Too Much Free Time

Get in!

2007-04-26T11:12:00.001+01:00

Your results:
You are Dr. Doom

Dr. Doom		53%
Riddler		50%
Dark Phoenix		46%
The Joker		44%
Lex Luthor		42%
Kingpin		38%
Apocalypse		37%
Green Goblin		37%
Juggernaut		37%
Mr. Freeze		36%
Two-Face		33%
Venom		31%
Magneto		25%
Poison Ivy		24%
Catwoman		23%
Mystique		17%

Blessed with smarts and power but burdened by vanity.

Click here to take the "Which Super Villain am I?" quiz...

SiF Mini Meeting Write-up

2007-03-25T19:51:00.000+01:00

'Twas a glorious spring morning as I awoke in my room. As I spent the time checking various websites and making sure there were no sudden cancellations, I was rudely disturbed by The Caesars singing 'Jerk It Out'. Or rather, my phone. It was Rhys and Rhod, or as I shall now call them, the Vulcans. Don't ask. Anyway, they'd rang to check when we should meet. I said at the Underpass at 10 (Underpass, not Bus Station. Get it right Rhod!), because that was the only sensible option.
After that, got myself ready, grabbed some money from the cash machine and went to the Underpass at about 10 to 10. Being so early, I figured it'd be best to just meet the two en route. So I went to wait for them outside Spar. And waited. And waited. When they did show up, they had the audacity (And I'm not talking about the audio software) to take a different route! The fools, the utter fools!
Oh well, gave me a chance to sneak up on them at the cash machine.
It was actually a good thing that they were late, because it meant I could see off my friend before he left. Because Vulcans enjoy walking, we had to grab a bus going to town, and not one that would take us straight to the station. Yes, let's just ignore all the advances in travelling technology and use those things that dangle from our hips (Not a double entendre. Well, not entirely). So got to town, walked to the station and grabbed our tickets. Because I prefer cold, emotionless machines to interacting with humans, I managed to show the Welsh lads the amazing advances in ticket-buying. Also managed to get my ticket cheaper than theirs, because I was the only one smart enough to have a railcard. Hee hee!
The train ride itself was pretty uneventful. Mostly just us talking. You'll see it on the video. Rhys of course was all 'Better save the camera footage for the meeting!', whilst also recording just about everything we passed by. Rhod managed to distract him with Blue Pioneer's redub, but that might have been a mistake. The boy laughed so loud I had to escape to the other side of the train, just to escape it.
Apart from that and Gitchigumi, nothing much happened.
So we got to Ravenglass and headed for the ticket shop. Who do I get a call from a few scant minutes later? The man in the hat, Ryan. Timed that very nicely, didn't we? And then who arrived a few minutes after that? Eliot! Oh what luck.
Whilst others looked at the Magic Railroad script, I bought a hedgehog and some mint cake. The mint cakes was very nice. I kinda named the hedgehog 'Mr. Hedgehog' on the day, but now I think I'll call him Hedgey. Then we went outside and got pictures in front of Esk. I probably posed.
As Rhod, a.k.a Idiot Boy, went to get some food (Bacon Sandwiches! The Fat Controller would definately approve), Ryan, Rhys and I followed Eliot's work buddy Ben to the maintainance shed, or whatever it was called. We saw things that would make your head asplode, so I won't relate them.
Then 'twas time for the train. As Ryan got on the footplate and we went to the coach, I actually spotted Truro on the other platform. This is a transcript of what happened.

Me: Truro! Hey, Truro!
*Truro doesn't notice loony shouting man*
Me: Look, Rhod! It's Truro! Over there! Look!
Rhod: Looks like Truro's missed the train then.
Me: What are you talking about?! He's right there! Look! Look damn you!

No one listens to me.
Beautiful countryside was the scenery of our train journey. Apart from one bit, which was just trees. Neverending trees. The journey was caught on film, so I won't relate much of it now.
At Eskdale we joined up with Truro and went into the shop. I was distracted by a vibrating Shaun the Sheep. And I talked to a young kid. And we made fun of Margaret Thatcher. That's pretty much it. Then, as we went to get dinner, a shocking sight fell on my eyes. They sold Schweppes Lemonade...in a can! What a beautiful sight. Portable Schweppes Lemonade.
Oh, I had a burger if you're interested.
We then went outside and explored the old line. On our way we spotted Japanese students and a sheep. Also, many stiles were used. Then we reached the Village. As Patrick McGoohan ran past us, we made a circle back towards the station. Oh wait, first we spotted a telephone box with e-mail and text options. I was amazed a place like this even knew what an e-mail was. Then something hapened which I'm not going to relate because Truro would kill me. Also, singing.
Back at the station, we had a picnic! Well, we sat at a picnic bench, which is like having a picnic, except without food. SiF stuff was discussed, things about the next meeting, the one after that, who we liked, who we didn't etc. We talked so much that the train arrived far too early. On the way back, Ryan took a short cut through the station. Eliot told the rest of us not to. I shouldn't have listened to him, but I did. Mea culpa.
*Ticks off 'Type "mea culpa" into a sentence* off a list*
After a bit of a shaky start, we were on our way back down the line, with Rhys having a footplate ride. The rest of us talked, and by rest of us, I mean Ryan, Eliot and me. Possibly Ryan, Eliot and I. I'm not too sure as to the grammatical make up of that sentence. What about, you ask? Random stuff really.
Back in Ravenglass, Eliot's dad's mate was ready to pick him up, so off he went. The rest of us hijacked some motorbikes and took of to make a raid on the Bank of England.
Wait...no, that was something else. Sorry.
We actually went to a pub and had some drinks courtesy of Truro, then had to go catch a train. Fond farewells were given to Ryan as the rest of us boarded the train. I took one last look back at Ryan. He looked at me. Our eyes met in the middle, each of us yearning to go back, but knowing we could never, ever be together.
Wait, sorry, I got confused. Let me start again.
We actually went to a pub and had some drinks courtesy of Truro, then had to go catch a train. Fond farewells were given to Ryan as the rest of us boarded the train. There was no romantic chemistry involved.
There we go.
Went to Barrow in Furness (Not 'Upon Furness'! Stupid Vulcans!), went to Lancaster, went home. No wait, went to Uni, got some chips, then went home. Rhys', to be exact. My stay was brief though, since I'd promised my friends I'd hang out with them one last time before Easter. And I did. Scrubs was involved. And fruit juice. Well, for me anyway. Wine and Fosters for them.
I love being the sober one.

Crazy thought of the day

2007-01-29T18:39:00.000Z

In the Munchkin culture, are there such things as dwarves? And how small would they have to be?

Thank God for Japan!

2007-01-20T01:18:00.000Z

One of the many reasons why Japan is the coolest place on Earth.

So crazy it must be awesome!

2007-01-11T19:23:00.000Z

http://www.sherlockholmes-thegame.com/
It's a game where Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson investigate a mystery that leads to...the Ancient Ones!
Come on. Sherlock Holmes and Cthullhu. That's gotta be awesome!

Good News, Bad News and Other News

2007-01-05T22:03:00.000Z

Good News
Sam and Max: Situation Comedy was released today!
Yay!

Bad News
I won't be able to play it until tomorrow.
Boo!

Other News
Kitty Pryde is hot.

Happy New Year

2007-01-01T01:30:00.000Z

It's the New Year! Yay! Happy New Year! Let's go eat some cake!

Check out my Meez!

2006-12-14T16:52:00.001Z

Who would win...

2006-12-07T22:59:00.000Z

In a fight between Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill?
Lincoln was an expert negotiator and unifier, and he had the best hat ever. Churchill was an expert in wit and strategy, and he engaged in like 50 vices at once. Lincoln had a fantastic beard, which I in my own way am trying to emulate. Churchill invented the victory sign, which almost nobody does right (It's the Peace sign with your other fingers touching each other at the tips). Who would win?
In a straight up fight, Lincoln would whup Churchill. I mean, the guy was in the peak of physical condition. Churchill was fat and filled with brandy. Lincoln split rails. Rails! In a fistfight, I'm backing Honest Abe all the way.
If it's a verbal fight though, I have to go with Churchill. No other political figure can match him for witty responses. Lincoln was never really witty, he was more rhetoric. He just wouldn't stand a chance.
So what's your opinion?

Was there ever any doubt?

2006-11-30T20:36:00.001Z

Your results:
You are Superman

Superman		100%
Spider-Man		95%
Supergirl		70%
Robin		65%
Hulk		45%
Wonder Woman		40%
Iron Man		40%
Green Lantern		40%
Batman		40%
Catwoman		30%
The Flash		30%

You are mild-mannered, good,
strong and you love to help others.

Click here to take the Superhero Personality Quiz

I believe the phrase is 'OMGWTFBBQ!'

2006-11-28T17:05:00.000Z

Remember when I said Captain Planet was a fairly major part of my childhood? Apparently it gets better.
One of the villains, Zarm, was originally voiced by none other than Sting.
That's right, Sting was on Captain Planet!
I defy you to top this news!

Speaking of Sting, let's do a post about him at some point. Tomorrow, perhaps.

My new religion

2006-11-23T16:16:00.000Z

You ever wanted to start your own religion? I know I have. Think of the benefits. You get a bunch of people willing to give you money for saying they're going to be OK when they die, you don't have to pay taxes, and you get to make up a whole bunch of bullhonkey and have people seriously believe it. Even fight over it.
But think of all the downsides. Chances are, unless you already have a whole load of money, your 'religion' will just be called a cult. No one wants to be a cult leader. They never get taken seriously. Also, it's very likely you'll have people start fighting you because they think their religion is better. It could even happen within your very camp. And then people will hate you.
So a much better idea than starting your own religion, is to join a pre-existing religion as a denomination. You know Roman Catholicism is an offshoot of Christianity? Well something like that. You don't get to be the head of the actual religion, but you do get all the perks.
So from now on, my religion is Unorthodox Judaism. It's like Orthodox Judaism, but not. See, we don't go to the synagogue, we don't pray that often, Bat Mitzvah's are optional and no one makes a big deal out of your circumstition. You also get to wear those cool hats. Not the skull caps, I'm talking those wide-brimmed hats. They're cool. Oh, and of course you have full access to the Hebrew language. It's like Latin in that it sounds impressive and no one will understand you, but it's also pretty fun!
So from this day forth, you may call me Rabbi Hayes, of the Lancaster chapter of Unorthodox Judaism. Mozeltov!

I'm such a whiner

2006-11-22T22:56:00.000Z

So I actually went to Kat's, and it turns out she actually does have her phone switched off most of the time. Yeah. So...I'm a whiny emokid, apparently.

It's not fair

2006-11-22T17:34:00.000Z

I don't get it. Why is Kat ignoring me?
I've tried to ring her a whole bunch of times now, and every time she never answers. I've asked her to meet up with me, and she hasn't. Tonight I've asked her to e-mail me, and she hasn't. I sent her my address, so I can't even put it down to that.
I just wish she would answer me. Even if it's just to tell me she never wants to see me again, at least then I'd know. I mean, what are the odds of her never being able to answer the phone every single time? I swear she's ignoring me.
I can't stand it. I'm going to have to go round to hers at some point. I'll have to try and convince someone to let me in to her building. I'll climb all the steps to her floor. I'll knock on her door and stand outside it for however long necessary. I just need to see her again, or I'm going to go insane.
It's just so unfair. I mean, I know she doesn't want to go out with me at this stage, but we're still friends. Friends see each other. I haven't seen her since she broke it off. That was two weeks ago. No, I've seen her once in passing, and she never saw me. That's it. For God's sake, I love her, and I haven't been able to talk to her for 2 weeks.
I'm just so down. Just so down.

Too good to keep to myself

2006-11-17T10:30:00.000Z

I'll probably get sued for linking to them, but what the hell.
Have you ever wanted to watch TV on the net? Sure, we all have. Ever wanted to watch old and new cartoons from one source? You bet, especially with such classics as Clone High, Sam and Max, Invader Zim and the Venture Bros. Are you an anime nut? I'm not a nut, but I do like anime.
Well worry no more!
http://tvlinks.voodeedoo.org/
Copy and paste that into your address bar and save as favourite, because this is the place to be for all your TV needs! Never miss an episode again! Also watch old stuff. Like Captain Planet! Finally you will be able to see the glory of Captain Pollution.
In other words, this is teh shiznet!

Yeah, I suck

2006-11-12T21:06:00.000Z

OK, so Evil Twin Week didn't work out. But what do you expect? It's not like I had anything you couldn't find after doing a Google search. From now on, I stick to original stuff.
So we're having a superhero craze going on over at SiF. Basically, I changed my name to Batman because I thought it'd be fun. Then Old Iron changed his name to Joker. So I asked Jimbob to become Robin to help me, and then the whole thing spiralled out of control. Now it's officially a fad.
So I started a fad. Go me!
In other news, I both got into and out of a relationship. The following was written on Monday.

4 weeks and 2 days ago, I met the most amazing girl in Lancaster University, Katherine Payne. From the moment I met her I knew I was gonna like Kat; after a few hours talking to her I realised it was love. However, thanks to a problem with self-confidence and an inability to read minds, I thought it would never happen. She'd never want to be with a guy like me. We barely saw each other for weeks after that, but I loved it whenever we did.
Last Tuesday, Halloween, I met Kat again at the Halloween party in the bar. We spent the entire night with each other. Her friends and mine joined us as they pleased, but we were near-inseperable.
Once the bar closed, I asked if I could go back to hers. Amazingly she didn't object. Even more amazingly, she let me stay until half past midnight. We managed to get to know each other a lot better, finding we had a fair bit in common.
The next night, she came round to give one of my flatmates some papers, and since she was there she knocked on my door. We spent the evening together, finding out we had even more in common. We spent a lot of time hugging, as I recall. Also poking each other playfully.
The next two days I get told by her best friend, another flatmate (Michelle) that she likes me...in that way. I'm really surprised. One because she actually likes me, and two because I hadn't figured it out.
Saturday night, she comes round again, this time to give Michelle some CDs. Michelle tells the others to leave us two alone, and we are. We talk for a bit, there's a bit more playing, bit more joking around. I really want to kiss her, but I don't want to just go for it in case she doesn't want me to.
She kisses my neck. I kiss her forehead. We eventually meet in the middle.
All I can remember about the rest of the evening is kissing, stroking, moving around on the bed and saying sweet things to each other. There's no doubt in my mind now. We're in love.
When she has to leave, we're both devastated. Fortunately she comes back round a few hours later.
The rest of the night is me and her on my bed. We're both pretty tired, so it's mostly just kissing and lying next to each other. Towards the end I showed her one of my redubs, which astonishingly she didn't mind watching. We don't really focus on it. We're too interested in each other.
Sunday was her birthday. She comes round for her party our flat was throwing for her. After a bit she drags me to my room. I give her her present; a ring, a necklace and a poem. She loves all three. Apparently it's the sweetest thing anyone's ever done for her. Unfortunately the porters come round 10 minutes later and tell us we're making too much noise. They act really strict about it, like we've done some major offence. Someone lets slip that it's a birthday party. We get told can't have parties, and that everyone not in our flat has to leave. That includes her. Fascists.
We all feel really bad for her. I text her asking if she's OK, and if we can meet up tomorrow. Luckily she is, and while tomorrow was busy for her, tomorrow night was OK. That's tonight. I'm really looking forward to it.
While I'm reluctant to call her my girlfriend, because for some reason I'm unsure if we're supposed to consider ourselves in a relationship, she's certainly my very special girl. I've thought I felt this way about others, but this is different. This isn't based purely on looks or on confused messages. This is real. This is love. I love Kat Payne, and I thank the stars that she loves me too.

Since then, however, Kat's told me she's not ready for a relationship yet, and wants us just to be friends for now. Which is annoying, but I've gotten over it. You know, someday she'll be ready, and I'll be right there!
If she ever finds out about this blog, I am so screwed.
Oh, and finally, Bob, you never did send me that e-mail. Come on. Send me one!

2006-10-24T19:14:00.000+01:00

This post was supposed to be about Metallix, the best version of Metal Sonic ever devised. But that could go on for ages and ages, and I'm not really in the mood. Then it was going to be about Bizarro, but I could spin that into a week of its own. Then it was going to be about the Candybot from the Donkey Kong Country cartoon, but then I realised everyone would find out about some kinks of mine that I'm not comfortable with them knowing.
So instead it's about the evil twin from 'Man in the Iron Mask'. I have neither read this book nor seen this film. The closest I've got to it is the second series of Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds, which I haven't actually watched yet. However, as a student of English Literature, I realise none of that is necessary.
Basically, I like this guy's moxie. He put his twin brother, the true prince of France, into a dungeon, stuck an iron mask on his face and went around pretending to be royalty. That sounds like just the sort of thing I would do. His scheme would probably have worked, if it weren't for the fact that he was facing the Three Musketeers. And d'Artagnian, but apparently he sucks in it. I've read that he's really cool in The Three Musketeers (Which I totally agree with) but then at the end he begins to suck, and it continues for the sequels. Ah well. At least Aramis is still cool. Aramis is the best Musketeer, no matter what you may hear.
So yeah. Hopefully tomorrow we'll have Metallix. Or if not, then maybe the Candybot. I'll try to restrain myself.

Evil Twin Week

2006-10-23T23:33:00.000+01:00

I have exactly 33 minutes to get this done. Let's go.
Welcome to Evil Twin Week, where we discuss evil twins. Monday's twin is Captain Pollution, the alternative to Captain Planet.
One day, the 5 main villains of Captain Planet got together and made special pollution versions of the Planeteer's rings. Thanks to Wikipedia, I know these villains and their powers.

Super Radiation (Duke Nukem. No, not that one. This one was an orange guy in an Hawaiian shirt)
Deforestation (I think this was Hoggish Greedly. Look, the show wasn't big on subtlety)
Smog (Looten Plunder. The villain I remember the best)
Toxics (Possibly Sly Sludge. I think it would fit.)
Hate (Dr. Blight, the hot evil female with a terrible secret)

And when their powers combined, and there is nothing cooler than hearing an orange hulkster in a Hawaiian shirt saying the words "Then let our pollution powers combine! Super Radiation!" without a hint of irony, they would summon Captain Pollution.
Captain Pollution had two advantages over Captain Planet. One, he caused pollution, Captain Planet's one weakness. Two, he had a cool insane surfer voice. It was mint. "By your powers combined, I am Captain Pollution!" doesn't sound cool on its own, but imagine a demented surfer saying it. Awesome.
Captain Pollution was so powerful that his first appearance merited a two-part episode, back before those things became popular. Nowadays, every cartoon follows one storyline for a whole series. Back then, you were lucky if things in one episode got referenced in another.
The Transformers did it all the time though, sometimes even three-parters. Because Transformers was the best.
Eventually though, ol' Captain Pollution got defeated in a massive comeback from Captain Planet. I think he rammed him through the Earth or something. Sounds pretty cool. The evil twin managed to make a comeback for another episode, but that was pretty much it.
I think, if they ever remake Captain Planet for modern times, Captain Pollution's gonna be an end-of-series villain, who the kids will have to defeat through teamwork and friendship and whatnot. As long as he still sounds like a crazed polluting surfer, I'll be happy.

Announcement

2006-10-19T10:39:00.000+01:00

You know that old chestnut about how every action has an equal and opposite reaction? That probably explains the multitude of evil twins you get in cartoons and video games. Next week will be dedicated to them. I was going to do a post now about Captain Pollution, but then I realised I culd easily extend this theme to a week. And hey, no one reads this blog anyway, so I can do whatever the hell I want! Such is the dark power of the blogger.
That means that today, instead of a thoughtful post about the environment and radiation monsters in Hawaiian shirts, you get this: Kingdom Hearts II is the best PS2 game to have come out this year. Let's reflect on that.

The Power is Yours!

2006-10-17T22:01:00.000+01:00

Did you ever watch Captain Planet? That was a pretty big part of my childhood. Really not really, but it was a part nevertheless.
'Captain Planet and the Planeteers' was a show about an ethnically-diverse bunch of teens (and a monkey) who each recieved rings (except the monkey) from Gaia, the spirit of the Earth (voiced by Whoopi Goldberg, I believe), that controlled the elements of the world. Not from the Periodic Table of Elements, although that'd be pretty cool, but the standard Greek elements (Earth, Fire, Wind and Water) plus Heart, which was basically their get-out clause. I don't remember what Heart did exactly. Probably made people more caring about the environment. The kid with the Heart ring (named Ma-Ti, from South America) had the monkey, probably because he felt gyped with the ring he got.
So this group, known as the Planeteers, would go around in their X-Men-like plane and try to stop eco-terrorists from hurting the environment. And then when something really bad would happen, like a big smog monster came and terrorised the desert or whatnot, one of them (Probably Wheeler, the dumb American kid with the power of fire) would shout something like "It's too big for us to handle!", and then either Linka (Soviet Union, Wind) or Gi (Thailand, Water) would say "We don't stand a chance!". That'w when Kwami (the leader, from Africa, had the power of Earth) would shout these immortal words:
"Then let our powers combine! Earth!"
"Fire!"
"Wind!"
"Water!"
"Heart!"

And they'd all point their rings to the sky, and from their powers combined, Captain Planet would pop out and save the day, usually whilst making some witty remarks. Captain Planet could have also been called Captain 80s, since he sported a skintight suit and a mullet. He also had green hair.
You know what Captain Planet's weakness was? Pollution. You know what he fought? Pollution. Not really the best thing to do. It'd be like Superman fighting a Kryptonite monster. Wait, wasn't there once a Kryptonite Man? Whatever.
The only thing anyone ever remembers about the show is the kickass end theme. You know, the one that explained how Captain Planet was a hero, and how he would take pollution down to zero. That was pretty cool.
So yeah, that's Captain Planet. Maybe someday we'll talk about Captain Pollution, undoubtedly the coolest bad guy on the show. In fact, let's do that tomorrow.

More news on the Bob story: Ryan's aplogised for what he said, and he'd like you to know this (his words, not mine):

BOBWINKLE: Never intended for him to leave, but then again, I could have handled my points a bit better, and really, I regret not doing that. That said, I'm not someone who minces their words and if I've got a problem, I'll come out and say what I feel if there's a chance it will sort things out for the better. I have no real problems with him, just disagree with him on certain issues! It's like everything else in here! Some believe God created the Universe, others believe it was a big bang, go figure!

But if anyone has Bobwinkle's e-mail, drop him a line and tell him there's still a place for him here, if he wants it. You can't agree with everything someone says, and I feel I'm as entitled as anyone else to state my arguments and opinions, despite being the Admin. And again, I'm sorry for being snappy!

So come back Bob! We all want you to!

To Bob

2006-10-17T11:12:00.000+01:00

Later today we're going to talk about Captain Planet. But first I want to say something to my friend Bob, a.k.a Bobwinkle.
In case you didn't know, Bob has left SiF because of some comments made about him in the Advice thread. While I can understand why he would want to leave, I still want to ask him to come back. Don't let some silly comments influence you. For one thing, you're not a kiss-up. Secondly, and more importantly, we'll miss you. Remember the first time you left? We all missed you then, and we'll all miss you now.
If people want to leave, it's their decision. And sometimes it's for the better. Mstnoodle for example seems a lot happier since he left SiF. But for people to leave over some stupid comments that should never have been made, especially when they seemed so happy in every other aspect...well it's just not right.
Bob, if you're reading this, please reconsider. You'll always have a place waiting for you back at SiF. At least comment on this blog every so often, so I know you're OK. Or better yet, send me an e-mail at daemaus@yahoo.com.
Well, that's that. Coming up later, Captain Planet.

Random thought

2006-10-10T14:18:00.001+01:00

Did Jeff Tracy keep John in space because he didn't have good personal hygiene?

I'm at Uni!

2006-10-03T15:25:00.000+01:00

Been at Lancaster University for about 4 days now, and I have to say, I'm handling it a lot better than I expected to. Eating regular meals is a bit of a problem, because I rarely seem to be that hungry nowadays, but I'm sure I'll get the hang of it soon.
I've managed to make friends with everyone in my flat, so that's a plus. Also managed to befriend someone on my course today too, so woohoo, you know? And hey, there's even a guy from my old college here. Not someone I was great friends with, but we had Physics together, so...
Not really much to report other than that, really.

The Punjab-Parker Connection

2006-09-21T21:38:00.000+01:00

This won't make any sense if you don't belong to SiF. But then again, if you're reading this then you definately are on SiF, because that's the only place that knows of this blog's existence.
So is it just me, or do Captain Punjab and danparker seem connected? Think about it. Every time Dan starts a new thread about some craziness he's going to do, who's usually the first person to come along and call him on it? That's right, good old CP. Which I'm really grateful for, because otherwise I'd have to do it.
What does this mean? I don't know, but I have a theory. I think the two are cosmically linked.
Dan is like the anti-Punjab, in the same way that Professor Zoom is the Reverse Flash. And when he strikes, the Captain feels instantly compelled to attack. Just like the Flash. I can and will draw comic book-parallels to anything.
And yet, they need each other to survive. CP is to DP as Yin is to Yang (Look at those initials! Proof positive!). Without Dan, Punjab would have no-one to snark at. Without Punjab, Dan would have no one snarking him. What does snark mean, anyway? I don't know, but I'm using it anyway.
'Course, my mind has been wrecked by comic books and anime, so I like to believe in these crazy things like cosmic links and pre-destined battles and all that. But maybe, possibly...

Sweet blocks of joy

2006-09-17T11:10:00.000+01:00

If you're not playing Lego Star Wars 2, then I pity you and all you hold dear. I may only be a casual Star Wars fan (I'm in it for the Vader and the Fett), but even I think it's force-tastic. I don't know where that word came from, rest assured that I will never use it again. And even if you don't like Star Wars, it's Lego! Everyone loves Lego! And if you don't love Lego, then you're dead to me. Unless it's because you like Duplo better. Then it's cool.
To redeem yourself for not playing, instead watch this Lego Batman film called Batman: New Times. It's probably the best Lego film you've seen since that Monty Python/Lego short film on the Holy Grail DVD (And if you don't have that, then you don't belong on the internet). I mean, where else are you going to hear Adam West and Mark Hamill together? It's not just a great film, it's also the best dang Lego/Batman fan film in the history of the world part 1. Even better than Batman: Dead End, if only because it has a better ending. Seriously, Aliens and Predator taking on Batman? I mean, yeah there's precedence but...

What's this? An update?

2006-09-08T16:00:00.000+01:00

People like me shouldn't be allowed blogs if we're rarely gonna use them. Then again, I only came back from my holiday at the end of last week (And we may talk about that at some point, if I can stomach the bad memories. Long story short, Paris can be a hellhole at times.) and nothing interesting has popped into my head this week. Plus, I've been distracted by Azumanga Daioh DVDs. So blame Kiyohiko Azuma. Speaking of which, Chris, did you check that out yet? You better do it now if you haven't.
To be honest, I've very little to say right now. I'm only doing this post so you know I'm still alive. All two of you that come here. Hopefully I'll have thought of something good by tomorrow. Really all I've been doing at the moment is working on the sequel to Rogue. I'm thinking of calling it Renegade. I have an outline, now I need specifics. I also need to work on the artwork for Rogue, so's I can keep the thread from disappearing. Maybe I should do that now. Later!

SiF UK Meeting

2006-08-23T20:49:00.000+01:00

OK, now for the write-up.
Day started off pretty bad for me. They only put two carriages on my train, so that meant everyone getting at Thornaby (including me) had to stand until we got to York. And if that wasn't bad enough, the air conditioning wasn't working and the windows weren't open. They did get opened eventually though...during a delay that cost us about 15 mins.
But once I got to York, everything got better. Went to the Railway Museum entrance, and who did I see waiting there? Chris and Eliot! So after brief greetings and catching up on where Ryan was, we went into the shop. Stayed there until about 12:00, when we thought 'Well, no one else has arrived yet, might as well go to the Station Hall'. So we did.
Eliot knows quite a bit about engines, which means I have to nod my head and speak in the affirmative a lot to try and disguise my lack of technical knowledge. I think I succeeded. Chris was too cool for that though. He just stood in quiet recognition.
After a bit, Eliot gets a phone call. Turns out Ryan and co are in the Great Hall. Oops! Quickly dashing over there, and after a bit of kerfuffle as to where they are, we notice them on top of the footbridge...the very same one we were under when we rang. In Eliot's defense, no one said look up.
So everyone got to meet each other and shake hands and that, talking 'bout each other and stuff (this is really detailed analysis, in'it?). Chris T. Xelent kept looking at me like I was mad. I'm quite sure I don't know what he was on about. No doubt he wanted his lung back.
Then Christopher showed up from nowhere and handshaking started all over again. He recognised me from my T-shirt. He's sharp as a button, that one. Then came the amazing, fantastical handing out of certificates! I feel so honoured to have recieved one! It's gonna get framed.
Then walking commenced. Walking through the galleries, seeing the many engines that were there. And many models too. So many models. Temptation to steal them was high among members. If they hadn't been cased in glass, well, the NRM would have a lot less to show off.
It was just after that point that we saw Green Arrow. Yep. And the frames of Flying Scotsman. We saw its cab at one point too, but it was nowhere near the frames, which is a bit daft IMO.
I think it was this point we high-tailed it back to the shop, and did some shopping. Some of us anyway. Then back to the Station Hall, for more trainspotting. At one point the official group photo was taken, which you can see at the forum. Ignore the fact that we all look like devilspawn though. That's just bad lighting.
After walking round for a bit we all realised we were hungry, so it was outside for barbeque. Chris Burrell, that evil boy, took the last hamburger from the grill. Fool! Thank God there were sausages, or I swear...!
Then came one of the highlights of the meeting. Sitting at a bench with a Thomas Annual and just talking. May not sound exciting, but just being with a bunch of friends, being able to discuss our interest in that little blue engine and the forum dedicated to him...man, it was just great. It was like being on a council or something, you felt important just by being there.
After that talk, it was back to the Great Hall. Ryan, Christopher, Truro, CtX and myself then went on the Simulator they have there. Travel from London to Brighton in 4 minutes. How? By travelling at 765 mph! If you've seen the video, you know how that went down. If you haven't, well...there's a reason they don't let trains go that fast.
Where next? Japan of course, to catch the Bullet Train. Then it was off to Wales to see the Tallwyn. Both were on video, of course-we don't have magic teleportation powers. Although if we did...nah, let's not dream about that.
What happened next? Er...we went back to the models, of course. Railway museum has lots of old bits of railway paraphenalia. Impossible to take in all at once, so we had to go back. Yes.
But all good things must come to an end, and so we left the museum and headed back to the station. Then back to the hotel near the station, where we said goodbye to Christopher and Chris. Having nothing much to do at the hotel, we headed back for the station, where we said goodbye to Eliot and hello to Christopher again. Strange how that worked out. The 5 remaining lads sat on a bench and watched Ryan's filming, when sadly it was time for me to go. Handshakes again (I shook more hand sthat day than I've done in me life) and a mad dash to Platform 10 from 3. Not advisable if your trousers are loose.
So that was the day in a nutshell. Fantastic time out for all. I'm really looking forward to the next meeting. Let's make it a whole weekend next time, guys. We can go camping! I'll bring the tent!

SiF UK Meeting-Aftermath

2006-08-22T20:16:00.000+01:00

I don't know why I was so worried yesterday. Everything went spectacularly! Everyone got on like old friends, which in a way I guess we are. I'm kinda exhausted from it all, to be honest. Full write-up later. I'm still hoping yesterday's post will turn up.

Nerves

2006-08-21T19:28:00.000+01:00

It's only my second day owning a blog, and I have nothing much to say. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea.
Actually, I have a lot to say. But you know when you have too many things to say that you don't know where to start? That's kinda how I feel now. I could talk about any number of things (A Scrooge McDuck videogame, why Coke tastes better out of a glass bottle, the secret of existence etc), and at some point I probably will (except that last one). But I can't right now. I'm too nervous.
Why? Well, tomorrow I'm meeting a bunch of friends for the first time. By friends I mean 'people I know on the internet'. Yeah. I mean, I think they're all great and that, but I only really know what they're like on the net. And conversely, they only know what I'm like on the net.
Anonymity is the greatest advanatage to a user on the internet, in that no one knows who you are, so you can say any old thing without fear of embarrassment. On the internet, I act nothing like I do in real life. Well, to people I don't know anyway. On the internet, I usually try to present myself as a funny guy, someone who's always kidding and stuff. In the real world, I can only do this after I get to know someone, otherwise I'm afraid they'll just give me an evil stare. Yes, I worry about things like that. Yes, I am the world's biggest dork.
So I'm worried that tomorrow everyone's gonna expect me to crack wise and make with the quips. And I'm a little nervous because I doubt that I'll be able to do that. The internet lets everyone be funnier because you can think about what you're gonna say. In real life, you can't always do that. At leats without leaving really long pauses in sentences. And no one likes those.
So yeah, sounds like I'm whining about nothing, but you know, this is my blog and all, so I'll just throw it out there. No one reads this so the next sentence is a bit redundant, but tomorrow I'll be funny. Actually, Wednesday I'll be funny. Tomorrow I'll be talking about how the meeting went.
On an unrelated note, no one at SiF has been sarcastic for ages. Come on, guys! Make with the snark already! I've got something really good for the next person who's sarcastic about something.

Legion of Super-Jerks

2006-08-20T18:50:00.000+01:00

You know who the Legion of Super-Heroes are? They're this group of teenage heroes from the 30th Century who fight crime and injustice throughout the galaxy. Or possibly universe.
The thing about the Legion is that it's big. Really big. Like, population of most third-world countries big. That makes sense though, because they're a big agency that takes care of the galaxy/universe. I mean, you can't do that with only 20 people, can you? No, the bigger the better, really. I mean, I'd sure feel safer knowing that there are hundreds of teens watching over me whilst I sleep. Well, not if they were actually watching over me while I slept, because that would be creepy.
You know what doesn't make sense though? When they rejected heroes. See, the Legion had this admission policy that potential new recruits would be subject to approval from a council of members. It wasn't like X-Men, where any mutant can just go to Xavier's Mansion and say "I want in." The Legion initiated people based on the usefulness of their powers. So if you had, say, the power to control electricity, then you would get in, since when isn't it useful to control electricity? But if you did something like grow hair really quickly, then sorry, but you're just no use for us!
Now on the surface this may seem fair enough, because considering the number of Legionnaires there were, you wouldn't want more invading the place and reducing the amount of room available. But when you actually think about it, how fair is that?
There you are, a young boy/girl from the planet Wherever, scorned all your life on your homeworld because you were born with the ability to make walking sticks appear out of thin air (kids can be so cruel). But you're gonna show them up once and for all by becoming a member of the Legion of Super-Heroes, the greatest team of superheroes in the galaxy/universe. Surely they'll appreciate your abilities, right?

"Good morning, citizen. What super power do you possess?"
"Well Lightning Lad, I have the ability to create walking sticks of various shapes and sizes from out of nowhere. Behold! *Demonstrates ability*"
"Ooh, sorry, but there's nothing really super about your power, now is there? Admission denied!"

The fools! By denying your admission, they've just denied themselves a great opportunity. What are they going to do now if they encounter an emergency where the citizens of a planet all suffer severe back injuries? How will they be able to safely walk then? Or what if one day Saturn Girl should accidentally break her leg whilst polevaulting, or whatever sport she's into? Now if they had someone who could create walking sticks for everyone, then that would just solve all their problems, wouldn't it?
Just because they're not useful all the time doesn't mean they can't be useful at all. So what if 'Save-The-Day-Instantaneously Boy' can only use his powers every third Thursday? Just let him work every third Thursday! And I'm not totally exaggerating on this either. They once turned down a girl whose powers only worked at night. So just let her work the night shift! Don't reject her for that!
Eventually though some of the rejects formed their own supergroup called 'The Legion of Substitute Heroes', but they were really only there to be laughed at. They also became the dumping ground of everyone the Legion rejected after that. "Oh, you have the ability to swim backwards? Yeah, we're not gonna use you, but go check out this team of other losers...I mean fine upstanding people." (As a sidenote, think how useful a guy who swims backwards would be. The next time they come across an underwater monster who paralyses people by looking at them, they could just say "Your turn, Backwards Swimming Lad!")
What the LoSH should have done was create the Legion of Reserve Heroes, a team that they could call on if they came upon any unexpected dilemmas. Every time something came up that required an unusual power to deal with it, they could just have the Legion of Reserve Heroes teleport someone in. You might argue they could do that now, but I betcha that the 'rejects' will be less sympathetic than the 'reserves'.
"Oh, so Brainiac 5's hip's gone out and he can't walk properly? So you want me to make him a walking stick so you don't have to buy one? Now you need me I'm supposed to jump at your command, is that it? Well screw you, Legion!"

I got a blog!

2006-08-20T14:18:00.000+01:00

So like millions of other people on the world wide web, I now have a blog. Yeah. Take that, individuality!
I'm not going to assume you don't know who I am, because doubtless the only people who view this blog will be people who know me anyway. At any rate, that's what the user profile's for, right? So yeah, it's me, Alaric. Blogging it up with the best of them. Hope to see you along for the ride.
Hey, if I can get at least one person adding with the comments and that, I'll be happy. Because I don't have high expectations. I mean, come on, who's interested in me, right? But I need a place to write some of the thoughts that keep popping into my head that I have no place else to put. Well, there's paper and that, but who reads paper anymore? Besides, like the title suggests, I have too much free time, and this might help alleviate that.
OK, I've ran out of things to say now. So...see ya later.