Napalm Riot

...stuck up...half-witted...scruffy-looking...NERF HERDER!

...'tis a silly place.

IMPORTANT EDIT: Apparently a bug has cropped up in the Wishlist feature. We're aware of the problem and will work to have it ironed out in the near future. Until then, stay tuned.

With the holidays coming -- not to mention some sexy new features -- I thought I'd take a few minutes to point out a handy feature that Napalm ALREADY has.

The wishlist.

It's kind of hidden (Menu > My Account > Wishlists) but well worth the travel. Here, you can put in links to all those wishlists that you've been accumulating on GameSpot, New Egg and Think Geek. Or, if you're like me, you can put all your wishes from all over the interwebs on one handy place such as Kaboodle.

However you shop, make it easy for your friends, family, and fellow rioters to find your preferences this holiday season (and spread some Napalm Lovin' while you're at it).

Friendship is knowing that someone is having a bad night...and doing something you might not otherwise choose to do, just because you know it will cheer her up.

I was hanging out on Vent last night with some friends. Friends that I've only met and know through Napalm. And because I wasn't having the greatest day, they played a game with me. A game that I'm quite positive that none of them would have ever willingly chosen to play if presented the option. Hell, one of them even put away Game: Fallout 3 to come play with me. And we had a blast.

So what is the point of all of this you ask? Quite simple: some of my best friends have come from Napalm. This place is, first and foremost, a SOCIAL network. Our purpose is to bring together people with similar interests in gaming, and to help them connect with each other and maybe...just maybe...expand their horizons a bit by discovering new games and new genres they wouldn't have otherwise been exposed to.

Therefore, I present to you a challenge: spend an hour today -- yes, today, right now, while you're thinking about it -- meeting some new people on Napalm. Wander through the forums, check out who else is playing your favorite games in the vault, give a look at your ungreeted users list. The point is...find five people and visit their user page, leave them a hello, send them a note, comment on their journal, vote in their poll...whatever strikes your fancy. Just...go out and make some new friends.

Because you never know which one of them will play totally girlie games with you for hours on end.

Tomorrow is Tuesday, the 4th of November. It is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. This means that in the US, it is election day. And seeing that it is 2008, it is a Presidential Election year.

So vote. Get up, off of your butt, leave the house, and vote. Vote on your way to work. Vote on your way to school. Vote on your lunch break. Skip out early and vote. Vote on your way home. Vote when you go out for dinner. Whenever you vote...vote.

I won't say that it doesn't matter who you vote for. It does; it should. So you've still got time to read, to find FACTS and learn about the candidates. Not only in the race between the Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates, but also about local elections in your state and district. These are not small matters and should not be treated as such.

If you need more information on any candidates, I recommend visiting Project Vote Smart, for an unbiased, non-partisan, fair look at information about the choices presented to us, both nationally and locally.

Voting is a right, and it is a choice, but one that we should feel delightfully obligated to take advantage of. Every few years, we are granted a sublime opportunity to completely and totally overthrow the leaders of this fine nation of ours, and the only consequences for this are in the choice that we make.

And while yes, there are a million reasons why voting might be inconvenient; maybe you're busy with work or school, maybe you really don't care who becomes president (which, you should!), maybe you have to cook dinner and do laundry and walk the dog. But let me tell you...nothing beats the feeling you get when you've voted...and you realize inside that you did your part to try and change the world.

Just because Talk Like A Pirate Day is over, does not mean that one has to give up whole-hearted embracing of the pirate way of life. And so, for all me hearties, here be the current list of pirate laws for living the life of a sea-faring rogue.

1. A pirate does not ask for directions. He relies only on his gut feeling, a compass, or a treasure map.

2. Parrots are the preferred pirate companion. Monkeys are an acceptable substitute, unless they fling their feces at people. Then they are an awesome substitute.

3. When fishing, a pirate uses either a sword, a knife, or his bare hands. Use of a hook is only acceptable in the event the pirate is missing a hand.

4. Pirates shall always wear boots, except in the case of a peg leg. Then one boot is acceptable. Flip-flops are right out.

5. Pirates do not cry, except in the case of the loss of a shipload of rum.

6. When describing the size of a treasure, a pirate is required to exaggerate by at least 130%. Flowers are not treasure under any circumstances, unless said flowers are made out of gold.

7. A pirate shall never wear lipstick, nail polish, or capri pants. Actually, that kinda goes without saying.

8. No pirate shall discuss his feelings, unless his feelings include gutting a man from stem to stern and spilling his entrails.

9. A pirate should always remove his hat in the presence of a bartender.

10. During a swordfight, swordfighting insults are required. In the event both participants are still alive at the end of the fight, the participant with the superior insults shall be declared the victor.

11. No pirate shall ever wear a "fanny pack".

12. All foods prepared by a pirate must include rum, grog, or beer. Boone's and other "Wench Punch" is prohibited.

13. A pirate may never compliment another pirate on the softness of his hands.

14. No pirate shall wear a bracelet or a necklace, unless it is the tooth or tusk of an animal he killed. If in the presence of cannibals, a necklace is acceptable camouflage, but only if said necklace is made of human toes.

15. Pirate Law: Dousing oneself in beer is a perfectly acceptable replacement for a shower.

16. No pirate shall drink Grog out of a glass. Grog is only to be consumed either straight from the barrel, or from a mug heavy enough to to kill a man.

17. Three-cornered hats, headbands and bandanas are the only acceptable headwear for pirates. Fedoras, bowler derbies, baseball caps, mickey ears, top hats, sombreros, or anything with lace and flowers will be removed from the vessel-- head included. A grace period of one minute is allowed for hats looted from a tailory.

18. A pirate shall never wrap presents. The only thing a pirate gives is a bludgerin'.

19. Pirate Law: A pirate does not use the word "Fabulous". Ever.

20. No pirate shall attend a movie with less than an Arrrr rating.

21. Only a pirate is capable of killing another pirate. If you are not a pirate (let's say a ninja) and wish to challenge a pirate, they have a word for that. Corpse.

22. Pirate Law: "ARRRRRRRRRRR..." is a perfectly acceptable answer to any question.

23. A pirate does not "go shopping". Unless by "shopping", you mean "killing".

24. Peglegs must be made of timber or some other suitable wood. Plastic, ceramic, porcelain, or metal peglegs are utterly unnacceptable, simply because it complicates the use of the phrase "shiver me timbers".

25. Real pirates have chest hair. If you cannot grow chest hair, you may be a cabin boy.

26. Under no circumstances is a comb-over an acceptable pirate hairdo.

27. No pirate may ever change his shirt because it is "wrinkled". A pirate may only change his shirt if it is completely soaked in blood.

28. When drinking, Pirates may sing. "Fifteen Men on a Dead Man's Chest" is preferred. Kelly Clarkson songs are not allowed.

29. No pirate shall ever drive a minivan, unless he drives the minivan into a tavern, for the purposes of looting barrels of rum from said tavern. Upon completion of this task, the minivan is to be burned. No exceptions.

30. No matter how hard it is raining, two pirates may never share an umbrella. Pirates do not fear rain.

31. If circumstances demand a career change, a move into real estate brokerage or tax collection shall be considered a lateral move and said individual may keep their pirate status.

32. A pirate does not snuggle with an animal, unless he is trying to snap its neck. But I guess that wouldn't really be "snuggling".

33. A pirate may never wear another man's clothing, unless he first kills that man.

34. Two pirates must never share a bed or a hammock. It is perfectly acceptable for one pirate to sleep on the floor, or on a pile of treasure.

35. Pirates do not wear eyeglasses or bifocals unless they are looking at a treasure map, and even then they are allowed only a monacle. Any comments about "Mr. Peanut" while wearing the monacle are prohibited.

36. When setting out on a voyage, a pirate does not pack a suitcase. He is only to bring what he can carry under his arms, or what his wench can carry on her back.

37. A pirate does not mow the lawn. Lawns are for landlubbers.

38. Lifting or removing one's eyepatch is extremely impolite but is not considered an insult. It's just kinda gross. Likewise, one should never remove another pirate's eyepatch, except with a sword to the face.

39. Pirates never use the words "fresh" or "feelings," and certainly not together (as in "I have that not-so-fresh feeling").

40. A pirate must never visit a tanning salon. If he is not already tan enough from searching for treasure, he hasn't been searching hard enough.

41. While creativity is encouraged during any barfight or battle at sea, pirates may only use the following types of sword; falchions, scimitars, rapiers, and particularly long knives. Katanas or any other Ninja sword are strictly forbidden, unless the Pirate rips off a Ninja's arm and hurls the arm, and attached Katana, as a projectile.

42. No pirate shall ever sit on a toilet seat, for any reason.

43. Kidnapping is an acceptable substitute for killing, but only if it is for the purpose of plank walking at a later time.

44. When swimming, pirates do not dive. They cannonball.

45. Cannoneers aboard a pirate vessel are not allowed to use hearing protection of any sort. No matter what the OSHA regulations say, if ye can't stand bleedin' from the ears, you have no business being a Pirate.

46. A pirate will never wear a patch that is any other color than black; unless it's halloween. then they can wear a patch with an eyeball painted on the outside. Polka dots are not permitted under any circumstances.

47. Female pirates are allowed some exception to rules concerning hygiene and garmentry, but must make up for it by using twice as much profanity.

48. Hooks are the only acceptable hand substitute. However, they may not have secondary attachments such as screwdrivers, bottle openers, corkscrews, or nail files. These are Pirates we're talking about, not Inspector Gadget.

49. A pirate's diet consists mainly of meat. If at sea, and meat is not available, shoe leather is an acceptable replacement.

50. Pirate Law: You can't spell pirate, without "irate". There's a reason for that, so don't even try.

51. No pirate will ever, ever raise his pinky when drinking any sort of beverage.

52. Pirate Law: When choosing clothing, even if it looks dirty, or smells dirty, it is clean.

53. A pirate may ride in a rowboat, if traveling to or from his ship. Use of a Kayak is only permitted if used for cannon target practice.

54. When drinking rum, the only thing a pirate adds to the rum is more rum.

55. The official Pirate religion is Pastafarianism.

56. No pirate shall ever play wiffle ball.

57. Under no circumstances does a pirate speak with a Ninja, unless he first decapitates that Ninja and uses his head like a sock puppet.

58. When at the office, answering the telephone with "Arrrrrrr" is perfectly acceptable for pirates. Other acceptable choices are "Avast!", and "Ahoy Matey!"

59. A Pirate does not read poetry, unless said poetry is scrawled on the wall of a bathroom.

60. All women are to be referred to as wenches, with the exception of female Pirates, who can be referred to as "lass".

61. Pirates do not clean up, except when gold falls out of a treasure chest.

62. Spilling rum is not acceptable, except in the act of "pouring some out for dead mateys".

63. A pirate may tell any tale of swashbuckling without being called on the details, as long as at least 51% of the story is true.

64. A pirate may never shave below the neck. Shaving above the neck is allowed, but only if the pirate shaves his entire head. In the presence of cannibals, a mohawk is acceptable.

65. No pirate may do the arm movements for "YMCA", or engage in country-western line-dancing.

66. Pirates do not say "please" or "thank you". The phrase "Arrr, I'll probably kill you tomorrow" is an acceptable alternative for "Thank you".

67. Should the ship's bow have a carving of a naked wench, mermaid, or something of the like, crew members should not touch it. Feeling up a wooden statue is unbecoming of a pirate.

68. Pirates do not "IM". The only instant message allowed is a sword through the chest.

69. Dental Hygiene for Pirates is not a priority. Should there be occasion, however, strong rum or salt water can be used as mouthwash. Anything "minty fresh" is strictly forbidden.

70. Pirates never, ever obey laws. Period. Ironic, I realize.

For those of you who've been waiting -- and those of you who haven't but are still interested -- the first HalyCast has been posted!

What is it, you ask? Well, this episode is Haly's interview with 2008 Vice Presidential candidate...Darth Vader.

Yeah. Srsly.

Go listen.

To download it, right-click the link and select "Save Link As..." (or "Save Target As...").

For those of you who want instructions and the pattern for doing your own:



Don't toss those pumpkin seeds! Toast or roast pumpkin seeds in your oven in no time at all. They can can be salted or spiced to suit your palate. The shells are edible and are a good source of fiber. Use this method with other seeds such as acorn squash and butternut squash. Pumpkin seeds are also known as pepitas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:

* Pumpkin seeds
* Cooking spray, olive oil, or butter
* Optional: Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, or other seasoning of choice

Preparation:
Rinse pumpkin seeds. Use your fingers to remove all the pulp. Drain pumpkin seeds and discard pulp. Spread out on a cookie sheet to dry overnight.

Preheat oven to 250 F. Line a baking sheet with non-stick foil.

Toss pumpkin seeds in olive oil, butter, or spray with cooking spray. Sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, seasoned salt, cayenne pepper, or your choice of seasonings. Toss to coat.

Bake about 1 hour, tossing every 15 to 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Cool pumpkin seeds before eating. Store in an airtight container at room temperature up to 3 months or refrigerate up to 1 year.

If you like your toasted pumpkin seeds extra-salty, soak overnight in a solution of 1/4 cup salt to 2 cups of water. Dry an additional day, then proceed as above.

Oh, my darlings. My sweet, decadent, Riotous darlings. Come. Come sit at the Cap'n's table and let's talk about Uncle Jack.

You all know Uncle Jack, right? In case not, let's have a quick recap, shall we? "Uncle Jack" Thompson is that douche-bag Florida lawyer who's been forever disbarred for being such an incredible tool. Srsly. The Florida Bar Association got so sick of watching this guy have shit-mouth, that they actually disbarred him. This is one of those poster candidates for voting democrat, ok.... For about a thousand years now, he's been on an anti-video game crusade, heading the charge of all the OTHER douche-bags in this nation and, it seems, around the world who believe that life reflects art. That is: that video-games are single-handedly responsible for the world going to hell in a hand-basket.

Now. We're all familiar with Sarah Palin, yes? This unheard of "America's Favorite Soccer Mom" from Alaska who got nominated as the Republican candidate for Vice President just so that people would have something other than yet another old, white man to stare at? After all, Obama and Clinton -- both Hillary and Bill -- have been getting a lot of press lately, and let's face it...they're both prettier than McCain.

Ok. So here's the deal. You've probably read in my news reports that I stumbled on this letter that Uncle Jack sent to Auntie Sarah, ya? No? Well. Go look. Or, better yet...just read the letter:

October 10, 2008

The Honorable Sarah Palin
Governor, State of Alaska
Vice-Presidential Candidate
McCain-Palin Campaign Headquarters
Arlington, Virginia Via Fax and e-mail

Re: Federal Law Needed to Stop Sale of Mature-Rated Video Games to Minors

Dear Governor Palin:

Over the last decade I have appeared on more than 200 national television programs (Today eight times, 60 Minutes twice, Nightline, Oprah) alerting Americans to the public safety and health hazards posed by the video game industry’s marketing and sale of violent and pornographic Mature-rated video games to minors. Innumerable school shootings have been caused by these murder simulators, including those at Paducah, Columbine, Red Lake, and Virginia Tech. We are teaching our kids how to murder.

A number of reliable polls prove that 70% of the American people want a federal law prohibiting the sale of adult video games to minors. We are the only nation in the world that does not have such a law. The United States Federal Trade Commission has proven that major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Wal-Mart are violating the video game industry’s age rating system. These brazen sales by these huge retailers are occurring in stores and via the Internet. I have sat in jail cells with these game-trained killers. I have sat in the living rooms of the families of their victims. Both sides in this carnage are bathed in tears. The video game industry is sowing the wind, and the rest of us are reaping their whirlwind. It is going to get worse. Columbine times ten is on the way.

The McCain-Palin campaign, with all respect, is missing the boat on this issue. I strongly urge your campaign to tell American parents that if elected you will present to Congress a bill that prevents the sale of adult games to kids while fully protecting the First Amendment. I have this crucial, constitutional legislation drafted and ready to go. You will see voters flock to your proposal. The American entertainment industry’s assault upon our children and our values must stop, and you are the person to stop it.

Regards, Jack Thompson

Now. Let's examine Cap'n Haly's Top Ten Favorite portions of this bullshit, shall we?

1. "Innumerable school shootings..." Really? Innumerable? That sums up quite a large number indeed, Uncle Jack. Now, do not get me wrong. Each and every single one of those shootings was a tragedy, and the loss of life and injuries sustained should not be cheapened. Oh. Wait. I think they just were, in the letter! Over and over we have heard this walking colostomy bag talk about how every single thing that children do wrong is attributable to video games. Yet where is he when it comes to attacking 'mock weapon' sales to children in their preschool years? Huh? Have you ever met a little boy who wasn't BORN with the ability to make machine-gun sounds while pointing his fingers? Let me tell you, kids, I've got two sons, and no amount of trying to keep "weapons" out of their hands has ever, ever worked. And, in fact, most child psychologists agree that this is a natural part of being a boy, it fosters their "protective instincts." Far be it from Uncle Jack to look at other sources for these shootings like...lack of parental guidance and support, lack of peer association and support and, GASP, genuine mental illness. Oh, and let's not forget that it's the VIDEO GAMES in the hands of minors that are killing people, AND NOT THE GUNS IN THE HANDS OF MINORS. Yup.

2. "A law preventing the sale of adult video games to minors." Wait. Don't we already have one of those? Isn't that what the ESRB rating system is all about? And, while we're at it, isn't the sale of adult movies to minors also illegal? Tell me, Uncle Jack, how old were YOU when YOU saw your first slasher flick? Or did they not have those back in the stone age? Has it never occurred to you, Uncle Jack, that an overwhelming majority of the adult-rated games that are in the hands of our youth are PURCHASED BY THE PARENTS as gifts for birthdays and holidays? Did it never occur to you, Uncle Jack that all the millions of dollars you and others have spent trying to ban these video games from store shelves and our homes would be BETTER SPENT on Parental Education for Age-Appropriate Media?

3. "Wal-Mart." Yes. Let's take down Wal-Mart. Because NO ONE has EVER tried THAT TRICK before!!! GOOD LUCK!

4. "Occurring in stores and via the internet." And kids aren't lying about their age to get access to online porn, either.

5. "I have sat in jail cells...." Too bad they let you back out, asshat.

6. "Both sides...are bathed in tears." Yeah. No shit, Sherlock. Angry people want someone to blame, doesn't matter if that person -- or industry -- is at all responsible. This philosophy worked well for the Inquisition, the Salem Witch Trials, and Nazi Germany. Yeah. I went there.

7. "The McCain-Palin campaign, with all respect, is missing the boat on this issue." Yes, because of ALL THE ISSUES that the McCain-Palin campaign is missing the boat for...THIS IS THE ONE WE ARE ALL CONCERNED ABOUT. Douche-bag.

8. "...While fully protecting the First Amendment" HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! Sorry, Uncle Jack. They're too busy touting the Second Amendment to bother with regard for the First. Or haven't you been paying attention to the last 200+ years of American Politics?

9. "I have this crucial, constitutional legislation drafted and ready to go." Oh, you mean that unconstitutional piece of garbage that Louisiana, Utah, Delaware and Massachusetts have all told you, in no uncertain terms, to shove up your ass?

10. "...And you are the person to stop it." Because YOU certainly aren't, Uncle Jack! Have we mentioned yet that Florida Governor Bush is President Bush's brother, and even HE didn't step up to save your ass? No? Hmmmmm. I'm sure that's not important.

And, as a special bonus....

11. "Regards, Jack Thompson" Anyone else think this should have been "Love and Kisses" instead?

"...try to take over THE WORLD!" (The image, it is a link!)

ɤteflonpaladin and his wife just had a new baby! More importantly, he just joined Napalm Riot! Go give him welcome and congrats!

So most of this week (Wednesday, Thursday, Friday), I've been sick. So those of you who thought you had a reprieve from my delightful presence...think again.

The Cap'n is back on duty, and thar be no more lollygaggin' around here!

For those of you who are of legal age, and haven't already, I thoroughly recommend the Samuel Adams Oktoberfest seasonal beer. Quite tasty.

...hello Pirate Cap'n, Reckless Thinker, Riot Mother.

But you can just call me O! Cap'n, my Cap'n.

It's a perfect fall night.

59º F and crystal clear skies; Orion the Hunter hovering high in the heavens. Cool, but not cold, with that clean smell in the air just before the leaves start to turn.

It's the perfect night to sit outside and talk, laid on a blanket, cuddling with someone you love, and pretending that the night will go on forever. Away from city lights and smog, away from noise and population and pollution. It is a night of sharing secrets and exchanging kisses, drinking coffee and, maybe -- just maybe -- saying "I love you" for the very first time.

It's the perfect night for driving with the top down through the city, looking at the lights and the people, seeing the sights and hearing the sounds. The city always looks different at night -- at least, it does here -- and it has a unique beauty all it's own. It's a night for holding hands and listening to the music, and just knowing that you're not alone in the world; that someone understands you.

It's the perfect night for sitting around a wood fire, sharing stories with friends, singing songs, dancing. Roasting hot dogs and marshmallows and slices of squash; sharing bags of roasted pumpkin seeds. Making s'mores and breathing in the scents of the season: the warm, acrid scent of wood smoke and charcoal, fresh grass, fallen apples and dew. It's a night for cider and snuggling and sneaking off into the shadows.

It's the perfect night for rolling in the grass, cool dew refreshing against warm, sweaty skin. A night to share between lovers who love each other, who feel one another. A night for staring into someone's eyes, for exchanging whispered words and fulfilling fantasies.

It is...a night for magic, for dreams, and for desires. It is a night to be shared.

I'm sorry. This was the best I could do.

...is being a good day.

For your pirate insulting pleasure:
http://www.talklikeapirate.com
http://www.io.com/~sj/PirateTalk.html
http://www.insult-o-matic.com/insults/?mode=pirate

All hope abandon, ye who enter here!

You knew it was coming. And now...it's almost here. Batten down the hatches and set the sails, lift anchor and run the colors, AHOY!! Friday be the day of pirates, and those who don't fall in line will meet Davey Jones at the end of the plank!

Avast, me hearties, and prepare to set sail the most feared ship upon the digital seas, the USS Napalm Riot!

Ok, so it's not really an ode, but it'll certainly do for ӝnirach's birthday!

Terry, mate, you're a lovely man
Even though you're sometimes a schlub.
But we're quick to forgive
Those rude little bits
And happily just blame the pub.
For it's the ale our mate loves
And it keeps him quite piss'd
And also drives him quite mad.
And we can't help but grin
As we watch him give in
To Jack's offer to be birthday kiss'd!

Much love, mate, and happiest of birthdays.

Ok, so most of you who subscribe to Slashdot probably read the headline "Why Mozilla Is Committed to Using Gecko."

Now, am I the only one who thought "To save a truckload of money on their car insurance?"

I'm a sucker for love, what can I say. And yeah, I was thinking of someone while I read this. So much for being a hopelessly hopeful romantic!

+Kiss on the stomach = "I'm ready"
+Kiss on the Forehead = "I hope we're together forever"
+Kiss on the Ear = "You're my everything"
+Kiss on the Cheek = "We're friends"
+Kiss on the Hand = "I adore you"
+Kiss on the Neck = "we belong together"
+Kiss on the Shoulder = "I want you"
+Kiss on the Lips = "I love you"

What the gesture means...
+Holding Hands = "we definitely love each other"
+Slap on the Butt = "That's mine"
+Holding on tight = "I don't want to let go"
+Looking into each other's Eyes = "I just plain love you"
+Playing with Hair = "Tell me you love me"
+Arms around the Waist = "I love you too much to let go"
+Laughing while Kissing = "I am completely comfortable with you"
+picking someone up off their feet = "that they love them fully and would do anything for them"

--Advice--
+ Dont ask for a kiss, take one
+If you were thinking about someone while reading this, you're definitely in Love.


--Requirements--
+Post this again after reading!!


If you LIKE, LOVE, OR MISS someone right now and can't get them out of your head then re-post this.
Re-post this as "what a kiss means."

Ok! Here's the schedule. Gaming nights for my RPs will be on the FIRST and THIRD Saturday of each month, starting at 10 pm Eastern time, starting with the THIRD Saturday in September (the 20th), and the FIRST Saturday in October (the 4th).

The THIRD SATURDAY game will be Dungeons & Dragons, 3.5 edition.
The FIRST SATURDAY game will be Vampire: the Masquerade.

For the moment, the D&D game is closed (I've got three confirmed players, and three I'm waiting to hear back from), but there's plenty of room for 2-3 more players in the V:tM game.

So far, I have the following parties who are interested --
D&D: ɤMonchee, ʊCoolhand2
V:tM:

And I have the following parties who are confirmed --
D&D: ӝspot, ɤprofessor, ѻzionwingmaster
V:tM: ӝspot, ʊannath

Reposted (with permission) from BoardGameGeeks.com.

Hello fanboy. I am responding to your post regarding my negative review of your -insert favorite game here-. I understand that you highly value this game and I respect your appreciation for its subtle nuances. I believe that, because I am not attached to this game, I am capable of objectively observing your emotional attachment to this game. I understand that you have incorporated this game into your identity and hold it close to your core beliefs. There there.

When I titled my piece –Your Favorite Game-: A negative review, I wholly understood that you would construe my writing as a personal attack and respond accordingly. This is why I carefully constructed my assertion to delineate the reasons for which I do not find this game compelling, entertaining, or challenging. It is my hope that you will read this and be able to see my side of the argument and be able to respect my dissenting opinion. By rating this game a – rating somewhere between 2 and 6- I hope that you understand that this is, in no way whatsoever, a shill rating. You will note the careful justification in both my review and in my game comments section.

In the event that you do not agree with my argument and logic or believe that my logic is flawed, it is my preference that you engage my argument, civilly. If my logic is flawed or I am playing the game incorrectly, I would appreciate it if you would take me to task gently. Educate me kindly, do not berate me. I am not a bad person for disliking (or misinterpreting the rules to) –the game which you have enshrined in the tabernacle of gaming holiness- nor am I nonsensical for speaking poorly of a game for which you can only think of positives. Actually, do not use the words “nonsense” or “wrong” in your response to my opinion piece at all. It is rude and invalidating and, frankly, beneath you.

I understand that you find my comments inflammatory and infuriating. However, I wonder why. Does my disregard for –your pedestalized ideal of gaming- cause you to question the heights to which you have elevated this game? Does it challenge your most intimate conceptualizations of yourself? Do you feel that if one person speaks negatively about –the game that satisfies your every need- that it invalidates your love for the game or lessens it significantly? If you value my opinion so highly, I would like to recommend that you make an effort to avoid any of my posts that potentially could damage your self-esteem or very identity. If one stranger’s opinion is enough to threaten your love of one game, I suspect that you are already questioning your love for that game.

When writing my negative review about –your most grandiose concrete exemplification of your idealized game- it was my intent to make public the reasons that I do not enjoy it. This, I believe, is for the welfare of the community. Each gamer is unique and has different tastes and if you believe, like I do, that some gamers are like me and some are like you, then there may be a group of people who will not, in fact, enjoy a single session of –the best game since Dune, more classic than Civilization, more elegant than Go and likely to be longer lived-.

My negative review does not demean people who love to play –the game that is your zenith of games- and it does not slander or insult the game designer, publisher, or distributor. I do not question your competence, intelligence, or passion for –the game that towers with ultimate authority over all others, in your opinion-. There is no need for you to engage in personal attacks, no matter how well you know the designer or how involved you were in the play test process.

I am a friendly person. I respond to reasonable requests. I acknowledge when I am wrong. I will defend my opinion as it is the result of personal experience that cannot be duplicated and, therefore, cannot be wrong (or right). And, I will spit fiery vituperation in your face if my friendly, well intentioned negative review that is carefully reasoned and devoid of personal attacks is met with hostility, anger, and/or slander. Though, I am more likely to just flag your comments as inappropriate and ignore you altogether.

Your friend,


-person who has written a negative review-

<KoC|modding>: http://kingofclubs.napalm…iot.com/screenshots/1154/
<KoC|modding>: D:
<weapongod30>: neat, purple water
<KoC|modding>: DDDDDD:
<KoC|modding>: thats concrete floor

Ok! Here's the schedule. Gaming nights for my RPs will be on the FIRST and THIRD Saturday of each month, starting at 10 pm Eastern time, starting with the THIRD Saturday in September, and the FIRST Saturday in October.

The THIRD SATURDAY game will be Dungeons & Dragons, 3.5 edition.
The FIRST SATURDAY game will be Vampire: the Masquerade.

So far, I have the following parties who are interested --
D&D: ɤMonchee, ʊCoolhand2
V:tM:

And I have the following parties who are confirmed --
D&D: ӝspot, ɤprofessor
V:tM: ӝspot

I would like to have 4-5 players for each game. If you're on the interested list, make sure that the time will work for you (sorry about the lateness of the start time, non-US lovies...but I had to come up with a time), then drop me a reply or a note and let me know whether or not to move you to confirmed.

Open slots are on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you're interested, jump quick! And for those of you who are interested, but the time's not convenient, don't worry! I'll be running more games in the future.

Ok, so for months, I've been threatening to host one or two table-top RPG campaigns. Well...now I'm back So here's the question...are you interested? And if so, what would you be interested in playing?

The options are as follows: Dungeons and Dragons, Legend of the Five Rings and/or Star Wars.

Hit my new poll and tell me what you think.

Guess who y'all are gonna be seeing a whooooole lot more of.

Yeah, that's right. The great and wonderful Haly.

...

You may cheer now.

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm all for science. But I also believe that science is a direct participant in killing all the magic in the world. And this week, we have a new chalk outline on the sidewalk of our magical dreams: the Northern Lights.

According to the Health & Science report in this week's issue of The Week (vol. 8, issue 373, p. 22):

Quote:

When the sky dances with light

For decades, scientists have debated the cause of the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis -- the dance of colored light in the evening sky sometimes seen in the northern latitudes. Now, using data from five NASA satellites and 20 ground observatories, says The Washington Post, a group of scientists has tracked the lights to their source--an explosion of magnetic energy 80,000 miles from Earth. Scientists had long known that the Northern Lights are related to an interaction of the Earth's magnetic field and the solar wind, a stream of electrically charged particles streaming out from the sun. But they didn't really understand how the process worked. New observations have revealed that as Earth's magnetic field extends into space, it meets the solar wind about one-third of the distance to the moon, and is stretched into thin lines like a rubber band. Periodically, the solar energy surges and hurls the magnetic lines back toward Earth, as if it were snapping the rubber band, and the lines reconnect -- exploding into a spectacular release of energy and heat. When that energy hits the atmosphere, it becomes visible as undulating waves of colored light. "Finally, we have the right instruments in the right place at the right time, "says Nicola Fox, a Johns Hopkins University scientist. "it's allowed scientists to be able to make the necessary observation to settle this heated debate once and for all."

Guess who broke the top 10?

That's right. Haly broke the top 10.



Who can pass me?? Come on. I dare you.

Sorry to all of you who mistakenly tried to read my last post...we'll have the bug sorted out just as soon as possible!

Ok. Let's take a few minutes to look at some really, really stupid shit, shall we?

Articles of interest from the August 1, 2008 issue of The Week:

Only in America (p. 6)

A New York man who disappeared after being indicted for having sex with minors is suing American Express for alerting police to his whereabouts. James Colliton, 44, says the company violated his privacy by telling authorities that his credit card had been used in Ontario, Canada, where he was arrested. Colliton later pleaded guilty to raping two underage girls, but is seeking $4 million [US] in damages from American Express. "When people stop violating my rights, " he said, "that's when I will stop filing lawsuits."

Honestly...

Good week for: (p.6)

Wardrobe malfunctions, after a federal appeals court threw out a $550,000 fine against CBS for the inadvertent fleeting broadcast of Janet Jackson's bare breast at the 2004 Super Bowl. The FCC, said the court, "acted arbitrarily and capriciously" in bringing the hammer down on CBS.

Being prepared for all circumstances, after Jeff Nichols of San Diego lifted his wife's wedding gown to retrieve her garter so he could toss it into the crowd, only to find a thigh holster and a loaded revolver. "Oops, wrong leg," Nichols said. His bride is a police officer.



And now for something more than a bit disturbing:

The world at a glance... (p. 7)

California, Massachusetts

Gay marriages uncounted: All gays and lesbians who were married in California and Massachusetts will be classified as single in the 2010 census, the Census Bureau said last week. Bureau director Steven Murdock said the bureau is barred from recognizing gay marriage by the 1996 federal Defense of Marriage Act. For the same reason, married same-sex couples will not be classified as "families" unless there are children in the home as well. Gay-rights groups called on the bureau to reconsider the policy. "To completely whitewash us out of existence is hurtful and discriminatory," said Molly McKay of Marriage Equality USA.

When is the US government going to get it through their fat, swollen, old heads that same-sex FAMILIES are not going to go away just because Congress closes its collective eyes and says "I can't see you, you don't exist! Nyah!"

The world at a glance... (p. 9)

Beijing

Public executions for Olympics: China has resumed public executions after a hiatus of several years, part of an effort to deter protests ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games. Authorities in western China bused in thousands of students and workers to witness the shooting of three ethnic Uighurs who had been convicted of plotting terrorist acts to disrupt the Games. "As the Beijing Olympic Games draw near," said security official Yang Huanning, "a range of hostile forces are striving by any means and redoubling efforts to engage in troublemaking and sabotage." The public executions are just one component in a massive, nationwide crackdown. Security for the Games includes anti-aircraft batteries, warship patrols, and 100,000 anti-terrorism troops.

Now, let's remember...the Olympic Committee chose Beijing, China as the host of the 2008 Olympic Games to show their commitment to human rights, and, it can be supposed, to encourage China to stop treating their citizens like crap. Obviously, this strategy is highly successful.

Ok. Let's take a few minutes to look at some really, really stupid shit, shall we?

Articles of interest from the August 1, 2008 issue of The Week:

Quote:

Only in America (p. 6)

A New York man who disappeared after being indicted for having sex with minors is suing American Express for alerting police to his whereabouts. James Colliton, 44, says the company violated his privacy by telling authorities that his credit card had been used in Ontario, Canada, where he was arrested. Colliton later pleaded guilty to raping two underage girls, but is seeking $4 million [US] in damages from American Express. "When people stop violating my rights, " he said, "that's when I will stop filing lawsuits."

Quote:

Good week for: (p.6)

Wardrobe malfunctions, after a federal appeals court threw out a $550,000 fine against CBS for the inadvertent fleeting broadcast of Janet Jackson's bare breast at the 2004 Super Bowl. The FCC, said the court, "acted arbitrarily and capriciously" in bringing the hammer down on CBS.

Being prepared for all circumstances, after Jeff Nichols of San Diego lifted his wife's wedding gown to retrieve her garter so he could toss it into the crowd, only to find a thigh holster and a loaded revolver. "Oops, wring leg," Nichols said. His bride is a police officer.

Quote:

The world at a glance... (p. 7)

California, Massachusetts

Gay marriages uncounted: All gays and lesbians who were married in California and Massachusetts will be classified as single in the 2010 census, the Census Bureau said last week. Bureau director Steven Murdock said the bureau is barred from recognizing gay marriage by the 1966 federal Defense of Marriage Act. for the same reason, married same-sex couples will not be classified as "families" unless there are children in the home as well. Gay-rights groups called on the bureau to reconsider the policy. "to completely whitewash us out of existence is hurtful and discriminatory," said Molly McKay of Marriage Equality USA.

Quote:

The world at a glance... (p. 9)

Beijing

Public executions for Olympics: China has resumed public executions after a hiatus of several years, part of an effort to deter protests ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games. Authorities in western China bused in thousands of students and workers to witness the shooting of three ethnic Uighurs who had been convicted of plotting terrorist acts to disrupt the Games. "As the Beijing Olympic Games draw near," said security official Yang Huanning, "a range of hostile forces are striving by any means and redoubling efforts to engage in troublemaking and sabotage." The public executions are just one component in a massive, nationwide crackdown. Security for the Games includes anti-aircraft batteries, warship patrols, and 100,000 anti-terrorism troops.

Just so you all know....

I love my job.

That is all.

I stole it from switchbladeserenade's deviantART journal.

- Choose a singer/band/group
- Answer using ONLY titles of songs by that singer/band/group
- Tag 6 more people (let them know they've been tagged)

I've chosen A Perfect Circle:

1. Are you male or female?
Rose
2. Describe yourself.
Counting Bodies Like Sheep to the Rhythm of the War Drums
3. What do people feel when they're around you?
Freedom of Choice
4. How would you describe your previous relationship?
Over
5. Describe your current relationship.
Diary of a Love Song
6. Where would you want to be now?
Vanishing
7. How do you feel about love?
When the Levee Breaks
8. What's your life like?
Let's Have a War
9. What would you ask for if you had only one wish?
Annihilation
10. Say something wise.
People are People

I now tag:
ӝspot
ʊchalkley3
ӝrotane
ɤmonchee
ɤwolfe-kael
ӝzikes

I've broken the top twenty, and I'm not even around that often! Come on, people, what's wrong with you? Step up and give me a smack down. Knock my happy ass back to fifty. How, you ask? Post shit! Go write in the forums, knock off a kick-ass review of that new game you just got from GameStop, or the suck-ass one you sold to get the kick-ass goodness. Write a news post. Write a blog. Upload some pictures.

On another note...did you know you can get a subscription for under $4US/month? Seriously, go check it out. Yeah. It's worth it. Try it and see.