Well...honestly, I don't want anything, other than a "merry christmas"

NOTE: If you do feel so inclined to want to give me something, please note me, otherwise, I'd rather hear 'Merry Christmas' or something.

So, saw this episode, and all I will say about this episode is just this:

What...the...hell...Moffett?

I know it's a two-parter, but seriously...what the hell?

Hey all, I've been playing this tabletop game, and well, it is rather amazing. It's a post-human game, that uses an interesting dice system (d8-d10-d12). Basically, you play as furries, and yes, they are really close to hitting this kickstarter out of the ballpark. Their first one was very successful, and they're about to release this second book. I"m backing these guys, because this system is very interesting and entertains my love for both furry and cyberpunk.

Their current campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....-core-extended

Their previous campaign (with the first book): https://www.kickstarter.com/project.....es/description

Their tumblr page: http://hcsvntdracones-game.tumblr.com/

Ok, most of what you see on the internet will frustrate you, as the RIGHT CLICK will not work. So, here's the modified fix:

1.) Press Windows Key + R on your keyboard.
2.) Key in PowerShell and hit Enter.
3.) Within Powershell type the following and press enter:

Start-Process powershell -Verb runAs

4.) Now paste the following command in the Administrator: Windows PowerShell window and press Enter key:

Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}

5.) Now, go to the folder C:/Users/name/AppData/Local/ and delete the TileDataLayer folder.

6.) If it will not delete, then press Windows Key + R again, type services.msc and hit enter. Look for tiledatamodelsvc then right-click -> stop, and try to delete the folder again in step 5.

by early-to-mid-August, I'm no longer going to be behind the scenes. They're moving that project to another town, because it's high-security (and I don't know why they don't get that extra wing that's available). So, they're going to put me in INBOUND sales, meaning you call in, you get me. I don't call you.

Ok, I'm just typing this before I head off to work, but I will put down as much that I can.

I have been stressing out as of late over the paperwork that Kaiser should had sent to me a long time ago (just got it last night) for medical accommodations. I've been worried about this primarily, because my work tracks how much break time that I use. Although, I am able to just go into a non-break state for this, as long as I have the ok from my supervisor, I still want to have the freedom for me to just go "oh, yeah, I need to use the restroom, as an emergency" or call in sick if need be, without them firing me, because of my crohn's issue.

What has also gotten me stressed out is getting the convention book done. Now, I do have help, and this is a relatively minor stressor (because most of it is done now) I still want to make sure I get this done in time. I've communicated the deadline enough to where it needs to be finished in time for print.

The last thing that's been stressful for me is moving. My parents are moving to another city, leaving me behind in the house to continue living here. I have to also move out of my areas by this Friday, and right now, they're boxing everything that hasn't been cleaned up from those rooms, which is ok, because I agreed to them doing that, while I've been at work. They are understanding of my situation, so this one is a very minor stressor.

So...with the major stressor now out of the way, I have to worry about the other two.

Sorry, had to get this off my chest.

Oh, and my fursuit will not be done in time.

Yes, I got a new avatar picture for here. What do you think?

I've started obtaining the materials necessary to make my partial fursuit. Started with the fur, will be posting pics of the progress as it is being made.

If you get a call from someone claiming they're from the IRS, go through this checklist:
1.) Is it an automated system? If not, Do they identify themselves? How?
2.) Do they give you their badge number? If not, when you ask for it, do they give you the number anyways?
3.) Are they threatening legal action before sending you a letter?
4.) HOW do they address the issue?
5.) What number did they give you? Does it match the number you see in your caller ID? Does it reverse back to the government?

If your answer for 1, 2, or 3 is no, then you're dealing with a fraudster.
If your answer for number 3 is yes, listen to the call, but don't give them the information, ask them how you can do it yourself, then contact the IRS using their VERIFIED phone number posted on the website.
If your answer for number 4 has you answer "with an accusatory statement (i.e. they accuse you directly of 'Tax Fraud')," then you're dealing with a fraudster.
If your answer for 5 is a "level 3 mobile" or something where it isn't the IRS or a verified government phone number, then you are dealing with a fraudster (use http://www.whitepages.com/ and click on "phone" to reverse the phone number).

So, yeah, work has decided to finally make me perm. Not to mention, I'm also now off the phones, and now working behind the scenes. I can't talk much about it yet, but...I got it.

Yes, Today's my birthday. I'm now 28.

...Yay!

Alright, so, after my mother and I have had a discussion, we've decided to make a full-body fursuit. Now, I'm thinking about getting a head base, and one of the ideas that I have was to use a pre-molded kit. The one that I've found was this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/185558.....luxe-kit-bunny

Now, I'm thinking about using that or another one, but this begs another question. Straight or v-hinges?

I am spoiling the movie with this post. You have been warned.



















So, I saw The Interview, and well...it's political satire, over-the-top gore (more gore in it than Hot Fuzz), with Character Assassination. I mean, honestly, the original premise is this entertainment journalist and his producer are invited to do an interview with Kim Jong-Un, the CIA recruit them to kill him, and they decided (with some convincing) not to go with the CIA plan, but to go with a character assassination, making him show emotion, weakness, and lies, before he decides to go nuclear and they're forced to kill him.

...and this is the movie that North Korea decided to try to go to war against? I mean...honestly...why? Every country can take humor, why can't you?

So, yeah, I'm thinking about building my own fursuit, with some assistance from my mother (whom is actually more than willing to help me out with this project). I am going to be building a partial, and we already discussed as far as the arms and a little bit about the legs, but I am asking you all, what tutorial would you recommend for building the head and the feet. Keep in mind the following:

* Head is going to be a semi-realistic rabbit.
* I wear about a size 10.5 DD shoes (10.5 Extra wide)
* I have never built a suit before, but I can get access to the materials needed at any time, just would need to price them out.
* We already have an idea where we are going to get our supplies to make the suit.

Well, my job is making me happy. I'm able to do some things where others aren't able to...unless you didn't purchase it from us (Seriously...why call a different store than where you purchased it from to have help with your order?).

But yeah, I've had some bad days, and a few good days, and a few days of meh. However, there is something satisfying when you're helping a customer whom has no idea on how to fix their issue and walk them through it, and they get happy and you get happy and everyone gets happy and that happiness resides in you for the rest of the day, accomplishing the exact thing that, while needed to be done, got done and they're excited their order will be going through, and you congratulating them on when they're going to get their order, maybe earlier than others. My job is rewarding in certain aspects.

I have a new job now. It's a call center-type job, that is probably the POLAR OPPOSITE of what you're thinking. Intake only, long calls are ENCOURAGED and you get paid more on that and attendance, have small talk with the customer and make them feel like a person and they're talking to a person...

Ok, time for a new rant.

YCHs and Artists...this can go either way...but here we go.

While I do see YCHs as a way for the artist to draw what they want to draw, I honestly do think they shouldn't ONLY draw YCHs. In my humble opinion, an artist whom is only drawing YCHs and not taking any other kind of commissions are either in it for the money or they are so stuck-in-the-mud that they want to draw ONLY what they want, and never have a commissioner come up to them to make a suggestion on poses.

However, I also do the the advantage of YCHs. Perhaps the artist is tired of drawing what others want and they want to draw what they want, with different characters, and that's fine. But don't ONLY do YCHs. You're limiting yourself and not having other people come up with broad ideas that you can sketch out.

--
Rant over.

Note: I know this is a Facebook PAGE, not an actual profile. Those that want my RL profile...well, you have to earn that.

https://www.facebook.com/SalemAdamsKusanaga

Like it!

I grew up going to conventions, hell, the convention I went to while I was growing up, was Orycon. Since then, I have been to a variety of conventions, from a couple of Worldcons, to Westercon, to Kumoricon, to gaming conventions, and lots of furry conventions.

Now, I'm cutting back on conventions.

I am going to be working at Rainfurrest this year. After this year, I do not know if I will be going to it again next year. It depends on the Job prospects.

Furlandia is more of a definite, because it is local. Hell, I could take public transit to Furlandia. Rainfurrest, I would have to have at least $300 to attend, and that includes bringing breakfast and having roommates to share the room tab.

Orycon, sad to say, has become stale as of recent years. I haven't had much enjoyment there, except to talk with a few writers. I may actually attend this year if there is a tribute to Jay Lake, a local SF writer that was amazing. But other than that, it has become stale after 30 years of attending.

Radcon, I haven't been to since Bob was kicked out and banned from there for some reason or another. I did enjoy going to it, even if it was to game or to hang out and see everything there, even attend the writers tours there.

Westercon, if it comes to Portland, I may attend. I like attending Westercon.

Other conventions, I will consider attending as money allows.

Well, I will soon be heading to Furlandia's hotel (I live close by, lol). I have at least one panel this weekend that I will be a part of (Ins and Outs of Publishing), and I will be working Registration all weekend.

If any of you want to meet up with me, just tweet me rabbitdude. Thanks!

Borrowed this from  Artica for a different convention

Staying at:
Current plan is to stay at home and commute to/from the hotel.

Arrival and Departure:
Will be there Thursday, and leaving after teardown on Sunday

Mode of transportation:
Driving

Who will I likely see you with?
More than likely, you'll see me at either Registration OR roaming the halls and hanging out with random people

Con Plans:
Work registration, hang out, and go do my panels

How can I find you?
Check the conbook for panels that I am doing, else check registration

Do you do free art?
Nope.

Will you be going to parties?
It's a possibility.

Smoke?
No

Drink?
Yes

Gender?
Male

Can I hug you?
Yes. I love hugs.

Can I talk to you?
As long as you treat me like you would treat your friend, sure.

Will you be at any panels?
Yes, I am going to be doing a panel on Publishing

Can I touch you?
..uh...not outside of hugs, unless it's to get my attention.

Can I buy you drinks?
Ask me before buying.

How old are you?
27

Are you nice?
Yes.

Single or Taken?
Taken.

How tall?
5'9"

Can I take pictures of you?
Ask first

Will you get anything commissioned?
Probably not

How can I get your attention?
Poke or say "Salem!"

Can I ask you to dance at the raves?
Maybe. Depends on how I'm feeling first.

I was reading an article on HuffPost (with a link to the Wall Street Journal) about the FCC considering putting broadband as a public utility to solve these issues of net neutrality. (Article here: http://online.wsj.com/news/article_.....MDEwMTExNDEyWj )

To be honest, I think the FCC should just outright classify broadband as a public utility. It's already extremely difficult to find a job, let alone interact or fill out an application OR even do a job wiithout having to use the internet and broadband. It's essential nowadays, just as cellphones are kinda already at that point.

So, now I want to hear from you! Should the FCC classify broadband (or the Internet in general) as a public utility or not? Explain your reasoning, please.

Seriously, are you that fucking stupid?!

Windows update, actually PATCHES VULNERABILITIES IN YOUR COMPUTER! You do not disable it at all!

But it puts useless crap on my computer!
No, it does not. It actually patches vulnerabilities in the OS and other Microsoft products. You think you may not use Internet Explorer for surfing, but some games that have a patcher (such as Star Trek Online) or have a web interface use IE to download a patch.

It restarts my computer at a bad time, in the middle of me working!
Then do one of two things:
1.) CHANGE IT TO A DIFFERENT TIME!. Seriously, you can schedule it.
2.) SET IT TO PROMPT!. There's two settings "Prompt to install" and "Prompt to download and install." Choose one, I don't care. It'll nag you, but at least when you use this, you can then DELAY THE RESTART without it doing it automatically.

But I've had it cause issues!
I'm sorry to say, but that's why you also use SYSTEM RESTORE! You may have had a bad download. It happens from time to time.

EDIT:
But I don't know how to set it to prompt
XP (SERIOUSLY?!) though 8.1: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
All versions of windows have two prompt settings. Choose one.

Add Politics to the tag above.

Anyway, my university's branch of the American Association of University Professors have submitted their intention to strike for May 16 today. If and when they do strike, and if they are striking on a day I have class, I am deciding right now that I will not be in class and I might join them on the picket line. I will not cross the picket line.

To do a short summation of the major point of this strike pertains to the "Promotion and Tenure" rules involving the university professors. The union wants to keep it the status quo, where they have a say in whom get promoted and whom gets tenure. The administration wants to not let the union have a say on promotion and tenure. While there are other little things, the promotion and tenure is the major sticking point.

Another part of which not only the professors are flabbergasted at, but also the students, is how much the president of the university is being paid (salary and benefits), which is about $500,000 (which about 80% of it is salary).

So, that's what I'm having to deal with now.

'cause I keep seeing people go "oh, I'm lagging, I need to take down my scripts" when they mean they're lagging graphically. So, let's start with....

THE LAYPERSON'S GUIDE TO LAG ON SECOND LIFE
Why are you writing this?
Because people are confusing server lag with graphical lag.

But I know that if I'm lagging, I need to reduce the amount of running scripts!
That's nice of you to do. But that only treats one type of lag, which is server-side (which I will explain later). Lag is more complicated than you thought

Now, with that, let's start!


Section 1: Understanding lag
There are three types of lag, Server Lag, Network Lag, and Client Lag. Easiest way to ID it is to go to Help -> Lag meter. But here's where I'll break it down.

Client lag is where Second Life is either hanging up on you or is running at a low FPS on the graphical end.

Network lag is the latency between you and SL's servers (i.e. rubber-banding).

Server lag is where the server is too busy doing calcuations (scripts, physics, etc.)

Section 2: Causes of lag
Client lag is most often caused by not having a powerful computer, not having an up-to-date graphics driver, or just a poorly-programmed client.

Network lag is, well, your connection. If you're rubber-banding a lot OR having dropped packets like a hot potato, and you're on wireless, then get closer to your wireless AP (or find ways to increase the antenna strength.

Server lag is caused by too many scripts running or overloading the physics engine. If you are experiencing rubber-banding or slow-movement within the sim, then you have this type of lag.

Section 3: Fixing lag
Client Lag: This is a bit more of a problem. Here's the list of what to check for and how to fix it.
1.) What is your Video Card Brand (ATI or nVidia or other)? If the answer is other, change your graphics card (Intel is piss-poor for graphics and will cause you lag)
2.) Is your video card drivers up to date?
3.) What is your graphics setting on SL? (lower the better)
4.) Have you cleared your cache? (Can be corrupted)
5.) Are you running other programs? (can interfere)
6.) What is your RAM? (2 GB or higher for Windows XP, 4GB or higher for Vista or later (recommended))
7.) What type of video card you have (i.e. nVidia GTX 560)?

Network lag, fix your wireless connection OR find a better ISP/connection.

Server Lag fixes would be reducing the amount of scripts.