So, what's the deal with the site now?

 Just to name a few things:

- I've gotten back into gaming, and found some really neat RPGs that I want to talk about and make stuff for and so on. I had a whole other blog for that, but in retrospect that made very little sense. Most importantly, I am running my first attempt at a play-by-post game, which I may post some stuff about here.

- I am restarting my comics reading, as well as FINALLY diving into the six (!) pullboxes I won oh so long ago. I know there is some weird stuff in there.

- I am also trying to learn how to draw, so that I can envision my own ideas without having to take other people's work. I'm not jumping on deviantArt or anything, but you may see some pieces here or there.

- I am getting my action figure collection back to pre-robbery levels (check the archives for that story). I finally got a lot of the ones I missed while I was broke and miserable, and my Stikfas collection is growing strong. You will see some of them shortly.

Basically, I am digging deep for material here,  and hopefully I will have at least one or two interesting things on this blog.

I will still do the reviews and the celeb posts, seeing as how they are the only real viewbait I have right now. And I will be doing more updates and personal entries, if for nothing else than to get me in the habit of posting more often. I see no reason not to be upfront about it.

Well, that is all for now. I believe I have some RPG stuff in the pipe right now, and maybe a review or two. Really cool stuff. Can't wait for you to see it. But for now, gotta get back to work.

Later.

Break's over!

 

Hello again!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know. I made this big, emotional stink about "taking a break" from this site.

And yeah, I did stay away for...how long again?


OVER A YEAR?!?!?! How did I not go more insane?

Point is, at the time I wrote that, I wasn't in a good place. And I am trying to be more honest with myself and others when it comes to my feelings. So I stopped away, just recuperating and working through the stress and feelings that had walloped me so hard. Now, I am in a much better place, physically and mentally, and I have the desire to write again.

As you can see, I have been fiddling with the site layout and color scheme, trying to find something a bit more eye-catching and yet easy to read. I don't want to burn your eyes out of your head. At least, not yet. I do want feedback on that, if you would.

As for the whole "nobody's reading this" deal, I...was wrong. True, most of my hits come from people looking for that Layla El post I made a while back, or the Celeb Scandal posts (which I may want to consider resurrecting).  But I was mainly wrong in that being a bad thing. I have stuff I want to share, but I don't know how to do so. I have not been blogging long, and really, I don't know why I thought I would magically develop an audience without putting the work in. And let's be honest, this is hardly my best work. Sure, there are pieces I am proud of here, but that doesn't mean I don't think they could have been better.

Tl:dr; I am back. I am going to make a real go at it this time around, and I am not going to limit nor criticize myself too much. Even if nobody reads this, I will know it's here, for my own sake and, let's be honest, quite questionable mental health.

It is going to be a painful, difficult mess of a ride. Hope you are as excited as I am.

-V

Taking another break....

Hey, there, audience.

I'm just writing this to say that I'm going to let this site go quiet for a while. I know, I know, I've done it before without saying a word, why do so now, blah blah blah.

I am really doing this for me. Because to be quite honest, that's all it has ever been: me rambling to myself. I am the only constant here, so I need to tell myself I am not going to write anymore. I know it sounds weird, but you creative types out there know what I mean. There is nothing more devastating to a wannabe writer than a blank page. And that is all this has been. A repeated torture session of blank pages.

I really don't have any reason or motivation to continue. I can't make up my mind what I want this site to be. I can't  even decide how I want to write a freaking book review, for crap's sake. There isn't any real demand for my two cents, except that which I create for myself. And despite this, I still beat myself up for not doing anything, simply because I think I must. And I can't do that anymore.

I'm tired, guys. I'm tired of trying, of forcing myself to do something I get nothing out of. So I am consciously and willingly shutting off. No promises to update, no affirmations of "just write" or any of those stupid platitudes. No shame at seeing another empty page. 

I've got nothing interesting to say. About anything. And it's time I realized it.

Updates Ahoy!

So for those of you still keeping up with me and the blog, I am going to be trying some new things over the coming weeks. Hopefully I will not fall on my face with them.

One is an epic surprise that, once seen, a lot of you familiar with my past antics are gonna wonder why I didn't do it sooner.

So stay tuned!

Updates since last I wrote - January 2013

Wow, I was feeling such a pity party in that last post, I forgot to actually wirte about stuff that matters.

- Like I said, I am signed up for Cannonball Read 5: The Quest for More Stress. Once again, I am semi-cheating by rereading the books I didn't write reveiws for last time, to cut down on reading time and see if there was stuff I missed. Then agian, apprently they are taking graphic novels now, so there may be hope.

- Got a new job, that so far is pretty great. Work is interesting, pays good, and the folks are nice. Kinda wish I could work somewhere without interoffice drama, but I suppose that is a fantasy. Gotta say, it is nice having my own health insurance now. I feel almost grown up!

- Speaking of which, turned 30 this past December. When you fail to die before you get old, what happens?

- Got another car, worked for a while. I actually got to drive it for a longer period of time than it has been in the shop, which is a big step up from my previous vehicle. And it looks like the proble now may not break my wallet! So, huzzahs all around for that!

- I have been going out socially more, thoug no dates as of yet. I have discovered my mutant power is somehow only being attracted to women already in relationships. Either that or my taste in women is so good they are already taken. Let's go with the latter.

Huh, better get back to work. But I'll be back later with my first CBR5 review. I do hope you'll enjoy it.

State of the Blog Address - January 2013

When am I going to freaking learn?

*sigh*

Yep. Doing it again. Signed up for yet another Cannonball Read, I resolved to actually start writing more on the blog, so on and so forth.

I don't know. People make a big stink about getting your stuff out there. But it really isn't easy, is it? You hear the same old tune "You've got something to say, then say it!" But reality doesn't work that way.

We don't simply say stuff to say it. We say stuff you hear someone say something back. We don't want monologue. We want conversation., We want reaction. I want reaction.

I want people to agree, disagree, support, challenge, blantantly rip off, acknowledge, disregard, question, answer, and basically take every word I put here and take out all their love anf rustrations on them. I want feedback. I want...something.

But I'm not going to get it. Face it, this blog could disappear as I'm typing this, and nobody would care. Hell it has been inert for a year and nobody cared. Not even me.

But I do come back. Again and again, for something I know isn't there. Just to hear my own voice, read my own words. Marvel at it. The utter pointlessness of it.

I shouldn't let the silence get to me. i should keep writing regardless of the lack of comments or links or attention. That's what the old wisdom says. But I can't. It defeats the whole purpose of doing this. Pretending like it doesn't get to me is bullshit. It does. It always did. And it always will.

If someone does read this, and you manage to not be a spambot scanning to see what words you can link to  whatever weirdly specific dating site you are working for, thanks. Thanks for reading. For considering. For engaging me for the little time it took. I do appreicaite it.

Closing out.

By the way, here are the books I managed to finish for CBR3.

Prometheus Deception (already posted text)
Unseen Academicals (posted, then deleted video)
Heroics For Beginners (the video I was working on)
Star Wars: Shatterpoint
Corsair (Forgotten Realms novel)
Avenger (sequel to Corsair)
First Lord's Fury
Thud!
Revenge of the Cold Machines (a GITS: Stand alone Complex novel)
White Maze (a GITS: Stand alone Complex novel)
Stick to Drawing Comics, Monkey Brain!

Books I planned to read:

Thief of Time
Star Wars The Force Unleashed novelization
Star Wars The Force Unleashed II novelization
In His Majesty's Service (collected Temeraire novels)
Black Gun, Silver Star
Neverwhere
Kingdom Come novelization
Operation Chaos re-read
Dilbert Future re-read
Fool Moon
Reaper Man

Good night.

The finale.

Some time ago, I got into a discussion with some members of my family about my taste in movies. Specifically, my dislike of films such as Transformers 2 and the oeuvre of Tyler Perry. Somebody asked if the reason such films infuriate me is because I feel that I can do better. That such drek pisses me off because I see it as a waste. At the time, I honestly thought that was the case. I really did believe that I COULD make a better movie than them.

This last month or so, I have realized that this was wrong. I hate those films, yes, but not because I think I can do better. I KNOW I can't do better. I can't even attempt to do better.

I recently attempted to try and add some much need flourish to my stagnant blog here. I was brimming with ideas. I was going to do video! I was going to do funny lists! I was going to do reviews and sketches and all kinds of crazy stuff and make the most of this little corner of cyberspace. Cannonball Read 3 was supposed to be the catalyst for this new change. I was going to do more than a tossed together text review like I did before. I was going to engage and shit.

But when it came down to it, I couldn't do it. My first review was a textual mess, my second a rushed video that I deleted off the site. I promised myself I was going to do better with the next one. I wrote a script, had it proofread and everything. Had my camera ready to go. But I couldn't do it.

I got a email form a casting director from my flirtation with reality TV. They were asking for submissions for a new show and everything. I was going to do that, too. Figured this would get me to be more comfortable talking about myself to other people, something I always struggled with. But I couldn't even get past answering the sample questions. I didn't even get past question 4. Out of 11.

And you want to know what freaks me out the most about doing this? It isn't criticism. I understand criticism. Like it or not, it has a point. Whether it is constructive or not, criticism shows that not only are people seeing your work, but they care enough about it to say something, even if it is "this sucks!".

Nope, it is silence. They are right when they say there is no such thing as bad publicity; even invective and bile is better than utter. FUCKING. SILENCE. When people don't care, when they honestly don't give a shit, they don't waste their time saying so. They simply ignore you. Take a look around here. Who comes to this site? Who is actually being entertained by this? By the looks of it, not a damn soul. The "top" post as far as views on this site came from a comment a wrote about a naked picture scandal. Whoopee.

Do you realize how hard it is to be creative? To put thought to paper, to film, to screen? To put something so infused with yourself out in public for people to criticize? It is ROUGH. I have always respected people who could do it, but now, I can't ever knock someone for doing it. They are indeed doing something I simply CANNOT do. Even the people who I think are terrible at it are capable of doing more than I ever will.

....

....

So yeah, I'm not doing this anymore. I just can't.

No videos. No blog posts. No commentaries. Nothing. It is simply not meant to be.

If you could do me a favor, the three or so of you actually reading this, if you catch me online complaining about something (a movie, a person, whatever) remind me of this, so I can shut up.

Because I can only complain if I can do better. And I can't.

My First YouTube Video: Southern Fried Bacon

Here is my first actual uploaded video EVARRRR. If you like it, i do plan on doing mroe vlog-style posts in the immediate future.

Southern Fried Bacon Day 1 from Claude Weaver on Vimeo.

Oh it makes me weep at how bad it is.

Still Kicking...

Sorry for the lack of updates. Been hit with a mind-numbing case of larygitis, with a stuffed nose chaser.

I barely have the dtrength to put this up. But hey, it is something.

Also, I am still putting my new computer through it's paces. So far, so good. I might even be able to run Dragon Age on this thing. If that happens, then this blog is a goner.

Harder Than Looks

Well, second day, second post.

Annnnnnddddd....nuthin'.

It doesn't help that my laptop (which has all my first drafts and such) is crapping out on me faster and faster. I have another one lined up in my sights, but I just don't have the money (and if the state government has any say, I won't have it anytime soon).

Arrrrgh.

Hopefully i can at least get the first of my CR# book reviews out this week. But I may end up having to revise my whole "post a day" goal, at least until I get a more reliable machine.

Damn. Damn it all.

So Finally, The Robbery Story

I know I promised this some time ago, but only recently have I found myself able to sit down and compose my thoughts. For those who I told before, there may be some things I didn't mention. For those who have no idea what this is about, well keep reading.

More than a month ago (on the 1st of October to be exact) I was home alone. My roommate was out at a late class, and my dad was next door at his residence. I was just getting off the phone with my mom telling her good night, when I heard a loud thump near the front of the house. Curious, I stood up and headed from my room towards the door.

The front door smashed in, sending the door jamb flying across the the sofa in the living room. Five or six men stormed inside, covered all in dark clothing and brandishing guns. They pushed me down on the floor and told me not to look up.

Needless to say, i did not feel like arguing.

They pulled everything from my pockets and began ransacking the house, stepping on my back to maneuver around. They wanted to know where the money was, since for some strange reason, somebody told them we were dope dealers. I denied it, and they did not believe me.

This went on for about an hour or so. They took all my cash and even the pile of change my roommate had on a side table. They then proceeded to break into my dad's place and repeat the same. They left just as my roommate got home. They also took my cell phone and all my keys.

You think that would be the end of it. Call the cops, do the report, get some things and stay overnight somewhere else. Well that is what I thought. Until I found out that they broke BACK IN after we boarded up the house and stole anything of value. Which is weird, because if it was the same guys, they would have still had my keys, and had no need to kick in the other, unboarded door.

Goodbye desktop.

Goodbye PS3 and Xbox 360.

Goodbye HD projector.

Goodbye cell

Goodbye horses....wait.

As noted by my roommate (who had his keyboard and guitars taken) the thieves made damn sure they didn't touch my books. I think text longer than a Smooth article acts like nigga garlic. And make no mistake, these were niggas (in the Boondocks sense of the word).

So now, all that I have left of my digital life is confined to my aging laptop and some burned discs of various utility. I am slowly rebuilding myself to the titan of technology you love and worship. But at least now you understand (at least some of) my online reclusiveness.

More to come soon....

Getting to Know The Crazy Man Talking To You Part 5

Once again, more TMI about me and my sick mental processes. By the way, I have mostly given up on editing out all of the sexual stuff, since it is quite obvious that I manage to draw the freaks regardless. Still, I am not nearly as twisted or perverted as it may seem. Unless it turns you on, in which case I am TOTALLY as perverted as it may seem.

1. If there was any one celeb that you would want to beat the snot out of who would it be?

Toss up between Nick Cannon and R. Kelly.

2. What is your favorite food?

Peanut Butter Oreos. I'm like Martian Manhunter in a way. Except without the power or being Martian.

3. Which is better Catholic Schoolgirl uniforms or cheerleading outfits?

Damn......it's so hard to choose.......both have short skirts for easy access.... I would have to say schoolgirl uniforms, especially with buttoned shirts. I like my women in clothes that can be dramatically ripped open, resulting in a cascade of buttons hitting the floor as her sexual battlecry.

OK, Vermmy, I'm a Nick Cannon mark. Suppose I don't let you wail on Mr. Cannon, and for the sake of the children (even though he makes damn good music), give you $1,000,000.00 to destroy R. Kelly. Don't ask me how, I'd need to do a lot of stuff I wouldn't be proud of. Do you take the deal?

Yes, I would, for three reasons: 1) All of R. Kelly's good music is already out. So that won't be a huge loss. 2) I have managed to tolerate Cannon this long without a bullet in his head, I can go longer still. Plus, I can always go after him when you aren't looking. It will be a freebie. 3) Coming up with anecdotes about how you managed to raise a million dollars so quickly would be a very nice bonus.

1. What did you think of Miriam from that television show?

I have no idea what you are talking about. Got to give a name for the show, anything better that just that.

2. Why would you make a good husband?

I'm kind, compassionate, loyal, my mother already made sure any pigheaded tendencies were beaten out of me, I listen, and I not only don't mind, but I ENCOURAGE my wife to explore other women as long as I get to watch every once in a while.

3. You have been falsely accused of a crime. Describe your reaction.

My mind races as I try to figure out how the hell I could be accused of a crime. Then I start humming 'Bohemian Rhapsody' while trying to recall everything I learned from Law & Order.

4. If you were down to your last $5, what would you do with it?

I try to make it home, and stay there until I can get some money from my folks. You are really digging for these questions, aren't you?

5. Choose: a relationship with an extremely hot girl that never does an ounce of work except in the bedroom, or a relationship with a girl who is pretty, but not overly so, average in bed and contributes equally in the relationship.

For what? One night stand: obviously the hot girl. Long-term relationship: the sorta-pretty girl. I can't afford a trophy wife for more than a night, so my options are limited.

6. A dominant or submissive girl: which turns your crank more?

Dominate girl, definitely. If she can find a submissive 'friend' to join her, even better.

7. Sydney or Melbourne?

Uh......Sydney? Edit: The guy asking these is Austrailian, and no, he hasn't told me why I am suppose to choose between the two.

8. Favourite meat that comes from pigs?

If necessary, sausage. But I really don't like pork.

9. What, if anything, would you like to do on your last day of life?

Have sex and/or kill people who I hate, dislike, loathe, mildly tolerate, and/or just feel like need to be removed. If I am gonna die, why should I continue to pretend I am an upstanding citizen with no murderous intent? Kids, that is what we call too much information.

10. Event in history you would have liked to be present at?

Joke answer: My coronation as Emperor of the World. Serious answer: No real choice really. I would miss electricity, internet, and/or indoor plumbing too much. If I had to choose right away, I would say the beginning of the universe, just so I can say I did. That's right, boo. I still have the hangup of actually wanting flushing and proper toliet paper in my time traveling.

11. Opinion of the Spartans?

Crazy bastards who inspired a kickass graphic novel and, hopefully, a kickass movie.

12. What is your favourite Roman numeral?

III. Because I am a "Third" (the third person with my name, after my father and grandfather).

13. Have I ever inspired you? If so, how?

No.

14. Have you ever heard Billy Joel's We Didn't Start The Fire? If so, what did you think?

Catchy, if a little confusing.

15. Worst Simpson episode ever?

The one with Michale Jackson singing for Lisa's birthday. That song is annoying as hell, and having him play a character so close to prepubescent kids is creepy.

16. Favourite character in Heroes?

Hiro for his powers and outlook; Claire for other more obvious reasons.

17. On a scale of one to ten, how pissed off would you be if you were getting a blowjob from any woman of your choice and in the middle of it, you lost all sensation?

Not much, when I think about it. Mostly because she will just have to keep going until it comes back.

18. What is your biggest regret of the past two days?

Not getting that Italian dressing when I still had my vehicle. Now I can't make my chicken Parmesan until my father gets back in town.

19. What music track do you find most beneficial for writing porn?

NERD - Tape You or silence. Edit: This has changed to whatever is on at the moment. i am remarkably versatile, plus I haven't really written anything in quite some time.

20. Are you sorry you asked for more questions?

No. I did the Hot Seat for the attention, and I need more. Plus I am bored, and I really only read this board and The Dish, and I want new posts, dammit! Come on people! Salma Hayek is freakin' pregnant and engaged! NOBODY has anything to say? Edit: only thing changed is that Salma gave birth and got married.

For the edification of those who wish to read them, here are the previous entries:

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

And if you want more soul baring (as well as some baring of a different part of my anatomy), drop me a line and ask a question!

Powered by Zoundry Raven

REALITY SHOW UPDATE!!!!!

Um, guess what?

3Ball Productions just called me a few minutes ago.

If you don't remember, 3Ball Productions are the folks behind, among other shows, Beauty and the Geek.

Well, they told me that they remember me from the casting call, and said that I almost made it. They wanted to know if I wanted to participate in the new season of another show.

That show? The Pickup Artist.

Let me answer your questions: yes, that one; yes, the one with Mystery; yes, the goofball in the big hats; and the prize is $50,000.

Much as been said about the show and its depiction of the contestants. And from the little I saw, I can't say I was a fanatic about the show. Still it is a TV show, I am still an attention whore, and that prize is quite a lot of money.

So folks, what do you think? I can kinda guess LitelySalted's answer, considering her reaction to the first season, but I could be wrong. Should I give it a shot, or should hold out for something else?

Damn...

I went to my Professional Communications class today. Last class of the day, ready to break out and do whatever we want for the weekend. Our teacher was running late. She was in the classroom down the hall with a man and a woman. I didn't make much of it then.

Cut to about twenty minutes later. The few of us that showed up decided to sign a roll sheet and cut out when she finally emerged from the meeting. She did not look mad, but she was obviously not her usual chipper self. She proceeded to tell us that the couple she was talking to was there about their son, who was in one of her other classes. In fact, he was in the class that met previous to mine.

I say "was" because the young man killed himself. I don't know anymore than that at this moment, and I didn't want to push for many details.

My teacher then expressed to us that as young black men, we had to realize that we were just as susceptible to these sorts of feelings as anyone else, and that we needed to express them.

According to my school's wellness center website (emphasis mine):

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the country and the 3rd leading cause of death for black males ages 15 to 24.

She told us that even if we couldn't talk to family or friends, out of fear or worry or what have you, we had to talk to somebody. She even offered to help as much as she could.

And while this was going on, all I could think was: that could be me. Still could

I have danced on the razor's edge far too often and definitely far too long. I don't know if I ever told you this, but I remember my first real suicide attempt in second grade. I had been put in time-out for not being attentive (didn't know about the ADD yet) and had to sit in this little room next to the classroom. It wasn't really a room; it was open to the entire area. It was a storage area for the arts and crafts and stuff, I think. And they had a couple of desks as well. But what I remember most was the window. A rectangular swing-open kind, if I recall right. Outside, there was this little ledge, followed by a straight 20-ft. drop to the concrete playground below. For some odd reason, I went o this window, pushed it open a bit, and stuck my head out. I fixated my attention on this little rock that was stuck on the ledge, and even planned to climb out and get it.

That was me, can't follow the lesson, but couldn't leave a rock out of place. I was a weird kid.

I got as close as sitting on the sill. And looked down. I wondered what it would feel like, falling that far. I knew it wouldn't last long. I thought about what would happen: would I feel it? Or would my brain be crushed before it could register it? What about feet first? Would I accordion like in the cartoons? What would be the big deal? Who would miss me?

Why shouldn't I?

Luckily (or for those of you more spiritually inclined, by the grace of G-d), I decided not to. I still have no idea why. Possibly because of my family, possibly because of my then-faith, possibly because I loved Chip 'N' Dale Rescue Rangers too much.

Told you I was a weird kid.

And it has been like that for over two decades now. Yo-yoing between life and death. And my brother's passing didn't help matters. Now instead of just curiosity, I had survivor's guilt as well. But that is a story for another time.

I definitely still have the thoughts. Hell, I even inquired as to what happens to student loan debts in case of the student's death (apparently they can be canceled). But nowadays, I have a few more reasons beyond cartoons, although they still count (if only my younger self discovered anime sooner). So I take it one day at a time, and whenever I feel those urges, I turn them into stories. Now if I could just write them down....

I seriously believe that if it wasn't for my family (well, certain relatives), and you guys (and this blog), that could have been me.

Thanks a lot.

P.S. I swear I will put some fun and happy thoughts up soon. It is definitely needed.

Coincidence, or Just plain Awesome?

I had to meet with several of my teachers in an effort to salvage the shipwreck that was this semester (thanks, Dad!). One of those teacher was Dr. Foster, the instructor of Masterpieces of Music.

So I went to his office, yadda yadda yadda, talked about my grades, yadda yadda yadda, talked about my stress and my eye inflammation dealie, yadda yadda yadda, was told I had several assignments that once completed would allow me to pass.

One of those assignments: I have to write a short story based on Beethoven's 5th Symphony. The "duh-duh-duh-DUNNNN" one. As in, I have to write it as if someone is reading it along with the music, and all the events in the story illustrate the feelings expressed in the piece.

I have about two more weeks before it is due, and I have a doozy of an idea for it. Hopefully I can hammer something out over the weekend to show you here on the Receptacle. It will be the first actual piece of fiction I have shown you all (except for those of you from CSSA, you are quite familiar with my fiction there). I can't wait! Squee!

Hello again...

Here is a tip for any budding bloggers: if you do purchase a next-generation video game system (thanks for the gift, Mom, even though you won't see this), leave it disconnected until you finish with your week's posts. Otherwise, you will spend all your time playing Stranglehold and Dead Rising, finally savoring the fun and mayhem that others have ben shoving in your face.

The worst part is that is will happen again when my student refund comes in. Hello, Mr. PS3, please do come in....

BATG Update: A casting producer contacted me directly. She was one of the folks I interviewed with here in Atlanta. She asked me to send in a home video posthaste. I have not heard back yet, but I am still quite positive.

In other news, I did another review for Pajiba. Go read it, and see if you can get the comments section higher than 30: The Perfect Holiday.

A Quarter Century Of Excellence

That is right, my loyal subjects. Today, December 7, 2007, your future lord and ruler has been on this planet for 25 of your Earth years. Funnily enough, I am the only person that makes Pearl Harbor jokes on this day. It is sad how much of our history is forgotten.

To help celebrate, here are some geeky birthday cakes. I really like the R2-D2 one. But the one above, which came from here, really took the cake (hah!).

Last year, I had a casino-themed party. Luckily for me, I didn't include actual money, because this girl I really am crushing on this friend of mine named Erin cleaned us out. This year, since most of my friends went home early, I will probably go to Dave & Buster's and waste a ton of money playing Mechwarrior in the Pods. It will be fun.

I also engaged in a little self-Googling (shut up), and discovered that besides being a movie critic, I am also a World War II fighter ace that got shot down in a hail of aerial gunfire. If you wish to find out more, just pop in my full name or my screen name into a search engine and wallow in my cyberglory. Or better yet, check me out on Technorati. And if certain folks would like to link to this post on their own quite popular sites, that would be appreciated as well.

So do what you will: leave birthday wishes, anecdotes, or if you wish to leave snide remarks, include an address where I can smite you with a doomsday device. I suppose I can part with one and still be feared.

I also accept sexy video dances, but only from the ladies. I am from the South, where we like them in all sizes, so don't be afraid to shake what yo mamma gave ya.

P.S. I want to copy IM messages and use them as filler like TK does! Come on, my info is on my page, and I am on Facebook! Hit a brotha up!

P.P.S. Blogger won't let me put more than one IM name up on the profile page. You can find me on MSN/Hotmail as ashramknight, and on Yahoo as tekkamanavalon.

Sorry for the lack of updates

I have this big interview with IBM in White Plains Monday. Preparing for that, combined with the Thanksgiving stuff and upcoming finals, has caused a bit of a drought in the Receptacle.

Don't worry, though. I have some doozies in the pipeline, like:

- More Hotties (such as Kristin Chenoweth, Sanaa Lathan, and more)
- Another "Redemption Of" post
- The introduction of Old School Theater
- Commentaries on The Boondocks and THC's Human Weapon
- Death Penalty Pleasures (just wait and see)
- More "Things I learned in college that I shouldn't have"

So stay tuned. I am getting a bit verkempt now. So talk amongst yourselves in the comment section. Here is your topic: The E! network is now only good for The Soup, spinoffs of The Soup, and shows to fuel The Soup. Discuss.

That Damn Fun Facts Thing

I am sure you are familiar with the "7 fun facts" gag that is spreading across my compatriots' blogs. Now that LitelySalted has done it on her ghost town of a blog, I guess I can't resist anymore. Here we go:

1) I have Attention Deficit Disorder, Inattentive Type. I cannot focus for too long, and only took meds for it once in middle school, before my mom freaked and took me off them. I have now slipped into an "either-or" kind of life. So I am creative as hell, but I can't finish a damn thing. Or I can find ways to complete or improve someone else's work, but I cannot come up with my own. I am weird. This little affliction leads into the next fact.

2) This is my eighth year of college. That is right. I came in Fall of 2000, and haven't gotten my degree yet. One way or another, I am not going to be in this school another year.

3) I think I may have what some call "love shyness." It is what Carell's character from 40YOV may have suffered from. It could be shortly described as an intense fear of relations with a target of affection, sexual or not. Which explains why I can be so dashing and bold behind a keyboard, sweet and lovely Alex The Odd.

4) I wrote a sex story for a girl in high school and got caught. She was crazy hot, and I wanted to impress her. She asked me to write it. I did. It was quite steamy and involved a couple of her friends, I admit. She got caught bragging about it to some other girls (at least, I hope she was bragging) and the teacher confiscated it. Luckily, I was cool with said teacher, so she gave me a warning and ripped it up. It was one of myriad ways I...

5) I scared the holy shit out the staff at my Christian private high school. Yep, said sex story was written at Green Pastures Christian School. I also wrote a supposedly "too violent" werewolf story (there was no overt violence, just blackouts followed by scenes of blood and gore), had a picture of an anime character on my folder (Tekkaman Blade) that was deemed Satanic, and unintentionally insulted a teacher (above 'cool' teacher, actually) by insinuating that her difficult assignments were due to her "time of the month." Oh, and my tendency to look longingly over the second story balcony of the gym, as if I wanted the quick way down. I freaked those God-lovers out good. Ironically, not only did I stay valedictorian after all that, but I was probably the most trusted kid there, especially since more of the other students were blatant crooks kicked out of public school and were too busy fingering each other in the stairwells to do anything useful.

6) I still write erotica, by the way. Celebrity and fictional character based erotica. Basically fanfiction with a lot more sex in it. Cheaper and more creative than actual porn. It is about the only publicly available work I have done, aside from this and my other blog gigs. Don't worry, it is quite tasteful, and I don't Mary Sue or anything. And no, I won't give you the link. At least, not here.

And now, if you are still reading and not calling the Feds on me, the last "fun fact" about me:

7) I am a Dog. On the Oriental Zodiac, sillies. I find it to be a bit more accurate than the Western versions. Check yours out here.

Bonus Fact: My birthday is Pearl Harbor Day, Dec. 7th. Just in case you wanted to know. You can get quite a few gift cards online these days. Just saying.