Um, what is the expected lifespan of your crystal file? As a White Mage, the notion of a light crystal anything is appealing. I've been looking for something better than the paper emery boards I've been using to do my nails and someone recommended ceramics.
While CVS has ceramics, Target does not. But as I was there for other things I looked and found your crystal file. Eight dollars. I figured it should be at least comparable to a paper emery that costs about 25 cents.
The next day I had time to try it out. I started on my thumbnail and lines of the abrasive began coming off, revealing smooth glass beneath. I moved on to the others and before I'd finished my left hand more than half the material was gone on both sides.
The next day I returned it. I'll have to see if the LaCross ceramics at CVS work any better. They're the same price after all.
If it matters, the reason I'm looking for something different is that the paper emerys take too long. They last quite awhile and allow me to shape my nails as I please but they just take too long. I'm looking for something that can get the job done quicker.
Any ideas?
Aerinravage's GamerCard
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Fun With Politics
I had this idea over the weekend after seeing so much campaigning for midterm candidates recently. The Tea party and the Republicans seem to be counting on a backlash against Democrats and/or Obama. The first two years of Obama's presidency haven't been the best.
But don't we do this with almost EVERY president? Few have been so skilled, lucky and supported to have a significant popular sentiment halfway in.
Anyway, I really wish I knew if what's going on was really Obama's fault. Of course, what part does Congress play? And slowly-unfolding events that began well before Barack said "I do". And random events and accidents that would have snookered any sitting leader?
I'm not a "party line voter" though most of my votes go in a Democrat-oriented direction. I can't help it - as a body of beliefs, the Dems are more desireable to me than the other choices. I don't like everything they stand for - but I still honestly believe that a sincere effort to improve everyone's lives and keep poverty, ignorance and suffering to a minimum benefit all of us.
It's the whole Ubuntu thing - I am who I am because of what we all are.
In any case, I'm really curious how many people will make informed, honest choices over the next few weeks. I don't begrudge anyone who sticks to their guns and continues to back a seemingly-doomed candidate. Nor do I object to someone crossing party lines for a person they honestly believe will make their lives better.
But how many won't? I'm already sick of the attack ads and political spew filling the airwaves...
But don't we do this with almost EVERY president? Few have been so skilled, lucky and supported to have a significant popular sentiment halfway in.
Anyway, I really wish I knew if what's going on was really Obama's fault. Of course, what part does Congress play? And slowly-unfolding events that began well before Barack said "I do". And random events and accidents that would have snookered any sitting leader?
I'm not a "party line voter" though most of my votes go in a Democrat-oriented direction. I can't help it - as a body of beliefs, the Dems are more desireable to me than the other choices. I don't like everything they stand for - but I still honestly believe that a sincere effort to improve everyone's lives and keep poverty, ignorance and suffering to a minimum benefit all of us.
It's the whole Ubuntu thing - I am who I am because of what we all are.
In any case, I'm really curious how many people will make informed, honest choices over the next few weeks. I don't begrudge anyone who sticks to their guns and continues to back a seemingly-doomed candidate. Nor do I object to someone crossing party lines for a person they honestly believe will make their lives better.
But how many won't? I'm already sick of the attack ads and political spew filling the airwaves...
Party Weekend!
Sunday:
Almost slept right through my hair appointment! I made it there two minutes late but my stylist wasn't done anyway and I had to wait. She actually remembered (more or less) why I'm growing my hair out. She offered all kinds of advice and sold me some Redken mousse. It wound up a bit shorter but
From there, it was T's birthday at Adventure Landing. Pretty fun time although I didn't get to dance. I did get to play Juke Box Hero (on hard, not expert this time) and later I helped D with it. I also walked up to an abandoned game of Deal Or No Deal and although I didn't get to pick the initial case, I made it to the final offer (4 versus 70) and took the offer of 53. Good choice, too, as the personal case has the 4.
Most of us went on to the Loop for dinner. Mom shared some shake with me too. Oh - it would seem that splitting a shake does not reduce the amount they serve. Good to know!
-=-=-=-
Saturday:
Garage sale! We made 60 whole dollars and still have piles of crap. But it was kinda fun and we made a few people very happy with deals we didn't think too hard on before making. Mostly my fault - I just want this stuff gone!
Then we went to B&D's new house for a combined housewarming and first birthday for their youngest daughter. Their new place is way nicer than their townhome and it has a lovely yard too. Also, watching their wee one dig into the "baby cake" was precious! She was eating icing and some cake and when she dug down to the custard layer she seemed surprised ^^
That night, we saw "Easy A". Easily one of the best movies of the year. I loved the whole thing, especially their take on teen torments and feeling like an outcast.
-=-=-=-
Friday late-night
Super short party with Hermes
Started to solo FoV in Behemoth's when Vante called - asked for help in Citadel with THF AF. He was kind enough to allow me to finish my page and then I met him and his friends - they were 80+ so it was just dead-weight they needed for the switches.
He had to hit all the ??? in two areas to get Chandelier (a bomb NM) to spawn. They must not have seen the wiki because not only did they let him self-destruct on the pop, they didn't realize he could be easily respawned after just 10 minutes. The second pop was easy win.
Then he lent me his Velvet Robe! On his way to Ifrit's with one of his buddies we swung through Jeuno and he lent it to me saying he wanted it back for use by his family. Super nice of him! I used my Bastok medallion for a quick warp to Brygid and closed it out. I warped back and sent the robe back to his DB. Then I dressed out in my new gear and went looking for more 50+ gear.
I don't like how I look like I'm wearing a goth corset and not much else. Maybe I can learn to like it. I definitely love the stats!
In general, this caps a week of lots of soloing on SAM, to 28.
Almost slept right through my hair appointment! I made it there two minutes late but my stylist wasn't done anyway and I had to wait. She actually remembered (more or less) why I'm growing my hair out. She offered all kinds of advice and sold me some Redken mousse. It wound up a bit shorter but
From there, it was T's birthday at Adventure Landing. Pretty fun time although I didn't get to dance. I did get to play Juke Box Hero (on hard, not expert this time) and later I helped D with it. I also walked up to an abandoned game of Deal Or No Deal and although I didn't get to pick the initial case, I made it to the final offer (4 versus 70) and took the offer of 53. Good choice, too, as the personal case has the 4.
Most of us went on to the Loop for dinner. Mom shared some shake with me too. Oh - it would seem that splitting a shake does not reduce the amount they serve. Good to know!
-=-=-=-
Saturday:
Garage sale! We made 60 whole dollars and still have piles of crap. But it was kinda fun and we made a few people very happy with deals we didn't think too hard on before making. Mostly my fault - I just want this stuff gone!
Then we went to B&D's new house for a combined housewarming and first birthday for their youngest daughter. Their new place is way nicer than their townhome and it has a lovely yard too. Also, watching their wee one dig into the "baby cake" was precious! She was eating icing and some cake and when she dug down to the custard layer she seemed surprised ^^
That night, we saw "Easy A". Easily one of the best movies of the year. I loved the whole thing, especially their take on teen torments and feeling like an outcast.
-=-=-=-
Friday late-night
Super short party with Hermes
Started to solo FoV in Behemoth's when Vante called - asked for help in Citadel with THF AF. He was kind enough to allow me to finish my page and then I met him and his friends - they were 80+ so it was just dead-weight they needed for the switches.
He had to hit all the ??? in two areas to get Chandelier (a bomb NM) to spawn. They must not have seen the wiki because not only did they let him self-destruct on the pop, they didn't realize he could be easily respawned after just 10 minutes. The second pop was easy win.
Then he lent me his Velvet Robe! On his way to Ifrit's with one of his buddies we swung through Jeuno and he lent it to me saying he wanted it back for use by his family. Super nice of him! I used my Bastok medallion for a quick warp to Brygid and closed it out. I warped back and sent the robe back to his DB. Then I dressed out in my new gear and went looking for more 50+ gear.
I don't like how I look like I'm wearing a goth corset and not much else. Maybe I can learn to like it. I definitely love the stats!
In general, this caps a week of lots of soloing on SAM, to 28.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Blah
Wednesday:
First was Survivor Premiere party at my parents'. Great food and an OK show. Young versus Old. Jimmie Johnson (Cowboys/Dolphins ex-coach, not the NASCAR champ) is on the oldster's team. I wonder if someone cautioned the others to not say the name of the "male enhancement" pill Johnson (ha!) shills for. I won't either. But I'm waiting for some good jokes. After, we raced home for the AGT results. Aaaand...
Boo~o~o! Oh well. I can't say I was totally surprised that Prince P. didn't take the crown. But I *was* surprised that Michael Grimm won, leaving Jackie Evancho as first runner up. Honestly, I think it's the right call based on talent, appeal and general showmanship.
BUT. Someone find me a still of Jackie's performance with Sarah Brightman. You know, the one where, just as they finish in triumphant fashion, we, the audience realize Jackie's was better. And a second after us, Jackie appears to as well because the look they catch on her face as she looks up to Sarah is just ~perfect~!
-=-=-=-
Tuesday:
Relived the past by listening to Star Trek 2 and 4 at work. Read Denshi Otoko while waiting for AGT. Interesting premise if true...
AGT thoughts: Prince Poppycock goes for a purer operatic performance, to his detriment I think. Fighting Gravity wasn't bad (better than last week, not as good as before). Michael and Jackie were both excellent. Poppycock is still my hero (does his own cosplay, sings, can set up a whole show etc.) and he clearly has a performing range that neither Michael nor Jackie have matched. FG had a shot to really dazzle and I think they were close...
-=-=-=-
Monday:
At work, I found out, totally by accident, that I have "Group 7" access. Hey Flynn!
Took Elder to the Library, then Gamestop and Target. I reloaded my queue (Black Jewels 2, Denshi Otoko 1, Enduring Flame 1 on CD)
While at GS, I preordered GT5 for my anniversary gift and Super Scribblenauts for Younger.
First was Survivor Premiere party at my parents'. Great food and an OK show. Young versus Old. Jimmie Johnson (Cowboys/Dolphins ex-coach, not the NASCAR champ) is on the oldster's team. I wonder if someone cautioned the others to not say the name of the "male enhancement" pill Johnson (ha!) shills for. I won't either. But I'm waiting for some good jokes. After, we raced home for the AGT results. Aaaand...
Boo~o~o! Oh well. I can't say I was totally surprised that Prince P. didn't take the crown. But I *was* surprised that Michael Grimm won, leaving Jackie Evancho as first runner up. Honestly, I think it's the right call based on talent, appeal and general showmanship.
BUT. Someone find me a still of Jackie's performance with Sarah Brightman. You know, the one where, just as they finish in triumphant fashion, we, the audience realize Jackie's was better. And a second after us, Jackie appears to as well because the look they catch on her face as she looks up to Sarah is just ~perfect~!
-=-=-=-
Tuesday:
Relived the past by listening to Star Trek 2 and 4 at work. Read Denshi Otoko while waiting for AGT. Interesting premise if true...
AGT thoughts: Prince Poppycock goes for a purer operatic performance, to his detriment I think. Fighting Gravity wasn't bad (better than last week, not as good as before). Michael and Jackie were both excellent. Poppycock is still my hero (does his own cosplay, sings, can set up a whole show etc.) and he clearly has a performing range that neither Michael nor Jackie have matched. FG had a shot to really dazzle and I think they were close...
-=-=-=-
Monday:
At work, I found out, totally by accident, that I have "Group 7" access. Hey Flynn!
Took Elder to the Library, then Gamestop and Target. I reloaded my queue (Black Jewels 2, Denshi Otoko 1, Enduring Flame 1 on CD)
While at GS, I preordered GT5 for my anniversary gift and Super Scribblenauts for Younger.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Beach Bums
Since we planned to leave from my work, all four of us rode together in the morning, with a pre-packed van. We dropped the Clones off first, followed by a short run to Ape's work. Then I was off.
At about 5:30, I left to gas up and waited at the station for Mom & Dad to deliver the crew. They were coming too, as was Sis & Co. Of course... ^.~ We all met near the Speedway for a barbeque dinner which for me was -meh-. But from there it was maybe 30 more minutes to our hotel. And we had an even nicer room this time than last!
* Fri - Theological Debates with Ape, watched half of Beck, grocery shopping at 7-11.
* Sat - Breakfast in bed followed by lunch at Aunt Catfish's (BK for me). Then we went to a family fun center and the kids got two-hour unlimited armbands and I got a few dollars of tokens for DDR - they had 4th Mix and SuperNova2 and both worked great! I nearly killed myself dancing my pants off in their oven of a back room.
I rode Ty on the karts and picked the winning case in Ape's game of Deal or No Deal. I had the 200-ticket case picked but the final offer of 120 came with only 40 and 200 on the board and we played it safe.
Poolside lounging and a beachfront walk and photoshoot ^^
Din was a joke as it took us 30 minutes and lots of aimless wandering to find a pizza place - we wound up at Pizza Hut after all but it was very good.
I've decided I just don't like this area. Right on the beach is nice but just off the main roads it gets scary. And it's crawling with pedestrians at all hours, most of whom look like they're deep into a pub crawl... Clearwater is so much nicer!
Sunday - I grabbed ham croissants for all of us while listening to classic rock (go Juke Box Hero!) Then we sat around deciding what to do. We had the day to ourselves for once. We settled on hitting the Port Orange area to see what kind of shopping and eating were to be had. Ape's dad recommended this area and it turned out to be a good call.
Since we'd eaten breakfast not long ago, we needed to kill time before the promised Red Robin. Kirkland's had some nice stuff, and we heard a minor parking lot fender bender. But soon enough, it was time to eat. And while I never did try one of their famous burgers, the teriyaki chicken sandwich I had was really good. And Elder and I had an actual conversation (granted, it was FF-related as we traded notes between FFT and XI, but still).
From there, it was mall time. We hit the Daytona mall for a bit and had a nice time. And then we headed home. Once there, Ape followed me to the gas station. I'd parked Shiroma Thursday with fumes in the tank and after filling up it looks like I had about 7 miles to empty. Close call!
I went grocery shopping with Younger then I think I went to bed after messing about in XI.
At about 5:30, I left to gas up and waited at the station for Mom & Dad to deliver the crew. They were coming too, as was Sis & Co. Of course... ^.~ We all met near the Speedway for a barbeque dinner which for me was -meh-. But from there it was maybe 30 more minutes to our hotel. And we had an even nicer room this time than last!
* Fri - Theological Debates with Ape, watched half of Beck, grocery shopping at 7-11.
* Sat - Breakfast in bed followed by lunch at Aunt Catfish's (BK for me). Then we went to a family fun center and the kids got two-hour unlimited armbands and I got a few dollars of tokens for DDR - they had 4th Mix and SuperNova2 and both worked great! I nearly killed myself dancing my pants off in their oven of a back room.
I rode Ty on the karts and picked the winning case in Ape's game of Deal or No Deal. I had the 200-ticket case picked but the final offer of 120 came with only 40 and 200 on the board and we played it safe.
Poolside lounging and a beachfront walk and photoshoot ^^
Din was a joke as it took us 30 minutes and lots of aimless wandering to find a pizza place - we wound up at Pizza Hut after all but it was very good.
I've decided I just don't like this area. Right on the beach is nice but just off the main roads it gets scary. And it's crawling with pedestrians at all hours, most of whom look like they're deep into a pub crawl... Clearwater is so much nicer!
Sunday - I grabbed ham croissants for all of us while listening to classic rock (go Juke Box Hero!) Then we sat around deciding what to do. We had the day to ourselves for once. We settled on hitting the Port Orange area to see what kind of shopping and eating were to be had. Ape's dad recommended this area and it turned out to be a good call.
Since we'd eaten breakfast not long ago, we needed to kill time before the promised Red Robin. Kirkland's had some nice stuff, and we heard a minor parking lot fender bender. But soon enough, it was time to eat. And while I never did try one of their famous burgers, the teriyaki chicken sandwich I had was really good. And Elder and I had an actual conversation (granted, it was FF-related as we traded notes between FFT and XI, but still).
From there, it was mall time. We hit the Daytona mall for a bit and had a nice time. And then we headed home. Once there, Ape followed me to the gas station. I'd parked Shiroma Thursday with fumes in the tank and after filling up it looks like I had about 7 miles to empty. Close call!
I went grocery shopping with Younger then I think I went to bed after messing about in XI.
Friday, September 10, 2010
RE: The "Burn a Qu'ran Day" Lunacy
Scourging all of Islam because of a relative handful of extremists, like the WTC attackers, is no better than scourging all of Christianity for a relative handful of extremists, like abortion clinic bombers.
This is the crux of my point to Ape. See, we'd been discussing the whole Qu'ran burning-thing in Gainesville and ultimately, I landed there. I'm Christian, but I'm not really opposed to other faiths. We can debate that later, if you like. But put another way, I'm likely to get one of those "Coexist" stickers for my car...
So, my position is based on the notion that Islam, at its heart and as practiced by the vast majority of its followers is not too different from other commonly accepted faiths. I'm not aware of anything in the Qu'ran that says Muslims must actually attack nonbelievers, in a literal physically-violent sense.
I think most religions teach conversion, with a wink and a nod to the idea that theirs is the "correct" one. But I'm not aware of a main-line faith that says that conversion is supposed to come at sword or gunpoint.
So, if in fact the Qu'ran does teach that, my argument falls to pieces. Maybe I should find the Islamic equivalent to "Why do Catholics Do That?" and see if I've got it right.
By the way, Ape didn't like my argument above and didn't take to kindly to it. Ah, what a way to start a weekend!
This is the crux of my point to Ape. See, we'd been discussing the whole Qu'ran burning-thing in Gainesville and ultimately, I landed there. I'm Christian, but I'm not really opposed to other faiths. We can debate that later, if you like. But put another way, I'm likely to get one of those "Coexist" stickers for my car...
So, my position is based on the notion that Islam, at its heart and as practiced by the vast majority of its followers is not too different from other commonly accepted faiths. I'm not aware of anything in the Qu'ran that says Muslims must actually attack nonbelievers, in a literal physically-violent sense.
I think most religions teach conversion, with a wink and a nod to the idea that theirs is the "correct" one. But I'm not aware of a main-line faith that says that conversion is supposed to come at sword or gunpoint.
So, if in fact the Qu'ran does teach that, my argument falls to pieces. Maybe I should find the Islamic equivalent to "Why do Catholics Do That?" and see if I've got it right.
By the way, Ape didn't like my argument above and didn't take to kindly to it. Ah, what a way to start a weekend!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Ramblings
This has been a pretty good week:
* At work, I'm doing much more coding. There's still some firedrill fun but that's OK. I capped off the week finally working on some automated testing on my big project.
* In XI, I literally spent three hours plus fixing up my inventory, as I realized with a /facepalm that I've had the means to expand my locker this whole time. Argh. I prioritized my WHM, DNC and SAM gear and threw my RNG and BST far back in the closet. I have most of the others close at hand just in case of a shell or PUG invitation. I realized as well that I could sell my Eisenschaller as my Empress Pin beats it solidly.
* It only took about 80% completion, but I FINALLY got into my book. I think I finally understand all the action and "spell technology" at play. And on Thursday I finished it in my usual breathless rush because I figured out I wasn't going to get a clean ending. Or a particularly happy one at that. So now I have nothing in my library queue and I need to refill it, starting with book 2 of this series. I also need a new audiobook or two. Local radio still makes me ragey and I do enjoy being read to. Thank you Fourth Grade teacher whose name escapes me presently!
* Speaking of audio, the latest book was "Ruler of the Realm". I didn't realize it was actually #3 in a series but it was easy enough to get into. I enjoyed it and tried to listen with the Clones on the way to school. But the extra hour per day I got without them in the car eventually wrecked that notion. My biggest problem with the audiobooks is that I somehow keep finding "teen" books without meaning to.
* Also on the audio front, I got Beck, disk two, from Netflix. Just haven't had time to watch.
* Because of stuff like the AGT finals - Wow! The Grand Finals are going to be nuts. Go Team Poppycock!
* Friday, we're leaving directly after work to Daytona Beach, for the second weekend on our "bargain radio" coupons. More to come!
* At work, I'm doing much more coding. There's still some firedrill fun but that's OK. I capped off the week finally working on some automated testing on my big project.
* In XI, I literally spent three hours plus fixing up my inventory, as I realized with a /facepalm that I've had the means to expand my locker this whole time. Argh. I prioritized my WHM, DNC and SAM gear and threw my RNG and BST far back in the closet. I have most of the others close at hand just in case of a shell or PUG invitation. I realized as well that I could sell my Eisenschaller as my Empress Pin beats it solidly.
* It only took about 80% completion, but I FINALLY got into my book. I think I finally understand all the action and "spell technology" at play. And on Thursday I finished it in my usual breathless rush because I figured out I wasn't going to get a clean ending. Or a particularly happy one at that. So now I have nothing in my library queue and I need to refill it, starting with book 2 of this series. I also need a new audiobook or two. Local radio still makes me ragey and I do enjoy being read to. Thank you Fourth Grade teacher whose name escapes me presently!
* Speaking of audio, the latest book was "Ruler of the Realm". I didn't realize it was actually #3 in a series but it was easy enough to get into. I enjoyed it and tried to listen with the Clones on the way to school. But the extra hour per day I got without them in the car eventually wrecked that notion. My biggest problem with the audiobooks is that I somehow keep finding "teen" books without meaning to.
* Also on the audio front, I got Beck, disk two, from Netflix. Just haven't had time to watch.
* Because of stuff like the AGT finals - Wow! The Grand Finals are going to be nuts. Go Team Poppycock!
* Friday, we're leaving directly after work to Daytona Beach, for the second weekend on our "bargain radio" coupons. More to come!
Monday, September 6, 2010
Marathons Are Long! (Teal Deer Warning)
Monday:
No XI today. I was on a "no complaining of lack of sleep" warning from Ape after yesterday's bender. The big Labor Day plans were for us to meet my folks at the mall for a little shopping after we ate breakfast. Then, quick shopping for the party at Sis's.
At the mall, I wound up running around for the others as much as I got to shop myself, but I did get some new stuff at B&BW. This was after a salesgirl offered me a sample of the new flavor and before I could grab a tester to smell, she put a bit of the lotion in my hand.
We all grabbed snacks later in the afternoon and Dad and I ran into his old friend and we chatted a bit.
I picked Ape up when it was time to go - she'd made it to the other end of the mall but started feeling lousy again - and then I did the shopping for dinner. We stopped back at the house to grab the Clones then off to the party.
Dinner grilling was underway quickly so we got to the food pretty quickly, and as usual, it was very tasty. Afterwards, it was time to play Apples to Apples. I won ^^
Back home, there wasn't much time left so we just got the kids settled and wound down.
Sunday:
...And here I was telling Ape I didn't play that much per session! I started up a bit after Ape and the boys went off to Fernandina with Sis & Co. I was off the hook because BIL didn't go but I *did* offer. Ape said I could have the day for me. And *this* time, she delivered!
I resumed my lumber fishing in the Canal and on my last trip of my multipass (it was an ordinary multipass, not a Leeloo Dallas Multipass) I scored a drop! I continued the back-and-to to close that one out, then Hyper Active, then The Naming Game. This one also involved farming, but I got luckier with the Cryptonberries in Pso'xja. And my chosen airship name? "Eternal Celestial Mystic". Surprised?
Somewhere in here, I helped Snouzer, Zeb's boy, with the BST unlock in Qufim. We both showed up as WHMs although I think he was 54 to my 75. Still, plenty capable. The Kraken fight was cake but the NM above wasn't - I picked on a new high-level beastie and got pounded. Oh well! Big buffer!
I then finished off 5-1 and proceeded into 5-2 - Promy-Vahzl. I'm supposed to be able to solo this now that the level cap was off. I really didn't have any trouble climbing the first 4 floors and took time to try obtaining a White Memosphere for the map. But the Memory Receptacle leading to 5 was a pain. I had to Benediction but I made it up.
By now, it had been like 5 hours of running all over Vana'diel, plus I knew I wanted Benediction for the final Spire fight. So I took a break to drive another load to the storage unit. I had taped up the boxes during some airship delays and such. And I wanted to eat too. Ape was supposedly still in Fernandina but as I was leaving the storage facility and headed to find food Ape called and said she was home and wanted to go with.
I headed back, grabbed her and we were off to Wendy's, the crew's unanimous pick. We grabbed some grub, then I offered to grab a Redbox and watch something with Ape. We settled on "Book of Eli". Back home, we ate and then started the movie. Younger actually stuck around, despite warnings of violent and bloody content. He's squeamish. He actually watched more than Ape did :3
The Review: Pretty interesting premise... Strangely-driven man called Eli (Washington) journeys West, protecting what turns out to be the last surviving Bible, post holocaust. Seems 30 years ago something laid waste to at least America, if not the planet. All the scenery looks like the aftermath of a nuke war. Very "Road Warrior" - including the roving bands of thugs in hand-armored vehicles. Eli isn't just a vagabond - think Transporter, complete with insane levels of bad-assery. He dispatches goons and hairless cats with aplomb.
So, Eli. He winds up in a small town run by Carnegie (Oldman) who just happens to be searching for a Bible, believing that with the power of dogma, he can influence a larger number of people and expand his control. Yada yada yada Eli escapes just as Carnegie figures out what he's sought for so long is staying in one of his hotel rooms. Eli "emptied" Carnegie's bar when one of the Brute Squad muscled in on him. Carnegie wants a new Enforcer. Eli wants to turn him down so Carnegie puts him up for the night to try to change his mind.
By sending his girlfriend's daughter Solara (Kunis) to seduce him. Doesn't really work. But soon after the two of them find themselves reluctant traveling companions. After a quick bite at a remote farmhouse (great scene BTW), Carlisle and Co. arrive and level the place, recovering the Bible. And the heretofore unassailable Eli gets gut-shot and left to die.
This is when the audience wonders what kind of Divine intervention will save the day for our devout hero. Nothing terribly dramatic. Just a good memory and a Heavenly sense of irony. See, the Bible he's been toting across the wastes is a *Braille* edition, and Carlisle's conveniently-blind consort refuses to read it to him. Meanwhile, his minions sense Carlisle's slipping power and bolt.
Eli and Solara on the other hand, find themselves in San Fran, rowing a small boat to Alcatraz Island. There's a growing library there curated by Malcolm McDowell. Eli reads the Bible while the Curator transcribes. He's gonna print new ones on a press he's almost got working. Movie wraps with a dead but content Eli being laid to rest on the Island while new Bibles get printed. Solara takes up Eli's gear if not his mantle and heads back home, presumably to get her mom.
I loved the ending, especially Carlisle's expression of bewilderment when he realizes he got what he wanted and still lost. I'd spend time in later days trying to figure out if Eli was in fact meant to be blind. There's evidence in the film for both possibilities (and I have to believe he was at least partially sighted) but the screenwriter gave an interview saying, Nope, he's blind. Whatever. Still cool.
Oh, and the Curator? The man lives on a green island, WITH electricity and a printing press, and he can't come up with a ratty manual typewriter? Or even a Selectric? Really?
So, after more family time, I picked back up with XI. I resumed my assault on the fifth floor of Promy-Vahzl. Turns out the level 80 baddies they added when the level cap was removed were no problem. And I never had to worry about links because the only things I attacked were the memosphere holders and they were unique enough. So, I finish off the fifth web and head to the Spire. I had to choose - fight the buff-eater first or last? I opted for first and I think it was the right choice.
I engaged him and totally forgot the second boss wanders in at about 20%. So I found myself getting beaten senseless by two angry monsters while low on mana but I managed to finish off the first before I died. Benecide helped keep me kicking just long enough. The second retreated to the center and I reraised, hoping not to get hate as soon as I did. Nope, Number 2 stayed put and healed. I was then worried the first would respawn but it didn't. *Phew!* I could rest, buff and fight on a more even footing with food and buffs.
And that's what I did. The next two battles were much like the web battles from earlier and I won. With less than 4 minutes to spare! Yikes! Warped outside I slogged my way to the other tower for the last little cutscene and planned to go to bed as it was now 2:30am.
That's when Soulshear asked for partiers at level 40-odd. I said all I had was my Sam at 20 and he jumped at it. So I wound up in a Qufim party. Until 5:30am. But man, what a party! Soul and I skillchained Scissions all night long while our BLM bursted off them. We never really had trouble once we all got our rhythm down. It was really fun and I wound up gaining 4 levels too!
As I made ready to leave, I thought Soul wanted me to find a rep, and I did, but then two or three of the others wanted to knock off too and so the party broke. Just as my rep arrived, too >< I felt bad but there was nothing for it but to apologise. And /yawn!
No XI today. I was on a "no complaining of lack of sleep" warning from Ape after yesterday's bender. The big Labor Day plans were for us to meet my folks at the mall for a little shopping after we ate breakfast. Then, quick shopping for the party at Sis's.
At the mall, I wound up running around for the others as much as I got to shop myself, but I did get some new stuff at B&BW. This was after a salesgirl offered me a sample of the new flavor and before I could grab a tester to smell, she put a bit of the lotion in my hand.
We all grabbed snacks later in the afternoon and Dad and I ran into his old friend and we chatted a bit.
I picked Ape up when it was time to go - she'd made it to the other end of the mall but started feeling lousy again - and then I did the shopping for dinner. We stopped back at the house to grab the Clones then off to the party.
Dinner grilling was underway quickly so we got to the food pretty quickly, and as usual, it was very tasty. Afterwards, it was time to play Apples to Apples. I won ^^
Back home, there wasn't much time left so we just got the kids settled and wound down.
Sunday:
...And here I was telling Ape I didn't play that much per session! I started up a bit after Ape and the boys went off to Fernandina with Sis & Co. I was off the hook because BIL didn't go but I *did* offer. Ape said I could have the day for me. And *this* time, she delivered!
I resumed my lumber fishing in the Canal and on my last trip of my multipass (it was an ordinary multipass, not a Leeloo Dallas Multipass) I scored a drop! I continued the back-and-to to close that one out, then Hyper Active, then The Naming Game. This one also involved farming, but I got luckier with the Cryptonberries in Pso'xja. And my chosen airship name? "Eternal Celestial Mystic". Surprised?
Somewhere in here, I helped Snouzer, Zeb's boy, with the BST unlock in Qufim. We both showed up as WHMs although I think he was 54 to my 75. Still, plenty capable. The Kraken fight was cake but the NM above wasn't - I picked on a new high-level beastie and got pounded. Oh well! Big buffer!
I then finished off 5-1 and proceeded into 5-2 - Promy-Vahzl. I'm supposed to be able to solo this now that the level cap was off. I really didn't have any trouble climbing the first 4 floors and took time to try obtaining a White Memosphere for the map. But the Memory Receptacle leading to 5 was a pain. I had to Benediction but I made it up.
By now, it had been like 5 hours of running all over Vana'diel, plus I knew I wanted Benediction for the final Spire fight. So I took a break to drive another load to the storage unit. I had taped up the boxes during some airship delays and such. And I wanted to eat too. Ape was supposedly still in Fernandina but as I was leaving the storage facility and headed to find food Ape called and said she was home and wanted to go with.
I headed back, grabbed her and we were off to Wendy's, the crew's unanimous pick. We grabbed some grub, then I offered to grab a Redbox and watch something with Ape. We settled on "Book of Eli". Back home, we ate and then started the movie. Younger actually stuck around, despite warnings of violent and bloody content. He's squeamish. He actually watched more than Ape did :3
The Review: Pretty interesting premise... Strangely-driven man called Eli (Washington) journeys West, protecting what turns out to be the last surviving Bible, post holocaust. Seems 30 years ago something laid waste to at least America, if not the planet. All the scenery looks like the aftermath of a nuke war. Very "Road Warrior" - including the roving bands of thugs in hand-armored vehicles. Eli isn't just a vagabond - think Transporter, complete with insane levels of bad-assery. He dispatches goons and hairless cats with aplomb.
So, Eli. He winds up in a small town run by Carnegie (Oldman) who just happens to be searching for a Bible, believing that with the power of dogma, he can influence a larger number of people and expand his control. Yada yada yada Eli escapes just as Carnegie figures out what he's sought for so long is staying in one of his hotel rooms. Eli "emptied" Carnegie's bar when one of the Brute Squad muscled in on him. Carnegie wants a new Enforcer. Eli wants to turn him down so Carnegie puts him up for the night to try to change his mind.
By sending his girlfriend's daughter Solara (Kunis) to seduce him. Doesn't really work. But soon after the two of them find themselves reluctant traveling companions. After a quick bite at a remote farmhouse (great scene BTW), Carlisle and Co. arrive and level the place, recovering the Bible. And the heretofore unassailable Eli gets gut-shot and left to die.
This is when the audience wonders what kind of Divine intervention will save the day for our devout hero. Nothing terribly dramatic. Just a good memory and a Heavenly sense of irony. See, the Bible he's been toting across the wastes is a *Braille* edition, and Carlisle's conveniently-blind consort refuses to read it to him. Meanwhile, his minions sense Carlisle's slipping power and bolt.
Eli and Solara on the other hand, find themselves in San Fran, rowing a small boat to Alcatraz Island. There's a growing library there curated by Malcolm McDowell. Eli reads the Bible while the Curator transcribes. He's gonna print new ones on a press he's almost got working. Movie wraps with a dead but content Eli being laid to rest on the Island while new Bibles get printed. Solara takes up Eli's gear if not his mantle and heads back home, presumably to get her mom.
I loved the ending, especially Carlisle's expression of bewilderment when he realizes he got what he wanted and still lost. I'd spend time in later days trying to figure out if Eli was in fact meant to be blind. There's evidence in the film for both possibilities (and I have to believe he was at least partially sighted) but the screenwriter gave an interview saying, Nope, he's blind. Whatever. Still cool.
Oh, and the Curator? The man lives on a green island, WITH electricity and a printing press, and he can't come up with a ratty manual typewriter? Or even a Selectric? Really?
So, after more family time, I picked back up with XI. I resumed my assault on the fifth floor of Promy-Vahzl. Turns out the level 80 baddies they added when the level cap was removed were no problem. And I never had to worry about links because the only things I attacked were the memosphere holders and they were unique enough. So, I finish off the fifth web and head to the Spire. I had to choose - fight the buff-eater first or last? I opted for first and I think it was the right choice.
I engaged him and totally forgot the second boss wanders in at about 20%. So I found myself getting beaten senseless by two angry monsters while low on mana but I managed to finish off the first before I died. Benecide helped keep me kicking just long enough. The second retreated to the center and I reraised, hoping not to get hate as soon as I did. Nope, Number 2 stayed put and healed. I was then worried the first would respawn but it didn't. *Phew!* I could rest, buff and fight on a more even footing with food and buffs.
And that's what I did. The next two battles were much like the web battles from earlier and I won. With less than 4 minutes to spare! Yikes! Warped outside I slogged my way to the other tower for the last little cutscene and planned to go to bed as it was now 2:30am.
That's when Soulshear asked for partiers at level 40-odd. I said all I had was my Sam at 20 and he jumped at it. So I wound up in a Qufim party. Until 5:30am. But man, what a party! Soul and I skillchained Scissions all night long while our BLM bursted off them. We never really had trouble once we all got our rhythm down. It was really fun and I wound up gaining 4 levels too!
As I made ready to leave, I thought Soul wanted me to find a rep, and I did, but then two or three of the others wanted to knock off too and so the party broke. Just as my rep arrived, too >< I felt bad but there was nothing for it but to apologise. And /yawn!
Saturday, September 4, 2010
More Hard Work, Followed By Treats
Saturday:
Spent about 7 hours working in the garage, and the defrag is slowly taking hold. If we have any measure of success with the "sell/giveaway/donate/toss" pile, we may yet get a car into the garage!
All four of us worked in there this time, even grumpy Elder. Pregna-momma finally went through a number of her boxes and we threw out about 3 full cans' worth. Some of that was junk I fished out of the back corner, further clearing off the workbench I hope to move into the storage unit. The final two hours was spent by the Clones and I as we trucked two loads of stuff to the unit, settled a dispute with the library, got gas for Ape, and dropped off two bags to Goodwill.
Back home, it was 6:30 and we all got cleaned up. Then we went to the Loop, where I got a cajun chicken sandwich and an Oreo shake. Mmmm! We ate with Sis & Hubby and stopped at the mall on the way home. Sis was looking for a shower curtain and I wanted to browse a bit.
At Gamestop with Younger (what do I call him when Creature debuts?) the clerk turned on high-pressure mode when I mentioned reserving the GT5 SE and Younger asked about Super Scribblenauts. We'll reserve all right, but at OUR Gamestop. We both like their people! Much cooler!
Ape and I watched a little TV and I also tried to continue "Daughter of the Blood". I have no idea why but I just cannot get into a rhythm with this one. I like the setting and I can see a lot of potential. But when I'm not reading it, I don't spare it a second thought, unlike a lot of my other recent titles. It really reminds me of Burning Alive like that - I had a hard time getting through that one too, until near the end. Its sequel was MUCH more interesting, perhaps because of the foundation set by the first. I do so hope Daughter does the same.
In XI events, I resumed by hunt for a sheep liver, and after another dozen or so sheepies, got one off an orc. /sigh. With that quest done, I headed to Sandy to get the wood piece I need for the first of Cid's three quests. Oh crap. It only drops on the Carpenter's Landing barge, and each leg only spawns two monsters - three if I'm lucky. To make matters worse, this ferry eats up time and I'm soooo bored.
Friday:
Work is getting better. My boss is making headway in moving daily support tasks off the devs, and I've actually spent a fair amount of time this week coding. I have a new validator I can use with the major enterprise project, and my big web project is making steady and on-time progress!
After work, we met C&R at Red Elephant. We had free apps and they had a free dessert. I enjoyed two BBQ chicken quesadillas and ordered a pizza deal as my meal. They have an unusual sauce, but I like it. We followed that with group-shopping at Target then home
After chilling with Ape, I jumped on XI and decided to continue on with my questing and CoP soloing. After finishing the cutscenes for the Slanderous Utterings mission, I started "X Marks the Spot". More like, "Have fun slaughtering sheep and orcs for a shot at a 2% drop needed to trigger a fetch-quest". I fell asleep in Lufaise Meadows after killing about 20 sheep and avoiding Flockbock's random wanderings.
Thursday:
We had an early-morning appointment for Creature's three-month check. This time, the images were much clearer and she (being optimistic here) was very wriggly at first, and she even waved at us! Then she stopped all movement and wouldn't face the way the tech needed her to. It was cute watching the tech prod Ape's belly trying to move Creature!
Watched Haruhi #2 - This is definitely a goofy show, but it's that good warm-n-fuzzy kind of goofy. I also watched some of the extras, including a couple of the live-action ASOS Brigade vids. Cute and cheesy, like great cosplay theater should be. I think - I don't have a lot of XP there yet ^^
Monday:
Watched Claymore #2. The conclusion of the Teresa backstory was surprisingly touching. Teresa seemed so cold but came to really care for little Clare. THe look of surprise on her face (and Clare's too I suppose) when the Awakened Yoma finished her in a surprise attack was shocking. Now I really want to see how Clare ascends the Claymore ranks. Number 47 lol.
Spent about 7 hours working in the garage, and the defrag is slowly taking hold. If we have any measure of success with the "sell/giveaway/donate/toss" pile, we may yet get a car into the garage!
All four of us worked in there this time, even grumpy Elder. Pregna-momma finally went through a number of her boxes and we threw out about 3 full cans' worth. Some of that was junk I fished out of the back corner, further clearing off the workbench I hope to move into the storage unit. The final two hours was spent by the Clones and I as we trucked two loads of stuff to the unit, settled a dispute with the library, got gas for Ape, and dropped off two bags to Goodwill.
Back home, it was 6:30 and we all got cleaned up. Then we went to the Loop, where I got a cajun chicken sandwich and an Oreo shake. Mmmm! We ate with Sis & Hubby and stopped at the mall on the way home. Sis was looking for a shower curtain and I wanted to browse a bit.
At Gamestop with Younger (what do I call him when Creature debuts?) the clerk turned on high-pressure mode when I mentioned reserving the GT5 SE and Younger asked about Super Scribblenauts. We'll reserve all right, but at OUR Gamestop. We both like their people! Much cooler!
Ape and I watched a little TV and I also tried to continue "Daughter of the Blood". I have no idea why but I just cannot get into a rhythm with this one. I like the setting and I can see a lot of potential. But when I'm not reading it, I don't spare it a second thought, unlike a lot of my other recent titles. It really reminds me of Burning Alive like that - I had a hard time getting through that one too, until near the end. Its sequel was MUCH more interesting, perhaps because of the foundation set by the first. I do so hope Daughter does the same.
In XI events, I resumed by hunt for a sheep liver, and after another dozen or so sheepies, got one off an orc. /sigh. With that quest done, I headed to Sandy to get the wood piece I need for the first of Cid's three quests. Oh crap. It only drops on the Carpenter's Landing barge, and each leg only spawns two monsters - three if I'm lucky. To make matters worse, this ferry eats up time and I'm soooo bored.
Friday:
Work is getting better. My boss is making headway in moving daily support tasks off the devs, and I've actually spent a fair amount of time this week coding. I have a new validator I can use with the major enterprise project, and my big web project is making steady and on-time progress!
After work, we met C&R at Red Elephant. We had free apps and they had a free dessert. I enjoyed two BBQ chicken quesadillas and ordered a pizza deal as my meal. They have an unusual sauce, but I like it. We followed that with group-shopping at Target then home
After chilling with Ape, I jumped on XI and decided to continue on with my questing and CoP soloing. After finishing the cutscenes for the Slanderous Utterings mission, I started "X Marks the Spot". More like, "Have fun slaughtering sheep and orcs for a shot at a 2% drop needed to trigger a fetch-quest". I fell asleep in Lufaise Meadows after killing about 20 sheep and avoiding Flockbock's random wanderings.
Thursday:
We had an early-morning appointment for Creature's three-month check. This time, the images were much clearer and she (being optimistic here) was very wriggly at first, and she even waved at us! Then she stopped all movement and wouldn't face the way the tech needed her to. It was cute watching the tech prod Ape's belly trying to move Creature!
Watched Haruhi #2 - This is definitely a goofy show, but it's that good warm-n-fuzzy kind of goofy. I also watched some of the extras, including a couple of the live-action ASOS Brigade vids. Cute and cheesy, like great cosplay theater should be. I think - I don't have a lot of XP there yet ^^
Monday:
Watched Claymore #2. The conclusion of the Teresa backstory was surprisingly touching. Teresa seemed so cold but came to really care for little Clare. THe look of surprise on her face (and Clare's too I suppose) when the Awakened Yoma finished her in a surprise attack was shocking. Now I really want to see how Clare ascends the Claymore ranks. Number 47 lol.
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