Thought you might find this interesting.

Thought you might find this interesting.
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2014/12/141230-chilean-cup-horse-race-santiago-animals-culture/

Update: I'm all set. Thanks Vika Zafrin!

Update:  I'm all set.   Thanks Vika Zafrin!

To my academic, librarian and scholar friends:

I really want to read a copy of The Ceque System of Cuzco:  The Social Organization of the Inca by Tom R. Zuidema (E. J. Brill 1964).  As an archeological book written 50 years ago, I can't find any handy copies in the minuteman system.  What I can find are exorbitant prices on eBay or offers to buy a fairly pricey membership in a scholarly paper archive service.

I just want to read the book.  Does anyone have any suggestions for tracking down a copy?  Thanks in advance.

Went to see The Art of the Brick today.

Went to see The Art of the Brick today.  Impressive stuff, although I think I prefer the replicas of actual art to his original works (which were quite good).  But man, I'd kill for a kit that let you make the Wave or that Aztec serpent in Lego.

I found this article about whales, planets, geography, trans* and mental health issues to be an interesting read.

I found this article about whales, planets, geography, trans* and mental health issues to be an interesting read.  It helped better illuminate my own thinking on the topics.  An engaging article.  I can't vouch for the comments section, but there's a lot of it.
http://slatestarcodex.com/2014/11/21/the-categories-were-made-for-man-not-man-for-the-categories/

Happy birthday Christina Jenkins!  May your year be filled with Couches of Awesome!

What We Do in the Shadows - International Trailer

And the week before Song of the Sea shows up...there's this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv568AzZ-i8

Song of the Sea Teaser

For those of you who loved The Secret of Kells (which was a fantastic movie).  The director has a new movie coming out that looks delightful.

Opens Feb. 27th for a one week run at Kendall Sq.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0Ejpl3QFuU

Good news for adrenaline junkies who live in New England.

Good news for adrenaline junkies who live in New England.

Fung Wah Bus Lines are coming back!

 
http://gawker.com/fung-wah-bus-will-resume-boston-to-nyc-thrill-rides-ear-1672180544/

Emily Care Boss Meguey Baker This might be in your wheelhouse?

Emily Care Boss Meguey Baker This might be in your wheelhouse?

Originally shared by Leah Bloom

Love the original? Help fund the sequel!
http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/rise-again-supporting-our-work-on-our-songbook/a2b6/8313359

Inside Out Trailer 2 UK - Official Disney Pixar | HD

OK.  It's not like I wasn't going to go see this.

And now I'm totally going to go see this.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_MC3XuMvsDI&feature=share

Whelp, I learned a new thing today. Guess I can go play video games now...

Whelp, I learned a new thing today.  Guess I can go play video games now...

WARNING:  NSFW Language
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6VxV717PRBU&feature=share

I know it's just cunning marketing copy, but Topatoco has some of the most delightful, whimsical status emails of...

I know it's just cunning marketing copy, but Topatoco has some of the most delightful, whimsical status emails of any online retailer I've dealt with in a while.

Krista Park I want to send you recipes but I don't have your email for some reason.  Mine is bluegarantua@gmail.com.

Way too much food for just two people, but the leftovers will be tremendous.

Way too much food for just two people, but the leftovers will be tremendous. Turkey with citrus dry brine, smoked oyster stuffing, sweet potatoes with bourbon sauce, celery root puree, Brussels sprouts with shallots and bacon, beets and greens with marjoram. In the back you can just see the chocolate pecan tort. Not shown, the hard cider gravy, the cabernet cranberry sauce and the curry crust butterscotch pie.

When I get old, this is how I want to roll.

When I get old, this is how I want to roll.

NSFW Language!  
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7kz4uMXFlE&feature=share

FOR SCIENCE!!!

FOR SCIENCE!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdmDb8ozcXc&list=UUUaiGrBfRCaC6pL7ZnZjWbg&feature=share

Ben Cordes DND5 cheat sheet

Ben Cordes DND5 cheat sheet

Originally shared by Stan Shinn

Here is a 5e rules summary in both landscape and portrait formats. First two pages I print out and hand to players (I use it as a DM as well). Third page is more oriented towards the DM. Basically I run 90% of my games using ONLY the rules on these three pages; seldom are there rules used which aren't summarized here.

Works great on tablets, as printouts, or (if you have good eyesight) as inserts to customizable GM screens.

Let me know your comments. I'll make this a living document and edit it to correct any issues, or add any big misses.

Landscape:
http://goo.gl/kHTDw3

Portrait:
http://goo.gl/zcg2tg

I just got this email from my mom and at the end...

I just got this email from my mom and at the end...

"Did I tell you [Nephew's Name] is into D&D now?  I'm glad I can see it didn't corrupt you like I was so sure it was going to!"

I can't even begin to tell you how gobsmacked I am right now.  If you grew up enjoying D&D in the early- to mid-80's you can probably empathize but still...

Quick!  Run outside with a camera!  There are pigs soaring majestically through the skies on golden wings!

Hey there, Kansas. Guess who has to let gays marry cause the Supreme Court says so?

Hey there, Kansas.  Guess who has to let gays marry cause the Supreme Court says so?

Dear Nebraska -- please don't be the last damn state dragged kicking and screaming into the 21st Century.  I know, I know, there's the Dakotas and Mississippi so you think you've got time, but there's that whole state constitution amendment and...you're just looking stupid here.  You voted to raise the minimum wage, let the gays marry.  I'll always love you but I want to love you more.

They got the same things over there we got over here. It's just a little bit different.

They got the same things over there we got over here. It's just a little bit different.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whLHguPnK0E&feature=share

Thinking of you...

Thinking of you...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y25stK5ymlA

Foul-mouthed butterfly in the sky... (NSFW)

Foul-mouthed butterfly in the sky...  (NSFW)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1fzkPHqLI4

Stolen ruthlessly from DrWex

Stolen ruthlessly from DrWex 
http://goodmenproject.com/families/tmb-whats-dad-daughter-wants-dress-han-solo/

Title

So...to start off with I'm fine, everyone is fine.

About two years ago my car got sandwiched between two others and that's how I wound up buying my nice new car.

On Thursday my nice new car got sandwiched between two others and now I need to get a new car.

I'm ready for new life experiences now please.

"Hi Mom. What did I do this weekend? Oh...not much..."

"Hi Mom.  What did I do this weekend?  Oh...not much..."

Thanks to Andi McCollam for the lighter and Johanna Bobrow for the photography.

50 sHAdes of VORpal

Sorry Epidiah Ravachol #Undisputed might just have been deposed before it ever took the crown.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1430411066/50-shades-of-vorpal

Vegan technology marches on!

Vegan technology marches on!
http://www.grubstreet.com/2014/10/impossible-foods.html

Chronicles of Amber

Originally shared by Evan Torner

Chronicles of Amber
Curious about the origins of Zelazny's mythology?
Kovacs gives us a much-needed glimpse into the genealogy, influences and subtexts of these beloved  books.

http://www.nyrsf.com/2012/07/suspended-in-literature-patterns-and-allusions-in-the-chronicles-of-amber-by-christopher-s-kovacs-1.html
http://www.nyrsf.com/2012/07/suspended-in-literature-patterns-and-allusions-in-the-chronicles-of-amber-by-christopher-s-kovacs-1.html

This is my new sexy slow jam.

This is my new sexy slow jam.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7jUrkfMtr4&feature=share

Project Popcorn - Russian MST3K ripoff

Uh....wow.

Project Popcorn a Russian show that might be influenced by a fondly-remembered American show.  #derekwouldhavelovedthis
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNH4dafgFZY&feature=share

Fascinating.

Fascinating.

Also, I really like the greeting he uses to start the video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31zzMb3U0iY&feature=share

Epidiah Ravachol are you going to JiffyCon East in November?

Epidiah Ravachol are you going to JiffyCon East in November?  I just dug up Darkwood -- the Robin Hood-esque RPG that I have.  It's totally a product of the mid-90's but you might find it interesting as a reference tool.  There's a huge section covering medieval England.  I'll bring it along if you're interested.

#1066; Well Isn’t That Nice

I had a similar idea.  It seems like it'd be very theraputic.
http://wondermark.com/1k66/

To begin with (unlike the text from my sister), my dad is basically fine.

To begin with (unlike the text from my sister), my dad is basically fine.  However yesterday he was working on a scaffold that collapsed out from under him.  The scaffold was low, only man high, so it's not as bad as it could've been.  But apparently he got banged up, there were some cuts/abrasions and this morning he's really sore.

Still...the guy is in his 70's and I'm kinda hoping I have that sort of resilience when I'm his age, the common sense not to go fooling around on scaffolds by myself and the money to hire attractive, competent young people to do that sort of work for me while I admire their...,,competency,,.

OK, so recently I picked up a bottle of coconut syrup to sweeten my morning oatmeal.

OK, so recently I picked up a bottle of coconut syrup to sweeten my morning oatmeal.  It's...kinda meh.  It's sweet and it's got hints of coconut flavor, but there's also something a little sharp about it that I can't explain.

For all that, it's not so awful that I'm not going to finish it.  The reason that I'm not buying any more of the stuff is that it's like a super-fluid.  It's incredibly viscous so you have strings and strands of syrup everywhere when you pour it and then it seems to climb up and out of the bottle and leave sticky rings everywhere you put it down.  Just a real mess.

Because I shouldn't have to suffer alone...

Because I shouldn't have to suffer alone...

"This was 15 years ago, in the mid-90's."
"Uh, 15 years ago it was 1999."
shrivels up with age, turns to dust and blows away

A guy did posters with "walkthroughs" of famous D&D modules.

A guy did posters with "walkthroughs" of famous D&D modules.

Sadly, the Keep on the Borderland is not one of them.  But Isle of Dread is!
http://store.mockman.com/collections/walkthrough-map-prints

And now...some nightmare fuel before you go to bed...

And now...some nightmare fuel before you go to bed...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFFykQIrPCk&feature=share

Behold! The hip new fad of Slow Reading! Or, as I like to call it, reading.

Behold! The hip new fad of Slow Reading! Or, as I like to call it, reading.
http://online.wsj.com//read-slowly-to-benefit-your-brain-and-cut-stress-1410823086

I'm planning on going to see Last Days in Vietnam on Saturday.

I'm planning on going to see Last Days in Vietnam on Saturday.  Either the 1:30 or 3:45 show.  If you're interested in going with, drop me a line.  I've heard good things about it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTWX-BB4aAA

Here's my new baby. It's official name is Distraction From Mortality. #wretchedconsumerism

Here's my new baby. It's official name is Distraction From Mortality.     #wretchedconsumerism

Attention Mike Caprio (among others).

Attention Mike Caprio (among others).


https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/atlasgames/feng-shui-2-action-movie-roleplaying-game-by-robin?ref=category_newest

You know what makes for a great rehearsal?

You know what makes for a great rehearsal? A lengthy sherry-tasting session afterwards. You guys...I had a lot of sherry tonight...really good sherry. G'night.

Bikie Wars

Someday, I'm going to play Apocalypose World with Vincent Baker .  I know I'm going to play a Gunlugger but I figured it'd be kind of a generic heavy.  Then I saw this and now I've got a whole new angle on the character.  NOT TO BE FUCKED WITH indeed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ihSaGAVHmvw&feature=share

When the dice let you down...EAT THEM!

When the dice let you down...EAT THEM!
http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/1cd7/?cpg=cj&ref&CJURL&CJID=2617611

Heads up Invader Haywire and Harrison Ripps (among others).

Heads up Invader Haywire  and Harrison Ripps  (among others).

The Landmark Theatre in Kendall Sq. is showing midnight movies.  On Sept. 19/20th they're showing Ghost in the Shell -- Japanese with English Subtitles.
http://landmarktheatres.com/Market/Boston/Boston_Frameset.htm

HijiNKS ENSUE - When I Say Pants, You Best Pants…

All Hail Nopantsistan!
http://hijinksensue.com/comic/when-i-say-pants-you-best-pants/

So I purchased my cell phone when Bush Jr.

So I purchased my cell phone when Bush Jr. was president.  It's old and battered and doesn't hold a charge well and I feel like it's time to get a smartphone.

  In unrelated news, Apple just announced it's releasing a super-sized iPhone that will fit quite comfortably in my large, meaty hands.

  However, having a smartphone means I need a data plan of some sort if I hope to truly have the internet in my pants.  I have no idea what a reasonable data limit should be.  I believe I'd be fairly light on the bandwidth, but I might find more data intensive uses for my phone.  So how much data is on your plan?

Dungeons & Dragons View-Master Reels: "Castle Venger" (1983)

Hey Epidiah Ravachol!  Your Sunday morning game just got prepped for you!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pn9oVNH5JOI&feature=share

"Oh hello, Upper Body Strength, what have you been doing since I last set foot in a gym?"

"Oh hello, Upper Body Strength, what have you been doing since I last set foot in a gym?"
"Oh, you know, atrophying away."
"Ah, yeah, yeah, that'll happen."
"Say, did you want  to lift this weight above your head?"
"Kinda did, yeah."
"Hmmm...not feelin' it.  Maybe you've got something involving keyboards or repetitive jerking motions?"

Ah well, at least I should see lots of improvement.

Trailer de Tokyo Tribe (HD)

Ah man, this looks spectacular.  I hope it gets a subbed US release soon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcgI8xILP-I&feature=share

Happy Birthday Julia Ellingboe!

What your 1st-grade life says about the rest of it

So I'm strongly recommending On the Run by Alice Goffman.  Ms. Goffman spent years in a Philadelphia ghetto following the lives of several young men and how their legal woes impacted their lives and the lives of others.  It was a fascinating book and the methodology section at the back was almost as interesting as the work that it generated in front.  In the wake of Ferguson, it's a timely read.

On a related note, I found this pretty interesting... 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2014/08/29/what-your-1st-grade-life-says-about-the-rest-of-it/