Good morning everybody, not really sure why I'm sitting here writing this today, but I figure that in order to get a habit going you need to have repetition in order to make it stick. Well, this probably isn't going to be super long today for the primary reason that I'm tired for one, and for the other reason that, I'm not really sure what to write about. Sure I could go off on what's on my mind today, but this isn't LiveJournal so that's just not gonna fly with me.
AH! I know, as some of you may or may not know, my job is the envy of every straight man in America. I'm a DJ currently for a strip club here in boise and have been working there for the last year. Firstoff, let me tell you that my job isn't tits and ass all night long, well ok maybe it is, but you know after a few months of seeing the girls every night you get bored of it. Some of you reading may be thinking "Oh, I'd never get bored with a job like that!" or "My god man what's wrong with you? you have the coolest job ever!" Honestly, those are probably the two comments I get the most when talking about my profession. I'm serious when I tell you that it gets boring, boy does it when all you do is sit up there in teh booth, every night playing a couple songs then talking on the microphone for a few seconds while the girl on stage clears off the money before the next in the rotation comes on. Wash, Rinse, Repeat. That's all it really is, it never changes, never has something new, and if you count new girls in from time to time you can't really get all that excited about it, reason being is a thing called "stripperitis". Now, Stripperitis, as it's called, is a derivative term meaning that a stripper thinks that she is all that and is gods gift to single or married, pitiful, lonely guys who spend their nights throwing money at a girl they can't ever touch. She doesn't listen to anyone, refuses to anything if SHE doesn't want to, or only listens to the same lineup of songs every night without faltering.
Being a DJ for as many years as I have been, I don't stand for that. It's my job to make sure that the regular customers hear new music, and that I personally don't fall into a monotonous routine of: play, talk, play, talk, play, talk etc. I hate keeping things the way they are, everything can be improved upon. Which is what I've been telling my management this entire year in trying to get us new equipment, however, this is not to be. I've been making 35 dollars a night for the last year, a WHOLE YEAR and I'm never going to get a raise, I know this for a fact, and it's been confirmed by not only my manager, but the other employees who've been there longer and are still making the same pay. Working in a strip club may seem glamorous and all that, which since I don't believe in blanket statements, it very well may be in some cities and clubs, I can only talk about my own personal experiences and give my feedback on that.
Now, I'm not complaining all that much, I mean, the pay has it's up and downs, some nights are better than others and all that. What really takes the cake in my job though, is that the Senior DJ knows absolutely nothing about DJing in the first place. At work in the club, I'm not a DJ I'm an MC, there is a difference. I don't wanna explain it here so if you're curious go to Wikipedia and look it up. I'm tired so there. On almost a weekly basis, I have to manually refit the amps, since there's a short in both of them and I cant get the funds together and the clearance to go get new ones. I'll be damned if I use my own money in that place because I'll never get it back. It honestly wouldn't bother me so much if the Senior DJ knew more than I did about it. It's almost every week that he's either calling or texting, asking me how to fix things, so that gets tiresome.
k I'm dragging this out I know, my work hours keep me on a weird schedule so I'm usually up until 8am or so in the morning. So I'll end today with this: Next time you're at a strip club, and the DJ is doing at least a halfway decent job of trying to amp people up and get them into it. Don't just stare slack-jawed at him like he's an idiot, we try our best no matter the circumstances to at least make it as enjoyable for everyone no matter the venue. Throw a couple bucks in his tipjar for at least making the effort, trust me on this, it doesn't go unnoticed and you definitely have our thanks.
So next time you think I have the coolest job in the world, and the envy of every straight male out there. Think about the stress that I have to go through every night: drama, girls complaining and thinking they're at the best they're gonna get, rude customers, terrible bosses, no raises, crap pay, same thing every night without change. At least they let me have my laptop so I can use my own music sometimes, so there's a bonus. That and I have the absolute best in job security. I'm the only gay employee in a straight strip-club, so there's that. I'm gonna laugh my ass off the day one of the girls tries to get me fired saying that i slept with them or something like that, and you know I think everyone involved will to because they know better after a year of working with me *chuckles*
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
I Must be Crazy
2 blogs in one day? Well that's not too radical sadly, especially since that first post was mainly my point of view after admitting the whole furry bit. You didn't come here to read my blog to just hear me spout off about furries and the like, I promised technical stuff and that's what I'm going to give you.
So, for the last few months I have been playing around extensively with the Motorola Droid X, and while I admit it has it's drawbacks, overall it's a great device. From the open-source coding to the absolute customization points of the machine, there isn't a lot you can't accomplish with this cellphone. Frankly I remember the green screen days of old Nokia's where you couldn't even text, but boy could you blow out your keypad playing hour after hour of Snake. Nowadays We have devices tied directly into our lives online, Email, Facebook, Myspace (for those of you who still use that) Instant Messengers, games, thousands of applications, oh yeah and the phone, that's the important part. Do I recommend a smartphone for the average user who primarily makes calls and texts occasionally? Well for the extra 30 dollars a month it costs you for hte data plans, No I do not. If you're like me however, and you find yourself trying to remember when you're not in front of a computer screen doing one thing or another, I've found my phone to be absolutely essential. From Broadcasting it's own wireless signal to taking over my messengers to free up crucial megs of Ram while I run music and high data loads from my laptop, it's become attached to my hip. Currently I'm running Tranquility 3.0 as a custom ROM coupled with the Gala X 1.6 theme downloaded form Rom manager.
If you're just tuning in, have been hiding under a rock, or have had questions about this device I hopefully will be able to shed some light on any concerns and issues you may have with this device. For instance, you have the device and keep hearing the word "Root" thrown around. Basically, "Rooting" is giving yourself Administrator privileges over your phone. Since the Android OS is run from an UBUNTU build of Linux (or a similar build if I'm not correct on that) once you figure out what you want to do, it's actually pretty easy to get there or rebuild what you want. There are a few awesome threads on DroidLife and XDA-Developers that I'll be linking at the end of this blog that should help out immensely, mainly programs for rooting, Roms, themes and anything else you can think of to modify and change out the software and functionality to make it your own perfect machine. Let's face it folks, we live in a technological age where the sky's the limit and the only hting holding you back is being misinformed, or lacking information itself. Rooting is the basis for all mods and customizations as well as a few programs you can find on the market to enhance your DROID experience (i.e. Wireless tether, bootstrap, Root explorer, Rom manager, etc). Keep in mind though, as any of the cellphone companies will tell you, Rooting your device will void your warranty, but hey you unlocked it, so you should be able to lock it back up if you have to take it in right? Exactly, I've searched countless releases and blogs of the actual developers of these companies and nowhere have I found the words "DO NOT DO THIS" it's more of a understated "if you do this and you mess it up, don't come crying to us." I can understand where they're coming from on this matter, rooting isn't all that scary, and your phone is just that, YOURS. Cellphone techs are trained on the specific models and systems that they're designed to run, so if you're running a system that's completely different, say a blur-less rom like tranquility, most often than not the tech that looks at your phone is just going to hand it back with a confused look and ask, "what the heck did you do?"
I cant blame them though, it's impossible to stay above the curve for one, and when it comes to modding there are so many different things you can do with a computer (which by the way, this device is about as powerful as a netbook) so it's easy to stump somebody who's trained on a stock android OS. I'm rambling I know, I promised a rundown and ok I'm back on track. How do you root? Simple, while I didn't write the program as I lack the programming skills to do so, I came across a forum on XDA that was a one touch system. I'll link the forum at the end here so just bear with me. "Once I'm rooted what do I do next?" well that's an answer you have to find for yourself, it's all dependent on what you want your phone to do, and WHAT you want it to do. I personally use mine for my work internet since I don't have any kind of connection while I'm here in my dj booth so my phone makes up that task. Just a quick warning if you're going to use the wireless tether for long periods, have a fan ready. The longer you use this function, the more the battery heats up and can potentially shorten the life of your phone. As to whether or not it's a noticeable difference I'm honestly not sure. "The store rep told me I should buy a screen protector, should I?" In my opinion, no it's a waste of money. The glass screen of the X is made with the Gorilla glass, damn near unscratchable (i took a steak knife to mine and a ballpoint pen and repeatedly stabbed the screen and not even remotely a scratch) so while protection is always a good thing to have, an extra screen protector isn't worth it, plus I've noticed on the ones that do have them, the touch screen is nowhere near as precise and responsive as it is without.
That's what i have for now, again please feel free to email me any questions or feel free to comment
and as promised here are the links:
Rooting on XDA http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782556
Droidforums (just as good as xda, and droid only) http://www.droidforums.net/
Read up on what's going on, the only thing worse than being a know-it-all is not knowing anything at all
So, for the last few months I have been playing around extensively with the Motorola Droid X, and while I admit it has it's drawbacks, overall it's a great device. From the open-source coding to the absolute customization points of the machine, there isn't a lot you can't accomplish with this cellphone. Frankly I remember the green screen days of old Nokia's where you couldn't even text, but boy could you blow out your keypad playing hour after hour of Snake. Nowadays We have devices tied directly into our lives online, Email, Facebook, Myspace (for those of you who still use that) Instant Messengers, games, thousands of applications, oh yeah and the phone, that's the important part. Do I recommend a smartphone for the average user who primarily makes calls and texts occasionally? Well for the extra 30 dollars a month it costs you for hte data plans, No I do not. If you're like me however, and you find yourself trying to remember when you're not in front of a computer screen doing one thing or another, I've found my phone to be absolutely essential. From Broadcasting it's own wireless signal to taking over my messengers to free up crucial megs of Ram while I run music and high data loads from my laptop, it's become attached to my hip. Currently I'm running Tranquility 3.0 as a custom ROM coupled with the Gala X 1.6 theme downloaded form Rom manager.
If you're just tuning in, have been hiding under a rock, or have had questions about this device I hopefully will be able to shed some light on any concerns and issues you may have with this device. For instance, you have the device and keep hearing the word "Root" thrown around. Basically, "Rooting" is giving yourself Administrator privileges over your phone. Since the Android OS is run from an UBUNTU build of Linux (or a similar build if I'm not correct on that) once you figure out what you want to do, it's actually pretty easy to get there or rebuild what you want. There are a few awesome threads on DroidLife and XDA-Developers that I'll be linking at the end of this blog that should help out immensely, mainly programs for rooting, Roms, themes and anything else you can think of to modify and change out the software and functionality to make it your own perfect machine. Let's face it folks, we live in a technological age where the sky's the limit and the only hting holding you back is being misinformed, or lacking information itself. Rooting is the basis for all mods and customizations as well as a few programs you can find on the market to enhance your DROID experience (i.e. Wireless tether, bootstrap, Root explorer, Rom manager, etc). Keep in mind though, as any of the cellphone companies will tell you, Rooting your device will void your warranty, but hey you unlocked it, so you should be able to lock it back up if you have to take it in right? Exactly, I've searched countless releases and blogs of the actual developers of these companies and nowhere have I found the words "DO NOT DO THIS" it's more of a understated "if you do this and you mess it up, don't come crying to us." I can understand where they're coming from on this matter, rooting isn't all that scary, and your phone is just that, YOURS. Cellphone techs are trained on the specific models and systems that they're designed to run, so if you're running a system that's completely different, say a blur-less rom like tranquility, most often than not the tech that looks at your phone is just going to hand it back with a confused look and ask, "what the heck did you do?"
I cant blame them though, it's impossible to stay above the curve for one, and when it comes to modding there are so many different things you can do with a computer (which by the way, this device is about as powerful as a netbook) so it's easy to stump somebody who's trained on a stock android OS. I'm rambling I know, I promised a rundown and ok I'm back on track. How do you root? Simple, while I didn't write the program as I lack the programming skills to do so, I came across a forum on XDA that was a one touch system. I'll link the forum at the end here so just bear with me. "Once I'm rooted what do I do next?" well that's an answer you have to find for yourself, it's all dependent on what you want your phone to do, and WHAT you want it to do. I personally use mine for my work internet since I don't have any kind of connection while I'm here in my dj booth so my phone makes up that task. Just a quick warning if you're going to use the wireless tether for long periods, have a fan ready. The longer you use this function, the more the battery heats up and can potentially shorten the life of your phone. As to whether or not it's a noticeable difference I'm honestly not sure. "The store rep told me I should buy a screen protector, should I?" In my opinion, no it's a waste of money. The glass screen of the X is made with the Gorilla glass, damn near unscratchable (i took a steak knife to mine and a ballpoint pen and repeatedly stabbed the screen and not even remotely a scratch) so while protection is always a good thing to have, an extra screen protector isn't worth it, plus I've noticed on the ones that do have them, the touch screen is nowhere near as precise and responsive as it is without.
That's what i have for now, again please feel free to email me any questions or feel free to comment
and as promised here are the links:
Rooting on XDA http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=782556
Droidforums (just as good as xda, and droid only) http://www.droidforums.net/
Read up on what's going on, the only thing worse than being a know-it-all is not knowing anything at all
First Blog Post
So in my endeavors to become more technologically savvy, I've decided to create a blog for myself and for anyone who wants to know what's on my mind or what I'm doing with my spare time. So for those of you just showing up here and wondering what this is all about, here ya go.
Firstoff, I've been a part of the Furry Fandom for almost 15 years now and have watched it grow and progress despite considerable negative media attention and general trolling across the entirety of the internet. Despite it all however, the fandom thrives and grows larger by the day, with people finding their place in a niche of hundreds of thousands from all across the world. Frankly it concerns me to a point with the influx of the upcoming generations into a fanbase for some, a religon for others, and for some, a generalized banner in which common ground is found. My reasoning for this concern is mainly as the kids get younger and younger, the less is being brought to the table, and by thus i mean that it's becoming more and more of a social application, and teenage rebellion tactic than anything else. Over hte years I watched our family grow and expand despite everything negative and I've been happy to watch it perform as such, to thrive and grow underneath the heels of closed-mindedness and religous bigotry, but as of lately, I've been noticing that most are using it for an escape, and I say most as a generalized term as I am not one to use blanket statements forhte primary reason that I dont like to generalize and sum up a populous when all parties involved may not share the same conclusions or beliefs.
In my opinion, that's what makes the fandom home for thousands upon thousands of people. From the socially awkward and inept, to the scitenist with 3 PHD's in various fields, we share a common ground, while albeit not along the normal lines that traditional media and the onlookers on the other side of glass may agree with. Then again, show me a sect of culture anywhere in this world that is wholly agreed and and given the general "thumbs-up" from an entire party? They don't exist, Everyone has a problem with something and for al ot of people who truly only see the sexual aspects and the negative connotations protrayed by themedia as "dirty, fetishist, creepy, pedophiles, etc." the list goes on with teh words that have been thrown atthe fandom whether the research has been properly done and portayed efficiently. Let's face it, bad news sells, and with a group such as furries, it's all to easy of a target to pick on and point out. "Oh look, there's jan and margaret, that lesbian couple who dress up in costumes and go around town" what you don't hear, is that Jan and Margaret, while yes they dress up in fursuits, attend functions, parades, childrens hospitals, and other various public eye and civil duties to tyr and prove a point. Furries arent bad, and to be honest, ifI was a 8 year old lying in a hospital bed with a body riddled with cancer or disease, to see someone take time out of their day to dress up andcome see me would probably make me the happiest kid in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen this is what you DON'T hear in the news, all the good we do as a community and as a people. I'm not saying all of us are like that, as every batch of apples has bad ones in it.. What I am asking though, is if you stumble across my blog among the many thoughts and reviews I'll be posting, is that you keep in mind that on the other side of the screen, I'm a normal guy like yourself, rather than see what you hear, read and see for yourselfand make your own decisions as to your opinion of me and my friends. In the end that's my ultimate goal, To break the chains that this country has wrapped about your minds and clouded your judgements by telling you when to eat and sleep, what to wear and what to watch. Think for yourselves, wev'e all been given a brain and I hope to pick at yours enough to get you to use it.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to shoot me an email, and if it's a good enough question with your permission I'll post it here as well as my own opinions and answer to your question.
Firstoff, I've been a part of the Furry Fandom for almost 15 years now and have watched it grow and progress despite considerable negative media attention and general trolling across the entirety of the internet. Despite it all however, the fandom thrives and grows larger by the day, with people finding their place in a niche of hundreds of thousands from all across the world. Frankly it concerns me to a point with the influx of the upcoming generations into a fanbase for some, a religon for others, and for some, a generalized banner in which common ground is found. My reasoning for this concern is mainly as the kids get younger and younger, the less is being brought to the table, and by thus i mean that it's becoming more and more of a social application, and teenage rebellion tactic than anything else. Over hte years I watched our family grow and expand despite everything negative and I've been happy to watch it perform as such, to thrive and grow underneath the heels of closed-mindedness and religous bigotry, but as of lately, I've been noticing that most are using it for an escape, and I say most as a generalized term as I am not one to use blanket statements forhte primary reason that I dont like to generalize and sum up a populous when all parties involved may not share the same conclusions or beliefs.
In my opinion, that's what makes the fandom home for thousands upon thousands of people. From the socially awkward and inept, to the scitenist with 3 PHD's in various fields, we share a common ground, while albeit not along the normal lines that traditional media and the onlookers on the other side of glass may agree with. Then again, show me a sect of culture anywhere in this world that is wholly agreed and and given the general "thumbs-up" from an entire party? They don't exist, Everyone has a problem with something and for al ot of people who truly only see the sexual aspects and the negative connotations protrayed by themedia as "dirty, fetishist, creepy, pedophiles, etc." the list goes on with teh words that have been thrown atthe fandom whether the research has been properly done and portayed efficiently. Let's face it, bad news sells, and with a group such as furries, it's all to easy of a target to pick on and point out. "Oh look, there's jan and margaret, that lesbian couple who dress up in costumes and go around town" what you don't hear, is that Jan and Margaret, while yes they dress up in fursuits, attend functions, parades, childrens hospitals, and other various public eye and civil duties to tyr and prove a point. Furries arent bad, and to be honest, ifI was a 8 year old lying in a hospital bed with a body riddled with cancer or disease, to see someone take time out of their day to dress up andcome see me would probably make me the happiest kid in the world.
Ladies and gentlemen this is what you DON'T hear in the news, all the good we do as a community and as a people. I'm not saying all of us are like that, as every batch of apples has bad ones in it.. What I am asking though, is if you stumble across my blog among the many thoughts and reviews I'll be posting, is that you keep in mind that on the other side of the screen, I'm a normal guy like yourself, rather than see what you hear, read and see for yourselfand make your own decisions as to your opinion of me and my friends. In the end that's my ultimate goal, To break the chains that this country has wrapped about your minds and clouded your judgements by telling you when to eat and sleep, what to wear and what to watch. Think for yourselves, wev'e all been given a brain and I hope to pick at yours enough to get you to use it.
If you have any questions at all, please feel free to shoot me an email, and if it's a good enough question with your permission I'll post it here as well as my own opinions and answer to your question.
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