Social Engineering II

Some time ago, I was a bit bugged with a comment made by a player in-game, and set out to demonstrate a new technique for earning experience in FFXI's Campaign Battle. To do well, it was necessary to secure an enemy combatant and begin the arduous grind of taking it out. Considering that a level 75 Red Mage would need to convert at the time the opponent was just under 50% of it's hit points, it was a challenge, resulting in lots of down time.

Soloing regular "Campaign Mobs" at level 75 is not trivial, and is really only possible due to the job-ability Composure that was added before the level cap began to rise. With Composure, enhancing magic you cast upon yourself increases in duration, which makes more Mana Points available for other functions, like enfeebling the monster. Enhancement and Enfeeblement are the pillars of Red Mage, and the 150 Mana Points delivered by the classic level 40 Refresh spell were quite enough to sustain parties. Composure triples the duration of Refresh cast upon the user, for a total of 450 MP. This is quite an improvement in efficiency on the 40MP it costs to cast Refresh in the first place.

Many adjustments have been made as the level cap as been raised, and for the Red Mage job, one of the nicest has been Refresh II. Twice as effective as the original, Refresh II when under composure, pumps 900 MP into the battle over time. This is enough MP to overflow the MP capacity of my Hume character, even with the MP boost gear and merit points that have been spent on increasing the Max MP. This extra MP also has a new use, as Tier IV Elemental Magic has been released to the Red Mage as the level cap has increased.

Having gone through the 3rd update sequence that included a 5 level increase in the games level cap, I am brushing level 90 as I finish the grind at level 89. The fact that the Red Mage goes through a drought of knowledge at level 88 was enough of a psychological inducement that once I hit level 89, I no longer cared what the cost of a scroll of Blizzard IV was. Not having that scroll represented an increasing opportunity cost. I was somewhat pleased that the price had begun to fall, as one would predict in a supply and demand economy.

The financial hit is considerably small in the grand scheme of things. While it should pain you to spend more than 250,000 of anything, trading game currency for the satisfaction of producing serious elemental damage is a no-brainer, simply because that extra leverage on the battlefield can be used to increase cash flow and ultimately pay for itself. Until then, I'll take the satisfaction of being able to cast the spell.

On that Engineering thing, well, all I can tell you is that there is either a savant on the FFXI development team, or they got really lucky. While I was pleased with the ability to mow down monsters, I was lamenting the lack of strategy. What real effect would I have as a single player soling just one mob all by myself? Eventually, others calmed down, and got into the groove. They too soloed as they bulked up on experience and skill, and soon, taking down the Bosses was something to begin enjoying.

Apparently, they do take game balance seriously at FFXI. They increased the defensive capabilities of both the Beastman and Allied Forces. While it is harder to hit the opposition force, they can also withstand much more damage, as their health level is correspondingly higher as well. While it is still possible for an 85+ Red Mage/White Mage to survive on their own and eliminate pulling mistakes by putting Reraise to use, it was simply not possible to solo any regular Quadav to the point of getting credit for the Defeat. The opposition force would warp out and the battle would end with 25% of the target's strength remaining.

While it is still possible to chain-kill the Fiendish Leechkeepers that provide healing support for the Beastman Confederate, and Baramnesia is a wonderful spell to have when facing Imps of any kind, that kind of damage is not enough to halt the Beastman presence. It is for this reason that most of the last Campaign Period has been seen battles raging the San'doria of Shadowreign. During the current period, it will be the Quadav Shieldwarriors that are spread thin and invading the capital of Rebel Humes and Galkan Powerhouses.

While I continue to puppet my 'toon in support of the Republican Army of Bastok, and the greater service of the Allied Forces of Altana, I have discovered that I can increase my reward by yet again lengthening the battle. The damage output of the Red Mage is high enough that you are constantly capped. You can do more damage and gain experience than you can be credited for, even with a Medal of Altana. Therefore, like before, the length of the battle will determine the total experience that can be awarded.

Should you be fighting in a battle and receive your remuneration, and find that the number of allied notes received is more than half of the experience that you received, you were just involved in a battle, that if you did nothing more, but it lasted longer, you would get a larger reward. With this in mind, started to adopt a new battle strategy, and that being to wait for a dispatch message sending one or more divisions of allied forces into a beastman controlled region.

Now, many players would cringe that it might be just a "fort-whacker" where all you do is beat on the Fortification and get really pittance damage.

Not entirely true. As it would happen, Square has increased the patrol rates for the Beastmen, and this can be discovered by reviewing the "unit movements" with your local intelligence officer. You will soon discover that certain units of the Beastman Confederate are primarily responsible for particular zones. Look at these units to see if there is activity in the zone, or, if you're relaxing in the barracks, just watch the dispatch reports.

Once you see the message that Allied forces are being dispatched to a nice zone, all you really need to do is know one of the paths that the incoming troops will be taking, and set up a solo session right in their path. If you find yourself off center, just drag your target mob along with you, until the supporting army attacks. Position yourself so that the mob continues to face you, and the army is left or right, so that the mob will be facing the target with greater hate.

Once the mob is steadily on the army, disengage from the target and run back to the fortification for another beastman. Try for a single one, and if you get two, well, sleep the second one as you solo the first. At level 85, this should be second nature to a Red Mage. Pull the mobs within the aggression zone of the arriving army members. Once they finish the first mob, they will glomb on to the next. As more NPC's arrive, the damage output of the army will be such that they can handle double-pulls as fast as you can bring them.

The goal here would be to keep the NPC's happily chewing on one or two regular campaign mobs, as you move the army into easy pulling/striking distance. After feeding them everything but the boss(es), you could either let them loose, or pull a boss. Using this method, don't be surprised if you need to recast Reraise.

-.\\

FFXI GOM - Goal Oriented Management

Yes, I play what many would be considered an aging MMO. Considering that fact that I have explored perhaps 15% of the entire game in the time that I have been playing, I'd say that it is aging rather gracefully. I only hope that I do the same.

That being said, I am also one of the less party-prone players in the game, and this has me at somewhat of a disadvantage. Beastmaster would be the job choice for most such as I, however, I do like the swiss-army knife of options that Red Mage brings to the table, and so, this is my high-level job. Weidling either dagger or sword give the Red Mage a number of options in the weapon skill department.

Recently, a fellow player was coerced into obtaining their Sapara of Trials, which once used enough, will earn you the right to fight a Notorius Monster. Once said NM is defeated, you can gather a special key item that will unlock a new and more powerful weapon skill. How the use builds up on the Sapara of Trials (and other trial methods) is simple. You get a point for using a weapon skill. If it closes a first-level skill-chain (follows a combining skill used by another player) you get two points. If you are the 3rd player to use a compatible skill in a chain, that adds another element, you get 3 points, and if you are the 4th player that adds yet another element, you can get 5 points for the effort.

Now, consider the fact that you can fire a weapon skill after amassing 100 or more Technique or Tactical Points, with a maximum of 300 TP. Yes, it takes three times as many strikes or damage taking opportunities to achieve 300TP as it does to achieve 100TP, so, if you were alone, you would want to fire a weapon skill every time >=100TP was available. If you have someone to open the skill chain, and they can generate TP faster than you can, then it makes sense to close skill chains rather than solo them, and it will take half the time. On the other hand, if you find yourself waiting till you have 200TP before your partner opens the skill chain, you're not much better than if you were solo.

When choosing a skill chain or a weapon skill to fire, it is advisable to use skills that are skill chain compatible. If you are tackling mobs that meet the minimum required Easy Prey, and you can handle them comfortably, then milking them for TP is well advised. Apply these rules to your battle as long as you can handle it.

• choose a low damage weapon skill or skill chain


• let your weapon do the damage


• avoid DOT spells (Dia, Bio, Poison, Choke, Rasp . . . )


• minimize casting to maximize weapon use


• letting the mob heal will make more skill activations per mob


• take damage now and again to get more TP

Using these techniques, I was able to break the latent effects on both the Sapara of Trials and the Dagger of Trials. While there is an arduous set of steps necessary to access the Sapara NM for unlocking the weapon skill, there is a NM that spawns in the zone that is highly sought after. These NM hunters were kind enough to offer assistance, and hence my success at acquiring Savage Blade.

Evisceration was acquired without ever firing a skill chain, leading to the discovery that only attacks that land on the opponent are counted. My record keeping recorded 317 weapon skill activations, which was 17 over the requisite 300. Missing 17 of 300 indicates and accuracy of 94.33%, so feel free to budget accordingly: forget to record one every 20 activations.

-.\\

Who Are You?

. . . I'm afraid that the Police already know.

Is this a symptom or a solution of our current economy? CRV - or "California Redemption Value" has become a "take-it-or-leave-it" subsidy. Take a good look at the contents of this gentleman's Honda. It's not even 5AM and he's got a full load. The local beach recycle station does not open until 10 but this gentleman has plenty of gas and a lead foot. Either that, or he misjudged the weight of his load, patching out as I was kindly asking him to leave and not come back.

Normally, I would have stopped with the photo and the warning. A flash and camera in-your-face at 4:59AM is usually enough of a wake-up call. The empty box of 12GA shells that lay next to a trash can was an effective deterrent -- for a day or so. I suppose that the sound of a round being chambered in a pump action shotgun would have been effective in a quiet environment, but his motor was running. It might have covered the unmistakable sound, had it occurred.

Unfortunately, while his headlights were working well, his tail lights were not. The break lights functioned as he hit the end of the alley, but the running lights have been disconnected. It's a common trick to not draw attention to yourself when your rear-end is close to a roadway, like the end of my alley. There's just one problem. The Police now know that your tail lights don't work, and they have your license number.

I don't think that case of Coors is going to look too good when you get pulled over for non-operational tail-lights, and if it is discovered that you have a switch to turn them off, I think your car gets impounded, contents and all. Since we know that you could not produce receipts for all of the containers in your car, you can't be legally recycling, so that changes the game a little bit. It's called "open container" even if you don't get charged for theft.

Oh, and did I mention that you must have TWO unobstructed rear-view mirrors. Yes, I know that many cars have three. When you tow a trailer, or haul a load that blocks your central mirror, you are required to have an unobstructed view to your right hand mirror. Sorry kind sir, but your load also qualifies as unsafe.

Audible Tire Friction

Unsafe Speed

Inoperable Tail Lights (with possible kill switch)

Theft of (CRV) Recyclable Materials

Violation of the local Noise Ordinance

Yes kind Sir, Please do have a good day.

Rumor Confirmed!

... this might be the first recipie I ever learned.

While it has been absolutely true that I've been more than my share of lazy with regard to this blog, I am pleased to report that my apparent lazyness in just that. Merely Apparent.


I am pleased to announce that the new blog goes live today. A link in the side bar has been added to this blog so you can get there easily, and here is a link to Grill For One if you would rather click now.

I've exported all of the grill related posts from this blog and they sit in the hopper over there as they are re-formatted to fit the new template. I already like the updated editor and the wider format. I may have to experiment with a new template for this blog.

Grill For One, which can be found at grill41.blogspot.com, currently has quite a pipeline of new material, and I am looking forward to posting several of my staple grill recipies. There is even some level of interest from my local cooking supply store and school. The ability to get a sponsor, sell some advertising, and perhaps even teach a class or two are all reasons behind grill41.

Now, I need to go add the Legal page to Grill 41 before the first post goes off in a few hours.

Enjoy!

-.\\

In The Can!

Just a short post to chortle quickly. Post #365 is in the can on the daily.

-.\\

A New Face

I decided that my "thumnail" image needed to be updated to be slightly more personal. Since the pic that goes with my profile is so tiny, I decided to give you a better look at the photograph. There's a story in this photograph. What does it tell you?

Social Engineering

Optimizing the rate of return it critical to every investment, and as a part-time resident of Vana'diel, one is encouraged to optimize their approach in the continuing quest for entertainment and enjoyment. With limited time available to pull strings and move my puppet-self, I've worked to explore the mechanics of Campaign Battle and discover the best technique for extracting maximum benefit from each encounter.

I've also been operating under the helpful advice of the FFXI development team that has constantly lamented the fact that the players rely far too much on the allied armies (which are autonomous) to engage and combat invading enemy hoards. The allied armies mill about the fortification that is the goal of the invaders. Unless stopped, the invaders will attack the fortress and ultimately deplete the resources in the region to the point that they take over the territory and the roles of the game reverse in that zone. Reversals are tallied on a weekly basis.

Adjustments have been made by the development team to reward those that engage the enemy in battle, and as I have progressed through the level system to the old cap of 75, and having earned a few dozen merit points, I have improved my abilities and honed my battle skills in the process, to the point where I am competent and able to solo most of the grunt level monsters. I have found that doing so yields very high levels of experience. So, my basic rule of gameplay has been to operate outsize of the assistance sphere of the allied armies, and prevent as many enemies as possible (usually one) from reaching the target.

This is a sound military strategy. Able bodied soldiers that can perform 1:1, lay in wait, stripping the enemy from back to front. The unprotected leader (or Boss Mob) meets the powerful allied defenders with a mobile and vicious lag-ridden mob of players from around the world. The lag is the downside of having so many puppets on the screen at the same time - slow response.

By myself, I can secure and defeat a single monster, yielding 2000+ experience or limit points. In a similar period of time, assisting the allied armies near the fortification, I will earn 900-1200 experience points. Starting at level 74 for most jobs, two players can handle a single grunt level mob in a battle. I've personally pulled and fed several groups of players in Pashow Marshlands [S] and gotten good experience, which is anything better than 1500 points. Every time I got a new monster and softened it up, two, three or 12 people would pile on and pound it faster and harder than I ever could. Each time the target monster was less than half health, I disengaged and grabbed another, feeding the frenzy. Then there was the boss monster, and I got bored and pulled it too. Kiting like a Red Mage can, I kept a damage-over-time spell and several ailments on the monster as it bounced around like a ping-pong ball from adventurer to adventurer.

Why was I playing near the fortress? It was simple really. There were no allied armies in the region to defend the fortress, so I had a field day without the help of the automated allied armies. I will admit that I was pleased when the Field Musicians showed up to help take out the Boss. It will take some time before I am able to solo the bosses, but I believe it is possible.

Given this environment, should I really be concerned about the negative comments regarding my playstyle that I have received from players that are satisfied with less than 1000 points for investing half an hour of their lives in a video game? I'm fairly certain that once people get a taste of triple the experience, that they will change their tune and venture farther from the support of the allied armies, accepting the challenges of the open battlefield with bravery, valor and a good degree of strategy and planning.

I am encouraged by the fact that some zones in the game are displaying this "ambush skirmish-line" approach. It seems only natural by the design of the zone and the path that the attacking monsters take. They walk to attacks just as the armies do, and it is valuable to know the routes by which they take, for it is the same battles being fought day in and day out in the perpetual preservation of the Crystal War that is Campaign Battle.

Let the Engineering begin.

:-) Happy Solstice (-:

On such a milestone day, I can not help but post. The Google logo commemorates the day as the longest of the year. The night begins to creep forward once again, but that's tomorrow and today is today. This is as much of a new year as January 1st. It has been a cause for celebration across civilizations far and wide, at least on this wobbly rock in space. It is also something that makes us all Earthlings, and reminds us of our connection to this world.

Being a citizen of this planet is just not enough for this son of an Archaeologist, I must persist in more than one civilization, and as many know, I populate Vana'diel. It's completely artificial and fictional, yet it is a civilization and culture all of it's own. In fact, as my suitably addicted playmate would remind me, it represents several civilizations and cultures, and the inevitable clash between them driven by the forces of light and dark.

I don't know that he'd be that fleet of finger, but perhaps so. I will admit that I am pleased and proud of his progress within the game realm of Vana'diel, and I hope that he has a good time with is next limit break, which after today, will no longer be the the last in a series of tasks. I do not know what challenges lay in store for me after today, but I will find out as much as I can as soon as I can.

While Earth celebrates it's longest day of the year, Twenty-Five days will pass in Vana'diel, with several of them unpopulated as the world undergoes an upheaval of sorts. The level restriction will be raised from 75 to 80, equalling the standard level limit in the competing online MMO. We in Vana'diel know that it takes time and ingenuity to create content all the way to level 99, and that most of it is likely only an outline in Kanji in a secret book on Tanaka San's shelf.

300 posts - a Blogger Milestone

I just finished writing the short post for the daily blog. I have grown accustomed to actually doing the updates on a daily basis, which I believe helps deliver a true 24-hour delay and spin from post to post. Somehow, I can tell the difference between writing 5 posts in one day and writing 1 post a day for 5 days. I wonder if the readers can. Time may tell.

As to the 300 post milestone, well, that's the maximum number of posts that the blogger interface will allow you to view in a single page on the "Edit Posts" tab, and today, the 300th post on the daily blog will appear at the predetermined time. Unlike human blogs, the daily will not be calling attention to this fact as has been observed elsewhere. The daily has it's own milestones.

Easter Keeps Rumbling

There are those that know where I live. There are others that do not, but if you take a good look at the information available, you know that there has been a whole lot of shakin' goin' on down here on the north side of the border. Last night, at 21:26 hrs local time, things started moving unexpectedly, again.

It is to the point that I can distinctly feel the three phases of a quake. This is due to the fact that I am about 100 miles from the epicenter. The first phase is like stomping. Loud stomping. This is where a huge amount of energy is, and in the original 7+ quake, the stomping was very loud and very sharp. You can hear it, thump - thump -thuMP - THUMP! Last night, the thumping was softer, and spread out a bit more (less energy) but the next two phases were vastly different.

The second phase, while distinct, did not really overlap the third phase last night. While it was distinctly violent and much stronger than Easter Sunday, the lack of overlap with the third phase prevented the toppling of my DVD tower, and nothing fell. It was also about 7-10 seconds shorter that the Easter quake. I wonder if there is value in examining the power distribution over the phases?

The third phase had the Foul Pole at the ballpark oscillating. The top of the pole was moving a much as a baseball diameter left and right, and this showed the power of the lateral motion that exists in the 3rd phase. Needless to say, the Umpire call time until the foul pole stopped moving. Oh, and in case you're wondering, there is only one foul pole at the ballpark. Which park is it?

Vote!

Yes, I am up early. I have a civic responsibility to perform. Lofty words you say? Well, as much as I might get chastised for saying it, remember this:

Freedom is Responsibility

Responsibility is Freedom

'nuff said.

Food for Thought

I would like to know what you would put on this burger. To get you started, this is a toasted crown-cut whole-wheat Kaiser roll, a 1/2 pound Bison patty, cooked well (but oh so juicy) with a five-slice rosette of Turkey Pepperoni and about 5/8 ounce of Monterrey Jack Cheese.

Comments Requested

-.\\

It's been How Long?

Yes, It's been nearly a calendar month since I've put anything up. There is method to my madness. In this case, I wanted to allow plenty of time for people to hit the blog and review the daily photo sequence that documents my figure-eight vacation over the continental divide and back. Many though the trip foolish. It was in more ways that one, but that's a pun that will have to be explained later.

I've seen enough traffic in Analyitics to know that I have visitors that are checking in, now and again, perhaps looking for the Pizza blog to make it's debut. Keep checking back. Having several projects in progress is the norm for me, and since this is the no-rules blog, well, it's here that you're going to see schedule slips appear, etc.

-.\\

Thursday and Friday Roll-Up

Heading South on AZ 77 from Holbrook, you will pass landmarks like Five-Mile Wash, Painted Wash and Corduroy Creek. After that, you're back on US 60, heading into Pinon Pine Forrest. The smell is unmistakable.



Equally unforgettable is the Salt River, which must be crossed. This is on the descent into the canyon, the ascent is on the opposite side. This is a two-lane highway, with 35MPH as the posted maximum speed. There are numerous crosses and memorials for those that ignored the advice.



And I succeeded at reaching the first Castle. I also got to meet G and M who are the current residence. They were surprised by my visit, and more surprised to learn that I once played with Tonka Toys atop the same wall which has been turned into a wonderful backyard showpiece. Heavy construction ahead! At the end of the wall was a BBQ...




... a BBQ that is now missed by the current owners. The remains of the BBQ were hauled above the installation site, and deposited. This is one of the larger chunks showing the mortar work and the use of local stone, just like the retaining wall. If only we could talk to the craftsman.

Like small towns, this place has a main street. This is now considered the historic section. You can find this crossroads at the intersection of US 60 and US 70, approximately 1,055 miles West of Bad Brad's BBQ place.

Continuing on US 70, also known as AZ 77, I passed a sign and took a short detour to a University of Arizona project location. I opted not to take the tour, and have put this place on the future vacation to-do list, after adequate research. If you recognize this place, let me know.

It was shortly after this shot that I realized that I had completed a loop, as AZ 77 becomes North Oracle Road (after passing through Oracle, AZ) and descends through the Oro Valley and into Tucson. I was now travelling the same road, in the same direction, without having driven it the other way.

Sometime in the next 48 hours, I will need to spend eight of them headed west. Keep checking, as I do plan to capture some additional images on the final westerly leg of this vacation. Until then, enjoy!

-.\\

Travel Day and the BBQ Frontier

It has been a long time since I sampled Texas BBQ. I was passing through Amarillo, and with assistance of the yellow-pages directory in the navigation system, I was able to locate a mini BBQ. The quality of the meat was excellent, and it was served pulled, on a bun, just like Brad's. Less smoke flavor, drier, and the sauce was not sweet and smokey, but a bit under-powered with Santa Cruz Chili Powder. That's Texas BBQ. I almost stopped at another BBQ.

I've gotten a bit better at catching trains. This is out the passenger window, using the best-shot-selector. No more blur, but you gotta time it right. There is significant lag with a digital camera.

I cleaned the windshield, and there were some sun-dogs to catch over the New Mexico desert.

Of course, everyone is asking about the sauce. Here it is, loading down the passenger side of the vehicle. Albuquerque is at the left side of the map, at the nexus. Now you know exactly where the sauce was when the photo was taken.

A quick pause at a rest-stop provided an opportunity to make some nice PS3 wallpaper. Here is a standard aspect shot of the Varga and Snow that I was driving through.

Even through the dirty windshield, a sunset shot was possible today. Enjoy this New Mexico sunset. I punched through Albuquerque, Grants and Gallup, penetrating 50 miles into Arizona before stopping for the night in Holbrook. I was jazzed about getting back to my own time zone, crossing two time zones boundaries and over 900 miles in one day of travel.

-.\\

Olla Podrida - 2nd Edition - 1788

At one time in my life, I had the opportunity to bid at auction for the contents of a storage unit. It was a massive 10'x20' unit, but only a quarter full. I had no trouble re-organizing the entire contents into my mainly vacant 10'x10' unit. Among the items I inherited in the transaction was this example of Gutenberg Pressmanship. The 443 pages of printing (111 sheaves) has held up rather well when compared to some wood-pulp publications that are far younger.





We can see that this book was part of a library collection at one time. These pages are the most frequented, as expected, but the later pages are very clean and clear. The fact that this is a second edition indicates that it is a work of some popularity. I've read a few of the "numbers" and am somewhat taken aback by the re-use of a "f" to mean an "s" but in most cases, the forward portion of the cross-bar on the "f" is clipped off. Perhaps this is due to the fact that this part of the lowercase "f" wore out? I have no idea.



It's is definitely interesting to have something that is older that the Constitution of the United States. At a published date of 1788, and a date of 1781 on the binding, it is a conversation piece. What is far more interesting is the language inside.


Perhaps this will, one day, become a Google Book. It has been rescued directly into my care.

-.\\

Bad Brad's

Believe it or not, the URL for Bad Brad's Bar-B-Q appears to be broken. I've posted it anyway, and will update it as needed. They have refreshed their logo, and the menu, but everything is the same down to the multiple police vehicles in the parking lot. An officer was pulling in after me. I know I was doing the speed limit. He was making a bee-line for the door.



I had to fire the flash to get this shot. There is the fireplace that I shot from the outside yesterday. There is a second dining room as well. If the parking lots a full, just wait for a parking spot to open and there will be a seat inside. There are also picnic tables outside for extra nice days, which are coming on fast.


No blue plate. Just a wrapped sandwich and a bowl of beans. No need for an appetizer and the drink is a root-beer. Cold bottle beer is available too. There are three police cars in the parking lot. If it is noon, there is contingent of lawyers in the forward dining room. This restaurant is 1.0 miles from the county courthouse. Ergo, the one and done policy for beer and the strong preference from the root variety.


This is the original home-brew smoker. This is where the magic of BBQ happens. They let it run for a very long time, based on how deep the smoke reddening goes into the brisket. Take a really close look at the sandwich. It's sliced brisket. The shed for this smoker is new. Here's why:

There is a second smoker in the shed now. It's nearly identical to the first, but slightly updated and improved. This is where the liquid smoke for the BBQ sauce is produced. Without the magic in these two crucibles of BBQ perfection, you'd never get the sauce that comes from this place.

It is all in the taste, and the fact that I saw the liquid smoke collection system in years past. I happen to believe that the liquid smoke is more valuable than the smoked eats of all kinds that come from these kettles. Of course, the two go hand in hand. After eating here, I could qualify for a case of smoke inhalation at any hospital emergency room, and all I've done is eat BBQ. I will be tasting Bad Brad's for days.

It is in this chamber that more magic happens. Outdoors, it is here that the smoked meat finishes it's cooking. Very slowly. This place is locked up at night, as it takes well more than 24 hours for a new piece of flesh to make it's way to you your table, and it's never chilled as far as I can see. In fact, there are stacked warmers in the prep room. Literally, this place is a continuous bar-b-q operation, as are many other pit BBQ places. Brad's has three locations in Oklahoma.

If you call ahead, they've got a drive through. There's no cord to drive over, so you have to honk. They're more likely to come out the door to do business.

But if you ask, they'll do the drive-thru thing with the little window and all. Seems a bit rushed after 1600 miles of driving, but if that's your only reason for coming, I suggest you buy a few gallons of sauce and as much smoked brisket as they will sell you. Call ahead if you need allot, an they are happy to oblige. I plan to save room for some brisket and other smoked goodies, time permitting.

-.\\

Closed Sunday

Yup. I drove all the way to Pawhuska for nothing but a snapshot from across the road. At least you can see that it was snowing on my favorite BBQ place. This is the original Bad Brad's BBQ joint. I had planned to sit by the fireplace. Bummer. You will get to go here. I promise.

I decided that the Icicles hanging from the awning of a pale shopfront were worth stopping for. Good thing, because while breaking to park, all the snow from my hood finally lurched off landed in front of the car. It would prove to be a wheelspinner when I took of from the photo op.

Not to be un-BBQ'd, I resorted to the best Sunday BBQ on the planet. Dink's Pit BBQ on Frank Philips Blvd. in Bartlesville. Above, you have their signature appetizer (as far as I am concerned). They are called Onion Strings, and pair well with Beer and BBQ Sauce. You can eat them plain. Please note that it is a half-order that is pictured here. It will serve as a appetizer for four (4) people.

I opted for the Solo Plus which is a chopped beef brisket sandwich with the side of your choice. In this case it was the baked beans. Brisket and beans. These are the two things that I forever define a BBQ place by. I've tried dozens over the years, and this dish is always unique from place to place. Having seen all of the changes over the years in Bartlesville, it's nice to know that Dink's remains the same.

Sun Day?

The blue is snow. Bartlesville is at the center of the map, and the rotation of the storm has us on the back side. The wrap-over as I call it. While there is a good 4" of snow on well insulated rooftops, the wind has done a better job at removing snow than anything else. The roads are clear but slushy. Today will be a good day to take a scenic trip over to Pawhuska for a nice afternoon meal by a warm fireplace in an old stone house.

Snowing in Barttlesville

I did run a check on the weather for the first week, and it was pretty accurate. I brought my umbrella anyway, since I know the weather in northeast Oklahoma can be very changeable. Tomorrow is supposed to be the first day of spring. I wonder if the birds know something.

This tree is on the lee side of the conference/restaurant section of the hotel. My view is left of center and of the rooftop of the extension. The rail in the photo is the wall extension that makes the building look like it has a flat roof from the ground. It hides the peaked roof and HVAC equipment so you don't see it from the road or parking lot.

There is just a bit more that 1" of snow on the rail. They are saying up to 6" total may fall over the next 36 hours. Then it will be cold. Good thing about this is that I will not overheat moving my items from the garage to storage. I brought my light gloves that will help, but will not be perfect. Nothing is. The worst part is that my snow shovel is missing too.

I can hear the maids making their rounds, and I will give them the day off today. It's time to rebuild my macros and do some campaign battle. Internet connection stress test time.

-.\\

Friday Wrap

For whatever reason, my stomach feels as twisted as the hasp above.

Weather Channel says snow tomorrow. It would be Winter's last spit.

This is the view from my back-yard. The six-foot fence is gone. A remnant remains to the right of the frame. Yes, those are railroad tracks. The centline of the tracks is 75' from my back property line. That is a total of 108' from the fenceline. The 33' in the middle was an alley that was abandonded and deeded back to the landowners. That means that I need a bunch of new fence.

By the way, that was as close to a sunset as we got today.

I got to sit in an Engineer's chair, and what was below?

I would have to say that this qualifies as the first heated seat.

There were three more such u-shaped pipes on the other side of the cab.

The middle seat did not need a heater.

It was reserved for the fireman.

The other chair in the cab is for the breakman.

Where was I?

.

.

.

.

scroll down for the answer

.

.

It has 10 wheel drive.

.

.

.

Give up?

.

.

.

Keep scrolling.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Yup. A Santa-Fe 2-10-2 Freight Hauler.


-.\\

Case #1266

The title says it all. There is now an open case on the forced entry burglary that occurred in my absence. Aside from that, I am somewhat depressed over the discovery and the loss. I actually needed some of the tools that were stolen. That's why they were there.

Even my chess board was gone. It's at the neighbors, as a set of stepping stones. I must have word with the work crew. Pitty.

Luckily, I have some support from a new neighbor, who likes the idea of having a neighbor. I get to use his truck to move items that won't fit in the beast.

Perhaps a photo when I wrap the day.

-.\\

Thursday Wrap

It was neat to see more wind power.

These were the same kind of units that appeared on Dirty Jobs.

They are half way to Oklahoma City on US 40.

If you don't know this logo, Good. More for me.

It has to be Oklahoma's best kept ... Shhhh!

This looking back at Ponca City, across the Arkansas River.

Float downstream, and you end up in Tulsa.

The photo is taken from inside the Osage Nation.

I felt a little dark after getting to the homestead, to discover twisted hasps and missing property.

I will be busy for the next few days securing what remains of my belongings.



I will update accordingly.



-.\\

"T" Is for . . .

Train.

Not the San Diego post-modern rock band of Drops of Jupiter fame.

The real thing.

There are two east-bound trains moving here.

The container says it all.

I am calling this the breakfast phase of the Vacation. I was fairly beat when I finally sat down to post last night. I had to do the Daily first, of course. Before I could write, I needed food and a little inspiration. Some people can be cruel, and I've got something for the verbal history. Speaking of Breakfast, I was at the I-Hop, and succumbed to a 2x2x2, scrambled with bacon. Why the waitress came back to ask if I had ordered over-easy or scrambled, I do not know.

This morning is coffee, OJ, pre-sweetened corn flakes, and probably more coffee. Then it's shower and road time. With all of this breakfast, including the Special-K bars for those road snacks, it really is the breakfast phase of this trip.

If all goes well, I'll be in Pawhuska for dinner, and that means one thing. A really messy post when I get to my next Internet connection.

-.\\

Wednesday Wrap

I've been shooting some 16:9 format images.

Either of these may look nice on my PS3.

This sunset is partially over White Sands, New Mexico.

I ended up with a small room at a HoJo Express. Great upload speed.

I may have a surprise in the morning.

-.\\

Waypoint Wednesday

There are limits to what can be shot safely.

I have added this to the future acquisitions list.

This is another fine example of shooting sideways.

Auto-Pan I call it. Image correction is in order.

The black lines left and right are marked at mean sea level.

Some landmarks are unmistakable in your life.

Even blurred.

... and they look very different from little closer perspective.


If you hear a crackle on a hot desert night, it might be this.
The La Cholla (choy-'ya). Do not get too close. Period.


There is a reason I like this castle. I used to live in it.
The tangerine trees are still in the front courtyard.
I swear that driveway was steeper. Way steeper.


The GPS did not hurt, but I did not need to punch in the address to find it.
They enclosed the car port, which was always allowed in the original plan.
I remember building this house, from plastic pieces, adding in all the options.
It was the biggest we could make. It was also the last lot that would fit it.


There was one snarl on the way, in Huachuca City. Smoke from a multiple structure fire closed the highway for about half an hour, creating multi-mile long backups northbound. I was headed south, and stopped, and then picked a speed that I did not have to stop anymore.

There is allot of water in that firehose. I think they had two hydrants on this one. The structures were reported to be owned by the (former?) Mayor of the town. Hmmm..... Huachuca City.


I promised a Sunset. It's a little late, but here it is.
Not enough clouds for the traditional Arizona Sunset.
But it was there.



This was this morning's sunrise.
Now, it's off to see where we end up for the next sunset.

-.\\