Ok, heads up...I'm taking a hiatus. I know I know, I just wrote a ton, and now I'm leaving again.
Well, I'll be back, so hold tight!
I'm going to Vegas for the New Year. Should be fun! I'll make sure to explain it all when I get back.
Happy New Year everyone!
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
God Damn Kids
They just look at you like you have two heads.
Are you kidding me? Look at this god damned mess!
"Whoops" "Sorry." "Won't happen again."
Where the hell am I supposed to put all this?!
Serioulsy? How hard is it?
How hard is it to remember to wipe your feet before you come inside?
Fuckin' kids.
Darkness Chittering Away
It was eerie. Enough that if you were walking alone through the trees, down the meandering path, you'd certainly pick up your pace. Hurrying to get out of the darkness and into the light. Any light. Some light. But, it wasn't eerie enough to make your fear for your life. No, it wasn't that eerie.
It was the right level of eerie. The amount that would cause the hair on the back of your neck to raise up. Stand tall against your skin. It was the kind of spooky that would cause you to think it was cold enough to see your breath in the shafts of moonlight breaking through the tree limbs, even when its not. It's healthy. It makes you breath deeper. Your blood pumps faster, harder, circulating your your body to keep the nervous shivers away. It wasn't that scary.
The wind ran through the trees, flowing like an invisible river, howling as it strained against the dead birch, maple, and oak standing in its way. Leaves clung on to dried out, creaking branches, hoping not to be swept away.
The creatures were busy, scurrying amongst the fallen leaves, kicking up loose soil and snapping twigs. Lightning bugs flicker on and off lazily in the late night fog, reminding you that beyond the haze was something unseen.
Was the noise coming from behind you? In front of you? To your side? It was everywhere.
In the distance, a loon called, echoing amongst the barren woods. It felt as if it was calling towards you, at you.
Was the loon crying or laughing?
It's been a while
I know, I know, I relapsed, but give me a break! It's been the holidays and I'm theoretically supposed to be on break, hence, not writing, not working, not doing anything.
But nooo, i have to come into work for 8 hrs a day and sit here, doing nothing, while the rest of the industry is dead.
Literally. Nothing. I do nothing all day. It's super boring. Time passes slow. Not fun.
Oh well, I guess I could write something in the mean time...
But nooo, i have to come into work for 8 hrs a day and sit here, doing nothing, while the rest of the industry is dead.
Literally. Nothing. I do nothing all day. It's super boring. Time passes slow. Not fun.
Oh well, I guess I could write something in the mean time...
Friday, December 24, 2010
Tall
He wasn't scared. He wasn't nervous. He just felt insignificant in the lazy fog surrounding him.
He was walking amongst giants.
OMG
This is nuts. I saw this video awhile ago and thought I posted it - but apparently I did not.
Here is more OK Go being awesomely creative.
And yes. This video is "real." Animated completely with toast.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Seasons Greetings
This is the turn they met on. It's seemingly normal. Simple. Curved.
It isn't out of the ordinary, this particular curve, but rather common. The Korean subway corporation runs 199 trains a day, traveling through 115 stations, on 4 different lines. What is uncommon, is that amongst the 3,879,000 passengers that use the subway each day, these two met, at this spot and quickly became enthralled with one another.
He was standing alone, looking at his feet, wondering why his darn shoe laces kept untying themselves. His hair stuck out, greasy from a long night of tossing and turning in his sleep, unwashed as he slept through his first two alarms.
She stood behind him, alone - watching this peculiar fellow as he bent over, staring admirably at his shoes. She couldn't tell if he was cute, but by his mannerisms, she hoped he was. She liked him already. It didn't matter what he looked like from the front. She was sold.
He had seen her before. He was sure of it. Positive. She always took this train every first and third Tuesday and Wednesday of the month.
He was a fan. Her clothes were never in style. He adored her braces and her hesitant smile. She was awkward. She was perfect.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Missed Opportunity
God dammit!
I missed my opportunity! Today was crap. A ton of errands, a ton of driving, numerous Xmas gift deliveries - some of which had the wrong address - and a lot of being yanked around. AKA being told to do something, to drive somewhere, then once I would reach there, I'd get a call telling me to "never mind" and come back.
What could have made to day better? Saved it?
A free Foo Fighter's concert. Yes, that's right, they are currently performing (as I write this) in LA, FOR FREE.
Wtf. I saw the add for it on their website, to win "tickets to a free secret show." So, logically, what did I do? I applied. Unfortunately, I was not one of the selected few.
I wish I could have gone - I knew the venue, but you needed a ticket.
Damn.
But, on a good note, this means that A) their new album is dropping soon B) they are going on tour shortly C) with a tour beginning, they will certainly be playing in LA again.
It's been almost three years since I've seen the Foo.
I don't know how much longer I can go without them in my life.
I missed my opportunity! Today was crap. A ton of errands, a ton of driving, numerous Xmas gift deliveries - some of which had the wrong address - and a lot of being yanked around. AKA being told to do something, to drive somewhere, then once I would reach there, I'd get a call telling me to "never mind" and come back.
What could have made to day better? Saved it?
A free Foo Fighter's concert. Yes, that's right, they are currently performing (as I write this) in LA, FOR FREE.
Wtf. I saw the add for it on their website, to win "tickets to a free secret show." So, logically, what did I do? I applied. Unfortunately, I was not one of the selected few.
I wish I could have gone - I knew the venue, but you needed a ticket.
Damn.
But, on a good note, this means that A) their new album is dropping soon B) they are going on tour shortly C) with a tour beginning, they will certainly be playing in LA again.
It's been almost three years since I've seen the Foo.
I don't know how much longer I can go without them in my life.
Monday, December 20, 2010
The sun rose over the smoking valley. All was barren. Scorched.
It wasn't mist floating over the burnt grass, but smoke from the explosions that rocked the countryside. No one had seen it coming. The air raid sirens hadn't even sounded.
Everyone had been caught off guard - occupied with their daily lives. Now, there were a few left. Scrounging for supplies, unburying themselves from the rubble, searching for loved ones and others.
Fallout had begun.
Aside from the radiation beginning to fall, the diseases had begun to spread. The fires and shockwaves had destroyed to CDC, releasing everything ever collected and studied.
One lone tree stood in the middle of a pasture - its companions uprooted and destroyed.
Meek to the world surrounding it, the tree stands as a symbol of hope to those lucky enough to view it.
Neo!
Hot damn, celebrity sighting today!
Neo himself, Keanu Reeves!
He had his big ol' scruffy beard and everything. Yay for Keanu and his facial hair!
Neo himself, Keanu Reeves!
He had his big ol' scruffy beard and everything. Yay for Keanu and his facial hair!
Friday, December 17, 2010
Dusting
It was comfortable. So comfortable. Beyond comfortable.
Warm and cozy. Soft and delicate. The blanket was her shell. It kept her safe from the air drifting in from under the windowsill.
She watched, as the world seemed to move in slow motion outside. It was hard for her to see anything. It was lost in the blur that was the wind, swirling.
She smiled, as the scent of chocolate wafted its way from the cup in her lap to her nose, guided by the curves of the blanket.
As the world disappeared in the snow outside, what could be a better companion that a cup of cocoa.
Tough
Sometimes life is tough. Too tough.
His mind was blank - thoughts absent. He was trying to focus, but he just couldn't. He was lost in the haze that had taken residence in his head.
He wasn't upset or confused. He was just unsure. Not at a crossroads, but a void. A blank canvas.
Did he want fish or chicken for dinner?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Times Up
I woke up here. It's cold. Dark, the walls are textureless, purple. The air is stale - sterile.
They caught me. And now I'm done. In twenty years, time travel has been created. But, it is highly illegal. As a result, only criminals use it - to their benefit of course.
I guess you can say I'm not a good guy. I am hired to kill people. My watch goes off, I go to a field, a loop opens up. Well, first I wait. I need to get there early. When it happens, a person appears, gagged, and blindfolded. I shoot them. I go on my way.
Let me explain - these people are from the future. By sending them back in time, whoever is responsible in the future is safe. The people disposed of, cannot be traced. No bodies in the future and if their bodies are found in my time (the past), the person doesn't exist theoretically. Perfect scenario to off people.
Today, someone came through the hole that I didn't expect. Me. From the future. How could I kill myself? I hesitated and he bolted.
My people have found me and I woke up here. I know they'll come through that door soon and it'll be over. I risked their business. They can't have that.
It's over.
Cool Moment
Well, it's a couple days late.
But a man has officially been cured of HIV.
How. Awesome. Is. That!
Thank god for stem cell research.
But a man has officially been cured of HIV.
How. Awesome. Is. That!
Thank god for stem cell research.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
I Don't Mean to Offend
Ok, let me start off this blog with an apology. I know this post will offend someone, somewhere, out there, in the world. I'm apologizing ahead of time - "I'm sorry if I offended you."
I certainly don't mean to, if I do, but I need to point this out, because, well, I think it's absolutely hysterical.
This post is all about a movie poster. It's great advertisement, but not in the way you'd expect. It's, um, a little...hm...
Well, here it is, we'll discuss after you see it (make sure you click it to see it in its full, awesome glory)
Please tell me you see it right? I really don't know what Warner Bros. was thinking.
Did they just miss it or did they leave the poster as it is on purpose? So little kids would love it, but anyone older than 15 would giggle at it.
If you don't get what I'm talking about...it's one of the most homosexual posters I have ever seen, as unintentional as it may be!
Look at how Yogi and BooBoo are standing. Then look at their facial expressions.
THEN...look at the slogan on the bottom of the poster!
Holy. Shit. This is like pornography - in a completely hilarious way. I really don't know how this poster made it through Warner Bros. without being flagged or stopped. I salute whoever let it pass into the public eye.
Hell, even the nose sticking out of the hole in the O in the title is homoerotic.
The huge smiles and glassy eyes will burn in my soul for the rest of eternity... (and yes, this is a real poster).
And, for all those who think I'm in any way being negative to homosexuals, homosexuality, their lifestyle, or choices, I am not. I love them.
Hell, I'm a lesbian myself - I absolutely love women.
I certainly don't mean to, if I do, but I need to point this out, because, well, I think it's absolutely hysterical.
This post is all about a movie poster. It's great advertisement, but not in the way you'd expect. It's, um, a little...hm...
Well, here it is, we'll discuss after you see it (make sure you click it to see it in its full, awesome glory)
Please tell me you see it right? I really don't know what Warner Bros. was thinking.
Did they just miss it or did they leave the poster as it is on purpose? So little kids would love it, but anyone older than 15 would giggle at it.
If you don't get what I'm talking about...it's one of the most homosexual posters I have ever seen, as unintentional as it may be!
Look at how Yogi and BooBoo are standing. Then look at their facial expressions.
THEN...look at the slogan on the bottom of the poster!
Holy. Shit. This is like pornography - in a completely hilarious way. I really don't know how this poster made it through Warner Bros. without being flagged or stopped. I salute whoever let it pass into the public eye.
Hell, even the nose sticking out of the hole in the O in the title is homoerotic.
The huge smiles and glassy eyes will burn in my soul for the rest of eternity... (and yes, this is a real poster).
And, for all those who think I'm in any way being negative to homosexuals, homosexuality, their lifestyle, or choices, I am not. I love them.
Hell, I'm a lesbian myself - I absolutely love women.
I Want To Go Here
Ok, so there is a valley in Austria, that is a national park throughout the year.
But...
In the spring, all the snow in the mountains melts and turns said valley, into a crystal clear, green lake.
Water Level 8.0 m from Alex.Be. on Vimeo.
How beautiful is that!? And sort of creepy...
But...
In the spring, all the snow in the mountains melts and turns said valley, into a crystal clear, green lake.
Water Level 8.0 m from Alex.Be. on Vimeo.
How beautiful is that!? And sort of creepy...
Friday, December 10, 2010
Should Be Interesting
Well...
Tomorrow is the company X-Mas party. Should be interesting...
I'm allowed one guest and with Rob going to San Diego, Jordan (my other roomy), shall be accompanying me.
I'm not too sure what to expect, but I'm going to make it a good time, no matter what.
It's at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, with dinner served and open bars. It's a classy event, so Jordan and I will be dressing up. I may go classic, donning a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, but I may mix it up a bit, we'll see.
From what I hear, its the time where everyone in the company gets loose and lets their hair down. I'm excited to see some tipsy executives.
The best part of it all? Free cab vouchers. Rather than go, drink, and pay more that $40 bucks to get home, we will be brought home via Trailer Park.
Yay!
I'll keep you up to speed as the madness ensues!
Tomorrow is the company X-Mas party. Should be interesting...
I'm allowed one guest and with Rob going to San Diego, Jordan (my other roomy), shall be accompanying me.
I'm not too sure what to expect, but I'm going to make it a good time, no matter what.
It's at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood, with dinner served and open bars. It's a classy event, so Jordan and I will be dressing up. I may go classic, donning a black suit, white shirt, and black tie, but I may mix it up a bit, we'll see.
From what I hear, its the time where everyone in the company gets loose and lets their hair down. I'm excited to see some tipsy executives.
The best part of it all? Free cab vouchers. Rather than go, drink, and pay more that $40 bucks to get home, we will be brought home via Trailer Park.
Yay!
I'll keep you up to speed as the madness ensues!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Looking Out
Ugh, god, what horrid beasts they are. Awkward. Floating around like they own the place.Hah! Sucks to be them.
It's kind of fun to mess with them. Go up to the glass and touch it. Most times they'll come over and just sit there, staring. Stupid animals, with their big glassy eyes and blank expressions. Yeah, I see you, do you see me? I'm looking at you, thats right, what of it. You going to hurt me? Haha you couldn't last out here. You'd just flounder around, flailing, out of your element.
Wait a minute. I think it just hit me. Son of a bitch! We're the ones getting played! We couldn't make it over there, on their side of the glass. I never thought of it before, think about it - there are so many of them, all the time, just looking, pointing, giggling, smacking the glass. God damn, it scares me every time!
They at least get to leave too! I wonder whats outside of that room. Wait, is there something outside of this tank? This "ocean" that we call home? Let's not kid ourselves here, this is a tank. Not a sea, an ocean, a bay, hell, it's not even a pond. At least those are in the wild.
Wow, I'm a fish. Just a boring, stupid old fish. Is there even anything to live for anymore? Yeah, I got Gil, A Finny, and Sammy the Salmon, but honestly, we swim in our own piss! Gawd, that's just nasty!
Maybe I'll end it tomorrow. Swim as fast as I can into the glass and break it, drown those annoying school kids, who rap on the glass and make funny faces at us. Imagine their surprise as the glass wall breaks, flooding the room and drowning them. Haha, they'd be to busy picking their noses to suspect anything.
Shit, this glass looks tough.
Oh well, if I can't break it, I'll just swim into the filter. Get sucked up there and rot.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Christmas Disaster
Watch the video below to see kids get their holiday hopes and dreams crushed.
Good ol' Rudolph took one right between the eyes!
He sure got owned.
Good ol' Rudolph took one right between the eyes!
He sure got owned.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Blue Planet
He had to keep going. There was no other way out, yet he was drawn deeper and deeper into the abyss, like a moth to a flame - helpless.
It was down there. Somewhere in the cold blue, between the jagged rocks. Waiting for him. He needed to find it, reach it, face it.
The tank was almost empty. His breaths were starting to become labored, pulling out whatever oxygen was left in the polished steel container. His hands were pruning, feet numb, legs cramping from exhaustion. He wasn't sure if he would make it, but as long as there was air in the tank and the flashlight kept showing him the way, he would continue.
It's when the light died that the true trouble would begin.
It was down there. Somewhere in the cold blue, between the jagged rocks. Waiting for him. He needed to find it, reach it, face it.
The tank was almost empty. His breaths were starting to become labored, pulling out whatever oxygen was left in the polished steel container. His hands were pruning, feet numb, legs cramping from exhaustion. He wasn't sure if he would make it, but as long as there was air in the tank and the flashlight kept showing him the way, he would continue.
It's when the light died that the true trouble would begin.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
SJ is Here!!!!
Congratulations to Sonny and Melanie for the birth of their beautiful 8lb baby boy, SJ!
I'm so happy for you!
I'm so happy for you!
Friday, December 3, 2010
Below the Surface
How did he end up here? He couldn't remember. It was cold. He was pretty sure he was shivering. His ears were ringings, not from a loud noise, but from the cold, the wet, draining cold that was enveloping him.
He needed to get out of wherever he was.
Opening his eyes was tough. Every time he tried, they burned. They wanted to open, to know where he was, if he was with anyone, but at the same time, they refused. It hurt. Too much.
He tried to say something, but he was shivering too much to open his mouth. The damn cold. It has a way of controlling you. Taking you over. Rendering you useless.
He had to pull it together. Wherever he was, he couldn't breath. His lungs were burning, filling with spent air, the carbon dioxide was itching to be released. His chest felt like it was ready to burst - his life was ready to leave his body, evaporate into the air around him, disappear, just like he would, never to be fond again.
He flailed a bit. Nothing was around him. It was as if he was falling in slow motion. He was moving as quickly as he could, but it felt as if he was going no where.
That's when it happened. His hand brushed something. It brushed her. Her hand. Drifting there, soft, frozen, delicate, wrinkled. It all flooded back to him in an instance.
The walk in the woods. The snow falling around them, slow and gentle. The kind that would dust your face if you were to look up in awe at its beauty, as it drifted down to the ground, delicate like hundreds of tiny dancers.
Today was the day. The proposal. He loved her, loved them, their life. It was ready to ask her. Winter was her favorite time, white her favorite color. She loved the quiet of winter, the breeze as it plays through the limbs of the barren trees. It was perfect.
She insisted it'd be fun to make snow angels. That the ice was thick enough. That making a snow angel on a lake was like no other snow angel he had made before. Once made, you could turn over and see into the water like a window. She swore the water was crystal clear, purified by the low temperatures.
He agreed. That's when it happened.
She giggled and ran to the middle of the lake, sliding onto her back, flailing her arms and legs out, enjoying every second of it.
He was about to step onto the ice when he heard the hollow, deep, echo rifle from below the surface. She sat up and looked at him. Both there eyes were wide.
And just like that, she was gone.
He ran, as fast as he could, faster than he ever had.
His eyes screamed as he opened his eyes. The icy water burned as he scanned for her hand. Seeing it through the crystal blue water, he grabbed it. His lungs were still burning. His skin felt like it was melting off. He couldn't see the hole in the ice. His clothes were heavy. So were hers. He wasn't sure if there were going to make it out.
Leading with his free hand, it broke the surface. The air immediately set to work freezing the exposed cloth and skin.
He dragged her out, to the edge of the lake. His took his jacket off, placed it around her, rubber her. Shook her. Spoke to her.
She was a light blue. Lips pale, eyes closed. He kept rubbing, kept shaking, kept pleading.
This couldn't be happening. He yelled for him, for someone to come with a blanket, a fire, a ride to safety. His voice just left with the wind, lost amongst the barren trees of the wintery forest.
He hugged her and began to cry. Rubbing her shoulders, her face, her whole body. He kept peeling his clothes off, wrapping her in them. Hoping he'd see some movement, some sign of life.
Nothing.
He fell onto her, sobbing, his face against her shoulder. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the box, opened it, and slid the ring on her finger.
He laid there, pouring himself out, when he heard a slight wheeze, followed by a couch, and water hitting the side of his face.
Sitting up, he saw her eyes were barely open, with her hand raised in the air.
"What's this," she murmured.
He smiled back, "us."
He needed to get out of wherever he was.
Opening his eyes was tough. Every time he tried, they burned. They wanted to open, to know where he was, if he was with anyone, but at the same time, they refused. It hurt. Too much.
He tried to say something, but he was shivering too much to open his mouth. The damn cold. It has a way of controlling you. Taking you over. Rendering you useless.
He had to pull it together. Wherever he was, he couldn't breath. His lungs were burning, filling with spent air, the carbon dioxide was itching to be released. His chest felt like it was ready to burst - his life was ready to leave his body, evaporate into the air around him, disappear, just like he would, never to be fond again.
He flailed a bit. Nothing was around him. It was as if he was falling in slow motion. He was moving as quickly as he could, but it felt as if he was going no where.
That's when it happened. His hand brushed something. It brushed her. Her hand. Drifting there, soft, frozen, delicate, wrinkled. It all flooded back to him in an instance.
The walk in the woods. The snow falling around them, slow and gentle. The kind that would dust your face if you were to look up in awe at its beauty, as it drifted down to the ground, delicate like hundreds of tiny dancers.
Today was the day. The proposal. He loved her, loved them, their life. It was ready to ask her. Winter was her favorite time, white her favorite color. She loved the quiet of winter, the breeze as it plays through the limbs of the barren trees. It was perfect.
She insisted it'd be fun to make snow angels. That the ice was thick enough. That making a snow angel on a lake was like no other snow angel he had made before. Once made, you could turn over and see into the water like a window. She swore the water was crystal clear, purified by the low temperatures.
He agreed. That's when it happened.
She giggled and ran to the middle of the lake, sliding onto her back, flailing her arms and legs out, enjoying every second of it.
He was about to step onto the ice when he heard the hollow, deep, echo rifle from below the surface. She sat up and looked at him. Both there eyes were wide.
And just like that, she was gone.
He ran, as fast as he could, faster than he ever had.
His eyes screamed as he opened his eyes. The icy water burned as he scanned for her hand. Seeing it through the crystal blue water, he grabbed it. His lungs were still burning. His skin felt like it was melting off. He couldn't see the hole in the ice. His clothes were heavy. So were hers. He wasn't sure if there were going to make it out.
Leading with his free hand, it broke the surface. The air immediately set to work freezing the exposed cloth and skin.
He dragged her out, to the edge of the lake. His took his jacket off, placed it around her, rubber her. Shook her. Spoke to her.
She was a light blue. Lips pale, eyes closed. He kept rubbing, kept shaking, kept pleading.
This couldn't be happening. He yelled for him, for someone to come with a blanket, a fire, a ride to safety. His voice just left with the wind, lost amongst the barren trees of the wintery forest.
He hugged her and began to cry. Rubbing her shoulders, her face, her whole body. He kept peeling his clothes off, wrapping her in them. Hoping he'd see some movement, some sign of life.
Nothing.
He fell onto her, sobbing, his face against her shoulder. He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out the box, opened it, and slid the ring on her finger.
He laid there, pouring himself out, when he heard a slight wheeze, followed by a couch, and water hitting the side of his face.
Sitting up, he saw her eyes were barely open, with her hand raised in the air.
"What's this," she murmured.
He smiled back, "us."
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Change to Reinvent
I love when things are reinvented. When people reinvent themselves.
Many, I find this happening in films, sports, or bands. Look at Andy Roddick, when from a serve and forehand only young kid, to an all court player, who comes to the net as much as he stays back. Or, if you don't know much tennis, how about the Foo Fighters. David Grohl started the band shortly after Nirvana disbanded and began as a semi-grunge band, quickly turning into a rock band, then for an album a heavy rock band, then an acoustic mellow band, then right back to solid rock. Awesome.
It's interesting to watch bands evolve - everyone does it at some point, The Beatles, Bowie, hell, even Brittany Spears.
Anyway, to get back to where I was going with this, I talked about going to a concert this past weekend and one particular part of it stuck out for me (I saw OK Go). They have this song "Return" which is a magnificent piece of lyrical writing, full of moving verses and deep meaning, but it also has eerily beautiful and hypnotizing harmonies.
All in all it's a great song. Bottom line. Top of the top, best of the best.
Here it is in its glory:
Great right? Well - it gets better. In the middle of the concert, the band walked off stage, taking off their instruments as they went. Of course I was like..."umm this can't be close to over, what gives?" Very quickly, they ran - well, I guess walked back on stage carrying a huge table with shiny metal objects on it. All of the members of the band then proceeded to put on white gloves and grab hold of the objects in front of them on the table.
If you guessed it, you are right, they picked up church handbells.
I was not prepared for what ensued. One of possibly, the most beautiful renditions of a song I have ever witnessed or heard.
While it is not the actual video from the concert, this is them performing it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Make sure you turn up your volume, it's a little quiet.
Staggering. In a good way.
This band already does so much - great performances, insanely creative music videos, now a rock song played live, on handbells - which may even sound better.
Congratulations OK Go, you've successfully reinvented yourselves...again.
Many, I find this happening in films, sports, or bands. Look at Andy Roddick, when from a serve and forehand only young kid, to an all court player, who comes to the net as much as he stays back. Or, if you don't know much tennis, how about the Foo Fighters. David Grohl started the band shortly after Nirvana disbanded and began as a semi-grunge band, quickly turning into a rock band, then for an album a heavy rock band, then an acoustic mellow band, then right back to solid rock. Awesome.
It's interesting to watch bands evolve - everyone does it at some point, The Beatles, Bowie, hell, even Brittany Spears.
Anyway, to get back to where I was going with this, I talked about going to a concert this past weekend and one particular part of it stuck out for me (I saw OK Go). They have this song "Return" which is a magnificent piece of lyrical writing, full of moving verses and deep meaning, but it also has eerily beautiful and hypnotizing harmonies.
All in all it's a great song. Bottom line. Top of the top, best of the best.
Here it is in its glory:
Great right? Well - it gets better. In the middle of the concert, the band walked off stage, taking off their instruments as they went. Of course I was like..."umm this can't be close to over, what gives?" Very quickly, they ran - well, I guess walked back on stage carrying a huge table with shiny metal objects on it. All of the members of the band then proceeded to put on white gloves and grab hold of the objects in front of them on the table.
If you guessed it, you are right, they picked up church handbells.
I was not prepared for what ensued. One of possibly, the most beautiful renditions of a song I have ever witnessed or heard.
While it is not the actual video from the concert, this is them performing it.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Make sure you turn up your volume, it's a little quiet.
Staggering. In a good way.
This band already does so much - great performances, insanely creative music videos, now a rock song played live, on handbells - which may even sound better.
Congratulations OK Go, you've successfully reinvented yourselves...again.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Pajama Man
Today was a normal day. Nothing too exciting about it.
I got some tapes from Fox, some champagne, cupcakes, a dvd, pretty much the usual.
I miss my friend Kevin, also known as Pajama man. In honor of him, I'll share two jokes.
Why did the monkey fall out of the tree? Cause it was dead.
What's brown and sticky? A stick.
He likes those kinds of jokes - so you probably should too.
Here is a picture of Pajama man:
I got some tapes from Fox, some champagne, cupcakes, a dvd, pretty much the usual.
I miss my friend Kevin, also known as Pajama man. In honor of him, I'll share two jokes.
Why did the monkey fall out of the tree? Cause it was dead.
What's brown and sticky? A stick.
He likes those kinds of jokes - so you probably should too.
Here is a picture of Pajama man:
Monday, November 29, 2010
OK Go - The Adventures
Well, Thanksgiving vacation sure was nice. For a couple of occasions.
First, we had a four day weekend (much needed after a month of 50+ hour weeks). Secondly, I got to cook, as you saw in the last post. Third, we hosted a dinner party - yes, we're officially "adults." Fourth, Rob and I rotted our brains on video games for literally whole day - from when we woke up to when we ate dinner. Fifth, we got to see OK Go in concert at Club Nokia.
Let me sum up OK Go based on UrbanDictionary's description of the band: the perfect blend of sex and nerd a band could ever have.
Well, isn't that just lovely! They're a great band, with even more incredible music videos - if you have a chance, youtube anything by them (videos) and you will be amazed. I promise.
The night itself was guaranteed to be awesome from the start. I hadn't seen Rob so excited in a long time and when he gets excited, you know its going to be an interesting time.
I'm doing my thing and getting ready, and he comes into my room and asks "what do you want to drink?" I really didn't care and assumed I'd be the one driving, so I said "whatever, it's up to you." Ok, that was a big mistake.
Our plan had always been get to the theater, drink a little in the parking lot, so we wouldn't need to drop a serious amount of money at the overly-priced bad inside. Rob's plan was to bring a flask to the concert - I wasn't feeling the straight whiskey that night as my body was still semi-aching from it from the prior night. Instead, we leave the apartment and he has a nalgene with him. I'm instructed to stop at Ralph's so we can get ginger ale and we'd be good. Along with the soda, I bought a raspberry lambic (a dutch beer which is awesome and I haven't seen since shopping in Wegmans. Yes, I indulged).
Driving there, I wanted to open it to smell it - since it is a flash fermented beer, which has a tangy, fruity smell to it - right up m alley, if you know what I'm saying. But, since it had been such a long time, I forgot it is bottled with a cock. Well shit - I only have a bottle opener, so I proceed to smash the cork into the bottle, which eventually worked, but it was a bitch to drink, since every time I tried to sip from it, the cork wold just re-plug the neck of the bottle.
I know, I know, not the smartest plan I've ever hatched, but it was kind of on a whim, so cut me some slack.
And so you don't think I was doing this WHILE driving, Rob drove to the concert, I drove home.
So after I succeed in my cork adventure, I decided to mix the ginger ale with the whiskey. It didn't look good. It didn't smell good. Hell, the concept of it didn't even sound good. I loved a good whiskey ginger, but not when the proportions are as messed up as they were that night.
Anywho, we park in some underground garage and begin sippin' on our dranks. My lambic was good - and after drinking a whine bottle full of beer, I was feelin' tipsy. Yay - perfect concert mode.
Rob then taps me on the shoulder and passes me the nalgene. By God, that shit was devil water! It didn't even taste like whiskey, but it just burned! Pure swill. Ugh, disgusting.
Regardless, being who we are, Rob and I finished it and away we went! Both feeling happy, we were walking through the empty garage, singing to the Michael Jackson song be played on the radio (I believe Smooth Criminal), dancing, grabbing ourselves, twirling, and letting out the "ooooohhh!" "blanket!" and other random MJ noises, "ch-ch-chowww, don't metcha don't chaaa."
We must of looked like assholes - simply, because, we were.
The opening band sucked. Pure garbage. The woman had a great voice, but she didn't sing into the mic. Honestly, what the fuck to you think it is there for? Look? We can't hear you if you don't use it!
But, to sum them up, we knew they ere going to be bad when she played a song or two, then walked up to the mic and said "so...I hear it's raining outside. Here's out next song"
Simultaneously, Rob and I both though, "shit, we have to deal with another 7 songs."
Um, yeah, it's raining. Whoopidy fucking do. Deep thinker we had in that one.
Anywho, OK Go was awesome. They came into the crowd a couple times, had laser pointers strapped to their guitars, and even showed one of their music videos in 3D - after handing out complimentary...red and blue old school 3D glasses! Totally awesome.
Oh, right, they also had confetti cannons which they used the. whole. show.
Check out some pics...
Oh - and we made gingerbread cookies! Rob's company, Bad Robot, had put together gingerbread making kits as a holiday gift.
The company logo is:
And my "Bad Ginger Bot" is:
First, we had a four day weekend (much needed after a month of 50+ hour weeks). Secondly, I got to cook, as you saw in the last post. Third, we hosted a dinner party - yes, we're officially "adults." Fourth, Rob and I rotted our brains on video games for literally whole day - from when we woke up to when we ate dinner. Fifth, we got to see OK Go in concert at Club Nokia.
Let me sum up OK Go based on UrbanDictionary's description of the band: the perfect blend of sex and nerd a band could ever have.
Well, isn't that just lovely! They're a great band, with even more incredible music videos - if you have a chance, youtube anything by them (videos) and you will be amazed. I promise.
The night itself was guaranteed to be awesome from the start. I hadn't seen Rob so excited in a long time and when he gets excited, you know its going to be an interesting time.
I'm doing my thing and getting ready, and he comes into my room and asks "what do you want to drink?" I really didn't care and assumed I'd be the one driving, so I said "whatever, it's up to you." Ok, that was a big mistake.
Our plan had always been get to the theater, drink a little in the parking lot, so we wouldn't need to drop a serious amount of money at the overly-priced bad inside. Rob's plan was to bring a flask to the concert - I wasn't feeling the straight whiskey that night as my body was still semi-aching from it from the prior night. Instead, we leave the apartment and he has a nalgene with him. I'm instructed to stop at Ralph's so we can get ginger ale and we'd be good. Along with the soda, I bought a raspberry lambic (a dutch beer which is awesome and I haven't seen since shopping in Wegmans. Yes, I indulged).
Driving there, I wanted to open it to smell it - since it is a flash fermented beer, which has a tangy, fruity smell to it - right up m alley, if you know what I'm saying. But, since it had been such a long time, I forgot it is bottled with a cock. Well shit - I only have a bottle opener, so I proceed to smash the cork into the bottle, which eventually worked, but it was a bitch to drink, since every time I tried to sip from it, the cork wold just re-plug the neck of the bottle.
I know, I know, not the smartest plan I've ever hatched, but it was kind of on a whim, so cut me some slack.
And so you don't think I was doing this WHILE driving, Rob drove to the concert, I drove home.
So after I succeed in my cork adventure, I decided to mix the ginger ale with the whiskey. It didn't look good. It didn't smell good. Hell, the concept of it didn't even sound good. I loved a good whiskey ginger, but not when the proportions are as messed up as they were that night.
Anywho, we park in some underground garage and begin sippin' on our dranks. My lambic was good - and after drinking a whine bottle full of beer, I was feelin' tipsy. Yay - perfect concert mode.
Rob then taps me on the shoulder and passes me the nalgene. By God, that shit was devil water! It didn't even taste like whiskey, but it just burned! Pure swill. Ugh, disgusting.
Regardless, being who we are, Rob and I finished it and away we went! Both feeling happy, we were walking through the empty garage, singing to the Michael Jackson song be played on the radio (I believe Smooth Criminal), dancing, grabbing ourselves, twirling, and letting out the "ooooohhh!" "blanket!" and other random MJ noises, "ch-ch-chowww, don't metcha don't chaaa."
We must of looked like assholes - simply, because, we were.
The opening band sucked. Pure garbage. The woman had a great voice, but she didn't sing into the mic. Honestly, what the fuck to you think it is there for? Look? We can't hear you if you don't use it!
But, to sum them up, we knew they ere going to be bad when she played a song or two, then walked up to the mic and said "so...I hear it's raining outside. Here's out next song"
Simultaneously, Rob and I both though, "shit, we have to deal with another 7 songs."
Um, yeah, it's raining. Whoopidy fucking do. Deep thinker we had in that one.
Anywho, OK Go was awesome. They came into the crowd a couple times, had laser pointers strapped to their guitars, and even showed one of their music videos in 3D - after handing out complimentary...red and blue old school 3D glasses! Totally awesome.
Oh, right, they also had confetti cannons which they used the. whole. show.
Check out some pics...
The company logo is:
And my "Bad Ginger Bot" is:
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Turkey Day
Today was a success. It was my first Thanksgiving on my own. While it was weird, it was also great. It was strange not being at home, but we invited a few people over and had a semi-"potluck" dinner.
I'm currently in a food coma, so this will be a pretty short post, but I will share our turkey extravaganza.
Rob and I bought a 14 pound bird - and we went to town stuffing it with all the best things.
Our bird was stuffed with: oranges, rosemary, cranberries, onions, garlic, and carrots.
It. Was. Phenomenal.
Waiting for the oven
Crispy goodness
Our grande buffet
Delicious.
Overall, a great success!
I'm currently in a food coma, so this will be a pretty short post, but I will share our turkey extravaganza.
Rob and I bought a 14 pound bird - and we went to town stuffing it with all the best things.
Our bird was stuffed with: oranges, rosemary, cranberries, onions, garlic, and carrots.
It. Was. Phenomenal.
Delicious.
Overall, a great success!
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
My Best Friend At Work
So I did a lot of driving today. Three times to Fox, once to a cake store, another time to Sherman Oaks. To be honest, it gets boring.
Luckily, I had a companion along for the ride.
On the way to Fox Studios, I looked at the top of my windshield and there was a bee sitting there looking, rather, well, dead. I sped up a couple times to see if it would fall off but it didn't. I thought it was dead, but after watching it for a bit, it was most certainly alive, moving ever so slightly.
Duhhh, I forgot that bees enter a state of suspended animation when it gets too cold for them (in this case, the 60's - kind of like my mom I guess). So, I made him my friend and named him Gunther. Gunther the bee. Doesn't have any meaning behind it, but it's the first name that popped into my head - so if you don't like it, too bad for you. He shall be known as Gunther - although I don't know where he is anymore.
Anyway, I figured as the day went on and the sun began warming things up, he'd become more active. I was wrong. He just sat in the same position all day. He was one boring ass bee. I hit the windshield, tried to scare him, and he just sat there. I even sprayed him a couple times with my windshield fluid. Other than moving slowly away and brushing it off his face, he just sat there. I even pulled out the big guns and told him a joke:
What kind of bees make milk? Boobies!
He still didn't react.
Oh well, I still enjoyed his company, as inactive as he was.
To my surprise, on my third trip to Fox, Gunther became super active and spread his wings, but with his butt pointed in the direction I was driving. I honestly don't know what he was thinking since more people want to point themselves in the direction they are traveling, but we are talking about a bee after. I kept asking him what he was doing. I apologized for spraying him. I tried to talk him down, but with a sudden gust, he was gone from my windshield. Never to be see again.
The rest of the day was bittersweet. I was glad he wasn't cryogenically frozen anymore, but my companion had left me.
Maybe he'll come back someday.
I miss you Gunther :(
Luckily, I had a companion along for the ride.
On the way to Fox Studios, I looked at the top of my windshield and there was a bee sitting there looking, rather, well, dead. I sped up a couple times to see if it would fall off but it didn't. I thought it was dead, but after watching it for a bit, it was most certainly alive, moving ever so slightly.
Duhhh, I forgot that bees enter a state of suspended animation when it gets too cold for them (in this case, the 60's - kind of like my mom I guess). So, I made him my friend and named him Gunther. Gunther the bee. Doesn't have any meaning behind it, but it's the first name that popped into my head - so if you don't like it, too bad for you. He shall be known as Gunther - although I don't know where he is anymore.
Anyway, I figured as the day went on and the sun began warming things up, he'd become more active. I was wrong. He just sat in the same position all day. He was one boring ass bee. I hit the windshield, tried to scare him, and he just sat there. I even sprayed him a couple times with my windshield fluid. Other than moving slowly away and brushing it off his face, he just sat there. I even pulled out the big guns and told him a joke:
What kind of bees make milk? Boobies!
He still didn't react.
Oh well, I still enjoyed his company, as inactive as he was.
To my surprise, on my third trip to Fox, Gunther became super active and spread his wings, but with his butt pointed in the direction I was driving. I honestly don't know what he was thinking since more people want to point themselves in the direction they are traveling, but we are talking about a bee after. I kept asking him what he was doing. I apologized for spraying him. I tried to talk him down, but with a sudden gust, he was gone from my windshield. Never to be see again.
The rest of the day was bittersweet. I was glad he wasn't cryogenically frozen anymore, but my companion had left me.
Maybe he'll come back someday.
It's Catching Up To Us!
Oh cow!
This is mind blowing. Check it out - the video below is 100% CGI.
If I wasn't told this before watching it, I simply wouldn't believe it to be true.
Basically, all this makes me want to say is..."Suck it James Cameron."
Silestone -- 'Above Everything Else' from Alex Roman on Vimeo.
This is mind blowing. Check it out - the video below is 100% CGI.
If I wasn't told this before watching it, I simply wouldn't believe it to be true.
Basically, all this makes me want to say is..."Suck it James Cameron."
Silestone -- 'Above Everything Else' from Alex Roman on Vimeo.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Tool Bag Of The Day
Well, it finally happened. I encountered the first tool bag situation at work. Actually, I ran into it - head on. I'm not going to discuss or describe it, but gee-golly-willikers, it was fucking ridiculous.
Single handedly, I got ridiculed, chewed out, hung up on, and talked about within earshot in one day!
And believe it or not - it wasn't even remotely my fault (and I bullshit you not - I'd own it if I were to be in the wrong, but in no way, shape, or form, was I anything but innocent).
I got blamed for someone else's mistake. It gets worse. The person who blamed me for the incident, was the person who made the mistake! Come on - are you fucking kidding me?
Don't mess up and then try to turn it around on the lowest level employee you have - just own up to it. A simple "whoopsie" would have been fine.
It all boils down to going power crazy. This person is high up, I'm down low, they likes being up top, they'll abuse it however they see fit, which include placing their mistakes on other people.
Gahh - I'm not mad, I'm not upset, I actually laughed it off, as I am now.
Seriously though, you're what, 35 years old and one of the highest positions? You think a tiny mistake isn't worthy of admitting?
Perfect example of what I will never be when I have people working below me.
*******************
On a side note - it's been in the 60's here and people act like it's a blizzard - which, means one thing.
You should know, because it makes me cringe and shudder.
Yeah...you guessed it right. The goddamned Uggs are coming out.
The only thing worse than them is leggings and if the temp dips anymore than it already has, I may have to deal with both of them...at once!
Nooooooooooooooooooo!
*******************
On another grrat side note - we brewed some holiday beer this past weekend! My first foray into the art of home brewing - so we hired a friend who knows his way around the process and brewed a holiday beer. It's a heavy malt beer, with a little hops, orange, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It smells delicious. Currently, it's sitting in my closet with some yeast fermenting. It should be ready by X-mas.
Science moment of the day: The beer is currently mingling with a bunch of yeast, slowly fermenting. The yeast is eating all the sugar in the brew, digesting it, and releasing carbon dioxide - creating the carbonation and alcohol. Yup, in about 3 weeks, we'll be getting drunk off of tiny creatures' farts.
Yay science. Yay beer.
Single handedly, I got ridiculed, chewed out, hung up on, and talked about within earshot in one day!
And believe it or not - it wasn't even remotely my fault (and I bullshit you not - I'd own it if I were to be in the wrong, but in no way, shape, or form, was I anything but innocent).
I got blamed for someone else's mistake. It gets worse. The person who blamed me for the incident, was the person who made the mistake! Come on - are you fucking kidding me?
Don't mess up and then try to turn it around on the lowest level employee you have - just own up to it. A simple "whoopsie" would have been fine.
It all boils down to going power crazy. This person is high up, I'm down low, they likes being up top, they'll abuse it however they see fit, which include placing their mistakes on other people.
Gahh - I'm not mad, I'm not upset, I actually laughed it off, as I am now.
Seriously though, you're what, 35 years old and one of the highest positions? You think a tiny mistake isn't worthy of admitting?
Perfect example of what I will never be when I have people working below me.
*******************
On a side note - it's been in the 60's here and people act like it's a blizzard - which, means one thing.
You should know, because it makes me cringe and shudder.
Yeah...you guessed it right. The goddamned Uggs are coming out.
The only thing worse than them is leggings and if the temp dips anymore than it already has, I may have to deal with both of them...at once!
Nooooooooooooooooooo!
*******************
On another grrat side note - we brewed some holiday beer this past weekend! My first foray into the art of home brewing - so we hired a friend who knows his way around the process and brewed a holiday beer. It's a heavy malt beer, with a little hops, orange, ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. It smells delicious. Currently, it's sitting in my closet with some yeast fermenting. It should be ready by X-mas.
Science moment of the day: The beer is currently mingling with a bunch of yeast, slowly fermenting. The yeast is eating all the sugar in the brew, digesting it, and releasing carbon dioxide - creating the carbonation and alcohol. Yup, in about 3 weeks, we'll be getting drunk off of tiny creatures' farts.
Yay science. Yay beer.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Beat Me To It
Ok - I like to think I have a creative mind. I'm not Picasso worthy, but I do have my moments.
When in school, I had this idea for a cool film about people skateboarding and depending on what they do a trick on, it explodes. Sound cool right? Well, it sounds cool, because it is cool.
But, behold, someone beat me to it!
I'm not upset since someone very prevalent and inspiration in my "film" life shot it before I could - damn you Spike Jonze!
Regardless, I think it's pretty damn awesome.
Fully Flared Intro from K05T0N on Vimeo.
When in school, I had this idea for a cool film about people skateboarding and depending on what they do a trick on, it explodes. Sound cool right? Well, it sounds cool, because it is cool.
But, behold, someone beat me to it!
I'm not upset since someone very prevalent and inspiration in my "film" life shot it before I could - damn you Spike Jonze!
Regardless, I think it's pretty damn awesome.
Fully Flared Intro from K05T0N on Vimeo.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Experiment
Let's take a photo.
And.
Write about it.
Let's take this one.
It was a briskly cold autumn day. The kind that the dew appears only to quickly crystalize and crinkle under your feet as you walk over the frosted grass that is waiting for you when you wake up. The kind of day when you breath in deep, you feel like you're lungs are the size of ziplock sandwich bags, struggling against the crisp air expanding in them. The kind of day that if you dare to breath through your noise, your hair inside feels like it will snap off with the next breath. Its cold enough that there is no smell. Autumn is pungent with the ripe smell of trees and leaves rotting on the forest floor - but not today. The air smells cold - that clean, sharp, numbing smell. Your eyes want to water, but they are afraid too - they know all to well that your tears will only streak and freeze to the side of your face.
He was miserable. Of course he was. How could he not be? Kyle was a runner. Well, he thought he was. Other people thought so as well. But really, he did it because he enjoyed it, not because he was good at it. Today, he hated it. He gambled and he had lost.
There was no telling how far away from the base camp he was. He ran out with his watch on his wrist as he always did, but he lost track of his time. There simply was more pressing matters on his mind. Usually he could determine based on how long he had been running how far he had gone, but not today. The elements had gotten the better of him. He didn't even care that he was numb to the core anymore. Sweatpants were never an option. He thought they got in the way. He's rather wear shorts, regardless how cold it was out. If you were running hard enough, you'd generate enough heat and you'd be fine. Plus, he had a nice layer of hair on his lower half to help insulate him from the cold Berkshire air.
He was hurting. Not emotionally, not physically - he just was. He was limping, but not because he had pulled a muscle, rolled an ankle, or broken a bone. He was trying to hold it in.
Kyle was a cross country runner. He was committed to the sport. It's nothing but you, the trail, and nature. What more could someone ask for? In this case, Kyle only wanted a little relief. Other than being a cross country runner, Kyle was also a notoriously late sleeper.
On this specific day, Kyle woke later than planned and scrambled out the door on his way to early morning Saturday practice. He was well ahead of the pack when he heard the whistle rifle through the trees. Whistle blows, you turn around and run back to wherever you started from. The team and coach would be there, waiting. Unfortunately for Kyle, on the way back, the scrambling out of bed, down the stairs, into the car, all because of sleeping in, came back to bite him in the ass. Literally.
Kyle was a man of routine. As many men are - he needed to do his business in the morning before he could start his day. On the run back, it hit him like a ton of bricks - or in this case, maybe a sack of potatoes. Not a problem at all. This had happened before. Simply run off the trail, squat, find a good large beach tree leaf, and shaboom, good to go, back on the trail, as if nothing had happened at all.
Unfortunately for Kyle, the leaves were all frozen solid. He had no where to go, nowhere to turn, nothing to use to wipe. He tried dried leaves on the ground, but they just crinkled to pieces and got stuck. The frozen leaves made him jump. Birch bark was too rough.
So here is where we find Kyle. Walking back to the meeting point, defeated, lost, miserable.
He'd have his proverbial tail between his legs, but not this time, since he didn't want it covered in shit.
********************
Alright - did I catch you off guard with that one? I tried to start it in one direction and keep you (the reader) occupied with a certain thought in your head, to only turn you completely 180 degrees and end with something (hopefully) humorous and crude.
Did it work?
Tehehehe. Maturity is not something always present in my blog.
And if this was a disappointment based on where you thought I was headed or offended you, I'm sincerely sorry, but lets be honest about something...
Everyone loves a good poop story.
And.
Write about it.
Let's take this one.
It was a briskly cold autumn day. The kind that the dew appears only to quickly crystalize and crinkle under your feet as you walk over the frosted grass that is waiting for you when you wake up. The kind of day when you breath in deep, you feel like you're lungs are the size of ziplock sandwich bags, struggling against the crisp air expanding in them. The kind of day that if you dare to breath through your noise, your hair inside feels like it will snap off with the next breath. Its cold enough that there is no smell. Autumn is pungent with the ripe smell of trees and leaves rotting on the forest floor - but not today. The air smells cold - that clean, sharp, numbing smell. Your eyes want to water, but they are afraid too - they know all to well that your tears will only streak and freeze to the side of your face.
He was miserable. Of course he was. How could he not be? Kyle was a runner. Well, he thought he was. Other people thought so as well. But really, he did it because he enjoyed it, not because he was good at it. Today, he hated it. He gambled and he had lost.
There was no telling how far away from the base camp he was. He ran out with his watch on his wrist as he always did, but he lost track of his time. There simply was more pressing matters on his mind. Usually he could determine based on how long he had been running how far he had gone, but not today. The elements had gotten the better of him. He didn't even care that he was numb to the core anymore. Sweatpants were never an option. He thought they got in the way. He's rather wear shorts, regardless how cold it was out. If you were running hard enough, you'd generate enough heat and you'd be fine. Plus, he had a nice layer of hair on his lower half to help insulate him from the cold Berkshire air.
He was hurting. Not emotionally, not physically - he just was. He was limping, but not because he had pulled a muscle, rolled an ankle, or broken a bone. He was trying to hold it in.
Kyle was a cross country runner. He was committed to the sport. It's nothing but you, the trail, and nature. What more could someone ask for? In this case, Kyle only wanted a little relief. Other than being a cross country runner, Kyle was also a notoriously late sleeper.
On this specific day, Kyle woke later than planned and scrambled out the door on his way to early morning Saturday practice. He was well ahead of the pack when he heard the whistle rifle through the trees. Whistle blows, you turn around and run back to wherever you started from. The team and coach would be there, waiting. Unfortunately for Kyle, on the way back, the scrambling out of bed, down the stairs, into the car, all because of sleeping in, came back to bite him in the ass. Literally.
Kyle was a man of routine. As many men are - he needed to do his business in the morning before he could start his day. On the run back, it hit him like a ton of bricks - or in this case, maybe a sack of potatoes. Not a problem at all. This had happened before. Simply run off the trail, squat, find a good large beach tree leaf, and shaboom, good to go, back on the trail, as if nothing had happened at all.
Unfortunately for Kyle, the leaves were all frozen solid. He had no where to go, nowhere to turn, nothing to use to wipe. He tried dried leaves on the ground, but they just crinkled to pieces and got stuck. The frozen leaves made him jump. Birch bark was too rough.
So here is where we find Kyle. Walking back to the meeting point, defeated, lost, miserable.
He'd have his proverbial tail between his legs, but not this time, since he didn't want it covered in shit.
********************
Alright - did I catch you off guard with that one? I tried to start it in one direction and keep you (the reader) occupied with a certain thought in your head, to only turn you completely 180 degrees and end with something (hopefully) humorous and crude.
Did it work?
Tehehehe. Maturity is not something always present in my blog.
And if this was a disappointment based on where you thought I was headed or offended you, I'm sincerely sorry, but lets be honest about something...
Everyone loves a good poop story.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Ireland + HD Footage = Beauty
This post is to my mom. Keep lookin' towards that PhD! You'll see this in person!
Friday, November 12, 2010
Seriously?
Ok, forget the name of the website I posted below.
BECAUSE ITS SATIRICAL!
It's making fun of everyone who doesn't think Obama has done anything.
AKA I like the website and I support Obama!
I didn't think it'd be that hard to follow.
BECAUSE ITS SATIRICAL!
It's making fun of everyone who doesn't think Obama has done anything.
AKA I like the website and I support Obama!
I didn't think it'd be that hard to follow.
The End to Piece One
Ok - well, I'll go with the first comment - which was a twist. Let's see what I can do.
Eyes wide, Nick trips on an upturned root, slamming into the ground. Rolling over onto his back he searches the woods for the figure.
The Figure lands on top of Nick, pinning his shoulders to the ground. Struggling, Nick cannot break free of the Figure's grasp. The figure locks eyes with Nick, staring at him, breathing hot, moist air onto his face. Its mouth open, inches above Nick's face, drips saliva down onto Nick's brow. Oozing down the side of his face, Nick shutters.
As the Figure's jaws close around Nick's face, he closes his eyes and let's out a blood curdling SCREAM.
Opening his eyes, Nick sits up in bed, drenched in cold sweat. Moonlight shines in through his bedroom window, dividing his room in half with a white line.
Shaking his head, Nick shivers, wiping the sweat off his brow. He throws his covers off his legs, attempting to cool off.
Sitting on the edge of his bed, Nick rubs his eyes and yawns. Blinking, Nick rubs his eyes again, wiping something out of them.
Nick stares at his hands in the dark. Leaning over, he flips on his bedroom light.
Nick looks down - his hands, legs, and feet are covered in mud, fragments of leaves, and dried blood.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Ta-da!
It may have taken longer than I had hoped and it is pretty skimpy compared to what I ultimately wish I could someday have...but after many hours of building (by yours truly), behold my baby!
http://www.wix.com/drewkali/ajk
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Let me know what you think!
I'll keep updating it as I go - with more photos and films as they become available!
http://www.wix.com/drewkali/ajk
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!
Let me know what you think!
I'll keep updating it as I go - with more photos and films as they become available!
Fight or Flight
Charging into a cabin at the base of the hill, Nick scowers the single room. Grabbing the cabinet to his left, he throws it in front of the door.
Backing up from the door, Nick runs to a boarded-up window at the back of the cabin. Prying off one of the boards, sunlight bursts into the exposed slot. Dust floats through the air, obscuring the sunlight as it pours into the cabin.
A THUD on the front door startles Nick. He begins ripping the boards off the window as quickly as possible.
Turning around, Nick now sees that the door has a large hole in in - the figures arm clawing at the stale air. Without thinking about it, Nick looks around the cabin and spots an old fire poker in the corner of the room. Picking it up, he runs at the door, swinging at the arm halfway through the hole. He makes solid contact. The arm tries to retreat but the elbow gets stuck. Nick keeps swinging. Thud after thud after thud. Each blow is causing the figure to howl in pain. Turning the poker in his hand, Nick thrusts it into the arm, piercing the flesh with the pointed end. The arm immediately disappears.
Nick stops. Waits. Nothing comes from the other side of the door.
Slowly, he creeps towards the hole, listening, silent, waiting to hear breathing, crinkling leaves. Nothing.
He leans even closer, squinting one eye, inches form the hole to see outside. He can't see anything except the empty forest.
Suddenly the figure steps in front of the whole and thrusts its arm back through the space, smacking Nick and sending him sprawling on the ground.
Stunned, Nick struggles to his feet, drops the fire poker and runs back to the window. He begins ripping the boards off the window as quickly as possible. Breaking the window with his elbow, Nick falls into a pile of wood stacked behind the cabin.
Getting to his feet, Nick begins running away from the cabin. The front door to the cabin SPLINTERS inward and a ROAR echoes through the auburn forest.
Now running even faster, Nick glances over his shoulder to see the back of the cabin SHATTERS in an array of wood and nails.
******************
Ok - maybe one more post before it ends. So Friday will be the revealing of the final piece. Screw options, what do YOU think should happen?
Ultimately I get to choose this path, but suggest something good and I'll certainly consider it or use it!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Add A Lil' Somethin' Somethin'
Well, I got a wide array of responses for what I should do with the story. The best bet? Combine them if possible and keep on truckin'.
Eyes widening, Nick quickly scrabbles up what is left of the ravine, throwing as debris as possible below him. Rocks, logs, leaves, and dirt cascade onto the figure at the bottom of the creek. A SNARL stirs the forest.
The figure below glares up at Nick, lowers itself onto its haunches and rockets off the muddy creek bed. Flying through the air, fur matted down, ears lowered, and lips curled back, the figure grabs hold of Nick's ankle. Letting out a whimper, Nick thrashes at the beast below him. Flailing, his free foot catches the figure in the face, causing it to crash back down to the bottom of the ravine. With one final stretch, Nick grabs the top of the creek and pulls himself out.
Crumpling to his knees, Nick looks around the forest. Eyes darting from tree to tree, he runs towards a large birch off the trail and slumps against it. He listens. He hears nothing at first, but slowly heavy breathing is becoming louder and louder as the seconds pass by.
Edging around the side of the birch, Nick sees a shape amongst the trees on the trail, looking back and forth, nose in the air. Picking up a rock lying next to him, Nick throws it back through the forest towards the creek. The rock bounces off a tree and nestles itself in the fallen foliage. The figure is on the spot in a heartbeat, burrowing feverishly at the ground where the rock landed. Lunging to his feet, Nick stumbles back to the trail and continues his way up the mountain.
Slowing to a walk, Nick bends over, placing his hands on his knees, breathing heavily. Sweat drips off his forehead onto the leaves, PITTERING and PATTERING like rain.
Suddenly, Nick is thrown to the ground, sliding to the edge of the trail. The figure hunches where Nick just was. Crawling backwards away from the figure, Nick edges off the trail, sliding down a hill. Behind him stands an old cabin.
***************
Should Nick A) Scream for help B) Run past the cabin C) Barricade himself in the cabin D) Fight the figure.
Do-It-Yourself Story
Nick, an 18 year-old boy, dressed completely in camping gear runs up a trail on the side of a mountain. Leaves fall through the air, nature's confetti, celebrating the arrival of Autumn. The sides of the trail explode with reds, yellows, and browns as Nick races up the mountain. The wind blows through the bare tree limbs, howling.
Early fall sunlight shines through the forest life, leaving streaks of light littering the trail ahead and behind Nick.
Looking over his shoulder, hair plastered to his forehead with dirt and sweat, Nick's face drains of color. A THUNDERING GALLOP echoes behind him.
Detaching his backpack from his shoulders, Nick drops it to the forest floor and continues running. Next comes his canteen, his flashlight, and sleeping bad. All littering the ground as he continues. Rounding a bend, Nick shutters as the canteen CRUNCHES under the enormous weight of his pursuer.
Ahead, Nick sees the crest of he trail. Running forward he scrambles up the slope, trying to reach the top as quickly as possible - unaware of the steep drop on the other side.
Nick tumbles down the sloping path, into a ravine. Landing in the semi-dried bottom of a creek, Nick lays face-first in mud.
Coming to, Nick lifts his head out of the brown, lumpy substance, gasping for air. Propping himself up on his knees, Nick wipes the mud off his face, flinging it towards the bank of the creek. Pausing, Nick tilts his head towards the way he fell down the slope.
Silence. All that reverberates through the forest is the rustling of dead leaves and an occasional cackling crow.
Nick rises, walks to the bank of the creek and begins climbing the ravine. Reaching up to grab a root, a THUD shakes the creek below. Glancing down, a FIGURE is thrashing in the mud.
****************
Ok, so now it's your turn. What happens next? A) Nick scrambles to climb out of the ravine B) Nick throws objects down at the the figure below him C) When trying to climb out, Nick falls to the bottom of the creek D) The figure grabs hold of Nick's leg.
Let me know where it should go and I'll keep going. If there aren't many responses, then it'll fizzle. No big deal.
I'll find something else to right.
And as if you can't tell - this is kind of written in a film style.
Monday, November 8, 2010
Some Perks
Well, being a driver has some perks...
It's a sunny, breezy 75 degree day in LA. It's nice - feels tropical, is not a little cool. It's nice not always being stuck in the office. It is a great day to cruise down Sunset Blvd.
On a side note...
CONAN is back tonight! Make sure you tune in to support his return to TV!
Team Coco!
Let's Try Something New
Alright - it was a standard weekend. Nothing crazy, nothing special. Just plain old, home brewed fun.
We ate, we drank, we relaxed, we napped, we laughed, we watched a lot of TV. What else would you want out of a weekend? Nothing I suppose?
I got my roommates to start watching AMC's "The Walking Dead" and I recommend it to anyone out there. It's a show about zombies - but it's incredible. Even if you don't like horror-themed shows, this is still amazing. It's shot beautifully, acted great, and believe it or not, has a ton of character driven drama in it. Plus, Frank Darabont (director of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile") helped write it, produce it, and direct the pilot episode.
Get out there and watch it.
On a side note - Carlos just completed his training at Panera and will be working there soon (until he lands a cushy government position) - but he's doing such a great job there and the company likes him so much, he's meeting the CEO tomorrow! Way to go Carlos!
Also, if you want to follow his blog, check it out here - he's much more insightful on the world than I am. Great writer too.
So, lets shake things up here. I like writing and keeping you all current on my life - as mediocre as it currently is, but I need to remain creative and practicing my craft.
So this is whats going to happen - I'm going to try a write a new story every week, with YOU telling me the direction it should go in. I'll list some options and depending on your responses, I'll continue it in whatever way people want it to go.
So, I NEED responses. Comments work or email me them. If people don't partake in this, it'll be a failed experiment and I'll go back to another style of writing.
To beging, what genre do we want? A) Comedy B) Horror C)Drama D)Humor E)"Dark/Artsy"
We ate, we drank, we relaxed, we napped, we laughed, we watched a lot of TV. What else would you want out of a weekend? Nothing I suppose?
I got my roommates to start watching AMC's "The Walking Dead" and I recommend it to anyone out there. It's a show about zombies - but it's incredible. Even if you don't like horror-themed shows, this is still amazing. It's shot beautifully, acted great, and believe it or not, has a ton of character driven drama in it. Plus, Frank Darabont (director of "The Shawshank Redemption" and "The Green Mile") helped write it, produce it, and direct the pilot episode.
Get out there and watch it.
On a side note - Carlos just completed his training at Panera and will be working there soon (until he lands a cushy government position) - but he's doing such a great job there and the company likes him so much, he's meeting the CEO tomorrow! Way to go Carlos!
Also, if you want to follow his blog, check it out here - he's much more insightful on the world than I am. Great writer too.
So, lets shake things up here. I like writing and keeping you all current on my life - as mediocre as it currently is, but I need to remain creative and practicing my craft.
So this is whats going to happen - I'm going to try a write a new story every week, with YOU telling me the direction it should go in. I'll list some options and depending on your responses, I'll continue it in whatever way people want it to go.
So, I NEED responses. Comments work or email me them. If people don't partake in this, it'll be a failed experiment and I'll go back to another style of writing.
To beging, what genre do we want? A) Comedy B) Horror C)Drama D)Humor E)"Dark/Artsy"
Friday, November 5, 2010
Celebrity Citing!
Same old week - 17hrs of overtime ughhh so tired.
I'm also on call this weekend, so if trailerpark needs me, I have to go in, but I get paid for 8hrs regardless. So, if I don't go in (which I'm hoping I don't have to) I make moneys anyway! Wahoo!
Tonights a gonna be quick. I want to eat and shower.
I did 11.5 hours today and was in the car doing runs for 7 of them! Gah!
But cool moment of the day...
I was walking through the Fox lot when I passed someone I thought I recognized. It was Jason Segel (from How I Met Your Mother, I Love You Man, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall). He looked up and saw me staring at him and he said "How's it going." I responded and went on my way. When I walked back to my car, he was still there and he saw me and told me my shoes were "fly."
Pretty cool shit if I say so myself. But not in a boasting or bragging way.
I'm also on call this weekend, so if trailerpark needs me, I have to go in, but I get paid for 8hrs regardless. So, if I don't go in (which I'm hoping I don't have to) I make moneys anyway! Wahoo!
Tonights a gonna be quick. I want to eat and shower.
I did 11.5 hours today and was in the car doing runs for 7 of them! Gah!
But cool moment of the day...
I was walking through the Fox lot when I passed someone I thought I recognized. It was Jason Segel (from How I Met Your Mother, I Love You Man, and Forgetting Sarah Marshall). He looked up and saw me staring at him and he said "How's it going." I responded and went on my way. When I walked back to my car, he was still there and he saw me and told me my shoes were "fly."
Pretty cool shit if I say so myself. But not in a boasting or bragging way.
East vs. West
This is going to be a quickie again since I had a 13 hour day - but I'll do what I can!
I love CA. It's a wonderful place, it's beautiful, vibrant, warm, but mainly, the people are friendly. Super friendly. The kind where a random person has no issue with talking to you about how your day is going, introducing themselves, becoming quick friends.
The issue though - the suck ass at driving.
I mean holy cow. The people in LA (and i'm using a broad brush here since I'm declaring all of CA on this issue) are to bad driving as what the tourists in Branson, MO are to rednecks.
Now, I don't mean to be harsh, I know we all have stereotypes.
-New Yorker's may very well be packing heat, so if you mouth off or flip someone off, you may get shot at.
-Massachusetts drivers are assholes - where does the phrase "driving like a masshole" come from? hmmm.
-New Jersey people speed EVERYWHERE.
-Florida drivers are old and slow - have bad eyesight and are probably deaf (all the retirees).
But, by far, California has the worst drivers on the road.
Would you like some examples? I'm sure you would (even if you don't care, too bad since I'm in charge).
- Blinkers don't exist. If they do, it's ok to use them for .0001 second.
- People will cut you off without hesitation and then yell at you like it's your fault.
- Buses merge lanes regardless if they're going to hit you. They simply don't give a fuck.
- If you wait more than a second to move after a light changes, you will get honked at.
- Holy shit cell phones. Dear god. Especially teenage girls. Put the phone down and drive. I don't want to die because you're breaking up with your boyfriend for the 8th time this week. I wish I could slap them.
- It is legal for motorcycles to drive between stopped traffic. This isn't so much an example of "bad" driving, but it's scary as shit! I've almost has my arm ripped off on so many occasions. They don't cruise by your window either - they haul ass.
The worst thing though, is that everyone freaks out when it rains. Two drops can fall and people drive like they do in New England during a blizzard. LA driving comes to a dead crawl during any form or precipitation.
Ugh - so dumb.
Just a heads up to anyone who may venture this way and will be driving. You've been warned.
On a side note - it's be super hot this week (three days of 96 in a row) and you know what that means...
Lots of eskiho sightings!
For those of you who don't know - that's when a girl wears really short shorts, like booty shorts, or a tiny skirt and Uggs.
One of the dumbest styles EVER!
Point and case.
Make up your damn mind! Is it super hot and you want to show leg, or is it cold enough that your need fur boots on?!
When it's 96 degrees out and you wear uggs, you're a moron.
I love CA. It's a wonderful place, it's beautiful, vibrant, warm, but mainly, the people are friendly. Super friendly. The kind where a random person has no issue with talking to you about how your day is going, introducing themselves, becoming quick friends.
The issue though - the suck ass at driving.
I mean holy cow. The people in LA (and i'm using a broad brush here since I'm declaring all of CA on this issue) are to bad driving as what the tourists in Branson, MO are to rednecks.
Now, I don't mean to be harsh, I know we all have stereotypes.
-New Yorker's may very well be packing heat, so if you mouth off or flip someone off, you may get shot at.
-Massachusetts drivers are assholes - where does the phrase "driving like a masshole" come from? hmmm.
-New Jersey people speed EVERYWHERE.
-Florida drivers are old and slow - have bad eyesight and are probably deaf (all the retirees).
But, by far, California has the worst drivers on the road.
Would you like some examples? I'm sure you would (even if you don't care, too bad since I'm in charge).
- Blinkers don't exist. If they do, it's ok to use them for .0001 second.
- People will cut you off without hesitation and then yell at you like it's your fault.
- Buses merge lanes regardless if they're going to hit you. They simply don't give a fuck.
- If you wait more than a second to move after a light changes, you will get honked at.
- Holy shit cell phones. Dear god. Especially teenage girls. Put the phone down and drive. I don't want to die because you're breaking up with your boyfriend for the 8th time this week. I wish I could slap them.
- It is legal for motorcycles to drive between stopped traffic. This isn't so much an example of "bad" driving, but it's scary as shit! I've almost has my arm ripped off on so many occasions. They don't cruise by your window either - they haul ass.
The worst thing though, is that everyone freaks out when it rains. Two drops can fall and people drive like they do in New England during a blizzard. LA driving comes to a dead crawl during any form or precipitation.
Ugh - so dumb.
Just a heads up to anyone who may venture this way and will be driving. You've been warned.
On a side note - it's be super hot this week (three days of 96 in a row) and you know what that means...
Lots of eskiho sightings!
For those of you who don't know - that's when a girl wears really short shorts, like booty shorts, or a tiny skirt and Uggs.
One of the dumbest styles EVER!
Point and case.
Make up your damn mind! Is it super hot and you want to show leg, or is it cold enough that your need fur boots on?!
When it's 96 degrees out and you wear uggs, you're a moron.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Sooo Tired
I'm tired.
I did of 50 miles of runs today throughout LA and logged 12 hours of work (yay overtime) - and as a result, I'm mad bushed.
We're trying to shop around some company holiday gift ideas for our clients - i'm suggesting...
1. Snow globe with either our building with the sign on top of it in the middle or a giant trailer.
I did of 50 miles of runs today throughout LA and logged 12 hours of work (yay overtime) - and as a result, I'm mad bushed.
We're trying to shop around some company holiday gift ideas for our clients - i'm suggesting...
1. Snow globe with either our building with the sign on top of it in the middle or a giant trailer.
2. Large pressed metal sign of our trailer - for decoration
3. Picture of our building with the sign or our logo made into a large jigsaw (child friendly).
4. A nice track jacket or fleece jacket with our logo embroidered on the breast.
5. A wine set with laser etched company logo or martini set laser etched.
6. Wooden or metal flash drive with trailers loaded onto them - maybe use all the 2010 trailers to cut together a "mega trailer."
7. An MP4 video player - but the same concept as #6 - http://www.absorbentprinting.com/automotive-products/electronic-music-accessories/portable-music-video-players/shockwave-touchscreen-1gb-mp4-player
8. Gift gourmet chocolate carved or modeled after our logo.
9. Leather portfolio case/laptop case with logo pressed into the front of it.
10. Donate money to a charity of client's choice.
Do you like any of these?
Anywho - here on some new pics from the trip!
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