Experiencing the Oman House

So I occasionally I tweet about, Toby. He's the fourth person/spirit that resides at my parents home. Toby never had a name until my sister experienced him in her early 20's. Quickly after her encounter with the nameless spirit, she dubbed 'him' Toby; after the entity from the "Paranormal Activity" franchise (how original). For years my sister would laugh and mock me as a frightened fool (maybe I am) as I frequently feel as though I was being watched, heared voices and one evening a full figured apparition at the foot of my bed. . The unexplained noises, feeling as if I'm someones prey, dark apparitions, voices, bed nudges and other occurring events drove me at one point to refuse to stay in the house alone. Since my childhood I've experienced numerous unexplainable encounters with 'spirits'; not just at my home but at others homes and establishments. If having a sixth sense is possible, I think I have it...

That brings me to my experience with the Oman house. I was first introduced to David Oman, owner of the Oman house, last Fall 2013. After attending the red carpet release of his film, "House at the End of the Drive", based on true events and the Sharon Tate murders; I was invited to his home for a tour and after party. 

The Oman house is secluded in the hills of Los Angeles, CA and overlooks the skyline of downtown LA. It's tucked up in a narrow canyon and with several stories built into a hillside; a beautiful home. Notable is this home is located in the center of the desolate dead-end street notorious for one of Hollywood's most shocking murders; the Sharon Tate murders. As I carefully navigated my way through narrow dark canyons up to Cielo Drive, my mind pondered the fateful evening the Manson family assembled and drove with a murderous-mission through constricting roads leading to what seems as a cursed, Cielo Drive.  

Upon arrival I was greeted by the hospitable and robust, David Oman. In celebration of the premiere of his film "House at the End of Drive", David hosted an invite-only tour and after party of his home. Journalists, artists, paranormal investigators, friends and family of David filled the multi-level home for an evening of socializing and maybe some paranormal activity. I had assumed with all the energy surrounding the after party, my "sixth sense" wouldn't hone in on anything out of the ordinary; I was wrong!  

I didn't feel an immediate sense of eerie upon entry of the home as I have at other places; such as Bridgeport Inn, Queen Mary or Glen Tavern Inn. However just three flights down I felt as though I entered a vortex! The presence of an unknown energy was strong in the lower level of the home; particularly an almost-hidden room which hosts a water heater, a couple of brooms and exposes a creepy mound of the foundation. This area of the home isn't much of a room, but more of a terrifying confinement that I would not want to visit again; or at least not alone! Though I entered this torturous tomb-like area with a few people, the energy in this part of the home was dark. In fact that entire lower third level was unsettling. Though I didn't experience any flying objects, unfamiliar voices or witness dreary apparitions, the energy of an unknown presence weighed heavy.

The Oman house has received much publicity since my visit last fall; featured on "Paranormal Witness", "My Ghost Story" and most recently "Ghost Adventures".  David was awarded "Best Writer" at this years Hollywood Shockfest, for his film "House at the End of the Drive".  I keep in contact with David and follow the activity he and others have been experiencing at his home.

Bloody February

Six days in and and twenty two more to go; it's February folks!

Here are the highlights of this bloody month:

• Halloween's Club 2nd Annual Spook Show - Saturday the 8th, a day of deadly Halloween frights will be had in La Mirada. Zombies are encouraged to attend so of course I'll be there! All spirits point to "YES" that I'll be cosplaying one of my zombie mash-ups (weather permitted) and be ghoulish with my buddies and other Halloween enthusiast.  

• The dead return! - Zombies and survivors from "The Walking Dead" return with episode 9, "After",  for the midseason premire, Sunday the 9th. This is a much anticipated moment for us zombie fanatics. While I personally am over the soap opera of the prison, I am eager to learn what's been causing everyone to fall ill and turn! Viewing parties will commence this weekend at local pubs and amongst friends in living rooms.  Cosmic Comics in Las Vegas are hosts to weekly screenings at an apocalypse themed bar, The End. And of course The Walker Stalkers will entertain us with episode reviews, exclusive interviews and upcoming The Walker Con! I'll be home watching from the comfort of my couch and preparing for the dead to rise; if any one cares to know.

• "The LEGO Movie" - Don't call me a blockhead! I had building blocks growing up and they just did not compare to LEGOs. I'm looking forward to seeing this film and praying that it brings more nostalgic moments than "Wreck-It Ralph"; what a tease! Hopefully the film will get the same reaction out of me as did the LEGO CUUSOO announcement of the upcoming ECTO1 release in honor of the "Ghostbusters" 30th anniversary!

• Valentines Day: With a smidge more than a week left until the day of roses, chocolates, teddy bears and singing grams; there is still hope cupid catches me a Valentine, right? I'm sure if I crawl down into some coal mining shaft someone will be crazy enough to kill for my heart...("My Bloody Valentine" reference for those of you that didn't catch it.) I'll likely pay a visit to the original film on the fateful day and love myself with a bowl of popcorn, Sour Patch Kids, some fruity bubbly and cuddles with my four-legged companion, Charger!

• 28 days later and it's March! - 2014 isn't a Leap Year so we'll all be leaping into March with what may seem like 'too soon'. March is more promising with lots more shenanigans happening; like MONSTERPALOOZA! I think the end of February/March is when the year really starts to pick up and I'm excited for what's ahead!

Love to everyone!<3

Launching Into 2014 with Loot Crate Reviews

Loot Crate delivers the geekssentials!

It was just several weeks ago many of us made a dash to plump Christmas trees and stuffed stockings, eager to open some phat-geek-loot. Alas, most of us didn't end up with a sleek XBox One or stellar PS4. In fact some of us were lucky if we unwrapped another knitted itchy sweater by grandma or stale fruit cake from Uncle Steve. It's likely you're still bummed that the dude in the red suite, Santa, didn't leave you something geeky under the tree; I don't blame ya! Well geeks, don't let this last years Christmas ruin your 2014 spirit. Let Loot Crate deliver the geekssentials with a monthly a subscription box! It's like Christmas every month; or your birthday or whatever you feel like celebrating.  

Call it the jelly-of-the-month club for geeks; Loot Crate packs everything you need into a keepsake storage box and delivers to your door for under $20 a month!

This year, I'll be unboxing monthly crates and reviewing them on my  YouTube channel.

Take advantage of saving 10% on any subscription with this link: http://mbsy.co/lootcrate/1279993  

2014 the Year of the Horse and I'm a Trotter!

Happy New Year! Happy 2014! Happy New Beginnings!

While 2013 was a year of mind-clustering: WTFrack!, OMGawd!, Not again!, Did that really just happen!?, Seriously!?, *Sigh*, Are you kidding me!?, Dude!, Ugh! you've got to be joking!, and so on, I or (shall I say WE) surrrrviiivvved! (Much like we will when the zombie apocalypse strikes later this year) In all seriousness despite the whirlwind of unexpected challenges, 2013 was a legendary year! However, I am more optimistic about 2014. Why? Because it's the year of the horse and I'm a Trotter! Neeiiiggghh!

Just slightly past half-a-month in to January, 2014 has been noteworthy. An interview for an advanced position at current employer, a stellar week at CES and Phat Con this weekend (where I'll retire my gruesome, Wanda/Tisha the Waitress), 2014 looks promising!

My twist on "Wanda the Waitress" from the wicked board game "Zombicide". For more check out my album Freakish Creations.    

 

Without further to do, here are 14 events and projects I look forward to trotting and horsing around with through this year:

• Monsterpalooza March 28-30 - A frightful favorite where I debuted Wanda the Waitress and opportunity to socialize with the WetMovie crew.
 
• Hollywood Half Marathon April 5 - This will be my first half marathon post knee surgery and third time participating!  
 
• WonderCon April 18-20 - Stay tuned for my coverage of this event on www.GeekSmash.com.
 
• Cosplay! I'll be retiring Wanda this month and have some wicked zombie mash up ideas in the works. I'm open to entertaining your suggestions; who would you like me to zombie cosplay?
 
• TishTini TV - I'm broadening my YouTube presence with a handful of monthly segments that you may or may not find entertaining.
 
• E3 Expo June 10-12 - With a PS4 coming my way thanks to Crazy_Comic_X, I better master the skills of newage gaming. My old school NES skills will get me no where!
 
• San Diego Comic-Con July 24-27 - Not sure if financing another week at the ol' SDCC is a sound decision but I must survive The Walking Dead Escape while I'm there!
 
• Amusement Days - From Universal to DL, with season passes to both, who's in!? 
   

**Intermission - This break is brought to you by my lunch hour; in which I've devoured delicious chicken posole and adopted a moment of writers block. The amusement will reconvene at the next bullet point.**

 

• Movies - When time and energy permits I love to check out midnight screenings. Also a fan of drive-in theaters; yes they still exist. WestWind Drive-In in Goleta, CA is a movie geeks paradise; located off the beach it's the perfect setting for a summer double feature.  

• The big 3-Oh! October 18 - Good bye 20's and hello 18! I heard 30 is the new 18 so I'll let you know if that stands true on October 18. If the gift giving spirit, check out my wishlist (I'm so vain!)
 
 
• Scares That Care - As a California State Representative it's my goal to volunteer more of my time to "scare away childhood disease". Donate today!

• Geek Smash - No I don't mean smash geeks! If you don't know by now I'm a correspondent and head of social media for one heck of a geeky site. It's time to get serious and geek up our followers and content.

• Eat more vegetables - Beacause inhaling a bag of adorably juicy gummy bears are not what the doctor ordered. Beside I need to set a good example for the four-legged garbage disposal know as Charger.

• Manpanion - Once upon a time in my 20's I had a boyfriend, then I woke up. Not expecting love and maybe Tindering is for fools, but not giving up on the charades of Internet dating!

 

 To kick off this globe trotting year I'll be guest dork this evening on, The Dorkening!

 

Cheers! Best! Slainte!  

 



 



Tis the Season for 5 Giveaways

(To the tune of "Deck the Halls")

 'Tis the season to be giving,

Lots and lots and lots, of giveaways!  



Ditch the crowds this Thursday, Friday, Saturday (however many pre/post Black WhateverDay sales there are) and catch yourself some FREE geeky loot.

2013 has been a year of  me sharing my geeky adventures and shenanigans; and I continue that sharing this holiday season in the form of giveaways!

I've got 5 giveaways that will satisfy all your geek-gifting needs this holiday season:

- "The Other Side of the Fence": Book and zombie lovers will enjoy a signed copy of "The Other Side of the Fence" by Zack Morrissette. Check out my interview with this geek genius on Geek Smash for a chance to win your brains a copy of this zombie apocalypse book. To enter - Fill out the form entry form on the Geek Smash article. Winner will be announced via my Twitter December 10.

- Digital Dudz T-Shirt: As a guest on The Smoking Grackle podcast, I had a great time discussing the conventions/ events I attend here in Los Angeles; as well as cosplay and the zombie make-up I did for Mark Rober's iWound. @5KCB will announce a winner Saturday November 30. Hurry and enter! To enter - Use #DigitalDudzMe between now and November 29, follow @5KCB and @TishTini. Winner will be announced November 30 via @5KCB.

- Long Beach Comic and Horror Con Prize Pack: So LBCHC has come and gone but I've got an awesome prize pack from the convention to giveaway. Thanks to the peeps at Game Church and Eat Geek Play this prize pack is pretty epic! To enter - Leave a comment below. Winner will be announced via my Twitter November 13.

- APPGEAR Games: Your friends will love you when you gift them one of these APPGEAR games. These games are a fun to play in front of a warm fireplace and the figurines make for great collectibles. To enter - Share this blog post via Twitter, Facebook or Google+. Be sure to tag me in it so I can count your entries. Each "Share" is 1 entry!

- RoboMe:  Coming SOON to Geek Smash (before Christmas), I'll have a full product review and giveaway of the elite and must have robot. Follow Geek Smash Com on Facebook and Twitter (@GeekSmashCom) for notification when the giveaway becomes available.The giveaway is now live! Visit my RoboMe review on www.GeekSmash.com. To Enter - Fill out the form entry form on the Geek Smash article. Winner will be announced via my Twitter December 16.

I am beyond blessed with the opportunities and events I attend to make these giveaways possible.  Make my holiday wish come true by sharing this with your friends and family. 

Share this post on Facebook and Twitter,

And I hope you win a giveaway!



My Thirteen

Rarely do I participate in chain mail or Facebook's attempts to guilt trip you; "Like" this photo if you think animal cruelty is bad. Of course I think abusing animals or any heart beating creature is awful!

This last week my Facebook feed was been flooded with " <insert number here> random facts about me. And if you "Like" this I'll give you a number". I participated ...

13, what a great number!

 1. I've managed to break my arm while walking; on my mom's 50th birthday of all days.

 2. I've orchestrated a band and have been drum major of a marching band.

 3. Was one of the first to perform (when it opened in early 2000's) on the stage of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center.

 4. Having no prior dance training and relying solely on my roller skating epxerience, I auditioned and was accepted into the College of the Canyons Dance Company at 20. 

 5. At one point I thought I wanted to work in the medical field and studied to become an EMT. I've since been employed at Amgen (biopharma) for the longevity of my 20's and learned that medicine/medical is NOT where I want to be when I "grow up".

 6. I refuse to "grow up" and I mean it!

 7. Recently learned it may work to my advantage to be 21 without experience than to claim 21 with experience. But when it's all said and done my drivers licenses reads 10/18/1984.

 8. I've had one boyfriend and saved lots of money not having anymore.

 9. Zombies fascinate me; I've been intrigued by them since I first saw Michael Jackson's "Thriller" when I was about 2.

 10. I've interview the creator of "The Walking Dead" franchise, Robert Kirkman.

 11. My Klout score is 61 and my Twitter followers have reached 297; help me out!

 12. I have a phobia of flying, yet I've been in 7 car accidents; none of them my fault.

 13. Vegetables, politics and organized religion disgust me; but I eat my greens when I can, vote when called upon and believe in a higher power.

Going Retro - The Pixel Art Controller by Hyperkin

Alright I know it's been well over two months since I last blogged, but in this fresh off my fingers post, you're in for a treat; a Hyperkin pixel art controller giveaway!

Life has been crazy busy hectic (in fact 2013 has been a whirlwind of "what the FRACKS") so it was nice to get dazzled up in heels and 8bit glasses to the Supper Club on October 11 for  Hyperkin's pixel art controller official release party.

I'm not a seasoned clubber but let me tell you; if clubs in Los Angeles hosted video game stations I'd definitely be frequenting the club scene more often. Music, video games, good lookin' people drinks, did I say video games? You can't go wrong! Hyperkin had video game stations centered conveniently between the bar and colossal dance floor. Let it be known I did get schooled by fellow reporter, Michael Jordan  (yeah, he's famous) at several rounds of MUGEN. If only I had picked the Fat Albert character...

Check out these not so behind the scenes of Michael looking rather dapper with his blue pixel tie on the red carpet and bumping elbows with some of Hyperkin's legends!

 

Michael Jordan with Hyperkin Marketing Director, David Yu

 

Hyperkin Product Developer Chris Gallizi

 

 

Michael Jordan, what a blockhead!

 

Alas, no photos of me in the snazzy 8bit specs and bedazzled Big Bird yellow tank; I was busy playing games, shooting footage and maaaaybe a drink or two...or three (I lost count).

So now for the giveaway!

Step 1: Cut a hole in a box...wait, what I mean is Michael Jordan slammed dunked it with this 6 minute 44 second video covering ALL of the Hyperkin pixel control party. Watch it!

 

 

 

Step 2:  Follow up the video with a following Michael Jordan on Twitter, @Mukyou. The dude knows his shiz when it comes to video games and maaaybe more often than not has something better to tweet than I do. He also occasionally does giveaways via his podcast and other geeky shenanigans on Ship 2 Block 20. And of course you looooove freebies/giveaways ...moochers!
.
Step 3: You gotta go "Like" and/or "Follow" Hyperkin. If it wasn't for these bad asses this giveaway wouldn't be possible. So wait no longer, go check out their sweet gaming gear!

Step 4: Tell me how much you love me by sending lots of chocolate, wine, Stompeez (size 9, unicorn please) ...I kid! But I do need you to leave a comment below and/or tweet me @TishTini that you've completed the above.

Included in the giveaway is: a comfy over sized Hyperkin "What pixel are you?" tee, two Hyperkin squishy blue balls (hmmm), a carry anywhere Hyperkin tote FEATURING their RETRON 5, a sleek and fun to play pixel art controller, and a handful of Hyperkin pixel controller shaped stickers!

Submit by October 31 and I'll annoce the winner Friday, November 1 by a randomly selected winner via Random.org

As for the controller; it's light weight, fits leisurely in your hand, comes in an array of color combos (I want the green and purple) and it's pixel art! I love retro, simplicity and convenience; this controller does it for me.

A huge thanks to the guys and gals of Hyperkin for the loot and making for an epic evening. They worked hella hard on October 11th and definitely put a twist to clubbing experience.

Lastly, an obligatory thank you to the adorable Michael Jordan for getting me to and from the Supper Club safely. Don't drink game & drive people!

Good luck to everyone annnnnnd I'll get another post up as time permits.

5 Reasons Why I Love Twitter

Here are the top 5 reasons why I love Twitter!

 

• It's cheaper than seeing a therapist! Seriously, I know all too well how expensive it is to see a so called know-it-all. And Twitter provides me just the enough reassurance to carry on!
• 140 characters max! I'm pretty sure a majority of folks that don't understand Twitter, is because they don't know how to convey a message in less than 140 characters. Sorry guys, but get with the times and get to the point...Tweet already!
• For those long-winded tweets that I must tweet, I found the 147 character tweet saviour, TwitLonger!
• Because more of you follow me on Twitter than this blog of mine...
• Seeing a text from"404-04"(meaning a Twitter notification) is the PERFECT distraction during that dreaded 3 o'clock push at work.

Tweet me, @TishTini

 

I'll Take the Physical Challenge

It's March 1st eve and I couldn't be more prepared for this year's Comic-Con. Professional badge, check! Hotel, check! Costume designed and ready to be constructed, *crickets*....

Alright, so maybe I'm partially prepared, but I am pretty excited for this years con. Looking forward to meeting all the wonderful people that have befriended me online, surviving once again The Walking Dead Escape, making memories with my fellow geeks from Geek Smash, and (drum roll please) COSPLAY!

Last year some of you recall I was Padme Amidala. But I wasn't just Padme....

 I was ZOMBIE Padme Amidala!

 

My buddy Jeaux and I Comic-Con 2012

 

I joined two of my favorites, Star Wars and zombies, and made a bloody scene that turned heads from galaxies near and far. My pride and joy of the costume were the rather comfortable rubber boots and make shift gun; made from a Nerf gun I found at a thrift shop for a buck!

 

Every girl needs a pair of ass kickn' boots!

 

Friends didn't recognize me and kids avoided me; dressing up in such dramatic makeup made for an amusing experience. 

 

Dyed my hair, contacts, stained teeth...

 

Definitely an experience that I want to live again!

 

 

This year I'm seeking your help to determine my 2013 Comic-Con costume. It's no holds barred as I endure to be the most voluptuous Barbarella you've set eyes on OR the sexiest Pink Power Ranger you'd wish would morph you. I'm ready to commit to the physical challenges to get where I need to be, to entertain either of these costumes. I've started cardio sculpt classes, upped my running distance, and about to enroll in kick boxing to master my Pink Ranger skills (should that be the costume I end up wearing). While Barbarella and Pink Ranger are both interests of mine, I am open to suggestions!

 

Here's your chance to help me chose this years costume & win a prize! Post below, comment on my Facebook or tweet me @TishTini, what YOU think I should cospaly; Barbarella, Pink Ranger or your suggestion. The costume with the most "votes" will be what I cosplay at this years Comic-Con. April 1st I'll tally votes & select one lucky person to win a costume inspired prize (i.e. Pink Ranger action figure, Barbarella DVD etc.)

 

So post your vote or suggestion and look for the results April 1st. In the meantime, I've got lunges, squats, and a gym calling my name!

 



We Belong Together, Neighbor!

How is it that the beginning of Mariah Carey's, "We Belong Together", sounds similar to the opening jingle of "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood"? Am I alone on this? You be the judge...

I'll never let go...

Avoiding an anxiety attack is like withholding a fart. Despite how relieving it is to release all the pressure, refrain from liberating either one in public. In the event you slip and let either loose, those near you at time of release will be affected the most.

Anxiety attacks are like farts.

A Day of Walt and Reagan

Last Saturday I took advantage of an invitation to experience the D23 presents Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives at the Ronald Reagan Library. The day was golden, with crystal blue sky, pure white clouds and a warm glow from the sun. I made the trek alone to Simi Valley and it was relaxing to not have to entertain anyone (that statement will trigger a heartbreak and I'll have to explain myself I'm sure). While my mission was to capture footage and facts of the temporary Walt Disney exhibit, I was very much interested in exploring the rest of the library that displays the legacy of President Reagan.

As I am working on a piece that will be featured on GeekSmash, I am not going to reveal too much about the AWESOME Walt Disney exhibit. If you are in or will be visiting the Southern California area I do recommend you invest time to see the Walt Disney exhibit and plan to spend time at the rest of the library. To experience both exhibits I recommend, at least 4 hours. There are many things to see and experience in the Reagan portion of the library. Be sure to check out the gift shop for exclusive Disney pins and grab a drink at the Ronald Reagan Pub, located in the Air Force One Pavilion. Unless you have an "in" or promotional code, tickets may be a bit rough on the wallet, but I think it's well worth the price! As an added bonus, parking is FREE! Lastly, I must note the men and women that work and volunteer at the library. Everyone I met was exceptionally pleasant and helpful. Mr. Reagan and his family would be proud of the people that serve this foundation.

One with the show....

 

Model used for 20.000 Leagues Under the Sea

 

 

 

 

The storybook used to film the opening sequence to the 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Also on display, the storybook of Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella.

 

 

 

 

Original costume and props from Mary Poppins.

 

 

 

 

A new but familiar face to the Disney scene, Ralph, from Wreck-it-Ralph.

 

 

 

 

Made a stop by Flynn's Arcade to check out some of the games used by Jeff Bridges, in Disney's 2010 hit, TRON: Legacy

 

 

 

Do you really want me to answer that, Mr. President?

 

 

 

Gorgeous view of Simi Valley from the Air Force One Pavilion.

 

 

 

About to board Air Force One 27000, no photography allowed on plane.

 

 

 

Never pass up an opportunity to be on film. Green screen experience, Reagan was a man of Hollywood.

 

 

Finding our the Reagan's were a fan of Spiderman...priceless!

 

 

Stunning piece of art made from JELLY BEANS!

 

 

 

 

GuideCam is a must get! For an additional $7.00 you are given an iPod for your own audio tour. Perks, you can snap picture AND video, then send your memories to your email. I should also note, you are given new ear buds.

 



 

6 Weirdest Items from LA Comic Book and SciFi Con

Don't blink, you are about to see 6 of the "weirdest" (but more like most random) items I found at last weekends  Los Angeles Comic Book and Science Fiction Convention. I know 6, such an unsystematic number but I make the rules!

Attended the convention for the first time with two pals that never fail to let me down, Jeaux and Matt. Will it be my last time attending? Probably not. As we walked in, there were posters advertising the notorious Edward Furlong's scheduled appearance at the next event. I couldn't contain myself, did a jig and marked Sunday February 24th on my calendar!

"Oh...so it's a flea market for nerds" are the EXACT words that exited my mouth as we pondered down our first isle. The convention small, but intimate and held at the Shrine Auditorium, hosted about 10 isles of vendors selling comics, toys and PORNOGRAPHY! I'm not appalled that there was porn; however saw no disclaimer that there would be adult content and about 60% of the booths had some form of pornographic items for purchase. Need I mention the shady make-shift black curtain booth in the center of the hall? Curious minds and eyes needed take a gander behind the mysterious facade and whad'ya know, more PORN! Let me spoil the rest of this post for you, no pictures of adult pleasure content were taken...Hustler trading cards and jiggly jug action figures really weren't the weirdest thing I saw there. Beside there are plenty of sites to get your fix, or so I hear. Now on with the weird ...