begin rant

Okay, I've mentioned these guys before. It seems that since last we spoke, both Fanboys Productions and RvD have unleashed a sequel to their earlier projects upon the web. Both sequels would have been impossible without the community of support that they have developed since releasing their products out into the wild. The creative endeavors of these guys survive entirely upon the generosity of their fans.

Six in the Morning continues to emphasize both aspects of responsibility as well as unadulterated geekery as their tale stretches on. While not entirely sophisticated drama, it is a thoughtful analysis of what it means to have power - and to be legally liable for the use of that power. It also delights in toying around with whirling and glowing sticks. RvD2 does not bother with the pretense of story. This is solely a display of fight choreography distilled to its purest. Both pictures are strong at what they do best, and while both remain far less polished, they are also inarguably better and far less disappointing than any of the last three Star Wars films.

Kudos to the independent filmmaker.

I wish them well, wherever their respective futures carry them.

Posted by Derksen at 9:58 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You know, there is something to be said for striking while the iron is hot. Lately, I've been entirely too distracted for my own good. This leaves me full of ideas and potential... that are sadly often left incomplete. I am trying to put the pieces back together into the semblance of a human being, but there are fits and false starts. It is going to take a lot of personal effort to finish this degree while simultaneously trying to figure out where I am going next, and why I will be going there - all while trying to retain or manage the ghost of a personal life that might give greater meaning or purpose to the whole process of human existence.

There is also something to be said for productive slacking. Yesterday evening, my roommate and I tore out of here to see a concert. I did not get anything degree-related accomplished last night, but I have been remarkably productive thus far this morning. I may be easily distracted, but if I am at peace, I can focus on completing even a distasteful and uninteresting task.

I obviously need more slack in my life. As always, I am open to suggestion.

Posted by Derksen at 12:26 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

You know, it has been months since I last held a sword in my hand and advanced down a strip towards my opponent and swiftly flashing destiny, and I miss it. While I can find peace and balance in other sports and activities, few things center my mind so effectively as the dance of steel. I miss it terribly. Perhaps the fencing community around Miami will prove more amenable to a casual fencer who fights not to win, but instead to understand himself and his opponent.

Posted by Derksen at 5:55 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

"A scientist, like a warrior, must cherish no view; for a view is the outcome of intellectual processes - whereas creativity, like swordsmanship, requires not neutrality or indifference: but to be of no mind whatever."
- Buckaroo Banzai, as chronicled by Earl Mac Rauch

Posted by Derksen at 9:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Fencing is all about good timing, and it appears that summer nationals will be held in Miami, Florida this year. This means that I will unquestionably have to join the UFl fencing team - if only so that I can attend nationals to see my old coach again - and to maybe watch my fencing kids grow just a little more.

Who knows? Maybe I will finally even get a real épée or sabre coach who could put all that untapped potential to some good.

Posted by Derksen at 12:15 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The other week, one of the guys I fence with was trying to convince me that I had too much tension in my poise while on strip, and that I should loosen up my form and relax. I tried taking his advice because he really is a more experienced fencer, and I know that he was trying to help - but after following his lead, he and three other guys mopped the floor with me. Then I told them to get back on strip and to let me do things my way. I still didn't win, but my performance improved so drastically and I narrowed the gap between our scores so rapidly that I frightened them.

They didn't realize all that coiled tension could explode outward so suddenly, or jump that far down the lane, or outpace them, or dance unflaggingly on the strip for fifteen minutes. They called it an unnecessary expenditure of energy and told me that I would tire - but after three hours, they were ready to go home, and I was just getting started.

Swordplay can tell you a lot about a person, and that barely constrained energy is part of who and what I am. Some people find their moment through serenity and calm. I find mine through action and passion. For me, it is better to be slightly wound up about enjoying life than placidly accepting circumstances. Yin and yang, my friends. That knot in my neck really is the only thing keeping the puppet on its strings held upright. I will relax the day I die, thanks.

I get more done this way.

Posted by Derksen at 11:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Tonight I have broken my fifth blade while fencing, and the third of my personal weapons. This stunted collection of broken steel is why fencers wear some personal protection and face-masks while sparring. Not that the two thin layers of ballistic cloth my opponent wore would have actually stopped the jagged edge of my suddenly-sharpened tip, but I knew I held the moment and had already scored - and as such, I also held my point and was not preparing for another remise.

This latest casualty was an older épée of which I had become quite fond over the last year and a half, for while somewhat stiff and inflexible (indubitably what led to its demise), it was light and well-balanced. It certainly should have been well-balanced... I trimmed the tang down and fitted it to the hilt myself - the first for which I have done so. I am nostalgic, but there will be others... I suppose that I will be fencing sabre or on borrowed blades until I get it replaced...

Posted by Derksen at 10:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)