Not So Frequently Asked Questions with Andrew James Catalano!

Andrew with Mike Mercer at a SkilllsUSA competition.

You've probably seen Andrew around the library helping students. He's our new Student Help Desk Technician. Andrew helps resolves student technology form requests and library technology issues. He's not new to the library - he was student assistant while a student at Chatt State. You can contact him at andrew.jamescatalano@chattanoogastate.edu or 423-697-2573.

1. What sort of movies do you like?
Almost any, just not horror. Right now it's all about Marvel movies. Seeing the comics I grew up with now be a cinematic millstone is amazing.

2. What are your favorite podcasts?
"Armchair Expert" by Dax Shepard, who's the husband of Kristin Bell. The premise of breaking down everything we say and do, and examining it with a fine toothed comb is great food for thought.

3. Do have any pets?
Yes, two adorable cats, named Horus and Isis, after the Egyptian gods. I've had them since I was 3, so I can't really even remember a time when they weren't part of the family.

Horus

4. Who's your favorite movie/TV librarian?
Flynn Carsen from "The Librarian". Duh.

5. Who shot first? Han or Greedo?
Han. In fact, the only reason this even became a debate is because people forgot the whole point of the original scene. Han shoots Greedo dead before Greedo has a chance because Han truly is a "scoundrel". It doesn't matter if Greedo would have shot or not, Han isn't gonna take that chance. To say it another way, the change to shooting second or at the same time dilutes and compromises Han's rebellious and ruthless nature. It takes from Han's antiheroic qualities, and diminishes the character's growth and development over the story from a Machiavellian smuggler who cares only about himself (and his co-pilot Chewbacca) into a committed member of the Rebel Alliance fighting to bring freedom to the galaxy.
(Thank you for coming to my TED talk)

6. Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Trek. I wouldn't have said that as a kid, but then, I don't think many kids would say Star Trek. Who doesn't remember cheering on Luke as he "uses the force" to take down the Death Star? What does Star Trek have to compare to that? Kirk fighting a Gorn? Eh. But that's the beauty of Star Trek. It's a bright and optimistic future where a rebel group taking down the totalitarian regime just doesn’t fit in. Picard would probably talk the Emperor down to understanding why the Death Star poses a threat to the ideals of life. Star Trek is intelligent TV that was ahead of its time in so many ways, and remains enjoyable and relevant to this day (though Star Wars does too).

7. Spring, Summer, Winter, or Fall?
Fall. You have lots of clothing choices, it's beautiful outside, and I've always found it easier to stay warm than I have to stay cooled.

8. What do you like to do in your free time?
Lots of things! Sleep, of course, but also game, read, and things like that. I've always found however, that even after a busy week that kept me working, the weekend feels wasted if I haven't also learned a new thing. So I learn how to do something in Photoshop, or Blender 3D. Just recently, I learned of a software that you take a video, trace or draw over a frame of, then using AI it (using that one traced frame) makes the rest of the video look like it was also traced over. The results can make some amazing looking art.

9. What was the last book you read?
The Wheel of Time book 3 (of 14). It's like the Lord of the Rings, if J.R.R. Tolkien took 11 more books to describe everything that happens. You really feel part of the universe.

10. WILD CARD QUESTION:
If you could get an amazing logo and website made, where would you go?
Great question! I would visit Zorangestudios.com, they make logos, websites and more that look great. (sorry, shameless self-plug over)
Real question: if you could travel anywhere, where would you go and why?
New Zealand or Ireland, both places are absolutely stunning, and if I went to New Zealand, I could visit Hobbiton.