Rusty - Mobile

Probably one of my favorite songs from the past 6 or 7 years. Originally performed by Rachel’s, I found a clip tonight of someone playing it on guitar instead of piano. Not seeing Rachel’s when I had a chance many years ago in Chicago was one of the big mistakes in my life. I actually went to one of their shows when they were on tour for Systems/Layers, but decided to leave early. It took me about 2 more years to fully appreciate how stupid that decision was.

Original:

To do even basic editing you need to import the original files into iMovie, which does significant damage if you’re not extremely careful with how you end up exporting. I’ll work on making the footage look better, I guess. The camera also doesn’t do very well without clear, natural light. C’est la vie. Overall I’m very happy with it, and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for portable video.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfPDCW0HTcw&fmt=22#

Vince took me to lunch at a dining facility on campus that looked to be a combination of Hogwarts and Old Country Buffet. Needless to say, we consumed a mighty Monday meal. I tried to bring my “A” game by combining a reuben sandwich with traditional mixed vegetables, but in the end he won the day by exploiting their single serving paper cups. We happened to walk by the feral parakeets on the way back to work, who were having an epic meal of their own.

With Rachel and Rosalyn

I had a great time in Chattanooga for Kramer’s wedding, so I was looking forward to this trip to rural Limestone, Tennessee to visit my sister Jessica for Thanksgiving. How I managed to make it this far south twice this year is beyond me, but getting out of the city for a while is generally worth the effort, assuming, of course, that I remember to bring the appropriate computer hardware. Jess moved out here a few months ago after her wedding, and took a job as an engineer at a small company that has a contract with DOD to make various types of ammunition. Did you read that correctly? My little sister makes the armor piercing bullets and grenades that our country uses to destroy the kinds of people who take over hotels in Mumbai. I work in a library.

Taking this into account, it came as little surprise that after our reunion and a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner, I was gently pressured into participating in activities like climbing mountains and discharging firearms. I played it cool, since I have embarked on similar journeys in the World of Warcraft. Limestone is Azeroth, by the way, except the air is noticeably thinner. We hiked up Roan Mountain, braving icy paths (and bear hazards, no doubt) to reach its peak.

Keeping Kramer and the Vans in mind, I also did my best to represent frail counter-strike players around the world at an actual firing range. From the range’s website:

While physical skills are extremely important, we firmly believe that mental conditioning is the most important factor determining the outcome of any crisis; therefore; we strive to instill the proper “MINDSET” in our clients. That being the mindset of a true warrior. The mindset that gives us the confidence to know that, no matter what situation we run into; “We are going home at the end of the day!

Some more sage words from their site, this time borrowed from another:

“A fear of weapons is a sign of retarded sexual and emotional maturity.” -Sigmund Freud

It should go without saying that I came in with the mindset of a warrior, as my ipod was blaring 13 straight hours of power metal on the way down from Michigan. It was Jessica and Mike, however, that made sure I made it home at the end of the day. They were kind enough to step up and constantly remind me where to place my thumbs and how to find the safeties. With my sexual and emotional maturity in place, we drove back into town for BBQ and college football.

All kidding aside, much thanks to Jessica and Mike for a wonderful weekend, and for reminding me to get out from behind my laptop every once in a while. Special thanks to Shelby and Toni for making my family feel so welcome in every regard. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better holiday. After the drive back tomorrow, I’m hoping to see several of you on Monday before I continue to the city.

Video of me in Limestone, Tennessee below:

 

 
Pictures:

Let the following e-mail be a lesson to you, my friends. 30 seconds of Lionel Richie set to a clip of you and your pet bear in Warcraft does not constitute Fair Use. I was going to hot-link to a picture of Lionel from his website, but the tricky bastard has all his content in flash.

I would really like to go to this:
http://www.bsiweekend.com/

Anyone else?

So this is the kind of stuff that happens a block away from me at Congress? Good Lord.

I won’t ruin it for you, but you really, really need to turn up your speakers and burn the rope.

http://www.mazapan.se/games/BurnTheRope.php

I can’t sleep, so I am going to subject you to what insomniacs find on youtube:


Michael Bolton

Eric Adams (Manowar)

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This is a tough call. I’m going to have to go with Eric Adams, I think… if only because he is performing in front of a massive crowd in Milan, Italy. I also love the extra “yeeeeeaaaaaaah!” that he can’t help but add at the end. That, my friends, is Metal.