The Long Haul

Re: Regarding Our Decision Not To Blog Here Anymore

When analyzing the fall of any community, I personally find that one of the most important steps in a post-apocalyptic scenario is to figure out what exactly went wrong. So before diving headfirst into a "bloggers renaissance," I graciously took the time out of my busy, busy day (watching every episode of Archer and beating Portal 2 multiple times is no easy task) to figure out why we started this monstrosity in the first place and pinpoint the kinks in our otherwise flawless system.

It started as a pretty admirable task. Four young minds, deep into their college careers, coming together to share their individual perspectives on the fairly diverse worlds that surrounded them. Ray breaking down the finest of literary works, myself exploring a musical universe previously unheard by ears of suburban San Diego natives, Lance grinding his teeth on every byte the Informatics department at UCI could throw at him, but also many other bites, and Adonis with stick in hand beating opponent after opponent in a battle of Gods known more commonly as Super Smash Brothers. No one could predict what would come from this, but I think at the very least we were all optimistic.

An excerpt from Adonis' first coolkids post in December of 2007 reads "So far I like what I see, but really, a collaboration of the great minds of Lance, Ray, Nazer, and Adonis is simply UNSTOPPABLE." With words like that, we were ready to take on the world!

And so from there we went forward. Maybe it was the presidential election, or the writers strike, or maybe it was simply a love for the craft, but whatever it was, month after month we filled the minds of readers everywhere with original pieces of work on the topics that we cared most about. When searching through the Cool Kids archives, it was discovered that the tags we used most frequently were television (32) followed by Video Games (27), and then fatass (22). Following shortly afterward were lazy post (16), nerd boner (15), Barack Obama (14), and then the Chargers (13).

Some may call it garbage, but for a lot of people many of these posts could be crowned as real works of art. We even had a "Best of the Cool Kids" compilation, featuring our very best and most beloved posts.

But we quickly took a turn for the worse...

Our once glorious website that flourished with exciting and fresh content was now a desolate wasteland. Posts came weeks, even months apart at times, and our content struggled all the same. Quick posts about absolutely nothing flooded our internet roads, surveys were displayed as features, and old fans everywhere were screaming, yearning even for new content. It got so bad that Ray even wrote a post about our lack of posts! In the shadows people heard whispers of a revival, but nothing came out of that, until just recently when Ray found it in himself to make an attempt to "get the band back together."

So here I am, a sunny day in late April, dusting off the keyboard and flexing my blogger muscles in hopes that we truly will come together and rise to our previous state of greatness. I do have to wonder though, is this newly found fire something that could keep us going strong, or is this simply just a taste of the past from the burps of those heavy Easter meals we had? Only time will tell, but I have to ask you this, my cool kids brethren, are we ready to saddle up and go the long haul, or are we just tumbling, and tumbling, and tumbling along. Let me know if I should start packing my stuff.

Best,
- Nazer

Post Date TBD

My hands are full, but soon.


I promise.

Let's stay together...

RE: Regarding Our Decision To Not Blog Here Anymore

Dear Cool Kids and Cool Kids family (i.e. Not so small talk), 

I'm writing this letter in hopes that this will get to you guys, someway, somehow. This is really hard for me right now, so I'll try and be brief. But I admit; I spent the past few hours outside, staring up at the night sky, with only the the stars to keep my company... Just now, I've been pacing back in forth in front of my computer, glaring at the screen, hoping this page would fill up with words by itself. But I'm here now, so I must finish what I started...

Ray, Nazer, Lance -- I know I had left you guys. Even worse, I left without saying goodbye. It was like a breakup without closure, or having some fun and not calling the next day, with no regard for your feelings at all. Yes, it was wrong of me; but I was young, stupid, immature, without any sense of what I was leaving behind.

But I had too... I had to get out of our relationship. I felt trapped. For too long, I felt like I bullshitted as a Cool Kid. We goofed off, made fun ourselves and joyfully hurt the ones we love. But I had to explore on my own, had to see the world, had to discover what was beyond the Coolest Kids in the Room, and grow up as a person, and also try and write more "seriously." Then the years went by, and I had moved on; a Cool Kid enjoying himself in self-imposed exile.

But really... it was all a facade. The supposed, newfound happiness was forced. There'd be nights where I'd toss and turn in bed, feeling miserable; alone, empty. I'd turn on my computer and load up coolkidsroom, going through the archives and looking back on old posts, constantly checking behind my back as if I was trying not to get caught. It was like re-reading old texts, or going through old pictures; reminiscing until the point where I had to close my laptop shut because the tears in my eyes would get too unbearable.

I miss it. The sarcasm, the randomness of topics, the clowning on homies, the bad ms paint pics, the bukkake, even the more relevant issues we wrote about; I miss it all. I miss what we all shared together, and I want it back. Just remember all the good times we've had. We can be great together, again. I just hope you can forgive me...

But I'll say, this indefinite hiatus of mine, is no more. This blog, The Coolest Kids in the Room, is where I'm meant to be. Like Ray said, "Being in a polyamorous blogging relationship with all of you was like something I've never felt before." I feel the same way. I want to be together again. I believe in second chances, but I'd like to believe as if we never broke up at all. We can work this out. Let's stay together.

We've all come so far:

"If you love something, set it free; if it comes back it's yours, if it doesn't, it never was..."

Please come back...

- Adonis

Happy First Birthday Coolkids

Exactly one year ago, four men with a hunger for writing and wittiness banned together to give the internet a piece of their minds. ADONIS, Just Ray, Nazer, and CommanderCacho started the blog entitled, The Coolest Kids In The Room, a no standard, no guideline, no shit place to express opinions. We've dealt with everything from frozen food to politics, with each individual contributing their own special blend of herbs and spices. Readers everywhere have raved about the massive overflow of content on the blog each day, and we've received oodles and oodles of fan mail, something we're all extremely proud of. Lets take a look at some data.


As you can see from the line graph above, we started out incredibly strong, with nearly a post a day. In March we peaked with a record of 41 posts, a most impressive accomplishment for bloggers everywhere. In the later months we drop a bit, and in September we only had a total of 7 posts. But that's okay because...


Over the months our coolness has increased exponentially. In the form of Rock Band multipliers, we've reached a 2048x multiplier of coolness, which in my book is pretty incredible.

So over the course of a year we've totaled 246 posts, and we're still going strong crawling along. We've gone through a slew of cosmetic changes, and our layouts are only improving over time. So thanks for the year guys, lets keep it going. And now for a more traditional entry.

School has been keeping me pretty busy. I'm finally diving deeper into the Film Scoring major, and that includes a LOT of writing (music) as well as learning applications on the computer. I'm surrounded by peers who love film and film music, and I have to say that I've heard some of the greatest music I've ever heard in my life this semester, not only from my peers but even from doing more in-depth research on some of my favorite scores. Projects range from scoring short scenes and doing analysis papers to sitting at a desk and just spilling whatever it is inside of our brains onto paper and hoping brilliant music comes out. It's incredibly difficult and daunting, but its seriously so much fun. For one of my classes, we have to make a mock up (a digital representation) of a minute or so of E.T. Digitally punching in notes for woodwinds, strings, brass, percussion, and so on. It's all really cool, and I'm definitely looking forward to my future semesters to just get more information and to get more work done.

I've also been one of the people at Berklee increasing awareness of Video Game music as a valid genre. The themes of video game music stick in peoples brains forever, and like film, it's an incredibly important component. A guest speaker came, and he stated that some people play WoW for nearly 30 hours a week. As they're playing they listen to music and sound effects in the game for 30 hours. Even for a favorite record, you probably don't listen to that for 30 hours a week, so that's all pretty interesting. I've been working with a few people on audio integration in games, and some of us have been talking to professionals about the importance of music, as well as technical aspects of it all. It's all pretty nerdy shit, but I'm pretty optimistic that by the time I graduate I'll have a good idea on music production in games.

I'm also part of Berklee's video game club band. It's a group of 7 of us, and we make all of our own arrangements. In March we're going to SF to play at the Game Developers Conference, so hopefully there we can get ourselves out there as composers, and meet a bunch of bigger names.

I've been following TV as usual. Pushing Daisies canceled, My Own Worst Enemy canceled, Dirty Sexy Money canceled, all unfortunate events. Heroes is trash, and if you disagree we can argue about it, but I continue to watch because I want it to get better. Bryan Fuller, who worked on Daisies, was a former writer on Heroes, so he's coming back there to help the show out, so hopefully it gets better in Volume 4. This weeks 30 Rock was probably one of the funniest episodes I have ever seen. Some of the shows that have been consistently awesome are Dexter and Chuck, I look forward to them every week.

So I'll be home Friday the 19th at like 9:30PM. Can't wait to see everyone again, get some mexican food, and just chill out. I could probably go on forever, but this seems like a good place to stop. Time to make some food, PEACE

Talk Louder Muh Fucka

Nazer and I are the shit.





I think i might have killed the mood ahhhh well...look at erwin and lily's reaction in the background love it.

TEAM CACHO DEFEATS TEAM DONDON IN 5K OF EPIC PROPORTIONS

The Official Times:

Last month’s epic battle between Team DonDon and the evil Team Cacho resulted in a heartbreaking loss for the boys in orange and neon-green, with Lance and his cronies managing to avoid the upset as they narrowly defeated Team DonDon by 1 second.

Battered by injuries, distractions, and locker room malcontent, Team DonDon apparently could not hold things together during the much-anticipated 5k event, despite Olympic-esque efforts by all-star runners Judd “White Power” Judd and Lu “Flying High” Lu, both of whom finished with record times.

“They had no chance whatsoever,” Cacho muttered, as he bit down into his victory Ultimate Cheeseburger after the race. “There are winners and losers in life… and Team DonDon is a loser!”

The extended 1.5 mile stretch of the race proved disastrous for both teams however, as the course itself was littered with numerous fast-food establishments that kept both teams on their toes and their stomachs grumbling. 7-11, Jack-in-the-Box, McDonalds, Burger King, and In-n-Out became a common sight and a legitimate threat for runners attempting to maintain a steady pace.

“It was driving me crazy,” said Omar of Team DonDon. “Everywhere I’d run there’d be fast-food workers cheering me on, holding out water and telling me to take a break. I just couldn’t take it anymore.”

The $2 Ultimate Cheeseburger deal, combined with the unbearable heat, lack of preparation, and a poor outing by their Team Captain eventually led to Team DonDon’s downfall. Still, Judd remained optimistic, praising the team’s tremendous effort in the midst of such overwhelming odds.

“We thudave beatth thum.” he said.

Team Captain DonDon was apparently unavailable for comment following his team’s defeat. Teammates described him looking “heartbroken,” and “emo,” not even saying a word when times were announced. He was last seen headed to La Jolla Cliffs with a guitar in hand, blasting Daphne Loves Derby from his car as he drove off into the distance. His current whereabouts are unknown at the time.

insert *SHAMELESS PLUG* here

Reasons to go to STUDY JAM:
1. Just Ray will be performing.
2. Just Ray now talks about himself in the third person.
3. Its a fundraiser for an organization I'm now a part of called ANAKBAYAN SD which is fairly new in SD, but is a smaller organization that spawns from a larger org called BAYAN USA and there are multiple Anakbayans throughout the US.
4. It is free for you broke ass niggas but drop a dime or 2 for the cause.
5. You'll be able to say you did something other than SMASH,WOW,DOTA,homework,eat,etc.
6. I promise to have something memorized for a change.
7. Spoken Word PWNS
8.Just Ray will be performing if thats not enough reason than i don't know what to tell you fuckers.....
9. Oh and all the cool kids are doing it so you should to!
10. Maybe you'll have a spoken word BONER! (coined its done)

you might get to witness the anomaly that is my hand gestures as I spit


P.S. i will be making the cool kids first ever video blog for our trip to irvine/house of blues this thursday so look forward to that shit

They call him "Black Foot" because he probably has some Kenyan in him

Justin Judd proved the white man's supremacy over Asians by running a 5K with a bullshit extra half mile (closer to 3.6 miles than 3.1), a mixed gradient and a bullshit hill in around 24 minutes. I offer my sincere congratulations for this truly Kenyan-esque effort.


Either Adonis or myself will post full results and play-by-play soon.

TEAM DONDON IN TURMOIL!!

A Week in Review: Team DonDon in Training -

Despite being anchored by former Olympic-runner Judd Judd and the legendary Thunderdome, Team DonDon has found itself in much dire straits; especially with time running short before Saturday’s much-anticipated matchup against the evil Team Cacho. Distractions, injuries, and locker-room malcontent has left team captain DonDon with very little reason for optimism.

So far, Team DonDon’s training on and off the field has been nothing short of total bust:

Tuesday: Team meeting

After watching a variety of inspirational films including Free Willy and Save the Last Dance, several team members became distraught when the group couldn’t reach a consensus on what the team colors should be. Some even threatened to quit the team. “It better be purple or I’m not running!” exclaimed team member Omar. Neon green and orange ultimately won out, although many team members still remained bitter with the decision.

Wednesday: First day or training

Team member Tuanski sustained an apparent ankle injury while playing a game of Beer Pong. Not only did he break a team rule by participating in a non-running related activity, but his ailing ankle may land him a trip to the Disabled List, holding him out from Saturday’s matchup. He is listed as day-to-day.

Thursday: Second day of training

Even with Team Captain DonDon’s repeated attempts to get his team in marathon shape, a night planned for a 20-mile group run fails to materialize. Instead, many members took the night off and got drunk, getting full off of Mexican food, and ended up passing out in puddles of their own throwup. Captain DonDon struggles to prevent his team from spiraling more out of control.

Friday: Final Preparations

Team members once again fail to congregate and make one final attempt to prepare for the upcoming 5k. Captain DonDon eventually succumbs to the disappointment and total bust that is his team. Rather than getting a good night’s sleep, he sits at home brooding, typing up a ridiculous team report with only 3 hours left before D-Day. FAIL.

TEAM CACHO

I took the time to create profiles for all of my teammates so I can whore out interesting facts about other people than myself.

GIANT JEFF

Notable Accomplishments completely unrelated to running a 5k:

-Once ate an entire family meal for of four.

-Also, eats slices of pizza like they are potato chips.

THE FULL NELSON

Notable Accomplishments:

-dates a white girl.

STEROYD FLOYD

Notable Accomplishments:

-Once stayed out past his bedtime, and snuck back home without getting in trouble.

-Carries the realest fake ID I've ever seen.

-Only person to ever have sex inside a High School Musical sleeping bag. Even if it was with himself.

AIR Jo-DEN

Notable Accomplishments:

-He is the only multi-lingual runner on the team. He's fluent in English and Vietnamese (orders PHO like a PRO), but his native language is Jibberish.

-Didn't ask Pikachu and Chimcar to take a picture with him. Pikachu and Chimcar asked Jordan to take a picture with them.

SUKA-DOODOO DREW

- Only person I know who can wear a Newsies outfit, cross his legs like a woman, hold a tea cup and saucer like its circa-1900, AND PULL IT OFF LOOKIN LIKE A STUD.

-Only person I know who has THROWN UP and SHAT at the exact same time. I call it the suka-doodoo special.

-Threw away a promising basketball and football career for a promising fantasy basketball and football career.

-Pick him first for a pickup basketball or football game and he will be the best player on the court/field for three plays, then go home early to throw up in his toilet.

Cool Kids in Training!

Join Team Cacho!
Join Team DonDon!

RE: Carlsbad Shmarlsbad

Contrary to popular belief, the guys at coolkidsroom can do more than sit on their asses and rant about social affairs and fast food… O.k., maybe that does pretty much sum us up, but this weekend will change all that.

On Saturday morning, you’ll find cool kids and friends among a crowd running in the San Diego County NAMI Walks 2008 event.

That’s right, we’re running the city. Approximately 3.1 miles worth. Yes, three miles does sound fucking far, but Lance has proven more than capable of covering such a distance, and of course, its all for a good cause – NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) works to support those individuals and their families affected by mental illnesses through research and raising awareness.

To spice thing up competitively, we’re splitting up into two teams; Team DonDon vs. the evil Team Cacho. The team with the lowest combined times will be deemed victorious and superior to the other. Let the best team win!

Despite being the underdog, Team DonDon features several renowned all-star runners to help even out the scale:

Judd Judd.

The "newest" contributor to coolkidsroom, Judd recently turned down an invitation from Team China to run for them in the upcoming Summer Olympics. Rather, the notion of destroying Team Cacho proved to appealing of an offer to pass up. Some say Judd has even ran non-stop across the entire Oklahoma countryside while bare-foot.

“Lanthce doesenth sthand a chantsce againsthh us!”

Thunderdome.

Also running for Team DonDon is R-Kwan, aka the Thunderdome himself. Always a force to be reckoned with, his lightning speed is as legendary as his nickname. Even in his younger years, the Thunderdome’s trademark bowl-cut could always be seen leading the pack during P.E. class.

(R-Kwan was unavailable for comment.)

The stakes are high, and so will my run time be. Nevertheless…

“I SEE PRIDE! I SEE POWA! I SEE A BADASS MOTHA, WHO WONT TAKE NO CRAP OFF NOBODY!!” – The Cool Kids from Cool Runnings


Join Team Cacho!
Join Team DonDon!