Twix_Crowbarr's Xanga

12:47 PM - A Year

Wed, 13 Sep 2006 13:43:34 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, I took another of my increasingly frequent trips to Oregon to see my girlfriend, Lindsey. It was, as always, a wonderful trip. I think I can say with genuine assurance that every time I visit Oregon I like it better. It's hard to describe if you've never been there, but the pacific northwest just has a feel about it that I've connected with since my initial visit. Seeing Lindsey is, however, always the highlight of my trip. I know I generally don't discuss my romantic situation in this forum, but it's kind of a special occasion, so I thought perhaps I'd be a little more revealing than usual.

What made this particular trip unique is that I was visiting for the first anniversary of Lindsey and I dating. It's unbelievable to me that it's been that long already, but it has and I'm grateful. The prospect of dating long distance had made me initially skittish: I've had some bad experiences with that in the past (as some people reading this no doubt remember). Things have turned out better than I could've imagined, though, and I'm pleased to say that we're as comfortable apart as we are together. Admittedly, both Lindsey and I wish we were able to spend more time together, and only being able to see your girlfriend for about four days every few months can be quite trying, but we've managed admirably, and I believe we're happier now than we've ever been.

We took a short camping trip while I was up there, and if you've never camped near the beach, I highly suggest it. We weren't right on the water, about a half-mile away, but the air is so incredibly clean and fresh, it's wonderful. You also likely have no idea how freaking cold it can get on the coast in the Northwest, even in August. As we drove home after the camping trip, I could actually feel the temperature rise outside the car. Must've been at least ten degrees change from the coach to inland, and that kind of drastic change is not something we're used to in landlocked Missouri.

After a year of dating, the only thing I'd change about our relationship (beyond the obvious geographical difficulties) is that I wish all of my friends knew her better. It's odd to me that someone who's so special to me, who's such a huge part of my life, is little more than an acquaintance for most of my other friends. She'll be visiting here for a long weekend at the end of October, and I'd really like for it to be a chance for many of you get to know her (or, in some cases, meet her for the first time). I'll try to make some plans for a lot of us to get together while she's here, and I hope you guys can find a chance to come out and spend time with her. She's a wonderful person and you all should know her better.

Those who know me best know that it's often very difficult for me to be content. Finding happiness has never been difficult for me, but true contentment is a rare commodity in my life. Admittedly, this is a flaw in my personality, but it's one that's stuck with me for a while so I don't think it's easily broken. However, despite this difficulty I've been more content with Lindsey this past year than I have in many years, and for that I'm very grateful.

So thank you, Lindsey, for keeping me sane during a tumultuous time in my life. For introducing me to your wonderful part of the country. For all the saltwater taffy I've eaten this past year. For the tide pools. For watching ridiculous phone-in game shows with me late at night. For accepting my dorkiness. And thank you for not just being an amazing girlfriend, but for being a wonderful friend as well. 143, baby.

-Adam

10:07 PM - Back in the Day

Sun, 06 Aug 2006 23:24:40 GMT

...which was a Wednesday...

Today I had an odd, random memory: there was a really bizarre commercial for the original Legend of Zelda game on the NES that, even at age 6, I thought was pretty off-kilter. I'm sure I still enjoyed it, as at that age anything having to do with Nintendo was, to me, like the purest crack cocaine. It had basically nothing to do with the game aside from a little bit of what the actor was talking about, but I have a feeling that at that period Nintendo of America's advertising was pretty random. The NES had more or less no competition stateside at that period, so television commercials for games were more announcements of said games existence than a concentrated sales tactic.

Anyway, the curiosity bit and I found the commercial on youtube. I also found another Zelda commercial that is equally funny, and I'll post that as well. I thought you'd all enjoy taking a peek, as something like this cannot be described but must be experienced.

First, the one I remember:

Seriously, who the hell does that sell to? Crystal Meth addicts? Now you see why I still remember that after 20 damn years.

Here's the bonus - apparently Nintendo knew exactly what kind of kids they were selling to at the time, and the idea of even pretending that video games were "cool" was far in the future:

Just so you know:

Your parents help you hook it up, since you're clearly an imbecile. Because you're awkward, sweaty, you have a pocket protector, and no woman will ever love you.

Thanks, Nintendo.

-Adam

11:36 PM - Summer Jam Update!

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 00:34:56 GMT

Just a quick update to let you know that the jam cd has finally been prepared and I'll begin listening to it. Some nice choices from all parties. I'm going to give it some time before I declare the song I like best, but all in all I think it's going to be a nicely eclectic and fun cd.

More info soon.

-Adam

SPECIAL ENTRY - The 2006 Summer Jam Competition!

Wed, 31 May 2006 12:40:55 GMT

Okay, kids... here's the score. I find new music almost exclusively by what I see my friends listening to, what they tell me is good, etc. Now that summer is here, it's time for me to make a new Mix CD to play as I drive. Instead of just putting a bunch of stuff I already know in there, I've decided to open it up to everyone that reads this blog. Therefore, may I announce:

THE 2006 SUMMER JAM COMPETITION!

The rules are simple: just post a response to this entry with TWO SONGS that you think should go on the summer jam album. After the contest period is over, I'll assemble a mix CD with all of the suggestions in a random order, and after listening for a while, I'll announce what song will be the official 2006 Summer Jam (in my estimation, at least).

Criteria for entries:

- Songs can be from any era, past or present.

- Songs can be in any style – from J-Pop to Classical, it’s your choice.

- Please include the artist who performs the song. Covers are fine, but make sure you include which person is performing the version you wish to enter.

- The song must be available for download online, either through iTunes Music Store, the artist’s website, or less than legal means. If you know where the song can be found, please include that in your entry.

- Show your taste! Include the songs you like, not just ones you think I would like or “joke songs” just so I’ll have to listen to them. Throw in a song from your favorite band. You have two entries, so use them to spread the music you love.

The contest will run until June 20^th, so you have plenty of time to add your entries. Let the competition begin!

-Adam

12:19 PM - Disquiet

Tue, 23 May 2006 13:19:58 GMT

The last several days I've had the sinking feeling something bad is about to happen. I have no idea why, or what it could be.

I've had this feeling before, but nothing has occurred, so I guess I shouldn't worry... but it's still nagging me.

Anyway, if the sky happens to fall, I totally called it.

-Adam

T-Minus 20 Hours until Lost Season Finale. Oh man.

11:21 AM - The Unbearable Lightness of Being 0-1

Tue, 04 Apr 2006 12:47:53 GMT

Royals lose their first game, which I would hope is not a surprise for anyone. Don't worry, kiddies: we'll bounce back. We should only lose about 112 games this year. It's all good. Chuck says Matt Stairs is only going to get limited playing time this year, which means the only reason to see the Royals may be gone. Ah, well.

Not much else going on. I just returned from another trip to Oregon, which was simply outstanding. Not only is the Pacific coast relaxing as can be, but I spent the time in the company of someone I'm quite fond of, which is always a plus. I don't know if she reads this much, but if she does: Thanks for a wonderful week, Lindsey. 143.

Dave & Buster's tonight, for some alcohol & video game mayhem. If you have never attended, I must say: Video Arcades for the 21 and over set is pretty much the best idea ever. I wish I had been the one to come up with it, as I'd already be retired. First timers should not miss the "Derby Owner's Club" horse racing simulation. I have rarely had so much fun as breeding and racing my own horse. What's best about this is that you can keep the same horse from visit to visit. The game prints out a card with all the horses info that you insert next time. My particular steed is named Lando's Luck; she's a female bay who's actually won a couple of races. I'm very proud. Owning a racehorse has made me feel like Tony Soprano (in the good way).

Also: Rick, what the hell? I write an entire entry about how awesome you are and I get no response from the man himself? Weak sauce.

That's all the news that's fit to print for today. Hope everyone is doing well and that you're staying out of trouble. I'll finish this entry with a quote from Miss Lindsey Harris that most definitely wins as quote of the week (possibly month):

Lindsey: He's so far in the closet, he's in Narnia.

-Adam

P.S. Should I do an "Adam's 10 Best Films" list for 2005? I'm on the fence about it.

2:52 PM - Lord of the Chamnii

Tue, 21 Mar 2006 16:38:59 GMT

Well, at long last and as promised, my entry extolling the virtues of Rick Chamness (winner of the Name Adam's Random Musical Theatre Quote in His Last Entry Contest).

I've been friends with Rick going on about 9 years now, and as such I've seen him at his best (hair shimmering in the fluorescent high school lights) and at his worst (trying to move furniture into his room when the hallway is not big enough for it). After such a time, I feel I'm qualified to say that Richard Chamness is as fine a human being as you are likely to encounter. He's considerate, but unafraid to lovingly give you a hard time. He's just as comfortable debating philosophy and pondering the universe as he is playing Halo 2 and trash-talking the opposition with gusto. He walked on the moon, but still made time to land a submarine at the bottom of the Mariana Trench.

Okay, that last part wasn't true, but I'm sure Rick could accomplish those things if he wanted. A true statement, though, is that my friend Rick is the very definition of a scholar. He is by far one of the most learned people I know, in that he's devoted so much of himself to simply attaining knowledge of the things he cares about. It's a trait I've always believed is admirable, and I admire it in Rick. At any given moment he's been known to spark a highly intellectual discussion with a seemingly random group of people, and I've yet to see him stumble in the discourse. A personal note from me to institutions of higher learning the world over: Hire Rick Chamness.

But in all this learning, Rick has never stopped caring about people as individuals. He always tries to get to the bottom of things when his friends are upset, and he's a compassionate and reasonable listener when people do need to talk to him.

Last, but not least, he's by far the greatest Referee that Chamness Bowl has ever seen.

So there you go. An entry about what a great guy Ricky is. I'm proud he's my friend.

Now go get your sister some Ramen Noodles!

-Adam

The Saga is CompL33T

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:47:28 GMT

Okay, I know that my next entry is supposed to be about Rick, as he won the contest of the last entry's title, but I found this and must share it with you all immediately. One caveat: if you are unfamilar with the world of online gaming, this may not be nearly as funny.

Anyway... enjoy!

-Adam

(And yes, Rick. You're next.)

11:12 AM - Perpetual Anticipation is Good for the Soul, But It's Bad for the Heart

Mon, 20 Feb 2006 12:37:23 GMT

Okay, then. No new entry in over a month means I suppose I should devote a half-hour or so. Thanks for all the comments on my Phantom entry; I had no idea that my rant about sub-par theatre would elicit such a response. No, Dragen, I hadn't heard about Les Mis coming back, although I won't knock it too much. That show does hold a special place in my heart: it was definitely my "gateway drug" into enjoying musical theatre. However, a triumphant return to Broadway after about two years is just pathetic. Keep the damn thing touring forever, that's fine, but there's no reason to take up valuable New York real estate on a show that played-out. Some other show needs the space. Then again, I'm not a producer who's seeing the huge dollar signs that tourists will likely once again pour into the show.

Other things: the film of Rent will be released on DVD tomorrow. In deference to all my friends, I will watch it again, more critically this time. My mostly positive review of the film has left me on a rather lonely side of the debate, as I'm apparently one of the few that felt the film had merits beyond its many flaws. I plan on picking it up, regardless, and now that the newness has worn off, perhaps my opinion will change. I was probably going to buy it anyway.

Last thought before I go off to hopefully do more productive things:

Searching out/applying for grad schools is maddening. How will I afford it? I need to get going.

-Adam

PS: I will dedicate my next entry to extolling the virtues of any person who can tell me where the title of this entry comes from.

12:06 AM - A Dark Day

Tue, 10 Jan 2006 01:34:01 GMT

Well, it's official: The Phantom of the Opera is now the longest-running show in Broadway history.

*sigh*

Lloyd Webber, Mackintosh, and Crawford were all there of course, taking bows, and I'm sure there was uproarious applause.

Again, *sigh*

What's more, this performance was on Monday. Now, maybe I don't know what I'm talking about, but isn't Monday supposed to be the Equity dark day? If so, what's the deal with the show performing tonight? Did they just decide that the show hadn't yet finished shredding the things that theatre has held sacred?

Ah, hell with it. Here's the article: http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/THEATER_PHANTOM?SITE=NYNSN&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

C'est La Vie

-Adam

P.S.: Clearly, I am not a Phantom fan.