[-Allied Worlds-]
..
[All the World's a Stage]
[Architect's Lair]
[comic artist by night]
--{Pears in My Pockets}
[Djinn the Spazz]
--{Garden Djinn}
[J's Random Thoughts]
[Javen Allese's Journal]
[Kakoi Zloy Yzik]
[Mac Geek's Journal]
[Nuadha's Tale]
--{Claimh Solais}
[Spiral Moon Creations]
[Tao Te Blog]
[Prozac Conniption II]
--{The Kitchen Sink..}
[-Known Worlds-]
[WWDN]
[Penny Arcade]
[Nuklear Power]
[Google]
[Astro Pic of the Day]
[Arreat Summit]
[PSO World]
[DNC]
[Vitaminq]
[Rolfing in Cincinnati]
[-Logs-]
[02.2002]
[03.2002]
[04.2002]
[05.2002]
[06.2002]
[07.2002]
[08.2002]
[09.2002]
[10.2002]
[11.2002]
[12.2002]
[01.2003]
[02.2003]
[03.2003]
[04.2003]
[05.2003]
[06.2003]
[07.2003]
[08.2003]
[09.2003]
[10.2003]
[11.2003]
[12.2003]
[01.2004]
[02.2004]
[03.2004]
[04.2004]
[05.2004]
[06.2004]
[07.2004]
[08.2004]
[09.2004]
[10.2004]
[11.2004]
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Monday, September 30, 2002
To an inhabitant of Earth, Llewella would be the most exotic looking princess of Amber. Her mother was a native of Rebma, Amber's undersea mirrored image. In fact, Llewella non-Amberite half-sister, Moire, is the Queen there. She has jade color hair and eyes. During her father's reign, she preferred staying in Rebma and out of the family squabbles, but when Random was chosen as king (in The Courts of Chaos by Roger Zelazny), she began dividing her time between the two kingdoms and giving what help she could to Random's queen, Vialle, another noble from Rebma.
Which Amberite are you?
this quiz was made by Mysti
Via Angel Mills
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:38 AM ::> [
The Weekend of Odd Dreams
Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights ... all held odd dreams for me. I can't recall the details of Friday at all.
Saturday was something about me time traveling to the Future to retrieve Franklin family jewels from my grandmother Franklin's estate. The house was razed during the Apocolypse (?), but an amusement park/restaurant/classroom thing was put near the site of their farm in Fowlerville. I cast a spell to propell me forward in time, after I recieved a message from my future self about Time magic ceasing to work after the Apocolypse. So my past self went forward ... retrieved them, and the spell pulled me back just as people were coming to get me.
Hokay.
Sunday ... I was playing tennis against Martha Stewart in a tennis court in the basement. She won. And she gloated.
Oi.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:28 AM ::> [
Friday, September 27, 2002
What Planet Are You From?
this quiz was made by The Autist Formerly Known As Tim
Via Angel Mills
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:07 AM ::> [
I've only seen this movie once ...
Which Princess Bride Character are You?
this quiz was made by mysti
Via Form Follows Function
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:53 AM ::> [
Word of the Day for Friday September 27, 2002
convivial \kuhn-VIV-ee-uhl\, adjective:
Of or relating to feasting, drinking, and good company; fond
of festivity and good company; sociable.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:37 AM ::> [
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Er.
Just in case folk's hadn't noticed - Blog's Name is now: "Intergallactic Transciever" ... go with that whole Communications-Space theme.
And, in it's essence - it's still a receiving unit. Which can get just about any station. Thus, Rambling is still prevalent. ;)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 4:25 PM ::> [
Panera Bread is now open - it's where the Lone Star used to be, in the Collonade Shopping Center.
Someone got bagels for the office today ;)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:43 AM ::> [
Word of the Day for Thursday September 26, 2002
boulevardier \boo-luh-var-DYAY; bul-uh-\, noun:
1. A frequenter of city boulevards, especially in Paris.
2. A sophisticated, worldly, and socially active man; a man
who frequents fashionable places; a man-about-town.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:38 AM ::> [
Wednesday, September 25, 2002
I'm staring at spreadsheets that were maintained by other people, today.
It's a much needed change of pace.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 2:02 PM ::> [
Tuesday, September 24, 2002
I'm Liking Seven Lances. I made three new runewords last night. I want to try them all, and see what they do. Some of the cubing recipes to obtain socketted normals aren't working, though. So I have to find the equipment with the right number of sockets. That's proving a bit tedious.
Ah well ;) It's fun, in the least.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:43 AM ::> [
Sent off a Tea Response to Madam Gibbs. Hm. Chamomile.
It felt very "fall" this morning. Which was nice. I like variety in life - and having 4 real seasons is pleasant. Yes, even the snow. For me, this geographical area is just about right. I'm ready for a change in weather just about when they happen.
Winter is the one exception. I could do with just a few weeks less of Winter. ;) Ah well. No place is perfect, right?
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:40 AM ::> [
Monday, September 23, 2002
The Ohio RenFaire was fun. It's smaller than the Michigan festival. We'll have to get my friends to come up next year to check it out ;)
I was crowned at the Faire - that is, I bought a crown. Jarrod did to. We quite unintentionally bought the same pattern - a triple-petaled flower/leaf thing, pointing up, circling the crown. Jarrod's has a "Bachus" (which I'm not sure what that is), and mine has 5 white stones balanced in it. I think it'll go nicely with the outfit I'm slowly assembling.
Feeling the need to complete the costume, though. I think I'm going to bug matthew one of these weekends to do more work on the doublet and breeches, if he's willing. I also want to pick up a pattern for a cloak - and try that out. We'll see how it flies ;)
I'm at work - and really don't want to be. I'd like to be home, playing Seven Lances. Or reading for class. Or making soup. Or .... anything else, really. Don't get me wrong, I LIKE where I work and am happy that I've got a good job; they just aren't challanging me lately. It feels easy, and routine. I'm ready for something new to stimulate me.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:17 AM ::> [
Friday, September 20, 2002
Heading out of town for the weekend.
Have fun, kids.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 5:14 PM ::> [
Thursday, September 19, 2002
Blah.
Just blah.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 5:53 PM ::> [
Interesting Article
HIV+ Muppet Debuts in South Africa's Sesame Street.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:35 AM ::> [
Deep in my heart, I always knew ...
http://www.meankitty.com/
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:32 AM ::> [
Wednesday, September 18, 2002
ugh
I don't think this is allergies. Allergies don't have sore throats, achey-joint feelings, and the inability to regulate your body temperature.
And allergies aren't communicable. Jarrod has the same symptoms as I, with less sinus congestion, I think.
Being sick - sucks. I felt better this morning than yesterday morning. A start, I suppose. Can't call in sick to work, mainly because I have exactly ONE sick day left. Wisdom teeth extraction took half my days away.
Oh, the joys of adulthood. ;)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:50 AM ::> [
Tuesday, September 17, 2002
Wow.
http://thehomelessguy.blogspot.com/
From Yahoo! Daily Picks for Sept 17, 2002.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:53 AM ::> [
Yup, yup - got this one down.
Word of the Day for Tuesday September 17, 2002
paladin \PAL-uh-din\, noun:
1. A knight-errant; a distinguished champion of a medieval
king or prince; as, the paladins of Charlemagne.
2. A champion of a cause.
3. Any class of D&D Characters who can sense evil in a 10 foot radius, heal by laying of hands, and hack most monsters to bits. ;-)
Once in power, though, Clinton stumbled repeatedly over
obstacles created by the schizoid campaign he had
conducted, in which he had cast himself simultaneously as
the champion of a more conservative Democratic credo and as
a paladin of the party's traditional activism.
--Robert Shogan, The Fate of the Union
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:36 AM ::> [
Monday, September 16, 2002
How Apt.
Today's electronic work newsletter:
How to Get A Good Night's Rest
A good night's sleep is vital to our health. It provides the rest and replenishment we need to keep our bodies and our minds strong. Yet millions of people in the United States - especially women, the elderly, and individuals with a history of depression - suffer from insomnia.For some, it is intermittent; for others, it is chronic. For all, it can be a source of frustration and a cause of daytime problems like fatigue, listlessness, irritability, and poor concentration.
If you are among those who have trouble falling or staying asleep, the following tips may help you drift off to dreamland.
Modify your behavior
Don’t read, work, or watch television when you’re in bed. These activities keep your body alert, which can keep you from sleeping. Only go to bed when you are tired, and if you can’t fall asleep within 15 minutes, leave your bedroom. Go back to bed when you are tired again (don’t fall asleep outside of the bedroom). Repeat these steps if you wake up during the night and are unable to fall back to sleep.
Watch your diet
Avoid consuming alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine within four to six hours of your bedtime. A light snack before going to bed is okay, but eating a large meal will disrupt your sleep.
Exercise at the right time.
Exercising regularly is good for you, but the time of day when you do it can play an important part in your getting-or not getting-a good night’s rest. Researchers recommend that you avoid exercising within six hours of bedtime. Vigorous exercise raises the body’s temperature and alertness, conditions that are not conducive to falling asleep. Body temperature generally falls five to six hours after a workout, making late afternoon an ideal time to exercise.
Control your sleeping environment
External factors, like noise, temperature and light, can play a significant role in your ability to sleep. Keep your room cool and block out unwanted noise by using earplugs, playing soft music, or creating white noise with a fan or other noise-making machine such as an air purifier. To keep your room dark, try light-blocking shades, lined drapes or an eye mask.
Cut down on naps.
If you are having problems sleeping, avoid taking naps during the day. If you absolutely must, limit the nap to 20 to 30 minutes. Don't try to use a nap as a substitute for a good night’s sleep
Adapted from Health Magazine
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:54 AM ::> [
In need of some change ...
I need to change ... something. Decided to try a beard. Not the "I'm too lazy to shave" beard, but one that's shaped. I've a decent start on it, since I usually shave every-other day, minus weekends unless we're going out someplace that warrents shaving. Which put my last session with a blade on Thursday. Trimmed the goatee to the shortest trimmer setting. By Friday it all ought to be one length.
We'll see how it looks and what my friends and sweetie think of it.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:24 AM ::> [
Terrible bout of insomnia last night. I skipped Saturday night's allergy med - thinking that the worst part of the season was over and I probably didn't need them. I was quite congested on Sunday all day, and draining something fierce. *sighs*. So about 5pm, I took an allergy pill and some decongestants. Yea. By bedtime, they hadn't started working very well. I just kind of ... sat there, in bed. And then being in the reclined position caused all the congestion that was still present to ache in my left sinus.
SO ... I got up. Drank something warm to help the decongestant. Watched a TiVO'ed episode of Six Feet Under. Tried to sleep again. Still no dice. Took a bath (steam and warm water help). Played a new Mod for Diablo 2: Lord of Destruction called Seven Lances. Which, on a side note .... is FUN. They rebalanced the entire game. Redid skills, redid the monster AI to make it harder. Added new items. Changed ALL items affixes. Added a unique item for every single type of item. Replaced the rune-system with 30 all new runes, that have a MEANING. I made my first runeword last night - "Idea" which was composed of the rune "Ank" (Ingenuity) and "Qi" (Wisdom). Get it? Ingenuity plus Wisdom equals an Idea. Apparently, all the rune words are along those lines. Queen: I bet thats Fame, Female ... and maybe Power.
So,. anyways ... all said and done, I finally got to bed around 3:15 am. Slept intermittantly. Not terribly bleary-eyed this morning, but I can tell I didn't sleep well. I can feel that I'll be really tired later on.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:01 AM ::> [
Friday, September 13, 2002
Be PostModern
http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/community/postmodern.html
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:10 AM ::> [
Word of the Day for Friday September 13, 2002:
triskaidekaphobia \tris-ky-dek-uh-FOH-bee-uh\, noun:
a morbid fear of the number 13 or the date Friday the 13th
--triskaidekaphobic, adjective and noun; triskaidekaphobe,
noun
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:44 AM ::> [
Thursday, September 12, 2002
From Yahoo! Daily Picks
http://www.statedecisions2002.com/
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:33 AM ::> [
Dinner out was nice - we went to Max & Erma's. We're still being budget conscious. After, we watched a few shows on TV - TiVO, rather, so that we could avoid the media blitz/flood.
I hate that something so terrible happened on a day that's so special to me.
There's no controlling it, though. Every "Patriot Day", we'll be reminded of this tragedy. We'll be reminded of the horrific events, the loss of life, the inhumanity. We'll be reminded of the loss of freedoms, the loss of innocence, the tightening grip of the government; the silliness of world politics and religion.
And, every "Patriot Day", we'll remember that once upon a time, Fates aligned and we met for that first time. I still have the movie ticket stub from 4 years ago. "There's Something About Mary." 9-11-1998.
Double-edged sword, Life. We take good with bad. And continue on.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:21 AM ::> [
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
4 Years Ago Today ...
I met prince charming. Been under his spell ever since.
Who Knew that You Knew that VooDoo so well?
Happy Anniversary, love.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 12:38 PM ::> [
Tuesday, September 10, 2002
Oh the Joy:
http://www.cnn.com/2002/ALLPOLITICS/09/05/ar911.patriot.day/
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 3:46 PM ::> [
From the work newsletter:
10 ways to slice 100s off your energy bills
As fuel prices rise and supplies dwindle, the time has come to save your pocketbook as well as the planet. Here’s how you can take a more frugal approach to reduce your energy bills.
1. Call your electric company and request an audit.
These companies promote conservation so most will do it for free. Even a fee of $10 or $20 is worth the invaluable information that will help you insulate and stop leaks in your home.
2. Turn down the temperature.
If you have to dilute your hot water with cold to prevent scalding yourself, adjust your hot water heater.
3. Insulate your electrical outlets.
This helps prevent a rush of cold air from flowing into the house. Most electric companies provide insulation foam pads.
4. Caulk your windows.
And when spring comes, take the caulking off and put it in a plastic bag to be used again. Cover extremely drafty windows with plastic sheets.
5. Use a heater jacket to insulate your hot water pipes and
your water heaters (only if you’ve got an older heater with no insulation of its own).
6. Wash your dishes correctly.
Fill the basin with hot water and do your dishes. You’ll use less water and save on all that heat for water that would just go down the drain as you rinse.
7. Do not use the dry cycle on your dishwasher.
Open the door and let them air dry.
8. Let the air dry your clothes.
Dry your wash on a clothesline or a wooden drying stand in
the bathroom.
9. Make full use of your oven.
While baking that casserole, slip in another dish you can
freeze later.
10. Vacuum the coils behind your refrigerator every
four to six months.
This helps to cut electrical use and will cut down on the noise your refrigerator spews.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:36 AM ::> [
FindYourSpot.com
- Oshkosh-Appleton/Neenah, Wisconsin "The Paper Valley"
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin "The Genuine American City"
- Chicago, Illinois "The Windy City"
- Annapolis, Maryland "Sailing Capital of the World"
- Baltimore, Maryland "The Sparkling Harbor City"
- Oak Park, Illinois "A Great Way of Life"
- Madison, Wisconsin "Athens Of The Midwest"
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin "Clear Water, Clean Living"
- Charleston, West Virginia "The Home of Hospitality"
- Frederick, Maryland "Where The Past Comes Alive"
- Champaign-Urbana, Illinois "High Tech in the Heartland"
- Gaithersburg, Maryland "The Park City"
- Green Bay, Wisconson "Titletown, U.S.A."
- Sheboygan, Wisconsin "Wisconsin’s Jewel on the Lake"
- Danbury, Connecticut "Small-Town Charm Near the Big Apple"
- New Haven, Connecticut "Home of Yale University"
- Providence, Rhode Island "New England’s Best Kept Kept Secret"
- Boston, Massachusetts "America’s Walking City"
- La Crosse, Wisconsin "Jewel of the Upper Mississippi"
- Kenosha, Wisconsin "Middle America at its Best"
- Hartford, Connecticut "The Insurance Capital"
- Eugene, Oregon "The Emerald City"
- Corvallis, Oregon "Heart of the Willamette Valley"
- Albuquerque, New Mexico "The Pulse of New Mexico"
Jeeeez. Apparently I'm supposed to be living in Wisconson.
Via Form Follows Function
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:26 AM ::> [
Monday, September 09, 2002
Water - Enough is Enough?
I tend to be a "naturalist" about these sorts of things - listen to your body, and it will tell you 9 times out 10 what it needs.
Except with chocolate.It always SAYS it needs that, and it rarely, rarely does. ;)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 4:22 PM ::> [
I Am A: Lawful Good Elf Ranger Paladin
Alignment:
Lawful Good characters are the epitome of all that is just and good. They believe in order and governments that work for the benefit of all, and generally do not mind doing direct work to further their beliefs.
Race:
Elves are the eldest of all races, although they are generally a bit smaller than humans. They are generally well-cultured, artistic, easy-going, and because of their long lives, unconcerned with day-to-day activities that other races frequently concern themselves with. Elves are, effectively, immortal, although they can be killed. After a thousand years or so, they simply pass on to the next plane of existance.
Primary Class:
Rangers are the defenders of nature and the elements. They are in tune with the Earth, and work to keep it safe and healthy.
Secondary Class:
Paladins are the Holy Warriors. They have been chosen by a God/dess to be their representative on Earth, and must follow the code of that deity, or risk severe penalties. They tend towards being righteous, but not generally to excess.
Deity:
Mielikki is the Neutral Good goddess of the forest and autumn. She is also known as the Lady of the Forest, and is the Patron of Rangers. Her followers are devoted to nature, and believe in the positive and outreaching elements of it. They use light armor, and a variety of weapons suitable for hunting, which they are quite skilled at. Mielikki's symbol is a unicorn head.
Find out What D&D Character Are You?, courtesy of NeppyMan (e-mail)
Details:
Alignment:
Lawful Good ----- XXXXXXXXXXX (11)
Neutral Good ---- XXXXXX (6)
Chaotic Good ---- XX (2)
Lawful Neutral -- XXXXXXXXXX (10)
True Neutral ---- XX (2)
Chaotic Neutral - (-2)
Lawful Evil ----- XXXXX (5)
Neutral Evil ---- (-5)
Chaotic Evil ---- (-2)
Race:
Human ---- X (1)
Half-Elf - XXXXX (5)
Elf ------ XXXXX (5)
Halfling - (-1)
Dwarf ---- XX (2)
Half-Orc - XXX (3)
Gnome ---- (0)
Class:
Fighter - X (1)
Ranger -- XXXXXX (6)
Paladin - XXXXXX (6)
Cleric -- X (1)
Mage ---- (0)
Druid --- (-2)
Thief --- (-4)
Bard ---- XX (2)
Monk ---- XXXX (4)
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 1:02 PM ::> [
We have looked deep into the Jewel of Judgement, with some help from Ghostwheel, and determined that your amnesia hides the fact that you are actually Random.
Random, son of Paulette. My liege! Welcome home. All went well on your journeys? All is quiet in the Castle.
We've been keeping your room in the Castle ready. If you decide to join the rest of the family at dinner, please let me know, so that I may set the appropriate number of places.
Via Form Follows Function via Nuadha's Tale
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:40 AM ::> [
Saturday, September 07, 2002
I decided to play Collapse! at home.
Funny, that.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:14 PM ::> [
Friday, September 06, 2002
The Cabin
Now that the aweful itching is almost gone, Time to chat about the weekend past.
The cabin was fun. I enjoy heading up to the boonies for a few days and unplugging completely. I really needed a vacation, too .... work was started to REALLY get to me.
We drove up Thursday after work. We stopped at the usual place - second stop on the turnpike, Erie something plaza. They've got a Burger King, a Max and Erma's, and a Starbucks. I had pizza for dinner, and a Starbucks Mocha Coconut Frappacino that was upgraded to Venti from Tall due to my wait. ZING! Matthew rode with Jarrod and I, and we chatted about many things on the trip. Gaming included ;)
Jack brought out his 2 way radios, which was neat. We got to chat at each other over the radios when we needed to communicate. We also got to peer into other people's lives for bit, as our radio picked up their errant signals. Someone was sure that someone else was attempted to sabotage their camper ...
We headed into the darkness, leaving Civilization at Barkeyville, PA, around 10ish. We headed into curvey mountain roads in the dark, passing several deer waiting at the side of the road.
We found the "cabin" at about 12:15 AM. I summarily went to the task of cleaning the floors - since Jarrod folk's NEVER do and it's always FILTHY when we arrive. I can't relax in icky socks or with dirty feet. So, I mopped. Took about an hour to cover the whole cabin, and was happy once it was complete. One last thing I started before I went to bed -- I started soaking rice for Sticky Rice for the morrow's dinner.
We woke up whenever on Friday morning. Coffee was made, and much reading began. Friday was a relaxation day. I read two short books - Over Sea, Under Stone and The Dark Is Rising, both by Susan Cooper. Reading was broken up by cooking, which I find fun. I made Yellow Curry Pork and Green Curry Chicken, though I was intending to make Yellow Curry Chicken and Green Curry Pork. Mixed them up. Still ... tasted good. The Green Curry paste I got is SPICY :) I'm looking forward to trying the Red paste, now. I made Mango Sweet Rice for dessert. Wendi and Carola arrived *JUST* as dinner was finishing, so it was a grand meal.
We sat around the fire a bit ... and just relaxed. Kristen spent time in the Hammock under the stars. We drank beer, sat around the fire ... and just let nature run through our veins.
Saturday was awoken to the smell of marvously baked Coffee Cake a la Kristen. Spinich Quiche to go along with. Read some more, sat in the hammock myself. We took a drive down the river to a State Park land entrance, where we hiked a mile up to a 3-story rock. I climbed about it a bit - and I was careful. Jack dissappeared for a bit and we met him back at the cars. He discovered the Village of Stones, farther up the mountain off the path.
We had Victorian Steak and Potato pie, a la Matthew, for dinner. It was yummy. We spent the evening, once again, just relaxing. I read two more books, Greenwitch and The Grey King, by Cooper again.
Sunday morning, Carola and Wendi fixed us some lovely Dutch Pancakes. They were QUITE good! We hiked back up to Jack's Village of Stone, and explored that for a good hour. It was really quite peaceful up there on the mountain. Quiet. No sign of people around - at all. Jack and Kristen had an adventure with a ground wasp-nest that earned them some good AP points, I think. I climbed some rocks and we took pictures with the digital camera (which I'll post later, once the group has vetted them ;) ).
We headed back, and Wendi and Carola had left. Had to see the kitties, they did. I wished they could have stayed longer. Jack and Kristen went canoeing a few hours later.
I napped and read, in no particular order. I started the last book in the series, Silver on the Tree.
We had chicken enchilladas a la Kristen for dinner, which were divine. We watched the fire again, and chatted. Sleep came early for some.
We awoke Monday morning, and slowly worked our way into the day. We were ready by 11:30 to leave ... and waited on the last load a laundry. We headed out, and stopped at a Burger King to have lunch in Franklin, PA. The trip back was more quiet than the trip over, so I finished the book.
That was the weekend. Pure ... uninterrupted relaxation. No schedules, save the Sun and our Appetites. Good food, good friends.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 2:54 PM ::> [
More FFX
Things left to do:
- Arena bosses
- Get Tidus' Celestial Weapon (beat the trainer in the balloon race)
- Get Tidus' Sun Sigil (get a negative time in the balloon race)
- Get Kimarhi's Saturn Sigil (The Butterfly game).
- Find the rest of the Auron/Braska/Jecht Spheres
After that .... I guess I could work on Clearing the sphere grid and maxing stats. (You can purchase "clear" spheres that remove a node from the grid. You can win spheres from Arena bosses that are +4. The idea here is to clear off all the +1, +2 and +3 nodes, replacing them with +4 nodes. Needless to say, this is an expensive and involved process. Very involved.) I've already got 93:00+ hours logged into the game. heh.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:30 AM ::> [
FF X
I finally got the Jupiter Sigil last night - the last remaining piece needed to open up Wakka's big weapon. It rocks :)
It was easier than I thought. You have to do this pretty late in the game to keep the blitzball games to a minimum. Here's what I did:
If you've played much already ... either get the league game to a new league series, or hit the "reset team data" option. This will put ALL players to their default level and TEAM. Anyone you recruited is gone. Go recruit Wedge - he's guarding the entrance to the bleachers at the stadium. Save. Check the league prize - if it's not Wakka's Attack Reels, soft-reset the game (L1, L2, R1, R2, Select, Start). Check the prize again. You should do this late in the game, because you have to have fought in 200ish battles for the Reel to show up. Once it's the prize .. start the league game. My strategy for games usually is: pass the ball around a lot (earns EXP), and move the ball around the court until you can get Tidus near the goal with only one or two defenders near. Pass to Tidus. Jecht Shot. :) Pretty easy.
Once you have the Attack Reels .... finish off any Tournament in progress. Save. Play a league or exhibition game. Save. Play league and/or exhibition games, saving after each, until the Tournament option is re-lit. Check the prize. Soft-reset if it's not the Status Reels. Continue to reset until the status reels show up. Go into the tourney, and win!
Repeat the League idea ... saving and resetting until the Aurochs Reels show up as a Prize in the League. The reason I did this late in the game .. was because the Auroch reels only show up after you've fought in 450 battles.
Okay. Once you win the Reels .. save. Reset Team Data or soft-reset and check the prizes for the League games. There's a 50% chance that the Jupiter Sigil will show up once Wakka has all his reels. Play ... and win. I ended up playing 38 games to get all the reels ... and 2+10 games to get the Sigil (I reset team data, and went into a tournament to get some levels for my players so Tidus could do at least 2 Jecht Shots each half). So, exactly 50 games later, I have Wakka's best weapon :)
The Attack Reels are why I got it. The Attack Reels work like his elemental reels do - but better. You have three dials, each with 1 hit or 2 hit. The last dial also has an array of "Miss". You attack based on the number of "hits" you mark that are the same. In other words ...
1 hit + 1 hit + 1 hit = 3 * 2 hits (matching them all)
2 hits + 2 hits + 2 hits = 6 * 2 hits (for matching them all).
SO ... if you have Wakka at a high level, with high strength ... and get all "2 hits", you can potentially hit 12 X 99,999. Gah ;)
I've also got a decent strategy down for super-leveling, which I started doing last night with Wakka, Tidus, Yuna and Auron. The first part is weapon building - from Matthew. You need a weapon with: Overdrive to AP, Triple (or Double) AP, Triple (or Double) Overdrive. The hardest quality to get is Triple AP. Double AP seems to work ok - but not as well.
Next, get armor with Auto-Phoenix. Essential. Capture one of everything in the Cavern of the Stolen Fayth, which will unlock Don Tonberry in the Arena. The Don counterattacks (until he walks up near you) with a "Karma" attack, which takes the number of enemies you've killed (the character), and multiplies it by a huge factor. When Tidus gets Karma'ed, he takes about 98,000 damage. Make sure all your people have the "Comrade" overdrive set. What happens: You attack. The Don counters, killing you. Your comrade's overdrives go up by a ton (the high damage PLUS Double or Triple Overdrive) ... which get converted to AP. Auto-Phoenix resurrects you. You do this until the Don ceases to counterattact. Then just kill him (Use quick hit, hastega). DON'T SWITCH WEAPONS, THOUGH!. At the end of the battle, the AP you eraned is doubled or tripled, depending on AP quality you have set. And BOOM. I did this trick with Yuna/Tidus/Wakka for two rounds, then swapped out Yuna for Auron ... and got between 50 and 70 slvls for EACH PERSON. Tidus and Wakka have Double AP. Auron and Yuna have Triple AP. Tidus has completed all of Wakka's, his own, Aurons, and parts of Rikku's and Yuna's area of the grid, now.
The big down-side is that you run out of spheres FAST. Easy answer to this, too ;) Fight Kottos in the Arena. He normally gives you 40 healing springs. Feed him a distiller of the type of sphere you need. If you've been levelling up ... that'll help. Make sure you all deal hefty damage, firstly. Cast Hastega and Protect on your people right away. Have someone "Sentinal", which causes them to take damage in another's place WHILE defending. With Protect, and Defending/Sentinal ... you take about 1/4 the damage. You need to do this because Kottos counterattacks every time you hit him with a pretty big punch. Use Wakka's attack reels ... have Yuna do Doublecast Flares ... and he'll be dead in no time. Make sure to heal whoever is sentinalling for you. Overkilling him yields 40 spheres of whichever distiller you fed him.
:)
I'm going to level a bit more ... and then take a crack at some of those Arena bosses that are supposed to be hard. We'll see.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:25 AM ::> [
Thursday, September 05, 2002
Putzed around last night. Did my first reading assignment for class. I also sent off an intro letter to my group-oriented class, listing what I know how to do tech-wise, and what kinds of things interest me. We all have to form groups for group projects - which involves communicating, knowing a bit about classmates to select a group.
Problem is, I don't know any of these people. So I sent a "Hi, here's me" letter. Granted, it was sent at 11PM last night, but I've gotten no similar responses.
I have this dread of looking like a dork in class today. And then again, another part of me says: "OH WELL, I DON'T CARE WHAT YOU THINK." *shrugs* Reconcile that, why doncha.
Eyes are still majorly itchy. I've had three people tell me they look better, though, and I wasn't swollen to the point of not being able to see clearly out of the left eye this morning. So, I'd call that progress. I still don't know if this stuff spreads, so I opted to not shave this morning. I feel scruffy. But I'd rather feel scruffy than risk spreading this ick to parts of my face that normally wouldn't have gotten it.
*sighs* I'd feel better if they knew what caused this, and whether or not it spreads.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:19 AM ::> [
Wednesday, September 04, 2002
Which Animaniacs Character are You?
"You are inquisitive to the point of getting trampled, run over, and blinded, on a daily basis. "
"Why.....?"
"It could be due to your scientific nature. You long to learn how things work."
"Why.....?"
"Because you really like to know things, but are prone to getting hurt."
"Why.....?"
"Because, if it wasn't for others generally taking the fall for you, you might well be dead by now! Remember, curiosity is great, but it also killed the cat. Well, in this case, the dog, Buttons, would probably be more appropriate."
"Okay, lady, I love you, bu-bye!"
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 5:06 PM ::> [
Ugh, redeux
"It's not poisen ivy," says the Doctor. He doesn't know what the hell it is. I've got steriods to try and knock it out. If it's not spreading ... then new occurances of already infected area are popping up. The Doc (not even my regular doc) said it'd be nipped in a couple of days.
In the interim, no rubbing (duh), no scratching ... benadryl cream to keep the itchies down.
Fun.
FF X
I played a bit this morning, since the dr's office opened at 9 am. I got Wakka's final attack reel last night. This morning, I did a "reset team data" to try and see if I could get the Jupiter Sigil to show up as a prize. It worked! It's now the current League Prize. Problem is ... I'm back at level 1 again, with the old Auroch team. Greaaaaat. So I started playing through a tournament to try and get folks up in levels - to at least get Tidus to the point that he can do 2 or 3 Jecht Shots per half. I've got it saved, so we shall see. If this works, then I have the Jupiter Sigil, and Wakka's Celestial Weapon will be totally unlocked. Only took 38 + the next few games to complete. Not too bad.
Tidus' weapon, I still don't think I'll end up getting unlocked. Racing Chocos is HARD. Kimarhi's involves playing a butterfly game - which is tedious. I'm not overly fond of Kimahri, regardless, so I probably won't spend too much time trying.
School is now in session
Joy. Looks like it'll be a good semester, though. Two classes; six credits. One class is run by an (obvious) pompous-brit-gay man - Classical Civilization 101, Intro to Ancient Greece. The other is run by this tag-team duo of weird guys. Both classes look challenging enough to be fun, but easy enough to not fret over a great deal. The Classic Civ class said "lots of reading involved". I looked at the list, and chuckled. They obviously haven't taken a Halperin class, eh?
Some things never die
Like this ex-military, ex-KFO's obsession over me. Maybe it's a crush? I don't know. He's still reading this, according to a "warning" I received from a KFO friend. *shrugs*
Time to grow up, Peter Pan. Or in the very least - move on. In the grand scheme of the Universe, is it really worth it, I wonder, to hold on to a grudge about a Diablo gaming guild?
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 2:54 PM ::> [
Tuesday, September 03, 2002
Ugh
I'm about ready to yank my eyeballs from my head. They itch like sonnavaguns ....
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:03 AM ::> [
Thank you, James
I agree: http://tompaine.com/feature.cfm/ID/6243
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:01 AM ::> [
Monday, September 02, 2002
Lord of the Rings
Personality Test
Based on your answers, you are most like
Frodo
You were also very much like
Gandalf
Aragorn
Care of: LOTR Personality Test @ the Barrow Downs
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:18 PM ::> [
Based on your answers, you should settle in
Bree
It is the location that meets most of your preferences.
You would also probably like to live in
Ithilien
Rivendell
Care of: The Barrow-Downs Location Guide
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:14 PM ::> [
According to the Red Book of Westmarch,
In Middle-earth, Patrick Aaron Franklin was a
Adventurous Dúnedain
Elven Name Possibilities for Patrick Aaron Franklin
The root name suitable for feminine and masculine is:
Culréd
Another masculine version is:
Culrédion
More feminine versions are:
Culrédiel
Culrédien
Culrédwen
Hobbit lad name for Patrick Aaron Franklin
Marroc Brownlock from Scary
Hobbit lass name for Patrick Aaron Franklin
May Brownlock from Scary
Dwarven Name for Patrick Aaron Franklin
Bundin Emeraldtooth
This name is for both genders.
Orkish Name for Patrick Aaron Franklin
Gorhósh the Stutterer
This name is for both genders.
Care of: The Barrow Down's Middle Earth Name Generator
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:09 PM ::> [
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