Sunday, February 25, 2007
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.
Friday, February 23, 2007
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
All the Best,
Rick
Thursday, February 22, 2007
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.
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.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, January 27, 2007
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.
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.
Friday, January 26, 2007
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.
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.
Monday, January 22, 2007
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.
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.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
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...
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...
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
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.
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.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
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!
Stinko!
Friday, January 05, 2007
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...
And then we wait...
Monday, January 01, 2007
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.
posting from the lovely home in Folsom, L and I had a great New Years. Thanks to Budiak and significant for the good time.
Friday, December 29, 2006
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.)
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.)
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
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 :)
But before they do, I must get applications finished up :)
Friday, December 22, 2006
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.
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