Monday, January 3, 2005

   Comin' Out of My Cage
You know what I found out working five days in a row in the cafe? I'm really glad I didn't have to work six days in a row in the cafe.

Oh, and if you burn yourself with 200 degree tea-water, it hurts. A lot.

But getting time and a half on New Year's Day was nice; $10.50 and hour!

Anyway, I'm back from my mini-sabatical, and I have some things to cover.

First, does anyone know where I can download a program to convert .avi files to .wmv files, so I can watch Bleach fansubs? Please let me know, 'cuz that would rock.

Due to the hectic work week, I had little time to watch the news regarding the crisis in Asia; I think I'm actually fortunate to have seen it in pieces, rather than taking it all in at once. When you're dealing with a catastrophe on that scale, just the human cost is overwhelming.

Anyone ever seen the first post-9/11 episode of South Park? I'm reminded of the scene where Stan's mom is in a daze on the couch, having been watching CNN straight for three months. I may sound heartless for saying this, but if you take in too much of a tragedy, especially one of this magnitude, it can consume you.

Niether does this mean it should be minimized. Any chance you get to help the victems of the quake/tsunami, you should take it; I'll try to as well.

I really think that's all I should say on the subject, because others are saying it much better than I can hope to.

I've decided I want to work at the B. Dalton store in the mall, mostly because it closes at nine, as opposed to eleven. That two hours of sleep makes all the difference, wouldn't you agree? I'll ask Evan about it.

I went to the New Year's Eve party at Millenium Comics, and it was actually pretty tame. Sure, there was a keg, but I don't drink, nor was I offered any.

However, I did read several books. In the name of all that's holy, don't ever read "Maximum Carnage", or any volumes of the new Venom series. It will make you cry. Niether should you read "Torment".

What was good? The Pulse, Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men, and, of course, Marvel Knights Spider-Man. Sadly, the X-Men volume I wanted sold out. ;_;

But I did get some nice swag, so it was okay. And my Dr. Octopus arm was a hit.

This morning, I bought my school books and several supplies with my scholarship money. Money=Good. I still have $260 left; I was limited solely by what I was able to physically carry.

And, sadly, Julia's working every day this week, so no movie. ;_; However, I'm going to call her back and ask if she wants to just meet for lunch. I really need to talk with her, to find out where, exactly, we stand.

I really like her, obviously, but the ambiguity is killing me.

I've got some new software to beta-test, so I'm gonna' go. Ciao!

Thought of the moment: Thanks to a guy in recieving, I have 38 Shonen Jump "Archfiend of Gilfar" cards.

Quote of the moment: "Ironic that the lowest knave's blood grows the lovliest flowers." -Kurama, "Yu Yu Hakusho"

Song of the moment:

"Slide", The Goo Goo Dolls


Could you whisper in my ear
The things you wanna feel
I'll give you anything
To feel it comin'

Do you wake up on your own
And wonder where you are
You live with all your faults

Chorus:
I wanna wake up where you are
I won't say anything at all
So why don't you slide

Yeah we're gonna let it, slide

Don't you love the life you killed
The priest is on the phone
Your father hit the wall
Your ma disowned you

Don't suppose I'll ever know
What it means to be a man
Something I can't change
I'll live around it

Chorus

And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away

And I'll do anything you ever
Dreamed to be complete
Little pieces of the nothing that fall
May put your arms around me
What you feel is what you are
And what you are is beautiful
May do you wanna get married
Or run away

Comments (3) | Permalink

Wednesday, December 29, 2004

Notice
Alert: I'm working every day for the next five days. On the sixth day, I shall sleep the entire day, because I will be very, very tired.

Updates will be very sporadic until then. ^^;
Comments (2) | Permalink

Sunday, December 26, 2004

Somewhat Crass Commercialism
Okay okay okay.

For Christmas I got:

An electric razor
Dragon floor mats for my car
A tool kit (Sigh...thanks, Dad.)
The Goo Goo Dolls: Live from Buffalo CD
The Killers' CD
Evolution, the DVD
And a couple a' gift cards, which I used to get:
Shaman King: Power of the Spirit for the GBA
Bleach, vols. 1-4

Bleach is my new obession, since I read vol. 1 at work; Soul Reapers rox.

I'm trying to get in touch with Julia (<3!) so we can go to the movies tomorrow or Tuesday; Wednesday through Saturday, Im' working.

But New Year's Eve, I'll be at the comic store, for the NYE bash. At midnight, everything on the sale floor is 1/2 price. ^___^

Yeah, I'm an unabashed geek. So? So?

Speaking of which, I should call and see if Ernesto's back from California yet.

Gotta' go, then. Ciao.

Thought of the moment: It's cold in here.

Quote of the moment: "Hmmm...Why does your drawing suck so bad?" -Strawberry, "Bleach"

Song of the moment:

"Smile Like You Mean It", The Killers

Save some face, you know you've only got one
Change your ways while you're young
Boy, one day you'll be a man
Oh girl, he'll help you understand
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it

Looking back at sunsets on the Eastside
We lost track of the time
Dreams aren't what they used to be
Some things sat by so carelessly

Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it

And someone is calling my name
From the back of the restaurant
And someone is playing a game
In the house that I grew up in
And someone will drive her around
Down the same streets that I did
On the same streets that I did

Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it
Smile like you mean it

Oh no, oh no no no
Oh no, oh no no no

Comments (2) | Permalink

Saturday, December 25, 2004

Silent Night
Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin Mother and Child
Holy Infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight
Glories stream from heaven afar
Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia!
Christ, the Saviour is born
Christ, the Saviour is born

Silent night, holy night
Son of God, love's pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face
With the dawn of redeeming grace
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth

Have a merry Christmas, everyone! Don't worry; tales of crass commercialism shall come tomorrow.

Comments (2) | Permalink

Tuesday, December 21, 2004

Is he alive or is he dead?
Been a bit since I last posted, eh? Eh? That's mostly 'cuz I did nothing but work this past weekend, to the point where I couldn't stand up right.

At the secret Santa gift exchange, I got...a giftcard. To Barnes & Noble. If I'd known that was acceptible, I wouldn't have bothered to get a real gift, but what can you do?

I know what I can do: go to a college interview. And that's what I did this morning: drove up to New College in Sarsota. Looked pretty nifty, even though all the students were gone. And they had a freakin' huge Barnes & Noble in Sarasota....

My mother and sisters are sick, so I'm hoping that I don't become infected; that would suck.

Today's Christmas special is the Jim Carry version of "How The Grinch Stole Christmas", a movie possibly more devisive than the last presidential election. People either love it or decry it as a monstorsity.

I, for one, thought it was great. Unlike the crime against hummanity that was The Cat in the Hat, the Grinch retained the charm of the original story, and the added plot points made logical sense. Plus, Jim Carry.

The scene where the Grinch sleighs down the mountain is great. It just is.

You can tell I have nothing interesting to report, because I'm wrapping up now.

Thought of the moment: Three days until Christmas!

Quote of the moment: "I'm gonna' throw up, then I'm gonna' die!" -The Grinch
Comments (1) | Permalink

Friday, December 17, 2004

Music makes the people come together
So, I'm reading the Friday Entertainment section of my local newspaper, and I'm struck by a huge irony. The music critic is reviewing Good Charlotte and the Used's new albums, and sights that if GC's songs about being frustrated with stardom are indications of their real feelings, they should pack it in and get real jobs.

Which was fine, until later in the artical, the critic pines for the days of Nirvana.

Ex-squeeze me? Did I miss something? Nivana spent their entire career complaining in the same monotone, mononucleic whine about, guess what? Girls and life's unfairness. Then Cobain, who spent years saying he was depressed, shot himself. Apparently, he couldn't handle fame and millions of dollars. Or maybe it was the drugs and alcohol? Whatever.

See, now I'm in a music-ranty mood, but it's not to come to the defense of GC or the Used. GC did one song I liked (The Anthem), and other than that, they've been a pale Blink-182 rip-off, except I doubt they could produce anything like "Adam's Song", "Stockholm Syndrome" or "All of This".

The Used are mediocre, though I do have their album; it was an advance promo copy I got free at work.

But really, I'm sick of people talking about how great Nirvana, or Misfits, or Dead Kennedys were, when, quite frankly, they weren't that great. I listened to Dead Kennedys, and I can't even understand what the Hell the lead singer is saying. Ennunciate, man! Though I have the same problem with most Nirvana songs; see Weird Al's "Smells like Nirvana".

The reason these bands are lauded (and the reason that the Beetles were tolerated after they went off the LSD-end, and the reason Kiss still hasn't retired) is because the nostalgia of those who listened to them in their youth. They're remembering the good ol' days at the expense of the rest of us who might actually have different opinions.

Seriously, walk into a rock concert and diss Nirvana. See what happens.

Thankfully, I'm immune to this, because the music of my youth was Brittney and NSync and that mass produced cookie cutter corporate crap. Say what you will about Aviril Lavigne, but she writes and performs her own music.

And I'm done with that.

Today's Christmas Special lookback features Invader Zim's Christmas Special, "The Most Horrible Christmas Ever".

If you've never seen this show, rent the DVD's. It's worth it. The story centers around an inept alien named Zim, who's infiltrated human society and is trying to take over the world. Opposing him is an equally inept paranormal expert, Dib.

If you've never seen TMHCE, imagine The Nightmare Before Christmas without the feel-good vibes and moral, and you've got the general idea.

Zim disguises himself as Santa, and, of course, easily wins the hearts and minds of the people. Using this new guise, he plans to teleport the humans to their doom. Dib intervenes, Zim's plan goes haywire, Santa mutates into a hideous monster, and a good time is had by all.

I luv this show.

Thought of the moment: I've gotta' make ham roll-ups.

Quote of the moment: "To the jingle-jail with the non-believer!" -Zim as Santa
Comments (4) | Permalink

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

Krazy Shopping Peeps
Seriously, people need to stop the maddness. I worked on the cash register last night, and I was slammed, repeatedly. Why does everyone wait so long to do their holiday shopping, knowing full well how the melee that will result?

My theory is that they're stupid. I did my shopping weeks ago, and I'm better for it.

I took my last exam yesterday morning, for my PC class. It was pathetically easy; I was done in ten minutes. And now I'm a free man. Free!

So, tomorrow, I'll spend a good chunk of the day at the gym. I'm motivated to get into top shape by my desire to win the favors of a pretty woman.

Speaking of, I got a Russian immitation Fabrege egg for ten dollars. It's a nice one, 'bout six inches tall. I'll present it to Julia (<3!) on our date, whenever that is. Hopefully, soon.

I'll be getting two new CD's for Christmas, the Goo Goo Dolls live in Buffalo, and the Killers' album. wh00t.

(Can I get a what what?)

I'm almost done with Rayne's gift, but I'm wracking my brains trying to think of something really, really special for Li-C. I'll think of something, just give me a bit.

Now, today's Christmas special feature is....

"The Spider-Man Holiday Special '95".

Oh yeah, this one's a keeper. I'm trying to hunt down a copy to replace the one I lost years ago. This thing was just fun.

Seriously, these types of books just aren't done anymore. It was an anthology showing many characters from the Spider-Man comics celebrating Christmas in their own ways.

And it's the only book in the world that feeatures Venom wearing a Santa hat. No lie. And yes, that picture alone is worth the price of the book.

There's only been one Spidey Christmas story since that I've really liked, and that was Sensational Spider-Man #24, two years later. It featured Peter trying to decide what to get a friend of his for Christmas, between fights with Hydro-Man.

Come to think of it, I'd buy a collected edition of the best Spidey Christmas stories. Sadly, they don't produce that.

Tonight is the YGO! tournament at HobbyTown USA, and I've decided I'm going to win. I just have to inform the other players.

Anyway, I have things to get done, so I'll see ya'll later. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Thought of the moment: I have an Egyptian God card.

Quote of the moment: "Venom Clause is coming to town. Ho ho ho!" -Venom, "Spider-Man Holiday Special"
Comments (3) | Permalink

Sunday, December 12, 2004

The T is silent
So, yeah, the ballet. Good times. Julia (<3!) liked it, and I thought it was pretty neat. Though, I gotta' say, it looked like most of the male performers had wedgies something fierce.

Julia (<3!) was also cool with the idea of a "date date", so I'm happy.

But we're not going anywhere while I have this ungodly ccold sore on my lower lip. Gak.

After I took her home, I picked up David, who's in town for a couple weeks, and we went to the Honor Club's holiday social.

Which sucked, big time. We left after an hour.

And today I went all over the place trying to get gifts on my mother's behalf for my sister. I was reminded exactly why I'd gotten my gifts weeks in advance. I was smart, there.

And now I have one final exam tomorrow. Then, I'm gonna' put together my gifts for Rayne and Li-C. They're surprises.

Thought of the moment: Spider-Man 2 is frustrating.

Quote of the moment: "I'm a little mad at her. You called me the devil." -Nightcrawler, "Ultimate X-Men"
Comments (2) | Permalink

Friday, December 10, 2004

It's Christmas time, again
Well, I've decided how I'm gonna' pass the time until something interesting happens: I'll be looking over the great Christmas specials that I enjoy. And no, we're not talking "It's a Wonderful Life".

So, I guess we'll get the Big One out of the way now: The Nightmare Before Christmas.

This film was based on a book Tim Burton wrote in the eighties; didja' know that? And it was a box-office flop when it opened. I can't imagine why; it mixed Halloween (cash cow) with Christmas (cash cow), and it had Zero, to boot. Zero rocks.

As do Lock, Stock and Barrel. And, of course, Jack.

When I was a kid, this movie freaked me out like you wouldn't believe. Something about the stop-motion, I guess.

Anyway, though the animation is dated, this movie is great. It's just so out there, yet indearing, despite the macabre nature of the characters. I mean, despite being the Pumpkin King and Bone Daddy lord of all that's scary, Jack is a cool guy.

And I really don't know why I'm telling you guys about this movie, since not only are most of you familiar with it, there's a good chance you're fans.

Well. I'll choose a better special next time.

Thought of the moment: Tomorrow I take Julia (<3!) to the ballet.

Quote of the moment: "And they call him...Sandy Claws!" -Jack
Comments (5) | Permalink

Thursday, December 9, 2004

Alec Baldwin as Dennis
As a Floridian, I'm annoyed by references to "white Christmases". Half of this country never has a white anything, let alone a Christmas, but the yankees are rubbing their snow-covered hilltops in our face.

We need a Christmas carol for folks who live in Floridia, so they feel appreciated. I guess I'll have to write it.

For reasons still not quite clear to me, I saw the Spongebob Squarepants movie last night. And I lived to tell the tale. If you're not one of those people whom Spongebob makes want to gouge your eyes out, you might actually kinda' enjoy the movie, provided you don't ask it to make sense.

I took my Algerbra exam yesterday morning, and sold my math book back to the school. (Made $50, whoo!) Now, all that's left is my PC exam.

I'm totally psyched by Marvel Knights Spider-Man; I got the new issue last night, and it's awesome. Awe-freakin'-some.

And, of course, Saturday I take Julia (<3!) to the ballet. wh00t.

Thought of the moment: My posts have been boring lately.

Quote of the moment: "Oh, but Mac, you've never had a friend like me before!" -Venom
Comments (1) | Permalink