For the one who may have gotten away:
SP - N SXEM E WMI OPUI UTE, BDTZ DKJ MXGTP RA. X PNZC'F WAPXNVT FMA UULDIUSC PE FPIDFYIUTJ, PFKEGEY. XR DKJ QAAG RJAA XNGT UY, E'S SNRT UY W IDD JDI.
For the one in the dark:
HO - YDTDJ WGQ UADBQA LVT HDHJ UDG YDPF BWN, FWQHF RA.
For the one not meant to be:
ZV - XKBQYEBQX E BUXO NAZ OD FJNGUGHN, UY DJDYO IA QEKQ. XF BWH DNCWF GQI UY SPE YDT TFNSQXP ITNJV U'AA THJN SASA.
For the one who always made me laugh:
TE - N SXEM UDG MWS XJP BQ IK NAZ. :)
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
Please Support This!
If you get a chance, please hop on over to Boing Boing and check out this post. I think it's a petition worth signing. Organizations like this one, and like the Svalbard Global Seed Vault provide a crucial service in ensuring the biodiversity of our world. When reading "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver, she had an awesome stat in there (which I can't remember exactly) talking about the lack of biodiversity in our food. I think she said something to the effect of: 2000 years ago our ancestors ate over 80,000 species of crop; today we are down to around 200? I can't remember. I'll have to go to the library and look it up. Either way, check out the article, and if you feel like it, sign the petition. Cheers.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
A Recent Photo I'm Proud Of
I took the below picture on a recent camping and canoeing trip along the Delaware River. It's of my sister's dog, Enrique. I am quite pleased with how it came out. Click it for the hi-res version.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
R.I.P. Whitney
Whitney. Your obituary, though nice, insufficiently expresses all the great things about you. Here's what I will miss.
I will miss photocopying the NY Times crossword puzzle for you every day, and then meeting up in the afternoon to see which answers we were missing. I will miss how we'd be unable to get any additional letters, but then you'd invariably call me or come to my desk 2 minutes later with some flash of brilliance that occurred to you after I left.
I will miss going to the gym with you at lunch. I will miss getting to teach you all the things my trainer showed me that morning, and you teaching me all the things your trainer showed you. I will miss having a kindred spirit that both hated and loved working out at the same time. I will miss lying outside on the pavement and throwing a ten pound ball around and having all the people eating lunch look at us like we're crazy, and then just laughing about it. I will miss your crazy lunges and ridiculously long wall sits. You kicked serious ass.
I will miss gossiping about family drama, our clothes and shoes, what we cooked for dinner last night. (Speaking of clothes, btw, you were the only person I knew who could pull off those adorable flowered headbands without looking completely twee!) No matter what I brought up in conversation, you always had something to say, something to contribute. I loved your laugh, and loved to make you laugh, and appreciated it with genuine pleasure every time you told me I was funny!
I will miss bonding over photography and other artistic endeavors. I loved that we shared that passion. I'm sad that you never got a chance to show me any of your art - I really looked forward to seeing it. I hope wherever you are is as beautiful as the beauty your passion for art probably inspired in life.
I will miss having such a strong, amazing woman around. I still can't believe that story about how you had to swim a mile with a gaping head wound to possibly save your own life after your sailing students caused you to get in the head with a boom. I am in awe of how you cared for your brilliant yet savant sister. Your ability to stay calm and silent in an argument and wait for the other person to talk themselves into a hole was uncanny.
I am terribly sad that our connections did not have the chance to blossom into what would surely have been a long and fulfilling friendship. I will miss you and I will not forget you. You were taken too soon.
Rest in peace.
I will miss photocopying the NY Times crossword puzzle for you every day, and then meeting up in the afternoon to see which answers we were missing. I will miss how we'd be unable to get any additional letters, but then you'd invariably call me or come to my desk 2 minutes later with some flash of brilliance that occurred to you after I left.
I will miss going to the gym with you at lunch. I will miss getting to teach you all the things my trainer showed me that morning, and you teaching me all the things your trainer showed you. I will miss having a kindred spirit that both hated and loved working out at the same time. I will miss lying outside on the pavement and throwing a ten pound ball around and having all the people eating lunch look at us like we're crazy, and then just laughing about it. I will miss your crazy lunges and ridiculously long wall sits. You kicked serious ass.
I will miss gossiping about family drama, our clothes and shoes, what we cooked for dinner last night. (Speaking of clothes, btw, you were the only person I knew who could pull off those adorable flowered headbands without looking completely twee!) No matter what I brought up in conversation, you always had something to say, something to contribute. I loved your laugh, and loved to make you laugh, and appreciated it with genuine pleasure every time you told me I was funny!
I will miss bonding over photography and other artistic endeavors. I loved that we shared that passion. I'm sad that you never got a chance to show me any of your art - I really looked forward to seeing it. I hope wherever you are is as beautiful as the beauty your passion for art probably inspired in life.
I will miss having such a strong, amazing woman around. I still can't believe that story about how you had to swim a mile with a gaping head wound to possibly save your own life after your sailing students caused you to get in the head with a boom. I am in awe of how you cared for your brilliant yet savant sister. Your ability to stay calm and silent in an argument and wait for the other person to talk themselves into a hole was uncanny.
I am terribly sad that our connections did not have the chance to blossom into what would surely have been a long and fulfilling friendship. I will miss you and I will not forget you. You were taken too soon.
Rest in peace.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Another Character Back Story
Have another D&D game coming up this weekend, but with a different crew this time, so new character. I have crafted an Eladrin Bard. Will come back with the stats in a few days once my DM gives me the thumbs up, but in the meanwhile, I thought I'd post another back story. Consider yourself warned, however, that I have not done ANY editing on this one yet. Ta.
Tahlwyn Killenea
Tahlwyn the Eladrin was born in the Feywild, 36 years ago. The Killenea were moon Eladrin, the most common of the Tel-quessir, so at Tahlwyn’s birth it was no surprise to see a shock of silver hair, a set of deep blue eyes flecked with gold, and fair skin with a slight gray tinge. Tahlwyn’s people dwelled in a deep forest at the foot of the mountain Shyrmylaes (“broad shoulders”). The forest, called Kaelshyr, stretched for a thousand leagues. Its towering, stout trees reached thick fingered branches far into the sky, and there the Killenea built their homes. Marvels of architecture that blended seamlessly into their natural surroundings, their breathtaking tree-houses fully embodied the arcane power that runs throughout the Feywild.
Growing up Eladrin, Tahlwyn learned at a rapid pace – not just about the spirits and powers inherent to his world – but about fighting and tracking, observing and meditating. He quickly became skillful with the longsword, the chosen weapon of many Eladrin. His people stressed preparation in the face of the unknown – who knew when one might encounter a fell creature who accidentally wandered into the Feywild, or worse, a drow. Tahlwyn was also taught the history of his noble ancestors, as well as those of the common world. He particularly loved memorizing the epic songs and poems that enumerated the deeds of these past heroes. He was a fast learner, always eager to consume the next piece of knowledge. But he was also quick to help those of his peers who worked more slowly, often practicing extra hours of sword-fighting, or tutoring in history and language. He was known among his people for his kindness and generosity, and also for his affability.
There were certain places in Kaelshyr where the borders between the Fey and natural worlds were thin. Often, the Killenea city would appear in the natural world at dusk. Inhabitants of that world, if lucky enough to be nearby, could get a glimpse into the ethereal settlements of the Eladrin. Many Killenea experienced a sense of heightened awareness at this hour, all senses tingling as they crisscrossed these gateways between worlds. Occasionally groups of Eladrin would make excursions to the natural world when the border opened, to hunt or observe, or sometimes trade with passing merchants. By the time Tahlwyn grew to adulthood he had been on many such trips.
But one trip changed the course of his life forever.
On his 36th birthday, Tahlwyn and two friends decided to mark the occasion in a human-like fashion: with judicious application of booze. Alcohol not being a popular pastime amongst his people, his party decided to make a nighttime excursion to the natural world, to visit a tavern they had noticed while observing a nearby human settlement. When they arrived they found it nearly empty – a welcome fact – as the presence of too many `others’ might have put a damper on their amusement. They stayed out all night, drinking, laughing and play-fighting. The sun was just breaking over the horizon when they returned to the gateway. Though their settlement was no longer visible, being Eladrin, the three fey-stepped through the boundary, expecting to arrive all the same.
An abrasive void assaulted Tahlwyn. Wind whipped around him with gale-like force and a black nothingness pressed so hard against his eyes and ears he could neither see nor hear his friends, or anything else. Tahlwyn felt as though at any minute his mind would be crushed and his consciousness would drift away, never to inhabit his corporeal form again. He felt his limbs quivering, wanting to give way to the crushing blackness. He put his hand to his sword, instinctively, though there was nothing to assault. There was just nothing. But the gesture gave him some small sliver of hope, and mental clarity. Enough that he spoke the words within his mind (or may have even shouted them, though he could not hear) to fey step once more.
Just as quickly as he had felt dropped at death’s door, he suddenly felt right again. He was back in the natural world, in the spot he had just left. And he was alone. He could not begin to comprehend that which he had just experienced. Had something happened to his city, his people? Had some magical force intervened to block the gateway back to the Feywild? Or had something he had done (or had done to him) changed him in such a way that he himself could not return? This led him to wonder if his friends had experienced what he had, or if they had returned as normal. Unsure of what to do next, though certain he did not want to attempt to enter the gateway again, he sat, conflicted. Should he attempt to re-enter the Feywild at some other spot? Should he seek out an Eladrin wizard in the natural world, for insight? In due time, he figured, he could try both of those things.
But in the short term, he wondered what to do with himself. What value could he offer to this world? He thought about all his training. He thought about his family’s dedication to the goddess Melora. He thought about all he knew of the history of this world and its people. And the answer became clear to him. He would act upon his teachings, striving to protect the natural places of the world, until he found out what happened to his home. He would go after the foul beasts and forces that threatened nature, its spirits, and even good people of this world. Perhaps in doing so, should some evil force be hindering the gateway, he might even eliminate it.
Having resolved himself to this fate, he felt better, though not entirely. Each minute, hour and day that passed reminded Tahlwyn of what he was missing. The memory of the Feywild was as fresh in his mind as ever, and he longed for its verdant fields, deep azure seas, and crystal clear moonlight. For the feeling of arcane power that echoed in every soft step he took. For his house in the towering trees. To comfort himself, he often sang songs while he traveled, and sometimes, while he fought. But he was lonely, and he was sad. Perhaps someday he would meet trustworthy people with whom he could share his stories, and in doing so, lessen the pain of his separation from home…
Tahlwyn Killenea
Tahlwyn the Eladrin was born in the Feywild, 36 years ago. The Killenea were moon Eladrin, the most common of the Tel-quessir, so at Tahlwyn’s birth it was no surprise to see a shock of silver hair, a set of deep blue eyes flecked with gold, and fair skin with a slight gray tinge. Tahlwyn’s people dwelled in a deep forest at the foot of the mountain Shyrmylaes (“broad shoulders”). The forest, called Kaelshyr, stretched for a thousand leagues. Its towering, stout trees reached thick fingered branches far into the sky, and there the Killenea built their homes. Marvels of architecture that blended seamlessly into their natural surroundings, their breathtaking tree-houses fully embodied the arcane power that runs throughout the Feywild.
Growing up Eladrin, Tahlwyn learned at a rapid pace – not just about the spirits and powers inherent to his world – but about fighting and tracking, observing and meditating. He quickly became skillful with the longsword, the chosen weapon of many Eladrin. His people stressed preparation in the face of the unknown – who knew when one might encounter a fell creature who accidentally wandered into the Feywild, or worse, a drow. Tahlwyn was also taught the history of his noble ancestors, as well as those of the common world. He particularly loved memorizing the epic songs and poems that enumerated the deeds of these past heroes. He was a fast learner, always eager to consume the next piece of knowledge. But he was also quick to help those of his peers who worked more slowly, often practicing extra hours of sword-fighting, or tutoring in history and language. He was known among his people for his kindness and generosity, and also for his affability.
There were certain places in Kaelshyr where the borders between the Fey and natural worlds were thin. Often, the Killenea city would appear in the natural world at dusk. Inhabitants of that world, if lucky enough to be nearby, could get a glimpse into the ethereal settlements of the Eladrin. Many Killenea experienced a sense of heightened awareness at this hour, all senses tingling as they crisscrossed these gateways between worlds. Occasionally groups of Eladrin would make excursions to the natural world when the border opened, to hunt or observe, or sometimes trade with passing merchants. By the time Tahlwyn grew to adulthood he had been on many such trips.
But one trip changed the course of his life forever.
On his 36th birthday, Tahlwyn and two friends decided to mark the occasion in a human-like fashion: with judicious application of booze. Alcohol not being a popular pastime amongst his people, his party decided to make a nighttime excursion to the natural world, to visit a tavern they had noticed while observing a nearby human settlement. When they arrived they found it nearly empty – a welcome fact – as the presence of too many `others’ might have put a damper on their amusement. They stayed out all night, drinking, laughing and play-fighting. The sun was just breaking over the horizon when they returned to the gateway. Though their settlement was no longer visible, being Eladrin, the three fey-stepped through the boundary, expecting to arrive all the same.
An abrasive void assaulted Tahlwyn. Wind whipped around him with gale-like force and a black nothingness pressed so hard against his eyes and ears he could neither see nor hear his friends, or anything else. Tahlwyn felt as though at any minute his mind would be crushed and his consciousness would drift away, never to inhabit his corporeal form again. He felt his limbs quivering, wanting to give way to the crushing blackness. He put his hand to his sword, instinctively, though there was nothing to assault. There was just nothing. But the gesture gave him some small sliver of hope, and mental clarity. Enough that he spoke the words within his mind (or may have even shouted them, though he could not hear) to fey step once more.
Just as quickly as he had felt dropped at death’s door, he suddenly felt right again. He was back in the natural world, in the spot he had just left. And he was alone. He could not begin to comprehend that which he had just experienced. Had something happened to his city, his people? Had some magical force intervened to block the gateway back to the Feywild? Or had something he had done (or had done to him) changed him in such a way that he himself could not return? This led him to wonder if his friends had experienced what he had, or if they had returned as normal. Unsure of what to do next, though certain he did not want to attempt to enter the gateway again, he sat, conflicted. Should he attempt to re-enter the Feywild at some other spot? Should he seek out an Eladrin wizard in the natural world, for insight? In due time, he figured, he could try both of those things.
But in the short term, he wondered what to do with himself. What value could he offer to this world? He thought about all his training. He thought about his family’s dedication to the goddess Melora. He thought about all he knew of the history of this world and its people. And the answer became clear to him. He would act upon his teachings, striving to protect the natural places of the world, until he found out what happened to his home. He would go after the foul beasts and forces that threatened nature, its spirits, and even good people of this world. Perhaps in doing so, should some evil force be hindering the gateway, he might even eliminate it.
Having resolved himself to this fate, he felt better, though not entirely. Each minute, hour and day that passed reminded Tahlwyn of what he was missing. The memory of the Feywild was as fresh in his mind as ever, and he longed for its verdant fields, deep azure seas, and crystal clear moonlight. For the feeling of arcane power that echoed in every soft step he took. For his house in the towering trees. To comfort himself, he often sang songs while he traveled, and sometimes, while he fought. But he was lonely, and he was sad. Perhaps someday he would meet trustworthy people with whom he could share his stories, and in doing so, lessen the pain of his separation from home…
Thursday, June 24, 2010
HA, Foresight.
This xkcd strip, posted many moons ago, was never more pertinent (and prescient) than yesterday during Ontario's earthquake. Predicting how ridiculous twitter would get - I LOVE IT.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Can We Talk About...
...how excited I am for this movie to come out?
No, we can't talk about it. That's how excited I am. TOO excited.
In the meanwhile (since it doesn't come out until December), here are some other movies I will probably try to see this summer.
Coming out this weekend, Toy Story 3 continues the Toy Story saga as Andy's toys have been donated to a day care center. Most of my faves are still around (Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, and of course Woody) but there are some new characters that sound interesting too. Michael Keaton is joining the cast as Ken, and I'm really interested to see his chops as a voice actor. I'm a little dubious of this 'lots o huggin' bear, but I guess we'll see. There was a cool article in the most recent Wired magazine all about some of the technical stuff behind the movie, which was fascinating. So I'm hoping they didn't just hype the technical stuff and kill what has otherwise been a great franchise, story-wise. The original Toy Story sits high atop the list of my all time favorite animated movies.
In addition, I am REALLY eager to see Inception, the new Christopher Nolan (Dark Knight, Memento) film. Several who I like are in it, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, and others. The idea of the movie, that these thieves steal dreams for corporate gain by inserting themselves into subconsciousness while people sleep, is unique and interesting. So all around I'm interested. Plus the trailer makes it look fairly kickass (and I am swayed by such things):
Also on my list for this summer are: The remake of Karate Kid, The Last Airbender, and maybe Middlemen.
Things I think I'll be skipping? The A Team probably, as it just looks kind of lame. Also? Twilight. That ridiculous franchise will never see a single dollar of my money.
Now all I need is someone to actually GO to the movies with!! {{Sigh}}
No, we can't talk about it. That's how excited I am. TOO excited.
In the meanwhile (since it doesn't come out until December), here are some other movies I will probably try to see this summer.
Coming out this weekend, Toy Story 3 continues the Toy Story saga as Andy's toys have been donated to a day care center. Most of my faves are still around (Rex, Mr. Potato Head, Hamm, and of course Woody) but there are some new characters that sound interesting too. Michael Keaton is joining the cast as Ken, and I'm really interested to see his chops as a voice actor. I'm a little dubious of this 'lots o huggin' bear, but I guess we'll see. There was a cool article in the most recent Wired magazine all about some of the technical stuff behind the movie, which was fascinating. So I'm hoping they didn't just hype the technical stuff and kill what has otherwise been a great franchise, story-wise. The original Toy Story sits high atop the list of my all time favorite animated movies.
In addition, I am REALLY eager to see Inception, the new Christopher Nolan (Dark Knight, Memento) film. Several who I like are in it, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Michael Caine, Ken Watanabe, and others. The idea of the movie, that these thieves steal dreams for corporate gain by inserting themselves into subconsciousness while people sleep, is unique and interesting. So all around I'm interested. Plus the trailer makes it look fairly kickass (and I am swayed by such things):
Also on my list for this summer are: The remake of Karate Kid, The Last Airbender, and maybe Middlemen.
Things I think I'll be skipping? The A Team probably, as it just looks kind of lame. Also? Twilight. That ridiculous franchise will never see a single dollar of my money.
Now all I need is someone to actually GO to the movies with!! {{Sigh}}
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Some Quick Links to Videos
I quite enjoyed this video, which Frequency informs me is a Sweedish biking activism group called 'Mock' celebrating their first anniversary. I really liked the shot looking down on the spinning bike wheel, which looked like it might be using stop-motion.
I was so excited a few weeks ago that Artie finally got a chance to get out of the wheelchair on Glee, even if it was just for a 'dream' sequence. I particularly enjoyed the way it was filmed, interspersing the studio-filmed clips with 'footage' style clips that made it seem like a real life flash-mob type scenario. Anyway, here is his dance number. Enjoy!
This time-remapping 3D animation video, an ad for Ecko Unlimited, is super neat - a technical feat to be sure. It reminds me of a music video I posted a few months back - a fan-made tribute to the song "Two Weeks" by Grizzly Bear. Here's the link to that as well. In my opinion, it totally trumps the original made by the band.
Finally, via Russ on the Mep Report, this last weird-ass video. It is an auto-tuned number about our inevitable exploration and settlement of Mars. It's pretty out there, but I enjoy that a young Carl Sagan sings the chorus. Here it is. I totally support the idea of eventual human exploration of Mars (and possibly settlement, should the environment prove to be suitable.) The only thing I don't like about the idea of living on other planets is that it gives some people justification to treat Earth badly. They think, "Oh if we fuck it up, it's fine because some day we'll all be living on Mars anyway." Though that's mostly crazy people.
Anyway, all for now, enjoy the links!
I was so excited a few weeks ago that Artie finally got a chance to get out of the wheelchair on Glee, even if it was just for a 'dream' sequence. I particularly enjoyed the way it was filmed, interspersing the studio-filmed clips with 'footage' style clips that made it seem like a real life flash-mob type scenario. Anyway, here is his dance number. Enjoy!
This time-remapping 3D animation video, an ad for Ecko Unlimited, is super neat - a technical feat to be sure. It reminds me of a music video I posted a few months back - a fan-made tribute to the song "Two Weeks" by Grizzly Bear. Here's the link to that as well. In my opinion, it totally trumps the original made by the band.
Finally, via Russ on the Mep Report, this last weird-ass video. It is an auto-tuned number about our inevitable exploration and settlement of Mars. It's pretty out there, but I enjoy that a young Carl Sagan sings the chorus. Here it is. I totally support the idea of eventual human exploration of Mars (and possibly settlement, should the environment prove to be suitable.) The only thing I don't like about the idea of living on other planets is that it gives some people justification to treat Earth badly. They think, "Oh if we fuck it up, it's fine because some day we'll all be living on Mars anyway." Though that's mostly crazy people.
Anyway, all for now, enjoy the links!
I am terribly amused...
So apparently the other day a lesbian who looks like Justin Bieber (famous tween boy popstar) was almost arrested for underage drinking...except not. She was well over the legal drinking age but was mistaken for 16 year old Bieber. This has brought much media attention to Bieber's so-called "lesbian" haircut, and to the (formerly small-time now getting attenion) blog called "Lesbians who Look Like Justin Bieber." For some reason, this amuses me to no end. Click here for linkage to the biebians blog.
Sidenote: What's not to like about Bieber lesbians? They look like guys!! ;)
Sidenote: What's not to like about Bieber lesbians? They look like guys!! ;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)