing I have until I start podcasting (who knows when that will be). Or when I get the nerve to do my own Internet radio station broadcast (once I remember what website has that). But I remember my... hmmm... 4-5 shows I had in the beginning of '05... My, those were good college times. I even had the perfect schedule where I only schooled 3 days a week. But that had nothing to do with the radio.

It'd be no shocker I played the heaviest metal I could find, and being a liberal arts college station, they didn't care much about censorship. Okay... so I lied. Not about the censorship, but most Indoobians would know by now my brand of music. The only thing I seem to detest these days is country music UNLESS certain terms are met. Usually Shania Twain had to be involved. But that's another story.

I ran into New Eden Radio tonight by way of someone I once talked to online some time ago. I doubt if she remembers me, but if she does, plus points for her! Anyway, it turns out she's now a DJ for the station, so I checked out the live stream. Not bad. She goes by DJ Blue Eyes. (I'm going to guess the "Eyes" is spelt with a "z" cuz that's how all the kewl kidz do it 2day. (And yes it hurts to purposely misspell those words.)) So by checking out this site and giving her show some ratings, I would recommend this to a few people because of the music she plays. Not my favorite cup of tea, but it's tea I can drink and even suggest to others. I'm in it more for how the DJ communicates with the audience. I like banter. Good banter is hard to find. (This coming from the guy who rarely listens to the radio since he works at home and always listens to an iPod he named iSaac.)

But back to my memory story! I never liked being alone on my show. So my most favorite and popular guest co-host was DrugFree. He actually had his own show which he hosted with someone else (but had me as a special guest a couple of nights and we'd take turns plugging each other's shows). I must say that it's so much more fun having someone else on the air to talk to. I tried talking to the person on the other side of the glass, the "producer," but they were never listening. Anyway, my buddy (Rich was his real name) and I would talk about random but relevent things going on at the time, or campus life. At times it ended up becoming a comedy routine and I think I ended up playing the straight man, chock full of sarcasm. But it worked. My parents surprised me one night, calling me during my show to tell me they were listening to the Internet stream (they were about an hour away at home). They remarked on the conversation we had about eating potato chips on the air, and if we should've been eating them at all while being on the air or even in the booth. Needless to say, you had to be there. I wish I could've gotten recorded copies of our shows... but alas, that wasn't possible. Both our shows had a small fan base. DrugFree's show ended up going to TV while I moved back to Connecticut and discovered filmmaking (which was partially introduced thanks to my major in broadcast communications). Soul Sundays with Sterling Silver would've been a great show... if I stayed.

The moral of this story is that my dream of being a radio DJ/personality is not dead. Sterling Silver with rock the airwaves once more. I'm a fan of morning shows, since they have fun people up. I mean it's only like a 4 hour block, right? Then I can spend the rest of the day doing whatever I want. Like filmmaking. But my show would be awesome! It would be mighty! And of course I'd have fun people on the show with me, even if some of those people weren't "real" ...meaning, characters I've made up that would be great exclusively for radio... such as Jamal Jamal. Wouldn't you love to know about that guy? Sure... but not tonight.