sparkymonster

Uh...hi!

Fri, 02 Feb 2024 03:51:03 GMT

So. Long time, no post. I miss many people so I'm trying to get back into the habit of reading and posting here. Just switched my default icon to my twitter icon for reasons.

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RIP: Ethrosdemon/Kassie

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 15:07:37 GMT

ethrosdemon/Kassie passed away on Tuesday due to liver failure. She died with her mother at her side. ethrosdemon did not want anyone to know she was dying.

ethrosdemon did not want a service or memorial of any kind. She didn't want flowers or cards sent to her family. Kassie's mom suggested that people if people want to do something, they should donate to a local animal shelter or rescue. I think we all know how much ethrosdemon cared deeply about her animals. I think she would also appreciate donations to local LGBT youth centers and organizations that help people living with HIV and AIDS.

Missyjack wrote an obit talking about Kassie's presence in fandoms & fannish activity.

Please feel free to pass this information around to people you think would want to know. Unfortunately ethrosdemon did not make a list of people she wanted contacted after she died. Also ethrosdemon did not let people know what she wanted done with her online presence and fic. Her family needs space to grieve and this is not a good time to ask.

ethrosdemonwas a complicated person to be friends with. She was smart, charming, passionate and loving. She was also volatile, narcissistic, stubborn and harsh. My feelings about her life and death are complicated. It's OK to feel a bazillion different things. Kassie always had a hard time with goodbyes and it's not surprising this final goodbye is difficult.

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oh hai

Mon, 06 Jul 2015 20:46:48 GMT

So....

Hi.

I've been isolating myself due to stress & exhaustion. I haven't read DW & LJ in um. A year? I'm working on changing that. So hi. Also I haven't added people for a while because exhausted & not reading. If we've met & I haven't added you back please comment so I can do that.

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on a different note: Janet Mock

Thu, 20 Feb 2014 16:00:14 GMT

Janet Mock http://janetmock.com/ in her own words
"JANET MOCK is a writer, an advocate and the New York Times bestselling author of Redefining Realness: My Path to Womanhood, Identity, Love & So Much More, released by Atria Books/Simon & Schuster.

After publicly proclaiming her identity as a trans woman in a 2011 profile in Marie Claire magazine, Janet focused her efforts on speaking about the struggles, triumphs and portrayals of girls and women like herself. In 2012, she launched #GirlsLikeUs, a movement that encourages trans women to live visibly. She currently writes and speaks about her experience of living at the intersections of identities."

OH MY GAWD. I read Redefining Realness in one huge gulp. It's an amazing book. It's memoir blended with her current politicized self reflection. It's honest & doesn't flinch away from the difficult parts. She is blunt & up front about doing sex work and why so many trans women do it.

She's an amazing author and trans woman of color and everyone should read this book. The end.

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Woo accessibility party!

Tue, 07 Jan 2014 19:41:27 GMT

In my continuing efforts to do things I like at work, I have a meeting in a few days to do a walk through of my building with an eye towards noticing where we could have directional signs, areas that need improvement, etc. I AM SO HAPPY. I also managed to find another person in my building who is interested in technology and accessibility. I'm jealous that he has computer furniture that is adjustable (height of table and height of keyboard tray) for wheelchair users. We had a great conversation and he's interested in working with me to centralize information about access. *fist pump*

I'm still struggling along but I'm happy to have soem things go right

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Sherlock: The Empty Hearse

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 04:59:54 GMT

Just watched the new Sherlock episode "The Empty Hearse." SO MUCH SCREAMING. Please freak out with me in commments which will be full of spoilers for this episode

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Hello it's been a while

Thu, 02 Jan 2014 04:58:39 GMT

Soo....hello. Too long to sum up but it's been a while since we last spoke. I miss you and I miss talking on the computer this way.

2013 is a year that is totally over. I'm pleased with that. 2014 is the year I will get my librarian degree. That's pretty freaking awesome. I'm working on keeping my eyes on the prize & my blood pressure down. We shall see.

I'm also working on my second quilt. I'm not big on precision in sewing so it's a bit of an adventure. The quilt is a present for my roommate. One I promised her last year but WHATEVS. I was really busy last year not having a nervous breakdown.

Also it's kind of weird to see library blogging land grappling with some issues that I feel like came up in fandom a year or so ago. It's a weird deja vu & I'm not sure how I want to engage with it.

I just mainlined Season one of "Arrow" and two black guys made it through the season without getting killed or sacrificing themselves for white people. "Arrow" is dedicated to having the male lead do shirtless training montages in every episode which I quite enjoy and most of the female characters get to wear clothes.

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Hello! I'm not in danger

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:07:27 GMT

So there are some bomb threats happening in my work place. They're not in my building. I'm fine. I haven't been evacuated.

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As you know Bob....Dylan

Wed, 09 Oct 2013 15:52:52 GMT

As mentioned in yesterday's post I've been teaching myself Final Cut by making vids. The source that I've been working with is Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues." In the video Dylan stands with a stack of cards that have lyrics on them. He looks into the camera and flips the cards. There are intentional misspellings and sometimes the cards & lyrics aren't in sync.

This video is a supercut of 25 songs that visually reference "Subterranean Homesick Blues."

Password to view videos: judecollins

supercut4 from Julia on Vimeo.

Yesterday's video looked at bands who covered "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and made an attempt to recreate the video. In one corner is the Dylan video so you can easily look between the original and the recreation. This hypothetically was an assignment for a class so I also faked up an introduction as if the video was portion of the paper or an appendix.

Password: judecollins

Comparison of Dylan covers from Julia on Vimeo.

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Subterannean Homesick Fan Vids

Wed, 09 Oct 2013 02:38:50 GMT

I needed to learn Final Cut for work so my mind instantly jumped to making fan vids. I decided to make two vids and learn Final Cut through creating them. I would really appreciate any feedback.

Bob Dylan's "Subterranean Homesick Blues" is the main source material for the vid.

First I looked at bands who covered "Subterranean Homesick Blues" and made an attempt to recreate the video. In one corner is the Dylan video so you can easily look between the original and the recreation. This hypothetically was an assignment for a class so I also faked up an introduction as if the video was portion of the paper or an appendix.

The password to watch the video is judecollins

Comparison of Dylan covers from Julia on Vimeo.

The second vid didn't upload correctly so I'll post it tomorrow.

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One more thing....

Wed, 02 Oct 2013 17:08:31 GMT

Rewatching the "Jackie Chan Adventures" on Netflix is an excellent choice.

I'm not sure if we discussed this but throughadoor & I moved and we no longer have to deal with deranged landlord. We moved to a street I've lived on before which is cracking me up a bit. I lived on this street in a crappy apartment to save money several years ago. Now I'm in a nice grown up apartment with appliances that work and stuff. It's exciting.

The apartment came already painted. The kitchen is a warm sunny color which I have arguments trying to describe. My bedroom is sky blue and throughadoor's is a gorgeous deep blue green. The living room has two walls painted burgundy/wine. Due to miracles and friends I have four tall bookcases jammed along the back wall. In the front of the room there are two tall bookcases which have the books shelved by color. The TV is in front of those bookcases so having them be somewhat decorative is perfect.

Also we have a new big comfy sofa. It's rust colored and did not come to us via the curb. It's actually new, not new to us. Very exciting.

I've also had a great time running into friends living in the neighborhood. I feel good about this apartment.

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mentorship & work personality test

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 01:28:32 GMT

So I got an opportunity at my workplace to get matched with a mentor. Which I have mixed feelings about. I really want a mentor but it's unclear if they can find a POC in my field. This is of course part of why I really want a mentor. Awkward.

I also took a work personality test. It's like Meyers-Briggs but with work. My top themes are: input,ideation intellection, strategic, communication. "ideation" and "intelleciton" are making me crazy. Those are technically words but they are stupidly awkward. Anyway.

Input - one who is constantly collecting information or objects for future use. Ideation - one who is adept at seeing underlying concepts that unite disparate ideas. Intellection - one who enjoys thinking and thought-provoking conversation often for its own sake, and also can data compress complex concepts into simplified models. Strategic - one who is able to see a clear direction through the complexity of a situation. Communication - one who uses words to inspire action and education.

That sounds kind of accurate. I'm curious how this is going to play out.

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Science happened in my sinsuses

Mon, 05 Aug 2013 02:37:32 GMT

Frankly is always a little disgusting to be reminded that my sinsuses are just one big open system. One part gets irritated, everything gets irritated.

Friday I was feeling kind of nauseated, headachey & groggy so I left work early. I figure it was allergies or lack of sleep. Saturday I felt like garrrrrbage. Eventually onceupon suggested neti pot. Hallelujah my sinus were relieved.

Then today Sunday I've feeling a bit off. Just meh you know. Tired. Not wanting to eat anything.

Finally I think to take my temp. Why yes I am running a fever. Fantastic. Stupid science. Doing things predictably. Bacteria. BLEAH

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Billions and Billions

Wed, 31 Jul 2013 01:39:57 GMT

Watching Carl Sagan's Cosmos (on Netflix streaming) is the best if you've had a shitty day and it seems like most everyone had a craptastic one.

Carl Sagan is just so darn excited by science. He wants you to know how cool it is and get excited too. I love it.

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OMG a fucking amazing book

Tue, 30 Jul 2013 02:52:50 GMT

I am feeling blocked because I have a bazillion things to talk about including Readercon, shenanigans, and stuff. I'm starting with something small. A book.

I just read The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson and the book rocked my entire world. Seriously. It's hard to describe except that I felt completely immersed in a futuristic high tech Brazil and also surrounded by a series of complex relationships that don't end neatly AND THEN there were also thoughts about aging, growing older, fear of looking "old," etc.

It's magical realism. It's dystopia. It has romance plots and queerness. The book is mostly about people of color and is set in a place that isn't anglo. I'm flailing.

In conclusion please buy this book or check it out from the library. Then talk to me about how it is amazeballs. Request your public library get the book. Everything. *muppet flail*

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srs bsns question

Sat, 20 Jul 2013 15:34:16 GMT

Readercon post coming soon BUT FIRST

Why is napping on the sofa the best? My bed is one room away but a sofa nap sounds like the best.

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Readercon this weekend

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 22:24:41 GMT

I'm going to be at Readercon this weekend (readercon.org). Arriving Friday and leaving Sunday (if you need/want Friday night crash space talk to me) I'm also on two panels this year. They were both going to have Samuel Delany on them but he had to cancel due to a scheduling SNAFU. I'm sad but I was also concerned I might pass out mid panel due to awesomeness & his beard. Also if anyone has notes on the "Samuel Delany's Beard" bonus round questions from Wiscon pls let me know.

ANYWAY. My panels.

Saturday 2:00 PM F The Relationship of Reality and Fantasy. ( Read more... )

Sunday July 14
1:00 PM G The Return of Queer/Were: Leader of the Pack. ( Read more... )

I uh. Did research and shit because reasons. I'm concerned about the first one because it can go three ways. 1) The panel says "that is so true", the audience agrees, and we peace out. 2) Someone on the panel vigorously disagrees and Andrea Hairston has to keep me from using death rays. 3) Panel & audience disagreement, death rays are not an option. WE SHALL SEE.

Anyway. Looking forward to seeing the awesome peoples of the internet.

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signs of stress: geekery fails

Wed, 10 Jul 2013 00:11:31 GMT

I've been feeling really stressed and exhausted lately. How bad is it?

It's so bad I thought Matter-Eater Lad ate the Cosmic Cube. Matter-Eater lad is a member of the Legion of Superheroes. His superpower is for real the ability to eat anything. The Cosmic Cube is a cube with cosmic powers. HOWEVER. Matter-Eater Lad is DC comics and he ate the Miracle Machine (a machine that could perform miracles). The Cosmic Cube is in Marvel comics.

Yesterday I couldn't remember that the name of the place where Wonder Woman came from is Themyscira aka Paradise Island.

What ridiculous & vital trivia will I forget next?

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woo sleep and cross stitch

Sun, 23 Jun 2013 16:59:45 GMT

I slept well last night. Drugged to the gills but whatever it was sleep.

Also my newest fidgety craft is cross stitch. Currently I'm stitching "Don't be a dick." It's coming along quite nicely. (subversivecrossstitch.com) I haven't done cross stitch since um girl scouts? idk.

Also who else is watching Hannibal, reading the October Daye series and sundress obsessed/concerned?

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ugh brain meats

Sat, 22 Jun 2013 14:22:22 GMT

Fell asleep OK but woke up early due to night terrors. I haven't had those since I was a teen. The thing I hate most about night terrors is that I never remember what the nightmares. I just wake up terrified. I tried to fall back asleep but kept on having those terror flashes. So I gave up, watched TV, was bitten by a cat, petted a cat and embroidered. Now I will attempt sleep again. Meh.

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brainstorming/crowd sourcing talking about internet privacy

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 18:41:10 GMT

As you know Bob, I have a lot of thoughts & feelings about privacy online and wallet name policies. LOTS. This is a topic I think 90% of my coworkers haven't thought about. The idea of keeping your work e-mail & personal e-mail separate is weird to people. Similarly, people will pull up a site like Facebook or Goodreads with them logged in as themself and then you see random personal information all over the place.

I want to have an informal brown bag where I talk about online privacy in general (FB privacy settings etc.) and why one may want to keep work and personal stuff separate. For example, what are the plusses and minuses of signing up for a social media site with your personal e-mail vs. your work e-mail. Why might one use a nickname or handle instead of a full name?

I'm trying to think of examples where using a personal e-mail account to sign up for a service can bite you in the ass, or vice versa. Like what if you accidentally link your personal Facebook logon to a work project. Blah.

Am I making sense? Suggestions?

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staying present

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:30:01 GMT

So. My pets help me stay present. Madame nips if I'm not paying attention while scratching her. There also something very soothing and grounding about petting her. The Senator is, well. He's not soothing. But having all his enormousness lying on top of you can be nice.

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what's making me happy

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 02:07:27 GMT

This blog is making me happy: http://wearethe15percent.com It's crowd sourced/submitted photos of people in interracial relationships, marriages and families. Tons of happy people and adorable children.

This blog has usurped my other fave adorable blog http://www.blackcelebkids.com/ which is pictures of children of black celebs. SO CUTE. For instance oh shit it's Gina Torres & Laurence Fishburne's daughter Deliah http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2011/04/22/guess-that-celebrity-kid-67/
Also all the Quvenzhane Wallis you can handle http://www.blackcelebkids.com/tag/quvenzhane-wallis/

Also Willow Pinkett-Smith, Jada Pinkett-Smith, and Jada's mom giving a truly flawless example of black don't crack: http://www.blackcelebkids.com/2013/06/05/the-smiths-are-three-generations-strong/ SORCERY

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Family father's day pics

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 03:02:03 GMT

For those not doing fathers day for reasons, these family pics of father/child shenanigans are behind the cut
( Read more... )

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It's my birthday! Party on! Excellent!

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 15:00:11 GMT

Today is my birthday and it's going to be an awesome day.

I always take my birthday off from work because god damn it I'm not going to schlep to work on my birthday. The last couple years I've decided to do my birthday a little differently. Instead of doing a Thing, I focus on doing simple things that make me happy. In particular things that make me happy which I don't always make time for or that having a 9-5 job interferes with. One birthday I went to the Aquarium and spent tons of time staring at fish. I didn't rush and I didn't wonder if my friends loved staring at fish as much as I do. It was delightful & freeing.

This isn't a deceleration of ignore my birthday or a shunning of presents & cake. I thought of it one year and decided to give it a try. I'm really enjoying it. I expect some year I will wake up and go "it's time for a roller skating party." Right now I'm enjoying this.

I'm having cupcakes twice. It's a no pants day. I may have a luxuriant afternoon nap or I may not. I know will have a truly lovely day.

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