*starts plotting ways to get to New Hampshire by next week*

EDIT: omg, Steven Ragatz is part of the cast! Why hasn't anyone perfected transporters yet? *cries*

What do you think?

A few days ago my mom and I were grocery shopping and we came across this:
( Let the adventure begin! (picspan ahead) )

And as a special bonus picture:
( My new unicycle and hoop )

- a phone with a keyboard
- nice yarn for socks, leg warmers, arm warmers.
- 2 Mr. Babache Juggling rings in bright pink.
- 29 inch municycle.
Music:
- the new Matt Blaise Connection album
- Begin to Hope- Regina Spektor

For those of you who've been wondering what I look like when I juggle, I give you this:



I know the quality is pretty terrible, and you can hear me humming along at some parts. But whateves, it gives you the general idea.

I just stumbled upon this article. It was written some time ago, so it may be old news to you all, but I thought it was really interesting. Obviously, I can't really comment on what it's like to be a guy. But I think the author was completely correct when he talked about wanting to be desired. When he described what it was like to be with that older man, I knew exactly what he was talking about. I was also a little horrified when he pointed out many men, many people even, have never felt that. It was a positive experience for me. That relationship had it's major problems, and I'm not denying that I got hurt, but ultimately I've come out of it feeling more attractive and confident than I did going in. It has also made me think about how I've expressed my desire for former partners, and I don't think I've ever made anybody feel like that. Hopefully next time around I'll do better.

I have been kind of curious about how men feel in today's society. Finding scholarship and dialogues and so forth on feminism/women's studies is easy, and I'm quite familiar with it. Are there parallel studies for men? I somehow doubt researchers sit around and discuss, say, the impact of advertising on men the same way they do about women, but I haven't actually looked into it so I could be wrong. Some feminists might argue that men don't need to be studied. At the same time, when the Women's Centre opened on campus I heard a few people ask (jokingly) why there wasn't a Men's Centre as well. My response, at that time, was because everywhere was a Men's Centre, and I think there are probably a lot of feminists who would agree. I've also heard the argument that if there was a Men's Centre no one would use it, and maybe they wouldn't, but how can we know for sure? Men have feelings and they get hurt, the same as women. Wouldn't they benefit from having safe spaces as well? If we want equality, doesn't that mean we have to give men the same consideration as women?

Free historical patterns! Info here!

Photography by James Tworow.

I've been watching a lot of youtube lately. Mostly jugglers and unicyclists, but really, any kind of circusy thing. I've been trying to figure out what makes an act good, and I've come to the conclusion that it's not necessarily skill. For example:

( Read more... )

So, which juggler do you like best and why?

Dr. Haggis, one of the gentlemen who came to International Steampunk Day was kind enough to put together this newsreel, using pictures and videos taken throughout the day. I don't think I'm actually in it, but it is awesome non-the-less.

I have a degree now.

I think I'm going to go take a nap.

I'm almost done my steampunk costume:



More on my DA.

see more Lol Celebs

I'm freemounting about 25% of the time now. I also rode almost all the way home (three blocks) from where I practice.

I also got juggling balls today. I don't suck as much as I thought I would.

Ok, I've decided to attempt starting/organizing a steampunk group here in Calgary. There seems to be a lot of interest, but no one has really tried to organize it and hey, I've got lots of spare time so I figured I'd give it a shot. So, if I somehow missed inviting you on facebook, join the group! The first event is on June 13th; I'm hosting a mad tea party. The event page is here and the group's page is here. I hope to see you there!

 Guess who freemounted (twice) today! That's right, ME. MWAHAHAHAHA

Yesterday I read Herodotus for fun. Today I practiced unicycling. In the rain. Directly after riding my bike for half an hour (also in the rain).

Yep, I think I've officially gone crazy.

Things I want to learn:

Unicycle
- ride long (indefinite) distances without falling off and being in perfect control the whole time.
- freemounting
- dismount gracefully
- hop
- hop curbs
- steer 90% (really tight corners need work)
- hills
- ride with no weight in seat.
- freemount either foot
- kickup mount
- idle
- idle with either foot 20%
- idle with one foot 25%
- ride with one foot
- go backwards 70% (steering needs improvement)
- coast
- ride on grass 90%
- 180 backspin and/or front spin
- 180 jump
- spin
- standing glide
- while hula hooping (50%)
- while juggling (60%)
- while hooping and juggling.


Juggling
- 3 ball cascade
- 423
- 3 ball tennis
- 3 ball reverse cascade
- 3 ball half shower
- 3 ball shower (75% need to smooth out half shower)
- 3 ball box 30%
- 3 ball false shower
- 2 up 1up + variations (80%)
- back toss 80%
- crossing tossing
- 2 in 1 hand
- 3 ball duplex
- 3 ball snake
- 3 ball mills mess
- 3 club cascade (80%).
- 4 balls (80%).
- 3 in 1 hand
- 5 ball cascade


I'm pretty sure if I practice a lot I'll be able to learn all this stuff (unlike the things on the unicycle list). This list is in the approximate order that I'd like to learn stuff.

So, guess who can unicycle for a really long time without falling off? ME.

OH YEAH.

It's amazing how having enough space makes not running into things so easy! (today I practiced in an empty parking lot instead of on the sidewalk).

Next up: steering.