Monday 15 December 2008

Quoting quotes

Stolen from The Raven's Nest, ravenqueen55's blog:
'Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind.' (Dr. Seuss)

'I am always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.' (Winston Churchill)

Monday 1 December 2008

Genius me

Stolen from byaghro (well, she did advertise it), such an accurate result! So proud of myself!

Your result for The Commonly Confused Words Test...

English Genius

You scored 100% Beginner, 100% Intermediate, 100% Advanced, and 87% Expert!


You did so extremely well, even I can't find a word to describe your excellence! You have the uncommon intelligence necessary to understand things that most people don't. You have an extensive vocabulary, and you're not afraid to use it properly! Way to go!


Thank you so much for taking my test. I hope you enjoyed it!



For the complete Answer Key, visit my blog: http://shortredhead78.blogspot.com/.


Take The Commonly Confused Words Test
at HelloQuizzy

Monday 17 November 2008

Way of life

From TrulyWished's 'Reflex' FMA fanfic, an extreme way of life - to think when you are very down, knowing the second is not an option:

Move forward or die, but no standing in place or going back; Ed’s motto...


Edit: how very criptic of me!

Thursday 6 November 2008

Internet trick

I don't use ftp all that much, so whenever an interesting one comes up, I need to check how to access it. Here's how to do it from an Internet browser, according to [FTP acces through browser with password and custom port. How?] - Computer Technology Forums:
ftp://username:password@[ftp url/IP]:port

Thursday 30 October 2008

Unbelivable!!

Let's see.
Logging off my Yahoo mail, news, an old photo of Rowling signing sth, the death of a young actor from the movies who had a page in... Wikipedia, and I was lost. A Potter-related link to Wikipedia, for someone like me, forever wandering off track, is a dangerous thing.
Then, let's continue. Somehow the Potter prequel, and the Black family tree, and of course, Draco Malfoy. And I was *astonished*:

Wizard rock band Draco and the Malfoys' lyrics are inspired by the Harry Potter books but from Draco Malfoy's point of view. One chorus goes: 'My dad's always there to open all my doors, you have to call a Patronus just to catch a glimpse of yours/My dad is rich, and your dad is dead.' As well as Harry and the Potters, the members of Draco and the Malfoys dress themselves as Hogwarts students, in this case in Slytherin-themed costumes. The band is one of about 200 bands of young musicians playing music inspired by the Harry Potter series.

200!!! I didn' even know that existed! I kept reading, wandering from page to page (did you know that "Because students in the novels board the train to Hogwarts at Platform 9¾ at King's Cross railway station in London, the real King's Cross has erected a sign at a wall between tracks 9 and 10 to commemorate this."?). And a Washington Post quote from last year in (at? note to self: review my prepositions *now*) Harry and the Potters' page:

...wizard rock is an escape into a different world - a world of non-judgmental fun where grown-ups dress as wizards, evil is vanquished by song, and reading is cool...

And then I stopped, cause It's already really late to still be at work.

Note: useless to post all the pages I've seen today, and probably not really doable. Don't know, won't check.

Wednesday 22 October 2008

Going with the fllow of one's instincts

From HD Starter Kit Rec List I'm finding links to some old faves of mine, like Harry Potter and the Inconvenient Condition, by Mirabella, and this:
"And frankly, when it came down to battle between his intellect and his gut instincts, Harry had absolutely no illusions about which side was bunkered down in a rickety farmhouse praying for a swift and merciful end."

Thursday 2 October 2008

Fanfiction

As with everything I like, I'm a hoarder when it comes to fanfiction too. And, even though at first I hated long fics (a fear to print too much that I've already lost) I love them now. So, ways to download and keep fics, and not have to save each chapter separately: two programs and a site that I've already tried.

De-FFNet-Izer: "slurps down fanfics, cleans them up a bit, and saves them on your local computer using attractive, user-customizable templates" - chapter per file, mainly for Fanfiction.net.
Fanfiction Downloader: created by someone with my problem and more knowledge - chapter per file or all together, several formats, for several sites.
FicSavers.com: I registered today, as kyou with the new pass, because I like the idea of being able to save sth I just found from any computer - chapter per file, several sites and format options.

Now I need sth to rip fics from Livejournals or other blogs. *sigh*

Wednesday 24 September 2008

Fanfiction fest pimping (first time)

Hehe, I'm not that much into AS/S, I'm more partial to H/D myself, but this idea is so perfectly round (I think that's a transference mistake there!), that I *had* to post this. I might even think of a prompt.

WINTER SHORTS 2008!!!

art by dysonrules and aki_hoshi. banner by aki_hoshi. inspired by davidkawena

Friday 19 September 2008

Invictus

In her latest fic Lomonaaeren quoted this poem, and it's so good I *had* to post it. For the interesting background story, I stole this from Wikipedia.

Invictus
William Ernest Henley

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find me, unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate;
I am the captain of my soul.


Spectacular. Electrifying. My kind of thing, in other words.

Wednesday 10 September 2008

Fitting description

Reading on the "Slap-Slap-Kiss" trope here, found this quote from "The Horse and his Boy" (which I haven't read, but think is one of the Narnia books):

Aravis also had many quarrels (and, I'm afraid, even fights) with Cor, but they always made it up again: so that years later, when they were grown up, they were so used to quarreling and making it up again that they got married so as to go on doing it more conveniently.

Monday 25 August 2008

Firefox 3

I switched to Firefox 3, but cannot tell the difference, cause I immediately installed more complements/add-ons than where probably necessary. In the comments to one of them, though, I found sth that proved handy: how to make Google open the searches in new windows without the Google Bar (which didn't work properly in F2, so I didn't bother with this time around - till it proves necesary again, I guess)
Type about:config into the address bar, and then put the following into the filter box: browser.search.openintab Change it to TRUE by double-clicking it.

Saturday 9 August 2008

Wish I could...

Just a quote, from an old movie I still don't get, but hey, Jason London was HOT! - and I liked it, even if the utter cluelessness of youth it shows (portrays!) is not like my own. In 'Dazed and Confused' (1993), Cynthia says:
You know, but that's valid because if we are all gonna die anyway shouldn't we be enjoying ourselves now? You know, I'd like to quit thinking of the present, like right now, as some minor insignificant preamble to something else.

Tuesday 29 July 2008

True, except when it is not



What Gabriela Means



You are deeply philosophical and thoughtful. You tend to analyze every aspect of your life.

You are intuitive, brilliant, and quite introverted. You value your time alone.

Often times, you are grumpy with other people. You don't appreciate them trying to interfere in your affairs.



You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection.

You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive.

You have the classic "Type A" personality.



You are full of energy. You are spirited and boisterous.

You are bold and daring. You are willing to do some pretty outrageous things.

Your high energy sometimes gets you in trouble. You can have a pretty bad temper at times.



You are wild, crazy, and a huge rebel. You're always up to something.

You have a ton of energy, and most people can't handle you. You're very intense.

You definitely are a handful, and you're likely to get in trouble. But your kind of trouble is a lot of fun.



You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing.

You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long.

You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start.



You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone.

You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together.

At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.



You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow.

You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily.

Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

Maybe...




What Kyou Means



You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life.

You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip.

People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them.



You are a free spirit, and you resent anyone who tries to fence you in.

You are unpredictable, adventurous, and always a little surprising.

You may miss out by not settling down, but you're too busy having fun to care.



You are well rounded, with a complete perspective on life.

You are solid and dependable. You are loyal, and people can count on you.

At times, you can be a bit too serious. You tend to put too much pressure on yourself.



You are a very lucky person. Things just always seem to go your way.

And because you're so lucky, you don't really have a lot of worries. You just hope for the best in life.

You're sometimes a little guilty of being greedy. Spread your luck around a little to people who need it.

Monday 21 July 2008

Wordle.net

Strange but cool online app, Wordle. Will use to make icons from my fave fics, I think. Here's my first try, from Maya's 'Underwater Light' (classic of classics).



Edit: Of course, I should have started with my own blog, so here it is one.

Wednesday 28 May 2008

Lightning on the Wave

Before I lose it again, the site where Lightning on the Wave's stories are housed, in pdf or doc form, to be downloaded and properly read later: lightning.ffstories.net. Not only the HP 'Sacrifices Arc', but also some original fiction. Nothing recent, though, more the pity.

Self-quote?

I say,

Second guessing myself is second nature to me...


and then think I need to find a new hobbie, cause philosophising is not my thing.

Wednesday 21 May 2008

Thinking about writing

While roamming the net looking for tools and inspiration to write sth, found this quote at Writers Online Workshops - Extended Getting Started In Writing:

Writing is an exploration. You start from nothing and learn as you go.
—E.L. Doctorow

Tuesday 20 May 2008

Possession

Reading some sad HP snarry fic, Memoirs, by julesmonster, I tripped again with this song. The lyrics are sad and evocative, no clue how it sounds.

Possession
Sarah McLachlan

Listen as the wind blows
From across the great divide
Voices trapped in yearning
Memories trapped in time
The night is my companion
And solitude my guide
Would I spend forever here
And not be satisfied?

And I would be the one
To hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I'll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes dear

Through this world I've stumbled
So many times betrayed
Trying to find an honest word to find
The truth enslaved
Oh you speak to me in riddles and
You speak to me in rhymes
My body aches to breathe your breath
Your words keep me alive

And I would be the one
To hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I'll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes dear

Into this night I wander
It's morning that I dread
Another day of knowing of
The path I fear to tread
Oh into the sea of waking dreams
I follow without pride
Nothing stands between us here
And I won't be denied

And I would be the one
To hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I'll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes dear

I'll hold you down
Kiss you so hard
I'll take your breath away
And after I
Wipe away the tears
Just close your eyes

Friday 9 May 2008

Tarot

Because I cannot help myself (I *know* I've used that one before, but it's still my best excuse)


You are The Hierophant


Divine Wisdom. Manifestation. Explanation. Teaching.


All things relating to education, patience, help from superiors.The Hierophant is often considered to be a Guardian Angel.


The Hierophant's purpose is to bring the spiritual down to Earth. Where the High Priestess between her two pillars deals with realms beyond this Earth, the Hierophant (or High Priest) deals with worldly problems. He is well suited to do this because he strives to create harmony and peace in the midst of a crisis. The Hierophant's only problem is that he can be stubborn and hidebound. At his best, he is wise and soothing, at his worst, he is an unbending traditionalist.


What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Tuesday 22 April 2008

Sweet!

After so long, only a short quote, taken from The Opposite of War, Team Fanon's third week's contribution to the H/D World Cup - Spring 2008:
"People are like stained-glass windows. They sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in, their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light from within."
Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

After that, I think I'll come back soon.

Friday 8 February 2008

Wits II

As far as I can tell, the quote I was looking for goes like this:
I refuse to have a battle of wits with an unarmed opponent.

No clue where it comes from, though. For some sites the author is 'unknown', and for many others stating a source is absolutely irrelevant - yes, sometimes I forget too, but at least I *try* to be proper!!

Wits

I was looking for the source of a common expression, something about a battle of wits with unarmed opponents (that I have yet to find), and found instead this interesting old quote by Lloyd Paul Stryker, a well known criminal barrister in New York in the 40's:
A trial is still an ordeal by battle. For the broadsword there is the weight of evidence; for the battle-ax the force of logic; for the sharp spear, the blazing gleam of truth; for the rapier, the quick and flashing knife of wit.

Tuesday 15 January 2008

Alfie (2004)

On the same page, a quick thought fromt the same movie:

It seems to me the problems you worry yourself sick about never seem to materialize. It's the ones that catch you unexpectedly on a Wednesday afternoon that knock you sideways.


A rather philosophical movie.

Old Habits Die Hard

So true! That's why I'm doing this instead of working, as I should be doing. Why I remain where I shouldn't reading till morning...

Old Habits Die Hard
Mick Jagger (feat. Dave Stewart)

I thought I shook myself free
You see, I bounce back quicker than most
But i'm half delirious, it's too mysterious
You walk through my walls like a ghost

But I took everyday at a time
I'm proud as a lion in his lair
Now there's no denying it, and no decrying it
You're all tangled up in my head

Old habits die hard
Old soldiers just fade away
Old habits die hard
Harder than November rain

Old habits die hard
Old soldiers just fade away
Old habits die hard
Hard enough to feel the pain

We haven't spoken in months
You see, I've been counting the days
I dream of such inanities, such insanities
I'm lost like a kid in a maze

But I've never taken your calls
You see, I put the block on my phone
I act like an addict, I just got to have it
I never can live it alone

Old habits die hard
Old soldiers just fade away
Old habits die hard
Harder than November rain

Old habits die hard
Old soldiers just fade away
Old habits die hard
Hard enough to feel the pain

I can't give you up
Can't live you alone
It's so hard, so hard
Hard enough to feel the pain

Old habits die hard

Old habits die hard
Harder than November rain
Old habits die hard
Old soldiers just fade away
Old habits die hard
And hard enough to feel the pain


(from the 2004 'Alfie', my own transcription - couldn't find a good one on the net)

And a cookie: