Mid-Year Performance Review

So I guess I'm long over due for an update.  It's been almost exactly 6 months since I moved to New York and it's definitely had it's ups and downs, but it's been a really good learning experience and is helping me become more independent.  And through all the tough times, I realized I have a really good group of friends that are always willing to help a brotha out even if he's being really gay at times, so I thank you all.  Man, I had alot of funny little stories to share, but I forgot them all, so I'll post some pics that I've stolen since my move up here and maybe something will come up, and they are not in any kind of chronological order:

This is from my going away party at 1223.  My favorite thing to do is Air Guitaring.  Look at how focused I am like I'm really trying to play notes or something. 

Me and Dan Choi rockin' DDR.  Yeah, we're pretty homo, but I think we did really well, played like 5 rounds without having to pay to continue. 

Bday party in NY with the Boys.  LOL! Cliff's looks funny.

Orientation class for Work.  We look like we're hard at work, when in actuality everyone was just surfing the web or buying stuff off of ebay.  By the look on my face, I pretty much had no clue what we were supposed to be doing.

These next few pics are by far the best.  When I was working in Minnesota, couple co-workers and I went to this crappy sports bar, but low and behold it was crappy no more because they were hosting a freakin' Guitar Hero II Contest.  Literally, before they could even finish saying that they were accepting sign-ups for contestants, I was already out of my seat.  So here are the events unfolded for your pleasure:

The Big Screen Display

My Co-Worker giving it a try.  He played Heart-Shaped Box by Nirvana.  I had this awesome footage of him playing and then some random dude coming up and moshing by himself to this song, but I lost it!

Oh shoot, here I go.

Notice my awesome leaning back guitar position.  I rocked out to Killing in the Name by RATM.

I was trying really hard to get into it, cause everyone else that went up, just sat in that chair behind me or just stood with no emotion.  I wanted to give these people a show, but obviously that guy in the bottom right could care less.

Here's a nice little close-up.  I prefer the use of the thumb strum.

Here is the typical legs spread shoulder width apart guitar stance to achieve maximum balance for rocking out.  Also commonly refered to as the horse-back riding stance in tae kwon do if my memory serves me correctly.

Aw yeah, and here's me engaging in Star Power.  In the end I scored like a 90%, which I thought was good enough, but I was dead wrong, didn't even make semi-finals.  Everyone is Minnesota is a freakin' Guitar Hero Whiz Kid, like people were scoring like 99% on hard, even these attractive looking girls were like really really good.  I guess there's nothing better to do there than play this game.

I thought I had some more pictures, but guess not, oh well, I found some from back in the day, that are just too hilarious not to post up, I'm talking about High School days, and I'm one for a good laugh at my expense so I'll save those for next time. 

I pay it gladly...

This weekend, I re-watched one of my favorite movies: Equilibrium.  It's kinda like a cheap Matrix rip-off, but it has a different story line.  It stars Christian Bale, as a "cleric," basically a super-cop who's supposed to kill anyone who "feels" or commits "sense offense" in their future terms, because they believe that human feelings are what causes wars and destruction.  Everyone is supposed to take this drug to make them feel nothing, and those who don't are punished.  It makes you realize that feeling is what makes you feel alive, bad or good.  Now if only I can put that thought into better practice with everyday faith.  Anyways, it's got super cool action and guns so check it out!

Other things that are making me think: Desmond's flashback episode on Lost.  All I can say is....What?  Wow, that junks was mad trippy, I still don't grasp what really happened, thoughts?    

Also, one dorky thing that I will admit on xanga.  I ride this tram on the Minneapolis Airport to get to the Car Rental Terminal.  The tram is kinda underground and has windows all around so you can see everything as you go through this tunnel, it's kinda cool.  Sometimes I feel like I'm Batman, riding the batmobile, through the batcave.  You may now commence your insults. 

March 27, 2007

If this is happens to be your birthday, then you're lucky to share it with the release date of the most anticipated game that I have been waiting for my entire life.  This game was literally made for me.  I think they've been studying my habits and designed the game to fit my needs. 

Introducing Guitar Hero II for Xbox 360!!!!

Dude, check out the specs:

Guitar Hero II™ Features

•  Dual Guitar Shredding: Guitar Hero II™ takes the guitar rock experience to new volumes by allowing players to play 3 different guitar tracks: Rhythm, Bass, and Lead .

•  Follow up to an Award Winning Soundtrack : Guitar Hero II™ follows up on the award winning soundtrack of Guitar Hero™ with over 55 new tracks.

•  New Modes: Guitar Hero II™ introduces all new multiplayer modes like: cooperative, pro-face off, and face off, letting 2 Guitar Heroes conduct their own symphonies of destruction.

•  Shred School: Guitar Hero II™ features an all new practice mode, allowing Guitar Zeroes to become Guitar Heroes with enough practice.

Dude, you can actually play rhythm, bass, or lead guitar parts! 

Here's a sample track list of some of the songs you can play:

Dude, Toadies Possum Kingdom was one of the greatest one hit wonder of the 1990's.  Can you tell I'm overly excited for this, almost borderline nerdy.  Who am I kidding, this is completely video game nerdy obsessive, but I don't care, my life has purpose now. 

MTV Recap: Okay, so I missed Hills last week, and I don't know if I'm watching a rerun or not, but apparently Heidi and Audrina are friends again, and Spencer is in the doghouse.  And no more Brody?  What da heck happened?  Oh shoot, Feb. 13, The Hills Season 1 on DVD (just saw the commercial).

Dude, MTV's Wrestling Society X is freakin' awesome.  All they do is crazy flips on to each other and the guys look like your average joe's or eminem wannabe's. 

Network TV Recap: 24 good, prison break good, heroes waiting for dvd, LOST made a crucial comeback last week. 

Weekend Recap:  I don't even know where to start.  Friday was boy's night out, saw this cover band and we got overly excited that they played Kelly Clarkson's Since You Been Gone.  I think every guy secretly likes this song but hates to admit it.  Saturday went to a pre-opening lounge party thing, pretty cool except for the fact that I don't remember at all eating Schwarma, only the best late night food ever.  I mean I feel like I completely fast forwarded through that moment and didn't even get to enjoy it, not cool. 

And now back to reality in Minnesota.  What's up for the weekend?

It's a "Euge" in a Box!

Here's a long over due update on the life of a struggling working male. 

- I got staffed on a project in St. Paul, MN.  It's really cold here, I got in my rental car and it said -10 degrees below 0!  I didn't even think this was possible.  I worked till 7:00 on a friday, I don't even think I've worked past 3 or 4 on any thursday or friday in my entire life, I know I'm spoiled, I guess I better get used to it. 

- Good side of traveling is I'm racking up crucial miles and hotel points, so maybe when this is all over I'm gonna go on a nice vacation where the weather is above atleast 50 degrees. 

- I've rediscovered the awesomeness of cable television.  My new favorite shows: Animal Rescue, Miami Ink, Throwdown with Bobby Flay, Surreal Life: Fame Games, White Rapper, The Hills.  Is it sad that I'm jealous of the lifestyle of 18-20 somethings living in Beverly Hills...spoiled brats, I envy you Spencer even though you're a bastard for playing both Heidi and Audrina. 

- Monday night is the new must see tv: 24, Prison Break, but missing Heroes cause it's going against 24, argh why can't the network executives change the time, there's nothing on TV on tuesday, c'mon!

- New Band you have to check out: Silversun Pickups - Lazy Eye.  This song is so awesome, if you're looking for something rockin', indie-ish, this is worth a listen. 

- I can't wait for Guitar Hero II to come out on Xbox 360, I'm going to live out my dreams as a rock star on a video game......how sad.  And I'm still interested in getting the Wii, it's the only way I'm going get some excercise.

- I've taking up reading, yes I even surprised myself.  The last book I read for fun was either Charlie and the Chocolate factory or Jurrassic Park....after I saw the movie.  Anyway, reading the Life of Pi, pretty good so far.

- I'm scared to update things on facebook, it's let's everyone know everything that you're doing at any point in time.  I'm sure somehow facebook probably knows when I go to the bathroom or if I'm picking my nose and posts it for everyone to see.

- I screwed myself out of watching the superbowl, I booked my flights back to Minnesota weeks in advance and later found out I'm flying during the first half.  Shoot me now or could someone tivo the commercials for me. 

Well, that's it so far, to sum up, my life consists of traveling Mon-Thurs, eating really bad food and gaining more weight, coming home on the weekends, going out, and repeat.  I still need to find a good church here, taking recommendations, I miss rockin' out to praise.   

Straight Up

Hey guys,

My buddy from High School, Dave Werner just got an awesome mention on the website for Entertainment Weekly, check it: http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/11/a_word_of_warni.html. 

Basically it's blog about another blog site that lists the top cover songs and his was listed as better than the original.  It's pretty cool, I posted the video.  Dave and I were in a band together in H.S. and part of college, it's pretty cool to see someone I know get mentioned.  He's probably one of the most creative guys I know.  Here's the actual site: http://www.torontoist.com/archives/2006/11/the_torontoist_2.php

Dave also has his own website: www.okaysamurai.com.  I'm sure somewhere you'll find some goofy pics of me on his site.