If you're looking for me. You won't find me here today. But fear not! You can still find me, if you're willing to do some extra mouse clicks.
First, I'm guest posting over at Thank, Q where I ponder the possibility that I may not be as hopeless as I sometimes suspect. I know, crazy. But why not? My friend, Q, has to nurse his wife, The Mrs, back to health so he asked me to step in, which I gladly accepted. As a bonus, I drew stick-zombies in this one. Just so you know.
Finally, I do some more pondering. This time over at Studio 30 Plus, the online community with writers in mind. I've been a card-carrying, certified (and maybe certifiable) member of this site ever since I began blogging with no regrets. It's a great place to get tips, advice and writing prompts to help you hone your writing skills. In my post there, I try to understand the the minds of these things called "writers".
I know! I know! I've been gone almost two weeks without a word. I think that's actually a new record for me. I blame it on that damn blinking cursor that greets me when I open up my 'Compose' screen. Pretentious little sonofabitch, huh? I just got tired of staring at that thing. I mean it just sits there, mocking me... blinking. Daring me and jeering me. It says, "Go ahead! Write something. Bet you can't. Bet you just sit there and do nothing."
I hate that cursor.
As you're well aware, it's an unofficial rule when you have a blog is that you should write on said blog from time to time. It's kind of expected, to be honest. Darn rules! I wish I could say it's because I've been sooo damn busy that I've barely had time to breath, let along write, but the truth of the matter is I've hardly been doing much of anything.
Besides staring at a blinking cursor, that is.
Actually, that's kind of the problem. It's hard to relay my new adventures when I haven't been having any. Sitting at home all day doesn't exactly provide much in the way of blog fodder.
I know what you're going to say, "But, Vinny, what about Sprocket Ink? You've still been writing over at Sprocket Ink."
Yes, I have. So, technically, I guess I don't really have writer's block... Wait! You guys have been checking out my posts over at Sprocket, have you?
Well?
I... I don't believe this. How..? Why..? Don't make me use my signature "Scowl of Disapproval".
GRRR!
There's still chance to redeem yourselves. I put in an extra post today (Sorry. Site's gone now). It's up right now and don't forget tomorrow's post too. Don't make me give you the other half of that scowl.
Anyway, I figure if I could waste your time with the last few paragraphs just writing about my inability to write then I'm full of it I can snap out of it. Expect me back... soon.
In case you're noticing my absence of late, I'm still off navigating the churning sea I like to call end of semester exams. It was a tough semester. It felt like I was barely able to stay afloat this time. The good news is I'll be free and clear of them by the end of the week. YAY!
Of course, you know I couldn't leave you hanging. That's why I left you a little something over at Sprocket Ink to tide you over until I get back. You know the drill by now, right? Just click on the official Sprocket Ink badge over to the right and prepare sail away to a happier place. Enjoy!
As for me, it's back to the books before I get totally submerged. That, and I'm out of ocean metaphors.
Wow! I haven't posted all week. Well... here anyway. Hope you guys have been keeping up with me on Sprocket Ink. You know? That place where I post, not once, but twice every week. You do remembered that, right?
We'll discuss this later.
Anyway, moving right along, My absence is due to the fact that I've been really busy. While I have my issues with The Paper, I must admit, I still love the job. Right now, the people of T&T are gearing up for our biggest annual celebration, Carnival. The fact that it's such a huge event here means the media is burning the midnight oil to cover all the events associated with these holidays.
Parties have been going on for the past few weeks but the real deal, the two days of half naked street parades are next Monday and Tuesday, so things are really heating up this weekend.
Now, I said last year around this time that Carnival isn't my thing. Mostly because never really saw the point of it. A lot of people here wouldn't agree with that. They see it as part of local culture. It's one of the most famous events in the world and something we as a nation should be proud of and all that What can I say? I never was a party person, to be honest.
This is where my being a Christian helps. The whole concept of revelry and drunken debauchery is frowned upon in the Christian faith. Now while I won't jump on my moral high-horse about the evils of this season, I must admit, I kinda see the argument...
Eep! I think it sees me.
So once I say that Carnival doesn't interest me, the first thing I usually hear is, "Oh... Are you a Christian?" I say yes and the discussion usually ends there.
But, my religious beliefs don't save me from having to work covering Carnival events on those two days next week I'd normally be home resting any other year. As well as the events leading up to them. Like today.
Today I covered a children's Carnival parade focusing on the traditional characters that were among the first Carnival characters portrayed in T&T's early history. While I still don't get it, I have to admit, they really are creative. Take the Moko Jumbies, for instance.
These kids walk (and dance) on stilts with no trouble at all. Better than most people walk and dance on their own feet.
Then there's this group of Dame Lorraines.
In case you're wondering, yes they are fake... and children! Shame on you!
They did a choreographed traditional dance routine (Sorry, couldn't start taping before it ended).
While I was out covering the story, it started to rain so I went into the nearby Woodford Square. There I managed to capture what we call a "Rhythm Section" on video, doing there thing.
We are a creative bunch over here, aren't we? All the same, don't expect me to be crossing over to the dark side as a result of all this. They'll have to try a lot harder.
Did I mention the grown-up version next week will have half-naked women prancing about everywhere? Most of whom have been hitting the gym for months to look right in their skimpy costumes?
Anyway, I'm covering some of the main events on Monday and Tuesday too so you can probably expect more pics and videos.
Bet you thought it would be another 3 months before I did this again, huh? Well, I did create a whole new graphic and everything so I just have to try to put it in circulation from time to time.
So what's been going on with me? Glad you asked!
On Tuesday I announced my new role on Sprocket Ink as Japanese Bikini Model correspondent... At least, I think that's my new title...
Then on Wednesday I shared the truth about was really going on at my new place of employment, The Paper. And it's not good! Thing is I really love the journalist gig but sometimes, as they say, love just ain't enough. I'm torn but I feel a decision needs to be made soon.
Then it was Mrs. C's turn to entertain you in her debut appearance in my stick-toon fantasy world on Thursday. As you can see she can even make killing a cockroach entertaining.
On Tuesday I revealed a startling secret that could shift the world's balance of power if it's left unchecked. IRAN HAS NINJAS!!! I'd say not to panic, but the truth is you should panic. Oh, you should.
Thursday's post was-well-even I'm having a hard time explaining this one. Just make sure the kids/parents/bible study group/pets/cops aren't in the room when you go read this one. You may want to close the curtains too.
I know, right? Now you just *have* to go check it out. But remember, I did try to warn you.
One last thing. Mrs. C has finally caved in to the call of the web and set up a twitter account. It's actually part of a bigger project she's working on but I've been sworn to secrecy on most of it. But rest assured, once the gag-order is removed, you'll be the first to know. In the meantime feel obligated free to show her some love on the twitterverse. Now, I'm not saying I may be rewarded in sexual favors for each new follower she gets, but on the off chance that I will be, you'd actually be helping a brother out.
Things are changing up a bit on Sprocket Ink. I've been re-positioned into the role of "Asian Beauty Correspondent" (we're still working on the titles).
Essentially, what that means is that I'm going into the specialized field of all things Japan and all things women. Not that that'll be all I post on, but that's going to be mine. I own it!
This actually works out pretty well for me. I can focus my searches giving me more time to do other things. Plus, this way when Mrs. C sees me looking up pictures om Megumi Kagurazaka,
Just before I started with The Paper I stopped doing my weekly wrap-up posts. What can I say? I've had an eventful past few months.
First off, say goodbye to this toon. I've decided to give my wrap-ups an intro graphic like most of my other posts. So... introducing my newweekly wrap-up graphic!
I said "new" not necessarily "improved".
Now, on to the recap. I've decided to spare you the details of the last 3 months or so of stuff that have been going on. Long story short, crappy internet, new job, Christmas, New Year great blog friends encouraging me along the way and so on.
Now that we're all up to date I'll recap what I've been up to in the past week. Let's start with my activities here:
- Things have been pretty quite this week. Mostly that's because, as I said in Tuesday, my internet is being an asshole troublesome again. It started working again today. Mostly! Really slow connection but at least I can connect.
- Not to be deterred, I've been making extensive use of Blogger's post email feature. That's how I was able to post about one of my paranoid delusions suspicions I have from time to time.
A lack of internet did not stop me from posting on Sprocket Ink:
- On Tuesday we looked into a study revealing a male preoccupation with sex and violence. No shit! Really?
- Thursday I had fun with puns as I wrote about how one German city is dealing with its economic problems. The word "Robopimp" is used... And it actually makes sense.
And that's what I've been up to this past week. Hopefully, I'll be able to keep this consistent from now on. If not... well... then I guess I won't.
Don't you just love the whole "my blog my rules" thing?
The management of AVCI regrets to inform you that we are currently experiencing technical difficulties at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience you may be suffered as a result if this but circumstances remain beyond our control at this time.
We know this severely diminishes your blogging experience and as a result of this, management has taken the decision to provide a full refund. This can be redeemed at the following location:
I know I said I wouldn't do a pseudo-post again but I have to let you all know that Sprocket Ink's back from vacation and we're hitting the ground running. I've got a brand spanking new post up there so just click in my SI badge to the right (which I somehow doubt you'll be able to miss). Two words: Japanese. toilets.
Totally!
Actually, I wouldn't really call this one a pseudo-post since I'm still writing beyond that last paragraph. I submit then that this does not, in fact count as a pseudo-post and I have, in fact, kept my word.
Uh-uh-uh! No arguing. I already said it.
Anyway, as you've may have guessed, I read the news sometimes. But recently I've come across some very disturbing real story headlines that made me cringe before I even read the the actual stories.
I'll list some of them for you. Keep in mind these are the actual headlines from actual news sites:
- Man Dies After Eating Cocaine Hidden In Brother's Butt
- Hiroyuki Joho, Man Killed By Train, Sued After His Flying Body Parts Injured Woman
- Sex Assault on Chihuahua Gets Ex-Convict 10 Years
And my personal-um-favorite(?)
- Patient Allegedly Had Penis Eaten Off By Rats
RATS!!!
*crosses legs and puts hands in lap nervously*
Okay, so now that I've thoroughly traumatized most, if not all of you. Head on over to Sprocket and read about weird toilet obsessions.
I've made a slight change to how things operate with linking my Sprocket Ink posts from here. As much as I know you enjoy my little pseudo posts to send you over there when I have a post up, I've decided to put the kibosh on those.
But fear not, I bring you an alternative that I think works better. See my official Sprocket correspondent's badge over to the right? Now, if you click on it, it'll take you directly to the last post I did there. See? It even says that it links to my most recent post there right above it.
Oh! By the way...
I've got a new post on Sprocket Ink again today. It's about what the folks at Fox Business think of Hollywood. Click here and check it out.
A little while back, I took a spin on Ninja Mom's Character Assassination Carousel. No word on whether ol' Br'er Rabbit finally got what was coming to him, but this isn't about that.
It's time now for me to pass the baton so that someone else can use it to take a well deserved whack at a so called "beloved" childhood storybook character. Next up is Leah from Chapter Four, and she's pulling out the big guns as she goes after the infamous Cat In The Hat. That takes guts!
So click, read and enjoy as the carousel ride continues.
By not funny, I'm talking about my post on Sprocket Ink, that is. I'm putting funny shoes and balloon animals aside for a bit to talk about sports... Well, not really. It's more like an ongoing scandal in the sporting world. I'm not all that into organized sports, but I just had to say something on this one. Check it out.
Also, I created this Google+ page and I guess I should get to using it. So, if you're on Google+ you could... you know... add me to your circles... if you like. Just sayin'.
But go over to Sprocket first. That one's important. Then do the Google+ thing. Remember! First, Sprocket, then Google+. In that order.
First, I've got another post over at Sprocket Ink today. Seems like there's yet another dad of the year contender making an appearance. Be sure to check it out.
In other news, I'm currently without internet access at home. It's been down since around 8PM last night with no real explanation as to why. While the ISP continue to be "currently in the process of trying to rectify the problem" I've been forced to rely on public internet, like the wi-fi here in school, for the time being. Hopefully, by the time I get home it'll be up and running again.
Finally, I got a call this morning about my follow-up interview. It's set for this Thursday. I did a happy dance and then, about two hours after that call, another place I sent an application to called They wanted to set an appointment for an interview this Friday. It isn't in the journalism field but at least it seems that I'm no longer persona non grata to employers.
And that's about it. Now get on over to Sprocket if you haven't already.
This was an eventful week for me. I was stressing the whole interview thing right up until the day it happened but turns out things did turn out pretty good. But we'll get to all that during the wrap-up.
As usual, we start with what I was up to here:
- On Monday I shared another conversation with Mrs. C where she seemed to let a secret slip. I'm still investigating.
- I didn't post again until Thursday. It was just to ramble on a little about the impending job interview the day after that.
- On Friday, after the interview, I announced that I was successful. Unfortunately, that only means that I get to go to round two, A SECOND INTERVIEW! It is true that torture is often most effective when you can drag it out for as long as possible. I guess employers (even potential ones) know this better than most.
Now a few of you have asked and, as I said in the comments to that post, this mystery question is actually the homework. One of the interviewers challenged me to figure out the correct answer for them by the time I returned for the second interview. And, while he did swear me to secrecy, I really do want to see if I can figure it out on my own. Be patient. I'll share it as soon as I can. Promise.
As you know, I also did my thing over at Sprocket Ink:
- On Tuesday I wrote about a family whose exploits in attempted murder could be right out of a movie plot. Albeit a Pegg and Frost movie plot rather than a murder mystery, though.
I dunno... This one seems a little out there. Even for us! source
- Then, on Thursday, I wrote about boobs again (it's in my imaginary contract). This time it was about a profession I could really see myself getting into... Minus the makeup, of course.
There it is! My week's activities here on the blogasphere. Of course, I'll keep you updated on my progress on the job front and let you know when they call back. Until then, later.
Tomorrow is the big day. Well, not the big day. It isn't like it's my wedding day (been there, done that), or the due date of my first child (that's for sometime later, I guess), or the day the world's governments sign over total control of the planet to me accepting me unquestionably as their new overlord for life (but one day perhaps). But it's a big day to me all the same. Tomorrow is the day of my job interview at the newspaper.
I started off pretty euphoric after I got the call. I thought, "Yes!!! Finally, someone called! Finally, I was going to get out of this situation". Then, of course, a few days later, reality stepped in as it dawned on me that I might not actually get the job. I'm a total idiot when talking to people face-to-face. Especially when I feel like they're judging me, studying me, looking for my flaws and measuring me on their scale of worthiness. *Shudder*
But then, what would happen even if I did pass the interview? (Is 'pass' the right word? It is like a test, right?) I'm a total noob at journalism. I only started my first classes in the field last month. I don't know if I'm ready for this. Sure, I've researched the job description, the company, yadda, yadda, yadda. The truth is, no amount of reading up on it can ever prepare you for the real thing. Right?
I have to stop thinking about tomorrow. Tomorrow is scary. There are too many variables to consider. Too many things of which I have no control over. If I think about it too much, I'd be a complete bundle of nerves, too afraid to step out the front door in the morning. I'm not going to do it any more for today. It's just too much to worry about.
I've done all I can do about tomorrow (I hope) and all I can really worry about right now is today. All I can do is calm myself and try to be as relaxed as I can be. So that's what I'll do. I'll relax for today and deal with tomorrow when it comes. And, also, as for today, all I can really say is...
There's a story about boobs on Sprocket Ink again. And I put it there. Just click here.
Good news! After months of sending out applications without so much as a phone call coming my way, I finally got called for an interview! Okay, I know it's just an interview and nothing is anywhere near confirmed yet, but I was beginning to think employers thought I had the plague or something.
I'll take my victories where I can get them.
Added to that, it's for a newspaper. How awesome is that? I sent this application in 7 months ago and they called on Friday. Totally sweet, right? My interview is this coming Friday. I'm hoping all the other crap I've got going on will have me too distracted to be nervous during the interview.
Anyway, enough of the boring stuff. It's recap time!
First, here:
- On Sunday I posted on how my child experiences caused me to create invisible barriers for myself.
- Monday, during one of my always entertaining conversations with the Mrs. we discussed a weird dream she had.
- Tuesday I did a pseudo-post where I introduced a new graphic.
- My Tuesday post looked at a study that would make coffee drinkers everywhere smile and silence those darn naysayers.
- Thursday I followed up on an earlier story about the arrest of a suspected criminal who had an entire town on their toes.
- I filled in on Sprocket on Friday and got all ranty and opinionated this time while discussing a proposed law that would institute temporary marriages in Mexico City.
Yeah, I'll say it's been a busy week. Wouldn't you? Anyway, the interview's not until Friday buy go on ahead and wish me luck from now, if you like. I'm not too proud to take any positive encouragement I can get this early.
I'm doing an unscheduled post today on Sprocket Ink.
Most everyone that knows me knows that I'm not one for getting too opinionated. Unless really pressed for an opinion, I tend to avoid getting involved unnecessarily in most debates by taking on neutral stance. What can I say? I hate drama.
But there are some things that get me riled up enough to say, "Enough is enough! This shit ain't gonna fly!". That's what went down today on Sprocket. I'm throwing my two cents in on a piece of legislature being proposed in Mexico City. Of course, it's is just my opinion on the matter. I don't expect everyone to agree with me.
That's all I'm going to say about it over here. You'll just have to click here if you want to know what I'm talking about *tosses candy in back of van and stands aside*. Go on ahead, you can trust me.
[Quick Update] I'm doing a lot better today. Thanks to a full night's sleep, some ultra strength painkillers (Yay, drugs!) and Mrs. C's loving "attention" (YAY, MRS. C!) I'm not in as much pain today. I've regained most of the mobility in my neck and the cold that was coming on seems to have retreated into whatever dark cave it came out of. So, basically, what I'm saying is that it's all good here.
Now, on to the real reason we're here today. And that is so I can send you elsewhere. More specifically, to Sprocket Ink for my latest article.
You may remember that, two weeks ago, I told you about a serial toe sucker striking fear in the hearts of the citizens of a town in Arkansas. Well, today I update you on that situation. So click here and head on over to see what's been going on in the town of Conway, Arkansas.
