blogbloghttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010-09-08T00:10:32ZSquarespaceWhat I've Been Up Tohttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010/9/7/what-ive-been-up-to.htmlDwayne2010-09-07T15:00:21Z2010-09-07T15:00:21ZYes, I know it's been a long time since I've last updated this thing. I plan to change all that. Given the event of this past summer I had to take some time and reflect and readjust. I still think about him, every day in fact. However, he wouldn't want me or anyone else in the family to lay about and be sad. He lived life always on the move, never stopping for anything, and he would want us to do the same. So let's get the ball rolling.

Change of Scenery

I've since moved out of my hometown of Lynn, MA and into the city of Boston with a very lovely lady. The transition went smooth with most of the wrinkles ironed out. Having a vehicle in the city is still a pain but a small price to pay.

New Project

I took up photography a little over a year ago and recently finished a Night Photography course at the New England School of Photography. The class was fun, and I plan on taking more workshops at the school in the future. You can see a small sample of my work here. For some reason not all of my photos are uploading so I'm going to have to do some tweaking and update you guys when more photos are up. During my reflection period, being active in taking photos has slowed down. This is something I plan to change, especially with the Fall foliage season closing in.

Another reason why have been less active in photography, is because I took on another responsibility, one that focuses on another passion of mine. Outside of my day job, I became a Writer at GameRant.com. I, along with many others, provide gamers with the latest videogame news, reviews and features...without the sugar coating. Writing for the site has been a great experience, mainly because I've been on the fence about being a game journalist for a long time. The opportunity allows me to to see how a fully functioning blog operates, and build some writing skills in the process. The staff are super-cool and a blast to work with. I look forward to creating more content for the site and helping it grow into something amazing. You can see all of my articles here, and don't hesitate to take a look around the rest of the site. If you like what you see give 'em a Like on Facebook and follow on Twitter.

The main thing I've learned these past few months is, life is way to short to be wasting time with things you dislike. Do what you enjoy, love, do what you have a passion for. Cause no man knows the day nor the hour...

]]>I Remember...http://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010/6/21/i-remember.htmlDwayne2010-06-21T21:10:21Z2010-06-21T21:10:21ZI remember when he was born. 
I recall being so excited to be an uncle. I was about 8 or 9 years old, so gaining a new title was one of the highlights of my young life. I met him for the first time in New York at my Aunts house, so overwhelmed at my new position in the family social structure I neglected to get his actual name. I think I called him something along the lines of Fabio, my parents, bewildered corrected me and said his name was Antonio.

I remember his laugh. 
During the summer months he and his younger brother would come to Boston to spend some time. Back then I was very possessive of my belongings and kept them at bay, no thanks to my little sister. That quickly changed when I learned they could be trusted with my stuff and wouldn't break anything. Unlike my sister who wouldn't ask, take and destroy what she could get her hands on. She also learned something this summer, because that first time she encountered Antonio, he was just some kid who came in like a whirlwind into her room and her life playing with her toys. No doubt a result of me initially kicking them out of my room.

Those summers would always be ingrained in my memory as being the best of my young life. I remember, distinctly that everything was funny to him. He has this infectious laugh "NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK, NYUCK!" Like the Three Stooges but in rapid succession. We found it stupid, but hilarious all at the same time. I will never forget it.

He had a way of leaving an impression on you, even if you only knew him for a short period of time. I remember when he came to visit one summer, and it was a summer when a group of my high school friends met him for the first time. We, being the "responsible" teens that we were ,decided to combine one of Antonio's newly introduced memes with a telephone. And it went a little something like this...

*RING*RING*
Unsuspecting Victim: Hello?
Responsible Teen: Hello, have you seen DeVein?
UV: UH, DeVein?!
RT: Yeah, DeVein.
UV: DeVein who?
RT: DA VEIN ON MAH DDIIIIIIIIIIIICCCCCKKKKKK!!!

I don't have to tell you that this made our freaking night, not to mention our summer.

In Like A Lion, Out like a Lion
You ask anyone who knew him and they would say he entered their lives like a hurricane. Unlike actually storms, this is one you wanted to stick around. Unfortunately like all good things, this storm came to an end two weeks ago. Antonio was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident and even though he's gone, he left such a presence when he was alive that it doesn't feel like he's gone. It's been one week since we laid him to rest, one of the most difficult things I or anyone in this family has had to do. It is something that I do not wish to repeat.

He was a family man, always making sure his mother and brother had what they needed. He did what he wanted, and died doing what he loved doing, and that was living life to the fullest. 

Many thanks to all of you who have helped this family get through this trying time. Thanks to the hundreds of people who came to send Antonio off. Nephew, you did in 22 years than what most don't even accomplish in a lifetime. You left your mark in the lives of so many, ensuring that everyone will always remember, allowing your spirit to live on.

You will be missed dearly.

 

]]>No Dwyane! No! Remixhttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010/5/2/no-dwyane-no-remix.htmlDwayne2010-05-02T13:30:06Z2010-05-02T13:30:06Z[This was something I originally posted on Shamrocknews.com. This is a slightly modified version of that post. Different look, same great taste.]

So Tuesday marked the end of Dwyane Wade's
reign of terror in Boston. I swear, this guy could make a basket blind folded with both hands tied behind his back. A friend and I were on hand to watch the Celts deliver the final blow ending the 5 game series.

While I was confident the Celtics would win, there was one thing that still bothered me...Dwyane Wade's name is spelled wrong! The other night My friend asked me what my biggest pet peeve is. I told him "people who walk really slow, and are totally oblivious to the fact that people might be behind them." Im going to let you guys in on a little secret. I have another, lesser peeve, and that's people who spell my name wrong. I let "Duane" slide every now and then, but for the most part I don't like it when people spell my name wrong.

Today it really annoyed me. I ordered sushi from this place downtown over the phone, because it usually takes a while for them to make. The woman taking the order asked for my name and I repeated it twice and spelled it out in the end, D-W-A-Y-N-E. Fifteen minutes later I go to the restaurant and one of the waiters came up with an order and said something that sounded like my name, but not quite. Another guy then asked what I ordered and my name, I told him and he says "OH! This one is yours!" and starts laughing. The woman who took my order spelled my name D-W-E-N. WTF!?!? (O_o)

I was annoyed but hungry, so I chuckled it off and continued on with my lunch.

Back to the game.

We shared the backwall of the balcony with two young women who just graduated college. One graduated from Northeastern (GO HUSKIES!) and the other was completly smashed. The drunk one exclaimed how Wade's name was spelled wrong and I imediately gave them high fives (two to the girl from NU). The girls questioned how you would pronouce DWYANE, and came to the conclusion that you had to say it with a thick southern accent.

So for the rest of the game when Wade would miss a shot, they yelled "No Dwayne! No!" channeling Whitley from "A Different World". It was a fun time had by all, until the drunk one dropped her beer down the center isle splattering patrons below in hoppy goodness. Actually, I think it was a Miller Light, so it wasn't hoppy or good.

]]>Foursquarehttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010/4/18/foursquare.htmlDwayne2010-04-18T14:00:33Z2010-04-18T14:00:33ZI've been using Foursquare for over six months now and I have to say that I'm getting a bit tired of it. For those who don't know, Foursquare is the social media sensation that's sweeping the nation right now among smart phone users. The concept is simple, you to go a place fire up the app and check-in. Check-in enough times and you become the Mayor of that establishment.

Certain business promote that their on Foursquare and offer discounts and or free goods and services to the mayor. This of course would drive traffic to that business for people clamoring to become the next mayor and free stuff. There's just one problem, not that many businesses are jumping on board. Not as many as people are checking into anyway. I spend the majority of my time in downtown Boston, and the only place I saw promoting they were on Foursquare was a CEX, and I don't even think they give any perks to the Mayor.

Most of the people who use the app are social media enthusiast, geeks and a few of their close friends. The mainstream public, while they may have heard of it, aren't jumping on the bandwagon. You could say it's because they don't have smartphones, but that isn't the case cause the majority of those poeple who do aren't using the system to the point where business are noticing and jumping on.

One problem could be that the mainstream media has frightend people into thinking they are putting themselves in danger when using the program. This is only if you are ignorant of the features of the program that prevent everyone from seeing where you are. On Foursquare you can choose not to share your location (though your mayorships still get posted). You can also choose to only share your location with your Foursquare friends, or not share at all!

 A while back I choose not to check-in to places that weren't promoting they were on Foursquare. It just became to bothersome to pull out my phone every place I went, unless if it was to actually look something up. As Captain Planet would say "THE CHOICE IS YOURS! yours yours yours"

]]>Backpacks on the Groundhttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010/3/24/backpacks-on-the-ground.htmlDwayne2010-03-24T12:16:57Z2010-03-24T12:16:57ZI've lived around the Boston area for all my life and when you work and play in the city you have to rely on the mass transit system, which for the most part is ok, but far (and I mean FAR) from perfect.

Many of the MBTA's problems are a result of it's age - the oldest in the nation - and poor management from it's leading officials. However, a significant portion of problems comes from the riders. From those who insist on crowding around the exits to fare jumpers. One problem that I encounter daily is...the backpack.

Commuters, students, many people have backpacks on the T and fail to take them off when on the trains and buses. You're probably wondering "why would someone put their backpack on the floor?" This applies mostly to people standing on crowed trains and buses. If you have a backpack on, depending on what's in it, you could basically double your size. This uses up a space that could've been occupied by a passenger. Then there's the task of trying to manuver around these people when getting on or off, cause they're totally oblivious to the fact that they're swinging this large bag around.

The title was attempting to capitalize on the "Pants on the Ground" meme, however I was a bit late in getting this post out. The reference is late but the content is still relevant.

I know when placing you bag on the ground you run the risk of picking up germs on departure. I tend to keep my bag between my legs held right above my ankles, thus reducing the germ count. Of course this will be a different story with a bigger bag. The main point, be aware and courteous.

Happy commuting.

]]>3Dhttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010/2/28/3d.htmlDwayne2010-02-28T16:15:47Z2010-02-28T16:15:47ZThanks to James Cameron and a slew of other movies 3D technology is back and better than ever! I personally don't mind watching a movie in 2D but do venture to the local IMAX for a blockbuster hit or two that I think is worthy of a more immersive experience. Television makers have taken notice of the THREE DEE MANIA and have promised 3D capable sets within the year. There's just one problem with al this. Many of these TV sets, just like their big screen counterparts require glasses to see the 3D effect, and these snazzy lenses aren't cheap either. I think the cheapest run for about $40 bucks a pop with the average being $60.

Now watching TV has been traditionally a lazy activity, with the participant putting in very little effort other than using the remote. I don't want to add another step to this process and I really don't want to spend extra money. Also I already wear glasses and it will be silly to put on another pair  just to enjoy a novelty. This is also why I don't care too much for 3D movies when I come out. At the moment I don't have contacts and don't plan on getting any for the eventual trip to a 3D movie.

Another problem arises when you have large families. Paying 40-60 bucks person (cause you know each kid has to have one) is asking a lot for a family on a budget. There was one manufacturer (I can't remember which) that said they can create a 3D effect sans glasses, which would be awesome if they could pull it off. I also think another company (maybe even the same one) stated they can make a TV where one person can watch in 3D and another in 2D, which will be just bananas.

]]>Early to Bedhttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2010/2/1/early-to-bed.htmlDwayne2010-02-01T23:55:52Z2010-02-01T23:55:52ZThe Only Way To Flyhttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2009/12/26/the-only-way-to-fly.htmlDwayne2009-12-26T18:10:27Z2009-12-26T18:10:27ZSo this past week a 23-year-old Nigerian man with ties to Al Queda attempted to ignite an explosive device onboard a US-bound Delta Airlines flight. Apparently he had a pillow stuffed under his shirt and when he was spotted by passengers trying to ignite the device they subdued him until authorities came on the scene.

Eventhough the security check is the least favorite part of flying (that and the pain of decompression) I am grateful that it's there. The increased security after 9/11 was desperately needed, but I now fear with every terrorist attempt to destroy our sense of security, we must increase our efforts to protect ourselves. And this may mean more invasive means of screening.

This terrorist passed through security with explosives under his clothes. This means whatever checks we had in place failed. Now i'm writing this after I've flown down to Florida for Christmas and for as long as I can remember I've yet to be patted down or asked to remove any other article of clothing other than my shoes when going through security.

I'm concerned more invasive means of screening will be come the norm in our future and cause more damage to an already weakened airline industry.

]]>Making Trackshttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2009/12/24/making-tracks.htmlDwayne2009-12-24T23:50:44Z2009-12-24T23:50:44Z

Ever since I was a little kid I've always disliked the snow. This is usually when I don't have to deal with it i.e. shovel it, drive in it etc. I think it's the additional chores snow creates that I disklike more. I recall my mother telling stories of how I would get upset when she would take me out in the snow. I saw an old pic of one of these outtings and i think my mood came from the fact that the snow was up to my chest.

This hoilday I won't be making tracks through the snow but enjoying some sun and warm temps in Orlando, FL. This will be my first Christmas in a warm climate and so far I'm enjoying it. Mostly because I don't have to deal with 17 degree weather. The change of scenery is nice but it will never replace a white christmas in New England.

Merry Christmas!

]]>Blindhttp://www.dwayneholder.com/blog/2009/12/15/blind.htmlDwayne2009-12-15T21:24:10Z2009-12-15T21:24:10ZYesterday I ran into the misfortune of breaking the frames of my glasses. Luckily I was able to run out to the closest LensCrafters and get a new set, however I had to work a little more than half of the workday without my glasses and proper vision.

The experience wasn't that traumatic, in fact it was kinda interesting. I'm one of those people who have to wear my glasses all the time and roaming the streets of Boston and trying to function normally made me realize just how blind I really am. Everyday things like reading signs, typing on the computer ( typed this w/out my glasses) and even looking people in the eye proved to be a challenge since people's faces are blurry unless they get with a few feet of me. If I were to see a friend on the street I probably won't recognize them unless they called out my name.

The temporary loss of my glasses gave me a new appreciation for my vision and mainly because I'm a geek with videogames and computers being my passion. Also with the addition of photography to that list I can't afford to have interruptions in my sight. I think I should purchase a back up pair of frames just incase.

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