If you are having trouble viewing the Flash movies I linked to, my apologies. Since I posted the first movie I've upgraded the creation software (from Flash 5 to Flash MX, for the record). The new version defaults to saving as Flash version 6 rather than 5. So, in theory, you need to latest version of Flash Player Plug-in. Which, BTW, underlines my innate shunning of "bleeding edge" technology. So I apologize if you had any viewing problems. I'll just write this off as more of my learning curve :-)

OK, I got distracted by Flash when I wanted to do the PERL script. Happens... But here are two Flash movies for your viewing pleasure!

First is a simple stylized title. I put this together to use in any number of places, but then couldn't work it in the way I wanted. So you get to see it "raw". Also you'll notice my knowledge of JavaScript is also increasing as I'm having the movies open in new windows. Just close the window when you're done enjoying the movie... Oh, and don't forget to leave comments. (view movie in new window)

Here's a more complex movie. It's a sort of character intro for Erika/Darkfin. A lot of this one was my learning about manipulating layers and transitions (you'll notice a lot of them). I think the hardest part, and the one I am the most in need of learning about is timeline manipulation. Not having a background in animation I really know very little about timing of events and spans of actions. So I ended up added and deleting frames like crazy just to get something watchable. You'll probably notice some weird/off timing in this one. But hey, I'm learning! (view movie in new window)

Well, I was trying to put up a cute little survey to get the feeling for what people want to see next season. But the server is acting weird and I haven't figured out why. I'm thinking I should just knuckle down and write a little PERL script to do what I want. It'd be good practice. For those that got to see the survey while I had it up (before I realized it wasn't working), sorry for the false start. I'll have a working survey up this week, promise. You can also leave comments in the comments section at the end of each post...

Hey People-

Sorry... again, it's been awhile. July is one of my more social months with tons of birthdays, anniversaries, etc. The days have blended into each other, along with stale cake, smelly strangers, and trying to decide if I prefer the Bacardi Silver over the Stoli Citrona.

When I last left you, I was pretty piffed off concerning one of my other writings. That has not abated. But, unfortunately, without the time, money, and energy needed for complete and utter evisceration, it's so not worth it. I am now in the process of wrapping up my last two non-Darkfin serial pieces, will consider exactly what to do/where to go with the one in question and then, finally, refocus my unamused muse back on DF Season 3.

In the meantime, Barron has been in a bit of a mood himself but continues to amaze with how quickly he learns new tricks (make your own joke). His latest FLASH tests have been very cool. If we're really nice, he might put another on the Blog; )

As Barron mentioned, it has been awhile, sorry about that. For those of you familiar with my other writings, this has not been a happy week for me. In fact, it has made me seriously question my path as a creative writer and the validity of the Internet. But, as the proverbial cliche goes, the kindness of a stranger has provided me with necessary light at the end of a very ugly tunnel. Enormous thanks to RG down under for the Tomb Raider soundtrack! It might not seem like much to some but it essentially stopped me from saying "f*@# it all" and will keep me going as far as Darkfin is concerned. As for my other writings, that's another issue entirely but I can now sadly say that every penny I spent on my Darkfin lawyers has been soundly justified.

Not only am I going through the "fun" of job hunting, I also finally broke down and placed a personal ad! Actually I posted two, the more serious one to Yahoo! and another to Salon Personals where I, aparently, decided to answer as a mad scientist. Obviously I'm starting to crack under the strain of the lonliness! But you can help! Make it your personal summer project to get Barron a good date! It'll count for oodles of good karma, I promise...

I don't know how it is where you are (although a nice girl I met at Pride this weekend volunteered that it was snowing in her home of Australia), but out in California it's hot and lazy. And me? I'm just lazy. Alright, that's not true. In fact I'm really busy. After polishing my skills and resume' for a week I'm starting my job search for real this week. That means lots of searchs, lots of cover letters and lots of phone calls. And very little time for fun, on line diversions... At least during the afternoons :-)