I thought we already had a thread like this but I cannot seem to find it so I'm starting this one up.
Got good news? Have a good day in general?
Post it here and let us know. ^^
We have good news? =P *Tease tease*
Dracos
I met someone in the supermarket, and she gave me a candy cane.
I don't even get on with her that well o.o
How's this for good news: I survived thanksgiving, and I didn't even kill anyone. ;)
Guess who picked up his slime controller?
Go ahead. I want you to.
^
(o_^)
addendum~
Forget Dragon Quest 8, this controller was meant for rolling Katamari!
Quote from: "thepanda"Forget Dragon Quest 8, this controller was meant for rolling Katamari!
o/~ka-tama-ri mambo de o/~
Quote from: "thepanda"Guess who picked up his slime controller?
Go ahead. I want you to.
^
(o_^)
addendum~
Forget Dragon Quest 8, this controller was meant for rolling Katamari!
The slime controllers are just awesome :)
Dracos
Opportunity for new job is at hand!
Need to call the guy back about it tomorrow.
Up side: That one girl at Family Mart asked where I was from.
Down side: I momentary forgot that people outside the US hear "Portland" and think "Poland".
Up side: This entire exchange occured while I was holding the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy DVD, and I'm quite certain of the current location and status of my towel.
My day went a little something like this...
Wake up. Find out I have a term paper due this evening that I forgot to do over the weekend. Freak out.
Go to first class. SIt in the back and slip into Seed Mode to to get through the text the paper is on. 1/3rd through.
Go to class immediately following chem. Calc. Joy.-_-
However! Already did presentation yesterday for calc so no actual work from my end!
Rush home after calc. Get home. It is now 12:45.
Fix large Panda Cheesy-Omelet-Special of the year!
The time is now 1:45! >_< Took too long. >_>
Crunch time. Seed Mode read through the rest of the text and finish about 3:00. Thank you Robert Jordan. Getting through the slow points in your books has helped me greatly.
Do the paper. There is nothing special about writing a five page term paper in less than two hours. I've done twice the length in half the time before. :/
Time is about 5:00. Grab the printer from downstairs, hook it up, and OMFG WHY WON'T YOU PRINT?!?!!1111one!
Hit the 'net. Find the drivers. Download the drivers. Configure. Oh crap, no paper?!
Find one properly sized sheet of paper, fold several fax pages and tear them down to the right size. Print. Time is 5:14. RUN out of the house and DRIVE to school. Get to school. Can't find a parking spot. Park illegally. Run to class. Class starts at 5:30. I somehow manage to get in before 5:45. The teacher usually talks for 30 minutes before doing anything.
SAFE!
Also, got my test back that I thought I bombed. Managed a 79%. Not bad at all.
I've finished all my finals.
I passed the BSCI.
I took over Russia.
Today, I celebrate.
Dracos
Hey, nice, Drac!
...Can I have Kaliningrad? :D
Sure. =)
Dracos
Quote from: "Dracos"I've finished all my finals.
I passed the BSCI.
I took over Russia.
Today, I celebrate.
Dracos
De flag, boss, DE FLAG!
(http://db.bbc.co.uk/history/war/coldwar/images/soviet_old_soviet_union_flag.jpg)
I went to the first showing of Kong.
It rocks. It really, really does. Its three hours long, but it feels like less than half of that. This is the superior version of the Kong concept.
You must all go watch it. Now.
I probably won't go to see Kong, if only because the previews didn't appeal to me and because I tend to like the older movies rather than the updates (though King Kong vs. Godzilla rocked). On the other hand, I hear War of the Worlds was awesome, and I thought it was going to be terrible, so I'll keep it in mind.
Frankly, I'm waiting for the 2006 release of Mamoru Oshii's next film, Tachiguishi Retsuden (http://www.productionig.com/contents/works_sp/35_/), a film about "eating on the street without paying - the artistry of the tachigui people."
You can't make this stuff up.
Finally finished downloading my torrent of the Fate Stay Night visual novel. Sure, I don't know japanese, but....Wheee! ^_^
Leaving 2.5 hours early from work due to bad weather. Woo!
Quote from: "Ragnar"the other hand, I hear War of the Worlds was awesome, and I thought it was going to be terrible, so I'll keep it in mind.
... Get better sources. >_>
Generally I dislike updates as well. But this case was the exception.
New York transit strike is over and I have a ride home. So no 2 hour walk tomorrow morning!
Got my net connection back!
Yay Panda.
Dracos
It's Christmas, and I'm with my family. :D
a month and a half after beginning the 'get myself a new laptop' project... I have in my email actual evidence that it has been paid for and is on its way.
Yaaay.
Dracos
KONNNNNNNNNG!
-J
Now, finally, I have acquired it.
Dracos
Sets up
Yay for joo!
Also, my second (EVAR) paycheck's amount was a nice surprise, so I can pay an overdue tuition fee :D
Wootness!
Got all the codecs working on my machine. Am slowly but surely getting used to this resolution. Got my cygwin bash shell back up (Yay). And read a few books. And my final recommender finally sent off his recs! Thank goodness!
Good day for me heart, I'll say.
Dracos
Happy new year!
"Please accept with no obligation, implicit or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress, non-addictive, gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice, with total respect for the religious/secular persuasions and/or traditions of others, and their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all... and a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2006, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make Britain great (not to imply the Britain is necessarily greater than any other country nor is it the only "BRITAIN" in the northern hemisphere), and without regard to the race, creed, colour, age, physical ability, religious faith, sexual orientation and choice of computer platform of the wishee.
By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms. This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wishee actually to implement any of the wishes for her/himself or others, and is void where prohibited by law and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher.
This wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year, or until the issuance of a subsequent holiday greeting, whichever comes first, and warranty is limited to replacement of this wish or issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher.
Have a Good One !!!"
I have marshmellows.
=D
Dracos
After three long, agonizing weeks without internet access, I now have my cable service up and running again! :_;
Yay Panda. =)
Thought we were missing a certain bamboo loving mammal.
Good to hear you're back.
Dracos
Got my last textbook in the mail today. After next week's insurance I'll finally have money to spen again. I cannot wait. ^^
Go Panda. =D
Dracos
Panda 3d~
If I'm not mistaken Grandia 3 ships today. I have my copy preordered so... ^_^
Also, ToP Advance ships next month, I think. Also have that reserved. Who knows, I may even play it before May.
Grandia 3 is very short, but reputed to have a great battle system. Lemme know how it goes.
Dracos
Shorter than 2?
I got into the Masters of Entertainment Technology program at Carnegie Mellon.
I am gleeful. =D
Dracos
Quote from: "Dracos"Grandia 3 is very short, but reputed to have a great battle system. Lemme know how it goes.
Dracos
It's Grandia. By default it has an awesome battle system. :P
My DVD shipment from Amazon.co.jp has arrived!
Urusei Yatsura 2: Beautiful Dreamer (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00006C1W0/503-1218053-8284729?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance)
AMG TV Special (http://www.amazon.co.jp/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B000BN9AK2/503-1218053-8284729?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance)
And here's a scan of the back cover of the AMG case (http://home.pusan.ac.kr/~hilman/AMGscan.jpg). Skuld-a-go-go!
Andrea Bocelli = <3
Today is nice and sunny.
It is cold, but not too cold.
I'm lazy enough to be handed where the bus is.
Dracos
Went shopping with the 'rents yestiddy and paid for my clothes for the first time evar. The resulting amount made me sob in heartbreak, but I got a really nice swishy skirt and other shtuff and a PURSE. A big one! One that can hold my wallet properly!
I have vowed to not spend money again until three paychecks later.
Advent Children is coming out next week/month/someday.
Must have. But must not spend money. SO! I'll wait.
>.>
<.<
*slinks away....*
Hm. Alcohol has a knack of screwing up the volume of your voice. And makes everything ten times as funny. Heh.
I've got more work days! Yay! I'll be able to pay for school a bit more comfortably and afford to buy lunch on some days!
:DDD Ubisoft sent me a $10 off coupon thingy as a birthday gift. Friggin' awesome. PoP 3, here I come!
....and why am I the only one appreciating stuff? :o Come on people: don't hate, appr-- *is shot*
Got my internet back after several weeks! ;_;
Congrats, Panda. =)
Storm:
Because we're all bitter ol' foggies!
Dracos
I got a job, and am now a supervisor at a bookstore. The best college job EVAR.
Dear hells, it's almost over.
Dracos
I've passed the CIT and thus gotten the CCNP. Glee.
Now to continue an excellent day.
Dracos
Congratucations!
There's not a bunch to appreciate at this moment, but I'm in a good mood so I'll share it with all of you with a hyoooooooj grin!
^______________________^ ~<3
I appreciate the fact that last friday, I got my first college A. JOY!
I'm currently in a relaxing vacation that won't last and probably won't be repeated for years to come, but damn it's nice now.
Dracos
KH2 was fuckin' sweet.
I appreciate that I currently have a job in marketing that does not involve selling my soul, and at which I can waste time working on my own personal sites.
And I haven't even been graduated for a month. <3
Go Gia! =D
I am now the owner of a slightly used Condo in a building across from Central Park. I am flat broke, but happy^^.
Sweet! :D
Quote from: "kpjam"I am now the owner of a slightly used Condo in a building across from Central Park. I am flat broke, but happy.
At least the apartment is in decent shape. Otherwise you'd be flat broke in a broke(n) flat.
I'm home.
Mission Annoying Vacation a success.
Dracos
I got in my Doctor Who (9th Doctor) box set today, and it is significantly more awesome than I imagined.
Here (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/images/B000E41MS6/)'s what Amazon shows the box set cover to look like. However, the logo and words and Rose and the Doctor are actually on a plastic transparent slip-cover. Take that off, and the case just looks like the TARDIS, which is a nice touch. Also it's got a separate bonus special features DVD, which most TV box sets don't have.
All in all, I'm quite happy with it.
I fly this weekend to China to visit relatives. As a bonus, some live in Hong Kong so I can go and research my fic on location. Even if Wild Cherry Blossoms won't get to that part anytime soon, if my recent writing pattern says anything. I spend way too much time practicing instead of writing that story.
...I hope neglecting that optional typhoid vaccination doesn't come back to haunt me.
Quote from: "jon"I got in my Doctor Who (9th Doctor) box set today, and it is significantly more awesome than I imagined.
Nice. I've been meaning to get caught up with the Doctors, having only seen the first four. I wish they'd release some more Pertwee episodes over here, though.
What region are those DVDs?
Quote from: "Ragnar"Quote from: "jon"I got in my Doctor Who (9th Doctor) box set today, and it is significantly more awesome than I imagined.
Nice. I've been meaning to get caught up with the Doctors, having only seen the first four. I wish they'd release some more Pertwee episodes over here, though.
What region are those DVDs?
Oh, they're Region 1. Out from BBC America and Warner Home Video.
Today I played soccer for two hours. Then I went drinking with friends to make up the calories I burned off. A good time was had by me.
I cannot say why or how, due to possibly unfounded fears and paranoia, but I really must say this:
THIS IS THE BEST FUCKING DAY OF MY LIFE! NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GET ME DOWN TODAY, YESTERDAY, OR TOMORROW!
Joy! Rapture! Ecstacy! I only regret being unable to share anything with you all on this most wonderful of my days!
End my out of character outburst.
I appreciate having fics be posted on the site. Rock on, guys.
hah, awesome, Shuk.
Dracos
Returns to packing x-x
I'm nearly done packing and have dealt with almost everything I need to be ready for school. This pleases me.
Dracos
Well, Shuk, congrats... but since you leave us to guess what happened, don't mind us while we let our imaginations fill in all sorts of bizarre hypotheses and details! :D
I'm grateful for merely having a computer to sneak onto at work today! I'll take that on a boring Sunday.
Quote from: "Shukuen"I cannot say why or how, due to possibly unfounded fears and paranoia, but I really must say this:
THIS IS THE BEST FUCKING DAY OF MY LIFE! NOTHING CAN POSSIBLY GET ME DOWN TODAY, YESTERDAY, OR TOMORROW!
Joy! Rapture! Ecstacy! I only regret being unable to share anything with you all on this most wonderful of my days!
End my out of character outburst.
Cool.
What's her name?
;)
I made cinnamon bread last night. It was delicious.
Also, I got a package full of Spitz cds :D *rocks on*
Packing car going well.
I'll see you all from pittsburgh in about 24 hours or so.
Dracos
My parakeets are just so FSCKING KYOOT OMG.
...that is all. *wanders off*
I GOT THE RECEPTIONIST JOB!!!
Yay for more hours and free sundays and paid holidays! *dances around*
I'll be able to pay my student loan off! I'll be able to get my first used car! And did I say that I got SUNDAYS FREE!?
WOOT
Coolness.
I've got a lovely view from my window. It's quite awesome.
Dracos
Got hauled out to a party last night. Turned out to be a lan party. Kicked everyone's asses in Rise of Nations. It was pretty awesome.
Dracos
Today's appreciation: Hal. He made me a nice new avatar, after all. <_<
Orientation was pretty neat. There's a fair bit of pretty darn nice looking gals in the class as well. four months of being locked in a room with these folks looking not quite so bad.
Dracos
My keyboard is fixed.
Dracos
On Monday I recieved a call saying, "You won!"
At work.
Turns out someone drew my business card from a fishbowl and I (and up to nine friends) won a free lunch courtesy of ... I forgot their names. But I got a free lunch. Just had to fill out a questionaire, and they even assured me that they wouldn't sell their info. The company's large enough that they wouldn't lie about it, too.
The funny thing?
I don't _have_ a business card. Someone took the card we have at work, wrote my name and cell-phone number on it, then tossed it into a fishbowl at a restauraunt I've never gone to.
But who?
Oh well. I enjoyed a free lunch with some co-workers and friends. Strange, though.
Cool.
Dracos
Today's appreciation: Dicebots.
Trust me on this one.
I'm back again. Solid internet.
Dracos
Yay you! :)
Celebrated my older brother's 30th birthday at a party last night. We're once again on speaking terms. YAY~!
That's awesome.
Air conditioners are great. Especially when one's room is annoyingly hot in the evening after a long day. =D I appreciate that.
Dracos
I had time to make lunch and dinner this morning.
And I updated the site news. Double yay.
Dracos
The parking ticket was promptly removed.
The grade on my assignment was promptly changed.
Groceries were half what they usually were.
Today is remarkably not bad.
Dracos
I get an eye-exam! If I have it (they think I do) Macular Degeneration is treatable~! :D
Treatable eye disease is uh...
not horrible eye disease!
Dracos
Sorry, lecture robbed my wit.
Whew. That's a relief, Brian. The eyes are a horrible thing to lose!
Yey! Only 'retinal stretching within reasonable peramaters'. And my prescription increased by .5, so.
New glasses! :D
Glad to hear that's all it is.
Back in school!
Yay?
Edit: Also, the Wii news is lookig great to me so far. Region free? Hells yeah!
Yeah, but it isn't coming with DQ until later. ;_;
I finally ripped out firefox and got it working again, joy.
Dracos
Quote from: "thepanda"Back in school!
Yay?
Edit: Also, the Wii news is lookig great to me so far. Region free? Hells yeah!
No shit? No regions for the Wii? Reliable news there, I'm not really paying attention to next gen stuff yet.
----
Today's appreciation: Having 45 minutes of work to do and 5 hours in which to do it. Yay.
Yeah. Bad ends are:
We're paying more so that the japanese pay less (apparently).
DQ isn't launching with it.
But otherwise, looking pretty good there.
Dracos
Had a smashing weekend. I instigated a get-together with the Ft. Worth kids and our kids. We had fun.
I was also very polite if cold to the guy who messed up my order after keeping me waiting for thirty minutes for my hamburger, even though I was in the throes of PMS. But even though I was mad about it, I figured it was all well and done, so I didn't even sulk afterwards. Looking forward to a video-game night. :D
You have kids? O_o
Who did it? :evil:
Won a 20 inch flatscreen HD TV at a raffle at work. Out of about 700 people.
SWEET!
You LUCKY PUNK.
Not only that, I just got a on the spot bonus of several hundred dollars for doing a damn good job!!!
I really, REALLY should go out and buy lotto tickets. I'm feeling pretty invincible now.
The last time I felt this way was when I won 7 straight hands at Atlantic City. UNSTOPPABLE!
Damn, Ranma. Congratulations, that sounds like you cleaned up.
I sure as heck did! ^_^
I forgot I had tickets to the blue man group this week.
Thankfully I was reminded. Hopefully it'll be cool.
Dracos
Appreciations: The eye doctor I want to go to had an appointment open tomorrow. Yay.
Appreciation: Dual Channel OWNS! I declare this to be true! ^^
Translation: Got another stick of memory in here today. I am quite happy with it. ^^
Sincerely,
Shuten
I'm way better at the phone now :3 I don't stutter anymore when I answer it, and I smoothly transfer the calls where they need to go with hardly a stumble. Yay me!
Also, TGIF!!
TGIF Indeed!
Blue Man Group was pretty awesome.
Dracos
They're here in Dallas in a couple of days. Probably sold out. And expensive. Haven't checked.
Today's appreciation: New glasses. I'd forgotten how badly outdated my old glasses were. It's like I have eyes again!
Did you get that momentary headache as your eyes adjust to the correct perscription?
It's a good day when you wake up to this picture.[/img]
I...officially have a job! (Since they ran the paperwork and gave me an ID and put me in the database and all that)
It hurts. I tutor English-Second-Language and regular students in Writing, Ethics, Logic, and a small host of 'You can do this, right?' subjects. I spent half my day today on a subject (Sociology) I haven't even finished one class in!
None the less though, employed. ARGH. I feel so conformist. ANGST.
I didn't mean that, don't shoot me.
Once you get that first paycheck, it's like "OMG MONEY!"
I know I was like that. My brother was like that. And my sister was like that too.
Congrats.
SR is back up.
Yay.
It's been a nice last few days.
Dracos
Site is back up.
Additionally in about 14 hours I have an interview with a pretty badass producer guy from Crystal Dynamics.
Additionally it's my birthday.
Whee.
Mmmm....Death Note 9.
Today will be a good day, methinks.
So we found what was scaring my parakeets into a frenzy every night.
MICE.
EATING THE FALLEN BIRD SEED.
Cute bastards.
They are so going down.
I perform in the show this afternoon.
It will theoretically be broadcast: http://www.wetc.tv/ and probably on CMU's tv thing as well. I won't really be visible, being one of those guys back in mission control running things, but hey =D. It should start rolling at 6 pm EST.
Dracos
Hmmmm Death Note....
New full timer at work. I CAN PULL RANK!
I wonder if this is what it feels like to be GOD!
The combination of Week prior to exams sleeping patterns and technology just prevented my friends from having all their shit stolen.
So, I wake up at 4:30 due to fucked up sleeping patterns. My friend IMs me over AIM to ask if I knew what one of his roommates' plans for the night were. I say I don't know and eventually we deduce that he's being robbed. I call the house to make sure (robber picks up phone, sets it on its side. Way to be obvious douchebag) and I call 911 for my friend since he doesn't have his cell in his room. 20 minutes later the cops are there (took long enough) and an hour after that the guy is not only caught but all the stuff he stole (an iPod, a computer, a bass, and an old refrigerator that I left at that house because it got infested with black widows over the summer) is found and returned. Well, not the fridge since nobody uses it but the other shit. AND they think that they might be able to get the stuff that was stolen back in July back because it might be the same guy. Considering that stuff includes a gamecube, a PS2, a computer, some speakers, etc.? Fuckin' badass.
The lesson learned? Don't rob University students the week before finals. They are awake.
That's pretty cool, Zenthor. Bet your friend's pretty happy with you.
Whoot, shows over. Been through a half dozen interviews in the last few hours.
And more today, when I finally posted it. Pretty badass.
Yarr, so sleepy.
Dracos
I have an internet connection again.
It's like coming home all over again.
I misseded youse guys. ;_;
Welcome back Brian.
Dracos
Welcome back. Now, bitch, shut the fuck up and go make me a sandwich.
Zenthor, you are now a sandwich. Please choose a new powerset from the 'deliciousity' table, and switch your equipment list from 'standard' to 'condiment'.
Welcome back, Brian. I motion that you do something unspeakably awesome, cruel and/or amusing to Bjorn in celebration.
I second this motion. Good to see ya, Brian.
Oh, I already did. What do you think I am?
I just let him know that in my downtime I had written juuuust shy of 500k of fanfiction, then asked him how much he'd written. :D
(I think he's going to kill my Past Sins character now, though. <_<;;)
Quote from: "Brian"(I think he's going to kill my Past Sins character now, though. <_<;;)
You don't think I'm doing a play-yourself AU campaign for the narrative challenge, do you? No, bitches, I'm doing it because I'm too far away to actually just go and hit you in the face.
Next up on Past Sins: you must defeat the Red-Headed Smug Soopaa-Genius named AtmosphereCutlass!
I am totally dividing him into zero pieces.
Appreciation of the day: crazy internet memes, in particular, the Vegeta/9000 meme.
Yesterday I had sent some requested data from my unit to another process engineer who's unit is affected by the process from mine. Today, he comes back and points at the viscosity of asphalt stream, which is fairly high at low temperatures, especifically 9,478 cP at 180°F.
This doesn't look right to me, since at that ridiculous viscosity, that thing shouldn't even be able to flow through the pipes, it's -that- thick.
So I get my supervisor, and we open the simulator to look at the value there with the co-worker looking over our shoulders. Of course, then we have:
Co-worker: "Royce, what does the simulator say the viscosity is?"
Supervisor: "I don't believe it..It's over 9000!"
I just got that meme flashing in my head immediately and almost cracked up so badly in front of my supervisor and that co-worker, barely managing to restrict myself to my lips curling upwards...
Anyhow, we got the issue resolved, but I've still got a silly amused grin on my face from that. ^_^;;;
Merc: I doubt very much that I would be able to keep my composure in a situation like that.
You should've said, "o rly!?" :D
Finals are finally over yay! I finally get a nice long break from college ^_^.
I'm heading to california.
Sweet; tell me when you get here. :p
Quote from: "Dracos"I'm heading to california.
Why?
Quote from: "Anastasia"Quote from: "Dracos"I'm heading to california.
Why?
Conquest, presumably.
Quote from: "Anastasia"Quote from: "Dracos"I'm heading to california.
Why?
To find a wife.
Quote from: "Zenthor"Quote from: "Anastasia"Quote from: "Dracos"I'm heading to california.
Why?
To find a wife.
To conquer Hollywood and take Rosie O'Donnel as a wife?
Quote from: "Anastasia"Quote from: "Zenthor"Quote from: "Anastasia"Quote from: "Dracos"I'm heading to california.
Why?
To find a wife.
To conquer Hollywood and take Rosie O'Donnel as a wife?
I was thinking more along the lines of Roseanne Barr, but, hey, whatever works.
Quote from: "Zenthor"Quote from: "Anastasia"Quote from: "Zenthor"Quote from: "Anastasia"Quote from: "Dracos"I'm heading to california.
Why?
To find a wife.
To conquer Hollywood and take Rosie O'Donnel as a wife?
I was thinking more along the lines of Roseanne Barr, but, hey, whatever works.
So can we settle for the two Rosies, Dracos, California and and a wedding?
Yes. Your total comes up to $65535 and the soul of a baby. Thank you for shopping at Evil Mart, where we trade baby souls like currency.
Schooling. Being moved out there for my next semester.
Dracos
Spending the holidays with family and friends.
I gots me a Wii, after waiting four hours for it and being stalked across the mall afterwards.
Nifty new avatar, too.
Quote from: "Dexie Oblivion"Nifty new avatar, too.
Yeah, I like it. Where's it from / who is it?
Quote from: "Ragnar"Quote from: "Dexie Oblivion"Nifty new avatar, too.
Yeah, I like it. Where's it from / who is it?
Lead female from "It's a Wonderful World", a DS RPG being worked on by the Kingdom Hearts team. :D
It looks as cool as hell, and I'm damn excited about it.
Trailer. Watchy. ^^ (http://www.kotaku.com/gaming/clips/clips-square-gets-hip-with-wonderful-world-224166.php)
Today's appreciation: Chronicals is back. Yay.
Chronicles got broken? Or something else?
Anyhow, I'm back. Strongly back as of friday, but back as of yesterday.
Thanks to hal for looking after things with me gone =)
Dracos
I got my first Hard ROCK mode S-Ranking in Elite Beat Agents just now.
The song was YMCA, for the record.
Attempting to do it on Canned Heat now. >_>
I have moved from loving to hating EBA. More in the review to come. I congratulate it for both breaking me into rhythm genre and for convincing me to leave it again.
Dracos
OMG JOB INTERVIEW SCHEDULED ON MONDAY ARRRGH
I be ded.
woot! :DDDDD
Of course, there's no telling the outcome. But wish me luck?
(And is the IRC server down or something?)
Good luck!
Good luck x 2 appears!
Today's a productive yet relaxing day. =)
Dracos
I got a new car. ._.
Congrats Dex =)
Congrats Dexie.
Dracos
Posting seems to be working again. Glee.
Dracos
Found an import CD I was interested in being sold from Amazon's domestic site and they actually had it stocked. Why is this worthy of an "appreciation" you may be asking?
Simple!
CDJapan cost: $39.03 (Not including the cost of the IPMO I would have to get as well as postage for international mail. I should note this also factors in EMS shipping into the cost as well)
Amazon: $28.97 (Two Day Shipping was chosen here. I should note though that even if I had chosen One Day Shipping it still would've been less than CDJapan. $34.47 to be exact.)
Suffice it to say you can see why I consider this an "Appreciation". Saving money is always a very good thing. Especially when the item is an import item. ^^
Sincerely,
Shuten
Edit: Before anyone asks I used a gift certificate I got from a CoinStar Machine at a nearby grocery store. Those things are a ripoff if you want to convert coins to cash but they don't charge a fee if you request a gift certificate. Just be careful how much you put in at a time. I've noticed the machines sometimes reject coins for no reason.
This post totally should have been under bitching. <_<;
Fear the power of deathly headaches!
Heh, and wrong thread, Dexie.
Hope you feel better.
Killer headache is *mostly* gone.
It no longer feels like a railroad spike is being driven through my head. Nay, it now feels like a cow is tapdancing upon it.
Pain equals bad. ._.
My dad and I took different cars to work today, so we didn't carpool. That means no one was in the passenger side of my car when another car crashed into the side, so no one got hurt.
It's fucking SNOWING.
Hell yeah. :D
I got so drunk last night I woke up drunk this morning.
:D
My dog seems to really love me. She just won't leave me along, happily curled up around my feet. There's nothing like a nice dog on a cold day off.
One of my favorite bands ever has a new EP coming out next week! (http://www.punknews.org/bands/reelbigfish)
It's all covers, but it's pretty kickass. Check the link out, it has streams of everything on it.
The Pete's Dragon cover is especially awesome. ^^
Getting the offer you wanted a half hour prior to accepting the offer you didn't is pretty awesome.
Breaking in=Succeeded.
Dracos
Enjoy your stay in Alcatraz!
That is a freaky avatar pic, ya know.
Tingle is love.
I finally got my car back from repairs. Woo.
I passed my thesis proposal defense. I am pretty much set for the next 3 years (barring any screw-ups of astronomical proportions).
Go Ginn! Congrats =D
Dracos
Awesome. You're on your way to being a doctorate?
I got a 10.4% raise at work, and a promotion to the next position level of engineer (Associate Process/Specialty Engineer II). I am...shocked and deliriously happy.
Quote from: "MercForHire"I got a 10.4% raise at work, and a promotion to the next position level of engineer (Associate Process/Specialty Engineer II). I am...shocked and deliriously happy.
Wow, congratulations.
There's something special about today, I just can't put my finger on what, though...
Happy Birthday and such.
Happy Birthday!
I'm back in virginia and I don't think I forgot anything important along the way.
Dracos
Back in california without any planes crashing.
Mmm, Internet.
Dracos
The plumbing bill only cost us 300 bucks. Yay.
NiGHTS for the Wii (http://www.gwn.com/news/story.php/id/11728/NiGHTS_Coming_To_The_Nintendo_Wii.html)?
Maybe...
Sincerely,
Shuten
Quote from: "Shuten"NiGHTS for the Wii (http://www.gwn.com/news/story.php/id/11728/NiGHTS_Coming_To_The_Nintendo_Wii.html)?
Maybe...
Sincerely,
Shuten
*fangasms*
Let's see, went through the whole day without realising it was April 1st. Not one prank, pratfall, or akward situation to report.
Found Space Channel 5 for the ps2 in the bargin bin for $3. I laughed all the way home. Also, Tales of Legendia for $17 (bought), Shadow of the Coll-howeveryouspellit for $20 (next week) and God of War for $20 (also next week).
Having an SVN solution to back up all of my fanfiction and gaming stuff, so that when my desktop begins to die, I can have it all on my laptop? Priceless.
I got my itinerary today. I'm leaving at 6am tomorrow!
I've mixed feelings on the whole thing, but I'm thankful for some of it, so in to the thankful thread it goes.
The good: I finally get to see my girlfriend again after two months of being apart. I get to see my dog, my sister, and the rest of my crazy family and friends.
The bad: This city is beautiful, I'll miss it. It's started to feel like home in only five months (actual home didn't for over ten years). I've made some great friends down here who will be hard to leave behind. And I don't know *what* kind of mess I'm walking in to at work.
All in all, it feels like the good outweighs the bad right now, though. Now, with any luck I won't miss this flight like I did the last one.
-Dan
I went home in less than tweleve hours at work yesterday.
Awesomeness of steak was had.
Dracos
The fact that you're appreciative that you went home after less than a 12 hour work shift is kinda sad, Drac. Doesn't your job/schooling allow one to have a life?
found some old backup cds and dvds with oodles of stuff I'd thought I'd long lost. Fanfic ideas, photoshop stuff, old sig pics... it's kinda neat.
Schooling not really. Though job will.
I'm on apparently a project that has gone legendarily bad. I mean 'this is the kind of stuff they use as case studies in text books on how to approach problems in the industry' bad. We could do our entire final presentation without actually saying anything about the project other than a 15-20 minute long "Lessons learned:" section, without repeating.
Someone in industry mentioned I'd be prepared for any kind of client after this as ours is apparently famous for being horrible to work with. I shrugged it off earlier, not seeing it. I totally see it now.
We're down to about 60-70 hour weeks. I'm going back to 40ish shortly, regardless.
Dracos
Got promoted! I've been upgraded to Henchman from Minion. ^_^
The position starts May 16th, so not for a while yet.
Congrats, 007!
Dracos
I am getting a lot of hours at work.
I got a raise at work. Awesome!
My Lucario managed to solo the Snowpoint City gym. Kickass.
I'm handing off my project and brought cake for a party.
Also I 1cc'ed IN on my second try. ...but it thought I didn't. Confusing!
Dracos
I went to a funny costume party yesterday.
They made us wear square hats, stuffy and hot robes, and I shook hands with the Dean of the law school.
Congratulations Miao! =D
Dracos
There's a guy across the room from me in my compsci lab with an awesome background of Rin Tohsaka, which I keep staring at.
It's funny, 'cos he's the last person I'd expect to care about Fate. o-o
Beat .hack G.U. volume 1 today. Now to buy volume 2!
Running out of stuff to do about ten minutes before your shift ends, and being told to claim the extra time and go home anyway.
Those little happinesses keep me going. :)
I earned five hundred dollars on my check. And I ate a ham sandwich. I'm good to go for another week.
Quote from: "Olguin"I earned five hundred dollars on my check. And I ate a ham sandwich.
Eternal happiness is better than a ham sandwich
A ham sandwich is better than nothing.
Therefore, by the transitive property, a ham sandwich is better than eternal happiness.
Oh, and $500 isn't bad either. ^_^
Drac, thanks for the good wishes. What's 1cc mean?
Finishing a difficulty mode without using a continue.
Dracos
Science nerd that I am, I assumed that 1cc meant "one cubic centimeter" >_>;;
...Not that it made any sense in context...
Quote from: "Dracos"Finishing a difficulty mode without using a continue.
Oh. Hmm. I thought that's how you were supposed to do it anyway.
Quote from: "Ragnar"Science nerd that I am, I assumed that 1cc meant "one cubic centimeter" >_>;;
...Not that it made any sense in context...
So did I. :p
Shopping for new computer parts~!
Being given the option to use a book that can be acquired for $20 when the used version of the assigned book at the store costs $57. And having the second textbook for that class already from a previous class.
Also being given the opportunity to keep outside the normal class (online), and simply write papers and sit down for coffee with the professor in lieu of crappy message board discussion. Professor familiarity~.
Last night was pretty awesome. Went to a rooftop birthday party (for a friend) at the Landing. Nice riverfront place. Good food, good friends, and because this is the last weekend for Memphis in May festivities there was a nice (and really, really close firworks display to cap it all off.
Did you put on your blue suede shoes while you were walking in Memphis? ^_^
Any and all Elvis jokes will be met with tired exasperation.
~The General Public
City of Memphis
More of a Marc Cohn reference, but ok. :)
Point. ^_^
♪ Calling Elvis... is anybody home? ♫
Well, again my computer replacement is delayed. But this time it's for a great reason; we're moving into a new place~!
A house, instead of an apartment! :D Things will be so much more awesome, now. Finally free of needing to collect quarters for laundry. A room that's larger than a cell. A yard, so I can do gardening!
Totally worth it. :3
That sounds kickass. One or two stories?
Houses over apartments rock so very very much. =)
Fling me your new address when you move. And if you need an extra hand or whatnot, lemme know brian. =)
Dracos
One stories. Four bedrooms. Has a workshop type building in the backyard, and a cell (storage area) across the garage.
We are moving in on the third or fourth of July. I will be taking that entire week off from work to unwind after the BookGroup Expo is dealt with.
My manager will understand, I am sure.
Ding dong, the witch is dead!
I'm off the Woodriver CORE project I've been on for the last year and two months. 3 day weekend and then something new. And I get two fresh-outta-college minions to boot to 'teach' the ropes! Heehee!
Well, I had eye surgery yesterday, and I'm not dead or blind, and my eyes seem to be lined up.
Today I realized why "The king of france does not exist" is a logical problem.
Did you wiki it?
Dracos
I beat the igowin program at 2-dan today!
To show how big this is, I've been playing this program ever since Hikaru no Go was subbed. I've played this game over 10,000 times. I've only ever beaten the 1-dan level 4 times, and one of those times was today, and I beat the 2-dan level today one time. I've beaten the 1-kyu level many times (over 100), but beating it on 1-dan is incredibly difficult.
Igowin is a free 9x9 Go program that's quite good, and learns from previous games. It has gotten progessively tougher and tougher to beat the computer.
1-dan and 2-dan, you give the computer a THREE stone handicap. It's next to impossible to win.
http://www.smart-games.com/igowin.html <-- Here's the link to download.
I was quite excited today!
Smacked an overcomplicated build system into placed. Insight wins.
Dracos
Transformers was pretty freaking awesome.
When you finish unpacking.
When you finally get your driver's license.
When you are made a moderator of the FFML.
Lucky day~!
The FFML still exists? o_O
It has been reborn of the fiery depths of hell, and works as if the old FFML never went down.
When the iPod that died in the move decides to live again. o_O
Quote from: "Brian"When the iPod that died in the move decides to live again. o_O
Zombiiiiie!! O_O
Hells, yeah! iPod of the Damned! Night of the Living iPod! I'm there.
Best Buy has a sale on 500gig external hard drives for around $150 so I picked one up. After kicking the music currently on my pc over to the new HD I freed up 20+ gigs. Now I have to hunt through my data cds for my music so I can final listen to whatever I want, whenever I want.
You cannot begin to imagine how happy this makes me.
http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/items/assist/assist03.html
Will Wright as an Assist Trophy in Brawl! WOO! :D
Finally finding a Wii in stock at WalMart.
On the other hand, now I'm broke.
Quote from: "Jon"Finally finding a Wii in stock at WalMart.
On the other hand, now I'm broke.
A fair trade.
Wii Sports can entertain thee.
Or something.
Dracos
=P
I am free from the dead-end that was my old guild. Woot!!
Congrats, Stormy.
-------
The sun is shining. I have brownies. And the work I'm currently doing is pretty easy.
Dracos
Awesome Branson vacation was AWESOME! Saw two shows; the first was a magic/comedy act and the second was a Motown show. Did some go-karting, fishing, swimming up at Moonshine Beach (I love that name), hanging out with more agreeable portions of the extended family, and just had an all-around good time.
But wait! There's more!
On the way back home my dad just randomly stopped at some river adventure place up in the Ozarks on a whim so we (myself, my father, his lady friend, and one of my brothers) went rafting. It was very fun. There was this part where the river was deep enough to jump off into so we did some cliff jumping. After the second jump (about 40 ft up) I lost my nerve. I couldn't force myself to jump in again at even half that height. ^_^;
It was a blast.
Man, that sounds awesome.
Makes me almost want to go vacationing again.
Dracos
Quote from: "Dracos"Man, that sounds awesome.
Makes me almost want to go vacationing again.
Dracos
It was. also, in a strange twist of Fate, I actually used my PSP more than my DS on vacation!
I can do other things while listening to music. And there was so much I wanted to do. Also just realized that including the money I spent on the hotel room (Went half with my brother for $90 total) I spent less than $200 for the whole trip. The hotel provided breakfast in the morning and cobbler and Ice-cream in the evening. Delicious cobbler and ice-cream, I MUST EAT!
When the polisci professor encounters the 20+ page paper that was assigned with a suggested 7 pages and says "Let's just forget the second paper for this semester."
Awesome =)
Dracos
I have a small box of cards (10), 5 of which have pictures of Nagato Yuki, and 5 of which have pictures of Mutsumi. On the back, it lists the URLs where my fanfiction can be found.
I think Jon sent it to me, but I also think that it's got Bjorn's signature on the customs form. This would be the best gift ever; pictures of cute anime girls I can pass out, AND a sample of Bjorn's signature to forge.
This is an appreciation and a shout out. :D
Also, all of the mail I've received at the new place has been awesome in some way: Stuff from Nintendo, stuff from out of the country....
~bliss~
It ain't my signature, but this is nonetheless an easy thing to forge: have a seizure on paper, and die at the end.
Quote from: "Brian"I have a small box of cards (10), 5 of which have pictures of Nagato Yuki, and 5 of which have pictures of Mutsumi. On the back, it lists the URLs where my fanfiction can be found.
I had forgotten about those. I think I need to get me some.
Finished the California Bar Exam yesterday. Wheee...
Quote from: "Jason_Miao"Finished the California Bar Exam yesterday. Wheee...
Congrats!
Wait, Miao lives in Cali? Woah.
And, congrats, man, that's huge. :3
So, what next? We've got a Lawyer and a Doctor on the forums ... so ... rocket scientist? Anyone?
Quote from: "Brian"So, what next? We've got a Lawyer and a Doctor on the forums ... so ... rocket scientist? Anyone?
I play one on TV.
That is. Er.
If we needed to have a play to raise money to repair the forums, I could play one in the play. Yes. That's it.
*runs away*
Quote from: "Brian"Wait, Miao lives in Cali?
Miao doesn't live in Cali. Miao just took the Cali bar.
Although, the weather in San Mateo has been rather nice...
Way to go, Miao!
I don't exactly use this thread much, but hey:
I have a new server for pishoque, I'll ideally be moving it next weekend now that DNS is all in order. I've been having fun playing with it.
These generic brand ULTIMATE choc-chip cookies are, in fact, pleasingly ultimate.
Skype's a really cool toy!
Transformers was a kinda cool movie. I mean it didn't feel much like Transformers and there was some very meh stuff, but GIANT ROBOTS! We need a mechwarrior movie with that kind of budget.
I'm getting to experiment with wacky-ass software RAID configurations on this neat new server! It's just for us IT people to play with for now!
I have good friends. I should appreciate them all a lot more than I do, and try harder to keep in touch.
I was contracted to do network administration for a one month period. Since they seemed inclined to keep me, I've asked for more money and some help doing a few certifications. The response to this is that I'm 'worth my weight in gold' and to have the list of education I'm interested in pursuing on my boss' desk Monday morning.
I like the people I work with. This is a nice change.
So I'm getting my life in order. I have a job I enjoy. I'm working on advancing my career.
I'm free. I don't really have the money right now, but I will - I can go wherever, do whatever.
I've got hope. I know what I want and where I want to be in a year's time. I've got a goal, and I've got a reason to be doing things. I've got a reason to improve myself. I haven't had those in ages.
Life is good.
A psych professor having enough confidence in me that they:
Enroll me as a TA and have me sit in on a class I'm not actually taking, purely so that there's a definite tutor for it.
Order a desk copy of a new edition text book for our office.
Invite me to guest lecture a general psychology class on a chapter of my choosing. In the interest of creating a deeper degree of recognition of the tutor as an authority, but the inherent trust is flattering.
And now they can never refuse to give glowing reviews if I use them as a reference for future employment.
Excellent.
Hey, that's pretty cool.
I beat the One Sin today! Yay!
Probably not too high on the list of special boss battles, but if you consider just
how
slow
my
ps2
has
become
you'd feel pretty damned proud of making it through that battle, too. Gah, I need a new system.
I'm finally doing a unit with programming in it again (before I was doing databases, lol SQL), and I'm not screwing it up.
It is something of a comfort to know I haven't forgotten everything, I was worried. >_>
I passed the CISA exam! Woo!
*slowly moves from IT support to IT security and audit*
(http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/images/pokemon_trainer/pokemon_trainer.jpg)
WARNING! A NEW CHALLENGER HAS APPEARED! (http://www.smashbros.com/en_us/characters/pokemon_trainer.html)
Hell yeah! :D
I'm scared. :)
WARGH O_O
Dracos
Deserved that.
Finding an old deck of Magic cards I'd lost for years is awesome. Yay!
Going on a tour to Japan from Sept 18-24. It involves going to the Tokyo Game Show in addition to touristic sights. ^_^
Coooooool!
A friend of mine just recently went. He had a handheld English>Japanese computer translator. It was fairly cool. I don't know if you would want to get one, but it might be a good idea.
WOO HOO! I passed the CISSP exam!!!
*keeps moving to IT security*
Next up for me is to upgrade my MCSE and then start learning about Cisco stuff.
I have a new computer.
It was waiting for me (in pieces) when I got home on Friday. o_o
My roommates just decided I should have a desktop system powerful enough to run Bioshock, and now ... I do! :D
The good, the bad, and the ugly:
I've gone from being paid to wait for students during a certain set of hours to doing that and quite nearly TAing one of the classes. Granted, I've escaped such destitutions as grading papers or giving lectures to the class I've never taken, which I cannot entirely say for the class I have taken that I'm pseudo-responsible for, but I am being asked when the professor is running late - "Can you run them through some example interview questions while I go get my stuff?" This ended in less interview questions, more random questions and one tour of a database search system.
The students have also come to realize the other benefits of my continued presence in their classroom: If the line for asking questions in front of the professor gets too long during break or after class, clearly the TA waiting in the back can answer these pressing conundrums. And lo, I began doing my job more often than required without being paid for it.
I'm not even going for a degree in psychology, yet I somehow volunteered myself into this for a Lifespan/Developmental Psychology class.
So enough of the bad and the ugly, the good of this: Getting to talk to a professor more frankly than ever before, and learning that lecturing with social anxiety is exactly what it feels like - a constant struggle of insanity to make the students think you have this planned when really you're just throwing shit at them and reading off your power point. Comforting to know I wasn't on the outside with that one.
This should look wonderful on my application to transfer when I do it. It had better.
And hey, I get to disappear from work on the (legitimate, sadly) excuse that I'm going to go talk to the professor.
So really, this is all a positive occurence. Right?
The glass is half full. Indeed.
Posting from an internet cafe in Japan :D
Posting from my bedroom :D
Quote from: "MercForHire"Posting from an internet cafe in Japan :D
what? Awesome. Merc, go beat up the japanese prime minister!
Dracos
Quote from: "Dracos"Quote from: "MercForHire"Posting from an internet cafe in Japan :D
what? Awesome. Merc, go beat up the japanese prime minister!
Dracos
Doesn't the poor guy have bowel cancer or something? :(
Oh god. I truly love 4chan sometimes, seriously.
There's a thread on /co/ right now: Who would win in a fight, Gaara of the Sand or Toph from Avatar: The Last Airbender. After supporters of both sides made their arguements, the eternal battle of Goku vs. Superman got brought up.
It was decided that eventually, Squirrel Girl would appear and kick all four of their ass's at once.
...and now, somehow, it's turned into Squirrel Girl vs. Zabuza.
Damn. XD;; I haven't laughed this hard in ages.
ZABUZA SWORD CANNOT BE BEAT! XD;;;
Kirby takes all six.
And then gets digestion issues.
Dracos
Toph is supreme.
Having enough medication to dull the pain. Getting to stay home from work. o_o
My coveted Sailor Moon Stars volume 1 has finally reached my hands after all these years. Sure, I could have gotten it earlier, but I'll be damned if I'm going to pay $75+ dollars for a $10 book, even if it is out of print and the only volume in my collection missing. Patience and time have finally paid off.
Also, I get to go fishing for class. So that's cool.
Awesome! Soulriders FOR WORKGROUPS! ^_^
I just got a free lunch. Awesome.
The forums haven't exploded. =D
In Missouri, doing four-day research convention. Carrying the tube.
20 themes on the board and nothing exploded.
Glee.
For our convention, the author of PHD Comics (http://www.phdcomics.com/comics.php) was a keynote speaker. His speech was hilarious. I asked him to teach me to be funny (a request that is one of my chronic preoccupations). He recommended joining an improvisation club.
Hmm... improv. Might want to check that out.
Improv is fun. =) I've done a fair bit of that.
Further tales of research convention goodness.
Last night, our funding manager told us there was a pretty good restaurant about ten blocks away from the hotel. Since we (six people) didn't know our way around the convention's city in Missouri, and the convention's dinner was at about 4:30PM and it was around 10:00PM, we said sure, let's go.
The characters of the play:
KLSymph: Myself.
Roommate A: My assigned roommate, a guy from a different lab.
Roommate B: Another guy from a different lab, who became my roommate when we arrived at the hotel on the first night and discovered that Marriot has decided that instead of two-people-per-2bed-room, we are now three-people-per-2bed-room. Yeah, you heard me.
Girl A: Girl who came in during the summer research session a couple of times.
Leader: The academic advisor who got us the funding to get to the convention. Also a judge for the presentations.
Plus another boy and girl, both asian.
The following is a selection of (out-of-context, misremembered, paraphrased, or dramatized) quotes from that ten-block walk last night to the restaurant.
* Everybody was in the hotel lobby waiting for Roommate B.
Roommate A: Dude, where is he?
KLSymph (having just called Roommate B): He said he's coming from the convention center (two blocks away). Don't worry. Oh wait, here he is.
Girl A: About time! I'm starving.
* Roommate B (comes in): Wait, wait, let me go to the bathroom. (jogs off)
Girl A: Let's go already!
* Roommate B comes back from the opposite hall he came from.
Girl A: Why're you coming from Didn't you go to the bathroom?
Roommate B: Yeah. (points the way he left)
Roommate A: ...You're messed up.
Roommate B: What?
* Everyone leaves and begins the ten-block walk
Roommate A: So, Rene, are we going to your car or something?
Leader: No, we're going right to the restaurant.
Roommate A: I thought you had a car.
KLSymph: Even if he did, we're seven people. Can't fit.
Leader: I have a car and an SUV.
Roommate A: Then why don't we just take them instead?
Leader: Well, they're at home. In Houston.
* We walk some more. The streets are hilly and we're in in business district, so we get to see some nice architecture.
Roommate A (looking at a brightly lit office building a few blocks away shaped like a bowl, with all picture windows): Huh, now there's a building that's a bunch of suicides waiting to happen.
KLSymph (squinting at it to make out the shapes inside): Man, that's a lot of cubicles.
Roommate A: I know, right? Look at those windows. Imagine if somebody after a bad office day just fell into one.
KLSymph: They'd bounce off?
Roommate A: Okay, imagine if a fat guy fell into one.
* We look back, at our hotel, which as a gimmick has a large number of LED lights put on the side of the buildings flashing Christmas lights, so it looks like a large screen running light patterns.
Roommate A: Eye-catching, huh?
KLSymph: I don't know, I think it's just gaudy. I mean, what's the point?
Roommate A: Advertisement. You get people to look at the lights and then they see the "MARRIOT" right above it. It would stick in your mind.
KLSymph: Meh. I think whatever advertisement value they get from that is counterbalanced by the fact that they charge you $9.95 a day for wireless.
Roommate A: Yeah, that sucks.
Leader: Sucks to be you guys. Marriot charges you for everything. I got Holiday Inn. Not only do I not have three guys in a two-bed room, free internet woo!
Roommate A: I hate you, Rene.
KLSymph: Yeah, well, I don't really like how it draws people's attention. What if somebody looked at our window and saw Zahid changing right next to the window again?
Roommate B: Would you SHUT UP?!
KLSymph: Why do you draw the curtain so we can't see you but expose yourself to everybody outside the window?
Roommate A: Do we not tell you to use the bathroom for changing? If somebody puts your naked picture all over the internet, I don't want to have to explain what was going on in our room.
Roommate B: SHUT UP! JUST SHUT THE HELL UP!
* We pass a small theater, where two men and a girl are sitting in front of doing apparently nothing.
Roommate A (just noticing that the girl was not, in fact, wearing pants or underwear): Wait, was that what I think it was?
KLSymph: Slow, aren't you.
* After walking for quite a bit, we seem nowhere near our destination.
KLSymph: So Rene, are we getting close, or what?
Roommate A: Yeah, it kinda looks like we in the bad part of town now.
Leader: Not yet, just a bit more.
Girl A: So uh, Rene, do you have friends waiting to jack us or what?
Roommate A: Man, I don't want to walk this far just to eat.
* We pass a restaurant-looking building.
Roommate A: Hey, Is this it? ...no, that's a strip bar.
KLSymph: Huh. So this must be the one the bellboy was talking about.
Leader: What, you guys want to go to a strip bar?
KLSymph: Can't, he isn't old enough.
Roommate A: Hey, I can't help being under 21.
KLSymph: You drag us all down, man.
* We approach a bridge.
Roommate A: Hey, wait, we gotta go over a bridge?
Leader: It's just a little walk. Walking is good for you.
Roommate A: No, hell no, if we gotta go over a bridge, that's too much walking to get dinner.
* The Leader pulls out a printed map.
Roommate A: What? Hey, I thought you've been to this place before!
Leader: Eh. Let's see, 31st street, 31st street.
Girl A: What street are we on?
KLSymph (looks): Uh, looks like 15th.
Girl A: What? No! We lived in a city where you got twenty restaurants in walking distance. We do not walk this far for dinner.
Leader: It's alright, look at how far we've gone already.
Roomate A: Wasn't it ten blocks away?
KLSymph: This part of town isn't even arranged in city blocks anyway.
Roommate B: I got GPS on my cell phone. Where are we trying to go?
Leader: Here's the address.
Roommate B: Hmm, from this intersection to that one, we gotta walk another... 1.2 miles.
Roommate A and Girl A: WHAT?!
* We walk some more.
Roommate A: We gotta cross a second bridge?!
* After we cross the bridge, the road begins to widen, and the sidewalk on our side of the street disappears.
Girl A: Now we don't have a sidewalk? I'm in heels here.
KLSymph: Looks like the city ran out of money.
* Suddenly, there is a random flooded spot on the grass we're walking.
KLSymph: Whoa, watch out here!
* I walk on near the Leader and Roommate B. A few seconds later....
Roommate A: Goddamnit!
KLSymph: I warned you.
Roommate A: It got on my jeans!
* Walk, walk, walk. Suddenly...
KLSymph: Rene, you better not be taking us to McDonalds, I swear to God.
* Walk up and down a few more hills....
Roommate A: I can't believe we gotta go this far for food.
KLSymph: Don't worry, we'll always treasure the memory of tonight and how we... gang-beat Rene.
Leader: Hey now, it's not that far. How far is it?
Roommate B: GPS says... 900 feet.
* Roommate A and Girl A scream.
* We slowly approach the restaurant.
Roommate B: 600 feet... 550 feet... 500 feet.
Roommate A: Would you just stop talking?
KLSymph: I vote that we just stop walking and eat at (looks at the nearest building) this abandoned parking complex.
* We finally reach the restaurant!
Leader (looking back): Hey, I can see the Marriot from here! See, that wasn't so far. We can just walk back too!
Roommate A: No. You're paying for our cab, Rene.
Girl A: I don't care what you do. I'm not walking back, because either we're taking a car, or Rene is carrying me back.
* KLSymph notes that Leader is a medium caucasian man, and Girl A is an African-American girl who looks like she weighs twice as much as he does.
Girl A: I hope you got good shoes, Rene, 'cause I'm heavy.
The total trip was an hour, maybe three miles of walking. That night we all had ribs. And the leader paid of our drinks. We took cabs back.
KLSymph to Roommates A and B: So, who gets the floor tonight?
I've...actually managed to start GMing a game of espionage. I don't know entirely how it's worked, but it has, and it looks like it will continue working.
So the PCs are headed south, two elven lackeys delivering a letter between elven masters on two sides of a continent. They've already dabbled a little in politics by stealthing a cart of goods past some out-feyn 'inspectors' interested in 'stolen' goods for a nobleman. This is a typical feudal land, with the one major exception that use of mercenaries by noble houses is heavily regulated, and only allowed within royal 'allowances'. Such and such Duke can have so many mercs, etc. It keeps the size and scope of wars down. So they head through a city owned by the Duchy of Lusign, who are rich merchant types that make most of their money through ownership of the two trading ports in the Kingdom of Felayn, and giving prefferential treatment to merchants from their family, who's gold conveniently goes into the family coffers.
They leave the town, and a while later, they spot a ship off the coast, this is remarkable in the fact that this ship is burning quite merrily, and so our PCs (a druid and a wizard) set out to help the poor souls jumping from it! As the druid enlists the assistance of a pod of dolphins with promises of copious fish, they start to notice that those sailors getting ashore are being bloodily murdered by a gang of shady individuals. Much aquatic melee, two summoned sharks, and one message sent to the gate guards of the nearby Lusignian city later, there is but one of these shady characters left alive, and a fourteen year old boy in rich looking clothing who may have been the target of all this given the lack of any attacks on his person. The boy escapes to the road, to be snatched up by disguised Lusignian horsemen, and the remaining shady man is critted and tripped by the druid's animal companion wolf. (Fortunately for the GM, this pauses the PCs, so they don't see the horsemen come or go except through the eyes of the wizard's hawk familiar)
Return victorious to the city! ...Only the gate guards deny any receiving of hawk borne messages, cloaked riders, 14 year old boys, and demand proof that the bound man has actually committed the crimes he is accused of. The PCs stumble and let the man go. In a parting exchange, the PCs describe the clothes the boy was wearing, and are told snobbishly that such sounds like Hofeynian fashion. Hofeyn is of course, the main rival of Lusign in southern Felayn, and so the pieces begin to fit together. They follow the shady character into the city, first to a bar, then to a wealthy merchant's house, where gold changes hands, and he heads to a brothel. Figuring this man must be low on the ladder, they leave him be, and instead step into the merchant's. "Your name?" "Trempfor de Lusign." Ahah! This man is a member of the local noble family! It truly all begins to fit together now.
Some bribery of uninvolved shady individuals later, and the PCs are plopped in front of an information broker who can give the PCs information for a substantial price. A significant amount of gold later, and they have discovered the general lay of the political land in southern Felayn - the boy is the nephew and current heir to the House of Hofeyn, and thus the Duchy. The Hofeyn are rather strict in their pursuit of smugglers moving out of Ternia (kingdom to the south) into Felayn through Hofeynian territory. This is making Ternia quite irate, and the Lusigns are facing more opposition in Ternian ports. The Lusigns most likely wish to use the boy as leverage to reduce Hofeynian troop levels on the border, in exchange for trade concessions from Ternia, and so the Lusignian merchant princes grow richer. Fortunately for the PCs, the heavy regulations on mercenaries in Felayn, along with a desire to not be directly linked to the kidnapping, means the guards around the boy will be relatively light.
The PCs are then approached by a third party, the House of Balgur, who are a poor duchy to the north with much simple agriculture and only one city with mild trade revenue, want to assist them - if the PCs will agree to certain things. The Balgur wish to present the boy back to the Hofeynians, in exchange for some favors, relief of debts, and trade deals, or so they say. Being only a druid, wizard, and wolf animal companion, the PCs are feeling their lack of firepower and readily agree to the assistance for a reward from the Balgurians. And so the stage is set.
I rather liked the way things turned out. Far less chaotic than the last game I GMed. Just very political.
Sounds cool, Asrana. And good gaming group size for that kind of thing.
I just downloaded Magic (the Gathering) Online, just to occupy myself for an hour. Apparently, playing a card game online makes me mess up even more than usual (says the one whose only Friday Night Magic score is 1 win, 8 losses in a Time Spiral draft because he couldn't draw enough mountains in any of those games... while drawing all of his plains, despite having twice as many mountains as plains in his deck). In the end, I was sitting there facing Prodigal Pyromancer, Bloodrock Cyclops, Viashino Sandscout, and Thundering Giant with nothing but a pile of mountains, having spent all of my three creatures that game putting my opponent down to 12 life. Note to self, make sure the opponent's Raging Goblin actually attacked last turn before sending Lightning Elemental into it.
I still won. Ah, Incinerate, Incinerate, Blaze for 6.
(http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/10E/EN/Card134751.jpg)(http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/10E/EN/Card134751.jpg)(http://resources.wizards.com/Magic/Cards/10E/EN/Card129484.jpg)
Is there nothing you can't do?
I have irc during the day again. Very nice.
We have rudimentary bot?
Does rudimentary bot catch cool editing? Not like that it doesn't.
Oh well, decent first run.
websense doesn't catch the One Manga site or the manga pictures there. Sure the site is slow. But damned if it's not nice being able to look at manga at work. *enjoys it while can*
Postbot stays up for testing today.
Quote from: Merc on October 23, 2007, 08:15:50 PM
websense doesn't catch the One Manga site or the manga pictures there. Sure the site is slow. But damned if it's not nice being able to look at manga at work. *enjoys it while can*
Tangentially, I suspect you'll get busted on it. I think your organization runs their Webcatcher software, which is what captures internet sites for review. I never had problems with SR until you got your current job. >_>
So clearly we have to destroy websense. Villianious thing.
Quote from: AnastasiaTangentially, I suspect you'll get busted on it. I think your organization runs their Webcatcher software, which is what captures internet sites for review. I never had problems with SR until you got your current job. >_>
Hey, I rarely even logged onto SR board in the first place (maybe 2-3 times a week), so chances of that being my fault are pretty minimal, I'd think. If anything, I think it got caught when 3.0 came about and the title of the board shifted from having a partial focus on "anime, manga", to purely gaming. I'm pretty certain it was soon after that when it got blocked off.
Notably, I could see ff.net getting busted because of me checking for fic updates whenever I had a free moment to read fanfics. But I'd been doing that since way back when I started. I don't see them only having blocked it off a good year and a half after because of me looking at fics though. Seems weird since it doesn't look like they hunt for words like "anime" or "manga" but almost always block "gaming" and "social".
blame bjorn. He convinced me with rational thought and well argued rhetoric :P
actually don't, I just felt like giving that line =P
Blame Websense. Screw that.
Happy Spooktoberfest, everyone!
Good morning.
Almost ready to go.
I got a new avatar.
When I changed it, hell if I know. Must have been tired when it happened and forgot about it. :p
Got to go to Legion of Honor, and see a genuine Picasso. And a Monet, and a Van Goh, and (I think) Rodin's 'The Thinker'. Never seen famous art in person before. Was kind of neat.
My CISA application was approved! I'm now a CISA!
They say that 'a small number of applications will be audited'... yeah, mine was audited, so that was another month or so to verify employment history and so forth.
Project Director came by around noon, shook everyone's hands saying happy thanksgiving...and then told us we could all go home early, regardless of how many hours we'd charged. I'd charged 10 and had 5 to go. Awesome.
I picked up the Mario Galaxy game on the way home, so let's see if that adds more awesome to the day.
A successful Thanksgiving trip with absolutely no drama. Amazing.
Also, I'm now viewing this on my brand new 20" LCD monitor. I've finally upgraded from my dinky 15" monitor. ;_; Joy!
This site looks so much better when I don't have to scroll left and right.
I think Mill's working right again. You are right, Mil?
Millenia be done again. Chores finished.
Mil fixed. Again.
I've finally finished my Aria run.
Aria, Aria the Natural, and the OAV Arietta are, in my opinion, the best slice of life series I've seen.
Here is hoping for another season!
After seven long, bitter years of Googling, I finally downloaded the Psychic Force 2012 sountrack.
I'm so happy I could cry.
Quote from: thepanda on November 28, 2007, 12:58:36 PM
I've finally finished my Aria run.
Aria, Aria the Natural, and the OAV Arietta are, in my opinion, the best slice of life series I've seen.
Here is hoping for another season!
Ask and ye shall receive (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=8657).
In the meanwhile I would suggest checking out Sketchbook ~Full Colors~ to tide you over. I can't comment on how it compares to Aria since I never really watched the series, at least as far as I can remember, but it is a pretty nice slice of life series in its own right.
Anyways I shall divulge an appreciation for today.
Keeping in mind that I am a casual, a word I am using in the loosest possible fashion, football fan it was still nice to receive the signed mini helmet I won a few weeks back in a certain football themed online sweepstakes. All in all I didn't do too bad in said sweepstakes. I managed to reach the max prize limit in the lowest level of the contest and win two prizes in the next level up.
Mind you it would have been nice to have won a prize in the second to highest level, I had no interest in winning the prize listed for the highest level, but considering my usual luck with sweepstakes I have no reason to complain. ^^;
Sincerely,
Shuten
Already watching Sketchbook, Shu. It ain't bad. Congrats on the prizes.
Good thing: I managed to make it to lab today. Hopefully I'll have rides until classes end.
Technically this applies to yesterday. Still since I'm only just getting on now I may as well post it now. This week was a great week to pick up Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker for the DS. Ten dollars off and a five dollar gift card towards the next purchase as well. If you have been considering picking up the game now is a great time. Just 'buy' it from the place claiming they are the 'best'. Whether they truly are or not is something each person will have to decide for themselves or not.
Oh and yes I'm enjoying the game so far. It continues to feel weird getting used to playing a 3-D game using digital pad to move the character but I am managing all things considered.
Sincerely,
Shuten
Finals are OVER!
Now for more Mario Galaxy (and then finish .hack//g.u.)
Vacation! =D
Millenia is working again. The bug is fixed.
Fixed? Yo?
Not fixed, yo?
I'm off on vacation.
No burning down the place while I'm gone.
I got an A in a class where I was (am) pretty sure everything I handed in came back as a high C to a high B depending on how motivated I felt that week. I'm distinctly baffled, especially since I completely BSed the final paper, which was itself an assignment of BS. Either the professor liked my brand of BS way more than he should, or he's lazy entering numbers.
Either way, I'm not questioning a perfect 4.0 for fall semester. It was a nice new year's gift from the ether.
New Aria is new! (No season reset like The Natural)
New gondola is new! New hairstyle is new (though the side-puff was hilarious at the time)! But it still feels like old Aria.
This is bliss.
Tokyopop picked up the Aria manga license. For those not familiar with what happened, Aria's manga license was owned by ADV. When ADV manga went under, it took several series I was collecting with it. I never thought I'd actually get the chance to continue (plus get the prequel series). Though I already have volumes 1-3. Now I just have to wait for them to catch up.
Found my voter registration card and voted. ^_^
Mother's back home again. She's not one hundred percent but she's about as well as can be expected. ^^
Sincerely,
Shuten
Congrats, Shuten. May her continued recovery be swift!
When the Dean of Liberal Arts apparently sings my praises to the Dean of Students and my psych prof, I hear second hand from former psych students about current psych students liking my teaching, the Dean offers lunch on the college, and my psych prof answers my email about what curriculum I covered and what judgment calls I made in her classes with 'Bless your heart', it is a good day, one supposes.
It's the start of a 3 day weekend.
A bunch of ducks were just sitting in my driveway when I came home from work. I couldn't park inside the garage, had to park on the curbside, but I thought it was funny sight. My mom and sis started feeding them some bread when I called them out to show them. ^_^
Cute. :)
We bought a Wii yesterday. I'm still quite appreciative today as well. ^^
Sincerely,
Shuten
Got a raise at work. Yay money.
Go merc!
Finally stopped lazing around and marathoned Dennou Coil. The show was great, even though it would have driven me nuts if I had to watch it one episode a week. To the several people who recced the show, thanks.
I'm mostly moved. =D
Also, I'm still grooving to my new cd.
This week I get brawl.
I also may go ahead and buy a bed. Mmm, buying a bed, ya.
Had a nice long stretch of time to meself over the weekend, and booted up Dragon Quest VIII for the first time in over a year. I now have a boat!
I got a bed this weekend.
Beat that, it's bloody awesome. I also picked up a terrabyte raid. I should've gone for two, but frankly, this means I'm going to need to boost up searching because that's going to leave 200 gigs free at the current rate I think, so 'deleting' is going to become a waste of time.
I graduated (by my count) This past Friday.
It was the end of nineteen years in the school system and likely my last time stepping in there for a while unless I smoke crack and decide to teach.
I now hold a Masters of Entertainment Technology. This fulfills the one of many plans to be deemed the master of all. :)
Monday Monday... so good for cookies.
Chocolate Chip... is what I shall eat. :D
I got $20 bucks in the mail. Yay.
Just went on my first Kara raid with my guild. We only got up to Curator before people started dropping unconscious, so we stopped after he was dead, but it was fun.
We only wiped once too (opera event, against oz group).
We're going to see if we can't start up again from stop point tomorrow morning.
Hung out with Corwin and Brian yesterday. :) He'll probably have pictures of it when he gets back. Craziness was had by all.
Quote from: Dracos on June 14, 2008, 01:17:15 PM
Hung out with Corwin and Brian yesterday. :) He'll probably have pictures of it when he gets back. Craziness was had by all.
Horseman #3 is ready. Scary.
I have an apartment: http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/apa/719065240.html
I am now trailer trash. I live in a trailer.
With four cats.
Can someone teach me how to play banjo? I want to upgrade from 'jug'.
Quote from: Brian on July 03, 2008, 12:21:05 PM
I am now trailer trash. I live in a trailer.
With four cats.
Can someone teach me how to play banjo? I want to upgrade from 'jug'.
Man Brian. Your life is certainly something, isn't it?
My life is TOTALLY AWESOME.
Because when I reach the age of 30, I will write an autobiography, which they will only let me publish as fiction.
It will be the most popular and hilarious novel ever.
Publishing fiction as non-fiction is far more profitable.
And you better begin soon.
You've got lots to write. :P
Got a new set of headphones today.
They sound nice.
G'luck with that, Brian.
---
I slept in until 12:30 PM today. I feel like such a wastrel.
I beat the king yesterday. Repeatedly.
It was weird. and Awesome.
He totally is going to own me back today.
Oh yeah, and there were hordes of zombies that invaded the office which we fought off with revolvers. It was pretty awesome.
I guess that teaches me to call out sick. >_<
I can now let my cat run around in the house while I am asleep.
This will probably save her life.
Just returned from Video Games Live 2008. Some people might remember I went two years back with Hal and some of my family members. Went again this year minus the hat guy (amusingly enough, this is how my grandpa recalled Hal) and my dad, but with my sister, aunt, cousin and grandfather's sister in tow in their place.
I was honestly a bit doubtful as my general expectation was that 75% of it was going to be the same old same old from first time. It had been prety awesome first time around, but could a second time be really worthwhile? I'll admit, I mostly wanted to have the four family members who hadn't gotten to enjoy it to go see it, but my own expectations were pretty iffy.
Still, things started off well enough. If nothing else, I knew this time that arriving two hours early for the pre-concert 'festival' wasn't a good idea. Last time our group just ended up sitting for an hour and change sitting in a corner bored, bored, bored, bored and did I mention bored? This time we simply arrived 45 minutes before concert, and had to wait a mere 15 minutes for us to be allowed into concert hall.
A bit surprising, but before the doors are even closed and people are all in, stuff is starting to happen. On the screen above orchestra, we have "Show will start momentarily. In the meanwhile, here's something to entertain you. But first...a poem." Screen change. "Roses are #FF0000, Violets are #0000FF" (I admit I laughed) Screen change. "All your base are belong to us." (Cute. Cue eye roll)
Now starts the following: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQg7qOB5Heg
Cue another eye roll here.
Following this is the obligatory cosplay costume judging. There is no Pong this year (God, that was awesome last time), sadly, and waaaaaay too many Marios and Links. There's also a Darth Vader in a business suit (what the fuck?). Oh, and two kids with a cardboard pacman cutout roped in display in front of him, and a ghost cardboard in front of her. Given the rule that a kid always win these no matter how awesome the other guys might be (Pong was ROBBED!), my obvious reaction is a facepalm. I just -know- the two little cheapskates are gonna win. Announcer pulls finalist four in front of everyone and yup, wouldn't you know it, cardboard twins are finalists. On the plus side, so is May from Guilty Gear (very, very nice costume), an Axel from KHII (eh, pretty decent costume), and one of the many Links (a kid, obviously. Though the costume was pretty nice. I admit I favored the girl Link with the boobs, though. Ragnar would be proud of me surely). May loses, but at least it's to Link, not the cardboard twins. Thank god for small favors.
Now it's time for Frogger. And boy what a dissapointment that was. Orchestra couldn't really do much for this interactive segment given how much the two contestants SUCKED at it. Good lord, did these two even -know- what a video game was before getting up there? I'm thinking no by the showing they put up. That people are still coming in and people are noisy and drowning out the orchestra's pathetic attempt (and can't say I blame them for being pathetic here) to do an impromptu game music to the events on the screen when the players couldn't do much more than die fast.
I'm dying here. God, wasn't this supposed to be fun?
Still, doors are shutting now, and the classic arcade introductory medley begins. I can smile now, if somewhat half heartedly, that medley is still as fun to hear as it was the first time and starts to get me in the mood. Maybe this won't be so bad?
What follows are Metal Gear Solid and God of War. Had those that first time. They were okay, but honestly, the magic from first time isn't here for me. At least the rest of my guests seems to be enjoying it so far, and I was expecting to be a bit dissapointed with pre-existing segments.
Our host comes out and announces that they're going to present a new song this year. I sit up straight in anticipation...and look utterly dismayed and betrayed (and apparently my sister took a photo of my expression. damn woman!) as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix video game medley begins.
Oh. My. God.
Well....at least my sister and grandpa's sister are enjoying it still?
I resist the urge to weep and try to enjoy the medley. It's honestly not bad...it's just...it's Harry fucking Potter. That music may be video game original material and not from movies, but goddamn it, I feel cheated.
And that's when they decide to bring a true smile to my face as the next thing the host does as he comes out is announce that because of overwhelming demand...Metroid.
See, this is the kind of new material I want to see. Maybe there is some hope for this yet.
Next up...the Video Game Pianist, Martin Leung. I'm sure everyone's seen his videos and knows who he is. If not, look him up. Last time, there was some woman pianist doing final fantasy solo. This year, we were offered either final fantasy or warcraft 2. I was sadly one of the outvoted callers crying for warcraft 2. Oh well, final fantasy is still enjoyable, so I'm still enjoying myself.
Following that is Legend of Zelda and Kingdom Hearts. Saw both last time, so while still somewhat enjoyable, not as great an experience, and still disappointed that they won't show game footage here for KH, instead only purely disney animation. C'mon people! Video game concert! Show video game footage!
*sigh* What's next? Another interactive segment with someone who has no clue what he's doing? Joy....
Oh well, time for intermission. Things aren't going too bad, but it's not the experience I remember so far. Metroid and the classic arcade meddley are the only things that I -really- enjoyed.
Act II is where they start to make the event worth it for me.
First up is bioshock. Yikes, some of the stuff on the footage did not look PG-13 friendly and I know there were kids there. Music wasn't -great-, but it was new and the slight creepy tint to spots here and there was neat.
Then it's Warcraft, with stuff from all the games. Besides the fact that I can enjoy it more as a WoW addict lately, the general mood of the medley was just...epic. It was goddamn epic. I didn't even bother paying attention to the footage or light show (and no big loss on the footage, I'd seen it all before). I just absorbed myself in the music.
Starcraft II is up next. Honestly, I know shit about this besides what host guy says that it's a game in development. Footage adds to this since mostly it's development art and some very limited game footage. Still, music is pretty cool. And again, it's new.
Blizzard segment ends and it's back to Nintendo as the ever expected Mario segment starts (and you -know- they'll always have Mario). When this ends, they bring back the piano soloist. Didn't do that first time I came, but it was almost expected. C'mon, the guy got famous doing blindfolded Mario, and that's what we got this time, followed by more Mario solo piano music. I gotta say, it's more fun to watch in person than on youtube. For one thing, guy is much more expressive and you can tell he's having so much fun, you can't help but join in. Calls of an encore get him back to do a Tetris segment, before he finally departs to applause and the show continues.
What's this? New interactive segment, as they bring out Guitar Hero Aerosmith and put the winner of the pre-concert festival tournament up on the stage, with the host setting up bass guitar, saying he'll accompany him while he plays for keeps on a song to beat the high score of 150k points currently saved to the selected song while orchestra and host accompany his playing. Finally. A -competent- interactive segment (though to be fair, the kid did win contest. would be odd if he -wasn't- competent at the game) where the orchestra can shine somewhat. True, they were limited in interactivity to missing notes when player did, but gotta give them props. He didn't miss many, but when he did, timing sounded off from what you'd expect from game by only bare minimal amount. If you weren't paying careful attention, you'd almost think they were just playing the music straight from the game instead of letting the orchestra work. And the bass accompany was just nice, especially since it stayed there from there on out.
Halo sounded very neat with the bass, with music from all three games playing. I don't even like the game, but great music here.
And as the show ends and people clammor for an encore, we are given the expected One Winged Angel. C'mon, it's expected. Off course, maybe a little -too- expected. As people are getting ready to leave after that, a spotlight shines on our host who seems deep in thought. "You know...maybe that was a little too expected. We need something different. Something new."
And we are given Castlevania. And if everything else had sucked big fat balls, I'd still go again just for that one segment.
Overall, I had fun. A lot of it would have been more enjoyable as a first time experience, I admit, but it was still not bad, some of the old segments were still great to hear, there was a fair bit more new content than I expected, and the Metroid and Castlevania segments were -very- nice new additions.
Still, if I go again, I don't expect it'll be for at least three years.
I have a temporary new car! It is both red, and fast.
Merc:
Yeah, sounds similar but worse than when I went. The new content is technically a year into its repoitoire, including the Castlevania segment.
Brian: Awesome :D We shall race.
I made it into a relatively prestigious private university!
Second choice, but I was applying extremely late, so...I'm really trying to not go all caps, twenty exclamation points, and other AOL expressions of unbound, near psychosis joy.
Quote from: Brian on July 20, 2008, 03:48:05 PM
It is both red, and fast.
This is a redundancy. Everyone knows "red" == "fast".
I get next Sunday off to run my HERO campaign! I got to meet KP and some other cool SR crowd last Sunday! :D
Quote from: Brian on July 28, 2008, 02:34:59 PM
I get next Sunday off to run my HERO campaign! I got to meet KP and some other cool SR crowd last Sunday! :D
But I got to meet Brian and Merc and get a lovely sun-burn!
The sunburns were excellent. A sign that we should soon destroy the daystar.
Me: "Hey Cale, want to help me farm some righteous orbs and large brilliant shards in stratholme?"
Cale: "Sure, why not."
*farming ensues*
Me: "Hey Cale, let's kill the piccolo guy and see if he drops the flute. Just for lulz and to mock Esk if it drops"
Cale: "Lol, sure."
*killing of Hearthsinger Forresten ensues*
Me: *piccolo drops* "...HAH!"
*enter guild channel*
Me: Hey Esk! Guess what dropped!
Cale: *links piccolo*
Esk: "....I fucking hate you both. You have no idea how badly. If I could squeeze your necks and kill you, I would."
Cale: "We can guess how badly. =)"
Me: "Oh, definitely. =)"
For reference, the piccolo is a trinket that makes all players (both horde and alliance) within a certain area dance uncontrollably. One of our guildmates, a rogue (and thus able to skip various mobs) has been relentlessly trying to farm the item. We got it on our first try and just attempting to get it for comedy point of pissing guildmate off.
Hah, awesome.
I get a vacation! Two days off in a row, this coming Saturday and Sunday. :D
Shocking ^^;
We went to the beach! There was fire, and spitting of flammables. There was merriment, and hot-dogs, and smores. There was a moonlit midnight cliff-climb.
It was awesome.
My faithful friend and companion for almost 14 years is now ready to retire. I'm appreciative to have a 16 year old's birthday gift of a first real, leather, wallet, have lasted this long. But it's been in a bad way for some time, and now I replace it.
New wallet! Awesome value from old wallet!
Now ... what kind of wallet do I get? RFID blocking? Solid steel? Duct-tape? Or maybe, something from Fossil....
Go simple and leather. You can't go wrong with the classics.
Sounds reasonable! Now, the Apex, or the Torque?
http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomeView?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=10052&N=0
Hmm..... I like the Apex, but Torque's got more of that 'real leather' action.
Quote from: Brian on August 19, 2008, 02:52:00 PM
Sounds reasonable! Now, the Apex, or the Torque?
http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/HomeView?langId=-1&storeId=12052&catalogId=10052&N=0
Hmm..... I like the Apex, but Torque's got more of that 'real leather' action.
Your link is broken. Here are working links.
Torque (http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10052&productId=22041242)
Apex (http://www.fossil.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10052&productId=22038548)
I vote for the Torque.
Ironically, those links didn't work for me. :p
I ended up going with Mercer!
Quote from: Brian on August 21, 2008, 12:49:14 PM
Ironically, those links didn't work for me. :p
I ended up going with Mercer!
Wacky, now they don't work for me either. Fossil's site is teh wack.
I have vanquished the demon of debt.
Edit: ...I say, moments before the collections people call again. But this is a good thing. I now have Just Cause to bitch them out. And so I have!
VICTOLY!
Home again, Home again, ziggidy zig.
Lebowskifest was awesome. Photos maybe to come later, depending on how they turned out.
We're back up. Yay!
The Java chat thingy doesn't work. Though that's been like that since before the forum disappeared.
Oh? I wasn't aware of that. I'll check into it.
And yes, huge victory on being back up. Apparently both our DNS servers went down, blacking us out to the world gradually.
Fixed now. Thanks Odin.
KL: We just weren't aware. :) Easily fixed.
I bought a PS3, and my roommate bought a 360. :D
We have kegs at work.
The financial aid office is not made of hatred and stabbity.
Things will work out.
My iaido gear (bokken with saya and obi) finally shipped, obi was on backorder.
Construction project...in progress. Building a box is harder than you'd think.
I managed to go almost an entire day without writing a line of code.
Clearly, I am prepared for middle manager level silliness :P
Also my twinking in Dragon Quest has resulted in me having 7 liquid metal armors. Just because.
Also a new place to live seems like it might fall into my lap. Neat.
I'm so jealous. I wanna learn iaido. It's likely extremely hard, though.
Hit people with sticks! It's simple.
*looks behind him for smackage*
Mmm, chatroom was fun last night. Reminds me o' the days when we irc'd more frequently.
With death rays.
It is a pity that we can't use death tanks to communicate in irc.
I won 10 bucks randomly. Awesome?
Awesome-fu!
A girl friend is coming over to hang out with me tomorrow. I promised I'd make her a cake as a belated b-day cake (her b-day was last week), andI figured, hey, halloween, let's make it pumpkin cake. So I bought a pumpkin, and couldn't resist being a geek.
(http://img50.imageshack.us/img50/3692/dsc00656nv1.gif) (http://imageshack.us)
(http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/6452/dsc00659ou1.gif) (http://img112.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dsc00659ou1.gif)
(http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/dsc00659ou1.gif/1/w800.png) (http://g.imageshack.us/img112/dsc00659ou1.gif/1/)
^^ Hah, that's awesome, Merc!
Closing for the co-op I'm buying was a few days ago. Once renovation is done in a few weeks I'll be moving into my new place!
And I just bought a new motherboard for my desktop so I'll finally have that issue fixed!
Awesome Merc.
and congrats Ginrai.
Heh... One of my friends made a Phoenix Wright pumpkin; I'll try to see if I can get some pics uploaded of it.
A classroom of polisci majors and minors pretending to be bickering European states is both nerve wracking and incredibly awesomely entertaining when in the thick of it.
Enjoying some time off during a hallowed day.
My lack of sleep is letting me see purple chocobos.
I found my anger; I can write again.
I lost my sleep; everything is more fun this way.
I was fired!
And bribed with severance not to sue! (But signed nothing promising not to!)
Well, I'll miss ya brian. Hopefully we work together some other time...in more positive circumstances. Rest well and recover.
Eeesh, Brian. Good luck.
I made french toast for breakfast. Delicious french toast was delicious.
I remembered Overclocked Remix exists.
It reminded me of lemmings.
OC remix has sucked the last few years.
Delivered in a thick Chinese accent:
"They can fire my Chinese ass if they want. We write paper my way so you not fail other class for mine."
(The subject at hand was whether or not we would be using APSA citations, and if Hamline enforced APSA citations in polisci courses. We are allowed to use any normal academic citation style.)
"I make fun of myself lots, but be nice to me, or I listening to Black Sabbath and consult Jack Daniels while doing your grades, and you know that not end well. Be nice and let me listen to Mozart and drink wine."
Also, in email: "Very sorry, not finish revised syllabus tonight. Computer or network down. Will try to have out tomorrow, but no visiting Mr. JD for me tonight. LOL"
I give you my War, Revolution & Terrorism professor.
That's pretty terrifying. :)
Today, I got data to start a campaign to make core tools lives miserable.
This is going to be amusing.
I have a job req I can validly send to friends to help them get hired.
It's been a long time, so I'm feeling nostalgic.
Appreciation for the day: I'm going on a fifth date with a knockout redhead.
Congrats, 007. :)
...and envy.
I had an amazingly relaxing weekend of awesome.
Also, I apparently am gaining political experience on management regularly these days. It sucks, but there's something to be said for really getting effective at getting hundreds of people to do what you say without having the authority to tell them 'This is how things will be'.
The phone screen with justin.tv went well, I thought, and I have another phone screen (with Lucasarts!) scheduled in the next few days.
Good luck, Jon :)
Lucasfilm phone screen went pretty okay. Turns out when they advertise for a python web app dev, and list multiple frameworks near the bottom of the description, they really mean $X web dev, where $X is one of those frameworks. And not the one I have experience in.
But I'm being considered for another Python-related position there, apparently. Yay?
I've begun to gain understanding in the insanities of the HR process.
It is very zen.
I'm not surprised.
I got a new video card for my computer for my birthday!
1000$ later, I'm almost able to use it. -_-
This is my 6,666th post here. :D
I are employeds.
Today I cooked lobster eggs.
It was nice. I hadn't made them in quite some time. They turned out well.
Lobster... eggs?
Yes, it is a dish that has no lobster in it. I believe the story goes that many people took the coloring and texture and assumed it was lobster eggs and the name eventually stuck.
It is a mixture of browned garlic in olive oil stirred into crushed tomatos, simmered down into sauce before being mixed with 5-6 scrambled eggs and cooked down further. Take and then spread over toast (I prefer french here). I was lazy and used marinara sauce instead of crushed tomatoes, but it came out quite well anyway.
Just went into Ulduar (new raid in WoW). First boss is fun as all hell, you basically ride motorcycles, mobile catapult bomb launchers, or tanks and beat the crap out of a huge tank. Very fun fight. Couldn't get through other bosses though, dps too low or something. One of the bosses, XT-002 Deconstructor, has the most hilarious voice ever, I just have to say. Its basically what you'd get if you fused a giant robot with Elmyra. And it thinks you're new toys to play with.
My guild wiped like all fuck, and we only downed one boss by the end of it, but awesome fun raid so far.
I'm back.
I think the trip went alright, just smashed my knee. I think I still have a job to head back to.
Yarr.
Just saw the new Star Trek movie. Though I'm not that big of a fan of the series the movie was awesome. Man, definitely a movie that I would watch in theaters again.
Being awarded a $1500 scholarship I didn't know about because the Political Science department unanimously loves me.
Being paid by a professor to edit a book manuscript.
Being abused by name as a 'Go bug them, they know their shit' person when student asks professor about study group.
Just as a update, the stunning knockout redhead and I are official boyfriend/girlfriend.
She's a M.D/model/girl next door wrapped in a tall knockout redheaded package. Yeowza! :)
*laughs* Lucky, but you worked hard to get there :P
welcome back, 007.
So you got the girl? Congratulations!
Yep, so far so good!
Next on the to-do list, tell her I love her... but I'm trying to hold out to make sure she's on the same page.
Yeah. Don't rush it but don't waste the chance, either. Good luck!
I'm on vacation.
Had a extra swanky time at the French embassy on Friday at a formal event with the girlfriend.
She was totally the hottest girl there, too. ^_^
AND when we walked in, several guys made a beeline to give her a hug. I have no idea who these guys are, and they don't appear to have dates. They invite her to sit down at their table. She then introduces me as "And this is my boyfriend, Ranma007"
I could see the look of disappointment and anger flash across all of their faces. I've gotten pretty good at reading people's faces and body language, and yeah, there was definitely some hostility/disappointment there.
Naturally, I'm cool and smooth about it. My face doesn't crack a smirk or anything. I have a darn good poker face when I have to use it. I was all positive and happy when I shook their hands hello as I was introduced.
And then she says, "I asked two of my friends to hold us seats, so we're going to sit with them. Later." and then she dragged me off.
That totally rocked!
The French Embassy? Wow.
My first thought was, if I were single, this would be the place to go.
It was like the beautiful people's club episode from Family Guy.
It was tough though, walking in with the hottest girl in the place. :) :) :)
I'm not totally friendless at work post layoffs. But still, it sucks. Survival of week 1 anyway is good.
The professor I'm editing a book for is taking well to my impulsive tendency to fill in research gaps.
Granted, there were only two. But the brownie points are always good.
Almost 4 months since I learned I was getting laid off, I -finally- have a job interview.
About damn fucking time.
Good luck, Makoto!
I idlely tested today, and found I can access the forums at work! It's not being blocked as a "gaming" site anymore! This mean that during my downtime, I can log on and... do nothing, really. I guess I can read old posts or something.
Also, yay Merc! Be sure to cross your legs during the interview and, if possible, show off a little hairy thigh.
Welcome back, Trunky. Thanks for horrifying us.
Horrifying is par for the course, y'know!
Some more big news... I told my girl that I love her, and she said "I love you too!"
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
Then we made out for two hours. Man, time really flies when that happens.
I just transformed my company forums into an email listserv.
Internet access! Well, actually had the opportunity a bit earlier, but got hit by altitude sickness and some bad alpaca meat. Eww...
But anyhow, letting people know I´m still alive, I´m not dead from bad meat, and I´m recovered enough to actually head to Macchu Picchu tomorrow. Outside of the altitude sickness and food poisoning the past three days, I´ve been having a blast here in Peru.
Have fun, Merc!
Don't get killed!
Don´t worry. I didn´t. =p
Macchu Picchu was pretty cool (and daaaaamn it was hot compared to Cuzco). Tour guide was kinda annoying at first because there were two tour groups he was in charge of coming in different buses but once it started, it went pretty well. Very knowledgeable guy.
Recently had an interview with Thomson Reuters for an internship, it went pretty well I thought. Hopefully they contact me again for an office visit.
Good luck, DY!
Sounds like ye having a blast.
Next week, I argue. I also possibly fight. With drunken duchies.
Donuts make everythin' better :0
Approach summer's end
Asia's politics boggle
Ahead, Japanese
I'm graduating this year!
Every time I think of this, it makes me feel happy inside.
And then you'll start job hunting, working forty to sixty hours a week, mindlessly toiling away for a paycheck that will allow you to keep a place to sleep and food to eat, fearing for the possible lay off whenever the economy downswings...
I mean.... 'grats, Rats!
Congratulations on going out into the worst job market in decades, Rat!
Pfft, it'll work out, because I'm from Australia.
When's the last time that something has worked out since it's from Aussieland?
Internet?
Time zones?
Congrats to the Rats.
I got a job.
Good to hear, Brian.
Awesome. What job?
The people of Zynga (http://zynga.com/) are my new overlords.
Unrelated good news: I am going to Blizzcon. I am leaving (driving to L.A. from San Jose) in ... a bit less than 5 hours.
Tomorrow, I start my Ph.D.
Wait, that means I won't have any time for writing! Maybe I should put this in the complaints thread.
PHD in what?
Ph.D. in the department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology. If you're curious, we study the cellular mechanisms that use calcium to pass signals through tissue. For instance, calcium release is how muscles know to contract.
And stuff like that.
Congratulations!
That's great! Congratulations!
Congrats 007 :)
Congrats, 7!
Desktop fixed with shiny new video card, extra memory, and new power supply~!
Swanky :)
Nice!
After a positively dreary week of nonstop rain and cold drizzling, it was gorgeous outside. Nice and sunny with a delicious breeze. I love autumn >.<
Yay nice days.
Here it barely rains, but it when it does, its horrible flooding of late.
It's 60 degrees and sunny here. YES.
I had fun last night. That is all.
I used to buy blueberrymuffins in the afternoons at work every now and then. Felt an urge to eat some recently, but prepackaged ones seemed too expensive to be worth it.
Finally went and bought some blueberries and then baked some muffins myself this evening.
They are delicious. Whee...
I finally managed to finish Gundeadligne. Granted, it was on novice, but whatever. :)
What's Gundeadligne?
Spent the day with friends at Youmacon, had a blast today. ^_^
Youma-con?
A con for demons?
Ah, well it's an anime convention that's held near the Metro-Detroit area. It's really close to where I live so I decided to check it out this year.
Gave a lecture on comparative historical research and analysis methods, did not end horror, I think, maybe, unless the paranoia in the back of my underslept overstressed brain is right and everyone is just hiding that it was an abject failure.
Father seems to be managing cold turkey, will probably need to comitt serious time to helping him, as he shakes so bad most hospitals won't believe it when detoxing, but worth it.
Dad getting help at detox facility (valium to stop shakes) without having to get drunk to get checked in: a plus.
But the major appreciation today is for the likelihood that in addition to spending 3 weeks in China with a Sino-centric anthropology professor's class next May/June, I may spend the next academic year in Japan.
I was apparently off on the date of GRE I was scheduled to take. I'd thought I had the exam on friday (13th), but it's next wednesday (18th). So I have a few more days to wade through a dictionary.
That's a nice surprise, good luck with your exam Merc.
Took my GRE, did okay, supposedly got around 1390 overall and I needed 1200 for the graduate school I'm looking at. Arrived home, found Dragon Age in my mailbox despite it not being supposed to arrive until saturday (I had ordered it late to avoid temptation while last minute cramming for GRE). Hurrah for fast mail delivery.
Here's to a hopefully successful server move?
Looks like it :D
Server move seems to have happened cleanly. SR is more stable, faster, and it also now sets fire to people.
The other rooms have rejoined SR, so now I can bug Ana during the day about things like making knight more blonde.
Writing a paper on the historical context, evolution, and future directions of Chinese naval/maritime security policy (and how to interact with all of that). That may sound esoteric, but there are stacks of literature.
Having an excuse to read PLA documents for actual productive reasons is great. <3
I got paid today. No matter how many times it happens, it's still awesome every time.
Went out skiing with friends. It was a good time, though I hadn't skiied since I was in second grade, so I couldn't help thinking, "Wow, skiing sure reminds me why I love computer games."
Last week I walked out of a final exam, the only grade for that course, thinking I bombed it completely.
Today I find out that I scored one point shy of an A.
Whew.
I got my tax return early!
Got acceptance letter to graduate school today.
Congrats, Merc! Way to go!
Go Merc. Beats unemployment. What are you going to study?
Going for a masters of chemical engineering with a focus in economics and management.
Fantastic! Way to go, Merc!
My job is not being full of hate today. *eyes other shoe*
Congrats Merc!
I won $500 bucks in the lottery. Yay!
I got to see Wicked.
It was ... wicked.
Quote from: Brian on March 29, 2010, 02:45:38 AM
I got to see Wicked.
It was ... wicked.
I love that show!
Brian: Awesome! Wicked was the first Broadway show I saw, and it was really fantastic.
I am now a homeowner! Just closed on a house in Chicago with my fiancee. It's hugely exciting. I'll be moving there in August.
Congratulations man!
I got a job. At Google. You may commence hating me now.
That's kind of a lame way to put it.
But Congrats.
I found a old disposable camera in my piles of stuff, and had the pictures developed. Turns out it was the original SR Gathering, at Harpers Ferry!
I'll see if I can scan those pictures in and send them to those who were there. :)
I have a raise coming up. Yay!
Yay raises!
As of yesterday I have a job! Granted, its only for the summer but it's still something I can put on the resume.
I now own a car!
2009 Toyota Corolla, 16k miles, "toyota certified preowned" which means it has a warranty till 2016. $15k plus taxes and fees.
I found a $1 gold coin in my room. It's not so much the money as that it's kinda cool.
I have to come up with a vacation to go on before they start garnishing pto time over the cap.
I've got about a month of it stored up. Not really sure where I want to vacation.
Quote from: Dracos on May 18, 2010, 09:14:07 PM
I have to come up with a vacation to go on before they start garnishing pto time over the cap.
I've got about a month of it stored up. Not really sure where I want to vacation.
Hawai'i.
Gotham City, Drac. Maybe you'll see that Batman.
Hum, is there an actual gotham city? I thought it was just a NYC concept knockoff.
:P
There is. But it's in England.
We need a British Batman.
Or, wait, is that just Adam West's batman, with an accent?
I saw the pillows last night.
They were pretty awesome.
I think I'm gonna travel for june.
Possibly to japan. Tickets aren't that crazy, though overnight layovers are not cool.
Check yer PMs, Drac.
I got to watch the Haruhi movie in theaters.
It was ... amazing.
In other news, I still have 4 days of vacation left! Yay!
You have to ration them, you know. You have to make each day of the vacation feel special or you're back to work like that wondering where the week went.
I think you're always back at work wondering why you're not still on vacation.
Today I got to hang out with an ol friend I haven't seen in 4 years. Good times.
I return from Japan. Now for unpacking and things.
Welcome back! Get on IRC and tell us how it was!
My name is now in a published book. Sure it's just an RPG book, and only in there as a playtester, but hey. It's still cool~
If anyone here is actually interested in it, here's the RPG in question: http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=82132
Yay Gate
Obviously, Gate, you need to run a game for that system now. Add even more boards to SR! Make Drac giddy and prance around like a ballerina on crack!
Kyon: Big Damn Hero (http://pishoque.net/brian/fanfic/kbdh.htm) got placed as a recommendation (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/FanficRecs/SuzumiyaHaruhi) on TVTropes (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/HomePage)!
It even got its own tropes page (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/Ptitle0028gzjm?from=Main.KyonBigDamnHero)!
Woot.
Awesome :D
Congratulations.
Today I spent a bit wondering why various things were starting to fail somewhat randomly.
It turned out my recent changes left the program so efficient it was devouring every ounce of bandwidth, creating a situation where the actual bandwidth available to any given vector was too small for the time limit I had previously allowed. E.g. I was farming to so many machines that my machine couldn't keep up with the data requests. Yes, annoying...but it's hard not to be amused when you're watching a network profile squeal with 2-5 Mbit/second connections to a dozen machines.
Someone finally wrote a song that expresses my feelings towards my ex-girlfriends (almost all of them). Naturally, this is NOT SAFE FOR WORK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAV0XrbEwNc (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CAV0XrbEwNc)
*sniff*
That chorus gets me every time.
I apparently have been on here for 14 and a half days uninterrupted. Amazing.
Quote from: Dracos on August 23, 2010, 01:45:50 PM
I apparently have been on here for 14 and a half days uninterrupted. Amazing.
Hah, 15 days here!
(I always have SR open to my charsheet when gaming)
Heheh. Why ever close SR? Apparently just sometimes I take long enough on the trip from computer at home to computer at work to turn things around.
Total time logged in: 40 days, 19 hours and 3 minutes.
Bitches, please.
Hah :D Go Dune! It's your home away from home!
It crashes just as much in UBUNTU as it does in Windows, and I forgot my FTP password (I know, I suck), but Komposer DOES WORK! Even without my desktop, I can still post my fics in html!
...which is good, because I can't find 3ft for Ubuntu. :p
Yes, I do try and always post to the 'happy' thread after the 'angry' thread. It seems somehow healthier.
So do I if I can, Brian. Often I only get as far as bitching.
Glenlivet is a wondrous substance.
We have escaped the Endless Eight; Kyon finished his homework.
There is no escape.
you are now in the endless sixty four.
Even though I got majorly screwed last session, I had fun last night gaming. :)
And my current work project be on direction for a rocking success. Even if I took five hundred different attempts to get a delete and database shrink that worked as a prequel to it :P (Screw you Ruby ActiveRecord).
Having drank half a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label last night, I do not have a hangover.
Oh. This would be an answer to the previous question! That is worth being thankful for.
While it's somewhat concentrated in gaming, I see that I have over a half a dozen active boards on my site currently. It warms my dark heart that this little corner of the web is in a thriving state at the moment :)
You know how you get into RPing because you wanna be in awesome, crazy, dramatic situations that are totally nuts?
You know how a lot of the time it just never quite gets there, or just isn't believable, or has some kinda flaw?
Well, my mind was kinda blown by a pretty perfect thing today. Best hobby ever~
What happened?
Too much food...
I earned 100$.
In danger pay.
You read the newest bits at the Pit of Despair Anime Addventure, Brian?
He also proof-read them. Terror!
:P
No, just earned it babysitting.
My appreciation of the day is that I can wander by here maybe two years or three years since I've last been on the forums or IRC, and this thread is still first. :)
Consistency is good?
Hah :)
I appreciate the return of Miao.
Also, We live eternal.
DST is gone! The best part of the year is just starting. Football is in full swing, the weather's turning cold and the days are getting shorter. Thanksgiving is around the corner then the lovely holiday season. I love November and December, let the good times roll!
Seriously? A MONTH since someone posted to this thread?
Well. It's not much, but I was able to use my hard-earned money from babysitting on Halloween (bleah), to buy a collector's edition of the new Warcraft expansion, Cataclysm. It's now being shipped to me.
Sure, I don't have a place to set up a computer, or an active account to use with the game....
...but I have the entire set of collector's editions so far. :D
I won $50 bucks on a lottery ticket. IS that worth appreciating?
Quote from: Anastasia on December 08, 2010, 03:30:56 AM
I won $50 bucks on a lottery ticket. IS that worth appreciating?
If it's the only good thing to happen to anyone who posts on this board for thirty days? I'd say ... hell yeah.
Grats on the 50$ victory!
It's something. Of course I have to spend $20 on a work secret santa, needed to spend $20 on an emergency dinner last night and...well, go $10?
That's not only 10$ you wouldn't have had, it's 10$ you have instead of an unexpected flat out 40$ expense!
Optimism, Ana!
It's more fun to bitch, dammit.
There you go! You got to bitch about something! Isn't that worth appreciating?
Can I bitch about having to appreciate something instead?
I've started reading Ranma fanfiction again.
Found any gems to share? :)
See the bitching topic, I posted what I read there. Best one is the Bitter End - reread, but whatever - but I know you've seen that one.
Ah, yeah ... nothing new there for me. I tend to pass on 'Ranma turns into a girl' stories in general.
Not that I'm condemning them, just not my thing. :|
Quote from: Brian on December 12, 2010, 05:53:11 PM
Ah, yeah ... nothing new there for me. I tend to pass on 'Ranma turns into a girl' stories in general.
Not that I'm condemning them, just not my thing. :|
I'm ambivalent about them. By definition they're likely to be a different flavor than the canon. On the other hand, some of the psychology - when done right - is fascinating. When you throw in that how the curses work is a bit loose and a few other things, it can be a good mental exercise.
So I dunno. If a fic does it right I feel it has value. How to do it reasonably without a magic handwave is far harder.
http://www.angelfire.com/nj4/ceaejbs/HAPPILY/happilymain.html
Ever read this one, Brian? I'm finishing it up now and I sort of like it. It helps if you're okay with time travel issues and and can go along with it. I'm bemused by the entire fic. On reflection like isn't the right word. I'm not sure how the hell I feel about it.
Edit: I read the funfacts and causality analysis before I read the story. To be honest I think that makes accepting the story easier.
Snow! It's snowing here! Real snow!
I'm stubbornly attached to this account and I couldn't tell you why.
It might be Rat's avatar.
Yay, the site is back.
Tomorrow I fly.
Today I ..could go home right now! :P
Up to 5 am reading fanfiction.
Uguu.
It's snowing like fuck out here.
It IS!
and it did it five hours after I hit ground, bought tons of food, and relaxed.
:D
Yay for timing. I win again, NATURE!
Final scores haven't been posted for this semester yet, but teachers have posted grades online for all those final projects and exams I didn't get back, so as far as I can tell, I managed an A in every class. A good start to my masters' GPA!
I have an actual appreciation. I'm appreciative of the fact that I've just been moved to a room with stable internet.
The room is also about as far away from the flight-line as I can get without going off base.
I'm also appreciative that the last rocket that impacted didn't impact 40 yards closer to me. Might not be posting this otherwise.
I have Christmas Eve off. Yahoo.
yaay!
Appreciation: K:BDH is more than 2 MB. (HOLY CRAP.)
That's a hell of a lot of fanfiction, Brian.
I haven't read it, what's it about?
Short story:
I wondered if I could intentionally include as many tropes as possible, to the point of trying to cross the world of Haruhi over with the world of TvTropes. It starts with:
Kyon becomes an unreasonably powerful badass who gets involved with the local Yakuza Princess, Haruhi becomes unreasonable tolerant and interested in a polyamorous relationship centered around him and the girls of the SOS brigade, Yuki and Mikuru take turns being unreasonably cute, then I throw in a slider who's already on the run from her enemies, a Higurashi crossover, and Koizumi becoming a real character....
Being the writer I can't actually say it's good, because, you know, bias. But I have a lot of fun writing it. :)
That sounds fun, even with the love and hate relationship I have with Tvtropes.
I appreciate the fact that I not only compulsively save, but regularly back things up online.
It's gotten to the point where formatting my harddrive on accident is only annoying because of the time it takes, not the data that needs to be recovered.
Later, 2010. You were a damned good year. I can only hope I'll be saying the same thing about 2011 in a year.
Just watched Trigun: Badlands Rumble (trigun movie). Even if it was formulaic, it was a fun movie filled with nostalgia for me.
The only thing it was really missing was Vash going "Love and Peace!" at some point.
But it had the black cat, wolfwood, the insurance girls, fun gun chases, wackiness from Vash and others, a fun soundtrack, and the animation was very reminescent of the late 90s. All in all, a fun experience.
Quote from: Jon on January 01, 2011, 02:49:22 PMRanma is going to Toudai like he promised, and you can't do anything to stop him.
...and now I'm inspired to work on DitR again. Thanks, Jon. :)
Over my Christmas vacation, I discovered a Haruhi/Kyon fic by Brian that I'd somehow overlooked. It was a fine Christmas present.
I applied for grad school! Woo!
I've had my permanent resident card for exactly a year now. Horray for slacking off slightly less.
I survived the trip back despite being horribly sick.
So my office got me a stack of shaolin kungfu movies, a gumball machine, and 250 bucks of 'awesome employee' awards while I was gone. Ah, nice. :D
Follow with promotion and other things and there'll be reasons to cheer loudly. Yay life.
Wow, that's awesome.
Operation LUNCH with co-conspirators Brian and Dracos was mostly successful!
We project that project co-player will complete any missed objectives.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/RocksFallEveryoneDies >_>
I got to use the phrase Klepto-Apeshit in casual conversation today.
Quote from: Anastasia on January 27, 2011, 03:07:44 AM
I got to use the phrase Klepto-Apeshit in casual conversation today.
I learned the phrase Klepto-Apeshit today.
I project this will be used the very next time Drac and I play a co-op game where it is possible to compete for powerups.
Isn't it strange what sticks in your memory and what doesn't? I don't remember my brothers being born, I don't remember what I had for dinner a week ago, I don't even remember the last time I went swimming in my grandparent's pool. Yet I remember the first time I saw an episode of Sailor Moon. I remember the channel, the time and why I was watching it in the first place. Hell, if I think about it I think can I remember the episode it was.
(Yes, I know this is bait for a flotilla of jokes.)
That said, I wonder why some things stick to you and others don't? I had a dream of metal nachos when I was 8 years old, it's stuck with me all these years.
Quote from: Brian on January 27, 2011, 05:04:30 AM
Quote from: Anastasia on January 27, 2011, 03:07:44 AM
I got to use the phrase Klepto-Apeshit in casual conversation today.
I learned the phrase Klepto-Apeshit today.
I project this will be used the very next time Drac and I play a co-op game where it is possible to compete for powerups.
This phrase got used...but poorly I think. Possibly the game wasn't the best for it?
Anyhow, LCGOL multiplayer was much fun. And last night good reading was had on an AU fic. And I get a day off this week that can be dedicated to meeting with bankers. Yay.
My snowblower is the shit. 24" Craftsman dual-stage... it got all the snow from snowmageddon without any problems.
Couldn't have been a real snowmageddon then!
Needs to beat the tools to qualify.
Eh, 22" of snow, waist to head high drifts... not too bad. :p
I am pre-approved for a sizable loan from a reliable company that would like my business. Man this is so much better than dealing with well's fargo was. Now to find a place to buy!
Morning donuts. Mmm.
I've now interviewed four agents. Now to pick one and get to buying.
Also I may have too much random energy to be productive at work. Sadness.
DESTROY!
Old logs are awesome to read, even if I wish a few of the omakes had been continued. Ah well.
And then there were girlscout cookies.
I was given a job!
...which is interesting, considering I didn't apply for it. And I don't know what it entails. Or much about the company I'll be working for.
Hooray for nepotism!
One more checkmark off my 'evil things to do before becoming overlord' list.
I have an awesome new monitor!
http://accessories.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs&sku=320-9271
Today I saw some okay to nice houses that I can probably afford.
Time to start jotting down and prodding.
Nothing makes you appreciate free time like having less of it.
Free time rules.
I hear that. In November I was doing basically nothing. Now I'm in the process of househunting, carhunting, working, studying, and working out.
I've noticed I really like to schedule stuff to do during my breaks now <_<
Phil talked me out of wasting any further time on the troll.
Now ... what to do with the ff.net and gmail accounts I've created....
Anyone need an ff.net account to troll with? :p
Rockets impacted last night uncomfortably close to my place of sleep. Three this time. I am appreciative that I am able to make this post.
I once again own shoes.
And NEW shirts.
I don't think I've bought new shirts (you get them for free from projects, etc. so often) in ... _years_.
I am going to see CAKE perform tonight. Live.
I have a new monitor. IT's from LG and is very shiney.
What model is it?
I watched the Price is Right for the third time since Bob Barker retired. Drew Carey's gotten much better. Yay.
Might just be the few eps I've seen with him (saw one a few days ago too), but it seems Carey doesn't really psych up the players or make them think over their decisions as much as Barker did though, so he's still kind of dull to me. He also doesn't quite get as psyched himself, he has this little laugh sometimes that just feels like he's -tired-.
No argument there. He's still gotten better, but he's no Bob Barker. He's too laid back.
I am learning python.
The hard way? (http://learnpythonthehardway.com/)
Congrats!
Yeah ... I figure the first project I should give myself is a script that actually converts my .txt into the same style of .html as my website.
One step at a time.
Animal control confirms that the pitbull was put down; they texted my old man.
His response?
"Good."
I find myself in agreement. :(
At least you're sure now.
I have a new LOTRO icon. It's purdy.
Good for ye, brian. "JOIN US."
I have an iPad. Once I get a keyboard for it, it will be replacing my laptop.
SO AWESOME.
Neat. I recommend either the Apple Bluetooth keyboard or the Zaggmate (http://www.zagg.com/accessories/zaggmate-ipad-case). I also recommend Elements (http://www.secondgearsoftware.com/elements/) a bare-bones text editor that automatically syncs to Dropbox. (In case you've not heard of Dropbox, it's a free 5GB cloud storage that automatically syncs to a folder on your computer and includes versioning support. Basically perfect for your writing needs.)
Rocket impacted about 35 feet from my bed last night. Put two holes in the B-Hut (plywood building) I live in.
I am happy to be able to type this.
Iddy, don't get killed. :(
Quote from: Dracos on April 02, 2011, 10:53:34 PM
Iddy, don't get killed. :(
I'll try my best, but it's not really under my control. Well, I guess I could stop being a contractor.. But.. Eh.
Also, that rocket put three holes into the building I live in. Shrapnel... And depressingly enough, I can honestly say that's not the closest I've been to a rocket/mortar explosion. I've been less than 10 feet from one.. After six days of no sleep, so I slept through it. The crater was next to my cot, and my sleeping bag had a mess of melted shrapnel covering it.
That is too much cleansing power of fire, Iddy.
I seem to remember hearing that something like this has happened to you before, as well...?
Yeah. I've been inside the direct kill radius of indirect fire (rockets/mortars) about a half dozen times now, that I can remember clearly, though I want to say there have been more. For reference, a hand grenade has a blast radius of about 14 meters, and a casualty radius of fragmentation for 15 meters past that.
A mortar has a blast radius of 35-40 meters. I can remember being inside of 35 feet of a mortar/rocket attack.. more times than I like. And that's just IDF I've been involved in. I've had pistols, rifles, recoiless rifles, machine guns, snipers, RPGs, and even armored vehicles and tanks once, fired at me.
I can honestly say I've almost died more often than most people almost live. As much as I enjoy combat, and I do, I'm beginning to worry about the odds.
Last week, my Sony Ericsson Walkman cell phone started having problems, so I upgraded to a HTC Inspire 4G.
(http://img852.imageshack.us/img852/3232/phones.jpg) (http://img852.imageshack.us/i/phones.jpg/)
Boy, phones sure do improve in two or three years. The Inspire is wider, but it is thin enough such that I can comfortably slip it into the same pocket as my wallet, as opposed to the Walkman, which--as you can see--has spent a long time with my keys.
Also, today is my birthday.
So there's that.
Barring disaster, I will have a house before the month is out. FINALLY!
Yay. What sorta house?
Loan Get. 4.2 on 15 year. Yay for ridiculously low rates.
And a small house. Works for me as I don't want a giant house to take care of. It's pretty much a fancy condo inside + land around it.
http://media.cdn-redfin.com/photo/8/bigphoto/842/81116842_0.jpg *swipes picture up*
Nice. How much does a house that size in California run you, anyway?
The bay is somewhat specially high priced. It ran me 420. It has the reasonably good neighborhood going for it too, as yeah, I could've easily gotten something for half in the "Well, I no longer carry a knife around this neighborhood anymore" areas.
Spending 4 hours negociating = TEHSucks.
Dropping the price to 410 (15k down from list), making the time spent over the last two days effectively 2000~ per hour in gains = Awesome.
Watching taxes drop = Awesome.
Effectively being able to afford transforming an old house into a brand new house = very awesome.
Mmm, hitting enter to submit might be good :P
Anyhow, annual raise time shortly =D Things falling into place=good!
Congratulations!
Congrats, Drac!
Went to San Diego for fun, went to Disneyland, starting grad school for a MBA next week, am grilling when it is warm out, the 20 50lb bags of garbage were taken away this morning that I hauled out, the basement is done (no more painting or paneling or electric, just carpeting).
Grats on lucky reply #666, 007.5. :)
I came up with a new signature today....
I spent my day off productively for once!
I have a fandom. This frightens and confuses me.
bitching thread is the other way
I dunno. The fact I have a fandom overwhelms the confusing/frightening part of it all.
Quote from: Olguin on May 03, 2011, 03:30:41 AM
I dunno. The fact I have a fandom overwhelms the confusing/frightening part of it all.
It's cool at first ... but none of my fans are hot otaku girls that are totally into me. That'd be sweet, right?
Had your fandom given you any offerings? Fanart, perhaps? :3
I got some tvtrope recommendations. I also have this one person who like praises me whenever I post a new snippet on Spacebattles. A few more were trying to make a tvtrope page, but I don't know if they gave up on that.
Congratulations; these days, TVTropes is effectively big-time (I don't have a single reccomendation to my name, outside of K:DBH and Later). :D
I got a distinction grade for a test I was completely, totally certain that I bombed...
Quote from: Carthrat on May 05, 2011, 02:29:08 AM
I got a distinction grade for a test I was completely, totally certain that I bombed...
Yah you get that. A few years ago got a HD mark for a final paper that i mashed together from previous 2 assignments (both of which got a Distinction mark) Yay for Forensic Science! :D
I'd say my lecturer just wants to help people do well and is thus lenient on marking, but the average mark seems to disagree. Not complaining! <_<
More motivation. The entire gathering awaits it.
Anyhow people had fun. Flying home now. Will do writeup soon with real keyboard
Quote from: Dracos on May 05, 2011, 02:19:43 PM
More motivation. The entire gathering awaits it.
...I see what you did there.
We must arrange a victory lunch upon your return!
Wearing only jeans in the cold morning is invigorating.
It's been hours since the last spammer got on.
It almost seems livable again.
I had a rear tire blowout on the highway at 80 MPH. I was able to recover and ditch into the shoulder safely, and there was no damage to the $250 Mercedes Benz rim, nor the car itself.
I am thankful for combat driving courses.
*nods.*
Finally done with classes/finals for this semester, free until august, yaaay~
Go Merc
I am now in the same boat as Merc.
On an unrelated note, I have discovered that the problem with my PC is the power supply. This is good news. Better news is that Newegg just sent me a coupon code as a thank you for loyalty...30% off my next purchase of any Thermaltake power supply.
Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. :D
Ahahahahha, that is lucky.
Got an A in all three of my classes! I was expecting B+ or A- in two of them too, so I'm happy since those finals were killers.
Way to go!
In Rome now. The hotel in Rome comes with wifi included so I can log on from time to time which is nice. We'll have to see about other places, but nice to at least have it in the first (and last) stop.
Woah, have a cool time in rome.
Definitely eat the local ice cream. Sure, everything is tasty in italy, but I'm a huge fan of their gellatos for that particular region!
LIGHTNING! THUNDER!
AWESOME!
I got a new phone, with a 4gb data plan and bundled tethering.
It costs me 50$ a month. Pretty happy with that.
What model phone?
HTC Inspire.
$50? I'm paying more for less. >_<
Australia wins again!
I'm paying about half that for an HTC Wildfire with 500mb data. I only use it for reading fanfic so I've never exceeded that anyway.
Quote from: Ebiris on May 22, 2011, 08:12:06 AM
I'm paying about half that for an HTC Wildfire with 500mb data. I only use it for reading fanfic so I've never exceeded that anyway.
That's cool ... I actually do work with mine, though. And the tethering lets me use my non 4G ipad anywhere, thanks to tethering, so I am literally 2 minutes away from a workstation anytime, and anywhere (with coverage :3).
If I find my data usage is less, I'll probably bump it down, but I think I'm at the minimum for free tethering ... which I'm pleased with. Means I can put off rooting my phone for a bit.
Quote from: Brian on May 22, 2011, 11:43:53 AM
Quote from: Ebiris on May 22, 2011, 08:12:06 AM
I'm paying about half that for an HTC Wildfire with 500mb data. I only use it for reading fanfic so I've never exceeded that anyway.
That's cool ... I actually do work with mine, though. And the tethering lets me use my non 4G ipad anywhere, thanks to tethering, so I am literally 2 minutes away from a workstation anytime, and anywhere (with coverage :3).
If I find my data usage is less, I'll probably bump it down, but I think I'm at the minimum for free tethering ... which I'm pleased with. Means I can put off rooting my phone for a bit.
What sort of work do you do with it?
I use iSSH on my ipad for [covered by nda]. The phone provides a tether. It's great to get into the lab from wherever. :3
Meh.
There's enough work to be done without setting yourself up to labor away anytime, anyplace.
Depends on your field, I guess. Works great for me, though.
I got to work from home this morning, AND when I flamed someone who couldn't take constructive criticism for a Haruhi fic, I actually called her a little girl in my dismissive final response.
Man, I feel filled to the brim with evil today.
Time to work from the office and drive fear into the hearts of men. :3
What fic was so bad, Brian?
It wasn't that terrible.... Actually, no, wait, it was.
But the flames were for me saying, "I'm not reading this anymore." And complaining that my posts weren't productive, etc.
If you really want to read some badfic, though:
http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6948317/1/SOS_Save_our_Suzumiya
Or you can skip straight to the reviews:
http://www.fanfiction.net/r/6948317/
There's some conversation that's not worth sharing; basically, she replied in a PM, and I replied to that and apologized to her. ("I'm sorry I mistook you for someone who was mature enough to accept constructive criticism. It was a mistake I won't repeat.") For some reason, this seemed to upset her, and her response to that was less flattering.
I replied that she'd wasted enough of my time and blocked her to prevent further.
After I called her a little girl, since maturity seemed to be an issue.
My parents are here for a visit and today was a BEAUTIFUL DAY. Thank you for not raining on us, Niagara valley.
The reviving of fanfic talk seems to have added about hundred or so posts a month.
Bringing us to the meger 500 posts a month or so.
Go us! Clearly we need more awesome people around here.
Yeah. Our anti-social leader shall go recruit some.
Or burn down a fora. Either or.
*goes to burn*
I have only one scene left to write in K:BDH chapter 43, since I finally finished that painful revision. :D
Been having fun in Ireland for the past four days.
How is Ireland? *Has never been there but hears it is a cool area to visit*
Really fun, the landscape is really pretty to look at. I'm doing a bus tour with my family so we pretty much go around the island.
Neat. I never do tours. My feet can take me where my lazy ass should go :3
Today I started jogging on and off during my daily walk. To my surprise, it didn't completely exhaust me and I could still breath at the end.
Woo!
Way to go Music.
I had the best low key birthday dinner ever: Taco Bell + Chocolate Mousse cake + Thin Mint ice cream. I'm gonna have weird dreams tonight but it's so worth it.
Hahaha, nice.
Remember when we were younger and wanted things to be more exciting?
I'm thankful I didn't get creamed or killed by a car yesterday as I was driving in downtown Chicago. I almost was a goner.
...and that you finished your ten page report. Right?
They brought us lunch at work today. Yay!
I forgot to synch my Dropbox this morning, so I'm stuck in a nine hour meeting with no way to access the latest working copy of K:BDH.
...this sounds like a whine, but the truth of the matter is, when that's your biggest complaint of the day ... it's a pretty damn good day. :)
(The following post will be Drac squeeing about Motivation.)
Yes, yes it is.
The old count your blessings.
Quote from: Brian on June 14, 2011, 02:08:37 PM
I forgot to synch my Dropbox this morning, so I'm stuck in a nine hour meeting with no way to access the latest working copy of K:BDH.
You have to sync it? It always seems to sync automatically for me...
Are you not using the SVN stuff anymore?
Until today, the automatic synch did not fail me. Probably just a fluke, or me hybernating Kuyou before it could complete sending.
I use SVN for long-term backup, and dropbox for file portability. The SVN directory on my local system is mirrored in the Dropbox folder. Long story short, it makes the iPad a lot more usable.
Which reminds me, I need to commit tonight....
Just got invited to break in some brand new M24 Marine Corps sniper rifles.
The rifle sells for between $3,000 and $8,000 depending on what customization it gets. NOT including scope.
I have a job that lets me play with $10,000 sniper rifles =D
I still exist in some small, nearly forgotten way. Yay!
Welcome back. Re/introduction thread is at the top of this board. :)
Quote from: Brian on June 25, 2011, 01:05:52 AM
Welcome back. Re/introduction thread is at the top of this board. :)
Watch out, she bites and befriends. You can have your own courre styled Navi if you treat her nice!
Welcome back!
Reconnected with some friends I hadn't seen in a few months and watched Madoka marathon. Damn good times.
Manly tears were shed.
So far no spammers on the boards.
I have some security upgrades ready, but gonna see how it does out of the box first really.
Dynasty Warriors Gundam 3! Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~!
I woke up without screaming stomach pain! Yay.
Yay!
14000 posts.
I might talk too much.
At this rate I'll catch up to you in the next year or two. Scary.
And I'll catch up...never!
Hey, if you eat your Wheaties, take your vitamins and post post post, you might make the big leagues one day!
I've netted a ton of posts since I started in Balmuria. >_>
Games help your post rate, yes. I know I rack 'em up when I'm DMing.
And random chatter.
So, today I appreciate that I have evidently influenced Haruhi fanon. My memetic influence increases~! Must keep working towards noosphere access....
Eep.
I'll have to run another play by post game... DMing + PbP for the lead...
And yeah, eventually someone might pass me. Not like I'm dishing out thousands a year anymore :)
Delicious kalua pork at the Hawaiian BBQ at work today.
I slept 15 hours under Nyquil and exhaustion. My cold is breaking up! Yay.
I am mostly recovered from food poisoning!
It's a hundred and eleven degrees in parts of Illinois.
I'm in the basement with cable TV and wi-fi. It's 40 degrees cooler down here. So let's hear it for finished basements! :D
I am mostly recovered from the gall bladder attack.
Today, whilst listening to 'The Dark Side of the Moon,' we had a rocket attack.
Shortly thereafter, the base I'm on fired MLRS style retaliation. For the rest of the day.
It was a good day.
Heya ID. Happy late b-day. It was yesterday, right?
Happy Late birthday, Iddy :)
Yeppers. Big ol' 29. Thanks for the well wishes!
Happy birthday, Iddy!
Happy birthday, Iddy!
Happy belated birthday Iddy!
I have a job interview coming up. Yay!
Good luck!
It's our anniversary today! *throws confetti*
Quote from: Music-chan on July 31, 2011, 06:35:13 PM
It's our anniversary today! *throws confetti*
Yay! Grats!
In unrelated news: *blinded by errant confetti!* O_x!
But, seriously, happy day. :)
The families didn't get to fighting at the funeral. THANK YOU, GODS!!
I beat Dead Space with only the plasma cutter!
On easy! With a fully upgraded save file!
So... not much of an accomplishment. It's like rolling through a kindergarten in a tank. But I enjoyed it.
Suddenly, I realize I should not be near kindergartens.
Quote from: KLSymph on August 01, 2011, 11:23:56 PM
So... not much of an accomplishment. It's like rolling through a kindergarten in a tank. But I enjoyed it.
Suddenly, I realize I should not be near kindergartens.
Don't knock it till you try it.
>.>
<.<
War, it's a hell of a thing.
My interview went well and I think I have a real chance of getting the job!
Go Dune!
=D
Quote from: Anastasia on August 03, 2011, 11:23:11 PM
My interview went well and I think I have a real chance of getting the job!
Wootness! Let me know if you need me to arrange the disappearance of another candidate.
I have an interview Friday next week, or the following Monday.
So, I just arrived at my new, current base at about.. 2 pm. It is now 9 pm. By 9 am, I will be on a different base.
This is my life. I am the Gypsy.
Which has become my nickname/callsign in this company.
Fundraiser was successful. Among those items raffled off was a wheelbarrow (!) full of booze. Over forty bottles. The man who won it gave it up for auction, which made us $250. Very cool. Expecting proceeds to exceed $5000.
Awesome, congratulations!
I have an interview for full-time conversion tomorrow. Or Monday, if that's when the boss gets in.
So much anxiety.
Hoo. Good luck. Rock out hard :)
I finally gave up on ff.net. Disabled notifications for reviews, PMs, everything.
I did leave a pointer to us, though.
I feel better about this.
Can't say I'm surprised that you burned out. Hope it does you some good, man.
Man, I cared more about your opinions than most of ff.net's anyway. There were some good reviewers, but so much empty praise that didn't, really, tell me how to improve....
But we've known of their counter-improvement stance for well nigh a decade now.
Quote from: Brian on August 12, 2011, 01:19:59 PM
Man, I cared more about your opinions than most of ff.net's anyway. There were some good reviewers, but so much empty praise that didn't, really, tell me how to improve....
But we've known of their counter-improvement stance for well nigh a decade now.
Eh. I like fanfiction.net for what it is, but what it isn't is a place to get serious critiques of your work. There are good reviewers on ffnet, but it's mostly just an echo chamber. Yeah, being told your stuff is good helps the ego, but it doesn't help you improve.
It's dangerous too in a way. You can get addicted to it.
Lies.
I can quit any time I want.
ANY time.
...hey, can.... Can you link a Haruhi fic for me?
I got ... I got the shakes real bad....
...just to get straight until tomorrow! I swear! *snivel*
Is Motivation not on your website? I cannot find it.
Motivation is one of several fics that I have failed to put on my own website.
As much as it's a pain to edit on my laptop, I'll start a major overhaul this weekend. After assembling furniture and shooting an exciting new webisode of My Dinner With Drac.
...I'll be lucky to get four pages done. Ugh. I seriously need to learn how to write a script to auto-format in my preferred style. I'm so slacking on that count.
Quote from: Brian on August 12, 2011, 05:54:53 PM
...I'll be lucky to get four pages done. Ugh. I seriously need to learn how to write a script to auto-format in my preferred style. I'm so slacking on that count.
Give me a ping, we'll get something set up.
I have the best friends.
I should nudge Drac to help me out with a notification e-mail thingy (or maybe just getting an rss feed set up) for updates to my fics. :x
I'm hoping to actually get a two-stage system, so I can post a rough initial draft and only notify pre-readers (I don't mind if anyone else stumbles across it in rough-draft form, but I would prefer to send a genuine notice to those who only want to read after polishing). Well, I'll bug him about that while I'm building his furniture.
Oh, something else to appreciate:
I get to assemble stuff. I love building things. :3
Build me a house!
Quote from: Brian on August 12, 2011, 07:01:40 PM
I'm hoping to actually get a two-stage system, so I can post a rough initial draft and only notify pre-readers (I don't mind if anyone else stumbles across it in rough-draft form, but I would prefer to send a genuine notice to those who only want to read after polishing). Well, I'll bug him about that while I'm building his furniture.
I know how to do this too. But Drac can do it if he wants. I guess.
Tangent alert: Brian, have you ever considered being a carpenter? It really sounds like you're good with your hands and enjoy doing it.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 12, 2011, 10:57:48 PM
Tangent alert: Brian, have you ever considered being a carpenter? It really sounds like you're good with your hands and enjoy doing it.
I love woodworking, and there was a period of my life where I built all of my own furniture by hand. (Not from kits. That table I built ... 12 years ago, now, doesn't look nice anymore, but not even Walker was able to actually break it.)
I like machining, too, but my hands aren't steady enough for great welding. I love mechanical puzzles, too.
Quote from: Jon on August 12, 2011, 10:31:27 PM
Build me a house!
Give me a kit!
Quote from: Jon on August 12, 2011, 10:31:27 PMI know how to do this too. But Drac can do it if he wants. I guess.
Well, this sounds good; Drac was busy with family stuff (and assembling a side-table), so we got nowhere on that front. Also, the bookshelves seemed to be missing, so another trip to IKEA may be in the future....
Alright -- if it's not too much of an imposition on you, Jon, those tools would really soothe some of the people I may have inadvertently burned fleeing ff.net. :)
...IKEA...
Dare I ask?
IKEA. An evil that is.
At least I have recipts now so I can probably take back the desk at least.
I am now a uncle!!!
Congratulations!
I had a dream last night.
This usually only happens about four times a year, that I'm able to actually remember it. Neatness.
Meeting rescheduled for 'later this week'. Not sure when yet. Probably not today.
Super anxiety mode ... go.
Ouch that's terrible :(
Meeting ... TOMORROW.
Begin dreading it ... NOW.
Edit: Rescheduled to Monday. GYAH.
Edit of Edit: I now satisfy the wealth requirements to cast Greater GTFO. Soon, I hope to have the prestige, as well....
...or will learn that I'll need to cast the lesser version instead.
Ugh.
I have working text->htm conversion tool~! :D
Webpages to follow. :3
I love free booze and bonfires.
Today I have started an exercise program. I will succeed!
Put in a week or so when I'm complaining about being exhausted in the bitching thread, don't be surprised.
Goo Music!
It's always nice to remember that I exist!
hah
She's lurking, waiting and stirring every so often. She's going to catch Rat one day and HEY LISTEN the hell out of him.
It's a Tiny Ko Army out there. :P
Lunch meeting at work for just our department!
It was Chinese food, and I got to eat ... eh, a piece of duck, and nothing else but plain rice.
(The rest was too much of a risk for my galbladder.)
The lunch wasn't terribly awesome thanks to that, but it was paid!
Paid lunch is always a good thing.
Except that time the entire department got food poisoning.
Oh, man, nothing crushes a caterer like a furious company rep coming down on them for stuff like that....
Speaking from experience?
Seen it happen. It was horrifically brutal.
I'd bet. Hell, I imagine the health department would be called at least, and possibly a lawsuit depending on what sort of food poisoning and how serious it was.
Overtime this weekend!
I'll also need to buy a handsfree bluetooth device for my phone ... to use at work this weekend. Now to find out what's good. :x
That's an appreciation? :)
Time Braid was awesome and made my day. I'm actually grinning right now. Thank you, soulriders, for cluing me in on that one.
Excellent. It ended well, but got annoyingly dark to read in places when it was in progress.
Still, ultimate awesome ending. :D
Dracos: Inroads to full-time, my friend. Inroads to full-time.
Power was only down for 24 hours! Thank God.
Hooray! Glad to hear you weren't impacted worse.
Just got my rent renewal offer for my current apartment, and the bump in the rent is less than $50 a month. Quite awesome, given that this apartment was a pretty amazing deal in the first place.
Thank you, Saint Red Bull, for making me alive this day. My boss appreciates it.
I won 50 bucks in the form of a best buy gift card in a raffle for submitting a newsletter name. Woo!
And the two coworkers that I hate that are consultants quit! Woo!!!!!
That's right, 007.5.
They 'quit'.
We know what you're up to.
And we approve.
Damn. Right.
I have twisted the univers's spite of me to my own purposes, and complained about something. It conspired to prove me wrong.
To whit:
Job offer! I sign tomorrow!
No job search! Instead ... APARTMENT SEARCH!
Greater GTFO casting now; I plan to be out of my current living situation by the end of the month!
Huzzah!
Today I acquired a pretty good entertainment unit. A bookshelf. Some chairs.
My living room now sits nine people and has a place to put the tv/stuff under the tv, and not look like shit.
Next goal: Set up tv/ps3/media streaming. Watch stuff in there. =) Also kill someone with one of the available sharp blades.
I won an iPod Nano at the company picnic yesterday! It is awesome
CyMage and I are the proud owners of a brand new car! Horray! Even if every other car we ever buy is used, at least one will have been new. =p
Hey, congrats! :D
Congratulations!
Do you two feel all grown up and mature now?
Finally set up a Troper page:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Tropers/Durandall
'bout time, probably.
Quote from: Brian on September 15, 2011, 02:21:13 PM
Finally set up a Troper page:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Tropers/Durandall
'bout time, probably.
Ha! I found it yesterday.
Rock on! =D
Quote from: Anastasia on September 15, 2011, 02:03:25 AM
Congratulations!
Do you two feel all grown up and mature now?
Yes, yes I do.
I'm over the stomach flu/food poisoning/whatever the fuck that was.
Yay.
This beer is delicious!
The 'skins are 2-0!
Successfully defeated dare by pro-Superstarultra fan that e-mailed me to dare me to actually read everything he'd ever written in the Haruhi fandom.
Now I'm not just guessing; I know the guy sucks.
Excellent work, nameless fan; you motivated me to review everything he's got on tvtropes. :)
So drinking makes bad fiction bearable?
I can't imagine trying to read Superstarultra without being dared and drunk, so arguably ... yes?
Heh. One more advantage to teetotalism.
Live and learn, yes.
Drinking too heavily just makes me tired, and fall asleep.
Hmm...which, come to think of it, is a great way to (not) read bad stories.
Eh it's friday.
Friday is always good.
Fun... fun... fun... fun...
/me offers Panda a record contract.
It's a Sunday in the fall. FOOTBALL!
http://www.itworld.com/software/207411/air-coming-out-social-media-ipo-bubble
You guys know I love to say it, so:
Told 'em so.
What? There's a limit to how much people want to talk to people?
I was thinking more that it wasn't going to be the cash cow they thought it would be, and that much seems to be true.
Finally got two training classes scheduled for work that I've been trying to get into since March. Once taken I'll get a raised and be able to add 25 hours of extra easy work to my week just about whenever I feel like it!
I am checking out a new apartment this afternoon.
I probably won't take it just because it's the first place I'll be looking at.
But man, is it cheap. o_o
Hum, more friends are getting apartments in redwood city. *eyes neighbors*
Any of them looking for roommates?
I found a place I can get. In fact, I probably will get it.
But it's pretty abysmal. I strongly suspect I'll take a six month lease to look for a better place.
I dunno. If I get a cat like I'm planning, then.... Eh. Erg. Oh well.
I'll probably be moving in two weeks, then.
YAY BRIAN!
So, today started off pretty bad. Same cycle as yesterday involving waking up too early, checking messages I should wait to wake up to handle, and then, bleah.
So, depressed about my latest failure to deliver the message I tried to tell, I stumble to work in the same routine as always. Just as I'm mulling over the various small issues that caused everything to fall apart for me, a song comes on the radio hilighting exactly the issues I wasn't handling well (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qHm9MG9xw1o).
Haha, okay, dramatic irony/timing, whatever. I turn my eyes to the road since I'm driving to work, haunted by music I can't be bothered to shut off--
(http://www.pishoque.net/brian/images/potd005.jpg)
...okay. Okay, that's ... interesting. So I continue to drive towards bifrost on the drive to work, and just as the song ends (and the highway turns), I look back, wondering if the entire thing could possibly be any more surprising, and:
This picture doesn't capture it well, but when I turned around (as though I had passed beneath the arch), it was a double rainbow):
(http://www.pishoque.net/brian/images/potd006.jpg)
Okay. I can feel that I'm making the right choice about this.
I am one of over a thousand people applying for a job on the other side of the country. FINGERS CROSSED!
Brian, I have a dark suspicion of being the depressing person behind those messages that have caused you all that chagrin, two days in a row already ... but still, you're taking pictures while driving a car on a highway, first on the front and then ... on the back view? I'd have trouble taking a picture while standing still on a walkway so I don't even pretend to understand how you manage that feat....
You didn't see the other 8 shots that were blurry, etc.... >_>;; The good pictures were taken when traffic came to a full stop, because the people in my locality don't understand how to drive responsibly in the rain. Even though my hands shake, I tend to have remarkably good coordination -- I'm holding the phone in one hand and actually using my knuckle to hit the 'capture' button for both of those shots.
I think I can be somewhat proud of those, even though they're still obviously amateur shots.
The depressing person would be me, though. But that's fine; this is a necessary step forward, and I've learned something from it. Evidently, I just needed a song I'd heard a million times before and some rainbows to make everything hit me like a truck as it all fit together.
But this is the appreciations thread, so, I appreciate that I've gotten through all of that and found something positive to move towards.
Edit: Oh, to be more specific, the messages involve certain people raising trouble against me on other websites. They seem dissatisfied with driving me away from just ff.net. Things tend to happen to me in an 'all at once' manner.... The whole thing is rather disheartening.
The company that sent my order to the wrong address offered to send me another shipment to the correct address. I have to cover shipping costs again, but that's really not so bad a deal.
Aces; one thing going right so far today already.
Now, if I get a positive response to that last message I sent out there, this could end up being a truly good day....
Legend; the apartment I was looking at is now being held for me. On Monday I should be able to secure it.
Partial success? It seems I've managed to get one of my recent incredibly stressful issues to go away.
/me crosses fingers.
Woot =) Less stress. Real Ninjas find time to rest.
Passed phase I to be promoted today.
Okay, I may be jumping the gun a bit, but I've got a really good feeling that it's finally worked this time. So, time to come clean.
Some months ago I left ff.net for reasons I kept vague (actually, I totally lied, and claimed it was amicable and my own decision). What actually happened is a long and convoluted story involving me getting really angry at someone posting a nasty trollfic and intentionally using the wrong genre tags (ie., 'Crime'/'Drama', when it was a parody (and a bashy one (oh, god, so infuriatingly bashy!!))).
A certain (influential, very popular) author who I've been careful not to name in conjunction with me leaving gave that trollfic author an incredibly positive review, congratulating them for being so clever. Abuse of the system like that kind of hits one of my beserk buttons (Hi! I'm a global moderator for this message board, have admined the Refuge, and am still moderating the FFML; I take this stuff
seriously).
Maybe it's projection, and maybe I'm stupid to think this, but ... I kind of think it's the responsibility of an author that's become popular to realize that, and not encourage poor behavior. Another berserk button. Being ticked off and angry enough at this author (who has done some pretty gray-area stuff in the name of 'humor' in the past), I tried to PM him to say, "Dude, not cool ... AGAIN."
Only to find out the guy had pre-emptively blocked me from PMiing him. That felt, to me, like the work of a troll, and a proud one, so my already frayed temper snapped, and I posted some pretty unkind things about that author because (as I saw it) he was actively encouraging the destruction of what little function/community there
is in the Haruhi section of ff.net. (Yeah, anger, not the best motivator.)
Well, before I could calm down enough to get over it and move on ... I started getting the death threats.
(I wish I was kidding -- oh, how do I wish I was kidding.)
Best as I can figure, some script kiddy with a depreciated botnet decided to set it to 'mailbomb,' and thus, since the day I posted my initial inflammatory remark (long-since covered up with, ("Lawl, I'm a jerk, my bad -- gonna go somewhere jerks like me are welcome~!") post I've been getting just shy of 400 e-mails a day telling me one of four different messages. They are roughly, "You can't write your way out of a paper bag," "Die, die, die, die, die, die," and "You wish you could write as well as <nothingtoseehere>". I'm not even going to bother trying to paraphrase the fourth one.
Now, before anyone gets the impression that this was super effective, only about 12 or so e-mails didn't go straight to spam (hooray!). But ... I check my spam. And it's those annoying (somewhat outdated, I thought?) e-mails that starts off seemingly to be a badly spelled personal message (machine generated, I'm sure), and then-- Oh, well, usually they're trying to sell me something when it comes through like this.
So, I don't have to read them. But you know what?
The fact that someone went through that much trouble really wears a guy down.
Really. Randomly generated from addresses, source server switching every few days.... I'm ... almost flattered that I was worth the attention.
Almost.
The longest break so far has been 70 hours, and currently it's only been a little more than 5. But damnit, I am really, really hopeful that I can put this behind me.
For those doing the math, yeah, I got a hair under 18,000 e-mails over this.
Kind of explains why I've been so on-edge these last few months, eh? Like the personal life issues weren't bad enough....
So, the positive?
I asked someone who was able to speak with the person I suspected was responsible (or at least knew him) and said, "Can you tell them to knock it off? This $&%@'s gettin' old."
And ...
it stopped. Sure, I didn't get any kind of reply, but....
So happy I could cry.
Quote from: Jason_Miao on October 07, 2011, 07:58:12 PMPassed phase I to be promoted today.
Oh, cool! Grats, Miao. :)
Congratulations, Brian. Nice to put that sort of thing behind you.
Well, I'm glad, too. I'm not proud of it, but all the needling did prompt quite a few unkind remarks of my own elsewhere.
I've offered the author a chance to have those removed, but so far, no reply.
I suspect he won't, and that'll be the end of it -- as long as the e-mails stop, I kind of don't care.
Remember when we thought I'd never run out of angry? Well, this has completely left me worn out.
Quote from: Brian on October 07, 2011, 08:07:20 PM
The fact that someone went through that much trouble really wears a guy down. Really.
I've had it happen. I can see how it is annoying, unless you thrive on argument and enjoy manipulating such people.
Quote
I asked someone who was able to speak with the person I suspected was responsible (or at least knew him) and said, "Can you tell them to knock it off? This $&%@'s gettin' old."
And ... it stopped. Sure, I didn't get any kind of reply, but....
So happy I could cry.
You know, maybe this guy thought you didn't know who he is. A lot of people are obnoxious on the internet because they think they're anonymous, and they somehow feel that shields them. When someone proves them wrong, it freaks them out.
@Bri, Drac
Thanks. It's somewhat odd how I passed, but mostly uninteresting unless you work at the same office, so I'll avoid boring all of you. :)
@Brian: Sounds like wonderful news!
My appreciation of the day: for some time already I have been doing background research for a novel-length fic and now that it's looking like I could move on to the actual writing phase I encountered an unfamiliar problem -- I couldn't commit myself to writing anything down. It wasn't a writer's block since I had prepared perfectly good outlines and my head was full of ready-to-use dialogue but I still couldn't start. I just sat there for hours, unsure of whether I even have what it takes to see through something that will keep me writing for the better part of a year or possibly even longer.
So, I killed time by surfing randomly around the net until I happened on a Youtube version of Susumu Hirasawa's Mediational Field (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqCdptfpaTA) (theme tune from the anime movie Paprika). Grabbed and ripped to mp3, dropped into the player and put on repeat ... my mental block just melted away! ^_^ (The movie is a real treat, too!)
Indeed; good news abounds.
I've been meaning to watch Paprika for some time.... Unfortunately, I have a roommate who absolutely refuses to have anything animated in the house, so have been waiting on getting my new place to watch it. But that should be soon!
When it comes to writing (as I have learned), sometimes the trick is to just get yourself to start writing anything at all. Even if it's terrible -- and then when you've built up some steam, go from there. Kind of just getting the ball rolling and then seeing from there.... :)
Also, BBCode is a pain on the default iPad softkeyboard. >_<
Quote from: Brian on October 08, 2011, 06:30:59 PM
Indeed; good news abounds.
I've been meaning to watch Paprika for some time.... Unfortunately, I have a roommate who absolutely refuses to have anything animated in the house, so have been waiting on getting my new place to watch it. But that should be soon!
When it comes to writing (as I have learned), sometimes the trick is to just get yourself to start writing anything at all. Even if it's terrible -- and then when you've built up some steam, go from there. Kind of just getting the ball rolling and then seeing from there.... :)
Also, BBCode is a pain on the default iPad softkeyboard. >_<
Gonna second that. Whenever I can't write on one thing, I go to write on another thing. It fixes it every time, even if I have to write a few pages of unrelated dreck.
Ah, .snippets files....
Quote from: Brian on October 08, 2011, 07:31:10 PM
Ah, .snippets files....
For me it's random DM work I may or may never use, but the concept is the same.
I have forty minutes to dispose of half a bottle of rum.
Brace for awesome.
I made it through another birthday alive.
Happy birthday, Jon!
I just finished celebrating my one year anniversary with my wonderful wife! :) :) :)
I actually remembered my soulriders password! I'm typing this at a friend's house!
*Note: I've been autologging in since that time we all had to replace our passwords way back. I seriously could not remember it for a while.
I need to add only a few more links to have my tvtropes profile page be All Blue. :3
Aha, success!
Barring something going horribly wrong, I'll be moving this Saturday. :D
Hmm. Now to acquire help in the field of Moving Stuff.
http://www.amazon.com/Mongoliad-Book-One-Foreworld/dp/1612182364/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1318343036&sr=8-1
Joe Brassey, one of the authors on this(along with such notables as Neal Stephenson), is a dude I've been gaming with for a few years now. Excellent writer, and this is his first time getting published in hard print instead of just internet stuff. If you like historical fiction, maybe check it out.
Congrats to him =)`
My manager shows up halfway through work, takes one look at me, and sends me home early.
The paperwork is signed. The place is mine.
Victory.
Now you can host D&D games at your own place, where uninterested wives can't ruin it for you? =p
No parking, and not enough room.
That sucks. But still, having your own place is surely great, so grats on that.
Indeed. I can decorate however I want.
That's pretty awesome. Next week ... determine if I want a cat that badly.
I think I do.
Why do you want an evil furball? All they do is shed hair and make people die!
Quote from: Brian on October 14, 2011, 07:14:48 PM
The paperwork is signed. The place is mine.
Victory.
YESSSS!
I'll bring the rum!
My new boss and I have bonded over a Journey song.
It came on, we listened in silence, and then we both starting singing the lyrics at the same time.
Epic.
Anyone who likes Journey is okay in my book.
Quote from: Merc on October 14, 2011, 10:12:45 PM
Why do you want an evil furball? All they do is shed hair and make people die!
I ... don't see what's not to like, there?
Quote from: Ebiris on October 15, 2011, 08:33:30 AM
Anyone who likes Journey is okay in my book.
^
Quote from: Brian on October 14, 2011, 10:01:36 PMNext week ... determine if I want a cat that badly.
I think I do.
Being a cat person myself, I'd say that with cats it's even more important (and harder) than with dogs to find one with a proper personality. In the worst case, what you get is an evil furry dominatrix hell-bent on trashing all your furniture and peeing in your shoes if everything doesn't go exactly as she wants, in the best case you can get a cat that is just as affectionate as the best of dogs, but without the demanding dependency issue. Oh, and cats don't have to be taken out for a walk when it rains ^_^
Some breeds like Siamese (very loud, though), Norwegian Forest Cat or Ragdoll are naturally people-oriented (I have a most tender, sweet Norwegian myself) but in the end you'll have to see the cat yourself before choosing one, to see how it behaves (very roughly, aggression and avoidance are undesirable traits, curiosity, playfulness and a trustful disposition good ones).
Exactly right. I've only ever disliked one cat, and he's a brutish Maine Coone with agression issues. :p
76 posts to go....
All moved in! ...kinda. Need furniture now. :p
I am appreciative for Afghani's being shitty shots.
Two rockets impacted 100 yards from me today. While I was in the open. No cover at all.
I am also appreciative that they missed. Iddy, we need to get you a safer job. :x
Quote from: Brian on October 16, 2011, 09:54:07 AM
I am also appreciative that they missed. Iddy, we need to get you a safer job. :x
Safer jobs don't pay what I get paid.
Oh, and the second rocket hit about 50 yards away. =D
That ... puts the little nuisances of a boring everyday life in the proper perspective. o.O For the upcoming week, I'm not going to complain about anything.
Quote from: sarsaparilla on October 16, 2011, 10:54:06 AM
That ... puts the little nuisances of a boring everyday life in the proper perspective. o.O For the upcoming week, I'm not going to complain about anything.
rofl. This is normal for me, you'll learn. A third rocket flew overhead about an hour after the first two. I was taking a nap. I didn't even roll over for it.
Are they still making you do those underquipped escorts?
Nah, not really. I have to roll out to the helo pad with no weapon, but I've got my vest and kevlar.
I'm protected, I just can't shoot back. And I don't have an armored vehicle.
AHAHHAHAHH! YES! VICTORY!
I've just secured myself a seat on a IED Route Clearance Patrol anytime I want. In an area that almost guarantees to get me IED'd! =D
You're an adrenaline junkie.
Quote from: Yuthirin on October 17, 2011, 01:58:42 AM
You're an adrenaline junkie.
I simply like having new and exciting near-life experiences.
=D
Right. I'd been studying necromancy in my spare time, in the hopes of someday making all of those fanfic authors from way back when actually finish what they write....
Iddy, you may have a spot on that list soon....
Edit:
To more relevant appreciations.
Augh. I spent the entire day shopping, outside of the time I was waiting for the installer for my phone and internet. (Which is ... weird. My phone goes through my cable modem.)
I got so ... much ... stuff. The irony of cutting myself opening the container of knives was when I realized that for all of my work, I forgot a first aid kit.
But you know, if that's the biggest thing I have to complain about today, then I am appreciative for it. :D
Ah, the catharsis of independence and honesty. Now that James is not holding my stuff hostage, I told him what I really think.
And I have my own place. I hate being deceptive so much ... man, did that ever wear on me.
A far better educated and experienced technician in the workplace shocked me by demonstrating that I have a better grasp of linux than she did. I felt like a significantly more useful part of the team by helping her move something she SCPed into the wrong directory, following a dev's instructions.
You sound like you're on a hot streak, Brian.
I tell you, having to suppress my feelings QRT the Jim/PHM issue, not having to live with an alcoholic....
Everything's coming together. :D
I am an idiot, and in my rush to get things set up and trying to do too many things simultaneously ... I ordered an AMD CPU and cooler for an Intel motherboard.
I'm appreciative of the fact that this only costs me time.
....hahhahaha
Ah, Yuth, since this happened to me because I blindly followed your suggestions, I think you're the one person who shouldn't be laughing at me, right there. Unless you did that on purpose in which case, okay, yeah ... joke's on me. :)
Yeah, that's kinda why I was laughing. I've made this mistake before. :D
Quote from: Yuthirin on October 20, 2011, 01:23:36 PMI've made this mistake before. :D
Me, too~! Enough to be quite proficient at undoing the damage; hooray for return policies! :D
Okay. Sidestepping the carnival of errors leading to me actually getting all the pieces....
1.) Hardware assembly. Historically, my greatest problem-area. After 2.5 hours of painstaking assembly, the system POSTed just fine. I was so shocked at how smoothly it went I decided to break into the celebratory seagrams sweet-tea vodka/lemonade early.
2.) OS install failed miserably due to an interesting issue where Vista can't work with disks over a certain size -- my new disk is of this size category (evidently, at/above 2 TB). So, the drive would come up in an onboard boot loader, I could install Vista, and then it couldn't boot off the disk it was just installed to. Unable to resolve that issue, I fell back on my old disks, knowing they were small enough.
This was a resounding success, and my old install actually booted flawlessly on the new hardware. Not expected.
This made backing up my data to that new disk a snap, and then I formatted the boot drive and reinstalled.
So, ladies, gentlemen....
Either I have rolled, or taken twenty. I'm not sure which -- but a twenty ... is a twenty.
Now download a real man's operating system!
...like what? AFAIK, I'm the most vocal advocate of UBUNTU here, but it won't run my games.
Edit: Actually, did run UBUNTU off a USB keyfob to format the HDD at one point when I couldn't get Vista to install and thought it was a corrupt boot sector issue. Sorry, I really don't understand why you want me to break the primary functionality of the system I just got online.
In unrelated news, I have a phone interview on Monday, and I will be making my very famous beef stew tomorrow. Very excited. :D
Quote from: Yuthirin on October 22, 2011, 06:28:57 PMThis.
Oh.
Okay, well, I guess I see that you don't like it, but one flavor of windows isn't much different from another -- save that this one is capable of supporting all my RAM and doesn't cost me an extra 200$ (because I can't install on that drive, I can't upgrade on it, either, see?). So, parade not rained on -- marking issue as "RESOLVED: WORKSFORME".
Edit: Good luck on your interview!
Or I could hook you up with a free, legit copy?
/me still has no idea of what your 'manlier' OS is ... but it's not broken, so why fix it?
We'll see when it needs a reinstall.
So next week then? :)
My phone interview went really well!
Aces! Grats, Yuth; I look forward to hearing more good news from you on that front soon. :3
Unrelated: I should be able to replace my Vista install with 7 soon.
<_<
>_>
Soon.
Any day now.
In the meantime, thanks to Hal, I have Grief Syndrome~! :D
I called my apartment complex today to say I needed to get out of the lease. They called me an hour later to say "hey, we have this couple wanting your apartment." Woo!
The new policy I dictated was evidently worth creating a new Director position to handle it. That's kind of awesome.
I got to meet the guy I'll be reporting to, and I think this is going to work out quite well.
I just finished up the first baby appointment at 7.6 weeks in, and we saw the baby's head, limb buds, and heartbeat. Everything is great! Woo!
Congrats! Know the gender yet?
Not yet - we'll find out at week 20.
Congratulations!
Humph. From this point on, I really AM going to do all my installs drunk.
Windows 7 was INSANELY easy to get up and running! And ... it really does seem more preformant over Vista at this juncture. Good times?
~Told you~
I received a notice that I have to pay for the rental on my storage locker! Except ... I don't~! I get to shut down that account. :D
Edit: I totally lost count! Haha-- Lucky post #7777 was in the 'bitching' thread! So apropos.
Bitchy luck :P
I've been assigned the role of 'Stairwell Monitor' for our emergency safety and fire evacuation protocols at work.
The bonus pay is a bottle of sake every time there's an evacuation call. >.>
So there has now been two party hangouts. Entertainment room is working pretty well, save controller length and food locations. Easy to resolve one for next time.
Still, Smash Brawl largely remains pretty fun. Co-op action is excellent. =) It was a long time building, but mostly successful entertainment hangout!
Quote from: Brian on October 27, 2011, 01:40:57 PM
I've been assigned the role of 'Stairwell Monitor' for our emergency safety and fire evacuation protocols at work.
The bonus pay is a bottle of sake every time there's an evacuation call. >.>
Barter to have it every time there's a 'test run' as well! =D After all, they have those more often. once a year in fact.
I still think it's funny when the CEO comes downstairs and his smile fades. "You're not drinking sake? What's so serious, guys?"
I was walking out of the gym the other day when I came across this:
White guy 1: Shit, nigga! These rims are tight! Lookit that shit spin. Shit cost me two g's, dawg. I's gonna get me some bitches tonight!
White guy 2: Dayum, nigga! That shit is too tight!
I noticed something and walked up.
Me: Excuse me, uhh, dog. Your muffler is hanging on the ground. No matter haw nice your rims are, you still look poor as hell.
And then I walked away. I made it all the way to my car before I started laughing. So proud of myself.
Seriously played poker for the first time on Saturday. Ended being up by 11 and some change. Not very interesting, though...
The interesting part was when I had a flush and lost to a Royal Flush.
Quote from: Jason_Miao on October 31, 2011, 10:38:46 PM
Seriously played poker for the first time on Saturday. Ended being up by 11 and some change. Not very interesting, though...
The interesting part was when I had a flush and lost to a Royal Flush.
What sort of game was it? Private or casino?
We pretty much constantly have 5-10 people logged on all day long these days.
Nice.
Quote from: Anastasia on October 31, 2011, 11:22:21 PM
Quote from: Jason_Miao on October 31, 2011, 10:38:46 PM
Seriously played poker for the first time on Saturday. Ended being up by 11 and some change. Not very interesting, though...
The interesting part was when I had a flush and lost to a Royal Flush.
What sort of game was it? Private or casino?
Private game.
First time for most of the others, as well.
I got this (http://instagr.am/p/SuXRl/) in the mail unexpectedly.
Ooooh! Nice Mass Effect stand!
Surprised they didn't include a model of that stealthy ship you get, or whatever. Still, pretty cool. :)
Quote from: Jon on November 04, 2011, 06:21:22 PM
I got this (http://instagr.am/p/SuXRl/) in the mail unexpectedly.
That's pretty F'n cool. I still think it would look better in black, though.
My co-workers banded together to give me a coffee mug with this printed on it:
http://despair.com/mis24x30prin.html
No more wasting disposable paper cups. :)
Edit: Hahah, I have the best parking lot at the building! And there's beer in the fridge. >.>
Quote from: Jon on November 04, 2011, 06:21:22 PM
I got this (http://instagr.am/p/SuXRl/) in the mail unexpectedly.
That's extraordinary. I want one.
I won a free Twix PB. Go me.
Four day weekend!
And I don't have any duties!
And I'm about to get out of "you're-new-so-let's-give-you-terrible-duties" phase!
If nothing else goes wrong, I'm lined up to get Thursday off~!
I have nothing to do except play Skyrim tomorrow.
Quote from: Dracos on November 14, 2011, 12:28:59 PMSeriously, you gotta put in for at least a weekend day off at some point. They got other testing staff right?
I'm in the dubiously honorable role of 'only hardware guy'.
Erm. Long story short, we let a (in some certain, specific situations) somewhat unreliable product get to market (actually due to a vendor, not us -- but we still have to address the issue). We have to qualify a replacement about a week and a half ago.
Once that's done, they may give me an entire week off.
...but this idea belongs in the appreciations thread.
PIE!
I have this weekend off.
/me promptly disables work e-mails to his phone.
Huuzzah!
Cheesecake is awesome. Also, today is a nice day!
(*listens to cave story music*)
/me points at Iddy.
He's awesome. Worship him! Throw pickles at him!
But does he have sort of sun-god robes?
I don't need them. I have body armor and a kevlar.
I have three days of comp-time.
Of which tomorrow shall be one.
I had a great vacation; started a new vitamin regimen since I had a fever during most of it.
The new regimen I'm taking appears to be offsetting my depression. I wonder what I was missing, since my research suggests that the old 'vitamin b alleviates depression' bit is a myth....
It looks like the 20 or so work hours missing from my check last week will be on this weeks check.
It's Taco Tuesday at the local mexican place. $1 tacos and $3 frozen margaritas all night.
Good plan.
I have a nice new signature that makes me giggle everytime I read it. Sometimes it's the little things in life.
I can shave my terrible mustache today.
Excellent.
Quote from: Ebiris on November 30, 2011, 01:42:54 PMI can shave my terrible mustache today.
Do we get to bask in the terribleness? Post before and after pics to the photography thread! =p
I kind of don't understand the point of 'no shave November.' Scratch that -- I totally don't understand it. I get strike-beards, project beards, etc.; I grew a project-beard when I was working at Crystal, shaving only when I had days off (after month two, they started mistaking me for an engineer instead of QA; this same thing happened at my current job when I grew a strike-beard to silently protest certain events where I was living at the time).
I also get the concept of a 'beard party', which my brother told me about: Announce a party in a month/two month's time, and tell all invitees to shave that day, and not again until after the party.
But arbitrarily, because it's November? Don't get it. O_o?
I've tried to google it, but get a bunch of useless troll sites that don't offer anything approaching a good explanation. Since you've undertaken it, presumably you can explain the appeal to me?
We call it Movember, because it's for mustaches not just generally not shaving. It's just something fun to raise awareness and possibly funds for prostate cancer (in my office anyone not growing a mustache paid a tenner to be donated to Cancer Research).
Wikipedia can explain more I guess? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Movember
Quote from: Merc on November 30, 2011, 05:55:37 PM
Quote from: Ebiris on November 30, 2011, 01:42:54 PMI can shave my terrible mustache today.
Do we get to bask in the terribleness? Post before and after pics to the photography thread! =p
Too late for a before pic I'm afraid.
Well, that explains it, then!
I won a year's supply of fruit snacks. Go me?
You know, I've always wondered how they determine what a year's supply amounts to.
Quote from: thepanda on December 05, 2011, 12:39:06 PM
You know, I've always wondered how they determine what a year's supply amounts to.
12 party packs of 24, apparently. 288 servings.
Congratulations on that, by the way, Dune. That's pretty cool. :)
Quote from: Brian on December 05, 2011, 01:41:27 PM
Congratulations on that, by the way, Dune. That's pretty cool. :)
Thanks!
It sounds delicious.
I finally got into the Dota 2 beta!
I, uh, got the invitation on Saturday but I've been kinda playing it since, so... >.>
I got up this morning after like 14 hours of sleep, feeling awesomely groggy. I tripped over something, and hit the floor face first. Angrily, I grabbed at the offending object that so desperately wanted to be thrown across the room, only to find...my missing laptop cable. I cleaned the hell out of the room yesterday, it shouldn't have even been there.
My life is so awesome right now. :D :D :D
You pulled a Homer? :p
Glad you found the the cable, Yuth. :D
Got a random act of spontaneous breakfast today. It was pretty cool.
Almost the holiday season. I'm being non-fail at work at the moment. Game is about to start. Epic Legend of Unending Victory. :P
Quote from: Brian on December 07, 2011, 02:59:44 PM
You pulled a Homer? :p
Glad you found the the cable, Yuth. :D
Guess so! Good thing too. Hundred bucks to replace it.
I seem to have gotten a Diablo 3 invite, interesting.
Jealoussssssssss
New cookie creation: Success.
Awake early enough to start the batch of cookies I was supposed to make last night~!
Putting the bliss in blizzard.
The first snowstorm of the year.
I must get out and let the wind embrace me, passionately,
snowflakes melting on my face in tears of happiness.
In this maelstrom of purity the world ceases to be;
I want to lie down in a tranquil sleep and be overcome.
Oh, I miss living where it snows. Here, some of the trees are just now having their leaves turn golden and red. Our season cycle only allows about a month of 'Winter' proper, and Fall doesn't even start until mid-November. :)
Also, baking is an excellent distraction. Where will I put all these cookies? ^_^;
It's a balmy 26°F here, north of Chicago.
My first YKTTW:
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/discussion.php?id=3wsar2tgfg3271yaoi93rig5
Let's hope. :D
Quote from: Brian on tvtropesMostly by finding more of this type of fic outside of my narrow range of Fan Fic.
Or crushing me with despair when it turns out this doesn't happen in other fandoms.
Well, I'm also mildly familiar with the Lucky Star fandom, which is generally divided into three categories:
- Fics where the characters replace the cast of some other story (generally a video game, such as Elder Scrolls, Silent Hill, etc., where there isn't much of a fleshed out cast that would get overwritten by doing so). These are generally the main sorts of interesting fics.
- Shipping!!! Shippingshippingshippingshipping... you get the idea. Since Lucky Star has... I think only two male characters out of a couple dozen girls, you also get the idea of what kind of shipping it usually ends up being. Namely, yuri.
- Actual luwlfics as per your definition. "Tsukasa is Pregnant and Other Stories" comes to mind... yeah. I'm not going to bother linking to it since the title alone should be sufficient.
(The main Lucky Star fic I enjoyed is http://www.fanfiction.net/s/5780603/1/, which interestingly fits none of the above categories, going instead the megacrossover route.)
I assume given your self-doubt that the Ranma fandom is blissfully free of lawlfics at the moment.
Quote from: Arakawa Seijio on December 11, 2011, 01:26:57 PM
I assume given your self-doubt that the Ranma fandom is blissfully free of lawlfics at the moment.
You would be wrong. So very wrong.
I will remain blissfully wrong, then.
But it seems a safe bet in general that lawfics are everywhere. Safer than feeling depressed over some conjecture that the Haruhi fandom is some kind of supernatural magnet for the scum of the Internet.
The first comment is that there is already a term for this, 'joke fic'. The problem with that assertion is that many of the fics in question lack any kind of punchline that could be immediately identifiable as a joke, and instead invoke some meme that is chosen by the 'insider' community as a shibboleth, the way 'cheeseburger' is appropriated by the lolcat community. Yes, it's considered to be funny, but it's not exactly a joke.
My appreciation of the day: the outline for the next story arc of my fic is finally finished and will keep me writing for some time. ^_^
Quote from: Jon on December 11, 2011, 01:38:33 PM
Quote from: Arakawa Seijio on December 11, 2011, 01:26:57 PM
I assume given your self-doubt that the Ranma fandom is blissfully free of lawlfics at the moment.
You would be wrong. So very wrong.
Fortunately, the Bast!addventure continues to perform its duty as the white blood cell of the Ranma community, engorging a glut of bad fiction and stopping it from propagating too much.
Quote from: sarsaparilla on December 11, 2011, 02:01:46 PMMy appreciation of the day: the outline for the next story arc of my fic is finally finished and will keep me writing for some time. ^_^
I'm looking forward to that, so this is something I can appreciate, too. :3
This is this forum's 10,000th post, and the 1,000th reply in this thread.
I have a good feeling about today!
Safely made my way cross country.
Belated yay at Drac. :)
I replaced the lightbulbs that came with my lamp with more luminous ones, and my house is no longer a gloomy cave. That...
/me puts up his CSI: Gensokyo parasol.
...brightened my day.
I won a $25 dollar cooler. Okay, I don't have any use for a cooler, but it's free.
Even better. :3
Three day work-week. Testing a different product for a change of pace. Feel like I'm making progress on multiple fronts.
I don't know if today could get better.
...and then Yuth picks up L4D, so I'll have an additional potential partner to blast zombies. :3
Yay!
5 consecutive days off, starting with the end of work today.
...time to reply to Muphrid and Sarsaparilla on 'PYB.' >.>
Outstanding. Merry Christmas.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101865.msg1029358.html#msg1029358
The end result of an epic quest. Evidently if you avoid 'no-kill' shelters, they're less of jerks about it.
Awesome, nice cat. Glad he found a home.
Determined that 'havocfett' is actually just a troll (or at the very least, was trolling me) by spotting a lie at the beginning of his second post.
He claims that he was asked to e-mail me, when the reality is that he chose to e-mail me and was in fact asked to share it on the forum. He then wrote a reply for the forum and e-mailed it to me in the forum's formatting.
That's all I need to ignore him. :)
You need justification to ignore someone?
Not justification. Just an understanding of their intent. Realizing he's merely a troll lets me banish any lingering doubts that he may have had anything legitimate to say.
My co-workers have bestowed upon me a NEW MUG (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101865.msg1029655.html#msg1029655)!
I wasn't the person hugging the toilet yesterday!
Settled on my new apartment. That's a weight gone.
Now, to find a job closer to it than my current job before February. Can it be done...
Delicious dim sum lunch yesterday.
The Tintin movie did not disappoint.
It was epic.
I appreciate that we are almost half as positive as we are negative.
Gotta take the bad with the good.
With regards to my recent frustrations, I should point out that I have made some progress in the goals that my writing was supposed to accomplish. And being able to get very critical feedback on this site played a crucial part in fixing some of my serious blind spots in how I write and just generally how I deal with people. Having to deal with... all that mess caused by my behaviour didn't hurt either.
So thanks to everyone who's supported and/or tolerated me.
Just now I feel like I've bumped into another ceiling and at a bit of a loss what to do next.
So, hooray for temporary dead ends. And quality C&C.
Dungeon Defenders is pretty fun.
Arakawa:
Glad you've had a good experience so far. Hope you're making some friends around too and don't just feel tolerated :)
Anyhow, I do not hate the world today. The engine I need to evaluated behaved last night so I don't feel as pressured anymore. Stupid things.
I am square on all of my debts.
Well. Square on everyone I owed, at least. :)
I've been moping since Saturday about my laptop being broken and needing to be sent out for a new part, but I just fixed it on my own! Woo!
Welp, this is slightly preemptive, but I've decided I will be returning to the U.S. to finish school with in the next few months instead of staying in Afghanistan.
I will be happy I am in the U.S.
Awesome, Iddy. Glad you're on the tail end of being in the 'stan. When do you get back to America for good?
Yuth: Cool! :)
Iddy: AWESOME! :D
Now I don't have to worry about Iddy being hurt in Afganistan.
...I just have to worry about Iddy meeting me in real life and accidentally killing me without thinking about it. o_o
Quote from: Anastasia on January 18, 2012, 12:56:28 AM
Awesome, Iddy. Glad you're on the tail end of being in the 'stan. When do you get back to America for good?
Haven't quite figured that out. If they send me a new guy as a replacement, I'm going to have to spend some time training them. If they can send me someone more experienced, then I just have to do familiarization and a hand off. I have given them a hard date a few months from now (security stuff, can't give hard date here), but if they can get me an experienced guy, then I can get out even sooner.
Quote from: Brian on January 18, 2012, 12:58:12 AM
Yuth: Cool! :)
Iddy: AWESOME! :D
Now I don't have to worry about Iddy being hurt in Afganistan.
...I just have to worry about Iddy meeting me in real life and accidentally killing me without thinking about it. o_o
Nah. If I kill, I do it on purpose. The only things I do on accident are things like breaking furniture, car doors, or cracking the armored hull of an LAV (true story).
I've found it's entirely too easy to damage cars by accident.
Quote from: Anastasia on January 18, 2012, 01:06:58 AM
I've found it's entirely too easy to damage myself by accident.
All my accidents have entirely reasonable cause and effect chains!
5.1 surround sound is tasty
Quote from: Anastasia on January 18, 2012, 03:31:48 AM
All my accidents have entirely reasonable cause and effect chains!
This reminds me of the time I accidentally sent my friend to the hospital using only a can of Coca Cola.
Quote from: Yuthirin on January 18, 2012, 01:41:02 PM
Quote from: Anastasia on January 18, 2012, 03:31:48 AM
All my accidents have entirely reasonable cause and effect chains!
This reminds me of the time I accidentally sent my friend to the hospital using only a can of Coca Cola.
That sounds like a story. How'd it happen?
I'm going to have a son! Woo!
Genma_007? =p
Congratulations, Ranma!
Grats, 007.5. :)
Congrats, 007 :)
Admittedly, one of the first things I thought was to take my son on a 10 year training trip to become a man among men.
Congrats 007!
Quote from: Ranma_007 on January 21, 2012, 08:45:32 AM
Admittedly, one of the first things I thought was to take my son on a 10 year training trip to become a man among men.
I approve of this.
Got a new job doing mobile development! Wheeeeee~
Man, so stoked. Now, to figure out relocating to Sydney.
Fell asleep at 8 30 last night feeling sick. Slept through 'till 5 the next morning and feel much better.
Got into the office late....
...but earlier than my boss.
I only got six hours of sleep, but I feel surprisingly rejuvenated. Go figure.
Yikes-- Lucky to feel well after oversleeping that long! :)
Quote from: Yuthirin on January 28, 2012, 11:08:02 AMQuote from: Brian on January 28, 2012, 02:18:12 AMI WIN AGAIN, LEWS THERIN.
I had a tough time explaining why I was laughing so hard at work at 9 am.
:D
Also, when depressed, go to Davenport. More pictures of rocks by the sea to come!
I got $1,200 or so back on my tax return. Considering I'm still job-less, this is a big deal and cause for celebration.
Fuck I need a job.
Three months of uptime with windows before a crash.
Data lost: None.
Also, I developed a new cookie recipe today. A landmark cookie, if you will. In baking terms, monumental! A sort of...
/me puts up his CSI: Gensokyo parasol
...mile-scone.
Helped freinds move yesterday. Sore, but feeling good. Not often I'm called on to move something that weighs more then I do. But that couch was a beast.
Quote from: Gatewalker on January 29, 2012, 02:31:04 PM
Helped freinds move yesterday. Sore, but feeling good. Not often I'm called on to move something that weighs more then I do. But that couch was a beast.
Ow. At least it wasn't up stairs, right?
I shall be home before the end of February.
Awesome Iddy.
It took several hours, some time spent with google translate, ANN, a bunch of defunct megaupload and rapidshare sites, amazon japan, and at least one gundam fansite, but I still managed to hunt down the cd for a certain song I heard on a random (MAD) on youtube.
Feels like 2002 all over again. ^_^
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on January 29, 2012, 11:39:54 PM
I shall be home before the end of February.
Congratulations!
Quote from: thepanda on January 29, 2012, 11:46:10 PM
Awesome Iddy.
It took several hours, some time spent with google translate, ANN, a bunch of defunct megaupload and rapidshare sites, amazon japan, and at least one gundam fansite, but I still managed to hunt down the cd for a certain song I heard on a random (MAD) on youtube.
Feels like 2002 all over again. ^_^
Awesome. I've heard filesharing has gotten leagues harder in the last two weeks. That does sound nostalgic as hell.
It doesn't bother me much, as I was on the net in the 90's. It's like riding a bike. And they haven't touched my favorite torrent sites.
All the kids that got on in the mid 00s must be having heart attacks.
They lack the skills to navigate the Internet Time Warp, and so they scream.
/me puts on his Hipster Hat.
I was downloading shared files before it was cool to share files. FTP, yo.
I taught Shami how to play video games!
Thanks for that link, Arakawa. XD
I didn't wake up to find myself bombarded with memories of a past life. Yay.
Quote from: Anastasia on January 31, 2012, 12:40:23 AM
I didn't wake up to find myself bombarded with memories of a past life. Yay.
I wonder what I was in past lives..
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on January 31, 2012, 01:31:21 AMI wonder what I was in past lives..
Good question.
/me checks.
Huh. According to the Bureau of the Four Seasons, this is your first life. Grats!
Quote from: Brian on January 31, 2012, 01:43:12 AM
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on January 31, 2012, 01:31:21 AMI wonder what I was in past lives..
Hmm.... Am I doing well for my first go around? Can't decide..
Good question.
/me checks.
Huh. According to the Bureau of the Four Seasons, this is your first life. Grats!
I found digital transcriptions of all my dungeon notes except for the one that I have the papers for. I'm missing maps, but those are a minor detail in comparison.
Congrats.
I have learned to appreciate, and even take joy in, unrequited love. (http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/IWantMyBelovedToBeHappy)
Edit: My depression is finally clearing.
E-mail bombing stopped again.
*victory fist-pump*
Quote from: Brian on February 03, 2012, 08:39:32 PM
E-mail bombing stopped again.
*victory fist-pump*
Wait, this last one lasted, what, over a month?
O_o
I think so -- something around there. It stopped a few days ago; I don't much check my spam folder.
Quote from: Brian on February 03, 2012, 10:02:21 PM
I think so -- something around there. It stopped a few days ago; I don't much check my spam folder.
Take heart. All this proves is that you're not anywhere *near* as pathetic as the losers who waste a month doing shit like this.
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on February 03, 2012, 10:37:37 PMTake heart. All this proves is that you're not anywhere *near* as pathetic as the losers who waste a month doing shit like this.
This.
So Super Mario-themed burlesque shows are freaking hilarious.
Brian swung by and brought me a replacement headset.
Swell fellow.
New jobs rock.
Way to go, CyMage!
In other news, I have put together a crib, two bookshelves, a stroller, and a slider chair. Baby room = complete!
Nice, Ranma. What's the due date?
---
Congratulations to Iddy for surviving Afghanistan! Glad to hear you're back in the ol' USA.
Due date is June 3rd... looking forward to it!
Shami breaks all of the toys I got for him, except his collection of balls, which he plays hockey with, considering 'under the couch and out of his reach forever' to be the goal.
With one exception. Proving something important, once and for all:
Laser-pointers are absolutely the best cat toy ever.
He could chase that glowing dot all day....
I am apprechiative to be reciving medical care in the United States and not the mountains of Afghanistan.
Uh-oh-- Sounds like it's getting better, but what happened, Iddy?
Edit: Aaaah. Appendectomy.
Hey, chicks dig scars, right? Just say you got it coming back from the front!
I be home.
Surgery went fine and I can eat solids with no nausea.
Fuck yeah, cheeseburgers.
Hell yah, Cheeseburgers!
Cheeseburgers are amazing.
Gotten insurance claim started with Visa.
Hopefully they'll pay for replacing my ps3 and my ds.
Today is quiet. Hal and brian will be over for hangouts during the weekend. Overall, this seems like a recipe for awesome.
Office is closed on Monday.
I have an awesome dog.
There's no feeling quite like realizing that you've successfully made a fic outline workable by jetissoning a stupid idea that, five days ago, had seemed to you inextricably necessary to the plot.
EDIT: Specifically, I turned an idea which involved Slider Yutaka (horrid Mary Sue slider creature) into an idea which does not involve Slider Yutaka. That does leave the question of why Slider Yutaka keeps invading my fic ideas, even though I can't give any coherent reason as to what her presence adds.
I just did an hour-long journal club presentation on a cancer research paper. Right before I started, the guest teacher said she intentionally chose that paper to show the high complexity of modern biology research, so it would be a challenge to whichever of the pair teams got assigned to present it.
I'm one of the students who were assigned to present alone, to fill all the day slots.
Also, I'm stats, not bio.
Yet I still did a good job! And now my day is complete. By which I mean my eight hour work day crunching numbers for the department is now starting.
Wait, this is the appreciation thread.
Uhh... I got to complain about the bad statistics in that paper a lot. And since I'm one of the single presenters, I don't have to present twice like the others. Yay!
We have a place to LIVE! YAY!
Moving to Etobicoke on Sunday! ...yay?
Congrats, Music.
Drac and Brian are awesome people for putting up with me (and putting me up) for a week. =D
We are all also terrible people.
I ... make enough money that I have to pay taxes instead of getting a refund, now. o_O?
Congratulations?
Is your withholding per paycheck particularly small?
I always go for zero. About 60% of my income was as a contractor, and thus, untaxed.
That probably throws things off by a good bit. :\
Quite possibly, yes.
Finally got my hands on a copy of "Genesis of the Daleks".
Took me long enough...
My third bread attempt turned out well!
(http://inklesspen.smugmug.com/Food/Pain-%C3%A1-lAncienne/i-L4rZTn3/0/L/IMG0144-L.jpg) (http://inklesspen.smugmug.com/Food/Pain-%C3%A1-lAncienne/21467849_8cKgJ4#!i=1727248179&k=L4rZTn3&lb=1&s=A)
The cargo elevator in my apartment is working again.
I can move out now. o_o
Good timin'.
I know -- I was starting to get worried about that.
I appreciate the fact that I've been getting job interviews. Market seems to be good for process engineers right now, after a very depressing spell from before I went back to school for my masters' where all I got was two interviews, one which gave a polite 'no thanks' and the other never even bothered.
Now though, I've had the situation where as I leave an interview, I'll be contacted on the phone by another company to set up an interview with them. I've had that happen twice actually, with the second time occuring just now. It's both hilarious and heartening.
Still need for one of these companies to actually extend a job offer to me, but just having a lot of interviews around the same time is making me happy.
Good to hear, Merc. Good luck on the job hunt. :)
G'luck, Mercury!
Got my forklift cert today.
Congratulations, Panda!
Now go get back a job! Rock out panda :P
I got a job offer! Salary's pretty good too, it's a bit less than what I used to make before I went back to school, but still the right amount for the position I'm getting hired on in the current economy.
Grats!
Congratulations Mercury!
Awesome, congrats. =)
That's great Merc, congrats!
Go merc =D
There's so much going on in our fanfiction section these days, I barely keep up.
Props to everyone =)
We started up the hot dog stand again so not entirely broke anymore.
With that avatar, I'm imagining Mihoshi and Kiyone opening up a hot dog stand to make ends meet after getting stranded on earth out of communications with the galactic police. And Mihoshi keeps eating so many hot dogs that at the end of the day they're only barely above the red line for profits while Kiyone starts crying and Mihoshi prepares and offers her a hot dog to make her feel better.
L
O
L
Quote from: Dracos on March 05, 2012, 08:59:26 PM
There's so much going on in our fanfiction section these days, I barely keep up.
Props to everyone =)
Now if we had something in there besides 90% Haruhi fanfiction... anyhow, I'm certain with patience and time that will probably change ;-)
(What? This is supposed to be the positive thinking thread, right?)
Won a $5 dollar gift card. Hey, it's something.
I appreciate that none of my complaints are really significant anymore.
Like the fact that one of the four dryers I used for my laundry this morning doesn't have any working heat, so took my money and tumbled my laundry for an hour, leaving it wet. Really, it's not that bad.
Amen. Enjoy life when it's good!
Speaking of, won a $400 basketball set last night. Yay.
Man...You win a lot of random junk, don't you? Grats, Ana.
The internet works gud!
Most of our stuff is unpacked!
YAY MOVING OVER
Went to see John Carter of Mars today. It was every bit as good as I was hoping, and does not dissapoint in the least. And this is from a fan of the books. Pixar's first forray into live action movies is an A+ success, in my book.
Really glad to hear that, Gate. I was terrified that Disney would screw it up. Good to hear that I was wrong. I'll see it this weekend then.
It's not particularly faithful to the events/pacing/etc of the book, but it's faithful to the spirit of it. And everything changed was changed in the name of being awesome, which I can live with. If you're a purist, you may not like it so much.
Too stressed to go back into work.
Thank goodness I can work from home. -_-
It's something. Destress away!
---
I did nothing productive today and turns out I needed it. I feel better.
Yay, it's Pi day!
It's not -just- Pi Day. As I learned over radio today, its also Steak and BJ Day!
And White Day. >_>;;
I'd return all the Valentine wishes I got, but, erm.
Well, I don't eat beef or drink anymore, so....
...go Pi day!
We are the Math Nerds.
We will integrate your society.
Quote from: Merc on March 14, 2012, 02:58:38 PM
It's not -just- Pi Day. As I learned over radio today, its also Steak and BJ Day!
We were just discussing this over coffee this morning.
My favorite novel is being made into a film (http://www.vispop.com/projects/bridge-of-birds/)! (Currently in pre-production, so far as I can tell.)
I am cautiously optimistic.
Quote from: Vispop
It's a $30 million film that we plan to shoot in China with all of their incredible film making talent, and post in Australia. We're building a mix of Eastern and Western crews and film-makers, for a truly international co-production.
Given my druthers, it'd be a miniseries instead, but I'll take what I can get. (And maybe someday if I ever have the funds, I can license the miniseries rights.)
In addition to the other stuff, today is also the day that Exalted 2.5 (and Sidereal errata) is out. And I am happy. Though probably not as happy as the people who are celebrating Merc's thing.
I should be posting the link (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product_info.php?products_id=84593) in one of the gaming subforums, but A) I haven't gotten the impression that anyone here plays Exalted, and B) DriveThruRPG's servers are apparently being hammered so hard you can't download it from there at the moment anyway.
I have just discovered it's possible to switch Gmail's buttons back to text (from the horrible Egyptian hieroglyphics). Radio button on the settings page. Now I know what I'm clicking without having to hover!
KLSymph: I like the theory of Exalted....
Jon: Bridge of Birds movie!? Haruhi/Kyon WAFF imminent! I suspect the further I veer from addressing canon elements directly, the more successful my attempts in that vein will be; this provides the ideal fuel to test that concept. Now to write a fic where Haruhi stars in said movie, and....
Like Brian, I like the theme of Exalted; I've just never seen any evidence the rules support it being played by humans. (Maybe that's the secret: you need to be Exalted to play Exalted.)
To keep this from being a "shit-on-Exalted" post, I'd like to talk about my preferred Exalted alternative. Legends of the Wulin (http://rpg.drivethrustuff.com/product/97637/Legends-of-the-Wulin---pre-sales-edition) is a game where you play a wuxia hero of legend. It's a game where your deeds of renown entangle you with other people and organizations in the setting, thus guaranteeing you won't be playing a group of amoral mercenaries. It's a game where your weapon can be anything you like, as long as you can describe it with a keyword specified by your martial arts style. It's a game where music can lash like a whip and a blade can be turned aside by a well-chosen word.
And it's a game I'm offering to run, for a three-session miniseries. 3-4 players preferred.
I appreciate the intent, but please take it to the bulletin board. While Appreciations are read frequently, the audience mindset isn't 'join game' in this thread :)
KLSymph:
Don't be a downer :) Bring your love of the series over to the gaming area and share it =). There's a lot of folks here who've played exalted and exalted 2, and while there's not much active on it, it's more from the tendancy of them to fall apart. At the very least, there's a lot of gaming folks here, so they'd be curious to what works nicely in exalted 2.5.
Quote from: Jon on March 14, 2012, 05:50:39 PM
I have just discovered it's possible to switch Gmail's buttons back to text (from the horrible Egyptian hieroglyphics). Radio button on the settings page. Now I know what I'm clicking without having to hover!
It appears I was too hasty; I was told this feature exists so I posted, but I can't find it in my Gmail. Feh.
I...I think the county coroner wants me to work for him.
On the upside, Planetes exceeded my expectations in much the same way that Skysaber disappointed them.
Great music, too.
I'll admit, around the 60-90% mark, I wanted to punch Hachimaki, but Ai really saved things. I really adored that series.
Janitors ... IN SPACE!
Heh, I've not seen that one.
Man, I've not watched anime in forever.
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 02:04:38 PM
I...I think the county coroner wants me to work for him.
Yuth, it strikes me that I have no idea what field you're going into.....is this good?
Naps are good. Naps cause stupid to leave my brain.
Quote from: Music-chan on March 19, 2012, 07:04:40 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 02:04:38 PM
I...I think the county coroner wants me to work for him.
Yuth, it strikes me that I have no idea what field you're going into.....is this good?
Forensics. And yes.
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Music-chan on March 19, 2012, 07:04:40 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 02:04:38 PM
I...I think the county coroner wants me to work for him.
Yuth, it strikes me that I have no idea what field you're going into.....is this good?
Forensics. And yes.
Let me translate Yuth-speak: "They're going to let me play with *dead bodies.* They're going to *pay me* to act on my necrophiliac tendencies."
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on March 20, 2012, 09:01:05 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Music-chan on March 19, 2012, 07:04:40 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 02:04:38 PM
I...I think the county coroner wants me to work for him.
Yuth, it strikes me that I have no idea what field you're going into.....is this good?
Forensics. And yes.
Let me translate Yuth-speak: "They're going to let me play with *dead bodies.* They're going to *pay me* to act on my necrophiliac tendencies."
Iddy. Don't be silly. They're not paying me. Not yet, anyway.
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 20, 2012, 10:37:44 PM
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on March 20, 2012, 09:01:05 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 10:01:11 PM
Quote from: Music-chan on March 19, 2012, 07:04:40 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 19, 2012, 02:04:38 PM
I...I think the county coroner wants me to work for him.
Yuth, it strikes me that I have no idea what field you're going into.....is this good?
Forensics. And yes.
Let me translate Yuth-speak: "They're going to let me play with *dead bodies.* They're going to *pay me* to act on my necrophiliac tendencies."
Iddy. Don't be silly. They're not paying me. Not yet, anyway.
Well, possible grats on your possible new job, sorta!
I still don't have a new job. However:
(http://i.imgur.com/mpQia.jpg)
As of this week I've completely paid off my university loans. Plus two cents extra because the Payoff Calculator was greedy for pennies, I guess.
Congratulations! That's a difficult task for most grads.
Congratulations indeed! That's pretty awesome. :)
Congrats!
Someone came over and handed me a copy of mass effect 3 for pc. That was nice.
Got two tickets to go see Les Miserables!
...who on Earth will I take, though?
Drac, of course.
Well, either that or Lord Buffington.
I dunno, though. I think Drac will win by virtue of 'invite your roommate, not the guy who brotrayed you,' but still.
It's a sad truth that my childhood dream was to one day take the love of my life to see this show. Weird, and probably pathetic, but true. That's just not going to happen, but puts a strange perspective on things. -_-
Drac could be the love of your life, and you just don't know it yet!
If that isn't a terrifying thought, I dunno what is!
(I'll flee now.)
I have two tickets for Les Mis too! I'm taking CyMage, since he's never been and needs more culture in his life. :p
Quote from: Yuthirin on March 27, 2012, 06:13:40 PM
Drac could be the love of your life, and you just don't know it yet!
I think I shall have turtle soup tonight.
*sharpens blades*
Just stay right there.
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RRRpZE314eQ/TkycUFS24II/AAAAAAAAPrM/z1b0peDvG6Q/s1600/troll+face.jpg)
I have sold my car! For more than I owed on it, but possibly for less than it's worth. ($500 below the KBB private-party value)
Quote from: Music-chan on March 27, 2012, 06:51:27 PM
I have two tickets for Les Mis too! I'm taking CyMage, since he's never been and needs more culture in his life. :p
Awesome.
I am around 1/3rd packed.
Which is all of my books. Not sure what that says about me.
It means books are an insufficient percentage of your possessions.
Quote from: Brian on March 30, 2012, 01:49:25 AM
Quote from: Music-chan on March 27, 2012, 06:51:27 PM
I have two tickets for Les Mis too! I'm taking CyMage, since he's never been and needs more culture in his life. :p
Awesome.
I am around 1/3rd packed.
Which is all of my books. Not sure what that says about me.
It means you need either a Kindle, or the Kindle App. Let me tell you, I'm glad I don't have the physical copies of the 300+ books I have on my tablet.
Well, he has an iPad.
But if he's anything like me, deadtree books are a precious thing.
It's because I worked at a bookstore. I've donated so many books to charity or given them to friends over the years because of space concerns....
Well -- tonight, games and electronics. Yay, packing!
Quote from: Jon on March 30, 2012, 01:13:51 PM
Well, he has an iPad.
But if he's anything like me, deadtree books are a precious thing.
Same here. I love me some deadtree books. I have a kindle not to save on space or anything but because I love books so much, I NEED TO HAVE ALL SOURCES TO THEM. The end. :)
Also, the kindle is great for picking up free books that I've always wanted to read but couldn't justify spending money on, like certain classics and whatnot.
I have a Kindle that's very handy for reading random things, but dead-tree books are precious. (If there's anything the Kindle obsoletes, it's cruddy little paperbacks; now that I have a Kindle, if I want a dead-tree book I want a good, sturdy hardback one.) The one is physical, reassuringly apocalypse-proof and can be used to hold up tables; the other can be used to take fanfics with me to class.
Have to agree there. Something about thick, heavy, hardback books is precious.
Video games and a few other assorted things packed. Takes me to the 50% mark. I should be able to finish tomorrow.
...which will incidentally take me offline for, oh, probably a day and a half, come to think of it. Just as an FYI. >.>
Slept in. Woke up in time to call in to a meeting at work.
Have half the day off to sort things out post-move.
Things seem to be working out. :)
State Farm just updated their corporate laptops from Windows XP to Windows 7 on the 31st in a giant rollout. I'm the only one in my office who knows a damn thing about Win7. Suddenly my opinion is Extremely Valuable, And Would You Mind Going To Mr. So&So's Office To Train Them For $100/hour? :D
$100/hour? Geez.
It was only two hours, but still.
That's more than I made in a single week working, with heavy, dangerous labor. Clearly my work comes too cheap.
Clearly you're underpaid. I make $500/week part time.
I think Yuth is just overpaid. Probably out of fear.
I got someone to stand up out of their chair and leave the building purely by being as annoying as possible without saying any words. I'm so proud of myself I could explode.
I slept ten hours and feel great.
Les Miserable was amazing. The new tour is just as good as the original.
My gas line is reconnected and repaired.
And I may even turn a small profit from the inconvenience.
Whee. Hot Water. =D
Let's celebrate hot water and a working laundry dryer!
Thanks to the help of Hal, I think I may have just plotted out the rest of the current book(s) of K:BDH. o_o
Nice!
Last night's thunderstorm suited my mood well. Also provided nice ambiance for playing inFamous 2.
Shami was a little scared, but Drac and I were both inspired to sing:
"Thunderbolts and lightning
"Very very frightening
"To Shamiiiii~!"
And then he was utterly terrified. Missed a great shot of a rainbow this morning, though -- would have been the perfect follow-up. Still pretty cool.
Project Lead Coder: This Makes me Nervous. We can't do that.
Me: *SMACK* You will do it, or I will hurt you.
Project Lead Coder: Teamwide change approved.
Sometimes shouting people down does work wonders.
Does wonders for stress, too.
Moving into my new flat has gone well. Too tired from assembling furniture and unpacking to do much, but feels good.
A feeling I know well. Congratulations, Eb; enjoy some rest.
Well earned. :)
Glad it went through. Congratulations!
Thanks guys. Can't post much from the phone, but 'net comes in Wednesday. Time to do some reading I'd put off - starting with the new Temeraire book.
Have fun. Silver'll fill in for you.
Went to the club last night, had a great time, and was out till 4am.
When I got home, I realized, oh shit, it's been storming all night, and my window is open. Bedroom floor is covered in water. Fuuuuuck.
Wrong thread, Turtle. :\
Is it carpet, or hardwood? Well, neither's great, but.... Did you have fun learning to dance? No one pushed you over onto your back?
I know how to dance...but someone did try to push me over. Fricken drunkies.
On the plus side, I am now sitting by the gate watching the obligatory lineup of bitchy customers taking their frustrations out on the desk clerk.
"I want the shuttle bus to make a stop in Oakville! I want you to pay for my hotel! I want a pony! What's the logic of landing in Hamilton! No what do you mean they didn't tell you anything! What do you mean I'm rude! It's your job to be polite to me!"
*giggle*
It's entertaining, I guess, much like a gladiator battle in ancient Rome.
Am landed in Hamilton and waiting for Shuttle bus to start moving.
Feels great to be back after that ordeal.
Congratulations!
I may be getting as much as 85% of my deposit back. Which is 85% more than anticipated.
Evidently the 'meeting' that the manager had on friday (so we couldn't do the inspection) was 'going to court over gouging someone on their deposit.'
...weird. Good for me, though-- They even retracted the 'non-refundable' part of the pet deposit!
Kick ass man. Money's always good.
Hmmm. Despite my self-doubt and self-inflicted panic attacks, maybe I'm doing something right after all. Someone wants to make an e-book and audiobook (like, book-on-tape) version of K:BDH.
Canceled our previous car insurance before the new rate would kick in, and getting $150 back apparently.
Finally paid off and closed the line of credit I had to take at the bank to get "them fancy booklearn'ins". Seven years in total with something that was both a constant companion as well as a monkey on my back. Feels strange, but good.
Oh-- Student loans. I sidestepped those by not ever going to college. >_>;;
Congratulations! :p
Lockout is a surprisingly not bad film. Not to say it's a good one. But it's okay for what it is. (Which is "Escape from New York" IN SPACE.)
I wrote 8.9k words today. Pretty good for a work day. I'm happy about it. :3
Wow, that's quite a bit.
Aside from today already being a good day for me, something I wrote also got promoted to the front page of Bitmob. I know that's nothing huge in and of itself, but it was my first time getting an article promoted and I still feel quite proud of that fact.
It's been a really good day.
A bug in the Steam store's inventory system gave me three extra copies of Shoot Many Robots. How unexpected!
/me gifts them randomly.
Many Shoot Many Robots.
Quote from: Grahf on April 18, 2012, 06:02:26 PM
Finally paid off and closed the line of credit I had to take at the bank to get "them fancy booklearn'ins". Seven years in total with something that was both a constant companion as well as a monkey on my back. Feels strange, but good.
Congrats.
I had a good afternoon. ^.^
Key West for 4/20 tomorrow. Things might get so chill that time goes BACKWARD!
Went 'Yo Party'.
Party is scheduled. First time since the last robbery.
Fuck robbers.
/me is done with his CS final project, and now gets to gloat mercilessly in class at all the people who haven't started.
/me is a terrible person, and likes it fine.
You are a terrible person.
A good person would add logic bombs to their machines to gloat if they were not able to solve them in a timely manner.
History of the Power Rangers finally updated. The last one being July 2011. So it's...been a while.
Got a +3% raise! I've only been working here for 6 weeks too so I'm pleasantly surprised.
Wish my boss didn't have such a serious/grave sounding voice though as I'm naturally a worrier/paranoid type. I nearly had a heart attack at finding a phone message from after I left yesterday, asking me to go see him. The tone had me thinking I'd screwed up somehow or pissed someone high up or something and I was going to get chewed out. Couldn't even think what I might have done either.
Damn man keeps tone up even as he greets me, shuffles through some papers, looks at me, then at papers, then congratulates me and says I've been doing a good job, so it takes a second for it to actually register.
May be that paranoia, but I suspect he does it on purpose. I had the feeling he was struggling not to laugh as I left his office.
Congratulations, Mercury!
Grats indeed!
Edit: Forgot lunch. Free lunch from work!
The heat has come back so we're climbing out of our slump at the food stand.
Hilarious real-life moments:
<Dracos> "You know, Shamisen is actually a pretty good cat. I think the little guy is growing on me!"
* Shamisen attacks Dracos!
<Dracos> "Hey! Stick to chewing through Brian's drawstrings!"
Evidently, my cat is a troll.
Quote from: Brian on April 26, 2012, 03:27:38 PM
Hilarious real-life moments:
<Dracos> "You know, Shamisen is actually a pretty good cat. I think the little guy is growing on me!"
* Shamisen attacks Dracos!
<Dracos> "Hey! Stick to chewing through Brian's drawstrings!"
Evidently, my cat is a troll.
Shami: certified effective for Neko-ken training!
Almost certain I'm not the first to make this joke /_/
Spent all night drinking wioth friends! Started with 6.5%, then on to 9.2%, then back to 6.5%! About five hours worth! =D
I have arranged housing and transport for my trip to Montreal and Toronto!
Successfully managed another year without dying somehow, and to show for it I now have The Well-Tempered Clavier on CD.
Quote from: alethiophile on April 27, 2012, 02:21:18 AM
Successfully managed another year without dying somehow, and to show for it I now have The Well-Tempered Clavier on CD.
Huh! I am pretty sure I have at least some of the sheet music for that.
I have so many online co-op games at the moment that there is actually a significant backlog that could easily last me into next year.
This is matched with an equally deep list of 2 player co-op games for the living room.
I am drowning in excellent entertainment. Woe is me. :3
This isn't going to seem like much of an appreciation, but one of the places I applied for actually sent me an e-mail saying they WEREN'T going have me come in for an interview. This is so different from most places that I was kind of happy to see it. Usually when I put in apps, I hear nothing EVER.
Yeah, I can sympathize. HR's lack of generic 'we've passed on you' form letters sucks. I know the reason for that, but still, it sucks.
I got promoted!
Congrats!
Indeed, grats! :)
Grats, Jon. I hope it was a promotion with a pay raise, not just a responsibilities raise!
Congratulations!
I do indeed get a pay raise. I just don't know what it will be, yet.
Go Jon!
I played paintball for the first time last weekend. It was a blast, but lugging a paintball gun for half a day through the woods taught me just how not in shape I am.
I had only one confirmed kill.
It was on a teammate.
In the jewels.
Victory.
Paintball is surprisingly strenuous in most runs I've played. But that's also because the equipment (mask for instance) breathes terribly.
Well, in the specific case of the mask, mine prevented me from wearing my glasses, so I spent the entire time nearsighted. Plus it fogs up at the worst times. This may have contributed to my teamkilling.
I found the carrying the gun (including the air tank), all the crouch-walking (to keep my head down), and lugging the extra paintballs from field to field to be most tiring. That actually hurts a lot more than being shot: multiple times in the legs and arms, once on the hand, twice on the same spot on my neck, once in the head, and yes, once in the crotch--though that was just a glancing hit.
Quote from: KLSymph on May 01, 2012, 03:05:40 PM
Well, in the specific case of the mask, mine prevented me from wearing my glasses, so I spent the entire time nearsighted. Plus it fogs up at the worst times. This may have contributed to my teamkilling.
I found the carrying the gun (including the air tank), all the crouch-walking (to keep my head down), and lugging the extra paintballs from field to field to be most tiring. That actually hurts a lot more than being shot: multiple times in the legs and arms, once on the hand, twice on the same spot on my neck, once in the head, and yes, once in the crotch--though that was just a glancing hit.
I used to paintball *a lot.* Multiple times a week. If you want some advice or help with some equipment and stuff, let me know. I may even have some unopened stuff in boxes somewhere around the house I can hook you up with.
Edit: A few seconds of closet looking found me two unopened masks and two guns. I think I have some chest rigs and stuff laying around, too.
I appreciate that I learned the skill to change a car tire before I needed to do it.
Was walking yesterday, saw someone with a flat tire and a lost look on their face. Walked up, changed their tire. Got them to donate to my organization in return for my good deed. Not sure if evil.
Yeah, that's not evil at all. He'll donate at most the same amount he would have paid someone to change his tire for him.
Unless you meant he might have been evil.
That's entirely possible.
I guess it's like cooking? I'm surprised how many people just don't get what I've kind of taken for granted as basic skills....
heh. Admittingly, I don't know how. But I also have AAA. I'm pretty sure I have the tools in my trunk to do so but *shrugs*
I am in my hotel room finally, and there is a pizza on the way. Modern technology is the worst and also the best.
Returned from impromptu 24 hr LAN party.
Had fun at TCAF today (yesterday?). Also was proud of myself for getting to downtown Toronto and back without getting turned around and lost. My sense of direction is pretty horrible sometimes.
Nothin' particularly wrong. Sun is up. Life Goes On.
Got about three times as much money for textbook buyback as I expected to, meaning I can buy my new computer right away instead of conditioning it on getting a job.
Just spent an hour boring Jon out of his skull (well, hopefully not, but it was all small talk). Still, some curiosity as to who I am was satisfied, as meeting someone in person generally conveys details not evident on a forum.
In honesty, what I'm really curious about is what kind of impression (if any) will get conveyed to the other SR people.
Not bored. I did, however, lose my hoodie on the bike ride back. Which is sort of a blessing in disguise; I was getting tired of it and with luck some homeless person will make good use of it.
Quote from: Arakawa Seijio on May 13, 2012, 02:28:09 PM
Just spent an hour boring Jon out of his skull (well, hopefully not, but it was all small talk). Still, some curiosity as to who I am was satisfied, as meeting someone in person generally conveys details not evident on a forum.
In honesty, what I'm really curious about is what kind of impression (if any) will get conveyed to the other SR people.
Why do you never offer to bore me out of my skull? I am already bored! I could use the excitement! =p
Quote from: Music-chan on May 13, 2012, 05:15:43 PM
Why do you never offer to bore me out of my skull? I am already bored! I could use the excitement! =p
Hmm... I did skip out on the get-together on Friday. Fortunately, there'll be plenty of time to figure out something with you and Cy in the next few weeks. Sadly, not sooner due to the need to meet with a bunch of other people first during all the convenient meet-up times.
Egh... there's a lineup of people who want to chat with me now. I guess that's worth appreciating.
System failure is now pinpointed to the motherboard. Got a crash where it locked up on the BIOS splashscreen, and wouldn't respond to hardware instructions (power on/off, reset), so had to hit the switch in the back. Came back with a corrupted CMOS.
Hooray knowing what the problem is -- and it's under warranty, too! Got a replacement coming in to swap out on Wednesday, and then will be sending the old one back. This means instead of shelling out for random replacement parts, I'm already building my secondary system! :D
Welp. Looks like good news. Mom doesn't need surgery.
3 wks on the sling, 3 wks therapy should call it good.
Not excellent, but far better than it could have been.
Replacement computer parts! If only I had the time to install them....
Interview tomorrow!
Good luck! =)
Rock on, 007 :)
FINALS ARE DONE.
I get to do PSV calculations!! They're actually pretty horrid/time consuming, but its something I need to learn. Every job interview I had while job hunting there was ALWAYS a question about if I knew how to do them.
Unfortunately at first job someone else always did them so I had no clue. Still kinda don't, honestly. For reference, PSV = pressure safety valves. They keep refinery equipment from exploding.
So yeah, they suck, but they're important and something I strongly needed some expirience with, so I'm happy. :)
I bought a dresser this weekend. A real one, not an IKEA dresser. It's unfinished, since getting it stained would be +50% cost, and I have to wait two weeks for delivery, but hooray, furniture!
Plenty of time to get stain and take care of that later....
Edit: Hooray; I figured out how to get my home system to upload all my music to music.google, and it goes up faster than I can listen to a given track~! :D
Woke up at 8 AM from an awesome dream, so you know what I did? I grinned and went right back to sleep and had more awesome dreams. Then I ordered pizza for lunch once I got up. It's a good day.
Quote from: Brian on May 21, 2012, 01:59:47 PM
I bought a dresser this weekend. A real one, not an IKEA dresser. It's unfinished, since getting it stained would be +50% cost, and I have to wait two weeks for delivery, but hooray, furniture!
Plenty of time to get stain and take care of that later....
Got a picture or anything? What sorta dresser? But still, nice.
Quote from: Anastasia on May 21, 2012, 02:01:39 PMWhat sorta dresser?
A wooden one! For holding clothes!
It's unfinished. I'll take before and after pictures for the photography thread so you can see if I totally mangle the finishing process. A good time will be had by all!
Awesome.
Acquire Product, Success, yes. Got some new shelves. Some new chairs. Dining room collection complete.
Post lunch sleepiness. Mmm.
I finished reading all the Homestuck backlog and now am caught up!
Yesterday, I picked a sushi place.
Its nigiri was fantastic. And expensive. But fantastic.
Aced my monthly 'keep your job' interview.
Quote from: Brian on June 01, 2012, 06:58:33 PM
Aced my monthly 'keep your job' interview.
They make you do a monthly 'keep your job' interview?
uguuuu~ o_o
Yeah. Trying to be optimistic:
Keeps me in good interviewing shape.
Hm. Is it an Oracle-salesman-style "the bottom 10% must be fired" type thing with a quota, or just an in-person performance evaluation with sharp, pointy teeth?
The latter.
Well, there we go. I can at least think of an even less pleasant arrangement that you're thankfully not subject to. Albeit in sales.
FF5's Four Job Fiesta has hard mode options this year. Including practically garunteeing that you get more then one berserker. Challenge accepted~
Out to lunch with.co-workers for one of their birthdays. 12 people.
This will be ... interesting.
Have I mentioned I'm really happy to be able to eat protein again? And some of the recipes are tasty and healthy too! Yum!
The same day my son was born I was offered a new job! WOO!
Start in two weeks - it is good times. I feel now like I will be a good provider. :)
Awesome. Sounds like you're on a roll.
It's late, I'm tired, and my phone is dying. I'll be brief. Roger Waters was amazing. He performed The Wall beautifully. Great times were had.
So a while ago, Music-chan introduced me to a web-show, Tabletop, and I bought one of the games showcased in that.
Today, I just spent a little over an hour playing Small World (http://tabletop.geekandsundry.com/episodes/episode-1-small-world/) with family. Fun times were had, although they ganged up on me horribly so. I went through four races because they kept murdering my poor races! ;_;
I had the last laugh though!
My sister and my mom were obsessing over a 'castle' in one of the territories, my sister took over that territory early on and was defending it heavily until my mom captured it with a dragon and kept the dragon to guard it so my sister couldn't grab it back. At the very end, the last round, my mom felt safe because my sister only had one free token and wasn't going to be able to target that territory. So she moved the dragon to try and capture one more territory than she normally would have been able to.
Unfortunately for her... I had the last turn! And I had just put my race into decline in the last turn! I got pillaging orcs in the last round and I used said orcs to pillage the castle!
Both my mom and sister were gaping at me as I laughed diabolically.
I may have lost the game by a large margin, but I feel that I won the WAR! =D
But as an aside, commando skeletons? *shudders* My sister was devastating with those. She had about 60 points more than the second highest player because she conquered almost half the map just because of those beasts near the start of the game.
Fell asleep at the computer, promptly snoozed away for 12 hours. I fucking hibernated and I feel good.
I got HIRED today! At a place I think I might enjoy working at; a craft stored called Michaels. (It's a pretty big chain with stores both in the US and Canada) The hours and commute might suck for a bit but I hope to get my foot in the door at least.
I'm familiar with those. All kinds of neat stuff to make ... erm ... neat stuff out of. :p
Grats, Music!
For myself, I got my new computer online. Need a better KVM solution (should arrive tomorrow), but beyond that, it's alive~!
So, Ryouko, Kuyou, Achakura, and Chuou.
...not sure what to do with the now-deprecated laptop. You served well, FujiOhki. :x
Way to go, Music!
Keep it around? Never hurts to have a ...well, backup mobile?
Also, beware. I hear Ryouko plays games.
And Congrats Music.
I learned so much about computers today.
Putting down a first physical character sheet in ages.
I gotta admit, this paper stuff is strange and unwieldy!
What'cha playing, Drac?
Pathfinder. Evenhanded Monk shall help Young King to protect Good Kingdom with several other adventurers....whose characters I don't know yet cuz I was traveling during char creation apparently.
I must resist sneaking Maoyuu Maou Yuusha philosophy in. I think gate's in too. Dunno what he's playing though.
Katsu chicken curry officially added to known recipes.
Huge success.
My postcount! IT'S OVER.....
/me leaves the rest unsaid.
Terrifying.
Quote from: Brian on June 19, 2012, 02:05:25 PM
My postcount! IT'S OVER.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiMHTK15Pik (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiMHTK15Pik)
That horrible Sasaki-bashing fic that infuriated me so much is evidently gone from ff.net. Arakawa was asking for examples on how Sasaki's character could be handled poorly ... and I was unable to provide.
I can't advocate censorship, but I sure do not miss that fic!
That was the Having Sex with Sasaki etc. etc.?
Yes. It still exists on the author's site. One less horrible thing on ff.net, though!
Edit: I remembered a dream even despite the hair-pulling. Shami is giving me Lethal Training in recalling dreams in adversarial situations, I see.
Worthless as it was, it probably got pulled down in their recent bout of suddenly-applying-long-ignored-rules-with-no-warning-to-anyone, which also caught up any sort of non-G-rated titles, and so I cannot approve of its removal.
And I'm lucky enough that my cat constrains her idiosyncratic activities to when I'm going to sleep, rather than when I'm waking up. :P
It's summer, the time large media sites cull their ranks of things that were acceptable for years and are probably tame compared to what they left behind.
It's probably that. I like to think that the author was self-conscious and pulled it after our last spat, whereupon I called her out on being a terrible moderator. All things told, it fit in the FF.net classification for 'M', but.... Eh, best not to dwell.
My appreciation: I had a flashback this morning to something that happened to me roughly fifteen years ago that struck me pretty profoundly. Normally it'd take me days to shake off, but this time I was able to put it behind me in mere minutes, like a slightly more reasonable person! Sad to say, that's progress. :p
Tri-weekly 'keep your job interview': passed.
And that WAFF fic Hal gave me the idea for has helped me throw off most of the lingering depression. Excellent.
Dream-recall has become remarkably regular with the realization that I dream in framing devices. Even better.
I got an idea for a one-shot Naruto fic: great.
... which I have a decent chance of actually finishing in one shot... once I dig that back issue of SPOILERS REDACTED out of wherever it's hiding. Excellent.
And after that, I'll probably never write Naruto fanfiction again. Even... better??
EDIT: I discover that SPOILERS REDACTED is freely available on the Internet. Super!
Just heard about the Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. Plays next week here in Houston right as my grandfather comes in from Peru. Going to see if I can buy tickets in the evening for my family.
We are all Cid. Airship included! :) *flies around*
Sorry, Dune's game amused.
Anyhow, finally closing a horrible stabilization push that has lasted for months at work. Going to be a busy few days followed by Freedom. I think I shall celebrate by setting someone on fire.
Hum.
Time to retheme. DQdai I'm thinking. Whadyasay Pops?
I...think it is one week before weekly games return. Looking forward to that.
The eigthth. I'll be GMing again in just over a week.
Really hopeful that it doesn't explode in horrible, messy flames.
Also, headed down to Santa Clara to see some friends I haven't much seen in a while on Sunday. May try and drag a Drac along, but he has very high levels of the Lazy job. ;)
I am now officially productively employed. For the summer, anyway. Hooray for actually having money at some point.
Money is awesome.
As is the lawn guys repairing my sprinkler system free of charge. Very nice.
I never really expected to be forced into this kind of growth experience at my day job.
Life happens no matter where you go.
Unless you're completely isolationist (and sometimes I am very tempted!), the growth forced by having to interact with other people is an inevitability.
But it's not killing you, so grow stronger!
Successfuly landed in Portland. Without any flight delay.
Skadoosh.
Fridge is overflowing with days and days worth of catering. It's not good catering, but I figure a win is a win.
Just went to the Toronto Observatory, looked through the biggest telescope in Canada and got glow bracelets. :D Awesome day all around.
Had a great time at the Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses. A bit disappointed that there wasn't a CD for sale and I didn't care to buy either the poster or the shirt, but the performance itself was awesome.
I actually enjoyed it more than Video Games Live a few years back, especially since I actually know all these games and played just about every one of them (a strong difference when compared to many of the VGL ones, where I'd played such a small percentage of those games and recognized even fewer songs), and that meant many of the moments were a lot more engaging/entertaining for me and there were waves of nostalgia to bolster my enjoyment beyond that of my family's, who while lacking in knowledge of the games, also enjoyed it quite a fair bit, just not to the same degree I did.
I laughed alongside everyone when they played Kakariko Village and the video screen cut to a few minutes of different scenes of Link getting killed by chickens in both OoT and LttP games, not to mention laughed/clapped when the presenter rushed in just before the second symphony movement (Wind Waker), and handed the conductor a conductor's baton resembling the one from the game. The conductor used it for the entirety of the remaining performance.
Funny moment at the start also when the presenter starts introducing the performance talking about one of Nintendo's most beloved heroes and someone shouts "MAAARIOOOO!!!" as everyone laughs. He pauses and says "One of Nintendo's most beloved heroes that dresses in gree...." which, of course was immediately followed by a -number- of people (including me!) shouting "LUIIIIIGIIIIII!!!" and more laughter.
In case anyone's wondering, playlist was:
Overture (medley combining songs from pretty much every Zelda game, through skyward sword, and showing scenes and gameplay from every game)
Dungeons (medley with dungeon/boss music)
Kakariko Village
Song of Storms (Another funny thing: the program actually said Song of the Hero, but we were having a nasty storm outside at the start of the show. I doubt they changed it on the fly, but the presenter joked about the song being more appropriate, and as everyone seemed to agree and cheer, this is what we got)
Symphony: Prelude, The Creation (a medley accompanied by the creation scene from OoT)
Symphony: I, The Ocarina of Time
Symphony: II, The Wind Waker
Following the Intermission, playlist had:
Fairy Fountain
Symphony: III, The Twilight Princess
Symphony: IV, Time of the Falling Rain (Link to the Past medley)
Encore: I, Ballad of the Wind Fish (Presenter intro'ed it by mentioning that this encore would "cover a song from a game whose adventure took place in a space *gestures tiny size of a GBA cartridge* this big, and had to do with an egg...on top of a mountain." Then he paused and before he vanished added hastily "Uhm, yes...That's Link's Awakening to the uninformed.")
Encore: II, Gerudo Valley
Encore: III, Majora's Mask medley
While I thought everything was great, my favorites by far would be Movement III (TP) > Movement IV (LttP) > Movement II (Wind Waker) > Overture, then followed by all the rest. Gerudo Valley could probably go up there, as I'll admit I was just a little disappointed to not have heard it during the OoT movement, and I cheered when the second encore was revealed.
My one complaint is that the Majora's Mask medley, while pretty neat... I think it would have been better served if it was placed somewhere in the middle rather than as the final encore. It didn't have a proper 'cooldown' ending to it following the fight with Majora, as it had a more melancholy feel to it at the end than heroic/hopeful, especially when compared to Movement IV which had an awesome ending to end the whole thing on that had everyone standing in applause for, before we even knew there'd be encores. The first two encores, great. The last one? Eeeeeeh... All of it's power was in the middle, not the end, and that's where it should have been placed in that performance too.
Of course, given the ovation it got when it was announced as the final encore, maybe they had good reason for placing it there. It was deafening, honestly drowned out the one given at the end of Movement IV, especially since the presenter said it was not part of the original program and had only recently been added (Houston was not the first place to get it though) based on popular requests on the internet. In a bit of hindsight...for all the scenes from other games, I'm positive that before this encore, the -only- time we saw something from that game was a brief teaser of the spinning mask at the very end of the OoT movement. I don't think it actually popped up in the overture medley scenes even.
Anyway, great symphony, and if anybody else has a chance to see it, I highly recommend it.
There is actually something I want to watch this season!
Dog Days always delivers. ^_^
In other exciting news, I LOVE my new job!
First RL game in a long while today.
Game was good. Fun was had by all. Mark did not successfully party wipe.
Monk McMonkerson of the +18 mod was legitimately killed (save for house rules) on the very first session, exactly as predicted.
Orc: "Let's capture this guy. Grapple"
Monk: "This seems a bad idea...just hit him until he goes down...shit, I can't attack anymore without hitting you."
Enemy: "MASSIVE DAMAGE and STUN"
Monk: "...well, yeah, that was not cool. Seriously, can we stop with the grappling now?"
I suppose he deserved to get that off though.
I did start the fight by sneaking up behind him and smashing his face into his alchemy equipment and rubbing it around in the acid and glass shards. He really didn't like that. Sadly, I failed the follow up init, so I didn't get to continue rubbing his face along the counter while punching him in the gut.
Gonna give the star Party Wipe moment of the session though, because it is amusing comedy for folks.
So our job was to carry this magical grenade and chuck it into a portal. It was gonna explode, terribly. Being the most sensible of the party, I took it and kept it in my backpack until we got to our target. We then steadily killed everything in the dungeon. We got to the last room containing 1 soon to be really miserable alchemist and a giant horrible portal to EVIL. Our target. Certainly, we could've chucked it and ran, but then any loot would be destroyed. So I snuck up behind the guy and gave him a really bad day. Our archers filed into the room and lined up their shots. Our whole party all crowded into this room ready to ruin this guy's shit.
TeamKillerDude: So I'm going to go over to the monk who's beating up the boss and reach into his backpack, take out the magic grenade and chuck it in the portal.
Me: No, no you're not.
TeamKillerDude: Yes I am, look I just grab it.
Lawerance (Played awesomely by Gate): No, you're not taking the grenade.
Rest of the part (Joining in): No you don't get to do that.
Few minutes later, we finish the boss off, get the loot, get ready to leave. Everyone gets near the stairs, fastest party member tosses the grenade and we run. Rumble a few seconds later.
The entire floor is leveled. Even if the portal isn't destroyed, there's no way that anything is coming through there.
Realization: Yeah, we almost were wiped by that guy. We would've all been killed if we tossed the grenade in during that fight.
Still, rationality prevailed, we got to the surface, a prisoner in tow. The dungeon solidly defeated behind us. And introduced to the War against the Darkness Below...
It is good to GM again.
Even if That One Guy is still That One Guy.
There's always That One Guy.
Quote from: Yuthirin on July 09, 2012, 11:26:00 AM
There's always That One Guy.
... except when there's more than one of him...
hum.
Today I got asked "What is an RPG?"
Did you answer "a large gun"? Because if not I find you remiss.
Actually, my first response to that is usually 'Rocket Propelled Grenade.'
Saw Les Miserables. I enjoyed it overall, even if it wasn't as good as I was hoping.
My thoughts on it here (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101202.msg1038461.html#msg1038461).
Finally making some headway into Bridge of Birds. This is my third time starting the book and narrative finally clicked with me.
Huh. As someone who ravenously devoured the narrative on the first go, I'm curious as to what was failing to click for you earlier...
I think I was expecting it to be more crouching tiger, less Jackie Chan. The humor was just not clicking for me, so it all read really alien. And until Li Kao shows up the story is slooow.
His slight flaw of character is critical, but I know what you're talking about. Number Ten Ox and Li Kao are a duo, and with one of the two missing....
That and he's the one who moves the story along. "This is the problem, this is what we need to find, here is where we'll go!"
Hm. I guess it helped for me that I had been expecting the book to be about ten times slower in terms of pacing...
New Michael's store on Yonge St. seems to be doing pretty well. It's hard to say for sure since it's still got that "hey! new!" thing going for it, but we certainly have been getting a lot of visitors.
Went to a fun new place, Snakes and Lattes, last night. It's a board game cafe on Bloor st and wildly popular. We had to wait almost an hour just to get a seat but the game expert introduced us to some fun new games and we enjoyed our stay, even though their AC was broken. =p
Well worth a visit though. http://www.snakesandlattes.com
What a neat concept. :)
I am sitting at the table in a fancy Italian restaurant with two pregnant women.
I am not the father of either. :D
I would hope so! Having two pregnant daughters would suck.
Quote from: Anastasia on July 16, 2012, 09:51:06 PM
I would hope so! Having two pregnant daughters would suck.
ಠ_ಠ
Epic nap was epic.
Had an awesome lunch. I was craving a calzone and it was awesome.
It is not nearly hot enough today for the cold shower I just took on account of not having hot water in the house right now to have felt refreshing intsead of annoying.
This was initially going to be a bitch. However...
It is not nearly hot enough for the cold shower to feel good. And I'm *totally* okay with it not being that hot.
Yeah, it was pretty viciously hot this weekend. Made me want to buy an air conditioner.
Miserable. -_-
Monthly "keep your job interview": passed.
Yearly 'Make Money' interview shortly...
I dunno whether to put that in bitching or appreciation.
I've said this before, but our AC unit was the best $120 spent EVER. It keeps the entire town home in low-to-no humidity and keeps the most used room, with the computers, blessedly cool. Yaaaaaaaaay for AC!
Hooray, Annual Training is almost over. I'm almost back home to stable internet and a job I don't hate.
I've been on SR over ten years now! Thanks for inviting me over AIM so many years ago, Drac.
Heh, no prob, Dune :)
Glad ye've enjoyed your time here.
It's our anniversary! CyMage and I have been married for 8 years. :D
Congrats, Music :)
Grats! You've jointly dinged~!
Congratulations! You've dinged and pinged jointly!
Last day of class yesterday for summer session. Presentation project and the day itself was sucky as hell, but it's kind of a relief to be done with it. Three weeks no classes, then one more class and I am done with college forever.
I have arrived alive and well in Tempe, Arizona.
E-mail inbox: cleared.
Quote from: Yuthirin on August 06, 2012, 11:03:57 AM
I have arrived alive and well in Tempe, Arizona.
You're so far away, Yuth. Soooooo far awaaaaaay.
I got the "Hark! A Vagrant!" book today as a spur-of-the-moment purchase. I REGRET NOTHING!
Quote from: Music-chan on August 09, 2012, 12:28:07 AM
Quote from: Yuthirin on August 06, 2012, 11:03:57 AM
I have arrived alive and well in Tempe, Arizona.
You're so far away, Yuth. Soooooo far awaaaaaay.
I know! Even farther now!
Quote from: Yuthirin on August 09, 2012, 12:29:29 AM
Quote from: Music-chan on August 09, 2012, 12:28:07 AM
Quote from: Yuthirin on August 06, 2012, 11:03:57 AM
I have arrived alive and well in Tempe, Arizona.
You're so far away, Yuth. Soooooo far awaaaaaay.
I know! Even farther now!
I am actually quite sad knowing you're not in Illinois anymore. At least there was always the possibility of seeing you once in a great while. :(
It's been raining today! It feels like Autumn! :D I FLIPPIN' LOVE AUTUMN!
Quote from: Music-chan on August 09, 2012, 11:44:17 PM
Quote from: Yuthirin on August 09, 2012, 12:29:29 AM
Quote from: Music-chan on August 09, 2012, 12:28:07 AM
Quote from: Yuthirin on August 06, 2012, 11:03:57 AM
I have arrived alive and well in Tempe, Arizona.
You're so far away, Yuth. Soooooo far awaaaaaay.
I know! Even farther now!
I am actually quite sad knowing you're not in Illinois anymore. At least there was always the possibility of seeing you once in a great while. :(
I am also quite sad that Yuth is gone, considering I live in Illinois.
Besides, I don't think they have 312 down in Arizona...
Just glanced at my profile, and discovered that my ten year anniversary was about a few days ago.
Congratulations! Don't you feel old?
Quote from: Anastasia on August 12, 2012, 01:52:49 PM
Congratulations! Don't you feel old?
Yes! I am looking to celebrate by finding an old kmart lawn chair so I can lounge on my lawn and tell kids to get off it.
Of course, not actually having a lawn will likely put a slight damper on those plans, but old people like myself sometimes forget these things.
Can't win 'em all.
People still remain in Illinois! All hope is not lost!
...that hope has just slightly lost its luster, is all. :(
Quote from: Jason_Miao on August 12, 2012, 05:58:38 PM
Quote from: Anastasia on August 12, 2012, 01:52:49 PM
Congratulations! Don't you feel old?
Yes! I am looking to celebrate by finding an old kmart lawn chair so I can lounge on my lawn and tell kids to get off it.
Of course, not actually having a lawn will likely put a slight damper on those plans, but old people like myself sometimes forget these things.
That's unfortunate. I find there are few greater joys than telling kids to get off my lawn and while they're at it, out of my street.
I regained my laptop from service. Also, despite a call earlier informing me that they'd decided that it was the AC adapter, and not the battery, that was causing the problem, they replaced the battery anyway.
I won a $100 gift card. Yay.
You should get a job as a professional sweepstakes entrant. Clearly that is your calling.
Quote from: Merc on August 15, 2012, 09:15:19 PM
You should get a job as a professional sweepstakes entrant. Clearly that is your calling.
If you can find someone that pays for that, sure.
I am back at work. Yay.
I found Shami within about 10 minutes.
The last showing of Les Mis sucked much less than opening night.
Did my first non-tandem jump. In line for my second.
I am appreciative of the fact that I was successful in deploying my parachute and landing without issue.
Like you haven't been talking about the jump/getting your license for days. :p
Yeah, but you're never 100% sure until you've done it once. Last time I had an instructor strapped to my back. This time, while two instructors went with me, it was just me doing everything. Big difference.
I can drink coffee again. <3
I was promoted after a 6mo promotion cycle.
The bad news is that the reviewers thought my writing style makes it sound as if I think the opposing attorneys are idiots. I'd thought that I fixed that. But this is the good news thread, so who cares? Yay!
Tone can be ingrained, so it'll take a lot of effort to overcome that. Don't give up!
Anyway, you got a promotion, so obviously it's not that bad, right?
Way to go, Miao :)
Off to Disneyworld.
Edit: So we get into the airport and the family wants Starbucks. So there I am in line. Everyone's ordering these drinks with long ass, complex sounding names.
Me? 'Large hot chocolate.' Which is only listed under the kids' drinks.
You're not hardcore unless you live hardcore.
Heh, the florida disneyworld?
Have fun. Been years since I wandered it.
Florida Disney is the BEST Disney =p
Laggy is awesome and I must now kill Kotono on his request whenever asked.
Oh, killing Ko.
That's going to be hard.
Delicious sushi was delicious.
Because Shami stomped on my eye last night (no, really, he ran across me full tilt while I as asleep and bruised my eye), I spent most of the day telling him how delicious the sushi was going to be.
And that he wasn't going to get any.
/me laughs evilly.
Assuming he understands English, I am a cruel, terrible, and abusive person.
That's what you get for bruising my eyeball, kitty!
It certainly was.
It's actually pretty cool that they basically treat us like kings each time we show up now. Here's your free appetizer. Also dessert. Can we do more for you sir?
I'm kind of waiting for the day we arrive and they literally move other customers out of our spot in front of the sushi chef.
But then again, I think any night we show up moves half the daily sushi in an hour.
Today is a nice day.
Endeavor passed overhead today on its final flight. I was too far away and also directly below the flight path, so I could only see the plane, not the shuttle itself -- but still pretty cool. The closest I'll get to an actual space-faring vehicle, so I appreciate it anyway. :)
Edit: It made another pass!
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101865.msg1040260.html#msg1040260
Cool to see, but depressing when you think about it. We can't even get up there anymore.
Come on, SpaceX, get people in orbit. Apparently the people we trusted with it last have given up.
Quote from: alethiophile on September 21, 2012, 03:31:18 PM
Cool to see, but depressing when you think about it. We can't even get up there anymore.
Come on, SpaceX, get people in orbit. Apparently the people we trusted with it last have given up.
NASA hasn't given up, they're just looking into other ways to get the goals done. The old system really was pretty antique at this point.
Wasn't that Constellation/Ares program supposed to be the "other ways"? Got cancelled back in 2010 because it's more important that we pour money into the black hole that is, like, everything the government ever does in this country than that we maintain spaceflight capability. I'm not disputing that the shuttles needed replacing, but they're not being replaced.
/me attempts to cease ranting. Sigh.
I won a Kindle! Sure, it was the old Kindle 3 with special offers (70 bucks), but hey, I'll take it. It's a good re-gift. :p
Old Kindle 3 is best Kindle. Not every device needs a touch screen. Physical keyboards are really nice sometimes. I don't want to be unable to turn pages without smudging all over my screen.
Unless, you know, it's not the keyboard version, in which case disregard.
I'm annoyed they're not making any of the new models in keyboard version.
Quote from: alethiophile on September 27, 2012, 10:31:12 AM
Old Kindle 3 is best Kindle. Not every device needs a touch screen. Physical keyboards are really nice sometimes. I don't want to be unable to turn pages without smudging all over my screen.
Unless, you know, it's not the keyboard version, in which case disregard.
I'm annoyed they're not making any of the new models in keyboard version.
Honestly, I'm not sure enough people used the keyboards to make them viable.
I did. I jailbroke mine and put a terminal emulator on it. You ever tried using a terminal emulator with an emulated keyboard? Because it's just one step this side of completely useless. </grump>
Ah, well. When I get warranty replaces on mine I get the same model back, which is good enough.
Quote from: alethiophile on September 28, 2012, 01:07:56 PMYou ever tried using a terminal emulator with an emulated keyboard? Because it's just one step this side of completely useless. </grump>
Yes, I have. And it is. However, I like having the option of physical vs. emulated keyboard; sometimes you don't need to type that much. Does the Kindle have a bluetooth option for an external keyboard, like the iPad? Because for me, that was the optimal solution....
I kind of doubt it. It isn't geared around data input so much as output; it is after all a reading device, not meant to be a general-purpose computer. (Though it actually is--it's a little ARM processor running Linux. I do rather like that.)
Inbox down to one item.
I suspect that thread will languish forever, waiting for a reply that will never come.
So this is the new 'empty'.
Been feeling massively drained the past couple of weeks. Contemplating the greastest bad fanfic in the history of Haruhi has not helped, nor has people asking about lucid dreaming, which just reminds me that it's the last thing I have the energy to worry about. Nor is the sales people's tradition of blaring music on Fridays.
Which is why I'm glad for Thanksgiving Canadian Edition. I'm going to need every minute of this weekend to recover.
Had an awesome dream this morning with a solid narrative and interesting characters set in an urban fantasy world.
And I can actually remember some of it! Left me feeling pretty good, too.
First time in a while getting home by 5:30pm.
I have a three day weekend, I was told I didn't have to come in to work tomorrow! =D
Sure, that's how it's supposed to be, but after two weekends not really getting a weekend at all, I'm super happy.
Yay!
Cy and I are getting a new bed/mattress on Saturday! I know this isn't the most exciting thing ever, but our current one is SUPER OLD and we needed an upgrade.
Someday we might even be able to afford getting a new mattress for the spare room. Maybe!
...I got a raise.
Belated congratulations!
Grats, Brian!
Heh -- thanks, guys. :p
I really didn't see it coming.
Be prepared though!
Whenever I've gotten raises, my workload increases exponentially as well!
Oh, that happens anyway.
Fortunately, I'll be able to avoid some work due to the upcoming series of surgeries.
Surgery? Anything serious?
Nothing work bringing up, really. We don't even know what all needs to be done until after my appointment next Saturday, so it could be relatively minor. We'll see.
Hope it goes well for you.
I've destroyed an initiator install (5 hours to repair), a hard drive (250$ to replace), and caused tests on both of the shelves I am using for the current effort to fail in such a spectacular way that dev wants me to not touch them so they can take a look at the damages.
In other words, I came in, I broke stuff, and now I have nothing to do for the rest of the day but wait for dev to identify the problem and then fix it. I guess I can repair that initiator myself for fun....
The Dark Souls DLC has finally arrived for consoles, so my month of avoiding spoilers has come to an end. In celebration, here's someone roleplaying a Tonberry (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O32ufmdQ6gk). Marvel as he slowly walks up to everyone else in PvP, while they proceed to have no idea what the heck.
If that's too exciting, here's four minutes of another guy hiding from vengeful Forest Hunters by pretending to be a tree (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO_5E1sBwvo).
It's raining~!
I like the rain.
Quote from: Brian on October 25, 2012, 02:51:29 PM
It's raining~!
I like the rain.
*turns it into acid rain*
CyMage and I got a new cat! The city animal shelters are doing a $25 adoption fee right now so we decided to get a cat now instead of after the holidays.
She's pretty cute.
I won a new Motorola phone! It's sweet sweet sweet! (just slightly better specs than the iPhone 4S). Even better, I will be using this phone for my wife, and it will save us 60 bucks a month. She gets a new phone, life is good.
Phone was worth $380, odds of winning 1 in 50. Not bad, not bad.
Eh, Obama won.
And lo, my enthusiasm for politics returns to its four-year hibernation cycle.
Regardless of outcomes, I believe I can put it here that "the election is finally fucking over".
Quote from: alethiophile on November 07, 2012, 12:06:31 PM
Regardless of outcomes, I believe I can put it here that "the election is finally fucking over".
QFT
QF
FT
I'm a little late but...let's let them be over and not here :)
Sutures out. Except for the one site the assistant accidentally jabbed, all good, and with them out, it no longer hurts.
Time to prepare for the next operation. :|
Hey, at least one's down. G'luck.
Dim sum for lunch.
I won a Apple TV! Geez, won a phone, won a kindle, and won a Apple TV in a month! I should play that 425 million dollar lotto!
Damn, where the hell did you win it all?
Awesome holiday week was awesome. The best I've had in a long while.
Pleasantly nostalgic moment when I was shuffling the radio stations and stumbled across a Michael Jackson song.
What a weird flash to the past -- it was from when he was still in the Jackson 5.
It was this one (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEUk1W7ib94), actually.
Crazy.
Quote from: Anastasia on November 26, 2012, 07:07:07 PM
Damn, where the hell did you win it all?
Went to a tech conference. Brought tons of business cards. Won the kindle and the apple tv. The phone I won through work at a event. :)
Built my first computer from parts up. I'm pretty happy with it, just need to finish uploading programs and games into it.
There's a whole new world of potential, now.
You can create entirely new problems with your system!
Home again! To recuperate in the comfort of my own bed.
Shami even missed me!
Good kitty!
Feelin' better?
A bit worse, but my symptoms have stabilized.
I have a loving family during the Christmas season. Thank you, family.
Going to see the hobbit shortly.
Insurance is generally being helpful on the repairs. Should hopefully get a few hundred back.
Three day holiday weekend. Also get NYE off for the first time in 12 years... WTF am I going to do? <_<;;
Quote from: CyMage on December 23, 2012, 04:19:26 AM
Three day holiday weekend. Also get NYE off for the first time in 12 years... WTF am I going to do? <_<;;
Me? :D
Quote from: Music-chan on December 23, 2012, 07:16:41 AM
Quote from: CyMage on December 23, 2012, 04:19:26 AM
Three day holiday weekend. Also get NYE off for the first time in 12 years... WTF am I going to do? <_<;;
Me? :D
*wolf whistles* What a pervy Music-chan we have here!
Today is already going worlds better than I could have hoped.
Apparently I wasn't sick enough to get sent home yesterday, but today I was after the meeting with the client. After the meeting, it was all "Go work from home over the weekend, rest up and stuff. And take your germs with you."
Ah well, early day off...I'll take it.
We have a cultural issue with working when we're sick.
Which makes more people sick because we're bringing our illness to work.
It's a real problem.
The US has an issue with that and vacation time. I hate to admit it, but Europe deals with all of that in a much more healthy way.
Why is it bad to admit that other countries can be more progressive in some way?
To correct your faults ... you must know your faults!
I must admit the european vacation schedule is just on this end of awesome.
Got to have sushi and torture Shami again.
Telling him directly that suhi is being had.
And he gets none of it.
The little guy said his first words "da-da" yesterday. It was pretty awesome.
That is pretty awesome!
How long until the 10-year-training trip?
There's not enough sausages to wrap around him now... better wait for that in a couple of years.
Apparently my cousin in law went out to Vegas and got married. Heh.
I was able to turn Marketing Guy -- as unto a force of nature -- against an ongoing issue where our department heads are basically too cheap to keep a stock of the things we sell on hand.
This has been a stupid thing for us to get caught up on, but it happens. So being able to say, "Yeah, I can't do the tests you wanted because we don't have any of those disks in QA," was kind of.... Well, interesting.
I think now others will have to bear what I was previously enduring. I should feel bad for casting Someone Else's Problem on this issue, but somehow, I don't.
Probably I'm a terrible person.
But for the moment, I'm a less stressed terrible person, and there shall be cookies tonight.
+1 Terrible people.
+1 VICTORY.
*heads down to the Cayman Islands for a week*
Pretty cool.
Just finished one decent hangout. End of the week another. Now soon to be in a lower loan. Roughly a hundred and fifty more a month. Yay. Like a free raise kinda.
I made a new friend today.
Well. More confirmed a friendship from a (now) long-standing association.
Pretty much done with refinance paperwork. Yay.
Congratulations!
Celebratory leftovers for dinner!
A much anticipated video was released today.
This is the second trailer of a new series that is being directed by the awesome Monty Oum.
http://roosterteeth.com/archive/?id=6934&v=comments (http://roosterteeth.com/archive/?id=6934&v=comments)
I do not have any comprehension why this is supposed to be awesome at all.
Each video makes me more annoyed with the entire premise.
We have plenty of 'style over substance' options already. And one that is purely style and no substance whatsoever....
It's just noise.
Edit: These would be awesome video game trailers.
I may be unlocking the "homeowner" achievement soon. Depends on how things go. Still, getting a modest condo in the city where I went to school is going to be a step up, even if I can't necessarily move into it right away.
Frankly speaking there's a lot more opportunity there than there is here, even if I have to work in a call centre or at a Wal-Mart; at least those places have potential to move to different positions depending, unlike where I am now.
Fingers crossed, I suppose.
These are only trailers for the show. I would expect any other trailers to be similar in their style over substance until possibly the last one prior to the premier at RTX. One of the things that Monty has mentioned repeatedly is that there is in fact a plot to go with all of the action scenes, but writing out the plot takes far longer then animating a fight scene.
I do think that it is a little unfair to say that there is no substance at all in these trailers. There certainly isn't a lot of substance, but there are little tidbits hidden within the action.
I find the fact that the creator has had to come out and say, "No, really, it'll have a plot!" speaks poorly for the work, and actually underscores my point.
The work will come out and carry itself, or it won't -- but I'm irritated by people claiming it's going to be great when there is actually nothing to substantiate that point yet. It'll probably be pretty, and the music should be nice. But right now?
Nothing compelling or intriguing about it.
I've clicked that link twice.
And both times not really cared enough to sit through an advertisement. Really what the hell is wrong with videos thinking a 30 second stall before their display is okay?
What advertisement, Drac? I don't see any when I load it.
Edit: On target? The trailer's nice and pretty. It's enough to make me be interested in it, so mission accomplished.
Either you have adblock up for videos (More tempting by the hour), or you just randomly didn't get selected for it. It is random whether you get an ad or not and I got it both times I clicked. I just sort of rail against the direction since it is pushing me toward "Screw your content" and further toward "Screw your revenue model entirely" instead of at least tolerating that web sites need to make money somehow and someone has to pay for all the bandwidth.
You know, as much as it sucks having review period pushed back a month... it's way nice having effectively a month of "Monday - Saved the day publicly, Tuesday-Saved the day etc"
Especially without having to pull lead hours.
Woo! A excellent performance review. Raise, bonus, and more!
The Japanese rent-a-bro service worked! Now I just need to scan it, find translators, edit the translations in, and then I can actually read the Sasaki/Kyon doujin I bought....
(http://soulriders.net/brian/images/alq-001.jpg)
Glad to see it arrived safe and sound. I forgot to ask what service you used; were you happy with the prices and the shipping costs?
Also, I'm still working on that ahem contractual obligation. Slow going, but I expected as much.
I originally went with tenso, but they won't process any orders from melonbooks. I guess it's because you can get H material from melonbooks, too -- I found another site that mentioned melonbooks needs special handling, and ultimately ended up going with Goody Japan. Their processing price wasn't very large, or was insanely huge, depending on how you look at it.
I think they charged around 600 yen processing fee, on a 840 yen doujin. Shipping was SAL (Japan Post and then USPS), which would be standard, though I don't recall the exact price.
I think it was a total of slightly less than 3000 yen to get it and have it shipped over, and as you can see, about half of it was shipping. Actually, why try and remember? I can look it up:
212001051980「A LOVER'S QUARREL.」
Price : 840 yen x1
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Subtotal amount : 840 yen
Our commission : 750 yen
Domestic shipping : 525 yen
Bank transfer fee : 250 yen
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Total amount : 2,365 yen
(except international shipping fee)
After that it was another 980 yen for international shipping. Yeah, my memory wasn't perfect. :\
I need to order another copy, anyway, since the one I have will end up having the binding destroyed to scan it. The rates are supposed to be much better if you actually order multiple things, so....
Ordered a replacement for the doujin I had to destroy the binding of, so I can actually have one in good condition. Seem to be having fair luck finding a translator.
Also ordered another six doujin centered around Sasaki, though the art style is a bit less appealing, since the entire thing worked. Comission scales, and the 750 above was their minimum. On an order ten times that, the commission was a bit less than double, at around 1320.
A few days ago, found about a weekly meetup for tabletop/board gaming somewhat closeby. Went there today and had a lot of fun, met a lot of new people and played old and new games. A lot of games ran really long, longer than I expected, but still fun.
I only played three different games (five games total) there due to time spent on some of the games, sadly, hopefully next week I'll play some more and meet more people.
First game was Epic Munchkin (using rules requiring level 20 to win instead of level 10) with a mix of zombie and super hero cards. That was kinda interesting/different, and it gave me my sole victory for the night.
Then played three games of Settlers of Catan. I think I'm bad at this game, because I lost pretty horribly each time. Or it could be my terrible luck with dice, or that people kept putting the damn thief next to my resources. That made me terribly sad.
Still a fun game, but after three games (all straight losses), I wanted something different, so I moved tables and got into a game of Castles of Burgundy, which I'd -never- even heard of before. It was certainly the longest game of the night, I think it was around four hours, though part of it may have been because of the four players at the table, only the game owner knew it well, the rest of us were all new to the rules and we spent a lot of time thinking our moves.
The game appears -very- intimidating at first with the amount of rules, but once you got going, it was pretty fun and it wasn't as hard to follow/strategize actions. Note that there are 5 stages, each with 5 rounds, so for four players that was a total of 100 turns to get to the end of the game. That probably helped lengthen the game some as well.
Still, that was actually the most fun of the day for me, even if I again lost horribly (although at least it was a tie for last place!). I had a massive lead in the beginning due to good early decisions and some abilities to change die results (had easy access to some pieces called "Workers" that let you modify by +1/-1 a die result for a while), but I eventually ran out of the easy access to Workers, and dice luck started to hit hard later in the game. Also, daaaaaaamn, I'm paying more attention to the livestock next time (if I remember whenever I next play anyway). The two guys in first and second place completed their livestock hexes while the two of us that didn't were the ones that tied for last.
Anyway, fun day spent meeting new people and playing games. What more can one ask for? =)
Well, besides winning, but eh, I got -one- win at least. I'll take that! <_<
My 'let's surf me some internet' wire somehow got switched with my 'let's write me some fanfiction' wire in the past two days.
I am far more than okay with this.
Mmm, wiring.
After finishing my chores, I did nothing but play video games and enjoy pizza and cookies, neither of which I had to cook.
It was a good day.
I have GitS SAC Rise on loop. This is relaxing :)
The dog cleaned out a rabbit nest in the yard. Yay since we have a serious rabbit problem around here.
I got 10,000 yen of Sasaki-centered doujin today.
I have learned how to safely microwave doujin.
I have new bedframe. It is a +1 of not scratching my floor all the time.
Shami is willing to take over that role, should you want his aid.
I'm having an awesome long weekend of DMing. Life is good.
Got a 100 dollar massage for 35 bucks. An hour worth of deep tissue goodness. Good stuff.
Survived an evening in the city with my family. I can't stand the density of people there, so I was practically shutting down by the end of the night -- something about the twentieth panhandler that approaches you really just invokes a feeling of intense despair....
I did get to give food to the one who asked for that instead of money, but blearg.
Saw Jersey Boys, which I'd never even heard anything about; decent show, great venue. Seriously, the Curran theater is so superior to the Orpheum it's not even funny. I thought I'd never been there before, but realized midway through the show I'd seen Phantom in the same venue almost twenty years ago (%@#&, I'm so old >_<). An enjoyable show, though -- I don't know if I'd be a roaring fan or say it's 'must-see', but if you have the opportunity, it's enjoyable.
I'd never really realized how many Four Seasons songs I'd heard before without really realizing who they were. Or that the guy who wrote 'Short Shorts (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2OOTr04YTwE)' also wrote 'Can't Take My Eyes Off of You (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGFToiLtXro)'.
So, on the whole, despite having to deal with both the city and my mother, it was a pretty enjoyable evening. I'll just need this entire weekend to really recover from the &!$#ing city. x_@
I got Ubuntu working on my Chromebook.
Need to see if I can replace the GUI with cinnamon.
Ha! Got my original IRC name back and registered. Excellent.
KL shared a link to the new Thief trailer (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4H-DGMM1tc) and started a new thread for discussion about it's design here:
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,102731.0.html
We have the awesomest members on our forum!
I learned that AdBlockPlus has a very, very simple mechanism that allows you to block all youtube comments.
so awesome
Got a coupon for a free game of bowling. Hell, I don't even bowl, but who am I to badmouth freebies?
The epic saga of Prenda Law seems to have come to a close:
http://www.popehat.com/tag/prenda-law/
Read from the bottom up. I quite enjoyed.
Today I was belligerant and demanding. It was super effective. This actually makes doing the work I'm supposed to do tomorrow possible.
Someone else's problem now field activated :3
New video card seems to have resolved the issues my old one was having.
And I got an extra copy of Bioshock: Infinite to give to a friend.
I got an extra month's paycheck (almost) as a bonus. What a nice start to the day.
http://threepanelsoul.com/2013/04/15/on-infinite-loops/ Also, still waiting for panel 2. :P
*headbutts harder*
Today has been pretty good so far, even with the upcoming dental appointment.
They got the Boston bomber.
I got to brush my teeth while my upper wire was out, today.
I found the perfect balance for garlic and cayenne pepper.
Today is going well.
Almost ... too well.
The new wire is still causing mild aching, but I'm getting over it. I managed to get that scene to a better state with some help. I solved the issue that was blocking me at work, and am on schedule. My boss came down on me like a wrathful god insisting I find some disks that were missing, and my records show that he's responsible for taking them.
Maybe I'll just ruin it by being stressed and thinking the other shoe must drop at some point?
Job interview count+1. Yay.
At this point an interview at the local supermarket's big news. Stupid economy.
I am now the lab manager. "Responsibility shift," instead of proper promotion, but better than being unemployed.
I'm going to guess that after a few months when the company's financial situation calms down, they'll make it an official title change ... if I do a good enough job to keep on.
Yay?
Do you get authority to recontrol the disk deployments?
Actually, yes. The really big bonus is that I will be moving downstairs, back to the third floor.
I'll miss some of my co-workers, but it'll be _awesome_ to not have to sit right next to my mom. >_>
That sounds additional win, because it sounded previously like you were set up for abuse :\
Not abuse, per se, but working with your mom is kind of unfun.
Oh, no, I meant about the drives. It sounded like this kind of setup:
Brian: *Plan to have drives tracked*
Manager: *Destroys plan!*
Brian: *sigh, works anyway*
Manager: *Promotes brian to make him responsible for drives*
Brian: *Still has no authority*
Manager: *Has someone to blame when destroyed plan goes apeshit*
*was worried, is glad it isn't going that way hopefully*
Achievement Unlocked: Property Owner.
I apparently wasn't that enamored with being free of debt, I guess.... Although at least I can resell this later.
Way to go Grahf. First year is hard, but it gets easier :)
Thanks Drac. It's a little overwhelming, and I don't even have the keys yet (the previous person moves out at the end of July). It's a small condo, but I like it nonetheless. I figure it will just be good to get to somewhere with more opportunities than where I am now.
I wrote a bit over 7000 words today.
It was a good day.
My daughter woke my wife and I up at 3am this morning. She stayed in her bed and spent half an hour singing the alphabet, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Rock-A-Bye Your Bear (by the Wiggles). Then she seems to have gone back to sleep.
I'm still not really sure what to think about this, but putting it in the bitching thread doesn't seem right.
X_x
Heheh. Cute, horrible kids.
I just got a call from Costco to let me know that a frozen berry blend that I purchased months ago and forgot about is being investigated by the CDC for a possible Hepatitis A contamination. Hooooly crap am I glad I never opened that bag.
See? Costco is evil!
(Just glad you never opened it.)
Quote from: Anastasia on May 31, 2013, 10:35:10 PM
See? Costco is evil!
It would be evil if they hadn't called.
Quote from: Ranma_007 on June 01, 2013, 08:12:20 PMAnd he survived a whole year too
The training trip draws ever closer....
There's nothing more awesome than realizing you've been spending hours reading an incredible story.
Finally got the offer letter for the job I've been trying to get for the past year. Flexible hours, awesome people, and I actually enjoy the work.
The raise doesn't hurt either!
Congratulations, Hal!
Congrats, Hal.
When next we meet, Sushi's on me!
Quote from: Halbarad on June 19, 2013, 12:18:54 PM
Finally got the offer letter for the job I've been trying to get for the past year. Flexible hours, awesome people, and I actually enjoy the work.
The raise doesn't hurt either!
Victory Hal.
Blackhawks win the Stanley Cup!
This isn't quite bitching, more bemusement....
Looking in the mirror, I notice the first wrinkles have appeared on my face. They are long, parallel forehead creases from raising my eyebrows in a bemused fashion several times an hour.
I'm not sure what this says about my personality....
Perhaps that, when faced in person with any moderately challenging social situation, I make like Jeeves and carefully hide my personal opinion of the matter behind a bemused raising of the eyebrows.
/me decides to post this in the appreciations thread instead, as I've apparently gained an excuse to compare myself to Jeeves...
I got up to take a call, and when I sat back down I discovered that I put one of my earbuds into my water mug.
But after drying off, the earbud works again!
And that's awesome.
Also clumsy.
I get to have gmail automatically delete Lurker's harassing direct e-mails without having to read them, now. I couldn't do that as an admin.
I did let the bully win, in the end, but unfortunately, the peace of mind is really worth it.
Naw, that's not letting the bully win. That would require letting him beat you down. Now you're just passively ignoring him while he rails against the impassive wall that is Google's spam blocker.
That's a more positive take on it. I'll try and keep that in mind!
It does raise the question of how I manage to get so many people to hate me so much.
....
Or ... maybe I haven't. Hum. Odds on him being behind the e-mail bombing? I hadn't thought about it, but it might coincide with me modding him. It would make a lot more sense if it was just a singular psycho out to get me instead of bunches.
Actually, that's a super positive take on things. Neatness.
Happy I could help.
Quote from: Brian on July 01, 2013, 05:26:51 PM
Or ... maybe I haven't. Hum. Odds on him being behind the e-mail bombing? I hadn't thought about it, but it might coincide with me modding him. It would make a lot more sense if it was just a singular psycho out to get me instead of bunches.
Actually, that's a super positive take on things. Neatness.
Email bombing? What was this about?
Old news: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,2212.msg1026002/topicseen.html#msg1026002
Ohh.
Yeah, there's no way that sort of thing was more than one person. It doesn't
need to be these days. And it was clearly someone involved in fanfiction, and probably a fan of <nothingtoseehere>, so it was almost certainly one solitary butthurt script kiddie.
Quote from: Brian on July 03, 2013, 09:55:15 PM
Old news: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,2212.msg1026002/topicseen.html#msg1026002
I was semi-aware of this situation, but I wasn't aware it was this bad in terms of people actually going out of their way to be jerks. :/
People can be incredibly awful for no good reason.
I seem to be amazing at pressing some people's buttons. What can I say?
It is both a gift and a curse.
Got my dash cam installed.
You needed a dash cam? O_o
Nah, just wanted one. You get an insurance cost reduction, and if I get in a collision, it'll help settle any dispute.
More importantly, if I witness anything crazy, I can upload a youtube video of it.
Oh nice.
Among things that finally occurred during my busy day, I finally got statistics back for the next spec of hardware that was mostly built by going down a 'We should have this' list I wrote. They're roughly ten percent better across the board in raw performance than our current best machines, probably about 40 percent better than the HP competing offer, and a nice solid 115 percent better than the oldest spec on the floor.
Huh, so my oldest spec unit just broke and we're finished with the testing?
Shame if that was to end up under my desk as my new work pc. :) I think it'll be the first time that I've had the most powerful machine in the office. It shall be convenient to enjoy the benefits of my insight, whether or not the company decides to go along with my spec recommendation.
Dash cams are also super popular in Russia for mostly the latter reason Brian listed.
I have sucessfully installed two ceiling fans without anyone dying.
Or anything catching on fire.
Come to think of it....
I haven't even cut or bruised myself in the installation.
....
This is like Tsunade winning bets. I think California is about to slide into the ocean.
Dammit, briiiaaaan...
*Falls into the ocean*
...more quick-access sushi?
I was just informed that if I ever move back home, I can have free room and board AND a job for as long as I want.
That's encouraging. Now you have a safety net to do daredevil-ey type things.
Quote from: Brian on July 15, 2013, 06:46:19 PM
That's encouraging. Now you have a safety net to do daredevil-ey type things.
That's sort of what I'm doing right now with this job.
Turtle in a cape jumping a motorcycle across the grand canyon.
Yeah!
Quote from: Brian on July 15, 2013, 08:23:53 PM
Turtle in a cape jumping a motorcycle across the grand canyon.
Yeah!
That was yesterday. Today is ziplining from one tall building to the next.
I beat Old King Doran using only parry and ripostes.
Death or glory!
Old King Doran?
Conteeeext :3
Demon Souls boss according to Wiki.
Doing anything well in those games is praiseworthy, from what I understand. O_O
Congrats, 007.5
I have successfully attached a rear-view mirror to the monitor at my desk at work. I SEE ALL.
Quote from: Dracos on July 19, 2013, 02:54:10 PM
Old King Doran?
Conteeeext :3
This is Old King Doran:
(http://images4.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20100627113111/demonssouls/images/f/f7/Old_King_Doran_image1.jpg)
He is an optional boss in Demon's Souls, who guards the unique sword Demonbrandt and demands you prove yourself before allowing you to take it. After doing so, you can continue to fight him to get his unique armor set and magical ring.
The following facts apply to fighting him:
- He wields the sword called the Northern Regalia, among the most powerful weapons in the game. If you have poor health or armor, he will kill you in one hit. If you have high health and the heaviest armor, you will be able to survive the first hit, and while you're stunlocked he will probably kill you with a second.
- The Northern Regalia has both physical and magical damage. If you are using a shield with insufficient magical damage reduction (and magical is the lowest reduction stat among shields in the game), then he will kill you through your shield. Blocking with a shield consumes an amount of stamina depending on the shield's guard break reduction, and if you don't have high stamina or your shield has low guard break reduction, he will also kill you through your shield. If you have maximum stamina and are wielding the unique Dark Silver Shield +5 with 100% magical damage reduction and fully upgraded guard break reduction, he will almost break your guard at full stamina with one attack.
- He has more than 2000 HP, and his defense is high enough that a fully upgraded dexterity-based weapon and highly leveled Dexterity will do ~20 damage per hit. Also, attacking will leave you with less than full stamina for blocking his attacks.
- When you've reduced him down to 50% HP, he will become aggressive and start swinging the Northern Regalia with both hands, attacking faster, doing more damage, and causing more guard break.
- At around 25% HP, he will occasionally retreat and heal himself. If you do not interrupt this, he will heal himself to full HP in one shot. Conversely, if you try to heal yourself while close to him, he will attack and kill you before you can complete the animation. If you try to heal yourself while far from him, he will often take the opportunity to do the same.
There are other considerations if you try to attack with projectiles (long story short, he'll dodge them). Of the many methods for killing the Old King, most of them involve hit and run tactics, luring him across the level to push him off a high point, or cheesing his AI in various ways. These methods are unmanly. The only worthy method is allow him to attack you, parry the blow, and riposte using a fully upgraded Fatal Estoc +5 for a huge damage of... ~180 damage per riposte.
Thus you have to watch the Old King's movements carefully for the split-second differences between his attacks, know the parry timing and distance and perform the action perfectly, budget your stamina between attacking and defending, and move not so close that the Old King can corner and guard break you but also not so far that he'll heal back to full. More than ten times in a row.
Expected time to run from start of level to Doran's area after each failure: 3-4 minutes.
Expected time from start of fight to death if you're not good at the above task: 5-10 seconds.
I did it for an hour. Then I ragequit. Then I came back the next day and took another hour. And during the last five minutes of that hour my mind was a continuous loop of "Don't choke! Don't choke! Don't choke!"
But in the end, I triumphed.
THIS CALLS FOR A CELEBRATION!
Finished re-reading Sigh....
WOW! Nice one, KL.
We shall depend on you for our info privacy, Ranma! No pressure!
Today in Dark Souls PVP a black phantom invader baited and parried my backstab attempt (by exposing his back as part of a slow attack to invite me to strike, then turning around and making a parry just as I go for it), a fairly advanced technique in that game.
In the next exchange of blows, I blind parried his attack (by predicting his opening move and making a parry before his attack animation begins), an even more advanced technique.
It was the first successful parry I've ever done in PVP.
:D
He still totally beat me though.
Successfully soldered the leak in my flask. A bit ugly, but functional.
Best Buy near me was getting rid of its stock of 3DS's over the weekend for 90$ so I finally got one. (New and cheaper than used!)
Then I went to gamestop yesterday just to see what games were actually on the system and got a brand new, limited edition version of Project X Zone for 30$.
Nice. Sounds like a lucky shopping trip, that's for sure.
Let me know how it is.
I've not had many wins on it yet, but looking forward to Mario and Luigi: Dream Team.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sgNFH3OiJg
My winamp is sated.
Oh wow I forgot all about Winamp.
Got to see the Starship Troopers Rifftracks last night with Lord Buffington and some co-workers.
Was good fun despite my mother both being there and being embarrassingly drunk.
I fell asleep at the computer for an hour then stumbled to bed. Slept nine hours from there. That feeling when you wake up totally refreshed from a long sleep is amazing.
I have now been to Shediac, probably the only place on earth where, if you want, you can speak the most egregious Franglais, and no one looks at you funny.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiac#Example_sentences
I am almost totally serious.
It's certainly... different from the usual varieties of awkward snobbery that French-speaking regions exhibit towards Anglos.
The laid-back social convention does have a mild disadvantage I've found that, whenever you're about to talk to a stranger, there's this awkward pause as you stare each other down and attempt to telepathically determine the precise percentage mix of French/English you are going to use for the conversation.
Loaded Baked Potato Pringles are delicious
I bought a tin of those a few weeks ago. They're unique as hell, I'll give them that much. I'm not sure if they're good. It's different from what I expect out of a potato chip.
The test I've been agonizing over for weeks was today. I passed.
I'm bouncing.
Nice!
Well done, tortle.
I cannot describe my relief.
I'm so pleased that my life can go back to normal you have no idea.
Ah, vacation.
Halfway over and I've done pretty much nothing but beat Saint's Row IV and watch three seasons of Futurama.
These are both worthy achievements.
Had a staycation downtown with Mrs. Ranma007. It was fun. Relationship batteries are charged. :)
I survived returning from the Galapagos.
Also went to the Galapagos. That was neat.
Pictures at some point.
A positive thing happened at work! I'm contractually not allowed to actually specify what until Thursday.
But it was a good thing!
Quote from: Brian on September 03, 2013, 04:17:44 PM
A positive thing happened at work! I'm contractually not allowed to actually specify what until Thursday.
But it was a good thing!
I find this quite remarkable.
Went to watch Pacific Rim at the dollar cinema after I got out of work with my family. That was extremely satisfying/entertaining.
I went to watch a movie about giant robots duking it out with giant japanese monsters, and I'll be damned if that wasn't exactly what I got.
An unexpected infusion of cash means that it's very likely I'll make it to the gathering this year! Huzzah!
This is a story of Dark Souls PVP.
There I was in the Undead Burg, dueling using two-handed Silver Knight Spear and a Pierce Shield (for novelty).
(http://darksouls.wdfiles.com/local--files/spears/silver-knight-spear-onhand-large.jpg)
Silver Knight Spear
A black phantom invader entered, wielding a Large Club and a talisman with Wrath of the Gods and Gravelord Greatsword Dance.
(http://darksouls.wdfiles.com/local--files/great-hammers/large-club-on-hand-large.jpg)
Large Club
We went back and forth a bit, but it became clear his club and AoE spells were too slow against my spear and shield attacks, and he had no poise so my attacks kept knocking him out of his animations.
The invader ran out of the arena.
He climbed up to the firebombing Hollows' platform overlooking most of the level. Now I, having had experience fighting griefers leading you into enemies, immediately put on a Fog Ring whenever an invader runs away from me. The Fog Ring gives a transparency effect, which made me invisible at the long distance between us. Thus, while he is on a high platform surrounded by Hollows who would attack me if I try to get to him, I pulled out my Black Bow of Pharis with Feather Arrows (longest ranged attack in the game) and shot him in the head.
(http://darksouls.wdfiles.com/local--files/bows/black-bow-of-pharis-on-hand-large.jpg)
Black Bow of Pharis
Ah, watching him flinch and run around, then watching him shoot his own arrows onto my side of the Burg and not hitting anywhere near me--I shot him again, and again whenever he paused, one time knocking him down from the roof when he was trying to escape. It was both funny and sad.
After it became clear he couldn't stay on the roof, we had a fifteen minute battle of wits, sneaking on up on each other in the Burg's twisting paths. I had my Fog Ring providing limited invisibility as well as a Slumbering Dragoncrest Ring to silence my footsteps, though I couldn't use them at the same time because my second ring slot was occupied; he had all of the NPC Hollow enemies on his side who would aggro on me if I tried to chase him. He missed with a plunging attack that I didn't see coming, while I couldn't do enough damage to him with my spear to kill him before he retreated and healed.
Ultimately, I slowly managed to kill the Hollows one by one with spear or with bow, and push forward alley by alley until I cornered the invader inside Havel the Rock's tower (he got no help from Havel, who I killed long ago). With no escape or NPC aid, he had no choice but to finally turn and fight with skill and valor alone.
At which time I promptly falchioned him to death.
(http://darksouls.wdfiles.com/local--files/curved-swords/falcion-onhand-large.jpg)
Falchion
And then I celebrated.
(http://blogs-images.forbes.com/erikkain/files/2012/04/2022223-praise_the_sun.jpg)
Praise the Sun
And I sent the invader a message.
Quote from: KLSymph by PS3 messaging
Subject: Ha ha ha...
Good times.
(http://ashenngames.files.wordpress.com/2011/10/dark-souls_logo_black.jpg)
Dark Souls!
Second-to-last image link is broken.
Also, plunging attack? The gear sounded pretty crazy before, but now....
Danbooru must be locking the image away. I've replaced it.
Quote from: Brian on September 19, 2013, 11:49:21 AMAlso, plunging attack? The gear sounded pretty crazy before, but now....
A plunging attack is merely him dropping from a roof and trying to hit me from above. But if you want to imagine some other meaning of "plunging" using a Large Club, by all means. By the way, the Large Club is poisonous.
...Dark Souls!
It involved plungers.
Woot, a raise that wasn't due to my performance!
Well, today was the last day of my job. I wasn't as excited to leave as I expected I would be, nor was I maudlin about it. It was just sort of a thing that ended, and is now done.
Oh well, to the next chapter, I suppose.
Should be able to move into the newly renovated house this week!
The (really nice) stove the previous tenant left was salvageable! And cost zero dollars to salvage! Lots of elbow grease, but no money!
Now we just need to fix the soft spot in the bathroom, tile the bathroom floor, and lay the wood in the hallway.
Hurrah!
My boss was so disturbed by my disfigurement that he was quite happy to let me finish the rest of the week from home.
Clearly you need to get zombie make-up so that next time you have to pop in at work, they decide you can permanently work from home. Lest you eat someone's brains.
Pre-order Might and Magic X on Steam now and get MMVI for free. Admittedly, it (and MM1-5) costs about as much as dirt on gog, but it's one of my favorite games, and there's a great fanmade patch that really helps bring the game a bit closer to the modern era (major mechanics bugfixes, mouselook, keyboard rebinding -- good stuff).
MMVI may not be a great game, but for reasons I have a hard time putting into words, it's one of my favorites.
I seem to be healing, though the scarring should be fairly impressive.
Vacation was good. Hiked about half of the south rim of the Grand Canyon. Hit up a state park for a day, and spent a day doing off-road motorcycling. Which I video'd.
Vacation is being cut short by 2 days, however. Which is not a bad thing. As much fun as it is, the thing I'm sleeping on has given me a crick in my neck for the last three or four days. I am looking forward to my comfy bed.
After the18 hour drive we have ahead of us.
Alas, the fates have conspired against Iddy and I meeting face to face. I am convinced that our combined presence would cause a cosmic collapse and result in a singularity, destroying all life on Earth.
Quote from: Yuthirin on October 17, 2013, 02:32:14 PM
Alas, the fates have conspired against Iddy and I meeting face to face. I am convinced that our combined presence would cause a cosmic collapse and result in a singularity, destroying all life on Earth.
[Mark Hammil villain voice:] and out of the ashes, a
new world will be born! Inhabited entirely by turtles with guns!
Have a couple of job interviews. I hope they go well.
Good luck Grahf!
Bagels in za morning.
I won a Acer Aspire One D270-1375 netbook! w00t!
I believe I've killed a very expensive Solaris box.
I've moderated the Anime Addventure for ten years, and developed zero ulcers.
That's something.
Cong...rats?
That's probably the right response.
Of course it is.
Hmmm, Za month moves on.
Aced a job interview, yay. Hopefully this one will come through.
Quote from: Anastasia on October 31, 2013, 01:50:19 PM
Aced a job interview, yay. Hopefully this one will come through.
Awesome! Good luck!
My computer power problems were all due to Shami's fuzzy butt unplugging my PC. Literally.
That's easy to fix.
Finally got around to dealing with the River City Ransom remake backerkit. Evidently at my pledge level, I get a name on the memorial wall. I am indifferent to this honor, personally, but then I realized. I don't have to put my name on it.
So, when the remake ships, if someone actually looks at the memorial wall, there should be a listing for Sterling "Like Hella Yo" Dubbert.
I still miss that guy. But I don't think he'd complain about such a monument.
Job count+1. About damned time.
Congrats :)
Awesome news, congratulations!
Thanks. It's been awhile so I'm really relieved that I got another one.
http://threepanelsoul.com/ three panel has a comic for you.
O_o - whatcha doing, Ana?
Backroom stocking and loading. Nothing fancy, just a job.
Congrats. I hope to be in the same, job-having boat soon.
Got 29/30 for my HSC. You can get up to 25% wrong (though I'm unclear on how, with those numbers).
10 days of waiting!
Onigiri gave me a humble bundle for no reason at all. Thanks, Onigiri!
He is ever so humble, that riceball.
I got a second Windows 7 keycode because, through school, the Windows 7 download was updated to Windows 7 service pack 1, which, when I downloaded it, gave me a new keycode! w00t!
Thanks to co-workers leaving the company, I have a better desk location, and am even more important. :\
Today I have been putting out fires left and right.
This isn't all good; I'm fighting some incompetence with hardware installation (I got really pissed at a bad install leaving our 60 kilo tech trying to wrestle with 40 kilos of server when it came out of the rack it was in; she really doesn't seem to understand that I'm saying, "No, it's completely okay to jump to safety and let the hardware fall. We can buy a new server, but can't get a new you.") in the lab.
My direct manager has been getting flack from his bosses about being incompetent and is assigning me busywork because he thinks it'll make his job more secure. There's also mounting evidence suggesting we're doing a full lab shutdown over the Thanksgiving break, and I'm going to be asked to come in to check the mounting for 8 racks worth of equipment in the downtime, to prevent further accidents and issues.
Also, no raise or bonus in sight.
But, hey. Prestige. I'm important to a gang of incompetents ... hopefully enough to outlast them, should the CTO ever get around to removing the silo of incompetence.
Right?
Quote from: Brian on November 25, 2013, 07:08:31 PM
Thanks to co-workers leaving the company, I have a better desk location, and am even more important. :\
Today I have been putting out fires left and right.
This isn't all good; I'm fighting some incompetence with hardware installation (I got really pissed at a bad install leaving our 60 kilo tech trying to wrestle with 40 kilos of server when it came out of the rack it was in; she really doesn't seem to understand that I'm saying, "No, it's completely okay to jump to safety and let the hardware fall. We can buy a new server, but can't get a new you.") in the lab.
My direct manager has been getting flack from his bosses about being incompetent and is assigning me busywork because he thinks it'll make his job more secure. There's also mounting evidence suggesting we're doing a full lab shutdown over the Thanksgiving break, and I'm going to be asked to come in to check the mounting for 8 racks worth of equipment in the downtime, to prevent further accidents and issues.
Also, no raise or bonus in sight.
But, hey. Prestige. I'm important to a gang of incompetents ... hopefully enough to outlast them, should the CTO ever get around to removing the silo of incompetence.
Right?
I believe you need to start documenting these things. And then, when a review comes up and they ask you to defend your job, slap them in the face with a list of all things gone wrong and then slap them on the other side of the face with a list of all the things you would have done to prevent and/or fix them.
Oh, my CYA policy is to save every e-mail I ever get. Outside of weekly 'caption contest' crap and other people's 'I'm WFH today' messages.
The backlog of evidence only grows stronger. It is likely mightier than my base stats, at this point. o_O
Got 15 bucks in promo gift cards with Discover for doing a half hour call to discuss mortgage rates (their rates were good, but I will pass.... for now).
The capstone on the Silo of Incompetence has enraged the CTO. I missed yesterday's all-hands, but evidently the first announcement was our CTO saying that the director of engineering had left the company.
Rumor mill is telling me he was fired on the spot and walked out with security.
While most everyone will get all that this entails, to explain it a bit more:
It's pretty unusual to fire a director on the spot, and it is the kind of thing that's a bit risky, since it makes the investors worry (though it's usually pretty easy to smooth over by explaining that the fired director was bad). What's more standard in this kind of situation is the director to recognize that they're going to be removed and go along with it -- this allows them to collect a few paychecks and hunt for work while remaining with the company in name.
Instead, our director pushed back and said he wouldn't accede to the CTO's instructions. I think it takes a lot to upset a CTO to that point.
I credit the old man (and the other senior tester) for their parting words to the HR rep and the CTO for accomplishing this. It took a while, and theoretically should have taken even longer, but it certainly got results.
Now to see if the last two tiers of the Silo can be removed, as they're the ones we interact with directly. If they're smart, they're going to be looking for new jobs right now instead of sticking around....
Edit: I have a 1:1 with the lowest rank. I think today might be a good day to suggest an official title change to lab manager, and ideally the raise that should come with it. Yeah, that sounds like a good idea.
Watching Record of Lodoss Wars, MST'd to star Mark, Mark, Mark, Mark, and also, Mark.
That was unexpectedly hilarious.
It really was :)
Is this something you can link to?
No, we were just MSTing the anime from our couch, and compared one of the characters (Parn) to a player we all knew and had gamed with in the past....
Anyway. I skipped the meeting for it, but evidently was given an award for a project I was on.
I did really work very hard for it, but it doesn't feel particularly earned, somehow.
Managed to wrap up the dungeon crawl campaign. I think it was okay? Had some really fun moments? Nothing could stop the monk, but that was probably my fault for not doing more homework on loot....
So, they're apparently going to be animating some of the Haruhi spin-offs again (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2013-12-17/the-disappearance-of-nagato-yuki-chan-anime-listed). Specifically Haruhi-chan, Churuya, and the new addition, Nagato Yuki-chan.
It's not a true season three, and the details are sparse at the moment (odds are KyoAni isn't going to be animating it, from the looks of things), but still, it's something from the franchise after such a long stretch of silence. Perhaps a tentative step in the right direction.
So far this is merely the most boring company holiday party I have been to, not the worst.
This just got crazy. So, we're at a winery for the holiday party, and they have a planned activity of us blending wines, which then will be graded. Considering their business model of "let us use your land and we give you 20% of your own grapes as wine!", I think we're being used as free labor....
If your company paid the winery to host the holiday party, it'd be even-less-than-free labor.
They did!
Clearly, the solution is to take their provided wine and blend them into such utter swill that a single taste annihilates the grader's palate.
We actually designed our blend to be highest possible alcohol content. We were aiming for a 'box' wine, and everything.
Primary demographic was college students, secondary market was 'Dedicated Deep Drinkers'. The sales guy had a decent pitch, but stuttered and wasn't as funny as some of the other teams. We still had a good time, and were evidently judged one of the best tasting wines, despite mottos like, "Not that bad," or, "when you want to keep drinking, but not the good wines".
I am off of school (for a month) and work (for a week and a half).
Oversleeping, ho!
Quote from: Brian on December 18, 2013, 09:02:40 PM
We actually designed our blend to be highest possible alcohol content. We were aiming for a 'box' wine, and everything.
Primary demographic was college students, secondary market was 'Dedicated Deep Drinkers'. The sales guy had a decent pitch, but stuttered and wasn't as funny as some of the other teams. We still had a good time, and were evidently judged one of the best tasting wines, despite mottos like, "Not that bad," or, "when you want to keep drinking, but not the good wines".
"Well, this ain't no Shiraz, but it'll do."
Apparently, bringing a hip flask full of vinegar and randomly adding it to glasses and bottles is somewhat frowned upon.
As a side note, I'm not allowed to go to wine tastings anymore.
I appreciate protective gear and crash cages, and the forethought in having and using both. *nods*
Quote from: Yuthirin on December 20, 2013, 11:17:38 AM
Apparently, bringing a hip flask full of vinegar and randomly adding it to glasses and bottles is somewhat frowned upon.
As a side note, I'm not allowed to go to wine tastings anymore.
I used to carry a hip flask full of vinegar around because I had to drink vinegar with meals.
I appreciate Iddy walking away from that accident.
I taught myself how to use professional video editing software today.
Went to a Trans-Siberian Orchestra concert. It was pretty neat. A bit sad that my mom couldn't go (she had a migraine, and woo, the show would have made that even worse), but one of my sister's friends was up for a free ticket. So said friend probably had a better appreciation than me, but hey, she's not the one posting.
I was cracking up at all of the head banging/hair swishing in that concert. Except for one of the singers, -every- member had long hair and was whipping it around in rhythm to the songs.
Just saved 100 dollars a month by getting rid of the cable bill and upping the internet speed. We sort of realized all at once that the only shows we really watched on cable were Adventure Time and Steven Universe, and Amazon has them for two bucks an episode, as long as we are willing to wait.
For a thousand dollars a year and the pleasure of never dealing with a cable company, we are willing to wait.
Still have to finish moving boxes and getting some things put in (such as internet), but I am moved in at my new/first house.
Quote from: Merc on January 04, 2014, 04:35:18 PM
Still have to finish moving boxes and getting some things put in (such as internet), but I am moved in at my new/first house.
BANZAI FIRST HOUSE!
Again, Congratulations :)
Twelve hours of sleep resolved the migraine.
Quote from: Yuthirin on January 05, 2014, 02:56:24 PM
BANZAI FIRST HOUSE!
Ten thousand years in the same house?
QuoteBANZAI FIRST HOUSE!
BANZAI DANIEL-SAN!
I've got two job interviews tomorrow and I'm freaking out a little. One of them is only part time though, but the other is full time and at a better wage than my current job. It doesn't help that I want to get away from my current job so badly. I'm happy I'm getting interviews, but I really hope that the full time position gives me an offer.
Good luck!
Fell asleep watching videos and petting the dog. A nice way to pass a day off.
Blizzard's shutting down the entire city. It's sort of nice, though the sub-zero winds aren't so fun.
Had a hot date with my wife. Who got all dressed up, sexy black dress, did her hair, etc. Yeowza!
Mmm, productive day. Fixed bugs, wiped old machines for disposal, set up rear speakers.
I have donuts. This is good.
Quote from: Dracos on February 13, 2014, 02:38:20 PM
I have donuts. This is good.
I had a course in university (mixed undergrad/grad) where one of the students would bring a good dozen of donuts in to every lecture and hand them out. In a lecture session that had eight people.
(Alas, they were also Crispy Creme.)
I have tomorrow off. Any day off is a day to celebrate.
Quote from: Arakawa Seijio on February 13, 2014, 07:50:01 PM
Quote from: Dracos on February 13, 2014, 02:38:20 PM
I have donuts. This is good.
I had a course in university (mixed undergrad/grad) where one of the students would bring a good dozen of donuts in to every lecture and hand them out. In a lecture session that had eight people.
(Alas, they were also Crispy Creme.)
In most donut shops, it is actually more expensive to buy 8 donuts than 12.
Quote from: Dracos on February 13, 2014, 08:50:04 PM
In most donut shops, it is actually more expensive to buy 8 donuts than 12.
It's all a CONSPIRACY to feed us with SUGAR!
*shakes fist*
Ribs...almost healed. Congestion...almost gone. Cough...completely gone.
I'm back baby!
Seriously, I feel so much better now. Nothing like feeling absolutely awful for a while to make you appreciate the times when everything is working properly. ^_^
Slowly but surely my house returns to a state of cleaned normalcy. Once the last of the recycling and donation people come through next week I should be at an end of constantly finding new things that need to be given away. Got a new steamer that did a pretty decent job on some baked on food crude. Trying it out in the bathroom next. So now I have a floor and general purpose one. Convenient.
Did my first try at doing wall crack patching. It went not too bad on the plaster side. It really isn't that hard there. Sanded one a bit early though, so will probably do the proper sanding later this week and then try the painting. Yay diy-selfing or some such.
Got Brian's music server up and going this week. Should be able to get the PS3 video server up soon too. WIll break that in with the crew.
Have the house to myself this weekend. Working on schoolwork in peace, and going to clean the office today.
Reached out to coworkers for renting room. May not have to go through the 'listing it and showing it to lots of strangers' thing. Hopefully.
Won't be as awesome as roommate Brian was by a longshot though.
I return from Seattle.
Nobody died :)
So what was up in Seattle worth a visit?
Business trip to a conference. Za bosses said "Go there and listen", so I did.
Something good happened today... but I can't talk about it.
I got really awesome chicken tenders today.
Hey, you have to appreciate the small stuff.
SR is back up. Yay!
Tuned into Twitch Plays Pokemon Emerald for a short watch. Saw something pretty amusing.
In Pokemon Emerald, the updated PC system makes it harder to release pokemon, which was a big issue in the first two TPP games, a lot of pokemon got lost during PC trips.
On the other hand, Emerald turns the PC into a crane/slots game for TPP, where often the party gets reduced to just one pokemon, and then hours of trying to rebuild a decent team.
A lot of the storage boxes had their names garbled into nonsense through the rename feature, and coincidently most were turned into the forest wallpaper.
Today, god knows how, one of the boxes was renamed to "BII SRZ" after the last party decimation through accidental depositing. Which everyone is interpreting as "BE SERIOUS".
It's kinda hilarious watching the channel blitz through that box as they keep trying to get to the deposited pokemon and hopefully get them out.
For the time being, it looks like my job is safe. I'll have a project to charge to after next week, although it looks like a small project and not sure how long that will last.
I have a new job.
I almost can't believe it. But I have have a new job. I'm actually going to walk into my current job tomorrow and render my notice of resignation, effective immediately. I'll have to tell people it's not an April Fools joke. I almost can't believe that this isn't a particularly cruel one that's being played on me.
Congratulations.
Congratulations!
It's time for playoff hockey. Yay.
It only cost $5 to fix my glasses. Yay!
Good to hear, Ko :)
You wear glasses?
Doesn't everyone, Monocle Turtle?
Today:
- I made my Dad and Mom both happy.
- I had nice Sunday breakfast, lunch AND dinner.
- I spent the day with my friends.
- I avoided anything involving Taco or Bell.
Sometimes the little things are worth appreciating.
Strange things I've enjoyed wasting time on lately: arguing with Catholics.
(I do want to understand how they think, for writing-related purposes.)
Oh? I'm a (lapsed into more general, non-denominational Christianity) Catholic, if I can help you with anything about that.
Mushroom, mushroom!
Fairy, fairy!
Quote from: Dracos on May 01, 2014, 01:51:02 PM
Mushroom, mushroom!
Careful of the mushrooms, Drac. They're watching.
(http://oi49.tinypic.com/vdpy5l.jpg)
Oh god they do more than watch!
So absolutely true. Watching is only the beginning.
Quote from: Anastasia on May 01, 2014, 02:10:39 AM
Oh? I'm a (lapsed into more general, non-denominational Christianity) Catholic, if I can help you with anything about that.
I haven't had any problem so far; it's been polite but very depressing back-and-forth with the kind of people who argue that the vast majority of people being damned to Hell is an aesthetically pleasing outcome, because it provides the necessary contrast for the saints to comprehend the extent of God's mercy towards them.
I came up with this character who's internalized those sorts of teachings and become a sort of genteel misanthrope (difficult to explain in one go), but in terms of understanding and fleshing out his point of view, it's necessary to understand the context he would have formed it in. And whether a person like that could even conceivably exist within Catholicism. This is where talking to people comes in handy.
People who endlessly talk about damnation are missing the point, anyway. As far as your second point, people of all types end up in religion. The message may be holy, but people are forever screwing things up. It's human nature, and that includes doing bad things with the good word.
If you wanna go into this, toss me a PM. SR isn't really the place for serious religious discussion, so it's best done in private.
I appreciate both of you guys taking that private (or to a side thread if you guys think it makes sense) :)
Not that I mind a variety of religious points, but this is a pretty heavily trafficked thread and rarely do pleasant things come out of recorded pitched discussion of religious theory.
Yeah, discussions on religion and politics can be flashpoints. Even when the original participants mean well, all it takes is one person joining up and taking offense to set it off like a fireball. There's a lot to be said for taking them to private discussion or to the appropriate venue.
Quote from: Anastasia on May 01, 2014, 09:17:13 PM
Yeah, discussions on religion and politics can be flashpoints. Even when the original participants mean well, all it takes is one person joining up and taking offense to set it off like a fireball. There's a lot to be said for taking them to private discussion or to the appropriate venue.
*makes signs and burns things outside of Dune's and Arakawa's homes*
Quote from: Anastasia on May 01, 2014, 09:17:13 PM
Yeah, discussions on religion and politics can be flashpoints. Even when the original participants mean well, all it takes is one person joining up and taking offense to set it off like a fireball. There's a lot to be said for taking them to private discussion or to the appropriate venue.
Yeah, I agree. Not to mention any flame wars on such topics tend to consist of things everyone has heard a thousand times before....
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on May 01, 2014, 10:40:06 PM
*makes signs and burns things outside of Dune's and Arakawa's homes*
>_>
<_<
*joins Iddy's impromptu barbecue*
I appreciate open bars. And roast pig.
Isn't it delicious?
If you really liked that pork, consider buying some Alaea salt while you're in Hawaii, Iddy.
*alcohol
I'm pretty sure that's what you meant.
I also want to appreciate auto correct as that's the only reasson this is legible.
I don't recommend adding hawaiian salt to alcohol drinks, personally, but whatever floats your boat! =p
Alcohol makes everything Bette.
Don't think auto-correct's helping enough =p
Mrs alcohol Irish the answer.
Me: (http://www.smkw.com/large/knife/MSM016SW.jpg)
Appreciation: I got home early and don't have to work tomorrow.
Sure, I got home early because I had to attend an 8 hour safety training (my god, that could be so much shorter) and I don't have to work tomorrow because one of my projects got cancelled, but I'll take the victory of being home early.
I appreciate the fact that I've played some very awesome games lately. Might even post a review of em if I have the time.
I got suspend/resume working on our project. Now I can code the shit on top of it I was intending to do in the first place.
Off to Denver for a long weekend, should be a great time! =)
I continue to exist. Yay!
Quote from: Yulia on May 31, 2014, 01:09:24 AM
I continue to exist. Yay!
(http://www.thegamercat.com/wordpress/comics/2012-05-14-gamercat_15.jpg)
You are one sick bastard, Iddy. Cruel! Evil! Mean!
Shouldn't you have posted that on Yulia? =p
I got a new laptop! One which isn't cracked on one corner and doesn't need me to hold the power cord in place to keep electricity coming!
:-D
And now I have to reinstall everything, move all my data, and learn Windows 8!
>:-(
Edit: Also have to redo my configurations. And have to port some of my scripts. But hopefully the Dark Mod will run, although that's only approved up to Windows 7. If it doesn't work I'll probably run around the forum shanking people, so be warned.
The Dark Mod appears to work. Therefore, there will be no shanking.
(http://images.lazygamer.net/2014/02/thiefBlackjack.jpg)
But no promises about blackjacking.
This week has been fucking terrible from multiple sides.
But my daughter is -totally awesome-.
And somehow that makes me feel like things are going to be okay.
...You're totally going to dive head first into the "Daddy's little girl" and "Overprotective Dad with a Shotgun" stereotypes as she grows up. =)
That's a great appreciation nonetheless!
Luckily for her potential suitors, shotguns are illegal over here; vehicular homicide would probably be my only option.
Just kidding. I'd be more scared for them.
"Daddy, I want an ice cream please."
"Madison, when I was your age I wanted a pony."
"Oh. Daddy, I want an ice cream AND a pony."
People say to be afraid of her when she's a teenager . . . I'm scared of her turning -three-.
I have finally finished, more or less, copyediting one chapter of the Baka-Tsuki light novel translation (http://www.baka-tsuki.org/project/index.php?title=Rakudai_Kishi_no_Eiyuutan) I've been working on. It took me about forty-five hours of repeated reading and crying into my thesaurus, and in the end, compared to the 96714 bytes of content that the translator added to the page, I added a net (counts it up) negative 12151 bytes, not including reversions of other people's additions.
Victory!
I found out that Extreme Cookies and Cream ice cream exists. Yay.
Glorious, glorious air conditioning and ceiling fans after mowing the lawn.
Went to cousin's wedding. Fulfilled yearly quota for incompetent dancing.
Quote from: KLSymph on June 22, 2014, 01:39:03 PM
Went to cousin's wedding. Fulfilled yearly quota for incompetent dancing.
There can be never enough dancing. CONTINUE.
NEVER AGAIN.
Went to a con this weekend past. Not bad. I didn't see a single bad Attack On Titan cosplay. Kind of wish I had a picture of the Sailor Moon group. They were on point.
Got my MBA!
That's awesome, congrats!
Go, 007!
Nicely done!
Congratulations 007
Thanks guys. :)
Had the graduation ceremony yesterday. Man, it is a good feeling to get that done!
Panda's Mihoshi avatar makes me smile nostalgically.
Have a 5 day weekend. Mind you, I only took today off as a result of my car's battery dying, but it's still gonna be a 5-day weekend.
Hey, upside to everything.
I love my air conditioning.
Quote from: Kaldrak on July 03, 2014, 11:53:12 PM
I love my air conditioning.
As is only right. AC is one of those sublime little gifts.
Just got back from watching
RePlay: A Symphony of Heroes (http://www.houstonsymphony.org/tickets/production/detail?id=6121).
I thought it was amazing, and I enjoyed it tremendously, even more so than the Video Game Live concerts (though less so than the Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary: Symphony of the Goddesses). I'd highly recommend watching it if you
get the chance (http://www.replay-symphony.com/).
I just had a few complaints, all kind of minor:
1) Didn't seem to have a lot of cosplayers (though given the humid heat, it's understandable). There were exactly four cosplayers - Sheik, Peach, Mario (not me), and the character from Journey. I wonder how (un)bearable the weather was for the Journey character...
2) No encore. Boo! Frankly, the Halo song at the end felt like it should have been an encore or played earlier. The symphony is set up as a hero's journey (with an accompanying narration, and visuals from
Dear Esther during the narration), and it felt like the journey should have ended with Kingdom Hearts, where the music and video shows Sora and Kairi sitting watching a sunset. The Halo theme song, while pretty awesome...doesn't really feel like it should have been the last song UNLESS it was the encore. So that felt kind of weird (if, again, still awesome).
3) For some reason, the squaresoft series had no video game footage accompanying their segments. It was really odd. At first I thought that it was that they were sticking to 3D/modern footage...but then castlevania segment showed footage from Castlevania 1-3 at the start. Licensing issue? A little odd.
4) It was funnier than a complaint, but the flute lady showed up in the screen at one point, and just before she was taken off the screen she rolled her eyes. It was such a random thing!
For anyone curious, and that think they might have a chance to go based on their next tour spot, here's the program:
- Narration 1: Introduction and Call to Adventure - Theme from Journey
- Narration 2: Refusal of the Call - Suicide Mission from Mass Effect 2
- Narration 3: Supernatural Aid - Supernatural Aid from Guild Wars 2
- Narration 4: The Crossing of the First Treshhold - Suite from Bioshock/Bioshock 2
- Narration 5: The Belly of the Whale - Them from Lair
- Narration 6: The Road of Trials - Main Theme from God of War: Ascension
- Narration 7: The Meeting With the Goddess - I Am The One from Dragon Age
- Narration 8: Woman As Temptress - Portal 2 Variations
- Intermission
- Narration 9: Atonement With the Father - Theme from Metal Gear Solid IV
- Narration 10: Apotheosis - Suite from Chrono Trigger/Chrono Cross
- Narration 11: The Ultimate Boon - Liberi Fatali from Final Fantasy VII
- Narration 12: Refusal of the Return - Suite from World of Warcraft
- Narration 13: The Magic Flight - Suite from Castlevania
- Narration 14: Rescue from Without - Theme from Shadow of the Colossus
- Narration 15: Crossing the Return Treshold - Medley from Kingdom Hearts
- Narration 16: Master of Two Worlds - Suite from Halo
Personal favorites - segments from Mass Effect, Chrono suite, Portal, Kingdom Hearts, and Castlevania (in that order).
Sister's favorites - segments from Kingdom Hearts, God of War, Chrono suite, Warcraft and Portal (in that order).
Cousin's favorites - segments from Halo, Dragon Age, Mass Effect 2, Final Fantasy, Lair, and Guild Wars (in that order).
Neat. Not coming near me, but thanks for sharing Merc :)
I'm getting more hours at work. Yay.
It's a tiny bit of a mixed blessing but good overall.
I got the game that lets you play as everyone's favorite viral abomination, [Prototype]!
Prototype is fun. You can jump kick a helicopter!
Finding relief and joy when you need it the most is awesome. Especially when you expected something else.
Got call for an interview for a job. Finally!
Quote from: Rukatin on July 25, 2014, 11:33:10 AM
Got call for an interview for a job. Finally!
Awesome. What's it for?
Quote from: Rukatin on July 25, 2014, 02:51:25 PM
Quote from: Anastasia on July 25, 2014, 11:33:33 AM
Quote from: Rukatin on July 25, 2014, 11:33:10 AM
Got call for an interview for a job. Finally!
Awesome. What's it for?
I'm going to work at a library.
That's a great sort of job if you can get it. My brother loved his library job to death.
Paypal actually did things regarding my frozen account. To wit, they got back to me with a second checklist of things to do. (Including changing my password a _second_ time, for some reason.)
Given that I've run into horror stories of accounts frozen indefinitely with no response, that seems like something to appreciate.
Quote from: Arakawa Seijio on July 28, 2014, 02:05:20 PM
Paypal actually did things regarding my frozen account. To wit, they got back to me with a second checklist of things to do. (Including changing my password a _second_ time, for some reason.)
Given that I've run into horror stories of accounts frozen indefinitely with no response, that seems like something to appreciate.
That's something. Did it do the trick?
Yep, Paypal access fully restored. Donation made.
*phew*
Quote from: Arakawa Seijio on July 30, 2014, 04:31:14 PM
Yep, Paypal access fully restored. Donation made.
*phew*
Yeah, I'll second feeling lucky over that one.
Today's scare: Three hours without power, with the worry it was going to cost 4-5 digits to fix. Thankfully it wasn't.
Old laptop starts dying a few days ago.
<sad>
Ordered new one.
<impatient>
Laptop arrives today and works great!
<happy>
Laptop has no DVD rom so I can't install my copy of MS office.
<sad again>
Well, I'm thankful I have a replacement now, but I wish I'd paid closer attention to the specs.
This is just a second-hand memory, but isn't there a way to download Office if you have a valid product key?
I shall search for one and see if I can find it.
Edit: I found it! You can download it straight from the microsoft webpage with a valid product key and your hotmail account. Thank you so much!!
Now my work on my book can continue. ^_^
I can now solve a Rubik's cube.
Yesterday was kind of restful.
Feeling better this week. I still have less energy than usual, but I'm not as lethargic as I was all last week.
Job interview went well in my opinion!
Grats! Here's hoping for a good job offer, Rukatin!
Quote from: Rukatin on August 06, 2014, 12:51:04 AM
Job interview went well in my opinion!
Hope you nail it, job interviews are tough. Did they give you an ETA on a reply?
I had a relaxing graduation present weekend, watched the Chicago Symphony Orchestra play the soundtrack for Lord of the Rings RotK while it was on the big screen (truly a awesome way to see it), and walked the Chicago Botanical Gardens (very uber relaxing). Nice weekend.
That does sound good. Dang, I was just happy my Sunday was quiet. I'm aiming too low!
But enough about me. How was the orchestra?
Absolutely outstanding. The conductor had flair, and it was awesome hearing the music up live, and having it be identical to the soundtrack.
I always appreciate the fun posts and lore involved with the roleplaying posts on this site. I think I am as interested in the lore behind some of the stuff described on here as some of the players. Thanks for sharing!
Quote from: Ergoemos on August 12, 2014, 07:22:54 PM
I always appreciate the fun posts and lore involved with the roleplaying posts on this site. I think I am as interested in the lore behind some of the stuff described on here as some of the players. Thanks for sharing!
Sure. What bits interest you in particular, by the way?
Quote from: Anastasia on August 12, 2014, 10:38:09 PM
Quote from: Ergoemos on August 12, 2014, 07:22:54 PM
I always appreciate the fun posts and lore involved with the roleplaying posts on this site. I think I am as interested in the lore behind some of the stuff described on here as some of the players. Thanks for sharing!
Sure. What bits interest you in particular, by the way?
Oh I love reading all the miscellany np character profiles you put up all the time and all the lore bits. I tend to read through the post logs like a creeper and like seeing how things turn out and how you guys figure out weird non combat solutions to obvious fights. (The one that sticks out right now is when you convinced the one guardian to help by reinventing the Dimensions Door spell in like an hour.)
Just reading about "what could have been" right now is fun. It's all been fun. Thanks for posting it.
Quote from: Ergoemos on August 13, 2014, 10:16:13 AM
Quote from: Anastasia on August 12, 2014, 10:38:09 PM
Quote from: Ergoemos on August 12, 2014, 07:22:54 PM
I always appreciate the fun posts and lore involved with the roleplaying posts on this site. I think I am as interested in the lore behind some of the stuff described on here as some of the players. Thanks for sharing!
Sure. What bits interest you in particular, by the way?
Oh I love reading all the miscellany np character profiles you put up all the time and all the lore bits. I tend to read through the post logs like a creeper and like seeing how things turn out and how you guys figure out weird non combat solutions to obvious fights. (The one that sticks out right now is when you convinced the one guardian to help by reinventing the Dimensions Door spell in like an hour.)
Just reading about "what could have been" right now is fun. It's all been fun. Thanks for posting it.
Coooool. Feel free to poke if you have any questions or anything. We don't bite and questions are nice.
Family night tonight. Cleaned house up, invited family over, cooked dinner, spent time with them, and played a board game with my mom (family is typically not board gamers though mom humors me occassionally). We played Takenoko for a while, amusingly ended in a tie. I chose not to look up the tie-breaker rules and just enjoy the moment.
Sometimes spending time with family is enough of an appreciation.
I went on a road trip over the weekend with friends, saw family, walked around Seattle, went to a ren faire. Good times were had. ^_^
Quote from: Merc on August 16, 2014, 09:56:29 PM
Family night tonight. Cleaned house up, invited family over, cooked dinner, spent time with them, and played a board game with my mom (family is typically not board gamers though mom humors me occassionally). We played Takenoko for a while, amusingly ended in a tie. I chose not to look up the tie-breaker rules and just enjoy the moment.
Sometimes spending time with family is enough of an appreciation.
Such is truth :)
Quote from: Kaldrak on August 18, 2014, 10:47:26 PM
I went on a road trip over the weekend with friends, saw family, walked around Seattle, went to a ren faire. Good times were had. ^_^
Seattle, eh? How was it, I've never been.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 21, 2014, 11:10:07 AMSeattle, eh? How was it, I've never been.
Twas wet. Kind of a light drizzle the entire time I was there. You can spot the tourists by their umbrellas. Everyone else just ignores it.
They have crazy streets. It's not a fun place to drive, but walking around is alright, so long as you have someone who knows where they're going. It can be easy to get lost.
I saw Pike's Market and walked around the piers, took a few photos, ate at a Japanese restaurant. Was a pleasant couple of days for the most part, so long as you don't mind the rain. I was outvoted when I suggested going to the space needle, sadly.
Slept like a rock for 9+ hours and feel great now. I didn't realize how drained I was until I crashed out.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 26, 2014, 01:12:55 PM
Slept like a rock for 9+ hours and feel great now. I didn't realize how drained I was until I crashed out.
Those types of sleeps are the best.
Quote from: Rukatin on August 27, 2014, 03:23:18 PM
Quote from: Anastasia on August 26, 2014, 01:12:55 PM
Slept like a rock for 9+ hours and feel great now. I didn't realize how drained I was until I crashed out.
Those types of sleeps are the best.
Oh yes. I did the same thing last night and I feel amazing. So much better with two deep nights of sleep.
Sizable bonuses are always welcome.
Our little future-nerd is 2 weeks old today. Somehow, we haven't killed him off yet. I am proud of us.
Speaking of sleep, he is opposed to us ever getting it.
Quote from: Music-chan on August 30, 2014, 05:05:07 PM
Our little future-nerd is 2 weeks old today. Somehow, we haven't killed him off yet. I am proud of us.
Speaking of sleep, he is opposed to us ever getting it.
Good luck with that part. But who needs sleep, really?
My first day as a senoir in high school wasn't all that bad!
Quote from: Rukatin on September 02, 2014, 05:55:23 PM
My first day as a senoir in high school wasn't all that bad!
That brings back some serious memories.
I didn't have a Senior year! Or a Junior year. Ahh, the glories of too many credits and the full-time work program.
Spent my senior year in high school taking college classes instead.
My older brother bought a .22 bolt action rifle.
Being half asleep always makes puts me in a creative mood. Thus, I came up with an awesome character idea for Numernera!
Getting more DM work done than the last week. Yay.
Corwin successfully arrives.
Nobody is killed yet :)
"Yet"
Blue Shell.
I have two good story ideas. One is about my Numernera character Axion, the other, more complete one is about human factionalism in a city five years after the zombie apocalypse.
I'm seriously considering starting a fic. What do you guys think?
Quote from: Rukatin on September 11, 2014, 01:03:42 PM
I'm seriously considering starting a fic. What do you guys think?
Well, that depends on what fic it is and what the idea is. Generally speaking, writing is superior to not writing. As long as you write, you can improve at writing and thus become a better writer. So write away. The only question is what you'll write and why. What sort of fic are you thinking of?
Do you ever get that feeling where you have so much energy, but instead of being hyperactive and moving around, you get FOCUSED on a particular thought or idea and you kind of have to pursue it because if you don't focus on something, you feel like you're going to Explode?
That's me when I take too much of my ADHD medicine. (which I unfortunately somehow build a resistance to...somehow) I either think of story ideas, or willingly do homework. (the intended effect)
Anyways! Back to your question. Well I mentioned the two I had above, but I came up with a third one yesterday that's a Cliche FOZ OC insert...
Quote from: Rukatin on September 11, 2014, 01:23:06 PM
Do you ever get that feeling where you have so much energy, but instead of being hyperactive and moving around, you get FOCUSED on a particular thought or idea and you kind of have to pursue it because if you don't focus on something, you feel like you're going to Explode?
That's me when I take too much of my ADHD medicine. (which I unfortunately somehow build a resistance to...somehow) I either think of story ideas, or willingly do homework. (the intended effect)
Anyways! Back to your question. Well I mentioned the two I had above, but I came up with a third one yesterday that's a Cliche FOZ OC insert...
Then just write it. Even if it ends up terrible, that's okay. So long as you write you'll improve and find it easier to keep writing.
I was wondering if I could write it here. I've read forum-based fanfic and I find the idea of receiving feedback great. Plus you guys are awesome.
Worth a shot. Try posting it on the writer's board, people post fics there.
http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/board,148.0.html
Got Destiny. Tomorrow will be a good day!
*glances up*
Most people's first fics are terrible. Taking the effort to write them helps you get to a point where your second and third fics are decent.
Destiny is amazing, but it still has it's flaws. Mostly user and group based.
My dog is awesome, even if she likes to lick my bed's pillows.
I rediscovered an old TV series from my youth and I've found that not only has it aged tolerably well, simply because my ten year old self enjoyed it, it does not mean that the show is garbage. (I have discovered that to be the case more than once, unfortunately) I have watched the hell out of the first few seasons of Babylon 5 over the last week that I've been sick. It's been a wonderful distraction.
Also, thankful for my cat, Tsunami, who has treated my sudden rash of 'staying at home all day' as a great opportunity for snuggles.
Cats are awesome like that. When they aren't being cats, anyway.
Finished meetings today. Getting back home tomorrow morning instead of friday afternoon. Yay!
Finally feeling better! Ah, the joys of food consumption without nausea. ^_^
Three days ago I realized I have trouble staying awake in the mornings if I don't take my ADHD medication. This leads to me actually being responsible for once and actually making the choice to go the bed at a reasonable hour so I don't feel like killing myself in the mornings and can actually focus in class! (more or less)
Anyways, I got a refill, and now I'm back to staying up late. I always wondered why I was such a morning person without coffee. Now I know!
Hmm.
It struck me again what an incredible effort long running manga series are. Claymore ended today at just a bit past 13 years of serialization. I haven't even been working 13 years at this point. The notion of being on the same exact project for over a decade is quite an impressive one to consider.
Now Hoji best be getting some more single player american DQ games. O_O 30ish years is just the warm-up.
Quote from: Dracos on October 02, 2014, 04:29:00 PM
It struck me again what an incredible effort long running manga series are.
I wonder if they're planned that way, or if it ends up being due to Zeno's Mountain* style story creep. There's a similar problem with many people's fantasy series. e.g. the most infamous being what happened with Wheel of Time.
*http://bondwine.com/2013/01/25/zenos-mountains/ (http://bondwine.com/2013/01/25/zenos-mountains/)
I am convinced Robert Jordan was simply writing until his death. I can think of no other reason why 800-900 page books struggle to finish simple arcs.
Quote from: Dracos on October 02, 2014, 11:38:09 PM
I am convinced Robert Jordan was simply writing until his death. I can think of no other reason why 800-900 page books struggle to finish simple arcs.
The first few books weren't bad, but man, yeah they got there. The later books, like nothing happened in the entire book. The new guy is doing a lot better, though.
I have a drone!!! A UDI U818A quadcopter. I have gotten WELL more than $68 dollars of enjoyment out of it. :)
Can you fly those in the city? What kind of camera does it use?
Created a Numenera character. A Hardy Glaive who Never says Die. Hardy lets me treat being impaired as nothing, and Debilitated as Impaired. It also Halves my recovery roll times. Normally this would be only just an okay descriptor because it also gives me a penalty to initiative and it costs one extra point whenever I use speed effort. While this would kinda suck for a tier 1 character, Hardy is mainly there to compound the effects of my Focus, Never Says Die. The focus replaces my ten minute recovery roll with another One action one. So this leads my recovery rolls being: 1 action, 1 action, Half hour, 5 Hours. Plus there's some pretty cool stuff down the line as I increase in tier. For my Glaive class, instead form the core book, I took my two first tier fighting moves from the extra character options. Them being Opportunist, and Surging Confidence. Opportunist offsets my penalty to initiative not by negating it, but by making it work in my favor by giving a bonus to hit enemies that have been attacked before my time. Surging Confidence works with my recovery rolls by giving me a choice of spending one might point to give me one action after a 1 action recovery roll. (of which I have two:D)
So I created a Glaive that's VERY hard to kill. But this is just the skeleton, He needs character! I wanted a cool sounding K name, and the best I could come up with is Korona. (first idea was Kyrrick, but that was just a name I remembered from a previous campaign.) I have a vague Idea on appearance, I'd like your ideas and input please!
My writer's block broke. Yay...except it happened at 2 AM, lying in bed. Go figure.
Mine usually happen in the shower, or when I have something import to do.
I subscribe to Brian's old method of defeating writer's block. It still works to this day.
Anybody catch the lunar eclipse this morning?
Quote from: Kaldrak on October 07, 2014, 09:24:25 PM
I subscribe to Brian's old method of defeating writer's block. It still works to this day.
What's that method, anyway?
Quote from: Rukatin on October 08, 2014, 09:30:34 AM
Anybody catch the lunar eclipse this morning?
Nope! Was it any good?
Quote from: Rukatin on October 08, 2014, 09:30:34 AM
Anybody catch the lunar eclipse this morning?
Sadly, no. Overcast sky.
Quote from: Anastasia on October 08, 2014, 01:12:12 PMWhat's that method, anyway?
Years ago I was on shift with him and there wasn't much going on. I was complaining about how I was feeling uninspired and couldn't get any writing done. Basically just the whole 'blank page' thing where you can't get started.
Brian said he knew the secret to getting rid of writer's block and when I asked him what it was, he turned to me and said two words:
"Just write."
I didn't find it all that amusing. I mean, if I could write in the first place then I wouldn't have been having this problem. He explained that it didn't matter if you were feeling uninspired or uncreative, you could write through those feelings and still get work done.
I didn't really get what he was saying at the time, but I get it now. Basically, it doesn't matter what you write about or how good you think it is at the time of the writing. You may feel like you
can't write, but that's almost never actually true. No matter how badly you do or how much willpower it takes to write through it, you can simply write through writer's block. There's only one person who decides whether you write or not and that's you. You have to have a commitment to your individual work that goes above and beyond how you feel about it when you sit down to work on it. It's the only way to finish large projects.
Even if you don't create a shred of usable material, it's still worth the effort of getting the words out of your head and if you really, REALLY feel like you can't get any work done, then there are a variety of other things you can write about other than the story itself. You can storyboard or work on background material. You can worldbuild or write character backstory. You can work on plot outlines and future drafts or even skip ahead to other chapters you have planned and write the thing out of order. Whatever it takes to get the work done. You just have to keep at it.
Some days are harder than others and I really love that creative rush you get when you're 'in the zone', but that almost never happens. Most of the time I just have to focus on what's going on and do things that foster my creative energy. I listen to music or I stop listening to it if it's distracting me. I drink large amounts of caffeine, but sometimes that throws my focus right out the window. Mostly I just ask myself, "What happens next?" and I try to get myself into the head of the characters I'm writing in that particular scene. What would this person do? Where would they go? What are they thinking? If I've done a good job of making a believably complex person, usually I can come up with an answer and then I write it down. If I haven't and no answer comes, then I might have to take a step back and figure out what I need to work on before I keep going.
Creativity comes and goes like a bolt of lightning, but you can write every day if you have the will. Odds are, if you keep at it you can push yourself into the creative state through the act of writing itself.
Rant over. Hope you found it somewhat enlightening at least. Man, I really love writing.
Oooooh. That's a good one about what I subscribe to. Just write says it all, really. It may be tangential shit that's totally irrelevant, but write anyway.
I find the part about writing about another subject or detail to be especially helpful. I dart around projects when one stalls out. This usually fixes the problem quickly.
It is Canadian thanksgiving weekend and Canadians get to gloat.
Then in November Americans get to gloat at Canadians.
Life has a way of evening things out.
Quote from: thepanda on October 05, 2014, 10:49:34 PM
Can you fly those in the city? What kind of camera does it use?
http://www.amazon.com/U818A-2-4GHz-Axis-Quadcopter-Camera/dp/B00D3IN11Q , and no, I don't think so. It's not illegal, but the police will get you for reckless endangerment.
My choir concert went very well!
I'm finally starting to DM again, and I'm much more excited about it than I thought I would be.
I've been told my console collection for this generation will be completed without me spending money.
Oddly, this means I now have a complete set for the last 4 generations. Maybe I should play some of them.
Lucky you. How'd you score free ones, anyway?
Quote from: Anastasia on October 22, 2014, 01:31:49 PMLucky you. How'd you score free ones, anyway?
Quote<Yuthirin> Anyone want a free copy of Divinity: Original Sin?
<Rhaqa> That's a pretty solid game!
<Rhaqa> I recommend it. Though it's easy to get lost at the start.
<Yuthirin> I bought the promo two pack by mistake
<Dracos> hmm?
<Dracos> That's the newish RPG/
<Dracos> I'd take if it's still there :)
<Harley> And then you add it to the infinite backlog of unplayed games! ;p
<Dracos> The infinite backlog :)
Through the many mistakes of other more generous people, at a guess! ^_~
By certain Fiat, I shant speak publicly on it :)
I'll yammer in private.
Bank caught someone trying to use my account and called me up. Not sure how they got that info but, the bank cancelled my old card and got me a new one. All this in less than three business days.
Usually, a replacement card takes ten plus business days so...
Quote from: thepanda on October 23, 2014, 10:12:43 PM
Bank caught someone trying to use my account and called me up. Not sure how they got that info but, the bank cancelled my old card and got me a new one. All this in less than three business days.
Usually, a replacement card takes ten plus business days so...
They've been faster lately. I had to get a new one recently and it was pretty damn quick.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJeVjGIFfY
If this actually works as stated, this is quite possibly the most awesome new console feature this decade. Remote faux local co-op.
Today I left with 0 bugs.
Or at least 0 bugs QA knows about.
I read an old Magic: the Gathering short story (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/arcana/lorans-smile-2014-10-27) posted on their website this week, and halfway through I realized that, wait a minute, I read this story fifteen years ago.
Nostalgia!
Quote from: KLSymph on October 29, 2014, 12:48:55 PM
I read an old Magic: the Gathering short story (http://magic.wizards.com/en/articles/archive/arcana/lorans-smile-2014-10-27) posted on their website this week, and halfway through I realized that, wait a minute, I read this story fifteen years ago.
Nostalgia!
It's a trip when something like that happens. That or you're getting old.
I voted today and it went smooth'n'quick. Always nice to have happen.
It was pretty smooth for me. There was only 15 more candidates I'd never heard of for spots I wasn't aware. Yay. Lots and lots of judges, and not with any clarity on who was for what.
Only had to go through 3 desks, and have them look confused about addresses. Someone from the street next to mine was having the exact same problem 20 seconds after me, so it took some challenge to keep a straight face as they gave them the same "are you sure you're at the right place" spiel. Apparently every desk had a different set of addresses, and nobody had clarity on where they were.
If you call that smooth I'd hate to see what complicated looks like.
Project manager scheduled a half-day meeting for today at the start of the week and wouldn't really talk about what the meeting was going to be about, only insisting that the people invited HAD to be there, that it WOULD be that long, and the title of the meeting said that it was to discuss future of the projects we were working on. We've been a bit worried about state of the projects, since we haven't heard about any future projects coming in and the price of gas has dropped, so we were either expecting at worst bad news saying we weren't getting anymore projects, or at best that even with all that we'd gotten some new projects. Couldn't be much else besides those two, right?
Well, come today, we get there...manager takes us all out for golf (driving range, technically), with food and drinks included for the whole afternoon as an appreciation for all the hard work we've been doing. And we got to go home early, thus beating traffic. Oh yeah, and a five minute 'lessons learned' lecture at the start to make it look like it was going to be doom and gloom. Dude has mischievous sense of humor clearly.
So we all still have to worry about whether we'll be getting more projects or not soon, but that was definitely a nice distraction, at least! Had fun, even though I did absolutely terrible at it and my arm hurts a bit from all the time I kept hitting the ground instead of the ball (Tiger Woods, I am not).
I appreciate the fact that writing is what I love to do and lately I've managed to do quite a lot of it.
I am quite pleased. Soon I will finish my book.
Quote from: Kaldrak on November 09, 2014, 03:08:57 AM
I appreciate the fact that writing is what I love to do and lately I've managed to do quite a lot of it.
I am quite pleased. Soon I will finish my book.
Very nice! Keep on going!
I apparently have survived another year in a few days. Good to do.
Quote from: Rukatin on November 10, 2014, 09:17:23 AMVery nice! Keep on going!
Thank you, I intend to. It's nice having people who are supportive of my endeavors, even if I don't know you personally.
Quote from: Dracos on November 10, 2014, 11:54:07 PMI apparently have survived another year in a few days. Good to do.
Congratulations Drac. ^_^
Quote from: Kaldrak on November 11, 2014, 01:38:11 AM
Thank you, I intend to. It's nice having people who are supportive of my endeavors, even if I don't know you personally.
If I may ask, what is it about?
Yeah, what is your book about, anyway?
Ah yes, the trap.
Here I will attempt to ramble on about my vanity project in a way that doesn't make it seem like a pile of rubbish. Being a somewhat talented writer, (at least so I keep telling myself) you would think that this would be easy to do.
Alas, it is not.
What is my book about?
The book contains a mixture of supernatural elements from Greek and Celtic mythology in a modern day setting, but I also included some science fiction, pretty much just because. I believe the only genre it fits one hundred percent into is called 'urban fantasy'.
That doesn't tell you that much, though.
So what is it about, really?
I could tell you that the three main characters are female. I could tell you that each of them goes on a supernatural journey and they all encounter strange and sometimes terrible things. I could tell you that the main characters of the first and second part of the book used to be best friends, but now no longer speak to one another. I could tell you that the main character of the third part is a rather young and naïve werewolf.
I could tell you that there is a prophecy that binds them all together. I could tell you of the monsters that some of them face. I could speak of the fact that some of the monsters wear human faces.
I could talk about nightmares and insanity and darkness and death. I could tell you of terrible obsession and black desire. I could mention forces of incredible power contesting amongst themselves behind the scenes.
I could say so much, but I'm not quite sure how. It all sounds terribly cliché, wouldn't you say?
Anyway, this is a bit of a derail and I apologize. I can discuss this further by PM or over in the writing section perhaps.
That sounds rather epic. Don't be too hard on yourself! I have the same problem explaining anime plots to people!
Sending out ALL the job applications.
Let there be CHEEEEEEESE.
My extra credit class Art Metals and Jewelry is fun!
Quote from: Rukatin on November 19, 2014, 09:16:25 AM
My extra credit class Art Metals and Jewelry is fun!
That sounds pretty fun, yeah. Good teacher?
Quote from: Anastasia on November 19, 2014, 01:05:40 PM
Quote from: Rukatin on November 19, 2014, 09:16:25 AM
My extra credit class Art Metals and Jewelry is fun!
That sounds pretty fun, yeah. Good teacher?
Yeah, he's pretty chill for a newly hired teacher. He's like "here's the themes for your art piece and what needs to be in it. Use whatever you can find in the room and ask if you need advice or you want to know how to do something. Go nuts."
Quote from: Rukatin on November 19, 2014, 03:15:11 PM
Quote from: Anastasia on November 19, 2014, 01:05:40 PM
Quote from: Rukatin on November 19, 2014, 09:16:25 AM
My extra credit class Art Metals and Jewelry is fun!
That sounds pretty fun, yeah. Good teacher?
Yeah, he's pretty chill for a newly hired teacher. He's like "here's the themes for your art piece and what needs to be in it. Use whatever you can find in the room and ask if you need advice or you want to know how to do something. Go nuts."
Awesome, enjoy it. Senior year's a special time, so get the last out of your final year of high school.
I know that sounds like something your yearbook would say, but it's true. It's your last bit of childhood schooling. You're really on the cusp of a big change, and while that change may be good, bad or neutral, it's still a big change.
Okay, today I got to see how much of a badass my art teacher is.
To explain, he encourages us to explore and experiment, and thus has two stations at the back of the room designed for heat treating. This includes things such as soldering, creating wax molds to put easy-melting metals into, and open fire tools.
Now the tool I was using at the time was basically a portable Bunsen burner with trigger-like handle with a built in striker. It was pretty cool, but there was only one. So upon finding that hand-made riveting is both difficult and time consuming, I decided to vent my frustrations by finding out how steel and brass looked glowing red.
Now, the propane-the Bunsen burner- The thing is was using was not the problem of this story. Rather, it was from the girls in the station next to mine. You see, the propane-handle striker-burning tool was actually relatively new, and thus handled like a dream.
The others, not so much. Last week, the second burning tool's tank ran out of gas. (I know because I was one of the last people to use it.) So today, when two girls requested other tank be brought out, Mr. Rumohr shrugged and obliged, attaching a nozzle he pulled out of a drawer that looked like an actual Bunsen burner to a new tank.
It was then while I was melting spare solder onto my experiment I noticed the girl in the station next to me was having trouble creating sparks with her flint and steel striker. I was about to suggest applying more force to create more friction when another student brought out a better striker and struck it.
And then everything was on fire.
Not really, just that there were two major problems. The girl had the gas on for all the time she was having trouble with the striker. So when there were actual sparks, it created a small fireball.
The second problem was the seal on the nozzle. When the small fireball went up with a fwoosh it didn't stop. Thus leaving a panicking girl with a thing that was literally leaking fire from the seams. So she drops the thing, crying out for help and leaving it to start to burn the wooden frame of the work benches.
This is when Mr. Rumohr comes striding over, picks up the canister with his bare hands, tries to turn the nozzle off (which is where all the fire is leaking from) and only looks mildly annoyed when his fingers start to get singed.
Meanwhile I'm just standing there dumbstruck. He looks over to me, still holding the portable fireball, sees the still active fire-tool in my hands, and calmly asks me to turn it off before walking into the hallway. You know, just in case the thing explodes in his hands.
I have several days off in a row. In December. Working retail. It won't be the most enjoyable days ever (family issue needs me here), but still. Yay.
Don't look at me, I feel like writing stubby sentences today.
Thus begins my countdown to adulthood.
Also, in Numenera, my new character is a giant crystal rock monster with lightning!
Quote from: Rukatin on December 01, 2014, 09:24:52 AM
Thus begins my countdown to adulthood.
Also, in Numenera, my new character is a giant crystal rock monster with lightning!
Awesome. So he's all glowy and zappy?
Quote from: Anastasia on December 01, 2014, 05:01:00 PM
Quote from: Rukatin on December 01, 2014, 09:24:52 AM
Thus begins my countdown to adulthood.
Also, in Numenera, my new character is a giant crystal rock monster with lightning!
Awesome. So he's all glowy and zappy?
Yes, I'm a giant quartz golom with four big pylons jutting out of my back. It's funny that even though I can't swim well, my character likes to.
I have accomplished one of my life goals as a socially awkward teenager.
I have made a real life friend.
Today is my 18th
Happy Birthday, man! I was about to make a topic about it, actually.
Happy birthday.
Indeed. Two hours late, but I got a birthday topic up.
I have landed without too much trouble, and enjoyed a good hangout with an old friend.
Thanks to people who reported the spam posts during the recent flood.
Have a happy holiday everybody!
Finally, a day off!
I was very satisfied watching an all time Christmas classic... Die Hard.
That is indeed a classic of the holiday.
In other news, I won 75 bucks from gift lottery tickets. Yay.
Anyone else here play Guns of Icarus Online? Because I just started.
w00t! Good news on my end for a change. :)
Quote from: Ranma_007 on January 03, 2015, 05:10:29 PM
w00t! Good news on my end for a change. :)
What sort of good news?
Quote from: Rukatin on December 28, 2014, 03:07:38 AM
Anyone else here play Guns of Icarus Online? Because I just started.
Drac, iddy and I all picked it up a while back, in theory to do multiplayer. Somehow we never got around to it.
Got to play with my aunt's cat. Today was a good day.
Cats are one of the little things that I think make life worth living. Dogs are good too, but I've never liked them quite as much as I love kitties.
Cats and dogs are both awesome as far as I'm concerned. I prefer dogs but both are neat.
Alternatively, I have a huge backlog of fanfiction to read!
"Lobsters are everywhere man. They're like the rats of the sea." - a classmate of mine
Anime Milwaukee! Woo!
Nice.
You know what's also nice? Pizza. A nice, local pizza place that makes awesome pizza and sells it cheap. Life is good.
I actually work at a local pizza place. The pizza isn't cheap unfortunately, but it is delicious. The best part of working there though is the ability to make what you want for a pizza. Currently, the pizza I make for myself is a butter and cinnamon sugar crust with pepperoni, buffalo chicken, and bacon with crushed red peppers in the red sauce.
The two other people who have tried my pizza have agreed that it is amazing.
That does sound good (besides the butter and cinnamon, I hate sweet+meat tastes together), and yeah, that is a lot of the appeal of working at a pizza place. My brother used to and he did things like that all the time.
For me, I like the sweet+spicy tastes, and what is on my pizza is basically all of the spicy stuff we have in the store. We used to have buffalo chips as well, but not anymore.
Quote from: Bezzerker on January 20, 2015, 11:38:26 AM
For me, I like the sweet+spicy tastes, and what is on my pizza is basically all of the spicy stuff we have in the store. We used to have buffalo chips as well, but not anymore.
That would've gone good on it, yeah.
Now I want some pizza. Hmmmm.
I've just returned from an eight-course meal at Makoto's.
Quote from: Jason_Miao on January 21, 2015, 11:39:25 PM
I've just returned from an eight-course meal at Makoto's.
Courses 2-7: Stolen by Usagi. >_>
Truly rabbits are terrifying meal predators.
Given that the last course is typically dessert, she should have taken the 8th as well. :)
I figure Rei would have stepped in by then.
I have a velociraptor next to my computer.
raise get
Good going, Carth.
Grats, Rat.
I have a job interview and I scored a 26 on my ACT!
Recently, I've gotten into play Guns of Icarus Online. It's a steampunk co-op online game where four people manage an airship during airship-to-airship combat. It's really fun and I was wondering if any of you guys would like to play with me.
I think I mentioned it before, but iddy, drac and I got the game at one point, so we'd all be able to. We did get it for the co-op after all. Just never really got the chance to set a session up after we picked it up.
I'd be happy to play, though it might be more of a weekend thing for me right now.
Quote from: Merc on February 05, 2015, 09:39:15 AM
I think I mentioned it before, but iddy, drac and I got the game at one point, so we'd all be able to. We did get it for the co-op after all. Just never really got the chance to set a session up after we picked it up.
I'd be happy to play, though it might be more of a weekend thing for me right now.
Oh cool. My handle is the same as the one I use here.
I didn't actually pick it up.
*gasps!*
This needs to be rectified immediately
Watching someone play Gradius V. I haven't laughed this hard all week.
Share Video!
Too Many Lasers!! (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJJPJWfBh0E)
Food trucks with Mexican Coca-Cola. Real sugar mmmmm
Achievement get! EMPLOYED.
Proof that the makers of Dragonball Xenoverse know their audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKWxRtn5-Yg#t=1067
Yes, that's Nappa from the abridged series available as a custom character voice.
I've spent the better part of a week thinking I had $1000 less than I do in my account. So, yeah, money.
Also finally got my w-2.
I think it's a good sign of a murder-mystery when you start to suspect [/i]everybody
Quote from: Rukatin on February 19, 2015, 09:20:15 AM
I think it's a good sign of a murder-mystery when you start to suspect [/i]everybody
What mystery is it?
Difficult decision jobwise. High bids. Good problem to have.
Agatha Christy's The Mousetrap
Za? Wrong thread? :)
In Florida. 77 degrees on beach. Back home it is 7. Life is good.
Good time to be traveling, 007 :)
When I hit the glare ice, I did not plow into the back of the police car, nor did the SUV behind me plow into me.
That is something to appreciate. And terrify.
I accepted a new job. I shall be making lots of money. I suppose I shall buy new things with it.
Hopefully, happiness is involved in that somewhere :P I've at least proven to my underconfident self, I can manage to get hired. :P
Congrats Drac.
I keep thinking that buying more things will make me happier, but I'm beginning to think I should just start exercising instead. They say that helps, right?
It does, a bit? Do both! Buy exercise equipment! Build a home gym!
I should too.
Sure, as long as you have the determination to use it instead of slacking off.
I have a sister, a fitbit, and an obsession to at the very least beat her in amount of steps taken each week.
It gets me on my treadmill, so hey, competition helps too!
Snow day, snow day, snow day!
Someone awesome is apparently soon to be en route.
They shall be wearing a hat.
Saying goodbye is pretty bittersweet.
Getting a flood of we'll miss you is nice.
Here's hoping :) Blah change.
Got through my convention speech. Flubbed the phrase "info gain ratio" a few times, but managed not to humiliate myself.
And apparently I managed to so not-humiliate myself that I tied for the first place award for project presentations.
With a three hundred dollar prize! So I can pay to fix my busted laptop (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,1228.msg1056205.html#msg1056205)!
Quote from: KLSymph on March 14, 2015, 04:36:45 PM
And apparently I managed to so not-humiliate myself that I tied for the first place award for project presentations.
With a three hundred dollar prize! So I can pay to fix my busted laptop (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,1228.msg1056205.html#msg1056205)!
Excellent!
Had a pretty good day today of doing nothing. Even cooked without smoking out the house. Also, I seem to be addicted to Kittens Game. So there is that.
new job today, hope it works well.
So far collecting all the pokemons. Mmm, 3 hours to work.
Quote from: Dracos on March 16, 2015, 12:45:15 PM
new job today, hope it works well.
So far collecting all the pokemons. Mmm, 3 hours to work.
Knock 'em for a loop with how awesome you are, Drac.
Went on a college tour for WCTC, and I'm thinking of going into an apprenticship to be a Millwright.
Quote from: Rukatin on March 26, 2015, 09:46:44 AM
Went on a college tour for WCTC, and I'm thinking of going into an apprenticship to be a Millwright.
Neat. Sounds like a solid sort of job with decent pay.
Good luck :)
I haven't applied yet, but that's looking like the most attractive option right now.
Anastasia 4 is in service with all files transferred. Yay!
It's nice having inspiration to work on projects, isn't it? Writer's block sucks.
Congrats on Anastasia 4 :)
Sleeping during a thunderstorm. and my family's dog is easily spooked, so he jumped into my bed and curled up next to me.
Dogs are awesome like that.
I put about $250-300 worth of board games into shopping cart due to the Tabletop Day sales...and then cleared cart, saving myself said $250-300.
...Admittedly, the only reason I managed to do that is because I might be getting laid off in the next few weeks, but resisted spendings is resisted spendings.
Go merc!
You really do have an entire room full of board games, huh?
No, just a closet.
Just a closet, eh? Really?
Quote from: Anastasia on April 13, 2015, 02:44:26 PM
Just a closet, eh? Really?
It's not even a full closet.
(http://i62.tinypic.com/r86ujk.png)
(http://i60.tinypic.com/25z0cqa.png)
(http://i61.tinypic.com/262ppb9.png)
I was about to say something about the size of your closet, but my family has about as many games as you do.
I have Monopoly and...uh, Clue and Trivial Pursuit, I think?
Yeah.
I didn't really appreciate how many board games exist.
New TV! Got rid of my 8 year old 46 inch Samsung and got a new 65 inch Samsung!
Got back behind the wheel after a long time.
Quote from: Ranma_007 on April 15, 2015, 10:41:13 PM
New TV! Got rid of my 8 year old 46 inch Samsung and got a new 65 inch Samsung!
Mm
I should kinda do that.
Computer first. Not like either of my tvs spend that much time on.
Played King of New York (standalone alternate of King of Tokyo) with mom. It was fun.
Had a quiet Sunday off. I had plans but they fell through, but ultimately I got to rest a lot. Just what I needed, since work has been crazy lately. It's lawn and garden season, so they're selling so many lawn mowers and over heavy things. I have to haul each one out of the warehouse and get them to the customer. Busy, busy, busy.
Newegg sent me a notice on the second monitor I left in my cart three weeks ago. 56% off coupon code later, I now own two monitors for the same computer for the first time in my entire life.
God bless dehumidifiers and god bless the fact that I found mine as soon as I started looking for it. I've emptied some 5-6 buckets of water from the one I own over the course of two days, but my house is down from 81% humidity (I was freaking -drowning- in how thick the air felt) down to 57%.
Nothing resets a bad morning like a nice lunch.
Well, it's almost 2am and that's kind of late, but I had my first mother's day as an actual mother!
So of course we spend the afternoon at a comic art festival. Yup, that's how we roll.
Hey, as long as you had fun.
Quote from: Music-chan on May 11, 2015, 02:54:58 AM
Well, it's almost 2am and that's kind of late, but I had my first mother's day as an actual mother!
So of course we spend the afternoon at a comic art festival. Yup, that's how we roll.
Sounds like a day well spent :)
Found a neat little fairy tale like turnbased combat game call Child of Light
Tis a very good game.
Everybody rhymes except the jester
Aw Yissss. Kara no Kyoukai (The Garden of Sinners) collector's edition arrived today.
Good stuff :)
I found the inspiration to work on a stalled project again. Yay.
Gotta appreciate the little things.
I just watched Kara no Kyoukai: Paradox Paradigm and suffice to to say: My mind is full of fuck. It was also one of the few thing in awhile that made me cry from a character death.
I remember that one, good movie.
Overslept and feel great. Nice when that happens instead of feeling groggy.
Monday I will have a day off to recover from work and family.
It will be glorious.
Got 16k as a bonus! Sad note, it vests 3 years from now, and if I leave, I don't get it...
Darn retention bonuses that make it tougher to leave...
Edit: that's right near Avengers 3 part 1... just gotta make it till then....
Huh. That's a good strategy. I've never gotten a vesting bonus. Always immediate. But then, also never gotten that big a bonus! :3
Geez, that's a ton of money for a bonus.
Fallout 4 officially announced today. I could not be happier.
I just need not to screw up and I finish Highschool today!
Quote from: Rukatin on June 04, 2015, 10:29:23 AM
I just need not to screw up and I finish Highschool today!
Time for Senior Skip Day? ^_~
Rukatin - congrats!!!!
I have a diplma. I completed the bare minimum requirement for our society!
'Grats!
Also, because I couldn't resist given the mispelled 'diplma' and because I've been in imgur this morning:
(http://i57.tinypic.com/vytz75.jpg)
Got a nice new grill on sale. Nothing like fresh grilling for Father's Day.
Quote from: Anastasia on June 14, 2015, 04:08:58 PM
Got a nice new grill on sale. Nothing like fresh grilling for Father's Day.
And not being the one moving it around in the warehouse too, right?
That too.
Just got back from watching Jurassic World.
There were a few things that bugged me about the film, but nothing that stopped it from being a good, fun watch.
I will note that the thing that bugged me most was lampshaded/foreshadowed in that movie, and probably one of the reasons I ignored it during the movie.
Felt like the movie was just telling us viewers "Yeah, we think it's stupid too. Just roll with it..."
What can I do but shrug and go, "Ok!" and stick more popcorn in my mouth?
At one point in the film, a character states that they hired the best and brightest structural engineers to build a particular containment area.
The other character quickly replies, "So did Hammond." (Hammond being the owner of the first movie)
You can guess what happened.
Has no one in that world ever heard of double containment? That seems like, 101 structural engineering.
They're finally remaking Final Fantasy 7.
Blackhawks win!
Quote from: Ranma_007 on June 16, 2015, 01:54:54 AM
Blackhawks win!
Third cup in six years, I think. Danged impressive.
I get a 4-day weekend!
New AC is getting installed today.
I also get the 4th off of work.
Hrm...I debated if this was a bad or good thing. Just spent about $350 on board games due to Cardhaus (http://www.cardhaus.com) having a 4th of july sale with everything 10% off, including pre-orders.
I'm gonna go with good thing, since it means I feel more stable about work if I can drop that kind of money on games. I spent less than $10 on steam summer sales anyway.
I could have also gone with it being a bad thing because I clearly have no control against my gaming addiction. Where did my control from April (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,2212.msg1056600.html#msg1056600) go?!? WHERE?!? *whimpers*
Rawr, Rawr, Game on :)
Surprisingly content with staring off into space today. No idea why.
It's 20 degrees cooler outside than it's supposed to be today.
I randomly read a article about the top 15 greatest animes, and saw that one of them was only 25 episodes. Sword Art Online. I figured, hey, why not.
One anime marathon later, I was hooked. I haven't gotten hooked on any anime in like 4 years (though admittedly, I do watch Fairy Tail and Naruto Shippuden every week). Man, it's real good. I recommend it!
Awesome. I've heard mixed things myself. Is it really that good?
I just watched the oddly spelled Terminator Genisys and it was surprisingly not terrible. It's ridiculous, full of silly plot twists and fan wish fulfillment, but overall pretty entertaining. The only other thing I can say is that there's good fan fiction and bad fan fiction and this movie falls into the former category.
Fun summer blockbuster. Glad my friend convinced me to see it with him.
Sounds like my feelings about Jurassic World. There are problems, but its entertainjng enough that I can ignore them and enjoy the movie.
Had a few good days at work. A little thing to be thankful for, but sometimes you need to appreciate the little things.
Quote from: Anastasia on July 14, 2015, 02:40:33 AM
Awesome. I've heard mixed things myself. Is it really that good?
Yes, yes it is! I just finished season 2... it was well worth the timesink. I enjoyed it.
At the beach over in South Padre Island. Much nicer beaches than Galveston.
So even the beaches have Wi Fi now, eh? Scary!
Sure, why not? Let's say they do.
Anyway, back home now, so as that old adage goes, "There's no place like home."
After all, the criminal always returns to the scene of the crime.
Traveling to Vegas on company dime this weekend.
Going to go hang out with Liddo-kun. And probably eat some stuff.
Sounds like a fine weekend indeed. There for a conference?
Just got back from a week-long visit with a good friend of mine. We hung out, watched movies, played games, saw the sights. A good time was had by all. It's nice to be back home though. My kitty missed me.
Oh and I discovered that Little Mac is one of the most OP of the new Smash characters. Super fast, hits really hard, has great range and is very easy to use.
Sounds like Mike Tyson finally rubbed off on him, eh?
We should play some, Kaldrak.
I am in relatively good health. Had a health screening at work today. BP is 128/76, weight is 175, but my fat % needs work. 17%, I'd like to drop about 5%.
Find out cholesterol and what-not in a couple weeks when the blood work gets back.
Pokemon Symphonic Evolutions was a fun concert.
I admittedly wasn't as familiar with some of the songs as I was with say, Video Games Live or Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses, as I haven't played all of the pokemon games, but it was an enjoyable experience nonetheless.
Also, the ending anime Gotta Catch 'Em All song with everyone singing along the lyrics was amusing too. I wanted to crack up because the girl next to me seemed so embarrassed and almost like she was trying to melt into her seat because her boyfriend was loudly and excitedly singing the lyrics along with the song when he remembered the lyrics and just loudly humming along when he didn't.
For anyone curious, apparently you can watch the whole concert on Youtube, from when it played in NY:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubV4ppUNXF8
Glanced at that video, was a bit sad that in the last song, Kiseki, we didn't have anyone singing the lyrics from the stage, so that's a bit disappointing to find out after the fact.
Neat share.
Akane007 is being induced tomorrow at 8am, and little Ranko007 will be coming soon thereafter.
Congrats, 007!
Grats, 007
Congratulations (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wDajqW561KM)!
Twins? Awesome. That'll keep you busy for the next two decades, easy.
Congrats 007!
A slurpee after a hard day of work is awesome. That's all.
Yay, new baby girl. Fortunately for me, she looks just like her mom. Also, lack of sleep is bad.
I doubt you'll sleep much in the next few years with twins, man.
The Sword I impulsively bought off amazon arrived today. apparently something went wrong when they were shipping it so the estimated delivery date was from August to September. I pleasantly surprised.
Quote from: Rukatin on August 05, 2015, 05:38:52 PM
The Sword I impulsively bought off amazon arrived today. apparently something went wrong when they were shipping it so the estimated delivery date was from August to September. I pleasantly surprised.
Neat. What sort of sword did you get?
Quote from: Anastasia on August 07, 2015, 11:37:12 PM
Quote from: Rukatin on August 05, 2015, 05:38:52 PM
The Sword I impulsively bought off amazon arrived today. apparently something went wrong when they were shipping it so the estimated delivery date was from August to September. I pleasantly surprised.
Neat. What sort of sword did you get?
A Jian. A Chinese straight-sword.
Cool. I've always wanted a sword, but practicality plus money has always shied me away from it. It's the sort of thing that sounds cool, but really, what I am going to do with a sword?
Swords?
Swords!
http://i.imgur.com/CqCydFP.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/CqCydFP.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/vly39Kd.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/vly39Kd.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/w2xe28b.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/w2xe28b.jpg)
I have a large collection of swords.
They sit in a bucket. You may have read of them in certain AU games.
They have almost never been even decoratively relevant since I got them over the years. Aside from wall hanging, swords are just a pointless (and difficult to store/transit) collectable.
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on August 12, 2015, 12:27:19 AM
Swords?
Swords!
http://i.imgur.com/CqCydFP.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/CqCydFP.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/vly39Kd.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/vly39Kd.jpg)
http://i.imgur.com/w2xe28b.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/w2xe28b.jpg)
I should've gone first. That's the topper post. :)
Yep, think Iddy just won that one.
Quote from: Dracos on August 12, 2015, 12:54:10 AM
I have a large collection of swords.
They sit in a bucket. You may have read of them in certain AU games.
They have almost never been even decoratively relevant since I got them over the years. Aside from wall hanging, swords are just a pointed (and difficult to store/transit) collectable.
I fixed that for you.
Things that please me today:
- Today is Friday.
- A Dead World (https://www.fanfiction.net/s/8601250/18/A-Dead-World) updated.
- I'm getting a $100 bottle of scotch for my birthday.
I got laid off.
Then I got rehired at the same place, for 2.8x the salary.
After eating two months of severance payments.
Yay!
But it could've worked out way worse than it did. And being too busy job-hunting to mod the AA during that time was partially to blame for Kestral leaving fanfiction writing, apparently.
Congrats.
Huh, Kestral left fanfic writing? He's been doing that for like...18 years now?
If AA made him quit, he was doing life wrong.
Unless he was an alcoholic, in which case AA making him quit was him doing life right. Sort of.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 11, 2015, 11:41:17 PM
Cool. I've always wanted a sword, but practicality plus money has always shied me away from it. It's the sort of thing that sounds cool, but really, what I am going to do with a sword?
Show it to your awesome friends? Use it in the upcoming zombie apocalypse?
Today was mostly restful. I even was moderately productive.
Quote from: Dracos on August 31, 2015, 03:58:56 AM
Today was mostly restful. I even was moderately productive.
So that's your one day of that for the year?
After finally landing a job, I was able to relax and get some substantial fiction writing done for the first time in months. Feels pretty great just to do something creative at last.
Quote from: KLSymph on September 01, 2015, 07:18:15 PM
After finally landing a job, I was able to relax and get some substantial fiction writing done for the first time in months. Feels pretty great just to do something creative at last.
Congrats. That sounds really great.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 31, 2015, 01:00:48 PM
Quote from: Dracos on August 31, 2015, 03:58:56 AM
Today was mostly restful. I even was moderately productive.
So that's your one day of that for the year?
bwaaarh!
It feels good to give money to a good cause. Helps me feel like I did something worthwhile.
VACATION. Also tomorrow is the Fallout 4 loot crate.
Go vacation!
I had a really good day off. I needed that, haven't had a really good one in awhile.
First paycheck of the new job, and no longer making peon research assistant money. Heck yes.
Raises. Man, those are nice things.
Oh man, RA money. That takes me back. I remember yearly paychecks smaller than my weekly ones are now. Good to get out of that!
Jim Butcher's new steampunk series came out with it's first book The Aeronaut's Windlass. Got it in the mail today and I'm devouring it greedily.
I'm having a shockingly good week. Nothing in particular is going well, I'm just feeling great about it all.
All group on yuth. He's tempted fate. Get 'im out of here before he gets knocked down. :P
Rude!
Hopefully interviewed minion one of many at the new place. Damned if I don't need extra hands.
Just got back from Hot Springs National Park. Fishing weekend is good weekend. Other than dropping the phone in the lake. >_> Here's hoping the rice trick works.
Just got back from watching the Boruto movie at the theater. Gotta admit, it was a fun outing. Got to the theater late, but the the movie froze a few minutes into the showing so everyone had to move to a different room and start from the beginning so I got to see everything I missed. The room was pretty full of the kind of fans that would pay $15 dollars to see a Naruto movie in theater, which just added to the experience. And the movie was good.
Quote[11:24] <Ragnar`> how do I convince Windows Update that I don't want Windows 10?
[11:25] <WorkSlacker> Given your luck with computers?
[11:25] <WorkSlacker> Try to install it.
I appreciate this.
I have badly drawn avatars, but at least I can change them on a whim :P
Draw On :)
The first time I translated an entire 160-page manga tankoubon in a single day, it took fifteen hours (with one hour of breaks) and left me severely woozy.
The second time I translated an entire 160-page manga tankoubon in a single day, it took ten hours (including a half-hour nap, an hour for meals, and two hours of watching Twitch streams of the Dark Souls 3 Network Test), and at the end of it I was like "Hmm, I have another two hours before bed. Should I translate some more?"
(I managed to stop myself.)
I finally have a working treadmill again. That was a fucking nightmare of a process to resolve (and it's technically only 'mostly' solved).
But it's WORKING. And that's what matters to me.
"Full background of treadmill problems": ShowHide I have a Nordictrack treadmill, which has a computerized control panel. It's basically an android tablet with the IFIT software, which I technically don't use since that has a subscription cost. I usually just run in manual mode or a few of the frew modules for variety. Bought it back in March 2014, been working fairly well.
Cut to Saturday evening on Sept 5th, there is an application update for the IFIT software, and I start updating.
Sunday morning: ...Huh, the update seems to have stalled? Weird, give it until the evening, don't want to accidentally break it or something.
Sunday evening: ...shit, it's still frozen. *cross fingers and tries to do a hard reboot* Okay, looks like it's loading fine, just fine, yup, just fiiiiiiiin...FUCK *watch as the screen starts looping between two loading screens*
*begin to try to do the basic troubleshooting in the manual, as well as just the generic 'leave treadmill off for 5-10 minutes then try again'* Oh, the screen is still looping. Fuck. Better call support.
Support is only Monday to Friday from 6am to 6pm. Well...okay, I'll call after work?
Monday evening: Hrm...making it home around 5:40pm, probably not gonna have any luck. I'll try tomorrow.
Tuesday through Thursday: ...Fuck work.
Friday afternoon: *wait 30 minutes on hold* Hi, my treadmill isn't working... *go into details and have to go through all of the troubleshooting again to the same results, because that's what they make you do of course. Fuck my life.*
Friday afternoon Part II: ...did the call just get cut off? *screams internally and dial again, waiting 40 minutes this time* Hi, my treadmill isn't working...I called earlier and my call got cut off, I was talking to [Generic Guy #1]... *go into details again, and AGAIN have to go through the SAME troubleshooting*
[Generic Girl #1] Hrm...well it's getting kind of late in the afternoon and the guys that work in the department that can help you *scream internally again* are gone for the day, but I think I know what the problem is, and I'll put in a message for them to call you on Monday to resolve this problem.
Me: *helplessly hostage and with little other recourse* ...thank you very much.
Monday afternoon: It is now September 14th. I have received no emails or phone calls. I leave work early and call in. *30 minutes later...* Hi, I called last week about a problem with my treadmill, I talked to [Generic Guy+Girl #1] and [Girl #1] said that [Generic Department of Runaround] would resolve my issu... *is transferred to said department and then asked to describe the problem for a third time and thus I scream internally yet again, on the plus side this time I just fake going through the motions of troubleshooting to hurry things along*
[Generic Girl #2] Ah, I see the problem. Okay, we will be mailing you an SD card that you can place inside the device and reset the firmware through. That should solve your issue and get it up and running.
Me: *finally thankful, finally getting somewhere, relieved* ...thank you. Really, thank you. *ominous feeling/instinct* ...but hey, just in case the SD card doesn't work, is there a number I can call about this issue?
[#2] Well, you could try the IFIT support number at [phone number]?
Wednesday, Sept 16th: Nothing much happened, just get a message saying the SD card has shipped.
Tuesday, Sept 22nd: SD card arrives
Quote from: Merc on September 22, 2015, 10:23:29 PMToday's been a day.
Car battery died at lunch, stuck out in the sun until I finally found a coworker with jumper cables willing to drive to where I went for lunch, jumpstarted it, got back to the office, jumpstarted it again, car died on the road, jumpstarted it a third time, made it to a car shop, replaced battery, got home, received SD card that supposedly will fix treadmill (did I mention my treadmill's program got fucked? I'm sure I didn't, but yeah, it's fucked, I had fun all of last week trying to get customer service for that), wrestled with screws trying to figure out how to get to the goddamn console slot where the SD card goes, finally figured it out, seem to have two screws extra, not giving a fuck about that because you know what just fuck it, and now just waiting for SD card to finish with installer crap and to see if treadmill works again.
Did I mention today's been a day? It's been a day.
Quote from: Merc on September 22, 2015, 11:15:05 PMIt did not.
Wednesday, Sept 23: Okay, fuck this thing. *calls in at work and say I'll be late, then call in this ifit support number, hopefully I don't wait long in the morning...I am thankfully correct and only wait 5 minutes on hold* Hi, I've been having trouble with my treadmill... *describe problem, describe SD card results, same repeated troubleshooting process...*
[Generic Girl #3] Hrm, well if the SD card has not worked, then I think we'll just have to order you a new console for the treadmill. Give me a few moments and I'll put in the order *puts me on hold for 15 minutes*
[Generic Girl #3] ...Hi, I'm sorry for the wait, I've talked with my supervisor and this is apparently an ongoing issue with your model of treadmill, and that particular software update. Our IT guys are working on fixing the problem, but if we send you a new console, you'll just have the same problem again.
*Merc OS had a fatal error, rebooting...rebooting...rebooting...*
[GG #3] I'm making a note to have you contacted as soon as the problem is resolved and we can send you a new console at that time.
Me: *twitching* ...thank you for your time.
[GG #3] I'm sorry I couldn't be more help, please call again in a week or two if we don't get back with you.
*I hang up*
Friday, October 2nd: It has been a week and a half since my last call, it's a nice friday morning, I don't have any hurry, it's time to deal with those menaces again. *Calls Ifit support, on hold for 5 minutes* Hi, I called a week ago regarding a problem with my treadmill, which was related to a firmware update, do you know the status of that?
[Generic Girl #4] One moment, let me pull up that info *I am surprised as she pulls up my info, but hey at least I don't have to repeat everything and the troubleshooting. For once* Okay, I'm going to put you on hold for a few minutes, and I'll let you know. *am put on hold for 10-15 minutes*
[GG#4] Unfortunately, the problem hasn't been resolved yet. What I can do for you is to put in a console order for you with the old firmware, and send that to you. However, you will have to avoid making any updates until we resolve the issue. You should be able to use the treadmill at the very least.
Me: *breathing slowly and deciding that's victory enough, even though I could have gone with this resolution much earlier, and had in fact suggested it to multiple of these people* ...thank you. Do you know when it will arrive?
[GG#4] ...Well, the console is in backorder right now, but as soon as we get some in stock we'll send it out! *gives order info as I once more scream internally*
October 13th: I get a message saying console has shipped.
Tuesday, October 20st: Package arrives after a sucky day of work. You know what? Fuck this, I don't want to deal with this tonight. *put package inside the house and I go to parents' place for the night and playing Neph's FFd6 game, not giving any thought to the stupid package*
Wednesday, October 21st: Huh, okay, this is a big console and I won't be able to do this alone. Mom, dad, sis, can any of you help me with this?
[Mom] Nope.
[Dad] Tomorrow?
[Sis] Tomorrow?
Me: ...fine. Thanks.
Today, October 22nd: *Sister helps me out, I cross fingers, SUCCESS!*
It's been a month and a half, but I have a working treadmill!
As a reminder, I don't -use- the Ifit module, but that's the thing that fucked up my whole machine. Remember, if you get a treadmill, don't deal with Ifit. Although at the very least, their customer support seems a bit better put together than Nordictrack's. Just a bit. Jesus fuck, all I wanted was to be able to run and get some exercise, was that too much to ask for?
Took the PE exam. Fucking nightmare that was, but it's over with for the time being.
I can't do anything more until I get the results and figure out if I need to take it again in April or if I'm done. At the very worst, I at least don't have to worry about it for a few months.
Congratulations! Have this catnip.
I'm back home. That's nice. Travel was long.
Welcome back, Drac. ^_^
Indeed, you made it. Congratulations!
Due to the shifting dynamics caused by the new ownership of where I work, i.e. schedule changes, I enjoyed a nice three days off.
Downside my hours got cut in half.
I have the next two days off (after today). Yay.
FALLOUT 4
I have more Power armor than I know what to do with.
I'm not satisfied until each of my settlers has their own suit.
I don't work an overnight shift for Thanksgiving-Black Friday this year. Yay! Last year I worked from 11 PM to 9 AM and let me tell you, that sucked big time.
Erin the Druid and Deidre the Priestess got smashed together at the Red Dragon Inn. Gambling, drinking, magic, cheating, and a glaring wench, all were to be seen at the night event.
Also, some mysterious magic tricks and disappearing cards!
Deidre did not palm the wench, no matter what those at the seen said.
Anyhow that was a fun first try of the tabletop simulator. It was a bit slow, but definitely functional for doing a good quality remote playthrough of Red Dragon Inn.
I survived another Black Friday. Yaaaay.
Yay! Hope you have a restful weekend!
Unfortunately, I work today.
A restful sunday then!
Being manager is good and exhausting. Too many discussions with legal/C-level/security lately though. @_@
Bought a new game called Transistor. Good music, beautiful art, and a unique combat system.
There be a review of it down below. It was an enjoyable game :)
Just got an email stating that I passed my PE exam. Super happy I don't have to study for a second exam!
Also moderately happy that I'm a PE now.
Is it wrong I'm happiest about -not- having to take the exam again?
No, not at all. :)
After a horrific crunchy many 12-14 hour day week...it ended with me receiving a ridiculous bonus check. Good from bad. Now just got to become more human again :)
The thermostat on my car is fixed, my copy of Fallout New Vegas is fully modded out with rims and all the plug ins I've ever wanted, and I'm not trapped in my head anymore.
Great progress.
I did not crash despite the blinding sunlight this morning.
Holiday season starts. That shall be nice. To celebrate, I will not kill you all :D
Especially not you retailers.
Only six more days until Christmas Eve. Almost there.
Eyes are pretty red, and I slept most of the day, but LASIK seems to have gone well. More sleep and eye drops to follow. Hopefully nothing complicates in the following weeks, but thats what the followup checkups are for.
So far vision seems way better than without glasses, a bit worse than with them. So about as expected.
Way to go Merc.
I've pondered that, but not been bold enough to really look into it myself. Heard several success stories though.
STAR WARS at 1:30 in the morning. Enough said.
Quote from: Merc on December 20, 2015, 09:13:46 PM
Eyes are pretty red, and I slept most of the day, but LASIK seems to have gone well. More sleep and eye drops to follow. Hopefully nothing complicates in the following weeks, but thats what the followup checkups are for.
So far vision seems way better than without glasses, a bit worse than with them. So about as expected.
Akane007 is getting that done next year in March. I keep reading about halos - let me know if you see any halos... (that's what worries me)
You do for the first week, but they're supposed to go away afterwards.
Older procedures were more likely to have them remain, nowadays as long as you're careful with the aftercare (medicated eye drops as recommended, regular artificial tears, and no rubbing of eyes), it shouldn't last past the week, I think.
I'll let you know how it goes for me, though I may not be the best reference as I already saw halos and starbusts to a small degree before the procedure, just right now they're worse. I've heard it can also vary with the prescription too. Mine was pretty bad at -7.5 each eye, and like I said, I already saw them to a small degree before.
I will warn: Keep in mind when she does it to have some Tylenol PM handy (or ask your lasik surgeon what is okay). Ideally she'll want to sleep for a good 4-6 hours after the procedure and I wasn't able to because my eyes felt so fucking terrible. I wasn't able to sleep until I asked my parents to go buy some Tylenol PM after convincing then that yes the doctor had told me it was okay. 30 min or so afterwards I was passed out.
Quote from: Ranma_007 on December 21, 2015, 05:53:20 PM
Quote from: Merc on December 20, 2015, 09:13:46 PM
Eyes are pretty red, and I slept most of the day, but LASIK seems to have gone well. More sleep and eye drops to follow. Hopefully nothing complicates in the following weeks, but thats what the followup checkups are for.
So far vision seems way better than without glasses, a bit worse than with them. So about as expected.
Akane007 is getting that done next year in March. I keep reading about halos - let me know if you see any halos... (that's what worries me)
I got halos from mine. It's not as inconvenient as it's made out to be. About the only time it really gives me any issues is when it's night and the pavement is wet. Not like the heavy rain, standing water wet, but the just enough to make the ground reflect light wet. Then it gets hard as shit to see anything on the ground.
Got mine back in like 2002 or 2003 I think, so it was the older stuff. Got it young, too, so my eyes changed and I still have to wear glasses. But my vision went from like 20/350 to 20/40 after about six years, so.. Still worth it.
Even the halos I see -right now-, I wouldn't particularly call inconvenient if that helps, 007.
Finished playing Bastion. It was good.
I went to the Zoo! :D
Nothing like planning a NYE celebration. I actually enjoy all the cooking it entails.
Well, apparently my credit card number was stolen. First time I've had that happen. :-/
Good news, whomever did it was greedy and triggered my text warnings for charges over $100 (They spent something like $350). Then they were extra greedy and spent another $370 almost minutes later, which was declined even as I was checking on the first charge.
No idea if whomever did it got caught trying to use it the second time or if they just went on to their next stolen card or what. Hopefully yes, but not something I'm privy to.
Either way, getting credited back money that was spent and they're going to send me a new card. Could have been a lot worse if they went for smaller charges and I didn't find out until the end of the month and then had to try and figure out with them which were the valid charges and which ones weren't.
Took a couple of days but I'm feeling much better now. I really wish I could figure out what triggers these vertigo attacks instead of just treating the symptoms. But at least it's over for now.
Diablo season 5 is starting tonight!
Diablo 3, season 5? *guesses*
Quote from: Ranma_007 on January 15, 2016, 04:30:04 PM
Diablo season 5 is starting tonight!
http://www.cad-comic.com/cad/20160115
Finally back to full time work after two months on a 21hr/week schedule. Will be nice to finally get paid a full paycheck again next week.
Mind you, totally going to miss having just three work days of 7 hrs, but getting paid fully is nice too.
Quote from: Merc on January 19, 2016, 10:20:37 PM
Finally back to full time work after two months on a 21hr/week schedule. Will be nice to finally get paid a full paycheck again next week.
Mind you, totally going to miss having just three work days of 7 hrs, but getting paid fully is nice too.
I have found this to be true as well. People say this is a sign of maturity.
It is not. It is a sign that full pocketbooks allow for comfortable living.
Quote from: Dracos on January 23, 2016, 04:04:22 AM
It is not. It is a sign that full pocketbooks allow for comfortable living.
^
For all that money's nice, I'd rather have the bare minimum and freedom to do what I wish. Never understood people who thought that working hard means you're mature.
Quote from: Anastasia on January 23, 2016, 12:52:55 PM
For all that money's nice, I'd rather have the bare minimum and freedom to do what I wish. Never understood people who thought that working hard means you're mature.
All of those studies say that once you make $75k+ a year, you don't necessarily become more happy because you make more. It really is ironic. I remember back when I doubled my salary - I was like, man, life is good. I was talking to my brother, who also recently doubled his salary. We were talking about happiness and whether or not we were more happy - the answer was no, sorta once we got to that point, I didn't feel any happier than before. But then last night I was talking to a guy who was like, man, once you make that first 350k, life is good. I was kinda struck by how similar that comment was to my own back in the day. Makes me wonder about greed and when is enough, enough.
I'd kinda want both - enough money to do what I want, and freedom to do what I want as well. Guess the question is does money give you freedom.
Also does anybody else remember the old Duck Tales cartoon... I remember something back when I was a little kid, I think it was one of the "lucky dime" episodes, maybe back when he first got it. He mentioned that you should work smarter, not harder. That made a impression on me, even when I was a little kid.
Eh, There's a Lot of Cavaets there.
75k for an individual living in illinois is very different from 75k for Cape of Good Hope Africa is very different then Downtown Manhattan. Do all of those just naturally share the same balance point when cost of food, transport, and living space may be double or triple in difference between them?
Are you a bachelor? One of two incomes? Supporting a family of 4-6 on your own? Living with friends/family that help subsidize or split things? The idea that all of these have the same 'happy' point is kind of absurd on its face. I have about the same salary as a coworker right near me, but he has 4 kids and a wife to support on it so finds it a challenging in a way I who don't have that burden (and pleasure) don't. Doubling my salary again would hardly mean much personal pleasure (more generousity maybe) but he would see a significant ease of life difference with it.
There's totally an 'enough' point where afterwards additional income of modest changes does not particularly adjust lifestyle (or you've reached a pleasant local maximum in which you could argue the social adjustment of going to the next one alone is unpleasant enough to merit this being The Happy Point), but saying that everyone has the same one or that it's just greed isn't really fair.
Being paid more for some roles often can translate into working less and having more freedom. Taking Merc's example: If he had his current salary for 3 days a week work, he'd probably not be strongly interested in the 5 days a work option (Or maybe he would, being some of the many that derive pleasure from their work focused accomplishments).
Living in less sometimes can be a thing too. There are folks in SF who live in 20 person communes, sharing life spaces for very minimal rents. Their monthly needs to keep them good are less. I'm pretty sure I'd end up on the news as crazed maniac if I tried to pull that off, being someone that burns out after enough social hours and having gotten raised the vast majority of my life having my own private area.
You'd be at least closer saying "Once you hit 10 percent of your income as freely available luxury, more doesn't make much difference", but then is a nice living space luxury?
Freedom is very nice, but how many of us really have (regardless of income) the ability to just take off a few days anytime at random? I 'kinda' do, but I also work in a pretty high intensity field at the same time. Truthfully, are there really that many low salary jobs that also offer lots of flexible vacation (Outside of I guess, quitting and being able to easily get rehired)? I haven't seen that to be much of a thing.
(The yammering Dracos appears)
Yeah. Honestly, all I want to do is gather up my friends and play a few rounds of Secret Hitler and have some Chicago pizza and 312 beer. That's happiness there (darn if Secret Hitler doesn't ship until April though... and Yuth/KL, can I get a what what for Chicago's awesome pizza and excellent beer?). Family. Friends. Good social networks (I mean this not in the sense of Facebook). Making a zillion dollars doesn't mean much if you don't have that.
I definitely don't have the ability to take off a few days at random... we just planned the entire years' worth of vacations/trips/surgeries, because if it's not booked now, it's not happening this year.
With all the snow though, I would be happy retiring in Florida. I could get used to no snow in the wintertime...
And sleep. What I wouldn't give for several nights of uninterrupted sleep, the kind that refreshes you and you feel a zillion times better when you wake up. I miss that sleep.
Retiring to florida is a trap. a TRAAAAAP.
*waves from sunny cali of 'snow, what snow' and knows there is a lot of other options outside the hurricane capital*
Cali > Florida. Add more > as needed. Sure, it'll fall off into the ocean one day, but still not as annoying as getting hurricanes to the face on a yearly basis(disclaimer: I hate rain).
And while Cali has it's problems, we do have 100% less Florida Man!
I'm not convinced California exists. It seems to be some mysterious and terrifying land where Democrats come from. I for one consider it a myth akin to the Lost Cities of Gold or Atlantis.
Quote from: Anastasia on January 27, 2016, 10:33:01 PM
I'm not convinced California exists. It seems to be some mysterious and terrifying land where Democrats come from. I for one consider it a myth akin to the Lost Cities of Gold or Atlantis.
Where does Wisconsin rate on your scale then?
Canada with more cheese.
They do have the Dells in Wisconsin, I hear. Haven't been, but that's what a lot of people talk about.
Quote from: Anastasia on January 28, 2016, 01:30:49 PM
Canada with more cheese.
Sounds about right. Though we aren't as polite and our weather changes constantly.
Quote from: Gatewalker on January 27, 2016, 06:52:23 PM
Cali > Florida. Add more > as needed. Sure, it'll fall off into the ocean one day, but still not as annoying as getting hurricanes to the face on a yearly basis(disclaimer: I hate rain).
And while Cali has it's problems, we do have 100% less Florida Man!
But... the taxes... and the water shortage...
Quote from: Ranma_007 on January 29, 2016, 11:56:18 AM
Quote from: Gatewalker on January 27, 2016, 06:52:23 PM
Cali > Florida. Add more > as needed. Sure, it'll fall off into the ocean one day, but still not as annoying as getting hurricanes to the face on a yearly basis(disclaimer: I hate rain).
And while Cali has it's problems, we do have 100% less Florida Man!
But... the taxes... and the water shortage...
Blame agriculture. That's where most of the water usage is anyway, but since it makes big bucks it'll never be cut and the citizens will just have to do without watering their lawns or getting water at a restaurant, which accounts for a tiny, piddling percentage of it, but who really cares about what actually causes a problem? Nope, it's those dastardly normal people using too much. Couldn't be almonds or anything....
I've had an order for board games sitting since July 3rd last year. Unfortunately, one of the items was a pre-order item, but fine, I was expecting it in August. Except then it was October. Then it was November. Then it was December. Finally it was January. I think I would have murdered someone if it got pushed back -again-.
Thankfully, it finally came in.
I don't know how much of it is frustration with the delay, but I've felt sorely unhappy with the preorder item.
The rest of the order has been fun at least.
Was it a kickstarter type thing?
No. Game in question was the Race for the Galaxy expansion "Xeno Invasion". It was originally meant to come out during that August period, which I was fine with, and I tossed it into an order not thinking much about it.
Unfortunately, some problem or another rose, I hear that the card back was off-color so you could tell when the cards came up compared to the base set/other expansions, and that apparently caused a half a year of delay somehow.
The worst part is that there was no communication of any sort besides the release date just continually getting pushed further, no explanations, and the Rio Grande website page for it?
http://riograndegames.com/Game/1290-RFTG-Xeno-Invasion
Look at the Errata: "This game is perfect"
-_-;;;
Scummy company.
I had twelve bucks on my psn wallet, and Tales of Xillia 2 was on sale for 7.49. Thanks, past me.
Quote from: Olvelsper on February 02, 2016, 10:28:45 PM
I had twelve bucks on my psn wallet, and Tales of Xillia 2 was on sale for 7.49. Thanks, past me.
How is it? Tales sequels tend to be hit and miss from my experience.
I skipped Xillia 1, because everyone says that you'll get burned out since 2 uses a lot of the assets from 1. But Xillia 2 has a strong plot involving the new cast that was added on. Gameplay wise it gates the plot behind reaching certain stages of paying off a debt. The gameplay is super great, though, the main character has access to a ton of artes.
Took a five day cruise to Cozumel and Pregresso. Left out of New Orleans. Got back and realized it was Mardi Gras, the car was already parked downtown, and a parade was only an hour later and in walking distance!
Tomorrow? Super Bowl party/niece's b-day party!
Have fun :)
Turks and Caicos. :)
Signed up for Weight Watchers.
Got some anime watched, enjoyed Death Parade and Kekkai Sensen.
New employee is working decently at least.
I have the next several days off, and i'm going to spend it screwing with my sleep schedule.
Quote[20:10] <LobsterSquid> roll 1d20+21
[20:10] <Kobot> LobsterSquid rolled 1d20+21 --> [ 1d20=4 ]{25}
[20:10] <LobsterSquid> sigh
[20:10] <LobsterSquid> this is a colossal waste
[20:12] <Merc> You need to master the bot. Instead of rolling d20+21, roll 42-d20
[20:12] <Merc> roll 42-d20
[20:12] <Kobot> Merc rolled 42-d20 --> [ 1d20=19 ]{23}
[20:12] <Merc> clever bot.
[20:12] <LobsterSquid> u got trolld
[20:13] <Merc> indeed
If you ever doubt that dicebots are trolls? That. Just that.
Who gives a shit about the debates! Let's talk about Deadpool!
If you like Deadpool: Go see Deadpool.
If you don't know who Deadpool is: Go see Deadpool.
If you don't like Deadpool: What is wrong with you? Unfuck yourself and go see Deadpool!
Deadpool was excellent, from the opening credits to the last bit after the end credits. Every part of the movie was great. It had everything. Action, adventure, comedy, horror, gore, and possibly the greatest love story ever captured on film.
A+ movie, parents can def leave their kids at home for this one, it's very much earned its R rating. Wow, did it earn it. I mean WOW. Seriously don't take your kids to this movie. You will regret it forever. You should go see it though. It was really great.
You know you can also just make a topic going "Deadpool Rocked, everyone go see it~!" :D
I could! I MIGHT.
I'll stop you~ No advertising deadpool or these goldfish will get overfed!
Lost 3 lbs in a week!
I'm hitting the gym. First day was today, 3 miles in 22 minutes. Want to get the full thirty minutes by next Wed.
Changed my avi. How do I look?
Scruffy :) Get a hair cut.
</shakes cane>
Today, after many years of trying and giving up for each programming language I've learned, I've successfully added asynchronous input/output in a nontrivial, practical application, with neither spinlocking nor garbling the data on write.
Curse you, asynchronous IO. Why does coding a model as simple as...
1. Take a queue of requests
2. Push them one by one to six available resources
3. Pull their responses as they come, and then push the next request, to maximize the number of resources used without flooding any of them, and lastly
4. Arrange all the responses back in order
...have to be so labyrinthine? The async module implementing that workflow description is like 160 lines.
But hey, I cut total process time from 60sec to 12sec. So I'm happy.
Sounds neat. How hard is that to do, anyway?
Got some work boardgames going (SotM) yesterday. Nice.
Quote from: Anastasia on February 25, 2016, 01:23:08 PM
Sounds neat. How hard is that to do, anyway?
Like many things, it's easy when you're used to it. Until you get past the initial understanding barrier, though, asynchronous programming looks simple but acts very unintuitively in subtle ways. If you're used to sequential execution of computer statements, async forces you out of many deeply-held assumptions.
And now I have successfully implemented a progress bar to read and display the current proportion of async jobs done. Another dream achieved.
Of course, the bar doesn't match with the progress consistently, because I hate you async IO.
Packed and ready for Anime Milwaukee!
Awesome, have fun and get some nice stuff while you're there.
When you stay up till midnight with friends learning about astroids, particle physics, and antimatter.
Just completed the Diablo 3 season journey. On Hardcore (meaning if you die, that's it). Highlights include beating a level 70 grift solo (where 60 was the highest I've ever done before solo) and beating the game in under 1 hour with 4 players.
I'm alive, that's always good.
AND little Ranko said her first words... "Da-da". I've got it on video too, woo hoo!
Could this day get any better? I'm going out bowling with the guys tonight... let's see how I do!
Aww :)
Good luck.
'grats, Ranma.
Congratulations, Ranma!
It was a good convention!
Good to hear.
Relaxing weekend on my part.
Gotta promotion. Gotta raise. 3 raises in 13 months. Got more employees. This is pretty awesome. I should've sold to the money long ago :)
Nice, Dracos! Congrats!
I'd say congrats, but I've seen you posting in the bitching thread every time after you get promoted. ;p
Quote from: Merc on March 26, 2016, 02:18:44 PM
I'd say congrats, but I've seen you posting in the bitching thread every time after you get promoted. ;p
Give it time.
What's life without some hearty bitchin' :)
I'd be yellin' at people anyway, now I'm just both outranking them and making more for it.
Anyhow, happy Connor MacLeod day. May the truth be with you. Also relaxing on a vacation. Nice to do. Gaming some Hyper Light Drifter. Pretty intense.
Played my first game of Go. I lost handily.
Congrats, Dracos!
Rukatin - If you have time, watch Hikaru no Go - it definitely got me interested in Go.
Well, today may suck...and yesterday may have been troublesome too.
BUT...
I got to see something. Something that happens rarely, like a butterfly landing on your finger.
See, was driving to work yesterday. Usual traffic and whatnot. And there's this kinda slow moving guy in the left lane. Being hasty, I move right.
He moves right.
I move right.
He moves right.
I give up. Whatever, only a few blocks, I'll stay where I am.
He moves left.
Left again.
Right.
Left.
So yeah, about that time he's still only about a car length in front of me. I'm simply happy not to be near the guy. Then...a cop pulls him over. How often do you see that? Obviously traffic disrupting behavior and a cop is actually there to haul the guy over and ticket them?
Quote from: Dracos on April 06, 2016, 06:22:49 PM
So yeah, about that time he's still only about a car length in front of me. I'm simply happy not to be near the guy. Then...a cop pulls him over. How often do you see that? Obviously traffic disrupting behavior and a cop is actually there to haul the guy over and ticket them?
These are the best moments.
Landed in D.C. with no problems.
36 f'n degrees.
Glad your flight was untroubled.
I have coded a working Japanese to English dictionary.
That is a thing which has happened.
Huh, wow.
And I only screamed "Can this be any more obnoxiously complicated!?" a handful of times.
Quote from: KLSymph on April 13, 2016, 01:34:13 AM
I have coded a working Japanese to English dictionary.
That is a thing which has happened.
Is this a thing for a client or just because you could?
It's for personal use, although once I'm fairly happy with it I'll offer it to Baka-Tsuki and see if other translators are interested. Or throw it on Heroku or something.
And here it is. (https://kltranslate.herokuapp.com/)
Heroku adds an entirely new layer of complication, because the platform has a hardwired 30-second limit on AJAX queries. This wouldn't be so bad, since your average manga chapter isn't too text-heavy, except that Heroku runs my processing about five times slower than on my local machine, which means I'll have to redo my asynchronous IO to not timeout on any job longer than two novel pages.
Fun fact: It is now four thirty in the morning as I'm posting this because moving my dictionary database onto Heroku took two and a half hours alone. Mostly because there were a bunch of recommended methods and none of them worked.
"...Can this be any more obnoxiously complicated!?"
"So, if Heroku takes about five times as long to run a job as localhost, and Heroku enforces a 30-second limit, I guess I should aim for a local job length of five or six seconds."
Quote from: Job Timer8 seconds (for manga chapter)
"Well, I'm sure I can bring that down with some work."
*spends five days redesigning system, pushing more processing to client-side and swapping Postgres for an in-memory NoSQL database*Quote from: Job Timer19 seconds
"Ha ha ha, no that can't be right. There's a limit to how bad I am at this."
*spends another two days reading up on database denormalization and doing indexing*"If all this this doesn't speed the app up I will lose my mind."
Quote from: Job Timer2 seconds
"Oh... okay, good. Good. How about something heavier?"
*feeds in a light novel chapter*Quote from: Job Timer8 seconds
"Excellent. My effort has been vindicated."
...
...
...
*feeds in the entire 300-page light novel*Quote from: Chrome DevToolsFailed to load resource: net::ERR_INSUFFICIENT_RESOURCES
Aww.
Actually, I did manage to get one successful run of the whole novel, and it only took thirty seconds. But at that point the webpage was so heavy with styled text that Chrome couldn't repaint fast enough to scroll up and down without seconds-long pauses. I guess I have more redesigning to do.
Fair warning! The following spoiler message is entirely about the new expansion so far for Hearthstone.
You may not give a fuck about it. ^_^
Got Ragnaros the Lightlord on my eight card pack of the new expansion. Such a fun legendary, even if it drove some 'lore' fans nuts. Actually that might make it better. ^_^
I don't know if he's unable to heal himself or just bad luck though. Keeps healing my hero and once healed another minion, but never himself. And he's gone off at least seven times when it's just him and me that are damaged so it feels unlikely that he missed himself every time. Could still be bad luck.
Given he exclaims "LIVE, INSECT!" whenever he heals, he may not want to target himself due to that. ^_^
Also, fought a C'thun deck. And goddamn, I mean a freaking C'thun deck.
Wanted to punch the other player so bad because he was playing pretty much every single c'thun support card and got it up to 34/34 and gave it taunt. Did he craft the cards or did he actually have enough gold for that?
If that thing came out, I was dead. I think I need to craft a silence minion or keeper of uldaman to deal with c'thun in the future.
Thankfully, managed to beat him before his C'thun came out. That was so satisfying since he'd gotten me down to 2 HP and Ragnaros healed me all the way back to 30 the turn before he conceded since he had no cards in hand, I had lethal, and the only thing that would save him was either some board clear or C'thun (who'd probably be a board clear). That win completed the quest that gave me 5 new card packs too, so extra satisfying. ^_^
On the blah side? From 22 card packs, I've gotten 7 tentacles of N'zoth and 3 squirming tentacles. Also a Forbidden Ritual. As expected of the tentacle expansion.
Four days off in a row is great. As to why I'm not worried about being paid less, Last week had me working non stop. So it evens out.
After a week with no car and staying at my parents' place, finally back home with car. Was about $700 to fix, but after the short drive at least, it feels like it runs better than it used to.
I was always complaining about a screeching noise when I lightly press the breaks, and the other places I used for regular maintenance always said that was normal or that they didn't notice anything. I didn't hear that at all driving home. Mind you, that's only been a few minutes of driving, but so far everything feels good.
Still probably time to change cars though, but I'm happy that there's at least nothing noticeably off about it.
A monkey is no longer on my back. Yaaaay.
Catching up with rez next week. Should be neat :)
Seems we've all been quiet on the grateful front. Mmm that happens sometimes.
I am genuinely grateful for my ability to put words on a page and get my crazy thoughts out of my head in a fashion that isn't horribly embarrassing (most of the time).
Does that count? :P
Yes. :3
The New Doom. DOOOOOOOOOOOOOM.
Headed off to New York tonight for a nice little vacation + wedding, should be fun!
Quote from: Merc on April 26, 2016, 11:22:07 PM
Got Ragnaros the Lightlord on my eight card pack of the new expansion. Such a fun legendary, even if it drove some 'lore' fans nuts. Actually that might make it better. ^_^
I don't know if he's unable to heal himself or just bad luck though. Keeps healing my hero and once healed another minion, but never himself. And he's gone off at least seven times when it's just him and me that are damaged so it feels unlikely that he missed himself every time. Could still be bad luck.
Given he exclaims "LIVE, INSECT!" whenever he heals, he may not want to target himself due to that. ^_^
Also, fought a C'thun deck. And goddamn, I mean a freaking C'thun deck.
Wanted to punch the other player so bad because he was playing pretty much every single c'thun support card and got it up to 34/34 and gave it taunt. Did he craft the cards or did he actually have enough gold for that?
If that thing came out, I was dead. I think I need to craft a silence minion or keeper of uldaman to deal with c'thun in the future.
Thankfully, managed to beat him before his C'thun came out. That was so satisfying since he'd gotten me down to 2 HP and Ragnaros healed me all the way back to 30 the turn before he conceded since he had no cards in hand, I had lethal, and the only thing that would save him was either some board clear or C'thun (who'd probably be a board clear). That win completed the quest that gave me 5 new card packs too, so extra satisfying. ^_^
On the blah side? From 22 card packs, I've gotten 7 tentacles of N'zoth and 3 squirming tentacles. Also a Forbidden Ritual. As expected of the tentacle expansion.
I'm very impressed with the new expansion. Hunter is fun again, and midrange Paladin is great. If you're focusing on Paladin, you may want to consider swapping in some control. Nothing breaks hearts faster than Equality + Consecration.
Got my blood tested last week and apparently my lead levels are normal. That's a load off my mind, assuming I can trust the lab results, anyway.
Quote from: Kaldrak on June 03, 2016, 09:43:18 PM
Got my blood tested last week and apparently my lead levels are normal. That's a load off my mind, assuming I can trust the lab results, anyway.
Awesome, glad to hear it. Could always shell for another lab to do it if you want to be dead certain.
I translated two volumes of manga in five days, huzzah.
The cost of my contacts are going to be much less than anticipated. Yay, since contacts are medically required for me.
Happy father's day everyone. Be sure to give your dads a hug.
Today is the summer solstice. Today at least one news source outside of Arizona reported that rare temperatures in the 110+ (43.3C) range up to 120F (48.8C) are likely to occur over the course of this week.
Meanwhile, those of us who actually live here are laughing and happy it's not 130F (54.4C), but we all agree that it's only a matter of time. The rest of the nation seems to do this every year, and it's always great.
I had many learning experiences this year, and some of them were actually pleasant.
Went to the Distant Worlds (Final Fantasy) symphony concert yesterday. Very nice, and the choir group for the Houston Symphony was pretty great. Always glad to see video game themed concerts here in Houston.
Also, downtown Houston is amazing/absurd for Pokemon Go. Just driving to the symphony and leaving (I was in the passenger seat, not driving and playing!), I went from having around 50 pokeballs to 200, my backpack maxed out and I had to dump shit out, I saw pokemon everywhere, including new types that I never seem where I live (I 'only' caught 9 new types). It felt like there was an average of 2-3 pokestops per block, and one of those was often lured. Also I went up two trainer levels.
It's absurd how much easier Pokemon Go is for downtown city players compared to those in rural areas.
Just watched Star Trek Beyond.
I have to say, I was really impressed with this movie. Though I liked the previous two in the reboot series, (the first much more than the second) they lacked some indiscernible quality that made them feel like real Star Trek movies. Instead, my friend and I have somewhat affectionately dubbed the reboot series as "Star Trek TURBO!"
A Star Trek Turbo entry is simply not complete without the following elements:
Boom! Kapow! EXPLOSIONAROMA LENS FLAAAAAAARRRREEEE! Captain reckless to the maximus, James T Kirk presiding as he leads more and more and more of his nameless, faceless crew to their inevitable deaths. WOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Thankfully, not too much of that this time around, though there was still quite a lot of action, with much of it being pretty over the top. The pacing is better, the characters feel much more like the originals than in the previous installments, and the movie actually gives you time to breathe in between the action sequences, allowing for niggling little things like character development to happen, rather than almost nonstop ADHD actionorama. They also very wisely brought back several musical themes from the original series and started things off with an actual captain's log entry. I have to admit that I was grinning a lot during the beginning of the movie and I have to hand it to Simon Pegg for writing a good script.
Very enjoyable movie. Felt much more Star Trek than the previous two, despite the lack of Leonard Nimoy.
Frizbee of ultimate is reasonably okay exercise. And somewhat fun. Wussy body even agrees.
Been going through the other pages on this site than I usually go to. Remember that Numenera campaign I tried to start? Good times...
Of course, That was during summer school when I was just looking for a way to procrastinate.
Procrastinate harder. Yeah. It's been a lot of games over the years, with many of them being like that, short/almost dead starts, balanced by really long running ones.
Bug someone to join a game? >_>
Pretty much. The ones that run short are common, but the ones that don't tend to be long runners. It's sort of like a new TV show - it either implodes before start, goes a bit and fizzles or becomes a long runner.
Balmuria's six years old this year! It's on its fifth season. Or incarnation. Or spin-off. Depends on who you ask.
It's on Season 3 of the 3rd series. Or season 6, if you don't consider the 3rd series spin-off to be a separate entity.
Balmuria TOS ran for 3 seasons.
Balmuria 2: Urban Adventures ran for just 1 season. Negative ratings and a cast change midway through killed it, as the director tried to change genres.
Balmuria 3: Planar Suikoden is ongoing, after some speed bumps, and is on its third season. The first two seasons did alright, but a casting dispute with one of the actors seeking to escape getting typecasted into their most famous role killed it. However, it did well enough to create a spin-off series that went on to last three seasons before returning actors and fan outcry resulted in the original series returning, and getting two new cast members to join in!
(Also, I guess that makes Iddy the Cordelia to Yuth's Angel)
Balmuria 4 and 5 were both experiments and both didn't make it past 1 season.
So I guess you could say there have been 5 series, with a combined 10 seasons.
What is Balmuria anyway?
Quote from: Rukatin on August 12, 2016, 12:03:56 AM
What is Balmuria anyway?
Common world/universe/setting for a series of D&D games that Anastasia (Dune) has been running for a couple of years.
Quote from: Merc on August 12, 2016, 12:19:19 AM
Quote from: Rukatin on August 12, 2016, 12:03:56 AM
What is Balmuria anyway?
Common world/universe/setting for a series of D&D games that Anastasia (Dune) has been running for a couple of years.
Okay, what's it about? What did you mean by 'cast changes'?
Quote from: Merc on August 11, 2016, 10:38:05 PM
It's on Season 3 of the 3rd series. Or season 6, if you don't consider the 3rd series spin-off to be a separate entity.
Balmuria TOS ran for 3 seasons.
Balmuria 2: Urban Adventures ran for just 1 season. Negative ratings and a cast change midway through killed it, as the director tried to change genres.
Balmuria 3: Planar Suikoden is ongoing, after some speed bumps, and is on its third season. The first two seasons did alright, but a casting dispute with one of the actors seeking to escape getting typecasted into their most famous role killed it. However, it did well enough to create a spin-off series that went on to last three seasons before returning actors and fan outcry resulted in the original series returning, and getting two new cast members to join in!
(Also, I guess that makes Iddy the Cordelia to Yuth's Angel)
Balmuria 4 and 5 were both experiments and both didn't make it past 1 season.
So I guess you could say there have been 5 series, with a combined 10 seasons.
Ahahahahhahaha.
By the way, B4 will be reused at some point. I'll have a hankering to run a grinding death dungeon sooner or later. B5's still going with weekly sessions.
Quote from: Rukatin on August 12, 2016, 12:35:26 AM
Quote from: Merc on August 12, 2016, 12:19:19 AM
Quote from: Rukatin on August 12, 2016, 12:03:56 AM
What is Balmuria anyway?
Common world/universe/setting for a series of D&D games that Anastasia (Dune) has been running for a couple of years.
Okay, what's it about? What did you mean by 'cast changes'?
Players leaving and joining. He's being awfully glib about it.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 12, 2016, 02:32:17 AM
Players leaving and joining. He's being awfully glib about it.
'Awfully'? Nooooo waaaaaay... >_>
What the hell is a Cordelia?
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on August 13, 2016, 09:29:01 PM
What the hell is a Cordelia?
Reference to the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series and the spin-off series Angel. Cordelia was one of the side characters in Buffy, became a main character in Angel, got corrupted by evil while Angel got tossed into a coffin.
Lief was a side character in the main game that became a main character when you joined the CODA and then became an evil possessed zombie while Muirfinn got turned into a lawn ornament.
I have completed the aincent Wisconsinite traditionof going up north for the weekend.
Sooooooooo I contributed to the The Others Kickstarter (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/coolminiornot/the-others-7-sins/description) at some point last year. I gave them $5 because I liked the miniatures, and that was the end of it. Or so I thought.
Flash forward to today, when a package arrived from Cool Mini or Not with $305 worth of boardgame and miniatures. Wow. Guess my $5 really can go far.
For a photo, see here: http://i.imgur.com/1vFXLmV.jpg (http://i.imgur.com/1vFXLmV.jpg)
Wow, neat. Grats, man.
Going on two weeks vacation.
Alaska. And parts of Canada.
Quote from: KLSymph on August 28, 2016, 01:34:13 PM
Alaska. And parts of Canada.
Awesome. I've always wanted to go there, but my financials and later my health made it impossible. Make sure to enjoy it before it gets too frosty up there.
Wow heck of a get, Yuth.
Work from home at random is really one of my favorite job perks at my current company.
Quote from: Dracos on September 01, 2016, 08:31:40 PM
Work from home at random is really one of my favorite job perks at my current company.
That does sound handy as hell. Sort of a nice way to avoid the office crush when you want to be at home but don't want to use a sick day?
Yup, precisely that.
Or when you're sick and don't want to use a sick day :)
Traveling to barcelona on friday. Shall be neat :)
That's pretty awesome Dracos, have a great trip!
Quote from: Dracos on September 13, 2016, 10:54:06 AM
Traveling to barcelona on friday. Shall be neat :)
Neat, have fun.
Won a 3 hour argument with a public adjuster today. Feels good, man.
Quote from: Yuthirin on September 13, 2016, 10:29:50 PM
Won a 3 hour argument with a public adjuster today. Feels good, man.
Nice. What was it about?
Ridge cap.
Crashing at my brother's place after going to see Blair Witch. They have a cat and he's adorable. Especially when he's bitey.
Barcelona, land of the mini-sandwich, was fun :)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0WeiG2-HRQ
*squees in the highest pitch*
6 years of marriage. Check. Another birthday gone by. Check. Finally moving to a new job - in this case, the unknown is better than the known. Check. Maybe get to put the initials VP in my title. Fancy.
Things continue to soldier on. Little Ranko is super cute, as always. Next week I'm hanging out with my friend in Iowa (literally in the middle of nowhere), looking forward to that. Good times.
Sounds good, Ranma. Stay the course.
Awesome man, glad to hear it.
This work week was crap. I'm thankful it's over.
Holy fucking shit the new Rwby animation is amazing.
I'm surprised no one has said it... CUBS!!!!
Quote from: Ranma_007 on October 23, 2016, 10:30:39 PM
I'm surprised no one has said it... CUBS!!!!
CUBBIESSSSSSSSSS
007! IT'S HAPPENING
IT'S HAPPENIIIIIINGGGGGG
I don't believe it.
World' don't work that way.
Cubs don't win. Ain't won in my lifetime :P
Watching the Cubs games though is stressing me out. They managed to eek out a win last night, but still need to win the next two to win the World Series... in Cleveland...
Had a good time in houston catching up with wyld. Was lame and didnt ping merc. Eading outish this morn.
Boom, one more win. ONE MORE WIN!
Cubs win!
Indians continue epic losing streak :P
Woo, world series champions! Go Cubs!
It happened. IT HAPPENED. HOOY SHIT. CUBS.
Quote from: Yuthirin on November 03, 2016, 09:40:10 AM
It happened. IT HAPPENED. HOOY SHIT. CUBS.
Coming from Yogg-Saron, that really does sound like a major sign of the Apocalypse.
Now all I need is for my candidate to win the election next week, and 2016 will end perfectly.
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m133/KLSymph/giant_meteor_zpsi49oaosy.jpg) (http://s103.photobucket.com/user/KLSymph/media/giant_meteor_zpsi49oaosy.jpg.html)
Fingers crossed!
I have my STUFF here~. Screw That :P
*puts a rock in office*
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jp8znvfYbow
I'm just hoping for someone who isn't dangerously unstable to become the next president.
Quote from: Kaldrak on November 06, 2016, 05:42:22 PM
I'm just hoping for someone who isn't dangerously unstable to become the next president.
HO HO HA HAH HAH AHAHA AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Quote from: Yuthirin on November 07, 2016, 07:33:05 PMHO HO HA HAH HAH AHAHA AHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
*twitch*
Went to a Bulls game, and while there one of the Cubs players was there, and they put up the video of his home run in game 6 (I believe), and let me tell you, the whole crowd went absolutely nuts.
It was awesome.
Got invited to a 5e d&d game I can actually make the time for. Been a while on that. *shakes the rust off a bit*
Dishonored 2 came out, and while I can't play it because I don't have the time or console, I finally pulled out and played the Knife of Dunwall/Brigmore Witches DLCs that came with the Game of the Year edition I bought and never got far into.
Still awesome, I say.
Hanged out with Hal and Drac, and Hal's g/f. Had fun playing board games after a long time without.
Drac won pretty much every game played too, with the exception of Cards Against Humanity, where he was being DESTROYED by the Pflugerville Rando. To be fair, Rando was EXCEPTIONALLY on point that game.
Also, I was incredibly amused by how many 6's I kept rolling in that last game after terrible dice rolling in first game.
Pflugerville Rando took an entire round! But yeah was being slaughtered.
Me: Hey this Espresso stuff isn't that bad! *sluuuuurp*
*few moments later*
Holy hell I wanna go out an do things!
Clearly you should ask for a triple shot on that Espresso stuff next time!
Quote from: Merc on December 07, 2016, 05:54:37 PM
Clearly you should ask for a triple shot on that Espresso stuff next time!
Heh, I was driving at the time when it hit me. Just driving driving driving.... *inception horn noise* WOAH... I guess that's a caffine high.
A coworker gifted me with tickets to imax 3d advanced screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars film. It was a pretty good film!
K2-SO the droid had a lot of great lines, definitely my favorite character though pretty much all characters had some good scenes (typically fight scenes more than lines though). Fight scenes were fun and the space/aerial fight sequences of the final battle were phenomenal.
The cameos were neat too, with them bringing back old characters such as Darth Vader, Mon Mothma, Leia, Leia's dad, a blink and miss shot of C3PO/R2D2, etc. Tarkin was particularly impressive... given his actor is dead. Creepy/amazing how far science has come!
Going on vacation.
Even if flight will be crappy. A couple weeks off is nice.
Finally, after 32 seasons and 5662 wins (a lot more games), I got legend in hearthstone!
Quote from: Ranma_007 on December 25, 2016, 09:44:47 AM
Finally, after 32 seasons and 5662 wins (a lot more games), I got legend in hearthstone!
Grats. But did you do it with an aggro/tempo deck or a control deck? :p
Also, have you seen the fan-made Winterveil Wonderland (http://hsmod.com/winterveil#) expansion? You might get a kick out of it.
It was pirate dragon warrior, so tempo. :)
I ALSO caught a ditto and a second Santa hat Pikachu...So one of those will be turned into a Santa hat Raichu!
I! Am going to make shrimp tonight! And I am super excited about it.
Raw? With boiling water and salt?
CREOLE
Oh shit that is awesome!
Had some fettuchini and some veal and some katsu. It has been nice.
Had a really nice NYE dinner, but sooo full and bleh now afterwards.
It's a family tradition to do a bunch of finger foods for it. Like cheese sticks, chicken fingers, chips, dip and all that sorta thing. So full.
Mother of mercy. The antibiotics are working and I'm starting to get over whatever horrible plague I have.
Praise the sun!
Outstanding. Let healing follow.
Pelor?
I got a new smartphone.
Lots of fun playing mansions of madness today.
Just got my results in for the Japanese Language Proficiency Test I took last December. Well, actually, the results were out on Tuesday but nobody told me until I checked the site on a whim.
Passed N4 level with a 100 out of 180 score. Which means they'll be mailing me a certificate that certifies that I know kind of a little bit of Japanese.
That's pretty good!
My new years resolution was to start learning kanji. This month I've memorized enough to read at a third grade level.
I've been translating Japanese light novels and manga since 2014.
That was Rick and Morty seasons 1 & 2 in a day in a half. Fortunately there's more coing out this month
Patriots are losing.
No, no I am not.
FUCKING FINALLY PASSED MY DRIVERS TEST!!!!
Now Maybe I can finally get together the shit that is my life!
Congratulations Ruk.
I'm just appreciative of the fact that I had a pretty good day, yesterday. And the fact that I'm feeling much better overall.
Did you beat Hal and Drac in round 2 of Roll for the Galaxy?
Oh goodness me, no. My strategy of putting out lots of small planets and technologies was completely ineffective. Was fun though.
A space empire-building dice game? Sign me up.
We shall endeavor to invite you the next time we gather for gaming on the Tabletop Simulator then!
Had a couple of fun games playing a Reno Mage deck tonight on Hearthstone, trying to simultaneously complete two quests and a last minute climb to rank 20 for the February card back.
Not the best deck for ranking up quickly (every game lasted at LEAST 15-20 minutes), but I really do enjoy playing control decks way more than aggro decks, and those quests kinda just aligned for that (had the play 50 Mage cards and play 10 Secrets quests).
Gonna miss Reno, Thaurissian and Brann when they're gone next expansion (from standard at least). Wonder if it'll even be possible to play control at that point without spending a ridiculous amount of dust and gold. Control decks are often more expensive to craft than aggro decks, and I didn't have a lot of luck with what cards packs I got out of Whispers/Gadgetzan for epics and legendaries (Although I did get a Raza, even if I haven't been able to really build a deck around him).
Going to be worse next standard cycle since you will no longer be able to get legendaries off adventures, just card packs or dust. That'll suck.
I've had an exceedingly good year at work so far. In January my base pay got bumped to $15/he, then in Feb my review came up and I got a $1.05 raise on top, and then today I was told I got a promotion to Team Lead for $17.39.
Gotta say, that cuts the legs out from under most of the complaints I had. That's crazy good money for working in a warehouse.
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on March 04, 2017, 09:48:15 PM
I've had an exceedingly good year at work so far. In January my base pay got bumped to $15/he, then in Feb my review came up and I got a $1.05 raise on top, and then today I was told I got a promotion to Team Lead for $17.39.
Gotta say, that cuts the legs out from under most of the complaints I had. That's crazy good money for working in a warehouse.
I've actually been thinking of getting a warehouse job. There's a couple close to where I already work. What's it like?
I feel your pain, Merc. Expecially with the cash grab by Blizzard.
Quote from: Rukatin on March 05, 2017, 03:48:40 AM
Quote from: Iron Dragoon on March 04, 2017, 09:48:15 PM
I've had an exceedingly good year at work so far. In January my base pay got bumped to $15/he, then in Feb my review came up and I got a $1.05 raise on top, and then today I was told I got a promotion to Team Lead for $17.39.
Gotta say, that cuts the legs out from under most of the complaints I had. That's crazy good money for working in a warehouse.
I've actually been thinking of getting a warehouse job. There's a couple close to where I already work. What's it like?
I do warehouse work too, so I'll chime in. It's tough and demand physical labor. Expect lots of heavy lifting and being on your feet all shift. Details vary from warehouse to warehouse, but it's not a slack job.
My dad sent me the soundtrack to Hamilton.
It's really quite good and now I have...historical rap/pop music floating around in my brain? The thought of this just tickles me.
Quote from: Rukatin on March 05, 2017, 03:48:40 AM
I've actually been thinking of getting a warehouse job. There's a couple close to where I already work. What's it like?
Quote from: Anastasia on March 05, 2017, 08:20:48 PM
I do warehouse work too, so I'll chime in. It's tough and demand physical labor. Expect lots of heavy lifting and being on your feet all shift. Details vary from warehouse to warehouse, but it's not a slack job.
Ana's right, it's lots of physical stuff, but it also depends on what type of warehouse. Ana and I work in retail warehouses, so the pace is a lot faster due to customers. If you're in an industrial or supply warehouse, it's a lot slower, steady pace.
For me, the difficult part of it is the walking. I average 15,000 to 20,000 steps. That's roughly 7-10 miles per day, five days a week. That's a lotta walking and by the end of the week, I'm ready to wear nothing but flip flops.
The second hardest part is dealing with customers. While I'm pretty good at it from dealing with bitchy officers in my previous job, I tend to
really not like people in general, so my tolerance for whiny ass customers who want things their way when they don't understand how to load things safely tends to be barely above zero.
That said, it keeps you active and in shape, and you can drop weight and gain endurance quickly if you eat right. The people who work warehouse jobs tend to be rougher around the edges, too, with much better senses of humor. IE, you don't really have to worry about people whining to HR over shit and they tend to get along with each other better than people in an office setting.
I will suggest that if you do get into a warehouse, go for whatever equipment operator they offer. Learning forklifts and jazz can pretty much guarantee a decent job.
Seconding Iddy, with one point worth commenting on:
QuoteThe people who work warehouse jobs tend to be rougher around the edges, too, with much better senses of humor. IE, you don't really have to worry about people whining to HR over shit and they tend to get along with each other better than people in an office setting.
Generally true, but make sure you fit into the group you find yourself in. A good fit's important in any job, but it's extra important in a job like this. It's already a lot of physical labor so that's one stressor. If you don't fit and get along with your co-workers, you're not going to have a good time of it.
For that matter, try and get a boss you get along with. This one's tough and some people deal with bad bosses better than others. I say this because I don't get along with my current boss on a professional or personal level, which adds all sorts of complications to the situation. That's less warehouse work advice and more general work advice, though.
Quote from: Ranma_007 on March 05, 2017, 05:35:53 PM
I feel your pain, Merc. Expecially with the cash grab by Blizzard.
Why is anyone surprised that Blizzard is making a move to make more money? This is what companies do.
Thanks for the advice guys. I just did an online application, so I'll let you know how it'll turn out.
Just reached 5 years at my workplace. Work still sucks, clients still suck, and I feel like I'm getting an ulcer or the sort.
But on the other hand, got a raise that was about twice the average that others have been getting (and various people haven't even gotten one), I'll start getting an extra week of vacation per year, and got the 5 year package from which I'll have to pick out some goodie. So yay for that, I suppose.
In two and a half months, I have memorized the 1006 essential kanji taught in Japanese grade school.
I estimate that from my average translation speed of fifteen manga pages an hour, this should shave off three minutes. Rounding up.
Quote from: Merc on March 15, 2017, 08:41:10 PM
Just reached 5 years at my workplace. Work still sucks, clients still suck, and I feel like I'm getting an ulcer or the sort.
But on the other hand, got a raise that was about twice the average that others have been getting (and various people haven't even gotten one), I'll start getting an extra week of vacation per year, and got the 5 year package from which I'll have to pick out some goodie. So yay for that, I suppose.
Way to go.
I shipped Final Fantasy 15 spinoff game while playing final fantasy 15. Wonder if it will make a few hundred mill. Probably.
It was a nice weekend.
I taught myself how to use calibre and fanficfare...which makes getting fanfics for travel reading pretty convenient. It definitely trumps my previous app that just handled ff.net. Played a bunch of ffxv which had a pretty weak story, even if it had many nice worldmap bits.
Happy Easter, y'all!
Having gotten sick over and over again within the span of the last sixth months several times for reasons which I can't quite figure out, I'm really appreciative of the fact that I have health insurance which covers all of these doctor visits and medication that I keep needing.
Figured out what was wrong with my car today! One of the wheel alignment sockets was busted, but that was pretty obvious, but I'm also low on brake fluid and one of my half-shafts is loose/broken. Turns out parts are (relatively) cheap, its labor that's expensive.
Finally got some meds for my back, including a muscle relaxer. Took that and slept over 13 hours.
Good to hear, Ko. Hope that helps with the sleeping on the long run.
On my end for appreciations... spotted Zeph logging onto Hearthstone after god knows how long without seeing him around. Chatted for a bit, answered some questions he had about the game after we'd caught up, found out he'd gotten the hunter legendary quest, he tried his hand at making a deck, watched him play for a while, challenged him to a match.
It went about how you'd expect if you're familiar with the hunter and paladin quests: Dirty Rat pulled Carnassa > Wild Pyromancer > Equality, then next turn Forbidden Healing for 14 health.
Sorry Zeph! I'm a terrible friend sometimes...but you knew this already.
Quote from: Merc on May 02, 2017, 11:46:43 PM
Good to hear, Ko. Hope that helps with the sleeping on the long run.
On my end for appreciations... spotted Zeph logging onto Hearthstone after god knows how long without seeing him around. Chatted for a bit, answered some questions he had about the game after we'd caught up, found out he'd gotten the hunter legendary quest, he tried his hand at making a deck, watched him play for a while, challenged him to a match.
It went about how you'd expect if you're familiar with the hunter and paladin quests: Dirty Rat pulled Carnassa > Wild Pyromancer > Equality, then next turn Forbidden Healing for 14 health.
Sorry Zeph! I'm a terrible friend sometimes...but you knew this already.
Merc why are we not Blizzard friends
I dunno! I'll send you a friend invite when I get home.
So assuming you're the DarthSquidd that's friends with Cymage, Musicchan and Iddy, then friend request has been sent!
And boy I'll be surprised if that ISN'T you!
DarthSquidd, the squiddiest!
Today I woke up and I did not feel like death warmed over. I know, but it's been a few days of that shit. I got up, I took on za world and got 40ish people onto new software and workflows. 33 days from from first line of code to like 80 folks running and relying on it. Ten pages of bug reports squashed during the trial rollouts. We don't get no 'tools qa' or any fancy niceness like that for all that would be nice. PM helped organize a bit and we just went. Even with those guys who, instead of raising a support issue or asking my team, decided to help out by disabling it for users who had trouble because I was fourty feet away doing another row of engineers instead of waving me back over.
I need to add you guys to Hearthstone...
Popcorn chicken continues to be amazing.
Held great team outing. Now to do group outings. Whee.
It was a nice enough day.
In five months, I've memorized all of the jouyou kanji, giving me the ability to read kanji at the high school level.
I look forward to not spending an hour every day practicing flashcards anymore.
Practicing kanji makes me really sleepy for some reason.
Through the magic of paperwork, I have convinced the IRS to stop saying I owe an additional two thousand dollars.
HELLO NYQUIL I LOOOOOVE YOUUUU HEARTHEARTHEART
Some days I just feel so sick and tired of hearthstone and want nothing to do with it for weeks.
Other days? Other days I get to pull a Raza the Chained + Coldarra Drake combo as a druid in a game I had all but given up on. For the curious, both those cards belong to other classes so I normally wouldn't have access to them as a druid.
Druid is the one class that can get an infinite damage attack with those cards when they can pull off playing the combo. (Technically other classes can do infinite damage with it too, just not in a single attack unless adding other cards to combo)
Going to an Iron Maiden concert on Wednesday.
SUCH EXCITEMENT.
Rock harder.
Twenty years after playing the Diablo 1 demo, then never getting the chance to play the actual game, I have finally beaten the Butcher.
I think back to those days, reading printed game guides on this boss that was reportedly too strong to match in a physical fight at regular levels. How one might prevail by shooting it from behind the safety of a closed door or glitching its pathfinding in the downward stairs. So many nights back then were spent wondering how I could win without dying. Had nightmares about it, honestly.
I entered the room with a plan, and abandoned it three seconds after the cutscene played, resorting to my fallback.
Step one: block the Butcher's cleaver with my baseline Wizard health pool.
Step two: spam level 10 firebolt at it and pray it dies before I run out of potions.
Nightmares slain.
Quote from: KLSymph on June 27, 2017, 05:05:12 AM
Twenty years after playing the Diablo 1 demo, then never getting the chance to play the actual game, I have finally beaten the Butcher.
I think back to those days, reading printed game guides on this boss that was reportedly too strong to match in a physical fight at regular levels. How one might prevail by shooting it from behind the safety of a closed door or glitching its pathfinding in the downward stairs. So many nights back then were spent wondering how I could win without dying. Had nightmares about it, honestly.
I entered the room with a plan, and abandoned it three seconds after the cutscene played, resorting to my fallback.
Step one: block the Butcher's cleaver with my baseline Wizard health pool.
Step two: spam level 10 firebolt at it and pray it dies before I run out of potions.
Nightmares slain.
And now you can BE your nightmare in Heroes of the Storm, where you can play as the Butcher and chop up other players!
Huh, I didn't even know the Butcher was in HotS.
IRON MAIDEN WAS AMAZING
I wave from new hampshire.
*waves back*
Wonder what the essential difference between East Coast and West Coast boils down to.
Quote from: Arakawa on June 30, 2017, 02:49:48 AM
*waves back*
Wonder what the essential difference between East Coast and West Coast boils down to.
I live in the midwest. Where does that put me then?
Quote from: Arakawa on June 30, 2017, 02:49:48 AM
Wonder what the essential difference between East Coast and West Coast boils down to.
One is on the east side of the continent, the other is on the west side.
/halping
And I've finally completed Diablo 1. Already beat Diablo 2. Don't suppose I'll ever get around to Diablo 3 though.
You should, it's quite pleasant.
Quote from: Yuthirin on June 30, 2017, 04:28:55 PM
Quote from: Arakawa on June 30, 2017, 02:49:48 AM
Wonder what the essential difference between East Coast and West Coast boils down to.
One is on the east side of the continent, the other is on the west side.
/halping
That's mostly it. Wandering SF and wandering NYC isn't all that much different, skyscrapers of new york aside.
Barring some horrible accident, I'll be single by the end of the day!
Some 'horrible accident' like a beautiful woman tripping onto your lap, gazing longingly into your eyes, grabbing you by the shoulders and whispering 'Marry me fishman!'?
I didn't know it took horrible accidents to prevent that sort of thing, usually one hears they cause such things instead!
Actually I'm expecting her to try to murder me.
She's gone a bit strange.
Yikes
Oh boy. G'luck, Yuth.
Weekend starting. Party tomorrow.
Slow architect seems at least reasonable. Should have next plans in august.
Nice party thing today. Tired now. Played Burgler Bros, which apparently is out of print and fairly expensive now, but was pretty cute.
https://fowers-games.myshopify.com/collections/frontpage/products/burgle-bros <-- If you're talking about this game, it's recently gone back in print at least in the creator's personal store for $36.99.
If you check the boardgamegeek (https://boardgamegeek.com/forum/1578448/burgle-bros/general) forums, there's occassionally some 15% off codes being shared as well, though they're single use, so first come first serve.
Thanks =)
*snags*
Not actually all that much marked up on the 'collectible' but most of that is shipping from weight in this case.
I am matching Merc's tale of 'game gone wrong at last minute' with an Eldritch Horror run tonight of game gone right.
We started doing the basic Azatoth scenario...and frankly the cards were brutal, largely eliminating or countering strategy. We started with having to get six clues and an artifact to solve the first of three mysteries. I did a quick two turn, two expedition run...nothing. We closed gates, and finally got lucky... only for it to destroy the artifact immediately and damage all of us on the mythos. We didn't manage to close that until there were only like seven doom counter ticks left (of the original 16), with like 8 gates out and basically 2 omens shifts needed to wreck us and a mission that was 'let the gates stay open until they penalize the doom counter, then close them'.
So I took for granted at this point that we couldn't win and had little chance of even finishing mission two...so hey, 'what can we do to finish mission two? no point being conservative at all, we are about to lose anyway.'
The game suddenly, in two turns, went from being positively brutal in ridiculous draws and events to...
"Did...we just clear every single gate, move back the omen, clear all eldritch signs (We got three remove eldritch token events in one turn)?"
The third mission that spawned was basically 'get 6(playercount) clues', with every single player next to one. We ended the game with the doom counter on one.
It was weird, until those turns we were like "We had the most gentle game of Five Year mission imaginable where everything came up we win...and now we're playing the reverse. If that's another 'destroy all items' card, I think we might as well throw in the towel."
Job hunt is a thing. New companies exist that seem to fit with what I'd like to do, so I may not have to be a code monkey this time.
Good luck, I was about to go bitching about my own job hunt. Glad to know someone's is going better, hope you nail it, man.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 21, 2017, 12:35:14 PM
Good luck, I was about to go bitching about my own job hunt. Glad to know someone's is going better, hope you nail it, man.
Thanks, good luck to you too.
Probably gonna take me a while, though. Currently a guy I know is making the case to get me hired at a team with people I know. The Corporate Overlords are waffling about it, however. If that bogs down, then I'll be applying in parallel to all the different places.
Saw the eclipse. Tried taking pictures with my phone, but it doesn't come out on camera.
I got it on my phone. Had to put the glasses over the lens. Doesn't look like much, but it had the crescent shape.
It was a nice quiet week.
And secret of mana is getting a remake.
Quote from: Dracos on August 25, 2017, 11:53:48 PMAnd secret of mana is getting a remake.
Wonder when that one's gonna end up in bitching.
I have seen the sun this morning and it is glorious.
Family is debating whether to stick where we are for a few more days or try to start heading home and assessing damage. Nobody wants to go home and get stuck there if the rain starts blocking that area in again, so all of us are leaning to stay where we're at.
Back home. High humidity aside, it doesn't look like the water actually got into my house. Everything feels dry and didn't find any spots that look like there was a leak in the walls/ceiling, so I feel like I got through this okay. Want to do a check outside as well for any damage there, but at least the inside looked good.
Congratulations, man. You got off lucky.
Glad to hear your house is alright, Merc!
I made it to another Labor Day. This means summer's almost over and fall's ahead. No more frying every day, football's resuming and life is good. Yaaaaay.
Having a day off is always lovely.
Don't roast, Ana.
Meanwhile, in Phoenix:
(https://thefifthwave.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/bouaziziburning.jpg)
Got to show Yuth a sweet combo in Hearthstone. Raza the Unchained + Shadowreaper Anduin + lots of little spells for 8-10 points of damage per round.
Football is back!
Also slept for around 11 hours, I feel great.
Quote from: Ranma_007 on September 08, 2017, 12:05:17 AM
Got to show Yuth a sweet combo in Hearthstone. Raza the Unchained + Shadowreaper Anduin + lots of little spells for 8-10 points of damage per round.
I've been destroyed by this combo no less than eight times in the last two days.
Quote from: Anastasia on September 08, 2017, 01:14:17 PM
Also slept for around 11 hours, I feel great.
Sleep is important for eye health.
My father has cancelled his trip to Arizona, and will not be coming to my brother's wedding.
Well, congratulations?
Fuckin a right
Quote from: Merc on September 13, 2017, 12:56:07 AM
I worked 9 hour days on Saturday/Sunday because of project crunch time, put in a 30 hour overtime request yesterday for the week because I was fully expecting to work on friday as well.
Overtime request was rejected. I warn them that I already have 18 hours, almost half of my 40 hours complete and there's shit ton to do.
Management: "Do not work overtime."
Okay! I stayed until 10:30pm in the office today, because fuck if I'm going to spend 2+ hours driving to work just 2 hours tomorrow. I completed my 40 hours and I'm not going into the office until monday.
If something blows up...well, I stuck a very clear message on my computer screen stating that my OT was rejected, that I completed my 40 hours, and that if they need to talk to a process engineer they can talk to my coworkers.
I did send an email with my cellphone to coworkers because fuck, it's not their fault management is garbage, but I don't plan to be in the office again until Monday. I'm going to despise my email inbox come monday, but I guess I got a five day weekend ahead of me.
Bullshit aside, I guess I have a five day weekend ahead of me. So that's the bright side in all that.
Have a good weekend Merc?
Got offered a job, director level, ~192k...
And turned it down. Money isn't everything. And damn, feels good to know that if I had to work myself to the bone and get one of those jobs, that I could.
Good to be stable :)
Wow, congratulations anyway, that is impressive.
100% of your life for N dollars is an infinitely worse bargain than 50% of your life for N/2 dollars.
In other news, resume requested earlier than expected, triggering a day of frantic resume bikeshedding on my end as I realize I need to present myself for that job way way differently. Not sure if this goes in bitching or appreciations? Filing under appreciations that I have people to bikeshed my resume with.
Also, holy crap I've worked on a lot of cool sounding side projects that went absolutely nowhere >_>;;
Promotion days are best days.
Even if it isn't to Director. I get my titles eventually. *hunts for god-king* :P
Quote from: Dracos on October 12, 2017, 12:40:23 AM*hunts for god-king* :P
You can't have my title! :P
Congrats on the promotion, though.
Got my first weekend off in a while.
Just watched Train to Busan on netflix. Easily the best zombie movie I've seen in a while. The plot is fairly cookie cutter, but the way the story is told is engaging. I can't recall ever tearing up during a zombie movie before. Highly recommended.
Quote from: thepanda on October 15, 2017, 03:10:18 PM
Got my first weekend off in a while.
Just watched Train to Busan on netflix. Easily the best zombie movie I've seen in a while. The plot is fairly cookie cutter, but the way the story is told is engaging. I can't recall ever tearing up during a zombie movie before. Highly recommended.
Oh hey. What job are you in now that requires working weekends? Is it still retail?
Appliance repair, with some heating and air on the side. I'm back in school for the heating and air, actually. Doing the appliance course also took care of most of what I need for the hvac license.
Job acquired (same BigCo I left previously, but a much more interesting team). Start date in February. Lots of things to wrap up before then.
My grad school supervisor is going to be super mad I'm leaving, but that's ok.
Quote from: thepanda on October 16, 2017, 03:37:32 PM
Appliance repair, with some heating and air on the side. I'm back in school for the heating and air, actually. Doing the appliance course also took care of most of what I need for the hvac license.
Go Panda =D Solid living is living :)
Quote from: thepanda on October 16, 2017, 03:37:32 PM
Appliance repair, with some heating and air on the side. I'm back in school for the heating and air, actually. Doing the appliance course also took care of most of what I need for the hvac license.
Awesome, glad to hear it.
Quote from: Arakawa on October 17, 2017, 09:10:44 PM
Job acquired (same BigCo I left previously, but a much more interesting team). Start date in February. Lots of things to wrap up before then.
My grad school supervisor is going to be super mad I'm leaving, but that's ok.
Congratulations, glad you finally got that. G'luck with the last sorting outs there, sounds 'fun'.
Resounding cheers all day on my promotion. It is nice to be appreciated.
Congratulations, Dracos!
They made me (and most people in office) take a "Stress Evaluation" course and a quick survey of how we feel. This on a day I'm working OT because of the most goddamn stressful project of my career.
I dunno, not the sort of thing that may count as an appreciation but it made me laugh and cry.
Quote from: Dracos on October 20, 2017, 01:05:44 AM
Resounding cheers all day on my promotion. It is nice to be appreciated.
Congrats!
Poor merc :( Hahah. That's kinda crazy.
Super Mario Odyssey has been EXTREMELY fun and a very welcome distraction from work stuff. Its been ages since I've played a game and just lost track of time.
Slept until 1:15 pm today.
For all I'm annoyed over the extension brouhaha, the new Firefox is much faster.
Released from jury duty after just half a day. Given that Ontario jury panels can reportedly have you sit there the entire week waiting for a case, this is Very Lucky.
Congrats Arakawa.
Had a good pathfinder adventure game tonight. Actually took damage, which is so rare since I am playing the heal-tank.
Vacation soon. Shall be nice.
Tried gloomhaven this week. Was fun :)
10 days until Christmas.
Whew, retail.
Quote from: Anastasia on December 15, 2017, 04:29:39 AM
10 days until Christmas.
Whew, retail.
I am sooo glad I no longer work retail. It took years, but I can now almost listen to Christmas music again and enjoy it.
Snow day!
In particular, ankle to knee snow in blizzard conditions combined with drifts taller than I am. Yeah, city's shut down.
Got the day off?
Yep. Even if they try, I ain't going in. It's a disaster out there. It's a layer of ice on top of nearly a foot of snow.
Work's closed again today. Yaaay.
Got selected for leadership training and am doing division work negotiations, which is kinda neat.
Got addicted to an idle game...but yah.
Making plans for another japan trip later this year.
Finally got my computer. Now if I can just get that double charged taken care of, I'll be where I should be again.
Here's hoping the double take care of it and you get your computer for no charge! (It'll never happen, but one can dream!)
Freezing weather here in Houston. They didn't outright close the offices today, but they encouraged people to look at their own situation and decide if they should stay home.
I stayed home.
Still working from home, since I have a company laptop, but kind of nice not to have people around too.
All 80,000 employees of my company are receiving a $1,000 bonus next month. On top of our regular yearly performance-based bonus.
Wow, nice.
Quote from: Yuthirin on January 24, 2018, 04:53:04 PM
All 80,000 employees of my company are receiving a $1,000 bonus next month. On top of our regular yearly performance-based bonus.
Good on ya mate.
My state voted for an increase in the minimum wage and a few months back i got my first pay raise in years. Also we voted for part timers to start earning sick pay as of the start of this month. Good news all around.
Yay sick pay.
Bought a new phone. :) Also things at work went from:
"We will never hit that. That's impossible. We won't do it." -> "Alright, we are committed. This is going to happen."
Kinda felt like a jerk for a little bit and then got amused by it since it ended up benefiting me.
Was playing hearthstone and after playing a bunch of games on Mage, I swapped classes to Priest. Unfortunately, I kept healing the opponent, thinking I still had a mage's hero power (it's been a long day and I just wanted to hit rank 20 after months of not playing on the ranking ladder).
Could have killed the opponent multiple times and I think he felt like I was just BM'ing him. Finally DID beat him...and apparently queued into him again and he immediately conceded.
I honestly wasn't trying to screw with him, but hey it got me a free victory and sped up the process, so I'll take it.
HAHA
Free is usually the best price.
The Falcon 9 Heavy rocket launched successfully and the launchers returned successfully to Earth today.
Today is a great day for human advancement.
Whazzat?
Big 'ol SpaceX rocket. Most powerful rocket in history since NASA's Saturn V rocket. Launched its payload into space toward Mars and then the boosters returned to Earth, landing at their designated site to be reused later.
Huge accomplishment for SpaceX and reusable rocket tech.
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/06/science/falcon-heavy-spacex-launch.html
A belated neat, Yuth.
Started job, spent last week with no instructions to do anything as manager was ill the entire week. Enjoyed it while I can.
I have reached platinum league in Starcraft 2, which is supposedly the upper half of Starcraft 2 players.
I have only played seventeen matches against actual people in Starcraft 2.
Tired but in a good way. That's always nice instead of the deep, overwhelming exhaustion that gets me sometimes.
I appreciate the people who helped me this morning for helping me when my car broke down. Those people saw me that I have an injured right arm and I can't remove the tire myself. Those kids are very good young ins! ;)
Getting hives, but only on my hand. Hopefully they pass soon and I don't break out completely.
Hit legend in wild and legend in standard, back to back, in Hearthstone this season. I've hit legend in wild before, but wanted to see how rough standard was.
Used Tempo Secret Mage, in case you were curious. Here's the deck - AAECAc2xAgbAAcMBqwS/CKO2AqLTAgxxuwKVA+YElgXsBde2Auu6Aoe9AsHBApjEAo/TAgA=
Congratulations, man. (I think. I don't do Hearthstone.)
Quote from: Anastasia on March 23, 2018, 10:02:17 PMCongratulations, man. (I think. I don't do Hearthstone.)
There's two "ladder" brackets for Hearthstone that reset every month for ranks, from rank 25 down to rank 1. One allows all cards ever released, one allows only the last two years of cards. After a number of wins in Rank 1 in a particular bracket, you hit Legend rank for that bracket, which starts having it's own ranking system. At the end of the month, you get some card rewards for hitting a certain rank, with Legend rank getting best rewards.
Your rewards only consider which bracket you hit highest rank on though, so there's not much reward for hitting Legend in both brackets outside of personal satisfaction. Considering how long it can take to hit Legend in one bracket though? Hitting in both is probably pretty satisfying.
was at GDC on and off all week, keeping me tired and busy. Fuu.
Anybody else here hit legend before?
Caught up with Hal and Merc and boardgamed on sunday. Was nice.
Quote from: Dracos on March 28, 2018, 03:06:05 AM
Caught up with Hal and Merc and boardgamed on sunday. Was nice.
And we all suffered horrible trauma. Some more than others.
And thus, eldritch abominations escaped into the vast world, emboldened by our failures.
Yeah, that was more on the positive really from my angle...
God so many tentacles. We fail so hard at random :P
Really reminded me of that Dead of Winter game where right off the bat, Iddy died.
Quote from: Merc on March 28, 2018, 11:14:28 AM
Quote from: Dracos on March 28, 2018, 03:06:05 AM
Caught up with Hal and Merc and boardgamed on sunday. Was nice.
And we all suffered horrible trauma. Some more than others.
And thus, eldritch abominations escaped into the vast world, emboldened by our failures.
Two of us went mad, and the remaining two were forced to retreat once the heavy hitters were taken out. As I recall from the story card, the NPC we recruited propped a chair against the door from the outside, forming the flimsiest barrier ever, and chastised us about what we released on the world. XD
Happy Easter, everyone.
Watched Ready Player One.
Dracos: Dracos: It took no risks at all, but was a nice fantasy love-story with lots of homages and fun digital popcorn. "Here is sexy female avatar...it turns out played by sexy female real life person with minor blemish who also has convenient resistance movement perk (They aren't actually people and none of them get named) and is also about your age."
(10:57:34 PM) Dracos: "Btw, you are excellent fit and not greasy at all boy who lives in junkyard and spends his time being the perfect memorization of a socially malformed coder's life.
I enjoyed the digital popcorn.
Woke up feeling better and with minimal pain. Today may be a good day.
Bought pre-order of hearthstone expansion for first time ever.
Was pretty happy with the 74 pack openings - Got six legendaries (seven including the freebie you get for logging on). I actually want to play with most of them as well.
I am a bit frustrated by the power level of other decks I'm seeing though. I'm not really seeing new decks, just old powerful decks with some of the more powerful new cards mixed in. It's kind of annoying and not fun.
Since I'm typically a F2P player and don't even play all that much, I don't have a lot of the older cards, and I feel like I'm still playing in the same old shitty ladder system...which is the reason I don't play it as much as I used to. And we JUST rotated a lot of cards out, so it shoudln't feel like the same old shit.
Maybe I just need to give a bit of time for the strong decks to ladder up, but I kinda wanted to play more with new cards especially since I felt like I got some nice ones.
Ah well.
North and South Korea are on the verge of a peace treaty after almost 68 years of war and hostilities.
Quote from: Yuthirin on April 27, 2018, 05:09:19 PM
North and South Korea are on the verge of a peace treaty after almost 68 years of war and hostilities.
Would be awesome to see.
NO GOOD NEWS SINCE THE 27TH OF LAST MONTH!?
We didn't want to jynx those good news like the peace treaty.
All is emo or something? I dunno.
I dunno about anybody else, but I've had an absolutely terrible month and a half or so.
But hey, I'm appreciative of the fact that I'm still around.
Was supposed to rain this whole weekend on my vacation, and while yesterday was very wet, today is nice and sunny.
I just had unexpected bacon.
My dog continues to be really awesome.
The upcoming Smash Bros Ultimate for switch had shots of Snake and Zero Suit Samus with nerfed anatomies in the E3 trailer.
I just found it amusing that most people seem to appreciate Samus' breast reduction but are going nuts over Snake's butt cheeks getting nerfed.
In oddity, the electric company called me upt to apologize after I left them a mean review. Apparently they weren't supposed to be dicks about it.
Life goes on.
In particular, I'm losing my job in a few months. Unavoidable, just one of those things about life. Yet as bad as that is, how people deal with it is a reminder that life goes on past it. Don't get too monofocused on the problem, keep on going past it.
Sorry to hear about that, Dune. At least there's kind of good news that you get months of heads up on that situation.
So very often it tends to be a "Yeah, so this is your last day here, walk over to HR now." type deals and it's the lack of warning that really screws one up.
Pretty much. Warning helps a lot for cushion and to sort things out.
Claim adjustors viewed footage of truck that collided with me and between that and witnesses, they found truck at fault. Still no idea if my car is a loss or not, but that at least is one less worry on my head because you never quite know what decision will be made until its made.
Congrats, man. One less headache.
I think I didn't tell everybody but I am traveling Japan and feasting. I am alright and safe and all, just not online or on phone since in a foreign land. Forgot to set #sr topic so and op there properly so hope things are alright.
Quote from: Dracos on July 23, 2018, 10:20:38 PM
I think I didn't tell everybody but I am traveling Japan and feasting. I am alright and safe and all, just not online or on phone since in a foreign land. Forgot to set #sr topic so and op there properly so hope things are alright.
Glad to hear it, people were worried. Have fun, man.
Have fun! What areas are you going to?
I've had my dog 14 years now and she's still going strong. Good dog, good dog.
Got a new car. Newer version of same model car I used to have. They've made a lot of safety feature improvement/additions for newer model and after car accident, fully grateful for more safety features.
The one downside is that the old car's accesories (cargo tray, mats, etc) don't fit in the new model. There's slight differences in footprint that means I'll have to sell 'em and buy new.
Summer's closer and closer to being over, which means things like football, no more heat, pumpkin everything and the holidays. Yaaay.
Especially the last, since at least I (God willing) won't be working retail this year for them.
Good luck, Kotono!
Thanks. I really, really, really want a holiday season that isn't burdened by retail. Fall's my favorite season of the year and I haven't gotten to savor it in half a decade.
Kaldrak wrote another long review.
I'm posting this here since I won't have time to sit down and digest it for awhile, but those are usually fun.
Quote from: Anastasia on August 31, 2018, 10:25:23 PM
Kaldrak wrote another long review.
I'm posting this here since I won't have time to sit down and digest it for awhile, but those are usually fun.
I have a fan!
*blushes*
I was angry ranting in my review though. Got kind of heated, so fair warning.
Sure, I'll take a gander and brace when I have the time. I don't quite yet.
Yeah but it was overlord. It deserves some ranting :P
Luckily Star Wars is subject to a law of conservation of entertainment. The worse the movie, the more fun the Plinkett review.
DBZA 60 more or less lived up to the hype.
Quote from: Anastasia on September 14, 2018, 10:47:19 PM
DBZA 60 more or less lived up to the hype.
It did, I enjoyed all three parts and I'm glad that they weren't shown too far apart from each other. One week apart was just right.
In other appreciations for the day, I just relaxed at home and spent a decent chunk of it to just play some video games. Did a bit of Celeste, Monster Prom, Shovel Knight, Hearthstone and Axiom Verge.
Not often anymore that I get to just tell myself its okay to veggie out on video games for a couple of hours.
Accepted offer for mom's house. Hopefully everything goes smoothly and then it isn't my concern anymore.
Glad that's wrapping up for you, Drac. Holding up okay?
Just watched the end of a streak of 42 runs of no-skip super expert runs for Mario Maker.
A world record apparently. Previous record was a streak of 29, I think?
Amazing to see the player (Thabeast721 (https://www.twitch.tv/thabeast721)) keep surviving some of the horrendous levels that make up Super Expert, but the streak finally ended.
That last level was amazingly horrible too.
Quote from: Anastasia on September 15, 2018, 04:24:07 PM
Glad that's wrapping up for you, Drac. Holding up okay?
Yes, no? I mean, miss her but life gives enough other reasons to be grumbly.
Multi-day mee-tan occurred. But this is a benevolent mee-tan that temporarily brought remotee people from all over different places to my work location and made them much more than names in a chat.
Also, the presentation I prepared for forty-ish minutes turned into a two hour discussion. That's... eeeh... I sure found a blind spot in the existing product. But the entire subsequent schedule for 2 days was reshuffled because of that. Dwarf Fortress Fun!
Good arakawa? :)
Quote from: Dracos on September 27, 2018, 11:10:46 AM
Good arakawa? :)
arakawa destroyer of carefully planned schedule :p
No, it was pretty good.
I am getting way more job interviews than I did last time I was unemployed.
Through the magic of not taking vacations and banking too much PTO, I will have three day weekends for the rest of the year.
Nice! At my workplace they cap us on PTO to avoid having to deal with that and 'christmas' bonuses for people that cash in the PTO, so always nice when you can pull off that sort of thing.
Hal is pretty awesome, and I'm swinging by his place later to hang out for thanksgiving.
Cool, have fun.
At least the job hunt is getting call backs. That's something to appreciate, right?
I got a reply from Ara on my Overlord review.
Yay feedback!
Congratulations!
(I believe I meant to reply to that and never got to it. My bad. Have a very belated reply.)
Nintendo Direct today made me just a bit happier.
Quote from: Merc on February 13, 2019, 06:49:10 PM
Nintendo Direct today made me just a bit happier.
Oh?
Mix of things.
For the most part, Mario Maker 2 was announced and not that far off, June 2019 for it. About the only thing I might have wanted from a Wii U would have been Mario Maker (given all the streamers I watch playing it), but I didn't want to get a Wii U for a single game. Seeing a Switch game coming up and not just a port but with new features and coming relatively soon made me happy.
Other things in the Direct also just entertained me. I thought the remake of Link's Awakening looked cute. As long as it's not a full price $60 remake, I'll probably pick it up.
Astral Chain which was something like...I dunno, cops with Jojo stands? Best way I can describe it. Although less of the zany powers from that series and more of a traditional mecha or sentai type power suit deal. It looked kinda neat and something I want to keep an eye on.
Dragon Quest XI generally gets a pretty good rep, but I've not played it before, and I like that Toriyama aesthetic.
I'd gotten DLC for Smash, so nice to get a rough date on DLC release of new character (Joker) for April.
Don't recall other games specifically, but overall just seemed like a lot of things I haven't played and do have interest showed up, so yeah, felt a bit happy.
Mario Maker 2 just made my day, awesome.
My new computer runs incredibly fast, it's awesome.
Zoom Zoom Ko.
Quote from: Merc on February 13, 2019, 08:48:24 PM
For the most part, Mario Maker 2 was announced and not that far off, June 2019 for it.
The true advancement will come when Mario Maker can be used to make a better Mario Maker. Then the better Mario Makers will recursively make even better Mario Makers until the universe attains infinite Mario.
It makes sense because Singularity and Exponential Curve.
I am gradually nearing my 1,000th post on Soulriders. I think I may be able to do a Thing for it.
Probably some Silicon Valley rationalist-transhumanist millionaires will get roasted.
I joined here on account of Brian and partly for Brian's sake I am slowly continuing. I seem to remember he did not like rationalist-transhumanists, or at least he did not like the philosophy. It produced that absurd Haruhi fanfiction where no one behaved remotely like the characters.
Sounds like it could be fun. Also congrats on the posts.
I know I've done a few things for Brian's sake. You never really forget, sometimes it comes and hits you.
Quote from: Arakawa on March 29, 2019, 05:59:12 PM
I am gradually nearing my 1,000th post on Soulriders. I think I may be able to do a Thing for it.
Probably some Silicon Valley rationalist-transhumanist millionaires will get roasted.
I joined here on account of Brian and partly for Brian's sake I am slowly continuing. I seem to remember he did not like rationalist-transhumanists, or at least he did not like the philosophy. It produced that absurd Haruhi fanfiction where no one behaved remotely like the characters.
Early congratulations on your soon to be 1000th post.
I also joined here because of Brian, but I stayed cause I like all of you. ^_^
What is rationalist-transhumanism anyway? I'm not familiar with the term.
Quote from: Anastasia on March 29, 2019, 06:41:08 PM
You never really forget, sometimes it comes and hits you.
Oof.
Yeah.
Quote from: Kaldrak on March 29, 2019, 10:41:08 PM
What is rationalist-transhumanism anyway? I'm not familiar with the term.
To me, rationalist-transhumanism is a Bay Area religious-cultural export that is influential, but not nearly as fun as Jennifer Diane Reitz, or that one guy who invents entire fictional planets with lush ecosystems full of cat girls.
There is a dude called Yudkowsky who made the implicit religion of Silicon Valley mid-elite types (the kind of people who believe[d?] Facebook will Save Humanity) seem very silly by stating all the implicit stuff explicitly. Not very influential, but he kind of distilled the weirdness and sanctimony to me. You can look at his Blog. Or, a while ago I dissected his equivalent of a Chick Tract in this overly detailed review: http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101858.msg1025430.html#msg1025430 (http://www.soulriders.net/forum/index.php/topic,101858.msg1025430.html#msg1025430)
It produced Catharsis.
(Hmm... random possibly-wrong thought on re-reading... doesn't Haruhi's huge emphasis on Tanabata *kind of* make her Shinto already? Yes, I know that much of the great personal resonance for her is due to the John Smith thing, but it's actually hard to go through so much ritual setup and not have it have an effect on your view of the universe.)
To fanfic people, Yudkowsky would mostly be known for writing Harry Potter and Methods of Rationality (HP:MOR) which is longer and more interesting. Precocious Harry sciences his way through the superstitious magical world. It's more fun when he uses Science to figure out magical things no one thought of, and less fun when he uses Science to figure out People things, because unlike magic we routinely deal with People in the real world, and the conclusions of Yudkowsky Science about People sometimes seem facepalmingly different from people's actual experiences of how People work. And I seem to vaguely remember HP:MOR!Harry is a bit of a sociopath because of that. The fic is nevertheless good enough to be a vaguely-possible reread if I get more curious about it.
I did not like Yudkowsky because he was smug and his philosophy was a factor in badly messing up one of my IRL friends. My friend would only act in accordance with Science and say things like "I have concluded I should get a girlfriend, because I have read psychology studies that prove romance is good for mental well-being." (Serious WTF.) Needless to say, his first time procuring a girlfriend on such premises resulted in unmitigated chaos. I guess he finally has a stable career nowadays in San Francisco, though? He is currently absorbed somewhere within the vast Elon Musk research empire. Elon Musk is a guy who thinks (or pretends to think for marketing purposes, I dunno) that the universe is a giant computer simulation, BTW.
(Also, my erstwhile friend did not read any fictional literature except for HP:MOR which he adored and tried to get me to take more seriously. ah, memories)
I seem to remember Brian did not like Yudkowsky... I am guessing because, at the core of it, Yudkowsky writes a more competent version of the same preachy author tracts as Skysaber. But Skysaber comes across as more likable.
Quote from: Kaldrak on March 29, 2019, 10:41:08 PM
Oof.
Yeah.
Yeah. Like Brian has his birthday in his forum profile, which means every late March, it shows his birthday coming up. This year would've been his big 4-0, I see that every March and it hits me all over again.
Also, completely agree with dislike for rationalism and transhumanism. Fics like HP MOR always seem to come down to one ubermensch showing everyone how awesome they are. Like the world's a mathematical formula and they're the ones smart enough to solve it, yeah?
Quote from: Anastasia on March 30, 2019, 09:37:30 AM
Fics like HP MOR always seem to come down to one ubermensch showing everyone how awesome they are. Like the world's a mathematical formula and they're the ones smart enough to solve it, yeah?
It's really interesting how dissimilar this is to actual people's actual experiences of contributing to Science or engineering. This is no longer the world in which a Lord Cavendish figure single-handedly plans deep physics experiments, and his impartiality can be counted on mostly because he's doing it for the lulz.
As a scientist now, at best, you can take pride in doing your role well as just one member of a large and well-planned project requiring 100s of people to execute, like building a particle accelerator, or sequencing the human genome.
At worst, you take pride in playing the publishing game well -- coming up with papers of incremental, disconnected trivia to advance your career, each bit of trivia carefully crafted to please the whims of your peer review committee too worried about the deadline to consider any deep scientific ambitions. In the 'at worst' scenario, impartiality and even honesty become a luxury that you're constantly asking yourself if you can afford as you try to out-publish the other guy.
Likewise, as a consumer of science, there are no ubermensch figures for you to look up to. There is the 'scientific consensus', which is decided by groups of people, and I guess the idea is that they reign in the excesses or biases of any single ubermensch maverick. That's the theory, the practice seems to be that committees can also have a much harder time changing their minds than individuals, and some theories (e.g. plate tectonics) are alleged to have gained traction only after everyone whose career was invested in opposing the theory retired or went away.
I guess, given how the bargain of modern Science
actually requires you to be just one component of a big machine, the disappointment fuels endless fantasizing about a world where Science is something that lets you become a Connecticut Yankee who can single-handedly build World Domination (or Tesla Batteries, or something) in his garage.
The former idea of Science gives you knowledge, but the latter imaginary one gives you Agency. And in a world where we know about 100s of threats and problems both small scale and large scale but don't even have the options to set up our own lives decently (that goes double if you devote yourself to Science but end up on the starving postdoc route), Agency is in much greater demand.
But at that point, what does that have to do with Science, and couldn't I just as well fantasize about being a magician, or superhero, or something? Then I don't get as confused about how the real world works, and I can have a whole variety of inventive situations without having to come up with tedious explanations about how they are possible because Science.
I'm glad you've stayed around, Arakawa. And you're an awesome guy too, Kaldrak.
You're pretty awesome yourself, Drac. :)
I got promoted today. Wasn't expecting it. More title :)
Congratulations, Drac. Hopefully it comes with more title and more money, right?
Quote from: Dracos on April 24, 2019, 02:18:02 AM
I got promoted today. Wasn't expecting it. More title :)
Congrats, buddy!
Went to Japan (Tokyo + Kyushu) and back again. Language skills turned out adequate. More writeup later.
Awesome. How long were you there?
A mere 12 days, although that was enough to get a handle on talking to people and switch to getting annoyed at myself for being illiterate :P
Yanagawa was a real highlight which I knew about from the movie http://www.nausicaa.net/wiki/The_Story_of_Yanagawa%27s_Canals (http://www.nausicaa.net/wiki/The_Story_of_Yanagawa%27s_Canals)
On vacation for this week, not having to think about work or the company acquisition going on this week (my company sold its engineering branch to another company, and today was first day with new company name, badges, email, etc and I am missing all of that nonsense).
Sometimes I just really become amused by phishing spam.
One common genre is "your great-uncle Engr. <your last name here> who you didn't know you have recently experienced a gruesome misadventure in Africa". Somehow the tone of it always makes me think of Indiana Jones rather than anything in real life.
But it's the simplest things that are the best and make me laugh. A recent email opens thus:
QuoteHello, I am <blah>, an officer at a reputable financial institution.
Well, if it's a reputable institution, I guess I have to trust you, right?
Really digging Cadence of Hyrule.
I'm TERRIBLE at it, and keep wanting to focus on killing minions instead of following the beat, and then getting screwed for it, but really digging it nonetheless. It's way more forgiving than Crypt of the Necrodancer too from what I remember of that game, and I could just spend all my time exploring/listening to the music and not minding the occasional death since it doesn't have permadeath enabled by default (I believe it is an option for veterans of Necrodancer though).
Whazzat, Merc?
Cadence of Hyrule (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y3fiwIdKhZw) is that mix-up between Crypt of the Necrodancer and Zelda franchise that was announced a while back in the Nintendo Direct with the Link's Awakening remake and Mario Maker 2.
Here's a playlist of the music which is pretty fun: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDpACm-WDeA&list=PLwDEuPBgBi4OZJEtqx-eN86ndand3_sGV&index=33
There is just a flood of lovely games being out.
There really is. I'm tucking into Bloodstained right now and it's great.
Mario Maker 2 is here. Yaaay.
Quote from: Anastasia on June 28, 2019, 01:09:36 AM
Mario Maker 2 is here. Yaaay.
Seconded. I've mostly just been playing bits of story mode so far, haven't really explored user stuff. I did favorite some streamers to check out their levels in future.
Dogs are awesome. That is all.
Hawaii is nice. Internet is on. Off to beaches.
You're in Hawaii? Awesome. Enjoy the trip, Drac. Don't sunburn!
You're in Hawaii? Nice, enjoy.
Did you just arrive or where you there on the weekend too? I know they just got through Speedrun Sessions this weekend over in Waikiki.
Got there this weekend.
Pretty awesome, man. Enjoy it!
It's good to be back home. Trip was lovely and relaxing though :)
Dog is going on 16 years old, it's awesome she's been around this long.
Good dog.
Very good dog. Even her flaws, really, since I know I've had her for longer than I could reasonably expect.
Am I the only one who thinks SR needs a nice dog mascot?
But who has a dog?
And would it wrestle with Kaldrak's Tsunami?
:P
Sure, I could go for that. Wrestle away!
I require pictures for a choice to be made.
Hey now, my kitty Tsunami is almost 18. Way too old for wrestling.
Same here, my poor dog's about 16. The only thing she wrestles anymore is her food dish.
Old pet sleepoff?
That sounds about right. Heck, my dog's sleeping on the bed as I type this. She's very good at that.
Tsunami would win that hands down. She naps about 18-20 hours a day. :P
Hold it!
My dog sleeps about that much too. She is old. She can sleep with the best of them!
Alright. We'll call it a draw.
Good, I'll tell my dog when she wakes up.
I am in Japan. So...very...tired...
But also excited. Everything is neat.
Neat. What'cha doing over there?
We got a ton of rain dumped on us the day after we arrived from the typhoon while we were exploring Akihabara. Spent a few days in Tokyo, now we're in Kyoto. Going back on the first. Mostly we're just exploring and doing touristy things. Might post the whole travelogue of my adventures later.
Cool, that's pretty neat, should be worthwhile.
Sister bought some pumpkins, we did some carving. I think the last time was like 6 or more years ago when I did a Mario pumpkin?
T'was fun to do pumpkins again after so long.
Oh wow, that's pretty awesome. Where'd you pick up those skills?
I googled a [ur=https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a7/d0/03/a7d003ab30e03c3a9cfff6dd557cddc4.jpg]boo stencil[/url], grabbed a sharpie and did my best to eyeballed the black parts onto the pumpkin, and then cut that out.
You can see the sharpie corners a bit in the light.
My sister went extra fancy on me and got some smaller carving tools too, so instead of just using a kitchen knife like I've done in past, I played with those tools to do some stuff I'd seen in other pumpkin photos before where you only carve out part of the pumpkin out, leaving just enough so the light has to go through the thin layer of pumpkin, at least for the teeth and tongue. I was pretty happy with how that turned out.
Got to vote today without too much of a line, yay. That's always nice.
Great carving. My post worker failed to pick up my vote. Annoying. *shrugs* Will do it earlier another time.
Got two new hires starting today. One shall be my first hired manager. That should be nice.
Wyld hung out here this weekend, which was great :)
Nice. Sounds like things are picking up on all fronts.
The forums seem stable again. Yay.
Now just need https set up -_-
Funny story, that crossed my mind recently and I had a todo to mention that.
I thought I was going to have to put my dog down, but it turns out she's still with us. Good dog.
Great to hear, Ko
Read through Worm and got oriented in the universe, now appreciating all the accumulated "What are you reading?" recs that I'd ignored previously.
Quote from: Arakawa on January 23, 2020, 04:41:14 PM
Read through Worm and got oriented in the universe, now appreciating all the accumulated "What are you reading?" recs that I'd ignored previously.
Neat. What did you think of Worm itself?
By the chart and standards, my dog is now a centenarian. Good dog, good dog.
Grand Poo World 3 announced, about to watch Sonic movie, made good progress with work stuff. Its been a good day.
That's an exceptionally good day.
Sonic was a good movie too ^_^
Outstanding.
Those are the days to remember.
I found some new tricks to make music levels in SMM2 (specifically platforming music levels), and one creator (Bossman) seems to think they works and is making a level with them already, and another (com_poser) is testing them right now and possibly making a level tonight on stream, taking advantage of them.
Which is super dope even if I haven't made a level myself yet, since I'm still experimenting with mechanics of music levels.
If curious, this involves music BPM and cheetah autoscroll. Normally, if you make a music level without autoscroll, you need to force Mario to move at a consistent speed forward, and unless you're doing a run level, you can't include platforming. For a run level you're limited to jumps and maybe some power-up techs.
With autoscroll speed, assuming you divide a beat (1/4 note) into 4 tile spaces, you get BPM 110 with cheetah speed, and half that for Rabbit speed or quarter for Turtle.
You couldn't subdivide outside that, without sacrificing 1/8 or 1/16 notes, at least until the music guys found a way to make half tiles notes via semi-solids. Assuming cheetah speed, that lets you subdivide to 2 tiles per beat (BPM 220), 3 tiles (BPM 147), and 5 tiles (BPM 88).
Recently I found a way to make quarter tile notes, opening path for 2.5 tiles per beat (BPM 176), 3.5 tiles (BPM 126), and 4.5 tiles (BPM 98).
So that opens a lot more options for platforming/music mario levels, which I really enjoy more than all the other kinds of mario levels, so yay me. ^_^
Edit: (https://i.imgur.com/eyNojbv.jpg)
Bossman uploaded a level with it as I was typing this post! Now I just want to get home from work and play that now...
Congratulations!
Got youtube shares? :) I don't fiddle with mario maker but wouldn't mind listening to what you made.
I saw a run of Fear Factory somewhere, it worked.
I had a really nice birthday that went well. Yay.
Happy birthday, Dune.
Thanks Drac.
Mmm, I got to laze all day. Prolly will regret later but good for now.
I slept like 9-10 hours and it felt amazing.
Hey I'm alive and I remember this forum exists!
Hi, how you been doing?
Quote from: Anastasia on October 20, 2020, 09:36:32 AM
Hi, how you been doing?
Eh? if to give an overall summary of the last five years of my life since High School Graduation. I'm 23, still have the same job I've had since highschool because trying different warehouse jobs didn't work out. But because of my steady yet flexible set of schedule rules, the ever revolving management keeps me around with decent pay.
Medically, I've moved on from 'Juvinile Myclonic Epilepsy' to just Plain Ol' Sucky Epilepsy. Meaning, It's not something I will grow out of, as evidenced my second full-blown Grand-Mal Seizured happened during a lapse of sleep and medicine, and subsequent increases to my does may have likely caused a third? I don't remember them happening, just one morning waking up off the side of my bed, and having bitten my tongue again.
But now I got perscribed (and paid with help of my parents) a large stock of pill bottles, given I now taken them at morning and at night.
But things were looking up come February weekend, before work I notice some concerning memes about a new plague. Enter work monday morning, to find we now all have to wear masks, and that our hours have been decimated.
March I've have to file for unemployment for a couple weeks, but things soon get betteras things regulate. But I now soon see things is '2020'
Sucks about the seizures, glad you hopefully have them under control.
The rest can be summarized as 2020, which seems about right, unfortunately.
Plagues in the happy thread. But good to see ya back, Rukatin. Quietly moving on :)
Covid test came back clean!
Congratulations!
Congrats panda.
This is an admin acount doing admin things. That's worth an appreciation in the form of a test post, right?
Unexpected snow days are nice.
Have had both of my covid shots for two weeks now, and got a call out of nowhere with a potential job offer. Stomach's turning a little since they needed a quick response and I wasn't sure what to respond regarding salary, so just waiting to see if that goes anywhere.
I hate thinking about money.
But nice to get a call from old coworkers with potential opportunities.
Congrats. Hope it hits for you, good to get yourself back out there.
Taking a four day weekend was nice. Ordered too much cheesecake :)
Never heard back from that possible job offer from earlier, which is a bit sad, but still feeling overall better about where things are at, and I did my taxes (oof, you'd -think- they'd get easier being unemployed, but they were somehow harder? what's up with that bullshit?) and should be getting a nice amount of change. Always nice to get money back instead of losing more.
Probably good that I waited until I did too, if I had done them last week, I'd probably have tried to get a Super NT when Analogue got a bit of them back in stock, and while it'd be cool, not something I really needed either.
Congrats, Merc. Glad things are rebounding some for you.
Hopefully as things open up post coronavirus jobs will follow.
It's nice that approved registration makes the spammers nice and easy to get before they have a chance to spam.
New job get!
Congrats, Merc!
Great to hear Merc :)
Braves won the World Series!
I never thought I'd see another one after '95.
Congrats, Braves fan :)
Ah, I know so little of baseball. I just once in a while see the giants cuz company box parties.
That's a nice stadium at least, or so I've heard.
It is cozy, but I don't got too much to compare it to. It's been decades since I've ended up anywhere else.
A Christmas draws near. Command?
I'm resetting my sleep cycle. At least I'm free to take a nap if I need one.
Sleep schedules. Tough -_-
Sleep schedules are pain.
I have left the patent office, and joined a patent prosecution law firm
Congratulations.
Hope it makes more money at least.
Quote from: Anastasia on February 25, 2022, 09:14:39 PM
Congratulations.
Hope it makes more money at least.
A bit more. :)
Hey, forward progress.
Summer's over halfway done. Soon the heat will be gone. Heck, we have a relatively cool stretch right now.
Hanging with friends for their birthday. Nice to do :)
That is pretty awesome.
power and air conditioning have remained entirely reliable through a nasty 105 heat wave. Bless technology.
Lucky! There worst thing is a dead AC in a heatwave. Been there, it ain't fun.
a day of friends and dim sum and pie is a nice day.
Travel through italy was fun.
Italy, huh? Sounds neat. Where'd you go in Italy?
Rome, Florence, Sienna, Venice, and Milan.
So Milan was definitely the most american vibe... but it also had ostritch burgers which were delicious. Lots of cars everywhere and more normal roads, but also a pretty functional subway and trolly system. It also had a church that would go from the most peaceful and good will statues and pictures to popes clad in gold stomping on broken bodies. It was honestly a little creepy and a 'What are these two very different takes on holy guidance doing 10 feet away from each other'? But then they had a set of pope statues that made them look like sith lords so uh, may have just been the theme they were going for. Just massive church though. Pretty sure my house could fit in it about a hundred or hundred fifty times with room to spare.
Venice was quite a delight and a sight. Lots of good sea food and iberia ham (yum yum). Romantic dinners, boatrides along the rivers. Also, the city floods when it rains. "Why do you think they have those raised platforms?" "Prolly to move construction easier." => "Actually to move people as the water rises and the plaza becomes a series of ponds. They had quite the collection of prisons to show off. "This is where we tortured this guy who wouldn't talk. This? This is where we ran the secret information bureau for six hundred years! And over here is the glass maker island where people could never leave. One couple tried, and we poisoned them as soon as they reached France."
Sienna was a lovely sight. Just a massively hilly little town with this delicious tavern, mmm such boar. Attempts to try tuscany's special florentine steak just did not encourage. They leaned toward very rare/low flavor as the approach and it was an unfortunate distraction from the many delicious things they had. There was much judging. And then more boar, because that shit was amazing. The views from hillside cafes were delightful and I couldn't imagine keeping on a lot of weight with such vertical walkways everywhere. Lasagna and views across sienna. Would do again. :)
Oh, yes. There was also the stairs. The everpresent stairs. I think we averaged 20-30 flights a day. Our first hotel room was about ten flights of stairs up. It was a thing every morning and evening for sure and definitely wasn't fit for it.
Florence was very peaceful to walk around in. Much golden bling. The museums were a lot more subdued and welcoming then the ones around Rome. Delightful sights, sure, but less "Take a 6 minute escalator up, then continue to climb stairs all afternoon through hallways high enough to swing a trapezee from."
Rome had the vatican, which really felt like a religious version of Disney land run by enormously unhumorous people. Massive tour groups everywhere. A museum that seriously went miles between places to rest. Some parts we failed to see entirely cuz "Okay our tour starts in 10-ish... why is there a 500 person line to get through security? ...oh show up 60 minutes early to get to the place you can get your tour. Fuck it, heading elsewhere." Roman and greek stuff doesn't surprise, but seeing Japanese statues around the vatican museums was a bit surreal and confusing.
The colosseum was quite a sight and the area around it nice to walk about. The city reminded me of Jerusulum a bit there, where ruins just sort of flowed right into the city. Their ticketing system was obnoxious though.
Rome also had an amazing sandwich joint that had like a hundred person line. Take that sandwich over the first michilen star place I dragged bunny to. "Here is your fifth course, plum dipped steak." *nibble* "This is not as good as what comes off my grill each week."
There. Not the best travelogue.
All good, still sounds like an amazing vacation.
Stairs will get you like nothing else. Good exercise on vacation, too.
I'm still going another year. Sometimes it's nice to appreciate the small stuff.
Saw the Super Mario movie. It was firmly okay, like a comfortable 2 to 2 1/2 star movie. Nothing really against it, just wasn't a great fit with a more modern feel I didn't like.
Still, that's a movie 10 year old me always wanted, so I feel like it was worth it.
Made it through another summer. Always pleasant to say.
Within 15 minutes of each other I found out:
- FF7 remake part 2 has a big trailer out and a confirmed release date in February.
- Tales of Arise is getting a 20ish hour expansion pack DLC.
- Star Ocean 2 Remake got a demo.
Wow.
I live!
Oh hey, how ya doing?
Well, he hopefully still lives.