Techno-Integration and Water
I recently submitted an article concerning managing your electronic information, and I was thinking about how, at a certain point, I had both a Palm Pilot and a Cellphone that could use Infra-red to send addresses to each other. It resulted in a highly synchronized address book on my Palm Pilot.
Both those devices have long since perished. The cellphone did a face-down plop into a puddle of water. Corrosion set in within hours and my cellphone was dead. The Palm Pilot slowly perished, with its mysterious need to constantly HotSync draining my battery and rendering it unusable anyway... possibly caused by corrosion. I used to keep it in my pants pocket and it must have eventually succumbed to the humidity of this location.
Someday, I will have these integrated toys again... someday.
Great Goonie-googoos!
Man - it's so hard to wrestle with actual stories after writing only vignettes and RPG adventure modules for so long. I've got a pseudo-outline that always morphs tries to morph into "something more ambitious" at every turn, I'm grasping for vocabulary with the right connotation, I'm struggling with speech patterns and exposition and non-cinematic action.
I've missed this!
Man - it's so hard to wrestle with actual stories after writing only vignettes and RPG adventure modules for so long. I've got a pseudo-outline that always morphs tries to morph into "something more ambitious" at every turn, I'm grasping for vocabulary with the right connotation, I'm struggling with speech patterns and exposition and non-cinematic action.
I've missed this!
THE WEEKEND ROUNDUP: Saturday
This past weekend was a busy one, and more than a little bit tiring. It was, however, quite enjoyable and exciting as we shall see...
Early Start
Despite getting to bed late after the Friday night Isle game, I found myself awake at around 630 am. After a quick shower and no breakfast, I stumbled out to the elevator after checking three times that all the books I wanted signed would be with me. (Later I would find out that the Sandman TPB I was planning on having signed was left behind).
For those of you wondering why I was up so early... it was because of two things: Neil Gaiman's 3 pm appearance and book signing at Rockwell, and the need to pick up the things I'd left at the office before swinging by Kate's place for breakfast with her family at 730 am.
I'd been asked several times (and by several people) why we were planning to be there so early. I really didn't have an idea, other than that Neil Gaiman was a BIG THING in the circles that I ran, and given the nature of the local rabid fandom, showing up at that time seemed to be... early enough to be a true fan, but not too early so as to be cool about it.
Of course, I was nervous that no one else would think the same way since Neil (wow, first-name basis) had 3 other scheduled appearances, and my beloved Kate had a habit of complaining about the days I woke her up too early for certain events...
I checked my e-mail at the office before I shut down the PC that I'd left on overnight... the yahoo groups list of the Neil Gaiman events in Manila had a file that indicated that they'd be giving out the queue stubs at 1030 am.
What are queue stubs? Well, the event and signing would still be at 3 pm, and would be open to ALL who attended. The queue stubs were little numbered stubs that indicated the order in which Neil would sign your books.
Suddenly, being there at 830 am seemed just about right.
Nearing Kate's place I rung her on the cell, only to find out I'd just woken her up. We were going to be late. It was already close to 730 am.
Flash forward to just after breakfast at MCS McDo. Kate has me back the van out of parking, and we switch places. It was time to practice her driving.
After an eternity of giving careful and half-nervous driving advice and narrowly avoiding an argument over driving styles, she parked at Rockwell.
Lines
The lines were long, but not too long. Too many people were confused about the procedures, and everyone was trying to be helpful to everyone else, but this sometimes muddled things further.
In the end I got my queue number from the even-numbered line: 252. Kate got her number from the odd-numbered line a little after I did, but managed to get 229. Go figure.
After enduring the intriguing but sadly unannounced and consequently unwelcome performance of a band, Neil finally showed up with apologies and an amusing story about not being able to get the printer to work. He told us anecdotes, answered a few questions, shared a screening of Mirror Mask, and then got to the signing.
And lo it was a long signing. Neil seemed to have been genuinely shocked about signing for 700 people (I'd thought they'd only allowed 500 for that day), and the fact that folks could have up to a maximum of 4 books (depending on how many purchases you'd made from Fully Booked). Still he only took a brief dinner break and signed all these books.
It was after 9pm when I was finally in line. Just before I went up the stage, Neil had the organizers announce that children (15 and younger) would be given priority so they wouldn't be out so late. They'd alternate with the other folks already in line. I was so tired I didn't even get momentarily annoyed by it. And seeing some of the 6-year old kids at the event already asleep in their parents arms, I felt some of the same sentiments he did.
Then I heard the announcement concerning women in an advanced state of pregnancy and began to chuckle softly.
My Neil Gaiman story
So I went up the stairs and handed over my two books for signing. I thanked him for hanging on for so long for all the fans, and responded with an enthusiastic but weary "you're very welcome!"
He still had his wits about him, and noted that the Fantasy anthology I was having him sign was quite possibly the first time he'd signed it anywhere. He also realized he'd never seen the anthology and wrote a big "#1" in the book.
Then he signed my Books of Magic TPB, and we shook hands and I was off rather quickly to allow the other folks in line their shot too.
I had rehearsed a witty remark or two while in line, but after the announcements concerning children and pregnant women, decided that it was best to just thank him, get my books signed and get the heck outta there.
Everyone was tired - no sense in stretching things out.
This past weekend was a busy one, and more than a little bit tiring. It was, however, quite enjoyable and exciting as we shall see...
Early Start
Despite getting to bed late after the Friday night Isle game, I found myself awake at around 630 am. After a quick shower and no breakfast, I stumbled out to the elevator after checking three times that all the books I wanted signed would be with me. (Later I would find out that the Sandman TPB I was planning on having signed was left behind).
For those of you wondering why I was up so early... it was because of two things: Neil Gaiman's 3 pm appearance and book signing at Rockwell, and the need to pick up the things I'd left at the office before swinging by Kate's place for breakfast with her family at 730 am.
I'd been asked several times (and by several people) why we were planning to be there so early. I really didn't have an idea, other than that Neil Gaiman was a BIG THING in the circles that I ran, and given the nature of the local rabid fandom, showing up at that time seemed to be... early enough to be a true fan, but not too early so as to be cool about it.
Of course, I was nervous that no one else would think the same way since Neil (wow, first-name basis) had 3 other scheduled appearances, and my beloved Kate had a habit of complaining about the days I woke her up too early for certain events...
I checked my e-mail at the office before I shut down the PC that I'd left on overnight... the yahoo groups list of the Neil Gaiman events in Manila had a file that indicated that they'd be giving out the queue stubs at 1030 am.
What are queue stubs? Well, the event and signing would still be at 3 pm, and would be open to ALL who attended. The queue stubs were little numbered stubs that indicated the order in which Neil would sign your books.
Suddenly, being there at 830 am seemed just about right.
Nearing Kate's place I rung her on the cell, only to find out I'd just woken her up. We were going to be late. It was already close to 730 am.
Flash forward to just after breakfast at MCS McDo. Kate has me back the van out of parking, and we switch places. It was time to practice her driving.
After an eternity of giving careful and half-nervous driving advice and narrowly avoiding an argument over driving styles, she parked at Rockwell.
Lines
The lines were long, but not too long. Too many people were confused about the procedures, and everyone was trying to be helpful to everyone else, but this sometimes muddled things further.
In the end I got my queue number from the even-numbered line: 252. Kate got her number from the odd-numbered line a little after I did, but managed to get 229. Go figure.
After enduring the intriguing but sadly unannounced and consequently unwelcome performance of a band, Neil finally showed up with apologies and an amusing story about not being able to get the printer to work. He told us anecdotes, answered a few questions, shared a screening of Mirror Mask, and then got to the signing.
And lo it was a long signing. Neil seemed to have been genuinely shocked about signing for 700 people (I'd thought they'd only allowed 500 for that day), and the fact that folks could have up to a maximum of 4 books (depending on how many purchases you'd made from Fully Booked). Still he only took a brief dinner break and signed all these books.
It was after 9pm when I was finally in line. Just before I went up the stage, Neil had the organizers announce that children (15 and younger) would be given priority so they wouldn't be out so late. They'd alternate with the other folks already in line. I was so tired I didn't even get momentarily annoyed by it. And seeing some of the 6-year old kids at the event already asleep in their parents arms, I felt some of the same sentiments he did.
Then I heard the announcement concerning women in an advanced state of pregnancy and began to chuckle softly.
My Neil Gaiman story
So I went up the stairs and handed over my two books for signing. I thanked him for hanging on for so long for all the fans, and responded with an enthusiastic but weary "you're very welcome!"
He still had his wits about him, and noted that the Fantasy anthology I was having him sign was quite possibly the first time he'd signed it anywhere. He also realized he'd never seen the anthology and wrote a big "#1" in the book.
Then he signed my Books of Magic TPB, and we shook hands and I was off rather quickly to allow the other folks in line their shot too.
I had rehearsed a witty remark or two while in line, but after the announcements concerning children and pregnant women, decided that it was best to just thank him, get my books signed and get the heck outta there.
Everyone was tired - no sense in stretching things out.
PNP Presence
I get antsy when I see tons of PNP personnel crowding the streets of Ortigas. On my way to work I saw a number of them at key intersections (not really directing traffic, just hanging out...) a couple of vans... and a big truck with K9 personnel on it.
Is there a big rally in Ortigas slated later today? Or will there be a buncha VIPs here later? Who knows?
I get antsy when I see tons of PNP personnel crowding the streets of Ortigas. On my way to work I saw a number of them at key intersections (not really directing traffic, just hanging out...) a couple of vans... and a big truck with K9 personnel on it.
Is there a big rally in Ortigas slated later today? Or will there be a buncha VIPs here later? Who knows?
A Brand New Spin
And so, to further defuse any arguments that our little President had done anything wrong in calling him up, Garcilliano now calls (from a place of hiding) to claim that both opposition and administration candidates called him up to ask how they were doing.
If everyone does it, then it's okay.
It's also done to bolster the argument that even if PGMA called, it is not tantamount to asking him to coordinate any rigging of elections.
Other people have admitted to calling up Garcillano, while other folks have denied calling him.
It would have been so much easier if we had all of them on tape, but alas... there are only so many voices on the evidence currently circulating on the Internet...
And so, to further defuse any arguments that our little President had done anything wrong in calling him up, Garcilliano now calls (from a place of hiding) to claim that both opposition and administration candidates called him up to ask how they were doing.
If everyone does it, then it's okay.
It's also done to bolster the argument that even if PGMA called, it is not tantamount to asking him to coordinate any rigging of elections.
Other people have admitted to calling up Garcillano, while other folks have denied calling him.
It would have been so much easier if we had all of them on tape, but alas... there are only so many voices on the evidence currently circulating on the Internet...
Awash in Ideas
As an exercise I've been trying to catch snippets of ideas here and there. Today, something funny came up - what if (the cornerstone phrase of speculative fiction...) we became a telepathic society?
Perhaps not entirely telepathic (I sense great anger in you), but capable of messaging everyone certain thoughts. Yes, it would be great to do so without talking and all... but if you merge that with the concept of computer e-mail...
"My dear, I have something very important to tell you... 100% off Vi(A)Grahhh now. Ask me how!"
Yes, mental messaging would collapse under the weight of telepathic spam, phishing, and virus attacks!
As an exercise I've been trying to catch snippets of ideas here and there. Today, something funny came up - what if (the cornerstone phrase of speculative fiction...) we became a telepathic society?
Perhaps not entirely telepathic (I sense great anger in you), but capable of messaging everyone certain thoughts. Yes, it would be great to do so without talking and all... but if you merge that with the concept of computer e-mail...
"My dear, I have something very important to tell you... 100% off Vi(A)Grahhh now. Ask me how!"
Yes, mental messaging would collapse under the weight of telepathic spam, phishing, and virus attacks!
Writing Habits
In sharp contrast to my old "fire-and-forget" tactics when writing stories, I'm actually collecting my story ideas and concepts in a notebook again. I'm taking down storytelling devices and character ideas in the hopes that they'll all percolate in my thoughts so when I do sit down and write, it'll all flow from my thoughts and fingertips.
I've tried writing from outlines before, but I tend to veer away from the original storyline I plotted into new and unexpected (or old and tired) story voices and directions. The same thing happens when I try to write stories "piecemeal".
Hopefully I'll be able to cobble together a little story of wonder set in a strange dystopian future Metro Manila in the near future.
In sharp contrast to my old "fire-and-forget" tactics when writing stories, I'm actually collecting my story ideas and concepts in a notebook again. I'm taking down storytelling devices and character ideas in the hopes that they'll all percolate in my thoughts so when I do sit down and write, it'll all flow from my thoughts and fingertips.
I've tried writing from outlines before, but I tend to veer away from the original storyline I plotted into new and unexpected (or old and tired) story voices and directions. The same thing happens when I try to write stories "piecemeal".
Hopefully I'll be able to cobble together a little story of wonder set in a strange dystopian future Metro Manila in the near future.
Admission and Omission
Well, she came out on TV and admitted she was the voice on the tapes (well one of the voices, anyway) and said she was "sorry" that she was talking to a Comelec official during the time of election counting. She did not identify who she was talking to. She did not admit that she was orchestrating an exercise in "dagdag-bawas". She's asked everyone to move on.
She still insists that she won the elections fair and square. She points to the polls and her margin of victory. Yet she does not mention that the tapes contain portions that point to activities involving more than "confirming her lead". She does not mention that polls favored FPJ at one time, and the favored her at another time. She does not mention that her margin of victory was one of the smallest margins of victory in the history of Philippine elections.
By the way, Garcilliano is still missing. Garcilliano is probably the "COMELEC Official" on the tapes. Unless some other COMELEC Official has a nickname "Garci".
Well, she came out on TV and admitted she was the voice on the tapes (well one of the voices, anyway) and said she was "sorry" that she was talking to a Comelec official during the time of election counting. She did not identify who she was talking to. She did not admit that she was orchestrating an exercise in "dagdag-bawas". She's asked everyone to move on.
She still insists that she won the elections fair and square. She points to the polls and her margin of victory. Yet she does not mention that the tapes contain portions that point to activities involving more than "confirming her lead". She does not mention that polls favored FPJ at one time, and the favored her at another time. She does not mention that her margin of victory was one of the smallest margins of victory in the history of Philippine elections.
By the way, Garcilliano is still missing. Garcilliano is probably the "COMELEC Official" on the tapes. Unless some other COMELEC Official has a nickname "Garci".
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