User: jigsawn Date: 2008-07-25 02:25 Subject: the mojo's back Security: Public

After sucking at Scrabble and losing way too many games for seemingly forever, I finally had a good warmup day just before leaving for the Nats. Swept three from cesarsalad at the Comfort Diner, and then went 3-1 at the club.

( the bings )

User: anendlessnight Date: 2008-07-25 00:48 Subject: HYPOCHONDRIACAL - ACCHHIPY Security: Public Current Mood: lazy

Leaving in about seven hours to begin my journey.

I don't know if I shall sleep.

Why is it that EVERY time I step onto an airplane, I spend the night immediately preceding the trip alternately procrastinating and packing?

Also, in my absence I leave you this image. I can't look away whenever I see it.

User: jigsawn Date: 2008-07-25 01:14 Subject: *too* much fun at Club 56 tonite Security: Public

While she was playing right next to me, Debbie Stegman had JOYPOP on her rack. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to play it. Not to be outdone, I bingoed a few minutes later with FREEBASE.

User: getofftheoven Date: 2008-07-24 23:16 Subject: OMG Nationals '08 Liveblogging teh Official! Security: Public Location: 78758 for now Current Mood: wabbit# Current Music: audiophilic delights of yore

Well, okay, hyperbole aside. Life is good. Invited my younger brother and sister over for dinner tonight. I cooked steaks, rice, and asparagus, to very nice reviews. I don't know what to say. You have to understand: I'm known in my family as the one who doesn't/can't cook. My mother and especially my father are masterly in the kitchen. Both my two brothers and my one sister have shone brightly in their own rights. My lame ass lives off the tender mercies of restaurants, or even convenience stores. It's a long-enduring family joke. So yeah, that's a step forward. A baby step, since nothing in the evening's cuisine required any art from me, but in matters culinary, for me, a baby step might as well be taken on the moon. Yeah! Mary (my sis) chose a good shiraz*, jeez why in the sam hell is that word not good, for us. I helped my sibs drink it, and then we repaired to John's place so Mary could take a tour of the new rental house he and his gf just got. I ensured that the most important room is in order - that is the garage converted to a studio/rehearsal space for my brother's band. By the way, they can be found here:

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendID=6973418

My rockin' little bro John is the bassist.

So yeah, John and I joyously split a further six-pack of Negro (EDIT: d'oh! I misspoke, thought that looked funny, make that Negra) Modelos. He conked out, and Amie and I watched the rest of a Sleuth network film where Sally Field eventually revenge-kills Kiefer Sutherland for raping and killing her daughter. Sort of Lifetime network with an edge, I guess. I don't have a TV, so these treats, such as they are, are rare. Picked up my acoustic guitar, which I'd loaned to the band for a few weeks - they had to fire a drummer and had to fulfill some commitments with acoustic gigs, including one in Denver last weekend that turned out quite well. Glad my gear could help. Hell, if my lame ass hasn't gigged in five years, might as well be helping someone else. Hard to believe, since I played out from age 18 to 33 pretty consistently. Ah well, it'll be there when I feel like re-entering the game. See, I got this *other* game...I'll have both in effect soon enough, when the time is right. Damn my stupid perfectionism.

So yeah, my flight outta Dodge comes at 7 am. Not a morning person. I could try to sleep, but what fer - I can catch up tomorrow on planes and in Orlando. I have not shat to do on the morrow, and in this I take deep solace. At this point it's liveblogging, dishes, laundry, packing (dammit, ordered a perfectly good Slayer shirt that didn't get here in time - my W-L record in metal gear is slammin', wanted to take it to ludicrous speed), maybe a late night clothes raid at Wal-Mart (yeah, laugh, mofos# - two years ago this time, I got three shirts there, two of which multiple women - you know, the people whose sartorial opinions *matter* - have complimented me on, and the third one I lost in the hubbub in Phoenix back in aught-six)...and then a first - Gold's Gym, comme d'habitude, but at 2 am with a buzz. Probably will have the run of the facility to myself. An acceptable level of ecstasy.

So right now, just enjoying various Pandora stations and blogging to you here. "Save A Prayer" is playing now. Ahhh...yeah, certain early 80s music is flat-out comfort food to me...oh wait, it just got better, "Old and Wise" is on now. Alan Parsons Project. That shit's just *beautiful*.

User: listeme Date: 2008-07-25 00:32 Subject: Security: Public Current Mood: angry

Frustration will have to wait until next week, because I have to sleep now and go through five more critiques tomorrow and then all the closing stuff for TNEO and a horse show on Sunday and a visit to Bar Harbor Monday.  And so forth.

But I am appalled by Hasbro's suit today, and I just couldn't go to sleep without at least making note of it.  It's a trivial thing to come up with a physical design that is not infringement, and it's creeping up on time to do so.  There is a small chance that Hasbro's timing is coincidence, but having this hit the day before Nationals really bugs the crap out of me.  It really casts a shadow over what Hasbro would claim:  that they have the best interests of the Scrabble community at heart.

Time to build me a lab.

User: squeegman Date: 2008-07-24 22:30 Subject: Ouch Security: Public Location: Pittsboro, NC Current Mood: good

Hot damn I had forgotten how expensive textbooks are. Half.com, here I come!

I got my new UNC OneCard today, thus enabling me to get my Student Checking account. Yay. And while I was on campus I stopped by the bookstore to check out what the reading list was looking like for a few of my classes. And I think it's going to be a good (albeit expensive) semester.

Life since I got back from Jeopardy! has been interesting. I've had a blast keeping the results from people. Keeping secrets is fun! I'm really sad that I'm not in Orlando, but I know that with school looming and my earning potential diminishing greatly once the school year starts, not going was the right decision. But I send love and luck to all of my good friends that are there.

I'm dogsitting for Rahn McKeown while he's in Orlando. That means that I get an air-conditioned house and a car all to myself! That's definitely going to make some of my school preparation stuff easier. Plus I'm going to drive down to Southern Pines on Monday to see my family for the first time since April.

Other than that, things are normal. I'm working a shit ton at the restaurant to try to squirrel away money before the school year starts.

And that's pretty much the gist of it. I'm going to try to be better at blogging...stick around!

User: sneakyofverb Date: 2008-07-24 21:37 Subject: krusty made me do it... Security: Public Current Mood: taking work on the road...

It's been a long day. A really, really long day.

Wake up 5:30, out of the house at 7. Drive safely through border, collect 200 brownie points.

Arrive at Buffalo airport around 9. Flight leaves a little late (~11:30), but arrives early (~1:45). Burn time by buying Crocs.

Meet up with sopraffina and boy. Town car drops off at grocery store. Yikes, these prices are expensive.

Up to Royal Pacific. Nice digs, nice ice machine. Take water taxi to Universal.

T2 3D attraction way outdated. C'mon, this 'kid' will be 31 next month and the exhibit was done no later than '92.

Next up: Simpsons ride. Dang, that made me nauseous. Let's take a break. OK, overpriced simple dinner next door.

Skipped MIB thing, although was told it wasn't earth-shaking. Same abstention for Mummy coaster, but wouldn't have done it anyway.

Took a whirl on the guess your age deal. Dude said 36. Fucker. But, yay, won a prize. Realized after he selected the over believing me to be a father. Moron.

Tomorrow, it's all day at Universal/Island Adventure. Feel the burn.

User: tolarjev Date: 2008-07-24 17:21 Subject: Take Taxi, not Shuttle in Orlando Security: Public

Ich bin hier.  Choice in the airport to Royal Pacific (& Motel 6 & many others) is Mears Shuttle for $17 one way or $28 r/t or taxi for $40.  Chose the shuttle.  Waited over an hour, all told took from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to get luggage, shuttle, & get here.  If you have > 2 people or are in a hurry taxi will be better.  

Hotel's gorgeous.  Haven't seen most of it yet but love the jungle view out of my window on the 2nd floor. 

Business center charges to use computers, $7.50 for 15 minutes.  Weird that this hotel is so expensive yet has no free shuttle or free computer usage.  Ok, I'm behind the times w/ no laptop.  

User: ftangredi Date: 2008-07-24 19:33 Subject: Sacrificing my identity + other pre-ORLANDO thoughts Security: Public

Well, it hasn't exactly been heavy studying, but I did decide to look at all the four-letter words this week for the very first time in my tournament career. I hope:

(a) that I retain some of what I've learned;

(b) I'll have an opportunity to use it; 

(c) I can live with sacrificing my Scrabble identity.

I'm really serious about (c). I've been Frank-who-never-studies for so long, it defines me. Who am I now? What if I keep studying and still don't get any better? Honestly, there's part of me that feels a little sad. (I was going to make an analogy to losing my virginity, but the ambivalence I felt on that occasiont was very different in nature, so I won't.)

Other thoughts.

I am going to have a blast.

This could not have come at a better time. I really need to get away from all the Galatea stress and just have fun. (Not that I won't be handing out a few fliers....)

Looking forward to meeting and/or playing a number of my LJ friends for the first time.

I may also get to meet Scary Canadian Guy! (ididjonassalk-- whom I'm really sorry won't be there -- knows what i'm talking about.)

I hope to wipe out most or all of the 93-point damage I did to my rating at my last two one-day tournaments. Now that I'm one of the lowest rated people in Division One, I'm pretty well positioned to do that. But I have to play as well as I can. Can't do what I did last summer in Dayton. Uh-uh.

Today, I went through my Scrabble photo album and made a list of all the players represented thus far. There are 128. But I want MORE! MORE! MORE!

I wish it was more than five days!

User: spidervillain Date: 2008-07-24 14:10 Subject: Trivia Question Security: Public

CURRENT QUESTION
-------------------------

7. Name the band and song for the music video that the following image was captured from:
http://www.spidervillain.com/Trivia.jpg


PREVIOUS QUESTION
-------------------------

6. Who said "This sweater is Ralph Lauren, and I have no pants."

Barry B Benson


I have a lot of fun with the music video questions.
I think it is going to take a real fan to get this one though.

User: spherulitic Date: 2008-07-24 14:19 Subject: Countdown to ZZZ - (ZZZ) + (ADLNOOR) Security: Public

You guys crack me up.

User: eliseamelie Date: 2008-07-24 11:58 Subject: Security: Public

My big Klean Kanteen came in today, which is great because not only will we have it for Winfield, but also for my birthday day trip! 

Today I went in to finally fill out paperwork for my ropes job.  My boss tells me there are a lot of days in August and September so I might get a decent paycheck for the first time since March!

I filled out the paperwork faster than the 16 year old boys and followed the lady back to the office to get my fingerprint appointment.  I apparently need fingerprinted because I'm over 18.  I asked about this orientation mentioned in the paperwork.

"Yes, you'll need to attend it.  It's a full day, you get paid for it, and it's going over the rules and regulations in depth."

....didn't I get recertified in May?  Pretty sure I know the regulations on the course.  So I told her I'm only on the ropes course.

"It's just something everyone has to do.  And you'll have to do a defensive driving test too."

...I won't be driving.  I play ropes, I go home, you pay me.  That's it.

So I called my supervisor and told her about the orientation.

Said she: "What orientation?"

Me: "No idea."

She: "No one has had to go through that before."

Me: "It doesn't make sense to me either.. I don't see why I need to do this."

She: "And you're not driving anyone anywhere!"

Me: "I know!"

She's checking with the higher ups on her side but we're pretty sure I won't have to do this.  If I do, hey, that's $80 and a lost day.

Then some old guy from Texas tried to tell me it's humid here.  No, no it's not.  At all.  He was sweating because it's hot.   Humidity is 21% today, not the 54% you found on an inaccurate source.  (Granted, that is wicked humid for us)

User: getofftheoven Date: 2008-07-24 12:28 Subject: Security: Public

Just want to tell y'all, I really can't wait for PNEUMONOULTRAMICROSCOPICSILICOVOLCANOCONIOSIS minus ACCCCCCEIIIIIILLMMNNNOOOOOOOPPRSSSSTUUV plus D.

User: jigsawn Date: 2008-07-24 12:46 Subject: strangers when we meet Security: Public

Steely resolve
Is falling from me
My poor soul
All bruised passivity
All your regrets
Ride rough-shod over me
I'm so glad
That we're strangers when we meet

User: cherryfly Date: 2008-07-24 12:48 Subject: no feel good Security: Public

I can't eat. I feel hungry, then I look at food and think...nah. When I do eat, I'm sick afterwards. Not puking sick, just terrible cramping and upsetness. It's been terrific for my diet, but I want some damn food!

I've also been feeling all around shitty lately, so I had one of the nurses take my blood pressure yesterday and it was 176/110. Do I need to explain how bad that is? When I was hypertensive during my pregnancy, bout the highest I saw was 170/109, and people were about to have heart attacks over it. Evidently, I'm up to stroke levels. Um, yikes?

So I went to the doctor this morning and the nurse practioner ordered a chest x ray, ekg, labwork, and gve me prevacid and a blood pressure pill. She thinks my stomach trouble is all acid, and since my blood pressure veers upwards when I'm stressed, the general consensus I'm getting is that I am, literally, worrying myself sick.

Yay!

User: lordiceman Date: 2008-07-24 12:39 Subject: Umm Security: Public

My study preparation for the NSC has consisted entirely of comprehensively learning every acceptable word that contains the letters ORLANDO, so I can cleverly remark that I'm heading to DECHLORINATIONS - ICHNITES or BOWLDERIZATIONS - WIZBITES. I've also been playing Quackle exclusively in Korean, Greek and Esperanto during breaks from memorizing the top 723,000 phoney bingos by probability. And I reviewed the 2's. So I'm feeling pretty good about my chances right about now - fingers crossed.

P.S. And I'm carrying a stopwatch so I can catch those dastardly fast-baggers redhanded.

P.P.S. :)

User: jigsawn Date: 2008-07-24 12:08 Subject: HYPOCHONDRIACAL POST - PSYCHOPATHIC Security: Public Current Mood: excited

Today is my last day to get some warmups in before RECONSOLIDATED - DECEITS. Heading into the city to get some games against cesarsalad before Club 56 tonight. Boo ya!

User: magratheazaphod Date: 2008-07-24 00:58 Subject: Last preparations before going to BOWDLERIZATION - BEIITWZ Security: Public

I'm not much of one for packing, so instead I played a little three game match against quackle in tournament style, trying to get sorta used to playing in person again. It's been a while. I was also inspired by that quackle meme to add my equity statistics, and by the release of the new quackle to try out some really cool new kinds of sims. Anyway, not really sure why I'm posting these, but I enjoy when other people do, so here you go.

Game 1  W409-328
Mine: TROUNCES, TITANAtE, eSTIVAL
Hers: ...none?

Game 2 L399-490
Mine: FILENAME, TRANSItS
Hers: SURGING, OCTAVES, JAVELINA

Game 3 L495-547! probably my highest lost ever
Mine: RAVIOLIS, INEDITA, GENTIANS
Hers: SPIRILLA, ERICOID, BANDEAUS

User: jigsawn Date: 2008-07-23 22:51 Subject: two Orlando dreams Security: Public

1) It's the 26th round. I've got PENNATE, but it doesn't play anywhere. Then my opponent bingos off the E in the lower right corner with ULTIMATE 15H, giving me ANTEPENULTIMATE 15A for 110 points.

2) It's the final round, and I'm on the verge of winning the National Championship. I can win with my out-bingo of EEGOPRSU. I see the play, but I'm afraid to play it. I'll win the championship, but then all the rumors about me will be confirmed, and no one will ever like me again. I don't know what to do, and I awaken in a cold sweat.

User: xpmorgan Date: 2008-07-23 19:57 Subject: SF slakcerz antelope prize Security: Public

so here is how it works. if you make an antelope play in your game, come and find me and tell me what it is. high antelope play wins a fabulous SF slakcerz antelope tilebag, which i will give to you at the awards ceremony. the word MUST be on the antelope list provided by j_is_worth8. that's pretty much it.

ties will either be decided on style points or through a blind draw or my mood or something. in other words, it's extremely subjective. oh well. play your 'lopes and justify to me why the Russian judge should give it a 9.7.

and who am i? a tall guy playing in Div 2 with a small hoop left earring and most likely wearing a lot of orange. my girlfriend K.C., aka mrsscheisskopf, will be playing in Div 3. find her if you cant find me, and she'll point you in the right direction.

employees of xpmorgan, inc., are ineligible to win.

happy tiling all. and, as usual, know your antelopes.

and Chef Jackass wholeheartedly approves of the choice of LARDOON as site for this year's event because, as you should know by now, pork fat rules. aah, bacon ... i heart swine ...