Oh, blog! How I love this blog of mine.
So yeah, life goes on. I work, I go home and play WOW, I eat, I sleep, I work. It's all very cyclical.
I am old. This thought has popped into my mind wuite a few times in the last few weeks. I have grey hairs on my temples. I am married. My muscles hurt after playing basketball for 4 days afterwards as opposed to just one when I was a kid. My joints creak and crack.
But more than just the physical changes, I feel myself changing emotionally. My friends, who all used to be closer than family, are changing. Idiosyncracies which used to be laughable or shrugged off have now become more pronounced and more irritating. I don't want to go into detial there but suffice to say that friends I once had are not as close as they were. And my quirk is that I have become more and more sensitive to those idiosyncracies. I am not as confident as I was, possibly because I am 26 and haven't accomplished anything which I set out to.
The stupid thing is that I actually have accomplished things, even in the last year. I've written a full-length screenplay. I produced a short film. I have performed Stand-up comedy in major venues in NY. I write this awesome blog. What else would I like? Fame, Fortune? Perhaps I should stop damning myself for what I haven't done and try to concentrate on what I have.
Perhaps I should start taking anti-depressants. Everybody's doing it.
Friday, April 01, 2005
Thursday, March 24, 2005
The Lord of Regret
I got the extended edition of The Return of the King a couple of months ago. Is there any other version? As Peter Jackson says in the commentary, these extended editions will be known as the definitive version of the film. It's uncanny how much an extra half hour can enhance the story and authenticity of the movies. It's a shame that Jackson was so compelled by Hollywood to cut these films down in the theatrical cuts but I think he did so knowing that the DVD editions were coming so soon after. A lot of time was spent on the DVD, continuing work on the movies after the movie was released. Jackson states that one shot was actually completed after the film won the Oscar for best picture, probably the only time such a thing has occurred.
Enough about him, let's get back to me. The other day, I decided to go back and start watching the Fellowship of the Ring. From the opening prelude sequence, I was surprised at how consistent the look and feel of the first movie compares with the third. These were truly one very long film, split into 3 dramatic parts. It's a fantastic achievement. God, I really can't stop blathering about it. In short, I think the films are fucking amazing.
I grew up reading the LOTR. One of my very first memories is watching the Rankin/Bass animated Hobbit and my brother telling me how different it was from the book. So I read it. I've reread the Hobbit and LOTR countless times, they are a part of me. They shaped so much of who I am, my dreams to be a writer, my fascination with fantasy roleplaying games.
Watching the FOTR two days ago, I was struck with the beauty of it all. The sequence in the Shire was so right, so in line with Tolkien both thematically and visually. Sitting on the couch watching it, I broke down in tears. I don't know what happened. I was overwhelmed with admiration and joy. I was also high but I don't think that had that much to do with it. I'd gotten teary-eyed before watching these movies but this time I just wept. I wept that something so perfect was in the world.
Back to the title of the blog. I was in my senior year of college when principal photography began on LOTR in 1999. I was 21. I remember being really excited that a live-action movie was being made and I followed the news of the shoot fairly regularly. College was going well, I was dating a wonderful girl named Mephistopheles. I was writing plays and producing my first full-length one called Online. But I have this mountain of regret.
I should have gone to New Zealand. I had next to no experience in film, but this was a dream project. I should have dropped everything, gotten on a plane and walked up to the office and told them I wanted to help make a movie. Do anything that was needed. Make coffee, drive cars or trucks, fucking shine Peter Jackson's shoes, anything. LOTR was a perfect meld of so many of my aspirations, I always wanted to make something, to write, to make a movie, to be creative, and the number one thing that inspired all of that was Tolkien. Why didn't I drop everything and go to make the definitive film version of a story that I had loved for so long?
I can tell you why. I was in school, with less than a year left. I had a car. A family. An awesome girlfriend who would eventually be my wife. I tell myself, if there was none of that, I would have gone. Or would I have? Would I have made that leap into the unknown?
I don't know. All I do know is that as I sit on my couch in the year 2005 and watch the work of Peter Jackson, I am so full of regret that I had nothing to do with the LOTR. It is arguably the greatest film in the history of cinema based on my favorite story of all time...
and my only contribution to it is that I cry because it is so beautiful.
Enough about him, let's get back to me. The other day, I decided to go back and start watching the Fellowship of the Ring. From the opening prelude sequence, I was surprised at how consistent the look and feel of the first movie compares with the third. These were truly one very long film, split into 3 dramatic parts. It's a fantastic achievement. God, I really can't stop blathering about it. In short, I think the films are fucking amazing.
I grew up reading the LOTR. One of my very first memories is watching the Rankin/Bass animated Hobbit and my brother telling me how different it was from the book. So I read it. I've reread the Hobbit and LOTR countless times, they are a part of me. They shaped so much of who I am, my dreams to be a writer, my fascination with fantasy roleplaying games.
Watching the FOTR two days ago, I was struck with the beauty of it all. The sequence in the Shire was so right, so in line with Tolkien both thematically and visually. Sitting on the couch watching it, I broke down in tears. I don't know what happened. I was overwhelmed with admiration and joy. I was also high but I don't think that had that much to do with it. I'd gotten teary-eyed before watching these movies but this time I just wept. I wept that something so perfect was in the world.
Back to the title of the blog. I was in my senior year of college when principal photography began on LOTR in 1999. I was 21. I remember being really excited that a live-action movie was being made and I followed the news of the shoot fairly regularly. College was going well, I was dating a wonderful girl named Mephistopheles. I was writing plays and producing my first full-length one called Online. But I have this mountain of regret.
I should have gone to New Zealand. I had next to no experience in film, but this was a dream project. I should have dropped everything, gotten on a plane and walked up to the office and told them I wanted to help make a movie. Do anything that was needed. Make coffee, drive cars or trucks, fucking shine Peter Jackson's shoes, anything. LOTR was a perfect meld of so many of my aspirations, I always wanted to make something, to write, to make a movie, to be creative, and the number one thing that inspired all of that was Tolkien. Why didn't I drop everything and go to make the definitive film version of a story that I had loved for so long?
I can tell you why. I was in school, with less than a year left. I had a car. A family. An awesome girlfriend who would eventually be my wife. I tell myself, if there was none of that, I would have gone. Or would I have? Would I have made that leap into the unknown?
I don't know. All I do know is that as I sit on my couch in the year 2005 and watch the work of Peter Jackson, I am so full of regret that I had nothing to do with the LOTR. It is arguably the greatest film in the history of cinema based on my favorite story of all time...
and my only contribution to it is that I cry because it is so beautiful.
Monday, March 21, 2005
Thursday, March 17, 2005
Hidely, Hodely, Neighbor
I live in a very loud neighborhood. Or as my wife, Mephistopheles, would say, "All this place has is rich little brats who never go to sleep." To be honest, there is often loud music playing in one of the adjacent apartments. And because we live on a block of houses built right next to each other, there are four adjacent apartments, one up, one down, one on either side. These buildings are old, there is not very much sound-proofing. So anytime any of our neighbors is playing music, we can hear the bass-a-pumping, sometimes to the point of vibrating floors and walls.
Now this bothers me, especially when I'm tired and just want to rest my eyes for a couple of minutes. But it doesn't consume my ever-waking thought. That is how it affects Mephistopheles. She will bitch and complain and stomp her feet for hours at a time if there is any hint of bass in our apartment. We will be in the midst of a conversation and she will stop talking to, turn off the TV, and say, "SHHHH!" Just so she can hear the bass which I am trying to ignore. Then she will scream, "I hate living here!" and go off on another tirade about how she works and is tired and she just wants to go to sleep. Even though she's watching TV and talking to me. It gets to the point where if I come home and I hear music, I am not bothered. I am dreading my wife's reaction more than the bass pumping.
Last night, there was a party at our next door neighbors. Their window was open so as I walked up my stoop I could see the twenty-somethings all gathered around some turn-table thing and mock rapping. It was really loud. I didn't want to walk into my apartment, for I knew Mephistopheles would be inside, cleaning the gun.
Before I was even inside the door, I hear, "Just so you know, the neighbors are having a party and Jeremy (our downstairs neighbor) is playing music too." As if I wouldn't notice. No "Hello, honey, how was work?" No "good to see my loving husband." And as predicted, the loudness of the music and the insensitivity of everyone around us dominated the conversation, no matter how many times I asked what the secret ingredient was on Iron Chef.
What's the point of all this? I don't know. I just know that people playing music doesn't bother me that much. I can ignore it. Mephistopheles does not have that ability, or if she does, she chooses not to use it. I for one believe it is the latter because even though we did call 311 and the cops did come to tell the partiers to be little quieter, you could still hear music when she went to bed. And she went right to sleep.
Now this bothers me, especially when I'm tired and just want to rest my eyes for a couple of minutes. But it doesn't consume my ever-waking thought. That is how it affects Mephistopheles. She will bitch and complain and stomp her feet for hours at a time if there is any hint of bass in our apartment. We will be in the midst of a conversation and she will stop talking to, turn off the TV, and say, "SHHHH!" Just so she can hear the bass which I am trying to ignore. Then she will scream, "I hate living here!" and go off on another tirade about how she works and is tired and she just wants to go to sleep. Even though she's watching TV and talking to me. It gets to the point where if I come home and I hear music, I am not bothered. I am dreading my wife's reaction more than the bass pumping.
Last night, there was a party at our next door neighbors. Their window was open so as I walked up my stoop I could see the twenty-somethings all gathered around some turn-table thing and mock rapping. It was really loud. I didn't want to walk into my apartment, for I knew Mephistopheles would be inside, cleaning the gun.
Before I was even inside the door, I hear, "Just so you know, the neighbors are having a party and Jeremy (our downstairs neighbor) is playing music too." As if I wouldn't notice. No "Hello, honey, how was work?" No "good to see my loving husband." And as predicted, the loudness of the music and the insensitivity of everyone around us dominated the conversation, no matter how many times I asked what the secret ingredient was on Iron Chef.
What's the point of all this? I don't know. I just know that people playing music doesn't bother me that much. I can ignore it. Mephistopheles does not have that ability, or if she does, she chooses not to use it. I for one believe it is the latter because even though we did call 311 and the cops did come to tell the partiers to be little quieter, you could still hear music when she went to bed. And she went right to sleep.
Monday, March 14, 2005
Wow, that's a long time between posts, Bob
You know, you're right. Truth be told, I was a little discouraged to post creative ideas by my friend, Ian. He recently started his own blog, you should check it out here.
He and I have been playing WOW since it came out this November. Hell, we were even playing in both stress tests and the open beta. I would have been playing for over a year if I had made it into the Closed Beta. The game is extremely fun. I play a dwarf paladin named Brantley on the Sargeras US server. If you play, and for some weird reason you're actually on my server, send me a tell and tell me how great you think this blog is. :)
Interesting thing about MMORPGs is that people from every stratum of society seem to play them. The numbers of women vs. men, while not equal, is still closer to 50-50 than in any other type of game. Older video game players also tend to play MMORPGs more than your typical FPS. How do I know this?
There is a website called the Daedalus Project. Basically, it's run by a a guy who was studying to be a research pyschologist in college and was introduced to Everquest by a study he was assigned to write. He got hooked on playing the game as well as interested in what kinds of people were the elves and dwarves around him. He decided to take qualitative and quantitative surveys of MMORPGamers and track his results online. He writes papers and brief articles on the subject, often using testimonials from actual gamers to illustrate a trend that the data shows. It's all really exhaustive and quite professional looking after a graphical redesign of his website. For a quick look at the data he's collected check out the Daedalus Gateway or, if you play MMORPGs, take the newest survey.
He and I have been playing WOW since it came out this November. Hell, we were even playing in both stress tests and the open beta. I would have been playing for over a year if I had made it into the Closed Beta. The game is extremely fun. I play a dwarf paladin named Brantley on the Sargeras US server. If you play, and for some weird reason you're actually on my server, send me a tell and tell me how great you think this blog is. :)
Interesting thing about MMORPGs is that people from every stratum of society seem to play them. The numbers of women vs. men, while not equal, is still closer to 50-50 than in any other type of game. Older video game players also tend to play MMORPGs more than your typical FPS. How do I know this?
There is a website called the Daedalus Project. Basically, it's run by a a guy who was studying to be a research pyschologist in college and was introduced to Everquest by a study he was assigned to write. He got hooked on playing the game as well as interested in what kinds of people were the elves and dwarves around him. He decided to take qualitative and quantitative surveys of MMORPGamers and track his results online. He writes papers and brief articles on the subject, often using testimonials from actual gamers to illustrate a trend that the data shows. It's all really exhaustive and quite professional looking after a graphical redesign of his website. For a quick look at the data he's collected check out the Daedalus Gateway or, if you play MMORPGs, take the newest survey.
Wednesday, February 16, 2005
The title
So, all I needed was for one person to comment on my blog and I lost all drive. Actually, I don't think it's that big of a deal if someone were to steal my ideas. What is the chance that A) anyone is actually reading this spiel and that B) they themselves are writers of fantasy fiction and that C) they have so little scruples as to steal someone else's idea and pawn it off as their own. If you look at that way, there's nearly no chance that Ian's fears will come true.
So fine, I've convinced myself. I will begin to tell you about my ideas for a fantasy story... Tomorrow.
So fine, I've convinced myself. I will begin to tell you about my ideas for a fantasy story... Tomorrow.
Tuesday, February 08, 2005
What? Two posts in 2 days?
Yeah. That's right. I'm here.
I have been thinking about this idea for a book for a long time. Actually, it's a trilogy. Actually, it's a fantasy trilogy a la LOTR. The idea hit me while I was taking a class on George Orwell and his thoughts on the Spanish Civil War. He claimed that that conflict was essentially a war fought as a preview for World War 2, totalitarianism and fascism vs. democracy. Each ideology picked a faction and supported it, all under the guise of aiding a nation under civil duress. Pundits and artists (George Orwell among them) could see that this was happening but the general populace didn't always understand the political undercurrents.
This intrigued me because it was a war strictly being fought for political reasons, the combatants of which didn't know or understand. And while this is true of many wars, it seemed especially poignant as the world became more modern and education more prevalent. It seemed more interesting that citizens and the world remained somewhat ignorant of the deeper ideological differences involved in conflicts and wars.
I have always been a fan of the fantasy setting. I learned to love reading through travelling to Narnia, Middle Earth, and Willy Wonka's factory. As an adolescent, I admired the work of Tad Williams, Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin. Since I decided to pursue writing, I've dreamed of writing the next great fantasy novel.
So this has been my idea. To take the classic fantasy elements, like elves dwarves and humans living together in general peace, and put modern government ideologies behind them. The elves become a pure democracy like Greek city-states; the dwarves are a form communism/capitalism (I know that doesn't make sense but trust me); and humans are a representative democracy like the United States. The antagonist in the story is a human determined to reinstate an ancient empire and rule with totalitarian authority.
At least that was the beginning, the idea has grown and changed very much over the last 6 years or so. To be honest, I have stagnated lately on shaping and growing this idea so I plan to use this blog to map out my story with more detail.
I'll be doing this mostly between 4 and 6 when Alfredo isn't here so he can't bitch. God, I love being paid to be creative.
I have been thinking about this idea for a book for a long time. Actually, it's a trilogy. Actually, it's a fantasy trilogy a la LOTR. The idea hit me while I was taking a class on George Orwell and his thoughts on the Spanish Civil War. He claimed that that conflict was essentially a war fought as a preview for World War 2, totalitarianism and fascism vs. democracy. Each ideology picked a faction and supported it, all under the guise of aiding a nation under civil duress. Pundits and artists (George Orwell among them) could see that this was happening but the general populace didn't always understand the political undercurrents.
This intrigued me because it was a war strictly being fought for political reasons, the combatants of which didn't know or understand. And while this is true of many wars, it seemed especially poignant as the world became more modern and education more prevalent. It seemed more interesting that citizens and the world remained somewhat ignorant of the deeper ideological differences involved in conflicts and wars.
I have always been a fan of the fantasy setting. I learned to love reading through travelling to Narnia, Middle Earth, and Willy Wonka's factory. As an adolescent, I admired the work of Tad Williams, Robert Jordan and George R. R. Martin. Since I decided to pursue writing, I've dreamed of writing the next great fantasy novel.
So this has been my idea. To take the classic fantasy elements, like elves dwarves and humans living together in general peace, and put modern government ideologies behind them. The elves become a pure democracy like Greek city-states; the dwarves are a form communism/capitalism (I know that doesn't make sense but trust me); and humans are a representative democracy like the United States. The antagonist in the story is a human determined to reinstate an ancient empire and rule with totalitarian authority.
At least that was the beginning, the idea has grown and changed very much over the last 6 years or so. To be honest, I have stagnated lately on shaping and growing this idea so I plan to use this blog to map out my story with more detail.
I'll be doing this mostly between 4 and 6 when Alfredo isn't here so he can't bitch. God, I love being paid to be creative.
Monday, February 07, 2005
I know it's been a long time since I rapped at ya...
This is my first entry while a full-time employee of Bear Stearns. That's right, I am no longer a meaningless temporary peon ... I am now a meaningless full-time peon. I make copies (today I made double-sided ones, joy), I type things, and I continue to fool around on the net. The first week was kind of lame, my immediate supervisor was giving me shit. He is Alfredo, a portly puerto-rican ex-navy father of two. and I don't think he likes explaining things to me. I ask questions and instead of answering, he'll say things like, "You don't need to know that." Must be his military training.
Today, I got in to work a little late to the tune of most of the work I did yesterday had to be thrown out because it had the wrong date. And a co-worker told me that my immediate supervisor, i.e. Alfredo, was not happy with my work after the first week. Let me repeat something from a previous post. I DO THE WORK OF A MONKEY. This is not hard people. How can I do anything wrong? Am I really an idiot or is this like middle school which was so easy that I failed?
Today, I got in to work a little late to the tune of most of the work I did yesterday had to be thrown out because it had the wrong date. And a co-worker told me that my immediate supervisor, i.e. Alfredo, was not happy with my work after the first week. Let me repeat something from a previous post. I DO THE WORK OF A MONKEY. This is not hard people. How can I do anything wrong? Am I really an idiot or is this like middle school which was so easy that I failed?
Monday, January 10, 2005
Belated New Year's Resolutions
Here are my Resolutions for 2005:
Continue to post with amazing regularity on Zuul.
Have more sex.
Smoke more cigarettes.
Use public transportation.
Write my fantasy novel.
Play more video games.
Love my wife/life.
Drink a beer a day.
Masterbate 3 times/day.
Exercise.
That should keep me busy for at least a week.
Continue to post with amazing regularity on Zuul.
Have more sex.
Smoke more cigarettes.
Use public transportation.
Write my fantasy novel.
Play more video games.
Love my wife/life.
Drink a beer a day.
Masterbate 3 times/day.
Exercise.
That should keep me busy for at least a week.
Wednesday, December 29, 2004
The rareness of posting
I should be doing more of it.
But my monkey-dancing job is actually pretty time-consuming. It's hard for me to find a minute to scramble down random thoughts. But here is that minute:
But my monkey-dancing job is actually pretty time-consuming. It's hard for me to find a minute to scramble down random thoughts. But here is that minute:
- It would suck to own a Sri-Lankan insurance company right now.
- After a long period of the opposite, I've discovered that I like my family more than my wife's family. Does that make me a bad person?
- Christmas is the time for giving. Or so I've been told.
- My tree was 2.5 feet tall this year and somehow had more needles come off of it than a dancing herion addict. (a bit of a stretch on that one)
- Has Been, William Shatner's CD is a masterpiece. Mephistopholes got it for me for the holiday and I can't stop listenting to it. Ben Folds is a genius producer and he has crafted a great record with Bill (Cpt. Kirk) Shatner. Get it right now.
- I prefer unordered lists to ordered ones.
Okay, I'm getting looks from my supervisor. She is a four foot tall woman named Ying and she will not love me long time unless I stop typing right now.
I'm out.
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
A perfect oppurtunity
Hey there, I'm applying to a position at the company that makes WOW, the almighty Blizzard Entertainment. even if you are not a gamer, you'd have to spend nine tenths of your life under a rock to not have heard of Warcraft, Diablo or Starcraft, all of which they've made in the last ten years or so.
Anyway, the position I'm applying for is to be a forum moderator on their boards. Basically, I'd get to read their forums all day (which I did at work anyway until the Goddamn Bear Stearns Squid started denying access to YESTERDAY) and posting any information from the developers or closing any offensive threads, etc. JOB = PERFECT.
Only problem is it's in California. I'm in NY. 3000 miles will not deter me from applying!
For your reading enjoyment, here is my cover letter:
To whom it may concern:
I have been an avid PC gamer since I can remember. It started on my older brother’s Vic 20 and continued through Commodore 64s, 128s, Amigas and now my home-built PC. World of Warcraft has been a passion for me since I heard about its development. Throughout 2004, I visited the Beta Board daily (once every ten minutes in some cases, lol) and read about players’ and developers’ thoughts on the game. I know the hard work that goes into forum moderation and the necessity of having a tough skin. Some players can get a little personal but I know that it means that they love the game and are concerned about its implementation. I can only applaud the current and past moderators for dealing with the community. I sometimes put myself in their shoes and imagine what I would post to a particular thread to diffuse a flame war. It’s often not far from what Tyren or Caydiem actually post.
I have an extremely varied work history which has given me many experiences that I think will make me an excellent candidate for the Online Community Representative. I come from a creative background, one that will fit in well with Blizzard’s character. Working as a producer and a stage manager has given me strong communication skills. My sense of humor allows me to deal with complaints and grievances with little or no ill will. I was the recipient of an Edward Albee Foundation Residency this September for my work as a playwright so there is no question of my command of the written word.
I would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my potential as an Online Community Representative. I participated in the 1st and 2nd Stress tests, the open beta and now have 3 characters above level 10 in retail with my main at about 26. I know you are only accepting applicants from the Orange County area but I am relocating to Southern California in 2005. I am available for an interview at any time, please don’t hesitate to call to set up an appointment.
Regards,
Greg Tito
Think I'll get the job? What? Shut up, nobody asked you!
Anyway, the position I'm applying for is to be a forum moderator on their boards. Basically, I'd get to read their forums all day (which I did at work anyway until the Goddamn Bear Stearns Squid started denying access to YESTERDAY) and posting any information from the developers or closing any offensive threads, etc. JOB = PERFECT.
Only problem is it's in California. I'm in NY. 3000 miles will not deter me from applying!
For your reading enjoyment, here is my cover letter:
To whom it may concern:
I have been an avid PC gamer since I can remember. It started on my older brother’s Vic 20 and continued through Commodore 64s, 128s, Amigas and now my home-built PC. World of Warcraft has been a passion for me since I heard about its development. Throughout 2004, I visited the Beta Board daily (once every ten minutes in some cases, lol) and read about players’ and developers’ thoughts on the game. I know the hard work that goes into forum moderation and the necessity of having a tough skin. Some players can get a little personal but I know that it means that they love the game and are concerned about its implementation. I can only applaud the current and past moderators for dealing with the community. I sometimes put myself in their shoes and imagine what I would post to a particular thread to diffuse a flame war. It’s often not far from what Tyren or Caydiem actually post.
I have an extremely varied work history which has given me many experiences that I think will make me an excellent candidate for the Online Community Representative. I come from a creative background, one that will fit in well with Blizzard’s character. Working as a producer and a stage manager has given me strong communication skills. My sense of humor allows me to deal with complaints and grievances with little or no ill will. I was the recipient of an Edward Albee Foundation Residency this September for my work as a playwright so there is no question of my command of the written word.
I would love the opportunity to meet with you to discuss my potential as an Online Community Representative. I participated in the 1st and 2nd Stress tests, the open beta and now have 3 characters above level 10 in retail with my main at about 26. I know you are only accepting applicants from the Orange County area but I am relocating to Southern California in 2005. I am available for an interview at any time, please don’t hesitate to call to set up an appointment.
Regards,
Greg Tito
Think I'll get the job? What? Shut up, nobody asked you!
Friday, December 10, 2004
I am a Monkey
Dance, monkeyboy, Dance!
So I quit the position i hade last month. That was crazy, that was. I had to deal with car service invoices for a large investment banking firm. The ones that people denied because the black people (the drivers) are all crooks and cheats. I can't deal with racism on a daily basis. Once or twice a week is cool, but every day i can't handle.
Now, I do whatever they tell me. I need 5 copies of this, Greg. Staple these in such a way. Please touch my genitals, when you get a chance. It's actually pretty cool. I get to do mindless work while i think about the things that really matter in life. Like World of Warcraft.
I made some sweet armor last night. I'm a blacksmith.
So I quit the position i hade last month. That was crazy, that was. I had to deal with car service invoices for a large investment banking firm. The ones that people denied because the black people (the drivers) are all crooks and cheats. I can't deal with racism on a daily basis. Once or twice a week is cool, but every day i can't handle.
Now, I do whatever they tell me. I need 5 copies of this, Greg. Staple these in such a way. Please touch my genitals, when you get a chance. It's actually pretty cool. I get to do mindless work while i think about the things that really matter in life. Like World of Warcraft.
I made some sweet armor last night. I'm a blacksmith.
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Demonizing Gaming
I've been reading AMNY on my way to work every morning for a couple of weeks. There is a nice man outside my subway station who always hands it me with a smile. It's a decent read, less dense than the NY Times, more insight than the Post. Occasionally, the Opinion pieces fire me up but this one took the biscuit. Hit a little too close to home. Leonard Pitts Jr. wrote about the videogame "JFK Reloaded" as "Worse than Despicable." Since I can't link to the article (There's a PDF of the newspaper here, http://www.nynewsday.com/other/special/amny/,, article on page 8, but it will probably be gone after today) I'll try and summarize it here. He basically touts the banner of moral judgement saying that his thesaurus doesn't have enough adjectives like "reprehensible, abominable, detestable" to describe the game. Pitts goes on to comment how Ted Kennedy would be affected by this representation of his brother's murder and compare his own sister's feelings of having her husband shot and killed and dramatized in the same way. Before I get angry and start spouting off, I'll just post the letter I sent to the editor.
Please put down the thesaurus and learn to research before you blast something. I doubt that Mr. Pitts downloaded or even read a review of the "game."
Why does respect require silence? Mr. Pitts' argument is for putting the nation's head in the proverbial sand. By not looking at evil, by shoving it away, he thinks the world will be a better place. The "game" is an attempt to look closer, to study, much like the recent network TV documentary which used computer animations and rifle tests to determine whether the shooting could actually happen. Pitts also argues that the event happened too recently for such investigation. Perhaps if such a "game" was released another forty years later in 2043, we'll have graduated past Pitts' brand of muckraking. See, I can use a thesaurus too.
The funny thing is, no one would notice this "game" if it weren't for morons like Mr. Pitts. Traffic's "game" is targeted at the audience of Kennedy Assassination enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists. Your average gamer (myself included) would not play or even know about a game like this because of it's niche audience. Unfortunately, (or fortunately for marketing reasons) the game has piqued the media's attention because it puts the player in Oswald's shoes.
This is another attempt to demonize the videogame industry and gamers for being godless heathens. I frantically await the day when the mainstream media and the Christian Right realizes that not every one of over 145 million Americans who play games regularly throw rocks at cars or shoot their schoolmates. Videogames are as much a part of our culture as books, movies or television. It's time for them to be free of the stigma of "The Corruption of Youth" that these other forms of media have.
I think that sums it up. Let me know what you think.
Please put down the thesaurus and learn to research before you blast something. I doubt that Mr. Pitts downloaded or even read a review of the "game."
Why does respect require silence? Mr. Pitts' argument is for putting the nation's head in the proverbial sand. By not looking at evil, by shoving it away, he thinks the world will be a better place. The "game" is an attempt to look closer, to study, much like the recent network TV documentary which used computer animations and rifle tests to determine whether the shooting could actually happen. Pitts also argues that the event happened too recently for such investigation. Perhaps if such a "game" was released another forty years later in 2043, we'll have graduated past Pitts' brand of muckraking. See, I can use a thesaurus too.
The funny thing is, no one would notice this "game" if it weren't for morons like Mr. Pitts. Traffic's "game" is targeted at the audience of Kennedy Assassination enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists. Your average gamer (myself included) would not play or even know about a game like this because of it's niche audience. Unfortunately, (or fortunately for marketing reasons) the game has piqued the media's attention because it puts the player in Oswald's shoes.
This is another attempt to demonize the videogame industry and gamers for being godless heathens. I frantically await the day when the mainstream media and the Christian Right realizes that not every one of over 145 million Americans who play games regularly throw rocks at cars or shoot their schoolmates. Videogames are as much a part of our culture as books, movies or television. It's time for them to be free of the stigma of "The Corruption of Youth" that these other forms of media have.
I think that sums it up. Let me know what you think.
More Contests
I am applying to the Hollywood Screenplay awards today for my screenplay called "Work." I wrote the script over the summer but it came from an idea I had over 8 years ago. The first 2o pages I think were written back then and I've just now pushed forward and finished it. This is the first time that I've entered contest so heavily. This will be the 4th Contest I've entered it it in. I'm trying to get it out there.
Anyway, Here's some of the crap in the application. You might interested or you might steal my idea. It's protected by the WGA so BACK OFF.
Title: Work
Synopsis: In 1994, a high school graduate, Brad, begins working at two summer jobs, an affluent beach club and a summer stock theater, in order to pay for college. At the same time, Brad begins seeing two different girls, a sexy blonde named Heather and an earthy tom-boy, Amanda. As the two jobs and the two girls begin to conflict for his time and his sanity, Brad must take his stoner friend’s advice and choose one girl and one job before he goes to college and/or loses his mind.
And here's a little blurb about me I put in the comments section:
I was trained as a playwright and have written 3 full length plays and several short pieces which have been produced in New York and Connecticut. Through my theater and film production company, Cofounder, I recently produced a short film called, “The Barista” shot in Brooklyn detailing the life of a coffee shop worker. We are currently in post-production. In September, I was in residence at the Edward Albee Foundation’s Barn in Montauk where I finished writing and fine-tuning “Work.”
Shameless, I know, but if I don't plug myself, no one else will.
Off to the Post Office of Fame!!!!
Anyway, Here's some of the crap in the application. You might interested or you might steal my idea. It's protected by the WGA so BACK OFF.
Title: Work
Synopsis: In 1994, a high school graduate, Brad, begins working at two summer jobs, an affluent beach club and a summer stock theater, in order to pay for college. At the same time, Brad begins seeing two different girls, a sexy blonde named Heather and an earthy tom-boy, Amanda. As the two jobs and the two girls begin to conflict for his time and his sanity, Brad must take his stoner friend’s advice and choose one girl and one job before he goes to college and/or loses his mind.
And here's a little blurb about me I put in the comments section:
I was trained as a playwright and have written 3 full length plays and several short pieces which have been produced in New York and Connecticut. Through my theater and film production company, Cofounder, I recently produced a short film called, “The Barista” shot in Brooklyn detailing the life of a coffee shop worker. We are currently in post-production. In September, I was in residence at the Edward Albee Foundation’s Barn in Montauk where I finished writing and fine-tuning “Work.”
Shameless, I know, but if I don't plug myself, no one else will.
Off to the Post Office of Fame!!!!
Wednesday, November 17, 2004
A gamer's lament
Just posted this on the World of Warcraft forums:
It's funny cause it's true.
All I think about is WOW.
I wake up, take a shower and think about what
quest I was working on when I went to sleep (last night was a failed Shadowfang
run).
I get dressed, thinking about how long it will be
before I can log on (9.25 hours).
I ride the subway thinking how I'd like to take
the Tram someday (i'm Horde right now) after release.
When I get to work, all I do is read these forums,
check out thottbot for anything I couldn't figure out last night and maybe post
something here. Literally, that's what I do all day.
I get home and before I even take off my coat,
I've double clicked WOW and entered my password.
Then I take a deep breath, satisfied, knowing that
I'll have 6+ hours of uninterrupted WOW time. That is, until the wife calls me
to bed.
And this is only the beta. What will it be on
release? I'm going to have to figure out how to install WOW at work. Or I'm just
going to have to quit.Falwent, Level 21 Undead Rogue, Test Server 13
It's funny cause it's true.
Friday, November 12, 2004
I love Eugene O'Neill
Apparently from the entry fee check being cashed in my checking account, Eugene has seen fit to accept my application to their little shindig. Seeing as I didn't send it out until Nov. 1st (the deadline was Halloween, how freaky is that?) this is very gracious of them.
It would be really cool to go to the conference and work on Creation Play.
It would be really cool to go to the conference and work on Creation Play.
Tuesday, November 09, 2004
Stoner
That last post was at 4:20 dude!
I am so excited to go home and smoke some illicit drugs and play World of Warcraft. it's the open beta and I am going to open STONED.
I am so excited to go home and smoke some illicit drugs and play World of Warcraft. it's the open beta and I am going to open STONED.
I post, therefore I am.
I started a new job today.
I sit at a computer, looking at invoices for car services. Then I go through these invoices and correct any information that may be missing/wrong. It is endless mouse button clicking and copypasting. There are women chattering around at all times and an seemingly unending supply of candy and chocolate.
Oh, and I have a college degree.
I sit at a computer, looking at invoices for car services. Then I go through these invoices and correct any information that may be missing/wrong. It is endless mouse button clicking and copypasting. There are women chattering around at all times and an seemingly unending supply of candy and chocolate.
Oh, and I have a college degree.
Monday, November 08, 2004
I am never going to speak of politics ever again.
I think the subject says it all. In New York, even almost a week later, there is a feeling of defeat and despair on every face I see.
It should never have happened. We will feel the repercussions of this polarizing of our nation for years to come. Soon, the US will be a religious state not unlike the nations of Islam that we regularly antagonize.
But forget it, I don't want to talk about it. I will ignore the pain like I ignore my irreversible mortality or that nagging pain in my left side or my addiction to cigarettes. If I don't recognize it, the pain will eventually go away.
Hilary in 2008.
It should never have happened. We will feel the repercussions of this polarizing of our nation for years to come. Soon, the US will be a religious state not unlike the nations of Islam that we regularly antagonize.
But forget it, I don't want to talk about it. I will ignore the pain like I ignore my irreversible mortality or that nagging pain in my left side or my addiction to cigarettes. If I don't recognize it, the pain will eventually go away.
Hilary in 2008.
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
The Day The Earth Stood Still
Get out and fricking vote. Right now. Leave work and do it. Kill your boss and rape his children then vote. It's the right thing to do.
But seriously, if I get one more email forwarded to me about my duties and rights as a voter, I'm going to puke. If I get one more condescending question today, "Did you vote? Did you vote?" I mean, jesus, we're preaching to the choir a little bit. I live in New York. Most of my peers are Democrats, most of them are active ones too. So the emails and the condescention are all going to waste because, duh, you're not going to sway democrats to go MORE democratic.
Mephistopholes and I were going to get up early today, vote together, then have breakfast together. I snoozed for about eight 9 minute intervals until it was actually the time I had to get up to go to work. I struggled down the subway stairs and made it to work only five minutes late.
My wife and I: Democracy In Inaction.
But seriously, if I get one more email forwarded to me about my duties and rights as a voter, I'm going to puke. If I get one more condescending question today, "Did you vote? Did you vote?" I mean, jesus, we're preaching to the choir a little bit. I live in New York. Most of my peers are Democrats, most of them are active ones too. So the emails and the condescention are all going to waste because, duh, you're not going to sway democrats to go MORE democratic.
Mephistopholes and I were going to get up early today, vote together, then have breakfast together. I snoozed for about eight 9 minute intervals until it was actually the time I had to get up to go to work. I struggled down the subway stairs and made it to work only five minutes late.
My wife and I: Democracy In Inaction.
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