What I Hope Is Not a Typical September 11th Post

To steal a bit from my friend at Phoenix Fire,

Remember Remember
The 11th of September
Terror hit our hearts
I know of no Patriot member
Who will let the 11th of September
Ever be forgot

Ten years ago today, I sat in Mr. Bailey's 7th grade math class, one of the other teachers came in and told him to turn on the TV.  When he did, there was the Twin Towers in NYC burning.  I think we had just missed the second plane hitting the towers.  Mr. Bailey claimed it would be the start of WWIII, and after 10 years, I'm not sure he wasn't right.  I believe I was sitting in art class when the towers fell, the reporter saying it had been another explosion, but I knew from the way the dust cloud plumed into the sky that the building had collapsed.  The second tower followed minutes later.  

The months that followed we all saw a slew of bumper stickers and t-shirts and memorial services and TV specials about what had happened and how America wasn't going to stand for it.  Somewhere my dad still has the Sept. 12th paper that says ATTACKED on the front.  The term "Never Forget" seems to have become synonymous with 9/11.  However let me remind you of another day we vowed not to forget.... 

"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7th, 1941 — a date which will live in infamy — the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.

The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or of armed attack.

It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.

The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.

Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against Malaya.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.

Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.

Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.

Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island.

And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.

Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.

As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense.

But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.

I believe that I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will make it very certain that this form of treachery shall never again endanger us.

Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our territory and our interests are in grave danger.

With confidence in our armed forces—with the unbounding determination of our people—we will gain the inevitable triumph—so help us God.

I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7th, 1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire."

(shamelessly copied and pasted from http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Pearl_Harbor_speech)

Within 33 minutes of this speech on December 8, 1941, Congress passed an official declaration of war against the Empire of Japan.  Only one representative voted against it, Jeannette Rankin, a strict pacifist (she became immensely unpopular by 1942 and traveled to India follow Gandhi).  Now here we are 70 years later, and when December 7th rolls around not a word is muttered about the date that will live in infamy.  Granted 70 years is a long time, and Japan is now one of our friends, but I don't know if Americans have ever been as united as they were after the attack on Pearl Harbor.  

I don't mean to take away from the signifagance of September 11, 2001, but I'd like to point out that society's memory and attention span is short.  We will collectively forget 9/11 just as 12/7/41 has faded from our hearts.  But regardless of this, we will all be Americans, despite our ideologies, skin tones or upbringing, and when we see a fellow American in need, it's our duty to help our compatriots.  

E Pluribus Unum

From many, One.

Burning Holes

Been a busy week with very little going on.  Monday night fencing was canceled due to Labor Day, and I didn't go to Wednesday night fencing due to the weather.  For anyone who doesn't know, eastern PA has been inundated the past few days, and the highways into Philly have a tendency to flood because their drains are clogged. I think there was also a mudslide on the Schuylkill Expressway this morning.  I also haven't made it to taekwon do all week.  

The most exciting part of my week was getting a paycheck last Friday...which I've already spent at least half of (it wasn't a big check).  For those of you who know me too well, you can guess what some of that expense was.

Yerp, specifically a Commander Deck, specifically the Heavenly Inferno deck.  Commander is a multiplayer variant of Magic in which you have a 100 card deck, one of which is a legendary creature that acts as a commander.  The spells in your deck must match the mana colors in your commander.  Each deck comes with three possible commanders.  Mine are these:

 

As you can see, every card in my deck must white, black, red, and/or colorless.  If I had say, a Copper Myr, which generates green mana, it would produce colorless instead.  I've already had a few ideas for modifying this deck (as much as I hate mod-ing a specialty deck like this).  I've got an extra Kozilek, Butcher of Truth laying around, as well as plenty of red white and black creatures. I'll post a few :P

   

There's more I'm sure, but this all I can think of right now. Sadly I'd have to take apart some other decks to get those Praetors in, or I could buy more I guess...Anywho, with my next paycheck I plan on buying the Nicol Bolas vs Ajani Duel Deck.  Nicol Bolas is one of the most bad-ass Planeswalkers, and you get him, Ajani, and matching decks for just $20! Woot!  Also, the release of Innistrad is upon us, Sept 24-25.And to think I need to save to pay off my student loans hahaha haha ha haaa....yeaaaah.  Speaking of the 25th, I'll be in Allentown that day to meet up with some college friends at a marching band competition.  I might have to take my Game Boy just in case :P  

With that out of the way, I think I'm supposed to go get milk or something and it's rainy out. I don't like driving in the rain.  Until next time, keep on laughing.

Invading the East

Wednesday was a long day. Got up at 4:30AM, worked 6-3, fenced 7:30-9:30.

“But you don’t fence on Wednesdays,” claims my imaginary internet stalker.

“Oh contraire imaginary internet stalker, I traveled to North Philadelphia for the Barony of Bhakail practice!” I say signing the imaginary internet restraining order.

Long day short, after work I made the trip to Bhakail’s practice and it was pretty awesome.  Not to knock my Hartshorn-Dale friends, but I think I’ll learn more at Bhakail, with at least four dons in regular attendance and the varying styles their students have learned.  Don Ian and Don Griffith were also able to quickly and accurately analyze my…method? of fencing.  For one, my tendency to drop to my knees mid-bout and continue back into a standing position without stopping. Another is that I’m a reactive, aggressive fighter. A combo that doesn’t often go together.   

Girffith pointed out, as I’ve been told in less detail before, that I’m not good with the first reaction, I jerk too much, but once I start moving I don’t typically stop until someone is “dead” or out of range.  Even something so small as a feint at my hand can trigger this.  Whether this is good or bad for me, I’m not entirely certain. Once I’m into a fight, I can flow very well until a blow is landed, it’s just the initial movement that throws me off.  Griffith said this “flow” makes sense when I told him of my Taekwon do experience, which I find odd ‘cause I’m not that good at sparing.  I was also more or less complimented on my ability to fight in a non-linear fashion.

Anywho, I had mentioned my Aethlemaerc roots, and they said I was definitely an Aethlemaercian because I was in my full get-up just for practice.  I’ll blame Don Christian for this need to dress up whether it’s practice or Queen’s Rapier Championship. 

Either way, as long as I can afford the gas, and the car can afford the miles, I hope to make this a regular event.

Other things I found interesting was the East’s attitude towards O.G.R.’s (Order of the Golden Rapier, which is equivalent to White Scarf).  Girffith told me how he was also surprised at the other kingdom’s respect for dons, to the point where he was having a conversation with someone, another friend mentioned that Girffith was a don, and their entire demeanor towards him changed.  Being from Aethlemaerc, this simply makes sense to me.  Dons, or White Scarves as they’re known in most of the world, are the pinnacle of rapier combat, and usually just awesome people as well. I don’t just respect them because of their skill, but because of what I can potentially learn from them. I try to take to heart lessons from White Scarves I don’t even like that much.  Griffith also told me about how there is still a lot of bitterness in the East about the breaking of the White Scarf treaty, which happened only a few months after the treaty came into effect. 

I’m thinking if I’m here long enough, I may have to turn the East Kingdom on its head.  That’s a looooooooong way down the road. I’m also debating attending the Royals’ Rapier Championship, without removing the Escarbuncle from the drape on my mask…hmmmm

Re-named for Continuity

In case you missed it, the east coast of the US experienced an earthquake today.  It originated as a 5.9 near Richmond, Virginia.  I was in the Malvern, PA's Home Depot training room at about 1:30 when the whole building began shaking.  It was surreal at first, as Pennsylvania isn't very prone to quakes, we weren't sure of the cause, but as the sound carried through the building we knew it wasn't an isolated event.  That was pretty much the most exciting part of my day.

After work I went to my friend's house and played some Magic.  He had picked up some boosters and I pulled my third Kozilek.

Also, the girl I had considered dating, and have been talking to everyday got asked out by another guy. She said yes, having spent enough time waiting for me to make up my mind.  Can't blame her.  I'm not even sure I'm in a position to date anyone, even they lived closer than 300 miles away.

I Don't Want to Work, I Just Want to Bang On the Drums All Day

Yesterday was on one of my less productive days, and yet it had some interesting points.  Being bored of Minecraft I decided to play my drums, which have been collecting a fine layer of dust for four years.

 

As you can see it's a bit cramped, but this photo shows the layout of my room a little bit. It's the 3rd floor loft of a town house.  My fencing rapier is on the wall and you can see a bunch of Boba Fett stuff on the far right.  Anywho, while playing the drums I saw something fall off the wall towards the stairs but didn't think much of it.  I actually forgot about it until my mom came home and found it.

Turns out the missing object was a little ceramic dragon given to me by an ex-girlfriend, the one who tried to kill herself and has a crazy family.  So I'm not really sure if I care enough to try fixing this:

Perhaps it means something. Like I need to keep things farther from the edge of the wall while drumming.  I try not to tie too much symbolism into daily events, but maybe it has to do with me trying to move on.  I'm not officially dating anyone, but there's someone I might be willing to try it with.  Downside is that it would be long distance though.

Now I'm Back From Outer Space

Greetings to all, oh, five of you, who read this.  I’ve been away for a while having attended Pennsic and a friend’s (first ex-girlfriend ironically) wedding.

Pennsic went pretty well.  Aethlemearc sided with the East Kingdom, which was good for me having acquaintances in both.  In the long run, the Midrealm and its allies were vastly outnumbered on both the heavy field and the fencing fields.  By Tuesday the East and its allies had accumulated all the available War Points up till that point, making it impossible for the Midrealm to win the war.

For the fencers there were 3 War Point battles, Town, Field, and Woods.  Each had 3, 2, and 1 round respectively.  I must say, although the Woods were highly chaotic and full of poison ivy, I think it was my favorite.  Weaving through trees to stab an unsuspecting foe is highly satisfying.  There was some foul play during the fight (EMS took out someone with broken ribs) but for the most part it was a good time.

Don't we look terrifying?

We also partook in the Atlantian Five-Man tourny, in which teams of five fencers face off.  We decided to call ourselves Aethlemearc's School of Pain, since our group is a College and most of us had been injured or to the ER within the previous two weeks.  The first few rounds didn't go well as we tried accommodating a team mate's broken foot.  Meeting no success we changed our strategy to one we're more familiar with, in which myself and Ragnar blitz rush one end of the opposing team's line in order to get behind them.  It worked a lot better, landing us at least one victory, but the damage had been done and we didn't advance past the first round.

I also spent a lot of money at Pennsic, and not all on what I thought.  Probably my single biggest purchase were some fencing pants from Gypsy Peddler for $69, but from what I hear, Peddler’s stuff will be around longer than I am.  My most ridiculous purchase was a cotton  kilt.  Yes, I bought a man-skirt.  Well worth it though, as my alternative “formal” wear was long black pants in which I would’ve roasted.

One of my best Pennsic stories would have to be while at the Seven Pearls Bardic Competition in the Aethlemearc Royal Encampment.  The final person had gone and the judges were trying to decide a winner when North Shield, an Aethlemearc shire, barged into the camp unannounced with plastic Viking helms, glow sticks, and a Beer Siege Wagon. “Do not fear, we bring beer!” they cried.  I found myself wishing that I actually liked beer, but I did get a bottle of bubbles out of the invasion.  Yes, I can be easily pleased.

Friday afternoon most of us departed camp, with four of us heading to the afore-mentioned friend’s wedding.  At the hotel we were able to shower, feel human, and catch up with some long-absent friends, mostly Ivan, who started our fencing group and was officiating the wedding.  Despite our exhaustion, we played Magic and chatted about the SCA until 2 AM. 

Saturday was the wedding, small, short, simple, and beautiful.  During the reception I had a mediocre gin and tonic and did much dancing, most of it with a recently engaged friend whose fiancé couldn’t make it. I make a decent substitute I guess.

Sunday I headed home alone in the rain.  Felt sorry for the two motorcycles that passed me.  Speaking of which, my dad just got a 1999 Honda Shadow, so now I have an excuse to get my bike permit.  Anywho.  Bummed around most of Monday. 

Today I went on a mini adventure to Oaks, PA.  for there, behind the BJ’s, are some pieces of abandoned railroad equipment.  These trains have been sitting there for a long time. I first saw them after the Regal Cinemas 24 opened there, and the trains are along the back road out of the lot.  Today I drove down there and climbed into two of them.  I took about 52 pictures between the 4 major attractions there.  The only two identifying marks I found were the steam engine’s side said “Steamtown 1” and the maintenance speeder had a sticker in it for the Tourist Railway Association, Inc.  Now I know there’s a Steamtown up near Scranton, PA.  If these trains are from there, they’re a looong way from home.  Tempted to call the park office at Steamtown and see if they know anything about these trains’ origins.

After my miniventure I made my way to my grandmom’s and then my dad’s, were we disassembled my broken iPod Touch and played with the garden railroad.

Cheers!

Rolling rolling rolling...

So this week I'll be heading off to an event called Pennsic. It's the single largest event held by the SCA and it takes place a few miles from Slippery Rock, PA.  After Pennsic, I'm driving to Athens, PA for my first ex-girlfriend's wedding.  In all, I'll be traveling a total of 821 miles, give or take a few.

Back to Pennsic. This is the 40th Pennsic, and my first time going.  I haven't been camping since I got out of Scouting, so hopefully I haven't lost all my camping know-how.  Aside from sleeping in a tent for a week, Pennsic will be full of huge melee battles for both fencers and the heavy fighters.  There's also archery, but seeing as how my car will be stuffed and I have 4 usable arrows....yeaah. Maybe next year.

After Pennsic, I'm going to the wedding of Emily and James. Legally, they've been married since last summer, but had the "ceremony" in North Carolina where James is based (Marines).  This was partially to expedite the process of getting off-base housing and what not. I don't know all the details, but next weekend, the 13th, they're having a fancier ceremony with all their friends and family.  Should be a good time.

Once I return from all this gallivanting, I'll be starting a part-time job at The Home Depot, in lumber specifically. This will help restock my bank accounts for my fast approaching student loans.  It'll also help feed my addictions like Magic, my car, fencing, trains....and METH! Well, maybe not meth, that's bad mojo there.  =P