Category Archives: Information

General category for administrivia related posts.

Artemis Bridge Simulation, Gaming, HotB, Notification

Ark-Con 2013 – My Plans for this Con

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I will be here all weekend playing, running and watching games.  You should, too.  Here is what I will be doing there.

Being Awesome. 

Eating junk food.

Playing games.

Here is what I will not be doing there:

Being boring

Getting much sleep.

Eating right.

The games I am directly involved in:

Artemis bridge simulation.

There will be at least two (2) full bridges.  I am trying to get a third online, if I can.  If anyone has any laptops that you want to donate for the weekend, I would appreciate it. The more we have, the more bridges we can assemble.  This game is a frakkin’ blast.

YOU command the bridge or run one of 5 bridge crew stations.  It isn’t just a video game; in fact, it plays more like an Live Action game, if it is played right.  We have had the most fun when everyone is in character at their station.  You MUST try this game and it is best when Tony Bates and his crew run it.

Red Alert!  General Quarters!  Raise Shields!

Go here for more information.  http://www.artemis.eochu.com/ You can download the demo and try it out on your systems, and use the vast amount of forum information to make it more fun! If you want to play a few games with the full client, the price tag makes it available to you and your entire crew, including all the updates.

Go try the Demo with several of your friends now.  That is an order!

Houses of the Blooded LARP (Live Action Roleplay):

“Thank you for joining me at this Solace Party as we celebrate the life and retreat into Solace of our dear friend Count D’Win Yvari.  It is a time of joy, as Ven that make it to the final rest are happy and free of the struggles of living and the difficulties of dealing with, well, you and your drama.

It is my sincere hope that you will enjoy my new home, inherited from the late D’win Yvarai, Count of the Eastern Reaches.   Enjoy the wine and refreshments with my compliments. Let the party begin.”

———————–

This will be the Saturday night Houses game AND an unusual Houses event. The Count has gone into Solace, which means he has joined his ancestors, the Suaven.  The Suaven can continue to communicate with you, and sometimes give you messages.  In this case, the Count’s passage into Solace has left all his lands in the hands of the Host, but not everyone agrees that the Host deserves to keep them.

Friday night, we will play a simple scenario to get folks used to the game and set the stage for the party on Saturday.  You can play just Friday or just Saturday, but I think you will enjoy playing both.

Characters will be provided, and you can drop into the game at any time.  Come out and enjoy the unique style of LARP play that John has created.  It is unlike any of the other LARPs you may have played in the past.

———————–

John’s site is here: http://johnwickpresents.com/.  Although you won’t need it for this event, you can pick up a copy Houses of the Blooded & Blood and Tears (the LARP rules) and be ready for the event. They are both available in print or digital formats.

Also, any one that comes to the game in stylish noble gear (or anything that helps all of us stay in more character) will get bonus style!!!

Open Gaming:

When I am not being awesome, eating food that is bad for me, and getting no sleep, I will be playing any games I want to in the various rooms.  You should find me and play games with me.  As Kirk said to Khan,

If you want me, you are going to have to come down here!

And by here, I mean Ark-Con.  Register now! That is all.  See you at the con!

Information, Mad Ramblings, Spiritual Things

My Current Plight, part deux

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It seems that when it rains it pours.  My spirits are still high, but I am now accustomed to things just not working out.  I am looking forward to the time when all of this is over, but I am also trying to learn any new things I can get away with from this situation.  Here is a summary of some of the things I learned, in brain dump fashion.  Ready, GO!

  • I have been watching Big Think(on Youtube) and found out:
    • There are multiple infinities.  Who knew?
    • Numbers can be big.  According to the Brits, like stupid big.
    • Education is the answer to most of our issues.  An educated voting populace will do less harm than an ignorant one, according to Henry Rollins.
    • One can make their dreams come true with only a high school education, but it is frakkin’ hard. Editor’s note:  I already knew this one.
    • Nearly all of our current technological advancements game from theoretical physics and the space program, at least according to the theoretical physicists and NASA.
    • Isaac Newton created Calculus at age 26 because he didn’t have the right equations to figure out the things he wanted to figure out.
    • Don’t bitch about Calculus being hard to learn.  Try creating it from scratch.  Then you can bitch.  Editor’s note:  This is more of a personal observation
  • I watched the entire Alphas series up to date.  I like it.  Better than Heroes.  I want more.  I was sick for two days this week on my ass and watched it all.
  • I get a lot more done listening to soundtracks with no words than I do watching TV or listening to music with words.
  • Things in my house were waiting for me to have no money to break.  OK, just my favorite chair.  And I am pissed about it.
  • Also, the best Kickstarters and new things I want on Thinkgeek had to just pop up while I am broke.  FUCK!
  • I have a non-standard faucet head and I had to buy the wrong side water filter to find out.   Editor’s note:  Use the Pur brand.  It has like a thousand adapters. Ok, well, maybe 4.  But it works!
  • I don’t like it quiet.   Editor’s note:  I am listening to the Skyrim soundtrack as I write this.
  • I can’t pee when Law Enforcement is present, even though it feels like I need to pee.  I had to try twice.  Editor’s note:  Don’t ask.
  • I am absolutely terrified of driving. Still.
  • I edit the shit out of things I write and still can’t find all of my mistakes.  This one you are reading is take 7.
  • I really don’t like being out of work.  I feel like I have no purpose.
  • I fucking hate Ramen noodles.  Editor’s note:  I was homeless once and had to eat them because it was all I could afford.  I blamed it on the Ramen, so I could forget about it.
  • Some days are much, much, harder than others. This one was OK, except for having to pee in front of Law Enforcement.   Editor’s note:  Srsly, don’t ask.
  • I like to write, but I have an attention issue.  So, you are lucky if you are reading this at all, as it means I got past both my ADD and my incessant need to edit.
  • I am pretty sure Bill Burr and I would really like hanging out together.  He is so cynical and sarcastic, I am certain we would get along.  Editor’s note:  I am pretty sure some of you will hate him.  I don’t care.
  • I have an editor in my head, constantly telling me where I fail.  Editor’s note:  Stop talking about me.  You’re such an idiot.
  • I find things to do to avoid working on my house.  Like watching TV, or re-arranging papers.  Or writing blogs.

So, as you can see, I am perfectly fine, if not scattered and unfocused.  Life has kicked me in the nuts, but the pain is getting bearable.  I just wanted everyone to have an idea what is it like in my life.  I haven’t been going anywhere and most of my life goals have been taken out back, shot in the head, and buried down in the gully next to the house.  I may one day resurrect them, when I can extricate myself from this steaming pile of shit, but until then it is Ramen noodles, job hunting and Netflix for this guy.

Oh, and some work around the house.  And gaming when I can get it in.

Editor’s note:  Since this dumbass forgot, thanks for all the donations and stuff.

Oh, yeah, thanks.  About the donations.  Thank you!  The total that I received so far is nearly $2000!  That will keep me in house and home for another month.  Also, I want to thank folks for the various rides, meals, phone calls and email/text messages.  Your support for me in this tough time is welcome and appreciated.

Well, I need to actually go clean things in the house now.  I can’t really put it off any longer, so off I go.  Editor’s note:  Yes, he can.  But I am watching.

Live long and prosper, friends.

Serenity Always,

Chris

Information, Mad Ramblings, Notification

My Current Plight

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I am in a bad place and I need your help. Please read this entire (rather lengthy) blog.

I cannot give complete details at this time, but I can tell you this:  I am currently in the middle of a trial related to the car accident that I had in January. I am suspended from work and I have no income for the foreseeable future, at least until the case is settled.  I am thinning down to a Spartan (Awooo!) lifestyle and I have a little bit of savings after the initial lawyer fees, but that won’t last me past a month or two.  I will likely be selling things that I can part with, so please be prepared to help me to find buyers if you cannot donate.   This will very likely include my home, if it goes too long.

If you can spare anything so that I do not have to liquidate my life, I would appreciate it.  If you owe me anything, I am calling in those markers.  Since I tend to loan money and then forget about it, I don’t remember all of the loans I may have given out.  If I remembered, I have already sent out separate communication. If not, well this is your chance.

If all you can spare is to share a meal with me, or perhaps fill my tank so I can get around, I would love that.  If there is anything you can do, I will accept most help. Later, I will post a list of things I need the most help with (like cleaning up the house and grounds, or helping me to sell off items).  Also, if you know of anyone in the IT field that is looking for a hardworking nerd with social skills, my resume is here.

It comes at a time when I would like to make changes in my self and my lifestyle, so I guess this event is forcing my hand.  Considering the gravity of the accident, I can’t really get upset about it, so I have accepted it and I am moving forward as best I can.

Donate: If you want to donate, there is a button just over there to the right.  If it doesn’t work, or you don’t want to use paypal, email me and I will send you my address for you send to.   Any money that I don’t need, I will return after the fact.  I will keep track, and as soon as I can, I will pay each and every person back.  This is my promise and I hope that you all know what that is worth from me.

Some Requests:

In reading this, I have a few requests and I cannot be flexible in them. Please do not take offense.

I have moved into a mode that many of you have never seen before and it will likely catch you off guard.  I am surviving, pure and simple and I had to turn off certain parts of myself to get things done.  It might seem strange, but it is what I need. To quote my favorite Browncoat:

I start fighting a war, I guarantee you’ll see somethin’ new.

These requests are:

1) I am not interested in any angry retorts against my employer or anyone else that is wronging me.  I am not being wronged; there is an investigation and a trial related to a death that happened in a car accident I was in. Remember that I am going through a trial and every part of my life is under review.  Please show me that you have the character that I know you have and, if you cannot help, keep your comments positive.

2)Keep your comments non-political and non-religious. Pray if you want to, but please don’t include me in it. I am not looking for help on high or to blame anyone for what is happening here.  It is a moment in time; it will pass and I don’t really want a pep talk from anyone if I haven’t asked for it.  I am getting that from the counselors that I am talking to regularly.

3) If you stop by unannounced, please don’t be offended if I ask you to leave. Because it is very likely I will ask you to leave.  I am very busy at my house working to earn what money I can or relaxing amidst the chaos and I reserve the right to decide whether I want anyone here at any time.  It doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate or like you.  It means I need to be alone.  Also, I was taken from my house to jail by a sudden knock on the door and it makes me a might twitchy when I hear it, even when I expect it.  Please call me if you are interested in stopping by.

4) Please do not be offended if I refuse to come visit or have you over as company.  I am conserving all resources and that means fuel and time.  I won’t drive anywhere that I do not have to and I may not want any company.  I am also under certain restrictions by the court, so there are places I simply can’t go right now.  Feel free to ask, as I am likely to want some company, but the majority of my time is being spent at home, looking for work, or on errands of the court.

Thank you for honoring my requests and for sticking with me in my darkest hour.  I will really need my friendships right now and for those friendships to be flexible as I deal with this.  Everyone has been wonderful so far and I expect everyone to continue doing so.

I will be strong and I will survive, albeit with less money and perhaps a little less freedom.  But, I am from a clan that does quite well at surviving, as our motto will attest. I will end this novella with that.

AB OBICE SAEVIOR – “STRONGER WHEN OPPOSED”.

Walking the Path,

Chris

Information, Spiritual Things

5 questions.

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Someone once asked me to answer these 5 questions. Or maybe I made them up.  Anyway, I could not find where I had posted these before, so I wanted to post them now as a way to get to know me a little, for those that do not know me now.

If you feel so inclined, please feel free to answer these questions on your own blog or page and let me know where to look.  I will go there and find out more about you.

Question 1:(Where are you from?)
Tough Question. I was born in Maine. I was raised in Washington until I graduated high School. I really cut my teeth in life in Phoenix. I moved at least 20 times in the 13 years I lived there.  Only the last 2 places I lived were over a year. Once I moved to Arkansas, I slowed down the moving about. I have only had 6 addresses out here in 13 years.

Which means I have had over 30 addresses so far, not including the times I disappeared back to Washington and Colorado. 🙂

Question 2:(Where did you grow up?)
I can’t really say I have grown up, but I was born in Maine, and raised in Washington state. I focused mainly on music as a kid, earning a letter in Band, conducting the 8th grade band, attending and counseling at Band Camp, winning solo competitions and attending the All Northwest Honor Choir in my Junior year just to name a few of my music activities.  I even went to Band Camp 4 years in a row, 3 of which I was a counselor.

I grew up in a small town, but I was right next to greatness the entire time and never knew it. I went to High School with Kurt Cobain and was good friends with Buzz Ozborne’s brother Scott. Buzz Ozborne was in the Melvins. There were others, but I didn’t know them.
Still, I had a lot of fun and made good friends there. I haven’t seen many of them since I left, but that is pretty common for a Nomad like me. People are around for a Reason, a Season or a Lifetime and I have had quite a few reasons and seasons. There are less than a dozen that I can say will be my friends for life, that I would kill or die for.

And no, I won’t name them, as that would be rude. 🙂

Question 3: (What are your aspirations?)
This is a difficult question to answer. I have *many* but I have become aware that I will not complete them all. Here is the short list:

1) Remain a good Father to my daughter and be involved until she no longer wants me in her life or mine ends.  She is my absolute favorite person that I have ever met.  And I have met some great people, so I want you to understand my full meaning.

2) Make a music CD. I am a fantastic singer and I would like to publish a mix of originals and remakes. Maybe even some Ork Punk, if such a muse descends.

3) Write at least one book. I have narrowed myself down to 2 novel ideas, but I would accept writing a game to satisfy this one. I would love to work with John Wick on one, as I think that collaboration would be fantastic. I leave the offer open-ended, should he read this.  It is unlikely, but a guy has to keep trying, right?

4) It would be nice to find a woman that complemented my lifestyle. She would:

  • like games, but not the kind that produce real-life drama;
  • be a fantastic singer that melded with my voice so the vibrations made us tingle;
  • be *sensuous* and intense, in everything she does and knows how to move her hips;
  • like traveling for adventure at a moment’s notice;
  • having great looks is a bonus, but I can work around the woman that has the rest. Not looking for arm candy;
  • Have her own money/career. Not interested in being a caregiver or a knight in shining armor, either. I have played that course to its end already;
  • If you see this woman, please let me know!

5) I also want to try my hand at Stand-up Comedy someday, although I have a long way to go on this one. I will probably need a writer.  Any takers?  I like conversational comedy, where I can interact with the audience.

6) Learn another language. I have been learning Spanish with some difficulty. I will probably spend time with French after that, as I love that language. Not so much *the* French, but the language is awesome.

That should do it for now. See what I mean

Question 4: (How did your kids come about – if you have kids?)
My child was unplanned, but was the thing that got me going in life. Until I was a father, I really didn’t know my purpose. Of all the things that I have done in my life, if I was to die today, I know that I am a good father.

I haven’t done all the financial things correct, but my girl can handle herself around people now. And if she needs someone for something difficult, she trusts me to help. I didn’t teach her things like cooking and sewing and cleaning. I figure she would figure those things out.

I taught her how to take a stand for what she believes in. What a Code of Honor really is. How and when to move a hostile Mob of people. When to fight and when to run. When it is ok to lie, because we all know there are times for it.

But above all, to be true to herself and not let *anyone* keep her from doing what she wants.

Even me.

Question 5: (Where do you see yourself in five years, and how do you plan to get there?)
I am hoping to be surrounded by friends, financially secure, and happy. What else is there? How will I get there? One day at a time. I am still working on the financially secure part, but the others are pretty close.

That is it for the questions. As I said, please feel free to post answers to them yourselves and send me a link to it (because I think the comments field is a bit too small).  I would love to hear about you!

Walking the Path,

Me.

Information

Edge of Greatness

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This is my blog.  There are many blogs, but this one is mine.

In these pages, I will talk about life and the things in life that interest me.  Hopefully, they will interest you as well.

Please register if you want to be heard.  In general, outside of Spam, all comments will be allowed to stand on this blog.  If you are interested in insulting me, I would ask you now to just stop reading my blog rather than publicly stating that you don’t like what I like.

If you think I am wrong, please state how I am wrong and, where possible, please show me something that backs up what you say.  I will try to do the same, where possible, unless what I am writing is just an opinion based on experience.  In both your and my case, that opinion is really all you can state, so it must stand. If you tell me where you got your information from, perhaps I can learn something and update my understanding.

I want interactive discussion here, not just people to agree with me.  If I wanted that, I would go to church.

Oh, and one last thing.  I might say something that insults you.  It is not intended to be personal against anyone and I am usually not talking about an individual.  I am talking about general experiences.  So, I would appreciate if you would follow the general guidelines for discussions above.

Thank you.  Welcome to my blog, Standing on the Edge of Greatness.

Regards,

Chris Colbath

Edge of Greatness
Information, Technical

Something to watch out for..

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http://www.technewsworld.com/story/Library-of-Congress-to-House-Billions-and-Billions-of-Tweets-69781.html?wlc=1273432971

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