Hash bars and mana curves

Coverage of the MTG Worlds in Amsterdam has begun over at http://www.wizards.com/magic/magazine/default.aspx - if you're into that sort of thing :-) Best of luck, Team Australia.

Fruit'n'nutty?

A fair maiden at my most recent workplace would, for a snack, quarter and deseed an apple, then spread peanut butter on the white of each piece. If that sounds cray-cray, I'm here to tell you it isn't. I just gave it a try and found the combo entirely satisfying. It's also functionally similar to what UFC dietitian Mike Dolce defines as the optimum fast food: a handful of cashews, an apple and a bottle of water.

"Ultramarines" (2010) - in brief

Like an extended videogame cut-scene voiced by thesps (Hurt, Stamp, Pertwee). Surprisingly thoughtful story (Abnett), and an emphasis on Gothic atmos over pyrotechnics. Faithful to the "40K" future, in which the horrors of war are far more literal. Extras include a prequel comic.

Daedalus woz ere

Had a lecture in a corner of the uni I'd never laid eyes on before, proving that the joint can still surprise me. Did some study in the sunshine, soaking up Vitamin D along with the textbook learnin', then perused one of the college rags. It contained the following tip: "If you think someone is giving you a fake number, read it back to them incorrectly. If they correct you, it's legit." Clever!

Cheep Tuesday

Visitations

Had PB here last weekend for words and pitchers @ the Coach & Horses, patchy Portuguese nosh @ Angelos, and a disappointing denouement in the cricket.

This w/e, it's dear old Dad staying. His only requirements: unfettered access to the British Open golf coverage and half a dozen meals a day. Seriously, the man has the metabolism of The Flash.

On the 27th-28th, AP will be at mine. We're going to WWE Raw @ Allphones Arena, plus a DWCA gathering guest starring Ian Cullen (Ixta in "The Aztecs").

Because none of that's any real use to 98% you, allow me to reproduce a wonderful poem about Roman-occupied Britain.

--

"Roman Wall Blues" (1937) by WH Auden

Over the heather the wet wind blows,
I've lice in my tunic and a cold in my nose.

The rain comes pattering out of the sky,
I'm a Wall soldier, I don't know why.

The mist creeps over the hard grey stone,
My girl's in Tungria; I sleep alone.

Aulus goes hanging around her place,
I don't like his manners, I don't like his face.

Piso's a Christian, he worships a fish;
There'd be no kissing if he had his wish.

She gave me a ring but I diced it away;
I want my girl and I want my pay.

When I'm a veteran with only one eye
I shall do nothing but look at the sky.

--

Beer-wine-spiritual wellbeing

Gamecon | - See the April 22, 2009 entry "Vacation summation"

Gamecon ][ - November 20, 2010 post "Dave Lister"

Gamecon ]|[ ...

We watched "Iron Man 3" (poorly plotted, the low point of the trilogy), animation "Superman Vs. The Elite", "Dreams In The Witch House" (shit house, more like) and "Neds" (endure this depress-fest and you're rewarded with an AMAZING final scene).

We tuned in for Wallabies vs. Lions, the UFC 162 YT prelims and Knights vs. Bulldogs.

While PG was in a business meeting, I amused myself with "Wolverine" and "T.H.U.N.D.E.R. Agents" comics.

We were saved from starvation by Sharky's Pizza Shack.

We played PC titles "Super House Of Dead Ninjas", "The Cave" (conquered with Adventurer, Time Traveller and Twins), "Chivalry: Medieval Warfare", "Jamestown: Legend Of The Lost Colony" (final level too difficult), "McPixel", "Fortrix 2" ("Qix" meets "Ramparts"), "Wizorb" ("Arkanoid" meets 16-bit RPGs), "Ion Assault", "VVVVVV" and "UnEpic" (do believe the hype!).

Use your illusionist II

Will be spending a blokey long w/e at PG's in Anna Bay. Undecided whether I'll provide a running commentary (be still, your beating heartses) or write a summary after the fact.

Use your illusionist I

From tomorrow, only call me on the mobile. I've ditched the landline. Thank you.

Supanova extra

* A pretty cosplayer of Disney's Belle roping in a Chewbacca from the 501st to be her Beast.

* On the subject of costumes, there were umpteen Pikachu onesies and "Who" scarves (of various stripes).

* I saw boxes of Modern Masters on sale for "only" $280.

* Some joker was walking around with a sign that said, "I [heart] Xbox One. DRM is the future."

* Girl in EM queue carrying an original "Torchwood" script. Told me she'd scored it from a prop-making relative in Wales.

* Mainstream publishing companies touting their genre fiction. I'm guessing it was a failed experiment - people want product they can't buy elsewhere.

* My favourite T-shirt slogan of the con (worn by a chick): "The babe with the power."