Caruthers World

I wish I was too drunk to study!

2007-05-02T19:41:00.000-07:00

Just a few more beers, and I'll be on easy street. School sux!

Love, Gillian

And now, for the memories.

2007-04-22T22:21:00.000-07:00

I could probably tell a story about each title. That's kind of sad. Instead, I will keep it mildly sad, and post a few highlights.

1943- I'll kick it off with something that doesn't even really belong here, because this memory is from playing this game in the arcade. Anyway, it was at Games People Play in Clackamas (R.I.P.). I beat this game two-player with a stranger kid at a coin-op there. We exchanged high fives. Even at the time, when I was probably like 9 years old, I found it kind of strange that I high fived a stranger.

Adventure Island- I'm good at this one.

Adventure Island II- Abra's good at this one. Once we tried to beat it during a Nintendo slumber party. We came damn close.

Adventure of Link (Zelda II)- John Keane is good at this one.

Adventures of Lolo 2- After Jules and I conquer part one of this maddening puzzler, he dropped off part 2 at my place while I was gone. Attached was a post-it "THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES... (heart) Julio"

Amagon- Actual conversation: "Amagon?? Amagoff!!!"

Bases Loaded- Wisely, my brother chose this game as one of our first two cartridges when we got our NES way back in '87. Or was it '88?

Bible Adventures- (and every other unlicensed Jesus game)- Never ending source of humor. Especially that one where you stack like 10 animals on your head. Was that a Noah-based game?

Bionic Commando- A game I've mastered. At one point, I subjected my Nintendo pals to watching me beat this game (and get to the climax with "Buff Hitler") so many times, that it became a joke that I would turn it on just to hear people groan.

Blades of Steel- I usually end up getting whooped by Littlewood at this, whenever Littlewood is in town.

Bo Jackson Baseball- This game started the phenomenon between my friends of mimicking when Nintendo tries to "talk". You know, when it eeks out some horrible digitized voicing? "HE WAS SAFE BY A MILE!" "YOUUU'RE OUT!"

Bubble Bobble- Or, as Schoeck referred to it as "Bubble Boggle". Yeah, I guess that's not that clever.

California Games- This was for some reason the official pastime during Club Wash breaks of rehearsal. That, and walking to the Woodstock Safeway.

Color a Dinosaur- Yeah, I guess at some point, we were trying to get every cartridge. We didn't come that close, and we are stuck with "Color a Dinosaur".

Conflict- Probably a terrible game. I just remember a couple guys arguing over something, super-heated style. And then this game cartridge was wedged between them to, I guess, work it out. True story.

Cowboy Kid- This game is often quick to be brought up when reminiscing about our old Nintendo days. We tried to beat this game on several occasions, to little or no luck. Finally, we reach the last boss of the game, only to have it reset accidentally by then little Greg Fisk. I think he was playing with a 9 volt battery? Or maybe a AA. Anyway, he dropped it on the reset button, as if on cue, as older brother David and I were about to conquer it. Needless to say, we stopped inviting him over to our Nintendo parties. Now of course, he is cooler than all of us combined.

Crystalis- This game was pretty much worshiped by all Cooper children, and me of course as well.

Double Dragon II- Watching Julio play this is like watching the Mona Lisa being painted right before your eyes. G-R-A-S-P!

Double Dribble- This game is often brought up between my brother and I as we watch actual NBA games together. This game invented the "sweet spot" on the court.

Dragon Warrior (1-4)- I don't care what you say, these games are the best. I'm going to name my first born Erdrick. Tena said she was worried about her son's mind getting warped from watching Madison play them. But then, I am quick to ask "Do you think I am warped?"

Excitebike- Kick ass.

Faxanadu- I remember encouraging Kevin Fisk to beat this game, with the same passion of a father encouraging his son to do well in school. This was dubbed by Kevin as being the brownest game of all time. I can't disagree.

Gold Medal Challange '92 (or as known by its fans "Capcom Games!!!")- My only emo moment in this post- I remember the Cooper kids and I getting super stoked on this one during the '96 games in Atlanta. I remember having such a fun time, that I looked forward to the next Summer games so we could all play again! But then I had a sinking feeling realizing that that in 2000, Abra was going to not live in Portland, and that I would probably find Nintendo to be super juvenile. Turns out I was dead wrong about the juvenile thing. Only the coolest still play NES. And anyway, I'm pretty sure we've dusted off Capcom games here and there since 2000. So there!

Gun.Smoke- AKA "Shoots n' Boots".

Jeopardy! Junior Edition- Jon Ericsen had this weird thing about getting game show adaptations. And then playing them a lot. I think his favorite part was giving the already goofy looking contestants silly names. Like "Rex". Or "Hank".

King's Quest V- There exists a picture of me celebrating beating this game. What about you???

Legend of Zelda- Best memory of my time living in NE was beating this in the basement. It was like 100 degrees, and I was just wearing swimming trunks, trying to beat the heat, and avoid people. Sounds awesome, huh? Well it was jerk.

Lunar Pool- It would be embarrassing if you knew how much I played this one. Lunar Pool? Like, what? The only cooler game is Magic Darts.

Magic Darts- Not that Abra hadn't met him before, but I remember one of the first times I invited her to hang out with John Keane and myself, we passed the time playing this one. That's about it for that story.

Mega Man 2- Julio and I dueted on guitars trying to play the intro music to this one. That wouldn't be our only video game jam session, sadly. Wait, I thought I was done with emo moments.

Metroid- The first night Gilly was ever in Portland, she watched David Fisk beat this in one sitting (the only way to do it, now) with all of us. At that point, I knew she was good people.

Mickey Mousecapade- I think it was Josh who agreed with me, that there was something kind of creepy about this one.

Race America- A certain ex girlfriend that will remain nameless here once walked out of the house in total frustration due to me playing this one in the middle of the night with some pals, and not paying enough attention to her. Probably made worse by the fact that this game is god awful, and she knew that. And that somehow I was playing it instead of hanging out with her. Life is complicated sometimes, okay? Race America!

Rampage- I beat this one with Brennan. Yes, I co-beat Rampage. I know, I know.. you said it couldn't be done. But believe me. All 50 states. I think we felt bad for ourselves at the time, and we weren't even teens yet probably.

Shinobi- The first anything that was moved into Caruthers during our stay here.

Street Fighter 2010- The game that made Brennan Cooper the man that he is today. God bless Capcom.

Super Mario Bros. 3- If I don't ever turn out to do anything worthwhile in this world, well at least I can beat this one without warping. See, I am to good at something!

Tecmo Super Bowl- I once thought I was invincible. Then God sent me Joe and Madison to test me. The results have been mixed. Actually, mixed is a bit generous.

Vice: Project Doom- I think they named this after a Club Wash song? Couldn't be a coincidence.

Willow- Actually overheard by the store clerk selling this to us: "Dude! Willow's sick!"

If anyone missed the link from the last post, here is the (final? nahh..) list of the games that I have. Mostly acquired by Julio, Kevin Fisk, and myself.

And if you have the urge to see someone beat Bionic Commando, give me a call please, cause these games are fuckin dusty as hell.

B

Now You're Playing With Power

2007-04-15T17:33:00.000-07:00

Getting ready for Easter...

2007-04-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

...the crafts way. Thank you, Foamies.

March 28th! Get your rock pants on!

2007-03-22T00:09:00.000-07:00

This show is going to feature not one, not two, but three members of the warehouse, rocking in their own bands respectively. It's also going to feature the debut of QB Eagles' set devoted entirely to nu-Green Day inspired ballads, all acoustic, directed mainly at getting on the ending montages of popular sitcoms (very special episodes) and CW network dramas. Think "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)", but with more emotion and much more slow motion imagery. Think Madison perched upon a tall stool and wielding a sunburst acoustic guitar. Now, picture us all having the time of our livez.

Also, look out for the exciting photo set of me and Margot's wacky times in Washington.

I would type more, but I just watched the two parter series finale of Fresh Prince, and I really think I am spent for the evening.

-BB

Rook of the Year

2007-03-05T01:08:00.000-08:00

So apparently the Blazers have launched some sort of "campaign" to get Brandon Roy the Rookie of the Year nod. Is that something that teams normally do? I have no idea. Check it out. The cut out masks are a nice touch.
Speaking of that, clicking around on this site, I stumbled upon this .mp3 which is apparently someone's ode to said R.O.Y. effort. Hearing this, I can only think that this is one of those crazy .mp3s that Kevin would have screamed and summoned me into his room to hear (like when he found that Rhymefest song that sampled the NBA on NBC theme).
The lyrics are hilarious. If anyone can find out more about this song, other than it seems to have originated somehow from 1080 AM The Fan, please let me know. Even though I know it isn't, I like to pretend that this is actually Brandon Roy rapping. And that not-so-subtle reference about "packing a gat" inspires Sebastian Telfair to comeback with some dis track back. Anyway, check it out:

MP3: "Rook of the Year" By: ???

Bad word

2007-02-25T23:33:00.000-08:00

Gillian has a theory, that I'm sure she can't claim to being the first to coin. But it is a good theory. It bothers her when someone calls someone else a "slut" or is "slutty", because in reality that person using that word is either a) jealous, and wishes they could have as much fun as the "slut", or b) wishes they could have sex with that slut, but can't. It makes sense, right? Why else would the person be offended by the sluttiness so much?
Anyway, I have a theory as well. The same slut theory can also be applied to the word "scenester" or "hipster", which I think is an especially common put down in Portland. You know what? If you are so offended by someone who you think is being too hipster or too exclusive, then you yourself are probably either a) jealous, and wish you could have as much fun as them, or b) wish you could have sex with that person. Or at least hang out with this someone that you don't know anything about.

Finally!

2007-02-20T22:14:00.000-08:00

Finally, there is a social networking website worthy of my time. Behold iamatrailblazersfan.com:

http://www.iamatrailblazersfan.com/sports/users/1003035/index.html

I hope to do most of my future socializing and networking exclusively through this site. See you around there! It is even more fun to sign up as the Blazers show the Jazz that they are ready to finish the season strong. Big ups to my twin separated at birth, Dan Dickau, in a huge game. But it still wasn't enough to get rewarded with "favorite player" status.

-B

Uhm, hi.

2007-02-18T23:08:00.000-08:00

In an effort to be more like my man Crumbs, I have created an account on Flickr. Here it is. I will try and put some interesting stuff on there. Any requests on subjects or compositions?

More:

Show with the 'Lades went great. Those guys can sure make a drummer feel welcome. It has been some time since I felt eyes sting from excess sweat while performing. Any good feelings immediately following the show were quickly set aside as I realized my body odor was reaching critical point. Tequila shots following the show (apparently a tradition with the band) was a nice uplifting moment. It almost beat our pre-show prayer.
Just kidding, there was no prayer. We did roast a goat in a hotel room in a satanic ritual though.
Also, plenty to look forward to with the QBs. A show at the Ash St. Saloon will happen in March, with two bands featuring my fellow Warehousers. Our last show at the Ash St. was one of my favorites. Going to try to get us recording more songs, as our not-recorded-as-of-yet songs are far eclipsing our recorded ones (did you know they are all up on our website? All 18 of them, for only .99 cents a track. Just kidding!). Anyway, the new songs are good! Madison got a new uke for Christmas, which has made us all step our game up just that much more.

Hope everyone has a great President's Day. -B

HNY2007!

2007-01-01T23:42:00.000-08:00

Caruthers World Saturday Night PHOTO ESSAY!!!!!!!!?!1111

2006-11-25T23:30:00.000-08:00

Making a mimosa in my stomach.

The loaf with 3 heels. Respect.

One for the future grandchildren.

Saturday night internet chat roomin'.

Emily and future Mac on a future date.

Kevin's new casual look at work.

Racist food I saw at Safeway.

Daily nutrients.

Peace, ganja, and kittens. An American tradition.

Korean thanksgiving.

Happy Monday!!!!!

2006-10-23T12:14:00.000-07:00

Seriously, stop smearing your shit everywhere.

You're On Notice!

2006-09-25T12:06:00.000-07:00

A Caruthers update

2006-09-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

Remember Abra Cooper? Of course you do. Remember how she was struggling with an indentity crisis some time ago? Well let me refresh you.
If you check that link there, you will notice that none other than the "other" Abra Cooper has posted a reply to our beloved ex-roomie. Sounds like she is more than willing to claim ownership on the rights to the name, in fact more or less calling Abra T. Cooper out as a "lesser" Abra. Interesting stuff. I was hoping that we would get a post out of her for this recent turn of events. Abra T.? Anything to say for yourself??
-B

One thing that really bothers me (out of many).

2006-09-20T18:58:00.000-07:00

Do you ever find yourself without an umbrella or jacket, scrambling (like Randall Cunningham) during rainstorms from awning to awning, trying to find mere shreds of dry sanctuary? Well that doesn't bother me. Rain is only natural. It's bound to happen.
What does bother me, is when other people that DO have umbrellas for some reason hog all the space underneath said awnings, and don't even step aside for those without. It's like.. how many levels of shelter do you need? And how soaking wet do you want to see me get?
-B

?

2006-09-17T22:42:00.000-07:00

Well, this explains a lot about me...

2006-09-10T22:05:00.000-07:00

Martians + aboriginies = Asians?

ALSO!
I really don't want to go to work tomorrow morning, especially since I don't even need to be at work. Sometimes I really hate this whole "principled" part of me, where I suck it up and do what's right anyway precisely because it's right, even though it does not benefit me. So instead of sleeping in tomorrow morning, I get to conduct training at nine-thirty in the morning. I'm tempted to show up in something ridiculously absurd like a hockey jersey and swim trunks, but once again, this principled thing means I'll be in a suit, as always.

I realise that it's not good when Quasi's My Coffin comes on and I think to myself, "Yeah, I could totally relate to this song". I'm way too anxious these days.

-- Kevin

Gossip corner...

2006-08-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

1. So last weekend Emily made one of the best homemade meals I've ever had in my life, seriously. Try to get her to cook for you.

2. Kevin gave me a hug when I dropped him off at the airport, so don't believe him when he says he doesn't like to be touched.

Untitled (How Does it Feel?)

2006-08-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

Emily..

2006-08-20T14:25:00.000-07:00

..got a mouse out of my room that wasn't completely dead yet. Thanks. Kevin was there for support too.
-B

Caruthers Essay Contest: "...And that's when I felt the most American I've ever felt in my life!" (20 words or less)

2006-08-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Entry #1: Brian Biggs

Went out to the Home Depot in Clackamas yesterday, bought a hot dog in the parking lot, and ate it. And that's when I felt the most American I've ever felt in my life!

WTF!?

2006-08-12T22:49:00.000-07:00

Seriously, no one has updated this thing since I left? I don't know if that means you guys are having too much fun or too much misery.

I'm here at the Hong Kong airport, waiting to board my flight to Hanoi. I've had an eventful stay in Hong Kong, which involved drinking copious amounts of alcohol, staying up/out until about four or five in the morning every morning, having to decide who I was going to focus my flirting energies on because there were too many options and ALMOST GETTING ARRESTED!

At this point, my run in with the police for the most bullshit excuses is more amusing than anything else, sort of like getting kicked out of the Doug Fir, if you will. Basically, I was sitting outside of a club by myself and happened to have two phones and two stashes of cash, since I was holding all this stuff for my friend Anna (see flirting energies above). The cops thought I stole this shit and then it looked worse since I had no identification on me SINCE I WAS PARANOID THAT SOMEONE WOULD STEAL MY SHIT. Oh, the irony... except I didn't know the word for irony in Cantonese. I ended up having to call my older cousin and having to have him speak to the cops for me and everything worked out.

Except that it basically sucked the fun out of my evening, since you know, I had to have a cop follow me into a club to go get Anna so that they would believe that I had her stuff because she told me to hold it for her. Then Anna proceeded to step in broken glass and cut up her foot and the clicher was some dude with a lip ring basically moving in on her. I lose!

Yes, this is really my life.

Love,
Kevin

PS -- Flirting options include Hot German Girl (Nicole), Super Cute Young-ish Hong Kong Girl (Anna... oh swoon!) and Half French/Chinese Perfect Cantonese Speaker (Judith). Actually, I think I said two words to Judith, but just wanted to mention her.

Upcoming attractions

2006-08-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

(Wouldn't it be sort of funny if someone referred to vomit as an "upcoming attraction"? Maybe it's just me...)

I'm too tired (and looking forward to playing yet another game of NHL 2005) to piece together anything good, but I do plan on posting soon about the following topics:

-- The Hugging Point
An examination of my hugging policies and basically why I am generally not a very huggy type of person.

-- The Pipettes
I don't get it. I have now decided that "Pull Shapes" is the most cheesy song of all time.

Earthquake? I had no idea...

Love,
Kevin

Personal to M.R.

2006-07-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

You're so right. I don't know what I was thinking, with the mid-day swipe. Things will be different now, I swear.
-BB

In other news..

2006-07-27T12:51:00.000-07:00

I musked up mid-day today. Meaning that I reapplied deodorant at lunch. Who here goes for an extra security swipe, just to be "sure"?? RAISE YOUR HAND! Just kidding. Not kidding about the reapplication though. That I am dead serious about.
-B