Blue Screen o' Death!

For the record...

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 05:17:49 GMT

I AM alive. Things have just been rather dull, or exciting in not so translatable ways.

And then I got sick. Everything has that "And then I got sick..."

DL

Nooo!

Sat, 31 Oct 2009 04:24:43 GMT

So, I thought I was going to get out of this illness season relatively unscathed. No,it was not meant to be. I am sick, rather messily so. Ahh, well, people, have a good time tomorrow without me. I'm just trying to keep something in.

DL

Hmmm, people, we CAN do better...

Fri, 18 Sep 2009 03:05:57 GMT

My LiveJournal Trick-or-Treat Haul
dlly goes trick-or-treating, dressed up as Cthulhu.
aj tricks you! You get a block of wood.
arrshley tricks you! You get a used tissue.
dreagoddess gives you 6 light blue raspberry-flavoured pieces of taffy.
estergrenwod gives you 12 blue cinnamon-flavoured pieces of bubblegum.
fortinbras16 gives you 1 red-orange banana-flavoured pieces of bubblegum.
metallian gives you 8 yellow licorice-flavoured nuggets.
nique gives you 13 light orange licorice-flavoured nuggets.
phantasmagoriak tricks you! You lose 22 pieces of candy!
secretions gives you 5 mauve mint-flavoured gummy worms.
smumma6125 gives you 8 orange orange-flavoured gummy worms.
dlly ends up with 31 pieces of candy, a block of wood, and a used tissue.
Go trick-or-treating! Username:
Another fun meme brought to you by rfreebern.

Alt6hough, hey, block of wood. There are many things you can make out of a block of wood.

DL

Quiet...

Sun, 02 Aug 2009 23:49:09 GMT

Things are slow and quiet, signs of a good weekend. Alas, work tomorrow. I don't entirely look forward to it, but hey, it's work, it's doing what I love, anround what I love and several who I care about dearly. What more can you ask?

DL

For those that know not...

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 14:25:44 GMT

Very soon, I shall be gone for a time. But I shall return! When you need me the most, my time shall come again...

Enough with the twaddle. I'm going to PA! I catch the train from here at 5:30 PM, and should be there by 6:30 tomorrow morning, if all goes well. It'll be a week of relaxation, it will. But all will be fine.

If you need me, post to LJ! I'm still gonna be checking in over there.

DL

Well, this is getting twisty...

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 03:35:21 GMT

So, ACen continues to approach, and I continue to be in contact with the registration team. This evening, I sent them a scan of a copy of the check I sent them, showing it being cashed one month after I sent it. So, if it's cashed... where's my freaking badge? Well, the ball's in their court now. It'll be to see what they do.

I was going to go to Chicago today. However, this whole thing got me screwed up.

In good news? I've got a checking account! And will be getting a debit card! I've got to be extremely careful, though. I do not want to mess this up. Debt may be fine for everyone else in the US, but I hold myself to standards.

Let's see, news of things not mentioned. One of my co-workers is even more of an excellent artist than I had imagined. She's got major talent, and I hope she goes far. This does mean, however, that I continue to know FAR too many artists, for such an artistically-challenged fellow.

Reading is going well, and I have several books ongoing. I'm reading an excellent biography of Washington. I've made it my mission to read at least one biography of every president of the US. I'm also reading a work on the life and times of William the Conqueror, and that is going very smoothly, though I could use a little aid in the way of all these counts and viscounts of Norman lands, that's for sure. Still reading up on the Wars of the Roses, as well, including a report of archaeological work from the Towton battlefield. Believe me, if you want to hear of truly horrific warfare, Towton's the place to look. Truth truly outshines fiction.

In the fiction department, I've got my head into the second volume of Watt-Evans' "Dragon" series. "The Dragon Society". Couldn't find my copy for the longest time. So far, continuing need for revenge, what else is new? Also reading a short story selection on AI called "We Think, Therefore We Are". Quality work in there. Especially one piece about what is essentially a sentient truck, and his dealings with the philosophy of his code.

That's just a smattering, of course.

Well, onward and offward!

DL

Up too early!

Sat, 11 Apr 2009 11:57:04 GMT

Well, I must go into work today. It's the suffering I have to endure for the good fortune to have Thursday off. Which, oddly enough, I ended up not doing anything with...

At any rate, today's gonna be a good day. Don't know why I know, but I know it. Just like I know this summer's going to be absolutely excellent. Mayhap I don't WANT to know. It'd spoil the surprise of it.

Hmmm, reading news. I find myself reading a book about the life and times of William the Conqueror, better and more appropriately known as "William the Bastard (and he was one!). It's absolutely amazing to me how the simple explanations of the Norman acquisition of Normandy are so... lacking. There's so much information there. For example, the fact that the Normans became more French than you'd give them credit. Or that Normandy was not some new formation, instead being based around the religious boundaries already existing.

It's just fascinating stuff. I always feel history, for most people, becomes such a farce. So few take the time to understand intricacy. For me, from a young age I was taught to look up things I didn't understand, and it carries over today. Unfortunately, I've gotten to the point where books specialized enough to answer my questions are difficult to find. Occasionally they'll turn up in used book stores, or a new book will appear, but I rarely even find out about that. In addition, the prices when I DO are... well, out of my league. But I NEED the information. I live, thrive, and grow on information.

Now for that pesky Alfred the Giant...

DL

A LOOONG time...

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 11:10:55 GMT

Yes, it's been a while since I posted. Missed most of the summer, but believe me, it's been due to being busy. Lots of things have happend.

First, there was ACen, which I never got finished reporting. Happens, but it WAS fun. Then, there was the trip to Illinois to see relatives. Again, a good time had by all. There was metal detecting, and my third silver coin, EVER. Felt good.

In June, it was off to Pennsylvania, which worked out fine. I got to do some dancing, and was competent, or seemed competent enough while drunk, to dance with others. Then was Wizard World, at its strange time. Amazingly fun, if shorter than I'm used to. I look forward to next year, of course.

Summer was summer! Very relaxing at times, a pain at others. I turned 28, on the dot, as usual. Didn't notice much.

Then came the computer virus. Had my computer down for a few days as I tried to ficure out what was going on. Turns out the problem was Norton's. Goodbye, crappy anti-virus, hello Avast! Problem solved.

Now, for the BIG news. I've applied for an opening at work which is, essentialy, a management position. This is a BIG step for me, and even attempting it is a success. I've already gottne the support of friends on the matter, which helps immensely. There's a bit of worry in the whole process, as well as the general fighting off my negative brain side, but I did it, and I WILL interview for it. I've got just as good a shot as anyone. There's at least one other person who's going for it who I think has an excellent shot, and while I do WANT the position, if she gets it, I would not be disappointed.

Well, that's the big stuff! I'll keep all appraised.

The excellent weekend, and the awkwardness that followed

Mon, 19 May 2008 05:12:20 GMT

Well, this weekend was ACen. This started Thursday, after a slightly moved back work time, with a train trip to Chicago, IL. The Blue Line, however, was experiencing problems (which seems to be that particular line's specialties). We finally DID get to the hotel, the Doubletree at Rosemont, to find an expensive, yet absolutely perfect and luxurious, room.

Had pizza (Giordano's deep-dish pepperoni. Delicious, but massive. And the cheese turns back to a wheel at midnight.)

Friday- Awoke with the crack of dawn. Not knowing who Dawn was, wondered why her mental state was so important. Or maybe... naaah.

Okay, it wasn't exactl sunrise when awakening was one, but arrshley needed to pick up her badge. So nique and I stayed in room... waiting. She was working on costumes for cosplay. Cuffs and buttons, buttons and cuffs.

Still we waited, but arrshley did not come. Finally, a call. She's in line, it's moving slow, but not too slow.

On two hours. The cuffs and buttons are done now. Suddenly... FIRE ALARM! Of course, we took it... erm, relatively seriously. It being a con, there's an expectation that at least once, SOMEONE will pull the alarm. So it was, and we ended up in the parking garage, waiting for the all clear.

Back to the room, and another call! The line has stuck, and is becoming longer. We had seen a line of people by the convention center. Turns out, it's out and rounding the block. Oh, my. It seems that after last year's fiasco, people were wary of pre-ordering. But now, they had planned differently... but not for this.

Then the printer went down. Then the credit card machine went down!

But finally, at 5:00, we got her back. She had left around 10. The line was STILL around the block when she got out. So we missed out on the dealers hall that day.

However, arrshley and nique did get to go out in their costumes that evening. We ended up over at the Hyatt, the first as Hijikata, the second as Okita, Shinsengumi from "Gintama". Impressively done! And rather popular.

More to follow.

DL.

The fun begins!

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 16:14:24 GMT

Well, I've been sick for... the past week and a half. Sunday, I thought I was getting better, and yesterday was my last day of March vacation time, so plenty of time to recover, right?

10:30 PM, and I'm spiking a 102 fever. She broke at 4, but I still feel like trash.

So it'll be off to the doctor for me, and no work today. Sigh. I WANT TO GET BACK!

I miss people.

DL.

I'm coming apart...

Wed, 12 Mar 2008 18:24:42 GMT

Well, it's been a while since I updated, and the news isn't good. I'm just too, too... lost. I feel like I'm both a slave to the whims of others, and completely separated from others. I'm so confused, I don't know what to do.

On the one hand, I haven't seen ANY of my friends in ages, and I want to, badly. On the other hand, I'm trying my hardest to actually relax for what little free time I have.

I'm pulled in two directions at onece, and I'm breaking.

DL.

Best laid plans, and all that...

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:05:54 GMT

Well, last night required quick thinking. After finding out that I would be responsible for finding someone to switch hours with at work, and having a very difficult class to schedule in in the first place, I had to find a solution.

The online statistics course was closed. Not that I've ever seen an online course open, of course.

So now I'm taking an Art Survey. We'll see how this goes. nique, you were right, but I still feel SOMEONE other than me won...

DL.

GAH!

Sat, 05 Jan 2008 05:12:05 GMT

I swear, I cannot win. So, here comes an ear infection, certain of that.

Also, the throat's sore.

AND work was crappy.

I'm trying to look at the bright side, but this weekend is looking worse and worse...

DL.

When sinuses attack...

Sun, 09 Dec 2007 03:45:34 GMT

Well, finally lucid enough to post. Suffered a horrific attack of sinusitis which began yesterday about 3. The headache was tremendous, and I've had nosebleeds twice now. Got myself home, and knocked myself out with Ny-quil. Slept fitfully. Today has consisted of... well, mapping English National Trust sites on Google Earth.

Yep, that's about it.

Blast it all. Good news, though. First, I signed up for the Stat class again next sem. Should have the patience now. Also, at least the bronchitis hasn't chimed in yet. And, furthermore, Firefly is possibly the best television series I have ever seen. EVER.

DL.

Hmmm, so...

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 14:23:26 GMT

We're kinda snowed in. Oh, the sidewalk's done, but not the path beyond. Disturbing.

In other news, I'm bored and sore.

DL.

Stomach distress!

Sun, 25 Nov 2007 23:21:17 GMT

Help, if anyone knows a way to calm down a REALLY bad stomach, that isn't Pepto or antacid, let me know!

Gah, it feels like it's getting worse with the antacid.

DL.

Well, well.

Sat, 06 Oct 2007 08:25:07 GMT

3:30 and not a drop of sleep to me. Excitement, this is. Pure, unadulterated joy!

Why? What could bring him to this level?

Oh, dear me. Well, there's first the fact that I walked from Farwell and Brady up to North, over to Oakland and ALL THE WAY TO WATER AND WISCONSIN. And enjoyed every step of it.

No pain. In fact, my feet feel... new.

Then there are the trailers for "Elizabeth: The Golden Age". Oh, dear me, what more could I ask for?

DL.

Well, that threw me for a loop...

Sat, 18 Aug 2007 07:28:28 GMT

You scored as Movies, You might pefer the Star Trek movies

</td>

Movies

65%

Voyager

55%

Original

55%

The Next Generation

50%

Deep Space Nine

45%

Enterprise

40%

Which Star Trek Series is best for you?
created with QuizFarm.com

Well, I LIKED the movies, even those others considered crap, but gawds...

DL.

Coins! And I WIN!

Fri, 10 Aug 2007 00:40:37 GMT

Yes, apparently, I win at coin collecting. Or something. Went to the ANA coin show at the ME Center. Good gawds, is that a place. They have a 1913 nickel, one of only 5 in existence. It's odd, looking there, that you're seeing probably the rarest coin ever. They had a "Petition Crown", with the petition to King Charles II around the rim, begging that the maker be allowed to make more coins for him.

And oh, gawds, the prices. Everything seemed out of my league. And yet, I bought. Only 5 coins, but I bought.

Coin #1. A copper kreutzer from the state of Nassau, in what is now Germany. 1859. $1.75. Not a bad buy, and a good addition to my collection of the German States.

Coin #2. A silver three mark coin from the state of Prussia. I bought this for the bust on the front. It's good ol' Kaiser Willie the Second! I had always wondered why I wasn't seeing German coins with the Kaiser on them. I have many coins from the period, and all have the German eagle obverse, with the amount on the reverse. Turns out I had forgotten one thing. Up until the war, Prussia, though part of Germany, minted coins for itself. And Willie showed up on THOSE. 1912. $19, and one of the more expensive coins I bought, but impressive and in VERY good condition.

Coin #3. A 50 cash coin from Szechwan Province, China. From the time of the Republic, 1912 or abouts. Really nice coin, but the die must have cracked frequently, seeing the radiation cracks on one side. $12.50.

Coin #4. A small silver 20 cent piece from Kwangtung Province in China, during the Republic. 1920. Again, nice, and worth the $2.50.

Now, for the BIG one. Coin #5. So far, we've been talking 1900's and 1800's. Coin #5 was another foray into the BIG time. I decided I was going to buy myself a good Roman, but most of what I saw was either coppers and bronzes I had, or WAY out of my range. $100 and up out. Then, in one booth, there was a coin that caught my attention. The coin was identified as from Elagabalus, a rather unusual emperor (check it out. He was aone of the mad ones, up there with Caligula for debauchery if the records are right, but at least out there.) The price was REALLY right, at $40. Okay. I'll take it, I think.

And so I got it. And brought it home. Now, I WILL be double checking the books on this one, but I think a rather BIG error in my favor was made. One side says "IMP ANTONINVS PIUS AVG". That inscription's common for the period. "The Emperor Antoninus Pius Augustus." The face gives away that it's Elagabalus. Young, barely a beard. The boy was only 14, after all. The reverse says "ABVNDANTIA AVG". "Abundance (for) the Augustus", with Abundance herself pouring a ccrnucopia. There's a star on the left hand side of Abundance, and THERE'S the problem.

Every version, save two or three, that I saw up had the star on the RIGHT. All of these were listed as common, and in the 35- 44 dollar range.

However, the few that showed it on the LEFT... one was selling at $65. The other? From a site in Europe, going for 290.00 euros. Which, if the conversion is right is... $396. Now, I take this site with a grain of salt. But even $65! That's $25 more than I paid! All for star placement!

Well, I also0 got supplied, coin flips and even a small digital scale. Amazing.

DL.

An analysis

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 14:30:37 GMT

What does your drawing say about YOU?

Spot on, save the "not disappointed" aspect. Otherwise, spot on.

ARRRGH!

Sat, 04 Aug 2007 23:46:10 GMT

And here I am, was supposed to go to a certain rummage/party, and I'm down with... physical troubles. Furthermore, I got my hair cut. I LIKED it long, darnit! FURTHERMORE, I had to go to Goldmann's to see what they had left. Got myself a shirt and some pants, and if I'm feeling good, I'll go again tomorrow. Still, it feels too much like picking through the belongings of a friend with terminal illness. That place wasn't a store, it was... an institution.

On to a rant. Milwaukee is TERRIBLE for big and tall men's sales. There are two places I could find in reach of myself. One's on North Avenue, and may bot still be there (and I wouldn't feel safe anyway). The other is on Oakland. However, it's only high-end material. Hell, they advertise Bruno Magli.

That leaves me with Farm & Fleet. Which is... way the hell out. So I need to bum rides to get there. Lovely. Thanks, Milwaukee. Thank you for catering to people thin as a rail. I really like that.

DL.

Oddities

Tue, 24 Jul 2007 02:56:43 GMT

First, I miss meeting up with my friends, AGAIN, because I'm too foolish to check my own e-mail. Good god, this summer is an odd one.

Secondly, you KNOW you're diffing too far into history when you now know George Washington's great-grandmother's name. Amphyllis Twigden, wife of Rev. Lawrence Washington.

Excuse me, I need to go drink something.

DL.

One day.

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:57:29 GMT

In one day, I turn 27. This just doesn't feel right. By this point, I should have been out of college, in a career, in a relationship.

I feel... 12.

I should have been a man... not a boy. Yet here I am.

Good God, I don't think I can stand the tedium to 28.

DL.

Out of THAT mess!

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 15:57:03 GMT

Well, got myself out of that low point, thank all. Now, I'm realizing something important. I have to start standing up and doing things. getting things organized.

So let's see here. For the Milwaukee friends, anyone not doing much tomorrow? Or Thursday? Because if so, we can make some plans.

DL.

Reflections on Genius

Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:18:15 GMT

Last night, I attended the final performance of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's 2006-2007 season. The piece performed was Gustav Mahler's Second Symphony, the "Resurrection".

My gods, I was FLOORED. This is a piece I recommend to anyone and everyone. The 12 years Mahler put into it? This work shines for them. Now, I know, many may say that the religious overtones are the work of a fundamentalisst, ofa man obsessed with death.

Not true, I say, for I see the hidden meaning in my own life. Oh, the want to die was there for far too long, and I know it well.

But the resurrection, MY resurrection, was not into new flesh, but into new hope, into new life. This explains a few of Mahler's lines, actually.

"Prepare to live!"

"That which you have conquered shall bear you up to heaven."

That last one is the ending of the whole piece. I declare it now, it shall become my family motto.

I feel.... alive!

DL.