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Lazzy the Spazzy

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Blog Entries posted by Lazzy the Spazzy

  1. Lazzy the Spazzy
    To celebrate the birthday of Emperor Whenua, a very special friend (if at times eccentric), I have gone through 47 chat logs (and nine chatroom logs) accumulated through half a year of Meebo-usage, to find our most memorable chat moments and share them with you all. Here goes...
     
    My remarkable punctuality:

     
    Our relationship in a nutshell.


    EW actually inspired me to make one of the posts I remain most proud of in my four years here. I guess you're just an inspiring kind of guy, EW.

     
    We share the same opinions on a lot of things...interests, too. A shame I can't be there with you on the Jamboree right now, but we'll definitely do a camping trip someday.

     
    You've helped me out of potential mistakes that would've gotten me in trouble. That's what I love about you, EW...you're a depemdable guy.

     
    Another reason why I consider EW to be one of my best friends here -- he reminds me of what's important.

     
    Also, when I get out of line you bring me back to reality.

     
    Most of all, though, I'll cherish the silly moments we've shared.



     
    But what I value most of all in you is the way you understand me so perfectly.


     
    Here's to another three years (hopefully more) of friendship! Congratulations on making it to adulthood, Emperor Whenua!
  2. Lazzy the Spazzy
    Well, excuse my language but holy ###### was this a pleasant surprise.
     
    I've managed to completely forget about BZP and all the great friends I made here, hadn't visited the site for just shy of a year now...heard about the "downtime" over the summer but that's the only news I'd heard about the BZP. Decided on a whim to pop in for a visit, and what is this?
     
    Wow. New format. So much cleaner and professional looking. Can't even remember the old look, trying not to so nostalgia doesn't overwhelm me.
     
    ...I'll keep poking around. See if any oldies are still here...if any of you remember me, please give a shout. I'd love to catch up.
     
    Nostalgic and pleasantly surprised,
    -- Lazzy
  3. Lazzy the Spazzy
    Well, this is it.
     

     
    All joking aside, in less than three days now, I'm going off to college. Which means that the day I've anticipated, sometimes dreaded, but always prepared for, has come. It's time for me to say goodbye to BZPower. I don't really know how I feel. Yeah, of course I'll miss BZP and all the memories and connections I've made here. But, knowing for a year and a half that this was the day that I'd have to say a final goodbye has helped me come to terms with that. I've 'quit' BZP before, but this time I'm pretty sure it'll be different. I don't think I'll miss it enough to want to come back. And I've done so much these past eight months, enough to last me a few years I think, so I don't mind setting this obligation to rest.
     
    That's probably not the right word, 'obligation'...well to be honest, BZP did used to be an obligation for me. In 2007 and 2008 I felt more like BZP was something that I had to do, but I didn't want to, and it sort of stifled and restricted me. So why not quit? Well, I did, more than once. But each time I did, I started to only have memories of the good things in BZP, not the bad, so that always made me want to come back.
     
    I guess what I've come to realize as I went through my last year of BZP going above and beyond and doing more than I've done in the three years before, is that it's really all in the mindset. I told myself I had to do BZP and that I didn't want to, so that's what happened. This time I chose to treat it as what it was in the beginning, something I do for fun. And as expected, I had a lot of fun.
     
    There's another thing too. BZPower by itself has never been what I've liked, what I've tried to quit from and what I've always returned to. No, what it was, was the connections I made, the people I met, the friends and even good friends that I've made on BZP. It was the people that made me want to come back, the idea of having such connections that made BZP so addicting.
     
    So I've made a sort of 'thank you list' of people I want to, well, thank. Maybe we've been IM buddies for a year or more. Maybe we only shared one PM conversation. Whatever it was, I want to thank you for making my four year stay on BZPower meaningful, and I've tried to include everyone here, hoping that I didn't forget anyone.
     
    But before that, a considerably shorter list about me. More specifically, about things I'm proud of that I've done here. I sometimes find myself thinking about what I didn't do and what I could've done, but I'd rather focus on the positive.
     
    Things I'm proud of
     
    Won a BZP Contest: I accomplished this my first year, which was really surprising to me because I didn't think I could do it. That was really fun though, knowing that I met one of my goals I set for myself. And then another one, a team contest this time, which was better, I guess because it felt like we won as, well, a team.
     
    Made it to the Top 100 Overall Posters: I dreamed like every new member of racking up a high post count. Sort of forgot about that over the years as I found more fun things to look forward to in BZPower, but it's nice that I finally made it onto the list near the end of my time here. I'll probably fall off the list soon as others get more posts than little soon-to-be-inactive me, but just making it once was enough. =]
     
    Ran an RPG: I did this for two years until the RPG closed, though it was more of a failure than a success for me. Even so, all the mistakes I made as an RPG Moderator have at least taught me what not to do, so I'm grateful for that. As my last day drew closer, I kept getting thoughts of wanting to start and run another RPG, though I knew I wouldn't have the time to...and I would've had to leave anyone who joined out in the cold once I left. But after failing as an RPG Moderator the first time around, and spending more than half a year as just a 'regular' RPer to get back to the basics, I think if I had the chance, I'd be able to run an RPG successfully and fairly this time. Who knows? The experience is something I'm grateful for, at least.
     
    Ran the Story Fit: I know I canceled it a couple of months after it started, and sometimes I wonder if I should have kept it going. Even if it was only one person who participated, that could still be considered a success. Still, it was fun while it lasted, and I liked how the SS forum jumped in activity when I ran it. The Libraries always felt like one of the under-appreciated forums to me, and I'm glad that the BZP News Team is finally acknowledging the wonderful work that our writers and artists do. I hope someday the Libraries will be as busy as the other forums.
     
    Made People Laugh: Is that servile or not? But really, I liked it when I made people's days with my posts or blog entries. I try to lighten the mood, especially in the RPG forums where things can sometimes get melodramatic, so it's always nice when I succeed.
     
    Ran a Story Arc: After years of trying in the BZPRPG, I'm glad I finally managed to not only start a story arc but also end one successfully. I know, RPing in the thing counts as contributing too, but I felt like, having been a role-player for four years in the same RPG, I wanted something to show for it, you know? I'm sorry for being selfish in that regard, but my deepest thanks to everyone who participated and supported me in my quest for a complete story arc.
     
    Speaking of which, I guess it's time to get to my Thank-You List. This accomplishments thing has gotten too long already.
     
    People I Want to Thank
     
    Dr. Bionicle: You probably won't see this, but thanks for inspiring me to become a role-player. I've been re-reading the old Academy topic these past few months, and man were we Acad noobs a handful. If it were me I would've given up after the first week, but you dealt with us with so much patience. Thank you for that.
     
    EmperorWhenua 2.0: Wow. I have so much to say I don't know what to put on here. Thanks for being someone I can call a best friend on here. For all the moments we've shared, on AIM and off of it. The T-shirts, the mutual *glomp*ing, you giving me that lateral promotion from slave to toy, etc. You're funny, eccentric, nice, patient, and everything else, and I admire and respect you for that. I hope you continue to have fun with BZP and real life. Congrats again on Eagle Scout and Man Scout status. You earned it. =]
     
    Emzee: Thanks for RPing with me this last year. It was nice that I finally got to know you as more than just a name on the list of staff. Have fun with the rest of the 2010 storyline! Here's to hoping your master plan with the mods goes well.
     
    Female BZPRPGer: Gato, Gato, Gato. I have dozens of cherished memories of you, not least of which is that genderbending confusion, that Russian sleep experiment thing, your huge gallery, the 'herpaderp' in chatrooms, and finally your charming sarcastic wit. Loved your comments in the GD and the metagaming Ga. I think I can say I consider you one of my close friends here on BZP, and I'm glad I got to know you. Thanks for all the awesome memories!
     
    Friar Tuck: Friar, thanks for being here these past couple of years. As with Emzee, I'm glad I got to know you as a member this time...the wacky chatroom moments were great, and I hope you continue to have fun modding the BZPRPG. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for Joske. =]
     
    GaliGee: GG, I can't thank you enough. You were one of the main reasons I was inspired to join BZPower in the first place...in November 2005 I stumbled onto your epic, Tangled Web, and I was mesmerized. I remember how, in your review topic, you'd take the time to answer the comments of each and every one of us...that's part of what gave me the idea of doing this list. Thanks for being so nice to us, and for treating us with more respect than we deserve. I hope that you'll achieve your goal of getting a book published...what am I saying, I'm sure you will.
     
    Hahli Husky: Thanks for hosting all those contests, and leading one of the coolest forums in BZP. Besides the RPG forum, of course. ;P Also, thanks for hosting the Redwall RPG way back when.
     
    Hak: Thanks for being a buddy to me, trading reviews of each other's epics, RPing in the Acad...fun times. I hope that whatever you're doing now is going well for you. Thanks for everything. =]
     
    Khote: Thanks for being one of my first friends! If not for all your help and kindness those first few weeks with the Academy RPG, I probably would have dropped out. Speaking of your kindness, thanks for going out of your way to make that MoC of Lazok. I don't know if you'll ever see this, but if you do, I'm using those MoCs as my blog's sideboxes right now. =]
     
    King Sharkticus CXII: Oh, Shark. Despite all the poking fun at you in chatrooms, I really do value that you've been a friend to me all these years. The weird conversations, the wacky jams and RPs...Zezak and Lazok make a good comedy duo, I must say. With Lazok being the straight man, and Zezak the funny man. But yeah, thanks for all the fun times!
     
    Kiotu: I'm sorry I can't collaborate with you on that arena RPG. I hope you're able to submit it to a contest though! It was nice brainstorming with you for all of...one month? =P Thanks for the experience.
     
    Lady Kopaka: I still remember that time in '06 when I checked my inbox and got this PM from you. I thought of you as a legend at the time with all your artwork, so I was surprised to get a PM to little old me. I regret that we never got to interact more, with the group epic thing being discarded before we even started and then my never fulfilling my promise of reviewing all your works of art...and even the BZPRPG. I'll have you know you made me stay four months more than I had planned, thank you very much. =P But really, thank you for that...if that hadn't happened, I probably wouldn't have accomplished so much in these last couple of months. I hope that your health gets better and your life less busy. Some parting advice I guess, would be, don't be too hard on yourself with deadlines and all. Focus on your own well-being sometimes, yeah? =]
     
    Lloyd: the White Wolf: Thanks for the four years of memories, Lloyd. I enjoyed jamming with you, doing those survey things...you were always the serious one in our little groups. Thanks for everything.
     
    Lord Dunsparce of York: I'll always think of you as Jolek, personally. I still remember how, back in January or February or so, even though it was fun to have someone new to RP with, I was a bit annoyed that I had to change Lazok's text color so as not to confuse it with Jolek's. I forgive you. =P j/k But definitely, thank you for RPing with me. It was nice to have an RPing buddy, and a repeat of the connections we built from RPing together helped me deal with my, how do you say it, mid-life crisis with RPGs. Stick with the BZPRPG, I think you're one of the best out of the 2010 'newbies' and you'll only improve as time goes on. =]
     
    Lurking the Bolt: I don't know if you'll ever come back on to see this, but in case you do, thanks for the little RPing we did, and for the awesome stories.
     
    Moutekea: Mout. Man, I don't know what to say. If you happen to drop by here someday, I want you to know that, as with Doc B, it wasn't until I went back four years later to look through the Acad topic that I realized just how patient you were with us noobs. I know a lot of stuff happened that made you leave, but I never really had a chance to thank you for all you've done, all the help you gave me, and how you taught me to be a better, more mature RPer. Here's to another thirty-something years, you old fogey. =]
     
    Nid: Thanks for writing the Arachniphobia epic. It's one of the reasons why I became a member, to comment on your stuff. And thanks for mentoring me during the 2007 BZPRPG, and for creating the Nogans. We had fun with them the last few months. =P Anyway, back to Arachniphobia...I remember when I submitted that entry to your guest star villain request, and I felt so honored that you accepted it and even responded. But yeah, thanks!
     
    Nuju Metru: Nuju, thanks for RPing with me this past year. Your vibrant characters like Grokk and Uhuraz occasionally gave me a chuckle, and your posts were definitely among the ones I most enjoyed in the BZPRPG. Hope you continue to have fun RPing!
     
    Patient 065: Sera...wow. Three years of memories, buddy, thanks for making the BZPRPG fun during that time. Sharing music videos, etc...and the AIM chatroom moments, always got a laugh from your antics when you were on.
     
    Rising Moon: Right now I'm thinking about how it was a shame we never got to do that group epic together. It really would have been...well, epic. =P Anyway, I've always enjoyed reading your works; it's scary sometimes when I'm reminded that you're still only 13. I know you'll only get even better at writing as time goes on. Keep up that awesome work!
     
    Robo: If someday you come back and read this, then this is for you. Thanks for being my close friend and confidante for two years...we both listened to each other's rants, haha...that definitely helped me keep a cool head through all the RPG drama. Watch that ego, all right? =]
     
    Smeagol4: Smeag, you are a crazy, crazy man. And I'm glad that I finally got to know you this last year. Thanks for returning to the BZPRPG and exceeding my already high expectations of the kind of guy you were. =]
     
    Snoopy82: Snoops, thanks for RPing with me. I regret we didn't get to know each other better, but the few memories we did share were fun.
     
    Spink: Spinky! Thanks for letting me be your cat for ~45 days. =P And thanks for RPing with me in the NRPG, BZPRPG, etc.
     
    T-Hybrid: Thanks for transferring the lifetime PMship to me way back when. I wish I had talked to you more before you left, but yeah, I regret never thinking to thank you personally.
     
    Toa Velox: V...I can't believe that two years ago you were just some vague MoCer and writer I remembered seeing once or twice as I scrolled down the forums. But I'm glad we got to know each other better this past year. Thanks for the memories from RPG, Story Fit, suffering through the SSCC together...=P I regret that we weren't able to do the group epic, but oh well. Anyway, thanks for being my friend, and I hope you'll have fun in your new job of supervising the SSCC. You deserve it. =]
     
    Toa Zehvor MT: Thanks for I guess listening to my advice. =P I always feel happy when I feel like I've helped out a fellow RPer with his or her project. Good luck with the next contest!
     
    ToM Dracone: Thanks for catching that little mistake I made, and for hosting that Songfic contest four years ago. =]
     
    xccj: Thanks for being one of my inspirations to join along with GaliGee and Nid. I loved Kulagi's Kanoka, and I'll always remember it fondly.
     
    Yukiko: Thanks for, well, RPing with me. =P And for participating in the Story Fit, I've always enjoyed your poems by the way, poetry buddy haha. Defending the merits of poetry against the naysayers in the BZP GD in, what was it, 2009? Something like that. Anyway, have fun in Ecuador!
     
    Zooplankton: Thanks for letting me make that MoC of your character. Same with MT, I always feel happy when I've helped out someone. I hope you continue to enjoy success with your epic...maybe someday I'll finally know how it ends. =P
     
    Captain, CJ, EU, Sisen, Kaitan, Vorik, Tahakki, Krayzikk, toatc, JMJ, and all the other BZPRPG pals; Chibi, Von, Hubert, Shadok, and the other WfE buddies: Thanks for making my last eight months here especially awesome. Keep on RPing, the BZPRPG can never have too many people. Don't stop improving your RPing skills either. =] Same with the WfE guys, I wish I had more time to get to know you, but thanks for the RPs we did have.
     
    Dwin, Gera, Hahligirl56, Hiraga, Poks, Tom, LFZ, Mr. E, and the rest of the old Acads: Man. Good times, huh? Not that you'll see this, most of you moved on way before I was ready to say goodbye to you all...but thanks for being my first group of friends, and for all the wacky moments in the chatrooms. I miss those.
     
    Advent, Allen, Nacatumi, Madara, Necro, and the rest of the NRPG folks: Thanks for dealing with my failings as a Moderator. I know we all struggled with balancing running the RPG and life, but I'm hoping that somewhere out there you're all managing better with real life and stuff. Nacatumi, a special thanks for that art topic you made back then featuring my RPG character.
     
    Akai, Rockhound, Toa Spirit, Neelh, Eyru, and the rest of the Story Fit: Thanks for a great few months! Proof that writers on this forum can come together and stuff...no, really. I was afraid that my project wouldn't get off the ground, but thanks to you the Story Fit thrived. I hope you all keep improving your writing. =]
     
    Janus, Toa Iranu of Atohune, AZBlue, and Tifosi92: Team Yes all the way! Thanks for all the fun with the SS Autumn Olympics, I was honored to be able to work with you guys.
     
    Rausaro, Takuna Nuva, Raptor, Paharak Girl, and the rest of the Redwall gang: Even though the RPG wasn't as active as others (understatement), I still had a lot of great memories with you guys. I hope that whatever you're doing right now is going well.
  4. Lazzy the Spazzy

    My New Life

    By Lazzy the Spazzy,

    Not so much a new life, really...well, maybe it is. I guess it just hasn't hit me yet, since I haven't been away from home for more than a month at a time for summer camps. Speaking of which, it really did feel like a summer camp last week during orientation. Carnegie Mellon really spoiled us with cruises and bowling and lasertag...someone said they must be tricking us, making us want to stay for the year and suffer through their super-tough classes.
     
    Not that I'm complaining of course, if I'm going to spend my next four years at CMU I'm grateful that we get a week of fun before all that. Plus I feel like it's all in the mindset, you can find the positive in any situation if you try, you know? Still, gonna be tough.
     
    Keeping this short, first week of classes and I've already missed three classes. =[ I need to step my game up...
     
    Anyway, haven't had time till now to get back onto BZP. I promised to do the occasional SSCC review and blog so here we go. And then another disappearance for...however long it takes for me to finish all my stuff again. Wish me luck.
  5. Lazzy the Spazzy
    This just in:
     
    ++Dr. Bionicle Sighted in RPG Forums++
     
    A Dr. Bionicle was seen around noon PST today wandering the RPG forums. The scientific community is in an uproar at this latest development.
     
    The Dr. Bionicle, for those of you unfamiliar with RPG history, was a creature that flourished in the year 2006, even winning the first ever RPG Contest and hosting the highly successful Academy RPG for nine months (after which it was merged into the official BZPRPG). In the following years, however, the Dr. Bionicle's activity declined, eventually disappearing altogether around late 2008 to early 2009. Until today, the Dr. Bionicle was thought to be extinct.
     
    "This is a miraculous development," a scientist excitedly said as he rushed to the lab to conduct tests. He and his colleagues of the RPG Science League are currently working to capture this Dr. Bionicle in order to raise it in captivity. Once its activity grows enough to get off of the endangered list, the scientists plan to release the Dr. Bionicle back into the wild.
     
    Any assistance on the capture of this legendary creature would be appreciated. Below is a picture taken with the iPhone of a passersby.
     

     
    If any creature you see resembles this appearance, stay away -- the Dr. Bionicle is suspected to be armed and extremely deranged. Instead, contact the authorities and they will bring it in.
     
    Regular members are encouraged to help with the rejuvenation of this creature. Some techniques suggested include restoring the landscape of the RPG forum to pristine condition and attempting to convince the Dr. Bionicle to stay with us this time.
  6. Lazzy the Spazzy

    Guest Star

    By Lazzy the Spazzy,

    Hop on over to EmperorWhenua 2.0's blog for an awesome story based on Snoopy82's epic!



    We got guest star guest star
    We got guest star guest star
    We got guest star guest star
    We got guest star guest star


    Does anyone still remember that rap? I feel old referencing it...
  7. Lazzy the Spazzy
    Never thought I'd see the day. CNN just did an article on their website about Comic-Con. That's right, Comic-Con made it into a mainstream media news site.
     
    I've never actually been to a Comic-Con myself, but I've heard enough over the years to know that it used to be exclusive to us geeks. According to the article, over the past few years more and more mainstream stuff has been making it into Comic-Con; last year, people reportedly were not able to get into the panels they wanted because the Twilight panel was flooded with kids and their moms.
     
    At the very least I think it's clear that without such mainstream panels as Twilight in the Comic-Con, geeks like us would have more space to just browse the panels we like. Now, apparently, it's becoming less of a geek-exclusive even and more of a commercialized one.
     
    Like I said, I've never actually been to one myself, so I have no idea if these changes are factual. Today being the first day of this year's Comic-Con IIRC, I was hoping to get other opinions from whoever is at the Comic-Con or has been to one. Has Comic-Con really changed these past few years? If so, by how much, and are the changes a good or bad thing? Should Comic-Con change even more, in organization or otherwise, to accommodate these chances?
  8. Lazzy the Spazzy
    So, after sending someone a PM, the content of that message prompted me to try to figure out how to get to a list of my previous topics...
     
    It took a while, but first I stumbled onto the subscriptions page, containing the only topic I ever actually subscribed to -- the Covenant of the 13. It's an epic by Wolf Eyes (sadly no longer active), and it's a great read. I'm still rereading it, so I have no idea if she ever actually finished, but anyway.
     
    So, I finally wound up in my topics list. It actually took up two pages. It had every topic I've ever started, every story I've ever written, every RPG I've ever run.
     
    Wow. Can someone say nostalgia? (rhetorical question, don't actually say it)
     
    But man, I just started scrolling through those topics...one thing led to another and I was skimming through old epics I'd read, such as Nid's Arachniphobia (about Nidhiki's missing years).
     
    It really reminded me of how much I had experienced at BZPower...fitting for the reminder to come at a time when we're all celebrating this site's ninth birthday. But wow, four years passed by really quickly. I still remember the exact thoughts in my head as I typed up some of those stories...I even recognized a quote I pulled from real life, a few days before I actually wrote the story I put the quote in.
     
    But enough of that. I hope you didn't mind suffering through an old member's boring reminiscence...
     
    I guess what I really got out of this was that I realized how little I wrote as time went on. There was actually this one instance back in 2006, where I wrote two stories in the span of 15 minutes. Where did that prolificness (I know that's not the right noun, but bear with me) go? How did I go from that to one story a year? I should start writing more. Maybe keep better track of my time, make better use of it. We human beings can get a lot done if we use time management properly.
     
    Well, that's it. Just thought I'd share my thoughts with you all, if anyone's listening reading out there.
  11. Lazzy the Spazzy
    Just read DC Comic's Justice League of America: Salvation Run, and I think it's one of DC's best, or at the very least a must-read.

    The basic premise of this is that, seeing as how more and more supervillains are overrunning the world, the government decides to set up a sort of Prison Planet - another world deep in space and far away from Earth. Captured supervillains are deported to this Prison Planet via Boom Tube (teleportation machines), and left alone to "start a new life" apart from civilization as we know it.

    So, a bunch of murderers, psychopaths, egomaniacs, lowlifes, together on a wild and dangerous planet. You can imagine what this band of backstabbing villains will do to each other...the thing is, the creative team doesn't leave much to your imagination. I was surprised at the sheer darkness and savage morbidity of this story (faint of heart be warned), but that's part of what distinguishes Salvation Run from the rest. It's becoming more and more cliche to make villains more sympathetic to the audience, but writers Bill Willingham and Matt Sturges play these villains straight. These are evil people, through and through, and the creative team doesn't make any attempt to euphemize their nature.

    In short, this is basically a version of Lord of the Flies...except these guys' fall from humanity has already occurred and there are no Piggys to prevent them from degenerating further. A frightening but believable tribute to the villains of the DC universe, Salvation Run is definitely something that even non-DC fans should give a read.
  12. Lazzy the Spazzy
    I was just thinking about the phrase "before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes". The idea of it is supposed to be that you don't have the right to judge or criticize someone until you've been through what they've been through.
     
    This entry isn't entirely related to that, but it does have to do with the "in their shoes" part of the phrase. About a week ago, another forum I visit had a topic to honor the memory of another member's late friend. The friend had "mixed with the wrong crowd", which led to his death.
     
    This got me thinking. I think it's regrettable that the person did that, when according to the member the friend had been a really great person before mixing in with the "wrong crowd". But I also thought of the "mile in their shoes" phrase, and thought, can I really blame him or say that he was wrong? From my viewpoint, yes it was, but then again I haven't walked a mile in the person's shoes.
     
    So I kept thinking even more. What does it actually mean to walk a mile in that person's shoes? The usual meaning of that phrase is, mentally put yourself in that situation. But is that possible? I mean, I can pretend I'm in that person's immediate situation, and make judgments and decisions based on that, but to truly walk a mile in their shoes, to truly put yourself in their situation, you have to know everything else they've been through. Not just their immediate situation but their whole past life. Their childhood, their role models, events that subtly influenced and together made them the way they are now. If I put myself in that person's immediate situation, I might have done something other than what he did, but if I had been in their situation and had the same exact childhood and experiences?
     
    So I decided, it's impossible to really put yourself in someone's situation because you haven't been through the same experiences they have that may have subtly influenced them to make a particular choice in this immediate situation. But then I realized, the phrase "walk a mile in another's shoes" was never meant to be interpreted literally in the first place so I just let myself go off on a philosophical tangent for no reason.
     
    Just a random thought.
  13. Lazzy the Spazzy
    CartoonNetwork's old show
    Justice League is one of the best, if not the best, animated series in the history of animated series. Its sequel JLU isn't far behind.

    Give a shout out if Justice League was a fond childhood memory for you too.



  14. Lazzy the Spazzy
    After seeing the trailer for the movie on a video sharing site, I finally got down to placing a hold for it at my local library. I'd known about The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold since ninth grade but always put off on reading it, and I'm glad I did because after making it through the whole story I feel like I wouldn't have been able to truly appreciate the intensity and skill of Sebold if I'd read the novel as a freshman.
     
    It's a great read and I definitely recommend it, but not to readers who can't handle the seriousness of its contents. I don't think I can do The Lovely Bones justice with my relatively mediocre level of description, so instead I'll quote an excerpt from one of its reviews.
     
    "Don't start The Lovely Bones unless you can finish it. The book begins with more horror than you could imagine, but closes with more beauty than you could hope for....Alice Sebold has done something miraculous here."
    -- Ron Charles, Christian Science Monitor
  16. Lazzy the Spazzy
    4/3/10 Story Fit Exercise

    For an explanation of what the Story Fit is, please go
    here.

    ---



    This is the beginning of the second successful season of the Story Fit! We got really great stories last time, with a few writers especially standing out (Season 1 Finale).

    And with this last season behind us, let's start the second season fresh. Most long-running television series always start off the new season with a bang, usually a story arc that spans two episodes. Likewise, this week we will have two simultaneous exercises.

    ---



    Our first theme this week is:

    Angst

    A cliche term, often used mockingly, angst is nowadays used to describe "downtrodden teenagers thinking they're the only bloody people in the world who have it tough" (thanks Urban Dictionary). Indeed, lots of stories exist which make fun of teenagers' angst.

    Like we did last season, it's once again time to take a cliche concept and turn it around. Make it interesting. Make it unique. Make it something worthy of being discussed seriously in literary circles once again, rather than a derogatory phrase. Approach angst as a literary tool, to be manipulated and employed like any other.


    Our second theme this week is:

    Periodicity

    Sine graphs. The Earth orbiting around the Sun. The Periodic table. All exhibit some form of periodicity, and periodicity is what you will write about in this exercise.

    Cycles are a common theme in literature...the repetition of events in history, the way a story ends up in the same place that it starts, even the old phrase "what goes around comes around"...it's all about cycles, about periodicity.

    And that's what you'll tackle in this exercise. What cyclical theme can you work into your story?


    ---


    Introducing a new workout from Rising Moon:

    Vocab words!

    Each week I'll provide a short list of random words for optional use. You may incorporate one or more of these words into your stories.

    This week's list (definitions from Dictionary.com):

    Dredge - » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «Manumit - » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «

    Picket - » Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide... «



    Have fun!
  17. Lazzy the Spazzy
    Story Fit Season 1 Finale

    As the first Season of Story Fit draws to a close, we've seen our writers perform amazing feats. Some club members amazed us through the eloquence of their prose, or their vivid imagery, or poetic talent. Some inspired awe through sheer prolificness, churning out work after work, week after week. Some were just plain crazy in terms of imagination and creativity.

    And now it's time to look at the results of our first session of exercise in the Writing Gym, and the incredible athletes who earned awards.

    Most Prolific
    We all know who this one goes to: Akai Hana no Tenshi! This guy's the fittest of us all (just look at those abs! ), with nine, count them, NINE stories under his belt! He even did two stories per week, twice!

    Most Diverse
    This award goes to the writer who kept up best with the different and varied themes: Grant-Sud! Despite the randomness of some of the themes, Grant-Sud still managed to write a story that not only was solid in its own right but also matched the theme excellently!

    Most Creative
    This award goes to the writer who put the coolest spin on things or employed an imaginative take to his or her stories. This season's Most Creative award goes to: Rising Moon! Some of his stories literally sent chills down my spine...great job RM!

    Tutor's Award
    This award goes to the SFer who gave the most helpful reviews. This one goes to Yukiko, whose reviews were consistently concise (lol alliteration).

    Most Improved
    Believe me, this award was a tough one. All of you writers who participated were all so good already! But I felt in terms of adapting to the schedule, the writer who deserved this award most was: Toa Velox! For somebody who was busy for almost two months but churned out two amazing works of writing in the span of a few weeks, you adjusted really quickly to the change of pace!

    Most Valuable Writer
    The final one. This was the easiest award to give, and the award goes to: Akai Hana no Tenshi! There were points where the Story Fit became less active, but Akai's devotion to this project kept the fire alive. I owe my deepest gratitude to Akai for saving the Story Fit from dying out!

    Now, give a final round of applause to our writers who got awards!

    The first exercise of Story Fit Season Two will come in around an hour. Stay tuned! =]
  18. Lazzy the Spazzy

    Story Fit! =]

    By Lazzy the Spazzy,

    Some of you may have heard of Exo-Fat's new RPG Fit Program. Due to its success, I'm starting a similar program for story writing rather than role-playing, named the Story Fit.
     
    Each week I will post a new prompt or task of sorts, such as a one-word theme to write a story around, or an idea to incorporate into your work. Other than that, you will have complete freedom with what to write – you can write your story in the Short Stories, Comedies, COT forum, or even in the Epics forum. Once you do, post to that week's blog post with a link to your story. There is no deadline for completing the tasks, unlike with the RPG Fit, so you can take as long as you need to write your story -- you still have to write it though. xD
     
    The basic idea here is to improve the writing skills of participants through weekly "exercises". But for members who aren't satisfied just with the prospect of becoming better writers, I will also use a point system similar to Exo-Fat's for extra incentive. You get points for completing the exercises, reviewing other members' stories, or inviting other people to join.
     
    If you want to, sign up here and I'll add you to the members list. Happy writing!
     

    Exercises 
    Season 1
    1/20/10
    1/27/10
    2/3/10
    2/10/10
    2/17/10
    2/24/10

    3/3/10 3/12/10 (Special)
    4/2/10 (Finale)
     
    Season 2
    4/3/10


    Members Akai Hana no Tenshi
    Rising Moon
    Rockhound
    protohuman
    Rassiter
    -Tilius-
    Emperor Alex Humva
    Rising Moon
    ~LG~
    ~Monday~
    Yukiko
    The Iron God
    snoopy82
    Toa Velox
    Lady Kopaka
    Grant-Sud
    Parugi
    .:Makutox The Nomad:.
    Contrary
    Spink
    AZBlue
    Ardros
    Toa Spirit
    Neelh
    Senjo
    Hahli Husky
    MechaFizz
    Saiph
    {Zaxvo}
    Lewa Krom
     

  19. Lazzy the Spazzy

    Priorities

    By Lazzy the Spazzy,

    Bad experiences balancing BZPower with Sophomore life? ... Check.
     
    Thinking ahead to two years in the future? ... Check.
     
    Revelation that Undergrad life will likely require an absence of a commitment to BZP? ... Check.
     
    Decision to make long-term plans to "retire" from BZP by the end of senior year? ... Check.
     
    Adamant about decision despite persuading and/or objecting from BZP friends? ... Check.
     
    Almost ready to retire? ... Check.
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    "What is the meaning of this status on EW's AIM? I shall ask. Hello EW...what? Do I hear you right? Lady K's joining the BZPRPG?"
     
    *tosses out two years of plans*
  20. Lazzy the Spazzy
    Same words, different context.
     
    In the end, the BZPRPG is just a game, guys. You can choose to play it like one or you can take it seriously. Take your pick, though I'm of the opinion that the former option is more fun -- taking something like an RPG so seriously more often than not leads to angst, anger, ego jousts, rants, and the loss of friends.
     
    I shall quote renowned BZPRPG economist Endearing Effeminate Son here:
     
    "BZPRPG: Serious Business."
     
    And then qualify that profound statement. Yes, the BZPRPG is indeed Serious Business, but it doesn't necessarily have to be.
  21. Lazzy the Spazzy
    3/12/10 Story Fit Special

    For an explanation of what the Story Fit is, please go here.

    Each week I'll post an exercise. This is the entry for the exercise of the "week" of March 12 - March 23.

    The Task

    Story Fit has now hit the two-month (plus two days) mark, and what with the promise of more active SFers and a minor addition to the system, this is the perfect time to go back and redo any of the exercises you missed!

    That's right, that's all there is to this exercise. You have eleven days (not counting today) plus a week after that to go back and catch up on the exercises you wanted to do. To make this easier on you I have listed the seven previous exercises below. You may click on the links for a more thorough description of the exercises.

    Week 1: Write a story inspired by the word "Transformation".
    Week 2: Incorporate a conflict into your story.
    Week 3: Incorporate a monologue into your story but make it interesting.
    Week 4: Think of the activity you do to dispel Writer's Block then incorporate that activity into your story.
    Week 5: Include a celebration into your story.
    Week 6: Six six-centric tasks to choose from.
    Week 7: Write a story with the protagonist as a person/type of person you hate most.

    ---

    Once you write your story, post here with a link to it. Extra points will also be awarded to those members who review other Story Fit members' stories. This will not only give you practice with writing but also reviewing, as well as promote an exchange of ideas and styles within the BZP Writers Community. Happy writing!



    Writer of the Week

    Each week we vote for the Writer of the Week, based on the popularity of the stories submitted during that week. Whoever gets the most votes wins the award. Without further ado, I present this week's Writer of the Week:

    Grant-Sud, for his six-centric story Sight!

    Each week we vote for the Writer of the Week, based on the popularity of the stories submitted during that week.
    Below is a list of stories that have been submitted within the past week. Look over them, read through them if you want, then vote for your favorite story (send a PM with your vote to me). At the end of this week, I will count up the votes and give the Writer of the Week award [of 3/3/10 - 3/12/10] to the writer who gets the most votes.

    Last Week's Stories

    1) Crimson Crown by Akai Hana no Tenshi
    2) Ignoble Hero by MechaFizz

    Vote away!

    Announcements

    Now for the changes:

    - There is now a two week deadline. You have two weeks to complete a task, or one week after the next task starts (for example, 18 days for this task, 14 days for normal tasks). Full-time SFers are required to complete the exercises.
    - What if you don't have time? Don't worry, sign yourself up as a Part-Time SFer or SFer On Leave: I will be giving further instructions in the PM I am sending out shortly.
    - Take a look at the Story Fit Point Tracking Box...I've added some decorations.



  22. Lazzy the Spazzy

    Strange

    By Lazzy the Spazzy,

    For some reason I'm finding topic-based RPGs to be harder to catch up on than forum-based RPGs.
     
    Could just be because of my spending three years mostly in a forum-based RPG only.
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