Nerdboy

Silence is telling

alucard@gaming-age.com — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:47:13 GMT

No one is speaking, no one is listening. This place is dead, man.

Have you seen me?

alucard@gaming-age.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 02:08:33 GMT

Come on, motivation, I know you're here somewhere. Come out, come out wherever you are!

People are not busy; they're just waiting around thinking YOU'RE busy

alucard@gaming-age.com — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:47:56 GMT

I've been trying to be more social recently. Essentially, I have stopped assuming that my friends are always busy, and I have been calling them to make plans. It sounds extremely basic, but this is a habit that I grew out of with the advent of email, Facebook, and the like, and with age and the growing of responsibility as well. So far, so good. I got a hold of John and Meg last weekend, and went out for coffee with Hink on a weekday. And here I thought going out on a Monday just didn't happen anymore. It was good times.

I need regular human contact to keep my mental and emotional sanity, especially right now, since I'm only working 2-3 days a week. All of that free time could easily be wasted away at home, but I've been trying to set tasks for myself to keep myself busy. It's given me a chance to sit down and get through a book or two as well, which is always nice. My "to read" pile is still at around thirty titles, but if I'm diligent and don't go out purchasing more books to add to the pile in the near future, I should be able to finish it off within a year. I might just start a book review blog for my own personal perusal, and anyone else who is interested. I'll post the link here if and when I get around to doing it. Maybe I'll title it "The backlog," listing the books on my list, and chronicling my progress. Thoughts?

Off to a sushi lunch with the lady, to celebrate our two year anniversary. I'm grateful for this love and comfort.

Has the Internet failed?

alucard@gaming-age.com — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:45:58 GMT

It was supposed to be a massive and comprehensive archive of information. We were meant to have grown more enlightened from the ability to share our theories, ideas, and philosophies with everyone around the world. Through instantaneous access, the Internet was supposed to be the great equalizer, giving voice to rich, poor, powerful, oppressed, and everyone in between. So, why do I feel betrayed?

The bulk of information on the Internet that is actually viewed by people is garbage. From inane youtube clips, to pornography, and to message boards that are often nothing more than vacuums for group think and one-note 4chan memes, the Internet is largely a place where the lowest common denominator meet to waste time and further dull our brains. Read the comments pages of most youtube clips, and they are littered with racism, discrimination, childish back-and-forth fighting, and unoriginal comebacks.

I think my main problem with the Internet is that it seems to have become another visual medium, versus a useful platform for meaningful discussion. The attention span of the average surfer does not lend itself to reading long articles or participating in well-structured and calm debate. Everyone seems to want the bottom line, or a Photoshopped image to poke fun at the topic at hand.

In terms of my own web habits, I have limited myself to email and Facebook checking, followed by browsing the usual 3-4 websites that I always do. I suppose I am part of the problem, and that perhaps with greater detective work, I would be able to find the type of information I think the Internet should be providing. I know it -is- there, but when I think of the most common sites, such as social networking pages or youtube, I feel like I'm back in a high school classroom again, where it is the popular kid or the prankster who gets all the attention. I'm not saying these sites don't have their place. They do, but they seem to be the focal point of a lot of people's Internet habits, and I see that as being potentially dangerous.

How to combat these trends? I suppose I can try to set my own example by posting material or browsing sites that I feel have genuine worth to my own personal growth, and which have something meaningful to say on a given topic. Again, if I am not trying to fight against the current but am merely rolling along with it, then I truly have no right to complain. And what is "meaningful" material, anyway? It means different things to different people.

I suppose the other option would be to unplug. But that would just be silly. A more realistic solution is to curb my browsing habits, limiting the time I spend on websites I know are merely time wasters, and actually spend some time doing an activity that I feel is more worthwhile. You know, like breathing the air outside, or reading a bound paper book.

Cry me a River for 2 string quartets by Ólafur Arnalds

alucard@gaming-age.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 01:45:34 GMT

Niiiiiiiiiice.

Phantom whispers

alucard@gaming-age.com — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:10:52 GMT

Does anyone still read this thing?

My sleeping habits have been utterly screwed up this week, and I don't have a rational idea as to why.

I've lost 5 pounds over the past month, which I'm told is healthy. I do wish progress was quicker at times, but I've come to accept that being diligent and patient is the best option with most things. Just have to remain consistent. Forcing myself down to the gym is a trial sometimes, though.

No luck with finding full time work for the fall right now, though I know I could and likely should be trying harder. I'm applying around the Toronto area, as well as Montreal. It's essentially a waiting game at this point; as soon as I get work in Montreal, Grace and I will be on our merry way.

I now have glasses. Thank you, year of call centre work. I shake my fist in your general direction.

This is merely a way of procrastinating and keeping myself from doing what I should be doing. At least I've accomplished most of the things I wanted to today. Just have to prepare a lesson for the class I'm subbing for tomorrow, and I'm set.

On Saturday morning, Grace, Maggie, and I are heading off to Long Island, to visit my sister and her husband. It should be fun times.

I <3 Millennium Actress, so here is some artwork from the movie.

Total Eclipse of the Heart: Literal Video Version

alucard@gaming-age.com — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:06:32 GMT

Absolutely INCREDIBLE. If you need a good laugh today, this will do the trick.

Pittsburgh Penguins - 2008/2009 Stanley Cup Champions

alucard@gaming-age.com — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:12:30 GMT

Fuck yeah.

What an incredible year. So many ups and downs, and so many hills and mountains that the team had to climb in order to get here. From almost missing the playoffs, to Hossa leaving, to trading away Whitney to get Kunitz, to Guerin, to Craig Adams, to DAN BYLSMA, and to Sid, Geno, and Fleury stepping up at various crucial moments in the playoffs. What a year. What a team. No one can take this away from them. After this, we walk together forever. Let's go Pens!

Black and White People Furniture - Bizarre Commercial

alucard@gaming-age.com — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 23:17:55 GMT

What the fuuuuuuck. Try not to be singing "at the reeeeed house" to yourself all day after you watch this!

"At the reeeeeeeeed house! Where white people and black people buy furniture!....Hispanic people too!"

New Century Classics - Drift Motion

alucard@gaming-age.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 16:50:38 GMT

I have found them. I was sure they existed, but just wasn't sure where to look. Yep, it's a POLISH post-rock band. Awesome! This music video is filled with cheese and WIN. (please, stomach the first 1:30 of lame and witness the glory of the rest) I love the zebras and giraffes at the end. Seriously, I do. Yay, a Polish band I can be proud of. I <3 instrumental rock.

Check out more of their music here if you're interested: http://www.myspace.com/newcenturyclassics

"Modern samurai" - Isao Machii ベストハウス１２３

alucard@gaming-age.com — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:15:26 GMT

What. The. Hell.

Nick Lindberg vs Joel Martin Shootout

alucard@gaming-age.com — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:11:40 GMT

Ridiculous hockey shootout goal.

Where The Wild Things Are Trailer (HD)

alucard@gaming-age.com — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 22:27:09 GMT

R Kelly ft Usher - Same Girl, and FotC

alucard@gaming-age.com — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 21:59:12 GMT

Watch this, and then watch this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5dmu9DvRfs

Awesome. I <3 Flight of the Conchords.

Flight of the Conchords are back

alucard@gaming-age.com — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:53:06 GMT

This is from episode 3 of the second season of Flight of the Conchords. This just might be my favourite song the guys have done so far. "I feel like a prize asshole, no one even mentions my caserole." So awesome. Please watch this show.

Other gems to check out from this season (so far), include:

You Don't Have to Be a Prostitute
Sugalumps

Chinese New Year Song 新年快乐

alucard@gaming-age.com — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 16:13:37 GMT

Xin Nian Quay La! This video and song are amazing.

Og De Souza 411VM Profile

alucard@gaming-age.com — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 15:18:47 GMT

Four Hands Guitar

alucard@gaming-age.com — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 14:16:58 GMT

Talented bastards. Totally, completely, utterly, and in all other ways incredible. I think this guy has pretty much maxed out his skill level.

Big Bang Theory - World Of Warcraft (Sword Of Azeroth)

alucard@gaming-age.com — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 04:46:30 GMT

This is pretty much my new favourite show. It's geeky, it consistently references science fiction and geek culture, and it's brilliant. Please watch it! This is a small sample.

Science Fiction, Science Reality

alucard@gaming-age.com — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:40:01 GMT

A man has flown over the Colorado gorge using a jet pack. Check out the link and video here...

http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-10107675-76.html

This guy is amazing and inspiring!

A couple of recent Player Vs. Player gems

alucard@gaming-age.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 22:08:15 GMT

Ben Affleck: Hero to Single Guys Everywhere

alucard@gaming-age.com — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:47:42 GMT

Could this be the best interview ever? Certainly in the top 10! Check out Drunky Affleck doing more than just hitting on his interviewer.

My first Youtube video

alucard@gaming-age.com — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:40:17 GMT

It was a long Sunday, so I decided to make a few recordings of myself messing around on my acoustic. Here is one of the results. It's a tad samey and has multiple mistakes, but I dig it. Made it up as I went along.

STAR TREK 11 FIRST TRAILER (improved)

alucard@gaming-age.com — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:29:32 GMT

I'm not sure what to think. I've never been a huge fan of Star Trek, but I've always appreciated its moral themes and philosophies. This seems like "Star Trek Xtreme." I'll probably still check it out though. Looks promising.

Is Internet addiction a mental illness?

alucard@gaming-age.com — Sun, 09 Nov 2008 16:01:23 GMT

Put me in a straight jacket and send me to the institution now.

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/story.html?id=705d2e4e-420f-4555-82ac-285b73d74d96&k=37204

I feel the MD makes some valid points, and I do sometimes feel like I'm spending way too much time on this thing. However, if you take the logic applied in this article, that having cravings and withdrawals is a sign of mental illness, then you can say the same about people who are really into just about anything. (books, videogames, scrapbooking, etc.)