http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:LordGhost&section=today deviantART RSS for by:LordGhost en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Fri, 11 Dec 2009 06:59:20 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/28834981/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/28834981/ Tue, 08 Dec 2009 21:01:38 PST
The finished product you can see in my new releases section entitled Glamour Girl and I think the title's appropriate.

Anyhow, I'd love everyone's opinion on how it turned out, critiques on color, tones, etc...

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/27848413/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/27848413/ Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:52:07 PDT
]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/26711798/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/26711798/ Thu, 20 Aug 2009 11:24:45 PDT
It's all old shots from the past, that I looked at and said, "Hey, I can do better with the knowledge I have now on photo editing..."

So I took a stab at it and I've gotten several faves already off the new stuff - I'm taking that as a good sign.

Haven't had time to do much else, but I hope you all enjoy these!

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/23169896/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/23169896/ Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:55:02 PST
Enjoy.

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/18201092/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/18201092/ Tue, 06 May 2008 17:55:29 PDT
Probably because I've been so damned busy here recently, I haven't even sent out something for a friend who had requested it. Sorry about that, if you're reading this bud.

We've moved, not far, but to a much nicer area.

But in so doing, I've noticed how much I've gone to hell physically, mentally and emotionally while living where we did before.

I've been taking time out for me...and I think I'm going to continue doing so.

Unless anyone has any objections, I think I'm going to pull my gallery. I really just don't have time to make anything new, and the pieces I have up, really don't represent me that much anymore.

To those few who read this, peace...and take it easy.

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15434043/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15434043/ Fri, 09 Nov 2007 12:31:51 PST
The quote:

"Economists are still trying to figure out why the girls with the least
principle draw the most interest."

Doesn't say who said it, but omg, that just struck my funny bone in a big way!



Oh, I hope folks are enjoying the new wallpapers I'm putting up. I'm stepping away from colorization for a little bit and getting into abstracts/minimalist pieces for awhile...

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15417530/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15417530/ Thu, 08 Nov 2007 08:42:38 PST
They haven't.

30 minutes with a "secured" computer, meaning:

Anti-spyware
Anti-malware
Anti-virus
Firewall

all installed and operational...

I got a trojan.

30 minutes.

Ironically, I went into Unbuntu Linux, installed an Anti-virus software package, scanned the Windows drive, found the trojan, and removed it.

Something none of the files I attempted to download could do, as the trojan corrupted all downloads.

So, if you ever wonder, "Why in the world does a PC Repair Tech who fixes Windows computers, run Ubuntu Linux for his home computer?" now you know.

It just works...better.

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15383338/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15383338/ Mon, 05 Nov 2007 20:01:44 PST
This is a hell of a find on eBay right now, a LEATHER/WOOL 100 Acres Woods Disney Jacket!!! O_O

If I was rich and it was my size, I'd be all over that...

Disney Winnie the Pooh 100 Acre Wood Leather Jacket -XL

I wish I could link a pic, but I'd probably make them pissed. It's absolutely awesome. Brown leather, green wool, oh man...it even has the Disney emblem on the silver snap buttons.

Why do I have to be XXL and it's an XL?

Oh well, some lucky Pooh & the Gang fan will love it forever I'm sure.

Cheers,
Dave

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15259221/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15259221/ Sun, 28 Oct 2007 14:09:51 PDT
Yeah, wow...I'm on a mega high right now.

For those who have been curious about my battle with nicotine...

I have been free and clear of cigarettes for over 1 year now.

And it feels great!

Now if I can just get rid of this extra weight!!!

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15251094/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/15251094/ Sat, 27 Oct 2007 23:47:33 PDT
I haven't seen one of these live in probably 15 years, so this was a lot of excitement for me, and of course, FreeTigress went with me (she was a virgin, but I didn't rat her out! I know, I know, I'm a bad slut!) and seemed to really enjoy herself!

Although, she did seem REALLY nervous over the virgin humiliation ritual that she narrowly avoided due to my good graces.

Honestly though, I think the next one I go to, I'll have to admit I'm a slut. I counted up, and this was my 13th show! (Way more than 3 I think!!!)

I think I'll post a couple pix up for everyone to see the fantastic actors we had there!

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/14571452/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/14571452/ Mon, 10 Sep 2007 06:24:03 PDT
Not that many people are really reading these anymore, or even looking at my artwork.

It's almost like DevArt is dieing out or something.

I know personally, I just haven't felt inspired to go browsing the stocks for something to manipulate for quite awhile.

It's almost like everyone's packing up and moving on...without really leaving...

Ah well...here's to hoping that friends still exist and can even pop in from time to time to say hey.

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/13588556/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/13588556/ Tue, 03 Jul 2007 06:05:49 PDT
My own!



Yep, Tigress and I are finally saying the old "We do" thing and taking a one way trip down the proverbial isle.

Considering the fact that we're both deeply spiritual people, but not religious in an "organized religion" sort of way, we'll be keeping free of the local churches and in fact, we'll be popping over to have a Justice of the Peace perform the whole ceremony, complete with a couple of conveniently provided witnesses.

Of course, since we're both getting there in the same car, I suppose we'll have to forgo the old superstitions of it being bad luck for the groom to see the bride on the wedding day, etc.

We did pick out some really awesome (but bizarre to most I suppose) wedding rings for ourselves - I'll try to get a picture of them and post them sometime in the near future.

Well, that's all the news that is fit to print on this Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007.

Cheers,
Ghost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/13249149/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/13249149/ Thu, 07 Jun 2007 07:28:13 PDT
I know, it'll take some getting used to from this end too, honest.

Well, first of all, thanks to a friend of mine reminding me of a company called vista print I'm going to be able to get my business cards done up for almost free ($5.25 shipping for 250 free basic format cards) which is perfect to get me started. A couple clients from those, and I'll be able to get my professional cards made up that cost just a slight bit more ($85).

Hmmm...what else is new? Oh, I'm sure some of you noticed the new deviation wallpaper I did called Magic happens as well as the new avatar. At least I assume so, nobody's really posted anything about either.

I've also just finished a book called "Think Logically, Live Intuitively" which has a great deal about one person's experiences at TMI in Virgina (The Monroe Institute, not Too Much Information, nor is it Three Mile Island...) and I have mixed feelings about it.

A lot of this individual's experiences go far beyond the norm, his evidence for support meanders a bit from dead on the subject to off in left field, there were a few references to east Indian and Kabalistic practice, yet there was this push that TMI didn't believe in influencing anyone's experience by pushing religion/philosophies, etc.

At the same time though, if you tell someone you're "adjusting their Chakra" then you're assuming the person knows what a Chakra is, has studied Yoga, East Indian religion, New Age religions, or at the very least some ancient Sanskrit, from which the word originates...

So, that kind of put me off, but not enough to be curious about TMI and their "Gateway" experiences, which apparently deal with using special tones to synchronize the two halves of the brain (called Hemi-sync) for heightened thought process, expanding one's mental abilities, astral projection and remote viewing, supposedly, as well as other things. So, I'll be borrowing a copy of Gateway and testing it out here at home, to see if I gain heightened senses of awareness, am able to astrally project in the shoots of some of my favorite models to gawk at them, or turn into a mindless TMI zombie. No matter what, should be fun to see the results!

If any of you have had experience with TMI, Gateway, Hemi-sync or anything similar, please feel free to drop a comment and let me know what your experiences were like, I'd love to hear about them.

Okay, other than that...oh! Tigress and I are contemplating another move, only not as far this time. Just to the other side of town. Better apartments, a little smaller (more energy efficient) and within walking distance for her work. Not to mention I'll be IN TOWN. That means SIDEWALKS. I can WALK PLACES. With the CAMERA...and maybe even take some photos of the local life/landscapes etc.

It's not going to happen until probably this summer, but it's definitely a happy thought for me.

Well, until next time gentle readers...

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/12953312/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/12953312/ Mon, 14 May 2007 13:03:05 PDT
Is it?

Oh c'mon Ghost, you DIDN'T, did you???

Yep. I did. That's me. Now that people can really see what I look like, the mass hysteria may now commence!

Oh, and just for those like, whole 3 people who are curious...still smoke-free. Going on eight months and counting.

I admit though, I tried one about a month ago...almost made me sick. I couldn't believe I used to enjoy them. o_O

I may consider putting up a photo-manipulation of my pic, but I dunna what to do to me yet.

Anyhow...yeah, new avatar. Yay!

Cheers,
Ghost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10675915/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10675915/ Fri, 10 Nov 2006 04:36:26 PST This is MY fave:

:thumb26834069:

I don't trust these damned thumbs...if the above doesn't show, there's always This link

I love the comic style, and love the concept...I could see myself doing that on a cold winter's day.

Anyhow, links people! I want to see your favorite pieces!

Cheers,
LordGhost

PS: 1 month, 2 weeks, still smoke free.

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10507940/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10507940/ Wed, 25 Oct 2006 15:13:39 PDT
Wow, was that the shortest journal you've ever suffered through?



Cheers,
LordGhost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10322362/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10322362/ Sun, 08 Oct 2006 07:30:04 PDT
Just figured I'd update to let everyone know that I've made it this far. I'll probably update it at the month mark next...so as not to bore the living hell out of everyone still unfortunately set up to get messages on my journal entries.

Thanks to everyone for their support, well wishes, positive energies, good vibrations, prayers, and evil monkey jokes.

Cheers,
LordGhost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10283974/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10283974/ Wed, 04 Oct 2006 15:38:06 PDT
Tigress and I came home today, to find...a small pile of broken glass on the sidewalk...how odd.

Heading for the apartment, we see a broom and dustpan leaning next to the door...unusual, but it explains why the glass is in a pile...hmmm...and there's some blood on it...

Then, we note a drop of blood in the entryway...interesting...none on the carpet, but the floor fan's been moved out from the center of the room...weird...

Which leads us to the computer room...which...is missing our roommate's computer...and desk...and...well, everything that was his!!!

So we check the half bath that was his domain...virtually emptied!

We check the main bathroom...still has a few toiletries left over in there...

So then finally, we knock and then check his room...all his stuff's gone save for a box and some wood pieces!!!

OUR ROOMMATE HAS FINALLY GOTTEN THE HINT AND HAS MOVED!!!

Obviously, with a few items still sitting around here and there, he's got another trip to make, and we'd like to see the keys back, or have the landlady change the locks for us, but it's apparent that he's finally GOING GOING GONE!!!

WAHOOOOO!!! I feel like dancing! I feel like throwing one big assed mega party!!!

Thanks to all of you who helped us in our time of need with prayers and words of support, as well as the tons of advice.

Cheers,
LordGhost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10255324/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10255324/ Mon, 02 Oct 2006 03:56:47 PDT
Been off them for a week now. I'm hoping to be able to keep this up. I've tried quitting before, and the best I managed was 2 months.

As for my recovery, it's still going on, I've graduated from Sedentary duty to Light duty, which is a good thing I suppose... The doctors are getting impatient for me to heal, and tend to want to consider this chronic pain treatment and not an injury treatment.

I've been able to resist the pain killers now, although I'm still in need of the muscle relaxants - 2 days without them flushes them out of my system, and I start feeling pains I don't want to think about.

On top of all that, Tigress and I have contracted some weird alien flu. I'm sure of it's alien origion due to the strangely colored lumps of goo that come shooting out of my nose and lungs from time to time. Once, I honestly thought something was going to pop out of my chest...turned out to just be a coughing fit though.

Anyhow, still trudging along although I'm anxious to get better and start doing some real work instead of sitting around reading all day! I know that sounds crazy, but believe me, doing a bit of work makes the day go by faster than sitting there reading, unless the book you have is an OMG masterpiece that draws you in and keeps you there.

Ah well, I must be off...it's almost time for Tigress and I to venture forth into the working world once more...

Cheers,
LordGhost

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10012582/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/10012582/ Fri, 08 Sep 2006 19:09:12 PDT
And it looks like Tigress has a chance of getting a permanent position where she's temping. This is something she's actually hoped to accomplish for quite some time! I'm sure all of you will join me in praying that things go very well for her there.

The roommate issue is still an issue, but he has since written a note claiming that he will be moving out as soon as he has the money to afford to do so. I'll believe that when I see it.

In other news...on the 24th of this month I shall no longer be 37 years old. I will magically transform into a 38 year-old.

Not that you'll notice a difference, most likely. I will probably stay as sarcastic and childish as ever. At least, that is my most sincere hope.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9873185/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9873185/ Sun, 27 Aug 2006 12:54:20 PDT THIS is what's wrong.

*sigh*

This deserves an OMGWTFBBQ response I think.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9697682/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9697682/ Sat, 12 Aug 2006 01:19:05 PDT
Didn't think much of it, went home, started to feel my back muscles tightening up. Contacted the manager to let him know, got bitched at for not telling him the *instant* it had occurred (like his ass would have answered the phone at 4:45am) had me go to the clinic, where I learned I had torn several back muscles.

I'm now on muscle relaxers and percocet.

Can you believe, the asshole wrote me up for not calling him? Add to that, he made me WAIT for him after going to the clinic, for 30 minutes while he was at a meeting. Mind you, I hadn't even gotten the perscriptions yet, so I'm sitting there waiting in PAIN for 30 minutes, just for him to write me up!

So, I'm going to be out of commission for awhile (At least until Monday) and whacked out on drugs. So, aside from the pain, I guess this is actually a good thing!

Okay, I'm going to go now before the synthetic morphine kicks in even more.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9651331/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9651331/ Tue, 08 Aug 2006 16:08:39 PDT FreeTigress is up and about all day, and we get a few hours in the evening to spend together. Even on my days off. I can't just swap around from 4pm - 8am back to normal daylight time, and Tigress has to be up during the day so she can hook up with a swank office job or something.

The pay's definitely good, the reading time rules, although the constant trips to the library are going to start people talking - "Hey, I think LordGhost's literate or something" ...crap...there goes my reputation.

I knew I was falling into the routine when I was able to knock out a few chapters in a book I'm working on, as well as have time to make a kick ass photo manipulation of QuietChildae being her usual "I'm not only a great photographer, but I'm an awesome model" kick ass self.

Now if I can start doing this on a regular basis, and generally ignore the pain that's ripping through my body after three days of 12 hour shifts (Ibuprofen is my favorite food now), then I'll be fine. Well, that and if I can start like, I don't know...having money to spend on fun instead of bills, that would be a bonus too.

Thanks for all the support from everyone during my whine phase with this new job. It's appreciated. Without friends like all of you, I'd just be another schmuck trying to pass off photomanipulations as real art*.

Cheers,
LordGhost

*This is humor. And if you can't conceive humor, consider it just a reflection of self, not a reflection on other members that do photomanipulation who, naturally, have more artistic talent in their left pubic hair than I do in my entire body.

And that way you won't get RSI from flaming me over something stupid.

Hopefully. ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9578624/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9578624/ Wed, 02 Aug 2006 15:22:17 PDT
What I'm looking for is a BETTER job.

I'm a computer tech...a techie...a man with a plan for the computer-lan.

And I'm driving truck.

WTF was I thinking?

Oh yeah...money...needed money. Well, that's all said and good, but I'm looking for another job while I deal with this local work.

It's not bad, mind you...it just sucks. It's hauling corn feed. Do you know what you smell like after hauling corn feed and dumping it half a dozen times in 12 hours?

That's right...you smell like...CORN FEED.

And it don't smell pretty, lemmie tell ya.

Of course, the manager of this local job is leaving in a month...which will leave an opening in the office...which...I technically have the skills for...which means I tossed in my resume to the manager for his position.

We'll see what happens over that one.

What I'd love to find is a company that needs me for my skills...building, repairing, customizing, troubleshooting and even some networking with PCs...I don't want to work for a big company if I can help it...but still...somebody out there has got to need my services!!!

Ah well...we'll see what happens next I suppose.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9427576/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9427576/ Wed, 19 Jul 2006 14:19:31 PDT
We decided we weren't going back on duty, and we were cleaning out our truck...

Figured we'd give them a good scare, a solid wakeup call and make them listen to our grievances.

So while we were on break, I decided to look around locally.

Lo' and behold, I get wooed by a company wanting a local driver.

k' - I can drive locally...I think.

$14 an hour - Not bad...

48+ hours per week. 3 nights on, 3 nights off. Work as much as I want - Bonus.

Night shift, 6pm-6am - Hey, I'm a night owl anyhow!

Brand new 2006 trucks - Wow...

Fully automatic trucks...no clutch at all - I'm impressed!

Oh, did I mention my drive would be less than 10 miles one way? 6-8 loads per night, because it takes an HOUR to get loaded, during which time you must focus your efforts on important tasks...like...staying awake. As in, I could read books for almost 6 hours per night, and get paid $14 an hour to do so...

Yeah, I'd be mental to not take this...

So I went through orientation yesterday, I start to work tonight...and Tigress called the other company and found out their solution for us was local work with a JC Penny account, hitting all the states around Indiana, including Indiana itself...and getting salary. Shipping CLOTHING...

Yeah so, she's interested in that one...gets to haul and unload all the new clothes at JC Penny? Dear Gods the girl's gonna be in heaven.

She'd also be starting work between 10pm and 3am, which would put her on a schedule that would overlap slightly with mine, so we'd be able to see each other before I went to work at least.

Of course, the funniest part in all of this is the fact that Tigress said, and I quote, "I don't think I'm going to want to work for awhile! I have this whole apartment to organize and take care of! That's going to take a good while!" to which I said, "Yeah, you'll be bored within a couple of weeks and be wanting to go to work."

Guess who was right?

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9322769/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9322769/ Sun, 09 Jul 2006 15:22:31 PDT
There's been a pattern to the loads they've given us, and it's like they're testing our reactions to various things.

I'm a driver, not a lab rat.

So, I'm going to start looking in the papers for local work. If I can find it, GREAT! If not, the company is going to either knock off their crap, or they're going to lose us as team drivers, and one of us will run solo for awhile.

It seems sad that a company has to have the worst dispatchers for the new people, and the best for the regular drivers...wouldn't it make more sense to just get rid of the shitty ones all together? I'll volunteer to rid the company of our dispatcher!

So, aside from the venting, it's been a rough 2 weeks, I'm glad to be home, and hopefully I'll be recovered before we have to head back out.

Recovered? Yep...I'm wiped out. Fatigued out the wazoo...even my wazoo is fatigued...it's not a pretty sight.

That's all for now...(told ya' I'm tired!)

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9125339/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/9125339/ Tue, 20 Jun 2006 10:50:55 PDT
First, a little apology to Megan and Joy - We were in southern cali right after delivering to Stockton! Unfortunately, we shot through there around 1am, shut down for the night, and took off first thing in the morning. We were in City of Industry and Fontana.

I don't even know if you two could have stopped by there, but we would have liked to have had the time to let you guys know we were in the area! I was going to let you two borrow the truck for a photo shoot.

Okay, so apologies aside to those young ladies, where the hell have we been?

Greenbay, Wi
Bellingham, Wa
Stockton, Ca
San Fransisco, Ca
City of Industry, Ca
West Memphis, Ar

That's two week's worth of loads. My apologies again to anyone else that we shot past and didn't know! Honestly, the best way for us to contact anyone like this is to just call them, but that would require phone numbers and overly personal things like...I don't know...names.

So, how was it? It started off rough. FreeTigress was using these street level directions that came with the loads, and we got lost more times than I'd care to admit (usually with me driving, talk about stress! "GAWDDAMMIT! WHERE IN TEH @$^%$#$# AM I SUPPOSED TO GO NOW???" "Well, the directions say...ummm...no, that doesn't make sense, how can we turn left into a cornfield???" "@%#^#$%@$%@$#%@$#!!!!!") but after we started using alternate directions, things smoothed out quite a bit, and we both lived through our first two weeks.

We also have a lemon for a truck...it's not really a shit truck, but the poor thing has suffered greatly. We've had a fender that needed to be replaced (from the day we picked it up, it was smashed in), a missing CB antenna (Yet to be replaced), 3 levels of maintenance that needed to be done, the safety harness for the sleeper in the back needed repaired, the serpentine belt broke, the AC clutch froze up (thus killing the almost dead belt...) etc etc etc.

Of course, the AC etc would have to die while we were driving through Arizona! WARM!!! At least it wasn't humid though, that would have killed me I think.

We're trying to care for it in it's last days, sadly, it's only a 2004, so the previous owner must have run that poor girl to death. :/

We've finally got our weekend off, of course, it's starting on Tuesday, but hey, let's not get too picky, shall we?

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/8887127/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/8887127/ Fri, 26 May 2006 20:02:24 PDT
FreeTigress and I passed our CDL tests today.

Which of course means we are now officially truck drivers.

We'll be getting our truck soon, driving team across the country, and could be blowing through your town!

A lot of people (Okay, so it was the bum down the street and his imaginary penguin) have asked me why in the world would I want to drive truck for a living?!!?

Simple answers:

My job involves driving all across America.

An office with a view you can't pay enough to get in NYC or any other city.

Nobody breathing down your neck.

Money...bucks...dough...blingage...mucho robert denaro...

Any questions? ;D

Wish us luck, drop us a private message with your phone number and your general location if you want us to call and meet as we're shooting past your area.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/8252899/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/8252899/ Fri, 24 Mar 2006 06:21:45 PST
So we get to the apartment only to find 1 out of the 2 toilets doesn't work, (we moved in on Monday, it's Friday, thing STILL doesn't work) we're living outside of town, the maintenance guy's son likes to steal things from the tenants homes on occasion, the manager is a lazy pig, the maintenance guy himself doesn't know a toilet snake from a booger picker and our neighbor has a pitbull. But aside from that, this place is PARADISE!!! Oh wait, no, not it's not.

Ah well, it is not so much an apartment to me anymore, as it is a homebase to sleep in after hunting for work and eventually going to work.

I'm slapping in resumes left and right, within the next month I should be getting calls as the students go back into school full swing from spring break. At least that is my fondest wish as, the sooner we get work, the sooner we can just break the lease and move into a REAL apartment.

Any sympathies you all would like to share, please feel free. Of course, any job offers that you'd like to offer, I'll be interested in hearing.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/8096990/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/8096990/ Tue, 07 Mar 2006 19:00:31 PST
To Indiana.

I'm not sure what's out there, other than Tigress' parents and Perdue University, but I suppose I'll find out soon enough...

Like on the 15th. O_o

It should be an interesting experience, actually, it should be boring and typical for me by now...about every few years I pack up and move somewhere else. Now I'm engaged to a woman who has the same habit as me.

I'll panic if we ever decide to move to Istambul or some other odd place like Leeds. (Inside joke for any Brits out there, and if you're from Leeds...well, I'd expect you'll laugh even louder. )

Well, wish us luck...we'll need it. We have no jobs lined up out there, we'll have a couple month's worth of rent/utilities set aside, but after that, it's a cardboard box if we don't find anything. O_O

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7687774/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7687774/ Mon, 23 Jan 2006 17:23:17 PST
I've been helping my mom clean out some old photographs of the family, and in so doing, remembered who I once was. I realize now that I've been dead for almost 18 years. I didn't realize how long it had been since I felt alive, free, and ready to face the day.

It's been a long time for healing to come, but I think it has finally started. I don't know where I go from here, or what happens next, but I do know that I'm finally ready. I'm ready to stand once more, ready to learn once more, to grow once more. To express myself, be myself and love who I am.

Imagine...all of this came from a simple photograph of who I once was, before my journey through hell. Before meeting my ex, before becoming homeless, before suffering for years with a woman who did not love me, but only loved the support I gave her. To see myself, with those scars not yet worn, wounds not yet inflicted, my soul not leeched dry...it was an experience I was not prepared for today.

I feel the most sorrow, not for myself, but for my fiancee who has had to endure living for 3 years with only a shell of a man. And if you're reading this, know that I will wake up, everyday, as if it was on purpose.

I am proud of her strength, her wisdom and her insight to have seen what was once me, still inside and waiting to come out again. And her patience to wait for it to happen.

It has been a long journey...and I still have miles to go, as they say.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7642061/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7642061/ Wed, 18 Jan 2006 17:59:58 PST
1) If you had to pick only one piece of my work as the very best I've done, which would it be, and why?
2) What's the worst piece I've done, and why?
3) If I could grant you one request for a piece of work, what would you want me to do?
4) If there's one piece in my work that struck a major emotion in you when you looked at it, what emotion was it and which piece?
5) Which do you think is more important and why - an artist with talent or an artist with passion?
6) Judging from my work and my conversations I have here in what type of music would you imagine me listening to?
7) If you were to think of me as an animal, what type would you invision me as, and why?
8) When you picture me, what do I look like? Be as silly or serious, as vague or as detailed as you like!
9) If you had to come up with a better nickname for me on , what would it be, and why?
10) Will you post this in your own journal, or burn it to the ground and let it die a horrible death like it should?



Bon appetite!

]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7606983/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7606983/ Sun, 15 Jan 2006 01:31:13 PST *Metatetron's fault. Apparently they started it, but I got it from =FallenRox, so you can all officially blame her for me speading this horrible Q&A...but hey...it might be fun...

So give it a go and see...

1. Who are you?
2. Are we friends?
3. When and how did we meet?
4. Do you have a crush on me?
5. Would you kiss me?
6. Give me a nickname and explain why you picked it.
7. Describe me in one word.
8. What was your first impression?
9. Do you still think that way about me now?
10. What reminds you of me?
11. If you could give me anything, what would it be?
12. How well do you know me?
13. When’s the last time you saw me?
14. Ever wanted to tell me something but couldn’t?
15. Are you going to put this on your journal and see what I say about you?

I'm betting I'll get VERY few responses to this one...

It's almost inspired me to write a decent Q&A for people to copy and pass around.

With much apologies,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7584880/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7584880/ Thu, 12 Jan 2006 16:07:41 PST
I can't believe it. I logged in, and found out I was selected to get a free trial membership for a week.

Don't worry all, I won't let it go to my head! But I am going to try to help out by participating in Beta-Testing for the week.

After not having to click on each and every one of the comments left by others, I'm not sure how I'm going to survive without someone making regular donations for me.

Man, I've never won anything. Now this? I feel special. Well, sorta. Okay, not really from this, but you know...I do kinda have a warm fuzzy feeling in the pit of my stomach...

Oh wait, that could be from the Pollo a la Diabla I ate earlier...

Cheers,
LordGhost

I even get a footer? Man, where's the butler at in here? ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7359475/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7359475/ Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:36:20 PST
But I've been browsing. A lot. And I've seen these Daily Deviations that...for lack of a better word - are crap. And they're getting such high praise! I have seen, just on my friends list, people far more deserving of the high praise of being given a DD.

So why do these HACKS with snapshot drivel spewing forth from their cameras get DDs? I just don't get it.

One of these days, I'll figure out how to suggest someone for a DD, so I can pass on some REAL talent to the Powers That Be.

Bah, enough ranting. Time for more eggnog.

Happy Holidays,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7201943/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7201943/ Fri, 02 Dec 2005 09:20:20 PST
Who did I piss off around this time of the year in a former life to get this kinda treatment?

So I have to ask, what's next? I go to use the keyboard and one of my fingers falls off? Ths s gettng annyng.



Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7132667/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7132667/ Thu, 24 Nov 2005 12:54:09 PST
So they must go.

Now it's back to primative methods of killing pain - Ice packs, Tylenol and bed rest.

*sigh*

I thought this was the 21st century...

*pout*

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7119271/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7119271/ Wed, 23 Nov 2005 00:01:11 PST ~FreeTigress is definitely spoiling me rotten with her love and care, but nothing is helping the pain in my mouth!

Of course, the worst part is, I'm not allowed a smoke for ONE BLOODY WEEK!!! An entire week without my sweet toxic poisons!

My lungs will never forgive me...*sigh*

I hate everything about this ordeal, from the food, to the medicines, to the misery. The only thing I can say good about it all is Tigress. She's helping me at every turn, fussing over me when I do something I shouldn't, making sure I have my drugs on time, making sure I remember to eat first before having them...recording everything down on paper in case the doctor needs the information for some reason or another...

She is, in a word, amazing.

I love her dearly, and that is at least, one thing positive I can say over this hell.

Mmm...can't wait for Thanksgiving....*sigh* perhaps turkey in a blender will taste better than I imagine...

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7103249/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7103249/ Mon, 21 Nov 2005 08:00:32 PST
Which is a lot.

I'm not expecting to be very comfortable for a couple of weeks at least.

But I suppose being an extreme dental-phobic that I am, has it's advantages.

I'm to be gassed and then put under before the dental surgeon even touches me.

Which is a bonus I suppose. I've never had laughing gas.

But I can't help thinking that people's hearts stop under anesthetics all the time.

Which makes me think a lot of thoughts.

Not the least of which is how much I love my fiancee, ~FreeTigress.

And how much I've enjoyed sharing thoughts and art with all of you.

If anyone wishes to, a little prayer today just might make things better.

If nothing else, well....wish me luck.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7056034/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7056034/ Tue, 15 Nov 2005 15:43:35 PST
My solution to Welfare is a very simple one. Which means it would work. Which means, it would never be implemented.

Note: The term "Welfare worker" in the below is not referring to those agents who are commonly called "case workers" in the Department of Welfare, but rather, those who are currently on Welfare who would be participating in the program.

1) If you are not physically and/or mentally capable of working, you will be provided for. Period.
2) If you do not meet the above criteria, then you will be evaluated, your skills rated, and you will be either:
a) Placed into a job position matching your skills.
b) Educated and/or trained for a position that meets your skill/educational level and then put to work.
3) This will grant you the following:
a) Housing - Paid in full.
b) Food - Paid in full.
c) Cash assistance for transportation, bills, clothing needs, etc.
d) Medical - Paid in full.
Please note this is far more than Welfare gives now. Welfare will generally only pay out all of those things for individuals with children. These things will be paid for to anyone accepted on the program.
4) The period of time this will last for is 1 year's service with the government as an Employee of the State. During this time, rules will have to be followed:
a) 3 unexcused absenses from work = termination of employment and all benefits. You may reapply in 3-6 months.
b) 3 unexcused late starts to work = suspension of employment for 1 month.
c) 3 warnings from a supervisor = 1) Investigation of grievances. 2) Possible relocation/retraining or suspension for 1 month.
These may be challenged through a review board, who's decision will be final.
5) Childcare will not be an issue. Childcare will be provided by Welfare and will be run by those who are qualified and are workers through the Welfare system. Background checks and certification as per state rules and regulations will be enforced. If certification is necessary, the education and certification will be granted by the Welfare system.
6) After a period of 1 year, the Welfare worker will have the option to stay on for 1 more year with the state. If they do so, they will continue to get the following:
a) Free medical
b) 50% of food allotment paid for in food stamps/welfare card.
c) 50% housing.
d) Cash allottment for bills etc will be increased to include 50% of the food money and 50% of the housing.
This will require the individual to learn (if they have not already) how to manage their money to pay bills, food and housing costs without falling short. This will also give the person a real feeling of earning MONEY instead of just benefits.
7) After the one year or two year contract with the state government, they will then be given assistance in finding a job similar to what they have been doing for the government, with a letter of recomendation stating the person has been an Employee of the State for (1-2) years and any awards/achievements they have accomplished.
8) Assistance with resume writing will also be given.
9) Those who show exceptional skill and aptitude who wish to remain in employment with the state government, will be given opportunity and information on how to take the Civil Servant Exam.

That's it. Shitty idea, huh? Not even a 10 step plan.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7050748/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7050748/ Tue, 15 Nov 2005 00:47:35 PST
I sometimes don't understand how this country has gotten the way it is. Or more specifically, how it's people have gotten the way they are. The current way of thinking, is what I'm referring to, and it has a lot to do with politics, so bare with me.

When I was a teenager, back in the days of the dinosaurs, I was invited over to my sister's for a cookout. She was between husbands at the time, as was her normal status, and was with her boyfriend of the week.

He was an outdoorsman through and through. Loved to go hunting, fishing, had the big bushy beard and wore flannel. Crazy kinda guy. I think he owned a Harley too. But that's beside the point. The point is that when I got there, I found out that we were going to go "catch" our own food for the cookout.

We were going to have crayfish. Sounded interesting, and I liked seafood, so what the hell, right?

Well, he and I went down to the creek to go "hunting". So we went down there, and he gave me a bucket, a net and a stick. He explained how to catch crayfish. I listened. Then he went his way, and I went mine.

Well, it was in the middle of summer, and that water felt pretty damned good on my feet. But there were slippery rocks around, and sharp pointy rocks, and I really didn't want much to do with them. There was deep water too, and I didn't like that idea much either (I didn't feel like getting my pants wet, after all). So I wandered around trying to find a soft silty bottom in a shallow area.

Anyone who's been to a creek or stream knows that there is no such creature, so as those people would guess, I spent a lot of time wandering around the bank, trying to see if I could spot a crayfish, and if I could try to catch one without getting soaked, cut, or landing flat on my ass.

We were down there from around 1pm until around 4pm. Three hours hunting like "real" men for our food. I felt special. I felt important. I was hunting food for my family. Well, my sister, neice and two nephews, at least.

Well, 4pm came around, and so did my sister's boyfriend. Soaked. Grinning. Lugging his bucket over.

"So how'd ya do bud?" he asked.

I showed him my five crayfish with pride. Hell of a haul. More than one an hour.

He just stared at me and started laughing.

"Hell son, we're supposed to be feedin' six people! What the hell are five crawldaddies gonna feed?"

He lugged his bucket up into view, and I saw it was filled with about 40 or so crayfish. I was shocked. I was disappointed in myself. I was downright depressed. We walked back, everyone eager to see what we had caught. My sister's boyfriend had dumped my measley five into the bucket with his.

"We caught all of THESE!!!" he said as he came up, showing off a bucketful of crayfish.

My nephews beamed at me, thinking I had captured at least half of these wicked toe-pinching beasts. I didn't have the heart to tell them it had all be their mom's boyfriend, save for five pitiful ones probably being beaten on by the others he had caught. My sister beamed at me. She seldom beamed at anyone. In fact, she was pretty much beamless most of her life. Glaring she was good at, but not beaming. She beamed. I felt like I was at the bottom of that bucket of crayfish.

So her boyfriend fired up the pot of water for our capture, dumped the water in the bucket out on the ground, and uncerimoniously dumped all of those buggers into the pot once the water was boiling.

He prepped them up, spiced them up, and served them up. There were close to 60 of those little guys in there.

I had five.

That's all I ate, and all I would eat. Just five. Not because I was trying to be stubborn, or because I didn't like her boyfriend. In fact, he asked me about it later that evening.

I said, "I couldn't eat a share of food that I hadn't helped get. I earned myself five crayfish, because I was too chicken to get into the water deep enough to hunt them."

He just nodded, passed me a beer and said, "I know what you mean bro. I know what you mean. But I betcha next time we go down there, my bucket's gonna look a little light compared to your's at the end of the day."

You know, he was right. The next time they had a cookout for crayfish, I came back with a bucket full of them. There was enough for for me to even take some home.

I never forgot that day, nor the lessons I learned from it. I ate what I earned. I didn't take from another man's plate. I ate what I deserved.

That is the same way that I look at politics in the US. I don't believe it's right to tax... ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7049072/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7049072/ Mon, 14 Nov 2005 19:58:34 PST
Or a print account.



Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7039665/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/7039665/ Sun, 13 Nov 2005 20:03:02 PST
As someone who buys and sells on eBay, I find is so frustrating when people don't buy my items for insane amounts of money, yet when I find an item I want, everyone and their mother bids on it making it an unattainable item.

Ahhh well, time to put some more crap up and hope it sells.

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6964153/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6964153/ Sat, 05 Nov 2005 16:11:26 PST

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6887633/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6887633/ Fri, 28 Oct 2005 01:54:14 PDT Hope you all enjoy...

"A Fair Trade"

It was a chilly day on the grounds of Stonehenge, although the spring sun had decided to make an uncharacteristic appearance around noon. Bobby still wore the spring jacket that had his favorite baseball team in the whole world on it, the Chicago Bears. He didn't really care much about the team, but he loved bears. He used to giggle over the thought of a playing field filled with grizzleys, kodiacs and big browns.

His mother was wandering around somewhere. "I'm going to take some pictures honey, and I'll just be a minute. Stay here when mommy can see you, okay?" Remembering her words put a frown on his face. The frown threatened to go on strike and march full on into pout.

Sure, he thought. Just sit around some stupid rocks while you go take pictures. He couldn't even go inside where there was a neat big rock that he could probably climb if he wanted to. Probably? Of COURSE he could. He was Bobby Newman, the bravest mountain climber in the whole world! That was just a little rock. But it might be fun to keep in practise and all.

And did she HAVE to use that word MOMMY? He was almost eight years old for cripe's sake! Guiltily he looked around, even though he hadn't said it outloud, it was close enough to saying "Christ" for his MOTHER (he made sure to think THAT one clearly) to be very upset with him.

Sighing, he did what most boys his age do when told to stay put. Bobby wandered around.

Walking around, he looked up at the really tall stones while people pointed and gawked and even took pictures, probably like what his mother was doing right now. Bobby shook his head looking at all these people. They drove all that distance from the bed and breakfast, rushed through breakfast at that, he couldn't even finish all of his porridge, which he had quickly learned on this trip was one of his favorite meals. They stood in line for what seemed like HOURS (actually only fifteen minutes, he knew that because his dad had bought him a BRAND NEW digital watch last year when he was only a kid) and all for what? To look at these crummy rocks.

He had to admit, they were pretty big. Some of them might even present a problem to Bobby Newman, Expert Mountain Climber, but that's not what drew Bobby's attention at that very moment. No, the rocks were boring, gray like the weather had been until today, and probably just as cold as the air around him.

But what was that old man doing sitting on the stone he was supposed to climb??? How did he get under the ropes and go all the way into there, and sat down...and what was that he was holding in his hand? Eewwww....a pipe. Bobby didn't like smoking and he especially didn't like it when his dad would light up one of those big ugly cigars.

"Bobby, sometimes adults take to pleasures that children cannot possibly imagine. Don't worry about it, you won't ever have to smoke one when you grow up. In fact, it'd be a good idea not too."

"Then why do you do it dad?"

Bobby remembered his father's fake smile. He could tell his dad was guilty of something, but he didn't understand what it was. But he knew that day he caught his dad doing something bad, and his dad didn't like knowing it was bad either. Bobby figured that smoking must be illegal in some places or something.

But here, with all these people around, was some old man sitting on the rock Bobby was going to climb, if he could get in there without being caught. He was smoking a pipe, looking like he was supposed to be there! And he wore one of those funny bathrobes too.

As he stared at the old man, he felt rather than saw the old man move. Just slightly. His head turned towards Bobby. Their eyes met. *It's okay Bobby...you can just walk in under the ropes*, the old man said. No, no Bobby thought, no, his lips didn't move. You can't talk without moving your lips, could you?

Then he remembered, the ven..trill...a...kissed or something like that. Some people like that could do it. They did it with a dummy. But this old guy didn't have one. Frowning again, a look that had stayed with Bobby for most of this day, returned once more. He probably could slip under the ropes, that wouldn't be too hard. But as soon as he took a few steps, EVERYONE would see him. It would be obvious. Bobby Newman hadn't listened to his mother, and now he was in trouble AGAIN.

*It's alright Bobby. They won't see you. I promise.* Bobby's eyes went wide. He started to say, "You can read my mind???" but as the words formed on his mind, he heard,... ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6841222/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6841222/ Sat, 22 Oct 2005 23:13:51 PDT
* Some of the "popular" definitions of our day: "the belief that everyone in the US has the chance to be successful, rich and happy if they work hard" From [link]
* "an American social ideal that stresses egalitarianism and especially material prosperity" from [link] MERRIAM-WEBSTER!!!

DOH!!!!

Let's take a look at what it REALLY means, shall we?

"That dream of a land in which life should be better and richer and fuller for every man, with opportunity for each according to his ability or achievement...a dream of a social order in which each man and each woman shall be able to attain to the fullest stature of which they are innately capable, and be recognized by others for what they are, regardless of the fortuitous circumstances of birth or position."

~James Truslow Adams

He's a Pulitzer Prize winning American Historian from the turn of the century. I think he says it very well.

"We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. "

~The Declaration of Independence

I think you know who all wrote this one...if not, study your history.

"Freedom is man's capacity to take a hand in his own development. It is our capacity to mold ourselves"

~ Rollo May

A writer and philosopher from the early 1900's. He's responsible for introducing European Existentialism to Americans through his writings. "To mold ourselves" man, I love that. It expresses so much. Are you a slacker? Well, you know who molded that clay. Fix it. Unless you really LOVE being a slacker. Then hey, congrats! You achieved your goal in life! Rock on! Be what you want.

"God is responsible for putting you on this earth. YOU are responsible for how you turn out."

~ LordGhost

I chose these quotes because they truly embody what the American Dream really means.

To me, the American Dream is the right to freedom of thought. It's saying, "You can become what it is that you want to become. You just have to sit down and figure out how you're going to do it. We're not here to help you, we're not here to give it to you, we're not here to hold your hand while you go through the pain and struggle...we're here to make sure that you are FREE to go through that pain and struggle. That you have the RIGHT to figure out how to achieve what you want. That you have the right to FAIL as well, if your dreams are not within your capacity to achieve."

With that in mind, is the American Dream about becoming rich? Sure.

Becoming famous? Sure.

Being financially secure?

A house with 2 cars and a turkey in every oven?

You bet.

Is it about becoming the first woman president? Absolutely.

How about just being a bum? YEP!

It's about all of those things. Because it's about your mind. It's about what you can DREAM, and the drive to achieve that dream. And the right and freedom to both.

That, in a nutshell, is the American Dream ]]> ~LordGhost http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6803647/ http://LordGhost.deviantart.com/journal/6803647/ Tue, 18 Oct 2005 17:47:52 PDT
Who would like to step up and tell me of one single country in the world that has done as much for others as the United States?

Anyone out there forced to speak German?

How about Russian?

How about all the nations out there who don't produce enough food for their own people? Did you all enjoy the food shipped from the United States to help you out?

Those nations who have had horrible disasters befall them, did you ignore the medical supplies, food, and able bodies shipped over to help out? I bet you didn't.

You can argue that there are wrongs being done by the United States, all the time. Sure there are. During times of peace and times of war. But what's more sad? The fact that the world criticizes the United States now, because it's fashionable to do so, or the fact that they've never bothered to say "Thank you" for the good that's been done? Or maybe the worst thing is, when the chips are down, who are they going to beg for help again?

The United States is in a lose-lose position because there are so many political ties to so many different nations. Step on one person's toes, and you're going to suddenly piss off this other country you've got no issue with! Yet the United States is the first turned to for troops by the UN. Did you all know that? Did you know that the United States is the first the UN turns to for monetary aid, able bodied helpers, materials, etc?

Why bother the United States for all those things? Go deal with it yourself. Starving? So? Go ask one of the many other countries in the UN. Another country is invading? So? Ask your neighbors for some help.

Won't happen though, will it? No, it won't. The UN will still turn their heads to stare over in the United States' direction, give a pregnant pause hoping the USA will step up to the plate. And if the US doesn't? They'll ask politely. If that doesn't work? They'll demand it on the grounds of human decency. And if THAT doesn't work, they'll beg, grovel, negotiate...whatever they have to do to get the world's most powerful nation to help them out.

So that they'll be alive next week to put the US down again.

Just my

Cheers,
LordGhost ]]> ~LordGhost