Musings and More

Disaster Movie Anticipation!

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 16:42:53 GMT

I love disaster movies. I can’t actually say when this movie preference started either. I suspect it might be from “The Wizard of Oz”. As that is the earliest movie I can recall that had me going “Ooooh!”

So, now I am waiting patiently for the new movie “2012” to come out with anticipation. Hehe.

No, I don’t really think that the year itself is the “End of the world”, but I find it all rather fascinating. There might be people out there that will be disappointed when nothing actually happens of course. I am not one of those.

There are some people out there, that if the planet decided give a shake and were sent off into the great beyond, I wouldn’t shed a tear, but since I am pretty sure that isn’t going to happen, it’s just a little daydream really.

For me it’s escapism. It’s a different form of fantasy in it’s own way. I love to see how moviemakers depict weather in all its furious glory. Perhaps over the top in some ways, but I also did see the aftermath of Katrina on New Orleans, first hand. It was a mind-boggling reality. Of everything in this world to fear, I suspect that Nuclear Weapons and Mother Nature lead the charge as possibly being the most destructive when it comes to damage.

I freely admit to being an avid “History Channel” and “Discovery Channel” watcher, and especially the weather programs. Toss in “Predictions of Nostradamus”, The Celt Myrlins or “Myan” and I am there. I love the science behind Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Tornados, Hurricane’s and Floods, just to name a few really. While living in Florida for a while I also discovered Sink Holes. Those actually scare me. Maybe one day they might be able to actually predict those but last I looked, they just happen there and not always with some warning sign. Swallowing up buildings, roads and then turn into lovely lakes, as Leesburg would certainly prove!

Heck, one of my secret little pleasures are those really bad, made for Sify movies on occasion, if it is about “Weather Disasters”. I can’t stand their monster movies but I never fail to find hilarity in their “Disaster” flicks.

I remember one that had me rolling about some calderas under the New Orleans French Quarter. I laughed until I was crying it was so silly. I mean seriously! A city that is now nearly 9 feet below sea level has caves under it? Say Huh? Water certainly, muck and other assorted swamp debris but trust me, ain’t NO WAY one will find caves anywhere south of Baton Rouge. In fact, the highest actual earthen point in the area is a man made hill found in Audubon Zoo. They are very proud of that one!

Either way, good or bad I am going to enjoy my time in a dark theater and see “2012” with the surround sound that shakes the chair I’m in. Besides, it’s has John Cusack in it and Amada Peat! So while it might be all about the effects, I am still excited!

My Take On Recent RP Issues And More

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 07:03:35 GMT

The DM Role playing community was recently in an uproar. Not only has the summer officially started, but with it, comes high tempers along with scorching temperatures. A good bit of the anger is directed at the admins of the DM site. Over the past few months there has been a noticeable lack of admins available on the site so they are unfortunately being blamed for a large bit of the current problems. Good or bad, that lack of a presence has allowed disrespectful behavior to flourish.

One group in particular is on the hot plate so to speak. Many that have talked to me about them, even before this exploded, had already expressed an irritation with the attitude many of them have. As it stands presently, the face of the group (Meaning leader) is dealing with an enraged community and rightly so. ANYONE that condones moding the death of another player’s character, even seems to encourage it, deserves the disgust being heaped down upon them. She has offered an apology of course, but having read it, I see it at little more then cursory window dressing.

It opens with this line. “I am sorry if you feel I was condoning power-gaming the other night with XXXXX.” This is a single flat sentence/statement. She doesn’t return by stating she does NOT support or condone moding. In fact that very declaration is lacking in the entire “Apology”. And actually isn’t supported by her actions in the actual room play by “Applauding” the piano dropper.

I have been informed she told her whole group some days before to ignore another set of moders. I am not complaining about the idea of ignoring disrespectful little idiots, but I have an issue with the double standard of it. If it’s being directed at her group they are to ignore it. If she’s encouraging it and even aiding it against someone else, it’s okay. That’s how it looks to me, which is NOT respectful or fair.

I am going to add, I am not attacking others in this group. Many of those involved with this crew I like. Many are respectful players and shouldn’t be punished for the actions of the select few that haven’t a clue.

Now some seem to think that since she says. “My apologies if I have upset you.” She should be left alone. Her behavior should no longer be questioned. Rather like she’s Catholic and went to confession and thus is absolved of her sins so to speak, as this is how it appears to me.

Well, I was raised Catholic folks, and never bought into the idea of saying “Sorry” for what ever crime committed instantly meant one was a-ok with God and the rest of the world. Besides, she never did say “Sorry” in it. Her “Apology” is a cleverly worded appeasement that many will buy into. For myself, it rings false and fake. It looks contrived and likely was with the aid of others in her crew. Goodness knows our former Problem Child is a master at the wording of things. It was and still is always about “Semantics” and how to use it to its best advantage.

Remember, this is the one that was claiming he was the “Primary Evil Plotter” for the group. He just neglected to add which group it was. Clever eh? We Blood players have used “Evil Plotters” for years upon years. So the general idea was “Bloods” without his bothering to clarify. It’s both crafty and yet disturbingly immoral. Words and the impression they give is all we have in text based RP after all.

More on the subject of that Former Blood Problem Child, I do not for one moment believe he is out of this other group as has been claimed. This is a group that was arbitrarily adding members to their roster without actually asking if those they added, even WANTED to be involved. As of the date 7/05/09 the leader of this group along with many others that are part of it as well, are still playing with him. He’s apparently declared his love for her and bonded his soul with hers. I should add, this play occurred on the DM site, and also on the RoH one. So much for being kicked right? (Not to mention, the face of the group is still ignoring the one she encouraged a piano to be dropped upon.) She is also plotting to kick his former girl out of the their little crew so she can get him back in I suspect. Gotta love those logs of both RoH and the RDI. The interesting things one sees in them on occasion. ::smirks::

Makes me wonder just what evils has he committed towards them? I am suspecting none at all. He is just playing the part of a convenient scapegoat. If he had done anything foul towards them, why in the name of all that’s right in this world would they continue to interact with him? I am betting they wouldn’t, but that is my own opinion.

So now I have to question the calling for “public” logs from us, the Bloods. Mind you, Lucius’s irl wife (Who is also my roomie and best friend) has had this demand placed upon her in particular. Perhaps they think she is me or I am her. I don’t play Maeri. That one has a different player in total. Either way, I don’t have all the public logs aside from the night our problem child was confronted in character in room. A log I know Maeri doesn’t have. She paid little attention to the situation with the Problem because she wasn’t around to have to deal with it. Nor did we make it that big of a public deal. He quit the Bloods and in turn, really became this other group’s 800-pound gorilla instead of ours.

Anything else I have, I feel uncomfortable with posting, as those were private. Yes, PRIVATE, as in none of anyone else’s business. I feel very unsettled about this demand. The one PM I recall that might provide aid to the cheating, I don’t have. It was a conversation held on DM back in April of this year and I was kicked from the room before I could save it. At the time I didn’t even think it held any value so didn’t seek to recover it. I don’t honestly know if it can be recovered now. DM and RoH Admins are welcome to look under my Tasha name.

I also am the only one of the group that can claim any sort of personal harassment. Oddly enough, I didn’t regard his demands as a major form of harassment, more in line of mild and irritating, but still very creepy and disconcerting. I still didn’t like it, and once things went south with that player, I blocked him. That simple. He didn’t bother me under any other characters. No drama. No longer a problem, and no harassment. He left me alone, which was all I wanted, thank you.

I can’t in good conscious post up private conversations for public consumption. It’s not my way, nor do I feel at all easy about doing it. Nor would I want to make any of those I talk with targets for a public hanging for anything they have said. Things told to me in confidence tend to stay in confidence. That’s the point of the whole “Private Message” deal isn’t it? Why should I make friends suffer the antics of those moders that are STILL around and watching this play out? I would feel simply awful and responsible if one I exposed ended up a target for a moded, powergamed death and I fear that is what would happen in retribution.

As to posting any of my thoughts over on ME, I don’t feel at all comfortable with that. I am not ready to face what I see as a flame war with a lot of diverting and derailing et-all. In general I am not an aggressive person. (Yes, I have my moments, but those are actually rare.) I value manners, respect and strive in all things to be polite when able unlike some in the Blog-a-sphere (sic) and from ME’s own statements, if one isn’t ready to handle the heat they need to stay out of things. So I have avoided. In fact, I haven’t been able to keep up with all that’s been posted about this anyway. I find the massive amount regarding these issues intimidating and a good bit of the threads inspired by it, very confusing. It makes it hard to keep things straight in my head.

Truth be told, I felt that dull aching throb spawning in my skull and the steady rise of my stomach which was beginning to roll, the same problems I used to get looking at the PAP back on AOL and frankly that isn’t something I welcome. This isn’t a slap at the ME site either. I appreciate their open policy on freedom of speech and posting and speaking/writing their feelings without censor. But even here, I have not yet been able to start naming names. Call that a case of “Old habits die-hard”.

Garden Geek Update

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:58:48 GMT

Okay, heres a little image of our garden. It's small, and raised up off the ground because I am mobility challenged. ::chuckles:: So we are creative. This weekend we plan to add another platform to put more plants on. As I just got another Big Burtha Bell Pepper plant and an Eggplant one. :). I also have some up on the Porch railing as well.

We are now up to 21 Tomatoes on two plants. ::grins happily.:: There are others I suspect will also spawn those cute little green globes. Anyway, this time I am adding images.

These are the first ones that started to grow. There is just five on this one still, but we will be working on that.

Our second plant has pretty much taken off. This one has as of today 16 little happy green globes.

Here it's German Thyme, Tarragon grown from seed and Chives also grown from seeds. They seeded ones are a little sparse but we are learning. ::grins::

Now here is Basil, also a seeded planting. Wasn't sure how this would work but in just two days it grew even healthier.

Next is my Sweet Banana Pepper. It's finally got a few blooms which means yummy delicious cheese stuffed goodness in the near future!

Now, the squash! These will be moved into a very large planter pot this weekened. :) It's got blooms and even a tiny, tiny little squash.

There is still many more but I am pretty sure this is a good representation of my little happy garden. While I have killed some plants, not sure of what sort of sun they need, a good bit of the things I have tried, are growing so I am delighted!

Rosemary Moss Roses Cilantro/Coriander Cucumbers Mixed Flowers

So there you have it! My black thumb isn't nearly as dreadful as I had believed. Hehe. More updates coming as I plant more and see what I can cultivate. Next year, I am going to try my hand at a Cantaloup!

A Very Special Miracle Baby

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 02:14:38 GMT

Let me introduce you to a Miracle. His name is Wisp. Wisp was born some time just around last Thanksgiving. He was one of four siblings by what we can determine. It was sometime after a rather nasty band of storms that we discovered the little fur balls. Wet, hungry and their mama seemed to have vanished. We left them outside for a few hours, just hoping Mama kitty would return but she didn’t. She wasn’t one of our cats either, just a stray. So, all of us having soft hearts and a huge love for felines, we took them in.

They were maybe 3 to 4 weeks old, with eyes barely open. Alas the biggest of the four didn’t make it. We all were very upset at the loss and then went into panic as two more seemed to be in decline. We were hand feeding the babies with an eyedropper and KMR and I ended up spending that first night, feeding all of them water and interchanging it with the formula. Wisp was one of those failing, but we got lucky and the last three pulled through.

We have Whimsy; she’s our little princess. She was one I nursed through an entire night to keep alive and will say she’s small but she’s spunky.

We also have Speckles, Speck as we call her. She’s our sweet, laid back calm little gem. She’s a stocky little snuggle baby.

Then we have Wisp. He was named that due to the wisps of white he has on his face. Now why I call him our miracle baby is because about three months ago, we almost lost him. He was never a large baby, always very thin and slow. Over night he became very ill. You see, he had a birth defect we didn’t know about. His urethra closed and all the waste started to poison his weak little body. It got down into his left leg and caused a lot of trauma and swelling.

We rushed him to the Vet and were given the bad news. They didn’t think they could save him but you see, our little man was a fighter. He had proven this to us when he was just the size that fit perfectly in the palm of our hands. Our household discussed what options we had and it was Dave that decided to at the very least give “His boy” a chance.

Those at the Vet were amazed he had lasted this long without to many troubles. Normally the vet clinic would have sent him off to Baton Rouge for the surgery, but the cost of that would have been too much so the Doctor decided to give it a try here. It was touch a go for the day while he was in, but by the evening we got word he had made it through, now it would be a matter of seeing if everything worked right.

A few days later they let us take him home with one of those collars on which he hated. This however isn’t the end of it, all the skin in his leg started to die away and we had to take him back. Poor little guy had to have it all removed and they then they stretched the skin over the exposed muscle. He had a long line of stitches for several weeks there. He was sent home again but now he was feeling better he was jumping all over. He also found that head butting his sisters with that cone hood to be a most amusing past time. We even confined him to the bathroom but he still broke the stitches open. So another trip to the vet and this time they kept him for a week to let him heal.

I need to add here, that Wisp is truly a ladies man. All the ladies at the clinic had to come in to see him last time he was there and get kisses and flirts from the boy.

It’s been an up and down Roller coaster with this baby. I am however pleased to say he’s doing great now. The collar is off after well over a month, and his energy is high. He loves to go outside and now there is only one small area that is still healing we let him. He always comes back when called. When this all started he barely weighed 5 lbs, but now he’s a whooping 9 pounds and just loves to fling himself onto his three humans. He’s also a pig. He eats everything even if it’s not his. He was never fed from our plates but he now hovers in the kitchen hoping we will take pity and give him a treat. ::sheepish grin.:: We usually do.

He also has a rather Sylvester/Tweety relationship going on with some Robins that love to sit up on the porch railing and tweet at us. I am pretty sure the Birds will win but it’s such a delight watching him go pouncing off after a very noticeable butt wiggling and then with the tail held high he springs into action. He truly is a miracle and brings great joy to our family each and every day along with his two sisters to boot. We are blessed to still have him with us.

A Pitiful Problem Child

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 07:38:57 GMT

So, we had a problem child. He was a Blood in the past, but we hadn’t seen him in well over ten years. He knew nothing about the Bloods as they are now. He couldn’t be bothered to even look at the boards to see what changes had come about. What he did do was totally piss off an entire group of players with his outright disregard of us as players and our IC settings and stories.

He completely disrespected our settings as Bloods and us as the players of them, but we took care of him this weekend. It was down to the final straw with many of us. We kept hearing things said, knew he was totally ignoring the Bloods that did play in room. Characters that he should at the very least he should have attempted to acknowledge. I know for a fact that two of the lesser known Bloods did nod to his in room and were totally and fully shunned. ::smirks:: I was playing one of those and yes, both I mention here DO HAVE Blood in their names so rather hard to miss right?

One instance had one of our members speaking with him. A trusted friend we had asked to handle it as my sister and I are simply not in a good place for this sort of bull crap. This man was polite and sought to fix the problem. What the Problem Child did with a totally OOC conversation was to take it IC and play up the pity in room. Blurring much?

I spent hours speaking with this individual. I wasn’t mean, however I kept saying “We” feel like this was very unacceptable. What I got was that he didn’t have time to read the “Crap” on our boards. He also didn’t bother to read profiles either. He complained that certain Bloods were never around, one being my IRL sister. He even tried to reiterate a previous demand that I get one of MY characters with his. He was told “No” again and I was getting irritated. He also trashed other players. One of which I really like. He accused her of being a Blender, but backed off fast when I refused to believe it. In all the years I have seen her play she has NEVER once done anything to suggest that.

All of this I took and kept my cool. However I sign on the next day and see he’s still playing on the Out of Character conversation, as in still soaking up pity. I sent him an IM and after waiting 30 minutes of time, never got an answer. I felt I had totally wasted my time the previous night trying to make this one understand to no avail. It was frustrating and irritating and I had enough. I blocked him. So much for the Drama there, as I didn’t want it so sought to avoid it.

Next we find out he’s playing several characters. Three of them were claiming an alliance with the Bloods. An alliance WE DIDN’T even KNOW about! They were telling other characters. They were playing off like it was a fait accompli and when questioned, whine and claimed that because we were not around they had every right to usurp our IC. Didn’t matter we already had other Stories in play. Not at all.

We are also hearing that he’s claimed he was an “Original” Blood, which is totally untrue. He wasn’t an original at all. He was never part of the core of our group. We heard from others he claimed he was the Evil Plotter for the group. I believe the group he actually meant was one called BCU and not Bloods but he was clever enough to not actually state that.

Next, the problem child starts an issue IC with one the Bloods has an alliance with. One we worked hard to acquire. He not only starts trouble with this character, but also another Blood was treated to insults, while she was seeking to defuse the situation. She told him the character Problem Child was attacking was a Blood ally, but this didn’t stop him. Another friend of our group tried to draw him back as well. Claiming Bel woudn’t be happy and again, this was ignored. Well, we had enough. (I have a log of this play, so I do know the actual truth about WHO FRAKING Started it.)

We called a Pow Wow as a group and discussed this Problem. In the end, many did not want him in the Bloods any longer. Some voiced the fact he was trying to become the face of the group and we sure as heck didn’t want that either. What he plays and how he acts is simply not inline with the Bloods and our history. In the end, we agreed to place him on probation IC and see if we could perhaps turn the tide.

What we got was attacked. We were called Liars, backstabbers, and hypocrites. He quit the Bloods, which was fine with many of us. He of course was blaming everyone else for this. Refusing to admit he had started it, but we had proof that he had. However, upon reflection I realized that his behavior when confronted wasn’t actually IC. It looked a hell of a lot like OOC to me. We also had several become outraged by what we were doing to poor pitiful Problem Child.

We were told by one, “This does not look good for the Bloods.” Another felt we should have done this quietly. Considering he tended to run away from any of the male Bloods, it looked rather like an impossible task to try and do it privately. We had the ones in room doing their “Thought snipes” and called us a “bad family.” The worst of this, is one we had a log of already looking for a way down Problem Child’s pants. ::smirks:: One found that morning prior to the confrontation. So in my mind, her defense of his behavior was suspect anyway.

A “Bad Family” that was started in late 94 and has lasted up until now with a good bit of the core group fully intact. “Bad” really?

Needless to say it got ugly in the room.

One of our group finally got fed up and just started talking to one of those telling us how bad it was looking for us. Suddenly, the tide turned. As the defender got an eyeful and a shake up they hadn’t been prepared for.

Apparently our Problem Child is actually the liar, the backstabber, hypocrite, and cheater as well. He was manipulating and playing others to his own ends, even to the point of claiming different persona’s under other names to pull this off. Claiming two of his characters were twins. Oh, there is so much more I could add to this, but it would expose others who had been played and duped and I don’t feel comfortable with that.

Read my earlier post. Yes, our problem child was the RoH cheater. IP addresses don’t lie, and while it’s true that at least two or more us feed through ours, only ONE of the people where I live does duel on occasion. I wouldn’t before and I sure as hell won’t now.

We made an effort to handle this matter IC, and got attacked for it. We have been accused of a number of things and yet logs also do not lie. I have seen the event with the ally of ours. HE started it for one of his many alts. We have been accused of starting unnecessary Drama. Considering this has been going on for well over three months and we stayed quiet, how is it us making Drama?

Truth is, most of us seek to avoid the drama lamas as much as we can. We sure do not like to create it. However, we do have the right to defend and maintain our own IC settings and integrity. No one, and I mean this NO one has the right to seek to steal it or take it away.

Disgusted with Cheaters

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 06:46:43 GMT

So the question is, why? Why would a site that claims to be beyond reproach, that claims to maintain their integrity ignore the facts that one of their members has cheated?

The answer is because they can. No one is going to speak out about it for fear of becoming a pariah. The Rings of Honor (What a name eh?) has one in their midst they know to be a cheater. He’s playing more then one in tournaments and even in the face of rumor and the fact his IP matches fully they are likely going to do absolutely nothing about it.

So much for they’re ever so sworn integrity, so much for honor, so much for fair sportsmanship, as they obviously don’t have it. One is allowed to break the rules they state before such tourneys and apparently it’s fine. They seem to be more then willing to just let it go. If I was actually a dueler, I would hesitate to play there.

I don’t duel, but I find such lack of morals distasteful to say the least. The last time I played there I was subjected to thought snipes and insults by the cheaters own play friends. Oh yes, that was amusing, NOT.Needless to say I doubt I will return. As it is, their rules allow for such behavior anyway. However that I can somewhat tolerate. Lying and cheating and allowing it, makes me feel rather ill.

Many might slam those that did play in guilds and in the RWC but at least in that forum, there were rules that any hint of cheating was found out, it was investigated and even the smallest sign that fraudulent dice or strings had been used, that person was booted. The RWC may have had it’s problems but seems to me, the Duels do also and from where I am sitting now, they are far worse in the long run.

Maybe it’s a sign of the times this lack of integrity. Maybe it’s just the way the world is going, but if that is the case, it is a very sad, painful thing to see happening. Along with disrespect, vulgar, and amoral behavior, cheating is perfectly acceptable behavior. It is downright pitiful.

Gardening Geek

Tue, 26 May 2009 18:30:24 GMT

I am a geek. I freely admit to it. I recently started a little garden. Mostly herbs but I am also trying my hand at squash, peppers, cucumbers and Tomatoes. I have been working on this for about two months and each day I am looking to see if anything productive is growing.

I am sure some might be blasé about seeing that first item springing to life, but for me it’s been such a thrill. I have 7 tomatoes growing. Seven! Woot! I know I may sound like a silly nitwit, but I haven’t ever grown anything like this before. I am working hard to alter this brown thumb of mine. Some of my herbs are doing great, some not so great but I fully plan to keep trying.

Now I can’t wait until those tomatoes are ripe enough to eat! ::does a Snoopy dance.::

What I am growing!
Tomatoes –So happy with these Several more buds showing on both so more coming!
Squash - Doing great so far!
Sweet Banana Peppers - Doing great so far!
Bell Peppers - Doing great so far!
Cucumber - Doing great so far!
Cilantro - Doing Amazing!
Rosemary - Doing great so far! Love the scent!
Moss Roses – Steadily growing bigger by the day, no blooms yet
Cat Nip – Had to do this for the babies and it’s growing huge!
Chives – Could be better so going to reseed more
Tarragon – Not so great
Marjoram – Going to try and reseed this again. Rain killed it I think.
Parsley – Could be better.
Chamomile – In Seedling stage
Lemon Balm – In Seedling stage
Forget-me-nots – In Seedling stage

Still planning on more and what I want is:
Mint
Oregano
Basil
Anise
Dill
Sage
Lavender
Fennel
Thyme

Lucky for me, I know a lovely lady that is an excellent gardener and is going to give me some of those soon!

::more Snoopy dancing.::

"Star Trek" Rebooted

Mon, 11 May 2009 08:38:47 GMT

My father was a material, chemical, an aeronautics engineer. His professional life was entirely wrapped up and fully dedicated to the idea and implication of space travel. He worked on every manned space flight until after the “Challenger” tragedy. He also loved the TV series “Star Trek” in all its various forms. His coffee mug at work was one depicting Spock, with the “Live long and prosper.”. He collected the toy weapons and science tools used in the original. No, he wasn’t looking to live that life, he was working instead to make such a world possible through his own form of genius.

He claimed that while some of the science they used might be far fetched, it still inspired the imagination of many to bring such concepts to life. Honestly? Dad was right. We do have our personal communicators in the form of Cell phones. We do have Internet phones as well, along with GPS. A space station. We have an African American President. I could go on, but even those that may not be aware, “Star Trek” changed our world in many wonderful ways and not only in just the science it portrayed.

Saturday we went to see the latest “reboot” of the franchise and I can only say I walked out of there just wearing a delighted smile. I grew up seeing the reruns of the original. My dad and I would sit and watch TNG once a week. I saw “All” the various movies, the good and the bad. (“Star Trek: The Motion Picture” anyone? ::Yawns”)

Simply put, my sister and I were never part of the usual demographic, but we had a love instilled by our dad that “Anything was possible” and this unique show carried that theme throughout. It’s even in this latest “Rebooting” of a flagging franchise.

Firstly, I felt that JJ Abrams made a successful attempt to give nods to all that had come before. While I am a fan of the many series, I am not a rapid, frothing at the mouth fanatic about it. It for me has always been first and foremost, “Entertainment”. However, I do feel that the cannon was respected. In order to do new stories with those characters, they needed to have a bit of room to move in. So, they created what I call a “Start up Vehicle” in which the next two sequels could utilize. In other words, we will NOT be getting tired over remakes, but something fresh and unique in the form of stories. Which I also respect, because I have seen ALL the Original Episodes more then once and don’t feel I need to see them redone. Had that been the case, I would have felt it to be far more impertinent. One should not tinker with perfection. However, what worked back then, would not work so well now.

A small portion of fanatical fans will scream and whine, that it was disrespectful or claim “They” could have written a better script. (Have to love it when so many feel they are the all-knowing authority on such things. If they are such brilliant writers, why hasn’t Hollywood hired them already?)

I don’t see it the same way. Many are complaining they made it too “Mainstream”. Face facts, in today’s economic situation, most Movie companies are going to be seeking to appeal to those “Mainstream” audiences. If they can’t do that, they won’t bother to make it. I feel that they did manage to bring “Trek” out of its niche with this newest release. If this brings a resurgence of interest and saves any part of the Roddenberry ideals, I for one call that a very good thing. I spoke to a young lady on Sunday, who never really cared for anything “Trek” and was actually saying she wanted to see this one. To me, this is telling.

I also think that all those screaming foul, need to get over it. Even if they had gotten “EVERYTHING” they wanted in this new movie, they would still be crying. If they had taken an old script and just followed that to the letter, it would have been dated, dull, tired and a mere retread. Those obsessive, frothing at the mouth, rapid “Trekkies” would have made a fuss about that too. All because it wasn’t the same actors, or one little thing didn’t look perfectly right. Or one line was off etc.. and so on. Anyone that gets that uptight over a movie, rather scares me a bit.

I think in the end what really matters to most is “Entertainment”. Not if every little detail of the “cannon” was perfectly in line. I suspect that even my dad would have enjoyed this new look and feel. Love it or hate it, it might just be the kick-start the franchise needed.

I am a “Poser 7 User"

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:53:03 GMT

I use it because of a need to express my artistic urges and due to having a genetic degenerative bone disease it is my outlet. There are some days when I get up that my hands are very stiff and painful. In truth, those are actually mild compared to other aches I suffer with on a 24-hour basis.

A few years back, I used to draw and ink all the time. These days, I don’t have the same ability. It’s simply too painful. I don’t have the same control I used to have and holding a nub pen and dipping into an inkwell for hours at a time, would likely cripple my hands for days. Without the program Poser, I would be unable to create.

There are some out there that trash people for their use of this 3D program. Even on the RP site I play, I have been called one of those “Poser People”. The implication is that because I use this program I haven’t any talent I assume.

I am fully aware that art in general is subjective. What one sees as art, might not appeal to everyone. I am not a huge fan of the Anime style. I see that as “Cute” but very much a niche sort of category. However, I am not going to start trashing those that like to create in this fashion. I can’t claim to be an aficionado of “Modern Art”. I tend to appreciate a more classic look. A nose on a chin tends to just baffle me really. Some of the Gothic art that is found these days I do find pretty cool looking, but alas my brain works differently. For me, the images in my head is what I strive to produce.

Maybe it’s because I understand the drive to create, and the love and attention put into any piece of visual art, that I refuse to insult those who use a different method or prefer another style. I don’t like it when one assumes they are more talented just because they have the full use of their hands however. Attacking anyone without knowing why they use such a program is rather petty in my mind as well.

This is my most recent image. This was done a few months back as my muse had taken an extended vacation. A good bit of this was done by hand actually.

I Froze, Like a deer in headlights

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 06:11:44 GMT

I play Warhammer online. It’s a fun game usually, though I have my issues with some of the things they do. I forgive a lot as it’s really a new Online MMO, and I figure they are still in the learning stages. Today I learned they were going to transfer yet another server into the one I play mostly on. Since this is a game heavily built towards RVR (PVP if you will) and my server already has a 2 to 3 ratio in favor of Order, it was upsetting. This means instead of just 2 to 3 warbands facing rolling Destruction's one warband, we might end up with 4 or even 5 warbands zerging us into the dirt and beyond.

Now what really sucks, is the one I have my alts on, that being Order faction, is the server being rolled for the second time around. Why I bring this up is that I browse the forums over there. Dipping into some informational posts that tip me off about class changes and a variety of other assorted and often useful information.

Today though, I realized I am terrified of posting to any message boards. I fear that I will end up attacked for my ideas or opinions. In general, other Role players on the server I am part of, have a very clear cut and similar few on courtesy so I haven’t ever felt a need to unleash on PT.

Still, while this isn’t actually a role player type issue, I found myself getting that sick feeling in the pit of my stomach as I started to write up my own fears regarding this server roll. Then I just. . . . Froze. Deer caught in the headlights and watching impending death bearing down upon me. Needless to say I didn’t post. Rather sad really. Maybe one day I will get up the nerve again. I did send a letter to Mythic though. That I felt comfortable doing, instead of voicing my disgust openly.

Its one thing to post up a story on a board I can control, but realized today, I have become very gun-shy. I think I can blame this on the Text based RP site I play at, but am currently taking a break from. There, if any one in the group I am active with, or myself post on those Out of Character boards, someone comes behind it and picks it apart. They dissect it obsessively and then go on a full brutal assault of our morals, our characters (As in what we play) , our ancestors and likely even our place of birth, etc. It doesn’t matter how “nice” one strives to post their concerns, we always get trashed for it.

While I am no coward I simply haven’t the energy to waste on battles waged on message boards. I stopped posting there some time back and only read them when linked. Last time I posted, was to clear up some erroneous assumptions but it wasn’t even on DM, it was on Mutual Endeavors, but I kept short and only listed facts and just that. As for the Round Table boards these days, I avoid them. I already know I could agree with 99.9 percent of what has been said and I think some would likely find issue with that even. Yes, it’s that bad.

Backbiters

Fri, 23 May 2008 21:15:59 GMT

What can I say? I am tired of the backbiters in the various gaming circles. These are the people we all know that like to sit and snipe at you from distance. They chatter at their various friends and smear others with a poison laced keyboard.

I wish I could understand WHY people do this.

Perhaps I am a hypocrite, as in some ways I do this also. Usually it comes from me directly after someone else has been flooded with such ugly things and feels a need to point it out to me. I try to figure out what I may have done to bring such baffling anger down upon myself. I tend to end up discussing this with my closer friends. I however keep it to a certain circle of those I trust. I treat them as a sounding board so to speak. I have never outright attacked anyone for said rumors. Perhaps one day I might break out of my politeness and just blow. Know telling.

I do not run to everyone and their dog or cats and scream my disgust. I don't play the Private message, or IM tag to spill little seeds of discontent and then hide behind some platitude that I am "Intimidated" by said individual I am seeking to have crucified.

I don't sit in the RDI Lobby area and attack, using passive aggressive tactics or play the ever-irritating "Bloody Victim Card". Nor have I referenced any other gaming group as "Those People" or the "Super Click" and imply they are devils in disguise.

Yes, it's true I have my own form of classifications. The list is pretty simple really.

Snert - Those little moders that one shot kill blow your character and then claims "YOU ARE NOW DEAD! DIE Damn you DIE!"

Domestics - The ever common "We just want to play "NICE" Damn you!" Often whining "We don't like conflict! Take it somewhere else!" huff a puff "We just want to play about mundane things like cooking, cleaning, sewing and showing the IRL world what good little wives or hubbies we shall make for you!" ::gags:: Oh and of course does include a great number of the crotch thrusters and bosom heavers, along with the larva droppers and the ever popular Baby-Mama Dramas.

Meta Gamer - Those that use their play to somehow bolster their own ego. Often these are the ones that play "at" you verses "with" you. They often seek to push your character down to make their own brilliant creation seem bigger, badder and more dominating then yours. These are often players that "Could" be respectful. They "Could" be damn good gamers if they had a clue that is. I guess in a word, they lack "courtesy" in play.

God Moder Extraordinaire - Ah, those that claim they are all powerful and all knowing. They can read your mind at the drop of a hat; they can blast you to smithereens with a snap of fingers. They never take damage but expect you to play a blood splat upon the wall. The difference between a snert and a God Moder is that at least a snert will seek sympathy after their grand battle from the nearest love interest. God Moders are undamaged in full.

All pretty general really in regards to categories, though I do think as humans we can't help but create slots for various personality types. Lately, I have found myself making a new one. It's not a nice one and it does target individuals directly and not just a preferred style of play.

Back biters. Back stabbers. - These are the people that play nice and sweet to your face, but the second your back is turned they are making faces at you. Seeking to make fun of you or rile up a crowd to come at you with pitchforks and torches, with the express purpose of "Burning you at the proverbial Stake." When caught out, it's never their fault, it's yours or anyone else's they think they can point and lay blame.

We have seen this in full on action with recent events on DM. Calls for making what some play to "Stop! Make them go away because it makes me UNCOMFORTABLE!" Often this is accompanied by demands that those playing in what they feel are Deviant stories get kicked off ie banned. Yeah, nice eh?

This drives me bonkers. Why should it be my responsibility to make someone else comfortable? Why should I have to play their way? It's rather like they expect everyone else to conform to their idea of what is allowed. Might just me, but I don't much care for the idea of cookie cutter characters in text-based role-playing.

Hurray for individuality! Hurray for creativity! Yay for the unique! Spare us all from the "Pollyanna's" of the world that want us to all become good little Borg drones and join their rosy little collective world. If that were a requirement, I would have stopped playing years ago. As long as I play within the guidelines of the forum and don't break any rules in that regard, to those little cry babies, I just have one thing to say. STFU

Time to let it out.

Fri, 23 May 2008 19:26:25 GMT

Of late, I have had to hold back my true thoughts on a number of issues. This isn’t an easy thing and being that I am getting rather sick and stressed by things that should be for fun, it isn’t good. You see, I am recovering from a tragic personal loss. I am still in a grieving phase due to having lost my father unexpectedly.

He passed away last March and his death was due to a bleeding ulcer. We did all we could to keep him from stress. He was in the hospital for over a week and had only been out a total of one day before it perforated, but I guess God or fate deemed it was his time. I comfort myself by knowing he is with my mama again. This I know will make him beyond merely happy.

The trouble is, even the smallest of things irritate me of late. I am also suffering with stomach problems but this isn’t anything new. I had my first ulcer at the age of 15, another at 19 and again when I was 24 and then my first bleeding ulcer at 26 years of age. It’s genetic and yes, I inherited this trait from my father.

So, to keep myself perhaps a little sane, or maybe just have a place to air my irrational or even rational grievances I am going to post them here. I have seen plenty of others do this “Blog” stuff. So figured, I can set it to friends only and just unleash those entirely nit picky and silly things that send my blood to boiling.

I am fully away that emotionally speaking I am not in what many would call a “good place”. Being aware however, isn’t helping. I strive to remain calm, cool and collected, but deep inside,I feel my stomach heave and roll. The anger is there but there is also pain. So what more can a person do but vent about it? If I hold it in, I may end up killing myself. So considering that option has little appeal, I seek ways to manage my present situation. I can pay a shrink to listen to me talk like I did after my mom passed, and while it helped me to a point, I realized it was about talking out my feelings. Petty and sad as they might be, my feelings are valid so I remember being told.

Anyway, welcome to my little ranting place.

Gen.