SuperSatellite

And now for something COMPLETELY different

// February 27th, 2007 // No Comments » // Brain dumps

First a brief note. Did you know that MySpace’s blog editor doesn’t cater to those of us in the Linux community? *tear* Looks like it’s hard coding for me today! Plus another feather in the cap for switching to my own blog.

So, I had some difficulty deciding where to categorize this blog at. I think I got close enough for government work anyway. I have no clue why I felt the need to talk on this subject, but I just found some mild amusement in the topic.

Our friends at Fark.com had a little link to this article on a brother diddling his sister’s pooter. Yeah I know, crazy right? The headline did make me giggle a little: From today’s "Why don’t you just move to Arkansas?" file: German brother and sister challenge country’s incest laws. Bonus: story Godwins the thread. It’s the part about the story Godwining the thread that gets me (although, one could argue that since the reference was in context, it doesn’t count as a Godwin). There’s all sorts of weird stuff going on in the article, like the birth defects (how were they caused?), or the fact that they keep having kids despite jail and getting them taken away (surely if we have enough they’ll let us keep on eventually!).

So let’s talk morals for a second. I know, this is going to make me sound like I am on their side. Let me state for the record I don’t really think this is a good idea. But I do so love the role of devil’s advocate. Especially on moral issues. So what really is the problem here? A lot of people always use the birth defect defense to justify a stance against incest. But seriously? Old age and drugs can lead to higher rates of birth defects, but we don’t lock people up for having kids in those conditions (granted, drugs are illegal, but having a crackbaby isn’t a crime. Kudos to the judges ordering irresponsible mothers on birth control though). And how about the perscription drugs that carry the fun warning that pregnant women shouldn’t even touch the drugs. Totally safe, right? Some studies even posit that extended inbreeding actually eliminates defects in the long term as the ones who survive early on are the most genetically "pure," making them more compatible for future breeding. Of course, worded like that doesn’t sound real great, "the ones that survive…" That would be interesting to see more research on. Like, on rats and stuff, you know? Maybe some pigs too. Not people. Obviously.

In the discussion thread, one user brought up an interesting religious point. Some of my more thoroughly educated Christian friends might be able to point out errors to this rationale though. But, the thing is, in theory wasn’t there a lot of inbreeding at the dawn of time. Adam and Eve would have to have a number of kids with all sorts of intermixing to start things a’spinnin’. And if that’s the case, wouldn’t you expect there to be stronger Christian support for inbreeding? It’s how the world would have started, after all. People like the notorious and reprehensible Fred Phelps love to use the Bible’s references to homosexuality to bash that form of relationship. Is not the other therefore afforded protection on an inverse rationale?

There’s just something unusual about the taboo I guess. We have a natural aversion to familial relations. I think understandably so. But the justification seems like it would be simply more biological than anything, right? I am always interested in things like that, why we have the morals and standards we do. Is just because we disagree with something really grounds to say it is wrong? If something makes us uncomfortable can we reasonably outlaw it? Obviously this particular issue has a number of other sides involved that could justify not allowing it. But I do love questioning values.

Everybody Pontiac!

// February 5th, 2007 // No Comments » // Brain dumps

Yes, I am fully aware that the subject for this post is completely lost on you. For that, I make exactly zero apologies. Perhaps if you read Fark.com more, you’d have a clue. But even then, if you did, you might wonder why the hell I chose to quote that particular line, or for that, I have no answer. Actually, I do, but it’s sort of an inside joke I have with myself.

I was bad this weekend. Added another five DVD’s to the collection. But let’s face it, how can one resist cheap Empire Records and The Prophecy. Also included were Rounders, Detroit Rock City, and The Last Boy Scout. Who says that the bargain bins are full of crap? I did resist cheap, used Pi, and the second and third Prophecy movies. Mmmmm….Christopher Walken. I also grabbed The Exorcism of Emily Rose several days ago at BlockBuster.

I have concluded that once again, along with some stuff I am still waiting on (read: Transformers, Spider-Man 3, Ghost Rider), there are several more flicks I think will be worth my time coming out soon. I won’t waste a lot of time talking about them, when you can just go view the trailers if you like. So, for your time wasting pleasure: Bug, Hot Fuzz , The Number 23, Fantastic Four 2, 300, Grindhouse, and Dead Silence.

I have also put together a couple ideas for two new plays. One sort of weird and twisted, but I think ultimately happy and mysterious (think Big Fish…sort of). The other…more suspenseful, but proper ending. I say that because those who have read my other two one acts have noted my penchant for not being a happy ending sort of guy. This one will be rough, but justice shall be served. I have the basic premise for it, need to outline the plot arc still. I think the first is one-act material, the other full length.

I have managed to successfully change my computer usage habits. I am basically never online at home any more. It’s sorta nice. And now with football over, my free time really is free time that I can spend getting stuff done or being with my girlfriend. I think I’m about ready to start writing a bunch more. And I have a ton to read as well. And there’s a couple web projects I think I want to take on to put a little more coin in my purse. We’ll see. I’m still trying to save up a down payment for a house, so any projects that facilitate that will be good ones. I also plan on starting in on the Triumph the minute the weather settles down into something tolerable.

I find it worth mentioning that I’m not really angry, or frustrated, or bent out of shape about anything lately. Like, I am very much totally content with things. It’s a rather nice new feeling. I’m not sure if this is like a temporary break from old thigns, or the new norm, but it works well for me. I have new clarity on stuff, like there’s less noise in the signal lately. Maybe that’s why I’m getting new play ideas too. Overall a creative boost.

I think I might do the Oklahoma Freewheel this year, instead of BAK. First off, BAK is expensive. Secondly, it’s ending way the hell up in NE Kansas. Freewheel is cheap, and it’s ending in Coffeyville, which is hellaciously convenient. I also think it is a day shorter. But I need to step up the training more. Much, much more. I started off good, but then I slacked off. I admit it. Please, someone, give me hell about it. Call me a pansy or something.

That is all. 10-4, over and out.

Awakening

// January 8th, 2007 // No Comments » // Brain dumps

A new year, and time for a new blog. They come far more infrequently don’t they? Oh well, I see no reason to write fluff if I can avoid it. I’d rather write less, that might be worth reading, than more that’s just junk. Well, I have a number of realizations, discoveries, and changes I thought I’d share with my still faithful readers.

First, and my close friends are more than sick of hearing about it but I don’t care, I have met a truly amazing girl. The time we’ve spent together the past few weeks (she’s currently out of town till classes kick back in) has done a number on how happy I’ve been lately. Will it go somewhere? One can never tell, but I know we’ve both fallen pretty hard for each other, and I could be pretty happy living the rest of my life this way. And it is a total reinforcement of that idea that you just never know who, when, or where you can meet. So I’m going with it, and loving it.

Second, and I know this is stupid, but have you heard of those shows WifeSwap and Nanny 911? Well, I had Fox on this weekend on a rare TV watching momeny and saw them. It was sort of like a train wreck. Well, tonight I was bored, and I put on…ABC I think it was, and there were an IDENTICAL pair of shows. I’m just amazed at the lack of creativity from the media. I know I shouldn’t be surprised by this, and who knows who copied whom, but really guys, can’t you try just a little?

Third. What was third? Crap…I knew I should have noted all this stuff ahead of time…Umm…Oh, duh. I think I’m going to get a tattoo this weekend. Depending on the cost, maybe two. And no, for those of you that know, it’s not the one on my back, this will be a good build up to that, because yeah, that one is gonna hurt. No, I’m going to get a Buddhist mantra on each wrist (high enough to be covered by a long sleeve shirt of course). I am definitely going to get the om mani padme hum mantra on one wrist, and another one on the other. I’m not sure which though. When I thought of it last night, it was just like a “duh, that’s obvious,” moment.

Fourth, I finally cleared some new writing. I finished the second draft of Walking, and a first draft of Freefall. And I’m feeling inspired to start something a little more ambitious. Both scripts are up at my repository at http://pc.celtx.com/profile/thequicksilver. You’re welcome to leave me comments on them, but in particular, Freefall is still very much in first draft phase, and I know that.

Well, I guess that’s all I have to report from my little world right now. I hope everyone’s year gets off to a good start.

Is that an innertube in your pants, or are you just FAT?

// November 17th, 2006 // No Comments » // Brain dumps

Well, if there is one goal that appears to be in sight, it’s that of getting myself to a nice, healthy weight.  For some of you, you might want to stop here, because unlike most of America, I’m trying to gain weight.  And no, I don’t want any of yours.  Believe it or not, I’ve heard that joke already.

As of this morning, I am down to only about 3 pairs of pants that really, genuinely fit me.  This is good!  I tried an old pair of slacks this morning and realized I would totally blow out the button on them if I sat down.  Anyone need pants?  The only real bitch of it is that I have packed away about 8 pairs of pants this year that I have outgrown.  Most of which are not old.  I’ve just really been pushing this year.  So now I need to go shopping this weekend and probably drop my old stuff by the Salvation Army.

So, go me.  Even though I am constantly on the run, I’ve managed to get this on the right track.  Next up, winter bike training.  While weight is good, I don’t need it all going to fat.

"Ask me about me wiener!"

Dinosaurs Attack!

// October 9th, 2006 // No Comments » // Brain dumps

So I am lapsing into longer and longer periods between writing.  Oh well.  You can deal, right?  I should try to establish a routine maybe.  Or do more interesting things that give me funny stories I can tell.

So the Alpha Psi group went to see Urinetown in Wichita at the Century 2 theatre Friday night.  If anyone likes them some funny musical theatre and will be in Wichita, I highly recommend going to see it.  What was crazy was what I found when I got home.  The picures below sort of explain it.  Yes, that is a cactus balanced on the faucet.  My only guess is that my cat decided that the cactus no longer belonged in the window, and decided to rectify the problem with some unique rearranging.  How the clumsy ass managed to not skewer herself is beyond me.

I have decided to buy a house I think.  My landlord is looking to sell the place I am renting, and while it is cheap and convenient, I’d rather not deal with the hassle of a new landlord, new rules, and potentially higher rent.  Besides, at this point I’m really just throwing away $375 each month when I could be building some equity.  Making an investment.  There are some cheap, cheap houses around here that need some work, that when done, would net me a tidy little profit.  I talked to him about buying my house and the duplex next door, but it turns out they are substantially more valuable than I would have ever guessed.  I looked at a couple places Saturday, and am gonna look at another tonight or tomorrow.  We’ll see.

So I was over at Fark.com this morning, and I found this article about Dinosaurs Attack.  It was awesome because I have the complete set.  And the cards are every bit as cool, vicious, and graphic as they describe.  If you ever want to check them out, let me know, I’ll be happy to share.  Imagine if someone tried to market these today.  Really, I would suspect they just managed to slip through the cracks, but still.  Ahh, childhood memories…

After several days with the new guitar, I really am 100% pleased with my decision to buy it.  I couldn’t ask for a better sound for the money I think.  Granted, I’m wearing my fingers down to the nubbies, but it’s good for me!