I think I will attempt to write the longest blog ever so I can fill it with so much crap that you won't want to read it all. Well not in one sitting. How long can a blog be? Steve hates long, boring blogs...unless it is filled with ramen and curry. I don't blame him though. Nevertheless I have decided to blog...and in order to make up for my lost time here, it will be long. So how to sum up the past month...gwahaha...and yes boys, "gwahaha" is under copyright.

How much rock and roll is too much?

Apparently whatever was played at the Dave concert. I think my family and I enjoyed it a lot more than the rest of the guys. Nothing wrong with that, just not everyone's cup of tea. However, I think everyone will agree that Tim and Dave are fucking ridiculous. The second song they strung was Crush and that was worth the 62.00 for the tickets. I could have left and been happy. I will admit the concert did get a little too guitar-ish towards the end, but I figure that is because it is the last show for the tour. Kind of like how in the senior year of high school you took as many fucking pictures as you could...except for me. Fuck Prospect. They were all just jamming like they didn't care and I thought it was cool. Dave danced more than I have ever seen him...and that is combining live and on the television set. Overall I enjoyed this concert throughout the show, and I'm glad he stretched "Trouble" to what seemed like 8 minutes or so. I am so jealous that his little girls get to hear him sing at home...I bet when they are older they will think their dad's music is old shit.

A completed list...at long last.

Natalie Wood - Okay so my mom kept bugging me about her and constantly asking if I bought West Side Story. I saw her in The Searchers and said, "wow she's pretty". With West Side Story, I remember the film, but not as well as Hapachan knows The Wizard. However, after watching this one film she instantly zapped into one of my favorites. I always knew she was considered beautiful, but she has a presence on screen that you rarely see these days. She died a very tragic and mysterious death, it would have been interesting to see where she would have taken her career. For my friends that think I obsess to much about old actresses that are A. wrinkly and pruney in reality and/or B. are dead, Natalie Wood's daughter got a lot of helpful genes...

Jennifer Connelly - Okay so this is kind of a wild card and if I could change the list a bit (I don't remember if I ranked them, but I don't think I did, but just in case) I think she would go a little bit lower, so please don't assume that she is number 3 on my list, but she is very, very good. Forget all that other bullshit she did before Requiem. That performance in Requiem what breathtaking to say the least. Then in A Beautiful Mind. Perfect for that film and while the Oscars are rigged, I really think she earned that one. I want to see A House of Sand and Fog, but that isn't exactly a film that you call your friends for...so I guess I'll wait till it comes out on DVD.

Naomi Watts - So how do you choose between the two best friends of Kidman and Watts. I had to sit and think about this one, but in the end I thought that Watts did awesome in Mulholland Drive which is one of the darkest, most mind boggling films ever. We saw her go from this Hollywood dream to down and out actress. Truly powerful. Then The Ring. Forget all of you who didn't like it or didn't think it was disturbing. A lot of people that dind't think it was scary found it to ridiculous. Yet Freddy vs Jason made a shitload in the box office...and Blair Witch is scary...so fuck all those people. 21 grams is another film that you don't call your friends for, but she is getting a lot of critical acclaim...and the role focuses around tragedy. Sounds perfect.

While none of these are really ranked in order...I won't have to tell you who my absolute number one is...and I guarantee you this now...this will never, ever change...ever. Even if Kristin or Jessica wises up and marries me. I will still tell them that they ain't got shit on her...how ridiculous does this sound...? I feel guilty for putting the word "shit" and "her" in the same sentence...

"She has authentic charm. Most people simply have nice manners"

Say what you will. The Captain says if I get another Audrey photo he is going to seek help for me. Yet the Captain has never seen an Audrey film. If I accomplish anything in this little paragraph it is my hope that you actually see what I mean for yourself. After all, she is still considered one of the best that Hollywood and humanity have to offer. Here is a small list of why you should check out some of her films.

Presence on screen is...too hard to describe. Perhaps its the faces she makes, perhaps it's because her eyes can speak lines of dialogue, perhaps it how she speaks so smooth and so precise. Maybe it's her gestures, the subtle movements that jump out at you. Maybe the scary part about it all is that she wasn't acting. True, I can't say I knew her personally and everyone has their down moments, but if this is the case, why is there not ONE book out that is filled with gossip about her or the life she lead? Simply put, she had nothing to offer the gossip papers. She never blamed anyone else for her misgivings. If something didn't work right on the film, it was because she could have tried harder. She wasn't a princess of any sort, but she was treated by people as if she was...not because she demanded it, but because they would have felt guilty if they hadn't. She was a triple threat. She can sing, she is a classically trained ballerina and can act. She thought wasn't pretty and never understood what "all the fuss was about". She didn't like jewelry because she thought inner beauty was more important. She quit her acting to raise her sons because she knew the only legacy that was important was the one she passed onto her kids. Even while she was dying of cancer she stilled traveled the world to raise money for UNICEF to save hungry children. She didn't just make speeches, but rather went to Somalia to witness first hand what world hunger is. Days before her death she still worried about those she will leave behind. Bottom line, I understand that it looks like an obsession. I have done numerous portraits of her, bought more coffee table books than I have coffee tables (none). Yet you have to realize that all Audrey fans hold her on this pedastal. I can't tell you why. Even if you don't like classical films and you might not even like the film that she is in because the story is a little old fashion, I guarantee you that you will at least see why she is different than ANY OTHER ACTRESS YOU HAVE SEEN. Give it a go...it can't hurt. Unless you want to see Torque...then I don't want to even see you watching an Audrey film...in fact don't watch any films and don't give me any criticisms on my favorite actress...haha!

MAME arcade cabinet...

God damn, did I want to finish this project by now. However, the new room is taking a lot more work out of my carpenter than we once thought. So until the room is finished, no more new projects for him. This is a good thing...and a bad thing. The good being that I will be able to put more time into it and it won't be rushed by my grandpa in assembly. The bad part is that we will not be playing SF2 at least for another month or so. Oh well. Perhaps I can put that money towards a Definitive Technology set...we all know that ain't gonna happen. Yet now I have a room that can occupy that kind of sound...how enticing.

LAN parties run amuck

Holy shit do we play a lot of Halo. It seems everyone is on the bandwagon here. And even though BLeeDat and Cop hate this statement and I know exactly why, "Halo is a newbie game". Let me explain. Before I used to give answers that stepped on the toes of us that are good at it. This is why Bryant and Andy don't like this comment. By me saying that Halo is a newbie game is to take away the skill and dedication that we put into the game before it blew up. It is kind of like me saying that I am very lucky at the card tables since I am winning. It is taking away from me being skillful. So let me rephrase this since I have now had a change to organize my thoughts. HALO IS NOT A NEWBIE GAME IN TERMS OF HOW MUCH SKILL IS NEEDED TO PLAY IT. It is rather a NEWBIE GAME BECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE PLAY IT NOW. Take for example the fact that Halo is getting a shitload of awards on those wack ass television awards shows. No one cared about Halo before (except for videogamers...I would go even as far to say that hardcore game players understood how good it was before everyone really knew how good it was) it blew up. All of a sudden the Xbox drops in price and people start to hear about it...this is why it is a newbie game. Now here is where the thin line is...Bryant and Andy at least have to admit that I am aware that Halo has good controls...for a console shooter. Nothing will replace the skill of using a mouse (which both Bryant and Andy are also awesome at). The fact that all these new people who are new to First Person Shooters are doing good at Halo will not be as good in any different type of shooter. For example...Bryant, Andy and played Doom...and I joined in with them with Duke Nukem. This was our set of newbie games...a shitload of people jumped on the bandwagon and they became popular outside of computer nerds. Yet the bottom line is that we picked up Halo easily. By the first two days of playing it we were good. Medal of Honor we could pick up and be decent. Call of Duty we can pick up and be decent. Quake we can pick up and be decent. Half Life we can pick up and be decent. Bottom line: Those people that can play Halo with their friends are are considered good amongst their friends (and who don't play shooters that often) will often get eaten alive during any other first person shooter. Look at Jon's friends...haha. Kevin who played Halo one time before was able to walk in and get 74 frags in one match.

This again does not step on our skills. Yes I think Fatal Equilibrium is skilled at Halo, but my point is that it didn't take long for us to reach that point...where as Socom took us about 2 months and then some. I am not taking away anything from my friends either. Halo being a newbie game isn't as negative as I portrayed it to be. Without Halo, Derek and Tony wouldn't be playing with us. They are becoming better and better with every session...even if Derek hides in a little corner because he knows he will get shot. My dad is getting better and now Ricki is showing promise. Haha...thats the perfect argument...c'mon if my sister shows potential at Halo...it has got to be a tad to easy....hahah!

This goes into my next point that Bryant keeps on stressing and which I find absolutely true...

Socom2 can suck a cock, but it is still fun...and we aren't half bad.

I know this blog has seen enough of my Socom2 is bullshit and what not....I even got the Captain to believe me on this one...even though it took some nudging. Bryant is correct to say that we aren't as bad as we once were when we got the game. We have all accepted that it is a little bit sloppier done and the energy sucks, but now we have found away around that. We aren't going out all crazy styles like we used to, we are know shooting at enemies in groups. That one night we played the only match we really lost was because of the game type and the stupid grenade launchers...other than that I haven't laughed like that during a Socom2 session in awhile. It is because we all worked as a team and we have started to adjust to the game...and it's ridiculous play. A lot of funny shit happened during that session, too much to go into, but lets just say it was like we were playing Socom1. I hate to admit it, but BLeeDat was right. Socom2 may suck, but it is still fun and we can still get good at it...even with all it's flaws...because we are starting to learn teamwork...I can't believe the Treasurer of Fatal Equilibrium had to keep me and Captain in check! Haha! So when we playing next...and this goes out to Kevin...

JESUS, KEVIN...JUST PLUG IN YOUR PS2 AND YOUR ROUTER AND GET YOUR SHIT ONLINE...OR ELSE WE WILL HAVE TO FIND A NEW SECRETARY...A GIRL PERHAPS...THAT WILL ACTUALLY GIVE US BLOWJOBS WHEN WE ASK FOR THEM...GWAHAHA.

This goes into my next section and the last of videogames for all those who hate videogames...

Halo is awesome, but I got two copies of Unreal

Derek likes Unreal. I like Unreal. Tony wanted to see Unreal. I couldn't find my first copy of Unreal...so Derek and Tony went to go buy me a second copy while I took a shit. I will find my first copy so now I have two copies...perfect for a LAN party don't you say? I know what you are saying...Unreal is wack, but it's not. Isn't faster? Yeah. Isn't it harder? Yeah. But it really does remind me of the fast combat of Duke Nukem...how can you not like it? And I am going to say this...I can only play Hang Em High so many times...we all will admit the multiplayer isn't what makes Halo so grand...Halo2 will most likely blow the socks of the first Halo in terms of multiplayer, however Unreal I feel is better for multiplayer...if not just for the level designs. These levels have been designed for a multiplayer game...I dunno...I think we should try it one night. I bet you anything some of you will be complaining about it...just like I did Socom2...but it really is a different type game...maybe one night we can divide it in half...Halo and Unreal all in one night...shit all we need now is Mario Party 5 and 10 frames of Monkey bowling...and we are done.

For all those who like art

Okay so normally when I do portraits, I use layers. Anyone who knows Photoshop understand how nice layers are to work with...however my latest portrait only had two layers...one for the pencil sketch and one for ALL the paint. This might not seem like a big thing...but it is very hard to build up colors all on layer...you have to worry about smudging, contrast...getting small details without ruining the bottom layer of paint...it truly is like working on a canvas...and I did this one that way...it took about 3 hours to complete...one long session of painting and I didn't get out of my new seat until I was done...enjoy!

http://www.mentalabstraction.com/Posts/NatalieWood01.jpg

Thank You's

Jon - Thank you very much for the old school games. You wouldn't believe how nice they look on the Wega. Even though my screen is still a bit jacked...that score you posted for Yars if fucking ridiculous. I'm with Steve...fuck that little dash...that thing pisses me off so fucking much...The Poker book...how did you know I would need a tournament book...perhaps because I'm gonna go play in one at Garden City pretty soon...It truly is good...one that you will have to borrow to keep up with me and my advanced techniques. Haha. The Bon Jovi CD is fucking awesome...a bit of acoustic, a bit of electronica, a bit of ambience. It really is a cool CD with a lot of songs that I like. Also thanks for the family gifts...when we gonna play? Fuck Bryant and that Solitaire game...only you two have competition amongst each other...the rest of my family just likes to look at cards...haha! Pictionary...we will find out who draws betters, Jhiro or MentalAbstraction...not fair if I get "hands"...but fair if I get "peeing penis hands". Oh yeah...(in a smooth tone)...PS: You should see my mom play Dig Dug...she gets all fucked up.

Bryant, Kevin and Andy - The fucking Wizard. God damn. How did you know...didn't I tell you that it was impossible to find! IMPOSSIBLE! I watched it that night on my little television and it is fucking awesome. Derek remembers way too much from that movie. Mana is awesome. It brings a tear to my eye because I remember the good old days of playing with my mom and taking all the treasure from her. Good times was Mana and good times in class this Mana will be. The director's chair. I still dont' see what is wrong with my old one, but I will thank you nonetheless...haha! I actually use it on my computer since we haven't played Socom in awhile, but we better hop to it. KEVIN READ THE MESSAGE ABOVE FOR YOU ONCE MORE.

Brian - You also need to get on Socom2. Thank you very much for the Blue Man group CD and the Soulive CD. Both are my type of music. The Soulive one gets played everytime we play cards...one of the tracks has the tune of September on it by EWF. That is money in my book. Also the Blue Group has some cool beats on it with that ambient, electronic feel to it, which is just what I like to listen to. Also thanks for stopping by even though it was late...wouldn't have been Xmas without Farmer Bri. How's the mouse?

Derek - I think I got the best shirt out of everyone. Everyone just goes to that site for Strong Bad...and who else should get it...but me! I know your a working man and all, but you didn't have to get me anything...well yes you did...haha! I must say that you thought of the perfect gifts for eveyrone. I know you were also busy, but the clan is happy you made it. Next Unreal game is when?

Tony - Thank you very much for the Turok game. I like what you wrote on the receipt. That was very clever indeed! Haha. I'll open it next time you drop in and we'll play it. I just haven't had the time between Halo/Unreal/Socom2 and drawing nude girls on the computer. That sort of thing. That was very thoughtful of you to get me a gift even before you landed your big gig at YMCA.

Kyle - aka Kylie aka my Halo bitch - Thank you very much for the Audrey Hepburn's Charade film. Even though I already have it, the one you gave me is a different version and has a documentary of Audrey and Cary Grant on it. That was very considerate of you and very surprising. Keep up the good work on the points...my birthday is March 12th. Haha! Thanks again for bringing your Xbox over every single time I ask for it...and thank you for taking my sister out of the house...she started to stink.

Steve - Okay so your gift didn't come in physical form, but my family and I were all very glad you were able to come up to boring San Jose and spend the holidays with us. I know you got other friends here in the Bay Area, but you spent your time with us. We really appreciate it. See not all San Jose people are bad...some are even better than your San Diego morons...Brendan is definetely > "Tom"

If I forgot anyone - I hated your gift. Hahah! J/K. or am i? da da dahhhhhh....

My family enjoyed the holidays and your guys' company. Thanks again for making the Xmas party a blast. I konw you could have gotten drunk at some other party, but seriously...what better way than to spend it than with the Horiuchi's. Next year though it's at Jon's house...with the pool table and Mrs. Hiros made from scratch mochi and Mrs. Tamekuni's butter salmon...damn that salmon...you don't even know...

For those who like Videogame music and/or MegaMan2 music...especially Dr. Wily's theme aka Jon's favorite videogame music

Check out OCRemix. Look for the latest mix by Star Salzman using Mega Man 2's Wily's theme. Its fucking sick...just give it a go...I'm sure it'll be a keeper for you to go with your AE mixes of MM2. Check it out. BTW I didn't forget about NYX 4. It just got delayed to February so don't think I'm trying to cheat you...speaking of cheating...watch that clip in the Sting again with Newman playing cards...I just popped that in my DVD player to go to sleep to and I ended up watching the whole frigg'n movie. That part is classic shit. "Four Jacks"

My sister needs to give me a haircut so I have to cut this short. So I hope you enjoyed it...although Jon is probably the only one reading it right now...take care and let me know when we are playing Unreal. Peace.