Print Page - Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!

General => General Discussion Board => Topic started by: Gwenno on March 28, 2020, 07:53:33 PM

Title: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Gwenno on March 28, 2020, 07:53:33 PM

A thread for lifting our spirits in these trying times! Things are tough, but that doesn't mean we can't do our best and get through this eventually. While we're doing that, however, how about a thread specifically for cheering each other on, and to collect all the fun things which are happening around. I'm thinking talking about your new hobbies as you're suddenly at home for ages, the happy pets, the best memes, the pretties pictures from your balconies, and the ways in which you and your community are supporting each other.

I'm also going to link a few fun thread suggestions (and will absolutely add more as people suggest them!) for people who want an idea of the best places to relax, and suggestions for online community activities for Minnions to enjoy together.

Fun threads

Bad Jokes thread (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=809.0) - What it says on the tin. These are terrible

Riddle Time (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1116.0) - An ever growing collection of riddles to keep your mind busy

Recipe Swap (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=118.0) - Stuck at home? A good time to try our some new dishes methinks!

The pets thread (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=77.0) - Pets are great. This is all.

Podcasts (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=952.0) - Wanna talk about that awesome new podcast you started recently?

Community activities

Chapter break filler (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=1118.0) - The chapter break is looming, but this time the Minnions are prepared! Sign up and contribute a day of art or fic for the great cause of making the chapter break less terrible!

Doodle or Die (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=427.0) - Fondly known as Dood Leordie. Create an account and just start drawing or give a sentence. The next person will draw/write and a chain will be created. Most of the drawings are real bad and it was hilarious, but some people managed masterpieces somehow. Anyway, super easy and needs no organising

Art Style Swap (https://ssssforum.com/index.php?topic=928.0) - We used to have art style swap challenges back in the early forum days which were pretty fun. Hasn't happened for a while, but if there's interest in it it might be fun for people to write fics in each others styles or draw in each other's styles. Will need some organising though

Virtual museum tours - This one will need a bit of organising, but I've seen that quite a few museums are offering virtual tours, so if anybody is interested and has any suggestions of a particularly

Computer concerts - Quite a few artists have taken to streaming concerts from their homes as they isolate themselves which could be a fun opportunity to hang out. Fave artist doing a show tomorrow - how about you see if anybody else wants to come along and watch?

Plays and performances - The National Theatre has taken to streaming plays live on youtube. Not quite the same as going to watch a play in person, but it certainly improves sitting at home and *not* watching plays!

Livestreams - Got a good movie idea and want some people to watch it with? How about a shared viewing! The forum has organised movie livestreams in the past and if people are keen it could easily be arranged for the future!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on March 29, 2020, 01:23:39 AM

With Dood Leordie,would there need to be a whole new thread? The extant thread's last post was on August 2016; to necro or not?

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on March 29, 2020, 08:32:45 AM

In terms of hobbies I haven't adopted anything new but I have been trying to get back into building/kitbashing/painting Warhammer 40,000 models.

My latest projects are a kitbashed Scylla tank, and painting up a Genestealer medic and some Chaos Disciples, all of which I'm converting to a loyalists.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET8gXX8UUAExe2l?format=jpg&name=large) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET8gXX-UYAA6Itk?format=jpg&name=large)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: RanVor on March 29, 2020, 11:25:48 AM

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on March 29, 2020, 08:32:45 AM

In terms of hobbies I haven't adopted anything new but I have been trying to get back into building/kitbashing/painting Warhammer 40,000 models.

My latest projects are a kitbashed Scylla tank, and painting up a Genestealer medic and some Chaos Disciples, all of which I'm converting to a loyalists.

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET8gXX8UUAExe2l?format=jpg&name=large) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ET8gXX-UYAA6Itk?format=jpg&name=large)

Yes! Take servants of the Four-armed Emperor into your fold! We're dying to introduce your brainwashed puppets to our glorious creed!

That said, I need to get back to my Necrons. They're all half-done and I haven't touched them with a paintbrush in a few months.

And Gwenno, you have no idea how honored I am that you deigned to put my humble little thread in your post alongside such long-runners as the bad jokes thread or the recipe swap thread. I promise to try to come up with some new riddles in the upcoming days!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Grade E cat on March 29, 2020, 12:29:32 PM

Long story short, putting the Switch port of The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim on my wishlist for last Christmas turns out to have been more of a genius idea every day.

My mother and I are giving chess a try. Also, because my mother very briefly got curious about board games while I was a student, we have Agricola, Carcassonne and the two-person card game variant of Settlers of Catan in the house. We just gave the latter a second try and I just noticed it comes with three "expansion packs", one of which adds epidemics to the game.
My mother still has work to do while I don't, so we've been mostly playing together on week-ends.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: DancingRanger on March 29, 2020, 12:48:56 PM

I have been doing more art, trying to get used to digital stuff. I'm still doing all my base line work on paper with pencil/pen, and the taking a picture and then inking it on my tablet. I've also been doing a lot of reading as well.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Mebediel on March 29, 2020, 01:53:08 PM

I've been doing a bit of knitting and catching up on my to-read/to-watch lists. On top of that, I have a bunch of reading and research to do for online classes still, ~~although everything takes twice as long when I have to study at home instead of on campus aha~~. I'm also planning on doing some baking and learning how to make marmalade, which will be fun!

(And for the sake of having things in one place, here's the link to the English country dances for quarantine times (https://carolinaenglishcountrydance.com/home/dance-pandemic/), which I already had posted to the Little Moments of Happiness thread)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: wavewright62 on March 29, 2020, 02:37:24 PM

I am still working from home, and work is busy, but I deliberately did not work over the weekend. And I have to say my weekend was much like most weekends, really. Minna's Twitch streams, sleeping in, chores, a spot of grocery shopping, some social media, practiced my instrument, reading, a bit of fanwork, a short walk or two...
The Urban Sketchers monthly event was cancelled, but some of us used the time to make drawings of our surrounds from quarantine. (I've posted in the Forum Art Museum, go laugh at my dodgy grasp of straight lines)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Solokov on March 29, 2020, 04:38:03 PM

I've definitely got cabin fever. Thankfully, working in the government sector (and having a looooooot of emergency trainings, which a lot don't currently apply thankfully, EG nuclear disaster response), I'm essential so I get to keep working and keep my mind on that.

that said, considering adding another video series to my youtube uploads. I'm thinking of calling it "Modhause Mondays" and basically just play skyrim and add mods each episode until I grind my computer to a halt..... then I do the same with Fallout 4, and any other games I can find mods for.

Also considering getting serious about turning my sks into a scout rifle.

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on March 29, 2020, 08:32:45 AM

Chaos Disciples, all of which I'm converting to a loyalists.

...... Not sure if heresy....

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Gwenno on March 29, 2020, 05:55:26 PM

Quote from: Yastreb on March 29, 2020, 01:23:39 AM

With Dood Leordie,would there need to be a whole new thread? The extant thread's last post was on August 2016; to necro or not?

While I am mostly against necromancy (zombies are such a messy business), I think there are appropriate times and places for the art, and I'd consider this one of them :) There are many interesting and relevant threads burried with time, and if people feel like exploring and doing a lil bit of dark magic to revive them I would hardly say no :P

Quote from: RanVor on March 29, 2020, 11:25:48 AM

And Gwenno, you have no idea how honored I am that you deigned to put my humble little thread in your post alongside such long-runners as the bad jokes thread or the recipe swap thread. I promise to try to come up with some new riddles in the upcoming days!

I'm not sure if the riddle thread was specifically made to cheer people up as we deal with a pandemic, but it certainly seems to have done so! Definitely deserves its place besides the others in my books, and I'd love to see yourself and other Minnions contributing to it :D

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on March 29, 2020, 09:30:56 PM

Quote from: RanVor on March 29, 2020, 11:25:48 AM

Yes! Take servants of the Four-armed Emperor into your fold! We're dying to introduce your brainwashed puppets to our glorious creed!

Yes Commissar, this one here! ;D

Quote from: Solokov on March 29, 2020, 04:38:03 PM

...... Not sure if heresy....

Once you clip the Chaos stars off it's hard to tell the difference between Chaos cultists and Ecclesiarchy drones (and yes, that IS heresy! ;D)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Ana Nymus on March 30, 2020, 11:50:04 AM

I've been doing a lot of baking since all this started (which has apparently become a big trend?). My parents got me bread-making supplies for Christmas, and some nice fresh (slightly burnt) bread really does wonders to lift the spirits! Most recently, I made muffins because we had cake flour that was going to go bad soon.

Baking without being able to run to the store when you're lacking an ingredient or two is a new experience for me, but substitution is its own kind of puzzle. For example, we ran out of milk a few days ago, but we bought a whole case of little half-and-half coffee creamers (because they're ultra-pasteurized and will last a long time out of the refrigerator). Half a dozen creamers and some water make an excellent baking substitution for a cup of milk!

I'd highly recommend baking as a hobby during these times. It feels productive, and bread recipes require surprisingly few ingredients for really tasty bread (water, salt, yeast, and plenty of flour is all you need). You can even get away without having commercial yeast on hand, because it's present in the environment and you can grow your own culture with some flour and water!

Beyond that, I've been catching up on my knitting (glad I have such a big yarn stash!) and playing the odd video game. My brother and I are working through Cuphead together, which has been a real challenge! That game really earns its reputation!

I hope everyone has found some comfort or other while homebound.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on March 30, 2020, 12:06:41 PM

Music. My March music night was the last I will be able to host for.....gods know how long, and I am going to miss both the people and the music most painfully. But the social distancing thing means that we are restricted to no more than two people gathering at a time. Music nights are both good times for music and yarning, and a chance for friends to visit. We live further out than most of them come for anything else. But I can practise the harp and pennywhistle alone at home, sing for husband and myself, maybe coax him back into playing his dulcimer - he stopped while so occupied with illness.

And I can learn some new songs - there are a few of John Warner’s and Dory Previn’s pieces I have been meaning to learn for awhile.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: JoB on March 31, 2020, 04:36:42 AM

Weeeeeellll, being a loner and working in IT, I managed to "just be in a different place" so far (i.e., working from home). No necessity to show up in the office has reared its ugly head so far. Also, the entire company's about IT and (remote) support, so not likely to keel over.

My usual family-visiting vacation's coming up, though, and yes, I'm downright needed there, in part because of the pandemic's side effects. (And a certain pacemaker deciding the weekend before the local curfew to kick the "empty battery" bucket and necessitate a replacement even though the wearer has been declared "inoperable" years ago.)

For today, however ... I think I'll have pasta (https://www.xkcd.com/2287/). 8)

Spoiler: rather than ... • show

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on March 31, 2020, 07:38:01 AM

Quote from: Róisín on March 30, 2020, 12:06:41 PM

But I can practise the harp and pennywhistle alone at home, sing for husband and myself, maybe coax him back into playing his dulcimer - he stopped while so occupied with illness.

But it would have to be you playing the dulcimer - Coleridge can't have been wrong about that!

I'm keeping up with my writing (currently on Volume III of The Dragonhost Saga (Dragonfall), with some diversions into Volume IV (Lifebearer) and planning Volumes I and II of the Steampunk linked novels (Rainmaker and Stormbearer - you may have noticed my fondness for single-compound-word titles; I would have loved to use Stormbringer...). I may also turn my hand to some short stories.

Role-playing games have hit an hiatus, with the group mainly of older members, and one of them in a higher-risk category if infected; and LARP is right out! Not that I really play any longer, but I miss the team.

I'm also compiling some essays and topics for when/if I start a blog.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on March 31, 2020, 06:45:34 PM

Star used to play quite well. He hasn’t practised in years, but now he is spending more time at home and less in hospital he hopes to join in more.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yuuago on March 31, 2020, 09:38:18 PM

The Metropolitan Opera and the Vienna State Opera have both been offering daily free streams of different titles (available for 24 hours after initial stream), and between the two of them I've watched so much opera in the last couple of weeks. It's something I like but usually don't get the opportunity to enjoy, so this really delights me even if the circumstances are... what they are.

If anyone here likes that kind of thing, here's the upcoming schedules and instructions for how to watch: The Met Mar 31-Apr 12 (https://www.metopera.org/user-information/nightly-met-opera-streams/) & Staatsoper up to April 13 (https://www.wiener-staatsoper.at/en/staatsoper/news/detail/news/the-wiener-staatsoper-is-closed-but-continues-to-play-daily-online/)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on March 31, 2020, 10:09:33 PM

Quote from: Róisín on March 31, 2020, 06:45:34 PM

Star used to play quite well. He hasn’t practised in years, but now he is spending more time at home and less in hospital he hopes to join in more.

Well, there's no answer to that, so I'll post the complete poem, which should clear up the dulcimer reference.

Kubla Khan

By Samuel Taylor Coleridge

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan
A stately pleasure-dome decree:
Where Alph, the sacred river, ran
Through caverns measureless to man
Down to a sunless sea.
So twice five miles of fertile ground
With walls and towers were girdled round;
And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills,
Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree;
And here were forests ancient as the hills,
Enfolding sunny spots of greenery.

But oh! that deep romantic chasm which slanted
Down the green hill athwart a cedarn cover!
A savage place! as holy and enchanted
As e’er beneath a waning moon was haunted
By woman wailing for her demon-lover!
And from this chasm, with ceaseless turmoil seething,
As if this earth in fast thick pants were breathing,
A mighty fountain momently was forced:
Amid whose swift half-intermitted burst
Huge fragments vaulted like rebounding hail,
Or chaffy grain beneath the thresher’s flail:
And mid these dancing rocks at once and ever
It flung up momently the sacred river.
Five miles meandering with a mazy motion
Through wood and dale the sacred river ran,
Then reached the caverns measureless to man,
And sank in tumult to a lifeless ocean;
And ’mid this tumult Kubla heard from far
Ancestral voices prophesying war!

The shadow of the dome of pleasure
Floated midway on the waves;
Where was heard the mingled measure
From the fountain and the caves.
It was a miracle of rare device,
A sunny pleasure-dome with caves of ice!
A damsel with a dulcimer
In a vision once I saw:
It was an Abyssinian maid
And on her dulcimer she played,
Singing of Mount Abora.
Could I revive within me
Her symphony and song,
To such a deep delight ’twould win me,
That with music loud and long,
I would build that dome in air,
That sunny dome! those caves of ice!
And all who heard should see them there,
And all should cry, Beware! Beware!
His flashing eyes, his floating hair!
Weave a circle round him thrice,
And close your eyes with holy dread
For he on honey-dew hath fed,
And drunk the milk of Paradise.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 01, 2020, 10:20:57 AM

Ah, Coleridge! Yes, I recognised the reference to the ‘damsel with the dulcimer’, but you know me, tough old bushie and not at all damselish.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Gwenno on April 04, 2020, 06:42:24 PM

Quote from: Yastreb on March 31, 2020, 07:38:01 AM

Role-playing games have hit an hiatus, with the group mainly of older members, and one of them in a higher-risk category if infected; and LARP is right out! Not that I really play any longer, but I miss the team.

I'm not sure if this is an option for you or not, but there are quite a few ways of adapting an RPG to an online setting. There was an article on DnDbeyond recently which covered many of the most important points. It speaks about Dungeons and Dragons specifically, but many of the tips can be adapted to other RPG formats.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/750-new-players-guide-how-to-play-d-d-online

I've been playing DnD online with my friends for around 2 years now (and did Ryuutama for a few months online as well), so we've figured out quite a few of the kinks already. If you'd like, I'd be happy to talk about what works for us and help you figure out a way for you to continue playing with your group :)

On another note, Eurovision is playing stay at home concerts every week leading up to the cancelled Eurovision date! I'm not ashamed to say that I nearly cried when I started watching. Eurovision is really important to me and my friends and we always make an effort to have fun, so not having it to look forwards to was a pretty big hit. If anybody else wants to check out the Eurovision schedule you can find it here:

https://eurovision.tv/eurovision-home-concerts

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on April 04, 2020, 11:21:26 PM

Social isolation has motivated me to start painting my massive backlog of Warhammer 40,000 models. Here's the first one I've completed in several years - a fabulous space monkey!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0Dq0UMAIn4Fl?format=jpg&name=4096x4096) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0FhdVAAIPTbR?format=jpg&name=4096x4096) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0G5HUEAApt_W?format=jpg&name=4096x4096) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0IKLUEAE6X29?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

1: Yes, Orangutans aren't monkeys. Ook.
2: It's not even an Orangutan, it's a Jokaero which - I assure you - is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
3: I like saying "fabulous space monkey"

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Jitter on April 05, 2020, 05:40:10 AM

It is indeed fabulous! Is it a cyborg or are those it’s natural hands?

~~I also like saying “fabulous space monkey” but I don’t dare to! It’s your ape so that counts for something, who knows what it might do to me if I did~~

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: JoB on April 05, 2020, 05:53:05 AM

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on April 04, 2020, 11:21:26 PM

1: Yes, Orangutans aren't monkeys. Ook.
2: It's not even an Orangutan, it's a Jokaero which - I assure you - is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
3: I like saying "fabulous space monkey"

Given their usual ways of locomotion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachiation), I wouldn't be surprised if orangutans would love to monkey around in zero-g.
Well, until muscle atrophy sets in, of course.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: RanVor on April 05, 2020, 05:59:18 AM

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on April 04, 2020, 11:21:26 PM

Social isolation has motivated me to start painting my massive backlog of Warhammer 40,000 models. Here's the first one I've completed in several years - a fabulous space monkey!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0Dq0UMAIn4Fl?format=jpg&name=4096x4096) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0FhdVAAIPTbR?format=jpg&name=4096x4096) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0G5HUEAApt_W?format=jpg&name=4096x4096) (https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EUw0IKLUEAE6X29?format=jpg&name=4096x4096)

1: Yes, Orangutans aren't monkeys. Ook.
2: It's not even an Orangutan, it's a Jokaero which - I assure you - is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT
3: I like saying "fabulous space monkey"

Nice Jokaero!

I finished five of my Necrons yesterday, but I don't have any good pics at the moment. I'll post some when I'm done with all ten of them (should be around the next weekend, maybe sooner).

Meanwhile, butter good to all, and stay safe!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on April 05, 2020, 07:12:27 AM

Quote from: Jitter on April 05, 2020, 05:40:10 AM

It is indeed fabulous! Is it a cyborg or are those it’s natural hands?

~~I also like saying “fabulous space monkey” but I don’t dare to! It’s your ape so that counts for something, who knows what it might do to me if I did~~

Thank you! The hands are indeed its own, but they're adorned with all kinds of inexplicable technological gewgaws, many of which are sophisticated weapons, so yes, you'd better be careful ;D

Quote from: JoB on April 05, 2020, 05:53:05 AM

Given their usual ways of locomotion (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brachiation), I wouldn't be surprised if orangutans would love to monkey around in zero-g.
Well, until muscle atrophy sets in, of course.

A major concern for all space primates!

Quote from: RanVor on April 05, 2020, 05:59:18 AM

Nice Jokaero!

I finished five of my Necrons yesterday, but I don't have any good pics at the moment. I'll post some when I'm done with all ten of them (should be around the next weekend, maybe sooner).

Meanwhile, butter good to all, and stay safe!

Thank you! I look forward to seeing your soulless xenos abominations! (Yes, Jokearo are - strictly speaking - soulless xenos abominations, but they're useful soulless xenos abominations and hence get a free pass)

Butter good and stay safe to everyone!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Mebediel on April 05, 2020, 12:52:02 PM

Some of my friends and I have been having crafting/tea time chats over Zoom, and another of my friends and I have started a weekly anime watching session also over Zoom, which has been nice. We all live in different cities, so we're actually seeing each others' faces more often than we normally would be!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: thorny on April 05, 2020, 07:48:53 PM

I would like to note that for much of today this thread, titled How We Survived the Rash, has been immediately followed in the threads list by the Bad Jokes thread.

Bad jokes are definitely useful.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: RanVor on April 09, 2020, 03:19:39 PM

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on April 05, 2020, 07:12:27 AM

I look forward to seeing your soulless xenos abominations!

Here ya go. Decided to put everything in a spoiler because there is a bit of story going on with these pictures and I don't want to clutter the thread with huge posts. If it bothers you, sorry for that. Also, sorry for the quality, my phone camera kinda sucks and my hands don't help with their constant shaking.

Spoiler: show

So, here are the members of the Carcinos Special Cohort from the Nephrekh-Tamatoa dynasty, hand-picked by their overlord to scout out the forces of the fleshlings on a yet-unnamed planet and pave the way for a larger force, with the ultimate goal of awakening the dormant tomb-world below and bringing the planet back into the fold of the Necron empire. The task will not be easy, as the fleshling forces are numerous and varied, and a few other powers wish to claim the world for themselves. But even so, the Special Cohort will not waver in their purpose to bring glory to their overlord and their ancient empire.

(https://i.imgur.com/8cepvrA.jpg)
First, we have our fearless expedition leader, Thanatar the Gilded (center) along with his brothers and bodyguards, Ikhatar the Flenser (left) and Anubitar the Cruel (right). The long sleep has not been kind to the personality circuits of the two, but their scythe-wielding skills have not diminished a bit.

(https://i.imgur.com/Om2EGME.jpg)
Next up go the snipers, Eknotath the Storm's Eye (right) and his understudy, Tzantath the Shrouded (left). Though they're technically mercenaries, they've maintained close ties with the Nephrekh-Tamatoa dynasty for a long time, and have their bodies painted in the overlord's personal colors. Over the millennia, Eknotath seems to have developed a morbid fixation with death, something that exasperates his student to no end, but his aim remains impeccable as ever.

(https://i.imgur.com/oddLOzz.jpg)
Here, we have Amnokh the Victorious (center), the supplementary leader of the expedition. His extensive combat experience allows him to take command in less crucial missions or whenever Thanatar is out of commission, with the latter even granting him temporary authority over higher-ranking members of the Cohort on occasion. Alongside him march Homanat the Lifetaker (left) and Thotep the Unforgiving (right). They're basically grunts, there's not much to be said about them.

(https://i.imgur.com/uPDzXOt.jpg)
Finally, there is the duo of Praetorians, overseeing the expedition on behalf of the Triarch: Khytok the Illuminated (left) and Anokh the Torchbearer (right). Dour and taciturn, they're there to make sure that the ancient laws are obeyed (and resources aren't squandered). Though usually distanced from the rest of the team, they gladly lend their combat skills to Thanatar whenever they judge it necessary.

And that would be everyone so far. I'm glad to have finished them, they've been stuck on my shelf half-done for half a year. Next up are those bad boys: (https://i.imgur.com/VQpmJzl.jpg)
Hope I can get them done in a reasonable amount of time.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on April 11, 2020, 12:47:29 AM

Quote from: RanVor on April 09, 2020, 03:19:39 PM

Here ya go. Decided to put everything in a spoiler because there is a bit of story going on with these pictures and I don't want to clutter the thread with huge posts.

Very nice! I particularly like the green effect on the Praetorian's staff. Are they intended as a Kill Team?

My latest model is this 1990s metal Necromunda ganger with Imperial Guard arms. I painted him rather dark and as a result he's almost impossible to get a decent picture of...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EVKVdOtUEAEtzE_?format=png&name=900x900)

I am thinking about (when GW starts selling again) kitbashing a Taurox and a shipping container to make a 40k Cat Tank!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: RanVor on April 11, 2020, 08:16:46 AM

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on April 11, 2020, 12:47:29 AM

Very nice! I particularly like the green effect on the Praetorian's staff. Are they intended as a Kill Team?

My latest model is this 1990s metal Necromunda ganger with Imperial Guard arms. I painted him rather dark and as a result he's almost impossible to get a decent picture of...
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EVKVdOtUEAEtzE_?format=png&name=900x900)

I am thinking about (when GW starts selling again) kitbashing a Taurox and a shipping container to make a 40k Cat Tank!

Yup, they're all Kill Team. I kinda lost interest in the "big" 40k when the 8th edition hit. I have some...strong opinions regarding the ruleset. Necrons are my third Kill Team, after the Genestealer Cults and the Tyranids. I might post some pics of those once I get them back since they're currently stored somewhere else.

You did a great job as well! Necromunda models in general are great, and you did this one justice. I really love the Cat-tank conversion idea too!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on April 13, 2020, 10:10:48 PM

Quote from: RanVor on April 11, 2020, 08:16:46 AM

Yup, they're all Kill Team. I kinda lost interest in the "big" 40k when the 8th edition hit. I have some...strong opinions regarding the ruleset. Necrons are my third Kill Team, after the Genestealer Cults and the Tyranids. I might post some pics of those once I get them back since they're currently stored somewhere else.

I hardly ever play (mostly into the lore and crafting aspects) so have no strong opinion on the rules. I've been thinking about getting into Kill Team though, particularly after re-reading the Last Chancers novels.

In non-40k distractions I've been whiling away a lot of time watching WillBits' playthrough (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLFESVvlUYoMsl0A58C4QKry_3XvljF87H) of the Harry Potter game "Hogwarts Mystery" on YouTube. The game is reasonably interesting for any Potter fans, but his commentary and sense of humour makes it highly entertaining.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on April 14, 2020, 02:25:31 AM

In memory of Tim Brooke-Taylor, I've been binge-listening to the classic radio-show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, in which he was a regular panel member.

Honestly, I haven't laughed so much in ages.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on April 14, 2020, 02:30:36 AM

Quote from: Gwenno on April 04, 2020, 06:42:24 PM

I'm not sure if this is an option for you or not, but there are quite a few ways of adapting an RPG to an online setting. There was an article on DnDbeyond recently which covered many of the most important points. It speaks about Dungeons and Dragons specifically, but many of the tips can be adapted to other RPG formats.

https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/750-new-players-guide-how-to-play-d-d-online

I've been playing DnD online with my friends for around 2 years now (and did Ryuutama for a few months online as well), so we've figured out quite a few of the kinks already. If you'd like, I'd be happy to talk about what works for us and help you figure out a way for you to continue playing with your group :)

Thanx for the suggestions. We actually tried to play via Skype, and all was fine until I kept losing connectivity. About two hours was lost thereby. We'll try it again sometime.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on April 14, 2020, 03:59:28 AM

Quote from: Yastreb on April 14, 2020, 02:25:31 AM

In memory of Tim Brooke-Taylor, I've been binge-listening to the classic radio-show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, in which he was a regular panel member.

Honestly, I haven't laughed so much in ages.

I think every Australian of my generation was hit hard by his loss. Coming home after school to watch The Goodies was just part of being a kid in the late 80s/ early 90s - even when you knew every episode by heart (*starts singing String*)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Jitter on April 14, 2020, 04:49:36 AM

Here are a couple of pictures from me, intended to lift the spirits. My craft is writing, so these are not made by me, just photographed :)

Our beloved doggo:

(https://i.postimg.cc/q6gbgdtr/kukkaistytt.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/q6gbgdtr) (https://i.postimg.cc/5jtyr0b9/309-E3-E66-457-C-439-A-A3-A8-3208307-B70-A5.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5jtyr0b9)

Spring flowers from my garden (the yellow one is a wildflower although it grows in your yard)

(https://i.postimg.cc/ykz5dJxs/CCADC1-B0-E523-49-D9-A04-B-8034-F9982558.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykz5dJxs) (https://i.postimg.cc/7Cs8JqcX/D18-D8-C39-FF5-D-43-EE-996-C-EA62-A03-D37-CE.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/7Cs8JqcX)

Glass ornament with some sunset colors

(https://i.postimg.cc/xXV09TDz/7-CBA1627-AFB1-41-A3-8-F28-437-DBB65-CA3-E.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xXV09TDz)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Keep Looking on April 14, 2020, 05:11:28 AM

Ooh, Jitter, I love your dog, and the flowers! And if we're sharing some dog/garden pics, I've got a couple.

This is my dog - taking her on runs has really helped lift my spirits during these times. It also gets me out of the house.
(spoiler, because I don't know how big the image is)

Spoiler: show

And our passionfruit vine has been flourishing lately (it seems to have enjoyed summer's heat). It's flowering heaps and new fruit are appearing every day! It's only been in the ground for about a year as well, we planted it soon after we moved to this house.
On one of the nights when the moon was really big I went outside to look at the moon and ended up discovering the wonders of night-time flash photography, which is how I got this pic of the flower.

Spoiler: show

Anyway, that's a few of the things that have been cheering me up lately.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Jitter on April 14, 2020, 06:20:46 AM

Oops I meant to post two different flowers, fixed now :)

Keep looking, she is beautiful! How big is she? What breed? Ours American Hairless Terrier although she is a hairy hairless dog :) She’s just short of 10 kg so very good size to hold in lap! And the same as with, she makes us go outside which helps greatly!

The passionflower is also beautiful! We don’t really grow anything to eat (some red currants but none of us like them so we don’t really use them), so just decorative plants. But having the same plant give both beauty and fruit is just perfect (actually we do have plum trees, we keep them for the looks but some years the give a couple of kilos of fruit)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Keep Looking on April 14, 2020, 07:14:04 AM

I'm glad you like our dog! We don't really know what breed she is (we got her from the shelter) - they said that she was half border collie and half labrador but I'm pretty sure that's a mistake since she doesn't look like a labrador at all. We suspect she's got some border collie and some kelpie in her, and also possibly some basenji, which would explain her very pointy ears and often curled tail. She's medium sized - a bit over knee high, I think - and very energetic and athletic, so she demands lots of walks and ball-throwing. As for holding her in my lap - she's a bit too big to really fit, but she tries anyway - if I kneel down on the ground, she'll plant her rear end onto my lap very contentedly. She also likes licking faces, although she doesn't lick anywhere else.

My mother really likes growing fruit and veg - in our old house we pretty much grew all our leafy greens and had a lot of fruit trees. In this house there's less space for making a proper vegie garden or orchard, but we've got our passionfruit, and many pumpkins, and basil, and an unreasonable amount of mint which is both delicious and impossible to remove. It's nice to be able to go outside and see the garden growing.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Vulpes on April 14, 2020, 08:24:44 PM

Quote from: Yastreb on April 14, 2020, 02:25:31 AM

In memory of Tim Brooke-Taylor, I've been binge-listening to the classic radio-show I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue, in which he was a regular panel member.

Honestly, I haven't laughed so much in ages.

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on April 14, 2020, 03:59:28 AM

I think every Australian of my generation was hit hard by his loss. Coming home after school to watch The Goodies was just part of being a kid in the late 80s/ early 90s - even when you knew every episode by heart (*starts singing String*)

Ah, I'd missed this sad news. I have fond memories of The Goodies - I was just at the edge of old enough to get it, mostly enjoyed the chaotic nonsense, and now have a weird mish-mash of fragmentary memories of show segments. I had a friend who would sometimes come over after school, and I would insist on watching The Goodies. My mother later told me that while I was rolling about on the floor clutching my sides laughing, my poor friend was sitting there looking utterly bewildered.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on April 15, 2020, 12:48:41 AM

Quote from: Vulpes on April 14, 2020, 08:24:44 PM

My mother later told me that while I was rolling about on the floor clutching my sides laughing, my poor friend was sitting there looking utterly bewildered.

You might have had a lucky escape there! The Goodies is responsible for the one of the few medically confirmed cases of someone laughing themselves to death (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kung_Fu_Kapers#Viewer_death) :o

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Jitter on April 15, 2020, 04:54:11 PM

Keep, I’m no dog expert (doggo is our first) but kelpie looks much likelier than labrador. She doesn’t have either the features or the bulk of a labrador (which also I’m not an expert in but at least I have known several labradors). And basenji might well be right too. Doggo’s tail doesn’t show on these pictures, but her tail is usually high and curled above her back. We often get asked whether she has basenji in her, even by basenji owners :) Yours looks friendlier than many basenjis though. And by the way a friend of mine has a rescued dog too, and he looks very similar to yours! He’s from a shelter somewhere in Europe with no information on the breed mix.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Vulpes on April 15, 2020, 08:07:19 PM

Quote from: Purple Wyrm on April 15, 2020, 12:48:41 AM

You might have had a lucky escape there! The Goodies is responsible for the one of the few medically confirmed cases of someone laughing themselves to death (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kung_Fu_Kapers#Viewer_death) :o

Ah, I'd forgotten all about that! :)) Thanks! I'll see if I can find a less potentially lethal episode to re-introduce myself, and work my way up to that one.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on April 20, 2020, 08:12:16 AM

My sister and I agreed that we should call each other every day as one measure to fight off the anomie/boredom/cafard of the lockdown, but today I made the call and said, "Nothing to report. Shall I go now?"

We had a laugh over what I said, but both admitted that it's getting like that.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 20, 2020, 11:51:27 AM

Now there is a phrase I haven’t heard in awhile - ‘le cafard’. Glad your sister is still okay. How are the kids?

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Abprallen on April 20, 2020, 02:44:22 PM

Perhaps an idea, or just something nice to share, my family have begun video calling each other for 'trivia night' type meetings. Everyone presents ten questions from a different category and we take turns answering them. I am thus far the reigning champion, but we'll see how this weeks goes!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: thorny on April 21, 2020, 01:35:17 PM

Quote from: Róisín on April 20, 2020, 11:51:27 AM

Now there is a phrase I haven’t heard in awhile - ‘le cafard’.

Hey, I have learned a new word!

This is good.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on April 21, 2020, 07:10:09 PM

Le cafard (literally "the cockroach") is said to have been coined by Charles Baudelaire in 1857 as a synonym for depression, and came to him as he wrote Les Fleurs du Mal. Other writers have credited the French Foreign Legion with the being the source; le cafard was their slang for the moods brought on by the mind-numbing tedium of barracks and outpost life.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 21, 2020, 07:34:51 PM

I know Baudelaire used it, but tend to credit the Foreign Legion for its origin.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Vulpes on April 24, 2020, 08:42:39 PM

I'm not sure where else to put this, so here it is - it's silliness like this that gets me through, anyway. Back in the middle of the month, shortly after John Prine died, I was staring at the fright wig that is my hair (I needed a haircut already at the start of the health state of emergency) and thinking, "I have pandemic hair." Then it struck me that "pandemic hair" has the same rhythm as "illegal smile". A few song lines drifted through my head, but that was that - I was in the midst of finishing the semester remotely and had no extra mental energy. But today I submitted my final grades at last, and unburdened by those concerns, my brain returned to the idea of pandemic hair, and this happened. With the greatest respect and affection for John Prine and his wonderful Illegal Smile (https://youtu.be/MmjnQjRvPUQ (https://youtu.be/MmjnQjRvPUQ)), I give you Pandemic Hair (spoiler removed because a moderator said I could - thanks wave):

When I woke up this morning, I was feelin' down
Seemed like COVID-19 shuttered everything in town
Got the toaster out to make some toast - no bread
Need to go buy more but would rather watch Netflix instead
Ah unfortunately, I have to feed my quarantined family

So you may see me someplace
With my pandemic hair
It's in such a mess
I don't care what I wear
So I'm wearin' my sweats
Like I'm out for a run
But I'm just gettin' groceries done

Last time I checked my pantry, it was lookin' bare
Sometimes it seems like tins of beans are all I have in there
I stood in line for hours tryin' to buy some milk - no dice
Someone nearby without a mask sneezed t'wards me, not nice
Ah, unfortunately, I have to feed my quarantined family

So you may see me someplace
With my pandemic hair
It's in such a mess
I don't care what I wear
So I'm wearin' my sweats
Like I'm out for a run
But I'm just gettin' groceries done

Well I sat down in my closet with my toilet paper hoard
Tryin' to get away from all the squabblin' 'cause we're bored
I dreamed the lockdown was called off and I thought, what now?
Then the second wave arrived to knock us down - kerpow!
Ah, unfortunately, I have to feed my quarantined family

So you may see me someplace
With my pandemic hair
It's in such a mess
I don't care what I wear
So I'm wearin' my sweats
Like I'm out for a run
But I'm just gettin' groceries done

(Minor edit - as I drifted off to sleep I realised it should be "someplace" not "somewhere" in the chorus.)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 24, 2020, 11:33:14 PM

Brilliant! And John Prine is good.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: wavewright62 on April 25, 2020, 12:50:53 AM

Aww, excellent song, and I would definitely take off the spoilers and fly it proud!
Also, my hair also needed cutting before the lockdown, but fortunately it grows verrry slowly, and it is currently only unkempt. It may proceed to pandemic hair before this is over.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Jitter on April 25, 2020, 05:45:26 AM

My hair is way longer than I prefer, but in terms of length and form it’s mostly ok. But the color is starting to look funny, the dark pink highlights and nice dark color are moving farther and farther along, and the natural dull gray with some greys doesn’t really match it too well :) The only real form problem is that the hair above the ears is now the sticking out length, but that gets covered by headphones so only my family gets to enjoy it.

I was also planning to go to hairdressers just as this came along but no luck. We have a home barber set at home which hubby cut the boys’ hair with when they were young enough to agree. So, if push comes to shove...

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 25, 2020, 07:25:22 AM

I must say I envy those of you whose hair grows too fast! Mine grows incredibly slowly, (I’m old, though it grew somewhat slowly even when I was young), which annoys me because I actually prefer it long. If I am doing anything where it could get in the way I can simply braid it up, and long hair looks better on me than short. I have had it short a few times, the last few occasions being after head injuries which some or all of it needed to be shaved to treat, and it looks dreadful. I have a square sort of face, and without long hair to soften the edges I look far too much like my brothers for my comfort. And mine is nearly all white now, though still has a few reddish streaks in it.

I suppose there is still the Onni school of haircuts. Onnenlintu, in one of his delightful long stories, has a chapter with Emil giving Lalli a haircut, and asks Lalli who normally cuts his hair. Lalli replies that Onni does, and Emil remarks that Onni’s own hair looks as though he cuts it with a fishing knife and no mirror, leaving Lalli wondering how Emil came to that very accurate answer. I laughed so hard at that....

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: RanVor on April 25, 2020, 07:26:31 AM

Heh. Fortunately, my hair is designed to require as little maintenance as possible. The perks of being chronically lazy, I guess.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Keep Looking on April 25, 2020, 08:01:10 AM

When I was younger my parents would cut my hair (there was one period when I was about 3 or 4 years old when I had a bowlcut). My mother would always keep it above my shoulders (motivated by her dislike of cleaning long hairs off the bathroom floor). My dad still cuts my little brother's hair, actually - just a simple buzzcut every few months.

When I first got charge of my own hair, I tried growing it out to see what it'd be like, but I got to about mid-back and then it started being annoying. These days I generally keep it just below shoulder length - long enough so I can tie it out of the way, but not so long that it drags in everything. I suppose that's a benefit during these times - a few more inches on shoulder-length hair doesn't do much, but a few more inches on short hair can turn it from smart into scruffy.

My older brother is definitely the worst culprit for getting 'pandemic hair' - he always puts off getting his hair cut (too much effort!), and since his hair is brown/black and wavy like mine if he leaves it for too long the sides of his head start puffing out with little curls and he looks very stupid. I have to say, it's put me off cutting my hair really short - that and I'm in the same boat as Roisin - my older brother and I already look very similar and I don't think I want to increase that.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Jitter on April 25, 2020, 11:46:35 AM

Mine also goes on to make "clown haircut" in summer when it dries, if I leave it uncut for too long. I.e. curls directly outwards on the sides :) Otherwise it's just very slightly wavy, but of course the curls appear in the most stupid spot :) I had cancer a few years ago and lost all my hair, so I know I don't look terrible even in very short hair. BUT, the first time my dad saw a picture of me after the remaining wisps were shaved off (with the selfsame home barber thingy already mentioned) the thought it was my brother (who has shaved all his hair for many years). So, if I have to go that route i will ask for the longest available setting on the thingy, which is something like 15 mm.

My boys tend to go a lot towards Onni before they can manage to get around to reminding me to book barber for them (they are big enough so I tell them that I will book it and give them money to go, but they have to remind me at some time when I can do it, i.e. not the minute we are going to sleep, which they usually do). They had a somewhat similar "road colored" blonde color too earlier, but now are darker than the Hotakainens.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: JoB on April 25, 2020, 12:44:14 PM

Quote from: wavewright62 on April 25, 2020, 12:50:53 AM

Also, my hair also needed cutting before the lockdown

Same here, which means that the tips are starting to get into my face and "inside" my glasses now (which tends to give me a headache). Luckily, I have a beard trimmer and know from my (sparse) hairdresser experiences that an all-around 12mm machine trim looks somewhat OK-ish on me. So, I'll wait just a bit longer and see how it goes with the announced reopening of hairdressers' "with extra precautions" in early May ...

The other other option is, of course, to grab the bunch of rubber bands from the kitchen and go for an actual coronavirus hairstyle ... :
(https://www.dresden.de/media/bilder/gesundheit/GA/Corona_CDC-AlissaEckert_Head_1024x400.jpg)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Vulpes on April 25, 2020, 03:31:57 PM

Quote from: JoB on April 25, 2020, 12:44:14 PM

Same here, which means that the tips are starting to get into my face and "inside" my glasses now (which tends to give me a headache). Luckily, I have a beard trimmer and know from my (sparse) hairdresser experiences that an all-around 12mm machine trim looks somewhat OK-ish on me. So, I'll wait just a bit longer and see how it goes with the announced reopening of hairdressers' "with extra precautions" in early May ...

The other other option is, of course, to grab the bunch of rubber bands from the kitchen and go for an actual coronavirus hairstyle ... :
(https://www.dresden.de/media/bilder/gesundheit/GA/Corona_CDC-AlissaEckert_Head_1024x400.jpg)

I like that idea... except that I know from very painful experience that plain old rubber bands get really firmly stuck in my hair and are well-nigh impossible to get out, except by cutting. Wouldn't that leave an attractive mess!

I have really thick hair - well, the hair itself is normal but there seems to be so much of it - so they always thin out the underside around the back. That has bulked up, so whatever's on top sticks out, and I look increasingly like a mushroom. And it can now reach my cheeks and nose and tickle horribly, unless I find creative (and slightly odd-looking) ways to keep it contained. Not that I'm complaining after a long winter, but it's getting too warm to wear a toque all the time! Also I'm a bit beyond the age group that wears toques indoors and out, year round.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Vulpes on April 25, 2020, 03:39:50 PM

Quote from: Róisín on April 25, 2020, 07:25:22 AM

[...]
I suppose there is still the Onni school of haircuts. Onnenlintu, in one of his delightful long stories, has a chapter with Emil giving Lalli a haircut, and asks Lalli who normally cuts his hair. Lalli replies that Onni does, and Emil remarks that Onni’s own hair looks as though he cuts it with a fishing knife and no mirror, leaving Lalli wondering how Emil came to that very accurate answer. I laughed so hard at that....

I'll have to go find that one! It reminds me of a prof when I was in grad school, he was a classic biology prof - wore socks with Teva sandles year 'round, baggy ill-fitting corduroys, and had a collection of ancient sweaters, all of which were ravelling at the elbows and cuffs. And he had very thick, unruly hair. One day he came into class and his hair looked even odder than usual - there seemed to be big chunks missing, and tufts were sticking up at odd angles. I said softly to the person next to me, "I think his wife must've cut his hair... with hedge shears." At which she burst into very loud laughter - I was terrified he'd ask what we were laughing about, because we all respected and liked him very much. But dammit, it did look like it was cut with hedge shears!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 25, 2020, 04:49:50 PM

Sounds like one of the musician cousins (who is sorely missed). Tall, skinny Islesman wearing old ratty jumpers, sandals and fraying corduroys, or his kilt for high formal occasions, red beard long enough to put in several braids if he was being fancy, cloud of fine thin red hair which he would only ever hack back if it started getting under his glasses, and usually an accordion, concertina, fiddle, mandolin or set of pipes occupying his hands. He looked like a professor, and was a brilliant composer and one those people who can meet a musical instrument they have never heard of before and be playing it well enough for listeners to enjoy in a couple of hours, and to stage standard in a couple of weeks. ‘Scruffy genius’ seems to be a type.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Vulpes on April 25, 2020, 05:18:32 PM

Quote from: Róisín on April 25, 2020, 04:49:50 PM

Sounds like one of the musician cousins (who is sorely missed). Tall, skinny Islesman wearing old ratty jumpers, sandals and fraying corduroys, or his kilt for high formal occasions, red beard long enough to put in several braids if he was being fancy, cloud of fine thin red hair [...] ‘Scruffy genius’ seems to be a type.

Sounds like they could almost be related - he is also a red-head. And bearded, although not as spectacularly as your cousin. Of course as you say, it is a type. And I never saw this prof in a kilt!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Purple Wyrm on April 28, 2020, 01:04:26 AM

I should probably get my hair cut much more than I do. I leave it alone until the tufts on the back of my neck start making an appearance in the shaving mirror each morning, which usually takes a bit over two months.

Also I'm rapidly thinning on top so it just seems silly to cut off what hair I have left until absolutely necessary.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Mebediel on April 28, 2020, 12:04:32 PM

My sister and I have been reading one story from the Decameron each night while she's been here. It seems appropriate to the situation.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 28, 2020, 01:09:32 PM

I do like Decameron. Good tates!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: DancingRanger on April 29, 2020, 10:19:08 PM

Having spent a while in a funk because of being stuck home all the time, I decided to finally indulge in a hobby I've wanted to get into and got a Ball jointed doll to customize and dress up. I'm going to make my first BJD into our favorite cat-mage Lalli. I'll try to remember to post pictures as I work on this.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 29, 2020, 10:26:05 PM

That sounds like fun, Dancing Ranger. By a ball jointed doll, do you mean something like a ley figure, those jointed poseable figures that artists sometimes use to work out what a position of a figure in a painting will look like if they don’t have a live model?

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: DancingRanger on April 29, 2020, 10:42:42 PM

A BJD could be used that way, but they're typically used as one of a kind art dolls. I have a couple pictures of the one I have, under the spoiler since I know some might find it a bit creepy, and he's currently just a base (no clothes/hair). I am actually gathing images to start making patterns for his clothes which I have never done before.

Spoiler: show

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on April 30, 2020, 02:09:48 AM

What a fascinating base to build on.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: DancingRanger on April 30, 2020, 12:38:08 PM

Thanks, I'm pretty excited to work on this.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: wavewright62 on May 13, 2020, 12:02:40 AM

For all those people who try to pass on a footpath that's constricted to maybe a metre around a construction site (and we have many in downtown Auckland), I am considering asking a friend if I can borrow his extra ski poles.
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/33214a66708f6d0a4d96ab0324425eb2/3738c04c959ce559-b4/s540x810/b2b42698b9732eb3488905d4cb40e4b4ddabd1d4.jpg)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: JoB on May 13, 2020, 06:09:09 AM

Quote from: wavewright62 on May 13, 2020, 12:02:40 AM

For all those people who try to pass on a footpath that's constricted to maybe a metre around a construction site (and we have many in downtown Auckland), I am considering asking a friend if I can borrow his extra ski poles.

(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/images/ic/208x117/p087tpyq.jpg)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Vulpes on May 13, 2020, 07:13:32 PM

Quote from: wavewright62 on May 13, 2020, 12:02:40 AM

For all those people who try to pass on a footpath that's constricted to maybe a metre around a construction site (and we have many in downtown Auckland), I am considering asking a friend if I can borrow his extra ski poles.
(https://66.media.tumblr.com/33214a66708f6d0a4d96ab0324425eb2/3738c04c959ce559-b4/s540x810/b2b42698b9732eb3488905d4cb40e4b4ddabd1d4.jpg)

Another option - hoop skirts. We all totally need to wear hoop skirts.

I was considering going to the building supplies centre and getting a length of pex pipe, it bends easily but is rigid enough to form a nice hoop. Then I could suspend it from my shoulders so it sits at about waist level, easy to grab and flip vertical to navigate narrow doors. Could get the stuff intended for hot water - bright red for enhanced visibility!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Alkia on May 13, 2020, 07:56:47 PM

yesss, I second the need for the revival of hoop skirts!! it can be a fashion revolution, let's bring back the puffy dresses (i love the skii pole and/or broom ideas too though ;D)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: lumilaulu on May 14, 2020, 08:40:58 AM

Oh please no. Can you imagine trying to cycle in a hoop skirt?!

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on May 14, 2020, 09:27:37 AM

Or, you could try these...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/7a/Shoulder_pole_01.jpg/640px-Shoulder_pole_01.jpg)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/Chinese_women_are_carrying_basket.jpg/640px-Chinese_women_are_carrying_basket.jpg)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Grade E cat on May 14, 2020, 10:13:26 AM

Smart! And you can use them as an alternative to carrying a foldable shopping bag around.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on May 21, 2020, 06:14:48 AM

You all may be interested in this article's take on the "Cosy Catastrophe" and how the pandemic fits those tropes.

https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-cozy-catastrophe-americans-secretly-crave/ (https://www.wired.com/story/coronavirus-cozy-catastrophe-americans-secretly-crave/)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Alkia on May 21, 2020, 12:58:32 PM

That's a really cool, and (at least to me), accurate article, Yastreb.
I've been feeling guilty lately that this work-from-home, or, in my case, school-from-home, has lessened my stress and freed up my schedule and, well, made me a bit happier, while so many people across the globe are suffering. Generally I don't let other people's misfortune affect my happiness, but with this literal pandemic... how can you not? And with what it brought up about the Stalin quote and also individual stories, it's so true; when I hear people describe the deaths of their loved ones, or nurses talk about their experiences on the front lines, is when i feel most guilty that my life has gotten a bit better because of corona. But when all i hear is the death toll for that day, i can just ignore it, and go on enjoying my free time. It sounds like just a number, even though it represents so much hardship and sadness for all those people that died, and their families.
Anyway, maybe this should have gone on the thoughts and feelings Covid-19 thread. I guess I can also say that I feel so lucky to be healthy, and have a healthy family, and to have access to this Forum full of amazing people.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: phocena on May 21, 2020, 03:58:38 PM

Alkia, I'm glad that you're staying positive about your situation! It's been similarly weird for me. My first two years in college I felt really miserable and isolated, culminating in a quarter where I was on academic probation and was so scared I wouldn't be able to go into the career I wanted. Now I've (hopefully) sorted my grades out, made some friends, and it really has been my first 'normal' year of college. Quarantine hasn't quite been a cozy catastrophe, but I do have more time to pause and reset! If anything, I guess the quarantine speaks to how stressful a 'normal' college environment can be, and it's pretty natural to feel less stressed now.

Meanwhile though, Colleges in the USA have responded... erm... not well. I'm blessed that I still have my job, but so many families are struggling financially. It's hard not to feel bad when I realize how lots of people have to worry about struggles I don't have. So there is some emotional burden. But the burden can be a good thing - in college I'd been so focused on myself and my grades to care too much about what happens outside, so I should be feeling some responsibility. I don't mean we should or even can push ourselves to emotional burnout like those struggling in the front lines, but a bit of political participation and awareness goes a long way as civilians. Anyways, we're all in the same boat, so lending a hand comes back eventually.

This turned out to be a long post so for those who want to read how my school responded it's in the spoiler -

Spoiler: show

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Mebediel on May 22, 2020, 06:39:33 PM

That's a good article, Yastreb. And phocena, I very much relate to what you're saying about the emotional burden...ordinarily I'd be focused on my own studies. But there are local groups that are putting together things like food pantries and soup kitchens. It's not much, but it's something I've been thinking about helping out with.

But also...that's awful to hear about from your university, phocena. Our Graduate Student Union has been in solidarity with your grad students (which doesn't sound like much, I guess). I don't know whether or not this has been the case at your school, but a lot of non-tenured professors have been being laid off from universities around the US, too. It's one of the inevitabilities of the business model that US universities have been adopting. It hurts the students and the faculty, and Covid has exacerbated the problem.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Grade E cat on May 23, 2020, 12:36:42 PM

Here's a little something to make the thread's title even more meta:

Can you save the world? (https://martin-jacob.itch.io/can-you-save-the-world)

This isn't my favorite video game genre, but thought others might appreciate it.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: JoB on May 23, 2020, 01:48:23 PM

Quote from: Grade E cat on May 23, 2020, 12:36:42 PM

Here's a little something to make the title's thread even more meta:
Can you save the world? (https://martin-jacob.itch.io/can-you-save-the-world)

"Your browser does not support WebAssembly."
Curses, foiled again. The world is doomed. :3

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: thegreyarea on May 23, 2020, 02:54:18 PM

Quote from: Grade E cat on May 23, 2020, 12:36:42 PM

Here's a little something to make the title's thread even more meta:

Can you save the world? (https://martin-jacob.itch.io/can-you-save-the-world)

This isn't my favorite video game genre, but thought others might appreciate it.

That's very funny!!! And the funniest part is the Toilet Paper Power-Up!!! :D :D :D

JoB, time to experiment another browser? (which do you use, BTW? I use Opera and I'm quite happy with it, but I also have Firefox, that I seldom use)

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: JoB on May 23, 2020, 05:21:14 PM

Quote from: thegreyarea on May 23, 2020, 02:54:18 PM

JoB, time to experiment another browser? (which do you use, BTW? I use Opera and I'm quite happy with it, but I also have Firefox, that I seldom use)

Hm. No dice under OpenSuSE (FF, Chromium, Opera), yes dice with FF on a fresh Fedora ...

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Mirasol on June 09, 2020, 10:18:14 AM

Quote from: Grade E cat on May 23, 2020, 12:36:42 PM

Here's a little something to make the thread's title even more meta:

Can you save the world? (https://martin-jacob.itch.io/can-you-save-the-world)

This isn't my favorite video game genre, but thought others might appreciate it.

Pffft of course someone made a video-game about it :'D (I died immediately, oops… I swear I´m doing a better job at social distancing in real life)

What I do to keep me sane during this: Well, I joined this forum, obviously :D
Other than that, I´m trying to get into painting, which is something I always dispised with a burning passion because I never could get the brushes to do what I wanted them to. But watching a lot of artvideos as of late (especially Minnas watercolor-paintings) inspired me so much that I decided to try it again, this time without all those rules and restrictions they give you for school-projects and such, and I´m actually having a lot of fun. One painting I´m currently working on might go up on the SSSS-Art Museum when it´s done should I not completely ruin it before that (fingers crossed).
And of course video-games. My brother made me play League of Legends with him. the community over there lives up to its uhm… infamous reputation, but if you play together with friends (and siblings) in the voice-chat it´s actually really fun. Online games in general are great for the lockdown because you can spend time with people without having to be in the same room.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Lenny on June 25, 2020, 04:32:05 AM

I've been needing something to replace human and animal interaction while being all isolated working from home and stuff, and in the past few months I've found Takis Shelter's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkrkMMAyxC9vGNa6ZJYyscg).

It's got some stories following single animals, but he also does livestreams with him rescuing animals or just hanging around the shelter with his animals, and it's both a good bit of humanity and a lot of fluffy animals<3 It's been wonderful to just have on in the background while working or just doing stuff around the house.

Another thing I've been watching a lot of is the Technical Difficulties' videos and podcast. It's just four friends hanging out and playing games: Citation Needed (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL96C35uN7xGIo2odDuuPeYtb7BtQ1kBhp), Two of These People are Lying (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfx61sxf1Yz2I-c7eMRk9wBUUDCJkU7H0), Experiments (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfx61sxf1Yz2bl7aufBF6wHN-QXuxo48m) (of game show formats), and their reverse trivia quiz podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-technical-difficulties/id531200269?mt=2&app=podcast).

Other things I've gone through and liked: Tom Scott's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBa659QWEk1AI4Tg--mrJ2A) (entertaining, also educational), Tom Scott and Matt Gray's YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRUULstZRWS1lDvJBzHnkXA/playlists) (the TechDif stuff is partially on here, and it's got a lot of videos of Matt and Tom just hanging out, which has been great for scratching that social itch), and uh. Matt's new channel Will It Soft Serve? (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr8gsAaPXZuG0UR-zTk9mMg) which is exactly what it says on the tin and is amazing. A weekly horror of what new and awful thing will he try and get into the soft serve machine and then also taste. 2 minute videos on average, they're short and fun and to the point.

If you've noticed a pattern, hehehheeeeeh yes there is one. A coworker reminded me that Tom Scott exists months ago and I've been watching his backlog and stuff related to it ever since >.>

I've also been listening to the podcast No Such Thing As A Fish (https://www.nosuchthingasafish.com/) on and off here and there, it's on Spotify and also a good social thing.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Grade E cat on June 28, 2020, 05:15:06 AM

Putting it here mostly because I discovered the work via its anime adaptation that is enjoyable in its own right, but got really into the original novels during the month between the technical end of the lockdown in France and the client needing my remote work again, and hence couldn't choose a single media thread.

The work in question is Ascendance of a bookworm

It's my style of fantasy in that while there is a plot making slow progress, a lot of the story is dedicated to simply showing how people in that world live and how it functions, all while having interesting characters bounce off each other. And to give an idea of how little it relies on action to stay interesting, the first scene that could be called a proper "human against monster" battle happens a little before the halfway point of the second major arc.

Now, for the story. It starts like your typical "someone from present-day Earth dies and ends up in another world" story from Japan. The person meeting an untimely death is a twenty-something book-obessed young woman (with a side interest in crafts thanks to her mother) who was about to start working as a librarian. Next thing she knows, she's a five-year-old of poor health named Myne who's recovering from a very bad fever. Myne lives with her parents and older sister in a two-room+pantry appartment-like home in the poorest part of a medieval town. And by medieval, I mean that the priting press hasn't been invented yet. As a predictable side effect, nobody in Myne's family knows how to read and there isn't a single piece of writing within the home. Once this is established, Myne sets her mind on making books herself, but has to work toward things as simple as being allowed to go to a nearby forest to scavenge materials, which is easier said than done as she's currently so out of shape that she gets winded just going down the stairs from her appartment to the door leading outside her building.

The rest is pretty much a long-drawn "rags to riches / single-person industrial revolution" story, with the steps up to better circumstances being vital as, on top of her bad health, Myne has a strange condition for which the treatment is expensive and generally gets easier to access the higher up in society one is. Unfortunately, her social environment also becomes more ruthless with each step up, and she can be somewhat of a doormat when neither her new family, her friends or books are involved, and overstep boundaries when they are.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Róisín on June 28, 2020, 05:25:34 AM

Sounds fascinating! I had never heard of the story, but will try looking it up to see if my library has it. Thanks for the rec! Our library is only open for very restricted hours, but at least can now track down books for us.

Title: Re: Covid 19 - How we survived the Rash!
Post by: Yastreb on June 28, 2020, 07:19:10 AM

I've been catching up with two excellent military history channels on YouTube.

Dr Mark Felton is a military historian who presents short documentaries about the both World Wars and the Cold War, and the scope of his programs is breathtaking; likewise his narration. If they ever rebooted the World At War series, Dr Felton would be my choice for narrator.

Mark Felton Productions: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCKvREB11-fxyotS1ONgww (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfCKvREB11-fxyotS1ONgww)

There's also an Audiobook channel, War Stories With Mark Felton: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR3L1IGpxPDuHWQjqfz608g/videos (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCR3L1IGpxPDuHWQjqfz608g/videos)

The other historian is Drachinifel, who specialises in naval history. That said, his videos can be entertaining as well as informative, given his dry wit when the subject merits it, and he has presented some out of left field subjects such as what HMS Thunderchild from War of the Worlds might have looked like (serious) and details of the Imperial Dreadnoughts of the Warhammer 40K universe (completely deadpan). My favourite is his deconstruction of one of the greatest failures of all time in military procurement (I used to work in that field, so it resonated); the US Navy's Mark 14 torpedo. "Ah, yes, the Mark 14 torpedo. So many questions. Who invented the Mark 14? What was the Mark 14? Why was the Mark 14?" It's the most sustained deadpan snark ever, with the bonus of a Hitchhiker's Guide reference.

https://www.youtube.com/c/Drachinifel/featured (https://www.youtube.com/c/Drachinifel/featured)

There's also been the chance to binge-listen to episodes of that classic of British radio comedy, I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigprW0Q1WiwB9wadUbWoag/playlists (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCigprW0Q1WiwB9wadUbWoag/playlists)

Plus there are some great music tracks, but that's for another thread.

The Stand Still, Stay Silent Fan-Forum

General => General Discussion Board => Topic started by: Gwenno on March 28, 2020, 07:53:33 PM