... the IT man in LibraryLand
During one's recent sojourn at home with the young Hulk one had the opportunity to catch oneself up with a variety of movies. Hmmm, come to think of it, it doesn't feel so recent anymore.
One such movie was The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe, which was rather enjoyable although taken in small 20 minute chunks due to having to attend to my high maintenance daughter's needs comma various.
Seeing the movie inspired me to dig out my copies of the Chronicles of Narnia and schedule them for a re-read - chronologically of course as it wouldn't be correct to read them in any other order.
Luckily for me any issue of first written versus first in the storyline are immediately solved by looking at the spines of my Fontana Lions, Lucky Book Club editions circa 1980.
Hence my return to Narnia commenced with the titular volume and it's prominently displayed number one.
It was a quickish read and crammed a lot of happenings into its 170 pages. In a way it was refreshing to have a lot left to imagination rate than detailed over pages and pages.
In any case it tells the story of the creation of Narnia - including the secret origins of the lamp post - and is quite fun with the proper young children and the nasty uncle and beginnings of the whole Chronicle. I give it a 3 star rating.
I expect the rest of the series will be read as light respite from one's usual hefty tomes of fantasy and scifi over the coming year.
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I'm gonna have to send you back to Sleep School.
So it turns out that Sidekick Searching takes up a lot of one's time. When you throw in a last minute vacancy for a stay at Sleep School it's almost a given that the lauded regularity of The Tales is going to be the first thing to suffer.
I didn't even have time to send you of my quick review of Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov - an okay read in his sparse style that sets the scene for his earlier Foundation series with a mild adventure romp across a planet-wide city.
So, Sleep School was an interesting four days.
Yours truly was able to regain bachelorhood for two of the days, including a triumphant return to Tuesday Knights in a game running under the tyrannical hand of Badger. Fantomas, Pirate Dave and Legion2 were one's companions for that experience.
One night was spent in an ineffectual men's group that one had volunteered for but was aimed at men who wouldn't be involved in all that baby stuff. I wasn't even asked to talk about myself until walking out the door in the last minute.
After the group the evening was spent trying to sleep in the bedlam environment of distant screaming from the other attendees. Our Hulk was, of course, perfectly well behaved (and the cutest one there).
The whole experience was beneficial for Salsa Girl and Hulk but unfortunately not miraculous as there is still some hard work to be done to get sleep happening in the afternoon and evening - even if we are blessed with long overnight sleeps.
After the past few mornings I am now seeking admission to the Sleep School program for The Tiger as she seems to think that 4.30 am is an acceptable time to rouse the rest of the household.
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I didn't even have time to send you of my quick review of Prelude to Foundation by Isaac Asimov - an okay read in his sparse style that sets the scene for his earlier Foundation series with a mild adventure romp across a planet-wide city.
So, Sleep School was an interesting four days.
Yours truly was able to regain bachelorhood for two of the days, including a triumphant return to Tuesday Knights in a game running under the tyrannical hand of Badger. Fantomas, Pirate Dave and Legion2 were one's companions for that experience.
One night was spent in an ineffectual men's group that one had volunteered for but was aimed at men who wouldn't be involved in all that baby stuff. I wasn't even asked to talk about myself until walking out the door in the last minute.
After the group the evening was spent trying to sleep in the bedlam environment of distant screaming from the other attendees. Our Hulk was, of course, perfectly well behaved (and the cutest one there).
The whole experience was beneficial for Salsa Girl and Hulk but unfortunately not miraculous as there is still some hard work to be done to get sleep happening in the afternoon and evening - even if we are blessed with long overnight sleeps.
After the past few mornings I am now seeking admission to the Sleep School program for The Tiger as she seems to think that 4.30 am is an acceptable time to rouse the rest of the household.
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The Sidekick Search
Those who have known me for a while will be aware of my alter ego spawned during the heady days of Malaclypse III in the company of the likes of FridgePower, Judge Mingus, My Guitarist, Tuck, and other assorted musos - Testosterone Man - possibly related to fervent pounding of drums and other rugged and manly pursuits.
In any case the lack of a sidekick has held me/him back in all endeavours for many a decade.
I have tried many avenues to protégée procurement:
However recently the stars seem to have aligned. Not only have I managed to finally rid the library of the scourge of marketing for once and all, but the resulting employment gap has been deigned to be filled with an IT Sidekick!
Supervisor Grand Chief K did, however, make sure it was not all puppies and roses for me as she dropped the responsibility for the "Recruitment Process" into my lap. Hence I have been up to my neck in SeekSpam and resume reading for weeks now. Culminating in a day of interviews in which I had to suffer through Devil's Advocate always offering the other point of view, and other various moments of me not getting my whim. Honestly I don't know what I was thinking putting together that interview panel.
Still we are very close now and it shouldn't be long before I can strut out at work with a sidekick by my side (and slightly behind).
Of course we are local government so not long is probably next Autumn.
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In any case the lack of a sidekick has held me/him back in all endeavours for many a decade.
I have tried many avenues to protégée procurement:
- trials of Rhythm Section equals - Judge Mingus did not last long before soloing off on his own
- grow your own - knocked on the head by Salsa Girl as Hulk is apparently too young to be cruising the streets fighting crime
- recruitment - alas, while an awesome gaming addition, Young Jim, has proven rather reluctant on the whole smashing things to bits front. (and what's more he has a tendency to betrayal as evidenced by a 3 nil thrashing he once handed out to me while in league with Badger)
- pleading with Supervisor Grand Chief K for the necessary help in getting all my work demons defeated - repeatedly scoffed at and uncomprehendingly disbelieved about the amount of effort required to make librarians happy on the IT front
However recently the stars seem to have aligned. Not only have I managed to finally rid the library of the scourge of marketing for once and all, but the resulting employment gap has been deigned to be filled with an IT Sidekick!
Supervisor Grand Chief K did, however, make sure it was not all puppies and roses for me as she dropped the responsibility for the "Recruitment Process" into my lap. Hence I have been up to my neck in SeekSpam and resume reading for weeks now. Culminating in a day of interviews in which I had to suffer through Devil's Advocate always offering the other point of view, and other various moments of me not getting my whim. Honestly I don't know what I was thinking putting together that interview panel.
Still we are very close now and it shouldn't be long before I can strut out at work with a sidekick by my side (and slightly behind).
Of course we are local government so not long is probably next Autumn.
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The Final Graphical Entertainment Collection
It has been a week now and one is finally able to bring oneself to speak of the immense change that has occurred in ones life.
One has made a final pilgrimage north to collect ones standing order of Judge Dredd and 2000AD comics.
I had initially thought that I would make the final odyssey in the fittingly lone wolf style that the vast majority of trips had been made in the past decades. However Salsa Girl - ever aware of the opportunity for some alone time - quickly added Hulk's attendance into the event.
Once the journey was underway it did seem fitting that Hulk was along for the ride as she is a big part of the impetus for this change.
Upon arrival and collection I felt a twinge of nostalgia for those heady days when I began my collection. At the time the newsagent was in a different locale in the shopping complex, and I had to make a weekly trip up to collect my supermarket job pay - in an envelope from the pay office.
Of course I thanked the establishment for allowing me to collect every six weeks instead of the mandated fortnight for years on end, and found out that the staff member who I first signed up with still worked on Tuesdays.
All in all it was a wonderful farewell to a tradition that has now been supplanted by going digital and the resultant late Wednesday evening repeated clicking of the refresh button until the latest issue shows up for download.
The only blemish on the whole experience was running into StumpyRudolph at his place of business and spending a quarter hour chatting to him.
I guess it was my own fault as I did go there to see if he was around.
Now that one is saving money as well as space I am faced with the dilemma of what to do with my savings - perhaps another several hundred dollars worth of big boxed board games for the cupboard?
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One has made a final pilgrimage north to collect ones standing order of Judge Dredd and 2000AD comics.
I had initially thought that I would make the final odyssey in the fittingly lone wolf style that the vast majority of trips had been made in the past decades. However Salsa Girl - ever aware of the opportunity for some alone time - quickly added Hulk's attendance into the event.
Once the journey was underway it did seem fitting that Hulk was along for the ride as she is a big part of the impetus for this change.
Upon arrival and collection I felt a twinge of nostalgia for those heady days when I began my collection. At the time the newsagent was in a different locale in the shopping complex, and I had to make a weekly trip up to collect my supermarket job pay - in an envelope from the pay office.
Of course I thanked the establishment for allowing me to collect every six weeks instead of the mandated fortnight for years on end, and found out that the staff member who I first signed up with still worked on Tuesdays.
All in all it was a wonderful farewell to a tradition that has now been supplanted by going digital and the resultant late Wednesday evening repeated clicking of the refresh button until the latest issue shows up for download.
The only blemish on the whole experience was running into StumpyRudolph at his place of business and spending a quarter hour chatting to him.
I guess it was my own fault as I did go there to see if he was around.
Now that one is saving money as well as space I am faced with the dilemma of what to do with my savings - perhaps another several hundred dollars worth of big boxed board games for the cupboard?
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Delays that are not Disruptions
So today was supposed to see one's triumphant return to early starts at work after a relaxing train journey. However a 40 minute delay on the transit leg into the city has put paid to that.
One was surprised to learn - after some quick Internet accessing - that one was mistaken about the graveness of the delay.
Both the obnoxiously "upgraded" PTV app and our dear Metro's own Delays and Disruptions web page informed me that I was enjoying good service as I spent a quarter hour admiring the view between Collingwood and North Richmond stations.
Checking again while partaking of the Jolimont to Flinders Street view for a similar amount of time showed me that, once again, I was mistaken about what a Delay and Disruption actually is.
All is not a total waste however as I now have some handy tips on how to provide good service to everyone at work while they are not actually experiencing any delay at all.
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One was surprised to learn - after some quick Internet accessing - that one was mistaken about the graveness of the delay.
Both the obnoxiously "upgraded" PTV app and our dear Metro's own Delays and Disruptions web page informed me that I was enjoying good service as I spent a quarter hour admiring the view between Collingwood and North Richmond stations.
Checking again while partaking of the Jolimont to Flinders Street view for a similar amount of time showed me that, once again, I was mistaken about what a Delay and Disruption actually is.
All is not a total waste however as I now have some handy tips on how to provide good service to everyone at work while they are not actually experiencing any delay at all.
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Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
There is one thing one quite dislikes and that is when either ArchEnemy or DragonMim is right. Naturally it is a step up in magnitude when both "gentlemen" are proven correct.
Both of them made sure to tell me that there would be much less time for frivolous undertakings such as The Tales once young Hulk made good her arrival. It turns out that they are correct as the last near-month has seen a cascade of Hulk-related happenings that have conspired to all be more important than finding the time to communicate here.
Foremost amongst these is a troublesome back complaint developed by Salsa Girl that has led to one stepping up and shouldering one's fair share of the baby load. Additionally there have been some sleep difficulties and a resultant attendance at sleep school (one is rather disappointed to have found out that falling asleep in class is not worth extra credit).
This has flowed on to a squeeze on work time made paradoxically worse (or is that ironically) by involvement in the recruitment process for one's sidekick as finally seen necessary by Supervisor Grand Chief K given all the work one is supposed to be doing.
Of course it is even worse when our two villains are correct twice over as has happened with them both welcoming and warning me about life surrounded by girls.
Having had one's rugged lone wolf-ism suffer under the triple pressures of Salsa Girl's girlishness, Hulk's daughterage, and The Tiger's petulant big sister like antics I can only grudgingly admit to the aforementioned duo's correctness.
But in this instance one is thrice cursed with having to admit to the rightness of the spoutings of the twin curmudgeons in the most painful way.
Having finished reading Ready Player One just the other day I have to say that they were both eminently correct about it being a great little pseudo cyberpunk tale that delved wonderfully into eighties film and game culture.
I give it four stars and shall never speak of their correctness again.
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Both of them made sure to tell me that there would be much less time for frivolous undertakings such as The Tales once young Hulk made good her arrival. It turns out that they are correct as the last near-month has seen a cascade of Hulk-related happenings that have conspired to all be more important than finding the time to communicate here.
Foremost amongst these is a troublesome back complaint developed by Salsa Girl that has led to one stepping up and shouldering one's fair share of the baby load. Additionally there have been some sleep difficulties and a resultant attendance at sleep school (one is rather disappointed to have found out that falling asleep in class is not worth extra credit).
This has flowed on to a squeeze on work time made paradoxically worse (or is that ironically) by involvement in the recruitment process for one's sidekick as finally seen necessary by Supervisor Grand Chief K given all the work one is supposed to be doing.
Of course it is even worse when our two villains are correct twice over as has happened with them both welcoming and warning me about life surrounded by girls.
Having had one's rugged lone wolf-ism suffer under the triple pressures of Salsa Girl's girlishness, Hulk's daughterage, and The Tiger's petulant big sister like antics I can only grudgingly admit to the aforementioned duo's correctness.
But in this instance one is thrice cursed with having to admit to the rightness of the spoutings of the twin curmudgeons in the most painful way.
Having finished reading Ready Player One just the other day I have to say that they were both eminently correct about it being a great little pseudo cyberpunk tale that delved wonderfully into eighties film and game culture.
I give it four stars and shall never speak of their correctness again.
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A Dream of Longhorn the Minotaur
So I had this dream the other night.
Or rather, fragment of a dream, as these things tend to not have nice clean beginnings and endings.
I was visiting FridgePower, Judge Mingus, Ball Boy, and Thumper. As is the way of dreams, stuff that one can't remember had already happened and my awareness and memory begins with Judge Mingus and I talking together in a room.
The good Judge was quite excited and bursting to contain himself and then looking around said:
He spun back around suddenly and the first thing I noticed was that his missing eye - which had been a poorly healed scar earlier while still being completely normal - was now covered with a rather large piratical eye-patch.
And then, mercifully, I awoke.
Being the rugged and manly personage one is, I did not awake screaming.
But it was close.
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Or rather, fragment of a dream, as these things tend to not have nice clean beginnings and endings.
I was visiting FridgePower, Judge Mingus, Ball Boy, and Thumper. As is the way of dreams, stuff that one can't remember had already happened and my awareness and memory begins with Judge Mingus and I talking together in a room.
The good Judge was quite excited and bursting to contain himself and then looking around said:
"oh, you have to see my Longhorn The Minotaur costume. Ball Boy and Thumper love it and FridgePower won't be back for a while."With that he grabbed a towel and began spinning it into a solid tube locker-room jape style, before turning around and ripping his shirt off. I was confronted with a broad-shouldered muscular back, covered in scars and tufts of ginger.
He spun back around suddenly and the first thing I noticed was that his missing eye - which had been a poorly healed scar earlier while still being completely normal - was now covered with a rather large piratical eye-patch.
And then, mercifully, I awoke.
Being the rugged and manly personage one is, I did not awake screaming.
But it was close.
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The Towers of Midnight by "Brian"* Sanderson
Firstly before I get to today's agenda let me apologise for the recent lack of posting.
I have suffered through a small bought of man-cold (not after all, it turns out, the Swan Flu that Big J is grappling with) and have been occupied for the rest of my time alternating between Baby Whispering and Cat Shouting - possibly getting it mixed up at inappropriate times much to Hulk and The Tiger's chagrin.
Now onto today's agenda. Let me apologise for once again mentioning the Wheel o' Tedium books but breathe easy in knowing that we are almost there with this being the penultimate volume. It does appear that Mr Sanderson has been true to his word and is wrapping up the story in three books rather than the 14 or so that Robert Jordan's outline would have lead him to write.
So well done Brian* in writing a volume that moves the story on upon multiple fronts and finally feels like it will actually all come to a head in the next volume. I award it 6 Dune prequels.
* name changed to protect the innocent and not at all to annoy nit-picking Nurse Nige who I have no need of annoying especially since the great "Feargal Sharkey's Best Song" debate of '01 - "You Little Thief" indeed!
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I have suffered through a small bought of man-cold (not after all, it turns out, the Swan Flu that Big J is grappling with) and have been occupied for the rest of my time alternating between Baby Whispering and Cat Shouting - possibly getting it mixed up at inappropriate times much to Hulk and The Tiger's chagrin.
Now onto today's agenda. Let me apologise for once again mentioning the Wheel o' Tedium books but breathe easy in knowing that we are almost there with this being the penultimate volume. It does appear that Mr Sanderson has been true to his word and is wrapping up the story in three books rather than the 14 or so that Robert Jordan's outline would have lead him to write.
So well done Brian* in writing a volume that moves the story on upon multiple fronts and finally feels like it will actually all come to a head in the next volume. I award it 6 Dune prequels.
* name changed to protect the innocent and not at all to annoy nit-picking Nurse Nige who I have no need of annoying especially since the great "Feargal Sharkey's Best Song" debate of '01 - "You Little Thief" indeed!
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A Grand Day
So this weekend has seen a grand day that shall go down in the annuls of history. Why it shall be spoken of in conversations for decades to come and shouted from the rafters for all eternities!
Well it will at least be noted as: "Oh yeah, that's good".
It was the occasion of oneself and Hulk's first expedition sans Salsa Girl which would allow her some relief from our annoying antics. It was a major undertaking as one left the house, festooned with all of the various paraphernalia that is required for the happy keeping of Hulk.
The choice of excursion was the regular collection of one's 2000AD comics (the home of Judge Dredd) from the newsagent that has been gracious enough to keep putting them aside for one for the past several decades and can endure a bi-monthly collection schedule as opposed to the rather stringent fortnightly that most establishments demand.
So there I was with nappy bag, carry harness, emergency bottle and finally one's own modest excursion bag for the holding of one's newly acquired comics hitting the road on a great trek North and learning much about automobile travel and small humans. It seems that direct sunlight can be quite distressing for the little ones, especially when it is in their eyes directly - as one discovered upon turning into a more exposed street and finding ones aural capabilities under sudden cacophonous assault.
In any case one short stop and adjustment of light blocking gauze later we were on our way again and one of us returned to snoozeville.
After that drama collection was no great hassle, although Hulk does have a no stopping rule when being carried which makes awaiting service at a counter a tad difficult.
Soon enough we were back in our vehicle and bound for a quick visit to Legion3, Madmog, and their little one. Some awesome daddy-led feeding and snoozing ensued and the stay stretched out until we returned home to Salsa Girl who had found out that she may have missed our annoying antics after all.
.
Oh, there was another Grand part to the weekend as the Big J mandate had Hulk and myself supporting the Swans in juxtaposition to The Great Sandro who was following his childhood team.
Justice and good prevailed on the day and both Hulk and I were quite chuffed in our red and white.
.
Well it will at least be noted as: "Oh yeah, that's good".
It was the occasion of oneself and Hulk's first expedition sans Salsa Girl which would allow her some relief from our annoying antics. It was a major undertaking as one left the house, festooned with all of the various paraphernalia that is required for the happy keeping of Hulk.
The choice of excursion was the regular collection of one's 2000AD comics (the home of Judge Dredd) from the newsagent that has been gracious enough to keep putting them aside for one for the past several decades and can endure a bi-monthly collection schedule as opposed to the rather stringent fortnightly that most establishments demand.
So there I was with nappy bag, carry harness, emergency bottle and finally one's own modest excursion bag for the holding of one's newly acquired comics hitting the road on a great trek North and learning much about automobile travel and small humans. It seems that direct sunlight can be quite distressing for the little ones, especially when it is in their eyes directly - as one discovered upon turning into a more exposed street and finding ones aural capabilities under sudden cacophonous assault.
In any case one short stop and adjustment of light blocking gauze later we were on our way again and one of us returned to snoozeville.
After that drama collection was no great hassle, although Hulk does have a no stopping rule when being carried which makes awaiting service at a counter a tad difficult.
Soon enough we were back in our vehicle and bound for a quick visit to Legion3, Madmog, and their little one. Some awesome daddy-led feeding and snoozing ensued and the stay stretched out until we returned home to Salsa Girl who had found out that she may have missed our annoying antics after all.
.
Oh, there was another Grand part to the weekend as the Big J mandate had Hulk and myself supporting the Swans in juxtaposition to The Great Sandro who was following his childhood team.
Justice and good prevailed on the day and both Hulk and I were quite chuffed in our red and white.
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Stephen King's Wind Through the Keyhole
I finished this one the other day on one of my innumerable train sojourns now that I am well and truly back at the coal-face.
The Wind Through the Keyhole is a return to the story of King's Dark Tower. The Dark Tower series being one of one's favourite things in the world. Therefore I looked upon this with a lot of anticipation and a little trepidation.
It turns out that I had nothing to be worried about. I found it a welcome return to the world of the Dark Tower - as book four and a half - and thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the story - or should I say stories. With this novel I think Steve has hit upon a good way to express his past decades fascination with formats and structures of writing. The story within a story within a story format works a treat here and my only disappointment is that it all ended too soon.
I give it four and a half stars and now worry that I am sorely tempted to re-read the final 3 books of the series.
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The Wind Through the Keyhole is a return to the story of King's Dark Tower. The Dark Tower series being one of one's favourite things in the world. Therefore I looked upon this with a lot of anticipation and a little trepidation.
It turns out that I had nothing to be worried about. I found it a welcome return to the world of the Dark Tower - as book four and a half - and thoroughly enjoyed immersing myself in the story - or should I say stories. With this novel I think Steve has hit upon a good way to express his past decades fascination with formats and structures of writing. The story within a story within a story format works a treat here and my only disappointment is that it all ended too soon.
I give it four and a half stars and now worry that I am sorely tempted to re-read the final 3 books of the series.
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The Tiger's Tenth
So Thursday last was the momentous occasion of The Tiger reaching her decade milestone.
One marked the event by providing a feast of special premium food, ample lap sitting opportunities, and copious brushing.
The downside of this - and here I Caution you - was that, continuing to this day, The Tiger has unmet expectations for an ongoing continuance of such pampering. One has already received several gouging reminders of one's failure to attend to the grand dame in the now mandatory manner.
So the end result is that these days, when I'm cautiously limping about the flat I'm constantly thinking of ways to make The Tiger's second decade better than all that has come before. Such is the price of loving companionship...
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One marked the event by providing a feast of special premium food, ample lap sitting opportunities, and copious brushing.
The downside of this - and here I Caution you - was that, continuing to this day, The Tiger has unmet expectations for an ongoing continuance of such pampering. One has already received several gouging reminders of one's failure to attend to the grand dame in the now mandatory manner.
So the end result is that these days, when I'm cautiously limping about the flat I'm constantly thinking of ways to make The Tiger's second decade better than all that has come before. Such is the price of loving companionship...
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Hulk Buba and the Forty Aunties
So the other day Salsa Girl and I packed up Hulk and her travelling requirements into the faithful vehicle and made the long trek southwards to visit one's workplace for the requisite showing off of cute new child.
Having listened to the tales her father had been spinning during her short life so far Hulk made sure to delay our departure - with feeding requirements and nappy changes - until there was no chance of encountering mean Auntie Supervisor Grand Chief K who makes daddy do all that hard work for no reason at all.
The downside of our delay was that our entry changed somewhat from the carefully orchestrated small group then meeting group to more of an everyone at once the moment we come through the door kind of thing. I'm told that the mass cooing could be heard suburbs away.
Young Hulk was quite blasé about being handed around from Auntie to Auntie, enjoying stays in the arms of the likes of: Auntie The Administrator, Auntie Big J, Auntie Lord of the Small Fries, Auntie Nurse Janet, Auntie Shirl, Auntie Alltogether Heather, Auntie Miss Amanda, Auntie Groovy Spirits, and sundry others in the parade of Aunties. I'm pretty confident from the empirical evidence before my very eyes that Hulk out-cuted Auntie Bomber Babe's recently acquired grand daughter.
Anyway after a reasonable stay there - and finding a disappointingly low snack level in the workroom we decided to head on to my spiritual home branch for a much less crowded meet and greet.
Upon arrival it was Auntie Days of our Libraries who monopolised the holding - so much in fact that Uncle Mr Prada didn't even have a chance for a hold of his own and had to stoically insist that he didn't need to prise Hulk from Auntie Days' arms as he wasn't affected by Hulk's overwhelming cuteness.
After that visit was over we had ourselves some cafe lunch and then made the long journey home to spend most of the evening trying to calm an inexplicably overstimulated Hulk.
.
Having listened to the tales her father had been spinning during her short life so far Hulk made sure to delay our departure - with feeding requirements and nappy changes - until there was no chance of encountering mean Auntie Supervisor Grand Chief K who makes daddy do all that hard work for no reason at all.
The downside of our delay was that our entry changed somewhat from the carefully orchestrated small group then meeting group to more of an everyone at once the moment we come through the door kind of thing. I'm told that the mass cooing could be heard suburbs away.
Young Hulk was quite blasé about being handed around from Auntie to Auntie, enjoying stays in the arms of the likes of: Auntie The Administrator, Auntie Big J, Auntie Lord of the Small Fries, Auntie Nurse Janet, Auntie Shirl, Auntie Alltogether Heather, Auntie Miss Amanda, Auntie Groovy Spirits, and sundry others in the parade of Aunties. I'm pretty confident from the empirical evidence before my very eyes that Hulk out-cuted Auntie Bomber Babe's recently acquired grand daughter.
Anyway after a reasonable stay there - and finding a disappointingly low snack level in the workroom we decided to head on to my spiritual home branch for a much less crowded meet and greet.
Upon arrival it was Auntie Days of our Libraries who monopolised the holding - so much in fact that Uncle Mr Prada didn't even have a chance for a hold of his own and had to stoically insist that he didn't need to prise Hulk from Auntie Days' arms as he wasn't affected by Hulk's overwhelming cuteness.
After that visit was over we had ourselves some cafe lunch and then made the long journey home to spend most of the evening trying to calm an inexplicably overstimulated Hulk.
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The Caring Profession
So today we finally got around to attending the MCH centre for Hulk's week four checkup made extra exciting by attempting to walk to the centre during a force 10 hurricane. Sadly nothing reportably exciting occurred during our journey.
The session itself included the legislatively required amount of poking, prodding, measuring, and general inspection designed to induce maximum upsetness in a young baby.
Hulk, of course, came through it all with flying colours being very advanced for her age.
For myself, however, it was a different and far more traumatic story.
In the middle of a calm discussion about Hulk's measurements various, the Maternal Child Health nurse looked me directly in the eye and then hit me with this:
Luckily one was able to gather myself together and soldier on through the rest of the appointment.
I should point out that Salsa Girl damned herself by her reaction - resolutely staring out the window and not making eye contact with me.
Afterwards Salsa Girl treated my shock - and her guilty conscience - by having us go to delicious lunch at a nearby Cafe.
And anyway it was far too windy a day for anyone to try wearing a hat...
.
The session itself included the legislatively required amount of poking, prodding, measuring, and general inspection designed to induce maximum upsetness in a young baby.
Hulk, of course, came through it all with flying colours being very advanced for her age.
For myself, however, it was a different and far more traumatic story.
In the middle of a calm discussion about Hulk's measurements various, the Maternal Child Health nurse looked me directly in the eye and then hit me with this:
"She's small now but her head could suddenly balloon up, particularly if one of the parents has a big head... you know maybe has difficulty buying hats..."I was gobsmacked and immediately wondered if she'd been reading about my famous Hat Party. The trauma of my lifelong futile search for headgear that would suit my only slightly above average head size came flooding back.
Luckily one was able to gather myself together and soldier on through the rest of the appointment.
I should point out that Salsa Girl damned herself by her reaction - resolutely staring out the window and not making eye contact with me.
Afterwards Salsa Girl treated my shock - and her guilty conscience - by having us go to delicious lunch at a nearby Cafe.
And anyway it was far too windy a day for anyone to try wearing a hat...
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Father's Day Fun
So on the momentous occasion of one's inaugural Father's Day one was lucky enough to be gifted special dispensation from one's beloved Salsa Girl to have a select couple of gamers around for an afternoon of gaming.
Of course this young man's thoughts turned to the Commands and Colors (sic) series of games and hence the invite went out to Badger and Young Jim who both eagerly accepted.
We engaged in slightly more than an afternoon to complete two close and fun games. Unfortunately we did alter the course of history with William the Conqueror doing rather a lot less conquering than expected under the guidance of Young Jim and yours truly - it was rather reminiscent of the debacle we had when Poland stopped the German invasion dead in it's tracks. Anyway there were snacks and tactics and tense dice rolls and lots of fun. We'll have to do it again next year. Or sooner I suppose.
Speaking of occasions today happens to be the awesome occasion of Salsa Girl and I having embarked upon our grand adventure two years (and a leap day) ago. Of course Hulk has now joined us to make it a family undertaking for the next 18 years and beyond of further adventure - the downside being that there's not a lot of opportunity to make celebratory cake while we're still adjusting ourselves to the Hulk-focused lifestyle.
Time seems to have gotten quite late so I'd best head off to bed now and make a start on my daily four hours of sleep. You'll hear more from me later.
.
Of course this young man's thoughts turned to the Commands and Colors (sic) series of games and hence the invite went out to Badger and Young Jim who both eagerly accepted.
We engaged in slightly more than an afternoon to complete two close and fun games. Unfortunately we did alter the course of history with William the Conqueror doing rather a lot less conquering than expected under the guidance of Young Jim and yours truly - it was rather reminiscent of the debacle we had when Poland stopped the German invasion dead in it's tracks. Anyway there were snacks and tactics and tense dice rolls and lots of fun. We'll have to do it again next year. Or sooner I suppose.
Speaking of occasions today happens to be the awesome occasion of Salsa Girl and I having embarked upon our grand adventure two years (and a leap day) ago. Of course Hulk has now joined us to make it a family undertaking for the next 18 years and beyond of further adventure - the downside being that there's not a lot of opportunity to make celebratory cake while we're still adjusting ourselves to the Hulk-focused lifestyle.
Time seems to have gotten quite late so I'd best head off to bed now and make a start on my daily four hours of sleep. You'll hear more from me later.
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Hulk - The Early Weeks
When one began composing this post it was rather naively entitles - Hulk, the Early Days.
Well since then the piecemeal nature at which one was able to add ones brilliant thoughts to the draft had made me believe that I was looking at having to re title it as - Hulk. Year One. While one would surely have enjoyed basking in the kudos this would have brought from such graphical story telling literati as Zombie Monkey and The Real Greg Dean, it has eventuated that my deadline has stretched out to mere weeks.
In any case many are the things that have occurred during the earlydays weeks of the time of Hulk.
One has been head down in reading materials wide and sundry - finishing long bookmark-laden tomes and making visible progress on one's to-be-read stacks, various. In fact all but the nigh insurmountable penultimate Wheel of Tedium volume have fallen beneath the scythe of my reading gaze.
One has had occasion to watch many a late night movie and has begun filling in may of the glaring holes in ones experience of the past few decades cinema. For example one now knows that Tom Hanks gets off the island.
One has even managed to make some small steps of progress in ones gaming projects in a way that may even make Fantomas believe that they could become real when one next attends the Tuesday Knights.
One has had several meetings in passing with Salsa Girl and even shared several meals.
Of course there has been some time spent with young Hulk. Why we've had special daddy-daughter time watching the mighty pies (and another team that looks similar but seems to have lost the mighty bit).
We also tried our hand at bonding over some solo gaming - managing to see off those pesky Persians at Thermopylae and winning the Battle of the Five Armies for the Orcs.
There have been visit from relatives various, a handful of friends, and late night hallucinations of the interesting kind.
As predicted by FridgePower one has been able to indulge in the ancient art of poo smearing - although much of the training I undertook cleaning up after The Tiger has gone to waste as there has been a suspicious lack of any positing (the nice word for baby vomiting) particularly of the furball kind.
In amongst all this Legion2 and the BrotherStealer have seen fit to try and steal my hard-earned spotlight by delivering their second a full six weeks early. One can only be glad that Freeloading Mum and Handy Dad have been away all this time so there would be no unseemly squabbling for the favour that is rightfully mine.
In any case this disjointed report has brought you up to date with the trials and tribulations we have been undergoing for the past fewdays weeks.
It only gets easier from here they tell me.
And then they snigger.
.
Well since then the piecemeal nature at which one was able to add ones brilliant thoughts to the draft had made me believe that I was looking at having to re title it as - Hulk. Year One. While one would surely have enjoyed basking in the kudos this would have brought from such graphical story telling literati as Zombie Monkey and The Real Greg Dean, it has eventuated that my deadline has stretched out to mere weeks.
In any case many are the things that have occurred during the early
One has been head down in reading materials wide and sundry - finishing long bookmark-laden tomes and making visible progress on one's to-be-read stacks, various. In fact all but the nigh insurmountable penultimate Wheel of Tedium volume have fallen beneath the scythe of my reading gaze.
One has had occasion to watch many a late night movie and has begun filling in may of the glaring holes in ones experience of the past few decades cinema. For example one now knows that Tom Hanks gets off the island.
One has even managed to make some small steps of progress in ones gaming projects in a way that may even make Fantomas believe that they could become real when one next attends the Tuesday Knights.
One has had several meetings in passing with Salsa Girl and even shared several meals.
Of course there has been some time spent with young Hulk. Why we've had special daddy-daughter time watching the mighty pies (and another team that looks similar but seems to have lost the mighty bit).
 |
| Hulk unable to bear the skill errors. |
There have been visit from relatives various, a handful of friends, and late night hallucinations of the interesting kind.
As predicted by FridgePower one has been able to indulge in the ancient art of poo smearing - although much of the training I undertook cleaning up after The Tiger has gone to waste as there has been a suspicious lack of any positing (the nice word for baby vomiting) particularly of the furball kind.
In amongst all this Legion2 and the BrotherStealer have seen fit to try and steal my hard-earned spotlight by delivering their second a full six weeks early. One can only be glad that Freeloading Mum and Handy Dad have been away all this time so there would be no unseemly squabbling for the favour that is rightfully mine.
In any case this disjointed report has brought you up to date with the trials and tribulations we have been undergoing for the past few
It only gets easier from here they tell me.
And then they snigger.
.
Hulk's Grand Entrance
So things have finally settled down a bit and I can do my duty by you all - my patient readers.
Word may have gotten about in the rumoresque sense that Hulk has finally made good her appearance in the flesh and right into the middle of Salsa Girl and my world, putting a rather abrupt end to my laid-back paternity leave holiday time.
It was an eventful event full of eventualities so sit back and listen carefully as I regale you with the tale of Hulk's Grand Entrance.
Our story begins in the early hours of Thursday past when my beloved Salsa Girl was awakened by the gentle actions of her body vigorously preparing itself for what was to come later that day. Naturally we thought little of it having been in a state of disbelief about the whole pregnancy thing for several weeks by that stage. Still, to humour everyone, we went for our regular scheduled hospital appointment and cafeteria lunch in the early afternoon. Even then as we tried to play along midwives various told us it was nothing, could stop any moment, and that we should head home and let them know if anything interesting develops.
Well.
Once we were home it did become quite interesting in short order. So interesting that one even forgot to partake of the evening meal which is an essential meal on account of, well, being a meal.
Anyway, eventually one's expert supportiveness was no longer enough so we made the decision to head into the Family Birth Centre for the professional supportiveness on offer at that most excellent venue - not to mention the free meals and other assorted bonuses like double beds for partner rest, couches for partner rest, and shower facilities for partner use.
After much fiddle-fallying we managed to make the move and had ourselves installed in our assigned room shortly before midnight. It wasn't long before Salsa Girl decided to avail herself of the amenities by taking a dip in the pool and then retiring to our room's private bathroom for a nice hot shower.
It wasn't very much longer after that that Hulk burst onto the scene.
There followed a blurred several hours of follow-up activity including much cuddling and bonding with the newly emerged Hulk. We were so stunned that we took some time to come up with the moniker with which to dub her and, worse by far, almost forgot to partake of breakfast!
Here's a Caution for you all: if you take a lazy, It'll come to us, approach to naming your progeny you may find that said child can go almost a whole day without any nomenclature other than Baby of Salsa Girl. A terrible situation, I'm sure you'll agree as it in no way reflects one's input into the whole process.
After the usual couple of days enjoying the room service and other facilities, visits from family, and just generally letting it all sink in, we made the short journey home to get little Hulk slotted into the smooth running of our flat.
As the passing days (it may be weeks now, one has somewhat lost track) have since proven it appears that Hulk is the one making the flat slot in around herself. Why, even The Tiger has conceded defeat and relocated to the depths of the study - although i a show of defiance she is using the change table as a sleeping platform.
Family have made quite a few welcome visits and we are muddling our way through even though one's Googling has failed to find the instruction manual.
Oh. Hark! Duty calls once more with it's dulcet ear-splitting tones so I'll post this and get back to you when I once again attain some free time...
.
Word may have gotten about in the rumoresque sense that Hulk has finally made good her appearance in the flesh and right into the middle of Salsa Girl and my world, putting a rather abrupt end to my laid-back paternity leave holiday time.
It was an eventful event full of eventualities so sit back and listen carefully as I regale you with the tale of Hulk's Grand Entrance.
Our story begins in the early hours of Thursday past when my beloved Salsa Girl was awakened by the gentle actions of her body vigorously preparing itself for what was to come later that day. Naturally we thought little of it having been in a state of disbelief about the whole pregnancy thing for several weeks by that stage. Still, to humour everyone, we went for our regular scheduled hospital appointment and cafeteria lunch in the early afternoon. Even then as we tried to play along midwives various told us it was nothing, could stop any moment, and that we should head home and let them know if anything interesting develops.
Well.
Once we were home it did become quite interesting in short order. So interesting that one even forgot to partake of the evening meal which is an essential meal on account of, well, being a meal.
Anyway, eventually one's expert supportiveness was no longer enough so we made the decision to head into the Family Birth Centre for the professional supportiveness on offer at that most excellent venue - not to mention the free meals and other assorted bonuses like double beds for partner rest, couches for partner rest, and shower facilities for partner use.
After much fiddle-fallying we managed to make the move and had ourselves installed in our assigned room shortly before midnight. It wasn't long before Salsa Girl decided to avail herself of the amenities by taking a dip in the pool and then retiring to our room's private bathroom for a nice hot shower.
It wasn't very much longer after that that Hulk burst onto the scene.
There followed a blurred several hours of follow-up activity including much cuddling and bonding with the newly emerged Hulk. We were so stunned that we took some time to come up with the moniker with which to dub her and, worse by far, almost forgot to partake of breakfast!
Here's a Caution for you all: if you take a lazy, It'll come to us, approach to naming your progeny you may find that said child can go almost a whole day without any nomenclature other than Baby of Salsa Girl. A terrible situation, I'm sure you'll agree as it in no way reflects one's input into the whole process.
After the usual couple of days enjoying the room service and other facilities, visits from family, and just generally letting it all sink in, we made the short journey home to get little Hulk slotted into the smooth running of our flat.
As the passing days (it may be weeks now, one has somewhat lost track) have since proven it appears that Hulk is the one making the flat slot in around herself. Why, even The Tiger has conceded defeat and relocated to the depths of the study - although i a show of defiance she is using the change table as a sleeping platform.
Family have made quite a few welcome visits and we are muddling our way through even though one's Googling has failed to find the instruction manual.
Oh. Hark! Duty calls once more with it's dulcet ear-splitting tones so I'll post this and get back to you when I once again attain some free time...
.
The Waiting Rooms
So I have ended up spending quite a large amount of my time last night and today awaiting the arrival of young miss Hulk.
It has been a bit of a strain on Salsa Girl and myself but we have been coping.
After a enough walking to make Kiwichick proud we retired to our rooms various to await further - well any really - movement from Hulk. My belove'd Salsa Girl in the living room and myself in the study/man-cave/change-room.
Still one shouldn't be too concerned as she is one's progeny and the scheduled arrival day is tomorrow, so if the genetic traits run true she is liable to be a tad late for the event.
.
It has been a bit of a strain on Salsa Girl and myself but we have been coping.
After a enough walking to make Kiwichick proud we retired to our rooms various to await further - well any really - movement from Hulk. My belove'd Salsa Girl in the living room and myself in the study/man-cave/change-room.
Still one shouldn't be too concerned as she is one's progeny and the scheduled arrival day is tomorrow, so if the genetic traits run true she is liable to be a tad late for the event.
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The Arrival of My Young Apprentice
Last week one had the fortune to be shadowed at one's workplace by My Young Apprentice who shall be covering for myself, should Hulk ever decide to make her appearance and kick off my six week holiday.
Yes that's right, Supervisor Grand Chief K, has finally, albeit indirectly, acknowledged the huge amount of work that one has to do.
It was an interesting week. Much of my time was spent educating My Young Apprentice on the ins and outs and other important parts of the job: computer systems, hardware, standing up to Big J, pleasing The Administrator, which branch has the best cakes and so forth.
The most important job however was getting him to understand the importance of not finishing all my long-standing projects in the first week lest one return to some awkward questions or - worse still - find that one has been usurped as the paragon of IT in the eyes of one's librarians.
Thankfully the IT department has seen fit to restrict his privileges in such a way that several things may well be impossible for him to achieve which means one will be able to sleep soundly for the duration of one's absence.
.
Yes that's right, Supervisor Grand Chief K, has finally, albeit indirectly, acknowledged the huge amount of work that one has to do.
It was an interesting week. Much of my time was spent educating My Young Apprentice on the ins and outs and other important parts of the job: computer systems, hardware, standing up to Big J, pleasing The Administrator, which branch has the best cakes and so forth.
The most important job however was getting him to understand the importance of not finishing all my long-standing projects in the first week lest one return to some awkward questions or - worse still - find that one has been usurped as the paragon of IT in the eyes of one's librarians.
Thankfully the IT department has seen fit to restrict his privileges in such a way that several things may well be impossible for him to achieve which means one will be able to sleep soundly for the duration of one's absence.
.
The Last Hurrah
This Sunday last one held the last of one's monthly Sunday gaming days for some time - with Hulk's arrival scheduled for the end of the month it was thought best to not try for one more at the end of the month as well.
We had a cast of thousands. If you round up. A lot.
Many games were played including a surprising slant towards one's favourites.
It was the sort of amazing never-to-be-repeated gaming event that the likes of, say, The Real Greg Dean, would be kicking themselves for missing merely for being interstate.
The mound of snacks was nearly legendary enough to satisfy the The Viking Hat GM (who is some sort of minor deity of snacktitude).
All in all it was a great send-off for the monthly gaming and if you didn't make it then you should begin preparing yourself for The New Beginning starting sometime in the future, taking some form, and being held in some place.
With advance warning like that there will be no excuse for non-attendance!
.
We had a cast of thousands. If you round up. A lot.
- Legion2, Badger (regulars)
- Gavman, Elfboy (semi regulars)
- Young Jim (transitioning to regular)
- The Bastard (pretending to be both semi-regular and transitioning to regular)
- Judge Mingus, Ball Boy (first timers)
Many games were played including a surprising slant towards one's favourites.
It was the sort of amazing never-to-be-repeated gaming event that the likes of, say, The Real Greg Dean, would be kicking themselves for missing merely for being interstate.
The mound of snacks was nearly legendary enough to satisfy the The Viking Hat GM (who is some sort of minor deity of snacktitude).
All in all it was a great send-off for the monthly gaming and if you didn't make it then you should begin preparing yourself for The New Beginning starting sometime in the future, taking some form, and being held in some place.
With advance warning like that there will be no excuse for non-attendance!
.
Railsea by China Miéville
I finished this a scant few days ago during my morning commute and found it to be a welcome return to form from the author with enjoyable characters and plot.
It is a steampunkish tale that is written more in a teen fiction style - not that there's anything wrong with that - in fact it makes the story flow along at a satisfying pace.
There are a few thankfully brief interludes of author fascination with story structure but they are not too intrusive.
I give it a solid four stars.
.
It is a steampunkish tale that is written more in a teen fiction style - not that there's anything wrong with that - in fact it makes the story flow along at a satisfying pace.
There are a few thankfully brief interludes of author fascination with story structure but they are not too intrusive.
I give it a solid four stars.
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Shelving Plans due to baby
So, with the nigh imminent arrival of our adorable Hulk, it was decided by Salsa Girl and oneself that we'd better start some of that preparing.
Therefore last weekend was given over to baby shopping in the morning followed by the execution of our most excellent plan for shelving installation to safe-terise our vast collection of laundry items.
We invited Handy Dad and Freeloading Mum around for afternoon tea, some footy watching, and a little bit of "some help putting these shelves up" - knowing that afternoon tea would ensure that Freeloading Mum would bring Handy Dad and tools.
Of course no plan can survive contact with the cunning of Handy Dad who promptly set about instructing me in what to do in order that I could do it all myself!
He then partook of conversation and afternoon tea in between bouts of advice before they headed home.
The last laugh is on him though as several hours later - once the shelves were finished - I sat down to enjoy the footy with all of the chips and drinks to myself.
.
Therefore last weekend was given over to baby shopping in the morning followed by the execution of our most excellent plan for shelving installation to safe-terise our vast collection of laundry items.
We invited Handy Dad and Freeloading Mum around for afternoon tea, some footy watching, and a little bit of "some help putting these shelves up" - knowing that afternoon tea would ensure that Freeloading Mum would bring Handy Dad and tools.
Of course no plan can survive contact with the cunning of Handy Dad who promptly set about instructing me in what to do in order that I could do it all myself!
He then partook of conversation and afternoon tea in between bouts of advice before they headed home.
The last laugh is on him though as several hours later - once the shelves were finished - I sat down to enjoy the footy with all of the chips and drinks to myself.
.
Birth days, Various
The past couple of weekends have been the domain of birthday celebration attendance for Salsa Girl and I.
Whereas the past couple of weeks have been the domain of rolling out new printers at work - the contrast is quite noticeable when Salsa Girl is not there escorting one through the event.
Anyway, the ageing celebrations kicked off with the early afternoon shindig for The Viking Hat GM and sprog. The usual suspects were there causing the usual mayhem - Exploding Ninja Pony, The Mad Magyar, and even Frenchy with his double daughter dance of destruction.
Fatherhood seems to have calmed down my Viking hatted friend as he was as subdued as a man suffering a heavy man-cold during the celebration. There was good food on offer - although bringing a plate oneself does seem to defeat the purpose of a free feed - still, I swapped a quiche for some chocolate cake so I know I came out ahead.
After that lovely reunion it was on to the big celebration for Mr Magpie (no relation). Fondly remembering the triumph that was his rain and alcohol soaked thirtieth I was all prepared for a big one. However it turned out to be more of a good conversation and child soaked affair. Of course Legion2 was in attendance as was Gavman and all found it quite enjoyable especially the fully over-catered buffet that was the evening repast.
Skipping forward a week we arrive at the afternoon celebration convened to celebrate Uncle Niece's second annum. The afternoon started sedately but by the end there were repeated games of Squash Uncle Phool occurring - an activity best not done at an occasion in which two different cakes and scones have been featured.
All in all a quite pleasant and Phill-fulling way to spend one's weekends.
.
Whereas the past couple of weeks have been the domain of rolling out new printers at work - the contrast is quite noticeable when Salsa Girl is not there escorting one through the event.
Anyway, the ageing celebrations kicked off with the early afternoon shindig for The Viking Hat GM and sprog. The usual suspects were there causing the usual mayhem - Exploding Ninja Pony, The Mad Magyar, and even Frenchy with his double daughter dance of destruction.
Fatherhood seems to have calmed down my Viking hatted friend as he was as subdued as a man suffering a heavy man-cold during the celebration. There was good food on offer - although bringing a plate oneself does seem to defeat the purpose of a free feed - still, I swapped a quiche for some chocolate cake so I know I came out ahead.
After that lovely reunion it was on to the big celebration for Mr Magpie (no relation). Fondly remembering the triumph that was his rain and alcohol soaked thirtieth I was all prepared for a big one. However it turned out to be more of a good conversation and child soaked affair. Of course Legion2 was in attendance as was Gavman and all found it quite enjoyable especially the fully over-catered buffet that was the evening repast.
Skipping forward a week we arrive at the afternoon celebration convened to celebrate Uncle Niece's second annum. The afternoon started sedately but by the end there were repeated games of Squash Uncle Phool occurring - an activity best not done at an occasion in which two different cakes and scones have been featured.
All in all a quite pleasant and Phill-fulling way to spend one's weekends.
.
A Crowning Moment
I have once again dragged myself through that most heinous of afflictions - a four day man-cold - to update you all on one's recent happenings.
This update contains a Caution as well so pay attention.
When your dentist talks of giving you a crown it is a lie.
There will be no ceremonial bestowing of regal jewellery atop one's head whilst one is enthroned, replete with purple robing and lauded by the masses.
Instead you will be subjected to a scene reminiscent of your classical extra-terrestrial abduction and subsequent investigative medical procedures.
And you'll come out with nicer teeth.
You have been Cautioned.
.
This update contains a Caution as well so pay attention.
When your dentist talks of giving you a crown it is a lie.
There will be no ceremonial bestowing of regal jewellery atop one's head whilst one is enthroned, replete with purple robing and lauded by the masses.
Instead you will be subjected to a scene reminiscent of your classical extra-terrestrial abduction and subsequent investigative medical procedures.
And you'll come out with nicer teeth.
You have been Cautioned.
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Cramping my Style
So one has yet again undertaken to take part in the Global Corporate Challenge and step ones way around the virtual world.
However after only a few days I have found myself beset with the most painful of injuries - calf cramp.
After achieving my personal best (on day 3) I found myself in great agony all down my right leg that not even the careful ministrations of nurse Salsa Girl could alleviate.
I have come out of it alive this morning but will have to take it easy for a few days -much to the chagrin of team captain Kiwichick (I should still be able to outpace The Beaumaris Ballerina's paltry efforts though).
Having such an injury gives one the perfect excuse for not visiting the tales these past weeks to tell you all about the wonderful happenings such as: interstate wedding excursions; gaming day extravaganzas; proto-spawn medical sessions; several biblio finishings; paternal birthdays; niecal hide and seek play times; and, of course, metric scads of hard working days in the library.
Now that one has a bona-fide reason to rest with one's leg up one shall easily be able to keep up with one's regular blog posting commitment.
.
However after only a few days I have found myself beset with the most painful of injuries - calf cramp.
After achieving my personal best (on day 3) I found myself in great agony all down my right leg that not even the careful ministrations of nurse Salsa Girl could alleviate.
I have come out of it alive this morning but will have to take it easy for a few days -much to the chagrin of team captain Kiwichick (I should still be able to outpace The Beaumaris Ballerina's paltry efforts though).
Having such an injury gives one the perfect excuse for not visiting the tales these past weeks to tell you all about the wonderful happenings such as: interstate wedding excursions; gaming day extravaganzas; proto-spawn medical sessions; several biblio finishings; paternal birthdays; niecal hide and seek play times; and, of course, metric scads of hard working days in the library.
Now that one has a bona-fide reason to rest with one's leg up one shall easily be able to keep up with one's regular blog posting commitment.
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Chanur's Legacy by C. J. Cherryh
I finished this delightful little tale of alien diplomacy and relations just the other day. Having read the previous three in the series years ago I was delighted to snaffle a loan of this fourth follow-up volume from Badger when the opportunity presented itself.
Set in Compact Space - a meeting point for five different alien empires (non of them human) - it deals with the intricacies of honour, diplomacy, instinct and trying to avoid being put in the position of starting a war.
A good solid read with a great take on alien thinking and culture. Sometimes a little difficult to read due to the alien thinking but well worth it if only for the had space opera feel so very close to one's beloved Traveller.
I give it a 3 and one half stars.
.
Set in Compact Space - a meeting point for five different alien empires (non of them human) - it deals with the intricacies of honour, diplomacy, instinct and trying to avoid being put in the position of starting a war.
A good solid read with a great take on alien thinking and culture. Sometimes a little difficult to read due to the alien thinking but well worth it if only for the had space opera feel so very close to one's beloved Traveller.
I give it a 3 and one half stars.
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A Fun Games Day with The Fungi Lady
The highlight of one's weekend - nay, one's entire week - was a get together organised by The Fungi Lady. She was back in town for a short while and arranged for the event to be held at the house of Doom.
The themes for the day were gaming and food. You may be aware that they are two of one's most favourite themes for events.
Salsa Girl and I made our way to the venue in the wee hours of the late morning be-laden with armfuls of one's gaming collection suitably prepared for any gaming requirement that should arise.
Also in attendance were Duff, Agent Smith, and Non-Gamin' Megan (who played every game with consummate ease).
A great feast and time was had by all - especially after we triumphed over Pandemic on our fifth attempt as a group.
One even uncharacteristically returned home from a gaming event at a reasonable hour of the evening - something that shall have to be balanced out at this coming Tuesday Knight's gaming.
.
The themes for the day were gaming and food. You may be aware that they are two of one's most favourite themes for events.
Salsa Girl and I made our way to the venue in the wee hours of the late morning be-laden with armfuls of one's gaming collection suitably prepared for any gaming requirement that should arise.
Also in attendance were Duff, Agent Smith, and Non-Gamin' Megan (who played every game with consummate ease).
A great feast and time was had by all - especially after we triumphed over Pandemic on our fifth attempt as a group.
One even uncharacteristically returned home from a gaming event at a reasonable hour of the evening - something that shall have to be balanced out at this coming Tuesday Knight's gaming.
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Another notch on the belt
So one was able to start the day yesterday with the auspicious news that yet another marketing officer had been seen off by one's persistence. We are now at something like five or six if one wants to count temporary appointments.
It is of some concern that this one lasted so much longer than previous incarnations and I do hope that I had not begun to feel some sort of ... fondness? ... for the incumbent and therefore relented on my usual efficiency.
In any case AntagonisticAl will be but a faint memory after another month and one shall be the proud possessor of two and one half desks across the library service.
My only fear is that this is part of some long term plan of Supervisor Grand Chief K to engineer the return of Torchwood later in the year to pick up were she left off with her tormenting me with demands that I do such things as provide IT assistance as per one's position description.
.
It is of some concern that this one lasted so much longer than previous incarnations and I do hope that I had not begun to feel some sort of ... fondness? ... for the incumbent and therefore relented on my usual efficiency.
In any case AntagonisticAl will be but a faint memory after another month and one shall be the proud possessor of two and one half desks across the library service.
My only fear is that this is part of some long term plan of Supervisor Grand Chief K to engineer the return of Torchwood later in the year to pick up were she left off with her tormenting me with demands that I do such things as provide IT assistance as per one's position description.
.
The Lazy Weekend
One has just completed a most auspiciously lazy weekend. Thanks mostly to Salsa Girl having to work for one and a half days of it.
Apparently when one does not set an alarm one has a tendency to sleep until almost noon (nigh moon?) - especially when it's one of those rare weekends when Sister Serials makes no crisis calls from the library.
Of course such an alarm would have been set had there been an event on, such as the gaming extravaganza at The Bastard's which was booked in for my completely free and open Saturday for nigh on a month before a last minute change to the booked for Salsa time Sunday afternoon because of some inexplicable preference for Dragonmim and Pirate Dave being at the table instead of oneself. All explained with the flimsy excuse of "more people are available then" or some such.
Sigh.
In any case I made the most of my nothing time over both days, achieving huge amounts of rest and nothing. I believe I shall enter the working week fully refreshed and ready to go, go, go.
I'll just check this one more web site then get to bed...
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Sans Salsa Nerd Night
So since the integration of Salsa Girl into the Freeloading household a Monday night tradition of sorts has been established and maintained with a 96% uptime.
This is the night when one indulges in tackling some of the many gaming projects one has on the go whilst Salsa Girl amuses herself in her own mysterious ways and never the twain shall meet.
Usually one uses this time for some sort of short or long-term preparation for the Tuesday Knights game or the Sunday boardgames but last night I took the the tradition up a notch with the first of a new twist - the monthly solo wargaming night.
I eagerly set up a scenario for the awesome C&C Napoleonics game and played it out against myself. Twice.
Now there are those that may call this kind of undertaking a supra-nerdy thing, but, contrary to the alliteration in the title of this post, surely it's not really that nerdy if I won both the games?
.
This is the night when one indulges in tackling some of the many gaming projects one has on the go whilst Salsa Girl amuses herself in her own mysterious ways and never the twain shall meet.
Usually one uses this time for some sort of short or long-term preparation for the Tuesday Knights game or the Sunday boardgames but last night I took the the tradition up a notch with the first of a new twist - the monthly solo wargaming night.
I eagerly set up a scenario for the awesome C&C Napoleonics game and played it out against myself. Twice.
Now there are those that may call this kind of undertaking a supra-nerdy thing, but, contrary to the alliteration in the title of this post, surely it's not really that nerdy if I won both the games?
.
Conan and Sharpe's Waterloo
Well it seems to be the season for reviews as one finished both of the above named properties just before the very busy weekend.
The Conan in the title - who despite one's misleading title is not present at Waterloo fighting alongside Richard Sharpe - is last years remake moving picture which I was unable to see in it's proper environment i.e in the resplendent company of The Viking Hat GM, Exploding Ninja Pony, The Mad Magyar, and sundry others of a geekish persuasion.
Instead it was one's exercise machine distraction watched in 20 minute chunks over several days.
When watched in this fashion it comes up quite well and, despite Pirate Dave's lack of faith, I was able to last through until the end and in fact enjoyed it to boot.
Sharpe's Waterloo is the umpteenth (perhaps Pratcheteenth is more correct?) in the Sharpe series and sees him in attendance at the eponymous battle - in fact it sees him traverse much of the battlefield several times over the course of the day turning the tide at almost every appearance.
It was enjoyable military history fiction although unlike a previous Sharpe story one had read, involved very little plot other than the battle itself. Enjoyable and worth a read if you are inane way interested in things Napoleonic.
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The Conan in the title - who despite one's misleading title is not present at Waterloo fighting alongside Richard Sharpe - is last years remake moving picture which I was unable to see in it's proper environment i.e in the resplendent company of The Viking Hat GM, Exploding Ninja Pony, The Mad Magyar, and sundry others of a geekish persuasion.
Instead it was one's exercise machine distraction watched in 20 minute chunks over several days.
When watched in this fashion it comes up quite well and, despite Pirate Dave's lack of faith, I was able to last through until the end and in fact enjoyed it to boot.
Sharpe's Waterloo is the umpteenth (perhaps Pratcheteenth is more correct?) in the Sharpe series and sees him in attendance at the eponymous battle - in fact it sees him traverse much of the battlefield several times over the course of the day turning the tide at almost every appearance.
It was enjoyable military history fiction although unlike a previous Sharpe story one had read, involved very little plot other than the battle itself. Enjoyable and worth a read if you are inane way interested in things Napoleonic.
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The Lorax
So it was with some little trepidation that one took Salsa Girl to a showing of this motion picture over the Easter Long Long Weekend.
One, of course, expects that the resulting product of any adaption from literature will not be able to match ones previous experience of said work. So with that in mind we watched, we enjoyed, and we came away with a three star rating in mind.
Now, unlike The Bastard, I am not one to launch into a shuddering spasms of fear at the mere hint of a musical number but even I wonder at the obsession with adding musical numbers to nigh all animation.
Still that is not my biggest quibble with the movie, mostly I was disappointed with the addition of a framing story that was non-existent in the original work - understandable to a certain extent - however when said framing story encompasses fully one third of the movie while major parts of the books plot are compressed into "and then it was all over" type voiceovers, I can only shake my head.
The moral compass of this extra story is all over the place - only save the world if it gets you the girl, capitalism and environment destruction is bad because we say it is, look at all the cool gadgets and great lifestyle we have... I better stop this before it becomes a rant of Zombie Monkey proportions.
Also, of the several creatures named in Suess's original creation only the titular character (snigger) is named in the film; the style of many of the characters is changed to a standard animation film human, presumably to fit better with the standard animation film plots that are spun through the framing story.
The lack of Suessian rhyme is a sad exclusion but understandable - although a nod or two to it would have been nice.
Still it was a reasonable two star film and I give it the three because, well, it is The Lorax after all.
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One, of course, expects that the resulting product of any adaption from literature will not be able to match ones previous experience of said work. So with that in mind we watched, we enjoyed, and we came away with a three star rating in mind.
Now, unlike The Bastard, I am not one to launch into a shuddering spasms of fear at the mere hint of a musical number but even I wonder at the obsession with adding musical numbers to nigh all animation.
Still that is not my biggest quibble with the movie, mostly I was disappointed with the addition of a framing story that was non-existent in the original work - understandable to a certain extent - however when said framing story encompasses fully one third of the movie while major parts of the books plot are compressed into "and then it was all over" type voiceovers, I can only shake my head.
The moral compass of this extra story is all over the place - only save the world if it gets you the girl, capitalism and environment destruction is bad because we say it is, look at all the cool gadgets and great lifestyle we have... I better stop this before it becomes a rant of Zombie Monkey proportions.
Also, of the several creatures named in Suess's original creation only the titular character (snigger) is named in the film; the style of many of the characters is changed to a standard animation film human, presumably to fit better with the standard animation film plots that are spun through the framing story.
The lack of Suessian rhyme is a sad exclusion but understandable - although a nod or two to it would have been nice.
Still it was a reasonable two star film and I give it the three because, well, it is The Lorax after all.
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Finding the Path
One's weekend consisted of several path finding attempts.
The first was on Friday eve when one, along with Legion2, had to find a way through the nigh-constant babble that is football watching with The Great Sandro. Entertaining but exhausting.
My second path finding expedition was my great journey North to collect an undelivered package from the depot. Obstacle after obstacle was placed in my path as first Saturday traffic, then abundant red lights and finally copious road works All conspired to keep me from my true path.
However I overcame and reached my destination, parked the car and made my way to the front door to be greeted by a sign that read, "Parcel pick up from side door". Finding the path to the side door one was confronted with a second sign, "Weekend pick up from warehouse door 4, ring bell".
Picking my way through a maze of parked trucks I found my way to door 4 using the clever technique of counting my way along from door 1.
Arriving I found a staff member having a break outside the open door. Upon stating my quest I was told , "nah, the bell is round the other side. Just stand in the doorway until someone notices you.".
Thankfully I was noticed in short order and then a staff member walked all the way back to the side office to fetch me my parcel and my ordeal was over.
Or so I thought.
Trying to make my way to my next appointment was fraught with roadwork redirections and much reduced speed limits which put the finishing touch on my 40 minute round trip becoming an hour and a half.
I guess there's a Caution in this for you all: make sure you are home when a parcel is delivered.
Anyway I did eventually arrive at my final path finding event - an actual game of Pathfinder at the mercy of The Bastard, with the likes of Fantomas, DragonMim and Pirate Dave as one's compatriots.
Lots of fun and sugar was had before I was forced to find the path home.
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The first was on Friday eve when one, along with Legion2, had to find a way through the nigh-constant babble that is football watching with The Great Sandro. Entertaining but exhausting.
My second path finding expedition was my great journey North to collect an undelivered package from the depot. Obstacle after obstacle was placed in my path as first Saturday traffic, then abundant red lights and finally copious road works All conspired to keep me from my true path.
However I overcame and reached my destination, parked the car and made my way to the front door to be greeted by a sign that read, "Parcel pick up from side door". Finding the path to the side door one was confronted with a second sign, "Weekend pick up from warehouse door 4, ring bell".
Picking my way through a maze of parked trucks I found my way to door 4 using the clever technique of counting my way along from door 1.
Arriving I found a staff member having a break outside the open door. Upon stating my quest I was told , "nah, the bell is round the other side. Just stand in the doorway until someone notices you.".
Thankfully I was noticed in short order and then a staff member walked all the way back to the side office to fetch me my parcel and my ordeal was over.
Or so I thought.
Trying to make my way to my next appointment was fraught with roadwork redirections and much reduced speed limits which put the finishing touch on my 40 minute round trip becoming an hour and a half.
I guess there's a Caution in this for you all: make sure you are home when a parcel is delivered.
Anyway I did eventually arrive at my final path finding event - an actual game of Pathfinder at the mercy of The Bastard, with the likes of Fantomas, DragonMim and Pirate Dave as one's compatriots.
Lots of fun and sugar was had before I was forced to find the path home.
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The Gathering Storm by Brian Sanderson
I finished reading this, in ebook form, in the wee hours the other night huddled under the covers lest the blue glow from the screen awaken the wrath of the sleeping Salsa Girl and her talk of under-cover device-reading induced eye-strain.
All I can say is:
Mister Sanderson, you have done a reasonable job of both emulating the style of the original series author while at the same time cutting a lot of the excess description out and having the story move along at quite an acceptable pace.
I award this book 7 "Dune Prequels" (a Dune Prequel is worth roughly one half of a star as that is the usual minimum you have to rate something to make it look like has been rated) - read it if you have invested some of your precious reading time in the Wheel of Time series as the roll towards the end is starting and I can sense some satisfying closure ahead.
Also, since finishing this those few days back, my eyes have stopped aching so much.
Now back to one's regular silence...
.
All I can say is:
Mister Sanderson, you have done a reasonable job of both emulating the style of the original series author while at the same time cutting a lot of the excess description out and having the story move along at quite an acceptable pace.
I award this book 7 "Dune Prequels" (a Dune Prequel is worth roughly one half of a star as that is the usual minimum you have to rate something to make it look like has been rated) - read it if you have invested some of your precious reading time in the Wheel of Time series as the roll towards the end is starting and I can sense some satisfying closure ahead.
Also, since finishing this those few days back, my eyes have stopped aching so much.
Now back to one's regular silence...
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The Girls
A Caution, this instalment of The Tales involves things more on the girly side of the usual rugged and manly content you may have come to expect from yours truly.
So, anyway, Salsa Girl and I spent much of the past year watching our way through the complete Sex and the City TV series as it was being shown again on real TV.
Of course as one is blessed with a smidgeon of completionism it was eventually going to come to pass that we would seek out and watch to movies which followed the series years later.
This day arrived yesterday in the form of our very own movie marathon.
Having watched the series I found the first film to be an extended episode in the style of the series and therefore as enjoyable as the show.
The second film fell a little shorter than this with a transposition of location to the Middle East and some bizarre almost slapstick comedy which seemed quite insulting to Arabic culture with its American imperialist "everyone wants to be us" overtones.
Still remove that quarter hour from the film and it was almost as enjoyable as the series.
At least now one can bask in the satisfaction of having seen all of it.
Oh and speaking of girls, for those of you who haven't heard, here is our healthy little girl Hulk - so named for the effect that all these tests will surely have had on her - and coincidentally her name also applies for the colour she has regularly made her mother turn for the past several months.
Thursday last Salsa Girl and I went for our final test of the pre-natal variety as we attended our twenty week ultrasound. Hulk spent most of the test acrobatically doing boxing practice so we are afraid we may have purchased a 20 minute DVD of blurriness.
However at a previous she was much more daddy's little girl just laying back and relaxing and hence had a much less ghostly countenance which I shall treat you to now:
Anyway that's probably enough girl stuff for now.
.
So, anyway, Salsa Girl and I spent much of the past year watching our way through the complete Sex and the City TV series as it was being shown again on real TV.
Of course as one is blessed with a smidgeon of completionism it was eventually going to come to pass that we would seek out and watch to movies which followed the series years later.
This day arrived yesterday in the form of our very own movie marathon.
Having watched the series I found the first film to be an extended episode in the style of the series and therefore as enjoyable as the show.
The second film fell a little shorter than this with a transposition of location to the Middle East and some bizarre almost slapstick comedy which seemed quite insulting to Arabic culture with its American imperialist "everyone wants to be us" overtones.
Still remove that quarter hour from the film and it was almost as enjoyable as the series.
At least now one can bask in the satisfaction of having seen all of it.
Oh and speaking of girls, for those of you who haven't heard, here is our healthy little girl Hulk - so named for the effect that all these tests will surely have had on her - and coincidentally her name also applies for the colour she has regularly made her mother turn for the past several months.
 |
| Hulk in ghostly boxing action |
Thursday last Salsa Girl and I went for our final test of the pre-natal variety as we attended our twenty week ultrasound. Hulk spent most of the test acrobatically doing boxing practice so we are afraid we may have purchased a 20 minute DVD of blurriness.
However at a previous she was much more daddy's little girl just laying back and relaxing and hence had a much less ghostly countenance which I shall treat you to now:
 |
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Abundant Werewolvery
This week past has seen the subject of Werewolves arise on a couple of occasions.
The first was when the biannual free-lunch-with-some-training day ended with a presentation from Gamer Phil on his investigation into bringing gaming into libraries. To demonstrate what could fun be had he ran a game of Werewolf for a dozen of us during the snacks and wine conclusion of the days events.
You can imagine one's surprise when at the first opportunity the librarians, led far to quickly by Alltogether Heather, voted to lynch me despite my taking the job of "Friendly Mayor" to disabuse them of such notions and - even more surprisingly - choosing me while Supervisor Grand Chief K was there to be chosen!
The second werewolf incident involved an equal slaughter of oneself as the gaming group gathered for another of our regular Magic tournaments. This one involved a set with a horror theme and I chose to make my deck involve several werewolves. In succession Pirate Dave, MatrixMan and then, unsurprisingly, ArchEnemy all took my poor werewolves apart. Obviously one has top distance oneself from anything of a lupine nature.
In contrast today's activities were definitely of a non-lycanthropic nature as Salsa Girl and I enjoyed a sunny day at the Moomba parade and associated festivities. At least I'm fairly sure it was werewolf free, but you never can tell.
Anyway, I found it refreshing to get out and about and prove that I am not simple a man of a few obsessions as we made our way about the many Moomba activities following this years theme of Melbourne is Delicious - which it did prove to be.
.
The first was when the biannual free-lunch-with-some-training day ended with a presentation from Gamer Phil on his investigation into bringing gaming into libraries. To demonstrate what could fun be had he ran a game of Werewolf for a dozen of us during the snacks and wine conclusion of the days events.
You can imagine one's surprise when at the first opportunity the librarians, led far to quickly by Alltogether Heather, voted to lynch me despite my taking the job of "Friendly Mayor" to disabuse them of such notions and - even more surprisingly - choosing me while Supervisor Grand Chief K was there to be chosen!
The second werewolf incident involved an equal slaughter of oneself as the gaming group gathered for another of our regular Magic tournaments. This one involved a set with a horror theme and I chose to make my deck involve several werewolves. In succession Pirate Dave, MatrixMan and then, unsurprisingly, ArchEnemy all took my poor werewolves apart. Obviously one has top distance oneself from anything of a lupine nature.
In contrast today's activities were definitely of a non-lycanthropic nature as Salsa Girl and I enjoyed a sunny day at the Moomba parade and associated festivities. At least I'm fairly sure it was werewolf free, but you never can tell.
Anyway, I found it refreshing to get out and about and prove that I am not simple a man of a few obsessions as we made our way about the many Moomba activities following this years theme of Melbourne is Delicious - which it did prove to be.
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The Silence of The Tales
So there has been another time of quiet from The Tales despite one's best intentions and all those promises I made to you all.
Personally I blame Judge Mingus for telling me that I was using the internet wrongly and thus paralysing me.
This happened at a stately dinner with the Judge and FridgePower on a hot evening several weekends back. Salsa Girl and I attended dinner and air conditioning at their domicile for a long overdue catch-up.
It was a great time, starting with a nice curry and ending with bowls of icecream.
We had much talking and one was even involved in a lot of educational experiences with their elder spawn Ball Boy as he introduced me to his variant of billiards wherein if you cheat the penalty is that you must take another turn - altogether my kind of game.
The following days full day of gaming may also have contributed to one's lack of blog updating time.
After that the work week becomes a blurry merry-go-round of project juggling punctuated with a sequence of beautifully timed equipment and service crashes. Of course there were the usual number of meetings and, as one has come to unfortunately expect, nary a free lunch to be seen among the lot of them.
And we come to the current weekend where one can say that a culinary trip to Fed Square to catch up with the Double Jays, their recent acquisition, and the menu at Chocolate Bhudda (not necessarily in that order) could be attributed some blame for the lack of updating The Tales.
Then today when some free time loomed was the day when one's internet router decided to push it's recent program of frustrating drop-outs into overdrive. Thankfully it is behaving itself well enough now that I am able to get this missive to you.
Oh and as to the verbal shellacking that Judge Mingus handed out to me about use of the Internet.
Apparently one has been neglecting one of the core functions of the Internetz and shall have to rectify that as of now.
Personally I blame Judge Mingus for telling me that I was using the internet wrongly and thus paralysing me.
This happened at a stately dinner with the Judge and FridgePower on a hot evening several weekends back. Salsa Girl and I attended dinner and air conditioning at their domicile for a long overdue catch-up.
It was a great time, starting with a nice curry and ending with bowls of icecream.
We had much talking and one was even involved in a lot of educational experiences with their elder spawn Ball Boy as he introduced me to his variant of billiards wherein if you cheat the penalty is that you must take another turn - altogether my kind of game.
The following days full day of gaming may also have contributed to one's lack of blog updating time.
After that the work week becomes a blurry merry-go-round of project juggling punctuated with a sequence of beautifully timed equipment and service crashes. Of course there were the usual number of meetings and, as one has come to unfortunately expect, nary a free lunch to be seen among the lot of them.
And we come to the current weekend where one can say that a culinary trip to Fed Square to catch up with the Double Jays, their recent acquisition, and the menu at Chocolate Bhudda (not necessarily in that order) could be attributed some blame for the lack of updating The Tales.
Then today when some free time loomed was the day when one's internet router decided to push it's recent program of frustrating drop-outs into overdrive. Thankfully it is behaving itself well enough now that I am able to get this missive to you.
Oh and as to the verbal shellacking that Judge Mingus handed out to me about use of the Internet.
Apparently one has been neglecting one of the core functions of the Internetz and shall have to rectify that as of now.
So here you go:
As required by international law this is my cute cat picture for this year.
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Children's Events
Over the past few days one has attended several children's events.
One such event was yesterdays first birthday party for the esteemed progeny of Sir Clive Pitbull.
Salsa Girl and I attended a little late after failing to heed the common sense advice to "never go down Punt Road".
Legion3 also attended along with Madmog and their little one and we all partook of many nibbles, sweets, and lashings of free soft drinks. As the afternoon progressed there was much child play - the pit of small round doom being a baby favourite - and at one stage I was even employed as a horse by The Evil One's offspring.
We left well fed and worn out. As befits such an outing.
The next children's event was the evening musical performance of Days of our Libraries' musical issue.
It was one's first concert attendance for quite some time but one did remember to bring the appropriate accoutrements as one's earplugs were well and truly needed - both from the "metal" music and the direct into the ear conversations with Days.
All in all it was a good to see the up and coming talent. I do have my suspicions that the follow-on act was a parody of death metal given that all their songs sounded the same and the lyrics consisted of constant low pitched growling. Still, each to their own.
Quite good as far as children's events go, and the free beer from Days certainly helped.
.
One such event was yesterdays first birthday party for the esteemed progeny of Sir Clive Pitbull.
Salsa Girl and I attended a little late after failing to heed the common sense advice to "never go down Punt Road".
Legion3 also attended along with Madmog and their little one and we all partook of many nibbles, sweets, and lashings of free soft drinks. As the afternoon progressed there was much child play - the pit of small round doom being a baby favourite - and at one stage I was even employed as a horse by The Evil One's offspring.
We left well fed and worn out. As befits such an outing.
The next children's event was the evening musical performance of Days of our Libraries' musical issue.
It was one's first concert attendance for quite some time but one did remember to bring the appropriate accoutrements as one's earplugs were well and truly needed - both from the "metal" music and the direct into the ear conversations with Days.
All in all it was a good to see the up and coming talent. I do have my suspicions that the follow-on act was a parody of death metal given that all their songs sounded the same and the lyrics consisted of constant low pitched growling. Still, each to their own.
Quite good as far as children's events go, and the free beer from Days certainly helped.
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The Strain and The Fall
No the title of this post is not referring to any unfortunate results of the festivities of one's just-passed birthday week.
Instead it relates to the last two books that one recently finished reading - The Strain and The Fall are two books by famed moving picture director Guillermo del Toro. They are the first two parts of his vampire trilogy as recommended to me by Groovy Spirits via Mr Prada. I found them to be a quick and entertaining read that was reminiscent of the very cinematic oeuvre of Matthew Reilly. I await my reserved copy of the final instalment to arrive from the library.
Speaking of the birthday week it has gone rather well - despite Legion2 stealing most of the glory with his 40th.
As it turns out when turning 42 the meaning of life is friends - or rather Facebook Friends as one received bountiful birthday wishes on the actual day. I was also pleased to see that one's birthday twin CC celebrated hard enough for both of us.
The birthday week produced many wishes and a pile of chocolate as cake substitute from Days of our Libraries rightfully shamed for her culinary oversight.
Finally a day of presents arrived on Friday, although one did have to gift many of them to oneself - those being the latest supplements in one's favourite gaming line, the Commands and Colors(sic) series.
Further gifts awaited one's return home with the arrival of an overseas order of gaming cards and the special gifts from Salsa Girl.
Early Saturday morning BestFriendSincePrep did his part in making one's birthday special by thrashing me soundly in Memoir'44 Online all the way from Denver - and whilst preparing dinner.
The birthday week was topped off with drinks and nibbles at a local establishment attended by the likes of Salsa Girl, Freeloading Mum, Handy Dad, Legion2, and Badger.
All in all a good birthday week - although a little light on the feasting side, which one shall correct in only another 51 weeks.
.
Instead it relates to the last two books that one recently finished reading - The Strain and The Fall are two books by famed moving picture director Guillermo del Toro. They are the first two parts of his vampire trilogy as recommended to me by Groovy Spirits via Mr Prada. I found them to be a quick and entertaining read that was reminiscent of the very cinematic oeuvre of Matthew Reilly. I await my reserved copy of the final instalment to arrive from the library.
Speaking of the birthday week it has gone rather well - despite Legion2 stealing most of the glory with his 40th.
As it turns out when turning 42 the meaning of life is friends - or rather Facebook Friends as one received bountiful birthday wishes on the actual day. I was also pleased to see that one's birthday twin CC celebrated hard enough for both of us.
The birthday week produced many wishes and a pile of chocolate as cake substitute from Days of our Libraries rightfully shamed for her culinary oversight.
Finally a day of presents arrived on Friday, although one did have to gift many of them to oneself - those being the latest supplements in one's favourite gaming line, the Commands and Colors(sic) series.
Further gifts awaited one's return home with the arrival of an overseas order of gaming cards and the special gifts from Salsa Girl.
Early Saturday morning BestFriendSincePrep did his part in making one's birthday special by thrashing me soundly in Memoir'44 Online all the way from Denver - and whilst preparing dinner.
The birthday week was topped off with drinks and nibbles at a local establishment attended by the likes of Salsa Girl, Freeloading Mum, Handy Dad, Legion2, and Badger.
All in all a good birthday week - although a little light on the feasting side, which one shall correct in only another 51 weeks.
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Sardine Breakfast
So, finally the lifting of one's contribution to the SOPA strike has
arrived and I can once again regale you with further Cautionary Tales.
But first, I hope everyone celebrated yesterday appropriately as it was International Day of FridgePower wherein we should acclaim how great it is to have such a personage amongst us, or something along those lines. Apparently it was also DragonMim day but unless there's cake at tonight's gaming one shall not believe it.
On a similar note today is Legion day (part deux) wherein you all may commiserate with one about having to share the parental spotlight, and lolly jar, with interlopers.
And now, on with the Caution.
Today's concerns the perils of relying on public transport to make it on time to an important meeting.
Suffice to say that the consequences of several delays makes for a quite tightly packed journey. So tightly packed that one would find oneself unable to even answer one's phone when Supervisor Grand Chief K calls to assess one's whereabouts.
However rather than turn back I persevered through all the trials and tribulations, against all the odds and risking life and limb until finally I trudged into the café to make the meeting with free breakfast.
.
But first, I hope everyone celebrated yesterday appropriately as it was International Day of FridgePower wherein we should acclaim how great it is to have such a personage amongst us, or something along those lines. Apparently it was also DragonMim day but unless there's cake at tonight's gaming one shall not believe it.
On a similar note today is Legion day (part deux) wherein you all may commiserate with one about having to share the parental spotlight, and lolly jar, with interlopers.
And now, on with the Caution.
Today's concerns the perils of relying on public transport to make it on time to an important meeting.
Suffice to say that the consequences of several delays makes for a quite tightly packed journey. So tightly packed that one would find oneself unable to even answer one's phone when Supervisor Grand Chief K calls to assess one's whereabouts.
However rather than turn back I persevered through all the trials and tribulations, against all the odds and risking life and limb until finally I trudged into the café to make the meeting with free breakfast.
.
The SOPA Strike
Now while one has never been a great advocate of piracy - it's just too much effort for one as lazy as I - one can see the implications of websites being forced to close because it is possible for copyright materials to be posted and/or shared in the comments pages; and the simple next step that these allow of government censorship of criticisms in the name of protecting the "public" - definitely worthy of a Caution.
One shall be making the great sacrifice of stopping one's prolific output on The Tales for several days in order to help bring wider attention to the Internet Strike. You may find sites such as Wikipedia following one's lead today.
I middling sized summary is here:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31921_3-57329001-281/how-sopa-would-affect-you-faq/
A more extensive collection of information is here:
http://youranonnews.tumblr.com/post/15783460213/stop-sopa-the-essentials-summary-and-bill-text
The Biennial Pratchetting
This morn on one's commute to work one finished the latest Pratchett Discworld volume.
Latest, that is, for me.
Witches Abroad is the twelfth of Terry Pratchett's humorous fantasy series and was published some time around the pre-cambiran era (or 1991 if you insist on being exact).
One found it to be the usual enjoyable little romp with some fun characters.
I am very much looking forward to reading my next Discworld book when the time rolls around in 2014 and then finishing the series with book 39 some time around 2070 - as long as he hurries up and stops writing more of the damn things.
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Latest, that is, for me.
Witches Abroad is the twelfth of Terry Pratchett's humorous fantasy series and was published some time around the pre-cambiran era (or 1991 if you insist on being exact).
One found it to be the usual enjoyable little romp with some fun characters.
I am very much looking forward to reading my next Discworld book when the time rolls around in 2014 and then finishing the series with book 39 some time around 2070 - as long as he hurries up and stops writing more of the damn things.
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The Draw of Victory
This evening last one was lucky enough to attend the local World Game event in the company of Gavman, ArchEnemy, and sundry others - about 18 in all. The match in question was between The Melbourne Victory and The Adelaide United.
Due to Gavman's renowned network of connections he had been able to wrangle us seats in a suite at AAMI stadium and we made the most of the accommodations. There was a main room with seating enough for the full compliment of attendees and a fenced off balcony section with all our seating in a quite acceptable proximity to the play.
The excitement was palpable in the air before the match even began as the first round of free drinks and nibbles began to circulate.
Enthusiasm grew throughout the match as Victory scored a goal and the calamari and chips arrived.
Half time was quite the occasion as several plates of pies and sausage rolls appeared before us.
The second half grew to a crescendo as Adelaide scored an equaliser - and accompanying flare in the crowd - and hope began to fade in the hearts of those, such as ArchEnemy, with a true passion for the Melbourne Victory team.
The peak of the match was reached with barely a quarter hour remaining as warm scones with cream and jam made their most timely appearance.
One thinks this soccer watching lark is something one could become quite used to.
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2011 A Year of (Gaming) Wonders
As one hasn't produced one of these for a good couple of years - 2008 was the last in fact - I thought it was about time I subjected you all to another run down of a year's gaming.
So here is the summary of my years gaming for 2011.
All up I had 111 gaming events for the year!
98 may be a more accurate number taking out the ones that were traditional cards played along with a dinner catch up.
That is down by 10 to 20 on 2008 but I have gladly traded some gaming time to spend more in the esteemed company of Salsa Girl.
The occasions break down like thus:
46 sessions with my Tuesday Knights group
- 2 playing Magic as the main event (there are usually some games each week)
- 31 playing or running roleplaying.
- 22 running the Traveller Diplomatic Action game.
- 4 playing Fighting Fantasy Role-play under Legion2's control,
- 5 playing ElfBoy's Terra Australis game.
- 13 playing board and card games
21 sessions with the Black Guild on Thursdays
- 7 running my Phudge fantasy game Mundus Scenecit
- 3 just chatting - as happens sometimes (as opposed to the 50% chatting that gaming usually is)
- 7 playing The Bastard's D&D 4th edition Dark Sun game.
- 4 playing the ever awesome Tribe8 under the guiding hands of Fantomas.
1 of The Viking Hat GM's old school AD&D days
3 afternoons playing The Bastard's bimonthly Pathfinder fantasy game.
10 Sundays gaming group days playing board, war and card games
6 Spontaneous boardgaming get togethers
3 Spontaneous Magic playing sessions
3 Magic Tournaments amongst our group of players - missing only one new set for the year
1 poker night
13 sessions of Rummy 500 with the Double Jays and Salsa Girl
1 visits to LURG my old uni games club - although no games were played!! (I'm looking at you Camo Spice)
2 evenings playing Werewolf with librarians - run by Gamer Phil while at conference
1 attendance at International Day of Gaming @ the Library - as organised by Gamer Phil at the State Library
All up I played with about 40 different gamers (and about 28 non-gamers).
- 8 players on Tuesdays
- 8 on Thursdays (4 shared with Tuesday)
- 10 at Sundays gaming, 5 from Tuesdays, 1 from Thursdays, 4 not. Multiple attendees: 5 from Tuesdays, 1 from Thursdays, 2 others.
- Spontaneous Magic was only with Tuesday night gamers.
- Poker was with 4 non-gamers.
- Rummy was with 4 non-gamers
- Magic tournaments brought 5 from the Tuesday group, 1 from Thursdays and 2 others
- The old school AD&D was with about 8 gamers and no crossover with other groups.
- The Pathfinder game was with 5 Tuesday/Thursday gamers and 1 other.
- The Werewolf with librarians was with about 20 non-gamers.
- Gaming in the library added another 13 gamers
One thinks that's a reasonable return for a hobby for which one has an obviously mild passion.
I expect to up the ante in the coming year and push on for the magic 150 and I'm sure nothing will hold me back from fulfilling such a humble ambition.
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Embassytown by China Miéville, and 2011 Reading Roundup
I managed to finish this one while living life on The Berm.
It's a solid three and a half out of five however being Miéville I was hoping for a four or five.
I found the basic premise to be too much of a thought exercise to make the story feel realistically possible.
Eg (very minor spoiler)
The aliens have people act out similes so they can then talk using them, but how do they even conceive of them in the first place?
Easy to read, well written prose but again - like his previous novel Kraken - a point of view character that just moves the story along rather than being a distinct person.
Worth a read but probably not a re-read.
Reading Roundup 2011
While about half of Embassytown was read last year I've been counting books read for the year by completion date. That leaves one with the grand total of 14 books read for the year down again from the previous year (though I did read rather a lot of gaming PDFs over the course of the year so it is difficult to tell if one is actually in a reading decline).
Three books vie for the According to the ratings one dishes out on Library Thing, there are three books viewing for one's best read of 2011.
While none of them stands out from the others I would give the edge to The Hallowed Hunt by Lois Mcmaster Bujold.
My worst book was the execrable Swine Fever by Andrew Cartmel of which I had my say previously on The Tales.
Well now on to my 2012 reading and here's to reaching the lofty heights of 2008's 26 titles and 2009's many high-rated reads.
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It's a solid three and a half out of five however being Miéville I was hoping for a four or five.
I found the basic premise to be too much of a thought exercise to make the story feel realistically possible.
Eg (very minor spoiler)
The aliens have people act out similes so they can then talk using them, but how do they even conceive of them in the first place?
Easy to read, well written prose but again - like his previous novel Kraken - a point of view character that just moves the story along rather than being a distinct person.
Worth a read but probably not a re-read.
Reading Roundup 2011
While about half of Embassytown was read last year I've been counting books read for the year by completion date. That leaves one with the grand total of 14 books read for the year down again from the previous year (though I did read rather a lot of gaming PDFs over the course of the year so it is difficult to tell if one is actually in a reading decline).
Three books vie for the According to the ratings one dishes out on Library Thing, there are three books viewing for one's best read of 2011.
While none of them stands out from the others I would give the edge to The Hallowed Hunt by Lois Mcmaster Bujold.
My worst book was the execrable Swine Fever by Andrew Cartmel of which I had my say previously on The Tales.
Well now on to my 2012 reading and here's to reaching the lofty heights of 2008's 26 titles and 2009's many high-rated reads.
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Life on the Berm
So it transpires that spending a week or so of one's holiday time up at Bermagui - or The Berm as one has popularised it - is an experience awash with Cautions.
Firstly one should note that filling a long drive with constant jovial conversation along the lines of "why is it only 80 here? Oh look at that funny-shaped tree. I saw another cow. Stop going so slow. I'm hungry." and so on, is perplexingly annoying for those such as Salsa Girl who for some reason think that moments of silence are a requirement in a five hour drive.
My next Caution concerns the opening of windows for refreshing night breeze when staying in a mosquito infested locale. One should be especially alert for windows missing the fly-wire screen necessary for a nights sleep uninterrupted by nigh-constant buzzing and biting.
Further Cautions concern the dangers of sudden loss of stretches of time in the afternoons caused by partaking in perfectly normal amounts of food and drink. As one is far too rugged and manly to "nap" these can only be explained by some kind of local time distortion unique to the coastal area.
Additional things to be Cautious about include: assuming that the sea shall be as hot as the day itself; kayaking into shallow regions where the mud clutches at ones bottom (kayak bottom that is); strenuous river swimming that can easily be averted by standing up and walking through the hip deep water.
One should also be aware that holidaying far for the big smoke can lead to sporadic network connections that make it hard to feed one's not-at-all-an-addiction desire for Internet access and can in fact lead to sudden dropou...
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Firstly one should note that filling a long drive with constant jovial conversation along the lines of "why is it only 80 here? Oh look at that funny-shaped tree. I saw another cow. Stop going so slow. I'm hungry." and so on, is perplexingly annoying for those such as Salsa Girl who for some reason think that moments of silence are a requirement in a five hour drive.
My next Caution concerns the opening of windows for refreshing night breeze when staying in a mosquito infested locale. One should be especially alert for windows missing the fly-wire screen necessary for a nights sleep uninterrupted by nigh-constant buzzing and biting.
Further Cautions concern the dangers of sudden loss of stretches of time in the afternoons caused by partaking in perfectly normal amounts of food and drink. As one is far too rugged and manly to "nap" these can only be explained by some kind of local time distortion unique to the coastal area.
Additional things to be Cautious about include: assuming that the sea shall be as hot as the day itself; kayaking into shallow regions where the mud clutches at ones bottom (kayak bottom that is); strenuous river swimming that can easily be averted by standing up and walking through the hip deep water.
One should also be aware that holidaying far for the big smoke can lead to sporadic network connections that make it hard to feed one's not-at-all-an-addiction desire for Internet access and can in fact lead to sudden dropou...
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