food poisoning. I had that yesterday. I won't go into the gruesome details, but lets just say that from now, vomiting will be no big deal for me. I couldn't even keep water down yesterday. Wonderful. Imagine having a stomach ache and nausea that lasts for 24 hours straight. You can't eat or drink anything (that's hell already) and you can't sleep even thought ur exhausted. I'm a bit cracked out right now, as i haven't eaten anything in over 24 hours, and have just started drinking water again, so im a bit dehydrated.
sorry i haven't updated IisB for a while..i'll start up my daily updates as soon as i finish my grad skoo applications.
Brian, also take note of the Chevrolet Prism LSi. It make look like a piece of shit, but don't be fooled! It goes from 0 to 60 in at least 15.5 seconds. Who needs power when ur driving??? Apparently no one who drives this car! I should be glad this POS even comes with a spare. i shouldn't complain tho. Sure beats public transit.
I agree with brendan. The chart makes me feel poor. Then i watch MTV cribs and i feel even poorer.
Thanks for the gifts
I got no one anything this xmas. NO ONE. No one got SHIT from me. I couldn't afford it. And yet, you bastards got me gifts. How much of an ASSHOLE did i feel like when i got to the horiuchi house and found a pile of gifts waiting for me. ARgh. you guys are too much. Thanks so much for everthing guys. One of these days i'll get u guys ur xmas gifts, one of these days. i have already watched Swingers ten times. anD fuck that STUPID FUCKING DASH in YARS REVENGE!!! It's worse than the fucking snake in Pitfall that doesn't move AT ALL and YET YOU STILL HIT IT SOMEHOW BECAUSE YOU HAVE TO TIME UR GODDAMN JUMP PERFECTLY!!!!
Happy bday to bryant. sorry i couldn't have been there. I'm sure it was a blast, as all korean birthdays are. Haha. hope you had a good one man.
goddamn i'm hungry. Popeye's would be good right now. or peas porridge hot, nine days old.
I think the wit level of this group is amazing. The best kind of wit comes when you don't try at all (another area where i am dead last). I was chuckling for quite a while after reading about how the celica's back seat was "cruel joke on your friends". Or maybe it's cuz i'm just stupid. one or the other. Nah, it's probably cuz i'm stupid. Yeh fuck it. nevermind.
aight. back to work. this data ain't gonna enter itself.
lates
Jan 22, 2004
Fuck this. That chart makes me feel inferior amongst my friends who are "rich". How about Sunday morning we all drive down, get some coffee and biscotti and go car shopping and don't stop until we all have one we like! Haha! Good luck Brian on your car! See I was smart...I bought mine when I was so poor that my option was either a civic or my car. Needless to say we didn't need to see another civic of any sort. Oh yeah and Jon you forgot about the Enzo. I'm sure Brian will notice your little flaw though.
Further note...when Brian blogs like two paragraphs, his shit stays up for about 3 weeks. When I blog something that is full of shit and nothing...and is the equiviliant of about 10 page paper...Jon comes in with his HTML bullshit skills and on ups me with all his ugly colors...artwise...not sure about the yellow ocre green with the camdium yellow. Might wanna fix that. Gwahahah....sigh...I think I'll post up my long one again just go get your flashy graph outta here. See ya!
Further note...when Brian blogs like two paragraphs, his shit stays up for about 3 weeks. When I blog something that is full of shit and nothing...and is the equiviliant of about 10 page paper...Jon comes in with his HTML bullshit skills and on ups me with all his ugly colors...artwise...not sure about the yellow ocre green with the camdium yellow. Might wanna fix that. Gwahahah....sigh...I think I'll post up my long one again just go get your flashy graph outta here. See ya!
Trading in the tractor
This is a special section for all you farm hands out there. I told you the next update to jhiro.net would be a Cars section to help with your search for the next BeMani-mobile. Anyone can see that this was a lie. So here's something to keep you aware of your best options.
It seems like you're looking for something sportier than another Civic, which I must say I agree with. The WRX and the Evo are excellent performance values, but pricey nonetheless. Sorry to say, but the ordinary Lancer will not come close to your plans to "one-up Lockheed guy over there". In other words, don't even think about it. So how about something in between. Fortunately for you, now is a good time to shop for sport compacts with economy car prices. Even though I already impulsed my car and love it, it's still impressive to look at some of what's available now and soon. In a few years I'll be wishing I had leased just so I could keep on top of the new shiet. Point being, you get to benefit from my continued research. Here's the short list of sport compacts for now (a small clipping from my OCD homemade spec sheet, colorized for your enjoyment):
Expect another $800-900 for an automatic. M* means automatic is not even an option... it's just that damn sporty.
Now for my custom-made-for-Brian personal recommendations...
- The STi and Evo are too expensive, and you will not be able to utilize them to their full potential. Unless you go to an even more lame, secluded area. Or a racetrack. In this price range you could get a G35, and they only let you buy those if your pants have "FANCY!" stamped all over them. Besides, you can still get crazy speed with the normal WRX for thousands less.
- Ah, the TSX... I sat in one at the Moscone Auto Show. They are very nice in all respects, but for the high price I'd want more power. Speaking of power...
- WRX, original sauce. The price is dropping and temptation rising. This was the first car I test drove, and I must admit I still miss the amount of pull it had when the turbo kicked in. Getting on the freeway would never get old (w/o traffic). It's stylish without being too flashy. I'm not sure if you want to spend this much, but I'd love to take a ride in one of these. And there's definitely some one-up action if you spring for this. In the end it's all about beating your friends. Yeaorgh!!!
- RSX and Celica... both good cars, but the RSX style is a bit suped-up-Civic-esque, and the Celica rear seat is a cruel joke on your friends. Either way, at this point I'd spend a little more and get the WRX.
- The Protege always got respect for its great handling, but had a weak engine. In Mazdaspeed form it finally has some power, so there's nothing left to complain about.
- SRT-4. A ridiculous performance bargain... about in the same league as the WRX, but again for thousands less. The style is funky and the interior cheap, though.
- Ah, under $20,000... nice. Here we go... the possible purchase date is getting closer and closer up in hya!!!!
- VW and Focus. Volkswagens probably have above average interiors and features. Plain looking but I've gained respect for them. The Focus gets amazingly good reviews, but looks amazingly bad (not that I ever see the SVT on the street).
- The Ralliart and SE-R are pretty close. Despite the numbers, the Ralliart was somehow faster and won in a comparison test. They both have good performance and cost about the same as a Civic EX. I drove Ricki's SE-R once and it was a lot of fun... I was ready to buy one, but they were all sold out. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either of these... if you can stand the thought of "coulda had a WRX" for the duration of ownership, heh.
- The Mazda3 is very cool. A mini Mazda6 (half the car for half the man hehehe wheee), it's setting a new standard for economy cars--replacing the Protege, it has power, handling, and a nice interior and features (steering wheel controls, even optional navigation). I could've waited and got one of these, if the Silver Bullet weren't trying to kill me.
- I think the Ion Red Line and Scion tC look like they'll be contenders. I never liked Saturns before for any reason, but this one has a whole lot of power and doesn't look bad. I'm guessing it'll cost about $20k. The tC really impressed me when I first saw it, but maybe just because Scion's current cars look... unusual. It will probably fall between the SE-R and the Mazda3.
Based on what I've heard from you so far, the choice is almost obvious. Part of you wants superperformance (WRX/Evo), and part wants to just go cheap (Lancer, standard weak version). The perfect balance between the two? I say go with the Lancer Ralliart. The style is a slightly softened Evo look, which isn't bad. And it has sporty performance for a reasonable price. The Sentra SE-R, Spec V or not, is also a good choice.
If I overshot it, and you want to spend less, definitely go with the Mazda3. You can get a lot--power, handling, style, and nice features--for a very good price (about as cheap as possible without making a big mistake, on new cars that is).
And if you decide you really need to get to the harvest superfast, and make friends jealous, and don't mind turning into AzN*RaCeR, and are ready to pay for it, get the WRX. Or the SRT-4 if you can stand the look and feel of it.
And of course, when the time comes, test drive all your considerations before impulsing like an idiot. Who does that?! Mang!!!!!
Ah, Capcom
I like Mega Man music more than most people.
Two meanings.
Both true.
"Thank you"s
This is a special section for all you farm hands out there. I told you the next update to jhiro.net would be a Cars section to help with your search for the next BeMani-mobile. Anyone can see that this was a lie. So here's something to keep you aware of your best options.
It seems like you're looking for something sportier than another Civic, which I must say I agree with. The WRX and the Evo are excellent performance values, but pricey nonetheless. Sorry to say, but the ordinary Lancer will not come close to your plans to "one-up Lockheed guy over there". In other words, don't even think about it. So how about something in between. Fortunately for you, now is a good time to shop for sport compacts with economy car prices. Even though I already impulsed my car and love it, it's still impressive to look at some of what's available now and soon. In a few years I'll be wishing I had leased just so I could keep on top of the new shiet. Point being, you get to benefit from my continued research. Here's the short list of sport compacts for now (a small clipping from my OCD homemade spec sheet, colorized for your enjoyment):
Expect another $800-900 for an automatic. M* means automatic is not even an option... it's just that damn sporty.
Now for my custom-made-for-Brian personal recommendations...
- The STi and Evo are too expensive, and you will not be able to utilize them to their full potential. Unless you go to an even more lame, secluded area. Or a racetrack. In this price range you could get a G35, and they only let you buy those if your pants have "FANCY!" stamped all over them. Besides, you can still get crazy speed with the normal WRX for thousands less.
- Ah, the TSX... I sat in one at the Moscone Auto Show. They are very nice in all respects, but for the high price I'd want more power. Speaking of power...
- WRX, original sauce. The price is dropping and temptation rising. This was the first car I test drove, and I must admit I still miss the amount of pull it had when the turbo kicked in. Getting on the freeway would never get old (w/o traffic). It's stylish without being too flashy. I'm not sure if you want to spend this much, but I'd love to take a ride in one of these. And there's definitely some one-up action if you spring for this. In the end it's all about beating your friends. Yeaorgh!!!
- RSX and Celica... both good cars, but the RSX style is a bit suped-up-Civic-esque, and the Celica rear seat is a cruel joke on your friends. Either way, at this point I'd spend a little more and get the WRX.
- The Protege always got respect for its great handling, but had a weak engine. In Mazdaspeed form it finally has some power, so there's nothing left to complain about.
- SRT-4. A ridiculous performance bargain... about in the same league as the WRX, but again for thousands less. The style is funky and the interior cheap, though.
- Ah, under $20,000... nice. Here we go... the possible purchase date is getting closer and closer up in hya!!!!
- VW and Focus. Volkswagens probably have above average interiors and features. Plain looking but I've gained respect for them. The Focus gets amazingly good reviews, but looks amazingly bad (not that I ever see the SVT on the street).
- The Ralliart and SE-R are pretty close. Despite the numbers, the Ralliart was somehow faster and won in a comparison test. They both have good performance and cost about the same as a Civic EX. I drove Ricki's SE-R once and it was a lot of fun... I was ready to buy one, but they were all sold out. I don't think you'd be disappointed with either of these... if you can stand the thought of "coulda had a WRX" for the duration of ownership, heh.
- The Mazda3 is very cool. A mini Mazda6 (half the car for half the man hehehe wheee), it's setting a new standard for economy cars--replacing the Protege, it has power, handling, and a nice interior and features (steering wheel controls, even optional navigation). I could've waited and got one of these, if the Silver Bullet weren't trying to kill me.
- I think the Ion Red Line and Scion tC look like they'll be contenders. I never liked Saturns before for any reason, but this one has a whole lot of power and doesn't look bad. I'm guessing it'll cost about $20k. The tC really impressed me when I first saw it, but maybe just because Scion's current cars look... unusual. It will probably fall between the SE-R and the Mazda3.
Based on what I've heard from you so far, the choice is almost obvious. Part of you wants superperformance (WRX/Evo), and part wants to just go cheap (Lancer, standard weak version). The perfect balance between the two? I say go with the Lancer Ralliart. The style is a slightly softened Evo look, which isn't bad. And it has sporty performance for a reasonable price. The Sentra SE-R, Spec V or not, is also a good choice.
If I overshot it, and you want to spend less, definitely go with the Mazda3. You can get a lot--power, handling, style, and nice features--for a very good price (about as cheap as possible without making a big mistake, on new cars that is).
And if you decide you really need to get to the harvest superfast, and make friends jealous, and don't mind turning into AzN*RaCeR, and are ready to pay for it, get the WRX. Or the SRT-4 if you can stand the look and feel of it.
And of course, when the time comes, test drive all your considerations before impulsing like an idiot. Who does that?! Mang!!!!!
Ah, Capcom
I like Mega Man music more than most people.
Two meanings.
Both true.
"Thank you"s
Jan 21, 2004
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.
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.
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