tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post4994570292309821739..comments2024-03-17T08:27:53.658-05:00Comments on Stonekettle Station: Sins of a Solar EmpireJim Wrighthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-31969491513973319552009-01-04T14:41:00.000-06:002009-01-04T14:41:00.000-06:00Jeri, I would like to respond to your comment, how...<I>Jeri, I would like to respond to your comment, however, I am currently under attack in three systems by rogue elements of the foul Vassari Alliance and cannot spare the resources.<BR/><BR/>This has been a automated response. Thank you for your interest. God Bless the Empire! We will be victorious!</I>Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-76581573851382318332009-01-04T14:35:00.000-06:002009-01-04T14:35:00.000-06:00Bryan got this yesterday. I haven't heard from hi...Bryan got this yesterday. I haven't heard from him since. ;) I'm not sure if he loves it or is just obsessed with it, but he's having a blast.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-39875944074162164872008-12-31T13:45:00.000-06:002008-12-31T13:45:00.000-06:00Heh, my brother got me sucked into Emperor: Rise o...Heh, my brother got me sucked into <I>Emperor: Rise of the Middle Kingdom</I> in the meantime. It's Windows-only, which means I can't take it with me, so I've been offline for days now trying to cram in as much playtime on it as possible (in between visiting family). Seems I've missed a lot of stuff going on in the rest of the world by doing that. o.OMWThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09446603415730525882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-64065478300479675272008-12-30T21:54:00.000-06:002008-12-30T21:54:00.000-06:00Oh, -20. Sigh. I love subzero weather. After ge...Oh, -20. Sigh. I love subzero weather. After getting snowed in, essentially all of it is gone because the weather jumped up to around 60degF, and then rained, all with 40mph winds gusting to 60+ which dried out the rest of the snow banks.<BR/><BR/>Winter should stay winter. This on again off again shit is for the birds.<BR/><BR/>Dr. PhilDr. Phil (Physics)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11943336276878704753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-48599287458859377522008-12-29T00:10:00.000-06:002008-12-29T00:10:00.000-06:00Yes, Bryan, I'd say she was. Though, I have to say...Yes, Bryan, I'd say she was. Though, I have to say that the mere thought of that rock band hero noise gives me a headache, but I'm glad you all are enjoying it.<BR/><BR/>The music in SoaS is terrific. I actually enjoy it and it enhances the mood of the game - like a good movie sound track. <BR/><BR/>I'm actually playing right now - I have the game set to windows mode so I can see blog traffic and email. Very cool. <BR/><BR/>And speaking of sports paraphernalia, I got a limited issue Iditarod Sweatshirt with the official patch. Yeah, I'm wearing it right now. And I'm <I>warm</I>, baby, so warm. Which is important because it's about -20 at the moment.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-65677934593253458292008-12-29T00:02:00.000-06:002008-12-29T00:02:00.000-06:00OH, and I almost forgot, a very cool Seahawks unif...OH, and I almost forgot, a very cool Seahawks uniform...#51 Lofa Tatupu. My sweetie was good to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-48107714811763755112008-12-29T00:00:00.000-06:002008-12-29T00:00:00.000-06:00Jim, this does sound cool, Jeri's right, I would l...Jim, this does sound cool, Jeri's right, I would love it. I did a head over heels over Civilization III a few years ago, a similar sounding type of strategy game. Civ IV was fun too, but then the bastards latest update was not made for the PC, and not for the Wii either, which is the game console of choice for us. So probably no more Civ for me for a while, which is probably a good thing. This also sounds like Star Trek: Armada, which is set in the Trek universe with those ships and characters involved. <BR/><BR/>We got tons o' Rock Band and even a Guitar Hero game, so we're rockin' out here. Also got some books and CDs I wanted (classic rock) and a Monopoly computer game, since I love board games...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-3527199549708145702008-12-28T23:31:00.000-06:002008-12-28T23:31:00.000-06:00The game sounds like something the husband would l...The game sounds like something the husband would love - I'll be shopping for it. ;)<BR/><BR/>I got an advanced silversmithing class the first week of Jan. Casting, enameling, advanced forging and stone setting. Squee! I'm cleaning off my workbench tomorrow and brushing up my skills on my vacation time this week. There may be photos if things work out.<BR/><BR/>The family also got BOTH Rock Band II and Guitar Hero World Tour, an AC/DC song pack, and an extra dual game platform guitar, so our living room is never-ending metal game jam right now. This is cool with me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-64618200075498924062008-12-28T22:07:00.000-06:002008-12-28T22:07:00.000-06:00Sorry, Jim, I have my own interstellar empire alre...Sorry, Jim, I have my own interstellar empire already. I'd say that as the author, I have control, but that's not strictly true, because as fun as it is up through 2891 AD, it is going to deteriorate in the future -- several times. Oh well, love 'em and leave 'em. Even Rome fell. Twice.<BR/><BR/>I have had to avoid RPGs and other gaming all my life. It would be addictive, I am quite sure. Best to channel it into fiction -- and then try to sell the suckers for money! So I can spend time and write more!<BR/><BR/>Dr. PhilDr. Phil (Physics)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11943336276878704753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-82866359930150133282008-12-28T16:57:00.000-06:002008-12-28T16:57:00.000-06:00Sounds like you're having a a good time.I'm not a ...Sounds like you're having a a good time.<BR/><BR/>I'm not a games person, so my Christmas goodies were DVDs (like the new Dr. Who seasons 2 and 2, and Jeff Dunham's new comedy special) some clothes I wanted, and books.vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16955307244053931069noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-54751516241825226322008-12-28T11:07:00.000-06:002008-12-28T11:07:00.000-06:00Unknown.However, I warn you, Nathan, stay away. I ...Unknown.<BR/><BR/>However, I warn you, Nathan, stay away. I played this thing until 1AM last night.<BR/><BR/>However, 1) I did find the pirate's base and bombed it out of existence. And 2) the Vassari Empire continuously rebuffed my offer of alliance and trade, so I found their homeworld and bombed that back to the stone ages. Then I bombed all of their colonies off the face of their worlds. Then I colonized the ruins. Fuck 'em. It's my universe.<BR/><BR/>However, I've noted a few scouts from outside the system. Hmmm. Troubling.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-77964300104064511832008-12-28T10:27:00.000-06:002008-12-28T10:27:00.000-06:00OK, now you've got me really wanting this thing. ...OK, now you've got me really wanting this thing. Is there a Mac version?Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648438549121320566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-82050419607114705072008-12-27T17:28:00.000-06:002008-12-27T17:28:00.000-06:00Why yes, Konstantin, you can beat the Pirates. Pro...Why yes, Konstantin, you can beat the Pirates. Providing that they don't attack you en masse while the <I>entire</I> combined armada of the alien Vasari Empire is bombarding your homeworld from orbit with nuclear weapons and at the same time deploying several dozen advanced capability capital ships against your paltry half dozen level 1 ships because you didn't have the foresight to concentrate on military build=up over exploration and diplomacy. Yeah, then you can beat the pirates just fine.<BR/><BR/>Why, yes, I did get my ass handed to me yet again. Thanks for asking.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-79985188787260519782008-12-27T08:26:00.000-06:002008-12-27T08:26:00.000-06:00You can always beat the pirates. The game sometime...You can always beat the pirates. The game sometimes moves at a snail's pace, especially after you are done with your researches.<BR/><BR/>Civs IV. Now, that's cryptonite anybody can be proud of.Some dude stuck in the Midwesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00852056495927941030noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-12856135822963728362008-12-27T07:48:00.000-06:002008-12-27T07:48:00.000-06:00Why have I not heard of this one?KIM... I'M GOING ...Why have I not heard of this one?<BR/><BR/>KIM... I'M GOING TO BEST BUY!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-12465967413679469112008-12-27T05:35:00.000-06:002008-12-27T05:35:00.000-06:00We got a Wii and a trip to Germany. The Wii is rea...We got a Wii and a trip to Germany. The Wii is really fun, and a bit of a time sink. And even without the Wii fit it is exercise, right? Right? Fine, it isn't really exercise, but I will continue to pretend. <BR/><BR/>Germany is cold. Okay, not as cold as Alaska, but as we are used to MD temps, it might as well be the Arctic Circle here. No snow, though. Tonight we will be at a family party (my friend's family, not mine) -- wine, beer, food, and her uncle is bringing his accordion. You have never lived until you hang out with a bunch of Germans who've had some booze to drink and are now singing to an accordion. :-)neurondochttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12155027993661209263noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-44974370961847650882008-12-27T02:53:00.000-06:002008-12-27T02:53:00.000-06:00HO: Specify time period, prototype modeled, etc., ...HO: Specify time period, prototype modeled, etc., please.<BR/><BR/>I've nothing set up or assembled in years, but boxes of Santa Fe diesel era, mostly modern, HO scale, and then CP/CN in N scale. Some day...<BR/><BR/>I don't buy the magazines very often, but just saw ads for HO-scale Rapido United Aircraft TurboTrains. Eek. I could spend serious money on those -- rode both Amtrak and VIA Canada.<BR/><BR/>Dr. PhilDr. Phil (Physics)https://www.blogger.com/profile/11943336276878704753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-37989667542776919962008-12-26T23:46:00.000-06:002008-12-26T23:46:00.000-06:00Lego! I got Lego. Castle Lego, which is THE BEST. ...Lego! I got Lego. Castle Lego, which is THE BEST. Karl's SO gave me a MAC gift certificate. The nephew gave me tools.<BR/><BR/>It's been a good holiday. :)Taniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18142380580388373496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-46972030631622626632008-12-26T22:29:00.000-06:002008-12-26T22:29:00.000-06:00I really don't need to introduce Michael to that g...I really don't need to introduce Michael to that game; he LOVES strategy games (almost never plays first person shooter games or anything like it) The on-line games he plays already suck up hours of his time. If he finds a new game then the trash will NEVER get taken out!<BR/><BR/>Regarding loot:<BR/><BR/>I'm getting a Cuisinart convection toaster oven. If it ever gets delivered.<BR/><BR/>Michael got me a macro lens for my digital camera. But the adapter is on back order.<BR/><BR/>I did, however, get a boat load of books from my brother.<BR/><BR/>So see you some time next year!Random Michelle Khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13817444379694818074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-73093436201825527332008-12-26T22:08:00.000-06:002008-12-26T22:08:00.000-06:00I'm a big fan of Robert Sorby lathe tools. Sorby i...I'm a big fan of Robert Sorby lathe tools. Sorby is, of course, also from England - what is it about British lathe tools? Sheffield steel, good for bayonets, better for chisels. I do have a couple of Crown's and a few assorted various and sundry. <BR/><BR/>I do use Shopsmith lathe tools, and have pretty much everything they make and which are of very high quality. Of course, I have two shopsmiths too, so it would sort of figure. :)Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-70102173675276204682008-12-26T21:12:00.000-06:002008-12-26T21:12:00.000-06:00Mine's a 'Melvyn Firmager' 1/16" parting tool and ...Mine's a 'Melvyn Firmager' 1/16" parting tool and shear scraper - British, of course (as he fogs up his monacle). I already have two different Delta tool sets, a Marples set that I got from my dad a few years back (that he's had since I was a kid), a Craftsman set that's about 40 years old (new in the box) that I got from a friend who was going to chuck them (pun intended), and a set of barely used ShopSmith turning tools that were also slated for the dustbin. I have a few bits and parts that I've made myself, and a few different chucking options (mostly homemade).<BR/><BR/>You've got some damned nice pieces, too, Jim. I don't have the patience for doing green work, though - or the space to dry like you do. I have to wrap and stack for 7 months or more...<BR/><BR/>That lathe has a pretty cool story behind it - reminds me I need to get hold of the guy I got it from - need to get some belaying pins made for his boat. It was a long grungy project restoring it - but definitely worth it - she goes from about 50 rpm up to about 3400. :) <A HREF="http://www.mosquitonet.com/~keeper/Projects/Delta_1460/" REL="nofollow">It used to look like this.</A>Karlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854671368992589012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-34807928885800627392008-12-26T20:37:00.000-06:002008-12-26T20:37:00.000-06:00Lathe tools, always a good choice, Karl.I have a S...Lathe tools, always a good choice, Karl.<BR/><BR/>I have a Sorby Thin Kerf parting tool. And several other custom made parting tools, that I made myself from tool steel or old files. I do have a couple of traditional diamond-shaped parting tools, don't use them much.<BR/><BR/>Oh, I looked at your site - love that 1953 Delta Lathe. Damn, what a beautiful piece of hardware. Also, very, very nice work. You're a hell of a craftsman, Karl.Jim Wrighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259550121437562338noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-28751718112577615972008-12-26T20:24:00.000-06:002008-12-26T20:24:00.000-06:00New thin parting tool, $50 certificate to Lee Vall...New thin parting tool, $50 certificate to Lee Valley Tools :) so I can get stuff to make more <A HREF="http://www.mosquitonet.com/~keeper/Projects/Bowling/SpinnyBits.html" REL="nofollow">spinny bits</A>, Titanium framing hammer, heavy work shirt, rechargable flashlight with 12V and 115V chargers, 12V coffee cup for the truck, coupla Clive Cussler books, and 2 seasons of The Tick :)<BR/><BR/>But the crown jewel of gifts was one of those SD card picture frames from my son's stepdad - with over 200 photos of my son's growing up - things I had never seen of the times I wasn't around, the times it was just them. Best gift, ever.<BR/><BR/>And I got to be with my folks one more time, and my brother came back from the mine for 2 days to be with us, sis is expecting (and scared and excited), and my son is straight A's again for the fall. I didn't need any of the goodies... That's just sprinkles...Karlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11854671368992589012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-56954182972098281812008-12-26T18:21:00.000-06:002008-12-26T18:21:00.000-06:00Oh, also - so far for Christmas I've gotten socks....Oh, also - so far for Christmas I've gotten socks. Festively striped, home-knit socks. Well, the other pair is actually crocheted rather than knit, but they're warm. ;)<BR/><BR/>Also some good food. We didn't really do a formal gift exchange.MWThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09446603415730525882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8243351006478134285.post-59254542020790678912008-12-26T18:18:00.000-06:002008-12-26T18:18:00.000-06:00Oops. Forgot to actually put it in (though it doe...Oops. Forgot to actually put it in (though it does only lead to sketches). <A HREF="http://coherentlight.blogspot.com/2006/06/conceptual-design-work.html" REL="nofollow">It's here</A>.<BR/><BR/>HO has several advantages over N (I actually think it's less expensive, for one). I only went with N because a lot of the Japanese kits I needed were only available in that scale.Dicing with Dragonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03132972790091524968noreply@blogger.com