When one hears the word "Ninja", the image that usually comes to mind is a faceless deadly assassin clad in an identifying black mask, able to pull off many awesome stunts and fatal feats.
Would you believe, however, that the concepts of ninjutsu are more heavily related to monks, rather than simple killing?
The first and most common misconception about ninja is the black mask. In reality, this concept came from Japanese theater. In many traditional Japanese plays, tech crew is dressed in black outfits with masks, to signify to the audience "ignore this person- they are not part of the story". However, it was found that having a "ninja" character clad in similar clothes could really startle an audience by "coming out of nowhere", because no one expects the crew they are supposed to ignore to suddenly stab the protagonist. Thus, ninja were soon clad in black outfits to signify they were in "stealth" mode.
This is not to say ninja never worse masks, but when they did, the colors were more "earthy" colors that blended in with terrain- much like modern camouflage, only less advanced. However, more often than not, a ninja would dress... just like anyone else. Why? Well, how could you tell them from anyone else in a crowd? The best way to hide is in plain sight. This same tactic is observed in the insurgencies in Iraq. A soldier cannot tell a civilian is, in fact, a hostile until after he attacks.
Another misconception is the "ruthless paid killer" stereotype ninja seem to receive. While later in ninja history, the most infamous clan ( the Iga ) became this to some small extent, ninja actually believed in balance. This meant both balance in one's self, and balance in local government. Ninja thrived most in feudal Japan, and more often were hired by peasants that had no protection against the samurai of Daimyo (feudal lords) that opposed the Daimyo of the land they lived on. Eventually, these Daimyo realized the prowess of the ninja, and some clans "sold out", so to say.
Unfortunately, history favors the victor. A very famous name in Japanese history is Oda Nobunaga. This man feared ninja society, and made it his personal goal to wipe out any clans that he could. Because of his actions, ninja villages were burned down, and much of their history was lost. During his reign, utterance of the word "ninja" was punishable by death. It is probably obvious, by now, that he ensured any depictions of the ninja were negative and villainous.
The successor of Nobunaga hired one of the strongest surviving clans- the Iga- for protection during and after his rise to power. However, this was near the end of the feudal period, and soon the ninja's services were no longer needed. They ended up becoming glorified door-holders for lords, and very few remained to pass on what true ninjutsu really was.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
I started a webcomic! \o/
I've started a webcomic. For those that don't know, a webcomic is pretty much what it sounds like- a comic strip on a website. Some are comedy, others are serious, and some fail at both. Mine is better than these ones that fail at both, because I don't try to be serious. Thus, it only fails at comedy! \o/
The webcomic tells the story of Kitty as told by a ten-year-old with a dry erase board. Kitty is everyone's friend... until Kitty ends up becoming a zombie computer virus with inbred demon grand-kittens. D=
As you can tell, this is probably for people with a bit of a twisted sense of humor. If you believe you have such a sense of humor, here you go.
http://dryerasekitty.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/30241
You just click "next" to continue through the pages. Have fuuuun. =3
The webcomic tells the story of Kitty as told by a ten-year-old with a dry erase board. Kitty is everyone's friend... until Kitty ends up becoming a zombie computer virus with inbred demon grand-kittens. D=
As you can tell, this is probably for people with a bit of a twisted sense of humor. If you believe you have such a sense of humor, here you go.
http://dryerasekitty.thecomicseries.com/comics/pl/30241
You just click "next" to continue through the pages. Have fuuuun. =3
Letter to a Bad Teacher
This blog's SUPPOSED to be about a teacher that gave us trouble in grade school, but... I dunno, I guess I block out bad stuff because I can really only remember the teachers I liked. Instead, I will write a letter to my least favorite teacher here at AUM, [name deleted so no disciplinary actions come my way].
Dear [name deleted so no disciplinary actions come my way],
In my Communication 1010 class last semester, I learned many elements that form a decent speech or lecture. You have absolutely none of these elements in your class. I learned that a good "attention-getter" that, while entertaining, must relate to the class material should be used to retain attention. A lecture should be relevant to what we will be tested on. Visual aids must be used, and effectively so. Paying attention to your audience will help one realize how things are going, and appropriate measures must be taken to retain their interest. Most importantly, one should be interactive with the audience to further interest them.
First off, you should try a better attention-getter. You start each class by announcing you are going to tell a joke- this already ruins the joke. You then read the joke off of a sheet of paper without making eye contact with the class. Worse, the joke has very little to do with the lecture. That is a major flaw, because even if you somehow manage to pull the joke off, you've only gained your students' interest in the joke rather than the lecture material.
You then start your lecture. During this, you sit down, and remain almost perfectly still. You begin speaking about [insert course subject here so no one can figure out who I'm talking to], but thus far your lectures have not been reflected on the tests. Instead, all of the test material is pulled from the text book, effectively making your class period useless.
You have used visual aids a total of three times in our class. These visual aids were black and white handouts, and with two of them, you did not even go over the visual aids and explain their significance to the lecture. In the one exception to this, you explained how the visual aid related to the class, but didn't actually have us look at it.
You know something is wrong, because at the end of class, nearly half of your students are asleep. You have commented on this, and asked the class if there was anything you could do to improve. When one of the students mentioned one of your problems, you responded with, "Well, I've been teaching like this for [X] amount of years, so...." This shows that you know a problem exists, and when presented with what the problem is, you refuse to make any changes. You will simply continue to be disappointed in your class's disinterest in your lectures for the rest of your teaching career.
Every now and then- VERY rarely- the class does, in fact, become interested in the lecture material. When this happens, many of the students begin asking questions and discussing concepts. When this happens, you get a deer-in-the-headlights look, and then attempt to quell what I guess YOU think is chaos. Instead, you personally slaughter any interest anyone had in your class. Smooth move.
Over all, your teaching method is not only flawed, but lacks any proper elements that a good lecture should have. Your method of attempting to get your student's attention is just sad. You remain still during your lectures, and the lectures have nothing to do with the test material. Your use of visual aids needs heavy improvement, yet you refuse any suggestions for improvement in any area when you ask for such suggestions. You are not able to interact with your target audience, and that is the best way to keep their attention. If I were grading your speeches as forgiving as my Communication 1010 teacher had, I would give you a C- at best.
Your former "student",
Mark D.
(( I hope I remember this blog's password after a graduate, because I am so sending this to [gender-identifying pronoun deleted to further hide identity of poor teacher] once I know I can't be penalized for it.
Dear [name deleted so no disciplinary actions come my way],
In my Communication 1010 class last semester, I learned many elements that form a decent speech or lecture. You have absolutely none of these elements in your class. I learned that a good "attention-getter" that, while entertaining, must relate to the class material should be used to retain attention. A lecture should be relevant to what we will be tested on. Visual aids must be used, and effectively so. Paying attention to your audience will help one realize how things are going, and appropriate measures must be taken to retain their interest. Most importantly, one should be interactive with the audience to further interest them.
First off, you should try a better attention-getter. You start each class by announcing you are going to tell a joke- this already ruins the joke. You then read the joke off of a sheet of paper without making eye contact with the class. Worse, the joke has very little to do with the lecture. That is a major flaw, because even if you somehow manage to pull the joke off, you've only gained your students' interest in the joke rather than the lecture material.
You then start your lecture. During this, you sit down, and remain almost perfectly still. You begin speaking about [insert course subject here so no one can figure out who I'm talking to], but thus far your lectures have not been reflected on the tests. Instead, all of the test material is pulled from the text book, effectively making your class period useless.
You have used visual aids a total of three times in our class. These visual aids were black and white handouts, and with two of them, you did not even go over the visual aids and explain their significance to the lecture. In the one exception to this, you explained how the visual aid related to the class, but didn't actually have us look at it.
You know something is wrong, because at the end of class, nearly half of your students are asleep. You have commented on this, and asked the class if there was anything you could do to improve. When one of the students mentioned one of your problems, you responded with, "Well, I've been teaching like this for [X] amount of years, so...." This shows that you know a problem exists, and when presented with what the problem is, you refuse to make any changes. You will simply continue to be disappointed in your class's disinterest in your lectures for the rest of your teaching career.
Every now and then- VERY rarely- the class does, in fact, become interested in the lecture material. When this happens, many of the students begin asking questions and discussing concepts. When this happens, you get a deer-in-the-headlights look, and then attempt to quell what I guess YOU think is chaos. Instead, you personally slaughter any interest anyone had in your class. Smooth move.
Over all, your teaching method is not only flawed, but lacks any proper elements that a good lecture should have. Your method of attempting to get your student's attention is just sad. You remain still during your lectures, and the lectures have nothing to do with the test material. Your use of visual aids needs heavy improvement, yet you refuse any suggestions for improvement in any area when you ask for such suggestions. You are not able to interact with your target audience, and that is the best way to keep their attention. If I were grading your speeches as forgiving as my Communication 1010 teacher had, I would give you a C- at best.
Your former "student",
Mark D.
(( I hope I remember this blog's password after a graduate, because I am so sending this to [gender-identifying pronoun deleted to further hide identity of poor teacher] once I know I can't be penalized for it.
Monday, February 22, 2010
A Way To Fund Everyone?
As I mentioned in my last blog, I believe college is a personal venture. Thus, it should be personally earned. However, "earned" can be a very vague term. There are many programs that exist and many programs that could be established in order to earn this.
The way the G.I. Bill works, you actually pay for a small portion ( I'd say less than 10%, but that's out of heavy guess-timating) during your first year and a half in the military, if you decide you want the G.I. Bill. Once you get out, you have a set number of years to utilize the G.I. Bill, or you lose it. The thing is, so many soldiers pay for this and never actually use it. The G.I. Bill, while not quite self-sustaining, has quite a bit of help from these people who pay for its use and later decide they do not need a college education.
Government programs could be set up like this through other government jobs. Local prisons are practically always looking for new guards. A program similar to the G.I. Bill could help recruit prison guards while offering a way through college.
Achievement-based and GPA-based scholarships are also a way to earn your education, but the question comes to being on how to fund more scholarships.
The way the G.I. Bill works, you actually pay for a small portion ( I'd say less than 10%, but that's out of heavy guess-timating) during your first year and a half in the military, if you decide you want the G.I. Bill. Once you get out, you have a set number of years to utilize the G.I. Bill, or you lose it. The thing is, so many soldiers pay for this and never actually use it. The G.I. Bill, while not quite self-sustaining, has quite a bit of help from these people who pay for its use and later decide they do not need a college education.
Government programs could be set up like this through other government jobs. Local prisons are practically always looking for new guards. A program similar to the G.I. Bill could help recruit prison guards while offering a way through college.
Achievement-based and GPA-based scholarships are also a way to earn your education, but the question comes to being on how to fund more scholarships.
College Costs?
So, with this whole "proration" thing going around, schools are having to scramble to retain the funding needed to maintain programs and professors- one which way is to increase tuition.
On a side note, I guess none of the $130k that was spent causing hundreds of people to lose their jobs at Victoryland could have gone towards education instead. I don't personally support gambling, but people in power need to get priorities straight. If idiots want to waste their money at slot machines rather than waste their money buying entirely unnecessary high-tech toys, let them at it.
In any case, this leaves us with a question: who should be in charge of putting people through college?
Fortunately, we do not yet live in an age where a college degree is a prerequisite for winning a meaningful job... but it does help, and that age is quickly approaching. As much as it sucks to say so, I really feel that it should still be up to students and their families to earn their way through college. Now, when I say "earn", do I mean pay out-of-pocket for all expenses? No. I believe that scholarships based upon achievement and ability are a way of earning one's college education. On top of this, more people could, heaven forbid, join the military and take advantage of the Montgomery G.I. Bill or the newly-created Post 9-11 G.I. Bill. This, too, serves to earn one's college education. Frankly put, while the local government is cutting funding, the local and federal governments (as well as various organizations) still allow several options towards earning one's further education.
Of course, student loans are still an option, though it is one I feel should be a last resort rather than the first crutch one picks up. There are still programs to help students. The Pell Grant may not give much money to those from families that are more well-off, but every few dollars help.
In any case, while it isn't happy news, college is still a personal venture, and I believe it is personally up to each of us to earn this education.
On a side note, I guess none of the $130k that was spent causing hundreds of people to lose their jobs at Victoryland could have gone towards education instead. I don't personally support gambling, but people in power need to get priorities straight. If idiots want to waste their money at slot machines rather than waste their money buying entirely unnecessary high-tech toys, let them at it.
In any case, this leaves us with a question: who should be in charge of putting people through college?
Fortunately, we do not yet live in an age where a college degree is a prerequisite for winning a meaningful job... but it does help, and that age is quickly approaching. As much as it sucks to say so, I really feel that it should still be up to students and their families to earn their way through college. Now, when I say "earn", do I mean pay out-of-pocket for all expenses? No. I believe that scholarships based upon achievement and ability are a way of earning one's college education. On top of this, more people could, heaven forbid, join the military and take advantage of the Montgomery G.I. Bill or the newly-created Post 9-11 G.I. Bill. This, too, serves to earn one's college education. Frankly put, while the local government is cutting funding, the local and federal governments (as well as various organizations) still allow several options towards earning one's further education.
Of course, student loans are still an option, though it is one I feel should be a last resort rather than the first crutch one picks up. There are still programs to help students. The Pell Grant may not give much money to those from families that are more well-off, but every few dollars help.
In any case, while it isn't happy news, college is still a personal venture, and I believe it is personally up to each of us to earn this education.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Key Players in My Life
Naturally, I've got all sorts of people that are a part of my life. Some are negative influences, others are positive. Some are even very bad people who have a positive effect by showing me what I DON'T want to be.
This brings me to my father. I'm honestly surprised he hasn't died of a meth overdose or hasn't been beaten into a coma by people he owes money. He lives in a trailer park, and for several years was supplying my little brother with drugs. He's ruined the family's life on several occasions over his own selfish whims, and is the epitome of what I don't want to be. Thus, he is probably the most positive influence of my life, because I know to avoid doing practically anything he did.
Next is my mother. She's more of a neutral aspect in my life. She means well, but she's practically been driven insane by my father. She is caring and supportive of the choices I make, as long as I don't get in her way. By "get in her way", I mean do anything she doesn't want me to do, or don't do anything she wants me to do.
What I feel is my most important influence in my life right now is my girlfriend, Nicole. I know most people seem to think that their significant other is extremely important (until the break up), but even if things go bad between us, she's helped me in ways that will affect me for the rest of my life.
For one, it was her influence that helped me to decide to get away from my mother and go to college. She continuously reminded me that I could do much better than the cold, leaking, broken-down home I was sharing with my mom, and I could avoid the stress my mom's constant screaming (occasionally at nothing at all) was causing.
She lent me the money I needed to move into the dorms- My G.I. Bill would handle the rest. She helps keep my mind on track towards school, and is a very supportive person. I only hope I can return everything she's done for me some day.
This brings me to my father. I'm honestly surprised he hasn't died of a meth overdose or hasn't been beaten into a coma by people he owes money. He lives in a trailer park, and for several years was supplying my little brother with drugs. He's ruined the family's life on several occasions over his own selfish whims, and is the epitome of what I don't want to be. Thus, he is probably the most positive influence of my life, because I know to avoid doing practically anything he did.
Next is my mother. She's more of a neutral aspect in my life. She means well, but she's practically been driven insane by my father. She is caring and supportive of the choices I make, as long as I don't get in her way. By "get in her way", I mean do anything she doesn't want me to do, or don't do anything she wants me to do.
What I feel is my most important influence in my life right now is my girlfriend, Nicole. I know most people seem to think that their significant other is extremely important (until the break up), but even if things go bad between us, she's helped me in ways that will affect me for the rest of my life.
For one, it was her influence that helped me to decide to get away from my mother and go to college. She continuously reminded me that I could do much better than the cold, leaking, broken-down home I was sharing with my mom, and I could avoid the stress my mom's constant screaming (occasionally at nothing at all) was causing.
She lent me the money I needed to move into the dorms- My G.I. Bill would handle the rest. She helps keep my mind on track towards school, and is a very supportive person. I only hope I can return everything she's done for me some day.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Cryptogram
E landyehmo ruba dryd oui teth'd dyga dra desa du yldiymmo cumja drec. Ed tuach'd naymmo luhdyeh yho esbundyhd un icavim ehvunsydeuh. Ruhacdmo, E zicd druikrd drec fuimt pa y vih drehk du tu eh so pmuk. Ev oui fahd drnuikr dra dnuipma uv lusbmadehk drec, oui sicd ryja ryt duu silr vnaa desa. Uv luinca, E cbahd dra desa du yldiymmo lnayda dra luta, cu E sicd ryja ryt duu silr vnaa desa yc famm. Famm, rana'c y rehd vun oui dryd femm uhmo ramb oui uid YVDAN oui'ja cumjat drec: Eh dra luta E icat, jufamc nasyeh jufamc, fedr ullyceuhym aqlabdeuhc eh dra lyca uv "o".
Possible Future?
Well, as you could guess by my major in Communications with Emphasis in Dramatic Arts (aka Theater major, but if Val Winkelman hears me call it that, she'd eviscerate me or something), I want to have a life involved in theater or performing in some way.
Now what, exactly, I'd want to do in theater is up in the air. As long as I am involved in it, I think I will be happy. My top wish is to become a voice actor for Disney, but that's a very long shot. There's something about voice acting that I really enjoy. Your own body's limits are gone; it doesn't matter if you're 5'0", you can be the lead rather than the comic relief. It doesn't matter if your appearances are not ideal for the role. Only your voice has to match up.
This is not to say that it is, in any way, easier. Bad voice acting can entirely ruin a production- even the extras have to sound professional (as many theater-types would say, "there are no small parts- only small actors"), or all anyone will ever remember about the production is that one guy that sounded like crap.
Being able to support myself as a film or broadway actor would be nice, as well, but these, too are very long shots. In fact, it would be harder to do this than it would to become a voice actor. Cost of living in New York would be very difficult to support, and competition is fierce. As for film acting, it seems nearly entirely luck-based to get a role, and someone of my height of 5'6" would not likely get anything to brag about. Not to mention, filming is a very tiring and long process. In the one film I've been in, it took several hours to shoot a five-minute scene. I think the frustrations of screen filming are not worth the benefits unless you're getting paid like Johnny Depp or something.
Failing to become a voice actor, I would be happy being a high school theater teacher. To do this, I will have to take a specific amount of certain classes after I receive my BA. It will be difficult and expensive, but I believe teaching and inspiring children would be a great use of a life. I'll just have to have all of my students sign yearbooks for me. That way, if THEY ever get famous, I'll at least get some money off of that. =P
Now what, exactly, I'd want to do in theater is up in the air. As long as I am involved in it, I think I will be happy. My top wish is to become a voice actor for Disney, but that's a very long shot. There's something about voice acting that I really enjoy. Your own body's limits are gone; it doesn't matter if you're 5'0", you can be the lead rather than the comic relief. It doesn't matter if your appearances are not ideal for the role. Only your voice has to match up.
This is not to say that it is, in any way, easier. Bad voice acting can entirely ruin a production- even the extras have to sound professional (as many theater-types would say, "there are no small parts- only small actors"), or all anyone will ever remember about the production is that one guy that sounded like crap.
Being able to support myself as a film or broadway actor would be nice, as well, but these, too are very long shots. In fact, it would be harder to do this than it would to become a voice actor. Cost of living in New York would be very difficult to support, and competition is fierce. As for film acting, it seems nearly entirely luck-based to get a role, and someone of my height of 5'6" would not likely get anything to brag about. Not to mention, filming is a very tiring and long process. In the one film I've been in, it took several hours to shoot a five-minute scene. I think the frustrations of screen filming are not worth the benefits unless you're getting paid like Johnny Depp or something.
Failing to become a voice actor, I would be happy being a high school theater teacher. To do this, I will have to take a specific amount of certain classes after I receive my BA. It will be difficult and expensive, but I believe teaching and inspiring children would be a great use of a life. I'll just have to have all of my students sign yearbooks for me. That way, if THEY ever get famous, I'll at least get some money off of that. =P
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Internet Opinion
The internet is a double-edged sword, in my opinion, when it comes to its effect on the ideas of its users.
It's probably pretty obvious by now that I do not hold much faith in people, and to me, the internet seems to be a place where the teeming masses join together to agree on entirely uneducated opinions passed down onto them by their mommies and daddies.
Let's take this as an example: on one of my vlogs, I used to make very neutral political statements after days- sometimes weeks- of researching platforms and political history of candidates. I would try to be fair when mentioning both positives and negatives in all parties involved.
Of course, this got only negative attention. Conservatives flamed me for being too liberal. Those on the far left bashed me for being too far right. Apparently, the only opinions the majority of people online can comprehend are black and white, one extreme or the other. People assumed that because I did not agree with everything about their chosen party, I was against their party. Never did I get a comment or video response dealing with arguments supported by facts or research. Instead, most of the responses were from those using slogans and jargon often quoted from heavily-biased news channels. Even worse, these people seemed to attempt to claim these ideas as their own, as if they were intellectual enough to consider the possibilities and come up with original or clever analogies. Eventually, I closed down my political vlog and opened up one for something that seemed to cater more to these people: Entertainment.
However, out of all the crap, one can occasionally find someone else that seems to have a more casual, yet calculating mind out here on the net. The internet- when used by someone that's trying to do more than repeat the cliche phrases they've heard a thousand times- can be an invaluable and irreplaceable tool. People with new ideas can share them, and in turn learn from one another.
Honestly, I think the negatives I've mentioned have less to do with the internet in itself and more with American society in general. We are used to having information spoon-fed to us, and combining this with internet's ability to make uneducated ( yet well-spoken) opinions more accessible, everything looks like it's just going to hell.
It's probably pretty obvious by now that I do not hold much faith in people, and to me, the internet seems to be a place where the teeming masses join together to agree on entirely uneducated opinions passed down onto them by their mommies and daddies.
Let's take this as an example: on one of my vlogs, I used to make very neutral political statements after days- sometimes weeks- of researching platforms and political history of candidates. I would try to be fair when mentioning both positives and negatives in all parties involved.
Of course, this got only negative attention. Conservatives flamed me for being too liberal. Those on the far left bashed me for being too far right. Apparently, the only opinions the majority of people online can comprehend are black and white, one extreme or the other. People assumed that because I did not agree with everything about their chosen party, I was against their party. Never did I get a comment or video response dealing with arguments supported by facts or research. Instead, most of the responses were from those using slogans and jargon often quoted from heavily-biased news channels. Even worse, these people seemed to attempt to claim these ideas as their own, as if they were intellectual enough to consider the possibilities and come up with original or clever analogies. Eventually, I closed down my political vlog and opened up one for something that seemed to cater more to these people: Entertainment.
However, out of all the crap, one can occasionally find someone else that seems to have a more casual, yet calculating mind out here on the net. The internet- when used by someone that's trying to do more than repeat the cliche phrases they've heard a thousand times- can be an invaluable and irreplaceable tool. People with new ideas can share them, and in turn learn from one another.
Honestly, I think the negatives I've mentioned have less to do with the internet in itself and more with American society in general. We are used to having information spoon-fed to us, and combining this with internet's ability to make uneducated ( yet well-spoken) opinions more accessible, everything looks like it's just going to hell.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Warning!! The following blog may contain ideas and comments offensive to Southern stereotypes.
While I've lived all over the east coast, I was too young to remember most of it. My father was in the military, but got out before I was old enough to start forming long-lasting memories.
Through most of my childhood, I lived in Prattville, but due to my father's inconsistent work habits, we were moved all over Alabama during my High School years. This made school difficult, as we went to multiple schools a year.
I remember my absolute worst time in moving was when we moved to Sylycauga... if I'm even spelling that name right. As we were heading towards our new home, we stopped by one of the few gas stations we came across in the middle of the woods. This gas station displayed a brightly-colored posterboard sign in the window that read, as if it were a big deal, "WE NOW SERVE PIZZA!!" I almost started crying at that.
Soon after, we moved to Blountsville, Alabama. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with Southern stereotypes. However, the majority of the population in this town were not just typical southerners; they were complete ignorant hicks. The rest of the population were Mexican immigrants, so given my choice in people to hang out with... well, I learned Spanish. Given, not all of the white population there were total hillbillies, but everyone at least hung out with people of those type. I figured learning a second language would be MUCH easier than trying to get along with people that couldn't understand half of the things I tried to tell them anyway.
We moved back to Prattville after my father was caught cheating on my mom with a toothless trailer-park-bound redneck woman named Teresa. There I remained until I joined the army. After six months training in Kentucky, I was stationed in Ft. Hood, TX.
The only reason any of the area around Ft. Hood flourished at all was because the most-populated military base in the U.S. was there. Because of this, almost all of the businesses catered or advertised to military personnel. Living there was neat. Because of the military, you had people from all walks of life and all areas of the U.S. Unfortunately, this also meant you had people with driving habits from all over the U.S. You could almost guess by looking at a liscence plate just how long the light would be green before someone finally decided to go, or if the guy was gonna even going to stop at the red light.
I was deployed to Iraq for a year, so you could say I practically lived there. Of course, the fact that people were constantly trying to kill me may have slightly negatively affected my opinion, but I honestly liked many of the customs in that area.
Anyway, after that, I was sent back to Ft. Hood, then when I got out of the military, I moved back to Prattville. I kind of need to wrap this blog up, so no pretty shiny all-inclusive ending statement of this blog for you!!
While I've lived all over the east coast, I was too young to remember most of it. My father was in the military, but got out before I was old enough to start forming long-lasting memories.
Through most of my childhood, I lived in Prattville, but due to my father's inconsistent work habits, we were moved all over Alabama during my High School years. This made school difficult, as we went to multiple schools a year.
I remember my absolute worst time in moving was when we moved to Sylycauga... if I'm even spelling that name right. As we were heading towards our new home, we stopped by one of the few gas stations we came across in the middle of the woods. This gas station displayed a brightly-colored posterboard sign in the window that read, as if it were a big deal, "WE NOW SERVE PIZZA!!" I almost started crying at that.
Soon after, we moved to Blountsville, Alabama. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't have a problem with Southern stereotypes. However, the majority of the population in this town were not just typical southerners; they were complete ignorant hicks. The rest of the population were Mexican immigrants, so given my choice in people to hang out with... well, I learned Spanish. Given, not all of the white population there were total hillbillies, but everyone at least hung out with people of those type. I figured learning a second language would be MUCH easier than trying to get along with people that couldn't understand half of the things I tried to tell them anyway.
We moved back to Prattville after my father was caught cheating on my mom with a toothless trailer-park-bound redneck woman named Teresa. There I remained until I joined the army. After six months training in Kentucky, I was stationed in Ft. Hood, TX.
The only reason any of the area around Ft. Hood flourished at all was because the most-populated military base in the U.S. was there. Because of this, almost all of the businesses catered or advertised to military personnel. Living there was neat. Because of the military, you had people from all walks of life and all areas of the U.S. Unfortunately, this also meant you had people with driving habits from all over the U.S. You could almost guess by looking at a liscence plate just how long the light would be green before someone finally decided to go, or if the guy was gonna even going to stop at the red light.
I was deployed to Iraq for a year, so you could say I practically lived there. Of course, the fact that people were constantly trying to kill me may have slightly negatively affected my opinion, but I honestly liked many of the customs in that area.
Anyway, after that, I was sent back to Ft. Hood, then when I got out of the military, I moved back to Prattville. I kind of need to wrap this blog up, so no pretty shiny all-inclusive ending statement of this blog for you!!
YouTube Benchmark
My YouTube page ( http://www.youtube.com/TheJokezOnYou ) now has five-hundred subscribers. I'm glad- that vlog takes a good deal of effort, and there's no telling how much money I've spent putting costume and props together.
This isn't THAT big of a deal; some of the more popular people on YouTube have thousands of subscribers. However, I get no endorsement from YouTube as these more-popular channels do, so I'm pretty satisfied with this.
This isn't THAT big of a deal; some of the more popular people on YouTube have thousands of subscribers. However, I get no endorsement from YouTube as these more-popular channels do, so I'm pretty satisfied with this.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
C&C
We've gotta do another comparison and contrast-kinda thing. Alright, alright. Here we go: Johnny Depp and Gary Oldman.
As an actor, I of course have role models that inspire me. Among these, I believe it was Gary Oldman and Johnny Depp that had the greatest effect on me.
In a way, the two are very similar actors in that they could both play practically anything, and play it well. I had watched The Fifth Element, Leon: The Professional, and Batman Begins long before I realized Gary Oldman had played major roles in the two former films. In the same way, it is difficult to see the same actor behind Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and Jack Sparrow. The two are both very superb actors capable of tackling extremely different roles.
However, they greatly differ once publicity comes in. Ah, yes, the teeming masses whose collective opinion sadly effects so much. Johnny Depp, despite being in his forties, looks much younger and more dashing than the aging Gary Oldman. Because of this, Johnny Depp is much more widely known. While Willy Wonka and Jack Sparrow may hardly look the same at all, people still know precisely who is behind the makeup and vastly-different smiles.
Oldman, on the other hand, does not seem to garner much attention. You can practically sell a movie simply by casting Johnny Depp. Only people that actually pay attention to more than big names in their movies would even know who you were talking about with Gary Oldman (until you mention what roles he's played in several of their favorite films).
While I believe they are equally talented actors, public opinion does have its effect: Johnny Depp is much more wide-known than Gary Oldman.
As an actor, I of course have role models that inspire me. Among these, I believe it was Gary Oldman and Johnny Depp that had the greatest effect on me.
In a way, the two are very similar actors in that they could both play practically anything, and play it well. I had watched The Fifth Element, Leon: The Professional, and Batman Begins long before I realized Gary Oldman had played major roles in the two former films. In the same way, it is difficult to see the same actor behind Willy Wonka, Sweeney Todd, and Jack Sparrow. The two are both very superb actors capable of tackling extremely different roles.
However, they greatly differ once publicity comes in. Ah, yes, the teeming masses whose collective opinion sadly effects so much. Johnny Depp, despite being in his forties, looks much younger and more dashing than the aging Gary Oldman. Because of this, Johnny Depp is much more widely known. While Willy Wonka and Jack Sparrow may hardly look the same at all, people still know precisely who is behind the makeup and vastly-different smiles.
Oldman, on the other hand, does not seem to garner much attention. You can practically sell a movie simply by casting Johnny Depp. Only people that actually pay attention to more than big names in their movies would even know who you were talking about with Gary Oldman (until you mention what roles he's played in several of their favorite films).
While I believe they are equally talented actors, public opinion does have its effect: Johnny Depp is much more wide-known than Gary Oldman.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Food Comparison
Uh-oh. You got me started on food. I'm going to have a hard time deciding what to compare and contrast, because there's just so many foods I love. I guess instead of comparing two similar restaurants, I'll compare apples to oranges and instead compare my favorite Asian place to my favorite Mexican.
Jose's is a restaurant chain with three local places- one in Montgomery, and two in Prattville. The second store in Prattville opened a few months ago, less than a mile from my home. You can probably tell that this made my stomach happy (and my wallet miserable). Jose himself is very active in greeting customers at whichever restaurant he happens to be overlooking that day, and that gives the place a very down-to-earth feel. For the price, you get plenty of food (my favorite being quesadilla con pollo- a chicken quesadilla). However, it's the service I like most about this place. Waiters are friendly and learn your name if you are a constant customer. I can usually walk in to my sweet tea already on the table I'll be eating at.
My favorite Asian place, however, is much different. It is a buffet, and the staff doesn't seem to recognize you from one visit to another. I guess the thing that keeps me coming back to this place- Buffet City- is the Mongolian Barbecue. You get to choose your uncooked ingredients, and hand them to a chef who will cook it in the sauce of your choice. This is included in the price of the buffet, so you get a lot of quality for the price.
I guess in comparison, I like the service of Jose's better, the food at Buffet City better, but they are both definitely worth the price.
Jose's is a restaurant chain with three local places- one in Montgomery, and two in Prattville. The second store in Prattville opened a few months ago, less than a mile from my home. You can probably tell that this made my stomach happy (and my wallet miserable). Jose himself is very active in greeting customers at whichever restaurant he happens to be overlooking that day, and that gives the place a very down-to-earth feel. For the price, you get plenty of food (my favorite being quesadilla con pollo- a chicken quesadilla). However, it's the service I like most about this place. Waiters are friendly and learn your name if you are a constant customer. I can usually walk in to my sweet tea already on the table I'll be eating at.
My favorite Asian place, however, is much different. It is a buffet, and the staff doesn't seem to recognize you from one visit to another. I guess the thing that keeps me coming back to this place- Buffet City- is the Mongolian Barbecue. You get to choose your uncooked ingredients, and hand them to a chef who will cook it in the sauce of your choice. This is included in the price of the buffet, so you get a lot of quality for the price.
I guess in comparison, I like the service of Jose's better, the food at Buffet City better, but they are both definitely worth the price.
Minor Update, I guess.
Classes are going alright, I guess. I really need to refocus myself, though. During my first semester, I was extremely eager to succeed in class. That motivation doesn't seem to be their anymore.
I guess this is mostly due to my Reading 0700 class. Despite the fact that I passed my English Placement Exam (with flying colors, none-the-less), I still have to take Reading 0700 as a provisional student.
During the first day of this class, the instructor read out-loud to us a sixth-grade level picture book. I find this irritating. I do have some learning difficulties, but those difficulties lie in mathematics. My English isn't perfect, but no one's really is.
I guess I find this annoying mostly due to the fact that I feel it is a waste of my limited G.I. Bill. Furthering the irritation is the fact that the class cannot affect my GPA due to its remedial status. URRRGGGGHHH. I'm taking an easy "A" course for nothing!! I talked to my advisor about it, but the class cannot be waived (she was, however, very apologetic about this).
This has me somewhat unmotivated in my classes. So Meh.
I guess this is mostly due to my Reading 0700 class. Despite the fact that I passed my English Placement Exam (with flying colors, none-the-less), I still have to take Reading 0700 as a provisional student.
During the first day of this class, the instructor read out-loud to us a sixth-grade level picture book. I find this irritating. I do have some learning difficulties, but those difficulties lie in mathematics. My English isn't perfect, but no one's really is.
I guess I find this annoying mostly due to the fact that I feel it is a waste of my limited G.I. Bill. Furthering the irritation is the fact that the class cannot affect my GPA due to its remedial status. URRRGGGGHHH. I'm taking an easy "A" course for nothing!! I talked to my advisor about it, but the class cannot be waived (she was, however, very apologetic about this).
This has me somewhat unmotivated in my classes. So Meh.
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