Plunderer Extraordinaire

Break out the buckets! Bail for your lives!

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 22:41:00 +0000

We were running full sails to the Cove-Moot when we sprung a leak. Before the boatsman could yell, "Avast!" we were already sinking to a watery grave. With the blessing of the sea gods a strong wind blew up and we were able to land on a western (digital) island of a friendly sort. There is no way however for us to salvage and repair in time for the Cove-Moot. I gave the crew double rations of Grog to help keep there spirits up. On the New(Egg) horizon this morning Visa two eyes spotted a ship approaching, when they get close enough we will pillage what we need from them.

(My hard drive started acting funny Friday night at like 10:00pm,
giving me less than 12 hours to figure out what was going on and get to the LAN party. Almost needless to say the drive was collapsing upon itself, I managed to save 99% of my stuff for which I am very thankful. But dang! I wanted to go to the LAN party, instead I spent 48 hours in my basement running diagnostics, and tearing apart old computers for spare parts. I temporarily installed Ubuntu, and actually it's pretty nice, I like the new version. I still expect to go back to a source based GNU/Linux install eventually, but not at least until I get a new hard drive.)

Cove-Moot

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:41:00 +0000

Definition: When a group of pirates sail into a cove, stare at glowing screens, and don't eat, say anything, engage in eye contact, or move at all really. - Except for moving a small plastic mouse in circles, drinking pizza, or eating Bawls. It's part witch craft, part monk like meditation, and partly a cleansing ritual.

Join me at Protocol42's Cove-Moot!

I will post a picture later.

Family of Swashbucklers

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:42:00 +0000

My sister is really a better pirate than I, honestly. I am so proud of her; I should make her a sword. She has made a poster for the Zapatistas, and it has been chosen to be produced and put up for sale as part of the celebrate peoples history poster project of JustSeeds.org. Take a look at it, and if you feel so inclined buy one, they are very inexpensive at four dollars:

Evil Inside Me

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:49:00 +0000

I had made port and gotten into a friendly game of cards with some wolves. It wasn't a piratical game precisely, but I liked it quite a bit. This sea dog makes it a rule to avoid fortune tellers.
One, on account of I don't like bad news; and two, because no one can really know your future; except for the great sea captain in the sky. But it was already too late, this card game read my soul. Just as I thought the results were as pretty as a drowned man.

Well after seeing that, it was obvious what was to become of me. This pirate, way deep inside, has a supervillian buried.

In light of this I have a new role model Dr. Horrible.

New Rope

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 03:42:00 +0000

It be what passes for rope here on the web. Although whenever I hear wiki, I can't help but think of raiding a villiage o' tiki huts. Them islanders are strange folk, as soon as we started lobbing marshmellows at them (we were out of canon balls) they all ran away.

I have no friends (page)!

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 07:01:00 +0000

Gretchen and I went out to dinner on the vet clinic, tonight was the holiday party. We ate well, and had lots of somewhat awkward work conversation. I always feel that I've made a fool of myself at these gatherings.

Last year I ordered a glass of wine. Besides the clinic owners being Mormon, and it being forbidden by their religion; being a company party, it raised issues of liability. Previous to that no one had dared to be so bold, but now the ceiling is broken; this year several people ordered drinks on the companys tab. (I did have a beer, but paid for it myself at the bar, and brought it to the table.)

This year a sweet nothing whispered into my wifes ear became a subject of conversation when she decided to share! Ladies, please, don't share those. Also I was the center of a very awkward conversational pause. Has this happened to you?: I was talking about how difficult it can be for some unfortunate people to loose weight, and all conversation died just as I said some thing like "no matter how you slice it: to loose weight, eat less!" So I totally made myself out to be a fattist. I might actually be something of a fattist, and that scares me. I would rather be, and feel that I usually am, sensitive to others, and understanding. Although, even my sister called me a fattist once. God I hope she was wrong.

On the technical side: I like Blogger because it is convenient, fairly pretty, and I can edit the HTML template! But it is quite feature less. I would like to have a friends page powered by an RSS aggregator. I may have to switch to Joomla or WordPress. But I don't think I'm up for that much work. Better to blog now, and code when motivated.

Parting Shot: CDC - Overweight and Obesity

Jack Black

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Wed, 05 Dec 2007 01:04:00 +0000

I found this funny if a bit raw, but then again it's jack black so... whatever.

Kick in the cunt.

By way of an apology to those whom are offended; although, honestly, I find it even more uncomfortable: The Cunt Shop

Parting Shot: I dare you to buy a Blue Uterus Skirt!

GM Food: Not Grown in Detroit.

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 01:36:00 +0000

I do wish GM foods were labeled as such. Not that I'm particularly scared of them, but Jeffrey Smith, in his book Genetic Roulette, has shown that there might be nasty side effects. And I'd prefer to be able to make a choice to eat, or not eat GM foods.

This article says that "60 percent of our processed groceries contain genetically altered ingredients". But no reference is given, and it's easy to lie with statistics. So I'll believe it when you have a third eye, and gills. Although, I do think that Starbucks coffee beans are GM.

I've never actually written a letter to the people that represent me in government. I should give it a try.

Parting shot: Campaign to Label Genetically Engineered Foods

Squid Attack!

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Sun, 25 Nov 2007 20:25:00 +0000

Th'ar be many stories of great giant squid attack on yonder high seas, but by the powers this be the strangest and the only one true tale ye ever hear.

I be taken shore leave, and woke to a powerful headache in a unfamiliar place. This ware normal for shore leave, but I began to worry when I saw there were no saucy wenches, or empty glasses to explain the headache. I was marooned in a right rum place Arkham, Massachusetts.

I quickly got on my feet being a pirate of old salt, it seemed I could almost turn lead into gold among these land lubbers. Yargh.., I even found a nice flute. But things in that town weren't right I tell ye. My timbers were just about shivered out after a few days.

Then I came across a terrible foe in the streets down the south side of town. It seemed to be birthed right from the stars; I tell ye it was horrible. I thought to soothe it and played my flute, I don't right know what happened but blowing on that flute seemed to twist my mind and tear at my soul. When my eyes stopped swimming my foe was gone.

Figuring it was time to weigh anchor, I made for the train station. Thats when I saw it. A great giant land squid! It's tentacles were a thrashing and knocking buildings down left and right. Without my trusty saber; I though I was going to the fiddlers green. Then the most astonishin' thing happened, a landlubber lass, and a Nun to boot, stepped in front of the squid, threw a stick of dynamite, and she put the black-spot on it I tell ye! I don't know where a nun comes by a flame thrower, but she single handedly burned every tentacle off that monster.

Thar now be a spot on me crew, and doubloons to boot, for any nun who can wield a flamethrower.

(I have never been able to play The Nun well. When Craig drew her I asked him to play her so that I could see it done right. After 4 rumors and 13 almost consecutive gate openings he proceeded to single handedly defeat Nyarlathotep! - Apparently I get what I ask for.)

Parting shot: Arkham Horror

Happy Thanksgiving!

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 05:06:00 +0000

Valley Life

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Mon, 30 Jan 2006 07:14:00 +0000

About time I blogged. For the, like, three of you who might read this; please be prepared: the next few blog entries may be very lame.

I live in Utah now! I still have moving in things to do. It has been a month and a half now; and I am a bit dissapointed that it is taking me this long.

A large problem has been the WI DOT! We just recieved the licence plates for the Truck this week, the registration papers were sent in on October 10, and the temporary plates expired on January 7th! The title still hasn't arrived. With out the title I can't register the vehicle in Utah. According to Utah law I have to do this within 60 days, and that time is quickly running out.

From talking with some of my old co-workers (temps) they say it is very easy to get thrown into prison in Utah. I think that some form of debters prison is still in effect out here, which suprises me. Regardless, I wish I could just register the stupid vehicle and be done with it...

Living with my fiancee is a dream come true. Today we drove 60 miles to Euerka! UT, to look at a Mansion that was for sale for $130,000. What a wreck! It's a historical landmark in a tiny mining town. I didn't even bother taking a picture, it was that worthless.

I have a permanant job! I work for Modern Display in the shop. I am being trained mostly at the moment. With float season coming up I will be learning to weld! I think my fiancee's boss rented a christmas tree from my new employer, but of course I won't go trying to find out that wouldn't be nice.

Consumer Reports = Useless

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 21:50:00 +0000

While trying to research vacuum cleaners I purchased a subscription to http://www.consumerreports.org It was a waste for five dollars. Here is the letter that I wrote to them:

I am extremely disappointed with your website and the complete lack of value that I received from paying $4.95 to your company. I was shopping for a vacuum cleaner, however instead of giving me information so that I could make my own, hopefully informed, decision your website tried to tell me what I should be looking for in a Vacuum! This is completely backwards! You are supposed to give me information so that I can form opinions. Not instruct me on what is important, and then give me your opinions. I am extremely angry, your website is deceptive, uninformative, and a ripoff.

If you want to see what a real product review looks like I suggest the (free) digital camera review web site http://dpreview.com/

I was hoping that you would provide me with that type of information about vacuum cleaners. I was sorely disappointed. Let me be specific, you _supposedly_ measured the decibel output of various vacuum cleaners, instead of listing your measurements you list the "noise" on a scale with five choices from Excellent to Poor! How can I believe that you made any measurements if you don't give me the measurements that I am paying for, and don't tell me the conditions under which the measurements were made. You must tell your clients what the results of your noise test were, in decibels, so that they can form their own opinions about weather the noise level of a particular vacuum cleaner are excellent or poor.

Every single one of your ratings were presented in an equally obtuse manner: with out facts, or testing information. I have no reason to trust your opinions. The motivation of your corporation is clearly to make money, not help consumers. I am simply astonished by your audacity at trying to sell undocumented corporate opinions! You misrepresented your website and the information that I would find inside it; please refund my money and cancel my subscription.

Vacuum Facts = Elusive

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Mon, 26 Dec 2005 21:32:00 +0000

I have been trying to find information about vacuum cleaners, Gretchen and I need a new one. And have found almost no factual information.

For example if I want information about a digital camera I'd go to http://dpreview.com/ Phil Askey has created in depth reviews and his testing methods and the results are clearly documented. He does include his opinion at the end of the review, but readers are encouraged to make their own decisions.

I would expect that at least some websites would have measurements on the decibel level of noise that various vacuum cleaners make... nothing.

If you know of a site that has information please let me know.

Posthumous Conception = Not Necessarily A Zombie

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Tue, 15 Mar 2005 03:35:00 +0000

If notice is not received that the decedents genetic material was available for the purpose of posthumous conception within four months of the decedents death (In writing, certified mail, return receipt requested.) Death benefits should be paid as if the child of the deceased conceived after the death of the decedent had predeceased the decedent.

- And I thought pirates were nasty...

Excuses, Excuses.

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Tue, 01 Mar 2005 05:29:00 +0000

The ship is in for repairs. I may not be bloging for a time while I concentrate on fixin me house. I pledge a photo journal update when I blog again. Toodles.

New song bird makes parrot sound like a four pack a day habit.

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Tue, 22 Feb 2005 03:33:00 +0000

My step grandmother Flo (aka: Crazy Lady) has been suffering the slow degrading death of dementia. She can still get out a coherent sentence or two in the mornings, but by evening she isn't capable of speech. Her caretaker Marjorie is truly an excellent: Mad props!

the point of my lollygagging is that I am in possession of her stereo, it's a McIntosh (2100amp, preamp, and tuner), with an NHT speaker system (Super Zero & Powered Sub). It sounds very good. (Understatement) I also have the privilege of holding in trust a mildly impressive collection of classical music, about 300 CD's ish, collected by her late husband Anthony. Upon Anthony's death I was given his University of Illinois class ring, I wore it for many years, until I developed a mild rash. I hope it's not an allergy to gold - that would be silly - but it might be. I really hope it's not Anthony's ghost disapproving of the way I live my life. It would suck to have a ghost hate me, my saber is useless against ghosts. Believe me I know...

Good night for now...

Swab the lack of deck!

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Thu, 03 Feb 2005 06:07:00 +0000

The tile isn't finished, the swabbies are refusing to scrub the lack of deck. I found out last night that laying tile is more difficult than the brain washed idiots at Home Despot led me to believe. I go now to continue this noble work, there is no time to swashbuckle, or drink me Grog for that matter.

Weapons of Mass Wallet Devistation

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Tue, 01 Feb 2005 08:40:00 +0000

The Card got out of the safe! I was not used for its intended purpose, and instead of being protection, security and peace of mind, it has ravaged another chunk of the inheritance I will some day provide to humanity.

Cold Stone Ice Cream = $5.28
Two Domain Transfers & 1 Year Extension = $16.40
DSC-F828 Macro Lens Set = $38.45

Paying MasterCard back instantly online so I suffer no interest charges; priceless.

The Great Vehicle Itself (my car) is fixed! The right rear control arm replacement went very well after the old control arm finally came off. The suspension bolts that go through metal sleeves in the bushings are really nearly impossible to remove after 140,000 miles. It took four days of working on the car, and many trips to the hardware store for tools before they even budged. While it took less than 4 hours to prepare and reinstall the new arm. The car runs really well and I haven't gotten an alignment yet. Unfortunately something isn't quite right either the ball joint on the replacement (used) control arm is excessively worn, or the tire rim was damaged and not quite round. Cause it's making a bit of a lump, lump sound when I sail. This will be investigated next time I'm in to port.

The good news is that with the ship sea worthy I can check my e-mail, and write in my log book more often! Yea! (To date it's been seven days since last I seen land.)

Night all.

Parting Shot: Fidgeting Helps Separate the Lean From the Obese

Nine days!

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Tue, 25 Jan 2005 07:12:00 +0000

Nine days since the last entry, that is too long. But, that is what happens when one does not have internet access sometimes.

What have I been doing? Lots! Nothing exceedingly memorable, however. Gretchen and I are thinking about going on a cruse in the Caribbean for a vacation this May. I requested off for Shibaricon. I went sledding and was captured on the news, amazing that they were able to film it on account of my sled going so fast. But those corsairs’ corsairs over at the news can Pan and Tilt like you wouldn't believe. Dad is in town. Please don't judge him by this, but here it is anyway: JLuscher.com - I have his permission to put those pictures up. Besides it's his web site, he can take them down with a slash from his sword (AKA: FTP client).

Must Finish Kitchen...

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Sun, 16 Jan 2005 10:38:00 +0000

I have nothing interesting to write, so how about a bit of boring ness.

This weekend was filled with the usual, plus Kitchen tile laying +2. That and I've begun the rewiring of the upstairs bedrooms. The electrical wiring in the house is really a mess; it’s going to take a lot of work to fix it.

Stay warm,

Must Finish Kitchen...

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Sun, 16 Jan 2005 10:38:00 +0000

Hook(ey)

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Thu, 13 Jan 2005 08:53:00 +0000

Ha Ha - No work for this pirate today (At least not in the modern sense), the hook demands it.

I cleaned: Basement, Hook, Dishes, Clothes, Decks. That and some orginizing of the computer, and fulfilling of promises made.

Southern DOS: Y'all reckon? (Yep/Nope)

current mood: calm
current music: Coolio - Fantastic Voyage (timber mix)

Land Ho!

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Wed, 12 Jan 2005 08:43:00 +0000

Another awesome handle time day at work, down to 10:40ish. Pretty Sweet.
There is however very little else I remember about this day.

Mike helped me out by letting me use some of his hosting, so my website is back up: JosiahLuscher.com His hosting provider Mesopia.com is awesome. The tools that they give you are really powerful. I found the user interface lacking in context, and so it was frustrating; however the service is exellent. If I ever have to part ways with sharing the service that Mike alreay has I will probably go with them.

And hey isn't it cool! My friends commented on what I wrote. Thank you my peeps. I don't know how you find time to do that, but it rocks.

PS: There is nothing suprising about the ocean running out, land isn't a word we need to shout.

Money on my mind.

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Wed, 12 Jan 2005 03:32:00 +0000

I want a house!!!!! I'm living in a nice house, and I'm paying for it. But it's not mine. This is an important difference. So how do I get a house? (Perferably a fixer-up-er) Well acording to some mortage calculatos I've tried out, I could buy a house costing about 70k right now. Maybe a benevolent third party (Parents?) will help me with the 30-50K that I supposidly can't afford. I think that my income potential is good, it would just take an inordinant amount of time to pay a third party back; which is why they would have to be benevolent.

Hmm, I suppose I should start finding some real numbers. I will go to the bank tomorow and see if I can talk to a lender about what I can afford, and what I can't.

See typing the problems always makes a solution, and lifts me spirits. Arrgh Matey! Don't let you sails luff.

you fight like a milkmaid
you spell like a walrus
Both of you swim like my car.
How appropriate, you fight like a cow
I am rubber you are glue.
I'll skewer you like a sow at a buffet
What if glue hits rubber? For example what if I were to body slam you?
only one way to find out!
I would die
Would there be a bounce and a squish, or whould it be more of a splat?

Arrgh! Matey,

noreply@blogger.com (Aries 97) — Tue, 11 Jan 2005 04:09:00 +0000

There be wings on me back today I'm flying high. I do customer service for life insurance, and I was kickin those whiney bereaved beneficiarys off the line with a quickness. I think my AHT (That's Average Handle Time, for those of you not in the know...) was about 11:00 minutes. A full 40 seconds below my goal. But hear I am being distracted and my to do list grows.

I have Friends! mlitiagrl & defaultlisa

I go now to Tile and Sleep on Couch!

current mood: accomplished
current music: Bloodhound Gang - The Bad Touch