I was playing Magic at my local gaming store tonight, and had the following exchange:

Me:  “Do you have an extra Endless Ranks of the Dead?”

Opponent, pointing at a drafting table:  “No, but ask John.”

Me:  “Which one’s John?”

Opponent:  “The guy in black.”

Me, seeing five:  “That … doesn’t really narrow it down.”

Opponent:  “In the black sweatshirt.”

Me, seeing three:  “…”

Opponent:  “Sitting next to the guy in the red shirt.”

Me, seeing two:  “…”

Opponent:  “With the beard.”

Me:  “Oh, him.  Thanks”

Yes, “Occupy Wall Street” is on my mind.  Yes, that’s why I selected these lyrics today.

½ Full

Climbing over mountains
Floating out on the sea
Far from lights of a city
The elements they speak to me

Whispering that life
Existed long before greed
Balancing the world
On its knee

Don’t see some men as half empty
See them half full of shit
Thinking that we’re all but slaves

There ain’t gonna be
No middle anymore
It’s been said before

The haves be having more
Yet still bored

Won’t someone save?
Won’t someone save the world?

This one’s for search engine visitors:  As of 17 September 2011, trying a distribution upgrade of Ubuntu Natty Narwhal to the Oneiric Ocelot beta on a Toshiba T135D notebook will leave your computer in an unusable state and will require a full re-install of Natty.  Don’t try it yet.

I have a blog feature that’s had thirty instances?  Wow.  I’m choosing Severed Hand this week — an ode to psychotropics.  “What is human, what is more?  I’ll answer this when I get home.”

Severed Hand

Big man stands behind an open door
Said, “Leave your lady on the cement floor.”
“Got some kicks, want to take a ride?”
I said, “Yeah!”
“Take your pick, leave yourself behind.”
I said, “Yeah!”

I’ve no fear but for falling down
So look out below!  I am falling now!
Oh please understand I just need, my friend,
A way — a way — a way home

Tried to walk, found a severed hand
Recognized it from the wedding band
Said “It’s ok, do you want some more?”
I said, “Yeah!”
“You’ll see dragons after 3 or 4.”
I said, “Yeah!”

“Understand I’m not falling down,”
I said.  “Look around, the room’s taller now”
I can’t close my eyes, ’cause I see the sound in waves –
In waves — lets me stay calm

If I don’t lose control
Explore and not explode
A preternatural other plane
With the power to maintain

Like a tear in all we know
Once dissolved we are free to grow
What is human, what is more?
I’ll answer this when I get home