fripodding and letting go: “let go” dewayne woods

Posted on May 1, 2009 by t. sterling — 1 Comment

Today’s friPodding song is a gospel song. It’s actually rather personal to me since I made my connection to it around the time I was on my rollercoaster days this week.

The song itself was presented to me by my church’s choir director, who also happens to be my mother. She requested this be my next song for me to lead the choir in. At first, I was apprehensive, I’ll admit. It’s a beautiful song and all, but of the songs I sing, there’s some kind of emotional connection I have to it that helps me give it that spiritual feeling to sing it. And, well, I just wasn’t feeling this one.

Not until last night when I managed to make it to choir rehearsal. (I’m in my Spanish classes at the time, which disables me from making it to rehearsals.) But at this point, I was feeling a little on the low side. My mother asked me again if I’d lead the song, I declined, so she took over.

However, while the song played, I started to connect to just about every single line. Then we started to sing it, and I thought by dodging the solo parts, I would be okay. Wrong. Even the chorus started tugging at my heart strings.

That’s right folks, as happy-go-lucky as I like to pretend to be, I was feeling rather emotional. But this song helped pull me through. And I don’t make it secret that I’m a Christian either, so I know God was definitely in the mix for making this song mean something for me.

But I kid you not; this song was torture to get through without having a breakdown. An hour-long torture. I’m not necessarily ashamed to cry in front of my church family, but there’s a pseudo-reputation I like to maintain, you know? And I knew if I led the song that night feeling how I was feeling, the entire choir would’ve been in tears right along with me. For all I know, the very same thing could happen whenever we sing it on Sunday for the first time. The same thing happened when my mom first sang the song All The Way. (This is not the actual song, it’s a piano tutorial but you’ll hear the melody at the beginning. I couldn’t find the real song on YouTube, but it’s by Carlton Pearson if you’re interested.)

So enough babble from me about the song, let’s actually hear it now. It’s called Let Go by DeWayne Woods. I’m not very familiar with his work, but my mom could imagine me singing this song. And after the week I’ve been through, I have a reason to sing it.

The song, as the title suggest, is about letting go of whatever problems or issues you are struggling with and let God take care of it. The singer looks back on his past and realizes, “Hey, God got me out of some tough spots. Why am I concerned now? He’ll do it again.” Well, something like that.

I personally don’t care for the music video, but that’s my opinion. The song itself is the focus today, so enjoy what you hear.

Tagged with: choir, christian, church, dewayne woods, friday, fripod, gospel, ipod, let go, music, singing, t. sterling
Posted in friday, fripodding, ipod, music

ants dance

Posted on April 30, 2009 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

One purpose for this entry is just for the title alone. Let’s stop and admire it for a moment. Ants. Dance.

And yes, there’s a greater purpose for my phrase “Ants Dance” and unfortunately, I must regret that this isn’t the newest dance craze I have created. Actually, it could be. I already created a dance I call “The Step” that consists of leaning back, extending a foot (doesn’t matter, left or right) and move it back and forth. To add the Ants Dance part to it, perhaps it’d be easier to image this dance if you pretend the dancer is stepping on various ants left to right.

I know if I made a YouTube video, it would make it a lot easier to understand, but no.

And no, that’s not the greater purpose of naming this the Ants Dance. What I really mean is that this is the season the ants have returned, entering my home illegally. I do not approve. More specifically, Mother-ma does not approve. She complains to Father-pa that these creepy crawlies must be destroyed immediately. I do agree. I don’t want them in my room where my snacks are stored. I’m not terribly creeped out by them. And in some instances, depending on my lazy level, I may not even end their life. Sometimes. I usually only attack ants and other bugs to protect my mother, and to protect them from her wrath.

I’m sure ants activists, which might be a division of PETA, might say this is cruelty. Or even bring of religion, saying “You call yourself a Christian and you are killing God’s creatures?” Such a Christian might contend that it wasn’t written that thou shalt not squish. Even if it is in there, my mother would make an exception to the rule as long as such a creature is not in her house.

There’s also the argument question, “What if that happened to you? How would you feel?” Nothing, assuming I’d be dead upon the initial squishing. So I wouldn’t have time to protest or even care.

So if ants are dancing in your kitchen, or anywhere inside, take the proper precautions.

Don’t leave food out/uncovered.
Clean up sugar granules, crumbs, sauce, or anything delicious.
Buy pesticides.
Use the pesticide (this is for lazy people or those who easily forget).
Invest in curious pets like dogs or cats that may eat them while you aren’t looking.
Supply a can of bug spray in every room.
If you are pro-life, supply a jar in every room. Have fun collecting.

I’m sure you can think of other options to do what you must do. For me, the Ants Dance is appropriate while standing or I just grab a tissue or heavy object to enact certain doom for the unfortunate insect.

Tagged with: ants, bugs, dance, dancing, insects, pests, tips
Posted in tips, wisdom

it’s rollercoaster day!

Posted on April 29, 2009 by t. sterling — 1 Comment

So what’s a rollercoaster day? I’ll tell you.

Have you ever heard people use the term “emotional rollercoaster”? As in: “Lately, Benny has been on an emotional rollercoaster.” It’s just a fun phrase to explain that whatever’s been going on with Benny lately, isn’t exactly normal and has been playing on his emotions. He’s up, down, euphoric, worried, enraged, content, etc. Unless of course, this is how Benny usually is, obviously it’s not if someone is making that statement.

But most people I know are usually one mood or another, or has a range of moods throughout the day that’s consistent. They are not necessarily going through the confusion loop and are speeding down to pure joy, or creeping up to the depression drop. Yeah, it’s kinda odd actually to think about rollercoasters in comparison to emotions. Most people enjoy when the ride goes a thousand miles per hour towards the ground (as long as the ride isn’t broken). And going up? Not as much fun. Anxious, really. For me it is. I can’t say I’m a huge fan of those rides at theme parks. Two to three is my limit. You can ask my stomach why.

So for me, without getting into details, today has been a rollercoaster day. I don’t believe in saying I have bad days, even when everything has gone wrong or is turning evil. If anything, I’d like to say it’s “interesting.” That usually begs for clarification, which is why I had avoided the word “bad” because I didn’t feel like getting asked why. For the sake of argument, I’ve had a couple ups, a couple downs and probably a loop or two thrown in. I know I started the morning feeling a bit on the sick side… so maybe my rollercoaster day is in reverse and everything will slow down to normality as the day grows old.

I believe if you tell people you’re having a rollercoaster day, perhaps they will get the picture. It might throw them off even more if you say it with an excited smile. They really might think you are going on a coaster. Or you might be going somewhere different altogether.

As for me, I know everything will be okay. I’ll be getting off the ride soon and I can get myself together. Eventually I’ll need to escape from myself so I can write about the events and turn it into my next big hit screenplay, or poem… whichever comes first. Or maybe I’ll just watch a movie about people having their own rollercoaster days. Friday could be considered as such. Or maybe Clerks. I don’t own that one though.

To anyone else having a rollercoaster day, or recognize that you are in one, just remember:

The ride has to end sometime.

(Hmm… that metaphor sounds a little deeper and depressed than I intended. How about:)

You’re not on this ride alone.

(Yeah, that sounds better. No sad endings here. This ain’t a Lifetime movie.)

Tagged with: crazy day, emotions, feelings, rollercoaster, t. sterling
Posted in rant, wisdom, writing

eating breakfast like a champion

Posted on April 27, 2009 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

Ever since I was wee, I had always been told “eat your Wheaties” because its the breakfasts champions eat. Or they’d ask if I ate my Wheaties that morning if I was running a little slow and appeared unresponsive. You know, knuckles dragging on the floor, blood shot eyes, quiet mumbles–non-championesque traits. Sure, it was a popular spin-off slogan of a popular cereal thanks to a popular basketball player (and other sporting greats), but all of that didn’t make me enjoy it, much less make me feel like a champion. I’d like to think champions ate something delicious before they did something championship-like, not getting down with a bowl of dried up crispy wood chips. Unless of course they are into that kind of thing.

I’m more inclined to eat like an Olympian. How about a Michael Phelps breakfast? This is prior to the… um… recent incident. But that guy had 16 square meals a day and still kept his amazing aquatic figure! Yes, give me that please. No, I don’t swim, but that’s what I want to eat.

Also, I don’t want to eat so much I become extremely sleepy. I won’t be able to do any work. This is why I no longer go to a buffet during lunch. Well, not everyday. But those lunch prices compared to the dinner prices are so tempting. Just as long as they don’t catch me with my Zip-Loc baggies, I’ll be all set.

If a quick energy burst is the problem, how do champions handle that? Gatorade, energy drinks and coffee belong in their own category I’d have to discuss another day. But how about those PowerBars? Not for me. I don’t enjoy dirt and leaves mashed together from a dried up paste fortified with who-knows-what. I can barely tolerate oatmeal. But there’s a different reason why oatmeal and I don’t get along that, like caffeine, deserves it’s own commentary.

So what does this champion like to dine on? I vote for just about anything you can find at your local IHOP or 24 hour diner: scrambled eggs, pancakes, French toast, waffles and bacon. But of course, one of the many benefits of working at home is never leaving your home. So it’s essential to have these items continuously stocked in your kitchen so you don’t need to leave unless there’s a legitimate reason for doing so (and there really isn’t, it’s dangerous out there). I also recommend making a friend with someone who works at IHOP so you can get (possibly free) deliveries.

Also be sure to have a menu of menus for pizza and other delivery food services. Build an excellent rapport with them and you’ll be set for life (tip them well because you have to pay for gas one way or another).

Tagged with: bacon, breakfast, caffeine, cereal, champion, coffee, eating, eggs, food, IHOP, pancakes, t. sterling
Posted in bacon, breakfast, cereal, eggs, energy, food, IHOP, tips

“slumdog millionaire” review

Posted on April 25, 2009 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

Truth be told, this review wasn’t originally written for this blog. But why not post it anyway, ya know? And take it from me, whether I posted this while it was on the top 5 box office hits, or a couple years from now when the heat and popularity of this film has died down (except for the actors in them), this still would’ve read the same way. Meaning–I watch new and old movies all the time. Sometimes I find the “classic” gems decades after they were discovered, and sometimes I’m at the midnight showing of the next big thing. And then I go on to tell you why I think it was or wasn’t something worth spending time (and money) on. Everyone has opinions, why not check out an unbiased one? (That means I don’t get paid… yet.) So on with the review!

I’m sure you heard about the movie and all it’s hype about how wonderful it is. The feel goodery of the year! Well, I’m here to tell you, in my honest opinion, it’s true and deserved. This movie is worth all the publicity it has been receiving this past award season. And it’s appropriately titled! The underdog Slumdog Millionaire took home millions, indeed. Probably close to billions now. I’d check, but that requires fact-checking that I don’t feel like verifying right now (even though for my real job, that’s what I get paid to do).

So what’s so great about this flick that seemed to come out of nowhere (which is how some people view independent and/or foreign films) and took over box offices, swept award shows, and won over the hearts of critics everywhere? Possibly everything. It’s a story about a poor, uneducated young man from the slums of India who managed to get on the most popular game show in the world. Not only that… but he’s managed to climb to the top, where scholars and learned men before have failed. How has he done this? Did he cheat? Is he psychic? Is it an elaborate dream? Where was he the night of the 23rd? The local law enforcement wants to know! I’m sure you do too if you’ve picked up this movie wondering the same thing.

This film follows the non-linear format–jumping from present, to different points in his past, back to the present, past, back to the future, and everywhere in between until it gets to the very last question. Time stops for a little while for a couple reasons that I rather not say for spoiler’s sake… but it’s nice. The story is considered to be that of a love story as our hero, Jamal, tries desperate to find the girl of his destiny, Latika, who keeps slipping away. Does he find her? Does he ever confess his love for her? Does she love him like he loves her? Does she have a thing for yellow? The local law enforcement doesn’t ask him these questions.

Overall, I loved the story and the way it was told. I recommend applying the subtitles/closed captions if you have a hard time with strong accents. The majority is in English, and when they speak Hindi, subtitles are provided, but in tiny letters (depending on how far away from the screen you are, and the size of said screen). It’s rated R, mostly for some language and violence. It’s okay for kids as long as some parental figure is around for the younger ones for possible inevitable “why did he do that to him/her?” questions. The dance and title sequence at the end is a great cake icing for this colorful movie. For me, this movie is worth adding to my collection, but as always, I recommend renting first. Unfortunately, the copy I had did not contain special features other than trailers to movies I did not like. I’d complain to my renting agency, but that falls in the category of fact-checking and other things I don’t feel like doing today.

Tagged with: movies, review, slumdog millionaire, t. sterling
Posted in movie, review

fripodding and enlightening: the “stuff you should know” podcasts

Posted on April 24, 2009 by t. sterling — 2 Comments

iSaac and I adding new and interesting podcasts once a month or so. It started with The Onion News, then NPR’s Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me, then Obama’s Weekly radio address (which sometimes ended up being a recent speech or something rather than his usual “I’m talking to you” five minute this-is-what’s-going-on recording, all of which are very informal).

I happened to be at the iTunes store Tuesday night and picked up a How Stuff Works podcast called Stuff You Should Know. I will admit I’ve spent countless hours wasting time learning about things that may or may not be relevant what I should be doing at the time of my “research.” I’m talking about Wikipedia of course and all of its glorious truthiness. Unfortunately, at work, security won’t allow pictures, among other things (like access to the Indoob). Bummer. Nevertheless, knowledge is power and I intend to take over the world. [Evil laughter]

But I do have access to How Stuff Works’ website, and every so often I’m learning about those things as well. But back to the podcasts: I recommend subscribing. I also recommend going back through past episodes to pick up some interesting facts about… well… everything. Chuck and Josh are great, entertaining and informative hosts. They are actual humans with opinions. What do I mean by that? Well they trashed Michael Bay and his movie Armageddon. I forget which episode that was in; I think it was the 2012 episode. Anyway, I like their style and how they play off of each other. Why I also recommend picking up previous episodes is because they make frequent callbacks to those episodes and their blog, which they plug every opportunity they can get.

Case in point, a past episode I’m listening to now (and I’m highly enjoying) is about how to launder money. It’s titled “How Money Laundering Works.” It’s something I always had a hard time understanding, but they break it down so nicely with many examples and historic facts. Smurfing, anyone? Either coincidentally or purposefully, the episode before this was about the Ponzi scheme. And apparently, some weeks prior was about moonshine. They actually mentioned that one a couple times. I haven’t gone back to listen to that one yet, but I’ve enjoyed most of all that I’ve heard so far. However, they managed to tie all three ideas together to make mass amounts of illegal money. Not that they are encouraging this… they are just saying… why not?

The nice thing about these podcasts is that they are free. I like free. A lot of consumers do. They typically range from 20-25 minutes… so for Connecticut folk, that’s a trip from Middletown to downtown Hartford, especially during rush hour. And it’s painless learning. And they give back to the fans, which means reading listener mail and poems. Again, these often relate to the previous podcasts. So with that, go forth and learn stuff you should know.

I really can’t wait to start podcasting of my own.

Tagged with: educational, friday, fripod, how stuff works, itunes, learning, podcast, t. sterling
Posted in fripodding, ipod

a lost weekend

Posted on April 22, 2009 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

Over the past weekend, when I wasn’t outside being attacked by pollen while enjoying good old-fashioned daylight and mild temperatures, I had locked myself away in my room watching Lost season 3 online. My cinephile friend and I have been getting lost in this show for the past couple months, having discussions after certain episodes or complete seasons. Call it a chat session. We discuss characters, plots, the back stories and of course the delicious eye candies on screen.

When I needed a break from the island, I popped in a DVD. Intolerable Cruelty was the next movie from Netflix that was crying out to be played. And I’m glad I did. I forget where I read about it being compared to His Girl Friday but I must agree to those comparisons. The battle of the sexes, the quick witty banter, the inevitable you-know-what’s-going-to-happen ending. Can’t go wrong. I enjoyed it and got a few good laughs out of it too. I should start getting affiliated with all these links. Times are hard and I could use an extra quarter.

Later on in the night, while foraging for food in the kitchen, I was struck with a thought like I usually do at such hours doing such activities. Perhaps it was more of a stroke of inspiration. Basically it got me back up to my room and just typing out two pages of what would be the beginning of a short film. But it all started with something I thought about posting on Twitter, as I counted how many characters it would take to tweet it: Do you ever get the feeling that love is right around the corner? (65.) Actually, my original tweet would’ve been a bit longer. You know, with my personal brand of sarcasm, cynicism, t. sterlingism.

I don’t particularly think a good story or script can be based on a single line. But then again, maybe it can. I don’t think it’s wise to build a story based on a single interesting or humorous line I thought of or heard, but I’m sure it can be done. Usually my ideas are based on a random event I heard on the news or in idle conversation or just a spark of my imagination running wild. Don’t be surprised if you hear about a movie that involves 10,000 or so eggs being stolen from a farm. Why would anyone do that? I haven’t thought of that yet but it happened in real life.

So this little script I started is definitely in its crudest form. I’m not even entertaining the thought of posting an excerpt. Then again, how can I? It’s only two pages right now.

So what does this have to do with Lost? Nothing really. It’s just one of the many things I did this weekend that I list on my creative side. But I’ll make a connection: character development and intriguing back stories. I’m practicing building fantastic characters and plots. I wish that was a job. To just come up with characters and plots and let others write the scripts with my supervision. Is that where story credits come in? That’d be nice.

Story and Directed by

t. sterling watson

Oh wait, and a “Created by” credit would rock too. Dream big. Yes, yes y’all.

Tagged with: Lost, movies, netflix, scripts, storytelling, t. sterling, writing
Posted in love, movie, netflix, scripts, storytelling, weekend, writing

iced coffee day

Posted on April 21, 2009 by t. sterling — 1 Comment

Dunkin Donuts had an Iced Coffee Day today, where, for a limited time only, you can get a small cup of iced coffee for fifty cents. Here in Connecticut, that means $0.53! That’s our lovely sales tax hard at work. Plus I think this “sale” is for those who are down thanks to the economy. Or those that just don’t have a lot of money, like me.

My dad enjoys being a pain and thought he should be able to get a regular hot coffee and ask them to add ice, and that should qualify as the same thing. While he has said this the night before and again later today, it didn’t dawn upon me to contend that what he would be ordering is not iced coffee, but coffee with ice. Is there a difference? Yes. Iced coffee is intentionally made to be mixed with ice (brewed twice and then chilled). I had the recipe, but lost it. Shame on me, I know. What my old man wants is the hot coffee with a couple cubes of ice thrown in which essentially just adding about an ounce of water. Not the same whatsoever.

Pick your battles wisely. And also, if they make your iced coffee wrong… why complain? It’s only fifty cents. Normally, around here anyway, it comes out to an even $2. And if you drink iced coffee as often as I do, those two bucks add up quickly. This is why I have a $20 coffee allowance a week. I don’t normally use it up, but I do have a coffee fiend. I’m sorry, I meant friend. Those silly R’s.

I had a homemade cup of regular hot coffee this morning to help me get started. It wasn’t the greatest coffee I had. It never is each time I use the vanilla-caramel cream I bought. It sounded good and I wanted to try it. I wish they make those newer flavors in smaller bottles to try them first. And I don’t believe in wasting money, so I must drink it all until it is gone. So I normally drink a little too quickly for my own good, and I have no one else to blame but myself for speaking too fast and shaking violently. Oh yeah, that happens if I’ve had two cups of coffee in one sitting. I had a few hours to burn off before I went out to get my two quarters cup of sweet, extra light with two pumps of the caramel swirl syrup iced caffeine beverage.

So it may be too late to run out and get your almost free cup of iced coffee, but just keep an eye out for it to return again. And not that I really need to say it (because of DD monopoly in Connecticutalone), but I strongly prefer Dunkin Donuts coffee versus Starbucks. Who’s with me? And did you get your cup?

Posted in coffee, dunkin donuts

fripodding and carwashing: “car wash” – rose royce

Posted on April 17, 2009 by t. sterling — Leave a comment

Today’s friPod special will be short and sweet, due to the ridiculously nice weather outside, and my laziness for not writing this entry earlier. Plus I have my usual friDay lunch date I never like to be late for because the blood thirsty dragons eat my food when I’m not there. But, that’s another story.

I picked this song for Sam, my car, whom I thought I’d be trading in this weekend. Heck, the weekend isn’t over yet… but there is more bird fecal matter than I’d like to see and probably in places I’m not even aware of. So perhaps a proper bath is in order as Sam and I continue to ride out together. At least before it gets cold again. Let me just throw in… the economy sucks.

But let’s talk about the song Car Wash! And yes, it is a popular movie from back in the 70’s. I’ve seen it once way back when I was a wee movie watcher. Of course, at that age, I didn’t really know what I was watching. I just laughed when everyone else did. But I was aware of the song way before I knew about the movie.

What’s great about the song is it makes working at a car wash sound like it’s the best job ever. But when you go to a car wash, do you ever see these happy excited people? Do you even hear the song being played? Probably not. But no worries, it’s still a fun song and I’d probably play it if I were washing my own car at home. Certainly I could do that today, but I’d rather spend time being dry. Don’t call me a party pooper, I just have different standards of fun.

And don’t let my feelings on staying dry keep you from wanting to party down while washing your car (or getting you car washed) and you want a little splish splash too. Totally a funky song for the funky times back then. I also know this because it was a track on my Pure Funkalbum. Remember those commercials? I’d YouTube it for you… but like I said, this is supposed to be short.

Tagged with: car, car wash, friday, fripod, funk, ipod, t. sterling
Posted in car, fripodding, ipod, music, weekend

sam goes to that big junkyard in the sky

Posted on April 16, 2009 by t. sterling — 2 Comments

It happens to everybody’s car someday. Well, unless you are Jay Leno, Bruce Wayne or the owner of a James Bond museum, your car will have to possibly be destroyed. Perhaps “destroyed” is a bit too harsh. Let’s try, “let go.” And by let go, I mean, letting all of its parts go to separate places or junkyards.

That’s what I think will happen to Sam. I’m not sure. And as insensitive as it seems, I could care less. I’m surely grateful for all the journeys we’ve had together, and I thank God even today that it’s lasted me this long. But I and Sam both knew it wouldn’t last forever since God does indoob have something better in store for me.

As many (or few) of you have noticed, the poll is gone already. Don’t worry about the results, no one voted. I’m still working on building the traffic back up since I moved. I rather not say what Sam’s replacement will be at this time. I’m not going for the surprise effect; it’s just that I’m unsure at this point. I am 90% sure what I want but I’m not 100% sure that’s what I’ll get. But rest assured I will get something. So I won’t say much about what the new vehicle is until I’ve got keys. Perhaps this will be the first picture posted at this new location? We’ll see. I’ll also need to think of a name.

As for Sam, we will say our good byes and take our last ride. I doubt we’ll travel anywhere far. I’ve purposely been avoiding taking long trips with it. I know Sam can handle it, but there’s something about pushing your luck and I’ve had too many scares already. I rather not take my chances.

Again, I can’t clearly explain what Sam’s defect is other than being somewhat defective some time after I bought it. Apparently I happened to get the only Altima that had problems, from no heat to head gasket issues to the missing bumper. Okay, the bumper was my fault…

I got into a bit of an accident two months after getting car. Then for about a year or so, the bumper (which was half off the hinges and held together by yarn, twine, and eventually a strong piece of plastic) flew off while I was cruising down the highway. And when I mean “flew”, I mean airborne. I saw my former bumper in my rear view mirror flying high in the sky. At the time, I thought I lost a tire. On my trip, I saw many ominous signs and discarded busted tires on the side of the road. My tires were balding at that point too, so naturally I thought “Oh no, my tire!” But I didn’t find out it wasn’t my tire that was missing until after I reached my destination, which was less than a mile away at the time (which is why I didn’t pull over… especially since I was in the fast lane).

I’m terrified to think what happened to it and who it might’ve hit if it hit anyone. I guess nothing happened, nothing I could tell anyway, since I hopped a ride with someone and drove the opposite direction and didn’t see any 10-car pile-ups. I thought I saw a car on the side of the road with a larger bumperish looking thing lodged underneath… but that could’ve been my imagination since we were driving to fast to really detail it.

So if Sam ends up in car heaven, it should be reunited with its hindquarters. It should also ride smoothly and quietly, and be able blow both hot and cold air. The various dents brought on by many dark and sometimes super cold night at the Mart’s parking lots will be gone. The mysterious crack in the windshield from who knows where will also vanish. And the disappearance of the backing piece to the passenger side mirror will be restored.

Sam, you’ve been a great car. You probably won’t rest in peace, but may you rest in pieces. I think cars are automatically “organ donors” when they die, right?