The Patent Dragon's Zone of Soul Retraction

Terrific. Minecraft is getting another patch, which will probably break the game as far as my Season 2 mods are concerned - and just as things are getting interesting... although I did have a serious scare earlier, when my experimental Nether-ship - in development in the "surface" world, experienced a horrendous bug-out, and for a few minutes, I was seriously worried that my character was completely stuck, and the whole project - the whole of Season 2 - was heading down the toilet. Thankfully, I was able to rectify some of the problem, saving the map at the cost of dismantling version 1 of the "Dauntless" - and I may just open a fresh Nether portal to make a test-flight in operational conditions just a bit more comfortable.

On other matters... well, there's very little to report. Damn, it's unexpectedly warm right now...

...and the Redskins are 0-3. Great.

The Superbowl Autopsy... Sorry, 49ers fans, but the only people who robbed your team of a Superbowl victory were your own players, who fell behind by 22 POINTS just after the half.

We seem to be in something of a golden age, with a string of really good games. Can it last? Or will the Redskins break the pattern with an old-fashioned thrashing next year...?

Ah, SHIT. The Redskins lost. Looks like RGIII's dodgy knee finally took its toll. Pity Kirk Cousins couldn't deliver in his stead.

Elsewhat... Okay, back at work now... and that's about it right now. I'll be winding things up at a sensible time tonight, and maybe some inspiration will come as I get to bed...

And Finally... Holy crap, was that a TWO new Family Guys...?

Oh well, it's almost time to welcome 2013, but first...

REDSKINS BEAT COWBOYS 28-18 - WIN 1ST DIVISION TITLE SINCE 1999!!!!!

Damn, is Albert Morris, our rookie running back, GOOOOOD. The 'Skins now host a wild-card round game against resurgent Seattle.

Also in the news is something that has rather crept up on me - 2013 sees the TENTH ANNIVERSARY of the start of The Darkhawk Diaries! 2012's output hasn't exactly been copious: seven chapters of Brighthawk, thirteen chapter of Mane-of-Night (not including the two-part January 1st conclusion of last year's Christmas Special), and fourteen chapters of "To Be Continued". I need to do better than that.

In 2013, I will post a minimum of one hundred chapters (again, not including the conclusion of the latest Christmas Special). Oh, and each and every one will be dedicated to the memory of Gerry Anderson.

Okay, the bells are drawing near. Better get ready.

See you, Dear Reader, next year...

But first, sad news: today, we lost Sir Patrick Moore, the venerable face of astronomy - and this comes just hours after earning of the death on Friday of Huw Lloyd Langton, Hawkwind guitarist of long standing.

There is, however, good news: The Redskins are 7-6, following an overtime win over the Ravens! We are still in the playoff hunt - and that's the kind of positive news I need as I got into two weeks of early(-er) starts and long slogs as the exams begin. *sighs* I need to finish the latest writing project, and clear the way for the Christmas Special (whatever that's going to involve)... but first, bed.

See you on the other side.

YES! REDSKINS 31 - Eagles 6! The Eagles are pretty much toast, and the 'Skins' season can still have a good finish, especially if we down the Cowboys at Thanksgiving. Even the Giants are still within reach - preferable to rolling the dice in what's clearly going to be a convoluted NFC wild-card race...!

Meanwhile... Trying to watch the US Formula 1 race (in highlights form), but finding it a bit underwhelming - like most of this season. Right now, Vettel looks like he's on course to score the (I think) 15 points he needs to secure a third driver's title - deserved, but it's not particularly inspiring to see the same faces on the podium...

Think I better start paying more attention to this race, cause RIGHT NOW it started getting interesting...

A better day today - I'm not overdoing the *ahem* wrist-action, yet still getting in some Ultima Online and Star Trek Online stuff, and having some Mission thoughts, particularly involving my cosplay props concepts. It might be time to throw together another test model...

On the negative side, the Redskins dropped another one, this time a pretty crucial Divisional game against the Giants. Another up-and-down season? Please, we've had more than enough of THAT.

Okay, sleepy again. Here comes the working week...

Sunday Left-overs... The Pack won, so justice is served somewhat, after the Monday Night fiasco. The 'Skins won, to even things out in the first quarter of the season... now things get serious.

Gap Year Developments... Okay, I'm into the first full month of The Gap Year, and already I'm starting to get things organised. I'm thinking of dividing things into "Must Do", "Want To Do", "Should Do" categories and so on - Must lose weight (Gap 1), Must deal with my stuff overflowing (Gap 53), Want to finish my diddly-bow (Gap 97)... that kind of thing. I'm hearing that the painting now needing done in My Office is due sooner than I expected - and that's good, for the sooner that part of my world is sorted, the more I can get done, and the more efficently I can do it. For a start, I desperately need those sodding windows replaced, and then my desk - the bloody drawers might be useful, but they are in direct, and frequent conflict with my knees. My at-work desk is without doubt the ideal option.

Also, I'm having thoughts about the "framing" of my Personal Goddess (Gap 91). I've thought of getting an old standing mirror and taking the glass out, but maybe I need to make something suitable, like a corner cupboard/wardrobe-style installation, ideally something that's also functional, with a triangular base. IKEA has something vaguely along those lines...

HOLD EVERYTHING. Fire alarm... oh wait, they'd rescheduled the testing. Yeah, that's what it is... but guess who poked their heads out of their offices, looking all bewildered? The Health And Safety department!

Hilarious!

And Finally... If I can come up with enough achievable Tasks to fill out a new Mission 101, I will go for it. That would mean a finish date of 26th June 2015 - nicely in time to include AVENGERS 2? And there's another Task: Opening-day viewings of all Phase 2 Marvel movies (Iron Man 3; Thor - The Dark World; Captain America - The Winter Soldier; Guardians Of The Galaxy - AVENGERS 2 (or AVENGERS: Uh Oh Here Comes Thanos))...?

Tempting.

Waiting For... The first installment of NEW Elfquest!

Still Reeling From... - the news that Michael Fassbender will star in a movie based on the life of legendary unique entertainer Frank Sidebottom!!!

...and the fact that the NFL season is now underway ALREADY. GO REDSKINS! (1-0!) Pity I missed the start of the deviantART Pick-'Em AGAIN.

Yup, summer is now officially over, as the first ball is kicked.

Planning On... Walking to the air display on Saturday, no matter what. It'll mean an early start, but at least I have practice now I've been on holiday. Mission 101 Task 4, here I come!

Also, there's writing to be done - and possibly the initial building-blocks of a mainstream novel! I have worked out a possible "jump-on point", and a way to introduce the various worlds of the Confederacy and associated territories all in "a oner".

Disappointed About... the rather uninspiring closing ceremeny of the Paralympics. It's really all over now, bar the victory parade through London later...

Oh, and shame on you, NBC in the States, for not showing ANY live coverage of the Paralympic Games. Channel 4 managed FOUR HUNDRED HOURS - and well done to them!

Okay, Blockbuster Pre-Season begins today!

First up, John Carter (Of Mars)!

( Spoiler Warning! Spoiler Warning! )

The Final Verdict: A highly enjoyable take on the original material, with any liberties taken being too small to detract from the whole. Prep the sequel, gentlemen, and I will be there! 8/10

In Other News... I want to try and complete Sorrow Has The Swiftest Wings before the posting begins, but I should be ready to go tomorrow. If I post this, and get back to work, I may get some solid writing in before CSI New York...

Ooops, guess not.

Update! So, the Redskins have done what could be viewed as a "Ricky Williams" deal for a potential franchise re-energiser. Hey, guys, go for it - what, honestly, do we have to lose...?