Quest for Muscle: The Return of the Pump
- Thread starter GentleOx
- Start date
from
it is ok this time, but be carefull, I've got my eye on you 
aku-chan
Well-known member
Congrats on another round of PR's! 
waiting to see today's results....
from
Thank you kindly @CODawn, @JCU, @aku-chan, @Fremen and @graoumia.
@graoumia, I took a break today, and there's a typhoon coming, so the gym may be closed for a few days. But there are always more PRs to come! Ho ho ho.
@JCU I'm not a slasher person, despite being a big horror junkie, so ISKWYDLS is a definite skip for me. I make exception for the Halloween series and I liked the first Ft13th, but that's about it. I have some small faith in F4; it looks like it'll be better than its predecessors. Not that that's saying much.
@graoumia If Grogu ever shows up around me, I'll punt his little green tushie into a lake!
@graoumia, I took a break today, and there's a typhoon coming, so the gym may be closed for a few days. But there are always more PRs to come! Ho ho ho.
@JCU I'm not a slasher person, despite being a big horror junkie, so ISKWYDLS is a definite skip for me. I make exception for the Halloween series and I liked the first Ft13th, but that's about it. I have some small faith in F4; it looks like it'll be better than its predecessors. Not that that's saying much.
@graoumia If Grogu ever shows up around me, I'll punt his little green tushie into a lake!
Thank you so much @colin!
@graoumia Take that, Grogu! I banish you back to the land of cute little critters that get on my nerves!
Ox watched the strange sight intently. It was a ball of flame that floated three feet off the ground, travelling in a strange path unknowable to mere humans. He was careful not to get close; a pack of wild, eather-infected dogs had made that mistake and had been flambed. The Flood Plains, southwest of the Crossroads and the area in which he was now scavenging lived up to its name, while giving no actual indication of how dangerous it was. Turns out it was infested with dogs, anomalies of a kind with the floating fireball, and most frighteningly, strange humanoid creatures that seemed to have been warped and reassembled with random tools taking place of their appendages. Upon seeing him (he'd been careless), they'd come running after him right away. Ox led them on a merry chase before managing to lure them into the ball of fire, which had helpfully taken care of them. He was learning.
Having rooted his way through a small industrial structure, he'd heard another tell-tale chiming buzz. He tracked the sound down to a shelf in one of the buildings, spotted the jammer, and had promptly blown it apart. He'd then made the mistake of entering an underground structure called "RG West", in the spirit of exploration. While he'd used his flashlight to cut through the dark corridors, he had eventually been chased out by terrifying, skeletal creatures that crawled along the floors. He would come back when he was more well-prepared.
He had opened the port door to the adjacent area (RG East) expecting the same treatment, but instead he was in what seemed to be an underground lab, which was an outpost of some sort for aspiring stalkers. A few of them were deep in conversation, while a bored-looking guard was standing behind a clump of sandbags, leaning on his assault rifle. Past the entry way was some sort of lecture hall, with a projector and several broken-up rows of seats. Across from its doorway was a hall-like area that resembled the dispensary in a hospital - if they were manned by androids. One of them was clearly busy with its paperwork when Ox walked up.
"Dr... Mosby?" The android-man looked up. "Ah, another stalker. How can we help you today? I have several jobs lined up, and we can spare some supplies, if you've come to trade."
Hey Bees! I haven't been to the gym these past few days because a Typhoon signal 10 (the highest that can be hoisted) was recently posted, making it unwise to go outside, really. Luckily, it's abated, and right now it's simply raining.
So today I sought to find my 1rm for the Bench Press before I start my new bench cycle. Also, you won't be happy that I had more PRs today!
Bench Press: 157.5 x 1! Not bad! It's not the heaviest I've ever lifted, but it does represent a PR over these years.
Incline Press: 130 x 1. My notes say this is also a PR!
Overhead Press: 75 x 6. Another PR!
Did not do any triceps stuff, I'll save it for another time.
Flat Dumbbell Curls: 20 x 20.
Forearm Curls: 20 x 17.
It's been on and off rain as the typhoon departs. That's the heaviest the wind has been, but our windows all held up. And there will be more to come.
I heard about Chuck Tingle for the first time; he's the erotic fiction author of such works of art as Pounded in the Butt by My Own Butt, I'm Gay For My Living Billionaire Jet Plane or even, in which he breaks with tradition, Not Pounded In The Butt By Anything And That's Okay. Have been laughing my butt (!) off reading the titles. It's astonishing that stuff like this exists, but if it didn't, we'd have to create it. Part of the hilarity is that this person is actually a talented writer! It's one thing to make repetitive jokes, but to do it well? Another. Apologies if this is offensively puerile, or, shock, horror(!), offensive, but it's just too hilarious to share.
Stay safe and sane, Bees!
Playing: More of Project Silverfish. I started yet another character, just for fun, and for the challenge of working my way back up. Eventually, I'll have to give the Extraction mode (ie the normal way of playing the game!) a go, but I'd probably find it really tiresome.
Reinstalled Mortal Sin, will see if I can play it in between PS runs (Morgan Freeman: He would not).
Watching: Uhh, haven't been watching much. May, just may watch Fantastic Four, as the early show is pretty cheap (to the tune of 8 USD, give or take a few cents). Hrmm, as Rorschach would say.
Listening to: NIN - As Alive As You Need Me To Be (From the Tron: Ares soundtrack). Trent Reznor's still got it. This is a track that could be right for the dance floor, or for ripping it up with new PRs. It's interesting that the Tron-specific bleeps and bloops are there, but the structure of the song is classic NIN to the core.
@graoumia Take that, Grogu! I banish you back to the land of cute little critters that get on my nerves!
Ox watched the strange sight intently. It was a ball of flame that floated three feet off the ground, travelling in a strange path unknowable to mere humans. He was careful not to get close; a pack of wild, eather-infected dogs had made that mistake and had been flambed. The Flood Plains, southwest of the Crossroads and the area in which he was now scavenging lived up to its name, while giving no actual indication of how dangerous it was. Turns out it was infested with dogs, anomalies of a kind with the floating fireball, and most frighteningly, strange humanoid creatures that seemed to have been warped and reassembled with random tools taking place of their appendages. Upon seeing him (he'd been careless), they'd come running after him right away. Ox led them on a merry chase before managing to lure them into the ball of fire, which had helpfully taken care of them. He was learning.
Having rooted his way through a small industrial structure, he'd heard another tell-tale chiming buzz. He tracked the sound down to a shelf in one of the buildings, spotted the jammer, and had promptly blown it apart. He'd then made the mistake of entering an underground structure called "RG West", in the spirit of exploration. While he'd used his flashlight to cut through the dark corridors, he had eventually been chased out by terrifying, skeletal creatures that crawled along the floors. He would come back when he was more well-prepared.
He had opened the port door to the adjacent area (RG East) expecting the same treatment, but instead he was in what seemed to be an underground lab, which was an outpost of some sort for aspiring stalkers. A few of them were deep in conversation, while a bored-looking guard was standing behind a clump of sandbags, leaning on his assault rifle. Past the entry way was some sort of lecture hall, with a projector and several broken-up rows of seats. Across from its doorway was a hall-like area that resembled the dispensary in a hospital - if they were manned by androids. One of them was clearly busy with its paperwork when Ox walked up.
"Dr... Mosby?" The android-man looked up. "Ah, another stalker. How can we help you today? I have several jobs lined up, and we can spare some supplies, if you've come to trade."
Hey Bees! I haven't been to the gym these past few days because a Typhoon signal 10 (the highest that can be hoisted) was recently posted, making it unwise to go outside, really. Luckily, it's abated, and right now it's simply raining.
So today I sought to find my 1rm for the Bench Press before I start my new bench cycle. Also, you won't be happy that I had more PRs today!
Bench Press: 157.5 x 1! Not bad! It's not the heaviest I've ever lifted, but it does represent a PR over these years.
Incline Press: 130 x 1. My notes say this is also a PR!
Overhead Press: 75 x 6. Another PR!
Did not do any triceps stuff, I'll save it for another time.
Flat Dumbbell Curls: 20 x 20.
Forearm Curls: 20 x 17.
It's been on and off rain as the typhoon departs. That's the heaviest the wind has been, but our windows all held up. And there will be more to come.
I heard about Chuck Tingle for the first time; he's the erotic fiction author of such works of art as Pounded in the Butt by My Own Butt, I'm Gay For My Living Billionaire Jet Plane or even, in which he breaks with tradition, Not Pounded In The Butt By Anything And That's Okay. Have been laughing my butt (!) off reading the titles. It's astonishing that stuff like this exists, but if it didn't, we'd have to create it. Part of the hilarity is that this person is actually a talented writer! It's one thing to make repetitive jokes, but to do it well? Another. Apologies if this is offensively puerile, or, shock, horror(!), offensive, but it's just too hilarious to share.
Stay safe and sane, Bees!
Playing: More of Project Silverfish. I started yet another character, just for fun, and for the challenge of working my way back up. Eventually, I'll have to give the Extraction mode (ie the normal way of playing the game!) a go, but I'd probably find it really tiresome.
Reinstalled Mortal Sin, will see if I can play it in between PS runs (Morgan Freeman: He would not).
Watching: Uhh, haven't been watching much. May, just may watch Fantastic Four, as the early show is pretty cheap (to the tune of 8 USD, give or take a few cents). Hrmm, as Rorschach would say.
Listening to: NIN - As Alive As You Need Me To Be (From the Tron: Ares soundtrack). Trent Reznor's still got it. This is a track that could be right for the dance floor, or for ripping it up with new PRs. It's interesting that the Tron-specific bleeps and bloops are there, but the structure of the song is classic NIN to the core.
Last edited:
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Belated Happy Sober Birthday!!!!!!
And cheers for all of your recent PRs!
And cheers for all of your recent PRs!
NightWolf714
Well-known member
Berserker
from
Nashville, TN, USA
Pronouns: They/she
Posts: 1,276
from
Nashville, TN, USA
Pronouns: They/she
Posts: 1,276
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change. ~Carl Rogers"
I had heard of Chuck Tingle for a while since I had friends who were fans of his. I ended up caving and buying his book "Trans Wizard Harriet Porber and the Bad Boy Parasaurolophus. It was honestly way better than it had any right to be once you get past the sentient motorcycles and other weird things he puts in there, haha. While being a jab at JK, it's only very loosely inspired by Harry Potter and has some pretty interesting world building in it. I'd recommend it. I honestly need to get my hands on the sequel. Though there is an adult scene, though I think all his books have at least one. XD
But if you wanna see if his writing style is for you, he released a few free books during the dark times (aka covid). I haven't gotten around to reading them yet, but I'm sure it's a fun ride. https://www.chucktingle.com/getwellsoon.html
I'm also super curious about the TTRPG he's made .....
Thank you so much @JCU @CODawn @Fremen, and of course, @Mamatigerj!
@NightWolf714 Thank you for sending those links and sharing your impressions! I checked out the one on social distancing. His writing is actually down to earth, and easily digestible. There's genuine talent there, even if it's spent writing about... err, butts. Among other salacious things.
The flier said that there were jobs available in The Black Lake, at the abode of one "Broker", whoever that was. While Dr Mosby meant well, many of his tasks required a more seasoned hand, to say nothing of the equipment that would be needed. As discretion was the better part of valor, he had expressed his gratitude to the android and for the time being, parted ways. He hoped that the jobs available at the Broker's hideout would be better suited to a fledgling stalker.
So once again he was trudging to his destination - this time through an empty village. Some quick scavenging had turned up bandages, a few flares, and, most handy, some lockpicks. He'd seen another very well-armed stalker poking around, wearing purple-accented gear with plenty of accoutrements, but had given them a wide berth. Something about them seemed off, and what if they were hostile? While on the way to the other side of the area, where the docks were, he'd found a peculiar phenomenon - a group of vehicles, boxes and equipment floating above the road. A strange, distorted "bubble" effect saturated the area, and was entirely see-through. Out of curiosity, he had approached the effect, and then tossed a spare bolt into the bubble. It rose, up to a point, and then stayed where it was, suspended in the air like the rest of the objects. There might've been an artifact nearby causing the effect, but Ox didn't chance it. It seemed benign enough, but what if it left him vulnerable?
Apropos of that thought, he could hear garbled chatter nearby. Ox had learned his lesson from last time. He ran for the trees overlooking the anomaly, making sure there were escape routes nearby. Settling behind a shaded copse, he dropped down, belly to the ground, unslung his rifle and waited.
The voices were growing louder...
Hey again, Bees. I suffered from a case of the "Do Not Want to Go to the Gym Today" syndrome, but I managed to beat it back, and headed in for a Pull workout.
Snatch Grip Deadlifts: 110 x 6. Urrgh, these were hard. My hands are quite sore now! I don't know if I can PR this in the future (it requires that I do 120), but I'll give it a try in the coming weeks.
Barbell Rows: 105 x 5. Urk.
Meadows Row: 50 x 5.
Neutral Grip Chinups: Top set of seven.
Narrow Grip Rows: 70 x 6. Pretty tough, had to fudge the form to get these.
Inverted Rows: Top set of ten reps.
As my comments may have revealed, this round of lifting has left me rather bushed, and I'm probably going to take a gym break tomorrow.
The rains have largely subsided, leaving Hong Kong to dry off. But of course, there will be more typhoons! Dun dun dun...
See you soon, Bees!
Playing: But of course, Project Silverfish. I reinstalled Mortal Sin to give it a shot, but PS is still my big time-killer.
Watching: So the big dilemma I have is whether or not to watch Fantastic Four tomorrow (we get it earlier than most of the world for some reason), or on Thursday. People are already packing the seats for tomorrow, but it looks like so much fun. I think I'll go for it. A big cinema near us has tickets at ~8 USD for a noon showing, and it's too much of a steal to turn down.
Edit: Just bought tickets! Will have a review ready when I next post.
For tonight, I may give Until Dawn (the film adaptation) a crack; reviews be damned, it looks like gory fun, and I trust in David Sandberg.
Listening to: The Platters - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. This just popped into my head, and it's as beautiful as when I first heard it. Great for a rainy evening.
@NightWolf714 Thank you for sending those links and sharing your impressions! I checked out the one on social distancing. His writing is actually down to earth, and easily digestible. There's genuine talent there, even if it's spent writing about... err, butts. Among other salacious things.
The flier said that there were jobs available in The Black Lake, at the abode of one "Broker", whoever that was. While Dr Mosby meant well, many of his tasks required a more seasoned hand, to say nothing of the equipment that would be needed. As discretion was the better part of valor, he had expressed his gratitude to the android and for the time being, parted ways. He hoped that the jobs available at the Broker's hideout would be better suited to a fledgling stalker.
So once again he was trudging to his destination - this time through an empty village. Some quick scavenging had turned up bandages, a few flares, and, most handy, some lockpicks. He'd seen another very well-armed stalker poking around, wearing purple-accented gear with plenty of accoutrements, but had given them a wide berth. Something about them seemed off, and what if they were hostile? While on the way to the other side of the area, where the docks were, he'd found a peculiar phenomenon - a group of vehicles, boxes and equipment floating above the road. A strange, distorted "bubble" effect saturated the area, and was entirely see-through. Out of curiosity, he had approached the effect, and then tossed a spare bolt into the bubble. It rose, up to a point, and then stayed where it was, suspended in the air like the rest of the objects. There might've been an artifact nearby causing the effect, but Ox didn't chance it. It seemed benign enough, but what if it left him vulnerable?
Apropos of that thought, he could hear garbled chatter nearby. Ox had learned his lesson from last time. He ran for the trees overlooking the anomaly, making sure there were escape routes nearby. Settling behind a shaded copse, he dropped down, belly to the ground, unslung his rifle and waited.
The voices were growing louder...
Hey again, Bees. I suffered from a case of the "Do Not Want to Go to the Gym Today" syndrome, but I managed to beat it back, and headed in for a Pull workout.
Snatch Grip Deadlifts: 110 x 6. Urrgh, these were hard. My hands are quite sore now! I don't know if I can PR this in the future (it requires that I do 120), but I'll give it a try in the coming weeks.
Barbell Rows: 105 x 5. Urk.
Meadows Row: 50 x 5.
Neutral Grip Chinups: Top set of seven.
Narrow Grip Rows: 70 x 6. Pretty tough, had to fudge the form to get these.
Inverted Rows: Top set of ten reps.
As my comments may have revealed, this round of lifting has left me rather bushed, and I'm probably going to take a gym break tomorrow.
The rains have largely subsided, leaving Hong Kong to dry off. But of course, there will be more typhoons! Dun dun dun...
See you soon, Bees!
Playing: But of course, Project Silverfish. I reinstalled Mortal Sin to give it a shot, but PS is still my big time-killer.
Watching: So the big dilemma I have is whether or not to watch Fantastic Four tomorrow (we get it earlier than most of the world for some reason), or on Thursday. People are already packing the seats for tomorrow, but it looks like so much fun. I think I'll go for it. A big cinema near us has tickets at ~8 USD for a noon showing, and it's too much of a steal to turn down.
Edit: Just bought tickets! Will have a review ready when I next post.
For tonight, I may give Until Dawn (the film adaptation) a crack; reviews be damned, it looks like gory fun, and I trust in David Sandberg.
Listening to: The Platters - Smoke Gets in Your Eyes. This just popped into my head, and it's as beautiful as when I first heard it. Great for a rainy evening.
NightWolf714
Well-known member
Berserker
from
Nashville, TN, USA
Pronouns: They/she
Posts: 1,276
from
Nashville, TN, USA
Pronouns: They/she
Posts: 1,276
"The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change. ~Carl Rogers"
Good job defeating that boss monster!
@NightWolf714 Thanks! It's always challenging when I wake up and want to make excuses instead of work out.
Hey again Bees! A non-exercise update today.
I went to catch a noon showing of Fantastic Four: First Steps. At 65 HKD, this is an absolute steal, and I couldn't help but go in with relatively high expectations. How was it? Here's a trailer, synopsis, and review! @JCU This one's for you.
The Fantastic Four are stars. Originally a group of astronauts and explorers led by the genius Reed Richards, they came back from space with powers that made them superheroes. Since that fateful journey, they have become the de-facto protectors of Earth and crime-stoppers headquartered in a New York City that seems to be more futuristic than our world. Their tranquility and bonds are only strengthened by the news that Reed and wife Sue are going to have a baby, as the Four celebrate.
But the celebration is cut short by the arrival of a ominous, silvery alien who acts as the harbinger for a seemingly unstoppable entity named Galactus. The Four must reckon with the arrival of this immense threat, and the sacrifice they must make to defeat it.
Synopsis: While it is not the best of Marvel's work, it is absolutely solid watching, and the charm and heart in the movie handily overcome all its shortcomings.
We've never had a good F4 movie, so Marvel can be proud of this one, which stands tall not only among its horrid predecessors, but most other works in Marvel oeuvre. The interactions among the cast and the chemistry they have together really set this one apart. The cast just clicks, and gives the movie a solid sense of charm and heartfelt moments. The world that they've built, which is a nod to retro futurism, is sheer fun, and the action and stuff blowing up is competently handled and enjoyable.
Comic nerds will not be happy with the way Galactus is portrayed, but if he were portrayed accurate to the comics, the movie wouldn't be much fun (or at all). Ralph Ineson does lend them an immensely powerful voice and presence. I did not find the script as sharply written as it could be, but considering there were several writers, I'd say it came out fine. The big dramatic beats can be predicted, and flick doesn't do anything unusual with the Marvel formula (at the end of the day, it's still sunshine and hugs, and hey, that's okay). It is formulaic at times, and occasionally corny, but when what you're watching is this much fun, who cares?
I proudly award The Fantastic Four: First Steps four and a half cute little babysitting droids out of five.
Tomorrow I'll be back in the gym.
Take care, Bees!
Listening to: Danger - 0:59. I've always liked this more ambient electro track, and it's time I put it back on my playlist.
Hey again Bees! A non-exercise update today.
I went to catch a noon showing of Fantastic Four: First Steps. At 65 HKD, this is an absolute steal, and I couldn't help but go in with relatively high expectations. How was it? Here's a trailer, synopsis, and review! @JCU This one's for you.
The Fantastic Four are stars. Originally a group of astronauts and explorers led by the genius Reed Richards, they came back from space with powers that made them superheroes. Since that fateful journey, they have become the de-facto protectors of Earth and crime-stoppers headquartered in a New York City that seems to be more futuristic than our world. Their tranquility and bonds are only strengthened by the news that Reed and wife Sue are going to have a baby, as the Four celebrate.
But the celebration is cut short by the arrival of a ominous, silvery alien who acts as the harbinger for a seemingly unstoppable entity named Galactus. The Four must reckon with the arrival of this immense threat, and the sacrifice they must make to defeat it.
Synopsis: While it is not the best of Marvel's work, it is absolutely solid watching, and the charm and heart in the movie handily overcome all its shortcomings.
We've never had a good F4 movie, so Marvel can be proud of this one, which stands tall not only among its horrid predecessors, but most other works in Marvel oeuvre. The interactions among the cast and the chemistry they have together really set this one apart. The cast just clicks, and gives the movie a solid sense of charm and heartfelt moments. The world that they've built, which is a nod to retro futurism, is sheer fun, and the action and stuff blowing up is competently handled and enjoyable.
Comic nerds will not be happy with the way Galactus is portrayed, but if he were portrayed accurate to the comics, the movie wouldn't be much fun (or at all). Ralph Ineson does lend them an immensely powerful voice and presence. I did not find the script as sharply written as it could be, but considering there were several writers, I'd say it came out fine. The big dramatic beats can be predicted, and flick doesn't do anything unusual with the Marvel formula (at the end of the day, it's still sunshine and hugs, and hey, that's okay). It is formulaic at times, and occasionally corny, but when what you're watching is this much fun, who cares?
I proudly award The Fantastic Four: First Steps four and a half cute little babysitting droids out of five.
Tomorrow I'll be back in the gym.
Take care, Bees!
Listening to: Danger - 0:59. I've always liked this more ambient electro track, and it's time I put it back on my playlist.
Thank you
Awesome review, as always! I was wondering just how the team would click, being that far into their story lines. It is great to see the nod to the future, though that also worries me. It's yet another Marvel superhero with no connections to others. How can we truly enjoy Franklin without the Power Pack??
Ox waited patiently as the squad of soldiers spread out to approach the strange bubble-like anomaly. He lay on his belly, pack beside him, and rifle firmly welded to his shoulder. Through the miniscule rifle sights, he tracked the soldier closest to him. All the soldiers wore icy-blue camouflage and were conspicuously well-trained. This was a marked change from the loose camaraderie of the Revolutionaries, and the stern fascism of the Insurrectionists. These men might've been chiseled out of ice for all the emotions they showed.
While one of them approached the bubble to perform some sort of task, the rest had fanned out to provide fields of fire all around them. The closest soldier, who was not directly facing him, was a young man, and his features were not apparent, being covered up by a balaclava and helmet. He was intently scanning the treeline, and Ox had his sights trained on his head. They did not make idle chatter, which again, was discomfiting. The one of the five who had broken off to check out the anomaly had finished his task. "Sample obtained. Let's move on," he said, his voice garbled by some sort of transmitter. The soldiers made to move on, but the one closest to him was eyeing the treeline, almost frozen in his task. Don't do it, don't do it, Ox silently urged him. And then he raised his rifle, pointing it in Ox's direction. "Contact on the ridge, at 3 o'--" The rest was cut off as Ox sent a bullet through his head.
"Man down!" Two of the soldiers returned fire, their bullets chewing up the trees above him; the other two ran to the man who had fallen, to futilely administer care. Ox stayed calm, the fusillade of fire feeling more surreal than dangerous. Abandoning headshots, he aimed his rifle at the centre-mass of the closest soldier returning fire, and fired three shots in quick succession. He didn't know how much body armour they had, but the soldier crumpled to the ground. "Fall back!" Another shouted, providing covering fire as the remaining two men retreated, before retreating himself. They ran up the road, and out of sight, obscured by the trees next to him.
Ox released a breath, suddenly tired. He didn't have long to loot the bodies before they came back with more men.
Hey again, Bees! Been a hot minute since I worked out, so I made it to the gym for an Arm day. Will train Chest next time. Went with lighter weights today, no attempts at any PRs.
Skullcrushers: 40 x 6.
Preacher Curls: 35 x 6.
Lying Dumbbell Extensions: 18 x 6.
Flat Dumbbell Curls: 20 x 20.
Bodyweight Extensions: Top set of 8 reps.
Rope Curls: 9 x 6.
Still terrifically hot. We're having a Korean BBQ dinner on Sunday with some relatives, om nom.
@JCU I'm not that familiar with the comics, so I can't speak to how Franklin's future adventures bear out. I will say that the stinger at the end makes some attempt to tie the universe to the greater MCU, and a promise that the F4 will appear in Avengers: Doomsday. So not connected yet.
There is an anime and games convention going on these few days in Wan Chai. Apparently, the tickets are affordable; the caveat is that you have to stand in line for several hours to get in, and if it's anything like last time, that's unbearable (the weather is horridly humid lately). Why can't they hold these things in the winter? I'll satisfy myself just watching the vids online, thanks.
Rest in Peace, Ozzy Osbourne. Black Sabbath was the first real metal band that I listened to, and their music has stood the test of time. Part of that is the dark and deft musicianship, but a lot of it is also Ozzy's soulful, bereaved and banshee-like wailing. Mourn because we should, but celebrate also that he brought so much to our lives.
The lanes are abuzz.
This spiffy new franchise gym opened up near where I live. I really should check it out in detail, though there's zero chance I'm going to leave my current gym.
A Peanuts sighting!
Have a great weekend, Bees! You've earned it.
Playing: Project Silverfish got a new update, so I've been playing more of that. Made miniscule progress in my Sshock 2 playthrough, but I'm getting near the end. Again.
Watching: I started watching Until Dawn last night - made it about three minutes before I conked out.
Listening to: Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath. In honour of Ozzy, and the album that practically invented Heavy Metal as a genre. This was fifty-five years ago, and it still holds up with its smoky aura of evil and doom and malevolence.
"What is this that stands before me?
Figure in black which points at me
Turn 'round quick and start to run
Find out I'm the chosen one"
While one of them approached the bubble to perform some sort of task, the rest had fanned out to provide fields of fire all around them. The closest soldier, who was not directly facing him, was a young man, and his features were not apparent, being covered up by a balaclava and helmet. He was intently scanning the treeline, and Ox had his sights trained on his head. They did not make idle chatter, which again, was discomfiting. The one of the five who had broken off to check out the anomaly had finished his task. "Sample obtained. Let's move on," he said, his voice garbled by some sort of transmitter. The soldiers made to move on, but the one closest to him was eyeing the treeline, almost frozen in his task. Don't do it, don't do it, Ox silently urged him. And then he raised his rifle, pointing it in Ox's direction. "Contact on the ridge, at 3 o'--" The rest was cut off as Ox sent a bullet through his head.
"Man down!" Two of the soldiers returned fire, their bullets chewing up the trees above him; the other two ran to the man who had fallen, to futilely administer care. Ox stayed calm, the fusillade of fire feeling more surreal than dangerous. Abandoning headshots, he aimed his rifle at the centre-mass of the closest soldier returning fire, and fired three shots in quick succession. He didn't know how much body armour they had, but the soldier crumpled to the ground. "Fall back!" Another shouted, providing covering fire as the remaining two men retreated, before retreating himself. They ran up the road, and out of sight, obscured by the trees next to him.
Ox released a breath, suddenly tired. He didn't have long to loot the bodies before they came back with more men.
Hey again, Bees! Been a hot minute since I worked out, so I made it to the gym for an Arm day. Will train Chest next time. Went with lighter weights today, no attempts at any PRs.
Skullcrushers: 40 x 6.
Preacher Curls: 35 x 6.
Lying Dumbbell Extensions: 18 x 6.
Flat Dumbbell Curls: 20 x 20.
Bodyweight Extensions: Top set of 8 reps.
Rope Curls: 9 x 6.
Still terrifically hot. We're having a Korean BBQ dinner on Sunday with some relatives, om nom.
@JCU I'm not that familiar with the comics, so I can't speak to how Franklin's future adventures bear out. I will say that the stinger at the end makes some attempt to tie the universe to the greater MCU, and a promise that the F4 will appear in Avengers: Doomsday. So not connected yet.
There is an anime and games convention going on these few days in Wan Chai. Apparently, the tickets are affordable; the caveat is that you have to stand in line for several hours to get in, and if it's anything like last time, that's unbearable (the weather is horridly humid lately). Why can't they hold these things in the winter? I'll satisfy myself just watching the vids online, thanks.
Rest in Peace, Ozzy Osbourne. Black Sabbath was the first real metal band that I listened to, and their music has stood the test of time. Part of that is the dark and deft musicianship, but a lot of it is also Ozzy's soulful, bereaved and banshee-like wailing. Mourn because we should, but celebrate also that he brought so much to our lives.
The lanes are abuzz.
This spiffy new franchise gym opened up near where I live. I really should check it out in detail, though there's zero chance I'm going to leave my current gym.
A Peanuts sighting!
Have a great weekend, Bees! You've earned it.
Playing: Project Silverfish got a new update, so I've been playing more of that. Made miniscule progress in my Sshock 2 playthrough, but I'm getting near the end. Again.
Watching: I started watching Until Dawn last night - made it about three minutes before I conked out.
Listening to: Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath. In honour of Ozzy, and the album that practically invented Heavy Metal as a genre. This was fifty-five years ago, and it still holds up with its smoky aura of evil and doom and malevolence.
"What is this that stands before me?
Figure in black which points at me
Turn 'round quick and start to run
Find out I'm the chosen one"
The Broker pretty much was what Ox expected, fitting the Black Marketeer stereotype to a T. An imposing, barrel-chested figure, he was dressed in a lavish fur coat, silk tie, and a dress jacket that likely cost more than all the items in Ox's inventory combined. It was almost Dickensian bourgeoisie. But what he hadn't expected was the golden mask, which seemed fitted to a face of unusual proportions. Going by the strange, almost avian shape of Broker's face, he was definitely not of the same species as the rest of the lizard men Ox had met in the zone.
Of course, Ox knew better than to query him on this. In fact, standing before the Broker with his shabby, cut-rate equipment, Ox felt underdressed. Despite the two menacing, heavily-armed Freelancers who were standing at either side of the Broker's finely carved wooden desk, he was safe, even if temporarily. He had the feeling that while the Broker was not personally trustworthy, he was all business.
"And... that makes $600. Thanks for taking care of that pesky transmitter." Ox thanked him politely as he took the bills.
"Must be good making a dent in your debt, eh, Freelancer," The Broker said, lighting up a cigar. Wait. What was that. Ox looked up in surprise.
"What debt?" He felt out of his depth, and this sickening feeling in his stomach was starting to form. "I don't have a debt, I--" The Broker sighed, lifting up his mask and taking a puff from his cigar.
"That's what they all say." He punched a few buttons on his computer. "Freelancer Ox - debt of three million dollars. Terms of payment malleable." Of course the mafioso knew his name, but more shocking was the quantity. $3 million? Was this some sick joke?? Had the life he had taken on come with strings attached?
He tried not to sound petulant. "And if I don't pay, or run for it?" The Broker did not seem surprised by this note of defiance.
"Were I you, I wouldn't bother. I've been in this business for some time, and you weren't be the first, nor will you be the last STALKER to come in indebted to someone, and plotting to escape their debt." A pause from him.
"If you welsh on it, I wouldn't be surprised if some very unsavory types turn up -- why, even I might have to get involved." He seemed to relish the possibility.
Ox suddenly felt tired. He should've known. "So how do I pay it off? That's a huge amount of money!"
"Well, of course, you can pay it through me in lump sums regularly, or..." He held up a gloved claw, one talon extended. "If you have any word of particularly valuable artifacts in the zone, I'd be all ears, and ready to slash part of the debt. In the meantime, why don't you take a job or two, upgrade that sorry rig you have."
Ox shrugged. "I might as well, it's not as if I have a choice." He could sense the Broker's grin through that mask.
"If you did, you'd be the only one in Carcosa."
I'm very happy with how this short came out. It just seemed to flow. Sometimes writing is like that. I read somewhere that Stephen King writes 2000 words a day, which I'm not enough of a machine to match, but when stuff like the above is produced, I'm satisfied.
Hello again Bees! I did not workout this weekend, but I'm back, and I'm beginning W1D1 of the Candito Bench/Strength program. This is preparation for the competition on the first week of September. A funny bit of technicality, the competition begins not five days before my birthday, in which I turn 40, which means that I can't sign up in the Masters category, and break new records. Oh well.
Bench Press: 105 x 10, 115 x 8, 120 x 6. Just going through the motions as the weeks ramp up.
Incline Press: 80 x 5. Ditto.
Overhead Press: 60 x 5.
Hammer Curls: 22 for 22! How about that.
Wrist Curls: 20 x 16.
+ about 23000 steps.
We had a great dinner with my great aunt at the Korean BBQ restaurant. She is 93, and getting on in years, but still recalls who we are. We may not have much time with her left.
As a birthday gift, she gave me this lai see. I'm grateful, and amazed that she still remembers.
It was a touch cooler today, and it's supposed to be raining for the next few days.
Start your week off strong, Bees!
Playing: Of course, I've restarted PS with a new save, just to see how far I can get. I've cottoned on to all the praise going on with Abiotic, a survival sim taking place underground, and it looks absolutely fantastic (even though I think crafting isn't that fun). A touch pricey too. Maybe wait for a sale?
Edit: I went ahead and bought Abiotic from an online retailer and * groan * the key doesn't work. Hopefully not a hundred and fifty bucks down the drain. I've already filed a support request, but for now, I really want to play the game! Rats.
Watching: Uh, I still haven't watched Until Dawn. Maybe tonight I'll get through a bit?
Listening to: Saturn Will Not Sleep - StarFighter. Edited the song as I wanted to share this one instead. It's absolutely beautiful!
Of course, Ox knew better than to query him on this. In fact, standing before the Broker with his shabby, cut-rate equipment, Ox felt underdressed. Despite the two menacing, heavily-armed Freelancers who were standing at either side of the Broker's finely carved wooden desk, he was safe, even if temporarily. He had the feeling that while the Broker was not personally trustworthy, he was all business.
"And... that makes $600. Thanks for taking care of that pesky transmitter." Ox thanked him politely as he took the bills.
"Must be good making a dent in your debt, eh, Freelancer," The Broker said, lighting up a cigar. Wait. What was that. Ox looked up in surprise.
"What debt?" He felt out of his depth, and this sickening feeling in his stomach was starting to form. "I don't have a debt, I--" The Broker sighed, lifting up his mask and taking a puff from his cigar.
"That's what they all say." He punched a few buttons on his computer. "Freelancer Ox - debt of three million dollars. Terms of payment malleable." Of course the mafioso knew his name, but more shocking was the quantity. $3 million? Was this some sick joke?? Had the life he had taken on come with strings attached?
He tried not to sound petulant. "And if I don't pay, or run for it?" The Broker did not seem surprised by this note of defiance.
"Were I you, I wouldn't bother. I've been in this business for some time, and you weren't be the first, nor will you be the last STALKER to come in indebted to someone, and plotting to escape their debt." A pause from him.
"If you welsh on it, I wouldn't be surprised if some very unsavory types turn up -- why, even I might have to get involved." He seemed to relish the possibility.
Ox suddenly felt tired. He should've known. "So how do I pay it off? That's a huge amount of money!"
"Well, of course, you can pay it through me in lump sums regularly, or..." He held up a gloved claw, one talon extended. "If you have any word of particularly valuable artifacts in the zone, I'd be all ears, and ready to slash part of the debt. In the meantime, why don't you take a job or two, upgrade that sorry rig you have."
Ox shrugged. "I might as well, it's not as if I have a choice." He could sense the Broker's grin through that mask.
"If you did, you'd be the only one in Carcosa."
I'm very happy with how this short came out. It just seemed to flow. Sometimes writing is like that. I read somewhere that Stephen King writes 2000 words a day, which I'm not enough of a machine to match, but when stuff like the above is produced, I'm satisfied.
Hello again Bees! I did not workout this weekend, but I'm back, and I'm beginning W1D1 of the Candito Bench/Strength program. This is preparation for the competition on the first week of September. A funny bit of technicality, the competition begins not five days before my birthday, in which I turn 40, which means that I can't sign up in the Masters category, and break new records. Oh well.
Bench Press: 105 x 10, 115 x 8, 120 x 6. Just going through the motions as the weeks ramp up.
Incline Press: 80 x 5. Ditto.
Overhead Press: 60 x 5.
Hammer Curls: 22 for 22! How about that.
Wrist Curls: 20 x 16.
+ about 23000 steps.
We had a great dinner with my great aunt at the Korean BBQ restaurant. She is 93, and getting on in years, but still recalls who we are. We may not have much time with her left.
As a birthday gift, she gave me this lai see. I'm grateful, and amazed that she still remembers.
It was a touch cooler today, and it's supposed to be raining for the next few days.
Start your week off strong, Bees!
Playing: Of course, I've restarted PS with a new save, just to see how far I can get. I've cottoned on to all the praise going on with Abiotic, a survival sim taking place underground, and it looks absolutely fantastic (even though I think crafting isn't that fun). A touch pricey too. Maybe wait for a sale?
Edit: I went ahead and bought Abiotic from an online retailer and * groan * the key doesn't work. Hopefully not a hundred and fifty bucks down the drain. I've already filed a support request, but for now, I really want to play the game! Rats.
Watching: Uh, I still haven't watched Until Dawn. Maybe tonight I'll get through a bit?
Listening to: Saturn Will Not Sleep - StarFighter. Edited the song as I wanted to share this one instead. It's absolutely beautiful!
Last edited:
PetiteSheWolf
Well-known member
Hugs for your great-aunt, and hope this game pass problem gets fixed!
My grandma had two celibate sisters (that was the WWI generation who lost so many fiances in the trenches...), therefore my great-aunts, who counted a lot for me, they were darlings. I hope wherever they are, they and grandma like the wolf I have become.
My grandma had two celibate sisters (that was the WWI generation who lost so many fiances in the trenches...), therefore my great-aunts, who counted a lot for me, they were darlings. I hope wherever they are, they and grandma like the wolf I have become.
I'm sure they do
@PetiteSheWolf Thank you! Your great aunts stand proud of the wolf you've become!
The chunk of land floated in the air, leaving a gaping crater underneath. Bits of rock, some fist sized, some considerably larger, floated around the patch of land, slowly rotating in place. Ox gazed at the cabin built on the land, now currently up in the air. Literally. How was he to get up... oh shit. He stopped in place and looked more carefully at the ground. Landmines had been planted in disparate spots on the path leading to a chain that extended up to the cabin. That was presumably his way up. Gingerly treading around the landmines, step by step, Ox made his way to the chain. Gripping it forcefully, he entwined his feet in its links and began the climb. He was panting more than a little as he reached the top, but that was the easy part. He ducked behind a bush, watching the cabin carefully. After a few minutes, three troopers dressed in orange headbands and camo stepped out. One lit up a cigarette, another yawned, and the other moved as if to take a leak off the edge of the land.
Ox stepped out and pointed his PK-52 at them. "Listen up!" He shouted. The three froze in place, the one about to take a piss looking particularly comical, as he was in the midst of unzipping his trousers. "I've been told to slot you guys and take this cabin. But you can leave. Just get out of here." The three men were tense. Ox noticed one of them reaching behind his back. "Don't do it! Just leave!" Ox screamed at them. The one who had lit up a cigarette dropped it, reaching for the pistol in his holster. Ox shot him three times, the rifle smacking his shoulder each time. The other two men ducked for cover, one of them grabbing a rifle in the process. Ox bided his time. One of the men popped up from behind the door of the cabin, aiming his rifle; Ox was quicker on the trigger. The last one, perhaps sensing that he was outmatched, ran for it, running behind the cabin, to the edge of the chunk of land. Ox chased him. "Don't go out there!" There was a a long, drawn out scream of "F********CK" and then a thud. Ox waited a moment. When he had steeled himself, he looked over the patch of land, down at the ground. The body of the last Insurrectionist lay sprawled out, stone dead.
Shit... at least the job was complete.
Hey again Bees! It's the Ox with plenty of Mox here with another juicy update.
Today was another Pull day that went exceedingly well!
Snatch Grip Deadlifts: 115 x 7. A simple tweak (ie actually gripping the barbell as tightly as possible. I can't believe I didn't do this before) made this exercise much easier, and I made a new PR in the process! 120 is next!
Barbell Rows: 105 x 7! Another new PR.
Meadows Rows: 50 x 5. And another PR!
Neutral Grip Chinups: Top set of 7 reps.
Incline Rows: 28 x 6.
Behind the Neck Machine Pulldowns: 62.5 x 6.
@graoumia will not be happy with me. Ho ho ho.
I saw my old sifu in the gym today, and it was good to catch up with him again. He told me that I've gotten fat. Ho ho ho.
So, the Abiotic Factor Steam code fiasco continues. I submitted all my information to the vendor in the hope that they can get me a refund. It'll take them six days! Sheesh. Abiotic is only on sale in Steam for the next five days. Eh, whatever.
I was talking to a friend about this tonight, and I reflected that now that I'm sober, it's so much better to have small, stupid problems like this instead of bigger ones. I'm very fortunate in many ways.
Hope you're having a great Tuesday, Bees!
Playing: Not Abiotic Factor, annoyingly. Even if I'm refunded the purchase, I'm quite ginger about buying outside of the Steam store again. Ah well. The Project Silverfish new save is going well, of course. Waiting for the next update...
Watching: Uhh, not much. Really want to watch Weapons when it comes out!
Listening to: Stratovarius - Lord of the Wasteland. Some of the best that power metal has to offer. Such a simple concept around which is woven a blistering, ice-cold heavy metal treat.
"I'm going back through time
Before the war this crime
Who would have believed
That they would do it"
The chunk of land floated in the air, leaving a gaping crater underneath. Bits of rock, some fist sized, some considerably larger, floated around the patch of land, slowly rotating in place. Ox gazed at the cabin built on the land, now currently up in the air. Literally. How was he to get up... oh shit. He stopped in place and looked more carefully at the ground. Landmines had been planted in disparate spots on the path leading to a chain that extended up to the cabin. That was presumably his way up. Gingerly treading around the landmines, step by step, Ox made his way to the chain. Gripping it forcefully, he entwined his feet in its links and began the climb. He was panting more than a little as he reached the top, but that was the easy part. He ducked behind a bush, watching the cabin carefully. After a few minutes, three troopers dressed in orange headbands and camo stepped out. One lit up a cigarette, another yawned, and the other moved as if to take a leak off the edge of the land.
Ox stepped out and pointed his PK-52 at them. "Listen up!" He shouted. The three froze in place, the one about to take a piss looking particularly comical, as he was in the midst of unzipping his trousers. "I've been told to slot you guys and take this cabin. But you can leave. Just get out of here." The three men were tense. Ox noticed one of them reaching behind his back. "Don't do it! Just leave!" Ox screamed at them. The one who had lit up a cigarette dropped it, reaching for the pistol in his holster. Ox shot him three times, the rifle smacking his shoulder each time. The other two men ducked for cover, one of them grabbing a rifle in the process. Ox bided his time. One of the men popped up from behind the door of the cabin, aiming his rifle; Ox was quicker on the trigger. The last one, perhaps sensing that he was outmatched, ran for it, running behind the cabin, to the edge of the chunk of land. Ox chased him. "Don't go out there!" There was a a long, drawn out scream of "F********CK" and then a thud. Ox waited a moment. When he had steeled himself, he looked over the patch of land, down at the ground. The body of the last Insurrectionist lay sprawled out, stone dead.
Shit... at least the job was complete.
Hey again Bees! It's the Ox with plenty of Mox here with another juicy update.
Today was another Pull day that went exceedingly well!
Snatch Grip Deadlifts: 115 x 7. A simple tweak (ie actually gripping the barbell as tightly as possible. I can't believe I didn't do this before) made this exercise much easier, and I made a new PR in the process! 120 is next!
Barbell Rows: 105 x 7! Another new PR.
Meadows Rows: 50 x 5. And another PR!
Neutral Grip Chinups: Top set of 7 reps.
Incline Rows: 28 x 6.
Behind the Neck Machine Pulldowns: 62.5 x 6.
@graoumia will not be happy with me. Ho ho ho.
I saw my old sifu in the gym today, and it was good to catch up with him again. He told me that I've gotten fat. Ho ho ho.
So, the Abiotic Factor Steam code fiasco continues. I submitted all my information to the vendor in the hope that they can get me a refund. It'll take them six days! Sheesh. Abiotic is only on sale in Steam for the next five days. Eh, whatever.
I was talking to a friend about this tonight, and I reflected that now that I'm sober, it's so much better to have small, stupid problems like this instead of bigger ones. I'm very fortunate in many ways.
Hope you're having a great Tuesday, Bees!
Playing: Not Abiotic Factor, annoyingly. Even if I'm refunded the purchase, I'm quite ginger about buying outside of the Steam store again. Ah well. The Project Silverfish new save is going well, of course. Waiting for the next update...
Watching: Uhh, not much. Really want to watch Weapons when it comes out!
Listening to: Stratovarius - Lord of the Wasteland. Some of the best that power metal has to offer. Such a simple concept around which is woven a blistering, ice-cold heavy metal treat.
"I'm going back through time
Before the war this crime
Who would have believed
That they would do it"
I'm happy for you, congratulations ( working on my aggressivity). But a mix of ox and santa is a bit weird
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Cheers!!! 
Thank you lots @JCU @CODawn @Fremen and @graoumia!
@gramouia Yeah, that's right, I'm Santa Ox, stuffing your stockings with protein bars and dumbbells, checking who's swole and who's a-hole, and flying my sleigh full of elk back home to the North Point! Ho ho ho! Merry Liftmas!
It was supposed to be a simple job. Creep into the local police precinct, find a duffel bag dead drop, and then make it back to the Broker in one piece. It sure sounded simple, but that bounty's description didn't take into account the fact that the station was in the heart of Metropol, which had been turned into a war zone by the numerous factions battling it out for territory and loot. Right now, any other place was a better place to be, but the job paid relatively well, risky as it was. He just had to dodge a few bullets to get there...
Dawn was breaking over the ruined city, and light was gradually creeping across the ruined, often bombed-out apartment buildings. Ox crept down the street, the station in plain sight. He heard the clatter of boots on the pavement, and ducked into an alley - a small group of men, completely clothed in black and decked out in cutting-edge weaponry ran past him. He forced himself to wait several minutes, his anxiety palpable as the sounds of gunfire and explosion reached him, albeit distantly.
Judging it safe to continue, he made his way over to the police station without issue. Now where was that bag... Ox thoroughly searched the first floor, looting several lockers with suspiciously untouched loot, like bullets and bandages. Keen-eyed, he noted that there were several cardboard boxes blocking the space underneath the ground floor's staircase. Moving them aside, Ox found a duffel bag with a yellow stag sticker affixed to it. Bingo. He crawled underneath the stairs to nab the bag.
Now to get this back to -- he could suddenly hear gunfire again, and voices entering the station. He clutched the bag, unholstered his pistol, and willed himself to breathe slowly. He guessed that they were the Looters in black apparel that he'd spotted earlier. What rotten luck. More deafening echoes of gunfire. Judging simply by the sounds, this group had hardware he simply wasn't equipped for. He waited patiently in the dusty crawlspace, listening to their conversation in the entry hall.
"It's got to be here, somewhere! I got a tip from the Dentist!"
"Man, f*ck that guy. Half the shit he sends us he pulls out of his butt."
"No no, he swore it was real. Said a prisoner mentioned artifacts inside a gym bag."
Oh shit. So they'd gotten to the courier. No wonder they'd come in force. For a brief second, Ox pondered opening the bag and taking the artifacts for himself. Maybe it was worth it? Either way, he had to get out of this fix first...
Hi Bees! Just another Push day, and getting in all the reps.
Bench Press: 120 x 6.
Incline Press: 82.5 x 6.
Overhead Press: 62.5 x 5.
Flat Dumbbell Curls: 18 x 22.
Cable Wrist Curls: 15 x 20. I can't believe I haven't tried these before, they work the forearms quite well!
Saw a young gun at the gym get stapled under the bar. He was doing a paused bench, where you bring the weight down to your chest, pause for four seconds, then back up again. He got it up less than halfway before dropping it again on his chest. I ran over to help him, but fortunately, he was able to roll the bar over his body and lift it off his knees. Glad he was okay. But it's not just me doing ego lifting...
There're articles out there about how to do the Pec Bounce, which is something I've (admittedly) done in private. But in public? Eww...
Seriously?
Apart from the short at the top of this post, I got some more writing done yesterday. My autobio is about 45 pages long, and while the first few parts were short, it's going to get longer as I delve into recent years, with more of my memories of those times intact.
It's almost Friday, Bees! We've got this.
Playing: So the Abiotic Factor saga has come to its close, as I've managed to get a refund off the website I bought the key from (this is *much* easier with Steam). It worked out in the end, because AF has gone back to being full price (boo hiss!) and I've decided to buy something else on sale: Witchfire. I've dabbled with this one in the past (it requires a pretty beefy rig), and I'll give it a try again. It has the shooty bang pow I'm attracted to, so fingers crossed. Also making my way well through my Project Silverfish save.
Witchfire is just waiting to be played! I'll see you all next... um, day! Yeah, next day.
Watching: Really want to watch Weapons, and maybe The Naked Gun? Surprise critical smash!
Listening to: Dlina Volnoy - I'm Not Allowed. More synthpop! Me likey. Songs like this are catnip for me. Purrr... I mean, moo! Moo, I say!
@gramouia Yeah, that's right, I'm Santa Ox, stuffing your stockings with protein bars and dumbbells, checking who's swole and who's a-hole, and flying my sleigh full of elk back home to the North Point! Ho ho ho! Merry Liftmas!
It was supposed to be a simple job. Creep into the local police precinct, find a duffel bag dead drop, and then make it back to the Broker in one piece. It sure sounded simple, but that bounty's description didn't take into account the fact that the station was in the heart of Metropol, which had been turned into a war zone by the numerous factions battling it out for territory and loot. Right now, any other place was a better place to be, but the job paid relatively well, risky as it was. He just had to dodge a few bullets to get there...
Dawn was breaking over the ruined city, and light was gradually creeping across the ruined, often bombed-out apartment buildings. Ox crept down the street, the station in plain sight. He heard the clatter of boots on the pavement, and ducked into an alley - a small group of men, completely clothed in black and decked out in cutting-edge weaponry ran past him. He forced himself to wait several minutes, his anxiety palpable as the sounds of gunfire and explosion reached him, albeit distantly.
Judging it safe to continue, he made his way over to the police station without issue. Now where was that bag... Ox thoroughly searched the first floor, looting several lockers with suspiciously untouched loot, like bullets and bandages. Keen-eyed, he noted that there were several cardboard boxes blocking the space underneath the ground floor's staircase. Moving them aside, Ox found a duffel bag with a yellow stag sticker affixed to it. Bingo. He crawled underneath the stairs to nab the bag.
Now to get this back to -- he could suddenly hear gunfire again, and voices entering the station. He clutched the bag, unholstered his pistol, and willed himself to breathe slowly. He guessed that they were the Looters in black apparel that he'd spotted earlier. What rotten luck. More deafening echoes of gunfire. Judging simply by the sounds, this group had hardware he simply wasn't equipped for. He waited patiently in the dusty crawlspace, listening to their conversation in the entry hall.
"It's got to be here, somewhere! I got a tip from the Dentist!"
"Man, f*ck that guy. Half the shit he sends us he pulls out of his butt."
"No no, he swore it was real. Said a prisoner mentioned artifacts inside a gym bag."
Oh shit. So they'd gotten to the courier. No wonder they'd come in force. For a brief second, Ox pondered opening the bag and taking the artifacts for himself. Maybe it was worth it? Either way, he had to get out of this fix first...
Hi Bees! Just another Push day, and getting in all the reps.
Bench Press: 120 x 6.
Incline Press: 82.5 x 6.
Overhead Press: 62.5 x 5.
Flat Dumbbell Curls: 18 x 22.
Cable Wrist Curls: 15 x 20. I can't believe I haven't tried these before, they work the forearms quite well!
Saw a young gun at the gym get stapled under the bar. He was doing a paused bench, where you bring the weight down to your chest, pause for four seconds, then back up again. He got it up less than halfway before dropping it again on his chest. I ran over to help him, but fortunately, he was able to roll the bar over his body and lift it off his knees. Glad he was okay. But it's not just me doing ego lifting...
There're articles out there about how to do the Pec Bounce, which is something I've (admittedly) done in private. But in public? Eww...
Seriously?
Apart from the short at the top of this post, I got some more writing done yesterday. My autobio is about 45 pages long, and while the first few parts were short, it's going to get longer as I delve into recent years, with more of my memories of those times intact.
It's almost Friday, Bees! We've got this.
Playing: So the Abiotic Factor saga has come to its close, as I've managed to get a refund off the website I bought the key from (this is *much* easier with Steam). It worked out in the end, because AF has gone back to being full price (boo hiss!) and I've decided to buy something else on sale: Witchfire. I've dabbled with this one in the past (it requires a pretty beefy rig), and I'll give it a try again. It has the shooty bang pow I'm attracted to, so fingers crossed. Also making my way well through my Project Silverfish save.
Witchfire is just waiting to be played! I'll see you all next... um, day! Yeah, next day.
Watching: Really want to watch Weapons, and maybe The Naked Gun? Surprise critical smash!
Listening to: Dlina Volnoy - I'm Not Allowed. More synthpop! Me likey. Songs like this are catnip for me. Purrr... I mean, moo! Moo, I say!
Last edited:
aku-chan
Well-known member
Congrats on all the recent PR's I missed! 
He could hear their footsteps growing closer. Ox gripped his sidearm tightly, and held his breath. They were right on top of them, and then... their footsteps passed his hiding place underneath the stairway. Ox waited, not daring to move a muscle, and listened as they ascended the stairs and moved on.
"Where they hell could it be?"
"We searched the first floor. There are three. Do the math."
"Kiss my ass. If it turns out to actually be in the station, first round is on me."
Half a minute later, the footsteps faded. Ox gingerly crawled out from under the space, clutching the duffel bag. As the Looters continued their search in the floors above him, Ox sneaked his way through the reception hall and outside to the main streets of Metropol. Apart from the distant buzzes and zaps of anomalies, and the distant crackle of gunfire, the city was unnervingly quiet. Ox passed numerous alleys and side streets on the way to the tunnel leading to Black Lake. Soon he was swallowed up in the darkness as he headed off to claim his payday.
As he passed them by, two figures stepped out of a side alley to watch him go.
"Take him out?" Asked the male, holding his rifle to his shoulder. He looked back at his companion, who shook her head.
"He may be a friend to us," She said, leaning against the alley wall, casually.
"He's a friend to that fae bastard." He spat on the street. "He keeps working for him."
"Give it time. Soon he'll be begging us for work."
They left the scene, no trace of their being there remaining.
Hey again Bees! Been a hot minute since I was last in the gym.
On a stormy and rainy Sunday, here's Week 2, Day 1 of the strength program.
Bench Press: 125 x 10. The program called for me to do 112.5 x 10, 120 x 8, and 125 x 6-8. However, I had it in my skull to treat today as a PR day, so I reversed the order of the weights, and started with 125. Got it for 10 reps, which is a big PR! However, I wasn't able to match the reps afterward, but on a PR day, that's okay.
Incline Press: 85 x 6.
Overhead Press: 65 x 6.
Hammer Curls: 20 x 20.
Cable Curls: 13 (I think) x 20.
Despite the big PR today, came home feeling a bit depressed. I exercise, get lots of rest, and take my meds, but those horrible thoughts come back time and time again.
Maybe tomorrow I'll feel better
The weather has been dark and gloomy all day. Hopefully there'll be thunder and rain, to match my somber mood.
Have a sunnier Sunday, Bees!
Playing: So... I've thrown hours into Witchfire, at this point. It's not initially what I expected. It's a smorgasbord of genres melded into an FPS. Elements include roguelite elements, extraction-based risk, Destiny-like shooting mechanics, and of course, the challenge of Souls-like elements. I've just gotten creamed by the first boss, but I'm definitely going to hop back in and give it another go. Didn't play Project Silverfish last night.
Watching: Still want to watch Weapons, as it looks amazing.
Listening to: Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford - Close My Eyes Forever.
"Sometimes, it's hard to hold on
So hard to hold on to my dreams
It isn't always what it seems
When you're face to face with me"
"Where they hell could it be?"
"We searched the first floor. There are three. Do the math."
"Kiss my ass. If it turns out to actually be in the station, first round is on me."
Half a minute later, the footsteps faded. Ox gingerly crawled out from under the space, clutching the duffel bag. As the Looters continued their search in the floors above him, Ox sneaked his way through the reception hall and outside to the main streets of Metropol. Apart from the distant buzzes and zaps of anomalies, and the distant crackle of gunfire, the city was unnervingly quiet. Ox passed numerous alleys and side streets on the way to the tunnel leading to Black Lake. Soon he was swallowed up in the darkness as he headed off to claim his payday.
As he passed them by, two figures stepped out of a side alley to watch him go.
"Take him out?" Asked the male, holding his rifle to his shoulder. He looked back at his companion, who shook her head.
"He may be a friend to us," She said, leaning against the alley wall, casually.
"He's a friend to that fae bastard." He spat on the street. "He keeps working for him."
"Give it time. Soon he'll be begging us for work."
They left the scene, no trace of their being there remaining.
Hey again Bees! Been a hot minute since I was last in the gym.
On a stormy and rainy Sunday, here's Week 2, Day 1 of the strength program.
Bench Press: 125 x 10. The program called for me to do 112.5 x 10, 120 x 8, and 125 x 6-8. However, I had it in my skull to treat today as a PR day, so I reversed the order of the weights, and started with 125. Got it for 10 reps, which is a big PR! However, I wasn't able to match the reps afterward, but on a PR day, that's okay.
Incline Press: 85 x 6.
Overhead Press: 65 x 6.
Hammer Curls: 20 x 20.
Cable Curls: 13 (I think) x 20.
Despite the big PR today, came home feeling a bit depressed. I exercise, get lots of rest, and take my meds, but those horrible thoughts come back time and time again.
Maybe tomorrow I'll feel better
The weather has been dark and gloomy all day. Hopefully there'll be thunder and rain, to match my somber mood.
Have a sunnier Sunday, Bees!
Playing: So... I've thrown hours into Witchfire, at this point. It's not initially what I expected. It's a smorgasbord of genres melded into an FPS. Elements include roguelite elements, extraction-based risk, Destiny-like shooting mechanics, and of course, the challenge of Souls-like elements. I've just gotten creamed by the first boss, but I'm definitely going to hop back in and give it another go. Didn't play Project Silverfish last night.
Watching: Still want to watch Weapons, as it looks amazing.
Listening to: Ozzy Osbourne and Lita Ford - Close My Eyes Forever.
"Sometimes, it's hard to hold on
So hard to hold on to my dreams
It isn't always what it seems
When you're face to face with me"
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Cheers for another PR!
Hugs for the mood.
Hugs for the mood.
Warm thanks to @CODawn, @graoumia, @JCU, @Mamatigerj, @Fremen. Your encouragement is everything. I have felt better these few days, even though I haven't been able to get to the gym.
"Hey stalker, a new quest for you," Simmi sarcastically intoned. The camp was quiet, and the observatory even more so. Ox was seated on the bed on the second floor, above Simmi and her numerous workstations. "Quest?" He distractedly asked. Cleaning his new M-77 rifle, Ox wasn't paying her much attention. The components of the rifle were disassembled before him on the bed. Carefully and slowly, he ran a microfibre cloth along the barrel, being sure to pick up any dirt and grime.
Simmi's voice came from below him, again. He knew she had multiple responsibilities to handle, but she was adept at multitasking. Or she was taking a break to tease him. "Yeah, like you're the main character, and you're working your way through this journey, and levelling up in the process. You just got a new weapon in your inventory, right? Hell if I know, don't you play videogames?" Ox barked out a laugh. "I never thought I'd see the day when someone compares surviving in this shithole to a videogame. Never played them, myself." Simmi let out a gasp of mock surprise. "Sacrilege! You've missed out on classics like the Super Pagio Sis. and Xenda: Connect to Future." Ox had moved on to the receiver of the rifle. "Whoop dee do. While the rest of you were sitting on your arses playing games, I had to carry out important jobs." A snort from down there. "Were you studying the blade as well?" Ox was a touch annoyed by now. "The blade...? What? No." And now, onto the rifle's stock. "So... what's the 'quest'?"
"Loner named Spratt needs to be taken out."
"Like on a date?" Ox was now reassembling the rifle.
"No, you fool. As in put into the ground."
"That's a shame..."
"If you come back alive, you'll be $5000 richer."
That gave him pause. "Too good to refuse. Is there a catch?"
"Yeah. He's paranoid as hell, holed up in a hideout, and armed with a machinegun. So what do you say? Put that brand spanking new rifle to use?
Ox finished his task, the rifle components coming together with a satisfying * cha-chunk *.
"Consider it done."
I didn't set out to include any meta references, but the temptation was too great! I also like the way this one came out.
Yo yo, Bees! These two days have been too rainy to go to the gym (we have heavy rain alerts for these days), but I managed to make it today.
Today was a bonanza of PRs, so brace yourself!
Snatch Grip Deadlifts: 120 x 6. I've never done this weight before, so this is a huge PR. I don't even know if I could do this with more weight, but I'll give it a shot next week.
Barbell Rows: 107.5 x 6. Yay! Another PR!
Machine One Armed Rows: 80 x 5. Wowza! A big PR (originally was 75 x 5).
Lat Pulldowns: 70 x 6! Another PR!
Neutral Chins: 7 reps. The only non-PR exercise today.
I think the likely explanation for all these PRs is that I've taken a break from most of these exercises to build up my back muscles, and once I came back to them, I had gotten stronger in the meantime.
The rain is leaving us, and it's back to muggy weather and scorching sun. Boo Hiss.
I certainly am feeling a little better. I attribute it partly to all your encouragement, and partly to the way my mood ebbs and flows. Oh, and getting to work out after several enforced days away!
We're halfway through the week, Bees! You've got this.
Playing: A Witchfire update: happily trashed the first boss (or Familiar as the game quaintly refers to it), and entered a new, medieval-influenced (the game even calls it a "medieval town", which is weird) city in which I'm getting my butt repeatedly kicked. Also experiencing framerate slowdown, which sucks, but I can live with it.
Less so when it'll inevitably happen with Borderlands 4
Also a touch of Project Silverfish, though I've experienced most of the EA build already. Maybe there's more to see?
On the backburner: Chronicles of Riddick: EFBB (Wowza, a real blast from the past!), and maaaybe Dead Space Remake?
Watching: Uhh, still not much. But I am watching Weapons tomorrow morning! Squee! Gimme all the suburban scares!
Listening to: Amorphis - On the Dark Waters. The folk-metal (or is it melo-death?) band with the gorgeous melodies is back. The guitars are shimmering and the chorus is just sheer magic.
"Who did sail that boat of bone
Steer the silent ship of death?
As it flew and dove
And made its way upstream?"
"Hey stalker, a new quest for you," Simmi sarcastically intoned. The camp was quiet, and the observatory even more so. Ox was seated on the bed on the second floor, above Simmi and her numerous workstations. "Quest?" He distractedly asked. Cleaning his new M-77 rifle, Ox wasn't paying her much attention. The components of the rifle were disassembled before him on the bed. Carefully and slowly, he ran a microfibre cloth along the barrel, being sure to pick up any dirt and grime.
Simmi's voice came from below him, again. He knew she had multiple responsibilities to handle, but she was adept at multitasking. Or she was taking a break to tease him. "Yeah, like you're the main character, and you're working your way through this journey, and levelling up in the process. You just got a new weapon in your inventory, right? Hell if I know, don't you play videogames?" Ox barked out a laugh. "I never thought I'd see the day when someone compares surviving in this shithole to a videogame. Never played them, myself." Simmi let out a gasp of mock surprise. "Sacrilege! You've missed out on classics like the Super Pagio Sis. and Xenda: Connect to Future." Ox had moved on to the receiver of the rifle. "Whoop dee do. While the rest of you were sitting on your arses playing games, I had to carry out important jobs." A snort from down there. "Were you studying the blade as well?" Ox was a touch annoyed by now. "The blade...? What? No." And now, onto the rifle's stock. "So... what's the 'quest'?"
"Loner named Spratt needs to be taken out."
"Like on a date?" Ox was now reassembling the rifle.
"No, you fool. As in put into the ground."
"That's a shame..."
"If you come back alive, you'll be $5000 richer."
That gave him pause. "Too good to refuse. Is there a catch?"
"Yeah. He's paranoid as hell, holed up in a hideout, and armed with a machinegun. So what do you say? Put that brand spanking new rifle to use?
Ox finished his task, the rifle components coming together with a satisfying * cha-chunk *.
"Consider it done."
I didn't set out to include any meta references, but the temptation was too great! I also like the way this one came out.
Yo yo, Bees! These two days have been too rainy to go to the gym (we have heavy rain alerts for these days), but I managed to make it today.
Today was a bonanza of PRs, so brace yourself!
Snatch Grip Deadlifts: 120 x 6. I've never done this weight before, so this is a huge PR. I don't even know if I could do this with more weight, but I'll give it a shot next week.
Barbell Rows: 107.5 x 6. Yay! Another PR!
Machine One Armed Rows: 80 x 5. Wowza! A big PR (originally was 75 x 5).
Lat Pulldowns: 70 x 6! Another PR!
Neutral Chins: 7 reps. The only non-PR exercise today.
I think the likely explanation for all these PRs is that I've taken a break from most of these exercises to build up my back muscles, and once I came back to them, I had gotten stronger in the meantime.
The rain is leaving us, and it's back to muggy weather and scorching sun. Boo Hiss.
I certainly am feeling a little better. I attribute it partly to all your encouragement, and partly to the way my mood ebbs and flows. Oh, and getting to work out after several enforced days away!
We're halfway through the week, Bees! You've got this.
Playing: A Witchfire update: happily trashed the first boss (or Familiar as the game quaintly refers to it), and entered a new, medieval-influenced (the game even calls it a "medieval town", which is weird) city in which I'm getting my butt repeatedly kicked. Also experiencing framerate slowdown, which sucks, but I can live with it.
Less so when it'll inevitably happen with Borderlands 4
Also a touch of Project Silverfish, though I've experienced most of the EA build already. Maybe there's more to see?
On the backburner: Chronicles of Riddick: EFBB (Wowza, a real blast from the past!), and maaaybe Dead Space Remake?
Watching: Uhh, still not much. But I am watching Weapons tomorrow morning! Squee! Gimme all the suburban scares!
Listening to: Amorphis - On the Dark Waters. The folk-metal (or is it melo-death?) band with the gorgeous melodies is back. The guitars are shimmering and the chorus is just sheer magic.
"Who did sail that boat of bone
Steer the silent ship of death?
As it flew and dove
And made its way upstream?"
Mamatigerj
Well-known member
Thank you so much @Fremen @JCU @graoumia and @Mamatigerj! I wish I had some juicy PRs today, but that's not the case. This time.
Ox waited, pressed up against the house. It was one of several such three story houses on the edge of The Train Depot, but had some odd and suspicious changes. Most of the other houses were indeed empty, but apart from scuffs and bullet holes, remained ready for looting. On this one, most of the windows had been boarded up, and the words KEEP OUT had been painted on the front in giant red letters. A wooden door led inside, but Ox knew better than to charge in - the notes on this bounty stated that Spratt was paranoid, heavily-armed, and staunchly survivalist in outlook and skill.
Instead, using a set of lockpicks he had purchased in the camp, he slowly, steadily, and above all, gently worked at the door's lock. He'd never heard of a lock itself being trapped, and fingers were crossed that Spratt wasn't preternaturally skilled in inventing devices, as well. A satisfying set of clicks as he aligned all the tumblers, and turned the tension wrench. The door opened slowly. Ox had an inkling; he stood to the side of the door, as far away as he could, and stretched out his hand to push the door open, snatching his hand away as the door moved. There was a KROOM as something blasted a hole through the door, at about head height. Ox opened the door to reveal a sawed-off shotgun duct taped to a chair, with a string tied to the deadly gun's trigger. Ox stepped in, went past the trap to reach the stairway, and then froze. Bear traps.
Fortunately, he had a considerable amount of bolts. Dropping bolts on the traps' triggers made them relatively trivial. He made his way to the second floor, steadily making his way through the makeshift maze Spratt had set up. At one point, he had to get down on his belly and crawl to get under a barb-wire barrier. When he was mostly through, and getting to his knees, he bumped into a nearby cabinet. Among the various knick-knacks and junk that fell out was a grenade, separate from its pin. There was nowhere to run to. Scooping up the grenade, Ox rushed to the (surprisingly open!) window and threw it out, into the street, before throwing himself in the opposite direction. The sheer sound of the explosion rattled his teeth and shook his body. Fed up with Spratt's tricks and traps, he made his way up to the third, and hopefully final floor of this shithole.
Upon reaching the landing of the third floor, which had no roof, and was made up of several barricades, he was greeted with a burst of machinegun fire. "They told me you would come! They said many other things! WHICH I AM TELLING YOU NOW." Bullets chewed up the wall behind Ox, who stayed wisely on the stairs. "THE apocalypse HAPPENED! And IT'LL HAPPEN AGAIN!" This came from the other side of the "room". Ox was amazed that he could still hear the bellowing over the gunfire. He remembered he had a certain device which might ease the odds.
"Hey Spratt! Got a present for you." Amazingly, the gunfire stopped. This was his window; Ox cooked the device for two seconds, before ascending the stairs and lobbing it over the barricades at the surprised Spratt, clad in heavy armour, and indeed armed with a machine gun as big as he was. Spratt was so dumbly surprised that he simply stood there, while Ox dropped to the floor and covered his ears. CRRROOOOW went the flashbang, and Spratt started wailing, about the Plan, the Relics, and all sorts of other inane crap. As he stood there, having dropped his machinegun, hands clutching his pained ears, Ox drew his sidearm. A final, almost innocent look of surprise on Spratt's face that curdled into madness once more. Ox put one between his eyes. Spratt dropped, his mad rhetoric finally silenced. Ox, pistol still in hand, approached the body to make sure.
Another one down. Was he nothing better than a killer?
(I mixed up the character's names. Spratt should be "Lenny", because Spratt is actually... well, read on in the weeks to come!)
Greetings once more, Bees!
Today was W2D2 of my Push program (or rather, the one I'm adapting from Johnny Candito).
Bench Press: 112.5 x 10, 120 x 8, 125 x 8. On the sets after the third one, dropped the reps in the sets rather than go to failure.
Incline Press: 87.5 x 6.
Overhead Press: 65 x 6.
Incline Curls (doing something different for a change!): 14 x 20. Augh.
Cable Wrist Curls: 15 x 20.
Doggedly hot today. A lot of my walking was outdoors, but at least the rain isn't that bad anymore.
It's almost Friday, Bees!
Playing: A bit more of Witchfire, as I'm shooting my way through the third area. Pretty tough going, but getting more of the items upgraded = more fun!
Of course, a dash of Project Silverfish.
Maayybe something else?
Watching: So I watched Weapons this morning before heading to the gym. Here's a trailer, synopsis, and review!
One day, teacher Julie Gandy enters her kindergarten classroom in the small town of Maybrook, with a nasty surprise. All but one of her students are missing. It transpires that at exactly 2:17 am the night before, all the kids left their homes, running off to places unknown, without warning. A subsequent investigation turns up little, and an angry community vents their frustrations on her. Bitter and brittle and wanting to know what really happened that night, Gandy searches for answers. She, and several other citizens of different backgrounds will all become entwined in the terrifying explanation of what really happened.
The central idea behind Weapons is that it's a quasi-anthology of stories; six short segments, each depicting a single character, with each subsequent one revealing more and more about the plot, and perhaps adding a bit of insight or revelations into previous segments. I've never watched Magnolia, from the formidable Paul Thomas Anderson, which was said to have inspired Weapons with its multi-character structure. I would say it works, as the thread tying the plot together is cohesive, but never crowded. You never feel lost, or unsure of what's going on, and that's a testament to the way the movie is structured. Hats off for the skillful writing, but even more so for the great acting. Julia Garner and Josh Brolin give particularly strong performances, but the whole cast is particularly strong.
The scares are memorable, and while not totally original, are executed in such a way as to bring the nerves to a fever pitch. I found myself tense in my seat when another peripheral vision scare (and even a few jump scares!) popped up. They're freaky, they're eerie, and when they show up, the film really coheres.
Any weaknesses? I would say the film early on plods, as we're still building context, and going along with these tormented characters. Bits of different scenes could be chopped off, I feel, though you could argue that some of them (like a subplot involving alcoholism) give the film its character.
As with all good films in the genre, everything just explodes past a certain point, and the climax is satisfying in action and effect, though not necessarily in giving answers. I sense that this was a deliberate decision. We do not necessarily need to know "why" for everything, when the most important questions are answered.
Otherwise, this is a characteristically strong offering from Zach Cregger, and I strongly suggest you watch it, if you have at least a casual interest in horror.
I give it four and a half cans of soup out of five.
Listening to: Lionface - No Hope State (Gunship Remix). Wow. I found this by parsing my Facebook page back to 2016. The first time I've listened to it in close to ten years!
Ox waited, pressed up against the house. It was one of several such three story houses on the edge of The Train Depot, but had some odd and suspicious changes. Most of the other houses were indeed empty, but apart from scuffs and bullet holes, remained ready for looting. On this one, most of the windows had been boarded up, and the words KEEP OUT had been painted on the front in giant red letters. A wooden door led inside, but Ox knew better than to charge in - the notes on this bounty stated that Spratt was paranoid, heavily-armed, and staunchly survivalist in outlook and skill.
Instead, using a set of lockpicks he had purchased in the camp, he slowly, steadily, and above all, gently worked at the door's lock. He'd never heard of a lock itself being trapped, and fingers were crossed that Spratt wasn't preternaturally skilled in inventing devices, as well. A satisfying set of clicks as he aligned all the tumblers, and turned the tension wrench. The door opened slowly. Ox had an inkling; he stood to the side of the door, as far away as he could, and stretched out his hand to push the door open, snatching his hand away as the door moved. There was a KROOM as something blasted a hole through the door, at about head height. Ox opened the door to reveal a sawed-off shotgun duct taped to a chair, with a string tied to the deadly gun's trigger. Ox stepped in, went past the trap to reach the stairway, and then froze. Bear traps.
Fortunately, he had a considerable amount of bolts. Dropping bolts on the traps' triggers made them relatively trivial. He made his way to the second floor, steadily making his way through the makeshift maze Spratt had set up. At one point, he had to get down on his belly and crawl to get under a barb-wire barrier. When he was mostly through, and getting to his knees, he bumped into a nearby cabinet. Among the various knick-knacks and junk that fell out was a grenade, separate from its pin. There was nowhere to run to. Scooping up the grenade, Ox rushed to the (surprisingly open!) window and threw it out, into the street, before throwing himself in the opposite direction. The sheer sound of the explosion rattled his teeth and shook his body. Fed up with Spratt's tricks and traps, he made his way up to the third, and hopefully final floor of this shithole.
Upon reaching the landing of the third floor, which had no roof, and was made up of several barricades, he was greeted with a burst of machinegun fire. "They told me you would come! They said many other things! WHICH I AM TELLING YOU NOW." Bullets chewed up the wall behind Ox, who stayed wisely on the stairs. "THE apocalypse HAPPENED! And IT'LL HAPPEN AGAIN!" This came from the other side of the "room". Ox was amazed that he could still hear the bellowing over the gunfire. He remembered he had a certain device which might ease the odds.
"Hey Spratt! Got a present for you." Amazingly, the gunfire stopped. This was his window; Ox cooked the device for two seconds, before ascending the stairs and lobbing it over the barricades at the surprised Spratt, clad in heavy armour, and indeed armed with a machine gun as big as he was. Spratt was so dumbly surprised that he simply stood there, while Ox dropped to the floor and covered his ears. CRRROOOOW went the flashbang, and Spratt started wailing, about the Plan, the Relics, and all sorts of other inane crap. As he stood there, having dropped his machinegun, hands clutching his pained ears, Ox drew his sidearm. A final, almost innocent look of surprise on Spratt's face that curdled into madness once more. Ox put one between his eyes. Spratt dropped, his mad rhetoric finally silenced. Ox, pistol still in hand, approached the body to make sure.
Another one down. Was he nothing better than a killer?
(I mixed up the character's names. Spratt should be "Lenny", because Spratt is actually... well, read on in the weeks to come!)
Greetings once more, Bees!
Today was W2D2 of my Push program (or rather, the one I'm adapting from Johnny Candito).
Bench Press: 112.5 x 10, 120 x 8, 125 x 8. On the sets after the third one, dropped the reps in the sets rather than go to failure.
Incline Press: 87.5 x 6.
Overhead Press: 65 x 6.
Incline Curls (doing something different for a change!): 14 x 20. Augh.
Cable Wrist Curls: 15 x 20.
Doggedly hot today. A lot of my walking was outdoors, but at least the rain isn't that bad anymore.
It's almost Friday, Bees!
Playing: A bit more of Witchfire, as I'm shooting my way through the third area. Pretty tough going, but getting more of the items upgraded = more fun!
Of course, a dash of Project Silverfish.
Maayybe something else?
Watching: So I watched Weapons this morning before heading to the gym. Here's a trailer, synopsis, and review!
One day, teacher Julie Gandy enters her kindergarten classroom in the small town of Maybrook, with a nasty surprise. All but one of her students are missing. It transpires that at exactly 2:17 am the night before, all the kids left their homes, running off to places unknown, without warning. A subsequent investigation turns up little, and an angry community vents their frustrations on her. Bitter and brittle and wanting to know what really happened that night, Gandy searches for answers. She, and several other citizens of different backgrounds will all become entwined in the terrifying explanation of what really happened.
The central idea behind Weapons is that it's a quasi-anthology of stories; six short segments, each depicting a single character, with each subsequent one revealing more and more about the plot, and perhaps adding a bit of insight or revelations into previous segments. I've never watched Magnolia, from the formidable Paul Thomas Anderson, which was said to have inspired Weapons with its multi-character structure. I would say it works, as the thread tying the plot together is cohesive, but never crowded. You never feel lost, or unsure of what's going on, and that's a testament to the way the movie is structured. Hats off for the skillful writing, but even more so for the great acting. Julia Garner and Josh Brolin give particularly strong performances, but the whole cast is particularly strong.
The scares are memorable, and while not totally original, are executed in such a way as to bring the nerves to a fever pitch. I found myself tense in my seat when another peripheral vision scare (and even a few jump scares!) popped up. They're freaky, they're eerie, and when they show up, the film really coheres.
Any weaknesses? I would say the film early on plods, as we're still building context, and going along with these tormented characters. Bits of different scenes could be chopped off, I feel, though you could argue that some of them (like a subplot involving alcoholism) give the film its character.
As with all good films in the genre, everything just explodes past a certain point, and the climax is satisfying in action and effect, though not necessarily in giving answers. I sense that this was a deliberate decision. We do not necessarily need to know "why" for everything, when the most important questions are answered.
Otherwise, this is a characteristically strong offering from Zach Cregger, and I strongly suggest you watch it, if you have at least a casual interest in horror.
I give it four and a half cans of soup out of five.
Listening to: Lionface - No Hope State (Gunship Remix). Wow. I found this by parsing my Facebook page back to 2016. The first time I've listened to it in close to ten years!
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@JCU I heard a rumour that the script was leaked, and making the rounds online. Unusually for me, I resisted the temptation and went in, like you said, blind. While I got more out of the unknown nature of the scares than the exact plot twists/developments, it's still a lot of fun to be surprised. You're in for a treat!
aku-chan
Well-known member
Congrats on those recent big PR's!
PetiteSheWolf
Well-known member
OK, in my "to be rented" list! Thank you Ox for this insightful review!
Thank you @aku-chan and @CODawn!
@JCU Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
@PetiteSheWolf It's a great flick!
"The job's done." Simmi turned to see Ox wearily walk up the steps to her landing. "You have proof, I presume?" Ox slowly, unslung the massive machinegun and placed it on the floor, gently. Simmi nodded. "Nowhere else you could've gotten that. I'll get your fee." She rooted through a nearby locker and produced a sheaf of bills, before double-checking the quantity.
"For a job well done." Ox had taken a seat on the steps leading to the second floor. His head was bowed, and his posture tired. He accepted the money, not ungratefully. After killing Spratt, he had slung the machinegun over his shoulders and marched his way back to the observatory over several hours. His ankles hurt, shoulders chafed, and the heavy gun had bounced against his backpack, causing bruises.
"Got any smokes?" A moment later, a pack sailed through the air. Ox almost fumbled the catch. He glanced at the box - it was stamped with 'Merlbros' in large black lettering, on a bright green background. He took out a cigarette, produced his lighter, and lit up the end of the ciggy before putting it to his lips. He sucked in the smoky menthol taste of the tobacco, letting it into his lungs, before blowing the smoke out in a stream. This wasn't the first time, he realized. It was quiet in the observatory, the only sounds the buzzing of the monitors, and Simmi's fingers clacking on the keyboard.
"Something's bothering you, hon. Spill." He wasn't going to beat around the bush with her.
"I killed Spratt. He was a nasty piece of work, I know."
"Do you? He stole supplies from us and killed three of our men in the process." Ox grunted, then took another long drag.
"I didn't know that. It's just that before I shot him, he was vulnerable and pathetic and innocent all wrapped up in one. And..."
"Do you regret killing him?"
"No. I just wish he could've turned out differently. That things could've turned out differently."
"It sounds like killing's not in your nature, even if you're good at this business."
"That's the hell of it. I don't really want to gun them down, but they never give me a choice. Spratt gave me no choice. It was me or him."
"Is that bad?" He pondered the question for an instant. Simmi continued.
"I'm not going to force you to think or feel a certain way, hon. I just want to point out that this new world we're in is dangerous and unfair. But even so, some of us deserve what we get more than others. There was no peaceful end for that guy."
"He may have deserved his eventual fate. But it's still a damn shame. And he won't be the last. Does that make me an amoral mercenary?"
"You are a mercenary, there's no getting around that. But remember: thinking thoughts like this makes you one of the good ones, Ox."
He could only respond to that in the simplest way. "Thank you."
Simmi smiled at him. He liked that look on her.
Hey Bees! Coming at you with another Sunday workout.
Bench Press: 132.5 x 6. May try for 135 next time! Fingers crossed.
Incline Press: 90 x 5.
Overhead Press: 67.5 x 6. Can move up in weight.
Hammer Curls: 20 x 20.
Experienced some triceps pain during the workout. This is absolutely the worst time for it, as I need my joints in good shape for the competition in September. I'll give it some rest tonight and see if I'm up for hitting the gym tomorrow.
I nearly lost my temper last night over a family call. It was over something that looks really small and insignificant in hindsight. My mom realized, and we had a talk afterward where I expressed my frustration with our family, and didn't want to do our annual family meetup during Christmas. She told me to forgive and forget, but I still feel bad about worrying her. I ended up apologizing to her today, which was the least I could do.
I still feel bad about it.
Enjoy your Sunday, Bees!
Playing: My Witchfire goal of fighting the boss of Velmore has not yet come to pass. I'm getting better at anticipating the tells of the enemies, and timing my dodges, but it still feels like a colossal task. I'll give it another shot tonight.
A little bit of Project Silverfish as well.
Tonight... Dead Space? We'll see...
Watching: Uhh, back to whole lot of not much.
The Funnies: I have no idea which director thought of using rabbits as horror movie monsters. They tried, but the cuteness of the bnuys wins out!
Listening to: Pilotpriest - Modern Fears (orig. Electric Youth). A throwback! I think I posted this back on Hive 1.0, but I'm revisiting it, as it's just such a beautiful, well-paced song. It comes from the dreamy horror movie Come True (about sleep deprivation, and nightmares), which would be more fondly remembered if not for its unbelievably poorly thought-out ending. At least the film's soundtrack is great.
@JCU Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
@PetiteSheWolf It's a great flick!
"The job's done." Simmi turned to see Ox wearily walk up the steps to her landing. "You have proof, I presume?" Ox slowly, unslung the massive machinegun and placed it on the floor, gently. Simmi nodded. "Nowhere else you could've gotten that. I'll get your fee." She rooted through a nearby locker and produced a sheaf of bills, before double-checking the quantity.
"For a job well done." Ox had taken a seat on the steps leading to the second floor. His head was bowed, and his posture tired. He accepted the money, not ungratefully. After killing Spratt, he had slung the machinegun over his shoulders and marched his way back to the observatory over several hours. His ankles hurt, shoulders chafed, and the heavy gun had bounced against his backpack, causing bruises.
"Got any smokes?" A moment later, a pack sailed through the air. Ox almost fumbled the catch. He glanced at the box - it was stamped with 'Merlbros' in large black lettering, on a bright green background. He took out a cigarette, produced his lighter, and lit up the end of the ciggy before putting it to his lips. He sucked in the smoky menthol taste of the tobacco, letting it into his lungs, before blowing the smoke out in a stream. This wasn't the first time, he realized. It was quiet in the observatory, the only sounds the buzzing of the monitors, and Simmi's fingers clacking on the keyboard.
"Something's bothering you, hon. Spill." He wasn't going to beat around the bush with her.
"I killed Spratt. He was a nasty piece of work, I know."
"Do you? He stole supplies from us and killed three of our men in the process." Ox grunted, then took another long drag.
"I didn't know that. It's just that before I shot him, he was vulnerable and pathetic and innocent all wrapped up in one. And..."
"Do you regret killing him?"
"No. I just wish he could've turned out differently. That things could've turned out differently."
"It sounds like killing's not in your nature, even if you're good at this business."
"That's the hell of it. I don't really want to gun them down, but they never give me a choice. Spratt gave me no choice. It was me or him."
"Is that bad?" He pondered the question for an instant. Simmi continued.
"I'm not going to force you to think or feel a certain way, hon. I just want to point out that this new world we're in is dangerous and unfair. But even so, some of us deserve what we get more than others. There was no peaceful end for that guy."
"He may have deserved his eventual fate. But it's still a damn shame. And he won't be the last. Does that make me an amoral mercenary?"
"You are a mercenary, there's no getting around that. But remember: thinking thoughts like this makes you one of the good ones, Ox."
He could only respond to that in the simplest way. "Thank you."
Simmi smiled at him. He liked that look on her.
Hey Bees! Coming at you with another Sunday workout.
Bench Press: 132.5 x 6. May try for 135 next time! Fingers crossed.
Incline Press: 90 x 5.
Overhead Press: 67.5 x 6. Can move up in weight.
Hammer Curls: 20 x 20.
Experienced some triceps pain during the workout. This is absolutely the worst time for it, as I need my joints in good shape for the competition in September. I'll give it some rest tonight and see if I'm up for hitting the gym tomorrow.
I nearly lost my temper last night over a family call. It was over something that looks really small and insignificant in hindsight. My mom realized, and we had a talk afterward where I expressed my frustration with our family, and didn't want to do our annual family meetup during Christmas. She told me to forgive and forget, but I still feel bad about worrying her. I ended up apologizing to her today, which was the least I could do.
I still feel bad about it.
Enjoy your Sunday, Bees!
Playing: My Witchfire goal of fighting the boss of Velmore has not yet come to pass. I'm getting better at anticipating the tells of the enemies, and timing my dodges, but it still feels like a colossal task. I'll give it another shot tonight.
A little bit of Project Silverfish as well.
Tonight... Dead Space? We'll see...
Watching: Uhh, back to whole lot of not much.
The Funnies: I have no idea which director thought of using rabbits as horror movie monsters. They tried, but the cuteness of the bnuys wins out!
Listening to: Pilotpriest - Modern Fears (orig. Electric Youth). A throwback! I think I posted this back on Hive 1.0, but I'm revisiting it, as it's just such a beautiful, well-paced song. It comes from the dreamy horror movie Come True (about sleep deprivation, and nightmares), which would be more fondly remembered if not for its unbelievably poorly thought-out ending. At least the film's soundtrack is great.
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