![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Feb. 23rd, 2026 01:31 pm* The US Women's hockey team had declined the invite to the White House and the State of the Union, which is good because there are a lot of Torrent players on that team. I did grab a ticket to the Pride game last week, hoping that the bus situation would work out. If Hillary Knight went right after I did that I'd crash out. I assume most players are more conservative than me, and also the PWHL is not the bastion of wokeness a lot of people try to sell it as, etc. There is a lot of nuance here that I'm not getting into, including reasons to think that yes, there are closeted players there, it's not lesbian nirvana. Also, fans doing instagram investigations to out them.
For the men's team, need to wait and see what happens.
For the men's team, need to wait and see what happens.
Guild Wars 2
Feb. 22nd, 2026 06:39 pmToday I finally got full legendary armor for my main, a project I started on November 17, 2015. Yeah, it's been a minute! I had most of the set complete for a while, but for raids I was maining warrior so I switched to completing that set. Then when Obsidian came out I started working on that for light armor. I also completed other legendary projects in the meantime.
This is the messy version of a tracker that I will do nicer in my tracking notebook:
Most people I game with have, and assume I have, the two section of each column done at least. I am 1 away on light armor. A million years away on rings. Pretty close on some weapons. (Ascended and Legendary have the same stat totals, so I am not dragging things down by having inferior gear, but not having Legendary utility means I can't role flex and do other things.)
I crafted 2 pieces of legendary medium this week. I 'only' need a week of Horn of Maguuma metas and convergences to complete light and be fully done with legendary armor. So close, and yet so not doing that this week. I've got other stuff to do.
Actually, to have *full* full leggy gear I'd need double the amount of leggy weapons listed, but I am ignoring that.
I am way less invested in GW2 these days so finishing these projects is a mixed thing. I am not going to get a ton of use out of them, but also wrapping things up feels good and makes play less awkward. ... but also putting in some hours this week and I'll be done with something I've been working on for 11 years and just wont have to think about it, bank materials for it, track things for it.... No more going 'oops, can't make X because that will use materials put aside for leggy'
This is the messy version of a tracker that I will do nicer in my tracking notebook:
Most people I game with have, and assume I have, the two section of each column done at least. I am 1 away on light armor. A million years away on rings. Pretty close on some weapons. (Ascended and Legendary have the same stat totals, so I am not dragging things down by having inferior gear, but not having Legendary utility means I can't role flex and do other things.)
I crafted 2 pieces of legendary medium this week. I 'only' need a week of Horn of Maguuma metas and convergences to complete light and be fully done with legendary armor. So close, and yet so not doing that this week. I've got other stuff to do.
Actually, to have *full* full leggy gear I'd need double the amount of leggy weapons listed, but I am ignoring that.
I am way less invested in GW2 these days so finishing these projects is a mixed thing. I am not going to get a ton of use out of them, but also wrapping things up feels good and makes play less awkward. ... but also putting in some hours this week and I'll be done with something I've been working on for 11 years and just wont have to think about it, bank materials for it, track things for it.... No more going 'oops, can't make X because that will use materials put aside for leggy'
(no subject)
Feb. 22nd, 2026 02:13 pmWhile that was not the result I wanted...
Today's USA versus Canada game was a big deal because NHL players couldn't be in the Olympics for a while. Today was the most top talent on the ice that's been seen ever, because last time USA was in the Olympics we had far fewer NHL players on our roster. This was as close to 'just let all the best players play each other' as we've ever gotten.
Youtube short that is a visualization of the increasing parity between countries and comparing this year to the last time NHLers could play.
Today's USA versus Canada game was a big deal because NHL players couldn't be in the Olympics for a while. Today was the most top talent on the ice that's been seen ever, because last time USA was in the Olympics we had far fewer NHL players on our roster. This was as close to 'just let all the best players play each other' as we've ever gotten.
Youtube short that is a visualization of the increasing parity between countries and comparing this year to the last time NHLers could play.
Bronzed Squids
Feb. 21st, 2026 05:23 pmFinland takes bronze in men's hockey.
Damn, they came so close to taking out Canada and getting silver. Ah, well. Still, we've got squids taking home bronze and they were key players on their teams. Kaapo Kakko scored again.
(Kakko should be one of the Kraken's top scorers, but he was out most of the season with an injury and seemed to have the yips once he got back, was slow to get his groove back. This sidequest may have helped him a bit.)
I didn't watch the game, because I was at a write-in at Steeplejack.
Just in case you had any doubt that beer is a religion in Portland:
Damn, I need to go there with my real camera.
I considered catching the finals tomorrow, more to see the medal ceremony than the game, but the Fins already have their medals? They didn't wait and do them all at once like with the women's game?
Still sad that Finland didn't manage to take out Canada, despite that early lead. Still, some squids got bronze and overall squids had very good showings on their teams. Anyway, here's hoping Canada deletes USA tomorrow. I'm not really attached to Canada or any of their players, I just want USA's first line humiliated if possible. I can dream!
Damn, they came so close to taking out Canada and getting silver. Ah, well. Still, we've got squids taking home bronze and they were key players on their teams. Kaapo Kakko scored again.
(Kakko should be one of the Kraken's top scorers, but he was out most of the season with an injury and seemed to have the yips once he got back, was slow to get his groove back. This sidequest may have helped him a bit.)
I didn't watch the game, because I was at a write-in at Steeplejack.
Just in case you had any doubt that beer is a religion in Portland:
Damn, I need to go there with my real camera.
I considered catching the finals tomorrow, more to see the medal ceremony than the game, but the Fins already have their medals? They didn't wait and do them all at once like with the women's game?
Still sad that Finland didn't manage to take out Canada, despite that early lead. Still, some squids got bronze and overall squids had very good showings on their teams. Anyway, here's hoping Canada deletes USA tomorrow. I'm not really attached to Canada or any of their players, I just want USA's first line humiliated if possible. I can dream!
Go USA Women's Hockey!
Feb. 19th, 2026 06:05 pmSpecifically the women's team! USA mens? meh... I like a few of them, but am pulling for Finland.
Sport's Bra opened early for the game, and I may have had french fries for breakfast.
That was a fuck of a game, Canada scored early on us on a shorty and kept that lead until almost the end of the game. Hillary Knight managed to score right at the end, pushing to OT.
Someone lost their shit because they thought America had just won, because they didn't understand the visual difference between a live shot and a reply. People were excited and that was awesome, but they mostly had no idea what was going on.
Anyway, the Sports Bra is arranging a bus to and from Seattle for the Torrent's pride game in April. Getting to Seattle for games isn't hard, but it's getting back that's tricky. I may get in on that.
Sport's Bra opened early for the game, and I may have had french fries for breakfast.
That was a fuck of a game, Canada scored early on us on a shorty and kept that lead until almost the end of the game. Hillary Knight managed to score right at the end, pushing to OT.
Someone lost their shit because they thought America had just won, because they didn't understand the visual difference between a live shot and a reply. People were excited and that was awesome, but they mostly had no idea what was going on.
Anyway, the Sports Bra is arranging a bus to and from Seattle for the Torrent's pride game in April. Getting to Seattle for games isn't hard, but it's getting back that's tricky. I may get in on that.
oops, nevermind
Feb. 18th, 2026 08:40 pmDue to a shift in strategy Babylon 5 has been pulled from youtube
So much for going through it Dracula Daily style.
So much for going through it Dracula Daily style.
My Condolences to your TBRs
Feb. 18th, 2026 05:02 pm* Terry Pratchett Discworld Humble Indie Bundle. 16 bucks for over 35 books, $401 value.
* I do not have time or space in my life to rewatch B5, but if they really are going to do the whole series weekly I might do that. Could be interesting, as it's doing a weekly watch along. I was originally not going to consider it, but after having rewatched a few eps I keep thinking about one scene.
There is an episode where each race has to do a demonstration of their dominant religion. It's not just what Sinclair chooses for Humans, it's how strongly the show's production committed to the scene, especially with the shoe-string budget.
* If I do a lot of sporadic posting today it's because of milk. I've been so hardline about my diet for so long, I've often wondered if my system is really that sensitive to certain things after so many years of controlling my IBS symptoms.. as much as I enjoy working at Dragonfly Cafe they have a bad cross-contamination problem with drinks that need any kind of stirring or steaming and yes, holy shit, milk protein fucks me up. As sick as I am right now, this should mostly clear up quickly. I'll get to 85% better soon and then that last 15% will linger for a bit.
* I did make myself go and do some pre-possible-snow shopping. I have extra food, and also some shelf stable options in case of power outage.
* I do not have time or space in my life to rewatch B5, but if they really are going to do the whole series weekly I might do that. Could be interesting, as it's doing a weekly watch along. I was originally not going to consider it, but after having rewatched a few eps I keep thinking about one scene.
There is an episode where each race has to do a demonstration of their dominant religion. It's not just what Sinclair chooses for Humans, it's how strongly the show's production committed to the scene, especially with the shoe-string budget.
* If I do a lot of sporadic posting today it's because of milk. I've been so hardline about my diet for so long, I've often wondered if my system is really that sensitive to certain things after so many years of controlling my IBS symptoms.. as much as I enjoy working at Dragonfly Cafe they have a bad cross-contamination problem with drinks that need any kind of stirring or steaming and yes, holy shit, milk protein fucks me up. As sick as I am right now, this should mostly clear up quickly. I'll get to 85% better soon and then that last 15% will linger for a bit.
* I did make myself go and do some pre-possible-snow shopping. I have extra food, and also some shelf stable options in case of power outage.
(no subject)
Feb. 18th, 2026 02:46 pm* I am hoping to watch the Olympics Women's Hockey Gold Medal game tomorrow. Sports Bra is opening early.
* Finns made it to the next round! They have a decent chance at a medal.
* Sweden starting Markstrom again. They've got both of the Wild goalies, an amazing tendie duo, but every time I look at a game it's Markstrom. And right now Markstrom has only let in 1 of 31, so maybe it's the right call.
I'd hoped to catch the Wild goalies, but they only played Gus in some early round games and Wall not at all. (Technically, they are not out yet, but they are playing the US rn so...)
Actually, the game is surprisingly close, so this is now a liveblog. ( Read more... )
* Finns made it to the next round! They have a decent chance at a medal.
* Sweden starting Markstrom again. They've got both of the Wild goalies, an amazing tendie duo, but every time I look at a game it's Markstrom. And right now Markstrom has only let in 1 of 31, so maybe it's the right call.
I'd hoped to catch the Wild goalies, but they only played Gus in some early round games and Wall not at all. (Technically, they are not out yet, but they are playing the US rn so...)
Actually, the game is surprisingly close, so this is now a liveblog. ( Read more... )
(no subject)
Feb. 15th, 2026 05:45 pm* I fairly recently had revisited the ways in which DS9 was based on B5, but watching a few episodes of B5 and hearing them talk about a leader named Duhkat really threw me. Star Trek is just so culturally dominant in some nerd spaces, that hearing certain names in the show they came from is wild and feels wrong.
I watch a few eps yesterday, but don't plan on a full rewatch. But it was interesting to revisit it a bit.
* Being a goalie fan is weird. The Kraken accounts kept hyping Grubauer today, but then for some reason Germany didn't play him versus the US. No one has any idea why they didn't play their NHL goalie in that game. I'd considered heading out to a bar to see the game, but I am glad I didn't. For forwards and defensemen, you typically know if they are playing. Not 100%, stuff happens, but usually. With goalies, you either get them the whole game or not at all (except in the very rare instance of a goalie pull or injury)
I watch a few eps yesterday, but don't plan on a full rewatch. But it was interesting to revisit it a bit.
* Being a goalie fan is weird. The Kraken accounts kept hyping Grubauer today, but then for some reason Germany didn't play him versus the US. No one has any idea why they didn't play their NHL goalie in that game. I'd considered heading out to a bar to see the game, but I am glad I didn't. For forwards and defensemen, you typically know if they are playing. Not 100%, stuff happens, but usually. With goalies, you either get them the whole game or not at all (except in the very rare instance of a goalie pull or injury)
(no subject)
Feb. 15th, 2026 01:49 pmLast night someone posted that Kraken hoodies were being clearanced at a Marshalls in Portland for 6 bucks. Nice ones, official team merch, etc. Not a style I'd have bought at full price, but as someone who badly needs a wardrobe refresh, I decided to check it out. Got there, and some were 3 bucks. Also, some sweatshirts that I'd seen on the team store for around 90 bucks were going for 10. There was one I recognized because I'd really wanted that design.
The problem? The store had run out of bags two weeks ago. They didn't mention this until after I'd checked out. I'd brought a shoulder bag, thinking I'd snag like 2 or 3 of the six buck hoodies, but I wound up buying more. The lady said I could take the basket out to my car, but I don't drive. I'd taken Trimet across the city.
So, I walked out of the store with an armful of clothes with the tags still on, looking kinda like I'd robbed the place. In Portland, violent and many other types of crime are rare. But opportunistic crimes like running into a store, grabbing shit and then trying to 'act casual' is really common. And, taking Trimet back would mean looking sus as fuck going through areas where people do sell shoplifted goods, mostly sneakers and Blazers merch.
I am not street smart and I don't have an in with the local criminal element. I do have a hobby that involves walking the entire city on repeat. Also, I used to run events near places like Lloyd Center Park, and have had frank talks with cops about what crime happens in that park. Honestly, I do not think it's a big secret that people pass off shoplifted shit in Lloyd Center Park and in front of the Moda Center. I've seen people get on the light rail with armfuls of stuff and ask if anyone is buying. Seriously, I looked so incredibly sus, if trimet had safety officers on the train or if police where spot checking the stops...
But good for me that didn't! I should not have done that, though. I should have made Marshalls hold the items and found a store willing to sell me some bags. That was dumb. I just didn't think about where I'd be transferring between lines or where I'd be walking through until I was on the damn bus.
Anyway, I have put a huge dent in my wardrobe issues. One big problem was warm/long sleeve stuff that actually fits me and looks like it fits me. That is solved at least. Also, if the Kraken do any more official events in Portland, I can go and blend a bit better.
The problem? The store had run out of bags two weeks ago. They didn't mention this until after I'd checked out. I'd brought a shoulder bag, thinking I'd snag like 2 or 3 of the six buck hoodies, but I wound up buying more. The lady said I could take the basket out to my car, but I don't drive. I'd taken Trimet across the city.
So, I walked out of the store with an armful of clothes with the tags still on, looking kinda like I'd robbed the place. In Portland, violent and many other types of crime are rare. But opportunistic crimes like running into a store, grabbing shit and then trying to 'act casual' is really common. And, taking Trimet back would mean looking sus as fuck going through areas where people do sell shoplifted goods, mostly sneakers and Blazers merch.
I am not street smart and I don't have an in with the local criminal element. I do have a hobby that involves walking the entire city on repeat. Also, I used to run events near places like Lloyd Center Park, and have had frank talks with cops about what crime happens in that park. Honestly, I do not think it's a big secret that people pass off shoplifted shit in Lloyd Center Park and in front of the Moda Center. I've seen people get on the light rail with armfuls of stuff and ask if anyone is buying. Seriously, I looked so incredibly sus, if trimet had safety officers on the train or if police where spot checking the stops...
But good for me that didn't! I should not have done that, though. I should have made Marshalls hold the items and found a store willing to sell me some bags. That was dumb. I just didn't think about where I'd be transferring between lines or where I'd be walking through until I was on the damn bus.
Anyway, I have put a huge dent in my wardrobe issues. One big problem was warm/long sleeve stuff that actually fits me and looks like it fits me. That is solved at least. Also, if the Kraken do any more official events in Portland, I can go and blend a bit better.
(no subject)
Feb. 14th, 2026 01:15 amBabylon 5 being posting to youtube. It's not confirmed they will do the whole series, but I assume they will. This is an interesting move because audience fragmentation is a huge thing and this is about fixing that it looks like? Maybe the same reason Electric Entertainment posted all of the OG Leverage and has been posting more stuff, building a base.
This is one of the most important and ambitious Sci Fi shows ever. A lot of it's problems are that it got plagiarized so hard by DS9 they didn't even bother to change some of the character names. (I am not using the P word lightly, there was a lawsuit and it was settled out of court. And yeah, literally didn't even bother changing some of the names. It was beyond blatant)
So, should you watch it? You know how a lot of older genre shows have the 'just get past season 1 and it gets good' problem? Crank that to the max. The first season is painful and has a front runner for one of the worst single episodes of sci fi TV ever.
It has so many amazing moments, twists years in the planning, truly amazing acting, dialogue you will quote until the end of time, but at what cost??
This is one of the most important and ambitious Sci Fi shows ever. A lot of it's problems are that it got plagiarized so hard by DS9 they didn't even bother to change some of the character names. (I am not using the P word lightly, there was a lawsuit and it was settled out of court. And yeah, literally didn't even bother changing some of the names. It was beyond blatant)
So, should you watch it? You know how a lot of older genre shows have the 'just get past season 1 and it gets good' problem? Crank that to the max. The first season is painful and has a front runner for one of the worst single episodes of sci fi TV ever.
It has so many amazing moments, twists years in the planning, truly amazing acting, dialogue you will quote until the end of time, but at what cost??
Shelby Oaks
Feb. 13th, 2026 05:40 pmI finally saw this because Amazon gave me a random coupon for digital content. Not sure why, but there it was. I'd wanted to see this because I was intrigued by how it was an indie project with youtube based marketing. Also, recently I saw it mentioned a lot in comparison to Iron Lung because they are both indie film projects by youtubers.
( But, did I like it? )
( But, did I like it? )
(no subject)
Feb. 13th, 2026 09:35 amI am not really following Olympic hockey, even though is cool that certain people get to play with each other, etc. It's a good time to take a break. But, things are going well for the Kraken right now. They are spending the break in a play-off spot. We've have some big goals from Kraken and over in Italy, but one of them... was against a Kraken goalie.
All the pictures of Oskar Fisker Molgaard's big goal that the Kraken PR people are posting are angled/edited to not show who it has he got the puck past. So far, Molgaard is the only player to get one past Grubauer.
I'm not currently planning on watching any games. I might if Germany actually gets into medal contention. My one hope for the Olympics is that Binnington does well because people are way too shitty to him and take things he says and does in the worst possible light. I don't care how Canada does overall, but I hope he does well. (Canada is very good at producing top hockey players, but weirdly they don't produce top goalies. So goaltending is a weak point for team Canada and people are freaking out over Canada having Binnington even on the team. But like, the overall state of Canada's goalie production is not his fault. People need to chill about Binnington)
All the pictures of Oskar Fisker Molgaard's big goal that the Kraken PR people are posting are angled/edited to not show who it has he got the puck past. So far, Molgaard is the only player to get one past Grubauer.
I'm not currently planning on watching any games. I might if Germany actually gets into medal contention. My one hope for the Olympics is that Binnington does well because people are way too shitty to him and take things he says and does in the worst possible light. I don't care how Canada does overall, but I hope he does well. (Canada is very good at producing top hockey players, but weirdly they don't produce top goalies. So goaltending is a weak point for team Canada and people are freaking out over Canada having Binnington even on the team. But like, the overall state of Canada's goalie production is not his fault. People need to chill about Binnington)
(no subject)
Feb. 10th, 2026 09:24 pmI am possibly done with PDXWLF. I ventured out to a specific spot tonight because I recognized the address and was confident they'd deliver. I'll do a photo post... actually right now:
The CD clad house. Yeah, I know this intersection. I know it would be worth the trip.
I went out early, thinking to grab a burrito and then meander/photowalk a mile to two towards it. Burrito, portable food, right? Yeah, the lady who made mine was maybe new and needed to wrap it in multiple layers of foil for it to hold together, and she blamed me for it being a mess because I didn't order rice in it. So, I basically wound up walking around eating a pile of food and soaked tortilla in a make-shift tin foil bowl. It was okay. (Honestly, I shouldn't have paid for for that mess, but there was only one place I could get food along my planned route. I just really need to stop relying on being able to grab food while out and about, it keeps going sideways.)
The CD clad house. Yeah, I know this intersection. I know it would be worth the trip.
I went out early, thinking to grab a burrito and then meander/photowalk a mile to two towards it. Burrito, portable food, right? Yeah, the lady who made mine was maybe new and needed to wrap it in multiple layers of foil for it to hold together, and she blamed me for it being a mess because I didn't order rice in it. So, I basically wound up walking around eating a pile of food and soaked tortilla in a make-shift tin foil bowl. It was okay. (Honestly, I shouldn't have paid for for that mess, but there was only one place I could get food along my planned route. I just really need to stop relying on being able to grab food while out and about, it keeps going sideways.)
(no subject)
Feb. 10th, 2026 08:28 pm
I am hoping this is going to be recorded and available online, I assume it will be, but am hoping to confirm. Wow, that is going to be a conversation. This is a very often discussed book about the problems of hockey culture. Picking her to interview him is really interesting. (In my experience 'in conversation with' means the second person is basically doing an interview, and has been picked for being someone very well informed/related to a topic as opposed to being picked for interviewing skills)
Tragic....
Feb. 9th, 2026 09:08 pm* I realized that the fictional hockey team name in this original fic would not work. Klickitat Cats is an amazing sounding name, a Portland reference and a cryptid reference. But the street/region name comes from a local tribe and no way would a Portland team would overlook that and use the name that way unless they were themselves Klickitat.
Poly-b-us would be an amazing pun name for a local team, but the amount of Portland brain rot you'd need to fully get it is too much. Like, a team would use the name but the layers would be lost on readers. (Could use it as a one-off background joke, though. Also, Oregon is the Beaver State so I'm surprised none of our IRL recc league teams haven't snagged Beaver Skate)
* Guess who walked 2.6 miles for a PDXWLF exhibit that turned out to not be there? Yup, that's our PDXWLF. I think I am going to hit one more location, one that I am hopeful for, and call it good for this year.
* Heated Rivalry related link - This is a really good breakdown as to how Shane and Ilya being in the same division effects them and the story.
Poly-b-us would be an amazing pun name for a local team, but the amount of Portland brain rot you'd need to fully get it is too much. Like, a team would use the name but the layers would be lost on readers. (Could use it as a one-off background joke, though. Also, Oregon is the Beaver State so I'm surprised none of our IRL recc league teams haven't snagged Beaver Skate)
* Guess who walked 2.6 miles for a PDXWLF exhibit that turned out to not be there? Yup, that's our PDXWLF. I think I am going to hit one more location, one that I am hopeful for, and call it good for this year.
* Heated Rivalry related link - This is a really good breakdown as to how Shane and Ilya being in the same division effects them and the story.
(no subject)
Feb. 9th, 2026 01:53 pm* I got jumped by an off-leash dog, who knocked my headphones off and my phone got pulled from my pocket. My phone is alright, but my headphones are toast.
* The largest obstacle towards Jason Hawes acquiring the Conjuring House has been cleared. Things are not final, but the shithead's attempt to snipe the house has been thwarted. Things are looking... good?
* The largest obstacle towards Jason Hawes acquiring the Conjuring House has been cleared. Things are not final, but the shithead's attempt to snipe the house has been thwarted. Things are looking... good?
