Monday, November 15, 2004

You know, I'd update, but all I've been doing in school work, and RP'ing to relax. so, really, I've got nothing to say.

Unless that, if you haven't gotten your fix of horrible violence today, go read Azale. Good readin'.
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Thursday, November 11, 2004

Wake me up before you go go
My parents are still slightly on Euro-time, so I was awoken at six AM on a day off by noises in the kitchen. It's hard for me, in particular, to sleep in, because any time someone opens the garage door, my floor vibrates. I don't know why I put this paragraph here, but it seemed like a good way to start off.

Yasaar Arifat, father of modern terrorism, is dead. Now, I'm not going to celebrate the fact that someone died, even if that persnon's a total scumbag. But I'm really, really not upset by his death. Really.

Tuesday night I went to an honor society meeting and we got into some sort of Intellectual Discussion. Most of it was boring, but something interesting happened, and I think I may have put off some folks.

Someone mentioned how "the government" would never let such and such an event occur. I countered, "The government is a reflection of the people's will, not vice versa. It'll do what we tell it to."

To which the response was: "Please, the government doesn't listen to people, just big corportations."

Me: "And what are corporations made up of?"

teacher: "Look, you're both making good points, but I think there is a real disconnect between the people and their governments. I voted for a new school board director, and I think he's the best guy from the list of options, but he's still never spent a day in a classroom."

Me: "Then why didn't you run, sir?"

Teacher: "Well, that's a nice idea, but realistically, I'd never get any support."

Me: "I think a lot of people would like an actual educator on the board than just a politician; didn't you just say that's what you wanted?"

Teacher: "Well, it's time to go now."

Basically, the point I was trying to make, that wasn't recieved at all, was that the government, and corporations and such, are made up of people that can be engaged by other people on a personal level, government especially.

It's easy to make the government to be some ominous faceless entity, because it absolves you of responsibility to change it; if it's really such an inhuman thing, why try to fight it?

But if you realize that the government is not only made up of people, but made up of people that will be responsive to the needs of other people, then you realize that you can change it.

People who think like the other student did, in terms of the big government and faceless corporations, won't change anything in the world because they don't understand that they even have that power. People who realize that the world is run by other people that can be reasoned with will change the world, one person at a time.

Ahem.

I have a new schedule for next semester: I'm taking Liberal Arts, Marine Bio, Acting and a Leadership course. I have three classes on Thursday, but only one class each on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. And I'm still at the Brandon campus; coulda' been a lot worse.

And, as promised, a five-part comic review. Yay!

Part 1: Venom Vs. Carnage part IV.

You know my favorite type a' story resolution? The kinds that actualy resolve things; 'fraid that this doesn't fit the bill. You know, I was really into this mini-series when it started in late July, but it took so long coming out, my interest wanned. It should have just been a 64 page one-shot with less plot and more mindless action.

Since the whole thing boiled down to mindless action, we wouldn't have been missing much...

Part Two: Spider-Girl-Secrets Kill

After a fight with the Goblin Queen, just about anything was bound to be a let-down. And this one was, with a pretty formulaic plot. But, it's more about the journey than the destination, right? The art and such was nice, but, ultimatly, nothing was really accomplished. Sigh.

Part Three: Ultimate Spider-Man-Popular

First Wolverine, now the Human Tourch? Uh, cool, I guess. Peter Parker meets Johhny Storm for the first time in the universe, but hat I really liked was the relationship focus for Peter and MJ.

I get the feeling that the book's trying to achieve a shift in their tone, which wouldn't be inappropriate; it's been rather doom and gloom for a bit, especially when Gwen was murdered by Carnage. Also, Peter's still holding to his vow of not being Spider-Man anymore, so it's interesting to see his new response to rather sensational events.

Part Four: Spectacular Spider-Man- Read 'Em an' Weep

Since Paul Jenkins' tenure on the book is almost up, I best enjoy it while it lasts. What do super heroes do on a Saturday night? Get together for a round of poker! (Of course, the proceeds go to charity.) The odd premise gets much more interesting when the Kingpin enters to raise the stakes.

Can Spider-Man beat the unholy power of the Kingpin's full house?

Part Five: Marvel Knights Spider-Man-Venomous part IV.

I love this comic book. Books like this are why I buy comic books.

Peter Parker's high-school reunion is crashed by the new Venom on the block, and things take a turn for the worse, for all parties. Also featuring the return of the Mystery Guy, who's still a mystery, though he is shown clinging to a radio tower five-hundred feet in the air.

I can't think of enough cool things to say about this book. It's really good. And, as an added bonus, I love this month's cover.

Well, I'm a' gonna' scat, so you guys have fun without me.

Thought of the moment: Take a moment to honor your veterns today.

Quote of the moment: "Dude, I can't believe you're just a high school teacher! I always thought you'd be something cool, like a cop or a Navy Seal, but you're nothing under that mask! My doorman probably makes more than you do!" -Angelo Fortunato, "Marvel Knights Spider-Man"

Song of the moment:

"Name", Goo Goo Dolls

And even though the moment passed me by
I still can't turn away
'Cause all the dreams you never thought you'd lose
Got tossed along the way
And letters that you never meant to send
Get lost or thrown away


And now we're grown up orphans
That never knew their names
We don't belong to no one
That's a shame

But if you could hide beside me
Maybe for a while
And I won't tell no one your name
And I won't tell em' your name


And scars are souvenirs you never lose
The past is never far
Did you lose yourself somewhere out there
Did you get to be a star
And don't it make you sad to know that life
Is more than who we are


We grew up way too fast
And now there's nothing to believe
Reruns all become our history
A tired song keeps playing on a tired radio
And I won't tell no one your name
And I won't tell em' your name
I won't tell em' your name
Mmm, mmm, mmm,

I won't tell em' your name… Ow!


I think about you all the time
But I don't need the same
It's lonely where you are come back down,
And I won't tell em your name

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Sunday, November 7, 2004

Hail Il Palazzo!
My parents returned 'bout an hour ago, bringing antiques and German candy. Yay, German candy. Actually, I plan to use it to impress my friends on Tuesday. Heh, I be smart.

I took my sister to see The Incredibles on Friday night, and it was a good movie; Frozone is the man. Granted, the ending seemed a bit jerky, but other than that, no complaints. See it if you get the chance.

Lately, I've found myself getting in the habbit of goofing off after class again, instead of, you know, studying and getting stuff done. And, I haven't been to the gym in the past two weeks, first because I got sick, and then because my folks were out.

So, I'm once again seeing a direct correlation between being healthy and working out and my productivity and general self image. Believe you me, I don't have good things to say about myself right now.

You know all that stuff you hear about exerccise and quality of life? I vouch for it.

I need to call Ernesto tomorrow to decide when we're going to petition at the campus on Tuesday; Tuesday's going to be busy.

In fact, I need to throw something together for that right now. Damn.

Well, I don't have much more to say tonight, so I'm going to get a move on and let you get on with you lives. Take care of yourselves.

Thought of the moment: Man, Saturday night at work was rough...

Quote of the moment: "Your older sister-God rest her vaporized soul-would never have done something like this!" -Iwata, Excel Saga

Song of the moment:

"Mr. Bright Side", The Killers

coming out of my cage
and ive been doing just fine
gotta gotta be down because i want it all.

it started out with a kiss,
how did it end up like this?
it was only a kiss, it was only a kiss

now im falling asleep
and shes calling a cab
while hes having a smoke
and she's taking a drag
now they're going to bed
and my stomach is sick
and its all in my head but
shes touching his chest
now he takes off her dress
now let me go

i just cant look, its killing me
and taking control

jealousy
turning saints into the sea
swimming through sick lullabies
choking on their alibies
but its just the price i pay
destiny is calling me
open up my eager eyes
cause im mr brightside

coming out of my cage
and ive been doing just fine
gotta gotta be down because i want it all.

it started out with a kiss,
how did it end up like this?
it was only a kiss, it was only a kiss

now im falling asleep
and shes calling a cab
while hes having a smoke
and she's taking a drag
now they're going to bed
and my stomach is sick
and its all in my head but
shes touching his chest
now he takes off her dress
now let me go

i just cant look, its killing me
and taking control

jealousy
turning saints into the sea
swimming through sick lullabies
choking on their alibies
but its just the price i pay
destiny is calling me
open up my eager eyes
cause im mr brightside

i never.........

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Friday, November 5, 2004

Return to normalcy
A relativly early update, to make up for me missing my planned update last night. I got called into work at around five-ish, and since I'd just gotten into a tiff with my boss over being called in, it wasn't like I could say 'no'.

Apparently, I'm loosing points at work for not being able to drop everything I'm doing and rushing to work on a moment's notice to cover because some slacker called in yet again. Granted, maybe I'd be better able to come in if they'd stop calling me during my posted "off" hours. And maybe I'd have been able to make amends if they'd let me know there was a problem weeks ago.

And, you know, maybe, just maybe, we should be focusing on those useless ones among my co-workers who constantly call in, instead of punishing those who have to deal with their slack.

Because of this, I have no hours logged for November; I'll be working only when they call me in. As you can imagine, that's a pain. But, you know what? Screw it. If I'm not working in the cafe, I finally have a reason to ask to get more work on the book floor, and possibly get transferred there. When life gives you lemons and all that.

The Excel Saga manga gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling inside, so I'm trying to hunt down the anime on DVD. Maybe for Christmas? Dunno'.

Since I'm now working on a constant "on-call" status, I've got to re-evaluate how I do things. It's obvious that I can't plan days to do homework unless absolutly necessary. Ergo, I need to do all homework and projects as soon as I get 'em. (There goes free-time.)

What I need to do this weekend:

*Finish my Intro-to-computing chapter short questions.

*Finish my math pages.

*Read the two Hummanities chapters and prepare the terms list for them.

*Finish reading my psyche chapter.

What I need to finish very quickly:

*The Psyche current event article. (1000 words.)

*The Museum report for Hummanities. (700 words)

*Go to that other Museum and write that other Museum report. (700 words.)

What I'd like to do:

*Light my hummanities book on fire.

But that world be wrong. You see, I have a Cunning Plan: I'm going to sell my books back to the bookstore, and use the cash I get from that to purchase Christmas presents this year. Brilliant, no? And since the books were originally bought with Government Money, it's total profit.

What else do I want to do? Take Julia (<3!) to lunch. Or dinner and a movie. Yeah. That'd be cool.

My parents have been gone all week, so I've been holding down the fort, admirably at that. I'm going to clean this whole house momentarily, believe you me. First, I must respond to e-mail.

(I'm setting up my schedule for next semester. Fun, fun.)

And....well, that's all I have to say for now. Next week, I'll have a huge pile of comics waiting for me at Millenium Comics, so I might write up reviews of those. Or I might not.

I'm going to vacuume. Yay.

Thought of the moment: What the heck is Liberal Arts? I mean, I've already signed up for it, but still....

Quote of the moment: "Die, Din-Din! Die!" -Excel, "Excel Saga"

Song of the moment:

"Run", Snow Patrol

I'll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all I've done

And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Away from here

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Louder louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

To think I might not see those eyes
Makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbye
I nearly do

Light up...

Slower slower
We don't have time for that
All I want is to find an easier way
To get out of our little heads

Have heart my dear
We're bound to be afraid
Even if it's just for a few days
Making up for all this mess

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Wednesday, November 3, 2004

You know, I'd planned to be political one last time today, before getting back to my normal irreverence.

But there are some things more important than that.

My friend, Rayne, has serious concerns about her eyesight; she apparently may have a cateract. If it's serious, she may go blind in her right eye. She's an artist, and a good one, so the rammifications are greater than usual if things turn for the worst.

Today's post is dedicated to Rayne. I hope that everything turns out okay.

If you're reading this, go to Psychorayne's page and please show some support.
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Friday, October 29, 2004

Go Here
http://www.rio.com.br/animation/iconstory.htm
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Thursday, October 28, 2004

Added Bonus
Instructions on how to clean your toilet...


1. Put both lids of the toilet up and add 1/8 cup of pet shampoo to the
water in the bowl.

2. Pick up the cat and soothe him while you carry him towards the
bathroom.

3. In one smooth movement, put the cat in the toilet and close both
lids. You may need to stand on the lid.

4. The cat will self agitate and make ample suds. Never mind the noises
that come from the toilet, the cat is actually enjoying this.

5. Flush the toilet three or four times. This provides a "power-wash and
rinse".

6. Have someone open the front door of your home. Be sure that there are
no people between the bathroom and the front door.

7. Stand behind the toilet as far as you can, and quickly lift both
lids.

8. The cat will rocket out of the toilet, streak through the bathroom,
and run outside where he will dry himself off.

9. Both the commode and the cat will be sparkling clean.

Sincerely,

The Dog

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You were spared
I came here today with the intent of getting into an election-eve speel about my views and so forth.

But I stopped myself.

Because, you see, I don't want to rant and rave to people who just don't care. It wastes my time and yours.

So, if you actually care what I think, and say so, I'll post it. If not, I'll carry on with my life.

Exercise your power to choose.

I'm going to get a lot of classwork done tomorrow, and I'm running off a good grade high; I got a B - on my Humanities test, which I was sure I failed.

You see, my instructor kept emphasizing techniques and styles and periods. So, I studied techniques and styles and periods: concepts, which I take to more readily than details.

The test consisted almost entirely of "Name the picture and the artist" questions, questions I could have easily prepared myself for, if I'd known that's how she tested. But since that wasn't what was stressed, how could I know?

Sigh.

But I still got a B-, which ain't too bad.

(Julia (<3!) got a 117, which only proves my theory that she's a genious.)

And, I've become civically motivated; I want to petition to change the main courtyard on the campus to a non-smoking area. We have ten or so smoking areas on a relativly small campus; why should the nicest area of the school be a smoking zone?

This might make me unpopular with the smokers, but what'll they do? Chase me? I think I can outrun a bunch of emphazimics.

Okay, maybe I can't, because I'm asthmatic, but at least I was born with bad lungs; I didn't get them by inhaling toxic fumes.

I usually don't mention current comic developements lately, but for anyone who's familiar with the Spider-Man mythos, here's something:

Are you reading the Sins Past arc in Amazing? If not, let me summerize it:

Before he death, Gwen Stacy had an affair with Norman Osborn, bore his children, and put them up for adoption in Europe.

Is that freaky, or what? Ewww.

And, on a sad note, due to complications with his recent knee surgery, my favorite current Spidey writer Paul Jenkins is bowing out, and his title will soon be cancelled. I'm sad, but he had a solid run. Too bad his last arc was the horrible editorial mandadte "Disassembled"...

And now, Halloween developements:

There was a Halloween "Bash" on my campus today, complete with a costume contest. since my Doctor Octopus costume was in my trunk, I changed into it and entered. I took fourth.

Third place belongs to a girl in a Halle Berry Catwoman suit, complete with whip. Second was a police woman whose skirt was way to short to be police-issued. First place could only be described as "Little Red Riding Ms. October".

Yeah, I really couldn't compete with that; even I voted for Catwoman.

But I beat the Jedi and the pirate.

And my dad took some digital pics of me in costume; expect those...well, whenever I get 'em.

Thought of the moment: I have a new chair!

Quote of the moment: "Heigh ho. How's it going?" -Toguro, "Yu-Yu Hakusho"

Song of the moment:

"Grim Grinning Ghosts", as performed by the Barenaked Ladies

When the crypt doors creak
and the tombstones quake
Spooks come out for a swinging wake
Happy haunts materialize
And begin to vocalize
Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize



Now don't close your eyes
And don't try to hide
Or a silly spook may sit by your side
Shrouded in a daft disguise
They pretend to terrorize
Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize



As the moon climbs high o'er dead oak tree
Spooks arrive for the midnight spree
Creepy creeps with eerie eyes
Start to shriek and harmonize
Grim grinning ghosts come out socialize



When you hear the knell of a requiem bell
Weird glows gleam where spirits dwell
Restles bones etherealize
Rise as spooks of every size



Grim grinning ghosts come out to socialize
Grim grinning ghosts come out
Grim grinning ghosts come out
To socialize

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Tuesday, October 26, 2004

Damn it!

I typed a post, and once again pressed the wrong button, and now it's gone...

And my little sister is acting like a twit, and it's really pissing my mom off...

Yeah, so, no post tonight. ^^; Sorry.
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Saturday, October 23, 2004

Why France Can Go F*** Itself; A Report by DeathBug
Just to clear the record, I was disgusted with France before it was cool. It was not the Iraq controversy that ignited my dislike, although the whole "Oil for Food" scandal sure didn't improve my opinion very much.

See, the thing with France is, they're the anti-America. I don't mean that in the sense that they don't like America; I mean it in the sense that they're the antithesis to America.

America has always been a country with a long history of immigration and cultural diversity. Not only does it invite a person to come live their, it doesn't even force you to abandon your customes and culture in the process. As long as you can speak basic English, you can get along fine still celevrating your traditions from wherever you came from.

Not only does America allow that, it encourages it. It will bend over backwards to accomodate your culture, sometimes even to its own detriment.

Compare this to France, which has to be one of the nastiest places to immigrate to in the world. You damn well better be really, really French, or the government will punnish you. You may not celebrate your heritage in France; if you ever use non-French words in public, you can and most likely will be punished by the government.

(This is true; a couple of weeks ago, a Frenchman was fined for using the English word "Sale" in an advertisement.)

Really, what kind of country actually uses government money to make up French versions of foreign words, then makes it a law to use these new phax-French words? France doesn't have freedom of speech.

In America, even though the majority of the country is Christian, you can worship any darn faith you like. Furthermore, unless it's causing a disturbance, you can display your faith however you like; America will even go out of its way to make sure your religion isn't stifled, as it shouldn't be. Unless you're into the whole human sacrifices thing, you should display your faith in the manner you think appropriate.

France uses the power of the government to stifle all forms of religious expression; remember the anti-head scarf laws?

(If you don't: the largest minority in France are Muslims; French parliment passed a law making it illegal for Muslim women to wear their head-scarves in public.)

So, France has no freedom of religion.

In America, the capitalist system encourages innovative people that take risks, and rewards them if they develope valuble skills. You are encouraged to be self-reliant and responsible.

In France, the socialist government controls the market, and their communial government ideals stifle individual action as their populus is nursed at the useless teat of the nanny state.

(France would have been opposed to any country acting without the consent of the totality of the world no matter the circumstances, because they don't recognize the individual, or the soveriegn nation; they only see the masses, or the group.)

In America, no cause is more celebrated than the fight for advancing civil rights. Our ideal is equality of treatment and opportunity (Equality of results is questionable, even though I personally think it's qa bunch of crap). We constantly strive for that, and it's a noble cause.

France has a racist party called the National Front party, that's anti-immigrant and anti-minority. Losts of countries have similar parties, even the US. The difference is, where decent countries ignore the bigots, France doesn't. The National Front party controls a third of the French parliment. A third.

And don't even get me started about the cultural anti-Semetism that French officials and celebrities don't even try to hide anymore.

So, basically, France sucks. Not all the French do, but judging the nation as a whole, it's garbage. it has degenerated into a pathetic, racsist Soviet-offshoot. How sad.

And on today's Halloween note:

Ernesto and I saw The Grudge last night; my sister got called for a babysitting job and cancelled.

The Grudge is one of those movies where the plot doesn't have to be excellent. I mean, it was okay, but the storyline's pretty standard: a house is haunted, and the ghosts there haunt and try to kill anyone who enters.

All things considered, the acting wasn't that great; I went to see it because of Sarah Michelle Geller, but her acting wasn't imprtant, when she just had to alternate between being scared, being sad and being confused. (As did everyone else in the movie.)

What made the movie very good was the cinematography. The non-linear progression and the excellent use of camera angles and music effects make the movie scary, in a creepy way. It's the kind of film that sits with you for several hours afterwards, gnawing at your mind.

So, go see it. At night.

Thought of the moment: I'm gonna' buy a volume of Excel Saga at work today.

Quote of the moment: "Anyone who enters the cursed place will be consumed by its fury." -Opening dialogue of "The Grudge"

Song of the moment:

"The Monster Mash", Boris Pickett


I was working in the lab late one night
When my eyes beheld an eerie sight
For my monster from his slab began to rise
And suddenly to my surprise


He did the mash
He did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
He did the mash
It caught on in a flash
He did the mash
He did the monster mash


From my laboratory in the castle east
To the master bedroom where the vampires feast
The ghouls all came from their humble abodes
To get a jolt from my electrodes


They did the mash
They did the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They did the mash
It caught on in a flash
They did the mash
They did the monster mash


The zombies were having fun
The party had just begun
The guests included Wolf Man
Dracula and his son


The scene was rockin', all were digging the sounds
Igor on chains, backed by his baying hounds
The coffin-bangers were about to arrive
With their vocal group, "The Crypt-Kicker Five"


They played the mash
They played the monster mash
The monster mash
It was a graveyard smash
They played the mash
It caught on in a flash
They played the mash
They played the monster mash


Out from his coffin, Drac's voice did ring
Seems he was troubled by just one thing
He opened the lid and shook his fist
And said, "Whatever happened to my Transylvania twist?"


It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash
The monster mash
And it's a graveyard smash
It's now the mash
It's caught on in a flash
It's now the mash
It's now the monster mash


Now everything's cool, Drac's a part of the band
And my monster mash is the hit of the land
For you, the living, this mash was meant too
When you get to my door, tell them Boris sent you


Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash
The monster mash
And do my graveyard smash
Then you can mash
You'll catch on in a flash
Then you can mash
Then you can monster mash

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