As is becoming typical of me, I can't think of any topic long enough to make a full post about.So, in cases like this, I usually just hit briefly on some random trivia about myself.So, without further ado, here it comes.
1)I'm currently about 1/4 done with my Nextwave:Agents of H.A.T.E. #5 coloring project.I have many full panels done, but still no full pages.For some reason I just want to say how much sucky it looks so far.The problem is that I don't think it's going all that poorly.It's different, but still not too bad.
2)It turns out that my second wrestling match this month is a straight up match with no unusual stipulations.I'll take it.I haven't put it together yet but I plan on making it bigger than the TV match and a bit more brutal.There is also a chance I could be in a battle royal that night as well.That would be cool.I always have found battle royals to be easy matches because, unless you are in the final four guys, there's really nothing to memorize or plan.You just get beat up a bit and leave when you are ready.No muss, no fuss.
3)Somehow in the course of my getting into DC comics I became a Superman fan.I don't know how it happened.I'm only missing issue #2 of All-Star Superman.I bought Action Comics for the Bizarro arc and found that I'm still buying it.I also have a few Superman trades as well.I like Superman better when they focus more on his human tendencies and his desire to try to help everyone over the stories where he just steamrolls over people because he's friggin' invulnerable.I know the kryptonite deal, but I always thought it was kinda lame.He's better to me when his weakness is his compassion.It makes him easier to relate to.
4)The one DC character I like better than Superman is Black Canary, thanks to Gail Simone's rendition of her in Birds Of Prey. (I now have six TPB covering issues 56-103.)I also got her last miniseries on the last trip to my LCS.The two stories that did it for me were the Shiva Training story where she found Sin and the fight against the Silk Brothers in Singapore.Those fights are fucking brutal and made of 100% Grade-A awesome, especially the Silk Brothers fight.I don't understand how it is logically possible to not be a fan after reading that."IMPREGNABLE MOUNTAIN PEOPLE!"
5)Speaking of martial arts, I would like to recommend the movie "Shaolin Challenges Ninja".It is the tale of a Chinese man who marries a Japanese woman.Both are martial artists who think that the style of their own country is superior.They spar for supremacy and the husband(Toa), played by "Kill Bill"'s Gordon Liu, comes out the victor. The wife goes back to Japan to her Ninja buddies, who decide to go to China en masse to challenge Toa one at a time.What follows are some of the best fight scenes you could ever hope to see featuring some diverse styles.Drunken boxing, crab style, the three section staff, judo, ninjitsu, and many others make an appearance here.The story ends a bit abruptly, but none of the characters are made to look bad in it.Everyone gets a chance to shine.This is my favorite Shaw Brothers film and I can't speak highly enough of it.
6)Our kitten is driving us nuts with the very rough way that she plays with the other two cats.She is very physical and has already proven herself to be the better of the older male cat.She takes him down the same way a lioness takes down a gazelle and he doesn't like it at all.The older female( who weighs about 20 pounds) puts up a bit more of a fight, but seems to be a little nervous.The other day she took a dive off of a table onto the kitten in what I can only describe as a body splash.It was fucking hilarious.If this were a cartoon, the kitten would have been smooshed to the thickness of a piece of paper.I guess the entertainment value that comes from how creative their battles become makes up for the headaches.Fucking cats...
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Thursday, November 8, 2007
A Totally Unfounded,Far Fetched Conspiracy Theory
(DISCLAIMER :The following is a work of fiction.This blog post is filled with wild and unprovable statements.I have put absolutely no research into any of my "facts."My theory has more holes than a donut factory.Yet somehow this doesn't seem soooo out of the realm of possibility for me.)
Every year you hear more and more about flu shots.Everybody needs a flu shot.Flu's gonna be bad this year.You really need a flu shot.The flu is portrayed in the media like it's some black plague and only by being injected with this medicinal miracle drug can you ever hope to deal with it.
The problem is that the flu shots are always in short supply.People are even going to Canada because they're so concerned.With medical science knowing full well when flu season is, you would think that they would be able to meet demand.It must be really tough to produce.I think the problem lies elsewhere.
We all know that the government controls the media and are in league with the medicine companies.We also know that our privacy and civil liberties are slowly being stripped from us, one by one.Programs like Google Earth make it possible for anyone with a computer and a decent online connection to get a satellite pic zoomed in on your neighbors driveway, close enough to make out the color of the cars.There are security cameras everywhere.Someone is watching you at all times.Even right now.Any lengths will be taken, by the government, to ensure that you are on their radar at all times.
Flu shots are part of the process.The reason they're so scarce is because every flu shot includes a microscopic chip that will enable our keepers to monitor us through their worldwide security system.All of the "security" items you see at stores?They're really there to detect your chip.Cameras at traffic lights?Oh yes. They know you've been there.The automatic sensors in public bathrooms that turn the water on and off so you don't have to touch the faucets?You're nailed, buddy.Metal detectors?Also chip detectors.Your cell phone?Now you're just broadcasting it.(Besides, your cell phones are being used to track you too.If they can put an MP3 player, a video camera, a datebook, and videogames in a phone then they can get a microtransmitter in there.If somebody took your cell phone apart, could you identify all of the individual pieces?I don't think so.But they don't advertise that feature at the booths in the mall.)It's why everything electronic has a digital display now.The extra circuitry is there to mask the tracking chip.There are chip detecting devices in every remote controlled televison so they know exactly what YOU personally are watching.I could go on but, as you see, there is no escape.
The people who own these devices don't even have to know that the chip technology is in there.All of the parts, along with the chips, are made in overseas factories.That way they are far,far out of sight and mind from all of us being chipped and controlled. Besides, they can't tell the retailers and vendors. They're being chipped too.
At this point you might be thinking "What about when you get a yearly flu shot?Does that mean you have that many chips in your body?"No.Every year the chip is upgraded for more functionality and one function is always to deactivate the old chip, which is then safely and discretely ejected in your urine.
And don't bother going to Canada to escape.They're in on it too.Canada has actually been a part of the United States since WWII but our government keeps it a secret because the usually friendly American-Canadian rivalry is good for morale on both sides.They get their representation through secret meetings with select members of the government cleverly referred to as "trade meetings".I know most people think that Canada is part of the British Commonwealth, but that is obviously a front.Great Britain just gets a cut from the flu shot profits to keep quiet.That's why our two countries get along as well as we do.
Why does it matter that the government controls the media?Because they can have every news outlet in the country run reports encouraging us to get the flu shot.You can't say that the media isn't adept at using scare tactics.Things like the internet and 24 hour news channels just make their job that much easier. Spread the word and you spread the fear.
Is this outside the realm of possibility?Or is it just stupid enough that it might be true?I don't know about you, but I'm not getting a flu shot.I never have in the past.I've had the flu once.I worked the entire time.It slowed me down, but didn't stop me. It's all hype.Don't believe it. Don't let yourself get "chipped."
Every year you hear more and more about flu shots.Everybody needs a flu shot.Flu's gonna be bad this year.You really need a flu shot.The flu is portrayed in the media like it's some black plague and only by being injected with this medicinal miracle drug can you ever hope to deal with it.
The problem is that the flu shots are always in short supply.People are even going to Canada because they're so concerned.With medical science knowing full well when flu season is, you would think that they would be able to meet demand.It must be really tough to produce.I think the problem lies elsewhere.
We all know that the government controls the media and are in league with the medicine companies.We also know that our privacy and civil liberties are slowly being stripped from us, one by one.Programs like Google Earth make it possible for anyone with a computer and a decent online connection to get a satellite pic zoomed in on your neighbors driveway, close enough to make out the color of the cars.There are security cameras everywhere.Someone is watching you at all times.Even right now.Any lengths will be taken, by the government, to ensure that you are on their radar at all times.
Flu shots are part of the process.The reason they're so scarce is because every flu shot includes a microscopic chip that will enable our keepers to monitor us through their worldwide security system.All of the "security" items you see at stores?They're really there to detect your chip.Cameras at traffic lights?Oh yes. They know you've been there.The automatic sensors in public bathrooms that turn the water on and off so you don't have to touch the faucets?You're nailed, buddy.Metal detectors?Also chip detectors.Your cell phone?Now you're just broadcasting it.(Besides, your cell phones are being used to track you too.If they can put an MP3 player, a video camera, a datebook, and videogames in a phone then they can get a microtransmitter in there.If somebody took your cell phone apart, could you identify all of the individual pieces?I don't think so.But they don't advertise that feature at the booths in the mall.)It's why everything electronic has a digital display now.The extra circuitry is there to mask the tracking chip.There are chip detecting devices in every remote controlled televison so they know exactly what YOU personally are watching.I could go on but, as you see, there is no escape.
The people who own these devices don't even have to know that the chip technology is in there.All of the parts, along with the chips, are made in overseas factories.That way they are far,far out of sight and mind from all of us being chipped and controlled. Besides, they can't tell the retailers and vendors. They're being chipped too.
At this point you might be thinking "What about when you get a yearly flu shot?Does that mean you have that many chips in your body?"No.Every year the chip is upgraded for more functionality and one function is always to deactivate the old chip, which is then safely and discretely ejected in your urine.
And don't bother going to Canada to escape.They're in on it too.Canada has actually been a part of the United States since WWII but our government keeps it a secret because the usually friendly American-Canadian rivalry is good for morale on both sides.They get their representation through secret meetings with select members of the government cleverly referred to as "trade meetings".I know most people think that Canada is part of the British Commonwealth, but that is obviously a front.Great Britain just gets a cut from the flu shot profits to keep quiet.That's why our two countries get along as well as we do.
Why does it matter that the government controls the media?Because they can have every news outlet in the country run reports encouraging us to get the flu shot.You can't say that the media isn't adept at using scare tactics.Things like the internet and 24 hour news channels just make their job that much easier. Spread the word and you spread the fear.
Is this outside the realm of possibility?Or is it just stupid enough that it might be true?I don't know about you, but I'm not getting a flu shot.I never have in the past.I've had the flu once.I worked the entire time.It slowed me down, but didn't stop me. It's all hype.Don't believe it. Don't let yourself get "chipped."
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
Witold ‘Vitek’ Kieltyka (1984-2007)
Vitek was the drummer for the metal band Decapitated.He was killed in an automobile accident in Russia involving the band's tour bus.He was 23 years old.
This is a sad day for music.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
An Update On The Wrestling Thing
For those who have never read this blog(99.9% of you)I have been involved in the indy side of professional wrestling for the past four years.In that time, I have realized that the role I play(manager) isn't the role I want(wrestler).The role I want is also not something I would fit into well because of my size.This has led to some frustration and dissatisfaction on my part.Recently I have found out that I will be able to WRESTLE in a match in the coming month and have found my enthusiasm for wrestling has come rushing back to me.
Anyway, I went to practice on Saturday and was rewarded with an additional surprise:I would be getting TWO matches this month.The first will be at our monthly TV taping and the second at one of our more heavily promoted shows a week later.Details of the second match are up in the air, but I am hoping for some sort of gimmick match.A gimmick match is a match with some sort of stipulation such as a lumberjack match or a steel cage match.
My opponent and I put together our TV match at practice.I put together the basic outline of it and together we worked out the weak points and he changed some things so that it would fit his character better.I think we have created a really fun match.The match will start off with a little bit of character work where we will both get a chance to put our respective personalities over.Once the comedy is done though, the match becomes a fight.The psychology of the match is already pretty sound, but I am sure we will continue to tweak it as it approaches.I've already come up with an idea or two for my opponent to do to enhance his charcter.
This is my first real chance to get out there on my own and prove myself in the ring.My opponent, who has not been doing this as long as I have but has more matches under his belt, is psyched too because I am not afraid to take a beating.I've been in some battle royals and a few mixed tag team matches, but my singles matches were either at birthday parties or as a last minute add-on for another fed because I was on the ring crew.I might never get this chance again.I plan on going all out and leaving my heart and soul in the ring for all to see.I know I'm a little small to be taken too seriously as a wrestler, but damn if I'm not going to go all out for it given the opportunity.
I realize wrestling is often written off as "fake."People who say that are missing the point because they are comparing pro wrestling to competitive sports when it has more in common with theater.Even the "fake" part is questionable.Yes, we know who's going to win ahead of time and we aren't really trying to cripple one another.But you can't fake gravity.And a lot of the blows you see are delivered full force.You are expected to take a lot of punishment.Those who cry or complain don't last too long and lose a lot of respect from their peers.I thrive on the physical aspect.Pain is a great motivator.It's a side fans don't hear too much about because much of wrestling's mainstream media attention is usually devoted to steroid use or trying to catch wrestlers talking to each other in the ring in some ridiculous attempt to debunk it.Suspension of disbelief is critical to a good wrestling match.That is why we have to hit hard.That is why so many secrets of the business are still so closely guarded.Smart mark fans don't know half as much as they think they know. People would be much less critical of pro wrestling if they knew how complicated and deep it really is.EVERYTHING you see, no matter how insignificant it seems, has a purpose.
I can't wait for the end of the month.I will post more updates as I learn more.
Anyway, I went to practice on Saturday and was rewarded with an additional surprise:I would be getting TWO matches this month.The first will be at our monthly TV taping and the second at one of our more heavily promoted shows a week later.Details of the second match are up in the air, but I am hoping for some sort of gimmick match.A gimmick match is a match with some sort of stipulation such as a lumberjack match or a steel cage match.
My opponent and I put together our TV match at practice.I put together the basic outline of it and together we worked out the weak points and he changed some things so that it would fit his character better.I think we have created a really fun match.The match will start off with a little bit of character work where we will both get a chance to put our respective personalities over.Once the comedy is done though, the match becomes a fight.The psychology of the match is already pretty sound, but I am sure we will continue to tweak it as it approaches.I've already come up with an idea or two for my opponent to do to enhance his charcter.
This is my first real chance to get out there on my own and prove myself in the ring.My opponent, who has not been doing this as long as I have but has more matches under his belt, is psyched too because I am not afraid to take a beating.I've been in some battle royals and a few mixed tag team matches, but my singles matches were either at birthday parties or as a last minute add-on for another fed because I was on the ring crew.I might never get this chance again.I plan on going all out and leaving my heart and soul in the ring for all to see.I know I'm a little small to be taken too seriously as a wrestler, but damn if I'm not going to go all out for it given the opportunity.
I realize wrestling is often written off as "fake."People who say that are missing the point because they are comparing pro wrestling to competitive sports when it has more in common with theater.Even the "fake" part is questionable.Yes, we know who's going to win ahead of time and we aren't really trying to cripple one another.But you can't fake gravity.And a lot of the blows you see are delivered full force.You are expected to take a lot of punishment.Those who cry or complain don't last too long and lose a lot of respect from their peers.I thrive on the physical aspect.Pain is a great motivator.It's a side fans don't hear too much about because much of wrestling's mainstream media attention is usually devoted to steroid use or trying to catch wrestlers talking to each other in the ring in some ridiculous attempt to debunk it.Suspension of disbelief is critical to a good wrestling match.That is why we have to hit hard.That is why so many secrets of the business are still so closely guarded.Smart mark fans don't know half as much as they think they know. People would be much less critical of pro wrestling if they knew how complicated and deep it really is.EVERYTHING you see, no matter how insignificant it seems, has a purpose.
I can't wait for the end of the month.I will post more updates as I learn more.
What I'm Listening To
I often give out personal informationon this blog of various degrees of non-importance.Tonight I thought I'd give people a glimpse into my taste in music.I've given a recommendation or two in the past, but this is based on my favorite albums at this moment.These are the albums that I am currently most likely to put in my CD player or in my car.This list could easily change next week.I'm an avid heavy metal fan and my list reflects this fact.Please check out some of these albums.I will attempt to describe the bands for those who are not familiar with them.My descriptions are not meant to be comprehensive reviews, but rather guidelines.The world needs more people listening to good music.So now, in no particular order:
1)Dark Tranquility-Character :A Swedish Metal band that often features keyboards in a prominent role.The vocals are harsh, but comprehensible.There are no ballads here , but the music is not so heavy as to be offputting to people whose metal experience is limited to more classic metal such as Iron Maiden.Best song in my opinion is Out Of Nothing.
2)Vintersorg-Cosmic Genesis :This is a bit hard to descibe.Progressive Black Metal is as good a description as any.Vocalist Vintersorg also plays most of the instruments on this album.Vocals vary from a Black Metal growl to beautifully sung clean parts.This album is not above throwing hooks at the listener and those who don't normally like metal-style vocals will appreciate the more melodic parts.This is one of those albums that gets better with each listen.Instant gratification is possible but the patient will reap the greatest rewards.
3)Akercocke-Antichrist :I've mentioned this band in a past post that I am too lazy to look up at the moment.The core of their sound is some of the most extreme metal you can hear(Try their album The Goat Of Mendes for the best example of that)but is mixed in with a very European pop sound.These guys are virtuosos, extremely technical.This is not an album for beginning metal fans but rather for connosieurs.The sharp contrast between the heavy parts and the melodic parts can be jarring. But, once more, this is an album that should be listened to repeatedly.I recommend listening to it twice in a row at least.You will hear something different every time and the tapestry of their sound will only get richer. It might be of some interest to mention that they are quite noticeably into Satanism.If this will throw you, walk away now or just don't read the lyrics.I recommend the latter because you will be missing out on some grade AAA metal.
4)The Devin Townsend Band-Synchestra :Devin Townsend is a former Steve Vai guitarist who also plays in metal band Strapping Young Lad(Highly recommended).Except for a few moments, this is most assuredly not a metal album.Don't get me wrong, it can be heavy when it wants to be(Vampira).Most of the time though, this is a very sedate, relaxing, and even light-hearted album.This is a great album for people who might want to hear some more obscure progressive rock with a sense of humor.I've had this album for a while now and the fact that I still listen to it so often is a testament to how great it is.Of evrything I mention in this post, this would be the easiest album for non-fans to get into.
5)Epica-The Phantom Agony :This is perhaps the strangest thing I listen to.This is a female fronted symphonic/gothic metal band.Normally that means a Lacuna Coil or Evanesence sound-alike.In this case, vocalist Simone Simons pulls a page or three from more classical styles such as opera.This can make the music quite "syrupy" at times(plenty of ballads and softer parts), but don't let that put you off.This band is deceptively heavy.The orchestration works better for this band than many other symphonic bands just because it is such an integral part of their sound.There are also male, death-style male vocals that pop up in about half the songs.The song Cry For The Moon is probably in my five favorite songs currently.I have never gotten tired of hearing it.If hearing a choir and strings mixed in with your metal is going to put you off, then avoid this.For everyone else, this is a treat from a classy band.
6)Decapitated-Winds Of Creation :This is their first, and heaviest album.I like everything they put out and would recommend anything of theirs, but this is the king.This is a HIGHLY technical Polish Death Metal band.Surprisingly, when this album was made, most of the members were under the age of 18.Everyone here is classically trained as well.This album will relentlessly assault your eardrums.Like most really good metal, this one requires a good ear.There isn't a hook to be found and the speed varies between pretty fast and insane.This band seems to be following a musical path similar to that of Sepultura(if that gives you a point of reference), though without the world music phase.This is some of the best, truest metal for your $$$.
7)Ministry-The Last Sucker :This is another album I've mentioned before.If you don't know Ministry you should be ashamed of yourself.That's right. Hang your head in shame.I'll wait ...................................................................Arguably, if there was no Ministry, bands like Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Mushroomhead, etc. might not exist as you know them.Oddly enough, they started off as a Depeche Mode-style pop band, but quickly grew out of that to become the kings of industrial metal.There is a cover of The Doors' Roadhouse Blues here.And no, it doesn't sound anything like the original(.Thank friggin' God for that.)Whenever Jougensen and company have a president named Bush in their sights the result is always magic.Brutal, bludgeoning magic.This album takes its cues more from the Psalm 69 days in that there are far fewer trance-style songs and more straight-up rockers.This is the album you want to put on in your car, turn up to full volume, and drive at insane speeds down the highway(Author's note:Speeding is not legal.Do so at your own risk.)
And that's it.Any album I list here I put my stamp of approval on.Each band here also has a great catalogue of albums to investigate if these catch your attention.My favorite of the ones listed here?Akercocke.Hands down winner.They manage to scratch every muscial itch I have.You can't go wrong with Akercocke.
1)Dark Tranquility-Character :A Swedish Metal band that often features keyboards in a prominent role.The vocals are harsh, but comprehensible.There are no ballads here , but the music is not so heavy as to be offputting to people whose metal experience is limited to more classic metal such as Iron Maiden.Best song in my opinion is Out Of Nothing.
2)Vintersorg-Cosmic Genesis :This is a bit hard to descibe.Progressive Black Metal is as good a description as any.Vocalist Vintersorg also plays most of the instruments on this album.Vocals vary from a Black Metal growl to beautifully sung clean parts.This album is not above throwing hooks at the listener and those who don't normally like metal-style vocals will appreciate the more melodic parts.This is one of those albums that gets better with each listen.Instant gratification is possible but the patient will reap the greatest rewards.
3)Akercocke-Antichrist :I've mentioned this band in a past post that I am too lazy to look up at the moment.The core of their sound is some of the most extreme metal you can hear(Try their album The Goat Of Mendes for the best example of that)but is mixed in with a very European pop sound.These guys are virtuosos, extremely technical.This is not an album for beginning metal fans but rather for connosieurs.The sharp contrast between the heavy parts and the melodic parts can be jarring. But, once more, this is an album that should be listened to repeatedly.I recommend listening to it twice in a row at least.You will hear something different every time and the tapestry of their sound will only get richer. It might be of some interest to mention that they are quite noticeably into Satanism.If this will throw you, walk away now or just don't read the lyrics.I recommend the latter because you will be missing out on some grade AAA metal.
4)The Devin Townsend Band-Synchestra :Devin Townsend is a former Steve Vai guitarist who also plays in metal band Strapping Young Lad(Highly recommended).Except for a few moments, this is most assuredly not a metal album.Don't get me wrong, it can be heavy when it wants to be(Vampira).Most of the time though, this is a very sedate, relaxing, and even light-hearted album.This is a great album for people who might want to hear some more obscure progressive rock with a sense of humor.I've had this album for a while now and the fact that I still listen to it so often is a testament to how great it is.Of evrything I mention in this post, this would be the easiest album for non-fans to get into.
5)Epica-The Phantom Agony :This is perhaps the strangest thing I listen to.This is a female fronted symphonic/gothic metal band.Normally that means a Lacuna Coil or Evanesence sound-alike.In this case, vocalist Simone Simons pulls a page or three from more classical styles such as opera.This can make the music quite "syrupy" at times(plenty of ballads and softer parts), but don't let that put you off.This band is deceptively heavy.The orchestration works better for this band than many other symphonic bands just because it is such an integral part of their sound.There are also male, death-style male vocals that pop up in about half the songs.The song Cry For The Moon is probably in my five favorite songs currently.I have never gotten tired of hearing it.If hearing a choir and strings mixed in with your metal is going to put you off, then avoid this.For everyone else, this is a treat from a classy band.
6)Decapitated-Winds Of Creation :This is their first, and heaviest album.I like everything they put out and would recommend anything of theirs, but this is the king.This is a HIGHLY technical Polish Death Metal band.Surprisingly, when this album was made, most of the members were under the age of 18.Everyone here is classically trained as well.This album will relentlessly assault your eardrums.Like most really good metal, this one requires a good ear.There isn't a hook to be found and the speed varies between pretty fast and insane.This band seems to be following a musical path similar to that of Sepultura(if that gives you a point of reference), though without the world music phase.This is some of the best, truest metal for your $$$.
7)Ministry-The Last Sucker :This is another album I've mentioned before.If you don't know Ministry you should be ashamed of yourself.That's right. Hang your head in shame.I'll wait ...................................................................Arguably, if there was no Ministry, bands like Nine Inch Nails, Marilyn Manson, Mushroomhead, etc. might not exist as you know them.Oddly enough, they started off as a Depeche Mode-style pop band, but quickly grew out of that to become the kings of industrial metal.There is a cover of The Doors' Roadhouse Blues here.And no, it doesn't sound anything like the original(.Thank friggin' God for that.)Whenever Jougensen and company have a president named Bush in their sights the result is always magic.Brutal, bludgeoning magic.This album takes its cues more from the Psalm 69 days in that there are far fewer trance-style songs and more straight-up rockers.This is the album you want to put on in your car, turn up to full volume, and drive at insane speeds down the highway(Author's note:Speeding is not legal.Do so at your own risk.)
And that's it.Any album I list here I put my stamp of approval on.Each band here also has a great catalogue of albums to investigate if these catch your attention.My favorite of the ones listed here?Akercocke.Hands down winner.They manage to scratch every muscial itch I have.You can't go wrong with Akercocke.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Being Good Pays Off
I've taken my short break and I think I've gotten the negativity out of my system.What better topic to return on than to tell a tale about my job.Because people LOOOOVVVEEEE hearing stories about other people's jobs.My blog...my choice.Besides,this made me happy.
A bit of background is needed first.As I've stated before, I worked as a cable technician for 6 years prior to arriving at my current position.It wasn't a bad job, but it was also one that I burned myself out on hard.Dealing with the public will do that to you.I'd been cursed at, threatened, had people attempt to hold me hostage, had someone threaten to call the newspapers and those guys on the news who fight for consumer rights, watched full grown men and women have temper tantrums because I couldn't move their 4000 pound entertainment center to put a cable outlet behind, and have also been kicked out of peope's houses.Sometimes all of this could happen over the course of one week.Needless to say, it gets to you after a while.
For most of my 6 years, I was a contractor.In spite of the difficulties, I always did top-notch work and made quite a good name for myself.This helped get me into the main company.The schedule was a little lighter there, but the shadow of "big brother" loomed even larger over you.The customers still sucked and now I was being called every 15 minutes by one person or another to pick up extra work, get yelled at for my numbers not being perfect, etc.I had had enough and asked to get out.Coincidentally, the job I am at now just happened to open up the next day and, after a quick interview process, I got the job.
I've always been pretty shy and quiet in my regular life.It takes me a while to warm up to people and conversations come extremely difficult.I'm the guy who gets the "One day he's going to snap and get a gun and kill everyone here."-type comments.When I started the new job I told myself that I would make every effort to say hello to everybody and to try to be a bit more open.So far, I've been moderately successful. A lot of people work in the building I work at. At one point or another, they all walk through the warehouse so I get to see everyone.I try to be as nice and helpful as possible to anyone who comes in who needs something.I'm not a "This isn't my job"-type of person.The way I see it my job is easy and I always have time to lend a hand.Despite my efforts, I still get the vibe from some people that I'm making them nervous and that upsets me a little.I've had enough of people being afraid of me.It benefits no one.
Last week, one of those people who give me strange vibes came in asking about delivering a package with UPS and I was the only one paying attention to her so I told her I'd make sure the deliveryman got her package.The guy came and I made sure he got the package.I decided to e-mail the woman to let her know.I felt a little weird beause I wasn't sure if she'd be irritated that I e-mailed her, so I was quite polite(Hey, that rhymes!) in the wording. She shot back a happy response and told me not to worry about bothering her.That was nice.
A few days later I found out that she was asking the woman I work with for half the week if I was always so nice.That made me feel so great.I can't tell you how satisfying it is to have someone have a conversation about me that doesn't involve the odds of my going postal at work.It makes me realize that I'm taking the right course and having the right attitude at work.Leaving out the drama at work CAN help you.I hate being at odds with anyone.It may sound corny, but I'd just like to be the guy at work people can rely on.I'd draw the comic book parallel to Awesome Andy from She-Hulk. I find I'm at my best when kept busy and the people around me are happy.I don't want to be anyone's boss ever again. I don't want to run the company, or even my department.I just want to be put to use.My job may not be glamorous, but it gives me that opportunity in spades.
A bit of background is needed first.As I've stated before, I worked as a cable technician for 6 years prior to arriving at my current position.It wasn't a bad job, but it was also one that I burned myself out on hard.Dealing with the public will do that to you.I'd been cursed at, threatened, had people attempt to hold me hostage, had someone threaten to call the newspapers and those guys on the news who fight for consumer rights, watched full grown men and women have temper tantrums because I couldn't move their 4000 pound entertainment center to put a cable outlet behind, and have also been kicked out of peope's houses.Sometimes all of this could happen over the course of one week.Needless to say, it gets to you after a while.
For most of my 6 years, I was a contractor.In spite of the difficulties, I always did top-notch work and made quite a good name for myself.This helped get me into the main company.The schedule was a little lighter there, but the shadow of "big brother" loomed even larger over you.The customers still sucked and now I was being called every 15 minutes by one person or another to pick up extra work, get yelled at for my numbers not being perfect, etc.I had had enough and asked to get out.Coincidentally, the job I am at now just happened to open up the next day and, after a quick interview process, I got the job.
I've always been pretty shy and quiet in my regular life.It takes me a while to warm up to people and conversations come extremely difficult.I'm the guy who gets the "One day he's going to snap and get a gun and kill everyone here."-type comments.When I started the new job I told myself that I would make every effort to say hello to everybody and to try to be a bit more open.So far, I've been moderately successful. A lot of people work in the building I work at. At one point or another, they all walk through the warehouse so I get to see everyone.I try to be as nice and helpful as possible to anyone who comes in who needs something.I'm not a "This isn't my job"-type of person.The way I see it my job is easy and I always have time to lend a hand.Despite my efforts, I still get the vibe from some people that I'm making them nervous and that upsets me a little.I've had enough of people being afraid of me.It benefits no one.
Last week, one of those people who give me strange vibes came in asking about delivering a package with UPS and I was the only one paying attention to her so I told her I'd make sure the deliveryman got her package.The guy came and I made sure he got the package.I decided to e-mail the woman to let her know.I felt a little weird beause I wasn't sure if she'd be irritated that I e-mailed her, so I was quite polite(Hey, that rhymes!) in the wording. She shot back a happy response and told me not to worry about bothering her.That was nice.
A few days later I found out that she was asking the woman I work with for half the week if I was always so nice.That made me feel so great.I can't tell you how satisfying it is to have someone have a conversation about me that doesn't involve the odds of my going postal at work.It makes me realize that I'm taking the right course and having the right attitude at work.Leaving out the drama at work CAN help you.I hate being at odds with anyone.It may sound corny, but I'd just like to be the guy at work people can rely on.I'd draw the comic book parallel to Awesome Andy from She-Hulk. I find I'm at my best when kept busy and the people around me are happy.I don't want to be anyone's boss ever again. I don't want to run the company, or even my department.I just want to be put to use.My job may not be glamorous, but it gives me that opportunity in spades.
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