The new movie "2012" is coming out this week (I guess), and Kurt Loder from MTV.com tossed in his two cents. Regardless, I have no interest in watching this movie. I really have no inclination to watch the planet die (Or any end of days type movie). Besides, I heard California slid into the ocean, so I will probably be floating in the Pacific on my bed.
Anyway, one thing on that review pissed me off.
Hal Emmerich or Roland, or whatever Emmerich's first name is, the director of 2012 let his creative destructive juices flow and (according to the review) took out the Jesus statue at Rio de Janeiro and the Pope's place and a Buddhist Temple, and other religious buildings... except ONE TYPE.
"You can [let] Christian symbols fall apart, but if you would do this with an Arab symbol, you would have ... a fatwa. So I kind of left it out.")
SOOOOOOOOOO, people ONLY respect other people's religions for fear of being declared war against.
There is SOMETHING wrong with this.
From the perspective of the aggressor religion, they will be reaffirmed about the might of their belief's because of the 'subordinate' religions who will bow down to the demands of their religion.
The simple act of being able to poke satire (or creative supposition) being stifled simply because it will (most definitely) receive religious retribution really fucking sucks.
Nothing is real, and everything is permitted. But I guess THIS isn't.
And yes, for the record, I'd be scared of doing it too. I don't want to get 'warred' against either. And that really blows goat colons.
So really, if you wanted to make your own religion, and emphasize the I-CAN-HAZ-SRS-BILEEFZ, first appeal to the poor, and then give your followers the ability to declare war.
Voila.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Memoirs of a Jury Duty Person ~ (Final) Part 4
10:14pm.
No, no that's not when it ended. That's just what time it is right now. After the post from Sushi Deli, things moved quickly. So quickly, that I was out and about and thinking nothing of it.
I returned to the courthouse around 2:30pm, and we all started to flood back in. The mood was noticeably lighter than when we had left. Before, people had dug out their dark memories of crime related incidents which really had no bearing to the subject of the current case, but was revealed nonetheless on the suggestion of the judge. I suppose there might be some kind of therapeutic sense to bringing in past experiences and reflect them against current events. Either way, everyone left feeling a bit stressed, and others had already shed a few tears as they unburied sadder times of their lives.
We would have started sooner but a handful of people hadn't shown up at the same time (Read as: Late). I really wouldn't fault them because as 'organized' as the Judicial System was, their method for how you enter and exit their buildings were cryptic and confusing. There are several opportunities to lose ones way in the maze of escalators and elevators.
After the judge scolded everyone for the error of the few, we continued with the jury selection. A handful who had clearly expressed their bias and disdain of the matter had already been removed, and I was under the impression that the 'Backup Jury Pool' would be tapped into for replacements.
I was wrong.
Apparently, the Primary Jury Box does not pull from the Secondary Box. It pulls STRAIGHT from the Secondary Backup Pool. (The one I was 'swimming' in.) So, imagine my shock as the person seated beside me was put RIGHT into the empty spot of the primary box, and I was now shuffled into the 'Secondary Pool'. I was now a little apprehensive. If I was selected, I would be giving up the next 2-3 business days.
With the new reshuffling, those who were 'new' to the Primary and Secondary Box were then asked to recall their questions and introduce themselves. Without saying anything about the case, I made it clear that I was "Extremely Unbiased, and would make an EXCELLENT impartial juror".
More people were removed from the primary, and suddenly, I was sitting in a Primary Jury Box Seat. Holy butt nodes.
Now it was time for the Prosecution and the Defense to toss people out.
Time: 3:50pm.
The State Defense attorney smiled, paused, and said : "The state counsel would like to thank, and dismiss Romel Autus."
I had no biases. I had stated no reason why I would not be impartial, and here I was, getting hoisted off the boat.
While a handful of jurors before me, kicked and screamed and bitched and moaned about how they were nervous about casting judgment or perhaps biased against those who would testify, I went the other route. And I got TOSSED.
I was dead seriously honest about my eagerness to be a juror and my amazingly unbiased decision making skills. However, I wasn't offended at their decision.
Fact of the matter: Neither the Defense nor the Prosecution wants a TRUE NEUTRAL juror. If there's a side to sway, it's easier to either play on a shortcoming or to force an indecisive juror into overcompensating. But to take someone who has no feelings about either side, and to fight to get them to your side, is much more work than someone who has their mind made up, or who seems to be able to have prejudices and can put them aside.
It makes sense. I believe the legal system would be more 'just' if it was composed of an army of completely unbiased and impartial jury of peers. But that doesn't help people who need jurors to sympathize with their side when substance is lacking. I wanted hard evidence, but perhaps the case was to be determined on eye-witnesses and testimony. Convincing a fact-driven juror to "sympathize" with a testimony is shooting oneself in the foot.
So yeah. I left. I was happy to be gone, but a little disappointed I couldn't participate in our nations machinations of justice.
I went downstairs, turned in my badge, and left for the day.
They'll find me again next year.
And I'll have the same answer for them.
No, no that's not when it ended. That's just what time it is right now. After the post from Sushi Deli, things moved quickly. So quickly, that I was out and about and thinking nothing of it.
I returned to the courthouse around 2:30pm, and we all started to flood back in. The mood was noticeably lighter than when we had left. Before, people had dug out their dark memories of crime related incidents which really had no bearing to the subject of the current case, but was revealed nonetheless on the suggestion of the judge. I suppose there might be some kind of therapeutic sense to bringing in past experiences and reflect them against current events. Either way, everyone left feeling a bit stressed, and others had already shed a few tears as they unburied sadder times of their lives.
We would have started sooner but a handful of people hadn't shown up at the same time (Read as: Late). I really wouldn't fault them because as 'organized' as the Judicial System was, their method for how you enter and exit their buildings were cryptic and confusing. There are several opportunities to lose ones way in the maze of escalators and elevators.
After the judge scolded everyone for the error of the few, we continued with the jury selection. A handful who had clearly expressed their bias and disdain of the matter had already been removed, and I was under the impression that the 'Backup Jury Pool' would be tapped into for replacements.
I was wrong.
Apparently, the Primary Jury Box does not pull from the Secondary Box. It pulls STRAIGHT from the Secondary Backup Pool. (The one I was 'swimming' in.) So, imagine my shock as the person seated beside me was put RIGHT into the empty spot of the primary box, and I was now shuffled into the 'Secondary Pool'. I was now a little apprehensive. If I was selected, I would be giving up the next 2-3 business days.
With the new reshuffling, those who were 'new' to the Primary and Secondary Box were then asked to recall their questions and introduce themselves. Without saying anything about the case, I made it clear that I was "Extremely Unbiased, and would make an EXCELLENT impartial juror".
More people were removed from the primary, and suddenly, I was sitting in a Primary Jury Box Seat. Holy butt nodes.
Now it was time for the Prosecution and the Defense to toss people out.
Time: 3:50pm.
The State Defense attorney smiled, paused, and said : "The state counsel would like to thank, and dismiss Romel Autus."
I had no biases. I had stated no reason why I would not be impartial, and here I was, getting hoisted off the boat.
While a handful of jurors before me, kicked and screamed and bitched and moaned about how they were nervous about casting judgment or perhaps biased against those who would testify, I went the other route. And I got TOSSED.
I was dead seriously honest about my eagerness to be a juror and my amazingly unbiased decision making skills. However, I wasn't offended at their decision.
Fact of the matter: Neither the Defense nor the Prosecution wants a TRUE NEUTRAL juror. If there's a side to sway, it's easier to either play on a shortcoming or to force an indecisive juror into overcompensating. But to take someone who has no feelings about either side, and to fight to get them to your side, is much more work than someone who has their mind made up, or who seems to be able to have prejudices and can put them aside.
It makes sense. I believe the legal system would be more 'just' if it was composed of an army of completely unbiased and impartial jury of peers. But that doesn't help people who need jurors to sympathize with their side when substance is lacking. I wanted hard evidence, but perhaps the case was to be determined on eye-witnesses and testimony. Convincing a fact-driven juror to "sympathize" with a testimony is shooting oneself in the foot.
So yeah. I left. I was happy to be gone, but a little disappointed I couldn't participate in our nations machinations of justice.
I went downstairs, turned in my badge, and left for the day.
They'll find me again next year.
And I'll have the same answer for them.
memoirs of a jury duty person ~ pt.3
okay... it seems that every time i attend jury duty, i get one step closer to the main jury box. it's 1:28pm, and i'm sitting in sushi deli suprised at my ability to get a seat. anyway, i have been brought on as a backup-backup potential juror. obviously i can't talk about the case, but if they cut enough from the main jury pool, i fear i shall finally get the experience i have wished for.
be careful what you wish for.
btw, im flirting with death by having sushi deli when i have a limited time. (no sake bombs) :(
be careful what you wish for.
btw, im flirting with death by having sushi deli when i have a limited time. (no sake bombs) :(
Memoirs of a jury duty person ~ pt. 2
so.... the time is 10:23am, and i have been called to a "department" to wait with a smaller group of people. this area has no tables, and the rules posted specifically demand silence so aside from my frantic cellphone typing, it's the sound of pages turning and the buzzing of music from ipod users who are slowly going deaf. a bailif has just come out to do roll call to make sure no one AWOLs. they call the names alphabetically. they passed my letter already. i wonder if ill have to talk to someone about it. then they get me finally. it's by my middle name. who knew it would be so much trouble? once roll call ends he tells us that they are just about ready to start selection. i can't freakin' wait. but the fact of the matter is: i have to wait. Everyone waits.
Memoirs of a Jury Duty Person ~ Part 1
So here I am. Sitting in the Jury lounge. I was summoned over a year ago, but my clever abilities at rescheduling has placed my third and final date... to today. July 8th, 2009. I arrived about 7:20am this morning and was lucky enough to find a table to setup my laptop. I learned from the last time I was here. You need a table if you want a laptop. What I didn't realize last time, was you also need Internet access. Now I do.
So I'm ready.
It feels like the same ol' jury duty. The only difference this year is a little informative video that attempts to elicit a feeling of pride and civic duty.
The only thing I could think of is perhaps twittering the entire event, as it happened. Then I realized that my twitter account is directly tied into my Facebook status update. I personally don't want to let everyone on Facebook know EVERY SECOND of EVERY MOMENT I want to tweet something like:
"9:30am - Still not selected"
So I figured, I'll just blog it. Hopefully that won't bug nobody and I can document this MOMENT IN HISTORY.
First post:
Time: 8:55am
Status: Not Selected.
So I'm ready.
It feels like the same ol' jury duty. The only difference this year is a little informative video that attempts to elicit a feeling of pride and civic duty.
The only thing I could think of is perhaps twittering the entire event, as it happened. Then I realized that my twitter account is directly tied into my Facebook status update. I personally don't want to let everyone on Facebook know EVERY SECOND of EVERY MOMENT I want to tweet something like:
"9:30am - Still not selected"
So I figured, I'll just blog it. Hopefully that won't bug nobody and I can document this MOMENT IN HISTORY.
First post:
Time: 8:55am
Status: Not Selected.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Mel's Movie Reviews
Good morning all.
I would like to cover some of the movies that have come out for the 2009 summer season.
Instead of being a retard, like movie reviewers who basically tell you the entire movie, I'll try not to spoil it for you. If you're the type who likes to watch clips, and read endings, then you're screwed anyways:
My Tag Line: "If you're only about Logan, it's a great movie. If you like anyone else, it's a C+"
Nice action film. Standard special effects. Moderate fight scenes. Butchers characters that aren't Wolverine or Sabretooth. Has minor shout outs to X-Men series. Disappointing for a Marvel Studios release, but hey, not everyone can make Iron Man on every attempt.
My Tag Line: "If you like Star Trek, you will love this movie. If you love Star Trek, you won't be TOO offended. If you don't like Star Trek, you might still like this movie, a lot."
Fantastic movie. Invigorating from start to end. A Shatless work of art. Every cast member shines. Special effects are sharp and dynamic. Tons of easter eggs to other ST films. The series is reborn in an Abrams spectacle.
My Tag Line: "Way more exciting than the audiobook. Darker than DaVinci Code. A solid time waster."
Ron Howard is not a bad director. A&D's a fun and dark romp through the Vatican. Dan Brown's book translates well, and everyone's casted perfectly. Hanks is good enough. The movie is entertaining enough. As movies go, it's not a gourmet meal, but it's satiating.
My Tag Line: "Meh, it's not HORRIBLE."
Christian Bale's John Connor is the least interesting character in this movie. The special effects were par to Transformers, but the hideous audio effects made everything seem clunky. I suppose I was glad I saw it, but in all honesty, it wasn't that fun. A few interesting characters, and tons of explosions, gun shots, and loud sounds. What was it about T2 that made it magical? Revolutionary special effects, a terrifyingly unstoppable bad guy, and a great camraderie between the characters. What is it that makes T4 so boring? The lack of all of the above.
My Tag Line: "I laughed, I cried. Pixar won me again."
Don't watch clips. Don't wiki the movie. Walk into it, trying to understand why a grumpy old man would tie a million balloons to his house, while a chubby asian boyscout tags along. It was under this premise that 'UP' became a treasure for me. Pixar has gotten their movie making formula down to a deliciously consistent recipe. No it's not Wall-E, Cars, or Rattatouie (sp), but it's not supposed to be. It's 'Up', and should be enjoyed as 'Up'. It's a beautifully made movie. The colors are fantastic, and it's 3D Glasses concept does NOT beat you over the head. It gives you a much nicer window into the world without forcing random objects on you for the sake of it. And without spoiling anything, I love 'Dug'. I love him to death.
Since this summer is JUST beginning there's still a bajillion more movies to watch. I'll keep all you posted. You know, cause you're all reading it.
I would like to cover some of the movies that have come out for the 2009 summer season.
Instead of being a retard, like movie reviewers who basically tell you the entire movie, I'll try not to spoil it for you. If you're the type who likes to watch clips, and read endings, then you're screwed anyways:
X-Men Origins : Wolverine
My Rating: C+My Tag Line: "If you're only about Logan, it's a great movie. If you like anyone else, it's a C+"
Nice action film. Standard special effects. Moderate fight scenes. Butchers characters that aren't Wolverine or Sabretooth. Has minor shout outs to X-Men series. Disappointing for a Marvel Studios release, but hey, not everyone can make Iron Man on every attempt.
JJ Abrams - Star Trek
My Rating: A+My Tag Line: "If you like Star Trek, you will love this movie. If you love Star Trek, you won't be TOO offended. If you don't like Star Trek, you might still like this movie, a lot."
Fantastic movie. Invigorating from start to end. A Shatless work of art. Every cast member shines. Special effects are sharp and dynamic. Tons of easter eggs to other ST films. The series is reborn in an Abrams spectacle.
Angels & Demons
My Rating: B-My Tag Line: "Way more exciting than the audiobook. Darker than DaVinci Code. A solid time waster."
Ron Howard is not a bad director. A&D's a fun and dark romp through the Vatican. Dan Brown's book translates well, and everyone's casted perfectly. Hanks is good enough. The movie is entertaining enough. As movies go, it's not a gourmet meal, but it's satiating.
Terminator: Salvation
My Rating: C+My Tag Line: "Meh, it's not HORRIBLE."
Christian Bale's John Connor is the least interesting character in this movie. The special effects were par to Transformers, but the hideous audio effects made everything seem clunky. I suppose I was glad I saw it, but in all honesty, it wasn't that fun. A few interesting characters, and tons of explosions, gun shots, and loud sounds. What was it about T2 that made it magical? Revolutionary special effects, a terrifyingly unstoppable bad guy, and a great camraderie between the characters. What is it that makes T4 so boring? The lack of all of the above.
UP
My Rating: A+My Tag Line: "I laughed, I cried. Pixar won me again."
Don't watch clips. Don't wiki the movie. Walk into it, trying to understand why a grumpy old man would tie a million balloons to his house, while a chubby asian boyscout tags along. It was under this premise that 'UP' became a treasure for me. Pixar has gotten their movie making formula down to a deliciously consistent recipe. No it's not Wall-E, Cars, or Rattatouie (sp), but it's not supposed to be. It's 'Up', and should be enjoyed as 'Up'. It's a beautifully made movie. The colors are fantastic, and it's 3D Glasses concept does NOT beat you over the head. It gives you a much nicer window into the world without forcing random objects on you for the sake of it. And without spoiling anything, I love 'Dug'. I love him to death.
Since this summer is JUST beginning there's still a bajillion more movies to watch. I'll keep all you posted. You know, cause you're all reading it.
Friday, January 23, 2009
OUCH LORD OUCH
Oh dear god. Oh dear kind god. OUCH. LORD. Last night. I worked out with Jarold and did weights. My arms feel like they're being stabbed by Satan. It hurts. Oh god it hurts. I don't know what the muscle is called on the back of the upper arm, just above elbow, but it feels like I got shot on both of sides. I can't even bend my arms back. Like, if you saw someone dancing to 'Stop, In the Name of Love', you know how they put their hands, palms out, as if they're telling someone to stop. Yeah, I can't do that. I can't even do that. I woke up this morning because I was in stupid stupid pain. No bed adjustments can make you feel better. I couldn't even put on a shirt. That was remarkably impossible. Scratching my nose? Adjusting my glasses? Brushing my teeth? These things I take for granted. Now i'm at work, in miserable pain, wondering how 'working out' makes you feel better. Cause right now, working out feels like HELL. BURNING PAINFUL HELL.
Mood:
Food:
Exercise:
Condition:
Mood:
Food:
Exercise:
Condition:
Sunday, November 30, 2008
It's been a hard days night.
So, here I sit.
At work.
On a Sunday.
At 9pm.
During Thanksgiving weekend.
Wow.
I've been at work since 8am.
I've been at work on Friday, the day AFTER Thanksgiving.
I worked on the following Saturday.
And I worked all day today up until this point.
I think I haven't been told to leave yet... because those who would tell me are too entrenched in their own last minute emergencies.
Ah. I stopped blogging because of another assignment.
Moving on, our company is in a bind because we have a deadline of Midnight Tonight, to submit digitally some type of report that somehow validates the way we do things.
I'm the guy that has to take the data they've been coming up with, so I can organize it in a way that other people can put it in pretty boxes to show we're legit.
So until that document goes flying, the data is still live, which means I'm on queue to go on air if/when the time comes.
But boy do I have to go to the bathroom.
If they end up not using my abilities after this 9:30pm mark, it's just more comp hours to tack on.
It will be weird to have left for work, no later than 8am this morning, and to not return until perhaps midnight. I'm sure other people have done this shift, but seeing as that it is not common for me, it exists as a curious anomaly.
I really want to go to the bathroom, but I fear what kind of person lurks in a Public Bathroom at 9:30 in the evening.
And so I wait.
I wait, bladder full.
I wait, wondering when we shall be released.
I wait, not having an assignment at this juncture and kind of glad not to.
Any other time consuming task that could be thrown on me could only mean a weightier sentence in the off chance I should make a mistake.
And having worked since Thanksgiving weekend up until this point means a mistake is easier to make, than not.
I just want to be here as moral support.
Who the hell knows what's going to happen.
I'll write later... if I need to.
Mood: Worn
Food: Junk
Exercise: Typing?
Condition: TIRED AS HELL.
At work.
On a Sunday.
At 9pm.
During Thanksgiving weekend.
Wow.
I've been at work since 8am.
I've been at work on Friday, the day AFTER Thanksgiving.
I worked on the following Saturday.
And I worked all day today up until this point.
I think I haven't been told to leave yet... because those who would tell me are too entrenched in their own last minute emergencies.
Ah. I stopped blogging because of another assignment.
Moving on, our company is in a bind because we have a deadline of Midnight Tonight, to submit digitally some type of report that somehow validates the way we do things.
I'm the guy that has to take the data they've been coming up with, so I can organize it in a way that other people can put it in pretty boxes to show we're legit.
So until that document goes flying, the data is still live, which means I'm on queue to go on air if/when the time comes.
But boy do I have to go to the bathroom.
If they end up not using my abilities after this 9:30pm mark, it's just more comp hours to tack on.
It will be weird to have left for work, no later than 8am this morning, and to not return until perhaps midnight. I'm sure other people have done this shift, but seeing as that it is not common for me, it exists as a curious anomaly.
I really want to go to the bathroom, but I fear what kind of person lurks in a Public Bathroom at 9:30 in the evening.
And so I wait.
I wait, bladder full.
I wait, wondering when we shall be released.
I wait, not having an assignment at this juncture and kind of glad not to.
Any other time consuming task that could be thrown on me could only mean a weightier sentence in the off chance I should make a mistake.
And having worked since Thanksgiving weekend up until this point means a mistake is easier to make, than not.
I just want to be here as moral support.
Who the hell knows what's going to happen.
I'll write later... if I need to.
Mood: Worn
Food: Junk
Exercise: Typing?
Condition: TIRED AS HELL.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Birthday Breakdown
Turned 28.
Somewhere in the middle we have...
Had Lunch.
Dinner.
Lunch.
Overall, enjoyed thoroughly.
This officially kicks off the 'Awesome String of Holidays'.
These include but are not limited to:
Halloween.
Thanksgiving.
Christmas.
Somewhere in the middle we have...
- Visual Basic for Applications Class coming up this Sunday/Mon/Tues
- The 2008 U.S. Presidential Election (Nov 11th)
- Wrath of the Lich King (Nov 13th)
- The Return of the Parents from the Philippines (Nov 20th)
- Ate's magnificent 40th Extravaganza (Dec somethingth)
as well as a myriad of other Birthdays and what not.
Let's hope the recession doesn't make this suck.
Mood: Shmumpy
Food: Spaghetti
Exercise: Rockband... 2?
Condition: Itchy.
Mood: Shmumpy
Food: Spaghetti
Exercise: Rockband... 2?
Condition: Itchy.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
The Patch
So. The week after Blizzcon. The new patch is out. This is essentially the "Wrath of the Lich King" game, save for the actual Wrath of a Lich King. Or the Wrath of any Lich type character. Basically, it's everything save for Northrend, being able to get to 80, Death Knights, and 15 points of Inscription.
Everyone else seems to be having a happy go lucky time getting in.
Not me.
Currently, I'm sitting at the public library, using their INTARWEB to download the remaining 2% percent of the patch, that I thought I already had. I guess not huh?
Last night, I tried the patch on my Desktop.
No good.
Now, I'm trying on my trusty laptop, and although there is SOME semblance of progress... who the heck knows.
Anyway, when I tried last night, I got this horrific error saying I had to install WOW from the start. Yeah right. I don't know how long it takes exactly to do a full install with all the current patches, but it wouldn't be short. So I was recommended to find out if I can get it updated on my laptop. If that worked, I would simply... copy the game right on top of my folder on my desktop. See? Easy cakes.
So now I'm chilling here, waiting for my monthly San Diego Access Usergroup meeting to happen, staring at 34% of the last 2% to finish downloading, so I can see if I came up with anything decent.
If this works, I'll be pleased.
*UPDATE* It did not work. I'll have to go home and try it later. DAMMIT.
So yeah, Blizzcon was a blast and a half. Long story short, it was a 3 day bacchanalia of game nerdiness. You got to play, "Pick Your Line", and then got to talk with any and everyone who had any and everything to say about WOW. It was unique.
I've had all the swag in the back of the car for a few days, cause I'm waiting to show it to my brother, who is so busy.
"HOW BUSY IS HE?"
He's soooo busy getting crushed under this market, that he doesn't have an hour in the evening to let me swing over and show him all my crap.
Update: He has an hour this Thursday (Oct 16th) evening. So that's nice of him.
I've got Frostmourne hanging at my desk, and the Paladin Bubble sitting amongst the charity water. But as we come down to Halloween, something tells me I'm suppose to ramp up my office.
Oh, in other news. During Blizzcon, we (Lisa and I) attended the panel for the Web Hit Series 'The Guild". LINK HERE
The show is basically a web sitcom that peeks into the twisted world of MMORPG'ing (Multi-Massive Online Role Playing Game) They're 5 minutes a pop, and they make me chuckle.
What I gleaned from attending this is many-fold. I learned that I really really really miss directing and shooting film. I learned that if ever there was a time to participate in independent movie making, this is the golden age. With internet speeds abound, Youtube, inexpensive Camera's and Editing Equipment, the fact that I haven't done it yet when I remember being at the forefront in my High School years, makes me flabbergasted.
My brother said I should take up sailing.
Bro, THIS is really what I should be sailing.
So, I've decided to THINK seriously about trying to put together a close knit group of people in San Diego to make up some type of 'Video Club'. We'll do skits and crap, and then edit them, and post them on a website, and have a stupid amount of fun.
Who cares about being popular.
Who cares about sponsorship.
I want to throw together fake movie trailers, commercials, skits, and what not, regardless of whether or not anyone else cares about it.
I'm gonna start small. I'm going to use my dinky digital cam, and get some editing software, and use my computer, and make a couple edited shorts.
If that works, I'll make a small website.
I'll start posting online.
From there, I'll start throwing together a group.
It doesn't have to start big, but dammit, it has to start somewhere.
Mood: Feisty
Food: Chocolate Pah
Exercise: Stairs?
Condition: Intrigued.
Everyone else seems to be having a happy go lucky time getting in.
Not me.
Currently, I'm sitting at the public library, using their INTARWEB to download the remaining 2% percent of the patch, that I thought I already had. I guess not huh?
Last night, I tried the patch on my Desktop.
No good.
Now, I'm trying on my trusty laptop, and although there is SOME semblance of progress... who the heck knows.
Anyway, when I tried last night, I got this horrific error saying I had to install WOW from the start. Yeah right. I don't know how long it takes exactly to do a full install with all the current patches, but it wouldn't be short. So I was recommended to find out if I can get it updated on my laptop. If that worked, I would simply... copy the game right on top of my folder on my desktop. See? Easy cakes.
So now I'm chilling here, waiting for my monthly San Diego Access Usergroup meeting to happen, staring at 34% of the last 2% to finish downloading, so I can see if I came up with anything decent.
If this works, I'll be pleased.
*UPDATE* It did not work. I'll have to go home and try it later. DAMMIT.
So yeah, Blizzcon was a blast and a half. Long story short, it was a 3 day bacchanalia of game nerdiness. You got to play, "Pick Your Line", and then got to talk with any and everyone who had any and everything to say about WOW. It was unique.
I've had all the swag in the back of the car for a few days, cause I'm waiting to show it to my brother, who is so busy.
"HOW BUSY IS HE?"
He's soooo busy getting crushed under this market, that he doesn't have an hour in the evening to let me swing over and show him all my crap.
Update: He has an hour this Thursday (Oct 16th) evening. So that's nice of him.
I've got Frostmourne hanging at my desk, and the Paladin Bubble sitting amongst the charity water. But as we come down to Halloween, something tells me I'm suppose to ramp up my office.
Oh, in other news. During Blizzcon, we (Lisa and I) attended the panel for the Web Hit Series 'The Guild". LINK HERE
The show is basically a web sitcom that peeks into the twisted world of MMORPG'ing (Multi-Massive Online Role Playing Game) They're 5 minutes a pop, and they make me chuckle.
What I gleaned from attending this is many-fold. I learned that I really really really miss directing and shooting film. I learned that if ever there was a time to participate in independent movie making, this is the golden age. With internet speeds abound, Youtube, inexpensive Camera's and Editing Equipment, the fact that I haven't done it yet when I remember being at the forefront in my High School years, makes me flabbergasted.
My brother said I should take up sailing.
Bro, THIS is really what I should be sailing.
So, I've decided to THINK seriously about trying to put together a close knit group of people in San Diego to make up some type of 'Video Club'. We'll do skits and crap, and then edit them, and post them on a website, and have a stupid amount of fun.
Who cares about being popular.
Who cares about sponsorship.
I want to throw together fake movie trailers, commercials, skits, and what not, regardless of whether or not anyone else cares about it.
I'm gonna start small. I'm going to use my dinky digital cam, and get some editing software, and use my computer, and make a couple edited shorts.
If that works, I'll make a small website.
I'll start posting online.
From there, I'll start throwing together a group.
It doesn't have to start big, but dammit, it has to start somewhere.
Mood: Feisty
Food: Chocolate Pah
Exercise: Stairs?
Condition: Intrigued.
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Blizzcon Day -1-
Busy ass day.
The Con was supposed to start at 10am.
But the line was insanely weaved deep into the back parking lot, like some kind of retarded flesh and nerd colored snake.
People were busting out their Pally Bubble Hearth and knocking them around, only to hiss and boo violently at the one who would let it fall to the floor.
(There's supposed to be a picture of a bubble hearth here, but whatever.)
Anyways, we actually got in at 10:50am. Snagged a spot on the opening ceremonies, where Mike Morsomething (The CEO of Blizzard) awkwardly welcomed us.
After that, we got face painted... visited exhibitor booths...
Grabbed a bite to eat.
Then waited in the longest line in our lives.
The line to purchase exclusive items from Blizzard was eventually a 2 hour wait.
A wait to give them money.
(See updated Pics)
After that, it was on to the contests.
Jay Mohr valiantly returned to take on Blizzcon attendees.
/Silly
/Dance
/Personal Song
/Diorama
/Machinima
/Costume
Long story short, it was fun as hell.
We retired the night by eating at the Downtown Disney Jazz Kitchen.
And now on to DAY -2-
Mood: Good
Food: Nothing Yet
Exercise: Walking/Standing
Condition: Sore
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Blizzcon Day -0-
Alright, here's the skinny.
Badge Pickup - 4pm
We show up around 3:30pm.
It was already busy as snot. Tons of people standing around.
We were queued in a long line... and then around 3:40pm, they let us into the registration area.
The room was large, and the registration setup was separate booths titled alphabetically.
We're not talking about A-C, and D-F, etc...
With a 18k capacity group, we're talking about AAA-ASZ, and ATA-BLD, etc...
That means those booths stretched way down, and there were layers of people already ready to go.
As far as demographics are concerned:
20% Ladies
80% Other
Of those 20% ladies, I'm guessing to bet that same amount (20%) of them, actually showed up here on their own accord. The rest were dragged here by a faction of the fellows who actually combed their hair.
The rest... the rest looked was exactly who I thought it looked like.
I won't delve further than to say, I was not surprised.
Moving on.
At 4:14pm, they started the badge distribution. Little did I know that meant the handing out of massive Swag Bags. This included the Con-Exclusive Polar Bear mount.
But that was just the beginning...
Go Here
We got ALL THAT in one bag.
It's madness.
Pure and simple madness.
That being said, we're ready for tomorrow.
Mood: Prepared
Food: HOT DOG
Exercise: Walking/Standing
Condition: Decent
Badge Pickup - 4pm
We show up around 3:30pm.
It was already busy as snot. Tons of people standing around.
We were queued in a long line... and then around 3:40pm, they let us into the registration area.
The room was large, and the registration setup was separate booths titled alphabetically.
We're not talking about A-C, and D-F, etc...
With a 18k capacity group, we're talking about AAA-ASZ, and ATA-BLD, etc...
That means those booths stretched way down, and there were layers of people already ready to go.
As far as demographics are concerned:
20% Ladies
80% Other
Of those 20% ladies, I'm guessing to bet that same amount (20%) of them, actually showed up here on their own accord. The rest were dragged here by a faction of the fellows who actually combed their hair.
The rest... the rest looked was exactly who I thought it looked like.
I won't delve further than to say, I was not surprised.
Moving on.
At 4:14pm, they started the badge distribution. Little did I know that meant the handing out of massive Swag Bags. This included the Con-Exclusive Polar Bear mount.
But that was just the beginning...
Go Here
We got ALL THAT in one bag.
It's madness.
Pure and simple madness.
That being said, we're ready for tomorrow.
Mood: Prepared
Food: HOT DOG
Exercise: Walking/Standing
Condition: Decent
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
:: Stone Group ::
Dear Kuya,
I will have to do a play by play.
Mood: Zausted.
Food: L&L's
Exercise: Rock Band?
Condition: Spent
I would really like to thank you for um... you know, introducing me to CRACK.
Like a CRACK DEALER AT AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL.
Our house is rife with Stars and Starlets looking to make a buck, to BUY THEIR OUTFIT.
Yes. We're a Rock Band House now.
Anyways, that story is its own thing. We have it now, and now we can't stop playing.
It's like somone put a gun to our head.
(Our band is called Mankitten. Lisa is the drummer. Steve is our vocalist.)
Today I had lunch with Ate and Kuya to discuss Ate's 40th, and my Birthday Brunch. I want to eat at Quero. But they don't open until 11:30am, so that may not be feasible.
Who knows.
Tomorrow, Lisa and I head up north to Blizzcon.
I will have to do a play by play.
Alright, it's already too late to keep going.
Mood: Zausted.
Food: L&L's
Exercise: Rock Band?
Condition: Spent
Friday, September 26, 2008
Oh where are you Daylight Savings time?!?!
Stupid Bush.
Maybe I will do that.
Mood: Swell.
Food: KELLOGS CORN POPS
Exercise: Coughing.
Condition: Spiffy.
Why'd he have to go and make Daylight Savings time way the hell down in November...
*Update*
Okay, so before it was like October 29th, and now it's November 2nd. So I guess it's not a HUGE deal. But still.
Anyways, what am I doing, writing on this blog at 7:25am? I should leave for work and go buy a water... actually.
Maybe I will do that.
Oh yeah, what I was going to write was: I am planning to take a VBA class up in San Juan Capistrano. If all goes as planned, it will be a 2-day training course that would hopefully see my return as a novice Office Applications Developer.
I need to take the class SOONER than later, but next month is looking pretty hairy already what with Blizzcon coming down the pipe.
Anyway, I'll dwell more on this later.
It's about that time of the year when you get into your car, and it's all moisty on your windows + morning sunbeams = pure blindness. So I better go before that happens.
Yay it's Friday.
Mood: Swell.
Food: KELLOGS CORN POPS
Exercise: Coughing.
Condition: Spiffy.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Adobo: Round Three! *Ding Ding!*
So many moons ago, I tried making Adobo without my standard recipe.
THIS ENTAILS THAT STORY
Then, I tried again, WITH my standard recipe.
There was a fatal flaw written into the mix:
I had accidentally written... 1 TABLESPOON of Salt vs. 1 Teaspoon.
If you didn't know... A tablespoon is stupidly more salt than a teaspoon.
So when the time came to try the sauce, it was saltier than the dead sea.
I mean, it wasn't like I threw it away. I kept adding water and stuff till the saltiness left.
But by then it was an epic failure.
So today, I was feeling Adobic Thoughts. I felt that it had been long since I put that recipe to the test and tried to redeem myself.
So I did.
(<- Image is not actual adobo I made)
This time. This time it wasn't bad at all. It's not completely traditional abobo either.
I break all the rules. I cook it in a deep sabaw (sauce). I make it very very heavy in vinegar and garlic. I then eat it usually with a LITTLE side of ketchup and bananas.
So judge me. I don't give a fuck.
I like my adobo that way. And if you hate it, you don't have to eat it.
Anyway, I redeemed myself on the third try, and I have safely updated the recipe to make sure I'm not in Salt Lake City next time I make it.
Alright. LATER. It MUST be Tuesday night.
Mood: Victorious
Food: DOBO
Exercise: Running to Vons...
Condition: Filled.
THIS ENTAILS THAT STORY
Then, I tried again, WITH my standard recipe.
There was a fatal flaw written into the mix:
I had accidentally written... 1 TABLESPOON of Salt vs. 1 Teaspoon.
If you didn't know... A tablespoon is stupidly more salt than a teaspoon.
So when the time came to try the sauce, it was saltier than the dead sea.
I mean, it wasn't like I threw it away. I kept adding water and stuff till the saltiness left.But by then it was an epic failure.
So today, I was feeling Adobic Thoughts. I felt that it had been long since I put that recipe to the test and tried to redeem myself.
So I did.
(<- Image is not actual adobo I made)This time. This time it wasn't bad at all. It's not completely traditional abobo either.
I break all the rules. I cook it in a deep sabaw (sauce). I make it very very heavy in vinegar and garlic. I then eat it usually with a LITTLE side of ketchup and bananas.
So judge me. I don't give a fuck.
I like my adobo that way. And if you hate it, you don't have to eat it.
Anyway, I redeemed myself on the third try, and I have safely updated the recipe to make sure I'm not in Salt Lake City next time I make it.
Alright. LATER. It MUST be Tuesday night.
Mood: Victorious
Food: DOBO
Exercise: Running to Vons...
Condition: Filled.
Monday, September 22, 2008
The Morning Post
It's like 7:31 am. By all means, I should be getting ready. (For work) And for the most part, I am. But for some reason, there's something intrisically valuable about writing in the morning. It's not like I did something so spectacular last night, that I rushed to scribe it. I simply felt like writing.
My parent's personal assistant/property manager's daughter... her name is Ed Rose, she contacted me on Facebook today, wondering if I would Emcee at a potential future wedding of her, and her boyfriend/soon-to-be fiancee. To this request, I said yes. I'm not sure how the short month I stayed over in the Philippines with Lisa had any lasting effects, but it does appear that it was sufficient enough for her to determine I would 'master the ceremony' of their post-wedding party. I was honored.
Tonight the San Diego Chargers will be playing on Monday Night Football. Their current record is indeed 0-2, and a win for them tonight would not only be fortuitous, but it would show the world we actually DO have a talented team. I will root for them. (So as I mentioned this, I suddenly remembered that I own a Powder Blue Jersey... for the NOW non-Charger... Eric Parker. So i'm going to wear it to work. Nix that. It had a stain on it.)
Fuck, it's 7:43am. Okay. I'm leaving.
Mood: Perturbed.
Food: 500 calories -> PB&J + O.J.
Exercise: Does changing clothes count?
Condition: Critical.
Mood: Perturbed.
Food: 500 calories -> PB&J + O.J.
Exercise: Does changing clothes count?
Condition: Critical.
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Onward Fast Driver, Onward Fast Driver, ONWARD!
So, uh. 1:19am. We just finished watching the Wachowski Bros. take on Speed Racer. This monumentously expensive movie cost 120 million dollars to make, but only raked in 86 million. YEOWCH. Truth be told, I really liked it. I think some critic was like 'Young People, or people into Anime will like it.' So I was half in the former, and mostly in the latter group.
Mood: Weary
Food: South American Rack of Lamb
Exercise: Drunk wandering.
Condition: Placid.
No. I'm not going to do a review. I just liked it.
Anyway, tonight Lisa and I, along with Mr. Jarold went to this South American Restaurant in Encinitas that I had gone to before...
I wanted to go back because they do a DANGEROUS sangria. We randomly stopped by for brunch some weeks ago and were smitten by the badassedness of the food. We came again tonight to take a whack at dinner.
And dinner we doth whacketh.
Without getting too reviewy, dinner was freakin' amazing, but came with a price.
Something tells me South Americans either don't eat THAT well. Or if they do, they pay too much.
Anyhow, if you're looking for phenomenally delicious sangria, check out Q'ero, get the red, not the white, and you'll do fine.
Anyway, I'm going to sleep.
Speed Racer: B+
Q'ero: A+
Price of eating at Q'ero: D-
Mood: Weary
Food: South American Rack of Lamb
Exercise: Drunk wandering.
Condition: Placid.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Father's Day DEENUR
I blew the diet like an ex celebrity blows for coke.
My cousins came over today and passed down clothes that are 'too big' for him. So in his slimming process, I've been blessed with an extra wardrobe.
Hopefully I can pass off this wardrobe for narrower gear.
Time will tell.
Anyway, I told my current diet to suck it and die. There was no way I was going to stay under my calorie count with the amount of cookies/brownies/fried seafood that I ingested this evening.
SOO, I'm going to add these overflow calories into the rest of the week, spread 'em around, and hope to GOD this idea works.
On a side note, Summer Institute starts today, and what a good first day it was.
Two words:
Dr. Pepper Girls
Three words. I mean.
Mood: Full.
Food: Too much.
Exercise: Walking back and forth.
Condition: Mean.
My cousins came over today and passed down clothes that are 'too big' for him. So in his slimming process, I've been blessed with an extra wardrobe.
Hopefully I can pass off this wardrobe for narrower gear.
Time will tell.
Anyway, I told my current diet to suck it and die. There was no way I was going to stay under my calorie count with the amount of cookies/brownies/fried seafood that I ingested this evening.
SOO, I'm going to add these overflow calories into the rest of the week, spread 'em around, and hope to GOD this idea works.
On a side note, Summer Institute starts today, and what a good first day it was.
Two words:
Dr. Pepper Girls
Three words. I mean.
Mood: Full.
Food: Too much.
Exercise: Walking back and forth.
Condition: Mean.
gmail shall unify the world.
As I re-sign up for stuff, I notice that everything is getting mashed together into one uniform blorb of information. Every different account online that you have, be it a social networking one, or an XBOX account, or a Blockbuster.Com account are all coalescing into one mega account with all your information.
Is it safe?
Is it volatile?
Since I'm diving in headfirst, I'll let you know how shallow the pool really is.
Mood: Anticipatory
Food: Planning on Frosted Cheerios.
Exercise: Lots of walking and standing.
Condition: A little disappointed.
Is it safe?
Is it volatile?
Since I'm diving in headfirst, I'll let you know how shallow the pool really is.
Mood: Anticipatory
Food: Planning on Frosted Cheerios.
Exercise: Lots of walking and standing.
Condition: A little disappointed.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Return of the Mel
From WAYYYYYYYYYY out of left field... I find myself sitting at my ol' blog. It's been like 'how long?' since i've actually found a chance to do this?
Let's take a look at the last posted date...
January 11th?
Holy ass cakes.
We're way OVER halfway through the year, and way too many things have happened. But now, now I suddenly find myself having a situation where I can write this shiet down.
Hmmm, lemme think...
I gotta job.
Sucked at the job.
Changed positions at the job.
Liked my position.
:)
Hated my position.
:(
Parents returned.
Realized I have to stay in my position if i'm going to move UP in position in the future. :)
So that's the jist of it.
Next month, i'm on my way to beautiful Kauai... with my lady love.
We have no money, but we do have a tropical island.
I've lost about 13 lbs and i'm NOT taking emotion-mauling medications.
Jarold's long gone.
Anthony's stuck in his digital world.
Steve's building a dream.
Christine's found her niche.
Diederick is married.
John is hopeful, but in Bahrain
Bill will SOON be married, but I haven't RSVP'ed.
Sunshine and Zikarra are new.
Tom Curtis has come and gone.
Irina is manless.
Myra is uncitizenship less (soon)
Mel is back in his tiny room.
Yup. Mel is back in his teency tiny little room.
But he's got a mean ass Laptop.
He's got a 60th level Rogue.
He's got a nifty glass desk.
He's got an overpriced bed, in a cramped space...
A fan on HIGH, but he's still sweating.
He's hoping that even though life is hard, he'll still qualify for a home loan.
He's hoping that someone moves in by next January.
He's hoping that some people make it WAY past 100.
He's wondering how to get ALL the Cobalt's together.
He's making money, but realizing it's not enough... and in this sense may never be.
He's watched every major movie, and shed a tear for the one with Donkey Sex.
He's seen the man of steel, twice, and once in 3D.
He's not scared of the future...
He is not looking for higher education right now.
He doesn't particularly care.
He's calling 11:43pm 'late'.
He's calling a plumber.
He's calling a brother in law.
He was calling it quits, and thought otherwise.
He's not afraid to be Boy Boy.
And he's thinking he might have Pretty Horses.
Mood: sleepish.
Food: Malt o meal/Chick Sand/Grits/
Exercise: 20 minutes hard jog
Condition: Dr. Peppered up.
Let's take a look at the last posted date...
January 11th?
Holy ass cakes.
We're way OVER halfway through the year, and way too many things have happened. But now, now I suddenly find myself having a situation where I can write this shiet down.
Hmmm, lemme think...
I gotta job.
Sucked at the job.
Changed positions at the job.
Liked my position.
:)
Hated my position.
:(
Parents returned.
Realized I have to stay in my position if i'm going to move UP in position in the future. :)
So that's the jist of it.
Next month, i'm on my way to beautiful Kauai... with my lady love.
We have no money, but we do have a tropical island.
I've lost about 13 lbs and i'm NOT taking emotion-mauling medications.
Jarold's long gone.
Anthony's stuck in his digital world.
Steve's building a dream.
Christine's found her niche.
Diederick is married.
John is hopeful, but in Bahrain
Bill will SOON be married, but I haven't RSVP'ed.
Sunshine and Zikarra are new.
Tom Curtis has come and gone.
Irina is manless.
Myra is uncitizenship less (soon)
Mel is back in his tiny room.
Yup. Mel is back in his teency tiny little room.
But he's got a mean ass Laptop.
He's got a 60th level Rogue.
He's got a nifty glass desk.
He's got an overpriced bed, in a cramped space...
A fan on HIGH, but he's still sweating.
He's hoping that even though life is hard, he'll still qualify for a home loan.
He's hoping that someone moves in by next January.
He's hoping that some people make it WAY past 100.
He's wondering how to get ALL the Cobalt's together.
He's making money, but realizing it's not enough... and in this sense may never be.
He's watched every major movie, and shed a tear for the one with Donkey Sex.
He's seen the man of steel, twice, and once in 3D.
He's not scared of the future...
He is not looking for higher education right now.
He doesn't particularly care.
He's calling 11:43pm 'late'.
He's calling a plumber.
He's calling a brother in law.
He was calling it quits, and thought otherwise.
He's not afraid to be Boy Boy.
And he's thinking he might have Pretty Horses.
Mood: sleepish.
Food: Malt o meal/Chick Sand/Grits/
Exercise: 20 minutes hard jog
Condition: Dr. Peppered up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
