My game, My Life, Mechwarrior Online.

For the past let's say, two months or so, I have been playing one of the best games ever, Mechwarrior Online.  It isn't City of Heroes.  Nothing will ever come close to that game.  But the thing is, MWO is NOT run by NCSoft, but by Infinite Games Publishing.  So...that is a point in it's favour right off the bat.  Now, I never really was into the whole Battletech universe.  Big Stompy mechs, were cool, I liked the concept, but I never really got *into* it back in the late 90's early 2000's or so.  (earlier if you're into the tabletop game, but that required friends, mine were into the Marvel Universe so we played that as the pen and paper/tabletop)

My main mech chassis right now is the Centurion.

This was a bit different though.  My husband was totally into Battletech, and Mechwarrior before we got married, and when Mechwarrior Online got announced, he was extremely happy.  We're a couple that games together.  Most women are like "UGH my husband games ALL THE TIME and I HATE IT because he never spends time with ME ME ME ME ME".  I'm not like that.  I actively try to get interested in what my husband is interested in and try to connect with him at that level.

Thing is,  MWO, is Player vs Player (aka PVP)  I've had some *very* bad experiences in PVP arenas in the past.  Mostly because, I'm not the greatest gamer in the world.  There I said it. I'm not l33t, I'm not uber.  I play to have FUN.  I don't take it seriously.  Anyway,  I was very hesitant to get involved in MWO mostly due to the PVP aspect.  League of Legends, Call of Duty, all have their share of prepubescent dickheads that shout endless amounts of abuse at you through their mic over teamspeak...will MechWarrior's community be any different?

It is.  Especially if you get in with a great gaming company that can teach you the ropes.  I got in with the company my husband got into during closed beta.  The Black Widow Company. Aka Bravo Whiskey Charlie.  They don't just do MWO,  They're pretty well entrenched in Planetside2, and have been running their own Real Life paintball company as well.  They're also gearing up for Star Citizen when it gets released.  So if any of those games appeal to you, and you want a great close knit corps, head on over and tell them MeltedSnowgirl sent you in your application post on the forums.

Designed by *and used with the permission of*

 Miki Rei of http://the-bwc.com

Now, from a game play perspective.  MWO has a decent learning curve. Luckily for you, there's an offline training area where you can go stomp and blow up dummies to your hearts content while you get used to the mech controls.  This game has joystick/Throttle/Rudder support.  Don't worry about that, it's how my husband plays.  Me I'm a mouse and keyboard gal and enjoy it that way. (that and I don't have enough room on my desk for a full joystick setup..too much crud..I need to clean ugh).  The controls, once you get used to them, are pretty easy to deal with.  *I* would recommend turning off throttle decay so you can move around easier during combat.  Arm Lock, there are differing opinions on that, I'll just tell you it has improved my ability to target.

Story-wise,  they haven't brought in community warfare just yet.  They plan on that this summer.  So all the Major Houses and Merc Corps WILL BE blowing each other up eventually.  Might even be ladders and real tourneys, who knows.  I don't, but it would be cool.

As for mech releases, they go with the timeline.  There is no Clan-tech in game yet.  There will be, don't worry.  I'm still waiting on my Pink Urbanmech. *sigh*  I like my waddling trashcan with legs.  Giant pink R2-D2 with jump jets and boom sticks.

Designed by *and used with the permission of* 

Miki Rei of http://the-bwc.com

I have so much fun in this game, mostly when I run drops with The BWC.  If I run solo as a PUG it's pretty frustrating, but running with the company,  we have fun, camaraderie, and more co-ordination over teamspeak, so we do more winning than losing.  It's a team game, being part of an established team makes it WAY better.

Designed by *and used with the permission of* 

Miki Rei of http://the-bwc.com

Oh and MWO is Free To Play.  Yup. Download it and go.  You need to run trial mechs until you can afford enough in game currency to get your first mech.  You get a cadet bonus for the first 25 matches you're in so it adds up quick.  You CAN spend real money on Mech Cash... Two types of currency in game, Cbills, that's the stuff you earn through normal play, and Mech Cash, that's bought with real money.  You can buy Hero Mechs with MC, which boosts your Cbill earnings by %30.

I  can go on and on about this game.  This entry is almost tl;dr as it is.  I'll leave you with these  links.

Click here for Mechwarrior Online. Download and rules and all the rest of the stuff you need to know is here.

Once you've downloaded and decided you actually enjoy the game:

Head on over to TheBWC and post an application. MeltedSnowgirl is your recruiter.

Online web based Mech Builder.

HOORAY HOORAY Farm Share/CSA

soft farmy warm farmy little ball of veg

I'm pretty stoked. This year we're doing an "experiment" of sorts with a local CSA/Farm Share.  We locked ourselves into a 1 year commitment to a local farm/farms (They partner with a few other local farms so I guess it's a farm co-op of sorts) to get fresh, local produce and meat delivered every week.

Everything is local, and mostly organic.  The meat is locally produced and humanely raised and slaughtered.  No factory BS there.  So, yes it is possible to be an omni Nomny  and still have ethics. Happy pigs make better bacon...

mmm bacon

 There's more than just the ol factory farm for meat and egg production.

AND, no GMO's.  That makes my little TechnoHippy heart happy (no relation to TechnoViking let me tell you)

Local and in season meat and produce, I will most definitely be reviving the recipe portion of this blog.

Honestly,  I totally suggest my readers to look up CSA's that are in your area.  Support your local farmers. Down with the factory farms and Monsantomongers.  You'll get your moneys worth and more if you do that.  Your health will thank you and your local farmers will thank you.  If you live around the costal area, and like fish (We have some serious seafood allergies here) Talk to a local fisherman to see if you can buy a share of his catch.  Fresh right off the wharf.  You'll probably get a better deal from him on a few lobster and some scallops than you would from Mr Highliner.

not that there's anything wrong 

with being a gay fish.

Here are a few links to help you find a CSA near you.  About the fishing thing though, you're on your own about that, since it's just easier for you to walk down to your wharf and ask.

Taproot Farms. The CSA I'm a part of. They serve Annapolis Valley and Halifax Nova Scotia Canada.

ACORN Organic CSA Search. A searchable database about CSA's in Atlantic Canada

Lifehacker.com has a few links for you American Peeps who are looking for CSA info.

For those of you who reside in the rest of Canada,  the best way to find a CSA near you is to hit Google and type in "Community Supported Agriculture (insert your province or city/region here)  and there you go.

ANOTHER RECIPE TIME! YAY!

Enough of the political stuff...here's some food

Pizza Lasagna!

Ingredients:

SAUCE

1lb Mild Itallian Sausage (uncased, Johnsonville makes some)

1/2 Large White Onion (minced)

1Tbsp Clubhouse Italliano Seasoning blend (or whatever Itallian seasoning blend you have on hand)

1Tbsp Clubhouse Montreal Chicken Spice

4 cloves minced garlic

1tbsp butter

1 Can of your favorite tomato sauce (I use one that's roasted garlic and herb flavoured)

Put diced onion in a large skillet, top with butter and 1tbsp of italliano seasoning.  

Cover and let steam until onion is soft.  

Remove cover, put sausage in, break up with spatula until crumbly, cover and steam a few minutes, until no longer pink. 

Remove Lid Add Chicken Spice and minced garlic, Move sausage/onions off to the sides of the pan making a well and let the fat accumulate in the middle of the pan and use a paper towel to mop out the fat (it's safer than draining it into a jar IMO, drain fat however you want)  Add the tomato sauce, cover and simmer for about 10 minutes.

ADDITIONAL:

Before you add the tomato sauce into the Sausage/onion mix,  Dump it into a blender with some fresh kale, cooked sweet potato, green peppers (if you are not putting them in the lasagna proper) or whatever veg you know your family SHOULD eat, but won't eat.  It's a great way to sneak all sorts of green leafy goodness into very picky eaters.

While you're throwing together your sauce, cook 12 lasagna noodles according to package direction (or however many that will create 3 layers in your lasagna pan)

Other Ingredients:

Pepperoni (about  12 slices per layer)

Salami (about 12 slices per layer)

If you like green peppers/onions/olives on your pizza, feel free to use those too, I can't stand those tbh so I leave them out..my kids don't like em either.)

Shredded cheese of your choice.   I use Kraft's Itallian blend.  It's Stringy Mozzarella, Parm, Provalone and Edame I think...

ASSEMBLY

In a greased Lasagna/casserole pan, start with a thin layer of sauce, Then noodles, then cheese, Then Pepperoni and salami, add more sauce, repeat.  The top layer should be: Noodles, Sauce, Cheese, Pepperoni.  In that order (for aesthetics tbh)

Bake covered in a 400deg F oven for 45 minutes.  Remove cover for 10 minutes for cheese to brown/bubble.  Remove from oven then let sit for another 10 minutes.

ENJOY!

Gonna talk about something delicate.

(Discussing heterosexual issues here, I'm not  Lesbian, so I have NO ideas how sexual refusal dynamics work in GLBT relationships...I'll leave that to people who are more versed in that culture than I am, and feel free to chime in on the blog with your comments.  I'm not being Heteroist on purpose, honestly)

Here's a rhetorical question for you.  Do you think that sexual refusal in long term relationships, is linked to the rape/slut shame/Sex negative view that is pushed on women?  I mean both sides.  I know women who refuse to put out to their long term male partners, and men who refuse to put out to their long term female partners.

If you think about it,  from an early age, we women are taught that you need to dress a certain way for boys to respect you, if you dress any other way, you're pretty much pushing the envelope, and will lose their respect.  If you wear a low cut top, a short skirt,  or even shorts in the summer...showing ANY skin is an invitation for judgement as one of "those" girls.  So, as a woman you take it upon yourself to dress from head to toe, so you don't "tempt" your "weaker brother". (notice the sarcasm quotes)  From day one, you're taught that men can't control their libidos.  They're always after you. It's up to you to keep them from succumbing to their baser natures.  Heck, you're taught that sex is "Base"  and "dirty" and "Wrong"  and that only "Bad Girls" do it.  Right?  So you give into pressure from your boyfriend, and have sex.  Shit happens.  You're human, it's only natural to want to have sex.  It's a pretty strong biological urge after all.  It feels good, (and leaving procreation out of it..) it puts the whole pavlovian happy response in your brain.  You're now labeled as "Damaged"  "That Girl" "Slut" "whore", and now anything any man wants to do with you is fair game.  You wanted it once, you must want it all the time right?

The guy,  who pressured you into sex the first time, he has his own set of cultural conditioning.  Since YOU are supposedly responsible for all his sexual thoughts, as a woman, he isn't responsible at all.  He's just a walking penis waiting to ravage anything he comes across.  After all, that's what he's been taught through society all these years.  Right?  He's gotta be "The Man" and "Bang as many chicks as possible", or here's a major kicker,  he's looked at as gay if he doesn't at least score with one chick, and is bullied and ridiculed.

So when they get into some long term relationships,  be it marriage, or just common-law, after doing the initial "Reel Em In Because" sex, they shut down.  If it's female refusal, it's to keep him on track, or "Good Girls Don't, and I want to be a good girl again, I want him to respect me, no man respects sluts".  If it's male refusal, it's to show her that he isn't just a walking bag of testosterone and testicles waiting to ravage her at any moment, and wants to gain her respect by showing her that he's a "virtuous" male, and not like the other guys.

Sex, should be something willingly given, from both parties.  Not taken.  It's not a weapon, it's not something used to control your partner.  It's a bonding experience for both parties.  It's something to do to get your rocks off...it's hella fun, and it shouldn't be used as a way to shame or control anyone.  Taking it is wrong.  Refusing it because you want to control someone, is wrong as well.

Girls, you aren't "Bad" or "Dirty" or "Evil" for wanting to have sex.  Guys, you aren't a potential rapist, you're smart enough to control what's between your legs.  In a relationship, sex should be a gift you give one another because you love each other.  If you're withholding it for any reason, time to evaluate what's up with the relationship that makes you not trust that person to that point.   When I say withholding I mean Long Term Marriage/Commonlaw Relationship,  not a short term 'hey I just met you and this is crazy' deal...of course if you want to have a one night stand, fill your boots, but no means no in monogamous relationships as well as the short term ones...thing is sex in long term relationships help re-enforce that pair bonding.  There's biology to back that up as well...but I won't get into that yet...


Of course that's just my rambling.  I think refusal and rape are each an edge of the same double edged sword.  Both are used as a way to control and hurt another person.  I also think they share the roots in the rape/slut shame culture.

I welcome comments on this.  It's a ramble, probably makes no sense, but if it makes you think...then that's good, too.

Stubenville Rape rant.

The verdict is in.  The boys are guilty.  Why the hell is the media going "Aww Poor boys their lives are ruined!"  You know what, (Bad word laced rant coming up)

Fuck them.  Just...fuck them.  They ruined their lives the moment they decided that putting their dicks anywhere near a passed out drunk girl, was a good idea.  And those who took part in documenting the whole thing?   Just UGH...you guys make me sick too.

The whole rape culture makes me ill.  "If she didn't drink"  "If she didn't flirt with him" You know what,  the only thing anyone should do with a person who is inebriated to the point of blackout is put them in the first aid recovery position and monitor for alcohol poisoning...then act accordingly as per 911 instructions. It does not involve any genital contact whatsoever. The whole case makes me sick. The whole defense of those assholes makes me sick. Rape culture needs to go away...like forever.

Oh and the ones who are going on about "Well they are only children!  They didn't have the judgement yadda yadda yadda"  Well here's my rebuttal to you;  those who took the photographic and video evidence of the crime and spreading it all over social media should be arrested and tried for production and distribution of child pornography (Or as I like to call them, Child Abuse Images)  And landed on the sex offender registry as well.

Just because someone is passed out drunk, does not give anyone the right to have sex with them.

Just because someone flirts with you, does not give you the right to have sex with them if they don't outright say "Hey let's go have sex!"  (or any other term)

If someone goes to your place, to hang out, and it's too late to catch the bus home and they need to crash there, YOU DO NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO HAVE SEX WITH THEM.

If YOU don't want someone to take sexual advantage of YOU when you are all messed up from drugs or alcohol, DO NOT DO IT TO SOMEONE ELSE.  Think about it if it were you in that situation.  Would YOU like it?  No?  Well guess what they wouldn't either.

I really do hope those boys get their heads on straight, and that other teens learn from their mistake.  I hope this case blows open the top of the can of worms that is the rape culture in this society, so we can pick it apart, and throw it away, and make it possible for everyone to have the right to safety and unwanted sexual contact.

This whole issue was triggery for me...because I had something similar occur to me.  No the guy didn't video it...he didn't take pictures...but it was still a rape while I was intoxicated.  I didn't press charges BECAUSE of the prevailing rape culture surrounding us.  For the longest time, I was blaming myself.  You know what, now, I realize It wasn't my fault.  Just as it wasn't Jane Doe's fault in Stubenville.  Jane Doe, if you're reading this... It wasn't your fault.  You were brave, going forth and pressing charges against your attackers.  You have more balls than I do I tell you that right now.  Don't let it hold you back.  You're not "less than"  You are not a whore, you are not a slut.  You are a victim of people who didn't know how to keep their genitals in their pants.  Who decided to make a cruel joke out of you.  Make a cruel joke out of them.  Live life to the fullest of your ability.

COOL Glow In The Dark Walkway Pebbles

Now THESE look freeking sweet.  I mean really.  Sorry for the Napoleon Dynamite reference there, but MAN...I would so get these for my garden.  I have a pebbly walkway on either side of my driveway and these would so rock it there.  (Hah...see what I did there?  That was a pun /Peter Griffin)

It's getting to be spring time, people will be puttering around in their gardens...these would make a great accent to YOUR garden, wouldn't it?  I know it would be in mine.  I don't know if these are fish safe, so I wouldn't use these in an aquarium set up.  I thought about it too, don't worry.

Glow-in-the-dark pebbles mark a path or highlight a flower bed! 100 piece set Line a walkway, edge a flower bed or fill a planter with these unique acrylic pebbles. After being exposed to daylight, these pebbles glow in the dark! Glow lasts approximately two to three hours after full sun exposure. These are a flat marble size and are made of a poly resin material

So, here's the legal mumbo jumbo.

RETURN POLICY:  Within 14 days, contact me and I'll supply you with the RA number and return instructions.

PRICE:  $30USD FOR USA RESIDENTS  (shipping included)

               $38USD FOR CANADIAN RESIDENTS (shipping included)

SHIPPING:  Hey, you're in luck Canadians,  This item ships to CANADA as well as the Lower 48 States.  NO SHIPPING TO HAWAII, ALASKA/PO BOXES OR APO.  Sorry folks in those states..  So CONTINENTAL USA AND CANADA.  

USA RESIDENTS CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW:

CANADIAN RESIDENTS CLICK HERE TO BUY NOW

Sweet Laptop Cooling Mat

When you're sitting down, and about to do a drop in either PS2 or MWO (or WoW, or whatever game you play) on your high powered gaming laptop,  you don't want your balls roasting off.  You need these.  

So instead of saying "AW MY BALLS ARE ON FIRE!!!" you can be all like "Woah...that's cool..now I'm gonna pwn some n00bs" as you fire up the next match.

Enough with the humor.  Time to get super serious.  See, over time, increased heat can ruin your laptop's battery and CPU life.  If you have inadequate air circulation around your intakes (and face it on most laptops the intakes are on the bottom) you start to roast your laptop.  That is NOT good.  I did that to mine. It's a PITA to crack open and fix too.  I got one of these and I haven't had another overheat (after I re-applied the thermal grease to the heat sink..it was like baked clay I tell you..ugh)  

Anyway here's all the technical stuff from the manufacturer's website.  If it's tl;dr and you still want it, scroll down, read the loud red text, and push the "Buy Now" button.

Cooling pad and notebook stand together

Product Information

The Gear Head Dual-Cool Netbook Cooling Stand features is a notebook stand and cooling pad in one.  Use it as a standard cooling pad, with the 80mm Whisper Quiet Fan keeping your netbook cool, or lift the top cover and set the feet to use it as a desktop cooling stand.  The included 3-foot USB power cable makes it simple and convenient to power the cooling stand right from your computer, while the lightweight, slim-profile design means its easy to take anywhere.  Designed to fit up to 10.1" netbooks, the Gear Head Dual-Cool Netbook Cooling Stand is a portable, simple way to keep your netbook cool and running at its best.

Product Features

Whisper Quiet Fan Technology - The innovative design uses an 80mm fan to provide abundant cooling to your netbook and processor, helping your computer run faster and more efficiently.

Fits up to 10.1" Netbooks - Designed to fit up to 10.1" netbooks, the combination cooling pad/stand allows you the option of using as a standard cooling pad, or lifting up the top cover and setting the feet for a desktop cooling stand. (My note...I have a 17" laptop and I still use mine...don't worry just center it right and you can use it for yours too)

USB Powered 3 Foot Cable - Equipped with a 3-foot USB power cable that allows you to easily connect to any USB Port on your computer.

Lightweight and Slim Design - This cooling stand is designed to fit in your netbook or laptop carrying case, so you can take it with you and work longer or play harder.

Includes

Dual-Cool Netbook Cooling Stand

USB to DC Cable

Specifications

Color:  Silver/Black Accents

Dimensions:   9.75" x 7" x 0.6" (L x W x D, Approx.)

Cable Length:  3 Feet

RoHS Compliant:  Yes

Compatibility:  Netbooks up to 10.1"

Warranty:  Lifetime Limited Manufacturer Warranty

System Requirements

PC and Mac Compatible

Available USB Port

PRICE:  $22.00 USD

THE LEGAL STUFF:

Returns Gladly accepted up to 14 days after receipt of item.  Contact me and I'll provide you with the RA and further return instructions

HUGE LEGAL THING HERE

THIS ITEM ONLY SHIPS TO THE LOWER 48 STATES VIA UPS GROUND.  (like all my other items) ALL INTERNATIONAL BUYERS BE AWARE THAT I WILL NOT PROCESS YOUR ORDER (same with Alaska and Hawaii/APO  and PO box residents) IF YOUR PAYPAL SHIPPING ADDRESS IS NOT IN THE LOWER 48 STATES I WILL REFUND YOUR MONEY.