I, JAK — The Cryton Chronicles

(A Blog Every Day in May 2013 Challenge Entry)

I am very proud of my picture story yesterday. This host can’t bring me down yet! Now we arrive at one of the prompts I’ve been most excited for. I wasn’t aware it was today, though. For some reason I thought it was the final post.

Today’s prompt:

Day 29, Wednesday: Five songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories. Use Grooveshark or YouTube to include them in the post

I’m not sure what Grooveshark is, so I plan on sticking to the ever prominent Youtube. Plus, it’s built into Blogger... so yeah...

This isn’t going to be easy. Trying to single out five songs that speak to me, is like placing down all my favorite cookies in front of me and telling me I can only pick and eat five of them. We know from my previous post how that would end. I would eat ALL the things. Much like I want to share the abundance of songs that connect with me.

I’ve decided, since I wasn’t able to do so during the A to Z, I will share a handful of my favorite songs and artists throughout the next few weeks. Most music I listen to recently has become associated with my writing, so I thought I could share them and explain the scenarios and/or representation of each.

For this post I will attempt a nostalgic theme.

Stories Through Music

The Offspring - Come Out and Play

The Offspring I feel is one of those bands that my entire group of friends loved when growing up. When I hear them I always remember back to the days when we would party and just act stupid on a weekend (or daily) basis. To be honest, the entire SMASH album was played over and over and over again. When it came down to picking one song, it was between Bad Habit & Come Out and Play. I felt Come Out and Play best represented our teenage angst and shenanigans.

Local H - Fritz’s Corner

Local H is another of my all-time favorite bands. For a 2 member band they kick ass. In fact, they are still around around and kicking some ass last I checked. I loved seeing these guys live. This was one of my favorite songs they would play, along with High-Fiving MF. Both times seeing them they were performing at outdoor festival concerts, so it would be nice to see them at a smaller, enclosed venue. I was obsessed with this song (still am), and I’d like to believe when my friends hear it they still think of me (just as they did back in the day).

Our Lady Peace - Superman’s Dead

Another song, and band, I was (am) obsessed with. I’ll admit that over the years I’ve fallen out of touch with Our Lady Peace, but there was a time I would be jamming out to all their newest CD releases; singing, dancing, acting out music videos. The lead singer’s voice is so unique I can’t help but love it.

After going mainstream I kind of drifted from their music some. Not that it was less meaningful, but maybe it just didn’t quite resonate the same with me. It may sound bad, but this was around a time when the music became seemingly more “God” or religion influenced (This is akin to losing interest in Billy Corgan with Zwan). I’ll have to maybe give it another go someday.

Random Jak Fact 622: I may have recorded a Youtube video of me singing this song a good four to five years ago or so. This was done after not having heard the song in some time, and attempting to sing from memory. It was met with... mixed critique... which is to be expected as I’m not a singer. I don’t think it's up (publicly) anymore, sorry folks. At least... I really hope it isn’t.

3 Colours Red - Beautiful Day

This is a song from an album I randomly bought while living in AZ. It always evoked emotions in me. It’s a good thing, because it was about the only good song on the album. Anyhow, this song could (and potentially still could) turn me into a blubbering, crying baby for almost no apparent reason. Back in AZ I'd just play it over and over. Later in life I directly associated it with a break up I had with someone I had dated for only 3-5 weeks. I can’t even remember the length of time.

This relationship was an intense one, but it sputtered just as fast as it flared. It was important, however. While the feelings at the time could be classified as infatuation, I’m still uncertain. It allowed a brief pulse of what I’d later define as being Love. Remember, I never much believed in Love and all that mushy bullshit. This relationship was the turning point for me being more open to the idea — the possibility — that it actually may exist on some level more than just the fanciful romanticism of fictionalized realities.

So, this song represents that awakening in my soul. From there... it was all down-fucken-hill.

Trouble I say. Trouble.

Align - At the Basement Door

Align is a band that I’d imagine no one — short of possibly fellow locals — has ever heard of. They were my favorite local band, long since defunct, and I saw a handful of their shows while they were active. I cheered when the lead singer used the phone-mic, bought their CDs, still own and wear one of their shirts (it’s one of my favs), and I just happened to know people who knew them.

One of my best friend’s sister lived with the lead singer’s — then — girlfriend (or fiancée). So not only would I get to listen to their music, but also party with them now and again. I think during the party period the lead singer was in a band called Marble. I, and others, thought they sounded a bit like Green Day. Yeah, no... he passionately hated that comparison.

Align was a band I thought had a lot of potential and this song felt like one that would get them noticed. Unfortunately, they disbanded years ago; each finding a home in new bands. I get upset whenever I’ve learned they had a reunion show I missed. That makes me a Sad Panda indeed.

Anyhow, this song reminds me of the days after graduating where I’d party (advancing to college parties without having to attend!) and go to various music shows with friends. A lot of good times were had, even if one night a member of Marble wanted to punch me in the face! Who doesn't?!

Are you familiar with or do you like any of the songs listed above? What songs/music trigger memories or speaks to you? Do you go to (or have you ever gone to) live shows? Any favorites?

As anxiety-bound as I was about yesterday’s prompt, I really enjoyed writing it. Once I was in the motions of writing, it just started to pour out. I was hoping for something similar today, but no such luck.

Today’s prompt:

Day 28, Tuesday: Only pictures

Well, this is an epic fail area for me. These picture-intensive prompts are like my Kryptonite. I will just have to find some randomness and see what comes up.

A Story Through Pictures

(A Blog Every Day in May 2013 Challenge Entry)

ACK! I’m a bit sore from a late night workout this weekend. Took a day for it to set in. something about onset delay blah blah blah whatever. Oh my nuts. At least it’s a good sore, and I’ll hold faith that the payoff will be worth it; once I’m rockin’ that George Clooney body I’ll never have. Taking a second day off, though, doesn’t sound too bad.

Random Jak Fact #112: I once told a friend that I would make a great butler, and that I would look just like George Clooney, only... hairier. And that was the only difference.

Today’s prompt:

Day 27, Monday: A letter to your readers

Where to Begin

Dear Jakker Trackers,

You may not realize you are Jakker Trackers, but that is exactly what you are; my sidebar proves it. I wanted to take a moment to thank you all for taking the time to follow along and listen to my random rambles. Random may be an understatement. You all are either robots, zombies, or gluttons for punishment, considering how long my rambles can go on for. I appreciate the patience and time you’ve all spent getting through these posts. I love your comments, and building interactions and dialog with you all. I look forward to it!

Soon you will ALL be familiar with Jak-speak! Then I shall take over the world! I mean we... >.> Yes, we... Along with my army of bush babies!

I’ve stated that while this blog — and the writing involved — is for myself, it’s also for you. To open bits and pieces of myself, exposing my innards to the world... Fuck that’s gross... Figuratively... Sharing some of the more closed off parts of my being — my soul — with those caring to listen. But, I will be brutally honest on the flip end: if you decided to stop listening, that’s okay too, I would continue on. I’m well practiced in talking to myself, why not writing to myself?

Did that ruin the moment? I hope not, because I’m a brutally honest kind of guy. If taking offense, you may have accidentally wandered into the wrong place. This isn’t a field of tulips in which we tiptoe around in fear of stepping on one. Sometimes those suckers get crushed, and that’s okay. That’s life.

That being said, I’m beyond grateful for the friends I’ve already made since I began blogging just months ago. Also, those made during NaNoWriMo 2012. Most everyone has been supportive and it’s been a great experience. The rough patches were smoothed over and hiccups worked out, just as the ones to come will be. There will indeed be more roadblocks along this journey, and again, that’s okay. Whether alone or with help I will overcome them. Though, I’d much prefer you to be there with me.

I’ll apologize (maybe this should have been the post for my BEDiM apology) for falling behind, once again, with comments and reading on my end. I feel dirty about it really, but I’m one damned slow reader. I’d like to think that once I get to the entries you are sharing with the world, that it’s evident just how grateful I am to be engaging within your own communities.

I sometimes wonder if there are blogger conventions or meetups. Those type of social interactions have existed within gaming, podcasting, and vlogging communities, so why not blogging?

Once the BEDiM Challenge wraps up I’ve a handful of topics I plan to touch on, but I’m also curious if there happens to be certain subjects my readers may wish to have discussed. Subjects/topics they would like to know my thoughts and/or opinions on. Maybe questions they — you — have for me. Feel free to share, if so.

With how randomly lost my posts probably get in the daily mix, and with how late I post, I may bring this topic up again.

Thank you again for following along and partaking in this journey with me. It means the world to me, and I’m looking forward to our future together! Once I... we... take over the world, that is! Along with the bush babies, hereafter referred to as the Bush Baby Brigade, there will be no stopping m... us... no stopping us.

Yours truly,

The Jak

A.K.A. Slowplay

A.K.A. EmoJak

Are there any subjects you would like to see discussed in the future? Are you a robot, zombie, or glutton for punishment? Do you know anyone who could smuggle me an army of bush babies? I’d really hate to go round them all up myself. I know... lazy becomes me.

(A Blog Every Day in May 2013 Challenge Entry)

The holiday weekend is almost over, but it’s been a fairly busy time. Gaming with friends, visiting family, working out, and random fun has made for a good time. I think tomorrow I may end up visiting more family. I definitely can’t argue with another BBQ. That makes three in the past month. It would be nice to just relax at home, though, and do some catching up on blogs and writing.

Today’s prompt:

Day 26, Sunday: Something you read online. Leave a link and discuss, if you'd like.

Well, I read a lot online. Most of my intake lately has been other blogs when finding the time. I feel so far behind again. No daily challenges in June please. I’ve been falling behind on replying to comments even. This weekend being really busy didn’t help much. Need to get on it.

I shared a blog post awhile back with my Facebook writing group. It’s been a few months since reading it — need to look it over again — but I recall liking it. I wouldn’t have shared it otherwise. It’s a post giving the bloggers opinion of the publishing industry and writing. Just be warned it’s NSFW (it’s listed as such on the blog). The author is vulgar and more in-your-face.

I’ve never dealt with the hardships of attempting to get published, but hope to someday. There’s a good chance a handful of you will be way more familiar than I. Still an enjoyable read, nonetheless.

Let me know what you think:

25 Hard Truths About Writing and Publishing

If reading the blog post, any thoughts? Do you have any articles or blog posts associated with writing and/or publishing you recommend?

(A Blog Every Day in May 2013 Challenge Entry)

Currently I’m sitting up at A Novel Place playing some Magic: The Gathering. I just drafted some two weeks ago, but it’s been awhile since playing competitive in the Standard format. So far I am 3-0-2. The first Draw was earned against a friend I’ve not seen in weeks. He wasn’t too happy with it, though. The second Draw was with another friend where we didn’t even play, but still secured our slots in the Top 8.

For those unfamiliar: that’s a good thing. It means I get an additional promo and play for additional product, as I battle for first place. Taking the second Draw felt dirty — I like duking it out slinging cardboard — but it gave me time to write up today’s post. Speaking of which…

Today’s prompt:

Day 25, Saturday: Something someone told you about yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad)

Level Up

I apologize, but I can’t think of anything profound that anyone told me that I can conjure up from memory. You have the stereotypical “you can be anything you want to be,” “you can do anything you put your mind to,” “look both ways before crossing the road.” There are many of those phrases that I’ve heard from parents, friends, mentors, etc over the years.

There is an incredibly good chance that there are multiple nuggets of wisdom bestowed upon me that would make for a great piece for this entry. At it is, though, my mind is in game mode as I await the matches to finish up and for the Top 8 to begin.

One comment from a friend — the one I got my first Draw from today — has always stuck with me. Naturally it’s associated with Magic.

About a year ago now, during a Friday Night Magic (FNM) event, I played the same friend in a match up. The deck I designed used similar cards and tactics of a well-known deck at the time. Once I played a few cards he was positive he knew what I was playing. I don’t netdeck (that’s where you copy a deck design from the winners of worldwide competitions) so mine was more of an original brew.

After overplaying his hand, I eventually took over the match by casting board wipes, which he was shocked to learn I had in the deck. He was a bit confused with my card choices, and even argued about my build — stating I was using the wrong tactics with the type of deck I was playing — but I took the criticism in good stride.

Later I found out he told one of his good friends (best friend?), who is a mutual friend of ours, that I “Next-Leveled” him. Meaning that I had played in such a way that he thought he knew what I was playing, and how to play against it, but in the end the deck was different than expected; catching him by surprise. I thought it was awesome hearing this, because it meant the build worked it’s magic. Part of Magic is a mental game, and so many players expect people to netdeck and copy the pros. This means when someone builds outside of the mold, it can literally blindside your competition.

Considering his years of playing magic and playing ability, I took the comment to heart and with honor. Sometimes I’ll bring it up (like now) with friends in fond remembrance. I’d like to think I “Next-Leveled” him today too, even though our game ended in a Draw. We will see.

By they way, I took his compliment as stating that I was an awesome deck designer and player ;-)

So, like I said, my mind is on Magic at the moment as I am about to head into the Top 8. At this point, having gotten to the Top 8 is rewarding enough. Anything more is a bonus.

Has anyone ever told you something (good or bad) that has stuck with you through the years? Feel free to share. Hope more “good” than “bad”.

PS. Ended up getting 4th place, while my brother got 7th. For the first time in our competitive history my brother and I were paired up against one another. But, I slapped him around pretty hard going 2-0 against him. Also, I was using a deck he mainly designed and I tweaked and changed out the sideboard (pretend you know what that means, just know it’s important).

It felt like Justice.

Featured In I, Jak

Dec 30, 2022

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Hello, Friend

It’s been a long while. I briefly discuss some of this year’s shortcomings, and in doing so, find it’s just more of the same.

Then I attempt to give a more positive spin…

Nov 5, 2021

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Extra Life Game Day 2021

Extra Life Game Day 2021 has arrived! It’s Year 8 for myself and I am looking forward to once again raise money for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. Team Cryton Crusaders is ready (kind of) for the annual fundraising event involving a 24-Hour Gaming Marathon! I kept last year’s fun, but likely impossible Milestone to reach!

Learn more about the challenge where my team and I play games and heal kids!

Featured

Dec 12, 2017

102 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 102

Welcome to Trailer Tuesday, a weekly Generation Jak blog series where a multitude of movie, video game, and sometimes even book trailers are highlighted for your viewing pleasure!

This week's Featured Trailers:
Jessica Jones Season 2 - Teaser Trailer | Ready Player One | Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom | Alita: Battle Angel | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Teaser Trailer

Dec 5, 2017

101 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 101

May 30, 2017

A to Z 2017 [FLASH FICTION]: REFLECTIONS

This year's A to Z Challenge is over, but how did I fare with another attempt at producing Flash Fiction and Poetry throughout it all? Did I run into the same complications as last year?

Join me as I reflect on the challenge and the thoughts about my continued participation on Dreams in the Shade of Ink.

Apr 30, 2017

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A to Z 2017: ZACHARIAH

Dreams in the Shade of Ink is back with more Flash Fiction for the A to Z Challenge 2017! Last year my segments throughout April painted a puzzled tapestry of prose and I hope to provide some new, entertaining stories that you'll enjoy!

Come share in my inky dreams full of fiction, sprinkled with poetry!

A to Z 2017 [MAGIC MIXER]: REFLECTIONS

The A to Z Challenge 2017 is over and it's time to reflect on how the event went! There were booster pack openings, there were storylines and mechanics to observe within the world of Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of this year's Magic Mixer theme.

A to Z 2017: ZENDIKAR

This year for the A to Z Challenge 2017 Meta MTG presents the Magic Mixer! What's that mean? Your guess is as good as mine... What I do know, however, is that this year's theme is obviously still all about Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I attempt to highlight a different Magic set each day of the challenge in different ways, from pack openings to discussions about a set's storyline and/or mechanics!

BEDiM 2013 : DAY 29

recent CHRONICLES

recent ENTERTAINMENT

recent DREAMSCAPES

recent META