February 27, 2006
Which City Are You Quiz
You Are Boston |
 Both modern and old school, you never forget your roots. Well educated and a little snobby, you demand the best. And quite frankly, you think you are the best. Famous people from the Boston area: Conan O'Brien, Ben Affleck, New Kids on the Block |
Unlike Robbo, I have lived in Boston. It isn't a bad place to live, although it would take huge amounts of money to get me to move back there. Cold, expensive, liberal. Unlikely.
On the other hand, I've still got at least acquaintances in the area, so it isn't as impossible, as say, NYC.
February 26, 2006
Warning: Drinking Alcohol Can Result In You Doing Stupid Things
We needed this warning over the weekend. Had fun though.
More details later.
February 25, 2006
Slash Fiction Films: The Next Level
I thought Brokeback To The Future was amusing. Now I think we're seeing something different, part parody, part future trend [revamping old movies to tell different stories].
Brokeback Trek.
Star Wars: The Empire Brokeback.
Top Gun Brokeback Squadron.
H/T: LlamaButchers
February 23, 2006
My Screwed Up Life, Part 386
My sister just gave me a call, from her airport. She apparently made a last minute decision to come to Houston, to visit some friends. She called to tell me that a package for me is on the way, a "sortof combined Birthday and Christmas" [both in December], and to see if I wanted to come up, and see her tonight.
If I were a suspicious bastard, and I am, I would have the following guess: her friends have an annual Mardi Gras party. I am not invited because I'm not a twink, or because I'm not in lockstep with their Democratic-nutty-crunchy-whycan'twejustgetalong viewpoint, or both.
And I've got a married, straight friend coming over tomorrow, staying for the weekend. If this were Hollywood, he'd be getting ready to have a divorce, would come out to me, and there would be a wild weekend of unending passion. If this were a porn flick, it would be he hasn't busted a nut for the last 6 months, and...
But this is real life. so my younger sister is coming into town for a fun weekend, quite possibly of passion, while I'm going to go have a few beers and listen to a few bands. Bleh.
Update: Just deleted one comment as spam, I think. If it was offered in goodwill, sorry.
February 21, 2006
4 Things Meme
I've seen this meme wander around the blogosphere [APCB, Pixy Misa, Rocket Jones] and have been thinking about doing it. However, now that I've been tagged, I guess I will.
4 jobs I’ve had: Cray Supercomputer operator, assistant statistician, student researcher working with e coli chemotaxis, attending physician on an inpatient psychiatric unit
4 movies I can watch over and over: The Lost Boys, Batman, Star Wars, Back to the Future
4 places I’ve lived: Dallas, Boston, Galveston, and The Tiny Texas Town [for about 6 months, between college and med school]
4 TV shows I love: Love? Right now I'm not crazy about any shows. If I'm channel surfing I'll stop and watch Good Eats, SpongeBob SquarePants, Teen Titans, Stargate.
4 highly regarded and recommended TV shows I haven’t seen: CSI, The Sopranos, Queer as Folk, Lost, pretty much anything currently showing on network TV
4 places I’ve vacationed: Hmm. I just went on a road trip Houston-> San Antonio-> El Paso-> Phoenix-> LA, and back. I've spent a fair amount of time in Memphis in the past 2-3 years, helping family. Moving my sister in Kansas City? Hanging with friends in Dallas?
4 of my favorite dishes: Tortilla Soup, Sushi, beef fajitas, and pretty much anything involving chocolate.
4 sites I visit daily: Instapundit, Houston Chronicle website, Fark, and Kingdom of Loathing.
4 places I’d rather be right now: I can think of lots of situations I'd rather be in, but not necessarily places. Although the weather's cold and damp right now, nearly anything would be an improvement.
4 bloggers I’m tagging: Nah.
Pregnant Ring-Tailed Lemurs
Someone visited, searching under "how do you know a ring tailed lemur is pregnant"?
Well, after reading about Why Europeans Hate Us for the past hour or so [short answer: Because we're better than they are] [H/T: Beautiful Atrocities], I needed something amusing.
In depth webpage on Lemurs, including information on gestation and microanatomy slides.
A more child friendly site, with information about the ring-tailed lemur's scent marking.
Still, no direct answer to the question. Bummer.
Fighting Speech with more Speech
The Fred Phelps clan is still protesting military funerals. But their protests are overridden by patriotic bikers, the Patriot Guard Riders.
Darn, what a shame.
Via Fark.
February 19, 2006
Saturday Mardi Gras, 2006
It turned out to be a nice day, if quite cold [down in the 40s, strong wind blowing, somewhat damp].
I mostly heard 3 bands:
The Bilge Pumps: A mostly a capella pirate singing group, doing mostly old songs with new twists.
What do you do with a drunken sailor?
Make him the captain of the Exxon Valdez...
More enthusiastic than musically precise, but still fun.
A mix between rock, latino, and zydeco, maybe? Decent, listened to most of the set.
I'm not even going to attempt to categorize this. This was the primary band my friends came down to see, and one we had seen several times before. They rocked, and we stayed for the whole set, even though we were getting freakin' cold.
The other random thoughts involved our random discussions. At one point one of the guys mentioned the "freakin' Danes" and the cartoons of Mohammed. I countered with freedom of expression that can't offend anyone isn't freedom, and said I wanted South Park to show Mohammed, in their usual style. The guy thought Mohammed had already made an appearance in the movie, but the other guy corrected him.
If this is what exists in intelligent, relatively conservative, relatively politically aware Texans, what is it like in more liberal places? So I can't move to rural America or California/Bosnywash. Basically, I'm doomed.
February 18, 2006
Mardi Gras
So far, last night was a little wet, but today has been cloudy, cold, but no rain. Some reasonable bands freezing their butts off. Almost more people throwing beads than catching them.
Couple of friends in theory coming over later. We'll see.
February 17, 2006
Kingdom of Loathing Character Quiz
Or...
You are a Male Turtle Tamer!
The Turtle Tamer's mystical connection with his
Terrapin brothers imbues him with great
power. He excels at moving very slowly and
winning footraces with smug satisfaction. His
Muscle is the key to his success, and his
long lifespan.
What Kingdom of Loathing Character are you?
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Which Kingdom of Loathing Monster Are you?
If they only knew....
You're a Knob Goblin Elite Guardsman!
You blast through quests with your impressive
stats, powerful armor, and spiffy swords.
You're probably on some sort of leaderboard,
and probably in some sort of anger management
class ordered by the courts.
Which Kingdom of Loathing monster are you?
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February 16, 2006
Brokeback Mountain
Partially at Toby's urging [see previous post], I went to see the movie last night. Weekday, 9:35 showing, just me and two women watching. I can see why it's got Oscar buzz, it's got lots of emotional tugs.
Some thoughts
1) The guys screwed up every relationship in their life, except maybe as fathers.
2) I haven't had the gutwrenching emotional pain that you don't understand, to the point that punching a brick wall feels good. Take it back a couple of notches, and I know exactly what it feels like.
3) If I move to the Tiny Texas Town, where my parents live, I might as well just castrate myself.
4) While I'm pondering being gay and fatherhood, today I learn that one friend is pregnant, and another friend has had a vasectomy. I don't know what the heck I'm feeling, so I kicked it into doctor mode and made a few medically related comments.
Time for a little diphenhydramine tonight, maybe the weekend will be better with Mardi Gras.
February 15, 2006
I'm Angry
I've been angry, or at least peeved, all afternoon, and I'm not sure why. Probably a mix a minor stuff:
1) Went out and bought some on sale Valentines candy, a bag of Dove dark chocolate hearts. That's bad enough, but the wrappers have various messages, some romantic [Sleep under the stars tonight], some annoyingly commercial [The best things in life are chocolate].
2) I thought about going to see Brokeback Mountain last night. I chickened out. Maybe tonight.
3) Mardi Gras is going to be at most a few people hanging out. I have even less desire than usual to finish cleaning my apartment and fix food. And SkyBlue72 isn't playing. And it's going to rain, rain, rain this weekend.
So, nothing really bad, just not great. And it's misting outside now. Maybe I should go for a walk anyway.
Oh yeah. 4) This post from Protein Wisdom about a woman who claimed she was gang raped by 6 men, at gunpoint. Fortunately for the guys, the whole thing was videotaped, which she knew. Makes me really wonder about her sanity.
Random Definitions
Owlish -- [noun]: A real life muppet 'How will you be defined in the dictionary?' at QuizGalaxy.com |
Eponymous Text, again.
The Invisible Library
A fairly cool website is here, providing names of fictitious books referenced in other books.
Via Eponymous Text
February 14, 2006
Carnival of Liberty
The Valentines Day version of the Carnival of Liberty is up. Some interesting posts, including this in depth look at plots in the most recent Dr Who.
February 13, 2006
OwlCon 2006 After Action Report
I went to OwlCon last weekend, Rice's gaming convention. Quite a bit of fun. Hung out a fair bit with the guys I've been playing Exalted with, played Munchkin, did some Roleplaying with Dark Age: Fae, and participated in a Paranoia LARP. The LARP was interesting, and kinda fun, but purposefully annoying at the same time. Out of 30 people, I think 5 quit in the middle, a couple got some upset stomachs from tasting "Cold Fun," which was apparently a mix of vanilla ice cream, wasabi, garlic, and a couple of other strong flavors. Moderately nasty. For a while I was handing out "Bouncy Bubbly Beverage," both in Classic and New flavors, which was green colored boullion. By the time "Hot Fun" got on the scene [overcooked ramen noodles with god knows what else] everyone was lying, saying they had tasted it.
There were a couple of guys at the LARP I couldn't decide if they were gay, artistic types, or both. Not so much with the general gaming crowd.
Steve Jackson of Steve Jackson Games is apparently a Rice alumnus, and attended. He wasn't around when I was looking for stuff to do, so I never met him.
It's pretty clear the people I'm roleplaying with have no clue that I'm gay, and I don't think I'm going to come out to them, at least for a while. I don't think it would be a significant problem, but it could be awkward. Found out a little more about them- the storyguide was in the military for 4 years, and I think got an honorable discharge, which has helped with his college education. He met his wife in the military. Given his tendency to immediately say whatever he's thinking, I'm kind of surprised he made it through without mouthing off to the wrong guy.
So, relatively busy weekend, and kind of fun.
Valentine Candy Heart Quiz
Via CalTechGirl.
Interesting in that it's completely wrong:
| Your Candy Heart Says "Cutie Pie" |
 A total charmer, you have a natural appeal that keeps you in high demand. Your ideal Valentine's Day date: multiple dates with multiple people Your flirting style: 100% natural What turns you off: serious relationship talks Why you're hot: you're totally addicting |
February 08, 2006
Sci Fi Music Score Quiz
Via Mixolydian Mode
 | You scored as Forbidden Planet. You are the film score to Forbidden Planet. You accompany the story of the human discovery of the ruins of a powerful alien race that lost control of its own evil desires: the monsters from the id! The composers of your �electronic tonalities� never received proper credit for their innovative work.
What Sci-Fi Film Score Are You? created with QuizFarm.com |
Valentine's Day
Two fun articles on MSN today: Why I Hate Valentine's Day and The 10 Worst V-Day Gifts.
Fun Quote from the first article:
Many single people out there believe it’s wise to hedge their bets by seeing more than one person at once. That’s all well and good—until red-letter days like Valentine’s, where there’s only room for one name on your high-stakes dance card. ... Valentine’s Day forces people to be super-sentimental. Valentine's Day also puts external pressure on singles to not only be in a relationship, but to be in a relationship that communicates through pink-and-white cardstock.
And from the second,
1. Ye olde bouquet of red roses and baby’s breath What’s wrong with it: Yes, you went out and got something nice and romantic. Unfortunately, certain types of flowers are the equivalent of a shrug because they are so predictable and clichéd... and the rose bouquet falls into this category quite neatly.... Obviously, a gift that says “I’ve never paid attention to your tastes” or “This would also work well on a tombstone” is not a Valentine’s Day message worth sending.
They do have suggestions for gifts that might be better.
February 06, 2006
Tips For Brokeback Mountain
Tips for getting over 'Brokeback' hump
I still haven't seen the movie. But for the heterosexual man wondering about seeing it, just remember:
"Brokeback Mountain" may be the best date movie to come along in years. You have the potential to look so sensitive that you can probably get her to pay for the movie and a trip to Red Lobster. Add a few tears near the ending (just think about that scene in "Rudy" where underdog Rudy leads the Notre Dame Irish on the field), and you might be surprised where the evening takes you. Think make-up sex is great? Try some you-just-took-me-to-"Brokeback Mountain" sex.
Via Fark.
Pickled Alien Body Found Near US Air Force Base
The US Air Force denies it has anything to do with them, which clearly means it's true. In The Guardian.
But the mysterious discovery of an alien in his attic has spooked the 54-year-old screenwriter and bewildered extraterrestrial experts, who yesterday suggested the US military could be involved.The delicate 30cm (12 inch) figure of a baby alien is stored in a pungent liquid and has a US serial number painted on its four-toed foot. Possibly sculpted from a clay-like substance and painted grey, the model closely resembles the aliens depicted in a hoax film of an autopsy of the infamous "Roswell incident".
Via Fark
Lore Has A Column
Lore Sjorberg, of Brunching Shuttlecocks fame, now has a column with Wired. First one here.
If you're wondering who the heck that is, you probably have seen his work, maybe with The Geek Hierarchy.
H/T: Suzi
February 05, 2006
Super Bowl Halftime
Is it just me, or were the Rolling Stones one of the most boring half-time shows ever? Or was it more exciting for baby boomers reliving their puberty?
February 02, 2006
Brokeback To The Future
The Back To The Future Saga reimagined as a heartwarming gay love story. From Chocolate Cake City [website SFW, it's a college comedy group], although their server may be down. From [NOT Safe For Work] QueerClick.
Update: Instapundit found a safe for work link that works. Heh, indeed. YouTube.
The Elemenstor Saga
In the category of, Some People Have Waaaay Too Much Time On Their Hands:
Once upon a time, Penny Arcade ran a cartoon. Then, the book series, several television shows, and a collectable card game were "discovered." Various bits of information can be found on the official wiki, including the Saga Timeline.
Mohammad Pics, The Continuing Story
I was watching NBC world news, and they mentioned the pictures, and specifically refused to show them. They also showed various idiots in Gaza, shooting guns into the air and insisting on various actions to be taken by European governments in the next 48 hours.
And they showed mayonaisse [well, a jar filled with white stuff with arabic writing, maybe it was pus, I don't know] being taken off grocery shelves in some useless country.
And if this is the reaction to some drawings, maybe a couple of which could be called a political cartoon, I want to see the reaction if/when South Park shows Mohammad in a threeway with Satan and Saddam, in Hell, maybe with some pigs or dogs involved as well.
Anyway, buy Danish [especially LEGOs!], and if anyone is having difficulty finding copies of the pics, I stole them from the LlamaButchers.
Urgent Warning to All Men
This is a serious warning, please be aware of the evil that women will stoop to. I have been caught, as have many, but for the sake of your own sanity, anyone who hasn't, RUN, RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!!!!! Police are warning all men who frequent clubs, parties and local pubs to be alert and stay cautious when offered a drink from any woman.Many females use a date rape drug on the market called "Beer."
The drug is found in liquid form and is available anywhere. It comes in bottles, cans, or from taps and in large "kegs". Beer is used by female sexual predators at parties and bars to persuade their male victims to go home and sleep with them. A woman needs only to get a guy to consume a few units of Beer and then simply ask him home for no strings attached sex. Men are rendered helpless against this approach. After several beers, men will often succumb to the desires to sleep with horrific looking women whom they would never normally be attracted. After drinking beer, men often awaken with only hazy memories of exactly what happened to them the night before, often with just a vague feeling that "something bad"occurred.
At other times these unfortunate men are swindled out of their life's savings, in a familiar scam known as "a relationship." In extreme cases, the female may even be shrewd enough to entrap the unsuspecting male into a longer term form of servitude and punishment referred to as "marriage." Men are much more susceptible to this scam after beer is administered and sex is offered by the predatory females. Please! Forward this warning to every male you know. If you fall victim to this "Beer" scam and the women administering it, there are male support groups where you can discuss the details of your shocking encounter with similarly victimized men.
For the support group nearest you, just look up "Fantasy Football" on the internet.
You know, there's an easy solution to this... Although I guess guys could also be using this "Beer" substance of which they speak.
February 01, 2006
Bigfoot in East Texas
Kind of interesting, I'm ranked #6 for Bigfoot in East Texas. The article at the Houston Chronicle has expired.
Maybe this Cryptozoology site has what you need.
Weird Creature Quiz
Via The Evil Kitty:
wow your a lemur! you completly RAWK! ^^ you love
to be completly weird and just in general you
freak people out O_o your particular species
of lemur is the ring tailed lemur.
o_O What weird creature are you? O_o
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