The Life & Times

Good advice

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 02:35:25 GMT

A man will treat you according to what he sees you'll allow. What you need to understand is that it is never too late or too early to change; even if you've been mistreated, you can still do something about it.
Masi: Good advice is hard to come by these days. The constant altering of denotations nowadays often distort an individuals true perspective and message. Even though this particular batch of wisdom doesn't pertain to me at all, I'm going to post it anyway.

"Trust me, ladies, I understand that you're human and in need of affection and intimacy. But what I also understand is that in this sexually adventurous age, we spend most of our sexual life on people who do not truly love us. The act of loving is so much deeper than most of us realize or ever experience. It is not just an emotion but also a way of being. It is a decision, a vow. If you don't make a decision about the value you place on yourself and your emotions, you can and probably will be violated somehow. I'm not trying to make it sound like you're the reason for the bad behavior of the men in your life. That is certainly not true. Some people just aren't good people, no matter what you do or who you are. But if you pay attention and are thinking clearly, you'll be able to spot a person like this a mile away. If you are not so desperate, so lacking in self-confidence, empowerment, and worth, then you should be able to sift through the men who do not mean you well. Even the most duplicitous people cannot hide their intentions for long. There are always some indications, if your awareness is heightened. It's up to you to vet the men who come into your life. Don't be afraid to ask honest questions. If he runs off as a result of being interrogated, then he probably has something to hide. Ask about his past relationships. Pay close attention to how he deals with his mother, sisters, ex-girlfriend, ex-wife, and his children. Does he keep his word? What kind of reputation does he have? All these things speak to the character of an individual. Make sure your eyes are open. Heed all the signs. So many of us carry youthful gullibility into adulthood, leaving room for gross misjudgments and titanic mistakes that can easily set us back years."

The M.I.K.E. System

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:19:40 GMT

Masi: Inspired by an episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" I have come up with a four step, fool-proof, comprehensive approach to seduction that I have perfected in my head over the past five minutes. First, lets take a look at Dennis' system.

The D.E.N.N.I.S. System:
D - Demonstrate your value
E - Engage physically
N - Nurturing dependence
N - Neglect emotionally
I - Inspire hope
S - Separate entirely

This approach is funny on its own when presented to the audience due to great acting and hilarious situations, however, I had to pause the show and consult my roommate to truly establish the thin film of ingenious layering this whole method. This plan can really work and not necessarily be restricted to specific settings.

I enjoy when things make sense. I also enjoy when things are simple. Those two statements being said, I thoroughly enjoy when more convoluted principals and variables (like physics and women) are broken down to a specific art or science. Hence my interest in this particular episode and the creation of... the M.I.K.E. system.

Step 1: Manufacture a facade. Determine what you've gathered to be a females perception of a perfect boyfriend. When all else fails, just think stereotypical. Storybook relationships often include a male to be caring, compassionate, selfless, trusting, faithful, honest, sincere, deep and devoted (yeah, women want a lot, and that's not including physical features).

Step 2: Illustrate your value. You may think developing the aforementioned characteristics would take a lifetime, and you may be right, but portraying and actually possessing are two separate concepts. This image can be easily rendered through validating a series of expressed and implied attributes. Signify your tacit romanticism through kind gestures and body language (open doors for her, offer her gum and make her feel comfortable). These courtesies will imply a chivalrous and considerate lover.

Since females confide in words exceptionally, through an everyday one-on-one colloquy you may show your expressed attributes. This is where lying and/or lying by omission for the sake of your facade come in handy. When appropriate in conversation, make up stories about the romantic escapades you lead in previous relationships, entrust her with a made up half embarrassing secret about yourself and relate to her as much as possible of course leaving a complimenting contrast to show your uniqueness and individuality.

I guess if you really want to raise the bar... fake a phone conversation with a crippled, dying, grandmother.

Step 3: Kindle hopes. At this point she believes there is a mutual feeling and therefor accepts any meager attempts of thoughtfulness as a bout of attention. Display an amalgam of small cards, whimsical trinkets, baubles, text messages and surprises all whilst keeping an aesthetic distance. Some may go as far as dropping the "L-bomb". In less than a weeks time, you should be ready to transition to the next and final step.

Step 4: Elicit sexual behavior. Of course, sanction an appropriate time and place and the rest is downhill. From here you can do as you wish. Continue for as long as you can keep said facade or develop and exit strategy to avoid having your true intentions compromised.

There you have it; the M.I.K.E. system.

M - Manufacture a facade
I - Illustrate your substance
K - Kindle hopes
E - Elicit sexual behavior

*Note that this "fool-proof" method has not been personally tested and scrutinized but rather conjured from 3rd hand observations and assessments. My morals simply won't let me partake in such behavior, but if you're not above lying and maliciously conniving, by all means, use my method.

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 07:05:04 GMT

Masi: So what started out as a joke is actually going to become a long term goal for me. I'm going to hold a girlfriend camp, if you will. I will teach, train and acclimate females to an appropriate lifestyle of an acceptable girlfriend.

Seriously, think about how hard it is to find depth in a woman? Usually where a female is profuse in one area of attraction, she lacks in another. However, after training, all females will be multifaceted and versatile. They will be entrenched with confidence as we discharge the shortcomings that used to hinder their social lifestyle.

Amongst the laundry list of quirks that I'll be aiming to expel are:

Social misques
Hiding behind a visage
Unrealistic expectations
Rashness in arguments
Overthinking
Assuming the worst
and
Insecurities in general

This by no means is an attempt to create a mold of my image of "perfect". Even though that wouldn't be much to ask for, it is not my intent. I'm simply providing a resource for females to utilize at their own will in an attempt to become a better suited.

Only the question remains; do I want to make the world a better place, or do I enjoy living as a male chauvinist amongst a sea of inferior, easily minipulated, insecure and socially retarded women, just too darn much?

How I handle a first date.

Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:43:21 GMT

Masi: Things I do prior to a first date depends greatly on where the date is and who I'm going with. First dates are not as cracked up as they are made to be. If coordinated correctly, it will be in a neutral/public setting with a set start and end time. For instance, a movie or the food court at the mall, both have predetermined end times yet can be extended to your liking. But ultimately, its nothing romantic and does not require much thought or preparation.

The short checklist I do evaluate before I embark would include, money (both cash and credit), gum and a sweater/jacket. Money is good to have on you just in case you decide to pay for her (that's when WHO you are dating comes into play). Gum is more than just a nice gesture, as it is a life savor after eating movie/mall food (popcorn, garlic bread, imitation Chinese food, pizza etc.) And finally, the jacket isn't for you. Females, especially in south Florida, like to wear as little as possible and flaunt their assets so when she inevitably gets cold you simply offer her one of your layers, or share it like a blanket.

Finally, I try not to put on a facade. I may appear a bit more smooth and prepared than I am most of the time, but I don't typically dress up or pretend I like everything she likes because these are things I certainly couldn't withstand throughout the tenure of the potential relationship. Being yourself is important, and taking into consideration that this person may be leading you astray with who they really are is equally as important. Because no matter who this person is, it is ESSENTIAL to not have the perspective that you are working your way up a ladder for her approval. In other words; "Don't put the pussy on a pedestal."

Rendered Speechless from a 16 year old Asian...

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 18:27:54 GMT

Random interesting conversation with a teenager from Japan... don't ask, I was playing a video game.

To [mina]: I have an idea there is a god... but If I have to put money on it , I would bet against it.
<0:8>From [Mina] : That is defined as "Agnostic Atheist". A person who thinks there may be a god but lives their life under the assumption there isn't.
To [mina]: There is a category for everyone nowadays.
<0:9>From [Mina] : If there is a God, my goodness will I be in the Darkest layers of his personal torture chamber
To [mina]: Considering said god is merciless.
<0:10>From [Mina] : He's either merciless or impotent
To [mina]: Haha, that's interesting.
To [mina]: So if there were a God, he would be cruel and punishing?
<0:11>From [Mina] : or genuinely Benevolent but unable to help
<0:12>From [Mina] : Well technically
<0:12>From [Mina] : the world isn't that cruel
To [mina]: How do you figure that he would be one or the other?
<0:13>From [Mina] : I wouldn't curse a God who allowed every law of physics, every law of nature, every logical cause-effect step to occur... it would be the same as there being no God
<0:13>From [Mina] : so, that kind of God is possible, but, it holds even less importance than one man.
To [mina]: I don't think the study of religion is focusing on the importance of God, that is more of a succeeding question after "Does he exist?"
To [mina]: So all in all, it would be useful to know there is a god, even if he is just an indifferent creator.
To [mina]: Well, useful for the people searching, at least.
<0:17>From [Mina] : comfortable may be a better term
<0:18>From [Mina] : belief in anything has that chance for dogma
<0:18>From [Mina] : And dogma stifles western culture like a brick on a bird

Signed, "The Away-message King"

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 20:08:44 GMT

Masi: Twitter is a great idea, but should be reserved for famous people with a sense of humor.

So females and Insects have something in common...

Tue, 25 Aug 2009 03:39:21 GMT

Masi: I heard a rumor about my ex a few months back and it was further reinforced last night. I still don't know what exactly the deal is but I still hope she's alright. I have zero business in this matter anyway.

On a lighter note, I found out that there are a such thing as oviparous insects! Yeah... I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me this afternoon, but a bug on my windshield was giving birth! Of course I hit the wipers and ended the life of what I thought was some freak insect of nature that should never be allowed to procreate.

According to this article I found, "We now know that some lay larvae and a few species actually give birth to small adult insects." There's more but my computer is not allowing me to copy and paste, so read up on it yourselves.

Happiness has a Monetary Value

Sat, 22 Aug 2009 19:09:13 GMT

Masi: Can money really buy happiness? I've heard all the arguments and I'm here to settle this once and for all.

The truth is, the answer is not as dichotomous as everyone says.

I consider myself not to be as materialistic as the next guy. My clothes are either hand-me-downs or free, my cell phone and computer are from circa 1990, I own not one piece of jewlery or colored ink stain on my body, and my car is falling apart as we speak. However, money can easily fix or replace the nimiety of nuisances that my clothes or technology impedes me with on a day-to-day basis. Would that make me happy? Of course! Is it a necessity? Not at all. Because happiness can be obtained a remainder of other ways. For instance, working out and maintaining my body is one way I keep myself content.

Some people may find it harder to be content with themselves or their current situation. In which case they may have to purchase their happiness. The only problem is; procured sanctity is short lived and there is only so much one may obtain. Also, you may habituate yourself to become happy only when you acquire something.

Either be happy or always wanting.

Don't hold your breath but...

Fri, 21 Aug 2009 01:03:01 GMT

Masi: If I ever win the lotto, chances are, you'll benefit too.

There would be a few major changes in my life besides the obvious immediate vacation to Vegas. For one, I wouldn't work, and I'll be damned if I do... well technically I don't work right now either so never mind that. Secondly, I would fix up the old Pub and purchase a liquor license to put every other local bar to shame around the UCF area. And lastly, I'm not gonna front, I would immediately discontinue schooling. I don't care if I graduated tomorrow, If I won the lotto tonight, you better believe I ain't walking. Not because I hate school (cause I don't), it would be out of pure carelessness and apathy.

That's honestly it. I would most likely still drive my Chevy, still live in the same apartment, and still eat frozen vegetables, rice, beans, canned food and any other cheap substitute for food you could possibly think of. Granted I don't have any financial advisers, the money I receive would most likely be poorly allocated and haphazardly disbursed. Knowing this about myself, I would delegate funds to friends and family just in case I decide to risk everything in a high stakes poker game or a drunken bet with someone more wealthy than me. And speaking of being drunk, that would be the case probably 70% of the time. I would have a lifetime supply of liquor stored away somewhere easily accessible. I would create a weekly holiday, recognized amongst my group of friends, similar to Coors night, dedicated to buying several bottles at a liquor store of something we've never had before.

All in all, winning the lottery would be bad for the soul. I would have zero ambition to learn or make money, so my vocabulary would slowly diminish and my work ethic would plummet. Not to mention the physical toll it would take on my body staying up till god-knows-when drinking till I can't feel my face. And I'm pretty sure, when its all said and done, no matter how low-maintenance I think I am, I'll run out of dough by the time I'm 45. However, it would be worth every minute, even if it means me being dead broke and begging afterward.

I'd be a good friend to have while it lasts, but...

...here's three reasons why you shouldn't hold your breath:

The odds - Against me to say the least.
Not a gambler - Once I made $20 on a cruise playing back jack and I never stepped foot into the casino again.
Luck - The most money I've ever found on the floor was 5 bucks... and I'm pretty sure it was mine.

How would you spend your money?

I hate computers.

Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:35:55 GMT

Masi: My roommate makes some pretty bold statements in the time he spends talking. But for someone who's not a profit, he gets a good percentage of them right. The other day he made this claim; "Mike Masi, you are going to be killed by a robot." Should I be scared? ...Yes. But is this something I wouldn't have guessed myself? No! It's just scary now that other people see it coming.

More Chemistry in my Life

Thu, 23 Apr 2009 00:50:29 GMT

Teacher: Sign up for my class and I'll give you an A.
Masi: Iunno man its a far drive for me.
Teacher: I'll tell you what, you don't even have to show up.
Masi: Can I randomly come in dressed as a superhero and ask irrelevant questions about the Spanish Armada?
Teacher: ...yes.
Masi: Okay I'm in.

Chise: Yo do you know anything about Chemistry?
Masi: Compared to whom?
Chise: A monkey.
Masi: ...does this monkey know how to use a calculator?
Chise: I'll pay you to do an online intro chemistry class for me over the summer.
Masi: I'm in.

Those two classes, plus the four I'm signed up for... should be an interesting summer.

"Prince Charming"

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:35:53 GMT

Masi: See, this is the problem with relationships these days. Each woman has their own image of perfect that they try to mold their significant other into. It bothers me that rather than looking at a man and liking what they see, they look at a man and search for his "perfect potential". Whilst that not seem like such a bad thing, it really is!

My last girlfriend was one of a kind. She really loved me for who I was, not for who she would like me to be. And even though I enjoyed that, it kinda ruins my rants on the female gender when one of my last companions does not fit the stereotype I write about.

If there are more women like her why don't they show their face? I think this is an age issue... something I have to be older to comprehend. That's always been the case in the past.

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 12:23:32 GMT

Masi: Spring break is over, now its time to step back into a whole different lifestyle. I'm kind of glad its over with though. Being recently single I get a little insecure, and when I'm drunk, I feel the need to look for female companionship. I tend to do things that are very uncharacteristic of myself and it scares me.

I knew there was a reason for my sub-par hand-eye coordination.

Tue, 10 Mar 2009 00:30:13 GMT

Masi: So... I'm developing a lazy eye. No joke. Now ain't that about a bitch? I've got an eye doctor appointment tomorrow. Cross your eyes for me.

Thats what she said.

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 05:38:46 GMT

Masi: I can do this forever.

Changes

Fri, 06 Feb 2009 16:17:38 GMT

Masi: I've become a very opinionated person. Not quite sure if I like it.

To Someone Special

Thu, 25 Dec 2008 18:21:31 GMT

Dear Jessica,

(If I wrote it now, I know it would not get to you in time. So here is a less tangible version of my Christmas card)

          When I speak to you on the phone everything seems ineffable. I have a hard time describing how I feel because I know that any one word I say can break your heart. So I am writing this card in an attempt to express my feelings. You have been a caring, considerate and selfless lover to me and I recently stopped appreciating everything you brought to the relationship. Finally accepting this reality hurts me so much but I know if I didn't do something about it now, I could lose you forever.

          I want you to know that you are one of a kind and the most amazing woman I have yet to meet. When I met you, you were a glimpse of hope for the infeasible female gender and since then you have influenced my life greatly and changed my perspective on love. You play a large part in the person I am today, and for that, I am grateful. I hope you have an amazing Christmas and New Years with your friends and family.

     Love,
          Mike

PS - I know you already booked your flight, but the invitation is always open to you if you want to visit any time, not just New Years.

Its very hard not to project blame

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 05:26:51 GMT

Everyone that I meet, even the slightest acquaintance, impacts my life to a certain degree. So it is safe to say that long relationships with friends and girlfriends have made a big chunk of who I am today. I have developed many good qualities over the years and was considered a great boyfriend and lover by many people from many perspectives. Today, however, I feel that now I am starting to work backwards.

I've recently been very careless with my relationship and subsequently very inconsiderate of Jess's feelings. I can think of millions of examples where I would work endlessly to give nothing short of the world to a girl and now I can't even find time to show my love to someone who happens to be much more deserving of it.

Either I am just not quite ready to be in this relationship, or our chemistry just wont allow it to work. I'm taking this break to find out. I do hope its the former.

How we know "Mother Nature" is not "Father Nature"

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:44:29 GMT

Masi: Nature has played a cruel joke on us men. We are given the urge, and women, the answer.

Although both sexes have the same urges, women can remain reserved and decent. Us males are given a source of pleasure, but in order to feel that pleasure, blood must leave the brain. It renders us confused, disoriented, and eager to enter into negotiation. The brain then needs the blood back so it can go to work and pay for all the things that it agreed to a few moments prior.

However, we can still do the deed... and you can't take a battery home to meet your mother.

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:01:11 GMT

Masi: Yeah...

Religion: When God hands you lemons, find a new God.

Tommy and I were supposed to start a new one a couple years back. In its inception it was very similar to a cult. In hindsight; bad idea.

Turkey Bowl 2009

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:10:48 GMT

Masi: The best time of the year is almost here. I'm coming down to Boca in a few hours, and I should be there for a short while this time. Hopefully I'll have a story to write about on the website by the time I get back.

Run in with the po-po

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 15:08:17 GMT

Masi: Another over heard conversation.

I was checking my E-mail when two kids started walking by my open window late last night. One was excited and out of breath and the other was walking with his head down dragging his feet as if ashamed of something.

Excited kid: "That was SICK, yo! Good shit, man. I feel awesome, man. We gotta do that shit again, yo! You see me runnin'?! That was sick moves, son!"

Bummed kid: [looks up after long deep sigh] "...I just hid in a dumpster for twenty minutes. I'm not to sure about my life right now."

Get over it

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:02:23 GMT

Masi: I feel like calling Obama a socialist is like calling Robin Hood a commie. People need to lighten up.

Quarters Drinking Games

Tue, 21 Oct 2008 20:50:39 GMT

Classic Quarters
Number of Players: As many as space will permit. (Keep in mind the more players there are the more time there are between turns and the less likely you will be drinking)

Requirements: One quarter (plus spares) and one center cup.

How to Play: One person begins the game by pouring beer into the center cup (you may use your discretion on how much). That person then bounces the quarter off the table and into the cup. If successful, that person designates who must drink it. Once the beer is drunk, the quarter is given back to the person who originally made it, and that person goes again. Once the cup is made three times in-a-row, that person may declare any rule of his/her choosing, within reason.

A rim-job is when the quarter hits the rim of the cup and has an unfavorable bounce. In these cases the person may choose to go again, however, if they miss, they must drink the beer themselves.

Chandeliers/Satellite
Number of Players: As many as space will permit. (Keep in mind the more players there are the more time there are between turns and the less likely you will be drinking)

Requirements: One quarter (plus spares) and one cup per person playing plus one larger center cup.

How to play: The game starts with the one large cup, filled significantly with beer, placed in the center of the playing area. Everyone then fills up their cup approximately a quarter of the way with beer and places it on the perimeter of the larger cup; with any extra cups placed around those and so on.

Note that in Satellite, the cups are placed in a complete circle around the center cup leaving space in between.

Before the first person goes, everyone points to and establishes their cup on the table. One person starts by bouncing the quarter off the table and into any cup. Whichever persons cup the quarter drops into has to drink it, take the quarter out, and refill. Once the cup is refilled, the quarter is handed back to the person who made it, and the process is continued until that person misses. When someone misses, the quarter is turn is relinquished to the person to the left. In the case that the quarter drops into the center cup, everyone immediately drinks their designated cups, then plays flip-cup with it. The last person to successfully flip their cup must drink the center beer.

Alternative Rules to play with:
*Instead of passing the quarter to the left upon missing, the turn is automatically given to whomevers cup the quarter landed in.
*Once the quarter drops into a persons cup, that person must drink their beer, aim the opening of the cup towards another, then flick the bottom of the cup projecting the quarter outward. If the quarter misses, the turn is given back to the person who originally made it. Amendments to the rule may be made to adjust how far the persons cup must be to another before flicking.

Onesies
Number of Players: As many as space will permit. (Keep in mind the more players there are the more time there are between turns and the less likely you will be drinking)

Requirements: One full beer per person, two empty cups, and two quarters (plus spares)

How to Play: Everyone gathers around the perimeter of a table (preferably one with much space). The empty cups are then placed in front of two people who are directly across from each other. Whomever has the cup in front of them is given one quarter. The game starts on the count of three when both players attempt to bounce their quarter into their empty cups. Once successful they then pass the cup and quarter to the left. When someone does this on their first try, they yell out "Onesies!" and whomever has the other cup in front of them must immediately start drinking. The person who established onesies then takes the quarter out and tries again; if successful, everyone yells "Twosies!" and so on until that person misses.

If someone fails to make their quarter in the cup before the other cup makes it around the table and passes them, then the whole game is paused and everyone clears the table. One person is then appointed to hold the quarter upright and flick it to ensue a spinning motion. As soon as the quarter starts moving, the person who was passed must begin drinking his beer and is not allowed to stop until the quarter completely stops. Other people are allowed to keep the quarter alive by attempting to flick it before it stops. If the quarter falls off of the table and keeps spinning/rolling the person must keep drinking.

Landmines
Number of players: As many as space will permit. (Keep in mind the more players there are the more time there are between turns and the more beer you will need to meet the requirments)

Requirements: One cup per person, one quarter (plus spares), ample playing space, and bottled beer (cans and cups do not work so well)

How to play: Before the game starts, the table must be cleared including everyones cup and beer except for the person whos starting. The game begins when one person, selected randomly, pours however much beer he choses from the bottle into the empty cup. That person then spins the quarter, picks up the cup, drinks the beer, puts the cup down, and snatches the quarter before it stops spinning, all with one hand. If this person fails to do so, then they are obliged to go again. This proccess continues throughout the game. Once someone empties a beer they open a new one and use the old one as a landmine.

If you are in posession of a landmine, at any point during another players turn while the quarter is spinning you may place the landmine on the quarter. The landmine remains in that spot for the rest of the game, and that person then has to go again with the beer bottle in front of them. If anyone hits a landmine with their quarter or with their hand in an attempt to pick up the quarter, they must go again. Landmines do not have to be used right away. As the game progresses the difficulty increases, however, the more you drink the more ammunition you acquire.

Beer Baseball

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 19:38:00 GMT

Requirements:
Two teams of 1-4 players, maybe even 5 (just keep in mind the more teamates you have the less everyone drinks). Twelve cups of equal size, and only one ping pong ball.

Rules go as follows:
On a regulation sized beer pong table, set up four cups in a row on each side in a power-I formation. Each cup gets filled a quarter of the way with beer. Off to the side there is another cup filled just the same. And, of course, there are two water cups on each side to wash the balls.

Each team sets up their line up (who goes first, second, third, etc.) The first, second, third and fourth cups are singles, doubles, triples and homeruns respectively. If you make the ball in a cup you now have a person on that base and the other team has to drink that cup and all the cups infront of it. When finished, the other team refills the cups and the next person is up. If you bring someone home, or hit a homerun, your team scores.

If you miss a cup it counts as a strike, just as in regular baseball, three strikes is an out. If the ball bounces off a cup and someone from the other team catches it before it hits the table or ground it is an automatic out. Three outs and the other team is at bat.

Note: There are nine innings, so if its a high-scoring game it may last long and you will get drunk.

Stealing: (This portion may be omitted from the game if space or quality of the table does not allow for it)

The cup off to the side is used for stealing. At anytime, as long as the other team has their cups filled and set and your team has a runner on base, you may drink this cup and play flip-cup with it. The opposing team has to catch on and do the same. If you win, you steal a base, if you lose, you are caught out and are no longer on base. In the even of a successfully steal only the front runner moves on, not everybody on base. A tie always goes to the runner.

Extra rules:
-If someone from the opposing team interferes with the ball before it touches something, it counts as an automatic double.

-If the ball is overshot over the table, it is an airball, and may be caught before it hits the ground for an out.

-On defense, you may not be seated while catching balls.