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.

Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings DS

So many good RPGs coming out for the DS.

100 - Centennial Schools Event

Well, I suppose I should have done something in my last post, being that it was my 100th, but seeing as how long I have actually had this posting, it is not all that momentous. I should have hit this long ago. But enough of that, no party planned, no big banner sales, this blog is going right to work to fulfill what is requested of it.

It has been noted that the list of schools has not been posted yet. Without further ado, here is that list. (in the order that they appear on my excel spreadsheet). U = University :) and SUNY means that it is part of the State University of New York system.

U of Missouri
U of Texas at Austin
SUNY Stony Brook
Rice University
Indiana University
Boston University
U of Massachusetts at Amherst
Tufts University
SUNY Albany
U of Rochester
U of Connecticut
U of New Hampshire

Oh, and some exciting news, or rather potential (especially since I did not suggest, nor even knew, about the school before it was added to the list - Rice University, as some may know, is in the heart of Houston, TX heh. That school was directly passed down from the grand professor Dr. K who expressed heart felt admiration for their program.)

Great Trip

Everything went very well on the trip to Oregon. There was nary a snowflake in the sky and none on the ground as we made our way both there and back. Got to see the new Bond movie, Casino Royale, and it was pretty good. Gotta love my families switch button fireplace. Flip on, ahhh that's nice, a little too hot? flip off, just right. It really was a wonderful time and they even got me the classic controller for the Wii. I can now use that for the virtual console games and Game Cube games :) let the good times roll.

But before they do, I must get applications finished up :)

Road Trip Christmas 2006

The weather looks fine today, sunny outside my window right now, which is not that surprising in beautiful California but something I welcome on the day we are to leave for Oregon, the land of wind and snow, or perhaps just snow and rain since I think Chicago has the wind thing covered. Sorry, that's Chi-town to you and me and everyone in the drum and bass community. The weather does seem like a God-sent, L and I were unsure of our holiday plans because there was some storm warnings over the pass and we do not have chains for the Probe. The reason for that being that the wheels are so close to the wheel well that they require a special cable system that runs somewhere around $250. The clouds seem to have parted and we will be off for lovely Eugene as soon as L gets off of work. Can't wait to see the family and have a lot of Holiday cheer, oh yeah, and the Wii is coming, too. It's looking forward to meeting the family as well.

It Begins

The new wave is here and, hopefully, it breaks the shore and finds an inlet. Applications are again upon me, I have what appears to be an almost final list of schools that I am applying to. I should post that up when it becomes definite. God has really been guiding me thus far, over a bit a rockiness and uncertainty, but I am back on track and ready to pour it on.

Rah rah enough for you?

"Ra, Egyptian god of the Sun!" - Space Ghost C2C

Amazon Wish List

Had to put up a link to my Amazon wish list. Some really good things on there, and the list keeps growing. Which, in a certain light, isn't really true. The list hasn't really grown for at least several weeks. I guess I just have everything I have ever wanted and it's hard thinking up those little treats to add. I have a gorgeous and lovely wife, loving and supportive family, great friends, a job, a cool little apartment, hot water every morning, cool coffee machine and coffee whenever I want it, a Nintendo DS and Wii (wow I'm lucky), and computers (lucky again! I am sure that there are many who have none).

Well, I suppose Thanksgiving is already over and we are on our way to Christmas, but I could not help feeling thankful for all of these things and an unending list of things on top of this and to come.

The Speaker Ulysses

"We are not that strength which in old days
Moved earth and heaven, that which we are, we are;
One equal temper of heroic hearts,
Made weak by time and fate, but strong in will
To strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield."

This, from the noted character in Tennyson's work, seems to speak well into our times. The idea, and the weight, of the sheer quality of those generations that preceded ours leaves its melancholy tone to linger over my thoughts. I hope those of us in the good fight do retain that rigor of will to yield not to this world; seek and find truth and beauty, and to know where the two derive their purpose.

Super Swing Golf

Well now that we have the Wii, this looks like a must have game. Come on, I mean golf on an aircraft carrier? What could be cooler than that. And you know this game will be all about that happy, very catchy, Japanese music... baa bee bee boo de baa :)

Wii Day

It was all worth it; the 36hrs in line at Target, the cold, the hardness of the ground, all were forgiving elements when you compare how fun this system is to play, how well wrought the design, and how sophisticated the content is. Got the three games because the store just had to do one of those deals where you get a pretty good price if you do. Have to say that each has its own style, appeal, and motif so I am very happy with our selection. L was an absolute trooper the entire time; there were times when she had more energy than I did and she never let the excitement fade. I have some cool photos from camp Wii, be putting those up soon. Met some very nice and cool people in line while we were there. We were truly blessed to have a good "line-up" I guess you would call it. Everyone there made it a really fun experience. Now for the excitement of bringing it home for Thanksgiving. Me hears the impending bowling/golf/tennis tournament; wow, we could really make it a Triathalon. 

Conference Acceptance

Really good news just came in today over the wire. The conference that I had sent my abstract to the other day, the PCA/ACA (Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association) conference in New Mexico, sent me an acceptance email. So I am really excited to get that experience and do my best in presenting my paper on Gibson. I will be presenting my paper in a panel most likely, although the panels will probably be assembled soon since they just made the selections today. The panel is in the sci-fi and fantasy area of the conference and, well, let's just say I'm pretty revved up for it.

New Call of Duty Trailer

Just looks at those innovative uses of the controller. Yeah, camping out is gonna be worth it, woo hoo.

Hmm, I need to post something of dramatic content; something philosophical. If anyone reading this didn't know me, they would think I was some gaming geek with a job at the 7-11. Way off, for the record, I mix paint.

Hmmm, next up: something from Thomas Mann, he'll help me recover some dignity.

Epic

As my good friend and company in this adventure would say; it was Epic! Then he would grab me by the sleeve until he had my undivided attention and stare the importance of the moment into my eyes and memory.

Indeed it was an incredible weekend. Although, due to lack of time, I will not go into all the details as of now: I have been trying to get more sleep lately even when I am not working the next day with the aim being better focus and productivity.

In an unrelated note; I sent off an abstract earlier today for the SW ACA/PCA conference in New Mexico. I would very much like to attend and present at that one. 

Happiness

Happiness is always a by-product. It is probably a matter of temperament, and for anything I know it may be glandular. But it is not something that can be demanded from life, and if you are not happy you had better stop worrying about it and see what treasures you can pluck from your own brand of unhappiness.

Robertson Davies

Taken from the daily quotations RSS I have on my home page; I think this to be a very clear distinction on what happiness really is. It is listed under their 'cynical' quotations and it is as such because of the last bit of unhappiness. Although I take issue with it being listed as cynical, I can see their point. It isn't cynical, however, because if you take the quotation in full the use of unhappiness at the end is layered in plurality: it is not really unhappiness but the personal label that one gives it that makes it so, it's semantic, signified by the use of "brand."

Chico - Half Life?

I had never really noticed before how much many parts of Chico looks like Half Life 2. Perhaps it is just my fandom kicking in and triggering hypnagogic images, but I think the evidence speaks for itself. While my wife has the car I have made a few walks from our apartment to the university to attend some study seminars on the upcoming GRE test. These were actually taken on a day that I went for the walk just to see how long it would take me and to clear my head of a lot of studying. It was very short. This made me realize that it is often a case of habit to simply drive everywhere when walking, escpecially in Chico's best season, Fall, can be very rewarding. Look, it can even trigger the inner gaming imagination.

 

Fuse

Meh.: October 2006

My good friend's blog, looks like it is under works in the best way. If it is one thing that can bring me to feeling giddy it's knowing my friends have found happiness. This looks like a wonderful post.

Michel Ancel Interview

This trailer is worth the entire last few seconds. Genius. I will be getting this game, go Wii. Hail Launch Day.

And he's French, tre chic. I have always loved the work of Prevost, so why not this guy?

Gaming Couples Event

Ruby Skye Calendar

Never thought I would see an event like this. Suppose it would fit in with our latest stint (or longer) in WoW. An interesting choice of venues given that Ruby Skye is the traditional site of world renown DJs and the like.

I am not thinking very seriously about going, in fact not at all. I will either be vacationing with my inlaws or hosting a friend. Events like this one should be something I attend in the future if I hope to get into the gaming theory industry.

World of Warcraft Music Video

Simply Amazing.. To critics of the game, ahem, I present this work of fine, nay, exquisit art. Listen to the words and let them take you away to 'whole new worlds' perhaps. Quite well done. To Tim; yes man, I remember the glory, and then I remembered some of the droll repetition and endless minor tweeking and lack of social interaction, well, not to go on a tirade, but needless to say, at least for now, it is time to move on. Only side effect of WoW so far is really long, sometimes too long, run on sentances, especially in instances where one or two short ones would do, like this one here.

WoW - Beginnings

As is said: "It Has Begun!"

This weekend marks the first time I have logged on to a persistent world MMORPG and I had the extreme pleasure of doing so with my wife. Here we are at a well outside of the main city, forgot the name but I am sure I will pick them up in time. It was a thrill and I am sure that I will blog about it from time to time. As Brett told me when I informed him, "Say goodbye to your life." I am sure it will not come to that and, although I am sure we will enjoy it often, it shouldn't dominate our lives. But I think some fandom might be cool to get into. More about my video game theory ideas later, however, I thought that, should I go into speaking/writing about them in the future, this is probably one game I could not excuse myself from not having played; and so I have begun.

Ah sorry, no Wii

Well, it is my sad news that I was unable to get a Wii Preorder this morning. Camped out in front of Gamestop this morning, although camped is used a little weakly in my case. Fact is my fervor was not strong enough, got there sometime around 7am, not early enough. The front pair has camped since 11:30pm the night before, then on down to two in front of me got there at 5am. Parents for their kids seemed to trump true fandom in this case. Although there was some controversy about their being all from the same household (as in limit one per), but they went ahead and did it anyway.

No matter; I had a really good time. The event helped me to see that I have really missed regular friendly contact. Sure, I have my friends, but these were people I just met, under similar circumstances, and we really enjoyed each other's company. Topics ranged quite a bit but all within the general interests of people who would camp for a Wii, although some went a bit further; not surprising given the higher age of gamers nowadays. We discussed regional traits, gentrification, homelessness, etc. on top of games, movies, and shows.

It was a very nice experience. I was even asked to exchange numbers with one attendee who thinks we might be able to organize a campout on launch day. This time, perhaps it will be truly epic (in length as well as grandeur).

Professor on Credentialism

I think for the most part this clip is spot on. I should have more to say on this but at the time I don't. There are, of course obvious exceptions, but in large part this is a facet of the University that I do not think is being fully discussed.

Added to that, my degree in particular is mentioned. hehe, bit o sting? nah, I would love to teach English.

The Vanity of Human Wishes

from *see above, by Samuel Johnson (lines 323-342)

Ye nymphs of rosy lips and radiant eyes,
Whom Pleasure keeps to busy to be wise,
Whom Joy with soft varieties invite,
By day the frolic, and the dance by night:
Who frown with vanity, who smile with art,
And ask the latest fashion of the heart;
What care, what rules your heedless charms shall save,
Each nymph your rival, and each youth your slave?
Against your fame with Fondness Hate combines,
The rival batters, and lover mines.
With distant voice neglected Virtue calls,
Less heard and less, the faint remonstrance falls;
Tired with contempt, she quits the slippery reign,
And Pride and Prudence take her seat in vain.
In crowd at once, where none the pass defend,
The harmless freedom, and the private friend.
The guardians yield, by force superior plied:
To Interest, Prudence; and to Flattery, Pride.
Now Beauty falls betrayed, despised, distressed,
And hissing Infamy proclaims the rest.

I encountered this while studying for the GRE subject test. I am taking it, for the third time, in November. I am really aiming for a higher score to aid in getting into a PhD program. This is just as excerpt, as the lines indicate, from Johnson's larger work, but how telling of our modern times. This is, of course, aimed at beautiful women, whom I believe are captured here in startling clarity given our 'modern' times. So often this is the case that is is a grief to remember it. How, so often, beauty is ruined in these ways. Not to mention how torturous the fall, especially given Johnson's verses. Previous to these lines he calls on the new born scholar, the recently graduated. I shall have to quote those lines in the near future and make some comment as to their relevance to my life. For now, I think these lines speak well to my perspective when encountering beauty in our culture.

The Beans That Bind

What I often find myself missing the most from friends that I cannot spend time with is the coffee that is shared. Phone conversations are terrific in their own right and a marvel of our modern times. But indeed, sharing of the perky beverage seems to have something of the mystical about it. Starbucks may have to start servicing something like a coffee-chat channel, but even with video feeds and an audio channel I think the effect would be lost somewhere in the middle.

This just came to mind after having a very nice conversation with Brett on the phone and, being a little drowsy, I brewed a pot in the coffee machine often used when we were pulling all nighters or staying awake for get together or party later that evening. The energy before going out was always highlighted intensely with the caffeine and a good night was generally assured. Good times. Somewhat startling to me what this thought. I know I am a pretty nostalgic person, but having these emotions about a coffee machine... hmmm well, nothing new on the grand stage of it all. Great authors muse about the pens they shared with colleagues; walking sticks that carry special honor et cetera.

I can still tell however, that despite this evening's coffee jumpstart I am still falling into the, I guess I should say new habit of writing in a little formalized style not quite conversational. I wonder: is this common of many people who start blogging? heh, perhaps it is.

Masters in Hand

It is a good day when something like this arrives in the mail. The experience of finishing the degree was a little convoluted. There were many instances of being "done." I know, despite what Michael from The Office says, that things on paper do not fully capture or signify what they represent. But I am always capable of looking deeper into the concept of representation: this, for the moment--and all the moments it stands for--feels very nice to hold.

Masters Degree in English -- Check

(kudos go out to the Office of International and Graduate Studies at Cal. State University, Chico who processed my degree, from final approval to the printed for depicted here, in about one month. Nice.) 

Ion iTTUSB

Amazon.com: Ion iTTUSB Turntable with USB Record: Electronics

Turntable that I am looking into getting. The first time around they sold out of these things in a day. Now it looks like they are back, on sale, and available for free shipping. w00t!

If the sale goes through it would take me a solid weekend getting all of my vinyl into the digital format. But I can't even begin to tell you how awesome that would be. Quite excited about the possibilies here.

Purity

The struggle to stay pure is never ending. In the minute I think I have control things can slip away. I had a talk with my Dad earlier this week and he had incredible insights into my condition and his words were of wisdom that I will be working to put into practice.

The Path to 9/11

The Path to 9/11

You may have seen this already, they played it over the weekend without commercial interuption. Chico is pretty bad as far as reception goes and I hate the look of rabbit ears. Needless to say this webcast, or I am not sure what you would call it, was a welcome treat. I have not finished it, only about an hour through the first night. But it is very well produced and has recieved a lot of attention. People have tried to censor it, get it shut down, propagandize (sp) against it; so I think it might be interesting to watch and discuss.

http://pathto911.abc.com/index.html

Nice stream too, I was playing it at 1003kbs and it looked good. It's a little hard to see, but when you use the larger view you can scale the player to your browser window using the tab in the lower right. I know, I'm a dolt and it actuallt took me a while to figure that one out :)

There are also rumors of unedited copies that may be circulating the web in the near future. It will be interesting to see how that pans out.

Conferences in Heaven

I was just going through my CFP (call for papers) updates in my email box this morning and had the thought, since I think I should enjoy these very much, especially if I move on for further education: what would the content be if they existed in some form or another in heaven? The idea here, be it a very fantastic one, follows the contemplations of the coffee lover concerning the nature of coffee in heaven or the scrapbooker on what cut-outs and backgrounds for scrapbooking may exist in the eternal.

So I thought it would be entertaining to think of some fanciful ideas for conferences and symposiums in realm of eternal light.

Bunnies in Clouds: A Discourse on the Nature of Clouds

Papers are encouraged to look into clouds and their resemblances as an element to observe the creative spheres of both God and humanity. How do they capture a specific element of God's vast palate? Also welcome are papers that explore the concept of free will as it relates to clouds and how God's concept of free will extends to an individual's creative power to see various cloud formations as images of representation.

Well as you can see it's a work in progress and quite a silly one at that; but fun nonetheless :)

Point Counter Point

I am currently reading Aldous Huxley's terrific novel Point Counter Point. It has within its pages some of the most insightful encounters with humanities many a semblance that it is often staggering. Reading through the thoughts of Spandrel is like dissecting this infectious wound embedded deep within humankind. In is this wonderful excerpt:

He hoped there was a hell for him to go to and regretted his inability to believe in its existence. Still, hell or no hell, it was satisfactory, it was even exciting in those early days to know that one was doing something bad or wrong. But there is in debauchery something so intrinsically dull, something so absolutely and hopelessly dismal, that it is only the rarest beings, gifted with much less than the usual amount of intelligence and much more than the usual intensity of appetite, who can go on actively enjoying a regular course of vice or continue actively to believe in its wickedness.

pg. 217 of the Dalkey Archive Press edition, 2004

Huxley is an expert in dealing with the complex inner workings of both conscience and soul. This novel is a masterpiece and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and entertaining its notions in my own mind.

Wash and Shine

Wonderful day this one. Just finished washing and waxing the car with my love and we are about to take a trip to do a little shopping. Probably play some games and watch a movie later.

Dinner will be the order of the evening. My parents are taking us out to celebrate the completion of my Masters degree. Feels tremendous and I am sure the food will be terrific, but more on that later.

Back on Track

I have recently been working with the program Writely in a personal attempt to keep up my writing by adding the technological incentive. Meaning, now that there is something cool and very useful that might help spur me on to putting fingers to keys.

This might also be part of a motivation to stave off negative commentary. The previous post, which remained so for too long due in inaccessibility to my blog, is an example of my mind set that was stuck for a time in blogging for relief instead of creative exercise. It is not that I am changing my thought pattern so much as it is a motivation to change my reasons for expression.

Writely (www.writely.com) has been unable to post from the files written there, but hopefully that will be worked out soon. In the mean time I am going to work harder on making this a writing exercise that is worthwhile as well as fun. I should start pretending that someone is reading this. Besides the only person that I know for sure has, at one time, Tim, and if you are reading this good friend, I hope you are well.

Hezbollah succeeds in impressing NYT

Hezbollah Leads Work to Rebuild, Gaining Stature - New York Times

Hat tip, as they say, to The American Thinker. This article from the NY Times was discovered through one of their recent articles.

http://www.americanthinker.com/

It is hard to think of my complete reactions to this article, but the total experience was distastefully. Good thing I don't read it often. This piece places such a hero's light on Hezbollah it's disgraceful. They even go so far as to account for the Lebanese government in this manner:

"Hezbollah reputation as an efficient grass-roots social service network as opposed to the Lebanese government, regarded by many here as sleek men in suits doing well— was in evidence everywhere."

This is the same government that is called upon to aid in bringing peace by the UN resolution, the same government that was tasked wistabilizinging their border and this, OH yeah!, not even mentioned as radical terrorist organization. The awe with which this piece paints them certainly puts that idea out of mindHezbollahlla is a strong--people driven-- grass roots organization.

Certainly they are doing none of this for the sake of building a base of supporters, soldiers, willing citizens. Certainly this is no power play.

AH, also importanIRAN is funding everything. Ah yes, this is the source of power. A country committed to seeing the destruction of Israel would have no heinous motive behind reconstructing a part of Lebanon that threw their weight against Israel. None...

This truly is pathetic.

Cootsona

Cootsona: Reflections on Culture, Life, and Faith: Wait No Longer! The Complete Links to My Lectures on "The Da Vinci Code"

A series of lectures on "The Da Vinci Code" that I intend to check out at a later time. The speaker is a pastor at Bidwell Pres. here in Chico. What is most interesting about the article is not its content but the response posted by a John.

Why are people so unwilling to condemn this obvious attempt to mislead people and fabricate a distrust of the church; especially so from within the church?

"I think you did a good job discussing canonization, but I think there could be questions about the validity of the current canon. In a later post on your blog, you point out that the validity of prayer is not based on the quantity of the pray-ers, but on the authority of the One. Could it not be the same for scripture? I think there are some people who question the "majority rule" and even ecumeninism of the canonization process. What if the majority got it wrong? What if the scriptures they selected were simply most compatible with their own goals and desires of the church?"

If he is serious then this could be borderline blasphemy. The Word, as we know it as Christians, is the inspired word of God. To worry about the "majority rule" of it, the very text with which we base our faith, seems false to the point of absurdity.

I could go on at length but suffice it to say that he incorrectly uses the Dada movement to describe Mark Twain and engages in other such ridiculousness.

I have decided to make it an effort to challenge these positions as I find them and educate myself in manner suiting that endeavor.

This is also coming on the heels of this review posted by a leader in the college group of this church.
Brokeback Mountain Review

The Ship Online

The Ship Online

The Ship

The Ship

Taking a serious look at this amazing new game concept. If it's anything like I expect it seems to be something in the lines of a mix between "Ten Little Indians" and "Clue."

The pre-order deal is also a bit hard to pass up, 25% off, making it a cool $15.

In other belated news, meaning again that I haven't been keeping up on my blog, I have officially defended my thesis. I did so a little over a week ago and the feeling, as tremedous as it is, is still settling in. It feels as though the reigns are slowing letting off and I can breath more and more.

Also, I even more belated news, I have DS Lite now as does my lovely wife. Currently playing:

Animal Crossing
Metroid Prime: Hunters
Ford Racing 3
Sonic Rush
(and some others) although I am not even sure you can have a list in a "currently" list. Would be like saying, "I am currently reading..." and listing quite a few, or what about "currently listening," perhaps more freedom there. Who knows.

Best Man - Best Friend  

Ruby Skye - San Francisco's Finest Nightclub and Special Event Venue - Nightclub, Club, Bar, Lounge, DJ, House Music, Hip Hop.

Ruby Skye

I was just thinking, since I was sick today from work, which this morning was actually a serious matter, that perhaps some of the time when I feel ill or down in general that it may in fact be a tremendous lack of electronica music.

I was just getting the post together for my SacLand google group together and was listening to the amazing music they have on Skye's web site and I just felt a thousand times better. If you were wondering, track 2 is my fav.

This is going to happen, will all the posititivity that I can give to an event like this right now. Have been meaning to get back to Ruby Skye and this sure seems like a good way to make another foray into the plush surroundings this SF based club has to offer.  

I love Role-Playing

Via: VideoSift

Unfortunate Item Not Included

I didn't post this when I received the news. I can honestly say that it was not from the shock of the blow, which was sizable, but nothing to knock me off my feet. I am holding firm in my belief that God will place me where it is best to be and that if I am not to go on to a PhD program right now then that is the right path to accept.

Well, I suppose then that it might go without saying except that I went without posting it for too long. I did not make it into any of the schools I applied for and so I will not begin pursuits of a PhD this Fall. But I am still hard at work in getting the thesis completed in the best form that it can. Which incidently is what I am doing right now and need to get back to. Not sure how the Gizmo picture ended up being posted before this bit of news, but there it is.

Me as a kid with Gizmo, a particularly cute hero of mine. This, I believe, was taked during a Halloween event of some sort. Gotta love the furry little Gremlin. Or, are they not considered Gremlins until they morph. Hmmm, this obviously needs some more thought.  

Had to post these up: this is the entrance to the dinning hall on the ship we took for our Honeymoon. The dinning room was called Aquarius, so this one is for all the A-Boys. It was terrific, too, because everything in it was themed after the sign, the walls had the design, the carpet, statues. Magnificent.  

Peasant's Quest

Peasant's Quest

Best Game Ever. I highly recommend it. Right now I am 64/150. Here I come Trogdor!