Tales and Tails of a Troyfish

You know that you wanna join us.  I was about to get a ticket for the show, but if we can get 10 people to throw in, tickets are $13.50 vs. $21.50 (Fees included)  I'll give you till Thursday afternoon to say, ya or nay... But I'm getting my ticket for Saturday's show at 8PM Thursday afternoon. Interested?

(Crossposted in dominyk's LJ)

Shakespeare and zombies. Rock on. Who is up for going this Saturday? Let Dom or I know. If we get a group of 10 together we will get a discount. Tickets here.

To Zombie or Not to Zombie - Theater Review - Washington City Paper

Upon learning that Living Dead in Denmark was originally produced by Vampire Cowboys, the much-buzzed New York–based theatrical company whose gleefully geeky mission statement reads: “To create and produce new works with an emphasis on stage combat and dark comedy with a comic book aesthetic,” potential theatergoers divide themselves into two distinct camps. These are, respectively, “No thanks,” and “Yes, I will take half a dozen.” This reviewer pitches his tent in the “Yes” camp, and I’ll confess that when I read playwright and Vampire Cowboys co-founder Qui Nguyen’s description of the show as a “love letter to Shakespeare, comic books and Hong Kong style action,” said tent-pitching verged on the literal. If actually seeing Rorschach’s staging caused some of that ardor to flag, perhaps that was inevitable; you certainly can’t chalk it up to a lack of effort on director/fight choreographer Casey Kaleba’s part. Goofiness and gore are cheerfully, ravenously embraced—which makes sense, as Nguyen’s script is little more than a pop culture gag-a-thon affixed to a self-consciously shlocky Roger Corman plot: Five years after the characters in Hamlet undergo their climactic mass exeunt, Ophelia (Amy Quiggens) is resurrected, upgraded with super fighty-fight powers, by Fortinbras (Ben Cunis) to join the similarly revivified Juliet (Megan Riechert) and Lady Macbeth (Katie Atkinson). Together, the Bard’s three badass broads wage a pitched battle against a plague of zombies led by a mysterious figure (Tony Bullock) given to ham-fisted oratory. (That’s a hint.) If ever a show resolutely resisted analysis and explication, it’s this one—Nguyen tosses in so many incongruous, omnidirectional, and deliberately momentum-killing jokes that recognizing the reference becomes its own reward. The whole thing’s essentially a game of pop-culture bingo featuring—but by no means limited to—shoutouts to Scooby Doo, The Incredible Hulk, Patton, The Six Million Dollar Man, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, James Bond, Brokeback Mountain (really? still?), Trix commercials, Resident Evil 4, the Undertaker’s tombstone pile driver and “Thriller” (the latter a gimme, given the subject matter.)

I got sent this note, and wanted to send it out to all the people that I have on my list.  I'm happy where I am, but you or a friend of yours may not be... So, if you know anyone that is qualified for this position and wants to work in Stafford, Va... Let me know.  I'll forward their info on to the recruiter.  (Pay Range is 72-83K)
BTW... this is not with my company, this is just a quick note I got sent to me from a recruiter... It's not something I'm really comfortable doing, but for some of you I know it is.

-T-

Systems Documentation Technical Writer Job Description, PM Ammo

The Systems Documentation Technical Writer coordinates and participates in the collection, interpretation, and writing of technical documentation and reports in support of software development. The technical writer prepares and maintains documentation pertaining to software development, website production, computer systems operation, and user documentation. The technical writer has a thorough knowledge of commonly-used concepts, practices, and procedures within a software development environment. In many cases the technical writer receives only verbal directions from which a finished product is to be developed, being responsible for the grammar, usage, and spelling within the document. This position requires excellent verbal, written, and organizational skills and must demonstrate experience developing end user manuals, system documentation, and operational procedures. The technical writer develops and maintains technical and graphical documentation for end users, technical personnel, and management. This position works independently but under the supervision of the Systems Documentation Technical Writer Lead and Project Manager. The technical writer performs other duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Create, edit, and maintain technical documentation for current and future applications such as technical manuals and user manuals
• Translate business specifications into user documentation
• Organize material and complete writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology
• Work with documentation team to develop, maintain, and work within a style guide
• Create document plans, types, templates, and predefined styles for use by technical writers
• Interview subject matter experts, developers, and technical personnel to gather information
• Navigate and manipulate web-based repositories
• Perform a variety of special projects/tasks primarily concerned with USMC, US Navy, and DOD issues, strategies, and initiatives for implementation
• Develop draft charts received from customers into finished products to be presented to General Officers, Senior Executive Service personnel, and other Government and contractor personnel

Experience Requirements

• Degree in English, Technical Writing or a directly related field
• Minimum of 5 years in a technical writing role
• Experience may be substituted for education

Qualifications

• Strong grammar skills
• Extensive experience in the use of Microsoft Office product suite: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Visio
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communications skills
• Experience developing internal style guides and templates
• Active Secret clearance or ability to be cleared

Other Desired Skill

• Familiarity with SharePoint for document management and sharing
• Thorough understanding of software development life cycle (SDLC)
• Familiarity with online help development tools, preferably MadCap Flare
• Proactive attitude to resolve problems and deliver results
• Passion to thrive in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment
• Some experience with web services and related technologies a plus
• Previous experience working in an agile programming environment a plus

Traffic in Columbia will already be bad on August 30th, why not go ahead and be part of what will make it bad?

Apparently the Virgin Mobile is hosting a music festival at the Merriweather Post Pavillion on August 30th.  I haven't checked to see if there are any conflicts yet, but since it's so far in advance, I think now, everything else will be a conflict of this.  So if you're interested check out the site... the tickets just became available at 10:00 AM this morning.

Here's a list of the bands playing:

So, Pertinent Details?

1. Go to http://www.virginmobilefestival.com
2. Click on the link near the center bottom that reads Get Free Tickets (It will take you to this link - http://www.ticketmaster.com/promo/17a7n2)
3. Click on the link that says Find Tickets (Taking you to this link)
4. Scrolling down the page will give you the options for Will Call or having the tickets mailed to you... Note... I did the Will Call which gave me the option for 2 tickets. I was told that you can only get one if you try to have them mailed to you. The other options will give donations to a charity of Youth Homelessness. You can also get options that will get you shirts and the like... Personally, I only did the free option but I fully expect that there will be a way to donate to the cause when you're there. I prefer this method just cuz I didn't want to deal with Credit card info.
5. Once you've chosen your option you will need the promo code to get your free tickets... I'm sure that there are plenty, but the one I used was
   Fester
6. Fill out the info as needed, but realize that there is a time limit on each page. It didn't ask me for anything other than email address, and address... no credit card info
7. Pick up your tickets in late August or the tickets will be given elsewhere...
8. Show up to the Pavillion, and I'll see you there.

Your result for Which Woman of the X-Men is Right For You? Test...

Psylocke (aka Betsy Braddock)

15 Kitty, 18 Emma, 34 Betsy, 1 Jean, 18 Rogue, 17 Storm, 11 Rachel and 14 Lorna!

Take Which Woman of the X-Men is Right For You? Test at HelloQuizzy

1. You can ONLY answer YES or No.
2. You are NOT ALLOWED to explain ANYTHING unless someone messages or comments you and asks. -- and believe me, the temptation to explain some of these will be overwhelming nothing is exactly as it seems.

Now, here's what you're supposed to do. . . Copy and paste this into your notes, delete my answers, type in your answers and tag as many of your friends as you'd like to.

---

Kissed any one of your Facebook friends? YES Been arrested? YES Kissed someone you didn't like? YES Slept in until 5 PM? no Fallen asleep at work/school? YES Held a snake? YES Ran a red light? YES Been suspended from school? no Experienced love at first sight? no Totaled your car in an accident? no Been fired from a job? no Fired somebody? no Sang karaoke? YES Pointed a gun at someone? YES Done something you told yourself you wouldn't? YES Laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose? YES Caught a snowflake on your tongue? YES Kissed in the rain? YES Had a close brush with death (your own)? YES Smuggled something into another country? YES Been pushed into a pool with all your clothes? YES Broken a bone? YES Skipped school? YES

Eaten a bug? YES Sleepwalked? YES Walked a moonlit beach? YES Rode a motorcycle? YES Dumped someone? YES Forgotten your anniversary? YES Lied to avoid a ticket? YES Ridden on a helicopter? no Shaved your head? YES Played a prank on someone? YES Hit a home run? YES Felt like killing someone? YES Cross-dressed? YES Made your girlfriend/boyfriend cry? YES Eaten snake? YES Marched/Protested? no Had Mexican jumping beans for pets? no Puked on amusement ride? no Seriously & intentionally boycotted something? YES Been in a band? no Knitted? no Been on TV? YES Shot a gun? YES

Skinny-dipped? YES Gave someone stitches? YES Eaten a whole habenero pepper? no Ridden a surfboard? no Drank straight from a liquor bottle? YES Had surgery? YES Streaked? YES Taken by ambulance to hospital? no Passed out when not drinking? YES Peed on a bush? YES Donated Blood? YES Grabbed electric fence? YES Eaten alligator meat? YES Eaten cheesecake? YES Eaten a kids' Halloween candy? YES Killed an animal when not hunting? YES Made out in public? YES Sneaked into a movie without paying? YES Written graffiti? YES Think about the future? YES Been in handcuffs? YES Believe in love? YES Sleep on a certain side of the bed? YES

Although I am happy where I am now, I do still get notices from people that are looking for folks with similar skill-sets as me... Funny, I know, I didn't think I had any real ones either... however, since I don't really want to pursue this opportunity, that doesn't mean that you won't.

If you have any interest in the following position, let me know and I'll put you in touch with the guy that sent me the info.  This one isn't with my company, but the SSA.  I'm not getting anything for it, so, it's really up to you to shoot for it if you like.

Talk to you later.

General Description: Must possess extensive experience developing, maintaining, and supporting HTML pages and content. S/he must have demonstrated hands-on expertise in analysis of problems and technical requirements in computing, networking and application areas specified in a work order, and shall possess extensive experience in evaluating, implementing and supporting the use of appropriate solutions for these problems and requirements. S/he must understand all tiers of development as well as database connectivity and structure. S/he will have prime accountability for major projects and will develop requirements, code, test, and implement proposed systems. The candidate will work without technical oversight or as the leader of a team as required. The candidate must be detail oriented, have superior oral and written communications skills, and be able to work well in a fast-paced, quickly changing environment. S/he must have the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet aggressive goals, objectives and timelines. The candidate must have thorough understanding of the SDLC. S/he should be proactive and self-motivated; a team player who can adapt to changes in client requirements. The candidate must be able to read current code and hit the ground running and have the ability to research problems and provide solutions. These resources will support various initiatives under the OSES technical area, which primarily supports Disability and Retirement based tasks, but they'll likely support a new initiative called: Appointed Represented Suite of Services. This initiative bundles all applications involved with the Disability application process (incl; Medical Records, income info, child care, etc.) into one centralized disability application.

Additional Job Info:

Desired Skills: The Office of Systems Electronic Services (OSES) directs the development of the SSA-wide mission critical software applications that support the Agency’s Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) initiatives. It performs long range planning and analysis, and the design, development, implementation and maintenance of eGovernment solutions in support of SSA's social insurance and income maintenance programs. These applications will provide access to SSA services over such service delivery channels as the Internet, Extranet, 800# and future direct service data collection channels. It provides a means for the public to have direct access to selected SSA services. It directs the coordination of general systems requirements definition among key SSA stakeholders, and representatives of the user community. It maintains a comprehensive software engineering program that provides tools, and a software infrastructure in support of SSA's eGovernment development goals. It defines the agency standards for Internet software development. It conducts software validation and testing for all Internet software solutions required to run on, or extract data from, any of SSA's host processor's or its mission critical systems and creates the necessary ESD management information to satisfy SSA’s global management information requirements.

I like Darkwood, and I think they make a great product and have some very well intentioned ideas with the tips that they've created.  However, the issue is that the tips to be effective, have to have a LOT of things just perfect to work properly.

1. They really seem to work on some blades, specifically tapered blades that will make it fit snugly with no sharp edges.
2. They have to be put on and forced down to fit VERY snugly.
3. If it goes on "too easy" you need to remove it and put something on the blade to make it more snug.  (So define "too Easy" for me)
4. The tip has to be all the way at the end.  If it comes away from the blade, then every time you hit it will weaken the rubber in the tip and at some point start to poke through. 
   

A couple points of note though... Whenever we get our blades checked by a marshal, they pull on the tip to make sure it's on tightly.  I would assume that in enough time, this would cause the tip to come away from the steel, so I have no doubt that in the initial setting of the tip, it is on perfectly, but in time, it will move away. Also, depending on the tape that you use... some use electrical, duct, gaffer's, hockey, etc.  Some tapes stretch, crack or tear given the pressure that we put them thought, and the weather conditions. (In the cold, some tapes will crack, and in the heat, some of the glues melt)

With all this in mind, I recall at GW someone walking through showing a blade that had blown through a DW tip.  Someone from our side tried to remind us that the tips were fine as long as you followed the instructions "EXACTLY." To which the marshal pointed out that Darkwood, themselves put on the tip.  This isn't a strike against DW, but even if all things are done perfectly, things  change after the fighting begins.  On that same token though, we would all be very safe fighting in just T-shirts as long as our opponents followed the rules "EXACTLY."  Unfortunately, mistakes happen.  Nothing agains the people making mistakes, but for me, I'm going to prepare for the accidents and hope that I never have to use the precautionary measures I've taken.

Another side note.  I've seen a number of kingdoms that will test out new tips, or new blades, fighting forms, or anything under the sun.  We always make sure that our most experienced fighters test these first, as we should... but we need to remember that the safety concerns are not necessarily designed for those of us that have been doing this for years.  In regards to the new tips, I've heard from a couple of people WS and FS that were testing them out.  I think this is great, but I'm really not worried about Llwyd, Antonio, or other good fighters hitting someone too hard.  If they didn't have tips at all, I'd still be okay with playing against them.  I'm more worried about the kids that dont' have control using these tools.

This is one of the reasons I have to rethink about things when I do an authorization bout.  If I am the usher, I am rarely worried that the person authing against me will hit me hard.  My instincts will keep me from taking a hard hit, usually.  I'm more worried about how that fighter would do against another newer fighter.  How would that equipment work in a new fighter's hands?  How would you feel about that person using this particular fighting form? 

I'm not saying that experienced fighters shouldn't be trying new things, but they do need to be aware of what the full implications are for something coming about or the decisons that they make. 

This brings me to the last point that has always annoyed me... If I hit you too hard in a fight, I will apologize, and reprimand myself for doing so.  You may be strong enough, or tough enough, or masochistic enough that you prefer stouter hits.  That's all well and good.  I often do too.  But when I get hit hard I have to work it out in my head, that I may be okay with that, but would I be okay with you hitting my lil' sister with that shot?  Would I be okay with hitting my girlfriend with a shot that was that hard?  If the answer to those is, "No!" then guess what... it was too hard.  I'm not calling you a mean evil bastard, but realize what you are doing... You telling your opponent that you can hit me that hard is like telling them that they can his a newbie with the same force.

(Yes, I know that there are exceptions, and there may be a chance for us to fully realize this with a tourney called, There is No Crying in Rapier.  Details forthcoming.)

1. Put your iTunes on shuffle.
   
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS! Add some commentary if you'd like.
   
4. Tag 10+ friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the note from.

Some of these turned out to be very entertaining, some don't make any sense at all, but its a good way to waste 20 minutes or so

IF SOMEONE SAYS "IS THIS OKAY" YOU SAY??
Shells From A Thirty-Ought Six - Tom Waits
(I'm a little worried that this one is goin to take a long time to fill out as I really kinda like this song... and want to finish it before I jump to the next question.)

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Sabbra Cadabra - Black Sabbath

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
God - Tori Amo
(I'm not sure if I should be more concerned that I'm looking for God, or that I actually have Tori in my library.)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?
Mother of God, Here I Stand - John Tavener (From the Children of Men score)
(I'm sensing some sort of theme here... I'm looking for God, and yet, my life's purpose is to be the mother of God? This is going to change a lot of theories on the afterlife and my newfound spiritual awakening.)

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Adrift and At Peace - NIN
(I'm thinking that this thing may be a bit too fitting for me)

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Blown Away - Pixies
(Ummm... errrrr.... Anyway... Look a dancing chicken... This was the very next song on random after NIN... I didn't cheat)

WHAT IS 2+2?
From Western Woods to Beaversdam - Harry Gregson-Williams (Chronicles of Narnia, The: The Lion, The Witch and the WardrobeSoundtrack)
(I got nothin')

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIENDS?
Words Of Fire, Deeds Of Blood - Robbie Robertson & The Red Road Ensemble (Music for the Native Americans)
(I think this is quite fitting for more than a few of them... )

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Your Phone is Ringing - Stephen Colbert
(Yes, it actually chose my ringtone that I created) So, there you go Bonnie... Expect a phone call soon. For curiosity sake, I let it go to the next track right after (Ringtones are short) to see what I'd get... Is there Anyone Out there - Pink Floyd -- just can't win... le sigh)

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
Shine - Plain White T's

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Bolero (Take 2) - Django Reinhardt
(Believe it or not, he's a Gypsy musician... you decide if it's fitting)

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Softly, Softly - Legendary Pink Dots

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
I Was Wrong - Sisters of Mercy
(I just can't catch a break, can I?)

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Suffragette City - David Bowie
(There are worse songs to dance to.)

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Atmosphere - London After Midnight
(This song is actually quite creepy)

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Sleepless - Lycia

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Chorale II - (Roosh Ka Ma) - Adiemus

WHAT'S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Cracked (Coda) - ThouShaltNot

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Hate - Bouncing Souls
(And people wonder why I "Don't do Anger")

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Top Of The World - Van Halen

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Step Up / Nobody's Listening / It's Goin Down (live) - Linkin Park

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Badfish - Sublime
(If I was a badfish, and got a spanking, I don't think I'd really cry -- Especially if the spanking came from a certain ... NM, don't go there)

WILL YOU EVER GET MARRIED?
Crawling In The Dark - Hoobastank (Fast and the Furious (More Music From) soundtrack)

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
When I Count... - Rasputina
(Shut up Dominyk)

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
Pretty - Korn

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
The Fireswamp And The Rodents Of Unusual Size - Mark Knopfler & Guy Fletcher (Princess Bride Soundtrack)

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Next Motherfucker (Remix) - Marilyn Manson

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS
One Big Crunch - White Zombie

So, I've been talking to a few different people about the whole social networking concept.  We have LinkedIn, Facebook, LJ, Twitter, Blogger, Wordpress, and countless others (I'm not counting MySpace, because I hate it). We have Email, AIM, ICQ (okay, I know it's rather defunct, now) MSN Messenger, Yahoo, Jabber (G-chat and many others), Skype, and even more.  On top of all of those, we have more ways to merge those into other things... Facebook has it's chat, as does LJ, MySpace, and Gmail. 

When it comes to the IM world we have programs that will merge all of the IM's into one convenient interface, such as Meebo.com (If you don't want to install anything) Trillian (trillian.cc) that will allow for a ton of plugins, and of course my new favorite Pidgin if you're on the PC, and Adium if you're on a real OS (Mac) -- I'm sure there's an equivalent for you Linux users out there.  Each of these programs make it easier to communicate with one another, especially when people claim that they only like talking on AIM or only on Y! or only on MSN due to work restrictions... blah blah blah... On top of all that we have other forms of communication being the Telephone and perish the thought, snail mail. 

There are a number of things that we don't like to discuss on these sites.  There are many things that we don't truly want to share with the population of the world that can read our missives.  I don't talk about my "personal" life, in this medium. Many companies are implementing a "Blogging" policy, that will limit what people should reveal on their personal blogs.  This is not a bad idea, honestly, as there have been quite a few leaks of proprietary information to resources that should not have them.  I for one worked on a project to train folks on how to use these social networking sites for anti-terrorism.  You'd be shocked to know what some people put in their MySpace pages.  If you have kids, I would HIGHLY recommend that you look at what they are posting.  My job actually asked me to think like a bad guy for a bit to come up with how to use information against people... although it was fun, it also made me a little extra paranoid about what we post in these environments.  (Hence why the only name I post on the internet is TroyFish)

All this being said, something that I've noticed is that more and more people are getting fed up by the concept of them all.  That is your prerogative, but you should at least do yourself a favor and ensure that whatever you do, you do for the right reasons.  Although, I haven't been posting to my website, or LJ, or even Facebook as much as I would like, I do prefer these mediums to getting information out.  I can write one note in Deepest Sender, and have it posted to over 200 people.  More in time, I'm sure.  If there is a party going on, I can send out the one note and have people respond there.  I can log into YouTube, and after seeing a cool video I can press a button (or 2) and have it posted on my website, or other sites for other so share and bask in the glory or commiserate in the death of a little part of your soul.

I like the immediacy of IM.  I like the fact that you can immediately look at a list of people and say, "Ohhh, I have a quick question"  I've heard it said, Why not just pick up the phone and call?  Well, how about the fact that when you do that, a quick question can easily turn into a 1 hour conversation on the latest rumors of who is sleeping with who... Who got fired... Why does my car make this sound... How was your day... What's for dinner... do you like beans... you get the idea... when all you really wanted to know is what was the name of the guy that played Bishop in Aliens? (Yes, I know it was Lance Henriksen).  We don't like to talk on the phone because our lives don't allow for it.  We don't want to get into it, at a moment's notice, and we may not be able to.  We can however send a quick SMS to someone and be patient in the amount of time it will take to reply. 

I do also like face to face converstaions, but those are harder to come by given the distances that many of us have between us.  However, when we do, it's great... but it becomes increasingly difficult to have dinner with different people every night.  I am one of the most notorious people that will do "group" activities.  This is because I like ALL of my friends, and most of my aquaintences.  I would LOVE to spend more time with each one, but I just can't allow myself that opportunity as often as I'd like.  I've learned a lot from many of my previous mistakes, and I am happy to report that I doubt I'll make them again, afer all, there is a plethora of new mistakes to make, and I'm not even 35 yet.

So... now I open the floor to you... What do you think of Social networking sites and communication mediums

I think everyone knows my views on guns. Truth is, I'm not against them... I just feel like they are the "great equalizer" and in many cases, I've worked hard to not be "equal." If you are going to have a firearm, you should use extreme care and this is a good video to teach the kids gun safety.

Ohhh, How true it is... Our society is so full of "You owe me," that they can't stop for a moment and recall, you know... 20 years ago, this didn't even exist."

Question for all of you... do you think it will get better... or worse?

Based on response from a few people, I went ahead and got tickets for kittymaru, leimon_malakoi, the LJ-less, larom, tknmncr, an myself.

The show is at 8:00PM at the Ram's Head in Annapolis. and we're seated at Tables 700 and 701. There are plenty of openings still, but who knows how it will go when it gets closer.

Feel free to join us if you like.

If you want to hear their music, you can download seme of it from their site. http://www.enterthehaggis.com/happyfourth.cfm

I've heard that Enter the Haggis was a fun show.

They are playing in Annapolis on the 21st of January (Wednesday night) with the Wild Rovers - http://tickets.ramsheadonstage.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=146

Anyone interested?  It's assigned seating, but I don't want to snag a table if it's just me.  Tix are $16.50 plus all the standard fees (total of $22.15 each)

Let me know... There are a number of seats still available, so I don't expect it to sell out, but if you want good seats or to sit together, we should get them as a group.

Yeah, yeah,

So, I'm a failure at this updating thing.  I really want to start saying more, but let's face it, my life is boring and drab, with nary a new story to share, or an adventure to extol tales about.  I am a lout and a hermit that sits at home picking my nose and masturbating to the sounds of static as there is nothing on the 12" black and white TV in my living room.  All of my friends are horrendous trolls that wouldn't lift a finger to help a kitten on fire.  Work at the toxic dump has been the same as always, except for the latest set of platypuses that speak to me and try to convince me to kill my parakeet with a rusty spoon and a wire whisk.  Food to me tastes like sawdust and coffee, and not in that soul rupturing fun way like tacos do.

And that would be all, except that I really meant to say, that I've been playing with creating ringtones for my iPhone and think that all the people that actually call me should give me ideas as to what they would like to have used as their reminder to me that I should really talk to you.

Once I create a few more, I'll post some of them for your usage if you like.  I'd like them to be fitting to the person and something that isn't insulting.  So, no "I'm an Asshole" for anyone... even me.

That's it for now... and expect far more updates... especially if people ask me to say something.  Otherwise, I'll just start writing meaningless drivel that has no substance at all.  or I could post some of the saucy emails that I've been sharing with a nun in Cambodia... mrow mrow... talk about saucy... that relationship with her Lord just got spicy... Okay, I'm done now.

(and now they're posted... but to my secret stash on http://troyfish.com. If you don't know where that stash is... then perhaps you should try asking. :-)

Just a quick note to let you know that I have updated the look of my website to something a little more interesting to me.  However, I've only tested it on Firefox and Safari.  I haven't tested it on IE.  If it does break there, could someone let me know and I'll decide how to fix it?  Most likely with a simple CSS that posts a huge banner reading, "Don't use IE"

There have been a LOT of changes recently, but I don't have the time to go into them all now.  Hopefully over the weekend, I'll be able to update and get it all up to speed as to the latest and greatest of going's on.

I have written up the writings for our Annual New Year's Party... so yes there is one... but I need to get the text finalized by the Wink and the Technomancer.  Once that is up, I'll post it in a secure way for all to see and prepare.

Talk to you all soon.

Am I really surprised? Are you?

So, I'm not sure if this is the best for me or not, but given that I do think I'm a bit more of the mysterious one and sneaky one than some of the other options, it may be the best choice.  Besides, she is kinda hot.

---

Your result for The Camelot Test...

Lady of the Lake

Take The Camelot Test at HelloQuizzy

After seeing this in dominyk's blog , I had to take the test myself at http://www.helloquizzy.com/tests/what-your-taste-in-art-says-about-you-test and like him, I'd say that this is remarkable accurate (of sorts) to who I am as a person.  How do you rate in your artistic nature?

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Your result for What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test...

Extroverted, Progressive, and Intelligent

4 Cubist, -8 Islamic, -1 Ukiyo-e, -14 Impressionist, 1 Abstract and -10 Renaissance!

Take What Your Taste in Art Says About You Test at HelloQuizzy

This is just a real quick question for all of you that are reading my drivel today.

I just got a note from a friend who was asking for a friend of his if I knew anyone that could do a short-term (2-2.5 months) Flash Development gig for the Holocaust Museum in the DC area.  The company is in Columbia MD, but I'm sure telecommuting would be fine.  I don't know any more about the position at the moment, but I asked for more info. 

If you're interested... let me know, and I'll pass along your info.

On the other side of things...

My company, like many others are looking for good programmers...Java, Flex, and other Web development skills.  I don't have the job descriptions yet, but I'll be getting some.  If you have any interest in that, or know people that do... drop me an email, ask me on IM or in person, or whatever.  I really like the company I'm with, and it's the first one I've been to in a long time where I like everyone that I work with and actually enjoy what I do, and know that what we're doing is actually helping people... vs. just being a cog in the wheels of a machine.