The Better Halfs

Thanks to everyone who kindly added their two bob in my last post. No, there hasn't been any posting since I removed the current posters - for anyone wailing and gnashing their teeth at the lack of wordiness, I apologise! It will all start up again once the new posters are sorted.

We have some volunteers for the new regime of posters, and I was gonna email you all individually to work out who wanted to post when, but it seems easier to just post here. Anyone who doesn't comment by, say, Friday, will get a little reminder nudge to take a peek.

Anyway! Thus far I have cecilegrey brbplayingchess miss_daizy rainbow_yarn cecilegrey brbplayingchess.

This leaves miss_daizy rainbow_yarn , I'll add you all to the posters list, and we can get going!

Discuss away!

2amtomorning
If you find yourself at the crossroads of insomnia and insanity, this is the place to channel those demons that keep you sleepless. Vivid pictures, poetry, ruminations, and confessions from the nether hours between dusk and dawn. Originally formed to celebrate the city at night, there's a strong urban theme.

green_future
Dedicated to promoting global sustainability, this community offers a forum for discussing current environmental news, research, and issues with tips on how to make positive, pro-active changes to reduce carbon impact. You'll also find information on how to get involved in eco-activism and learn about events near you (i.e., act local; think global). Offering a wealth of data on earth-friendly products and practices, you'll be inspired to don an organic bamboo cape and save the planet.

wtf_sexism
Self-described as "a little community with a lot of rage," you can soak up impassioned vibes and read blistering exposes detailing sexist attitudes in the news, pop culture, and science! A must-join community if you are, or love, a feminist. (NB: the topic of whether a "man" can be a feminist is outside the scope of this spotlight, but will probably wind up on the Writer's Block.)

With exception to those few spots still in 2009, happy new year, guys! I hope everyone rang in the new year with something fun and exciting, and isn't paying for it too much in the end. For those of you celebrating hard, keep safe!

I'm glad everyone liked my poem last week! I wrote it over the course of a few hours and originally planned to send it out for Christmas with a card, but wound up leaving it too late - with holidays, a postal strike and me being a bit ill I never managed to get it out. Next year, though!


Today's word is another one from the category of "... there's a WORD for that!?"


Greeble (sometimes called a nurnie) [Gree-ball/Ner-nee]
noun


Definition
A greeble or nurnie is a small piece of detailing added to break up the surface of an object to add visual interest to a surface or object, particularly in movie special effects. They serve no real purpose other than to add complexity to the object, and cause the flow of the eye over the surface of the object to be interrupted, usually giving the impression of increased size. It is essentially the small detailed technical part of a larger object.

They are most commonly seen in use on futuristic or science-fiction creations, like spaceships. The term can also be used for anything useless added to make things look more sciency, such as superfluous bits added to guns.


Etymology
The earliest recorded use of the term "greeble" found to date was by those working on the special effects for Star Wars — the group who would later become Industrial Light and Magic. This was in reference to the added little thingies attached to the Imperial Star Destroyer in the opening scene of A New Hope.


Usage
Always keen on the world of Steampunk, Steve was busily hunting eBay for clothes and accessories whose attached greebles best represented the steampunk genre.


I hope everyone's enjoyed my words over the last year, starting with Peccavi on January 02. Here's to a new year and new decade of awesome words!

May your 2010 be better than your 2009, and your tens be better than your naughts! May I propose we refer to this decade as the Twenteens, except for 2010-2012, which will be the Twentweens. :D

renaissance2010
Turning to photography as a creative outlet during a valiant fight with breast cancer at age 34, renaissance10 survived and set up a photo contest to help raise funds for the Lavender Trust, a nonprofit that provides information and support to younger women with breast cancer. In the first two years, the competition brought in over £65,000 (that's $107,260.73 U.S.!), with entries from 130 countries last year. Renaissance10 recently joined LiveJournal to meet other passionate photographers and find supportive friends.

curiouscupcakes
Holy buttercream frosting! If you have a sweet tooth for sugary goodness or a wandering eye for whimsical confection, this is pure ecstasy iced in deliciousness. Hailing the beloved cupcake as the artisinal canvas of choice, you'll enjoy recipes, photos, and bountiful tips to bake up a batch, whether your taste leans toward French classics or funky and flavorful.

mission101
With New Years in the offing, it's an ideal time to reflect on past accomplishments, make peace with disappointments, and refocus the lens on future goals. This community welcomes you to create a bucket list of 101 things you plan to accomplish in the next 1,001 days. Offering support, guidance, and inspiration, this is a great way to jumpstart those pesky resolutions.

Merry Christmas, wordjunkies! And happy whatever else you celebrate if you celebrate something else. Happy Giftmas for those that celebrate the gifts and booze, and happy Festivus for those with 1990 goggles on who still think Seinfeld was funny. :D

For those of us not fighting this silly War on Christmas, I hope you all have a fantastic day with family and friends, or at least a nice day by yourself avoiding the whole thing.


I have no word for you today, but something a little extra special - a Christmas poem, written by yours truely!


T'was the night before Christmas
and all around Earth
no creature was stirring
for what it was worth.

With sugar-hyped children
asleep in their beds
and visions of Santy Claus
Bouncing 'round little heads

From under the world
there came a great howl
as ancient old evil
arose for a prowl

The dread lord of madness
Cthulhu, his name
prowled 'round the Earth
To chew spicy brain

To rend and to tear
And devour souls, all
the dread lord Cthulhu
was having a ball.

Quick as a lick
He nommed, and was gone!
Back into deep space
Where evil did spawn.

So beware you, this Christmas
Of dreaming to bargain, for
Ph'nglui mglw'nafh Cthulhu
R'lyeh wgah'nagl fhtagn!