Quickest update::

I’m looking into taking classes this May and summer.

Summer interships

New job (fingers crossed) I interviewed yesterday at the hospital. Now it’s literally a waiting game to hear back.

Jump start on writing. I haven’t written anything in months, sad honestly.

I’m on twitter so follow me and I’ll follow you back. @Half_Sphere

Finally got an adviser, who I’ve yet to met.

That’s all I can think of at the time. I’ll be back to pushing through more postings, like I haven’t said that before, but yeah.

J.”YouLie” Rob

I think I’ve skipped enough classes and assignments to now be working a little harder on making sure this semester ends in my favor. Essentially we have two months and a week left of school. I’m definitely not trying to be playing catch up come finals.

I scored a C on my Film exam, I opted out of my Ecology exam, and I’m a bit clueless on my Micro exam. So first week’s exam aren’t looking to good. My Health Communications exam is next upon arrival and then another Micro exam. Then we proceed on to Spring Break. I’m not too sure what I’m going to be doing, but I want to do something different from I’d normally do. I’ll have to wait and see.

Anyways, I’m out, just wanted to update the blog since it’s been on my to-do list for a minute now.

J.Rob

In other news, the Superbowl is TONIGHT!!! Definitely trying to finish some of this homework and studying so that I can catch it before going to work. This damn Ecology lab has taken so much freakin’ time that it’s ridiculous! I still have to put together a presentation for my Health Communications class and study for Microbiology!

The week ahead is filled with test, presentations, labs, and interviews. It seems as if my “luck” has changed for the rest of the season. I’ve gotten a few call backs for internships, this is great, but I need something that pays–real soon.  I’m anticipating receiving my check on Thursday just so I can gas up the car. I’ve yet to get a chance to buy myself some new shoes, let alone clothes. I’ve dieted on Ramen Noodles. The funny thing about that is that I should have done this my Freshman year, but here I am in my Junior year….smh!

Valentines day is literally in 7 days and I think I’m going to hit a singles party. We’ll see, but I’m out this work seems to be piling up.

J. Rob

P.S. Still working on the “Look” of the blog, so far I’m impressed with how the green looks.

Two weeks ago, I went on two job interviews. One was at a marketing agency and the other was at a hotel. I heard back from them–silent and email– rejections.

To say the least I was disappointed. One interview I knew didn’t go over well. Second interview, looking back, was awful too. Oh well!

Right now I’m trying to revamp and keep applying to wherever. I really just need a supplemental income right now. I’d hate to start living check to check again.

Hopefully something will come through from the batch of applications I’ve sent out. I can easily get an internship, but I need something that pays first.

J. “FingersCrossed” Rob

Editor’s Note: The staff at CNN.com has recently been intrigued by the journalism of VICE, an independent media company and Web site based in Brooklyn, New York. VBS.TV is Vice’s broadband television network. The reports, which are produced solely by VICE, reflect a very transparent approach to journalism, where viewers are taken along on every step of the reporting process. We believe this unique reporting approach is worthy of sharing with our CNN.com readers.

Brooklyn, New York (VBS.TV) — Colombian tailor Miguel Caballero specializes in making garments that enable the wearer to get shot at point-blank range with nary an injury besides, maybe, a bruised ego. At-high-risk-of-catching-a-bullet demographics, such as rappers and politicians all over the world, rely on Miguel’s handiwork. And, lucky me, when I was recently in Bogota for VBS.TV covering a few stories, I had the chance to visit Miguel’s shop, learn about his protective clothing, and get shot in the gut by him. Seriously.

Upon arriving at Miguel’s warehouse one sunny morning, I received a guided tour from a friendly office assistant. It all seemed totally benign — sweet middle aged ladies stitching together jackets and blazers, smiling at me as I walked by. I could’ve been at American Apparel’s Southern California warehouse.

But when I sat down with Miguel and he got into the whole spiel about why he made the type of clothing he did, nervousness started to set in. Was this guy seriously going to put a thin jacket on me and then shoot me with a real live handgun? The man is running a multimillion-dollar international business. Is he really so confident in his wares that he’s going to risk it all by potentially killing a novice American journalist on camera?

The answer was yes. But first he had to finish telling me about himself.

Miguel explained his business model to me, and it was hard to dispute the logic. The world’s an increasingly dangerous place for political leaders and citizens alike. Miguel is simply combining the need for safety with the natural desire to look good.

Watch more videos from around the globe on VBS.TV

And judging by his success, I’m not the only one who gets it. There were rumors that President Obama wore some of Miguel’s goods during his inauguration. Plus, look at the automobile industry. Not long ago, Hummers were the province of soldiers in combat. Today, they’re a staple of suburban strip malls. How long until Miguel’s pieces follow suit?

By this point, Miguel seemed very determined to prove the reliability of his products to me. I figured it would be somewhat staged: I’d sign something, be ushered into a safe room, and he’d fire a couple blanks into some military grade flak jacket. Thanks and good night.

Instead, my new buddy Miguel popped the question mid-interview in his office. And it wasn’t really a question. I believe he said, “Now we’ll do a demonstration with you.” Not exactly a request.

He stood up from his desk, opened a drawer, and casually pulled out a .38. This was happening very fast. He moved me over to the side of the room, outfitted me with some noise-reducing headphones, and offered me a black suede jacket. After instructing me to take a deep breath on “1″ and prepare for a gunshot on “3,” he shot me in the gut on “2.”

Obviously I lived to tell the tale. But — most importantly — I like to think that I looked damn good doing it.

Vampire Diaries

Below is just a recount of my day as an Extra. They cut some of the scenes I was in, for instance the scene where she’s on the phone (forgive me for not knowing character names), but I did catch myself for a few seconds in the top right corner during the dance scene. Overall, it was fun but a daunting process, with takes galore!

Started at 11 a.m. The casting crew checked us in. It’s fairly cold and the ground is soaked. The PA (Production Assistants) at least I think that’s what they are, have started to put people in wardrobe. Right now we’re just sitting around waiting—some to be fitted and others to be called. It’s a strange but pleasant environment. Most, if not all, of the people know each other. The dynamic is funny as I don’t know, but you can see who’s who. For example, we have the kiss asses. Anyone who appears to be of importance they’re trying to schoomez.

Next let’s move to the serious extras. These people I have a mixed view on. In one instance, we have those playing the role of Mr(s). Hollywood. They have their managers here with them in toe. The second sets are the ones I can respect because they seem to be serious about any and every role they receive.

It’s 12:38 p.m. finally some action! The directors or whatever you want to call them make an announcement. They tell use the procedure for today. The show we’re shooting for is a big dance scene. Dancing all day, for me I’ll be happy being a wall-flower. I’m kind of wondering what I’ve gotten myself in. They also announced that a group of folks have been sent home for drinking (Tip: It’s very unprofessional to arrive to work intoxicated). On the other hand, it’s never too early in the day for a shot of vodka. I’m pretty bored now and the excitement I held to do this is slowly dwindling. I’m ready for sleep. It definitely will be a long ass day!

Finally dressed and now I’m stuck waiting. At least this cinnamon roll is good and free!

Surprisingly, the head lady in charge of wardrobe is stereotypical of how they’re portrayed on television. It’s funny and pretty cool at the same time. It’s now 1:40 p.m. and my stomach isn’t as pleased with that cinnamon roll as my taste buds. It’s 2:30 p.m. and I’m still sitting in this white tent. Ain’t that a bitch!

It’s only been 12 minutes and I’m still waiting maybe I’m just too impatient, but I’m really am ready to go.

It is now some time after 5:30 p.m. and I’m pretty sure they’re going to feed us soon. I’m not hungry. I’ve spent two additional hours in this tent sleep. Either they put me on camera i.e. set or release us early. I would leave but unfortunately I promised ole girl I’d stay till the end. Plus I’m sure I wouldn’t get paid for anything either.

The night ended on a good note. We got out and I met some interesting people. A lot of these kids are set on being actors and actresses. Some have traveled all around the U.S. just to be on set of films or television shows as extras. According to one guy I met, the pay in Georgia is relatively low compared to that of say New York or Los Angeles, but that can be accounted for on the standard of living me thinks. I’ll be working as an Extra for 3 more days and I’m surprisingly looking forward to it.

J. Rob

J. Rob

I’ve taken more pictures and drawings. I’ll upload those once I pull them off my phone. I’m also in the works of figuring out how Illustrator works. Currently testing out the demo from Adobe.

J.”ShoeProductionIfNothingElse” Rob

Thankfully my Microbiology exam was rescheduled along with my Ecology Lab assignment. I started cleaning up this past weekend too, but things went awry and I half-assed it. I did manage to get most of my clothes washed. I’m trying to get my arse up now and at least attempt to study for my classes tomorrow.

On a more productive note, I did make it out to my internship. Suprisingly, I think I’m learning more on how to run a business than anything else; which I definitely can’t argue with that. I need to go do some work…… ……. ……

I think for the rest of the two months, rest of January and February, I’m going to trying and remain low-key.

J.’UnsuccessfulSlacker” Rob