"What up. To all rappers shut up. And While your shuttin' up put a shirt on, at least a button up. Yuck. Its like these rappers is strippin males, outta work jerks since they shut down chippendales."
-I think this is my favorite MF Doom line at the moment. Cracks me up.
Good weekend I guess, relatively relaxed. Did you see that Rodman finally got booted off the Apprentice? Thank goodness. That guy is a train wreck. But I do like how he responds to everything by saying, "Absolutely" Even when somebody asked him if he was out of work and in hard times he didn't miss a beat. "Absolutely". Donald told him he was fired. "Absolutely". Glad hes gone though. I wish that show were only 1 hour instead of 2. It takes up a little to much of my life I think.
Big ups to Andrew for getting me this Loney Dear CD. Its real real good. You should get it too. Very awesome. I am also digging Wavvves quite a bit right now. Good new musics. Also, as far as rap goes, I am freaking out over this rapper Serengeti. Here is a weird but promising sample of his work. He is playing a chicagoan character obviously.
Saw this on familyguy the other night and laughed for a long time about it. I have had this experience alot of times.
Prince was on Jay Leno the last 3 nights in row, and was perpetually entertaining. That guy may not be the best songwriter, but he shreds the guitar. I have to post this too.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Seminars, Fees, Sales
Just got done typing up a bunch of TPS reports. Or at least thats what it felt like. I had to go to a business seminar up on campus for about 3 hours and then type a couple of pages of notes on what was said and send it off to the superiors. Tomorrow I have a similar fate lined out for me. Here's my thoughts. If you are going to force me to go to these things, at least have speakers there that will tell me something that I don't know already. One guy talked about how the number one complaint in the workplace is not enough recognition. Its what makes people quit the job they are in. That is all fine and dandy, common sense if you will, and it was good to say that in case some managers in attendance were not aware of it. BUT, and this is a huge BUT, he then went on to show surveys and information gathered at why recognition/acknowledgement is so crucial to a healthy and productive work environment. Over and over he pounded this into our head for about an hour. I think that is already understood! Why not talk about the reasons that it is not being done in the workplace in America, or talking about how one can impliment these tactics on a regular basis? Give some ways to show recognition. Or even have plans for programs to impliment. I am sure everyone understands that it is beneficial, now show them how to do it.
All three of the seminars were similarly redundant and not all that informative. I know, I paid attention and took pages of notes. Most my notes were just evidences of the main point though. I am not interested in the evidences so much as what needs to be done in light of the evidence. And you can't just say, "Recognize people more." There is some barrier in the way of people doing that, and it needs to be discussed.
Sorry for the boring rant, but school sometimes seems odd to me.
Speaking of, they are increasing our sports fee by $60 yesterday. I voted against it and spoke out to get to people to do it as well, but the sports people had a booth set up with laptops and got everyone that passed to vote for it. I don't really want to get into this too deep, but why am i paying for something that I don't participate in. The majority of the university does not attend those games. Majority being more than 50%. So why are we having to pay money for it? I dont make people pay for my piano lessons. Let me keep my 60 bucks and I'll shut up. Maybe I will do a more extensive blog on this later, but I want to make it clear that I am not against sports. I am against paying for YOU to do sports. Do it yourself. Its not a crucial part of the education process...physical fitness is, but not sports. Sorry. If I want a ticket to the game I will be happy to pay for it.
This is a negative post.
One more little juicy bit of complaint.
The other day some kid I haven't seen in years comes up to me and strikes up a conversation. He acts like we used to be best friends. We hardly spoke to each other then, when we were living in the same apartment, he couldn't give a hoot about me then. But all the sudden he is asking me questions about my life and people we used to know, and then asks me for my number and says "We need to catch up sometime." As far as I'm concerned, we just did catch up as much as was neccessary. But I give him the number, thinking maybe he just wants a friend now that he is married. Maybe he is lonely or something.
So I gives him the number. Then I was chatting with another old friend who I actually keep in touch with, and she tells me, (from experience) that he is going to call me and try and sell me the product that he offers as part of the business he is involved in. Well that was that. I am okay with a guy trying to do his job, but he got my number with the claim that we were going to "Catch up on things" or something like that. So the truth is, he doesn't see anything but a dollar bill sign on my face. This somehow makes me very angry with people in business in general. Either you want to be my friend, or you want to sell me something. One or the other. If your my friend and you offer me what you sell, and I reject it, it shouldn't hurt your feelings, because there is always a base there. But if your fronting as a friend and using it as a guise to sell me a product, I have major beef with you. Ask me if I want your product, and don't try to score points and sell your friendship along with the product. I have seen this done alot to much dismay. Even in the church sometimes people will try to "befriend" non-members only when they see that they may have an interest in the gospel. Well it sickens me a tad.
So yeah, he has called my phone about 8 times in the past week and is pretty determined to get me to answer. I am not doing it, because I have his name on ID on my phone and anytime it comes up I ignore that sucker. You would think he would get the picture after leaving 3 messages. I am not going to even waste either of our precious time.
If I did answer, the conversation would go something like this.
"Hello"
"Hi Calvin, How have you been."
"Good, what can I do for you."
"Well as part of my work I am doing these presentations to people in the neighborhood and was wondering if I could meet with you."
"Well, I am not in the position to buy anything like that right now."
"Well I am not selling anything yet, just presenting. You don't even know what it is."
"Yeah, but I know i don't want it. Why go through all the steps to say no? I will say no."
"Yeah I just thought we could catch up and I could do this thing for my work."
"One or the other dude, no dressing it up. Not interested."
"I understand, do you have any friends I can present to."
Now your really in trouble. He knows that you saying a name can't hurt you too bad. Except for the fact that he will use your name as a reference and an in to their world. You know your friends are really not interested, so its almost like you cast a miserable hex on whoever you name. Like the Salem Witch Trials, or the Inquisition, or the Communist party or something. Or better yet, its like the Ring, where the only way to get rid of the curse yourself is to cast it on somebody else. And so it goes.
And again, salesmen are people too, I have no issue with them doing what they do. Some of the products are legit and people are happy with them. Some people want it. But far too many times it is forced upon the buyer by some questionable tactics, such as the ones this guy tried to use on me. I don't have the perpetrator, just the snakey tactics that he employed. Theres a right way to go about things and a wrong way. The right way will give you more sales in the long run, people will trust you and seperate you from the position if you can offer the product without attaching your friendship to it like a trojan horse.
Enough Ranting. Sorry if anyone disagrees about any of the above, I'd like to hear your rebuttles if its the case though.
Peace.
All three of the seminars were similarly redundant and not all that informative. I know, I paid attention and took pages of notes. Most my notes were just evidences of the main point though. I am not interested in the evidences so much as what needs to be done in light of the evidence. And you can't just say, "Recognize people more." There is some barrier in the way of people doing that, and it needs to be discussed.
Sorry for the boring rant, but school sometimes seems odd to me.
Speaking of, they are increasing our sports fee by $60 yesterday. I voted against it and spoke out to get to people to do it as well, but the sports people had a booth set up with laptops and got everyone that passed to vote for it. I don't really want to get into this too deep, but why am i paying for something that I don't participate in. The majority of the university does not attend those games. Majority being more than 50%. So why are we having to pay money for it? I dont make people pay for my piano lessons. Let me keep my 60 bucks and I'll shut up. Maybe I will do a more extensive blog on this later, but I want to make it clear that I am not against sports. I am against paying for YOU to do sports. Do it yourself. Its not a crucial part of the education process...physical fitness is, but not sports. Sorry. If I want a ticket to the game I will be happy to pay for it.
This is a negative post.
One more little juicy bit of complaint.
The other day some kid I haven't seen in years comes up to me and strikes up a conversation. He acts like we used to be best friends. We hardly spoke to each other then, when we were living in the same apartment, he couldn't give a hoot about me then. But all the sudden he is asking me questions about my life and people we used to know, and then asks me for my number and says "We need to catch up sometime." As far as I'm concerned, we just did catch up as much as was neccessary. But I give him the number, thinking maybe he just wants a friend now that he is married. Maybe he is lonely or something.
So I gives him the number. Then I was chatting with another old friend who I actually keep in touch with, and she tells me, (from experience) that he is going to call me and try and sell me the product that he offers as part of the business he is involved in. Well that was that. I am okay with a guy trying to do his job, but he got my number with the claim that we were going to "Catch up on things" or something like that. So the truth is, he doesn't see anything but a dollar bill sign on my face. This somehow makes me very angry with people in business in general. Either you want to be my friend, or you want to sell me something. One or the other. If your my friend and you offer me what you sell, and I reject it, it shouldn't hurt your feelings, because there is always a base there. But if your fronting as a friend and using it as a guise to sell me a product, I have major beef with you. Ask me if I want your product, and don't try to score points and sell your friendship along with the product. I have seen this done alot to much dismay. Even in the church sometimes people will try to "befriend" non-members only when they see that they may have an interest in the gospel. Well it sickens me a tad.
So yeah, he has called my phone about 8 times in the past week and is pretty determined to get me to answer. I am not doing it, because I have his name on ID on my phone and anytime it comes up I ignore that sucker. You would think he would get the picture after leaving 3 messages. I am not going to even waste either of our precious time.
If I did answer, the conversation would go something like this.
"Hello"
"Hi Calvin, How have you been."
"Good, what can I do for you."
"Well as part of my work I am doing these presentations to people in the neighborhood and was wondering if I could meet with you."
"Well, I am not in the position to buy anything like that right now."
"Well I am not selling anything yet, just presenting. You don't even know what it is."
"Yeah, but I know i don't want it. Why go through all the steps to say no? I will say no."
"Yeah I just thought we could catch up and I could do this thing for my work."
"One or the other dude, no dressing it up. Not interested."
"I understand, do you have any friends I can present to."
Now your really in trouble. He knows that you saying a name can't hurt you too bad. Except for the fact that he will use your name as a reference and an in to their world. You know your friends are really not interested, so its almost like you cast a miserable hex on whoever you name. Like the Salem Witch Trials, or the Inquisition, or the Communist party or something. Or better yet, its like the Ring, where the only way to get rid of the curse yourself is to cast it on somebody else. And so it goes.
And again, salesmen are people too, I have no issue with them doing what they do. Some of the products are legit and people are happy with them. Some people want it. But far too many times it is forced upon the buyer by some questionable tactics, such as the ones this guy tried to use on me. I don't have the perpetrator, just the snakey tactics that he employed. Theres a right way to go about things and a wrong way. The right way will give you more sales in the long run, people will trust you and seperate you from the position if you can offer the product without attaching your friendship to it like a trojan horse.
Enough Ranting. Sorry if anyone disagrees about any of the above, I'd like to hear your rebuttles if its the case though.
Peace.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
jesse pulls it off, reads, dylan, themselves
Good week.
Had a fun show on Thursday night in which we played alot of newish stuff. Some of it I am pretty happy with the way they are transforming. Should have some recordings of it done soon that will be at the least quite listenable.
Finally, the guys win an episode of the Celebrity Apprentice. Dennis Rodman is getting crazier and crazier. This week he almost got in a fist fight with Clint Black, and then said he quit and threw his microphone across the room. But Jesse James pulled through and they were able to win the competition. That guy is pretty smart, and I am hoping he wins. Obviously though that there are more competitive girl players than guys. You do not want to go against the River's Mother Daugher alliance. It will crush you. That deal or no deal girl tried it and look what happened to her!
I read The Great Divorce on Friday Night/Saturday, and really enjoyed it. It was a quick read and I listened to some good instumental records during. It got me thinking about alot of things that are important and I renewed my vow to try to read more. I finished a book a started a month or so called "I'm a Stranger Here Myself". It was pretty entertaining. Now I am reading something by Neal A. Maxwell called "If thou Endure it Well". Its pretty cryptic so its slow going, but its of course really engrossing.
Also I got into a mood this week to listen to some audiobooks while I was walking around and driving. I read Bob Dylan's Chronicles this summer, and I had an audiobook version of it. I liked it alot this summer, so I tried it out again. Its a little hard to follow with all the rambling he does, but it was still an entertaining remenisence. Especially when you know the songs that he is referring to. I think my favorite part of the book is when he is talking about the "Oh Mercy" sessions and how frustrating it was to work with the producer and the musicians just to make a record that was only given a mediochre reception. I thought it was interesting to hear an honest portrayl of how those sessions go.
The hip hop group themselves released a free 40 minute mixtape recently that kills anything you've heard lately. It makes you wonder how it can be so good. And its loaded with guests. At the beginning Dose One says something like..."Lots of people talking trash but won't ever come battle me to my face." Then he says to eliminate all excuses he will give his home address, and spits out the street. Its a pretty great line. I doubt many could have a chance against him.
Must go. write more later.
Had a fun show on Thursday night in which we played alot of newish stuff. Some of it I am pretty happy with the way they are transforming. Should have some recordings of it done soon that will be at the least quite listenable.
Finally, the guys win an episode of the Celebrity Apprentice. Dennis Rodman is getting crazier and crazier. This week he almost got in a fist fight with Clint Black, and then said he quit and threw his microphone across the room. But Jesse James pulled through and they were able to win the competition. That guy is pretty smart, and I am hoping he wins. Obviously though that there are more competitive girl players than guys. You do not want to go against the River's Mother Daugher alliance. It will crush you. That deal or no deal girl tried it and look what happened to her!
I read The Great Divorce on Friday Night/Saturday, and really enjoyed it. It was a quick read and I listened to some good instumental records during. It got me thinking about alot of things that are important and I renewed my vow to try to read more. I finished a book a started a month or so called "I'm a Stranger Here Myself". It was pretty entertaining. Now I am reading something by Neal A. Maxwell called "If thou Endure it Well". Its pretty cryptic so its slow going, but its of course really engrossing.
Also I got into a mood this week to listen to some audiobooks while I was walking around and driving. I read Bob Dylan's Chronicles this summer, and I had an audiobook version of it. I liked it alot this summer, so I tried it out again. Its a little hard to follow with all the rambling he does, but it was still an entertaining remenisence. Especially when you know the songs that he is referring to. I think my favorite part of the book is when he is talking about the "Oh Mercy" sessions and how frustrating it was to work with the producer and the musicians just to make a record that was only given a mediochre reception. I thought it was interesting to hear an honest portrayl of how those sessions go.
The hip hop group themselves released a free 40 minute mixtape recently that kills anything you've heard lately. It makes you wonder how it can be so good. And its loaded with guests. At the beginning Dose One says something like..."Lots of people talking trash but won't ever come battle me to my face." Then he says to eliminate all excuses he will give his home address, and spits out the street. Its a pretty great line. I doubt many could have a chance against him.
Must go. write more later.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Spring Break, St.Patty Show, Flicks, Celeb Apprentice
Holla.
Spring Break was good. I read a bit, listened to some music, worked on some projects, worked at Village Inn, watched a few flicks, hung out with a few friends, ect. All in the name of a good time.
First off, if you are in the area, Armorie is playing on St. Patrick's day, or tomorrow night. Its going to be at 6:00 PM. Also playing are the Castannettes and Baby Britain. It's at a place called the Pool House in Logan. Love to see you there if you can make it. We are going to do many new-ish songs. Yesterday we practiced with a full PA setup and it was alot of fun. We are pumped to play.
I watched Synecdoche New York over the break. It was really strange but I enjoyed it alot. Probably the most I've enjoyed a Kaufmann film since Adaptation. Its not something that everybody will enjoy because it takes alot of work to follow, but if you want some non-traditional movie-viewing I would reccommmend it.
Also, The Celebrity Apprentice has got me addicted. I can't believe I am wasting time on it, but its dang entertaining. The guys team is getting their butts handed to them this year, its embarrassing. Tom Green got fired last night, and although he brutally sucked as a team leader, Dennis Rodman was the one who deserved to get sent home. The guy didn't even show up to the challenge, claiming that his eyes hurt when he was clearly just hung-over. I am rooting for Jesse James to win the whole thing, although he probably doesn't have as many celebrity connections to call in for help to pull it off. If I were to predict the winner right now, it would probably be Joan Rivers strangely enough. That alien plastic faced woman has got some skills. Next week supposedly Rodman is going to have a meltdown and flip out on Clint Black. Dreams come true.
Well I have alot of work to do now that school has got up and running again.
Later.
Calvin
Spring Break was good. I read a bit, listened to some music, worked on some projects, worked at Village Inn, watched a few flicks, hung out with a few friends, ect. All in the name of a good time.
First off, if you are in the area, Armorie is playing on St. Patrick's day, or tomorrow night. Its going to be at 6:00 PM. Also playing are the Castannettes and Baby Britain. It's at a place called the Pool House in Logan. Love to see you there if you can make it. We are going to do many new-ish songs. Yesterday we practiced with a full PA setup and it was alot of fun. We are pumped to play.
I watched Synecdoche New York over the break. It was really strange but I enjoyed it alot. Probably the most I've enjoyed a Kaufmann film since Adaptation. Its not something that everybody will enjoy because it takes alot of work to follow, but if you want some non-traditional movie-viewing I would reccommmend it.
Also, The Celebrity Apprentice has got me addicted. I can't believe I am wasting time on it, but its dang entertaining. The guys team is getting their butts handed to them this year, its embarrassing. Tom Green got fired last night, and although he brutally sucked as a team leader, Dennis Rodman was the one who deserved to get sent home. The guy didn't even show up to the challenge, claiming that his eyes hurt when he was clearly just hung-over. I am rooting for Jesse James to win the whole thing, although he probably doesn't have as many celebrity connections to call in for help to pull it off. If I were to predict the winner right now, it would probably be Joan Rivers strangely enough. That alien plastic faced woman has got some skills. Next week supposedly Rodman is going to have a meltdown and flip out on Clint Black. Dreams come true.
Well I have alot of work to do now that school has got up and running again.
Later.
Calvin
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Spring Break, REM, Roots
Whats up y'all...
Just wanted to drop in to say hi.
And to wish you a very happy Spring Break, because everybody knows you get to start one day early!
I have some fun things I'm going to do, but also a bit of work at the same time. And gotta get caught up and geniafied on my schoolwork.
Had a test today that I think went pretty well...it was difficult but I was ready for it. Anyways, happy that it all is over for a week or so.
I entered a little competition with a few friends on youtube. The goal was to create a creative cover of an R.E.M. song. So we tried a few things. Give them a view when you get a chance? The judging will happen tomorrow, and it probably would help to get our video viewed a little bit. Let us know what you think.
End of the World
Everybody Hurts (Lounge style)
Driver 8
We threw them together pretty quick...I will let you know the results.
What do you think of Jimmy Fallon hosting the late show? I really am not digging it right now, but I think he is slowly getting better. He seems so nervous the whole time...as if any minute he is going to break down and cry. He is pretty awkward all by himself, but with the guests he is a bit better. Good interviewer. I will say that his band is freaking cool though.
Who thought they would someday be a late night band....I mean they are almost too raw for it...
More to come.
Just wanted to drop in to say hi.
And to wish you a very happy Spring Break, because everybody knows you get to start one day early!
I have some fun things I'm going to do, but also a bit of work at the same time. And gotta get caught up and geniafied on my schoolwork.
Had a test today that I think went pretty well...it was difficult but I was ready for it. Anyways, happy that it all is over for a week or so.
I entered a little competition with a few friends on youtube. The goal was to create a creative cover of an R.E.M. song. So we tried a few things. Give them a view when you get a chance? The judging will happen tomorrow, and it probably would help to get our video viewed a little bit. Let us know what you think.
End of the World
Everybody Hurts (Lounge style)
Driver 8
We threw them together pretty quick...I will let you know the results.
What do you think of Jimmy Fallon hosting the late show? I really am not digging it right now, but I think he is slowly getting better. He seems so nervous the whole time...as if any minute he is going to break down and cry. He is pretty awkward all by himself, but with the guests he is a bit better. Good interviewer. I will say that his band is freaking cool though.
Who thought they would someday be a late night band....I mean they are almost too raw for it...
More to come.
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