Resistance is Futile

So yeah. Despite agreeing with my friend Eric that Star Trek Online doesn't look complete I'm installing the Open Beta as I type this. I let the 8gb download run overnight after pre-ordering from Amazon around 1am. At least I can blame being up too late on this decision. Was going to go with Gamestop's flavor to get the original Constitution Class starship, but Amazon's Borg First Officer edged out my sense of nostalgia.

Not really sure what changed my mind; been able to ignore everything about this until yesterday. The game concept does sound fun with a combination of FPS ground scenarios and 3D ship combat. Yet I was excited about this years ago. And with how many times the code and license has been handed off, I'm fairly certain the content and implementation will fall short of my stellar expectations.

Despite my reservations, I feel like I can contribute my $150 or so to the experiment. More than three decades of being a Star Trek fanboy demands it.

Blending In

Was crossing the street to a Starbucks when a slow-ass rickshaw almost ran me over. After it passed there was a flood of people coming at me so I puffed up and charged forward. It's really hard to miss me so the first three people gave way. Then some couple holding hands decide to continue their hand-lock despite me slicing directly between them with no where else to go. Now separated I hear the bitch call after me, something like, "Thanks a lot, moron." I don't acknowledge it outwardly, but inwardly I'm thinking, "Take your lovers shit somewhere else. Welcome to the streets of New York."

Definitely more comfortable here now.

Indeed

On the train home from the gym I came to a conclusion. After many years of vacillation, review, and comparisons, I prefer The Crystal Method over The Chemical Brothers.

Dark and Brooding Always Wins

Not sure how much I like John Mayer. Still confuse him with Jason Mraz. Mayer sure does look good on today's new album and in the Who Says video. Guess I don't listen to either enough.

Bigger Brother

Got the anticipated letter from the State Department today. They want five additional pieces of identification from an approved list within ninety days or I will receive neither my passport nor my application fees. Further, they want me to complete a worksheet that involves listing family members, prior places of employ, previous residences, and schools attended. In a word, I was livid. Thankfully there was no phone number to call because I would have not been pleasant.

While I understand we're on permanent Orange Threat it still feels like harassment. I submitted the exact documents they requested. Further, I will use the same documents I provided them with already to acquire these additional documents. It feels like their gathering additional information about me, wanting me thoroughly tagged before releasing me from the country.

Not sure if I have any avenues of appeal, but I've got the time to find out.

No One Else Around

Paid extra for some vibrant flowers while picking up groceries. Normally carnations are enough but these caught my eye. The checker made the usual assumption, saying something like, “Those will make someone happy.” Yeah. Me.

Working as Intended

Normally I can eat a little over a pound of chicken in the evening when I'm doing the no-carb thing yet today I was filled up on half that. In fact, I've noticed that when I'm more active my appetite is much lighter. For instance, during my very busy Saturday in New York I ate half a sandwich for lunch then the other half for dinner and nothing else that day. In Seattle on my last day I ate dinner with John then didn't eat again until dinner the next day.

I'm thinking that is normal but it sure seems unfair. Having a higher appetite when indolent combined with the lack of metabolism means fatness. Definitely unfair. Something to fight.