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Disadvantage: stocking is boring.
Advantage: I'm working Chirs's frozen foods in the feezers and this is Texas. Nuff said.

Okay I know it's Friday, I'm young and I should be out, but I have work at seven in the morning so I watched Farscape and now I'm on the computer. My opinion, oh well it's not the end of the world... yet.
I did have one interesting thing happen today though. Like I said I was enjoying the freezers at work when one of the cashiers comes over and tells me that someone wants to talk to me about the drawings I had done. I'll eplain, sometimes when I'm stuck on the front I get bored so I have a note pad that I keep there for me to doodle on. Well aparently someone had it out and a customer saw it.
Anyhow, I walk up front and there is this young lady there with tattoos and piercings in places that I did not know could be pierced. Not surprisingly, If you have not figured this out yet she worked for a tattoo a body shop not far from where I work, less than a mile I think. So she tells me that if I'm looking for a job that pays well to stop by so I, out of kindness, tell them I'll think about it. Um... no offense to people with tattoos and piecings (Aaron) but I'm not exactly interested in drawing on peoples' bodies in places that a doctor would be afraid to touch. The thought gives me chills.
So that was the highlight of the day.

Winterwolf- Great, more people have evidence of me attempting to dance. Be thankful, even though I thought about it I did not tourture the crowd by attempting to sing. Great pics of everyone. Hope to see you next year.

Sorow- Hey, now I remember seeing you.

Christine- I tried recomending your books as required school reading, but the teacher gave me a funny look. Maybe next time I won't suggest it to a History teacher.

Josh- I would like to have a digital camera and I could even afford it, but it's just one of those things that I keep telling myself I'm going to get, but never do, (requires effort)
"This rule was just added to our Student Lab Safety Sheet thanks to Mr. Proctor over there. Do not intentionally shock yourself."
-Mr. Hegwood's lab rules: second semester-

Later
Revel - [samrx5@cs.com]
the bayou city, tx
Friday, July 6, 2001 08:32:02 PM
IP: acafcb11.ipt.aol.com

?
Anonymous
Friday, July 6, 2001 08:05:24 PM
IP: acafcb11.ipt.aol.com

Xanathar> I'm glad you got to see somewhat decent pictures of me (good job Winterwolf), I don't usually dress up that much.
Josh> (cold shower) Whaa? Well, thanks for saying I'm cute! *blushes*
Warp> I would love to trade cards with you, I have a lot of extras myself. Just email me.
Winterwolf> (reliable email) No kidding. Pretty soon I'll have a new one anyway, so we'll get it fixed.
SOROW
Friday, July 6, 2001 06:42:51 PM
IP: a020-0454.dll2.splitrock.net

Hi all!!
I'm sorry everybody for my absence this week but my internet connection still refuses to work :((and my email with it),This really sucks!!,the only online time I'm getting is when I use a friends computer(I've got such a bad case of net-withdrawl right now. :( ).I don't know when I will be able to fix this but I am getting cable in the next few weeks which will definately fix the problem.

Sorow:I'm still thiinking of you and I hope that you are okay,I've finally seen a picture of you and you are as beautiful as I dreamed! :),I miss chatting with you,very much.

Spacebabie and Xenatrek:I'm sorry for not replying sooner but my net troubles have really put me out of the loop so to speak,I'm fine in general work is still boring but I have friends who I visit every weekend now(I don't sit around at home alone much anymore)and my 25th birthday is coming up on the 7th of August(I've been alive for a quarter of a century!*groans*;) ).How have you been doing?:)

Firestorm:<>Purrs like a kitten don't they,or at least hums like a humming bird,either way the dual fans sound cool! :)

I've gotta go(I'll be glad when I can use my own computer again)take care all.
Xanathar
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Friday, July 6, 2001 05:47:31 PM
IP: morpheus.izone.net.au

** Niamhgold enters **

Hi! Well, I got through yet another week of work, and yet another paycheck. Seems like my boss always wants to pay me when she needs to balance her checkbook ;) Compared to her, though, I'm cheap. You'd think with all the extra money I'm making, I'd treat myself and actually *buy* something (such as this Banana Republic shirt I've been eyeing for so many months that it's now marked down to about $5, or these jumbo-delish scones at the Chinook Cafe, or even a sleek new monitor so I don't feel like a reject from the 90s (and there's eight hundred other things, too)). But I just can't seem to justify spending! ;) So, it all gets stowed away (half in a mutual fund, of course) and I hope that one day my saving pays off.

I want to see a movie this weekend; unfortunately, most of my friends are scattered across the country and I can't exactly get them all together.

On to replies!

Winterwolf: ** Hugs **! I knew you guys would return...just figured you two needed some "time" together ;) **Wink wink, nudge nudge** <At least I feel good as a valuable employee> Well, with your nose-to-the-grindstone perserverence, they *better* realize what an asset you are! I think a raise is in order :) <Move far enough away so your parents can't come by> Definitely. Going to college in Baltimore was definitely the change I needed, and now I'm looking at Calarts. My parents are the type, however, that are free and easy; my mom was always the one who insisted I should go to parties when I was home studying ;) Plus, both of them moved out of their houses when they were sixteen (didn't know each other then, either). But I still needed to get away from them! ;) <thought you'd have more pieces> Heh, well, in _foresight_ I did (I probably angered Cindy a little because I said I'd be sending in eight), but I never got around to finishing the other five to a point where I thought they were "finished". I'm such a perfectionist! ;) But I'm glad you liked the ones that were there, and thank you so much for those kind comments! <You had your own company too?> Yeah, a couple, actually, starting all the way back when I was ten. First it was this dumb little jewelery design thing (even though it was small beans because I was in elementary/junior high, it still made me a net of about $1500, which is a lot for a kid ;). Then, starting in tenth grade I started doing freelance stuff while I had my internship at my current place of employment (Lisa let me have a ton of software, and so I made business/greeting cards and a lot of special occassion stuff). But I see myself working for a company until I'm at least 25, and if I'm going to start my own business it'll be animation-related... <Moment of silence> Thank you very much for that sentiment...I'm sure his spirit rests well. <:) <Gathering pics> I agree with Josh! Well-taken, framing was perfect, the fact that you have size-options is wonderful, and you have a lot more than I've seen in anybody's gallery! You kept true to your promise! ;) Can't wait for the Gathering essay! <Jersey Deadbeat> I was actually thinking of asking you, Gside, or my friend Jamie (unfortunately, though, he broke his wrist playing tennis so he wouldn't have been much of a threat ;)) to go after her if she didn't pay up. j/k! Naw, I would have taken it to small claims/better business bureau, just to show people I can't be pushed around :P <Never seem to find you in IM> That's because I *used* to have it so AOL automatically connected everytime I turn on my computer; however, my friends started bombarding me w/ messages late at night (because half of them are on the west coast), when all I wanted to do was check e-mail...but now I've lost touch with them, so I think it's time to make IM automatic again! ;) We should chat some time!<Wendys> Yes, two for Wendys! (Three including me). I just think theirs is the best. As for burgers, though, gotta go with Burger King. However, now the debate has shifted to Chinese food; what's better, Lo Mein or Chow Mein? I say Lo, Matt says Chow :) If you wanna see the little mom-and-pop business I'm working on, clickie on my name...but, beware, it's a new page and it's still under construction!

GB: Good luck with those wings!

Josh: <Here comes a long one> What kind of mirrors do you have in _your_ house? ;) <Jekyl-and-Hyde parents> They can be like that, depending on what they drink. Or, they could be like my parents; one's Jekyl, and one's Hyde, but neither is the same thing at the same time. I often try to get on my _mom's_ good side simply because she's a little more sly than my dad. But my dad fixes all my car/computer problems when I can't figure it out, so it's a toss up ;) <Order for a quarter million items> Sounds like your place is getting slammed about as bad as my dad's place (however, I don't think that my dad's place comes as close in volume of workers/public popularity). But any business, especially that much of it, is welcome and great! <There's no good reason to take abuse from anyone> I agree; however, I still don't feel that your being a coward. You're just not acting on *impulse*, that's all. And while impulsiveness is right for some instances, it's not right for others. And the option to "run away" will always be there, whether you feel it's the right time or not. It just seems to me that you've carefully planned out the path of your life (or at least carefully _thought_ about the path of your life) and I think you made an educated choice based on those plans. **Throws up her hands** Ah, I don't know, maybe _I'm_ the coward here. Goodness knows I've not yet been put into that position, considering my parents give me plenty of space. <Model airplanes> I was actually talking about both of yours, since I had only glanced quickly and hadn't distinguished the two. Your perfectionism comes very close to your father's, but he's a little more "structured." Yours, on the other hand, have a bit more of a stylistic flair. They're both excellent in their own right, and your father has a right to be proud, as do you! :) And I don't compliment anyone's work unless I _mean_ it! <The Shadow Knows!> I used to _love_ those tapes when I was in high school! Unfortunately, my tape recorder ate them :( <And your boyfriend> Don't you mean boyfried? ;) Not unless I go for that Halloween blonde look again, which I most likely won't :) <And maybe your parents> Please. Nobody's parents can be depended on to give an honest opinion. I could cut my hair, dye it purple, and turn my face inside out and they'd still tell me I looked fine. :) <Oakleyposterboy> I'll email you mine tonight.

Gside: <Unless you want me to design a hurting machine> Naw, just something that throws banana creme pies, or how about just lopping off her head? ;)

Lochness gargs? I never heard of _that_ as part of Greg's plans! Definitely a reason for me to start going to these Gatherings! I'm all for cruising to Hawaii for 2003, though :) :D <:D

Phew, that was a long post!
Adios, all!
Niamhgold
Friday, July 6, 2001 04:48:29 PM
IP: lac-flex195.ncia.net

FIRESTORM> Yes, those gargoyles are the Lochness Clan, according to Greg's Master Plan.

Though unlike Lutin here, I think the idea could be pretty interesting. There are all sorts of gargoyles out there. Look at Zafiro.
Greg "Xanatos" Bishansky
Friday, July 6, 2001 02:36:12 PM
IP: dialin-233-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net

Firestorm- Greg Weisman's Gargoyles 2198 proposal.
Lutin
Friday, July 6, 2001 02:19:21 PM
IP: 104-pool1.ras12.ilchi.tii-dial.net

Lutin: WHERE are there gargoyles like that? I have never heard of them.
Fire Storm - [Night-Flame@usa.net]
Friday, July 6, 2001 01:20:52 PM
IP: 206.25.115.145

One more reason gargoyles suck

There are actually amphibious gargoyles with manta ray fins as wings lower bodies resembling dolphins.
Lutin
Friday, July 6, 2001 01:13:08 PM
IP: 54-pool1.ras12.ilchi.tii-dial.net

Me again ...

DPH > about "kewl," for me at least, I first saw it in Knights of the Dinner Table and adopted it, along with "gawd" and "hoody-hoo!" ; )
Christine
Friday, July 6, 2001 10:46:53 AM
IP: 23-124.075.popsite.net

DPH > we watch both Robotica and BattleBots; all three of us prefer BattleBots because it allows for more versatility of design (in Robotica, basically the only ones that can get through the challenges are a box on wheels) and there's more sheer mayhem. I'd rather watch the bots slug it out than go through obstacle courses, but then, I'd rather watch gladiatorial combat than track and field events ; )

Gathering essay > mine is almost done and will hopefully be posted tomorrow, though the pics will take longer. It's 12 pages, almost 8000 words, and I keep remembering things I need to go back and add.

Book update > am printing out the galley proofs of Silversilk even now. These guys don't screw around; I have to note any corrections and have them back pronto. This won't leave much time for planning for tomorrow's game. so I may have to wing it yet again. As it stands, Silversilk will be 6x9, 348 pages, which makes it bigger than Archmage in every dimension. And best of all, Casey told me that she _likes_ the Morvalan dialect, so she won't flip out when I dump an entire book of it in her lap ; )

Christine - [christine@sabledrake.com]
Friday, July 6, 2001 10:45:00 AM
IP: 23-124.075.popsite.net

Parent/Child - Actually, I'm in favor of when a child is still living at home AND starts off to college or starts working , for both parent and child to sign a contract detailing where the rights of the parent ends and where the rights of the adult child begins.

I can't wait to see my next paycheck. It seems everytime my bank balance my bank balance tries to cross a thousand dollar increase (just lacking $200), well, it takes weeks just to get over that hump (I thought I'd never ever get over my $2000 balance in my checking account). Well, maybe this week I will cross it barely, only to go right under it AGAIN.

I am confused about work. At a work, I was told 'overtime would require somebody signing it in BLOOD.' Last night I was told there was a possibility of working overtime on Saturday. now, this leaves me confused.

One more thing: what's up with people spelling 'cool' 'kewl'?
DPH - [dph_of_rules@yahoo.com]
AR, USA
Friday, July 6, 2001 10:42:46 AM
IP: max1-26.cwy.cei.net

Thanks to all who wished me well.

Last Friday my brother messed up the somputer so it had to be in the shop for a whole week.

Glad everyone had a great 4th. I spent it with my Dad's high strung dog trying to keep him cal during all the boom bang pops

So while I couldn't be in contact with all of you I spent it watching my Fushigi Yugi tapes.

Jpop>>>Mostly I just listen to anime theme songs
Jrock>..yes there is Jrock..Japanese Rock.
Orock>>This is a station in Orlando that plays rock music...not just rock, but also...Alternaitve, metal, grunge, punk.

Josh>>>Yes I have a cat named Vixen..cause when she was a kitten her big ears were like a Fox.

Sj>>> Well with Vixen she doesnt eat everything... She just eats things cats don't normaly eat. She also licks my face. I think my cat with the biggest uirk is Velvet. She walks up to the dogs, purrs and rubs up against them. As for Grists...its not the flavor, its the texture. It feels well..Gritty in my mouth. I have a similar problem with Tofu. It's like have a cube of gelled fat on my toungue.

As for healthy snacks I LOVE those Quaker Crispy Mini's. My favorite is Caramel((duh)) wich is suprisingly fat free.

Josh>>>BIG HUG I hope things work out with your folks

Green Baron>>>GLOMP!

Sorry if this is a double post. I hit the enter button to fast right before I had to make a type change.
Spacebabie
Orlando, Fl, U.S.A
Friday, July 6, 2001 07:43:46 AM
IP: proxy.ord.netsetter.com

Thanks to all who wished me well.

Last Friday my brother messed up the somputer so it had to be in the shop for a whole week.

Glad everyone had a great 4th. I spent it with my Dad's high strung dog trying to keep him cal during all the boom bang pops

So while I couldn't be in contact with all of you I spent it watching my Fushigi Yugi tapes.

Jpop>>>Mostly I just listen to anime theme songs
Jrock>..yes there is Jrock..Japanese Rock.
Orock>>This is a station in Orlando that plays rock music...not just rock, but also...Alternaitve, metal, grunge, punk.

Josh>>>Yes I have a cat named Vixen..cause when she was a kitten her big ears were like a Fox.

Sj>>> Well with Vixen she doesnt eat everything... She just eats things cats don't normaly eat. She also licks my face. I think my cat with the biggest uirk is Velvet. She walks up to the dogs, purrs and rubs up against them. As for Grists...its not the flavor, its the texture. It feels well..Gritty in my mouth. I have a similar problem with Tofu. It's like have a cube of gelled fat on my toungue.

As for healthy snacks I LOVE those Quaker Crispy Mini's. My favorite is Caramel((duh)) wich is suprisingly fat free.

Josh>>>BIG HUG I hope things work out with your folks

Green Baron>>>GLOMP!

Sorry if this is a double post. I hit the neter button to fast right before I had to make a type change.
Spacebabie
Orlando, Fl, U.S.A
Friday, July 6, 2001 07:43:35 AM
IP: proxy.ord.netsetter.com

Thanks to all who wished me well.

Last Friday my brother messed up the somputer so it had to be in the shop for a whole week.

Glad everyone had a great 4th. I spent it with my Dad's high strung dog trying to keep him cal during all the boom bang pops

So while I couldn't be in contact with all of you I spent it watching my Fushigi Yugi tapes.

Jpop>>>Mostly I just listen to anime theme songs
Jrock>..yes there is Jrock..Japanese Rock.
Orock>>This is a station in Orlando that plays rock music...not just rock, but also...Alternaitve, metal, grunge, punk.

Josh>>>Yes I have a cat named Vixen..cause when she was a kitten her big ears were like a Fox.

Sj>>> Well with Vixen she doesnt eat everything... She just eats things cats don't normaly eat. She also licks my face. I think my cat with the biggest uirk is Velvet. She walks up to the dogs, purrs and rubs up against them. As for Grists...its not the flavor, its the texture. It feels well..Gritty in my mouth. I have a similar problem with Tofu. It's like have a cube of gelled fat on my toungue.

As for healthy snacks I LOVE those Quaker Crispy Mini's. My favorite is Caramel((duh)) wich is surpisingly fat free.

Josh>>>BIG HUG I hope things work out with your folks

Green Baron>>>GLOMP!
Spacebabie
Orlando, Fl, U.S.A
Friday, July 6, 2001 07:42:35 AM
IP: proxy.ord.netsetter.com

Josh> <<I've got one beef with Gathering picture takers. How is it that you can take hundreds of pictures with a digital camera and not have ONE turn out good?! I probably took 50-60 pics, and I know SOME of them turned out good because I'm VERY discriminating about background pictures on my desktop and I'm even using some of them. If you're gonna take a lot of pictures, god damn it be good!>>
Most of my pictures turned out good and I have a digital. Also, digitals are more sensitive than regular cameras, the least little thing will throw it out of focus. If you don't like the pictures, bite me.

With your parents - it sounds as if all of ya'll are at a crossroad. You wanting more independence and them having a hard time turning loose. It's natural and eventually they will give in and let go. It's hard for a parent to turn loose of the child they've had control over for the past 19-20 some odd years. It's even harder for a parent to see their child make mistakes or fall on their face, but it is necessary to allow a child to do that.... but once again, it's hard to do. The protective instinct kicks in. In some way, be grateful that they are like this, it shows that they care. I think that they will eventually lighten up and turn loose - as you continue to prove to them that you are capable of handling most of your own affairs. They may not admit that you are doing that, but they know. Proof is in the actions that you show.

Winterwolf> great pics! glad you've made it home safely :)

Warp> Canada? eesh...

'Can't think too much right now... I'm recovering from a very nasty virus bug. This sucks maggots and I'll be glad when I'm over it. =\

Anna is home for a long weekend... we've been out buying baby things. From conversations with her I can tell that she and I are going to have to do some serious dicussions concerning the terms of adoption. (if I adopt this baby)
Issues over responsibilities, naming the child, decisions about the child's welfare, the degree of involvement from her and the father, etc. This is going to be a long road ahead of me *sais* *reminds self* cross one bridge at a time, cross one bridge at a time.....

Jannie
Friday, July 6, 2001 05:58:55 AM
IP: modem21-277.mo-net.com

*Steps in through the fabric gate*

lain: *waves at lain* did you get my email?

Shinigami: hey, have you heard anything about a friday the 13th RHPS party up in your neck of the woods? It looks like I'm going to be northward bound MUCH earlier than I first expected. More on this story as it develops...

Aaron: hey, what's *your* email addy? (am I too lazy to go look for it, or is this a lure to get you to post again soon? ;) )

and I ask again...does ANYONE out there know Hudson's new email address? I mean, he must have signed up for the Gathering online like the rest of us, and you need an email address for confirmation letters, right? (*sigh* He told me just to ask in the comment rooms for it...if I had known that it would take this long, I would have jsut pestered him to write it out for me. :P It's getting especially annoying because I have a deadline for how long I'm going to be at home and thus able to send him the stuff he wanted. At this rate I'm not going to be able to ship it off until January.)

Well, my cold seems to be getting better, and I am back to writing out in-sensible scenes for future editing. Luckily, looking at the script for 3x3 Eyes and all the dialogue changes they made makes me feel better. (also, all the places where the curse words are re-injected into the dialogue amuse me...heh heh)
"..I'm going to get fired!" <-typed)
^my ass <-hand-written)

(I hope that lines up when I post. It looks right in here.)

If you were there for the screening, you might remember it. It was right in the beginning.
(and I apologize for the naughty word in our low-rated room.)

's all for now, I guess.
*Gone*
Lynati - [Lynati_1@hotmail.com]
Friday, July 6, 2001 05:47:28 AM
IP: 207.226.219.104

Okay, here comes a long one. And its a big post, too.

Today is a good day, relatively speaking.

First, I encountered no major problems at work. Then, I see my Uncle walking around saying he's gonna get an order for 2.5 MILLION pieces. Pieces of what isn't important, I shouldn't be discussing that with you guys anyway. Even at a penny a piece...that's enough for a new car. God I hope we get that order. And we don't make them for a penny a piece...Anyway, it'll be fun watching the shop scramble to put together that many of ANYTHING. That combines with another order for a quarter million items...righteous money. There could seriously be some big business in the next month.

Big business means my parents are less uptight, and there's fewer fights, which means I'm NOT RANTING!!! YAY! I know everyone likes that.

I've decided I'm pretty Jekyl-and-Hyde about my parents in this CR. Sometimes I praise them, sometimes I rail on them. I guess its because they're pretty Jekyl-and-Hyde towards me. I've written random number generators more predictable than they are.

In other news, I called Apple about my brother's keyboard, which has a defective left USB port. The right port works fine, but the left one is, well, dead. I've tried everything (I am, after all, a professional tech support artist), and its just dead. So I called them up and they're sending me a FREE Pro keyboard. Usually, on computer returns, Apple ships the new one, you take yours, put it in the box, and ship it back to them (they pay for the shipping, obviously). Anyway, I asked if they were doing that with this keyboard and they informed me that it wasn't worth it to pay for the shipping for the defective keyboard to come back to Apple. That means I just got a FREE $60 keyboard (the pro keyboard, though pricey, is also a very comfortable keyboard). And the keyboard types fine. Works perfectly other than this USB port, which quite frankly I don't give a damn about. So free keyboard! Yay! It also means that the Pro keyboard costs Apple next to nothing to produce, so it goes on the list of largest profit margin stuff for Apple. Apple makes most of its money on RAM ($200 for a 128MB DIMM? Please.), followed by harddrives ($500 to upgrade a powerbook from 10 to 30 gig!?), then, apparently, midrange iMacs, and I guess Pro keyboards and Mice. Fascinating what you can learn about a company by looking at their return and rebate policies.

In more Apple-related news, the opensource drivers for the Lucent WaveLAN cards in OS X came out today. Lucent didn't write drivers because they also make Apple's airport hardward, so why bother investing the money if every new apple user should just purchase airport anyway (which works in OS X). So now the only thing on my laptop that doesn't work in X is my external HD...but I've got a great idea about how to work around that (it involves ripping the drive out and shoving it in the g4 tower I don't have yet...dual 30's!).

Tonight should be relatively calm, and I should be taking some more pictures of the models, both mine and my dads. I'm also gonna take a bunch of pictures of the model room and turn it into a quicktime VR (for those of you who haven't been on my site, I have quicktimeVR's of my room, my roommates room, and my living room from my apartment).

I've got one beef with Gathering picture takers. How is it that you can take hundreds of pictures with a digital camera and not have ONE turn out good?! I probably took 50-60 pics, and I know SOME of them turned out good because I'm VERY discriminating about background pictures on my desktop and I'm even using some of them. If you're gonna take a lot of pictures, god damn it be good!

Niamhgold: <>: DEFECT! <<hampster homicide>>: Quick! Call Richard Gere! <<Got to read your situation more slowly>>: Sorry. <>: I, of course, think I'm an idiot. And so do most of my friends. Why should I put up with this when I don't have to? <<It shows your parents that you are _not_ a coward>>: I would gladly accept them thinking of me as a coward if it meant I never had to deal with this crap again. <<cowards are the ones that run away>>: See, I think the cowards are the ones who take the abuse and don't do anything (::cough:: lain ::cough::). There's a difference between being a coward and being intelligent. There's no good reason to take abuse from anyone, IMNSHO. <<there is no better way to get their ire up>>: You assume they're trying to get me to run. I don't think that's the case. <>: In the interests of not being hypocritical, I'll have to insist that you bash if you want to. Otherwise I'm sure Beth will yell at me, since I bashed hers. <<Very interesting website!>>: Thanks! I'm quite proud of it. Ideas? <>: I don't know if you checked out my dad's stuff or not (listed right below my own), but I told my dad what you said at lunch and he was thrilled. Its one thing for his friends to say "nice work", but when someone that he doesn't know says that, it really fills him with pride. If you didn't check his stuff and only looked at mine, then I say THANK YOU! <<let's take this outside, hotshot!>>: You're on! ::rolls up sleeves and starts struting out of CR, only to realize that Niamhgold isn't following him:: <<Eh, who knows?>>: The Shadow knows! Him, and probably your boyfriend. Maybe your parents, but I've starting ignoring my own parents' opinions.

Warpmind: <<looking drowsy, hot, and bald>>: Drowsy, hot, and bald are not three words I'd ever expect to see in a sentence together. <>: As if Canada didn't have enough problems... <<Hotmail's okay... except>>: Yeah, but it is free. And you can pick it up from Outlook. Keep in mind, I don't use it, never would, cuz its microshaft, but it does have that stuff going for it. <<I'm a stud, I tell you>>: Yeah whatever. I could say the same thing for ImzadiGoyle...no, wait...no I couldn't. <<And surprisingly, no nicks>>: This time. <<Mercadian Masques>>: Is that a card or a deck name? If its a card name, then its so NEW that I've never heard of it, which should give you an idea of when I was in the game (approximate 94-98, from about Revised to Ice Age). The newest card I've ever played with is Jester's Cap. <<If not, what did you mean?>>: Proxies are fake cards, used in your deck to represent the real thing. The idea is that your actual cards are too valuable to play with. They are legal in tournaments, but only if you have the actual card RIGHT there next to you. <<a match at the next Gathering>>: Prepare to meet the Clones. Or maybe I should rename it "Labrynth Clan" deck ;-) <<the pictures weren't the best>>: Sorry to hear that. <<this is Baldy, signing off>>:

HEY EVERYONE! WARPY'S NEW NAME IS BALDY!!!

HEY LAIN! Are you ever gonna deliver on your ImzadiGoyle? Or are you gonna make me get my skinny white @$$ up to Canada first?

DPH: <<What constitutes a 'road trip' as opposed to getting lost?>>: A road trip has a specific destination and usually a route to get there. Getting lost is something that can be done DURING a road trip. Getting lost implies either that you don't know where you are (but you know how to get back to where you where), or you don't know how to get to where you're going (or how to get there, or how to get back...aka hopelessly lost). "Cruising" is similar to getting lost, but it PURPOSELY has no known destination or route. Usually, though, you know how to get back to where you're going, or how to get anywhere else.

Actually, I'd never use Hotmail because I have ITOOLS! Yes, iTools from Apple. Free mac.com email addy, POP access, free forwarding, works with any mail client. I love it. And its free! I believe it'll work with PC's too.

FS: You live! <<Heatsinks and 10watt resistors can get REALLY frigging hot!>>: No sh!t. Put one in your apartment and use it as a heater. <>: But its so much more fun to be hypocritical. <<a free e-mail service that supports POP3 mail downloading?>>: itools! www.apple.com/itools The only catch is that your email addy will be @mac.com. If you can live with it, its free. <>: I hope LM didn't hear that. <<it really isn't a catgirl without the ears>>: If it comes when I yell "PUSSY" then it is. <>: Don't worry, it'll be legal when I rule the world...everywhere. But only for my friends. Anyway, that's Morons, er, Mormons, not Puritans. <<Blowing stuff is cool>>: Does LM think so too? ;-) <<why do I suddenly want to tell a joke about inflateable stuff?>>: Your girlfriend popped? <<Boob Raider!>>: Those are blowed up... <<Never been able to safely seperate the two>>: I think he means the individual components can be separated, but each contains its own smoke. You can never separate the blue smoke from the component. <<Ah, frag it>>: That will hurt. <<new Orb cooling fan for my socket Athlon. Dual fans!>>: Ha ha. My laptop's fan has NEVER turned on. Quiet little sucker... <<1.5 meter projectile fired from a rail gun to .50c!>>: Yeah, right. Do you have any idea how much energy it would take to propell a 1.5m projectile to .5c?! (I'm sure you do). <<the name will be half an inch tall and a logo in the lower corner>>: Two names. The first one is half an inch tall. That's the internet handle. The second name should be smaller, beneath it. The logo should be on the back ;-) <<Parents are like that so their children WANT to leave the house>>: They succeeded. Problem is, I already have. I'm just visiting. <<they will want to move in with you>>: There is ZERO chance that I will ever allow that to happen. Also zero chance that the parents of any woman I marry (in the freak case that it occurs) will be moving in. I'm not living with old people. <<What does that prove? You got a B+ in ethics by cheating!>>: Well, if you took the class, you'd know it proves I can code to a reasonable degree. Cheating in an engineering class is slightly more difficult than in a humanities class. <<It's been in the mid 70's with high humidity lately>>: You live in Detroit, don't you? <<Incest is best, so put your sister to the test!>>: And give your father a needed rest. Its a game the whole family can enjoy. <<For those things... theres drugs!>>: Or sex. I prefer to exchange expensive things for sex. <<By definition, Imzadi can never be polite>>: Wait!? What part of the word "Imzadi" has the connotation "impolite"!? None that *I"VE* ever read! <<Does Imzadi Care to Accept the Orange Rooster>>: You like me! You really, really like me! ;-) <<the black guy ISN'T the first one to die!>>: No, but Samuel Jackson gets ATE! <<Lovely, lovely bathtub curve failure rates!>>: Isn't the bathtub curve supposed to predict MANY failures at the beginning? <<Hell hath no fury like a phyco's scorn>>: You said the same thing when I announced I was gonna sell my laptop to my ex-girlfriend because she tried to sleep with my best friend. Funny thing is that now that I've decided to, the things been acting flawlessly. Ironic that my most satisfactory experience with my laptop occurs in the few months before I sell it. <<That has to be the best reason to use protection!>>: Actually, its the strongest motivator for abstinence, which I've ruled outright. But yeah, its a good reason for protection too...and I rarely leave home without it. <<Do you know his password?>>: I think so. But if I use it and change everything, and he gets caught somewhere he shouldn't be, we'll both be in a metric assload of trouble. <<Like Pikachu, your brother will never evolve>>: Oh well. Guess I'll have to trade him to a 5 year old for a Charizard. <<no matter how much you use him to fight with>>: Time to stop using him as a bludgeoning object, is it? <<Latin translation of "To the death">>: In spanish, it would be "a la muerta". In latin, probably "ut mortis". "decerto" is literally "fight to the finish".

Damnit! I spoke too soon! Right when I got home, the fan in my laptop turned on for the first time EVER. Must have been because I left the laptop on my bed running.

Green Baron: <<Maybe I joined the wrong service>>: When I was thinking about joining, the Air Force was the only one that made sense. Waking up early to do pushups just isn't worth it without the flying. <<especially C-Man>>: My favorite part was Moses saying "uh...uh...a giant stone John Wilkes Booth?" I didn't stop laughing for five minutes.

Winterwolf: You're alive too! Still no post from yo' woman. <>: Gee, we didn't notice. <<I'll have to see about renting one again>>: Chicks dig it. <<Yes, yes it's true.>>: No, I don't believe it. <<I'll spare everyone the details>>: Details! We want details! <<move far enough away from your parents that they can't come by too easily>>: This is a good policy for picking colleges as well. <>: The face is familiar but I can't quite remember my name. <>: Is "tickled" the euphamism kids are using these days? <<next on our to do list>>: Greg Weisman. <<Dreamie will make sure of it!>>: Yeah, and she'd only have to fly 3000 miles to make good on her threats! <<Dreamie would also disagree to that>>: But Dreamie doesn't know what I know. And I pray that she never does... <<Off the Balboa Blvd exit...>>: Which side of the freeway? Could you get there from that exit? Could you get there from Universal? <<You know if I post too much I might get whacked for knowing too much>>: I have better things to do in my time than kill people who know where I live. FOR WHEN I AM KING, everyone will know where I live (can you say Eerie Switzerland?) <<Winterwolf? No way! Not him!>>: I'm sorry, but its been so long since you last posted that I haven't the foggiest idea what you're talking about. <<since your morals aren't stopping you>>: Morals have never stopped me. Its the consequences I have to worry about. <<have you thought of any other possible alternatives>>: Many. I am, after all, an engineer. Thinking of alternatives is what we're paid for. <>: It is...to Dreamie. To you, its just a warning! <<he had the right bouncy stuff at standard male eye level>>: So hard to come by women with that quality. <<You are giving me way too much credit!>>: So if "Dreamie might disagree with that"...SHE"D BE WRONG! <<I'm looking for a permanent relationship>>: FOOL! <<with Dreamie>>: Well, I guess if you gotta go, you might as well go with the high school chicks. They'll last longer. <<pictures>>: Awesome! True skill with the camera. <<Aaron matrix car>>: For a second I thought you actually took the picture while he was in midair. <<Can you believe it? I got to sit next to both of them>>: That does it! In my next life, I'm being born as you! <<How come I have to wear all the makeup?>>: Because, Mr. Wolf, you are SOOOOO the b*tch in that relationship. <<Dreamie goes for Thom a second time!>>: She wants his voice. <<I'm going to need another cold shower>>: That's the second gratuitous shot of Dreamie's boobs I've seen today! (by definition, any picture I took of dreamie was a gratuitous cleavage shot) <<Oh I'm going to get it now>>: Did she promise?

Dreamie: <>: Beats a gold jaguar. <<Fuzzy Wuzzy was a Knight>>: LOL. <<Self proclaimed 5th Wheel>>: Got a better term? <<For when *I* am King...>>: ...I will NEVER have a picture taken where I am standing like this! <<Aim for your mate.>>: Sounds like something a MAN would say ;-) <<You had to fill them up *how many times*?>>: Waste of perfectly good condoms, eh?

Wolf, Dreamie: great job!

Sorow: Yes, I was correct. You are the cutie I was thinking about.

SJ: Sorow won a cold shower award too.

Gside: <<What kind?>>: Chocolate. Duh. <<Would you want a castle that could very well join its ancestors under the swamp?>>: I'd rather have huge tracts of land. <<Because the blow up doll in your closet is slowly deflating>>: Hah! I knew LM didn't really exist! <>: That would probably be the 7th or 8th circle. The 6th is the real inferno. <<Ad mortem>>: I liked mine better. Ut mortem? <<Someone finally got Thom dropping his pants>>: Believe me, its less challenging than getting ME to drop my pants. <<Get the rest of the con to drom their pants?>>: No, I won't do it for the whole crowd. Maybe for a few particular members, though (::stares at Sorow and Dreamie::) <<Unless you want me to design a hurting machine>>: I have great faith in your ability to do just that.

Whew. Alright folks, that's all for tonight! See ya tomorrow.

Absolutely nothing should be concluded from these figures except that no conclusion can be drawn from them.
- Joseph L. Brothers, Linux/PowerPC Project

Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
Encino, CA, US of A
Thursday, July 5, 2001 10:35:17 PM
IP: ppp-206-170-218-231.nhwd02.pacbell.net

Imzadi> <<I'm sorry dude>>: It wasn't that bad. There were only three incidents, and the shovel boy was only slow on the second.
<<You get a cookie>>: Woot. What kind?

Warpmind> <<it refers to a comic story by Phil Foglio>>: Ah. Sounds like fun.
<>: Nope. You take a common (Mon's, Giant Growth, etc.), and write Black Lotus (or some other rare expensive card you don't have) on it. It then becomes a proxy.

Fire Storm> <<Heatsinks and 10watt resistors can get REALLY frigging hot!>>: That's why they're called heat sinks. And opamps can also get hot if you plug them up wrong.
<>: Thanks anyway.
<>: Would you want a castle that could very well join its ancestors under the swamp?
<<It's called Ranma!>>: He doesn't usually do it by choice, doesn't gain any power (speed, yes, but not power), doesn't have a big honking sword, it ignores the second half of the she-man label, and isn't hentai enough.
<<it really isn't a catgirl without the ears, now is it?>>: A tail should be good enough. And some fur.
<<why do I suddenly want to tell a joke about inflateable stuff?>>: Because the blow up doll in your closet is slowly deflating.
<>: If it were, I would definitely have zipped it. Does it work?
<<Never been able to safely seperate the two>>: I meant separate the componts from the rest of the computer, not the smoke from the components.
<<It's been in the mid 70's with high humidity lately>>: But which level is that from? I know the center is practically arctic.

Green Baron> Good luck with airborne.

Fire Storm> <<Does anyone know the Latin translation of "To the death"?>>: Ad mortem. There are no articles, and it looks ot be a third declension accusative.

Winterwolf> Woot. Someone finally got Thom dropping his pants.
<<what's next on our to do list?>>: Get the rest of the con to drom their pants? But better make sure Aaron is hearing underwear.
<<Or a Gside perhaps>>: I'm an engineer. Unless you want me to design a hurting machine, it probably wouldn't be a good idea.

Na zdorov'ya.
Gside - [gside@eden.rutgers.edu]
Fair Haven, NJ
Thursday, July 5, 2001 10:26:04 PM
IP: proxy3-external.etntwn1.nj.home.com

I can't let another week go by! I missed you guys! I had a great time at the Gathering this year. I spent most of it with Dreamie. That was the best part for me. ^_^ I also had fun hanging out with Aaron, Mara, Josh and Warpmind. Hey but who wouldn't have fun cruising around in the convertible I rented. I'll have to see about renting one again next year. The price was right; it was less than 2 nights staying at the hotel. ;P Anyway, I'm back in the CR and so is my love, Dreamie. ^_^ Yes, yes it's true. After meeting at the last Gathering we finally had a chance to spend time together and go out. I'll spare everyone the details unless you want to read about them once I finish collaborating with Dreamie and add it to our Gathering 2001 site.

Work has been busy with me getting to catch up on all the things I didn't get to the week I was out. At least I feel good as a valued employee and pleasantly busy with work. It helps when you manage to come back from work and fix problems that cropped up while you were away that makes the higher execs happy. Things at home have slowed down this week. I took my mom to the airport this past Saturday and will pick her up this Saturday night. She might be tanner from her Florida trip than I am from my California trip. On a side note my advice when you move out on your own is to move far enough away from your parents that they can't come by too easily.

On to replies!

Fire Storm> <And no, your home brewed beer does NOT count!> You know that had to be some really good potent beer to make you forget who made it. Mmm-heavy gravity beer... I remember the beer... who are you again? ;P

Dreamie> **cuddles** I love you! <more tickles> I can't believe you tickled me so much! Everyone thinks I'm crazy that you can say tickle and I'll fall over laughing. <Thom> So now that we've gotten Thom to drop his pants what's next on our to do list?

Daniel Johnson> Well that was no reason to not find me at the Gathering. I saw your picture already and I don't remember seeing you anywhere. :(

Niamhgold> **huggle** Missed you. You really better make next Gathering! I mean you win all these art awards and you aren't there to collect them! I loved your Gathering works as well. I thought you might have some more pieces but the three you did have were definite masterpieces in their own rights. All three sold of course. Congrats on winning best of show! ^_^ <commissions for Josh> Matt, Claw and Delilah all look fantastic. I find the realism in these three works as well as your artwork in general extremely alluring. I have no doubt that you'll be successful with your creative pursuits. :) <leaving me in charge of a very, very busy GD business> Well I know without having to read any further that she picked the right person to leave in charge. Now let me see how that worked out as I read on. LOL Woo hoo! Plus there are no problems listed in the CR! Excellent! You had your own company too? My turned into a hobby quickly and I moved on. You have to make a certain amount of money for it to be a business after all. <The phones *and* internet line go completely and utterly dead> Hey that happened to me too this past Monday. My first stupid thought was hey now I can catch up on my belated CR post. It lasted all of 10 seconds then I realized I still needed to read the CR first. D'oh! <Winterwolf & Dreamie: If you two are reading this, hope you had a blast at the gathering, and am looking forward to pics and that essay> Pics are all done. I have the essay started and I'll have it up this weekend. Dreamie will make sure of it! ;D <Japanese Exchange student> A moment of silence as well as my condolences.
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
...
<Jersey deadbeat> Maybe you need a friendly wolf to look in on this lady? Or a Gside perhaps... I hope you get it all sorted out. You deserve to be fully paid! <no lost clients> Well at least one thing worked out. <paid in full> Yes! With a bonus that you had to fight for so I'd just say even but she shouldn't call back. Sounds like you got her good. ^_^ <Hawaii Gathering> I really like the sound of that! :) <fast food debate> with those three choices I'll go with Wendys. The occasional frosty and chicken make for yummy meal. <Winterwolf and Dreamie: Where for art thou, friends?> We're here! I've been hoping to catch up via IM but I never seem to find you. I should start with the email again. I've been so bad. Well life has minimal consistency so I just think that your post is a refection on your life. ;)

Josh and Aaron> <people who are shy about this stuff don't yield much benefit when they stop being shy about it> I disagree> Fairly obvious point, Dreamie would also disagree to that.

Josh> <Sadly, the people I went to the movie with know where I live and they've seen where I sleep> Off the Balboa Blvd exit... <Now I'll have to kill them> You know if I post too much I might get whacked for knowing too much. O.o <Could possibly be!?> Yeah you tell him Josh. Winterwolf? No way! Not him! :) <dinner that was neither business or pleasure> I'd agree with your assessment. Sounds like they were harping you on it. "Get the money Josh." I'm sure they believe their intentions are good. They just have their own perceptions on things. <Feel free to digitally bitchslap me.> Well for the sake of levity: **Thwap** j/k Honestly though from what I've seen of these types of parental controls your parents have eliminated your brother's internet access. I'd suggest letting them try to use it and actually get to a web site. Still knowing how some people can be I doubt it will work no matter how much I'd like it to. Now since your morals aren't stopping you have you thought of any other possible alternatives? <we've decided to have Alex bug dad every day> Sounds like the strategy has already been set.

Daphne> <two guys come up and rob us> **hug** That's awful! I'm glad you're okay. Hopefully the police will catch those two lowlifes.

SOROW> **HUGZ** It was absolutely awesome to get to spend some time together! ^_^ I'm really happy you had a good time. I think this will catch on and you'll have a good time in college. Now you just need a reliable email to keep in touch with. ;)

SJ> <RE: being Dreamie's boyfriend---- I hate you. My jealously knows no bounds. ;)> Thanks! I take it as a high compliment. ;) <Aaron makes one damn fine looking woman> Scary but yes he does. Of course he had the right bouncy stuff at standard male eye level. <It's Winterwolf who could possibly be doing something illegal. ;)> You are giving me way too much credit! Say what you will, I'm looking for a permanent relationship with Dreamie.

XenaTrek> I thought you were attending the Gathering this year? Did I miss you? :( <ESC key clears> Interesting. I'll have to try that, but not right now.

Spacebabie> ^_^ Glad you're feeling better!

Coyote and Rayvn> You two looked cute together. Hey can I get a copy of that Gathering 2004 form to fill out. I forgot it in the hotel. Is it up on the site?

Gathering Staff> When do bids for Gathering 2003 need to be in?

DPH> Happy belated anniversary to the BFTS group!

Green Baron> Welcome back!

Well I think I'm all caught up now. If anyone would like to look at the Gathering pictures they are up just click on my name. Hopefully the crappy site I put it on will work. Anyway, I want to fix it up but feel free to look around. I'll be fixing it to look better over the next day or so and add the journal too. Good night!

Winterwolf - [<-- Pictures click click]
Bronx, NY
Thursday, July 5, 2001 07:28:47 PM
IP: adsl-141-155-116-144.nyc.adsl.bellatlantic.net

Can't believe I missed some of this...

DPH: <What constitutes a 'road trip' as opposed to getting lost?>
Attitude! ;)
Road Trips USUALLY have a destination. Maybe it's not "Hey, lets drive to Vegas!" but I think it is along the lines of "Lets go that way. If we find some place good, thats cool."

Warpmind: What REALLY sucks is that I have darn near 10 e-mail addresses through netaddress! There is NO FRIGGING WAY i am spending $500 a year! (The $30 a year is 40% off the regular price)

Imzadi: <But I have to say, for a computer just out of the box, one defective USB port that will be replaced for free isn't bad, considering its the only problem and the computer otherwise works flawlessly.>
Lovely, lovely bathtub curve failure rates!
<Funny thing is that now I actually WANT to use the computer to drive a wedge between my brother and my parents, just to show them what happens when I get treated like dirt>
Hell hath no fury like a phyco's scorn.
<I'm just worried that the kid will grow up to be like me>
That has to be the best reason to use protection!
<There is ZERO internet functionality at his level of parental controls, and no way to defeat it short of changing it from my dad's account.>
Do you know his password?

Na. Like Pikachu, your brother will never evolve, no matter how much you use him to fight with. ;)

David G: 
Serves those wretched biologicals right!

Latin: Does anyone know the Latin translation of "To the death"?
I am pretty sure it would end with mortum, but I don't know "To the"
Fire Storm - [Night-Flame@usa.net]
Thursday, July 5, 2001 04:56:42 PM
IP: 206.25.115.145

Fire storm> The movie begins with New York 50 stories deep under water, and in the early stages of a massive climactic shift. Millions of people have already died, and more are dying. And some idiot's solution was to create artificial lifeforms that don't need to eat or sleep and are potentially far stronger than any human could be.

I think the humans have already lost.

Also, Yahoo!mail supports POP3, but you have to watch flash ads, so I can't really say it's free...
David G. - [david_goodner@yahoo.com]
Arlington, TX, USA
Thursday, July 5, 2001 04:21:06 PM
IP: adsl-65-67-102-103.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net

Greetings again. My Fourth of July was great. For those who know Heather, she lives in Warner Robbins, which is two hours away from here. Well, I spent it with her and we saw Scary Movie II. She is a great friend, too. Also, I stayed at the Robbins AFB lodging. 19 a night for a room with a king size bed, TV/VCR, laptop port, refrigerator, coffee machine, microwave, and a discussion area with a table and two chairs. Not bad at all. Maybe I joined the wrong service :)

Now, on to the comments.

Imzadi> I saw South Park last night and the Super Best Friends was very funny, especially C-Man. But no Timmy and I didn't see Kenny until he died.

Well, I guess people will still question Todd's existence after he has been revealed and all that good stuff. Attila loved playing those guessing games.

Stephanie> St. Jean-Baptiste? Is that the French Canadian holiday? Too bad the French faction won't help clear out the English problem in Northern Ireland.

DPH> Well, I might end up in FT Polk one day. I doubt I'll even be in New Orleans for Christmas anyway.

Next week, I start Airborne training. Three weeks and I'll have my wings.

Adios.
Green Baron - [greenbaron@hotmail.com]
Ft Benning, Georgia
Thursday, July 5, 2001 02:46:43 PM
IP: wcs3.norfolk.nipr.mil

Been busy lately. Working the night shift allows me no time to post. THAT... and I have been working on a computer controled milling machine. Hope to finish it with the next paycheck... wait... I get my paycheck and then work 8 days STRAIGHT! SUCKS!

NOTE: Heatsinks and 10watt resistors can get REALLY frigging hot!

DPH: <Robotica or Battlebots?>
Hmm... Well, I doubt that half of the Battlebots bots could finish the Robotica challenges.
BUT the Battlebots bots would definately kick the titanium out of the Robotica ones.
<what is the definition of a date?>
Dinner and a movie is the traditional one, but I think it is if you go out and spend time doing something you both enjoy.
Which reminds me... I really need to follow my own advice.

Can anyone reccomend a free e-mail service that supports POP3 mail downloading?

Gside: <Can you think of any good places to stop at along the way?>
Sorry. I don't know much east of Cedar Point.
<Wait, you're not going to get it>
::pouts:: I never get anything.
<If they haven't already made a hentai out of that premise, I shall be very disappointed.>
Yeah. It's called Ranma! ;)
<Eh, that's pretty much ptional>
But it really isn't a catgirl without the ears, now is it?
<As always, I blame the puritans>
YEAH! PROSECUTE THE PURITANS!
Ya know... I think that pologomy is gonna be legalized again in the Salt Lake City area.
<Yea verily. Though things blowing up are also nice>
Blowing stuff is cool. Hmm... now, why do I suddenly want to tell a joke about inflateable stuff?
I only wish I remembered what movie we were talking about... Oh yeah! Boob Raider!
<Oh, Fire Storm, try my eden account for Alchemy. I probably should've zipped it all.>
Thanks! Got it! I am just glad it isn't hundreds of files!
<Yes, but the components hold their own blue smoke, and can safely be separated from the rest if you know what you are doing.>
Never been able to safely seperate the two.

Imzadi: <The only mechE that I know is Ravyn, and she's here>
Ah, frag it. i will just mill the gears I need.

Xanathar: <That sounds cool!>
I just hope I can get it to work.

4 out of 5 overclockers do that at one point or another. Even me!
<dual fans on the proccessor>
I am reminded of my new Orb cooling fan for my socket Athlon. Dual fans!

Warpmind: <Actually, I don't want a 50mm weapon... I want a Gustav, so I can fire any door-to-door salesmen with it. (It's a cannon. Biggest ever made. 800mm projectile...)>
Why stop there? 1.5 meter projectile fired from a rail gun to .50c!

Imzadi: 
The only reason I am ever up that late/early is when I get out of work late.
<Are you on the next con staff? If you are, could you please do something about the con badges next year?>
2004. And DEFINATELY! You should have seen 1999! The badges were a fairly dark blue with small black text on them.
I say WHITE badges with black text, the name will be half an inch tall and a logo in the lower corner.
<but sometimes the girl gets offended.>
The security officer at G1999
<And if you get said info, would you mind forwarding it to me? I'm dying to know all that stuff>
IF I get it.
<Parents>
Parents are like that so their children WANT to leave the house.
What they fail to realize is that years down the road, they will want to move in with you.

What does that prove? You got a B+ in ethics by cheating!
<Quick! Someone check the temperature in hell>
It's been in the mid 70's with high humidity lately.

Imzadi/Gside: <<<Incest is best!>>: Keep it in the family.>
Incest is best, so put your sister to the test!

Siofra: <Being the only 'heathen' in a group of Christians stuck on a 6 1/2 hour trip: Priceless>
There are some things money can't buy. For those things... theres drugs!

Xenatrek: <What is Time Zone is TCR close set to? I thought it was EST or CT. I don't think its PT, since its suppose to be 5 hours back. It was just 10 after 10 when I sent the post, and it says 6:41 AM. Hmmm.>
Eastern screwed up time.

Coyote: <Probably no chance of getting Eminem>
Maybe... I mean, maybe it would be part of his community service.

David G: 
If the humans don't lose, I don't care. ;)

Beth: <Would it actually KILL you to be maybe a LITTLE polite for once in your life?>
By definition, Imzadi can never be polite.

DPH: Here you go! ;)
Does
Imzadi
Care
To
Accept
The
Orange
Rrooster?

Destruction
Incarnate
Corporation
To
Anilahate
The
Order of
Right

Niamhgold: <For those of you who eat fast food, whose fries do you think are the best, Wendy's, McDonalds, or Burger King?>
Arbys! But out of those... Wendys.
<although really $uck$, is really hilarious to watch>
And, contrary to most other movies, the black guy ISN'T the first one to die!

Jaden: <It's raining here too, a lot. Good thing I love the rain, keeps it from getting hot. I hope your car stops sucking>
Agreed. But it was starting to get good at it! ;)
<At the ungoddly hour of 8:14a.m?! HUH?>
I was still up at the time.
THAT... and I wanted to see how far off the CR clock was.

5:38PM. 07/05/2001
Fire Storm - [night-Flame@usa.net1]
Thursday, July 5, 2001 02:07:57 PM
IP: 206.25.115.145

Ok. Has anyone watched 'Robotica' on TLC and 'Battlebots' on Comedy? I watched 'Robotica' for about an hour one day. One thing occurs to me: Which one is better: Robotica or Battlebots? Which bots would destroy the others?

1+1=-3

What constitutes a 'road trip' as opposed to getting lost?

Imzadi - I'd recommend mail.com instead of hotmail. 1 reason: lots less spam. When I stopped using hotmail, I was getting 1 legit email to 5 spams. Unless bulk mail was folder was really improved, those spam will still end in your inbox. Sorry but that is annoying.

I'm suprised netaddess didn't let itself be bought out by/merged with mail.com.

That's all.

*Opens a portal and disappears to try to get work done.*
DPH - [dph_of_rules@yahoo.com]
AR, USA
Thursday, July 5, 2001 09:47:36 AM
IP: max1-52.cwy.cei.net

*Warpmind enters, looking drowsy, hot, and bald as ever.*
Y'all know, I kinda like Canada... I think I'll emigrate here instead... someday.

Gside: The Fishing For A Quarter Dance is... well, it refers to a comic story by Phil Foglio, so... *Cough*

Josh: Hotmail's okay... except the slow access, the cramped e-mail space, and, yes, the utter carelessness they have about who learns of the address. Of course, there's the Bulk Mail Folder, so that kinda evens things out... As for Lynati... I know now... Oh, and, if I ever get it *SCANNED*, there's gonna be a WarpmindGoyle picture available for your iconization soon. (Lain did it. I'm a stud, I tell you.)

SJ: Actually, I do have some skin left on that freshly shaved cranium. (And surprisingly, no nicks.)

Revel: We worked out any troubles, compadre. No sweat.

Cyborg: They're not going private. They just can't afford the expenses of a free webmail service any longer. There's a fine difference... As for my Magic playing... it is far too seldom. And unfortunately, I don't have many of the older cards; I think the oldest kind of decks I have would be Mercadian Masques. But I'm not entirely sure about the chronology there. And I don't play online, if that's what you meant about proxies. (If not, what did you mean?) But I'll gladly bring my 75-card (60 cards + sideboard of 15) murdlerization deck for a match at the next Gathering.

Gathering Pictures: I'll do what I can to scan my pics when I get home, but... the pictures weren't the best - seems there's a problem with lighting and the flash... gosh blast it... :(

Well, that's about it... I'll have to scramble off and get some blank character sheets copied, and then buy some more cokes, I guess. So, until I return, this is Baldy, signing off. (By the way, if anyone's interested in trading Gargoyles trading cards with me, I've got about thirty doubles and triples that I'll trade away for the ones I lack... annoying prize for longest trip to The Gathering...) ;)
Warpmind de InzanE - [warpmindusa.net]
Still in Canada, This place is hot
Thursday, July 5, 2001 08:11:20 AM
IP: 198.96.83.109

** Niamhgold enters **

I can't make this too long, since I have to be at work soon (technically I don't have to leave until 8:30, and I shouldn't have to wake up until 8, but I have this weird little thing where I go to bed real late and wake up real early ;) ), so I'll make this semi quick.

Welcome back Christine! <dwarf hampster found dead> Hmmm, hampster homicide. Well, I hope the movie was pleasant, at least! :)

Josh: Got to read your situation more slowly...I think you're right for _not_ packing your things :) It shows your parents that you are _not_ a coward, because, IMNSHO, cowards are the ones that run away. It shows them that you are going to stick it out, despite their cruelty, and there is no better way to get their ire up :) <Hey, I love that movie!> Sorry; the whole personal opinion thing ;) I won't bash your interests anymore. <You'll have to browse> As I did. Very interesting website! I particularly like your comment about how everyone should become a camp counselor (or work with kids, period). I agree fully; I used to volunteer to help the kids who lived in the Baltimore projects (BAD areas), and we would help them paint murals, etc., etc. We slowly discovered that those poor children only used the colors black, red, and brown, as opposed to what I've seen kids use the entirety of my life. There were no rainbows, no grass, nothing. But in the end, we _did_ get one kid (Rainer) who painted this _beautiful_ scene of a mountainside. <Are you blonde?> Once, for a Halloween party. Otherwise, I'm brunette ;) <Model pictures> Yes, saw them, _very_ nice! My grandfather was a model buff, but I think your stuff blows his away! Okay, let's take this outside, hotshot! :D <You better not be cute, too!> Eh, who knows? ;)

Okee smokee, gotta get going...big project to finish today, but the interest on it should prove _quite_ satisfying.

Adios!
Niamhgold
Thursday, July 5, 2001 04:05:29 AM
IP: lac-flex154.ncia.net

Ah, lazy day. My 4th of July consists of...well, sitting around doing as little as possible.

Finished setting up my brother's iMac. All that remains is sending in the rebate coupons for the printer and the mp3 player and talk to Apple about getting the keyboard replaced or fixed. Seems one of the USB ports in the keyboard is defective. The other one works, but this one is busted. So gotta get that fixed. But I have to say, for a computer just out of the box, one defective USB port that will be replaced for free isn't bad, considering its the only problem and the computer otherwise works flawlessly.

Planning on spending the day writing.

Parents acted today like nothing had happened last night. Punks.

I'm trying now to fill out the forms for the free rebates. Apple offers a full rebate on a particular epson printer and a free Rio MP3 player to anyone who buys an iMac before July 8 (that's me!). So I've got fill out these forms, send in copies of my reciepts, and send in copies of (or, in the case of the MP3, the original) the UPC codes and stuff. Only problem is, I have NO idea which number is the part # and which # is the serial # for the Epson printer. Anyone know? Apple was kind enough to label them for me. So, if anyone has an Epson printer, preferrably a 580 and can tell me which # is which, I'd REALLY appreciate it. You know how to reach me.

GXB: Thanks.

Niamhgold: I hope my brother evolves ;-). Yeah, it'd be nice if my parents came around, too.

Stephanie: <<play with proxies and the older cards, or by tournament rules?>>: As far as I know, there are still tournaments that play with older cards. And as far as I'm concerned, a GOOD player can make decks out of all the cards ever created. Playing Type II tournaments (the new stuff, I don't know if its still called Type I and Type II) is the sign of not only a limited imagination, but a desire to limit your opponents. There's no skill there. As you can tell, my deck has some older stuff in it, but nothing older than 3rd edition. I just don't have the money to spend on the three blue brusiers (Time Walk, Ancestral Recall, and Time Twister), but if I wanted to I would. <>: We'll see. <<It takes a stronger man to get back up after having been broken and face his challenge>>: Perhaps, but god damnit I'm tired of doing it. When is it time to devote my energies to my own interests and stop worrying about being beaten down? <>: Or he'll think I'm a wuss for losing it.

Funny thing is that now I actually WANT to use the computer to drive a wedge between my brother and my parents, just to show them what happens when I get treated like dirt (the last few "victims" weren't happy with the results either).

Christine: I lost a dwarf hamster once. I think it tried to climb its cage, fell, and broke its neck. But I'm not sure. No one ever was.

DPH: <<'Under my roof' syndrome>>: Good name. <<some people shouldn't be allowed to be parents>>: Like me. <<they just won't get it>>: Forget getting it. I'm just worried that the kid will grow up to be like me.

Gside: <<Have pity on me for we were behind the horses>>: Wow. Your day was MUCH worse than mine. I'm sorry dude. <<Do the controls extend to other browsers?>>: Yes. In fact, the built in Apple Software updater won't connect to the server while parental controls are on through AOL. There is ZERO internet functionality at his level of parental controls, and no way to defeat it short of changing it from my dad's account. <<Did you try throwing his CR excitement back as a rebuttal to that point?>>: Yes. Instead, we've decided to have Alex bug dad every day (when Alex says something about needing specific access, my dad usually allows it from his own account) to let him read and post in the CR. Eventually, they'll get annoyed...I hope. <<It all depends on what the people you want to talk to are using>>: I should have been more specific. To talk to ANYONE that I could reach through AOL, AIM is TEN times better. More features, easier to use, easier to control. No one who uses AOL can tell me that their buddy chat client is better than mine. <<Mike?>>: Very good! You get a cookie. <<That would be a problem, wouldn't it?>>: Well, it certainly isn't a solution.

SOUTH PARK FSCKING ROCKED!!!

Going from DOS to Linux is like trading a glider for an F117.
- Lawrence Foard, entropy@world.std.com

Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
Encino, CA, US of A
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 10:36:19 PM
IP: ppp-206-170-217-188.nhwd02.pacbell.net

Have pity on me for we were behind the horses. At least they had a guy on bucket duty, even though he wasn't always fast enough. At least I was on the end of the row.

Imzadi> <<the parental controls on AOL are SO strict>>: Do the controls extend to other browsers? Can't you use AOL just as a dialup, with other browsers doing the work?
<<he's never shown any interest in the internet except when he needs to do schoolwork>>: Which you have just said is completely untrue. Did you try throwing his CR excitement back as a rebuttal to that point?
<<implying that I am a fool for using AIM>>: It all depends on what the people you want to talk to are using. Same argument for PCs and software (aka games).
<<Do you know my roommate's name>>: Mike?
<<Problem is that my checking account doesn't get interest>>: That would be a problem, wouldn't it?

It's the fourth, it's an mp3, and I just saw the Pops on the Charles (with Arlo Guthrie doing the recently posted City of New Orleans). Ergo, you get The Stars and Stripes Forever, as composed (allegedly in one sitting with no changes) by J. P. Sousa, performed by the Boston Pops. Just listen to those flauts at the end, and tell me that doesn't give you nightmares.

Na zdorov'ya.
Gside - [gside@eden.rutgers.edu]
Fair Haven, NJ
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 09:50:05 PM
IP: proxy3-external.etntwn1.nj.home.com

Ok, what did I accomplish today so far?

Getting lost and spending time with a friend. BTW, if anyone hasn't figured it out yet, I have no sense of direction. I started trying to get the LR Zoo, then discovered traffic was backed up. It was somehow related to an "N'Sync" concert I'm told. So I decided to go to McCain Mall in LR. I ended up finding my way to Lonoke. All because I made a turn towards Memphis instead of Fort Smith on the interstate. Oh well. So if anyone needs to 'get lost', just ask me to help you find your way somewhere.

I prefer to think of it as 'Under my roof' syndrome instead of "parents' house, parents' rules".

Imzadi - I'm convinced that some people shouldn't be allowed to be parents, because they just won't get it. Letting go is part of the process of raising a child.

That's all for now.

Thanks David G for the definitions.
DPH - [dph_of_rules@usa.com]
AR, USA
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 06:38:17 PM
IP: max1-39.cwy.cei.net

Whoops, I was misled ... NEXT week the new season of BattleBots begins. Last night was two episodes, recapping Season 1 and Season 2. With some commercials for next time. New and improved battlebox with some spiffy new hazards. Should be fun!

Had a bit of a tragedy this morning -- discovered one of Becca's dwarf hamsters dead. Didn't examine it too closlry but I suspect the other one killed it. So we had a funeral in the backyard, to the tune of the cheers and shouts from the Little League that started before nine AM.

Off to lunch and the movie. Happy 4th to those who celebrate it!

Christine - [christine@sabledrake.com]
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 11:20:37 AM
IP: 15-133.075.popsite.net

Canada Day here was as rained out as Saint-Jean-Baptiste, so since everyone was disappointed, no one is angry anymore. Proof positive that misery loves company.
I hope the americans here have a better Independence Day than we had Fetes Nationals.

Warpmind: I had not heard that usa.net was going private, that seemes to be happening alot lately. Intranets.com has gone private too. Never fear though, there are still tonnes of free e-mail services; I use crosswinds, and a friend of mine uses gurlpages. Just do a search and I am sure you will not be reduced to hotmail. Also, many governments provide free e-mail accounts, and some schools too.
<Coalition Victory> Nice card, though I usually play with commons and uncommons. You can find a whole slew of nice combos that way that no one suspects. Do you play with proxies and the older cards, or by tournament rules?

Imzadi: Rant away. I am glad that you decided not to run away, even though it would be easy for you. It takes a stronger man to get back up after having been broken and face his challenge than to take the easy way out. I am sure your little brother will appreciate your courage. It is a very hard thing to keep going for your dreams in the face of hardship. I know.
<disenchanter deck> See above questions to Warpmind.

Au revoir
Stephanie D 'Cyborg' - [sdcurtin@crosswinds.net]
Montreal , Quebec, Canada
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 10:50:17 AM
IP: modemcable200.80-200-24.mtl.mc.videotron.ca

** Niamhgold enters again **

Ugh, I hate making mistake. Below, it should read, "hopefully your bro's _situation_ will "evolve"..."

There we go.
Niamhgold
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 10:28:30 AM
IP: lac-flex105.ncia.net

** Niamhgold enters quickly **

Josh: **Hugs** Sorry about the unfairness of it all. Hopefully your bro will "evolve" as you did and soon he'll be equally sucessful (the whole cosmic justice/universal balance thing).

Real post later; time for the 4th of July carnival.
Adios!
Niamhgold
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 10:26:37 AM
IP: lac-flex105.ncia.net

JOSH> You have my sympathies. My father is a real asshole as well. I'd rather not get into that, but I understand what you're going through.
Greg "Xanatos" Bishansky
Wednesday, July 4, 2001 06:11:58 AM
IP: dialin-233-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net

***MORE RANT STUFF****

I'm sorry to put you through all this folks, but right now I'm practically in tears and the only people who will listen to me IRL aren't exactly people whose shoulders I can cry on.

Total drama queen stuff, this should come out sounding like Lain or Sorow. Feel free to digitally bitchslap me. I've yelled at several people for being drama queens, assuming that of course *I* would never need to vent here. Now here I am, doing exactly what I've railed again, for simple lack of a better forum.

I spent the better part of tonight setting up my brother's brand spankin' new iMac. Installed the extra RAM, put everything together, set up a bunch of programs, desktop pics, system sounds, etc. Made it as much like my computer as I could, because that's the way he wanted it. He's been spending several hours over the past couple weeks using my machine in both operating systems, and he loves it.

Much as I tried to do something nice, I failed my brother. I wanted to provide him a machine that would let him post in here, use instant messenger programs...basically an internet machine. Instead, I bought him a typewriter. Why? Because the parental controls on AOL are SO strict that you can't access any websites except for the front page of a search engine (as in, you can't click on the websites that the search engine turns up). He can't use AOL Instant Messenger standalone program. He can't post to and read posts from the people he met during Gathering weekend, which he has been talking about non-stop for the last week and a half.

I've never felt so guilty in my life. In fact, I've never felt guilty in my life. Tonight I do.

My brother and I tried, in fact, we begged our parents to lift the parental controls on AOL so that Alex could access the internet like a normal human being. Their response was that Alex doesn't need the crap that's on the internet, and he's never shown any interest in the internet except when he needs to do schoolwork so why bother lifting the restrictions? There's all kinds of stuff out there on the internet that Alex doesn't need, supposedly.

I've never neard such a circular argument before.

Let us take a little trip back in time, shall we? The year is 1994. A young man in Encino is sitting behind a computer, downloading all manner of illegal material. He foolishly reveals himself to his father (when he catches his father doing THE VERY SAME THING) and his access is taken away. Fast forward a year or two. The young man has just received his own computer. It sits in his room and he isn't monitored. It connects via AOL and has virtually no restrictions. The young man spends exactly zero time downloading anything illegal. In fact, he spends zero time online at all, due to the limited behavior and bandwidth provided by AOL. Fast forward again to 1999. The young man is in college. No more AOL. Suddenly, the internet is on all the time. He uploads and downloads all the time. Hitting websites takes up hours every day. He makes new friends, keeps in touch with old friends, and manages to keep his phone bills to nil.

Obviously, the young man is me. Two things changed that made me interested in the internet. One, I got a mac. Two, I got rid of AOL. Now, as much as I'd like to, I don't think the mac gets any credit for this. PC's are just as easy to use dialup services with. But the banishment of AOL...suddenly I was free to do whatever I wanted online. And guess what?! There wasn't anything illegal on the agenda! I didn't run into any paedophiles (maybe I'm not looking hard enough).

Alex isn't interested in the internet because he can't use it. This, in turn, promotes an uninterested behavior about computers that leads my parents to think he's not interested.

Then my parents have the gall to tell me that I purposely bought an iMac for my brother to drive a wedge between my brother and my parents, which is the most rediculous thing I've ever heard. I figured my parents would be annoyed with me for providing something for Alex that they wouldn't, but I never in a million years dreamed that they would yell at me and my little brother for 20 minutes just for asking for more online privileges. And its somehow MY fault that they won't give him more online access. Kids need the proper tools if they are to engage in any hobby. I've never, in all my years of using computers, run into anything I shouldn't have (unless I was specifically looking for it).

My parents were so vicious toward me and my brother that they left me in tears. IN FRONT OF MY BROTHER. You all have known me for several months, so you guys can probably tell that I don't show weakness to anyone. And they forced me to do it in front of someone who idolizes me. I hate them. I hope they get hit by a truck on their bike ride tomorrow morning.

And if that wasn't bad enough, they also belittled my computer ability in front of my brother. The poor guy can't even use AIM, and they said "he doesn't need that, its not better than the regular thing, we use XYZ and its fine". Therefore implying that I am a fool for using AIM, when in fact I wouldn't use it if it wasn't better than the default. Obviously. I mean, I am a PROFESSIONAL computer user. As in, THEY PAY ME TO KNOW MY SH!T. All I want is to give my brother a computing experience that I didn't have at his age. I didn't have an older brother who was into this stuff, otherwise I'm sure I would have been all over it. Alex is lucky that he has someone to show him how this stuff works, because I had to figure it all out myself and that pretty much cost me my interest in my childhood years. And my parents villianize me by making it look like its my fault that they're yelling at Alex for asking for better access.

I kid you not when I say they ranted at us for 20 minutes, threatened us with a million things including sending the computer back (which would be a neat trick, since its on my card). Told my brother he couldn't have his friend over tomorrow.

After they went upstairs and left me and Alex shocked, barely able to speak at all let alone to each other, I began thinking about my life at home. I'm starting to wonder if it isn't time to sever the link permanently. To move back to Berkeley right away and never come home, at least not until I can afford my own place down here. I'm worried that if I stay either I will go complete nuts and break down or I'll just get my brother into more trouble, which as much as he bothers me sometimes he just doesn't deserve that.

I know if I move fast, I could be up early tomorrow morning and have everything I own packed and be on the road by noon. A literal runaway. An effective one, as I have a place to go. I don't know if I'd have to drop out and work or if I still have enough money to carry me through the rest of undergraduate (I think I do)...but if I did have to drop out, I'm not sure it wouldn't be worth it just to be away from these jerks. Law school would probably be out of the question, though. And I'd have to figure out some way to transfer all my accounts to privately held in the space of about 5 minutes on Thursday morning. Still...it'd almost be worthwhile.

I, of course, won't do anything, because I have too much planned for the next several years, too many dreams where the easiest way to accomplish them will be with parental financial backing. I may very well be a coward for refusing to act despite the many times I've verbally stood up to them.

Sorry about that folks. I'm sure I'm overreacting to this, but that doesn't change the fact that somehow my parents managed to make me feel bad about the nicest thing I've ever done for anyone. Ever. And probably will ever do. I guess the saying "no good deed goes unpunished" really is true. Time to go back to being a jerk, full-time.

***END RANT STUFF* (SORRY FOLKS)*****

Short day at work, because I ran an errand for my dad. I drove (the BMW X5, no less) from North Hollywood to Torrance (about an hour each way) to pick up 50 yards of silicon treated paper. Fun fun. Well, actually, it was. But not in the "joyus" sense of the word. It was fun because I wasn't working. I wasn't working on the computer systems. I was driving a german SUV listening to music. Which one would YOU rather do?

During lunch, my dad had to take the BMW to the dealer to have them check something out, and I would have gotten to test drive something if the damn tech had still been out to lunch. Curses! Foiled again! Doesn't matter, not getting anything new for at least 2 years (since I don't drive at school, who needs a new car to sit in the driveway), but its always fun to dream.

Stephen: <<Gathering in 2003>>: In Florida?! Not AGAIN! Couldn't we do alternation between coasts. Its already on the east coast next year. Its gotta be there the year after THAT too? Come on! Be fair to the west coast people, at least pick a more central location. <<when everyone else recoveres from the Gathering 2k1>>: What's taking them so long!? I was recovered in ten minutes! <<Great Guns!>>: Thanks. I work out.

The gathering should NOT be on the SAME side of the country 2 years in a row. That's just not fair to everybody.

Green Baron: <<provided that is his true form>>: As I said, he mumbles in such a fashion that it could very well be a cat controlling a human powered suit, ala Pinky.

Niamhgold: <<I'm not going to make it any less dead, either>>: Um, you posted. Therefore its more alive.

Daphne: <<or supply a techie with his drug of choice>>: First, I didn't mean that to be a financial decision. I meant it in a sarcastic "but that's not gonna happen way". Nevermind. Second, my drug of choice is Jolt Cola, not computers. Computers are more like air. I can't live without. Jolt is the drug. Total addiction. <<thanks for paying attention>>: Sorry about that. I can't keep track of everyone's SO's, friends, cousins, roommates, etc. Do you know my roommate's name? WITHOUT scanning back down the page, smartass! <<what clued you in?>>: I didn't see your name on any of the breasts I stared at. <<parents' house, parents' rules>>: This I know all too well. Fortunately, they gave up that silly behavior. <>: No, I understand completely.

Gside: <<interest earning account>>: Problem is that my checking account doesn't get interest, and I need to keep a certain balance there in case of emergencies, rash buying decisions, etc. So the money was only gonna go back into there anyway. <<I'm sure you broke some poor boy's heart>>: Several actually. That's what they get for assuming I'm gay. <<largest penis length
to body mass ratio of any animal (except for me)>>: Ratio shmatio. Small is still small. If you're 30 feet tall and hung like a horse, no one's gonna complain (though you might look silly...)

I was gonna work on my story tonight...but I'm too depressed to even do that. So I'll just crash. Good nite all, have a happy 4th for me, since I'll likely be trying to find ways to avoid people.

When you say "I wrote a program that crashed Windows", people just stare at you blankly and say "Hey, I got those with the system, *for free*".
- Linus Torvalds

Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
Encino, CA, US of A
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 11:10:56 PM
IP: ppp-206-170-217-121.nhwd02.pacbell.net

Hmm.

Green Baron - I was hoping you'd end up back in Louisana. That way I could visit you when I plan on visiting my brother's inlaws (they leave in Southern Louisana) during Christmas.

Imzadi - How are you going to explain our 'arrangement' about me sending you money to buy software for me to your parents? Are you saying that if I don't post for 2 days in a row without offering an excuse someone might not miss me?
DPH - [dph_of_rules@yahoo.com]
AR, USA
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 11:04:32 PM
IP: max1-24.cwy.cei.net

Imzadi> <<Quick! Someone check the temperature in hell!>>: Eh, I've missed days before. I just usually let it pass without comment, but the mp3 was time sensitive.
<<If you let the magic blue smoke out, it stops working>>: Yes, but the components hold their own blue smoke, and can safely be separated from the rest if you know what you are doing.
<<What kind of an ECE are you!?>>: A very lazy one.
<>: I wasn't talking about you charging interest. The sooner you get the money back, the sooner you can put it in an interest earning account, earning you more money in a couple decades.
<<Me neither>>: I'm sure you broke some poor boy's heart.
<<All information is good for me, whether or not I want to hear it>>: Even the fact that a barnacle has the largest penis length to body mass ratio of any animal (except for me)?

Niamhgold> <<and, of course, Gside>>: Sorry, I'll have to pass. They really gunk up winds, and I like my pads in their current condition (even if Eb likes to stick). What that meant is that I'm doing a parade today insanely early (have to be up by 6 to make a car pool by 7:30 to make step off by 9). I still find it interesting that I should be able to play it all even though I won't get the music until the car pool or later.

Na zdorov'ya.

Gside - [gside@eden.rutgers.edu]
Fair Haven, NJ
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 09:28:13 PM
IP: proxy3-external.etntwn1.nj.home.com

Just popping in to wish everyone a Happy 4th of July! I'll give a full post later on this week, hopefully with Avmist and Sabledrake reviews. ;) Take care,

---Emambu
Emambu - [erikmambu@hotmail.com]
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 09:13:59 PM
IP: proxy2-external.wyn1.pa.home.com

Welcome back Christine! It was great seeing you and your family again. I bought two of your books, so I'll have reviews for you when I finish them.
Greg "Xanatos" Bishansky
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 06:57:38 PM
IP: dialin-657-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net

Finally home! Hurrah!
I'd post more but it's time for the first episode of the new season of BattleBots in just a few. Hope I get to see Deadblow!

Fries > must be another Christine who voted for McD's; me, I like Arby's. Box of seasoned curly fries and a jamocha shake and I am one happy gal. Which all those Gathering pics can prove, given the size of my can ; )

Essay still delayed -- I have to have the edited version of Silversilk back first thing Thursday morning, so that's how I'll be spending the glorious 4th (in between going to see Cats and Dogs, and trying not to become ER statistics with the bagful of fireworks we bought today).

More later!

Christine - [christine@sabledrake.com]
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 06:21:36 PM
IP: 01-061.075.popsite.net

Emambu>><I'm glad that you're ok > thanks. so am I.
<since I'm going to the Gathering in 2002, I could offer you a lift down to Virginia Beach> definitely an option. I'll let you know.

Josh>> <And I want a new computer or two, but...oh, wait...DOH> let's see... make the streets safer... or supply a techie with his drug of choice... oh, gotta go with the computer. <I'm sorry, is this your boyfriend we're talking about?> yes. thanks for paying attention. that's mike... sweet, brilliant, lovable, paranoid [shrugs], mine. <Obviously you missed the Gathering!> what clued you in? the fact that I said so, or the fact that I wasn't there?<Can't travel by yourself yet? Are you underage? > nah. parents' house, parents' rules. and they like to know where I am... and if they don't like it, they have this way of making it my choice but still having me do what they want. I guess you had to be there.

God BLess!

Daphne - [suburbanbubble@hotmail.com]
the suburban bubble
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 04:53:27 PM
IP: 69.philadelphia02rh.15.pa.dial-access.att.net

** Niamhgold enters and looks around **

Boy, it _is_ dead in here.

Heh, I'm not going to make it any less dead, either. I'm on holiday ;)

Happy fourth!!!!!! ** red white and blue M&Ms to all who _are_ here, including Josh, GB, Stephen Sobotka (So where's the G2K03 for? ;)), DPH, Lynati, and, of course, Gside.

:). My brain is fried!!!!!

Adios
Niamhgold
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 04:09:02 PM
IP: lac-flex244.ncia.net

Niamhgold> Well, I enjoy that reception. Well, that is good to hear that you are going to Va Beach in 02. I am going to be stationed at Ft Bragg in NC, a state away. Surprisingly, I rather like Ft Benning, especially since it proved better than some of the tales I heard about it, mainly because it trains the Infantry, which is training I couldn't undergo, but they will need Finance soldiers there as my corps is in high demand :)

Perhaps I could look into there for my next duty station. I'd probably handle pay for the trainees mainly.

Kyryn> Well, I am glad to see you, too.

Arianna of Annwn> You live in NC. How far are you from Fayetteville?

Josh> Thank you. Now we know what Todd Jensen looks like, provided that is his true form :)

Sobotka> I'll try to help, except I'm no longer in Louisiana.

Green Baron - [greenbaron@hotmail.com]
Ft Benning, Georgia
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 03:46:51 PM
IP: wcs3.norfolk.nipr.mil

Greetings all...

Okay, I'm asking for some help here... because I've decided to prepare a bid for hosting the Gathering in 2003.

Therefore, if there is anyone that has prior convention staff experience (any fen-convention or prior Gathering will suffice), please contact me ASAP. If you're also in Florida or the surrounding states - Georgia, Louisiana, Alabama, etc. - I'd appreciate it all the more!

Will have more to say on that later. ^_^

JOSH - Don't worry, when everyone else recoveres from the Gathering 2k1, things will pick up again.

TO THOSE POSTING GATEHRING PICS - Great Guns! Looks like a heck of a con! ^_^

That's all for now... Maintain and Check Six!

Stephen R. Sobotka, Jr. - [scififangargoyle@yahoo.com]
Tampa, FL, USA
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 03:21:20 PM
IP: 65342hfc61.tampabay.rr.com

And my spelling is worse than Dan Quayle's. That's should read "...than a democrat AT A gun show"
Josh again
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 02:26:37 PM
IP: adsl-63-194-25-242.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net

This room is deader than a democrat a gun show.
Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
North Hollywood, CA, US of A
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 02:15:29 PM
IP: adsl-63-194-25-242.dsl.lsan03.pacbell.net

*Urgent Message*

Sorow:I'm Sorry for not being around for the past few days but my internet connection has failed completely and I don't know when it will start working again.(I can't even open email and the computer I'm using to write this message is at a friends)Please,I don't want you to worry about me,I haven't left you never to be heard from again(I'd never do that to you).I miss you and as soon as everything starts working I will email you first thing.*Hugs tight*
Please take care of yourself Happy Queen,and keep smiling!,When things are back to normal we will have a lot to catch up with my friend. :)

Xanathar
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Tuesday, July 3, 2001 02:59:21 AM
IP: flurry.netspace.net.au

*****Warning, rant stuff******

Sorry folks, I just need to vent a bit. Might as well post it.

Alright, this two job thing is driving me nuts. Its soooo stressful. Today at work, dad pretty much asked me to start doing two other peoples jobs. Technically, what I'm doing for these people is involved with the software I'm working on, but ITS THEIR JOB! Everyone in the company uses this software one way or another; am I gonna be required to learn all their jobs too? This is not only far from my job description, but it only adds to my ever increasing workload on the project. On top of that, I've been assigned to learn about a program that has documentation that is written so poorly even Marilyn Vos Savant would throw up her hands and say "I dunno."

Earlier this afternoon, the accounting department was trying to install a new piece of software to run credit cards, and naturally, since I'm the only one in the world who knows how to use a computer (that last statement was supposed to be dripping with scarasm), my dad sent me down to try and help them out. Why can't anyone figure out that I do MAC tech support for a living. I don't do PC's, precisely because I can't stand dealing them and I can't fix them myself. I spent 7 years on PC before switching to mac, and my ability to troubleshoot my mac effectively after only 2 years is three times my ability to troubleshoot a windoze box after 7. Which one is harder to use?

Look, I'm no slouch. I got an A+ in programming. I've been using computers since I was 7. I know how they physically work. But there's only so much I'm good at, and only so much I can do before I hit my proverbial wall. I can't learn software that doesn't have either a) an instructor or b) documentation, and I can install software that has a setup process that encounters a different error every step of the way. And for someone to tell me that I'm being "rude" because I can't help (that's *can't*, not *won't*) is incredibly obnoxious and hurtful.

My second job by itself isn't stressful, its just the fact that I have to come home after a long day at the office and DO MORE WORK. Apparently I didn't read carefully when it said "Summer VACATION", cuz I'm sure as hell missing mine. I keep telling myself that a Dual-g4 tower and an iBook for the road will make it all worthwhile...but I have to wonder.

My brother's iMac came in today, but I don't have time to help him set it up because I have to work. Sigh. ::beats nearest inanimate piece of furniture with fist::

On top of everything else, my parents still being obnoxious. The irony is that mom brought up at dinner how she was watching a show and the topic was "How to give advice to Adult Children". The funny thing is that my parents think they actually know how to do this.

They don't trust me to make decisions. I may only be 19, and I may be a spoiled rich kid, but I know a lot about how the world works. I pay attention to people and how the interact and respond. Only a few of my friends are also spoiled rich kids. The vast majority are, as my parents say, "from the other side of the tracks". And quite frankly, kids that don't have trust funds are a lot more interesting than kids that do. I "know" realities about life, that no one except my parents are going to hand me anything, and I've worked my butt off to get everything that I have. I have more money saved for my retirement than 90% of kids my age (the other 10% are WAAAYYYY to rich and will never have to work anyway). I can do taxes, take care of my bank accounts, manage my income, balance my checkbook, stay out of credit card debt, balance school with social life and still manage to be picky about the girls I date. I'd like a little bit of credit...from THEM.

I feel like I need to spend an hour in meditation every day just to avoid having a complete mental breakdown. I'm becoming snappier and snappier every day. I yelled at my best friend today for absolutely nothing. I want to apologize in advance to anyone that I yell at over the next couple weeks. Imagine that my evil twin (yes, one more evil than me) is chatting in my place. That's really the best way to describe what's wrong.

I'm really losing it in LA, much as I love the city. Living with my roommate makes me a much different person. He's very carefree, never stressed. After a few months, it starts to rub off on me. I was doing so much better. Then I came home. In just a few weeks, living with my family has undone everything that Mike has done for me. I like being unstressed. I really do. I just don't know how to get back that way. I hope a few weeks of real vacation will work.

***END RANT STUFF****

On the plus side, I found out I'm getting a PHAT/FAT paycheck from MacTank because of the day PSInet went byebye. YAY! Not bad for sitting on my butt playing on my computer and watching Star Trek.

Just finished beta reading a story by The Barracuda...and a certain "Mr. Wurzel" makes an appearance at Nighstone Unlimited! JOY!

Gside: <>: Quick! Someone check the temperature in hell! <<Young Zaphod>>: I've got that one in my anthology as well. <>: If you let the magic blue smoke out, it stops working. <<Oddly enough, not often>>: What kind of an ECE are you!? <<the perfect depth>>: ...for us gutterminds! <<Because you are missing out on a potentially exponential amout of interest>>: I don't have any leverage on which to charge interest. If I tried, my friends would just say "screw off". <<Wait, I wasn't there. Or was I?>>: That depends on whether or not you're really me. <<the big plate glass thing in front>>: I know a girl who drove INTO a shoe store.

Jaden: <>: I dunno, a car that sucks might be kinda neat...

FS: See comment to Jaden

Kyryn: As usual, my friend, very perceptive. <<16 years of knowing him and we still love each other>>: Congrats. The best of luck to both of you. <<that's because the serious ones don't spend a lot of time partying>>: Who needs serious? I've got enough "serious" for 5 relationships! I want a girl who can make me NOT be serious. <<That doesn't mean that it can't happen, though!>>: As usual, I won't hold my breath. <<Parents always tend to think that they know best>>: Usually, they do. The problem is that in this case they're not properly applying their own experiences to the situation. If they did, they'd see that what's going on here is NOTHING like what happened to them. <<It's always hard for a parent to let go and let a kid make his or her own mistakes>>: In my parents' case, impossible, even though no mistake is being made. I don't make mistakes. I'm perfect. Genetically engineered to be that way. <<then they should stay out of it>>: I've never met a Jewish mother that could mind her own business. <<they are going to have to 'pick up the slack'>>: There's a joke. My pride is so important to me that I'd have to be preparing to write bad checks before I'd ask them for a dime. Second, even with the large amount of money my friend borrowed last year, I was still so far from "the red" that it was ludicrous. And my dad CAN SEE my bank accounts, so he knew this. <<probably aggravated by the current situation with your mom out of work>>: Actually, I think its just because they don't like my best friend. Never have. They, of course, deny it. Well, on second thought...whenever money comes up I always point out that my parents are being foolish about the way they spend their money with my mom out of work (budget isn't in their dictionaries), which turns into an argument. So I guess you could be right. But in this case, my mom not having a job didn't come up. Also, I'm paying for the computer, and the my best friend is paying for about 10% of it. Not something I critically need, since I would have been more than comfortable paying for the whole thing. <>: Hmmm...if only there were better places than Texas 1500 miles away, I'd move. The problem i that I love LA. Maybe when I take over the world I'll just move them OUT! <<to realize that I had grown up>>: I don't think my parents ever will. Since they are a total "rags to riches" story, they're gonna assume for the rest of my life that I can't find my own ass with two hands and a flashlight.

DPH: <<if I order Taco Bell food, I have to wait at least 10 minutes>>: I've never waited more than five minutes from order to eating at a Taco Bell. <<How am I going to explain that my dad and I just don't get along politely?>>: You say "He's my dad". Even the most airheaded bimbos will understand THAT. <<what is the definition of a date?>>: Date (n, v.t.): a bizarre ritual in which a male empties his wallet in the hopes of getting sex.

Or is that prostitution? I can never remember.

Green Baron: There's a picture of Todd Jensen on my site of Gathering pics. Go to www.kicktothenuts.com/gathering

Niamhgold: <<although really $uck$, is really hilarious>>: Hey! I loved that movie! <<not one of my usual posts. But then again, what is?>>: Pink. <<utterly no posting consistency>>: Good. Consistency is the hobgoblin of men's minds. <<come off as entirely vapid>>: Happens to the best of us. Except me. <<part of my more realist/pessimistic side has come to bare>>: Again I say, "A woman after my own heart". You'd better not be cute too! <>: "I smile because I'm too stupid to know what's going on". Are you blonde? <<it _really_ stinks>>: Tell me about it. <<which I extremely doubt will be necessary>>: Necessary? Not with *MY* plans for the future. And not that I'd ever ask them for a dime anyway. <<what the hell was that I just said?>>: Beats me, but I think I answered it. <<they sound not only stressed out, but also tightly-wound>>: Worse, its rubbing off on me. <>: Me neither ;-) <<feel obligated to go to college close to home>>: I didn't date during my senior year, so I didn't have to worry about it. Plus, no girl could keep me from going where I wanted to go. No one could. Goliath himself could stand in front of me and say "Go to ::school name:: or I shall remove your arms" and I'd stare him in the face and tell him to eat it. <<accidentally get pregnant>>: God I hate it when that happens. Last week... j/k. <<too much information for your own good!>>: There is no such thing. All information is good for me, whether or not I want to hear it. <>: Weakling. I drink jolt before bed and have no problems acheiving the holy unconsciousness. <<Do you have pics on your site>>: I do. But I'm not going to tell you where they are, just so you have to browse. But you can find them from www.kicktothenuts.com <<My guttermind is on overdrive again>>: Do you have a winter/sport/economy mode? <<something in their life that challenges them>>: There's a difference between being challenged and not being proud of your work. <<competitiveness is one of my major driving forces>>: Oh yeah! I bet I'm more competitive than you are! ;-P <<who cheered after "creeps"?>>: Who cares? Anyone who classifies themself as a "creep" isn't someone I want to associate with. I like freaks and geeks. <<Ditto>>: There you go. I expect a response! ;-) <<the ones who successfully make it through college are those of us who work and study hard>>: Or english majors. Seriously, though. College is as hard as you make it, I'm discovering. I could have picked an easy major, but that isn't the career path I wanted. Working hard doesn't guarantee success, but it does improve your chances. There are plenty of well-to-do slouches. Hell, my mom was a poli sci major. Until recently she was running an entire regional branch of one of the worlds largest advertising firms. <<"love at first sight" thing doesn't really happen>>: Same opinion here. <<You're forgetting I live in nowheresville>>: You should stop doing that. <<No fair, chatting IM w/ Josh and not inviting me!>>: Its not a party. I couldn't chat with the two in a chat room. They'd make me gag, just like they did when I went with them to the movies last monday. But if you're on Instant Messenger, I'm afraid I'll have to demand that you email me your screen name. I'd email you, but I seem to have lost the emails you sent me. You understand I'm sure. ;-) And stop forgetting to log on! I'm Oakleyposterboy, but you won't be able to IM me because my AIM is set to block people I don't know (spam blocker!). So email me with your name.

David G: <<date>>: Ooh, definitions I hadn't considered!

Revel: <<it's probably not your fault this time>>: Right, cuz the rest of the time you're just ugly!

There are no smart women in the world.
-Hcatty aka LostPerson, TGS Comment Room

Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
Encino, CA, US of A
Monday, July 2, 2001 11:08:01 PM
IP: ppp-206-170-218-112.nhwd02.pacbell.net

There sure is a lot of anonymity in the CR lately. Perhaps it is time for someone to de-lurk.

David G - I guess I better keep what I am thinking is happenning to myself. Of course, I do have plans for the 4th of July.

Hehehe. ok, let's do math in the real world (math outside the CR), people. You tell me I owe you $6.13 and I give you $10.03. How much money do I get back? $4.00. You may ask where can I get this good deal. Apparantly at Wendy's in Maumelle, Arkanas. Twice I have ordered a combo #3 biggie sized and been told it cost $6.13. Twice I have given the cashier $10.03. Twice have I been given $4.00 in change. Call me really stupid, but I thought the cashier was supposed to COUNT the money I gave him/her, enter in the machine and the machine TELLS the person how much change to give. I suggest we test math skills and observations at fast food restaurants.

Speaking of fast food restaurants, I have two complaints against the KFC/Taco Bell restaurant in Maumelle. Of all the times I have went inside and told them I wanted my food to go (over 1 dozen) only TWICE have been given a fork when coleslaw was part of the combo meal. My other complaint about this restaurant: if I order Taco Bell food, I have to wait at least 10 minutes (I've been told the average is 20-30 minutes) to get it. Guess what I will NOT be ordering from that restaurant, even if I want some Taco Bell food.

About dating - I don't want to start dating until I move out from under my dad. How am I going to explain that my dad and I just don't get along politely?
DPH - [dph_of_rules@yahoo.com]
AR, USA
Monday, July 2, 2001 10:56:34 PM
IP: max1-45.cwy.cei.net

Imzadi> <<Did you read Hitchhiker's guide 2, "Restaurant at the End of the Universe"?>>: Yup. I own the entire trilogy, including Young Zaphod. And last night, I found out it's a Hooloovoo, not a Hoovaloo. Which would explain why my double checking search came up with nothing.
<<I'm guessing that the elves did INVENT chain mail in their own little elfin world, and it was unique there>>: But my point was that the invention was chain, and it just happened to use a different (and better) material. Though I do prefer the adjective elven over elfin, especially when discussing armaments.
<>: As do we all.

Niamhgold> <>: I'll take just about any variant on geek, nerd, and whatnot.
<>: Granted, I do know how to build finite state machines from flipflops (and have constructed an elevator controller, but that's another story), but I tend to let my computer stay together. Granted, that's probably more a factor of my cheapness, but still...

Oh, Fire Storm, try my eden account for Alchemy. I probably should've zipped it all.

Imzadi> <<He's a geek type of loser>>: So utterly true.

Niamhgold> <<For those of you who eat fast food>>: Oddly enough, not often (mostly on long trips). But otherwise, it goes in and takes up space. That's about all I really need from my fries. Though I do fint Nathan's variation to be interesting. And it is my postualate that cheap hot dogs are better than cheap burgers. But Schikhaus is still Good.

Sev. Jr.> <<For the few of you who are reading more into that last statement than you should, shame on you>>: What do you mean more? I am erading in to the perfect depth.

Imzadi> <>: Because you are missing out on a potentially exponential amout of interest (remember how you pay for the RatEotU).

Niamhgold> <<It has occured to me that I have utterly no posting consistency>>: What is this consistency of which you speak? I know of no such thing.
<<who cheered after "creeps"?>>: Me. Wait, I wasn't there. Or was I?
<<the ones who successfully make it through college are those of us who work and study hard>>: Work? Study? You are confusing me again, and I like to think I am doing moderately well.
<<You're forgetting I live in nowheresville...>>: I am still amazed Woodsville has a McDonald's. Granted, someone did drive through the window. No, not the drivethru, the big plate glass thing in front.

Na zdorov'ya.
Gside - [gside@eden.rutgers.edu]
Fair Haven, NJ
Monday, July 2, 2001 10:47:25 PM
IP: proxy3-external.etntwn1.nj.home.com

*Leans in*

Revel: Yeah, I had to wait for them to re-calulate things, but they said everything was fine at the end.

Shinigami: heey, what are you up to? *mutters to self* I need to get off my butt and email you, don't I?

Does anybody here have Hudson's new email address? He told me to ask the in comment rooms for it.

*Gone*
Lynati - [Lynati_1@hotmail.com]
Monday, July 2, 2001 10:14:41 PM
IP: 207.226.219.93

Yes, I'm sure that some of you are getting tired of hearing this but now it's my turn. I just added all my Gathering pics, well, all the ones that came out half decent that is. Two things to keep in mind: One, I need to use A better film next time, specifically one that works better for dark indoor places like a, oh lets say a hotel. Two, I'm not a professional so if I have a picture of you that looks bad, well it's probably not your fault this time.

With that out of the way I'd also like to point out that A new story is up called "The Ropes" for those of you out there that have been keeping up, which is probably not many, oh well again.

Warp- Hey did you or Lynati have any problems with the desk clerk when paying? I know this is a little slow to comment, but When I told her I was splitting the bill she kinda gave me a hard time. Must have been the time or something.
Let's see what else is going on... Well I work every day but Wed, and first session of Summer school ends next Tuesday, but session 2 starts the next day so that's not cool. What else is going on... yep, nothing. Other than the fact that this one girl at work keeps hitting on me, but the problem is (and there always is one) that she is on 16 and I'm 20, my guess is she does it because she knows I won't play along and I hate that.
Self promotion, questions, rant, that about covers it.

"If I couldn't complain I might as well take a vow of silence."
-My Dad, of all people-

Later
Revel - [<<---The Inside]
the bayou city, tx
Monday, July 2, 2001 09:23:00 PM
IP: ac8b42e9.ipt.aol.com

...
Anonymous
Monday, July 2, 2001 09:19:19 PM
IP: kingston-ppp108738.sympatico.ca

?
Anonymous
Monday, July 2, 2001 09:06:35 PM
IP: ac8b42e9.ipt.aol.com

DPH> I think a date is the fruit of the date tree. It looks a little like a plum.

Or possibly a date is an expressed measure of temporal coordinants.

Or, to be slightly less flippant, a date is when two people who could concievably be attracted to one another (this was a lot easier before PC) attend some social event for the purpose of developing a relationship.

The details can vary. More people can be involved. Mostly it has to do with intentions. I'd say that you're just hanging out if your primary focus is on the event, and you're dating if your primary focus is on the person you're with.

Of course, there's always trouble if one of you is on a date, and the other one is just hanging out...
David G. - [david_goodner@yahoo.com]
Arlington, TX, USA
Monday, July 2, 2001 05:55:01 PM
IP: adsl-65-67-103-207.dsl.rcsntx.swbell.net

Da-dum. Da-dum. **A shark fin slices through the water**

"Look out, it's Jaws!"

"Not quite, Timmy. It's 'Deep Blue Sea.' You know, that 'Jaws' takeoff that, although really $uck$, is really hilarious to watch."

** And thus, Niamhgold enters **

I know, I know, not one of my usual posts. But then again, what is? It has occured to me that I have utterly no posting consistency. In some (lately, I'm afraid), I have come off as entirely vapid; in others, part of my more realist/pessimistic side has come to bare. What's interesting is that I can't really seem to post optimistically without sounding a little airheaded at the same time...

...As for today's post, I guess I'm somewhere in between ;)

:P

Josh: That kinda stinks about your parents. Well, actually, it _really_ stinks. I think what Kiryn says is pretty much right on the money, though--they seem to be financially selfish, in a way (although I don't understand; even if it did come down to them having to help you out (which I extremely doubt will be necessary), from what I've heard they're in a monetary position that doesn't rank on the "scarcity" list (what the hell was that I just said? ;))). In any case, they should obviously take a chill pill. Just ignore them, cuz they sound not only stressed out, but also tightly-wound...it's as if they're afraid that this will result in some sort of "bind" to tie them down. I can get like that sometimes, though; I never wanted a boyfriend in high school because, frankly, I didn't want to (a) feel obligated to go to college close to home because of him or (b) or accidentally get pregnant and have _that_ tie me down.
Eh, too much information for your own good!...anywho...
<Amalgaration = amalgamation> ** Slaps herself in forehead ** Eeh, that's what I get for having a fudge brownie frappe at bedtime! ;) <Model airplanes> Very cool! Do you have pics on your site (I could just go and browse through myself...but, eh, it's been a long day ;))? <Insert Jewish Mother Joke here> Only if you insert Super-protective Father Joke here ;) Or, as my brother might say: insert Italian Mother Joke here.
My guttermind is on overdrive again...er, nevermind. <Can't be good for your confidence> S'pose not. But everyone has to have something in their life that challenges them. Unfortunately for me, competitiveness is one of my major driving forces, and my confidence ends up being dragged after it. Something to work on. Thus, a change to look forward to! :) <Freaks, geeks, and creeps> So...who cheered after "creeps"? <Feel free to ramble on at me. It gives me lots to respond to> Ditto. :)

Hee. **Randomly swats at an equally random beachball and continues **

Kiryn: <Most of the serious ones either spend all their time earning money to pay for college or are busy hitting the books.> Absolutely TRUE! I mean, come on, the ones who successfully make it through college are those of us who work and study hard (yes, I party every now and then but only when I've felt like I've earned it). I'm glad to see that friendship was the basis of the relationship you have with Okami :) With the exception of maybe a few good romances, the whole "love at first sight" thing doesn't really happen (or, if it does, you don't consciously _realize_ it until later) :)

GB: No words can express! **Runs and HUGS** Welcome back! Okay, maybe some words. Definitely hope to see you at G2K02 next summer!!!!!!

Carl's Jr? Checkers? Rallys? You're forgetting I live in nowheresville... ;)

Winterwolf and Dreamie: Where for art thou, friends? ;) No fair, chatting IM w/ Josh and not inviting me! (Just kidding, I always forget to log onto IM) :)

Can't wait until Shadowrider comes back from Poland :)

Last but not least: SJ: <AI> I'm probably going to rent it, too. In my not-so-holy opinion, summer is for action-exploding, adventure-popping, animated-spectacular features, and winter is when I want to see the more serious, more "humane" stuff :)

All this talk about french fries, though... ;)
Adios!

Niamhgold
Monday, July 2, 2001 04:51:28 PM
IP: lac-flex146.ncia.net

****Kyryn runs through the CR, hugs the Green Baron, and goes running out the other door.*****

GB> Good to 'see' ya!
Kyryn
Denton, TX
Monday, July 2, 2001 02:48:05 PM
IP: exofw.aicpa.org

Niamhgold> I say Rally's has the best fries myself.
Green Baron - [greenbaron@hotmail.com]
Ft Benning, GA
Monday, July 2, 2001 02:41:01 PM
IP: wcs3.norfolk.nipr.mil

Hello all!! I am now in Ft Benning, GA. I'll be on more often as I am no longer goingthrough the typical training. I am starting Airborne on Friday and then I head back to New Orleans for a few weeks, until permanent duty station.

Gathering 2001> I want to see a picture of Todd Jensen. I can't wait to hear about it. I will definitely be in VA Beach for 02, provided I'm not deployed ;)
Green Baron - [greenbaron@hotmail.com]
Ft Benning, GA
Monday, July 2, 2001 02:36:04 PM
IP: wcs3.norfolk.nipr.mil

...
Anonymous
Monday, July 2, 2001 10:40:33 AM
IP: 6.chicago-43-44rs.il.dial-access.att.net

Here's a serious question, which has perplexed me recently: what is the definition of a date? Is it more of a state of mind? Or is it about expectations {Remember this is a PG 13 room]?

Guess what today is? The 1 year anniversary of the BFTS group.

According to my PC (which I set 15 minutes ahead of real time), the time of time post is 12:44 pm.
DPH - [dph_of_rules@yahoo.com]
AR, USA
Monday, July 2, 2001 10:00:32 AM
IP: max1-53.cwy.cei.net

****Kyryn drops by the room.****

Josh><Is that good or not?> *grin* 16 years of knowing him and we still love each other. Our friendship came first and that remains a prime basis for our relationship. <Could I infer from this that I could get some USC chicks? ;-) The ones I know are pretty superficial...> Ah, that's because the serious ones don't spend a lot of time partying. They're usually too busy earning the money to pay for school or hitting the books. ;) That doesn't mean that it can't happen, though! <All this because once they loaned some money to someone who didn't pay them back.> Parents always tend to think that they know best because they have had more experience in the world. It's always hard for a parent to let go and let a kid make his or her own mistakes. Your parents shouldn't have yelled at you about it, though. If you and your friend have an agreement, and it doesn't hurt or involve your parents in any way financially, then they should stay out of it. They are probably afraid that if your friend doesn't come through, then they are going to have to 'pick up the slack' and help you out. It appears to me to be basic selfishness about money. This is probably aggravated by the current situation with your mom out of work. Okami and I have been through this before. We had some nasty arguements about money managing along the way, but now we don't sweat over it nearly as much. I wish you luck in dealing with your parents. *grin* I had to move 1500 miles away from my Dad to get him to realize that I had grown up. I still have to remind him occasionally to back off on the helpful advice.

Later, All!

*****Kyryn vanishes.*****

Kyryn
Denton, TX
Monday, July 2, 2001 09:51:56 AM
IP: exofw.aicpa.org

Well I just had a nice day of swimming. We're doing this Warrior Olympics thing and I ended up on the swim team (don't even ask how that happened) and since we only had one week to prepare we pretty much got our heads handed to us, but it isn't over yet.

Fire Storm< My car sucks, but the weather is fine>> It's raining here too, a lot. Good thing I love the rain, keeps it from getting hot. I hope your car stops sucking.
At the ungoddly hour of 8:14a.m?! HUH?

Sorow-<<It's good to be back>> We are more than glad to have you back.

Well that's all I have time for, everyone have a great week.
Later
Jaden - [jaden12@hotmail.com]
Monday, July 2, 2001 02:41:12 AM
IP: 211.216.216.102

Heck with it, I don't feel like making a full post now.

However, I have changed the mp3. THis time, it's in honor of the recent Canada day, and it isn't even a music mp3. This time you get Fraser's Inuit Soliloquy, by Paul Gross.

Na zdorov'ya.
Gside - [gside@eden.rutgers.edu]
Fair Haven, NJ
Sunday, July 1, 2001 11:57:12 PM
IP: proxy3-external.etntwn1.nj.home.com

Argh. Had dinner with the parents tonight. Winterwolf asked me, during IM, if it was "business or pleasure", to which I responded that I wuld have preferred either. I still feel, amazingly enough, that my parents don't respect me as an adult. We were discussing my brother's iMac, and they asked if I had gotten the money from my best friend yet (who, generously, offered to contribute some money towards the machine). I, of course, haven't. Why not? Well, for one, I've already paid for the machine on my credit card, and have more than enough money to pay back the bill when I get it. Second, I haven't paid for it yet. Third, I don't need the money that badly yet. Fourth, as soon as I do, I'll be able to get it. Mike doesn't hold out on me. Plus if he did, I'd go to his dad, who's a multi-millionaire. So I'm not immediately concerned about it. But my parents are. They're concerned that *I* won't be able to collect this money from Mike (money, which, in the grand scheme of things, isn't very much). Why do they have this concern? Well, last year, when we found an apartment, I had to write a very large check to secure it. Half of it was Mike's job to pay for. So Mike owed me a rather large sum of money. I didn't collect it immediately. Why? Because it wasn't critical. My bank account wasn't approaching the red, and I knew I'd get the money as soon as I needed it. But my parents yelled at me for not getting the money. They don't trust him to pay me. And quite frankly, I think the fact that they don't trust him reflects poorly on me. It says that they don't have faith in my ability to choose friends and trust. I told them as such. They, of course, denied it, as they always do when I point out the glaringly obvious truth behind their words. All this because once they loaned some money to someone who didn't pay them back. I bet the person THEY loaned money to wasn't the son of the CEO of Cherokee, Inc.

So that managed to put me in a foul mood (like it takes so much).

I met with a prospective buyer on my laptop today, a friend of a friend. She wanted to try it out, and I was happy to oblige. I really need a way to sell this thing so I can get my new machines. Not that I can't get them without it, but quite frankly it'd make my life a lot easier. Its at least an extra grand, which means less that I need to earn less to get my toys. Plus if I try to buy two machines without selling the ones I have...I'll never hear the end of it.

I stand up to my parents all the time. Makes me feel a lot better. But it doesn't stop them completely (though it does stop them on that particular subject). It can't. As long as I am in contact with them, they'll give me hard time about SOMETHING. ::Insert Jewish Mother Joke here::

I found out there's a site with a bunch of links to other sites that have gathering pics. And guess who's on top!? ME! I'M ON TOP! ::demonic grin:: No, I have no idea where the site is. Ask Dreamie.

Crzy: Good pics.

Niamhgold: Personally, I'm partial to Carl's Jr. criss-cut fries. Yum.

SJ: <<AI>>: I, too, will skip that one. <<Josh was merely implying>>: Amazing how well you can restate my words. Its as if we're the same person... <<Would we really give a damn about Britney Spears>>: I can live without breast implants. Nice ass, though, is critical. <<To encourage you, to liven you, to make your pulse pound and get your body movin'>>: Nothing accomplishes all that like a good naked woman. <<my hand isn't on the remote>>: I dunno where yours is, but my hands are on my ears. I can see but I don't wanna hear. <<the few of you who are reading more into that last statement than you should>>: Yeah, that's me. Took me a couple tries to come up with other places to put your hand... <<Which is to say, FORGETTABLE>>: I don't care if they're forgettable. I listen to them now, and I've never forgotten a band that I bought a CD of. So its all good. Whether or not other people like my music is irrelevant. I only care if *I* like it. <<really bad, deep-throaty impressions of Rob Zombie>>: You have Taproot confused with another group. They really didn't belong in that category. They're more like a whiny version of Stabbing Westward. <<am I the only fag in here who likes Crazytown's "Butterfly" song?>>: No. Lots of fags like it. No straight guys, though ;-) <>: It does, unless you bought the album after just hearing Butterfly. In which case, you get lumped with people I'd like to beat with a stick that magically enables you care about lyrics. <<Limp Bizkit>>: That isn't rap-metal. Its rap-rock. There's nothing even remotely metal about Limp Bizkit. But I did like your ways of seeing Fred Durst die. Either one. <<worst band ever>>: I'd have to give that award to Backstreet Boys. <<Master Gates has won his appeal against the government>>: Well, not quite. <<Bill Gates of the Illuminati Party for Prez in 2004>>: I'd vote for Bill for President. Why? Because I'm a republican. And if Bill's in charge, my taxes are gonna drop like a rock because, sadly, I'm in the same tax bracket as he is. <<even you will be enjoying your new Windows XP OS>>: Not while my mac still boots. <<Give in to....Deep Hurting!>>: No thanks, I'm not into that kind of stuff. <<I'm only 22 years old>>: My bad. I should know that, since you just graduated. <<It's Winterwolf who could possibly be doing something illegal>>: Could possibly be!? <<Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive">>: Cake does a great remix of that song, would we be allowed to sing that? <<beaten with a sack of doorknobs>>: Ouch. <<quite the physics discovery>>: We can always use another Josh Wurzel at Berkeley if you're interested. <<Potatoe>>: Ya know, you and Dan Quayle are giving republicans a VERY bad name.

He has the intelligence of a sophomore sociology student.
-Anonymous Caller, "The Larry Elder Show"

Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
Encino, CA, US of A
Sunday, July 1, 2001 10:55:45 PM
IP: ppp-206-170-217-254.nhwd02.pacbell.net

"A.I.": Well, this was numba one at the box office this weekend with 30 million. I'm torn about this film. Every critic that has seen it says it's great. But then again, the majority of geeks on the net who have seen it says it sucks or at the least it's disappointing. That, plus the fact that I pretty much hate Stephen Spielberg (and generally could care less about his films, "greatest director of our time" BS considered), means that maybe I'll rent this film, but I won't go see it in theaters. I already know the plot, anyway. I don't want to go spend 9 bucks on a movie that apparently drives home the fact that it's a Pinnocchio remake a thousand times throughout the film.

Niamghold: The answer is none of the above. The best fries in all of fast food-dom belong to the food chain Checkers. It's all in the seasoning.

Warpmind: Well, considering I didn't have even a hint as to what you looked like, a freshly shaved cranium was not quite what I expected. ;)

Beth: I think I need to somewhat defend and / or clarify Josh's feelings on Jpop.
Josh was merely implying that Jpop, much like our own, homegrown, bubblegum pop music, is essentially a soulless abomination to the medium known as music. The music has no meaning, no depth, no purpose, and the "artists" who sing it are not individuals picked for their talent but rather for their looks. Would we really give a damn about Britney Spears if she didn't have a relatively nice ass and large breast implants? The answer is, of course not! But that is one school of thought.
The other school of thought, which you may prescribe to (it seems as if you do), is that bubblegum pop (which is what Jpop really is) is music that is meant to make you feel good. To encourage you, to liven you, to make your pulse pound and get your body movin'. It's just pure fun! So who cares if we like this carefree stuff? It's just fun, and we enjoy it, so who cares if it's not considered great music?
I'm actually somewhere in the middle of this. See, I think that Jpop and all of the bubblegum pop is ultimately worthless, but then again, whenever I see Christina Aguilera (or her Japanese equivalent) on the television screen, my hand isn't on the remote.
For the few of you who are reading more into that last statement than you should, shame on you.

I actually would be a MUCH bigger Jpop fan if every Jpop group / artist followed the script of Perfect Blue. If I knew that Ayumi Hamasaki was being stalked by some freak with bulging eyeballs, I'd be a LOT more interested in her career.

Josh: Damn, now I'm wishing that I could go / had gone to Ozzfest. I'd love to go see Black Sabbath and Marilyn, am somewhat interested in Linkin Park and Disturbed (even though I can easily see them being remembered, in time, as the Quiet Riot / Ratt versions of our generation of "new" [or is that "nu"?] metal. Which is to say, FORGETTABLE), and really don't care at all to hear Hatebreed, Mudvayne, Slipknot, or Taproot, because ultimately all of those latter bands sound just the same to me. They all sound like they're doing really bad, deep-throaty impressions of Rob Zombie, even if they aren't intending to, to the tune of really screeching and abrasive electric guitars. Blecch.
But hey, am I the only fag in here who likes Crazytown's "Butterfly" song? I suppose so. I like the rest of their album, if that saves me any face. They're really the only band that I will listen to that falls under, occasionally, the assinine label of "rap-metal". It is my wish that all "rap-metal" music (save, perhaps, Crazytown) and artists that are typecast as "rap-metal" performers, die a horribly painful death. This includes, namely, Limp Bizkit, who in my opinion is the (**cue Comic Book Shop Guy voice**) "worst band ever".
I'm actually torn right now over which I would rather see: Fred Durst dying a quick but excrutiatingly painful death, or dying slowly and excrutiatingly painfully from a sexually transmitted disease (one of the old, good ones that caused disfigurement, like syphilis). It's a conundrum.

Oh yes, and I'm sorry about saying MICROSOFT icon. I meant to say MAC icon.
Perhaps it was just my rampant joy that Master Gates has won his appeal against the government.....now the true world conquest can begin....Bill Gates of the Illuminati Party for Prez in 2004.
Come this fall, even you will be enjoying your new Windows XP OS, when you aren't feverishly playing your new XBox.....Give in to....Deep Hurting!!!
<> Now you take that back. I'm only 22 years old.
Besides, drooling ain't bad. It's Winterwolf who could possibly be doing something illegal. ;)

Coyote the Sappy: Assuming I made it to the Detroit Gathering, I've thought about having a karaoke-thon. Sort of like a version of that godawful show, "Say What Karaoke" that they have on MTV. Only with my version, the first person to start singing Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" or anything by Barry Manilow will be beaten with a sack of doorknobs.

Spacebabie: Hey, your cat sounds much like my dog. I'm convinced that I've made quite the physics discovery--a black hole that exists within a flesh and blood, carbon-based lifeform. It's located somewhere in my dog's stomach. He will eat anything, AND everything. Ice cream? No problem, if it isn't chocolate (which he'll eat, it's just that nasty little thing about chocolate being toxic to canines). Potatoe chips? He definitely loves those. He digs the crunching sound they make (I'm not kidding, he grooves for crunchy food). Vegetables are okay, as are assorted fruits and vegetables. There is literally nothing that he won't eat. He especially likes Italian.
But what is this about southern food? It isn't all bad. Grits are real good, if you smother them with butter. And cornbread...well, of course cornbread is great! I'm with you on collard greens, though. In my opinion, they taste as bad as they smell when you cook them.
Sevarius Jr. - [sevariusjr@excite.com]
Sunday, July 1, 2001 08:44:52 PM
IP: cache-2.lnh.md.webcache.rcn.net

** Niamhgold enters quickly **

All right, maybe you guys can help me with a little "debate" I'm having. For those of you who eat fast food, whose fries do you think are the best, Wendy's, McDonalds, or Burger King?

Personally, I vote Wendys. Christine says McDonalds. And Serg is saying Burger King.

Heh, silliness abounds here, but what else am I gonna do? ;)

Adios!
Niamhgold
Sunday, July 1, 2001 06:35:33 PM
IP: lac-flex134.ncia.net

...
Anonymous
Sunday, July 1, 2001 06:32:29 PM
IP: cs26227-74.satx.rr.com

...
Anonymous
Sunday, July 1, 2001 06:32:28 PM
IP: cs26227-74.satx.rr.com

Added about 15 more pics! Clicky!!
Jennifer "CrzyDemona" Anderson - [<-- MORE pics]
Sunday, July 1, 2001 12:11:52 PM
IP: 1cust161.tnt1.santa-paula.ca.da.uu.net

I forgot to mention that last night I saw Papa Roach, too. Here's my rendition of their lyrics, sung by me, to the tune of "Last Resort"

Slit my wrists into pieces
This is my last resort
Suffocate me, no breathing
Don't give a !#@$ if I can't hear their singing

Cuz I'm losing my sight, losing my mind
Please somebody just tell me they died.

If I took their lives tonight, I think I'd use dynamite.
Or stone them with anthracite, or maybe shoot them out of spite

And in conclusion, I think Papa Roach does unpleasant things to goats. (can I say that in here?)

Niamhgold: <<Yay, you DID survive>>: I think Aaron and Mara were the last con-goers to see them alive... <<Can't wait to see your take on things>>: Go on, ask 'em about the whipped cream! <<woman who shafted me>>: Awesome that you stuck it to her. Nothing worse than NOT getting paid for work you did. As if work wasn't bad enough as is! <<with a few back-handed threats>>: I don't suppose you could tell me what they are? I tend to write a lot of letters like that and if you got results, I'd like to use your methodology. <<sounds like it was a blast!>>: It was...literally. Pyrotechnics galore! <<people see a limo, and they freak out>>: In LA, when people see a limo...wait, who am I kidding, we don't do anything when we see a limo. But just for that, if I'm ever in your neck of the woods, I'm taking a limo. Maybe it'll get me some chicks. <<seems to be the general consensus IRL>>: Perhaps. In my own art medium (I build scale models of airplanes), I have no self-confidence problems. I "know" my work is good, even if I've never entered it in any contests to prove it. I can just look at it and know. I've done some crappy work, I can recognize them. But the good ones...I just know they're good. It doesn't pay to have ego problems, it only hinders your attempts. <<they say (quite indignantly) "I know.">>: I rarely do this, which may shock some people considering my ego. I always say thank you, but I'm thinking "of course its good, I made it!" ;-) <<I'd rather be one of the one's with no self-respect>>: Without my ego, I'd be a battered, beaten man (both physically and psychologically). I wouldn't trade my current self confidence for anything in the world (including the world itself). <<perhaps...not be so obviously self-bashing in the CR>>: It certainly doesn't help your own confidence, does it? <<art is one of the easiest mediums with which to compare yourself to others>>: I disagree. There are so many forms of art that its impossible to compare yourself to anyone else. Unless you're using the exact same program on the same platform, etc, you can't really compare your computer art to someone else's. And you certainly can't compare your computer art to someone's watercolors. It just doesn't make any sense. You'll never even see me comparing my airplane models to my dad's airplane models: I build jets, he builds WWII propeller planes. Its an entirely different method and talent for each individual area. <<it's an automatic humbler>>: You needn't be jealous of people who have talents in different fields, as you have your own talents in others that they don't possess. And I'm sure they wish they had one of those talents. <>: Me too ;-) <<I'll quit my rambling and let you get some sleep>>: Fortunately, I was already asleep when you posted. Feel free to ramble on at me forever, it gives me lots to respond to. <<Unless that's what I meant>>: Ah, a woman after my own heart! <<For me, I prefer the more specific "ne'er-do-well">>: That's not the type of loser Gside is. He's a geek type of loser. <<amalgaration>>: amalgamation ;-) <>: Me too, so I'm flattered you put me in that group (not that I don't belong there, mind you!). But the stuff can get really interesting. Feel free to stick your head into the discussions that Gside, FS, and I have back and forth and ask questions; its the best way to learn more. <<Hawaii sounds best>>: If we do that, I'm gonna have to bring my whole family, cuz they won't let me go to Hawaii without them (even though they were more than happy to go without me, the bastards). But if it *IS* in Hawaii, I'd sell my computer to go if I had to.

Speaking of Geeks, yesterday at Ozzfest one of the bands prefaced a song with "This for all you freaks ::pause::, geeks ::pause::, and creeps ::pause::" After "freaks" most of the 40,000 people in attendance cheered wildly. After "geeks", the only people cheering were me and my friends. Everyone around us stared at us like we were, well, freaks. Is it so wrong to be proud of geekdom? Are they just jealous cuz we either have or will have the world (and if you don't think engineers make the world go 'round, you're mistaken (or a physicist))? So to everyone who has a bad thing to say about geeks, I say this in response: "Your jealousy is so transparent."

Gabriel: <<Hatebreed>>: Nope, didn't see them. Didn't even know they were there. Never heard of them. But I also didn't get a chance to check out the side stage because I was so sapped by the weather.

Okay, I'm gonna run out and do a quick errand for the family, then I'll be home for a little while before I go see Fast & Furious. I hope it's good.

I got a good night's sleep. That's a euphamism for 'I didn't get any work done this week.'
- Roy Yates

Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
Encino, CA, US of A
Sunday, July 1, 2001 12:08:25 PM
IP: ppp-206-170-217-240.nhwd02.pacbell.net

Hmm. I did a lot of traveling yesterday, as unreported in my last post. Went to Searcy, Arkansas to visit a friend of a friend.

"For what is dictator an acronym?"

1+1=-3

Here's a scary thought (which I hope does not get me in trouble with the rest of the TGS staff): World War II and the Illumaniti Society.
DPH - [dph_of_rules@yahoo.com]
AR, USA
Sunday, July 1, 2001 11:23:56 AM
IP: max1-71.cwy.cei.net

Josh Wurzel> *delurks after hearing of the sacred gathering of Ozzy* Ozzfest?! Did you see Hatebreed, by any chance? They always have an awesome pit. Please tell me you saw Hatebreed!
Gabriel - [marduk80@hotmail.com]
houston
Sunday, July 1, 2001 10:51:17 AM
IP: tnt1-118.ghg.net

** Niamhgold enters **

**Sees a post from Winterwolf and Dreamie ** Yay, you DID survive the con! I was beginning to worry! ;) Can't wait to see your take on things, guys!

Good news, as of Friday--Remember that woman who shafted me on the second half payment for my storyboard commission? Well, I wrote up this wonderfully _curt_ little correspondence (albeit with a few back-handed threats... ;)) and sent it certified mail (thus, I get a little signature and she can't play dumb). Next day, I get an overnight package...my check PLUS a little "bonus, thanks-for-waiting-so-long" fee.

Cuz, if the letter hadn't worked, I'd of gotten my friend Paolo and Eduardo to go after the girl...Ah, just kidding. In any case, this is one last problem I have to deal with, and finally, _finally_, I can say that this school year has come to a close.

Josh: Glad you had fun; sounds like it was a blast! Problem where I live is that we never get _anything_ even remotely close to excitement around here. I mean, people see a limo, and they freak out ;) Wish I lived in Brockton again... <None of the artists in here have any self-respect> Hmm, seems to be the general consensus IRL, too. You either get artists who are "respectless," or then there are the artists who, when you compliment them and tell them their work is good, they say (quite indignantly) "I know." I suppose I'd rather be one of the one's with no self-respect instead of on the other end of the spectrum; however I'll perhaps take your hint and not be so obviously self-bashing in the CR ;) Thing is, some of my stuff I like, and am proud of, but art is one of the easiest mediums with which to compare yourself to others, and when I see that someone is a master of a certain medium (such as airbrushing; I've never picked one up in my life, but seeing all the good airbrush work at anime cons is making me seriously consider a transition), it's an automatic humbler. <karma> Interesting proposition, but I believe your position to be true. Maybe that's just 'cause I want the same thing to kick into gear for me ;) Sounds like you had a blast not only at work on Friday, but also at Ozzfest, though, so I'll quit my rambling and let you get some sleep :) <I'd not use "stick-up" to describe what happened. It just sounds bad> Unless that's what I meant...in rememberance of Jack Lemmon (Grumpier Old Men or one of those movies) "So tell me, was it a stick-up or a hold-up?" ;)

Gside: <<What kind of loser do you take me for?> One like me> Ah, yes, that self-indulgent term. For me, I prefer the more specific "ne'er-do-well". :)

Xanathar: <I've still got parts in my computer now from the one I had five years ago> I love that; my PC is a hybrid of probably every IBM version there ever was (of course, I don't think I can count the computer my dad brought home for me when I was three, because I think he originally wanted it for _himself_; he just didn't suspect that I'd have taken it over by the time I was five ;) ). The one I have now is like this mega-cool amalgaration of all the prototypes from the past century. Unfortunately, I only started learning configuration and the physical mechanics of PCs a few years ago, so I may be considerably behind people like you, Firestorm, Gside, Imzadi, etc... <One day I'll maybe have the money to go> Try saving for next year! I think I'll be able to pull it off for next year, since it'll be the closest Gathering to me for a few years (the first two years, when it was in NYC, I couldn't find a way to go because I didn't have a car, and didn't have a job that paid enough for *any* form of transportation ;)) and I'll most likely be able to go!

Speaking of future Gatherings: All right, I see the proposal for 2004 is for Detroit...but where do they want to have 2003? Perhaps we could go through the unconventional method and have it in Hawaii. Or, we could just make it _really_ easy on me and have it in Boston...;) nah, Hawaii sounds best :)

CrzyDemona: Thanks for the pics! (Love that one of Becca, she's so adorable!)

Emambu! ** Hugs ** You're back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I better get outta here so I can clean up at work before the boss comes back...

To everyone else: Have a great Sunday; who knows, I might pop back in later!

Adios
Niamhgold
Sunday, July 1, 2001 06:09:06 AM
IP: lac-flex243.ncia.net

Possibly slipping in at the 10 spot...

---Emambu
Emambu
Sunday, July 1, 2001 05:56:03 AM
IP: proxy2-external.wyn1.pa.home.com

Oh my god, Ozzfest was FREAKIN AMAZING! We got there late, because the traffic to the concert was awful, but we saw a lot of insanely hot chicks (insane being the operative word that describes any chicks we see at a hark rock concert). Our seats were in the orchestra section towards the left, excellent seats that my best friend acquired through his dad. So they were free to us (yay!). Anyway, we saw:

Taproot: Not as good as the first time we saw them.
Mudvayne: Didn't actually watch this band, but I could hear their barking from the refreshment stand. That band is such a prefabricated joke.
Slipknot: I don't really like slipnot, but I guess their performance was decent.
Crazytown: Despite their incredibly fruity single, "butterfly", the rest of this band's music isn't too awful. If they hadn't put out "Butterfly" I'd even consider buying their album
Linkin Park: of course, my dream come true. I love this band, and they rocked in concert.
Disturbed: Rocked in concert, AGAIN (this is the second time I've seen them).
Marilyn Manson: AMAZING. I'd never seen him in concert before, and it was awesome. He pulled some chick out of the pit and totally violated her on stage, and she loved every minute of it.
We didn't stay for Black Sabbath, mostly because we wanted to get a jump start on leaving. Parking was a nightmare, and leaving was still hellish even trying to leave two hours early.

I may have a line on selling my laptop. This makes me very happy. ::grin splits face from ear to ear::

DPH: I use geek code for my .sig file. If I were you I'd make some comment about idiots. <>: Then the question should have been "For what is dictator an acronym?" instead of your way, which got your the completely opposite result.

Warpmind: <<Will I have to revert to... *Shudder* Hotmail?>>: If you don't mind your address being sold to every Tom, Dick, and Harry, then Hotmail isn't bad. And OE picks it up automatically, which is actually pretty cool. <<A DISENCHANTER DECK?>>: Not quite. It has a few disenchants, but its mostly a blue counterspell deck with a few big bruisers for damage later in the game. Its got a pretty good success rate. <<I'm honestly not sure>>: I might have chosen to be sure BEFORE I left the country, but that's just me.

Beth: <<Would it actually KILL you to be maybe a LITTLE polite for once in your life?>>: Probably. I dunno, I never tried. Seriously though, there are many occasions when I'm polite. But quite frankly I have opinions and I'll share them whether or not anyone wants to hear. <<doesn't mean you have the right to call my interest a bunch of crap>>: Tell that to anyone else. Everyone whos tastes vary from anyone else's calls everyone else's tastes "crap". As any rap fan what they think of punk, or any mac user what they think of windows. <<it is going to come back to you about 100 fold>>: See, in my karmaic universe, I got the shaft FIRST. Now I'm dishing it back out. I was on the receiving end for many years. No more. I'm not concerned about it coming back to me.

Lain: <<will you quit playing with my underwear warps?>>: But they're so much fun!!!

Shinigami: <<Clatu Berata Nic---COUGH>>: LOL. <>: If a guy said that, he would SO get slapped. <<gives him a sweet, long, kiss>>: And this is why I made you guys drop me off at home on monday ;-)

Gside: <<I'm sure eventually they'd collapse from blood loss>>: This is true. But its probably not a good idea for us to be eating torn off limbs if they're still kicking. <<why pay people to move the food arond the people when the food can do it for us?>>: Did you read Hitchhiker's guide 2, "Restaurant at the End of the Universe"? There's a talking cow in that one that does exactly what you suggest. <<Especially that>>: Sweeeet. <<there is nothing fundamentally different between elven chain and normal chain>>: I'm guessing that humans and elves invented chain at approximately the same time, despite the fact that elves are a much older race than humans. Therefore I'm guessing that the elves did INVENT chain mail in their own little elfin world, and it was unique there. <>: You succeed. <<If Wilek were in here more, he might say something>>: I've been posting nearly 5 months, and have had the pleasure of only a few of his posts. I really wish he'd drop in more often than just to post a link.

I can't really pronounce that word so I refuse to solve for those.
- Roy Yates

Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel - [josh@kicktothenuts.com]
Encino, CA, US of A
Sunday, July 1, 2001 12:42:45 AM
IP: ppp-206-170-217-23.nhwd02.pacbell.net

I walked in after Ozzfest just in time to say:

NEIN!
Josh "Imzadi" Wurzel
Sunday, July 1, 2001 12:21:12 AM
IP: ppp-206-170-217-23.nhwd02.pacbell.net

I just found out that alt-02333 is the same as ctrl-].

Imzadi> <<You didn't mention "kill" anywhere in that sentence>>: I'm sure eventually they'd collapse from blood loss. And why pay people to move the food arond the people when the food can do it for us?
<<What's that?>>: Last year they had a jalape�o eating contest.
<<Even...that!>>: Especially that.
<<What kind of loser to do take me for?>>: One like me.
<<The chain mail had to be invented>>: But there is nothing fundamentally different between elven chain and normal chain other than material.
<<Sick, dude>>: I do try.
<<But I'm the only one who says anything>>: If Wilek were in here more, he might say something. But it usually necessitates mention of negative distance to set him off.

Warpmind> <<I've got a long way to go with Celsius/Fahrenheit calculations>>: 5/9 + 32 or somesuch.
<<Is that related to the Arcade Gamers' Fishing For A Quarter Dance?>>: I took the names from Harrison Bergeron of the eponymous short story, and Akira Toriyama of perhaps the most westerly common anime. But what is this Quarter Dance?

Na zdorov'ya.
Gside - [gside@eden.rutgers.edu]
Fair Haven, NJ
Saturday, June 30, 2001 09:43:19 PM
IP: proxy3-external.etntwn1.nj.home.com

:::double pounce on Mara and Aaron::: ^_~

7th!
Posts/ Con reports/ Pics to be posted later.
Dreamie and Winterwolf
Saturday, June 30, 2001 09:05:52 PM
IP: acb5b6c1.ipt.aol.com

6th!

Up with free Netaddress! Down with $30 a month!
Fire Storm - [Night-Flame@usa.net]
Saturday, June 30, 2001 08:38:35 PM
IP: 64.109.143.22

5th.
Na zdorov'ya.
Gside - [gside@eden.rutgers.edu]
Fair Haven, NJ
Saturday, June 30, 2001 08:27:43 PM
IP: proxy3-external.etntwn1.nj.home.com

Fourth.
Lynati Kshudra
Saturday, June 30, 2001 08:25:43 PM
IP: 207.226.219.95

THIRD!!!
Greg "Xanatos" Bishansky
Saturday, June 30, 2001 08:21:46 PM
IP: dialin-1167-tnt.nyc.bestweb.net

friend=fried

2nd!

Adios
Niamhgold
Saturday, June 30, 2001 08:20:20 PM
IP: lac-flex112.ncia.net

** Niamhgold peeks in **

Aah, pretty slow...maybe I'll save a longer post for tomorrow or Monday...

My brain's friend from the beach, anyways, ;)
Adios!
Niamhgold
Saturday, June 30, 2001 08:19:42 PM
IP: lac-flex112.ncia.net

i claim this spot for me and my mate! 1st!
Shinigami
Saturday, June 30, 2001 08:19:32 PM
IP: ac9fe327.ipt.aol.com