iPods and the True Meaning of Thanksgiving

One of life's simple pleasures is rediscovering things you own.

It has been about 2 1/2 to 3 years since I last used my iPod. It's clunky in comparison to today's "touch" models or the newest iPod nanos, but still works well. With it's relatively small screen and less-than-colorful display, it's not pleasing to the eye, but I've once again found the joy in having it. I generally enjoy listening to a CD or Minnesota Public Radio News in the car, so I never use the iPod. But, sitting next to the supervisor at work, who is inundated with people walking up to her and complaining/worrying/giggling/yelling, I found that I need something to keep me focused. Enter: iPod. I spent majority of Tuesday with earbuds in place and not only did I bust out a ton of work, but I also rediscovered a band I hadn't listened to in quite some time. What band, you ask? Cake. Yeah, WTF. How could I forget about Cake? So, after listening to the latest "Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me!" from National Public Radio, I listened to every Cake album I have.

I wish I had an action figure at work that was covered in permanent ink. It seems as though people think they can just come to my desk and mess around with the things I've brought for decoration. I mean... yes... they technically are toys, but I have them to stand there and look ominous, not for someone to stop by, test the boundaries of it's plastic joints and saunter back to their desk. I'm obviously too "Minnesota nice" to say anything while they fondle my action figures, so I need something that will teach them a lesson. If only there were some toy out there that was constantly covered in a colored permanent liquid... a squid, perhaps.

I recently saw both the new 007 movie, Quantum of Solace, as well as the Disney Animation Studios film, Bolt. For the longest time, I've been a hater. I have avoided animated films at all costs since seeing, what-I-thought-was-a-train-wreck, Ice Age. I've folded and watched The Incredibles, but before that I hadn't enjoyed an animated film since Toy Story. So, seeing Bolt was dangerous. It could've perpetuated my current distaste of animated films (note: I don't dislike animation in general. It tends to only apply to feature-length films) or worse, I could've thrown up all over the place because of the bright colors. Well, the second was more probable because I saw Bolt in 3D. The movie was good. The 3D was better and though it totally messed with my head for about 10 minutes, I got used to it and it turned out to be quite amazing. On the recommendation of Butch Roy, I will continue to watch animated films, but only on the recommendation of others. So, in my animation queue sits Monsters, Inc. and WALL-E. And for those of you waiting to hear what I thought of the new Bond flick... I liked it. That is all.

Thanksgiving happens tomorrow. I agree with the idea of a harvest festival, to celebrate the planet that gives us life, but there's something terribly wrong with celebrating it as the peaceful gathering between American Indians and Pilgrims, gnawing on eel and maize on Plymouth Rock. If you have any doubt about how awful the white man has treated the Native population over the history of America, just read about the first Angl0-Powhatan War. Basically, when the colonists realized they didn't have enough food for the Winter, they just strong-armed Natives for their corn supply. Happy Thanksgiving, right!?!?! Anyway, enjoy the time you have with your family or the family of your significant other. Eat some potatoes. They're good for you.

'til next time.

Karate Kid and the Business Process

I really enjoy a good sketch session. Today at work I drew a picture, set up in the All Valley Karate Championship arena where the final fight of Karate Kid took place. I've replaced Daniel LaRusso with a monkey and his nemesis with the foot of the Cloverfield monster. The ref has a similar mustache, but is now a Weeble people. He wobbles, but he doesn't fall down. So ridiculous, but so fun to draw.

It's all of life's little things, isn't it?

In other news, I've started reading Moore's The Watchmen again. I read it a very long time ago and remember nothing, so before the movie comes out, I want to have a good base on which to judge said film. I have a good feeling that the Nite Owl will be my favorite character after I'm done, but I have no basis for that, just a random thought.

The final installment of Hellendrung, Scott and Associates goes up at Improv-A-Go-Go this Sunday. It's been such a joy to play with Jen Scott, whom I've decided is the nicest person in the Twin Cities. It'll be a great show as this week's associate is Josh Eakright of the Brave New Workshop mainstage. 8pm. Sunday. $1.

I've never understood why communication in a workplace fails, but I've now realized that a small portion of its' failure has something to do with how our generation does not take e-mail messages as seriously as a phone call or snail mail. At work, we get long e-mails of changes in the "business process" and are expected to just learn all these changes. I'd say we get these at least once a month if not more often. Many people just skip over them, thus making it more difficult to know if you're doing anything right. I'm frustrated and in need of some beef jerkey.

A New Hope and a New Cube

In the immortal words of the band Staind, "It's been awhile."

What a joy to be back on the ol' blog. A lot has happened in the last few weeks. At work, I've moved from the training facility to a cube. I can honestly say, I've never been happier to be in a cubicle. I do know, however, that very soon, I'll be regretting ever moving to a place in which I have to be in a cube. But, for now, I'm basking in the glory. So far, I've decorated my cube with a Hellboy action figure and a Mola Ram doll. I'm contemplating several pictures, motivational posters and a Star Wars ice planet Hoth action set. Or maybe I'll just have the two. Time will tell.

In politics, Barack Obama kicked some old guy's ass to become our next President. Though I was very excited for his win, the night of the election I was saddened that our Minnesota Senatorial race had not been decided. In fact, over a week later, we are still waiting for the recount. I really do hope that Al Franken can eek this one out. Also, Keith Ellison won. Hooray!

Words and phrases I will not miss:

• maverick
• Joe Sixpack
• Joe the Plumber
• pro-America
• "Our next-door neighbors are foreign countries, there in the state that I am the executive of."

If Sarah Palin was our Vice President-elect, I might've thought about moving.

So, I love trivia. There's no use hiding it. Whether it's running a game of trivia at work, playing trivia games online, pub trivia or watching your favorite television game show; I love trivia. As you grow older, you learn more and more through experience, but I urge others to force yourself to learn something new and have fun doing it. If you love your religion, read about other religions to give yourself a better foothold within your own faith. If you love football, read about the origin. If you love foreign cultures, learn a language. And if you're like me and love random information and the general quest for knowledge, soak up everything you can. I challenge everyone out there to pick one thing and learn all about it. I'll report on my choice soon.

My boss lent me a copy of the 1966 version of Batman. Yes, folks, we're talking Pow! Whap! Oof! Bam! Batman. Let me just read the back cover for you:

When Batman and Robin get a tip that Commodore Schmidlapp is in danger aboard his yacht, they launch a rescue mission. But the tip is a set-up by four of the most powerful villains ever, who seek to defeat the Dynamic Duo once and for all! Armed with a dehydrator that can turn humans to dust, the fearsome foursome intends to take over the world! Can the Caped Crusaders use their high-flying heroism and groovy gadgetry to declaw Catwoman, ice the Penguin, upstage the Joker, and stump the Riddler in time?

Awesome. So very awesome. I love alliteration.