I've been spurred to post by some asian girl. She's pretty cool, I guess. Read on, readers.
It's late November, and it's 60 degrees outside. Hot damn. And tonight, in the span of a few hours the weather will go from the mid-50's to the low-30's. Fun times. I suppose winter had to come sometime. I need some real Grand Rapids grey or I'll go crazy. They're predicting rain or snow for the next two weeks. Straight.
On a happier note, um, they've started to work on the roof of my condo building, so hopefully they will have it done when GR starts to thaw, and we can have barbeques and watch the sunset over the Amway Grand. I think that will, in a weird way, free up my spirit. Not having a balcony or a porch is very confining... I feel trapped. Yes, the deck is the key to my spiritual awakening.
Also, it seems my Doritos commercial was not too popular with you folks – of my 7 readers, only 1 left a comment (two of them!) and neither were about my superb acting skills. Em&Aud thought it was pretty stupid and asked me why I would act like that. Whatever, I had fun doing it, and I hope to get more gigs out of it. Thanks for your support, friends.
I'd like to have a party soon, but I'm so weird about my place – I don't want to have a party 'till everything's perfect, but perfect will never happen. It still looks like I just moved in, and I can't afford the furniture I want. That aside, it is my home, and it's mine and fuck it let's have a party. I can fit all of 10 people in there... nice and cozy.
Also if you're not in GR these days, and you'll be around for the holidays, make sure you get in touch with my ass. Cause my ass misses you.
Places to Visit
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
Monday, November 20, 2006
DORITOS!!!
Check out my commercial acting debut. It's goofy, and it's only on spec, but hey... it's something. It's getting entered into a competition along with a few others created by Motivity Pictures. The top five winners get $10,000 per commercial (so if they had two in the top five, it would be $20,000). The number one spot gets played at the SuperBowl. This isn't their best one, and it's unlikely this one will win, but hey, you never know. We also might shoot some more, try to stack the deck.
I need a new job.
I think I need to stop bitching, but oh well. I just found out that I have to work on Friday, unless I want to take a vacation day, but I don't have any of those left. Luckily Thursday is paid, but Marky Mark wants to take care of company shit on Friday. So I get thursday off, have work Friday. Mostly that's just annoying. But I'm still gonna party on Thursday night... who's with me?
But really, if I worked in retail, I would most definitely have to work... or in a restaurant, or a bar. Still frustrating – last year I had to work from the day after Xmas till New Year's, then back to work on the 2nd, and I only get five days paid vacation. And I just read HOW Magazine's annual salary survey, where I find that I make 10,000/year less than the average for a designer with 1-4 years experience.
But if I really cared, I would up and leave, right? Right? It feels like the excuse of "I'm getting a lot of experience" and "I just bought a place" are just that – excuses. Maybe it's time to grow a pair.
But I won't. You know it and I know it.
But really, if I worked in retail, I would most definitely have to work... or in a restaurant, or a bar. Still frustrating – last year I had to work from the day after Xmas till New Year's, then back to work on the 2nd, and I only get five days paid vacation. And I just read HOW Magazine's annual salary survey, where I find that I make 10,000/year less than the average for a designer with 1-4 years experience.
But if I really cared, I would up and leave, right? Right? It feels like the excuse of "I'm getting a lot of experience" and "I just bought a place" are just that – excuses. Maybe it's time to grow a pair.
But I won't. You know it and I know it.
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
I need to get out of here: North America Edition
Here are ten cities I'd like to live in, all within the United States/Canada. Pros and Cons based somewhat on actual experience and research, but more often I'm relying more on emotional impression and anectodotal evidence. In no particular order:
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Chicago
The first, in many ways most obvious choice. It's close, and it's Chicago.
PROS
It's close, and it's an easy move. My family lives there, Dean lives there (for now). It has a pretty good creative community, it's a pretty good design city. A major factor it has going for it is the excellent public transportation, and the fact that it is a city. I also like, again that it is only 3 hrs. from Grand Rapids, which has essentially become my home. It's also a Midwest city, which has a strange appeal for me. The coasts tend to be too pretentious or too wacky. Chicago seems so down to earth. They are also one of the best sports towns I know of.
CONS
First off, the weather is not much better than Grand Rapids. Less snow, more wind. And one of its pros is a con: it is a Midwest city. There's something about that that makes you feel trapped I think. And it being grounded makes is feel like it loses its edge. That's a purely emotional response to my time there.
-------------------------------------
New York
PROS
C'mon, it's New York. For the designer, it is a dream. I have some connections there, and I'm fascinated by the crazy social scene there. I would love to live in one of the developing Boroughs outside of Manhattan, or in Manhattan. It is to me the most like Tokyo, where you have a whole and complete world in one place. The hustle sounds exciting to me, as does the bustle. I tend to feel most comfortable in crowded places. It makes me feel safe for some reason.
CONS
I've heard that if you're not really a New Yorker, you're gonna get worn down. It's a harsh city, and I'm not really a harsh guy. I don't know if I could keep up. That's part of the reason living OUTSIDE of Manhattan appeals to me, although there is a stigma attached to Bridge & Tunnelers. It also, sadly, seems cliche. Everybody goes to New York, to live the dream, and I think I might be let down.
-------------------------------------
Boston
I've never been to Boston, though I really want to go. I don't love any of their sports teams either, but it has an appeal that I can't quite articulate.
PROS
Good Will Hunting made me want to live in Boston, as do a series of detective novels featuring a man names Spenser, written by Robert B. Parker. It seems to be so unusual, with a mix of rough, raw areas complimented by the unpredictable weather, coupled with the storied legacy of the universities. The problem is, I know nothing about the city, and I hate the Patriots.
CONS
WEATHER. I hear it's more unpredictable than good ol' GR, which scares me. I don't mind winter if it's somewhat predictable. As mentioned in PROS, I hate the Patriots. I also don't know anyone there, and as independent as self-assured as I believe myself to be, that scares the shit out of me.
-------------------------------------
Minneapolis
Right now Minneapolis is very appealing, mostly due to a conversation with Steve (my man crush) and his wife Mei Li. When they return from Japan, they're going to move to Minneapolis to work and study. Let's take a look.
PROS
Now I've never even been there (I plan on correcting that soon), but to me Minneapolis seems like an NPR town, which appeals to me very much. That's a broad generalization, brings up lots of questions about what an NPR town/person is, and it's probably not fair to the city. It also pigeonholes me. Whatever. It's cold, but there's lots of sun. There's universities, co-ops (I have a feeling I only like these in theory). It's the headquarters of Target, which will likely have no direct effect on me, but hey, I like Target. Also, it is a really great design city, sort of a hidden jewel, with a lot of top notch studios and agencies. ALso, Mark and Alli live there and I love them very much. And it's got the Midwest thing in its favor (I can't believe I'm saying that).
CONS
Talk about in the middle of nowhere. Not even a big lake like Michigan, no ocean... are there mountains there? And the cold. Sunny is great, but shouldn't a move from GR take me to warmer climes? I don't know.
-------------------------------------
Denver
I have never been there. I just want to live in Colorado. That's it.
PROS
Um, lots of snow but not too cold, cool people (?), and mountains.
CONS
Um, never been there, don't have a particular love of the Rockies or the Broncos... yeah I just want to snowboard.
-------------------------------------
San Francisco
My original dream city.
PROS
The city is just amazing, landscape-wise. It's not the best architecturally, but I love the hills, and the bay. And N. Cali weather is pretty ideal for me. Nice long, cool falls, mild winters, but still proximity to snow. The people seem like they'd be pretty good, and there's a good design community there, along with a great design school if I wanted to further my design education. I know very few people there, but i do have an affinity for Californians, and on some days count myself as one, so I think I'd fit in. Please hold gay comments, thank you.
CONS
Too liberal. Crazy to say that, but Pelosi is a crazy nut in my opinion. I'm not talking about the social liberals, I'm talking about the political liberals, the Bush demonizers, etc. They seem to me like the Left's answer to the so-called "Christian-Right." They are liberal for liberal's sake, with not much critical thought. That's one of the biggest drawbacks. Oh and Schwarzennaggeara;iefabot scares me.
-------------------------------------
Austin
Texas, anyone?
PROS
I've never been, but I've heard so many good things, so I'm intrigued. It is supposed to be quite liberal as compared to the rest of Texas. The music seen is stellar (South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and all the local music).
CONS
Um Texas. Also, Texas.
-------------------------------------
Portland
Always makes the list, but I dunno...
PROS
The Oregon coast is beautiful, and even though it's not right on the coast, it has that vibe to it. Good organic food, good people, good arts and music scene.
CONS
Same liberal problem as SanFran. People there would think I'm some neoconservative fundy for being moderate on anything. Also, granola.
-------------------------------------
Toronto
Oh Canada...
PROS
I would just love to live in the most diverse city in the world. And I've been there several times, and it's just great. The people are nice, the beer is plenty. Rob and Eva, my somewhat soulmates are there and that would help me a lot in my current state of what the fuck do I do-ness. It's also not TOO far from GR and Chi-town. My aunt lives in York, Aunt and Uncle and Cuz's live in Couburg. Oh and I wouldn't live in America.
CONS
I wouldn't live in America. Something about that troubles me. I've not gotten my fill of this country yet, I don't think. I spent so much time overseas, that I want to drink up the craziness that is America. I also my get annoyed at expensive beer and cigarettes, but that can happen anywhere.
-------------------------------------
Los Angeles
This is my original home. But I would only live in Pasadena.
PROS
LA. Dodgers. Santa Monica. Old Pasadena. Manhattan Beach. The Rose Bowl. The Mountains. In 'n' Out. This city smells like home. It is probably one of the few places where the smell of the city puts me at ease. There's also access to surfing, windsurfing, BABES, snowboarding, damn good asian food.
CONS
Smog, traffic, etc. I hate the sprawl, the lack of center. The smog gave me asthma as a kid, and that would suck. Also the weather might kill me with its lack of variety.
It's not a comprehensive pro and con comparison, but it's a start... soon I'll do a worldwide version and also beef up this list with easy-to-read bullet points or something. Your thought in the comments, please.
-------------------------------------
Chicago
The first, in many ways most obvious choice. It's close, and it's Chicago.
PROS
It's close, and it's an easy move. My family lives there, Dean lives there (for now). It has a pretty good creative community, it's a pretty good design city. A major factor it has going for it is the excellent public transportation, and the fact that it is a city. I also like, again that it is only 3 hrs. from Grand Rapids, which has essentially become my home. It's also a Midwest city, which has a strange appeal for me. The coasts tend to be too pretentious or too wacky. Chicago seems so down to earth. They are also one of the best sports towns I know of.
CONS
First off, the weather is not much better than Grand Rapids. Less snow, more wind. And one of its pros is a con: it is a Midwest city. There's something about that that makes you feel trapped I think. And it being grounded makes is feel like it loses its edge. That's a purely emotional response to my time there.
-------------------------------------
New York
PROS
C'mon, it's New York. For the designer, it is a dream. I have some connections there, and I'm fascinated by the crazy social scene there. I would love to live in one of the developing Boroughs outside of Manhattan, or in Manhattan. It is to me the most like Tokyo, where you have a whole and complete world in one place. The hustle sounds exciting to me, as does the bustle. I tend to feel most comfortable in crowded places. It makes me feel safe for some reason.
CONS
I've heard that if you're not really a New Yorker, you're gonna get worn down. It's a harsh city, and I'm not really a harsh guy. I don't know if I could keep up. That's part of the reason living OUTSIDE of Manhattan appeals to me, although there is a stigma attached to Bridge & Tunnelers. It also, sadly, seems cliche. Everybody goes to New York, to live the dream, and I think I might be let down.
-------------------------------------
Boston
I've never been to Boston, though I really want to go. I don't love any of their sports teams either, but it has an appeal that I can't quite articulate.
PROS
Good Will Hunting made me want to live in Boston, as do a series of detective novels featuring a man names Spenser, written by Robert B. Parker. It seems to be so unusual, with a mix of rough, raw areas complimented by the unpredictable weather, coupled with the storied legacy of the universities. The problem is, I know nothing about the city, and I hate the Patriots.
CONS
WEATHER. I hear it's more unpredictable than good ol' GR, which scares me. I don't mind winter if it's somewhat predictable. As mentioned in PROS, I hate the Patriots. I also don't know anyone there, and as independent as self-assured as I believe myself to be, that scares the shit out of me.
-------------------------------------
Minneapolis
Right now Minneapolis is very appealing, mostly due to a conversation with Steve (my man crush) and his wife Mei Li. When they return from Japan, they're going to move to Minneapolis to work and study. Let's take a look.
PROS
Now I've never even been there (I plan on correcting that soon), but to me Minneapolis seems like an NPR town, which appeals to me very much. That's a broad generalization, brings up lots of questions about what an NPR town/person is, and it's probably not fair to the city. It also pigeonholes me. Whatever. It's cold, but there's lots of sun. There's universities, co-ops (I have a feeling I only like these in theory). It's the headquarters of Target, which will likely have no direct effect on me, but hey, I like Target. Also, it is a really great design city, sort of a hidden jewel, with a lot of top notch studios and agencies. ALso, Mark and Alli live there and I love them very much. And it's got the Midwest thing in its favor (I can't believe I'm saying that).
CONS
Talk about in the middle of nowhere. Not even a big lake like Michigan, no ocean... are there mountains there? And the cold. Sunny is great, but shouldn't a move from GR take me to warmer climes? I don't know.
-------------------------------------
Denver
I have never been there. I just want to live in Colorado. That's it.
PROS
Um, lots of snow but not too cold, cool people (?), and mountains.
CONS
Um, never been there, don't have a particular love of the Rockies or the Broncos... yeah I just want to snowboard.
-------------------------------------
San Francisco
My original dream city.
PROS
The city is just amazing, landscape-wise. It's not the best architecturally, but I love the hills, and the bay. And N. Cali weather is pretty ideal for me. Nice long, cool falls, mild winters, but still proximity to snow. The people seem like they'd be pretty good, and there's a good design community there, along with a great design school if I wanted to further my design education. I know very few people there, but i do have an affinity for Californians, and on some days count myself as one, so I think I'd fit in. Please hold gay comments, thank you.
CONS
Too liberal. Crazy to say that, but Pelosi is a crazy nut in my opinion. I'm not talking about the social liberals, I'm talking about the political liberals, the Bush demonizers, etc. They seem to me like the Left's answer to the so-called "Christian-Right." They are liberal for liberal's sake, with not much critical thought. That's one of the biggest drawbacks. Oh and Schwarzennaggeara;iefabot scares me.
-------------------------------------
Austin
Texas, anyone?
PROS
I've never been, but I've heard so many good things, so I'm intrigued. It is supposed to be quite liberal as compared to the rest of Texas. The music seen is stellar (South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and all the local music).
CONS
Um Texas. Also, Texas.
-------------------------------------
Portland
Always makes the list, but I dunno...
PROS
The Oregon coast is beautiful, and even though it's not right on the coast, it has that vibe to it. Good organic food, good people, good arts and music scene.
CONS
Same liberal problem as SanFran. People there would think I'm some neoconservative fundy for being moderate on anything. Also, granola.
-------------------------------------
Toronto
Oh Canada...
PROS
I would just love to live in the most diverse city in the world. And I've been there several times, and it's just great. The people are nice, the beer is plenty. Rob and Eva, my somewhat soulmates are there and that would help me a lot in my current state of what the fuck do I do-ness. It's also not TOO far from GR and Chi-town. My aunt lives in York, Aunt and Uncle and Cuz's live in Couburg. Oh and I wouldn't live in America.
CONS
I wouldn't live in America. Something about that troubles me. I've not gotten my fill of this country yet, I don't think. I spent so much time overseas, that I want to drink up the craziness that is America. I also my get annoyed at expensive beer and cigarettes, but that can happen anywhere.
-------------------------------------
Los Angeles
This is my original home. But I would only live in Pasadena.
PROS
LA. Dodgers. Santa Monica. Old Pasadena. Manhattan Beach. The Rose Bowl. The Mountains. In 'n' Out. This city smells like home. It is probably one of the few places where the smell of the city puts me at ease. There's also access to surfing, windsurfing, BABES, snowboarding, damn good asian food.
CONS
Smog, traffic, etc. I hate the sprawl, the lack of center. The smog gave me asthma as a kid, and that would suck. Also the weather might kill me with its lack of variety.
It's not a comprehensive pro and con comparison, but it's a start... soon I'll do a worldwide version and also beef up this list with easy-to-read bullet points or something. Your thought in the comments, please.
Friday, November 10, 2006
Borat Slash Complete Idiots
The frat boys from the Borat movie are suing!
CNN
Also, I am watching Gone in Sixty Seconds and thinking it might be a masterpiece.
CNN
Also, I am watching Gone in Sixty Seconds and thinking it might be a masterpiece.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
BREAKING: Neighbor has bad taste in music.
So my neighbor, the one who's bedroom window is less that a foot from mine (at a right angle), shares a wall with my kitchen. Our windows are very close, and he enjoys loud sex, which I have, twice mostly by mistake (!) witnessed. Neither he or his beau whose legs he was adjusting like antennas are very attractive.
Worse than the public exhibition (coupled with of course my latent voyeurism) that has been visited upon me is his notorious taste in music. I came home today to hear none other than the great Jesse McCartney blasting through the wall. I have yet to venture to the window to see if he or hi lovah are jamming out, maybe even doing some air guitar. Hold on, lemme check.
BAAABY TAKE ME ON A JOOUURNEY SOMETHING SOMETHING SOOOMETHING....
Alas, he's not jamming out, but still... JESSE FUCKING McCARTNEY? Jeez. This is of course made worse when I remember that not only have I been woken up by the Goo Goo Dolls at 9AM on a very hungover saturday, but I ran into this chap and his roommate (who owns the place), in the hallway, WITH THEIR COLLARS POPPED ON THEIR PINK AND WHITE (respectively) POLOS, DRENCHED IN COLOGNE, WITH THREE SOMEWHAT ATTRACTIVE BUT REALLY ONLY IN THAT TRASHY HOOCHY WOW THAT'S A LOT OF MAKEUP WAY... ON THEIR WAY TO MCFADDEN'S ON A FRIDAY NIGHT.
"Dude, you wanna come with us?"
Now I know I'm going to McFadden's tomorrow evening, but really, I'm going IN THE EVENING WHEN IT'S NOT DRIPPING WITH THE SWEAT OF CHOCHES AND SKANKS.
No offense to anyone who works there, or even frequents that establishment – I'm sure there are wonderful people there... it's just, well, you know, it's kinda gross in there.
Also, he is very loud and large, but probably not where it counts. Maybe I'll stick my head in their window and ask his girl what she thinks.
HEY GUYS HAVING FUN??!?!?!
Worse than the public exhibition (coupled with of course my latent voyeurism) that has been visited upon me is his notorious taste in music. I came home today to hear none other than the great Jesse McCartney blasting through the wall. I have yet to venture to the window to see if he or hi lovah are jamming out, maybe even doing some air guitar. Hold on, lemme check.
BAAABY TAKE ME ON A JOOUURNEY SOMETHING SOMETHING SOOOMETHING....
Alas, he's not jamming out, but still... JESSE FUCKING McCARTNEY? Jeez. This is of course made worse when I remember that not only have I been woken up by the Goo Goo Dolls at 9AM on a very hungover saturday, but I ran into this chap and his roommate (who owns the place), in the hallway, WITH THEIR COLLARS POPPED ON THEIR PINK AND WHITE (respectively) POLOS, DRENCHED IN COLOGNE, WITH THREE SOMEWHAT ATTRACTIVE BUT REALLY ONLY IN THAT TRASHY HOOCHY WOW THAT'S A LOT OF MAKEUP WAY... ON THEIR WAY TO MCFADDEN'S ON A FRIDAY NIGHT.
"Dude, you wanna come with us?"
Now I know I'm going to McFadden's tomorrow evening, but really, I'm going IN THE EVENING WHEN IT'S NOT DRIPPING WITH THE SWEAT OF CHOCHES AND SKANKS.
No offense to anyone who works there, or even frequents that establishment – I'm sure there are wonderful people there... it's just, well, you know, it's kinda gross in there.
Also, he is very loud and large, but probably not where it counts. Maybe I'll stick my head in their window and ask his girl what she thinks.
HEY GUYS HAVING FUN??!?!?!
FUN AT MCFAGGO's
I'm really just practicing posting images, and also if you want to meet some weird, semi-annoying people, come on down. The drinks are cheap, but there is a speaker. Really, don't come unless you love advertising/design.
Grand Rapids Sculpture
This site has a comprehensive list of outdoor sculptures in the immediate and metro area of Grand Rapids. It's crazy, some of the things we see around the city and don't even notice are pieces of art (i.e. "Project X" at Belknap Park...)
sculupturesitesGR
sculupturesitesGR
Tuesday, November 07, 2006
Hello again.
Hi persons. I'm re-blogging my life, without the pathetic self-loathing. Check back often (of course that's only if I post often) for fun and faux-witty updates from my generally uneventful life.
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