CantDrive55Andy
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Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Feb 16, 2015 21:36:45 GMT
I hate these word crimes Like I could care less That means you do care At least a little Don't be a moron You'd better slow down And use the right pronoun Show the world you're no clown Everybody wise up! - Word Crimes by "Weird Al" Yankovic on the 2014 studio album Mandatory Fun Good evening, everyone. I created this Thread because I wanted to know if there would be anyone interested in reading blogs that I write. Back whenever I used to have a Facebook account, I would put up a few a month. People responded mostly positive and I really enjoyed writing them. What do they consist of? Well, anything really. There's all sorts of things that I've been wanting to jump into and start writing. A few things off the top off my head would be: The Last of Us, "Remastered" Albums, and My Early 20's. Basically, I'll take a topic or central theme and run with it. I try to be creative, serious, and humorous (depending on the topic). Also, I start (and sometimes end) each blog with a song lyric to give the reader a sense of what's coming and to fit the tone and mood. If this were to come to fruition, I wouldn't constantly write and put things up daily. It'd be locked to Sundays (once to a few times a month). Sundays are my only guaranteed day off from work. This Poll will lock at 02/21/15. Based on feedback (and even if it's allowed here in the General Board Thread), I'd really like to put these up for people to read. I enjoy reading other people's experiences/stories and just like putting out quality content for people to read and enjoy. If it all comes together (right now! Over me!) the first one I'd put up would be Sunday, February 22nd. Thank you for your consideration and have a good day!
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double_s92
Member
head toilet cleaner
Inconsistantly Constant
Posts: 1,709
Registered on: May 2014
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Post by double_s92 on Feb 18, 2015 13:39:57 GMT
I would be insulted if you didn't go ahead with this, you have my support IncredibleDrunk!
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Feb 18, 2015 16:50:57 GMT
Haha, I don't ever think I'll ever live that nickname down.
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MeowthDatsRight
Member
i'm still here.
Posts: 337
Registered on: January 2015
PSN ID: MeowthDatsRight
Steam: MeowthDatsRight
Social Club: MeowthDatsRight
Discord: Meowth_Dats_Right#9319
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Post by MeowthDatsRight on Feb 18, 2015 19:03:12 GMT
You know, Andy, you really have the voice to be a great game commentator on youtube. I know there are a lot of let's play videos and humorous reviews of crappy games out there, but i could totally see you doing that...like reading your blogs out load would be better than having someone else read them. It's hard to find something that makes you stand out from the others when making videos but i'm tellin ya, you have the voice for it. You how JonTron can just say anything and make it sound hilarious? You have that quality too. Yeah this is random but it came to mind when i read this.
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gropplerz
Member
It's dangerous to go alone, take this.
Posts: 674
Registered on: January 2015
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Post by gropplerz on Feb 18, 2015 19:12:53 GMT
anyone who likes weird al is worth of a little of my time
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Feb 20, 2015 0:30:33 GMT
You know, Andy, you really have the voice to be a great game commentator on youtube. I know there are a lot of let's play videos and humorous reviews of crappy games out there, but i could totally see you doing that...like reading your blogs out load would be better than having someone else read them. It's hard to find something that makes you stand out from the others when making videos but i'm tellin ya, you have the voice for it. You how JonTron can just say anything and make it sound hilarious? You have that quality too. Yeah this is random but it came to mind when i read this. Wow, thanks! Had an absolutely turrible day at work and this cheered me up :-) I have always thought about doing a radio / a podcast type thing but sadly I do not have the time or experience.
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Feb 20, 2015 0:31:59 GMT
anyone who likes weird al is worth of a little of my time Great minds think alike! :-) Nice profile picture, by the way.
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Feb 22, 2015 19:23:29 GMT
Results are in and it looks like I'm going to give blogging a go! I actually have tomorrow off from work, so I'll post it sometime tomorrow.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Registered on: January 1970
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Post by Deleted on Mar 4, 2015 6:16:38 GMT
Is there a certain domain you'll upload to?
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Apr 22, 2015 0:53:57 GMT
Hello everyone. I'd like to formally apologize for not living up to my promise and posting a blog every few weeks. I've been working a lot and doing other projects outside of work. I haven't really had the time nor energy to write anything that I feel is worthwhile. Now, as far as where I'll upload my blogs to, I'm not exactly sure. I set up a Facebook account a few weeks (or maybe a month or so, time flies) ago. I'm not sure whether to put them there or here or even both. I'll have more updates (including my Spotify playlists I promised) hopefully soon. There just simply aren't enough hours in a day, unfortunately. Thanks everyone! :-)
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Post by .fiyah on Apr 28, 2015 15:32:31 GMT
CantDrive55Andy fanfic? I'm on board.
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Mar 13, 2016 2:33:23 GMT
Hey everyone I just wanted to touch base on this and give some sort of a mild update on this and read on another subject.
To this day, I still really enjoy writing. I don't get taken seriously because I am a young person and also (mainly) because I love to tell terrible jokes and goof around. It's who I am, dammit. I'm not changing who I am. I sometimes don't change my pants for days at a time. I mean, they're not dirty. I just wore them the previous day. There's not oil or blood or illuminati type stuff on them do I'll just hang them up, maybe spray a bit of Febreeze on them, and wear them the next day. Does... Does anyone else wear the same pair of pants for days at a time or is that just me? I have about 4 or 5 pair but I usually just stick with one pair at a time and alternate different pants.
Anyway, back on topic, I just don't have enough hours in a day to sit down and write things. I want to but I get so fucking tired after work. I'm constantly learning new things (like right now with postage and other stuff) or trying to improve my production throughout the day or even just trying to make someone feel better because it looks like they're having a particularly shitty day. One of those days where you stare at yourself in the mirror, your eyes are bloodshot, you're almost out of toothpaste, your last towel is one of those really tiny ones that barely dries you after you shower, and you just think to yourself, "Fucking fuck cunts, do I really need to go to work today? Well.... yes. Alright, I can do this." ...Yeah, my morning was interesting to say the least but my day was very pleasant today. Let me explain and I'll even re-post something and, if you want, go ahead and give it a read.
Today was a very special day. An old friend of mine has graduated from a Job Corps Center and now has certification in Automotive Technology. As of this writing, he's 19 and I'm 22. I was invited to a small get together honoring his success and I happily attended today. It was nice catching up and being able to congratulate him in person. To take a step back before we hung out today, I post this (what is below) on a Facebook page to try and put into focus what he's accomplished and what is to come. If you could take 5 minutes and 11 seconds to read it and give any form of feedback, please do. Thanks everyone! You're all groovy as fuck. : -)
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Hey James. I’m glad to hear that you have graduated from Red Rock Job Corps and that you're trying to establish a future for yourself. I respect that. You have always had this energy and emotion about you that has made you a very likable and respectful young man. There are so many things that I want to tell you but I'm not exactly sure how to put into words. Life is… strange. Although, I'm sure you're more than well aware of that. Let me explain…
In my senior year of high school I went through a co-op program and was doing electronics. I was doing what I loved to do. I thought there would be no end to it. The work was good and the people were good. And then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, I was laid off from work numerous times to the point where I knew I couldn't return without further education (which unfortunately was not an option for me). It is both disturbing and humbling having what you have loved doing be taken away from you and trying to figure out what you're going to do with the rest of your life.
To make a long story short, I am now under a line of work that involves the federal government. trust me, it is not what I planned on doing but I am very grateful every day to be doing good work for good people. There is a point I'm trying to make but I will get to that in just a moment. Very briefly, I want to reiterate what I mentioned above. Jamie, you're such a good person. I don't know what it is, man. You truly do seem to care about people and to want to always do the right thing. I have a lot of respect for you believe it or not. There are not many people like that anymore especially in today's day and age. You have a good attitude and a good outlook on life. Don't change that. Hold on to that.
Life is hard man. There'll be a lot of obstacles coming your way. You're going to be entering a work environment that's going to be very scary and especially really hard to get into nowadays. The same can be said for trying to establish credit, it's just one of those things that you can't seem to get until you have i and you don't have it to start so how are you supposed to get it? It's weird. I don't understand it. I probably never will. What is important is that you never stop trying. Showcase what you have learned. Keep going. Keep applying yourself. Have ease of motion where you are constricted. Take each day as it comes. If you get knocked out of your field of work, don’t be afraid to pursue other areas that may interest you. Not to sound like an ass hat, but I never thought I’d be doing what I’m doing but I’m slowly becoming very good in what I do and would maybe like to move even higher up one day should the opportunity present itself. You have the ability to do this as well. Take advantage of opportunities. I have been laid off from work a total of 5 times and I am only 22 years old. Keep moving forward. It's hard but you can do it.
Take advantage of the fact that you're young. You have the ability to run off of 2 hours sleep and Raman noodles, dental floss, and still look good. As boring as it may be sometimes always try to keep learning and I also recommend reading books when you can. Believe it or not, I used to be extremely socially awkward but I read more than a few books on social skills and they really helped me. This doesn't necessarily apply to you but what I'm saying is take that and try and put it in other areas that may suit your situation. And, if it comes down to it and you need to work a minimum wage job just to have work and a form of income, don't be afraid to do that. It's not beneath you. It's a foot in the door. It's real world experience. I'm not saying you don't have this I'm just saying that as a young person it can be hard to be taken seriously when you're not working or doing something productive and good with your time.
Live your life to the fullest James. Live a happy life. When you look at today's world and you see all the weakness that is desperation, cheapness, hatred, cruelty, racism, homophobia, fascism that it is plagued with, you don't want to be that. You want to be what leads people out of that. Now we need someone who is helpful. Showcase your great qualities that you have to the world. Now is your chance to magnify them personify them and inspire others with them. And there's never been a time more when that’s needed then right now. I love you, bro. I wish you nothing but the utmost of happiness and success in your life.
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on Apr 14, 2016 23:12:51 GMT
Good evening everyone! I posted this on my personal Facebook page this morning and figured I could post it here as well. Enjoy!
Today is a very special and important day for me. Thirty five years ago today, 1981, Billy Squier released his second studio album Don’t Say No. Please consider reading on as I try to explain the importance of this treasure. This is one of my all-time favorite albums. It’s absolutely wonderful from start to finish. Whether you’re driving, cleaning, or just working and listening to the music within this album, it is an absolute treasure and joy filled with rocking music! I remember being pretty young (I don’t know, I was around 8-10 years old) and my dad would play this album constantly. We would both sing, try to hit the high notes, and air guitar like there was no tomorrow! I wish I had a picture to share, but it was unfortunately lost in a house fire.
Something that you may NOT know is that there are later samples of Squier’s work. Some of his songs have been mixed into rap music. Artists such as Eminem and Mickey Avalon have taken some of his songs (My Kinda Lover and The Stroke, respectively) and put a rap twist to them. I’m not a fan of rap or even of doing this in general, but I do have to admit that it’s a cool idea. This is a way of reintroducing his music to a new generation and a new genre. Any way to get more recognition towards great rock ‘n’ roll is always a good thing!
Every song from the powerful opening of In the Dark to the cataclysmic ending of Don’t Say No serves its intended purpose. And yes even The Stroke, a song about masturbation as hilarious as that is type out! Funnily enough, this was actually how my dad started to explain the process of puberty to me growing up when I was a bit older. Moving forward, if you really sit down and LISTEN and FEEL the music, you can really tell that Billy Squier poured his heart and soul into this album. The second album usually makes or breaks a band. Thankfully, this was a rousing success and led to more wonderful music. Don’t Say No hit the Top Five on the Billboard album chart and remained on the chart for over two years!
As I just mentioned above, the opening song In the Dark is powerful. The way the guitar bursts in is just awesome! It’s easily my favorite track on the album. The best way (I feel) to listen to the track is to be driving through long, winding roads in the dark (pun intended). As the lyrics hit you, you just FEEL them! “Life isn’t easy from the singular side. Down in the hole, some emotions are hard to hide.” I’m honestly having a hard time trying to explain what this means to me without having you hear the music in its entirety. You get to journey through songs that convey hopelessness, friendship, love, compassion, and heartbreak while also showcasing themes such as isolation, love, and apprehension. It’s just good, very simple music that is both very relaxing to listen to and it will let you really rock out!
Please consider joining me in enjoying this wonderful gem. You don’t want to say no to Don’t Say No! It’s best experienced in full start to finish and is a bit longer than half an hour with ten tracks on the original version. If you get the 30th Anniversary Edition, you get 2009 live versions of My Kinda Lover and The Stroke! Just remember to enjoy it… In The Dark.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 14, 2016 23:50:24 GMT
Cool stuff Andy.
I want to hear your extended thoughts on this part though:
I'm a big champion of remixing. I grew up on underground and experimental hip-hop and electronic music where transformative sampling and remixing is a huge part of it. I was there to enjoy it when mashups became mainstream before YouTube took it to the next level. Many of my favourite ever albums (DJ Shadow's Endtroducing, The KLF's Chill Out, The Avalanches' Since I Left You, Coldcut's Journeys By DJ and many others) rely on sampling. Hell, many of favourite subgenres (jungle, hip-hop, drum 'n' bass particularly) are based around remixing culture. The Amen break - a 5 second drum sample from a mostly forgotten 1960s song - has been used literally millions of times in jungle, hip-hop, The Powerpuff Girls theme tune, advertising jingles, ring tones... It's much more than simply stealing. As I said, it's completely transformative and as you say it's also introducing people to things which they wouldn't normally listen to.
Anyway, that's my two cents on that.
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CantDrive55Andy
Member
Stuff and things.
Posts: 764
Registered on: April 2014
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Post by CantDrive55Andy on May 22, 2016 15:36:51 GMT
Hey @driftin! Sorry I really should've replied to your comment sooner. I really enjoying remixing as well I just don't enjoy rap remixes. I have an almost prejudice view on rap music. I just don't like it. This makes absolutely no sense because I really loved the Def Jam games and music growing up but I just haven't expanded my tastes beyond that. Maybe in time I'll be more open to it.
Thanks for the feedback and sharing your views!
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