tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-217167952024-03-05T09:34:24.533-08:00Peregrine's AeriePeregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.comBlogger208125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-52740514696334136602018-03-26T21:28:00.000-07:002018-03-26T21:28:28.977-07:00None So Blind<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">Q: How stupid are socialists?</span></span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;">A: <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2018/03/23/venezuela-hopes-to-tackle-the-worlds-worst-inflation-by-deleting-zeros-from-its-currency/?utm_term=.e90700e8a0f2" target="_blank">Astoundingly</a>.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><br /></span></span></div>
Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-30084500413360478522017-10-16T09:21:00.002-07:002017-10-16T09:21:56.760-07:00Been AwayThanks to Lynn Marie, something all too appropriate:<br />
<br />
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<br />
I, at least, will be back soon.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-13014840482270534292017-06-09T08:26:00.002-07:002017-06-09T08:27:25.544-07:00SchoolConversation enriches the understanding, but solitude is the school of genius.<br />
<br />
(Edward Gibbon)Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-26560104876718098432017-06-08T15:39:00.002-07:002017-06-08T15:40:32.043-07:00Stuff I Almost Put On Social Media...before realizing that it'd do more harm than good, at most. But I'll tell you here:<br />
<br />
It's kind of amazing to me to watch folks get all het up about things they can't affect (outside of some seriously math-impaired fantasies, at least), pretending it all changed even so much as their own opinion and that their rehashing it will change anyone else's.<br />
<br />
Am I describing TV or sports? Could do, but at least that counts as entertainment. It's enjoyable. Nope, folks seem to get off on being angry to no effect. Thus the masochistic charm of politics.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile I'm over here actually doing things. Which is why I haven't posted much anywhere for a while. Apologies.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-19183855577800057282017-05-25T08:17:00.001-07:002017-05-25T08:19:30.232-07:00WolvesOnce again, this is the most neglected part of a mostly neglected aspect of my life - and to think that, all things given their due, it'd be the most prosperous! Well, my quest for freedom continues (and begins to peek at blossoms, if not fruit just yet), and the stuff I've learned is mostly not yet ready for putting to text.<br />
<br />
Sometimes there's something that cuts through so sharply, and is so on the nose with my own observations and experience, that I can't look away.<br />
<br />
This is from commenter DC Sunsets, who I see all over the place but who doesn't seem to have a blog of his own. Pity. My reaction to his writing ranges from "Well, damn" to "Come on, man, you gotta be kidding," but even when I disagree with his conclusions I can't fault his insight.<br />
<br />
This one is golden:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">There are no (open) wolves in corporate America. The ambitious aren't wolves, they're (100%) sociopaths who know they face no real risk from their viciousness as long as they don't step on any of the 3rd rails (sex, race, etc., harassment.) The only wolves in the modern corporation are dog-mimics, any in 25 years I never saw anyone remotely like this move to and stay in management. No true man can tolerate the politics. This is reason #349 why American society is circling the drain. Virtue & honor are immediately disqualifying attributes for advancement in any organization.</blockquote>
Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-76120840801333235682017-02-23T10:23:00.001-08:002017-02-23T15:29:27.969-08:00And The Oscar Goes To...Eh, honestly I don't care. I've seen most of the Best Picture nominees and the Test of Time will not be polite to them.<br />
<br />
Understand, when someone says a movie (or whatever) is "powerful" what they usually mean is "preachy." And "important" invariably needs, yet lacks, a "self-" before it. A vast number of films are lauded by people who would claim to hate formulaic features but which are as predictable as a Hallmark Christmas movie from scene to scene. Which, by the way, is why I find Hallmark movies to be easily as enjoyable as a lot of big production pictures: they have no pretension at all, and are simply a pleasant time. Everyone knows romantic comedies, action flicks, and the like have their formulae and no one minds acknowledging it. The dysfunctional family drama (for example) has it no less, but somehow is considered Important or something.<br />
<br />
Whatever.<br />
<br />
Let's have a look, shall we?<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h4>
Arrival</h4>
This is highly intelligent, thought-provoking, fascinating, and of a sci-fi nature. Therefore it will not win. Time and language are looked at, brilliantly, and the whole thing is beautiful yet understated. I loved it.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Fences</h4>
Though the entire cast is excellent, Denzel Washington as (by far) the show's central character is outstanding. He should absolutely get an Oscar. By the 2nd scene or so I realized that it was based on a play: everything about it says so. I don't usually care about stories of mule-headed dopes sliding to oblivion, but it's one of the few nominees that might be remembered after a couple years. Might.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Hacksaw Ridge</h4>
I know the history; I don't need to put the images in my head. Predictable format applied to a good story. I passed, and will continue to do so.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Hell or High Water</h4>
Had no idea this existed until I saw it on the list. Could be good. I'll watch it if it floats by, but won't go looking.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Hidden Figures</h4>
Again, I knew the history - and in fact Timeless ran an episode about it not long before I saw the movie - and the poster itself told you pretty much everything before it was even released. Biggest surprise was reduced preachiness from what you'd expect. Nice movie, if rather pedestrian for this list.<br />
<br />
<h4>
La La Land</h4>
L.A. Story probably didn't make much sense if you weren't familiar enough with the city to get the in-jokes. This one has a LOT of references and landmarks, but anything unexplained won't even be noticed by the L.A. (or old movie) novice, so no harm no foul. It is by far the most fun of the list.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Lion</h4>
More history as movie! Big budget pseudo-documentary seems to be the thing. As with some of the other nominees, a well-made movie that I'm not likely to go back to. Nice moral, though: Family is the most beautiful thing.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Manchester By The Sea</h4>
They said it was beautiful. It has a minute or two of "this place is purty" shots. They said it was intriguing. Well... They said it was long. On that we are in total agreement. It could have been about 45 minutes shorter, and likely should have been. Fences managed to indicate slowness without actually taking all day to no other effect. I was annoyed about halfway through, and more so by the end.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Moonlight</h4>
Oh look, yet another victimhood wallow. Powerful. Urgent. Important. Pass.<br />
<br />
<br />
As I mentioned in the last post, I'll be paying more attention to the red carpet interviews than the show, chatting at the party and ticking off the boxes in my score card. Make your guesses cynically and you'll do pretty well.<br />
<br />
And remember, when someone asks, "Who are you wearing?" the correct answer is, "It puts the lotion on its skin..."Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-58399124854889159182017-02-13T13:42:00.000-08:002017-02-13T13:57:21.782-08:00VanityWhy do I subject myself to award shows? Endless ego on parade, an industry patting itself on the back in so many ways, awful stuff.<br />
<br />
Ok, I do have a reason to watch them. Two, in fact. First, the whole red carpet business is usually fun and picturesque. Second, there are often interesting performances embedded in the broadcast, and telling the DVR to record the thing and starting a bit late lets me skip most of the idiocy. Bless that little fast forward button!<br />
<br />
But sometimes... well, sometimes something is so bizarre that it grabs the attention. Even as you see more and more clearly what a moral/staging/philosophical/whatever sort of trainwreck its very concept is, you just can't look away. It just keeps digging deeper.<br />
<br />
Thus, the most gloriously self-congratulatory, hubristic, even self-deifying thing I have ever seen at the Grammys. I'm a little surprised lightning didn't strike.<br />
<br />
Related, down to the hand wavy motions of the backup <s>priestesses</s> dancers:<br />
<br />
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<br />Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-2646530219304623662017-01-19T10:12:00.001-08:002017-01-19T10:12:36.290-08:00Many Bets, WonToday marks the official end of a variety of bets made 4 years ago, which mostly continued from a rather larger batch of bets made 4 years before that.<br />
<br />
To wit: Obama has survived his terms, uninjured by anyone wishing to harm his semi-black skin.<br />
<br />
I should make some more bets today. People deliberately ingesting pretty transparent propaganda, and freaking out all over as a result, need to be taken advantage of.<br />
<br />
Come on. Tell me what horrible things are about to happen. Put up or shut up.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-24841904090273042302017-01-12T14:03:00.002-08:002017-01-12T14:04:52.309-08:00Trolling For TrollsIf you ever wonder what "concern troll" means, post something like <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/01/12/northern-california-drought-ends/96487788/" target="_blank">this</a>:<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
The recent onslaught of rain and snow finally brought much-needed relief to northern California, ending a punishing five-year drought, federal officials said Thursday.<br />
<br />
"Bye bye drought ... Don't let the door hit you on the way out," tweeted the National Weather Service's office in Reno, Nev., which monitors parts of the region.<br />
<br />
Overall, less than 60% of California remains in drought for the first time since early 2013, according to the weekly U.S. Drought Monitor. A year ago, drought covered 97% of the state.</blockquote>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrv1quyLhzbxlasSFurvr8HJ6sXHsgnCVeXvO3DbaooCI3Ymyvb_ukf3uLgULzROEfyRZ1k2G33nLVihppAuBFMq-3t06vV04tCyY6427xpzALHo9epSLh2yl4tVTN2J3XNNM/s1600/Calif-drought-comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYrv1quyLhzbxlasSFurvr8HJ6sXHsgnCVeXvO3DbaooCI3Ymyvb_ukf3uLgULzROEfyRZ1k2G33nLVihppAuBFMq-3t06vV04tCyY6427xpzALHo9epSLh2yl4tVTN2J3XNNM/s320/Calif-drought-comparison.jpg" width="270" /></a></div>
<br />
Then just watch them roll in.<br />
<br />
Oh yes, the article gives the usual "it ain't over yet" business later on, but does that stop commenters from saying the exact same thing, one after another? Not in the slightest. Trite and true, that's their motto.<br />
<br />
I swear, when you read them you can practically hear it in Olive Oyl's voice. With perhaps a hint of Peggy Hill.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-51836416023147163352017-01-03T08:55:00.001-08:002017-01-03T14:08:32.936-08:00New Year: Whee.Normally I don't do New Year's resolutions. If I attempt to set goals of that sort it's usually based on my birthday, which admittedly is only a 2 week shift from there, but the feel of it is different and less arbitrary-feeling. Yes, I know it's still arbitrary, if more tied to my actual being. You have to start somewhere.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
This year I'm actually starting at the calendar change, for a variety of boring reasons. New Year's Day I noted that my weight goals had been obliterated in a series that runs like: injury-sickness-injury-busyness. Frankly I feel like hell as a result. Also, speaking of feeling like hell, my return to the office routine contrasts with my natural sleep patterns so starkly, and my shift to correctness was so fast when I took time off, that there can be no more question about whether such things are real or just a matter of being sufficiently virtuous to have the same patterns as the earliest and most smug circadian rhythms.<br />
<br />
Also, science has begin to <a href="https://brightside.me/wonder-curiosities/the-reason-why-our-bodies-hate-getting-up-in-the-morning-172005/" target="_blank">support</a> my view of this at long last:<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Researchers at Oxford University have found that the work schedules of the majority of people do conflict with our natural circadian rhythms. This may lead to many health disorders, including mental and physical problems, anxiety, weight gain, and high blood pressure.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
As the study’s results have shown, the early start of the working day can be unhealthy for humans. Children between the ages of 8 and 10 should start school no earlier than 8:30 a.m., while those from 16 to 18 years of age should start at 10 a.m. or later.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Adults can benefit from a later waking-up time, too. According to the scientists, people between the ages of 18 and 55 should start their work at or after 10 a.m.
</blockquote>
You don't say.<br />
<br />
So removing at least part of the offending schedule is of primary importance this year. In related news, I have several reasons for wanting to fix my commute & schedule. They'll have to wait a bit, though, since I have to be fairly discreet at this juncture. I'll give you all the details as soon as I can.<br />
<br />
I'm also doing a variety of things to improve my mind and some things (apart from the aforementioned lifting) to improve my body. Scott Adams wrote yesterday about his view of how mind and body interact, and how improving one's physical circumstances improves one's mental circumstances. His ideas go rather farther than mine on the subject, but they overlap very nicely with mine, which I've developed and held for a fair few years, now. His discussion is mostly about interfaces, and my concepts are more about cyclical improvements. Generally, though, they come to the same conclusion. As he puts it,<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
To convince yourself that my framework is valid, take an inventory of the people in your life who are unhappy. Ask some questions about what they are doing about their unhappiness. Rarely will the person say they are working on their body to fix their minds.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Now take an inventory of your more well-adjusted friends. Watch the degree to which they manipulate their bodies to manage their minds. Once you see the pattern, you will start to see it everywhere.
</blockquote>
As with learning and many other areas of life, I find that it goes round and round. Improving body improves mind improves body. I'll write about this elsewhere in more depth when I have a chance, and the specifics of what I'm doing.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-80694861539562794832016-11-15T13:25:00.001-08:002016-11-15T13:27:00.005-08:00I'm not a bad person, really.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Look, I'm not trying to say that I'm more intelligent than most people, just that it's really hard to explain things, no matter how simple I make them, far far too much of the time. I swear, it's like an armor of preconceived dumbth covers most brains, and if you even <i>try </i>to make headway, the pre-programming nabs the idea on the way in and runs off with it.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It's like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBBzTQ2gaCQZLLqGzwsQWURn68epWinshHCne7cDiB2i415nIOyymRpAjHHdtPtafdRYw3VAyyBKpuDB6GDBLge6IoGWvdZ_NU_na4HX6M1cSIX96aqA24ieqk19ulKtXErso/s1600/dog+knock+knock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuBBzTQ2gaCQZLLqGzwsQWURn68epWinshHCne7cDiB2i415nIOyymRpAjHHdtPtafdRYw3VAyyBKpuDB6GDBLge6IoGWvdZ_NU_na4HX6M1cSIX96aqA24ieqk19ulKtXErso/s400/dog+knock+knock.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Ok, I am a bad person.<br />
<br />
I'm also getting pretty pissy about having to explain not only that 2+2=4, and why, with several examples, but that it always has and always will because reality doesn't bend to feelz, math is not subjective, emotional investment does not produce either truth or reliability, and deliberately missing the point is not remotely clever.<br />
<br />
It would appear that I may be a much worse person by the time I'm done.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-56679779810952461502016-11-09T08:21:00.000-08:002016-11-09T08:22:06.390-08:00Super AnnoyingIt happens way too often: I'll be thinking about something on the (long) road to work, and have a nicely-crafted article ready to go in my head, but once I've got the initial rush of stuff out of the way, I can't even remember what the topic was.<br />
<br />
NgngngngngPeregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-78175889482466237102016-10-31T13:50:00.002-07:002016-11-09T08:17:22.984-08:00Why Genius Is Misunderstood"Talent hits a target no one else can hit; Genius hits a target no one else can see." - Arthur SchopenhauerPeregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-87641238926908577092016-09-26T14:19:00.002-07:002016-09-26T14:20:50.677-07:00An Ode to Hyperbole, Mistress of the SeasonO hyperbole! How thou dost my laughter<br />
Ring from lo, thy many invocations!<br />
How indeed hast thou such deft and graceful<br />
Might to, with a mere few syllables of<br />
Unthought blatheration, sever any<br />
Prospect of respect from e'er accruing<br />
To thy loyal servants and disciples?<br />
Such a rare and wondrous gift thou givest,<br />
Op'ning mouths and closing intellects and<br />
Eyes (though whether brain was e'er engaged, I<br />
Dare not make presumption, oh, not ever),<br />
Yielding such hilarity as ever<br />
Made a villain roar in cruel amusement.<br />
Yea, thou hast a conundrum contriv'ed:<br />
I, a heterodox yet no villain,<br />
Forecasting the truth's inevitable<br />
Vindication, deeply wish thy solid<br />
Grasp upon so many were the lesser;<br />
Little would give pleasure more than yet to<br />
Separate the comic'ly absurd from<br />
Those whose happiness I wish to see, yet<br />
Slav'ry to thy bitter thirst addicted.<br />
Carry on, hyperbole, until through<br />
Surfeit of thine own inane outrages<br />
Merriment give way to gentler respite,<br />
Once again, lucidity arriving.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-34650265914434613532016-09-12T10:43:00.003-07:002017-01-19T10:07:56.795-08:00Sperg, indeed.For reasons I've no intention of going into right now, I am very aware of what a fit of Asperger's-spawned verbarrhea looks like. Pretty distinctive, to the experienced observer. It always amuses me when people accuse a pretty basic logical premise as "sperging out" while they themselves are in the midst of actually doing so.<br />
<br />
I try to be nice.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-21446420751022720922016-08-30T10:09:00.001-07:002016-08-30T10:09:20.143-07:00Generation X is tired.I swear, it's like I <a href="http://www.emptyage.com/post/11591863916/generation-x-doesnt-want-to-hear-it" target="_blank">wrote this</a> and then forgot I had. Except that its writer somehow thinks that the self-impressed coffeehouse marxist in the White House could possibly represent us if he was a bit younger. Nobody's perfect.<br />
<br />
Look, I'm going to save the entire thing here, just in case, because things on the Web disappear sometimes and I don't want to lose this; but you should absolutely go read its <a href="http://www.emptyage.com/post/11591863916/generation-x-doesnt-want-to-hear-it" target="_blank">originating post</a> because it's the right thing to do and I'm pretty sure Mat has other things you'll enjoy.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Generation X has to be up really early tomorrow morning.<br />
Generation X is tired.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
It wonders where its 30s went. It wonders if it still
has time to catch up.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Right now, Generation X just wants a beer and to be left alone. </blockquote>
Yeah.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><h3>
Generation X Doesn’t Want to Hear It
</h3>
<blockquote>
Earlier generations have weathered recessions, of course; this stall
we’re in has the look of something nastier. Social Security and Medicare
are going to be diminished, at best. Hours worked are up even as hiring
staggers along: Blood from a stone looks to be the normal order of
things “going forward,” to borrow the business-speak. Economists are
warning that even when the economy recuperates, full employment will be
lower and growth will be slower—a sad little rhyme that adds up to
something decidedly unpoetic. A majority of Americans say, for the
first time ever, that this generation will not be better off than its
parents.<br />
– <a href="http://t.umblr.com/redirect?z=http%3A%2F%2Fnymag.com%2Fprint%2F%3F%2Fnews%2Ffeatures%2Fmy-generation-2011-10%2F&t=OTdhOWE2NTEzOTc5ZWVhNjhkMzNmN2E2NDU5ZWNiOGEwMWQ1OTY0MCxOUURxOEE0aQ%3D%3D">New York Magazine</a></blockquote>
Generation X is sick of your bullshit. Please. Been there. Generation X was told that so many times that it can’t even read those
words without hearing Winona Ryder’s voice in its heads. Or maybe it’s
Ethan Hawke’s. Possibly Bridget Fonda’s. Generation X is getting older,
and can’t remember those movies so well anymore. In retrospect, maybe
they weren’t very good to begin with.<br />
<br />
But Generation X is tired of your sense of entitlement. Generation X
also graduated during a recession. It had even shittier jobs, and
actually had to pay for its own music. (At least, when music mattered
most to it.) Generation X is used to being fucked over. It lost its
meager savings in the dot-com bust. Then came George Bush, and 9/11, and
the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Generation X bore the brunt of all
that. And then came the housing crisis.<br />
<br />
Generation X wasn’t surprised. Generation X kind of expected it.<br />
<br />
Generation X is a journeyman. It didn’t invent hip hop, or punk rock,
or even electronica (it’s pretty sure those dudes in Kraftwerk are
boomers) but it perfected all of them, and made them its own. It didn’t
invent the Web, but it largely built the damn thing. Generation X gave
you Google and Twitter and blogging; Run DMC and Radiohead and Nirvana
and Notorious B.I.G. Not that it gets any credit.<br />
<br />
But that’s okay. Generation X is used to being ignored, stuffed
between two much larger, much more vocal, demographics. But whatever!
Generation X is self-sufficient. It was a latchkey child. Its parents
were too busy fulfilling their own personal ambitions to notice any of
its trophies–which were admittedly few and far between because they were
only awarded for victories, not participation.<br />
In fairness, Generation X could use a better spokesperson. Barack
Obama is just a little too senior to count among its own, and it has
debts older than Mark Zuckerberg. Generation X hasn’t had a real voice
since <strike>Kurt Cobain blew his brains out</strike>, <strike>Tupac was murdered</strike>, <strike>Jeff Mangum went crazy</strike>, <strike>David Foster Wallace hung himself</strike>, <strike>Jeff Buckley drowned</strike>, <strike>River Phoenix overdosed</strike>, <strike>Elliott Smith stabbed himself (twice) in the heart</strike>, Axl got fat.<br />
<br />
Generation X is beyond all that bullshit now. It quit smoking and
doing coke a long time ago. It has blood pressure issues and is heavier
than it would like to be. It might still take some ecstasy, if it knew
where to get some. But probably not. Generation X has to be up really
early tomorrow morning.<br />
<br />
Generation X is tired.<br />
<br />
It’s a parent now, and there’s always so damn much to do. Generation X
wishes it had better health insurance and a deeper savings account. It
wonders where its 30s went. It wonders if it still has time to catch up.<br />
<br />
Right now, Generation X just wants a beer and to be left alone. It
just wants to sit here quietly and think for a minute. Can you just do
that, okay? It knows that you are <em>so very special</em> and <em>so very numerous</em>, but can you just leave it alone? Just for a little bit? Just long enough to sneak one last fucking cigarette? No?<br />
<br />
Whatever. It’s cool.<br />
<br />
Generation X is used to disappointments. Generation X knows you
didn’t even read the whole thing. It doesn’t want or expect your
reblogs; it picked the wrong platform.<br />
<br />
Generation X should have posted this to LiveJournal.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-61745475805838837142016-08-22T11:35:00.003-07:002016-08-22T11:36:46.971-07:00Feerth. Rowr.Just a friendly recommendation:<br />
<br />
Avoid using the word "fierce" to describe humans, unless you're able to do so without meaning "hilariously arrogant; as self-impressed yet harmless as a kitten with delusions of grandeur."Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-21190471670877762572016-08-16T08:50:00.000-07:002016-08-16T08:50:30.680-07:00Answer The Damned QuestionNo one who needs to see this is likely to, in this most obscure corner of the Web. But here it is, just in case.<br />
<br />
If you have a blog that gives advice, if you are perhaps even an expert in a particular area, and someone leaves a comment with a request to clarify some point or another, it might behoove you to respond. Even if your blog has a modest following and generally few comments to the articles, odds are that someone else has had the same question. And honestly, if your readership isn't overwhelming you with hundreds of comments there's no good excuse not to improve your relationship, and many reasons to make that connection.<br />
<br />
I know of several blogs who do have what I'd consider daunting numbers of commenters who nonetheless make sure all is well in a visible and friendly way, daily. Yes, I'm slow to respond to comments sometimes, but in my defense (a) I'm not usually giving advice, and (b) I know I suck at this. Plus, I am very rarely asked anything like follow-on clarifications. All 3 of those items are scheduled to change. Those who have been doing it for some time, and on a professional level, should really have that very easy part of things figured out by now.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-78162623706278303032016-07-25T13:46:00.001-07:002016-07-25T13:47:34.483-07:00Getting Their Outrage FixA lot of people match this pattern exactly:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>They always, always, always vote for the same party.</li>
<li>The only question is in their own primary.</li>
<li>They watch the opposing party's convention - often more than a couple hours of it</li>
<li>...going straight to the pundits who give them their talking points</li>
<li>...so that they can fluff their feathers and How Dare They to the rest of their own echo chamber.</li>
<li>They are certain this makes some sort of difference, somewhere.</li>
</ol>
I find this crew to be deeply, abjectly pathetic.<br />
<br />
The stupidity usually manifests in other areas of their lives, too. Once you see the pattern listed above, it becomes hard to miss.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-47047438041501964382016-07-12T09:38:00.001-07:002016-07-12T09:38:32.276-07:00Right Side of the Vocab CurveIt's kind of nice to find a quiz that isn't all obvious stuff, and won't end up with results far, far too heavily loaded up on the 100% correct side. In fact, something where 100% is dang near impossible is the only way to make any quiz worthwhile.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.arealme.com/vocabulary-size-test/en/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFRfW_PEmKUepY4PHqLZjMzrYd73WAws52oowVYmeyoQNqmE83AE5o4CxvnlJ-Dhwmt0puloVXh60cLQdKaesuG74x3cnoO4PFwuG_rFOVGT2a1xmzbQH6-Sh6MV72lzJPz__-/s640/vocabulary_peregrine.png" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
Not sure about that Shakespeare thing, but I do have a love for my language, as you know.<br />
<br />
I made the image a link. Have a go.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-86913611047004274702016-06-24T10:45:00.000-07:002016-06-24T10:46:28.348-07:00RealignmentSome days I wonder where I'd fall in the venerable AD&D alignment chart. Usually I like to think of myself as NG with some Chaotic tendencies. (Self-flattery is fun, really, if untoward.)<br />
<br />
Then there's today, when I'm pretty sure I'm straight-up Chaotic Neutral.<br />
<br />
Speaking of which, and speaking of Hamilton, this song came on my Pandora earlier, and I've been laughing since.<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fdxLohjwhoQ" width="480"></iframe>Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-50601810663696609542016-06-17T08:49:00.001-07:002016-06-17T08:49:21.513-07:00HamiltonThere was a lot of Hamilton at the Tony's this year. A LOT of Hamilton. Between that and having several friends listening to the soundtrack nearly nonstop for weeks, I've come to a few conclusions:<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li>Looks like a good, fun show.</li>
<li>At this rate, I might get tired of it before I even see it.</li>
<li>I'm amazed that the stories kids have forgotten almost instantly after hearing them in History class will now be remembered well.</li>
<li>I don't want to hear a goddamned peep about "cultural appropriation" ever again.</li>
</ol>
It's worth noting that "cultural appropriation" <i>is</i> culture, and also that shredding self-righteous morons with that fact, and its many, many examples, is quite a lot of fun.Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-64983063573654510292016-02-16T13:31:00.001-08:002016-02-16T13:36:20.873-08:00GrammysHow much do I pay attention to big stars' intramural spats? I had no idea Taylor Swift was specifically talking about professional lunatic Kanye West in her Grammy acceptance speech warning against people who would try to take credit for your work.<br />
<br />
I liked the idea of Lady Gaga's tribute to David Bowie, but it seemed like it had been reduced from something three times as long, keeping at least a bit of every cut item.<br />
<br />
The B.B. King tribute was really excellent, though.<br />
<br />
That reminds me of a few name items:<br />
<ul>
<li>The B.B. in B.B. King is for Blues Boy.</li>
<li>The L.L. in L.L. Cool J. is for Ladies Love. The J is for James.</li>
<li>David Bowie's real last name is Jones. He took a stage name because when he got going, there was this crazy popular band, The Monkees, whose lead singer was also Davie Jones. He opted for clarity of distinction. That may have been the only time anyone thought those two could have been confused for each other.</li>
</ul>
Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-83570418921305209112016-02-10T09:53:00.002-08:002016-11-29T08:16:35.854-08:00Why Villains LaughIt's a staple of most genres, really. Villains have their Evil Laugh, which they use a little too often for any sort of sense-making, but having one is more or less required. As Dr. Horrible said, having a quality Evil Laugh is an important thing.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
A lot of guys ignore the laugh, and that's about standards. I mean, if you're gonna get into the Evil League of Evil, you have to have a memorable laugh.</blockquote>
He's right, of course, from a literary/entertainment point of view, but it prompts the question: Why? Specifically, why do they need a laugh, and in what way is it nefarious? Aside from the obvious (and perhaps circular) reason that for a character to be memorable it needs memorable traits, it does seem odd that villains have such a jolly time.<br />
<br />
Firstly, it's not always about humor. There are a lot of reasons people laugh, and sometimes it has little to do with funniness. This is more article seed than article proper, so I'll just say this: One big reason villains laugh so much is that the hero-types do the obvious, play into the villains' plans, and are generally irrational and self-impressed. Even when the result (and often, cause) is awful, the blind insistence on doing what obviously won't work sparks the sense of absurd, and laughter follows. It just may not be the laugh of merriment.<br />
<br />
Yes, I've been laughing a lot, lately. Why do you ask?Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21716795.post-47284853161182344242016-01-13T10:49:00.002-08:002016-01-13T13:20:34.597-08:00Temptations To TrollI've been learning things, as usual. Recently I happened upon a group of resources that are teaching me how influence happens, and why, and it's not so much like peeking behind a curtain as like someone turned a light on. You suddenly see why things happen as they do, when no normal explanation adds up or when there are many explanations that don't ring true. Or, as Scott Adams (expert in such matters) put it, it's like seeing things with an extra dimension: when everyone's playing regular chess, the one who is actually playing 3D chess will do things that look crazy but somehow work.<br />
<br />
Naturally, I want to have a go at using this new knowledge. Once some theory is well in hand, trying things out is one of the best ways to really understand. My entire history is evidence of this.<br />
<br />
The problem, in this case, is that trying out influence on a small scale, just as harmless amusement, is pretty much trolling, even if the motives are different. It's also hilariously fun. Using such knowledge only for good, or at least in continued harmlessness, is not as easy as I thought it'd be.<br />
<br />
In other words, there may come a day in which I stop baiting people who think they're terribly smart; but today is not that day.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow isn't looking likely, either. Peregrine Johnhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03511962495322344119noreply@blogger.com3