Reality Bytes

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08/13/11--08:35: Item 186: An Open Letter to the Hacker Group Anonymous (chan 1455678)

Dear Anon,

Let’s make something clear, if you’re going to try and stand up for something do it right. I’m all for fighting the system, but there are ways to do it.

First off, stop being a group of pussies. Anybody can insight “fear” from behind a computer screen, I’d have more respect for you if you used your real names and faces. I’d understand if there was suppose to be some sort of symbolism behind it and what you stood for was clear cut. But you’re just a bunch of nerds too afraid to face the consequences of your actions.

Secondly, I’m all for fighting the system, but our democratic society has ways that allow it’s citizens to do so (at least in North America). If you want to hold a rally, there are processes you have to go through. Yes they can be tedious but trust me, you’ll get more people on your side if you don’t disrupt the day to day activities of those who don’t care about what you do.

I’m not saying stop demonstrating, but your tactics don’t make me want to join the team the team. I’ll have more respect for you if you had some balls and showed your face.

Patiently waiting for you to drain my bank accounts,
James




08/13/11--08:48: Item 187: A Letter to the United Kingdom (chan 1455678)

Dear U.K. Officials,

My deepest sympathies for the recent riots. However, why are you blaming Facebook and Research in Motion for the actions of a select few?

I understand that it is your job to protect your citizens and do what is best for them. But doesn’t restricting the freedoms of the law abiding majority make your nation more like other communist and totalitarian nations? I thought you were better than that?

It is clear that you fear what you dont understand, which for politicians is a lot, but I sincerely hope your meeting with social media groups is one of education and not retaliation.

While the riots were an unfortunate situation, I think there are better ways to monitor the safety of your populous without infringing on their rights and freedoms. Just a thought….

Hope to see Big Ben soon,
James




08/13/11--11:49: Item 188: I don’t know if this is a melted piece of gum,... (chan 1455678)





Item 188: I don’t know if this is a melted piece of gum, or a melted used condom.




08/16/11--14:21: Item 189: Haven't I Seen This Before?? (chan 1455678)

In my travels today, I had some time to go though my Tumblr feed, and I noticed a pretty big trend. While most, if not all the people I follow on Tumblr are highly creative people, I see that a majority of their posts are rebloggs. For those of you who aren’t on Tumblr, it’s when someone re-post an article or picture that someone else has put up.

While I see a lot of thought provoking pictures and ideals, its not original to the person re-posting it, which is a shame. Sorry if I offend anyone, I’m not trying to lay power trip, I’m just saying, imagine what you could learn about yourself, and each other, if we made an effort to be a little more creative than clicking the reblog button.

Write an article, poem, take a picture or video, do whatever you want about whatever you want. The world wide web has given us all a voice and platform to make that voice heard. I want to know what you have to say from your own lips. Now is a better time than any to show the world what you’ve got.




08/22/11--18:10: Item 190: This cost me $8. I’m just saying, for double the... (chan 1455678)





Item 190: This cost me $8. I’m just saying, for double the price, I could have gotten higher quality all you can eat. :(




08/23/11--12:42: Item 191: reason 1 why I’m not happy (chan 1455678)





Item 191: reason 1 why I’m not happy




08/23/11--12:44: Item 192: this would be reason number 2. (chan 1455678)





Item 192: this would be reason number 2.




08/23/11--23:00: Item 193: with this coffee, I’ve officially tripled the... (chan 1455678)





Item 193: with this coffee, I’ve officially tripled the recommended caffeine intake for a human being. I’m both proud and terrified.




08/23/11--23:46: Item 194: Finally Some Good Parenting! (chan 1455678)

I came across a story today where a mother made her child (his age was estimated at 10 years old, but not officially given) wear a sign that said “Do not trust me. I will steal from you as I am a thief.” The sign was also accompanied by a pair of Shrek ears and the boy was made to right lines as part if his public punishment.

I say bravo to this mother. I really wish her name was released in the article so I could find her and shake her hand. I’m all for psychological punishment and this was brilliant. I personally was never hit as a child and didn’t need to be. A punishment similar to this hits home harder than a smack to the back of the head any day and it teaches a valuable lesson. If you do wrong in this world there are (at least there should be) consequences.

Full article can be found here: http://www.news.com.au/national/mother-forces-thief-son-into-parade-of-shame/story-e6frfkvr-1226120076399




08/28/11--21:05: Item 195: A New Outlook On Life (chan 1455678)

If you’ve been keeping up with the project, you’ll know that my next big undertaking (other than going back to school) is the novel I’m working on. I’ve gotten a lot of mixed reactions about the decision. Most everyone I’ve spoken with is on board with my choice, but I’ve gotten a lot of puzzled looks and the question “Why?”

Well…this is why.

Lately, I’ve noticed a trend in media. No one is taking a chance, on anything. All music, movies and television is nowadays is a rehashing of series that have worked in the past or sequels that don’t need to be. I don’t know about you but I’ve fucking sick of it. But instead of sitting around, bitching a moaning, waiting for change that isn’t coming anytime soon, I’m going to try and make a difference.

For years I’ve seen saying what media has done wrong, and now it’s time for me to put my money where my mouth is. Maybe people will enjoy, maybe people are going to despise it, but I’ll never know until I try. The beautiful thing about living in today’s modern age is the wealth of resources that is available to us 24/7. In true indie style, I’m self-publishing and self-promoting.

In honesty, the book probably won’t be finished until December of next year, but we’ll see. This is kind of my way of generating buzz to people who give a damn and keeping me accountable to someone other than myself. As I get closer to completing, I’ll release little snippets here and there like I’ve been doing for this project.

As always, I’ve got a point to prove. Too many of us are stuck in the habit of asking why? I wouldn’t have started this project, gone back to school or started writing a novel is I didn’t ask myself why not?




08/28/11--21:06: Item 196: Tim Cook Makes a Great Apple Too (chan 1455678)

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few days, it’s no secret that Steve Jobs has stepped down as CEO of Apple. But unlike some of my co-workers have thought, he did not quit and he is not leaving the company. Apple wouldn’t be the company they are without having an action plan and I doubt this came as a shock to anyone at 1 Infinite Loop.

Tim Cook, Apple’s new CEO, has pretty much been the CEO since Steve Jobs took his first leave of absence. This isnt the beginning of the end for Apple, but the start of something good. Whether you love or hate the company, there’s no denying that they have changed the way the rest of the world uses technology.

As for Jobs, he’s still the chairman of the board of directors and he is working as an employee rather than a businessman. Little people know the story of Steve Jobs but it is certainly an inpiring one. If you’re the type of person that can’t stand him, replace his name is Pete Jones and the story is just as entertaining.




08/28/11--21:09: Item 197: Death to Cursive!!!! (chan 1455678)

It’s no surprise that the personal computer and advancements in tech have changed the landscape we work and live in. Right now, I’m sitting in a library in Amherstburg, writing away on my iPad’s touch screen. 90% of this project has been created with some sort of mobile device. No one would have thought that possible years ago.

But I admit, my cursive is terrible. My printing is passible, but just barely. But is the ability to handwrite a necessity in today’s modern age? I guess that depends on who you ask. Some people are just inclined more in either direction. It’s too early to tell if penmanship can be thrown out completely or if it should be a skill that is forever preserved.

Whatever your school of thought is, remember, just because YOU don’t use that skill, doesn’t mean that someone out there still does. It might seem archaic, but it gets the job done.

Now I’m off to practice my cursive alphabet.




08/28/11--21:14: Item 198: this is what you missed if you didn’t attend Mo... (chan 1455678)





Item 198: this is what you missed if you didn’t attend Mo Butta’s Taco Night.

9-Layer dip
Grilled Cheese Burritos
Mo Butta’s Beef Taco




09/01/11--12:53: Item 199: this is the line for my student card. FML (chan 1455678)





Item 199: this is the line for my student card. FML




09/02/11--12:12: Item 200: She 's Some Kind of Special (chan 1455678)

I seriously believe that a what makes a person “smart” depends on a lot of different factors. I also believe that a lot of people have learning disabilities and many overcome them to be quite successful. However, I’ve met one person that blurs the lines between stupid and just not bothering to try. If you’re stupid you should at least try.

Sadly, I work with said person. Don’t worry, we keep her in an area where she can do the least amount of damage (damn Canadian labour laws). Thanks to Derek Simpson for the following list of quotes from our special little gem. I swear to you, these are all actual things she has said. It hurts my brain just as much as it hurts yours:

- “Were there black people at the L.A. Riots?”

- “Mohammed Ali had ADHD. That’s why he moved around so much.”

As a young male that is part African American, these two statement bring up a tremendous amount of rage and sadness.

- “This is what I need. I need it cause I want it. If I want something, I should get it.” (she also needs a lobotomy, it would be an improvement)

- “No, three of a kind beats a full house!”

- “Math, Science, Physics, why do we have so many words for the same shit?!” (not even close but thanks for playing)

- “Transformers have always been stupid!” (bitch don’t be knocking my Transformers!!!)

- “Where’s your perfect mom?”

- (In reference to Fight Club) “So he was Tyler when he was asleep? Yeah, I’m a little confused now.”

- (In reference to Fight Club) “I understood it, it was just stupid. This movie’s better.” (pulls out Never Back Down)

- “Your mom’s an infectious contology.”

- “What the fuck are you looking at? you look like Johnsons Johnsons over there.” (What!?)

- “I invented your mother.”

- “Silent bob and what’s his face, the other douchebag.” (bitch at least Silent Bob is smart enough to not open his mouth unless he has something to add to conversation)

- “Why is the word n___er offensive? Since when?” (If your life had a face I’d kick it in the nuts)

- “You look like you still have your baby teeth. Those are like… old people teeth.” (Opposites are the same)

- “Kind of looks like you’re on fire for that banana!”

- “They give monkeys the guns!”

- “You look like a golfish.”

- “You know what spiteful means? It means you’re very vengeance!” (Please stop…)

- “I’d like to see you beat this level (Super Mario World), It takes huge amounts of skill and intellect.” (So did dressing yourself today)

- I want to see Final Destination 5 SO bad!

- (after seeing Final Destination 5) It was SO GOOD!!!

You are what’s wrong with Entertainment Madam!!!!

- “Who the fuck knows what toggle means? It’s an imaginary word.” (One that everyone uses and that’s in the dictionary…)

- “I know English, I was an English Major in highschool!” (I think you might want to take another look at your Diploma. It might have “Special” written on it somewhere)

- “After 6 evenings and weekends means after 6 every day of the week!




09/26/11--13:01: Item 201: Revelations, An End To My Old Life (chan 1455678)

Hello again friends, colleagues, people whom I’ve never met but like my writings, rants and pictures. As I’m coming to the end of this project, I’m going to try my hardest to finish, without coping out (but be prepared for a cop out).


The last year has been interesting to say the least. I’ve realized many things about myself and had a wealth of epiphanies (the weed helped a lot). I had a huge one not too long ago that, for me anyway, explains a lot of things.


For years now, I’ve been miserable, but I didn’t know why, nor did I bother pondering it. I took out my anger and frustration on the world around me and the people I held dear to me while still keeping an “I’m completely fine” front. In short…I hated what my life had become. The people in it where great (for the most part) but I was in a rut, and it was through no one’s fault but my own.


Let me explain. Up until a few years ago, I had no back bone. I did what others expected of me. I dated (or didn’t date) the girls everyone thought I should. I went into Engineering, and then Computer Science in University because I was a “smart kid” and that’s what smart kids do. I knew that I didn’t want to be that person, so I sabotaged my own life.


Yes, I’m aware how little sense that makes, and yes I know it was stupid, but that’s how I decided to rebel against the people I thought were my oppressors. I did the minimum amount to get by emotionally and professionally and kept myself in a place of sadness that I buried from my family and friends. I was a boy, leading a man’s life.


For lack of better terms, I was numb and broken. Something happened in my personal life that rocked me, left me shaken, battered and unwilling to move on. I didn’t want to die, I just didn’t want to try. I got over it enough to continue on my day-to-day life, but my emotional scars ran deeper than I would even know and I didn’t know how to deal with them.


But now, for the first time in a while, I’m truly happy. Going back to school is a lot of work, but I don’t regret a thing. I don’t dread getting out of bed and going to class, even on the days I get 3 hours of sleep. I feel like I have the right balance of the old me and the new me and I’m doing things because I want to do them.


I still have a lot of demons to face, and I’m sure a lot of tears to shed, but it’s been worth it. I don’t know what my future holds. All I know is that I’m going to strive for what I want in life and to bring the people I’ve pushed away as close to me as I possibly can. I’ll let fate fill in the holes from there.


So friends, my advice to you is: Do what you love and what makes you happy, fuck the rest. 




09/26/11--13:18: Item 202: I’ve already posted this, but I forgot to post... (chan 1455678)





Item 202: I’ve already posted this, but I forgot to post it to the project. Derp!




09/28/11--07:36: Item 203: Its a hard knock of life for us. (chan 1455678)





Item 203: Its a hard knock of life for us.




10/05/11--11:52: "Yeah sure I’m a stoner, but I accomplish more in a day than you do in a week and a half." (chan 1455678)

“Yeah sure I’m a stoner, but I accomplish more in a day than you do in a week and a half.”

- Me


01/03/12--18:56: "Humans should be tested for usefulness." (chan 1455678)

“Humans should be tested for usefulness.”