Escapist Podcast: 51: Stomping Robots, Roasts and Game Genres

[thewanderer41]

Susan, have you tried capsaicin (or at least a good, strong hot sauce/chili peppers) for the bird feeders? Not sure if it'll properly deter the squirrels, but birds--in contrast to mammals--lack to receptor that makes capsaicin hot/painful. Hopefully the squirrels would move on to easier (or less burny) food sources after that. ...and no one would have to harm (or spin) poor, hungry (okay, maybe just greedy) squirrels.

Just on a side note, our Chemistry department has a dare/event where they have volunteers take a teaspoon...maybe table spoon of capsaicin. My friend just kinda laid in his room for a really long time >.>

Ask and you shall receive.

Mini muffins and corn will follow shortly.

You're my hero, have a cookie ^_^

So while I was listening, I had this crazy scene pop into my head of bran muffin being pushed out a window of the spaceship and getting stuck or a comment of that made as a throwback to Game of Thrones XD
.... well I thought it was amusing >.>

If the engine room muffins are twins, shouldn't they have rhyming or similar sounding names like... Cherry and Berry? Just my two cents. Is there somewhere where I can put up some sort of manuscript or write up that I can link to? I'm not very internet literate for a programmer >.>

Finally: New genre of video games?

Second person shooters. Think side scroller where you're placing as many obstacles and hazards in front of your character to keep him from killing you, but ultimately, s/he has to live and you have to lose. The challenge is how close you got him to lose before you did... idk, just a thought

(o.\) <-- emo smiley abides

 

[Fiz_The_Toaster]

Someone seriously needs to make Space Muffin a thing, and I'd watch/read/whatever the hell out of it.

OH! What if it became a game and the muffins had their own guns that can shoot their respected muffin type, like strawberry muffin can shoot strawberries and the bran muffin can shoot bran or the little oat seeds. Their enemy can be cupcakes since they're like the unhealthy twin species of bake goods.

Ok, I'm done.

 

[Susan Arendt]

Susan, have you tried capsaisin (or at least a good, strong hot sauce/chili peppers) for the bird feeders? Not sure if it'll properly deter the squirrels, but birds--in contrast to mammals--lack to receptor that makes capsaisin hot/painful. Hopefully the squirrels would move on to easier (or less burny) food sources after that. ...and no one would have to harm (or spin) poor, hungry (okay, maybe just greedy) squirrels.

I haven't, no. You think I should just mix that in with the seed? I have tried chili pepper suet, but that was before the first squirrels ever showed up (this wasn't a problem last year), so I don't know if it would work or not.

There might be someone who can offer actual expertise (or first hand experience) on it to offer better--or at least more specific--advice, but I'd think just mixing it with the seed should work. Going by a quick glance at an actual science-y article (digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1017&context=icwdm_wdmconfproc ...hopefully that link works), it might not completely stop squirrels from eating the seed, but they should eat a lot less (and less often). Good luck! I hope that works well for you.

There's a squirrel out there right now. Sigh. Got into a serious squabble with the red-headed woodpecker.

 

[Farther than stars]

Why the hell would you start talking about that Angry Birds barbecue just when I was drinking something?! To avoid spurting water all over my computer, I practically had to inhale what I was drinking! Still... that was really funny and it sounded like that barbecue was really awesome.

 

[thewanderer41]

Ask and you shall receive.

Someone seriously needs to make Space Muffin a thing, and I'd watch/read/whatever the hell out of it.

Ok, I'm done.

If I write the story in small clips, how would you feel about drawing it? If something's going to happen, I guess it should be soon before the idea becomes... dare I say, stale XD

 

[Fiz_The_Toaster]

Ask and you shall receive.

Someone seriously needs to make Space Muffin a thing, and I'd watch/read/whatever the hell out of it.

Ok, I'm done.

If I write the story in small clips, how would you feel about drawing it? If something's going to happen, I guess it should be soon before the idea becomes... dare I say, stale XD

Sadly I can't draw that great, muffins probably yes, but not people.

 

[thewanderer41]

Ask and you shall receive.

Someone seriously needs to make Space Muffin a thing, and I'd watch/read/whatever the hell out of it.

Ok, I'm done.

If I write the story in small clips, how would you feel about drawing it? If something's going to happen, I guess it should be soon before the idea becomes... dare I say, stale XD

Sadly I can't draw that great, muffins probably yes, but not people.

That was actually directed at Jaded_Muffin, but let me run this by you and tell me how it sounds. So the opening part is zooming in on a kitchen-like area on the spaceship. A bell dings a light next to a door that span an entire wall changes from red, to green. The door unlocks, releasing a puff of hot air and steam. As the doors open, a figure slides out to reveal Blue, the captain of The Celiac. He glides out to the controls where a large muffin looks intently at panels of flashing lights and readouts.
"How close are we to the drop point, Muffin Top?"
"Should be there in a few minutes, captain. Do you want me to wake the rest of the crew?"
"No, that's fine. I'll go find Corn Bread and Oats. We'll deliver the cinnamon without waking the rest of 'em"
"Hey, ya know how Corny feels about being referred to as bread"
"Yeah, but it keeps him on his toes (muffin wrapper?)"


So as it's a space show, it's obviously a trap. Now the military that I picture are the Space Bucks who are sentient coffee. Since they're a liquid, they move around by moving their body within flexible shells, kinda like starfish... or squid. Anyways, their ideal, because they can manufacture specialized troops for any situation, such as a double expresso latte, heavy on the froth, light on the milk, with a dash of cinnamon and raspberry.


They escape by the skin of their teeth in which several muffins get hurt. Muffins don't die when dismembered, but can be "glued" back together by doughing their pieces back together and sticking them in the oven to rest. They receive a sketchy transmission from a shady bagel (did I really just type that?) about a large cinnamon deposit he wants mined and delivered from a remote desert planet.

Oh and I pictured the muffins didn't have arms or legs, they just kinda push themselves around telekinetically.

Other members of the crew include:
Cherry and 'Berry Cherry flavor and Strawberry flavor Teenage science whiz and teenage technician/inventor extraordinaire aka The Twins. They take care of the engine room and upgrade the ship as time goes on. Both female. Or one female, one male.

Bran Ship's doctor. Grumpy and likes being cynical about everything especially as it relates to the crew's health while on missions. Once got stuck in the outer door of an airlock --> Corn Muffin to Pumpkin: "The things I do for love" (opens air lock)

Lemon Comms officer. A quick wit lies behind this pretty face. Not only does she handle starship communications but she also find Blue the information he needs to get his job done

Crumble Muscle? His eyes are never seen as his crumbles seems to cover most of the top part of his face...kind of like an overlarge afro. He doesn't talk much, just grumbles and helps the crew move stuff. He's got a big heart and keeps the crew safe

Pumpkin?
Chocolate?
Poppy?
Banana?

And that's 13, a baker's dozen folks.

...Oh man, I think way too much about this.

 

[Fiz_The_Toaster]

That was actually directed at Jaded_Muffin, but let me run this by you and tell me how it sounds. So the opening part is zooming in on a kitchen-like area on the spaceship. A bell dings a light next to a door that span an entire wall changes from red, to green. The door unlocks, releasing a puff of hot air and steam. As the doors open, a figure slides out to reveal Blue, the captain of The Celiac. He glides out to the controls where a large muffin looks intently at panels of flashing lights and readouts.
"How close are we to the drop point, Muffin Top?"
"Should be there in a few minutes, captain. Do you want me to wake the rest of the crew?"
"No, that's fine. I'll go find Corn Bread and Oats. We'll deliver the cinnamon without waking the rest of 'em"
"Hey, ya know how Corny feels about being referred to as bread"
"Yeah, but it keeps him on his toes (muffin wrapper?)"


So as it's a space show, it's obviously a trap. Now the military that I picture are the Space Bucks who are sentient coffee. Since they're a liquid, they move around by moving their body within flexible shells, kinda like starfish... or squid. Anyways, their ideal, because they can manufacture specialized troops for any situation, such as a double expresso latte, heavy on the froth, light on the milk, with a dash of cinnamon and raspberry.


They escape by the skin of their teeth in which several muffins get hurt. Muffins don't die when dismembered, but can be "glued" back together by doughing their pieces back together and sticking them in the oven to rest. They receive a sketchy transmission from a shady bagel (did I really just type that?) about a large cinnamon deposit he wants mined and delivered from a remote desert planet.

Oh and I pictured the muffins didn't have arms or legs, they just kinda push themselves around telekinetically.

Other members of the crew include:
Cherry and 'Berry Cherry flavor and Strawberry flavor Teenage science whiz and teenage technician/inventor extraordinaire aka The Twins. They take care of the engine room and upgrade the ship as time goes on. Both female. Or one female, one male.

Bran Ship's doctor. Grumpy and likes being cynical about everything especially as it relates to the crew's health while on missions. Once got stuck in the outer door of an airlock --> Corn Muffin to Pumpkin: "The things I do for love" (opens air lock)

Lemon Comms officer. A quick wit lies behind this pretty face. Not only does she handle starship communications but she also find Blue the information he needs to get his job done

Crumble Muscle? His eyes are never seen as his crumbles seems to cover most of the top part of his face...kind of like an overlarge afro. He doesn't talk much, just grumbles and helps the crew move stuff. He's got a big heart and keeps the crew safe

Pumpkin?
Chocolate?
Poppy?
Banana?

And that's 13, a baker's dozen folks.

...Oh man, I think way too much about this.

Ok, I wasn't sure about that.

Also, I love you for that. You deserve to be loved.

SPACE MUFFIIIIIN!

 

[Endocrom]

Wow, I have so much contempt for Andy Dick right now.

Interesting fact about Phil Hartman, he was also a graphic designer, the Crosby Stills Nash logo? his handywork.
[hr]I hear what Susan is saying about not wanting every random anime shoved in her face (My brother used to work at Goodwill and I have a bunch of anime, amongst other things, that he couldn't sell sitting in my closet). So considering the recomendee I'll casually suggest Sgt. Frog. It's about frogs, from space! trying to take over earth!

If that description doesn't make you a little curious, I don't know what will.
[hr]I see your Guy on a Buffalo and I raise you Dan Akroyd's Crystal Head Vodka.
[hr]Scone, he's the Yeoman, very brittish and propper. Is the target of most the twins' practical jokes.

 

[Lieju]

I have been diagnosed with Aspergers, and I'd say the biggest thing about it that inconveniences my social life is the facial-blindess. I don't recognise people, or their facial expressions very well. Following a live-action tv show can be difficult, for example. I guess that's a big reason why I like scifi and fantasy; they have different-looking characters, and since it's expected the audience doesn't recognise how they feel, for example, it's clearer for me.
Still, I prefer animation or books/comics.

It's not that I can't symphatise with people, I can, when reading a book, for example, analyse the behaviour of the characters, and anticipate how they'll respond to situations, but with people, it's like I have no good idea of what they actually mean or think.
Like, when exactly are you supposed to lie to people? I never got that. Since quite a lot of 'courtesy' involves lying, and I'd kinda prefer it if people were honest with me and say what they mean.

And for the record, I do feel akward, it's just that I can't tell in the moment that I'm mishandling the situation. It's afterwards that I wonder if I got carried away with talking about things I like, or if I offended the other person (again) without knowing.

 

[Greg Tito]

I have been diagnosed with Aspergers, and I'd say the biggest thing about it that inconveniences my social life is the facial-blindess. I don't recognise people, or their facial expressions very well. Following a live-action tv show can be difficult, for example. I guess that's a big reason why I like scifi and fantasy; they have different-looking characters, and since it's expected the audience doesn't recognise how they feel, for example, it's clearer for me.

That's really interesting, Lieju, that sci-fi is easier to understand for someone with Asperger's. I never thought of it like that. I wonder if that's why so many of us nerds enjoy fantasy and sci-fi, we're all a little bit on the spectrum.

Greg

 

[Lieju]

I have been diagnosed with Aspergers, and I'd say the biggest thing about it that inconveniences my social life is the facial-blindess. I don't recognise people, or their facial expressions very well. Following a live-action tv show can be difficult, for example. I guess that's a big reason why I like scifi and fantasy; they have different-looking characters, and since it's expected the audience doesn't recognise how they feel, for example, it's clearer for me.

That's really interesting, Lieju, that sci-fi is easier to understand for someone with Asperger's. I never thought of it like that. I wonder if that's why so many of us nerds enjoy fantasy and sci-fi, we're all a little bit on the spectrum.

Greg

Scifi and fantasy also have characters that are non-human but try to understand humanity, looking at it from the outside.
I've always identified with those kinds of characters the most, in every Star Trek series that 'outsider' has been the one I can identify the most. Spock, Data, Odo, The Doctor, (Enterprise had the vulcan chick, but I just prefer to pretend that show doesn't exist) etc.

I think a lot of people who hang out in the Internet and are obsessed enough with some series to discuss it in forums do have at least some characteristics of Aspergers'. Maybe not enough for the diagnosis, but I think a lot of self-diagnosed people have some of it.

(I myself don't have nearly as big of a problem with Asperger's as some people I know or have read about do. )

It really becomes a problem if it's used as an excuse, whether you have it or not. An excuse not to even try to be social or find the kind of social circles you fit in, an excuse for failing in relationships, an excuse to just be rude at people and not care about their feelings.

Although, I do mention to people that I just don't recognise people. And that if I act like I don't recognise them the next time we meet, that's genuinely because I don't, and that if they see me around, they can come and say hello, because it's unlikely I will.

I know someone who has the same problem, and she writes down names and characteristics of people she meets. I'm just kinda too lazy for that.

EDIT: Now that I think about it, when it comes to communicating through text only, non-aspergers will have Asperger's symptoms. Not understanding the intent of the writer, for example, whether they're being sarcastic etc. So people on the Internet might become more Asperger-like in their communication.

A big reason why I feel most comfortable communicating through text is because it feels like other people are on the same line. Talking face-to-face, since they can tell how I feel, it's like they can read my mind and are in an advantage.

 

[Mike Kayatta]

I see your Guy on a Buffalo and I raise you Dan Akroyd's Crystal Head Vodka.

Oh, I assure you, I am all over that. He came through my old town promoting it and I waited in line for an hour to buy a bottle and get it signed ... just because of that video. :-D

 

[StriderShinryu]

I must say that out of the podcat, the commentary on Aspergers was probably the most interesting. I really feel it's todays version of ADHD in that, while it certainly exists and is a major issue in the lives of some people, it's become the catch all personal or self diagnosis for any sort of social issue. Have trouble fitting in our getting along with others? Must have Aspergers. Trouble in school? Aspergers. Kind of a jerk to others? Aspergers. Etc.

Like I said, I don't doubt for a second that it exists and that it's a real issue for people. It's just become something of a convenient excuse for those who feel they need to have an excuse for themselves or others, and that ends up demeaning people who really do have to deal with the complications of the condition on a day to day basis.

 

[Draconalis]

People whom claim they are bi-polar on the internet get under my skin as well as media portrayal of BPD. I I'm Bi-polar, I know because a psychiatrist told me so without even knowing it runs in my family, and to see the people on TV act like complete psychos or people self diagnosing... it just drives me insane.


Incidentally, when people asked me for anime to watch, "What kinds of things are you into?" is always my first question. When someone says they just hate the style, I recommend Jin-roh, but in the same turn, I explain that the movie is slow paced and story heavy, so if you can't watch a movie that doesn't have an explosion every 10 minutes, it wont be fore you. I just narrow it down based on the responses I get.

I didn't listen to last weeks podcast till today though... so I certainly wasn't going to send things.

Scott Prigrim was terrible... except when the gay guy was on screen... he tore that movie up.

I was pretty against reading the Dresden Files... but my mom pushed it on me pretty hard core... and I don't regret giving it a try at all.

 

[Endocrom]

I see your Guy on a Buffalo and I raise you Dan Akroyd's Crystal Head Vodka.

Oh, I assure you, I am all over that. He came through my old town promoting it and I waited in line for an hour to buy a bottle and get it signed ... just because of that video. :-D

Do you sit by the fire and sip it while reading More Information Than You Require?

Does it whisper to you? [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ8Kr34dug0]

 

[Jaded_Muffin]

Thank you for all the nice comments

Ask and you shall receive.

Someone seriously needs to make Space Muffin a thing, and I'd watch/read/whatever the hell out of it.

Ok, I'm done.

If I write the story in small clips, how would you feel about drawing it? If something's going to happen, I guess it should be soon before the idea becomes... dare I say, stale XD

Sadly I can't draw that great, muffins probably yes, but not people.

That was actually directed at Jaded_Muffin, but let me run this by you and tell me how it sounds. So the opening part is zooming in on a kitchen-like area on the spaceship. A bell dings a light next to a door that span an entire wall changes from red, to green. The door unlocks, releasing a puff of hot air and steam. As the doors open, a figure slides out to reveal Blue, the captain of The Celiac. He glides out to the controls where a large muffin looks intently at panels of flashing lights and readouts.
"How close are we to the drop point, Muffin Top?"
"Should be there in a few minutes, captain. Do you want me to wake the rest of the crew?"
"No, that's fine. I'll go find Corn Bread and Oats. We'll deliver the cinnamon without waking the rest of 'em"
"Hey, ya know how Corny feels about being referred to as bread"
"Yeah, but it keeps him on his toes (muffin wrapper?)"


So as it's a space show, it's obviously a trap. Now the military that I picture are the Space Bucks who are sentient coffee. Since they're a liquid, they move around by moving their body within flexible shells, kinda like starfish... or squid. Anyways, their ideal, because they can manufacture specialized troops for any situation, such as a double expresso latte, heavy on the froth, light on the milk, with a dash of cinnamon and raspberry.


They escape by the skin of their teeth in which several muffins get hurt. Muffins don't die when dismembered, but can be "glued" back together by doughing their pieces back together and sticking them in the oven to rest. They receive a sketchy transmission from a shady bagel (did I really just type that?) about a large cinnamon deposit he wants mined and delivered from a remote desert planet.

Oh and I pictured the muffins didn't have arms or legs, they just kinda push themselves around telekinetically.

Other members of the crew include:
Cherry and 'Berry Cherry flavor and Strawberry flavor Teenage science whiz and teenage technician/inventor extraordinaire aka The Twins. They take care of the engine room and upgrade the ship as time goes on. Both female. Or one female, one male.

Bran Ship's doctor. Grumpy and likes being cynical about everything especially as it relates to the crew's health while on missions. Once got stuck in the outer door of an airlock --> Corn Muffin to Pumpkin: "The things I do for love" (opens air lock)

Lemon Comms officer. A quick wit lies behind this pretty face. Not only does she handle starship communications but she also find Blue the information he needs to get his job done

Crumble Muscle? His eyes are never seen as his crumbles seems to cover most of the top part of his face...kind of like an overlarge afro. He doesn't talk much, just grumbles and helps the crew move stuff. He's got a big heart and keeps the crew safe

Pumpkin?
Chocolate?
Poppy?
Banana?

And that's 13, a baker's dozen folks.

...Oh man, I think way too much about this.

Haha, this is really fun. You may be over thinking this, but I've totally been in the same boat. My 'plot' ideas involved some sort of space biscuit militia, but I 100% love the suspicious bagel! Hahaha! Sadly I don't really have the time right now to do a full blown epic pastry space opera. I've only been able to draw those portraits and a few simple 3 panel strips:

I hope to draw more... but I can't guarantee how frequently I would be able to crank them out : /

 

[UNHchabo]

Susan, you don't like GTA cause it's too realistic; can you honestly tell me that ANYTHING about the 80s was realistic?

If you have no defense to this statement, you're now obligated to play Vice City.

 

[Migs]

Susan, why don't you just mention what *do* you like then people can narrow down the choices of anime titles for you to watch?
So far, it seems you love Dr. Who and The Avengers...

 

[Eleima]

Thank you Susan, for being the voice of reason on living in an appartment building. When Mike tweeted the other day about his noisy neighbor, I told him to march up there and politely ask them to "turn it down", so to speak. I've lived in appartments for the past 10 years, so I've some notion of what protocol is. I had a noisy neighbor once, drove me insane, because I was cramming for exams. Then, one day, I went down there and asked him to turn his music down a bit (I could make out what song he was listening to, even with my headphones on!). Never had a problem after that. So often in life, problems could be solved if people would just TALK to each other...

On new video game genres, I completely agree with Greg (I think it was him) who said that we can't think of any new genres because they just haven't been invented yet. I leaving the imagining of new genres to game developers who have more imagination than I. XD

Finally, regarding people looking up diseases on the Internet... Self diagnosis is on the biggest, most annoying plagues you have to contend with as a physician. There's nothing more irritating than a patient that marches in, utterly convinced they have this disease, or that syndrome, some even want to fill out their own prescription. Because 10+ years of training just teaches doctors to look nice in a lab coat, of course. *sigh*

Ask and you shall receive.
Mini muffins and corn will follow shortly.

I hope to draw more... but I can't guarantee how frequently I would be able to crank them out : /

Oh wow, you are the best. That's spot on!! You have gained a DeviantArt follower, I love your style!!

And that's 13, a baker's dozen folks.
...Oh man, I think way too much about this.

Hey, I'd totally watch/read that! SPACE MUFFIIIIINNNNS!!!!

Scifi and fantasy also have characters that are non-human but try to understand humanity, looking at it from the outside.
I've always identified with those kinds of characters the most, in every Star Trek series that 'outsider' has been the one I can identify the most. Spock, Data, Odo, The Doctor, (Enterprise had the vulcan chick, but I just prefer to pretend that show doesn't exist) etc.

That's really interesting, very insightful, thanks a bunch for sharing with us. I really hadn't thought of it in those terms, but that seems about right.