Looks like I'll finally have time tonight to get to a kung fu class! Woohoo! But, I gotta get back up to Mr. or Mrs. R (my old masters) ASAP. Y'know, I think I'm going to practice a bit right now.
Tuesday, September 30, 2003
Monday, September 29, 2003
Posted by Don on 6:56 PM
with No comments so far
There's been so many things thats held us down.And, it's about freakin' time for me, too!
But now it looks like things are finally comin' around.
I know we've got, a long long way to go,
and where we'll end up, I don't know.
But we won't let nothin' hold us back,
we're putting our selves together,
we're polishing up our act!
If you felt we've been held down before,
I know you'll refuse to be held down anymore!
Ain't No Stoppin' Us Now
- MacFadden and Whitehead
I've been slowly ticking things off of my "To Do" list today, but I'm not feeling like I truly accomplished anything. I know that simply isn't true. I've taken a few more steps today toward my desired goals, and there are more I'll need to take tomorrow.
Posted by Don on 11:00 AM
with No comments so far
ITEM ONE
It sort of ticked me off having a week's worth of blog posts and scrolling all the way down the page to see that long blank grey border running down the left side with nothing in it. So, I chopped the number of days' posts you see at one time to three.
Besides, it'll make that "archives" link a bit more useful. Not like y'all read previous posts, anyway ;). Heck, I wonder how many care about my current stuff heh.
ITEM TWO
Lots of stuff to do this week. I'm planning a move with another roommate, as well as the accomplishment of all my other goals by the end of this month. I'm a stressbag, wondering how it's all going to play out. I wonder if this is how E felt as she returned from Korea.
ITEM THREE
This weekend has been a minor bump in the relationship road. On top of not anticipating not seeing each other this week due to lack of time, E and I have both been busy and/or tired to spend more than a few moments on the phone at a time. Part of the problem is that I've always had a problem redirecting my energy. It's like inertia -- once I get on a roll, doing something or being focused on something, it's hard for me to switch tracks. Take my Sunday. It was a long-@$$ day, between church, working, and finding snippets of time to think about all the things I needed to accomplish this week and when. When I got back home, I wanted to chill (read: watch some TV while I sit and wonder what the heck else I needed to be doing), even though I promised E a call. So, we talk, but I wasn't in the mood nor did I have the energy. I felt like total crap, because I know that I've gotten this way in previous relationships. I tend to compartmentalize the different aspects of my life, and that's not really good, especially knowing that I need to "gear up and down" as I float back and forth between those aspects.
That sounds like a part of me that I have to work out some more.
ITEM FOUR
I'm addicted to Tech TV, especially the show Call For Help. I'm digging Robot Wars, too, not because I care about the "fighting robot" genre, but the fact that the MC is Craig Charles aka Lister on Red Dwarf.
ITEM FIVE
I was seriously jonesing for some salad for lunch today, so I went out and got some, but forgot to get dressing. I thought I'd have to mooch off of my housemate, but as I raided the fridge, I found an old (but still within the expiration date) bottle of caesar-with-bacon dressing I bought awhile back!
It sort of ticked me off having a week's worth of blog posts and scrolling all the way down the page to see that long blank grey border running down the left side with nothing in it. So, I chopped the number of days' posts you see at one time to three.
Besides, it'll make that "archives" link a bit more useful. Not like y'all read previous posts, anyway ;). Heck, I wonder how many care about my current stuff heh.
ITEM TWO
Lots of stuff to do this week. I'm planning a move with another roommate, as well as the accomplishment of all my other goals by the end of this month. I'm a stressbag, wondering how it's all going to play out. I wonder if this is how E felt as she returned from Korea.
ITEM THREE
This weekend has been a minor bump in the relationship road. On top of not anticipating not seeing each other this week due to lack of time, E and I have both been busy and/or tired to spend more than a few moments on the phone at a time. Part of the problem is that I've always had a problem redirecting my energy. It's like inertia -- once I get on a roll, doing something or being focused on something, it's hard for me to switch tracks. Take my Sunday. It was a long-@$$ day, between church, working, and finding snippets of time to think about all the things I needed to accomplish this week and when. When I got back home, I wanted to chill (read: watch some TV while I sit and wonder what the heck else I needed to be doing), even though I promised E a call. So, we talk, but I wasn't in the mood nor did I have the energy. I felt like total crap, because I know that I've gotten this way in previous relationships. I tend to compartmentalize the different aspects of my life, and that's not really good, especially knowing that I need to "gear up and down" as I float back and forth between those aspects.
That sounds like a part of me that I have to work out some more.
ITEM FOUR
I'm addicted to Tech TV, especially the show Call For Help. I'm digging Robot Wars, too, not because I care about the "fighting robot" genre, but the fact that the MC is Craig Charles aka Lister on Red Dwarf.
ITEM FIVE
I was seriously jonesing for some salad for lunch today, so I went out and got some, but forgot to get dressing. I thought I'd have to mooch off of my housemate, but as I raided the fridge, I found an old (but still within the expiration date) bottle of caesar-with-bacon dressing I bought awhile back!
Saturday, September 27, 2003
Posted by Don on 10:32 PM
with No comments so far
Two days ago, I get this email.
I did a little web digging on my own and discovered a couple of references to people sending out similar emails or leaving messages on bulletin boards. I think it's all for a show I've heard about called VH1: Obsessed (or something like that) about fans totally obsessed about pop culture thingys, things like Shaft or Fraggle Rock, etc.
Oh, what the heck, I'll write her back. I'm sure as heck not going to blow a long-distance dime on it. Or, should I "Just say no!" and not contribute to the whole "Reality TV" blight?
Though I have to admit, there is something appealing about that whole "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" line of thinking.
HelloThis is probably in reference to my old webpage on my AOL site dedicated to the Shaft movies. If you look at this page, let me apologize in advance. I made it as a lark almost a decade ago, and it hasn't been updated since the John Singleton remake came out in 2000. Before then, it probably wasn't updated for 3 or 4 years. For pete's sake, it still uses HTML 2.0. Then again, most of my stuff does hehe.
We are putting together a reality based show for Vh1 about people who are obessed with different aspects of pop culture. I am interested in your biggest blaxploitation fantatics. Please call me so that I can explain the show in further detail.
Thanks
[Name omitted out of courtesy]
Associate Producer
Broadway Video
[212-XXX-XXXX]
I did a little web digging on my own and discovered a couple of references to people sending out similar emails or leaving messages on bulletin boards. I think it's all for a show I've heard about called VH1: Obsessed (or something like that) about fans totally obsessed about pop culture thingys, things like Shaft or Fraggle Rock, etc.
Oh, what the heck, I'll write her back. I'm sure as heck not going to blow a long-distance dime on it. Or, should I "Just say no!" and not contribute to the whole "Reality TV" blight?
Though I have to admit, there is something appealing about that whole "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" line of thinking.
Friday, September 26, 2003
Posted by Don on 7:33 PM
with No comments so far
This week, you get two for the price of one.
I've taken a version of this before, but I think this test was a little more comprehensive.

You are the Seventh Doctor: Brooding, enigmatic,
soulful, and occasionally silly. There are a
great many mysteries lurking behind your
ancient eyes, and even your closest companions
aren't allowed to know the full extent of your
schemes and concerns. You are often downright
manipulative, using friends and adversaries
alike as chess pieces in a private game against
the universe. Your wrath is slow to build, but
terrible when aroused, and you are slowly
settling old scores with threats across the
cosmos.
Which Incarnation of the Doctor Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
I also took its "companion test" if you'll excuse the pun.

Looks as though you've got your heart set on the
second Romana, as played by Lalla Ward! This
tempting Time Lady conceals her inhuman
cleverness behind a disarmingly enthusiastic
and girlish demeanor. She's an eclectic blonde
who loves to travel and enjoy herself, and if
you gaze too long into those summer-sky eyes,
she'll have you wrapped around her finger. Not
that you'll mind.
Which Lovely Doctor Who Companion Are You Ashamed To Admit Your Crush On?
brought to you by Quizilla
Hey, I always did have a crush on this one. Leela had nothing on her, even in her skin tight leather scivvies.
I've taken a version of this before, but I think this test was a little more comprehensive.

You are the Seventh Doctor: Brooding, enigmatic,
soulful, and occasionally silly. There are a
great many mysteries lurking behind your
ancient eyes, and even your closest companions
aren't allowed to know the full extent of your
schemes and concerns. You are often downright
manipulative, using friends and adversaries
alike as chess pieces in a private game against
the universe. Your wrath is slow to build, but
terrible when aroused, and you are slowly
settling old scores with threats across the
cosmos.
Which Incarnation of the Doctor Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
I also took its "companion test" if you'll excuse the pun.

Looks as though you've got your heart set on the
second Romana, as played by Lalla Ward! This
tempting Time Lady conceals her inhuman
cleverness behind a disarmingly enthusiastic
and girlish demeanor. She's an eclectic blonde
who loves to travel and enjoy herself, and if
you gaze too long into those summer-sky eyes,
she'll have you wrapped around her finger. Not
that you'll mind.
Which Lovely Doctor Who Companion Are You Ashamed To Admit Your Crush On?
brought to you by Quizilla
Hey, I always did have a crush on this one. Leela had nothing on her, even in her skin tight leather scivvies.
Posted by Don on 7:29 PM
with No comments so far
As if Johnny Cash wasn't bad enough. Robert Palmer, too?
Addicted to Love was one of the first 45 RPMs I ever bought. Sorry to all you young bucks who don't really know this artist, this song, or what a "45" is.
Current Music: Get It On (Bang a Gong) by Power Station
Addicted to Love was one of the first 45 RPMs I ever bought. Sorry to all you young bucks who don't really know this artist, this song, or what a "45" is.
Current Music: Get It On (Bang a Gong) by Power Station
Thursday, September 25, 2003
Posted by Don on 8:30 PM
with No comments so far
I forgot to mention that last Monday, I did attend the taekwondo class still taught by one of my old masters. Due to a wierd set of circumstances, I did see both of my masters for the first time in almost a year. It was great! I've added them to my list of "People I Will Never Lose Touch With Ever Again."
The class was, as Wesley Willis puts it, "a yell-down war hell ride." I had almost forgotten how far they push. Not that my friend who currently runs the main branch of the club does badly -- not at all! But, my old teachers have not lost their touch.
I got a bunch of questions answered about my "memory lapses" and I did get to help teach a bit. The whole class was made up of home-schooled children of various ages, but some were of higher rank than me. Regardless, I was asked to help the 1st and 2nd gups develop their creative self-defense requirements.
Despite the (few) dubious examples I've seen of the products of home-schooling, I have to say that the kids I worked with that day were great! They were polite, grateful, and most importantly, completely willing to absorb everything I had to offer, even the kids that outranked me.
I don't know if I can make it to that class every week. It's one heck of a drive out in the middle nowhere outside of northern Columbus. But, I've been asked to come back whenever I can, and in exchange: kung fu instruction!!
The class was, as Wesley Willis puts it, "a yell-down war hell ride." I had almost forgotten how far they push. Not that my friend who currently runs the main branch of the club does badly -- not at all! But, my old teachers have not lost their touch.
I got a bunch of questions answered about my "memory lapses" and I did get to help teach a bit. The whole class was made up of home-schooled children of various ages, but some were of higher rank than me. Regardless, I was asked to help the 1st and 2nd gups develop their creative self-defense requirements.
Despite the (few) dubious examples I've seen of the products of home-schooling, I have to say that the kids I worked with that day were great! They were polite, grateful, and most importantly, completely willing to absorb everything I had to offer, even the kids that outranked me.
I don't know if I can make it to that class every week. It's one heck of a drive out in the middle nowhere outside of northern Columbus. But, I've been asked to come back whenever I can, and in exchange: kung fu instruction!!
Posted by Don on 8:22 PM
with No comments so far
ITEM ONE
Yes, I was there again. Yes, I had lots of fun. Yes, I'm down again.
ITEM TWO
Got a decent haircut today! Now, I don't feel like such a mop-head.
ITEM THREE
Same random financial difficulties as usual, though I'm not as abjectly impoverished. I've had enough to make the purchases I've had to make and a couple I didn't, such as...
ITEM FOUR
...Weekly planner pages for my Franklin Planner! Though they don't make weekly pages for the particular style I'm using, I decided 1) To dispense with picking a "style" altogether -- I can MacGyver bits and pieces of stuff, and after 4 years of using one, I pretty much know the ins and outs of it and 2) That to accomodate my particular brain style, going to a weekly system made the most sense -- It gives me a sense of "the bigger picture" as I work toward my goals. Just ticking off tasks and following my schedule "a day at a time" was do-able, but I finally figured out that I was losing touch with my week. Hm, maybe this was a "need" after all. Hopefully, this'll help because...
ITEM FIVE
...The past few months have been building to what I feel is one heck of a wave on which I can hopefully ride toward achieving my various life dreams. I've never felt so "on the verge" before. I'm feeling that this is my last chance. For better or worse (though, I would definitely say better), I've co-opted E's line of thinking of "Hey, I'm [censored] years old, etc. etc." Well, I'm 30, and too damn far behind.
Yes, I was there again. Yes, I had lots of fun. Yes, I'm down again.
ITEM TWO
Got a decent haircut today! Now, I don't feel like such a mop-head.
ITEM THREE
Same random financial difficulties as usual, though I'm not as abjectly impoverished. I've had enough to make the purchases I've had to make and a couple I didn't, such as...
ITEM FOUR
...Weekly planner pages for my Franklin Planner! Though they don't make weekly pages for the particular style I'm using, I decided 1) To dispense with picking a "style" altogether -- I can MacGyver bits and pieces of stuff, and after 4 years of using one, I pretty much know the ins and outs of it and 2) That to accomodate my particular brain style, going to a weekly system made the most sense -- It gives me a sense of "the bigger picture" as I work toward my goals. Just ticking off tasks and following my schedule "a day at a time" was do-able, but I finally figured out that I was losing touch with my week. Hm, maybe this was a "need" after all. Hopefully, this'll help because...
ITEM FIVE
...The past few months have been building to what I feel is one heck of a wave on which I can hopefully ride toward achieving my various life dreams. I've never felt so "on the verge" before. I'm feeling that this is my last chance. For better or worse (though, I would definitely say better), I've co-opted E's line of thinking of "Hey, I'm [censored] years old, etc. etc." Well, I'm 30, and too damn far behind.
And I'm tired of turning my back on myselfThis is the song I keep coming back to again and again. I guess I've just got to keep on living it out.
Throwing truth away
Let the fire burn down the front door to myself
And give me a season of play
The Show Must Go On
by Bill Champlin
perf. by Chicago
Monday, September 22, 2003
Posted by Don on 11:41 AM
with No comments so far
Just got off the phone with my old "master," though both he and his wife hate to be called that since there is only one Master. Anyway, class is in an hour and a half, and I expect to get beat down! This is a good thing.
Ed. Note: In case you haven't figured it out yet (or did I post this once?), entries under this title detail my forays back into the study of martial arts -- just wanted to make sure we were all clear on this.
Ed. Note: In case you haven't figured it out yet (or did I post this once?), entries under this title detail my forays back into the study of martial arts -- just wanted to make sure we were all clear on this.
Posted by Don on 10:18 AM
with No comments so far
I was advised the other day to actually track down and visit the original instructors of my martial arts school and see if I can 1) reconnect, since they've found out I've rejoined class and have been asking about me and 2) get some pointers in a class that's taught Mondays and Wednesdays up where they live.
My friend, we'll call him T. is great, but he's got his hands full with the main school what with training the lower-ranked color belts. I ask questions on things I can't remember, and he can barely remember. But I will say this -- watching how his kicks have improved in power and speed, now I know how he got to black belt! We haven't gotten a chance to spar yet, but I'm almost certain he can outfight me, surprise kung-fu style kicks from me, notwithstanding.
Class is at 1:30. I'll call in a few and see what's up.
My friend, we'll call him T. is great, but he's got his hands full with the main school what with training the lower-ranked color belts. I ask questions on things I can't remember, and he can barely remember. But I will say this -- watching how his kicks have improved in power and speed, now I know how he got to black belt! We haven't gotten a chance to spar yet, but I'm almost certain he can outfight me, surprise kung-fu style kicks from me, notwithstanding.
Class is at 1:30. I'll call in a few and see what's up.
Posted by Don on 10:08 AM
with No comments so far
Unfortuneately, not the good kind.
I got hit hard yesterday. Saturday night, E came up just to get away from school, be in the comforting arms of yours truly, and to be in the company of friends. As anticipated (maybe I turned it into a self-fulfilling prophecy?), come Sunday morning when she left, I felt completely down.
I'm better now, though, after 9 hours of sleep, but only marginally.
I got hit hard yesterday. Saturday night, E came up just to get away from school, be in the comforting arms of yours truly, and to be in the company of friends. As anticipated (maybe I turned it into a self-fulfilling prophecy?), come Sunday morning when she left, I felt completely down.
I'm better now, though, after 9 hours of sleep, but only marginally.
Sunday, September 21, 2003
Posted by Don on 9:18 AM
with No comments so far
I got a sneak peak (i.e. listen) at Johnny Cash's last album American IV: The Man Comes Around. He did the most bad-@$$ cover of Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode.
Listen to it, and find out, if you don't already know, why he was so kick @$$.
Listen to it, and find out, if you don't already know, why he was so kick @$$.
Saturday, September 20, 2003
Posted by Don on 11:47 AM
with No comments so far

You can take the
McDonalds Product Test by Matio64
here!
Ya want fries with that?
Thursday, September 18, 2003
Posted by Don on 10:09 AM
with No comments so far
This morning, E found out that her driver's side door had a sizeable dent. There was a card left stuck in her door by the honorable soul who smacked her car. It was E's neighbor across the street who happens to be a high-level mucky-muck at OU.
Hey, wouldn't that be some stuff if that'd be my ticket into grad school? Unfortunately, lacking the stones or the skills of a grifter, I'm not sure exactly how to make that work.
Hey, wouldn't that be some stuff if that'd be my ticket into grad school? Unfortunately, lacking the stones or the skills of a grifter, I'm not sure exactly how to make that work.
Posted by Don on 10:00 AM
with No comments so far
Here I am again, broadcasting live and direct from the campus of lovely OU.
Joy of joys, I found out that despite information to the contrary, my cell phone is NOT roaming out of network while I'm in what some (not me) would call the "backwaters of Ohio." Even more odd are those features I can and can't access while away from greater metropolitan Columbus.
In downstate New York, I can neither directly access Verizon's *611 features, nor can I use dialing shortcuts to access voice mail. Here in Athens, I can't use *611, but I can access voicemail via dialing shortcuts. And, technically in Athens, I'm not supposed to make any call that isn't billed at $.99/minute. But hey, it's a small price to pay.
Joy of joys, I found out that despite information to the contrary, my cell phone is NOT roaming out of network while I'm in what some (not me) would call the "backwaters of Ohio." Even more odd are those features I can and can't access while away from greater metropolitan Columbus.
In downstate New York, I can neither directly access Verizon's *611 features, nor can I use dialing shortcuts to access voice mail. Here in Athens, I can't use *611, but I can access voicemail via dialing shortcuts. And, technically in Athens, I'm not supposed to make any call that isn't billed at $.99/minute. But hey, it's a small price to pay.
Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Posted by Don on 1:01 PM
with No comments so far
I didn't get a chance to express my righteous indignation at hearing this the other day on the radio.
They want to tax coffee??? Listen to this crap...
No no, I'm just kidding, Mr. or Ms. CIA/FBI/ATF/Homeland Security Cyber-Monitor. Quit spying on me. My parents were from the Catholic part of the Philippines, not the Muslim part.
They want to tax coffee??? Listen to this crap...
NPR's Morning EditionIt's enough to make one want to mobilize an army and give the government a "yell-down war hell ride."
PRI's Marketplace
No no, I'm just kidding, Mr. or Ms. CIA/FBI/ATF/Homeland Security Cyber-Monitor. Quit spying on me. My parents were from the Catholic part of the Philippines, not the Muslim part.
Posted by Don on 12:13 PM
with No comments so far
ITEM ONE
On my way down to Athens, I heard an old song on the radio that I haven't on the airwaves in years, Couple Days Off by Huey Lewis & the News. I remember going to the concert they had in support of this album. This was the song right before the encore. I remember that every time Huey sang the first three lines of one of the choruses, for instance...
ITEM TWO
I'm here blogging again from the campus of OU. It amazes me how they do this. Here I am, Mr. John Doe, a friend of a student, sitting here in the library with my laptop plugged into their network and simply messing around. I could be anybody. I could be formulating and launching the next big internet virus from here (no, don't worry Mr. or Ms. CIA/FBI/ATF/Homeland Security Cyber-Monitor -- I'm not even of middle eastern decent. Why are you spying on me to begin with?), for all anyone knows. But here I sit, totally unchallenged. Amazing.
ITEM THREE
Yes, it's sooo good to be near E. again.
ITEM FOUR
Just for kicks, the "this way to the egress" link above now points to a temporary, experimental homepage. I'm currently debating whether or not to keep my AOHell account/site or not. Hell, geocities offers webspace for just the right price -- absosmurfly nothing!
On my way down to Athens, I heard an old song on the radio that I haven't on the airwaves in years, Couple Days Off by Huey Lewis & the News. I remember going to the concert they had in support of this album. This was the song right before the encore. I remember that every time Huey sang the first three lines of one of the choruses, for instance...
'Cos I am only human. I am no machine...his entire road crew filtered out from back stage and took their places just in time to all shout in unison...
I need a little lovin' darlin, you know what I mean
Don't misunderstand me, I'm not gettin' soft
All I want is a...
COUPLE DAYS OFF!Now that's freakin' showmanship, IMO! Just like when Huey would take his harmonica and pitch it back to one of his roadies who'd catch it with a ball mitt. Showmanship, man! No costume changes, no overcomplicated dance numbers with lip-synched music. Just the time, effort and imagination to just entertain a crowd. Talk about a lost art.
ITEM TWO
I'm here blogging again from the campus of OU. It amazes me how they do this. Here I am, Mr. John Doe, a friend of a student, sitting here in the library with my laptop plugged into their network and simply messing around. I could be anybody. I could be formulating and launching the next big internet virus from here (no, don't worry Mr. or Ms. CIA/FBI/ATF/Homeland Security Cyber-Monitor -- I'm not even of middle eastern decent. Why are you spying on me to begin with?), for all anyone knows. But here I sit, totally unchallenged. Amazing.
ITEM THREE
Yes, it's sooo good to be near E. again.
ITEM FOUR
Just for kicks, the "this way to the egress" link above now points to a temporary, experimental homepage. I'm currently debating whether or not to keep my AOHell account/site or not. Hell, geocities offers webspace for just the right price -- absosmurfly nothing!
Tuesday, September 16, 2003
Posted by Don on 3:35 PM
with No comments so far
That's what I'm feeling right now. My life isn't bad, currently -- at least as many good things as bad are happening right now. But I'm feeling somewhat anxious and depressed right now. To be sure, I've got things to be anxious and depressed over, but nothing to make me feel like this. I just need a bit of regeneration, I think. To refuel my emotional tanks. I'm really glad I'm going to be with E for the next couple of days.
On the downside, I won't be getting my martial arts fix this week until at least Saturday.
On the downside, I won't be getting my martial arts fix this week until at least Saturday.
Posted by Don on 11:54 AM
with No comments so far
I've decided to step up looking for ways to re-enter graduate school to finish my degree. One thing I'm trying to do is to root out all that money that everyone says is set aside for minorities of various types. I'm at the local library right now.
I've never really been of one opinion or the other as far as the whole affirmative action debate, except to say to all those who are able to take advantage of it, "Hey... way to beat The Man!" I've always had a healthy respect for anyone who can beat the system. Here's hoping I can now count myself among them.
I've never really been of one opinion or the other as far as the whole affirmative action debate, except to say to all those who are able to take advantage of it, "Hey... way to beat The Man!" I've always had a healthy respect for anyone who can beat the system. Here's hoping I can now count myself among them.
Monday, September 15, 2003
Posted by Don on 12:12 PM
with No comments so far
I've played a king and a down and out foolI figured I haven't flirted with copyright violations for awhile.
Some like it hot, and some like it cool
Do what they want, but don't be their tool
Savor the throne, but don't mind the stool
Take It As It Comes
(Winwood/Jennings)
perf. by Steve Winwood
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