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I Don't Think That Word Means What You Think It Means
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Aug. 21st, 2008 @ 12:18 am
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Feministing is talking about Java Jugs. My first thought is: "isn't that redundant? I mean, Doesn't the 'J' in Jug stand for 'Java'. Y'know: Java Users Group."
Silly me. |
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A Life Heroic and Magical - Toronto
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 11:55 pm
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Join author Brendan Myers for an afternoon of discussion and fun, to celebrate the release of his third book, "The Other Side of Virtue".
Brendan will present a short talk based on the themes of his new book. He will then will be available to sign copies and talk informally.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
2:00pm - 5:00pm
University of Toronto - Multifaith Centre
569 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, Ontario
( More information about the author and the book here ) |
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Ouch. I Have Lost Myself, Again.
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 10:09 pm
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My brain mostly associates music with video. Like, I'll hear a tune playing in the project room, and I'll immediately think about some movie where I first heard the song. A few months ago, "Where is my Mind" by the Pixies came on and I was, "Oh, that's the music playing over the final scene of Fight Club." Similarly, Rogue Traders' "Voodoo Child" will always be associated with Dr. Who in my brain.
The other day, I was playing the soundtrack to Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events; I really like the tune from the closing credits which is fun and perky while at the same time managing to be a little dark and broody. (The tune is here, starting about 30 seconds into the video. It was also reused in the trailer for the Dead Like Me direct-to-DVD movie).
One piece on the soundtrack suddenly stood out to me: part of the tune reminded me, strongly, of the soundtrack to The Shawshank Redemption, and I was off to IMDB. Sure enough: Thomas Newmann composed both Lemony Snicket and Shawshank.
My latest fascination is with "Breathe Me" by Sia, which is the tune that plays over the final sequence of the final episode of Six Feet Under. I've played it probably two dozen times in the last few days. I like the simplicity of the song. I also like the pause that occurs about a minute and a half into the tune and seems to hold just longer than I always think it will.
An interesting thing I found myself thinking about after watching the video for "Breathe Me" was how much both the video and the piano reminded me of the Bell ad from a few years ago: the one with the cyclic pan out of people holding pictures. I dunno why; after watching them both, they're not that similar, but there's something about them that seems similar in my mind.
Speaking of the series finale of Six Feet Under: I thought the final sequence was absolutely beautiful. There's so much to squee over.
( Spoilers? ) |
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This Saturday 8/23 at Midnight: 3 great DJs and Dharmata101 live!
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 09:20 pm
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This is going to be another must-see Saturday at Midnight for sure,
with a live performance by local industrial stars Dharmata 101;
masterful DJ sets spun by DuJour, Gleek, and Vlad; high-quality
jewelry by Darkest Rose Productions for sale over in the vendor
corner; free cake and other giveaways; and great drink specials.
Even though we've got the band, our cover remains $5.00--unless you
take advantage of one of our admission discount deals, of course...
( Click for all the info! ) |
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the altar has left the building
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 08:04 pm
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The “Won” Rose Seller, The one for you!
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 03:50 pm
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Crafty deliveries and more…
-Cell Phone/Txt: 410-967-8391 – Checked throughout the day, Please leave your name, a message and a contact number.
-E-mail: The1andonlyamywon@yahoo.com – Last checked on Saturday and Sunday morning before the faire. (8AM – EST)
-Put in your order on my website! http://www.geocities.com/the1andonlyamywon
ROSES $4. Tips Appreciated.
-Crafty Deliveries
-Calligraphy
-Origami Tokens/Notes/Boxes
-Information gathering for special hits
(Chaos hits – My specialty)
-Much Much More! |
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The Cheeky Monkey Sideshow Returns this Friday!
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 03:19 pm
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The Cheeky Monkey Sideshow Returns this Friday!
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 03:19 pm
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"...screaming like this in the hope of the secrecy..."
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 12:01 pm
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On this day, 118 years ago, H. P. Lovecraft was born. So, we'll likely be at Swan Point Cemetery this evening, sometime before dark. If you should see me there, just be kind and don't ask me to sign anything. We haven't been to Swan Point since arriving in Providence in June. Since the Lovecraft Tree was felled by a storm two years ago, the thought of visiting HPL's grave makes me sort of sad.
A decent writing day yesterday, though it was fuck all getting started. Days when the words swirl about just out of reach. Taunting me. That sort of day. But, still, I did 1,151 words on Chapter Four of The Red Tree. I should only be two or three days from the end of this chapter.
Yesterday, I was flipping through the new issue of Weird Tales, and found that the last page was devoted to the opinions of those who agreed and disagreed with the recent list the magazine published, "The 85 Weirdest Storytellers of the Past 85 Years." Personally, I was fairly pleased with the list, though a number of people I'd have included were not on it. But this would be true for anyone, right? Anyway, I digress. Looking at the last page of Weird Tales yesterday, I was admittedly delighted to read the following, written by Magan Rodriguez:
Where is Caitlín R. Kiernan? Surely she deserves to be on this list. She's written some of the best "weird" this side of Lovecraft!
Thank you, Magan.
After the writing yesterday, I was too wiped out to even go to the market with Spooky. Thank you, Monsieur Insomnia. I collapsed on the sofa in the front parlour and drifted in and out of sleep for an hour of so. Later, we watched an episode of Angel, just because. There was V:tM in Second Life, some better than average rp in Corvinus with Nareth the Ravnos antitribu (thank you, Ania, Sev, and Morgdah), and it was all really too complicated to put into a synopsis. There were dealings with the Lambrosa, and now Nareth has been given a haven in the cathedral, and a shiny new collar studded with rubies to let everyone know that a Sabbat Templar is her Master. Yeah, I know. I'm a dork. But insomnia with vampires is better than insomnia without. As for Howards End, we are set to "break ground" tonight —— which means that Jessica will begin the terraforming. And what an appropriate date for it to begin on. Also, please note (because the question was asked yesterday): voice will not be permitted anywhere in the Howards End sim. Ever. No exceptions. It only causes lag and destroys the suspension of disbelief.
By the way, the aliens over at Ziraxia, makers of the Stiff Kitten T-shirt, are now offering a RL shirt by one of my favourite SL designers, Hyasynth Tiramisu:
Okay. Short entry today. More caffeine. But, if you have not, please do pre-order A is for Alien and the mass-market paperback of Daughter of Hounds. Danke. And my thanks also to everyone who took part in the latest round of eBay. Spooky says she'll begin new auctions today.Current Mood:  nerdy Current Music: I Am Kloot, "Avenue of Hope" |
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scrub and slough
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Aug. 20th, 2008 @ 09:46 am
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Oh yah, I kind of decided to treat myself in the next couple of weeks to a nice facial.
Ask the spa attendant to just scrub me off real good with some steel wool or a brillo pad.
Now I just need to find a good spa that I can also afford.
Time for a new face. |
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Wise Roz is Wise
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 09:28 pm
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Can I be Roz when I grow up?
Transphobia is not just about being horrible to transfolk; it is about being horrible to people who are not horrible to transfolk.
The addendum is especially good. |
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Just in case you need more BOOKS!
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 02:58 pm
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We're continuing to be very busy at Immanion Press/Megalithica Books! We are quite pleased to announce that we are now taking preorders for the new, revised and updated edition of The Magician's Reflection by Bill Whitcomb! This sequel to his popular The Magician's Companion has been out of print for several years; however, it's due for release in late September (and should arrive just in time for esoZone, where the author will be a featured guest). In addition to revisions and updates, Bill has added some extra material that's never been published before. Not only is The Magician's Reflection an excellent source for symbols in magic, but it gives in-depth information on archetypes, as well as serving as a thorough, practical guide to creating your own symbol set. Click here to reserve a signed copy of this indispensable resource today! |
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Late Summer Altar
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 03:15 pm
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So on Midsummer I made a goal to give myself a proper altar by Lughnassadh...
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 01:27 pm
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need new altar setup
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 01:38 pm
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lately i've been wanting to change around my altar. it's already been through many changes. when i first had an altar i used a round table but then i was gifted with an old end table that works better for me. it doesn't have nearly as much work space but as a place just to have an altar set up it's great.
anyway what's on there right now is this:
my things are in no particular order. this end table has two shelves. the top shelf has my bonsai tree in the middle (for earth) and to the left is a faery statue (for air) and to the right is a kitty statue (to represent Bastet). on the second shelf is a wood carving of a fish that my grandfather made (used to represent water, and as a tribute to him since we were super close). there's also a vial of water from a near by stream in the back and a little vial of turquoise crystal chips (a tribute to my heritage as i have Hopi blood in my veins). there's also a little bear dressed as a scarecrow on the second shelf...a sort of tribute to my grandma.
the problem i feel is the second shelf. i like the first shelf and don't want that to change. but the second shelf is all of wack for me. i'm thinking of removing the bear (bc it's almost a little too big for the small end table anyway) and making the fish more of a focal point. i also need to add some sort of god image. i believe Odin has been calling to me lately and i would like to somehow represent him on my altar. i've just begun researching him though and am not sure what to use for his representation.
on the wall behind my altar i have pictures of herbs. this isn't working for me anymore either. i like the herb pictures but...there's another picture there that says "may your days be filled with happiness, friendship, and love" that my mom gave me. it's throwing the whole the theme off and i need to move it. so i'll probably do that as well. that should take care of the wall issue but...i'm still not happy with the second shelf. i'll have to do some rearranging and see what i come up with.
sorry, just needed a place to 'think outloud' on this subject. also wanted to know if any of you know of things that possibly could represent Odin? also sorry for no pics...my scanner is completely shot. =-PCurrent Mood:  curious |
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"...holding my breath for the fear of sleep again..."
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 11:06 am
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A bit dreamsick this ayem, dreams of things once precious, but which no longer matter to me, which have not mattered to me now for at least twenty years. Go tell that to my unconscious. I awoke at about 5 ayem, choking. It might have been a seizure that came in my sleep, and it might not have been. My throat's still messed up this morning. There was a brief absence seizure yesterday, and one last Thursday, and another on Wednesday.
Yesterday was supposed to be a day off, after a stretch of especially tedious writing. We'd made plans. But we'd not planned on the weather turning hot. It's been cool, and I thought the summer was winding down. Hell, it's cool again today. But yesterday, it was hot. The sun was a white demon in a wide blue sky. We drove down to Wickford, because there was something I needed, a certain witchy something, which I'd hoped they might have at the Grateful Heart. Yeah, right. It's a great place, if you're looking for crystals, the self-help book of the week, Xtian pop mysticism, or faux Buddhist doodads, but I think Wicca scares them. What little they have is hidden away in a corner at the back of the shop, so as not the spook the New Agers. So, yeah, that was a wasted trip, wasted gas, and all that heat. On the way back to the interstate, we stopped at a Del's Lemonade truck, but I think I "can has" no more Del's until the cracked molar is fixed.
The rest of the afternoon is a sort of blur of heat and sweat and bright. We dropped by White Electric Coffee on Westminster. Very good coffee and a good atmosphere, which helps to make up for the slight sketchiness of the neighborhood. We were going to visit Ada Books, just around the corner, but it was closed due, apparently, to a recent robbery (back to the sketchiness of the neighborhood). We wandered, to and fro in the heat. I carried my black umbrella to try to keep the worst of the sun away. You know that you live in a thoroughly uncivilized age when people give you the hairy eyeball whenever you dare to use an umbrella for shade. Eventually, we crossed the river to College Hill, and walked up and down Wickenden Street a bit. We stopped into Aqua-Life, an aquarium shop. It was wonderfully cool inside, and we admired various fish and invertebrates and newts in bubbling fresh- and saltwater tanks. I actually have photos, but I'm not up to editing them right now.
The post brought the new Weird Tales, though I really have not looked at it yet. I finished reading the second volume of E.C. Segar's Popeye strips from Fantagraphics (December 22, 1930 —— October 2, 1932). I have been enjoying these strips immensely, so much so that there are a couple I may scan and include in the journal. I see that Volume 3 will be released November 15. It's on my Amazon wishlist, if anyone is interested. I also finally got around to the June issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, and read "A new species of Taniwhasaurus [Mosasauridae; Tylosaurinae] from the upper Santonian/lower Campanian [U. Cretaceous] of Hokkaido, Japan." Spooky and I played a game of Unspeakable Words, and I won. She made tuna-salad sandwiches for dinner, as it was far too hot to cook anything.
As for Second Life, the "Denizens of Howards End" rp group now has 17 or 18 members, and hopefully terraforming will begin tonight (the domain of the "Architect's of Howards End" group). I did think of something else that irks me in roleplay that I thought I'd mention. Tense shift. This one is almost epidemic in SL, and I suppose it must be the result of some failure on the part of public education. A player will begin a paragraph in present tense (as they should; all rp should be done in present tense) and then, mysteriously, switch to past tense towards the end of the paragraph, often in mid sentence. For example, something like this:
She opens her eyes, realizing that the sun has set and darkness has come once again. "Did I really sleep that long?" she thinks. She looks about the room at the others, who were all watching her. She decided it was best if she didn't mention her confusion.
I see this constantly, no matter what sim I visit. It's almost as if people think that the function of present tense is to begin a sentence, while past tense is meant to conclude a sentence (which, I suppose, has a certain perverse logic to it). What the fuck, people? In Howards End, this is on the long list of unacceptable rp practices. We will be literate, or we will not be. Anyway, I got in some good V:tM rp in Corvinus last night (thank you Lina and Ania), both as Nareth and (because I always must have more) also as one of my alts, Bellatrix Bracken (likely the av I'll use in Howards End). Here, Bella has been cast as a twenty-something, gothedy trust-fund brat who's being seduced by the city's Toreador Whip. One more night, and she's full on ghoul (sensu V:tM, not sensu HPL/CRK). There's a screencap of Bella below, lounging in the skybox club house in Howards End (no blingtards allowed).
Before I wrap this up, please remember the current eBay auctions, and that A is for Alien can be pre-ordered, as can the mass-market paperback of Daughter of Hounds. If I believed in karma, I'd say buying my books is good for your karma. But, alas, I don't. But it does help keep the rent paid.
( Bella )Current Mood:  awake Current Music: Poe, "Spanish Doll" |
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Ascension (8/22): Dj's Liebchen & Lady Kele-De
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 12:55 am
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Please join us this Friday, August 15th for Ascension, Baltimore's weekly Gothic-Industrial danse party! Dj's Liebchen & Lady Kele-De take over the dj booth so expect some spooky and stompy stuff throughout the night! Requests are always welcome!
ATTENTION EARLY BATS! Everyone who enters between 9-10 will receive 1 complimentary drink ticket that is good for rails, domestic beers and sodas. Ticket can be used anytime of the night but only on Fridays at Ascension!
Ascension features a great sound-system, a large dance-floor, dvd videos & eye-candy, free bar snacks, friendly spirits, ambiance and happy hour from 9-10! Need to have a smoke? Simply walk out the front door and light up! The front of the club is monitored by video-camera so we can keep our eyes on you! Please be courteous by returning inside the club once you are done with your cigarette. This way, you will not be harrassed for "loitering". Please park in Little Italy. We hope to see you this friday evening!
~~~UPCOMING EVENTS AT ASCENSION~~~
~September 12~
~September 19~
Elegant Gothic Lolita Tea Party: Dress up in your finest EGL or EGA ensembles & dance the night away to the usual fair with some J-rock & J-Pop thrown in! Dj's Lady Kele-De & Steven Archer
~September 28~
Live performance by gothic bellydancing troupe Mortifera! Dj's Neska & Liebchen. Admission $7 for 21+ & $10 for 18-20.
~October 3~
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Ascension (8/22): Dj's Liebchen & Lady Kele-De
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Aug. 19th, 2008 @ 12:53 am
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Aligning Your Rituals to Your World
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Aug. 18th, 2008 @ 09:22 pm
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I wondered what the common feeling was (if there is such a thing!) about aligning your rituals to the world around you. Specifically, orienting your altar to your geography.
I live in northern Virginia, so for me it is very natural to think about the sea to the southeast and the land/mountains to the southwest. Of course, that is the opposite of the traditional orientation. Still, it justy doesn't feel right to me to set up my altar any other way.
How do people feel about creating an alignment that is in tune with your physical location, rather than sticking to the more traditional directions?
Many thanks!
Jim Current Mood:  thoughtful |
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My altar for 2008...
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Aug. 18th, 2008 @ 04:39 pm
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Hi, I'm Tara, 28 and I live in Everett, WA with my husband of three years in an old late 19th century house turned into apartments. I've been a solitary practitioner since I was a little girl. What I thought was just 'pretty' and 'fun' was real magic and this religion had a name. I also didn't know that making my sacred space every so often each year had a purpose behind it. I've made many different forms of my sacred space/altar over the years as I learned more about Wicca.
While looking through LJ for some inspiration for the current change, I stumbled upon this community Pimp My Altar. There I found some ideas. One member had a great idea. This idea can be seen under the cut.
Current Mood:  calm |
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![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small}
cigfrain's Friends Page![[info]](http://p-stat.livejournal.com/img/community.gif){kind=small}
accomplished