Backed.
Only a few reward tiers, which is initially surprising.
Originally shared by Vincent Baker
Apocalypse World 2nd Edition
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/226674021/apocalypse-world-2nd-edition
Sunday, January 31, 2016
Saturday, January 30, 2016
Third time watching Star Wars today, first time with my wife, Dianne Harris.
Third time watching Star Wars today, first time with my wife, Dianne Harris. She is a pretty strong critic of things, and often points out what is wrong with movies.
So, I was worried. I adore this movie, and was worried she wouldn't like it. That she's say the tropes are dumb, or that there was some mysognistic thing I missed, or just that the plot didn't make any sense. These things have all happened in other movies.
And, well: She liked it!
I think she liked the space nazis, and Rey. And that Kilo Wren is an MRA weirdo.
So, I was worried. I adore this movie, and was worried she wouldn't like it. That she's say the tropes are dumb, or that there was some mysognistic thing I missed, or just that the plot didn't make any sense. These things have all happened in other movies.
And, well: She liked it!
I think she liked the space nazis, and Rey. And that Kilo Wren is an MRA weirdo.
Novel: Firefight
Novel: Firefight
Rating: 2 of 5
Genre: YA science fiction, give or take.
Synopsis: A young white male is exceptional, and his dedication to the cause impresses The Girl.
longer version, with spoilers:
What if power really did corrupt?
This is the second book of the Reckoner's series, with that question at its root. Over a dozen years ago, people with super powers began to appear. Fools thought they were heroes; the fools died.
Within this series, the more you rely on your powers, the more corrupt you become. That's a neat trick, and a good lesson for a YA novel.
Generally speaking, I adore Sanderson's novels. I discovered Elantris before Mistborn, and he still suffers a bit from the "everything happens at the end" problem. The Reckoner's series in particular also suffers from heteronormativity, the superior moral value of young white men, and proves once again that you can't trust anyone over 30.
In Firefight, we learn the powers latch onto your fears. That is, everyone with super powers is driven by their fears. To use the powers is to be afraid. Moments after facing his own worst fears, the antagonist attempts to force super powers on our protagonist. These powers slide right off him; he remains a normal person, because he had just faced his fear.
Shortly before this, The Girl had risked her life to save him. She faced her fear, and when next we see her, she has super powers and can use them without suffering corruption. That is; ignoring her own mental and emotional well being -- and risking her life! -- for her man is why she is free of emotional corruption. That next we see her she is naked really hammers it home; in character, they even hang a lampshade as she gets annoyed that true love is what fixed the problems. And its not, not quite; it is caring for someone else so much that you overcome your deepest fear.
Normally, I'm a sap. I get choked up during Scrubs, much less Les Mis. Books often bring me to tears. And yet ... no. Maybe its because I was so aware that only the pretty straight white people get to survive, but the ending left me cold.
Everyone over thirty is either corrupted at the beginning, or turns corrupt by the end. Everyone younger than that is true and virtuous. The Guy gets The Girl, and does so without powers outside his own moral worth. The Student transcends the Master, whose age finally corrupts him. The only good person over 30 is in a coma and, in the logic of the book, a perpetual child. Overcoming fear is the path to great power.
Perhaps the simple message is intentional. Or, maybe, Sanderson's Mormonism is showing. I've been worried about that for a decade; I don't want him to go the way of OSC. And, maybe, just maybe, I'm not the target demographic for YA fantasy.
Rating: 2 of 5
Genre: YA science fiction, give or take.
Synopsis: A young white male is exceptional, and his dedication to the cause impresses The Girl.
longer version, with spoilers:
What if power really did corrupt?
This is the second book of the Reckoner's series, with that question at its root. Over a dozen years ago, people with super powers began to appear. Fools thought they were heroes; the fools died.
Within this series, the more you rely on your powers, the more corrupt you become. That's a neat trick, and a good lesson for a YA novel.
Generally speaking, I adore Sanderson's novels. I discovered Elantris before Mistborn, and he still suffers a bit from the "everything happens at the end" problem. The Reckoner's series in particular also suffers from heteronormativity, the superior moral value of young white men, and proves once again that you can't trust anyone over 30.
In Firefight, we learn the powers latch onto your fears. That is, everyone with super powers is driven by their fears. To use the powers is to be afraid. Moments after facing his own worst fears, the antagonist attempts to force super powers on our protagonist. These powers slide right off him; he remains a normal person, because he had just faced his fear.
Shortly before this, The Girl had risked her life to save him. She faced her fear, and when next we see her, she has super powers and can use them without suffering corruption. That is; ignoring her own mental and emotional well being -- and risking her life! -- for her man is why she is free of emotional corruption. That next we see her she is naked really hammers it home; in character, they even hang a lampshade as she gets annoyed that true love is what fixed the problems. And its not, not quite; it is caring for someone else so much that you overcome your deepest fear.
Normally, I'm a sap. I get choked up during Scrubs, much less Les Mis. Books often bring me to tears. And yet ... no. Maybe its because I was so aware that only the pretty straight white people get to survive, but the ending left me cold.
Everyone over thirty is either corrupted at the beginning, or turns corrupt by the end. Everyone younger than that is true and virtuous. The Guy gets The Girl, and does so without powers outside his own moral worth. The Student transcends the Master, whose age finally corrupts him. The only good person over 30 is in a coma and, in the logic of the book, a perpetual child. Overcoming fear is the path to great power.
Perhaps the simple message is intentional. Or, maybe, Sanderson's Mormonism is showing. I've been worried about that for a decade; I don't want him to go the way of OSC. And, maybe, just maybe, I'm not the target demographic for YA fantasy.
Friday, January 29, 2016
I have a confession to make.
I have a confession to make.
About 2 weeks ago, I won a trip for two to Australia. (!)
So, lazy webs, what are some suggested activities that my internetting is less likely to turn up?
About 2 weeks ago, I won a trip for two to Australia. (!)
So, lazy webs, what are some suggested activities that my internetting is less likely to turn up?
Last night, we did chargen for Night's Black Agents.
Last night, we did chargen for Night's Black Agents.
I'll be playing a former watcher / muscle for the world bank. I find the leaders of countries about to default on their loans, watch them real good, then beat 'em up.
There are some things I really like about the gumshoe system, and NBA in particular. Places where I'm fuzzy on decisions that were made, and places where I would have done it differently.
For example: spending points to get the clues? YES. That is precisely right. MOS? Yes, please: the "I win by infinite" button works really well within the genre of competence porn.
Distributing dozens of points? That's not a thing I love.
The layout of the character sheets? Those, I think, could be a whole lot better. There was a lot of compressing numbers. Luckily, that is fixable.
We've tried this genre before on our rotating games Thursday night. I'm hopeful this time we will have enough characters to make it happen.
I'll be playing a former watcher / muscle for the world bank. I find the leaders of countries about to default on their loans, watch them real good, then beat 'em up.
There are some things I really like about the gumshoe system, and NBA in particular. Places where I'm fuzzy on decisions that were made, and places where I would have done it differently.
For example: spending points to get the clues? YES. That is precisely right. MOS? Yes, please: the "I win by infinite" button works really well within the genre of competence porn.
Distributing dozens of points? That's not a thing I love.
The layout of the character sheets? Those, I think, could be a whole lot better. There was a lot of compressing numbers. Luckily, that is fixable.
We've tried this genre before on our rotating games Thursday night. I'm hopeful this time we will have enough characters to make it happen.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
Memoir: Furiously Happy
Memoir: Furiously Happy
Rating: Ananas out of mango.
Synopsis: I did a lot of laugh crying. Uncontrollably. On the metro. With no shame.
Longer version: This is a book about mental illness.
Generally speaking, I don't live with mental illness. I can go to work everyday -- with clothes! --- honor social commitments, and (somehow) manage to keep friends.
Reading this is January helped me remember my seasonal affective disorder, which always messes me up this time of year. I'm grouchy and moody and don't want to see people. And need to.
This book also helped me remember the times when anxiety, or depression, or panic were overwhelming. That's partly by design: by being brutally honest about her own mental illness, The Bloggess normalizes it. She makes me think about my own issues as mental illness, which maybe they are.
Anyway, about this book? It is fantastic.
This is a series of small tales, most no more than a few pages. You can pick up and read one in a few minutes, then set it down. Or, you can power through and read several at once. Each story is from Jenny's life, and most give a glimpse into the that terrifying world.
The book has a lot of fights with her husband, Victor. The following is NOT from the book, but is from her blog:
Me: People say, “You can be anyone you want.” But I’m pretty sure that’s identity theft.
Victor: You’re underestimating yourself. You can be a successful entrepreneur if you applied yourself.
Me: No. I don’t have that ability. I could pretend to be someone who’s an entrepreneur, but that’s really identify-theft too. I already have an identity, and it’s “that-girl-who-says-fuck-a-lot-and-hasn’t-intentionally-killed-anyone-yet.”
Victor: You’re just afraid to try new things. If you focused you could start a restaurant or learn to do your taxes.
Me: And now you’re having an identity crisis. Except it’s over my identity. Sort of selfish, really. Plus, you’re trying to take away my identity of “someone who doesn’t want to do things”. So if anything you’re guilty of identity theft. You’re stealing my identity.
Victor: That’s not how identity theft works.
Me: Well, it’s not how I work either. There’s a lot of confusion going around.
Winner: I don’t know. I don’t even know who I am anymore.
If the above made you laugh? Then read the book.
The book has one of the best examples of the Spoon Theory in one chapter, but what really got to me? The story of 24 people who are alive now because of how her community reacted when she came out as living with mental illness.
Yeah. The book is intense. It is also very good. You should read it.
Rating: Ananas out of mango.
Synopsis: I did a lot of laugh crying. Uncontrollably. On the metro. With no shame.
Longer version: This is a book about mental illness.
Generally speaking, I don't live with mental illness. I can go to work everyday -- with clothes! --- honor social commitments, and (somehow) manage to keep friends.
Reading this is January helped me remember my seasonal affective disorder, which always messes me up this time of year. I'm grouchy and moody and don't want to see people. And need to.
This book also helped me remember the times when anxiety, or depression, or panic were overwhelming. That's partly by design: by being brutally honest about her own mental illness, The Bloggess normalizes it. She makes me think about my own issues as mental illness, which maybe they are.
Anyway, about this book? It is fantastic.
This is a series of small tales, most no more than a few pages. You can pick up and read one in a few minutes, then set it down. Or, you can power through and read several at once. Each story is from Jenny's life, and most give a glimpse into the that terrifying world.
The book has a lot of fights with her husband, Victor. The following is NOT from the book, but is from her blog:
Me: People say, “You can be anyone you want.” But I’m pretty sure that’s identity theft.
Victor: You’re underestimating yourself. You can be a successful entrepreneur if you applied yourself.
Me: No. I don’t have that ability. I could pretend to be someone who’s an entrepreneur, but that’s really identify-theft too. I already have an identity, and it’s “that-girl-who-says-fuck-a-lot-and-hasn’t-intentionally-killed-anyone-yet.”
Victor: You’re just afraid to try new things. If you focused you could start a restaurant or learn to do your taxes.
Me: And now you’re having an identity crisis. Except it’s over my identity. Sort of selfish, really. Plus, you’re trying to take away my identity of “someone who doesn’t want to do things”. So if anything you’re guilty of identity theft. You’re stealing my identity.
Victor: That’s not how identity theft works.
Me: Well, it’s not how I work either. There’s a lot of confusion going around.
Winner: I don’t know. I don’t even know who I am anymore.
If the above made you laugh? Then read the book.
The book has one of the best examples of the Spoon Theory in one chapter, but what really got to me? The story of 24 people who are alive now because of how her community reacted when she came out as living with mental illness.
Yeah. The book is intense. It is also very good. You should read it.
Tonight on Worlds in Peril:
Tonight on Worlds in Peril:
The protagonists continue to change the world with their powers, and to talk to their enemies to get them to become better people.
Tonight: Oh, what's that? The bad guy's powers is based on the inverse square of his distance to his followers? Fine, we will teleport him to Jupiter and have a chat.
Why not the moon? Because the moon colony's mayor is a former follower, and has asked for that bad guy to never set foot on the moon. Obviously.
The protagonists continue to change the world with their powers, and to talk to their enemies to get them to become better people.
Tonight: Oh, what's that? The bad guy's powers is based on the inverse square of his distance to his followers? Fine, we will teleport him to Jupiter and have a chat.
Why not the moon? Because the moon colony's mayor is a former follower, and has asked for that bad guy to never set foot on the moon. Obviously.
On moral stances regarding power and relationships.
On moral stances regarding power and relationships.
Please note: possible trigger warnings for discussions of rape. As well as spoilers for both Discworld and the Ancillary Justice series.
In Discworld book 6, Wyrd Sister, by Sir Terry Pratchett:
In discussing the previous King:
“Ah,” said Granny Weatherwax distantly. “His droit de seigneur.”
“Needed a lot of exercise,” said Nanny Ogg, staring at the fire.
“But next day he’d send his housekeeper round with a bag of silver and a hamper of stuff for the wedding,” said Granny. “Many a couple got a proper start in life thanks to that.”
“Ah,” agreed Nanny. “One or two individuals, too.”
-- The suggestion being:
1. The King practiced droit de seigneur, more commonly known (thanks to Braveheart) as prima nocte, or the Right of First Night. That is, the right of the king to bang vassals when they get married.
2. The King sent money for this.
3. Children were born by this.
4. He did this a lot.
At no point, is this considered evil or toxic or rape by the narrative. He is considered a pretty good king, and the Duke who murders him for the crown a big ole' jerk face.
In the Ancillary Justice series, by Ann Leckie, (surprise) there is some sex. Some of it by people of vastly different sociopolitical levels. In particular, one nasty piece of work is having sex with her cropsharers, and claims that they try to seduce her.
As the novel reminds us, over and over again: Sure they did. As if not doing so is really an option, when the gifts for such an exchange are months of income for people on starvation diets. Seducing that asshole could literally mean the difference between life and death.
That asshole is treated as toxic and evil by the narrative.
There's about 25 years separating the two, and while Pratchett was a white dude, Ann Leckie is a lady. He was British, she is (according to wikipedia) American.
I do wonder what other differences make the stark distinction; is it because Discworld is comedy? Or, the idea that the King might be seeking consent? Or, was Pratchett just tone deaf?
Please note: possible trigger warnings for discussions of rape. As well as spoilers for both Discworld and the Ancillary Justice series.
In Discworld book 6, Wyrd Sister, by Sir Terry Pratchett:
In discussing the previous King:
“Ah,” said Granny Weatherwax distantly. “His droit de seigneur.”
“Needed a lot of exercise,” said Nanny Ogg, staring at the fire.
“But next day he’d send his housekeeper round with a bag of silver and a hamper of stuff for the wedding,” said Granny. “Many a couple got a proper start in life thanks to that.”
“Ah,” agreed Nanny. “One or two individuals, too.”
-- The suggestion being:
1. The King practiced droit de seigneur, more commonly known (thanks to Braveheart) as prima nocte, or the Right of First Night. That is, the right of the king to bang vassals when they get married.
2. The King sent money for this.
3. Children were born by this.
4. He did this a lot.
At no point, is this considered evil or toxic or rape by the narrative. He is considered a pretty good king, and the Duke who murders him for the crown a big ole' jerk face.
In the Ancillary Justice series, by Ann Leckie, (surprise) there is some sex. Some of it by people of vastly different sociopolitical levels. In particular, one nasty piece of work is having sex with her cropsharers, and claims that they try to seduce her.
As the novel reminds us, over and over again: Sure they did. As if not doing so is really an option, when the gifts for such an exchange are months of income for people on starvation diets. Seducing that asshole could literally mean the difference between life and death.
That asshole is treated as toxic and evil by the narrative.
There's about 25 years separating the two, and while Pratchett was a white dude, Ann Leckie is a lady. He was British, she is (according to wikipedia) American.
I do wonder what other differences make the stark distinction; is it because Discworld is comedy? Or, the idea that the King might be seeking consent? Or, was Pratchett just tone deaf?
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Sunday, January 24, 2016
If DCC was an AW hack, what would the GM moves look like?
If DCC was an AW hack, what would the GM moves look like?
I've heard about, and played in, some fun retro DCC games. I'm not sure I understand the genre, and I might if it was in my standard idiom.
Instead of "tell them the consequences and ask", would it be "Give them the consequences without asking"?
Instead of "Deal harm (as established)", would it be "Funnel them"
Tis an honest question.
I've heard about, and played in, some fun retro DCC games. I'm not sure I understand the genre, and I might if it was in my standard idiom.
Instead of "tell them the consequences and ask", would it be "Give them the consequences without asking"?
Instead of "Deal harm (as established)", would it be "Funnel them"
Tis an honest question.
Saturday, January 23, 2016
On the snow front, this actually happened:
On the snow front, this actually happened:
https://twitter.com/ACFDPIO/status/690946500013195264
https://twitter.com/ACFDPIO/status/690946500013195264
https://twitter.com/ACFDPIO/status/690946500013195264
https://twitter.com/ACFDPIO/status/690946500013195264
Hey look, snow!
Hey look, snow!
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPLIUNTOqk_JbqIVXEmBkkltUD_1IpUS55rHrhsfHUFLb-gt2lyPM5xMpnSUNuGlQ?key=VXlRM3JxQmUtUXUwc0RsejVtb1RHNUh3SmFicHhR
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPLIUNTOqk_JbqIVXEmBkkltUD_1IpUS55rHrhsfHUFLb-gt2lyPM5xMpnSUNuGlQ?key=VXlRM3JxQmUtUXUwc0RsejVtb1RHNUh3SmFicHhR
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPLIUNTOqk_JbqIVXEmBkkltUD_1IpUS55rHrhsfHUFLb-gt2lyPM5xMpnSUNuGlQ?key=VXlRM3JxQmUtUXUwc0RsejVtb1RHNUh3SmFicHhR
https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPLIUNTOqk_JbqIVXEmBkkltUD_1IpUS55rHrhsfHUFLb-gt2lyPM5xMpnSUNuGlQ?key=VXlRM3JxQmUtUXUwc0RsejVtb1RHNUh3SmFicHhR
Friday, January 22, 2016
Tell me some great moments you've had in gaming.
Tell me some great moments you've had in gaming.
Edit: for clarity!
Edit: for clarity!
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Anyone have an X-wing corvette?
Anyone have an X-wing corvette?
That is, the Corellian Corvette from the X-wing game.
I've done math and more math with the CC from Aramda, but it is small and I ran into measurement limitations.
So, anybody got the bigger cousin?
That is, the Corellian Corvette from the X-wing game.
I've done math and more math with the CC from Aramda, but it is small and I ran into measurement limitations.
So, anybody got the bigger cousin?
You can blame Raven Daegmorgan for me seeing this one and needing to pass it on.
Originally shared by Keith J Davies
You can blame Raven Daegmorgan for me seeing this one and needing to pass it on.
Wednesday, January 20, 2016
Monday, January 18, 2016
Most honest reviews ever.
Most honest reviews ever.
Originally shared by Sophie Lagace
This articulates clearly the differences between the Academy Award nominations and gives a summary of the slate that, coincidentally, harmonizes with my own impressions.
h/t to Edmund Metheny for the link.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2016/01/14/an-unbiased-look-at-the-best-picture-nominees-of-2016/
Originally shared by Sophie Lagace
This articulates clearly the differences between the Academy Award nominations and gives a summary of the slate that, coincidentally, harmonizes with my own impressions.
h/t to Edmund Metheny for the link.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/compost/wp/2016/01/14/an-unbiased-look-at-the-best-picture-nominees-of-2016/
Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Novel: Ancillary Mercy
Novel: Ancillary Mercy
Rating: 6 of 5.
Synopsis: Why did it have to end?
Longer version -
I have adored this series, absolutely and completely. The writing style, the breadth, the focus on the details.
Each of these books focuses both on a large scale problem, and a minute one.
The small is written into the large. Each book focus on a virtue: Justice, Sword, Mercy. What's Sword? The appropriate use of force. If a virtue is the mean between two vices, we see those vices in each novel -- and their resolution into a virtue.
Each of these books also teaches something new and fundamentally important about feminism.
The first novel centers around two problems of justice, one at the individual level and one at the level of a civilization. That is, we see an injustice against a specific person, and this is echoes through society -- it is part of a systematic problem.
Each novel has this structure, and it is subtle as hell. Blink and you miss it.
Miss it, and you only get a cool a story about space ships, galactic politics, and all powerful guns. And aliens.
Read these books. They are amazing.
Rating: 6 of 5.
Synopsis: Why did it have to end?
Longer version -
I have adored this series, absolutely and completely. The writing style, the breadth, the focus on the details.
Each of these books focuses both on a large scale problem, and a minute one.
The small is written into the large. Each book focus on a virtue: Justice, Sword, Mercy. What's Sword? The appropriate use of force. If a virtue is the mean between two vices, we see those vices in each novel -- and their resolution into a virtue.
Each of these books also teaches something new and fundamentally important about feminism.
The first novel centers around two problems of justice, one at the individual level and one at the level of a civilization. That is, we see an injustice against a specific person, and this is echoes through society -- it is part of a systematic problem.
Each novel has this structure, and it is subtle as hell. Blink and you miss it.
Miss it, and you only get a cool a story about space ships, galactic politics, and all powerful guns. And aliens.
Read these books. They are amazing.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Commands I wish "ok google" understood:
Commands I wish "ok google" understood:
1. Chromecast david bowie
2. where's my train?
3. When will then be now?
1. Chromecast david bowie
2. where's my train?
3. When will then be now?
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Novel: Terraforming Earth
Novel: Terraforming Earth
Rating: 2 of 5
Short Synopsis: A terraforming station is built on the moon to recreate human life in theunlikely certain event of a meteor hitting the earth and destroying human life.
Longer version, with SPOILERS:
This book is ambitious. It takes place over millions of years, reusing the same characters through cloning and indoctrination.
Perhaps this was imagined, but it read like poetry. I got a sense of scansion, of verse. I'm not certain why -- its not like the paragraphs or lines or sentences had a consistent number of syllables.
The moon base is run by robots, recreating 5 (sometimes 6) people whenever they are needed to check out earth, or to go repopulate the earth. We see at least three distinct civilizations derived from these few people. Each time, one member of the crew didn't make it -- and the emergent society is missing that piece.
For example, one of the crew is a historian. She holds the culture of old earth. Without her, an emerged society lacks an appreciation for the arts. Seeing how those societies emerge was delightful.
There are aliens, some of whom colonize the earth while the robots on the moon are not paying attention.
The main characters aren't fantastic, but the permutations as they change are kind of fun. To see them identify with their prior selves is played well in the beginning, though towards they end they stop really being different people.
The ending is ... I didn't care for it. There were a few ways this could have ended: destruction of the earth, heat death of the universe, ascension to a higher plane of existence. (Spoilers) This goes the last route. There wasn't enough conceptual work done early in the novel to justify this, instead it is the result of a deux machina.
That being said: remarkably ambitious. Pulls a few punches I would have enjoyed to see land. Characters are stereotypes, but the repetition is intentional and well played.
Edit: Downrating from 3 to 2.
Rating: 2 of 5
Short Synopsis: A terraforming station is built on the moon to recreate human life in the
Longer version, with SPOILERS:
This book is ambitious. It takes place over millions of years, reusing the same characters through cloning and indoctrination.
Perhaps this was imagined, but it read like poetry. I got a sense of scansion, of verse. I'm not certain why -- its not like the paragraphs or lines or sentences had a consistent number of syllables.
The moon base is run by robots, recreating 5 (sometimes 6) people whenever they are needed to check out earth, or to go repopulate the earth. We see at least three distinct civilizations derived from these few people. Each time, one member of the crew didn't make it -- and the emergent society is missing that piece.
For example, one of the crew is a historian. She holds the culture of old earth. Without her, an emerged society lacks an appreciation for the arts. Seeing how those societies emerge was delightful.
There are aliens, some of whom colonize the earth while the robots on the moon are not paying attention.
The main characters aren't fantastic, but the permutations as they change are kind of fun. To see them identify with their prior selves is played well in the beginning, though towards they end they stop really being different people.
The ending is ... I didn't care for it. There were a few ways this could have ended: destruction of the earth, heat death of the universe, ascension to a higher plane of existence. (Spoilers) This goes the last route. There wasn't enough conceptual work done early in the novel to justify this, instead it is the result of a deux machina.
That being said: remarkably ambitious. Pulls a few punches I would have enjoyed to see land. Characters are stereotypes, but the repetition is intentional and well played.
Edit: Downrating from 3 to 2.
Friday, January 8, 2016
People are told they need good credit.
People are told they need good credit. Credit scores are used -- illegitimately -- as a short hand for all shorts of stuff.
Unless you are the sort of person who is expected to have good credit, in which case it is never checked.
-- From a thing i tried to say earlier.
Unless you are the sort of person who is expected to have good credit, in which case it is never checked.
-- From a thing i tried to say earlier.
#36in16
#36in16
Challenge: In 2016, I will play 36 games, each with at least one person I have never played with.
At Thursday night game night, we had a new person. Through no particular maneuvering of my own, we wound up in the same game!
So:
#4: Witch: the road to Lindisfarne with Ed.
#3: Splendor on January 2, played with Joe.
#2: Between Two Cities on January 2, played with Elizabeth.
#1: Cat Scientists on January 2, played with a bunch of people.
Challenge: In 2016, I will play 36 games, each with at least one person I have never played with.
At Thursday night game night, we had a new person. Through no particular maneuvering of my own, we wound up in the same game!
So:
#4: Witch: the road to Lindisfarne with Ed.
#3: Splendor on January 2, played with Joe.
#2: Between Two Cities on January 2, played with Elizabeth.
#1: Cat Scientists on January 2, played with a bunch of people.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Book: Ancillary Sword
Book: Ancillary Sword
Rating: 5 of 5.
Short review: The second in the series that started with Ancillary Justice, the series continues with spaceships and feelings. There are super beings in multiple forms, denying their humanity while being so very, very human. If you enjoy Star Trek more than Star Wars, this is a series for you.
Longer version -- not spoiler free. Be careful.
This series is absolutely amazing. I'm a bit jaded on my science fiction; I know the tropes and have expectations from 30 years of reading it. But, this series man.
Here we've got a galaxy spanning human civilization. Well, wait. I say human. But, is the Lord of the Radch really human? Are you human if you have a thousand bodies spread out over 10,000 light years? Is it a human civilization if the space ships are sentient, love their Captains, and have thousands of humans turned into extensions of the space ships? What does gender matter?
And that's not even to mention a glorious point of diction. The language of the Empire has no gender. No he/his/brother. Its all it/its/sibling. To translate into english, the book uses gendered expression continuously and consistently -- and unless speaking to someone in a language demanding gender, all pronouns are female. In a genre dominated by men, that is striking.
Those are questions dealt with -- and delightfully never answered! -- in the first book. This second tome in the series addresses entirely different questions:
-- In a society claiming propriety, justice and benefit are intertwined, what does it mean when the low end of the ladder is never taught how to be proper?
-- To what extent does an imbalance of power make relationships impossible? How about sexual relationships?
Most of this book takes place in a minor system, which the protagonist went to as the sister of someone she loves is there. The lives of millions are changed, the government of a world is altered, and it hinges on the live of one person for another. And a tea set.
Always tea. Tea is the hallmark of civilization, and marks propriety, justice and benefit.
I'm happy to discuss. I'm a bit late to the party.
Rating: 5 of 5.
Short review: The second in the series that started with Ancillary Justice, the series continues with spaceships and feelings. There are super beings in multiple forms, denying their humanity while being so very, very human. If you enjoy Star Trek more than Star Wars, this is a series for you.
Longer version -- not spoiler free. Be careful.
This series is absolutely amazing. I'm a bit jaded on my science fiction; I know the tropes and have expectations from 30 years of reading it. But, this series man.
Here we've got a galaxy spanning human civilization. Well, wait. I say human. But, is the Lord of the Radch really human? Are you human if you have a thousand bodies spread out over 10,000 light years? Is it a human civilization if the space ships are sentient, love their Captains, and have thousands of humans turned into extensions of the space ships? What does gender matter?
And that's not even to mention a glorious point of diction. The language of the Empire has no gender. No he/his/brother. Its all it/its/sibling. To translate into english, the book uses gendered expression continuously and consistently -- and unless speaking to someone in a language demanding gender, all pronouns are female. In a genre dominated by men, that is striking.
Those are questions dealt with -- and delightfully never answered! -- in the first book. This second tome in the series addresses entirely different questions:
-- In a society claiming propriety, justice and benefit are intertwined, what does it mean when the low end of the ladder is never taught how to be proper?
-- To what extent does an imbalance of power make relationships impossible? How about sexual relationships?
Most of this book takes place in a minor system, which the protagonist went to as the sister of someone she loves is there. The lives of millions are changed, the government of a world is altered, and it hinges on the live of one person for another. And a tea set.
Always tea. Tea is the hallmark of civilization, and marks propriety, justice and benefit.
I'm happy to discuss. I'm a bit late to the party.
Books are, basically, the best thing in the world.
Books are, basically, the best thing in the world.
I read a lot. I read a lot of science fiction. I try to have deep thoughts about the fiction I read, and to read books that make me a more empathetic person. That is, I strive to consume to become a better person.
My wife, Dianne Harris , thinks I read a lot more books than I think I read. I think it is right around 20 books a year, she claims in excess of 50. We're going to find out! This, my first collection, will house all books I finish in 2016.
For each book, I'll include a rating, a short review, and as much additional words as I want to include.
I've set this up as public, so by default everyone in my circles is in. I think?
Anyway, feel free to opt out if this is not your cup o' tea. No harm feelings.
I read a lot. I read a lot of science fiction. I try to have deep thoughts about the fiction I read, and to read books that make me a more empathetic person. That is, I strive to consume to become a better person.
My wife, Dianne Harris , thinks I read a lot more books than I think I read. I think it is right around 20 books a year, she claims in excess of 50. We're going to find out! This, my first collection, will house all books I finish in 2016.
For each book, I'll include a rating, a short review, and as much additional words as I want to include.
I've set this up as public, so by default everyone in my circles is in. I think?
Anyway, feel free to opt out if this is not your cup o' tea. No harm feelings.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
I am not so smart: I am 80% through Ancillary Sword, the second book of the beautiful series that starts with...
I am not so smart: I am 80% through Ancillary Sword, the second book of the beautiful series that starts with Ancillary Justice.
There's a character who I dislike as a human being, and enjoy as a stock villain. He's a dick canoe.
And, throughout the novel, he is referred to as she. And my brain keeps rejecting that gender, and saying "that dude is a dude". Then I notice every character is a she.
...
..
.
And I realize something emphasized really hard in the first book: the language doesn't have gender.
The characters don't care, and their words have to be translated into my silly language -- which does have gender. For those characters spoken of in only the main language, there is no implied gender whatsoever!
I only realized it when reading the author's webpage. Because I am not smart.
There's a character who I dislike as a human being, and enjoy as a stock villain. He's a dick canoe.
And, throughout the novel, he is referred to as she. And my brain keeps rejecting that gender, and saying "that dude is a dude". Then I notice every character is a she.
...
..
.
And I realize something emphasized really hard in the first book: the language doesn't have gender.
The characters don't care, and their words have to be translated into my silly language -- which does have gender. For those characters spoken of in only the main language, there is no implied gender whatsoever!
I only realized it when reading the author's webpage. Because I am not smart.
Sunday, January 3, 2016
Here's an update to the slowly-forming schedule for the Indie Games eXplosion at Dreamation 2016.
Originally shared by Michael Miller
Here's an update to the slowly-forming schedule for the Indie Games eXplosion at Dreamation 2016. The holidays are past and we need your games! Come out and help make the con more amazing!
http://ipressgames.com/index.php/igx-update/
http://ipressgames.com/index.php/igx-update/
Here's an update to the slowly-forming schedule for the Indie Games eXplosion at Dreamation 2016. The holidays are past and we need your games! Come out and help make the con more amazing!
http://ipressgames.com/index.php/igx-update/
http://ipressgames.com/index.php/igx-update/
I've been trying to figure out how to phrase the resolution for this new year's.
I've been trying to figure out how to phrase the resolution for this new year's.
I think I finally got it: To speak up whenever I see intimidation tactics in use, whether against me or others.
This is the place where I morally fail the most, and where small interventions of mine could have the largest possible gain. At first I thought of this as "tell cops they are pig fuckers", but that's not quite right. either -- that would escalate the situation. Instead, this is more "if a cop is harassing people (invariable PoC), speak up about it"
I'm not entirely sure how to do that. It may be as simple as "Officer, you are using dangerous intimidation tactics that making me feel unsafe in my neighborhood. Please stop.", but that's too wordy.
When seeing a manager speak ill to an employee, it might be "George, the way you treat Kathleen is inappropriate. I hope you'll do better in the future." Luckily, no one at my office uses intimidation tactics where I can see it, so that's less likely to come on. (Ignoring, of course, the compulsion of capitalism.)
When seeing a man stalk a lady at a bar (what? I don't go to bars.), it might be "Asswipe, leave the girl alone. Back. The. Fuck. Off.", but that will lead to escalation.
My biggest concern with all of these situations is they are, arguably and perhaps correctly so, none of my business. Is it my job or moral duty to intervene when a cop is an asshole in public, or when a manager treats an employees poorly? Or, when a dude treats a lady like an object?
I'm not sure how to do these without causing undue escalation -- the T is strong in me -- but, if I don't try I can't get there, can I?
I think I finally got it: To speak up whenever I see intimidation tactics in use, whether against me or others.
This is the place where I morally fail the most, and where small interventions of mine could have the largest possible gain. At first I thought of this as "tell cops they are pig fuckers", but that's not quite right. either -- that would escalate the situation. Instead, this is more "if a cop is harassing people (invariable PoC), speak up about it"
I'm not entirely sure how to do that. It may be as simple as "Officer, you are using dangerous intimidation tactics that making me feel unsafe in my neighborhood. Please stop.", but that's too wordy.
When seeing a manager speak ill to an employee, it might be "George, the way you treat Kathleen is inappropriate. I hope you'll do better in the future." Luckily, no one at my office uses intimidation tactics where I can see it, so that's less likely to come on. (Ignoring, of course, the compulsion of capitalism.)
When seeing a man stalk a lady at a bar (what? I don't go to bars.), it might be "Asswipe, leave the girl alone. Back. The. Fuck. Off.", but that will lead to escalation.
My biggest concern with all of these situations is they are, arguably and perhaps correctly so, none of my business. Is it my job or moral duty to intervene when a cop is an asshole in public, or when a manager treats an employees poorly? Or, when a dude treats a lady like an object?
I'm not sure how to do these without causing undue escalation -- the T is strong in me -- but, if I don't try I can't get there, can I?
#36in16
#36in16
Epi's new gaming contest. I'm in it to win it this year!
First one of these for me, so I'll start at the Intermediate Level: In 2016, I will play 36 games, each with at least one person I have never played with.
I think this'll be easy for me, and that I wouldn't find the Advanced level fun. (Advanced level is 36 games, all with people you've never gamed with before.)
So:
#3: Splendor on January 2, played with Joe.
#2: Between Two Cities on January 2, played with Elizabeth.
#1: Cat Scientists on January 2, played with a bunch of people.
Hooray for attending parties that extend my gaming circles!
Am I doing this right? Do I need names?
Epi's new gaming contest. I'm in it to win it this year!
First one of these for me, so I'll start at the Intermediate Level: In 2016, I will play 36 games, each with at least one person I have never played with.
I think this'll be easy for me, and that I wouldn't find the Advanced level fun. (Advanced level is 36 games, all with people you've never gamed with before.)
So:
#3: Splendor on January 2, played with Joe.
#2: Between Two Cities on January 2, played with Elizabeth.
#1: Cat Scientists on January 2, played with a bunch of people.
Hooray for attending parties that extend my gaming circles!
Am I doing this right? Do I need names?
Saturday, January 2, 2016
Gah.
Gah. I get so angry. Most of the time, I can live without being aware of the injustice in the world, because I'm a white guy with good diction.
Then I have a discussion on our society's great sins with other white guys, who can't see it. And that makes me so angry.
Then I have a discussion on our society's great sins with other white guys, who can't see it. And that makes me so angry.
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