Just trying to update everything and stay on top of all of my "wants" and personal needs.
I added a few posts to my actual web page that I worked SO HARD ON and then neglected. Basically, just copy-pasted some stuff from here! I added my instagram feed on that hot mess, too.
RTX stuff is going alright. Pretty much on schedule with every other year on my chore list even with the event postponement.
Speaking of: If we stay on this track, September is gonna be stupid busy for me. If everything opens back up, I am going to Disneyland right after LightBox Expo like I did last year. Because I need it.
"Need" is a strong fucking word and I have a strong fucking need.
Also, the new dates for RTX means that @sirnarvy and I will be closing this show a day before our 12th wedding anniversary! Woo-hoo! ❤️ I expect high-fives!
We're hangin' in here at the McDowell townhome. Chris is working from home. The whole company is, of course. It's not easy to have work and sanctuary be in the same damn room, but we are grateful. I'm doing all that I can to stay entertained and realistically positive. Video games, legal vices, and perler art have kept my mind from dwelling to the darker corners of "What fresh Hell we gonna see/hear/smell/taste/experience today?"
Fallout 76: Wastelanders has GREATLY improved the game. 76 is still about as buggy as Oogie Boogie, but it's playable and a little more stable than it was weeks ago. Wastelanders gives the player a reason to care about the world. A reason to fight for it. When you leave the vault, it's not disappointment and dead humans around every corner. NPCs spice things up. More quests to keep you interested rather than just dailies. Life is back in Appalachia and this feels more like a Fallout game to me. It's not perfect, but I love Fallout 76.
Minecraft has been that wonderful and calm activity that really helps me relax. The RTX Guardians have a private server working that Sky Factory hotness. That mod is super fun but CERTIFIABLY NUTS, by the way. I also spend a lot of time in the ImagneeringFun Disneyland Minecraft server. This server is open to the public and is a real flipping joy for Disneyland enthusiasts. Using texture packs and super imagination, the folks who run this server built something truly special. Many of the park attractions and rides can be experienced! You earn coins and pins to trade in for vanity items. If that's not your thing, just ride the rides and see the sights of this gorgeous and well thought out virtual Minecraft Disneyland. It's practically brick for brick perfection. Most of the park is operational, but it is still a work in progress. If you need your Disneyland fix - like I do. Every damn day. - The server is rated G - no swearing and so on. If you check it out, let them know that I sent ya! Minecraft 1.12.2 IP: mc.imagineeringfun.net If you want a preview of this amazing server, be sure to check out some of the youtube videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1Iq4Vl67aHbLHswVXvl2vw/videos
I am on the RT Community site more often now hat I am an Admin and a Chat Mod. I have enjoyed getting to know new RT Community folk. Hello, there! My door is always open if you need anything.
Hey. Much love to you all in this weird and difficult time.
Be excellent to each other. Hydrate. Nolite te bastardes carborundorum
Did you know that Rooster Teeth is almost old enough to be an RTX Guardian? I have been on this site for 10 years. I didn't last that long with Livejournal and that bitch knew ALL of my secrets. Being involved in the Rooster Teeth Community is the longest relationship I have had outside of my marriage. It is the longest quasi-professional relationship I have ever had with any company. I love the Rooster Teeth Community as much I love Disneyland, you all. That is a lot of love. I'm not going into how I discovered Rooster Teeth because it will involve archaic terms like "dial-up internet" and "All your base are belong to us". That's a retelling for another time. What I do want to say is that in 17 years, Rooster Teeth has put out enough quality content to influence multiple generations. At family gatherings, I am swamped by relatives between the ages of 18 and 70 who want to tell me how much they enjoy RT or that they want to get involved with RT. Rooster Teeth is unique. The content is bizarre and wonderful and oddly relatable no matter how old you are. Entire hearts and souls are put into the company's content. There are some extremely passionate employees at RT that not only care about the quality of their work, but also the welfare of the RT Community. The behind-the-scenes of RT are so focused, serious, and empathizing. And even when it is quiet in those offices, there is still a buzz of energy in the air. Yes. YES. Things get weird. Bad decisions are made or some content has flopped or shit goes wrong. Hearts has been broken. We've seen death, birth, rage quits, and silent exits. Rooster Teeth may be pushing two decades, but it still has its growing pains. It went from forming in an apartment bedroom into desperately looking for enough office space to accommodate their ever growing needs. Going from friends working on weird shit into "Oh my god, we need a legal team? And accountants?" in just a handful of years is enough to give anyone whiplash. And being a subsidiary of a multinational legacy company is something I don't think any of us saw coming. Like, RT is the adopted great great grandkids of the Animaniacs at this point! It's been exciting. A real roller coaster. It's been a thrill, it's been fun, it's been fucking terrifying, and sometimes it made me super motion sick. I've yelled at them, cursed their names to the sky, and have even had taken opportunities to be critical in the appropriate fashion. I've even said "NO" to RT. Rooster Teeth is my favorite sports team. I will pretty much always cheer them on. I have met life long friends here on RT. I have worked alongside some truly inspiring people. I have learned a lot about myself. I have become a better person because of RT both professionally and spiritually. It's almost difficult to believe that some of you were infants when Red vs Blue first hit the internet. It's nuts to think that some of you grew up on this content in the same way I grew up on Saturday morning cartoons and the premiere of cultural media royalty such as The Disney Channel and MTV. It's down right bizarre that Rooster Teeth has been around longer than Youtube. It's surprising that RT has the kind of exponential growth that other companies would kill for. It's mind boggling that RTX will be 10 years old this year! What started in a beer tent with 600 people has gown into 3+ day multi-media party that has been graced by the presence of Bare Naked Ladies, Elijah Wood, and Andy Serkis. It's a comfort to know that RT is still here and such a dynamic part of my life. Happy Birthday, Rooster Teeth. Have some socially distant cake to celebrate <3
THINGS TO DO DURING QUARANTINE/LOCKDOWN This took me longer than it should have to put together <3 Are you struggling to find things to do to keep you entertained and reduce the stress of current events? Here is a list of things you can do - whether you live alone, with other people, or have kids! Full Disclosure: This is a starter list meant to be added on to by the community! My knowledge and experience on this entire current world situation is pretty minimal. I am able-bodied and financially sound, so I tried to gather activities that can be cheap as free to do BUT there is a high chance that I will accidentally leave out alternatives! PLEASE add to this list with any links, ideas, and so on! We are all in this together <3 Also, I am not here to tell you how to stay healthy or anything like that. I am not an expert and I am so god damn tired of telling adults how to wash their hands. I give a few warnings about content, but that's about it. !! ARTS & CRAFTS !! -- REDECORATE -- If you can, do it. We're gonna be here a while, so make the living space as comfy or as fun as you want to! BONUS: If you have kids, give them some decorative freedom BUT they have to help clean before they can paint their rooms to look like space or a forest ! --Work on your god damn cosplay - Even though conventions are being cancelled and postponed, this is a GREAT OPPORTUNITY to work on your stuff! --Create closet cosplays/costumes - If you are itching to start something new and your budget is super tight, look to your own clothing collection! --Makeup and costuming tutorials - Youtube, yo. --Pick up a new craft! - Perler art, cross stitching, knitting, painting, repurposing old items into something new, and so on. You can buy supplies at places like Amazon, JoAnns, Michaels, and https://www.discountschoolsupply.com/ to have shipped to your door. Deliver times will may vary under the current circumstances. --Mo Willems Teaching Kids Hot To Draw - https://www.boredpanda.com/free-online-lunch-doodles-sessions-for-kids-mo-willems/ " live streaming “Lunch Doodles” videos every weekday at 1 p.m. EST from his own house. The video sessions will be shared on the Kennedy Center’s YouTube account as well as on their website." --Coloring books and coloring sheets - Google is rife with coloring pages to print! My friends at Zen Monkey Studios created a coloring book recently to help you and the family relax! https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1103/6548/files/team-zenkey-coloring-book-01.pdf --The Smithsonian has an article about classic art turned into coloring sheets: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/113-museums-transformed-illustrations-their-collections-free-coloring-pages-180971501/ --FASHION SHOW! - We did this as kids in the '80s because fashion was WEIRD. Like the closet cosplay/costume idea, but make it FASHION. Take photos and video to save the memories or post them if ya want! --Vision boards or collages - Do you have old magazines, picture books, and other whimsical visuals? Consider making a vision board or a collage that shows off your passion or goals! --Scrapbooking - Not just scalloped scissors, baby photos, and uplifting phrases! You can put personal trinkets, artwork, anecdotes, souvenirs! --While you watch/study/discover - is your living/rec/room or study area kinda bland and overly familiar? Build a blanket fort! Pillow fort! Do you have small tents? Make an indoor camp ground! Do you have cardboard boxes? Make cars out of those boxes and turn movie night into a drive-in! Pretend to read while chilling in your castle or blanket cave! --Create your own: Book or story Comic Coloring book Fanfiction (Not all fanfiction is naughty. Fanfiction is creative writing with more familiar prompts!) Game Language or secret code Play or radio show Poem Choreography !! EDUCATION !! --YOUTUBE - There is a plethora of topics covered on YouTube to experience and a ton of knowledge to devour. YouTube does not have a rating system, so age appropriate content isn't always obvious. If you are a parent, use your best judgement. Think about what your kid/s know and what they can handle. Just because my parents took me to see Spaceballs when I was 8 years old doesn't automatically mean that it's a good idea to do the same for all kids. Not here to preach to you what I think is appropriate. Use your discretion with YouTube (and that goes the same for all listed activity ideas!) That being said, I do have some channels to recommend that -I THINK- are appropriate for all ages! --Yoga with Adrien: https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene Get moving! Adrien teaches yoga for all levels and all ages. -- Emmy Made In Japan: https://www.youtube.com/user/emmymadeinjapan Emmy makes and tries food that can only be described as fascinating! From retro to culturally important to MRS to novelties, Emmy will give it a try! -- Adam Savage's TESTED: https://www.youtube.com/user/testedcom This Mythbusters vet and friends have a fascinating channel full of how-to's, behind-the-scenes, One Day Builds, and interviews. -- Justin Scarred's Randomland Adventures: https://www.youtube.com/user/justinscarred Justin shares his Quest for Positivity with his community (The Sometimes Mob!) as he travels to his favorite places. He adores Route 66, movies, and all things Disney. He is a good friend of retired Imagineer Bob Gurr to boot! -- Jacob the Carpetbagger: https://www.youtube.com/user/carpetbaggerorg/videos Join Jacob on his journey to visit roadside attractions, oddity museums, and various American amusements. -- Expedition Theme Park: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCYFoKsE7HWMemncObXjdww/videos Theme park history Because they occasionally touch on theme park ride accidents and have videos dedicated to Halloween events, viewer discretion is advised. -- YesterWorld Entertainment: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmOy2-vrvwDh6O1bTUB5m_g/videos Mark has a terrific channel dedicated to mostly Disney park history. He covers a few movies, videogames, and Universal theme parks as well. These videos might "ruin the magic" for some because there are some terrific behind-the-scenes photos and footage of attractions! -- Defunctland: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVo63lbKHjC04KqYhwSZ_Pg/videos Kevin is what I call a realistic fan of Disney. He pulls no punches but does it without being crass. His videos focus on the history of parks, rides, and attractions that no longer exist. Most of Kevin's content is Disney focused, but he covers other parks as well. He has also created content about the history of nostalgic television and a very special series about Jim Henson. Like YesterWorld and Expedition Theme Park, there are behind-the-scenes spoilers that might mess with your suspension of disbelief. Kevin also presents stories in a factual way. He doesn't treat Disney or anyone as an untouchable saint, but presents everything tactfully. BONUS: Kevin has a Defunctland podcast! https://defunctland.com/ !!! Mary's tip: STAY AWAY FROM NEWS AND POLITICAL OPINON VIDEOS (of any subject) - Staying informed is crucial in these times, but check those sources. Do not trust news or current world events opinions from personal channels on YouTube. Also, use caution when looking up DIY and "hacks" videos. If the video gives you no narration or written instruction, it's probably false and or dangerous. Many 5 minute craft/hack/cooking/DIY videos are either bullshit, dangerous, or a waste of time. How To Cook That debunks many of these videos. Here is an example: https://youtu.be/26m8NmKPzUI -- Zooinverse - https://www.zooniverse.org/ "The Zooniverse is the world’s largest and most popular platform for people-powered research. This research is made possible by volunteers — more than a million people around the world who come together to assist professional researchers. Our goal is to enable research that would not be possible, or practical, otherwise. Zooniverse research results in new discoveries, datasets useful to the wider research community, and many publications." --Open Culture - http://www.openculture.com/ Free courses, textbooks, K-12 education and MORE --The Internet Archive - https://archive.org/ A treasure trove of free content! "Internet Archive is a non-profit library of millions of free books, movies, software, music, websites, and more." --Scholastic Learn From Home - https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/teaching-tools/articles/resources/scholastic-learn-at-home--free-resources-for-school-closures.html# --Khan Academy - https://www.khanacademy.org/ Free classes spanning all ages. I am particularly excited to check out the Imagineering In a Box curriculum! https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/hass-storytelling/imagineering-in-a-box/orientation/v/intro-welcome-to-imagineering-in-a-box --Free YMCA video classes - https://ymca360.org/ Free health and fitness videos! --CODE.org - https://code.org/ - Anyone can learn how to code! "Code.org provides the leading curriculum for K-12 computer science in the largest school districts in the United States and Code.org also organizes the annual Hour of Code campaign which has engaged more than 15% of all students in the world." --Educational Technology and Mobile Learning - https://www.educatorstechnology.com/ I do not know much about this site, but an educator friend posted this article and I thought that maybe it would be helpful - https://www.educatorstechnology.com/2016/01/a-handy-chart-featuring-over-30-ipad.html --Museum of Pop Culture online - https://www.mopop.org/about-mopop/the-mopop-blog/posts/2020/march/mopop-dont-stop-what-were-doing-to-stay-connected-with-you/ - A chance to see some of the museum and participate in activities online! MOPOP is one of my favorite places in the world and I am grateful that I can still experience some of it online! --Google Earth - https://www.google.com/earth/ Travel the world with out leaving your home. !! ENTERTAINMENT AND MEDIA !! --Zoo live feeds -- https://www.google.com/search?q=zoo+live+stream&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS858US858&oq=zoo+live&aqs=chrome.0.0j69i57j0l6.10660j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8 There are zoos all over the world that provide live feeds of their animal enclosures. These feeds are continuing during closures! --Your Local Library Online: check to see if your local library has the ability to borrow ebooks, audiobooks, movies/series, and music online --Hoopla: Your public library online - https://www.hoopladigital.com/ If your local library is not available online or you just want more to borrow, check out Hoopla! All you need is a local library membership --Club MST3K - http://www.club-mst3k.com/ The most complete list of free online MST3K videos! --Rifftrax - https://www.twitch.tv/rifftrax to watch and https://www.rifftrax.com/ to purchase - From some of the people who brought MST3K to life! You can watch VODs or purchase the joke tracks to your favorite movies to play via the Rifftrax app. All of that infor is on the Rifftrax homepage! --Gaming - I know...like y'all didn't already think of that. But not just videogames! Board games are great! Learn a new game for a basic deck of cards (Browse that internet, cuties!) Other fun things to do with video games: --Reroll a character on your favorite MMO - go down different paths, questlines, and so on! --Minecraft - practically infinite options for gameplay! --Dust off Guitar Hero, Rock Band, Just Dance - I'm not the only one who misses these games, right? --Pokemon Go! - If you are not up for going outside, Pokemon Go is adjusting for those stuck inside: https://www.polygon.com/2020/3/12/21177754/pokemon-go-coronavirus-habitat-increases-incubators-pokestop-gifts --Mixer, Twitch, HitBox and any live streaming site you might have heard of - Game play, speedruns, talk shows, craft channels…the sky is the limit! These sites are free to sign up for and have a mature content filter (which means that the games played and language used that are rated M will be filtered out for young viewers). If you want to stream, I highly suggest reading up on where to start. Some of the streaming sites have their own "Getting Started" type of articles, but you can absolutely do research on YouTube or your browser of choice. AND - like art supplies - you do not need expensive equipment to do streaming. Most modern gaming consoles have streaming built in or apps for the serves available through the console brand online marketplace. --Movies and shows and albums - If you're like me (and I know I am), you have not gone completely gone digital with all of your media. Now is a great chance to get reacquainted with your media collection. If none of that sounds appealing, there are plenty of streaming services out there! --Netflix Party - https://www.netflixparty.com/ A Google Chrome extension that allows you and yoru friends to watch a momvie online together! We tested this tonight with a group showing of TREMORS and had a blast! --Watch movies and shows in SUBTITLES - This is a great way to keep up on reading and help younger folk better understand dialogue. --Podcast apps - I personally like Castbox, but a Google/Bing/whathaveyou search will give you many options! Ok. I'm tapped out of ideas for now. Do you have some links or ideas to share? Post them in the comments! Stay safe. It's getting weird out there <3