Monthly Archive for April, 2004

Feelin’ uncultured

Published on April 28, 2004 in Suggestions?. 10 Comments

Lately I’ve had a real thirst for knowledge and aesthetics that isn’t present when the school semester is in. I have time to do more book-reading, music-listening, and movie-watching. Somehow all the music I own has started to feel a bit inbred. It’s the same old thing. The radio doesn’t help either. If they’re not playing another pop song, it’s another fifteen minutes set of non stop commercials. Because of this, I’ve been left with an ignorant view on good music. The fact is I don’t do enough research on what’s good out there. I’m sure whoever reads this has a bit of music and literature that they fancy, so please do leave some recommendations on what could keep my feet a-tappin’ and my mind a-moldin’ with pleasure. If anyone is willing to send me something via snail mail that would be much appreciated as well. Just a suggestion.

I just added a section to the left (courtesy of allconsuming.net) on the books I’m currently reading or recently purchased. It’s a free service that allows you to see who else is reading the same books, and you can read what kind of feedback they have on it. I’ll be adding a section on music and movies as well. Feel free to leave suggestions on movies as well. I’ve been slowly checking out movies on my list of classics to see.

If you’re interested in mailing me any spare books or cds or movies, please email me and I’ll gladly give you my mailing address. Also, take a look at the wishlist. Maybe you own something I’ve been keeping an eye on for a while but just haven’t had the time or money to buy. Thanks!

By the way, I own a huge collection of classic literature (Shakespeare, Melville, Dickens, Twain, etc.) but I don’t know where to begin reading. So once again, a point in the right direction will be appreciated.

So Fresh

Published on April 25, 2004 in Recentisms. 6 Comments

This past Thursday was Eighties Night at youth group aka “Group U.T.H.”. Guys and gals dressed up for this awesome event and we jammed to some of the most tubular tracks of the eighties. Needless to say it was far out. The girls were looking stellar in there pink shirts and frizzy hair. Tube socks were in as well as the rad tight jeans. My homeboy and I did a dope hip-hop performance for the crowd and they thought it was totally solid. We didn’t win any costume competition, which I thought was straight bogus, but we had a wicked good time anyways. Alright, I think I’ll stop with the eighties words. It’s making me look like a total goober. Enjoy the pictures.

100 Things about Me

Published on April 20, 2004 in Fun Stuff and Surveys. 22 Comments

I figured it was about time I let you in on this vital information.

100 things

1. I like dogs.
2. My favorite band is Five Iron Frenzy.
3. I was born in Hialeah, Florida. (It sounds exotic, but it’s far from.)
4. I’ll eat anything with chocolate in it.
5. I’ve always wanted to have a tree house.
6. I own about 5 sketchbooks.
7. I tried doing graffiti once, it didn’t look so good.
8. I have one older brother, two cats, and a dog.
9. I wish I lived in the 40’s.
10. In middle school I was voted “Best Personality”
11. In high school I was voted “Most Friendliest”
12. I’ve never broken a bone in my body.
13. I like doing impressions of Robert DeNiro and Clint Eastwood.
14. I fear I’ll one day be addicted to coffee.
15. I watch at least 2 rented movies per week.
16. I have excellent vision, hearing, and sense of smell.
17. I like to draw faces.
18. I like to play hacky sac.
19. My favourite color is olive green.
20. Favourite is the only word I like to add a “u” to.
21. Actionscript kicks major butt.
22. I hate Comic Sans font and Curlz font.
23. They are both of Satan.
24. I do stand up comedy.
25. I like making videos.
26. I think I’ll always be an amateur photographer.
27. I think I can jump high.
28. I can’t stand the taste of anything alcoholic. Blech.
29. My favourite movies include “Dumb & Dumber”, “Gladiator”, “12 Angry Men”, “Finding Forrester”, and “Cry, the Beloved Country”.
30. I love organizing.
31. I’ve always wanted a cool nickname. The closest I’ve ever gotten to one is “Dave”, which nobody calls me.
32. I like buying books.
33. I have a bumper sticker that says “He who laughs last thinks the slowest”.
34. I like looking in my rearview mirror and seeing people laughing at my bumper sticker.
35. My favourite singer is Ella Fitzgerald.
36. Raphael is my favourite ninja turtle.
37. I’ve never painted with oils.
38. I’m a registered Libertarian.
39. I suck at 3-pointers.
40. I love Phaidon books.
41. I don’t floss enough.
42. I love saying and hearing puns.
43. I like wearing sunglasses.
44. I don’t look very good in hats.
45. I skank to just about any type of music.
46. I love ordering chinese food.
47. I wish I had an Irish accent.
48. I’m a spelling prefectionist.
49. I hate spiders.
50. I bet you think I didn’t notice my typo in #48. Silly you.
51. I can play practically any tune by ear on the piano. (without chords and all that)
52. I know how to do a sleeper hold.
53. I got a dollar. I got a dollar. I got a dollar hey hey hey hey.
54. One day I hope to own a bull terrier and a boston terrier.
55. I suck at drawing hands.
56. I like to compare my dad with Homer Simpson.
57. I fix people’s crooked picture frames when I’m at their house.
58. I alphabetize just about everything.
59. I like boxing.
60. I’ve gotten used to the whole “getting punched in the face” thing.
61. I’ve got about 20 more pounds to go.
62. I shave once a week.
63. The word “accumulate” reminds me of an ex I had.
64. I really hate that word now.
65. I like throwing out useless junk from my room.
66. I like wearing handmedowns.
67. I don’t mind doing manual labor.
68. I would love to see someone do a good impression of me.
69. I want to learn at least 3 more languages.
70. I hate the recent gas prices.
71. I draw people when I’m on the metro rail.
72. I have no tolerance for bad hygiene.
73. I don’t like when people burp during a meal.
74. I’m always hungry.
75. I sleep over a friend’s house at least once a week.
76. My dog thinks he’s a cat.
77. One of my cats thinks she’s a dog.
77. The other cat is just stupid.
78. My cat’s breath smells like catfood.
79. My birthday is on April 30.
80. I play a mean kazoo.
81. When I was a kid, I hugged a stranger thinking it was my dad.
82. One time I shot a rubber band at a substitute’s face and got caught.
83. I take pictures of people sleeping.
84. I feel guilty spending more than 4 bucks on lunch.
85. Bologna makes me gag.
86. I’ve never seen snow. Update: I saw snow in December 2005 in NY. Woohoo!
87. Places I’ve visited include Las Vegas, New York, Canada, Boston, Mexico, Georgia, Puerto Rico, Colombia, Bahamas, Texas, Washington D.C., Maryland, and I can’t remember where else.
88. Favourite shoe brand? Puma
89. I like munster cheese and guda cheese.
90. I hate mayo with a passion.
91. Favourite comedian? David Letterman
92. Hobbies include taking photos, martial arts, drawing, napping, eating, and web design.
93. I’ve only held one job in my life, and I’m still there.
94. I’ve appeared on tv over 9 times, and each time I’ve managed to do an extremely stupid face.
95. War movies are killer.
96. I don’t like talking on the phone very much.
97. Chances are if I’ve met ya, I’ve forgotten your name by now.
98. Spanish television makes me really angry.
99. When I was young I told my mom I was going to be a doctor. Then I saw blood and cried.
100. People that creep me out include: The “zoom zoom” kid, Walter Mercado, and Carrot Top.

Juries 2

Published on April 16, 2004 in Recentisms. 4 Comments

Well my evaluation was quick. Seeing how I only had 2 art classes this semester, only one of which required artwork (the other was art history 2), I had a small selection of pieces to display. My computer arts teacher Alfred was there to give as much positive input as possible, which I really appreciated. As usual I received a bit of suggestions on my work, as far as printing in a bigger scale, but overall it was positive evaluations all around.

I think what helped me out this semester was, aside from the bit of discipline I actually put forth, I made the effort to build a good raport with my professors. More than often I engaged in side conversations with them, asking questions about some of the material covered and bringing up current events that I believed were relevant to the class discussion. Doing so was a win-win strategy because they had something to associate my name with and I learned how they viewed different aspects of technology, philosophy, history, and art. I guess it boils down to this: professors are people too. Outside of the classroom they have lives and interests, so why not tap into that?

Maybe it sounds a little deceptive to get a bit personal with teachers. I don’t see how anyone loses. Worst thing that could happen is you can get labeled a teacher’s pet, but who cares what Vanessa thinks anyways? I’ve solidified at least a good comment from my teachers, and my evaluations aren’t just about the work I produce, but my attitude in the classroom. It’s a shame that the character of my professors were questioned by some of my classmates. Some of them still have the middle school perception that the teacher is out to get them. Having been in a leadership position, I know that’s just not the case. If a good time can be had by all in the learning process, why not actively pursue it through conversation or inquery?

I had a bit of doubts before I walked in the room, at least regarding to my art history class. I didn’t turn in about 2 essays, but I made sure to balance the rest of the assignments in class. What saved me was Professor Peralta’s comments on my attitude and commitment to learning. It’s a good thing I’m naturally curious.

Well now I have no more classes to worry about for a month. I’m pretty sure I’ll pass my music appreciation class with good grades. My online english class? Ehhh. Maybe I should have logged on more than three times. Oh well, there’s always next semester. After all, it’s not good to dwell on our failures so I’ll just keep on moving on. This summer I begin my improv comedy classes! That will be truly awesome. I’ll be sure to share what kind of strange activities happen there.

Last Week of School

Published on April 13, 2004 in School rant. 5 Comments

Been doing quite a bit of studying lately. I have a final essay to do and some graphics work I need to print out for juries. Boy, school really finds a way to use up your time and money. I don’t know how people make it through college. I keep seeing these commercials where people say “College wasn’t for me, I joined (fill in the blank) and found it was better suited for me.”
It’s not that I dislike the content we cover, it’s just that I really really dislike the essay writing and grades. What a pain in the neck.

Well I’m off to do some more schoolwork. After Friday I’m a free man again!

Until May 10th.

Trainspotting

Published on April 10, 2004 in Review. 3 Comments

Whoa. Just saw the movie Trainspotting and I think I know what the moral of the story is.
Actually there’s more than one.

1. Don’t do drugs.
2. Don’t steal.
3. Don’t hang with anyone named Begbie.

David the Contender

Published on April 7, 2004 in Recentisms. 4 Comments

So I’m at the gym, doing the ol’ boxing class with a group of other guys and I’m working up a good sweat. After doing a number of drills with a few sparring partners, coach Derek decides we should do the iron man drill. What happens is everyone takes a turn to try and take one man down, the man with the boxing gloves on. His objective is to stay up, throw punches and keep his distance so we don’t clinch him on his upper or lower body to take him to the floor.

First iron man up: a dominican guy in his mid 30’s by the nickname of “Shorty”. The drill is pretty much for him since he’s always complaining and using the excuse that he’s out of shape to avoid much of the excercises. So Shorty’s got his gloves and mouthpiece on, the music is playing and his first opponent comes up for the challenge: Chad, a guy in his mid twenties with plenty of experience in the ring. After a few seconds of going back and forth, Chad manages to dive for Shorty’s knees and takes him down. They’re faces are red from the struggle and both are panting when it’s done.

Next challenger up: “Doc”, a taller gentleman in his late thirties with a good build and a balding head. Doc is known for his intense training and has a killer roundhouse kick. This one lasts about 4 minutes longer than Shorty’s first challenge. Doc clinches Shorty around his back and takes him down on his side. Shorty is clearly fatigued and Doc is happy it’s all over.

Challenger number three is the slimmer “Books”, known more for his top game in wrestling and his quick hooks in boxing. Shorty now stands with his hands under his chin, leaving his head exposed for any kind of shot Books can take, but Books decides to go for Shorty’s knees instead of any jab he can take at his chin. The fight is over in a manner of seconds. Shorty doesn’t seem like he can take much more falling or punching for that matter.

Next challenger: Me. Gloves off and heart racing I stand in front of Shorty, waiting for the cue to begin the fight. It begins and I keep my distance at first. I know Shorty has the bad habit of throwing punches and dropping his hands to his stomach, so I wait for his first few throws. A few of them make contact on my arms as I cover my face and then I go for the clinch. His right arm has finished flying over my head and I open my arms for his upper body. Suddenly time has frozen and the pain shoots through my arm. I feel a bone dislocate in my shoulder and my arm now dangles at my side. The challenge is over. My legs are static and my left arm is dead weight. Some of the fighters come to see if I’m ok. Boy was I glad to see Doc, (He gets his nickname from his occupation). Doc raises my arm, and watches it fall back down. He hears nothing, and see nothing out of the ordinary so he tells me I’ll be ok.

I’m pretty much done for the night, so I change into my domestic clothes and get my car keys ready.
“Make sure you put ice on that shoulder,” coach Derek says.
“Yes, sir.”
“Will you be here for Saturday’s session?” he asks.
“Yes, sir.”

So now here I am working with a star-decorated ice pack near my neck, dreading the pain to come in the next few days. If someone asks me how I got injured, I’ll have to be honest.

“Oh this? Got this by taking down some Dominican shorty.”

Maybe I’ll omit the part about hurting myself from moving too quickly. I can’t wait to hear what nickname I’ll be branded.