Swimming through rough currents in the dark and lonely immensity of the Pacific...
AquaDad found himself paralyzed with fear several days ago. A fear like no other. A helplessness. AquaDad thinks of himself as a protector of his AquaBoys. But last Friday, AquaDad watched as AquaBoy #2 fell from the playground equipment at the Undersea School that he attends. A snap was the sound that slapped AquaDad in the face and made his blood run cold. 5 year old AquaBoy #2 had snapped the bones in his forearm. AquaDad heard it and several days later has trouble getting the instant replay out of his mind. What could AquaDad do in this case? Nothing. He could not help his AquaChild. Oh certainly AquaDad picked the boy up, trying to ignore the panic that was setting in and the strange new bend in AquaBoy's arm (so much for all the First Aid classes AquaDad has taken over the years). AquaWife was nearby and told him to not panic. For the first time in many ages, AquaDad listened to his wife. He hurriedly took the boy to the office. 911 was called. AquaDad was impressed when the paramedics arrived and with great inspirational confidence they handled the scene like the professionals they are. AquaBoy #2 was in good hands. Likewise, doctors and nurses responded with excellent care for AquaBoy #2. X-Rays taken. Bones set. Temporary cast affixed. What were AquaBoy #2 first words? I get a CAST!!! he said happily. And following that, he asked, Do I have to take baths anymore? AquaDad felt very proud of his brave AquaBoy #2.
Days later, as the arm heals, and AquaBoy #2 runs around like a squirrel, AquaDad thinks about the fear he felt -- something most parents can understand, or anyone who loves someone who gets hurt -- that paralyzing fear. But then, AquaDad looks out across the seas and into the lands and knows that there are children and parents out there facing horrors indescribable, and AquaDad begins to feel gratitude. Gratitude that his dear son is okay, a busted wing is all, and AquaDad is grateful that it was nothing worse than that. AquaDad breathes a sigh of relief and his mind swims along...through pleasant waters...
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Friday, October 27, 2006
TV Is Cool Again!
Deep in the heart of the emerald seas...
AquaDad is smiling. He has regained some control of the television from his AquaWife. For good reason, AquaDad has seen television shows that have thrilled, entertained, and left him dangling from a cliff breathless and wanting more.
AquaDad's current fave shows:
Lost -- AD has been following Lost since the beginning. Wonderful and diverse characters, phenomenal acting, suspense, thrills, and mystery abounds in the show that is currently in it's third season. Good stuff. But can they maintain the thrills for two more seasons? Probably.
Heroes -- To be sure, AD was certainly not going to watch the show, but AquaWife suggested they watch it together because her girlfriend said it was really good. AD ignored the usual danger signs of a girlfriend-suggested show to watch with the AquaWife and it paid off! Heroes is a wonderfully entertaining show with thrills and mysteries that are being slowly played out episode to episode. AquaDad remembers hearing about it at the Comic Con in San Diego, but figured it would be some cheesy TV super hero show -- it is far from cheesy! It is a joy, and it is dark and dangerous. Good stuff, Maynard.
The Nine -- Hmm, what could possibly be interesting that they could spread over a season about a bank robbery gone bad? Well, AD is anxious to find out. Thus far, good acting, and mystery are keeping AquaDad's attention (AD certainly has a theme going here with serialized mysteries). Will the unfolding mysteries be enough to keep AquaDad watching instead of blogging? Stay tuned.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip -- AquaDad has been bowled over by each episode thus far. A backstage ticket to behind the scenes with an SNL type show. Fascinating. Witty. Serious drama without being life threatening. Mathew Perry is fantastic -- who'd a thought this is the same guy from that Friends show? The entire cast is really exciting to watch. Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford or is it Whitley Bradford, Steven Weber, Timothy Busfield, the lady who plays Harriet, etc. (AquaDad is not feeling bothered by not thoroughly researching the actors names prior to writing the blog). AquaDad ponders: How in the heck does Aaron Sorkin write ALL THE SHOWS???? AquaDad is impressed, to put it lightly.
Every day, AquaDad gets on his soggy knees and thanks the Lords of Technology for creating the DVR (TIVO). Otherwise, AquaDad would not be able to catch these wondrous storytelling machines.
AquaDad, for once, is hooked!
(AquaDad giggles slightly upon using a fishing related term that describes his current addiction to TV.)
AquaDad is smiling. He has regained some control of the television from his AquaWife. For good reason, AquaDad has seen television shows that have thrilled, entertained, and left him dangling from a cliff breathless and wanting more.
AquaDad's current fave shows:
Lost -- AD has been following Lost since the beginning. Wonderful and diverse characters, phenomenal acting, suspense, thrills, and mystery abounds in the show that is currently in it's third season. Good stuff. But can they maintain the thrills for two more seasons? Probably.
Heroes -- To be sure, AD was certainly not going to watch the show, but AquaWife suggested they watch it together because her girlfriend said it was really good. AD ignored the usual danger signs of a girlfriend-suggested show to watch with the AquaWife and it paid off! Heroes is a wonderfully entertaining show with thrills and mysteries that are being slowly played out episode to episode. AquaDad remembers hearing about it at the Comic Con in San Diego, but figured it would be some cheesy TV super hero show -- it is far from cheesy! It is a joy, and it is dark and dangerous. Good stuff, Maynard.
The Nine -- Hmm, what could possibly be interesting that they could spread over a season about a bank robbery gone bad? Well, AD is anxious to find out. Thus far, good acting, and mystery are keeping AquaDad's attention (AD certainly has a theme going here with serialized mysteries). Will the unfolding mysteries be enough to keep AquaDad watching instead of blogging? Stay tuned.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip -- AquaDad has been bowled over by each episode thus far. A backstage ticket to behind the scenes with an SNL type show. Fascinating. Witty. Serious drama without being life threatening. Mathew Perry is fantastic -- who'd a thought this is the same guy from that Friends show? The entire cast is really exciting to watch. Amanda Peet, Bradley Whitford or is it Whitley Bradford, Steven Weber, Timothy Busfield, the lady who plays Harriet, etc. (AquaDad is not feeling bothered by not thoroughly researching the actors names prior to writing the blog). AquaDad ponders: How in the heck does Aaron Sorkin write ALL THE SHOWS???? AquaDad is impressed, to put it lightly.
Every day, AquaDad gets on his soggy knees and thanks the Lords of Technology for creating the DVR (TIVO). Otherwise, AquaDad would not be able to catch these wondrous storytelling machines.
AquaDad, for once, is hooked!
(AquaDad giggles slightly upon using a fishing related term that describes his current addiction to TV.)
Tuesday, October 24, 2006
The Monster...Gulp!
| A scary monster in the dark takes a big gulp. Animated. Cool Music. AquaDad created this one in Photoshop. Music created with Sony Acid Music Studio. AquaDad is pleased with the music. | |
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Favorite Viral Video Sites - The Video Awards
Somewhere swimming amongst the sharks and clownfish...
AquaDad has favorite viral video sites. Today, he wants to recommend http://www.thevideoawards.com/
In fact, you can see AquaDad's video of AquaBoy #1 when he was just a wee baby. Click on The Video Awards box above and it will take you directly to the video. AquaDad is a very proud father.
At the site, they let people vote for videos. The video that gets the most votes each month wins something (although AquaDad is not exactly sure of what those possible winnings could be -- probably just the privilege of getting the most votes).
Another point in favor of The Video Awards, they support Revver.com's method of including the video creators sharing in the ad revenue. AquaDad is not averse to gaining a few extra sanddollars in support of his favorite hobby.
It is late. AquaDad reluctantly must give in to the fatigue that has ensnared his very being. The morning brings another day of AquaKids being taken to schools and hours imprisoned in a gray-walled cubicle forced to push paper and e-mails back and forth and...AquaDad is suddenly struck by the idea that he is complaining, whining even. He immediately remembers that there are others in the world less fortunate than he. He heads toward bed, grateful for the health of his family and humbled...
AquaDad has favorite viral video sites. Today, he wants to recommend http://www.thevideoawards.com/
In fact, you can see AquaDad's video of AquaBoy #1 when he was just a wee baby. Click on The Video Awards box above and it will take you directly to the video. AquaDad is a very proud father.
At the site, they let people vote for videos. The video that gets the most votes each month wins something (although AquaDad is not exactly sure of what those possible winnings could be -- probably just the privilege of getting the most votes).
Another point in favor of The Video Awards, they support Revver.com's method of including the video creators sharing in the ad revenue. AquaDad is not averse to gaining a few extra sanddollars in support of his favorite hobby.
It is late. AquaDad reluctantly must give in to the fatigue that has ensnared his very being. The morning brings another day of AquaKids being taken to schools and hours imprisoned in a gray-walled cubicle forced to push paper and e-mails back and forth and...AquaDad is suddenly struck by the idea that he is complaining, whining even. He immediately remembers that there are others in the world less fortunate than he. He heads toward bed, grateful for the health of his family and humbled...
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
We Have a Working Widget!!!
Somewhere deep within the (nearly) bottomless depths of the Marianas Trench...
AquaDad is beaming today. He has vanquished the non-working widget foe that has hindered his enjoyment of blogging lately. If AquaDad had a pike on which to put the head of the non-working widget foe, he would, but it's hard to put the head of an abstract concept on a pike and feel any sense of accomplishment.
Explore the following video widget created at www.Magnify.Net, where the Admins slave many hours and days and nights to perfect the site (currently in Beta) with minimal loss of life. The videos are: two from AquaDad's favorite Viral Video Humorist, Kevin Nalty, and then, of course, one of the original famous Mentos and Diet Coke videos that has made a terrific splash in the world of viral video. Enjoy!
AquaDad is beaming today. He has vanquished the non-working widget foe that has hindered his enjoyment of blogging lately. If AquaDad had a pike on which to put the head of the non-working widget foe, he would, but it's hard to put the head of an abstract concept on a pike and feel any sense of accomplishment.
Explore the following video widget created at www.Magnify.Net, where the Admins slave many hours and days and nights to perfect the site (currently in Beta) with minimal loss of life. The videos are: two from AquaDad's favorite Viral Video Humorist, Kevin Nalty, and then, of course, one of the original famous Mentos and Diet Coke videos that has made a terrific splash in the world of viral video. Enjoy!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
What is a Widget?
Somewhere in the deep blue sea...
AquaDad finally figured out how to get a widget to show up on his blog. Below is the widget (from Magnify.net). AquaDad felt much doubt about his HTML skills, until today's success. AquaDad is very pleased.
In this blog you get two free Nalts videos: White Bucks and Google Earth. Also included is an AquaDad favorite: The Easter Bunny Hates You! which is filled with uber-violence in the form of a psychotic holiday icon.
2 minutes after posting this blog, troubled seas...
Sure, you can see the widget, but you can't actully click it to see any of the videos. AquaDad is not pleased. He apologizes for letting you down. Yes, You! You who came here expecting to be entertained. Yes, You! You who is tired of visiting websites where things don't work. Yes, it is you he apologizes to.
AquaDad grumpily retreats to his cave to contemplate the matter of the malfunctioning widget.
UPDATE - 10-17-06
For now, to see the specific videos, AquaDad has setup a simple picture that links to the three videos.
AquaDad knows that the solution is at hand and appreciates the help from the Magnify.Net Admins.
He remains undaunted. And thrilled to be able to add a blue color to his text. AquaDad is reminded of the sea and of the sky, when he sees the color blue. AquaDad is at peace.
AquaDad finally figured out how to get a widget to show up on his blog. Below is the widget (from Magnify.net). AquaDad felt much doubt about his HTML skills, until today's success. AquaDad is very pleased.
In this blog you get two free Nalts videos: White Bucks and Google Earth. Also included is an AquaDad favorite: The Easter Bunny Hates You! which is filled with uber-violence in the form of a psychotic holiday icon.
2 minutes after posting this blog, troubled seas...
Sure, you can see the widget, but you can't actully click it to see any of the videos. AquaDad is not pleased. He apologizes for letting you down. Yes, You! You who came here expecting to be entertained. Yes, You! You who is tired of visiting websites where things don't work. Yes, it is you he apologizes to.
AquaDad grumpily retreats to his cave to contemplate the matter of the malfunctioning widget.
UPDATE - 10-17-06For now, to see the specific videos, AquaDad has setup a simple picture that links to the three videos.
AquaDad knows that the solution is at hand and appreciates the help from the Magnify.Net Admins.
He remains undaunted. And thrilled to be able to add a blue color to his text. AquaDad is reminded of the sea and of the sky, when he sees the color blue. AquaDad is at peace.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Age of Mythologies -- Derring-Do Across the Internet
Somewhere asleep in his undersea lair, AquaDad awakens...
The dark circles under his eyes indicate that AquaDad has once again stayed up too late. But he does not regret his late night escapade. No, not one bit.
For he and his pal, the Northern Sea King, waged mighty war in an epic battle against two opponents that put up an extremely intense fight. Ignoring the fact that the opponents were simply AI set at medium, the mayhem and destruction were considerable, but to AquaDad and the Sea King it was a truly pleasing example of courage, bravery, and derring-do.
They played Age of Mythologies. AquaDad and the Sea King have been playing the game for several years, after previous years of playing the wonderful Age of Empires II: Conquerors. Ensemble Studios did an excellent job with AOM.
AquaDad and the Sea King do own copies of the latest sequel in the Age series: Age of Empires III. However, recent attempts to connect via multiplayer have resulted in failed connections and much disappointment in the hearts of the two warriors.
Meanwhile, the brilliance of Age of Mythologies has led to frequent thrilling evenings engaged in the strategies of the battlefield along with mythological mayhem. Win or lose, AquaDad and the Sea King agree that the worst late evening of Age of Mythologies game play is better than the best day at work. A cliche? Yes. The truth? Definitely.
AquaDad feels if you haven't taken some time to play an RTS (Real Time Strategy) game, then you have missed out on an engaging part of life experience.
AquaDad has set the cartoons up for his youngest, AquaBoy II, and falls back to sleep on the couch; the sounds of SpongeBob Squarepants play quietly in the background of his deep sleep.
The dark circles under his eyes indicate that AquaDad has once again stayed up too late. But he does not regret his late night escapade. No, not one bit.
For he and his pal, the Northern Sea King, waged mighty war in an epic battle against two opponents that put up an extremely intense fight. Ignoring the fact that the opponents were simply AI set at medium, the mayhem and destruction were considerable, but to AquaDad and the Sea King it was a truly pleasing example of courage, bravery, and derring-do.
They played Age of Mythologies. AquaDad and the Sea King have been playing the game for several years, after previous years of playing the wonderful Age of Empires II: Conquerors. Ensemble Studios did an excellent job with AOM.
AquaDad and the Sea King do own copies of the latest sequel in the Age series: Age of Empires III. However, recent attempts to connect via multiplayer have resulted in failed connections and much disappointment in the hearts of the two warriors.
Meanwhile, the brilliance of Age of Mythologies has led to frequent thrilling evenings engaged in the strategies of the battlefield along with mythological mayhem. Win or lose, AquaDad and the Sea King agree that the worst late evening of Age of Mythologies game play is better than the best day at work. A cliche? Yes. The truth? Definitely.
AquaDad feels if you haven't taken some time to play an RTS (Real Time Strategy) game, then you have missed out on an engaging part of life experience.
AquaDad has set the cartoons up for his youngest, AquaBoy II, and falls back to sleep on the couch; the sounds of SpongeBob Squarepants play quietly in the background of his deep sleep.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
AquaBoy #2
Somewhere above sea level...
AquaDad is kept busy by AquaBoy #2 (pictured here).
Yes, he is wearing a cape...despite Edna Mode's warnings about the dangers of wearing a cape (see The Incredibles).
AquaDad is kept busy by AquaBoy #2 (pictured here).
Yes, he is wearing a cape...despite Edna Mode's warnings about the dangers of wearing a cape (see The Incredibles).
Friends of AquaDad - Nalts
Message in a bottle floating somewhere in the South Pacific...
AquaDad has made some friends online.
Nalts is the name of one such friend. AquaDad has had many laughs over Nalts' videos. They're parodies, they're pranks, they're comments on viral videos, they're videos starring kids, they're videos created by the biggest of the kids. And they are all funny.
Nalts is also a prolific commentator on all things viral video and the state of this young industry. A rant on YouTube, a cry of love for all things Revver, a voice crying in the internet desert (okay maybe not that), Nalts is all of this.
Check out Nalts' website: www.cubebreak.com
His Viral Video blog: www.willworkforvideo.com
His Revver blog: www.revverberation.com
And now, here are some of AquaDad's favorite Nalts videos...
http://aquadad.one.revver.com/collection/24730
It is AquaDad's wish that you enjoy the work of Nalts. You will have to kick back and surround yourself with the sounds of your own laughter. You will be pleased.
(Also, AquaDad wants to remember that he wanted to try the new Revver widget which would allow him to have a collection of videos that are easily shown via the widget, however, AquaDad's html programming skills, at this point, leave something to be desired.)
AquaDad has made some friends online.
Nalts is the name of one such friend. AquaDad has had many laughs over Nalts' videos. They're parodies, they're pranks, they're comments on viral videos, they're videos starring kids, they're videos created by the biggest of the kids. And they are all funny.
Nalts is also a prolific commentator on all things viral video and the state of this young industry. A rant on YouTube, a cry of love for all things Revver, a voice crying in the internet desert (okay maybe not that), Nalts is all of this.
Check out Nalts' website: www.cubebreak.com
His Viral Video blog: www.willworkforvideo.com
His Revver blog: www.revverberation.com
And now, here are some of AquaDad's favorite Nalts videos...
http://aquadad.one.revver.com/collection/24730
It is AquaDad's wish that you enjoy the work of Nalts. You will have to kick back and surround yourself with the sounds of your own laughter. You will be pleased.
(Also, AquaDad wants to remember that he wanted to try the new Revver widget which would allow him to have a collection of videos that are easily shown via the widget, however, AquaDad's html programming skills, at this point, leave something to be desired.)
Monday, October 09, 2006
Join the Revverlution!
Somewhere closer to the surface of a stormy sea...
AquaDad wanders the Internet from time to time. Back in February of 2006, Pre-AquaLog, AquaDad discovered www.Revver.com.
What is this, wondered AquaDad? Make videos and post them AND GET PAID??? AquaDad was very skeptical, until he posted a video. Sure enough, money was made.
Revver became AquaDad's best friend. Revver has several of his videos and A-Dad has made nearly $140 Sanddollars since February. AquaDad is very pleased.
But AquaDad is not satisfied. Not for the money. No, AquaDad needs to make more videos. His real passion is making videos. Yet, there is no time. The AquaKids and AquaWife need attention. And then, there is the job that AquaDad must sell his soul for, eight or more hours every weekday. Add in sleep time, and you have very minimal video making time as well as one frustrated AquaDad.
Don't worry, he'll figure out a way to work it in.
Here is one of AquaDad's favorite video creations:
AquaDad wanders the Internet from time to time. Back in February of 2006, Pre-AquaLog, AquaDad discovered www.Revver.com.
What is this, wondered AquaDad? Make videos and post them AND GET PAID??? AquaDad was very skeptical, until he posted a video. Sure enough, money was made.
Revver became AquaDad's best friend. Revver has several of his videos and A-Dad has made nearly $140 Sanddollars since February. AquaDad is very pleased.
But AquaDad is not satisfied. Not for the money. No, AquaDad needs to make more videos. His real passion is making videos. Yet, there is no time. The AquaKids and AquaWife need attention. And then, there is the job that AquaDad must sell his soul for, eight or more hours every weekday. Add in sleep time, and you have very minimal video making time as well as one frustrated AquaDad.
Don't worry, he'll figure out a way to work it in.
Here is one of AquaDad's favorite video creations:
There is no Free Lunch! (except sometimes there is!)
Somewhere deep in the ocean...
AquaDad found a rumbling in his stomach, lunch was in order. However, a quick check in the Aquawallet revealed very few sanddollars. What was he to do?
A quick search through the AquaCubicle turned up an old box of Frosted Flakes, a can of Kidney Beans, and several bags of microwave popcorn. This was not proper sustenance for AquaDad.
Having already mooched off his associates, AquaDad was about to console himself with his cold cup of breakroom coffee and some stale peanut-butter crackers, when a voice cried out like an angel on a mountain top, "There is food in the breakroom!"
In an instant, like a ravenous Sea Wharg, AquaDad was in the breakroom gazing at the vast feast that lay before him...Mexican food! Ole! Did AquaDad despair that all the good tacos and enchiladas were taken already? No! For he could see there was much food remaining: two types of beans, much rice, some sour cream and guacamole as well as immense trays of chips and runny salsa residue.
Yes, AquaDad knew he would eat well today.
And he did.
AQUADAD PONDERS...
Later, with a full stomach (and, need we mention, the considerable gas emissions), AquaDad reflected upon things that were much more important than his full belly. He wondered, could not the world hunger crisis be solved by this daily excess office bounty contained by the many tubs of Tupperware that sit unused? Ah, one could say transportation would be an unwieldy problem. But AquaDad smiles and thinks, could not an army of "Fed" Ex workers handle it with their existing distribution system?
Shhh...AquaDad is resting his head on his keyboard and snoring, the world's problems will have to be solved by someone else for now...Bill Gates are you out there?
AquaDad found a rumbling in his stomach, lunch was in order. However, a quick check in the Aquawallet revealed very few sanddollars. What was he to do?
A quick search through the AquaCubicle turned up an old box of Frosted Flakes, a can of Kidney Beans, and several bags of microwave popcorn. This was not proper sustenance for AquaDad.
Having already mooched off his associates, AquaDad was about to console himself with his cold cup of breakroom coffee and some stale peanut-butter crackers, when a voice cried out like an angel on a mountain top, "There is food in the breakroom!"
In an instant, like a ravenous Sea Wharg, AquaDad was in the breakroom gazing at the vast feast that lay before him...Mexican food! Ole! Did AquaDad despair that all the good tacos and enchiladas were taken already? No! For he could see there was much food remaining: two types of beans, much rice, some sour cream and guacamole as well as immense trays of chips and runny salsa residue.
Yes, AquaDad knew he would eat well today.
And he did.
AQUADAD PONDERS...
Later, with a full stomach (and, need we mention, the considerable gas emissions), AquaDad reflected upon things that were much more important than his full belly. He wondered, could not the world hunger crisis be solved by this daily excess office bounty contained by the many tubs of Tupperware that sit unused? Ah, one could say transportation would be an unwieldy problem. But AquaDad smiles and thinks, could not an army of "Fed" Ex workers handle it with their existing distribution system?
Shhh...AquaDad is resting his head on his keyboard and snoring, the world's problems will have to be solved by someone else for now...Bill Gates are you out there?
Sunday, October 08, 2006
Intro to the AquaLog
From the ocean depths, comes the creature known as AquaDad and this...is his AquaLog. His intention is to write about the things he knows.
He doesn't know much.
But that's never stopped anyone from writing a blog, nor will it stop AquaDad.
AquaDad's mission is to discuss the creative things in life.
Creative things like:
He doesn't know much.
But that's never stopped anyone from writing a blog, nor will it stop AquaDad.
AquaDad's mission is to discuss the creative things in life.
Creative things like:
- Viral Videos
- Writing (stories, poetry, etc.)
- Photography -- though he doesn't know anything about it, but he does have a camera
- Photoshopped pictures
- Comic-Con (Yes, AquaDad is a nerd)
- Going to the Library
- Music (maybe, that's really too broad, and AquaDad has his AquaKids and AquaWife he must pay attention to)
- Real Time Strategy Games like Age of Empires
- Surrealism (Magritte's a favorite)
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