1.29.2006

This House Be Warm


Thanks to all who made my house warm. And to those in distant lands: We were thinking of you. You and third-world debt. We're a socially conscious bunch.

Thanks to everyone for your wonderful gifts. And thanks for all the Irish Ale, Jim. It should last me for a week or two, depending on how often Dad comes over to raid the fridge.

(And a side note about the photo. This is the first full-on photograph of Jim Gu since records began.)

1.23.2006

Blogging Rules!

bad blog
Technology clearly has some benefits. For example, you're enjoying a heated home right now thanks to technology originally developed for the Space Shuttle. We now have over 15 hours of full sunlight during the business week. And we can now manufacture absolutely essential vitamins that were previously reserved for only the rich.

But technology also undeniably has its costs--like when it becomes too accessible and we all suffer as a result; after that happens. One clear example is the Internet, which was invented by the Department of Weights and Measures in the 70s as part of the "Perfect Yard Stick" project.

The biggest part of the Internet is totally blogging. And the biggest part of blogging is 'bad blogging.' Bad bloggers' singular aim is to bring down the Internet. Their strategy, though brilliantly devised, is surprisingly easy to spot. Tthey craft web pages that leave the reader questioning the real value of the Internet, and perhaps even reading as a whole.

Though bad bloggers clearly are tight-knit and well-organized, they aren't a group per se. They share only the knowledge and application of a core set of rules:

1. Have nothing to write.
(A cardinal rule, yet seemingly deceiving.)
2. Write it anyway.
3. Include an animated graphic of some sort.
(Make it floating and the same color as the text in the foreground.)
4. Include a weekly (at least) reference to alcohol--preferably Jello shots.
5. Document the most mundane yet awkwardly personal aspects of your life.
6. Follow the "Close Enough" method of spelling. Avoid grammar and invent punctuation.
7. Repeat vowels for emphasis.
(ex - It was soooooooo gooooood!)
8. Post a very long personality quiz that you've filled out for all to see.
(This should take up at least 75% of the page.)
9. Use colors as weapons.
10. Link to lots of other bad bloggers.

1.16.2006

Here's Winking at You



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Taken a year ago, this was during a trip to Shanghai with a photo-happy friend. Finding myself the subject of too many of his pics, I devised a brilliant plan. Whenever possible, I would strike a silly pose and/or make a ridiculous face as he shot.

Though my tactics didn't produce the desired result, they did yield a treasury of photographs detailing the depths of my apparent stupidity and tactlessness. From the small town of Meizhou to the bustling metropolis of Shanghai; in taxis, buses, subways, and planes; from hotels to restaurants, I frowned and winked across China. I think I'm safe in saying it was wasted on everyone but me.

1.10.2006

Night Shots, New Apartment


CRW_4856.CRW

I took these west of Emporia looking back at the city's light pollution. I was pretty happy about them, so I thought I'd share with you people. Don't make me regret it, you monkeys.

This week I moved into a new apartment. It's just above an apartment I had in college. A housewarming gathering is fermenting, but for now I'm getting settled in.

And "The Ricky Gervais Show" podcast at the iTunes podcast directory is lewd but pure hilarity. (Not sure that's a word, but I heard somebody say it today.)

1.03.2006

On or About 2005

IllinoisSummer in AbaddonSo Jealous

Speak For YourselfLet It DieSimple Things

The Clarence Greenwood RecordingsFinally WokenGimme Fiction

Colour the Small OneArularÁgætis Byrjun