[Placeholder for something thoughtful]

BY LIPTON'S BEARD!

Mon, 07 Dec 2009 23:12:44 GMT

Proof that beards bring wisdom.

James Lipton's beard protects teens' private parts in new PSAs

A use for Twitter

Thu, 03 Dec 2009 02:11:16 GMT

Besides allowing a bunch of angry Iranians to actually express themselves, I've realized there is another useful tool for Twitter. Aside from, you know, just filling in your bored, pathetic lives by spouting all the everyday stupid shit that you do.

Brian was the one to originally show this to me:

http://twitter.com/Shitmydadsays

This is actually funny, with one and multi-liners worthy of a web-comic. And it got me thinking...

Lot's of people spout good quotes, sayings, and -isms; whether they be funny, meaningful, critical, or thoughtful. There are entire volumes and anthologies devoted to archiving these good quotes, from Wilde to Twain to even Stalin.

That's what Twitter could be, a repository for these quips and quotes. That's what they are half of the time anyway. Not only would this still be entertaining, but it would add more meaning and be more creative to the whole website. It would encourage people to be more witty, and in my opinion, wit is one of the highest measures of mental prowess.

At least for y'all, we always clamor about our wish to record all of our good lines.....now's here's actually a good way of doing it.

Dreams, not Memories

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 02:29:32 GMT

In my discussion post for one of my English classes I had to sum up a chapter from Thomas Friedman's The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century". It's been critiqued as an overly optimistic book, and it is, however it has many poignant concepts that I think more than redeem it. Here is the last of them.

It may be overly optimistic, and perhaps rightly so. Then consider it one of the few purely optimistic things I've ever said.

We need more dreams, not more memories.

Of all of Friedman’s many fine points in this capstone for his book, I think the above statement neatly sums it up. Memories are looking backwards to what was. They have little bearing on the present, and by literally always looking back we’re bound to tumble as we ever-constantly move forward in the present.

People with dreams, imagination, are more driven to achieve those dreams. Friedman’s example of the Wealthy Homeowner Atop the Hill illustrates this (as neatly as “one example over a thousand theories” does). Those with dreams will look at the Wealthy Homeowner and say “I want to be that person.” Those who trap themselves with memories and are filled with only anger instead say “I want to kill that man.” Constructive vs. destructive; the dreamers in their goals will bring others up, while the rememberers will only tear things down to their self-perceived lowly level.

This chapter deals with the start contrast between 11/9 and 9/11. Here, those who dreamed imagined a world without the Berlin Wall, and sought to make that happen. Meanwhile, those who remembered a world where Islam was superior sought only to bring its competitors down, and sought to make that happen with terrorism.

Those who dream, like Abraham George, can look at “untouchable children” and imagine them as being the other kind of untouchable—vaulted and without peer, not as avoidable filth. It’s those who believe that untouchables will remain only that, an untouchable caste, are only looking to the past to define the present. And this isn’t productive. It doesn’t lead to the construction of a “context” in which more people, even society and culture as a whole, can dream and aspire.

Cultures and societies where people are allowed to dream and aspire work towards those goals, while cultures and societies that shun this creative imagining instead leave room only for ire and violent jealousy. The difference between nations like Turkey, India, and Kuwait against Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Iran is clear and illustrates this idea to a tee. Friedman’s interview with the three men from Tanzim also demonstrates how individuals can have dreams and hopes, and yet when those lofty thoughts are squashed they turn to the only thing that’s left: hate.

Without the imagination for more events like 11/9, Friedman warns we’re bound to suffer from more 9/11’s. The world is a dangerous place already with globalization facilitating networks like al-Qaeda. Reacting with fear and stunting off more opportunities for dreams can only irritate things more. Instead of closing ourselves off, and subsequently harking back to “better, older” times—memories—we need to be even more imaginative, to out-conceive our opponents. If the War on Terror is to actually be a war, then in all good wars research, innovation, and development have always been the deciding factor. And none of that can come about by looking only backwards.

Besides the physical dangers in the world, Friedman also acknowledges that globalization will also make things harder for newer generations. Competition in the business world will only become fiercer. Again, the call for dreams, not memories, is crucial. Instead of lamenting the new state of affairs and mourning the loss of “the American Dream”—where our children can become better than us more easily—we must dream ever harder. As Friedman states, usually the “good ole’ days” actually weren’t, it’s just the rose-tinted glasses of nostalgia.

The competition on the job market will be decided by who has the better imagination. And if America wishes to stay in the lead, it must foster this imagination in its generations.

This is a message, while seemingly “new” in the context of today, is really timeless. From the ancient Greeks to the days of Locke to even in the twilight of the Greatest Generation, we’ve all been told the same thing:

Stand tall and shake the heavens.

Mmm...

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 05:01:38 GMT

The burp of homemade chicken parmigana with a 2008 Riesling white wine is the best after-taste I've ever had the pleasure to enjoy.

I'm back!

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 03:02:13 GMT

The trip was great, there was a lot to see.

Now I'm back to deal with everything else. Like CSUN's godfreakingdamnit tuition fees. Ah well.

FYI

Thu, 16 Jul 2009 21:01:20 GMT

I'll be at a Ren Faire in San Luis Obispo on Saturday, the 18th, and then I'll be out of town from the 19th to the 28th.

AIM Hacking - Fixed

Tue, 14 Jul 2009 22:40:02 GMT

Just the other day I inadvertently entered my information to a Bebo Site thingy, and since then my account was hacked. My account was used to send spam messages to people on my Friends List.

Here's what happened:

I got an IM out of the blue from somebody on my Friends List, saying to "Check out these cool photos I took!" I clicked on the link, and I was brought to a webpage saying that "AIM is now part of the Bebo Network. Please login to access...blah blah blah." So, I stupidly entered in my information. Since then it used my screen-name to send people similar messages, trying to phish for their login data.

I've since changed my password, so that should hopefully quell this issue. Sorry for the inconvenience, everyone. You can now unblock me.

They Always Come in Threes

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 04:50:25 GMT

Ed McMahon, Farrah Fawcett, and Michael Jackson.

His death is saddening, and while I never cared either which way during his trials, I acknowledge the fact that a very talented performer and singer, a true international celebrity (admit it, Europeans and Asians probably know his name more than Farrah's), and the icon for these past few generations. His passing is saddening....

But, so it goes. The sadness for his death is a natural grievance. Either we would be mourning today, or 30 years from now.

What saddens me more so, is not the public reaction, but the media's.

It is a sad and pathetic day indeed when our journalists act like paparazzi. When news copters hover around the UCLA Medical Center for hours, long after Michael was brought in, cameras literally following anything that moves. Sad when reporters vie for footage of his body being carried on a stretcher to the coroner. Pathetic when they broadcast images of Michael's head poking out of the body bag, ventilators wrapped over his mouth. A star, a person, at his most vulnerable state, his most tender state. His worst looking, weakest, most mortal state.

Is that how he would want to be remembered? As a body barely clinging to life, already mostly dead, sprawled over a gurney? And they plaster this image on national TV. To his fans? To the children of those fans, who may or may not be his next generation of fans.

It is a disservice to his memory. It is an affront, a pathetic media vulturing. This is the sleeze I'd expect from TMZ.

Speaking of TMZ, half the networks (TV and radio) cited TMZ.com as their source. What the hell, man?

Two celebrities died today. The third death was journalism......or rather, its comatose, already dying body just got ass-fucked in the eye.

For all the photographers out there.

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 23:57:57 GMT

Be glad you are not these people. Or just be envious of their gear.

http://www.darkroastedblend.com/2007/07/anything-for-perfect-shot.html

Guess What Gang!?

Sat, 06 Jun 2009 02:53:57 GMT

We just got a notice from the Board of Equalization stating that taxes for LA County and others are INCREASING AGAIN. From 9.25% to 9.75%! The new rates take effect on July 1st.

And as if that wasn't enough of a shitslap to the face, the best part is that so far only businesses are being alerted of this. That's right, only our Equipment Emporium PO Box got the notice, NOT the home address. What does this mean? That businesses are being alerted to charge the new tax rates on the start of July, but consumers are not being told!

Weren't we supposed to vote on stuff like this? Then again, if we were, we'd be voting HELL-NO!

All together now:

GOD-DAMNIT AHHHHHHHHHH!

Jaded Monkey Dragons

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 07:25:50 GMT

I think forever summarizes Facebook and Twitter.

Plus, it has EPIC.

It may be a bit "talky," but I think both users and non-users of the above can find humor in this:

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/498203

P.S. Shit on Your Face Bonus when I get back

Kaboom!

Thu, 28 May 2009 23:56:27 GMT

The Scout brought you the Slap-Chop, but the Heavy brings you Kaboom! Spray Cleaner.

Awesome.

Fri, 22 May 2009 23:05:51 GMT

Both as in "cool" and "full of awe."

Man-made star to unlock cosmic secrets.

The Bacon Movement has reached its Apex

Wed, 15 Apr 2009 19:23:26 GMT

This gun can't kill people or animals, but it can kill PETA.

http://www.thisisfreakingridiculous.com/tifr/2009/4/13/ba-k-47.html

Mobile Again

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 02:05:20 GMT

My car has finally been repaired, and with the exception of a teeny-weeny minute detail, works perfectly fine.

So. I can drive again! Yayz.

Meanwhile, work on the comic continues....

1-800-Fuck-Fuck-Fuck-Fuck

Tue, 24 Mar 2009 06:08:34 GMT

Comes with nine Jesus cards.

I am inspired.

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 06:23:45 GMT

Stan Lee's.......Watchmen!

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 21:15:44 GMT

Just imagine if Stan Lee and Marvel had done the dialog for Watchmen.

Movie-lover, comic-lover, movie-hater....I think we can all agree that THANK GOD Alan Moore stayed independent.

Check out all 4 pages.

Saturday Morning Watchmen

Thu, 05 Mar 2009 07:13:04 GMT

Watchmen....done as an 80s Saturday morning cartoon show.

Holeeeee shit.

http://www.newgrounds.com/portal/view/485797

I want that dancing Joker as a gif!

Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:33:33 GMT

In lieu of New Music Tuesdays, here are some good Flash movies.

Batman Gonna Kick Yo Ass Christian Bale deals with his anger...with dance. Oh, and..[see title of post]

Valentine's Day 2009 Done by the guy who did SuperVillain! (as if I need to say anything else) this is cute. In a way I approve of.

They're missing an emoticon, a smilie, and a phrase.

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 06:02:03 GMT

There's nothing that quite concisely expresses the emotion of a person whose face is plopped in their hand, and whose hand is plopped on their face, with the hand slowly wiping off, even pullingtugging at the skin.

Well, I guess a photo would do. Or even better, a short video clip. I don't have those available at the moment. Too bad.

I feel like I'm starting to burn out. Maybe that's a lie, I half think it is. I have enough energy to forge ahead with my feature-length script, at least. But in almost everything else, I feel like I'm approaching that dip that begins to descend. Yes that's right. It's that quiet alarm and dark anticipation when you see the candle wick is at its last inch or two.

Maybe I'm just exhausted. It's highly possible. Maybe I'm just in that lull before I bounce back. That's entirely possible. Maybe the weight of the car accident is finally starting to sink in mentally...if that's so, then I have the longest running subconscious adrenaline of any of us.

Or perhaps its that the stress around me is rubbing off, and I, being the sponge that I am, start feeling it for myself. I'm like a sponge-chameleon in that manner, or I have too much damn pathys.....sympathy, empathy, patheticity.

I have a sour taste in my mouth just for writing all this. It's that same attitude with which I started this journal, that pull-push to express myself and to contain it all. I half-consider this a stupid rant, half a sincere "getting off my chest."

Ever my paranoid self, I would think that you all might think this is a passive cry for help, "Help me...no don't help me....help me!" I don't intend it to be one. And if some part of my unconscious is slipping into this to make it one, well, fuck. I'm not able to stop it, though it pisses me off. And even if it were a plea for help.....help with what, hmm?

There's another concise expression that needs to be made, rubbing the bridge of one's nose. Even pushing the glasses up a bit just to rub at that bridge of the nose. It feels like I am doing that, and the first expression, mentally all the time. It's a headache that isn't a headache, and I resist the twinge of an urge to pop more ibuprofens or Aleve's because I know there's no physical pain. And it's a pansy-ass, cheap immediate remedy anyways, it's no solution.

I love my History of Broadcasting professor because he has a wonderful way of teaching: after the video, or lecture, he sums everything up with "So what?" I want to, and try to, make that my mode of communication. So....."So what?"

I dunno. This empty field alone convinces me that this was a rant. As much as I hate pointless talking, I cannot ignore the merits of a good "getting it off one's chest." However, I am a man of real, distinctive, result-full solution. I want to get things DONE, and by DONE, I mean they are DONE, forever, fit and finitio. They are resolved and dealt with, and can be trusted to work properly in the background as they should. I don't need to deal with them. I'm no multi-tasker.

So....so what. I've had a moment to think. I feel like I'm running ragged, and I haven't even hit the crux of the semester yet. If anything, I've been sleeping more, but I still feel exhausted and fatigued on the inside. I'd like to sleep my problems away, but I'm all too aware that that would accomplish nothing and be a complete waste of time. Does this count as stress, yet?

I suppose at a moment like this, I should subscribe to my own prescription: deal with each thing one at a time, prioritize. Well, that's the only thing keeping me going at this point.

....Hrmm, how to end this. I know, my paraphrasing from one of the comics I had to read for English 333: Comics as Literature.

-"Your thoughts on the afterlife?"

"Well, I imagine we'd be able to either see or re-live our whole lives, and see everything we ever did but now with perfect clarity. Then we could really understand why we did what we did."

-"Your thoughts on heaven?"

"I won't discuss those in mixed company. " *inwardly smiles*

-"Your thoughts on hell?"

"Hmm. Well I suppose living everything out again would be hell."

And another thought for you, brought to you from a short comic about Chinese boys who love Transformers toys.

"You can be whatever you wish....so long as you're willing to forfeit your soul."

Phone Forwarding

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 03:02:49 GMT

I just received my replacement cell phone today, and fortunately I was able to transfer my Contacts List and number to it. I'll be giving Rosemary back her phone, so if you need to reach me just use the number you've always used, and now you can call RM again at her normal number.

--------------------------------------

At least Newgrounds has a pretty funny "Meet the Spy" fan-made flash.

Epic Terrorism Fail

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:38:28 GMT

Quoted for Truth (from SAMods):

"The Black Death has reportedly killed at least 40 al-Qaeda operatives in North Africa.

The disease, which struck Europe in the Middle Ages killing more than 25 million people, has swept through a training camp for insurgents in Algeria.

The arrival of the plague was discovered when security forces found the body of a dead terrorist by a roadside, the Sun reports.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/algeria/4287469/Black-Death-kills-al-Qaeda-operatives-in-Algeria.html

"It was initially believed that they could have caught the disease through fleas on rats attracted by poor living conditions in their forest hideout.

But there are now claims the cell was developing the disease as a weapon to use against western cities.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/algeria/4294664/Al-Qaeda-cell-killed-by-Black-Death-was-developing-biological-weapons.html

Quote from user, Quantum: I feel much safer knowing they're too incompetent to perform bioterrorism

For those wondering: plague in the wild is pretty harmless with modern antibiotics (although it does kill pretty quickly). Though if they managed to make it resistant to antibiotics that would be a much bigger problem."

The Doo-Dah Parade

Sun, 11 Jan 2009 05:46:50 GMT

It's Pasadena's response to the Rose Parade since it became commercial and everything the original Rose Parade wasn't. This year's 32nd parade is January 18th.

It's eccentric, its odd, and its fun. Anyone can participate in the march itself providing they show up before 10:30AM at the appointed time and pay $10.

Examples:

The Anti-Cameramen Brigade. It's a bunch of people with cameras taking pictures of people with cameras.

The Suitcase Twirlers: Men and women in corporate suits, simultaneously twirling their suitcases like batons. It's pretty amazing.

Cars are discourged. Homemade methods of transportation are encouraged. There may be ice-cooler go-carts there.

Anyone interested?

New Years' Eve Party

Tue, 30 Dec 2008 00:27:57 GMT

So yeah, good news is that it's back at my house, albeit with a few ground rules. Essentially, sorry guys, but no more wrassling and rough-housing.

Anyways, time is Wednesday, from late afternoon (7ish?) onward. You know me, there's hardly any specific times for these things. We'll just say from 7PM to ??? (PROFIT!!)

Second rule, although I think y'all will agree on me with this, is that if you're present from 10PM onward, you don't leave.
1) Especially if you're drunk, or have been drinking at all, you sleep over.
2) Cops are out for blood, and lord help you if you even have a trace of alcohol on your breath.
3) Even if YOU didn't drink, that doesn't mean other people didn't. it's dangerous to be driving New Years' Eve night. And as much as I'd like your stuff, I want the benefit of slaying you myself. Plus, car accidents require too much damned clean-up.

Thirdly, if you feel so inclined to bring food, whether it is chips, finger-foods, old leftovers, or dessert (pies and cookies are always welcome), please do so.

Fourthly, if you want to invite additional people, at least run it by me beforehand.

Lastly, if you want to do computer stuff, I will have my laptop out front, but otherwise my computer room will be locked. Bring your own laptops. Hint Hint, a TF2 LAN party would not be objectionable....

Hope ta' see ya' there!