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Tuesday, March 25, 2003
Goodness!
Busy! Busy busy!
Trying to get a paper done (rough draft), a play read, and a big work project set before Thursday and ACUS.
The weekend
Was brief! Dinner at Jarrod's folks Sunday, Dinner at my sister's house saturday, two open houses, perogi making .. It was all a bit of a blur.
Upcoming classes
I've got my classes picked out for Spring, Summer AND Fall:
Spring: American Culture 204 - Sexual Storytelling in America. (It's not what you think .... it's about gendered politics and media)
Summer: History 120-something - Medieval and Rennisance Europe.
Fall:
Sociology 320 - Facilitating Intergroup Dialogues (You'll be hearing more about this, I'm sure. I have to 'practice' on a group of friends....)
English350 - Medieval Masterpieces in English Literature.
I need the English 350 class to fulfill my English major requirements (4 credits at the 300 level or higher, and a class focusing on literature before 1830). I could have taken a 3 credit course that looked much more interesting - Topics in Shakespeare, which would examine the gender roles and sexuality politics of Shakespeare's plays. If I took that, though, I'd have to take another English course to get my 4 credits. There's only one offered in the Summer that would count towards my major, and that doesn't look very interesting to me (Brit Lit 1600-1830). I really want to avoid having to take anything that could potentially blow up my last semester. So I'm trying to make Winter 2004 fairly stress/pressure free. I'll take Sociology 321 - Practicum in facilitating Intergroup Dialogues, and one other "fun" 4 credit course ... and I'll be DONE.
Expected Graduation date: May 2004.
*puts it in his palm*
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 12:53 PM ::> [
Friday, March 21, 2003
Happy Spring Equinox
May balance grace the world today.
May balance show the viscuous Furher and his Publicans that Oil is Not God.
May Spring grace you and yours with renewed hope for peace and happiness.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:38 AM ::> [
Thursday, March 20, 2003
This "war" and where politicians stand on it will majorly affect who I vote for in elections future.
If you supported it - you'll not get my vote.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:45 AM ::> [
I Had a Good Wednesday
Yesterday morning, I was looking for a pair a jeans to wear to work. I scanned through my closet, and found a rather new-looking pair hiding amongst the short sleeve shirts. I pulled them out, and put them on. They fit! YAY! They're a 31 waist. I bought them a year and a half ago, and about a year ago they started to be too tight to comfortably wear. And now they're fine. I've been attempting to eat and be healthier -- I gave up Coca Cola just before Christmas (barring the occasional Rum and Coke), I started eating smaller portions and a better range of things. More veggies. Less sweets. It's nice to notice that's it's working.
So that set the stage for my day. Happy Happy.
I turned in my first big paper in my Mideival English class. I think I'll do well on it - I felt the essay was strong in content. Should get at least a B or B+ on it, and it felt like an A. My other class had a VERY engaging lecture on The Life of King Henry V. I liked that play.
I hammered out details to a new enhancement to one of the Dbs I manage at work, and got it working. Preliminary tests indicate it's working fine, and will be helpful to our department in cutting down on clerical data entry errors. My boss was happy.
So, all in all, a good day. Got home, watched some television with Jarrod, and then played Dark Cloud 2. I'm at a point where I finally have this character who helps upgrade your Armbands .... so I'm working on Monica's Armband at the moment. The weapon FAQ I got at gamefaqs said she'll only be with me a short time, and to use that time to my advantage. It's my goal to upgrade Monica's armband as far as it will let me until I run into monster requirements.
DC2 Geek Alert
Oh, I discovered a Trick, too, that's working really well for me. Posting it here to share with MR and CA, in case they didn't know.
I upgraded my weapon to the Thorn Armlet, which has ABS UP on it. It also has Poverty, which I was able to eliminate with a Wealth Coin. The ABS UP takes effect just after the monster dies, and all the little blue ABS spheres start to fly up into the air to drop. So, my trick is (this helps upgrade guns too) -- Fire Fire Fire with the good armlet, and the moment the monster dies and you see the blue spheres appear, hit triangle, switch to a lower armband, collect the ABS with it. You can use higher level weapons and suck up the ABS with lower level ones. I've got about 5 armbands I've found or that the happy clown has given me, so I'm leveling all of those up to +5's (I might upgrade a few, and then +5 those) so I can make Synth Spheres out of them to merge into my main weapon.
This worked with guns, too. I levelled up that stupid Trumpet Gun Gerald gave me by blasting things in Sindain with the Jurak Gun, and grabbing the ABS on the Trumpet Gun. Makes leveling up weapons less tedious, I think.
I managed to push the story to the Spheda point. I don't like that minigame.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:42 AM ::> [
Huh?
Word of the Day for Thursday March 20, 2003
virago \vuh-RAH-go; vuh-RAY-go\, noun:
1. A woman of extraordinary stature, strength, and courage.
2. A woman regarded as loud, scolding, ill-tempered, quarrelsome, or overbearing.
so this is both a compliment AND an insult. Bizzare
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:23 AM ::> [
Tuesday, March 18, 2003
DC2
Played a bit more last night. I found some cool new Coins for weapons - Heal and Absorption. I upgraded Monica's Armlet and merged in an older armlet. I upgraded Max's gun and recruited his dad. I'm almost ready to merge in monica's quest upgrade weapon into her Big Weapon. I finally got her ability to absorb/recast magic (the in-game message said it was based on the durability of the weapon).
My weapons are almost good enough to proceed in the game, now ;) I'm sick of playing in the Rainbow Butterfly Wood.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:21 AM ::> [
Yesterday was Odd
I skipped my morning class - bad me. Well, it wasn't totally my fault. I was lent out to another area to assist them, and their queries weren't working like they wanted. So, I had to sweep in and put a patch in to fix it for a "very important meeting at 11 am". By the time I got it finished, it was too late to salvage class.
I did go to my afternoon class. And that was where the weirdness began.
I was on the bus, heading into campus. It was WARM(ish) out - which was refreshing. All the college boys were in one of two outfits, generally -- green t-shirts, or no shirt at all. They were erecting the volleyball court at the Frat house next to the Michigan Union. Everyone had green plastic hats on. There was beer in just about everyone's hands, too. People were sitting on porches - drinking beer. The green plastic hats spilled into the campus area proper.
As I approached the bus stop at the corner of North U and State, I heard the sound of a Bagpipe. I got off at the stop to get a Peach Italian Soda from ERC (Yummmmm), and saw that he was in a Kilt standing outside of Ashleys. I'm not terribly adept at Irish or Highland cultures ... but I thought bagpipes were a Scottish thing?
Walked into campus with my Soda, and there were people lounging about everywhere. In the grass, on the concrete - anywhere that wasn't wet and muddy. Some queeny guy was lounging suggestively in the sun, feet on the ground at an angle and crossed, sitting on a concrete border section, arms proping himself up, head back. He looked like a 45 degree angle. He had nice shoes.
I finally made it to class, and we settled into the routine. The walk back to the bus stop was still bizarre - still beer and hats all around. I sat on the bus and went through the route. The weirdness ended at Stimson, at the railroad tracks on State Street.
It all just felt surreal.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:17 AM ::> [
Monday, March 17, 2003
Dark Cloud 2!
SOO hooked now. I woke up at my normal time - 6:30. Showered and shaved quickly, made coffee, checked the weather channel. Had 40 minutes left, so I popped in DC2.
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
I had an amazing evening of finds. I decided I needed to level up Monica and Max's weapons, so I assembled the rest of Sindain from Matthew's and Carla's guidence, and got a big gun for Max. I merged in my old gun - so now it's a sweet blaster ;) I found a Theft coin, so I made a Bandit Brassard for Monica, and started leveling that. I was going to just merge that into my other weapon ... but then I went to gamefaqs.com and got a weapon guide, and the next buildup of the Bandit Brassard had ABS up, which helps you level faster. Cool. Drawback - it also has the Poverty quality, which gets you less gold. Ugh.
And THEN ... in a back-area of the Rainbow Butterfly wood, I found an Indestructible Coin AND a Wealth coin! Yay! I built up to the Thorn Armlet, got ABS up and Poverty, cancelled the Poverty Quality with the wealth coin ... and added in the Durable Quality with the Indestructible coin. Now I'm building up her old weapon to a +5 so I can merge that into the new Thorn Armlet. Yay. Fun Fun. I almost got to that point this morning ...
I'm SO wanting to be home, playing DC2 today. :p
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:46 AM ::> [
Work Newsletter
I thought this might be relevant, given friend's current wedding choices ;)
Tips on Travelling in the Secure Age
In recent years, airport and airline security worldwide has tightened with very strict procedures and guidelines. It is strongly recommended that you check in two hours prior to your scheduled departure time for a domestic flight and three hours prior to your scheduled departure time for an international flight. Upon leaving a foreign airport, you may be subject to enhanced security screenings that can include extensive questioning and a thorough manual search of your carry-on items and personal belongings.
The Transportation Security Administration has instituted standardized screening procedures at airports across the country. Familiarizing yourself with these procedures will assist you in moving quickly through your security screening.
Two Stages of Screening
Baggage checkpoints are the first checkpoints you will encounter at most airports. Security screeners will screen all checked-baggage before it is loaded onto the planes. The federal government is telling air travelers how to pack their bags as it ramps up luggage screening, and it is telling travelers to leave their luggage unlocked. This means that every piece of checked and carry-on luggage will be examined for explosives by bomb-detecting machines or dogs, hand-searched or checked with wands that detect explosives residue.
Traveler Tips for Checked Luggage:
Bags should be left unlocked so the federal screeners won't have to force them open if they have to search them by hand.
Do not put film in checked bags as screening equipment will damage it.
Leave gifts unwrapped since screening requires them to be opened.
Put scissors, pocketknives and other sharp items in checked bags. They should never be carried on.
Put your toothbrush and other personal belongings in plastic bags, so screeners won't have to touch them.
Books should be spread out rather than stacked.
Food and beverages are prohibited in checked bags.
Shoes should be packed last to make it easier for screeners to hand search luggage.
Passenger checkpoints are the second checkpoints you will encounter. You must pass through this checkpoint to access your departure gate. Security screeners will screen you and your carry-on baggage. You should find this screening process familiar, although enhanced security measures are in place. The passenger checkpoint includes three primary steps:
Step One - The X-Ray Machine
Place all carry-on baggage and any items you are carrying with you on the belt of the X-ray machine, laying all items flat. Place all metal items in your carry-on baggage before you reach the front of the line. Take your computer out of its carrying case and place it in one of the bins provided. Take off your outer coat or jacket so that it can go through the X-ray machine. You do not need to remove your suit jacket, sport coat or blazer unless you are asked to do so by one of the passenger screeners.
Step Two - Walk-Through Metal Detector
You will next walk through a metal detector, or you may request a pat-down inspection instead. Objects on your clothing or person containing metal may set off the alarm on the metal detector.
Step Three - Secondary Screening
Secondary screening occurs when an individual sets off the alarm on the metal detector, or if he or she is selected for additional screening. This screening includes a hand-wand inspection in conjunction with a pat-down inspection.
If you must go through a secondary screening, the screener will direct you from the metal detector to a screening station where he or she will brief you on the next steps. At this time, you should let the screener know of any personal needs you may have due to a religious or cultural consideration, disability or other medical concern. Except in extraordinary circumstances, a screener of your gender will conduct your secondary screening. You may request that your search be conducted in private. While you will be separated from your carry-on baggage during this process, every effort will be made to help you maintain visual contact with your belongings.
The hand-wand inspection helps the screener to identify what may have set off the alarm on the metal detector. During the wanding procedure, you will be asked to stand with your feet apart and the screener will pass the wand over your entire body without actually touching you with the wand. Every effort will be taken to do this as discretely as possible.
Areas of the body that have body piercings, thick hair, hats and other items may require a pat-down inspection.
You may ask to remove your body piercing(s) in private as an alternative to the pat-down search.
The screener may ask you to open your belt buckle as part of the process.
The screener may ask you to remove your shoes, and your shoes may be X-rayed separately.
It is recommended, but not a requirement, that individuals with a pacemaker or other device that is likely to alarm the metal detector bring identification verifying the condition. This may help to expedite the screening process.
A pat-down inspection complements the hand-wand inspection. In order to ensure security, this inspection may include sensitive areas of the body. Screeners are rigorously trained to maintain the highest levels of professionalism. You may request that your pat-down inspection be conducted in private.
Carry-On Baggage
If your bag is selected for secondary screening, it may be opened and examined on a table in your presence. Please do not attempt to assist the screener during the search, and do not attempt to retrieve the item before the screener has advised you that the search is complete and your baggage is cleared.
Your baggage might also be inspected with an Explosive Trace Detection machine, which is separate from the X-ray machine.
If you refuse to be screened at any point during the screening process, the screener must deny you entry beyond the screening area. You will not be able to fly.
For additional information regarding the TSA security guidelines, please visit their Web site at https://www.tsatraveltips.us. For information on Corporate Travel, please visit the site on Currency.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:29 AM ::> [
Friday, March 14, 2003
Three O'Clock and All Is (mostly) Well...
Been a relaxing last few days. I shopped for groceries Wednesday night, and I'm all set to make Chicken Fried Rice and Veggie Fried Rice for Liz's birthday's party. I got "Extra Firm Tofu" for the veggie fried rice - we'll see how that goes.
I picked up a recipe from Allrecipes.com for how to make fried rice. I altered it a bit to be like the fried rice I used to get at a place near my folk's house, but the recipe gave me two clues on how to make a good Fried Rice:
- Prepare the Rice beforehand and cool completely before frying. Refridgerator or Freezer works for this.
- Fry on very high heat, stir constantly, use lots of liquid (soy sauce, a little oil, some water).
Beyond that - it's pretty easy.
I'm going to try tossing in some clover spouts, finely diced carrots and peas in mine. I'll make the rice tonight between Dark Cloud 2 or Diablo 2 playing, and fry it up after the open house tomorrow.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 2:54 PM ::> [
Thursday, March 13, 2003
I actually did go to this one
http://www.virtualstapler.com/
Check out their Stapler FAQ! Now I know that that movable plate thing on a stapler is for....
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:16 AM ::> [
I'm too afraid to look
This is from my Yahoo! Daily Picks: http://www.tamponart.com/
I wasn't aware this was a developing art form.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:12 AM ::> [
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
My template says ....
That Shadows of Amber is removed as a link, and that Onion's blog should be pointing at the new URL.
And I've a little "PUBLISH" button active when I come in.
AND it won't update the template.
It will, however, post new things. With the old template.
Blogger's buggier than M$ software, I swear it....
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 5:36 PM ::> [
Petty Politicians....
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&cid=512&ncid=1278&e=4&u=/ap/20030311/ap_on_go_co/freedom_fries
I hope France talks some sense into a mollified and sophmoric Senate.
I think it's great that there's at least ONE or TWO countries out there with enough gall to tell Dubya to fuck himself and his little Oil Coup.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 1:18 PM ::> [
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
One of those days...
I really don't want to be at work.
It's not that I don't like my job - I just ... want more free time. Need more time for me. Need to clear my plate of some pending projects ... and I want to play.
I am so looking forward to being DONE with SCHOOL.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 11:02 AM ::> [
Monday, March 10, 2003
I'm not supposed to discuss...
Salary issues with people I work with.
So I'll be sure not to mention that I just got a handsome merit increase.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 4:42 PM ::> [
Friday, March 07, 2003
ACUS
Hm. I didn't get into the Morpheus game like I wanted. :/ Ah well. I also only picked a game or two for slot 5 - apparently, niether of those worked out. Slot 3 didn't have anything that immediately interested me. So, I'll either pick something up at the con or have a pool/hottub slot. The Evil Con Compaign I accidently signed up for 3 years ago is in slot 3. I'll get back into that when the Abyss fills. Last year, an idiot (David-something) YELLED at me out of character because I wasn't roleplaying correctly. Tedious man get a life.
Slot 1: "Brand New World" by Jeremy Zimmerman
Slot 2: "Minor Arcana" by Nicholas Fortugno
Slot 4: "On Her Majesty's Secret Service 4: The Man with the Golden Sword" by J.P. Brannan
Slot 6: "Dworkin's Funeral" by Jennifer Crice
Slot 7: "Emperors & Fools" by Kristen Gibbs
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:52 AM ::> [
Thursday, March 06, 2003
Part 2
results: http://startrek.about.com/library/weekly/aa020603p.htm
test at: http://startrek.about.com/library/weekly/aa020603.htm
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:51 AM ::> [
The Meyer-Briggs-Kirk?
Found this via WWDN: http://startrek.about.com/library/weekly/aa080201.htm
My results: http://startrek.about.com/library/weekly/aa080201ee.htm
Heh. I got INFP. I could be a cardassian spy!
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 10:45 AM ::> [
The Merry Wives of Windsor
Was really funny. I sat next to an old woman who smelled very acidic. But the play was neat.
The director made an interesting casting decision in one character, though, which has me thinking it was a conscious decision rather than an accidental one. The entire cast was caucasion save one person - Fenton. One of the play's main themes is marriage and how a young woman's husband is to be decided. Three opposing forces exist - The Father's will, the Mother's will, and the young woman's desire. Dad wants Anne Page to marry Slender, a bumbling idiot who laughs at his own jokes but can't hold a conversation with anyone. Mom wants Anne to marry Dr. Caius, a French doctor who mangles English consistantly throughout the play. Niether of them care much for Fenton, who's a noble man fallen on hard times (it helps that Anne Page has a large dowry, her dad being a successful merchant). Anne doesn't like either of those choices, and Fenton admits to her in the play that while he first sought her ought for her money, he now seeks her hand for her own virtue. Anne wants to marry Fenton.
The interesting casting choice was that Fenton was an African-American. So, there was a theme running through this production of Mom and Dad (white) being rude to Fenton (who was black), and telling him his love was unworthy of Anne. In the end, in a large (comic) scene that taps into one of the other core plots in the play, Anne is supposed to be stolen away by Slender (arranged by dad) and Caius (arranged by mom), but Fenton steals her away (arranged by Anne) and marries her. There are some passages about Heaven's fate in love, and Dad and Mom reconcile with Fenton and accept them into their family.
Thus, by a casting decision that seems deliberite, interracial marraige and love become a theme in the play.
It was a good play. I wish Jarrod could have gone with me, as I didn't have anyone to talk to about it.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 9:59 AM ::> [
Tuesday, March 04, 2003
Dark Cloud 2
Totally adicted now. I've been running around snapping photos of everything. Invented two things already - a caterpiller and an aquarium.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 12:37 PM ::> [
I cannot be sick....I cannot be sick...
I'll keep that as my mantra.
Staying home today. Feel like crap. Tired, flashing hot and cold, coughy, body aches when I move.
Going to attempt class - only because it's the orniry-babysitting one where they take attendance in section AND lecture, and police your entire experience there. That's one way to make the Bard uninteresting.
Also, I have a play tonight I'm supposed to see. Again, for class. The material from the play will be on our exams. Joyous. 7:30-10:30 pm. I'm hoping someone can swap me tonight's performance for Thursday night's performance. Another reason to go to class.
I just want to curl up and sleep, at the moment.
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 8:39 AM ::> [
Monday, March 03, 2003
My flake!
Via Make a Flake, Via Form Follows Function
[post.command] ::>auth-code~ Aular-0802ZXC -; ::>Time.stamp ~ 4:38 PM ::> [
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