The winds shifted, or something, last Friday and my allergies have decided that they want me writing in misery. I wish they wanted me dead, instead.
When I'm outside, my eyes are alternating between itching and burning while they try to dribble out all the liquid in my bodies.
My nose doesn't seem to care if I'm inside or outside. It dribbles snot that has the consistency of 1:2 Elmer's Glue and water. It tickles and itches to know end. And it's made me sneeze so much that my head is only a few more sneezes away from migraine territory.
If I still lived in Cowtown, my allergy season would be winding down about now. I don't live there though, I live here. And that means I probably have another six to eight weeks of this misery.
Oh, well, at least there's a Weird Al show in June to look forward to.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Made in USA
Just a short one today, since work is almost over and I've had little time to do other things.
Anyway, since comic people have been stopping by my page this week, I thought that maybe I should point out my brother's comic, again to get people to take a look. It's not about superheroes, but if you enjoy sly, sardonic humor (or humour) that's paced more slowly than you usually see, you'll like it. If you enjoy stories about robots that hitchhike and visit the moon, you'll like it even more.
Anyway, since comic people have been stopping by my page this week, I thought that maybe I should point out my brother's comic, again to get people to take a look. It's not about superheroes, but if you enjoy sly, sardonic humor (or humour) that's paced more slowly than you usually see, you'll like it. If you enjoy stories about robots that hitchhike and visit the moon, you'll like it even more.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Old Books
I'm nine pages away from finishing The Dark Is Rising Sequence, again. This is the fourth or fifth time I've read the five books since I got them in the fifth grade. (I used to have the two poems/prophecies memorized.) I don't remember them being so dense. There's a lot of mythology that's almost Arthurian, but not quite, and so many other allusions to tales from the British Isles in them. I guess when I read these books before I just glossed over most of the mythology, which is strange because I've always been fascinated by the Arthurian stuff. The important thing is that I saw it this time, right?
My next book is going to be A Tale of Time City. I have read this book at least once a year since I was twelve years old. It's one of my favorites. Every time I read it, I get excited and the action in it is still thrilling.
I guess I'm just in one of those reading moods where I want to read stuff that I've read before (Remember when I mentioned Dirk Gently? I've read those books several times, too.) because I know their good and comfortable and there's no way I'll be disappointed in them. Maybe that means I'll read The Great Brain books again soon. That'd be fun.
I don't want anyone out there to think that I don't have any new, at least to me, books to read. I do. Plenty, in fact. Right now just seems like the time to visit with some of the characters and plots that gave me so much pleasure growing up.
For those who actually answer, what are some of the books that you have read, or still do read, every couple of years? What would you like to pick up again and just savor because it's fun and nostalgic? I'm always looking for more kid type novels to poke my head into.
My next book is going to be A Tale of Time City. I have read this book at least once a year since I was twelve years old. It's one of my favorites. Every time I read it, I get excited and the action in it is still thrilling.
I guess I'm just in one of those reading moods where I want to read stuff that I've read before (Remember when I mentioned Dirk Gently? I've read those books several times, too.) because I know their good and comfortable and there's no way I'll be disappointed in them. Maybe that means I'll read The Great Brain books again soon. That'd be fun.
I don't want anyone out there to think that I don't have any new, at least to me, books to read. I do. Plenty, in fact. Right now just seems like the time to visit with some of the characters and plots that gave me so much pleasure growing up.
For those who actually answer, what are some of the books that you have read, or still do read, every couple of years? What would you like to pick up again and just savor because it's fun and nostalgic? I'm always looking for more kid type novels to poke my head into.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Yesterday's Problems BecomeToday's Memories
- Mocking bird imitating the crosswalk chirp and all the car alarms in the city at 2AM.
- Waking up.
- Going to work.
- Sitting where the drawers in my desk used to be.
- Attorneys.
- Nose bleeding at lunch. (Short version.)
- Going back to work after lunch.
- Only two of us in the office after two.
- Huge pile of mail.
- Attorneys.
- Carpet fluff that keeps appearing.
- Nose bleeding after eating dinner. (Long version.)
- Cleaning drops of blood off the carpet.
- The slug-like blood clot that comes out of my nose after a long nose bleed.
- That same fucking mocking bird chirping all night long.
- Another nose bleed just before midnight.
In happier news, the other thing I spent some birthday money on came yesterday. It's the Buffy the Vampire Slayer series box set. It was on sale last week for $99.98, which is way cheaper than its usual $199.98 price tag. So, that was nice.
Oh, and today, I'm pretty afraid of blowing my nose because I don't want to open old wounds, doncha know.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Allergy Burn?
I feel like I've been sunburned, although I don't look it.
It started on Saturday at APE. Suddenly the flesh on my face felt very warm and a little sting-y.
I don't think I'm sunburned. I walked, under cloud cover, for forty minutes on Saturday morning. Spent much of the day inside wandering between tables.
Bought something from this guy, and this guy (I saw the basic form of the next book, awesome), and this guy (I keep hoping he'll do more Don Quixote, but the shadow stuff is good, too), and this guy (I wish there were four of him so he could do more stories for his other characters, but I understand wanting to be creative and do other things). And asked this guy if he was going to make a soundtrack of the opera. He said he was thinking about it. Maybe for Christmas.
Don't know why I feel sunburned. Maybe I'll just blame it on allergies. That works.
It started on Saturday at APE. Suddenly the flesh on my face felt very warm and a little sting-y.
I don't think I'm sunburned. I walked, under cloud cover, for forty minutes on Saturday morning. Spent much of the day inside wandering between tables.
Bought something from this guy, and this guy (I saw the basic form of the next book, awesome), and this guy (I keep hoping he'll do more Don Quixote, but the shadow stuff is good, too), and this guy (I wish there were four of him so he could do more stories for his other characters, but I understand wanting to be creative and do other things). And asked this guy if he was going to make a soundtrack of the opera. He said he was thinking about it. Maybe for Christmas.
Don't know why I feel sunburned. Maybe I'll just blame it on allergies. That works.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Comic Book Complaining
Today, I'm going to talk Wonder Woman, in the context of her newest series, that is.
First, my history with the character: it's pretty limited. I bought an issue of her solo book and only know of her costume change to bicyclist spandex shorts from her time leading the Justice League. My brother bought the Wonder Woman issues that had Batman in them where some of Batman's villains were possessed by evil Greek gods. He only bought the issue where Lois Lane follows her around for the day, that one was cool. I think I've watched a total of ten hours of the old Linda Carter TV show and only really remember her spinning, reflecting bullets, and explaining to some guy that she flies an invisible plane and when she's in it she's invisible, too. Oh, I saw her on Superfriends, but I don't remember her doing much.
So, in the realm of comic book fandom, when it comes to Wonder Woman, I'm pretty much a newbie, which is why this latest relaunch should have been exactly the thing to pull me in.
I was only going to buy the first story arc (mainly because the Dodsons are awesome) and then if I like the characterization I'd keep it up. The first arc hasn't ended, yet. The last issue has been delayed until... well no date's actually been set.
In Scipio's post about Aquaman taking over the Justice League, Aquaman defeats Wonder Woman by having Martian Manhunter zap her with, "MISSED DEADLINES, MISSED OPPORTUNITIES, MISCHARACTERIZATION!" and it's the second one that I understand the most.
The first arc was (is) title "Who Is Wonder Woman?" The woman formerly know as Wonder Woman is now a secret agent called Diana Prince and woman formerly known as Wonder Girl/Troia/Darkstar/Donna Troy is now in the Wonder Woman suit (with a cape!). The whole point of the arc is to get Diana to put the gold bustier back on because it looks like Donna is incompetent. And I guess it succeeds because Diana has since started living a duel life as the spy and Wonder Woman, even though we have yet to actually see her take back the bustier from Circe.
Since then it's only gotten more confusing. (And the bit about Wonder Woman merchandise selling 75% less then Batman stuff, what was the point of that?)
So, I have to ask, why was "Who Is Wonder Woman?" the first arc of this new series? It doesn't make sense. Here we have a woman questioning her identity and her place in the world after snapping a man's neck (I forgot to mention that I read Infinite Crisis. I guess I should.) so much that she goes into hiding. She doesn't even start to establish a new life for herself until somewhere after week 30 of 52 (whichever issue Montoya hit on her in that ice cave). And Donna Troy doesn't even put on the costume until week 50, as seen in the WWIII stuff. That leaves--what?--three months, four tops, before Diana decides that she really does want to be a superhero again and she want's to be a real girl, too.
Didn't. Work. For me.
When this book started, I though that it would be a deconstruction of Diana. It would take away the one thing she's been since the first Crisis, Wonder Woman, and force her to try to be. Not be anything in particular, just exist. Trying to find who she is, who she can be, if she isn't Wonder Woman. Who is Diana when she's just a woman? (Albeit a woman who moves with the speed of Hermes and the strength of Hercules.)
It should have been at least twelve issues of Diana learning to be. At least. And wouldn't it have been more interesting if her assignment was to hunt down the Wonder Woman who killed Max Lord, but that Wonder Woman no longer exists.
While Diana off learning what she can be, Donna should have been kicking ass as Wonder Woman. Donna is a competent woman. She's been a superhero since she was a teen. It's what she's been waiting for all her life. A chance to shine because the shadow of Diana is no longer blocking her sun. Donna should be out there showing the world that there's more than one woman who is a Wonder Woman.
And who's to say that after Diana puts the tiara and bracers back on, there shouldn't be two Wonder Womans out there? Why not two? (Although, I have to admit, I'd find it hard to believe that Donna would want to be Wonder Woman when Diana wants to do the job.)
I really haven't liked where the book has been. I don't like where it is now. And I'm guessing that, at least for the next couple of months, I won't like where it's going. Why should I bother to buy it anymore? (And all because the editors at DC don't know how to handle a character that's been around for more than 65 years. Shame on them.)
First, my history with the character: it's pretty limited. I bought an issue of her solo book and only know of her costume change to bicyclist spandex shorts from her time leading the Justice League. My brother bought the Wonder Woman issues that had Batman in them where some of Batman's villains were possessed by evil Greek gods. He only bought the issue where Lois Lane follows her around for the day, that one was cool. I think I've watched a total of ten hours of the old Linda Carter TV show and only really remember her spinning, reflecting bullets, and explaining to some guy that she flies an invisible plane and when she's in it she's invisible, too. Oh, I saw her on Superfriends, but I don't remember her doing much.
So, in the realm of comic book fandom, when it comes to Wonder Woman, I'm pretty much a newbie, which is why this latest relaunch should have been exactly the thing to pull me in.
I was only going to buy the first story arc (mainly because the Dodsons are awesome) and then if I like the characterization I'd keep it up. The first arc hasn't ended, yet. The last issue has been delayed until... well no date's actually been set.
In Scipio's post about Aquaman taking over the Justice League, Aquaman defeats Wonder Woman by having Martian Manhunter zap her with, "MISSED DEADLINES, MISSED OPPORTUNITIES, MISCHARACTERIZATION!" and it's the second one that I understand the most.
The first arc was (is) title "Who Is Wonder Woman?" The woman formerly know as Wonder Woman is now a secret agent called Diana Prince and woman formerly known as Wonder Girl/Troia/Darkstar/Donna Troy is now in the Wonder Woman suit (with a cape!). The whole point of the arc is to get Diana to put the gold bustier back on because it looks like Donna is incompetent. And I guess it succeeds because Diana has since started living a duel life as the spy and Wonder Woman, even though we have yet to actually see her take back the bustier from Circe.
Since then it's only gotten more confusing. (And the bit about Wonder Woman merchandise selling 75% less then Batman stuff, what was the point of that?)
So, I have to ask, why was "Who Is Wonder Woman?" the first arc of this new series? It doesn't make sense. Here we have a woman questioning her identity and her place in the world after snapping a man's neck (I forgot to mention that I read Infinite Crisis. I guess I should.) so much that she goes into hiding. She doesn't even start to establish a new life for herself until somewhere after week 30 of 52 (whichever issue Montoya hit on her in that ice cave). And Donna Troy doesn't even put on the costume until week 50, as seen in the WWIII stuff. That leaves--what?--three months, four tops, before Diana decides that she really does want to be a superhero again and she want's to be a real girl, too.
Didn't. Work. For me.
When this book started, I though that it would be a deconstruction of Diana. It would take away the one thing she's been since the first Crisis, Wonder Woman, and force her to try to be. Not be anything in particular, just exist. Trying to find who she is, who she can be, if she isn't Wonder Woman. Who is Diana when she's just a woman? (Albeit a woman who moves with the speed of Hermes and the strength of Hercules.)
It should have been at least twelve issues of Diana learning to be. At least. And wouldn't it have been more interesting if her assignment was to hunt down the Wonder Woman who killed Max Lord, but that Wonder Woman no longer exists.
While Diana off learning what she can be, Donna should have been kicking ass as Wonder Woman. Donna is a competent woman. She's been a superhero since she was a teen. It's what she's been waiting for all her life. A chance to shine because the shadow of Diana is no longer blocking her sun. Donna should be out there showing the world that there's more than one woman who is a Wonder Woman.
And who's to say that after Diana puts the tiara and bracers back on, there shouldn't be two Wonder Womans out there? Why not two? (Although, I have to admit, I'd find it hard to believe that Donna would want to be Wonder Woman when Diana wants to do the job.)
I really haven't liked where the book has been. I don't like where it is now. And I'm guessing that, at least for the next couple of months, I won't like where it's going. Why should I bother to buy it anymore? (And all because the editors at DC don't know how to handle a character that's been around for more than 65 years. Shame on them.)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Nutin' 'Portant
Once again, it's late in my workday and I haven't really thought about what to post here. I did do some ranting over at my MySpace, but it's pretty much all focused on the stupidity of MySpace and the stupid things that people post there. I swear, I just want to reach out and cyber-slap the people that post that crap, even if they are my family.
Oh, a MySpace netiquette question: My brother and his (long term) girlfriend broke-up a couple of months ago, he hasn't knocked her out of his friend's list, is it okay for me to knock her (and her pets) out of mine? Or should I wait until he does it first? Besides, she doesn't post anything interesting anymore. What's the point of keeping her on my friends list if I doubt I'll ever see her? It's not like I'll run into her at APE this weekend, she hated that thing.
Thinking of APE, I really want the comic book that me, my brother, and two of our friends started more than two years ago to move the fuck forward. I've done what I could do to the best of my ability, the art is up to them. One friend has actually gotten stuff finished. I don't think the other two people have done much. Maybe the one friend and I should split her section off into its own mini and just focus on that. Do you think we should just say "fuck them, we'll go at on our own"? We probably need to get at least my brother's permission since he did really help us create the main character and the the world she live in. *sigh*
So, how's life in your Genesis Tub?
Oh, a MySpace netiquette question: My brother and his (long term) girlfriend broke-up a couple of months ago, he hasn't knocked her out of his friend's list, is it okay for me to knock her (and her pets) out of mine? Or should I wait until he does it first? Besides, she doesn't post anything interesting anymore. What's the point of keeping her on my friends list if I doubt I'll ever see her? It's not like I'll run into her at APE this weekend, she hated that thing.
Thinking of APE, I really want the comic book that me, my brother, and two of our friends started more than two years ago to move the fuck forward. I've done what I could do to the best of my ability, the art is up to them. One friend has actually gotten stuff finished. I don't think the other two people have done much. Maybe the one friend and I should split her section off into its own mini and just focus on that. Do you think we should just say "fuck them, we'll go at on our own"? We probably need to get at least my brother's permission since he did really help us create the main character and the the world she live in. *sigh*
So, how's life in your Genesis Tub?
From My MySpace Blog
Five
I know: formatting. When trying to write something that looks like a script, remember that you have to set the actions off from the dialog. So, when I read, "Boy: I said shut the #### up and he spit in her face. He then pins her down with her hands above her head, and he penatrates her" or "Boy: Steps on her throat and says Shut the #### up bitch. Get's over the top of her and starts to rape her." I shouldn't be reading it like Boy actually says, "He then pins her down with her hands above her head, and he penetrates her." Because, and I know this from experience, people rarely narrate their own lives and when they do, the general population uses it's pressure system to rid the person of this aberrant behavior. Besides, announcing to the person you're about to rape as you rape them is unhelpful. I'm sure she knows what going on. Especially after getting her throat stepped on.
Second, why is this being passed around? Is it supposed to make guys look better than Boy in this story or is it to suggest that all the women are as weak as Girl is? I think you'd have to look pretty hard to find a male out there who doesn't look better in comparison to Boy. I've yet to meet any who yell, stomp throats, and rape because he didn't get a phone call. So, guys out there, if you don't get that phone call choose only to yell and rape, because you're still better than Boy.
Girl on the other hand is a pretty weak member of the female population. Sure, I don't know her back story. Maybe she's always raped by Boy, but then why would she still fight him? Hell, why would she still be with him? And then she finds out she's pregnant and she's sad because she doesn't hear from him and continues to go on, but when he tells her he didn't ever love her she kills herself? Didn't the raping, throat stomping, and being thrown out into the snow, naked, prove he didn't love her? Shit!
Third, don't anyone out there be afraid of the word "fuck." Especially when you're writing a story about an angry buy beating and raping and hating his girlfriend. Writing "####" instead of "fuck" makes it even more childish than it already is.
Also, it's okay to write "shit," too. You're already using "fuck" why not go for all the words on Carlin's list?
Fourth, WHAT'S THE FUCKING POINT TO ALL THIS!? If I repost it with the heading "I would never" is that supposed to make women feel safer around me. If I have to sign a fucking pledge promising that I won't stomp a woman's throat, kick her in the chest, rape her, and throw her out into the snow this world is more fucked up than I already think it is. And if you want me to sign the pledge, I promise I'll be out of there so fast it'll be like I wasn't there in the first place.
And finally, why the hell is this even being passed around MySpace? Is it making all of those kicked, stomped, raped, suicidal victims feel better knowing this story is out there? FUCK!
Been a while since anything this stupid has come through my bulletins, but this one is really stupid.
I give you, as it was titled in my bulletins, "I would never"
Girl: I was at my grandmothers helping her around the houseWhere to start? Where to start?
Boy: Why didnt you ###### call me?
Girl: Baby Im sorry i lost track of time
Boy: Not as sorry as your going to be bitch
the boy grabs her by the hair and slams her to the ground
Girl: Please baby stop im sorry
Boy: Kicks her in the face and then the ribs and says I called your ###### grandmothers house you were not ###### there you lying peice of ####
Girl: Wait stop please let me...
Boy: Steps on her throat and says Shut the #### up bitch. Get's over the top of her and starts to rape her.
Girl: No baby please Stop please
Boy: I said shut the #### up and he spit in her face. He then pins her down with her hands above her head, and he penatrates her
Girl: Please stop your hurting me please. She starts to screem and tries to get away
Boy: Bitch if you don't shut up i sware to god ill kill you after a few minutes he finishes and removes the rest of her clothes and pushes her out in the snow, saying stay away from here you nasty bitch.
Girl: Crying and sobbing she takes out a Rolex watch and says today is christmas i was just getting your gift. She gets in her car,
she gets home and takes a long shower....
Two months later she goes to apply for a job and has to take a drug test. The boss comes out and says i have news for you your not on drugs, but you are pregnant. The girl begins to cry and drives home she decides to call the boy but, he doesn't answer.......
6 months later she is almost nine months pregnant and the phone rings its the boy
Girl: I missed you so much i have news for you im pregnant and its your baby!
Boy: Really well................................. Look you nasty bitch that is not my baby get the #### over me i hate your guts you are a nasty ##### #### you never call me again... ohh yeah, and i never loved you, you were just another piece of ass. The boy hangs up.
Girl: I think its finally over she calls her mom....
Mom: Hi Baby. How are you?
Girl: Im fine how are you?
Mom: Good
Girl: Mom I was callin you to tell you that i love you okay
Mom: I love you to baby. Do you think you are coming over today?
Girl: Nah i think im just going to take a long nap
Mom: Okay, bye then baby, sleep tight
Girl: I will mom goodnight. Hangs up.
Mom realizes its only nine am and has a bad feeling she drives over to her daughters house opens the door and see's her daughter hanging from the ceiling fan, her wrists are cut and shes not breathing she is rushed to the hospital. The baby is saved......
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15 years later the baby, all grown now, kills her father, the man that conceived her and raped her mother and then kills herself.
If you have a heart then repost this for guys repost this (I would never) Girl repost this (I hate boys like this)
I know: formatting. When trying to write something that looks like a script, remember that you have to set the actions off from the dialog. So, when I read, "Boy: I said shut the #### up and he spit in her face. He then pins her down with her hands above her head, and he penatrates her" or "Boy: Steps on her throat and says Shut the #### up bitch. Get's over the top of her and starts to rape her." I shouldn't be reading it like Boy actually says, "He then pins her down with her hands above her head, and he penetrates her." Because, and I know this from experience, people rarely narrate their own lives and when they do, the general population uses it's pressure system to rid the person of this aberrant behavior. Besides, announcing to the person you're about to rape as you rape them is unhelpful. I'm sure she knows what going on. Especially after getting her throat stepped on.
Second, why is this being passed around? Is it supposed to make guys look better than Boy in this story or is it to suggest that all the women are as weak as Girl is? I think you'd have to look pretty hard to find a male out there who doesn't look better in comparison to Boy. I've yet to meet any who yell, stomp throats, and rape because he didn't get a phone call. So, guys out there, if you don't get that phone call choose only to yell and rape, because you're still better than Boy.
Girl on the other hand is a pretty weak member of the female population. Sure, I don't know her back story. Maybe she's always raped by Boy, but then why would she still fight him? Hell, why would she still be with him? And then she finds out she's pregnant and she's sad because she doesn't hear from him and continues to go on, but when he tells her he didn't ever love her she kills herself? Didn't the raping, throat stomping, and being thrown out into the snow, naked, prove he didn't love her? Shit!
Third, don't anyone out there be afraid of the word "fuck." Especially when you're writing a story about an angry buy beating and raping and hating his girlfriend. Writing "####" instead of "fuck" makes it even more childish than it already is.
Also, it's okay to write "shit," too. You're already using "fuck" why not go for all the words on Carlin's list?
Fourth, WHAT'S THE FUCKING POINT TO ALL THIS!? If I repost it with the heading "I would never" is that supposed to make women feel safer around me. If I have to sign a fucking pledge promising that I won't stomp a woman's throat, kick her in the chest, rape her, and throw her out into the snow this world is more fucked up than I already think it is. And if you want me to sign the pledge, I promise I'll be out of there so fast it'll be like I wasn't there in the first place.
And finally, why the hell is this even being passed around MySpace? Is it making all of those kicked, stomped, raped, suicidal victims feel better knowing this story is out there? FUCK!
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Lunch Time
I sat on my usual bench at lunch time reading The Long, Dark Tea-Time of the Soul when I head a voice coming from behind asking, "What book you readin'?"
I looked up and turned around. It was some guy, maybe eighteen, maybe younger. "What?" I asked.
"What's the book?" he asked, walking toward.
"It's a Douglas Adams book," I said because I figured that if he knew who Douglas Adams was he'd understand the limited choices and then pleasantly surprised that it wasn't a Hitchhiker book.
"Who wrote it?" he asked, almost on top of me.
"Douglas Adams wrote it."
"What's the title?" He leaned over my shoulder as I stuck my thumb in the book and turned it so he could see the cover. There was another guy off to my right coming closer.
"The--," I said.
"The. Long. Dark. Tea..." he read off the cover. "What's it about?"
"It's about this detective and Thor and lots of craziness," I said.
"Any good?" he asked.
"It's--," I said.
"Do you have a dollar?" asked his friend, who had stopped a few steps away from the bench.
"Nope," I said, "I just have me and my book here." I sort of waved the book toward him.
"'Cause I really need a dollar," said the friend.
"Sorry, it's just--," I said.
"Are you gay?" asked the first guy.
I turned to really look at him. He looked Hispanic, short hair (probably a buzz at one time), a pooched out stomach, and one front tooth that was at least a quarter of an inch shorter than the other. And I was wondered, was he propositioning me?
"Not," I said, smiling at him, "to the best of my knowledge."
"So," he crinkled his forehead, "you like girls?"
"Yeah," I said.
"Good," he said, "you keep that up. But work on you voice."
I gave him my best what-the-fuck-are-you-talking-about look as he started to walk away.
"If you don't make it more manly," he said, from farther away, "people might think you're queer."
"Oooooo-kaaaaay," I said as I rolled my eyes and turned away to start reading my book again.
"Look into that," he called back.
I looked up and turned around. It was some guy, maybe eighteen, maybe younger. "What?" I asked.
"What's the book?" he asked, walking toward.
"It's a Douglas Adams book," I said because I figured that if he knew who Douglas Adams was he'd understand the limited choices and then pleasantly surprised that it wasn't a Hitchhiker book.
"Who wrote it?" he asked, almost on top of me.
"Douglas Adams wrote it."
"What's the title?" He leaned over my shoulder as I stuck my thumb in the book and turned it so he could see the cover. There was another guy off to my right coming closer.
"The--," I said.
"The. Long. Dark. Tea..." he read off the cover. "What's it about?"
"It's about this detective and Thor and lots of craziness," I said.
"Any good?" he asked.
"It's--," I said.
"Do you have a dollar?" asked his friend, who had stopped a few steps away from the bench.
"Nope," I said, "I just have me and my book here." I sort of waved the book toward him.
"'Cause I really need a dollar," said the friend.
"Sorry, it's just--," I said.
"Are you gay?" asked the first guy.
I turned to really look at him. He looked Hispanic, short hair (probably a buzz at one time), a pooched out stomach, and one front tooth that was at least a quarter of an inch shorter than the other. And I was wondered, was he propositioning me?
"Not," I said, smiling at him, "to the best of my knowledge."
"So," he crinkled his forehead, "you like girls?"
"Yeah," I said.
"Good," he said, "you keep that up. But work on you voice."
I gave him my best what-the-fuck-are-you-talking-about look as he started to walk away.
"If you don't make it more manly," he said, from farther away, "people might think you're queer."
"Oooooo-kaaaaay," I said as I rolled my eyes and turned away to start reading my book again.
"Look into that," he called back.
AWESOME!
Jonathan Lethem and Michael Chabon as superheroes?! Is there anything better than that? And if there is, do we care?
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
And Then She Responds
And she says that she's been having an internal struggle (although she used the word debate) over telling him ever since their dating thing became more. And there were moments that could have been used. And time has passed. And there's some rationalizing in there. And some fear, too.
And I don't know what to say. I still think she should tell him, but I know all the what ifs. I've gone over them in my head from her point of view and from his. I can't know how he would react because I don't know him at all. I don't even know how I'd react.
I only know what I'd like to know if I were him.
I think I know what I'll say, now.
And I think I've gotten myself into something I shouldn't have.
And I don't know what to say. I still think she should tell him, but I know all the what ifs. I've gone over them in my head from her point of view and from his. I can't know how he would react because I don't know him at all. I don't even know how I'd react.
I only know what I'd like to know if I were him.
I think I know what I'll say, now.
And I think I've gotten myself into something I shouldn't have.
Monday, April 16, 2007
I Feel Like A Jackass
I don't do the whole internet community thing like, well, nearly everyone else out there. I don't join in. I don't hop into conversations on blogs that I like to read. I don't try to rile things up in the comments at news sites. And I rarely read anything at message boards and never post on them.
Which brings me to an hour or so ago.
There's this blog that I've been reading for a long time. (It used to be listed off to the right, but when the blogger started updating only once or twice a month, I decided to take it off because people very few people read archives to learn if each blog post is worth it, they are, but I digress.) Last year, the author of the blog started dating a guy and she decided not to tell him about her blog because she didn't want to freak him out/she wanted them to get to know each other together rather than over the 'net. In January, one of her other readers asked her how he feels about her writing about him on her blog. She said that she hadn't told him about her blog. (And she really hasn't written a lot about him. Just a bit about their first date and something about going for coffee and him helping when she was sick and how much she likes him. That's all that I can remember.) And she wrote that she wasn't going to tell him about her blog.
At the time, I freaked out a little bit. I wrote a long reply about how she should trust him and tell him about her blog and ask him not to look at it because a silly little thing like an online journal can turn into a stupid-assed big thing if it's kept a secret for a long time and then is discovered by the person who never heard about it. After I finished writing it, I refreshed the comments and read that most of them were telling her to keep keeping it a secret. So, I deleted my comment and didn't write anything at all. She doesn't know me. (Although she did drop by at least once and comment, but that was nearly a year ago now and I'm pretty sure that I'm not on her daily, weekly, or monthly web-crawl.) I only know her through the little bits she's put online. Why would she want to read a dissenting comment on her blog from someone she doesn't know when there are people who she knows commenting and telling her to stay the course? I wouldn't listen to me.
This morning, she posted something new and once again said something about how her boyfriend doesn't know about her blog (If he does know, apparently he hasn't mentioned it to her.) and I wrote another comment about why I think she should at least tell him about it. And I actually posted it.
And now I feel like an asshole for doing it. I keep thinking I should go back and delete the comment before anyone out there reads it. But I also keep thinking that I'm right. I hardly ever feel like I'm right about anything. I feel bad about posting it. If I delete it, I'll feel bad about that. I think I'd rather feel bad while thinking I did the right thing, though.
Damn, the rules of internet courtesy just get harder and harder every day.
Which brings me to an hour or so ago.
There's this blog that I've been reading for a long time. (It used to be listed off to the right, but when the blogger started updating only once or twice a month, I decided to take it off because people very few people read archives to learn if each blog post is worth it, they are, but I digress.) Last year, the author of the blog started dating a guy and she decided not to tell him about her blog because she didn't want to freak him out/she wanted them to get to know each other together rather than over the 'net. In January, one of her other readers asked her how he feels about her writing about him on her blog. She said that she hadn't told him about her blog. (And she really hasn't written a lot about him. Just a bit about their first date and something about going for coffee and him helping when she was sick and how much she likes him. That's all that I can remember.) And she wrote that she wasn't going to tell him about her blog.
At the time, I freaked out a little bit. I wrote a long reply about how she should trust him and tell him about her blog and ask him not to look at it because a silly little thing like an online journal can turn into a stupid-assed big thing if it's kept a secret for a long time and then is discovered by the person who never heard about it. After I finished writing it, I refreshed the comments and read that most of them were telling her to keep keeping it a secret. So, I deleted my comment and didn't write anything at all. She doesn't know me. (Although she did drop by at least once and comment, but that was nearly a year ago now and I'm pretty sure that I'm not on her daily, weekly, or monthly web-crawl.) I only know her through the little bits she's put online. Why would she want to read a dissenting comment on her blog from someone she doesn't know when there are people who she knows commenting and telling her to stay the course? I wouldn't listen to me.
This morning, she posted something new and once again said something about how her boyfriend doesn't know about her blog (If he does know, apparently he hasn't mentioned it to her.) and I wrote another comment about why I think she should at least tell him about it. And I actually posted it.
And now I feel like an asshole for doing it. I keep thinking I should go back and delete the comment before anyone out there reads it. But I also keep thinking that I'm right. I hardly ever feel like I'm right about anything. I feel bad about posting it. If I delete it, I'll feel bad about that. I think I'd rather feel bad while thinking I did the right thing, though.
Damn, the rules of internet courtesy just get harder and harder every day.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Drique
This morning SUSM said, "[ticknart], I think I'll let you do the mail this afternoon." Like it was some sort of a treat. Something that I've been begging her to allow me to do for months. I promise, I haven't been asking. In fact, for a while I had to ask to be allowed to do the mail less because it was becoming assumed that when the regular mail person was gone that I was just going to get up and do it, which I hated.
In other news, I don't really have any news.
Let's see, what were the highlights of the week:
Monday:
Tuesday: Installed Windows XP Professional after reformatting hard drive.
Wednesday: Installed XSI, again, and I couldn't get the license so the dongle would work. (I also e-mailed their tech support, again and they got back to me today asking for my registration number, which I'll send to them when I get back tonight and then I'll have to wait until next Tuesday for a response. *sigh*)
Thursady: Bought comics, but decided to finish reading Dead Until Dark instead the the comics. (Except I did read 52 because I like to read the 5.2 interviews over at Newsarama.)
Friday:
I can't really think of what I did on Monday, which means I probably didn't do much. Tonight, I was going to go to see a movie, but my allergies have flared and I'm not feeling so well right now.
The weekend is to be composed of laundry and shopping.
I was wondering what it would be like to dance naked on a beach in the south pacific under the full moon.
In other news, I don't really have any news.
Let's see, what were the highlights of the week:
Monday:
Tuesday: Installed Windows XP Professional after reformatting hard drive.
Wednesday: Installed XSI, again, and I couldn't get the license so the dongle would work. (I also e-mailed their tech support, again and they got back to me today asking for my registration number, which I'll send to them when I get back tonight and then I'll have to wait until next Tuesday for a response. *sigh*)
Thursady: Bought comics, but decided to finish reading Dead Until Dark instead the the comics. (Except I did read 52 because I like to read the 5.2 interviews over at Newsarama.)
Friday:
I can't really think of what I did on Monday, which means I probably didn't do much. Tonight, I was going to go to see a movie, but my allergies have flared and I'm not feeling so well right now.
The weekend is to be composed of laundry and shopping.
I was wondering what it would be like to dance naked on a beach in the south pacific under the full moon.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
The Hell?
Last night (or early this morning), I dreamed that I had to rally people together to save their civilization. I went around giving grandiose speeches trying to get their blood pumping and get down to work. They weren't really into it. One person started to yell at me that if the work was so important, why wasn't I doing it.
So, I climbed the wall of the mine I was speaking in. I climbed past the ancient machinery still used for refining. I climbed past the rusted pipes that brought water down into the mines. I climbed until I was hundreds of feet above the crowd and there was an alcove in the wall.
In the alcove, I began digging until I found what I needed... a slab of freshly ground beef.
I threw the slab of beef down into the crowd below and yelled out that I was willing to work; were they? And I picked up another slab and threw it down.
People started scaling the walls. Others stayed on the ground and put the beef into the machines. Ground beef began raining down in the mine. The woman who had climbed up into my alcove pulled me close.
I woke up.
So, I climbed the wall of the mine I was speaking in. I climbed past the ancient machinery still used for refining. I climbed past the rusted pipes that brought water down into the mines. I climbed until I was hundreds of feet above the crowd and there was an alcove in the wall.
In the alcove, I began digging until I found what I needed... a slab of freshly ground beef.
I threw the slab of beef down into the crowd below and yelled out that I was willing to work; were they? And I picked up another slab and threw it down.
People started scaling the walls. Others stayed on the ground and put the beef into the machines. Ground beef began raining down in the mine. The woman who had climbed up into my alcove pulled me close.
I woke up.
The Book of Ratings, Video Edition
Lore Sjöberg has finally done another rating. The last one he did, on The Book of Ratings website, was for the 2004 State Quarters. Last night, he posted a video version of the 2005 State Quarters.
While I do appreciate and enjoy the things he does at Alt Text and Bad Gods, sometimes it's nice to get a throw back to the days of Brunching Shuttlecocks.
After all, who can forget the brilliance of The Kitchen Floor or Your Roommate Plays the Indigo Girls?
While I do appreciate and enjoy the things he does at Alt Text and Bad Gods, sometimes it's nice to get a throw back to the days of Brunching Shuttlecocks.
After all, who can forget the brilliance of The Kitchen Floor or Your Roommate Plays the Indigo Girls?
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRG!
It's 4:30 and I've been trying to catch-up with my work and I couldn't figure out anything interesting to write about so I haven't blogged today, but I don't want to not blog.
Does that make sense?
I'm not sure it does.
Anyway, what did I do yesterday? Oh, I reformatted my main hard drive, again, and installed Windows XP Professional. Tonight I'll reinstall XSI and try to get the damn licencing thing to work so my dongle will be primed and I'll be able to start doing some freakin' modelin' started.
Also, yesterday I went to Burger King for lunch. I used to really like that place. The Whopper was a sandwich truly built for kings. Now, though, after I eat one I burp it up all day. I'd like to blame the gas on changes to the sandwich, but it's probably just me getting older and gassier.
I ate dinner around 9:30 last night. I had a bowl of Rocky Road ice cream. Bryers. Good chocolate ice cream. Good chocolate covered almonds. The swirl of marshmallow cream doesn't really work though; it just kind of blends into the ice cream. The whole point of having marshmallows is the squishy texture opposing the crunch of the almonds after the ice cream melts in your mouth and the chewing begins.
Read JSA comics while formatting. Stephen Sadowski will, I think, forever be my favorite penciler to grace those pages. He draws the best looking Wonder Woman, period. Sure, it's Hippolyta he's drawing, but... wow. It's especially great when she's in the white bustier instead of the usual gold. I wish he'd come back to drawing the Justice Society.
Does that make sense?
I'm not sure it does.
Anyway, what did I do yesterday? Oh, I reformatted my main hard drive, again, and installed Windows XP Professional. Tonight I'll reinstall XSI and try to get the damn licencing thing to work so my dongle will be primed and I'll be able to start doing some freakin' modelin' started.
Also, yesterday I went to Burger King for lunch. I used to really like that place. The Whopper was a sandwich truly built for kings. Now, though, after I eat one I burp it up all day. I'd like to blame the gas on changes to the sandwich, but it's probably just me getting older and gassier.
I ate dinner around 9:30 last night. I had a bowl of Rocky Road ice cream. Bryers. Good chocolate ice cream. Good chocolate covered almonds. The swirl of marshmallow cream doesn't really work though; it just kind of blends into the ice cream. The whole point of having marshmallows is the squishy texture opposing the crunch of the almonds after the ice cream melts in your mouth and the chewing begins.
Read JSA comics while formatting. Stephen Sadowski will, I think, forever be my favorite penciler to grace those pages. He draws the best looking Wonder Woman, period. Sure, it's Hippolyta he's drawing, but... wow. It's especially great when she's in the white bustier instead of the usual gold. I wish he'd come back to drawing the Justice Society.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
A Letter
Dear People Who Own a Dog and Live In a City,
I understand that you like dogs. I do. If their trained, they can be great companions. I get it. I may not personally want to own a dog, but I understand the attraction.
The problem is that in a city, even a relatively small and spread out city like this one, dogs have a hard life. They're kept inside an apartment all day with no hope of escape to release all their pent up energy until you get home and take it out for a walk. (You do take it out for a walk, don't you?) On the walk, the dog will have to release its bowels. (Unless you like your dog to do its business inside. On your shoes, maybe?) And you, being tired and not really wanting to take the dog on a walk, but do it because otherwise you'd be a bad pet owner, let the dog shit anywhere it decides to squat down, like in the middle of the sidewalk.
I understand not wanting to pick up a fresh and steaming tootsie roll you dog just squeezed out. It's disgusting even though a plastic bag. I know that pooper scoopers cost money that you don't really have and when you go to the store you think more about you want for yourself than you do about what you should have when you own a dog and what could keep your community clean.
I know all this and I don't expect you to change drastically.
All I really want you to do is, when you notice your dog start to bear down to drop a log, pull it off the side walk. If there are plants to one side, yank the dog there. Otherwise, why not have it crap in the gutter off the curb?
I'm really good at watching the sidewalk as I cruise to and from work and I don't step in your dog's shit. Still, I don't like it there. I shouldn't have to be watching for the occasional pile, puddle, or trail of little treats left by your dog just because you have to have one and can't buy a house with a yard in which the dog can stay all day shitting until it's completely empty.
Thanks.
I understand that you like dogs. I do. If their trained, they can be great companions. I get it. I may not personally want to own a dog, but I understand the attraction.
The problem is that in a city, even a relatively small and spread out city like this one, dogs have a hard life. They're kept inside an apartment all day with no hope of escape to release all their pent up energy until you get home and take it out for a walk. (You do take it out for a walk, don't you?) On the walk, the dog will have to release its bowels. (Unless you like your dog to do its business inside. On your shoes, maybe?) And you, being tired and not really wanting to take the dog on a walk, but do it because otherwise you'd be a bad pet owner, let the dog shit anywhere it decides to squat down, like in the middle of the sidewalk.
I understand not wanting to pick up a fresh and steaming tootsie roll you dog just squeezed out. It's disgusting even though a plastic bag. I know that pooper scoopers cost money that you don't really have and when you go to the store you think more about you want for yourself than you do about what you should have when you own a dog and what could keep your community clean.
I know all this and I don't expect you to change drastically.
All I really want you to do is, when you notice your dog start to bear down to drop a log, pull it off the side walk. If there are plants to one side, yank the dog there. Otherwise, why not have it crap in the gutter off the curb?
I'm really good at watching the sidewalk as I cruise to and from work and I don't step in your dog's shit. Still, I don't like it there. I shouldn't have to be watching for the occasional pile, puddle, or trail of little treats left by your dog just because you have to have one and can't buy a house with a yard in which the dog can stay all day shitting until it's completely empty.
Thanks.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Tests!
It's what I did with most of my day!
I've always liked the Incas. Cool.
Good to know.
I figured I'd end up like this.
What number am I thinking of?
| Incas You scored 70% for Education, 35% for Religion, 41% for Military Might, and 45% for Decentralization! |
| Mysteriously, this vanished people were enlightened and educated to a magnificent level. Scientific, artistic, with a vast understanding of the stars and astrology, the Incas of Peru were the first great science society in the Americas. We speculate a society of great thinkers and curious scienctist. To value knowledge, art, and culture above all things would make for the best Incan society had to offer. You belong here because you think these things make for immortality, and you might just be right. |
 |
| Link: The Ancient Civiliazation for you Test written by Rowdyandy on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
I've always liked the Incas. Cool.
| Christian Bitch You Are What You Are |
| Being ignorant, jingoistic, and violent will not get you into heaven. The world will change whether you like it or not. |
 |
| Link: The Horrifying Stereotype Test written by RelaxLove on OkCupid Free Online Dating, home of the The Dating Persona Test |
Good to know.
| The Everyday German Achtung! You are 46% brainwashworthy, 13% antitolerant, and 19% blindly patriotic |
| Had you lived in Germany in the 1930s, you'd have probably just gone along with the flow. Men with guns are surrounding the house next door? The bagel place on the corner's gone? Hmm...whatever. The data show you're a decent person who's willing to listen to what people of authority tell you. That's what most people are, and in most times and most places, that's ok. But not then; not there. The sad conclusion: you would've missed your Jewish friends, but you would've done nothing about it. Seriously. But rest assured, you would've forgiven yourself eventually.  - it rules - |
I figured I'd end up like this.
| Gifted You got 43 % (25 % is average) |
| Definately well and truely gifted with ESP. Your life is charmed by the ability to see into the minds of others. But then again, maybe that can be a curse. |
 The ESP Test |
What number am I thinking of?
Friday, April 06, 2007
Nyaaa
I am going to see "Weird" Al in June and then again, at the State Fair, in September. So, you all everybody out there in interweb land in front of your fancy computers can just be jealous of that.
*sticks tongue out* Nyaaa.
*sticks tongue out* Nyaaa.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Supposed To Be
I wasn't supposed to be here tomorrow, or the day after, or next week.
I was supposed to have been offered several jobs in March from places I sent applications to all through January and February. I was supposed to have a week to agonize over deciding which one to take. I was supposed to be looking at apartments in Cowcity as I made lists about which position to take.
This week was supposed to be my first week at another job, a better paying job.
Tomorrow was supposed to be a day off I had to force my way into getting because it was my first week at a new job.
Instead, I'm still here, in the same job, making the same pay, pushing around the same papers I've pushed around for the eighteen months, almost nineteen months.
If I was still working for 'Bucks, and my last manager had her way, I'd be an assistant manager by now making $35000 to $40000 and working toward becoming a manager. But I think I hated working there more than I hate working here. And I'm really glad my apartment, my clothes, and my hair don't smell like coffee all the time.
I was supposed to have been offered several jobs in March from places I sent applications to all through January and February. I was supposed to have a week to agonize over deciding which one to take. I was supposed to be looking at apartments in Cowcity as I made lists about which position to take.
This week was supposed to be my first week at another job, a better paying job.
Tomorrow was supposed to be a day off I had to force my way into getting because it was my first week at a new job.
Instead, I'm still here, in the same job, making the same pay, pushing around the same papers I've pushed around for the eighteen months, almost nineteen months.
If I was still working for 'Bucks, and my last manager had her way, I'd be an assistant manager by now making $35000 to $40000 and working toward becoming a manager. But I think I hated working there more than I hate working here. And I'm really glad my apartment, my clothes, and my hair don't smell like coffee all the time.
In A Perfect World...
Tonight I'd be going to a concert. I'd be seeing The Barenaked Ladies, or They Might Be Giants, or The Dresden Dolls, or The Ditty Bops, or some band that I really enjoy and get lost in their world of music for an hour or so. Then tomorrow I'd head to The City to see a matinee of Spamalot and I'd sit in the center, up front (but not the front row) down in the orchestra section. After the play I'd head out for some nice Thai food and leave The City full and happy.
The world is not perfect, however, none of the bands that I want to see are in my neck of the woods right now and Spamalot isn't in The City.
So, tonight I'll finish watching the first season of Scrubs and I'll read some comics and my book. Tomorrow I don't know what I'll do, but I'll at least go out to lunch and have some ice cream or frozen yogurt.
The world is not perfect, however, none of the bands that I want to see are in my neck of the woods right now and Spamalot isn't in The City.
So, tonight I'll finish watching the first season of Scrubs and I'll read some comics and my book. Tomorrow I don't know what I'll do, but I'll at least go out to lunch and have some ice cream or frozen yogurt.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Work 'n Stuff
It is 4:45 PM and my Inbox is over flowing with work that wasn't completed by GICS before he went on his six weeks of family leave time (His girlfriend had his baby. (Well, we assume it's his baby.) Does anyone want to have my baby so I can take six weeks of leave time? Please? We don't have to get married or anything. And after the initial six weeks I'd be happy to stay out of your life and the baby's life. Hell, I'm willing to take those six weeks and not even involve myself in your lives for that short amount of time.), work that was put in there yesterday afternoon, and work that was put in there this afternoon. I spent yesterday doing work from Friday and boxing files. I spent today boxing files and finishing work that came in of Friday. Tomorrow, I think I'll take it easy.
Thursday, I won't be here at all. And for those of you who thought you'd call me early on Thursday, don't. I'm unplugging my phone until after I wake up. I don't want no 6:30 wake-up call when I can sleep in.
Thursday, I won't be here at all. And for those of you who thought you'd call me early on Thursday, don't. I'm unplugging my phone until after I wake up. I don't want no 6:30 wake-up call when I can sleep in.
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