Finnius

Calvin Coolidge collects cups, clothing, caps, contemplative clergymen; consistently complains.

There is a pale reflection, In the mirror of my life, Spider-cracking multiples, Unending halls of knives; In dreams my mind can wander, Through the hallways of release, In dreams I can take sustenance, In dreams I can take peace. In dreams I can forget myself, Forget the passing days, Forget that I am who I am, In many varied ways. In dreams I am alive again, My days don't feel like rain, My nights feel so much better, Than the constant dull refrains. Is living daylight just a farse? The world a box and we inside? My hope says yes, says life's a screen, That life is only how we hide. In dreams I feel the wind again, In dreams life isn't fake, In dreams I know whole-heartedly, That harder hearts than mine can break. In dreams a thought's an action, In dreams a wish a deed, In dreams I can remember, What other people need. In dreams the world is right-side up, In dreams the dreaming never ends, In dreams I'm not a coward, In dreams I see my fading friends. In dreams I never did let go, In dreams I never went away, Instead I held on til tomorrow, In dreams the morning turned to day. In dreams this poem doesn't end, It spills out prose, goes on and on, In night-time wish the twilight peace, Never has to meet the dawn. I love the world, I love the light, I love the sun and clouds. I love a girl, I love my friends, In dreams I can be proud. But if my plans should fail complete, If all my plots and wants and schemes, And if I die before I wake, I'll see you in my dreams.

Bewildered, bleeding, Belgian buccaneers beat boots beneath battered bunks.

I am normally inclined to agree with the previous statements about comercialism, over-exposure, tacky cards, candy of suspect quality, and overpriced pollen-carriers, but these concerns have already been noted. No, Pennites and Pennettes, it is a far more serious matter that I must bring to your attention and I am sure it is one that has already been noticed by our membership, but it is a topic so horrid in its implications that most of them simply would not speak of it. I am talking, of course, about the great Valentines Day mind-control conspiracy. Every February 14th, millions upon millions of tacky pink teddy bears are shipped out across the good ol' U.S. of A. and of those, at least three or four are equipped with brain-washing hypno-beams that, when combined with the subtle but tasteless will-eroding solvent placed on the powder-candy hearts that are crammed down the throats of millions of heart-throbbing lovebirds, turns them into mindless agents of the Central Unified Protection and Information Division. Yes, CUPID. I know, many of you have never heard of this agency, let alone are willing to believe the ravings of a half-crazed lunatic of questionable credentials and uncertain seriousness, BUT- If I'm right, then we are all being spyed on by couples who are otherwise seemingly engaged in harmless displays of public affection. Every snuggle and kiss, hand-holding and bench-warming make-out session is a subtle code to CUPID agents on the whereabouts and activities of every single US citizen. This is a travesty that must not be allowed to continue! Up the revolution, upon St. Crispin's Day! Or something like that. *collapses*

*pounce* Welcome back (not that I'm omnipresent (or really semipresent) myself) and happy Christmas.

Wow, I am always and forever missing my own birthday thread. Thanks for all the loverly sentiments and ice sculptures, and everyone have a happy Christmas and fun and safe holidays. Lata!

While I have by no means had time to fully read this thread, (It's huge! Which is great!) I love it on general principle. And so, in no particular order - Ayshela; I've very rarely been able to be completely honest, and completely at ease, with anyone so soon after meeting them. Personally, I think that's a sign of something. Might be a sign of peanut butter, but it's definitely a sign, and legitimate, honest to goodness signs are all too rare. Yer great, and as I do keep saying, a total angel. *hugs* Wyvern; Wow. One of my first "borrowed" characters, and most definitely one of my favorites. I'm very glad I chose to snatch Wyv for a story or two, as it gave me free range to identify, and eventually actually converse with ya. You've got such a free-wheeling view on life in general, and are an ace radio personality, to boot. I only get to listen in once in a blue moon, but I look forward to it when I do. Quincunx; While I can't say I understand everything you write, I can say I enjoy not understanding it. And what I do, I *really* enjoy. I believe it was Pered who compared you to a Sensei, but I have to go more along the lines of Zen gnostic baker. You've got an intuitive understanding of the straight-up weirdness and absurdity of everyday life, and can make it turn into fluffy, delicious doughnuts. And I loves me some doughnuts. Also, I have a soft spot for Minta, as she appeals to the sugar-loaded-zombie-gnome in all of us. But then, don't we all. Tanuchan; My favorite racoon-dog, and also one of my favorite people. Talking to you is always fun, enlightening, and generally I come away feeling warm and fuzzy inside. Much luck in your endeavors, and hopefully we can all get together for like, drinks or something one of these years. It'd totally rock. And karaoke. Can't forget the karaoke. Salinye; I still remember the first time we talked, you contributing to the "Keep me Awake so I can finish Best Served Cold" fund. Fun times then, and fun times since. And I promise, if I ever edit, I'll give you a sword, and let you whack the tar out of some cultists. Katzaniel; Oh silken fur like shiny sun, Oh warm and sultry feline one, Who's heart I yearned to ever be in, And lost to Ozy, then to Tyrion. Ok, that was a bad poem. But it was supposed to be. Probably. I think. Either way, yer great, and definitely know how to take a joke. Which in my book, is next to saintliness. Or something. Peredhil; If you have any idea how much positive impact you've had on any number of people, but in this case on me in specific, you don't need me to tell you. But I will, just because. You're great, I love you. In a manly way, of course. Ok, and on that note I am again strapped for brain power. Probably edit at some point when I'm not heavily medicated. Also, shout outs to: The Big Pointy One Valdar Cerulean *and* Scarlett! Zadown Gyrfalcon Yui-chan Orlan Nyarrk Alaeha Sweetcherrie Appy (aw, hell, all of ya. my memory suuuuuuuuuhcks.) (edit: Ozy, Gwai, Xaious, Canid I'll get you all! And your little dogs too! (Ok, maybe not your little dogs. But you get the idea.))

*huggahugga hugga hugga huggahugga hugga hugga huggaggaggagga hugga* (And so on and so forth.) *uggahugga* **

Well that ain't good. Erm... the bronchitis, not the poem. The poem was quite good. Shuffle yerself off ta bed, or the doctor, or both, or either! Or something! *falls on his face* Don't make me come down there. I *will* bring soup.

Thanks. It was just a spur of the moment kind of thing, me trying to figure out what was going on in my own head. Glad ye all enjoyed it. And ya, the abrupt ending was most definitely intentional. Again, thanks for the feedback, 'specially the good stuff. And now, I woosh off into oblivion.

I'm lost in mind, in space, in time, In front of the mirror, or alone in the night, Or maybe I'm lost, just floating away, From myself and the world, and the night and the day. And if I am lost, I'm glad that I'm lost, I'm glad I'm away from myself and my name, From my ego and id, from the things that would bid, Me to do what I want, keep a pot 'neath my lid. And speaking of lids, those are also called caps, Or tops, or coverings, on roofs it's called thatch, It's the same either way, just a way to contain, All the naming and talking, pent up in the brain. From the top of my head, to the sole of my heart, To the soul of my feet, (cause hey, that's where it starts, With the walking and thinking, too much time alone.) But when I'm with people, I'm never at home. Home's where the heart is, that's what they say, But what if my heart is just too far away? What if it flies, like a butterfly's wings, And brings hurricanes and tornados and things? A shrill gust of wind, or a sharp breathy scream, Or a smile and a sigh, or a wonderful dream, It's all really the same, in the land that is me, Cause sometimes these days, I don't recognize my own reflection.

So I saw Serenity just a bit ago. Ok, I may start gushing, if so, just stick some putty over the leak. To be objective, this is a movie that is unashamedly for the fans. That's ok, because rabid fandom aside, it's a durn good piece of film. For those of ya not in the know, Serenity is based on a short-lived TV show by the name of Firefly. It's a Joss Whedon series, so high expectations. Alas, Fox couldn't commit to the eclectic, genre defying cultural mish-mash that was Whedon's vision. As a result, they aired 11 out of 14 episodes, out of order, and bouncing around in time slot. Critics hailed it as the most canceled TV show of all time. A few years later, a lot of persistence from the cast, crew, Whedon, and (importantly) the fan base, and Universal Pictures picked up the script for this wonderful, lovely movie. I'll try and review in sections. First up is camera work. The key word here is dirty. Almost everything, as in Firefly, is handheld and has a 'found footage' quality to it. There's off-center closeups, out of focus backgrounds, and (everybody's favorite) extensive camera flares. In fact, the camera crew had to send back their swanky new lens systems and get older stuff, just so it'd flare more. Looks amazing. Acting: Top notch acting from a small-name cast. You can tell they love these characters, love the story, and just plain enjoy what they're doing. Not to mention, the guy they got to play your main 'villain' (I use that term loosely.) is fricking excellent. He brings such depth and feeling to this character that it's very hard to hate him, even as he admits that he's a monster. Story: A bit on the weaker side, but by no means weak. The movie is very character-driven, and is more about the differences in these people and how they relate to each other than about what's happening to them. At times this can make things seem a bit rushed, but for the most part, it's very effective. As Joss Whedon said. "It's about nine people looking into the blackness of space, and seeing nine different things." It also does not shy away from distinctly human characters, who occasionally do things that, from an objective perspective, may seem morally questionable, or even downright wrong. The point is, though, that from the character's perspective, it was the right and necessary thing to do. And the best part of all is, it completely sucks you in so that you can see things from the character's perspective. You go on this ride with them. Overall: Even if you're not a fan of sci-fi, western, or action, there is something to find and enjoy in this film. Whether it's Jayne's flippant, blunt commentary on the intrinsic greed in the human race, or Mal's flat out refusal to give up and die/conform, you'll find yourself attracted to at least one of these characters, and find yourself seeing through their eyes. Ok, so now that I've gushed and gushed, hopefully you'll go see this movie, if you haven't already. -Little Blue man, Signing off

*dashes in, sends out wave upon wave of hugs, then dashes out to work* *ok, waits a sec after all the dashing* *pant pant pant* *all right, back to the dashing*

Ok, first check this out, and sign if so inclined. So yeah... not really anything to add past that link, really, just figured it'd be easier to spot here than if I linkied it in the Shoutbox. Hope ya sign, and either way, thanks fer yer time.

...tail acted up. But then, poor pengy's rash had a tendancy to do that on a near-daily basis, and so he was always doing that little itchy-jig instead of bonking evil wizards with heat-seaking banana missiles. Which was good news, as today was the Second Annual Evil Wizards' Convocation and Chili Cook Off. It was just getting into full swing when...

A small indigo form climbs up the stage, grumbling under his breath that there really should be stairs on this thing. After he's taken his footing, he begins to make his way towards the mike in the center, only to have a cord snag around his foot, throwing him dangerously off balance... The foot trips, detangling itself from the cord and retangling itself in the little blue man's best (i.e. only) robe. Somehow or another, Finnius ends up in a half roll, half tumble, forward; as he goes, the robe slips disturbingly out of place, pulls itself up over his head, and as the diminutive blue Pennite stands from his tumble, thinking to change it Willy Wonka-style into a showy gesture, the rest of the poor brown garment gives up the ghost and falls to the floor. For a brief moment, there is silence, and then the snickering begins. Finnius, for his part, turns a lovely shade of purple. He then gathers the remains of his clothing, coughs tentatively towards the mike, causing massive feedback, recoils, leans forward, and gives a sheepish grin. "Erm... if you didn't know me before, your certainly do now. It's er... for a good cause? Right? Heh... heh... immagetoffthestagenow." The tiny bluish purple man then exits stage left, and retreats somewhere to re-robe. From the back can be heard the sounds of the remaining members of the Anti-Wyvern Bachelor Sign Up Sheet Protection Squad, stationed to make sure the scaley Elder didn't try to enter twice. "Thank Zool he was wearing boxers..." "Yeah, that could've been embarrasing otherwise." "..." "Very amusing, Sergeant Bunny."

Consider me in, towel and all! Or something like that.

Well, having been bumped by a few cars as per Gyr's cross-walk example, I definitely wouldn't want to get hit by one at high speeds, so that's right out the window. On the other hand, my high school gym teacher was hit by lightning THREE TIMES and is now deathly afraid of anything resembling a storm cloud. He may be over 300 pounds and able to lift the rear end of his car, but get a dark cloud anywhere near him and he leaves a dust trail that would make the Road Runner proud. So... Hrm... I gotta agree with Doc Evil.

0. [Female] - Scarlett O'Harpy 1. [Verb, past tense] - swished 2. [Adjective]- gigantic 3. [Adjective]- teensy-weensy 4. [Noun]- piece of some poor sap's liver, temporarily dislodged from Scarlett's teeth 5. [Noun]- decidedly charred former-locusts 6. [Noun]- spear 7. [body Part]- corpuscles 8. [Verb, past tense]- fried 8.5 [Male]- Gyrfalcon 9. [Car part]- overheating radiator 10. [Adjective]- tenebrous 11. [Verb, past tense]- sashayed 12. [Noun]- raging inferno 13. [Adjective]- demolished

From the ever-amusing shoutbox; Original English Text: Would madam like a lid for her coffee pail? Translated back to English: The woman would appreciate a protection for her bathtub of the coffee? "Protect the bathtub full of coffee!" Had to add this one; Original English Text: How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? AFter one translation... Translated back to English: Which rank tree if as for the woodchuck the woodchuck can install the tree with the chuck, is installed with the chuck? And finally... Translated back to English: the tree luxurioese of the structure, if what worries to the rectangle the tree about the structure for arctomys of arctomys of çé¢ the meat to install them, that had installed and çé¢ the meat? I think I broke the sentence...

1. Wyvern 2. the rare, onion-eating gazelles of Abu Dhabi 3. traipsing 4. Minta 5. wombat 6. skipping 7. Zadown's Astral Harbor 8. the near zombification of an innocent (?) Pennite 9. glaring 10. kicking 11. a reanimated corpse 12. stumbling 13. putrescant 14. zombie

Happy B-day , oh fearless Rabbity Leader-type person. (Pre-Doc Evil's takeover, o'course. )

1) Mynx 2) Web-footed wombat 3) spelunking 4) Gryphon 5) quiescant 6) tube-top 7) giant, hollow dung beetle the inside of Scarlett O'Harpy's tummy 9) a floating chunk of Finnius 10) glowing 11) rhubarb pies 12) skipping 13) lawn gome 14) Ol' Peculiar 15) Betty Paige 16) polka dotted boxer shorts 17) propane grill 18) sparkly mottled green 19) pancreas 20) giant skillet

Herzlichen gebertstag oh Furless leader! Er... or should that be fearless... Hmm... Anywho, happy day of birthing Ozy!

Drip-a-drip-a-peeling, There's a leak in my ceiling, And it's driving me crazy, Cause that sound's not appealing. Drip-a-drip-a-drip-drop, I call him up, he says it'll stop, But I've never known a leak, To just get tired and give it up. Nap-a-nap-a-drip-snooze, When I wake up, my ceiling's loose, A big old hunk of plaster, Hanging from the ceiling like a noose. Ring-a-ring-a-ring-"Hello?" "I really think you'd like to know, The drip that you said not worry? It's busted through the ceiling, yo." "..." "Yeah, so maybe... iuno... get someone out here?" "Um... yeah, ok, they'll be there by noon." "Thanks." click