Lord Gyric's Random Thoughts

WTF America???!??!?!?!?

2010-03-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Ok, this IS going to sound Anti-American, but it's not. Not exactly. I love a number of American citizens, and I'm sure they're not this warped.

I just have to ask...What the hell is WRONG with you people?

You finally get a chance at universal health care, like Canada, and you don't want it.

Not only do you not want it, you send death threats to the people who are trying to make sure that everyone can access said health care no matter what your social status.

Seriously?

I'm absolutely stumped as to why it's a bad thing. It makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

I have a disabled child, and no health benefits. If I had to pay for every hospital visit, assistive device, I'd be in debt so far I couldn't see daylight.

Apparently you better hope that only the rich people have kids with disabilities.

Anti Americanism and the Bay Beach

2010-03-05T13:12:00.000-08:00

I am appalled that the Una-blogger has decided to play the Anti American card.

She's confused. We have stunned the world who thought Canada was just a country of polite, charming people who live in igloos and go to work using dog sleds.

Not only did we SURPASS expectations in the Olympics, we showed an unprecedented, even American level of pride in our Country. This level of national pride is now out of the bottle, and won't be put back anytime soon.

This summer, you will see more Canadian flags on houses, a bigger than ever Canada day celebration, and people actually being vocal about their homeland.

We accept ANYONE who moves here. Even the Una-blogger. We ask that you become a citizen if you want rights to vote, but that's about it.

I don't believe that, not matter WHERE you come from, you have the right to keep MY town a depressed one horse town for your own agenda. Showing up for a couple months does NOT give you the right to tell me that I can't look forward to enjoying growth and opportunities here.

The big problem here is the word taxes. There are TWO kinds of taxes: Income and Property. Property taxes go to providing water, sewer, police and road clearing services. Income taxes are what you pay to allow the governments to function. Paying income taxes is what gives you a say in how your town, where you live most of the time. If I owned a cottage in the Hamptons, I wouldn't expect that I would have any say on how they conduct their business. Even if it included my view, or my perception of what was right. For that matter, the fact that it was in the states wouldn't allow me the luxury of having a say AT ALL.

I'm rambling a bit, but I'm trying to say what I have to say without emotion or the hatred of someone clouding the issue.

I think the point I have to say is this.

You don't want a 12 story tower in your sleepy little cottage town you visit. Fine. Sell your cottage and buy one somewhere else.

You don't want this beach to turn into "Miami Beach North". So? I do. And since I live here full time, my say weighs more than yours.

You don't want the towers, but you live here full time? Fine. You get a say. BUT, you do need to realize the fact that change and progress are inevitable. At least, this way, we can get benefits out of the change and help control it. If a developer buys the property adjacent to it, and decides to put up a 12 story tower, there will be NO amenities, and nothing we can do about that fact.

At least the legislation automatically reverts ANY private beaches to town control (making them PUBLIC) whenever an application is made to rezone those properties. (My personal opinion is that it should be whenever the property is sold.)

I just can't see the downside here.

My Speech to Town Council

2010-03-01T20:33:00.001-08:00

Our community has and is being exploited for the benefit of the few, to the detriment of the many. Few will argue against this. Except of course those who are paid to do so.

Any new vision, idea, concept or even plain old common sense is scorned and attacked! They live in a cave and their silly little world is all that exists. They have no idea how the rest of the world sees them.

I read this in the online media. I was impressed with the turn of phrase. However, the comedic factor here is that it was written in OPPOSITION to the Bay Beach proposal.

I’ve been following the Medias very closely these last few weeks. Some other nuggets I’ve found are. And I paraphrase…

Mayor Martin is likened to Joseph Goebbels.

Councilor Lockwood is on the take and has no regard for the people in her riding.

Councilor Annunziata doesn’t care about this town anymore since he’s seeking the PC nomination for the province.

Councilor Whitfield has personal issues with anyone who disagrees with his point of view.

Councilor Schular wants to be part of the Old Boys Club and will do anything to get there.

The Town Planner and CAO live in Grimsby, and don’t care what happens to our town, as long as they get their cut.

Councilors Steckley and Noyse…well, nothing actually.

It’s funny to me that only the councilors that vote against the project are exempt from the muck slinging. It seems that since all logical arguments have been given solutions and all illogical arguments been dismissed, the opposition has no choice but to personally attack the people trying to make our town a vibrant and wonderful place to live.

None of the supporters have made any accusations like Councilor Noyse is on the take from the FOCB. Why? Because we a: won’t stoop to their level and b: don’t believe it anyways. I believe that each member of council is voting their own opinion and conscience. As it should be.

Now I know what you’re saying. What does this have to do with the bay beach proposal? How does this help us make a decision regarding the bylaw amendments?

Well, I wanted to clear the air that’s been befouled by the anti proposal people. You as a council have been subjected to so much abuse over these proceedings, and I wanted to show that not everyone has it out for you. The Council has not heard from the “Silent Majority” since that silence is due to the fact that you don’t really need to speak out when the council is doing what you agree with anyways. And I assure you, that in my discussions around town, it IS a majority.

My personal opinion hasn’t changed. In fact, it’s become more solid than ever. This proposal has the potential to galvanize growth and change the face of Crystal Beach. I look forward to that.

My wife says that she’s not entirely happy with the 12 story height, but that as a compromise with the net benefits to us, it’s better than the alternative of a park that will be destroyed in days, a useless splash pad that stands beside a splash pad created by nature, or nothing at all.

Looking at the proposal, I start to feel excitement for the project. I think the promenade is a beautiful addition to the beach. I think that an outdoor stage that could be utilized for things like Jazz festivals, movie nights, rock concerts or other contests like body building or dance is an exciting venue option that could be an amazing draw.

I want to have a town where the people that live there are Proud to invite guests and family to visit, to take in the beach and the surrounding town’s shops and restaurants. Who are Proud when our town’s name is in the news, for positive reasons instead of a closing hospital or failing racetrack.

Or would you rather continue to have a town where the only thing I’ve heard people be proud of is defecating alongside the Friendship trail?

Thank You.

The opposite side calling the kettle black...

2010-02-15T19:11:00.000-08:00

Hi Gang...

Copied this off the uniblogger's site. This person was attacking the positive side, but made our point better than even I could...

Quote:

Any new vision, idea, concept or even plain old common sense is scorned and attacked! They live in a cave and their silly little world is all there that exists. They have no idea how the rest of the world sees them.

Forgive them. The more they spew their hate the more they show the world their true selves. They do not yet understand that they are puppets for the benefit and profit of others.

The rest of the world has arrived.

Thank you Anonymous.

That about says it all.

Nice of you to call out Bowers and the rest of the Negative Nancys.

Godwin's Law

2010-02-08T06:41:00.001-08:00

Ok, from the internet comes the most famous Law...slightly more famous than Rule 34 of the internet, which is If you can think of some bizarre whacky disgusting kink, it already has at least 10 websites.

No, I'm talking about Godwin's Law. Godwin's Law states "As an online discussion grows longer, the probability of a comparison involving Nazis or Hitler approaches 1."

In other words, The rule does not make any statement about whether any particular reference or comparison to Adolf Hitler or the Nazis might be appropriate, but only asserts that the likelihood of such a reference or comparison arising increases as the discussion progresses. It is precisely because such a comparison or reference may sometimes be appropriate, Godwin has argued^[4] that overuse of Nazi and Hitler comparisons should be avoided, because it robs the valid comparisons of their impact.

It's common usage states that once such a comparison is made, the thread is finished and whoever mentioned the Nazis has automatically "lost" whatever debate was in progress.

This all comes from Wikipedia, but I would deem it to be a true and correct page.

So therefore, by likening The Mayor to Joseph Goebbels and those in favour of the Molinaro Project the Vershoenerung Committeee, she has lost this argument for her and her followers and the Bay Beach project can go along without opposition.

Case Closed, your Honour.

Reading comprehension

2010-02-02T19:46:00.000-08:00

Well now...

It seems that I have been insulted by the Unablogger. Ouch, I am skewer-ed.

Apparently, it seems that I cannot understand the drivel I've been reading on her website and her blog. And apparently, my cogent and intelligent arguments (when not calling her a waste of skin) are too hard for her to follow.

So here we are, to paraphrase her...

You Stupid.
You tell lies on writey thing.
You mean and me not like you.

Hopefully that's simple enough for The Editor to understand.

Oh, also...Take whatever shots at me you want. However, you've fucked with my friends and family.

It's On.

A New Low

2010-01-30T15:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, the Strand's Editor AKA Uniblogger has done it again.

After a cowardly and pathetic retributional maiming of an innocent car, which timing was a little to suspect to be entirely unrelated to the Bay Beach discussions, the owner of the car went public with her suspicions and informed the media.

The story came out, and this Bowers woman decided to jump on her snappy little laptop and go after the paper, the shop owner, and the media in general. She even went so far as to intimate that the damage was probably caused by the woman's OWN CHILDREN. I responded to this posting, with the below remarks, but since there is no way in hell I'll be posted on her blog, I'll have to do it on mine.

I wrote:

Just out of curiosity, you do realise that a: you sound like a complete
tool. b: Mia's kids are all grown, hard working individuals and unlike
you, contribuiting members of society and c: it wasn't just covered in
our little town. It was covered by CH news, and one of your anti people
was more than happy to be interviewed and jump on this horrible
situation for his side's own gains.

This incident happened just after the council meeting ended, and was
quite obviously targeted since the people in question live nowhere near
the store or the main strip. The timing is a little too suspect to be
completely unrelated. And speaking of unrelated, the giant adirondac
chair being graffitti'd had nothing to do with pro-molinaros...it was
quite obviously tagged by teenagers...probably american tourists like
the jackholes who tried to burn down my house.

Grow the fuck up, you useless waste of skin.

Oh, and since this won't be posted on your waste of electrons, I will
be posting it on my blog and on the Stranded where all such wonderful
retorts to your psychopathic drivel are placed.
Have a nice day.

So that's what I wrote. As I said, the gloves are off (thank you SB) and I don't have to be nice anymore. She wants ugly, I'll hold up the mirror.

The Strand Blog and it's One Sided Comments

2010-01-29T19:20:00.000-08:00

My Wife was disgusted with the sewage that comes out of this woman's mouth online, and sent a comment in to the Strand woman. Since the woman vets anything that comes on her site, with no surprise it was not printed. I therefore allow you to read the post here in all it's glory.

As I know that this post will be deleted, I have no problem once again telling you that I think that you need to get a life.

You are aware are you not that this is not a real news forum. You have been heard, you don't want a 12 story building in the beach. What you do not realize that it is not about you, the American Summer residents, or the aging population of the beach that will not be here in the next 10 -20 years. What matters is a vital community for those of us that have children here in Crystal beach and Fort Erie and would like there to be a vibrant and clean future for our families. It seems that you will make any disparaging remarks that you can to sway the public into thinking that what you are spewing is not the lies and half-truths that they really are. I have noticed that you targeted the neighbors of the council to try and make it look that your lowly FOCB membership of about 40 maybe 50 people was much larger than it is. When I, doing my own due diligence asked some people why it was they had those signs on their lawns it was very interesting to hear the imaginative responses that I heard. None of which were actual issues that are concerns with this project.

I don't like that there is going to be a 12 story condo on the waterfront. That said, I would rather a 12 story condo than our forest land cut down for single family dwellings. I would also rather see that 12 story building than a stupid splash pad . Why on God's green earth would anyone go to the beach...a large natural splash pad to hang out at a concrete one or a park where our kids can hang out and get into trouble. I have seen nothing but a first class beautiful compromise for the problem facing crystal beach. what would you like it to look like to fit into our community? A run down dilapidated crappy cottage? That would make it blend in just perfectly.

I find it interesting that you find it easy to spout your venomous remarks here on the internet where it is easy to hide.. I don't recall seeing you get the nerve to speak for yourself. After watching the council meeting in it's entirety, your reporting on the meeting was less than accurate. The interrogation and debating, not clarification from Ms. Noyes made it clear to me that as a long term council member she has no respect for the office. The obvious campaigning that she was doing did not win any votes from anybody that I have spoken to that watched her theatrics. the only bonus is that we may be finally rid of her in the town... She is very self serving and those of you that think that she is actually in this debate because that is what she thinks is good for the village of Crystal beach and The Town of Fort Erie you are greatly mistaken.. she has consistently on any issue came out to support those who have whined the loudest or longest. A true Politician. Perhaps if you do not want the hypothetical future council to not "give" the condo owners the beach.. which will never happen by the way, you should be on council yourself instead of sitting here behind your computer.

Perhaps you can let us know about the good things going on in Crystal Beach or Condemn that cowards that didn't like what Mia had to say and let her know by vandalizing her car. now talk about childish..

I am a friend of crystal beach, maybe the FOCB needs to learn what that means.

New Direction - Crystal Beach Development Project

2010-01-29T19:00:00.000-08:00

Ok. I can't take much more of this being a nice guy and letting the negative people say whatever they want without calling them on the carpet.

I'm going to re-post some of the relevant portions of the latest bits in The Strand...a left wing rag of lies masquerading as a legitimate news source.

A few members of what is often called
Vershoenerung Committee spoke in favour of the Molinaro Project, one even praising
Ward 5 Councillor: "Thank God, for Martha Lockwood as our councillor." (Of course the
mayor let that remark stand as well as Jim Thibert's insult of Ann Marie when she asked
him a question.) This despite a firm list of dos and don'ts supplied with the agenda and a
reiteration of those rules before the meeting began. The treatment of the presenters was
very one-sided, highlighted with the laughable deliberate ignoring of two speakers, Tom
Lewis and John Papdakis until the very end. As expected, neither were able to make their
point as they were interrupted by the mayor and Ward 4 Councillor Tim Whitfield and told
they were "off-topic" before two words were out of their mouths. Too bad there was a
sparse audience to see democracy in action.

Ok. I'm not sure what a Vershoenerung Committee is, but I'm sure it's insulting and probably racist. Second, Jim Thibert WAS slapped down for his commentary by the Mayor when he got out of line. Third, he left the two biggest shmucks for last since he wanted to let the "normal" people get their say, before these two Politicians got their chance to orate. One attacked the council directly and showed an amazing lack of respect for the Town Council. The second turned the podium so he could play to the audience and the camera better, as he will be running in this election. They ranged all over the map, bringing in topics that ranged the entire town, using this very volatile issue to get in some early electioneering. Pathetic and rather slimy.

As was often the case, both Martha and Martin did not
even look at, or appear to be listening to the presenters who were opposed to the rezoning.
Martha was seen making faces when certain points were made, despite the very polite
behaviour of the audience.

First off, I've seen the copious amount of notes Councilor Lockwood was making. Hence the not staring blankly at the presenters. And looks of disgust, admiration or flat disbelief is part of being human. Unless you want councilors made of stone, that's what happens.

None of this was lost on the many who came to this meeting hoping to hear both sides and
see what those in opposition had to say. Instead, the mayor, in a feeble gesture to explain
away the many yellow sign on his own street, said that he went around and talked to his
neighbours and told them the truth, and the signs came down. Sorry, mayor, that is a lie.
The people who canvassed your neighbourhood did not tell lies, not did many of the signs
come down. They were still there a couple of weeks later when I took pictures of them all
over the neighbourhood. It surely must have been embarrassing for you to know that your
neighbours are opposed to the Molinaro Plan and frankly, are very disappointed in your
over-all performance as mayor.

Well, since I was canvassed as well, and I know the truth behind the lies being spread by the FOCB, I can honestly say I was told outright lies and that scare tactics were being used. If I didn't know the truth about what is being planned, I'd be putting a sign on my lawn too. "They're giving away the beach!" or "They will close it to the public and no one will be able to use it" are my favourites.

Time will tell on all of this, but we will not be surprised when Ron Palmer, the consultant
hired by the town for over $30K comes back with a recommendation to approve the
rezoning, despite a;; the evidence and sentiment to the contrary.

This is just outrageous. They have condemned a man who is doing his job, and has a reputation as being fair and impartial before he's even done the work. If you want to call him a paid gun AFTER his report has come out, that's your business. (It's also slander, but there you go.) But to assume he's going to come down on the side of the Molinaro's before he's even had a chance to look is frigging ignorant. And I'd like to see the evidence.

This will get nastier before it gets better. But since this is the internet, I can be as disagreeable as I want.

And I'm not going to let them get away with this anymore, if I can help it.

Crackbook...gotta love it

2007-06-11T17:09:00.000-07:00

This is a quickie, but join facebook.

Honestly, it's a huge time suck, you get way too addicted, but I don't want to be the only one addicted...and apparently I'm not.

Seriously though, this facebook thing has been amazing. I've connected with old friends that I haven't seen since grade school, high school, college...everything...

it's been awesome...join, and believe...

Gas Station Tools of the Day

2007-05-09T13:18:00.000-07:00

Ok, I know what you're thinking...friggin gas prices.

Nope, not what the rant is about today.

I'm pissed about the automatic pump shut off.

When you use interac on the pump, and ask for, say $20 worth. It accepts and proceeds to pump out exactly $20 worth. Fine and dandy...

However, the damn machine hits $19.60 and it SLOWS DOWN to a trickle for the last .40 cents. WHY? This is ocmpletely ridiculous. Honestly. Why? it doesn't make sense. The computer can stop the damn thing on a dime. I'd even accept the last .10 cents...but 40?

In the summer, it's merely annoying. In the winter, it's freakin freezing.

It also makes the company that uses this kind of pump, the Tool of the Day.

this is NOT going to make me popular

2007-04-13T12:42:00.000-07:00

Ok...I'm going to get flamed by anyone who reads this who has had a survivor or a loss, but here goes.

I am sick to death of hearing about Breast Cancer.

Always with the Breast Cancer Awareness. Enough already.

Raising money for a cure...fine. But it's been almost 20 years of "raising awareness"...we're freaking aware.

Breast cancer has the best early detection, the best treatment options and the best survival rate. We're well aware of breast cancer now...let's work on some others.

My mother in law had Cervical Cancer. She survived, but barely...they JUST managed to find it in time. It's called the silent killer. most women don't even know they have it. There is no home check. The prognosis is NOT good.

Let's start raising awareness of a cancer that kills thousands of women a year, instead of one that everyone knows about and is already taking steps to avoid and diagnose early.

Honestly, I think raising money to fund research for whatever cancer you want will help lead to a blanket cure for cancer of all kinds. Advances in one are more than likely transferable.

I just don't want to hear from one more freaking person who does something stupid like swim across Lake Ontario or something to raise awareness.

I'm bloody well aware.

Skunks must die.

2007-03-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

Ok...I hate skunks.

I wanted one, descented of course, as a pet once. Now I hate them.

My house got skunked last night. Not a new phenom, as there are lots of skunks and stray cats that clash in the summer. However this felt like inside my house.

I was woken up from a sound sleep by it, and thought it was a gas leak. We evacuated the kids to the church and waited for the gas company to check it out.

Nope, skunk.

And now I have to go back in armed with air sanitiser and Febreeze before I can bring the kids back.

And to top it all off, my internet has been down for over a week while I change providers...I'm going freaking insane....ARRRGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!!

(and apparently there is nothing comparable to the little bastard skunk in Oz, so Miss Krin and the gang won't understand...the North Americans will commiserate though...)

New Addiction

2007-03-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

Ok, for those of you who don't know about Facebook...

it is a networking website dedicated to what I can only describe as the 6 degrees of separation in practice.

Once you have a login, you search for friends...then look through their friends, and then their friends, and so on and so on.

I got an account a few months back, and didn't really do much with it. Then another friend sent me a message, and I started dicking around with it. WOW!! within about 3 hours, I had contacted high school friends, people I went to college with, conventions friends, work friends, Renn Faire buddies...and it isn't stopping. Each new friend I find I connect with someone else I know/knew. Hell, I'm so addicted I've been spending more time with Facebook that KoL...eeep!

Total new addiction...try it...it's free...

sigh....I did it again

2007-02-26T16:43:00.000-08:00

No, I didn't shave my head a la Brittney.

I voiced an opinion on the Bards list and turned everyone against me. I simply postulated that there might be room at a circle for more than just dirges and laments.

I was a little wordier, but that's the jist.

Boy, did I get torn a new one. There were a few people, however, that rallied to my side so I guess it's ok.

Ever feel like you're hitting your head against a wall? Repeatedly? and that you can hear your brain sloshing around in there?

Random Stuff

2007-02-24T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ok, it's been a while.

Things that are happening.

My wife got a new job, and I'm Mr. Mom.

My good friend Risby Roan is now a new DJ on Radio KoL www.radio-kol.net

life is interesting.

or not, depending how you look at it.

Oh, and this neeto thing someone sent me...

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is:
The Very Reverend Gyric the Profuse of Wallop upon Deane
Get your Peculiar Aristocratic Title

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2006-12-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well folks...

I hope everyone has had a Merry Christmas. Ours was not so, as the kids are still sick and we had to cancel our Christmas plans. No travel to Grandma's, no travel to cousins.

We basically stayed at home and watched movies. Wasn't very good day. Children upset and screaming, puking and generally upset wife. As it was her birthday as well, it just wasn't a fun Christmas day. I did my best to help, but wasn't enough.

Oh well, New Year's Eve might be better...Oh God, I hope so.

There wasn't even any freaking snow!!! ( I know that means nothing to our Austrailian friends.) I mean, that's just not Canadian...sheesh.

So to all my friends, I hope the new year brings beneficial change, happiness in bounds, and all the love in the world...in whatever form it might take.

Love to all

Gyric

Wicked Cool...

2006-12-12T14:15:00.000-08:00

I mean it...honestly.

I just saw Wicked on Wednesday last.

It's the story, or rather the pre-story to the Wizard of Oz...how the witch got so wicked, who she was when she was born/grew up.

Awesome story, AWESOME music, and awesome brain melt. It will make you look at the Wizard of Oz so COMPLETELY different you won't be able to watch it the same again.

I mean that in a good way, of course.

I highly suggest that if it comes to a town near you you go see it. It is by far the best musical I have seen in probably 20 years, if not THE best one. (and don't forget, I do this for a living)

check out www.wickedthemusical.com

Oh, and for afficianados, the woman playing the witch in the recordings is the same woman who played Maureen in Rent on Broadway.

In Requiem

2006-12-04T19:49:00.000-08:00

It is with a sad and heavy heart that I pass on the Death of Count Sir Sarnac ba'hadur.

He died this morning of a pulmonary embolism.

Ealdormere has lost one of Her Paramount Knights. A voice of reason, heart, honesty and fairness. Always available for a tip or hint in fighting, always good for a laugh or counsel.

We have lost another of our Titans.

Our recovery will be slow.

We will miss him. May he already have taken the field with Osis and Jafar, and all the others we have lost in this game we have made for The Dream.

Long Time Gone :(

2006-11-20T10:38:00.000-08:00

Hiya Folks...

Been up to me arse in alligators. Sick kids, sick wife, sick me.

Kids have a cold, I had one and the wife is a longer story.

Lori had an absess tooth. We went to the emergency room to get it looked at. They put her on a high dose painkiller and penicillin. Then she started to have problems.

She started to get red and itchy. Then, it was like fire ants eating her. After 3 trips to the Emergency room over the next few days, and finally a trip to the local Urgent Care Clinic before they decided that she is now allergic to penicillin. Basically, she was in full systemic allergic reaction and her skin was burning off from the inside out. It looks like she fell asleep on a tanning bed for a dozen hours.

She's doing better now, but it's still pretty painful.

It's been tense around here, but ok.

Pennsic Classes, Final Post about this

2006-10-19T21:13:00.000-07:00

Ok, well here we go.

So at the second class, I had to double check my facial recognition programs, because I had a stunning redhead sitting front and center, and shoeless to boot. Unfortunately, I didn't immediately recognise her because the had lovely short flirty sexy hair, and not the fake Princess Leia buns I had met her in. (Still think I like the short hair more, BT)

Anyways, as said...first class was a success. Second class looked like it was going to be a whopper. (Warning: Adult content coming up, children don't look...)

We ended up with about 50 people at the class, which was absolutely awesome...I was in heaven. People who had taken my class before, new people who had never, and even some people who walked down the hill when they heard us singing. And believe me, I was in full swing. Loud, abrasive, obnoxious, foul mouthed...and those were the good parts. We were having a grand old time, with no children to have to curb our baser instincts to, and having a grand old time.

At the end of the class, everyone seemed a little upset it was over. Not me, as my voice was almost done in with most of an hour talking and singing. As people were singing, I was approached by the stunning redhead (whom I had by this time had put two and tow together)(and no, that's not a spelling mistake, it's a joke). I was humbled and awed to be given a Baroness's Favour (or whatever the equivalent is, Miss BT will have to correct me) from the Barony of Rowany.(sp) I am currently sewing it to a belt dag and am going to wear it for bragging rights.

The next day I showed up for my next class, and was met by someone from Coxcomb Academy. I was informed that I was inches away from being shut down the day before. I got a little perturbed, as I did EXACTLY what I intended and told people I was doing. I even posted in the class description "No one under the age of 18 allowed" so I was more than a little indignant. That is, until he explained. He told me that it wasn't my fault, as I indeed informed everyone as to the nature of my class. However, although the schedulers of classes had all the descriptions, they apparently did not read them. I discovered to my distress that some nimrod a-hole decided to schedule my VERY Bawdy class at 6:00 pm in the big tent beside the amphitheatre, and the Children's Magic Show AT the Amphitheatre at 7:00 pm. So as of about 6:45, children are starting to show up to get seats.

Eeep! Right at the height of my diatribe and ribaldy.

Fortunately, Captain Matthew of Coxcomb threw himself on that grenade and took all the kids to the far side of the stage and did lots of loud "Look at me! I'm a silly clown man" things to distract them.

Hmmm...I still owe him a beer for that one...

Anyways, the third class went off well, and was attended by Og. It's quite an honour. Honest.

I decided to add a second very bawdy class, and although I did not get it into the Pennsic Independent, I still had over 25 people in the class.

I am looking SO forward to teaching again next year. It's nice to not only get away from the Church songs I do all year in real life, it's nice to bring people down to the level that is not so full of themselves that they can't have a good time.

Oh, and to cap it off...I was sitting at a campfire with some friends, and 2 young lads came marching up from the swamp singing one of my songs. I hailed them and asked if they had attended the class, and was informed that although they did not, their Camp Mother did and had taught them.

How cool is that?

Oh yeah, and Miss BT was a viking.

sheepish grin...

2006-10-15T19:54:00.000-07:00

Hi gang..

sorry, things have just been stupid busy lately.

Between the work I've gotten lately, my wife starting a new job, my eldest starting school and the middle one starting his intensive-therapy preschool, I haven't had 3 seconds to myself.

I did write a continuation to the classes post, but something went kaflooie and it didn't post.

However, I am back now, after 3 days without power because of a massive freak snow storm that devastated my town. It was terrifying...I have a 160' tulip tree in my backyard, and things were falling out of it on my roof. I thought for sure that it was coming down and crushing my house...it didn't though.

The 6" or more of snow accumulated on the trees, and since they hadn't lost the leaves yet, the branches got stupid heavy and were shearing off left, right and centre. Also, because the ground isn't frozen yet, the extra weight of the snow has been uprooting trees. I'm going to go out tomorrow and take pictures of the destruction aftermath. It looks like a tornado went through here.

I'll post them soon, but suffice it to say everyone is ok, and there isn't much damage to my house...just a piece of fence that was crushed.

So to answer your question BT, no, it isn't really interesting in a good way, but still keeping me hopping.

Pennsic Classes

2006-09-25T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, here's the fast post on classes.

So I am teaching dirty songs and drinking songs at Pennsic. The first year I did it, I made 50 copies of the one class I was teaching, and taught it twice. I freaked out a bit about actually getting maybe 15 or so people in the first class, but then they would tell friends and I'd get the other 20 or so for the second. I figured I was going to take a bath on the photocopying, but what the hell, I tried. Bawdy songs are not well appreciated in my kingdom.

So imagine my suprise when almost 40 people showed up. I ran out to make more photocopies and managed to make enough for the second class which was bigger.

So this year, I taught two classes...a beginners and an advanced. I made 50 copies of each songbook figuring I could make more for the second time I taught the beginners class (I was slated to do 2 beg. and 1 adv.)

Well, I show up for my first class and there are about 9 people there to begin. My heart sunk..."This does not bode well" I thought. Then a few more trickled in, then a few more...all of a sudden, there was a deluge of people clamouring for copies!!! I felt much better then, and after a wonderful class, I told people to be sure to come back tomorrow for the advanced class.

So low and behold, when I showed up for the next class, the Excedingly Bawdy class, things got interesting...

more to follow

(and Miss BT, you're almost there...a viking we will go...)

Sorry Gang...

2006-09-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

I was asked to come and be a lighting designer and operator for a new company.

Well, when I say new, I mean to me. An old friend and boss suggested me to this guy, and I think it's worked out pretty good. I did lighting for the Johnny Max Band (I'll post the link later...he was awesome) and for some Beatles tribute band, ABBA Gold and Honeymoon Suite!!! Yes, the original. Johnny D loved the lighting, and it was all cheese in my mind...I just bumped the lights around in time to the music. Apparently, being able to do so is a rare skill.

So anyways, after being at this job for 20 hours a day, I've been away from everything. Fortunately, it's a short term thing and I go back to regular as of tomorrow.

I'm going to sleep now.

And Miss BT, you can be a Viking in the next post.

Je ma Tired

2006-09-06T18:03:00.000-07:00

I'm wiped tonight...

Kids up all night...worked all day...had to think AND work...logic and safety thinking today.

I'm also working like stink all weekend, so it's going to be very interesting.

Also, I finally got my winamp working again. Which means I can listen to Radio KoL again. Which means I can listen to ADH AGAIN!!! YAY!!!

I am an absolute slave to ADeadHeart. I've never actually been able to talk to her live (as in not in chat), but I am in thrall. She is a fantastic DJ, sexy as hell voice, especially when she sings, and a very cool person. I am absolutely in Platonic Love. For those of you who don't know KoL, follow the link. Learn it. Live it.

ADH is worth listening to anytime I can.

Listen for yourself and you be the judge.

Next post, Pennsic Classes....

Evil

2006-09-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

You Are 72% Evil

You are very evil. And you're too evil to care.
Those who love you probably also fear you. A lot.

How Evil Are You?

Ok, couldn't resist this one...and it's true...I am 3/4 evil...L

Vegemite

2006-09-02T03:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, before I get into the next Pennsic post, I figured I'd take time to talk about Vegemite (tm).

It is brown, foul smelling sludge. I'm given to understand it's the crap left at the bottom of the beer barrels after brewing.

Some whackjob Aussie decided (on a drunken dare, I'm assuming) to eat some of it.

It's salty, yeasty and generally quite digusting looking.

I like it.

It's good on toast, english muffins and apparently bananas. I haven't tried mixing some in to bread or muffins I'm making, but it should provide extra yeasty flavour. I don't know if it's active yeast, but it will be an interesting experiment.

It is also, apparently, nature's best hangove cure. The Aussie boys swear by it, and I believe Sir Gregory recommended it to me for same said thing. I don't often drink, but it will be interesting to try.

My only problem will be finding it when I run out...

Movie Review

2006-09-02T02:54:00.000-07:00

Ok...as I said, I went to see Cars and Superman Returns.

Cars...what can I say? Fantastic movie...Great for the kids, good jokes for adults, music fabulous, animation wonderful, good cast, great story and hell, it's racing.

I felt that this is a must see and must own. Pixar can't seem to screw things up enough to fail. I don't recall a single movie of theirs I didn't like. (and I should, because my kid will watch each one of the HUNDREDS of times...the last favourite was Toy Story 2...) I recommend this movie to race fans, children, adults and anyone in between. Feel good movie.

On the other hand, we had Superman Returns.

This movie, although I loved it, is an acquired taste.

You have to be a Superman fan to get this movie's subtle jokes and touches. I really liked the way that they used the special effects that were started in Smallville. It's a nice way to keep continuity in the continuum. I also thought the main character had Christopher Reeves' Clark Kent manerisms down so well you sometimes forgot it was a new actor. He looked great as Superman, and wonderful as Clark. I wasn't too keen on Lois at the start, but she did ok.

Now Kevin Spacey as Lex Luthor.

Wow.

He always plays a great psycho, but this was inspired casting. I was more than impressed.

The only downfall for me was Parker Posey. She just drives me nuts, I dislike her as an actress and am annoyed just seeing her onscreen. Nothing about her performance, I just don't like looking at her.

My wife fell asleep (as is her want in movies) and missed huge chunks, but wasn't impressed in general. Again, you have to be a hardcore fan to really enjoy this. They made a very good choice in simply continuing the story, instead of re-inventing it...as much as I love seeing what people do when they tell the story anew, (Spiderman, Batman, Hulk, Fantastic Four to name a few) I hate having to sit through the first movie. I dislike first movies of a comic book because they have no choice...they have to do the creation story. As an avid reader of comics in my youth, I already know how they got their powers. Updated for the new millenium, I understand...I just don't like losing half the movie to the power generation story. The second movie is generally better...more action, more story. However, as the Superman myth is so firmly established in our society, it doesn't need to be told again.

I almost forgot. The absolute best part of the whole movie was...the music. I was not only impressed, but absolutely giddy about the fact they DID NOT CHANGE THE THEME MUSIC!!! Superman and related themes from the movies, written by John Williams, is one of the most powerful and recognisable themes ever written...that, Indiana Jones and Star Wars being the most known. (Hmm...same composer, go figure.)

As I say, great movie if you're a hardcore, die hard fan. Ok movie if you like Superman. Poor movie if you don't really know anything about Superman to begin with.

Take what you want out of that.

I Lied

2006-09-01T15:44:00.000-07:00

Hey gang...

My friends Tempus made me a web page for my Bawdy Songs Class, so I'm blogging about that for a second...

The addy is www.theweebsite.com/bawdysongs

I think this is so cool...L

All my song books are available there, and I will be updating them as well as news and such...

Wassail Tempus!!!

Drive In

2006-09-01T05:47:00.000-07:00

Ok, last night I went to pretty much to only remaining Drive In movie theatre in southern Ontario. Might even be THE only one in Ontario, but I can't prove that.

We saw Cars and Superman Returns...I'll get to that in a minute.

Weird things about drive ins...or this one anyways.

1. Cash Only
2. where you sit is not necessarily in your car
3. it seems popular still, why aren't there more?
4. they discourage "hopping"...why?

1. Cash Only - Who the hell is CASH ONLY in this society anymore? I managed (barely) to scrape together enough cash by scrounging in my car to pay the entrance. I never carry cash, or at least very little. I burn through 4 or 5 Interac cards a year.

2. Last night, I saw people in lawn chairs (guilty of that on occasion, but last night was COLD), people on the hood of the car, people on the roof of their van and 8 or 9 people who brought a trailer with couches (or sofas for the non-Canadian linguist). MInd you, I thought that was brilliant, and much more comfy, but strange none the less.

3. Even when I have gone on a wednesday or thursday, the place is always hopping, if not packed. When you think about it, $8 for a movie is a pretty good price now, and $8 for two is unheard of. Pretty good bang for your buck. I guess more people want super THX surround systems with big padded seats and a clearer screen...but it's just fun to go...unless you have 3 whiny kids who climb all over your car, but still fun.

4. Hopping is leaving one movie screen for another.I try to avoid it, but I do see the necessity. The people who decide which two (or three, I've seen that too) movies are shown together. These guys have their head up their asses. The first time I went to see Cars it was on with Pirates of the Carribean 2. I though freakin' A, this will rock...finally 2 movies I want to see together...However, the moron's put Cars SECOND! So the movie didn't start until almost 1am. What kid is able to stay up that long? Well, the 4 year old almost made it to the end...and I was proud of him. This time, Cars was playing with Invincible (never heard of it) and Superman was playing with Beer-something, the new Broken Lizard movie. Don't get me wrong, I want to see that one because I LOVE the BL guys. However, it's not really a movie I can see with my kids. The solution, and I apparently inspired people, was to turn the car around and park next to the fence and watch the movie on the other screen, then turn it back around to watch the one you want.

I love drive ins. I never went to them as a kid, so it's not nostalgia. I just like smuggling in food, setting up the lawn chairs, getting the kids settled in the back of the station wagon and having a nice time.

Try it, if you can...well worth it.

Next post...either Movie reviews or the continuation of the Pennsic story...depends on my mood...

Pennsic part 3 of ???

2006-08-31T08:42:00.000-07:00

Ok...so now that you know the back story, I can continue.

So up I head to find the Kingdom of Lochac encampment, which was suprisingly easy as I had to walk past it every time I went to the car.

I hailed the camp, was invited in, and promptly forgot the name of the Baroness I wanted to find. So I asked the assorted group for a Baroness, landed, singer and one who carried the Vegemite all the way from Oz for me. A gracious and lovely Lady helped me figure out whom I was looking for, and then told me that she was sleeping at the moment. I told them I would return later in the afternoon.

I did so, and once again the lovely and gracious Lady invited me in and introduced me to Baggy Trousers. I was told I was on her list to find today, and how wonderful to meet me, etc. etc. I was presented with the Vegemite, and was given lots of helpful advice on how to eat it...spread thinly, on toast, with jam, or peanut butter, or on a Banana. One helpful Lord suggested right off the best way to eat it was by the spoonfull. I instantly suspected he might be having fun with the poor relation from Canada. (yes, I'm not completely stupid...L)

During these discussions, I found myself unable to resist acquiring the Australian accent. I am a mimic, and a musician, so musical lilts and other accents leap into my mouth without bidding and refuse to leave...kind of like a deadbeat friend who sleeps on your couch for months on end. So, having met Miss J and BT and assorted others, including seeing an old friend who is living there at the moment, the Gracious Lady was talking with me about incosequentials. My heart dropped into my boots when someone came over and asked HER MAJESTY if she needed anything. With what I assume was a sickly expression, I inquired if she was indeed the Queen of Lochac, (which she was) and then proceeded to (nicely) curse her and all stealth royals soundly and firmly. Even though this is a game, I still like to play it...when Royalty hides and I'm caught unawares it always bugs the crap out of me. The Queen seemed inordinately pleased by my ire, and smirks all around were passed at my expense...I also found out later that the wrong pictures of Their Majesties were published in the handbook, so I could have been forgiven...although I didn't even look at the book.

So I did invite the Court down for English Muffins and Vegemite and a big Canadian breakfast. Only BT managed to make it, but I sent up a care package to the others who couldn't.

Next post, the dreaded classes....

(added note...for those of you unfamiliar with the particulars, I realised I didn't mention that the Lady I met online at KoL was Miss Krin...)

Pennsic Part 2 of ???

2006-08-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

I'll fill in the question marks when I'm done.

Ok, well, when last we left out intrepid explorer, he was on his way home with the kid...

Got home. Send boy to Camp Grandma. Got babysitter for other kids. Went back.

Fairly straight forward.

Upon returning, I spent most of the week doing odd jobs and setting up camp.

And taking the odd class that I wanted to. It was fun.

This War was kind of wierd for me, as I was not allowed to fight. (medically, I have a hernia) So my regular scheduled battles did not take place. Which was ok, I guess...more time for classes.

OMG...I forgot the hell time I had getting to Pennsic in the first place!!!

As we hit the border, I looked at my trailer and realised that it was shifted WAY over to one side. I stopped in line at customs and tried to shift it back, but only partially succeeded. So I crossed, and looked for somewhere to stop off the highway to try to do some repairs. I've retrofitted my big, ugly bed frame that I made of 2x4 and 2x8's so that I could use smaller head and foot boards to make a trailer frame. Unfortunately, I realised I forgot to put the back spacer bar in at the foot of the frame, and the damn thing twisted and splintered on me. So in the parking lot of a church, I'm hammering and tieing the load down so that I could limp to War. About the time I hit Erie, I realised that I left my damn hammer in said parking lot. As it was a hammer I had had since College, I was (am) a little pissed. BUt we made it ok.

Anyways...sometime in that week I went in search of Miss L.

Now, another back story...I teach classes now at Pennsic on Bawdy and Drinking songs. When I taught my first class at Pennsic 34, I did alot of web research. I happened upon the Stowe site, and the Stowegian Drinking Songs...what luck. However, there was not sheet music to the lyrics I found. So I sent an email to Lord Finn who had posted all those great songs, and received a reply from LADY Finn (my bad...the only Finn I know is male...Unconscious Sexism) who graciously sent me a copy of the CD they had just finished making as I was Kingdom Bard at the time. I had a wonderful conversation with her online and lucked out totally with the songs. Yay SCA.

Ok, I told you that story to tell you this story. (The third part of the story will wait until the next post.) I play Kingdom of Loathing. If you don't, try it. If you do, say hi. There was a nice lady online who I had chatted with a couple of times who made some comment about a Vegemite Sandwich. Of course, I had to take the mickey out of her and abuse someone who actually INGESTED Vegemite. When I mentioned I was doing research and putting together my handouts for Pennsic, she flipped and said "OMG, My Baroness is going to Pennsic for the first time...And I think she'd love to take your class...sounds right up her alley." I asked where she was from, she replied Lochac (Australia) and I smacked my head with a resounding thump as that would explain the vegemite sandwhich thing. So I promised to look for her Baroness and asked her to send me a bottle of Vegemite so that I could actually try it before I abused anyone else. Then she passed my email on to said Baroness and I was contacted so that I could meet up with her...

More on that story in the next post...

Time waster two

2006-08-30T10:24:00.000-07:00

Ok, these stupid little quizes are addictive too...

This answer came as no surprise...to anyone who knows me.

And since I should be cleaning my house, this is a big time waster...

You Are 15% Left Brained, 85% Right Brained

The left side of your brain controls verbal ability, attention to detail, and reasoning.
Left brained people are good at communication and persuading others.
If you're left brained, you are likely good at math and logic.
Your left brain prefers dogs, reading, and quiet.

The right side of your brain is all about creativity and flexibility.
Daring and intuitive, right brained people see the world in their unique way.
If you're right brained, you likely have a talent for creative writing and art.
Your right brain prefers day dreaming, philosophy, and sports.

Are You Right or Left Brained?

Silly little timewasters

2006-08-29T15:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, found this on someone's site...

You Are a Dragon

You are very charismatic and incredibly popular.People are drawn to your energy, but you are a very difficult person to get to know.You are very active - you are usually hard at work or play.You enjoy drama, and you enjoy anything unusual or eccentric.

What Mythological Creature Are You?

Silly, but fun too

The Order of the Stick...and other web comics

2006-08-28T22:14:00.000-07:00

Ok...I blame Miss Krin for this also.

While randomly looking at the links in her blogsite, I came across the Order of the Stick.

I hate web comics.

No really...I hate the fact that I can't stop reading them. I just read 340 comics in a little over 2 hours. My ass is numb, and my sides hurt from trying not to laugh loud enough to wake the rest of the house. I did the same thing with Cntrl-Alt-Del. I'll post the site later, but it's a gamer's comic. OOTS is a D&D based one. Each one strikes a chord deep in my heart...or possibly other organs.

Start reading at your own risk. Seriously. But only if you're a geek. Otherwise, they will mean absolutely nothing to you.

I rate web comics about the same as Satan Cake. Those are the McCain's frozen cakes with the see through lid. You have one little piece, and then put it back in the freezer. Then in like 15 minutes, you think "Ah, just one more" and before you know it, the empty container hits the garbage and you can barely move. Web comics are exactly like that.

I hate web comics...damn them.

Pennsic Part 1 of ???

2006-08-28T08:21:00.000-07:00

Ok, now that that's finally out of the way, I can start on the Pennsic Memories before they all blur...

The whole family left Fort Erie eventually, about 4 hours later than we planned. (fecal matter occurs...) and hit Pennsic about 6:00 pm. We set up our pop up tent, and wandered a bit to find friends and block members. We met up with Pleasance, how had taken my class last year, and she fed us some soup and stuff in the Barn.

After settling in for a bit, I found out a friend had pooched his bus in the park 'n' ride just off the highway, and needed a ride into Lyndora. So, off came the trailer (and THAT hurt with the hernia) and off to the rescue I go. I never realised how badly we're gypped by the Walmarts in Canada. HOLY crap, those WM's are HUGE!!! It's a full department store PLUS an entire grocery store with fresh meat and produce. I actually almost never needed to shop anywhere else. But anyhoo, bought the radiator fluid he needed, and headed back...bus continued to run, so all is good.

Went to sleep.

Day two:

Up and off to the Barn to meet up with the people on our Block and start the allotment dance. For the first time in History, we WEREN'T the last ones at Pennsic to turn in our map. We were done by 11:30 at the Barn. The earliest we've ever been was like 1:30 or 2:00. Quite an accomplishment.

So we proceeded to start setting up camp. Problems ensued. To describe them, I have to go back a few weeks before Pennsic to fill you in on the History.

We camp with another group, or rather they camp with us. We share all the kitchen stuff like counters and sinks and water heater with them, but a fair portion of that is theirs, which is why we decided to camp with them...to share the equipment and not have to duplicate.

About 2 or three weeks before War, our Matriarch had some life issues arise and was not going to be able to make it. The head of the people we share our camp with, who does not like me personally (and is a terribly vindictive person) decided to offer all her House's equipment to the Barony, which has neither power for the freezer and fridge, nor running water for the shower.

She off-handedly mentioned this to me at an event 2 weeks before we left for War. Apparently, she decided to screw me over, as well as all the other people in the camp to get to me. I'm supposing she figured that if I was the cause of the problems, it would cause me no end of hassle and damage my relations with the other members of my Household.

However, being of a contrary bent, I managed to procure (at some cost) almost everything that she yanked out from under me, specifically the shower. I also was able to procure a used set of taps to retrofit into an old laundry sink for our kitchen. So to all intents and purposes, we were able to deal without anything of hers. (there were a few things, but our Head of Household, how came after all, fought it out with the witch in question.)

So, back to the story...

As we started to set up camp, I put up the tent, and the shower house. Then we ran into the next problem.

We store a fair bit of our equipment down there in a storage locker we share, again, with the other household. The locker is in their name, but we pay into it. When I went to get the key from the person who had it, I was told I was not allowed to go to the locker without him...Orders from above. I was incredibly angry and frustrated as most of the things I needed to set up the camp were in the locker...hoses, electrical cords, freezer, kitchen tent, etc. I was not able to get into the locker until Sunday. So we gave up and went to Fool's Rest for the Slum Lord's Banquet.

Ah, the Slum Lord's Feast...Uncle Justinian throws a party on Saturday night and BBQ's all manner of dead things, and provides both beer and cider. He asks you bring some buns, potentially something to throw on, and/or some dead presidents to help defray. As most people don't have their kitchens really up yet, it's ideal. And you can shoot the shit with old friends and meet new ones.

Sunday was just getting the camp set up and ready so I could leave for a couple days to get the eldest to Camp Grandma.

More to come....

Links, Part II

2006-08-28T07:26:00.000-07:00

Ok, Miss Krin figured it out, so now they work.

Please enjoy, and thanks for the patience.

I'll be adding links as I go along and find neat ones...I have a few stored up.

XOXO to Miss Krin for the troubleshooting...(It's amazing how nice complete strangers can be, as I've never met her and only talked to her online...God, I love the internet.)

And apparently, I'm about to learn HTML. Now if I can only work on adding pictures to this thing...

The Links

2006-08-27T19:53:00.000-07:00

Yes yes, I know I promised Pennsic blogging, but I'm having trouble with the links.

Don't try them, as they simply will not work. Miss Krin is trying to help me, but apparently I suck at deciphering HTML. Give me a nice WYSIWYG system anyday.

Also, my phone line into the upstairs of the house has been fried somehow. I cannot use the upstairs phone, and therefore cannot use the internet. At least at home.

I'll try to have it fixed asap.

The FSM

2006-08-26T19:37:00.000-07:00

Ok, thank's to Miss J, I have now discovered the Flying Spaghetti Monster (FSM).

I have instantly been converted. All hail the FSM.

For those of you who have not heard the good word of the FSM, please go to www.venganza.org immediately.

Thank me later. I will put it in my links when I figure out how to fix them.

And we need more pirates.

Just look, you'll get it.

Work

2006-08-26T17:45:00.000-07:00

Well, I went back to work today for the first time in like a month.

I have an umbilical hernia, and haven't been allowed to work. I also went to Pennsic, so that's another chunk of time off.

It's not like I really do any work anyways...I'm in Theatre. I've been filling in for guys who are sick/injured doing set changes. I bought a back brace, and pitched in today. I'm tired, hurting a little, but generally feel useful again.

You know, it's funny...I enjoy being off, even with being constantly with my wife and kids, but you start to feel useless if it goes on too long. That's probably why I looked forward to Pennsic so much. At least there I got to teach (Bawdy songs, and let me tell you... in the next post or two), cook for people (and get praised for it, which is always a bonus) and generally have a purpose again. I even was able to cook the Turkey Dinner again this year. Despite all the horseshit leading up to it, I still enjoyed myself immensely. I didn't get out as much as I wanted, but that's ok. My disability didn't even preclude me from sitting my ass in a golf cart for a grand total of 17 hours this year between Moblility Assistance and Public Safety.

It's nice to be useful.

ZOOM!!!!

2006-08-25T19:44:00.000-07:00

Ok, went to the movies yesterday. Took all three kids and the wife.

Went to go see Superman Returns, however IT"S ALREADY LEFT THE THEATRES!!

I'm going to cry.

I didn't get a chance to go before Pennsic, and now I probably won't get to see it until it comes out on DVD.

Anyhoo, we decided to go see Zoom, instead. I loved it. I thought is was clever, cute and well worth the price of admission. (admittedly, I went to our local theatre that is $8.25 per movie anytime. But still...)

I thought the plot was fun, the casting good. Tim Allen did a creditable job at being a has-been. Not that I'm saying anything. Reminded me of Jason Nesbit.

Oh, sorry. For those of you not in the major geekdom, that was Tim's character in Galaxy Quest. If you haven't seen it, go get it now. NOW!! And those actual geeks who read this, get it on DVD. It has a Thermian language track. I'm not kidding. You can watch the whole movie translated into Thermian. Anyone who can last more than 4 minutes, you have my shock and awe.

I will be buying (or whatever) this movie when it comes out. I can't wait to see the extras.
Which is really what you buy the damned DVD for anyways, isn't it?

Which would bring me to my next rant...DVD releases that have ZERO extras. What's the freakin point? Other than to suck money out of the public now, and then again in 2 years with the "Special Edition 2 disc Collectors Box". Piss me off to no end. I want makings of, I want cast interviews, I want cut scenes and I want the FREAKING GAG REEL!!! Don't release a DVD without it being packed to the gills with extras. All you do is piss off the geeks, and honestly...they're most of your sales anyways, morons. The two prime examples are Batman Begins and The Fifth Element. TFE finally released the 2 disc, and it's phenominal, but that's besides the point. RELEASE IT FIRST. If you want to make more money, make another movie.

That's all we really want anyways.

(&*^%&^%# Teeth

2006-08-25T07:15:00.000-07:00

I can't believe how much this hurts...

I have a tooth that had a temporary filling. I think it's wearing thin, and over the last few weeks in the mornings it's just been screaming pain.

not even pain medication is touching it until much later...once the pain is gone, it's gone for the day, but until then...

Moral for the day...don't do drugs... oh wait, that's not it.

Brush your teeth...or suffer.

Another Day, Another ???

2006-08-24T08:18:00.000-07:00

Well, back at the ranch...

Make that Rancho Roundup, the theme for this years VBS. I'm working on the music to do on Sunday with the kids...nothing better than sticking kids up to sing...all the old biddies love it.

I also made English Muffins today. I ususally only do it at Camp, but it seemed to work out well. I made them at Pennsic this year a couple of times, but not as often as I usually do...scheduling just didn't permit it. They turned out ok, but I miss the smoky flavour that cooking them over coals infuses. I made them this year, and invited the Queen of Lochac, as well as Her Excellency of Rowany and the other assorted Courtiers down for breakfast. Only HE of Rowany made it down the hill, as the others had been up late the night before...umm...doing...all night needlepoint...yeah, that's it. However, I believe that none should suffer unduly for needlepoint, so I sent up a care package. I'm told it was well received.

If you want to know how to make English Muffins in your very own home, I'll publish the recipe here, courtesy of Duchess Mistress Aramanthra the Viscious:

1 cup warm water
1/2 cup milk (Or 1 1/2 cups warm water and 2 Tbs milk powder)
1 tsp salt
2 tsp sugar
2 cups of flour
1 pkg dry yeast (or 2 1/4 tsp)

Mix yeast in with 2 Tbs of warm water to activate (i usually add a little sugar to give it something to eat). Let sit for 10 minutes, then add to water and sugar/salt. Mix in 2 cups of all purpose flour and then let rise until it falls in on itself. Then mix in 2 more (Yes, that's 2 MORE) cups of flour. Roll out, cut into 3-4 inch circles and let rise again. Preheat a griddle, whether on a stove or over coals and place risen circles on griddle until golden brown on each side (you must flip them, in case that needed explaining)

There you go. That easy. Be a big hit at the next camping event, over night sleepover, or breakfast you need to make.

2006-08-23T15:10:00.000-07:00

Ok, so here goes...the first blog entry about nothing in particular...

I'll be posting my Pennsic thoughts and happenings, but at the moment...

Still unpacking from pennsic, slowly but surely...(and don't call me Shirley...hmmm...that old gag doesn't work too well in print...oh well)

Got home and instantly was thrown into doing music for the Vacation Bible School at the church I work at. Not too bad, but I hadn't had enough time to really look at anything. Also, we only got the sample pack, so there is no written music, and half the lyrics don't have corresponding music even on the CD sampler...it's a huge pain in the butt.

Doesn't really matter though...the kids are great, and I'm good enough to lift the music off the cd and extrapolate the rest of the music, so it's turning out great.

Ta for now, and Pennsic memories coming up in the near future...

A brand new start...

2006-08-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Howdy everyone!

I was turned on to this blogspot thing by Baggy-Trousers...(She's in Austrailia)

I'm going to be posting random thoughts, traveloges, and anything else that comes to mind.

Talk to everyone soon.

Gyric