Illegitimate Sun

So here’s the setup that I’d like to build.

A home server that holds all the music owned by Amy & I.

This server would also work as a PVR to catch the programs we’d like to watch rather than the rest of the crap available.

A soft-modded Xbox would serve as the front end of the PVR in the living room.

But that’s not all I’d like this to do.

I’d also like the home server to stream music and video to a limited number of users on a VPN. This way, I could tell people about a song I like and play it for them right then and there.

Also, this will allow me to keep a limited number of media files on my laptop / ipod (which have limited space) and still access my media.

The home server will be in a Shuttle SS50C that I’m currently attempting to build.

That’s a post for another day.

Crows circle my neighbor’s house.

Continuously. For the last seven years.

Day and night, a murder circles above.

A dark cloud of caws and wings and crooked glares .

One time, at a backyard barbecue, I asked him about the crows.

He just smiled and went back to basting the ribs.

This recipe came with a gift from Katie to Amy:

1/4 Cup Vinegar
2 Teaspoons Granulated Sugar
1 Teaspoon Minced Garlic (About 1 Clove)
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Chili Powder (We use ground chipotle)
3/4 Cup Salad Oil (We use extra-virign olive oil)

Combine & shake or stir vigorously

Dip bread in the sauce for a tasty appetizer

Scram was a half-orc ranger that I played for a Chewning one-shot. Scram’s defining traits were that he was not too bright but full of common sense, and ugly as a man who lost a brick fight. He’s so ugly that his teammates made him cover his face with a scarf so as not to scare the townsfolk.

It made it all the more enjoyable when the reward for the adventure was becoming landed gentry.

It was fun to play a dim, unruly character. Most of the players expect me to play a smart, talker. It’s my niche in the group. Playing Scram stretched my skills and brought me some roleplaying cred.

Example of play:

Scram: Hmmm (wisely)

Others: Scram? What’s up? You got something?

Scram: Nope, I just didn’t understan a damn word you all were saying.

Others: …

A whole night of that was brilliant.

Scram’s Stats :

Strength: 11
Dexterity: 14
Intelligence: 9
Wisdom: 15
Constitution: 14
Charisma: 6

Race Abilities:

Darkvision 60′
Enhanced Smell
+1 vs Unarmored AC
+2 vs Disease
+2 to Tracking

Class Ability:

+1 Damage per Level vs. Giants & Humanoids
Conceal (Dex)
Delay / Neutralize Poison (Wis)
Move Silently (Dex)
Scale (Dex)
Traps (Wis)
Survival (Wis)
Track (Wis)

Equipment of Note:

Scale Mail
Long Sword
Short Composite Bow
Dagger
Backpack
Bedroll
Waterskin
Misc.

Here’s a wine I tried recently that Amy & I really enjoyed.

Mark West Pinot Noir - 2003

It has a sharp, smooth taste with an excellent finish and virtually no aftertaste.

Amy described it as a red wine for white wine drinkers.

Enjoy