Friday, January 17, 2003

v1.9.2

Here ye go ye bastards.

Ragnar - "R.I.P. Nice Lady & husband." A funny twist to tragedy. Yeah, sometimes that crap happens on Blogger, the FTP question. Again, it has happened so rarely that I haven't ever really complained about it.

Steve-I'm-Steve- From what I can tell, your buddies rig looks good. I was working on this crap last night and didn't really get a chance to look at it, but I will and tell you what I think.

Dr. Anderson - Good to hear from you so often!

Enron - It's a bummer you live in San Francisco.

Jael - Notes and true musicianship are for the birds... and pansies...

R Dub - Girlpants is a jackass. You're going to be working for Nollan.

Thursday, January 16, 2003

Music

Hey Jael- crazy story! I bet that was kind of akward. Here is *supposedly* the best book/software for learning music out there: Practica Musica. It's expensive though, but all my friends who have gone to music school have said its terrific. Maybe we could split the cost of a copy or something? Anyways, good luck dude!

Queasyness

Awkward situation happened to me tonight. It all began with my desire to learn guitar properly, emaphasizing on being able to read the notes. Mechanically, I can play the guitar better than most advanced students. It's easy for me to pick up the tabs for Romanza, Beethovan etc. But if you ask me to read you a line of notes and play, it'd be asking a french guy to read german nazi war propaganda. It just ain't happening.
Continuing on, my whole church knows I play the guitar as they asked me to teach a basic strumming etc beginner class. So I did that for 8 weeks. They all think I play great. end of that.
Wanting to learn notes, I signed up for a guitar class at Ohlone. Went there at 7 and lo and behold, who do I see? 2 kids from my church and 2 parents at the beginner class. YAH. So long story short, I didn't feel like I had to explain, but the truth is I'm there to learn notes. Anyways it felt awkward. So I had to bust out some songs to impress them. Doh. Good news is the professor heard me playing and I talked him into moving me into the semi advanced class. Unfortunately now I'm behind as I still can't read notes. Lots and lots of practice lays ahead.

Jael
The underworld is a dry, bleak place without milk

Holy shit, you guys are funny. The mayonnaise salute and the bacon grease had me laughing out loud (or LOLing, in web parlance). I am truly sorry that the Nice Lady and her husband are gone. (I refuse to call her by the cruel name you've always saddled with, since she always provided me, the ultimate fleabag whore, with good deals.) I hope that another couple rises up from the primordial vat of ham and Snickers to rejuvenate the area.

R.I.P. Nice Lady & husband.

Man, I'm surprisingly bummed-out.
xXx Signs Mugs Bugs

Quickie Reviews:

xXx
Not the greatest movie. I really did enjoy the Fast and the Furious, but this flick is pretty bad. To make matters worse, the dvd is chock full of really shitty featurettes where the hack-director (who's an old man who dresses like Vin Diesal) strokes his own ego and jizzes all over Vin Diesal. Bleh.

Signs
I didn't think I'd like this one, but it totally freaked me out! Good, fun flick. Now, I don't know if I buy into all this hype about the director, but so far- I've dug his flicks. I don't know if there's anything terribly exciting or innovative about his style BUT I like how he doesn't seem afraid of using time- taking time- lingering... Signs was also pretty funny (the werewolf with the cleft lip: "OMG I GOTS A CLEFT LIPSA AREGH!!!111!!") There were a couple of things I didn't like in it, but overall very entertaining.

Action Team Merch
If you revise the site, put a link to the merch somewhere on the page... Yeah, I just got a mug because even though the shirts look cool, I kinda wanna hold out for the bigger design- I'm gonna have to get a XXL and thats a bonus 3 bucks- wanna make it count!

PS: Don't forget to check your emails!

Thoughts v1.2

- Sorry about Blogger Rudy, that happened to me before too, I think it has happened to all of us actually. I didn't get any info about Blogger Pro, but after I published, the screen just sort of reset and lost all my post. Pissed me off, but it's still rare, so I have not complained, and we are using this for service for free, so I don't think that they would listen to me anyway....

- I think we need a v1.9.2 to The Action Team. Using JDP Corp as an inspiration, I'd like to add a gaming section. I know, there will be nothing to post, but I thought it would be neat to post all of those strategy articles that Jael sent via email all those moons ago. Perhaps some images from games, some of JDP Corp rules, etc. We could even set up another (!) blogger that will update the "Rules Chat" section of the page, I don't know, what do yooz guys think?

- Jael: I think school is good. I dropped too much money and time on my school, but it was also a great experience and I became very familiar with the crap we were learning, because I worked with it every day. But seriously, watch and use the CBT nuggets whenever you get them from me, they are INVALUABLE. And make sure you get some practice tests (brain-dumps), they are great at getting you familiar with what to expect on the test as far as the style of the questions. We'll talk.

- Yay for merchandise orders! I'm rich! Er, wait, I mean I don't make any money off the merch....

- Hooray/Screw J.K Rowlings for FINALLY kinda, sorta releasing the new HP book.... lagger.... milker of markets.... super-rich beeyatch....
Inconsiderate

I realized that I may have been a little insensitive and callous in my remark about the 21 cans of mayonnaise. I take it back. I mourn the loss of anyone especially fellow gamers. However, it shouldn't be a grievous event. Afterall it's just the grand scheme of things and nature taking it's course, sometimes with a little assistance from things we create. However, compared to the entire animal kingdom, Homo sapiens have really maximized the life expectancy (which probably has thrown off some equation of our ecosystem) and speaking as a person, we probably have it good already. I agree with Myke Motorbyke. The underworld, or overworld is a dry bleak place without milk, and I think we should engage ourselves in a bit of a libation. We should fill ourselves with warm sweet alchoholic nectar at the Next Convention!

Jael

Hoodle - Is it a waste of time to take courses or just go off of study materials? Which path did you take?
Dead Gamers...boo!

Wow, that's sad that Mo-bitch and her husband died. I agree that the Cons will never be the same, and we'll miss them. (If we count the Wall, that's three that we 'knew' who have gone -- our time is coming too one day.) Do we know the cause of death? (Other than the clean living healthy lifestyle of full-time gamers of course!) I support the idea of a libation to the dead, after all, we know that the underworld is a dry, bleak place, and the dead really could do with some warm, nutritiant bearing fluids -- this is why they generally prefer blood to grease or mayo which really aren't that nutritious, or warm. Perhaps we should create a little memorial shrine in the Westin for them, and then soak the alter with sacrificed animal blood? Sounds like a wholesome, family event, bound to pull us together in times of trouble, non?

In other news, J. K. Rowling has finally submitted her manuscript for Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix it will be released on June 21st! Whoohoo!

In other other news, there have been no biological or chemical terrorist attacks in England yet, but just you wait, I've got a bad feeling about this one...

Myke

Wednesday, January 15, 2003

F-YOU BLOGGER!!!

I had typed up a lengthy blog awhile ago and when I hit publish it just deleted what I had written and said some shit about using BLOG PRO. YAY.

Anyways, bought a mug. Whoohoo - I'm in a pissy mood now- will check in tomorrow! :\
Better yet you should have the 21 can mayannaise salute... D'oh ha-ha Rudys mean to the nerds.
I'll pour out a little bacon grease for all my dead gamers. :(
Dead Gamers

Both husband and wife that ran All-Star Games in Diamondbar (the corner location by the door in the dealer room) have passed away. Apparently, Carol who we have been lovingly referring to as "Mother-Bitch" I think, died last month, and her husband followed Jan. 6th. Yikes. I think dave was the big guy with the full, all-black beard that was a nice guy, and Carol was like I said, Mother-Bitch; long black hair and glasses. She always had a fleabag table in the market. Man. I'm sad. Too much change. The con is seriously not the same.
Action Team Wear

Version 1.0 of the merchandise looks good! I could only buy the white ones, no grey options were given. Black would definitely be a lovely addition. I bought a sample of each item. Good stuff. Keep em coming. Good convenshun material. So I don't want to beat the horse in the ass on a dead issue, but are we all going to the Feb 15th convention. I meant ALL because I want everyone to go, but I know Jon and motorbyke mike will only be able to attend in spirit.

There's some gaming news I want to cover in this edition of my blog:

-Creation of Knights & Dragon is under way by JDP Corporation. It's a Samurai based game, except with a slightly fuller combat system, expedient game play, intrigue and backstabbing. Also a tad bit of spiciness added with the ability to journey onto noble quests, hero combat, and marriages with fair and beautiful maidens. More to come.

-Bloodbowl is making a STRONG comeback it seems. New 4th ed rules, updated news website, definitely worth a second look again. JDP Corp is considering making a house rule variant supplement module for this board game.

That's all on the gaming news. Help in Game design welcome in trade to Ownership.

-Jael
Merch

Actually, only white and grey shirts are allowed as of right now. The thing is, its not a traditional silkscreen shirt, it's a laser transfer, like a color photocopy on a shirt. So they only offer two shirt colors. And new designs are free. It's all free, which is kinda kewl. Not that I have the time, but if anyone has any ideas for any designs or anything, just hollar!
Action Team Merch Is A Hit

Stuff looks awesome Air-Rick! How does it all work? Does it cost anything to have different designs- I'd really like a black shirt with white lettering- either way, like what you did. Good job!

Oh, and another quote that I think would look cool under one of our Action Team logos:
"I'm not puttin' my lips on that!"

:)

Tuesday, January 14, 2003

Thoughts v1.1

- Get some Action Team Merch!!!!!! The prices are as cheap as they can get, don't worry, I make no profit! The shirt is sweet, the mug is even better. The design is a bit small, but that's why its v1.0! I'm trying to make a slightly larger one soon.

- Johnny: I have the entire MCSE series on a CD series called CBT Nuggets. THese are EXTREMELY HELPFUL and very, very well done. You will learn A LOT from these things. I also have all the books and a grip of practice tests (if I can find them). Not to mention A+ and Network+ crap too. Perhaps next time you are in town we can do a little trading - my CD's for your sweet lovin'..... I didn't know you were going for your MCSE, kewl! Actually on second read, you are just going for your server? Learn Pro first (210) and then move to server (215). It helped me. Try Server+ too, lots of server specific crap (temperatures, elevations, RAID, etc.

- When work slows down, I am also working on that network Bloodbowl CD for you mike. I'll burn two, one for Andrew, and the four of us can have a smashing time playing BB over the net. Actually since the program operates on port 8080, and you would have to open that port in your router, I think we couldn't actually play each other, unless we used some other port thats open.... hmmm, still, I don't think so, not with Cambridge in the way. Boo hiss, worth a shot sometime though!
Kiss And Tell

So I'm watching a really great program on BBC 2 all about girls who sleep with guys just to sell the story... glad that the BBC is focusing on pressing issues in this time on the brink of WWIII, or is that World War? Glad you guys liked the site, I'll actually put some text on it at some point, but for now, I got's the important stuff -- the picies. So, I guess I'll have enroll in night school to fit in with the trend, perhaps I should get MCSE certified too, (maybe, just maybe, I'll meet that hot, lusty IT guy Eric Hess!) (Then I'll do a kiss and tell!) Right now I'm spending most of my time either rowing (every morning at 6:30) followed by hours of looking up books in the library and then photocopying plans out of it, deciding if it's useful or not, etc. Followed by a sandwich and then emails and then bed. What a great life eh? Well... there's boobies on the telly, so I'll sign off for now. Guy's gotta have priorities you know.

Myke

Shoe me the money! SHOE ME THE MONEY!

I don't know what the main touristy attractions of Portland are. Its a pretty nice place- its a big city, they've got tons and tons of rivers and bridges running everywhere- lots of peace-punx too (my favorites.) I just remembered they had like the best bookstore I've ever seen. Powells Books. The website looks cool too- but man, every book and LOTS of good sales/used copies etc. I was there for my niece's baptism - i'm a godfather now! :)
Shoes how much u know!

Uh... you mean my dead-end IT job? and it probably is, but for the most part it's a learning experience until the industry recovers. I actually like my work. Sho'nuff.

Anyways I'm in school to increase my know. I handle & market Compaq servers so I need the Win2k server OS training. Most of the other stuff I probably won't use except at home. But an MCSE certification should be a nice resume booster by the time I finish. I'm going (the slow way) 2 quarters of classes. Any tips?, my hot young lusty network administrator? (I think i'll Stick It to the young chicks though) Har Har... Me fuzzee..

So whats around Portland, like touristy places? What did you do all weekend?

Jael


Portland, Oregon

Got back from my little vacation last night- it was cool. Portland seems like a pretty nice place- I guess it had been sunny all last week, but when I got there on Friday, all I got was rain. Well, mostly "wet." I only had it rain a few times, but the ground was ALWAYS wet- it was cold, but not as bad as I thought it'd be. It was beautiful. Kinda like Santa Cruz, but maybe without the "Californian" vibe that SC is full of. I don't know if I'd exactly wanna live there- hard to tell. Nice people and whatever, but that weather and I like all the options we got here in LA. Definately wanna go back and Seattle's like the distance S.D. is for us here- 2 hours or so. I'd like to check out Seattle too.

Awesome website mike! Looks really good. New Years looks like it was pretty fun! Doubt it was as cool as me driving around covered in my own puke, BUT that's ANOTHER story! :)

Good luck with your schools, your works, and your eco-thrillers (just re-read a certain book set in Boston- dont go swimming in the harbor JONH!)

Thoughts

- First off, what are you in school for, and why? Second, I think I'm a pretty hot network administrator, don't you think?

- Yeah, too much work and school is das burnt. No hot meals is das burnt as well. Stick with the old people though, they got crazy connections that can get you out of that dead-end (is it?) banking job.

- Action Team merchandise is a go!!! Jon saw the shirt and the site, I'll post it when I have a chance. Right now I have to drive out to Pasadena to give a wireless network demo to a hotel. I wrote the instructions, designed the literature and set-up the network.... man, I hope it works, my boss is going with me....
Busy Busy Busy

School began officially yesterday. Hazzah! I like my classes this quarter. It's all cakewalk which will maintain my 4.0 GPA. It's also a good way for me to meet new people. Last night, been to the first session and I met 3 people who seems pretty nice. The only drawbacks with classes are that my schedule from Monday through Thursdays are pin tight. There's almost no room for anything else but a quick sandwich for lunch and dinner and a quick workout in the interim. No hot food for a while. It'll be fun.

The only other problem I have with night school, is that it's mostly old people or non-hot chicks. It doesn't help when the classes are computer classes either. I have never heard of a hot network adminstrator. ha-ha.

All hobbies are on freeze till the weekends.

Jael

Monday, January 13, 2003

Chillin Villin

awesome website dude! Well it's also the fact the there was good substance.
Keep up the coool Pa'ty..

Jael
New Year's Photos

Check it out! I've just posted Carrie's photos from the New Year's Bash on my 'Still not finished' website. I'll also point out that this is two postings in a row for me in as many days -- whoohooo!

Mixiquatl

Sunday, January 12, 2003

Greetings from Engerlan!

Ok, so officially airplane air-condintioner's suck because they always give me a sinus infection! Blegh. I've finally got shit together here and can actually make good on my promises to stay in touch more this year. Right now it's super frosty here, (no snow though) except for the snow which caused my flight to be four hours late and then was gone by the time I arrived -- doh! I've now unpacked and listened to Andrew W.K. about 300 times, played a bit of IceWind Dale II and Hearts of Iron (Hemo and Ja-el, check it out -- seems like super complicated Axis and Allies -- with, count 'em, seven different resources to maintain control of --- super cool, and very, very good for my PhD completion hopes. I'm afraid that I cannot take the vow of computer game chastity because, let's face it, I don't have any friends here except for Andrew who plays more computer games than all of you put together. I would also point out that IWD2 has the ability to be played over the internet, with each player taking a single member of the party -- perhaps even better than web cam D&D!

Ryan, good to hear from you! Sorry that I didn't get a chance to see you during my visit.

So, it's been only a couple of days back here and I already miss LA, even with it's allergy inducing Santa Ana conditions, smog, and snotty MB inhabitants (not you guys of course!) I'm already getting a craving for Mexican, and wondering why I ever left -- in fact, I was wondering that before I left. Don't go Jon! It's not worth it!
As for chicken, well, since my other option here is Mad Cow Meat, I think I'll stay with chicken -- this despite the fact that British farmers keep their chickens penned up in cages so tight that they can't move -- keeps the flesh tender when the muscles never get used. shudder Er... maybe I'll be looking into that vegetarian lifestyle after all.

So far, no Formal Hall events to report. No paintings destroyed with bakewell tarts yet this year, but I'll keep you all informed. Ah! Drunkeness!

As for the Blood Bowl reports -- they are true, Dennis and I played two Back to Back games the other day, while Eric painted and wept for joy. Reports indicate that Blood Bowl is actually for sale in normal games workshop stores here -- more reports to follow. Andrew and I are considering getting a set. Skaven are unfortunately still AWOL, and didn't come with me to England as was first thought. The search continues...

Football