Mar 3 2013

Acquiring yet another blogger award, Derek learns his ABC’s whilst listening to ‘Poison Arrow’ and ‘Look of Love’

That’s right folks, another award was just sent my way! This is the first time I have been nominated for the ABC award, and much thanks and appreciation goes out to Elaine of ‘Our Consciousness’ (http://ourconsciousness.wordpress.com/) for this nomination.

I always enjoy award nominations and memes; maybe not so much this time, as the ABC award appears to be as much of a curse as it is a gift. As with all awards on WordPress, there are rules, and the ABC award is no exception, having only one attachment; presume everyone knows their alphabet? Well, long story short, for every letter of the alphabet, one needs to write down a word which relates back to them and their life, and give a brief reason as to why.

So, why is this a curse I hear you ask? Well, after you stare blankly at your screen for a few hours, attempting to wonder what words you could possibly use, I think you will begin to slowly understand.

Anyway, on with the award! Here are my responses!

Autumn: the month I like the most. Not too hot, but at the same time not too cold. I used to say ‘Spring’, but last year my hay fever became so bad that one day when I happened to sneeze, my head fell off and started to roll down a really steep hill. Took me weeks to hunt the little bastard down before placing it safely back atop of my neck.
Aayla Secura: the woman of my dreams. Unfortunately she died a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.

Bioware: the designers of my favorite video game Mass Effect, which spawned two amazing sequels. These campaigns were absolutely fantastic!

Castle: my favorite television show on TV at the moment.

Danger: My middle name. Not really.
Daughtry: One of my favorite bands formed in the past ten years.

Early: I always enjoy being, as the word suggests, early! I have never, not once in my life being late for any job, appointment or class.

F***: my single most beloved profanity of all time. I am not going to write it down because I am attempting to keep this post ‘PG’. For anyone under the age of 12 who happens to read this post, the word in question is ‘Fudge’. Honest!
FCUK: This is in no relation to the above word. I know, I have two ‘F’ words, and that may be considered against the rules. Also, I can spell my favorite profanity – this is French Connection UK; they make some of my favorite eau de toilette’s.

Geography: The one thing I will never properly master. If you are ever lost, here’s some advice for you – never consult me for directions! I once became lost in my own home whilst making my way from my front door to my bedroom.

Halo: the video game series which contains my favorite multiplayer modes and maps of any other franchise.

Icehouse: Quite possibly my favorite Australian band. Crazy, electric blue, great southern land, Jimmy Dean, man of colours, amongst many others are some of their top songs, found on their eighties albums Primitive Man and Man of Colours.

Jason: my middle name. This time I am not fooling around either. ‘Derek Jason Childs’ I hear you say. Not quite. If you survive to read more of this post, you may find there is something else happening with my name.

Keeping Fit (and staying in shape): I often work out and frequently do exercise. I am so incredibly muscular (not really) and in pretty good shape (perhaps). I am in such good shape, I once lifted a car right over my head. If you look really closely at the photographic evidence, you might just spot the word ‘Hot Wheels’ beneath the vehicle.

‘Losing my mind’: the title of one of Daughtry’s singles on their 2011 album ‘Break the Spell.’ Of all the songs on this album, this is one of the few that I was able to relate the most towards.

Masters: this year I am beginning my Masters course at university. Does not necessarily mean I will grow up to become the master. After watching those Doctor Who episodes with Jon Pertwee in which the Master was always thwarted, I don’t exactly know if I’d ever want to be one.

Nicholas: my official first name. ‘Derek’ is a pseudonym that I use for online purposes; a bit like Clark Kent and Superman, except I wear my underpants beneath my pants, not the other way around.

One: the last time I saw this number, it was the result on my IQ test. (Only kidding) Or am I?
Oakey Doakey: an expression I use a little too often. It just pops out whenever I am acknowledging something. Quite annoying actually.
October: yes, another ‘O’! This is my birthday month, so it is a must for this list. If you do not like it, please, take it up with the administrator. Actually don’t, pretty please!

Petit Miams: When I was younger (between 2 and 5) I used to eat these small yoghurt canisters all the time. Might be why I have bones of steel.
Promulgate: yes, another ‘P’ word. Promulgate is one of my favorite words. I often insert it into pieces whenever I can. Yes, I know, I have broken the rules, again! However, I don’t go by the username ‘Naughty Nefarious’ because I am nice and sweet – I do so because I’m a regular bad boy, and so, I do very bad things; I swear (a lot), I never clean my room, and I refuse to eat my broccoli.

Quiz: the scariest word in the English language. I hate quizzes and I absolutely loath tests.

Reading: something I used to do quite regularly, but not so much anymore, which is ironic because I’m an editor. However, since I’m resuming study at university in just a few hours, it will be my mandate once more to read, whether I want to or not.

Sleep: the one thing I never seem to get enough of. Managed to grab about three hours of it last night – new all time high score.
Sesquipedalian: I know, I broke the rules (again) but you see, I had to. Most definitely! This word here, perfectly describes me.

Technology: my mortal adversary. John Connor is so yesterday. In the future, I will lead the heroic Tech-comm. resistance to victory against the villainous Skynet. MARK MY WORDS!

University: The educational institution I am currently attending as to better my occupational qualifications.

Video Games: My greatest hobby in all the universe. Often I need to be physically dragged away from a gaming console as to ensure that any work is done and that my priorities are kept in check.

Women: the great mystery of the universe, whom I shall never understand.

Xbox: the game console that in my opinion blows all of its competition away.

You: my audience, that read the whacky words of this blog. Without you guys, I would not be blogging today. Well, I would be, but nobody would be paying attention. So please, give yourselves a clap on the back, because I cannot do so. Well, I could, but that would be stalkerish and wrong.

Zen and Peace: Two things I have been denied for the majority of my life.

Here are my nominations for the award:

All World Issues
http://allworldissues.com/

Cerulean Skies
http://nelsville.wordpress.com/

Impressions of a Princess
http://gongjumonica.wordpress.com/

Reviews and Rants
http://mandarox.wordpress.com/

Zen
http://zenscribbles.wordpress.com/

Okay! Thank you again to Elaine for the award!

Cheers! Have a great day!

Feb 16 2013

Oh my stars, another Liebster Award!?

Apparently so! The very beautiful blogger, Just One Monkey Typing, whose blog can be found at the following link (http://justonemonkeytyping.wordpress.com/) was kind enough to present this award, which I have not been granted twice, but three times now, a couple of days ago. Thank you ma’am!

Now, there are rules to accepting this award, and they are as follows:

1: Thank the blogger who nominated you for the award and link back to them

2: Answer the 11 questions they presented to you

3: State 11 random things about yourself

4: Write 11 questions of your own and nominate 11 bloggers of your choosing and alert them of the award nomination

Now, the questions that Just One Monkey Typing created are as follows:

1. What is one album you couldn’t live without?

It would be a tossup between these seven treasures of mine:

-Don Henley’s Greatest Hits

-Halo 4 Original Soundtrack by Neil Davidge

-Daughtry – Break the Spell

-MeatLoaf – Bat Outta Hell II: Back Into Hell

-Bon Jovi’s – Slippery When Wet, New Jersey & Have a Nice Day

2. What was your childhood dream?

I had a few in fact…I wanted to be a writer…I wanted to be the next David Attenborough…I wanted to be an actor…I wanted to be involved in the development of computer games.

Funnily enough, not too long ago I came to my sensors and returned to my original dream.

3. If you could choose between knowing every language fluently or being able to play every instrument perfectly, which would you choose?

Hands down – speaking every language fluently. It would make navigating the world unbelievably easy, and I could easily assimilate into new cultures regardless of my background because language is one of the single most crucial factors in life, for communication is key to the survival of a culture.

4. What is your opinion of Valentine’s day?

I wrote a post about this actually a couple days before receiving this award. Perhaps it was my sub-consciousness knowing that I would receive this. You can read all about my opinion on such a rotten wonderful occasion right here… http://wp.me/p2tQ7q-5u

5. Which band/artist would you most like to see in concert?

In order: Don Henley, Daughtry and Bon Jovi.

I rarely go to concerts though because I get freaked out by large crowds. The last time I went to a concert must have been what, Moving Pictures? Wow – I am so old! (I’m only 23 this year, FYI)

6. What is the kindest thing anybody has ever done for you?

A young woman went out with me once for a couple years. That was awfully kind of her. Does that count?

7. What is your earliest memory?

Kindergarten; when I was initially contacted, or should I say, due to my age (4), when my parents were originally contacted by the Associated Modeling Agency, they requested that they supply pictures to show the different types of emotions that I could convey. I remember I did this pose on the playground where I wore a fireman’s helmet and looked as though I was deep in thought, and this subsequently became one of the few images that were shown to the modeling agency which inevitably led to me being represented by them.

8. What was your favourite subject in high school and why?

This would be a tossup between Year 12 English (because the subject was incredibly freeing. In previous English classes it had seemed as though the class was controlled with an iron fist, but in Year 12 we had so much more control over choice and class communication and teamwork, etc; the texts were additionally more interesting and more adult as well) and Year 12 Drama (I think it is obvious why – drama is always so incredibly easy and fun to participate in).

9. If you could choose to speak any language fluently, which one would you choose and why?

This is a very interesting question – never thought much about it. I can already speak two languages – English and bad English. Perhaps I could speak Japanese – it’s an incredibly fast spoken language from a culture with a very colourful past that is unbelievably quick at evolving. If you could speak a language then hypothetically you could probably write it too, right? (Pun included) Therefore, I could use all of those intricate symbols.

10. Do you have a favourite film soundtrack? If so, what is it?

Not so much a favorite film soundtrack, but I do appreciate the soundtracks from video games. My favorites would have to be (in no particular order) the themes from the Halo and Mass Effect franchise, the music from Enslaved, the Witcher, et al.

However, come to think of it I have always been partial to the soundtrack from the Lord of the Rings the Two Towers, the Sixth Day, Titanic, Spartan, Wing Commander and Terminator 2: Judgment Day.

11. Name three books that you couldn’t live without.

Star Wars: the Complete Visual Dictionary – David West Reynolds, James Luceno and Ryder Windham

Star Wars Character Encyclopedia (DK Publishing)

The above two texts are my favorite Star Wars books of all time. Being the avid Star Wars fan that I am, I cannot imagine reliving what is without a doubt one of the greatest film sagas of all time in visual text format.

Dacked – Andrew Daddo

One of my favorite short story collections of all time, when I was an adolescent, this particular collection was very true to me and I could easily relate to the storylines and the characters. I found this to be very rare back then when reading books and I clearly remember reading this text a number of times, and each time, although I knew what was going to happen, the book continued to surprise me as I came to understand more and more about the characters and plots.

Eleven Random Facts About Me:

-Since I was nineteen I have had tinnitus in my right ear. It was initially in both my left and my right, but I should be glad that it only resides in my right ear now. For those who have not had to suffer this annoying issue, just imagine this; a phone is ringing non-stop inside your ear 24/7. Good times? I think not!

-I have written three short story collections, one novel, and am at present working on a sequel whilst simultaneously searching for a publisher. However, as I mentioned previously in this post (http://wp.me/p2tQ7q-5k) not too long ago, trying to find a publisher/literary agent is not exactly an easy task.

-Last year I completed my undergraduate university course; a Bachelor of Communications, majoring in Professional Writing.

-I am better at communicating literally than I am verbally.

-I was born in Melbourne, Victoria Australia, and I continue to live there to this very day.

-As surprising as it may seem, I have not once in my life ever gone out on a date with an Australian woman – despite the fact that I have lived in Australia for a cool 23 years.

-Although I very rarely fall in love, I become attracted to women incredibly easily.

-I am 183 centimeters tall (I think). Don’t take this as the Gospel.

-I am unbelievably sarcastic at the best of times. I am unbelievably sarcastic at the worst of times as well, funnily enough.

-I absolutely adore my privacy – a little hypocritical since I have five sites on social media.

-I prefer the Winter over the Summer. Why? Well, in Summer…I suffer from heat stroke…I have hay fever (true, this is more potent in the Spring but does continue into Summer)…to ensure the house does not become boiling hot I have salad more often than not come dinner (a.k.a rabbit food) and after three months of salad I am so fed up with it I just want to cry a blood curdling scream!

My Eleven Questions:

What is your dream occupation? Why?

Which is your favorite post you have written on your blog thus far? Why?

What is your favorite sport? If you are not an enjoyer of sport, might you kindly share why not?

You’re an actor (hypothetically). Your favorite text is being turned into a feature film and you wish to play the role of the one fictional character that you have always loved. What is the text being turned into a film? Which character do you portray? Is there anything new you might add to the role that was not in the book? Why did you make these decisions?

It’s the future; space travel is easily accessible. You are a revered astronaut who explores the stars. Whilst out travelling you discover your dream planet. What is it like? What life lives there? What will you call this world you have found?

What is your favorite film genre? Why? Might you be able to share five films that you enjoy which come under said genre?

If you could grow an extra appendage upon your person or modify a part of your body, what would it be? Would you grow a tail? Would you have pointy Elven ears, sharp Tri’lek teeth, blue Navi skin, etc? Why?

At your place of work you discover a fifty dollar note just lying on the ground. What do you do? Do you take the money for yourself, believing that you have earned it for all of your hard work? Do you give the money in to your boss so that he/she might keep it safe until someone comes looking for it? Do you take the money and buy several handfuls of chocolates/lollies come lunch time to share with your colleagues? What do you do? Why?

What is/was your favorite subject/s at high school/university? Why? Might you also state what was your least favorite?

You wake up tomorrow with extraordinary super human powers. What are they? Like Super Man, you can have up to six of them. Better yet, will you use your powers for good, or for evil? Additionally, what would be your weakness?

You are given the opportunity to become the political leader of your country for an entire week. Over the course of this time, what is it that you do?

My Nominees:

Here’s a twist…With the exception of the bloggers I gave this award out to last time, I really have no idea as to who to give the Liebster Award to. Do you know how difficult it is to find a follower/someone you follow with less than 200 followers? I’ll tell you – it’s very hard!

So, with that in mind (and my unbelievable amount of laziness to go along with it), anyone who reads this post and has less than 200 followers, CONGRATULATIONS! This award is yours!

Sep 17 2012

Hey Ma, I’m a Liebster Blogger!

Hello All!

(There are two curse words in this piece, but they are used in a positive light, FYI, if that makes the abuse of obscene language any more appropriate and less foul)

It would seem that I have received yet another nomination from one of my very pleasant followers. This time, the person who was kind enough to grace me with an award was none other than Elaine, who you can find on her blog here;

http://ourconsciousness.wordpress.com/2012/09/16/that-time/

My nomination? For the Liebster Blogger Award

The Liebster Blogger Award

Now, what is that I hear you ask? Well, I know I asked because I had never heard of it, and so here is a quick rundown. The Liebster Blogger Award is provided to those who have less than 200 followers.

If you receive this award, you are expected to post 11 random facts about yourself in answer to the 11 questions provided by the person who nominated you. Then you come up with your own 11 questions and pass the award to 11 other bloggers with less than 200 followers and make absolutely certain to tell them of the amazing nomination!

Elaine asked 11 questions, which makes sense because the award calls for 11 questions to be asked. They are, as follows, along with my answers;

How do you deal with stress?

I will often try to entertain myself with either a film or a video game. I may exercise by running or doing sit ups/pushups. I might listen to music, write a poem about the way I am feeling or go bash up my punching bag.

What’s your favorite curse word? Explain.

Wow! The ability to swear for no reason! This may have to be the best question I have been asked, ever! My all time favorite profanity is ‘cunt’. Can I say that again? Cunt! Yay!
Why? Well, for starters, it is quite possibly one of the supposed worst swear words in the entire English language, so it is great way to show how angry you are, or even insult someone you absolutely loathe.
Two, I think it is great way to describe many of the people who annoy me.
Three, it feels pretty darn great in my opinion to use this expletive, because it can seem so harmless in one sentence, yet so horrid in the next. Some other curse words don’t have such a unique way about them.
Additionally, maybe there is some hidden subconscious reason buried beneath all of this…maybe I have an infatuation with the female genitalia. I wouldn’t be surprised.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I am massive video gamer, my favorite platform been the XBOX 360.
I also really enjoy exercising. Unfortunately for me I have the body of a reader, so I’m naturally skinny and it takes a while to put on muscle, but after working out for 11 years you would imagine that something good has come from it.
I also enjoy blogging, hence the reason I am here.
Adjunctively, I have a passion for writing novels, screen stories, prose and poetry, and if you don’t already know, you can find my prose and poetry blog at this here link;

http://totalovrdose.wordpress.com/

It would seem I also have a thing for becoming attracted to women who are way out of my league, as you might know if you have frequented this blog since its orchestration. Whether or not that is considered a hobby to do in my spare time, I have no idea.
I have one other thing I seem to enjoy doing in my spare time, but I spoke to my good friend Mrs. Palmer, and she and her five daughters told me they wanted to have nothing to do with this post, and so I will respect their wishes by not outlining this other occurrence.

What’s the book you’re currently reading? (Or the last one you read if you haven’t started with a new one yet)

The last time I read for fun was back in 2005; it was Shadows by John Saul. The last books I read were Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Star Wars Galaxy of Fear the Nightmare Machine and Freddy Krueger’s Tales of Terror Deadly Disguise, all of which were read for a university assignment regarding dreams in literature.
As for the last book I read in general; that would have been the Darksiders 2 Strategy Guide, and before that, the latest Game Informer magazine.

Your favorite poet(s)?

-William Shakespeare (who could not enjoy Shakespeare’s love sonnets?), John Donne (the Flea, and his many other poems about lustful romantic endeavours) and Alfred Tennyson (Ulysses, one of my favourite pieces by Tennyson)

What’s the worst place you’ve ever been to?

Perhaps my high school, as outlined in a previous post.
However, I would also note that another terrible place I’ve been is that awkward moment when something horribly unexpected happens – like when the woman you have a massive crush on rips out your heart, tosses it to the ground and squishes it beneath her boot, laughing like a deranged heart wrenching lunatic all the while as she does so.

What’s your dream vacation?

Anywhere with the woman of my dreams. I have two of them in fact, and they both know who they are. The first of these two women who falls for me and decides to go vacationing with me – wherever that may be – that will be my dream vacation.

Do you have tattoos? If you don’t, would you like to get tattooed?

No, I don’t – but I have the intention of obtaining a few of them over the next couple years. My back and arms are going to be covered I tell you – unless I wimp out from the pain.

What was going on in your life one year ago?

One year ago? Today is September 17^th (the day I’m writing this part of the post), so September 17^th 2011 I was…at University, studying a course in communication, majoring in professional writing, and been a Monday I would have had the day off! However, to be more open about what was happening – yes, university, I at the time was in-between jobs and was attempting to ask one of the women of my dreams out – and she kept refusing. Wasn’t even asking her on a date! Dang!

What makes your heart flutter?

Simple – the women of my dreams. Additionally women with tattoos or piercings make my heart flutter as well. Ironically enough, both women who have captivated me are without tattoos or piercings. Hmmm…

Your favorite blog(s)?

Well, I am going to nominate 11 of my favorite blogs for you – that should hopefully be answer enough. As for the others – they would be located on the two other occasions that I have been lucky enough to acquire nominations for my blogs and develop posts about them.
Such information can be found at these additional links;

https://stationdeva.wordpress.com/2012/08/18/an-inspirational-kind-of-day/

http://totalovrdose.wordpress.com/2012/08/16/a-versatile-blogger-me-really-apparently-so/

And adjunctively at this link:

https://stationdeva.wordpress.com/2012/06/11/poetry-discussion/

Now, for the eleven bloggers that I nominate for this prestigious award…(in alphabetical order)

http://allworldissues.com/ – a young South Australian woman who blogs about issues concerning people great and small across the world

http://daunaeasley.com/ – a teacher who blogs about amazing teaching conceptions and ideologies concerning school

http://insidekatesmind.wordpress.com/ – self explanatory – inside the mind of Kate!

http://justonemonkeytyping.wordpress.com/ – young teenager who sounds more mature and intelligent than me and my entire generation combined

http://larrysmusings.wordpress.com/ – sometimes controversial, sometimes humorous, sometimes emotional but always powerfully true posts about life, world issues, events, economics, and almost everything else

http://ljoysharkey.wordpress.com/ – I’m not going to say from fear of been racist. Humour, life, love, culture, waitressing

http://mittenskittens.wordpress.com/ – a young Australian woman who discusses writing, life, and, according to speculation in her last post, might in fact be a clown murderer

http://nelsville.wordpress.com/ – a gorgeous young artist and poet. I recommend you avoid this blog at all costs because this young lady is dangerously addictive

http://playstationkw.wordpress.com/ – if you like video games then this is your one stop shop for amazing posts about them!

http://writetofree.wordpress.com/ – enjoy writing? A menagerie of different themes and genres can be found here

http://yanaamari.wordpress.com/ – adorable writing that is sometimes funny and sometimes makes no sense, but will always times infinity keep your attention.

Here are the eleven questions that I would like for these eleven bloggers to answer!

One: This was such an awesome question in my opinion from Elaine, so I will gladly provide it all to you guys; what is your favourite curse word?

Two: Do you at present drive your own vehicle or do you use public transport?

Three: What is your favourite vegetable?

Four: What is your favourite HUGE word? (For instance, doppelganger, promulgate, etc)

Five: What would be your ideal date?

Six: Who is your favourite poet? If you don’t like poetry (sigh, but some people don’t), then who is your favourite fiction writer?

Seven: What is your favourite film genre?

Eight: How often do you use the internet, especially social media? If daily, how many hours do you spend on there?

Nine: Sharks – do you like these gorgeous creatures of the deep, do you dislike them, or are you scared to death of them?

Ten: If you can remember, and you are willing to share, which is the strangest dream you have ever had?

Eleven: Lucky Last (drum roll please, no, not like that, yeah, that’s it – really need to fire that guy) Do you believe in any of the following; astrology, luck, destiny, fate? Care to explain?

Well, there you have it! Thank you for reading!

Again, thank you to Elaine for the award, and congratulations to all those I have nominated. If you have more than 200 followers, well, that’s my bad. I don’t even know how many followers I have, so in my defence, how am I expected to know exactly how many you amazing bloggers have?

Cheers!