So after a long hiatus from a not-really-established-habit, I'm back again to share my top YouTube vids of the week.
And ::gasp:: it's only Monday... oh scratch that, very early Tuesday morning. So I'm (kinda) early!
This week the theme is all things ace programming - in other words, great British TV with the exception of the first video (although maybe there's some strange connection you could squeeze out of that one?? lol).
Alright, so first up is a video from LiveLavaLive/Mitchell Davis. I'm pretty sure I've put up a video from LiveLavaLive before, because I love almost all of them and would love to just watch like one per day. Because creativity pretty much follows Mitchell around like a lost puppy. In fact, I'm almost 90% sure that if creativity was a pet, Mitchell would own it. And he would feed it, love it and take good care of it. This video definitely shows not only creativity but craftmanship, because although most of us can tell right away how he did it you can't really pull the video apart. It's both simple and mindblowing at the same time.
I present to you... "_________" - LiveLavaLive
In other news...
A clip from a show that I LOVE LOVE LOVE - The IT Crowd. A show that ran 3 seasons on Britain's BBC4 from roughly 2006 to 2007. Supposedly they're working on a new season to be aired sometime in 2010. But alas, the only bits I'll probably get to see for a while are the ones people ferret to YouTube. Nonetheless, even after 7 views the clips are still funny. Here's an ace clip from the telly from the Football episode.
Probably one of the most impressive, yet random as anything videos you'll see this week: man dances crazy dance in 42 different countries. Yup.
A hilarious gameshow skit from an 1970's British comedy show called "The Two Ronnies."
It's quite possible that this leaping soccer ref is not in fact from the UK. So if someone knows more about club uniforms and the sort than i do... please forgive me.
How could we go through a quick skim of British TV comedy without looking at a clip from "The Mighty Boosh"? Arriving by first post - the post that hurts the most... here is some good juju.
Well, i hope you enjoy these clips as much as i do.
Laters.
Monday, November 2, 2009
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Someday My Sunshine
The most beautiful moment happened to me this week:
I was walking into the student center here on campus toting my bag of books, just going to check my mail between classes. Just as I was opening the double doors to the lobby this guy was just turning the corner about to go out the doors I was coming in. He was pretty tall, so I almost didn't look up at his face (usually I avoid prolonged eye contact with strangers and settle with a quick glance and a smile). I paused to make sure I wouldn't run into him or let the door slam on him, and for some reason I did look up at him as I smiled politely.
And the oddest thing - his eyes lit up like I've never seen a guy's eyes light up. He looked at me with this look that I can't even describe. It wasn't the your-forehead's-bleeding look or you've-"loser"-stamped-on-your-face. It was... fantastic.
After that whole dramatic "suspended in time" moment we were both on our way again. But as soon as I was carrying on through the lobby I started thinking about it. I think that was what it feels like to experience love at first sight.
Whenever I had thought about "love at first sight" before, I had been sort of a skeptic. A hopeful skeptic, but I just didn't really think an actual heart-warming moment could take place. How could someone fall in love with just one glance? That had to be just shallow physical attraction. Maybe these people who claim to have experienced it were just thinking of how the relationship began from a certain, measurable point. You couldn't possibly become connected to someone's soul in one blink of the eyes.
But no, I can tell you know that it does happen... somehow. Although, perhaps disappointingly, I'll tell you know that I have not seen that guy again. Immediately after he was gone I wished I would have smiled more brightly or even said hello. How did I miss that? Just to see what would've happened... It wouldn't have been a fake response - I just was so taken aback by his expression I forgot.
I'm pretty sure that I will still remember that moment for the rest of my life. Because at that moment everything I had thought about falling in love shifted. Chances are, he wasn't "the guy" - unless he turns up again later in my life maybe - but at least I know that my guy is still out there. And some day I will experience moments like that that will last a lifetime.
Love at first sight is true. And it's beautiful.
I was walking into the student center here on campus toting my bag of books, just going to check my mail between classes. Just as I was opening the double doors to the lobby this guy was just turning the corner about to go out the doors I was coming in. He was pretty tall, so I almost didn't look up at his face (usually I avoid prolonged eye contact with strangers and settle with a quick glance and a smile). I paused to make sure I wouldn't run into him or let the door slam on him, and for some reason I did look up at him as I smiled politely.
And the oddest thing - his eyes lit up like I've never seen a guy's eyes light up. He looked at me with this look that I can't even describe. It wasn't the your-forehead's-bleeding look or you've-"loser"-stamped-on-your-face. It was... fantastic.
After that whole dramatic "suspended in time" moment we were both on our way again. But as soon as I was carrying on through the lobby I started thinking about it. I think that was what it feels like to experience love at first sight.
Whenever I had thought about "love at first sight" before, I had been sort of a skeptic. A hopeful skeptic, but I just didn't really think an actual heart-warming moment could take place. How could someone fall in love with just one glance? That had to be just shallow physical attraction. Maybe these people who claim to have experienced it were just thinking of how the relationship began from a certain, measurable point. You couldn't possibly become connected to someone's soul in one blink of the eyes.
But no, I can tell you know that it does happen... somehow. Although, perhaps disappointingly, I'll tell you know that I have not seen that guy again. Immediately after he was gone I wished I would have smiled more brightly or even said hello. How did I miss that? Just to see what would've happened... It wouldn't have been a fake response - I just was so taken aback by his expression I forgot.
I'm pretty sure that I will still remember that moment for the rest of my life. Because at that moment everything I had thought about falling in love shifted. Chances are, he wasn't "the guy" - unless he turns up again later in my life maybe - but at least I know that my guy is still out there. And some day I will experience moments like that that will last a lifetime.
Love at first sight is true. And it's beautiful.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
How To Not Act Like A Total Freshman
I never thought this day would come - when I would at times find myself utterly disgusted by freshman quirks.
I thought that I would always appreciate the eager faces and wild approaches to new-found freedom. I would never be impatient with them, or roll my eyes at their stupid questions because innocence can be adorable. After all, I was a freshman once and I loved it.
But here I am, in my junior year, insisting that there is no reason to be obnoxious. Ever. lol
Now, please, don't click away yet! Hear me out; I understand that college takes time getting used to and even as an upperclassman I don't claim to have everything figured out.
But here are a few tips that I think are common collegiate courtesy:
1. Please don't ask if you can go to the bathroom. Don't even think about raising that hand. No one cares that you need to leave the classroom to use the facilities - not even the professor. Trust me.
We are all adults here and everyone understands that sometimes these things happen. But when you raise that hand - making the professor think you've been listening intently and now have a brilliant question - you're rudely interrupting any focus the class may have had, wasting time and calling attention to yourself. Sometimes knowing that you're headed to the loo creates uncomfortable pictures we'd all rather be without. We would all be so much less embarrassed if you would just quietly excuse yourself. Thank you.
2. Kindly refer to your syllabus. At the end of each class please refrain from asking about assignment due dates, test dates, assigned reading, required texts...
All of this information is typically found on the syllabus; it is your bread and butter for knowing what's going on in class. That is the reason why in college you receive the syllabi at the beginning of the course period (semester/quarter). Essentially you've already been given the answer to your question. If you need another copy of the syllabus, or none was given to you, after class is an appropriate time to ask about such things. If anything changes, the professor is generally courteous enough to let you know in advance.
3. Listen. If you actually pay attention to what the prof is saying - particularly when they are telling you about homework requirements or what will be covered in the next class period - they will tell you pretty much all the relevant information.
Never, ever pose a question using the same words that the prof just used to tell the class something. i.e. PROF A.: "The net income is reached by subtracting expenses from revenues from the period." BILLY: "So to reach net income, do we subtract the expenses?" You catch my drift.
4. Follow foot traffic. So you're getting ready to be a leader in your field of study, preparing to launch a career as a pacesetter. Please do not apply this mindset to the sidewalk.
In times of great foot traffic there is a definite flow. Despite what your mother said, sometimes blending in is the healthiest way to get by. Oddly enough, in America foot traffic tends to mirror transportation flow: if you're going forward, walk on the right side (unless the crowds around you are doing otherwise). You never know when you may literally run into a crabby linebacker in your bobbing and weaving attempts to get ahead of the pack. And this could be very bad news.
5. Not everything needs a cute new name. Whoa there space cowboy, no need to print the new maps just yet. It's still okay to call your parents your "parents."
Try not to fall into too much of this "rents," "rooms," "ofic," "stu" nonsense all at once. (Who even knows what all of those stand for?) You will be cool. I promise. Sometimes all of us are guilty of trying way too hard to start trends. I did it when I wore miniskirts over pants in high school (although that totally rocked! lol okay, maybe not).
Just try not to force the "isms" all at once - college is a whole new world with a whole new culture. But please stay true to yourself: if it feels weird to you to call the dessert bar in the cafeteria "Fat Bar," then don't. It doesn't matter how many upperclassmen are doing it - you'll be doing your own thing before you know it. And maybe you will think of it as "Fat Bar." I leave that to your discretion.
6. Under NO circumstances mock an upperclassman. That may have been the way to rise to the top in your high school, but in college you just look petty.
In general, upperclassmen are giving you the benefit of the doubt - even if it doesn't seem like it. Depending on which school you're going to, people will not be mean to you just because you're a freshman. So do your part to keep up the mutual respect. Because even if they are totally judging you, the worst way to get beyond that is to act like a total dweeb. Prove them wrong!
If upperclassmen have certain ritual that looks stupid, keep in mind that you are part of a new class. You don't have to do it and they will have graduated and be gone before you know it.
So uh, yeah. Just some things to consider... There are many more little scenarios and tips I could share, but this is a good start I think. And remember this is not just a disgruntled rant, I'd really like you to be better off and have a few less bitter glances thrown in your direction. lol
Good night and good luck!
I thought that I would always appreciate the eager faces and wild approaches to new-found freedom. I would never be impatient with them, or roll my eyes at their stupid questions because innocence can be adorable. After all, I was a freshman once and I loved it.
But here I am, in my junior year, insisting that there is no reason to be obnoxious. Ever. lol
Now, please, don't click away yet! Hear me out; I understand that college takes time getting used to and even as an upperclassman I don't claim to have everything figured out.
But here are a few tips that I think are common collegiate courtesy:
1. Please don't ask if you can go to the bathroom. Don't even think about raising that hand. No one cares that you need to leave the classroom to use the facilities - not even the professor. Trust me.
We are all adults here and everyone understands that sometimes these things happen. But when you raise that hand - making the professor think you've been listening intently and now have a brilliant question - you're rudely interrupting any focus the class may have had, wasting time and calling attention to yourself. Sometimes knowing that you're headed to the loo creates uncomfortable pictures we'd all rather be without. We would all be so much less embarrassed if you would just quietly excuse yourself. Thank you.
2. Kindly refer to your syllabus. At the end of each class please refrain from asking about assignment due dates, test dates, assigned reading, required texts...
All of this information is typically found on the syllabus; it is your bread and butter for knowing what's going on in class. That is the reason why in college you receive the syllabi at the beginning of the course period (semester/quarter). Essentially you've already been given the answer to your question. If you need another copy of the syllabus, or none was given to you, after class is an appropriate time to ask about such things. If anything changes, the professor is generally courteous enough to let you know in advance.
3. Listen. If you actually pay attention to what the prof is saying - particularly when they are telling you about homework requirements or what will be covered in the next class period - they will tell you pretty much all the relevant information.
Never, ever pose a question using the same words that the prof just used to tell the class something. i.e. PROF A.: "The net income is reached by subtracting expenses from revenues from the period." BILLY: "So to reach net income, do we subtract the expenses?" You catch my drift.
4. Follow foot traffic. So you're getting ready to be a leader in your field of study, preparing to launch a career as a pacesetter. Please do not apply this mindset to the sidewalk.
In times of great foot traffic there is a definite flow. Despite what your mother said, sometimes blending in is the healthiest way to get by. Oddly enough, in America foot traffic tends to mirror transportation flow: if you're going forward, walk on the right side (unless the crowds around you are doing otherwise). You never know when you may literally run into a crabby linebacker in your bobbing and weaving attempts to get ahead of the pack. And this could be very bad news.
5. Not everything needs a cute new name. Whoa there space cowboy, no need to print the new maps just yet. It's still okay to call your parents your "parents."
Try not to fall into too much of this "rents," "rooms," "ofic," "stu" nonsense all at once. (Who even knows what all of those stand for?) You will be cool. I promise. Sometimes all of us are guilty of trying way too hard to start trends. I did it when I wore miniskirts over pants in high school (although that totally rocked! lol okay, maybe not).
Just try not to force the "isms" all at once - college is a whole new world with a whole new culture. But please stay true to yourself: if it feels weird to you to call the dessert bar in the cafeteria "Fat Bar," then don't. It doesn't matter how many upperclassmen are doing it - you'll be doing your own thing before you know it. And maybe you will think of it as "Fat Bar." I leave that to your discretion.
6. Under NO circumstances mock an upperclassman. That may have been the way to rise to the top in your high school, but in college you just look petty.
In general, upperclassmen are giving you the benefit of the doubt - even if it doesn't seem like it. Depending on which school you're going to, people will not be mean to you just because you're a freshman. So do your part to keep up the mutual respect. Because even if they are totally judging you, the worst way to get beyond that is to act like a total dweeb. Prove them wrong!
If upperclassmen have certain ritual that looks stupid, keep in mind that you are part of a new class. You don't have to do it and they will have graduated and be gone before you know it.
So uh, yeah. Just some things to consider... There are many more little scenarios and tips I could share, but this is a good start I think. And remember this is not just a disgruntled rant, I'd really like you to be better off and have a few less bitter glances thrown in your direction. lol
Good night and good luck!
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
YouTubin' Tuesday
Yeah, I know... it's only technically Tuesday for another 48 minutes. But I've been meaning to start this tradition for several weeks now and have missed it. HA! Caught this Tuesday by the toe.
A little thing called Techno Kittens. It's not the most mind-blowing thing ever, but it made me laugh.
A sweet little interactive game of Barack, Paper, Scissors. This is the newest kind of video to hit YouTube where you actually guide the video to other section. It's like those choose-your-own-adventure books from 2nd grade. Only better.
::ahem::
Anyways... Here are a few videos I think you should watch.
First up, a very clever, very musical man named Billy Reid. He hails from Toronto and has been on Facebook since Dec. 2005. I have watched almost all of his videos and just can't get enough. With quirky melodies and endearing humor, he brings entertainment to events as mundane as "Sipping Smoothies While Your Grandpa's Snoozing." I left him a note saying that I think he would be great on the kids' show "Yo Gabba Gabba." He wrote me back saying, "Thanks - I would LOVE to work with Yo Gabba Gabba. - Billy" ::sigh:: Made my day... Now I just wish I worked for Yo Gabba Gabba so I could actually get him on there.
Without further ado, here's "Forest Ninja (I Love the Sasquatch)" from Very Tasteful/Billy Reid.
Other videos I recommend:
A little thing called Techno Kittens. It's not the most mind-blowing thing ever, but it made me laugh.
Best Laid Plans is a music video by We the Living. They're a band currently out of Cali and I think they have a nice mellow sound.
Happy Tubing!
Monday, April 20, 2009
Pretentiousnesstion
Wow. So it's been a while since I've written on here...
Mostly because my trusty Macbook decided to fail. (The hard drive crashed actually, so I was without a laptop - forced to sneak time on my roommate's and spend long hours in the public computer lab - until Easter weekend.)
So here I am... and I don't even know what to write about. Hum.
I could make a comment about church words though: I was looking at my old church's website - admittedly looking for something to criticize.
And sadly, I found something.
Hear this - a visual scrape on the chalkboard: their "order of service" is completely, nothing but -tion words. It's ridiculous.
Preparation...
Adoration...
Celebration...
Exhortation...
Application...
Dedication...
Benediction...
What, are they summoning King James or something? Sheesh... Poke me in the eye with a quill.
I'll admit it, this criticism comes from a heart blackened with bitterness. I mean, things happened about this time last year that I won't even get into right now... but I'll say they should never happen at church.
And this display of such obvious pretentiousness was just too much for me to pass by. It just exemplifies so way that particular church has become - a snooty society of self-righteous small town folks. Now, actually I kind of feel bad saying that because it's not entirely true - nor would I want it to be true (once upon a time they were my church family and many of them are still my wonderful friends). But it's how they come off, whether they're aware of it or not. And that is EXTREMELY dangerous for a church.
There is nothing worse than becoming a people who looks down on the world and reprimands it when they are really supposed to minister to it by their love.
If the church is not reaching OUT... hear me, church? OUT. Not just to your own kids, your own shut-ins, your own troubled teens. Though that's all well and good, it's not going to necessarily grow the Body.
As I read their list of -tion words, trying to understand why they would use all of them, I couldn't help but hear something other than blameless worship. What I heard was
shun. shun. shun. shun.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Meet Mr. Gobi
This is Mr. Gobi - a friend I made over dinner the other night.
His lopsided carroty smile and water chestnut eyes seemed kind to me,
but that mushroom nose looks a little brutish or maybe a little mischievous. And those sparse sprigs of green bean hair look pretty eccentric. Hmm... What do you think? Should we invite him into the study group?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Pentagon Lifts Photo Ban
A very interesting development for all mediakind: the Pentagon has lifted the ban restricting media from taking or publishing pictures of fallen soldiers' coffins (and i would assume that this carries into forms of video also). Apparently this policy was one of the first things Obama requested to have revised when he became president. The ban dates back to 1991 during George H. W. Bush's term as president. MSN writes, "Some critics contended the government was trying to hide the human cost of war."
That quote caught my eye because I was just talking with one of my friends over lunch the other day about this very idea of the hidden costs of war. In recent times we're so inundated by various forms of media that hyper-cover some things but downplay others. (We were discussing why reinstating the draft probably wouldn't work/ be received well.) My friend mentioned that she thought there is less popular support for war because of all the media coverage. But the strange thing is that the media has not given us the visuals since 1991. Are we really as familiar with the cost of war as we think we are?
The final decision either to publish photos of coffins or leave them private is left up to the families of the soldiers. So we may not even see this new policy make much of a difference in what we see in the papers (or online). Will seeing the "human cost of war" really change our perspective on foreign affairs? With the popularity of war being so low already, does it really matter (in terms of journalistic license)?
The MSN article is here.
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