Well, as of Friday, I ended my first semester of College life. It was a lot of fun, full of ups and downs (Including my laptop breaking on me. Oh, by the way; Guess what I'm using right now?! :D ), but I can't really complain. Given what little I had to go on by stories told to me, I didn't expect much in the way of experiences, but I have to say that I was blown away. It was both easy and challenging. I made friends, I discovered old ones (Hell, my old HS Teacher attends UMD!!!) and really I have to admit; It was a f*cking blast.
Now, I still have things I need to do. I have to decide if the classes I registered for are truly what I want. I have to find out when the next semester actually STARTS, I have to buy books for next semester, etc. But most importantly, I need to find someone who will tell me WHAT THE HELL I NEED TO DO, in order to get both my Teaching Certificate, and get my BA in History and English (Or possibly Literature. I dunno if I can even TAKE Literature as a Second Major. Help me out, anyone? Anyone who might still look at this thing?)
My semester ended on a lower note than I had hoped for, what with my final... Final (Is that even a fecking SENTENCE?) being Math and, let's face it, I suck at Math. Even 080 Math. But before that, I got an ego boost. What I considered one of my worst works ever because it was so incredibly rushed and informal as an essay was praised as one of my best yet BECAUSE it was informal. Nothing feels better to a writer than hearing that someone loves your work, despite its flaws. Someone who can give you advice on how to get rid of those flaws. And hearing that I was one of the best writers in COMP class was a bonus. I know I'm a good writer and all, but I didn't think I was that good!
Anyways, I need to get back to writing the short story I'm writing for the Writing Contest (How many "Writing"s were in that sentence, exactly? Ha ha ha). Maybe I'll post it up here once I'm finished? Hm. Maybe.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and God Bless you all. Even if Ya'll don't read this anymore.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
Music
Now's the time of the year when usually I would put up my favorite Christmas songs, just to get everyone in the mood for the upcoming Holiday. I like that tradition of mine, really I do. But because we won't be able to see each other's blogs or won't bother to care about them much longer, I've put up ALL of the songs listed on ProjectPlaylist for one of my favorite bands of all time; Austrian Death Machine.
They take some getting used to, but their songs are hilarious. Why? Because EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM is based on an ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER line. My Personal favorite is 'GET TO DA CHOPPA!' along with "Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers". So have fun and enjoy the hilarity and AWESOME that is "Austrian Death Machine".
They take some getting used to, but their songs are hilarious. Why? Because EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THEM is based on an ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER line. My Personal favorite is 'GET TO DA CHOPPA!' along with "Rubber Baby Buggy Bumpers". So have fun and enjoy the hilarity and AWESOME that is "Austrian Death Machine".
The Confederacy in Media
Well, while watching the Big Screen Adaptation of "The Dukes of Hazzard", I noticed that the companies that were sponsoring it decided to edit out the Confederate Flag on top of the General Lee the best they could. This brings me to question just what has changed between the old TV Show that was airing (As Reruns, mind you) when I was younger (Read: 9 years old, so 1999-2000) and today when it comes to Censorship?
When I was younger, They didn't try their best to edit that image off of the top of the General because that's what made the General Lee what it was - It was a symbol NOT "Southern Rebellion" or Slavery, but the fun of what being Southern could bring. What living in a small town could give you - Memories.
That's partly why I loved that show. I have memories of coming home and sitting in the floor, doing homework while watching Bo and Luke Duke jump over the countless rivers and chasms in Hazzard county. The hilarious caricatures of Boss Hogg and Roscoe were another part, as was the action scenes. But that's all besides the point.
For some reason, when the Confederacy is mentioned in the Media, it's always as "the bad Guys". Why? Are we still that sore about the whole thing that Anyone from the South is immediately a dumb hick who supports rebellion and hates the government? That the immediate idea of the Confederate States of America is so incredibly hateful that it's better to not think of them as human beings, but as slave-driving, hateful, ignorant devils?
I've seen the south. I've LIVED in the south for Christ's sake! Are people down there racist? Sure they are! But no more so than up here in Michigan! The only difference is that there's MORE racists in the southern states than up here. They're not Gung-Ho, for the most part. Problem is, people view all racists as Cross-Burning, "WHITE POWER!"-thumping, Shotgun-Humping Idjits. Yeah, Idjits.
We preach about equality and boast about loving each other equally, that no man is better than another in the Political realm or in the media. Then why is there such a bias against Southerners? What's wrong with you people?
When I was younger, They didn't try their best to edit that image off of the top of the General because that's what made the General Lee what it was - It was a symbol NOT "Southern Rebellion" or Slavery, but the fun of what being Southern could bring. What living in a small town could give you - Memories.
That's partly why I loved that show. I have memories of coming home and sitting in the floor, doing homework while watching Bo and Luke Duke jump over the countless rivers and chasms in Hazzard county. The hilarious caricatures of Boss Hogg and Roscoe were another part, as was the action scenes. But that's all besides the point.
For some reason, when the Confederacy is mentioned in the Media, it's always as "the bad Guys". Why? Are we still that sore about the whole thing that Anyone from the South is immediately a dumb hick who supports rebellion and hates the government? That the immediate idea of the Confederate States of America is so incredibly hateful that it's better to not think of them as human beings, but as slave-driving, hateful, ignorant devils?
I've seen the south. I've LIVED in the south for Christ's sake! Are people down there racist? Sure they are! But no more so than up here in Michigan! The only difference is that there's MORE racists in the southern states than up here. They're not Gung-Ho, for the most part. Problem is, people view all racists as Cross-Burning, "WHITE POWER!"-thumping, Shotgun-Humping Idjits. Yeah, Idjits.
We preach about equality and boast about loving each other equally, that no man is better than another in the Political realm or in the media. Then why is there such a bias against Southerners? What's wrong with you people?
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Lennon/Dimebag
Imagine, All You Need is Love, War Is Over, Revolution, All are amazing songs either written or sung by The man who has influenced me the most; John Lennon.
Cowboys From Hell, Walk, Cat Scratch Fever, all three are songs that a great guitar player played on; Dimebag Darrel.
Today is the anniversary of their deaths. Each was shot by a fan. When Lennon died, the world Cried and New York commemorates his passing with the word "Imagine" in Central Park. When Dimebag died, the Metal world was crushed, and we remember him through his music and through Pantera.
Everyone's had that moment when you heard about someone you cared about dying. Unfortunately, I don't have one for Lennon, but for Dimebag I was listening to Ted Nugent on the radio when I heard it on the News. A one minute spot on the news for a legendary guitarist.
So to remember these greats, I've put up music that I feel captures just who they were. I've colored this Playlist differently to get your attention to it. It'll stay up there for the next three days(Four days total counting today), one to honor each of them and one to honor the families who lost someone.
It might be a bit... odd to hear "Imagine" and "Cowboys From Hell" Playing back to back, but... just do it, so that the memory of Lennon and Dimebag doesn't get lost to the population.
Cowboys From Hell, Walk, Cat Scratch Fever, all three are songs that a great guitar player played on; Dimebag Darrel.
Today is the anniversary of their deaths. Each was shot by a fan. When Lennon died, the world Cried and New York commemorates his passing with the word "Imagine" in Central Park. When Dimebag died, the Metal world was crushed, and we remember him through his music and through Pantera.
Everyone's had that moment when you heard about someone you cared about dying. Unfortunately, I don't have one for Lennon, but for Dimebag I was listening to Ted Nugent on the radio when I heard it on the News. A one minute spot on the news for a legendary guitarist.
So to remember these greats, I've put up music that I feel captures just who they were. I've colored this Playlist differently to get your attention to it. It'll stay up there for the next three days(Four days total counting today), one to honor each of them and one to honor the families who lost someone.
It might be a bit... odd to hear "Imagine" and "Cowboys From Hell" Playing back to back, but... just do it, so that the memory of Lennon and Dimebag doesn't get lost to the population.
CHAPATAR ANALISIS FOR GREAT VICTORY!!! (A worthy analysis of a Chapter)
Chapter 4 in Writing Analytically was an interesting read. It was about reading, oddly enough. In the chapter, various forms of reading were covered. That is to say, techniques and ways to get more out of the words on the page were covered. For example, the chapter spoke about how to understand the passages and paragraphs, you have to understand the words and their meanings, and THINK about how and why a word was used. Beyond this, the chapter gave ways to further your understanding of a reading by outlining things such as Passage-Based Freewriting, Summarization (Hey, Lookit!), and paraphrasing.
The point to these techniques is stated fairly early on in the chapter. To understand the material, you have to write about and re-read the material. To do that you have to read it until you can talk about the material without going back to it to make sure your facts are straight. An interesting way of doing things to say the least. All in all, the chapter was a good read (Ironically), and definitely helped me to think about just how deep I get into the things I read (And by extension, the things I write).
The point to these techniques is stated fairly early on in the chapter. To understand the material, you have to write about and re-read the material. To do that you have to read it until you can talk about the material without going back to it to make sure your facts are straight. An interesting way of doing things to say the least. All in all, the chapter was a good read (Ironically), and definitely helped me to think about just how deep I get into the things I read (And by extension, the things I write).
Four Freedoms of FDR
We must take note when looking at any speech from any period of history of the political and international events surrounding it. When President Roosevelt made his famous speech in 1941 (Almost a year before he would deliver yet another speech to Congress regarding the attack on Pearl Harbor), America was still Isolationist. She was still helping the Allies by sending supplies and the like via the Lend/Lease program, but was not actively supporting any side by sending soldiers across the Atlantic Ocean to what was viewed as a "European War" and a "European Problem". This situation spawned FDR's speech on the Four Freedoms to try and rally the American populace to the Allies' Cause.
He talks in this speech about freedom of Speech, of Religion, from want, and from Fear. He is appealing to everyone's basic instincts and feelings. We all want to be able to worship whomever/whatever we wish, say whatever we wish, never need anything, and never be afraid. In his speech, FDR claims that the Axis powers will make sure we are afraid, that we cannot speak against them, that we cannot worship Xenu, and we shall all be skin and bones should they control the world.
Overall, I think the speech did it's job. It made it easier for people to accept the idea of going to war, even though they weren't ready to attack anyone just yet. The populace was in a nice, happy middle ground between wanting war and not wanting to help.
He talks in this speech about freedom of Speech, of Religion, from want, and from Fear. He is appealing to everyone's basic instincts and feelings. We all want to be able to worship whomever/whatever we wish, say whatever we wish, never need anything, and never be afraid. In his speech, FDR claims that the Axis powers will make sure we are afraid, that we cannot speak against them, that we cannot worship Xenu, and we shall all be skin and bones should they control the world.
Overall, I think the speech did it's job. It made it easier for people to accept the idea of going to war, even though they weren't ready to attack anyone just yet. The populace was in a nice, happy middle ground between wanting war and not wanting to help.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
The Expendables
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, I THINK I JUST DIED AND WENT TO ACTION FLICK HEAVEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Okay, so the plot is simple in this movie -.... Okay, so I don't know the plot, WHO NEEDS ONE!? Let's just rip a few things from IMDB, okay?
Directed by
Sylvester Stallone
Writing credits
(WGA)
Dave Callaham (screenplay) (as David Callaham)
Sylvester Stallone (screenplay)
Dave Callaham (story) (as David Callaham)
STARRING!!
Sylvester Stallone
Jason Statham
Jet Li
Dolph Lundgren
Eric Roberts
Randy Couture
Steve Austin
David Zayas
Giselle Itié
Terry Crews
Mickey Rourke
Bruce Willis
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Brittany Murphy
Danny Trejo
Charisma Carpenter
Gary Daniels
THERE IS NO WAY IN HEAVEN OR HELL THAT THIS MOVIE CAN SUCK!! SLY STALLONE, AHNOLD, AND BRUCE WILLIS ALL IN THE SAME MOVIE?! DEAR GOD, THIS IS AMAZING!
And now, without FURTHER ADO!... THE TRAILER FOR THE EXPENDABLES!
Okay, so the plot is simple in this movie -.... Okay, so I don't know the plot, WHO NEEDS ONE!? Let's just rip a few things from IMDB, okay?
Directed by
Sylvester Stallone
Writing credits
(WGA)
Dave Callaham (screenplay) (as David Callaham)
Sylvester Stallone (screenplay)
Dave Callaham (story) (as David Callaham)
STARRING!!
Sylvester Stallone
Jason Statham
Jet Li
Dolph Lundgren
Eric Roberts
Randy Couture
Steve Austin
David Zayas
Giselle Itié
Terry Crews
Mickey Rourke
Bruce Willis
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Brittany Murphy
Danny Trejo
Charisma Carpenter
Gary Daniels
THERE IS NO WAY IN HEAVEN OR HELL THAT THIS MOVIE CAN SUCK!! SLY STALLONE, AHNOLD, AND BRUCE WILLIS ALL IN THE SAME MOVIE?! DEAR GOD, THIS IS AMAZING!
And now, without FURTHER ADO!... THE TRAILER FOR THE EXPENDABLES!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Schindler's List
What can be said about "Schindler's List" that hasn't already been said by countless movie critics and others? Especially when contrasting the movie to the book "Oskar Schindler: The Untold Account of his Life, Wartime Activities, and the True Story behind The List". For starters, it is of no surprise to anyone that the movie is exceptional and is viewed as a very good depiction of Oskar Schindler. This is because of Mr. Spielberg's directing and Liam Neeson's acting for the most part. HOWEVER, while Spielberg's film is a great one, we can point out some stark contrasts (Ironic, since the entire movie is in Black and White and shows the contrasting qualities of traditional Nazis and Oskar Schindler) between the book and the film.
For example, the book notes that Schindler was a businessman first and foremost, and we see this in the movie as well, but to a lesser extent. More specifically towards the end, when Schindler breaks down crying over the dead Jews he couldn't save. From the book, we can tell that this man was, quite frankly, a hard ass. He was a jerk, a womanizer, a drinker, he didn't care about other people. Sure, his conscience takes over for a time and he begins to save Jews' lives by employing them (Employment which is much more peaceful and kind in the movie than in the book), but not for some 'holier than thou' purpose of self-sacrifice and nobility. No, We can assume and indeed the book does tell us that Oskar Schindler hired these Jews because they worked cheap, did their Jobs, he hated the SS, they were diligent workers, and he hated the SS.
So while the scene of Liam Neeson as Oskar Schinlder weeping over those whom he couldn't save is moving and very compelling to watch, the guy wasn't some sort of Superman. If anything, he saved the Jews out of an Obligation to simple Decency and to basically resist the SS and Gestapo's power because they treated him like utter Schisse.
For example, the book notes that Schindler was a businessman first and foremost, and we see this in the movie as well, but to a lesser extent. More specifically towards the end, when Schindler breaks down crying over the dead Jews he couldn't save. From the book, we can tell that this man was, quite frankly, a hard ass. He was a jerk, a womanizer, a drinker, he didn't care about other people. Sure, his conscience takes over for a time and he begins to save Jews' lives by employing them (Employment which is much more peaceful and kind in the movie than in the book), but not for some 'holier than thou' purpose of self-sacrifice and nobility. No, We can assume and indeed the book does tell us that Oskar Schindler hired these Jews because they worked cheap, did their Jobs, he hated the SS, they were diligent workers, and he hated the SS.
So while the scene of Liam Neeson as Oskar Schinlder weeping over those whom he couldn't save is moving and very compelling to watch, the guy wasn't some sort of Superman. If anything, he saved the Jews out of an Obligation to simple Decency and to basically resist the SS and Gestapo's power because they treated him like utter Schisse.
Kick-Ass
Well, this applies to the old post I made a while ago on how Detroit needs it's own Superhero. You know, the one where I listed off things you'd need to be a vigilante Caped Crusader?
Well, it seems there was a Comic book based on this idea, and now it's being turned into a movie staring McLovin and Nick Cage!
Ladies and Gents, I present to you - KICK-ASS!
Well, it seems there was a Comic book based on this idea, and now it's being turned into a movie staring McLovin and Nick Cage!
Ladies and Gents, I present to you - KICK-ASS!
Monday, November 30, 2009
COD FLAGABBIT! EEERACKIN' FRACKIN' DOUBLRACKIN'!
First off, I need to get this outta my system (Start it at 50 Seconds in);
I've had a terrible birthday. It started off great, don't get me wrong! But at 6 o'clock on the DOT, my Hard Drive on my Laptop crashed, taking my Vlogs from West Virginia with it, along with all of my pictures, my music, EVERYTHING. This pisses me off to no end, since I'll never get those videos back. COD FLAMMIT!
I've had a terrible birthday. It started off great, don't get me wrong! But at 6 o'clock on the DOT, my Hard Drive on my Laptop crashed, taking my Vlogs from West Virginia with it, along with all of my pictures, my music, EVERYTHING. This pisses me off to no end, since I'll never get those videos back. COD FLAMMIT!
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Happy Birthday
Hey ya'll. My Birthday tomorrow! How'm I celebrating you ask? By school of course! Ha haaaa! Sucks, don't it? How did we come about celebrating the anniversary of our birth, anyway? Probably stems from some Pagan ritual that the early Christians adopted to further their conversion tactics. Hell, that's how Christmas started, so... yeah. Heh.
Christians - we hate Pagans, but take their Holidays anyway!
Christians - we hate Pagans, but take their Holidays anyway!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Help Me out Here
Help me out here, Ya'll. Got a few decisions to make lately. Firstly, I have no idea what to do my Final Paper on for Comp. It's nagging at my nonstop. Plus the whole fact that I have to read another full book for Hist 102 and write a paper on THAT that's due in the next few weeks. Lovely time for all, eh?
But here's a problem I'm sure you guys can help out a bit more on - Patches. Ya'll have seen my Denim Jacket every day, but I'd like some help in both info on things and in Deciding. I've picked out a few Back Patches to go on the back of my Jacket, and I just want ya'll's opinions on what one I should use to be the Biggest Patch on my jacket.
Metallica 1
Judas Priest - Screaming for Vengeance
Metallica 2
Galactic Empire
Judas Priest - British Steel
Also, I may or may not get this one for the right shoulder;
Rogue Squadron
Imperial Pilot
But here's a problem I'm sure you guys can help out a bit more on - Patches. Ya'll have seen my Denim Jacket every day, but I'd like some help in both info on things and in Deciding. I've picked out a few Back Patches to go on the back of my Jacket, and I just want ya'll's opinions on what one I should use to be the Biggest Patch on my jacket.
Metallica 1
Judas Priest - Screaming for Vengeance
Metallica 2
Galactic Empire
Judas Priest - British Steel
Also, I may or may not get this one for the right shoulder;
Rogue Squadron
Imperial Pilot
Sunday, November 22, 2009
I've been a bit Sad lately
No, it's not the girl troubles mentioned so long ago (Though those still plague me, Its only because I'm so awesome, no girl can hope to compete with my awesomeness) but rather it's the realization that I can't fulfill my lifelong dream. And while I'm listening to "Dreams" by Van Halen, I'm reminded of Top Gun as I watched it when I was 7 years old. Oddly enough, I watched it last night, too.
But When I was 7, I saw Top Gun. It.... It changed my life, actually. The movie glorified Fighter Jocks, and I have to admit that I loved it. Growing up, I always wanted to buzz the tower just like Maverick in the movie! And I was convinced that one day, I'd be the greatest pilot that ever lived! Until 4th Grade. No, scratch that, It was 8th Grade that my dreams were dashed. Why? Well, in 4th Grade, I ended up having to get glasses. Now I thought nothing of it, and certainly didn't think it would impact my dreams of flying a Fighter Jet into the stratosphere! But in 8th Grade, as I started to approach the age of having to decide what I wanted to do with my life, I was torn between becoming a Teacher and being the Pilot I'd always wanted to be. So I did research. And found out that the Air Force doesn't accept people with Glasses as pilots.
Crushed my dreams. I'd spent all my life, dreaming about banking left to get ahead of the guy in front of me so I could take him out with a quick Sidewinder Missile. All for nothing.
And now, here in 2009, The realization that I'll never be Maverick hit me again. Now, that's not to say that I don't look forward to being a teacher - far from it. But.... it's still my dream, y'know? There's just something appealing, something... MAJESTIC, I should say, about soaring above the clouds in an F22 going five times the speed of sound. It sounds... peaceful, serene. LIke the only thing in existence, the only thing that matters is you and your bird. THere's no politics, there's no wars, no famine or disease, just you, the plane, and enough fuel for six hours or so.
And then you get the adrenalin rush of actual combat. Damn, that must be the greatest feeling in the world! And I have to miss out on it.
But When I was 7, I saw Top Gun. It.... It changed my life, actually. The movie glorified Fighter Jocks, and I have to admit that I loved it. Growing up, I always wanted to buzz the tower just like Maverick in the movie! And I was convinced that one day, I'd be the greatest pilot that ever lived! Until 4th Grade. No, scratch that, It was 8th Grade that my dreams were dashed. Why? Well, in 4th Grade, I ended up having to get glasses. Now I thought nothing of it, and certainly didn't think it would impact my dreams of flying a Fighter Jet into the stratosphere! But in 8th Grade, as I started to approach the age of having to decide what I wanted to do with my life, I was torn between becoming a Teacher and being the Pilot I'd always wanted to be. So I did research. And found out that the Air Force doesn't accept people with Glasses as pilots.
Crushed my dreams. I'd spent all my life, dreaming about banking left to get ahead of the guy in front of me so I could take him out with a quick Sidewinder Missile. All for nothing.
And now, here in 2009, The realization that I'll never be Maverick hit me again. Now, that's not to say that I don't look forward to being a teacher - far from it. But.... it's still my dream, y'know? There's just something appealing, something... MAJESTIC, I should say, about soaring above the clouds in an F22 going five times the speed of sound. It sounds... peaceful, serene. LIke the only thing in existence, the only thing that matters is you and your bird. THere's no politics, there's no wars, no famine or disease, just you, the plane, and enough fuel for six hours or so.
And then you get the adrenalin rush of actual combat. Damn, that must be the greatest feeling in the world! And I have to miss out on it.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Quick Write on "The White Rose"
"THOSE WHO DO NOT LEARN FROM HISTORY ARE DOOMED TO REPEAT IT". I dunno who said that, but it's truer than the day is long. Reading this short little diddy ('bout Jack and Di-aaaane), I couldn't help but think about how often people stand up for what is right in their minds, but not on the streets. Is it because we're afraid of people's perception of us or is it because we honestly don't care? Upon thinking about this even further, I came to the realization that it's both and it's neither (As odd as that sounds). On one hand, most people care too much about what other people think, about fitting in than being different and doing what they believe is right. But it's like John Lennon said, "I'm not going to change the way I look or the way I feel to conform to anything. I've always been a freak. So I've been a freak all my life and I have to live with that, you know. I'm one of those people.". I only hope that more people live by those words in the future.
However, there's another hand to this argumentative beast, isn't there (Or would it be paw in that case?)? I think that some people don't NOT care about what they are claiming to fight for, so much as I believe they don't care ENOUGH about it. Let's think about this - if someone were to say, "You can end the war in Iraq RIGHT NOW, but I have to shoot you here and now to do it" would you take that trade? Of course you SAY you would, you wanna sound all big and bad, like Bruce Willis in Die Hard. You wanna be the absolute BADASS, who'll kill and give their lives for their cause. But if someone actually holds a pistol TO YOUR SKULL, and says, "End the war. A life for a thousand!" how many of you would actually do that? Almost none, I can guarantee it. Why? Because we care about our lives just a little more than the lives of others.
However, there's another hand to this argumentative beast, isn't there (Or would it be paw in that case?)? I think that some people don't NOT care about what they are claiming to fight for, so much as I believe they don't care ENOUGH about it. Let's think about this - if someone were to say, "You can end the war in Iraq RIGHT NOW, but I have to shoot you here and now to do it" would you take that trade? Of course you SAY you would, you wanna sound all big and bad, like Bruce Willis in Die Hard. You wanna be the absolute BADASS, who'll kill and give their lives for their cause. But if someone actually holds a pistol TO YOUR SKULL, and says, "End the war. A life for a thousand!" how many of you would actually do that? Almost none, I can guarantee it. Why? Because we care about our lives just a little more than the lives of others.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Watchmen
Watching Watchmen right now. Badass movie. Kinda on the fence on who's better; Nightowl or Rorschach?
Friday, October 30, 2009
Just Realized
Well, it's 1:33 AM, and Metal Mania just came on VH1 Classic. First Music Video they show? Turbo Lover by Judas Priest (Awesome song, by the way. Music Video Rocks just as much). I just realized what that song's about, though - It's about SUHPRIZE BUTTSECKZ!
Seriously, the first lyrics are "You won't hear me, but you'll feel me".
Seriously, the first lyrics are "You won't hear me, but you'll feel me".
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Be Prepared!
So what's you guys's plan for Z-Day? You know, the day when Ghouls start roaming the earth, and the dead walk, feasting on human flesh? Personally, I'm grabbing my closest family and maybe a few friends and booking it to Oceana, WV.
It's a town of about 500 People, surrounded by mountains, and everyone has guns. So it's fairly safe. With some extra fortifications, it'd be perfect, really.
It's a town of about 500 People, surrounded by mountains, and everyone has guns. So it's fairly safe. With some extra fortifications, it'd be perfect, really.
Monday, October 26, 2009
IT'S HAPPENING!
THE END IS NIGH! STOCKPILE THE CHILDREN! PROTECT THE FOOD!
http://www.woi-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11379249&nav=menu115_2_9
(For those too lazy to click the link-
Man in Iowa City called a zombie, punched twice
Associated Press - October 25, 2009 10:24 AM ET
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Iowa City police are investigating an early morning assault in which a man accused another of being a zombie, then punched him twice.
Police say the assault occurred at 1:17 a.m. Sunday at an Iowa City restaurant south of the University of Iowa campus.
A man was ordering food when he was approached by another man who called him a zombie, then hit him in the eye. When the victim tried to call police on his cell phone, the man punched him again, breaking his nose.
The man then ran out a back door.
The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital.)
I WARNED YOU! I WARNED YOU AAALL! NEXT TIME YOU WON'T BE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SOMEONE AS PREPARED AS ME TO SAVE YOU ALL! NO ZOMBIE IS SAFE FROM CHICAGO TED!... I MEAN ME!
Obviously the man who punched the other one is an idiot. Everyone knows that you should never, ever, EVER!!!!!! Punch a zombie in the face!!! THAT'S ASKING TO BE INFECTED, YOU FOOL! Next time, Remove the head or Destroy the brain! USE A CROWBAR! THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE CALLS IT YOUR BEST FRIEND IN CASE OF AN OUTBREAK!
Let's only hope that the Iowa police can contain the situation and it doesn't spread further... We don't need Zombie Nuns terrorizin' our Streets, now do we?
http://www.woi-tv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11379249&nav=menu115_2_9
(For those too lazy to click the link-
Man in Iowa City called a zombie, punched twice
Associated Press - October 25, 2009 10:24 AM ET
IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Iowa City police are investigating an early morning assault in which a man accused another of being a zombie, then punched him twice.
Police say the assault occurred at 1:17 a.m. Sunday at an Iowa City restaurant south of the University of Iowa campus.
A man was ordering food when he was approached by another man who called him a zombie, then hit him in the eye. When the victim tried to call police on his cell phone, the man punched him again, breaking his nose.
The man then ran out a back door.
The victim was taken by ambulance to a hospital.)
I WARNED YOU! I WARNED YOU AAALL! NEXT TIME YOU WON'T BE SO LUCKY TO HAVE SOMEONE AS PREPARED AS ME TO SAVE YOU ALL! NO ZOMBIE IS SAFE FROM CHICAGO TED!... I MEAN ME!
Obviously the man who punched the other one is an idiot. Everyone knows that you should never, ever, EVER!!!!!! Punch a zombie in the face!!! THAT'S ASKING TO BE INFECTED, YOU FOOL! Next time, Remove the head or Destroy the brain! USE A CROWBAR! THE ZOMBIE SURVIVAL GUIDE CALLS IT YOUR BEST FRIEND IN CASE OF AN OUTBREAK!
Let's only hope that the Iowa police can contain the situation and it doesn't spread further... We don't need Zombie Nuns terrorizin' our Streets, now do we?
New Musics
Well, I felt kinda festive-ish, so I replaced the Playlist I had with one that's more Halloween-themed. However, I am missing a few other songs which should most definitely belong on there. Namely a lot of Black Sabbath/Heaven and Hell, Ozzy, and Rob Zombie.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Video Games as Legitimate Art
Okay, so I just finished the game Brütal Legend yesterday, right? And now, I'm thinking - are games more than just entertainment? Art is supposed to inspire emotion, right? A reaction from you is the artist's goal when he creates something.
Well, I cried during this game. Yeah, this game is fully Balls-to-the-wall, In-your-face, BRUTAL, HEAD BANGING METAL through and through, but there was a very touching love story in there. A love story which was very touching, and -
WARNING! ABANDONE ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE! SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PLAYED THE GAME YET!
- the point in which I cried was when Ophelia, the Main Character's Love interest commits suicide by jumping into the Sea of Black Tears while Ozzy's "Mr. Crowley" is playing IN PERFECT SYNC with it. I've never cried during a video game, or even that many movies for that matter. I'm just not the kinda guy to get attached to those things to the point of crying.
Now, let's get one thing straight right here - I wasn't sobbing like my dog had just been shot. This was one of those, "Damn... did... Did that really just happen?..." moments that just made me tear up and start that silent cry that all of us have now and then. But I almost never have those. So, this is kind of a big deal for me.
SPOILERS END HERE, NOW THAT I REALIZE IT
ANYWAYS, I'm rambling. My point is, if Art is supposed to evoke emotion, and a video game about killing demons and banging your head around made me feel honest to God sadness and emotional connections to characters, then does that make it art? Or is it still just Media Entertainment?
Well, I cried during this game. Yeah, this game is fully Balls-to-the-wall, In-your-face, BRUTAL, HEAD BANGING METAL through and through, but there was a very touching love story in there. A love story which was very touching, and -
WARNING! ABANDONE ALL HOPE YE WHO ENTER HERE! SPOILERS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT PLAYED THE GAME YET!
- the point in which I cried was when Ophelia, the Main Character's Love interest commits suicide by jumping into the Sea of Black Tears while Ozzy's "Mr. Crowley" is playing IN PERFECT SYNC with it. I've never cried during a video game, or even that many movies for that matter. I'm just not the kinda guy to get attached to those things to the point of crying.
Now, let's get one thing straight right here - I wasn't sobbing like my dog had just been shot. This was one of those, "Damn... did... Did that really just happen?..." moments that just made me tear up and start that silent cry that all of us have now and then. But I almost never have those. So, this is kind of a big deal for me.
SPOILERS END HERE, NOW THAT I REALIZE IT
ANYWAYS, I'm rambling. My point is, if Art is supposed to evoke emotion, and a video game about killing demons and banging your head around made me feel honest to God sadness and emotional connections to characters, then does that make it art? Or is it still just Media Entertainment?
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Midterm Evalutation of Awesomeness
Whelp, a midterm, eh? And an evaluation at that? Hot Damn! Hm. This is a bit tougher than I originally thought, I find now that I'm actually trying it. But no matter, right? Just a thing to do for a grade, AMIRITE LOLOLOLOLOL?! *Ahem*
Anyways, I think the class is going great so far. Not so much to talk about, actually, since all of the discussions we have (Albeit slow and very quiet...) are informative and insightful. I really do enjoy them, and also the lectures. It's fun to just hear one take on everything while also getting the information we need to make our own decision on what side of whatever topic we may be discussing at the moment we take.
I'm rambling, aren't I (Ramble On... Sing mah song... (Great now, it's stuck in my head))? I suppose so, but I'm entitled to ramble on about something everyone already knows.
Either way, I enjoy the class immensely, and am thankful to have learned all the stuff we've learned so far (For technicality reasons, the ones that come to mind first are ways to analyze a visual image and a literary passage, along with why people chose certain words over others, and "THE POWER OF WORDS!" (Echo, Echo, Echo))
The only thing I'm looking forward to at this point is some discussion on the Pacific Theatre of the war, primarily because my family fought in that theatre as opposed to the European one. I like learning about what was different between the two settings of the war.
I think that covers everything. I'm not entirely sure if it does or not, but it'll have to do. In the meantime, I need some Megadeth.
Anyways, I think the class is going great so far. Not so much to talk about, actually, since all of the discussions we have (Albeit slow and very quiet...) are informative and insightful. I really do enjoy them, and also the lectures. It's fun to just hear one take on everything while also getting the information we need to make our own decision on what side of whatever topic we may be discussing at the moment we take.
I'm rambling, aren't I (Ramble On... Sing mah song... (Great now, it's stuck in my head))? I suppose so, but I'm entitled to ramble on about something everyone already knows.
Either way, I enjoy the class immensely, and am thankful to have learned all the stuff we've learned so far (For technicality reasons, the ones that come to mind first are ways to analyze a visual image and a literary passage, along with why people chose certain words over others, and "THE POWER OF WORDS!" (Echo, Echo, Echo))
The only thing I'm looking forward to at this point is some discussion on the Pacific Theatre of the war, primarily because my family fought in that theatre as opposed to the European one. I like learning about what was different between the two settings of the war.
I think that covers everything. I'm not entirely sure if it does or not, but it'll have to do. In the meantime, I need some Megadeth.
Saturday, October 17, 2009
This Sucks
Well, given that now we all have homework because the majority of us believed that posting a simple few words once or twice a week was lame and not worth doing, I'd like to thank all of those who brought this on us.
Thanks for that. Now we have to balance book work, Papers from separate classes, Extracurricular Activties, AND Comp Homework every night! Thanks a lot, ya'll. Remind me to give ya'll a hug when I see ya, since I can't think of anything better to do with my time than assigned book work for Homework because ya'll are just TOO. DAMN. LAZY.
Truthfully, I don't think I should have to do the assigned homework. I don't think anyone who's been keeping up with their blogs should have to do it, actually. Why? Because we've been doing our Homework already. I believe that only those who haven't been doing their blogs should be required to do the Homework assigned since, like we were told, the blog WAS our Homework. Why should the people who did what they were told be punished for doing the "right thing"?
Is our class seriously still in that High School Mentality that you can not do your work and get away with it? Or that it's okay because you won't be the only one hurting? If it were me grading the Class, the blogs you didn't do will still be counted against ya'll, The Homework will be worth only half of what the blogs were worth, and to top it all off - I'd list the names of the people who didn't do their homework so that we all know who's responsible.
Oh, and for those of us who keep up with our blogs, I say, let the Blogs be our assignment still. It makes a bit more work for Kristi, but it's fair. It's unfair to the four or five of us who kept up with our blogs to have to do extra work because of some lazy folks in the Class.
In Closing-
WHAT THE HELL, GUYS?!
Edit: I should also note that I don't know exactly how many of ya'll still keep up on blogs. I only know of four or five of us, so if You keep your blogs updated (read: Your last post was at least a week ago) please don't take offense at my statements, since they obviously don't apply to you. =P
Thanks for that. Now we have to balance book work, Papers from separate classes, Extracurricular Activties, AND Comp Homework every night! Thanks a lot, ya'll. Remind me to give ya'll a hug when I see ya, since I can't think of anything better to do with my time than assigned book work for Homework because ya'll are just TOO. DAMN. LAZY.
Truthfully, I don't think I should have to do the assigned homework. I don't think anyone who's been keeping up with their blogs should have to do it, actually. Why? Because we've been doing our Homework already. I believe that only those who haven't been doing their blogs should be required to do the Homework assigned since, like we were told, the blog WAS our Homework. Why should the people who did what they were told be punished for doing the "right thing"?
Is our class seriously still in that High School Mentality that you can not do your work and get away with it? Or that it's okay because you won't be the only one hurting? If it were me grading the Class, the blogs you didn't do will still be counted against ya'll, The Homework will be worth only half of what the blogs were worth, and to top it all off - I'd list the names of the people who didn't do their homework so that we all know who's responsible.
Oh, and for those of us who keep up with our blogs, I say, let the Blogs be our assignment still. It makes a bit more work for Kristi, but it's fair. It's unfair to the four or five of us who kept up with our blogs to have to do extra work because of some lazy folks in the Class.
In Closing-
WHAT THE HELL, GUYS?!
Edit: I should also note that I don't know exactly how many of ya'll still keep up on blogs. I only know of four or five of us, so if You keep your blogs updated (read: Your last post was at least a week ago) please don't take offense at my statements, since they obviously don't apply to you. =P
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Happiness is a Warm Gun
Yeah, it is. Just got rejected for the third time by a girl I like. So now it's time to go on a drinking binge and think about how best to remember how I'm too much of a fat bastard to get a girlfriend.
Maybe I'll go kill something? Squirrel's are easy pickin's, I suppose. :/
Of course none of ya'll look at this thing anyways. Well, besides the only one required to look at it to give us all grades, I suppose.
Maybe I'll go kill something? Squirrel's are easy pickin's, I suppose. :/
Of course none of ya'll look at this thing anyways. Well, besides the only one required to look at it to give us all grades, I suppose.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
What we need, is a Hero
Okay, picture this; It's a dark place. The city is old, roughly 200+ years old, and the architecture is both beautiful and decaying. The Political system is corrupt, as is the judicial and the law enforcement. Crime is rampant, and seems ready to overtake the few honest cops left in the city. It's not safe to go out at night, and only slightly safer to go out in the day. The city was once a shining example of the efficiency and grandeur of American society until it all went down the crapper. There's a long line of wealthy families, some of which try and help the city. The only real help that can be seen is the urban myths of the vigilante running around at night.
Sounds like Gotham City, right? Of course it does. But I wasn't describing the fictional cesspool of Gotham. No, I was describing Good ol' Detroit. I was actually thinking about this after watching "Green Lantern: First Flight", and wondered, "Well, where's OUR hero?"
I know, I know - Comics are meant for entertainment, not serious thought (For the most part. I dare you to read Watchmen and NOT give it some thought), and should be treated more along the lines of our society's Epics and Myths. But, seriously folks - Where is Detroit's own Dark Knight? We seem to have our own version of Harvey Dent in that DA who prosecuted Kwame Kilpatrick a couple months back - Someone who's outwardly against crime and goes to great lengths to prove it, while also seems to have another agenda entirely. So, if we have our own Harvey Two-Face, where's our Batman?
Where's the symbol that strikes fear into the heart of Detroit's criminals? Where's our own personal psychopath running around town at night, screaming "I AM VENGEANCE! I AM THE NIGHT!"? Personally, I think that what this city needs isn't just a Political rehashing to get all the corrupt personalities outta there, but also a hero. A physical hero who can do some good.
Yeah, Vigilantism isn't exactly the label of a good citizen, blah blah blah. We can argue the values of taking the law into your own hands later. I'm talking about someone who honestly cares about this city enough to fight crime on his own time, and do things the Cops can't do. And while the evidence to have these criminals locked up might not hold up because of his actions, at least he'll put the fear of God into the guys who try it, which will definitely have an effect on how things go down in the city.
Now, maybe I'm just a deranged Batman fanboy who'd love to see this all come to realization, but you can't honestly ask me to believe that NONE of you have ever wanted to take the law into your own hands at one point or another. When you got cheated, or your family was robbed, or your grandfather assaulted, mugged, and threatened. We've all had experiences similar to these, especially if ya'll live in Detroit like I do.
Just think about it, though. Detroit is the PERFECT place for a Batman Wannabe to stake his claim. It's already got a HELLUVA LOT of similarities with Gotham City.It's in DIRE need of a break from all of this crime and economic turmoil. We've already seen from the Nolan Batman films ("Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight") that Batman CAN be done realistically. All that's needed is a little imagination and the right amount of resources.
Here's my list of what you HAVE to have if you wanna be a Batman wannabe
It's not cheap. But hey - If ya'll wanna go all Batman out there, be my guest. I'll fully support you. If ya need someone to design and network your personal Batcave, just gimme a ring, okay?
Sounds like Gotham City, right? Of course it does. But I wasn't describing the fictional cesspool of Gotham. No, I was describing Good ol' Detroit. I was actually thinking about this after watching "Green Lantern: First Flight", and wondered, "Well, where's OUR hero?"
I know, I know - Comics are meant for entertainment, not serious thought (For the most part. I dare you to read Watchmen and NOT give it some thought), and should be treated more along the lines of our society's Epics and Myths. But, seriously folks - Where is Detroit's own Dark Knight? We seem to have our own version of Harvey Dent in that DA who prosecuted Kwame Kilpatrick a couple months back - Someone who's outwardly against crime and goes to great lengths to prove it, while also seems to have another agenda entirely. So, if we have our own Harvey Two-Face, where's our Batman?
Where's the symbol that strikes fear into the heart of Detroit's criminals? Where's our own personal psychopath running around town at night, screaming "I AM VENGEANCE! I AM THE NIGHT!"? Personally, I think that what this city needs isn't just a Political rehashing to get all the corrupt personalities outta there, but also a hero. A physical hero who can do some good.
Yeah, Vigilantism isn't exactly the label of a good citizen, blah blah blah. We can argue the values of taking the law into your own hands later. I'm talking about someone who honestly cares about this city enough to fight crime on his own time, and do things the Cops can't do. And while the evidence to have these criminals locked up might not hold up because of his actions, at least he'll put the fear of God into the guys who try it, which will definitely have an effect on how things go down in the city.
Now, maybe I'm just a deranged Batman fanboy who'd love to see this all come to realization, but you can't honestly ask me to believe that NONE of you have ever wanted to take the law into your own hands at one point or another. When you got cheated, or your family was robbed, or your grandfather assaulted, mugged, and threatened. We've all had experiences similar to these, especially if ya'll live in Detroit like I do.
Just think about it, though. Detroit is the PERFECT place for a Batman Wannabe to stake his claim. It's already got a HELLUVA LOT of similarities with Gotham City.It's in DIRE need of a break from all of this crime and economic turmoil. We've already seen from the Nolan Batman films ("Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight") that Batman CAN be done realistically. All that's needed is a little imagination and the right amount of resources.
Here's my list of what you HAVE to have if you wanna be a Batman wannabe
- Trojan body Armor (Probably not the Helmet, though. Or at least redesign it) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVbnrvu_Ck
- Extensive Martial Arts Training (Hell, just take some Commando Krav Maga classes. There's a school somewhere in Redford that teaches it. Or just some basic Karate Classes - anything that'll give you the slightest edge)
- Taser Gun
- A Cape (Just for Aesthetics, really)
- DO NOT CHANGE YOUR VOICE TO MAKE YOU SOUND LIKE YOU HAVE THROAT CANCER
- A good moniker to go by (Not Batman. I swear, I'll hurt you if you try and call yourself that... Try "Equalizer" or something)
- Shotgun w/beanbag ammunition.
- 9mm pistol (Just in case things get REALLY ugly)
- Various non-lethal concoctions to throw at people for distractions/temporary blindness
- "Utility belt" (For lack of a better phrase)
It's not cheap. But hey - If ya'll wanna go all Batman out there, be my guest. I'll fully support you. If ya need someone to design and network your personal Batcave, just gimme a ring, okay?
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Uncle Ted
Well, it's Bow Huntin' season. Sadly, I can't partake in this most righteous of events, since... well, I got stuffs I gotta do for school. That, and I'll be outta town for the first few days. BUT; Ol' Uncle Ted's out there right now, killin' some buck so he can have a juicy Venison Burger. Hell, my Pastor's out there right now, probably.
So, in order to make up for my inability to hunt, I added some of Uncle Ted's jams to the playlist on the side. Great stuff. I hope he runs for Governor at some point - We need to let people know that we're not afraid to elect a nutcase to run our state. And Uncle Ted's just the nutcase to do it! I mean, the logical solutions have all failed us, haven't they? So, go with the illogical!
ELECT THE MOTORCITY MADMAN! TED NUGENT IN 2010!!
So, in order to make up for my inability to hunt, I added some of Uncle Ted's jams to the playlist on the side. Great stuff. I hope he runs for Governor at some point - We need to let people know that we're not afraid to elect a nutcase to run our state. And Uncle Ted's just the nutcase to do it! I mean, the logical solutions have all failed us, haven't they? So, go with the illogical!
ELECT THE MOTORCITY MADMAN! TED NUGENT IN 2010!!
Saturday, September 26, 2009
INSERT WITTY TITLE HERE
"Do you know what happened to your family?"
Death's quick sidenote to us all on page 217 is really just a question asked by Liesel when Max Vandenberg. But it holds more importance than just that. You see, in Nazi Germany "Do you know X" or "Did you ever find out Y" were common questions asked between folks, and even further on after the war where questions such as htis are still asked today. The question "Do you know what happened to your family" is a loaded gun. It can be asked in a number of ways, and that's what gives it the awesome that it has. When asked by a Nazi, it might be Rhetorical ("DO you know what happened to your family? THEY R DED LOL"), for instance. When asked by Liesel it's an honest question, one I'm sure Max wishes he could answer truthfully.
And really, do we not already know what ahppened to them? Walter, his friend, even discovers that they no longer live there, and have bee replaced by a German family (It can be assumed as much at least). From this little evidence that we have as of that point in the book, we can use our own knowleged of the Holocaust and WWII Germany to deduce that Max's family is dead, or imprisoned, neither of which is really of any more good than the other. We can further prove this by the excerpt of "The Whistler" on page 213 -
She lay there, frightened, in a pool of blood, a strange tune singing in her ear. She recalled the knife, in and out, and a smile. As always, the whistelr had smiled as he ran away, into a dark and murderous night....
- This passage doesn't seem of much importance at first glance. From the text, it's simply all that Liesel was reading at the time. But if one looks beyond the text, and into the history of that time, we find parallels with Hitler himself in a way. Or even Nazi Germany as a whole, if one were daring enough to try and spread such a small amount of text over an entire nation. We can see that a young woman was stabbed quickly (Possibly even in the back), with a smile on the murderer's face. We can easily draw a conclusion that the young woman is the Jewish Community in Nazi Germany as a whole, for they were people who served Germany with a loyal devotion. They were Germans, not Jews - They were everyday citizens. Then the Government (Hitler) stabbed them in the back by outlawing their existence. Worst yet, Hitler (Who we can determine to be the Murderer), thought his goal was righteous, and just, and smiled about it. He was happy about what he was doing to these people.
So, based on the evidence we know from history, the seemingly unimportant text which we have our eyes drawn to for a reason (A reason which I believe to be to show us what the Government was doing to it's citizens), we can draw a conclusion as to why the question "Do you kn ow what happened to your family" is quite important to the story. We know that it's an important part of Max's life, as he was both Asked this question and he surely wonders the answer himself, but we also know that it defines an era of time, where if you were living in Germany, or if you were even just a soldier in any conflict (During any time period, no less), this question holds weight, as you would be asking yourself this question time and time again.
Death's quick sidenote to us all on page 217 is really just a question asked by Liesel when Max Vandenberg. But it holds more importance than just that. You see, in Nazi Germany "Do you know X" or "Did you ever find out Y" were common questions asked between folks, and even further on after the war where questions such as htis are still asked today. The question "Do you know what happened to your family" is a loaded gun. It can be asked in a number of ways, and that's what gives it the awesome that it has. When asked by a Nazi, it might be Rhetorical ("DO you know what happened to your family? THEY R DED LOL"), for instance. When asked by Liesel it's an honest question, one I'm sure Max wishes he could answer truthfully.
And really, do we not already know what ahppened to them? Walter, his friend, even discovers that they no longer live there, and have bee replaced by a German family (It can be assumed as much at least). From this little evidence that we have as of that point in the book, we can use our own knowleged of the Holocaust and WWII Germany to deduce that Max's family is dead, or imprisoned, neither of which is really of any more good than the other. We can further prove this by the excerpt of "The Whistler" on page 213 -
She lay there, frightened, in a pool of blood, a strange tune singing in her ear. She recalled the knife, in and out, and a smile. As always, the whistelr had smiled as he ran away, into a dark and murderous night....
- This passage doesn't seem of much importance at first glance. From the text, it's simply all that Liesel was reading at the time. But if one looks beyond the text, and into the history of that time, we find parallels with Hitler himself in a way. Or even Nazi Germany as a whole, if one were daring enough to try and spread such a small amount of text over an entire nation. We can see that a young woman was stabbed quickly (Possibly even in the back), with a smile on the murderer's face. We can easily draw a conclusion that the young woman is the Jewish Community in Nazi Germany as a whole, for they were people who served Germany with a loyal devotion. They were Germans, not Jews - They were everyday citizens. Then the Government (Hitler) stabbed them in the back by outlawing their existence. Worst yet, Hitler (Who we can determine to be the Murderer), thought his goal was righteous, and just, and smiled about it. He was happy about what he was doing to these people.
So, based on the evidence we know from history, the seemingly unimportant text which we have our eyes drawn to for a reason (A reason which I believe to be to show us what the Government was doing to it's citizens), we can draw a conclusion as to why the question "Do you kn ow what happened to your family" is quite important to the story. We know that it's an important part of Max's life, as he was both Asked this question and he surely wonders the answer himself, but we also know that it defines an era of time, where if you were living in Germany, or if you were even just a soldier in any conflict (During any time period, no less), this question holds weight, as you would be asking yourself this question time and time again.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
A Few Hobbies
Well, it occurs to me that a few of my Hobbies are relatively unknown to most people. Personally, I couldn't care less if ya'll knew or didn't know about some of the things I like to do, but you know what? If ya wanna try somethin' new, just ask me.
So one of my favorite Hobbies which (I'm sad to say) is hard to attend thanks to school these days is Dagorhir. It's a HELLUVA lot of fun, and is perfect for anyone who's interested in Martial Arts. I'm not the best at Dag, but I can hold my own in most fights, but it doesn't help being a big guy when it comes to actually going to events and the like, since most people there are small and quick and can move a lot faster than I can. So I'm at a big disadvantage when I play, but I make up for it by (Trying) to use larger weapons to fend them off. I'm especially good at blocking with Pole-arms.
Oh wait, ya'll don't know what Dagorhir is yet, do you? Well, It's hard to explain, since most people consider it LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), which it really isn't. So here's a video for you to check out to see just what we do at a typical event.
Basically it boils down to whacking the Hell out of each other with Foam weapons. There ARE more advanced rules and the like, but it's too complicated to really cover in a single post.
Another thing I like to do is make my own Halloween Costumes. I'm always on a VERY tight budget (Usually 50 Bucks) which ironically end up being my better costumes than the ones I spend extra money on, like my Joker costume that cost over 400 Bucks (Real Purple Suit, Shipping and Handling, then Make-up and accessories). Whenever I make my own costumes, I almost ALWAYS end up having to do Make up of some kind, which I do myself. Considering I really don't know that much about make-up techniques and the like, I think I do pretty good for just my pinky finger and Reference Photos. Below are some pictures of my latest Costumes.
Joker (1st Version - Halloween 2008)
Joker (Version 2.0 - Spirit Week 2008)
Gene Simmons (1.0 - Spirit Week 2008 - 20$ Budget, End Cost 10 $)
Ace Frehley (1.0 - Spirit Week 2008 - Costume for a Friend. I Was sad to throw this one away)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1.0 - Halloween 2007 - Budget: 5$, End Cost: 0$)
I have others on the way, and I'm hoping to Update my Joker Costume again this year (No time or money to finish the Ghostbusters Costume in time, Sadly. Disappoints me beyond measure). Up next on my list of projects is The Ghostbusters Costume, Gene Simmons 2.0, Barbarian Warrior, and then Roman Emperor.
So one of my favorite Hobbies which (I'm sad to say) is hard to attend thanks to school these days is Dagorhir. It's a HELLUVA lot of fun, and is perfect for anyone who's interested in Martial Arts. I'm not the best at Dag, but I can hold my own in most fights, but it doesn't help being a big guy when it comes to actually going to events and the like, since most people there are small and quick and can move a lot faster than I can. So I'm at a big disadvantage when I play, but I make up for it by (Trying) to use larger weapons to fend them off. I'm especially good at blocking with Pole-arms.
Oh wait, ya'll don't know what Dagorhir is yet, do you? Well, It's hard to explain, since most people consider it LARPing (Live Action Role Playing), which it really isn't. So here's a video for you to check out to see just what we do at a typical event.
Basically it boils down to whacking the Hell out of each other with Foam weapons. There ARE more advanced rules and the like, but it's too complicated to really cover in a single post.
Another thing I like to do is make my own Halloween Costumes. I'm always on a VERY tight budget (Usually 50 Bucks) which ironically end up being my better costumes than the ones I spend extra money on, like my Joker costume that cost over 400 Bucks (Real Purple Suit, Shipping and Handling, then Make-up and accessories). Whenever I make my own costumes, I almost ALWAYS end up having to do Make up of some kind, which I do myself. Considering I really don't know that much about make-up techniques and the like, I think I do pretty good for just my pinky finger and Reference Photos. Below are some pictures of my latest Costumes.
Joker (1st Version - Halloween 2008)
Joker (Version 2.0 - Spirit Week 2008)
Gene Simmons (1.0 - Spirit Week 2008 - 20$ Budget, End Cost 10 $)
Ace Frehley (1.0 - Spirit Week 2008 - Costume for a Friend. I Was sad to throw this one away)
Mrs. Doubtfire (1.0 - Halloween 2007 - Budget: 5$, End Cost: 0$)
I have others on the way, and I'm hoping to Update my Joker Costume again this year (No time or money to finish the Ghostbusters Costume in time, Sadly. Disappoints me beyond measure). Up next on my list of projects is The Ghostbusters Costume, Gene Simmons 2.0, Barbarian Warrior, and then Roman Emperor.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Exile Or Mercy for Former Nazi guards?
The key to understanding the question posed is the word "Former". It means "Was", "Has been", "In the past". We are persecuting these people, old men not capable of doing any harm to anyone, to "Set right what once went wrong". When were we given the right to say, "You watched this happen, therefore you're guilty of it"? When were God's laws, his powers, his JUDGMENT placed in our hands?
I'm not saying let bygones be bygones. If you want to blame Old Mr. Wriggley for Commander Stragganoff's murders, because he's the security guard for the Commander's business, then go ahead. If you feel VINDICTIVE enough to simply point the finger at anyone remotely involved in the atrocities of the Holocaust and say, "HERE HE IS! HERE IS THE MAN RESPONSIBLE! LET THE DAMNED BE JUDGED AND MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON THEIR SOULS!" then please, be my guest. It's your right. It's also THEIR right to live in peace. These men are being held responsible, and are being PUNISHED for something they MIGHT HAVE done 60 years ago. Sure, the Nazi's took great and detailed recordings of what they did, but did they record "Corporal Sammy Jenkins hit Jew 1138 with a celery stick" on a daily basis? Probably not, but I'm no expert (yet).
The fact is, you're wanting to send these old men, who are nearly on their deathbeds, through the stress of trials and deportation simply to appease a minority? Am I saying that they were right in being Nazis? No, far from it. But if you want to accuse and prosecute these men of racial prejudice so you can throw them out of the country, then prosecute myself as well because GOD FORBID I have a single thought that's not Politically Correct. If you're going to do this, then Throw out EVERYONE who's a member of the American Nazi party, everyone who's a member of the KKK. Because once you start down this path, why just half ass it and quit with just the old men? Why not the Young Men and women who can potentially HURT the people the hate? Why not become a nation where you can live in fear of a Government that will prosecute anyone they deem unfit for the nation? I mean, really - Who doesn't want that?!
I'm not saying let bygones be bygones. If you want to blame Old Mr. Wriggley for Commander Stragganoff's murders, because he's the security guard for the Commander's business, then go ahead. If you feel VINDICTIVE enough to simply point the finger at anyone remotely involved in the atrocities of the Holocaust and say, "HERE HE IS! HERE IS THE MAN RESPONSIBLE! LET THE DAMNED BE JUDGED AND MAY GOD HAVE MERCY ON THEIR SOULS!" then please, be my guest. It's your right. It's also THEIR right to live in peace. These men are being held responsible, and are being PUNISHED for something they MIGHT HAVE done 60 years ago. Sure, the Nazi's took great and detailed recordings of what they did, but did they record "Corporal Sammy Jenkins hit Jew 1138 with a celery stick" on a daily basis? Probably not, but I'm no expert (yet).
The fact is, you're wanting to send these old men, who are nearly on their deathbeds, through the stress of trials and deportation simply to appease a minority? Am I saying that they were right in being Nazis? No, far from it. But if you want to accuse and prosecute these men of racial prejudice so you can throw them out of the country, then prosecute myself as well because GOD FORBID I have a single thought that's not Politically Correct. If you're going to do this, then Throw out EVERYONE who's a member of the American Nazi party, everyone who's a member of the KKK. Because once you start down this path, why just half ass it and quit with just the old men? Why not the Young Men and women who can potentially HURT the people the hate? Why not become a nation where you can live in fear of a Government that will prosecute anyone they deem unfit for the nation? I mean, really - Who doesn't want that?!
Thursday, September 17, 2009
So My Mom's a Photographer
Yeah. My mom's a photographer. Dunno why I posted that, but I'm bored and I'm having some troubles (Ironically) With the Comp assignment. I'll blame it on either the Government or me being tired, I'm sure. I'm too tired to decide which one it is, though.
Monday, September 14, 2009
PS
Patrick Swayze died at 57 today. I think I need to go watch Red Dawn and The North and The South now. The guy was amazing, even with cancer he did his damnedest to do what he loved and star in his own TV show.
Is it appropriate or just strange that Meatloaf's "Cry Over Me" was playing on my playlist when I found out about (And subsequently blogged about) Patrick Swayze's death?
Is it appropriate or just strange that Meatloaf's "Cry Over Me" was playing on my playlist when I found out about (And subsequently blogged about) Patrick Swayze's death?
Whelp...
Well, today was the first Monday at University of Michigan Dearborn. And while I'm sure the only people who read this as of now are UMD Students (And at least one Prof.) I feel like talking to you all as a whole about the experience.
To start things off, my truck tire was flat this morning, so I had to stop and get air in it, putting me about twenty minutes behind schedule after having to turn around and pick up the schedule I left at home. When I got to Campus, it was 9:40, and my first class (Math 080) was in the CASL building. And guess what? No parking places. I fought for over HALF AND HOUR to find a place until I lucked out at 10:09. Class starts in 11 minutes, and I'm all the way across campus from the classroom! HUZZAH!
So I'm about ten minutes late into the Class and things go hunky doory until I leave. As I leave, I drop my bag onto the ground spilling nigh on everything in it (Thank God for Velcro). Then, I need to take an emergency Pit Stop in both the Men's Room and the Bookstore to see if they have a book I need for LIBS in yet. They don't, and I'm even later than I should be. Thankfully, I get to class on time. And I mean, ON TIME. Not even three seconds after I sit down, here comes the Prof to start her lecture about Late Antiquity. HUZZAH!
Nothing much after that besides sitting around, waiting to find things of interest on my Laptop (HUZZAH FOR LOANS!). I uploaded a few .wav files to make my laptop more.... me, including WOPR from the movie Wargames as my start-up sound ("Greetings, Professor Falken.") and Robert Muldoon from one of my all-time favorite movies, Jurassic Park, as the shutdown sound ("Clever Girl..."). It beats the siren noises I was opting for from the Ghostbusters movies. Yeah, I wanna have a personalized Laptop, not one that'll annoy the Campus every time I turn her on (Double Entendre, Hooooo!)
Payed a visit to my old High School. Mostly to see some teachers, but I saw a few old friends who helped cheer me up today after a few of the bad experiences.
Also, after watching the "Music Channels" here on TV, my sister left it on her Kidz Only station (So it's mostly Disney Garbage) and they always leave little "Trivia" things about the singer up top or on the bottom of the screen. So how does Ashely Tisdale relate to "Wonder Woman is the most famous female Superhero" exactly? And, personally, I would argue that that title belongs to either Batgirl, Batwoman (They're too separate entities. One's Commissioner Gordon's daughter, the other is... well, lately she's a lesbian, but that's besides the point, I suppose), or even Catwoman (Yes, she's a criminal, but at times she does heroic things. I think she's more of a tragic hero than a criminal).
I leave you with this - Click on ads to make me money! Please? Hee hee. Also, just sit around and listen to some of the tunes I have up. Some of them are classics, some are funny (Any of the ones by Jonathan Coulton ["Re: Your Brains", "The Future Soon", "Still Alive"] are a blast), and some are just plain soothing. Great music for anywhere at anytime. And there's some variety for those who don't like, say Metal, or Geek Rock, or even Classic Rock. I have a few Orchestral pieces on there, too.
To start things off, my truck tire was flat this morning, so I had to stop and get air in it, putting me about twenty minutes behind schedule after having to turn around and pick up the schedule I left at home. When I got to Campus, it was 9:40, and my first class (Math 080) was in the CASL building. And guess what? No parking places. I fought for over HALF AND HOUR to find a place until I lucked out at 10:09. Class starts in 11 minutes, and I'm all the way across campus from the classroom! HUZZAH!
So I'm about ten minutes late into the Class and things go hunky doory until I leave. As I leave, I drop my bag onto the ground spilling nigh on everything in it (Thank God for Velcro). Then, I need to take an emergency Pit Stop in both the Men's Room and the Bookstore to see if they have a book I need for LIBS in yet. They don't, and I'm even later than I should be. Thankfully, I get to class on time. And I mean, ON TIME. Not even three seconds after I sit down, here comes the Prof to start her lecture about Late Antiquity. HUZZAH!
Nothing much after that besides sitting around, waiting to find things of interest on my Laptop (HUZZAH FOR LOANS!). I uploaded a few .wav files to make my laptop more.... me, including WOPR from the movie Wargames as my start-up sound ("Greetings, Professor Falken.") and Robert Muldoon from one of my all-time favorite movies, Jurassic Park, as the shutdown sound ("Clever Girl..."). It beats the siren noises I was opting for from the Ghostbusters movies. Yeah, I wanna have a personalized Laptop, not one that'll annoy the Campus every time I turn her on (Double Entendre, Hooooo!)
Payed a visit to my old High School. Mostly to see some teachers, but I saw a few old friends who helped cheer me up today after a few of the bad experiences.
Also, after watching the "Music Channels" here on TV, my sister left it on her Kidz Only station (So it's mostly Disney Garbage) and they always leave little "Trivia" things about the singer up top or on the bottom of the screen. So how does Ashely Tisdale relate to "Wonder Woman is the most famous female Superhero" exactly? And, personally, I would argue that that title belongs to either Batgirl, Batwoman (They're too separate entities. One's Commissioner Gordon's daughter, the other is... well, lately she's a lesbian, but that's besides the point, I suppose), or even Catwoman (Yes, she's a criminal, but at times she does heroic things. I think she's more of a tragic hero than a criminal).
I leave you with this - Click on ads to make me money! Please? Hee hee. Also, just sit around and listen to some of the tunes I have up. Some of them are classics, some are funny (Any of the ones by Jonathan Coulton ["Re: Your Brains", "The Future Soon", "Still Alive"] are a blast), and some are just plain soothing. Great music for anywhere at anytime. And there's some variety for those who don't like, say Metal, or Geek Rock, or even Classic Rock. I have a few Orchestral pieces on there, too.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Formatting Updates
Well, unfortunately, I came across0 the realization that, unless you scrolled ALL THE WAY DOWN tot he bottom of the page, the music I have up wouldn't start playing for you. So, in lieu of the Youtube links I had previously, I've replaced it with the music Playlist I created specifically for this Blog.
So, in order to promote some of the most amazing comedy acts I've ever seen, I highly, HIGHLY suggest these following sites/users on Youtube.
http://www.thatguywiththeglasses.com
http://atopfourthwall.blogspot.com
http://www.spoonyexperiment.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/hbi2k
http://www.youtube.com/user/Tfsdbzabridged (Not many of their videos are up on this account due to Youtube suspending the original Account. In the meantime, look up "DBZ Abridged" on youtube. It's absolutely hilarious and it makes fun of the Anime Dragonball Z while also having a love for the material as well. )
http://www.youtube.com/user/lanipator
So, in order to promote some of the most amazing comedy acts I've ever seen, I highly, HIGHLY suggest these following sites/users on Youtube.
http://www.thatguywiththeglasses.com
http://atopfourthwall.blogspot.com
http://www.spoonyexperiment.com
http://www.youtube.com/user/hbi2k
http://www.youtube.com/user/Tfsdbzabridged (Not many of their videos are up on this account due to Youtube suspending the original Account. In the meantime, look up "DBZ Abridged" on youtube. It's absolutely hilarious and it makes fun of the Anime Dragonball Z while also having a love for the material as well. )
http://www.youtube.com/user/lanipator
Opinions on The Confederate States of America
In the 1800's, the American Civil War ignited, forcing regular civilians to take a side and make a choice. It was there that my family's home state of West Virginia was founded, when Union Loyalists seceded from Virginia when she broke away from the United States. But that's of no concern at this point.
The point is, my family fought for the Confederacy, and I'm proud of this fact. Why, though? Why would anyone be proud of their family being rebels against the country he loves so much? Well, the answer's simple - Being a Confederate was the most American thing they could've done.
"But Aaron, how does being anti-America make you American?"
Well, you see, America was founded on the belief that you should fight for what you believe in and what you stand for no matter what. Even history itself points to this being fact, as Robert E. Lee (The most successful and prominent General of the Confederacy) once said that he simply couldn't turn his sword against Virginia. Those who fought for the Confederacy weren't necessarily fighting to keep Slaves, but for their loyalties and for their families. If they're families lived in a Confederate State, then they were targets for the Union Armies. If they couldn't at least help to protect their families by fighting in the war, then what good were they? They loved their homes and their loved ones more than they loved a piece of paper saying, "We're in charge" that sat in some building in Washington, D.C.
The sad thing is, I can't express my love for my heritage by flying a Confederate flag because of the Generalization that "CONFEDERATES = SLAVERY! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!" and all of that Jazz. In fact, if anything, the Confederate Flag should represent a love of one's family, a loyalty to their home and the complete willingness to die for what one believes in. And so when I'm called out on being a Racist because I enjoy flying a Flag my forefathers flew as they fought for that what they believed was the right thing, It upsets me a bit.
Hell, the Civil War wasn't even ABOUT slavery. Was that a main cause? Oh, sure it was! But the war was about Expanding Government powers. If the Government was going to regulate what w can and can't own, then what's next? Can they simply say, "you can't live here because we say this is a Home-Free state"? THAT is what the war was about. Not the freedom of Black men and women, but about the rights the People had over the Government and vice versa.
The point is, my family fought for the Confederacy, and I'm proud of this fact. Why, though? Why would anyone be proud of their family being rebels against the country he loves so much? Well, the answer's simple - Being a Confederate was the most American thing they could've done.
"But Aaron, how does being anti-America make you American?"
Well, you see, America was founded on the belief that you should fight for what you believe in and what you stand for no matter what. Even history itself points to this being fact, as Robert E. Lee (The most successful and prominent General of the Confederacy) once said that he simply couldn't turn his sword against Virginia. Those who fought for the Confederacy weren't necessarily fighting to keep Slaves, but for their loyalties and for their families. If they're families lived in a Confederate State, then they were targets for the Union Armies. If they couldn't at least help to protect their families by fighting in the war, then what good were they? They loved their homes and their loved ones more than they loved a piece of paper saying, "We're in charge" that sat in some building in Washington, D.C.
The sad thing is, I can't express my love for my heritage by flying a Confederate flag because of the Generalization that "CONFEDERATES = SLAVERY! RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAW!" and all of that Jazz. In fact, if anything, the Confederate Flag should represent a love of one's family, a loyalty to their home and the complete willingness to die for what one believes in. And so when I'm called out on being a Racist because I enjoy flying a Flag my forefathers flew as they fought for that what they believed was the right thing, It upsets me a bit.
Hell, the Civil War wasn't even ABOUT slavery. Was that a main cause? Oh, sure it was! But the war was about Expanding Government powers. If the Government was going to regulate what w can and can't own, then what's next? Can they simply say, "you can't live here because we say this is a Home-Free state"? THAT is what the war was about. Not the freedom of Black men and women, but about the rights the People had over the Government and vice versa.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Starting Fresh
Well, I suppose it's time to start this sucker, eh? I suppose I should tell whoever cares a little bit about me, but I really don't care, to be honest. Heh heh. Besides, I'm on the internet. I'm anonymous to most if not all of you. What do you all care? I am Anonymous, that is all you need to know. Anonymous does not forgive, they do not forget. Expect us.
So how're y'all doin'?
So how're y'all doin'?
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