Letter L

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A to Z 2017: LADYFOLK

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A to Z 2017: LADYFOLK

This year for the A to Z Challenge 2017 I'm trying something completely different... vlogging! That's right, I'll be putting myself out there on YouTube, talking about who knows what for who knows how long! Come join in the conversation as I talk about a variety of topics throughout April.

Let the rambling begin!

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A to Z 2016 : LEGENDARY ENCOUNTERS: FIREFLY

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A to Z 2016 : LEGENDARY ENCOUNTERS: FIREFLY

Welcome to the 2016 A to Z Challenge on I, Jak! This year's theme is 2016 Highlights, where I will be blogging about things I have been looking forward to this year, whether people, places, or things. Some have already occurred, some are currently happening, and others are yet on the way.

Some topics may be a bit generic (occurring annually), while others will be specific to 2016, so come take a look!

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A to Z 2015 : LEGENDARY

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A to Z 2015 : LEGENDARY

The next entry into my A to Z gaming theme features one of my favorite Deck-Builders to date. I'm now three expansions short of having a complete collection, and that fact kind of drives me mad. I want any and all cards I can get for this game, but unfortunately promos are limited to events like Gen Con, which I rarely can afford to attend.

If you are a fan of Marvel comics, movies, and/or love thematic superhero games and you haven't checked out this selection, you are missing out, because it's...

(An A to Z 2014 Challenge Entry)


Today a friend of mine is flying out to L.A. — in fact, he just landed — for a series of interviews with a human resource company. I wish I was out there with him. He asked me a handful of times, but I’m never one to just randomly have spare money for such impromptu luxuries. Especially when joining him on his flight would cost around 1500$. Technically, I did find an alternate flight, just two hours later, for 500$, but that isn’t including expenditures for two days and two nights in Los Angeles.

That lucky bastard is getting his entire trip paid for by this company, so we are assuming they are highly interested in him working for them. They have a branch in our home state, but after footing this bill, it’s likely they are hoping he moves out there to their primary office.

This weekend I assisted my friend in picking out an ensemble for his interviews and evenings out on the town. He had already bought a new suit for the first interview, but needed a more casual outfit for another. I tell you what, with how much he is spending on his end for this trip, I hope they hire him. Having someone out in L.A. for me to visit is just a bonus…

Also, I explained to him there is the distinct possibility that they are flying him out to harvest his organs. So, you know, there is that to take precautions for. We laugh, though, because he isn’t in the best of health, so the joke will be on them! Suckas!

Just to be safe, though, he relayed to me key information, in case something happens to him.

So, if need be, I can go Liam Neeson on their asses.

Have you ever been to L.A.? If so, what were your thoughts? Have you ever had a friend or loved one more out of state to take a job? If so, how did it affect you and the relationship?
(An A to Z 2013 Challenge Entry)

All week I’ve been excited about “L” so that I could talk about LEGOS. It seems strange, but considering they were among my favorite toys during my childhood — along side my army men and G.I. Joes — it felt fitting. I wouldn’t have been able to promise anything in depth. Though after my random stream-of-consciousness-esque post for “K” yesterday, I imagine it best not to delve too deep into my crazed mind today.

I wanted another short entry. I’ve lots of catching up to do, since falling behind on blogs I follow. I sat here and I just couldn’t think of anything. It's only 7pm — no big deal, right? — but I’ve disliked how close I’ve come to almost missing the daily deadline. Not that there are any repercussions or that anyone would care; except me. I would know, and I would undoubtedly care.

Sitting here, in contemplation, I’ve been struck by the overbearing feeling of being lost...

LOST & Found

LOST is one of my most favorite television series. Possibly my number one, which was once held by Alias (both series have the same creator: J.J. Abrams). What’s not to love about it? It has action, drama, mystery, romance, sci-fi elements, and even Polar Bears! POLAR BEARS!

If you didn’t already know, LOST is a show about a group of people that survive a plane crash and become stranded on an island. It isn’t too long into the pilot episode that we discover that the island contains its fair share of mysteries, and that the survivors are not alone.Throughout the series these castaways fight/struggle amongst themselves, their inner demons,  and unexplainable forces — all the while, discovering an abundance of secrets the island holds —  as they try to find a way back home

The series is very heavily character driven (just the way I like them) and continually explores the inner workings of each main character, piece by piece; their past, their demons, their dreams. There are many great characters, and many times when watching a show/movie I like to pick one I like — in a way, to represent me. It’s something I've done since a child. Will my character end up good or evil? Will they survive? It’s fun, don’t judge.

Locke & Load

While some would expect me to pick Jack Shephard — given my name obsession — my character is John Locke. It was tough to choose between the two, each having their own draw to me. Jack and Locke had many differences of opinion/philosophy, which were mirrored in the series recurring theme of Science Vs Faith. He was arguably the heart of the show, at least for me. Being one of the most tragic of characters, his initial “reveal/secret” and journey of self-discovery after crashing on the island was one of the strongest elements keeping me glued to LOST.

Simply put, Locke is a badass. In fact, in my Liebster Award answer regarding what fictional character would I be, I feel dirty he wasn’t listed. I'm going to fix that right now! Maybe the fact he was played by Terry O’Quinn (who I’ve been a fan of for a long time) added to this perception. I don’t think so, though, as Locke is a series favorite for many. The part is so well written and acted, the character’s story arc thought-provoking and inspirational.

If I was stranded alongside the survivors of LOST, John Locke would be an individual I would want in my corner. Showing me how to hunt, talking about philosophy, and screaming into the night. I’m pretty sure he’d have my back. As long as I didn’t tell him what he couldn’t do.

All Good Things Must Come to an End

Unfortunately the series came to a close after six seasons. By the final season, many viewers — including myself — were distraught there may not be enough time to wrap up all the story arcs and explain the countless mysteries uncovered during the shows airing. We (the viewers) had been told that the end was planned from the beginning, and that while most mysteries would be explained, not all would. That the unanswered questions were part of the show’s “magic” and appeal.

This concerned me, but I wasn’t going anywhere. Like most, I had invested too much time to just walk away. The creators knew this; bastards. In the end, it was like they said, most major mysteries were explained. I use “explained” loosely.

And what about the ending itself? All I will say is that I thought it was an incredibly beautiful/poetic, fitting end for the series. I don’t think I could have imagined it any other way. I am trying to refrain from saying “perfect,” but it may have been, within the context of the series.

There Can Be Only One

So, Is LOST number one? King of my favorite television series? I came into the series at the fourth season. This was literally like a double-edged sword. I could watch the first three seasons straight through (marathon style), but had to wait weekly/yearly for the last three. It was torture. I couldn’t wait for more, I wanted more, I needed more LOST. I spent countless hours reading forums/discussion boards, discussing with family and friends — hypothesizing/debating — and having my thoughts and dreams invaded by it.

It would be a fitting champion.

I am catching up on so many series, though — Battlestar Galactica, Dexter, Game of Thrones, The Walking Dead — it’s hard to say which will eventually reign supreme.

One thing I know for sure is that LOST will always rank among the top, and hold a secure place in my “database” (memory), even if some of the specifics were... lost... over time (Give me a break! I’ve only seen it through its entirety once, which is a crime on its own... I know, I know).

It’s about time I went back and got... lost... on the island, once again.

“We have to go back!”

Don’t judge.

So so so so much more I could/want to talk about, but being brief... Keep it short... Breathe...

Did you watch LOST? If so, who was your favorite character? Did you love or hate the series finale? Do you have an all-time favorite TV series? If so, which and why?

recent CHRONICLES

Featured In I, Jak
Hello, Friend
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Hello, Friend
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It’s been a long while. I briefly discuss some of this year’s shortcomings, and in doing so, find it’s just more of the same.

Then I attempt to give a more positive spin…

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Extra Life Game Day 2021
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Extra Life Game Day 2021
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Extra Life Game Day 2021 has arrived! It’s Year 8 for myself and I am looking forward to once again raise money for Gillette Children’s Specialty Healthcare. Team Cryton Crusaders is ready (kind of) for the annual fundraising event involving a 24-Hour Gaming Marathon! I kept last year’s fun, but likely impossible Milestone to reach!

Learn more about the challenge where my team and I play games and heal kids!

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recent ENTERTAINMENT

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102 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 102
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102 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 102
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Welcome to Trailer Tuesday, a weekly Generation Jak blog series where a multitude of movie, video game, and sometimes even book trailers are highlighted for your viewing pleasure!

This week's Featured Trailers:
Jessica Jones Season 2 - Teaser Trailer | Ready Player One | Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom | Alita: Battle Angel | Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse - Teaser Trailer

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101 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 101
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101 | TRAILER TUESDAY | 101
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Welcome to Trailer Tuesday, a weekly Generation Jak blog series where a multitude of movie, video game, and sometimes even book trailers are highlighted for your viewing pleasure!

This week's Featured Trailers:
The Shape of Water | Wormwood | All the Money in the World | Avengers: Infinity War | Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom - Trailer Teaser | Batman Ninja

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recent DREAMSCAPES

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A to Z 2017 [FLASH FICTION]: REFLECTIONS
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A to Z 2017 [FLASH FICTION]: REFLECTIONS
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This year's A to Z Challenge is over, but how did I fare with another attempt at producing Flash Fiction and Poetry throughout it all? Did I run into the same complications as last year?

Join me as I reflect on the challenge and the thoughts about my continued participation on Dreams in the Shade of Ink.

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A to Z 2017: ZACHARIAH
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A to Z 2017: ZACHARIAH
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Dreams in the Shade of Ink is back with more Flash Fiction for the A to Z Challenge 2017! Last year my segments throughout April painted a puzzled tapestry of prose and I hope to provide some new, entertaining stories that you'll enjoy!

Come share in my inky dreams full of fiction, sprinkled with poetry!

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recent META

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A to Z 2017 [MAGIC MIXER]: REFLECTIONS
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A to Z 2017 [MAGIC MIXER]: REFLECTIONS
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The A to Z Challenge 2017 is over and it's time to reflect on how the event went! There were booster pack openings, there were storylines and mechanics to observe within the world of Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I discuss the ups and downs of this year's Magic Mixer theme.

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A to Z 2017: ZENDIKAR
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A to Z 2017: ZENDIKAR
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This year for the A to Z Challenge 2017 Meta MTG presents the Magic Mixer! What's that mean? Your guess is as good as mine... What I do know, however, is that this year's theme is obviously still all about Magic: The Gathering!

Join me as I attempt to highlight a different Magic set each day of the challenge in different ways, from pack openings to discussions about a set's storyline and/or mechanics!

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