Friends, lovers, or nothing

Ask me to Deal with a situation head on, then I do just that, and you avoid it? Rad.

I liked you. I still kind of do. But I can't do this distance thing.

Being friends is a lot easier right now.

Dont wait for me. I'm not waiting for you.

It's harsh, but I can't deal with this.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Eating the caribbean

Kind of pathetic. I had kabobs and rice for dinner tonight. What was the first thing I thought of when I saw the colorful stick of meat, fruit, and veggies?


Pirates 2.
I'm not addicted to these movies, I swear. It's just funny to look at something and invokes another memory or thought. Especially one as humorous as jack escaping from the Pelegostas and being shishkabobbed by two old ladies.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Mice(chat) Maze

Not totally sure how to start this off..

I have been a part of MiceChat since April of 2008. Started out as just a teen looking to talk Disney with other fans. Back then, just a mere 4 years ago it was a lot of fun. Very lighthearted chat about the parks, a lot of joking and just pure fun.

Now we step ahead to the present, and we're faced with a completely other beast. MiceChat is no longer fun. It's become a place where people find it fun to complain about anything the Disney company does. It's usually very absurd things like:
Recycling the King Triton statue? GREAT move. Thinking it's ONE CENTIMETER off from the railings in Paradise Park? BAD MOVE.

But users like Mr. Wiggins, Steve DeGaetano, and many more bring the site to a major low. Consistent negative bashing of the parks, and nothing ever positive of what is happening. I understand everyone has the right to their opinion and speech, but it's a lot better to contribute to a conversation with good wholesome chat, instead of complaining about the food in the park (don't like it? eat somewhere else!), or how the peoplemover needs to come back (excuse me, but don't you people have ECVs for a reason? That right there is a park-wide people mover).

To address an issue that a micechat columnist so wisely contacted me, or should I say call me out, about on twitter, so he didn't break MiceChat's rules:
Foamtards. Yes. I call people that. Why? Because they're idiots. Mad about anything Disney does, and wanting attractions back that aren't coming back any time soon. Some ask what 'foamtards' means...well it means that people complain for complaints sake, and aren't happy with anything anyone does, and hates anyone that proves their stupid theories wrong.


There are some positive lights on the site. Posters like Mycroft16. People like this get props because they know that the park is something that's a giant beast to operate, with many branches in many different areas. Things aren't always going to go smoothly, and things can and might change. If you understand that Disney isn't perfect, but strives their hardest to be the best they can, then you'll be able to fully enjoy the park.

As time as gone on, I have made some friends from the site, and gained insider's info on some things because of it. I thank MiceChat for giving me a boost with Disney, but now I'm going to back out because I can't handle the fact that people just don't get it anymore. Common sense is severely lacking, and even their 'lord and savior of the church of Walt', Al Lutz is whacked out. If there's no dramatic story, then there's no writing. At least that's their motive. I've got on accounts that, for the most part, things that go on inside WDI and Disney isn't what Al says. Sure he's got his sources, but everyone can be friends with a Tram Driver.

With all this being said, I'm taking a leave from MiceChat.

Well, I just downed my orange juice, and consumed my doughnut. I'm ready for the next step. Is everyone else ready? Oh-Kay. Let's get started, shall we?

Boy33 and MainStreetJake Present

A Boy 33 Production

33TO33 

(keep reading, the name will make sense…)

Hey everyone, it’s MainStreetJake. So, Boy33 has been testing your Disneyland knowledge (and for some of you, your Google ability) for quite some time now with his TRIVIA33TIME and TRIVIA(DLR)TIME tweets, but now it’s time to take it a step further. It’s time to mix your knowledge of Disney trivia with some good old fashioned scavenger hunting in Disneyland Resort (and even around your own home). 

Here’s how it’s gonna go down… A combination of Disneyland Resort trivia questions and Disneyland (and Disney) scavenger hunting opportunities will happen on twitter and will each have a related point value. The first twitter user to get to 33 points will get a reservation at Club 33. Hence, by getting 33(points) you will go TO (Club)33. Hence, 33TO33. If you needed that spelled out, you’re in trouble. 

And now, the detailed breakdown, given by the man behind the green door himself… 

Ok, there will be three types of ways to earn points. All will happen via my @boy33 twitter. So follow up and read it ALL:

• TRIVIA: Simply answer the question I ask. That’s it. First person to tweet reply the answer (including the #33TO33 tag) gets the point value for that question. The points will follow the question, and will vary. I’d love to say “No Google,” but I’m realistic. You guys would cheat anyway… Ha. 
• Example: “#33TO33 What is the species name of the DLR tree which has been home to the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse and now Tarzan? (3)”
• Answer: “@boy33 Disneyodendron semperflorens grandis! #33TO33”

• SCAVENGER HUNT: Now, first off, I wanted to be fair. Not everyone can make it to Disneyland at the drop of a Sorcerer Mickey hat. So there will be PARK SCAVENGER and HOME SCAVENGER: 

For PARK SCAVENGER, take a clear picture of yourself with whatever it is that the clue points you to, and say what it is. It’ll be something/somewhere in the Disneyland Resort. First person to tweet reply the answer with picture (including the #33TO33 tag) gets the point value for that question. The points will follow the question, and will vary. 

• Example: “#33TO33 Take a picture of you with the French-speaking Tiki Room bird host. (2)”
• Answer: “@boy33 PIERRE! twitpic.com/xyz123 #33TO33”

For HOME SCAVENGER, take a clear picture of you with something. Maybe it’s a specific Disney apparel piece. Maybe it’s a specific Disneyana item. Maybe it’s something SUPER obscure. Who knows?! First person to tweet reply the answer (including the #33TO33 tag) gets the point value for that question. The points will follow the question, and will vary. 

• Example: “#33TO33 Take a picture of yourself wearing a blue World of Color hoodie. (1)”
• Answer: “@boy33 Pic of me in blue WoC hoodie! twitpic.com/123xyz #33TO33”

• REVERSE SCAVENGER HUNT: I will tweet a picture of something, and your job is to tell me where the photo was taken. The more specific the better. Simple enough, right? Reminder: Be specific! First person to tweet reply the answer (including the #33TO33 tag) gets the point value for that question. The points will follow the question, and will vary.
• Example: “#33TO33 Where am I? http://twitpic.com/4s0s0y (1)”
• Answer: “@boy33 Upper queue of Jungle Cruise facing Aladdin’s Oasis! #33TO33”

PHOTOCARD: Included in the end of this post is a “#33TO33 Photocard.” Print it out and write your twitter account name into the blank at the bottom of the card. INCLUDE THIS CARD IN ALL SUBMITTED SCAVENGER PHOTOS! You’ll probably want to keep this in your wallet/purse. This is to thwart the Googlers. You know who you are!

“Currency:” For the purposes of this contest, "current" is defined as "since this question was published/tweeted." For example, if I ask for a pic of a CURRENT Fastpass for an attraction, it must be one printed after the question was asked. For example, if at 1:00pm on Thursday, I asked for a picture of a current Indiana Jones fastpass, one printed at 9:00 am on Thursday would not be acceptable. One printed on 9:00 am on Friday or even Saturday would be acceptable, since that would be after the question was asked (if nobody had already since sent me a correct answer of course.)

Yes, if you don’t have access to the Parks or you’re far away, the “PARK SCAVENGER” questions will be a little more difficult, or maybe even impossible, so you’ll just have to OWN the non-“park” elements of the game. But like I said, the photos and Photocard are the only way I can think of to thwart the Googlers. But who doesn’t love going to Disneyland anyway?! I could make super obscure trivia, but the almighty Google is just… too… powerful. I’ve tried. And plus, SUPER obscure trivia isn’t really fun for me and it isn’t really fun for you (most of you anyway… haha). 

Questions can come any time. Day or night. Be vigilant. There might (will) be days with no questions. There might be days with more than one. Questions do not “expire” until they are correctly responded to. I will have the official and final say on point awards. Whatever shows up in my Twitter feed first gets the point(s). Twitter’s fault or not.

I’ll be keeping track of points. But you should be keeping track of your own points too. I cant handle hundreds of “How many points do I have NOW?” requests. 

This nice meal could be yours! 

THE (NOT SO) FINE PRINT… READ IT ALL! 

The winner of 33TO33 will be able to choose a date for himself/herself to get a reservation to Club 33, plus up to 3 guests. I am not paying for your meal. I am not flying you to California. I am not providing anything else but a reservation to Club 33. You’re on your own for everything else. (Note: Once you factor in tax and tip, and any drinks you may wish to enjoy, it’s usually around $100 per person.) Also, you probably won’t meet me either. All I’m providing is a reservation to the winner.

The winner of 33TO33 will be required to abide by the Club 33 Dress Code, code of conduct and other rules, which will be discussed with the winner after the contest conclusion. This contest is absolutely free to enter, open to all, and is intended to be fun and adventurous. The only cost associated with this contest will be to the winner, who will pay for his/her party's meal at Club 33.   Hints or answers to contest questions cannot be bought, just like reservations to Club 33.  

While I certainly don't anticipate this happening, I reserve the right to cancel the contest in whole or in part at any time and for any reason. The making of a Club 33 reservation (prize) for the winner is at my sole discretion. The winner may not sell, barter, loan, or in any manner transfer their Club 33 reservation or seats at their table to anyone else.  THE ONLY COST OF GOING TO CLUB 33 shall be the meal check as presented by the waiter.  These and additional details will be discussed with the winner. 

Your first tweet-reply with the #33TO33 hashtag is your consent to follow the contest rules set forth above. 

Last but not least, good luck to everyone!

…and don’t forget to print your PHOTOCARD! 

…seriously. It’s right here. Print it. Keep it handy. 

33TO33

PHOTOCARD 

@_________________________________

Download this to print and cut out your 33TO33 PhotoCard
CLICK HERE FOR PHOTOCARD DOWNLOAD

Flying By At the Speed of Light

I really should be blogging more. I've been up to a lot, but I guess since I've been up to doing a lot, that leaves little time to actually post about it. So...here's a update, and I'll try to blog more frequently, because, y'know, people like reading this. I think.

New Car

Free Car? Check.

My aunt got a new car, and since I need a set of wheels for college, she gave me her car! All I have to do is keep my grades up and not get any tickets, and I can keep it. I love this thing already. It's a little beat up, but it's really rad. Plus it gets decent MPG.

The Princess and Her Castle

Imagination and Playtime? Check.

Knowing people really helps sometimes. We got Hannah a play set for her fourth birthday, and she's been outside playing on it nonstop now! We know the owners who distribute these, so we got an awesome deal on it.

RIO!

3D Birds? Blue Sky made a good movie!? Whaaa?

Finally broke down and went to see Rio. I must say, it's really good. I usually don't go to the movies to see a animated film outside Pixar because I don't feel it's worth my $10. BUT this one caught my eye, and I was getting nothing but positive reviews from friends. It was definitely worth it for me. I'd suggest seeing it.

Hannah's Birthday

We went out to Elephant Bar to celebrate Hannah's Fourth Birthday. She's so awesome. I'm blessed to have such an amazing little sister. I'm still amazed she's been with us for three years now. But I can't help but wonder what her birth mom is thinking every time this year. It's a sobering thought, really. 

College! 

I'm now officially signed up for Junior College, and am going to get my basics out of the way, then transfer to a UC or CSU school down south and possibly major in film, minor in communications, or even double major in both. Not totally sure yet. But what I AM sure about is that I'm two years away from getting out of Kern County. Here's to it going by faster than I expect. 

On Stranger Screenings

I'm three days away from getting into this really rad premiere! It's going to be an amazing time, and I can't wait to go. If you have a twitter account, follow me (click on the orange and blue twitter box on the right to go to my page) if you want a live tweet-cast from the red....er....black carpet. If not, then I'll try to post photos on here via my blogpress iPhone app. 

On top of all this, there's been some asking about relationships...and there's no girl on the scene right now. Still single. There, answer your question? Cool. 

Alright, I'm off to go to practice for my behind the wheel test. 

Hope you've enjoyed the speedy update of things. I promise to try to blog more. 

And if you liked this, or just want to be nice, please get the word out, share my site on your facebook, twitter, tumblr, and (for the three of you that still use it) Myspace. 

Scoring the Sounds of Pirates

Through the immense searching that be through the internet, I found ( I think it's German..) on Amazon.com the score for Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides. With the awesome talent of Hans Zimmer, AND the features of Rodrigo y Gabriela, this score is going to be fantastic. The latin duo is already one of my favorites, mixed with my favorite composer?! Yea, I'm stoked.

The Franchise's 4th installment of Caribbean orchestration isn't set to sell (heh, set...to...sell. Get it?) until May 17th, but thanks be to international websites, you can at least sample them via the german site.
So listen up me hearties.


Link: Pirates Sample Music

Constructing the Caribbean

You know, after being invited to go along to the Pirates Premiere, I was kind of in a dream about it. I knew I was going, but the reality hasn't sunk in until yesterday when the first photos of the screen and "theatre" seats started to be constructed in the park.

Now I'm really excited because eleven days from now, I'll be on the black carpet with other fans, celebrities, and the cast of the fourth Pirates installment. It's a very surreal feeling, I have to admit.

For those lurking with Twitter accounts, follow me if you want a live coverage of the events that night. I'll be tweeting as much as possible. (link to my page is on the right side of the page.)

I really can't wait for this experience, and I'm very lucky that a follower on twitter gave me an extra ticket. It's going to be a fun night with them, and with the overall event! 

Here Kitty Kitty

My family and I have a fun tradition every Earth Day. We go and see the new Disney Nature film that Disney releases every year. We saw Oceans last year, and this year we saw African Cats. A lot of my friends don't care to watch these documentaries, and I really don't get why. They're really fantastic films.

The thing is, they're not the typical documentary. They're stories. Especially African Cats. It's documenting the lives of Sita (an African cheetah) and her 5 babies, and two rivaling prides of Lions. The films don't drone on with facts about the cheetahs or lions, but instead explains what the cats are doing as they're doing it. Much like back in the day with Steve Irwin.

The film is very well shot, and it's impressive to just watch the raw speed and power those cats have. There was a shot that caught my eye and really displayed how amazing these cats really are. Sita was on the prowl for some food for her cubs, and as she spots a gazelle, she slowly walks her way through the brush, and the camera focuses on her shoulder blades. Some might not think anything of it, but as you watch her slender body's shoulders rise and fall, right before taking off full speed, it was a great display of showing the quiet, but powerful nature of the cheetah.

I really suggest this film. It's not your typical (boring) documentary, but actually an entertaining film that showcases two of the most powerful cats on earth. Plus hearing a lion roar on surround sound is pretty darn cool. 

Half the load, but all the character

Because I'm running out of slanted red bricks, and window pieces, I'm going to stop after three cars for the train. I may redesign the last one to work as the tail end, giving a nod to the original 3-car monorails.



I plan to get the two stations (monorail and nemo) done tonight, but that's if I decide not to watch my shows tonight, ontop of last nights modern family.

Stay tuned from the man cave's brick construction site!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Constructing the block highway in the sky.

I started working on a new project tonight. Decided to create Disney Lego models, and I started simple. The tomorrowland monorail station, and memo bay. Here's a few pics of what I have done so far.






- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Sneaky girl

Hannah loves trying to sneak her Leapster Explorer in her bed. Especially when she knows she's supposed to be sleeping. I finally caught her in the act, and got it on video! Enjoy. :)

> Jake

Referral Day: Three Years Later

Three years ago today, we got the first photos of my sister. We were in town, and got the call that we had our (what agencies call) 'match'. We rushed over to my dad's office, and crowded around his computer to get the first look of our newest family member. This is one of the first glimpses we had.

SUCH A CUTIE.

And now, three years later, I've got one of the coolest sisters any brother can have. Sure, she gets on my nerves at times, but what 3, almost 4 year old doesn't do that? She's always saying something that gets me to laugh, and she's crazy smart for her age. Just the other day I was driving to town, and she was in the backseat. I had my iPhone playing music on shuffle, and Michael Buble's song 'Haven't Met You Yet' comes on. Before he started singing, she had already said the song title, and followed up with "JAKE! This is Michael Buble! I love Michael Buble!". What three year old does this?!

Watching one of her favorite movies (Karate Kid)

It's crazy to think she's only been with us three years. I can remember life without her, but I don't really want to. The past three years have been SO awesome, and I can't wait for the rest of time to pass as she grows up. Mom doesn't like talking about it, but I really can't wait for her to get to high school age and hearing stories of what petty drama she has to deal with (like any teenage girl does), and I can have fun scaring her boyfriends off too!

Time is on our side, and I can't wait to see my little Nan grow up. Happy Referral Day Sis!

No Comment.

Just asking anyone else..have you had a interesting time trying to view your comments on statuses, or other statuses on either the Facebook website, or mobile? I woke up this morning and checked my page like I normally do, and I saw the comments from last night.

I get to work, and then get a notification that someone commented on my status about how I needed my morning coffee. I try to see what they say and...



nothing.


My status was there. But no comments. As a techie, and just a normal user of the site, it can get frustrating not seeing what people are saying back! I guess the addiction in the movie is just as evident in reality.

Has anything similar happened to you on Facebook lately? Leave a comment and let me know!

> Jake

Buying From The Hangout

Started something new on here. As a young guy trying to just make a bit of side cash to save up for college books, tuition and the sorts, I started to team up with Amazon to do the Amazon Associates Program. If you buy something from my site that I link, I get 15% because of the 'referral' so to speak. So consider this a middleman between Amazon and you. If you see something I talk about on here, and want to buy it, please go through here, and help me out a little. I'd really appreciate it. :)


First up, TRON: Legacy. If you haven't gotten this yet, get it NOW. Great film, and totally worth it to add to that Blu-Ray Collection.

The Crayola Way of Asking Someone to Prom

Some might wonder what I'm getting at with a post title of 'The Crayola Way of Asking Her to Prom', so I'll explain. by Crayola Prom, I mean GET CREATIVE! There's already a lot of really cool ideas that I've seen, but I've thought of a couple that people can use if they want. I know it's that time of year where kids spend hundreds and thousands of dollars to get the dress no other girl is going to wear, and the shoes no other guy is going to dance in. Limos, after-prom parties. Exquisite dinners at the local italian eatery. All as a way of celebrating one last time together by coming on the dance floor with all your friends and dancing the warm spring nights away before heading off to summer.

A lot of the older crowd doesn't get why we do this, but kids that read this understand it. As of lately, it's become almost an underlying competition between kids, and even the kids who are already dating someone to see who can come up with the most creative ways of asking the girls (or those brave enough, the girls asking the guys) to the spring dance. It's just a fun way of finding a creative way of asking. And I can't disagree with that, since it's a way kids can actually get creative and get their minds thinking (seeing that the lame government likes to cut music and art programs, and leave science and math. but that's saved for later..).

A few ideas I've had about asking a girl to prom are as followed. Feel free to use these ideas if you want, but all I ask is you let me know which one you're using, AND then after you ask, send me a letter on how it went, and I'll blog all the stories!

Starbucks: Call up the girl you want to ask, ask her to meet you at a Starbucks. Ask her for her drink order before she arrives, and order her drink. Upon ordering, you ask the Barista to write in each of the boxes on the side of the cup "PROM?"As she shows up, hand her the cup, ask her if you got it right (by asking her to check the side to see if it's exact), she'll notice, and then go from there.

For those who have a video announcement system at their school: Talk to the teacher, and the class (girls in the class would more than likely love to help out, unless one has a grudge against the girl), and try to set it up in the announcements. Something like "And in breaking, in studio news, *insert guy/girls' name here* has just been asked to Prom by *insert your name here*! Then get the camera to pan over, or cut to you off stage, with a sign and flowers (flowers optional) asking her to prom. To make it better, find a friend in his/her class period the announcements are in, and get them to film their reaction. Then make a youtube video about it later.

Get cultural! - Go out to Panda Express, and find a way to slip in a small piece of paper that asks her to prom in her fortune cookie. Simple, and really cute. Heck, I'd like to be asked by a girl like this. But with my luck, I'd just eat the paper along with the cookie.

Break out the legos: build a sign out of the plastic colored bricks and set it on her door step before she leaves for school. You'll obviously be there when you set it. But hide at first to make him/her wonder who left it there.


Those are some of the ideas I've got for now, but if you do use one of the ideas, PLEASE write me an e-mail back, and I'll post your story here on the blog!