https://mastodon.social/@jordanhass
I don't know what to do with this, but considering the massive shitshow twitter is becoming, I might as well give this website a try. I don't know what to do, if there is an app or anything, but join me there.
So, I decided to make a podcast on the internet again. I do not know if this is good or not, but I thought it was funny. I hope you enjoy this podcast that has a name, I think it is called "Fun Time Calls", there is no prank calls on this podcast, but I think the fun comes from the discussions in the calls, because that's why it's called fun time calls.
Also, I don't like skittles. I like sour skittles more.
OR SCROLL DOWN AND ADD THE RSS TO YOUR PHONE
Double Dare is a beloved American Children's Game Show that was big in the late 80s, early 90s. In which teams would compete against each other in a game of trivia, and a few physical challenges in the hopes to go through an obstacle course to win 8 prizes.
Variations would show up, including a "Super Sloppy" version, that took the games from the main double dare, and made them messy (water was now slime, or food)
Family Double Dare saw families of 4 compete against each other, and for some reason, they made the prizes a new car.
Then they tried and make a tournament for some reason, and bloop, it ended.
Fast-forward to 2000, and Double Dare 2000 hit. It was larger and messier, however, the game decided to have physical challenges that take up the majority of the time, and also a "triple dare" that usually made the game break. Also, calling the show "Double Dare 2000" would easily date the show, because, what if it wound up good, and lasted into 2001? or 2002?
With a revival in 2018? Has Nickelodeon learned from their mistakes?
To keep it short - yes, it's double dare. you wanted it, you got it. you might enjoy it.
To be a bit longer - yes, but it has an issue with audience.
Double Dare is hosted this time around by Liza Koshy, she's big on the YouTubes. Something tells me somebody casted her, because they did some algorithm where if 10% of her audience watches double dare, then there might be a guaranteed 400,000 viewers. (Based on Sub Count)
But do not fret, if you are a long-time fan of the show, as Marc Summers is still there, more or less as "The Harvey". But in this new Double Dare, they are practically Co-Hosts.
Marc Summers offers his classic Double Dare hosting style when it's needed, namely during a physical challenge. Otherwise, everything is on Liza, and she's a bit rough along the edges.
Liza, when doing ad-lib, such as an Obstacle Course run, is amazing. She is into the game, and encouraging. However, when it comes to the "Trivia" aspect of Double Dare. She is very rough along the edges. She gets into the "Game Show Host" role, complete with a different tone and just "THAT IS CORRECT" or "YEAH YOU ARE" as the defaults. As the show progresses, I can only hope Liza loosens up a bit, and keeps the show moving. YouTube is not hosting, even though both require addressing the camera at times, but her audience work is great! I have no doubt she will do a great job with this show, as soon as the producers loosen it up and give her the same ability to play with the props as Marc did.
Marc is there to say the answer to a question that was thrown out for a "physical challenge" and explain the value of the $200 or $400 physical challenge (no more triple dares) and provide the hosting commentary that was popular in the original double dare - but Liza is still there, and it seems they butt-into each other a bit. Liza is trying to do her comedy based on their teams and backgrounds, Marc is trying to say how close to the line they are, or how many they need left to complete the stunt.
The set, while very colorful, still feels very dark, compared to Double Dare 2000 or Family Double Dare, with the white background, this is going for the typical "dark", and while the video monitors show off the team names, and a graphic now displays "Dare" (complete with guitar sting) and "Double Dare" (complete with another guitar sting) and "Physical Challenge" (complete with that commercial bumper from the olden days) the team name backgrounds turn from their team colors to a dark black with slime... and i guess we are now treating it a bit serious?
The Physical Challenges, however dark the set might be, are creative and clever and fit with the show. Between Sticking Sponges with Shaving Cream, to Squirting "ink" to a large pen, the games range from "water messy" to almost-as-slimey as the Super Sloppy Days. There is no "drop the large vat of gak on your head" either due to clean-up time, regular game time, or because they just don't have it in the budget to waste $20 on a different colored slime.
The Trivia, also fits the beloved Double Dare trivia. Pop Culture Trivia about Riverdale, Childish Gambino, Shawn Mendes, and then it ramps up for the intentional dares and physical challenges. As you see "How many members of New Kids on the Block" in the 90s, and "Backstreet Boys" in 2000, expect one to ask about "BTS" in the near future.
In Round 1, the values are $50, and if you dare $100, and if double dare it's worth $200. If you decide to throw the question out for a physical challenge, it will be worth the $200.
In Round 2, the values double, so $100, and then $200 or $400.
But there is a new rule only the team with the highest score, keeps their money
And as a purist, this is something I don't like. I think both teams should be able to keep their money regardless of income, and it seems like another thing that they did to cheapen the budget (Why hand over another $800 or $750?)
In the two episodes from Monday's Debut, both episodes ended close with a $50 difference, both of which ended after the alarm horned right when the team about to come-from-behind got control. Did they decide to not waste one of the questions or not to interrupt in the result of a Dare-Double Dare, or they didn't want to make time to get another physical challenge?
As you know, television is more commercials now than television, eventually you are gonna see 20 minute shows seen as "30 minutes", which means 8 minutes are cut, so that means the gameplay is gonna be very reduced, you barely see two physical challenges in a single round, often you might only see two per game, maybe if we're lucky, you'll get three.
Whoever has the most money goes onto the obstacle course
The Obstacle Course, has some new, and some old. But with smartphones being common, you can't really give away stereos and VCRs anymore. The prizes are now more scooters, guitars, sports equipment, STEM toys, etc. They still give away trips to "Space Camp", and it seems that's all that matters.
My favorite new obstacle is "Unboxing" where a person must open a box that hides a box, that hides another box, that hides the flag, but there is others like Couch Surfing, that has a flag in a couch, or a teeter-totter, which I guess is the new version of "The Tank" (although I miss the tank)
Although, I am very upset they didn't have "Sundae Slide" either because they didn't have room, or decided it was similar to "Mount St. Double Dare" (which isn't just a small prop anymore) which is a foam ramp with slime lava that has a flag.
Which comes to, once again, a complaint about budget - whipped cream and slime seems to be the only things going for it. In the "teeter totter" and a blue-plate special, we see "nacho cheese", and that seems to be the only food substance used on the course.
Everything has just slime, the nose has slime, the volcano has slime, the mouth has slime. Everything has some form of the same green slime. But on the original double dare, you had things like Soda Jerk, which was different colored soda, Sundae Slide, was foamy mashed potatoes made to look like ice cream. But here, it's green and white, and that's about it.
Give me a ball pit, or a "molten lava cake" with chocolate sauce... it doesn't have to be old obstacles, just new messes.
But once again, I think it's budget. I wonder what they'll do with a season 2 and a bigger budget (pay the runners-up and afford the color "orange" for the lava?)
The direction of the game is really nice, although it seems the camera is a bit out-of-focus on the contestants, and really want to see that light scheme on the top of the set or the big graphic that says "DARE" when possible. When the camera is tilted at an angle pointing up, it looks "bigger", but the contestants and Liza are seen as smaller now.
Liza is really good when it's obstacle course, while marc loves talking strategy ("Obstacle 4, with X seconds left, they are needing to catch-up") Liza is all about explaining the obstacle and pointing out where things are to help them out.
I really love the challenges on this version more than the original, I do think the set design is way better (given technology), but it feels cheap in certain areas.
Also, it doesn't know how much it wants to play off the "nostalgia" - it has Marc, it has the graphic package in the scoreboard, podiums, and timer, and then they say "your mom has heard of this" with the nose... and how much they want to make it for children today.
As Double Dare in the 80s was pretty much doing stuff your parents told you not to do (play with food, pick your nose, etc.) this version of Double Dare is playing off the parents who grew up, and now have kids of their own, the next generation of kids, they will be entertained, but it's the same kind of shrug as when you tell a "dad joke". I mean, it's a big nose, that's silly...
In conclusion...
There are things that are unnecessary - "Dare" Graphics with stingers and "Cha-Ching" noises like Johnny Test episodes, TV monitors displaying original scoreboard graphics.
There are things that felt cheapened - obstacle course slime, the rulechange for runners-up, fast production
And there are things that are nitpicky - the dark set, casting demands for dances and dabs, Liza's "YouTube tone" hosting. And something that is a likable change - the graphic package for questions and physical challenges (the question font and the red team/blue team timer for physical challenges or the obstacle course)
But ULTIMATELY
The heart and soul of double dare is STILL there. The game is as true as it was in the 80s as it was in the 2000s, as long as you can see smiles on children. The format is there, even if truncated for time, it is still exciting to watch. If kids aren't having fun, aren't experiencing joy, there is no point in having this. If the show loosens up the pageantry of a game show, and let's kids be themselves instead of just fake enthusiastic. You might be onto something.
I don't know if kids today are able to understand sincerity, in todays "whazzup guys" youtube world, but Double Dare, at least to me, was always on sincerity and letting kids just have fun, where even runners-up are winners, and it being true aspirational television.
Everything still feels "tense", at least in my eyes of the show, and Double Dare is like the flip-opposite of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?. It should act that way, and there are signs it could still be.
I recommend it to any 80s and 90s kids who still have cable television
And modern kids who still have access to Nickelodeon for some reason (YouTubeTV?)
But with what looks like a rush in production, and done on the very cheap, it seems Double Dare's flaws come from a lack of faith in the show. But if Pyramid and Match Game did so well, i wonder what would happen if they went "all-in" instead of just having just dipping their toe in the water.
Double Dare's cast and crew definitely put their hearts into this production and it shows. I hope it becomes a success, but only time will tell.
UPDATE 06.28.2018-
I watched a few more episodes, and it seems that the physical challenges and obstacle courses do offer NEW messes!
I saw a physical challenge where they had to pour water, fruit punch powder and ice on themselves in 20 seconds, and another involving catching pancakes on a head. The messes are there!
Additionally, "The Tank" was back on the obstacle course, and some new messes were available, such as "hot dog" where the flag was hiding in a giant bottle of ketchup, mustard, or relish. And a "slime hydrant" where slime would spray all over the stage (really, all over the stage) and the flag in the center to grab. I think there are some more messes on the way, but I still don't know why we need to the ceiling of the Double Dare set. All the exciting stuff is on the floor, get more reactions of Liza, Marc, and the Contestants. More close-ups, if possible! And it's still too purple/dark.
But I think if they got a bit more money next season, you will see so many problems fixed.
So, let's do some updating!
As you can see, webcomic is now here. I'm gonna do that sparringly, because Microsoft Paint is wonky.
Also, I do a show called NIGHT NIGHT that's on MONDAY, WEDNESDAY and FRIDAY around 8pm PST.
We look at internet stuff, watch YouTube videos, analyse game shows and more.
I paid money for this background!
That's the place to find it, subscribe and also I'm trying to get a discord going because that's what all the cool people are doing now.
But I'm trying to set a limit to keep out any bad eggs.
THIS IS WHERE TO GO TO HELP ME OUT
I want to update this more. But honestly, there isn't much that I haven't been saying on Night Night.
I don't care about E3 anymore because it's just celebrating commercials for things to buy.
But that being said I did scribble down some of my favorite games from E3
I pre-ordered most of them, others like Yakuza Kiwami 2 I already pre-ordered before E3...
Here are a few bullet point notes as well
So, it's time for a quick update but here it goes...
Night Night is doing great, I think I found the niche for the show, as I am trying to get a good rhythm. It's on twitch, the problem with stream is still the computer.
I updated my website to be just the blog, the about and "webcomic", webcomic the webcomic is something I've been doing on and off for nearly a decade, but I figured crude drawings and walls of text would make for something different so here you go.
I also pulled the idea vault and portfolio, because those are pretty much for my eyes only or employers. But because nothing is happening right now, I'm just going to assume I'm bad for business.
So now I'm trying to figure out how to fix that. If I have a podcast what would it be about? Should I do it fast or slow? I don't know what it should be even about. Would anybody even listen? Probably not.
i was thinking about something recently. And it's going to be weird... but follow me on this children's broadcasting.
I've been watching old Bill Nye and Nick News, and these shows got kids interested in science and current events and brought it down to a level for them to understand.
Most parents just give their kids a iPhone and YouTube and expect Spiderman and Elsa doing the Harlem shake to babysit them, but the problem tests in auto play and it gets awful.
I understand kids love PewDiePie and let's plays, but I'm finding it more fascinating looking at "today I found out", or "William Osman" and other people who just show their fascinations with things... That sense of Discovery.
Last year, kids love slime videos, but rarely did anybody explain the chemistry that goes into creating non-newtonian fluid.
And sorry, but trying to find the videos usually leads to awful people who dislike any sort of social justice or progress... Which in my mind, defeats why we learn and grow and develop.
Are there any good resources to get kids to know about STEM? What about the arts and humanities? is there somebody that can explain climate change? What does it mean to be Muslim? What did transgender mean?
Mister Rogers taught us to love ourselves, and we are special by just being ourselves... But I don't see that today.
I think that person is out there, but I doubt it could be me. Because I do have a very foul mouth.
But I have a background in TV, I almost got all my education credits while in school. I could try.
The simplest of things like algebra or the electoral college or scary things like divorce and death.
Some say it's unnecessary, but I'm starting to be skeptical and think it's necessary now more than ever.
Here's to you Linda, Bill and Fred.
I don't normally vent here. But this is my website and I need to update it with SOMETHING. But lately, I've just been riding the wave, basically torn between production and writing and being just another person ranting about stuff on the internet.
But one thing that's been stuck in my head, is that of reality television. I enjoy an "amazing race" and think "big brother" is the training wheels to get game show fans into reality competition.
But I haven't really said something that would get me pretty much blacklisted from every production house I hate confessionals.
If you don't know what a confessional is, basically since the dawn of reality television with shows like "the real world" there have been "the confessional", where a character (because in the world of reality TV, they aren't human, they are characters) give their "honest thoughts" on the subject.
On reality competition, it's strategy and game plan, or the crappier "explain what's going on right in front of you" (so-and-so and I are hanging on to a bar for as long as possible)
And some game shows, like Weakest Link or divided use them as well to show conflict...
And the worst abuser of them all, is documentary. The kind of garbage you see like House hunters, to The Kardashian show of the week, to the one with dating people.
It's horrendous. But mostly, at least to me, they only serve one thing - the producers.
The producers already recorded all this footage of people in a game or eating dinner or something. Then they need to have "conflict" to have an episode.
So, given all these hours of footage, they chop together stuff to make something sound coherent.
Maybe so and so had a dinner conversation about wanting a dog, and somebody didn't want a dog that a perfect time to then a few weeks later get them into a green screen studio or a couch and have them say lines like "I want a dog, here's why" and "I don't want a dog, here's why" and then try and create a story about the compromise, maybe get footage at a rescue shelter, maybe show the guy angry stepping in dog shit, that's what we get.
And honestly, I'm pretty sure at this point, audiences don't even believe these confessionals anymore. They are either staged to get the players to say what is necessary, or it's just rambling nonsense that's equatable to somebody angry on YouTube that Cartoon Network isn't the same as it was when they were a kid (this is a evergreen opinion, because CHILDHOOD vs KIDS THESE DAYS)
But the confessional, it's ANNOYING to me, it's ANNOYING on shows like The Office and Modern Family, it's ANNOYING when game shows try to do that to get some sort of sob story.
It's just annoying.
All it is, at least to me, is duct tape for a show to get something together. The same way when you see a documentary have just a talking head say something instead of showing it off.
I am a firm believer in show not tell, and the confessional is pure tell.
An interview with people is fine if it's outside the boundary of the show. But it always feels pieced together in a way that makes it seem like we need a hero and a villain and a conflict.
Is this our future? Are we going to have confessionals on Wheel of Fortune? People explaining why they bought a vowel?
It's an instant turn off for me, and sometimes it pains me to see that used more and more in shows. I don't even like it on Bake-Off.
I understand you want points of view and it helps in that regard, but it takes me immediately away from the action on screen.
If you're going to tell me, it better be things the producers can't obtain or recreate.
It's things like the confessional, that make me less motivated to be in this weird industry.
I'm going to drink a coffee while somebody either says Something positive about me, something because about me or it's me talking about drinking the damn coffee that you clearly see.
Get rid of it, it's unnecessary.
As you know, game shows are sort of "my thing", the same way Nightwing is, or hamburgers, or awkward video game moments... Okay I might need to trim some of these down.
So I was excited to find out that Taskmaster, a popular (600,000 viewers on DAVE!) game show is coming to the US!
The show is split into two segments - on location and in studio.
On each season (or series) 5 contestants, all of which are famous in the world of entertainment (mostly comedy, in various forms) are given a multitude of tasks (challenges) to compete with a time limit.
Some are straight forward like "find alex the fastest" (Alex is the Creator of the show, and in this show plays assistant and umpire, and data person) to something that could require creativity ("Eat this egg the fastest") to ones that involve creativity ("create a movie that would look really cool in slow motion")
After they were filmed and edited, they are all taken in studio, where they meet the Taskmaster for the first time, (Greg Davies, AND YOU WILL OBEY HIM, or not, he's pretty friendly actually)
It is there they find out what they are played for in "the prize task", something each contestant brings in that fits a criteria (Recently: "best liquid", previously: "hippest headwear" "important document") to which Taskmaster ranks from best to worst for points (5/4/3/2/1)
Then, one of the tasks are shown, sometimes split up by person, sometimes grouped up (sometimes in teams) as they look back at what they did, what strategies they were done, and if anybody broke the rules.
Concluding with a "Live Task" that all 5 compete in that's in studio (usually 100 seconds) with whoever scoring the most points that episode winning the 5 items from the prize task!
(In the event of a tie, a tiebreaker task is shown quickly)
The points are banked with the highest scorer of points throughout all the episodes winning the real grand prize - the Taskmaster Trophy (a bust of the Taskmaster)
What makes the show work so well is the diversity in the casting, mixed with the budget, it's cheap!
But while on other game shows, cheapness is met with distain, Taskmaster uses it to their advantage, as anybody could theoretically get the same items at home and play the same challenges! (Without the scorn of Greg of course)
There is lateral thinking in this show, where if the task involved limitations like "you may not touch the item", you could instruct Alex or a production assistant to touch the item for you. Or if they paid attention to the room, there could have been bonus points or loss of points, and that's rarely shown on television.
So it's fun for me to come up with ideas for tasks on the show.
And it's fun to watch how others go through these challenges, some are just bad, others amazing, and you get everything in between.
Taskmaster is in its 6th season in the UK, and is currently airing.
I recommend watching this show for the mix of discussions and the tasks.
Which leaves me to Taskmaster USA. A slightly truncated version of the game show, instead of 44 minutes, it runs 22 minutes, and only enough time to get through 2 video tasks and a live task.
Is it good? Is it bad? It's really whatever.
There is no prize task anymore, instead one contestant out of the five brings in "something they don't want to lose" and it's a game of personal possessions.
I'm going to say this WHENEVER PERSONAL POSSESSIONS ARE EVER USED IN A GAME SHOW, IT IS GUARANTEED TO GET CANCELLED
American audiences do not like seeing their stuff played for, they like to win, not lose, and even if it's played for laughs, never works out. Just look at FOX's BIG DEAL, MTV's TRASHED, or ABC's DOWNFALL if you need to know why.
It sounds like during a pitch about this show - somebody brought up the prize task as "they bring in their own possessions" unaware that more often, they just buy something that is silly enough to fit a criteria for a joke. ("Bring in the most money" with foreign money or play money)
It honestly should just be scrapped altogether, but if you needed "stakes" I guess that works?
While it is only two tasks, they seem to break it into two types - a "rank" task (best wins) and a fastest/most task.
Unlike Greg, Reggie Watts does not play "authoritarian", but rather a heightened version of himself, he's regal, but with his judgements, he critiques as somebody who is an expert on creativity, almost like a cross between a Television Executive and the viewer at home wondering why they went a certain way.
And I will say it - he is splendid as Taskmaster, he is somebody you enjoy as a leader and authority figure, even if some of the calls you might disagree with. And it is pretty American.
Which one is better? I would say the UK version, solely because of the hour long time limit.
Making it half the time, speeds up the tasks and you lose the banter and debate of the UK edition that makes it great.
The prize task, to me, is a quick insight on the contestants if you're new to the show, as you figure out their thoughts on simple suggestions., a lack of it, takes the fun out of it.
If you were going to do a new season of this and it needed to be half an hour, I would eliminate a prize task, with an actual "prize task" .
Before the game, each player suggested 4 things they want if they won (a vacation, a new car, etc)
And then each of those are sent to one of the opponents, (and predetermined on the show)
So the final task isn't a live task, but a contestant seeing their prize task. (A contestant opens the envelope to see "present the winner with immortality in studio, you have one month") to then the prize is revealed, even if it's slightly corrupted.
That's not to say it's bad, HOWEVER. given they put it on Friday Nights at 11 o'clock in back to back episodes, it sounds like they are burning off the show and giving it a fast cancellation.
Which is slightly upsetting, but as long as it's still around on Dave, there isn't any hope lost!
I'll leave you now with this task.
Okay, that's a very misleading headline. If that came across as clickbait, I'm sorry.
I make "an ok amount" of money, i have enough to get by, but when it comes to economics, I don't think I have as much of a disposable income as others.
And that's what today's subject is about - disposable income. As technology changes we have so many subscription services that PER MONTH, you get stuff, physical or not.
You might have heard some of these from time to time, as they are podcast sponsors.
Netflix, Hulu Plus, WWE Network, Crunchyroll, YouTube Red, Amazon Prime, and soon, stuff from Disney and DC Comics
And that's not including any of the subscription box services, that just involve some variation of "a shirt and a Funko"
But it's getting out of control, and because I like to be honest, I am going to tell you, the reader, all my subscriptions!
Cable Subscription - Spectrum (With HBO and showtime)
Because as much as I would love to cut the cord, I'm a firm believer that we might see a new television Renaissance real soon, as cable TV gave us niche, and internet gave us whatever you wanted, you're going to see Television, almost turn into a Twitch style with tons of live programming and more revivals of shows you vaguely remember.
Netflix
It seems every day, they have something new, and they rotate out the content that isn't their own, but they gave a platform to the new Mystery Science Theater, they have Arrested Development, and if I wanted to, I could watch a couple movie classics.
They also have The Joel McHale Show with Joel McHale, so I have to subscribe, now somebody can watch weird Television with me!
Hulu
This one might be on my unsubscribe list soon, as the last thing I saw was the documentary on The Dana Carvy show, and they really have nothing I watch.
Reality Shows aren't game shows, my friend. And I hate confessionals way more than you think. It's ticky-tacky for editors to create a story out of nothing. AND I MIGHT WANT TO VENT ON THAT SOON
Patreon
I don't have a Patreon myself, I thought about it, but I honestly don't know what to put up that makes it "worth it", a podcast? More articles? I don't know! But if you have any ideas, send them to me on patreon. Let me know what you enjoy.
But for me, I think Patreon is the place to go for content creators, so I dropped a few dollars to Bob Mackey and Henry Gilbert's "What a Cartoon" and "Talking Simpsons" podcasts
Because as I said earlier - I really love when people share their love of stuff with the world, and I think they deserve the love as well. The episode about Steven Universe is really good (as Henry talks about a personal connection with the show)
And Two Bad Neighbors episode of The Simpsons, where Bob chats with a couple people from Chapo about politics that make it hilarious!
I would love to donate to more people, and unfortunately this is why I get frustrated sometimes. I want to help so many people, but man, I could barely afford a $60 at launch these days!
F4W Video
So I recently unsubscribed to the WWE Network, because it's mostly terrible. I usually just subscribe from Royal Rumble through WrestleMania (about 3 months) and move on afterwards.
But my guilty pleasure show has to be The Bryan and Vinny Show on Figure 4 Weekly
Originally, an audio podcast, they have moved into video, where now you can see facial reactions to their recap of pay per views, speaking out of experience, and in entertainment.
Every week, they have 3 episodes: Retro Raw and Nitro (from "the 90s", and spoilers - it's terrible!) With their funny friend Craig! A modern episode of NXT (WITH GRANNY!) and a Sunday Grabbag, that is either an 80s WCW show or the most recent pay per view event.
Giant Bomb
Giant Bomb has been the first subscription service I've used, I love Unprofessional Fridays as a show, but the video game content at Giant Bomb remains my favorite.
I don't really watch that many "let's plays" or twitch streamers, but something about building a robot in Nintendo Labo, Garfield Video Games, 50 Turn Mario Party Match-Ups and Killing each other in The Sims 4, that just makes it exciting!
The guy who got married at a Taco Bell and the White Guy from The Blinking White Guy meme went though all the Metal Gear Solid games!
Amazon Prime
When it comes down to it, I'm happy with the shipping, and the bonus of a place where I could watch all the star wars movies.
I enjoy all the snack of the month ideas, but ultimately, I like being in control of my destiny, and I choose what dumb stuff I want to buy.
I liked Nick Box, but everything was plushes, which are cheap to make
I liked loot crate, but it felt like I wasn't getting my money's worth (or what if I don't care for Harry Potter?)
Ultimately, I'm happy just pre-ordering stuff, ignoring it until it shows up to my doorstep and I get surprised.
AM I SAYING IT'S TOO MUCH?
Yes and No, excluding cable, and you are looking at about $900 a year (hey, $10 a month at 12 months is $120, give or take)
Additionally, while I love video games, I'm getting annoyed by DLC, lootcrates and ways video games just can't come up with a proper ending (this includes sequels)
But much like confessionals, I'm saving "say goodbye" for a later date.
But it seems that is a new business tactic, movie pass did well, but now they are pulling the strings to make sure you don't take advantage (4 a month!)
GameStop was going to have a rental service, but that seems to be missing...
And all I have to figure out is.
"Ah damn it, I forgot Xbox Live and PLAYSTATION plus, oh well, no going back to edit that list now"
This is the new way of business, some companies want you there as long as possible (Netflix) while others want to make sure you forget they exist and collect per month (Hulu)
Others want to disappoint you, or surprise you.
But ultimately, if you think it's worth it, then go for it!
But I'm just a bit weary about what this means in, everything.
Is it capitalism? Is it silicon valley? I don't know.
It's snacktacular Jordan here, reminding you that chips have a high sodium content that could lead to dehydration - so drink plenty of water!
I haven't updated this blog in a few weeks because I barely had much to talk about. Nothing new happened. No new movies no new video games, I've just been watching YouTube videos and trying to get sleep.
While I see the benefit of this blue filter night light, it hasn't done much on assisting me in getting more sleep. A real struggle recently is coming up with a nice sleep pattern, which hasn't been achievable.
The most recent video game I played was Kirby Star Allies, which I will say is "alright", on my current financials, I have roughly $100 to spend on entertainment (if we deduct Netflix and all that, it's about $60) . Which means I could just about buy ONE video game a month.
Yakuza 6 looks very fun, as does the most recent God of War, but my computer is very laggy and I might just need to save up, so I could get better equipment for writing or making games.
But right now, E3 is looking and that means hyping everything until you lose interest
And I dislike it, it should also be the time to watch movies like Avengers : Weekend At Thanos or Deadpool 2, either way it has Josh Brolin.
But instead, I'm just in a wormhole.
I'm watching The Crystal Maze and Theme Park YouTube.
Most of you already know The Crystal Maze is one of my favorite game shows from the UK. It incorporates this fantasy style of game show that's like a game of Dungeons and Dragons, mixed with quick activities that are speedy.
Completing challenges warn the mcguffin , Failing earn nothing, but taking too long, and you could lose that mcguffin.
It could be trivia, it could be a skill based show, or just a basic physical challenge, or a simple puzzle, the variety makes it great. And it's one show I wouldn't mind coming over here.
They recently received the show in the UK, although more formatted as the host/producers determine the games, and there is a limit of just 10 games (2 per player, up to 2/3/3/2 in the four zones) that makes the game feel slow and treats it like a game show that nobody wanted to participate in, which in turn makes it so the audience should have no investment in.
Even if the stakes are low, a good host can make everybody seem invested in the game. Richard O'Brien is great at this, because even if a contestant is doing badly, he is entertaining you into continuing.
It's an absolute delight and I would probably spend more time on this, because imagine a Wild West, Space, Dock/Warehouse and the classical Medieval to expand the world.
It's a show I'm just binging on.
Also, I've been really enjoying that of Theme Park YouTube. I finished up the Defunctland series and each episode is self contained to tell a story of a new Attraction at the theme park, the creation, the launch and eventually, it's failure. What worked and didn't work with a bit of humor, like the idea of Pleasure Island having "A Magical TGI Friday's"
If it's one thing I enjoy on YouTube, it's people making videos with knowledge and passion, and theme park YouTube comes from this pure love of attractions, and it's just something that is missing in this world.
As I said in an earlier post, the way to fight all this negative and hate is with positivity, and even though we are looking at shortcomings and failures, each episode is coming from a place of admiration, rather than spite!
You could find various videos from other people enjoying their theme park day and sharing it on YouTube
One such channel is that of Magic Journeys that goes through all the food at Disneyland (and Walt Disney World) and while the average person will go "wait, a churro is HOW MUCH", they aren't seeing the theme park in rose (gold) colored glasses, and if something is just not up to par, they will tell you.
These people do Disney, pretty much how I would do Disney, and it makes me happy seeing videos like this. Not because "hey I'm not alone in my weird antics" but also because these come from a place of love.
WE NEED MORE HAPPY VIDEOS PLEASE.
I'm still hoping something good happens here soon, but "nothing much" so far.
I might not do much on the internet these days, but man it's so much fun seeing what others are doing.
I was also in the most recent "I'd Rather Not" podcast, which you could listen here
If you have any questions, feel free to ask over at:
curiouscat.me/JJordanHass
I now leave you with me holding an ice cream
I'm not going to promote this post, but this weekend I'm probably going to just go to Salt and Straw and finally try some fun flavors. I haven't been but wish me luck!
I spent the last few days messing around with a few image editing apps and did some pretty bad memes (which you could see from the image above)
The slump is kicking in again where i do feel like I'm running out of ideas and when that happens, I panic, so that means I'm going to try something new, and I think that's why I did that.
Also, please look at Ballotpedia.org so you can make an informed choice at the ballot box.
I should probably see The Last Jedi or Ready Player One or Love, Simon among other movies, there is a huge backlog for me.
Ugghhhhhh!
also, should I actually go to Denny's and try these items? It seems silly, but something I would do, as I do enjoy Han Solo, and I am kinda sorta looking forward to his movie.
But right now, my brain feels melty, and I am watching what I missed at WrestleMania because of a stomach flu...
But I think something good is going to happen soon, I just don't know when or what!
So, it's been a weird few weeks. I have had a stomach flu, I've been having sad slumps, and trying to figure out what to do next.
Currently, I've been twitch streaming, but I don't know how long I can keep that up, which I know is important. I think it's boring, I don't have much to bounce off of, and my computer is lagging a bit even on loading websites.
The less I get involved online, the less I know the current events. But recently, I saw drama unfold with something I'm familiar with. In 2011, I had a website that sad pretty mean things about a few internet reviews, at the time, I didn't know any better, I was REALLY DEPRESSED, friends went away, I didn't know how to deal with bisexuality, and I messed up. .. I barely spoke about it, except in passing, because I was embarrassed by the content and language. But recently, a bunch of content creators came forward with problems they had with the website, some left years ago, others as recent as today. But I didn't know what to do. I felt that other times, it wasn't right, but this time, because it was more personal, and people I've grown to know as friends were in situations that I couldn't believe we're happening even back when I was a jerk. I have to apologize to all those I messed with in my past, and I would like to believe I've gotten better, but this event is really my ultimate test. .. and so far, all I could do is say these content creators deserved better! I wish I had the power to make a better website to fix this, to make sure the content creators had a place to promote their Patreon and entertaining reviews and retrospectives and just factual videos among other things. But, ultimately, I know all I could do is sit in the sidelines and tell jokes with the actual people that should matter - these victims. I know I can not reverse the actions of myself from almost a decade ago, but I do know I can be a better person by hearing them out, sharing their content and actually caring.
If it's one thing that's missing not just online, but in the real world - it's people lacking empathy.
We do not care about our neighbor anymore, we have decided being selfish is all that matters, and if I screw you over - it's your fault, not mine.
I think we need to show kindness, we need to show positivity, even though things might look bad, I think the way to fight all this evil, all the garbage, is simple WITH LOVE
It's so easy to say things are bad or terrible or sucks... But it's more rewarding to fight that with positive, things that are good.
Looking at these content creators now - it's no longer "fuck this piece of shit" and somebody having a fake meltdown, it's people showing stuff they love, even if it's quirky, out of their own interests.
But that's the secret - love and passion for their hobby. Not "identify by my hobby" and see things as threats, but being welcoming to New ideas, or crazy ideas, and even if they flop, what made them interesting in the first place!
I'm this weird theory I have if you give love, you will get love back.
This means, it's perfectly okay to shout into the void, because most likely, in this big internet that we talk with, you'll find somebody that loves that thing as much as you do... And have friends!
And it doesn't have to be a big major thing like Sonic the Hedgehog or something obscure as Mario Party.
I honestly didn't know there was a Game Show fanbase until i had the internet. No matter how obscure, there is somebody there.
And if there isn't, I know if you post about it, somebody will find that fascinating.
Everybody has an interest, the secret is to not let it be your identity, and not let it over take you that you need to gatekeep who "isn't a true fan" and who "is killing video games".
I think there are people who haven't quite figured that out yet, and just sit on the sideline and wait til somebody on YouTube "destroys" that person, they want to be passive or stay in the center...
But those people, are quite boring, and most likely are your typical edgelord contrarian looking to capitalize on the popular thing, by saying, maybe it's bad???
You had a harassment campaign a few years back where people gatekeep people's opinions on games (turns out people hate it when you speak about progressive ideology like "body positivity" or "queer protagonists") and if you are a developer making a game with such things, you are "shoving it in our throats" which is crazy hyperbole, because nobody is forced to play anything...
And this continued with comic books, where they harass women who work at marvel, or when comic books provide storylines that -gasp- are political! And not just political - PROGRESSIVE!
And at no point, did somebody wonder why they like comic books in the first place? Why instead of trying to ruin something that gives people of color inspiration (like black panther) they look at the books they do enjoy? (I'm guessing it's Frank Miller?) Nobody is taking away that past, you can't get in a time machine and make the 1990s WWF Attitude Era go away.
If you hate the modern WWE for having somebody like Finn Balor promote something like acceptance for LGBTQ+, you can rewatch the same five minutes of triple h telling the godfather's to "suck it" , because that's what you love...
Focus on the stuff you love and get rid of the hate, and life will be better.
You don't need to spite somebody to get that "checkmate", you just need to celebrate the stuff you love.
There wouldn't be a High Times magazine if somebody wasn't interested in it.
There wouldn't be unboxing videos on YouTube if someone didn't enjoy the unknown.
Speaking from experience, there is no joy in harming others, it only makes you feel good temporarily, but eventually you either lose all remorse, or you figure out that that's not you.
So if this becomes a website where I write about Nightwing or Game Shows or Board Games, then do be it.
Because it's better to do something out of love, than ever out of petty.
And I hope you join me for the ride, or at the very least, this fast article.
I really miss the Black Velvet Cupcake at Sprinkles. It was chocolate on chocolate and it was really good. I wish I had one on my birthday. But I think it will be back for Halloween. It's my favorite cupcakes.
In2016, I made a clip show that lasted two episodes because it took too long, and nobody really cared for it, but I decided to mark it as unlisted and put them up here on my website.
Come see the poor audio levels on the clip, and okay delivery of ADR
In this episode, we look at dips, clips, and survivor
and in this episode, boxes, reality arcs and robin
It has come to this, a political blog post, something that hasn't been done ever on the internet...
There used to be a saying "Never talk about politics or religion in polite company", but as it turns out, being apolitical is still Political (which it is) as is any sort of piece ever created.
Roseanne Season 10 debuted last night, with impressive ratings, unsure if it's because of nostalgia for Barr or just because John Goodman's character didn't actually die like we thought...
I enjoyed this finale, it ended on a depressing note, but one that was a bit optimistic... So when I heard they brought it back, it was questionable.
Roseanne ran as Green Party and then as Trump surrugate, tweeting against transgender people in 2012.
But I gave it the benefit of the doubt, and it follows the same notes as Roseanne, in a new neurotic atmosphere with the family divided because of the election. Economic Anxiety being the reason for one, while the social behavior of a Little Donnie being too much for the other.
That to have an episode where a character wants to wear whatever they want to wear (THE BOY WHO WANTS TO WEAR GIRL CLOTHES, IN THIS AMERICA?) is just weird in this world of gender dysphoria, non-binary acceptance and the constant fashion trend of androgyny.
The characters aren't as well rounded as they used to, and are almost seen as the one dimensional characters, with Dan playing the good husband trying to just live day to day oblivious of the disasters in the household.
If Fuller House could work, so could Roseanne... for better or worse.
The main talking point I keep seeing from the Smug Grumpingtons of the world is that "It's a good show BECAUSE it's speaking positively about Trump and it's a show against the LIBERAL BIAS"
I hate to say this, but everything has a bias. Social Studies, which is Geography, History, Sociology, etc is actually intended for you to understand different cultures and the mistakes people have made, and lessons on frustration, it's not meant to be patriotic, every leader had flaws...
Nobody is pure, everybody has faults.
I say this because, while we are always championing and fighting for "good", there will always be somebody that you want to be as your ally, but then has a share of fuck ups.
The severity of this depends, they might still call things "gay", they might actually have fucked over people in labor, or worse.
The problem with liberals, self flagellation in finding that perfect bean, when you know you've also fucked up, and trying to appeal to everybody, when you have ACTUAL FACTS ON YOUR SIDE.
The problem with conservatives, not accepting responsibility for their own actions and being selfish in caring about themselves and nobody else.
I, have fucked up, many, many times. I said hurtful things to people online, and not been a better ally to people, I know I could get better, others don't.
When others don't, that's when they stay stagnant, and where the status quo shows up.
There was marching for civil rights on the 60s, but nobody took steps to give minorities that step up, let alone getting rid of the toxic behavior of the clan.
Women fought for the right to vote and be in the workplace, but then when pay gaps happen, or sexual harassment happens, they turned away.
And don't be coy and say "is complimenting somebody harassment"? For Christs sake Seth, you're single and have complained about not having a girlfriend every day for six years, you are one dick pic away from HR reprimanding you, that is if HR actually does something.
Most of the people fighting now, get mocked online and on television, because in some circles "well we did everything", but honestly, when you had an AIDS epidemic and did nothing...
And yes, it's mostly FOX News.
The Nazis in Charlottesville, they are just practicing their free speech, BUT HOW DARE THESE PARKLAND KIDS SPEAK AGAINST GUNS
We need to respect the President of the United States, unless it's Obama, then we need to undermine his presidency because he has a different skin color than me, or screw it, throw Muslims under the bus as well, because they do this praying on a carpet and speak an arabic prayer WHICH ISN'T AMERICAN ENGLISH, AND DON'T GET ME STARTED ON THE HEBREWS.
What I mostly see is failed actresses and comedians looking to finally get that last break in entertainment, so they decide conservativism is the way to go. They love jokes about stereotypes! WHO SAID REPUBLICANS CAN'T DO COMEDY? (many people, actually)
And it works, just ask every contrarian complaining about how people losing their parents to ICE, or being assaulted for being LGBT or just having a pizza place is "playing the victim", while crying foul because an educated college student knows you're only there for publicity through spewing hate.
Treating "Socialism" like it's the devil, yet celebrating programs LIKE Military and Police for keeping our country safe.
Blaming "public schools" for the kids sharing their toys instead of buying two, or public libraries for giving people access to literature, both fictional and factual, and the internet.
We have fire fighters, we have playgrounds and maintenance, and hopefully, environmental protection so there is safe water to drink.
No singular party has control over who loves their country most, but what you see is patriotism disgusted as a cultured identity, which Peter Coffin talks about on YouTube and in his book
We spend so much time encouraging kids to go to college, that we've made degrees practically worthless.
We've spent so much time telling people to join a military, and never took the time to take care of them if they return.
Generations have good intentions, but sometimes fails, and instead of blaming things like the capitalist system we have (you think Bezos could maybe give his employees healthcare?) and the electoral system that got Don elected (he was a champion for popular vote originally!)
We decided to blame "the kids".
Kids are eating avocado toast to get a house.
Kids get degrees with little value like ART or HUMANITY than BUSINESS
And that's not true, the kids who got degrees got fucked over just as much as those that dropped out or never showed up to college in the first place. ..
They can't afford healthcare let alone car iinsurance, and if they did, it's for Uber or Lyft.
We have resorted to Kickstarter for our dreams and passions.
We look towards gofundme for our disasters and slipups
Our creative culture is now a tip jar known as patreon and ko-fi.
And even then, it's not enough to survive.
the icon, at the top of the page, is the symbol for politics - A Bernie Sanders Funko Pop.
Bernie Sanders had a campaign on Democratic Socialism, where the top 1% isn't helping out the rest, and to celebrate - here's a piece of plastic that costs $10 that you can keepsake like a Hallmark ornament so you can go "oh yeah I remember him", much like Gamora in Guardians of the Galaxy or WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan.
Our economy is based on consumers, and our politics have become consumer identity.
Much like how you "aren't a true fan" of a band unless you get a concert tee, you aren't a true MAGA unless you get the RCoD (Red Cap of Deplorable)
You know who is the truly oppressed? Gamers. That's why you need to riot at Polygon for not giving that AAA video game you enjoy (and also part of your brand) a score that's less than 9.5! It's apparently just as bad as apartheid in South Africa!
And if you're thinking "these are shitty", it's okay, I understand, feminism, that's why you need to buy this "#YASQUEEN" shirt to really SHOVE IT TO THESE GUYS
Mockingbird had this cover, and it was controversial because little biddy boys are upset it's spreading "the social justice" (which is just another term for human rights, but)
But hey, because of that negative, mockingbird gets attention, and then a group of people will spend money to "make a point"
Granted, most marvel stories, hell most comic book stories are slanted to be "leftist propaganda", because as it turns out, Superman was an illegal alien from Krypton and the X-Men is nothing more than civil rights debate because mutuants are no different than humans, but because of that sight difference, might be "scary".
With the lesson being don't be scared of people's differences, be scared of a world full of hate.
But to flip it, hatred was a video game that came out a few years back that had a dull edgelord shoot up and kill a neighborhood of people.
People took offense (this was pre-vegas and Orlando) so similarly, it gets publicity it normally wouldn't want, and dipshits buy it to illustrate a point.
And honestly, that's the new normal
The "marketplace of ideas" is just attention now
The economy is all about spending money on "your politics" , which is also just a company brand that you can stand behind.
Boycott companies for unfair treatment, but ultimately buying because you can't find cheaper.
Getting rid of Facebook, but keeping it up because of your images and contact with Grandma.
Venting at Twitter for not having better moderation, yet still using the service because there isn't a competitor.
(No, this isn't a "HATE CAPITALISM BUT USE SMARTPHONE" argument, but you know if they got rid of minimum wage in this country, we would see States competing for the bid to get apple to build their tech here for literally pennies)
The sad part is, there is no way to fix this, with Trump it really is a war on intelligence and facts. ..
The base will be willing to eat tide pods if it means upsetting somebody with intelligence to know "hey that's bleach, don't eat that"
They don't care, they have nothing to lose, except the guns they bought under Obama out of fear he'll take them away.
He didn't, and now a few hundred have died since he left office...
The economy, is bad.
And it's not illegals to blame, it's not Muslim Americans, and it's unfortunately not MAGApatriot73747477 on Twitter who may or may not be a Russian Bot.
It's our capitalist system and our lack of retraining those laid off, and giving solutions that have longevity
The "Trickle Down" isn't trickling, there isn't incentives for them to do so.
The Tax System is broken where we're going to end up having to take care of each other, while those that could afford to drop $5,000,000 for new offices and hires keeps it for themselves because of loopholes.
The manufactures and miners, can't be in something else.
And if Blockbuster is replaced by Netflix, and Borders is down, what will happen to Barnes and Noble?
Is MoviePass going to help the movie industry?
Is Real Estate going to burst again?
What about another dotcom bust?
In reality, everybody is on credit, and we're paying with credit (and some debit) online and on a wing and a prayer that we could someday pay it all off!
And we, could all get better...
We just have to take care of each other, even if they are different than us by race, gender, sexuality and, yes, politics...
Unless you're a piece of shit, in which case go fuck yourself.
EDIT: and the solution is Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics as the new requirements in school, and encouraging Arts & Humanities (which includes literature and writing) on the side, and the need for trade.
I'm writing this on my phone. Okay some of it is actually with spoken word to cuz I hit that little microphone thing on the phone but hey that's pretty cool.
I am calling this one "Sad Slumps" because I'm not registered to say Depression, and I believe when it comes to sadness, or any emotion, even anger, we have different ways to cope.
For me, the longest time has been to beat myself over it. I talk myself out of so many things, even if it's things i might be good at, or bad at that would be funny to talk about.
I have had these waves growing up, I always had moments of despair and sadness, but always tried to hide it with comedy, but it's just a weird thing to say "I'm having problems fighting back"
It's hard finding something that works, and I tried, this includes writing, which I could claim to be alright at. But what good is writing without readers? What good is any project unless it's just for your own self? That has been the battle for so long, if I didn't take it out on me, it was this feeling of taking it out on people and things, to make yourself feel better...
But then, you try and surround yourself with positive, things you enjoy, and you realize, objects, things, they only make you happy when you give it meaning, if there is no meaning, what good is it?
Trying to fight negative, especially in a world as chaotic as ours, rarely brings out the best in people, I know there is good out there, I know there is positive, but often, it's just a feeling of doubt, in yourself, and in others.
For the longest time, I saw it in waves, the happy goes up, then down. The sad shows up, much like a storm, but not like the kind that has the rainbow, that crappy one that is just pounding of rain that barely gets you sleep. That kind.
And usually, I was really good at detecting when it shows up - middle of the month, week before birthday, August 27th (I have no idea why that specific date either). At first I thought it was creative crashes.
I love writing and telling jokes, but when I crash, it isn't a writers block, it's like a writer's Mac truck, slamming right into you... And no way to prevent it.
But over the years, I realized it wasn't the lack of ideas, it's the off-balance
SO THAT'S WHY I CREATED THIS TRIANGLE:
I think when it comes to my life, at least in terms of my goals and needs, these are the three that I focus on the most.
Social - Friends, Love, etc. I think I'm pretty bad at love. Not because I'm incapable, but because that doubt of "people are saying this to make you feel better" or just out of pity. This is stuff with friends, if they invite me to things, mostly I say no, not because I hate them or their event, but it's given the other two situations. It makes me feel terrible, but also the anxiety kicks in of "you have no friends because of this"
Creative - I could say "Day Job" as well to this, so I'll put it here too, but mostly it's projects. I want to write something, or come up with an idea, but as it turns out, this is the one section that is messing with me the most. I don't know what to do, the joke is now "everybody has a podcast" so I should probably not do one, which means do a Livestream, but what do I do then? And that's where it jumbles, even if it's not online, this hits me, would this be a good joke? What would make me a better host? Actor? And it kills me, not just because little to no feedback, but because the case of "never feeling good enough", I have yet to experience the next step in this called "imposter syndrome" but I will chalk it to really bad luck.
Limits - Well, that's everything else, financially, I can't go to Disneyland or have an annual pass, I barely squeak by with my finances as is, l am right now in that cusp of "about a hundred bucks" in my account, that then when I tell people "I don't drive" I just have to tell them "Uber is cheaper" (when you consider things like leasing, gas, insurance, and any problems like a new set of tires) it's out of the question...
which also hurts in the case of dating.
The worse news? I'm in LA, if this was like San Fran or New York City, I wouldn't be in a mess, but that's my own problem, that I hopefully can fix.
Anyway, so then you go on social media, rather it is Facebook or Twitter or Instagram or Snapchat and it's your friends and or respected creatives and they are at South by Southwest, or WonderCon or Game Developers Conference or PAX, and you are happy for them (because you are) but then you get this feeling of "you aren't good enough, they did it, not you" and then you come up with a thousand reasons why you didn't come (even if things like money and reliable transportation are kind of actually the case)
Presently, I have nothing going for me...
I wish I could say I'm working on a show, or creating a fun game, even writing something that's not just a wall of really depressing text. But nope. NADA. zero. zilch.
It's the way things were meant to be, at least right now, maybe it's a sign to take things easy, find my real passions, but it's a feeling I can't say I enjoy. .. Almost would say hate.
But I do have knowledge, that this, rests on me and nobody else. Because when you see the world wide web and this world of negative emotion, the protocol is to blame everybody but yourself.
That's what creates pick-up artist culture, that what's creates school mmassacres, and in many ways, that's also why many failed entertainers go into conservative talk radio...
Oh are you offended I compared conservative talk radio hosts with school massacres? The people who cry about crisis actors and how the mainstream media and colleges are "biased" because they can't tell that great black-guys-act-like-this joke without coming across a bit racist? The ones saying Mister Rogers made our kids "entitled" Those people?
Anyway, I'm not those people, it's nobody but my own that's why I'm in the situation I'm in. It's similar to poker and you just gotta figure out what you're good at... And that I'm trying to figure out right now. ..
And then I gotta think back to Nightwing...
So, a few times I've been asked "why are you obsessed with Nightwing" or "why do you like Nightwing?"
And besides the fact we are both tall dudes with dark brown hair with bangs who eat cereal at night and tell jokes whenever possible, I would Have to redirect to the first time I actually read Kyle Higgins' New-52 Run of Nightwing.
By now, you know about fear toxin, if you've seen Batman Begins, created by the scarecrow to showcase the biggest fear, and we'll, in one scene we see Grayson's biggest fear and it's this:
His head is telling him all sorts of negative things, a feeling of letting his family and friends down, a fear of failure...
As hokey as a "nooooo" is, this page was what really got me connected into this character, because it mirrors my biggest nightmares as well.
I don't think I'll ever be good enough, but I don't want to feel worthless either...
It feels exploitative to bring it public, but that's just the way things are, at least to me.
No other fictional character has mirrored by beliefs, and fears at the same time quite like Nightwing.
And I think I buy these little figurines and comics just to see a character I connect with does in situations I obviously would never be able to do (because, ya see, it's FICTIONAL)
Even though my computer is laggy, almost on the verge of death, I'm going to try my best to Livestream a bit more, and
It's on Twitch. I called it "Night Night" but really it could be called anything.
The experiment is simple - livestream 3 days a week, Monday, Wednesday, Friday. From 8pm PST to 10pm PST (11-1 if east coast)
On the show, we take a look at the news of the day, whatever was trending, the great Memes created and anything else to fill a couple hours.
It's not a playthrough of a game, but we might play games with the audience, we might watch YouTube videos, check out what's going on in video games, have sideshows and field pieces (if it works out) and maybe interviews if I figure out how to get that to work.
It's still going to look low-budget, but I think we have a few ways to go about things, rather it's drawing request, answering your questions, or just watching a gameshow and analyzing it.
This week, I'm trying to do things that set it a bit different from other streamers, I'm trying to do away with the conventional "game chair behind bluescreen playing game" and might want to try stand up behind curtain as I browse Reddit...
Is it a failure? Probably, I don't know, I think a few people watch it, maybe you should watch it too?
But I'm sick of telling people I'm streaming when nobody shows up, so maybe it's time to just say fuck it, make a train wreck, and see if that can't help me figure out what exactly should be in my "Patreon".
Now to hug a big Kirby
So my birthday was March 1st, let's celebrate the last days of my twenties!
I still haven't celebrated it. I bought a cake for myself, but it's been a real shit show. It's been raining, I didn't go to a trampoline park, like I wanted, I didn't go to Dave & Buster's like a normal weirdo, I tried to see Black Panther, but I got food poisoning and had to leave.
I was trying to come up with a positive way to say "I had to walk out of black panther" without making it sound like I hated the movie, but damn.
I think this year, which should be the year I finally get that victory, at least according to many experts, is more like a year I just, give up.
I hate to say give up, because it sounds depressing, but I said "fuck it" and tried so many things, that I'm interested in, but then something happens to just mess it up.
I really don't know what to do. So I decided to do simple, I am good at analyzing game shows and writing. (Even if the grammar is bad) . And when you get older, more and more you feel like nobody is around to stop you from stupid things...
So I decided to do a small twitch project called "Scripted Unscripted". That's just showing off two of my talents (somewhat).
The "Main" is writing, i get suggestions from the twitch chat and make a script, rather it's long form or a short skit, and I just get that writers block live on screen. Rather it's adapting a video game, creating a comedy bit, or a comic book. It's about the writing, and the mistakes generally made.
But when that block hits, or that wear down happens, there is there "Unscripted" part, that might be copyright infringement, but I do think it is analysis and commentary, where we take an episode of a game show (or reality comp) and try and break it down, tell a few jokes, and analyze the production to make something, what "works" and what "doesn't work" with a few fun bits on there.
I usually clock these at 3 hours, and I'm thinking Monday Wednesday Friday starting at 8pm PST, but times could be earlier or later or cancelled.
Yeah, it's not really playing video games, but I think writing on camera is really tough, because you have various ideas and conflicts of where things go, that it's fun to talk it out loud.
I hope you join me over at twitch.tv/JordanGames
And ask questions over at CuriousCat.me/JordanHass
So I got a new phone. Good news, it works well. Bad news, gotta get back my contacts.
But I also learned you could write on the phone now. So hey, i could update now on a call phone... The future is now!
I also opened up a curious cat so now you could ask away instead of on sarahah (plus you can now leave the same compliments as usual)
I had a big article about reality competitions but ill save it some other time... It got deleted in a shut down.
Hello everybody, it's me, Jordan Hass. Your good friend on the internet. It's been a while, and I just wanted to keep you up to speed with what has been going on.
First, Health and Wellness:
When I started, I weighed 212 pounds, and currently I am at (at least all according to a WiiFit mat) 186.5. If I rounded that to 187, we can safely say I lost 25 pounds, which is amazing!
Anyway, here is my routine, I don't know if it will work for you or not, because, let's face it, everybody is different, some people can do push-ups but not pull-ups...
Wake-Up
Celsius
Stand on that Wooden Balance Board
Warm-Up/Stretching
Then I do this app
And on alternating days - this thing from Darebee:
Anyway, after that, I do my usual business of work, computer, or whatever is needed (but making sure I stand as much as I can, pacing when necessary, which just comes from a lifetime of fidgeting in school chairs and desks)
Then if we want to have fun, a recreational, I see that Nightwing workout (but usually at night when nobody is around to judge)
Escrima Sticks not included.
It helped for me, and while I would love to say "I think it would work for you", I think everybody is different, and should just find that one thing to try, rather it's Basketball or Hockey or Weightlifting or just Cardio while listening to podcasts, do what fits you....
THE BIG GAME
I also, saw "The Big Game" and all the ads, and I will now give my 3 Best and 3 Worst of the big game...
BEST:
This is a Tide Ad, was the best Super Bowl ad this year. The reason being, because it had the usual psych-out and satire of a super bowl ad, but during other quarters, would pop-in to show more tide-ads. Way better than maybe some guy going "Hey stop shoving the pods in your mouth you big idiot baby"
Another that did not get enough attention was Chris Pratt. Chris Pratt is one of my favorite people in Hollywood lately. Between Andy in Parks & Rec, Starlord in Guardians of the Galaxy, and Jurassic World, he is having a pretty amazing career playing "Everybody's Older Brother"
But what made it good, was not just the way it still had the brand in the commercial, it's the way they used the product, and still came up with the story that had a beginning, middle and end. And a nice quick joke at the end.
And finally, Amazon Alexa was a great commerical, only for the multitude of celebrity cameos, including somebody named "Jeff Bezos", who could have been a great stand-in for JK Simmons. While it showed the problems Alexa could have, it did also demonstrate what it COULD do, which kind of aided me in acquiring one, but more on that later...
WORST:
WeatherTech, I think they have great products, and I think the message of "Made in America, isn't that supposed to be?" had good intentions, but it came across as a bit Trumpian with it's delivery. I think the problem with the country isn't so much jobs going-overseas, it's a problem of companies WILLING to go wherever is cheapest, and screw over factory workers and employees. I would rather see WeatherTech go "and hey we offer full-benefits like healthcare and paid leave for expectant mothers and wages that can not cripple anybody looking to afford a small home, because isn't that the way it's supposed to be?"
Imagine this - you are in the middle of watching the Eagles beat the Patriots, when they call a Time-Out, and all of a sudden, after seeing a really cool trailer for Cloverfield Paradox, you see this lady just dance with a Diet Coke. That's it.
She is dancing, with a Diet Coke, while some brass is playing in the background. They have 4 different flavors, so you would expect maybe there would be 3 others dancing with their respectable flavors behind their respective colored wall, but nope.
Instead, it's this lady, dancing with a diet coke... and you let out a deep sigh wondering if it's actually going to be a Tide Ad.
Speaking of Sodas, Pepsi also dropped the ball. This is a commercial that was meant to re-enforce the product, and it's generational appeal. So when it came to that, the person I immediately thought of was Jimmy Fallon.
Oh yeah, this aired right before Timberlake, ending with Fallon hanging on a sign with no way to get down to do his Tonight Show later that day. Will somebody help Fallon down?
If you wanted to show off the history of Pepsi, it would have been cooler without Fallon as you go through the history of Pepsi Ads, whatever happened to that Pepsi Girl from a long time ago?
I WANT HER BACK DAMN IT!
We miss you, pepsi girl, sorry your brother Jesse went on to destroy Metropolis.
SPEAKING OF AMAZON:
After seeing that Super Bowl ad, I decided it was a good time to check out the Amazon Echo. So I picked one up and tried it out.
For a speaker, it is really good, when it comes to commands, it takes getting used to, and sometimes it doesn't respond the way you want.
Because I don't have Amazon Music Unlimited, but rather Spotify Pro, it does take a bit longer to load up songs. For instance, you can't say "Hey Alexa, Play Finn Balor's Theme" you actually have to say "Hey Alexa, play Catch Your Breath by the WWE"
Most of the time, I use it to listen to podcasts at night (The Bryan and Vinny Show, Laser Time, Talking SImpsons, and The Giant Bombcast and Giant Beastcast) and get my updates in the morning when I wake up.
Some games like Jeopardy are fun to play on Alexa, but it's hard to figure out categories and clues unless you have the Alexa App available to understand what the clue is saying.
It can make phone calls, it can make text messages, it's really cool. But at the $100 price point, it's not really worth it, it's easy sell at $50 (which is the price of a dot) but I would recommend it on a sale.
FINALLY SARAHAHS!
This is kind of the Mailbag portion of the update, where you can send comments and questions over here and I will check them out!
This one is REALLY tough, because I know it always changed, I mean just last week I bingewatched so many episodes of Supermarket Sweep, before that was Golden Balls, it really does change every other week or so. I think the safe answer is "Jeopardy", because it rewards trivia, the rules haven't changed that much since it's inception, and there is the risk/reward especially during a Daily Double or Final Jeopardy...
This is a really tricky question. I look the part, I act the part already, that's about it? But here's the thing I do know - having that role is like winning the lottery, the odds are strongly against me, but yet, much like going to the convenience store, still worth spending the couple bucks while you were picking up an ICEE.
He's my favorite superhero, although lately, one of my close, personal friends, likes to make the joke that I am more of the Teen Titans Go Robin than Nightwing, but c'mon, in McWorld, it could happen.
Recently, I have been also getting a whole ton of "sad slumps", I do not call it depression, because it isn't diagnosed that way, and it comes and goes in waves. It's been constantly happening in weird intervals, sometimes due to sleep deprivation, other times, because all i have is my own thoughts, and it's just a really awful thing to have.
But this comment really did cheer me up, and I couldn't thank the anonymous person enough, it really did help!
The quick answer to this is 'yes', however, recently I have been putting it away because when I stream it through OBS to twitch, the delay makes it borderline unplayable, so if it is going to be played in the future, it might be streamed through a Playstation 4 (Same with Use Your Words)
Check my twitter for updates.
This sounds right up my alley, and I would love this very much, BUT ONLY IF WE WERE HOLDING HANDS AS WELL
I saw these comments together at the same time, one of which was full of vile and hatred, right next to the near-exact reverse, something that is full of kindness, a bit of self-reflection... and it was the perfect Yin and Yang.
The person on the top clearly has some sort of problem with me, and I understand that, I am not going to please anybody, but I think when it came to the advice on the lower, that guy needed it more. We need kindness and love and I think we should do that more often, it's so easy to speak through hate, but when you spread love, you will get love in return.
I saw this question as well, I probably should have linked it prior to go along with the "why should you", but here's all I could say.
Yes, muscle growth and strength does take a long time, the important thing is to have a trainer, and probably just as important - a physical therapist to instruct you on the way there.
If for whatever happens, the roulette wheel lands on Double Zero, I have no problems working out and busting my ass (although probably, because it is Nightwing, protect the ass) and putting in the work.
For Nightwing, that requires coordination in the form of Martial Arts (Most likely Mixed Martial Arts) and Gymnastics (Acrobatics) considering his backstory.... so between acting coaching, there is also physical coaching going on as well.
I would need to build a team up from scratch, which sounds scary, but I am game if that ever happens.
I mean how else am I going to pull this off? (From the most recent Nightwing)
I saw this a couple days ago, and it made me laugh out loud. You ever find somebody that's a little Try Hard? That one dude trying to get on your good side by trying to pretend to like the same things you like, or maybe the reverse, in the case of the Sarahah.
The fun part about Sarahah is it's anonymous, the worst part about Sarahah is that it's anonymous. My honest guess is, the person who sent this, isn't doing it out of hatred of me, but rather hatred of themselves vicariously through me.
I have been there, I ran a website where I said some REALLY shitty things to strangers on the internet trying to have fun. I was frustrated, I wasn't open about my bisexuality, and all my friends were leaving me. I was taking out this frustration about myself, on dudes who just want to get on cameras and talk video games or something.
Maybe to this person, I come across as arrogant? Maybe they read my twitter and just disagree with my "Social Justice Warrior" political philosophy that's "plaguing the comic book industry" or just think I have a silver spoon in my mouth or something...
Whatever is the case, it doesn't make me look bad, it sadly, makes this person look worse. I think it just stems from their backgrounds, and rather or not they have compassion or remorse for others. Maybe a "Men don't cry" sort of deal, and they get beaten over the head on certain websites where they try to fit in, that becomes neo-conservative philosophy.
It's heartbreaking, but maybe the guy will have compassion for others that aren't just straight white men, who knows?
Would not surprise me if it was the same guy from earlier. Be Cool, Stay in School!
I put these two together because they showed up at nearly the same time, and I think in all this reflecting, this is a very big negative trait about me, I do spam Sarahah a whole lot, and this constant need for compliments and validation, when the important thing is rather or not I am satisfied with my performance.
Yeah, when sad slumps happen, I am not the best judge of that, but it would be more helpful if I did this less frequently.
I now leave you with one of my favorite comments ever received that really did send all sorts of hearts, as if somebody really did "nail it" (or in this case, correctly profile me)
Thank you so much, whoever this person is. You really did do so much without ever knowing it.
I now leave you with the theme to the theme to the Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards
I have been following those hot internet trends lately, and decided to follow along the hit internet challenge of January - The Kylo Ren Challenge, let's all celebrate putting black pants up and yet still show nipples.
We are all going to ignore the "Tide Pod" challenge, which from what I am gathering is children being told by their parents to do their laundry and fucking up royally with the simple act of throwing a dissolvable bag of bleach into a washing machine.
The other trend is the "likes" for something, but because i am not really an internet personality, nor do i have enough klout to get likes that much on social media, I figured I would answer one of these lists right now, ALL 30 QUESTIONS, BECAUSE I LIKE MYSELF THAT MUCH
1. @jordha because it's JORDan HAss, my name - at the time Jonathan Coulton changed his twitter handle to joco, probably to save space when sending tweets, but now it's 280 so who cares, anyway, i am an idiot because somebody else is jordanhass now. oh well.
2. My mom inspires me every day to follow my dreams, but as far as creatively, I really love Charlie Brooker (from his days at screenwipe to now), to Jim Carrey (for being so versatile in different creative areas) to Chuck Barris (from being this weird insane game show producer that pioneered alternative ways to look at game shows.
3. I do care what others think of me, but only if I have respect for them, rather they are mutuals in the industry, or somebody who has been a longtime friend of mine, I did open up that sarahah for that very reason and so far, so good.
Even though this is anonymous, and probably somebody who doesn't know me that well, I find getting statements like this really inspiring, because I know I changed a misconception somebody might have had about me.
4. Honestly, I don't really have much planned, I think I will try for a few auditions, but I don't really "set in stone" any dates. I am pretty sure on my birthday (March 1) I will probably be at a Dave & Busters and a trampoline bounce place, but other than that, nothing much.
I look forward to seeing what I could do with "Guilty Pleasures" though, it might just be a podcast?
5. "Forgive your past, but never forget the future" I think we all look back at what we did wrong in our lives a little too harshly, we reminds ourselves of our screw-ups, or wanting to go back a certain way, but in reality, we are living in the year 2018, things change, some for the best, sometimes worst, and you need to plan accordingly, even if it's preordering a video game, or setting a date to see a movie.
6. I would love to be Nightwing in a project, or a Game Show Host, or do a screewipe-type show... or some mix of all three, who knows?
7. Superman, I think he would be a really cool dude. (Don't tell Batman)
8. A Game Show Host (because the lack of comic book shops meant not that much on Nightwing)
9. Nightwing (wait, I am starting to see a trend here)
10. I would love to understand all foreign languages so I could speak with the world, but because that would be nearly impossible - probably something to help me out with acting, such as singing or stuntwork
11. An Anime Convention, but honestly, probably in a situation where I am with a friend that is a minority, and we are in a place that's very unwelcoming to people who aren't the default straight white male.... solely because, it's easy to speak up, but really tough to convey into words how their ideology is garbage.
12. ART: The comic art of both Kris Anka and Kevin Wada, just because of the way they present their characters and subjects, it's colors, and gaze.
MUSIC: I really like P!nk, she is really amazing, but also I got into Taylor Swift (yet enjoy Kanye as well)
13. I think they meant "fired up" like annoyed/angry, and honestly, not that many things do upset me, but one that probably annoys others is when you are at a starbucks or a taco bell or a mcdonalds, and you have that one customer that doesn't know the menu, so they ask hundreds of questions, and not things like out of dietary restrictions, but questioning "what is in a mocha latte? is that with chocolate?"
Same thing with whoever decides to sample the entire baskin robbins menu.
14. I really really love Batman, but, folks, seriously, it's really creepy when you slash Batman with a Robin, because more than likely that Robin is a teenager, and it's like pedophilia. I mean, you do you, but c'mon. Especially ESPECIALLY something with Damian Wayne, because the kid is 12/13 years old, and that is just fucked up. Plus, like Robin has all sorts of Teen Titans to smooch instead!
15. Depends on what it is, when it's writing something under a time crunch - I just quickly write it down as fast as I can, and then save it... get it done, go back and reread after a good nap. If it's something else, I just pace around, maybe run, do a bit more exercise, and play with that grip thing...
Whenever I was a grip in college, I lost grip after a few minutes at a time, so I tried this just to raise some endurance, it didn't really help much, but it's the small improvements.
16. To remind you of that motto - forgive your past... it's hard to pick a "good day" to repeat over and over, so probably something like, I dunno, January 1st 2014? One of those ordinary days but nothing bad really happened, and you just sort of relax and do nothing?
17. I used to not jump to conclusions that much about people, but because of the latest political climate, and so many garbage things like gamerhate, it's hard NOT to jump to conclusions, but more or less, I just assume it's people hurting, and they are taking it out on those that show emotion over their own suffering. I think reading tweets, and those wanting to "get into debate" or just wanting to be angry over things like feminism or lgbt issues, do not deserve your attention, there is no way to change their ideology, when it's fueled by hatred of others, you just have to ignore them (mute them or block them from twitter and facebook) and wait for them to figure out their errors on their own.
18. I would probably be one of those weird ones that get like the microphone, a question card back, but then for some reason, a WWE broken table or something.
19. Graduated College helps, making my own documentary helped, working on a game show helped, I think it's tough to pin-point any one thing. But the most satisfaction I get is when mutuals in the industry want to say hello or need help with something. Send me those emails and messages!
20. Live Scorpions
21. In real life, I once bought a year of website hosting for something that had not a single update or article, but online I saw people bidding on that McDonald's McJordan sauce from the 90s and thought that was really silly.
22. About me? "Jordan hates things just because they are popular" (because I do not, I think some trends are just a tad annoying, because you're not following what you want to do, just what is "current" at the time)
Overall misconception? - "If we allow X to exist, what is next? Y?". Because it's just tiresome, the slippery-slopes don't exist, it's just pointless scare tactics because people just don't like LGBT people (or try and divide that to try and exclude Trans, or Non-Binary people in the equation, no, they matter)
23. Arsenal Comics & Games of Newbury Park, California! - Ask for Timmy, he is really the greatest comic book owner you will have, and is very welcoming to all new readers and is very inclusive. A swell place to make friends!
24. Boigos
25. Sometimes I rewatch early episodes of "The Simpsons", or shows like Saturday Night Live or In Living Color, but if it's an actual show with arc - most likely The IT Crowd.
26. I think I am pretty much "The Leader" but only because I am the one always opening my mouth and trying to figure out ideas and solutions.
27. Do not tell anybody, but it would have to be Jack , he is definitely funnier than me, knows more about video games than me, and is better at puzzles than me. That and maybe my good buddy Thomas , who I know will probably be working in the Comic Book industry eventually, his passion for characters and stories is fascinating,and he knows his stuff.
28. I still do not feel comfortable talking about it, but let's just say, I have been stalked before, and it was really really troubling. Not just online, but in real life. Complete with phone numbers and home address. It's scary, and rough, and one of those issues that needs to be addressed when it comes to regulating the internet to assist when it goes offline.
29. While I would say my entire Life's motto is told very well in Nightwing Issue #29 (From New-52), I would have to say the best lesson in a work of fiction would actually come from another piece of Batman folklore...
30. Appeal to edgelord teenagers, through the means of laughing at other's misfortune. When people go through problems, it's best to help them out, and get them what they need (a therapist, a friend, etc.) rather than watching them meltdown and celebrate their anger or cry. So many people do this because they want to hide their drama to the public (being gay, being "a furry", cheating on a partner, admitting they have depression, a death in their family, etc.) or feel that their life is just really boring, so they want to feed into this fire through hatred.
I am reminded of the Darren Brown Experiment called "Remote Control"
In it, he creates a "game show" where he gets a studio audience to put on masks and "anonymously" vote on outcomes to an unsuspecting member of the public, as the choices get more and more grimmer, the audience continues pushing it, until it gets out of hand (which is true in real world mob-rule, as well as the internet)
Anyway, that just about does it for the 30 questions, i leave you now with another one of those great videos that cheers me up.
I just took a nap around 7:10pm, and woke up at 8:20pm. I am still drowsy, but at the same time. I felt the need to update this website.
Why? Because I reminded myself this is MY website, this is really where I need to just clear my thoughts and talk about everything in my head, for better or worse.
I am pretty much an open book on a ton of things, and I figured I might as well recap everything I done so far (It's been a while)
I family guy'd myself, because 300 episodes
First, I messed around with the Family Guy Yourself generator, because that is something that usually pops up every couple of years, becomes someone's twitter or facebook avatar before being deleted in favor of some anime or something.
I also did that Google Arts selfie thing, and as it turns out...
That's right, I am very ugly... or maybe not worthy of portraits, but who knows?
Anyway, I have been trying something a bit different, instead of waking up with a mocha frappe or a soda (yeah, i am one of those weirdos), I decided to change it up with "Celsius", when I first saw Celsius, I was 19 and really really chubby, and their stuff was in bottles, and it was crazy with the caffeine, I do remember crashing horribly after an hour... and it turns out they redid the formula (or maybe I just grew up, because i am almost 30) and brought in all sorts of new flavors.
The purpose of the drink is to "Raise Metabolism", but I am somebody who isn't really on a diet (unless you count my constant desire to try out all these new "protein snacks" - like holy cow, Muscle Muffins are great!) but I am trying to exercise and try and eliminate that groggy feeling I get in the morning (it's like what I am experiencing now, but way way worse)
Anyway, I tried a few of their other flavors, such as the Grape Rush and the Mango Green Tea, and they are very very good, but I gotta caution myself because they are intended for dietary needs, i limit myself to one and only one a day.
Other than that - I bought some more equipment, and mess around a bit, I am avoiding the gym currently solely because it is new years, and it's also when there is so many hawks out there, not to mention my constant hatred of P.E./Gym classes also resonates inside these Gyms. As somebody who has gotten solid D+, and put a ton of effort into things but because I couldn't do X reps in X minutes.... yeah.... it felt good to do my own thing,
What I decided works for me, is "Multitaskers" - that is to say, stuff that has use even when you are not using it. I feel like Alton Brown, but less likely to force a chef to cook using only KFC sporks.
For instance, those "pull up bars" you see on door frames, I also use at night, to get my clothes sorted for the next day (place the hanger on the bar, it's right next to the bathroom, you're good!) I am pretty sure, I would annoy some fitness trainer, but it's also a good reminder to maybe use it?
Also, recently, I wound up with an awful awful cramp on my leg, it's one of those muscle strains that might be the cause of dehydration, so I am trying my best to drink plenty of water, and doing more balance-based activities. (That does not involve a slack-line, as i do not have trees anywhere to tie one up) It really does help.
As for stuff I watched...
Besides watching Batman, Batman Returns, Batman Forever, Batman and Robin and Batman Begins on Netflix (It was recently uploaded) I was gravitated to last week's "Awesome Games Done Quick", a wonderful event that showcases video games in short time, and presents a positive image of video games and the people who play it.
It's livestreaming is all-ages, with little to no cursing at all, to it's celebrating of the games presented (every "run" is a positive experience, even if it was considered a "bad game") and it's all for a good cause - Prevent Cancer.
Sometimes, you just have to look at positive things that make a difference, to feel better.
Get rid of that negative, and turn into positive.
Turn your Cinema Sins into Cinema Wins.
And because of how casual, yet how skillful the event was, it was an all-around positive experience (aside from the grumpy gaming comments section, but that's why I just turn off comments)
Finally, I decided to just promote my Sarahah account a bit -
I use that website because I think I want to have some form of "communication" that isn't just my email or twitter.
If you're looking for business, you most likely have my email or phone number, and know where to contact.
If you are looking to try and troll or harass or just be a nuance on twitter - more than likely you've already done that, or we're blocked & muted.
But I feel that with this Sarahah, it's all anonymous (at least I think so?) and you get some really nice comments and messages of encouragement (which is nice) mixed with some of the usual garbage.
Just imagine getting upset about the grammar on someone's rambling nonsense website. I mess around in Final Draft all the time, I know when there is a problem with syntax, or the proper spelling of "taqueria" (although google insists it's spelled equestrian)
Not to mention, it's not really positive, it's not really helping me out, as a writer. Improve my writing where? Should I proof-read before posting? Something like that would be much much more helpful than insulting 4th Graders.
Another thing that isn't really positive - telling somebody to "give up" on something. It never helps anybody, it honestly, just makes whoever wrote this look bad, in comparison. Much like the last one, it has some sort of assumption about me - that I am doing nothing with my life. Which hey, as somebody who gets these bursts of depression from time to time - feels like I am doing nothing.
But every once in a while, I burst into this creative mode and do so many projects, or get a call or email and work on something, and that just feels really amazing.
Just because I am not doing that much on the internet except snide tweeting, doesn't mean I'm not doing anything.
I'm playing Mario Kart 8 Deluxe AND snide tweeting.
But having stuff like this, is what makes it all worth it. Even if there is these spots of negativity, somebody out there does think I am great.... they also wonder where Bucky Barnes is. I am not Sebastian Stan, how am I supposed to know?
I also get great questions like this, which is really tough to answer and maybe I will answer them in more details later on here, but for the time being
Book - I read a ton of non-fiction, the ones that are weirdly fascinating. I have been digging Atlas Obscura, one of my favorite websites that is now it's own book of fascinating locals and history.
But I also really enjoy reading Worst Case Scenario books, because it's that fantasy of pretty much doing any of those crazy stunts safely with little to no danger (do you punch a shark in a nose?)
As for fiction, I am a sucker for Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, and it was fun growing up on early message boards talking about that book.
As for Movies, I have a Top 5, usually one is always in the rotation.
Currently 1. Back to the Future Part 2
2. Ghostbusters
3. Shaun of the Dead
4. Demolition Man
5. The LEGO Batman Movie
It's fun to see them rotate, and see what drops and what jumps up at any given time
And video game - solely a single video game, would be Crazy Taxi, it's fast-paced and fun.
But I really enjoy the Devil May Cry series, as well as Mario Party, so it's kind of hard to choose just one.
Burnout Paradise was my Game of the Generation though.
And finally, it just feels nice to get messages like this every once in a while, those words that come from the heart, and encourage you to get better, the negative thoughts, the negative messages, are nothing, because you make so many other people happy, and encourage you to chase those dreams.
I have a few goals in my life, and I am always trying to chase them down, and I am glad I have people online and offline that are helping me out with that.
I leave you now with one of my favorite clips from one of my favorite game shows in recent history.
So recently, I saw a few tweets from one of my favorite musicians, CHARLI XCX
being weird is cool. fuck being boring.
— CHARLI XCX (@charli_xcx) January 11, 2018
and yes, it feels like one of those statements you might here from Jughead on CW's Riverdale, but then she added another great message
also being nice is cool. fuck being a dick.
— CHARLI XCX (@charli_xcx) January 11, 2018
And that's when it really did hit me - about a decade ago, I was a real jerk to people on the internet, mostly because they were weird and I never understood why they like things, or liked things in a certain way.
But after growing up and maturing, I learned the people who love their things, no matter how weird they might be, don't bother you. It's really you that bothers them, and being a dick to them just kind of, well, sucks.
I get we all want to be that snarky asshole on the internet, because thats what comedy was, but what I found to be more helpful, is just enjoying what you enjoy and let others have their fun as long as it doesn't punch down others. (Because I know somebody would go "BUT MAYBE MY FUN IS BEING A DICK TO OTHERS" which, is by the way, really tragic. Not even like, crocheting or writing knock knock jokes?)
I enjoy game shows, I work sometimes in an industry on the thing I enjoy. From music package, to the set, to the hosting, to the rules - I break it down and try and figure out everything inside them, it fascinates me. The internet was a great place to find friends who like the industry, and a few rotten eggs.
The best part of this internet thing is knowing I have many friends in this industry and they all help each other out, and sometimes just want to play the games as friends, because it's all really silly and fun, and come on, it's a genre of television that celebrates winning toasters.
Then there are the bad eggs, the ones that are critical, negative, and just, in a polite way, assholes. They slam Drew Carey for hosting The Price is Right and the show changing forever because they use TV Monitors instead of those 1980s Eggcrates, or a different beep or boop. Where there is gatekeeping, you are "not a true fan" unless you like one thing, but dislike another.
But ultimately, in that umbrella, that's true to just about anything. As many people know, my favorite superhero is Nightwing. Dick Grayson is like, all-time favorite, not just as Robin, but as Nightwing. I actually helped write a book on it. The reason I enjoy him, is his characteristics, personality (and yes, he somewhat does look like me, complete with bangs) and the fun thing is seeing why some people enjoy him, or why they like him.
Some people it's because of his leadership in Teen Titans comics, which is admirable. Others, because they grew up with him on the Teen Titans cartoon or Young Justice. Others never read a comic or cartoon and think he's "cute I guess", and others just want to get kinky and have him with Batman (which, okay, that's your thing, we will save the incest and pedophilia undertones for a different time)
But one thing I remembered, is a few years back, somebody wanted to get into Nightwing and wanted to know where to start (This was when Forever Evil/Grayson was just starting) and while I suggested Grayson to them (because if you're going to start, at least start on an Issue 1, even though any comic could be someone's first comic) and continue from there.
Then it became an argument about New-52, and a scream fest about Battle for the Cowl, and then something about Tim Drake, and all I could think was "this person needs recommendations, and somehow it became a shout fest over who is and isn't a true fan)
It just reminds me,of the gatekeeping in the game show world, it reminds me of the countless youtube videos of people doing rants about somebody "screwing up" something they enjoy (Example - Ninja Theory with DmC: Devil May Cry, a great video game), but then on the flip-side, then you see the gatekeeping of people just harassing (and it is harassing) others for liking something a different way (Example - Sonic the Hedgehog fandom, and then taking the time to dust off your furry jokes from circa 1997 internet)
And we could do so much better, i understand creating content is tough, but we could do a whole lot better than "what's the deal with THESE people?" "what's the deal with people who actually LIKE mario kart?" "did you know people STILL enjoy Thomas and Friends?" "Can't believe these people like ANIME, are they PERVERTED?"
And to me, I think loving that stuff should be embraced more, (it shouldn't be your "identity" like "gamer") but it should be embraced.
If you love My Little Pony, celebrate your love. Yes, you will get detractors saying "isn't that a show for girls" and yes you will get weirdos making really disturbing videos (I mean, I suppose you are "showing your love of the product" by cumming on a figure) But as long as you can embrace the weird things you enjoy, good things will happen.
I am serious.
If you are lonely, or think "nobody will ever understand this", you will always be surprised. You will make a new friend, you will find somebody who understands.
We need less gatekeeping, we need more of people being fascinated by the things you enjoy.
I did a live show called "Guilty Pleasures", where I invite a guest on, and we spend an hour going through things they enjoy, from books, to movies, to television shows, to food. And so far, every time I have done it, it fascinates me.
From comedians who enjoy Lucha Libre, to writers who know Transformers lore, the way they explain their love of things, always fascinates me, and is always met with joy and appreciation, and above all else - love.
It's why I love doing it, and why I would love to try to do "Guilty Pleasures" more in 2018.
It was one of those rare "maybe I should podcast this?" things, but I want it to have an audience, I want people to share with me the things they love as well.
Made with Love.