H4nd of Thor Top 10 Driving Songs:

At work today my co-worker, Toast Robot, and I started discussing our favorite fist-pumping driving songs which inspired me to compose my official Top 10 driving songs  list. Now the songs don't necessary have to be about driving, or cars at all, it's just about overall feel of the song that makes you squeeze the steering wheel and put the proverbial pedal to metal. So without further ado:

#10 Foo Fighters- The Pretender

It was a tough decision between two truly amazing Foo Fighters drive songs. I had it narrowed down to The Pretender and D.O.A, but in the end gave the nod to the pretender. I think the pretender is just a tid bit m ore aggressive, but both songs are top notch.

#9 Metallica- Fuel

"GIMME FUE, GIMME FAI, GIMME DABAJABAZA!!" Probably one of the only songs on the list that is in direct reference to driving. Although the song is a little chiche, it still hits home behind the wheel. Rain or shine when this song is on in the car its impossible to not cut someone off.

#8 Red Hot Chili Peppers- By the Way

This song goes into an interesting catagory for me, very driving bass line, and gets pretty heavy, but at the same time its very bright. There are the aggressive/attitude driven drive songs, and then there are sleeper picks like this one that say yeah I wanna rock, but I don't wanna necessarily break anything/anyone. 

#7 Sublime- Doin' Time

 Now this song may only apply to those of us who live in the sunshine state of California, specifically those of us who grew up in the 90's. This is the song you crank the bass and drive real slow with all your windows down and just drive. I should also note that the Sublime runner up was Pawn Shop.

#6 Black Sabbath- Paranoid        

What kind of Top 10 list would this be with out a little Sabbath! This song was revolutionary in its time. This song reminds me of the old school video game I played with my old friend Jonathan called "Rock and Roll Racing". 

Timeless Car Classic.

#5 Cage the Elephant- Aint No Rest of the Wicked

Not all driving songs have to get in your face and scream in your ear. There is a niche of Driving songs that have that laid back country twang. This list would have been irresponsible without the addition of one of these types of laid back driving songs. Others in this category would have included Kid Rocks "Cowboy" or even Becks "Loser", But I decided to stick with  my personal favorite of the genre.

#4 Led Zeppelin- Immigrant Song

One of the Zeppelin songs where I have NO CLUE as to what Robert Plant is saying, but there is nothing confusing about the feeling that this song gives you when your driving over 1,000 lbs of steel over 100 mph on the open highway. You can never go wrong with Led Zeppelin.

#3 Audioslave- Cochise

From the build up to the bridge all the way to the end, this song gets you pumped up! In my opinion my favorite performance by Chris Cornell, and with Rage behind him tearing it up with a groove that makes you wanna punch a homeless person in the teeth. On the whole I do like RATM better than Audioslave, but behind the wheel, Cochise is King.

#2 Queen- Bohemian Rhapsody 

I'm gonna break this down to you. Bohemian Rhapsody + Car + You and your Closest friends = SCHWING!

No matter the circumstance when this song comes on whether you want to or not, all parties in said vehicle will AT LEAST mouth the words, and when the Rock portion kicks in either tap their foot or bang their head. Its Universal.

#1 System of a Down- B.Y.O.B.

Simply put, because its MY list, this song is #1. I love everything about this song, and although its not my favorite song overall, It is defiantly the one song that my steering wheel hates. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS: 

Primus- Jerry was a Race Car Driver

Van Halen- Runnin' with the Devil

Motley Crue- Girls, Girls, Girls

ZZ Top- Cheap Sun Glasses

Pantera- Cowboys from Hell

Deep Purple- Highway Star or Woman from Tokyo

                                

Jedi Jake: Brotherhood

What it do? I am pretty proud to share with you  what will hopefully be the first of many short films I will be shooting and editing in the upcoming months. It really is gratifying to see something you put hours, and hours, and hours into come to fruition. I fully acknowledge that I have a lot of rust on me, but this is my first step to improving myself as a short film maker.

The film took roughly 3-4 hours of filming and maybe 15-18 hours of post production.

SPECIAL THANKS GOES OUT TO JAKE, DAVID, AND ELIZABETH

Jake always takes these films pretty seriously and contributes 100% of his ability. Whenever I have a film idea he is totally supportive, and wont hesitate to put himself into any role and say any line. Gotta love this guy.

To my knowledge this was David first acting gig, and I couldn't have asked for more. He did a fantastic job, and took  that fall like a boss!

Can't thank Elizabeth enough for all of her input and advise, letting my borrow her beloved camera, and going onset with us to be an extra set of hands. She location managed, was a grip, and at points safety officer!

So again I hope you see this and get at least a little enjoyment out of this film. In case you have not seen it I have also attached Jedi Jake 1... Obviously part 2 picks up EXACTLY where part 1 left off, so to understand whats happening in part 2 you might want to brush up on the story line.

Deserving?

Hello Everyone! With Valentines only one day  in the past I don't think it is too late to tell everyone how much I love and appreciate my wife. I actually would like to come clean about something that I dont normally talk about, and that was the one time in almost seven years of our relationship that we broke up...

Senior year of high school I was in the best shape of my life, and at the pinnacle of my coolness, in my head. I thought I was all that, I had sweet roles in most of the school plays, it felt like everyone knew me. My head was growing at an alarming rate. Other girls were interested in me, and I was being a dumb teenager and told my self that I was too young to be tied down to the same girl as long as I was.

I started treating Elizabeth like garbage. I was mean, because in my mind all of the previous thing I mention were corrupting my heart and mind. I will never forget the day I broke up with her, it was probably my lowest moment, I was so mean and I did truly feel so terrible. In the weeks that followed, those who knew me could tell you, I lost my mind. I was flirting with all sorts of different girls, and being a complete and utter jerk... Until finally it hit me I was not happy.

I came to realize that I loved and needed her more than anything. And I begged for her back. I cried like a baby on the phone begging for her back, and finally she did. She took me back and we have been together ever since. The distant memories, are extremely embarrassing to me and I feel very ashamed for my past actions.

Recently a song hit me so hard that explains my true feelings on my past stupidity, and how grateful I am and how undeserving I was of her forgiveness. She had faith in me, and In love. She took back that stupid stupid kid, and that kid grew into me. And I would do anything for that woman, and will never let anything hurt her ever again.

Lets Get it Started...

So I've been feeling like a total bum this last week... I've probably been praying more the last week than I have the last 6 months. I feel like there is a giant monkey on my back that I just cant shake off. Am I the only one out there that feels like I am not living up to my potential? It feels like I am settling to the middle of the pack, when before I had a fire in my belly to be the best.

I have a very specific career goal that I have been praying about. The problem is that it is extremely ambitious, and would require me to dig down very deep and find the "Old Me". I haven't seen the old me in quite a while, but I truly believe he is hanging out somewhere waiting to be resurrected.

I honestly love my job, Its the best job I have ever had by far. I feel like I am competent, and constantly improving. My co-workers are very cool, and my boss is the probably the nicest person I have ever met. The company I work for is by far the best company I could ever hope to work for. Money is decent, hours are long, benefits are awesome, but most importantly its a ministry so I can feel good about myself knowing that I'm working for the Lord. In my opinion nobody works at EMF that Jesus didn't specifically place there for one reason or another.

Although I thoroughly love and enjoy my job, the issue is that my position is not one that I think I want to stay in for years and years and years. Now to be fair I have only been in this position a little over one year, but I feel myself getting a little too settled in. I think its time to start getting busy, and get my mind right. As amazing as my job is, I feel like I need to find a position where I can start expressing myself creatively. The NOC is a huge room, but I think the talents and abilities of "Old Cory" refuse to be boxed in. Its time to get this thing started.  

The Next Short Film????

Greetings people who read my blog!!

It has occurred to me that I need you guys to hold me accountable. Just like when I had my two week blogosphere absence it was the support and kind words of you guys, my friends, that got me back on the horse and writing and blogging again.

Here is the conundrum... I love to shoot and edit short films. I truly enjoy it, but have such a hard time getting out and actually achieving. I now have an HD camera, as well as some new editing and special effects skills, but every time I think of an idea, I eventually talk myself out of it.

Its time to break my rusty cage!

Please anyone who views this entry, I am asking you as a favor to me, please send me a short film idea via comment on this blog entry. I'm hoping that as a "community" ie. the two of you that see this we can come to a consensus, and I can get something awesome filmed and posted!

Lets get this ball rolling!

Nerd or Normal

Yo ho ho and a bottle of Brass Monkey, I have been thinking a lot lately about where I stand in the realm of Nerd vs. Normal. I have also been thinking about whether there is anything wrong with being a "Nerd", or at least having nerd tenancies. 

At this point I would like to turn your attention to the definitions below

First I will take a look at the Nerd side: Stupid? Ish no think so. Irritating? I hope not. ineffectual? Quite the opposite. Unattractive? Okay you got me there... All and all definition #1 is pretty insulting, but #2 is worth looking at a little harder. The second definition of nerd starts off stating that nerds are intelligent, but single minded,obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit.  Now I have no college degrees or anything, but I'd like to think I'm intelligent. Also, I don't really see being single minded as a negative thing either. How else are you supposed to achieve mastery of a given game, sport, or talent. It is that dedication and steadfast dedication that has created most of the musical/sports legends that we celebrate. 

Realistically I am at a loss. I don't know if I am normal or, not... And in the end I'm not sure that it matters. I genuinely enjoy the things I am interested in and I have a solid group of friends that I can share these interests with. I refuse to conceal my interests for the sake of normalcy. Why try to live your life conforming to the worlds standards? Why are we so afraid to deviate from the "norm". I say let your Geek Flag Fly! My name is Cory and I enjoy Magic the Gathering, Xbox  Live, Comic Books, Writing fiction stories, Making short films, Mixed Martial Arts, Drums, and Windows Products....

Nerd or Normal? I say nay... Be yourself!!! trademarked by Cory Vincent inc. 

nerd

   [nurd]  Show IPA

–nounSlang.

1.

a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person.

2.

an intelligent but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit: a computer nerd.

nor·mal

   [nawr-muhl]  Show IPA

–adjective

1.

conforming to the standard or the common type; usual; not abnormal; regular; natural.

2.

serving to establish a standard.

Cory's Super Blog Presents: A Picture a year Project

Today I have decided to pay homage to my friend, Technicator, and wife, Elizabeth. Both of these individuals have taken on the extremely difficult task of taking a picture everyday and uploading said photo to their blog pages. When you upload a picture every day, it forces you to constantly try to one-up yourself and get more and more creative. I think both of them do fantastic work, in fact they have very much inspired me!

Today will mark the beginning of my very own picture a year project Where I will be taking, and uploading ONE Picture every year.

This is the part of the Blog where I will discuss my picture: 

Whilst on my way to work, I stumbled upon a motorized vehicle that doth the initials "JLA" on its hind quarters. Mr. Technicator uploaded a very similar picture recently. It also dawnethed upon me that my wife also took a similar picture while driving last week. So whateth better than make my very own Technicator/Elizabeth Vincent images mash-up!! Enjoy

Thank you all for following me through this very creatively stimulating Picture a year project I thought of today.

"The Prodigy" pt.3 The Professor

In the day that followed David’s encounter in the alley, he spent his time settling into his new flat, and getting prepared for his first day of class at the Kyoto University. Still in more pain than he's expected from the baseball bat, he had forced himself to memorize the entire map of Kyoto. Every street and alley was now burnt into his memory, and many times throughout the day he found himself replaying the events of the previous night in his head. What streets he should have turned down instead, where he could have cut the thief off, why he gave chase to begin with, and how come he wasn't able to defend himself better. Being Six-feet tall and in lean condition, he felt disappointed that he was unable to out run the crook, or even attempt to defend against the attack. With a few hours of daylight left, and a mental GPS of the city, David reasoned that he should begin to train his body with a light jog. 

   
During his run, many things passed through David’s mind. He began to imagine the conversation that he would have with Dr. Crantz, and the types of experiments that would be performed on him. Constantly nagging him was the pain in his lower back. He had to force himself to take his attention off of the pain. In his mind he began recalling meaningless conversations from his past word for word, which lead into him having flashbacks to pages from his high school textbooks that he had memorized word for word for tests. He then started creating complex math problems in his head for himself to solve. For seemingly no reason a rush of anxiety passed over David, as the isolation of himself within his own mind quickly started driving him mad. As his body was growing more tired, a feeling of panic began to grow within him. He immediately turned around and started to run full speed back to his dwelling. All he could hear was the sound of his shoes slapping the concrete. The faster he ran the more intense his flashes became. He began playing back chess games he'd had as a boy move for move, solving multiple algorithmic equations, and flashing back to childhood memories all simultaneously. Just as he had made it back to his apartment the anxiety grew into a vicious migraine. Frantically trying to get a drink of water he collapsed in his small kitchen. Looking up to the ceiling light, his vision slowly faded to white, where he had one final vision into his past before losing consciousness. David lied screaming in his mother’s arms, and his father whispered "David Albert Andrews... my son... you are going to grow up to be very special... you are going accomplish anything you set your mind too...”


Upon regaining consciousness the next morning, David disappointingly realized that he had already missed his first class of the day which was the only one he truly cared to attend, Dr. Crantz's Advanced Cerebrum Analysis. Back aching and the after effects of the most intense migraine he had ever experienced still lingering, he felt even more compelled to track down Dr. Crantz to find his answers. Using his limited Japanese vocabulary he was able to ask around and track down the professor to his private office. Walking up to the door he was able to see the silhouette through the window, of the man he had so anticipated to meet. With nothing rehearsed or planned, he took a deep breath and knocked on the door. A moment passed, he heard the professor clear his throat, “Come in" he said in a clear deep voice. As David entered the room, the first thing that entered his mind was how tactfully organized the room was. As David shut the door behind him, a chill ran down his spine. As he reached the center of the room he drew a complete blank as to what he would say. 


Before David had a chance to speak Dr. Crantz exclaimed, "Mr. Andrews! I missed you in my class earlier today...”


David was thoroughly perplexed at this moment as to how the professor recognized his absence. The look of shock was very present on his face. Before David could respond, the Professor continued.


"Don't look so shocked, Mr. Andrews… Your absence was only so prevalent, due to the fact that you are the only person who enrolled in the class." He said with a smile. "I was shocked that someone actually signed up for this class, it is not my most popular by a long shot. So I decided I better investigate this "David Andrews" and you would be surprised how much you can learn about an individual with a simple Google Search, let alone an individual with the notoriety you have."


David was at a complete loss for words. So much he wanted to say, but the words refused to flow from his lips. He felt as if he was removed from his own body watching the conversation, almost star struck.


Dr. Crantz took a small sip from his coffee mug, “Don’t you worry Prodigy, you and I are going to make a lot of progress this year..."