| My Response to Liam |
[09 Jun 2009|06:59pm] |
Greetings all,
I warn you, there’s an epic entry behind the cut, in full Rhodri style. I'm an academic, so I cannot say anything in two words where fifty will suffice :)
( Read more... )
|
|
| Memety-Meme |
[11 Mar 2009|05:15pm] |
I'm having a very good day, which I did not expect this morning, so I'm responding to ![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif) fineum
People who have been tagged must write their answers on their blog and replace any question that they dislike with a new, original question.
Tag eight people. Don't tag who tagged you.
1. Make a list of 5 things you can see without getting up:
- books, usually poetry these days as I seem to only read novels in eBook format these days
- a stationary bike that glares at me waiting for some, any, use to break its ennui
- white, white, and more white…
- a variety of things that are not white sitting on a table waiting for me to put up on the wall
- usually the face of a cat wanting attention
2. How do you style your hair?
Yeah, I spend hours each day "styling" my hair.
3. What are you wearing now?
Jeans and a sweat shirt.
4. If you could spend an hour with any one person of your choice (be they dead or alive) who would it be?
The writer of Beowulf
5. Do you nap a lot?
I can’t sleep a full night for whatever reason anymore, so virtually every day
6. Who was the last person you hugged?
Hmmm…. been a bit, Derdriu perhaps?
7. What's your current fandom/obsession/addiction?
The SCA keeps me wanting to go back. When I lose some passion for one or another aspect, a new aspect always pops up that renews my energy. What I have never lost a passion for, and cannot imagine ever losing, is the joy of knowing the friends I have make there.
8. What was the last thing you ate today?
Flat Branch nachos.
9. What was the last text message you received?
Life is Bleah….
10. What websites do you always visit when you go online?
LiveJournal, Facebook, Pandora, my Blogs (especially Blogging the Boys, Baseball Prospectus, Global Futbol, Michael Yon, Gay Patriot, SCAToday, Neo-neocon, and Minor League Ball.
11. What was the last thing you bought?
Besides lunch? Hmmm…. an automatic cat box off of Craig’s List
What are you listening to right now?
My Paddy Rock station on Pandora, currently Ballad of the Graywood Hotel by Hazy Looper
What do you think about before you go to bed at night?
What I want to get done tomorrow, and my general hopes and dreams
14. What is your favourite food?
Ask me when I’m hungry and I’ll tell you what I want at that moment.
15. What is your favorite weather, and why?
Fall – I love the warm sun with the contrast of the cool air, the bouquet of color, the smell of leaves and the sound they make under horses hooves. (fineum said it better than I could)
16. If you could play any musical instrument, which one would you play?
Anglo-Saxon lyre
17. How are you?
2009 has generally been sucky, but today has been very good.
18. If you could make a movie, what genre would it be?
Probably science fiction.
19. Say something about the person who tagged you:
One of the strongest souls I have ever met.
20. What was the weirdest dream you've had recently?.
Something about defending a line of battle with a friend from high school… who I have no reason to attach to any military thought.
Tagging: bernina2000de, cantigajoy, elasait, liamstliam, okobojii, mahault, evil_fionn, trimguy
|
|
| Jubilation |
[02 Mar 2009|12:00pm] |
Well, I'm home from a great weekend. In some ways it was very frustrating. There was an academic conference in Kansas City that I wanted to go to because it was loaded this year with great speakers. Also in Kansas City on Saturday was Benjamin Bagby performing his version of Beowulf. Sigh.
( Read more... )
|
|
| The Oscars |
[23 Feb 2009|02:50pm] |
OK, for the first time in probably 20 years I watched the Oscars. I got free beef stroganoff so it wasn't a bad trade.
Who knew Hugh Jackman was that talented? I certainly didn't. I was, however, disappointed that at no point adamantine claws didn't just shoot out of his tux.
The people who made Slumdog Millionaire were so enthusiastic and happy and it was very fun to hear their speeches. Good for them.
I thought Kate Winslet's speech was great as well, because again you had someone who appreciated the honor.
I enjoyed the commentary about the actors instead of the film clips for the best performers.
It's too bad the jokes are so stilted, though, and the only performer that I thought was really funny was Steve Martin. Tina Fey did OK opposite him, but the timing of everyone else was just wretched.
In fact, the funniest line from the night was the Japanese guy who won some tech category saying: "Domo arigato Mr. Roboto."
Still, it was an enjoyable time because of the excitement of so many recipients.
Unfortunately a person had to bring it down, and that person was Sean Penn. He and I are actually on the same side of the gay marriage issue. Legally, I think gay marriage being illegal is unconstitutional based on the 14th Amendment. Ethically, I think that being faithful and honest in the relationship is far more important than the genders involved. It's not like heterosexual couples have all that great a track record staying together right now, as my divorce among millions proves.
But Sean Penn's a jerk. First of all, I have always hated it when actors use the Oscars as a forum for their political views. Second, he could quite easily have stated his position in a positive manner: "I was pleased to have the opportunity to portray a famous gay leader who did so much for his community. I hope that my portrayal can help more people support gay rights issues like gay marriage." Instead, he gave an ad hominem attack on those against gay marriage. This doesn't help. I can definitely say that if you argue with me about my position, and you lay out coherent reasons, I can indeed be convinced. You tell me that I'm going to be ashamed and that my grandchildren will be ashamed of me I'm going to tell you to go to hell.
So, even though I agree with him on this one issue, Sean Penn, please shut up. Your speech left a bad taste after what had been a joyful and happy evening.
|
|
| My Turn |
[19 Feb 2009|03:05pm] |
-Describe me in one word- just one single word. Positive or negative.
-Leave your word in a comment, before looking at what words others have used.
-Copy and paste the meme to your journal to find out how people describe you when limited to one word.
|
|
| Super Bowl |
[01 Feb 2009|10:22pm] |
Well, the dishes are in the dishwasher washing, the trash is in the bag, and on Tuesday my trash men are going to grumble about how many bags I put out at the curb.
My 4th Super Bowl party at my house was another success. People ate wayyyy too much (including me) and yet there are more leftovers than I could eat. I sent one set of lasagna home with a friend, and foisted a bunch of junk food on one of my friend's students.
And yet, I'm a wee bit grumpy. This is two Super Bowls in the last three years that have included the Steelers, which in and of itself is not an issue. What is an issue is that this is two Super Bowls in the last three years where the Steelers won and were egregiously assisted by questionable refereeing decisions. Any of three clearly illegal blocks on the interception return prior to the half should have been called. One that really irritated me was the face mask called on the Cardinals defensive back when the Steelers receiver was doing the same thing at the same time... especially since the NFL made this a priority to call because they didn't like the way Cowboys RB Marion Barber was running.
Sigh.... I hate it when the referees influence a game, and they essentially owned the third quarter. I have to compliment the Cardinals for their resiliency and their mental toughness when it seemed like every time they made a good play, the referees called a penalty.
Sadly, this would have been a great game, but for the referees. I don't know that the Cardinals would have won if the referees hadn't helped the Steelers, only that it's a shame that they were so prominent in a game that had a chance to be a classic, and now will just go down as a good Super Bowl, just as the Steelers-Seahawks game is essentially forgotten.
Nevertheless, it was a great party. I have tons of jelly beans (black licorice and yellow banana and red cherry and white coconut) to take to Estrella. Before Estrella, I don't have to cook given that I have lasagna, and olives, and cheese, and...
Anyone want to help me eat leftovers? ;)
|
|
| To the Seaaaa!!!!! |
[11 Dec 2008|07:43am] |
|
Reply to this post, and I'll tell you one reason (at least) why I like you. Then put this in your own journal, and dive over the falls....
|
|
| Hope |
[05 Nov 2008|01:08pm] |
Today everyone seems full of hope. I am full of hope too.
I am full of hope that, as my friend Delric predicts, that Obama will feel himself compelled to be a centrist president and mitigate the far liberal and socialist viewpoints that his voting record suggests he espouses.
I am full of hope that the things that he will be most liberal on are the things that most of America, I think, wants or at least wants to stop discussing. Things like same-sex marriage and other personal freedoms.
I am full of hope that he will recognize that he is in a long-term war, a war not started by the United States, but by an ideology that has long recognized that freedom of speech, freedom of religion, equality between the sexes, human rights, and democracy prevent that ideology from achieving its goals. That ideology is fundamentalism, whether it's Christian or Muslim or pseudo-scientific theories that have reached such ideological status despite the lack of or the twisting of the actual evidence.
I am full of hope that Obama will handle the challenges of inimical foreign powers well, challenges that even Biden explicitly said will begin happening within six months of Obama's inauguration, unlike the person that Obama is most often compared to, Kennedy.
I am full of hope that Obama will emulate one of Kennedy's best decisions, a strong commitment to space exploration.
I am full of hope that Obama will realize that there are no easy answers when it comes to producing energy and that our entire civilization is dependent upon reliable energy. I further hope that he will recognize that current plans for clean, renewable energy, which we all want more of, often have serious and major unintended consequences and find new ways around those problems.
I am full of hope that my Democratic friends, who are good people and generally centrist, will not find their find their vision corrupted by a person whose track record seems radically different from theirs, despite both being called Democrats.
I am full of hope that Obama fulfills all of his campaign promises, even if they do not always fit the traditional liberal viewpoint, such as his vow to protect the Second Amendment.
I am full of hope that I was wrong and that history will prove me as being wrong.
I am full of hope that the hope wafting in the air will bring good things.
I am full of hope that Obama will be remembered in America as a great President and I will work to help as best I can.
Today, I am full of hope, because hope is all Obama has ever shown me.
|
|
| Such Friends |
[27 Oct 2008|06:54pm] |
So Eddie and Mia are flying back to England tonight from the Vikings event here. As we left lunch and hugged each other Eddie said something about how this was the hardest part of any trip, the saying goodbye.
I started thinking about the truth of that statement. Then I thought about the greatness of life to have the opportunity to have those sad moments, for without the great friendships there is no sorrow at parting.
So for all those people who I have hugged at the ends of Pennsic, Estrellas, and Gulfs. For all those people that I have spent hours saying goodbyes and hugging at smaller events, or at conferences or wherever, I have but to turn to Yeats for something to say to you all:
"Think where man’s glory most begins and ends,
And say my glory was I had such friends."
|
|
| I usually don't like posting political stuff here... |
[23 Oct 2008|02:03am] |
But this is pretty important in my opinion:
http://www.ldsmag.com/ideas/081017light.html
What Orson Scott Card, a Democrat, says here has been one of my greatest frustrations with the 2008 election process.
I have no problem with people voting whichever position they choose in an election, that's their right as an American. What I do have a problem with is the current process of disseminating information to allow people to make an informed choice. Right now, I see that it's a GIGO process.
|
|
| ABD |
[08 Oct 2008|10:46pm] |
|
It's official, all I need to do to graduate is write a book, having passed my Comprehensive Exams this afternoon.
|
|
| Vengeance is mine, sayeth the Fernando |
[23 Aug 2008|07:24pm] |
OK, another Pennsic tale that must start with a ghost of Pennsic past.
Some years ago (like 3), Fernando turned 40 and Brockman, Alistair, Rebecca, and Duncan insisted that such an auspicious occasion could not pass without some form of celebration. I, of course, was not involved at all in the original idea. I would never be the person who started anything that might embarrass my peer. Never. Never that anyone can prove now at least. So, anyway, after my siblings importuned me for many hours…, well minutes…, ok seconds…, I was convinced to plan a 40th Birthday Quest for Fernando.
( Read more )
|
|
| Help |
[22 Aug 2008|06:27pm] |
So I'm finding myself in a bit of a rut, and contemplating things to get out of that rut.
One thing that has come to mind is starting a martial art, but I have no clue about the differences and advantages of the various martial arts nor do I have any clue about how to choose a program.
Here's what I'm trying to do:
Get more flexibility
Get better at SCA fighting
Get lighter on my feet
Get in better shape physically
Gain more discipline/mental strength
I've never done a martial art other than SCA fighting, so I will be coming into this very inexperienced. I would also appreciate any suggestions or ideas of what I can expect as a newbie in this arena at my age.
|
|
| Now To The Random Stuffage |
[10 Jun 2008|11:43am] |
Three, count them, three posts today. I might just be clearing off stuff before Lilies.
First, I want to take this time to tell Gateway to go to hell. I ordered a laptop from them on 25 May 2007 and received it several days later. In March, the system power supply died and I spent $45 shipping it back to Gateway and have them repair it. That took over a week, plus an extra day to wait before the shipping guy and I actually were able to me, a day that should not have happened but Gateway couldn't provide me with a tracking number. On 26 May 2008, I pulled the system out of its case and it was doing some odd things, hitting a "t" actually put "t67 " on the screen. I spent several days downloading virus checkers and keyboard mappers but that didn't solve the problem. I called them on 3 June and they said they would fix it for $300. "Out of warranty, there's nothing we can do." As a former computer professional who did customer service I'm here to tell you that is crap. I had a Gateway laptop for 373 days at that point, and they had the computer, according to their records, for more than a week counting the 2 days to build it and the week to fix it. Counting the week or so I tried to diagnose the problem, I essentially payed $1750 for a laptop for 350 days. Not good. They specifically said that when they made their decision not to work with me they not only realized when I bought it, but had on their records how long they had had it. They also specifically said that warranty problems on a system don't give any kind of credit to extending the warranty. In other words, they don't care how little usage you get of the product, after 365 days *from the point you order the system, not the point you recieve it* they don't feel they have any responsibility.
So, please tell anyone you know who is interested in buying a new computer to avoid Gateway, their customer service is some of the worst I have ever seen.
On to better stuff. I'm making progress with a whole bunch of things. Lilies prep is progressing. I almost have new armor. I've done some work on my comps. I'm stressed and tired and going too fast, but hey, I seem to like that because that always seems to be the case :)
|
|
| Interview |
[10 Jun 2008|11:11am] |
OK, so I'm doing my second meme of 2008. I'm pretty sure that's more than I did for all of 2007 so obviously I'm now a meme addict.
Anyway, this one is an interview. I've been asked five questions by Elasait and here are the responses. I'll interview you as well if you ask in the comments. However, I may not get to you for a couple of weeks as there is that whole Lilies thing.
Elasait's questions to me.
1. What made you decide to ask Fernando to squire you?
When I decided to squire I wanted to become more a part of Calontir so I wanted a knight outside of Vatavia. I wanted a knight that would push me to be a better all around person and member of the SCA. I wanted a knight that would help me become a better commander, because some day I would like to be the general of the army. I was debating this during Fernando and Lyriel's reign, but Fernando wasn't even close to my radar, I just never once thought about him. Then they came to a small local Vatavian event and I was one of the few faces in the singing circle that he knew, and he started singing You've Lost All Sense Of Feeling, and on the line "squire, squire, I get down on my knees to you," he got down on his knees to me. And I went "Wow, he's not just a king, he's a knight!" And that was that. One postscript, Fernando's much more careful who he sings that song to now ;)
2. What's the most memorable thing that's ever happened to you?
Wow, that's hard to say. In the SCA, probably Katrine asking me to be her Champion, but getting fyrded, having Eoforwic treat me as they have, reciting the Wanderer on the Fyrdraca and in the Norstead longhouse, are all right there as well.
Outside of the SCA, I would say that probably the most memorable good events were my marriage and the perfect game I pitched for Kirby's in 1997. Slow-pitch softball perfect games do not grow on trees. However, I've been blessed with lots of great memories and events in my life, so picking from any of them is a real challenge.
3. What do you think you'll be doing in 5 years? 10 years?
Hopefully gaining tenure in 5 years and in 10 publishing my second book.
4. Of places you've never been, where in the world would you most like to go and why?
Hmmm, too many choices. OK, this probably isn't what you meant, but I would like to actually be at the next Super Bowl the Cowboys win :) I would also like to go to a whole slew of places in England that I didn't get to last time like Gloucester and Durham. I would also like to walk Offa's Dyke some day. I didn't really get to spend any time in Wales or Scotland last time, so that would be cool. I would love to hang out at an Irish pub in, say, Limerick or Galway, for a week. I want to visit Caen, Rouen, and Aachen to the see the burial churches of William, Richard, and Charlemagne. I think it would be fun to make the pilgrimage from say, Tours, to Santiago de Compostela. Oktoberfest at a mid-sized town in Bavaria. Uhhhh, I'm not sure I can really answer this question.
5. How did you come to choose your academic specialty?
Well, Calontir had something to do with it, but mostly it was because I started enjoying Anglo-Saxon poetry right after I read Tolkien the first time. The more I get into Anglo-Saxon society, the more I admire the ideals of their belief system. It's about fulfilling responsibilities, not defending prerogatives. My main complaint about the animated Beowulf wasn't that they changed the story, I expected that, but that their portrayal of the society was absolutely horrid in so many ways. Anyway, back to your original question, I came back to grad school to be a professor, decided on history as a department, decided on medieval as a broad field, and then basically decided I wanted to wallow in Old English poetry for the rest of my life.
|
|
| Magic Music Making My Morning Mood |
[10 Jun 2008|10:47am] |
I saw my 18th or 19th Rush concert on Saturday.
I have seen at least one show from every tour since the Grace Under Pressure tour in 1982.
I have loved every one of them.
But I think this was the best show I have ever seen from them.
Rush put out a new album last year and toured last summer. I saw them in Raleigh with my nephews (their first concert ever) and St. Louis with Ted, who got me into Rush in the first place near 30 years ago. This time was with Malachi, who hadn't been to a Rush concert in 25 years or so.
However, the demographic at Rush concerts is essentially the same people each time. Not everyone likes Rush, but those who do REALLY like Rush. They use many of the same video add-ons for the same songs each time, making Rush concerts exhilarating and comforting at the same time.
But this show was different. Their set list last year and this year were pretty close. They played in front of the same people as last year, basically. And they knew this. And so they added a bunch of tweaks and extra artistic flourishes to their songs. I especially liked the point in Red Barcheta when Alex stopped playing and Geddy and Neil simply played the bass and drum portions of the bridge. I hadn't recalled them ever doing that, and it seems to have really resonated with Rush fans on the blogs and lists.
Usually, they take a great deal of pride in playing their songs note for note, but this show they seemed more relaxed than I have ever seen them before. They've always been comfortable not taking themselves seriously, but while they take their music very seriously, they have gotten to the point where they're comfortable playing around with stuff.
I loved it.
|
|
| You know... |
[03 May 2008|07:48pm] |
Some days it doesn't pay to get out of bed.
And then some are like today, when there is so much right in the world I just want to scream.
The news from Crown Tourney is, to say the least, more than I could have ever hoped for.
First, my favorite person in the world, Maerwynn of Holme, became princess by Luther, who was essentially my first king in the SCA, who made me feel so comfortable at my first war.
I could not be happier with this result, especially since this means that these two, both with early period personas, will be on the throne for my hyper-period early period event in October.
But wait, there's more. There were some awards handed out.
Three peerages, all to very good friends.
Congratulations to Wulfric, Elianor, and Fionna.
I'm bursting with happy happy joy joy right now.
The only drawback is that I have totally lost all concentration on my writing this weekend. Oh well, I'm willing to lose sleep, even lots of sleep for all of these great people.
I'm totally glad I got up today :)
|
|
| navigation |
| [ |
viewing |
| |
most recent entries |
] |
| [ |
go |
| |
earlier |
] |
|
|
|
|
