Latest

Nothing new to report. Everything is fine and normal.

There was one big event today; more later, too much to tell.

Seasonal

Ah, let the blog slip a little, again. I could use the same tired excuse of the holiday's interference with my normal schedule, but that would be just trite and untrue. I have been in Oregon for the past several days. Left on the 12th and arrived home on the 17th. Our initial flight out of Portland was canceled and we took a later flight back to Sacramento, but it gave us time to have a nice dinner in the airport. We ate at a place called Gustav's and I had one of the best Reuben sandwiches I have ever had. It was exquisite. I owe it all to a mechanical failure in San Jose.

Made it back to situate ourselves right into the hustle and bustle of the holiday shopping season. Meeting people at work has been a treat lately; most of the people have been a delight to serve and have really made the business fun to deal with.

Always a Good Method

Just a nice vid, quality's okay, but a good song from Crystal Method. A bit more trancey than I think most of their stuff, perhaps that's why I like it. Nothing like a good day at work, looking forward to spending a nice evening with your wife, and finding some good dance music to boot.



I'll keep wishing they come back close to home, catching another live show would be a blast.

I can has youtube legend

Been a fan of this series for nigh on one year maybe.

LOLCats are quite the item and I think this little short from G4 does their legend justice.

Back in the Game

 

Come and get it. Aquaninedex will be getting right into the mix in the next little bit. We shall be a mighty force and I think the fun should be upped a notch because the more the merrier and this time there will be more. Some of the previous Bontecleave group will be attending along with some new additions from work and beyond. More later, the blog should make a pretty good showcase for our efforts.

Good tims ahoy.

Back to the World

...of Warcraft.

Old joke, but these new spots do get me thinking of fond memories in the World... of, ah, never mind.





Yeah, gotta bring back my Night Elf Mo-Hawk.

And the comic book just came our yesterday, got issue one, good stuff. ;)

Just ~ Everything

Check this out sometime:

Listen to how often people say the word 'just'. I have decided to work on a theory about what people are communicating when they say that; it might be a range of things, but my suspicion is that this range is very specific and centralized in some definable way. That is to say, there are common threads of meaning being communicated each and every time someone uses is along with some subsidiary meaning. This subsidiary meaning most often seems to communicate some extraneous detail about the topic being spoken about; nonetheless I think this detail will also be telling when analyzed and brought to bear on what they are communicating with their "just" in the subtext, something between the lines you know.

Some early conjecture:

'Just' seems to be used as a tool of oversimplification, but and oversimplification that is intended to produce a favorable standpoint for the speaker; to tip their statement in their favor when it should actually cast doubt or to off set the potential benefit their statement might give someone else, present or being referred to. For example, "I just asked him what's wrong." This speaker probably knows they had a tone or that the question was quite inappropriate in its context or timing, the just is inserted to play towards a balance of neutrality. This is a basic example and one that most people, I should guess, know the use of already. I hope to tap into more uses of 'just' and why I hear it in such common occurrence in modern speech patterns.

Additional phrases of note:

I was just wondering (or) I just had a question
Couldn't you just (some action)
I just think (or) I was just thinking (each seems used in very different situations)

I will have to think, and listen, for more because it struck me as being used not just in place of the word simply. I do believe something is being communicated and that there is an intention, perhaps in the public subconscious, by the use of this word and that that intention is derivative of the general inability to think abstractly, justify one's intentions by using specific words instead of tonally or contextually, and a signifier that, perhaps, many people are aware of this, even subconsciously, and are therefore mistrustful of others' ability to understand their meaning correctly. That, or perhaps a desire to control meaning and intent at will during the course of dialog. "Just" could be seen as a very easy word to backpedal from.

Mormon & Christian Debate - Contrasting Footage

I was talking with a co-worker today about various religions. The topic has been coming up more recently lately and I have really enjoyed our discussions. He mentioned this viral video and I decided to check it out. I am sorry to say that almost no where, in the comments I briefly looked at, was much of value discussed in this piece and much of it seriously questions the individual poster's ability to observer, comprehend and subsequently to present cogent arguments on a piece of media.

The two other, two parter really, video I found linked in and a classic example of terrific faith in action. Well learned persons, speaking intelligently and out of love, give a response that is more thorough than the first. I offer it in lieu of the other failed commentary. I am from a classic AG (Assemblies of God) background and I love their image, they are the powerhouses of faith, and I think it's a mistake to bag on their style, I like it. Got my brown suit and tie waiting already for when I feel adequate to wear it. Okay, that was a bit of kidding, but no, I really do have the suit.

Missing Action

 

Depicted are a few jolly gentlemen, dancing for the pleasure of Phylah and I in the Stormwind bank. Part of me misses the good ol' World of Warcraft. I think only Mass Effect will be able to ease the pain now. Even then, I'm not so sure.

:) Good times.

Good Uplifting

Just some good uplifting vids for the weekend. Kind of a tiring week, but there may be bright prospects ahead. Next week I am going to a hiring seminar for Los Rios and that should get me all the info I need for getting into that system.



I love this song: it really helped me through the end phase of my thesis and is always there to pick me up spiritually when I am feeling weak. "Give of my self to the essence of your being"... so good.

Sleep

Still trying to get enough sleep. I haven't researched it yet, but I wonder how much my naps are making up for how early I get up. Still getting to bed at around 9, which gives me about six hours of sleep. Most days I still need to catch a few Zzz's after I get home but I have been getting better about getting stuff I need done before I do.

Adjusting, I think, best I can. There is a conference this Friday about getting into the Los Rios Dist. I am definitely going to attend; best thing is that is starts at 5 giving me plenty of time to get there from work, prob won't be able to work in a nap, however.

All Buisness

 

It was a no nonsense weekend of gaming this weekend and I couldn't have had a better time. Saturday night was L's soccer game where LG, Budiak, and I all got to witness her penalty kick for a goal. GOAL!! After that I was introduced to some real card game keepers. We played 'For Sale', 'No Thanks', and for kickers we also checked out the XBOX Live's versions of Carcassone and Settlers of Cattan. I really had a great time and was very thankful for LG, who made the trip from wine country and braved Davis traffic just to be here - also was the purveyor of the games already mentioned.

And so now I look forward to the week ahead having enjoyed life to it's fullest these past couple of days.

Preemptive Memorial Honors Future Victims Of Imminent Dam Disaster

Terrible, terrible news. Sad to see, but encouraging to see so many local officials taking responsibility, if not action.

Woo Hoo! Another 'on the map' for us, and now not just Johnny Cash and the Prison :)

Laughing Babies

What they don't tell you about this clip is that this little infant is laughing at the Wii's poor graphical quality and inadequate motion control.

Quotes from Love Your God...

I have been steadily digesting (in both senses of the word) J.P. Moreland's Love Your God With All Your Mind. By this I mean that I have been progressively enacting his thoughts in my life and have been reading the book in digest-like chunks in order that they may seep in more deeply. Although I will admit to some academic weakness in not making it through more quickly.

At the moment I am in Chapter 8, "Worship, Fellowship, and the Christian Mind." As a bumper to each chapter Moreland includes quotations fitting to the chapter's subject. I found two noteworthy for this chapter. That alone would not have been enough to blog them, just perhaps underline, but these I would like to etch into my thinking and remember for future times when my intellectual fervor struggles. They are as follows:

Lord and Savior, true and kind, be the master of my mind;
Bless and guide and strengthen still all my powers of thought and will.
While I ply the scholar's task, Jesus Christ be near, I ask;
Help the memory, clear the brain, knowledge still to seek and gain.
~Bishop H.G.C. Moule - Church of England Bishop

If there is a religion in the world which exalts the office of teaching, it is safe to say that it is the religion of Jesus Christ... A religion divorced from earnest and lofty thoughts has always, down the whole of history of the Church, tended to become weak, jejune and unwholesome, while the intellect, deprived of its rights within religion, has sought its satisfaction without, and developed into a godless rationalism.
~James Orr

Current undertakings

At the moment I have been seriously investing in some of the best material I have encountered in a long time; books, shows, and games have all been amazing.

On the game front, I still have not posted (wow), I did finally get the 360 of my dreams, it is black and it does sound the trumpet of Valhalla with its might. On deck in that arena is Bioshock, amazing in both depth and scope (YES! Both, mind you BOTH, intended). Also rented the Orange Box from our friendly local Hollywood video. I arrived at the point this morning where I have beaten Episode 2 to my great satisfaction. Portal was another game therein that pleased my senses.

On the boards and playing bard have been some superb shows (aired first on TV, but not in this house). Just got the second disc of Jericho in the mail today, that should probe rewarding and I have been catching up on Heroes as well on our fantastic Netflix Watch Instantly feature (practically worth the price of admission alone). Previously I had patronized MovieLink which is an outstanding service, but with our subscription we get 17hrs/mo free and they have excellent TV shows; the aforementioned and The Office.

Page turners around my reading chairs have been J.P. Morelands Loving God With All Your Mind, World War Z (on the final pages, and various comic books in the series House of and Decimation M prompted by the advice of a coworker and friend.

Also - Linds got a started pack of Hero Clicks for me from the comic store gentleman: apparently they have events every Thursday - will keep posted on how that goes. She has a soccer game tonight, should be amazing, the last two have been thrillers to watch.

Racing 360

Looks like if I am in need of a racing game, when I get the 360, I am covered.



Covers all the bases, yes?

(again, this is further indication that my blog is simply becoming a clearing house for up and coming software titles. As this may, indeed, seem to be true, I will, nonetheless, update it with incredibly profound insights and discoveries from the dredging of my caves of thought. Think of it like Lucky Charms, only at least for right now with more marshmallows and fewer compressed wheat/rice figures.)

Crescendo

A musical motif in an RPG? Sounds divine, eh?

The high notes (pun intended) of this game round of as these: existentialism, musical fortitude, Chopin, less dungeon crawling, simple yet rewarding battle mechanics, and a decent not daunting play time.



Oh, and in another note, I may actually be looking into getting our house an XBox 360, there were some unpleasantries (not really a word) with Metroid. I won't go into it in detail yet here, but needless to say, my loyalties might be swinging a different way in a time.

Another Note

Spent Saturday in the wonderful location of Walnut Creek. I was made a quest of some awesome and wonderful people who are at the cusp of the board game revolution. They are the stalwart warriors who are venturing forth into books of complicated rules, varieties of play mats, and a litany of game mechanics and concepts. I had a wonderful time, played new comers "Ra," "Up Words," "Dungeoneer," and enjoyed each.

Carnival

In other news, the worlds most interesting game is apparently out for purchase.


This comes on the exact heels of my fabulous trip to the California State Fair. Where I, first hand, bore witness to one of the single greatest expressions in motoring; the Demolition Derby. I descended those bleachers like Achilles from Olympus, the bearer of superhuman powers having witnessed the feats of the gods in their element.

Back to Carnival, or as Creed (The Office) would correct us, Carnivale'. All I really need to know, is that it has Skeet Ball, for my amazing mother (but I may never play my Wii again if she gets a hold of that ;)) and the ball toss game where the camels/horses race. Super coolness. Of as my buddy Jeff would say, Awesomesauce.

Stats

Status check here. Have the day off, which is nice, but it would be pleasant to get back to having weekends off sometime soon since all of my days off have pretty much been scattered.

Picked up Metroid this afternoon and have enjoyed playing it immensely thus far. It does however fall to the notes to call attention to an already existing flaw in game play. I have already encountered my first puzzle that seemed so far beyond the realm of intuitive or even problem solving that it that it ruined the amazing and progressive experience I was having up until that point. Apparently it was due to a glitch in the game code, wonderful, it seems as thought the Wii cannot produce a single game without a glaring error in its construct.

Long and short of it was that I was standing on a platform, endlessly shooting down flying enemies and trying to find out how to get to a particular platform. Ended the game out of frustration, tried again, shot three or so of the creatures down on try 2 and triggered a cut scene that allowed me to proceed. ?!?!? Hmmm, not sure how that could happen and/or make it out of testing unless I experienced and infinitesimal fluke.

I am hoping that it doesn't do that to me again because from all appearances it seems to be a flawless game. Really gorgeous (although I support NO assertion that it has brought the Wii on par with current systems, much much closer, but not up to 360 or PS3, excellent game-play mechanics and stellar design. Really an ecstasy to play, I just am hoping for no more chasms interrupting the ride.

Oh yeah: and day 4 without hot water and counting. Good help, it seems, is hard to find.

Metroid

This trailer was uploaded to my Wii this morning. The blue light of glory shown forth a light that promised something: something new.



This is what it had in store. Although, on the Wii, with a much cooler interface.

Another really good ad for our favorite Rabbids. Not sure of the release date, but I will post up more when I know it. Also, I am getting some really heady stuff worked up, very profound, as to make seem less that my blog is all about upcoming game previews... I have more to offer, promise ;) heh

Sim City: Societies

I know my dearest love is a huge fan of the series, we are thinking of getting the Sim City on the DS, this looks like a very good step in a new direction.



Now if only Metroid Prime: Corruption would come out. :D

Poolside

Yes indeed. Thanks to NetGear my signal reaches all the way to the pool. So very nice to know that. I suppose I don't need to tell you then that I am posting, at this moment, from the very same aforementioned pool, the side of it at least.

I really hope this doesn't come off to "cell phone phenom" or anything like it. Allow me to explain. I am sure you remember when Cell Phones came out and every Joe/and or Steve Schmo' had to call his family or friend some various locations, just because he could. You would see him, in line at Wendy's or whatnot, talking, above normal (which oddly enough is still a problem), saying something to the effect of, "yeah, no, un-huh, guess where I am, no, yeah, I'm in Wendy's, no, I'm inline, yeah I KNOW, IN Wendy's, okay, I'll call you back."

Much of the cell industry's infrastructure was paid for with call like these.

I, at this moment, am 4 feet from a pool.

Morning

A good Sunday morning to ya. Hope the day is bright and not too hot for your taste. I am readying myself for church and eagerly anticipate the day.

Recent gaming events:

My brother in law in middle dungeons of Ocarina of Time and is seriously contemplating starting a new file on Twilight Princess which would be awesome.

I, also just downloaded the og Paper Mario (64) and am rocking that one until I get the Wii version, have to meter them out, better that way ;)

So, in honor of Zelda and Link, here's this:

Mopping Up

I now work at a large scale, not to be named, retail book seller. It is amazing to me how many people are content with their presence and behavior in public. Scratch that, the sense of amazement I reserver for startling things; the presencing of truth or beauty, artistic revelation, and the advancement of perception (usually spiritual) among others.

I think, more often than not, it creates in me a sadness, a curious anxiety for my fellow man. I need to be careful to keep myself locked out of that ivory tower we all have parked in our backyard. That is to say that I want this feeling, this notion, to be present within me without the sense of a down turned nose or that I am casting down a judgment from some lofty height. I do, still, have the persistent sense of mourning at the casualties of our 'modern sensibilities' and the real and present loss of life, not bodily, but of that which people have made of themselves.

I do not think this thought can adequately be done without some serious cataloging of my own faults, which I may do, to some extent, here. For even as I write it seems to me that this argument cannot be made whilst seeming to be on a level field. I have my own faults, I have missed opportunities, but I am persisting in my endeavors to create a rich inner life, to share my life intimately with those I meet, and to drink deep of the arts of others' expressions.

There is just so much loss, such a great deal of petty existence, that, at times, it staggers the mind.

End of an Evening at Hotel Dusk

This is, I believe, the Japanese promo for Hotel Dusk: Room 215. It is, imo, the best I have seen so far in capturing the look, story, and feel of the game. I am posting this up because I just finished, after a lengthy hiatus, the game and was very pleased with the experience. I know my pal Kaioken was also playing, although I am sure he prob finished long ago. Now, to finish again to get different endings? :D

Oh, and by that way, being a real "page turner" toward the end kept me up until about 2:40 last night, fitting I thought because the games final hour takes place at 2am. It is an excellent game.

Off to Potter

So I am off to the Harry Potter madness in about five minutes. I will be working a split shift today; now til 2 and then again from 9 - 2am. This should be pretty hopping and I am looking forward to an enjoyable time. Had to post something on the subject, so here it is.

WoW, outta control

Gonna play some serious Warcraft tonight. Having some new friends join us to play the game so I am anticipating a great beginning to some serious adventuring.

Cleaning up and preparing the hardware for gaming time :) ah, good times.

We have gained control

I don't normally post up much anime, but this one really struck me a funny. :D Tee hee, best part of it is when he shoots him on the ground with the gun and says in the end, "We have gained control here."

Attention: the above contains "spoilers."

Hmmm, it seems that anime challenges my ability to write clear and concise wit and express thought befitting someone my age... interesting development. Anyhow, tly kewl!

KTHXBYE!

The Hours

Wireless is working very well and we have both PCs on the web and each as strong as an ox. Had a little foul trouble getting the desktop working on WoW, and the fear was that it was the harddrive that has been causing all the problems. I ruled out the RAM as the culprit after checking through a few things, in my own amature way.

Thanks to the helpful, and very frustrated people on WOW's message board community I was able to track down and implement a working fix for the rig. Alls well and L already completed a few missions on it thanks to the new fix. We are still thinking of making some upgrades to it to get play a little more sharp.

Work has been going quite well lately. I am learning more of how to pace myself throughout a given day and more procedural knowledge is making me feel more comfortable in the environment. Hours have really been coming through lately, there was one week there where things looks quite sketchy, but they seems to have been patched up a bit and I hope that in part it's due to my making myself more valuable and in greater demand.

I had a one-time friend tell me that I should be doing more than what I am at this job, given my education; but I think jobs like this are pretty common among people trying to make it into the industry as I am. It's good pay, for basic work, with nice people. I am keeping at it and it has definitely been a blessing for us as we are settling into our new home here in Folsom.

Picked up another shift tomorrow, so I should be able to throw in one more late night blog entry.

New From the Front

It feels good to be back amongst the blinking lights of routers and the bits/sec of modems. Cable guy came this afternoon, not two minutes before missing his two hour window entirely. But, that said, he did get the job done and we are now seriously wired.

Coming to you now, live, from my laptop in the living room with nary a single wire to bind me down. And I thought of you, oh blog, of whom I have been remiss in my duties to write to. I suppose I write to my blog, or do we all, as one does to a diary. I am sure that is a paper topic somewhere: the discursive narrative of the writer/reader relationship in diary/blog life.

Well, it took a while getting everything configed, and even still one computer remains unconnected, perhaps a bad Cat5 wire is to blame, or perhaps the NIC, not sure, but it's getting to late to tell and I have me a little work ahead of me tomorrow.

Good night

Not Forgotten

One thing seems sure now: Square-Enix has not forsaken Nintendo. Final Fantasy: Crystal Bearers looks to be coming out on the Wii. No date yet for the release.

On the way down

As you may well know, L and I got the apartment we were seeking in Folsom and have our deposit with them to secure it. I will be going down this weekend, getting a ride from a friend, to be in Folsom for my new job which starts Monday (at least orientation does, heh, probably just tax forms). I will have two homes, or not really any home at all depending, for about two weeks or so. The American Dream will be mine, you know, a place in the foothills, a summer residence in town so the kids can ride their horses. All that Jazz.

I was sick this morning, something awful, but God seemed to have had a hand in my recovery and I am feeling quite better now and ready to get things underway. This weekend will probably also see a pinning down of the moving date, mostly depending on who I can get to help.

We have our place in Chico until the 30th and I take possession of the Folsom location the 15th. Shouts out to Adventure Properties, good people that I am sure it will be a pleasure to know.

Sure is going to be an exciting month.

Expedition

 

A snapshot of my expedition to Bear Hole in Bidwell's Five Mile Park. Actually we were just before Bear Hole in our own little grotto. It was an exciting trip, worked the legs a little too because we parked down near a landing called Alligator Hole then hiked up a little. Although most serious hikers would probable consider it a mild walk, but you gotta start somewhere (this blog has now been reduced to 98% cliche free).

The water was excellent, clear and cold. Little wild life scurried here and there and we saw a couple of very sizable fish, at least by my standards. It was serene, full of adventure, and the day's heat was gloriously mild. We went as a "must do before we leave Chico" type event, but I think it might deserve another run, especially if we are privileged to have company.

Chemical Brothers

I would like to add that the Chemical Brothers have a new album coming out

However - it looks, from their tour schedule, that the Americas will be left cold again. No beats on these shores. Not as of yet. However, we should check the Crystal Method: they might be coming this way.

Raucous

One of those raucous days - all anticipation, good vibes, intense emotions and hope gone through the roof. That hope went toward heaven, sent its prayers, and made more beautiful shapes in the sky because of what God hath wrought.

Music? You better believe it - right now I am listening to BenXO:
BenXO
That's right, it's about hectic D&B right now - only thing that can keep up with my energy right now this side of worshiping God Almighty. That is the pinnacle of my spiritual base, God, in his love of my soul, allowing me to humbly tell him how amazing his creation is and how infinite in joy his presence makes me feel.

On a life note: Put in our apps to the rental in Folsom we are praying to get. Please direct your prayers in that direction, I would appreciate it. Working out the details on my new job Monday. Attempting to write more in complete sentences (incomplete?). Today.

Curious

I would have to say this looks interesting. It's Ubisoft (read: French), which if the art style is any indication could be very cool. Plot? No clue. Game play? Prob something in the line of 3D Platformer. Anyway, thought it was a cool, if not cryptic spot, and wanted to post it.

Calling a property manage in Folsom today to see about a place. Lindsey and I would really like it and so keep your thoughts and prayers with us that something works out.

End of an Era

Perhaps the title is a little overwrought, but it certainly feel like it is true. I formally resigned from my job today after having been with the company for a little over 7 years. I think resigned might seem to professional for it, I guess I could also say I just quit.

On to another job and formalizing my orientation time tomorrow as well as some potential places to move.

Sacramento, please be open to accept your native son, for he has missed your soil, that which grows there, and more importantly those sustained within your borders. Chico... I will soon say farewell.

Children's Week

Last week, and through the weekend, was Children's week in the World of Warcraft. I, having a fondness for little ones, knew I had to do my duty and care for an orphan of Stormwind. This is my charge, a boy from the orphanage in who lost his parents in the great war against the Horde (Darn you Horde!).

The task was to treat them to a world tour that included some of the cooler spots in Azeroth. We went to Darnassus, the lighthouse in Westfall, and here we can be seen enjoying the magnificent view from the top of the dam near Loch Modan. The reward for these efforts was the choice of a custom pet; rat, turtle, or pig, or a bag full of money. I chose the bag of gold. Well... I have to start saving for that mount I hope to buy soon ;)

Excellent game, neat little additions like this one are one of my favorite things about games of this types; the change, evolution, and process throughout the whole experience. And speaking of evolution, does not Aquaninedex look epic (not really purple) in his gear. One tough hombre.

Risk is Good

Again, if you were able to pull, without looking, that the above title is a quote from Hackers then the cookie is yours. Indeed, yes, you may take it now if you so choose. Just writing this because I read my wife's blog in which she expressed her satisfaction about eating a bowl of Fruit-Loops. I just had to say I really enjoyed it, love my wife intensely, and wanted to throw a bit up on my own blog while I scan my PC for nasty slow down junkies.

Lavasofts Adaware plug here: trusted by professionals.



Looking forward to a truly epic game of Risk this weekend over the Memorial holiday down home. I have chosen the proud color of Yellow and will defend it to the death (or as they say in Princess Bride "to the pain!")

The Bunnies Return

Despite probably one of the worst endings in a game I have ever played, well, the experience in and of itself was very cool and still, still, they are so funny to me as to be splitting my side :)

Hopefully more commercials like the promos for the last game; although this does beg the question, how many of the shortcomings in the first Raving Rabbids were due to them holding out material for this one... hmmmmm?

The Disher are Done Man!

For those in the know, and bonus points if you guessed it - the post title is, indeed, a quote from "Don't tell Mom the Babysitter's dead." Classic, total classic.

Well, now that those dishes are, in fact, done I thought it was time for a little fun and that means back to the video games. Cool posts to come, perhaps multiple, we call those bonus days, (gag).

First up - might be a half-ta-own, Harry Potter's new offering for teh Wii!

Dishes

Amazing, those dishes took a long time, didn't they? Well, now that those are out of the way I have been quite happy lately. I have found a renewed store of energy for the process of applying for teaching positions and have really situated my position in my head in a pleasing way. Sure, I will have to cut my teeth a new system that does not know me and through which I have no real track record. It is a system, however, that has eyes to see and ears to hear and from what I can tell, and this is not just spurious logic, it uses its senses to look for and reward hard work.

Some of the logic I have been deploying lately relies on the interrogative question; "where isn't there?" Meaning so many of the problems that come up in daily life and the potential down sides to my current prospect are all almost, and this might be a little spurious, universal. For instance; I don't like a particular thing about the town I am in, well chances are most cities have that problem, a similar one, or one equally troubling that would merely be a replacement; this part of my future job prospects is less appealing, well what job doesn't have such and such an issue, or again something that is an equal replacement. Sure, I will be gaining experience in a new system that has problems of its own, I would be doing the same thing in a program and with a bit more pressure and a lot more research ;) heh.

Needless to say it has/will take a little time to refocus my efforts and energy, but once I get things lined up, I can't wait to get started.

New Prospects

Boston's reply was not favorable. This means many things and I think it will take more time than I have to write about right now. It does mean that I will not be going on for a PhD in the near future. I am excited to explore our other options.

For now, however, I have some dishes to attend to.

Late Night In Folsom

Just waiting up; sad that my love will not get here until tomorrow. Staying down here for the last half of the week. The weather could not be better and my Dad and I got to rent some cool Wii games. Hope to see some best friends this weekend, finish relaxing, and hopefully hear from Boston.

Other than that, my mind can't think of too much at this late hour. Thinking of getting a MySpace account: Just because, after talking with Budiak, it seems that it might be a necessary social component (such as cell phones) and as such almost unavoidable.

Dodged it for one more day...

It comes to this...

I now know that I will either be going to Boston University or beginning my career path in another direction. The two other schools sent letters on Monday. More to come as I process my thoughts and feelings. I am happy about the situation that stands now: for it will either be a top ranked University or new and exciting career choices. The experience has been a lot to adjust to, however.

And then there were three...

The schools on the list have lost another friend; U of Texas at Austin conveyed their disappointment that they were not able to offer me a place at their school earlier today, in an email. They are the first to have done so and I suppose it does work in the information age a step of progress; it is just odd to get that kind of news in digital format, especially when all the rest (to my surprise actually) used hard copies.

So, chart that as an (X) next to U of Texas, Austin.

Numbers

The NCAA may be in the sweet sixteen, but as far as schools go for me it's the Final Four. Haven't checked the mail yet today but I am eager to. If there is any real big news I will post back up soon.

Latest News: Schools Off the List

The following schools can be removed from the brackets:

I regret to inform myself that I will not be attending the following schools -

SUNY Stony Brook
Indiana University
University of New Hampshire

If you are keeping track at home - these should be the schools left on the list of hopefuls:

U of Texas at Austin
Boston University
U of Massachusetts at Amherst
SUNY Albany

Go Oregon!

That was a great game to watch against Winthrop; coming up - the big UNLV.

I know, crazy, I have March Madness. Well, I suppose I just love Eugene, OR.

The Beautiful Hotel

Just a quick post from the free wifi in the wonderful Larkspur Landing hotel in Folsom, California. A fine wedding anniversary if ever there was; our cake was preserved to perfection, the room here is perfect, and we have both had an amazing time of fun and relaxation.

We fondly remember all of our friends and loved ones and have enjoyed reminisces of that wonderful day, one year ago tomorrow, that we saw so many of you on the happiest day of our lives. The wedding was a wonderful moment to celebrate God's bringing together my love and I. It is truly something that is worth celebrating.

Cake and coffee in the room; hard to get much better than that.

With reluctance...

I must add two more schools to the list of non-admittances. I will not be attending Tufts or Missouri. Those were excellent schools, but I am persisting in my faith that God will place me where it is best for me to be.

So - if you are keeping up on the brackets - that is an (X) by Tufts and Missouri. In the numbers that leaves seven (7) more to hear from.

Family is on their way

Woo! The W's are paying a visit to Chico. Just had to post up because I am trying to keep myself busy while I await their arrival. It's quite a task; good thing there was a new Lost episode on the web to keep my mind entertained and not so skittish.

Well - on with the waiting - it's going to be an awesome weekend.

Rice University - Off the List

With much reluctance and the obvious disappointment I have to announce that I did not get into Rice University in the beautiful city of Houston, TX. I still maintain my faith in God that he will place me where it is his will for me to be. It sounds so noble to do so, but it comes hard at times and when I succeed in giving him all my hopes, which I do believe I have been succeeding at lately, it comes as a quite peace and comfort.

But alas; I have not Rice.

Quick Update

Not much info yet, not enough to start the bracket graphics yet, but I do have a slight update on the school situation.

First response is back and it is official, I will not be going to the U of Connecticut. I heard that part of the country is beautiful. Worth mentioning because it's the first response I have received; eleven more to go.

Tre' Cool D&B

Check it out, some good stuff from Kharm - free player sampler - very nice stuff.

Drum & Bass from the UK

Bring it UK, it always does. Where would the underground dance scene have been without you? Still in the Disco era, that's where.

The Romantic Heart

I think that there are times when the romantic heart needs to be by itself for a while. There are certain conditions, well, perhaps only one, that need to exist for this solitude to be beneficial. That condition is love, love in the exterior sense to the romantic's world. I suffer, from time to time, from melancholy; in the truest most poetic of ways. From Goethe to Keats and then on to Prevost; I feel it is a deep part of me and as part of my German heritage.

But the alone factor and its need for a close love is what concerned me most today. I think being alone with a melancholy heart is often a bad thing. It's solipsistic and very often self-defeating. But if there is love, close and interwoven beyond one's self near, then it knows there is better. There will be a person to which feelings of heartache and despair make room for redemption and joy (redemption is a word so battered around by pop society, esp movies and television that I hesitate to use it, but do in spite of myself).

I have that and cherish it so dearly. My woe or trouble is always borne with the knowledge that I am loved; loved eternally by my heavenly father and by those who encircle my life. To them I own every joy I have ever experienced.

Yes indeed, it comes out this Monday for the Virtual Console. Never played and pretty tempted to.

Oh yeah, and that guy below this post; his name it Lycidas, score one for English poetry references. Milton wins! And there's a good chance he would play WoW also.

 

So I has come to this. Juss about a month left on my 60 Day that L got me a little while ago and I have just managed to get a level 13 Rogue going on. A good use of time, it's quite entertaining, but wow, level 13, that certainly isn't much is it? Should have done better than that, but what can you do. The downside I think to MMOs, by and large, is that there is actually less of the feeling of accomplishment than other game types. Kill a boss or defeat a dungeon only to know that minutes later everything will respawn and you have really done nothing except work toward the progress of your single and autonomous character that interacts as a separate entity within the game world.

There is a lack of events I think, or perhaps I am just coming off of the Zelda:TP high and everything else seems dull by comparison. The true enjoyment and reward comes form playing something with L that she enjoys and allows us to interact imaginatively and creatively. It's been quite a joy.

Weekend Cheers

It's the weekend; time for fun and frivolity. I say a grand hello and good times to everyone and may your weekend be blessed with excitement, friends, and, perhaps if we are lucky, some well needed repose in which to ponder and meditate.

All the Best,

Rick

Bi-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con

The title I took from a Simpsons episode and I think it works with the Albuquerque one I just went to. Although, come to think of it, it certainly isn't bi-monthly. It is annual, but An-Mon-Sci-Fi-Con just didn't seem to work. It was a superb trip, although the city of Albuquerque is in need of some serious downtown revitalization. Businesses there closed very early; the Schlotzcke's Deli was open from 12-4 and that was it. Even the Starbucks, which shared a door into the hotel lobby, was only open until 5, till 5! How can that be?

Luckily the PCA/ACA people are tremendous and the hotel was providing coffee, sodas, water on tables throughout the complex during peak presentation times. I was well taken care of.

My panel was very cool and went quite well. It was actually well attending seeing that it was at 8am, a hard time to make I know. My paper was well received, I enjoyed the other panelists very much, and a good discussion on a variety of our topics followed the papers until our entire alloted time was out. I was greatly flattered to have people take such an interest and was impressed by what the other two brought to the table.

The other panels I attended were quite well done as well. I should post, at a later date, some of the ones I attended and what their strengths were.

Enemy Within

I was thinking today that I often forget that there are more than polar opposites pulling for my soul. There is the enemy of my soul, of whom is a mystery and terribly fearful yet something we are protected from by God's grace, and there is His heavenly spirit that gives voice to God's will and direction, comfort, and consolation to our soul. There is also that which lies within. There is a part of me that is an enemy toward the best God would have for me; some part of me that is selfish, deceptive, and low. I think when we make all those internal feelings to be something that is purely from Hell and has nothing to do with us, an outside influence only, then we become more susceptible to our own cunning and decay.

I have to acknowledge that there is a part of me, "ME," that is unhealthy, worldly, and sinful. They are not just impulses fed to me by dark minions. There is something there, in my soul, that they can tug on, some ground they have access to. You see, in thinking of it that way it is easier to defend. By knowing that there is territory to which I am weak, a part of me that is faulted deeply, I can support it and defend it more accurately.

There seems to be this great urge to think otherwise. If that were the case, we could feel happier being the neutral party to this cosmic spiritual war. But that is not the case; we are very much involved. I am not just selfish because the enemy plants seeds of that nature and whispers thoughts into my head, empty as it were if that were the case. No. I, the internal me I call I, is selfish and decaying. I must call upon God to aid and support a broken vessel, not just mend what someone else broke. There is a greater calling there; a higher realization and hope. There is a fuller image of my humanity in that thought that gives me food to ponder: to ponder, to prepare for, and to plan.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215

Still very curious about this game. I have a compulsion to play it, and yet I hesitate. Two things seem very promising about it, perhaps three. It has a noir theme, of which I am a fan. It involves solving puzzles, of which I find at times infuriating yet satisfying (especially with my recent experiences with Zelda:TP). And its reviews seem centered on its writing as one of its best strengths. In fact some reviews I have read have been ready to forgive the game many of its faults on the strength of that writing alone.

You can see my dilemma, which is only that I have other games to play, and also must keep my studies sharp for the future; reading, editing, and reviewing notes is something I intend to keep as a focus.

The Oracle Lied

I think the Oracle from New Line Cinema's "The Matrix" lied when she said that cookies needed love. I just stuck my hand in a batch of sugar cookie dough on that premise and all I got was a hand full of dough that stuck two inches thick on every part of my hand. Wow. Hehe, but it all turned out okay, at least we shall see. I think my cooking skills are still a little behind and so I was going to go for the challenge of making some easy cookies, for starters.

I would like to thank Clabber Girl, the only choice in baking powder, for making much of this cooking experience possible. My next post will be sponsored by my flour provider.

Dangerfield Out

Hoode hoode hoo.

Those words echoed out wide over the surface of the earth as the satellite that carried lost astronaut Walt Dangerfield encircled the globe; sending his transmission down to those scrapping it out in the post-apocalyptic wasteland that was left after the Emergency.

Just started reading Philip K. Dick's Dr. Bloodmoney per the suggestion of well-read man of technology Logical Gambit. It has been highly entertaining thus far with a high degree of introspection that I find necessary in just about anything I would call 'literature'. I was having a conversation with L the other day, talking about what made something a book and what rose to become literature. I think it had something to do with my going to this Popular Culture Association conference where a lot of what does not get recognized by academics finds due attention. That last part may not be entirely true. I don't think there is too much of worth that escapes the notice of our better academic institutions, but suffice it to say that discussion came up.

I was thinking that my distinction came from how much dialogue was in the novel. If there was too much they have always seemed to me to be just accounts of some stuff that we can imagine happened. The only thing you seem to get that is not dialog is 'Smith walked over and picked up his coffee excitedly'. Scripts for something that could be filmed where the narrator simply functions as the director or the readers imaginary visual experience, theater of the mind's eye and all that.

I claim no law here, just made me think of it reading Dr. Bloodmoney because it plays both role so well. There is something of the heightened visual experience without the expense toward character internalized thought, interplay between motives, actions, and thought etc.

It's a good book I am looking forward to finishing. I wanted to pick up some Philip K. because another member on the panel I going to be on is doing his paper on him, and I did not want to show up without any ground to cover should the opportunity arise.

Psycoanaltropic

I think it must move on,
at a pace that's nearing slow.
It all burns so swiftly now,
the dross kindles from below.
Fire, fire, everywhere,
and all is on the brink:
refuge neither here nor there,
it's all about to sink.
Like a bleeding liquid flame,
it harkens from the deep;
it goes without sight or name,
its nights are without sleep.
There's borders so the image holds,
the center, the herald, the focused mass,
and all this, too, shall one day come to pass.


One tries at these things and is never sure of the outcome. I was thinking of making a mix-CD for Budiak, that's where I got the name, and I thought I should pair it with something, a verse of some sort. Guess it was late enough for me to try this. And that's how it happened. Sleep might improve things.

Crisis Averted

Well - I got a quick response back from the professor. He sent it directly there and it was received with no problems. Just came home today to find a confirmation of completion email from the university.

All that awaits processing is New Hampshire, which the USPS, as of today, still has yet to deliver. I am going to be contacting each school Wednesday to make sure that everything is square and that will also be the time when I can get into the USPS if the package is still not there.

Then, on to more important things. Life is not about applications, it is about applying oneself, metaphorically, in the universal sense. AHh, this whole thing has sapped me of my English know-how (you see? I don't use the words know-how, this must be bad).

I will relax with some anime and the Tacos that my lovely wife is preparing, sounds awesome.

And now this...

And now I get word from Missouri that my application has been compiled and is complete - except that it is still missing one letter of recommendation. One that I had to send out and had not heard from the recipient since. I assumed all was well and that even my confirmation emails had arrived.

So, in short, each application may now be short one letter of recommendation that I just have not heard about yet.

Oh, and I am not sure I posted about this yet, but two letters of recommendation ended up arriving after I had to send out the packets: post-marked Jan 5th and in my mail box Jan 16th, yeah that's swell.

My other packet, destined for New Hampshire, had not arrived as of Friday. Sent Priority Mail the 9th, shipped the 10th, and as of the 19th, nothing. Called the post office and their policy leave them no option to help until it has been fourteen days... hmmm, makes me rethink spening that extra money on Priority Mail.

All shipping from now on will more than likely be Handled by Fed Ex. USPS is pathetic at best. How pathetic, well in this application process alone, let me count the ways...

Solved

Looks like someone (Nyko) solved it and will get my money.

Arrived

Last night marked the last elements that I will be shipping off to the schools that I am applying to. It was a momentous occasion with fanfare and trumpets. Actually, it was just what I wanted; my wife with me on a little couples errand, then we went to Rite Aid to get some sodas to celebrate and because my throat has been scruffy lately.

Some institutions wanted everything sent in one packet, letters, everything. I had a professor write letters, four of them, and send them back to in the mail with SASEs. He put two into each and mailed them both. I got one of the pairs last week early and those went into the packets. Yesterday came the second pair, postmarked Jan5th, and arriving to my mail box the 16th...

So that is why yesterday marked the last of the shipping elements, and I am sure everyone knows that overnighting packages is not cheap. Immensely cool that they can get it there, across country, that fast, but not cheap.

Mail or Institution?

That is the question in the blame game. So, where are my transcripts? Still have yet to arrive and I have 10 applications just sitting in my living room that could have been out a week ago that... are still laying on my floor. There is no reason they should not be here. Sac State and Folsom Lake, here two weeks ago, or wait, maybe more... Chico State, across town, still not here. Monday, better be, or they ship and I will have to overnight 10 transcripts in envelopes.

Stinko!

Shipping and Handling

Just a short note: hopefully my Chico State transcripts arrive today. That will mark the final item I need to fill the packet to be sent to each University. The extra printing cartridge was picked up last night, thank you Circuit City, and so I will be able to print off the last of my writing samples and statements of purpose this afternoon. The holidays delayed the transcripts it seems, but it does not explain why both Sacramento State and Cosumnes River colleges were able to get my transcripts to me almost a week and and a half ago. Conspiracy of some sort, we can certain of that. So, hopefully a trip to the Post Office this evening and, like so many doves released into the sky, my future hopes and dreams will fly off to various parts of the South and East coasts.

And then we wait...

More Funny Rabbids

Yes! Love me some rabbids. Hot from Rayman 4 and ready for the holidays, although this is a post script to the holidays we have all recently enjoyed, here is the rabbids holiday offering.



posting from the lovely home in Folsom, L and I had a great New Years. Thanks to Budiak and significant for the good time.