Improv
Jan 29, 2012 Uncategorized
TJ and Dave: Improv Geniuseses
There are a lot of things that we love here at things we love, but there’s a huge one that we can’t hold in any longer. Improv! We love us some improv in any form. Whether it be a friend-of-a-friend’s free improv show (count us in) or checking out some of the most talented improv performers in Chicago (let’s get tickets!), improv is one of those deep seated loves that gets deeper every day.
There’s a lot more to improv than you would think, and that’s what I’ve been learning at The Second City in Chicago. Even though I was too terrified to leap right into an improv class, I decided to take a comedy writing class there. I’ll work my way up from cheap recipe blog writer to stand up genius. Hey, baby steps, right? Not right. Improv is about leaping in whole-heartedly. It’s also about saying yes. You see, an improv scene only really works if everyone in it says “yes!” An improv scene works really well when everyone in it says, “Yes! And…”
But hey, we don’t have to be improv legends, or even students, for it to be one of those things we love. We can say “yes” to catching an improv show. That counts. Improv is one of the reasons that it’s so great to be in the lovely city of Chicago right now. You’d be hard pressed to go a night without hearing about some new comedy stuff going on around town. There are shows, sets, open mics and comedy clubs everywhere. You can’t throw a rock in this town without hitting some improv.
Last week, a friend and I went to see improv legends TJ and Dave at Improv Olympics. The caliber of comedy you can get for five bucks in this town will knock your little sockies off. These guys put on a flawless one hour improv show that is so well developed and hilarious that you’ll leave thinking, “Wait? That was just two dudes on a stage.” Yes… and no. It’s so much more than that. I’d highly recommend catching one of their shows, at least once, if you’re in the city of Chicago. But make sure to get your tickets ahead of time. All of their shows sell out on a regular basis.
Is improv one of those things you love?
Caprica is Fracking Awesome. So Say We All.
Jan 24, 2012 Uncategorized
If you’re a first wave Battlestar Galactica nerd (don’t be offended, those words just go together), you’ve probably already seen it all, from the 80′s series right down to Caprica. Perhaps you hate the revival that SyFy did and perhaps you didn’t dig Caprica either. I think we all know what it’s like to be a fan of something, and really look forward to the continuation of that thing and when it finally happens, it’s a huge let down (Jar Jar Binks).
But if like many burgeoning BSG fans, you probably came into the game late and caught the new series on Netflix or SyFy. So you might be hitting Caprica about right now, like I am, and I’m sure you’re feelin’ it. Caprica is awesome. I’m only three episodes in, and it’s already weaving in and out of the layers that BSG laid as a foundation without being heavy handed or cheesy. If it’s possible to have a crush on a TV show, I’m shoving perfume scented notes into Caprica’s locker after the fourth period.
The performances are space soap opera quality (I’ve heard BSG called that in the past and think it’s a pretty fitting way to describe it). I don’t mean to imply that the acting is anything short of amazing, but it’s a drama and the acting is full on dramatic. Maybe the phrase ‘space soap opera’ isn’t a good choice if you’ve never seen the show. Don’t worry there’s no plot line involving twin brothers, separated at birth. One doesn’t turn out evil, and the other one, good. But there is one about the birth of the first conscious Cylon, built by a senior software engineer who’s trying to ressurect his daughter from the dead. So it’s got that going for it. Now that I think about it, scratch the whole space soap opera comment, because cinematography and graphics put All My Children to shame.
All in all, if you’ve just finished Battlestar Galactica and you’ve watched The Plan, you’re going to love Caprica. If you have no idea what I’m talking about, you might want to start with BSG so when (spoiler alert) the one dude says “Our last name was Adama,” you can gasp along with every other nerd on this planet.
T’was the Season
Jan 12, 2012 Uncategorized
Everyone who has any interest in video gaming knows the cycle, and Winter is the number one season for new game releases. So, let’s recap some of the best Video game releases this winter thus far.
Modern Warfare 3
The Call of Duty franchise, regardless of the developing company (meaning Treyarch and/or Infinity Ward), has always been a far favorite. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 was no different. Logging in 1.5 million preorders on it’s November 8th release, in addition to sales made with no preorder, this Call of Duty installment was no exception to the franchise’s long lasting success. Though it seems to be the last of the Modern Warfare games, it is positive that Call of Duty will continue to dish out games every winter or two.
Battlefield 3
Military first-person shooters are one of the best selling games on the market today. Battlefield 3, along with the rest of the Battlefield trilogy, has created quite the buzz in the gaming community. It’s reputation as one of the most immersive games around has generated a large following. That large-scale multiplayer and genuine campaign makes it both realistic and creative.
Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
The following generated by fiction-fantasy games is somewhat disturbing, especially if the game is called World of Warcraft. Skyrim, however, is quite the intriguing work of art. Chasing Dragons and collecting Battleaxes is not my definition of a good time but, for some, its freakin’ Mardi Gras. The sales for Skyrim, including preorder, proved that fantasy video games will not soon die off. Basement gatherings for dungeons and dragons, on the other hand, probably won’t make a come-back.
Madden 2012
Winter season may be video game season, but it is also football season. For some though, it is a combination of the two: Madden 2012! The NFL has a large gathering of followers and may be the most popular sport in North America. Ever since Madden’s very first endorsement on an NFL game, sales have soared. With every year comes new gameplay, more realistic features, and new players (of course). Madden has always been a fan favorite and is sure to remain that way in the season’s to come; unless we hit another lock-out.
The winter season isn’t over yet! Keep an ear out for new hit games, or just play the ones you got and beat ‘em! I always shoot for 100%.
Becoming a Sumo
Jan 5, 2012 Uncategorized
If you think this article is about becoming a Sumo wrestler than you’re reading the wrong article. But you’ve read this far, so here is a couple tips on how to become a Sumo wrestler: set down the computer, go over to KFC, and invest $450 in some fried chicken.
What this article is actually meant for is to show appreciation for a little website called AppSumo. AppSumo, which works much like Groupon, can hep give you the tools to create a online presence for your company. They offer deals for Search Engine Optimization tactics, Web development, and products/services for pretty much anything. In some cases, you can download entire video-courses which work just like taking an online course at any university.
The trouble with creating an online presence for a company, whether you are starting out or trying to push an existing company, the tools for effectively doing so are not openly available. With deals on AppSumo, you can learn more about what it takes to make it in a digital world.
Even though AppSumo may not give you all the tools to become a full-blown web-developer, you can be sure that you’ll get great deals on some really great packages.
The AppSumo service is one that I find extremely useful, even as an individual without a startup business. Whether you own a business, run a web-marketing website, or like to dabble in the intricacy of SEO or HTML, AppSumo can offer a plethora of goodies.
Boost your online marketing, create a marketing strategy, and learn how to get your foot in the door of social networking; all with the help of AppSumo!
Only one criticism… their tagline: “All your software in one nice, little burrito.” Uhm, I thought Sumo wrestlers were an asian thing? I’ve never eaten an asian burrito.