Within a Lot of Moments

E3's a mere day away. Technically, things start later on (as it's presently Monday), but LACC's events begin on the 15th. I'm anticipating plenty of shiny things and tragically expensive parking fees, and meeting up with an old friend of mine, Ken Bell. The lucky bastard helps run a chain of game shops in Florida and beyond, and the feeling of admiration is somewhat mutual, as he's always wanted to be a writer, as I am. I'm sure he's better off than I am financially, though. I really have to fight for my food stamps.

Ah, my blog entry's getting a bit too bloggy. I think I'll get back to the project that's kept me occupied for the past couple of weeks -- a strategy guide for "Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands" for Nintendo Wii, that is -- and hope to complete it. Really, it's due, unfinished, and E3's about to happen. I can't let this go on.

To the One TV Celebrity I've Met

Gary Coleman died today. Only 42 years young. Shame, really.

When I met him, I was a lowly assistant manager, slaving away for a rather well-known video game retailer. Specifically, the location was nestled within Marina Del Rey and still sits there today, overlooking the Lincoln Boulevard entrance to State Route 90.

While I tidied the shelves, I overheard the store manager yelling at a kid for jumping in the store, trying to reach something above their head. I looked over just in time to see Gary Coleman turn around and angrily admonish my superior for calling him a child, which amused me greatly. My chores were just about done, so I soon returned to the front counter, where Mr. Coleman made his way not much later.

We talked a little as his purchases were rung up, and at one point he asked me, "What's a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?" It wasn't just the first time I'd met the famous short man, but the only time an actual celebrity has made a pass at me. My smile was genuine, and just a few moments later, the flirtatious gamer was on his way.

Brief meetings like that aren't all too uncommon in Los Angeles, especially if you've ever worked in the Richie Rich locales. I've run into a handful of other celebs, like Jean-Claude Van Damme in Santa Monica, and Elijah Wood -- twice -- in the aforementioned Marina Del Rey store. Despite the normalcy of it, I'll consider our chance encounter special, as it gave me the opportunity to meet -- and be hit on by -- someone who's no longer with us.

Rest well, Mr. Coleman.

The Careless Abuse of a Fragile Contraction

The increasing number of people who cannot differentiate between "your" and "you're" are the ruthless cancer that's killing the English language. Ruthless.

A Lack of Interest

It would be nice if I enjoyed using a computer while sick. Truthfully, it only compounds things. I become dizzy, wish to decorate my keyboard with vomit, and so on, so forth.

That's why I haven't been writing any entries for a while. Soon, I hope to be past this.

Rock Out, But Be Quick About It

Though my roommate Jon was dragged into work today, we managed to play a few No Doubt tracks in "Rock Band 2." I may complement them in the future with additional selections from "Tragic Kingdom," but that remains to be seen, since the greatest hits pack already contained much of what I desired. I enjoyed playing the drums on those tracks, especially with the modifications I recently made.

Specifically, I'd visited our local Lowes to complete the "Marshmallow Mod," which works beautifully with our foam-covered drums. The hush is excellent, and playing on Expert is a breeze, leading me to believe that the complaining parties didn't fasten their weather stripping tightly enough, or bought terribly thick stuff.

To prevent our downstairs neighbors from complaining, I place my chair and the drum kit on top of a two-inch thick sheet of bedding foam. Whenever I depress our Nyko Metal Pedal -- a very respectable and responsive alternative to the OEM pedal I'd stomped through -- there's a bit of bounce, but I can live with it. Eventually, I aim to purchase planks of plywood and sandwich the foam between them, thereby creating a ghetto drum platform.

Ah, to dream.

The Sun May Have Set

Regardless, I feel like napping. The heat is exhausting. It's also mentally tiring.

The end.

What Did I Say About Living Once?

Haven't had any time to enjoy my new presents yet. That'll happen later. Unfortunately, I had to buy food to eat. Ah, the burdens of survival. Luckily, I'd eaten beforehand, and was able to discriminate against dairy products on behalf of my miserably sick housemates.

Despite their illness, the day started out well. While dining on breakfast, we chose to watch the last two epsiodes of "Fraggle Rock" -- over the past several months, we've reviewed its entire run -- along with backstage footage concerning the final episode, and the crew's wrap party. Magnificent show, really. Its ending also made me hopeful for the upcoming movie, but only because Karen Prell and David Goelz are involved. The former was hilarious at the wrap party, and the latter is practically irreplaceable. Writers they may not be, yet I hope their inclusion ensures that the film isn't absolute trash.

You can't leave the magic -- at least, that's what they say. It'll be nice if that holds true.