Year 1, Day 132

Tonight was disappointing.  From a political standpoint, it seemed inevitable.  At best, Democrats could delay the Republican onslaught until January.  From a personal standpoint, tonight’s results do not represent a step forward for Democrats in this increasingly backwards state.

At the top of the ticket, the Democratic Party of Georgia put forth two of its best:  Michelle Nunn, the daughter of former Senator Sam Nunn and the former head of one of the largest non-profit organizations in this country, and Jason Carter, the grandson of former President Jimmy Carter and a bright and rising star within the Democratic Party at multiple levels.  And both lost, most likely by double-digit figures, to two individuals with less than appealing character traits—one who is ethically-challenged and the other who is apathetic toward the plight of the lives he has crushed simply to turn a quick buck.

In my opinion, the results from tonight are a clear demonstration that regardless of the candidate or the grassroots organization; Georgia will remain a “red” state for the foreseeable future because its electorate is composed of ignorant bigots that hate the idea of a colored POTUS and continues to believe that a woman’s rightful place is in the home.

So, what happens now?  I don’t really know.  But, if I were in charge:

1. Raise $94,400 (i.e. – the cost to qualify 236 “candidates” for legislative office—I think
2. Identify courageous, thick-skinned and vocal individuals to serve as “candidates”
3. Research every Republican incumbent and identify three character flaws to attack them on it, relentlessly

Some will say it’s a waste of money, but basically, my plan is fuck with Republicans—just annoy the fuck out of them.  It may not win any seats—it most likely won’t win any seats, but it would be hilarious and serve as a clear example that Democrats can get down and dirty in the Georgia red clay too.

Year 1, Day 128

Earlier today, I saw a video posted onto Facebook that showed members of the local HS football team entering the field and then "voluntarily" participating in a group prayer.

First off, let me just say that none of those kids did that voluntarily--there may not have been an announcement or a visible adult telling them to go and pray upon entering the stadium--but these kids did not come up with this idea on their own.

Sports in the south is inundated with needless references to the Christian faith: from scripture used as inspirational quotes to taking a knee for an injured player.

These kids--these teenagers--had this idea (like most every other idea teenagers have) planted in their heads. Teenagers are impressionable and (while they will never admit it) easily persuaded by authority (by this I mean, their actions are always a response to an authority figure's action whether that be in adherence to in opposition to).

The second thing that irked me about this post was the comment made by the poster that made it sound as though these teenagers were some sort of saints for having the courage to take part in the prayer. WRONG! It doesn't take courage to follow a large group of people--it takes courage to do what's right. It would have been far more difficult for player to not have participated because of the amount of grief they would have received for it.

And on another point, these teenagers aren't saints or heroes--they're teens and unless we have become blinded by age and having our heads stuck so far up our on asses; we were teenagers once too. And I don't know about you, when I was a teen, all I was worried about were girls, fun and how awesome it would be to be out on my own--I was on the straight and boring path of teenage existence. But these jocks, after the games, they were about sex, drugs and parties not Bible study, prayer circles and living the word.

Basically, what I'm getting at is that these kids weren't being brave, they were being hypocrites and these parents or adults that are trying to use them as some sort of message aren't spreading the word; they're willfully feigning ignorance of their own past.

Year 1, Day 125

First, congratulations to the San Francisco Giants for winning the World Series.

Second, congratulations to the Kansas City Royals for a remarkable season.

Outside of the Atlanta Braves, I don't follow baseball and in a few years--once the Braves "white flight" out of downtown Atlanta and into the suburbs of Cobb County--my interest in the sport will more than likely dwindle to nothing.

Year 1, Day 123

While the boss is away, I will do my best to keep things running as smoothly as possible.  I understand that there are times in which I lose focus and I become less productive, but these moments are just moments and I can usually rediscover my groove.  To be honest, the typical work day is rather mundane and of very little interest to others, but I continue to move forward.

Year 1, Day 122

Today was pleasant.  I watched soccer, I watched football (of the American variety), I ate at my favorite local Chinese buffet, and I had an Oreo blizzard.  The weather was fantastic and...well, that was about it.

To be frank, I wish I had been more productive.  I still need to read a handful of graphic novels and the copy of Black Belt Librarians I borrowed from Jeanne via Lisa as well as prepare the kiosk presentations for the upcoming week, draft the desk schedule for the upcoming week, and formulate a proposal to turn the IT department head position from a position that I am currently totally unqualified for into a position that I have some qualifications for.

Also, I need to do the laundry, figure out which manga and DVDs I want to donate to the library and wish my friend, Mark, a happy birthday.  And I need to do all of this before I run out of steam, which is much sooner than later.

Anyway, I hope that I can get this stuffed panned out before tomorrow.

Year 1, Day 119

I suppose at times I can be as chatty as a teenage girl.  Anyways, a conversation with a friend caused me to miss posting yesterday (Day 118) so I am going to post something before I call it a night.

For obvious reasons, I have recently become enthralled by the lovely April O'Neil (pictured below).

Source:  April O'Neil Instagram (heyitsaprilagain)

There is a lot to be said about an adult entertainer that takes her stage name from one of your animated childhood crushes and is, as demonstrated in the proceeding photograph, a fellow Whovian. On top of these things, she is a noted gamer, a cosplayer (again, demonstrated above), a comic book reader and an all-around interesting individual.

Anyways, I thought it was important that I share my latest infatuation and think of me what you will, but I am simply a man with desires and at this time; my desires are to learn more about this remarkable woman via SFW and NSFW means.

Year 1, Day 117

To be honest, I'm lacking in the area of possible topics to discuss this evening, but I'm giving it (posting an update) a goal anyways.

It could be said of me that whenever a grand opportunity presents itself before me, I will be the first to find some way to bypass it.

Today, the library posted the job opening for the position of IT Department Director and while my colleagues in Circulation believe that I would make an excellent option for the position; my own internal self doubts that strongly.

Yes, I can do basic things on a computer and with direction, I can piece things together (when I'm in the mood), but it is the complicated things like actually putting together a network, maintaining that network and other IT-related responsibilities that scares me.

In truth, I could always make plans to learn this stuff, but actually executing it is the main issue. I'm a visionary with no willingness to make that vision reality.

I will have to contemplate on this issue hard, but I know in my heart of hearts that I'm not ready nor am I sure that I ever will be.

Year 1, Day 116

Well, not quite Day 116 since I'm posting this a little before 5 AM and the day has yet to "start."

Anyways, I'm unable to fall back asleep and so I thought that I'd take this time to actually post something since my postings have become more and more sporadic.

As for my Anime Weekend Atlanta recap, I do plan on completing that at some point though it'll be more difficult as time passes. (You know what they say about human memory: it's crap.)

I haven't been to a movie in a while so there haven't been any "Shite Movie Reviews", but the fall / winter movie season is upon us and there are some movies I'm interested in seeing. Hopefully, we'll get back on track with that soon rather than later.

If you couldn't guess, I'm on the iPhone again, but sometimes you have to work with what you have.

I'm going to have to wrap this up soon since it appears as though I'm running out of space on the Blogger app, but know that I haven't forgotten about this blog it's just that I'm lazy.

Year 1, Day 101

A week has passed since the close of Anime Weekend Atlanta (AWA) and I find myself within the grasp of one of my worst bouts with con withdrawal in recent memory.  For the uninitiated, con withdrawal is the feeling of malaise one has after being ripped viciously from one’s convention “family and friends” and being thrown back into the “reality” of what is one’s “normal” and mundane life.  I may have exaggerated a bit, but I think I have expressed my point poignantly.

Anyway, I know that I have yet to write anything about the convention despite stating that I may do so during the convention, but volunteering at an all-volunteer run convention that hosted 20,000+ attendees made that more difficult than I imagined.  So, here now is a rundown of my AWA in as close to chronological order as possible:

Friday:

I arrived about a half-hour before the start of my first shift and prior to retrieving my staff badge holder and badge, I came across a younger cousin and his girlfriend; it was the only time I saw him during the weekend.

My first assignment was assisting with the line for the Grand Opening ceremonies.  The line was big, we had to “snake” the line three-fold, and it was without a doubt, the largest line for an event that I worked during AWA.

Following the clearing of the Grand Opening line, I was assigned to badge check at the Kennesaw panel room for a panel about anime references in mainstream pop culture (I think).  Of course, my first panel of the day would not go off without a hitch and that hitch: the panelists were unable to operate the soundboard.  Since I refused to take on a supervisory role, I had no means of contacting Tech staff (i.e. – I had no walkie-talkie on hand) and I needed to track down this section’s supervisor, which I eventually did.  At that point, I was assigned to organize the line for my first guest panel of the convention, a Q&A session with Scott McNeil.  In truth, organizing the line was rather simplistic and I was able to make my exit before the trouble arose.  In case you were wondering, the Q&A did not take place Friday nor did Mr. McNeil’s autograph session because Mr. McNeil had not yet arrived at the convention.  Apparently, he was caught up in the mess at the Chicago airport and had his flight cancelled; he did eventually make it to AWA and was very generous with what time he had left.

From Section 4(?), I was then assigned to Section 5(?) (AKA Autographs) since my assigned Section 2 was not needed.  My first autograph line assignment was Home Made Kazoku (HMK), a Japanese hip-hop trio known for tracks that served as the opening and closing themes for popular anime series like Naruto and Bleach.  For Japanese guests at the convention, the instructions were simple:  90-person limit, one item autographed and no photographs.  HMK did not hit their limit, which was disappointing in my eyes, but I think the AWA attendees more than made up for it during their Saturday evening concert.

The second guest I work their autograph line for was Junichi Suwabe, a Japanese voice actor who is currently voicing the lead character in Space Dandy.  His lead did get capped and I ended up being the individual that held slips of papers that attendees could fill out if they wanted a personalized autograph; this was a rather smart idea in my opinion since there was a clear language barrier.  This line moved rather efficiently and the highlight had to be the fact that he cosplayed as Dandy and there was Meow cosplayer on-hand for photographs too.

By the time the Suwabe line cleared, I was well over my scheduled shift time and I had yet to check into my hotel room and my next shift was scheduled to start in just over an hour-and-a-half.  Also, I hadn’t eaten anything yet aside from a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

After settling into my room, grabbing a quick bite to eat at Chick-Fil-A and returning to the convention just in time for my shift, I was assigned to Events for badge check duty for the premiere of the English-dubbed version of the second season of High School DxD, but before that took place; I needed to relieve someone at the Highlands(?) panel room until it was time for me to work the Grand Panel room.

When I arrived at Highlands, the Yuko Minaguchi panel was just wrapping up and Ms. Minaguchi, the Japanese voice actress for Sailor Saturn in Sailor Moon S, was preparing to take some photographs with some of the attendees of her panel.  The next panel on tap was a panel about Marvel anime series, but I did not stick around too long since I had another assignment to tend to.  And here is where the fun began for me on Friday evening.

In truth, badge check duty is simple and rather monotonous unless it turns out that the premiere you are working at is for anime series in which the American production company sends the uncensored version of the series and fails to mention it to the convention organizers and you have already let a number of minors into the screening (d’oh)!  Fortunately, there were no complaints that I know of and too be honest; I don’t expect any to be made.

Now, the real fun began as the time drew closer to karaoke and the people were beginning to line up—at this point, I had already organized the line for another anime world premiere and now, it was time to organize an even bigger line.  In truth (and you may call me a bit of a glutton for punishment for it), the real fun occurs when there is a complete lapse in communications between two departments and you and your department get thrown under the wheels of the bus (it was Touhou all over again for me).  Anyway, we had received two sets of directions: (1) karaoke participants could go ahead and enter the room and wait for High School DxD to clear and then (2) everyone needed to clear out and a line needed to be formed immediately outside of the registration area.  Of course, there is nothing like contradictory directives to create chaos, but my partner and I did the damn thing, made it work and got everyone inside and out of registration’s hair.

And like with my previous shift, I ran over my scheduled time (which will be a recurring theme), but I clocked out at 10 PM and checked out a bit of Anime Hell before grabbing a late dinner and calling it a night.

On a side note, I have a feeling that if I am back next year to work AWA; I’ll be getting my own room because I don’t know if I can deal with roommates, especially, roommates that are loud and obnoxious at terrible hours of the night.

So, this has recap has gone on for way too long and I have only covered one day of it.  I suppose I am going to have to cut it here and come back later to recap the rest of my con.  Until then, stay safe and don’t forget to be awesome!

Year 1, Day 92

Today is the day.  Today is the first day of Anime Weekend Weekend.  Come noon, anime otaku from across Georgia and the Southeastern United States will converge in Smyrna for a weekend of fun and excitement (or so we hope).  Of course, rather than sleeping, I have decided to procrastinate in my preparations and instead update my iPhone and post this update.  I will admit that I am a bit anxious yet at the same time I am assured and confident that the weekend will be good (it always is). A few things occurred today, but I believe I am going to put my blinders on and focus instead on the convention.

Following the convention, I can focus on the other things at hand like a two-night training seminar in Bainbridge (a 4.5-hour drive from HQ), establishing my staff council agenda, and so forth.  Anyway, I hope to be able to keep up to date while at the convention, but it will most likely be on my tumblr site:  johnpast30.tumblr.com. I have a long night and weekend ahead of me, but maybe I will see you on the otherside.

Year 1, Day 91

It's been awhile since I last struggled with falling asleep but here I am struggling to fall asleep. My updates have become more sporadic over the past few weeks and I have no one to blame but me. Anyway, a quick update and then I'll try to fall asleep again: Anime Weekend Atlanta is tomorrow and while it'll be a nice break; I'm beginning to wonder if it might be more trouble than it's worth. I might try to do some posting while at the convention but it will most likely be on Tumble.

Well, I better try to get to sleep now.

Year 1, Day 87

It seems as thought my grand experiment with Swift Type is over for now because of an issue I can't seem to find a solution to.

Anyway, Manchester United were humiliated by newly promoted side Leicester.

The Atlanta Braves were eliminated from postseason contention.

And the Carolina Panthers are embarrassing themselves on Sunday Night Football.

The only team that won were the Georgia Bulldogs, but they were playing Troy State.

Year 1, Day 86

I'm posting from my iPhone again but today is slightly different because I'm using this new app that allows me to type by simply sliding my fingers around the keyboard. I'm still not that good with it but I'm slowly getting the hang of it and it's actually really fun. There's a few things that take getting used to but I'm sure that I'll get it before too soon. Anyway I've been slacking in the posting department but I hope to get back in the swing of things sooner rather than later. I'm less than a week away from Anime Weekend Atlanta and too be honest the biggest concern for me is whether or not I want to add a night prior to or following the convention. I know that I don't have the money either way but I'm at the point where I am just going to say screw it and I'll worry about it later. I hate that I have to live in perpetual debt but that's my life and I'll have to clean it up after the fact. A lot of things have been happening in my life as of late and I may eventually get around to discussing it sooner or later but it isn't happening today.

Year 1, Day 83

I'm getting screwed by the GADOR over my tax filings in 2010. This puts an incredible strain on my already tight budget, but I'll figure it out in the end.

Year 1, Day 82

Quick Shots:

I'm not sure where I stand on the Adrian Peterson issue.

The Braves are bad and the name of the new stadium is even worse: SunTrust Stadium.

Year 1, Day 81

Quick Shots:

YES, Danny Ferry and the scout that wrote that analysis of Luol Deng should be fired. Then again, I hate the owners of the Hawks and think they should all go away.

YES, I do believe that Manchester United can finish in the top four of the Premier League. Hell, if they play like they did against QPR, then they can win the title.

Anyway, that's all for now. Bye

Year 1, Day 80

I'm lazy.

I know this fact and I do nothing.

I'm irresponisible and I do nothing.

For the life of me, I cannot figure out a means of motivating myself to achieve anything.

Look at this site for example--it's rubbish!

The updates are infrequent, the layout is amateurish, and the lack of topics is just confusing.

I want to be better, but it is so difficult for me.

Year 1, Day 77

It seems as though the only time I post from an actual desktop is when I am at the library and even then I have to be wary of the possible issues that may arrive from posting updates from my place of employment. It is not as though I am posting anything inappropriate, but I (see yesterday's update) tend to vent personal frustrations stemming from the workplace.  So, in order to avoid any personal issues, I thought I would take this opportunity to write about some other issues that have me thinking.

Ray Rice - This guy is dirty and if he does not ever play in the league again, it is of his own doing and his wife should realize that fact.  Of course, if Roger Goodell stays on as commissioner of the league; he will be suiting up next season for Dan Snyder and the team from Washington D.C. with the derogatory name and it would be a perfect fit.

Roger Goodell - This man is trash. With Goodell, it is profit over people and following this debacle with Rice; he needs to go.

Now, I know given my statements yesterday, I sound like a hypocrite and I admit it.  But, I would never strike a women (unless for some reason, I was forced to in a sanctioned boxing or MMA fight, but that's not happening anytime soon).  Believe it or not, I do believe in the feminist movement and I believe in treating women in a manner they deserve.

I understand that I have a long ways to go to improve myself, but I am trying.

Year 1, Day 76

I have to make this quick since I lost track of time watching YouTube videos.

Anyways, here's what I've got:

1) I'm pretty sure that I hate that co-worker that I thought I loved. Yes, it does seem a rather extreme route to take for getting over something, but fuck it. She's a bitch--not for never returning my feelings but because she's a two-faces bitch.

2) I came up with an equation that explains my attitude (okay, maybe I didn't come up with up but who cares): give a fuck minus give a fuck equals zero fucks given.

3) This post may actually run longer than I thought since I actually have some shit to talk about today.

4) I'm cussing a lot in today's post, but who the fuck cares? Nobody reads this shit anyways.

5) I love Hannah Hart, but no way is she funnier than Ryan Higa and crew. Just saying, but I do enjoy both their channels immensely.

6) There are some really ignorant motherfuckers in this world and sadly, some come through my workplace.

I think that's enough for tonight and I hope I won't forget to post tomorrow.

Year 1, Day 74

Farewell Monday.

I paid off the rest of my auto insurance.

I prepared lunch and then forgot it, but the bacon cheese Krystal burgers were good because of the ratio of bacon to Krystal patty; ill that I had to pay for lunch.

There's more but I can't be bothered at this moment.

Year 1, Day 73

The first weekend of fantasy football is well underway and following the day's happening: it looks as though I'm on my to win.

I cut the grass and helped my aunt get her CPR/First Aid certification renewed. I'm beat.

Year 1, Day 71

I have waited too long once more and now, I am tired.  But, to be honest, I am certain that I had little of importance to speak on.

As I mentioned yesterday, my plans for Dragon Con 2015 have been set and it is going to set my budget for the next year.

Simply reserving a room of the host hotels has given me such a greater appreciation of the affordability of "my" convention, Anime Weekend Atlanta.

I suppose it is a good thing that we have decided to go ahead with this plan because it gives me an entire year to properly plan and save.

As of now, I am waiting on my new credit card to arrive so that I can go ahead and pay for the remainder of my car insurance bill, pay for a four-day Dragon Con membership and pay for the hotel for this year's AWA.

Perhaps, I should consider taking up a hermit lifestyle.

Year 1, Day 70

I know that I have yet to write anything formal about my day at Dragon Con, but that post will have to wait as I have yet to upload any of my photographs from that day.  I will say that planning for Dragon Con 2015 is underway and we already have a room booked at the Hyatt.

A quick update to yesterday's post, I am feeling much better after I finally got some sleep--my head is clear and my eyes are no longer running.  I was afraid that I might have finally needed to use Sick Leave, but I was able to avoid it.

Another topic that I yet to discuss in-depth was Manchester United's transfer period transactions.  So, here we go:

• The jury is still out on Ander Herrera since he has been injured for the most part during this early part of the season.
• I think we overpaid for Luke Shaw, but that tends to happen in England for English players.
• Is Marco Rojo even going to get a chance to put on his United kit?
• Angel Di Maria while talented and certainly a positive addition to United was not worth the amount that United paid for him.
• Daley Blind could be a something special, especially, since he will be working under Louis Van Gaal, his former national team coach.
• Radamel Falcao was a remarkable coup for United, but his arrival signaled the departures of Chicharito and Danny Welbeck (Welbeck's departure was personal gut check and decisive end to any claims that United is capable of developing talent through its academy).

I suppose LVG has a plan, but his plan apparently, does not involve addressing the side's needs in central defense or midfield.  Now, do not get things twisted--I will remain loyal to the Red Devils--I'm just interested in seeing where all of this spending take the club.

Year 1, Day 69

Feeling rather ill at the moment. Going to try and rest now. See you tomorrow?

Year 1, Day 68

The first day back from any extended period of closure is difficult. For one reason or another, our patrons fail to grasp the concept of: "You're books will never be due on a day in which the library is closed." I could further complain about the ignorance of our patrons, but what would be the point? No matter how much you publicize a closure, there will still be those that will remain ignorant of it. If I sound annoyed, it is because I am, but not for the reasons implied in my preceding sentences. I'm annoyed at my ongoing financial struggles--annoyed at the fact this could have been avoided if only I had some restraint. Honestly, it's not my desire to be so whiny, but we all need to vent my frustrations and this is the medium I have chosen.

Year 1, Day 67

I'm disappointed with United's decision to not only sell off Danny Welbeck, a lifelong supporter of the club and an academy product, but to sell him to a league rival, Arsenal.

I know that following the signings of Di Maria and Falcao there was no longer a place for him within United's attack, but why make a move for Falcao when what the side needed was a central defender?

Yes, Falcao is a remarkably talented goal scorer, but he is coming off a major knee injury that not only ended his club season early last year but hampered his role at the World Cup.

I suppose the attack was lacking and there is a possibly that RVP may have his own major knee procedure, but it still irks me. Perhaps, because I want to believe that United are above just buying a side a la City.

But, I am wrong and I need to face the fact that days of youth academy development is no longer a critical part of the plans for clubs as large United.

Year 1, Day 66

Dragon Con has come and gone (for me) and despite a costly mistake and some poor decisions in regards to events and panels; it was a fun event and I'm really looking forward to next year.

I managed to take a few photographs, but I spent the vast majority of my phone's battery life during the parade, which meant I was hovering around 20-30% for much of the day.

I want to do a bit more in-depth post later.

Year 1, Day 64

Tomorrow is Dragon Con and for now, I must rest.

Year 1, Day 62

The struggle never ends. And yes, my struggles my seem trite and petty, but they are mine and I have to handle it as best as I can. I struggle to make ends meet, but it isn't because of some grave misfortune that befallen me; it's because I'm irresponsible.

I struggle with weight issues, malaise in the workplace and many other personal issues. I get by though. I'm okay and I'm clearly tired. Sorry, these recent updates have been terrible, but fatigue wears me down and leaves me less cognizant of others.

Year 1, Day 61

Another quick update since I just got back in from yet another trip to the hospital. My grandfather who only just recently got out after a week long stay was back in after a fainting spell following his dialysis treatment earlier today.

He seems in good spirits and hopefully, he'll be discharged after a few days. Anyway, that's it for now.

Year 1, Day 60

From only one full episode, I've a feeling that I'm going to really like Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor.

That is all.

Year 1, Day 59

Rule 1: The Doctor lies.

...

...

...

Rule 1.000...0006261983: I lie.

I promised a write up on Deep Breath, the series premiere of Doctor Who, but instead you get LIES! Sorry.

Year 1, Day 58

I'm not sure what happened last night, but I was completely out of it not long after I returned home.

Needless to say, but today's update will be short too because of Doctor Who, but I promise to share my two cents on the series eight premiere as well as my initial response to the new Doctor tomorrow. 

Year 1, Day 56

So, apparently, there is a porn parody of Doctor Who called Docto Whore. Really?

Year 1, Day 55

I lied.  I'm still drafting updates via the Blogger iOS app, which is convenient.

Yes, I miss formatting updates to please my own aesthetic preferences, but it's a comfortable convenience.

Anyway, I suppose I should discuss my day or something along those lines.

Today was Salad Day for the staff at HQ and since I'm inept at cooking; I brought ice for drinks.

Despite it being Salad Day, I still avoided greens not smothered in cheese or meat.

I'm slowly learning that I don't like our new IT director and I suppose that's because he mistreats my coworkers.

Anyway, I found myself struggling to set aside the distraction in Youth Services. I know it's for the best and after nearly two years of unrequited feelings; I decided that I had enough of it.

I don't know why it is so difficult, but I do that it's for the best.

Year 1, Day 54

Things have settled.

I had a moment today to simply sit and watch some Netflix; I watched Harlock: Space Pirate.

I'm not sure if I'll do a formal #SMR since I watched it at home, but I'll say that I did enjoy it; the animation is truly beautiful.

I sort of relaxed today after work despite being there past my time.

There are still many things happening in this world, but sometimes you just have to shut things down and relax.

Hopefully, I will get back to using the PC for posting because phone tapping isn't the best way of drafting updates.

Year 1, Day 53

I give up (for now)! I thought about drafting a update about Ferguson, MO, but is too much of a pain to draft a good post on my phone. So, it will have to wait till another time.

Year 1, Day 52

Is it necessary to post an update simply to post an update, especially, if nothing's being said?

Oh well, I guess I'll need to figure that out at a later time.

Year 1, Day 51 - #ShiteMovieReview 02

Despite my apprehension, I decided to see Michael Bay's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle.  I say "Michael Bay's TMNT" because this is certainly not the TMNT from my childhood.  If I were a child, I may have enjoyed this movie some, but I am not a child and I am highly sensitive toward any attempts to bastardize parts of my childhood.  I'll be frank--there were a few moments where I laughed and there were a few moments in which I was drawn into the action sequences, but these were few and far in between.  Also, I will admit that I may not have given this movie a fair shake because of my preconceived notions, but I wanted to be wrong; I was right.  So, was this movie worth the price of admission ($8 matinee)?

No, it was not.  In fact, if you must watch this film (e.g., you are a parent and you have a child), then wait until it comes out on Netflix (or Redbox, if this movie doesn't become available via a streaming service that you pay a monthly rate for). 

Year 1, Day 50, Part II

Is this personal journal or an online soap box?  I don’t know.  While the basic idea of this site is to serve as an everlasting digital chronicle of my life, I also have opinions that need to be expressed not because my opinions have any value beyond this site, but because I need to simply get them off my chest.  Tonight, I’m in the mood share my opinions and I because I promised multiple updates, here we go:

What’s happened/happening in Ferguson, MO is absurd. A young, unarmed black man is gun-downed by a police officer and it takes nearly a week before the police name the officer responsible and when they finally make a statement on the matter; the police attempt to (1) justify the officer’s actions and (2) assassinate the character of the victim.  In case the authorities were wondering, it’s not the potential cause of the incident that has people protesting on the streets; it’s the fact that an unarmed man was shot to death.  Of course, law enforcement officials have done little to alleviate the situation, especially, when one sees reports of the use of aggressive force against protesters and the unwarranted arrests of two journalists covering the events in Ferguson.  Sadly, this is just another incident in a series of incidents.  Perhaps, I’ll expand upon my opinion in a future update, but for now, one can only hope that some semblance of justice will prevail.

And now, for something much more positive:  the Barclays Premier League returns tomorrow!  Manchester United and Swansea City kick off the new season at 7:45 AM/EDT.  For United supporters, it’s the start of yet another new era as Louis Van Gaal will look to rebuild and return the squad to glory.

Anyway, I feel like this has drug on long enough and while I did promise a new #ShiteMovieReview; it may need to wait till tomorrow or Sunday.

Year 1, Day 50, Part I

Okay, I have been posting plenty of single line cop out updates recently (see last night’s update), but I plan on making up for my terseness this evening.  I have a lot on my mind and I’m going to pour them all out in a series of updates tonight as well as post brand new “Shite Movie Review”.

Robin Williams

SOURCE:  NPR's Fresh Air on Tumblr

I touched on the passing of the entertainment legend earlier this week, but I wanted to expand my original sentiments as well as touch on the sensitive topics of depression and suicide.

Robin Williams was an amazing and immense talent onscreen and an incredible and remarkable person off screen.

Some will ask how I know this given the fact that I never met him and to this I respond by saying that they are right and that I do not know, but it is the impression I have of him.

An impression that was developed and cultivated from the roles he played and from the performances he gave; it is an impression that comes from reading the stories about his well-chronicled bouts with drug addiction and from the tidbits of information I was able to siphon from entertainment publications in this increasingly connected society.

Robin Williams was a man, who despite his own personal struggles, was able to bring smiles and laughter into the lives of millions of people.

Robin Williams in my mind will always be the loving father who dressed in drag in order to be hired as his children’s nanny or the wise-cracking genie that helped the poor street riffraff land the princess while teaching a valuable lesson on being selfless or the jaded yet comforting counselor to the downtrodden genius janitor who was unsure of his own value.

Robin Williams will be many things to many people, but to me:  Robin Williams is one of greatest entertainers of all time.

Unfortunately, some people could not let those that mourned mourn instead they felt it necessary to make a statement on Mr. Williams’ means of passing on:

It wasn’t even a couple of hours after news broke on Mr. Williams passing that this appeared in my Facebook News Feed.

Apparently, this particular “friend” felt that this was an opportune moment to espouse his opinion on suicide despite nearly everyone else within my news feed choosing to be respectful of the recently deceased and deciding to instead celebrate his incredible talents and the gifts he shared with the world.

I suppose the thing that grinds my gears the most about this particular status update is the fact that this individual exercised the same amount of discretion and thought that the Westboro Baptist Church does when it decides to make proclamations against homosexuality via the passing of others.  The only difference is that this person decided to make his stand against those suffering from debilitating mental disorders like addiction and depression rather than homosexuals and in truth; that sickens me.

Addiction and depression are real and the effects they have on the human mind can be devastating and rather than demean the sufferer for being “too weak-willed”; we need to support them.

As for suicide, suicide is devastating for all those involved including the one that sadly chooses to end their own life in this manner.  People will say that the person who committed suicide took the “easy way” out, but that is nonsense.  Yes, they may be gone from this world, but don’t believe for one second that the moments before the end for these individuals were all sunshine and lollipops.  From a personal standpoint, suicide is an incredibly difficult choice and in some way, a courageous choice (I’m pretty certain that is not the word I’m looking for) because I’ve at times contemplated suicide, but I am too much of a coward to ever go through with it.  Of course, it hurts those around the person and it leaves them wondering if they could have done more, but those are things that we will never have an answer for because the only person that could answer it is gone.  I know these last few sentences have been perplexing to comprehend and I guess what I’m trying to say is this:  Life is short and while we try to make the best of it, there will be times in which it becomes too much for some, but rather than wonder “Why?” and “What if?”, perhaps we should instead choose to honor and remember the fond memories and ask ourselves “What’s next?”

Year 1, Day 49

So tired. I'll again tomorrow.

Year 1, Day 48

I mowed the lawn for the first time in a long time. I made a mistake.

I went into work for three hours to avoid using any annual leave. It was boring.

After work, I had dinner at a "Japanese noodle shop". I had some takoyaki and tonkotsu ramen. The ramen was okay.

After returning to Gainesville, I had some Key Lime pie ice cream from Bruster's. It was delicious and refreshing.

And now, I sit in a new room at NEGMC while my grandfather undergoes dialysis and I await the return of my aunt with my mother. He was in good spirits with the rest of the family and his visitors. Barring any complications, he should be going home soon.

Overall, the day has been good.

Year 1, Day 47

My grandfather is in his third night in the ICU at NEGMC.

I feel confident that he'll recover from this current medical issue.

At work, we were short-handed again but we managed.

A day has passed since the passing of Robin Williams and I, like countless others, mourn his passing.

But then, there are those that feel the to use such tragedies to make some statement believing that they're on some moral high ground when in reality; they're just being jerks.

I really do have a lot more to say on this, but doing so on a phone is more burdensome than I am willing to deal with at this time.

Year 1, Day 46

It's been a long day and I wish I had the energy to cover it all, but I do not.

Perhaps, I will try again later, but for now, I just want to say:

RIP Robin Williams

Year 1, Day 45

Exhausted. Man, if I am this worn out after a small convention like Atlanta Comic Convention, how on Earth am I going to make it through Dragon Con?

Today, I spent the day with two of my coworkers at the convention along with a few other stops throughout the day. The Atlanta Comic Convention (not to be confused with Atlanta Comic Con or Wizard World Atlanta...whatever it's called) is a much smaller, dealer's convention. Basically, it is a comic-themed flea market with an affordable price of admission.

In terms of location, it's more accessible for me than Dragon Con, MomoCon or AWA. The space itself is a bit cramped and is very conducive to con funk, but given what you pay; it's a fair trade off.

Personally, I was out of place. The ACC (because I am not writing it out every time I make reference to it) is definitely for the diehard comic book fans that know what they want. Yes, you can be an utter noob like me, but it wouldn't hurt to have a game plan in place before entering.

Anyway, I did enjoy myself and I'll probably go again, but I'll be better prepped next time.

Year 1, Day 44

Posting from the iPhone (again). One can always tell when I'm posting from my phone because it lacks any sort of formatting. Anyway, I worked today--it was smooth though I kind of worked myself into a frenzy for a short bit at around the hour-and-a-half until close mark. I suppose I was anxious because...actually, I'm not sure why I was being so antsy. I worked with the lab closed for much of the morning since the number of patrons we typically have on Saturdays is much lower than a typical business day.

I had an odd sleep cycle last night and when I returned home and slept. I also had a momentary lapse of proper sense this morning at the gas pump when I was incapable of making my digital Kroger Plus card to work at the pump; the worst part of that incident was the fact that I had my aunt's physical card in my wallet and I did not remember that fact until after I had started refueling my tank.

I downloaded Plants vs. Zombies 2 for the iPhone and well, it is slowly raising my blood pressure and stress levels. I'm also becoming increasingly impatient with the Family Guy game I downloaded last weekend.

Tomorrow, a couple of coworkers and I are heading down to the Atlanta Comic Convention. One of my coworkers has set aside a budget of $200 for the event. Personally, I might spend between $5-$10--depending on whether or not I can find some cool $1 issues. Personally, it's a nice day trip into the city to relax and maybe prep the others for Dragon Con though I know that they are nothing alike.

Well, it's back to PvsZ2 for me.

Year 1, Day 43

I'm certain that I have amassed enough bad karma to last multiple reincarnation cycles.

But, the fact of the matter is that I'm not an inherently bad individual; I just happen to be an overly selfish individual.

I believe this is the case for all individuals, but it just so happens to be exceptionally more apparent within me.

I try to mask my self-centered and selfish nature through self-degrading humor, but it still manages to shine through brightly.

Would I like to be more selfless? Maybe, but as I have pointed out in the past, if I don't watch out for myself, who will?

My selfishness is built upon the notion of self-preservation. I take action in the best interest of me.

I cast away things like relationships with other people because it takes too much of a personal investment.

An investment that reaps very little good in regards to me and my well-being, but anyway; I suppose that's all I have to say on the matter.

In truth, I wanted to discuss my ongoing struggle with overcoming a personal burden--a burden in an incredibly cute pink dress--but I know that it is best to simply ignore it or at least, give it little credence unless I get crushed by that avoidable burden once again. In truth, there are more important things to worry about and be burdened by.

Year 1, Day 42

An update before 11 PM?

I thought I would switch things around and actually publish an update before I started feeling sleepy.  Anyway, today was good.  In terms of productivity, I managed to complete a number of my expected duties prior to opening despite an upset stomach.  And on top of all of things I managed to accomplish, there were cookies!  Of course, I should lay off the sugary treats, but I cannot deny myself the simple pleasure and taste of sweet.

Honestly, I wish I had something more significant to write about given the fact that I am actually alert for the drafting of this update, but alas, nothing of the sort comes to mind.

Year 1, Day 41

In case you were wondering, I'm back to posting updates from my phone.

As for my past couple of updates, all I can say is that I have been really worn down.

I never stated that my posts would be good though on occasions I do get the writing bug.

This is another sorry update because of my insistence on waiting the last minute to do stuff.

Anyway, I'm just going to take easy and to get some sleep now.

Year 1, Day 40

I'm tired. I'm tired of not being able to sleep a full night's worth.

To be frank, I'm struggling to put this bit together.

So, I'm done

Year 1, Day 39

Mondays are strange, but they are only strange because the patrons they bring out are so damn ignorant.

I have never understood how someone could argue with a straight face about a fine for something they initially paid nothing for.

Of course, then again, we are a society that can and will complain about things we receive for free (see: renown restaurant critics).

I try in earnest to be as professional as I can be with these patrons, but I find it awfully difficult to maintain my composure.

Anyway, Mondays are bad, but they give something to strive for in my personal life: Don't be a dick.

Year 1, Day 38

Today, I drove into the city for the AWA volunteer staff meeting before the convention in September.  Afterwards, I ate dinner with some friends at a Korean-Mexican fusion joint in Midtown call Takorea.  I had a "KFC" (Korean fried chicken) tako [sic] and a "Belly" tako [sic].  The Belly was a little heavy on the chili sauce, which spilled onto my KFC, and I wasn't really able to taste the pork belly in the tako. But, the KFC was just fantastic.  We had dessert at Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream--I am hooked on this place, which blows because I live over an hour-and-a-half away--where I had the pineapple upside down cake ice cream paired with the salty caramel ice cream; it was amazing. Anyway, that was my day.

Also, I just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Esther Day! I love you guys even though I don't know you guys.

Year 1, Day 37 - Shite Movie Reviews #01

First, I want to say that I don’t know sh*t about movies—I watch movies and then I judge movies and that’s the extent of my movie knowledge.  I will typically review will newer theatrical releases though my reviews will usually occur a few weeks after the release date (with the exception of this review since I saw it on opening day).  As for ratings, there will be no stars, thumbs or scores instead I'll judge a film on whether or not it was worth the price of admission I paid to see it (which if you're wondering is typically $10.50).  I should also let it be known that the genres of movies I watch are narrow since (I don’t do horror or ultra-violent movies).  So, without any further delay, here is my first “Shite Movie Review”:

Guardians of the Galaxy

I had a blast watching this movie.  It was action-packed, it was funny, and it even had some touching moments.  Guardians is one of the best movies, if not, the best, Marvel Studios released to date.  Visually, it was amazing and I cannot wait to see all of the incredible cosplay that will come from this movie.  Also, the soundtrack for the movie was filled with all types of nostalgic tracks and added so much to the movie.  So, was it worth the price of admission?

YES, it was the price of admission and then some. I pay $10.50 at the theater that I normally go and watch movies at, but I would just as gladly spend a few extra dollars at some of the more expensive theaters located further south on I-985.

Year 1, Day 37

I missed a day, but I am happy that it took over a month before I did.  In truth, I may have a reasonable excuse, but I have no reason to use it since I plan on posting two entries this evening.  Tonight's first entry, this entry, will be a run of the mill entry and my second entry for the evening will be the debut of a new feature to the site: Shite Movie Reviews.

Anyway, I've spent much of the day doing nothing and aside from blackening my steak dinner and watching Marvel's Avengers Assemble animated series on Netflix (it's fine compared to other animated series airing at present).

We have a new/used clothes dryer in the house and that is nice because it means I can actually tumble my wrinkled clothes and I don't have to bother my aunt and uncle to use their dryer.

To be frank, today has been a bore, but that is not necessarily a bad thing because I am explicitly trying to avoid any real physical exertion.

Tomorrow, I have my final volunteer staff meeting for Anime Weekend Atlanta, but more importantly, I hope to get to hang out with my good friend, Louis.

I suppose I should get started on that second entry for the night since I may have an lengthy introductory paragraph to draft.