Mu hah hah hah hah hah hah! I'm so goddamn cool!
About Me

- Marque Terrynamahr Strickland/Wrinklegus PoisonTongue
- United States
- WRITER. ARTIST. THINKER. INVOLUNTARY RECLUSE. I work under my own name, Marque Terrynamahr Strickland, or my pen name, Wrinklegus PoisonTongue. I absolutely ADORE artistically brilliant people. I surround myself with them, as it is with them that I feel most comfortable. I owe everything to artistic people, for without you, I would be nothing. Be you a writer, painter, actor, musician, architect, or whatever, I thrive upon your efforts. You are the air I breath. My solace. My stronghold. My safety net. My sanity. My reason for living. I love you all. Childish. Creative. High maintenance. Sensitive. Insensitive. Insecure. Quick tempered. Loving. Loyal. Lustful. Incredibly horny (especially after 3 decades of involuntary celibacy). Mischievous. Bombastic. Slightly domineering, yet fair and easy to please. Talented to no end. Know-it-all. Chaste. Afraid of germs. Healthy. Insightful. Artist. Born on St. Patrick's Day, I am a PISCES with VIRGO rising, two signs of opposition, which complete me. By the Chinese Zodiac, I'm a DRAGON with ROOSTER rising. —The ‘f-bomb’ is my favourite swear word.
Marque Terrynamahr Strickland's Twitter
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Scream 4/2011
(Click on images to read the review in HTML format. The plain text review is on the bottom!)
Scream 4/2011
If you’re going to do a sequel (and not just any sequel–we’re talking about the 4th film in a series), then it’s nice to wait 11 years to do it. We’ve had such a long break from the Scream films that we can actually come back now and have fun, whereas with part 3, by the time it hit theaters, we were so tired of being bombarded with them that it was impossible to be entertained by it! And, let’s be honest, with these types of movies, this is ALL you’re supposed to do–sit back, relax, and enjoy the slashing and blood spatter!
The cinematography is nothing to speak of, as this is not really the type of movie that requires anything special. And it would be stupid for me to comment on the acting, as there’s not much for the actors to do...except for Neve Campbell. However, being the new generation’s “Scream Queen,” she’s used to crying, wailing, and running in fear. She’s done it four times now–she should be used to it! And since I’m bypassing the acting, I’ll move on to the story–nothing unique, yet entertaining. These days, that’s about all you can ask for from a horror film. It was fun. It made sense (mostly, except for one thing I’ll point out about ‘Dewey’ in the end). And although I didn’t flinch throughout the entire film, these supposedly ‘scary’ scenes did make me smile, as I knew whilst watching them, somewhere, some poor girl was probably leaping upon her boyfriend’s lap at the very same time.
I’ll probably be a Wes Craven fan till the day I die, and though Last House on the Left and the Nightmare on Elm Street series will always be my favourites, the Scream franchise is not far behind (part 3 will always be the one I consider more of a ‘throw away,’ but perhaps I should go back and watch it again to see if I feel the same way after all this time.) In all, I’ll give Scream 4 a solid “B” grade, just for being so much damn fun...
(c) Marque Terrynamahr Strickland/2011
...However, I do have two questions. The reason I saved them as afterthoughts is because they do not pose issues that affect my enjoyment of the film. First question: wasn’t Dewey Riley partially crippled from having a severed nerve, or does that heal over time? If not, Wes screwed up there. Oh well. Question number two: do all rich, white kids have parents that care so little about them that they leave them alone for days at a time? What the fuck? You almost NEVER see Caucasian kids’ parents in horror films!
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Wow. I destroyed this kid! My first perfect game!
....but I suppose that doesn't mean shit when a game is only, like, 14 moves. Even still...it was GREAT practice! My 2nd brother, Oliver (my regular opponent) is so good, I have to eat these newbies for breakfast just so I can stay sharp enough to play him. My dude has some skills!
Play chess online
Monday, April 11, 2011
Hanna/2011 (Quite good!)
(Click on images to read the review in HTML format. The plain text review is on the bottom!)
HANNA (2011)
For something so simple, I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. Hanna (Saoirse Ronan) is a government test subject, whose DNA has been tampered with in hopes of creating the perfect soldier. (Yes, I know this type of story has been done to death, but hear me out.) She was raised by Erik (Eric Bana), an agent of the previously mentioned government, who suddenly grew a conscience and decided he couldn’t commit such morally base acts against mankind anymore (again, this is an overused topic, but let me finish!) When Hanna’s mother is assassinated, Erik escapes with Hanna and raises her in the wild. Using her specialized DNA to his advantage, he raises Hanna to be a solider with all the predatory instincts of an assassin, meant to kill Marissa (Cate Blanchett), an integral member of the establishment he once worked for.
With that said, I know that some of you will automatically assume that the film is an overdone, moist load of what makes the grass grow green. But I beg to differ...
Director Joe Wright has given us quite a treat with this simple little film of his. Although I wouldn’t say that Hanna is anything overly artistic that you’ll be blown away by, if nothing else, it’s still well shot (there is some absolutely BEAUTIFUL cinematography, especially in the beginning), well acted, and well paced. Though it is, technically, an ‘action’ film, there’s only as much action as there needs to be, and you’re not bombarded with an excess of fighting to compensate for weak storytelling, as one is with most Hollywood films. And even though the film is, as mentioned, cliché, the creators were still able to take an old idea and make it into something fun! They took stale bread and made bread pudding! In other words, for what it is, Hanna is wonderfully done. If you have an hour and fifty minutes to spare, you really can’t go wrong with this film.
(c) Marque Terrynamahr Strickland/2011
Sunday, March 27, 2011
SUCKER PUNCH: A 'MIRACLE' IN VISUALS, YET A 'CATASTROPHE' IN WRITING
(Click on images to read the review in HTML format. The plain text review is on the bottom!)
SUCKER PUNCH: A ‘MIRACLE’ IN VISUALS, YET A ‘CATASTROPHE’ IN WRITING!
Okay, so after a full eight hours of sleep, deciding whether or not I can give this film a pass simply because of its visual magnificence, I’ve decided I cannot. However, that doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the film, because I did (I’m a sucker for visuals!). But even with that said, I will still be forced to admit the obvious here...the film’s ONLY saving grace is the fact that Zack Snyder and his cinematography/effects team are so damn good at the ‘look’ to their films!
(“Snyder also added that he enjoys the freedom of filming his own original script.” –Sucker Punch Wikipedia)
Oh my...how should I put this? It is very difficult to criticize the work of someone whose talent I adore so much...someone whose work I’m, literally, a fiend for. But the truth must be told here–Zack Snyder’s true gift lies in the craft of direction. He made unforgivable mistakes in his screenplay. It’s not the dialogue I’m speaking of...it’s the story.
Rule #1 in Story: DON’T EVER, EVER INTRODUCE A NONSENSICAL MIRACLE AT THE END OF YOUR TALE TO RESCUE YOUR CHARACTERS! There is a character called ‘the Wise Man,’ who suddenly makes an appearance at the end of the film–a scene, which nearly made me go postal I was so furious at it! First off, this particular character is a figment of another character’s imagination–‘Baby Doll’ (Emily Browning). It was fine for Baby Doll to receive inspiration from him within the deep recesses of her mind, as it’s normal to retreat within oneself in the midst of horrific circumstances. However...IT MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE FOR HIM TO APPEAR AT THE END OF THE FILM (IN THE ‘REAL WORLD’) OUTSIDE OF THE IMAGINARY WORLD IN WHICH HE WAS CREATED! Though this mistake is likely to drive a number of people crazy, believe it or not, it isn’t even the worst one of the film.
Another calamity within the tale that really got under my skin would have been the instance in which Blondie, Vanessa Hudgens’ character, WILLINGLY SPILLS THEIR PLAN OF ESCAPE TO THE PEOPLE THAT THEY ARE PLOTTING AGAINST! Zack...seriously? First, you portray Blondie as this confident bad ass, who is capable of magnificent feats within Baby Doll’s fantasy world, but then, in the ‘real world,’ she turns out to be weak, spineless, and dumb as a rock! In no way does this fit with any of the information you presented beforehand...I felt like you lied to the audience. When working on a story in the future, know this–such information should be TORTURED out of a character, not willingly given up! If you’re still not convinced of my point, let me give you an example: a story that takes place within the African American slavery period. If it’s a story involving Nat Turner (the baddest ass slave in history, who led a revolt, resulting in 56 white deaths–men, women, and children), can you imagine him being weak enough to run to his owner and say, “Masta, Masta, we tryin’ to escape...we gon’ kill all ya’ll tonight...don’t go to sleep, cuz’ you gon’ regret it!” What you did with Blondie’s character was, literally, on that level of ridiculousness!
And this brings me to my last point–the protagonist. (Only the most skilled writers can completely switch protagonists in a story, and do it in such a manner without upsetting the audience.) At the end of the story, Baby Doll, the heroin you believe in, the person that you’ve invested emotion in and want to succeed, is suddenly sacrificed, and you’re given a replacement protagonist–‘Sweet Pea’ (portrayed by Abbie Cornish). The problem is that you don’t give a crap about Sweet Pea, because the focus has been on Baby Doll the entire time. I don’t know what Zack was thinking when he wrote that particular ‘switch’ in the story, especially since he hadn’t given us ANY background information on her! Well, I guess he would say that he did give us a background on her through dialogue given in a mix of scenes, involving her or her sister, Rocket (Jena Malone). The thing is, dialogue can never match the effect of being taken directly to a scene to witness background information with your own two eyes. This is one of the very reasons why we felt much closer to Baby Doll–we saw her history, and therefore we know what her biggest regret is...we know where her deepest hate lies...and we know what it was that landed her in a corrupt psychiatric hospital. We cannot say the same for Sweet Pea, and this is why the audience cared nothing about her, and this is definitely why she should not have been made heroin!
And I hate to throw another jab in here, but with regards to the source of Baby Doll’s hate, which I mentioned above, why is there no justice for him? Her rapist, gold-digging stepfather was one of the most evil S.O.Bs in the story, and he’s the reason that Baby Doll ended up in the hospital in the first place! So, why in the hell is his character abandoned as soon as he signs her over to the hospital? Inexcusable, Zack!
Writers, listen up (Zack Snyder included)–all films are about their ending...all of them! That is the point at which you cannot let your story go to pieces! No matter how magnificent a job you’ve done up to that point, if your ending fails everything you’ve done beforehand is forfeit. Please, remember that. Most of the Sucker Punch reviews I’ve read thus far have been written by inarticulate people, who only went on and on about ‘how much Sucker Punch sucked!’ They felt what I felt but have been unable to express it properly, so I’ve said these things for them. With that said, I must give Sucker Punch and “A+” for visuals, but an “F–” for story. I hate to seem mean, but it’s a god-awful screenplay...there’s no other way to put it.
(c) Marque Terrynamahr Strickland/2011
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
THE ADJUSTMENT BUREAU (I loved it!!!)
(Click image to view in original size, or scroll to the bottom to read in regular text format!)
![]() |
I'll provide plain text underneath for those of you who don't like viewing html. |
The Adjustment Bureau
First off, let me say that this is the very first movie review I’ve done in quite some time, as I’ve been working on my novels and haven’t really had much reason to do one (seeing as Moviespot Magazine-who I used to write for-went under over two years ago now). However, I’m so inspired by this latest Philip K. Dick adaptation that I can’t help but write a few words!
Once I finish writing this review, I really must go look up this George Nolfi (writer/director), as I would LOVE to know what else he’s done...he’s quite the talent! The Adjustment Bureau is a complex idea (it can’t help but be that, coming from an imagination as big as PKD’s), yet simply told. David Norris (Matt Damon), a politician, falls in love with dancer, Elise Sellas (portrayed by Emily Blunt). However, he learns from a strange group of men with mysterious powers, The Adjustment Bureau, that fate has divided them. They can’t be with one another without destroying the very thing that each of them is destined to become. If David stays with Elise, he will lose his career in politics, the very thing he has dreamt about since childhood. And, on the contrary, if Elise follows David, she will never become the world-renowned dancer that she is meant to be. However, David refuses to accept this and fights against fate. I will not go into any more detail on the story, for I would hate to spoil it for you guys, and it’s too much of a treat to watch the tale unfold.
I expect this film will touch more than a few, as it deals with love on a level that most only dream of-destiny. And though the film is not overt with its undertones, it still may hit home with many on social and environmental aspects. For example: all the seismic activity we’ve had lately, specifically Japan. The way the story is written, I couldn’t help but leave the theater wondering about the supernatural and its relation to the many catastrophes of late (or not, depending upon your beliefs). I’m of the opinion that human beings are at the height of our decadence and foolishness, and therefore we’re being taught very harsh lessons about our behavior. Love is all that can help us move beyond an 8.9 earthquake, which has claimed thousands of lives...so far. LOVE. It is this very thing that, at the end of the film, character Harry Mitchell suggests is the key to human beings writing their own fate someday.
For me, this film was an all around joy, and I left the theater with the biggest smile on my face. However, as I was so fond of saying in my past movie reviews, this is NOT a film for morons who need things blowing up every few seconds to be entertained. Please, if you’re as dumb as a rock, skip this film, as you’ll be bored to tears. But if you enjoy good acting, fine cinematography, and absolutely WONDERFUL storytelling, then this film is for you! If you appreciate artistic simplicity, there’s no way you can go wrong with “The Adjustment Bureau.”
(C) Marque Terrynamahr Strickland/2011
Monday, December 27, 2010
New design of an old project: Volkeye!
I completely redesigned the wrap-around, one-piece, book cover for my novel. I like this one much more! I can't believe I was up till 4AM on a school night doing this shit!
And here's the prototype that just came to me in the mail. It came out pretty damn gangster. I'm happy with the OUTSIDE! Now I must get my Adobe Suite and Mac, so I can use InDesign to fix the inside portion. I'm tired of that shit coming out so 'off' looking. It's always something it seems. Never mind...it keeps me on my toes as an artist!
And here's the prototype that just came to me in the mail. It came out pretty damn gangster. I'm happy with the OUTSIDE! Now I must get my Adobe Suite and Mac, so I can use InDesign to fix the inside portion. I'm tired of that shit coming out so 'off' looking. It's always something it seems. Never mind...it keeps me on my toes as an artist!
And here's the other shot. It's funny how my first project was such a big ass 'grown man' novel, whereas those following were much shorter. Not that I dictate the length of a book beforehand...a story is as long as it needs to be.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Kevin Spacey Motivational Speech. (I've ALWAYS loved this!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=-stA68drYSk
Sunday, November 21, 2010
I think I'm in love...you all know I have a thing for these artsy girls!
This girl is ill! Her voice is, like, 'CHRISTINA AGUILERA' DOPE, seriously! (This muthafucker sets my soul on fire. Good lord, I dig her! Lol.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TswOLHUQFPk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a195CpucS8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOf3kYtwASo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TswOLHUQFPk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a195CpucS8Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pOf3kYtwASo
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Incredible holographic performance!
(I KNEW this could be done...I just needed to see it! Leave it up to the Japanese to be this damn brilliant! This is VERY inspirational for certain projects I'm going to do in the future!)
By Niall Firth
Japanese 3D singing hologram Hatsune Miku becomes nation's strangest pop star
She is cute, stylish and has had a number one chart-topping single. But Japan’s newest and biggest pop star differs from most of her peers in one crucial aspect: she is a hologram. Hatsune Miku has taken the music scene by storm in her native Japan where her concerts are always sold out and are full of screaming, adoring fans. Now, like something out of a science fiction film, videos have emerged which show Miku on tour in Japan, singing a selection of hits.
Miku is a digital avatar created by Japanese technology firm Crypton Future Media that customers can purchase and then program to perform any song on their computer. She is supposed to be 16 years old and five foot two inches tall but her makers have given little away about her personality. Crypton uses voices recorded by actors and then puts them through Yamaha’s Vocaloid software to create its characters.
Miku’s voice was created by taking vocal samples from the voice actress Saki Fujita. All of the samples contained a single Japanese sound which when strung together would create full words and phrases. Her music and image have proved so popular that she has now gone on a sell-out tour where thousands of fans wave light sticks and scream as if she is a real-life pop star.
Miku’s voice was created by taking vocal samples from the voice actress Saki Fujita. All of the samples contained a single Japanese sound which when strung together would create full words and phrases. Her music and image have proved so popular that she has now gone on a sell-out tour where thousands of fans wave light sticks and scream as if she is a real-life pop star.
It is the first time a hologram has been used on stage in this way, moving and strutting just like a real pop star. Gorillaz, the band fronted by Damon Albarn, used projected holograms at the MTV music awards in 2005 and 2006 but these were projected onto a back screen, rather than in full three dimensions.
Miku has become such a star that she already has a fan club, Facebook page and has set up ‘her’ own record label. She has also appeared in a number of episodes of popular Japanese anime TV programs. She performed her first ‘live’ concert in 2009 and has also travelled to Singapore on tour. In March 2010 three metal plates with Hatsune Miku’s image etched on them were placed on board Japanese spacecraft Akatsuki and sent into space after a nationwide petition with more than 14,000 signatures demanded she be included.
Miku has become such a star that she already has a fan club, Facebook page and has set up ‘her’ own record label. She has also appeared in a number of episodes of popular Japanese anime TV programs. She performed her first ‘live’ concert in 2009 and has also travelled to Singapore on tour. In March 2010 three metal plates with Hatsune Miku’s image etched on them were placed on board Japanese spacecraft Akatsuki and sent into space after a nationwide petition with more than 14,000 signatures demanded she be included.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DTXO7KGHtjI&feature=player_embedded
Monday, November 15, 2010
Kids: Sometimes you just wanna.....jeezus!
(This post is "appropriate" now that I'm no longer working in the school system and don't have a need to have my profile set to private. I won't be ashamed of my dislike for this child...he was terrible. LOL.)
Okay, so I had one of those moments today when I looked at one of the students I work with, who, of course, was across the room acting an ass, and I thought to myself: "WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. THIS. BOY? HE IS A GODDAMN FOOL! I SWEAR IF I MET HIM ON THE STREET AFTER SCHOOL..."
So, of course, one of my six-year-olds, Devonte (the kid I adore), looks at me with a big smile, leans in and whispers: "Mista Strick-a-lin...why you cussing?"
It was only then that I realized I'd been thinking out loud again! (God, help me! LOL.)
—M
Just a little FYI...that little demon (the objection of my irritation/the kid acting up) was on suspension by the end of the day. I won't have to look at him for two days, thank God!
Okay, so I had one of those moments today when I looked at one of the students I work with, who, of course, was across the room acting an ass, and I thought to myself: "WHAT. IS. WRONG. WITH. THIS. BOY? HE IS A GODDAMN FOOL! I SWEAR IF I MET HIM ON THE STREET AFTER SCHOOL..."
So, of course, one of my six-year-olds, Devonte (the kid I adore), looks at me with a big smile, leans in and whispers: "Mista Strick-a-lin...why you cussing?"
It was only then that I realized I'd been thinking out loud again! (God, help me! LOL.)
—M
Just a little FYI...that little demon (the objection of my irritation/the kid acting up) was on suspension by the end of the day. I won't have to look at him for two days, thank God!
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Azureus Rising (INCREDIBLE SHORT FILM!!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agk2svo7svI&feature=player_profilepage
Jashaun Agosto: Give him 10 years...this kid is going to be a GOD!
When we think of geniuses, it's often mathematics and science that we think of...but there are also athletic geniuses!
(...and, NO, I'm not exaggerating about this kid! Just take a look!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9BBYi8l_8s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0rf7-Wqn34
(DO YOU GUYS STILL THINK I'M EXAGGERATING?)
(...and, NO, I'm not exaggerating about this kid! Just take a look!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9BBYi8l_8s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0rf7-Wqn34
(DO YOU GUYS STILL THINK I'M EXAGGERATING?)
Sunday, October 17, 2010
OMG! This is why I so seldom hang out with certain folks!
Jeezus, these people are something else! Just because I'm a good guy and single does not give you the right to try to offer me up to every single female that you're acquainted with! With my very first girlfriend, 5 years ago (yes, I'm a later bloomer), I learned... A REAL MAN DOES NOT TOY WITH THE EMOTIONS OF A SINGLE MOTHER! IF YOU HAVE HAVE NO INTENTION OF STICKING AROUND, DON'T EVEN ASK HER OUT! (I ended up making a real mess of that relationship.)
I know quite a few things about single mothers now, especially after having been raised by one. The most important thing is this: a good, single mother dates men very sparingly. So, if you even make it to the 3rd date, that means that she's looking at you as "long term" material! This is why you must be wary. If this isn't something that you want, STAY AWAY FROM HER. Real men, in my opinion, do not take advantage of something so precious. A good mother is a rarity these days (a mother that is actually raising her child and not club-hopping every night, simply because she's upset that she missed out on her youth from having a baby too soon), so don't lead them on! If you have no interest, let them know that...right up front.
Jeezus, I'm so pissed off.
And the thing is, the girl actually digs me. You all should have seen her...too cute. Good mom. Intelligent. Hard working. ...But even still, I have no interest in a future with her, and I'm not someone who believes in wasting my time or that of anyone else. That's why I didn't ask her out or leave with a phone number (and she was so hoping that I would! A woman will always make it clear when she's interested, sending every signal imaginable in your direction. That's why when I made it known that I was about to leave, she instantly struck up a conversation with me, asking about my interests and work. I kept trying to creep outta there, but every time I took a step backward, she asked another question. Bless her heart, she was adorable).
My work and my future are both VERY important to me, and I'm, plain and simply, not willing to give my time to a woman yet. In fact, just to be real...I don't even plan on living in America for the rest of my life. So why would I be stupid or selfish enough to ask this girl out, knowing damn good and well that it absolutely, positively cannot work out?
I swear, sometimes, it seems that I'm the only man on the face of the planet with a conscience.
I know quite a few things about single mothers now, especially after having been raised by one. The most important thing is this: a good, single mother dates men very sparingly. So, if you even make it to the 3rd date, that means that she's looking at you as "long term" material! This is why you must be wary. If this isn't something that you want, STAY AWAY FROM HER. Real men, in my opinion, do not take advantage of something so precious. A good mother is a rarity these days (a mother that is actually raising her child and not club-hopping every night, simply because she's upset that she missed out on her youth from having a baby too soon), so don't lead them on! If you have no interest, let them know that...right up front.
Jeezus, I'm so pissed off.
And the thing is, the girl actually digs me. You all should have seen her...too cute. Good mom. Intelligent. Hard working. ...But even still, I have no interest in a future with her, and I'm not someone who believes in wasting my time or that of anyone else. That's why I didn't ask her out or leave with a phone number (and she was so hoping that I would! A woman will always make it clear when she's interested, sending every signal imaginable in your direction. That's why when I made it known that I was about to leave, she instantly struck up a conversation with me, asking about my interests and work. I kept trying to creep outta there, but every time I took a step backward, she asked another question. Bless her heart, she was adorable).
My work and my future are both VERY important to me, and I'm, plain and simply, not willing to give my time to a woman yet. In fact, just to be real...I don't even plan on living in America for the rest of my life. So why would I be stupid or selfish enough to ask this girl out, knowing damn good and well that it absolutely, positively cannot work out?
I swear, sometimes, it seems that I'm the only man on the face of the planet with a conscience.
Friday, October 8, 2010
My new character, Akiba! Created using "DEMON'S SOULS"
Normally, I'm a traditional tools type of guy (paintbrush/pencils/acrylic paint, etc...), but I just couldn't resist playing around with the character design of my game, "DEMON'S SOULS" (which, by the way, is one of the greatest things I've ever played. It's GENIUS, I kid you not!)
Anyways, this is a character from one of my stories. Her name will give you a hint at some of her abilities. FUN! FUN! FUN!
Anyways, this is a character from one of my stories. Her name will give you a hint at some of her abilities. FUN! FUN! FUN!
(Click on image to view at full size!)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Nas cut them up! Every word is TRUE!
(This is a classic verbal ass whipping! ...Sounds like something I would write. Lol.)
To: LA Reid, Steve Bartels, Steve Gawley, Michael Seltzer, Joseph Borrino, Chris Hicks
Subject: PUT MY SH*T OUT!
Peace to all,
With all do respect to you all, Nas is NOBODY’s slave. This is not the 1800′s, respect me and I will respect you.
I won’t even tap dance around in an email, I will get right into it. People connect to the Artist @ the end of the day, they don’t connect with the executives. Honestly, nobody even cares what label puts out a great record, they care about who recorded it. Yet time and time again its the executives who always stand in the way of a creative artist’s dream and aspirations. You don’t help draw the truth from my deepest and most inner soul, you don’t even do a great job @ selling it. The #1 problem with DEF JAM is pretty simple and obvious, the executives think they are the stars. You aren’t…. not even close. As a matter of fact, you wish you were, but it didn’t work out so you took a desk job. To the consumer, I COME FIRST. Stop trying to deprive them! I have a fan base that dies for my music and a RAP label that doesn’t understand RAP. Pretty fucked up situation
This isn’t the 90′s though. Beefing with record labels is so 15 years ago. @ this point I just need you all to be very clear where I stand and how I feel about “my label.” I could go on twitter or hot 97 tomorrow and get 100,000 protesters @ your building but I choose to walk my own path my own way because since day one I have been my own man. I did business with Tommy Mottola and Donnie Einer, two of the most psycho dudes this business ever created. I worked well with them for one major reason……. they believed in me. The didn’t give a f**k about what any radio station or magazine said….those dudes had me.
Lost Tapes is a movement and a very important set up piece for my career as it stands. I started this over 5 years ago @ Columbia and nobody knew what it was or what it did but the label put it out as an LP and the fans went crazy for it and I single handlely built a new brand of rap albums. It’s smart and after 5 years it’s still a head of the game. This feels great and you not feeling what I’m feeling is disturbing. Don’t get in the way of my creativity. We are aligned with the stars here, this is a movement. There is a thing called KARMA that comes to haunt you when you tamper with the aligning stars. WE ARE GIVING THE PEOPLE EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT. Stop throwing dog s**ton a MAGICAL moment.
You don’t get another Nas recording that doesn’t count against my deal….PERIOD! Keep your bulls**t $200,000.00 fund. Open the REAL budget. This is a New York pioneers ALBUM, there ain’t many of us. I am ready to drop in the 4th quarter. You don’t even have s**tcoming out! Stop being your own worst enemy. Let’s get money!
-N.Jones
Nas's Open Letter To L.A. Reid: 'I'M NOBODY'S SLAVE, PUT MY SHIT OUT!'
From: NasTo: LA Reid, Steve Bartels, Steve Gawley, Michael Seltzer, Joseph Borrino, Chris Hicks
Subject: PUT MY SH*T OUT!
Peace to all,
With all do respect to you all, Nas is NOBODY’s slave. This is not the 1800′s, respect me and I will respect you.
I won’t even tap dance around in an email, I will get right into it. People connect to the Artist @ the end of the day, they don’t connect with the executives. Honestly, nobody even cares what label puts out a great record, they care about who recorded it. Yet time and time again its the executives who always stand in the way of a creative artist’s dream and aspirations. You don’t help draw the truth from my deepest and most inner soul, you don’t even do a great job @ selling it. The #1 problem with DEF JAM is pretty simple and obvious, the executives think they are the stars. You aren’t…. not even close. As a matter of fact, you wish you were, but it didn’t work out so you took a desk job. To the consumer, I COME FIRST. Stop trying to deprive them! I have a fan base that dies for my music and a RAP label that doesn’t understand RAP. Pretty fucked up situation
This isn’t the 90′s though. Beefing with record labels is so 15 years ago. @ this point I just need you all to be very clear where I stand and how I feel about “my label.” I could go on twitter or hot 97 tomorrow and get 100,000 protesters @ your building but I choose to walk my own path my own way because since day one I have been my own man. I did business with Tommy Mottola and Donnie Einer, two of the most psycho dudes this business ever created. I worked well with them for one major reason……. they believed in me. The didn’t give a f**k about what any radio station or magazine said….those dudes had me.
Lost Tapes is a movement and a very important set up piece for my career as it stands. I started this over 5 years ago @ Columbia and nobody knew what it was or what it did but the label put it out as an LP and the fans went crazy for it and I single handlely built a new brand of rap albums. It’s smart and after 5 years it’s still a head of the game. This feels great and you not feeling what I’m feeling is disturbing. Don’t get in the way of my creativity. We are aligned with the stars here, this is a movement. There is a thing called KARMA that comes to haunt you when you tamper with the aligning stars. WE ARE GIVING THE PEOPLE EXACTLY WHAT THEY WANT. Stop throwing dog s**ton a MAGICAL moment.
You don’t get another Nas recording that doesn’t count against my deal….PERIOD! Keep your bulls**t $200,000.00 fund. Open the REAL budget. This is a New York pioneers ALBUM, there ain’t many of us. I am ready to drop in the 4th quarter. You don’t even have s**tcoming out! Stop being your own worst enemy. Let’s get money!
-N.Jones
Friday, October 1, 2010
New Goldilocks Planet, guys! Woohoo!
I have to say I'm pretty freakin' stoked about this new planet! We need more discoveries like this, because our planet is becoming vastly overpopulated (who knows, it may be already!). We will HAVE to colonize somewhere else eventually. It's the only way we'll survive!
http://news.discovery.com/space/earth-like-planet-life.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliese_581_g
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldilocks_planet
http://news.discovery.com/space/earth-like-planet-life.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gliese_581_g
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Goldilocks_planet
Sunday, September 26, 2010
"Will Proof of an Adjacent Universe Be the Next Great Discovery?"
This is incredibly intriguing stuff here. I know there is truth to this, although I'm conflicted by it. I'm no longer a Christian, although I was raised in religion. Now, I'm merely a spiritual man, who believes...well, quite honestly, I don't know what I believe anymore. Lets just say that I know 'men' (as in humans) are NOT all there is to life. Personally, when I think of God, a woman usually comes to mind. In fact, 'usually' is kind of an understatement...why do you think God always turns up as a woman in my stories?
However, I realize that this view of mine may be just as narrow-minded as 'holy' books to which some religious folks so desperately cling. Perhaps God is bigger than a single being...bigger than a single universe, even? Perhaps He/She/It is something that none of us are capable of comprehending. The day that we do truly understand, our species will probably not even be able to be called 'human' anymore, as we'll be too highly evolved.
The reason this article intrigued me so is because I know in my heart that there's something to it. Look at how creative I am...this shit has to come from somewhere. I think my level of skill has more complex reasons behind it than just mere talent and imagination. Those are too simple and too arrogant and have nothing but a 'me, me, me' feel to them. Painting these pictures and writing these stories are as natural to me as breathing. The ideas have to come from somewhere! And I think it's ironic that I've always told people, "My ideas and inspiration are purely whimsical...they come straight from the ether! I hardly need to think about new projects. They just COME."
And, of course, now I've landed on this article, and it's only reinforced what I believe.
(A little snippet from the article...a link will be at the bottom. Copy and paste it.
Or just click on the title to the blog, and it will take you straight there.)
Mathematician Hugh Everett published landmark paper in 1957 while still a graduate student at Princeton University. In this paper he showed how quantum theory predicts that a single classical reality will gradually split into separate, but simultaneously existing realms.
"This is simply a way of trusting strictly the fundamental equations of quantum mechanics," says Barrau. "The worlds are not spatially separated, but exist as kinds of 'parallel' universes."
Partly because the idea is so uncomfortably strange, it’s dismissed as sci-fi by many critics. But there are also many credible, respected proponents of the theory—a group that is continuously gaining new adherents as new research unveils new evidence. Some Oxford research—for the first time—recently found a mathematical answer that sweeps away one of the key objections to the controversial idea. Their research shows that Everett was indeed on the right track when he came up with his multiverse theory...
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2010/09/will-proof-of-another-universe-be-the-next-great-discovery.html
However, I realize that this view of mine may be just as narrow-minded as 'holy' books to which some religious folks so desperately cling. Perhaps God is bigger than a single being...bigger than a single universe, even? Perhaps He/She/It is something that none of us are capable of comprehending. The day that we do truly understand, our species will probably not even be able to be called 'human' anymore, as we'll be too highly evolved.
The reason this article intrigued me so is because I know in my heart that there's something to it. Look at how creative I am...this shit has to come from somewhere. I think my level of skill has more complex reasons behind it than just mere talent and imagination. Those are too simple and too arrogant and have nothing but a 'me, me, me' feel to them. Painting these pictures and writing these stories are as natural to me as breathing. The ideas have to come from somewhere! And I think it's ironic that I've always told people, "My ideas and inspiration are purely whimsical...they come straight from the ether! I hardly need to think about new projects. They just COME."
And, of course, now I've landed on this article, and it's only reinforced what I believe.
(A little snippet from the article...a link will be at the bottom. Copy and paste it.
Or just click on the title to the blog, and it will take you straight there.)
Mathematician Hugh Everett published landmark paper in 1957 while still a graduate student at Princeton University. In this paper he showed how quantum theory predicts that a single classical reality will gradually split into separate, but simultaneously existing realms.
"This is simply a way of trusting strictly the fundamental equations of quantum mechanics," says Barrau. "The worlds are not spatially separated, but exist as kinds of 'parallel' universes."
Partly because the idea is so uncomfortably strange, it’s dismissed as sci-fi by many critics. But there are also many credible, respected proponents of the theory—a group that is continuously gaining new adherents as new research unveils new evidence. Some Oxford research—for the first time—recently found a mathematical answer that sweeps away one of the key objections to the controversial idea. Their research shows that Everett was indeed on the right track when he came up with his multiverse theory...
http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2010/09/will-proof-of-another-universe-be-the-next-great-discovery.html
Saturday, September 25, 2010
unkno.com (Best website ever!)
I really dig this place! So useless, yet entertaining and fascinating!
http://www.unkno.com
http://www.unkno.com
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Everyone, I'm in love! My wife is in this video!
Sorry to post this video twice in a row, but I really need you guys to take a look at my wife 1 minute, 20 seconds in, EXACTLY! Holy god, I want her to be the mother of my children!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ISHZQJdeSw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ISHZQJdeSw
This song is, like, 'tear jerker' beautiful! Indie hip hop at its finest!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ISHZQJdeSw
(And on another note, check out this Islamic woman at EXACTLY 1 minute, 20 seconds in! She is one of the most magnificent beauties I've ever seen, EVER! I kid you not, she is seriously 'DROP DEAD'!)
Monday, September 13, 2010
Women are so adorably strange!
I think it's really cute when they're interested in you, but will NEVER, under any circumstance, come out and say it! Instead they go the round-about-bullshitting path to finding out whether or not you have a girlfriend.
I had one say to me today "Oh, my god, Marque, stop flirting with all the girls! Every time I see you, you're macking to a different woman!" LOL!
First of all, THAT'S BULLSHIT! :) Workaholic, goal-driven artists don't have time to flirt with women that they aren't even remotely attracted to. That's precious time I could be devoting to a novel, screenplay, or a painting! Secondly...ARE. YOU. SERIOUS? Why can't women just come out and say "Marque, are you single?" You sillies, is that so hard?!
Good grief.
...However, as strange as you all are, I'd be lying if I were to say that I didn't find your eccentricities attractive. I just wish I had a thing for this woman, who (very clearly) is into me. It'd be nice to go on a date!
—M
I had one say to me today "Oh, my god, Marque, stop flirting with all the girls! Every time I see you, you're macking to a different woman!" LOL!
First of all, THAT'S BULLSHIT! :) Workaholic, goal-driven artists don't have time to flirt with women that they aren't even remotely attracted to. That's precious time I could be devoting to a novel, screenplay, or a painting! Secondly...ARE. YOU. SERIOUS? Why can't women just come out and say "Marque, are you single?" You sillies, is that so hard?!
Good grief.
...However, as strange as you all are, I'd be lying if I were to say that I didn't find your eccentricities attractive. I just wish I had a thing for this woman, who (very clearly) is into me. It'd be nice to go on a date!
—M
Monday, August 9, 2010
This is absolutely classic!
Star Wars/blaxploitation fans will REALLY get a kick out of this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NATeU-r0GDU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NATeU-r0GDU
Monday, May 3, 2010
A Nightmare on Elm Street (2010)
A NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (2010)
I feel guilty writing this, considering the fact that I haven't yet written anything for deserving films, such as “How to Train Your Dragon” or “Kick Ass.” But, alas, I've already begun, so I guess I should give my opinion, yes?
Okay, folks, lets get real: YES, this is an entertaining film...but should it have been made? NO.
This new version of our beloved horror film, A Nightmare on Elm Street, is so eager to get to the Freddy Krueger scenes that they sacrificed story. Do you remember how important Nancy's parents were to the story in the original film? Well, this time around, the mother has almost nothing to do with the tale. She doesn't have anywhere near enough screen time, considering the fact that she is part of the reason that Freddy has returned as a dream demon. She knows about Nancy's history at a certain elementary school (a new addition to the storyline), in which Fred Krueger worked. Yet I believe she has all of two conversations with Nancy on the matter. All the kids are being brutally slain, one by one, but she has absolutely no opinion on this matter, because, as mentioned, SHE'S HARDLY IN THE FUCKING FILM!
And don't even get me started on Nancy's father...do you know these idiots COMPLETELY axed him from the storyline?! He's not in the movie at all-not even mentioned!
Yes, Freddy looks absolutely beautiful...as far as horribly scarred pedophiles go. Some might even argue that the voice of Jackie Earle Haley, deeper and much more sinister, trumps that of our beloved Robert Englund. And, of course, the special effects are top notch this time. However, with that said, those few positive qualities DO NOT justify the creation of this film. Don't get me wrong...it is an entertaining movie. But, when compared to its predecessor, it is a vastly inferior film!
© Marque Terrynamahr Strickland/2010
Sunday, May 2, 2010
This is INCREDIBLE. More stuff being hidden from us!
Dude, I'm SERIOUSLY getting sick and tired of this type of information not being made available! Why is it that we have to go digging for things like this? Religious people are so uptight that they hide anything that will be a slap in the face to what they believe! It's really getting on my nerves!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRuYxf2-8YA&feature=player_embedded
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eRuYxf2-8YA&feature=player_embedded
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Damn these pretty girls!
Dude, listen to what I did today...I'm SO stupid!
Okay, so, I'm out at the store, and this girl, named Areen Jalajel, walks up to me and says "Excuse me, sir, I'm a manager at *** bank, and... (blah, blah, blah) ...would you like to sign for a free bank account? There's a $50 incentive that you never have to pay back, and you can close the account at any time with no fines whatsoever... (blah, blah, blah)."
So of course my dumb ass said, "Yes," knowing good and well that:
1) I do NOT need another bank account, and...
2) This is a small chain with no nation wide presence, and they're most likely only located in Illinois.
But, of course, I said "yes" anyway, because this girl was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and she hypnotized me for about a half hour. I kid you not, I just couldn't think straight! All I wanted to do was just sit and look at her!
(You know what, the people who run these companies really know what they're doing, don't they! Of course, they put the prettiest face on their payroll on the front line, just for suckers like me! Good lord!)
Dammit, now I have to go in and close this account! I think I should be able to pull it off though just because I've had time to recover, and I'll be expecting to see her this time, so I should be immune to the effects of her beauty...hopefully.
This damn penis of mine—he really needs to stop thinking for me. I swear, sometimes I seriously feel like he has a mind of his own. The problem, however, is that he's not very bright!
Okay, so, I'm out at the store, and this girl, named Areen Jalajel, walks up to me and says "Excuse me, sir, I'm a manager at *** bank, and... (blah, blah, blah) ...would you like to sign for a free bank account? There's a $50 incentive that you never have to pay back, and you can close the account at any time with no fines whatsoever... (blah, blah, blah)."
So of course my dumb ass said, "Yes," knowing good and well that:
1) I do NOT need another bank account, and...
2) This is a small chain with no nation wide presence, and they're most likely only located in Illinois.
But, of course, I said "yes" anyway, because this girl was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen, and she hypnotized me for about a half hour. I kid you not, I just couldn't think straight! All I wanted to do was just sit and look at her!
(You know what, the people who run these companies really know what they're doing, don't they! Of course, they put the prettiest face on their payroll on the front line, just for suckers like me! Good lord!)
Dammit, now I have to go in and close this account! I think I should be able to pull it off though just because I've had time to recover, and I'll be expecting to see her this time, so I should be immune to the effects of her beauty...hopefully.
This damn penis of mine—he really needs to stop thinking for me. I swear, sometimes I seriously feel like he has a mind of his own. The problem, however, is that he's not very bright!
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Pee pee!
No matter how much I wipe, shake, or dance, the very last drop always goes down my pants! God should have thought of something less messy!
This is for people who believe that human beings are the only intelligent species in this universe!
Knuckleheads! In fact, studies suggest that we're probably the most primitive!
For this video that I'm about to post and all other links following, I want you all to keep in mind that humans did NOT have the tools, technology, or the man power to build pyramids...let alone UNDER WATER PYRAMIDS! So what the hell?
This leads me to a couple different theories:
1) They were built by beings NOT OF THIS WORLD!
2) This is not the first time that humans have been to this planet. There may have been a previous version of ourselves here, and that would mean that...well...just look at this link! : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7136269/All-humans-are-aliens-from-outer-space-scientist-claims.html
(Okay, folks, it's PYRAMID time! Check out this new discovery! And don't forget to also check out the amazing links posted toward the bottom!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voY8jNcuGe8&feature=player_embedded
UNDER WATER PYRAMIDS here:
http://www.cyberspaceorbit.com/phikent/japan/japan2.html
...and other wonders! :
http://weburbanist.com/2007/09/12/underwater-urban-archeology-7-submerged-wonders-of-the-world/
For this video that I'm about to post and all other links following, I want you all to keep in mind that humans did NOT have the tools, technology, or the man power to build pyramids...let alone UNDER WATER PYRAMIDS! So what the hell?
This leads me to a couple different theories:
1) They were built by beings NOT OF THIS WORLD!
2) This is not the first time that humans have been to this planet. There may have been a previous version of ourselves here, and that would mean that...well...just look at this link! : http://www.telegraph.co.uk/science/space/7136269/All-humans-are-aliens-from-outer-space-scientist-claims.html
(Okay, folks, it's PYRAMID time! Check out this new discovery! And don't forget to also check out the amazing links posted toward the bottom!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=voY8jNcuGe8&feature=player_embedded
UNDER WATER PYRAMIDS here:
http://www.cyberspaceorbit.com/phikent/japan/japan2.html
...and other wonders! :
http://weburbanist.com/2007/09/12/underwater-urban-archeology-7-submerged-wonders-of-the-world/
Saturday, April 3, 2010
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES: My review. I loved it!



(I will post the review here in regular text, as well as HTML images to suit the tastes of both types of people.)
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES
I had the pleasure of meeting authors Margaret Stohl and Kami Garcia at Anderson's Bookshop in Downers Grove, Illinois. Marg, a self-proclaimed 'caffeine fiend,' is laugh-out-loud funny...definitely the type to cheer you up on a down day. You'd even want to hang out with her. However, you might want to keep your distance if you're an impressionable person, for she has said (more than once): “I'm not a role model.” But don't mind her nonsense, as she's just being silly...Margaret is a very sweet girl.
The other half of this writing team, Kami, is so cute and adorable that you just want to sweep her up, and kiss her, and hug her, and marry her on sight. She too is witty, with an edge of sarcasm to her demeanor. This one is also a sweetie pie.
Two great girls with great talent, who wrote a great book-Beautiful Creatures-their debut novel.
It's been quite some time since I've been this pleased with a read. As I've mentioned before to people, I prefer female authors, as their writing tends to be a bit more honest, whereas males are conditioned to write a certain way because of all the machismo we're raised with. I absolutely positively HATE stories with tons of male bravado and weak female characters! Perhaps that is why I myself do not create those damsel-in-distress females when I write. (Oh, I didn't mention that I'm a novelist, did I? I'm currently finishing up my 4th book, whilst working as a teacher aide in the atrocious public school system...but not for much longer, I assure you!) Because of my need for strong representation of both sexes in books, I really fell in love with Beautiful Creatures.
One character in particular that I adore, is named Amma. Though I'm not sure of her ethnicity (as I don't quite remember it being mentioned), she reminds me of the women in my family. I grew up in a really 'old school' black family, with deep southern roots, so of course the women in my family are all extremely spiritual and FANTABULOUS cooks! Amma is definitely 'auntie' or 'grandma' material. I love her!
Amongst other wonderfully entertaining characters, are the two main ones, Ethan Wate and Lena Duchannes. They are what I wish all teenagers would be. Let us not forget that I work in the public school system, so my opinion of teenagers is rather jaded. The kids I deal with on a regular do nothing except FIGHT, F***, FOOL AROUND, FEEL EACH OTHER UP, AND FAIL EVERYTHING THEY POSSIBLY CAN! (Like, seriously, how the 'effing crap do you fail GYM?! Or...how are you sitting in Mr. Jacobek's class, PLANNING TO GET PREGNANT at sixteen-years-old?! The kids I know, do these things on a regular!)
Lena Duchannes is not only innocent, insecure, and incredibly powerful, but she is also an absolute dream to me. I'll take the beautiful, 'strange' outcast any day of the week over the bubblehead, dumb b****, who could possibly make my social life easier by dating her but who is simultaneously the worst of human beings.
And Ethan is what every young man should be. He's selfless, respectful, and secure enough to stick by the side of someone he loves even though he's persecuted for it. Any young man that is coming of dating age, who needs to learn how to treat a woman, should take notes from Ethan Wate.
The story is complex but simply told. And though there are many people to keep track of (especially with the addition of characters who I can tell will be important later in the series), Kami and Margaret did a great job of presenting just enough information to get to know these people without overwhelming the reader. And they get even more cool points for being so creative within their confines of Gatlin, South Carolina. As an author, I know that it's very difficult to work well in a limited setting, but these girls were so inventive within their restraints that their tale never ever got boring. I promise you, this story is entertaining, cover-to-cover!
Another thing I'd like to point out about the craft of these two authors is that Margaret and Kami treat their readers with much respect. They automatically assume that you're smart, and I appreciate that immensely. Some writers, especially beginners, tend to explain every single aspect of their tale right off, just to make sure that you, the reader, understand things to come. How insulting! Marg and Kami, however, do not give you pointless exposition to explain aspects of their story...they actually give you STORY! I can't tell you how many times that I, as well as others that I suggested a certain book to, got frustrated with a tale, in which a popular author (I'm speaking of the most popular author as of April 2010-not the wealthiest. We all know who the wealthiest one is!) kept beating me over the head with a certain detail. I'm a pretty intelligent guy, and I read constantly, so I don't need a writer to tell me how beautiful a certain characters is, over and over and over again! WE KNOW HOW BEAUTIFUL HE IS ALREADY, GOOD LORD! I swear, one day, I'm going to go back through that book and count how many times this author speaks of a certain character's statuesque beauty...she must have done it 100 times! (Don't get me wrong, the tale was marvelously entertaining overall, and I still love and admire her as an author...but good grief, woman!)
More cool points to Kami and Margaret for NOT treating their readers like first graders that need notes pinned to their shirts everywhere they go.
They say that we authors have a tendency to reveal who we are in the stories we tell. So, lastly, I'd like to say that I'm quite impressed with the women that Magaret Stohl and Kami Garcia have revealed themselves to be. From the numerous quotes and references, you'll be able to tell that these are very educated, well-read women. They believe in loyalty, justice, and equality. And they despise bigotry. Furthermore, I can see that they're idealists at heart, who believe in lasting love. With that said, I'm having a very difficult time figuring out which I adore more-the authors or their book?
BEAUTIFUL CREATURES IS ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY FANTABULOUS!
-April 2010/Marque Terrynamahr Strickland
Oh, I forgot to give you all one warning about the book. DO NOT, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, READ THIS BOOK ON AN EMPTY STOMACH, BECAUSE YOU WILL BE SORRY! It's chock-full of food! I can't tell you how many times I put this book down, absolutely ravenous, ready to devour any and everything in sight...even the damn brick walls of my house!
...and, speaking of food, Kami and Margaret, can you guys do me a solid? Could you please have Amma incorporate more vegetables into Ethan's diet? If you don't, my dude is gonna have some serious heart problems later in life!
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Accidents Happen (OMG, I haven't been this rude in a long time!)
Okay, so, I just got my computer fixed. Then yesterday I went and bought a new one, as to have my old laptop as something that I can travel around with, whilst leaving my new one at home.
I saw an awesome sale in the Fry's Electronics paper, and it had all the specs I needed:
15.6 inch, widescreen display
250 GB hardrive
Dual Core (of course)
3 GB memory
...blah, blah, blah
So, after school, I high-tail it down Cermak Road, all the way out to Downer's Grove. I enter, with sales paper in hand, and have one of the retail associates go grab my laptop for me. When he gets back, the first thing this muthafucker does is start moaning:
"OOOH MY GOD...NOT THIS ONE! I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY OF THESE I'VE GOTTEN BACK! I DON'T KNOW, SIR...ARE YOU SURE YOU DON'T WANT TO LOOK AT THIS ONE RIGHT HERE?"
Of course, what he points out to me is $400 more! And then he goes into his next little rant...
"WELL, IF YOU'RE INTENT ON BUYING THIS, SIR, THE ONLY THING I CAN DO IS OFFER YOU A SERVICE PROTECTION PLAN...." (blah, blah, fucking blah!)
First off all, I think it's a jerk move to look at what someone is buying and call it 'crap' right in front of them. Several years ago, I used to work at an art supply shop (a great little gig for an artist, I must say), and I NEVER did that to customers. If there was a particular product that was better, I would quietly whisper "Just to let you know, mam, I'm an artist too, and this particular paintbrush..." See what I mean? If ever I did have to lead a customer to a more expensive product, I would go from A-Z, listing off the reasons why it was a better product! I wouldn't just point out something with an extravagant price, only to tell them "Oh...it's better!"
Second of all, the technology is so good now, most laptops are all the same anyway! I'm not a fucking moron, dude, seriously. You can't come to me and say that "such and such is waaaay better than another brand," because that's just as stupid as saying that one DVD player is better than another. Those things are down to $30 now, which means they're all the same!
Thirdly, these so called "performance service" plans that they try to push on you with everything that you buy are such bullshit! Most expensive items come with a one year warranty anyway. Also, why would I pay $200 extra for a performance service plan, when, if anything ever goes wrong with my laptop, I can go to Microcenter and have them erase the computer and reload my Windows, PERFECTLY SETTING THE MACHINE BACK TO FACTORY STANDARDS, for 150 bucks cheaper? Why?
Do you see what I'm getting at? I'm not stupid, and these salesmen treat you like you are! Please understand, guys, I really, really, really did not mean to be rude....but after five minutes of this guy going on and on about this performance service plan, finally, I rolled my eyes and thought:
"WHY DON'T YOU 'SERVICE PERFORM' THESE NUTS, BITCH!"
It wasn't until I noticed him glaring at me with those wide eyes that I realized I must have been thinking out loud again. Dammit! I have got to learn to stop moving my lips with every thought. Good grief.
I saw an awesome sale in the Fry's Electronics paper, and it had all the specs I needed:
15.6 inch, widescreen display
250 GB hardrive
Dual Core (of course)
3 GB memory
...blah, blah, blah
So, after school, I high-tail it down Cermak Road, all the way out to Downer's Grove. I enter, with sales paper in hand, and have one of the retail associates go grab my laptop for me. When he gets back, the first thing this muthafucker does is start moaning:
"OOOH MY GOD...NOT THIS ONE! I CAN'T TELL YOU HOW MANY OF THESE I'VE GOTTEN BACK! I DON'T KNOW, SIR...ARE YOU SURE YOU DON'T WANT TO LOOK AT THIS ONE RIGHT HERE?"
Of course, what he points out to me is $400 more! And then he goes into his next little rant...
"WELL, IF YOU'RE INTENT ON BUYING THIS, SIR, THE ONLY THING I CAN DO IS OFFER YOU A SERVICE PROTECTION PLAN...." (blah, blah, fucking blah!)
First off all, I think it's a jerk move to look at what someone is buying and call it 'crap' right in front of them. Several years ago, I used to work at an art supply shop (a great little gig for an artist, I must say), and I NEVER did that to customers. If there was a particular product that was better, I would quietly whisper "Just to let you know, mam, I'm an artist too, and this particular paintbrush..." See what I mean? If ever I did have to lead a customer to a more expensive product, I would go from A-Z, listing off the reasons why it was a better product! I wouldn't just point out something with an extravagant price, only to tell them "Oh...it's better!"
Second of all, the technology is so good now, most laptops are all the same anyway! I'm not a fucking moron, dude, seriously. You can't come to me and say that "such and such is waaaay better than another brand," because that's just as stupid as saying that one DVD player is better than another. Those things are down to $30 now, which means they're all the same!
Thirdly, these so called "performance service" plans that they try to push on you with everything that you buy are such bullshit! Most expensive items come with a one year warranty anyway. Also, why would I pay $200 extra for a performance service plan, when, if anything ever goes wrong with my laptop, I can go to Microcenter and have them erase the computer and reload my Windows, PERFECTLY SETTING THE MACHINE BACK TO FACTORY STANDARDS, for 150 bucks cheaper? Why?
Do you see what I'm getting at? I'm not stupid, and these salesmen treat you like you are! Please understand, guys, I really, really, really did not mean to be rude....but after five minutes of this guy going on and on about this performance service plan, finally, I rolled my eyes and thought:
"WHY DON'T YOU 'SERVICE PERFORM' THESE NUTS, BITCH!"
It wasn't until I noticed him glaring at me with those wide eyes that I realized I must have been thinking out loud again. Dammit! I have got to learn to stop moving my lips with every thought. Good grief.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Hilarious! (But strictly for people, who like comics!)
how superman should have ended
LoNgY | MySpace Video
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=2586785
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Is Zoe Saldana to Blame? (Or is it just me?)

(Plain text for those who don't like reading words embedded in images.)
IS ZOE SALDANA TO BLAME? (OR IS IT JUST ME?)
Avatar ...I've seen it twice in under 24 hours, and I'm pretty much speechless. It's made me do a lot of thinking about my character, and I'm beginning to wonder whether or not something is wrong with me.
How is it that I'm completely smitten with a fictitious, computer generated creature?
Zoe Saldana plays a character, named Neytiri, who I am absolutely head-over-heels for! I kid you not...this particular creation is the computer generated equivalent of the type of woman that I would consider perfect. She's honest, direct, spiritual, and incredibly sensitive...yet tough and warlike all at once. PERFECT.
Perhaps my ridiculous infatuation with a fictional non-human can shed some light on why I'm so very picky and I avoid 'normal' women like the plague. They just cannot hold my interest. For me, there has to be something unique about a woman, be she a foreigner, an artist, some type of teacher, or a combination thereof. I can't really put my finger on what it is that I need, but she absolutely positively CANNOT look at the world just like the average human being does.
Just recently, I spent several evenings with one of the most magnificent beauties I've ever met. ('Several,' because I was trying to give her a chance and not be such an elitist, holier-than-thou, know-it-all, artistic-genius prick! I fucking HATE that side of me, but it's there, nonetheless...it makes no sense for me to pretend like I don't know myself.) She latched on to me rather quickly, and if I was a jerk, I could have completely taken advantage of her. But I couldn't. Not only do I have no wish to disobey my moral compass and mess up my Karma, but there was something else as well...I wasn't even mildly attracted to her! Seriously, that was the weirdest thing that has ever happened to me, because I'm usually really, really into beauty. But, with her, I felt nothing...except a mild irritation with the bluntness of her mind. Do you know this girl asked me to tone down my vocabulary? LITERALLY! My words were just too big for her! (And keep in mind that we were just talking when she asked me this...I do not speak as I write, and even when I write, I rely on simplicity.) Alas, I guess it takes more than a face to hold my interest!
It wasn't just the fact that she was (I hate to use this word, but-) DUMB...it was her personality and outlook on life. She couldn't see past an hour in front of her. I don't want someone, who cannot 'see beneath the veneer.' Women who observe the world with a veil over their eyes will have no place in my life.
It's funny that a devastating human beauty, like the one I was just seeing, could completely bore me, but this DIGITAL, BLUE ALIEN (an alien with a tail of all things!) had me in the theater salivating!
Most will probably dismiss this as nonsense, thinking that I'm merely smitten by Zoe Saldana's beauty, as her facial features are slightly noticeable underneath all the computer generation. But I really don't think that's the case, guys. Look at it like this...a few of you have read early versions of my stories, and the vast majority of you have seen the things that I draw and paint. So how can we blame my condition on Zoe Saldana?! The truth of the matter is that I'm probably just weird enough to fall in love with a blue humanoid creature!
THAT IS SO ME! I promise you all, if aliens ever visit our world, and their women look and act like Neytiri, you can bet all your money that I will be the first one walking down the street, holding hands with one of them...tail and all!
© Marque Terrynamahr Strickland/18th December, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
I forgot to post this. It's just a progress pic...
Friday, November 27, 2009
Holy smokes, I'm toasty! Me and that holiday brown liquor!
I never go out, so therefore I don't drink much (although I quite like hard liquor, I just don't abuse it). You guys ever tried this 'Makers Mark'? I kinda like it. Good stuff! Straight, it's quite nice!
Anyways, how was everyone's Thanksgiving? Good hopefully. Did you all overeat?
Me, I just had one big plate, and that was it. I mostly enjoy this holiday, because I'm quite the card shark, and I get to 'send people to boston' in "Bid Wiss" (Idk if that's how you spell it.). I'm beginning to wonder if 'Bid' is a black man's card game, because it's only with Afr. Americans that I ever play it. None of my non-black friends have ever heard of it. They all play poker, but that's not a game that black families play. They either play 'spades' or 'bid.' Spades is pretty fucking lame...it's just too easy...not enough choices! But 'Bid' is my fave! I love that shit! I spent my entire freshman year of college learning to play with upperclassmen. Initially, it was only because I wanted to learn to whip my uncle ass at the holidays. But it actually wound up teaching me more than that....like, how to play cards WISELY, with any game!
Anyways, I was just wondering how you guys were doing. I'm only rambling on about nonsense, simply because I'm drunk...no, not really, just buzzed. I'm so big, sometimes I get it in my mind that alcohol won't affect me, but it appears that even us 6'4'' giants have limits! Lol.
And, by the way, any of you all thinking of participating in this "Black Friday" nonsense, simply to get a tv...please don't fall for the bullshit of Best Buy, Sams' Club, or K Mart, or any of the other big names. DO NOT BUY A 720 P TELEVISION! For those of you all who are NOT tech nerds, like me, you need to know that you're being lured in to buy this bullshit with these low prices, simply because they assume you're dumb asses...which very well may not be too far from the truth, seeing as how so many of you guys by expensive items without RESEARCH!
For those of you thinking of purchasing hi-def tv's, these are the specs you want:
1080P
50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio (at least...but now you can get them with 2,000,000:1, but that's overkill, IMO)
120 Hz (at least...these days, you may see 240 Hz, or even 600!)
This is what's going to make your picture look the best!
Man, I must really be tipsy, because I'm going on and on about nonsense! LOL. Anyways, I love you all, and I hope you had a good holiday.
Oh, and for the person that asked me what the hell is up with the lack of updates on my end (art/blogs/movie reviews), you must understand that I'm trying to finish up this last book. Perhaps when that is done, I'll get back on my movie reviews and other fun stuff!
You all have a great weekend!
-M
(Anybody know good cures for hangovers? I don't believe I'll have one, but who knows? Just in case! I think maybe I'll go eat this last piece of cheese cake now to soak up some of this damn liquor!)
Anyways, how was everyone's Thanksgiving? Good hopefully. Did you all overeat?
Me, I just had one big plate, and that was it. I mostly enjoy this holiday, because I'm quite the card shark, and I get to 'send people to boston' in "Bid Wiss" (Idk if that's how you spell it.). I'm beginning to wonder if 'Bid' is a black man's card game, because it's only with Afr. Americans that I ever play it. None of my non-black friends have ever heard of it. They all play poker, but that's not a game that black families play. They either play 'spades' or 'bid.' Spades is pretty fucking lame...it's just too easy...not enough choices! But 'Bid' is my fave! I love that shit! I spent my entire freshman year of college learning to play with upperclassmen. Initially, it was only because I wanted to learn to whip my uncle ass at the holidays. But it actually wound up teaching me more than that....like, how to play cards WISELY, with any game!
Anyways, I was just wondering how you guys were doing. I'm only rambling on about nonsense, simply because I'm drunk...no, not really, just buzzed. I'm so big, sometimes I get it in my mind that alcohol won't affect me, but it appears that even us 6'4'' giants have limits! Lol.
And, by the way, any of you all thinking of participating in this "Black Friday" nonsense, simply to get a tv...please don't fall for the bullshit of Best Buy, Sams' Club, or K Mart, or any of the other big names. DO NOT BUY A 720 P TELEVISION! For those of you all who are NOT tech nerds, like me, you need to know that you're being lured in to buy this bullshit with these low prices, simply because they assume you're dumb asses...which very well may not be too far from the truth, seeing as how so many of you guys by expensive items without RESEARCH!
For those of you thinking of purchasing hi-def tv's, these are the specs you want:
1080P
50,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio (at least...but now you can get them with 2,000,000:1, but that's overkill, IMO)
120 Hz (at least...these days, you may see 240 Hz, or even 600!)
This is what's going to make your picture look the best!
Man, I must really be tipsy, because I'm going on and on about nonsense! LOL. Anyways, I love you all, and I hope you had a good holiday.
Oh, and for the person that asked me what the hell is up with the lack of updates on my end (art/blogs/movie reviews), you must understand that I'm trying to finish up this last book. Perhaps when that is done, I'll get back on my movie reviews and other fun stuff!
You all have a great weekend!
-M
(Anybody know good cures for hangovers? I don't believe I'll have one, but who knows? Just in case! I think maybe I'll go eat this last piece of cheese cake now to soak up some of this damn liquor!)
Thursday, October 8, 2009
My new novella, guys!

Sorry, this photo does my book no justice! Yes, I wrote the book and illustrated the cover. I hope you likes!
I gotta get back to my desk now, as I've got to finish writing this other story by the end of next week!
...and then I have to paint the last two book jacket images for my latest books. Alas, my work never ends! Lol.
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Okay, so...I went to the HARRY POTTER EXHIBITION!
Okay, so...I went to the HARRY POTTER EXHIBITION!
Dude, that was some of the most fun I've ever had in my life...what a magnificent show! This tour is a walk through decorated corridors of all things HP, beginning with a pitch black room, housing several TV screens on the wall ahead of you. For a few minutes, you bear witness to an incredible montage of scenes from the films (and every screen displays something different...or, at least, the looped videos are timed differently, so that it seems like they're all showing something different).
When you exit the screen-room is where the real fun begins. The walls are chock-full of talking paintings, many of which include 'the Fat Lady' trying to finally prove to you that she can sing. (I really wish she'd quit that shit, because she's always holding people up! I mean, what if I was running amuck, late night, about the castle, trying to escape Filch or Snape? She'd likely have me caught, the witch!)
My absolute favourite aspects of the tour was seeing the wands (Professor McGonagall's is really nice!) and, also, perusing the Potion Master's disturbing plethora of bottled substances. Though it was all fabulous, if I had one criticism, it would be that the mannequins (those holding the actor's clothing) needed to be more to scale, for the people (in reality) are far bigger than they were portrayed. On the opposite end, Buckbeak, the Hippogriff, was marvelously sized, as was Fawkes, the Phoenix...both were huge!
And I loved the broomstick and Quidditch displays!
On the whole, this exhibit of film artifacts was so astonishing that I need scarcely say that I was very sorry for the tour to end. Although I don't know where else the exhibit is traveling after it leaves here, if it makes it to your city, I highly recommend it...especially if you're a fantasy or Harry Potter enthusiast!
—Marque, September 2009
Oh yes, I forgot to tell you guys what took place before the tour started...Harry Potter trivia! The parents were laughing at me, because I absolutely slaughtered their children! I don't take it easy on people simply because they're young. (LOL!) In fact, I'm absolutely horrified at any 8 year old, who doesn't know the word for the disarming spell. What the hell is the world coming to when a kid doesn't know “EXPELLIARMUS!”
(When you're messing with me in Harry Potter trivia, you'd best bring your "A" game...otherwise be slain!)
Then again, perhaps it is because of my ardent belief in the Japanese "never take it easy on games with a child just because they're young" frame of mind that I was cruelly placed in Slytherin House, when the woman put the Sorting Hat on me! (WITCH!)
...Someone must have been watching me beat up on little kids in HP trivia, and that's why they thought to put me in Draco Malfoy's house. I'm highly affronted by this nonsense!
Eff, you guys. I've always considered myself a "Gryffindor" type, thank you very much!
(LMAO.)
Dude, that was some of the most fun I've ever had in my life...what a magnificent show! This tour is a walk through decorated corridors of all things HP, beginning with a pitch black room, housing several TV screens on the wall ahead of you. For a few minutes, you bear witness to an incredible montage of scenes from the films (and every screen displays something different...or, at least, the looped videos are timed differently, so that it seems like they're all showing something different).
When you exit the screen-room is where the real fun begins. The walls are chock-full of talking paintings, many of which include 'the Fat Lady' trying to finally prove to you that she can sing. (I really wish she'd quit that shit, because she's always holding people up! I mean, what if I was running amuck, late night, about the castle, trying to escape Filch or Snape? She'd likely have me caught, the witch!)
My absolute favourite aspects of the tour was seeing the wands (Professor McGonagall's is really nice!) and, also, perusing the Potion Master's disturbing plethora of bottled substances. Though it was all fabulous, if I had one criticism, it would be that the mannequins (those holding the actor's clothing) needed to be more to scale, for the people (in reality) are far bigger than they were portrayed. On the opposite end, Buckbeak, the Hippogriff, was marvelously sized, as was Fawkes, the Phoenix...both were huge!
And I loved the broomstick and Quidditch displays!
On the whole, this exhibit of film artifacts was so astonishing that I need scarcely say that I was very sorry for the tour to end. Although I don't know where else the exhibit is traveling after it leaves here, if it makes it to your city, I highly recommend it...especially if you're a fantasy or Harry Potter enthusiast!
—Marque, September 2009
Oh yes, I forgot to tell you guys what took place before the tour started...Harry Potter trivia! The parents were laughing at me, because I absolutely slaughtered their children! I don't take it easy on people simply because they're young. (LOL!) In fact, I'm absolutely horrified at any 8 year old, who doesn't know the word for the disarming spell. What the hell is the world coming to when a kid doesn't know “EXPELLIARMUS!”
(When you're messing with me in Harry Potter trivia, you'd best bring your "A" game...otherwise be slain!)
Then again, perhaps it is because of my ardent belief in the Japanese "never take it easy on games with a child just because they're young" frame of mind that I was cruelly placed in Slytherin House, when the woman put the Sorting Hat on me! (WITCH!)
...Someone must have been watching me beat up on little kids in HP trivia, and that's why they thought to put me in Draco Malfoy's house. I'm highly affronted by this nonsense!
Eff, you guys. I've always considered myself a "Gryffindor" type, thank you very much!
(LMAO.)
Monday, August 24, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
The Dark Knight...I've found a hole in the plot, guys!
Even as superb and well written as it is, I just found an error!
Are we just supposed to assume that the Joker and his goons left the benefit party without injuring, killing, or, at least, kidnapping anyone else?
After Bruce jumps out of that window to save Rachel, don't you think the Joker and company would have at least searched the apt./building for anything of value, or something they could use against Batman? ...and let us not forget that Bruce/Batman left Harvey Dent unconscious in the closet!
...and what about the rest of the guests at the party? The Joker just let them go home, did he? ...I highly doubt it!
Alas, it is thus with all great stories...examine anything close enough, and you will always find flaws. Sometimes I wish the artist in me had an "off" switch, because I often wind up ruining things for myself! :)
Are we just supposed to assume that the Joker and his goons left the benefit party without injuring, killing, or, at least, kidnapping anyone else?
After Bruce jumps out of that window to save Rachel, don't you think the Joker and company would have at least searched the apt./building for anything of value, or something they could use against Batman? ...and let us not forget that Bruce/Batman left Harvey Dent unconscious in the closet!
...and what about the rest of the guests at the party? The Joker just let them go home, did he? ...I highly doubt it!
Alas, it is thus with all great stories...examine anything close enough, and you will always find flaws. Sometimes I wish the artist in me had an "off" switch, because I often wind up ruining things for myself! :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Authors, keep this handy, so that you'll know the agencies to NOT mess with!
http://www.sfwa.org/Beware/twentyworst.html
Monday, June 8, 2009
CASKA

Upon completion, I felt that this was my best. If not my best, it was certainly my favourite. However, I'm not sure how I feel now, as this is clearly a FAILED painting, because everyone thinks it's a boy! But 'he' is actually a 'SHE!' You merely cannot see a bust, because of the fact that her clothing is tight and form-fitting. I would have thought that the red lips, smooth sensuous curves in her face, and long hair with red band were enough to make her femininity clear, but apparently not.
I'll do better next time.
Acrylic, Ink/2009
Caska, 'the Criminal Castoff of Chryssina Caverns,' Conjures a Cup of Comforting Cocoa
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Though I don't have an agent yet, I'm making progress! Hooray!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Blog Archive
-
►
2012
(9)
- ► September 2012 (1)
- ► August 2012 (6)
-
►
2011
(13)
- ► November 2011 (1)
- ► September 2011 (4)
- ► August 2011 (2)
- ► April 2011 (4)
- ► March 2011 (2)
-
►
2010
(25)
- ► December 2010 (2)
- ► November 2010 (5)
- ► October 2010 (4)
- ► September 2010 (6)
- ► August 2010 (1)
- ► April 2010 (4)
- ► February 2010 (1)
-
►
2009
(14)
- ► December 2009 (3)
- ► November 2009 (1)
- ► October 2009 (1)
- ► September 2009 (1)
- ► August 2009 (1)
- ► March 2009 (2)
-
►
2008
(8)
- ► December 2008 (8)