True Blood is the best show on television now, although that is not saying much. I do find faults in the show, but all are overcome by the generally good writing, camera work, and acting. It is a quality American show about vampires that is as good as Being Human, a British series about vampires that may be sadly defunct. Being Human was more sophisticated with better character development and more dialogue. Of the two, I prefer Being Human, and I hope the series comes back to life as do vampires. However, True Blood is sexier and intoxicating, with the same appeal as The Sopranos. An underground society is envisioned in which the laws and customs of mainstream society no longer apply, and characters do as they please in a state of anarchy due to their extraordinary personal power. There are many parallels between The Sopranos and True Blood, such as the hierarchy of vampires and the mafia hierarchy, and Eric the vampire, who owns a strip club like Tony Soprano's Ba-Da-Boom.
The dramatic scenes involving Bill and Sookie do not sound right to me. Bill seems like a twit rather than a romantic figure. However, the action scenes are good, and the catchy theme song became my ear worm. Anna Paquin, who plays Sookie, seems genuine in every scene, although she receives little support from Bill, who reminds me of Anne Rice's Louis, a somber vampire.
Why would shapeshifters bother with illegal pitbull fighting to make money? A shapeshifter could get away with almost anything by assuming the form of an animal. Shapeshifters can assume the form of birds and take to the air, or assume the form of a fish and swim in water. Why are vampires not capable of entering a house without invitation? That implies that vampires are supernatural beings, and an antagonistic supernatural force is protecting humans. What is the nature of said force? The True Blood Universe is not exclusively Christian, because a Maenad appeared in Season 2.
My predictions are that Sooki Stackhouse is a fairy, and Lafayette is a witch capable of magic. His lover is also a witch, but a better-educated one that knows how to use magic.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
How Not to Quit a Job
I can't condone the behavior of a flight attendant who quit his job in a spectacular fashion, but at least it was nonviolent. I am sick of reading about men who carry a handgun to work and kill people, followed by themselves. That was one of the things I dreaded when working in the corporate world, that one of our people might snap and begin shooting for no apparent reason. At least the FA displayed a sense of humor, although inappropriate.
I never created such a scene out at work. In every case that I quit, I did not cuss anybody out, but gave two weeks' notice, and shook hands with my former boss at the end of the day. My feelings and opinions I kept to myself, because no one was paying me for consultation. There is little to be gained by drama. It is better to save the dramatic flair for personal endeavors, such as writing, theater, or story-telling. Employers tend to be rather cold and calculating, and workers should be as well.
I never created such a scene out at work. In every case that I quit, I did not cuss anybody out, but gave two weeks' notice, and shook hands with my former boss at the end of the day. My feelings and opinions I kept to myself, because no one was paying me for consultation. There is little to be gained by drama. It is better to save the dramatic flair for personal endeavors, such as writing, theater, or story-telling. Employers tend to be rather cold and calculating, and workers should be as well.
Monday, August 9, 2010
Afghanistan
The Ancient Romans could have pacified Afghanistan as they pacified most of Britain. The reason why they could succeed, and we cannot, is ruthlessness. We cannot be ruthless, due to the nature of our position in the modern world and our ethical sensibility. I would not want to wake up in the morning and read headlines about massacres, crucifixions, and slave labor camps. Such wartime atrocities are not acceptable in the modern era, where the population is educated and sensitive to ethical matters. But that is how the Romans would handle the Taliban. In villages where the Taliban hid among the civilian inhabitants, the Romans would have massacred the adult males and sold the women and children into slavery. Prisoners would have been enslaved to work the mines of Afghanistan. Instead of being a drain on the treasury, Afghanistan would prove extremely lucrative, a profit-making center. The culture of the indigenous peoples would have been replaced to a large degree with the culture of the occupier. Taliban who were captured would have been crucified, their writhing bodies left upon the side of the road as an example to others. Lucius Accius wrote, "Let them hate, as long as they fear."
Due to political and ethical reasons, the U.S. cannot sink to the level of Romans and do what is necessary in order to secure victory. The same problem arose in Viet Nam. In a nutshell, this is why we should not be in Afghanistan, and why we opted to withdraw from Viet Nam. The inhabitants, in particular the leaders, seek to profit at our expense until such time as our inevitable withdrawal from their blighted land. Generations would be required to produce a population capable of arming itself against the Taliban and the fanaticism and ignorance associated with them. It is not cost-effective. Our money is better invested among our people than upon them. They are not grateful. They take our gifts of medicine, education, and roads, and return to us corruption, betrayal, and death. Such has been the way of Afghanistan for a long time. Republicans, who claim to oppose a welfare state, have created one in Afghanistan.
I do not know what can be salvaged out of the mess in Afghanistan. Possibly a small number of military outposts could be maintained to harass and spy upon any enemies in the area. In a secured area devoid of local and thus untrustworthy inhabitants, it might be possible to operate mines to obtain certain rare and useful metals for our nation. This might help to compensate our nation for its costly investment in Afghanistan. American miners could find work in Afghanistan, which would help to reduce the numbers of our unemployed. Of course, this is tantamount to colonization, which could result in the same political and ethical problems encountered by the British in the previous century. Any hint of a profit being made would be used to portray the U.S. as an occupier, an imperial power.
That is why I am for immediate withdrawal, because it is simpler and results in a cessation of further loss. Any other strategy results in continued loss. It is difficult for some to admit and then to embrace defeat. However, sometimes a refusal to admit defeat can lead to a temporary problem becoming a permanent one. Also, small problems have ways of snowballing into greater ones.
Due to political and ethical reasons, the U.S. cannot sink to the level of Romans and do what is necessary in order to secure victory. The same problem arose in Viet Nam. In a nutshell, this is why we should not be in Afghanistan, and why we opted to withdraw from Viet Nam. The inhabitants, in particular the leaders, seek to profit at our expense until such time as our inevitable withdrawal from their blighted land. Generations would be required to produce a population capable of arming itself against the Taliban and the fanaticism and ignorance associated with them. It is not cost-effective. Our money is better invested among our people than upon them. They are not grateful. They take our gifts of medicine, education, and roads, and return to us corruption, betrayal, and death. Such has been the way of Afghanistan for a long time. Republicans, who claim to oppose a welfare state, have created one in Afghanistan.
I do not know what can be salvaged out of the mess in Afghanistan. Possibly a small number of military outposts could be maintained to harass and spy upon any enemies in the area. In a secured area devoid of local and thus untrustworthy inhabitants, it might be possible to operate mines to obtain certain rare and useful metals for our nation. This might help to compensate our nation for its costly investment in Afghanistan. American miners could find work in Afghanistan, which would help to reduce the numbers of our unemployed. Of course, this is tantamount to colonization, which could result in the same political and ethical problems encountered by the British in the previous century. Any hint of a profit being made would be used to portray the U.S. as an occupier, an imperial power.
That is why I am for immediate withdrawal, because it is simpler and results in a cessation of further loss. Any other strategy results in continued loss. It is difficult for some to admit and then to embrace defeat. However, sometimes a refusal to admit defeat can lead to a temporary problem becoming a permanent one. Also, small problems have ways of snowballing into greater ones.
Sunday, August 8, 2010
The Kenku
In Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, I have seldom played a Kenku. I am unfamiliar with any stories concerning the Kenku race and have only encountered it in Dungeon Crawl, although I have a vague recollection of an obscure bird-race in Advanced Dungeons and Dragons. (At one time, I knew by heart most of the monsters and their hit dice, armour class, and so on.) It was high time I gave one of the old birds a try.
Here is Burny the Fire Elementalist at my favorite location, the stairway leading to level eight of the Vaults, where he usually dies.
Upon reaching a certain level, the Kenku may take to the air--permanently, at no apparent cost in food. This means there is no danger posed by lava or water, no need to carry potions of levitation, and no need to memorize any flying spells. The downside is that the Kenku are a bit frail in terms of hit points, though more robust than Spriggans. I found that the Kenku's beak packed (pecked?) an impressive wallop during melee combat. It is advisable to practice Unarmed Combat until such time that a useful staff is found. I chose a staff of poison because it grants immunity to poison, poisons those struck by it, and the Kenku happen to be the most proficient race at Staves. Eventually, I seek a Staff of Air (resistance to electricity) or even better, a Staff of Conjurations or Fire (extra power when casting related spells).
My Kenku was handicapped by his failure to locate the Ecumenical Temple. He would have worshipped Sif Muna if he had found his altar. But a part of me wanted to see whether an atheist character could win the Orb. Also, if cast into the Abyss, my character could appeal to Logunu for a quick exit.
Here is Burny the Fire Elementalist at my favorite location, the stairway leading to level eight of the Vaults, where he usually dies.
Upon reaching a certain level, the Kenku may take to the air--permanently, at no apparent cost in food. This means there is no danger posed by lava or water, no need to carry potions of levitation, and no need to memorize any flying spells. The downside is that the Kenku are a bit frail in terms of hit points, though more robust than Spriggans. I found that the Kenku's beak packed (pecked?) an impressive wallop during melee combat. It is advisable to practice Unarmed Combat until such time that a useful staff is found. I chose a staff of poison because it grants immunity to poison, poisons those struck by it, and the Kenku happen to be the most proficient race at Staves. Eventually, I seek a Staff of Air (resistance to electricity) or even better, a Staff of Conjurations or Fire (extra power when casting related spells).
My Kenku was handicapped by his failure to locate the Ecumenical Temple. He would have worshipped Sif Muna if he had found his altar. But a part of me wanted to see whether an atheist character could win the Orb. Also, if cast into the Abyss, my character could appeal to Logunu for a quick exit.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Rude People
Most irritants are distractions. They are nothing more than that. The trick is to avoid overreacting to a minor distraction. Do not allow trivia to assume any real importance. Ignoring slights is a virtue. Not every insult merits a response. Pride is a vice if it requires active defense against every assault. Does one swat every mosquito? There are legions. Some must be ignored. There is more to life than mosquitoes.
Anger is one of the more difficult emotions. Once it arises, it must be lived. The storm must spend itself. While angry, avoid others. Let the anger play itself out. Afterward, it may be observed as a past event. When anger is observed in the past tense, one may decide whether it was merited or not. If the past anger seems ridiculous, then the anger was pointless and should be forgotten. If the past anger seems justified, then there may be steps that need to be taken, such as avoiding the person or thing that caused the anger.
Some people lack a filter. They share whatever offensive thought that pops into their consciousness without any concern for its effects upon others. This vice limits the social success they will achieve in their lifetime. It defeats many of their plans. This is their problem, not the problem of anyone else. A rude person might as well have CRIPPLE tattooed upon their forehead in bold red letters. The superior man thinks before he speaks.
Rude people create noise. There will always be noise. To be preoccupied with noise betrays a lack of clarity. Decide what is important. Focus upon what is important.
Irritations recede in time. The rude people will not become permanent friends; or once having been a friend, will not remain a friend. They are ghosts, and time is the only requirement for their extinction. Soon they are forgotten, irrelevant figures in the distant past.
Anger is one of the more difficult emotions. Once it arises, it must be lived. The storm must spend itself. While angry, avoid others. Let the anger play itself out. Afterward, it may be observed as a past event. When anger is observed in the past tense, one may decide whether it was merited or not. If the past anger seems ridiculous, then the anger was pointless and should be forgotten. If the past anger seems justified, then there may be steps that need to be taken, such as avoiding the person or thing that caused the anger.
Some people lack a filter. They share whatever offensive thought that pops into their consciousness without any concern for its effects upon others. This vice limits the social success they will achieve in their lifetime. It defeats many of their plans. This is their problem, not the problem of anyone else. A rude person might as well have CRIPPLE tattooed upon their forehead in bold red letters. The superior man thinks before he speaks.
Rude people create noise. There will always be noise. To be preoccupied with noise betrays a lack of clarity. Decide what is important. Focus upon what is important.
Irritations recede in time. The rude people will not become permanent friends; or once having been a friend, will not remain a friend. They are ghosts, and time is the only requirement for their extinction. Soon they are forgotten, irrelevant figures in the distant past.
Amazed
I'm amazed that a Democrat has joined with a Republican (in California) to seek resumption of same-sex marriages. More and more conservatives and Republicans are coming out for gay marriage these days. I almost suspect an elaborate hidden trap.
I would not rush into gay marriage, if I were a single gay man. It is a serious business, with many of the downsides of heterosexual marriage. Divorce can be costly. I wonder how the inevitable betrayals and separations will play themselves out in the legal system and in the media?
However, for those of us already in long-term, committed relationships, marriage will guarantee many practical legal benefits, such as medical insurance, hospital visitation, inheritance, and so on. The one I am waiting for is the green card.
I would not rush into gay marriage, if I were a single gay man. It is a serious business, with many of the downsides of heterosexual marriage. Divorce can be costly. I wonder how the inevitable betrayals and separations will play themselves out in the legal system and in the media?
However, for those of us already in long-term, committed relationships, marriage will guarantee many practical legal benefits, such as medical insurance, hospital visitation, inheritance, and so on. The one I am waiting for is the green card.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Swapping in Scrabble
One of the better strategies I had forgotten about in Scrabble is to swap tiles often. Most games at the higher levels are determined by who gets the wild card and "s" tiles. If there is not a good move to play, then it is often helpful to swap out. This is especially true for players that are behind in score, and a better idea earlier in the game, when the wild cards and "s" tiles have not been played.
Attrition
Attrition in these biology courses is awful. After the second test, we lost a third of the students. The day after, another four dropped. I was surprised and saddened to see some go, because they had succeeded in the previous class, and I even knew some names. Dropping means they either have to take it over or else change major. I would be appalled to have to drop a class, but I guess if ya gotta, ya gotta. I did not think I did well on the tests myself, prior to receiving my grades, but discovered that I made straight-A's. In fact, due to bonus points, I have a triple-digit average for the moment.
The tests weren't easy. I am tempted to suspect they were easy, because my grades were high, but I struggled with them. They were tricky. Some questions had multiple technically correct answers, but only one was considered correct. One had to select between them based upon what was particularly emphasized during the lecture. Other times, concepts had to be reinterpreted in a different context than the one we had studied in our notes, which made rote memorization inadequate. Long hours of studying were required as well. Those students that did not prepare adequately were exposed. I studied about eight hours per test.
My career as a computer programmer helped me in the test-taking department. When I think back to the cryptic user specifications I received as work orders and the cryptic languages I used, it makes me smile.
The tests weren't easy. I am tempted to suspect they were easy, because my grades were high, but I struggled with them. They were tricky. Some questions had multiple technically correct answers, but only one was considered correct. One had to select between them based upon what was particularly emphasized during the lecture. Other times, concepts had to be reinterpreted in a different context than the one we had studied in our notes, which made rote memorization inadequate. Long hours of studying were required as well. Those students that did not prepare adequately were exposed. I studied about eight hours per test.
My career as a computer programmer helped me in the test-taking department. When I think back to the cryptic user specifications I received as work orders and the cryptic languages I used, it makes me smile.
The Excuse
In reading news articles concerning the fight against marijuana Prohibition, it is striking how often law enforcement officials speak out in favor of Prohibition.
There are many pragmatic reasons for law enforcement to favor Prohibition, such as the lucrative seizures of property that occur under current laws. Any random search, whether justified or not, gains a small measure of validation, if not legitimization, by the discovery of a trace amount of marijuana. On paper, there is an appearance of being "tough on crime" due to a high amount of marijuana-related arrests, which are easier than arresting suspects for violent crimes. Thus, incompetent police are protected by marijuana laws, as they can manufacture artificially high statistics by persecuting harmless marijuana users, whose only "crime" is the possession of a plant that in earlier times was grown and used by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Ethical law enforcement officials require moral justification for Prohibition, rather than base pragmatic motives. For this group, there are memories of The Excuse, recited by many apprehended criminals, both in court and while in custody. "I did this or that because I was high at the time." A substance is implicated, be it booze, pot, or some other drug. Why should a criminal accept personal responsibility? Blame the drug instead. If the drug is at fault, then the individual is free of sin. Due to its widespread availability, pot is likely to be blamed at least some of the time. There is also guilt by association. The fact that some criminals are addicts who abuse a wide range of substances, cannabis being just one item on a lengthy menu, reinforces the notion that marijuana is tied to criminality. While Prohibition endures, an association exists between criminality and marijuana by necessity. Association does not prove causation, but this is not always clear to those who examine an issue from afar, without knowing many of the facts.
Does pot lead to crime? No, it does not. But how is a policeman to know that? Without accurate information, it is difficult to determine what is true and what is false. Perhaps the federal government should initiate a bold experiment and begin listening to the scientists that have evaluated over several decades the effects of cannabis on the human body. The science is crystal clear in regard to marijuana. It is less harmful than alcohol by any measure one would care to apply. It is non-toxic, non-addictive, and has medicinal qualities for many users. It is also an emphatically American product, used by American patriots since the founding of our Republic.
There are many pragmatic reasons for law enforcement to favor Prohibition, such as the lucrative seizures of property that occur under current laws. Any random search, whether justified or not, gains a small measure of validation, if not legitimization, by the discovery of a trace amount of marijuana. On paper, there is an appearance of being "tough on crime" due to a high amount of marijuana-related arrests, which are easier than arresting suspects for violent crimes. Thus, incompetent police are protected by marijuana laws, as they can manufacture artificially high statistics by persecuting harmless marijuana users, whose only "crime" is the possession of a plant that in earlier times was grown and used by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Abraham Lincoln.
Ethical law enforcement officials require moral justification for Prohibition, rather than base pragmatic motives. For this group, there are memories of The Excuse, recited by many apprehended criminals, both in court and while in custody. "I did this or that because I was high at the time." A substance is implicated, be it booze, pot, or some other drug. Why should a criminal accept personal responsibility? Blame the drug instead. If the drug is at fault, then the individual is free of sin. Due to its widespread availability, pot is likely to be blamed at least some of the time. There is also guilt by association. The fact that some criminals are addicts who abuse a wide range of substances, cannabis being just one item on a lengthy menu, reinforces the notion that marijuana is tied to criminality. While Prohibition endures, an association exists between criminality and marijuana by necessity. Association does not prove causation, but this is not always clear to those who examine an issue from afar, without knowing many of the facts.
Does pot lead to crime? No, it does not. But how is a policeman to know that? Without accurate information, it is difficult to determine what is true and what is false. Perhaps the federal government should initiate a bold experiment and begin listening to the scientists that have evaluated over several decades the effects of cannabis on the human body. The science is crystal clear in regard to marijuana. It is less harmful than alcohol by any measure one would care to apply. It is non-toxic, non-addictive, and has medicinal qualities for many users. It is also an emphatically American product, used by American patriots since the founding of our Republic.
Why Not Change?
To remain the same always is to be complacent. Change is good. The question is never, why change, but why not change? Why not modify behavior patterns? Why not try a different approach? Why not relocate? Why not abandon an unpleasant scenario for a new life?
Imagination is one of the most important traits in modern humans, allowing us to rehearse future actions. Rehearsal helps to ensure a superb performance. The best aspect about a rehearsal is that it is safe from all repercussions. Rehearsals that go well validate the script. Rehearsals that go poorly indicate that the script needs revision.
Imagination also allows us to explore new and unfamiliar possibilities. Not all pathways are obvious. Some are hidden and can only be revealed by using the imagination. Some people think that their choices in a given situation are limited. They believe that they can only choose A or B. They have not considered C, D, E, F, G... and the list goes on! Why have they confined themselves to a narrow range of options?
There is a shortcut to expanding the imagination beyond its natural limitations. Sometimes it is helpful to discuss difficult matters with a close friend. The simple process of discussing a situation allows the mind to put it into perspective and consider other alternatives. Another person is sure to view a matter from a slightly different perspective. Multiple perspectives are better than one, because no one is right all of the time. Learning to approach a problem from multiple perspectives represents a higher degree of mastery in problem-solving.
Imagination is one of the most important traits in modern humans, allowing us to rehearse future actions. Rehearsal helps to ensure a superb performance. The best aspect about a rehearsal is that it is safe from all repercussions. Rehearsals that go well validate the script. Rehearsals that go poorly indicate that the script needs revision.
Imagination also allows us to explore new and unfamiliar possibilities. Not all pathways are obvious. Some are hidden and can only be revealed by using the imagination. Some people think that their choices in a given situation are limited. They believe that they can only choose A or B. They have not considered C, D, E, F, G... and the list goes on! Why have they confined themselves to a narrow range of options?
There is a shortcut to expanding the imagination beyond its natural limitations. Sometimes it is helpful to discuss difficult matters with a close friend. The simple process of discussing a situation allows the mind to put it into perspective and consider other alternatives. Another person is sure to view a matter from a slightly different perspective. Multiple perspectives are better than one, because no one is right all of the time. Learning to approach a problem from multiple perspectives represents a higher degree of mastery in problem-solving.
Dungeon Crawl's Wiz Mode
In Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, Wiz Mode seems to satisfy all the cheating requirements of a player. I was anticipating the day when a Crawler would finally bring up the obvious question, why bother using a batch file such as regen.bat to cheat?
Wiz Mode is "Deluxe Cheating," while regen.bat is "Cheating Lite." Accessed at any time during the game by pressing the ampersand, Wiz Mode offers many temptations, such as increasing level, abilities, or hit points, transforming "Dungeons and Dragons" into "Dungeons and Rabbits." It even prevents death.
Here is Kuku the Kobold Summoner in Wiz Mode, about to be slain by a hobgoblin on level one. Wiz Mode gives him the option of dying or having all his hit points restored:
By responding "y", death is prevented. Kuku's hit points are fully restored, and he can continue fighting or attempt to flee. However, the difficult situation remains. The character could face the "Die?" question repeatedly, each time having to restore his hit points. To address this problem, Wiz Mode can grant additional powers to the character, allowing him to overcome his adversaries. He could even be transported to the Temple, a safe place to recuperate from wounds, or he could escape to a different level.
Wiz Mode does not permit the permanent storage of a save file. Crawl continues to delete saved files, whether in Wiz Mode or not. Once a character dies, that's that.
Regen.bat preserves save files from deletion. My favorite location in DCSS is the downstairs passage on level 7 of the Vaults leading to level 8, one of the most challenging and rewarding areas. By using regen.bat, it is possible to pillage level 8 many times with the same character.
The two methods of cheating, regen.bat and Wiz Mode, function in different ways and have different effects. They can be combined or used in isolation. For my part, regen.bat serves all of my needs. In other game systems, preserving a save file is not considered cheating at all, but is a standard feature supported within the game.
Wiz Mode is "Deluxe Cheating," while regen.bat is "Cheating Lite." Accessed at any time during the game by pressing the ampersand, Wiz Mode offers many temptations, such as increasing level, abilities, or hit points, transforming "Dungeons and Dragons" into "Dungeons and Rabbits." It even prevents death.
Here is Kuku the Kobold Summoner in Wiz Mode, about to be slain by a hobgoblin on level one. Wiz Mode gives him the option of dying or having all his hit points restored:
By responding "y", death is prevented. Kuku's hit points are fully restored, and he can continue fighting or attempt to flee. However, the difficult situation remains. The character could face the "Die?" question repeatedly, each time having to restore his hit points. To address this problem, Wiz Mode can grant additional powers to the character, allowing him to overcome his adversaries. He could even be transported to the Temple, a safe place to recuperate from wounds, or he could escape to a different level.
Wiz Mode does not permit the permanent storage of a save file. Crawl continues to delete saved files, whether in Wiz Mode or not. Once a character dies, that's that.
Regen.bat preserves save files from deletion. My favorite location in DCSS is the downstairs passage on level 7 of the Vaults leading to level 8, one of the most challenging and rewarding areas. By using regen.bat, it is possible to pillage level 8 many times with the same character.
The two methods of cheating, regen.bat and Wiz Mode, function in different ways and have different effects. They can be combined or used in isolation. For my part, regen.bat serves all of my needs. In other game systems, preserving a save file is not considered cheating at all, but is a standard feature supported within the game.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Yahoo Borrows a Page from Stephen King
This afternoon, I logged in to Yahoo Mail to encounter an enormous picture occupying the middle of my screen, a small portion of which is shown here (warning: shocking content).
It is difficult to continue trusting Yahoo as an email provider when it places images such as that front and center. A boring email provider is preferred over the Stephen King variety. No more email address at yahoo dot com for me.
It is difficult to continue trusting Yahoo as an email provider when it places images such as that front and center. A boring email provider is preferred over the Stephen King variety. No more email address at yahoo dot com for me.
A Dungeon Crawl Abomination
In Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, there are many race/class combinations that should not be. The gods frown upon such abominations, which are grayed on the menu, not recommended. One abomination is a Spriggan Beserker, not deemed a viable class for Spriggans, and with cause, because highly intelligent spriggans are adept at magic. Magic is of great value--or is it? For a Spriggan to serve Trog, forswearing magic forever, is indeed an abomination--and quite an effective strategy, as it turns out.
Skryton began as a Spriggan Assassin, devoted all optional ability increases to Dexterity or Strength, and then chose Trog as his deity. Here are his stats at level 13:
Trog's munificence eventually bestowed the priceless elven quick blade, which is yet to be vorpalized but still extremely effective. Spriggans are the least hungriest of all races except Mummies and make fine Beserkers. But I would not begin as one, because Dexterity is everything for a Spriggan, and Assassin's curare needles are invaluable.
By forswearing spellcasting, all of the XP trickled down into the most vital skills for a Spriggan, Dodging, Stealth, and Stabbing, resulting in a high competence:
This successful experiment in concocting an abomination reinforces my opinion that Spriggans are an elite race, more powerful than any other.
Skryton began as a Spriggan Assassin, devoted all optional ability increases to Dexterity or Strength, and then chose Trog as his deity. Here are his stats at level 13:
Trog's munificence eventually bestowed the priceless elven quick blade, which is yet to be vorpalized but still extremely effective. Spriggans are the least hungriest of all races except Mummies and make fine Beserkers. But I would not begin as one, because Dexterity is everything for a Spriggan, and Assassin's curare needles are invaluable.
By forswearing spellcasting, all of the XP trickled down into the most vital skills for a Spriggan, Dodging, Stealth, and Stabbing, resulting in a high competence:
This successful experiment in concocting an abomination reinforces my opinion that Spriggans are an elite race, more powerful than any other.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Melatonin
Melatonin seems like a mysterious compound, increasing REM sleep and vivid dreaming in addition to assisting with the circadian rhythm. It also functions as an antioxidant. It is produced by an endocrine gland located in the brain, known as the pineal body. In humans, melatonin exerts an inhibitory influence upon the reproductive system that prevents sexual maturation from occurring too early.
The production of melatonin requires hours of darkness. This was seldom an issue for our ancient ancestors, but today, many remain awake during the hours of darkness, such as the evening-time, to watch their favorite television shows and use the computer. By doing so, modern humans deprive themselves of a beneficial compound that seems to have a subtle influence upon psychology and health.
I have decided to embark upon an experiment with myself as the subject. I will make a conscious effort to generate increased levels of melatonin in my system by going to sleep during the hours of darkness and arising in the early morning. My expectation is that I will have a more pronounced circadian rhythm, more REM sleep, and vivid dreaming. The last benefit is of great interest to me, because I want to experience vivid dreaming and see what all the fuss is about. I may discover that melatonin is of great benefit.
Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." I wonder whether that is so and whether melatonin is the reason.
The production of melatonin requires hours of darkness. This was seldom an issue for our ancient ancestors, but today, many remain awake during the hours of darkness, such as the evening-time, to watch their favorite television shows and use the computer. By doing so, modern humans deprive themselves of a beneficial compound that seems to have a subtle influence upon psychology and health.
I have decided to embark upon an experiment with myself as the subject. I will make a conscious effort to generate increased levels of melatonin in my system by going to sleep during the hours of darkness and arising in the early morning. My expectation is that I will have a more pronounced circadian rhythm, more REM sleep, and vivid dreaming. The last benefit is of great interest to me, because I want to experience vivid dreaming and see what all the fuss is about. I may discover that melatonin is of great benefit.
Benjamin Franklin wrote, "Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise." I wonder whether that is so and whether melatonin is the reason.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Added Another to My List of Heroes
For some time now, I have been forming a list of heroes in American politics. Other people have politicians they detest, but I decided to be different and look for the good people, the role models. These politicians have to stand out from the crowd in some way, either by taking a stand on an issue, or through eloquence, diplomacy, or statesmanship. In other words, I don't pick a hero just because I agree with his politics. And my usage of the term "hero" can encompass the female gender as well. (One of my peeves with English is the division of titles, such as hero/heroine, into male and female.)
At the top is Rep. Barney Frank. The time has come to add Sen. Jim Webb, who is addressing a problem of long standing, the disparity between the inmate population in the U.S. and in all other nations of the world. I have been aware for some time that the U.S. incarcerates more people per capita than any other nation, including China. Something needs to be done about that. The most obvious fix would be to either decriminalize or reduce the penalties for marijuana. I am pleased to see that action is being taken on this front, and I am sure that our Founding Fathers would be too, as they would have been sentenced to lengthy terms in prison under the current system, as they were cultivators and users of the forbidden herb.
At the top is Rep. Barney Frank. The time has come to add Sen. Jim Webb, who is addressing a problem of long standing, the disparity between the inmate population in the U.S. and in all other nations of the world. I have been aware for some time that the U.S. incarcerates more people per capita than any other nation, including China. Something needs to be done about that. The most obvious fix would be to either decriminalize or reduce the penalties for marijuana. I am pleased to see that action is being taken on this front, and I am sure that our Founding Fathers would be too, as they would have been sentenced to lengthy terms in prison under the current system, as they were cultivators and users of the forbidden herb.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
The Courage to Make Correct Decisions
I agree with the comments made by Shirley Sherrod. Rather than showing concern over the base sentiments of the right wing, our leaders must find the courage to make enlightened decisions. Wrong action, even when undertaken for the purpose of building consensus, fails in its intended purposes. Correct action displays strength, invites respect, and builds strength. Yes, the babies of the right wing will kick and scream. There will be much second-guessing. It must be endured. The babies of the right wing will always be babies.
One knows the evil-doers that walk upon the earth by their willingness to lie and misrepresent the statements of others. As I have said before, it is to the credit of good people that they speak the truth. Those who are good have a sixth sense about truth. They feel it, even if they do not know it. Those who are evil do not seek the truth. They want no part of the truth. Their currency is lies used to achieve their ends.
One knows the evil-doers that walk upon the earth by their willingness to lie and misrepresent the statements of others. As I have said before, it is to the credit of good people that they speak the truth. Those who are good have a sixth sense about truth. They feel it, even if they do not know it. Those who are evil do not seek the truth. They want no part of the truth. Their currency is lies used to achieve their ends.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
The Rude Student
The last time I remembered a dream was several years ago. I don't know why. Some people do remember their dreams, and I envy them. It must be fun to recall dreams. Even better are vivid dreams in which the mind assumes conscious control. Due to my dream deficiency, I stretch the definition of dream to encompass the waking time just before sleep, when I am lying in bed thinking.
Last night, I dreaded a possibility that a particular student in my class might be unbalanced enough to do harm to himself or others. I was put to mind of atrocities on other American campuses where a crazy student (or, sadder to say, professor) took a firearm to class. Sometimes, I get a bad feeling about a person. I sense that there is a dark cloud hanging over them. But that feeling does not translate into any specific premonition. It is not magic, but based upon the manner in which a person interacts with others and whether they observe basic social rules of etiquette and consideration for others. In this specific case, there is not enough evidence, other than a bad feeling. I know it is easy to confuse "little bit crazy" with "full-blown crazy." Not all crazy people are dangerous. Crazy people tend to be frightened of others, actually. They understand the actions of rational people no better than we understand their actions. From their point of view, they are just doing their thing. From our point of view, their thing is eccentric and annoying. Who is correct? That is a matter of contention, but for now, the rational people hold sway. Naturally, I prefer to number myself among the rational.
This student has difficulty in adhering to basic social norms, such as not speaking when the professor is lecturing. He is forever rattling on about one thing or the other to his discredit, describing past events that portray him in a most unfavorable light, although he thinks otherwise (delusions of grandeur), thinking himself a great adventurer and extrovert, and hoping that we should perceive him in those terms. He is a most deluded fellow. My diagnosis is garden variety bipolar disorder. All that he says destroys any possibility that anyone with sense should have a good opinion of him. He even tapped out a text message on his cell phone during the lecture, resulting in an audible, high-pitched beeping noise for each of the letters of the message.
Our professor is new, meek, and sweet, and seems incapable of making the necessary rebuke, which is a common defect in newly minted teachers, who are afraid of offending anyone. Also, she is black, and the student is white, although race is not the foremost issue here. As a matter of fact, the white students disapprove of the behavior of the rude white student. It is very much taboo to be disrespectful of a teacher.
I found myself growing angry at the rudeness, but said nothing, because there was a fear that I might overstep and say too much. Also, it was not my place to say anything, but the professor's. However, I had a fantasy of taking him by the collar and dragging him out of the classroom, kicking and screaming, and telling him to go home, since he did not want to learn and was not willing to let the other students learn either. But I doubted that vigilantism would have been appreciated by anyone. The rude student is a frail-looking man. I might seem to be a bully. Besides, he may own a gun to compensate for his physical inferiority. Robert Heinlein once wrote, "Never beat a small man. He'll kill you." There is something to that advice. I don't want to make any enemies. I've got enough to deal with just getting through school. Order in the classroom is customarily the responsibility of the professor, though in this case, the professor lacks the courage to enforce order.
During a study session in the library, a group of students, including myself, confronted the rude student and told him in polite and general terms that he needed to remain quiet while the professor was speaking. We explained that we wished to hear what was said in order to pass the class. Also, the professor might treat the entire class with a harsh bias, if she felt the class were disrespectful. He took offense, claiming, "you all hate me, just like the others!" (I don't know who "the others" are and did not wish to ask.) He insisted that he knew more than the professor. She was a know-nothing, while he was extremely smart, he said. He described himself as a "type-A personality," which tempted me to ask what the "A" stood for, but I held my peace. After each person in our group repeated the same general observation, he promised to remain silent during the class. I sensed he was lying, but held my peace. I am of the opinion he lies on a regular basis and has difficulty distinguishing between fact and fiction. Much of what he says about himself has the distinct aroma of bull manure. He is very poor at evaluating the motives and reasoning of other people.
In the classroom, I changed my seat, moving further away from him, as he was in the habit of turning around to talk to me during the lecture. He considered me his buddy, because I had been friendly in the beginning, as I am with everyone that I meet. He was unaware of ever having caused any offense through his remarks or behavior.
I had made the mistake early on of talking to him and giving him attention, a grievous error. I am a friendly person by nature, reluctant to ignore people who are looking into my eyes and talking to me. Anyone who says anything to him or maintains eye contact encourages frequent, lengthy, and interminable conversations about the most inane topics that amuse his disordered mind. He has a vile habit of invading the personal space of his listeners, touching them in inappropriate ways. For instance, upon learning that I had made the highest grade in the class on the last exam, he made a derisive remark, which I took in stride, but then flicked a hand toward my face. His fingertip scratched my cheek, causing me to wince, and I did not like that. He also warned me that if I upset the "Bell Curve" of the test scores, he would find out where I live and break one of my windows. I said, "Bring it on." I did not like his remark. I was unsure of whether he was joking. He made an enemy that day, though he showed no awareness of his wrong. The possibility that he might have been serious filled me with wrath, which smoldered and increased the longer that I considered the implications. It is remarkable that he has survived to be thirty-something. Perhaps his mental illness is of recent origin.
Before the last test, I had shared tips with him, based upon my long hours studying, that resulted in his scoring ten points higher than he otherwise would have earned, which he recognized later, remarking, "Hey, you know, I take back all of what I said before. You helped me. I scored ten points higher because of you. You know, I guess I won't be breaking your window after all." This remark was just as foolish as the last. I did not like being reminded that I had helped him in a substantial manner. Foolish generosity! I had failed to evaluate the individual I was helping and had helped a viper. I would much preferred he had scored the "B" he deserved. It was impossible from this point on that I would ever help him again.
I moved away to remove his temptation, but also to reduce my annoyance. The sight, sound, and smell of him was repulsive. He was not easy on the eyes, smelled like an ashtray, being a chain-smoker of menthol cigarettes, and his incessant talking grated on the nerves. Had I remained nearby, the professor might have assumed I was his buddy, being of the same race, and I did not want that. I realized the other black students had drawn the same incorrect assumption, that he and I were buddies. It is common for people to group others together by race. By moving away, I isolated him, which resulted in an unexpected dividend, much to my satisfaction.
The black students were particularly offended by the white student's rudeness to a black professor, which is understandable. I think that if they had known just how angry I was, and the sort of things I had been thinking about, then they would have been surprised.
A black female student in the class became my heroine. She asked a question of the professor, and when the professor's reply was obscured by more talking from the rude student, she said in a loud and angry voice, "Excuse me, but there is someone in the class who is talking out of turn. Someone in the middle of the class, on the third row, who is very rude and inconsiderate to the rest of the class. Someone who insists on talking while the professor is talking. A very rude person."
Everyone in the class knew who she was talking about. No one stirred. The silence was deafening. I wanted to cheer, but contented myself with a wide smile. The rude student did not turn around or respond in any way, but kept his head down. I think the rebuke was effective, because he did quiet down a bit. The professor pretended nothing had happened, but I was sure that this had pleased her. She answered the question and proceeded with the lecture. However, about ten minutes later, I noticed she was smiling much broader and more frequently. Also, she remarked on how much she liked our class. Her meaning was clear. I was pleased. The student body had policed itself in an effective manner, at least on that occasion.
I remain watchful of the rude student who seems to have trouble controlling his own behavior. This is the first time I have encountered a bad apple in the student body, which has otherwise been represented well in my experience. I hope that nothing worse comes out of the situation. However, I cannot be concerned with events beyond my control or foresight. If others make mistakes, then that is to their discredit. I intend to remain blameless. My choice is to hope for the best and do the best I can. I will always be on the side of those that are good, and it pleases me to see good people prevail.
Last night, I dreaded a possibility that a particular student in my class might be unbalanced enough to do harm to himself or others. I was put to mind of atrocities on other American campuses where a crazy student (or, sadder to say, professor) took a firearm to class. Sometimes, I get a bad feeling about a person. I sense that there is a dark cloud hanging over them. But that feeling does not translate into any specific premonition. It is not magic, but based upon the manner in which a person interacts with others and whether they observe basic social rules of etiquette and consideration for others. In this specific case, there is not enough evidence, other than a bad feeling. I know it is easy to confuse "little bit crazy" with "full-blown crazy." Not all crazy people are dangerous. Crazy people tend to be frightened of others, actually. They understand the actions of rational people no better than we understand their actions. From their point of view, they are just doing their thing. From our point of view, their thing is eccentric and annoying. Who is correct? That is a matter of contention, but for now, the rational people hold sway. Naturally, I prefer to number myself among the rational.
This student has difficulty in adhering to basic social norms, such as not speaking when the professor is lecturing. He is forever rattling on about one thing or the other to his discredit, describing past events that portray him in a most unfavorable light, although he thinks otherwise (delusions of grandeur), thinking himself a great adventurer and extrovert, and hoping that we should perceive him in those terms. He is a most deluded fellow. My diagnosis is garden variety bipolar disorder. All that he says destroys any possibility that anyone with sense should have a good opinion of him. He even tapped out a text message on his cell phone during the lecture, resulting in an audible, high-pitched beeping noise for each of the letters of the message.
Our professor is new, meek, and sweet, and seems incapable of making the necessary rebuke, which is a common defect in newly minted teachers, who are afraid of offending anyone. Also, she is black, and the student is white, although race is not the foremost issue here. As a matter of fact, the white students disapprove of the behavior of the rude white student. It is very much taboo to be disrespectful of a teacher.
I found myself growing angry at the rudeness, but said nothing, because there was a fear that I might overstep and say too much. Also, it was not my place to say anything, but the professor's. However, I had a fantasy of taking him by the collar and dragging him out of the classroom, kicking and screaming, and telling him to go home, since he did not want to learn and was not willing to let the other students learn either. But I doubted that vigilantism would have been appreciated by anyone. The rude student is a frail-looking man. I might seem to be a bully. Besides, he may own a gun to compensate for his physical inferiority. Robert Heinlein once wrote, "Never beat a small man. He'll kill you." There is something to that advice. I don't want to make any enemies. I've got enough to deal with just getting through school. Order in the classroom is customarily the responsibility of the professor, though in this case, the professor lacks the courage to enforce order.
During a study session in the library, a group of students, including myself, confronted the rude student and told him in polite and general terms that he needed to remain quiet while the professor was speaking. We explained that we wished to hear what was said in order to pass the class. Also, the professor might treat the entire class with a harsh bias, if she felt the class were disrespectful. He took offense, claiming, "you all hate me, just like the others!" (I don't know who "the others" are and did not wish to ask.) He insisted that he knew more than the professor. She was a know-nothing, while he was extremely smart, he said. He described himself as a "type-A personality," which tempted me to ask what the "A" stood for, but I held my peace. After each person in our group repeated the same general observation, he promised to remain silent during the class. I sensed he was lying, but held my peace. I am of the opinion he lies on a regular basis and has difficulty distinguishing between fact and fiction. Much of what he says about himself has the distinct aroma of bull manure. He is very poor at evaluating the motives and reasoning of other people.
In the classroom, I changed my seat, moving further away from him, as he was in the habit of turning around to talk to me during the lecture. He considered me his buddy, because I had been friendly in the beginning, as I am with everyone that I meet. He was unaware of ever having caused any offense through his remarks or behavior.
I had made the mistake early on of talking to him and giving him attention, a grievous error. I am a friendly person by nature, reluctant to ignore people who are looking into my eyes and talking to me. Anyone who says anything to him or maintains eye contact encourages frequent, lengthy, and interminable conversations about the most inane topics that amuse his disordered mind. He has a vile habit of invading the personal space of his listeners, touching them in inappropriate ways. For instance, upon learning that I had made the highest grade in the class on the last exam, he made a derisive remark, which I took in stride, but then flicked a hand toward my face. His fingertip scratched my cheek, causing me to wince, and I did not like that. He also warned me that if I upset the "Bell Curve" of the test scores, he would find out where I live and break one of my windows. I said, "Bring it on." I did not like his remark. I was unsure of whether he was joking. He made an enemy that day, though he showed no awareness of his wrong. The possibility that he might have been serious filled me with wrath, which smoldered and increased the longer that I considered the implications. It is remarkable that he has survived to be thirty-something. Perhaps his mental illness is of recent origin.
Before the last test, I had shared tips with him, based upon my long hours studying, that resulted in his scoring ten points higher than he otherwise would have earned, which he recognized later, remarking, "Hey, you know, I take back all of what I said before. You helped me. I scored ten points higher because of you. You know, I guess I won't be breaking your window after all." This remark was just as foolish as the last. I did not like being reminded that I had helped him in a substantial manner. Foolish generosity! I had failed to evaluate the individual I was helping and had helped a viper. I would much preferred he had scored the "B" he deserved. It was impossible from this point on that I would ever help him again.
I moved away to remove his temptation, but also to reduce my annoyance. The sight, sound, and smell of him was repulsive. He was not easy on the eyes, smelled like an ashtray, being a chain-smoker of menthol cigarettes, and his incessant talking grated on the nerves. Had I remained nearby, the professor might have assumed I was his buddy, being of the same race, and I did not want that. I realized the other black students had drawn the same incorrect assumption, that he and I were buddies. It is common for people to group others together by race. By moving away, I isolated him, which resulted in an unexpected dividend, much to my satisfaction.
The black students were particularly offended by the white student's rudeness to a black professor, which is understandable. I think that if they had known just how angry I was, and the sort of things I had been thinking about, then they would have been surprised.
A black female student in the class became my heroine. She asked a question of the professor, and when the professor's reply was obscured by more talking from the rude student, she said in a loud and angry voice, "Excuse me, but there is someone in the class who is talking out of turn. Someone in the middle of the class, on the third row, who is very rude and inconsiderate to the rest of the class. Someone who insists on talking while the professor is talking. A very rude person."
Everyone in the class knew who she was talking about. No one stirred. The silence was deafening. I wanted to cheer, but contented myself with a wide smile. The rude student did not turn around or respond in any way, but kept his head down. I think the rebuke was effective, because he did quiet down a bit. The professor pretended nothing had happened, but I was sure that this had pleased her. She answered the question and proceeded with the lecture. However, about ten minutes later, I noticed she was smiling much broader and more frequently. Also, she remarked on how much she liked our class. Her meaning was clear. I was pleased. The student body had policed itself in an effective manner, at least on that occasion.
I remain watchful of the rude student who seems to have trouble controlling his own behavior. This is the first time I have encountered a bad apple in the student body, which has otherwise been represented well in my experience. I hope that nothing worse comes out of the situation. However, I cannot be concerned with events beyond my control or foresight. If others make mistakes, then that is to their discredit. I intend to remain blameless. My choice is to hope for the best and do the best I can. I will always be on the side of those that are good, and it pleases me to see good people prevail.
Republicans' Misplaced Priorities
Rather than fund domestic spending, Republicans prefer to spend all available money on the Afghan conflict. I wonder how my Republican friends feel about that. If I were to ask them, I suspect they would express surprise, as they tend to receive all of their news from a single source, FOX, the propaganda organ of the Republican Party.
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Reserve Scrabble
Reserve Scrabble, my latest idea, rectifies the problem of luck in the game of Scrabble. Every player knows that whosoever draws both wildcards will win nine times out of ten, assuming equal skill levels among players. In Reserve Scrabble, each player begins the game with the usual seven-tile hand and a reserve of two or more tiles. The reserve, which may be tapped whenever needed, contains a wildcard and an "s". (No wildcards or "s" tiles remain in the deck.) The difficult tiles, "j", "z", "x", "q", "c", and "v", are randomly distributed to the players' reserves and are not to be found in the deck. Thus, each player receives the same number of difficult tiles, although different ones. The problem of too many vowels or too many consonants lessens in severity, since every player has a wildcard and an "s" at his disposal.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
The Demonspawn Fighter
In Dungeon Crawl Stone Soup, I have a new favorite race/class combination: Demonspawn Fighter. After the Ecumenical Temple is discovered, I choose Trog and become a Berserker. Why not begin as a Berserker in the first place? Fighters begin with valuable experience in Fighting, Armour, and Shields, which are difficult areas for Demonspawn to acquire experience. They come equipped with a regular shield and a decent suit of armour. In addition, the Fighter gets to choose his weapon, whereas the Berserker receives an Axe. I prefer my Demonspawn to train in Maces & Flails for the possibility that it might find a Demon Whip, for which it enjoys racial bonuses.
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