The Allengator would like you to know that he really likes comments! He really, really likes comments!! He really, really, really, really, REALLY likes comments!!!!! So throw him a bone from time to time, eh? He doesn't want to take the next step if he has to.



OLD FEATURE!!!!

Mega Media Monday is your source for videos and entertainment every Monday of the week. I post videos that may or may not be loosely tied together in one theme. It is also where I will post my reviews of anime and other things on there, so if you want to see if a series might be up your alley, then look at it (Usually they will be under a Mega Meta Media Monday designation)

Here is a link so you can email me or visit my personal website.

View my stats.

Now go read the rest of my stuff, or else you will make the pandas cry, and you don't want that on your conscience, do you?

---

There was a story on the news about people camping out for Black Friday sales on Thursday afternoon. These people were camped out in Winnebagoes and just having the time of their lives camping out to save $5 on a video game. This made me think.

Who deserves a deal more, people decked out in a Winnebago, or a guy with a ratty-looking sleeping bag?

Rarely do Black Friday sales pique my interest. Sure, saving $100-200 on a television or a Blu-Ray player may justify camping out the night before, but for the little things like video games and appliances, I just can't seem to fathom why people would want to wait the night before just to save a few dollars on one item.

Yes, I get it, we are in a massive recession with people scrounging for money worse that it has been. I sympathize with that with my hours seeing cuts at work. Again, I'm not saying its wrong to want to save quite a bit of money on a big item, or lots of smaller items, but for that one thing...Winnebagoes are pushing it.

There was that one year I waited in line to get a Gamecube with Super Smash Bros. Melee for $30 off. I didn't have to show up until an hour before the sale started, and I was still in the first 30 in the crowd in line. The Gamecubes were all there in perfect order. I felt pity for those who camped out the night before for one of those.

Some people claim they go for the comraderie of meeting other people. People link tents together, share stories of past Black Friday sales, what they want from this sale, what they've done to prepare, and create a stockpile of Slim Jims and Coffee, both which are about 20 degrees thanks to the windchill, unless there is a barrel of fire to keep them warm. Sure, you could use space heaters, but those would burn the tents down. Don't forget wearing layers of clothes and hats. You know, take away the whole "sale" aspect, and it can be equated to a community of hobos. Except for the Winnebago people.

Some questions are raised. What if one has a bathroom emergency? Coffee can run through a person like that? What about gangs and thugs? How do we know if the person in line isn't there to steal your wallet or identity? What if someone has a heart attack? What if your cell phone doesn't get reception? These are things the people usually don't think of.

So in conclusion, Black Friday is just an event for sociopaths to get together, pretend to get along until the last copy of "10 Things I Hate About You" is there, then they let their true inner douchebag nature flow forth. My advice is just either look online for the same sale, or wait for Monday when the Cyberness starts. That is what I do. Instead of freezing my butt off, I wait in the cozy warmness of my electric blanket, maybe chat with a friend or possible future girlfriend, and make off with my loot. Makes me feel sorry for the poor souls who camp out.

....Seriously, if you have enough money to have a WINNEBAGO, do you REALLY need to save money that badly? All prospects lead to "No".

The Allengator

This is a holiday tale.

This holiday, I get the pleasure of being a cashier for the week, which is cool, but I have lost the ability to run away from creepy people. A couple of such guys came through my line today. After ringing up one guy's juice and milk, the next guy's vodka and longneck beer, then the first guy's beer and wine coolers. After I rung up their morally objectionable material, the second guy asked me a question:

"Do you have and Rawling paper".

Being the intelligent creature I am, I tilted my head to one side and asked him to repeat it.

As clear as day the guy said "Rawling paper". He didn't have much of an accent, so I thought for a minute.

"Have you tried the crafts department? We keep special paper there." I answered.

"Nah, it paper you rawl stuff in."

Now I was confused. Did he mean wrapping paper? Paper bags? Some sheets to lay down when you paint a room. A roll of paper? That's it! He was asking where we keep rolls of paper!

"Maybe in the office supplies section.."

"Nah, its probably with the cigarettes."

Then it hit me. He meant "Rolling paper" as in "I'm gonna smoke some weed and "medical marijuana" in these things."

For a sec I felt stupid, but only for a sec. I consider my innocence in such things to be the main factor in not knowing.

And not knowing is half the battle.

Come to think of it, I have no idea what this has to do with the holidays.....oh well!

Happy Thanksgiving everyone, and no, we do not sell rolling paper. Sorry to disappoint.

The Allengator

This week is kinda on the short side, but considering I gave you more than five videos last week, I feel that I am vested and that we all could use a short week.

Looking back on my previous Mega Media Monday entries, I realized that I never made a proper generic "Music Video" edition, so I plan on rectifying that fact right now. Enjoy these random picks.

( Yes, another stinkin' musical one.. )

That's it for this week's Mega Media Monday. Please, comments, (especially!!!) suggestions, and requests make the experience more fun and enriching for all. Please, I really do like those!!!

See you next Monday. Happy Watching!

The Allengator

Christmas, New Years, and even Halloween have some special songs for the time of year, but Thanksgiving seems to have been left out in the cold as far as musical selections go. After doing some deliberation, I noticed that there are certain songs and albums I only listen to this time of year, so I thought I would make them my new picks for a Thanksgiving playlist. So here it is.

Thanksgiving playlist

In no paticular order:

Golden Slumbers - The Beatles
I Will - The Beatles
Honey Pie - The Beatles
Two of Us - The Beatles
In My Life - The Beatles
When I'm Sixty-Four - The Beatles
Til' There Was You - The Beatles
Dear Hearts and Gentle People - Bob Crosby and the Bobcats
Moment in the Sun - Clem Snide
Desperado - The Eagles
Z Movie Saga - The Fratellis
Apple Scruffs - George Harrison
Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) - Green Day
Danny's Song - Loggins and Messina
Lazing on a Sunday Afternoon - Queen
'39 - Queen
The Prophet's Song - Queen
Good Company - Queen
At Least We Made it This Far - Relient K
Come Sail Away - Styx
Birdhouse in Your Soul - They Might Be Giants
Stalk of Wheat - They Might Be Giants
I'm Free - The Who
Henrietta's Wedding - The Muppets

There you have it. Know many of these songs? Think some need taken out? Does one or two need added desperately? Can you do a better playlist of Thanksgiving/Autumnal songs? Then post your lists below and share them with everyone!

The Allengator

You know, its really hard to blog when things are actually looking positive, overall. In all honesty my life isn't all that interesting if everything is alright. Truer word has never been spoken.

Actually, I feel like I might have a chance at a social life for once. Ever since that one Saturday, I've felt the need to go out and do stuff, not stay cooped up with the hums of my computer fan and a possible IM for company. Today I just felt like going out, getting my hair cut, and going to Brewers for a Butterfinger frappicinno. Well, the actual social interaction might be not as existant with strangers, but it feels good to be out and about. My bank account may be the result of me being less enthusiastic about it later, but I am savoring it at the moment.

My parents actually seem a little unsettled that I've been out more than usual lately. Usually they assume I am out escapading with someone of the opposite persuasion, which is about 85% of my outings have been lately but I hang out with guys too, though admittedly, I don't feel like dating any of them. The girls, absolutely.

A while back I mentioned that I think I am falling in love again, a feeling I thought would be foreign to me. It feels familliar. It feels kinda warm and fuzzy. The world seems less asinine and little things seem to bother me less. Sometimes, I want to jump and click my heels, even though I can't physically do that. I feel excited, like I did ages ago. The world of possibilities are opening up to me and for once I think I have a chance at being completely happy again. I hope it works out.

Well, I will have something special for you guys tomorrow, so look forward to it!

The Allengator

So its another Monday and that means another edition of Mega Media Monday. I'm sorta taking the week off, so I went through my playlist on Youtube and decided to do some flushing of the random videos on there. Oddly enough you can tell that they are leftovers from previous editions as you can see with the muppets and Homestar Runner cartoon. Also, I included a sweedish techno song being danced by random anime characters. Interested? Then get your butt in here!

( Yes, even this text is totally random... )

That is it for this week of Mega Media Monday. Please, requests are awesome and comments are even awesomer! So do so below or though other conventioal means. Hopefully I will see you here again next week. Different time, same channel! Until then, happy watching!

The Allengator

Is it a bad thing if I wanted Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 to not do well or even fail? I'm tired of fanboys who call themselves "gamers" praising games like this and causing them to sell record number of copies. Let's try a different genre of game, guys.

Completely unrelated note: I hope New Super Mario Bros. Wii does as well. Doubtful, but wishful thinking.

The Allengator

Things have been kinda nice this week for once. Now, I know I haven't had much to say and the angst level isn't cranked up the way it used to be, but I return to work tomorrow, so that'll probably change. That's not saying that my life is a walk in a rosy park, but the drama has been less abundant and I haven't felt like smacking people in the head as much. Don't worry, most people still disappoint me, but I haven't been acting like I'm in a blind rage. Again, expect that to change soon. Work and holidays....yay.

This will be the lamest Thanksgiving ever. By that I mean it totally isn't going to happen. Sure, we will have some turkey, but it won't be on Thanksgiving. For those of you who don't know Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year, definately in the top 3. Aside from being allowed to be a total glutton (a personal hobby of mine), I get to see my family, which really just comprises of my immediate family as well as my aunt and her husband. As of right now, speaking terms are non-existant between her and my mother and sister. My mom is irritated, but would probably look past it, but my sister goes on a tirade and foams at the mouth, so considering the friction...it isn't happening.

Thanksgiving has and always been a family/friend tradition, but my sister has to work that day. I was only scheduled during the morning, but I got asked if I could switch shifts with a lady at work so she could spend a Thanksgiving with her family, including her aged mother, and since it isn't happening at my house, I told her that I would gladly cover her. I also get a sweet 4 more hours out of the deal...on a holiday. I only work there for the pay anyhow.

I wish things were different, how corporations make people work on holidays, keeping them from their friends and families. It didn't use to be this bad even a decade ago. But now that my sister and I are growing up, having to work and be more adult, I guess sometimes you have to miss tradition once in a while. Don't get me wrong, we will still have a meal sometime, but it just isn't the same as waking up early to watch the parade, seeing the streets be empty, not watching football in the afternoon and catching a reprise of either "Miracle on 34th Street" or "Its a Wonderful Life". Nothing like watching a classic American film with the turkey kicking in and eating some pumpkin pie with cool whip while doing so. Its moments like that that I miss. Maybe when I find that perfect Monday-Friday 8-5 closed on major holidays office job I can enjoy it again as an older adult. *Cynical chuckle*

The other night I got to fulfill a fantasy that was towards the top of my list. I won't say what it was or what in entailed, but it was wonderful. I had this feeling you can only get from wanting something for a long time, and finally being able to make it a reality. It was the happiest I have been in a very long time. I felt nothing but this feeling of accomplishment, and I now remember, after all this time what true fulfillment feels like. Now I just need to cross off the other items on my list.

Happy is something I am also out of practice with. Sure, I can laugh and carry on as well as the next guy, but I'm talking happy on a deeper level. Yeah, maybe I'm not fanboying out (ok, so maybe I did a little dance) but it felt good, and it felt like it was something I finally deserved after all this time. I know that I can't pretend to be who I was years ago, but that doesn't mean I can do a little dance every once in a while. By the way, Final Fantasy "You killed an enemy" music started to play.

One thing I am not used to is making myself happy. Not saying that I am a tragedist or a martyr, but I like seeing other people happy, even if it means that I don't get much in the end. Looking back, it seems to be in my basic nature to want to make people feel better about themselves. That is why I suck at making myself happy. That's not to say that I don't know what's best for me, but I'm not used to it.

In my last entry I alluded to a situation I am in right now. Now with me being a single guy I'm sure you're used to me talking about girls and how I either pine or despise a lack thereof, but last entry, that was actually more truth than anything. I am conflicted between two very special people right now, but I really won't get into paticulars because I know both of them read this blog. Normally I would be more open and less secretive, but in this kind situation it is better for me to not say much. I never thought I would have two very lovely people willing to do something crazy with me called "having a relationship". No, I am not a pimp, and I don't make it a point to get in these kinds of situations. In fact, I am going to have to force myself to rectify it soon before it goes too long. Archie may be able to juggle 2-5 women, but I am not that way. I am dedicated to one person at a time. In the end, I hope they realize that no matter what happens, I care for both of them a lot. Yeah, I will have to cut out saying/doing some things, but nothing will change the deep friendship we have. I pray that I make the right choice, and that all of us will eventually end up extremely happy in the longrun, whether we date each other or not in the end.

So yeah, I'm starting to get reacquainted with my romantic side. I might be rusty, and maybe not well-polished, but give it time. I have been having some reactions to various talkings and doings that sometimes my chest hurts from my heart pounding so hard. I haven't felt that in years. Yeah, some uncomfortable, but for nostalgic factor alone it feels good. I was nervous just trying to talk with one of them. Its like I'm back in high school, only without the annoying rib jabbers....no wait, I take that back. You know who you are *glare*. In any case, maybe in the near future I will have reverted back to "I'm lucky to be dating so-and-so right now" and here is our latest exploit, or here is how much I love her. Hey, between that, work angst, and anywhere from mediocre to crazy wild on Mega Media Mondays, this blog may become a range of emotional goodness.

That is if something works out. Not that I am not confident, but as the saying goes: The future is uncertain. For once, I want to be happy and in love again. I will still think of others, but that old romantic in me felt his feet warm up and realizes the world isn't a massive mess of pain and anguish.

That's just work.

The Allengator

Sometimes I listen to a song, then listen to the words. This song I really didn't start listening to the words until recently, but I think it sums up how I feel about work and life in general...except those random parts. I think you can figure those out. Its another Fratellis song, so you can expect it to be catchy. Enjoy!

Once again I have essentially neglected my bloggingness on here. Oddly enough, this is my very open week as far as work is concerned. I find it odd that I blog more when I'm busy than when I am not. Maybe its a form of stress relief? Who the heck knows.

Despite not having much to do (i.e. not scheduled at work do to douche-like scheduling) I have had a full plate of things happen the past week. Actually, I kinda take that back. Everything happened on Saturday.

First off, I am the new maybe proud owner of an XBOX 360. SHOCKER!!!!! I know what you are asking. "Allengator, I thought you were a Nintendo fanboy!" Well, I still play my DS fairly often, but my Wii is starting to collect some dust. It may be cleaned off this Sunday (New Super Mario Bros. Wii FTW), but I don't see a lot of playtime in its future. Besides, I got an offer I couldn't refuse: a $100 giftcard with purchase of an Arcade system.

Admittedly, I am getting an XBOX mainly for the download games. They have all the Banjo-Kazooie games on there, plus a slew of others including an extended Portal game, Eets, Prince of Persia classic, and arcade classics. I wouldn't be playing very many disc games because most are either bloody FPS or Madden, and I am not a huge fan of either, even though I gained new appreciation of FPS over the past year. Maybe I'll get Modern Warfare 1?

Then I went to Springfield with my sister and two very good friends of mine, and by very good friends I totally mean possible candidates for carrying my future spawn. Anyways, I totally blew everyone away at minigolf, mainly becausw I was consistant with my suckiness. All of us got at least one hole-in-one, but I usually got bogeys or 2 over par. Its like my bowling score, where I am consistant with gutterballs. I wish I remembered to get my camera out of the car to take pics but I was caught up in the moment and forgot. I also hit three out of five balls at a batting cage. Yes, I am mediocre.

We went to Deal$, but they were closed by the time we got there, so we went to Wendy's where I got my usual bacon and cheese potato. They told me we could go wherever I wanted since it was my Saturday off. I didn't think of that until they mentioned it. This was my first Saturday off in onver a year, so I needed to savor it. I don't usually allow myself to have company with people all that often, so this is about when the spontanaity kicked in.

For those of you who don't know me, I am a structured person. I pick out where I want to go, go there, and rarelt deviate from the plan, but both Brandy and Loretta convinced me to do things on the fly. This is when things started to go downhill, only not really.

We decided to go to a Starbucks. I have never been to one before...........In all likelihood, I probably won't go to one for a long time. Pretty disappointed in it. I got a chocolate banana smoothie that tasted like nothing, except with globs in it that had the consistancy of snot. After it melted some, it tasted like burnt banana. This makes me appreciate Brewer's here in town more.

Then we decided to go to the Palace and see 9. I showed them my n00b skills at Guitar Hero (I failed on medium. Me FTL), then played some odd rendition of DDR. I didn't know any of the songs, so that didn't go too well. Someone vandalized the air hockey tables and stole the pucks out of them, so we couldn't play air hockey. I spent a little alone time with both the girls and then we went in to see 9. You can see my review of it back a couple entries or so. Another....um...meh movie.

After that the girls mentioned getting food for their pets, so we stopped by the local stupidcenter and got the food. I also got Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts which I still haven't opened yet, mainly because I am afraid to be disappointed considering the reviews of the game are still kinda high, but not as good as either N64 title. And it focuses on building vehicles, and that is...um...weird.

Aside from the car ride, nothing else spectacular happened during the trip, but it was fun going out with people I really like and being random, wandering off the beaten itenerary was pretty fun. I have forgotten what that felt like.

Skip to Monday. I thought I would try the random thing again after school. I went to another stupidcenter to get an XBOX points card, and was severely disappointed that their food section had a considerable lack of Pocky sticks. I found a Christmas present for my mom, so I got that and left.

On the way home, I forgot about this huuuuuuuuge gas station next to the old highway that I wanted to check out, but when I saw it I thought "why not". So I went in, was blown away by their selection of good (especially coffee), got curious about the section labeled "showers" (not what it means, but why its there to begin with), and got a choco milkshake. Very yummy.

Then I went home and watched the first disc of the second Sgt. Frog collection and laughed my head off. Seriously, if you want a good time, check out Sgt. Frog. It really is quite funny. Let me spell it out for you, they solve a problem using synchronized swimming. They justify swimming because "athletes make good soldiers, and no one trains harder than athletes competing in the olympics, so they choose synchronized swimming". I am definately getting future edition of this fantastic anime because it is entertaining without being raunchy, unlike most modern tv shows.

Oh yeah, I have also given up on Heroes. I cannot recognize it as the same show anymore.

Aside from my back from being kinda sore, nothing else to report....well...there is one thing...

Let's just say I find myself in a situation where I really like two girls, and it seems to escalate by the day. I've been thinking about it more than I probably should, but I have to put my foot down and make a decision soon before someone gets hurt. I may have to post on it later, because I am getting feelings I thought I forgot. Maybe emo-gator will be a thing of the past....

...well, except I have work, and that place is always open for rantings. So maybe not?

Wow, I better head to school. I may be possibly posting a lyrics entry soon. So if I'm not blogging, please remember that I'm either playing videogames, or am out with some hot girls, except the fact that I'm a major dork and I just wanted to sound cool ;).

Anyways, I hope your lives are going swell. See you around the series of tubes!

The Allengator

Welcome to another anime edition of Mega Media Monday. As I mentioned last week, I am doing the companion series to last week's Agelic Layer which is Chobits. This is another CLAMP show that seems like a subpar comedy at first, but slowly turns into more of a philosophical study of human relationships and what constitutes as real feelings. To hear more, listen to my non-sultry voice within the link.

( Chi Chiiiiiiiii Chi? )

That is it for another week of Mega Media Monday. My main suggestion is that you stick with the series past the halfway mark. I really think the last half of the series really is quite good.

I am just itching to fulfill some requests so please send them in!

Until next week, happy watching!

The Allengator

Because my network at college is being.......overprotective....I cannot access the videos I need to Mega Media Monday, so it'll be late when it gets posted, but it will be posted, by jove! I hope you realize that they have been late as of...well...late, so there really is no need for alarm. Just wanted to let you know I am in fact alive and have things to say, just not with an exam breathing down my neck soon. I have to level up my study amulet so I can slay this beast. SLAY I SAY!!!!!!!

Sorry, I've had coffee and been reading William Butler Yeats' "poetry". My apologies.

The Allengator

Last night I was having a blast with my sister and a couple good friends of mine (they were both girls, so I hope people didn't think I was either a pimp or gay). We decided to go see a movie randomly, and they let me choose, and the movie was 9. After the movie was over, the general consensus was that I am never allowed to pick a movie again.

While it wasn't a horrible movie, there were some problems with it. With me being a geek/gamer, some things just bothered me. Allow me to explain.

Quick timeline of thoughts

0:01 - Holy gosh! Toy Story!!!

0:03 - OMG SACKBOY!!!!!!!!!

0:07 - The world in post apocalyptic ruin....um...Fallout 3?

0:30 - The world is in ruins because of a robot....

0:31 - A robot with a sphere and red eye thingie...

0:32 - ....where have I seen that.....

0:33 - Ah! GLaDOS FROM PORTAL!!!!!!!!

0:35 - Starts singing "Still Alive"

1:20 - Movie is over and I thought "Toy Story was sooooooo much better than that."

1:23 - Everyone else agrees and says I pick out bad movies. I agree.

And that is my review of 9. A mix of Little Big Planet, Fallout 3, and Portal. Maybe worth a $1 rental from redbox, but not much more than that.

The Allengator

College is awesome, but for those of us seeking specific majors, I can't help but feel that they don't prepare us for the real world events we will face, so I suggest adding the collowing classes to the curriculum as follows:

Computer Programming Majors:
CIS 245 - Advanced Caffeine Techniques:
This class is a continuation of "basic caffeiene techniques", but since most of you are familliar with caffeine anyways, we decided to warn you about the dangers or caffeiene poisoning and how to make a buzz-worthy cocktail.

Philosophy Majors:
PHL 125 - Growing Your Hair Long
A requirement to be a philosophy major is learning how to grow your hair ludicrously long, grow beards, mustaches, and bushy unibrows. Other topics include existentialism of hair, hair the musical, maintenance (and lack therof) of your hair.

English Majors:
ENG 310 - Simple Speaking Seminar
After learning about proper formatting, grammar, vocabulary, and spelling, we teach you to learn how to communicate like a human being, because how many people actually know the meaning of the word ephemeral? Required materials: My life in Words - An Autobiography by George W. Bush.

Mathematics Majors:
MTH 965 - Applied Theoretical Imaginary Equations
If you don't understand the title, then there is no hope for you as a math major.

Chemistry Majors:
CHM 325 - Professionalism in the Lab
The class will cover how to put on those white lab coats, pocket protectors, plastic rimmed glasses, and carry a beaker of a brightly colored isotope that looks like Mountain Dew without spilling it. Required materials: Mountain Dew.

Biology Majors:
BIO 050 - Biology in the 60's
The course will cover the proper kinds of plants that will fit in a barrel of a gun, an analysis of the movie "Little Shop of Horrors", and the correct way to hug a tree since plants have feelings.

Teaching Majors:
TCH 235 - Dealing With Crybabies
We look into the world of childhood traumas and will give you hands on experience with students in the English department.

Physics Majors:
PHY 280 - Cartoon Physics
Topics include the elasticity of coyote's arms, the atomic weight of both real and inflatable anvils, temporary levitation, non-lethal force from explosions in close proximity, and the nonlethality of falling from a 10 story building. Suggested materials: Hard hats, though they will not do much good.

Psychology Majors:
PSY 121 - Mommy Issues
This class will teach you how to trace everyone's problems to their mother. This is required prior to graduating.

History Majors:
HST 250 - Who Will Remain
Who will be forever known in the history of mankind. As history continues to grow on a daily basis, who will remain and who will be forgotten? Who decides this? We will also cover ways to figure out who is important enough to remember throughout all time. Required materials: DVDs of Family Guy, The Simpsons, and Celebrity Deathmatch.

Culinary Arts Majors:
CUL 115 - Untinsil Tricks
We will discuss and demonstrate the art of doing those tricks with knives, spatulas, and pancakes in this hands-on class, assuming you still have them by finals time. Because most people know that you don't go to Japanese restaurants for the food, you go to see if they accidently slice a digit off, which may happen in this class.

Business Majors:
BUS 225 - Managerial Grievances
The class will cover how to make groups of employees work together towards a common goal, specifically marketing, engineering, and sales. There will be a hands on portion with students from the programming, automotive, and philosophy departments working towards building a working boat. A passing grade will be given if nuclear war does not happen.

Automotive Majors:
AUT 102 - Foul Language
Foul language is the trademark of a good mechanic. Other topics include smoking, drinking, and low-riding pants.

Computer Repair Majors:
CPU 270 - Current Events.
No pun intended. We will discuss a series of tubes, avoiding the "hey, you know about computers" precedent, trading in tech support books for Google searches, and lolcats.

Networking Majors:
NET 950 - Connecting Baby Boomers to the Internet
This class will test the limits of any Linux user as they try to get their parent's PC with Windows Vista onto a network, then showing them how to use a mouse and keyboard and how to check email. This is a practical class with an emphasis on patience.

Media Production Majors:
EMP 150 - Meme Advertising
Topics include: How to make a commercial stand out, why Head On continues to sell, viral marketing, getting noticed on Youtube (we discuss pure chance), legal uses of Trogdor, how to contact Rick Astley for an endorsement, and strategic marketing scare tactics from Billy Mayes and Marshie.

Graphic Design Majors:
GPH 165 - Expert Designing Techniques
We will look at World of Warcraft, Dungeons and Dragons, Homestar Runner, Facebook, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Super Smash Brothers Brawl, Twitter, XKCD, and hopefully learn something about graphic design.

Physical Education Majors:
PEM 201 - The Importance of Mental Health
We will meet two times in the semester and talk about the importance of mental health while doing reps, playing 3 on 3 basketball, and lifting weights. Counting past 100 is a prerequisite for this course.

Electronic Engineer Major:
EEM 202 - Creative Outlet
This class is designed for us to discuss the ethics and coolness of video games, character development of anime and manga, and the Americana age of comic books. This class is designed to be a discussion class so you can focus on the other EEM classes.

Now I know I touched on a lot of "stereotypes" with these, but this is in all good fun, and I made fun of myself about 10 times in here, so take it lightly. This doesn't reflect my feelings towards anyone or any group. If you laugh or nod because its true, then my work here is done :).

The Allengator

These articles will probably give you an idea of what has been going on in my head lately.

Workers walk out.
Criticism of workplace.
Comparison of rival company.
Fine, this one.
A group.
And a movie

So yeah. These should be major hints. I think once I bust loose, I'm going to be an anti-shopper there...or at least at my local place.....

The Allengator

It's late and I'm busy working on a lappy project, but its cool because I won't have to type much since I say enough anyways.

( Angel wings! Please guide me and Pikachu...wait! I mean... )

If you are interested in watching some more Angelic Layer, then please go to Anime Network's Youtube playlist of the series.

Next week will be another CLAMP series, so look forward to it! Until next week, happy watching!

The Allengator

Nosferatu. Never repeat his name aloud, or else something bad will happen to you.

This is a 1922 Silent German expessionist film about the German incantation of Dracula. The name Dracula couldn't be used, so they had to change it to Nosferatu. Now here is why this film is creepy.

1) Its silent. Nothing creepier than a silent movie at night.
2) Its foreign. Foreign horror films are pretty much scarier than the American Counterparts.
3) The music will send chills down your spine.
4) Nosferatu is teh cr33py. Seriously, long fingernails, sinister grin, serial killer instinct...he has it all.

So enjoy this very classic horror film. It'll leave you in stitches, both from the over-acting, and the blood-curdling tension.

( Watch the Embedded Nosferatu Movie Here )

The Allengator

Yup yup yup. Its time for some Halloween eve fun with the Allengator! This time I talk about horror films, specifically talking about horror vs. gore. Take a listen and see what you think.

( The Homestar Runner Halloween Toon Was...Meh... )

One series I forgot to mention was the Coffin Joe series. It is Brazillian horror, but it also has some gore factor. Its just another hellspawn wanting to procreate with women. Seriously? Most horror films seem to want to include satan as much as possible. Something more original mayhaps?

Also, I attribute the gore trend partially to color and technology. Since the advent of color tv, horror films just want to drench every scene in blood it seems.

So as I asked in the audio blog:

What do you consider to be horror?
What, if anything, are you planning to watch on Halloween, horror-wise?
Does horror = gore?
Any other thoughts or opinions?

Sound off below! Let me know what you think!

The Allengator

Nuts, change of plans. Just when you think you have everything planned out....

We got some interesting news during our CPU club meeting. Aside from the video game tournament (Come to it. Yours truly may get to be a judge!), there was that one class I've been wanting to take a while. But because a certain teacher was supposed to teach it....I decided not to go for it...because the class would be....um...not classy.

Our sponsor who happens to be the best CIS teacher we have said that she is teaching it now as a hybrid class, meaning half in the classroom, half online. I can go for that, except its on a day I don't have any other classes, sorta midday. That would kill my availability at work and fewer hours for me....

But considering yesterdays....er...rant, would it really make a difference if I cut down my availability more? At this stage of the game, I'm tempted to say no. I mean what can be less than 0 hours? So now I don't have an excuse not to take it except that 5 classes would be too much tuition and workload. Let me break down these classes for you.

CIS 230 is systems analysis and design. If I go for my degree under the olde catalog, then I need this in order to graduate, and I don't want to take the gamble of not taking it and not being able to graduate......again.....Some people have told me the class is full of busy work that really isn't all that difficult compared to...oh...the next class I am going to talk about.

CIS 260 is the software engineering project a.k.a. the capstone a.k.a. let's pit the students against each other and see if they can make an application together! This is required whether I like it or not. The class is one big project worked on by all the students within the class. We set the assignments and goals, and the teacher watches us implode....so yeah, this class will have a stress level of...oh say relatively high. We either pass of fail as a group. Yay!

CIS 139 is now a class I must take. This is server management, and will help out in more ways than one. Not only will I be able to own your files in my computer, but the class will help out in getting some certifications which will REALLY help and look stellar on a resume. This class has gone from an "interesting" class to a "need to take" class.

So now it brings me to the last couple I need to decide between.

CIS 220 is Video Game Programming. Its the class where we apply the things we learned in the previous theory class and code them using opengl, possibly in C++. This would be good to not only live out a childhood dream of creating my own game, but also learning a new language and a library, which, again, will help out my portfolio immensely.

CIS 222 is .NET Programming Practices. Where we learn about intermediate languages, garbage collection, and other semi-advanced programming practices. Its not really much more difficult than what I already know, but it could be different. Then I found out that its going to involve programming Lego Mindstorms Robots which sounds cool, but I already took a Robotics and Automation class, so I am already familliar with the concepts, sorta. It may go into other items, but the class is offered on the same days as the others and would be more convient on my schedule.

So....its between 220 and 222. I can't have both no matter how much I want them. The workload would just be too much. So I need to make a decision within the next week or so. If one gets dropped, I could easily go for the next one, but we will see.....for now, I'm leaning towards the game programming, but I need some more facts before I make an educated guess. Educating in education...who would have thunk it?

The Allengator

First off, I'm going to warn you. This is going to be a wrath-filled rant. Yes, the subject is, again, work, and yes, there is going to be some common sense mixed in here too. In other words, it'll be over management's heads.

Over three years ago I was hired on as a temporary associate for the building of our store. I was on the woodworking crew. The fitting rooms? Built that. I knew I was just a temp and unless I proved myself worthy, I would not have a job before the store opened. There were over 100 of us in the same boat, so it wasn't like I was a special case or anything. I worked very hard. I always showed up, did the work presented to me, and left for the day. I worked not only at the old store, but the new one. Not only inside, but also in the blistering heat. I did what was told and never had to be reprimanded for anything. I was hired weeks before the store started up and I was given three basic choices: Cart Pusher, Maintenance, and Furniture. Since I was leaving my previous job so I wouldn't have to push carts or do maintenance, I went with the obvious furniture department.

The following months and years went by. I was only written up once (which is basically as clean a record as anyone has) for a slap-on-the-wrist kind of thing. I have always been on time, worked, gave my all at my job. I was actually proud to be an associate of my store, and I had the pride and knowledge that not only customers and co-workers appreciated and respected me, but that superiors would often compliment me on my work ethic. Now, I am not saying I was a model associate, perish the thought, but I did enough to please most everyone.

Soon I was given a secondary job code in stationary where I got to apply the knowledge I learned in furniture to a new department where I feel I excelled. Once again I recieved multiple compliments from people and workers on how I did my job over there. I was able to apply more knowledge of how things worked. I even got to head a lot of the back to school area projects where we excelled at what we did. I had a change in department managers and while it took a little bit of time to get my bearings, I still received compliments on, once again, my work ethic.

Months pass again, and I am forced outside in the heat as a cart pusher, a job I never asked for nor put under my preferrences in my work space. It was here things really started to go downhill. Suddenly I get these looks of either pity or disgust. I have to wear these really funky and smelly vests and go outside and do a job that is usually relegated to young boys who usually quit within a few months. Its no big mystery why. No one respects them nor takes them seriously. I now know better, and want out bad.

But heaven forbid that I should speak up at work now. I spoke up once, just once, and now I am relegated to nothing. Nada. Zilch. Not on the schedule. At all. No hours.

Have I missed something here? Did I do something to deserve this treatment? I haven't made anyone mad, even with my menial cart pushing job. The supervisors seem happy with my work....so.....who did I tick off this time? This is why I despise confronting management. This is why I think they are rejects from other stores. Yes, rejects.

Here is the mock conversation I had in my head:

Me: Sooooo...yeah, not being scheduled ANY hours. Not cool.
Manager: Well, let look at your availability.

Let's stop here. The new rule is that the person with the most open availability and seniority gets more hours. Admittedly, my availability is not as good as other ones. Yeah, I can't work on Mondays because of school. I am available Wednesday nights, but not during the day because not only do you never have me there during the day anyhow, I have school. On Thursdays I teach a class at my church and I even came in one night and had to give the lesson to someone on short notice. For you. Yes, I have other responsibilities outside work. Sundays are sacred for me. Yes, I am a God-fearing christian who goes to both morning and evening services, preaching at some in fact, keeping Hebrews 10:25 in mind by not forsaking the assembling of the saints. In fact, I did give up Sundays at my last job. I became someone I'm not proud of, so I know I need church. In short if I don't have Him to believe in, I have nothing. So yes, despite your retorts, I want Sundays off you hypocritical (thought about using the word "atheistic" but didn't want to put anyone's panties into a wad) pigs.

So yes, I have my availability as much as I can. I bend over backwards to try to make it work out. For you. I did everything I could, giving up classes I wanted to take just to keep you happy. This is what I get. Nothing.

Its not right.

Its also not just this. They are going to force all non managerial full time people to be part time. Its either take this part time job, or leave. Now, not only should this be illegal, but its just morally wrong. You are essentially cutting hours of people who have worked there over 20 or 30 years who depend on this place for their income. Have you no decency?

Also, the other major rumor lurking around is that is all but confirmed is pay. Not only are you going to "put everyone at the same level, except management" but you are going to stop giving people raises. Hard workers who have come to expect their pay increases on the annual basis. Again, it saves money, but at what cost? Is it worth the low morale and "bonuses" we get? The 3 basic beliefs should be 1. Serve the Profit 2. Respect the Payroll 3. Forget the Customers.

If work has taught me anything, its that absolute power corrupts absolutely. I think I didn't understand that phrase better than I do now. It has also taught me that the bigger the company, the more corrupt it is. It has also taught me some things about myself as well. I have learned that all I will ever be considered for is grunt work. I also learned that I am not worthy of respect either. I should just give up and be a janitor the rest of my life, because I will never be considered for anything else but those kinds of jobs anyhow.

I will end on this note. The place is a sick, twisted, maddening cult. Nooooooooo. Unions are bad! Never trust a union! Well, in all honesty, its a bit too late to say this, but I honestly think that this mess wouldn't have been as bad if we had some representation. If we had a union, we would have some leverage, and maybe this whole debacle could have been avoided. Just a thought.

I await my last day when I can turn around and say "Good riddance".

The Allengator