Misuta Dorira Warudo!

That's right! I've been playing Mr. Driller W (or Mr. Driller World, as it should have been called). This is my first introduction to Mr. Driller and it seems I've been missing out.

Imagine you're mining through tetris-like blocks, with the sole purpose of digging to an exit, kilometers down into the earth's crust. Now, as you drill through a block, it's shattered and will release any blocks that it was previously supporting, causing an avalanch overhead. As blocks collide, patterns of more than 4, same-coloured blocks will vanish, causing further mayhem.

Sound tough? Not yet?

Hmmm... Now add the fact that, in true mining style, oxygen is important. That's right. Instead of digging for jewels, it's precious, life-giving air tanks we need!

As a timer at the side of the screen counts down the amount of air in your lungs, you must avoid the falling blocks, set loose by combos you started way back when.

But not all is woe in the world of Mr. Driller. Blocks of like colours will stick as they fall overhead, often saving you from death, which is always just one mistake away.

You must think many moves ahead, but at the same time this must be done at break-neck speeds.

There are 7 characters and a bonus character to unlock (each with slightly different abilities). Each "country" (level) has an easy, normal and hard mode. A couple of countries are initially available, with more unlocked as stages are beaten. The countries are Japan, China, Russia, Egypt, Brazil, America and two endless stages, the North Pole and the Moon.

A cute, Japanese, action-puzzler that'll keep you coming back for a drilling, time after time ;).

How could I get it so wrong?

That was a quote from a rather entertaining video of a talk by Pete Rollins.

It really got me thinking.

Who am I to say I've got the answers?

Just chill, Evan.

Yeah. I guess I'm back.

The slow to anger, stupidly chill guy you know. Intense with love, but relaxed and at peace.

Lately I've had whiskers and sharp teeth.

When a call to worship involves the word "prickly" and one can relate, it's definitely time to take stock.

TheSovietChairman (is back)

Mr. Fantastic

That's me. That's who I am. Ask anyone.

Now this begs a question. Why? I have no idea. For a long time I appreciated people telling me.

Now, I don't think it means much.

I've been told how amazing I am by people - beautiful people - who then go on to say they haven't got the time for me.

Well, we're all busy. I can accept that. But now you won't give me the time of day, let alone spend time with me.

This is old news, perhaps. Yes, I'm bitter. I put in effort, but people don't want to see it. They're embarrassed by it. Some people say they're ashamed of it.

That's strange. Oh, it's because I make you feel bad for not matching me.

Here's news: No one can.

That's why I'm Mr. Fantastic and you're not.

But wait a minute... Now I'm to be ridiculed for who I am? Wait, you liked these traits. Didn't you?

Oh. OK, you still do.

I don't get it. All the energy in the world, but not willing to put it into me.

You're all cowards.

I'm sick of the praise. It's useless. It's mocking. It's spiteful.

Look into my eyes and tell me I'm valuable. Why is that so easy, but a bit of self-reflection would tear your worlds apart?

It's as useful to me as a dead rat, if you won't put in the effort.

All of you need to take a look at yourselves- then punch yourselves in the face. That's what I did. Most days it feels good because I can face everyone, aware firstly of how weak and stupid I am. That's what gives me strength. But I'm running out.

Now that I'm Mr. Fantastic, surely I could have a point. In all likelihood, I'm right. Yes?

You know why I'm exploding? It must be because my efforts are wasted. It must be because I no longer punch myself in the face, because you all said you believed in me. And I believed the stupid hype.

My efforts? They weren't even wanted.

If you do believe in me, you're a fool. Believe in Him.

He took the ultimate punch to the face.

But if you do believe in Him, try putting your priorities in an appropriate order. Try putting others before yourself.

In fact- put ALL OTHERS before yourself.

Yes, I will say it: Grow up.

Wanna know how? I've got a Good Book, and some finger painting equipment. There's a good place to start.

All my love,

The Rat.

Preview

It's only the first page, but here's a preview until I work out what to do with it.

If you want, you can request a copy to read, but I might work on getting it published, so I won't make it generally available.

Much love,

TheSovietChairman

P.S. Thank you so much, Kim, for bringing the characters to (some strange form of) life.

P.P.S. Copyright Evan and Kim Ritchie, 2009

Who's the greatest?

That was the sermon today. It was about a true understanding of the example of Christ. From the old testament we see a King, worthy of worship. We should shout praises to this mighty King. But what is this King's nature?

We see the King take the role of servant to all.

We heard how Jesus's disciples misunderstood what it means to be great. They were bickering about who would hold higher rank in God's kingdom, and Jesus told them that we must come last to come first.

Lately, I've been told that there's no one better than me in many areas. That I fill a role that no one, yet, has shown aptitude for.

But still I can't be trusted with responsibility? It may be delicate, but those simple words say; "I trust you'll take care of it. It's yours right now."

I wrote a short story today. It was the best one yet. Not really because of any real skill on my behalf, but because my wonderful sister took it upon herself to draw a series of illustrations for it.

Lots of people enjoyed it. One wouldn't give comment. Others said it was well told, but too...

Well, you'll read it soon enough. I can't let you read it without Kim's pictures, so I'll take the time to make a proper pdf of it.

Much love - the driving force of the universe - to you all.

Enjoy your break, UniMelb students,

TheSovietChairman

Sorry, Dad. Sorry, Mum.

I'm so sorry that this is what I became. But the community really is amazing.

"...a community built on love..."

PAX 09 - Fanboy Stigmata from Fangamer on Vimeo.

Grrr...

I'm not good at staying grumpy.

And that makes me grumpy as I eat delicious risotto, then apple and custard tart.

Mmm...

This is lovely. Awesome work, A-.

Oh, wait...

Grrr...

Sick and tired

Well, apparently that's what I am. Why am I so grumpy? I've got so much good stuff going on, surely there's nothing that could be troubling me.

I'm tired of talking into a black hole. I give long and emotional input and receive cold, pre-recorded nonsense. People generally don't know much about anything of importance. Why not? I'm not sure. The greatest instruction manual tells us exactly what these key concepts mean. It leaves a lot for us to figure out, but at least we know some of the parameters.

If you don't know the definition, look it up. Look it up in ancient, tested guides. Look it up in popular culture. Look it up and if it doesn't apply to you, then tell me.

Then I can protect myself. Then I can help all you people who need, well, possibly jut a simple dictionary. I may not know how to spell, but what I do know is more fundamental. A few easy definitions.

It's easy. You make it hard.

TheSovietChairman

This is for her

You don't deserve me. I don't deserve you. The neither of us has done anything so worthy as to be deserving of each other. Or of our positions in life. Or of God's great gift. We aren't worthy, but still they are ours.

You lack so much, yes. But you have gifts abounding, such that I feel so very inadequate. We are both equally inadequate. Therefore we are perfectly adequate. I have no idea whatsoever what you mean by focus and drive, of which you are blessed to have far more than me, in a general sense.

What boundaries might you push? The boundaries of my love? There are none. You could make me very miserable, but you will never have to earn my love.

Some days I feel that people understand very little of what it is to love. I love those that people tell me to hate. I'm strange. To truly love is to love unconditionally and selfishly, as we learn from He who first taught us.

I will let you be who you want to be. Or who you are. Or whatever. Let me be who I'm meant to be. Your husband.

You may not be fascinated by me forever, but I will love you forever and remain with you forever. Reminds me of a song. But less whiny.

If you leave me, can I come too?
We can always stay
But if you leave me, can I come too?
And if you go, can I come too?

-- Mental As Anything

Don't be afraid. Or do. But be joyous as well.

Thank you for the pick-me-up today. Your laugh loosened the muscles in my face and warmed me amidst the wind's chill on the walk back.

Love,

Evan

P.S. My lyrics would read:

If you leave me, still I will smile
We will always stay
'Cause if you leave me, I will come too
And if you go, I'll still love you


P.P.S. There is no point promising not to cause each other pain. We will. But you don't need to promise never to leave my side. You don't need to be by my side, so long as you let me be by yours. :)

This isn't for her

Because this is old news.

I promise to look after you.
I promise to stay by your side until I die.
I promise to work hard for growth in our faith, financial security and happiness.
I promise that I will always cherish you.
I promise that I will always try and be someone you're proud of.
I promise to never stop loving you.

Forever yours,

Evan Ritchie

I can't do this justice

Seriously. This is why I'm a Mechatronics Engineering student.

Simply amazing. Fully remote-controlled. Voice modulator included. This was a birthday present project organised by the birthday boy's father.

Happy birthday, Jono!

Happy birthday indeed.

A kidney, anyone?

Seriously. It's yours for the price of two tickets to see Up.