Ramblings of a self defeatist

Vacation Highlight Reel, or more accurately a photo run down.

Back from vacationing in Myrtle Beach. Ordinarily I might type up a huge article (Which I may still do) but I took a lot of photos, so for tonight here's a nice walkthrough.

 

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My Brother, and Sister In Law, at a place called Damon's Grill. They have really awesome food there.

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Ink F301 upset I took his photo

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This was interesting. Down by our hotel (We stayed in the Sea Crest) was this nearly finished building. Apparently the owner ran out of money during it's construction so the bank was trying to sell it as is to try to recoup some of it's losses. At least that's what the sign out front seemed to convey.

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Another shot of the area

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More scenery

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One of many gift shops in the area, I bought a cool beach towel in this one. As an aside, this town seemed to have a love affair with Betty Boop. She's on pretty much everything!

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An abandoned shack that was likely a hot dog stand. Call me crazy but I take photos of abandoned, erroneous buildings.

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This was a parking meter near a gift shop called The Gay Dolphin. Seriously. That was the name of the store.

Anyway my inner dork had to laugh out loud.

 

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Shot from the balcony of our hotel room. You can see the beach, and Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

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My beach towel. It features a Grayscale Dragon.

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Close up

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I must admit when I first got to our hotel, It seemed like we were going to end up like Spoony did when he covered E3.

But I couldn't have been more wrong. My in law actually booked a pretty good spot for us. For instance, not only did the hotel provide several pools, and a public hot tub. Our bathroom also had a pretty awesome hot tub, that tripled as a bathtub, and a shower. I'm going to break a second to give a little subtext as to why I was so ecstatic upon seeing this. We left Connecticut at 2am, after I had gone pretty much an entire day without going for a second shower off. We didn't get to South Carolina until nearly 3pm (Which was an adventure in of itself.) Suffice it to say by this point I was pretty much in dire need of a bath. I was really rank. I must have spent an hour in this thing cleaning up. The fact that I could also relax my sore aging joints acquired during the car ride (As could everyone else when I was finally done using it. Haha!) was an absolute Godsend.

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For you vain types out there, they also have a full size mirror along the side of the tub. Of course when you're slowly developing a spare tire the way most of us are it slowly loses it's luster. Still, at least you'll always know if you missed a spot.

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We even had a Kitchenette that divided the two rooms in the hotel room. We ate out almost every night of course, so we only really used the fridge. That said, if you need to save money on a trip by not eating out, and bringing groceries this becomes a huge plus.

 

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One of the surprisingly awesome things we found was a mini golf course called Minotaur Golf. It features 2 different courses, each with pretty challenging obstacles. We played the first of the two. At the end of either course you come to a special bonus course where you have one shot to do a hole in one. This hole is nearly impossible. I don't know if you can tell in the photo I took. But each of the archways are netted with the exception of a hole exactly large enough for the golf ball. From there it has to go on a ruler width line to an outer ring with the hole. People who can actually pull off this insane hole win a lifetime pass to the course. They have a winner circle on the wall with people who have performed this feat. There are MAYBE 100 people out of the thousands who visit the area every summer. That said, my hats off to anybody who can do this, because it is BALLS HARD. I challenge even professional golfers to bring their putter clubs to Minotaur Golf, I doubt many of them could do it, and they get paid to go golfing for a living.

Really fun mini golf though. We had gone to 2 courses, and out of the two, this in my opinion was the better. It had a challenging difficulty level, with clever layouts, and a wonderful theme throughout the aesthetics. On top of that it was only $9 to play.

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Closer shot of the art above hole 19

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Night shots from the top of the parking garage across from our hotel

 

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This was outside the Ripley's believe it or not exhibit. There were robots out front that lipsynched along with pop music.

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Another prop

 

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I took these for fellow voxer JC as I know he is big into lettering shapes, typefaces, and fonts. Plus they had a distinct olde tymey feel. These were some of the shops across from the exhibit

 

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No I'm not a big Oprah fan or anything, but this was actually pretty cool. Somebody constructed an Oprah portrait out of barcodes from Oprah's O magazine. Go ahead, zoom in.

 

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These were some of the first things we saw upon entering the exhibit.

 

More in the next segment!

 

Vacation Highlight: I cover Billy Joel after a few beers.

Honesty with kisskaraoke.com

KissKaraoke | MySpace Video

Myrtle Beach

Well in another two days (Technically tomorrow in four minutes) I'll be on my way to Myrtle Beach for a week.

I'll be heading there with my brother his wife, and our friend. I'm hoping it will be fun, and that there won't be too many snafus. The last real vacation I had was about 2 years ago now when I went to see The Great American Bash 2008, and then Monday Night RAW the very next night, which was tainted by well documented, following events.

Anyway, supposedly there are a great many things to do there. I'm excited, and nervous at the same time but I'm hoping it will be a fun week. If nothing else I escape the shackles of work for awhile. I'll probably mention this trip on a few msg boards too in case any members want to meet up for a beer.

 

I'll be bringing my camera so there will be the obligatory photos, and maybe even a clip or two!

 

Have you ever wanted to flex your comedy muscle?

Well you have a chance. The one, and only Spoony is having a contest.

What do you have to do? Well click the above link, and find all of the details, but basically interested fans send in a video clip (10 minutes or less) involving killer lawns. Or fields. Basically any type of grass. Sentinent deadly grass that only Lord British or Ed Wood could love. 3 lucky fans will have their clips appear on an episode of The Spoony Experiment, and receive an autograph from The Spoony One himself.

I sent one in myself. I won't talk about it until the contest is over, (Whatever the outcome) but I thought it was a pretty cool contest idea, and it's something a little out of my element, so I figured I'd give it a shot. I figured I'd mention the contest because it's a great show, with a great online community. Noah is really a hilarious guy, and it shows in his sketches during reviews. There are other funny personalities on the web it's true. But the great ones all have their own distinct feel.

But enough brown nosing (Or is it green nosing?) from me.

Good luck to all out there who dare challenge the evil green plants garnishing yards everywhere!

Same old.

spispopd

Written, and Copyright (C)2010 Richard Hossan

 

Walking through the world unnoticed

Clipping through geometry

One with the textures

Observing all of the griefers

Tried to warn the victims, they refused to listen

Couldn't materialize, spawn in, and save them

Sitting monitored but unseen

Blending in the faces

Lowest profile on the totem

Watching for the perpetrators

Gave handguns to the victims but they refused to use them

Couldn't possess them, and live their lives for them

 

Tried to warn the victims, they've refused to listen

couldn't materialize, spawn in, and save them

 

There's nothing I can do for them now.

Felt a bit dystopian

Tome of Ages

Written, and Copyright (C)2010 Richard Hossan

 

Filled to the brim, refrigerated, forgotten

Cover to cover back on the shelf forgotten

Retained info on the flash drive in a drawer

Will not help you lying on the floor

 

Failures, and victories in a tome of ages

Forgotten by all who are doomed to repeat them

 

Excited, captivated by new introduction

Purchased a new dog turd from a snake oil salesman

Paid for empty promises with your last shred of power

To strung up button pushing puppets on zero hour

 

Callsigns, and trademarks in a tome of ages

Forgotten failures we're doomed to repeat them

Their first record in nearly two decades. DEVO: SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY

Well, it's been an okay few days off. I spent most of it quietly at home gaming, with a couple of treks out to get back into writing. On one of the treks though I stumbled upon a surprise. A new DEVO record.

Apparently there was an entire viral campaign online in the vein of the faux propaganda videos they did during production of their earlier albums. Somehow they went entirely under my nose. I've been listening to it pretty much non stop, since picking it up. So I'll post a few thoughts on it.

 

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Soundwise it's familiar, and peculiar. Because it has elements of Q:Are we not men?, Duty now for the future, Freedom of choice, and Oh No! It's Devo. At the same time it sounds a lot edgier, and even harder. It's a New Wave record through, and through, but with all of the variety thrown in it really does fit in with the theme.

Devo albums usually have a theme, and this one being called Something for everybody starts that theme with it's assortment of song timings, melodies, content, and tempos. Part of that theme also entails a synchronized set of costumes. The first record they wore radioactive suits, Oh No! They wore Potato inspired black outfits. New Traditionalists featured a Star Trek, Meets NASA uniform.

In this one they have Silver space outfits with masks featuring the same face. One of the other recurring themes in all Devo records including the name of the band is the concept of "De- Evolution". That theme continues here in an almost "We told you so" way. A lot of the songs draw from current events, political climates, and such to convey the view that we are on a path toward a dystopian future. Of course, all the records have done this, but it's very prominent here especially in songs like Sumthin', and No place like home. There are some bright spots on the record too.  Like Fresh, and Please Baby Please which are catchy, and infectious.

I also think Mind Games will be relatable to anyone who has dated someone flaky.

I haven't memorized all of the lyrics yet, but I have to say I didn't expect to love this record as much as I do. It's definitely a top contender for best Devo record, and easily trumps anything I've heard new all year. Especially in the realm of popular mainstream radio. It's that good.

Even if you aren't a fan of Devo I highly recommend checking it out. There truly is "Something for everybody" on the album.

I'll leave you with the first track:

 

Beauty part deux.

A few days ago, I talked a little bit about beauty. A few people who casually found my rant, and a few people around town who I've talked with about this thought I was being a little bit nitpicky over the not dating a smoker even if she's got everything else right part of the preferences. For those people, (And even a certain really nice person) I present a couple of articles to rest my case.

 

Physical hotness reduction via cancer stick (Not their words exactly)

 

And the typical "It's bad for you" stuff if the superficial reasons weren't good enough for you

 

Please know this isn't just me waving my "Told you so" flag. It's simply because I love you.

(Also adding a few more dating options via your withdrawl can't hurt. But seriously. Do it for yourself.)

Beauty, and stuff.

Earlier, my best friend, and I got on the topic of prettiness. Of course there are all sorts of philosophies on beauty (Eye of the beholder, skin deep, etc.), we hear about all the time, while we're also told how the superficial side is so much more important. I think for something different I may elaborate an entry on this for your benefit.

While it is true that "Movie star" looks may indeed have the upperhand when one first sees you, (Hey it's all we have to go on at this point.) Ultimately it only works as a tiebreaker, and even then it may not be a deciding factor.

I've been attracted to all kinds of women. Granted, I haven't always chosen wisely. But the point is in my cases none of them were really the physical equivallent of say, Morgan Webb (She's cute, and I'm a gamer. Sue me.)

But what I liked about them were personality (Until I found out they were facades.), honesty (Until I found out they were really lying to me) the fact that we  seemed to have a lot of things in common (Hobbies, music, etc.), Sarcasm, (Can go a long way if done properly), Bravery, and if they honestly seemed to like me back. (Greatly reduces the anxiety). There are other things I could mention if time wasn't of the essence. But the point is for a lot of us guys Plain, average Janes out there can be just as attractive, if not moreso than the Manufactured Hollywood Idols. Granted, again I found women who turned out to be flaky headcases, users, or simply bad communicators. Which brings me to a small list of other things that would increase your chances of finding someone as awesome (Or at least as passable) as I am.

 

Bad Habits. I mean really bad habits. I mean this in the kindest way possible, but if you smoke, or do hard drugs, consider getting clean before trying to knock on our door. (I imagine a lot of women would say the same to those of us guys on these addictions). Meeting for drinks is okay once in awhile, but I wouldn't want someone putting booze ahead of our relationship either. Smoking for me is a deal breaker because I tend to get bad headaches around the smell that gets into your hair, clothes, car, everything. That, and the fact that should I fall in love with you, I'll probably spend so much time worrying over you, you'll want to run away anyway. That said don't get off the death train to win a date with Mr. Right. Do it for yourself. Then one day, when you meet Mr. Right he won't think twice about taking you out.

 

Hobbies. Yes, we love Video games, Sports, Wrestling, Star Trek, Star Wars, and Dr. Who. Some of us go as far to play pen, and paper games (Not me. Just saying.) We would love even more to be able to do these things with you. Obviously not all of these may be up your alley, but any woman who knows how to level up her mage, capture the flag, score a game winning head shot,  Or praise or complain about the pod race scene in Episode 1 is instantly 10 times hotter than the woman who has none of the same hobbies. This doesn't mean you can't still be a girly girl, and get chatty with your friends, buy outfits, or do things that we may find incomprehinsible (What is this "Matching" they speak of?). But common hobbies are a huge plus.

 

Augmented Aesthetics. Unless you had a traumatic experience that required it, you do not need bigger boobs, a tighter hiney,  a lifted face or other "Work" done. You're beautiful, hot, sexy the way that God/Mother Nature/etc. made you. If you feel something is lacking, trust me it isn't. And even if it was, there's something else about you that more than makes up for it. Like that voice you make just before you kiss us, Or the way you beat up that creep without our help. Granted, if you're morbidly obese, well you may want to talk to your doctor about ways to get healthy. But again, do it for yourself. Not to find a guy. That isn't fair to either one of you.

 

Hygeine. Of course we still would like you to bathe, and brush your teeth. After all, don't you run away screaming when we're smellier than yesterday's garbage, and sporting more halitosis to amplify it?

 

Brains. You don't have to have Ivy league credentials, but a wonderful lexicon, free thinking, and even the occasional debate is pretty damn cool. The Librarian is hot for a reason.

Strong. Unabashed to refuse to take bad treatment. This is another one of those "Do it for yourself" moments, but don't let some abusive jerk beat you up, force you into doing his evil bidding, or ruin yourself image. You deserve better, and becoming sentinent about this will also impress.

Blunt, no holds barred, honesty. This is the sexiest thing you could do for a guy. Don't say "Gee, that garbage is really piling up." Say "Honey, please take out the garbage."  If you're not into us don't tell us we would be the best boyfriend. Tell us you're not into us. This will be the sole way to ensure we get the message. And if we don't? Well then you may have to be even more blunt. Two or three times. Maybe even use a blunt object to the back of the head.

The point is, even if it stings at first, we're going to respect you all the more, and tell every other possible gentleman caller we see how awesome you are. Failure to be blunt will result in a lot of unanswered questions, and awkward moments.

 

I could go on all night but these are just some of those things I notice. Yes it's true I've had about as much luck, as the guy who lost his home on scratch off tickets. But it doesn't mean I'm totally wrong.

I'll probably get flames, and hate mail but it is what it is.

Masters Of The Universe (2002 series) re release overview.

The last Masters Of The Universe series may have been over for some time. But a couple of years after it ended, the now defunct BCI put out the entire run on DVD. It came out in 2 halves. I bought the first one, but sadly the second one went out of print before I could get a chance to buy it. Shortly after that BCI folded. Fast forward to last year however, and a new distributor Mill Creek has acquired the rights to reissue the entire series.

Imagine my surprise however when casually strolling through Border's after work I saw it for a mere $15. Previous times I had found this set, It was actually pretty expensive. Almost as much as a new game release. $50-$70. Last Christmas I had seen it going for around $40. So $15 seemed like a steal. But getting it home was both a Joyous, and disappointing occasion.

The Good part of this set is that you do indeed get every episode in the 2000 series run. The video quality is about the same, it includes the lesson segments that never ran on Cartoon Network here in The States. But the package is really barebones. I mean REALLY barebones. It isn't as big a deal when you factor in the low price point I paid, but for anyone who payed $40 or above it really starts to sting.

　

BCI release

Here is the original BCI release of the first half of the series. I actually paid around $30 for it.

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A nice screened plastic sleeve over the DVD case

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BCI actually had a nice clear Jewel Case setup inside the trifold. This kept the discs from shuffling all around inside, and getting scratched up

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They also included a nice episode guide leaflet, and some collectible art cards.

 

Now let's see Mill Creek's delivery

 

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What would appear to be a standard issue case. Seems innocuous enough.

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PAPER SLEEVES!?!?!?!?! This can't be!

 

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They DID! Paper sleeves! It's bad enough when I get a PC game, and the publisher cheaps out with paper sleeves. But a DVD release is even worse. At $15 It's not a deal breaker mind you, but they could have at least gone with one of those big plastic dvd cases that hold 5 discs like EA gave away with Battlefield 2142, or THQ gave with STALKER.

Would it really have raised the manufacturing costs all that much? I would have happily paid an extra five bucks had I known this in advance.

 

At the very least Mill Creek didn't muck with the episodes, although they did use the shortened intro on every episode. Longtime fans who bought this series when BCI had the rights, or  watched it on Cartoon Network will know what I mean. 

 

Being that it's a HE-MAN related release It's certainly worth owning if you don't already. The show itself was an awesome blend of the lighthearted Filmation toon, and the darker, more serious tone of the original Masters of the Universe mini comics, that DC comics, and later Mattel themselves, wrote, and illustrated for the 1980's toys.

It's just a shame that Mill Creek did such a rush job in the packaging department. It sounds like something so small to nitpick over, but for a lot of the movie buying public it really seems like the principal of the thing. You know?