How to Yourself

Blog Topics - What Shall We Write About?

2012-01-23T08:08:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! We have a long list of topics to start wriging, however we thought we would take today to ask what you would like us to write about? Let us know in the comments below!

-Mr. White

Hey guys, Mr. Black here wondering what you would like us to write about. We have been so appreciative of the large number of views and followers that we decided to give you the stage. Here is your chance, decide what Life in Black and White writes about next!

-Mr. Black

Ways We Embrace Our Audience

2012-01-22T04:30:00.000-08:00

As promised, we would like to write about how we captivate our audience which has allowed us to bring in over 12,000 views in such a short time. I find many of my peers often ask me how I have such a well established social game, and in professional situations, how I am able to speak clearly and concisely, driving the point home. I had a few people go so far as to say, "(Mr. White) can talk himself into, and out of any situation he likes." I find that my actions come naturally, but I will attempt to describe my thought process when capturing my audience.

Attention to Detail: I find that many people who are giving speeches, briefings, presentations, or just conversing often stray too far from the topic at hand. You must remember that your audience wants the information, and will loose interest if you do not remind them what you are talking about. You can help yourself stay on topic with index cards, power point presentations, and other tools to remind you the topics and sub-topics you are working on delivering to your audience.

Repetition: I touched on it in my previous point, but stating it again better proves the truth behind this. Repetition is needed in any form of conversation, speech, presentation, or otherwise. This is because as humans, it has been scientifically proven that we retain information with repetition. Remember to include a proper introduction and closing, giving your information in a logical, linear manner.

Practice: As a final tip, practice. Practice makes perfect. I personally have never rehearsed a presentation, speech, briefing, conversation, or otherwise in my life. But I also never studied in school and achieved a 4.7GPA at the end of my high school career (AP classes pushed it passed 4.0). Though the above is true, I am not like most individuals. Practice is what is needed to become great at capturing your audience. If you know your material, it will flow naturally and there will be less interruptions in your dialogue.

Well guys, that's all for now. If you would like more tips and how-to's, please let us know in the comments below. I would be happy to include a new series of posts just on specific information such as this!

Have a great day!

-Mr. White.

When I have the spotlight (pretty much all the time), I never want to bore my audience. I feel obligated in a sense to make sure they enjoy my presence. I’ve had a few people ask how I am able to keep my audience interested in what I am doing or saying etc. Teachers were impressed during presentations. Friends were asking advice on how to keep their crush interested. My methods are simple.

Step one: Reason. There’s always a reason for your audience to be your audience, so make sure you keep that reason alive.

Step two: Emotion. Whether it be laughter or sadness, conveying emotion helps your audience to relate to you, making them more interested in what you’re going to say next. Finally, last but not least,

Step three: The Element of Surprise. Everyone loves a good surprise whether they want to admit it or not. If you can catch someone off guard with a good surprise, you’ll have them hooked! These aren’t the only steps/ways to keep an audience. Just my main important ones. Of the many other resources, insanity being the most fun ;)

-Mr. Black

Over 12,000 Views!!!

2012-01-21T14:30:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys! Just wanted to give a shoutout as we have broken the 10,000 mark. We are setting a great pace and are proud that you have all found us.

Thanks for the support!

-Mr. White

Hello our loyal folllowers. Just wanted to leave a quick note and thank you all for letting us break 12,000 viewso n our website! Tomorrow we will be doing an article on our ways of speaking with this great audience.

-Mr. Black

How I Use Facebook

2012-01-21T05:53:00.000-08:00

Facebook, oh what a wonderful idea that has gone so far from what it started as. I use Facebook to keep in touch with old friends. I used to be on that thing all the time back in high school as my main social gateway when IM-ing and phone calls weren't an option. I find as time goes on, however, that I have really gone away from my extensive use of the site.

I have a Facebook profile with all of the people I have ever met that I thought I may want to talk to again. I have a fan page for this blog. That's about it. I don't play Mafia Wars, FarmVille, or any of those apps. I don't talk to people on there unless they talk to me first or I need advice. What happened!?

What happened to Facebook that I no longer use it really? Was it just a plain lack of interest now? All I know is Facebook is probably one of the most popular sites around, and I rarely use it now as I grow older.

-Mr. White

Facebook, the number one social networking site used by millions throughout the world. It started out as a way to keep connected with family and friends without all the bullshit of Myspace. But now, it seems as it has went to far trying to increase the level of interaction available. I don’t wanna take care of your fucking cow, or give you some fucking seeds for you crops. I don’t give a damn about your FARMVILLE! Simple as that. Poker? Maybe a few time a month. I don’t get many chances to have a poker night with the guys anymore, so this has become a great substitute. However, I don’t send requests to all of my friends, asking to give me more chips. I leave them alone! If they wanted to be playing it, they would be already (most likely). I personally use facebook to see what’s going on in the world around me. When they found and killed Osama Bin Laden, I learned about it FIRST through facebook. One of my friends had posted about it. But on a more personal level, I use it to stay connected with friends and family. I am constantly working and rarely have time to chat on the phone with pals anymore.So now when so and so gets a new tattoo... I have a way to know about it, without having any direct contact. I also use facebook to share things about me with friends and family. If I suddenly get called on duty for work, I post a quick message saying so. It eliminates the chance of a thousand and one text messages and voicemails asking me where I am, and why aren’t I picking up my phone. Facebook - a way of life. But it’s not a cult.

-Mr. Black

What Can Star Wars Teach You About Life?

2012-01-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

In a galaxy far far away.........but is it really that far from reality? I have often thought of myself as an amateur movie critique and amateur philospher; Today I will attempt to combine the two. The Star Wars Saga is well known by all, but what life lessons can we learn from the epic tale?

Star Wars has many life lessons to be learned. The most obvious of these is the difference between good and evil and the way evil can tempt you. This is of course portrayed in the Light and Dark Sides, with a struggle between the power in the force.

We also learn how to deal with our emotions. Yoda reminds Luke multiple times that he must relax his mind while training to learn to use the force and while destroying the Death Star.

Finally, we learn the concept of blood being thicker than water. Darth Vader, a man who far off into the Dark Side changes his ways to be forgiven by his son, Luke. He protects Luke by killing the Emperor and sacrificing himself for his kin.

When you think of life lessons, you probably do not think of the Star Wars Saga, but I do.

-Mr. White

Star wars, the classic movie full of cliches and wondrous battles between the light and dark side. With six movies in the series, have any of you ever thought there were lessons to be learned? Lesson one: little green guy with a glow stick, get on his good side! But on a more serious side, I see 2 (possibly 3) moral lessons that one could learn and better themselves with.

1.) In the battle of good vs. evil, the members of the good team have an endless supply of optimism. And with the rightly motivated person leading you, the possibilities are endless. It always helps to have good source of motivation if you want to do anything in life. While the nice guy may finish last, everyone is saving their cheers for him.

2.) "Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil": In episode 3, Anakin Skywalker has count dooku at his knees and 2 lightsabers to his neck. While considering that the battle was over and most likely going to let dooku stand trial, the chancellor tells him to kill him! "Kill him [...] kill him now [...] do it." Even though he proceeds to behead the count, Anakin knows that he shouldn't. At one point he even say "I shouldn't." The moral: life is going to throw a lot of temptations at you to do things you know you shouldn't. But you have to really think about what you're doing, or you can end up making the wrong choice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhmdoI0wYC0&feature=related

3.) As referred to in the intro... big things come in small packages! Master Yoda FTW!

-Mr. Black

Reincarnation, into the Past?

2012-01-19T04:40:00.000-08:00

What happens after we die? Is there life after death? (Try to break in my house at night if you want to find out). But seriously, this is an age old question. Every culture has their own belief, but who's is the right one? Does it all depend on your religion. Do Buddhists get reincarnated, while catholics become angels? Now as Mr. White was suggesting, what is reincarnation isn't absolute? What if you're next life possesses just one or a few aspects of the current you? There is a part of me, that wants heaven to be a real place. Everlasting paradise? Who wouldn't?? Or if the saying, "dust to dust" was accurate, I wouldn't mind that either. What I don't want to happen is to come back as a person less fortunate than I am now. I would hate to come back as a Jewish person during the holocaust, or a black guy during slavery, or ANYONE prior to 2005. Im so used to the way of life the way it is now. Im sure I would have no recollection of the world today if I was to be reborn 100 years ago, but still

-Mr. Black

New Posts and New Banner Designs!

2012-01-19T00:42:00.000-08:00

Hey Guys! Check out our brand new design and banner! Banner is courtesy of a friend of mine and the layout here is just some fancy HTML work.

From now on, we hope to bring you both sides of the story in one post so you can see our thoughts in one location.

-Mr. White

Hey Viewers, I wanted to touch base on what Mr. White said too. We have a new banner and layout for posts.

Hope that you like it, please leave us some feedback!

-Mr. Black

What if: The Matrix Was Real? Part 2

2012-01-18T05:08:00.000-08:00

I'm sure everyone that has seen the matrix series has thought about this. Really, aren't we all just a little blind of the world around us? Im sure there are a lot of things that we are part of which we entirely oblivious to. If you think about it.The matrix could have a hidden meaning. You take a one pill, everything is normal. Don't trouble yourself with the problems that exist. Take another pill, you are introduced to the real world. A world where struggle is almost promised, but you have a purpose. Work, fight for a better life. Could taking pills be symbolic for doing drugs? Honestly as dumb as it sounds, think about it. Taking the first pill, IS in fact doing drugs. Taking the second pill ISN'T doing drugs

-Mr. Black

Reincarnation, or Just Food for the Plants?

2012-01-17T05:57:00.000-08:00

I have often thought of reincarnation and the possibilities of it existing. Many believe that they have lived past lives and their life is just a cycle, where if they do good in life, their next one will be better; and of course if they do bad, then their next life will suffer. Now, I don't want to go so far as to say I was a full blown Human before, but let's take a look at the possibility of this.

When you die, you are buried into the ground. Most of us are buried in a coffin and are laid to rest. Now, lets fast forward a bit. As that coffin decomposes and your body does inside of it, what do you think is decomposing it? Small organisms, that's what, and this is the basis of my theory.

When those organisms decompose our bodies, they are gaining nutrients themselves to live, grow, and eventually die. Part of my body is now used to potentially be in part of that organism. This organism will die, enriching the soil with these same nutrients, a part of me. That soil will eventually have some form of plant life, be it dandelion, grass, tree, or otherwise. This plant will eventually be eaten, cross pollinated, or otherwise. The cycle continues and eventually it becomes some form of food that a human consumes. That human has a child.

Now, there might not be much of me left, but if you think about it, there is a part of me in that newborn child.

What do you think of that society? Maybe its not full-blown reincarnation, but it sure does make you think.

-Mr. White

What if: The Matrix Was Real?

2012-01-16T08:57:00.000-08:00

Imagine, the world we are living in is just a dream. In reality, we are just fodder living inside of a program. A program designed to keep us satisfied and not ask questions, while our true selves are being harvested.

Scary thought no? When the Matrix came out, I couldn't believe what I was watching. I have had this thought so many times before (well, maybe not robots harvesting our bodies for energy), but never had it come through so clearly.

I can see the idea of the Matrix being a reality today. If you take a look around, we really are just mindless drones, walking around with our daily routine. Any great achievements come from those who are able to see the bigger picture on life. We are born, we learn, we work, we die. Hasn't anyone else found this to be a strange cycle? Working towards the inevitable death?

I love the idea of the Matrix because I think it gives a reality check to society today. We all need to take a deeper understanding on life, enjoy what we have, and attempt to free our minds from the "Matrix" that life has us stuck in.

-Mr. White

Sleeping In - Part 2

2012-01-15T06:47:00.000-08:00

Sleeping in. The single greatest feeling one can get when nothing else is going right in the world. Sleeping in means one of two things: First, you are an extremely hard worker and you have been blessed with this chance to catch up on the thing that you feel you have been deprived of for a while. The second is that you are extremely lazy and have nothing to do. Ladies and gentlemen, if you have reached this point in your life… you need to get your ass out of bed. Takes this time of uselessness to get in shape or do something productive! But please, for the love of God, if you’re not doing something with your life, start!
-Mr. Black

New Domain, Life in Black and White

2012-01-14T22:44:00.001-08:00

Hey All, just wanted to let you all know that if you would, please change any bookmark or saved links to our NEW DOMAIN!

http://www.life-in-black-and-white.com/ is in Business!

Thanks to you all for letting us grow and grow!

-Mr. White

Favorite Animal as a Pet - Part 2

2012-01-14T07:06:00.000-08:00

Favorite animals as a pet? I’d have to go with gorilla. I would have him wear a tall t-shirt and go with me where ever I went. He’d always ride shotgun in my car. At a red light, the next car over pulls up alongside of me and the driver’s mind is blown! Can you imagine the kind of reaction I would get from having a giant gorilla walking down the street with me? (On his fists mind you). Walking into Walmart would cause a lot of smiles, expressions of fear, and of course confusion.

-Mr. Black

Moving!

2012-01-13T11:03:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to let you all know that Mr. White will be moving on the first of the month. We should still have content daily so please do not be upset if I miss a day!

-Mr. White

1,000 Views!

2012-01-12T07:34:00.000-08:00

Last night around 10:30pm PST we hit 1,000 Hits! Just wanted to give a big shout-out to all of the followers and viewers of our blog and thank each one of you. Omni, this wouldn't happen without you. To everyone else, thank you as well and sorry for not giving each a shout-out!

Here's to many more milestones!

-Mr. White & Mr. Black

Privacy Policy

2012-01-11T22:33:00.000-08:00

Please note that there is a privacy policy now posted on this website. You can read it here. If you do not agree with these terms, please exit the website as it applies on all pages.

Thanks!

-Mr. White & Mr. Black

Midnight Post

2012-01-11T00:36:00.001-08:00

Well, its just past midnight and I thought I would drop in to see what you all think about in the middle of the night? Personally, as soon as I lay down my mind begins to think of the hundreds of things I need to get done. I also remember all of the things forgotten in the day. Some of my best ideas come from late night "sleep thoughts," however I never seem to remember them in the morning.

Have any of you had problems sleeping due to your mind's activity?

Let me know below!

-Mr. White

Sleeping In

2012-01-10T08:01:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Today I wanted to express my opinion of those who sleep in all day. We all know someone who sleeps till 1pm or 2pm, but is this really healthy? I personally have never been able to sleep past 9am, no matter how late I am up or how tired I am, 9am my body says "no" and wakes me up.

I had a friend in high school that would sleep roughly 14 hours a day. That is insane and ridiculous. How are you to get anything done in the day if you sleep it all away? Sleep as it is, takes away a third of your day with the recommended 8 hours. Sure it may "feel nice" to sleep an extra hour or two and I'm not saying its not needed, but sleeping till noon? 1pm? 3pm? 4pm? Why!?

-Mr. White

What's Your Favorite Animal for a Pet?

2012-01-09T06:35:00.000-08:00

So I was bored the other day thinking about all the crazy things we could write opinions about and came to this,
What type of pet would I have if it could be any animal?"

Now this has many lead-ins so I'll attempt to keep it brief, but I am curious, what would you choose? Would it be something presently alive? Something from the past? Something of fiction and fantasy? This was my thought pattern and finally, I came to the following:

If I could have any animal as a pet that is alive today, it would be a Tiger. Why, how badass would it be to say I have a tamed tiger in my house?

If I could have any extinct animal, it would be a tamed T-Rex named T-Bone. Why? I would find it hilarious to pull into work on the back of my Dino....

Finally, if I could have any mystical creature, it would of course be a dragon. Why? Well, who doesn't want a fire-breathing reptile that guards gold.

What would you choose?

-Mr. White

New Template!

2012-01-08T22:27:00.001-08:00

Just wanted to let you all know that I added a new template to the site, make things look a little nicer on the eyes. What do you think?

10 Reasons to Move Out of Your Parents' House - Part 2

2012-01-08T07:21:00.000-08:00

Well, let’s see.

1.       Freedom; when you are no longer owned by the people that have supported you your whole life, there is a certain weight lifted off of your shoulders.

2.       Complete Control of Personal Life; Have you ever heard the phrase, “Who’s the boss?” Well, if you move out of your parent’s home… You can now answer that question with a “Me.”

3.       Life Enhancement; So easy a caveman say it. “Me love life, because me no live with mama.” Be your own person. Live and enjoy life!

4.       Social Life; That awkward moment when you wanna bring that cute person you met at the bar home for the night. Let’s face it, we all wanted to have a bad-ass party growing up. Not everyone had the cool parents.

5.       Non Conformity; ever wanted to let that loud burp out, but afraid your relatives would condemn you? Let it out.

6.       Music; (This is my personal favorite) If I choose to listen to music really loud!!! It doesn’t have to be appropriate. It can be whatever the hell I want!

7.       Chores; I personally am a very OCD/Anal person. I like a clean home. But that doesn’t mean I have to do everything at a certain time!

8.       Sleep; Snooze Button of Life. Nuff’ said

9.       Space; Ever just wanna get away? Well, if you’re on your own. That’s simple.

10.   Food; I’ve always hated how I never got to pick what cereal we got, or what kind of drinks we had.

There’s no doubt that a few of these go hand in hand, and complement each other. But that’s the benefit of moving out of your parent’s home.

-Mr. Black

Tomorrow's Another Day

2012-01-07T23:58:00.000-08:00

11:57pm Local...

As today ends, tomorrow begins. Look for part two of the popular "10 reasons to move out of your parents' house" thread tomorrow morning from my associate, Mr. Black! Hope you enjoy the difference of opinions!

10 Reasons to Move Out of Your Parents' House

2012-01-07T10:00:00.000-08:00

I'm getting ready to move in with my fiancée, and I realized there are some GREAT reason to move out of the old parents' house.

1. Individual Freedom/Personal Space
     I need my personal space. I hate that my parents feel that since they own the house, I can be 20 and they will still walk in and do what they want in my room when I'm gone.

2. Chores/Nags
     Chores, who likes them? Why is it that after a 12 hour work day, the first greeting I get is "clean the bathroom, I saw its getting messy." Why the hell are you in there anyway? See point 1.

3. Significant Other
     Whether its a fiancée, girlfriend, boyfriend, or just a one night stand, we all know that having them over with your parents around is tough. Let yourself have that person over without someone barging in (see 1st Point).

4. Self-Esteem
     Having your own place is a confidence booster. It gives you more self-esteem because you know that you are on your own and are truly an adult. It's one of the stepping stones in life.

5. Social Game
     First, see point 3. What if its not someone your trying to hook up with. You just want the guys over or your girlfriends over. Do you really think you can play beer-pong or watch the game or do whatever the hell you want to do with your parents around. Hell no you can't.

6. Health
     Let's face it, you can probably be healthier alone. Without as much money to spare, you won't be using your electricity bill on video games all night. You will be out more, exercising, choosing what you want to eat instead of the fattening food mom gives you, and more. I know personally that when I moved back in with my folks after being gone for a year and a half I put on 20lbs.

7. No More Awkward Silences
     You're watching a comedy, an adult joke is brought up. Do you smile or laugh? Do your parents give you that awkward look like, "Hey how do you know what that means?" Do I need to go further?

8. Music
     My dad is 61. He hates rap, rock, hip-hop, and pop. I hate that I can't have my music playing loud because its uncut and I'm sick of him getting pissed that I listen to "that crap." Sorry Dad, I don't want to listen to do-wops and 50s music all day.

9. Holidays
    You can finally choose where you want to be during the holidays and it doesn't HAVE to be with your parents. No more guilt trips about "oh your going out this Christmas?" or "I thought New Years was with us?"

10. Sleep Wherever You Want, Whenever You Want
     Ah, finally we come to number 10. I don't like sleeping in my room all the time. Sometimes I want to pass out on the floor or couch. Sometimes I want to sleep all day. Why can't I do this at my parents' house? Well, at least on your own you can do this when and where you want.

What are you reasons for moving out?

-Mr. White

More coming soon...

2012-01-06T08:46:00.000-08:00

Some of our upcoming topics are going to be things such as:

What you do when life sucks.

Who to hire for lawn services.

How do you define normal?

And many more...

What would you like us to write about?

Organized Religion vs. Spirituality

2012-01-05T09:18:00.000-08:00

Organized religion is something that falls under much criticism by those who believe their own individual spirituality is enough. The same can be said for the opposite side, where individuals are seen as lost souls, and not truly being "saved" by most large religious based societies. I believe that religion should be your own faith put forth in whichever manner you feel fits.

If you find yourself spiritually in touch with yourself, that is all you need. Does one truly need to be part of a group of people to be labeled, “saved.” Can’t one reach their own solitude on their own by living a good moral life as they see fit, treating others well, and having a belief that keeps them going each day?

As Gary Busey once said, “Organized religion is to scare those before going to hell. Spirituality is for those that have already been there.” I truly believe this statement. Organized religious groups seem to exist merely to scare those in their present lives. True spirituality comes from when you know what being down is, and you have faith that you will be picked back up.

-Mr. White

Throughout the history of mankind, religions have sprouted and branched off in all directions. With all claiming to be the organization with the “right” ways of connecting with God, they all seem completely different. Yet, they all have similarities. All religions revolve around a higher power and they all begin with someone believing they were contacted by God to convey his ways.

The more recently founded religions such as the Church of Latter-day Saints and Church of Flying Spaghetti Monster are constantly belittled due to the lack of historical support and evidence. However, all religions are truly guilty of lacking evidence. Religion “guides” such as the Bible, or the Quran, were written hundreds of years after the stories it consists of actually occurred. Is it safe to question if the telephone effect has come into play here? Could the Holy Bible be any less reliable due to the chance that it may or may not have been composed of stories lost in translation? Have you ever played telephone in grade school? The teacher starts with, “I ate a banana for breakfast” and comes back as “I hate bananas.”

Is an individual’s belief of a higher power as valid as a belief as widespread throughout the world such as Christianity? Just because not everyone agrees, doesn’t make it any less true. Without proper evidence that proves one religion more accurate than another, what give any of them the right to belittle others beliefs? If you think about it, all religions started out with one guy’s belief. Still, the question remains. Can an individual’s belief be as arguably valid as a belief shared by millions of people? Well, I feel that the answer is yes. I personally have created my own religion. I believe in “God” or a “higher power” but I don’t believe that he/she/it had a set way for me to live. If they had, I would’ve heard about it. There is no doubt, that we as humans would like something to believe in. For hundreds of years we have searched for such an answer, but there is nothing in the world that can prove any religion correct, or more correct than another. Faith is the only fuel for a religion. Faith is what keeps the idea of a religion alive in all of its followers. That’s why you will more likely get the question, “What is your faith?” instead of, “What is your religion?”

-Mr. Black