backpacking
Want to embrace your wanderlust on the cheap? If you're high on adventurous spirit, but low on funds, this community can help you plan a trip to anywhere. Offering plentiful tips on how to travel light, you can post about inexpensive hotels and youth hostels if you're into urban exploration or discuss camping gear and mosquito netting for the great outdoors. Hitch your backpack, pitch your tent, and carpe diem!

bookfails
Planning to do your part to help boost the declining publishing industry this holiday? Better check here first. Sure, there are plenty of folks who post glowing reviews of their favorite books. But what about the epic fails? Compose and/or discuss snarky, incisive critiques on the books you despise most.

foundphotos
Ever stumble across a frayed photo in your grandmother's attic? How about a faded picture tucked in the sleeve of an old novel at a used book sale? This is the place to post them. An amazing, eclectic collection of photographs sure to delight anyone with a penchant for history or nostalgic memorabilia.

note_to_cat
Having trouble conveying the concept of accountability to your cat? Now you can share letters to your significant felines and give public witness to your declarations of love and domestic negotiations. Whether you want to publish an apology for falling short on your cat-nip obligations or you need to raise a delicate hygiene issue.

Yesterday's Friday Flash is a poignant tale about a robot!

RAM, Get It?

... sometimes... I wish I could empty my heart's contents for all to see. I wish I could show them what's going on inside of me.

I really want to at times. Maybe then, my mother will understand why I am how I am and not always think that I'm attacking her psychologically again. Maybe then she'll see why I am not touchy feely instead of telling me it is my own fault that I allowed that to fade. Maybe then she'll understand why I am so disgusted with the home they have 'created' for us. Why I am so troubled by their lack of concern for what's happening to us all.

Sometimes I wish I could see what's going on inside of me. Instead of sitting and trying to formulate... *stops and sighs*




Sometimes I just want to scream into the night. Howl at the moon or something just to release.

I am so conflicted... and yet nothing I do matters when it comes to this. I feel so lost. And frustrated.

And alone.

There's a thread on the nano forums where you apologize to your characters for the mean things you do to them so...

Dear Mason,

I'm sorry you got your arm cut.
I'm sorry you lost your favourite sword.
I'm sorry that female ninja kneed you in the boys.
I'm sorry your favourite jacket got set on fire.
I'm sorry your deposit on your rented hang glider is probably non-refundable.
I'm sorry you got stabbed in the leg.
I'm sorry you got punched in the face many, many times.
I'm sorry a shark bit your arm.
I'm sorry you were shot in the belly.
I'm sorry you were working pro bono.

But you toughed it out like a soldier; I'm proud of you.

Love,
Dana

Here are two bits from Mason Lawless In Vengeance Part IV: The Revenge of Retribution, A Mason Lawless Adventure. Since it doesn't, strictly speaking, have a storyline, these don't contain spoilers.

But they have two gags that I quite liked: the drive-through sword store and part of the Bill Gates fight.

( Snippet! )

Tweaks and enhancements

1. In order to improve site security, we've temporarily suspended the ability to change passwords for old email addresses that haven't been used for over six months. For further information and support, please visit our customer care page.
2. We've launched a new mobile site with an enhanced UI at m.livejournal.com. View spotlights, post to your journal, read and post to friends pages, and more, no matter where you roam! Please let us know what you think, since this will eventually replace our existing mobile interface. You can update your mobile preferences on your account page.
3. We've upgraded from Beacon to Facebook Connect to improve dual posting. If you've already signed up for Facebook Beacon, you're good to go. If you wish to update your Facebook Connect setting, visit Account Privacy settings and scroll down to the option labeled: "Send information about my updates to Facebook." You can choose Always or Ask each time. Remember to save (on the bottom left corner of the page). To learn more, check out FAQ 249. While we're on the subject, if you happen to be visiting that side of town, please join our Facebook fan page for a touch of home away from home.
4. You'll now receive the Writer's Block Question of the Day in the body of email notifications. To sign up for Writer's Block notifications, visit writersblock and choose the Watch Community option. Next, update your Writer's Block notification settings by checking the box to the right of "Someone posts a new entry to writersblock."
5. Paid and permanent users can now view, add, and edit Notes of commenters. Notes will appear beside the username of comment posters (instead of stars) on S1-themed comment pages.

Send some lovin' thanks to your friends with our holiday vgifts!

Photos of the week

We're so delighted with the immense talent of our growing, global lj_photophile community that we've decided to introduce a poll. Each week, we'll choose a half-dozen photos (based on user comments and staff feedback) and ask you to select a photo of the week. The winning photo will be announced in the next newsletter. If possible, please limit photo size to 350x350 to ensure that images display properly on friends pages. We want to thank you again (and again!) for sharing your passion.

Check out this week's photo poll and more fantastic user content after the jump!

( Read more... )

Curtains

Thanks for joining us. To our American friends, have a fantastic Thanksgiving. To all of our international neighbors, we'll eat a little extra for you!

The quest for identity seems to be never ending. I wonder what 'persona' I have formed to those who see me. What do they see? What don't they see?

A perfectionist? A people-pleaser? A goof? A rug? Someone who takes herself too seriously? A detached soul? A stranger?

Today the people-pleaser did not win. In fact, I have most likely caused someone to dislike me greatly. And all on the matter of principle. My principle... I suppose. I am currently on a business trip (I guess is the term). Tomorrow I would return to my hometown, but got asked to help assist at a workshop in another city. Okay, no problem. They should just do the necessary flight arrangements. I was told I would hear Friday. Then on Friday I was told I'd hear Monday. Each time I'd email. Each time I'd ask them to please organize this since I have not yet cancelled my flight back home and I am unwilling to do so until I am 100% certain that I have a ticket to the other city. I am not willing to be stranded. I urged them to let me know before Tuesday, on Monday I emailed again (I probably seemed like such a pest). I got a response assuring me that the responsible person would contact me on the day.

She didn't.

So today, I received an email asking me the questions I should've been asked earlier - flight arrangements. At first I did not respond. I had a choice to make and I couldn't at that point. Then my phone rang (fortunately on silent). I was in the middle of the work I was sent here to take part in. So I ignored it. I got another email - this time sent to all the other people I also bugged throughout - explaining (or complaining rather) how she could not reach me. Seeing as she played her 'let's email everyone card', I replied to all and simply wrote that I can no longer attend. Thank you, but sorry. And left it at that.

In doing so, I probably pissed off the person that gave me the opportunity. And I walked away from good money. But two main things struck in my head. The first thing was that, after three days away from home, I was ready to get back to my cave. The second thing was, I am sick and tired of being humoured, ignored and thrown about for other people's benefit. Yes, I know. Pride. Stupid, stupid pride. But today, at this moment, I do not care. The principle of the matter prevails in my mind... and that's what I'm standing behind.

There's something else I feel the need to rant about. *smirks*

I know I am not someone to talk. That I also have serious worth issues, etc. That I also feel inadequate and useless at times. That I feel out of place. With the exception of this one journal... I don't think I "publicly" decry this feeling of worthlessness. I don't throw it out there for hundreds of people to see and pat me on the head for. So when one of my former/kinda-sorta friends did that... I did a little plunging down her throat. I didn't tell her anything bad about herself. I didn't tell her anything about her doing or saying what she did. I simply told her straight to get her head out of her ass. That she knows whatever happens does not give worth and that most of those arguments are bs.

Now this is actually the standard answer we all give people who have a moment to do the pity party thing. It's the "right" thing to say. The thing was that I didn't bother putting it in the right tone. And in not doing so, it most likely pointed out that I was unimpressed and ready to kick her ass wherever it needed to go for her to stop pitying herself. I haven't heard a word from her since... While I did ask to chat to her... maybe soften the words I spoke so directly. I don't regret them. And I don't feel the need to worry about her quiet.

If I didn't know any better, I'd think I was hormonal. But I'm not. Which means maybe I'm just finally fed up... Meh. Guilt will probably hit me soon enough.

I don't know what's going on with me.

Woo! Another notch on my nano belt! Of note is that fact that I'm finished so freakin' early -- a whole week. My previous best finish was November 29th.

To recap: this novel is one long, continuous scene with no breaks, no "off-screen" transitions. I suppose it doesn't technically count as a single fight scene, since some stuff happens that isn't strictly speaking fighting (such as a couple of car chases). But to me it counts. And the vast, vast bulk of its content is fighting of one sort or another.

I'm morbidly curious and tempted to go back and reread the goddamn thing. I'm sure it contains some of the worst prose I've ever written but I'm curious to know if it actually, you know, works as a story. But it's probably pretty tedious with little sense of dramatic tension (hmm....I wonder if they're going to fight some more!?).

There are some good bits, though. Like the gag where he's battling a psychotic Bill Gates who is inside a robotic exoskeleton who systems keep crashing because they're running Windows.

65redroses
Eva is a vibrant young woman with Cystic Fibrosis who survived a double lung transplant. Read about her difficult recovery and personal triumphs over pain, isolation, and fear. Back in school, Eva now works part-time in a children's center and enjoys running and cross-country skiing. A documentary on her story, entitled 65 Red Roses, won three awards at the Vancouver International Film Festival.

meet_other_moms
A warm and welcoming "Add me" community for moms of all ages and backgrounds from around the world. If you're a mom, just post a little about yourself and start connecting with other mothers based on similar hobbies, musical interests, book/TV/movie preferences, or taste in humor! A great way for busy moms to socialize online.

kitchenfaq
Want to share a fabulous home recipe for coconut bread? Suddenly run out of confectioner's sugar with company on the way and need to find out a quick in-house substitute? Searching for tips on what to charge for a custom-designed wedding cake? Whether you're a professional chef, an aspiring culinary wizard, or a happy home-baker, you'll get delicious guidance from fellow and sister foodies.

To whom it may concern,

I'm glad I have a place to log my concerns... This blog is not a nice thing to read or anything of the kind. I never look at it myself - except to note when last I ranted and whether I have kept quiet long enough to rant about other things. Can't complain every single day, now can we? It has become the dark closet into which I stuff all the things I do not say to people. It's the place where I lay all the things I bottle up... my release valve. I'm thankful that I have something like it. As pitiful as most of the nonsense that gets dropped here may be, it would've come out in a much worse way otherwise.

With that being said... It's strange not having a confidant anymore. Boetie played that role for the past while up until snotkop's death. Our split in opinion and stance on the parentals broke that freedom. He doesn't share his heart anymore... and I don't share mine. That's four months now... It's not the longest I've been without that function being played within my life... but it does feel strange going without it. But then, I guess I am going about this wrong, for isn't it God to whom I should bring my concerns? Share my sorrows and fears? Hopefully this does turn me more to doing that, than bottling things in even more.

naturesbeauty
Always on the lookout for compelling images, we were delighted to discover this flourishing community of artists who share a love of nature. Honoring the subject with photographs, paintings, sketches, prose, poetry, and
other creative works, you'll be simultaneously riveted to your monitor and inspired to run helter skelter towards the nearest wooded dale.

Obviously when you're writing a novel in a month AND growing a moustache, some things have got to give and so far this November I've been neglecting my Friday Flash stories. This week, I've decided to post an edited version of one of the stories I posted for FFF as "B-List Material". A director's cut, if you will.

Alice

I'll post a Ha Ha Quaker once I finish writing this evening. Nano is going swimingly and I may actually finish this weekend!

Postcard winners!

We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude for sending so much joy our way. Frank is still blushing with excitement over the love notes, proposals, propositions, and occasional intimate photos sent from his admirers around the world (China, Norway, Japan, and Poland just this week)! At his request, we blindfolded Justin, one of Frank's BFFs, spun him around in five dozen counterclockwise circles, and asked him to point to ten random postcards/envelopes pasted to the wall. After a brief trip to the bathroom, he chose the following lucky winners, to whom we will give a six-month paid account token (for paid, basic, and plus users) or, for our permanent account holders, a $15 voucher for the LiveJournal gift shop.

So, without further ado, the winners are:

1. seraphene
2. fotog
3. boykitten
4. seshat_6
5. anti_aol
6. lisalees
7. katrinkacat
8. mistyboston
9. _woody_lein
10. another_slender

Bugs, Tweaks, and Enhancements

1. We fixed a bug from the last release that was causing screened comments to become unscreened if they were edited
2. If you happen to be gaming around the corner, check us out on Facebook and be sure to spread the word!
3. We've added new vgifts to celebrate Thanksgiving! Check out our feathered friend, below!

Give more with charitable vgifts

In honor of national adoption month, we're offering a charitable vgift (priced at $2.99) to support Love Without Boundaries, an organization that provides healthcare and adoption to orphans suffering from life-threatening diseases. LiveJournal will donate 100% of gross proceeds from the sale (we'll cover the cost of credit card transaction fees). To learn more about Love Without Boundaries, please visit lj_cares. You can purchase your Love Without Boundaries vgifts in the Virtual Gift shop. We'll keep you posted on how much we raise!

Photos of the week

We're delighted to showcase yet more incredible photos from some of our brilliant LiveJournal photographers around the world. Keep posting (and tagging). And be sure to show some love by commenting on the awesome view at lj_photophile.

Check out this week's photos and more amazing user content after the jump!

( Read more... )

Curtains

Thanks, again, for joining us. See you next week!