The Triple Digit Club

When it comes to personal endeavors, certain milestones in its progress just beg to be marked and recognized for all humanity to notice (hopefully).

Today happens to be an endeavor of its own - a mark to show my resilience and my dedication to getting something done despite everything going on in my life.

...the big "One-Zero-Zero."

...and yes, caffeine helps. A lot. Along with misreading your work schedule and finding you have plenty of time to type something up. Emoticon time! =D

CURRENT MUSIC:

Acid Black Cherry - "sins"

Black List

Interesting song. I never would have pictured a J-Rock artist delving into something Christian.

I mean, pleading with Jesus about the ever-queried idea of self-purpose? The existence of the seven deadly sins in daily life?

Weird... but at the same time it had a quirk to it I just couldn't ignore.

And for some reason, I can see a Fullmetal Alchemist anime music video with this song.

If I had the know-how and the time, I think I'd make it, too.

Another interesting thing: "sins" works quite well as something you'd blare during a nighttime drive or when you're street-racing.

...don't ask me how I know this. *shifty eyes*

Alizée - "À contre-courant"

Mes Courants Électriques

...I think I'm hooked on Alizée for the time being. Being an artist filed under "A" doesn't help either.

Whenever I access my iPod's playlist and feel too lazy to listen to random songs and choose instead to scroll and select something I recognize, I just hit up the top 5% of the list - and sure enough, Alizée's there.

Not that that's a bad thing. Nope. Not at all. But it makes me wish I took French back in high school...

*clears throat*

Anyway, after getting the lyrics of "À contre-courant" (English: "A Counter-Current") translated, I began to analyze it to see if there was any other underlying reason why I felt so attached to this song.

With all the double-meanings and electric-based metaphors, I figured something was up, and my suspicions about an electrical romance of some kind were correct when I searched for other people's interpretations.

While it's generally agreed that the singer and her love are together, I also drew a second meaning - the  singer is not in a relationship with her would-be lover, but has pretty much admitted to herself that she has fallen for them.

And because of this song, it's made me analyze love itself and my stance on it*. For someone like me (I consider myself cynically lovelorn), it seems to empower me with something, although I don't know what.

* = While I would love to write something on this topic, delving on the subject usually sends my emotions into a downward spiral. So, nothing for you today unless something drastic happens.

Ray Parker, Jr. - "Ghostbusters"

Ghostbusters Original Soundtrack

...yeah. I did just listen to this song. 

Yeah, it's badass. 

Yes, I'll probably blare it at work after we're closed.

Why? Simple: "Bustin' makes me feel good!" =P

Vitamin String Quartet - "Over My Head (Sum 41 Cover)"

The String Quartet Tribute to Sum 41

Quite an interesting cover that got some airplay while I was typing this entry up.

In case you don't know who the Vitamin String Quartet are, they're a bunch of classically-trained musicians from the Los Angeles area who translate and perform songs from modern artists and singers (mostly those in the rock genre) into a string quartet format (generally two violins, a viola and a cello).

I've always interpreted Sum 41's "Over My Head (Better Off Dead)" as a sort-of wake-up call one has when they notice something wrong with their lives and - more importantly - themselves.

It's a great song to listen to (especially if you're trashing your room in a fit of self-rage like I did a few years back).

Raw, fast energy combined with self-questioning lyrics? In my opinion, it gives the song a somewhat-aggressive sound.

VSQ was able to keep that emotion in their rendition of it, and I liked that. Lots.

"The true poet has no choice of material. The material plainly chooses him - not he it."

- J. D. Salinger

I've always believed that we as artists don't find our inspirations and muses as often as they find us.

You don't sit there thinking of ideas - that takes too long, and quite frankly, they're usually the most bland things one can concoct in their minds.

Rather, the best things I've seen came while one was doing something - a seemingly casual thing or idea trickled from the mountaintops and gradually roared its way into the ocean in a matter of seconds.

Hell, that "mountain" metaphor I used above came to me while I was copy editing this entry - I wasn't even intending on editing it.

Hello to everyone viewing this humble little blog! Welcome to today's entry on The White Knight Chronicles.

In case today's entry title or the summary weren't enough of an obvious hint for you, then you either aren't perceptive enough or you just don't care.

Let's hope it wasn't either of the two. Or worst-case scenario: the first.

If you were redirected here from that link I posted on Facebook:

Welcome to my current "project:" posting an entry daily on this thing for a year (and then continuing on - hey, I need a blog).

Longtime readers of my blogging are probably going, "Wow. Just like old times." Indeed - the format's kind of stuck in my mind, and I like it.

Anyway, I've been posting here for the last 100 days because I know not everyone uses Facebook - and I kind of want a global audience. That, and Facebook's note-posting feature doesn't handle as ideally as I'd like it to.

More importantly, Facebook has pretty much downgraded itself from a social network to something on the lines of an online gaming parlor (and a crappy one at that), and in order to escape the numerous people I know on there who forced me to edit my infamous "Hate List" the first time, I went here.

Yes, I'll still be on FB, using it for its original intent (social networking, in case you're too illiterate to know), but the bulk of my daily shenanigans, project announcements and just about everything else will now be here.

So, if you're one of those friends of mine who have some weird impulse to spy on me (quite likely if I enter an isolationist state my friends have dubbed "Josh Land"), I suggest you bookmark this blog.

Yes, I'm aware I sound petty, and I apologize for that. However, I'm no Jacqueline Howett, and I have no intention on becoming one.

Oh, and in case you're the type to comment on things I say or do, please note that anybody can comment on here. Like I said, I want a global audience, and the only way I can do that is if people who don't have an account on Blogger are able to read and comment on this stuff.

Tell your friends!

(Now, with that introductory welcome to newcomers set aside, let's continue on the meat of today's entry. *noms on some turkey jerky*)

100 posts in a row!? Amazing! I didn't think I'd actually get this far with my New Year's resolution, but so far, I have. Astounding, isn't it? With all the self-generated joy I'm getting from typing this up, it's making me want to just write about stuff!

But... what is there to talk about on this entry for today? I mean, I can only stretch the "awesomeness" of 100 posts so far.

Other websites have it easier - webcomics do some crazy and somewhat silly self-referential joke, TV shows (usually those in the comedy department) do some musical number or have some big plot advancement, and musicians sit there going "Wow. 100 songs. I'm awesome."

But as for blog writers whose goals (for the time being, at least) are small readership from friends and talking about things ranging from daily life to random things they notice... well, what is there to be joyous about?

I mean, I originally intended this to be just a little online journal and what not, but the writer in me is compelling me to just post about everything and nothing at the same time (oh, that sounds like an interesting analysis) and work up a fan base for something, be it my writing, any random projects in the future, or (in a weird way:) me.

Well, I suppose I can say that since this is a New Year's resolution that is still one for one (haven't missed a single day yet - check the timestamps if you don't believe me), it hallmarks something grand: underlying determination in a trying time.

Granted, the only "trying" thing I have going on would be work and class, but... I kind of want to put my own lethargy on that list as well.

After all, I wanted to conquer my ever-present boredom with life. As I mentioned ten days ago, I'm easily bored with most things and just want to finish everything despite knowing full well that it's just not possible at this time.

TL;DR: There will be changes coming. I'm not going to ruin the surprise by saying what they are or when they'll be unfurled, because that's exactly like looking at the end of a book.

Cheapskates.

However, I can say that this lethargy I have is slowly going to drop. I can't say when or where, but the process is imminent* and forthcoming. Time will tell, and so will my actions.

Instead, I'll just work on them in secret. And if you know me and my policies on secrets, then you know the odds of me revealing them any time soon.

Okay, so that took a while. Obviously I haven't really outgrown the whole "ranting" thing, but if it makes it look any better, I've gotten a lot better at controlling my angst and depression. (I still have my days, but hey - who doesn't?)

Ask anyone who's read my past blogs - they can tell you that I've raved in a negative fashion quite a lot in my younger years.

If my Xanga was still up (yes, I had one) or if I felt like linking my old MySpace or Facebook posts, you'd know full well how raging I was.

(I might provide one later on.)

And apart from that, there's not much else to say today. I got work later on, and I'll probably be spelunking in my storage unit or playing Pokémon: White Version before then.

So, until the 'morrow, everyone. Here's to another great 100 posts in a row! *throws confetti around*

It's ALWAYS "Busy" With Me, Isn't It?

Today is going to seem like a very busy day.
Between the errands I have to do and the increasing traffic at work, it's a shame I don't have enough time to juggle things around my way today.

Oh, well. Gotta roll with the punches, I guess. *preps for everything*



So, here's a parting query for the readers out there: color scheme? I've been toying with preview ideas, but none have really grabbed my attention.

The Long Stretch

Today seems like one of those days that will just drag on.
Not so because the events that will occur will just be a giant let-down (or a drag), but because when one's told to hold out for a certain date in the future, time seems to stretch itself out as long as it can.

Unfortunately for me, my date is two weeks from today.

I'm sure I can hold out, but maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan, that's a long stretch.

...Day One. Well, here goes, right?

Flags and Ramen

I realized that there's a game I haven't played in a long time - "Capture the Flag."
Oh, the good old days where people would run around in wooded areas in teams, all trying to nab the other's flag...

...but now, I'm 21. I'm too old for childish games.
I'll make it interesting... by adding firearms.

*cocks a Nerf gun*

...I didn't say I'd make it illegal for public playing...



And then afterward we'll get ramen for lunch. Mmm...
Curry ramen... oh, MAAAAAAN. That was GOOD.



But apart from that little ditty, not much else to report here.
Can't think of a sixth for my White team; trying to juggle a bunch of projects; no work.
Practically super-busy at the moment. Woo.



Until the 'morrow, everyone.

Artists: DON'T DO THIS

In my book, there are just some things a sensible and self-respecting artist should not do. Ever. I mean, if they had a choice between committing these things they should not do or getting shoved into a vat of boiling urine, they'd choose the urine option in a heartbeat*.

One is the inability to claim any other work - especially work in their respective field(s) - as art.

Another is to pompously proclaim themselves as the masters of their field(s).
The third is to allow themselves to become their own worst critic (potential fans will end up hanging on the artist's own opinions and take them to heart).

* = Okay... that contradicts the "sane" point, but you get what I mean.



Yesterday, after receiving a link from one of my friends, I decided to add a fourth item to this list of artist taboos: ignore the differences between a review, a compliment, constructive criticism, and flames, and take them out of hand to the point of destroying your artistic career.

Now, before I continue, allow me to define the aforementioned four terms.



A review would be just that - a review. Whoever is critiquing the piece in question - be it a painting, a sculpture, a movie, a book, or what have you - is giving an expository analysis and only that. There are no opinions or second thoughts in play at all. Of course, most (if not all) reviews have personal opinions and commentary riddled all over the place (commonly classified under one of the other three terms mentioned), and that's perfectly acceptable.

Sample sentence: "Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, released in 1999, begins the famed space opera saga's prequel trilogy and introduces us to a young Anakin Skywalker in a time before Darth Vader and the Imperial Empire."



If I have to define "compliment" for you, then obviously someone didn't do well in their English classes.

Sample sentence: "I liked the visuals - they were an immerse and colorful myriad of scenery that helped bring the story of The Phantom Menace to life."*

* = We all know I'm not a fan of the Prequel Trilogy. Hell, most self-respecting Star Wars fans aren't, either. Just remember: that was a sample sentence and in no way does it reflect my personal opinion about TPM.


Constructive criticism is a tricky term to define - mostly because it's tricky to begin with. In a nutshell, the critic brings up things they personally questioned about the work they are reviewing. They understand the concept of different viewpoints and do their best not to attack the artist's perspective. As they question what they felt was "wrong," they do it in a manner that is professional, courteous, and fair - all the while expressing their opinions in a manner that doesn't insult the artist. This allows the artist to analyze it from another person's eyes and helps them grow.

Satire can often be seen here - especially if the critic tends to employ dark and/or comedic methods of reviewing.

Sample sentence: "However, the inclusion of 'midichlorians' as a measurement of one's strength with the Force seemed to ruin the wonder and mysticism the omnipresent Force was portrayed to have in the Original Trilogy."


Now, picture yourself ordering veal at a five-star restaurant and finding it not to par with your expectations. (vegetarians/vegans/PETA members: please play along with this example). As the maître'd asks what's wrong with the veal, you lead out a recently-fed deer to your table and then proceed to decapitate it. A second later, you present a plate to the sous chef - with the deer's head on it - and say that your presentation is better.

Flaming takes constructive criticism, guts out anything positive, and presents the botched review to the artist (nay... attacks them with it) in a distasteful manner as described above. Oftentimes, expletives and primal utterances will accompany them. No "though your story was riddled with grammatical errors, your story was excellent in its execution" or "I personally don't agree with your use of screaming during the song's bridge" - just a flat-out "YOU SUCK" (and that's if your lucky).

Sample sentence: "Overall, The Phantom Menace makes watching a dog crapping on a baby less grotesque. Fuck you, George Lucas. You suck for ruining my childhood."



Getting back to the story at hand, I was presented a link to a book-reviewing blog yesterday by my friends.
On that site: they brought up one particular post dating back to about a week ago: the site's review of Jacqueline Howett's The Greek Seaman.

Even if you're not one to read fiction books or a book-reviewing site (hell, if you're American, you're probably not one to read at all for that matter), I urge you to follow that link.
The review is a classic example of constructive criticism - while he notes grammatical issues, he compliments the flow of the story and how it grips the reader to the end.

Now this is what I want you to do: read the comments and tell me if you think Jacqueline Howett can tell the difference between constructive criticism and flaming.

If your answer was related to the words "yes, she can," then obviously you're as vain as she is.

First things first: you don't insult the critic by dismissing their review. That's discourteous.

Second: I don't recall seeing anything directly attacking her. All that was mentioned was grammatical and spelling errors that seem to detract from the story.

Third: posting reviews from other people and heralding them as the only things that are correct in regards to critiquing seems... well, as an anonymous commenter said, "petty."

Fourth: her reversion to acting primal and petty with her comments just plain tarnishes her reputation.
I mean, it's one thing to use words in an eloquent fashion, but to slowly degrade oneself to the point of insulting the critic and signing off with a vulgar "Fuck off!"? WOW. Just... wow.



Quite distasteful and unprofessional, no?

Despite her crass behavior, I do have to thank her, because her breakdown over one constructive critique now serves as an ominous warning to the rest of us artists trying to make our way into the world.

*raises a shot glass of vodka*

So here's to you, Jacqueline. May your artistic career's downfall pave the way for more sensible artists out there.

*downs the shot*


...oh, shit. I have work in less than an hour.
...whoops.*





* = ...yeah, like I'd drink before going to work. Even if I did, I can't - no vodka in the house. =(

Cryptic Metaphor

I don't even know what prompted me to write this, but...

The Small Stuff Adds Up

Nothing like a good breakfast to get your day started properly.
And especially one that's hearty - it'll keep you full for hours if you ate the right stuff.

Anyway, I'm afraid today's entry will have to be short - I told myself I'd get some mini-projects done for today before I head off to work, so I'm getting on that.

The small missions are being accomplished, though, so I guess that's a good thing, right?

Putting the "Gief" in "Grief"

I'm beginning to see how my investment in the Nintendo 3DS is paying off...

...anger management...

So earlier today I got myself involved in a very heated argument involving the future.
To be specific, the debate involved the future of humanity and how we as Americans (nay, as a species) could be doomed.

I'm not going to bore you with the details (I'll save it for another time), but let's just say that it got me riled up like crazy and elevated my blood pressure when it was over.
Not to mention that I was mired up in thought all night long.

So when I got off work and went home, I spammed Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition like crazy and practiced playing as the infamous "Red Cyclone" (as in Zangief).
I've been getting better, and I'm wondering if I'll be pretty good in local circles.
 


The moral of the story? Fighting games are excellent stress-reducers.
Just one well-placed FINAL... ATOMIC... BUSTAH! ...and bam! Done.
It's because "Russian wrestling is always number one!"

Tweaking.

Deckbuilding can be fun... and arduous if you can't get the limits figured out...
Tweaking everything to perfection takes time...

...time I don't have anymore because I have to go to work. Laaaaaame.

*blitz-twinks*

A Pre-Weekend Confession

This is a very important entry, because this is the 91st one on this blog. Isn't that exciting?
I'm sure good things are going to happen today, because - let's face it - I've been in a great mood lately, and...