Top 7 Reasons To Hate Your College Roommate...

I'm about one month into my last year of college, and I've decided to build a list comprised of my biggest pet peeves when it comes to having a dorm roommate. If you find that some of these complaints adhere to you, you should probably do something about it, because your roommate is ready to cover your stuff with gasoline and set it on fire in the middle of the student center...


Anyway, without further ado....


#7. They're Early To Bed or Late To Rise...

So you're not the earliest bird in the world, and you may consider "early" to be anything before 10am, but it seems like your roommate just wants to sleep his entire college experience away. If you're waking up just in time to grab dinner, and then turning around to hit the hay again, chances are you're annoying the hell out of that person you're rooming with. The same goes for that roomie who goes to sleep at the same bed-time that was established when they were 4 years old. It's college!! You're suppose to stay up, even if it's for no good reason.

But what really breaks the camel's back, is the fact that you can't do anything when they're asleep. There's only so much you can do in a room while staying as quiet as possible. That rules out TV, video games, talking on the phone, etc. If you've got someone with these narcoleptic tendencies, stop being so considerate. Humans may spend 1/3rd of their lives sleeping, but that other 2/3rds should be spent doing something loud and fun.



#6. They Don't Use Headphones...

I've had my fair share of college roommates, four to be exact. Some were good, and some were bad, but I've found that a friendly room atmosphere is built on the foundation of one thing, respect. Headphones are great. You can listen to your iPod, your computer, and your Game Boy, all while not disturbing those around you. However, there are some people who feel the need to listen to their audio out loud. Maybe the headphones hurt their ears, or maybe they just want you to know how awesome their taste in music is. Fact is, if you're not using headphones, you're not showing you're roommate respect.

Very few TVs have headphone jacks, and even fewer are close enough to the viewer for a chord to reach, so that what makes it the one exception. If your roommate is watching TV, put on your damn headphones! There's no need to get in a volume match. Headphones are a great invention. USE THEM!!




#5. They Don't Understand The Concept of Cleanliness...

Cleanliness comes in all shapes and forms, and I'll be the first to admit that I'm a messy guy. I'm typically cluttered on a usual basis, but I usually know where everything is, and I know when to pick things up, (typically when a girl is coming over.) But there are those who live in filth, absolute filth. Used cue tips, dirty dishes, old laundry, and nasty tissues not only make the room unhealthy, but make it smell!! (Which is often worse.) I suggest leaving the window open, even if it's just cracked. It helps air out the room, and it keeps the space fresh.

I mentioned earlier that cleanliness comes in different forms. Let's not forget about hygiene! Shower's should be used and not avoided. And if you're going use the dorm shower, WEAR SANDALS!! Nothing makes me cringe more than seeing someone bare foot in the bathroom. That or maybe smelling a room that's been sat in all day by a dirty roommate.



#4. They Partake in Illegal Activities...

Nothing is a bigger buzz-kill than getting busted for something illegal on campus. Whether it's smoking in the dorms, doing drugs, or drinking underage, getting caught red-handed is bad news. What sucks even worse is getting in trouble by association. If your roommate is caught doing something bad, you're assumed to have been involved.

I had a friend who was over 21 and his roommate was too. One night while my friend was kicking back watching some TV, his roommate had a couple girls over and they were drinking. My friend assumed these ladies were 21. An RA came to the room, and busted him because the girls were underage. Even though they weren't his friends, and he wasn't drinking, he was guilty by association.

It would be the same with drugs. If your roommate is caught with drugs, don't think it'll just be his side of the room that'll get searched. If your roommate likes to puff the magic dragon, encourage him to join your school's Outdoor Club. That's what it's there for...




#3. They Touch Your Stuff...

When you get to college you have to learn how to share stuff. It's a necessary evil. It's almost like being married. But sometimes, roommates can take advantage of that sharing. Occasionally they take it upon themselves to use your stuff without asking.

I wouldn't consider myself a dick, but if you use my things without checking with me first, I can become one very quickly. I like to take very good care of my stuff, so I guess it's really a trust issue. I've got some very nice/expensive things and I want to make sure they aren't going to get broken.

If you find food in the fridge that you didn't put there, don't touch it. I know back home food magically appeared in your fridge every week, but this is not your house, and that food belongs to someone else. Be reasonable. It all comes back to respect. Respect their stuff, and respect their space.



#2. SEX...

Everyone comes to college with an expectation of having intercourse with multiple partners. For some, their expectations are met, for others... not so much. Sometimes your roommate is one of the lucky ones, and you find yourself sexiled more often than you'd like.

Sexile: "To banish somebody, usually one's roommate, from the room for the privacy to fornicate."

As inconvenient as sexiling is, what really grinds my gears is when roommates get hot and heavy while you're in the room!! (Talk about not showing someone respect!) I've heard horror stories from all my friends, and I have a few of my own. Just don't do it!!

If you are on the flip side of the coin, wait until your roommate leaves, or just ask them to. Most people are OK with leaving for 20 minutes or so. Oh, and before they get back, make sure you use some febreeze. It's just a common courtesy.




#1. They Won't Leave the Room!!!!!!

This is my all time biggest pet peeve for having a roommate. When you live in a dorm you have very little privacy. Pretty much everyone knows what everyone else is doing. Occasionally, you just want to come back from class to an empty, quiet room. Personal space is highly underrated in the college atmosphere.

Sometimes you may find yourself with a roommate who doesn't leave the room. I've had roommates who I swore didn't have classes, because I've never seen them outside the dorm. It's a tough position to be in, because most people don't want to confront the "room-dweller." College is a time to go out, meet new people, drink, screw, and go to class. I hate coming back to a room with a roommate constantly on his computer or watching TV. It's depressing. I mean come on! There's a big exciting world out there waiting for you. Don't spend these great years confined to the room. I understand that sometimes "room time" is nice, but if it's a constant thing you're not only hurting your social life, but you're also depriving your roommate of his alone time.

All in all, show some courtesy and some respect to that other person you call your college roommate. It will usually be reciprocated, and you'll find yourself in a very comfortable home away from home.

The 5 BEST Nintendo Games You Have Never Played...

I've owned every system released by Nintendo, but my parents rarely bought me the games every other kid had. (Basically, they shopped in the bargain bin.) I was exposed to many different games, and  I found out later in life that my friends didn't have these games, nor had they heard of them. I want to make sure these games aren't forgotten, and that they get the recognition they deserve.

#5. MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS (Super NES)

Now out of all the video games on this list, MMPR is the one you're most likely to have played. That's why I placed it at number five. Power Rangers easily has some of the best graphics I've ever seen in a Super NES game. Although short, it had everything a six year-old Power Ranger fanatic could want. It had putties, alien monsters, morphing, and the Megazord. I mean C'MON!!!!

Although it's short, I've found myself going back to play it over, and over again. It's THAT fun. There's just something so gratifying about morphing halfway through a level, and kicking the crap out of Rita Repulsa's thugs. The only flaw of this game? No Green Ranger.

#4. BATMAN RETURNS (Super NES)

Batman on the original NES is regarded as one of the greatest action games of the 8-Bit era. What few remember is it's sequel on the Super NES, Batman Returns. Reviews of the game were largely positive. The game has high quality gameplay mechanics and balanced difficulty level. Overall it was better received than the movie it's based upon, which received mixed reviews.

(I personally LOVE the film.)

The quality graphics, sound, fluent controls and atmosphere, pushed the console to its limits.

#3. THE THREE STOOGES (NES)

We now progress to the more obscure. You probably never knew the classic comedy trio had their own Nintendo game, but this isn't a joke. The game revolves around the Stooges trying to raise $10,000 to save an orphanage. They raise money by working odd jobs that you pick at random. The jobs revolve around some of the most famous scenes in Stooge history.

This game is one of the most original and hilarious games for NES, and is definitely worth a try.

#2. ROCKET: ROBOT ON WHEELS (N64)

This was one of the first video games I ever bought for myself. Why? It was $7, and it had a picture of the main character riding in a car shaped like a Hot Dog on the back. Need I say more? Next to Mario 64 this is THE BEST platforming game on the N64, period.

You play as Rocket an innocent Robot who's main job is to keep the Amusement Park he works at up and running. But when the park's main mascot is kidnapped, it's up to Rocket and his friend, Tinker, to save the day. Throughout the game you are rewarded with new upgrades to your robotic body, and access to some of the coolest vehicles I've ever seen in a game. Find this game and play it. RIGHT NOW.

#1. THUNDER & LIGHTNING (NES)

This is the one game I KNOW you've never played, nor have you heard of it. Don't let it's looks fool you. It may look like another Breakout rebirth, but it's so much more than that.

Thunder & Lightning is a game that combines super tight controls with addicting gameplay, catchy music, and high paced action. This is easily my favorite game of all time. I have prayed every night for Nintendo to release this on the Wii's virtual console, and as soon as you play it, you will too. Some argue that Arkanoid is better, but I argue that it just doesn't have the personality of Thunder & Lightning. If this game was a woman I would make sweet 8-Bit love to it.

 

Alton Brown dishes up some tasty details about "The Next Iron Chef."

Kiss 94.5fm out of Bangor, ME is known for bringing it's listener's "Today's Best Variety."

Next week they'll be serving up something a little different...

Mike and Mike (Kiss's popular morning show duo) recently posted their entertaining interview with Food Network's Alton Brown on Facebook. You may know Alton from such shows as "Good Eats" or "Iron Chef: America."

You can check out the interview by using the player below:



Now while the interview was conducted this morning, it will not be airing until next week. Be sure to tune in!!

http://www.wksqfm.com/

Stop the Hate: Protect Maine Equality

In Junior High I was apart of my school's Civil Rights Team which was created early on into my 7th Grade Year. We upheld and informed our class mates about the importance of respecting those from other backgrounds, and to not judge or discriminate against others based on their gender, race, religion or sexual orientation. I honestly joined the team to go on field trips twice a month, and get out of class, but I ended up learning some great lessons about how to treat others with respect regardless of their background.

In May of 2009 my home state of Maine passed a bill which legalized homosexual marriage. On September 2nd, it was announced that opponents of the law had gathered enough voters’ signatures to put the issue to a vote in November. Now, Question 1 will decide whether or not Maine will continue to honor equality and the civil rights of every American.

The Question is worded as follows...

Do you want to reject the new law that lets same-sex couples marry and allows individuals and religious groups to refuse to perform these marriages?

To conserve same-sex marriage, one would vote NO.
 
Well, a few days ago I had the displeasure of seeing my first "Yes on 1 Ad." The ad I speak of revolves around a young couple from Massachusetts whose child was read a book that showed homosexuality in a friendly light.



They were infuriated by this teaching and tried to pull the child out of class, but the school claimed they had no right to do so. The couple, Joseph and Robin Wirthlin, then joined a suit filed by Tonia and David Parker. (You may notice that Joseph Wirthlin is referred to as "Robb" in the ad, but after a little digging, I found our that it is just an alias.)

According to the National School Board Association’s website, “The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit ruled that the school district’s refusal to allow parents to opt their elementary school children out of lessons aimed teaching tolerance for same-sex marriage did not violate their own or their children’s rights to free exercise of religion or due process.”

It seems if it were up to the Parkers, or the Wirthlins, that every lesson would have to be run by parents first to make sure it stands within THEIR belief system. Because these couples are both catholic, should evolution then be barred from the curriculum, or maybe the Big Bang Theory?

The whole argument becomes ridiculous!!

Basically what the courts were trying to do was to “have children accept the validity of, embrace, affirm, or celebrate views of human sexuality, gender identity, and marriage constructs [and help] in preventing discrimination, specifically discrimination targeted at students in school.”

All people, whether they are gay, straight, black, white, rich, poor, or otherwise deserve all the same rights. There should be no discussion. Most argue that homosexual marriage is not God’s will, and that it is morally wrong, but why should God have ANYTHING to do with it, when there is suppose to be a clear distinction between church and state.
 
It’s been also been stated that children need the influence of both a mom and a dad to grow up to be a “normal” contributor to society. So, are my excellent grades and impressive resume null and void because I was raised by my father in a ONE PARENT household?

Groups like “Stand for Marriage Maine” claim that a homosexual agenda is being pushed on the masses, and that homosexual marriage destroys the sacredness of marriage. I would argue that the divorce rate in America puts that sacredness to shame. I mean if Britney Spears can get married at 3am in some drunken Las Vegas romp, why can’t two people of the same sex do the same?

Simply put, the school’s lessons in no way prohibit those families who oppose the homosexual lifestyle to impose their bigotry on their kids.

Can someone tell me how people can find the audacity to deny other people the same rights themselves enjoy? How does two people getting married effect them in any way? I’ve tried as hard as possible to try and see it from the other side, but I cannot. The argument is invalid, and filled with hate.

If you want something to wash that taste of bigotry out of your mouth left by the previous video, here is how life SHOULD be...



Peace & Love.
 
Sources:
 
http://www.protectmaineequality.org/index.cfm

http://www.nsba.org/MainMenu/SchoolLaw/Issues/Curriculum/RecentCases/ParkervHurley.aspx
 
http://www.conservapedia.com/Parker_v._Hurley

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/03/us/03maine.html

Women: The Ladder Theory

I'm going to impart to you some wise information that I've carried with me everywhere I go. I pass it along to most of my guy friends in times of trouble, or when I see them pursuing women they shouldn't be pursuing.

Now, my dear reader, I impart the same advice to you.

When it comes to women, it just so happens that ladders perfectly represent how they classify men in their lives (aside from relatives of course.)

Imagine two ladders leaning on an endless wall of brick. Between them lies a vast rocky abyss.

On the first ladder stands all the men who this particular woman knows, but is not attracted to. This ladder is commonly referred to as "The Friend Zone."

The "Friend Ladder" or "GUY-HELL" consists of every man she is not attracted to, whether physically or emotionally. At the bottom of the ladder are guys who are acquaintances. At the top of the ladder are her "besties" and/or her gay friends. All guys on this ladder are carefully sorted between these two extremes.

On the second ladder stands all the men who this particular woman knows, and IS attracted to. These are all her male prospects. They are men she can see herself dating and/or marrying and/or having intercourse with. Needless to say, this is where you want to be.

Keep in mind that you CANNOT be on both ladders. However, there is the smallest glimmer of hope for all you guys stranded in "The Friend Zone."

Depending on the woman and your particular relationship with her, it may be possible to jump from one ladder to the other. The only requirement is your position on that ladder.

If you're on the bottom and you try to make the leap, you'll end up in that vast dark abyss of awkwardness. BUT, if you happen to make the leap from the very top of the Friend Ladder, there is the smallest possibility that you can make it to the Prospects Ladder. However, you'll find yourself positioned on the bottom rung.

So there you have my personal "Ladder Theory."

Be sure to tell your friends, and as always, happy climbing.

"The Bride will fight again!!" ...but not for another 5 years.

Quentin Tarantino recently sat down with "Parla con Me," an Italian talk show, and talked about his plans to film a "threequel" to the highly awesome Kill Bill saga.

(He starts talking about the film a little before the 6:00 mark.)



He says that he wants a 10 year hiatus between the second film and third film, so that would be a release of right around 2014.

With Bill already dead (in the movie and in real life) what could this 3rd adventure be called?

Should Tarantino go the James Cameron route and name it "Kill Bills"?

Maybe it's a woman's blood Uma Thurman is after this time. Personally, I'm all for a "Kill Jill."

No matter what the title, I can't wait to see Pai Mei's "Five Point Palm Exploding Heart Technique" again.

Thank you Quentin Tarantino for giving me the sequel I didn't even know I wanted.