Stephen's Void

Top 11 of '11 Songs & Albums

2011-12-12T21:26:00.008-06:00

Top 11 of '11 - Songs
These are my favorite songs in or around the year 2011.

1. Pumped Up Kicks - Foster The People
(I know, I know, this is the cliche song of 2011... also why it is number 1)

2. Live Those Days Tonight - Friendly Fires

(Need a good song for groovin'? This is it. Great tune.)

3. C'mon Talk (Live) - Bernhoft

(This song will blow you away. Very talented singer.)

4. Usual Suspect - Ha Ha Tonka

(Band out of Missouri, love the feel of the entire album)

5. Paradise - Coldplay

(A great song with some unexpected moments. Good song to cruise to.)

6. Darling Buds of May - Viva Brother

(Maybe my most surprising song choice, fun song from a EuroPop band)

7. On The Ocean - Guster

(This song never gets old. Neither does this band.)

8. Jaques Cousteau - Swimming With Dolphins

(Electro-pop vibe. Been liking this song since it came out in May)

9. Heaven Come My Way - Abandon Kansas

(Great tune. Great lyrics. Great band. Great guys.)

10. Barton Hollow - The Civil Wars

(Another country-ish song snuck on here. And for good reason, this song is fantastic)

11. Monte Carlo - U.S. Royalty

(Amazing guitar riffs and catchy tune. Good song to get lost in.)

Honorable Mention
This Is Why We Fight - Decemberists
Every Drop A Waterfall - Coldplay
The Canyon - From Indian Lakes
Windows Are Rolled Down - Amos Lee

Top 11 of '11 - Albums

1. Coldplay - Myloto Xyloto - Easy choice for the number 1 album. Fun album to listen to over and over.
2. Friendly Fires - Pala - Great album to groove to. Catchy rhythms and fun lyrics.
3. Abandon Kansas - Ad Astra Per Aspera - Outstanding album. Looking forward to what these guys have in store for 2012.
4. Cut Copy - Zonoscope - Another good groovin' album that got a fair share of play time this year.
5. Adele - 21 - Album of the year on everybody's charts. And for good reason. It was the 'Year of Adele'. However, I got burned out on this album overall. Great singing, but whiny lyrics.
6. Hyland - Weights & Measures - Excellent album. Awesome lyrics and great rock songs.
7. Mutemath - Odd Soul - Love this band. Not overly impressed with this album, felt like it was over-produced. Still some good tunes.
8. Animals as Leaders - Weightless - Instrumental rock? Youbetchya! One of my favorite finds of 2011.
9. Guster - Easy Wonderful - Just a fun album. This band's music never gets old.
10. Swimming With Dolphins - Water Colours - Anticipated this album since this time last year and was not disappointed.
11. Hugh Laurie - Let Them Talk - Must surprising album award goes to... Hugh Laurie. Known for playing Dr. House on TV, this guy can lay it down. He put together a great country-ish album full of good knee-slappin' tunes fit for a hootenanny.

Honorable Mention:
M83 - Hurry Up, We're Dreaming
Viva Brothers - Famous First Words
Boy & Bear - Moonfire
Foster The People - Torches
Childish Gambino - CAMP
Fang Island - Fang Island

My Life List - 100 Goals

2011-02-22T18:46:00.007-06:00

So, I've had this list since I was 18 and I haven't put it online yet. I do update it every now and again with new goals or removing goals I think I may not want to pursue any longer. The top 10 are in order of how I want to complete them, beyond that it is a free-for-all.

100 things I want to do before I die:

1. Learn to play the guitar, and be able to play it well.
2. Read the whole Bible
3. Travel to Australia
4. Be published (magazine or book)
~~5. Meet George Brett~~ (1-15-10 Shook his hand at Royals Fan Fest)
6. Take a cruise
7. Go fly fishing
8. Become a volunteer firefighter
9. Ride in a limo
10. Ride in a hot air balloon
11. Visit all 50 states (AL, AK, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, ~~IN, IA, KS, KY, LA,~~ ME, ~~MD,~~ MA, MI, MN, MS, MO, MT,
NE, NV, NH, ~~NJ, NM, NY,~~ NC, ~~ND, OH, OK, OR, PA~~, RI, SC, ~~SD, TN, TX, UT~~, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY)
12. Write a book
13. Be a missionary
14. Meet a celebrity (other than George Brett)
15. Go skydiving
16. See the Northern Lights
17. Type 60 words a minute
18. Camp in the Grand Canyon a few nights
19. See a tiger, elephant, bear, or lion in the wild
20. Spend the night in a haunted house
21. Teach a college course
22. Learn how to ride a unicycle
23. Go to the Olympics
24. Go to the World Series
25. Go to the Super Bowl
26. Eat fruit from a tree I planted
27. Sit in the audience of a live TV show
28. See the stone heads of Easter Island
29. Go snorkeling or scuba diving
~~30. Smoke a cigar~~ (with Brian Scheideman in San Diego CA, 6-13-08)
31. Fly in a helicopter
32. Visit Canada
33. Bury a time capsule
34. Visit England (Big Ben, Stonehenge, etc.)
35. Milk a cow
36. Take a ride on the tallest roller coaster in the US (Kingda Ka, Six Flags - Jackson, NJ)
37. Visit Israel and the Dead Sea
38. Spend the night in a log cabin the woods
39. Visit the Red Wood Forest in CA
40. Pick up a hitch-hiker
41. Own a kayak and use it frequently
42. Try frog's legs
43. Stay up long enough to watch the sun set and rise
44. Take a spontaneous trip on a plane, just because
45. Hike for a week straight
46. Go to Disney World or Land
47. Build a fire without matches
48. Buy stocks in the NYSE
49. Help a homeless person
50. Send a message in a bottle
51. Fire a gun
52. Experience zero gravity
~~53. Take a taxi in NYC and get a hot dog from a vendor~~ (October 18, 2007 on trip with KSU AIGA)
54. Ride a bicycle built for two
55. Buy an expensive bottle of wine (at least $100)
56. Fall asleep in a hammock on the beach
57. Start a family tradition
58. Go deep-sea fishing
59. See Alcatraz and ~~the Golden Gate Bridge~~ (June 19, 2008 on trip with Abandon Kansas)
60. Have an all-out food fight
61. Dive in a submarine
62. Participate in a murder-mystery dinner party
63. Start and own my own business
64. Climb a mountain over 14,000ft.
65. Run and complete a half marathon
66. Go to all of the MLB ballparks - doesn't have to be in the same season ~~(KC, Detroit, Houston, ChiCubs)~~
67. Visit a castle in Scotland or Ireland (and Loch Lomond)
68. Travel to Jamaica
69. Ride an elephant or camel
70. Own and operate a bed & breakfast
71. Learn to drive a stick-shift
72. Build the deck and/or porch of my house
73. Go to the World Cup
74. Learn how to swing dance
~~75. Go to a Broadway play~~ (5-25-05 "Phantom of the Opera" with Shilah Pyeatt and her uncle Dave Muller)
76. Get something patented
77. Start a place where bands can come and play, like the Main Street Cafe in KC
78. Learn shorthand
79. Learn to play the harmonica
80. Own a piece of land that can be my own and my little get away
81. Roast chestnuts over a fire
82. Ride a bull
83. ~~Go to a English Premiere League soccer game~~ (KC Wizards vs Manchester United 7-25-10 Arrowhead Stadium - with Sam)
84. Take classes from a Christian College
85. Ride on a train
86. Coach a kid's soccer team (my own or not)
87. Have a standing Ovation
88. Read the complete works of CS Lewis
89. Be a regular at a restaurant
90. ~~Support a child overseas~~ (8-6-07 Antony Miguel Cardenes Cortez - Peru - thru Compassion International)
91. Go to Cooperstown
92. Swim in a shark cage
~~93. Take a real road trip and live on the road~~ - (20 days, June 6 - 26, 2008 with Abandon Kansas)
94. ~~Go gambling at least once~~ (8-17-07 Harrah's in Kansas City - $10 on Black Jack - went with KSU roomie Chase Higgins - first and only time I've been)
95. Go hunting (deer, pheasants, quail, etc.)
96. Stomp grapes, then drink the wine
97. Drive across the Seven Mile Bridge - Florida Keys
98. ~~See Garrison Keillor live~~ (McCain Auditorium - KSU - 9-22-08 with Paige Hartman)
99. ~~Marry the girl of my dreams~~ (8-7-10, Wichita KS, Central Christian church to the beautiful miss Paige Marie Hartman)
100. Complete this whole list

Rad Tad

2011-01-06T10:15:00.009-06:00

I received one of the coolest Christmas presents this season from a guy I have met in person only once, but whose work I have been enthralled with for quite awhile. His name is Tad Carpenter and he is an outstanding illustrator from KC. Also Tad is 1/2 of the amazingly awesome Vallhalla Studios.

Almost every Tuesday on his twitter, Tad does a giveaway of some of his design work. I am a sucker for freebies (especially awesome freebies) and had been trying and trying to win one of his giveaways - but to no avail.

One day in December after Mr Tad had posted an awesome campaign he did for Macy's I noticed my name (3rd on the list) in one of his illustrations

I tweeted about it

He messaged back

In the end, I emailed him my address and he very graciously provided me with the following:

Now we are BFFs!

Big thanks to Tad for being so gracious and taking the time to mail me such an awesome gift!

A Salute to the NCAA

2011-01-04T12:41:00.006-06:00

In regards to the Pinstripe Bowl that was held in NYC on Dec 30, my beloved K-State Wildcats looked to seize their first bowl victory in 6 years, but 11 players and 1 referee had other ideas. In my 12 part series entitled: "The 'N' in NCAA stands for Inconsistent", we take a look at "Operation Pinstripe Bowl:2010"

(This is a re-post straight from ESPN's "Tuesday Morning Quarterback" (TMQ) but was too good not to re-post)

Only the NCAA Could Think One Person Is "Themselves". In the Kansas State-Syracuse bowl game, Adrian Hilburn scored a touchdown with a minute remaining to pull Kansas State to within two points. Hilburn briefly saluted the Kansas State cheering section behind that end zone where he scored; zebras called that unsportsmanlike conduct, marching the Wildcats' 2-point try back to the 18. Syracuse stopped the deuce and won. Thus the penalty essentially handed the inaugural New Era Pinstripe Bowl to Syracuse. The game was being played in New York City, see? Syracuse is a New York team, see? The mob put the fix in to make sure the New York team won, see? The whole game was fixed by the mob, see?

There you go, tabloids -- "ESPN says game was 'fixed by the mob.'" Obviously I don't mean this. The trouble is, it's a better explanation than that NCAA officials think a three-second salute by a guy who just scored a touchdown is a reason to throw a flag that in effect awards the game to the other team.

TMQ hates the celebration penalty. As long as there is no taunting, and there was none by Kansas State, why shouldn't players dance happily after a touchdown? Nearly all football fans, players and coaches hate the celebration penalty -- why does it exist? The current NCAA stance seems to be that football players not graduating is a minor matter, athletes who break rules will be overlooked whenever bowl revenue is involved, but don't you dare act happy! Especially bizarre is the NCAA notion that celebration fouls should be a "point of emphasis." Punishing players for jumping around happily is a point of emphasis, while helmet-to-helmet hits are rarely flagged? Even considering the NCAA's reputation for hypocrisy, this is a bit much. The celebration rule (at the high school and NFL levels, too) needs a serious revamping.

The officiating crew from the Pinstripe Bowl (via HBO).

After the game, referee Todd Geerlings said the penalty was justified because officials judged Hilburn "to be drawing attention to themselves, and that's what the flag was for." Set aside that your kindergarten teacher would flunk that sentence. Here's the NCAA rule: Unsportsmanlike celebration is "Any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act by which a player attempts to focus attention on himself (or themselves)." What Hilburn did was not delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed -- although he did draw attention to himself. The rule doesn't forbid drawing attention to yourself. It forbids "any delayed, excessive, prolonged or choreographed act." Hilburn did not violate the wording of the rule. Even an NCAA official who doesn't know the difference between "himself" and "themselves" should understand the wording of rules.

Along comes the next bowl, North Carolina at Tennessee. On one Volunteers touchdown, the receiver did a choreographed dance as a teammate leapfrogged him; on another, the receiver danced elaborately, then a teammate lifted him into the air. No flag in either case. Rules are supposed to be consistent. The NCAA celebration rule seems enforced entirely according to the whim of whoever is working the game.

Reader Chris Gillard of Atlanta adds that "drawing attention" happens constantly in football and is almost never flagged: "If celebration is bad, shouldn't there be an excessive celebration penalty for the defensive player who gets a sack and then runs 10 yards jumping around, thumping his chest and gesturing to the fans?" I watched the South Carolina-Florida State second half with this in mind, and counted 14 instances of a player who had just made a sack or big tackle or had a big gain dancing wildly on the field, flexing his biceps, chest-bumping with a teammate or doing a bit or choreography. No flags. How come celebrating a touchdown is a grievous offense but celebrating a tackle is unregulated? Fix this embarrassing rule.

Top Songs + Albums of 2010

2010-12-15T12:34:00.000-06:00

TOP SONGS 2010

1. Minus The Bear - Hold Me Down

2. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man

3. Brandon Flowers - Crossfire

4. Freelance Whales - Second Floor Generator

5. Anberlin - To The Wolves

6. The Daylights - Weapons

7. Icon Parade - Jukebox Collective

8. Five Finger Death Punch - Bad Company

9. Jónsi - Go Do

10. Young The Giant - My Body

11. Michael Franti - Sound of Sunshine

12. Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work

----------

TOP ALBUMS 2010

1. Jónsi - Go

2. Brandon Flowers - Flamingo

3. Freelance Whales - Weathervanes

4. Mumford & Sons - Sigh No More

5. Queens Club - Young Giant

6. Anberlin - Dark is the Way, Light is the Place

7. Two Door Cinema Club - Tourist History

8. Timid Tigers - Electric Island

9. House of Heroes - Suburbia

10. Ivoryline - Vessels

11. American Bang - American Bang

12. Tallest Man On Earth - Wild Hunt

13. Band of Horses - Infinate Arms

14. Hammock - Chasing After Shadows...Living With The Ghosts

Moving On Up. . .To Downs

2010-09-26T21:01:00.011-05:00

About 15 miles west of Kansas's famed "World's Largest Ball of Twine" is a sign that announces, "Welcome to Downs, Population 824". In this town that boasts two gas stations, one stop light, and an abandoned swimming pool, lies a graphic design company who thrives and has been listed multiple times in Inc. Magazine's "Top 500 Companies" list. For years the Brush Art Corporation has found itself steadily growing in an industry that has been pretty unstable over the last decade. Their secret is that their client base is primarily large agricultural and industrial corporations: John Deere, Caterpillar, Cargill, The Discovery Channel, etc.

Seven weeks into our brand spanking' new marriage, Paige and I found ourselves faced with a tough situation: I had received news that my current employer would be releasing me at the end of October. Our task? Find a job. Stat. And that is just what we did. However, we found it in the most unlikely of places: Downs, KS. One of my groomsmen from our wedding, Ryan Barten, is currently one of the 35 individuals employed at Brush Art and told me some inside information regarding an opening out west.

Beginning October 4, 2010, that small town's population will increase by 1 as I will be moving to Downs. But don't worry, a few weeks later, after she has wrapped up a few things in Overland Park, Paige will be joining me out west in a small town on the edge of Waconda Lake.

We are excited to begin our new adventure together in a place where we know 1 person. But most of all, we are thankful to have been so blessed by God to be able to have this opportunity to work for a company willing to give us an opportunity to not have to live paycheck to paycheck. We also ask for your continued prayers and support on our marriage as we embark upon this new chapter in our lives. Our phone numbers will remain the same, and our current address is still a valid one for about 4 more weeks but then should be able to forward to our new address for the next year or so. Once we have determined our new residence, we will make sure to pass it along. If you are curious (and we know you are) here is a website on Downs. Have a look (it'll only take a minute): http://www.downsks.net/

Feel free to look us up and stop on by if you ever find yourself on the West side of a National Landmark made of twine or need a place to bed down on your way to Denver. There's always room for one more in Downs.

Hairy & Scary - January

2010-02-05T23:38:00.006-06:00

For every work day in January (21), I took about 30 seconds to sketch out a monster that was both hairy and scary on a blue post-it note, then posted them on a board next to my desk. Here is what I came up with (click on image for a larger view):

Boo!

2009 in Review

2010-01-09T17:52:00.005-06:00

Stephen's Best of 2009:
*Graduation with Bachelor in Fine Arts (and a Minor in Literature) in May
*Getting a full-time job at Keating in May
*Leaving Keating in August
*Finding an apartment in one weekend in Overland Park in August
*Getting a job at Crossover Graphics in August
*Paying my truck off completely
*Traveling to Colorado to see my Uncle and go hiking and fishing in the Rockies
*Turning 24 (old dude)
*Late Night Trivia at Auntie Mae's with Matt, John, Aubrey, Dillon, Todd, and others
*Kings of Leon concert with the Abandon Kansas boys
*Swell Season concert with Kyle + friends
*Killers concert with Jeremy, Brad and others
*Abandon Kansas includes me in their first released CD on their new label
*Winning tix on the radio to the Jet/Flock of Seagulls/Black Joe Lewis/Ravonettes/White Rabbits concert with Aubrey, Matt
*Minus The Bear/As Tall As Lions concert with Jeremy
*VIP at Spoon/Hockey/Metric/The Bravery concert with Jeremy
*KC Royals game vs Red Sox with Cy Young winner Zack Grienke pitched a shutout
*Becoming roommate with Kyle Gach (then sadly, ditching him for KC)
*ENGAGED to my beautiful girlfriend
*Designing a mural for West Hall 4th Floor (link to old post)
*Dallas Design conference with friends AND getting my poster entered
*Commerce Bank Student Art Show in Manhattan, getting poster entered
*Seeing Abandon Kansas live about 20 times
*Justin's wedding
*Kenny's wedding
*Ali+James wedding
*Applying to Hatch Show Print
*My brother Sam getting Prom Prince
*Another great year with Antony Miguel Cardenas Cortez, my sponsored child

(please feel free to help me add to this list if I'm missing anything!)

Top 10 of '09 - Songs

2009-12-16T21:54:00.017-06:00

Top 10 of '09 - Songs
These are my favorite songs in or around the year 2009.

1. Percussion Gun - White Rabbits

2. 1901 - Phoenix

3. Spaceman - Killers

4. Furr - Blitzen Trapper

5. I Want You To - Weezer

6. Meet Me On The Equinox - Death Cab For Cutie

7. Electrify - MuteMath

8. 11th Dimension - Julian Casablancas

9. Help I'm Alive - Metric

10. Oscar Wilde - Company of Thieves

Honorable Mention
Kings & Queens - 30 Seconds to Mars
The Reeling - Passion Pit
Uprising - Muse
In One Ear - Cage The Elephant
Alligator Pie - Dave Matthews Band

Top 10 of '09 - Albums

2009-12-13T19:18:00.002-06:00

(The first of a few lists of my Top 10 of '09)

Top 10 of '09 - Albums

1. Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix - Phoenix
2. Armistice - Mute Math
3. The Resistance - Muse
4. Ocean Eyes - Owl City
5. Cosmic Egg - Wolfmother
6. Cage The Elephant - Cage The Elephant
7. I Told You I Was Freaky - Flight of the Conchords
8. Twilight Soundtrack - Various
9. Tell 'Em What Your Name Is - Black Joe Lewis
10. Brand New Eyes - Paramore

Honorable Mention:
Strict Joy - The Swell Season
Fantasies - Metric
Manners - Passion Pit
Best of - Foo Fighters

Soggy Waffles - Madonna

2009-07-22T15:52:00.001-05:00

New Alice In Wonderland Trailer - wowza

2009-07-22T15:05:00.002-05:00

Here is the trailer for what is sure to be next year's blockbuster hit, Tim Burton's "Alice In Wonderland", starring Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter...ought to be interesting. It is a story of Alice going back as a 19 year old, to the Wonderland she knew as a girl and running into her old friends again. Enjoy!

The Race - a poem from senior studio

2009-07-16T20:40:00.002-05:00

While cleaning my room, I came across this poem I wrote one [late] night in Senior Studio:
The Race
Bowed legs harbor a slowly-stooping structure: a frame. A frame once upright, now hunched. A frame which supports a head that houses weary eyes. A head that holds a brain. A brain that is a prize-winning racehorse of which caffeine is the jockey and there is no finish line in sight. Legs shaking, body defeated, brain wild and unpredictable. It makes lists. Revives old memories. Wants further stimulation from television, but will not be rewarded. Veteran white blood cells unaware of viruses lurking ever nearer are nestled in their beds for the night while the rookies attempt to keep watch over the structure. A yawn escapes as a digital 4:24 becomes a digital 4:25. Muscles loosen and begin to relax. Teeth earlier drenched in coffee, now lay unbrushed. The brain slows to a trot as the jockey dismounts and leads it back to the stable. There will be another race tomorrow.
-2/3/09
This was scribed about the 4th week of classes...and it was only the beginning of a looooooooooong semester.

A Creed

2009-07-14T16:42:00.004-05:00

Some pretty cool and powerful words by a WWI vet

"My Creed" by Dean Alfange

I do not choose to be a common man.

It is my right to be uncommon. I seek opportunity... Not security.

I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state to dream and build, to fail, and to succeed.

I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of utopia.

I will not trade freedom for beneficence, nor my dignity for a hand out. I will never cower before any master nor bend to any threat.

It is my heritage to stand erect, proud, and unafraid; to think and act for myself; enjoy the benefits of my creations; and to face the world boldly and say, "This I have done with my own hand, I am a man. I am an American." -

Listen to it here

*Originally published in This Week Magazine. Later printed in The Reader’s Digest, October 1952 and January 1954.

Soggy Waffles - Semicolon

2009-07-13T10:52:00.001-05:00

Newords

2009-07-08T11:46:00.008-05:00

I've started to notice this phenomenon in recent American culture: using words that already exist, adding a letter or 2 to them, and 'cello' its a new word - or 'neword' (©stephenfloyd09).

Here are some examples:

*Dollar Menunaire from McDonald's

They used this to try and connect with the lazy, cheap, slobs of American society. I mean look at that dude guy in the ad, more like a "hair-don't". Shoulda called this class of people 'Lazeap Slobicans' - basically the same thing.

*Mexicutioner - Joakim Soria for the KC Royals - no Mexplanation needed.

*"Ginormous" from the movie Elf

Yes, our friends at Webster's Dictionary & Other Spelling Books Company have decided to add this 'neword' into their end all, be all book of definitions. C'mon! Its a compound word of both 'gigantic' and 'enormous'. Before you know it 'cotton-headed-ninny-muggins' will be a way for kids to get their mouths washed out with soap.

*Staycation - this is a vacation that you take in your home state or surrounding area

Isn't the point of a vacation to 'get away'? YES. Its dumb to think you need to go in debt to be on a cruise 6 weeks every summer anyways - unless of course you are the captain of a cruise ship. Then I suppose you come to Kansas.

*Bromance - A non-sexual relationship between 2 straight men that are unusually close

Really? We're allowing this? That's just brotastic.

*Scrotegé - looks up to and acts just like a toolbag that he admires

See what I mean?

Since I fancy myself as a 'pun master' of sorts, I have decided to add to this trend:
*Preancé - Someone you are dating who you are sure will become your fiancé soon
*Freevening - An evening all to yourself, especially one with no plans
*Myena - A pet hyena that is only yours
*Gunderwear - A holster for your gun
*Cupgrade - a. Larger drink at a restaurant b. a teenage girl getting older

Have any to add?

Ultimate Road Trip Mix CD

2009-06-26T15:08:00.004-05:00

I'm headed out to the Middle of Nowhere KS this weekend so to help get me there, I set out today to make the most awesome road-trip mix cd the world has ever heard. I believe I have achieved a nirvana-like success (not the band, but rather the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation, ya know.) My list had to include songs that were good for the ROAD, not just good in general.

1. That usually means that they are from the classic rock genre. Because let's face it, when these songs came out people had 8-track players in their cars and engines bigger and louder than a robot playing a pink electric guitar - so the music had to be rockin enough to hear above the roar of these beasty machines.
2. This also means that the songs had to have a good rhythm and lyrics. This also fits most classic rock songs.
3. Songs about cars, traveling, or summertime are a must as well. Some songs, The Mamas & The Papas "California Dreamin'", "Keys to the Hovercar" by Andy McKee, The Beatles' "Ticket To Ride", and "Lowrider" by War unfortunately did not make the cut.
4. Has to be fun to sing to. And I have to know the lyrics to it. Both have to happen.

Here is the list that I came up with, let this ear candy give you brain cavities:
"Born To Be Wild" - Steppenwolf - This has got to be the ultimate road trip song.
"Hot Rod Lincoln" - Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen - Song about a car going really fast, with an awesome bass line? You bet it made the list.
"The Boys of Summer" - The Ataris - I know Don Henley sang the original, but this newer version really lends itself to be a road trip worthy song. Newer rock riffs and less pop strums is why it makes the cut. Plus it has the word "Summer" in the title.
"Takin' Care of Business" - Bachman Turner Overdrive - TCB by BTO just a flat-out sweet song for the road
"Radar Love" - Golden Earring - Their only hit. Maybe the only song they ever wrote. Quality over quantity.
"Sweet Home Alabama" - Lynyrd Skynyrd - This song is SO over played and very predictable to make this list, hence it made the list.
"Here I Go Again On My Own" - Whitesnake - Epic song. Great one to sing along to. A nice break in the midst of so many thunderous classics.
"Summer of '69" - Bryan Adams - Had to make it. Such a sweet ballad. Not to mention "Summer" is in the title. It just had to be. Also, the beginning has to be played very loud.
"The Boys Are Back In Town" - Thin Lizzy - Fun to sing echo on this one. I think these cats are great.
"Crazy On You" - Heart - One of the few bands I can stand that is fronted by a woman. Awesome beginning, awesome chorus, awesome guitar licks.
"Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)" - Journey - One of my all-time favorite songs. Amazing from beginning to end. Also have to play this one loud at the beginning. I am a synthesizer sympathizer at heart.
"Foreplay/Long Time" - Boston - A 7:50 song wouldn't normally make a list like this, but how can you not have it make the cut? Such a classic song and the best intro to any song all-time. Yep, just said it.
"Hungry Like The Wolf" - Duran Duran - The "Do-do-dos" of the bridge are perfect for the road. This one barely made the cut, but its classic, has good rhythm, and is fun to sing to.
"Cold As Ice" - Foreigner - One of my favorite bands ever. The beginning is stellar. Although it is a bit slower, it still has opportunity for some good air guitar and air drum parts.
"Rock You Like A Hurricane" - Scorpions - Do I even need to explain this one? Didn't think so.
"Sink Hole" - Drive By Truckers - A fun song to sing along to and has excellent rhythm. Not classic rock, but has that same feeling. Great for crusin'!
"Bad To The Bone" - George Thorogood - BBBBBBBB-Awesome song! Another epic tune (and predictable list-maker).
"Cold Hard B***h" - Jet - Yes mom, this song has a bad word in the title. I'm sorry. Its about this female dog that get frozen stiff... Jet has a sweet classic rock sound and feel to many of their songs and this one is one of those that fits the bill.

Road Trippin' Vol. 1 has been set. Feel free to let me know if I missed an obvious song, but I'm pretty sure I did not. Maybe a Vol. 2 could happen with some less classic rock and some more newer songs, doubt it.

PS - RIP the biggest Thriller of all time.

Soggy Waffles - Safety in Sombreros

2009-06-08T09:41:00.003-05:00

Wamego, Land of Ehz?

2009-06-07T18:45:00.005-05:00

So Wamego KS is the self-proclaimed "Land of Oz", everything there is Wizard of Oz related.
Example 1: A Barbershop - "Scizzors of Ahhhz!"

Example 2: A taco shop (the only taco shop in town) - "Toto's Tacoz"

There are more than these I'm sure, but the world had to know about these 2 Oz-ities especially.

I am going to Mars . . . sorta

2009-06-05T15:39:00.004-05:00

So I found this link online. I don't know if this is a hoax or not, but you can sign up your name and NASA engrave it on a microchip of the latest $gajillion robot rover that is being sent to Mars. Here is the official NASA proof:

I may regret this if an alien robot baby (because, like everyone knows, they have acute mico-vision) gets a hold of the rover and starts using it as a rattle or chew toy and rips it to shreds, exploding microchips out of it and then reads my name (because it can read English already), it may then come to earth looking to seek and destroy. Because although they look harmless, alien robot babies are in fact some of the most dangerous creatures in the entire Milky Way. That's just a fact.

Soggy Waffles - OCTO

2009-06-03T15:41:00.001-05:00

Stop-motion video

2009-06-02T12:07:00.001-05:00

Here is a sweeet stop-motion video made with letters and confined to specifically spaced areas:

Prince (not the singer)

2009-05-05T04:02:00.004-05:00

My alma mater, Campus High School (GO COLTS!) had their Spring Prom this year and check out who is lookin' good and winnin' prom prince:

CONGRATS TO THE LITTLE BROTHER!
He's got a better record than his older brother who was 0-2 on prom/homecoming prince/king wins. (Maybe its because I didn't look as studly as that handsome fella.)

Way to go Sam!

Soggy Waffles - Aerosol

2009-04-28T03:38:00.001-05:00

Weekend Wrap-up

2009-04-27T11:08:00.005-05:00

Went home this weekend to Justin's wedding:

Two babies at the reception:

Had to go with Paige to this place:

(Check out their sweet logo!)

She tried on bridesmaid dresses, I kept myself entertained:

MuteMath - 'Spotlight' Vid

2009-04-24T16:23:00.003-05:00

MUTEMATH - Spotlight

MuteMath is my favorite band of all time. I have seen them in concert more than anyone else. Even saw them in NYC when I was there. They flat out ROCK.
This is their latest and greatest music video to their song "Spotlight", not quite as revolutionary as their all-backwards "Typical" video, but not easy to make a song look like its being sung in real time while the tape is in fast-forward. Enjoy!

Soggy Waffles - Lunch with Ninjas

2009-04-24T12:12:00.002-05:00

Weirdest Commercial EVER. Period.

2009-04-23T14:44:00.002-05:00

Caution: If you are not on drugs when you are watching this video, you're going to wish you were:

Brought to you via: PictureIsUnrelated

PICKLE SURPRISE!!

Soggy Waffles - Up A Creek

2009-04-23T04:09:00.001-05:00

Yeah, I've felt like this before

Omelet

2009-04-20T10:33:00.004-05:00

This is my feeble attempt at an omelet for Sunday brunch:

Thanks to Paige for the new skillet! -Looks like Heck, tastes like Heaven...well, Purgatory at least.

Soggy Waffles - Rhymes

2009-04-19T20:54:00.002-05:00

EARTH

2009-04-19T12:43:00.001-05:00

Next to HBO's Band of Brothers (seriously, can a Hanks/Howard co-production EVER be beat?), my favorite series on television has to be the Planet Earth series by Discovery.
They spent over 10 years gathering footage and filming some of the most magnificent and never-before-seen animal behaviors. Incredible footage.
In leu of the over-used 'going green' campaigning, Disney has jumped on board and will be showing a 1 day only event called "Earth" at select movie theaters on April 22, Earth Day. This movie will follow 3 animal families over the course of their season and all of their struggles and triumphs.

This is the beginning of a series called 'Disney Nature'. I imagine that it will be pretty cheesy since its geared towards kids, but I don't mind. I mean, its narrated by James Earl Jones - can't get much better than "The Voice" can it? Fortunately Seth Childs is showing the film and I'll be there at the 9:30 showing - join me if you'd like!

Gourmet Heart Attack

2009-04-18T21:23:00.008-05:00

As Americans we apparently love to combine foods that are delicious and fattening just by them selves with other foods that are also delicious and artery clogging. Most of the time these 2 things should never ever be combined.
Items that come to mind are:
*Krispy Kreme burger

- this replaces the buns of an already unhealthy burger made at some grease-pit probably called "Frank's Middle-of-nowhere Diner" next to a Waffle House and served on a plate that was once broken but has recently been duct-taped back to perfection by a toothless waitress named Flo, with 2 deep fried and mouth-watering, glazed Krispy Kreme donuts. Could you have chosen anything more fattening? Maybe next time just slap two 1/2 lb batter dipped ham haunches on and call it a day.

* Macaroni and Cheese Pizza. Two childhood favorites. Although Mac&Chez isn't totally unhealthy adding it to a baked crust and drenching it in mozzarella cheese can't be that friendly on the ol bowel system. At least its not a combo of other childhood faves: chicken nugget cereal, hot fudge hot dog sundaes, or Peanut Butter and Jell-o sandwiches (cut diagonally of course).

But the latest of these has to be the gourmet chocolate made by Vosges. It combines 2 of America's favorite fattening items: Chocolate and Bacon.

Dentists everywhere must be rejoicing! C'mon America! Seriously? Chocolate and BACON?! The only thing that could make it more white trash is deep-frying it and having ranch dressing to drench it in. This doesn't evens sound good to me. Makes me shudder and my arteries cry out in distress begging me not to intake this mess. Well don't worry fellas, I will not be ingesting this fondue hog any time soon.

Have any thing to add to this list of unnecessarily gross food combos?

Soggy Waffles - Powerpoint

2009-04-17T20:13:00.001-05:00

Rant - Baby Names

2009-04-16T10:20:00.007-05:00

Ok, this has bothered me for quite some time now and I have to let it out: Baby Names.

This does not revolve around people who name their kids off the wall names like Scout, Shauntrellutaun, Chaqueffa, Moonbeam, or Rodney. No. I'm talking about when people name their child something so that they can call them a nickname of that name.

Example time: Naming a girl Elanor so that you can call her "Elle". Here's a bright idea, just name her Elle. If that is what you want to call her, then name her that!

I don't mind people naming their child something like Charles and calling him Chuck, Charlie, or Chaz. But by all means don't name him Charles so that you can call him Chuckie - just name him Chuckie. Deal?

Example time 2: My brother's name is Samuel. Everyone calls him Sam. My parents named him Samuel, but not with the intention of calling him Sam, Sammy, Shlamenskee, Samantha, or Goober. Although all of these names are used for him, this is not why he was named Samuel.

I do understand naming a child something that gives them the option to go by a shortened version when they are older (Gregory -> Greg, James -> Jim, Michael -> Mike) rather than giving them a fixed name (Ryan, Brent, Jason, or Scott). This makes sense to me.

However, I just do not understand this logic (or lack of) when naming a child. If the opportunity presents itself to call your child a certain nickname then feel free to take it, but please do not name your child a name so that you can call them by a nickname of that name.

ALSO: What's up with naming kids old people names? Why are Emma, Elanor, Josephine, William, Evelyn and Velma so popular? You are just asking for your kid to be a 90 year old in a 3 year old's body.

Forever Proud Logo

2009-04-15T09:13:00.002-05:00

A working logo for a young alumni group on campus known as "Forever Proud" - not to be confused with the already established "Wildcats Forever" or "K-State Proud"

Soggy Waffles - Santa?

2009-04-14T10:05:00.002-05:00

(This is assuming, of course, that you have snow on your roof 365 days a year)

Soggy Waffles - Chopsticks

2009-04-12T21:13:00.004-05:00

I've been wanting to show these to the world - so now I am! Drumroll please (Drrrrrrrrrrr) introducing my new cartoon sketches currently known as Soggy Waffles!
I present to you the first of many installments. Hopefully this gives you some insight into this wild noggin of mine.

Let me know what you think! Drop off suggestions, new name ideas, better taglines, improvements, etc.

(Inspired by comic Demetri Martin and Toothpaste for Dinner.)

Hatch Show Print

2009-04-11T12:02:00.003-05:00

Long story short, I would like an internship at Hatch Show Print in Nashville more than anything this summer.
It is the sort of place that holds many of the same values that I hold. It is also rich in its 130+ year history of using the old-fashioned get-your-hands-dirty way of designing. They still use old wooden blocks of type for printing that give each of their posters that allow for such a unique and personal quality that cannot be replicated with any technology today.

I am sending in my application this coming week, but first I had to send this thank you letter to Jim Sherraden, for his talk in Dallas and his impact on my design. He has influence me more than he will ever know. Wish me luck on an internship opportunity!!

The Blonde Dame

2009-04-07T13:44:00.006-05:00

A melodramatic re-telling of an un-melodramatic affair.
It was your typical warm, windy day on the Western Kansas plains. I myself was westbound on a two-lane road. An appointment. I was headed to an appointment, at least this is what I recall. Like I mentioned before, it was a windy day.
I was nearing the appointment's rendezvous locale, when she appeared on the horizon. The dame was along the left side of the road. She was currently unoccupied so I decided to roll the dice and take my chances. I got out of the vehicle and approached her. The dame's blonde hair was like a magnet that drew me closer, closer, closer. I couldn't believe believe her hair. It seemed to go on forever. I stood in amazement. The wind picked up and ruffled her locks a bit which startled me, but I remained planted in wonder.
I don't recall much that happened after that. I do remember calling out to this random Rapunzel, but my frail voice getting lost amidst the breeze and her long strands. I found myself driving away, still staring at her in my rear view mirror. Grateful that I stopped, but ungrateful for how I exposed my heart to no avail, like a red balloon drifting off in the wind above the trees and towards the sun. The dame stole my heart and my soul. I'd be a liar if I said I didn't think about that day from time to time. That woman. Her hair. Her gorgeous blonde hair that went on for miles.

DALLAS Pt. 1

2009-04-04T17:02:00.004-05:00

This show in Dallas has been great!

I've been able to meet a lot of really fascinating people as well as hear some interesting speakers. I think my favorite speaker is actually the very first one that I heard, Stefan Mumaw. He has a book out called: "Caffeine for the Creative Mind" and its full of fun little 10-15 minute tasks that really do a great job of getting your mind working in the morning.
I have had the opportunity to network to people in Dallas, Houston, Truman State U, South Dakota State U, Fort Hays, and Oklahoma U.

Overall, a very fun trip. So glad I came...although, not so ready to get back into the swing of things on Monday :(

More to come!

New Website!

2009-04-02T17:40:00.003-05:00

I have a new website up:

www.stephen-floyd.com

leave me comments on what you think about it/ any improvements

STeAlyouRBUCKS

2009-03-30T10:55:00.003-05:00

In a college town, there are many places that try to take advantage of inexperienced, dumb-as-a-brick frat boys, daddy-bails-me-out sorority girls, throwing-money-at-it-solves-all-of-our-problems Johnson County kids. But none more so than Starbucks. So you go in expecting to pay $first-born child for a venti white chocolate mocha w/shot of chocolate carmel espresso, that's a given. But here's where they get you. You wanna log on to the internet to check your e-mail, blogs, fantasy baseball, your fantasy relationship with your fantasy girlfriend? Its gonna cost ya. $2.99/2-hour log-in, or $9.99/mo. No thank you.

I imagine that this is to keep some of the riff-raff out, but last time I checked the riff-raff was just discovering that WWE RAW had been moved to Monday nights and that they could upgrade their single-wide to a double-wide. I mean the 22-hour laundromat in aggieville has free internet and it has all of the town's riff-raff who more or less live there (more).
So how is the monster defeated you might ask? Simple really, see what other networks are set-up in the area and log on to one that you don't need a password to (I suggest the one entitled "Motorola"). How do you think I'm posting this right now?
Dear Starbucks,
You may be able to charge me my first-born child for one of your delicious gourmet coffee drinks, but I will not sell one of my kidneys to use your internet. You have been defeated. Jerk-heads.
Love always and forever,
Stephen

Excessive Ping-Pong celebration

2009-03-29T15:38:00.002-05:00

To some people, ping-pong is more than just a sport.

Watch this all the way until the end:

Gotees & Mullets

2009-03-29T11:57:00.011-05:00

(Had to post something about my excitement for these guys!)

Some of my very best friends are in a band called Abandon Kansas. The lead singer, Jeremy Spring, has been one of my best friends ever since he moved to Kansas in 6th grade. He and I grew up thru high school and eventually put together a band called $12 Skolarship (even won the talent show Senior year, hear a song here). That didn't last past high school for me, but as for Jeremy it was only the beginning of what would become Abandon Kansas.
They are responsible for much of the beginnings of my design work. They let me design all sorts of shirts, posters, etc for their band. It was pro-bono work, but had it not been for them, I wouldn't have had nearly the amount of contacts that I had to be able to have a semi-steady income from doing free-lance work.
I was also able to spend a whole month last summer on tour with these guys. One of the most incredible adventures I had ever been on.
I was talking with Jeremy last night and he told me some of the most exciting news I had heard all week:
Abandon Kansas is signed to a label!!!
They signed with Gotee Records who has produced such artists as: Relient K, TobyMac, DC Talk, John Reuben, Force Family 5, Jennifer Knapp, and many more of the top christian artists. This is very exciting news for the guys. I have been told it is a 3 year contract and that they will be recording their first album under the label in May.

The $455.59 Poster

2009-03-27T14:33:00.002-05:00

My poster got accepted to a Nation Student Show in Dallas. VERY EXCITING! But at what cost?

I had to mount the poster on matte board to mail to the show. Sounds simple and cheap right? Here's the break down:

$9.99 - Matte board
$21.25 - 18x24 Poster print out
$21.25 - Second 18x24 poster print out because the colors were messed up on the first one
$50 - Parking ticket because I had to park on campus to cut and mount everything
$80 - Towing fine for my truck (the one that got the $50 ticket earlier)
$81.10 - UPS store's price for a box + guaranteed delivery for Monday (deadline for submission)

$263.59 (Total cost of getting this poster to Dallas)
+ $192 (total cost of submitting work $17 + registration for event $175)
_______
$455.49 = Grand Total (before food/lodge/swag/books/etc.)

Not to be a Mastercard commercial, but I know that after the even is over it will end up being a PRICELESS experience.
But this arm & leg stuff upfront is frustrating.

Betchya Didn't Know (Part 4)

2009-03-24T10:37:00.002-05:00

(This is part 4 of a 5 part series of getting to know little known facts about me - some of these you may already know)
I have never had chicken pox.
Fact:I was sheltered as a child.
I often played by myself in my room listening to educational tapes and building impenetrable Lego forts. So sheltered in fact, that when I went to Kindergarten I had never had chocolate milk before, I came home wildly excited exclaiming "Mom, they have brown milk at school!"
We moved quite a bit when I was young and I never had any friends until Kindergarten in Missouri and then we moved to Kansas - so i wasn't ever in direct contact with anyone who had the red polka-dotted virus. When I was about 16 I was given a shot that gave me the symptoms without the itchy bumps, this was so if I caught the virus as an adult I wouldn't get the shingles. Now you know.

Larry entertains!

2009-03-18T11:50:00.002-05:00

For St. Patrick's Day, Larry (the German) sings 'MacNamara's Band' and Irish classic:

Check out:
- Wicked glasses
- Debbie on beat! (in the background)
- Tyler sighting (white/blue striped shirt)
- Auto harp (Larry explained "Doesn't mean that it plays by itself")

The Springtime Basketball Tournament ®

2009-03-17T22:36:00.003-05:00

The Springtime Basketball Tournament®
Since the name that is normally used for this "mad" time of year is registered, I came up with my own: The Springtime Basketball Tournament® (if you use it without my express written consent, then I get to hunt you down, beat the snot out of you and shot your dog)
Here are my Final 2+2®:
Michigan State, Memphis, Pitt, UNC - Pitt is crowned victorious after a tight battle with Michigan St.

Obama's Final 2+2®
Louisville, Memphis, Pitt, UNC

Emma Story!
Today she was filling out her bracket for our office pool. I kept hearing her say, "Oh, I bet they'll win. Oh, they're probably pretty good." Taking pity on the girl I went over to see how things were going - not good, not good at all. Really Emma #15 Binghamton beating out Duke in the first round? Or Western Kentucky making it to the Elite Eight?
I took some time to explain how the rankings work and that the closer the team is to being #1, the better they are. She understood and proceeded to print off a new bracket. Out of curiosity I asked her why she chose the teams she did, her response was (and I am not making this up), "I choose the teams according to who I think has the most black players on it." Can you blame her? Better factoring than choosing teams based on whether their mascot could beat up the other mascot I suppose.

Procrastination...

2009-03-17T11:45:00.001-05:00

Procrastination video by John Kelly

Reporter Slip-ups

2009-03-16T16:24:00.000-05:00

Artistic Bucketlist

2009-03-13T11:01:00.008-05:00

About 7 years ago I came up with my own bucketlist (long before the movie). I called it "100 Life Goals". This is not unusual since I make lists for everything.
I came across a site called Wordle.net. It asked for a large amount of text to be entered into the box so it can make a cool typographic composition, I used that bucketlist and got this:

(click to enlarge)
This program scrambles the words to make this masterpiece, leaving some of it not making sense.
Example: "Go book hot fishing etc" "helicopter bed bear", and "Buy fire fly help". Sure does make for a fun and interesting read!

Stephen Does Dallas

2009-03-12T10:03:00.006-05:00

About a month ago I stayed up some stupid-long hours to put together a portfolio to send to the 5th annual Dallas Student Show. This is a national graphic design show aimed at college seniors. I had planned on attending the show regardless of whether or not any of my work made it in.
I am very excited to announce (drumroll please) that I MADE IT IN THE SHOW!

My winning piece is below, entitled MacBeth:

If you notice, I am completely surrounded by students who have gone to Texas schools. This makes me 1 of just 3 in the state of Kansas that has work being shown in the show! I am very excited about this and super-pumped! Just goes to show that hard work pays off every now and again. Stay tuned around April 1-5, I will be posting more about how the conference went. You can check out more here.

Personal Rider

2009-03-11T16:51:00.006-05:00

For those of you who don't thumb through a Lawyer word list or Rock & Roll Dictionary on a regular basis, a "rider" is the term for those unique little clauses that you get to add to your contract for before and after you melt faces at a venue. The most famous being Van Halen's concert rider referring to their desire of M&M's, stating "ABSOLUTELY NO BROWN ONES".
I figured that I should get an early start on my rider so that one day when I'm a famous rock musician with my band "The Garamonsters" or world-renowned graphic designer about ready to give the presentation of your lifetime, it will already be ready:

STEPHEN'S RIDER
A. At the Venue
1. 60" Flat-screen tv with access to ESPN, Comedy Central, Discovery Channel, Cartoon Network, TBS, and NBC
2. At least one Cadillac Couch the more the merrier and all in silver and navy blue
3. Latest edition of Print, How, ESPN, and Time magazines
4. Dim lighting, but not too dark. Just enough to set the ambiance...(oh, wait, yep, no, almost had it, little dimmer, yeah, no, oh, yep that's it...ahhhh)
5. A fluffy blanket and 3 fresh pillows - firm, but not too hard and not too soft (powernap awaits!)
6. A small space heater set to warm
6a. This applies only to the months of October-March, otherwise disregard
7. Book for sketching/note takeing - must have a navy blue cover and made of leather and a pencil (not mechanical) but a real pencil made from real wood

B. Refreshments
1. Fondue Fountain - with strawberries on little sticks, bananas on little sticks, and a shallow bowl of coconut shavings that I can roll the chocolate covered fruit in
2. Bottles of Jones Soda - Berry Lemonade & Fufu Berry - don't judge me (bottles NOT cans)
3. A HOT pizza from Grimaldi's Pizza in Brooklyn
4. Chilled carton of chocolate milk - 2% only
5. Water, lots of water - chilled but with no ice

C. Additional
1. Quick and hidden access from the party bus to the venue so as to not be attacked by swarms of fans
2. Must use one of the following for my intro music:
*"Eye of the Tiger" - Survivor
*"Rock & Roll: Part II" - Gary Glitter
*"Thunderstruck" - AC/DC
*"Welcome to the Jungle" - Guns 'N Roses
2a. Never must the same song be used at a similar event in the same time zone in a given fiscal year
3. Pyrotechnics must be used upon my exit of the stage whenever possible

I don't think this list is too much to ask for.
This is in response to Armin Vit's rider

Half of Life's Guarantees

2009-03-10T14:52:00.005-05:00

I believe it was the man on the $100 bill that coined the phrase, "Nothing is guaranteed in life but death and taxes". Today, I took care of one of those. (the taxes part of course...although the other might happen by the end of this semester)

This is the real deal here. In the words of the punk band The Ataris: "Being grown up isn't half as fun as growing up" - and don't that ring true

Right Here, Right Now: The Facts

2009-03-09T16:11:00.004-05:00

This video is incredible. If you are not convinced that we're living in a time of an informational revolution, look no further. Not only is it done so well artistically, but also the information that it contains is phenomenal:

Thanks for the hook-ups Aubrey!

Irish Music - LIVE

2009-03-09T15:30:00.002-05:00

While in Kansas City this past weekend, I got the luxury of hearing the band "Flannigan's Right Hook" perform at the Raglan Road in the Power & Lights district. What an awesome show! They did some original music as well as quite a few awesome covers.
Here is some video I took to highlight their music:

Hell Week Stats

2009-03-08T11:39:00.004-05:00

This past week was overwhelming to say the least - rightfully dubbed "Hell Week". Literally half of what is assigned this semester in my Senior Studio class was due this past Thursday.
Chart of the hours I was in studio for each day:

Hours of real, money-paying work missed: 22
Power Naps: 7
Cans of Mtn. Dew: 9
Cups of Coffee: 4
Paper cuts: 1

When it was all said and done I was in studio over 70 hours in 6 days. I will have pictures of what was due on those days in a later post.

Abandon Kansas stops in Manhattan

2009-03-05T23:46:00.005-06:00

Some of my best buds, the Abandon Kansas boys, made a stop last night and played a show at PJ's in Manhattan last night.

Fun pics:
(that's me making a cameo and shakin my groove thang)

Really fun show!

New song, "Make Believe":

Pumped (and Circumstance)!

2009-03-02T16:11:00.003-06:00

Well, its officially official:

My Mural

2009-02-23T11:48:00.006-06:00

I have never designed a mural. I have never painted a mural. I have hardly ever seen a mural. Nevertheless, I was asked by my friend Elizabeth of West Hall 4th floor to design a mural for their lobby area. I wanted to give them something that was unisex (since it will be a co-ed building next year) and something that was fun and would hopefully stand the test of time (for at least a few years)
This was not easy and took a lot of time, here is what we came up with:

I am very pleased with how it turned out :)
Elizabeth put in a lot of time into painting it and it looks great. Kudos girl!

Quest for G video

2009-02-22T18:34:00.005-06:00

A play off of Monty Python's immortal "Holy Grail" - its a sports quest for Gatorade:

Includes:
The cast includes: Kevin Garnett, Derek Jeter, Usain Bolt (his Ego), Misty May and Kerri Walsh, Michael Jordan, and Kareem Abdul Jabara. This is too awesome for words. I thought that the last vid was the whole thing, but I was wrong. This is the complete version full of cameos.
1. Garnett the Glorious
2. Jeter the Gifted
3. Jimmie Johnson the other Gifted
4. Sir Bolt's The Gutsy
5. Sir Bolt's pet “Ego”
6. Misty and Keri the 3-legged and 2-headed knight
7. Alicia the gymnast girl that made horse trotting noises
8. Kareem as Cap
Best line “Your Mother was a polar bear and your father was a figure skater”.
Listen for the Michael Jordan cameo at the end. “Glorious”.
Click here for the making of the video.

Betchya Didn't Know (pt. 3 of 5)

2009-02-20T10:31:00.005-06:00

(This is part 2 of a 5 part series of getting to know little known facts about me - some of these you may already know)
I have a defective thumb
I am right-handed, and of course it is on my right hand (the picture below is opposite because it was taken on my mac). It is short and fat and I don't know what caused it. Could be because I sucked my thumb until I was about 5, but I have talked to other people who have sucked their thumbs and they don't seem to have any abnormalities. I have no other explanation.

Let's take a look at the pros:
*Girls/Attention - They think it is 'cute' and want me to show it to their friends upon discovering it. I get lots of 'oohs' and 'awwws', its pretty great.

Now the cons:
*Bowling - Makes it impossible because the only bowling balls that it will work with are either 138 lbs or are made for some huge dude and have the fingers spread too far apart. As the game goes on, my thumb gets sweaty and makes a popping sound every time I release the ball (pop!)
*Gripping while wearing gloves - It is often difficult to grip things while wearing gloves anyways... now I have a gap at the top of my thumb that is floppy and gets stuck in places or makes things slippery because I can't grip them like I should be able to.
*Head's Up 7 Up - I was rarely chosen during this game because my stubby thumb is so short when it stands up that people would say that they didn't know whether it was up or down.
*Sideshow attraction - When someone knows that I have this thumb, they want to show everyone they know. Sometimes this is fun, it really is, sometimes I'd just rather not.

As you can see, there are more cons than pros. This may upset some people, not me though; I really like my thumb and plan on keeping it. Forever.

Zombie (with a beard!)

2009-02-17T16:34:00.004-06:00

I am really beginning to understand zombies this semester. They walk like that because it takes way less effort and actually its more fun. I see why they eat brains too, because they're abundant and free. My days are long and drawn out. I find myself in studio 70+ hours a week and then work another 24 or so. I am awake more than a human should be - usually somewhere around the 18 hour mark every night of the week. I average 4-5 hours of sleep a night and about 1.5 meals a day. Zombies have it figured out man, they never sleep and never have to slow down to have a meal.
That being said I have let my hygiene go a bit this semester too (sorry mom!). I have shaggy hair that doesn't get washed as much as it should and I desperately need a shave:

This is by far the most facial hair I have ever had - this is a Stephen beard. Nothing like Luke, or Joseppi, but its the best I can do, ok? It is difficult to find time to shave since I am constantly on the run. When I do slow down it is only so I can sleep. Studio is killing me, but it will not defeat me. I will overcome - zombie trance, greasy hair and all.

How Much Does Studio Control My Life?

2009-02-16T23:10:00.003-06:00

...so much so that I passed up a FREE ticket to the KU vs. K-State basketball game:

Even though the good guys lost, its the idea of the matter.

Kittens: Inspired by Kittens

2009-02-13T09:45:00.002-06:00

I see this girl being like what my possible future daughter will be like (scary!):

Since I can't lock the refrigerator...

2009-02-10T11:11:00.003-06:00

...I wrote this to deter others in studio from sealing my leftover Chinese:

(click for a larger view)

Birthday Shout Out!

2009-02-03T14:33:00.004-06:00

Brogan
This is my dachshund. His name is Brogan and he turned 9 (or 63) yesterday on Ground Hog Day. Coincidentally he looks like and acts like a little ground hog. (Also, now he only has one eye... he is a piratey dog: Captain Brog!)

Happy birthday 63rd little fella!

High School Haiku

2009-01-31T12:01:00.003-06:00

I told him and he,
was like "Oh my God!" and I,
was like "Oh my God!"

Betchya Didn't Know (pt. 2 of 5)

2009-01-30T13:12:00.007-06:00

(This is part 2 of a 5 part series of getting to know little known facts about me - some of these you may already know, some you may not)
I listen to (and LOVE) funny/parody music
I do. It may not be kosher with today's class of males 23ish...but I can't help it. The obsession began one Christmas when I was given both a Ray Stevens Music VHS and a set of 3 cassette tapes (yes, cassette tapes and a VHS, ok?) that were chalked full of silly songs; like "Disco Duck", "Monster Mash", "Mississippi Squirrel Revival", "Boy Named Sue", and "Yakety Yak". My dad then introduced me to Weird Al and also Dr. Demento (much to my mom's dismay) - and the rest is history.

I would go around singing these ridiculous song all the time. I would constantly be asking my friends about these songs, not realizing that it was a little odd for a 5th grader to know the lyrics to "Hello Mudda, Hello Fadda". Naturally, my very first concert was Weird Al, at the Cotillion in Wichita. He had just released his album, "Running With Scissors" (one of 7 Weird Al albums I have) where the hit song was "Saga Begins" a parody of the famous "American Pie" by Don McLean. There are many songs that I cannot listen to thanks to these parodies that I filled my head with as a child. Here are some examples:
*Queen "Another One Bits The Dust" - Weird Al "Another One Rides The Bus"
*Offspring "Pretty Fly for a White Guy" - Weird Al "Pretty Fly for a Rabbi"
*Michael Jackson "Bad" - Weird Al "Fat"
*Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under The Bridge" & "Give It Away" - Weird Al "Bed Rock Anthem"

How can you not be inspired by the creative, nerdy lyrics from Weird Al's song "All About The Pentiums" (parody of "All About The Benjamins"):

Other musical parody influences include Spike Jones, Dr. Demento, Ray Stevens (whom I have also seen in concert), and of course Bob Rivers (Christmas parodies: "Walkin' 'Round in Womens' Underwear", "I am Santa Claus", "Chipmunks Roasting On An Open Fire", and "Buttcracker Suite")

The introduction to this music lead to my love of '80s slap-stick farce movies like "Airplane!", "Hot Shots", "Space Balls" & "Blazing Saddles" (just about any Mel Brooks really). Not to mention my love for any and all "Monty Python", "Three Stooges", and "Marx Brothers" movies, skits, and songs.

All of this off-the-wall humor and sarcasm has definitely played an important role in allowing me to be creative and think outside of the box when it comes to graphic design. It keeps me on my toes and for some strange reason, I can't ever get enough of it. Thanks dad!

Now you know.

C.O.W.

2009-01-29T15:39:00.004-06:00

This bus (the Classroom On Wheels) has been across the street from my work for the past 2 weeks. Every time I see it, I crack a smile and shake my head thinking, "Only in the Midwest could you get away with this...and I love it!"

Emma Story #1

2009-01-28T23:17:00.005-06:00

So there is this girl I work with name Emma. She is very book-smart; more than most people I know, actually. But when it comes to common sense things, she fails. Here is a story (and I'm sure there will be more to come) of a conversation that happened today, it also involves a co-worker named Tara.

Tara: Don't forget that tomorrow is Kansas's birthday!
Emma: Who?
Tara: Kansas
Emma: WHO?!
Me: The state that you live in.
Emma: Kansas? Kansas has a birthday?

...oh, Emma!

Seriously Joe Walsh

2009-01-28T21:58:00.004-06:00

Joe Walsh. A Wichita boy. Singer/Songwriter. Member of the Eagles. Poor lyricist.
Exhibit A: Song Title: "Ordinary Average Guys"

Ordinary Average Guy - Joe Walsh

For starters, this song has some creepy synthesizers throughout. I thought that maybe it was because at one time they were cool to put in music, and then I realized that unless you're Devo, you probably shouldn't use them. Also, what's up with the sound effects? Dogs barking and bowling pins, seriously.
On to the lyrics:
I'm just an ordinary average guy.
My friends all are boring was are all,
And so am I.
We're just ordinary average guys.

We all lead ordinary average lives was live,
With average kids,
And average wives.
We all go bowling at the bowling lanes,
Drink a few beers,
Bowl a few frames.
We're just ordinary average guys,
Ordinary average guys.

And every Saturday we work in the yard,
Pick up the dog doo,
Hope that it's hard (woof woof),
if the dog songs is even necessary.
Take out the garbage and clean out the garage,
My friend's got a Chrysler,
I've got a Dodge.
We're just ordinary average guys,
Ordinary average guys.

Ordinary average average guys.

I really want to draw your attention to the bolded lyrics. Are these some of the worst lyrics ever? All signs point to yes. Think about it, "Pick up the dog doo, hope that its hard". Who writes that in a song (other than Weird Al)? Just an odd song Joe. I'm a bit dumbfounded.

Witness Protection

2009-01-27T13:38:00.006-06:00

Being a graphic design major, I am exposed to a variety of advertisements that the average person may not ever know exist. Doing a class project for Amsterdam, Netherlands I discovered this little ditty:

Here is the back-story of the ad: In Holland, a gorilla named Bokito escaped from Rotterdam Zoo. During his escape the animal attacked a female visitor, who had frequent eye contact with the animal. This presumably led to the attack, since gorillas do not like direct eye contact. So the weekend after the escape they distributed more than 2,000 so-called BokitoViewers at the entrance to Rotterdam Zoo.
These silly spectacles are one of the best displays of witty public service announcements that I have ever encountered.

Betchya Didn't Know (pt. 1 of 5)

2009-01-22T00:48:00.003-06:00

(This is part 1 of a 5 part series of getting to know little known facts about me - some of these you may already know, some you may not)
I take side streets
If you have never had the privilege of going on a ride with me, well then you're missing out. You will no doubt see parts of the city/countryside that you never knew existed. Now, you may argue that it might take me longer to get from A to B, that I can't drive as fast, or that the streets are too narrow to be purposely driving on them. Well I say to you Mr. Naysayer, "yea, I will indeed continue in my quest of taking side streets."
I do this for 2 distinct reasons:
1. I always, always, ALWAYS get stuck at red lights - ALWAYS (Paige can testify). If you have ever been in the vehicle with me you will understand where I am coming from. I often have many things going on and quickly need to get from here to there in a relatively short amount of time and I swear that the stop lights of the world have a conspiracy against me getting anywhere without having to stop, its true. So to counter their plot I simply avoid them. I take side streets so that I don't have to interact with the stupid Red-Light Army that is out to get me.
2. I seek adventure, exploration, and oddities. I love discovering things. I do this wherever I am, not always intentionally, but usually this is true. This past summer I earned the nickname 'Adventure Steve' because of how I was always wondering off and exploring the new places we were at (Plus I even own a pair of adventure shoes!). I take side streets so that I can discover the rawness of the place I'm going through. I also love things that are odd and out of the ordinary. As a kid I was totally into Ripley's Believe It or Not and things of the sort. And I still enjoy stumbling upon weird and unusual things - and how could you do that if you stayed on the main road the whole time? You couldn't. You just couldn't. I mean think of where all of the weird stories that you hear in the news take place...not in the main cities, they always take place in strange, off-the-beaten path places. Yes, it may take longer. Yes, it may seem silly. Yes, I may have to stop way more often for squirrels, children, or little old ladies - but these are small sacrifices when it comes to the opportunity for exploration.
Now you know.

Dragons!

2009-01-18T12:49:00.006-06:00

We have a dragon in our house. A bearded dragon named 'Joseppi' (however you spell it). He is the son of Tyler Roark and Tiffany Henry. Many times when Tyler goes our of town he has be baby sit the creature. Here are some sweet pics I took during one of his dragon feeds:

Stalking

Yawning

Munch!

Here is a hiaku to Joseppi:
Dragon with a beard,
Hey, you may find this weird, but,
What is a beard like?

Table Computer

2009-01-15T17:42:00.008-06:00

This video is so wild! The idea that this could possibly be in restaurants by november? (obviously not midwest restaurants - we'll have to wait at least 5 years for them, but until then, we'll keep doing things the midwest way)

Although this is wonderful, it makes me realize that Microsoft should probably be putting its efforts elsewhere...shouldn't it?
Here is a list of things Microsoft should fix before releasing this mind-boggling machine:
*Blue Screen of Death - seriously can't this be fixed?
*Y2K[X] - yeah, y2k is probably going to happen again a decade later, in 2010 (hence the 'X') - shouldn't they do something to keep the computers from crashing and exploding or whatever was supposed to happen with the first y2k?
*Vista - 'nuff said
*Mojave - 'nuff said again
*Those r-tards on the 'I'm a PC' commercials, yeah its obvious that everyone that claims to be a 'PC' lives in their mom's basement, a trailer park, or looks like they couldn't set the time on the vcr if they tried
*The logo - Everyone knows that windows are transparent (unless tinted, but even then they're a blackish purpleish color)
Just some ideas for Microsoft to consider before building a table computer that will eventually dominate the world.

Taking the good with the bad

2009-01-13T19:40:00.003-06:00

I love my work, I really do. And even though I am still technically an 'intern', they recently upgraded me to the corner desk with a window! After working day in and day out at a back desk without a window, this is like burlap to cashmere here and I love it.
There are however some draw backs from sitting there:
*Around 12:18pm everyday I get light shot into my eyes. There are cars that park up against the back of the building where the window faces and there is a Pink-Floyd-Dark-Side-of-the-Moon prism-like beam of blinding light that the closest windshield lazers into my irises.
*My view is of a parking lot and of the back of a giant, old, decrepit 10-bedroom house that has been turned into 10 separate and individual apartments. I swear, this huge eye-sore undoubtedly has at least 2 meth labs in it. I have yet to see them same person more than once go to or come from that house, no joke. It is my belief that there is a rule stating: "all individuals who have anything to do with this crappy house must also drive a crappy car." The statement probably also has a clause stating: "Note: All vehicles must be more than 15 years old, have at least 2 unoriginal doors, any various color of brown, green, or rust, and it must always maintain the look that a hobo family is permanently inhabiting the vehicle."
Overall I give the new window seat a 'B+'.

Watching Pigskin History

2009-01-11T15:57:00.000-06:00

If you caught any part of today's NFL divisional playoff game between the NFC rivals Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, you were watching history.
There were many factors that lead to this historic event: Carney's missed field goal, Carney's other missed field goal, McNabb's intentional grounding in the end zone that lead to a safety, Carney's 3 made field goals, a few missed Giants' 4th down attempts, and other defensive triumphs and offensive misfortunes that created this historic game.
What is so historic you may ask? The final score:
Eagles 23 - Giants 11
This has never been the final score to any NFL game (regular season or playoffs) - ever.
And now you know.

Antony

2009-01-08T17:39:00.005-06:00

Today I got new pictures in the mail of the child that I sponsor. His name is Antony Miguel Cardenas Cortez. He lives in Peru and will be 11 this year.

I can't imagine not sponsoring a child. Its so easy and we're so fortunate for everything that we have. It costs $1.03 a day. That's it. What a small sacrifice that makes such an incredible difference in someone's life. You get to write letters to them and they write you back. I mean, this is their actual handwriting (translated of course), how much closer can you get being 10,000 miles away? The money goes to help provide them with an education, health care, and to missionaries who teach them the Word of Christ. Seriously, this might be the best way to spend $32/month.
This isn't a plug for Compassion International, no this is a plug for giving someone a better life. Someone who is much less fortunate than you. Someone who may not know what its like to have clean water. I find it difficult to even fathom not having clean running water. And that is just the beginning. It is difficult not to take for granted what we as Americans have been handed. The opportunities that each of us has every day is so much more than many of these children ever see in a life time.

Flight of the Conchords online premiere!!

2009-01-08T16:57:00.002-06:00

Season 2 Online Premiere - Flight of the Conchords (US Only) - watch more funny videos

I was a fan of these guys before their show and will be a fan long after. So juiced for Season 2 of Flight of the Conchords!

Peg Legs & More!!!

2009-01-07T15:46:00.006-06:00

Arrrg! Do ya need an extension for your beard? Sufferin' from sea sickness ya scurvy dog? How 'bout some oil fer that peg leg o' yer's? Well matey I have just the place for ya: 826 Valencia.

Located in San Francisco, this shop was started because a city zoning ordinance required that founder Dave Eggers have a store front for his non-profit tutoring program. He put on his thinking cap (over his captain's hat and bandanna of course) and developed this shop. Seriously, this is the most rad idea he could have come up with. Much better than a junk store or a banana stand. Not only does this place have supplies that can fulfill all of your piratey needs, but also it does so in style. This is some of the best packaging that I have ever seen on pirate supplies (at least in the top 5):

The store has some other supplies for the land lubber on your Christmas list; posters, t-shirts, books, and even designer glass eyes.

(packaging done by the amazing group: Office)

Operation: "Get Stephen His Music Back"

2009-01-07T09:59:00.004-06:00

Over this Christmas break tragedy struck. I accidentally deleted ALL of my music from my lappy. I had a stupid amount of music - about 70GB worth. Ouch. I didn't know that my mac had stored all of the iTunes files in a little folder called 'iTunes' in my 'Music' folder (which does make sense now, it just never occurred to me). I was needing to create some space and boy did I ever!
Thankfully the I am surrounded by the Music Red Cross. After telling some co-workers about my awful tragedy they came to my rescue. Dan Richards allowed me into his vault of a crazy amount of cds and has granted me access to it at my convenience. This will significantly help restore much of my lost 70's and 80's (yes, i am a synthesizer sympathizer) Larry "Opa" Weigel a talented musician himself has allowed me the key to his sacred treasure chest of music. I am pretty pumped about this since this little dandy is mostly filled with jazz and instrumental tuneage (excellent when getting my design on).
I am not putting this up to shove in the face of my roommate Luke and his even greater tragedy, no I'm putting this up to say thank you to those who help me in my time of need. This is for them. And to show you Luke, that there is someone to turn to in your greatest time of need: A friend with a crap-ton of music.

Manhattan's Last Smoke

2009-01-04T12:01:00.004-06:00

The Last Smoke
Last November the citizens of Manhattan voted to ban smoking from all established businesses in the city. After this vote was approved, people who voted for the ban soon realized some of the fine print that they failed to read. This ban lasts 10 years. It cannot be voted on or brought up for discussion until January 4, 2019.
Also, there is no smoking outside of a business for a 10 foot radius. While although this may not seem like much, think about this many business's properties go up to the curb of a street, meaning that even out in the street people cannot smoke. Another clause that is in the bill is that the OWNER of the business must pay for the fine if a person (client, friend, stranger, whoever) is caught smoking and given a ticket. This might seem appropriate, but think about how many times a boss might be away on business and has no idea that some punk kid is smoking behind his office building, ALSO let's say there's a wreck in front of an establishment; one of the parties involved is smoking to reduce their stress level as the police show up - the business owner (even though they had absolutely NO part in the wreck or even KNEW that this person lit up) must pay a smoking fine.

(Last smoke in Auntie Mae's in Aggievile)

People often wonder why they need to be informed about voting or the details of voting. Here is a prime example of why you should learn all the details and discover the fine print on things like this. The idea of "Vote YES for the Smoking Ban" sounds wonderful (cleaner air, less second-hand smoke, a more joyful experience for many people), unless you think how this might effect others; like business owners. It would have been ok to vote NO on this and then have another ban drawn up and voted on. Instead, the Little Apple has shot themselves in the foot because some self-uninformed citizens voted on something that they took only for face value.

Too good NOT to watch

2009-01-03T10:36:00.000-06:00

2008 in review

2009-01-03T10:06:00.005-06:00

I was going to make a list of 08 highlights before realizing that someone who often has similar ideas had beat me to the punch. I did however realize that my list (although very similar to her's) would be uniquely different.

Stephen's Best of 2008:
* Spring break trip to Nebraska
* Summer Tour with Abandon Kansas (5 dudes + 9 states + 1 van + 20 days = best road trip ever)
* Getting introduced to Flagstaff, AZ
* Wading in the Pacific Ocean
* Golden Gate Bridge in San Fran
* AIGA trip to NYC with my best friends
* Meeting Chip Kidd
* Hearing Malcolm Gladwell in person
* Going atop the Empire State Building
* Being plucked from the audience at the Blue Man Group show
* Multiple K-State football games and KC Royals + a demolition derby with Ryan Barten
* Multiple K-State football games with Cliff Hartman
* Being down on the court as Michael Beasley & Co. whooped KU for the first time in 25+ years at Bramlage!!
* 1 year with Paige
* Becoming roommates with Tyler and Luke
* Freelancing with !ntegrity Graphics
* Long nights on assignments
* Straight A's both semesters
* Sagmesiter with KC AIGA
* Winning an art scholarship
* Having web design class with Jay
* Turning 23
* EVE6 on New Year's Eve in the 'Ville
* Going to Hammerpress in KC
* Filleting my thumb on Dec. 31st.
* Trading in the futon of 4 years for a real bed
* Becoming president of AIGA
* Smoking my first cigar
* Watching Michael Phelps dominate the Olympics
* Live music nights at Radina's
* Exploring the attic of Willard Hall, then getting trapped on the roof
* The Dark Knight
* Passing of grandpa Max
* Another great year with Antony Miguel Cardenas Cortez, my sponsored child
* Hearing Garrison Keillor live
* Randomly meeting and getting autographs David DeJesus, Billy Butler, Joey Gathright, and Dennis Leonard of the KC Royals
* Will Farrell, Nick Swardson, Zach Galifanakis, and Demetri Martin in bramlage
* Halloween as Gilligan with my Mary Ann
* Destroying my mouth with a blazin wing from BWW
* Running a 5-K
(please feel free to help me add to this list if I'm missing anything!)

New Years in Aggieville USA

2009-01-01T19:00:00.006-06:00

This is how we brought in the New Year:

-It all began with Tiffany giving Tyler a haircut (Notice the ghetto trash bag parka turned barber cape. very nice.)

-Down in the 'Ville. Paige needed to get a good look at EVE6

-Singing 'Inside Out' by EVE6 (the 'Heart in a blender' song)

-EVE6 singing the 'Heart in a blender' song

-Tiffany contemplating why anyone would want to put their heart in a blender

-The apple atop Varney's awaiting its descent to help bring in the New Year

-The final countdown:

I am a Graphic Design Warrior...

2008-12-31T15:48:00.003-06:00

...and have the scar to prove it. This afternoon I sliced my left thumb something awful with an exacto knife. Cutting out invitations for our annual banquet (NOT the invites a few posts below, btw). All will be well. I was taken to the ER for precautionary terms and given 3 sutures (the awesome cousin to stitches(that cousin that gets tons of sweet swag for christmas and drives a mustang - that kind of awesome cousin). Should be healed and back on the force in 7-10 days, but I have super-awesome recovery skills, so I'll be back in action by Friday - guaranteed.

Bad things about getting your left thumb sliced:
*my mom can now text faster than me
*simple tasks (opening door, carrying bags, high-fiving, jumping rope, making paper airplanes) are now impossible
*much harder to get your pants unbuttoned then rebuttoned than you'd think
*can only hitch-hike from one side of the road

Good things about getting your left thumb sliced:
*sympathy vote
*no more awkward left-handed hand shakes
*get to make up a sweet story for every person that asks (i'm gonna stick with my 'samurai sword fight story' for now)
*will have a scar (along with more stories to tell!)

Fun Fact: Keating has been around for nearly 35 years, I am the first ever to get workman's compensation. Truth!

Reel Review - Six String Samurai

2008-12-30T10:33:00.004-06:00

Movie: Six-String Samurai
Starring: Jeffery Falcon (who?)

I watched this movie last night, it was, um... interesting.

Here's a recap:
It took me a while to figure out that this 1998 epic post-apocalyptic rock & roll kung-fu fairy tale of sorts takes place in an odd parallel universe where Russia won the Cold War (or something like that). Elvis has ruled as King (literal king) of 'Lost Vegas' over this rock & roll conscious country and now our guitar lickin', butt kickin', samurai sword wielding juicy one-liner hero named Buddy (who actually looks a lot like Buddy Holly) is on his life journey to regain the throne for rock & roll's sake. This is a trek that others are apparently making too because the Grim Reaper - lead singer of a black-clad demon quartet (naturally) - is constantly stalking Buddy and other rock and rollers. Everyone in the movie is wearing raggedy old clothes, has tattered hair and dirty smudged faces because apparently Russia wasn't too worried about hygiene.
There are action packed scenes of Buddy doing some spectacular one-swipe-kills with his samurai sword of these random anonymous henchmen who are constantly trying to keep the samurai-sword-toting-future-king-of-the-throne from reaching 'Lost Vegas' - which looks an awful lot like the Emerald City from the Wizard of Oz. Some of these henchmen across the wasteland include: a cannibalistic 1950s post-nuclear family living in a junk yard, a trio of bounty hunting bowlers called the "Pin Pals", gum-ball-shooting Clampett-like cavemen, windmill people, a Spinach Monster, and other odds and ends including a cameo from the zuit suit wearing band who provided the soundtrack, The Red Elvises (who Death tells, "You have failed me for the last ti...nice shoes!).
There were some odd "Lord of the Rings"-esque scenes where Buddy is walking across a sand dune or open field during the day and then it fades to Death and the Demons walking thru the same field/dune in the evening as they're stalking our hero that were rather interesting. The cinematography and choreography are surprisingly good for being such a low-budget film, and the fight-scenes (although mostly hokey) are shot from some creative and entertaining angles. The soundtrack is fun 40s-50s rock throughout the entire movie. I'm not one for 'cult' movies myself and this one seemed to have that feel, but overall a pretty fun movie. I give it a solid C.

Quotes:
Bad Guy: If I were you, I'd run.
Buddy: If you were me, you'd be good-lookin'.

The Kid: A '56 Chevy Belair could kick a '48 Buick Roadmaster ass any day, at least in a first quarter mile that is.
Buddy: [Looks at the Kid, then at the ground, then back at the Kid] You come all this way out saying squat and now your trying to tell me that a '56 Chevy could beat a '48 Buick in a dead quarter mile? [Looks at the ground again, the back at the Kid] I liked you better when you weren't saying squat kid... Go to bed.
A trailer for your viewing pleasure:

Banquet Invites

2008-12-29T08:29:00.005-06:00

Every year at my company (Keating & Associates) we have a banquet. Its a glorious feast of lots of goodies, awards, and fun times that is the highlight/capstone of the previous year's productivity. This year the banquet is here in Manhattan at the Country Club (swanky!) The colors for the year are black, white, and hot pink - yeah baby - that ought to excite some midwest conservatives! This is one idea I came up with for the invites:

Its my favorite, even though they went with another one...

Hammerpress

2008-12-28T15:58:00.004-06:00

In November, I had the sweet privilege of going with the K-State AIGA to the world famous design studio Hammerpress, started in 1994 by Brady Vest.

I love this place. They still do the old fashioned type set printing on well-oiled old printing machines from the turn-of-the-century (the OLD one, not the most recent t-o-t-c). If you have ever seen any of my design work, you will know that I love the unique look that old-fashioned type setting brings to a very modern, computerized world.

I have such a respect for the fact that it takes so much longer, so much more concentration, a better game plan of the 'big picture' when setting the type and determining colors, size variations, distribution, etc. Each piece of everything that is printed is uniquely different from the next since it may contain just a little less ink, be just slightly in a different area of the paper, display a nick in the type a bit more predominantly than the previous pieces.

They do posters for bands and tours, cds, books, cards, invitations, and stationary. Its this raw, unique, individualism that so intently draws me in to places like Hammerpress and Hatch Show Print. Man I love this stuff, just can't get enough!

An Ode to a Friend

2008-12-22T23:48:00.010-06:00

An Ode to a Friend
There you were day after day,
Always listening to what I had to say.
Now you're gone and I don't know why,
To swim forever in the fish bowl in the sky.

The bowl is empty and the water is still,
Not a flip of you fin or a flap of your gill.
The plastic plant you used to swim beside,
No longer has a friend of which to hide.

A quiet home, a transparent slave,
Has now become a watery grave.
On a patch of green pebbles, this much is true,
A champion of a fish is donned, in crimson and blue.

You lived such a good life, Dr. Suess,
Never a complaint, never an excuse.
Better than any beta for which I could wish,
Better than any other red fish, blue fish.

*This is written in memory of the fins-down best danged ol beta that ever did swim. He used his Kung-Fin and Sumo Wrestling skills to ward off all evil predators who found themselves in his unmerciful razor-sharp teeth. His name is Dr. Suess and shall he swim forever in that fish bowl in the sky.

BA-BFA-BFFs

2008-12-21T11:07:00.013-06:00

(LtoR:Ryan, Me, Kasie, Aubrey)
So this week we said good-bye to a long-time friend, colleague, inspire-er, outside-the-box-thinker-and-do-er: Kasie Fry. We went to Manhattan's very own high-scale healthy-eatery, Panera Bread. (It is slowly growing into a favorite of mine, since its a safe place to eat at).
I ran her thru a series of gauntlet questions, and here is the conversation that followed:
{Stephen} So is it "Kasie" or "KC", like Kansas City or Kind Chihuahua?
{Kasie/KC} Its "Kasie" with an 'S'.
{S} Like "KCS"?
{KCS} Nope, like "J,M,K,A,S,I,E,Q,7"
{S} Lots of extra unnecessary letter there, were your parents hippies?
{JMKASIEQ7} Might have been...(cue "sudden realization" face)that would explain so much.
{S}How were your last finals ever at ol' KSU?
{KC}Bien! I had a final in Spanish.
{S}Man, no me gusta examens de espanol.
{Kasie}Si, me either-o. I didn't quite understand the test, it was something about a Japanese family and flowers or cats or something.
{Esteban} Bueno. Almorzamos aqui a Panera Pan (We are eating lunch at Panera Bread). Isn't that impressive?
{Aubrey/Maria}Tango un gato in mis pantelones. Y no me gusta gatos.
{S}(fast-thinking-change-of-subject-as-to-not-make-aubrey-feel-awkward)So KC, you're moving to Utah,eh? The bee hive state?
{K}Whoa! How'd you know that?
{S}I am full of useless information.
{Aubrey}(interrupting the last conversation I've ever had with KC) Yeah, that is why he is a hero champion at Trivia nights
{S}(Rolls eyes, dusts off shoulder then huffs on finger nails)Yep. So you're going to what school? And what is the mascot?
{KC}Utah Valley University. And the mascot is the, um, Valleys? Or something, Salt-Lakers maybe. I don't know.
{S}Oh, well I think they're like the Wolverines or something.
{Interrupter Aubrey again} Yep, see how awesome he is at trivia?
{S}(Rolls eyes again) So, do you have a station wagon?
{KC} No...
{S}You should probably get one. (exit scene)
(*Those were the final words that I ever said to Kasie/KC/Maria/KCS Fry. I wish her luck in all her endeavors at UVU.)

Grandpa Max: A much deserved tribute

2008-12-17T16:24:00.003-06:00

I've posed this question before, and I'll pose it again: How do you do it? How do you say goodbye to someone - forever?
So many questions left unanswered, so many memories left unmade. Just to turn back the clock, even for a day and hear the wisdom he had. To hear of his life, his stories: the struggles and the triumphs. Looking back it seems selfish not to spend more time in his presence when I had the opportunity. To learn what he had to share. To listen to what he had to say. He was old fashioned - well, because he was 87. He didn't need a computer or a tv to make him happy. He made birdhouses and wreaths out of found bark and seeds and twigs and gave them away to friends and family. I loved the smell of his workshop that was in the cellar of their house. The cellar was such a cool place. It had two blue weathered doors that you had to lift up to be able to then go down into the musty room where you of course had to feel around for the light switch and flick it on. The dim light would flood in over his work bench. I loved to go down there when I was a kid. It seems though, the older I got the less and less I wanted to go down there with him; I'd sit inside and watch tv or take a nap. And how selfish of me to later put off trips to Carthage so that I could work or sleep in instead. I realize now what is most important in life.
It is people, it is relationships. It is being with those that you love and loving them back. What I wouldn't give to be down there in his workshop just one more time with him, listening to his stories and learning how to make birdhouses in his cellar. I love you.

In Memory of Grandpa Max
2-17-21 to 12-13-08

Dashing Thru The Snow...

2008-12-16T11:42:00.003-06:00

Now, there are two sides to every coin and the other side of this fantastic display is: drivers.

People seriously cannot drive on snow, this is a fact. Here is my list of drivers to notice, be aware of, and avoid while going about your business in this winter wonderland:

*Fishtailer - This person is typically driving a small pickup and has not put sandbags in their bed, yet they think that they are a top dog like the 4x4s. The truth is little guy, you're not. Just because you have a truck does NOT mean that you can be all willy-nilly along this icy road, son. Suggestion: Get some sandbags and get out of the way. Or get a fat chick to ride back there, also an option

*Indy Racer - Guess what? Snow is slick. That is a fact. No lie. Here is another truth: going really fast on ice makes you skid all over the road. So stop. Take your little rice-burner Honda, grab a chill-pill and cool it man. You're not as big of a BA as you think you are when there's ice on the road are you?

*Soccer Mom Wannabe - This is typically a small blonde woman driving a vehicle the size of a house (Hummer) that she probably shouldn't be driving at all. Did I mention that she'll still think that she can talk on her cell phone, do her nails, check out her fake tan in the rearview mirror, and watch a Legally Blonde DVD on her dashboard too? Suggestion: You're not a soccer mom, so stop trying to be - heck, you're not even a mom. Chances are you're trying to impress someone who's not even watching because he's in bed at his messy apartment sleeping off a hangover.

*Ultra-Mega Sunday Driver - An Ultra-Mega Sunday Driver is someone who is a Sunday Driver everyday anyways. Usually has grey hair (or no hair) and is currently living off the Social Security that is taken out of my micro paycheck every month (you're welcome, btw - now buy me something good for Christmas!). Not only should this person probably not have a license in the first place (don't you have to pass an sight and sound exam?? Or would that make too much sense?); but now they have put on their caution pants and are cccrrraaawwwlllliiiiinnnnnngggggg down the street at the pace of a frozen turkey dinner. Advice: Move it or lose it, grandma!

*Braker/Whiplasher - This might be my least favorite person of the list. They brake at every little bump in the road giving themselves (and the people driving the 12 cars behind them) whiplash. Now, I do understand being cautious, I really do. But every single little bump? I mean c'mon its usually just a crack in the poorly constructed road, roadkill, or a freshman. So give those brakes a break and keep truckin!

*Wideloader - Are you in the left lane or the right lane? Maybe you're just happy you're headed in the right direction, I don't know. But please, please choose a lane, man! Option 1: Place a "Wide Load" sign on the back of your car. Option 2: Place a "Student Driver" sign on the back and top of your car. Option 3: Stay home. But, if you must be 'oot and a-boot' (that's with a Minnesota accent) and you will not choose option 1 or 2, at the very least choose a lane, mk?

Hopefully this list helps you recognize these crazies that appear behind the wheel as soon as the snow hits the pavement, so that you can avoid them and their wild antics. Feel free to comment and help add to this list.

FIRST SNOW

2008-12-16T11:31:00.005-06:00

First snow of the year! (winter 08 that is) Covering the landscape in a powdery blanket of frozen water that turns it from bland to grand in a matter of minutes. It was such a beautiful sight to wake up to.

(view from my back porch - same balcony I threw Tyler's bluetooth off of)

(berry bush in our yard, so pretty)

I got da Blues

2008-12-15T09:44:00.008-06:00

This past Saturday, I had the awesome opportunity to don my fedora, eat some fried chicken, and lose my woman on my way go with my dad to see one of the blues' greatest musicians of all time: Buddy Guy.
Buddy has won numerous Grammys (5), been an inspiration to Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Mikey "Noodle-Fingers" Henderson, and is also in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Although he did not play his signature black and white polka dotted guitar, he did jump down off the stage and weave in and out throughout the entire crowd playing and singing the blues. He wailed, shouted, whispered, and flat-out belted the blues for a mostly intoxicated Wichita crowd.

My roommate Tyler is a bluetooth jerk

2008-12-12T16:26:00.007-06:00

Let me set the stage:
My roommate Tyler walks in the living room on his way to the kitchen after just getting home from work. I (laying on the couch enjoying the latest Sports Center re-run which I had seen once in its entirety at 2am) ask him, "Hello good friend, how was your day?" To which he replies with his head obscured by the refrigerator door, "Wha?" So I repeat my question a bit louder so he can hear it with his head burried in the fridge, "Hello good friend, how was your day?" There is a pause then he says laughing, "Oh, haha, I know right?" This adverts my attention from the television and I turn over and say, "Eh?" to which he says, "Haha, oh hold on Stephen is talking to me." Now, judging by the title of this blog, I suppose you have already caught on to what is taking place here...I however did not have this little assistant to aid me in this time in confusion. After he revealed the hidden, compact 2001 Space Odyssey-esque bluetooth in his ear, I now knew what was happening; this did NOT however make me ecstatic that I had been given the 'talk-to-the-hand' treatment by such a tiny device. So when he was sleeping that night, I chucked it off our balcony.

(This is my roommate Tyler)

I hope that you have not fallen victim to this heinous and down-right insensitive act of cruelty. If you have, then you know exactly how I feel. Pray that those who are around you do not get bluetooths (blueteeth?) and become total jerks.

Fall Classic Ful-Philment

2008-10-30T14:41:00.005-05:00

As reluctant as I am to admit it, I truly am a Royals fan at heart. However I do have a National League team that I also follow. Since the retirement of Bagwell and Biggio from the Houston Astros (my former NL team), I have become a Philly Phanatic. I was so stoked for them to go to the playoffs. After showing the critics and nay-sayers that they were for real, they held their trophy aloft for all the world to see. The last time Philadelphia won the World Series was in 1980 against the Royals nonetheless. Congrats to you, Philadelphia!

Kansas City, its your turn. Let's get back to that early-80s kind of dominance. My 09 MLB predictions: KC Royals over the LA Dodgers in a sweep!! ...we'll see :)

Blue York, New York

2008-10-29T21:00:00.003-05:00

Was recently in NYC, The Big Apple, and had the privilege of getting to see the very tremendous Blue Man Group (BMG)! An amazing amazing show. Worth every penny (of which I will be paying you back soon Aubrey, I promise!). Prior to the show I was chosen by a BMG staff member to be a part of the act. So on my cue, (the second time a BM appeared in the balcony) I was taken by the hand, led up on stage, blue paint dabbed on my face, dressed into a white suit then led backstage.

The rest shall never be known by the public, just know that when I came back out on stage my head was in a jello mold. It was such a fun night!