Hey dudes. I know that this interview is a day late, but I call that excusable, because of the awesomeness of the dude I've got an interview with. Tis none other than Troubletcat/TtC/Haig/the guy over at the Zombie Arcade, who is very cool, and has agreed to do an interview for me. So, let the awesome commence!
Firstly, for those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I am a 21 year old human male, and my primary activities include vidya games and getting distracted from ever doing any work at university. I also have a little internet-based gaming-related project/website going, called the Zombie Arcade.
Essentially, what I’m interested in doing or trying to do is create content that contributes to gaming culture in some way. This started off as primarily text – game reviews and rants about gaming culture in general – and has progressed to being much more focused on video content, mostly YouTube (although hopefully with more Livestreaming coming again soon). Mostly I talk about Battlefield 3 – how to play the game successfully, as well as my opinions on developments with the game – but I also try to offer a little bit more breadth, throwing in other, less well known games, and occasionally talking about new releases or gaming news.
Very broadly, I consider myself an entertainer, and my main goal is always that people get a laugh or at least a mildly-amused-smirk out of my content. [Which he has done many times, in my case at least.]
Why did you decide to start a blog?
Primarily the original reason was boredom. I needed something to do. I was near the end of a year off after high-school and before university, I was having a hard time finding a job (or adequate motivation to spend enough energy job-hunting to make it effective) [I know that feeling...], and I really needed something to do.
I chose what I did because I’ve always had a small interest in journalism, I love games, and I thought it would be fun, and because I thought it might be useful to have a portfolio of some gaming-related work if I was ever wanting to actually get into the industry in some capacity – again, at that point, thinking of becoming a journalist in the field.
Did the progression on to doing videos and livestream just occur naturally, or was there some sort of planning/decision involved?
It was fairly natural for me. The kinds of content that I was most interested in, that I tended to get the most enjoyment out of, was video content – people doing essentially what I’m doing on YouTube now, and a handful of streamers. Initially I was concerned about recording quality on my old computer, and about hating the sound of my own recorded voice (which is one of the stupidest hurdles that almost everybody doing this kind of thing has to overcome, when in reality there’s almost never any actual reason to be concerned about this) [tis true - was one of the weirdest things when I first recorded], neither of which turned out to be problems remotely. For the most part, I just decided to try it out one day, and although I got a little nervous at first, I enjoyed it and found it quickly became pretty natural to me.
As for the Livestream, that was actually something I had vaguely considered doing, but was unsure about. At some point Michael (of Theality Bites) [of whom, the plan is, to get an interview from soon] suggested that I do it, and seemed really enthusiastic about the idea/wanting to get involved, so that provided the extra bit of motivation to actually give it a shot. The Livestream is a lot of work, and it can be kind of exhausting, but it’s also a lot of fun, and I pretty much immediately fell in love with it. Again, not a whole lot of planning or forethought – just the decision to give something a shot, and it ended up working out pretty well.
How do you manage the blog/channel/stream and uni?
This is actually pretty easy for me, at least. If I don’t stream, I spend a couple of hours a day working on videos. It doesn’t honestly take a gigantic amount of work, although some stuff takes longer if it’s more highly edited or produced, such as the few video reviews I did. [Which were pretty darn epic, yeah. Worth that extra time.] Since I’m only part time at university at the moment, it’s fairly straightforward to balance a couple hours of work a day on the blog and a couple of hours of work on university stuff. This would be more challenging if I had a full course load, but I expect I’d still be able to get a video up almost every day.
Where things become difficult is with the livestream, as that can potentially take up a lot of time. But really, it’s just a matter of prioritising things and being disciplined about not spending so much time on one that the other becomes impossible. Essentially it’s the same as balancing a part-time job with university, which is the more standard thing to do, and is more or less how I think about my situation – I’m pretty committed to Zombie Arcade, and I’m also hoping to actually make it pay me at some point down the line.
I guess the one piece of advice I’d give on this front is that there are plenty of hours in the day, it’s just a matter of exerting the willpower to make the most of them, instead of spending a lot of time spinning your wheels with the myriad of time-wasters the internet offers. [No kidding. It's just so annoying when the internet wastes your time with all these pointless....oh, look, Line Rider!]
What's been the best thing about doing the blog/channel/stream so far?
In short, the people. I really like Livestreaming because I get to interact with my viewers in real-time, and it always puts me in a good mood when I get up in the morning and check my YouTube comments. Gamers are a cool bunch of people, and I like being able to interact with them on a fairly wide scale, as well as sort of getting to know my regular viewers, most of whom are pretty cool dudes.
Any ideas how you could further expand it out? (i.e. you've got a blog, a channel, a stream - any other things possibly happening at some point as well?)
In terms of mediums I think I’ve pretty much got it covered. I’ve got text and video and I mean, I guess I could do pure podcasts, but if I’m doing something like that I might as well put some gameplay to it or at least my face on webcam.
I’ve got something cooking quietly in the background, and idea for something that’s more... internet television than the sort of thing I’m doing now, and I think a desire to do that kind of thing – something more highly scripted and edited, essentially of a more professional quality – comes through in a few of the things I’ve done over the past year.
[Tell me more....tell me all your secrets, all your plans, Agent Bond...]
I don’t want to talk too much about it though, because in reality I haven’t gotten very far, and I don’t want to be the guy talking about that screenplay he’s working on who never actually shows anybody anything or (probably) even sets pen to paper. [Ha...ha...ha....yeah. I know that feeling too.] I’m hoping to do something like that eventually, but I’m somewhat limited by time, budget, and technical ability at the moment. It’s brewing away at the back of my mind, and when I think I can really make it work, I’ll do it.
And lastly, why is it called the Zombie Arcade? (I believe you told me this once, but I forgot. :P)
Because I have no life, and I must game. Almost everything I do is targeted most heavily at hardcore, dedicated gamers who (regardless of the truth of this) are stereotyped as having no lives. Hence, an arcade for the undead. [I'm not quite what I'd call a hardcore gamer, not even that dedicated. But tis still awesome.]
If you guys want to see more awesome, I have links to TtC's various pages, including his blog, YouTube channel, Livestream and Facebook page just below. Big thanks to Mister Trouble for taking some time to answer these questions for me!
Blog - http://www.thezombiearcade.net/
YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/troubletcat
Livestream - http://www.twitch.tv/troubletcat
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Zombie-Arcade/177523882261240
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interviews. Show all posts
Tuesday, 3 April 2012
Monday, 5 March 2012
Interview #5: Elyse Glynn
And, once again, we have another interview happening. This time, it's the good friend of mine from over at: http://aussieatwcu.blogspot.com.au/ Some pretty cool stuff there, definitely worth a check :)
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
okay, My name is Elyse Glynn. I'm currently studying a communications degree at UTS, majoring in film. I play the cello and I've just made a switch from netball to basketball. So we'll see how that pans out!
You've been to two other countries (that I know of) that are both very different, both from each other and here - what was that like?
Well, Holland was completely different to my America experience because I was only 15 at the time and I had to live with a family. Here in Aus I live with 2 sisters. My Dutch family had 5 boys and they lived on a remote dairy farm in the middle of nowhere. I had to ride my bike 7km to school each day, and I didn't speak a word of Dutch.
So, it was a great learning experience but I was very, very homesick. I look back on those 3 months now as a time when I had to develop a lot of the mental toughness I enjoy now.
America on the other hand was the easiest, most fun, best experience of my life. I went for 8 weeks in 2010 to work on a summer camp, and then returned in 2011 for a 6 month stay, to work on the camp again and then study in North Carolina. I just...gaaaaah. Can't even describe. if you ever get the chance to do uni exchange just....just do it. Don't question it. Just GO. (If nothing else because you'll be treated like a GOD because of your accent)
What's the next place you'd think of going, and why? Or do you just want to stick around for a while?
Haha. I've just got wanderlust it seems. I'm heading back to the U.S this year in June for 3 weeks to see my boyfriend. Then I'm flying to England to visit some of the international friends I made in North Carolina, then to Holland to visit my host family again, and then to Serbia to visit my Grandmother's home village.
So...not really looking at setting down JUUUUUST yet :P
Jealousy doesn't even....gahhhhhh.
What are you doing with yourself at uni, and how'd you get into that?
I kinda answered this? I'm studying film. Not sure if that's the direction I still want to head in. I'm getting really interested in doing an international studies subject (is ANYONE surprised? haha) Nope.
Anyway, I'll just see what happens with that.
What made you decide to start writing a blog?
Inspired while I was away as a way of keeping in contact with my friends, but also just because so many funny things happened to me while I was away (or aggravating things, but telling it as a funny story is a GREAT coping mechanism). Very true. The cartoons though were inspired by the blog Hyperbole and a Half. She is ridiculously funny. I can never compete. But don't read her blog. read mine!! :)
How epic was the Humans vs Zombies game, and have you thought of starting it up at your uni?
The HvZ game is just.
gaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh. THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD.
Like, it's an absolute nerdfest. An epic, week long game of tag where humans are identified by a bandana tied to their leg or arm and the zombies wear it on their head. Read my blog for full details. We were given missions to complete, had to starve in our rooms for fear of being 'eaten' if we left... It was a week of complete and utter paranoia. Zombies would literally stalk out all the exits to the classrooms you were in and camp there in the rain waiting for hours...anyway.
I can't start up my own because I don't live on campus at UTS. I guess I could do it, but it would be more of like an afternoon game of tag.
*anticlimax*
And, I believe from memory that you were one of the few human survivors. Good job! :)
Lastly - why the handdrawn pictures (on your blog posts)?
I feel they help with communicating either the emotion or the absurdity of the situation I've gotten myself into. Also, they're just so plain bad that they stop anyone from taking my ranting too seriously.
:)
I'll go with both emotion and absurdity, myself. And they're not bad - they're amusing :D
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
okay, My name is Elyse Glynn. I'm currently studying a communications degree at UTS, majoring in film. I play the cello and I've just made a switch from netball to basketball. So we'll see how that pans out!
You've been to two other countries (that I know of) that are both very different, both from each other and here - what was that like?
Well, Holland was completely different to my America experience because I was only 15 at the time and I had to live with a family. Here in Aus I live with 2 sisters. My Dutch family had 5 boys and they lived on a remote dairy farm in the middle of nowhere. I had to ride my bike 7km to school each day, and I didn't speak a word of Dutch.
So, it was a great learning experience but I was very, very homesick. I look back on those 3 months now as a time when I had to develop a lot of the mental toughness I enjoy now.
America on the other hand was the easiest, most fun, best experience of my life. I went for 8 weeks in 2010 to work on a summer camp, and then returned in 2011 for a 6 month stay, to work on the camp again and then study in North Carolina. I just...gaaaaah. Can't even describe. if you ever get the chance to do uni exchange just....just do it. Don't question it. Just GO. (If nothing else because you'll be treated like a GOD because of your accent)
What's the next place you'd think of going, and why? Or do you just want to stick around for a while?
Haha. I've just got wanderlust it seems. I'm heading back to the U.S this year in June for 3 weeks to see my boyfriend. Then I'm flying to England to visit some of the international friends I made in North Carolina, then to Holland to visit my host family again, and then to Serbia to visit my Grandmother's home village.
So...not really looking at setting down JUUUUUST yet :P
Jealousy doesn't even....gahhhhhh.
What are you doing with yourself at uni, and how'd you get into that?
I kinda answered this? I'm studying film. Not sure if that's the direction I still want to head in. I'm getting really interested in doing an international studies subject (is ANYONE surprised? haha) Nope.
Anyway, I'll just see what happens with that.
What made you decide to start writing a blog?
Inspired while I was away as a way of keeping in contact with my friends, but also just because so many funny things happened to me while I was away (or aggravating things, but telling it as a funny story is a GREAT coping mechanism). Very true. The cartoons though were inspired by the blog Hyperbole and a Half. She is ridiculously funny. I can never compete. But don't read her blog. read mine!! :)
How epic was the Humans vs Zombies game, and have you thought of starting it up at your uni?
The HvZ game is just.
gaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhhhhh. THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD.
Like, it's an absolute nerdfest. An epic, week long game of tag where humans are identified by a bandana tied to their leg or arm and the zombies wear it on their head. Read my blog for full details. We were given missions to complete, had to starve in our rooms for fear of being 'eaten' if we left... It was a week of complete and utter paranoia. Zombies would literally stalk out all the exits to the classrooms you were in and camp there in the rain waiting for hours...anyway.
I can't start up my own because I don't live on campus at UTS. I guess I could do it, but it would be more of like an afternoon game of tag.
*anticlimax*
And, I believe from memory that you were one of the few human survivors. Good job! :)
Lastly - why the handdrawn pictures (on your blog posts)?
I feel they help with communicating either the emotion or the absurdity of the situation I've gotten myself into. Also, they're just so plain bad that they stop anyone from taking my ranting too seriously.
:)
I'll go with both emotion and absurdity, myself. And they're not bad - they're amusing :D
Monday, 27 February 2012
Interview #4: Little Miss Music Reviewer
For today's interview, we have my friend over at http://nevermindthearias.blogspot.com.au/ who's kindly decided to answer a few questions for me.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
Basically, I’m a music student who lives and breathes music of every sort. It’s my life, it’s my passion and if you get me started on the subject I WILL talk you into the ground with abounding enthusiasm. I even like theory. *coughnerdymuchcough*
Haha. Don't worry, it's not just you. :P
I do enjoy writing words as well as notes though, so when I’m not buried in music I’m usually writing with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek :P
Good to hear.
So how did you get into this music reviewing thing?
Ahhh, excuse me whilst I get a little nostalgic: I still remember my first album review like it was yesterday! It was in Year 10 and I chose to critique U2’s “U2: 18 Singles”. It came back with most of my wording crossed out and deserved the pretty woeful mark it achieved.
Then, when I first started uni, I realised how little I had ventured outside of my music comfort zone (read: The Beatles, U2 and ABBA). Tired of nodding and smiling in ignorance while people talked of musicians from The Velvet Underground through to Gotye, I decided I needed to self-educate myself in the area of popular music. For a laugh, I thought it might be an idea to improve my handling of my least favourite form of writing: reviews. A whacking great dose of Christmas-holiday boredom sent me clunking through my opening post and, 14 months later, reviewing is one of my favourite ways to string words together!
Hmmm. Maybe I should try doing that with essays, then.... XD
Worst and best album so far?
Oooh, that’s tricky…I’ve discovered so many great and awful bands/musicians through my reviews that it’s so hard to pick one of each! I’d have to say the Jersey Boys soundtrack has been my best find though (and currently the only recipient of 5/5 stars!), as, not only are the Broadway arrangements fantastic, it introduced me to the epicness of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. :D Villagers’ "Becoming A Jackal", Tom Waits’ "Raindogs" and Mumford and Sons’ "Sigh No More" are also among my favourites.
Worst??? I think I’m going to give that to Michael Buble’s "Christmas". I’m sorry, but it was just too pathetic. Mind you, my Lady Gaga and Adele experiences were a bit hard on the ears…and a review of Joanna Newsom’s "Ys" is yet to come! :S
Think we can agree there. I've also heard that Christmas album, and...yeah.
Uni's back this week. Thoughts?
I hope I still have time to review albums at least once or twice a month!!!
I have a written schedule of 2-3 albums for each month of this year which I really want to stick to instead of being so sporadic with my posts…but be patient dear readers, uni is a demanding boss :P
If you can manage to keep to that schedule, I will be suitably impressed.
Any ideas on what after uni?
Yes! Music journalism is all fine and dandy (and I wouldn’t say no to any opportunities in that area!) but I’m also passionate about music education, so that’s my career plan :D
Well, you have more plans than I do. Good stuff :)
Being the incredible pianist you are, you obviously practiced each day for five hours since you were six. Yes?
Awww shucks, you’re too kind!! I hate to disillusion you (and myself…hehe), but the answer to that is no :P I’ve been playing since I was six, yes, but five hours practice a day just doesn’t happen – it’s usually about two (and then perhaps another hour on my guitar). Hence why I have time to sit around reviewing music, instead of touring internationally…
Firstly: Hang on, you actually started when you were six? OK then.... Secondly: you manage two/three hours a day? Good job, I can barely ever manage one... :P
And finally, why the name (of the blog)?
I usually intensely dislike the vast majority of contemporary popular music – ie. the hits that make it onto the Australian Recording Industry Awards (ARIA) charts here in Oz…so I replaced the “Bollocks” in The Sex Pistols’ iconic album title with “ARIAs” and named my blog as a constant reminder that I prefer retro quality over contemporary hype. That’s not to say that I don’t groove to “Pumped Up Kicks” occasionally…
Haha. Good stuff.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
Basically, I’m a music student who lives and breathes music of every sort. It’s my life, it’s my passion and if you get me started on the subject I WILL talk you into the ground with abounding enthusiasm. I even like theory. *coughnerdymuchcough*
Haha. Don't worry, it's not just you. :P
I do enjoy writing words as well as notes though, so when I’m not buried in music I’m usually writing with my tongue planted firmly in my cheek :P
Good to hear.
So how did you get into this music reviewing thing?
Ahhh, excuse me whilst I get a little nostalgic: I still remember my first album review like it was yesterday! It was in Year 10 and I chose to critique U2’s “U2: 18 Singles”. It came back with most of my wording crossed out and deserved the pretty woeful mark it achieved.
Then, when I first started uni, I realised how little I had ventured outside of my music comfort zone (read: The Beatles, U2 and ABBA). Tired of nodding and smiling in ignorance while people talked of musicians from The Velvet Underground through to Gotye, I decided I needed to self-educate myself in the area of popular music. For a laugh, I thought it might be an idea to improve my handling of my least favourite form of writing: reviews. A whacking great dose of Christmas-holiday boredom sent me clunking through my opening post and, 14 months later, reviewing is one of my favourite ways to string words together!
Hmmm. Maybe I should try doing that with essays, then.... XD
Worst and best album so far?
Oooh, that’s tricky…I’ve discovered so many great and awful bands/musicians through my reviews that it’s so hard to pick one of each! I’d have to say the Jersey Boys soundtrack has been my best find though (and currently the only recipient of 5/5 stars!), as, not only are the Broadway arrangements fantastic, it introduced me to the epicness of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. :D Villagers’ "Becoming A Jackal", Tom Waits’ "Raindogs" and Mumford and Sons’ "Sigh No More" are also among my favourites.
Worst??? I think I’m going to give that to Michael Buble’s "Christmas". I’m sorry, but it was just too pathetic. Mind you, my Lady Gaga and Adele experiences were a bit hard on the ears…and a review of Joanna Newsom’s "Ys" is yet to come! :S
Think we can agree there. I've also heard that Christmas album, and...yeah.
Uni's back this week. Thoughts?
I hope I still have time to review albums at least once or twice a month!!!
I have a written schedule of 2-3 albums for each month of this year which I really want to stick to instead of being so sporadic with my posts…but be patient dear readers, uni is a demanding boss :P
If you can manage to keep to that schedule, I will be suitably impressed.
Any ideas on what after uni?
Yes! Music journalism is all fine and dandy (and I wouldn’t say no to any opportunities in that area!) but I’m also passionate about music education, so that’s my career plan :D
Well, you have more plans than I do. Good stuff :)
Being the incredible pianist you are, you obviously practiced each day for five hours since you were six. Yes?
Awww shucks, you’re too kind!! I hate to disillusion you (and myself…hehe), but the answer to that is no :P I’ve been playing since I was six, yes, but five hours practice a day just doesn’t happen – it’s usually about two (and then perhaps another hour on my guitar). Hence why I have time to sit around reviewing music, instead of touring internationally…
Firstly: Hang on, you actually started when you were six? OK then.... Secondly: you manage two/three hours a day? Good job, I can barely ever manage one... :P
And finally, why the name (of the blog)?
I usually intensely dislike the vast majority of contemporary popular music – ie. the hits that make it onto the Australian Recording Industry Awards (ARIA) charts here in Oz…so I replaced the “Bollocks” in The Sex Pistols’ iconic album title with “ARIAs” and named my blog as a constant reminder that I prefer retro quality over contemporary hype. That’s not to say that I don’t groove to “Pumped Up Kicks” occasionally…
Haha. Good stuff.
Monday, 20 February 2012
Interview #3: Kurt Routley
And we're back again for more interviewing goodness. This time, a friend of mine from Canada, that I met while on the Outreach Mission in Thailand.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I am Kurt Routley. I'm a 4th year Mathematics and Computing Science student at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC, Canada.
What's it like, living in Canada? And have you ever been snowed in?
Living in Canada is... normal, I guess? Nothing really to complain about. Other than there's never any GameSpot competitions including Canada (US only) and a Double Stacker from Burger King is like $1-$2 in the US, and $4 up in Canada T_T;; I've never been snowed in. We usually just put snow tires on our vehicles if it gets bad. Otherwise, we can usually walk wherever we need to.
...You actually still have Burger King over there? o_0 I have't seen one of those in ages...
Having been to at least a couple of countries (I already know your favourite, so I won't ask that ;) ), what do you think is the biggest difference between reading and hearing about a place, and actually being there?
Biggest difference between reading/hearing about a place and actually being there depends on the cost of the flight ;) But in all seriousness, being there is so much better because you get to experience everything for yourself, meet new people, and find out about things you may have not known before.
True dat.
Geek/nerd. What's the difference (if there is one), and do you identify yourself as either?
Geeks: Science/technology oriented and actually understand those areas. When they talk about those areas, they actually know what they're talking about, but they don't flaunt it in front of people.
Nerds: Science/technology oriented but don't know what they're talking about, and are generally obnoxious with their "knowledge".
And I like to think I transcend those labels, due to negative connotations of both and because in the end it doesn't really matter :)
Amen to that, brother.
You're coming (or have come to, I can't keep up :P ) to the end of your degree. Is your future looking any clearer, or still decidedly murky?
Just about done my degree, planning on getting a co-op job over the Summer semester (that's May-August over here) and then doing 3 more courses in the Fall semester (September-December). (Aside: Autumn is a much more bodacious word than Fall) [Agreed.] Still not entirely sure what I'm going to end up doing after graduation. Since the 5th grade/grade 5/year 5 I was wanting to get into video game development, so hopefully there's still a chance for that somewhere, be it with big name brands (e.g. EA, THQ, etc) or starting up an indie development group. If I can't get a job after getting my bachelor's degree, I might consider going for a master's degree in some computing science field, since the math grad topics don't really interest me.
Well, you've got more of an idea than I have. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be the C418 to your Notch XD
What was one thing you learnt about Australia while you were here that you never would have guessed?
One thing I learned in Australia: drop bears. Be afraid. Very afraid.
We taught him well. ;)
And, finally, RED team or BLU team?
And red team vs blue team, I was technically on both, wasn't I? But I think I was a spy for the red team, so GO RED TEAM! (Ironically, I was the spy for the BLU team.) I should totally skype into the next battle or something XD
I'm sure we could arrange something ;)
Also, I'm working on an internet radio website. Ideally, I'd like it up by the end of the summer. If it goes up then, be sure to upload your songs :)
Most definitely. :)
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I am Kurt Routley. I'm a 4th year Mathematics and Computing Science student at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, BC, Canada.
What's it like, living in Canada? And have you ever been snowed in?
Living in Canada is... normal, I guess? Nothing really to complain about. Other than there's never any GameSpot competitions including Canada (US only) and a Double Stacker from Burger King is like $1-$2 in the US, and $4 up in Canada T_T;; I've never been snowed in. We usually just put snow tires on our vehicles if it gets bad. Otherwise, we can usually walk wherever we need to.
...You actually still have Burger King over there? o_0 I have't seen one of those in ages...
Having been to at least a couple of countries (I already know your favourite, so I won't ask that ;) ), what do you think is the biggest difference between reading and hearing about a place, and actually being there?
Biggest difference between reading/hearing about a place and actually being there depends on the cost of the flight ;) But in all seriousness, being there is so much better because you get to experience everything for yourself, meet new people, and find out about things you may have not known before.
True dat.
Geek/nerd. What's the difference (if there is one), and do you identify yourself as either?
Geeks: Science/technology oriented and actually understand those areas. When they talk about those areas, they actually know what they're talking about, but they don't flaunt it in front of people.
Nerds: Science/technology oriented but don't know what they're talking about, and are generally obnoxious with their "knowledge".
And I like to think I transcend those labels, due to negative connotations of both and because in the end it doesn't really matter :)
Amen to that, brother.
You're coming (or have come to, I can't keep up :P ) to the end of your degree. Is your future looking any clearer, or still decidedly murky?
Just about done my degree, planning on getting a co-op job over the Summer semester (that's May-August over here) and then doing 3 more courses in the Fall semester (September-December). (Aside: Autumn is a much more bodacious word than Fall) [Agreed.] Still not entirely sure what I'm going to end up doing after graduation. Since the 5th grade/grade 5/year 5 I was wanting to get into video game development, so hopefully there's still a chance for that somewhere, be it with big name brands (e.g. EA, THQ, etc) or starting up an indie development group. If I can't get a job after getting my bachelor's degree, I might consider going for a master's degree in some computing science field, since the math grad topics don't really interest me.
Well, you've got more of an idea than I have. Who knows, maybe one day I'll be the C418 to your Notch XD
What was one thing you learnt about Australia while you were here that you never would have guessed?
One thing I learned in Australia: drop bears. Be afraid. Very afraid.
We taught him well. ;)
And, finally, RED team or BLU team?
And red team vs blue team, I was technically on both, wasn't I? But I think I was a spy for the red team, so GO RED TEAM! (Ironically, I was the spy for the BLU team.) I should totally skype into the next battle or something XD
I'm sure we could arrange something ;)
Also, I'm working on an internet radio website. Ideally, I'd like it up by the end of the summer. If it goes up then, be sure to upload your songs :)
Most definitely. :)
Monday, 6 February 2012
Interview #2: Dat Kool Guy.
Thankfully, the guy I got in touch with did get in contact with me. So yeah, coolness.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I'm happy with the wider internet not knowing who I am; it's safer that way. What I do professionally is Web Development, specifically as a Front End Developer. With my spare time I play bass, and am learning Kung Fu.
What's it like living in a house with two - well, three - guys?
It's messier than living with females.
You seem to like being healthy person. What are the benefits of that - apart from just being healthy, that is?
Feeling better, more confident, being able to enjoy a wider range of activities.
What's it like, with your job? Do you enjoy it?
The web is a fast paced industry; new standards and technologies are constantly emerging, and you always have to be ready to learn something new. It's fun and challenging in that regard.
Do you think that 5 years ago you would have guessed anything about where you are now?
No.
That's deep.
And, lastly, why the fire/pyro tendencies?
It's fire. Primal, powerful, destructive, and when harnessed capable of being used in creation.
For those who don't know you, who are you/what do you do?
I'm happy with the wider internet not knowing who I am; it's safer that way. What I do professionally is Web Development, specifically as a Front End Developer. With my spare time I play bass, and am learning Kung Fu.
What's it like living in a house with two - well, three - guys?
It's messier than living with females.
You seem to like being healthy person. What are the benefits of that - apart from just being healthy, that is?
Feeling better, more confident, being able to enjoy a wider range of activities.
What's it like, with your job? Do you enjoy it?
The web is a fast paced industry; new standards and technologies are constantly emerging, and you always have to be ready to learn something new. It's fun and challenging in that regard.
Do you think that 5 years ago you would have guessed anything about where you are now?
No.
That's deep.
And, lastly, why the fire/pyro tendencies?
It's fire. Primal, powerful, destructive, and when harnessed capable of being used in creation.
Sunday, 5 February 2012
Surveyifising.
Well. Mozart's gone and done something annoying. He's tagged me in one of these chain things: http://pocketspiralnotepad.blogspot.com.au/2012/02/survey.html
Now, usually, that wouldn't be a problem. But he's actually put some good questions up. Which I want to answer. And I hate leaving things half done. However, four-fifths will do for this one - skipping step five. Yeah. Rebel. :P
Haha. Back in kindergarten; it was clean-up day. We were all wearing gloves, and I was pulling the glove over my fingers, one by one. As soon as I did the middle one...."Miss! Miss! He pulled the rude finger on me!" I didn't even know what the rude finger was, let alone that you could pull it. :P
Did you get punished for it?
I got the teacher talking to me in front of the class. "Would your Mum want you doing that at home?" Well, she never told me about it...I got sent to the naughty corner, I believe.
What occupation are you employed in/what career are you thinking about taking up?
Currently, I work as a kitchen hand at Luigi's restaurant in Narellan. That means washing, drying, putting away - well, dishes, pans, pots, containers, you name it. Not glasses, though, that's the bar's job. Plus bins, recycling, cleaning when it's not too busy, and desserts when it is. What I might do in the future? No clue. Too many castles in the sky, with me. I've got a million in one, and I've never been a good stairmaker.
Is there a point to space exploration?
Heck yes. Firstly, we get to see cool stuff like other planets, and black holes, and stars - and it helps us from getting too big a head. Case in point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_Blue_Dot
What is your religious belief, or lack of, and why have you chosen it?
Religious, no. Belief - I prefer the word trust. However, to answer your question: http://modnarama.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/not-so-quick-word.html Not planning to repeat all that here. In a nutshell; God is love. He's done the world for us. And He's real. The first two answer the first question, the third the second question.
What number child are you, and how has the experience been for you?
I'm the first out of four. It means I have to give all the hand-me-downs. I don't particularly like seeing my brother wearing my clothes just casually. Clothes that I happened to like. :P Apart from that - well, it means that a certain amount is expected of me. To some extent, I reckon my sister has lived up to that expectation better than I have; but I've been a bit of a late bloomer. Though that's no excuse.
Do you have, or have you had, a nickname? If so, what, and why?
Oh, my goodness. So, many, nicknames...I could probably sort them by category. The ones that make sense without explanation: Bren, B-Ray, B-Dog (those two both somewhat tongue-in-cheek, made up by a couple of people), Brenno, Brendobags (only ever one guy), Brendy. The ones that need some explanation: Dexter (after Dexter's laboratory), Dex (similarly), Gold-digger (err.....yeah), Shadow (on a history trip to Melbourne, had to be one teacher's shadow because I'd always be going off on my own), Stingray (actually my own - partly because I like the animal, partly because it has Ray, my last name starts with Ray - yeah), Piano Man (when I was always playing the piano, particularly that song, at one camp), Balloon Boy (after a song I did - the Balloon song - one time that got quite a good reaction). And the ones that make very little sense: Bleeker (because someone on the Thailand Outreach trip thought that I loked like this guy: http://www.urbanmoms.ca/losing_it/Juno_Paulie_Bleeker_costume.jpeg I don't see it), and Fogel (because someone else on Thailand Outreach trip thought I was more like them; don't know the reference, from a game or TV show or something [EDIT: Apparently, it's from here, and I failed at spelling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbad_%28film%29).
And I know I've missed a couple. Yeah. :P
Do you have a phobia, and what is it?
Drowning is a big one. Nearly drowned once, did not like. And being tortured, because I don't deal with pain well. Not a particularly likely scenario, but yeah. As I've mentioned before, my mind's good at making up these.
Day or night kind of person?
Hmmmm. I'm a morning person; day, I think. I like nature, being able to see all of that, hear all of that - you can hear some parts at night as well, but it's not the same.
Do you speak more than one language?
Well, that's them done. Now, I'm not doing point 5, tagging other people; but I still think I'll write eleven questions. I'll just put them on FB instead. If I get any answers, they might turn out to be my interview for Monday, unless I get a response.
Now, usually, that wouldn't be a problem. But he's actually put some good questions up. Which I want to answer. And I hate leaving things half done. However, four-fifths will do for this one - skipping step five. Yeah. Rebel. :P
1. The Rules:
- Post these rules;
- Post 11 random things about yourself;
- Answer the questions that tagger set for you in their post;
- Create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer; and
Go to their blog and tell them they've been tagged.
- I'm short-sighted. That means that things that are far away become blurred. With me, "far away" is about the length of my arm. Yeah. :P Gonna be eatin' dem carrots.
- When I was in high school, up to about year 9 or 10, I was third or fourth shortest out of the guys. And the shortest....wasn't getting taller any time soon. Now, I'm the tallest in my immediate family, and on the Sydney side of my family, the only person taller than me is my cousin. He's got a couple of centimetres on me. Personally, I preferred being short. It's a pain in the cinema though.
- Half (by parent, that is, not by numbers) of my family is on the other side of Australia. We go over to visit about every second Christmas. Oh, and my uncle over there is one of the big guys in a major mining business. So it's a bit weird going from our little place to their massive one...
- I actually named my brother - my parents asked me and my sister if we had any names that we could think of; and I'd read somewhere recently that the name Joshua was actually the equivalent of the name Jesus. (Jesus - Yesus - Yeshua - Joshua, something like that.) So I suggested that name. It's his middle name. We are eerily similar in some ways.
- I'm both lazy and forgetful. Fun mix. Trying to get over it. Hard.
- I love a story. Always. Any story, if I'm reading it, watching it, anything, I have to finish it. It's a me thing. I get hooked in on them really easily. Doesn't matter how cliched it might be, I'll still love it.
- I'm a blue belt in Tae-Kwon-Do, and I've done both Karate and Kung-Fu - but in a fight, I'd probably run rather than defend myself. If there was someone else there, though, that's a different story.
- My motor skills suck. Apparently, when I was a kid, I could barely catch a ball, and my Mum had to teach me how to skip. Slowly. Oh, and whistling I didn't get for ages either. Or clicking. Especially that.
- Apparently, I was quite the projectile vomiter when I was young. Could vomit the length of a table. Charming piece of information for you.
- I'm not a fan of phones. Really not. I got a new phone a couple of months ago; my total calls received equals nine. Yeah. Not a texting addict.
- I often have a drink late at night, at about this kind of time. I believe this one calls for an LLB. Back momentarily. And yes, I do realise that this is not real-time and you won't perceive any gap.
What was the worst thing you got caught doing at school?
Haha. Back in kindergarten; it was clean-up day. We were all wearing gloves, and I was pulling the glove over my fingers, one by one. As soon as I did the middle one...."Miss! Miss! He pulled the rude finger on me!" I didn't even know what the rude finger was, let alone that you could pull it. :P
Did you get punished for it?
I got the teacher talking to me in front of the class. "Would your Mum want you doing that at home?" Well, she never told me about it...I got sent to the naughty corner, I believe.
What occupation are you employed in/what career are you thinking about taking up?
Currently, I work as a kitchen hand at Luigi's restaurant in Narellan. That means washing, drying, putting away - well, dishes, pans, pots, containers, you name it. Not glasses, though, that's the bar's job. Plus bins, recycling, cleaning when it's not too busy, and desserts when it is. What I might do in the future? No clue. Too many castles in the sky, with me. I've got a million in one, and I've never been a good stairmaker.
Is there a point to space exploration?
Heck yes. Firstly, we get to see cool stuff like other planets, and black holes, and stars - and it helps us from getting too big a head. Case in point: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_Blue_Dot
What is your religious belief, or lack of, and why have you chosen it?
Religious, no. Belief - I prefer the word trust. However, to answer your question: http://modnarama.blogspot.com.au/2012/01/not-so-quick-word.html Not planning to repeat all that here. In a nutshell; God is love. He's done the world for us. And He's real. The first two answer the first question, the third the second question.
What number child are you, and how has the experience been for you?
I'm the first out of four. It means I have to give all the hand-me-downs. I don't particularly like seeing my brother wearing my clothes just casually. Clothes that I happened to like. :P Apart from that - well, it means that a certain amount is expected of me. To some extent, I reckon my sister has lived up to that expectation better than I have; but I've been a bit of a late bloomer. Though that's no excuse.
Do you have, or have you had, a nickname? If so, what, and why?
Oh, my goodness. So, many, nicknames...I could probably sort them by category. The ones that make sense without explanation: Bren, B-Ray, B-Dog (those two both somewhat tongue-in-cheek, made up by a couple of people), Brenno, Brendobags (only ever one guy), Brendy. The ones that need some explanation: Dexter (after Dexter's laboratory), Dex (similarly), Gold-digger (err.....yeah), Shadow (on a history trip to Melbourne, had to be one teacher's shadow because I'd always be going off on my own), Stingray (actually my own - partly because I like the animal, partly because it has Ray, my last name starts with Ray - yeah), Piano Man (when I was always playing the piano, particularly that song, at one camp), Balloon Boy (after a song I did - the Balloon song - one time that got quite a good reaction). And the ones that make very little sense: Bleeker (because someone on the Thailand Outreach trip thought that I loked like this guy: http://www.urbanmoms.ca/losing_it/Juno_Paulie_Bleeker_costume.jpeg I don't see it), and Fogel (because someone else on Thailand Outreach trip thought I was more like them; don't know the reference, from a game or TV show or something [EDIT: Apparently, it's from here, and I failed at spelling: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superbad_%28film%29).
And I know I've missed a couple. Yeah. :P
Do you have a phobia, and what is it?
Drowning is a big one. Nearly drowned once, did not like. And being tortured, because I don't deal with pain well. Not a particularly likely scenario, but yeah. As I've mentioned before, my mind's good at making up these.
Day or night kind of person?
Hmmmm. I'm a morning person; day, I think. I like nature, being able to see all of that, hear all of that - you can hear some parts at night as well, but it's not the same.
Do you speak more than one language?
I can do a few words of Thai, French, Indonesian, Italian, German, Spanish, and Latin.
Are you artistic at all? (Music, film, drawing, photos, etc).
Music, yes; believed that's been mentioned a few times here before. Film, no. Drawing, I'd love to, but no. Photos, I should but I don't. And when I do I never look at them. I can add a couple, though - writing; that is, pretty much any writing. Stories, poems, speeches; I've obviously done essays and reports for school/uni.
Well, that's them done. Now, I'm not doing point 5, tagging other people; but I still think I'll write eleven questions. I'll just put them on FB instead. If I get any answers, they might turn out to be my interview for Monday, unless I get a response.
- Colours; eye, hair, favourite, disgusting.
- People - are they hopeless, or hopeful? (And why would be nice.)
- Are there any coincidences, really?
- Apples - better red, green, yellow, baked, stewed, juice, sauce, candied?
- Is anything set in stone? (That is, figuratively speaking.)
- Does infinity exist in reality?
- Rain - hate it, love it, dance in it, sing in it, laugh at it, roll around in it, or avoid it at all costs?
- Is there a point to life - and if there isn't, why is there life?
- Is morality make-believe?
- Day - Mon, Tues, Wednes, Thurs, Fri, Satur, Sun?
- What is world peace?
That's me for tonight. Literally, because it's tomorrow. There you go. Hope that was enlightening for you.
Monday, 23 January 2012
Interview #1: Mozart Palmer
I did plan to do someone next obvious. Hopefully, that'll be the next one. Anyway. This is the result of an interview between me and Mozart. Well, me sending him questions. Think it turned out pretty well.
"For those who don't know you (doubtful, but mandatory), who are you/what do you do?"
Well, my name is Mozart, I'm twenty years old, and I'm a musician from a small town outside Western Sydney. I'm also a writer and a third year Bachelor of Music student. In my ample spare time I write press releases for Pirate Party Australia, a (hopefully) soon-to-be-registered political party. I'm also a hopeless romantic and seem to be chronically unemployable.
"So is music something you've been interested in a long time - and if so, has your interest changed over that time?"
I guess you could say that. I'm not a "dad made me learn piano when I was three" musician, but I decided I wanted to learn a bit of flute at eight years old. That turned to guitar, guitar to bass, then songwriting and composing. So my interest has changed certainly. I prefer writing music instead of actually playing it like I used to. I'm looking at getting into teaching too, but I've been focusing a lot on the music industry and what value music actually holds in the world lately. So, yes, over the last twelve or so years my interests in music have diversified into its' many aspects.
"So you've evidently chosen to do music at uni. Was that always a goal, or a more recent choice?"
Depends on what you mean by "recent" really. Halfway through eleventh grade I got bored of school. I planned to be a history teacher right up until then, and I suppose I just burned out. The only thing that I really stayed interested in was music, because it was something I had talent in, but was too busy focusing on everything else to really explore. In twelfth grade I made up my mind that I'd aim to do a Bachelor of Music instead of Arts at uni.
"You mentioned that you were involved with PPAU. Why/how did you start getting involved there?"
A friend told me about The Pirate Bay and BitTorrent technology. I was fascinated with it. At some point the documentary "Steal This Film" came onto my RADAR. I'd always thought piracy was a bad thing. But something that everyone did from time to time. The film switched me onto the idea of "piracy" actually not being as bad as it was made out to be. I read a few interviews and articles and came to the conclusion that copyright should be reformed. In "Steal This Film" there are a few snippets with Rick Falkvinge, who founded the Piratpartiet (Swedish Pirate Party) in 2006. I finally got the nerve to join PPAU and start being active in September of 2011, and my contributions were valued enough for me to become fairly acknowledged within the party.
"Apparently, you've also been in charge of doing a fair number of press releases for PPAU. What's that been like, representing a political party to the media and the public?"
It's been a good experience. I've learned to work with deadlines and to get inside the minds of people. Sometimes people aren't available for quotes, so you have to write one for them. You have to think about how they would say things, what words and phrasings they would use. It's also difficult trying to balance what you want to say, with what is appropriate to say. You can't be too aggressive, but at the same time you can't be too toned down. Getting the balance right can be heard. I've done a phone interview once, which was interesting. You just gotta make sure that everything you do and say won't be misquoted or manipulated.
"Final question: wth - why the hair?"
I just never thought I looked good with short hair. Not unless I lose weight. And I'm too lazy to even go for a trim. No kidding. Plus, it's been way too long. I've forgotten the last time I had a cut, but I think it would be at least three years.
Thanks/kudos go to Mozart for doing that with barely any notice. Should have a review for you guys on Thursday. Already got one possible idea...
Thanks/kudos go to Mozart for doing that with barely any notice. Should have a review for you guys on Thursday. Already got one possible idea...
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