10 Nonsensical Ways to Relax This Summer July 16, 2009
Posted by civ4freak in 1.add a comment
No need to ask why I’m writing this. If you did, I’d probably just tell you because I felt like it. Now, pay close attention.
Read each of the following closely…find time out of your day for each of these ten tips and you will become a happy middle-class straight white boy like me.
Tip #1: Spend a Day With Joe Walsh
Trust me, if you ever have the opportunity to do so, DO SO. This may be not only the funniest man I have ever watched on YouTube, or listened to (Eagles), but a perfect role model for the human race. If everybody was like Joe Walsh, we would understand that we can be happy…even though we serve no meaningful purpose in life. He also seems to associate with Ozzy Osbourne sometimes, another wacky example of a modern day rock star (not exactly a role model though).
(pretty much sums up joe…notice how HE makes the papparazi feel uncomfortable)
Perhaps a day with Ozzy would float your boat…
Tip #2: Watch a Sunset
Particularly on a partly cloudy day. A brilliant sunset that slices through heavenly clouds makes for a very calming atmosphere. I even have a little playlist of a few rare gems that I play only when I witness a decent sundown. Take a few pictures too while you’re at it. You can find a fairly large collection of my sunsets at www.flickr.com/photos/hq or at http://cazador24.deviantart.com/
Tip #3: Wash a Car
While listening to “Life’s Been Good” (Joe Walsh) on infinite repeat mode. This means listening to this incredibly goofy 8-min song fifteen plus times. The majority of people will eventually go crazy and smash the stereo, or will simply enjoy it. 
Like me!
Tip #4: Mix a Drink
You get the idea.
Tip #5: Camping
I recently did this for a few days with some friends. In particular, the true experience was attained after spending 12 hours alone on the camp site with nobody but Joe Walsh and I. As it turns out, there are all kinds of things one can do without modern technology. During that time period I went worm hunting, fishing, built some fires, made foil burgers, visited “the neighbors”, etc. Some people, however, don’t neccesarily enjoy camping – either because it’s a burden or they hate nature…what the hell’s the matter with you…
Tip #6: Video Games
Someone please explain this...
I am definately going to avoid recommending WOW, Civ4, or Halo. These are fine if played in regular doses, but WOW and Civ4 are just too addictive, and Halo can really get rowdy. Just come play it with me sometime on Beaver Creek…I HATE BEAVER CREEK. Super-insane-retarted map. Anywhoo, stuff like Roller Coaster Tycoon always suffices for me. Any kind of game that acts as a depressant should do.
Tip #7: Go Sailing
To be honest, the only sailing I ever did was on a small three-person Butterly boat with my sister. I assume actual sailing requires a vessel and crew on the deep blue sea. Regardless, this activity reached my top ten last summer after we flipped it about two times. Hopefully one day I’ll sail on a windy evening as the sun sets right behind the dunes. That would be nice.
Tip #8: Read a Book
This is a given. I can’t imagine not reading something every summer. Tradition. However, I read a variety of things compared to other people. The majority of it being political science books, which aren’t very relaxing. Neither are thrillers by Dean Koontz and Michael Crichton. As of the current moment I’m reading Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War”. I highly recommend it.
Tip #9: Scooter Night Ride
Particularly around 12 AM. I suppose I forgot the childhood exhiliration of flying through the dark down hill, or around the neighboorhood in general. However, I did this recently with a friend of mine, and believe it deserves a spot in the top ten. Not exactly relaxing though. At the time I didn’t bring shoes, so I pushed myself around barefoot…rather painful experience. Regardless, it was still a lot of fun. Try jousting with scooters after you get the hang of it…maybe even with powered ones too.
Tip #10: Go to the Movies
Lots of good stuff out there this summer. Overall, I’ve been going to the movies a lot more often than I thought I ever would be. See if you can buy one of those special membership cards, probably would be worth it.
At Day’s End August 1, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in 1.1 comment so far
And so, the day has finally come.
31 posts, everyday. Can’t say I didn’t stick to my pledge. Today’s August 1st, and I’ll be leaving soon in the next 12 hours. Its been a lot of fun up here, and I’ve learned a lot. Though, I don’t think I’ll be missing Chicago.
I’ve had enough vacation. Time to be going home.
If you do stumble upon this ancient blog, feel free to take a gander back at some of the older stuff. Lots of memories and things to learn.
Anywhoo, enjoyed it all.
This is Civ4Freak signing out.
Oh Mama Mia! July 31, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in 1, Ravin' Rants.Tags: food pasta italian
add a comment
You can't get this in Clinton County.
NO this post is NOT about that musical. I don’t talk about musicals. Instead, I’m simply refering to the phrase commonly associated with Italian food. Which relates to the Italian restaurant that I ate at this afternoon with my grandfather, and his brother.
Quite frankly, I’ve never been to a real Italian restaurant before. I’ve been to the ones that have English menus and serve ’spagetthi’ or however the hell you spell that. But this one was different. I had to ask the guy next to me to translate what everything meant. And so leads to my early conclusion, if you can’t read it, you’d better eat it. Because that was some GOOD Italian food.
The guy recommended something called “Iguana del Faggotora” (Probably not how you say it). And of course, I was like, “Faggot Tora?”. He nodded his head, thought nothing of it. Must’ve been a true Italian. Real Americans don’t wave ‘Faggot Tora’ on by. So when the waitress comes around, I say, “Yes, I’d like some of the Iguana del Faggot Tora”. She just smiles and nods, writes it down. As she leaves for the kitchen, I hear her shout to the back, “Guys, I’m gonna need some faggot.” The hidden male entity booms with laughter, that fades away with the sound of the restaurant ambience.
When the Faggot Tora finally came around, it brang me to a new restaurant rule: If the name has “…faggot…” in it, it’s gonna be good food. And it was. I now understand the semi-Italian obsession over food. Not only does it bring family and friends together for a wonderful sharing of memories, but exhibits a healthy mind and hungry stomach to a new eating expierence. As I continued scarfing down, the food turned into an endless pit; a somewhat decieving sense that I could eat this great food forever. And after finishing it all with some kind of pistachio delight, I’ve never felt more satisfied with food in my life.
So in the end, eat lots of Italian food, and you’ll end up looking like Joe on the right ——>
Statistics show Friendly Muggings on the Rise July 30, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in 1.add a comment
"Friendly" muggings are up 120% from 2007. The worsening economy may explain why collegues want your money.
Yes. The day has come. I am offically done with film school. Sing praise.
Now on to other things.
In today’s news, I got mugged. And I actually did. No joke. I was walking down the street with my uncle after a busy day on the Chicago Board of Trade floor, and I got mugged. More simply ‘pickpocketed majorly’. Before I knew it, some guy was trying to rip my dufflebag of my shoulder and get away with it. Of course, there was absolutley nothing valuable in there except my Matrix sunglasses, but I wasn’t gonna let that fly. In the few seconds I encoutered this man, the human brain works wonders. Instinctively I became angry, hence turning ardenaline into anger, and anger into energy. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw my uncle and his brother put up the fists. Then I took time to observe the attacker…which was a guy in a suite. A suite? That’s not right, what kind of retard is this?
And by the time I recognized the guy, my uncle was laughing and clapping his hands. Not to worry, I got mugged by his boss. All friendly play…but nevertheless I was shaken up a bit. I met him earlier today, and thought he was quite a character. Real funny guy, I’m not being sarcastic. But when he mugged me, eh, that all made sense. Thinking about it now, it’s actually quite fortunate nobody else on the sidewalk took action and whacked him one. Heck I almost did, and would’ve been bad.
And besides that experience, I almost lost my wallet. But, quick legs, and nothing to worry about.
Regarding yesterday’s post, I was busy. No lie. I had about an hour to type up a two page report on the film class satisfaction, and then my uncle and I went up to Northwestern University. I was impressed. Besides being on of the top Ten film schools in the country, the campus was beautiful, the students really friendly (and normal), and felt like a community within a community. I’m pretty sure I just found my dream school. And consequently enough it won’t be easy to get in. And that’s a challenge.
And I love challenges.
The Second Coming is Here! July 28, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in Ravin' Rants.add a comment
Cue the angelic chorus!
He has returned! As doth said in the Bible, (John 4:25)…”after thy Lord see thy movie Dark Knight, and gift Heath Ledger as his right hand, hence forth he will return in the most sleekly of ways!” And every knee shall bend at the sound of his name! Sing praise! Alleluia! Alleluia! Honey, get the camera quick! Jesus has returned on Rusty’s a**!
Okay, so although that sounds awful blasphemous, Jesus has not returned. More or less, images of Jesus appear everywhere anywhere any day. Just check out Zay N. Smith’s column in the Chicago Sun-Times called “QT”. Smith lists a Image-of-Jesus-Watch everday…and there appear to be a lot lately…coud that be a sign of the times? Hmm?
Anywhoo, something almost as good as Jesus’s second coming did occur. I arrived at film school, and the footage was processed perfectly! (NOW cue the angelic chorus) No severe overexposure or blackpoofs. Only one scene was overexposed for a while, and it’s kinda crucial. But I can fare without it. I’m just relieved! Now I can sit back for the next two days and continue fine-cutting the footage till it is presentable. Actually, I don’t even care if a scene is overexposed. At least I have something! Some other students weren’t so fortunate however. My apologizes to them. About three people had really bad problems that hindered them from making a movie. But yes. Today was a great day.
I also ran into another homeless person…or perhaps ‘helpless’ person. As I was sitting on the train about 20 minutes early, a casually dressed black man entered the train, and sat down below me (there are two seating levels, fyi). He just patiently sat there, glancing at the paper in his hand, glancing up at me every few minutes. I just kept reading my paper. Then he stood up and began to talk to me. Only thing was, I couldn’t hear a word. He spoke perfect English, but he was incredibly faint, almost as if a little meek. I did lean closer but that didn’t do anything. The only thing I caught were the last two words of his story, “Travelling to my daughter’s place in Elburn, and I’m $1.20 short.” Aha! Another peddler, or is he? In those few wonderful seconds that the human mind can evaluate a million things, I figured this was just an unfortunate guy. He was well dressed, didn’t reek, shaven, and very polite. I assume an actual desperate peddler would’ve been yelling in a raspy ebonic voice.
Unfortunately I only had a dollar on me, but gave it to him. He thanked me, and then continued into the next choach…which made me suspicious. What if that guy actually was a peddler? Simply going around from train to train, taking advantage of his polite looks and manner to collect money for some kind of evil? Had he used his past beggings to shave himself, and dress decently to obtain even more money more eaisly? If so, I give the man credit. That’s not your usual bum-on-the-streets. This man had some wit apparently, and he deserved that dollar.
I’ll never know for sure, and I’ll never know if he did get to his daughter’s home. But kudos to the smart poor man…or normal guy.
The End of the World July 27, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in 1.add a comment
Today I was very dissapointed in this man.
Today couldn’t be a better day for it. Why not? I mean, not being selfish of anything, but I have nothing to do. NOTHING to do. Zilch. In fact I really wish Saturday could’ve just skipped straight to Monday, because on Sunday I have nothing to do…except worry about Monday. So why not just go to tommorow? Hmm?
I did forget one interesting tidbit of information about yesterday at Flashpoint. After the tour, I didn’t immediately go back to the station. Instead I was hoping to catch some Anti-Scientology protesters protesting at Millenium Park. And maybe take my picture with one of them, because according to the newspaper they’re pretty funny people dressed up in those Vendetta masks. But according to the Chicago Times, they were staging it from 11 AM – 4 PM. Guess what. I got there at 12:30 PM and NOBODY was there. Seriously! It’s like a kid not getting presents at Christmas, or almost having a snowday. Did they all got out for lunch or something? I don’t know. I was kinda ticked off…stupid scientology.
That or they were abducted by Xenu, who ressurected to correct the Church of Scientology and punish its antagonizers.
Who cares.
Dark Knight Worst Movie on Earth July 26, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in Ravin' Rants.3 comments
Now THIS is what I'm talking about!
HA! Got your attention.
I just thought that since everyone’s been saying that “The Dark Knight” was such a great movie, I might as well freshen things up from the same ol same ol cheery cheery. But no, it was great. Best true movie I’ve seen in a long time. I definately enjoyed how it didn’t feel like a superhero movie, but like a thriller classic, horror, yeah. (((What was up with Christian Bale and that growly Batman voice?))) If you haven’t seen it, go see it, it’ll be worth the $50.45 for the movie ticket. I in fact deprived myself of any liquids four hours before I went to see it, so I wouldn’t get up to pee in the middle of it. Of course, in the process, I dehydrated myself and after the movie I was like, “OOooo, oh, yeah, hey..hey, that…that was a gree..great great movie. Man, I’m like dizzy. I need water.” To my relatives it appeared that the power of The Dark Knight completely blew my mind and left me a mad man. I’m sure anybody like me went around the house after the movie smacking those lips and asking people why they were so serious.
I might have to pay a tribute to Heath during Homecoming Costume Day…even if the theme is Candyland.
And I’m STILL waiting for Jesus. I swore I saw him walk out of the theater, along with Elvis.
Among other things, I went on a tour to Flashpoint Academy today. I definately like it, but the only thing not goin’ for me is that it’s a two year school. Doh. Dad does not like the look of that. But it was a really cool system they had going, and I might considering going there after college or something.
Anywhoo, in the real adventure of the day, I was forced to encounter a homeless guy. Usually you just kinda walk by, keep looking forward, ignore ‘em. But with this economy, times are tough, and the peddlers are getting a little adventerous. In this unique situation, I was walking down after the tour, and was walking under one of those construction projects. The ones that go over the sidewalk, creating a tunnel for pedestrian traffic. Unfortunately I was alone, and ho-ditty-ditty-dum out comes this ho-bo…right in the middle of the sidewalk…staring at me. Yeah, not so easy to walk this buy. And so he starts talking to me, and I’m like, “What? Sorry can’t hear you. I’m deaf in this ear.” That doesn’t work, and so I stop and listen to him. He then asks me for money to buy food. Note all this while I’m wearing my Matrix shades…so that may have had an effect…doubt it. But anywhoo, I’m like, “Now listen closely, I am a Christian-” ” OH thanks yous sir! Thanks you! Ged Bless you, ged bless you.” aaaand out of my wallet comes the solitary one dollar bill. “And here you go. Now listen closely sir, I don’t want this going towards any of that crack, pot, or drugs. That’s going to feed you, and it better.” But instead of complying he goes a step further, “Ohh ohh but siir, cans you go in there [Subway] and buuys me something.” “You want me to go in there and buy you something…” “Yessir, ged bless.”
At that point I realize: Homeless people are lazy.
“Why don’t YOU just go in and buy it?” “Becuase sirr I neeed you to Go in and buy some food.” What? Why? Is this some kind of setup? Am I gonna walk in there and get kidnapped by the Indian Mafia running Subway and sold into slavery? While this bum profits from my million dollar body? Hell no. I threw my hands up, and walked away. Can’t help ya there. In a sense, my movie for Columbia was about this conflict…the problem of bums not having any dignity to work. Everyone has a talent, there is no exception. Now if you’re a homeless person, advertise that talent. Work for your money, and it will be given to you. That’s why I admire the bucket drummers over the sleazy beggers. They at least have something to give to the community, music.
Of course this crucial message won’t be delievered because my film got screwed. But that’s life.
Can’t wait to get out of here.
The Blind Leading the Blind July 25, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in 1.1 comment so far
Who do you think is the odd man out?
Whoope! I did it! Today was the most perfect breakfast on earth. If my camera wasn’t jammed I would’ve taken a picture of it, it was that good looking, and tasty. Pancakes, bacon, and coffee after a nice mile run. What a great way to start off my day. And then I get to go see the Dark Knight! Which has brought about Jesus’s second coming to earth! 
And hopefully Jesus will come, after the movie first. I was emailed this very very interesting video about the Media Savior, Barack Obama. For those of you back home obsessing over The Next Leader of Change, please watch this, and learn something.
http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/video.aspx?RsrcID=2036
Perhaps the biggest eye-opener I’ve ever seen on the Internet. And why can’t you find this on YouTube? Very simple. YouTube is dominated by the leftist media culture that has infected your television. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m no McCain supporter (dubbed McSame or McWorse), or Bush supporter. I am a faithful conservative, and this nation is slipping down to the abyss. In a time were the war is ‘lost’, the economy is in recession, leadership is shattered, and everything looking so negative, a man that can promise change is very very appealing…almost like Hitlers time.
Now whoah, Obama = Hitler, hell no. More like Obama is already president, and he is. By some miracle the true Americans who aren’t slumbering in the cities will speak their minds. Simon & Garfunkel once hit the nail on the head with thier song “Mrs. Robinson” with the lyrics,
“Sitting on a sofa on a Sunday afternoon.
Going to the candidate’s debate.
Laugh about it, shout about it
When you’ve got to choose
Every way you look at this you lose.”
I completely agree. If I could vote, Mickey Mouse would be my write-in. Or Adam West…or better yet Chuck Norris.
All I simply ask is for everyone to take a step back. We don’t want the Republican-Corruption-Machine running this country, but do you want the Church of Obama running your lives? Isn’t there somebody else? A true leader?
No. That leader doesn’t exist. Our world has come down to such a point of humiliation and cowardliness, it’s like the blind leading the blind.
I became a Bachelor and you can too July 24, 2008
Posted by civ4freak in 1.add a comment
Sorry ladies, I only have one to go around...so who's it gonna be?
Today marked another milestone along the long road of a bachelor’s life. Sooner or later, a clueless guy has to learn how to live on his own…properly. Many of us are already capable…they just don’t meet the women’s standards…which are way too high.
Today’s adventure, however, involved cooking once more. After mastering bacon, I’ve moved to pancakes. OK, so yeah, I know pancakes are like REALLY easy to make, and I’ve made crepes before by myself. So I was thinking, what’s so hard about making pancakes? After about three attempts this morning I was forced to surrender to toast and bacon. Why? My pancake batter was just not working out on the pan. It would sit there and evaporate, bubbling to black. Kind of ticked me off, becuase I’m like, “WHat the HeLL am I doiNG WROnG!!!?”.
Two words: read directions. I thought it was odd that the batter was liquid, and it turns out that’s the problem. 1 cup of mix does NOT go with 1 1/2 cups of water. I mismatched the directions for making 18 pancakes with the one for only 4. In the end, I ate some squishy pancake balls…not too tasty. Learning to cook indepently is a great thing however. My uncle once said, the way to a woman’s heart, is through her stomach…not to be taken to extremes, but this holds true.
But besides that, my day has gone smoothly. At the moment I’m dissecting my video camera files for a new movie. Something to get my mind off the day. Have a good day though.
