Sunday, September 30, 2007
And now, a brief word about the Phillies making the playoffs
OMGTHEYDIDITCANYOUBELIEVEIMEANHOLYSHITI'MSOEXCITEDICOULDPEEJIMMYROLLINSFORMVPWOOTUNFINGBELIEVABLEGOPHILLIES!!!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
$50 billion
I commented the other day about the President's threats to veto the child health bill because the $50 billion would be too much of a burden on tax payers. Well check this out. I can't make this hypocrisy up.
Bush asks for $50 billion more for wars
Again, let's be clear on something really specific.
"For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21
'Nuff said!
Bush asks for $50 billion more for wars
Again, let's be clear on something really specific.
"For where you treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Matthew 6:21
'Nuff said!
Monday, September 24, 2007
The Joy of Reading
Growing up as a kid, Cats (my big sister) was smarter, cooler and better than me at everything. She was a cool kid at school. She beat up bullies for me. And more than anything else I can say about her, she loved to read.
While on family vacation this summer, I learned that Princess Kitty (my neice) doesn't like to read. *Gasp* Not my sister's kid! Cats and I talked. With everything that's happened the last few years with the Silent Prince (my nephew,) the lead poisoning, the lead cleanup at the parsonage and all the moving, Kitty had 2 very unstable years of school. Now going into 3rd grade, Kitty doesn't feel very smart. She needed a boost. Cats was willing to put in the time to read with her, but was having problems with motivating little miss stubborn.
So one afternoon, Kitty, Slick and I went out for pizza. While we were eating I nudged the conversation to reading. I told them that I wanted to go to the book store after we ate. Slick and I talked about all the books we wanted to read. We talked about how much we love to read. We then went to the bookstore. Slick & I conned Kitty into checking out the 3rd grader chapter books. Thankfully, one was about a Fairy with Kitty's name. She felt this book might be acceptable, especially if I also got her the big picture book about Princesses too. -- Can you say, "Sucker?" That's me! -- Done deal.
When we got back to the house, Kitty showed everyone the Princess book while I quietly handed the chapter book to my sister. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Except, this time I won! Kitty's school requires her to read a certain number of books. So, Cats -- being smarter than me -- used the fairy book. It's such a big, multi-chapter book, that it counts for 3 books! YES!
So, tonight, they called on speaker phone. Kitty was so loud and happy, it took me a moment to understand. They are in the last chapter. And get this, I'm in the book! No, really! Apparently I'm a bird and I'm there to help save the day. And apparently, I guess I did because now Kitty wants more fairy books!
Wow, that really makes my day! Even gets me a bit misty-eyed. But then Slick says I'm a complete softy. Seriously, this kinda news gives you the kind of happy feeling you save for when you're feeling really low. Then you remember it and it'll pop you right up outta that hole!
Well, I guess this is why God made Uncles & Nieces (and a really smart big sister/mommy.) Anyway, enough chit-chat. Amazon.com, here I come! I've got Fairy books to buy!
While on family vacation this summer, I learned that Princess Kitty (my neice) doesn't like to read. *Gasp* Not my sister's kid! Cats and I talked. With everything that's happened the last few years with the Silent Prince (my nephew,) the lead poisoning, the lead cleanup at the parsonage and all the moving, Kitty had 2 very unstable years of school. Now going into 3rd grade, Kitty doesn't feel very smart. She needed a boost. Cats was willing to put in the time to read with her, but was having problems with motivating little miss stubborn.
So one afternoon, Kitty, Slick and I went out for pizza. While we were eating I nudged the conversation to reading. I told them that I wanted to go to the book store after we ate. Slick and I talked about all the books we wanted to read. We talked about how much we love to read. We then went to the bookstore. Slick & I conned Kitty into checking out the 3rd grader chapter books. Thankfully, one was about a Fairy with Kitty's name. She felt this book might be acceptable, especially if I also got her the big picture book about Princesses too. -- Can you say, "Sucker?" That's me! -- Done deal.
When we got back to the house, Kitty showed everyone the Princess book while I quietly handed the chapter book to my sister. Oh well, you win some, you lose some. Except, this time I won! Kitty's school requires her to read a certain number of books. So, Cats -- being smarter than me -- used the fairy book. It's such a big, multi-chapter book, that it counts for 3 books! YES!
So, tonight, they called on speaker phone. Kitty was so loud and happy, it took me a moment to understand. They are in the last chapter. And get this, I'm in the book! No, really! Apparently I'm a bird and I'm there to help save the day. And apparently, I guess I did because now Kitty wants more fairy books!
Wow, that really makes my day! Even gets me a bit misty-eyed. But then Slick says I'm a complete softy. Seriously, this kinda news gives you the kind of happy feeling you save for when you're feeling really low. Then you remember it and it'll pop you right up outta that hole!
Well, I guess this is why God made Uncles & Nieces (and a really smart big sister/mommy.) Anyway, enough chit-chat. Amazon.com, here I come! I've got Fairy books to buy!
No Longer a Difference of Opinion
On Saturday while out for our Saturday morning walk, Slick tells me that the North West Passage is clear. I paused for a moment praying that she was referring to some new World of Warcraft patch that I'd not heard up. *SIGH!* No, she wasn't. The North West Passage is clear.
Plain Sailing on the Northwest Passage
The NW Passage is the infamous arctic sea route above Canada. To westward expansionists it was a holy grail, a way to get things fast, fast, fast from Eastern Canada to Alaska. It could not be traversed without ice-cutters, luck and well luck...until now.
For a long while, I've worked hard to accept global warming skeptics and apologists as either foolish or people with a different opinion. Eventually, they would see the light. When I heard this news, it was my breaking point. They are enemies of the planet.
50 years from now, if I'm wrong, then I was wrong and we still made life-style changes that created a more balanced relationship with the world around us. We'll have renewable energy and paradigm shift for the better.
50 years from now, if the skeptics are wrong, we're all SCREWED!!!
This isn't SciFi where we can all just leave the planet in search of a new one. Note: In all those shows, the transition was REALLY hard. This is real life.
Stupid F#^%nuts!
Plain Sailing on the Northwest Passage
The NW Passage is the infamous arctic sea route above Canada. To westward expansionists it was a holy grail, a way to get things fast, fast, fast from Eastern Canada to Alaska. It could not be traversed without ice-cutters, luck and well luck...until now.
For a long while, I've worked hard to accept global warming skeptics and apologists as either foolish or people with a different opinion. Eventually, they would see the light. When I heard this news, it was my breaking point. They are enemies of the planet.
50 years from now, if I'm wrong, then I was wrong and we still made life-style changes that created a more balanced relationship with the world around us. We'll have renewable energy and paradigm shift for the better.
50 years from now, if the skeptics are wrong, we're all SCREWED!!!
This isn't SciFi where we can all just leave the planet in search of a new one. Note: In all those shows, the transition was REALLY hard. This is real life.
Stupid F#^%nuts!
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Find the cost of freedom
File this under WTF.
So, the democrats want to expand the federal program for kids health insurance. The president says he'll veto it. He says it'll raise taxes and cost an additional $50B.
Rendell Says Bush Child-Health Veto Would Be 'Unacceptable'
Ya know, if Bush were a classic small-government, fiscal conservative, I'd chock his veto up to a difference of opinion. However, everything the president has done has been about spend, spend, spend. So, I can only conclude that he's a hypocrite and a rich-boy who doesn't understand the plight of the common person. I mean, let's compare.
Cost of War as of today: $453,973,065,000 running tally here
Anyway, if it quacks like a duck...
So, the democrats want to expand the federal program for kids health insurance. The president says he'll veto it. He says it'll raise taxes and cost an additional $50B.
Rendell Says Bush Child-Health Veto Would Be 'Unacceptable'
Ya know, if Bush were a classic small-government, fiscal conservative, I'd chock his veto up to a difference of opinion. However, everything the president has done has been about spend, spend, spend. So, I can only conclude that he's a hypocrite and a rich-boy who doesn't understand the plight of the common person. I mean, let's compare.
Cost of War as of today: $453,973,065,000 running tally here
Anyway, if it quacks like a duck...
Friday, September 21, 2007
The Evils of Free Shipping & Online Package Tracking
Last week, I ordered 3 things (separately) from a certain online company. Each gave me the option for "free" 5-9 day shipping. Heck yeah! So, here's the thing...there's something to be said for paying to get something fast! I'm the kind of person who thinks that anticipation is not character-builder it's just another way for the universe to screw with me. Sigh! But I digress...
Add to this the evils of online package tracking. I can clearly see the location of all three packages. The biggest problem is that the first item was ordered on Monday! It was declared "shipped" on the 19th. So why is it still listed as "carrier notified to pick up package." This wouldn't be so bad except it's the thing I ordered for Slick. Her gaming headset broke. She's really frustrated. (Thankfully, she doesn't like wearing mine.) It's my own damn fault for not going for 2-day. I'm just cheap!
On the other hand, the package that I ordered yesterday already left the shop and is already in Greensboro. It'll probably be here Monday. And thanks to the magic of Murphy's Law, it the item I care least about!
The final item is my new toy that I've been talking about. Of all the weeks to have it, next week would be so sweet. I could watch season premieres. Again, brother Murphy is a real SoB! It's coming sloooowwwllly from NV by way of Cal.
Anyway, that's my completely pointless rant for the week.
Night all!
Add to this the evils of online package tracking. I can clearly see the location of all three packages. The biggest problem is that the first item was ordered on Monday! It was declared "shipped" on the 19th. So why is it still listed as "carrier notified to pick up package." This wouldn't be so bad except it's the thing I ordered for Slick. Her gaming headset broke. She's really frustrated. (Thankfully, she doesn't like wearing mine.) It's my own damn fault for not going for 2-day. I'm just cheap!
On the other hand, the package that I ordered yesterday already left the shop and is already in Greensboro. It'll probably be here Monday. And thanks to the magic of Murphy's Law, it the item I care least about!
The final item is my new toy that I've been talking about. Of all the weeks to have it, next week would be so sweet. I could watch season premieres. Again, brother Murphy is a real SoB! It's coming sloooowwwllly from NV by way of Cal.
Anyway, that's my completely pointless rant for the week.
Night all!
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Progress Report
In just a few weeks, it'll be 6-months since I left my job. Goals were set, lessons were learned, I pushed, succeeded, failed, changed goals...it's been a good process.
Exercise: When I first started the exercise routine I understood that it would be a lot harder than previous attempts. Previously, getting back into an exercise routine was easy. I went to the gym, hopped on my bike or started jogging. This time, I had to contend with a number of factors. The fibro slows me down and makes post exercise recovery difficult. I set a seemingly modest set of goals and quickly found they were unrealistically difficult given my condition and my weight gain. In April and May, building up to 20 minutes of slow methodical walking was difficult. By now I expected to be working on tone and focusing on resistance training. Still, improvements have happened. I'm walking 2 miles a day in under 40 minutes. I'm able to extend that to 3-4 miles 1-2 times a week. And, exercise is no longer my only strenuous activity in the day. I'm pleased, but I'm also not content. I'm constantly looking to do more, but cautious of previous lessons.
Goal: 3-4 miles a day + light resistance training by Jan 1.
Nutrition: This has been the best success. Slick and I are still sticking with our nutrition plan. We've learned where and when to "cheat." We've learned the effects of such indulgences. I've worked really hard at the Fibromyalgia Diet I mentioned in a previous blog. I've cut out or significantly reduced everything on the list except coffee. I'm still drinking 2-3 cups a day.
Goal: Cut down on coffee.
Weight Loss: I've hinted around this a few times, but here it is for the record.
April 2: 225lbs, 39" waist
Sept 20: 188lbs, 35" waist
Goal: 175lbs, 33" waist
Sleep: Ah the curse of a Fibromyalgic. Recently, I've been able to sleep without the use of the lunesta. I don't know how long that will last. The secret has been 2-part. 1) Deep-meditative relaxation before bed. 2) Set sleep schedule. Both are painfully hard to stick with. Some nights I'll be up late playing WoW and realize that it's bed-time. I can't just hop into bed. I need 30-40 minutes to relax...no tv, no computer...just me and the iPod. The trick has been to set my alarm clock and get up. Period. Every day, I'm up at 8:30. I also try to avoid naps.
Goal: Continue routine
Simplify: It's hard to quantify this one. We have dramatically cut costs, cut our use of resources and cut a lot of waste from our lives. In August, our electric bill was $20 less than last year. This was in spite of the facts that I was at home for most of the month, that August was hotter than last year, AND that the per-unit cost of our electric was higher than last year. So yes, we're doing more with less!
Goal: Start a herb & veggie garden and install a rain-water barrel.
Life Balance: This is an even harder one to quantify. I'm doing really well with "stress management." I've been reading, praying & thinking on this one. I need to be more active at church. I really should get out of the house more. I'm still thinking about a part-time job. Basically, there's too many things going on in this category to sum up.
Goal: Get back involved in church.
Exercise: When I first started the exercise routine I understood that it would be a lot harder than previous attempts. Previously, getting back into an exercise routine was easy. I went to the gym, hopped on my bike or started jogging. This time, I had to contend with a number of factors. The fibro slows me down and makes post exercise recovery difficult. I set a seemingly modest set of goals and quickly found they were unrealistically difficult given my condition and my weight gain. In April and May, building up to 20 minutes of slow methodical walking was difficult. By now I expected to be working on tone and focusing on resistance training. Still, improvements have happened. I'm walking 2 miles a day in under 40 minutes. I'm able to extend that to 3-4 miles 1-2 times a week. And, exercise is no longer my only strenuous activity in the day. I'm pleased, but I'm also not content. I'm constantly looking to do more, but cautious of previous lessons.
Goal: 3-4 miles a day + light resistance training by Jan 1.
Nutrition: This has been the best success. Slick and I are still sticking with our nutrition plan. We've learned where and when to "cheat." We've learned the effects of such indulgences. I've worked really hard at the Fibromyalgia Diet I mentioned in a previous blog. I've cut out or significantly reduced everything on the list except coffee. I'm still drinking 2-3 cups a day.
Goal: Cut down on coffee.
Weight Loss: I've hinted around this a few times, but here it is for the record.
April 2: 225lbs, 39" waist
Sept 20: 188lbs, 35" waist
Goal: 175lbs, 33" waist
Sleep: Ah the curse of a Fibromyalgic. Recently, I've been able to sleep without the use of the lunesta. I don't know how long that will last. The secret has been 2-part. 1) Deep-meditative relaxation before bed. 2) Set sleep schedule. Both are painfully hard to stick with. Some nights I'll be up late playing WoW and realize that it's bed-time. I can't just hop into bed. I need 30-40 minutes to relax...no tv, no computer...just me and the iPod. The trick has been to set my alarm clock and get up. Period. Every day, I'm up at 8:30. I also try to avoid naps.
Goal: Continue routine
Simplify: It's hard to quantify this one. We have dramatically cut costs, cut our use of resources and cut a lot of waste from our lives. In August, our electric bill was $20 less than last year. This was in spite of the facts that I was at home for most of the month, that August was hotter than last year, AND that the per-unit cost of our electric was higher than last year. So yes, we're doing more with less!
Goal: Start a herb & veggie garden and install a rain-water barrel.
Life Balance: This is an even harder one to quantify. I'm doing really well with "stress management." I've been reading, praying & thinking on this one. I need to be more active at church. I really should get out of the house more. I'm still thinking about a part-time job. Basically, there's too many things going on in this category to sum up.
Goal: Get back involved in church.
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Bionic Rabbit Ears
This is the continuation from the earlier "Rabbit Ears" post. I did make a final product selection.
For our antenna, I went with the Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception. My research indicated that an indoor antenna would be fine. But it also indicated that, given the distance, an amplifier would help.
For the tuner, I finally found and went with the Philips DVDR3575H/37 1080p Upscaling DVDR with Built-In Tuner. This was a tough call. The Samsung was highly recommended and available at my local big-box store today. It was also well within my budget. The Philips machine stretches the budget to the limit. Still, Slick totally and enthusiastically approved this upgrade. The Philips does what no other "non-Tivo," "non-Replay" machine can do w/out having to get a cable or satellite package. It acts as a DTV tuner, a DVR w/pause & a DvD burner w/ multiple play back options.
Anyway, the equipment will be here in a week or so. After I get it installed, I'll post some pictures and let you know how things go.
For our antenna, I went with the Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception. My research indicated that an indoor antenna would be fine. But it also indicated that, given the distance, an amplifier would help.
For the tuner, I finally found and went with the Philips DVDR3575H/37 1080p Upscaling DVDR with Built-In Tuner. This was a tough call. The Samsung was highly recommended and available at my local big-box store today. It was also well within my budget. The Philips machine stretches the budget to the limit. Still, Slick totally and enthusiastically approved this upgrade. The Philips does what no other "non-Tivo," "non-Replay" machine can do w/out having to get a cable or satellite package. It acts as a DTV tuner, a DVR w/pause & a DvD burner w/ multiple play back options.
Anyway, the equipment will be here in a week or so. After I get it installed, I'll post some pictures and let you know how things go.
Talk Like a Pirate Day
Avast ye! It's be talk like a pirate day!
Seriously, no way I can make this shit up...
Talk like a pirate day
So, be a pirate or walk the plank!
Seriously, no way I can make this shit up...
Talk like a pirate day
So, be a pirate or walk the plank!
Rabbit Ears
Remember back in the days before cable & satellite tv? Television signals were (and still are) transmitted from big antennas to little antennas connected to your crappy black & white TV. Well, the more things change, the more they remain the same.
As I've mentioned many times in this blog, I have no cable or satellite hookup. It's been an important cost-cutting move. I quickly learned that there are many simple alternatives. As I type, I'm watching last night's NBC Nightly News from iTunes.
The lack of TV has it's pluses and minuses. The big plus is I'm amazed at the utter time-sync tv was to my life. I don't just sit there watching whatever crap is on. I read more books. When I am in front of the TV watching a DVD, it's something that I really want to watch. The big downside has been the lack of regular TV to watch sports on the weekend, news programs & the upcoming fall programs. It's also odd when guests come over. I've got a huge TV that no one can watch.
It's an interesting balancing act. One of my larger life objectives is a focus on "simplicity." Getting rid of bloated & expensive cable packages makes sense. But, do the many and creative ways that I now watch programing fit that bill? Actually, yes. The overall path to developing a simple lifestyle is frustratingly complex. This is about keeping costs down and focusing on choices. So, how does this tangent fit with the topic of this post? Glad you asked...
Digital and High Definition TV signals are broadcast over the air. These aren't your old analog signals (which are going away.) Traditional & modern antennas are cropping up all over. The quality of the signals often beat cable & satellite signals. With a digital "terrestrial" receiver & an antenna, anyone can get these signals for free. This enables you to watch all your local & regional television stations (affiliated ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS & independent stations.)
So, what do you do?
The first and most important step is determining your signal quality & appropriate antenna. Setting up an antenna can cost $10 to $150 depending on your needs. If your signal is good, then a simple antenna is perfect. But if you live in a rural area, a large outdoor antenna and cables may be required. So, how do I know what I need? There are two great websites to help do this.
AntennaWeb - This is a site created by CEA (Consumer Electronics Association.) Having their logo on the box of your antenna helps identify an industry agreed-upon level of quality control. It's chart easily and accurately indicated my station choices.
TV Fool - This site rocks! TV Fool takes data and crunches numbers to show you signal strengths at your location. This enabled me to make a reasonable determination of my antenna needs. There's even a GoogleEarth interface to download so you can see color-coded images of a station's broadcast range.
There are tons of antennas to choose from. I'm no expert. The good news is that a lot of big named retailers (Amazon, Circuit City, Buy.com) sell them. Most of their websites include customer opinions. Remember that some companies seed opinions. Your mileage will vary.
The next step is receiver/tuner. If you have a new HDTV w/ Digital receiver, you're set. However, most people fall into one of two categories: Old analog set OR HD-Ready TV. HD-Ready is a cost saving way for most people to buy HDTV's since most people have cable or satellite boxes. You are no longer "most people." You'll need a receiver.
The first and most important thing to know about receivers is to avoid cheap analog only boxes. They will be found on "small company" websites or on ebay. They will be obsolete in a year. You need a DTV ATSC OTA Tuner or Terrestrial DTV tuner. (That's over the air digital TV. ATSC is the standard.) Right at this moment in history, your choices are slim. A few years ago, several companies were making these tuners. You can still find them at 3rd-party retailers. If you want new and current tech, your search will probably turn up the only "big-named" terrestrial tuner in production, the Samsung HDTV Digital Terrestrial Receiver DTB-H260F.
If you don't want this tuner, you have a few options. You can find an online retailer with one of the older Samsung, Phillips or Zenith models. You can buy an off-brand receiver at an online retailer. You can buy a very expensive Sony or Phillips DVD recorder w/ Digital tuner. You can wait to see if manufacturers bring out new models when analog is officially killed.
Anyway, good luck. I've not made my purchase yet. I'm still waiting on a lead to save some money. What am I leaning toward? OK...
I'm leaning toward getting the Samsung HDTV Digital Terrestrial Receiver DTB-H260F & Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception. My projected cost will be $200-225 (depending on retailer.) I'm still investigating some slightly more expensive multi-directional and attic antennas. I'll check back when I make the purchase.
As I've mentioned many times in this blog, I have no cable or satellite hookup. It's been an important cost-cutting move. I quickly learned that there are many simple alternatives. As I type, I'm watching last night's NBC Nightly News from iTunes.
The lack of TV has it's pluses and minuses. The big plus is I'm amazed at the utter time-sync tv was to my life. I don't just sit there watching whatever crap is on. I read more books. When I am in front of the TV watching a DVD, it's something that I really want to watch. The big downside has been the lack of regular TV to watch sports on the weekend, news programs & the upcoming fall programs. It's also odd when guests come over. I've got a huge TV that no one can watch.
It's an interesting balancing act. One of my larger life objectives is a focus on "simplicity." Getting rid of bloated & expensive cable packages makes sense. But, do the many and creative ways that I now watch programing fit that bill? Actually, yes. The overall path to developing a simple lifestyle is frustratingly complex. This is about keeping costs down and focusing on choices. So, how does this tangent fit with the topic of this post? Glad you asked...
Digital and High Definition TV signals are broadcast over the air. These aren't your old analog signals (which are going away.) Traditional & modern antennas are cropping up all over. The quality of the signals often beat cable & satellite signals. With a digital "terrestrial" receiver & an antenna, anyone can get these signals for free. This enables you to watch all your local & regional television stations (affiliated ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS & independent stations.)
So, what do you do?
The first and most important step is determining your signal quality & appropriate antenna. Setting up an antenna can cost $10 to $150 depending on your needs. If your signal is good, then a simple antenna is perfect. But if you live in a rural area, a large outdoor antenna and cables may be required. So, how do I know what I need? There are two great websites to help do this.
AntennaWeb - This is a site created by CEA (Consumer Electronics Association.) Having their logo on the box of your antenna helps identify an industry agreed-upon level of quality control. It's chart easily and accurately indicated my station choices.
TV Fool - This site rocks! TV Fool takes data and crunches numbers to show you signal strengths at your location. This enabled me to make a reasonable determination of my antenna needs. There's even a GoogleEarth interface to download so you can see color-coded images of a station's broadcast range.
There are tons of antennas to choose from. I'm no expert. The good news is that a lot of big named retailers (Amazon, Circuit City, Buy.com) sell them. Most of their websites include customer opinions. Remember that some companies seed opinions. Your mileage will vary.
The next step is receiver/tuner. If you have a new HDTV w/ Digital receiver, you're set. However, most people fall into one of two categories: Old analog set OR HD-Ready TV. HD-Ready is a cost saving way for most people to buy HDTV's since most people have cable or satellite boxes. You are no longer "most people." You'll need a receiver.
The first and most important thing to know about receivers is to avoid cheap analog only boxes. They will be found on "small company" websites or on ebay. They will be obsolete in a year. You need a DTV ATSC OTA Tuner or Terrestrial DTV tuner. (That's over the air digital TV. ATSC is the standard.) Right at this moment in history, your choices are slim. A few years ago, several companies were making these tuners. You can still find them at 3rd-party retailers. If you want new and current tech, your search will probably turn up the only "big-named" terrestrial tuner in production, the Samsung HDTV Digital Terrestrial Receiver DTB-H260F.
If you don't want this tuner, you have a few options. You can find an online retailer with one of the older Samsung, Phillips or Zenith models. You can buy an off-brand receiver at an online retailer. You can buy a very expensive Sony or Phillips DVD recorder w/ Digital tuner. You can wait to see if manufacturers bring out new models when analog is officially killed.
Anyway, good luck. I've not made my purchase yet. I'm still waiting on a lead to save some money. What am I leaning toward? OK...
I'm leaning toward getting the Samsung HDTV Digital Terrestrial Receiver DTB-H260F & Terk HDTVa Indoor Amplified High-Definition Antenna for Off-Air HDTV Reception. My projected cost will be $200-225 (depending on retailer.) I'm still investigating some slightly more expensive multi-directional and attic antennas. I'll check back when I make the purchase.
Monday, September 17, 2007
An open letter to my Philadelphia Eagles
Dear Philadelphia Eagles,
Thanks for saving me money this year. As you may have heard, I moved out of town 3 years ago. It costs a lot of money to be your fan in the south. Over the last 3 seasons, I painstakingly checked the tv schedule for national games and "local" appearances. When that didn't work, I spent tons of cash drinking beer at crowded, smoke-filled bars to see you. I hate crowded, smoke-filled bars. So devoted to you, I befriended people with DirectTV even though I secretly didn't like spending time with them. When I couldn't go over to my "friend's" place or go out, I paid to listen to you over the internet. For you, I endured hours of ridicule at work for being "the Eagles fan." I wore that label as a badge of honor even through the T.O. bullshit. I covered my cube with YOU (and a tiny picture of my wife.) When last season ended, I made a silent pledge to convince my wife to let me get the NFL package this year.
After getting sick in the off-season, being on disability and eventually leaving my job, I had to trim the budget. So, I got rid of cable. Secretly, I pined for you, my Eagles. I planned and schemed to introduce satellite into the house for the fall. We would be together again!
As the summer wore on, I missed TV less and less. I enjoyed the $60 in monthly savings more and more. I had Netflix and WoW. I was fine. Then the preseason started and withdrawal set in. How could I survive without "Fly EAGLES fly?" I reminded myself that it was simply preseason.
I missed the opener against the Packers. I read you played horribly, but I told myself that this was Donovan's post-injury rust. I knew it was my fault for not being there for you. I felt so bad. Monday Night Football against the hated Redskins would be better. I would be there for you, in public, in my Westbrook jersey! I would scream "E-A-G-L-E-S...EAGLES!" every time you scored against those hated pigskins.
So tonight, I drove 45 minutes to meet a friend...a REDSKINS fan...so I could cheer you on and in true Eagles-Fan tradition, give him crap for having such a bad team. So what if his team has actual Super Bowl wins. They suck! I'm from Philly!
But you know what. You sucked! You didn't even put on a pretense of not sucking. You sucking sucked...you suckers! I spent $40, smell like smoke and feel bloated for what? So you could lolly-gag on Monday Night Football? You sucked in front of the nation. People at the bar didn't give me crap. Nooooo! They gave me pity. PITY! Me! An Eagles fan! They hate Eagles fans here. Why would they offer me pity? Because you SUCK!
So, I need some time to myself to work through my anger. During that time, I will not defend Donovan "bounce-pass" McMissy's accuracy. I will not speak about the amazing Johnson "can't stop the run" blitz D-Fence. Instead, I will take some time to enjoy my fall Sundays reading a book or grilling on the deck. This way, I'll save money and return to you ready to renew our relationship.
I suggest you take this time to stop SUUUUCKKKING!!!
Your "loyal" fan,
LRNs
P.S. Did I mention that you suck? Good! I didn't want to forget that point.
Thanks for saving me money this year. As you may have heard, I moved out of town 3 years ago. It costs a lot of money to be your fan in the south. Over the last 3 seasons, I painstakingly checked the tv schedule for national games and "local" appearances. When that didn't work, I spent tons of cash drinking beer at crowded, smoke-filled bars to see you. I hate crowded, smoke-filled bars. So devoted to you, I befriended people with DirectTV even though I secretly didn't like spending time with them. When I couldn't go over to my "friend's" place or go out, I paid to listen to you over the internet. For you, I endured hours of ridicule at work for being "the Eagles fan." I wore that label as a badge of honor even through the T.O. bullshit. I covered my cube with YOU (and a tiny picture of my wife.) When last season ended, I made a silent pledge to convince my wife to let me get the NFL package this year.
After getting sick in the off-season, being on disability and eventually leaving my job, I had to trim the budget. So, I got rid of cable. Secretly, I pined for you, my Eagles. I planned and schemed to introduce satellite into the house for the fall. We would be together again!
As the summer wore on, I missed TV less and less. I enjoyed the $60 in monthly savings more and more. I had Netflix and WoW. I was fine. Then the preseason started and withdrawal set in. How could I survive without "Fly EAGLES fly?" I reminded myself that it was simply preseason.
I missed the opener against the Packers. I read you played horribly, but I told myself that this was Donovan's post-injury rust. I knew it was my fault for not being there for you. I felt so bad. Monday Night Football against the hated Redskins would be better. I would be there for you, in public, in my Westbrook jersey! I would scream "E-A-G-L-E-S...EAGLES!" every time you scored against those hated pigskins.
So tonight, I drove 45 minutes to meet a friend...a REDSKINS fan...so I could cheer you on and in true Eagles-Fan tradition, give him crap for having such a bad team. So what if his team has actual Super Bowl wins. They suck! I'm from Philly!
But you know what. You sucked! You didn't even put on a pretense of not sucking. You sucking sucked...you suckers! I spent $40, smell like smoke and feel bloated for what? So you could lolly-gag on Monday Night Football? You sucked in front of the nation. People at the bar didn't give me crap. Nooooo! They gave me pity. PITY! Me! An Eagles fan! They hate Eagles fans here. Why would they offer me pity? Because you SUCK!
So, I need some time to myself to work through my anger. During that time, I will not defend Donovan "bounce-pass" McMissy's accuracy. I will not speak about the amazing Johnson "can't stop the run" blitz D-Fence. Instead, I will take some time to enjoy my fall Sundays reading a book or grilling on the deck. This way, I'll save money and return to you ready to renew our relationship.
I suggest you take this time to stop SUUUUCKKKING!!!
Your "loyal" fan,
LRNs
P.S. Did I mention that you suck? Good! I didn't want to forget that point.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Phillies
There are 17 games left in the regular season. The Philthies are only 1.5 games behind the Padres for the wild card. We are once again back in the same place we've been so many times in the last few years, in the hunt for the wild card in the middle of September. Remember the year the Marlins won the world series? Yeah, they took the wild card from us in the last week. They beat us good and we deserved it.
So, what's coming up? We've got the Mets, St Louis, Washington, Atlanta & Washington.
The Padres? San Fran, Pittsburgh, Colorado, San Fran & Milwaukee.
Yeah, we're finishing off with Washington & Atlanta. That's two teams out of the playoffs and not doing so well lately. But, we don't play either of them well. And, let's not forget the Dodgers and the Rockies are breathing down our necks. Seriously, it's gonna take some serious play. We can't win with the 5-5 we pulled over the last 10 games.
Dare to believe? Well, I'm certainly not going to hold my breath.
Good article on the subject...
Survival Skills
So, what's coming up? We've got the Mets, St Louis, Washington, Atlanta & Washington.
The Padres? San Fran, Pittsburgh, Colorado, San Fran & Milwaukee.
Yeah, we're finishing off with Washington & Atlanta. That's two teams out of the playoffs and not doing so well lately. But, we don't play either of them well. And, let's not forget the Dodgers and the Rockies are breathing down our necks. Seriously, it's gonna take some serious play. We can't win with the 5-5 we pulled over the last 10 games.
Dare to believe? Well, I'm certainly not going to hold my breath.
Good article on the subject...
Survival Skills
Thursday, September 13, 2007
And now something for you Eagles fans/conspiracy theorists
I like a good conspiracy theory as much as the next history fan, but this one hits too close to home!
Eagles now suspicious about title loss to Pats
Think about it. The Pats were caught stealing signals in a lousy season opener against the J-E-T-S, Jets. Why wouldn't they be willing to cheat in the Super Bowl? The answer is that they wouldn't. The Eagles lost by 3 points. It was a close game and it was during the second half when the Pats seemed to be able to screen-pass out of ever blitz. Nobody was good enough to do it consistently all season, and yet the Pats did. Why?
I sure hope it's not true. And even if it is, there's no way to prove it.
Eagles now suspicious about title loss to Pats
Think about it. The Pats were caught stealing signals in a lousy season opener against the J-E-T-S, Jets. Why wouldn't they be willing to cheat in the Super Bowl? The answer is that they wouldn't. The Eagles lost by 3 points. It was a close game and it was during the second half when the Pats seemed to be able to screen-pass out of ever blitz. Nobody was good enough to do it consistently all season, and yet the Pats did. Why?
I sure hope it's not true. And even if it is, there's no way to prove it.
My New Pedometer & Google Maps
I got my 20% off members coupon from REI the other day. Since I'm doing all this walking & hiking for exercise, I went out and got a pedometer. It was hard to choose. I didn't want a simple step counter, nor could I afford an expensive GPS-enhanced model. So, I went with this $25 one from Sportsline since it included some extra features including a mile/km counter.
My standard walk is 30 minutes. Since google maps allows for multiple destinations, I was able to get a fairly accurate reading of 1.6 miles (my house as the start & my neighbor as the finish.) Well, the test worked well. With no calibration, I took 3390 steps in 30 min for 1.60 miles. It was spot on!
If the weather holds, I usually go on my weekly 2 mile walking trail walk tomorrow. I'm trying to push my daily to 2 miles and my weekly to 4. If it remains accurate, the pedometer should help me with that. We'll see how it goes.
My standard walk is 30 minutes. Since google maps allows for multiple destinations, I was able to get a fairly accurate reading of 1.6 miles (my house as the start & my neighbor as the finish.) Well, the test worked well. With no calibration, I took 3390 steps in 30 min for 1.60 miles. It was spot on!
If the weather holds, I usually go on my weekly 2 mile walking trail walk tomorrow. I'm trying to push my daily to 2 miles and my weekly to 4. If it remains accurate, the pedometer should help me with that. We'll see how it goes.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Voting for Obama
So, here's the thing that I was going to mention on Tuesday. I've decide to vote for Barack Obama in the primaries. I'm writing this here, because I've mentioned to a number of friends and families my decision to sit out of the democratic primary. Why the change of heart? Well, you can thank Amy Sullivan for that.
Amy Sullivan is a contributing editor for the Washington Monthly & a writer for Slate.com. In May she appeared on a panel discussion at Yale Divinity School on the subject of Faith & Citizenship in America. I listened to a recording of the panel. She was awesome. I really empathized with her struggles with finding a church home. Her sense of frustration over the state of religious rhetoric in Politics matched my own. She's politically liberal but religiously conservative (but in my kind of way.) So, when she commented on the genuine nature of Barack Obama's discussions about his faith, I took notice. When she and Congressman Price (D-NC) used his faith positions in juxtapositions against Bush and the religious right, I became even more interested. So, I did some digging.
I found a commentary she wrote about Obama in July:
The Real Meaning of Obama's Speech
I did some additional digging about Obama, his position on a variety of issues and realized I could vote for this guy. He finally became my viable alternative to Hillary. And yes, I'm really not excited about Hillary. Why?
Let me speak plainly: There is too much hate for her and her husband for her to become the uniter that my liberal friends say she will be. Too many of my moderate friends share this view. A friend in the military said that he doesn't trust her nor do the other soldiers he knows. His lack of trust for Hillary matches the lack of trust my Liberal friends have for Bush. Yes, I know there will always be a number of people who will not trust someone purely on the basis of their political party. Some may not like this reasoning, but there it is. AND I'M NOT ALONE!
I need someone that I vote for to not be named Bush or Clinton. End of story. It has nothing to do with her gender (I think women often make better leaders) or her politics (I agree with nearly everything she says.) Nope, she's got guilt by association. And certainly, I'm willing and able to forgive and forget, but the country won't. We don't need that baggage in the White House after the crap we're dealing with right now.
So, Obama's a man of faith, he's electable, he feels presidential, I like his stances on issues and he's doesn't come out of the gate with a mark against him. That works for me.
OK, but what about the other candidates? Well, ummm...no. I don't think any of the other Democrats have a snowball's chance. I, like a number of my friends, might have jumped sides in 2004 for McCain, but not this time. His desperate attempts to build bridges with the religious right just didn't work for me. And, you couldn't get me to vote for any other Republicans if you held a gun to my head.
Note: McCain was on the Diane Rehm's show on NPR yesterday. He answered some tough questions. A caller asked him about the whole Falwell thing. He handled it well. The fact is that I just don't agree with his key platforms. I specifically don't agree with his position on Iraq anymore. However, (and I know some folks are going to take issue with this) I still respect him.
But why am I going on like this...
So, what happens if Clinton gets the nomination? I'm going to keep that answer to myself for now.
Amy Sullivan is a contributing editor for the Washington Monthly & a writer for Slate.com. In May she appeared on a panel discussion at Yale Divinity School on the subject of Faith & Citizenship in America. I listened to a recording of the panel. She was awesome. I really empathized with her struggles with finding a church home. Her sense of frustration over the state of religious rhetoric in Politics matched my own. She's politically liberal but religiously conservative (but in my kind of way.) So, when she commented on the genuine nature of Barack Obama's discussions about his faith, I took notice. When she and Congressman Price (D-NC) used his faith positions in juxtapositions against Bush and the religious right, I became even more interested. So, I did some digging.
I found a commentary she wrote about Obama in July:
The Real Meaning of Obama's Speech
I did some additional digging about Obama, his position on a variety of issues and realized I could vote for this guy. He finally became my viable alternative to Hillary. And yes, I'm really not excited about Hillary. Why?
Let me speak plainly: There is too much hate for her and her husband for her to become the uniter that my liberal friends say she will be. Too many of my moderate friends share this view. A friend in the military said that he doesn't trust her nor do the other soldiers he knows. His lack of trust for Hillary matches the lack of trust my Liberal friends have for Bush. Yes, I know there will always be a number of people who will not trust someone purely on the basis of their political party. Some may not like this reasoning, but there it is. AND I'M NOT ALONE!
I need someone that I vote for to not be named Bush or Clinton. End of story. It has nothing to do with her gender (I think women often make better leaders) or her politics (I agree with nearly everything she says.) Nope, she's got guilt by association. And certainly, I'm willing and able to forgive and forget, but the country won't. We don't need that baggage in the White House after the crap we're dealing with right now.
So, Obama's a man of faith, he's electable, he feels presidential, I like his stances on issues and he's doesn't come out of the gate with a mark against him. That works for me.
OK, but what about the other candidates? Well, ummm...no. I don't think any of the other Democrats have a snowball's chance. I, like a number of my friends, might have jumped sides in 2004 for McCain, but not this time. His desperate attempts to build bridges with the religious right just didn't work for me. And, you couldn't get me to vote for any other Republicans if you held a gun to my head.
Note: McCain was on the Diane Rehm's show on NPR yesterday. He answered some tough questions. A caller asked him about the whole Falwell thing. He handled it well. The fact is that I just don't agree with his key platforms. I specifically don't agree with his position on Iraq anymore. However, (and I know some folks are going to take issue with this) I still respect him.
But why am I going on like this...
Vote Obama!
So, what happens if Clinton gets the nomination? I'm going to keep that answer to myself for now.
The Wailin' Jennys
I know it's not November yet, but Slick and I are really excited about our anniversary plans. The Wailin' Jennys are coming to town in November. We already got the tickets. The venue is a small concert hall. Which is awesome. And the tickets were really affordable. Which is even more awesome!
Who are the Wailin' Jennys? They are a trio of women from mid-west Canada. They are best described as a blend of country, Celtic & folk harmony. Some of their stuff hearkens to the sounds of Appalachia. I first heard them two years ago when they were guests on A Prairie Home Companion.
Yes, I know, I know...I'm a folk-music lovin', left-wing, NPR-listening, crunchy-granola nut-job. You know what my man Polonius told Hamlet, "To thine own self be true!" But I digress...
Anyway, I admittedly love the sound of quality female harmony and they fit the bill. I'm not going to compare them to the Indigo Girls, BUT...if you like them, you'll like the Wailin' Jennys. The trouble now is that I have about 5 of their songs from iTunes and I'm trying to decide if we should pick up a whole album or two.
If you want to try the Wailin' Jennys, but don't want to buy whole albums, I recommend the following songs to get you started: One Voice, The Parting Glass or Long Time Traveler.
Note: While writing this message, I opened iTunes to listen to them. Unfortunately, I didn't pay attention. It's an odd thing when a song like Long Time Traveler transitions into Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. Very odd. And yes, I know that my taste in music is rather eclectic....and... Ack! How did this mix happen and why do I have Love Song by Sara Bareilles?!? Make it stop! ;-)
Who are the Wailin' Jennys? They are a trio of women from mid-west Canada. They are best described as a blend of country, Celtic & folk harmony. Some of their stuff hearkens to the sounds of Appalachia. I first heard them two years ago when they were guests on A Prairie Home Companion.
Yes, I know, I know...I'm a folk-music lovin', left-wing, NPR-listening, crunchy-granola nut-job. You know what my man Polonius told Hamlet, "To thine own self be true!" But I digress...
Anyway, I admittedly love the sound of quality female harmony and they fit the bill. I'm not going to compare them to the Indigo Girls, BUT...if you like them, you'll like the Wailin' Jennys. The trouble now is that I have about 5 of their songs from iTunes and I'm trying to decide if we should pick up a whole album or two.
If you want to try the Wailin' Jennys, but don't want to buy whole albums, I recommend the following songs to get you started: One Voice, The Parting Glass or Long Time Traveler.
Note: While writing this message, I opened iTunes to listen to them. Unfortunately, I didn't pay attention. It's an odd thing when a song like Long Time Traveler transitions into Sabotage by the Beastie Boys. Very odd. And yes, I know that my taste in music is rather eclectic....and... Ack! How did this mix happen and why do I have Love Song by Sara Bareilles?!? Make it stop! ;-)
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Pause & Reflect
I've been working on a post, but since it's 9/11, I'm going to set aside politics and prognostications today and come back tomorrow.
remember you are dust and to dust you shall return
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Lutheran Confessions Podcast
Dear ELCA,
Ever wondered what actual seminary professors from the "other" Lutheran Church in America (Missouri Synod) taught about stuff like the Creeds & Luther's Catechism. Well, now you can right from their own podcast. I shit you not!
I found it in "iTunes U." If you don't use iTunes, try the link below to get download or an RSS feed from Learn Out Loud.
Lutheran Confessions
I've not listened to any of it yet. I'm a little nervous. ;-)
P.S. Actually, if you use iTunes you should seriously look at iTunes U. They have downloadable material from MIT, Yale, Texas A&M, UC Berkley and more. Yale School of Music records student performances. I've got a recording of a guest lecture that Al Gore did at Stanford. Really, this is cool. The brain-trust of America open for everyone to experience.
Ever wondered what actual seminary professors from the "other" Lutheran Church in America (Missouri Synod) taught about stuff like the Creeds & Luther's Catechism. Well, now you can right from their own podcast. I shit you not!
I found it in "iTunes U." If you don't use iTunes, try the link below to get download or an RSS feed from Learn Out Loud.
Lutheran Confessions
I've not listened to any of it yet. I'm a little nervous. ;-)
P.S. Actually, if you use iTunes you should seriously look at iTunes U. They have downloadable material from MIT, Yale, Texas A&M, UC Berkley and more. Yale School of Music records student performances. I've got a recording of a guest lecture that Al Gore did at Stanford. Really, this is cool. The brain-trust of America open for everyone to experience.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
WoW Insanity Follow-up
Well, the day was a roller-coaster. Ill words were exchanged by some, but for the most part I avoided direct confrontation. Originally, I was going to wait a few days to apply to another guild...
Yes I said apply! In order to join a raiding guild, you must fill out an application, have an interview, have your equipment reviewed, and usually do a test-run with members of the guild leadership. This is "serious" fun.
Anyway, I went ahead and applied with the guild that Cainam has been pushing. He's got friends there. They've got an active presence on our server. Their website is maintained nicely. It seems like a good choice. I was nervous because they listed themselves as "closed" to hunter applications. But, word had gotten to me that I should apply anyway.
Applying as a hunter (that's my class) to a raiding guild is a nervous time. Hunter is the "class" that every random person who gets the game for Christmas ends up playing. It's easy-mode to play, but hard to master. A lot of really bad hunters hit level 70 and think they can raid only to discover that no guild wants them. Thankfully, I don't fall into the suck-o category. I'm not saying I'm a master, but I was selected class-rep in my old guild. I'm good at it.
Additionally, hunters are a unique category of DPS (damage per second) that often under-performs other classes. They make up for it in other ways, but those other skills are less and less important in the end game. So, not only am I cursed with the noob-class, but I'm also in a class that's considered inferior for end-game content. Most raiding guilds keep their list of active hunters low...but I digress...
Let me just say that they really liked me. I answered all the right questions. Apparently, recent applicants couldn't even define shot rotation. Shot rotation is the timed sequence of buttons a hunter should hit to maximize his/her effectiveness. It's all about DPS and sustainability. Well, 30 seconds into my analysis of my particular rotation and my reason for it, I had the job.
And yes, I said analysis. I've run data-gathering programs in test conditions to compare shot selections.
In fact the only knock against me was that I've not finished my new Armor. Making equipment is another essential element to the game. It requires hours of materials gathering. It would have been nice to be further along with it. BUT, it was also the moment in the interview that I was sold on them. Several tips were provided on the subject and offers of help were given. They're going to help me! They have the people and resources to help me become a better player.
I'm home!
Yes I said apply! In order to join a raiding guild, you must fill out an application, have an interview, have your equipment reviewed, and usually do a test-run with members of the guild leadership. This is "serious" fun.
Anyway, I went ahead and applied with the guild that Cainam has been pushing. He's got friends there. They've got an active presence on our server. Their website is maintained nicely. It seems like a good choice. I was nervous because they listed themselves as "closed" to hunter applications. But, word had gotten to me that I should apply anyway.
Applying as a hunter (that's my class) to a raiding guild is a nervous time. Hunter is the "class" that every random person who gets the game for Christmas ends up playing. It's easy-mode to play, but hard to master. A lot of really bad hunters hit level 70 and think they can raid only to discover that no guild wants them. Thankfully, I don't fall into the suck-o category. I'm not saying I'm a master, but I was selected class-rep in my old guild. I'm good at it.
Additionally, hunters are a unique category of DPS (damage per second) that often under-performs other classes. They make up for it in other ways, but those other skills are less and less important in the end game. So, not only am I cursed with the noob-class, but I'm also in a class that's considered inferior for end-game content. Most raiding guilds keep their list of active hunters low...but I digress...
Let me just say that they really liked me. I answered all the right questions. Apparently, recent applicants couldn't even define shot rotation. Shot rotation is the timed sequence of buttons a hunter should hit to maximize his/her effectiveness. It's all about DPS and sustainability. Well, 30 seconds into my analysis of my particular rotation and my reason for it, I had the job.
And yes, I said analysis. I've run data-gathering programs in test conditions to compare shot selections.
In fact the only knock against me was that I've not finished my new Armor. Making equipment is another essential element to the game. It requires hours of materials gathering. It would have been nice to be further along with it. BUT, it was also the moment in the interview that I was sold on them. Several tips were provided on the subject and offers of help were given. They're going to help me! They have the people and resources to help me become a better player.
I'm home!
World of Warcraft...not for the faint-hearted
This post is going to be a long one because it's been a long time coming. Over the next several paragraphs I'm going to compare World of Warcraft (WoW) to a religion, while I regale you with the story of what's been happening the last several weeks. I acknowledge that this will be an over-reaching analogy and will probably run right over that line in the sand covering idolatry & herecy. Sound fun? Good...read on.
First an introduction to the terms and the players...
WoW: The video game World of Warcraft. Even my geek friends call it excessive. It's not just a game. It's not just a hobby. It's called world of "warcrack" for a reason.
Level: Players play the game from levels 1-70. When players hit level 70, the nature of the game changes dramatically. Some say, this is where the game really begins. It can take anywhere from 2-8 months of play for people to hit level 70.
End-Game Content: The insane stuff that level 70 players do until the wee hours of the morning.
Instance: A sub-area of the game where teams of 5-players join up to tackle difficult in-game challenges.
Raid: A larger sub-area where teams of level 70 players are merged to work together. Raid Instances are a variety of sizes including 10, 25 & 40 players. The casual player need not apply.
Guild: A group of 10 or more players who create their own "club."
Raiding Guild: A guild of 40-50 (or even more) level 70 players dedicated to Raiding End-Game Content.
GM: Guild Master. This is the person in charge of the guild. In the top guilds, this can look and feel like a full-time job.
Officers: The guild-master's assistants. Sometimes like a board of directors. Really depends on the guild.
So, here's where it gets interesting. The best way I can describe WoW to anyone who hasn't played it, is to say that WoW is a videogame AND a social network. Because of the extreme amount of time and effort involved in end-game content, players find themselves dedicated to it like a part-time job. However, the best way I can describe the psychological and sociological framework is to compare WoW to a religious system. WoW is the religion. The raiding guild is the congregation. The GM is the pastor. The officers are the church council. Raiding is our worship. (See, I told you it was going to sound really bad!)
Now, every raid is like a different kind of service. Each requires different rituals and different participants. BUT, each congregation has different attitudes about preparation and discipline. The best guilds are Zealots. They eat, sleep and breath the raid. The worst guilds are like the church in Doonsbury. They are so into all their social engagements and non-worship activities that they never get down to the business of successfully raiding.
The Zealots can burn out, but it's the lax church that falls apart. Every guild and all their players must decide if their focus is the worship OR the people. Are you a social guild or a raiding guild? Walking the line between is the best and hardest thing to do. This is my story about failing to walk that line.
When I joined my raiding guild it was thriving, but already beginning to falter. Our GM and leadership had gone through some massive changes. (Think about getting a new pastor & church council president.) The game had recently expanded (think building remodeling.) The whole guild needed to go from level 60-70 in order to start raiding again (moving to another worship space.)
When we arrived in our new space, the dynamic of raiding had changed. Our leadership was more interested in the way people felt and less about the ritual and preparation. (This is good in real church, bad in the church of WoW.) We struggled. The GM and her closest Officer (think Pastor & Church Council President) are great people and faithful players, but poor organizers. Slowly but surely a number of long-time members left for other Guilds (congregations) or stopped playing WoW (crisis of faith.)
Newer, less prepared members were thrust into positions of leadership. My friend Avouz found himself in the position of Tank & Raid Leader (think minister of music and worship leader.) My friend Ionya, a steadfast & quiet person (usher-type) was suddenly thrust into a leadership role too (think Stewardship Committee Chair.) And I, for my part, excitedly went into a leadership position too. (Imagine being Church Council VP, but in complete disagreement with the President.)
And so, the "church" hung on. Folks left & folks came. There was talk of a great revival of faith and new membership. Our grounds became somewhat dilapidated. Worship attendance became sporadic. More members left. Still, folks were hopeful. Except, quietly, my friends and I became miserable.
Why? It's simple. We wanted to be raiders. The guild became focused on the people. There's nothing wrong with a people-focused guild. There's a problem with raiders who stick around trying to change it back to a raiding-focused guild. (Imagine a bunch of old-school high-church members sticking around in a progressive praise-band congregation....something has to give.)
Three weeks ago, the guild began preparation for an important 25-player raid that we'd not tried in months. (Think Easter worship OR pot-luck fund raiser.) It was at the same time that my friends and I decided it was time to leave the guild, but we knew that the raid would never work unless we stayed. So, we did. And the raid went fine. It was the kind of raid that brings new hope to the players, but also the kind of thing that showed us how out of place we really were. It was a success and a failure all at once.
So, this morning, as we had planned, we all left. The decision is having ripple effects in our little church. Three of us were guild officers. My friend Cainam was our top damage dealer. (Imagine if half your church council left and your best soloist & organist left with them. )
The hurt and rift caused by this situation might very well be the death-cry for the guild. Yet, to stay would have done a disservice to us and to the guild. Perhaps, folks will wake up and make the guild better. Perhaps not.
But, the bottom line is that we were all miserable about the situation and it's a game. We're not quitting, but we are moving on. Our #1 reason for playing the game is to do it together and we lost sight of that. Our #2 reason for playing the game was to experience the end-game stuff which our guild simply could not do.
I guess I'm just feeling the loss and grief from any change that comes from strife and difficulty. The sad part is that our GM & leadership will never be able to forgive us. We tried to do the right thing, but we burned the bridge hard.
First an introduction to the terms and the players...
WoW: The video game World of Warcraft. Even my geek friends call it excessive. It's not just a game. It's not just a hobby. It's called world of "warcrack" for a reason.
Level: Players play the game from levels 1-70. When players hit level 70, the nature of the game changes dramatically. Some say, this is where the game really begins. It can take anywhere from 2-8 months of play for people to hit level 70.
End-Game Content: The insane stuff that level 70 players do until the wee hours of the morning.
Instance: A sub-area of the game where teams of 5-players join up to tackle difficult in-game challenges.
Raid: A larger sub-area where teams of level 70 players are merged to work together. Raid Instances are a variety of sizes including 10, 25 & 40 players. The casual player need not apply.
Guild: A group of 10 or more players who create their own "club."
Raiding Guild: A guild of 40-50 (or even more) level 70 players dedicated to Raiding End-Game Content.
GM: Guild Master. This is the person in charge of the guild. In the top guilds, this can look and feel like a full-time job.
Officers: The guild-master's assistants. Sometimes like a board of directors. Really depends on the guild.
So, here's where it gets interesting. The best way I can describe WoW to anyone who hasn't played it, is to say that WoW is a videogame AND a social network. Because of the extreme amount of time and effort involved in end-game content, players find themselves dedicated to it like a part-time job. However, the best way I can describe the psychological and sociological framework is to compare WoW to a religious system. WoW is the religion. The raiding guild is the congregation. The GM is the pastor. The officers are the church council. Raiding is our worship. (See, I told you it was going to sound really bad!)
Now, every raid is like a different kind of service. Each requires different rituals and different participants. BUT, each congregation has different attitudes about preparation and discipline. The best guilds are Zealots. They eat, sleep and breath the raid. The worst guilds are like the church in Doonsbury. They are so into all their social engagements and non-worship activities that they never get down to the business of successfully raiding.
The Zealots can burn out, but it's the lax church that falls apart. Every guild and all their players must decide if their focus is the worship OR the people. Are you a social guild or a raiding guild? Walking the line between is the best and hardest thing to do. This is my story about failing to walk that line.
When I joined my raiding guild it was thriving, but already beginning to falter. Our GM and leadership had gone through some massive changes. (Think about getting a new pastor & church council president.) The game had recently expanded (think building remodeling.) The whole guild needed to go from level 60-70 in order to start raiding again (moving to another worship space.)
When we arrived in our new space, the dynamic of raiding had changed. Our leadership was more interested in the way people felt and less about the ritual and preparation. (This is good in real church, bad in the church of WoW.) We struggled. The GM and her closest Officer (think Pastor & Church Council President) are great people and faithful players, but poor organizers. Slowly but surely a number of long-time members left for other Guilds (congregations) or stopped playing WoW (crisis of faith.)
Newer, less prepared members were thrust into positions of leadership. My friend Avouz found himself in the position of Tank & Raid Leader (think minister of music and worship leader.) My friend Ionya, a steadfast & quiet person (usher-type) was suddenly thrust into a leadership role too (think Stewardship Committee Chair.) And I, for my part, excitedly went into a leadership position too. (Imagine being Church Council VP, but in complete disagreement with the President.)
And so, the "church" hung on. Folks left & folks came. There was talk of a great revival of faith and new membership. Our grounds became somewhat dilapidated. Worship attendance became sporadic. More members left. Still, folks were hopeful. Except, quietly, my friends and I became miserable.
Why? It's simple. We wanted to be raiders. The guild became focused on the people. There's nothing wrong with a people-focused guild. There's a problem with raiders who stick around trying to change it back to a raiding-focused guild. (Imagine a bunch of old-school high-church members sticking around in a progressive praise-band congregation....something has to give.)
Three weeks ago, the guild began preparation for an important 25-player raid that we'd not tried in months. (Think Easter worship OR pot-luck fund raiser.) It was at the same time that my friends and I decided it was time to leave the guild, but we knew that the raid would never work unless we stayed. So, we did. And the raid went fine. It was the kind of raid that brings new hope to the players, but also the kind of thing that showed us how out of place we really were. It was a success and a failure all at once.
So, this morning, as we had planned, we all left. The decision is having ripple effects in our little church. Three of us were guild officers. My friend Cainam was our top damage dealer. (Imagine if half your church council left and your best soloist & organist left with them. )
The hurt and rift caused by this situation might very well be the death-cry for the guild. Yet, to stay would have done a disservice to us and to the guild. Perhaps, folks will wake up and make the guild better. Perhaps not.
But, the bottom line is that we were all miserable about the situation and it's a game. We're not quitting, but we are moving on. Our #1 reason for playing the game is to do it together and we lost sight of that. Our #2 reason for playing the game was to experience the end-game stuff which our guild simply could not do.
I guess I'm just feeling the loss and grief from any change that comes from strife and difficulty. The sad part is that our GM & leadership will never be able to forgive us. We tried to do the right thing, but we burned the bridge hard.
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