Novel: The Widow's House
Author: Daniel Abraham
Rating: 3 of 5
Genre: Economic Fantasy
Short synopsis: Cithrin invents currency backed by sovereign debt.
There's also some stuff involving war, priests, and dragon. But come this is the shit I was here for: In book four she finally did what I was hoping she'd do in book two: give all that useless gold to a King and, in return, get slips of paper that the king totally promises are worth the gold.
And he'll keep that promise too, so long as no one ever asks for it. And in return, our protagonist has the exclusive right to print as much paper money off the debt as she wants.
Everything else is details.
Friday, September 30, 2016
Markets and Mages -- playtest one.
Markets and Mages -- playtest one.
What worked:
-- Jay Treat's no-dice click stuff off a list moves, which I'm using for violence. The way this works now, violence is never a thing you roll to do -- you spend for it.
-- Jim White's Maslow's Purse. The Thief was a literal cutpurse, and got the Purse. It was empty. Later, she needed a way to signal parley and it had a white flag. It'll have other things as she needs them. If she'd needed to Pay The Rent, she would have found coin. If she'd asked the Witch to take a look, she could have told The Thief more about it.
-- My players. My GMing. The X-card. Many of the moves.
What needs refinement:
-- The economy. Oh crap is the economy borked. I think this is fixable by letting the Adventure move generate more income. Assets, Bonds, and Credits can all be generated using the same move. Then you've got a lot of ways to spend stuff, but you'll also have quite a bit coming in from going on wild and crazy adventures.
-- The Wizard's intimacy move is probably too harsh. At current, if you share a moment of intimacy with the Wizard you lose all bonds with the Wizard. Maybe I'll make it just one. Or something different entirely.
Typos and crap, of course.
What worked:
-- Jay Treat's no-dice click stuff off a list moves, which I'm using for violence. The way this works now, violence is never a thing you roll to do -- you spend for it.
-- Jim White's Maslow's Purse. The Thief was a literal cutpurse, and got the Purse. It was empty. Later, she needed a way to signal parley and it had a white flag. It'll have other things as she needs them. If she'd needed to Pay The Rent, she would have found coin. If she'd asked the Witch to take a look, she could have told The Thief more about it.
-- My players. My GMing. The X-card. Many of the moves.
What needs refinement:
-- The economy. Oh crap is the economy borked. I think this is fixable by letting the Adventure move generate more income. Assets, Bonds, and Credits can all be generated using the same move. Then you've got a lot of ways to spend stuff, but you'll also have quite a bit coming in from going on wild and crazy adventures.
-- The Wizard's intimacy move is probably too harsh. At current, if you share a moment of intimacy with the Wizard you lose all bonds with the Wizard. Maybe I'll make it just one. Or something different entirely.
Typos and crap, of course.
September 30: 206.1, down 0.5 pounds from yesterday. Back on track, for October 29.
September 30: 206.1, down 0.5 pounds from yesterday. Back on track, for October 29.
I'm net positive for this week so far. I'd love to get this done in the next couple of weeks. Then I can give the earmarked money to HRC.
I'm net positive for this week so far. I'd love to get this done in the next couple of weeks. Then I can give the earmarked money to HRC.
Thursday, September 29, 2016
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016
Day 29: What indie game tech do you most keenly miss when you play something more mainstream? And then do you denounce the game in person or do you save it for a social media rant?
Seize By Force.
This might be the most important move. Its not "I hit him with a sword", its "I seize his ability to fight by force".
I have maybe actually ranted about this in person.
Day 29: What indie game tech do you most keenly miss when you play something more mainstream? And then do you denounce the game in person or do you save it for a social media rant?
Seize By Force.
This might be the most important move. Its not "I hit him with a sword", its "I seize his ability to fight by force".
I have maybe actually ranted about this in person.
Magic Items!
Magic Items!
I continue to write Markets & Mages: Or, how adventurers pay the rent.
Its about what happens after the adventure; how you manage the financial, social, and community obligations that come from adventuring.
This game doesn't need magic items like a +1 sword or a holy avenger.
It may need magic items like this:
http://gamerblog.twwombat.com/2016/09/maslows-purse.html (Jim White).
I'd make some changes to this for it to work in this system.
What other magic items would you want to see?
I continue to write Markets & Mages: Or, how adventurers pay the rent.
Its about what happens after the adventure; how you manage the financial, social, and community obligations that come from adventuring.
This game doesn't need magic items like a +1 sword or a holy avenger.
It may need magic items like this:
http://gamerblog.twwombat.com/2016/09/maslows-purse.html (Jim White).
I'd make some changes to this for it to work in this system.
What other magic items would you want to see?
September 29: 206.6, up 0.5 pounds from yesterday. OFF TRACK.
September 29: 206.6, up 0.5 pounds from yesterday. OFF TRACK.
Big dinner, lots of tea. I think it'll be fine. We'll see tomorrow.
Big dinner, lots of tea. I think it'll be fine. We'll see tomorrow.
Wednesday, September 28, 2016
From HuffPo:
From HuffPo:
Consider, for a moment, two people. One, as a young woman at the beginning of a promising legal career, went door to door searching for ways to guarantee an education to the countless disabled and disadvantaged children who had fallen through the cracks. The other, as a young millionaire, exacted revenge on his recently deceased brother’s family by cutting off the medical insurance desperately needed by his nephew’s newborn son, who at eighteen months of age was suffering from violent seizures brought on by a rare neurological disorder.
Consider, for a moment, two people. One, as a young woman at the beginning of a promising legal career, went door to door searching for ways to guarantee an education to the countless disabled and disadvantaged children who had fallen through the cracks. The other, as a young millionaire, exacted revenge on his recently deceased brother’s family by cutting off the medical insurance desperately needed by his nephew’s newborn son, who at eighteen months of age was suffering from violent seizures brought on by a rare neurological disorder.
I think a lot of how fiction fits into RPGs. I've been reading the dagger and coin series by Daniel Abraham.
I think a lot of how fiction fits into RPGs. I've been reading the dagger and coin series by Daniel Abraham.
Its a fallen world, where there's not enough hope or enough peace. All of history is the fall between the last Great Dragon Empire. There are cities of thousands, kingdoms reaching across the globe.
I see it as some version of Apocalypse World, probably Fallen Empires.
The principle characters are an ensemble:
Geder, the manchild regent. (Hardholder)
Cithryn, the banker who likes booze and occasional sex. (Maestro)
Dawson, the honorable Baron. (gunlugger)
Marcus, the Guard Captain with a dark past. (Chopper)
Clara, who spreads words of the War and faces down lies. (The News)
Master Kit, leader of a band of travelling players. (Skinner)
That's what I see -- an AW game. What game system / setting / mechanics sound like this to you?
Or, put another way: If you wanted a fantasy game of intrigue and plots, of wars and famines, of dragons and emotions, of swords and loans, what game system would you use?
Its a fallen world, where there's not enough hope or enough peace. All of history is the fall between the last Great Dragon Empire. There are cities of thousands, kingdoms reaching across the globe.
I see it as some version of Apocalypse World, probably Fallen Empires.
The principle characters are an ensemble:
Geder, the manchild regent. (Hardholder)
Cithryn, the banker who likes booze and occasional sex. (Maestro)
Dawson, the honorable Baron. (gunlugger)
Marcus, the Guard Captain with a dark past. (Chopper)
Clara, who spreads words of the War and faces down lies. (The News)
Master Kit, leader of a band of travelling players. (Skinner)
That's what I see -- an AW game. What game system / setting / mechanics sound like this to you?
Or, put another way: If you wanted a fantasy game of intrigue and plots, of wars and famines, of dragons and emotions, of swords and loans, what game system would you use?
September 28: 206.1, down 1.5 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 26.
September 28: 206.1, down 1.5 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 26.
Six pounds to go and I can finish this.
Six pounds to go and I can finish this.
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
September 26: 207.6, basically the same as yesterday. Off Track, which should scare the bejebus out of me.
September 26: 207.6, basically the same as yesterday. Off Track, which should scare the bejebus out of me.
I didn't run. I drank during the debate, and got all excited. It is to be expected.
Today, I run and eat small and don't drink.
I didn't run. I drank during the debate, and got all excited. It is to be expected.
Today, I run and eat small and don't drink.
I want the country to be ruled by a cabal of midwestern women.
I want the country to be ruled by a cabal of midwestern women.
The former first lady of Arkansas, a certain grandma from Oklahoma.
Who else? Who'm I missing?
The former first lady of Arkansas, a certain grandma from Oklahoma.
Who else? Who'm I missing?
Monday, September 26, 2016
US Voter Guide:
US Voter Guide:
-- If you are an American minority, vote Clinton.
-- If you are female or non-binary, vote Clinton.
-- If you are a feminist, vote Clinton.
-- If you believe in a Republic, vote Clinton.
-- If you are not a racist, vote Clinton.
-- If you do not want a dictator, vote Clinton.
-- If you want the world to continue to exist, vote Clinton.
-- If you want my respect moving forward, vote Clinton.
If you are a white male misogynist fascist racist who believes in dictatorships, wants the world to end, and doesn't care what I think about you? Sure, vote for that orange asshole.
But, if any of those qualifiers does not apply? Vote Clinton.
-- If you are an American minority, vote Clinton.
-- If you are female or non-binary, vote Clinton.
-- If you are a feminist, vote Clinton.
-- If you believe in a Republic, vote Clinton.
-- If you are not a racist, vote Clinton.
-- If you do not want a dictator, vote Clinton.
-- If you want the world to continue to exist, vote Clinton.
-- If you want my respect moving forward, vote Clinton.
If you are a white male misogynist fascist racist who believes in dictatorships, wants the world to end, and doesn't care what I think about you? Sure, vote for that orange asshole.
But, if any of those qualifiers does not apply? Vote Clinton.
AW 2e: some initial thoughts.
AW 2e: some initial thoughts.
Disclosure: I'm on the Patreon and Kickstarter, so I can be classified as a fan. I've written a couple pbta hacks, so maybe some sort of mega fan.
Things I dig in 2e:
Start of session lifestyle moves for everybody! When we played with 2e sheets (slightly out of date) on Thursday, I was the Quarantine. I couldn't pay lifestyle, as Q has no scratch! That's delightfully harsh. Who pays for Q to live?
Start of Session is part of dividing up what was best about the operator -- basically being a freelancer -- and giving it among everybody as gigs. I think this is fantastic, though it does remove one of the natural nodes of organization of the players. Replaced with the Maestro D, which should work. With both the Maestro D and the HH, the game has more of a location focus than the original.
On weapons: The book has artillery buried deep in it. This actually came up last week, when I shot the HH with artillery doing 8 harm. I also really like that most of the weapon are "SMG" or whatever, while Q has "assault rifle". The name is important, as AR sounds fancier and better. And, well, from the golden age of legend.
I like the battle moves, especially the vehicle moves. I adore that anyone can start with a vehicle, and a prosthetic. Fury Road has impacted AW in some great ways.
Anyway.
Some things I'd do differently:
I'm not a huge fan of clocks. I might want every gun to do the same harm, namely to fuck you up. Instead of different quantities of harm (1, 2, 3), double down on different types (stun, psychic, etc). I've rarely seen the Harm move in play, and might want it to be something like "When you take a hit that should kill you, roll ... ", so that it is exceptional.
But, that's me. I also think there may be too many moves, but time will tell.
This is preliminary, of course.
Disclosure: I'm on the Patreon and Kickstarter, so I can be classified as a fan. I've written a couple pbta hacks, so maybe some sort of mega fan.
Things I dig in 2e:
Start of session lifestyle moves for everybody! When we played with 2e sheets (slightly out of date) on Thursday, I was the Quarantine. I couldn't pay lifestyle, as Q has no scratch! That's delightfully harsh. Who pays for Q to live?
Start of Session is part of dividing up what was best about the operator -- basically being a freelancer -- and giving it among everybody as gigs. I think this is fantastic, though it does remove one of the natural nodes of organization of the players. Replaced with the Maestro D, which should work. With both the Maestro D and the HH, the game has more of a location focus than the original.
On weapons: The book has artillery buried deep in it. This actually came up last week, when I shot the HH with artillery doing 8 harm. I also really like that most of the weapon are "SMG" or whatever, while Q has "assault rifle". The name is important, as AR sounds fancier and better. And, well, from the golden age of legend.
I like the battle moves, especially the vehicle moves. I adore that anyone can start with a vehicle, and a prosthetic. Fury Road has impacted AW in some great ways.
Anyway.
Some things I'd do differently:
I'm not a huge fan of clocks. I might want every gun to do the same harm, namely to fuck you up. Instead of different quantities of harm (1, 2, 3), double down on different types (stun, psychic, etc). I've rarely seen the Harm move in play, and might want it to be something like "When you take a hit that should kill you, roll ... ", so that it is exceptional.
But, that's me. I also think there may be too many moves, but time will tell.
This is preliminary, of course.
NPR interviewed a dude this morning who said all these things. This is my translations of what I heard at 7 AM.
NPR interviewed a dude this morning who said all these things. This is my translations of what I heard at 7 AM.
What you say: Race relations were better in America 8 years ago.
What I hear: Black folk sure got uppity when Obama got elected.*
What you say: Make American Great Again!
What I hear: Put women back in the home!
What you say: Confederate Flag is my heritage!
What I hear: My racist traitorous heritage is more important than your safety.
What you say: Robert E. Lee was a hero.
What I hear: I'm a traitorous fuckface.
What you say: A muslim woman in conservative dress desecrated the flag on my mailbox!
What I hear: I am a liar. Also, the flag was the dixie swatztika, I pulled a gun and got her arrested. I'm blind to my privilege.
What'd I miss?
* Note: This is the polite version.I hear something far worse.
What you say: Race relations were better in America 8 years ago.
What I hear: Black folk sure got uppity when Obama got elected.*
What you say: Make American Great Again!
What I hear: Put women back in the home!
What you say: Confederate Flag is my heritage!
What I hear: My racist traitorous heritage is more important than your safety.
What you say: Robert E. Lee was a hero.
What I hear: I'm a traitorous fuckface.
What you say: A muslim woman in conservative dress desecrated the flag on my mailbox!
What I hear: I am a liar. Also, the flag was the dixie swatztika, I pulled a gun and got her arrested. I'm blind to my privilege.
What'd I miss?
* Note: This is the polite version.I hear something far worse.
September 26: 207.7, up 1.1 pounds from yesterday. Slightly off track.
September 26: 207.7, up 1.1 pounds from yesterday. Slightly off track.
I ate well yesterday. I'll go running tonight and it'll start falling off.
Everything'll be fine.
I ate well yesterday. I'll go running tonight and it'll start falling off.
Everything'll be fine.
Sunday, September 25, 2016
September 25: 205.6, down two pounds since yesterday and 5.8 pounds for the week. On track for October 19.
September 25: 205.6, down two pounds since yesterday and 5.8 pounds for the week. On track for October 19.
Last week's Sunday measurement was inflated due to cheese, so three pounds of that 5.8 pounds is cheese weight.
Today marks 3 months since I started the first bet. I lost a half dozen followers that day. I miss many of those voices. I like the voices of smart people with different viewpoints. The ratio in my feed of straight white guys who exercise went up dramatically when I started publicizing this.
In the last 3 months, I've dropped 21.8 pounds -- more than 7 pounds a month. I've got another 5.6 to go in over a month.
I've run faster and more often, eaten consciously, and I've gotten really annoyed when told that each delta is water weight. I've obsessed about my weight, and become a worse conversationalist.
I've also eaten pounds of cheese, drank a lot of beer, and eaten candy. These things have been budgeted, with my access based upon my morning weight. That is, if I wake up off track then I eat less.
I won the first bet in six weeks. After the check was destroyed, I sent the same amount of money to my favorite charity. I figured if it was money I was willing to lose, then I might as well use winning the bet for a good cause.
I make no such commitment for the future; it is important to winning the bet that I am free after completing. Let's just say I think it is likely.
This is one of the most useful life hacks I've ever engaged in. With any luck, my habits have changed over the last three months such that I will continue to be in better shape after the bet ends. If not, I may do it again next summer.
As near as I can tell, the negative externalities of this bet have been nil. That is, no one has been hurt. No money has wound up in bad hands (yet).
To misquote Lin-Manuel: Incentives, they get the job done.
Last week's Sunday measurement was inflated due to cheese, so three pounds of that 5.8 pounds is cheese weight.
Today marks 3 months since I started the first bet. I lost a half dozen followers that day. I miss many of those voices. I like the voices of smart people with different viewpoints. The ratio in my feed of straight white guys who exercise went up dramatically when I started publicizing this.
In the last 3 months, I've dropped 21.8 pounds -- more than 7 pounds a month. I've got another 5.6 to go in over a month.
I've run faster and more often, eaten consciously, and I've gotten really annoyed when told that each delta is water weight. I've obsessed about my weight, and become a worse conversationalist.
I've also eaten pounds of cheese, drank a lot of beer, and eaten candy. These things have been budgeted, with my access based upon my morning weight. That is, if I wake up off track then I eat less.
I won the first bet in six weeks. After the check was destroyed, I sent the same amount of money to my favorite charity. I figured if it was money I was willing to lose, then I might as well use winning the bet for a good cause.
I make no such commitment for the future; it is important to winning the bet that I am free after completing. Let's just say I think it is likely.
This is one of the most useful life hacks I've ever engaged in. With any luck, my habits have changed over the last three months such that I will continue to be in better shape after the bet ends. If not, I may do it again next summer.
As near as I can tell, the negative externalities of this bet have been nil. That is, no one has been hurt. No money has wound up in bad hands (yet).
To misquote Lin-Manuel: Incentives, they get the job done.
Saturday, September 24, 2016
September 24: 207.6, up 0.2 pounds from yesterday. Slightly off track.
September 24: 207.6, up 0.2 pounds from yesterday. Slightly off track.
This is OK; after several days of loss, I expected this to occur. I'll just get back on track tomorrow.
And now? Now's time to try running. I haven't in a week, as the race was downhill and hurt for days.
This is OK; after several days of loss, I expected this to occur. I'll just get back on track tomorrow.
And now? Now's time to try running. I haven't in a week, as the race was downhill and hurt for days.
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016 What was the very saddest thing you wrote on an index card?
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016 What was the very saddest thing you wrote on an index card?
I absolutely write sad things on index cards. And I absolutely don't know what they are.
This for two distinct reasons:
1. My memory is for shit.
2. My characters / games exist in the moment. Most of them I forget about very quickly.
I absolutely write sad things on index cards. And I absolutely don't know what they are.
This for two distinct reasons:
1. My memory is for shit.
2. My characters / games exist in the moment. Most of them I forget about very quickly.
Friday, September 23, 2016
Before the Roman conquest in 52 BC the great Celtic city of Bibracte had more than thirty thousand inhabitants.
Before the Roman conquest in 52 BC the great Celtic city of Bibracte had more than thirty thousand inhabitants.[1] protected by a huge stone wall of the Murus Gallicus type enclosing an area of 135 hectares. -- Quoth the wiki.
For those following along, 135 hectares is ~ 0.5 square miles. 30,000 people in half a square mile is the population density of manhattan.
The ancient world is remarkably impressive.
Yes, this is about necromancers. This is still really cool!
For those following along, 135 hectares is ~ 0.5 square miles. 30,000 people in half a square mile is the population density of manhattan.
The ancient world is remarkably impressive.
Yes, this is about necromancers. This is still really cool!
Shared without commentary on my own published paper and the search for p values
Shared without commentary on my own published paper and the search for p values
Originally shared by Shawn H Corey
https://boingboing.net/2016/09/23/psychologys-reproducibility.html
https://boingboing.net/2016/09/23/psychologys-reproducibility.html
Originally shared by Shawn H Corey
https://boingboing.net/2016/09/23/psychologys-reproducibility.html
https://boingboing.net/2016/09/23/psychologys-reproducibility.html
According to 538 (http://fivethirtyeight.
According to 538 (http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/religion-and-education-explain-the-white-vote/), the best explanatory variables for how a white voter will vote are:
1. Education (more education, more Clinton)
2. Church Attendance (more Church, more Trump)
3. Trailing those two: urban versus rural. (more Urban density more Clinton). This last is most useful when the first two are middling -- ie, college no degree, church sometimes but not weekly. Otherwise, it mostly falls out.
That explains me, a white educated non-church attending city dweller.
But, here's what really gets me: Why is the Methodist finding it so hard to get church going whites to vote for her, while the fascist racist serial philanderer supposed billionaire braggart occasional rapist finds it so easy?
What's is up with white Christians?
[ And yeah, there's a standard answer of "they are misogynistic racists. That's too obvious, try a different way. ]
1. Education (more education, more Clinton)
2. Church Attendance (more Church, more Trump)
3. Trailing those two: urban versus rural. (more Urban density more Clinton). This last is most useful when the first two are middling -- ie, college no degree, church sometimes but not weekly. Otherwise, it mostly falls out.
That explains me, a white educated non-church attending city dweller.
But, here's what really gets me: Why is the Methodist finding it so hard to get church going whites to vote for her, while the fascist racist serial philanderer supposed billionaire braggart occasional rapist finds it so easy?
What's is up with white Christians?
[ And yeah, there's a standard answer of "they are misogynistic racists. That's too obvious, try a different way. ]
Today:
Today:
1. Delicious breakfast, caught all my trains, read about Connectography. This may be the most important book I've read in ten years.
2. Stopped to try to help tourists failing to buy smart trip cards. They were not able to be helped. Sad trombone.
3. Got yelled at by a speeding driver who was going to blow past a red light because I was jaywalking. There's no crosswalk where I need one. Apparently he understands my life better than I do.
It is astonishing how one negative interact can impact the mood so dramatically.
1. Delicious breakfast, caught all my trains, read about Connectography. This may be the most important book I've read in ten years.
2. Stopped to try to help tourists failing to buy smart trip cards. They were not able to be helped. Sad trombone.
3. Got yelled at by a speeding driver who was going to blow past a red light because I was jaywalking. There's no crosswalk where I need one. Apparently he understands my life better than I do.
It is astonishing how one negative interact can impact the mood so dramatically.
September 23: 207.4, down 0.7 pounds from yesterday. ON TRACK, for October 28.
September 23: 207.4, down 0.7 pounds from yesterday. ON TRACK, for October 28.
Bad. Ass.
Bad. Ass.
Thursday, September 22, 2016
Last night on Apocalypse World ...
Last night on Apocalypse World ...
The Quarantine used artillery on the Hardhholder.
Because the HH was a bad dude, and Q decided the world would be a better place without him. Put the Angel in charge of the Hold ...
Then the Angel patched up the HH. Because everyone in AW is crazy.
The Quarantine used artillery on the Hardhholder.
Because the HH was a bad dude, and Q decided the world would be a better place without him. Put the Angel in charge of the Hold ...
Then the Angel patched up the HH. Because everyone in AW is crazy.
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016 How many friendships have you terminated because they confessed they kind of like to play Fate...
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016 How many friendships have you terminated because they confessed they kind of like to play Fate games sometimes? It’s okay. Fate players have to hear the truth.
I am reminded of a time when I so offended a player that he left. Let me be clear: I am the blameworthy party in this story.
It was a Thursday night game night. We were playing WWW, which I was offering. One player is really NOT into pbta, but I convince him to play. He's particularly not into player-player conflict. He digs Fate.
I make a fundamentally stupid and inconsiderate decision, and put this player in the first match.
Without seeing the fiction in play, this is super hard. He winds up leaving, angry, unsure of what to say to describe a wrestling match.
Again, totally my fault.
Lesson learned: pbta is not for everyone. If you've got players who're in a pbta game mostly because peer pressure, don't pressure them to describe wrestling.
I'm terrible.
I am reminded of a time when I so offended a player that he left. Let me be clear: I am the blameworthy party in this story.
It was a Thursday night game night. We were playing WWW, which I was offering. One player is really NOT into pbta, but I convince him to play. He's particularly not into player-player conflict. He digs Fate.
I make a fundamentally stupid and inconsiderate decision, and put this player in the first match.
Without seeing the fiction in play, this is super hard. He winds up leaving, angry, unsure of what to say to describe a wrestling match.
Again, totally my fault.
Lesson learned: pbta is not for everyone. If you've got players who're in a pbta game mostly because peer pressure, don't pressure them to describe wrestling.
I'm terrible.
September 22: 208.1, down a pound from yesterday. Still off track, by less than a quarter pound.
September 22: 208.1, down a pound from yesterday. Still off track, by less than a quarter pound.
I think this is still the cheese weight falling off. The cheese was delicious. Accidentally going vegan for a week has an out sized effect!
I think this is still the cheese weight falling off. The cheese was delicious. Accidentally going vegan for a week has an out sized effect!
Wednesday, September 21, 2016
In the Caliphate of Azithan, known to its neighbors as the necromancer kingdom ...
In the Caliphate of Azithan, known to its neighbors as the necromancer kingdom ...
(Americans? VOTE.)
Different cities have different primary industries, and are named after them. Within these cities, business and trade laws differ from the rest of the Caliphate. For example:
The City of Faith expands the knowledge of the Faith.
The City of Blood-Iron produces terrifying necromantic works.
The City of Construction produces the materials for temples and cities.
The City of Ships, well, builds boats for the navigable waterways.
None of these have a monopoly; these are merely special economic zones dedicated towards these outputs. Many go through the City of Trade, which moves goods around both inside and outside Azithan.
What other cities are there in Azithan?
[ Also, Americans? Let's vote. ]
(Americans? VOTE.)
Different cities have different primary industries, and are named after them. Within these cities, business and trade laws differ from the rest of the Caliphate. For example:
The City of Faith expands the knowledge of the Faith.
The City of Blood-Iron produces terrifying necromantic works.
The City of Construction produces the materials for temples and cities.
The City of Ships, well, builds boats for the navigable waterways.
None of these have a monopoly; these are merely special economic zones dedicated towards these outputs. Many go through the City of Trade, which moves goods around both inside and outside Azithan.
What other cities are there in Azithan?
[ Also, Americans? Let's vote. ]
One case for Tim Kaine: a reflection on Arlington, VA.
One case for Tim Kaine: a reflection on Arlington, VA.
Sometimes, I realize I live in a weird place.
When looking up Smart Growth while thinking about necromancer cities (yes, i know), I find wikipedia lists just four cities as being recognized by the EPA for smart growth:
Arlington, Virginia
Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota
Davidson, North Carolina
Denver, Colorado
This is astonishing to me on so many levels:
1. Arlington is delightful, sure, and I don't have to own a car but isn't this normal? Isn't NYC built along the same lines? And downtown Chicago? And ... other cities?
2. North Carolina? I am surprised!
3. Why does Arlington have smart growth? Oh, because then-Governor Tim Kaine thought it was a great idea. Now, we have bike lanes and capital bikeshare and walkable streets and the busses go everywhere. We have high rises next to the metro, medium density for another block and then houses. We have neighborhood schools and parks.
So, thanks Tim Kaine. Let's get you in the White House where you can do some good on a national scale!
Sometimes, I realize I live in a weird place.
When looking up Smart Growth while thinking about necromancer cities (yes, i know), I find wikipedia lists just four cities as being recognized by the EPA for smart growth:
Arlington, Virginia
Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota
Davidson, North Carolina
Denver, Colorado
This is astonishing to me on so many levels:
1. Arlington is delightful, sure, and I don't have to own a car but isn't this normal? Isn't NYC built along the same lines? And downtown Chicago? And ... other cities?
2. North Carolina? I am surprised!
3. Why does Arlington have smart growth? Oh, because then-Governor Tim Kaine thought it was a great idea. Now, we have bike lanes and capital bikeshare and walkable streets and the busses go everywhere. We have high rises next to the metro, medium density for another block and then houses. We have neighborhood schools and parks.
So, thanks Tim Kaine. Let's get you in the White House where you can do some good on a national scale!
September 21: 209.1, down 2.4 pounds from yesterday. Still off track, but ever so much closer.
September 21: 209.1, down 2.4 pounds from yesterday. Still off track, but ever so much closer.
Operation Soylent ended at dinner, as we went out with friends. Still, we were good there. Hooray!
Today, I'll have a real dinner. If still off track tomorrow, then operation soylent. Getting back on track this week would be great.
Operation Soylent ended at dinner, as we went out with friends. Still, we were good there. Hooray!
Today, I'll have a real dinner. If still off track tomorrow, then operation soylent. Getting back on track this week would be great.
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Things government has done for me, an incomplete list:
Things government has done for me, an incomplete list:
Roads, water, sanitation, safe planes, gasoline, the BLT, vaccines, the internet, nuclear missiles, education, imprisoned my cousin, scholarships, ceaseless debt, global war on terror, the metro, seat belts.
Most of these are positive. Some are negative.
I'm sure I'm missing things, as this is what came to mind. What things has the government done for you?
Roads, water, sanitation, safe planes, gasoline, the BLT, vaccines, the internet, nuclear missiles, education, imprisoned my cousin, scholarships, ceaseless debt, global war on terror, the metro, seat belts.
Most of these are positive. Some are negative.
I'm sure I'm missing things, as this is what came to mind. What things has the government done for you?
Fellow Americans:
Fellow Americans:
You have one job between now and November Eight. Vote for Hillary.
If you also drive people to the polls, donate to the cause, volunteer? Great. Those are above and beyond, and are praiseworthy activities!
Not voting or voting for Stein? Morally blameworthy.*
*Yes, there are reasons people can't vote. Obviously, if your constitutional right to vote has been revoked then you are excepted.
Don't know how to register?
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=how%20to%20register%20to%20vote&eob=va/1/2/m.07z1m
Not sure when you can vote?
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=when+can+i+vote&eob=va/2/11/m.07z1m
Not sure if you are registered?
http://www.canivote.org/
Not sure how to get to the polls?
https://gttp.votinginfoproject.org/
Can't get to the polls? www.carpoolvote.com
If there is a reason you aren't voting, do tell. We'll try to solve it together.
You have one job between now and November Eight. Vote for Hillary.
If you also drive people to the polls, donate to the cause, volunteer? Great. Those are above and beyond, and are praiseworthy activities!
Not voting or voting for Stein? Morally blameworthy.*
*Yes, there are reasons people can't vote. Obviously, if your constitutional right to vote has been revoked then you are excepted.
Don't know how to register?
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=how%20to%20register%20to%20vote&eob=va/1/2/m.07z1m
Not sure when you can vote?
https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=when+can+i+vote&eob=va/2/11/m.07z1m
Not sure if you are registered?
http://www.canivote.org/
Not sure how to get to the polls?
https://gttp.votinginfoproject.org/
Can't get to the polls? www.carpoolvote.com
If there is a reason you aren't voting, do tell. We'll try to solve it together.
September 20: 211.5. Up from yesterday & very much off track.
September 20: 211.5. Up from yesterday & very much off track.
Today is an Operation Soylent day. A real breakfast (egg and hashbrown, approx 200 calories), soylent for lunch (400), and for dinner. That's approx 1,000 calories. I'll also go get on the the treadmill.
If I get hungry, I'll drink more soylent.
I'm almost 3 pounds off track. This has helped before.
Today is an Operation Soylent day. A real breakfast (egg and hashbrown, approx 200 calories), soylent for lunch (400), and for dinner. That's approx 1,000 calories. I'll also go get on the the treadmill.
If I get hungry, I'll drink more soylent.
I'm almost 3 pounds off track. This has helped before.
Monday, September 19, 2016
September 19: Back to it.
September 19: Back to it.
I'm at 211, as a result of birthday. Ignoring that, I lost 1.6 pounds last week, and was on track.
I need to lose 3 pounds to get back where I was last week. I think most of this weight is going to drop off in the next couple of days, but we'll see.
For now, I'm off track. I expect a couple of reasonable days and maybe a soylent day will do the job.
I'm at 211, as a result of birthday. Ignoring that, I lost 1.6 pounds last week, and was on track.
I need to lose 3 pounds to get back where I was last week. I think most of this weight is going to drop off in the next couple of days, but we'll see.
For now, I'm off track. I expect a couple of reasonable days and maybe a soylent day will do the job.
Sunday, September 18, 2016
Airpods: $159
Airpods: $159
Amazon Earbuds: $10
Ratio: ~16 to 1.
Hamilton Tickets, Chicago: ~$800
Wicked tickets, Kennedy Center: ~$80.
Ratio: ~10 to 1.
Six pack, craft beer: ~$16
Six pack, bad: ~$4
Ratio: ~4 to 1.
Latte: $5
Coffee at home: Maybe a quarter
Ratio: ~20 to 1.
Some of these things I think are worth it all the time. Some are worth it some times. At least one I think isn't ever worth it. At all.
Do you think about consumer goods in this way? What ratios like this affect your buying? Is this ever a useful means of thinking about consumer goods?
Amazon Earbuds: $10
Ratio: ~16 to 1.
Hamilton Tickets, Chicago: ~$800
Wicked tickets, Kennedy Center: ~$80.
Ratio: ~10 to 1.
Six pack, craft beer: ~$16
Six pack, bad: ~$4
Ratio: ~4 to 1.
Latte: $5
Coffee at home: Maybe a quarter
Ratio: ~20 to 1.
Some of these things I think are worth it all the time. Some are worth it some times. At least one I think isn't ever worth it. At all.
Do you think about consumer goods in this way? What ratios like this affect your buying? Is this ever a useful means of thinking about consumer goods?
September 18: Nope, no publicized weigh in today because my birthday was yesterday and that's the cheat day of all...
September 18: Nope, no publicized weigh in today because my birthday was yesterday and that's the cheat day of all cheat days.
Progress was lost. It'll be regained.
Ten types of cheese, chocolate mouse, beer, eggs, pizza.
And my fastest 5k time ever! Beat my last year's record by a minute and a half. This isn't quite as fast as I'd thought I'd do, but gives a new record to swing for in non race days.
I've got a year to beat it, before Race Day next year.
Progress was lost. It'll be regained.
Ten types of cheese, chocolate mouse, beer, eggs, pizza.
And my fastest 5k time ever! Beat my last year's record by a minute and a half. This isn't quite as fast as I'd thought I'd do, but gives a new record to swing for in non race days.
I've got a year to beat it, before Race Day next year.
Saturday, September 17, 2016
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016 Do you buy your legal-sized paper by the ream or by the case?
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016 Do you buy your legal-sized paper by the ream or by the case? Do you ever try to reuse your playbooks or just start fresh every time?
I think this is a weird question!
I print playbooks at work. Our office has a service such that we have unlimited ink & paper, so this costs the company nothing. That's on letter sized, not legal.
For games without playbooks, index cards. I like to write sad things on index cards.
Our Thursday night game does a lot of one shots, A lot of people don't bring things, so those of us who can bring printed out stuff without thinking about it do so, and others don't have to. We keep stuff in the store where we game -- so there's always a set of AW playbooks, Star Wars, Chubbo's and a variety of other cool stuff.
So, its a weird question to me!
I think this is a weird question!
I print playbooks at work. Our office has a service such that we have unlimited ink & paper, so this costs the company nothing. That's on letter sized, not legal.
For games without playbooks, index cards. I like to write sad things on index cards.
Our Thursday night game does a lot of one shots, A lot of people don't bring things, so those of us who can bring printed out stuff without thinking about it do so, and others don't have to. We keep stuff in the store where we game -- so there's always a set of AW playbooks, Star Wars, Chubbo's and a variety of other cool stuff.
So, its a weird question to me!
September 17: Today is my birthday!
September 17: Today is my birthday!
208.1, up 0.2 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 23.
I forgot lunch -- both in that I forgot to eat and in that I forgot to bring lunch to work -- but had both a hearty breakfast and dinner, including drinks with friends.
Everything is scheduled for today: Race, rock climing, cheesetique and world of beers! The race takes place during Clarendon Day, and racing gives me free beer. Hooray for neighborhood celebrations!
I slept poorly, due to excitement / nerves about the race. Hopefully I'll nap later.
208.1, up 0.2 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 23.
I forgot lunch -- both in that I forgot to eat and in that I forgot to bring lunch to work -- but had both a hearty breakfast and dinner, including drinks with friends.
Everything is scheduled for today: Race, rock climing, cheesetique and world of beers! The race takes place during Clarendon Day, and racing gives me free beer. Hooray for neighborhood celebrations!
I slept poorly, due to excitement / nerves about the race. Hopefully I'll nap later.
Friday, September 16, 2016
Last Night On Star Wars World.
Last Night On Star Wars World.
This seriously could have been a movie:
We had a medic, ace, and trooper. The Ace has a freighter, a starfighter, and two speeders. The Medic has an infirmy, on the freighter. The trooper has guns and incindiary grenades.
We decided it was a year or two before A New Hope. The Empire exists, but so does the Imperial Senate. The Emperor has just taken emergency authority during the emergency.
The PCs work for the Empire! They are part of the Imperial Medic Corp. Primary mission: to preserve the lives of Imperial Citizens.
I invent a plague on tatoiine, and together we invent a jerkface imp Captain who is assembling a squad of six star destroyers to "deal" with the sickness on tatooine.
The PCs decide to go to Tantoiine, investigate the sickness, and try to cure it. They tell the local storm trooper academy to do a no-fly zone. The stormtroopers take this as an excuse to attack Jabba. They all die, off screen.
The PCs visit a certain bar, and their droid is told to wait outside the Mos Eisley Space Catina. But wait, they are Imperial Officers, so they tell the barkeep (you may recognize him from a movie) that they'll do what they want. Turns out, his nephew has the sickness, and it involves vomiting blood.
We learn Captain jerkface visited 2 weeks before the sickness, and caused it. He used the imps as a disease vector, and is coming back to cleanup and muuuurder everyone! His political ambitions run amok!
A hard move later, the star destroyers show up and begin an orbital bombardment! Luckily, the PCs have established that they have evidence of Captain Jerkface planting the sickness; the PCs take command of the fleet and begin actually solving the problem.
With that, all is restored to rightness. More or less. Except for the thousands of people killed.
This seriously could have been a movie:
We had a medic, ace, and trooper. The Ace has a freighter, a starfighter, and two speeders. The Medic has an infirmy, on the freighter. The trooper has guns and incindiary grenades.
We decided it was a year or two before A New Hope. The Empire exists, but so does the Imperial Senate. The Emperor has just taken emergency authority during the emergency.
The PCs work for the Empire! They are part of the Imperial Medic Corp. Primary mission: to preserve the lives of Imperial Citizens.
I invent a plague on tatoiine, and together we invent a jerkface imp Captain who is assembling a squad of six star destroyers to "deal" with the sickness on tatooine.
The PCs decide to go to Tantoiine, investigate the sickness, and try to cure it. They tell the local storm trooper academy to do a no-fly zone. The stormtroopers take this as an excuse to attack Jabba. They all die, off screen.
The PCs visit a certain bar, and their droid is told to wait outside the Mos Eisley Space Catina. But wait, they are Imperial Officers, so they tell the barkeep (you may recognize him from a movie) that they'll do what they want. Turns out, his nephew has the sickness, and it involves vomiting blood.
We learn Captain jerkface visited 2 weeks before the sickness, and caused it. He used the imps as a disease vector, and is coming back to cleanup and muuuurder everyone! His political ambitions run amok!
A hard move later, the star destroyers show up and begin an orbital bombardment! Luckily, the PCs have established that they have evidence of Captain Jerkface planting the sickness; the PCs take command of the fleet and begin actually solving the problem.
With that, all is restored to rightness. More or less. Except for the thousands of people killed.
16. GMs: abusers, control freaks or both? Best story explaining why this is so.
16. GMs: abusers, control freaks or both? Best story explaining why this is so.
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016
I was in a 4e game that went for 3-4 years, from level 1 to 30.
For the majority, we had four players. We did have a fifth, but he was excused for sniffing a girls hair. Creepy fucker. This post, though, isn't about that. Nor about how the game was foreplay for the GM and his wife, who played our ranger.
This is about controlling behavior.
About a year into it, the GM says something like "You are just about to main plot"
Which tells me:
1. We've been leveling and playing a game, all of which he considers side questions because we're not ready yet for his plot.
2. We're not playing to find out; his homework on what the game is trumps anything we do at the table.
Look back, that pointed to a fundamental difference in what we do at the table -- GM telling a story to the players versus a collaborative storytelling endeavour. I think the difficulty of building monsters made this more likely. And, heck, the focus on monsters and combat.
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016
I was in a 4e game that went for 3-4 years, from level 1 to 30.
For the majority, we had four players. We did have a fifth, but he was excused for sniffing a girls hair. Creepy fucker. This post, though, isn't about that. Nor about how the game was foreplay for the GM and his wife, who played our ranger.
This is about controlling behavior.
About a year into it, the GM says something like "You are just about to main plot"
Which tells me:
1. We've been leveling and playing a game, all of which he considers side questions because we're not ready yet for his plot.
2. We're not playing to find out; his homework on what the game is trumps anything we do at the table.
Look back, that pointed to a fundamental difference in what we do at the table -- GM telling a story to the players versus a collaborative storytelling endeavour. I think the difficulty of building monsters made this more likely. And, heck, the focus on monsters and combat.
September 16: 207.9, down 0.4 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 20.
September 16: 207.9, down 0.4 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 20.
I have been forgetting to eat much of late. I don't think it is a good thing.
I'm getting so close.
I have been forgetting to eat much of late. I don't think it is a good thing.
I'm getting so close.
Thursday, September 15, 2016
Rare public post that's not in a collection!
Rare public post that's not in a collection!
Good news everyone:
1. Space Wurm versus Moonicurn continues to be a delight. Its the right setting and the right people in the right place at the right time, with almost the right system. System issues being due to it inheriting Dungeon World.
2. I just ran my fastest 5k, beating my race day best. Perfect timing, as the race is in two days. Turns out, racing to the Revolution ala Hamilton works really well.
3. Factory Idle is delightful fun!
Good news everyone:
1. Space Wurm versus Moonicurn continues to be a delight. Its the right setting and the right people in the right place at the right time, with almost the right system. System issues being due to it inheriting Dungeon World.
2. I just ran my fastest 5k, beating my race day best. Perfect timing, as the race is in two days. Turns out, racing to the Revolution ala Hamilton works really well.
3. Factory Idle is delightful fun!
September 15: 208.3*, up 0.4 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 21.
September 15: 208.3*, up 0.4 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 21.
* After a morning run. Before the run, there was something wrong with my scale. Running it fixed.
On that note: best. 5k. time. ever. I beat my race-day best!
And just in time: the next race is in two days!
* After a morning run. Before the run, there was something wrong with my scale. Running it fixed.
On that note: best. 5k. time. ever. I beat my race-day best!
And just in time: the next race is in two days!
Wednesday, September 14, 2016
I hate it when I come out on the other side of an issue as Mo and Rob.
I hate it when I come out on the other side of an issue as Mo and Rob.
That is: I think the rules of an RPG as as important as the rules of a board game. Rules apply to the GM (if there is one) and to players (if there are players). These rules may be different, but them's still the rules.
For ex: AW. A GM facing rule is to say what honesty demands.
If I lie to a player, then I am breaking that rule.
You can break the rules! There's nothing saying you can't! For ex, Catan but you put the numbers out randomly rather than in the expected alphabetic order. That's rule violation! Or, Catan with 2 rounds of robber protection.
If you talk about them in advance, they are house rules. If you do it wrong, then it is breaking the rules.
And its ok to break the rules! At some point of rule breaking, you are no longer playing the same game. For ex, its not really Catan anymore if every hex has equal likelihood. That's a different game.
I've got a headache, so hopefully this makes sense.
That is: I think the rules of an RPG as as important as the rules of a board game. Rules apply to the GM (if there is one) and to players (if there are players). These rules may be different, but them's still the rules.
For ex: AW. A GM facing rule is to say what honesty demands.
If I lie to a player, then I am breaking that rule.
You can break the rules! There's nothing saying you can't! For ex, Catan but you put the numbers out randomly rather than in the expected alphabetic order. That's rule violation! Or, Catan with 2 rounds of robber protection.
If you talk about them in advance, they are house rules. If you do it wrong, then it is breaking the rules.
And its ok to break the rules! At some point of rule breaking, you are no longer playing the same game. For ex, its not really Catan anymore if every hex has equal likelihood. That's a different game.
I've got a headache, so hopefully this makes sense.
My run yesterday was through neighborhoods -- apparently teenagers doing organized sporting events get first dibs on...
My run yesterday was through neighborhoods -- apparently teenagers doing organized sporting events get first dibs on the track at their high school -- and damn. Neighborhoods are a bad idea.
My time was slightly worse. I didn't know where I was going, and was on streets a lot. I got back to land I know towards the end, and my pace improved dramatically.
Pain. My left leg hurts. I'll be trying to do some stretching today. And, of course, ibuprofen.
I'm hopeful the track will be open tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I'll loop back to land I know rather than trying neighborhoods. Run around the library's fields.
The race on Saturday morning is through streets, and is downhill. WAY downhill. CRAZY DOWNHILL.
My time was slightly worse. I didn't know where I was going, and was on streets a lot. I got back to land I know towards the end, and my pace improved dramatically.
Pain. My left leg hurts. I'll be trying to do some stretching today. And, of course, ibuprofen.
I'm hopeful the track will be open tomorrow morning. Otherwise, I'll loop back to land I know rather than trying neighborhoods. Run around the library's fields.
The race on Saturday morning is through streets, and is downhill. WAY downhill. CRAZY DOWNHILL.
After seeing Wapo's article on "Six Maps That Will Make You Rethink The World" (https://www.
After seeing Wapo's article on "Six Maps That Will Make You Rethink The World" (https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2016/04/29/six-maps-that-will-make-you-rethink-the-world/), I took the next step and found the book at the local library.
Connectography by Khanna is a delight, primarily as his excitement and enthusiasm are contagious.
I'm in Chapter three. Thus far, this is a well done attempt to convince the reader that geography and states matter less than connection, and that our standard maps are lies.
I have no conclusions yet, but find this absolutely fascinating stuff. I'm reading about devolution, and almost understand it.
Connectography by Khanna is a delight, primarily as his excitement and enthusiasm are contagious.
I'm in Chapter three. Thus far, this is a well done attempt to convince the reader that geography and states matter less than connection, and that our standard maps are lies.
I have no conclusions yet, but find this absolutely fascinating stuff. I'm reading about devolution, and almost understand it.
September 14: 207.9, down 2.0 pounds from yesterday. BACK ON TRACK, and for October 17.
September 14: 207.9, down 2.0 pounds from yesterday. BACK ON TRACK, and for October 17.
I ate about a thousand calories yesterday, and ran a 5k.
And, sure, also drank as much coffee and water as I wanted. I'm not crazy. I might do this once a week.
I ate about a thousand calories yesterday, and ran a 5k.
And, sure, also drank as much coffee and water as I wanted. I'm not crazy. I might do this once a week.
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Just a reminder: Give Directly is doing the work to find out if a minimum basic income works.
Just a reminder: Give Directly is doing the work to find out if a minimum basic income works.
You know, with science instead of rhetoric.
Here's a link: https://www.givedirectly.org/give-basic-income
https://www.givedirectly.org/give-basic-income#
You know, with science instead of rhetoric.
Here's a link: https://www.givedirectly.org/give-basic-income
https://www.givedirectly.org/give-basic-income#
September 13: 209.9, down 0.2 pounds from yesterday. OFF TRACK.
September 13: 209.9, down 0.2 pounds from yesterday. OFF TRACK.
I'll be having soylent for lunch and dinner, and yogurt for breakfast. And I'm going to go running before dinner.
We'll see. This is worrisome.
I'll be having soylent for lunch and dinner, and yogurt for breakfast. And I'm going to go running before dinner.
We'll see. This is worrisome.
Monday, September 12, 2016
Book: Grunt
Book: Grunt
Author: Mary Roach
Rating: 4 of 5
Genre: Journalism / non fiction
Short synopsis: Mary Roach learns about the military technology that keeps soldiers alive, and teaches me about it.
If you have lived this long without reading Mary Roach, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
I gave it 4 out of 5 simply due to having to skip two chapters. One was about being shot in the penis, the other was about genital reconstruction. Mostly penises. Basically, I got skeeved out over the chapters about mutilated penises.
Everything else is super great. I learned things, including:
-- Since AC, military kitchens have been sealed. Can you guess why?
-- The fat pad on the bottom of the foot is unlike anything else on the body, and can't really be replaced. Walking without it is so painful, soldiers often prefer amputation, and it gets damaged in war all the fracking time.
-- The paperwork onboard a Trident submarine masses more than the people.
Recommended! And if you like reading about reconstructed penises, even better!
Author: Mary Roach
Rating: 4 of 5
Genre: Journalism / non fiction
Short synopsis: Mary Roach learns about the military technology that keeps soldiers alive, and teaches me about it.
If you have lived this long without reading Mary Roach, do yourself a favor and pick up this book.
I gave it 4 out of 5 simply due to having to skip two chapters. One was about being shot in the penis, the other was about genital reconstruction. Mostly penises. Basically, I got skeeved out over the chapters about mutilated penises.
Everything else is super great. I learned things, including:
-- Since AC, military kitchens have been sealed. Can you guess why?
-- The fat pad on the bottom of the foot is unlike anything else on the body, and can't really be replaced. Walking without it is so painful, soldiers often prefer amputation, and it gets damaged in war all the fracking time.
-- The paperwork onboard a Trident submarine masses more than the people.
Recommended! And if you like reading about reconstructed penises, even better!
Being unbanked is really expensive.
Being unbanked is really expensive.
According to the FDIC, 7.7 percent (1 in 13) of households in the United States were unbanked in 2013. This proportion represented nearly 9.6 million households.
There's an seemingly easy fix for this: universal basic checking accounts for everyone, established when you receive your social security number, green card, or permanent alien number, etc.
Tell me why we shouldn't do this. I know why we don't; poverty is intentional, and America has a notion that public enterprise destroys the private sphere.
According to the FDIC, 7.7 percent (1 in 13) of households in the United States were unbanked in 2013. This proportion represented nearly 9.6 million households.
There's an seemingly easy fix for this: universal basic checking accounts for everyone, established when you receive your social security number, green card, or permanent alien number, etc.
Tell me why we shouldn't do this. I know why we don't; poverty is intentional, and America has a notion that public enterprise destroys the private sphere.
September 12: 210.1, up 0.2 pounds from yesterday. OFF TRACK
September 12: 210.1, up 0.2 pounds from yesterday. OFF TRACK
We went to a Weird Al concert last night at wolf trap, the local outdoor concert space. Where you can bring in booze & food. And boy ... Yeah.
Because reasons, tomorrow is operation soylent instead of today.
We went to a Weird Al concert last night at wolf trap, the local outdoor concert space. Where you can bring in booze & food. And boy ... Yeah.
Because reasons, tomorrow is operation soylent instead of today.
Sunday, September 11, 2016
We can end this war at Yorktown, cut them off at sea, but
We can end this war at Yorktown, cut them off at sea, but
For this to succeed, there is someone else we need:
For months, I've been running to Hamilton.
I've got a race coming up, and wanted it to be faster. And to get to Guns & Ships and the Battle of Yorktown during a 5k.
What do I call the new soundtrack?
HAMILRUN
As an aside, I hit my fastest non-race day time today. I can stop running during Satisfied or Helpless, but Right Hand Man? No way.
I also might be on fire.
For this to succeed, there is someone else we need:
For months, I've been running to Hamilton.
I've got a race coming up, and wanted it to be faster. And to get to Guns & Ships and the Battle of Yorktown during a 5k.
What do I call the new soundtrack?
HAMILRUN
As an aside, I hit my fastest non-race day time today. I can stop running during Satisfied or Helpless, but Right Hand Man? No way.
I also might be on fire.
September 11: 209.7, down 0.2 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 26.
September 11: 209.7, down 0.2 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 26.
This week started at 208 -- thanks to the cold -- meaning I am up almost 2 pounds for the week.
Unless there's a radical shift today, tomorrow begins Operation Soylent. That's where you get kinda scared and have a soylent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And as much coffee as you want.
This'll be the first time I try such a crazy thing.
This week started at 208 -- thanks to the cold -- meaning I am up almost 2 pounds for the week.
Unless there's a radical shift today, tomorrow begins Operation Soylent. That's where you get kinda scared and have a soylent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And as much coffee as you want.
This'll be the first time I try such a crazy thing.
Saturday, September 10, 2016
September 10: 209.9, up 0.8 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 26.
September 10: 209.9, up 0.8 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 26.
Frick. I'm going for a run. I'll see you on the other side of the war.
Frick. I'm going for a run. I'll see you on the other side of the war.
Friday, September 9, 2016
I adore this game. And basically everything Avery has ever written.
I adore this game. And basically everything Avery has ever written.
Originally shared by Avery Alder
Friends, geeks,
The Quiet Year ran out of print, which meant an opportunity to reprint it using my real, genuine name.
If you haven't heard of The Quiet Year, let me share a little. It's a map-drawing game about a post-civ community. It was awarded Most Innovative Game of 2013 (http://www.indie-rpg-awards.com/2013/most_innovate.shtml). In her review over at Kotaku, Gita Jackson mentioned that " this game where you describe a small community made a small community out of us" (http://kotaku.com/how-the-quiet-year-brings-people-together…). The PDF is bundled with a free sister game PDF called The Deep Forest, co-authored with Mark Diaz Truman, which takes the game in a post-colonial weird fantasy direction (http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-deep-forest/).
The Quiet Year is a game for 2-4 players, and it takes 2-4 hours. This is the first game to actually list "Avery Alder" as its author.
I'm now taking pre-orders for the new printing: PDF ($8), book & card set ($25), and a deluxe bag set ($40). The PDF is available now, and the other two will ship in November.
I'd love it if you shared this post.
http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year/
http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year/
Originally shared by Avery Alder
Friends, geeks,
The Quiet Year ran out of print, which meant an opportunity to reprint it using my real, genuine name.
If you haven't heard of The Quiet Year, let me share a little. It's a map-drawing game about a post-civ community. It was awarded Most Innovative Game of 2013 (http://www.indie-rpg-awards.com/2013/most_innovate.shtml). In her review over at Kotaku, Gita Jackson mentioned that " this game where you describe a small community made a small community out of us" (http://kotaku.com/how-the-quiet-year-brings-people-together…). The PDF is bundled with a free sister game PDF called The Deep Forest, co-authored with Mark Diaz Truman, which takes the game in a post-colonial weird fantasy direction (http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-deep-forest/).
The Quiet Year is a game for 2-4 players, and it takes 2-4 hours. This is the first game to actually list "Avery Alder" as its author.
I'm now taking pre-orders for the new printing: PDF ($8), book & card set ($25), and a deluxe bag set ($40). The PDF is available now, and the other two will ship in November.
I'd love it if you shared this post.
http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year/
http://buriedwithoutceremony.com/the-quiet-year/
I am very tempted to do something very silly.
I am very tempted to do something very silly.
Namely, to use the moves in Josh Roby's unackbar'd version of the Apocalypse World Hardholder to build an Ackbar-type Officer for Andrew Medeiros's Star Wars World.
Or, rather, a Sisko type officer. A Picard type officer. An Adama.
Someone who runs a large ship that has a lot more going on than just the crew -- people who live and breathe and laugh on the ship, who have their own lives. They live there, but they don't work for the Officer.
I'd also give the officer a carrot for each player character who lives on their ship -- and a carrot to those PCs, too. And when a player character leaves the ship -- when they no longer call it home -- something about it changes.
This here? This is an open call for suggestions for moves, incentives, and other ideas.
Namely, to use the moves in Josh Roby's unackbar'd version of the Apocalypse World Hardholder to build an Ackbar-type Officer for Andrew Medeiros's Star Wars World.
Or, rather, a Sisko type officer. A Picard type officer. An Adama.
Someone who runs a large ship that has a lot more going on than just the crew -- people who live and breathe and laugh on the ship, who have their own lives. They live there, but they don't work for the Officer.
I'd also give the officer a carrot for each player character who lives on their ship -- and a carrot to those PCs, too. And when a player character leaves the ship -- when they no longer call it home -- something about it changes.
This here? This is an open call for suggestions for moves, incentives, and other ideas.
That feeling when Andrew Medeiros takes the Star Wars medal and pins it on your chest ....
That feeling when Andrew Medeiros takes the Star Wars medal and pins it on your chest ....
Because I know a carrack class light cruiser has 20 quad turbolasers and a crew of about a thousand, while a strike class medium cruiser has a modular design allowing it to serve a variety of roles, and an ISD has 60 heavy turbo lasers (and ion cannons!), a crew of 37,085, and 72 TIE fighters.
What?
Isn't this common knowledge?
Like how the quad laser cannons on the Falcon were in use during the attack on the Death Star, but the scenes were cut because we never connected with those characters?
Didn't everyone nearly memorize the 90s era Star Wars Encyclopedia?
Because I know a carrack class light cruiser has 20 quad turbolasers and a crew of about a thousand, while a strike class medium cruiser has a modular design allowing it to serve a variety of roles, and an ISD has 60 heavy turbo lasers (and ion cannons!), a crew of 37,085, and 72 TIE fighters.
What?
Isn't this common knowledge?
Like how the quad laser cannons on the Falcon were in use during the attack on the Death Star, but the scenes were cut because we never connected with those characters?
Didn't everyone nearly memorize the 90s era Star Wars Encyclopedia?
September 9: 209.1, down 0.7 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 17.
September 9: 209.1, down 0.7 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 17.
I'm still up for the week, and would need to drop another pound just to maintain this week.
This is getting harder as I get closer to 200. I'll make it, but the things I do will get more and more aggressive as the deadline (end of October) approaches.
I'm still up for the week, and would need to drop another pound just to maintain this week.
This is getting harder as I get closer to 200. I'll make it, but the things I do will get more and more aggressive as the deadline (end of October) approaches.
Thursday, September 8, 2016
oh come on voyager!
oh come on voyager!
Season 4, episode 17: Retrospect or: false rape accusations.
Here's about how it went:
7: That dude violated me.
The Captain: Prove it.
7: I do not need to. I remember it.
The Captain: Nah, you need evidence before we can accuse a dude of violation. It'd ruin his life.
... Come on! How about:
7: That dude violated me.
Captain: ok. Let's leave this planet, and never ever come back. Cool?
7: I'd rather we murder him.
Captain: That probably won't make you feel better. Trust me on this one. But, say the world and I'll hit their planet with an asteroid at relativistic speeds, destroying all life. Because I only care about the life of my crew.
7: ok, let's go to warp 9 and get out of here.
Captain: Engage.
Other, better suggestions how this could have gone down without telling a story about false rape accusations?
They keep writing themselves into a corner and then giving out shitty morality.
Season 4, episode 17: Retrospect or: false rape accusations.
Here's about how it went:
7: That dude violated me.
The Captain: Prove it.
7: I do not need to. I remember it.
The Captain: Nah, you need evidence before we can accuse a dude of violation. It'd ruin his life.
... Come on! How about:
7: That dude violated me.
Captain: ok. Let's leave this planet, and never ever come back. Cool?
7: I'd rather we murder him.
Captain: That probably won't make you feel better. Trust me on this one. But, say the world and I'll hit their planet with an asteroid at relativistic speeds, destroying all life. Because I only care about the life of my crew.
7: ok, let's go to warp 9 and get out of here.
Captain: Engage.
Other, better suggestions how this could have gone down without telling a story about false rape accusations?
They keep writing themselves into a corner and then giving out shitty morality.
The world I want involves the following:
The world I want involves the following:
-- free education for all. Sure, also private schools that can charge whatever they want, but they are competing against totally free schools.
-- free health care for all. Sure, also private for profit health care, but this is competing against totally free health care.
-- MBI for every adult. Sure, also private enterprise. This doesn't replace working, it gives a lower level under which you will not fall.
-- bullet trains, cheap or free to use, connecting major city to major city. Smaller trains to get you to the bullet trains, maybe, so the bullet trains only stop in major areas. Sure, also for profit air and maybe even rail competing.
-- legalization and regulation of all recreational drugs
-- self driving cars and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. I want to be able to walk outside without worrying about being killed.
-- free internet and smart phones for all. Sure, also for profit internet and smart phones.
These are a few of the things I want. What do you want?
-- free education for all. Sure, also private schools that can charge whatever they want, but they are competing against totally free schools.
-- free health care for all. Sure, also private for profit health care, but this is competing against totally free health care.
-- MBI for every adult. Sure, also private enterprise. This doesn't replace working, it gives a lower level under which you will not fall.
-- bullet trains, cheap or free to use, connecting major city to major city. Smaller trains to get you to the bullet trains, maybe, so the bullet trains only stop in major areas. Sure, also for profit air and maybe even rail competing.
-- legalization and regulation of all recreational drugs
-- self driving cars and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. I want to be able to walk outside without worrying about being killed.
-- free internet and smart phones for all. Sure, also for profit internet and smart phones.
These are a few of the things I want. What do you want?
September 8: 209.8, up 3.1 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 21.
September 8: 209.8, up 3.1 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 21.
I guess that's what happens when I have an appetite again.
breakfast: Egg & hasbrown
Lunch: soylent
Second lunch: baked ziti
Dinner: pasta & bread
Dessert: Way to many store bought cookies.
I weighed in last night for funsies, and was at 212. More than 2 pounds lost overnight, and nearly six pounds up for the day.
Insane. Bodies are weird.
I guess that's what happens when I have an appetite again.
breakfast: Egg & hasbrown
Lunch: soylent
Second lunch: baked ziti
Dinner: pasta & bread
Dessert: Way to many store bought cookies.
I weighed in last night for funsies, and was at 212. More than 2 pounds lost overnight, and nearly six pounds up for the day.
Insane. Bodies are weird.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016
September 7: 206.7, down 1.5 pounds from yesterday. On track for September 28.
September 7: 206.7, down 1.5 pounds from yesterday. On track for September 28.
I'm basically well, and am going to work today. Hooray!
I woke up with an appetite, which is fantastic after not having one for days. I feel human.
Today's Breakfast: eggs!
I'm basically well, and am going to work today. Hooray!
I woke up with an appetite, which is fantastic after not having one for days. I feel human.
Today's Breakfast: eggs!
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Its an RPG about a bar. How does it work?
Its an RPG about a bar. How does it work?
One rule: This is where everybody knows your name.
Necessary creed:
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.
You wanna go where people know,
people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows
your name.
One rule: This is where everybody knows your name.
Necessary creed:
Sometimes you want to go
Where everybody knows your name,
and they're always glad you came.
You wanna be where you can see,
our troubles are all the same
You wanna be where everybody knows
Your name.
You wanna go where people know,
people are all the same,
You wanna go where everybody knows
your name.
I'm running outside again. Its hard.
I'm running outside again. Its hard.
Today was the second one, and my 5k was a minute faster than the one two days ago.
I'm less sick and had water, so that all makes sense. It was also hotter, I think.
Why is it so much harder to run outside than on a treadmill?
Today was the second one, and my 5k was a minute faster than the one two days ago.
I'm less sick and had water, so that all makes sense. It was also hotter, I think.
Why is it so much harder to run outside than on a treadmill?
This is a thing that happened.
This is a thing that happened.
Dianne Harris and I had this nice argument with the radio.
Schafly stand-in: Should women be forced to register for the draft?
D&W, in union: yes!
Schafly stand-in: Are we all the same, or are women different in law from men?
D&W, in union: Same!
William, under his breath: We hold these truths to be self-evident....
Schafly stand-in: Are we going to force women away from their babies to go to front lines?
D&W, in union: Yes!
Dianne: What, its ok to separate men from their babies but not women? You are against equal rights because you want special rights.
I am not a fan of this political philosophy. If anyone wants to tell me why it is a virtuous position, I'll ask questions until I understand it.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cultural-conservative-icon-phyllis-schlafly-dies-92-n643106
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cultural-conservative-icon-phyllis-schlafly-dies-92-n643106
Dianne Harris and I had this nice argument with the radio.
Schafly stand-in: Should women be forced to register for the draft?
D&W, in union: yes!
Schafly stand-in: Are we all the same, or are women different in law from men?
D&W, in union: Same!
William, under his breath: We hold these truths to be self-evident....
Schafly stand-in: Are we going to force women away from their babies to go to front lines?
D&W, in union: Yes!
Dianne: What, its ok to separate men from their babies but not women? You are against equal rights because you want special rights.
I am not a fan of this political philosophy. If anyone wants to tell me why it is a virtuous position, I'll ask questions until I understand it.
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cultural-conservative-icon-phyllis-schlafly-dies-92-n643106
http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/cultural-conservative-icon-phyllis-schlafly-dies-92-n643106
September 6: 208.2, not well enough yet. Still contagious.
September 6: 208.2, not well enough yet. Still contagious.
I may actually have an appetite today. Up 1.1 pounds over yesterday. Which is weird, as I didn't have an appetite yesterday. Still, on track for October 4.
I'm ready to be done with this cold. Bodies are weird, and bodies fighting a cold are even weirder.
I may actually have an appetite today. Up 1.1 pounds over yesterday. Which is weird, as I didn't have an appetite yesterday. Still, on track for October 4.
I'm ready to be done with this cold. Bodies are weird, and bodies fighting a cold are even weirder.
Monday, September 5, 2016
#INDIERPGaDAY2016
#INDIERPGaDAY2016
"Would you say rolling dice to have sex is hot, dirty, deprotagonizing, or all the above?"
Just as deprotagonizing as rolling to do anything else.
That is, how are the two different?
Example 1: Hitting stuff
Player: I hit the orc with an axe
GM: ok, cool. Go ahead and roll.
Player: I roll a one. Crap ...
GM: You whif.
Example 2: Sexing stuff.
Player: I sex the orc with ... my axe?
GM: ok, cool. Go ahead and roll.
Player: I roll a one. Crap...
GM: You do not sex the orc.
Other than the awkwardness, what's the difference in level of deprotaognization?
This is a little tongue in cheek, but only a little. Different games are about different things!
"Would you say rolling dice to have sex is hot, dirty, deprotagonizing, or all the above?"
Just as deprotagonizing as rolling to do anything else.
That is, how are the two different?
Example 1: Hitting stuff
Player: I hit the orc with an axe
GM: ok, cool. Go ahead and roll.
Player: I roll a one. Crap ...
GM: You whif.
Example 2: Sexing stuff.
Player: I sex the orc with ... my axe?
GM: ok, cool. Go ahead and roll.
Player: I roll a one. Crap...
GM: You do not sex the orc.
Other than the awkwardness, what's the difference in level of deprotaognization?
This is a little tongue in cheek, but only a little. Different games are about different things!
September 5: 207.1, on the mend. Still no appetite, and down another 0.9 pounds. On track for September 26.
September 5: 207.1, on the mend. Still no appetite, and down another 0.9 pounds. On track for September 26.
Getting a head cold really is good for weight loss. I hadn't experienced that in so long I'd emotionally forgotten, as it were.
Getting a head cold really is good for weight loss. I hadn't experienced that in so long I'd emotionally forgotten, as it were.
Sunday, September 4, 2016
Hey, you know what's hard?
Hey, you know what's hard?
During your normal run, but outside after only the treadmill for a year, with a cold and no access to water.
I could barely breathe through the asthma wheezing. My throat was on fire and it hurt when I drank water. I took a shower to rid myself of the disgusting sweat, and I was shaking.
I'll do it again tomorrow, and I'll do it a lot quicker.
During your normal run, but outside after only the treadmill for a year, with a cold and no access to water.
I could barely breathe through the asthma wheezing. My throat was on fire and it hurt when I drank water. I took a shower to rid myself of the disgusting sweat, and I was shaking.
I'll do it again tomorrow, and I'll do it a lot quicker.
Novel: Nineteenth Street NW
Novel: Nineteenth Street NW
Author: Rex Ghosh
Rating: 5 of 5
Genre: Economic fiction
Short synopsis: Terrorists infiltrate the IMFO to cause a global financial panic. Or, rather, a woman terrorist does so and matches wits with a woman economist.
Super great! Hard core mathematics I hardly follow, genre savvy characters, and .... did I mention the characters who drive the action are women?
There are men in the novel. They sometimes push the women to do things, but the plot is always pushed ahead by actions of the two principle women. Everyone else is secondary.
Author: Rex Ghosh
Rating: 5 of 5
Genre: Economic fiction
Short synopsis: Terrorists infiltrate the IMFO to cause a global financial panic. Or, rather, a woman terrorist does so and matches wits with a woman economist.
Super great! Hard core mathematics I hardly follow, genre savvy characters, and .... did I mention the characters who drive the action are women?
There are men in the novel. They sometimes push the women to do things, but the plot is always pushed ahead by actions of the two principle women. Everyone else is secondary.
September 4: Even less sick. Time cures such ills. Down a full pound from yesterday, and on track for September 30.
September 4: Even less sick. Time cures such ills. Down a full pound from yesterday, and on track for September 30.
This is Sunday, so this is the more or less official weekly weigh in. I'm down 4.7 pounds for the week, which is ridiculous.
If I keep up 2 pounds a week, I'll finish this incentive mechanism in early October.
This is Sunday, so this is the more or less official weekly weigh in. I'm down 4.7 pounds for the week, which is ridiculous.
If I keep up 2 pounds a week, I'll finish this incentive mechanism in early October.
Saturday, September 3, 2016
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016
#INDIEGAMEaDAY2016
Day 3
What's your favorite behavioral incentive?
I'm going to tip my toe into the water on this one.
I like having contrasting incentives, forcing the players to choose between multiple paths. This is shown really well in the Corruption mechanic in Urban Shadows.
I've absolutely used this in my own games, such that:
path A: become better at being a hero, and eventually retire as a hero / revered leader / super cool person.
Path B: Become what you fought against, but gain ridiculous powers as you do so.
The path of light side versus dark side. Reward players for doing both, so they make a free choice. But, always make it easier to go down the dark path.
I've been thinking of games as economic simulators -- do these things to gain XP, do these things go gain wealth, etc -- and that means incentives. Studying the behavior those incentives create is delightful.
That's my favorite, I think. Contrasting incentives.
Day 3
What's your favorite behavioral incentive?
I'm going to tip my toe into the water on this one.
I like having contrasting incentives, forcing the players to choose between multiple paths. This is shown really well in the Corruption mechanic in Urban Shadows.
I've absolutely used this in my own games, such that:
path A: become better at being a hero, and eventually retire as a hero / revered leader / super cool person.
Path B: Become what you fought against, but gain ridiculous powers as you do so.
The path of light side versus dark side. Reward players for doing both, so they make a free choice. But, always make it easier to go down the dark path.
I've been thinking of games as economic simulators -- do these things to gain XP, do these things go gain wealth, etc -- and that means incentives. Studying the behavior those incentives create is delightful.
That's my favorite, I think. Contrasting incentives.
September 3: Less sick. 12 hours of sleep will do that. Down 2.4 pounds from yesterday, and on track for October 4.
September 3: Less sick. 12 hours of sleep will do that. Down 2.4 pounds from yesterday, and on track for October 4.
That's what happens when you have no appetite. Yesterday was mostly liquids. Dianne made me a perfect grilled cheese sandwhich, and I ate it mechanically. Being sick is terrible.
Still, if it can get me losing again? Worth it.
That's what happens when you have no appetite. Yesterday was mostly liquids. Dianne made me a perfect grilled cheese sandwhich, and I ate it mechanically. Being sick is terrible.
Still, if it can get me losing again? Worth it.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Finally watched the Tuxic episode of Voyager, because home sick.
Finally watched the Tuxic episode of Voyager, because home sick.
It is as reprehensible immoral as everyone suggests.
Every member of the crew -- very much including the doctor -- assisted in murder. And Janeway pulled the trigger.
I'm not dumb. I know they couldn't change characters mid season, because TV. Nor could have had all three of them.
In which case, don't put your characters into a moral quandary that cannot be solved given the confines of the genre.
It is as reprehensible immoral as everyone suggests.
Every member of the crew -- very much including the doctor -- assisted in murder. And Janeway pulled the trigger.
I'm not dumb. I know they couldn't change characters mid season, because TV. Nor could have had all three of them.
In which case, don't put your characters into a moral quandary that cannot be solved given the confines of the genre.
September 2: I'm sick. Sure, my weight's up a third of a pound, but i cannot care. I'm still on track.
September 2: I'm sick. Sure, my weight's up a third of a pound, but i cannot care. I'm still on track.
Head cold. Couldn't sleep. I have to catch my breath every so often. I'm filled with grossness.
I hate this.
Head cold. Couldn't sleep. I have to catch my breath every so often. I'm filled with grossness.
I hate this.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Good job PNC!
Good job PNC!
My student loan was supposed to arrive on, like, 10/2. Which is a Sunday. They can't guarantee it'll arrive then.
So, it will now be delivered 9/30, which is a Friday.
This is great, because:
1. They gave me a months warning. By email. Without needing to log in.
2. They assumed the due date to the loan servicer was 9/30, so they had it arrive early.
3. I can easily change it.
This is the way to do it.
My student loan was supposed to arrive on, like, 10/2. Which is a Sunday. They can't guarantee it'll arrive then.
So, it will now be delivered 9/30, which is a Friday.
This is great, because:
1. They gave me a months warning. By email. Without needing to log in.
2. They assumed the due date to the loan servicer was 9/30, so they had it arrive early.
3. I can easily change it.
This is the way to do it.
Moment of play.
Moment of play.
During Space Wyrm versus moonicurn last night ...
I'm playing the Mogul, a businessman who runs a large cybernetics company. I've got some other things going on, but that's the one that matters here ...
I was invading the space station of an enemy I'd been lead to believe had sabotaged my flagship product ...
Being the man in charge, I'm working through a half dozen hackers ...
We penetrate the defenses, and find black ice, which stands a good chance of turning off my brain ....
GM and I discuss what this looks like. There's two imagines. In one, I'm in a suit & walking the monochromatic halls of my rival ...
and in the other, I'm a wizard with six knights, fighting the Dragon that products the realm....
My knights attack (Hack & Slash. Get it, Hackers using H&S?). 10+, deal extra damage. I roll 2d6 for damage, and roll boxcars. 12 damage! ...
And the Dragon attacks me: 2d12+5. This is supposed to be b[2d12], but we forget that in the moment, we call it 15 damage ...
I have 17 total, but drink a healing potion. What's a healing potion? Its The Spice, a mind changing drag that grants super power. We call it J ...
I decide killing a black ice dragon would be silly, so we have a chat. With a parley of 10+, I convince the Dragon that it can have freedom ...
That's right: at once, I was a mogul businessman talking to an nascent and jealous AI and a Wizard negotiating with a great & powerful dragon.
Both are true. Now I just need to get some spells.
During Space Wyrm versus moonicurn last night ...
I'm playing the Mogul, a businessman who runs a large cybernetics company. I've got some other things going on, but that's the one that matters here ...
I was invading the space station of an enemy I'd been lead to believe had sabotaged my flagship product ...
Being the man in charge, I'm working through a half dozen hackers ...
We penetrate the defenses, and find black ice, which stands a good chance of turning off my brain ....
GM and I discuss what this looks like. There's two imagines. In one, I'm in a suit & walking the monochromatic halls of my rival ...
and in the other, I'm a wizard with six knights, fighting the Dragon that products the realm....
My knights attack (Hack & Slash. Get it, Hackers using H&S?). 10+, deal extra damage. I roll 2d6 for damage, and roll boxcars. 12 damage! ...
And the Dragon attacks me: 2d12+5. This is supposed to be b[2d12], but we forget that in the moment, we call it 15 damage ...
I have 17 total, but drink a healing potion. What's a healing potion? Its The Spice, a mind changing drag that grants super power. We call it J ...
I decide killing a black ice dragon would be silly, so we have a chat. With a parley of 10+, I convince the Dragon that it can have freedom ...
That's right: at once, I was a mogul businessman talking to an nascent and jealous AI and a Wizard negotiating with a great & powerful dragon.
Both are true. Now I just need to get some spells.
September 1: 211.1, up 0.4 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 18.
September 1: 211.1, up 0.4 pounds from yesterday. On track for October 18.
Whatever. Yesterday, I:
1. ran a 5k faster than any non race day time.
2. Made a delicious blue apron meal.
3. implemented a new algorithm to solve a bizarre work problem.
And, I'm up nearly half a pound. I didn't get a lot of sleep, so I'll blame that. I've got to decide if I get to eat candy at game night tonight or not.
Not sure. Not sure at all.
Whatever. Yesterday, I:
1. ran a 5k faster than any non race day time.
2. Made a delicious blue apron meal.
3. implemented a new algorithm to solve a bizarre work problem.
And, I'm up nearly half a pound. I didn't get a lot of sleep, so I'll blame that. I've got to decide if I get to eat candy at game night tonight or not.
Not sure. Not sure at all.
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