Date: 21 Aug 2008 12:00 pm Subject: Bwuahahaha Security: Public Mood: amused Music: Xenosaga | Panic Tags: rl

More photographic evidence that I was once young. Murfle!

( One photo behind the cut )

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Date: 10 Aug 2008 03:13 pm Subject: Oh. My. God. Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy IX | Wall Of The Sacred Beasts Tags: inbox

So, I've been surfing like a madwoman the past few days... got distracted while reading Retardo Land and ended up overdosing on clicky-link-itis. And that leads me, eventually, to Great White Snark, which leads me, eventually, to this entry.

Which leads to Peter Pan's Home Page, but most importantly, to PeterPan's Fashion Page.

Do NOT visit unless you have a strong stomach and a sense of humor. And besides, the website itself is a travesty of HTML.

I would show a teaser picture, but I have no desire to either hotlink or host one of them at Grazhir.

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Date: 9 Aug 2008 08:29 pm Subject: Cake Wrecks Security: Public Music: Suikoden III | Chisa Village Tags: inbox

For anyone who has never seen this (like me, until today): Cake Wrecks

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Date: 7 Aug 2008 01:33 pm Subject: Semi-Rant Security: Public Mood: cranky Music: Final Fantasy XII | The Salikawood Tags: game:sims2

No, no updates. I fail at life as usual. I haven't even been toying with my unseen WIPs lately.

More reading... sim stories again. (And there are three screenshots somewhere under the cut.)

» What is this fascination with tarting up toddlers and children with makeup? Is there an actual point to slapping blush on little Tiffany Legacy? Lashes that would make most divas swoon in jealousy?

( Has someone... )

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Date: 23 Jul 2008 08:24 pm Subject: Rambling Security: Public Mood: lazy Music: Final Fantasy X-2 | Let me blow you a kiss Tags: game:sims2, rl

( Firefox, Sims 2, and Firewalls )

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Date: 12 Jul 2008 01:46 pm Subject: A Disjointed Book Review Security: Public Mood: dissatisfied Music: Xenosaga II | Omega System Tags: books

So I bought myself a book not so long ago, based on a LJ community rec (I think Barnes & Noble, but I can't remember now). I thought it sounded like it could be a hoot, being essentially a horror novel about a book store. Funny, right?

Now, the book is called The Overnight by Ramsey Campbell. Part of the blurb on the back, which is what really hooked me, goes:

Desperate to pass a company inspection, the manager musters his staff for an overnight inventory. When the last customers reluctantly depart, leaving almost-visible trails of slime shining behind them, the doors are locked, sealing the staff inside for a final orgy of shelving.

Honestly, I think it was the "orgy of shelving" that had me chortling. Still, the text on the back seems to be somwhat inaccurate (or I need more sleep).

( Read more... )

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Date: 11 Jul 2008 11:39 am Subject: Icons Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy IX | Wall Of The Sacred Beasts Tags: icons

I was in the mood.  Nothing special as you can see.

       

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Date: 9 Jul 2008 09:02 pm Subject: Today's Lesson in Pet Ownership Security: Public Tags: rl

Do not, if you've never made it a habit, decide that today is a good day to close the bedroom door before lying down for a nap (short or extended). Yes, yes, we know you did it because you wanted to maintain the level of darkness in the room, and Mr Shadow and Miss Storm have a habit of gliding in and out and pushing the door wide open, thus letting incidental light from the hallway to spill in, or the kitchen, or the bathroom....

You see, Mr Shadow will sit outside said closed door and mew plaintively, without ceasing, until you guiltily get back up and crack the door open.

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Date: 7 Jul 2008 05:43 am Subject: Query Security: Public

*sigh* Since HPL seems to either be whacked (for .info, anyway) and I haven't the faintest idea where to look othewise....

Anyone remember offhand WHEN Harry learned about the Shrieking Shack incident where James saved Severus?

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Date: 2 Jul 2008 05:07 am Subject: More Things I Don't Much Care For Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy XII | The Salikawood Tags: rant

I admit, there might be the odd repeat from previous 'episodes', but I'm collecting these as I browse looking for something to read.  As usual, these things listed usually mean I refuse to even open the story, or I find them in chapter one, quickly followed by closing the tab.

( Read more... )

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Date: 30 Jun 2008 08:05 am Subject: Rec Updates Security: Public Music: Suikoden I | Forgotten Days

Five more stories have been added to the Gen/Other page, starting from 28 June.

It's a mixed bunch, and I'm not super in love with any of them, but still....

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Date: 25 Jun 2008 04:43 am Subject: HPL Security: Public Mood: irritated Music: Final Fantasy XII | The Tomb of Raithwall Tags: potterverse

I may have asked this before, but am I the only one having issues getting the Time Line pages at HP Lexicon to function? I've tried it with Firefox and IE and I get nothing but headers, footers, and the sidebar. No data, regardless of using their links or that 'timeturner' thingie. I keep wanting to verify stuff for a project I'm considering.

I tried sending an email to those people, but it was refused.

Don't suppose anyone has a static copy from before they went the PHP route they yanked down I could peruse?

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Date: 24 Jun 2008 09:34 pm Subject: Rec Updates Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy VII | You Can Hear the Cry of the Planet Tags: recs:wip

WIP

Elementary Calculations by kcourtkat.
Pairing: unknown
Summary: After finding out about his magic earlier, a decidedly non-Gryffindor Harry Potter plots his way to success.

Rec: This starts well before Harry ever goes to Hogwarts, and Harry is a lot smarter and more driven. It's not a do-over, but a redux, and I'm curious as to how far from canon framework it'll stray. We've already seen in the available nine chapters that Harry is decisive and unafraid of strange things, nor of strange new circumstances. He's also not afraid to speak his mind and challenge people. I'm interested to see just how this one plays out.

NB: Another story been added under Gen/Other Recs.

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Date: 13 Jun 2008 09:40 am Subject: Snarry Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy XII | Theme of the Empire Tags: recs:wip

Harry Potter and the Third Way by Tisiphone Nemesis.
Pairings: Harry/Severus (suspected Hermione/Draco)
Summary: AU SLASH SSHP No HBP. In a world torn between two powerful wizards a child of prophecy struggles to escape the manipulations of one and the lure of the other. With the help of his friends he attempts to find The Third Way Independant!Harry

Rec: Not sure why I haven't rec'd this one yet, aside from a lousy memory. Now, before anyone plunges in, please note that some things happen with alarming speed, and there is a Mary Sue Time room involved (but we frequently find those to be fun, and we do here, too). The fact that it's labeled as independent!Harry means having a Dumbles shouldn't be a surprise.

Now, what I really like about this story is that some of the dialogue is just freakin' delightful. It's also nice that Severus isn't above playing games (meant to be harmless), and that he and Harry aren't shagging like pixies quickly. There's a progression, which is nice. The UST is fine, in my opinion, and frankly, there are times when getting there is a hell of a lot more rousing and fun than the climax itself, if you follow me.

On a bad note, this hasn't been updated since September of 2007, which is frightening. I can only continue to hope that the author's muse wakes up with a vengeance. You know, soonish.

ETA: So much for that. The author has posted chapter 19....

"Hi,

I'm quitting writing fanfiction - it's taking up all my time reading it and I can't write anything.

If anyone wants to adopt my stories email me and I'll send you everything I have on them.

Tisi.."

So much for the delightful dialogue I'd been enjoying.

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Date: 13 Jun 2008 07:14 am Subject: Teeny Tiny Rant Security: Public Music: Suikoden I | Eternal Flow Tags: rant

What is this fascination?

Really.

Why, pray tell, do authors subject us poor, defenseless readers to excruciating detail when it comes to mundanity? Do I really need a blow-by-blow description of how Character X takes a shower/bath? How Studmuffin washes his hair twice, right like it says to on the label? Uses soap (of all things) with a specific scent? When it could have been handled with: A distracted Studmuffin returned to his rooms and took a shower, his thoughts never once ceasing to run around in circles.

No! We get as many as four or five paragraphs... for a bloody shower!

You know... unless there's well done wanking involved, or sex, why should anyone be subjected to this inane drivel?

Oh, wait! I know! It's because the author... is boring?

Okay, I will make an exception here. The obligatory long bath after being released/escaping from Azkaban. Nimby and I can live with that one.

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Date: 12 Jun 2008 08:43 am Subject: WIP Rec Security: Public Music: Suikoden V | Traces of the Sindar Civilization Tags: recs:wip

The Gemini Ruse by makoyi.
Summary: When the Order’s spy is discovered, Dumbledore places him ‘safely’ with a personal enemy. Now both have gone missing and Dumbledore hasn’t the faintest idea where, why, or how.

Rec: To begin, this starts off during the summer between Harry's fifth and sixth years. This is interesting, and I'm going to call it gen for now, especially under the circumstances (I can hope, though, that it either stays gen or slides into slashy Snarry goodness). Interesting is the best word I can come up with, and it's a good interesting, of course. I sort of like how Severus isn't immediately converted, and I can't say that I know he ever exactly will be (though again, I can hope). I love the idea that these two are pulling this off.

However, I must wonder if I either missed something, or if there is still something protecting them from being located (as of chapter 15, and I have that to read plus three more chapters) now that they're no longer, um, hiding... exactly. I may find out shortly, I may not. I would expect to, though. Perhaps it's related to the same spell that netted them... you know. It'd make sense.

Dumbledore seems to be a lot more human in this, but I remain suspicious. I can't help it. I mean, I started seriously disliking the man ever since the fifth book, and those following really didn't help. But I guess we'll see how that aspect goes, huh?

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Date: 12 Jun 2008 04:24 am Subject: Mini Rant Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy VII | Off the Edge of Despair Tags: rant

So I'm reading, which is shocking. And I've seen this countless times (countless only because I can't remember the details, of course), but I'm only now getting a bit miffed by the situation.

Ron and Hermione are heroes, you see. And for what? Why, naturally, because they used to be the best friends of the Boy Who Betrayed. And I said to myself today, "Self, why is this seen as having anything resembling logic?" And myself was mystified. Granted, we tend to usually shrug this sort of thing off, but I've seen it too often now.

They're heroes because they stayed 'pure'? They... stood up to the evil that is Harry? The usual sort of slant is that Harry ends up in Azkaban and these two immediately solicit interviews so they can do a tell all on Teh Evul and how horrifyingly scary it all way, and how they tried, oh how they tried, to make him see reason....

You know, to me that sounds like stupidity. Or, as one paraphrased saying goes, "Optimism is repeating the same actions over and over again hoping for a different result." And I am not much of an optimist.

But they were selfless! They had his best interests at heart! They tried to sway his path to the light (or keep it there). Any self respecting Slytherin or Ravenclaw should be scoffing at the stupidity, and any Hufflepuff ought to be shocked at the sheer lack of loyalty. And of course, the Gryffindors eat this right up.

(And for the love of bonsai kittens, people, could you please get a clue and stop using Parseltongue and parselmouth interchangeably?)

Personally, if the wizarding public had any sense (*snorts*) they'd have imprisoned Ron and Hermione, as well. I mean, if they were that close....

But no, they've been concerned, casting those strange looks at Harry, and people notice, and the rumors start....

I dunno. I just think the idea of those two somehow being cast in the role of heroes under these circumstances is essentially saying (as if the general reaction of the public to the usual slander in the Daily Prophet didn't make this clear by now) that wizards are sheep and are all better off dead anyway.

That's the crux, in a way, and I suppose it's not much different from reality. If leaders don't do things that crush a man's pocket, what do they care? There's a saying about this... connected to WWII, I believe.

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Date: 12 Jun 2008 04:09 am Subject: Rec Updates Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy IX | Gargan Roo Tags: recs:wip

A mixed batch (in more ways than one) this time. I've added recs to Harry/Severus (3), Gen/Other (2), Harry/Lucius (1), and Harry/Remus (1).

As far as WIP goes:

Visions of an Empath by ame3565.
Pairing: Harry/Lucius (hints of Harry/Severus)
Summary: Still reeling from Dumbledore’s death and the knowledge of the only way to defeat Voldemort, Harry’s life becomes even more complicated. As his inheritance approaches, his powers grow in surprising ways.

Rec: Apparently there's a poll up on whether or not Severus should make up the third of a trio. Dunno what'll happen there. Anyway, this is (of course) way fast on how quickly things come together, but that's okay for the most part. Lots of things are suspiciously convenient, actually, but I'm still okay with that.

This follows through HBP, so Dumbledore is dead, Severus killed him, there are horcruxes, etc. But an interesting new potion brings about a change in Lucius (and later on, Severus), and even Kreacher gets some fun time. We'll see how it goes, I guess.

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Date: 31 May 2008 09:30 pm Subject: An Extremely Mild Mini-Rant Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy XII | Rabanastre Lowtown Tags: rant

So, I've been reading lately. No surprise. But up comes the subject of time travel, a category that I both love and loathe. It's all in the execution, of course. Most especially of interest is when Harry spends time in the founders' era.

I can accept a lot. I can accept people neglecting to wonder about or even check if there were toilets back then, despite having read all about jakes and chamberpots and suchlike. I tend to wave that away by thinking in this instance, wizards are more advanced. (After all, in many respects, in that time period, they would be.)

I can accept that it's unheard of to see proper dialogue. I couldn't begin to wrap my head around how those people would have been speaking, and I wouldn't even try, so it's hardly a surprise when others ignore it, too. It's obviously some magician with a handy translation spell hiding in the shadows.

However, I just read something (granted, I've read it a number of times) that made me snort. Something to the tune of how overweight people didn't exist back then. Then again, despite my thinking it'd be, if anyone, wealthy people who'd suffer that affliction, perhaps I've seen one too many movies with exactly that, plus the obligatory executioner type weighing in at as much as my Saturn.

And that made me remember the number of times that I know an author either hasn't ever visited HP Lexicon, or hasn't ever shown an interest in history, or done research. An example of that would be trying to show that the ministry existed back then, which it did not. Or that Gringotts existed back then, and the founders had vaults there. (Sadly, my attempt to verify my memory of visits to the timeline at HPL just now were stymied by a bandwidth issue there, but I know I checked when I was writing CP.)

Another issue is height. Going back a couple of hundred years to check heights in Europe shows that (from a study I found via the ever kindly Mr Google) English males were on average 5'5" tall, and they were shorter than the Irish. Part of this was due to a rebound of bad conditions (they were all, apparently, taller before), and they were creeping back up.

However, one must imagine that evolution, as well as living conditions, nutrition, etc., play a part, so why would anyone assume that Godric or Salazar were swanning about at 6 feet and over? Or that Rowena was at least 5'10"? Another source claims that height in England has remained relatively stable since Hector was a pup, with males averaging 5'7" (170cm) and females 5'3" (160cm). That's just two sources found in less than ten minutes time.

People have such a strange outlook when it comes to height. Personally, being a female at 5'4" (average enough for my mixed American/English breeding), I find much taller people to be a right pain in the ass, what with having to look UP all the time. I don't think they're better somehow, just more annoying. (Apologies again to Josh, if he's reading. But he knows I love him to bits.)

I know, I've ranted about height before.

Anyway, there's a lot I can forgive, despite having spent quite a long time with history (for some reason, I loved taking history classes in high school), and having read any number of books set way the heck back, or those with roots in that time period. I sincerely doubt that any of them could have stood for a Colgate commercial, or Suave, or even Irish Spring. You know? But these are wizards we're talking about, and surely they were a more 'evolved' sub-species.

Of course, given the number of pictures I've seen of historical figures, and me thinking they're all just shy of being horrifically ugly.... But that's an entirely different rant.

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Date: 30 May 2008 04:26 pm Subject: Side Note Security: Public Music: Final Fantasy XII | The Forgotten Capital

I've been re-reading a lot of stuff on my recs lists, and some of the stories listed have had their entries altered, usually to be even longer, some more so than others. One in particular was moved to an entirely new page (Seriously Ambivalent Recs) due to the excessive length and amount of bitching Nimby was doing. I swear, I think he was foaming at one point, which rather frightened me. I was concerned he was going to remove it entirely and turn it into a Nimby Says episode.

Dunno, maybe I'm just irritable this week.

And as before, no update on this hallowed date. Well, unless I drag a really awful story out of the back cupboard and post it, and even I'm not that insane. (It was a miracle that Bats ever convinced me to post Masks.)

I'm back to being stymied on Breakpoint after getting some work done. I have some questions I need to answer before I can move on, regarding two people. Neville and Aberforth, actually. Haven't seen anyone in AIM the few times I've logged in, either (well, not fic friends, that is).

Also waffling over something for Infusion, an idea I've had every intention of using, but then realized I couldn't come up with the right justification, or even a 'ritual' for it (one that didn't immediately mimic one from a book I read ages ago, that is), and research on the net brought up nothing that would help in the slightest.

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