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Rasti


State: Florida
Country: United States
Sex: Male
Age: 55

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© 2003-2004 by the Alien Assault Traders developers. All rights reserved.

Up Updated :)

Not Lost, Lover is still loved.

Son's almost 13 now, wants to rule the world, lol

Still married, working on that one.

Post Date: Jun 2, 2009 - 11:05 pm

Updated

Lost a lover, gained a best friend back. Also gained a 10yr old son =p Gotta figure out what causes that, and do it more often, lol

Post Date: Feb 20, 2007 - 5:59 am

Losing redux

It's official now, I've lost her, again. Talked to peach on the phone today, learned more than I need, as bad as I feared. I suck

Post Date: Sep 24, 2006 - 8:37 pm

Losing

I think I have lost her, again ;( Damn me for moving too slowly.

Post Date: Sep 21, 2006 - 5:42 am

My side(es) ;)

If any of you have been keeping track, Peach has been posting the backstory relating to our love of each other. (I know, it's not AAT, but it's a good story)  I've stayed mostly quiet to let her speel out the past as she remembers it, instead focusing on the present, and future.

Me, the dark hearted follower of the Flying Spaghetti Monster, have a soulmate. I know the term is often way overused, but temper that statement with this thought. I am a 37 year old man, not prone to the emotional whimsy of youth, and I know in the core of my being she is the one true love of my life. Her life, and happiness, are more important to me than anything else I can think of. In short, I love this woman.

  That said, now comes the twists. I am a 'not unhappily' married man, and sadly it is not to her. My wife is dependent on me, for now, her medical/financial conditions are such that I cannot, will not, leave her. Sadly even if it is for the love of my life.  It places a great level of stress in the relationships, on both sides. Married men, do yourselves a favor, do not tell your wive's they are not the love of your life, unless you intend to walk immediately out the door. Trust me in this.

Rasti
VTD  10898
'We must Dissent, In the Name of Love'  (and Peaches)

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 20, 2006 - 5:18 am

Post Date: Aug 20, 2006 - 5:18 am

Let's do the Time Warp. . .

Did we go back in time?
Still lubbin ya peaches.

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jun 5, 2006 - 5:47 pm

Post Date: Jun 5, 2006 - 5:46 pm

I'm back, again, again .30 style

OK, I've had a few days to play the latest reset of .30. Me likee

First off, What the F@#$?  I consider myself a moderate player, with little to no attack skills, yet somehow I'm in the top 3 of players, with Big-un and Ak edging me out, it must only be by thier grace, because I know I'm not that good (honestly, I suck, ask the wife )  If the game has been rebalanced to favor us builder-types, then I am much pleased.

My only sadness is that I have not heard from my fav Singapore Sling girl. Lil Angel, come back on-line, we miss your cheer.

Rasti
We must Dissent, always
Magus Pasticus, Order of the Flaying Noodle, FSM
VTD 8282

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Dec 3, 2005 - 9:29 pm

Post Date: Dec 3, 2005 - 9:29 pm

Just when you Think . Humanity is not so bad

I thought life here was returning to normal.

I was right

http://www.monsters.fm/monsters_skit4.html

Post Date: Oct 29, 2005 - 10:36 am

BOHICA: Bend over, Here it comes again

Anyone who read my blogs from last year know that we got hit, and it looks like another one is coming our way. The good news is that this has become old hat now. This storms not coming right at us, we'll get the top winds and rain off of it.

Looks like my conversion to Pastafarian has helped, my prays to the Divine Noodle, and sacrifices of noodles and meatballs, and desecrations of Chef Boyardee cans (an Abomination in FSM's eyes) have granted me favor in weaking the storm. If it does somehow kick me off-line, I should be back up quickly.

Thanks to those of you sending your well-wishes. Have a plate of Spaghetti in my name.

RAmen.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD7434

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Oct 23, 2005 - 2:35 pm

Post Date: Oct 23, 2005 - 2:35 pm

My 2 bits, and pasta ;)

Well it's been a bit since I last posted. I've been more active over at the FSM site, helping lay the groundwork for a new internet religion.
Funny how no one talks about New Orleans now, it's all drained out, but still a fectid rothole in most places. But Madi Gras is on so no one cares.
I'm still betting on Hurrican Alpha to show up.

AAT .30 is off to a start, not perfect, but good. I havn't run into anything that's 'crashout' bad, and I think with the new format it will mix up well once all the features get activated.


Rasti
We must Dissent
VTD7375

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Oct 20, 2005 - 4:55 pm

Post Date: Oct 20, 2005 - 4:55 pm

Be around, been busy

Havn't posted for a bit, been busy establishing myself in the FSM world.
A new World religion built by the internet, with many people working on it, instead of just one guy out to dupe the masses.


Still dissenting, and the current Admins Multi Clustered F-ups have given me more material to comment on than I have time to type.

Rasti
'We Must Dissent', Ramen.
VTD 7003

PS- Thanks for pushing me past 7k, to the Noobers out there. Post, post often, keep it intresting.

PJ&TH thanks again for the Game, and what you may yet do with it.

Post Date: Oct 4, 2005 - 9:44 pm

Haha The Flying Spaghetti Monster is with me ;)

Since my prayer to the FSM for New Orleans went so well, I've decided to pray for it's delererance to Texas.

Let us see how FEMA will jump through hoops for a Republican state in Danger.

Rasti
'We must Dissent', Cry Havoc, and let loose the Pirate Midgits
VTD6676

PS Kudos to PJ, it is His world here, we just Flame in it. We love the work you've done, and will continue to do. Find someone over 25 that complains, there are not, at least not seriously. Let the Kids babble all they want, all they got is attitude, and the rants prove no brains. Just my 2 duetschte-markies

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Sep 21, 2005 - 7:48 pm

Post Date: Sep 21, 2005 - 7:43 pm

Lost Orleans ;)

Been 2 weeks since my last post. Bet a few of you were thinking ' I bet he feels sorry for saying that he hopes New Orleans Drowns', well, yes, I am sorry. Sorry that the other 20% DIDN'T flood.  The Humanitatian, and Economic Crisis from this event was fortold in a plate of Spaghetti. If only the Flying Spaghetti Monster had sent his army of Pirate Midgits to sack the city while 'What me Worry' Boy was holding a press conference on how great and incompetent he is, then that would have been perfect.

Flashback: Last Year 3 hurricanes tore through here. Fema was on the ground and running in under 24 hours. They did such a good job thay paid Miami/Dade 26 MILLION dollars in grants, and the storms NEVER touched them, but it was an election year, so we understood why they did that (Politics is always Politics, and always Evil, no matter which side is up to bat.)

While meditating over a plate of linguini and Ragu, I had a vision revealed upon me. His noodly essence touched me and sprinkled glimpses of the future, much like a finely grated parmesan cheese. He has decided to reveal himself to us, for he has become unhappy with the followers of his firstborn, the Christians. His wrath will be varied, and farflung, much like the noodles of his being.

Rasti
'We must Dissent', For the Pastafarians
VTD6531



Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Sep 10, 2005 - 7:47 pm

Post Date: Sep 10, 2005 - 7:45 pm

1 Year ago

Last year at this time I was calling for the end of New Orleans, that did not come to pass, so I stopped praying to the plushie Cuthulu. (Blog search: New orleans).
This year I've switched over to the Flying Spaghetti Monster as my parton God (In all his Noodly Splendor. Ramen.)
It looks like he may have the sauce to pull this off.

www.nola.com

I'm offically on New orleans Webcam Deathwatch

If FSM sends in Pirate Midgits after the hurricane to sack the city, I'll convert compleatly.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD 6282

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 28, 2005 - 10:55 am

Post Date: Aug 28, 2005 - 10:55 am

I've Found Religion ;)

All this talk about 'intelligent design' being taught in schools, I've found a website that explains it the best, i think

http://www.venganza.org/

May you be blessed by his noodley touch

Rasti
'We must dissent', for the pirate midgits
VTD6225

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 24, 2005 - 9:37 pm

Post Date: Aug 24, 2005 - 9:37 pm

WW II: redux

I just reread my earlier blog/rant. I still agree with most of it. Ran into an article on Motherjones.com that I think also helps my arguement.

http://www.motherjones.com/commentary/columns/2005/08/hiroshima.html

After reading that, and other atricles about WWII I've learned a few things, good and bad.
Let me start by saying the War, was not wrong. Both Japan and Germany were bend on claiming as much of the World as they could, and did horrible things along the way. The use of atomics was going to happen, the knowledge was out there, and the fact that we have gotten 60 years away from it without using nukes (in warfare, Russia did do some nuclear landscaping to move rivers and such) is testament to the power and finality of their use.
However, it is also true that the goverment covered up most of the worst effects from the bomb. Fallout, Radiation sickness, Birth defects, Cancers. These things did not become common knowledge in America until the 60's, after we had blown up a few of out own in tests.
It's also important to note that 'Fat man' and 'Little boy' were 15 and 22 KILOtons of yield. We have developed Artillery rounds that produce a far greater yield than that
Link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_artillery

Bush Jr. wants to built 'bunker buster' yield nukes, and we wonder why everyone else wants to have 'the bomb'

Rasti
'We Must Dissent', Grok above and understand why
VTD5979

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 17, 2005 - 9:58 pm

Post Date: Aug 17, 2005 - 9:57 pm

History, as wrote by revisionists

This is the first direct jump against another blog I've ever done, But I feel compelled to do so, because it's so wrong.

The blog: Mindwyrm's
http://mindwyrm.aatraders.com/readblog/dac91775fd510be6a394e6030b0aebb2b4c40f752f469291

He makes several points, but just about every one of them is wrong, or misguided.

one: 'Now when did Americans become such bleeding heart pussies?  Our grand-parents sure weren't.  We lost 75 million people in WWII because the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor.  And that was a millitary base.  This time they attacked Civilians. The truly innocent.  And they used Civilian assets to do it, killing even more innocent people in the process.'

There are at least 3 things wrong with this statement.  
1. World War II started in Sept. 1939, with the invasion of Poland by the Germans. We were 'It's not our problem' until Pearl Harbor, Dec 7th 1941. (Not exactly the Gung Ho, let's go stop evil, COWBOY, mentality)

2. The body count for the ENTIRE world for WWII is ~ 56 Million, of which we lost 413 thousand.  Ref: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II#Chronology_1939.E2.80.931945

3. By the end of WWII we had firebombed the majority of Japan's major cities, not direct military targets. killing over 100,000 people in the process. (Of course, they were Japs, so they were evil and deserved to be burned alive in there homes, I understand that kind of logic, coming from a youth.)

My biggest problem with his rant is that he makes the same mistake most Bush Apologists make, tying 9/11 in with Iraq. One last time people, IRAQ HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH OSAMA BIN LADEN, OR SEPT 11TH!!!!

Al-Qa'ida is a fundamentalist group (much like the Moral Majority). Saddam Hussien was a straight up dictator. A secular state like Iraq was before the war was against everything Bin laden preaches. If Al-qa'ida was over there, blowing up buildings in the name of Jesus, instead of Islam, we would be ignoring him as a 'regional' issue.
We kicked them out of there bases in Afganistan after 9/11, Right move. Then we took a left turn and invaded Iraq, Wrong move. If it had been Syria instead, I could back that, but it wasn't It was wrong, and history has, and will prove that right.

OK, enough ranting. I do NOT mean to jump on Mindwyrm about this, but I would like him to prove my statements wrong. There is so much 'junk' out there in the world today. It's too easy for someone to quote an idiot, as opposed to looking into the facts themselves. I like to think that's the reason Republicans are on top, but the conclusions I draw from that scare me.

Rasti
' We Must Dissent'
VTD 5934

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 16, 2005 - 1:30 pm

Post Date: Aug 16, 2005 - 1:30 pm

Something Old, Somthing New, Something borrowed, & . . . .

Old:
Weather is much better than a year ago, what they don't tell you about Hurricanes, they suck all the clouds and rain out of an area. Last year we had about 4 days of almost no clouds, much less rain.

New:
I'm actually in first place on a game where others are playing, that's new for me

Borrowed:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/08/13/AR2005081300853_pf.html


Blue: If your still a Republican after groking the above link. You are a fool
All your base are belong to us.   Move Zig, for Great Justice
http://www.planettribes.com/allyourbase/index.shtml

Rasti
'We must Dissent' , for Higher Expectations
VTD5909

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Aug 14, 2005 - 8:13 pm

Post Date: Aug 14, 2005 - 7:53 pm

1 Year ago Today . . .

It's the 1 year observance of When Charley Came though here, bumping me off the net(and Electricity) for about a week. The house and trees have for the most part bounced back, and except for the wife's health being so-so, things are pretty good.

A round up of things from last year:

Last Year this time we were eagerly awaiting AAT . 30. Things are much better game-wise now that it ou. . ., oops sorry  (Sorry PJ, couldn't resist )

We were still searching for WMD's in Iraq, since we KNEW Saddam had them. (Mushroom clouds over America, Right Condi? Right?) Step and fetch 2004 Style.

The Insurgency was ' in it's last throes' So said VP Robo-Cheney

We thought Cheney was really in control, we now know it's Rove.

Now, as then, We must dissent.

Rasti
' We Must Dissent '
VTD 5880

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 13, 2005 - 8:48 pm

Post Date: Aug 13, 2005 - 8:47 pm

Feel like I've been lazy lately ;)

Havn't posted in a bit, just havn't had the gumption.  Kudos to Langel, glad to have her words back.

Work is work, It's hot here, but not too Hot. Republicans Still suck, but at least less of them are proud of it that's to our wonderful, inept, misguided Goverment

My fav internet 'character' is planning to produce an internet radio show, can't wait. Normal Bob. I have a link in my profile. Be warned Zealots, he's not exactly Christian Friendly

Wife's still recovering, good days bad days kinda thing.

Playing over at FunDamental just for kicks.

If you have Mozilla's Firefox, I recommend the plugin 'Stumble Upon' it's a kick.

Enough for now, got stuff to kill

Rasti
'We must Dissent', Now Fortified with Vitamin D!!!
VTD5703

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Aug 9, 2005 - 7:53 pm

Post Date: Aug 9, 2005 - 7:51 pm

I am the Pumpkin King ;)

Oh Boy, My very own Domain A nice padded cell in which to run around and bounce off the walls, cut my wrists and scribble little icons on the walls. Joy. Happy happy Joy Joy

In other news:

Life is good, Hot and humid as hell down here (minus the demons, but I'm convinced a few of them are disguised as New Yorkers )  
Wife's doing better, bills are all caught up, or handled.  Generally in a good mood, but I'm always waiting for the other shoe to drop

Optimistic Pessimist, Agnostic Zealot. I live for the dichotomy

Rasti
We Must Dissent, Now on google!!!
VTD 5404

Voted Best 'Non- Game related' Game Blogger, by me!!!

PS S Thanks PJ, It's not AAT .30, But I'll take it

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Jul 26, 2005 - 7:22 pm

Post Date: Jul 26, 2005 - 7:18 pm

Removing the Feeding Tube of Stupidity ;)

I love Republicans

Some osf the best Dumb stuff comes from them. The only bad part is that they actually believe this stuff, and there are people dumb enough to agree with them.

http://www.cnn.com/2005/POLITICS/07/18/congressman.muslims.ap/index.html?section=cnn_latest

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 18, 2005 - 5:28 pm

Post Date: Jul 18, 2005 - 5:20 pm

Updating. . . . . Please hold ;)

Let's see, Wife's still recovering, but doing much better (getting some )

I feel for London, hope all those cameras actually do something for you.

Republicans still suck, but most poeple know that now.

Zealots still suck, but they always will, so nothing new there.

Life is getting better, I think we are going into this hurricane season better off that last year. We are up to storm number 5 already. Learn to swim

Rasti
We must dissent
VTD 4895

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 11, 2005 - 6:49 pm

Post Date: Jul 11, 2005 - 6:48 pm

Rasti's Ramblings ;)

Politics:

1) Chinese/American relations are about to go into the crapper   I still FIRMLY believe history will portray 9/11 as the turning point where America stopped being THE world superpower, and joined Spain, Britain, Rome and Japan as the former top dogs. If America comsumes 2/3 of the planet's resources, how much will China consume, considering the have 3 to 4 times the people?

2) It seems like all those bumper stickers proclaiming love of this administation are disappearing off of cars. Just an observation from someone who drives alot.

Why can't zealots understand that there are those of us who do not believe, or live, by their rules? If you don't like a particular freedom of ours, don't do it. Stop trying to dictate that everyone else must live by your deity's edicits. next time someone mentions prayer in school I'm going to ask which 3 times during the school day they want to stop class for the Muslim call to prayers. I've done it before, it's funny. Timed and set up right you get to see a perfect look from them that explains EXACTLY how empty their demand is.

Rasti

'We MUST Dissent.'

VTD 4635

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 4, 2005 - 10:50 pm

Post Date: Jul 4, 2005 - 10:49 pm

Panama Jack - Lite ;)

Pj has come up with some handy cool stuff that will make game play faster and hopefully better, this will be good, I think. I don't know Java, from Kona or Expresso (unless it's in a coffee cup, but that's another story).

On the hospital/wife/ medical bills front things are looking much better (apart from her running around the house with just a neck brace on, but I digress ) I've pulled a hardship withdraw on my 401K to cover all the expenses, and it's been aproved.  To all you younger types:  INVEST IN 401K!!!!  If you're in a company that offers it, use it, and contribute at LEAST the max the company will match. If you are not with a 401k company, invest in an IRA.  There are ways to use the money without actually using it. It can be a collateral base on a loan.  

That's my big tip for the day, invest and save. I'm still kinda young but I wish I had started earlier.

Enough of the serious type stuff.

I see no one's cared to PM me yet, but the offer is still young

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD4252

PS  I've found my own blogs by typing ' We must Dissent ' into Google   Maybe I'll shoot for #1

We must Dissent we must Dissent WE MUST DISSENT

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jun 22, 2005 - 10:31 pm

Post Date: Jun 22, 2005 - 10:29 pm

The Longest Day ;)

Fitting that today was a 12 hour workday. Wife's still hurting, but doing ok. Monie's still tight, but it's getting better, there's a light on the horizon, but just like in life it's always coldest right before dawn.

Thanks to all for driving me up into the 4100 numbers, if I didn't know better I'd think I was liked or something

I think for someone who:

1) Doesn't know a bit about code.

2) Rarely plays, much less plays well

3) Isn't Asian, with a healthy rack

I do rather well


Rasti
'We Must Dissent'
VTD 4183

PS anyone want an opinion on anything PM me, I'll post a response here. And yes Lil Angel, that footwashing statement I made still stands

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jun 21, 2005 - 9:14 pm

Post Date: Jun 21, 2005 - 9:13 pm

Thanks PJ ;)

Now my brain hurts. Too much code type stuff for me.  Am I the only one that when I hear 'mysql' I keep thinking of that line in Deliverance? 'Squeal Boy!! Squeal!!!!!

Rasti
'We Must Dissent' Squeal for me!!!!
VTD 3838

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jun 6, 2005 - 10:15 pm

Post Date: Jun 6, 2005 - 10:14 pm

There and back again . . .

AAT's back online, yah, I'm happy for PJ and T-man, I hate when little things loike the real world get in the way of Life Online.

To NG, Happy belated B-Day, You're well on your way to adulthood, so enjoy yourself while you can. Not to say being an adult is no fun, It is, but it can get more. . complicated.

Update on Wifey. Still has some residual pain, nowhere near it's original level. We've got an app in for her to apply for SSI, still waiting on it. Bills are starting to come in now, up to around 5K and the hospital itself hasn't sent it's bill for her overnight stay.

Got a few links set up on my blogsite, nothing too bad, but if you're a closed minded kinda person you might not want to check them out   (I know, I'm a tease)

Rasti
'We Must Dissent', Forever.
VTD 3704

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on May 28, 2005 - 11:00 am

Post Date: May 28, 2005 - 11:00 am

Back in Black ;)

Yeah, the blog's Back, and better. Grats to Panama J, and T-Man. Now I can blab even more.  Let's see, The usual Updates.

Wife's still recovering, but doing better every day. She's applied for SSI because it looks like there will be some permanent disability, added onto her medical history (Yes I married a Lemon ) she is 'Functionally Unhireable'. I'll keep y'all posted.

Post Date: May 20, 2005 - 8:12 pm

;)

Ah, Dearest Lil' Angel. You are the only person I know that can call my wife a horse and make it sound good. I'd try to relay that thought to her, but the operation has not dampened her slapping ability one whit

Rasti
'We Must Dissent', for the children
VTD 3584

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on May 12, 2005 - 9:50 pm

Post Date: May 12, 2005 - 9:50 pm

Wife Update #5

First Post-Op meeting is today. I've got the day off from work (I've got the Vacation Time, and Killing is slow this month) I'll update this later today after we get back. For the most part she is better, but getting Stir-crazy not being able to get out and about and drive.

Update: Doc has given her the good to go report, now she's really chopping at the bit to get out and about. Yeah, joy.
She still has some pain, but it's slowly reducing.

Rasti
'We Must Dissent'
VTD 3540

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on May 11, 2005 - 7:39 pm

Post Date: May 11, 2005 - 7:31 am

Bouncing Thought Bubbles ;)

Have you ever felt like you are suppose to be doing something else with your life? That deep core type feeling? The one that comes from deep down within, with a certainty to it?

Yeah, that one.

Now what if you knew that what it was, what you were suppose to be doing, wasn't nice?

Is it a bad thing not to live up to your potential, if that potential is evil?

If you've never had that feeling, or are still a youth, don't ponder on it too much. It can be a brain wracker.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD3476

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on May 5, 2005 - 9:01 pm

Post Date: May 5, 2005 - 8:56 pm

Wife Update #4

She's recovering, a little bit at a time. I know this because she's taken to waering little more than the neck brace the doc's ordered her to wear. I'll not go into details because this is a 'proper' forum

Loaded up a golden oldie a couple of days ago and have been playing that, It's Might&magic World of Xeen. It's dated, but it's still fun. I think too many game nowadays are into the flash, and forget the gameplay. Games should be fun first, then the pretty stuff is the icing on the cake. I count AAT as a good game btw, solid game dynamics, with the potential for pretty pictures

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD 3433

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on May 1, 2005 - 9:49 am

Post Date: May 1, 2005 - 9:48 am

Wife Update #3

Got the Wife back home now, still wearing a soft neck brace, and taking PERCOCET 5mg for the pain. She's taking it at lower doses(longer intervals) than the label rates, so I'm happy, and the pain appears to be reducing in the arms (a result of the pinched nerves) Work, Family and Friends (Yes you all who've been PMing me are included here, even if you think I'm evil in real life ) have been very supportive, and I am thankful for that.

I had this great blog typed out a couple of days ago about my views and beliefs on drugs, but I think I overran the limit on entries and it wouldn't post. Shame. Boiling it down to Basics.

I don't use drugs, don't beleive in them, I think of them as an 'empty' tool. If you need drugs/alcohol to enjoy yourself either you are in an unenjoyable place physically, or mentally. Both can be fixed easier without such stimulants.

That said, I will defend a persons right's to use drugs. I beleive in personal responsibity, and personal privacy. My rights stop at another person's doorstep and vice versa.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD3402

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Apr 28, 2005 - 5:21 pm

Post Date: Apr 28, 2005 - 5:20 pm

Wife Update #2

Went though her operation without a hitch, almost too quick, seems to me. She's overnight in the hospital, it's nice, a 1 person room with cable T.V. . Also, for Langel, It's dosn't smell 'hospitally' at all, only the clean, no odor smell. The food is ok, but she was on liquids only for the first 2 meals, and she couldn't hold either down (sorry if you are reading this during a meal time ) We'll have to wait to see if it has reduced the arm pain caused by the compression, they say the first day is bad, but she's on good pain meds, and appears better to me than she was before the op.

I'll be getting back to my usual commentary soon enough If you want a re-hash, just type 'We must Dissent' into the blog search, I've got 26 entries last I counted

Rasti
'We must Dissent' Post-Op
VTD3369

Post Date: Apr 26, 2005 - 7:18 pm

Update on the Wife.

Wife goes in for surgery tommorrow, at 6:30 AM EST. the operation is called an ' Anterior Cervical Discectomy with Fusion ' nice long name, eh? Makes the cost seem worth it Kidding.

Basically they are fusing 2 of the vertibra together and removing the herniated discs (2 ea.) The wife found and excellent description at:
http://www.espine.com/diagnosis_acf.html#discectomy

Just in case any of you are curious about what we are facing medically.
I'd ask for your prayers, but you know me Your well wishes are noted and appreciated, none the less.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD 3340




Entry Edited 5 times - Edited on Apr 25, 2005 - 6:14 pm

Post Date: Apr 25, 2005 - 5:58 pm

Power to the Plebs ;)

Great day, Got word from on High that I may speak my mind here. So those of you who may be republicans, look out. You'll find that most dangerous thing for you here, a different mindset

To be fair, I dislike many of the nutty liberals too, But the 'holier than thou' Conservatives deserve a special circle of Hell, In my NOT so humble Opinion. I beleive in the Thrid Rail. Not left, not Right, just middle of the road, and pissed at what the nuts on both sides have done to the good Ole USA. I spent 6 Years in the Army, and remember my oath well. The part most important nowadays to me is the end 'to protect our country from all enemies, foriegn AND domestic.

Our enemies in other countries thrive because of our enemies HERE. The policies we set forth with, the 'we do it our way' attitude, gives our enemies aboard a pillar to stand against. An example : Cuba. We have had an 'embargo' against the island for oh, how long? I know it's been longer than 40 years. It was put there to put pressure on Castro, and hopefully help topple his goverment. The Result: He is solidly in charge still, and can blame any misfortune on the United States. If we had lifted the embargo, even actively promoted a black market trade route, we could have shown the Cubans that there is a better way, and that they could have that to, if they tried.

I bring this up because of the Elian Gonzales case. That glorious mess up. I think still to this day, we should have granted him citizenship, and IMMEDIATLY given him back to his Father, with the caveat; 'When you are an adult, you can come here whenever you want.'   My radical side would have tattooed an American Flag on him, but that would have been a little to much, maybe

Rasti
'We Must Dissent' ALWAYS!
VTD 3314

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Apr 24, 2005 - 9:27 pm

Post Date: Apr 24, 2005 - 9:15 pm

Redux Redone. Religion.

Religion.
Continuing my 'reappearance' in AAT I want to flesh out my Religious beliefs. I was born and raised free of Religion, I never 'fell out of grace' I was never in it. It is only within the last couple of years that I have become solid in my beliefs, or non-beliefs. I had discussion, and arguments over the varied faces of the 'Divine'. I've also come to believe that IF there is a great, guiding force that has created all of this, our actions both good, and bad, will have no bearing on he/she/it.

For the most part my Moral system is the 'Golden Rule' (Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.) but flesh out a little more, things like 'Leave this world in better shape than you found it.', ' We are the Universe, trying to understand itself', 'Help those that can't help themselves'. That's the nice side. There is also the other side the 'yang' as you will. 'Never suffer a fool', 'Sometimes, force must be met on it's own terms', 'Even the greatest Patience has it's limits'.

I am Pro-choice, but it's a desicion I hope no one ever has to make. I am against the Death penalty, for the most part, there are those people that are 'irredeemable'. I believe that AIDS can be controlled, but the methods to do so are beyond what a democracy will allow. I believe with 6+ billoin people on the planet that we are grossly overtaxing the system, China has the right idea, but it could be better, and worldwide. I do not believe we have a right to 'spawn'. There are too many people that should not be parents, and the children they produce are hobbled from birth by that fact. In our system here in America it is set up so that the least economically viable have the most children, in general. If in reading this you think me a racist or a bigot, I can assure you, I am not. My beliefs value intellect, and that tends to trancend race. Race is a moot point anyway because we are all 1 race, 1 people. Skin color and heritage should be value in society somewhere below eye color, sadly we have a ways to go yet.

Rasti
'We Must Dissent'
VTD 3219

P.S. Panama Jack, You know I'm long winded about topics that have nothing to do about the game I'd like to know if you mind or not. Could you PM me? If I'm reaching too far out of bounds for your tastes, this is your baby, I just play here

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Apr 20, 2005 - 8:42 pm

Post Date: Apr 20, 2005 - 8:01 pm

Rasti ReDux ;)

I've just noticed I've been gone long enough that the blogs that define me have been shuffled into history. For those newer players who read this but have never met me in game, a brief Description is in Onder:

I am Rasti, and by nature I am a Comedian. I find Life to be generally a fun and funny place, full of absurd situations that you HAVE to laugh at, or go insane trying to figure out the why of it.
I am also an evangelical agnostic. I do not know who's face or nome for the Divine is correct, but I am pretty sure just about all of the religions have it wrong.

I live in Florida, not far at all from Disney World. Being a native to Florida I am obligated by birth to dislike tourists, and those people who move here and complain about my state, or fail to learn the local languages and customs (English/Spanish, Flip-flops ARE acceptable footwear )
We have for the most part recovered from the 3 hurricanes that came through here last year, but my wife current medical problems are a drain on our time and resources. I use games like this one as something of an escape, and the people I meet/talk to/ type to out here are a joy (Especially Langel, who enjoys a special place in my heart for someone who I've never met ITRW. She grounds me while lifting my spirits at the same time, if you ever have a chance to chat with her, you understand. )

I am known for long winded blogs when I get going, on a range of topics, probably far more fitting for a true blogsite as opposed to a game site. Anyone who needs/ wants my opinion on a matter, feel free to PM me.

Rasti
'We Must Dissent' Sister Miriam Godwinson -Alpha Centari
VTD 3200

Post Date: Apr 20, 2005 - 6:03 am

Not Gone, Not Forgotten ;)

It's a Good News, Bad news Day.

The Good: Langel Lives!! Lil Angel has returned to the online world from a far too long an Absence. Tell them more about yuorself Lang, there are many players who've never met/played against ya.

The Bad: It's 2 Herniated Discs my wife has, and we are starting the process of getting her operated on. Thankfully we are insured, but I'm still looking at 5-8 K worth of bills. Big Fun.

Rasti
'We Must Dissent'
VTD 3161

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Apr 18, 2005 - 8:47 pm

Post Date: Apr 18, 2005 - 8:47 pm

When it Rains . . . ;)

We've jumped from one treatment to another. Now she has developed a chronic pain in her right arm/neck. Just not as jovial as normal.

Rasti
'Still waiting for the new beta'
aka Rast in daimonin

VTD 2766
http://home.cfl.rr.com/bearware/

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Mar 17, 2005 - 9:20 pm

Post Date: Mar 17, 2005 - 9:17 pm

Update

Wife had her surgery, turned out to be a fibroid cyst (Non-cancerous) Just waiting for the bills to come in. Joy

Rasti
VTD 2385
'We Must Dissent'


Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Feb 14, 2005 - 5:56 am

Post Date: Feb 14, 2005 - 5:56 am

Updates

Got the wife going in for surgery this friday. After listening to the doctors myself I'm not as worried as originally. The Wife family history has fibroid cysts, and no recent history of cancer, also this is a lump that she's monitored for over 5 years now, with no significant change.

I am at the mercy of the Medical system here in America, I could almost lead me to prayer.

Almost

Rasti
'We Must Dissent'
VTD 2302

P.S. Is it me, or did Groundhog Day come early for PJ?

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Feb 1, 2005 - 3:58 pm

Post Date: Feb 1, 2005 - 3:53 pm

And then, sometimes, Life just sucks ;)

I'll probably be posting less over the next few weeks. Yesterday the wife got back from the doctors with news that she has a lump, and the doctors think it may be cancerous. We are setting up for it's removal, but considering this same disease claimed my mother when I was younger it bums me out badly. I'll still pop in and post as I can.  
Everyone please do get you physicals done, for you and your family's sake.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD 2186

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Jan 25, 2005 - 5:57 am

Post Date: Jan 25, 2005 - 5:55 am

Gentlemen's Bet ;)

I'll bet that at the end of the countdown a

'Phase 2: 7 days' Appears.

Making all of us Suckers

Rasti
'We Must Dissent, Evil Clowns Rule!!!!!'
VTD 2154

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Jan 21, 2005 - 6:06 pm

Post Date: Jan 21, 2005 - 6:05 pm

It's the Final Coutdown. Europe-I love the 80's

Pj's built up the suspense on the new release, with a countdown timer.   I can't Wait for the 'catch phrases to start popping up.

'AAT Nu-Beta 'Now with more Fizz!!!!'

AAT - 'Attitude, at the Speed of Java'

'AAT, Would a Clown Lie?'

If anyone's got some better catch slogans out there (Be Clean, this is a Family/teen Site) I'd love to see them posted.

Rasti
'We Must Dissent, at least till Zero Hour'
VTD 2000

P.S. Thanks all for pushing me past 2K now. Just as a funny aside, Typing 'Dissent' into the blog search on the main page gives back 18 hits

Post Date: Jan 14, 2005 - 9:01 pm

Lots a looky, not comments?

You all a bunch of looky loo's out there? Havn't had word 1 come back from my posts. PM me and I'll compile the results.
Also, NG had a good idea, plus a good new word. 'n00blet'. While game-wise I'm far from a top player, I do have a play-style anyone looking to apprentice can also PM me.

Enough of the Game: on to politics, No WMD, No Mistakes, No Regrets, You can't spell WRONG without a W. (I want that as a bumper Sticker, to compete with the Morgue-ish 'W the president' Stickers.) Americans have the attention span of a 15 year old on Viagra.

Rasti
'We Must Dissent, till the End of Days.'
VTD 1981

Post Date: Jan 13, 2005 - 8:48 pm

Free form forum

Items up for debate:

1) Who makes the best Hamburger or Fries

2)  Everybody's God(God's) declare their 'faithful' as the saved ones. Who wins? How many wars could be prevented if this was stopped?

3)  Anybody out there know how the 'M' is placed on each M&M?

4)  Will the movie 'Sin City' own you, like fat boys own cake?



Rasti
'We Must Dissent, for the people'
VTD 1933

Post Date: Jan 11, 2005 - 8:02 pm

 



Yes, I am

Rasti
'We must Dissent'

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Jan 10, 2005 - 7:39 pm

Post Date: Jan 10, 2005 - 7:38 pm

Fun-ner than B4

Just caught PJ's newest blog, kinda sped-read thru it. It looks like the new beta is going to be totally different from the game format we've seen so far. by the pics he posted it looks like AAT going to go towards more of a gothic horror type format. ? I know I don't get it either, but PJ's the code-man so if he wants to make the game that way, then it's his baby.



If you havn't firgured out I'm kidding by now, then you need to yank the phone/cable line out of your computer, you should not be out here in the internet It's full of all sorts of strange people/things, most of which can damage a simple mind( And don't even get me started on that Hampster Dance thing, Evil, Pure Evil.)
I'm be posting and chatting sunday nght as well, got to turn in early, wife wants to go to the flea market tommorrow morn. A bit of wisdom about flea markets, the best deals happen early on, if you can get there while people are still setting up you can find some really neat, and sometimes valuable stuff.

Rasti
'We must Dissent, but the blogs get more popular '
VTD 1874

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Jan 11, 2005 - 7:54 pm

Post Date: Jan 8, 2005 - 10:17 pm

Trip Like I do, Can you?

Got most of my stuffs in order now, so back to my commentaries.
Ramasi- once again an excellent example of why I don't talk about AAT much in this blog, I don't have the heart to type that much about it, or in that level of detail.

  Got religion pretty well covered in my last couple of blogs, at least for now. So on to my Third most favorite topic( The #1 fav is unlistable here, as it concerns things no youth should be exposed to too early, and I do mind the censor rules here. My olny comment there is to say:
Children, you are discovering NOTHING new, it's been done since before the time of man, and will continue long after we have gone away. Be safe, be carful, and have fun(but not too much fun) you are young and there is a long road out there ahead of you, choices you make now will have an effect on that.

Second Fav is Religon, but I've burned that cross well over the holidays here and I am content at the moment.

Third Fav, is Politics.
Background: My teenage years were during Reagan, and I felt then, and do still for the most part now, that he could do no wrong. Before the people you could feel he believed what he was saying, and had a Charisma that is Sorly lacking in our current Leadership. By principle, I'm a Democrat (Liberal). I believe people should be free to do mostly as they wish, so long as it dosn't directly hurt others.
Issues:
Guns: Pro-gun, In fact I believe that handgun use should be mandatory. The US is a Gun Society, and they can never be taken away, so the best way to deal with them is to go in the extreme opposite direction. 2/3rd of the homes in America do NOT have a gun in them. Robbers know this.
Gay Marriage: Pro. I'm a married man, I live close to a couple that have been together for over 25 years, both females. I could only wish my marriage could be as strong. I believe most of the anti-gay stands stem from fear, or weakness. Religion is not a valid issue to argue from. In the Middle East, gay 'acts' are punishable by Death, yet even faced with such an extreme, it still happens. Fear and Weakness.
Abortion; Pro. It's a hard one to decide on, and I've walked the fine line on this issue for awhile. In the end I've come down in favor, while it is not the best option, sometimes it can be the most viable one. I'll never have one, but I'll never deny someone else the right to.
Smaller issues: I'm a big military supporter (Served 8 Years Army) but I also believe in overwhelming force. Iraqi could have been solved at the cost of 1 Mid-Yield Nuclear bomb, placed over Bagdad. We've killed 15,000 Iraqi civilians so far and 1340 of our own. It would have also sent the message 'We will use whatever means Neccesary'.
  Democracy, as we have it, is flawed. The masses, given the ability to vote, will almost always vote for the goodies now, the costs, later. Nobody wins an election by telling the 'People' that they are going to have to pay for something. I am strongly in favor of bringing back some form of ballot 'qualifer'. At 36, with 20 years in the workforce, 8 years in the military, an a member of society in good standing, my vote is equal to some 18 year old who thinks Jessica Simpson would be a 'cool' President. Ugh.

Rasti
'We must Dissent, even if it's a rant'
VTD 1819

PostScript: I promise next blog will be more fun

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Jan 6, 2005 - 7:15 pm

Post Date: Jan 6, 2005 - 7:14 pm

Forget that

I have to take back my below invite, turns out the server is way too slow. It'll crash out at 5 players online and bogs down with just 3

Post Date: Jan 3, 2005 - 5:54 am

Resolutions:Redux

Starting off the year actually playing the the Game (Go figure)
After a year on this board here's my first 'join-in' blog plug
http://www.goodrich-oh.us/aatrade
The settings are mostly standard 30K sectors, I'm currently at lvl23 engines and my furthest point in the map is still 48turns realspace, so it's a big'un.
(Note to 'broken' game players, this one isn't for you, unless you intrested in learning how to play a 'normal' game.)

Rasti
'We must Dissent, Resistance is never futile'
VTD 1720

Post Date: Jan 2, 2005 - 6:50 pm

New Year's Resolutions ;)

To live better.

(My resolutions follow the K.I.S.S. principle: Keep it simple, stupid.)

Rasti
'We must dissent, 2005'
VTD 1698

Post Date: Jan 1, 2005 - 6:43 pm

Chipppy chat chat (bang)

Let me put my 2 bits in the last couple of blogs

ramasi: You are EXACTLY why I don't do game info anymore (This is NOT an insult ) There are other players out there who do a much better job at it than I could. I'd rather add flavor. If any 1 of you Motley sons-of a biscut-eaters crack a smile reading my rantings, then I've done my job, or if I've gotten somebody out there to engage in that lost art of THINKING.

Big's Big awards (Henceforth known by me as the Lil' Biggies)
From what I see of actual game play (Not much, I'm a lover not a fighter ) I'd have to agree with most of his nominations and awards. Except for the personal ones. I can't speak of any of the he/she/it saids. I do like the fact that someone besides the main game designers, (Forgive me my Lords, I'll nigh speak foul of thee ) can produce an awards list that other players will take seriously. Now ryan's award list. . . I'll not go there.

I also have to say I'm proud to have been nominated for a Lil Biggie in the blog Category, I will strive to do even better in 2005, But I do wish, as I'm sure most of you do, that Langel will return (I bow to her, no man could possibly type THAT Happy.)

The new Year approaches, and Glory be to the Gamers!

Rasti
'We must Dissent, Why, because we like You!!!' M-O-U-S-E!
You older players are laughing now, you younger players are scratching your heads, and I'm laughing at it all.

VTD 1647

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Dec 30, 2004 - 6:58 pm

Post Date: Dec 30, 2004 - 6:57 pm

Ok, time for the numbers

This is why I'm ticked whith our goverments current response to the situation in the Indies:

Federal outlays

Sugar Subsidy: 160 Million dollars
(yes, that's right the US subsidises the sugar industry, Without the subsidy the cost per pound would be much LOWER)

Federal funding for abstinence education: 135 Mill.

Peanut Subsidy: 140 Mill.
  (Choosy Taxpayers, Choose )
General Pork Barrel spending: 22.9 Billion Dollars

All above numbers come from the Citizens Against Goverment wast website.

http://www.cagw.org

Post Date: Dec 29, 2004 - 7:22 pm

Comfort, Served Hot and Cold

I've found my comfort food
I know it seems odd, but for me it's something. I have a tolerance for many foods, and a craving for few. Mostly I just eat because I need to, and almost never to the point of overfull(Listen up you young fat punks out there!!!)
anyway, I've found that Chicken pot pies, the kind premade and individual sized, found in freezers in supermarkets everywhere, is my comfort food. That and macaroni and cheese. Given those 2 foods alone I could easily eat them forever.

News of Note:
A big wave hit in Indonesia, ask yourself how much America WOULD be doing to help IF we were not in Iraq right now? It's would be a stupid amount more that we are currently doing. Compassionate Conservative, My left $#@$%!!!!

Rasti
'We Must Dissent, for the children'
VTD 1629

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Dec 29, 2004 - 6:22 pm

Post Date: Dec 29, 2004 - 6:21 pm

Happy Xmas, roundup

Not bad for a christmas. The weather sucks here though, lots of rain and wind and chill 50-60 degrees F. That's cold for Florida. The usually Family get together went well, no real quarrels. No suprises in the food dishes this time. (Grandma has a tendency to 'improvise' on some of the dishes, scary )
   Havn't gotten exactly what I wanted, but I am on my way. I'm waiting for the Prez to declare the earthquake in Sumatra the work of Al-queda and the Iraqi Insurgents, along with Doctor Evil and his Earthquake Ray. Thongs are generally looking up of the next years, so good fortune to all.

My big Xmas gift(not counting the promise of a new graphics card )


Evil has a sweet Tooth

Rasti
'We must Dissent, still'
VTD 1599

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Dec 26, 2004 - 8:22 pm

Post Date: Dec 26, 2004 - 5:11 pm

Something New ;)

I just ran into this and I had to post it

http://progressive.stream.aol.com/aol/us/moviefone/movies/2004/sincity_019736/sincity_trlr_01_dl.mov
                                                                    
it's the link to the Sin City trailer. It's great. Like one of the fans posted: 'This will own us like fat kids own cake.'

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Dec 21, 2004 - 10:17 pm

Post Date: Dec 21, 2004 - 10:17 pm

Ride on the Peace Train

Now I've been happy lately, thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Oh I've been smiling lately, dreaming about the world as one
And I believe it could be, some day it's going to come

Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a Peace Train
Oh Peace Train take this country, come take me home again

Now I've been smiling lately, thinking about the good things to come
And I believe it could be, something good has begun

Oh peace train sounding louder
Glide on the Peace Train
Come on now Peace Train
Yes, Peace Train holy roller

Everyone jump upon the Peace Train
Come on now Peace Train

Get your bags together, go bring your good friends too
Cause it's getting nearer, it soon will be with you

Now come and join the living, it's not so far from you
And it's getting nearer, soon it will all be true

Now I've been crying lately, thinking about the world as it is
Why must we go on hating, why can't we live in bliss

Cause out on the edge of darkness, there rides a peace train
Oh peace train take this country, come take me home again


Yousef Islam (Cat Stevens), Peace Train

and you wonder why the US put him on the Banned Traveler list. Lord knows the last thing we need in the US is someone calling for Peace, especially near the Holidays.

It just struck me today at work when this song came on the radio, It fits as much now as when it first came out.

  The Peace Train takes all riders, usually 1 at a time. Come ride the Peace Train.

Happy Holidays to all, even you devout zealot Christian nutjobs

Rasti
'Riding the Peace Train'
VTD 1569

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Dec 21, 2004 - 8:52 pm

Post Date: Dec 21, 2004 - 8:48 pm

I don't mean to be Godless, But I am. . . .

Actually Chorus of a song named 'Godless' I forgot the band though.
Gotten a few questions in chat about my posting, I'd like to take a moment to answer them.

1) I know it's an AAT board, but as a player, I'm a moderate. I have a life and cannot devote the time (Or anger) to be a great player. Most of my hints and tips to playing can be found in other(better) players blogs, so I dedicate my blogs mostly to ranting, lending a player playing with, or against me, an idea of what they've gotten themselves into

2) After the recent temp ban on a ranting player, I want to say my own peace (not a typo) . I am, by nature, an evil man. I took me 36 years to get this way, and I feel I have a number of years left to work on it. That being said, I agree whole-heartedly with the stand against profanity. Here on the net I've noticed that the people who swear the most tend to be the youngest. I'm far from a prude myself, having used every word not in the book, plus a number of wonderful combinations of those words . However, there are better ways to express one's anger. First play better, second, think better. I've gotten a few players of balance and swearing at me a few times, in fact I enjoy it most of the time. If I can get the other player off-balance by that much, then they get sloppy. In AAT, Sloppy Joes get eaten.    (Quote that one, my Lords ).

3) I've had a few questions over the past couple of days regarding my religious beliefs, and the basis of them. I am an Agnostic/Atheist. I follow NONE of the tenets regarding the Judeo-Christian God, or Allah, or Adam God (Mormon), or Buddist, Norse,Pagan, Hindu, or any of the others that believe that they have the ONE Truth. I did not have a 'turning away point', I'm not a lost faithful, I was never found. I was raised to allow myself a choice, and I have chosen None of the Above. I do not recommend it to others, it is not an easy system, since I have no 'Higher Power' to believe in, anything that happens to and around me I must break down to a rational reason. It can be lonely at times, and humbling. On a Universal time scale, our whole human history is equal to a flash of light on a dust mote. 20,000 years from now, nothing of us will be remembered, save for some archeologist's footnote, maybe.
   The biggest question/arguement I get is on the 'Afterlife'. I have no desire to live FOREVER. Forever is a really, really damn long time. What kind of value can you put on life, when you know that it's just a short time in a forever existence? But, according to most beliefs, what you do in this 'short' period of time determines how you spend the rest of that exisitence. Play any game, while reading/learning the rules, against an experienced player, and see who wins. If somehow you win, either the other player 'let' you win, or it's 'Beginner's Luck'. Faith seems to me to be based on' Beginner's Luck' Sounds cold, but it's my opinion.

  Morals: I don't need a religion to tell me right from wrong, I had Parents. Hurting other people is bad, hurting other people who hurt other people, good. Simple? Golden Rule.
Life is worth living simply because it is. When it no longer becomes worth living, with no hope of reversal (ex. terminal case) then it is time to go. Knowledge is good, It's application can be horrible. We as a species, are better than the rest of the world, just not by very much. Try not to mess it up too much while your here.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD 1541



Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Dec 18, 2004 - 4:59 pm

Post Date: Dec 18, 2004 - 4:54 pm

We must dissent

Will we next create false gods to rule over us? How proud we have become, and how blind.
Sister Miriam Godwinson, "We Must Dissent"

I've had some questions on my latest tag line that I've used for the past 5 or so blogs. above is the original context from which it derives.

  Now my take, and purpose on it. We live in a complacent time. Life is relatively easy. We work, do our needed things, piddle with our unneeded things, and basicaly give lip service to the state of affairs in our wotld. Right now, both while I am typing this, and while you are reading it, people are dying, children are going hungry, and some people are getting richer by letting this happen.

We must dissent.
As I have said in the past, I am a nihilist by nature and an agnostic by birthright. While I have no problem with humanity hitting the big reset switch and dumping the majority of us into the Void, I do care about how we treat each other.
  We are slowly but surely changing the planet, a window seat on any plane flight over 2 hours long can show you that, especially at dusk and dawn. Nature works in a balance, and it is a balance we do not obey. In the food chain, we are a prime order predator, our ancestors rose up gathered together, and multipied, to the detriment of everything else on this planet. Also to clarify, I'm not a bleeding heart liberal, Peta, Earth First, ELF, Greenpeace kind of guy, most of those groups I consider follies, amusements that have no real effect on the state of things. We have gone too far for that.

Learn to swim.
Rasti
VTD1519

'We must Dissent'

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Dec 15, 2004 - 6:47 pm

Post Date: Dec 15, 2004 - 6:46 pm

So Just leave it alone, Cus we can't see eye to eye. . .

Ther ain't no Good Guys, There ain't no Bad guys.
Ther's only you and me, and we just disagree.. (So die now)

Yeah, enough junk talk on the blogs, but in all truth that's what the blogs are for. It's a free for all, unfortunatly id's can post and vent just as much as anyone. By comment you only feed into the cycle. Example:

Totally modded out ATT game that bears no resemblance to PJ's concept (All Hail, moment of revered Silence ) Along comes a noob to play it,( We'll refer to him as 'Milk breath'); and scores well, gets his/her/it's little ego boosted up after that mean ole' lunch money incident the morning before (Bad bully,no donut). Now MB thinks he/she/it is a good player, and starts thumping his (Hairless) chest, and attracts the attention of another player(Insert Skilled Player's Name Here).
  Now Player, who's been around the AAT block a few dozen times and knows his/her stuff gets mad at Milk Breath for his chest thumping and starts blogging about it. All of a sudden other players are starting to blog about the 'feud' between the 2, and make their own postings. Then along comes a player ( Give him the name Wisea$$) who posts this long, drawn-out blog (With an Example) to state the Obvious:

The Noob is a Noob, Why deal with him? Player should know better, Right? Right?

Rasti
'Who is more foolish, the fool, or the fool that follows?'
VTD 1488

'We must Dissent'

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Dec 13, 2004 - 7:06 pm

Post Date: Dec 13, 2004 - 7:02 pm

It's been awhile, since I, . . . .

Love my Song snippet intros. If you know the songs, then good. If not, you suck. Not really, to each their own.

Politics is boring for the moment, we are in a general state of  TARFU in this grand ol' USA, IMHO

Game-wise, not doing much lately. My uncle got me hooked on World of Warcraft, so I'm spending time learning about it before making the plundge into it (Also begging the wife to let me ) Wifes, half the money and all the p. . . let me not finish that thought

World-wise: Still to many people out there

Rasti
'We Must Dissent'
VTD 1445

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Dec 9, 2004 - 7:21 pm

Post Date: Dec 9, 2004 - 7:18 pm

I have Borne Witness to the Apopcalypse . . .

http://www.boohbah.com/zone.html

It is official, Society is Doomed

I should post a warning to the above link, If you voted for BUSH, Do not enter, the site may trap you

Rasti
VTD 1375
'We Must Dissent'

Entry Edited 5 times - Edited on Nov 24, 2004 - 9:18 pm

Post Date: Nov 24, 2004 - 9:12 pm

Politics Redux

Scenario: If a invader attcks my country, and installs it's own goverment, am I a Patriot or an Insurgent to resist?  All the talk of Terrorists and Insurgecny glosses over the fact that Iraq, under Saddam was the most Unfriendly Arab counrty to Al-Quada. 'The Base' is a religious Fundamentalist Movement(Much like an Armed Moral Majority here in America, Google 'World Church of the Creator' for a prime example) but it's religious underpinnings is in direct opposition to the former goverment of Iraq.

Food for thought: IF(big if) we manage to create a viable election process in Iraq, then reason dictates that the most organized group will do the best in the elections. What group in Iraq is the most organized/able to 'get out the vote'?

Kudos if you said the religious groups

Extra Credit: Which country in the Middle East had the higher literacy rate, and the higher rate of women with degrees and employed?

(Hint: WAS, past tense)

I know, I know this is a game web site, get off the politics, but the junk repeated in the media over and over again sickens me. America is Lost. 9/11 was our equivalent of the Spanish Succession.

Rasti
'We must Dissent'
VTD 1345


Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Nov 19, 2004 - 6:37 pm

Post Date: Nov 19, 2004 - 6:20 pm

Newer Idea ;)

How about a permanent Trait that sticks with your master Profile? Some bonus that can be enabled/disabled in the games that is stored on the master server. Like starting a game with lvl10 hulls, or armor, or cloak, or extra cash? Or a permanent +1 bonus to the same for any ship you pilot. As you win/place in official tourneys, you gain more traits on the master server, it would give the game more of an RPG feel, and increase the master profile usage.

While I'm in 'Dream' mode, how about making signing in on the master mandatory for getting into a game? with a passthru if for some unknown reason the master is down.

Rasti
'To dream a little dream'
VTD 1308

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Nov 16, 2004 - 8:42 pm

Post Date: Nov 16, 2004 - 8:42 pm

We love to Squatt, and it shows ;)

Up to 5 kills in the Thunderdome as of this posting, with the money from the kills I've gotten close to unkillable in 1 on 1 heads up, plus I know where all the corners are

P.S I think I like this, after a couple of bad starts, and a steep learning curve, I can finally understand why players attack other players. I've always been a Builder/Trader/Scavenger player, never really going against other players, But I'm learning

Rasti
'StarScream's Red-Headed Stepchild'
VTD 1297

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Nov 14, 2004 - 12:49 am

Post Date: Nov 14, 2004 - 12:48 am

Everyone's Posting about Thunderdome

Here's my take on it.

It's fun
It's fast
And it's more popular than I think it's creator thought it would be. My Lord, I hope you get it automated, or pass it off to another before you bore of maintaining it.

Rasti
'We who are about to die. . .'
VTD1279

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Nov 11, 2004 - 5:23 pm

Post Date: Nov 11, 2004 - 5:23 pm

Mondays, ug

Gotta Love Mondays, the more you have, the longer you live

Piddling around on a couple of servers, but no one else is playing seriously, so niether will I. Gives me time to do things in the real world. Did some touch up painting around the house over the weekend, still waiting on shingles for the roof, like most Floridians I'm quickly become an expert on roofing products.

Been Spending a good bit of time in the chat room, chatting, needs more talkers though. I only see about the same 8 people, and rarely all at the same time.

Rasti
'We of the Abyss'
VTD 1262

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Nov 8, 2004 - 8:38 pm

Post Date: Nov 8, 2004 - 8:37 pm

Politics for the day:

[url] http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/ [/url]

Rasti
'We love our Debt, and it shows '

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Nov 7, 2004 - 7:57 pm

Post Date: Nov 7, 2004 - 7:55 pm

Ideas while Smoking in a Smuggler's Bar ;)

Had some thoughts while scribbling in the corner of the Smuggler's bar

-A Master ship, stored on the master server, that if the game allows you can bring into a game.

-I still like my turn limit Idea for 1on1 tourneys, no regen on turns, or a negative regen rate. Highest score at 0 turns wins.

-I likes the portalling idea in the forums, moving from server to server.

Research Idea (next version)

Sector evolvers/devolvers

Bio-weapons

Sector Killers

Best trade analyzers

Rasti




Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Nov 6, 2004 - 4:29 pm

Post Date: Nov 6, 2004 - 3:34 pm

Seen all good people . . .

All we are saying,
is give peace a chance.
Yes- Roundabout.

Seen all good people turn their heads to stay so satisfied.

Rasti
VTD1198
'With Genetic Engineering, one day, Pigs will Fly'

Post Date: Nov 5, 2004 - 6:58 pm

I spoke to a God today ;)

Got to chat with TH in the chatroom today, which mostly consisted of Hero-worship to a designer. All in Good fun

Excerpt:
[] 8:16 pm: TH is my sheperd, I shall not want
[] 8:16 pm: lol...cya
Tarnus Harten has left at 8:16
[] 8:16 pm: Though He lay me down in digital pastures
[] 8:17 pm: with naught but a pioneer
[] 8:17 pm: I shall not want
[] 8:17 pm: LOL
[] 8:17 pm: AMOM
[] 8:18 pm: just Imagine if PJ ever showed up here

Note to PJ: If your ever down, and need cheering up, If I'm in chat I'll oblige with some due worship. You've made a great game. I know you hear more about bugs and improvements than anything, but the only reason that happens is because there are so many of us who want to play


Rasti
'And they strode the Earth, as Gods, amoung men.'
VTD1175

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Nov 4, 2004 - 7:32 pm

Post Date: Nov 4, 2004 - 7:29 pm

Well. . . . . oh, well

Looks like Bushie gets to stay after all, but on the bright side we did have a good turn out to vote. Here's to hoping that the 2nd time around is better than the first

Rasti
'Sometimes, freedom isn't free, takes on a new meaning'
VTD 1149

Post Date: Nov 3, 2004 - 6:18 pm

Happy Halloweenie ;)

New year, new picture, enjoy

Rasti

Post Date: Oct 31, 2004 - 2:14 pm

Happy Festival of Samhain ;)

Not really anything to update or comment on at the momment, just enjoying the approaching Halloween, wishing it was a bigger event, realizing that it is the beginning of the holiday seasons nowadays. Once the whole election is rapped up it'll be a full court press towards Christmas.

Rasti
VTD 1119
'It is Un-American to live within your means'

Post Date: Oct 30, 2004 - 9:21 pm

Updates from the Storm zone

Got our Insurance settlement in and banked. Now it's just a matter of waiting for the supplies. For some strange reason the Architectural style tiles are all sold out, but the common 3 tab shingles are still on the shelf. Note to other household owners: Arch. shingles are the way to go on a shongle roof. Cedar shake sucks under storm conditions. Metal roofs and tile(Stone) are hit and miss, depending on age and quality.

Ryland homes sucks as well, we have reports of over 1000 homes in the orlando area less than 1 year old that had water intrusion around windows and through the walls themselves(No primer coat under the paint jobs, concrete IS porous people.)

Rasti
'Life is Good, Given the alternative '
VTD 1100

Post Date: Oct 29, 2004 - 8:45 pm

Bring back farscape, oh and templates too ;)

Saw the Farscape Miniseries this week, reminded me how much I miss that show. Also, has anyone thought of doing a farscape template?

OK, just a little politics
http://www.motherjones.com/news/dailymojo/2004/10/10_515.html

Those of us who are prior military understand.

Rasti
VTD 1067
'The tree of Liberty . . .'

Addendum:
"If tyranny and oppression come to this land, it will be in the guise of fighting a foreign enemy."
  --  James Madison

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Oct 20, 2004 - 10:39 pm

Post Date: Oct 20, 2004 - 10:06 pm

Just when you Think . Humanity is not so bad

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/southflorida/sfl-1014femachief,0,2655197.story?coll=sfla-home-headlines

For those that don't care to link thru. Miami-Dade county recieved 21 million dollars from FEMA for the hurricanes we had, problem is, the 3 hurricanes never came near Miami.

In other news, kids, don't wrap saran wrap between 2 trees across a road at night, it's an innocent prank when it's a car involved, but for the motorcycle that hit it, it was a different story.

No politics this time, everyone's had enough of it for now

Rasti
VTD 1037
'The future is . . . 9?'

PS Thanks for the push past the 1K mark, PM me if you want anyrhing in particular blogged here.

Post Date: Oct 14, 2004 - 5:29 pm

Still Around, still working ;), Still . . . .

Still around, just working in the world without computers thats out there. (Note to self, get a laptop) Roof is still tarped a fashionable red, wating on the insurance company to release the funds, but it works to my favor as the price and selection of shingle types are a litle high, and low right now. Have done all my measurements and lists of supplies, and the temperature down here has turned for the better. Mid-day highs are in the low 80's right now.

Not playing in the tourney (again ) points for consistency.

  Politics are winding down, for now, getting into the last gasps. Don't know who's going to win yet, but I do predict an assasination attempt on the winner, emotions are running high on both sides with this one.

Rasti
'Blessed be, he who does not believe.'
VTD 1026



Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Oct 13, 2004 - 7:06 pm

Post Date: Oct 13, 2004 - 7:05 pm

I'm back, again

Good news evil doers, I live.

Bad news, My house is now one of the tarped houses you see in all the pictures. If they show it it'll be easy to spot, I went with a far more fashionable Red tarp as opposed to the popular blues and silvers. Insurance hasn't been too bad, they responded well, however by the time a roofing company becomes available that I trust, i'll have most of the work done myself. If anyone has had some experience laying shingle on a roof, let me know.

Rasti
VTD 954
Godless, Roofless, and a couple of other less-es

Post Date: Sep 28, 2004 - 6:31 pm

Last blog before the storm

  Here we go again,
I'll be up and back as I can, If you don't hear from me, then I probably running nekkid through the rain, again

P.S. Hell of a visual, ain't it?


Rasti
VTD 929
'Running Amok, with arms akimbo.'

Link to local newspaper:
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Sep 25, 2004 - 5:48 pm

Post Date: Sep 25, 2004 - 2:28 pm

Gimme Shelter

'Storm is Threatening.' Rolling Stones, Gimme Shelter

We're going for number 4 now, kudos for us. Wish I had put stock in Home Depot and Lowes, they are selling out of building supplies as fast as they can get them.
  Given the current mood in the US, the war abroad, I've got the above song running through my head constantly. Hopefully this current spate of storms will stop by the end of next month, The Festival of Samhain is approaching and I'd rather not have any dampeners on it.

Rasti
'If I don't get some Shelter'
VTD 909

Post Date: Sep 23, 2004 - 11:15 pm

Ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-changes ;)

Looks like PJ and gang are starting to get serious about loggers and bloggers. This to me is a good thing. I do wish to know more about the parameters we are posting under.

While it is not my nature to use 'obsene' language. being profane is second nature. I find it an enjoyable challenge to paint an ugly picture without the use of vulgarity.

It is their board and game so I'll happily abide by it's rules, can't wait for the latest mods.

TW2002 id Dead, Long live AAT

Rasti
VTD 874
'Your mother was a Hamster'

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Sep 18, 2004 - 7:55 am

Post Date: Sep 18, 2004 - 7:54 am

Damn

No such Luck, New Orleans still lives. for now.

I must be praying to the wrong people



Oh, Dark (Yet cuddly) Lord, why have you forsaken your devout?

I MUST own 1 of these. Cthulhu rules all.

Rasti
VTD 857
'Cthulhu for President-Why choose the LESSER Evil? '

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Sep 16, 2004 - 9:05 pm

Post Date: Sep 16, 2004 - 9:04 pm

The Comes a Time . . . . ;)

It looks like Ivan won't be coming here (thankfully) even without it we've got a lot of cleaning up and drying out to do. a number of communities around me have flooding problems. This comes mostly from greedy developers and dumb northerners. The first will build a house IN a lake and tell you it's high and dry, and the latter is dumb/niave enough to believe them. I feel sorry for them, but in a 'don't raise my rates because of them' kind of way.

  Anyway, Here's my prediction, before the fact. New Orleans will be remembered in the history books for the city it WAS.

Starting to get back into the groove of things, made a donation to the AAT cause through Paypal, wish E-bay would market it harder, it is the default money transfer system of the internet. I see serious World Bank level potential there.

If your new to reading my blogs I should have warned you, I don't talk too much about the Game here. I like to think this is more of a place where you learn more about that other player.

Rasti
VTD 828

'Ivan + City below Sea Level= New New Orleans?'

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Sep 14, 2004 - 9:18 pm

Post Date: Sep 14, 2004 - 9:17 pm

And the Hits keep rolling along.

It's offical, someone in Florida has incurred the wrath of Nature.3 serious Hurricanes in a months time? We've got a local televangelist saying we deserve it because of our 'sinful' lifestyles, particularly 'Gay Days'. Not to get on too much of a rant about religion, but seriously, would you follow a God that causes so much pain and hardship to the innocent just to send a message? F-ing Zealots.(No I'm not angry )

In the Gaming World:

Playing on CSimplex's server, small universe, smaller still for bumping into my bestest, favorite, half a world away, friend/player. (and before I get corrected for my Grammer, I know best should not be enchanced that way, but it works, so there )

Post Date: Sep 9, 2004 - 8:21 pm

I;m Still Standing (Yeah,Yeah,Yeah)

Google Elton John if you Didn't catch The title.

I'm Still here, the House took a little damage to the shingles, didn't lose power, but had a couple of fluxes on and off.

Will enjoy sleeping tonight, It's hard having a decent sleep when wind gusts ebb and flow every other hour, The first Hurricane(Charley) was a gut punch, hard and fast, this time around was a slow methodical beatdown, relentless.

Thanks to you all that gave love in your blogs and messages, it's good to know that even an old evil bastard such as myself can find sympathy. and a special thanks to Big and Vicious, for blowing me out of Darkelves during the storm. Glad to see there are some heartless souls out there, But seeing as how I have a bedmate that's not an animal, or a plastic blow-up doll, I won't complain about those 2 too much.

Much Love, and a Love to hate

Rasti
VTD 763


Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Sep 7, 2004 - 7:01 pm

Post Date: Sep 6, 2004 - 7:28 pm

 

Z- 2 Hours, 29 Mins

Here we Go again, Once more with Feeling



Hopefully this will inspire less people to move down here. I know, that's more of a Pipe Dream than a Happy Thought

Rasti
Safety in Number (Not a typo )
VTD 743

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Sep 4, 2004 - 8:55 am

Post Date: Sep 4, 2004 - 8:53 am

Still Coming, Really Happy thoughts now ;)

Z-1day, 16 hours 52mins

Lokking good now, with a little luck it'll pass right under us. I need to remind myself to take more pictures.

Also , Huge kudos to the pizza guy that delivered 2 days after Charley, while most others were without power, and the streets were a mess.

Happy Thoughts, BOHICA

Rasti
VTD 728
Welcome to the Sunshine State

Post Date: Sep 2, 2004 - 6:32 pm

Happy Thoughts (Cont.)

I'd make a list too, but I'm still in Happy thoughts mode
(Z-2days:14hrs:12 mins)

Got another one coming, If I believed in a Vengeful higher power I'd being to think she didn't like me.

Happy Thoughts


Rasti
VTD 706
'That which does not kill me . . .'

Entry Edited 9 times - Edited on Sep 1, 2004 - 9:12 pm

Post Date: Sep 1, 2004 - 9:09 pm

The Sleeper Shall Awaken

Z hour 135, and counting

Still thinking happy thoughs, Happy, happy Joy Joy

Butterflies & Puppy Dogs, Cat 3 Hurricanes, no wait, nevermind.

Happy Thoughts

Rasti
VTD 688

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 30, 2004 - 9:42 pm

Post Date: Aug 30, 2004 - 9:40 pm

Z Hour

Z - 160 hours and counting

Rasti
'Washing a Pale Horse'
VTD 671

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 28, 2004 - 9:03 pm

Post Date: Aug 28, 2004 - 9:02 pm

Hurricane update w/ Pics

I uploaded some Pictures from the Hurricane to my Web Page, here's the link:

http://home.cfl.rr.com/bearware

I'd recommend Bradband only cause it takes a bit for the pics to load in, it's about 3 Megs worth

Welcome to sunny Florida.

Still being the Happy Guy, No politics, or religion, no hating(Still excepting New Yorkers )

Rasti
'Entropy yields Oblivion'
VTD 653

P.S. Lil Angel, You go Girl!

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 25, 2004 - 5:45 pm

Post Date: Aug 25, 2004 - 5:44 pm

Evil takes a Walkabout ;)

In light of my experience with good ol' Mother N,(I'll post the pics sometime soon) I've decided to take a crack at being Nice again, albiet realizing that humanity will sour me again, but being an optimistic Nihlist is fun. Back to playing AAT again, in between cleaning up my yard and house and helping my neighbors piece things back together. A lot of people became natives this month, riding a Cat 4 hurricane out is an automatic pass. It builds a sense of community that lacks around here. Except for the New Yorkers, those bitter misguided lumps of weak DNA that more down here are so F......

Oops, I did say I'm trying to be nice, Sorry.

P.S. New Yorkers are a pain though.

Rasti
'Better Living Though Superior Firepower'
VTD 622

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Aug 24, 2004 - 6:04 pm

Post Date: Aug 24, 2004 - 5:54 pm

Beware, I Live ;)

I'm back, Time to eat some Crow

Been without Power for the last week now, Just got back Now. I have Learned a number of neat new things.

1) Electricity is GOOD, Air Conditioning is your Friend.

2) Milk lasts 24 hrs in an unpowered Fringe before going Bad

3) The freezer lasts 48 Hours before going kaput.

4) You can live off of cereal for a day breakfast lunch and Dinner

5) My older house Circa 1962, trumps some newer houses.

Oh, yeah. Still love ya'll ( truly not Sacastically) and we humans are still such a small thing in the face of nature.

Rasti
VTD 596

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Aug 20, 2004 - 6:56 pm

Post Date: Aug 20, 2004 - 6:55 pm

Just when you Think God dosn't love you ;)

Jesus Loves me, Yes I know, 'cause the Bible . . .




Ha.

Rasti
VTD 568

Love Y'all

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Aug 13, 2004 - 7:00 pm

Post Date: Aug 13, 2004 - 6:58 pm

Still Here

As reported on Drudge, the Media has whipped this hurricane up into a full-blown (Voluntary) evacuation. The Voluntary Part keeps getting sropped out of the reports, not scary enough. As predicted the lead stories were on how there's a rush for supplies at all the dept stores. Lucky you all with the other natural disasters, ours comes with several days of Media induced insanity.

Question? If there was no Court TV, Would there have been a riot after the Rodney King verdict? Also, why do Rioters burn down their own neighborhoods? or cities? If you Team just won the Championship, go burn down the loser's town, I think it would give them incentive to try harder next time

In tribute to the Storm, after work (Yes work still calls me in during evacuations, Go figure I'll be up in the chatroom during landfall. Short of a Lightining Cell passing through,(Contrary to Movies, not a lot of lightning happens during a hurricane, some, but not the flash/strobe type seen in movies for dramatic effect) I plan to chat as I can during the storm.

Note to L: Go have fun, be safe, Smile a happy smile and laugh as long as your able.

Rasti
VTD 546

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Aug 12, 2004 - 10:16 pm

Post Date: Aug 12, 2004 - 10:10 pm

I'm a Storm I'm a Storm, I'm a storm . . . . . . . (Computer Storm Sim ;) )

I'm on the fringe of the infamous, double trouble Storms. Shrub Jr. has already declared a state of emergency ( Gee, on the spot there Jeb, now how about Taxes, Education, Welfare, Development, Water Resources, Posioning the aquifer, overdrawing the enviroment, anything? Hello? No? I didn't think so.

Note to you all out there non-natives to Florida. Hurricanes are DANGEROUS. Really. They make normal intelligent people act like complete morons. What is going to make landfall in the next couple of days will NOT be another Andrew, or Donna. But the Infotainment complex is whipping up old news footage and showing it constantly. 'Watch us, we'll scare the S out of you, News at 11'

I'm a Native Floridian. Eathquakes scare me silly, I'd run amok with arms akimbo if the ground started shaking beneath me. Hurricanes, Tornados, Lightning, Alligators(Gators) don't scare me. I am however, a realist. I know when not to finish a golf game, get out of a lake, or take cover. I know the safest part of my house, and I know when to cut a run. I know that if I do, most stuff stays behind, but these storms are not one of those, not where I live. But right now Home Depot and Lowes are running out of Rope, Plywood, and Duct Tape and half the people buying it don't know what to do with it.

Tommorrow, The news will start running pieces on supplies running low, and that You shouldn't leave your lawn chairs out in the yard. Friday they'll sent reporters to the coast so they can stand in the rain an report 'on site' that the storm is comeing, and how great they are and will do everything to stay on the air during this 'Crisis'. People will buy this. Humanity is Doomed. Individuals, are generally smart, but this is inversly proportional to the number of people present.

Read the Lyrics to Tool's 'AEnima', and you'll know exactly how I feel

'Learn to swim, Learn to swim'  

Rasti
VTD 530

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Aug 11, 2004 - 6:54 pm

Post Date: Aug 11, 2004 - 6:53 pm

I know, I know

I know this is a game site blog, but some of these things just burn my chaps so bad I have yo yell about them somewhere:

http://www.nbc13.com/news/3589877/detail.html

For all of you outside the US, remember, we're suppose to be the land of the free. To all of you inside the US, VOTE, and to all of you poor souls in Alabama, stop marrying your relatives and getting them into politics

Rasti
VTD 491

'Double AA battaries are our friends '

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 29, 2004 - 5:04 pm

Post Date: Jul 29, 2004 - 5:03 pm

Just when you Think . . . ;)

Just When you think Rasti is a Dark, Cold-Hearted Bastard

http://home.cfl.rr.com/bearware

(Really I am, I'm just Married to my Polar Opposite ), It's fun!!

Just 1 Opinion away from a good arguement, Just 1 Good argument away from making up!!

Rasti
VTD 476
'Guns don't kill people, it's just that little popping sound they make.'

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 26, 2004 - 8:23 pm

Post Date: Jul 26, 2004 - 8:21 pm

Sorry, if I sounded gruff L Angel ;)

Sorry if my tone/tempo came across as brisk ofr angry, I did not mean it, especially directed. I don't care what you post as wieght and Height numbers, from the other side of the world you'll always look like one of those Sailor Scouts to me. Most likely Sailor Mercury, but enough of the fantisizing, Dieting is a big issue to me because of living in America, the Land of Excess. Every time you turn around someone 'invents' a new diet, and most of them are worthless.
Trans-Fatty acids are the new hype and the fact that it's taken this long for people to find out they are bad for you annoys me. I'm not a mad-dog naturalist, but I do hate synthenics in general. Doesn't it seem odd that we as a species are developing all these problems (asthma, ADD, parkinson's, etc.) within the last couple of generations? The old saying 'they don't build them like they use to' is NOT suppose to apply to Humans.


Langel?
Rasti
VTD 463

P.S. Side note: Thanks guys (Csimplex & Phaser) you got me hooked on that Dragon Knight game. Reminds me of Bard's Tale when it first started. Games don't need fancy graphics, they just need to be fun

Entry Edited 6 times - Edited on Jul 23, 2004 - 5:50 pm

Post Date: Jul 23, 2004 - 5:24 pm

Hah

I've seen a 'review' of my diet advice. I never claimed 'originallity' especially considering the content of the advice. The 'new ideas' of the last century have all pretty much fallen flat. Vegan- Fek (Pasty, no good protien, victims tend to look, and think, like what they eat) Low Calorie Diets- Frell( Body knows when it's starved, plus it's always a good idea to dump synthentics into the body, then wait a generation to find out that it's wrong [ADD, anyone? WHY? Guess.]) Raw Atkins - Way too much fat, people take it too the extremes and overkill on it.

What I'm saying is simple.

1) All (marketed) diets are WRONG, to some degree
2) Self-discpline has no value to a marketer, you can't sell junk to someone who won't buy it.

Apply these basic tenets to all aspects (substitue diet w/ politics, religion, science, art, etc.) and you have the basis for most of my views.

It's simple enough that even I understand it, and I'm an American (Southeren Redneck at that )

Rast
VTD449

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 20, 2004 - 9:37 pm

Post Date: Jul 20, 2004 - 9:37 pm

Rasti's Guide to Dieting in the Modern World ;)

Take 1 Man (Woman, Child, etc.) unchanged genetically for over 10,000 years. Body still funtions same as caveman out in the savannah.

Add a Marketing Department that knows that sweet sells, Sugar sells, Taste sells

Add in an economic/social enviroment that allows for the consumption of the above listed items (which for the sake of brevity we will label 'crap'); in large readily available amount.

Mix

Pour into 1 body, and you have today's angst driven, gotta have it, fat obsessed, diet driven, culture.

The cure for this 'hangover' of 'crap' is simple.

Reduce.

Eliminate.

The Human body is a wonderfully adaptable machine, able to tolerate all sort of abuses dealt to it (drinking, smoking, puberty[HELLO!!] ) and bounce back. Diets don't work, they are usually a temporary condition, plus you get the added benifit of learning that your body REACTS to dieting.

In the caveman days, no food meant you die, the body reacts to starvation by lowering it's metabolism accordingly, so when you go 'off' diet, the wieght comes right back. A proper diet is a 'lifestyle' change. A PERMANENT change of eating and exercising habits to strike a new balance in intake/metabolisim.

Empty Calories are just that 'empty' The calories found in the average daily intake here (U.S.) in sodas it enough in calories alone to substain us. The trick is to provide enough nutrients to sustain bodily functions. Carbs are dead here, or at least dying. Margarine is WORSE for the body that butter is, they contain more of the bad cholestrol and almost no good cholestrol. Fish is Very good. Fat is OK, in moderation. Fat provides a balance internally, your body feels fuller after eating  something with fat. Don't belive me? Try it. Buy a pint of regular ice cream, and a pint of low fat. If you eat them both in the same sitting, you should be reading this, and working out at the same time

Eat them as a dessert, or a meal on different days, notice your fullness, then notice it 1-2 hours later. The low-fat passes through, leaving you hungry quicker. The same is true with starches (Yes, Chinese food DOES leave you hungry an hour later, Proven fact )

Enough Diet Ranting for now, This is a game board afterall

Rasti
VTD 436

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 19, 2004 - 10:20 pm

Post Date: Jul 19, 2004 - 10:20 pm

Again, (And again, and again. ;)

Afternoon, Evening here (5:17 EST)

The Day was as wet as I thought. Nothing terribly newsworthy here. The US is still going to pot with the Republicans. I'm convinced that we as a society have gotten dumber. I've met too many college level morons all knowlegde, no logic, no common sense.

Around 55 years ago, a good Democracy voted themselves a dictator into office. I fear we are near there, here.

Did I mention how happy of a person I am? Really. Honestly Truely. Being an Optimist, is like Blind Faith. Being a Pessimist is to curse the Darkness. I kinda like lighting a candle, then putting it out, then curse the Darkness. Repeat as needed

P.S. L Angel: Got yourself a Sugar Daddy? Good for you, Viagra works wonders nowadays

Rasti
VTD 432

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 19, 2004 - 4:36 pm

Post Date: Jul 19, 2004 - 4:36 pm

Questions, and Answers (And more questions to the answers I'm sure ;) )

Thanos is the Marvel Comics character, gotta love a nhilist who loves death, but is shunned by her.

I'm in Florida, my governer is Baby Shrub (Jeb Bush) He didn't do enough Cocaine in his youth to be president so the Powers that Be choose his Brother as their figurehead. But he's becoming dumb enough to make a run for President around 2012

Little Lady, You should check out Atkin's diet plan. Low refined sugars (Sadly no chocolate) low Carbohydrates, High protien.

It's a good Florida Morning here. Rain, Thunder and wet,red tourists, hopelessly lost

Rasti
VTD 423

Entry Edited 2 times - Edited on Jul 19, 2004 - 5:59 am

Post Date: Jul 19, 2004 - 5:56 am

New Beginning to Old Bastards ;)

I'm back, hopefully for awhile this time. Like the new set ups and link codes to the side.

I'll be playing with these for a bit learning them


Ok. Bring up to Speed:

Hola, I am Rasti a name that has now stuck with me for long enough that I'm happy to not change it. Originally it was solely for an Old Trade Wars 2002 game Rasti, piloting the Ship Far Eye. CEO of Ganja Nation. It was a bit of internal humor as I have NO intrest (anymore) in drug, But I am a Strong supporter of the freedom to use them.

I am commonly labeled as a Liberal, mostly because I HATE right-wing religious nutballs who want to rule other peoples lives (See current US Goverment, for example). However, liberal is an unfair assesmnet of me. I believe smaller goverment, lower taxes, and fiscal responsibility, which are planks of the Republican platform (What was that? Use to be? Record Deficits, Bigger Goverment, Citizen Spies? WTF?) OK, I'm a liberal

My nature is towards the darker aspects of mankind, I have no faith that society will survive past this century

Google Malthus , Nietchze and Thanos to understand my views better.
This dosn't mean I'm not a humorist at all, it just means that In The End, I'll still have a smile on my face

Rasti
VTD 411

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Jul 18, 2004 - 5:27 pm

Post Date: Jul 18, 2004 - 4:29 pm

 

Been awhile since I've posted anything. Been Busy in the world (Pleased to meet you, won't you Guess My Name? )

TET has come to Iraq, those of you  old enoough to remember know of what I speak. I guess being in an Air Guard unit during Nam didn't give him the perspective that the current situation requires.

Enough serious stuff, the Game rules, sad about the graphics issue though, someone needs to hunt him down and beat him soundly around the ankles with a stick.

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jul 19, 2004 - 9:48 pm

Post Date: Apr 8, 2004 - 8:30 pm

 

Today's bit o' love

Malthus was NOT wrong, just mis-dated

Post Date: Mar 16, 2004 - 10:36 pm

 

New Day, New Games. Same scene.

Tell me people, how are you NOT making a decent score in the first day? In the past 3 games I've popped onto I've doubled the highest score with about half of the turns used. Are you all purposely keeping your score low?

I know .20 favors the traders over the builders, but still. these scores are anemic. If you read this. read down a couple of more logs. my first couple tell you step-by step how to handle the first 15K of turns. I've had no one tell me better, So I persume the I'm pretty much dead on in strategy.

Post Date: Mar 14, 2004 - 8:29 am

 

Just checking in.

Game worlds good, getting better, though I think .20 is a little graphics hungry, it slows the game down a little, IMHO

Real World: F'd as usual Mel made a spatter-fest about the son of a dead-beat dad who gets bloodied up real good and hung out on a stick. 2 things here.

1) Gibson is going to make millions off of this. At least the monies not going to the churches.

2) Any parent who takes their teen(or younger) to this should be arrestted at the door for child abuse.

Other than that the movie needs more car chases and swimsuits.

Post Date: Mar 2, 2004 - 10:28 pm

 

Lokking for a few good teamates over at a beta game (.20). Must be willing to work as a team, around a bank-centric game style.

http://aatrade.luminus.com.br/main.php

Message me in game, if I know you already your in, if not tell me a little of your game style. Also you must be logged into this master databse.

Post Date: Feb 21, 2004 - 11:07 pm

 

Long time no blog
Just set-up ICQ again, any comments or suggestions you can pm or icq me.

Tip on the Game: Keep your Beams, Shields, and Computer levels on your planets higher than average, I've had many a planet where I glanced at the scan B4 attacking to find out back at terra that the beams or computer were 2-3 lvls higher than the avg of the rest.

Also, Just like in the Real World, I HATE Beggars, if you've got a story I might come off some creds, but if you just ask for money, or to join my team, and I don't know you, I may just ignore you, If you're lucky

Addendum: Apologies to Hellbender on the comment in his Profile I was mistaken.(I've Never met Him ) But, he does sleep with animals, I've seen the pictures(Not pretty)

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Feb 9, 2004 - 6:31 pm

Post Date: Feb 9, 2004 - 6:22 pm

 

Ran into an intresting scenario yesterday. a game had jacked there IGB intrest rate up to 5000% Basically everyone was flying an excelsior within the first day. While it's been fun, it's not been much of a game as there is no real strategy, just a 'Who do I want to hunt and blow up today?'
I've also run into a wierd bug of a sort: I'm flying around with a silly amount of figs/torps and armor. I mean well above the lvl I should have. I've popped 5 lvl 54 planets in a row with their full complment of torps and figs and I didn't refill till I was done, even then it didn't scratch the count on my ship very much

Post Date: Jan 25, 2004 - 3:01 pm

 

The Long View

OK, My first two posts should have the first couple of days laid out. Now a look at the longer strategy. From here out is where everyone starts to differ.
Stealth players start spying, Hunters start Hunting, Builders start. . . you get the picture.
I really don't have much advice from here on out, everyone plays different, and most of the mid-end game play I've learned I'll not share

Tips: Never take risks you can't recover from, always have enough in the bank to buy the ship you're flying flat out. Half the game players quit playing in the first couple of weeks, if you don't, you're already ahead
If you are flying in a voyager or better, do not pick up debris.

Murphy does exist in this game and he will find you
If you can think of a faster, stable, way building score than what I've said, tell me, I'm always open to suggestion, or at least the opportunity to call someone a fool

Entry Edited 1 time - Edited on Jan 23, 2004 - 6:48 pm

Post Date: Jan 23, 2004 - 6:46 pm

 

Part 2 5K turns-20K turns

The next 2 Days.

Ok, as before, by now you should either have a colombus, or have the cash to upgrade to 1. The next 5K of turns shoould be devoted to credit making, but with a couple of splits. If you are an aggro(Hunter/killer) player, build and store creds in IGB for that razorback you drool over. I'm a builder type, so find a sector to hide and build in. prefferably in a low warp sector, blue planet(5 planet max) with either an upgrades port, or an energy port, you'll need both to build your planet defs. Keep logging High yield ports in your team forum, and keep picking up debris

Addendum: Pick up debris if you have enough banked to buy a new ship, or you have a decent ship in storage.

By 20K turns you should have an endeavour ship, or the credits to buy 1.

To follow, The Long View, and the Great Walk

Entry Edited 3 times - Edited on Jan 20, 2004 - 7:36 pm

Post Date: Jan 20, 2004 - 7:34 pm

 

I have returned, after a short beg,borrow and steal session, and a little talk with the wife about fiscal responsibility We've got to get priorities straight, internet first, movie channels second

Post Date: Jan 19, 2004 - 4:09 pm

 

Just letting everyone know I'm going to be offline for a bit. Financial situations have led to the soon termination of my Cable. I WILL return.

Ganja Empoer
Rasti

Post Date: Jan 15, 2004 - 7:05 pm

 

New Year, New Day.

First off thank you all for making my Blog one of the top 5, Why? I don't know. Maybe I've got a good hook or something.

Well to make it a little useful to you all, so you don't go away with that 'Eh,Whatever' I offer a few playing tips, stuff I use to play and score with.

First 5K of turns.

Start (300,000) Creds
Upgrade Hull to 8, Power to 7 and engines to the rest, Buy a fuel scoop and an escape pod (if needed). Warp trade/upgrade till you get to around lvl 8-10 engines, then upgrage comp,torps,beams and armor to at least 5 and start real space trading using the Local Map ability(Great Addition, developers ), If you find a Wyld base(1 selling at higher than normal prices, trade it down and log it's sectors in the team forum.
  -Pick up debris!!! Until you are flying a razor or better debris is a great bonus, 400K extra figs can take any indy planet in the first couple of days. If you've kept your avg tech lvl below fedsafe, burn the turns and dump the money in IGB, you should be able to make enough to buy and outfit a colombus in the first 5K of turns.

(Next time, The Day After

Entry Edited 4 times - Edited on Jan 11, 2004 - 5:25 am

Post Date: Jan 11, 2004 - 5:22 am

 

Week in now, New Year seems like the beta of old year
Bring on New Year 2.0

Post Date: Jan 7, 2004 - 6:55 pm

 

Happy New Year, World.
Happy Soon to be Year of the Monkey to my Asian Compariots(Compartiettes?).

May the World be our oysters

Post Date: Jan 1, 2004 - 7:29 pm

 

UPO-Godless

And I don't Mean to be, Godless
But I am,

BTW: In case there is any doubt left, I AM Godless, by Choice.

As Normal Bob Smith whould say, My life was Hell, then I lost GOD

Goggle Normal Bob Smith sometime, awaken mensh.

Post Date: Dec 29, 2003 - 9:47 pm

 

Hah,Hah SEX!!!
Got my Winamp to work finally!!, now I can plunder the multiverse to music!!
Now if I can only teach the Visulizations window to stay put, I'll be set

Post Date: Dec 29, 2003 - 9:41 pm

 

Happy Holidays to all, and to all a good fight

Post Date: Dec 23, 2003 - 9:08 pm

 

We are Rasti, Resistance is. .. oh,wait, wrong game

(Rebooting)
Hola all, Rasti here. Out to prove that you don't need a college degree to play on the internet, and that you can live in the town that the Rat Built, without working for him.

Post Date: Dec 20, 2003 - 3:59 pm
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