The Devil’s Robot

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Tumble?

So I never post here. I’m just not the type who actually writes to the internets, I guess. I have entertained thoughts of having what is apparently called a ‘tumblelog’, which is a less-structured sort of dumping-grounds-for-neat-things-I-found blog. Problem is, I would’ve had to do some tweaking of softwares and things to make it work nicely, and I’m just too lazy for that.

Turns out, there’s a site that does it for you: tumblr.com.

I’ve set up a tumblr blog and am playing with it. It may well replace what’s currently here.

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Yes, and…

Wheaton knows a thing or two about improv comedy, and writes about Thank God You’re Here. Looks like the show suffers from the problem I expected when I first saw the commercials. It violates the basic principles of improv: that you not contradict another actor, and that you build off what they do. Shame, that — there are some talented people involved, and I like good improv a lot when it doesn’t involve Drew Carey.

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Assholes.

Remember, girls, to wear your burqas. Once you display any sexuality, you lose the right not to get jizzed on by a cop.

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Even some love for the Ewok

I completely adore Tony Bourdain. His summation of the ‘personalities’ on Food Network is dead on.

I mourn for Mario..and Alton…Bobby and yes–even Emeril, nobly holding the fort while the TV empire he helped build crumbles like undercooked Bundt cake into a goo of Cheez Wiz around him.

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WordPress.com knows better than you.

Via Pooflingers Anonymous, we find:

Here’s the story: not long ago, Janie and Kate wrote a short bit of serial erotica from two differing points of view (me linky you long time). To be quite honest, it really wasn’t all that dirty in comparison to some of the shit I’ve read on the web, and it had a style I respect where things are more hinted at than graphically described. Allowing the imagination to fill in the blanks is a great way to fly, and works well in nearly every literary genre (the main reason I like Steven King’s older works). Forcing the reader’s imagination to become actively involved in the story adds a bit of investment for the reader, and keeps them coming back.

Unfortunately for the girls, some asshole at WordPress apparently objected. It’s not that erotica and sex are taboo topics for WP blogs… the only thing we can figure is that someone took issue with the involvement of a priest in the story. Janie and Kate suddenly found their tags no longer appearing on WP’s main pages, and no searches in WP returned hits. All this, and no warning or explanation. A few emails to the support staff received half-assed excuses in reply… something about “we don’t want kids accidentally running into your stuff or people getting in trouble at work”.

They’ve gone on to start ‘disappearing’ blogs that posted in support of UDoJ, as well.

Times like this, I’m glad I have the knowledge and resources to be able to host my own content; services like WordPress.com and Blogspot are great resources, right up until they decide to start playing nanny. I’m also hoping Habari develops into a suitable replacement soon; this thing has rather soured me on the whole WordPress family.

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Yay trumpet

So this evening I drove down to ASU for the first rehearsal of the Emerson Wind Ensemble (abbreviated EWE, pronounced eew). This is the group that my friend Corey is conducting for a recital for one of his Music Education courses. He was kind enough to invite me to play 4th trumpet, even though I’m badly out of practice, and don’t even have a decent horn anymore.

Had a blast. I was playing on my semi-antique cornet, which will be a passable instrument once I get the valve springs replaced. Happily, one of the other trumpet players is bringing in an old horn of his to use, and possibly buy; I want to get my lip back, and I’m not going to be happy playing on my crappy beater trumpet.

It’s a short program, only three pieces, but they’re all good, including one by the great Eric Whitacre, composer of the legendary Godzilla Eats Las Vegas! (which I’ve rehearsed but never actually performed, due to a broken wrist that left me unable to play properly at the time). Particularly cool about this group is that I’m being challenged by playing alongside better musicians. The only chance I get to play here is in the local community college ensemble, where even as an out-of-practice hack, I’ve generally been the most solid player, so there’s no incentive to stretch. Also, it’s nice to play harmony parts, which one rarely gets when playing first chair. :)

It’s a bit of a pain driving 90 minutes each way, but at least that’s only once a week, and well worth it to have the chance to play in a real ensemble again. Thanks, Corey!

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fnord

Robert Anton Wilson is dead.

Dawn was breaking; the Nine Unknown Men, most mysterious of all rock groups, ceremonially donned their football helmets and faced the East to chant:

There is only ONE God:
He is the SUN God:
Ra! Ra! Ra!

Rest in chaos, Bob.

23 Skidoo!

HAIL ERIS!

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le sigh.

So I was all set to test for my 1st degree black belt in taekwondo on Saturday (the 6th). Out at the dojang the night before, practicing and making sure all my stuff was solidly in my memory, both brain and muscle.

Then I go and sprain my knee.

aargh.