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Archives - August 2004

:: Joshua Starling

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August 2, 2004 - You love me, you really love me
I just wanted to say thanks for everyone out there for visiting my site. Thanks to y'all, July had the most hits with 453 and June trailing in second with 298. Thanks again party peoples and keep up the hits.

Second item on my agenda today is a new feature: Mail Call. Here is where I answer my "special" fan mail. And let me tell you, I've got a humdinger today. So fire up your email accounts and send me something today...no, not later...NOW!!

Finally, I just thought I would share this with you all. I was in Target yesterday and I had just finished checking out. I overheard this lady in the line behind saying that she was having trouble getting this rather large item out of her cart.

Cashier: "Ma'am I can scan that from here."

Woman: (grunting and struggling) "I almost killed myself trying to get it in the buggy. I should have got a clerk to help me. But I've got an item under here that you need to scan."

Seeing an opportunity for a boy scout badge, I say, "Excuse me ma'am, but I'll be more than happy to help you get it out."

Woman: (reluctantly) "Sure...I guess so...thanks."

Me: "Nadda problem, we'll just sit this (picking it up)...right (straining, feeling a hernia forming)...here." Lets just say that beast was heavy. I don't know how she got it in there. So I turn around to see what this "all important" item was...a $2 pink pencil case. Without thinking I say, "That's it?!"

Needless to say she turned down my attempts to help her out to her car.

Get ready to go after Trogdor...it's Peasant's Quest.

Here is a look into the world of men. Enjoy.

And they call it the Hurricane...game.

Genius...pure genius.

Awesome Castlevania game. Taking me back to my NES days.

Not sure if this was an actual news story, but incredibly funny.

Alien...in 30 secs...re-enacted by bunnies.


August 3, 2004 - You can file that under "special"
Last night a few of us together to watch Bubba Ho-Tep. A very special movie starring Bruce Campbell, star of the Evil Dead series. Here is what the back of the movie says: "Resting in the confines of a Mud Creek, TX, nursing home after fading into obscurity following his departure from the limelight, an aging and embittered Elvis befriends a delusional patient named Jack who claims to be John F. Kennedy. Elvis finds a new reason to live when Jack tips him off to an evil mummy that is feasting on the souls of hapless nursing home inhabitants. Before long the geriatric duo must muster the strength to fend off the malevolent soul sucker lest they ultimately fall prey to the fearsome Bubba Ho-Tep." HAHAHA!! You'll just have to go out and rent that one!

Special site of the day: Men who look like Kenny Rogers

Take the Citizenship Test and see if you got what it takes to be a US Citizen!

Man, I didn't have this much fun on my 23rd birthday.

Now this is a nifty little puzzle solving game.

How to make your iPod wireless. Neat-o!!

Speaking of fun...um...no. Hommie don't play that. Talk about bringing hanging out to a whole new level.


August 4, 2004 - It's like your right...man
So I'm strolling up to Publix yesterday and there is a guy with blue hair standing there with a clip board.

Blue Dude: "Excuse me, but are you a registered voter?"

Me: "Ummm....yeah."

Blue Dude: "Great! Would you sign a petition to legalize mariju..."

Me: (walking away) "No." (mumbling) "Dirty hippies."

Sorry man, but I'm not about to put my name down on your paper to support your habit. 

And in other news, I knew it was coming, I could feel it in me bones...Arch Nemesis #1 strikes again. [insert grumblings and shaking the fist here]

By a show of hands, how many remember Pass the Pigs game? Pig out!!

Spider Man vs. Doc Oct...completely done by legos.

"He's a lucky man." Yes, indeed.

(shameless Republican plug) You know, now that you mention it, this does seem true.

Get your circle to the square game.

"Now, do I cut the red wire or the black wire?"


August 5, 2004 - Very Interesting
Updated Mail Call today. And based on that email, I give you my thoughts for today:

You know, it isn't often that I come up with something of this magnitude. But let me run this by you: Gilligan's Island was the blueprint for reality TV. Now, work with me here and think outside the box. You've got a rather large man (Skipper) with a fowl temper, a skinny dork (Gilligan) that the ladies love, a millionaire and his stuck-up wife (Mr. and Mrs. Howell), a movie star (Ginger), someone with an education (Professor), and a country bumpkin (Mary Ann). Still with me? So what do you do? Put them on a deserted island. Think about it. No, really, think about it.

Dag'gum wipper snappers. Where's my cane?! 

I can't believe some people actually buy this stuff. Oh wait, yes I can. I've got some from Climax if anyone wants it.

Another one of those platform jumping games.

Oh, the irony...and your tax dollars hard at work.

Now this is really cool. This family has taken their photo since 1976.

Interesting game: Jack Hammer Rampage.


August 6, 2004 - Hangover?
You know, I think I "stumbled" upon something this morning. I'm going to call it: Videogame Hangover. As you may or may not know, Doom 3 came out this week. Yes, its the new hotness which makes Far Cry old and busted. Anyways, the game instructions clearly state that I have to play D3 in the dark, with my surround sound turned up, and my door locked. So I've followed all those directions with the exception of the locked door. Should I keel over it may be a few days before Artie notices a funky smell. Being that I'm a working man and all, the only time I get to play is at night before I go to bed. So right there I'm automatically sleep deprived which means I'm going to wake up in a zombie-like state, stumbling around and not making any sense until I gets me coffee. Then you add in the fact that I'm playing a game chock full of eye candy in the dark. Well, there's your headache when I wake up. And your wrists start to hurt like you tripped and fell the night before. All-in-all its not a bad way to get a "hangover" and you don't have the associated gastro-intestinal problems that you get from drinking too much alcohol. Anyways, I've got to go find the aspirin (and yes, I know that's sad).

Check out the sixth installment of Ramblings of a 6th Year Senior.

Also, Happy Birthday Kyle. We really enjoyed your rendition of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Here's a group shot.

I realize that most, if not all, you y'all can't read this, but just check out the pictures. 

Great Knights of Columbus! Its a Chinese penguin game.

WWI Claims another life. Honestly, this is about the 5th time I've posted an article like this.

Speaking of, yet another tale of stolen construction equipment.

Woo hoo! Its Action Fishing time.

Finally be sure to check out this virtual flip book.


August 9, 2004 - Crazy Weekend
Well boys and girls. It shaped up to be one heck of a weekend. I'm sure it had nothing to do with frisbee golf on campus with a hint of dumpster/grocery cart riding (pics forthcoming), running across the Doak in the wee hours of the morning, and being transported down Tennessee Street in a trunk. It probably would have been better if Rae could hack staying up all night. But its ok, I know that you are getting old like the rest of us. Maybe next time right? 

Mail Call!! I've got a new email to share with you all.

Down South, we usually use shotguns.

Moose VS Chevy Lumina. Wow...I'm at a loss for words.

Not so much a game, but should keep you entertained for hours.

Matt, this link's for you.

3D car driving type game.

"Hey kid, gimme your lunch money." Wash, rinse, and repeat.


August 10, 2004 - [Missing]
Sorry boys and girls but some how I accidentally deleted this day's posting. Its now lost in a whirlwind of 1s and 0s. Alas, we knew this posting well. 

August 11, 2004 - Public Service Announcements
I figured that for today I would use my webmasterness for the powers of awesome. Here are today's public service announcements:

Tropical Storm Bonnie and Charley are currently brewing in the Gulf of Mexico region and expected to make landfall in FL. Forecasts have predicated some localized flooding. They are also recommending that you stock up on batteries, water, ammo, your favorite tasty beverage, and non-perishable food. Furthermore, if your area is susceptible to flooding, experts say to place all of your important items in waterproof containers. You'll need the bigger Tupperware containers for your dog...cats can fend for themselves since they love water.

Also, don't forget that its West Nile/Mosquito season. Please be sure to empty out items in your yard that contain water and wrap yourself in saran wrap for maximum protection.     

Finally, the Homeland Security Advisory System is at Elevated Condition (Yellow). Elevated Condition is declared when there is a significant risk of terrorist attacks. That means to keep your dogs well trained and your guns loaded but on safety.

Take your farewell ride in style.

A little unusual but fun to play...nice graphics too.

Man, a true Cinderella story.

Check out Martha Steward's begging for the judge to go easy on her.

An online SimCity clone called Super City Planner.

Proof that you need some level of skill to jack a car.


August 12, 2004 - Investigative Report (Lengthy Post)
Just for the record, I don't normally read these things. But this one caught my eye and I couldn't help myself. So I got an email the other day and the subject line was, "Christian Debt Management." Hmmm...I think I smell a new low here. Curiosity got the best of me and I clicked the open link to find this inside. A few things to note here. I really like how they more concerned with getting you on the path of financial security as opposed to spiritual security. And don't forget the verse. The full passage is "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors," which is actually taken from the Lord's Prayer. I think you can figure that one out.

Next, I decided to pay their website a little visit. I looked through their entire website and I didn't find one reference to anything Christian related. Even the half quoted Bible verse was no where to be found. Now things are getting interesting. Time to call their 1-800 number and pose as a debt ridden American in desperate need. 

Recording: "Welcome. You have reached Christian Debt Management. Please stay on the line for an operator to assist you."

Operator: "Hello my name is Sarah and how may I help you today."

Me: "I'm looking into getting some debt relief but I have a few questions first. Is there someone I can talk to first before I get the process started?"

Sarah: "Sure, but I have to ask you three questions first. How much, approximately, are you in debt."

Me: " I have about $17K in accumulated credit card debt.

Sarah: "Ok, great. What state do you live in?"

Me: "FL."

Sarah: "Sorry, but we aren't licensed in FL." (Side Note: Their address on the website is in FL.)

Me: "Oh, what about GA because I'm moving there due to work?"

Sarah: "Yes, we are licensed in GA. Finally, have you ever filled out the form on the website?"

Me: "Nope, sure haven't" 

Sarah: "Ok then, let me transfer you to someone who can answer your questions."

Some Guy: "Good morning, my name is Jeff and how can I help you?"

Me: "Hey Jeff, I have a few questions for you. First of all, how does your organization differ from, say, AmeriDebt, that offers similar packages?"

Jeff: "Well, I've never worked for any other debt consolation firm before. But let me tell you how we work." [insert five minute speech full of jargon and BS]. Now, I'm not asking for any personal information, but who is your current creditor, your balance due, and amount of monthly payments?"

Me: "Wait, I have one more question. So what exactly does the 'Christian' mean in your name? What are your beliefs and why did you choose to use that in your company name?"

Jeff: (long period of silence) "Because we are a non-profit Christian organization." 

Me: "So that's supposed to give me a warm fuzzy since you'll be handling my debt?"

Jeff: (another long period of silence) "So how about that infor.."

Me: (click)

Umm...yeah...I think Jeff knew that I had figured him out. Oh well, its not 60 Minutes material, but a fun learning experience. Learn well from this my young padawans.

Funky website where people take pics of thrown away mattresses. 

Really fun remake of the classic Lemmings game.

You'll wake the dead for crying out loud.

What airplane safety signs really mean.

Try your hand at Canyon Gliding.

Sorry, but this only works in the movies.


August 13, 2004 - Happy Friday The 13th
Cha, cha, cha...

Today's Public Service Announcements are brought to you by the letters R, U and N and the number 3.

This weekend I highly recommend that you stay away from any camp grounds next to lakes...especially any named Crystal Lake. Furthermore, people wielding machetes and wearing hockey masks may be hazardous to your health.

Also, Tropical Storm Bonnie was a complete dud. I mean, I didn't even see a tree limb fall. Geez, what a let down. On the other hand, it appears that Hurricane Charley is going to low blow the Tampa area. Might I suggest the Duck and Cover method? This method is also applicable to earthquakes, meteors, atomic blasts, and rabid monkeys. As for your small pets, rope and cinder blocks should do the trick. As for cats, they are built to withstand up to a Category 5 hurricane because they always land on their feet...always.

Check out the seventh installment of Ramblings of a 6th Year Senior.

So wrong yet so funny (and true), its the Miss Georgia Sex Offenders 2004 Pageant.

Nighttime motorcycle racing game.

Oops, my bad.

Interesting survey of the music preference of computer nerds.

I wish you all the luck with this game. [insert grumblings here]

Proof that cats always land on their feet.


August 16, 2004 - Here's the Deal
It's Monday. I had a long and very eventful weekend. And its going to be a long week with Orientation Week at FSU and related activities at CCF. Not to mention the fact that school starts back up next week. So today's posting is going to be short and sweet.

Mail Call!! I've got a new email to share with you all.

Its Strong Bad Email #111!

For all the incoming Freshmen this year, this link is for you.

Badabing, badaboom! Puzzle type game.

Oops, my bad.

In case you ever wanted to know how to calculate star dates.

Pharoah's Tomb game. Has everything but the curse.

Pre-school version of the Great Escape.


August 17, 2004 - Near Miss
Well boys and girls, you almost had one heck of a rant for today. I woke up this morning and decided to check how much I owe FSU for Fall semester. You know, so I start grubbing for quarters at the bus stop. I'll save the "cost of tuition" rant for another day. Anyways, I bebop my way over to the website and it says that I don't owe them anything. At first I was like, "Woo hoo!" Then it dawned on me that probably means I'm not registered for classes. Then came the depressing thought that I wouldn't be able to get my student football tickets. And I was sad. Something must be wrong somewhere. I tried to access the site again and it was down. Great, just great. It's 5:30 AM and I don't know if I'm going to have class next week. So I wait...and wait...and wait...for almost two hours for the site to come back up. I check again and yep, I owe them money. I guess its not all bad. In the meantime, you can make all donations payable to Cash.

Mail Call!! I've got another new email to share with you all.

Be the coolest kid on your block and rice out your bike

Try your hand at parallel parking.

Now you can get all the ladies...including the ones that don't shave their pits.

Interesting airplane landings and take-offs message board.

Mega Man vs. Metroid - a very awesome flash game.

Bad advertising fails thief.


August 18, 2004 - Shifting Gears
Instead of me complaining about someone or ranting about something, today I'm going to do a praise. Yep. A positive posting. How about that? So here goes (please note that I may be a little rusty at this):

Yesterday when I was out checking my site stats, Yahoo! left me a little present. They upped my website space from 50 MB to 2000MB and my monthly transfer rates. Yahoo! also threw in some new tools and other little options. And the good part is that I don't have to pay anything for it. Basically, that means that I'll be able to add more content to the website and maybe those big productions the good senior is always talking about.  

And in other news, I have updated the Name the Column Contest with all the submissions I have received thus far. I've heard rumors that I woman might step up but I haven't confirmed yet. In the meantime, keep sending me name suggestions.

What High School Stereotype Are You Quiz?

Mega Man vs. Ghosts and Goblins game.

Classic neighbor feuding.

A Snake vs. a Black Widow. [insert chantings here]

Ah, nothing like a classic game of Reversi.

Some people just never learn.


August 19, 2004 - Start Your Engines
You know, most people get to enjoy the slow process of getting out of bed in the mornings, milking the snooze button for all its worth, and possibly a cup of coffee. As for me, I really enjoy getting those early morning pages that say the entire network down and that the users are rounding up a posse with pitchforks and torches. Yes siree, that's what gets me moving in the mornings.
Well, that or Mexican food.

I realize that's a pitiful rant, but I'm working on adding the rest of my Arch Nemesis. So stay tuned for that. 

Look! Its revenge of the tattooed nerds!! Side note: Come on Artie. If you were are true Mac fan, you would go the distance.

Not really a game, but its Virtual Knee Replacement Surgery!

Traffic jam caused by a what?

Now this is a truly awesome website. You type in your message and the website will sing it back to you using clips from different songs.

A nifty strategy game called Proximity.

Congratulations!! You won!! Just come on down to claim your prize.


August 20, 2004 - w00t
Do you smell that? Oh yeah, its Friday. Tomorrow is Saturday and yesterday was payday. That makes today the yummy sandwich filling in the bread of life. Sadly, I did hear one of the most depressing things I've ever heard of. Last night Artie was like, "Yes!! Tomorrow is Friday!!! No, wait, I have to work Saturday and Sunday." You could just see the big red Family Feud X and buzzing sound pop up. Artie's final thoughts of the matter, "Is it sad that I haven't even gone to bed and I'm already thinking about making coffee in the morning." No, no it isn't.

As a man of my word, today I give you Arch Nemesis #7

Finally, check back later on today and see if his Sixth Yearness quit slacking and sent me a rambling. 

Official Rules for Calling Shotgun!

East Bound and Down! Its a truck driving game.

With nothing better to do, this guy has scanned all of his Wal-Mart receipts.

Its the Monster Munch.

One more reason to lock and load for tree rats.


August 23, 2004 - Back to School
Well boys and girls, today is the first day of class at FSU. That's right, all across campus this morning people are grumbling about having to get up for class. As for me, I woke up this morning grumbling about having to go to work. In all honesty, I would rather be going to an 8 AM class. At least that way I could sleep in.  But I'm ready for class. I've got my books, pencils, paper, calculator, pocket protector, and most importantly, student football tickets. Good luck to everyone starting class today and at least try to look interested in class.

Its back!! Artie'cles: More Thoughts from the Blotter!

Teeny Tiny Girl Squad and a new Marzipan's Answering Machine.

Preparing for Emergencies: What you need to know

El Emigrante: The Immigration game (wrong on many levels).

What not to do when driving.

Now you can wear shoes like Dexter's Mom.

Insaniquarium game. Awesome mouse clicking fun.

Down...set...hike?


August 24, 2004 - Just for the record
Low carb ice cream sucks. I went to Publix the other day to pick up some materials for dinner. I figured it would be a good idea to snag some ice cream while I was there. So I ran over to the first freezer I saw and grabbed some Cookies and Cream. It wasn't until I got home that someone pointed out that it was low carb ice cream. Eh, its ice cream. How many carbs could ice cream have? Apparently a lot. I've had ice that tasted better than that stuff. 

Mail Call!! I've got another new email to share with you all.

Get your WRFF on.

1992: A remake of the classic 1942 arcade game.

Oh the irony of this headline.

"NAAFA WILL be a FORCE to be reckoned with and a VOICE for all Americans of size!"

City Jumper game.

Oh yeah, more irony here too.


August 25, 2004 - Happy Campers
Wow, there are going to be some happy campers this football season. Apparently, FSU has released a statement saying that Doak Campbell Stadium is a smoke-free zone. This is to better comply with state regulations. Now here is the kicker. Its also a new University policy that people can't smoke on the decks or sky boxes. Man, that's going to suck for some fans. Oh well, you want some cheese to go with that whine?

Interesting article on how companies got their name.

Taking you back in time, its a virtual Lite-Brite.

Sucker!! I guess this guy never watched any movies.

What??

Try playing DTunnel.

Just kidding everyone!


August 26, 2004 - Almost Man Down
Well, I was going to talk about how I went home and studied Discrete Math for about 3 hours yesterday. And that my friends is a feat unto itself. I realize that I'm not being very discrete about it, but hey, I just have to brag about that.  But oh nooooooo! One of the dreaded Arch Nemeses strikes again. Which one you ask? Good ol' #7. Apparently there was an attempted assassination on my character, or in other words, someone tried to blackball me. Now, I'm not a violent person or anything, but I highly suggest that said person keep your nose out of my business. No one, especially me, elected you to be envoy of anything remotely related to my bidness. Glad that we have an understanding, thank you, and have a nice day.

He's Back!! Got a brand spanking new Rambling today!

How to speak English...for Americans.

D-Fence the game...almost as cool as the Tank game.

MacGyver would be proud.

Female computer nerds just got hotter.

Avalanche type game

Lock and load!!


August 27, 2004 - Open Letter
To The Person That Was Tailgating Me,

First, let me apologize for following the post speed limit on the way into the plant. I'm not in that big of a hurry to get to work. I'm having a hard time understanding why you are. Secondly, (from the bottom of my heart) I'm very sorry that I had to brake suddenly when that butterfly flew out in front of me. Thirdly, I hated to see you have to pull off the road due to my sudden stop. I figured that your 4x4 truck could handle it...and it did. That's got to be a byproduct of watching Nascar for so many years. Good job man. However, I will try to be more alert about nature fluttering out in front of me.

Thanks Again,

Joshua

[Shameless Shout out] Holly and Fallon, here are your names on the internet. Now sit back and bask in your glory.

Take this quiz to see if you can recognize Spam mail. I got a 100%! In your face!

Herculympics. Let the games begin.

How not to forge a check.

Nifty animation about tall buildings. 

This game is full of Num Pad goodness.

I think I'm putting in for a transfer.


August 30, 2004 - You Made It
Congratulations to all those who are reading this. That means you survived your first week of college and are a couple of days closer to graduation and the real world. That also means that we are one week closer to football season starting at FSU. Can I get a "yee haw"? Other than that, I don't have much today (can't you tell?). All I can say is that I'm looking forward to a three-day weekend and a payday. 

Bling your way on the golf course.

Get ready to pound your keyboard with this game.

RIP, my bullheaded love

For the ninja in all of us, paper throwing stars.

Its cubedelic...man. 

Talk about having a string of bad luck.


August 31, 2004 - Cheap MasterCard Commercial Rip-off
Driving home from work after a heck of a Monday: Feeling Good

Seeing a chick beach her car on a curb: Extremely Funny

Catching the look on her face as I take a picture: Priceless

For once I was in the right place at the right time with my camera. I'm not sure if she was trying to Dukes of Hazzard that curb or what. But she was over on the payphone just talking away and pointing back at her car. Then she sees me snap that picture and just stops while it registers what just happened. Needless to say she got a little more agitated at that point and I decided it was time to leave.

Also, to makeup for my apparent lack of motivation yesterday, I added a Search feature to the website.

A new game from the Homestar Runner guys, Duck Guardian.

There is no way in the world I would strap this to my crotch.

A sweet Indiana Jones game. Kinda reminds me of the old school Dangerous Dave.

I wondered if this actually worked. Only one way to find out...

In a long line of Badger, Badger, Badger links, here is one made of leogs.

Some gee golly don't you know table hockey, eh.

The things people do for love...or business.



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