Once in a while people need remindin' that there's cool stuff out there!

I was recently play-griping to somebody about how I had to miss my wrestling shows because of choir practice and we don't have a DVR. Well, someone sent me a link to a Hulu video, and I realized that they have a bunch of shows available to stream. So, I checked, and sure enough, all the WWE shows are there, as are the Daily Show/Colbert Report, and a whole heap of other stuff I like!
andromeda77, Heroes is up there, with multiple episodes!

I'll just use Hulu for daily programs instead of waiting on the torrents. These are things I only plan to watch once or twice, and send to friends. The torrents are better for archival purposes and entire seasons, where it's faster and easier just to download a torrent as a backup copy than try to rip a boxful of DVDs.

Speaking of backing up, I just re-discovered a couple crates of my old CDs in the basement, and lafinjack is selling me the backup computer he bought when his laptop went in for repair. I've got a hundred bucks from my great-aunt Ruth's estate that will go toward that. Once I have my own box, and I know the old HDD worked in that machine because I already tried it, I can have Mah Tunes again! And start ripping my big CD collection to MP3 for easy access. I haven't listened to most of my old collection since I made the switch from a discman to an MP3 player.


Also, I found a "Help wanted" ad on Craigslist, a guy had just bought a multitrack recorder and some software, and wanted someone to tutor him on how to use it. Hey, techie geek know-how, I DO have! So, I've twenty bucks in hand for bus fare, and a standing weekly tutoring session with the dude to show him how all this audio engineering is run. Niftiness ensues.

I just stumbled across a nifty gig-finder site, professional-class. It's a dues-paying site, so I'm not quite in the financial position to join just yet, but I figure I may as well get the word out to others who may better be able to take advantage of its services.

Showbiz folks in the room, anyone heard of Gig Salad?

Seems pretty well laid-out, both broad talent range and nicely specific categories, doesn't send my bullshit sensors ringing. Craigslist is all well and good for the free market, but sometimes you gotta weed out the amateurs and get to the folks who are willing to put up seventy bucks to get into a professional database.

Last night my brother brought his girlfriend to meet the family. I guess this means I have to stop teasing him about being the bachelor, heh.

She's a decent sort. Not a geek girl, but definitely has a head on her shoulders. She's not a creator, but she does have a life. Her passion is travel. So, we swapped stories until the parents and the brethren went out to dinner, leaving me behind to work on my music.

I've been sick left and right for the past couple weeks, but trying to gather myself together. From what I hear, this year's con crud was particularly nasty, and it hit me below the belt.

Still, I've finished off one more commission for baar_bear (Sorry for jumping the gun on you buddy, I got excited. It's pulled until you give it an OK or critique.)

I'm working on putting together a mailing list for my patrons. Partly so they can see the creative process as it happens, but more so they don't feel forgotten, lost in the shuffle for a period of months. The way I work, I have several fairly complex pieces going on at once, and I'll do a few bars here, a few bars there as the muse strikes. Rather than have a series of sketches done one after another, I have many larger pieces that come together along a similar timeline.

---

Obligatory nonsequitur gaming geekery: brownkitty, your husband will appreciate this.
I'm playing Oblivion. My character is an archer assassin, specializing in stealth and alchemy. (Lots of poisonous flora to mix up in Cyrodiil...)

Anyhow, I'm clearing a dungeon, and I realize that I am treating my Icebolt Bow like a SWAT M-15, slicing angles and all proper SWAT tactics for stealth.
What taught me these skills? Games that aim for ultra-realism in tactics, from the very first Sierra Police Quest SWAT through the Rainbow Six series.

---

Finally, your daily newsflash:
Factory closed, giving workers three days' notice. Workers are on a sit-down strike, as the law requires sixty days' notice of closure without benefits.
Though for once the FACTORY OWNERS are the fall guy, because the bank will not pay up for the vacation/severance pay that they owe the workers.

WOOOOO!

I got the call yesterday afternoon that I have a DEALER'S TABLE available for me!

Midwest FurFest, get ready to have your shop wrecked^TM, because the HAMSTER is OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

bandrik is loaning me a laptop, I've got my keyboard and fiddle and a hundred sheets of staff paper, zerocreature has done up a quick CD cover art so I can have something physical on hand to sell, samiitiger helped me out with business cards, and I've got my MP3 player loaded with samples.

Now let's go make some awesome.

My awesome idea of taking musical commissions in Artist Alley was nixed by the folks in charge. _Sadfase.

They were polite but firm in their answer. They wish to focus on visual arts, so they have to draw the line somewhere. I understand that.

However, in dealing with other folks, I found out that the Dealers Den may have a last-minute cancellation! So, I may be able to set up for commissions after all. Failing that, I'll make up some business cards and have my friends who work the Alley/Den mention my name, and have my cellphone available so that I can take up anybody who's interested on the spot.

My planned ideal setup: Rack of CDs for sale, MP3 player/headphones for samples. Speakers if the tables around me are cool with it. Laptop with my music software loaded, Yamaha keyboard to noodle around musically. A corner with pawprint chocolates made by andromeda77.

Most of my stuff will run off battery power. If I could get a power drop for the laptop, that'd be even sweeter.

So yeah, no matter what happens, I've got contingency plans to have a lot of fun at the con and be productive to make this a totally AWESOME weekend.

Okay, bjorn_grafeldr's anthem is paid in full and well on its way. Thanks to another Swede in the crowd! He wants it more Indiana-Jones-esque, so I'm segueing the stompy bear theme into a rush of adventure.

Well, he got a bargain. I've learned from my first attempt at trawling the waters of FurBid, and started a NEW COMMISSION AUCTION with decent prices that meet the market without going too high or too low for the skill level, and a shorter five-day run.

Again, word of mouth is the most trusted advertising you can have, so if any of your friends want theme songs, a little bit of jink is all it takes to make the busker-man ply his fancy!
Either bid on the auction, or just come hire me and haggle for rates.

WOOHOO!

The very first theme song commission auction at FurBid is done as of yesterday, and mad props to bjorn_grafeldr for supporting an up-and-coming musicker!

His profiles on LJ and FurAffinity are starting to tell me a bit about him, and this portrait really gives me a good feel for the character.

I can already start to see Bass Viols and the Bassoon providing the heart of the character - I just wish I had some good col legno violin/viola soundfonts to provide the click of his claws across a library's hardwood floor! I may bring those out with stacatto high winds instead, perhaps...

I'm thinking of something with a flavor similar to the Grandfather's theme in Peter and the Wolf, only a little less aggressive. That kind of stout and stodgy pacing back and forth, a wizened strength mixed with a restless energy.

EDIT: I've already started writing the theme. You can hear the bear shuffling about, looking for just the right book, then settling in for a good read.

I know there's always a few people who need a hand on the job hunt, and we need to be the community again that helps our brethren keep a positive outlook.

There's a job fair today and Monday in Gurnee at Accurate Temps. Info from the link is as follows.

http://www.chicagojobresource.com/chicago_job_fairs_october.htm
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ACCURATE PERSONNEL (Staffing) JOB FAIR

8:00am-4:00pm

ACCURATE PERSONNEL, 4949 Grand Ave., Gurnee, IL

Now Hiring For: Material Handlers Forklift Operators Assemblers Customer Service Rep Payroll Specialists Machine Operators Soldering Maintenance Mechanic
----
I spotted this last night when I was checking the classifieds, and spread the word this morning when I went into a different temp agency. They didn't mind. They may be competitors, but their primary interest is getting people hired, and a little extra information goes a long way.
And I learned when I was working in retail, if you know your competitor has a sale going on for a similar product, you let the customer know, and they WILL come back to you next week and buy something nicer at the higher price. Positive customer service and social skills make a big difference, folks. Let's help our buddies learn what they need to get started in today's rough world.

Heehee. Some days, I just love being that BASTARD who just has to go and fuck up the curve for the rest of y'all decent people.

I'm just getting home from an interview and testing at one of the local temp agencies. The first of the tests was a basic skills test. Y'know, English language and math stuff. They give you twelve minutes, the test is fifty questions. They expect most of their applicants to finish at least twenty questions, and achieve at least fifteen questions correct.

And then there's ME. Coming up at the end of the testing period to the proctor, mentioning that questions 45 and 50 had errors in the text that made them impossible to answer correctly, and here is how to address the situation along with the intended correct answers.


Welp, it has been a looong week. My parents are out of town camping, I have the house to myself, I am going to GET DRUNK on cheap box wine and play some gorramn VIDEO GAMES, yo.

Peace, my brethren.

Already got an e-mail from a fur from the lafflist interested in the theme music commissioning.

He's someone who came to me on the side and said, "Listen, I have been WAITING for this to appear. You quote exactly the styles I want, I've heard your work now and approve of it, plus you're local to the area and we've met before so I feel better supporting a local artist."

So I said, "Okay. You? Don't bid on the auction. Let's talk real money for QUALITY work." Leave the ten-dollar auction for the folks who don't know me and aren't ready to spend a lot of money on an unknown artist.

*crosses fingers*

So yeah, I've got all my hardware and software running stably again. I've had an idea bubbling around in the back of my head for several months now... And coming up just in time for MFF con season, I'm pulling it out and trying something novel!

You've all got artwork and con badges of your character. You've grown into your fursona. There's real personality there. All that's missing is... an ANTHEM! I've got a knack for capturing the essence of a character in a short and catchy hook.

I'm popping this on FurBid for a trial to see where I'll set my prices. Starting low, but cash is always an incentive to turn a little one-off into a masterpiece!
http://www.furbid.ws/cgi-bin/auction/item.pl?item=232347556

My styles are largely influenced by RPG and Adventure game composers like Nobuo Uematsu and Mark Seibert. I write in broad and varying styles and genres.

Something different... Any takers?

- Zel
Der MusickerHamster

(crossposted to furry_musicians, lafflist)

I'm glad I got bored and decided to do some research and randomly talk with the druggies on IRC this weekend.

I think I pinpointed the trigger to my seizure.

Serotonin Syndrome has a history of causing seizures in others in my community.

That week, I had been taking a high regimen of 5-HTP, which is a precursor to serotonin.

That night, I had taken a midrange dosage of DXM, which has a small serotonin reuptake inhibition factor.

Combine putting the plug in the bathtub drain with tossing in buckets of water, and you have some slosh over the sides.

It was a dark room, I was dehydrated, and the right combination of flashing lights may have set it off.


To prevent this happening again, I'm lowering my regimen of 5-HTP slightly. I'm also trying harder to stay sober with woodworking crafts, music, and socialization. If I have something else to do with my time, I have less opportunity to say "Hey, nothing's going on for eight hours, let's go get fucked up." Also, making sure there's a light on when I'm online late at night. The contrast between light and dark makes a difference.

I'm putting in an application at the neighborhood Spirit Halloween store this morning. I have worked there before, in 2005 I think it was, where I met unclehyena. It's seasonal, but a good opportunity to help get me back on my feet. Having someplace to go each day makes a BIG difference in my mood stability, too.

My parents are taking me in for the time being. I haven't heard from Racine, and I know they have a history of forgetting to call back. However, I'm refusing to live life as a waiting game. Finally getting off my ass with a little ambition for a change.

If I have to quit the job at Spirit? Hell, it was seasonal. Even better, I know there's one in Racine, I may be able to transfer.

Heehee. Carl is getting creative again.

My folks are out camping for the weekend, so I'm using his power tools that he buys and never uses to make some goddamn ART.

A nice plug-in Dremel, now I see what I was missing out on with my cordless. That tiny one is only good for sharpening and polishing. Plus hammers and chisels that I wouldnae figgered I'd be needing.

I've been working on a relief carving as my first project with hand tools, and finishing up the second coat of enamel on my Baron Samedi walking-stick for this year's Halloween. Now I just need to buy a top hat and some face paint!

Hmmm... There's a Spirit Halloween store that's opening up where Frank's used to be over by the Jewel in Waukegan. They're hiring. I'll go apply today.

Okay, life has happened, and now I shall update once more.

I've departed chez brownkitty, and taken sanctuary with lafinjack. The former living situation was always to meant be temporary, and circumstances came up that made that fact imminent.

I have an interview waiting with RadioShack as soon as the local manager gets back from vacation. I've technically been hired by the company, but no stores in Lake County had hours available... Turns out, Chicago is understaffed, and could use a good geek-of-all-trades to help man the ship. SCORE!

Last night I was out cruising Humbolt Park, one of Chicago's HUGE multi-block park zones. About seven-ish, I turn a corner, and here comes this SWARM of bicycles. I figured, what the heck, I can't pass this up. Join in, find out later, right? Turns out, it was bigger than I realized at first. Critical Mass, a massive bike ride around Chicago the last Friday of every month. Five thirty, meet at Daley Plaza. Continue until defeated.
Heh, some time around ten, the group broke up when, as we passed the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium, there were suddenly WATER FOUNTAINS available.

And thus was my evening spent.

(I found this nifty little travelogue/documentary that a fellow bicycler put up. Chicago Bike Winter, indeed. Been there, done that, got the salt stains on my pants.)

(2:40:04 AM) InfintySquared: Hey there, I could really use some kind of a yes/no answer or at least know what the hell is going on.
(2:40:32 AM) InfintySquared: Am I moving up there or not? "Not yet," is an acceptable answer.
(2:41:47 AM) InfintySquared: It's just that I can't have Racine RadioShack waiting for me and holding a position if I'm not going to be there, and I can't find a store with an opening down here.
(2:42:11 AM) InfintySquared: I just need to know if I am, indeed, moving North.

Grr. Okay, Kryss has her twenty-year-old boytoy back, and even made amends with his new girlfriend to the point that they want to start a triad.

Cool, I'm all for open-minded relationships. But there is the little outstanding element wherein she had made plans to bring me back to Racine so that I could take care of her and get my feet on the ground again.

Any of you who know me IRL, know my scroddy job history. You also know that I WANT to become a better person in art, society, and finance, but I do need the occasional hand up.

I had an interview with RadioShack. One of the best jobs I've ever had, and the man who hired me eight years ago hired me again. Except that the store I was supposed to work for decided they could not pay me the hours.

This happened around the time Anthony, Kryss's boyfriend, took off running, and she went into a depressive spiral. Hey, she's an overemotional gal, you can't hide from it. However, I have to leave this house sometime, amd I know how to take care of Kryss when she's bouncing all over the place with drama. So, we spoke, and I thought we'd made it clear that I would be moving north again.

I know how slowly and erratically this whole family unit works, so I thought I'd give plenty of time, and trust Kryss to set things up with Carlene, and at least give me a straight answer.

Kryss, I love you to death, but "Wait wait I'll talk to Carlene about it, maybe she'll be in a better mood tomorrow" has fallen apart too many times. I have to know where I am going to be living and working, so that I don't have this company close the door on me now that I've finally gotten back in.

Kryss, I'm trusting you, but I'm also calling my cousin tomorrow. I need a definite answer so I can make my plans and maybe not come out looking like a loser for once.

I'm taking another risk here.

I thought I'd healed all the old wounds with time and striving on.

I'm applying for a job at Radio Shack again - and they're interested in hiring me.

And I'm scared shitless. Half afraid I'll come off as a worthless hobo who can't get any other work, so he asks for his old job back.

Half afraid that my teeth will do more damage to my appearance than all my technical knowledge.

Half afraid that Joe will be like my father and see me as I was eight years ago when he hired me in the first place.

But I have trust that because he was willing enough to at least interview me for a rehire, that he will see me as a different man. I worked with him as a sheltered, frenetic geek at first. Now only one of those words still applies.


I did get Part-Time Salesman of the Month, September 2000. Joe taught me how to work a sales floor and make the customer your friend. That went on to help me in my music career as well, and in life altogether.

But I still have to walk up to Joe Cortina and tell him that I am worth hiring again.
Joe Cortina can smell bullshit from a mile away, so every word I say must be true and honest.

And the true and honest words are, Working at RadioShack is a natural fit for me, and it made me a better person.

Hrm. Conflicting plans for Saturday.

May 10 will be the next Anonymous protest of Scientology in Chicago. Milennium Park, 11:00 AM until whenever, likely four-ish or six-ish depending on how the crowd's feeling. All are welcome to attend. Wear a scarf/shades or something to obscure the face, and bring something to drink. Open-air protests are often long and sunny.


However, Ren Faire season approacheth! The Guilde of Saint Lawrence is moving. The Dirty Duck Inn, long a staple in the center of town, is finally falling to pieces. We're moving across the grass yard to where Thistlecroft was last year, across from the Cheshire Chase Theater. Thistlecroft, the crafting guild, is being disbanded, and we're absorbing what members of their guild will help us cook and feed the residents of Bristol.

Yes, we're moving everything... This Saturday. Same day as the protest.
Well, there will be another protest each month, and I can be more help to a smaller group moving the soul of the Duck into a new carcass.


Which reminds me... I sent the petition to Rick Astley to write a protest song for us. No response, but in March someone filked the theme to the Mickey Mouse Club, with great success. I plan to do more filking to help out.



Quiet side note:
I miss zerocreature. She was a very close friend for several years. A couple months ago, she explained that my constant ups and downs were straining her, and she gets anxiety attacks when her stress levels rise. She had to cut contact for her own good.
I love her, and miss her, but I know what she meant. I don't exactly live a quiet, stable life.

Let's raise a glass, all, to those we've had to leave behind, even though we still love them.
Skål!

Ahhhh, God ye god den ye gentles, you are in the PRESENCE of what we calls Bardic Amusementations. I mysewf aim cawwed Robert Williams as by those what likes me, and called all manner of narsty fingummies by those what doesn't.

Now, you may ask me many a question, and I may be wont unto awrnsering. That is, if the mood striketh me wiv a fancy, and it just may this morning dags.

The lovely lady a'ringin' her bell, she telleth me the FAIRE season approacheth, and if mine eyen earen and all me sodden boots come walking me out of the muck of winter unto spring, nay, SUMMER, then perhaps I shall find meself a role within the walls of fair Bristol once more.

Thus, I am becoming back unto character again and readying the wondrous amusementifications that may come wiff part an' parcel of Robert Williams, eh?

Is it wrong for me to be happily doing the dishes at four in the morning, calm and relaxed, enjoying the Zen of domesticity, whilst Cradle of Filth plays violently yet elegantly on my very favorite headspeakerphones?

Internet: YOU decide my ethics.

Poll #1168260 I enjoy creating situations that are paradoxical, yet entertaining and aesthetically pleasing.
Open to: All, detailed results viewable to: All, participants: 8

Just how wrong am I for relaxing to industrial and black metal?