Haikus Week 13: Warcraft

Garona Half Orc

Displaced by all races

Cursed from birth to kill

Khadgar the Rebel

Doesn't listen to guidance

Follows his senses

Anduin Lothar

The Lion of Azeroth

Brotherhood lives on

Durotan the Orc

Saved his people with courage

Refused Mannaroth

Medivh, Guardian

Leader of mortal Wizards

Has a dark secret

Gul'Dan the Warlock

Fotune favors powerful

Chronic backstabbers

Sargeras Titan

Fallen Lord of the Legion

Slayer of the G-ds

Orlando

This most recent shooting hit way to close to home, literally.  I live 20 miles from the Nightclub that was attacked.  I have been to this venue a few times and know a few of the frequent patrons. And just because I am not gay myself, does not mean that I have no business being in a place like that.

LGBT establishments tend to be peaceful and friendly locations where I can feel safe and secure.  No small feat since I am Jewish and Autistic.  The LGBT Community is one of the only communities in the world that really understands the type of fear and discrimination that I undergo on a daily basis and that is probably most of all, why what transpired this last weekend is most sickening to me.

That a person would attack a place that is meant to represent peace and security is more than just a vile deed.  Forget the media and dictionary definitions.  To me, that is a crime against humanity.  It is a crime to each and every person who needs a place where they will not be attacked.  Its a crime to the idea of peace and security.  It is a crime to the very nature of what it means to be good.

Also when I said that the targeted group was the most sickening aspect, I lied.  The real most sickening aspect is the aftermath.  I did not realize that everyone is suddenly an expert on guns, crime, and hate.  The tried and true gun debate quickly overtook any real rational discussion.  And once again, I pointed out that both camps were wrong.

As I elaborated in an earlier post, more guns or less, the killings will happen.  There is no way to stop a lone gunman if they are prepared enough.  I am gonna repeat that cause it sounds important.

THERE IS NO WAY TO STOP A LONE GUNMAN IF THEY ARE PREPARED ENOUGH

I know people do not like to feel powerless.  I know that people need something to blame when these sorts of incidents occur. but this is your not so friendly and very much truthful reminder that when it comes to these sorts of incidents, we are powerless to stop the initial attack.  We can only react to actions and unlike in movies, when someone draws a weapon, people tend to die long before the brain registers the danger.

We are not vigilantes, we are not Van Helsings.  Being armed has the potential to protect you from danger, but only if you are faster than your enemy.

Which leads to my final point.  I am fearing fro the soul of America.  We are focusing on stopping hatred, which is great and all, but fear is our real enemy.

They are called terrorists, not hatists. Fear is driving gun sales.  Fear is driving the need to ban assault weapons.  Fear is driving the divisions of races.  Fear is driving the divisions between LGBT within and outside.  Divisions between religions.

And as we continue into a very politically charged year with a presidential election this fall, I have no doubt in my mind that more trouble is coming.

For now though, we must honor and remember those who no longer can speak for themselves in the name of peace.

#Orlandostrong #IstandwithPulse #peaceandlove #fightfear

Haikus Week 12: Legend of Drizzt

The Drizzt Do'Urden
His species doth protest much
Free from the dark Drow

In the dark he strikes
Artemis Entreri, but
Do not speak his name

With such bravery
Bruenor Battlehammer
Makes legends each swing

Her accent slips up
Caitti-Brie casts spells of flame
Commanding Fire Lords

The chess pieces move
Jarlaxle Baenre, Maestro
According to plan

Regis the Halfling
Filled with vast courage despite
Size deficiency

Warrior Wulfgar
The champ, armed with Aegis Fang
Survived the Abyss

Tired

I find myself so very very tired

Tired of listening to media lies

Tired of watching the wealthy  rig the election

Tired of being called a fantasy land man because I want to make the world a better place

Tired of watching Trump gain popularity because he insults people

Tired of being accused by my Jewish friends of being a traitor to my people

Tired of my writings being ignored cause they are not sugar coated.

Tired of being called entitled because I want more out of this life

Tired of being called privileged because I am a man

Tired of being accused of using autism as an excuse

Tired of being left hanging because people value me little

Tired of being a slob because I lack the mental energy to clean

Tired of not seeing the world

Tired of Antisemitism

Tired of repetitive school classes

Tired of menial jobs

Tired of sucking at slam poetry

Tired of the overwhelming cynicism

Tired of blind optimism

Tired of stories of sex

Tired of relationships with dead ends

Tired of Sociopaths getting their way

Tired of rapists escaping free

Tired of an economy that has thrown an entire generation overboard

Tired of a world that feels hopeless

Tired of a life that feels powerless

Tired of not having an answer to my problems

Tired of not having novels published

But most of all, I'm tired of being tired

My Brother's Birthday

Today is my brother Scott's Birthday.  And like for my Mother, I wanted to write a blog post for him.

Just a few weeks ago, Scott graduated from college.  Hes on his way to bigger and better things in the sports industry dealing with media and production.  And I can tell based on his experiences and what he has been interested in the last couple of years that he has picked the perfect fit.

I was glad to be a part of your graduation Scott, and I look forward to seeing more of you now that you are in the adult world like I am.

Have the best birthday and good luck snagging that perfect job.

PS.  Overwatch is awesome, you should play it or something.

Haikus Week 11: Mistborn Metals

• 

Brass gives them power
Dampening all emotions
The Soother brings Peace

Copper hides magic
Masking the other powers
A Smoker protects

Tin heightens senses
Detection overwhelming
A Tineye watches

Bronze grants detection
They search for Magic usage
Seekers hunt recruits

Iron pulls metal
Flying in the air, freedom
Lurchers disarm foes

Steel pushes metal
Flying is falling with style
Coinshots bring the pain

Zinc intensifies
Emotions will run red hot
Rioters boost feels

And a few extra Haikus one from a friend, one from me as a response.

"A Mistborn Haiku?
Sanderson would be quite proud
Lord Ruler too"- Gagnon 2016

"Ruin changed your post
He will destroy everyone
Kill Kill Kill Kill Kill" - Ellison 2016

2016 Megacon Orlando Experience

I finally made a return to Megacon Orlando this year.  And while my costume was pretty lacking, (lame Sith Inquisitor Costume) I got a chance to take photos with plenty of Cos-players that did characters justice.

Some of my favorites were: (Yes that hideous man in the dark robes is me)

Edea (final Fantasy 8)


Zero/Lelouch Lamperouge (Code Geass)


Robin (Fire Emblem Awakening)

Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist)


Morrigan (Dragon Age)


Like I said above, my cosplay sucked

But that was not all I did.  As I explored the convention and braved past the hordes of Deadpools, Captain Americas, and Poison Ivys, I met with individuals who like myself are looking to create works of art.

One group that I want to give a shout out to on this blog post would be PWNs: A Game of Strategic Mayhem.  It is a really fun strategy game that take place on a board and feels like a new game each time.  If you want to check them out,  do so here.  This is a Kickstarter that I have already contributed to, and you should as well.

I am hoping that with me being so close to getting work of my own published, that my next major destination will be Dragon Con in Atlanta, GA. I have been told that Megacon is nothing in comparison to this much larger event.  I have plans to volunteer as knowing who runs the machines at this vital meeting of talented individuals may help me get to a better future, which in turn allows me to do my part to help other aspiring artists.

I certain;y enjoyed my time at Megacon 2016, but there is a dark side to the fun.  I was alerted before I entered the convention that the workers had been especially mistreated this year.  their pay had been cut, and the number of individuals working had been shafted.  This translated into some oddities at the event, and hearing complaints of patrons that was directed at the workers who were not the real culprit left a sour taste in my mouth.  Remember how hard these people work to make these events the unforgettable experiences they are.

Thanks for the fun this year.  Dragoncon, I'm coming for you next