So, let’s see… there are the Oscars (Academy Awards), Emmys (I worked extensively on Lemmings, a short film that got a student Emmy a few years back), Peabodys and Nobels. Before today, though, there were no Teshes.
I hereby present the first not-quite-annual-really-whenever-I-feel-so-inclined Tesh awards for fine bloggery and upstanding personality.
Yup, this is another story of how I took a meme that someone tagged me with and bent it to my own slightly less than nefarious designs.
The parties at fault here would be Ysharros and Pete, a fine pair of writers who alternate between reading my mind and making me wonder what they were thinking. (In the best possible way, of course; that’s merely a comment on the sometimes bewildering shifts between topics I wholly agree with, and those that I never would have thought of, but am happy to read.)
Apparently, I’m supposed to thank my taggers (thanks, you two!), and then list others who I think do a great job, and then tell others to do the same. These things could run the risk of going the Oscar “navel-gazing-pat-yourself-on-the-back” route, but I’m taking this as an opportunity to thank some people and offer some recommendations for fine reading. (And plug my new Merc page, which uses the logo design below for some merchandising. Yay for commercial tie-ins!)
First off, there is the basic level of the Tesh awards (Teshes), which is merely the Tesh Seal of Approval.
If you’re on the blogroll over there, you get this award. You wouldn’t be there if I didn’t like your work.
A step above and beyond that, though, nets the coveted Golden Tesh award.
These are hereby awarded to the following authors for various reasons:
Big Bear Butt, Phaelia, Wolfshead and Muckbeast for the inspiration to start blogging in the first place. BBB really started it all, expressing appreciation for a bit of moral support I offered some time ago in a comment thread. Phaelia also engcouraged me to write, and Wolfshead and Muckbeast share an irrereverent critical take on the MMO genre that has prompted many of the thoughts that I’ve expounded on hereabouts. We’re all coming from different directions, but without these four especially, I’d probably not have even bothered with this blog thing in the first place.
Chris and Capn’ John for being early adopters, as well as their continued good humor and kindred thoughts. These are the guys I’d have a blast playing volleyball with… even if they can’t play (I don’t know if they can, actually, so it’s the thought that counts). That’s high praise, actually, for those who don’t realize it from how… pithy it looks. These are the guys that I count as friends, or at least kindred spirits… and that’s not something I do lightly.
Big Red Kitty and Phaelia for their recent rededication to their families, at the cost of their blog. They have give much to those in the WoW blog world, (and WoW gave back to Phaelia in a great way), and their works will be appreciated. Even more than that, though, I heartily applaud their respective choices to put family first, and I wish them very, very well.
Tipa and Saylah for their tireless championing of Wizard 101, and their challenges to the DIKU establishment. Also, it’s always a pleasure reading their work, on whatever subject. (Tipa’s comics are a great bonus, too.)
Ysharros and Wiqd for prompting the most interesting thoughts that have changed my own personal game design projects. Alpha Hex is only the start, and if it works, well… there’s more to do.
So yeah… apparently I’m supposed to also tag others to do the same sort of thing, but that’s never been my strong point. I’m an evasive Explorer, not a Hunter-Killer. If this sort of thing appeals to you, by all means take it and run with it.
Oh, and there’s a third thing… I’m supposed to write ten honest and/or interesting things about myself. Again, I’m evasive, so I’ll just point out that I’ve probably written at least that many things over the last few months here on this blog. For those latecomers, though, here’s a cookie crumb:
I’m a technical artist in the game industry by trade, and my Bachelor’s degree is in Computer Animation (Pixar-level stuff). I could be working for Rhythm and Hues (they wanted me for the Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe movie) and maybe even Pixar (they love my alma mater) by now, but I will not live in California. So, I work in games at small local studios close to my extended family. I’m an artist, scientist, writer and teacher. Maybe one of these days, I’ll find out how to get paid for all of them at the same time. In the meantime, I just write and think about game design, which I find is a bit of a mishmash of all of them. Renaissance thinking makes me happy, and finding ways to express and utilize all of my interests makes me happier.
My family is the most important thing in the world to me, starting with my lovely and wonderful wife, two beloved children, and extending to my extended family. They are why I work where I do, and why I work as hard as I do.
…and ultimately, it’s thinking of them that made this post even relevant. See, a week and a half ago, I taught a bit in church about “Finding Joy in the Journey“, and was reminded once again just how important it is to connect with the people you love and respect. I quote from that article:
“Send that note to the friend you’ve been neglecting; give your child a hug; give your parents a hug; say “I love you” more; always express your thanks. Never let a problem to be solved become more important than a person to be loved. Friends move away, children grow up, loved ones pass on. It’s so easy to take others for granted, until that day when they’re gone from our lives and we are left with feelings of “what if” and “if only.” Said author Harriet Beecher Stowe, “The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.”
If you care about someone enough to let them know, if wish to offer gratitude, if you feel any impulse whatsoever to offer a bit of kindness, do so. In a world sometimes gone mad, it’s the little kindnesses that will keep people alive and well.
Thanks, all, for stopping by, and for your kind and thoughtful comments around here. May your lives be a bit brighter every day, and may you find ways to share that light. Even if you have to put your tongue in your cheek for a bit, or dance around the “sentimental stuff”, the kindness will come through, and we can all use a bit lot more of that.
Thanks Tesh =) It’s funny, because when I first started blogging I didn’t get the feel there was a “community” around it – of course, that was mostly because of me being such a noob. Sure enough, through mouse clicks and tags I found this little comfortable haven and found that community. And through blogrolls, have found others with similar and differing viewpoints which has really made blogging fun (and educational). It pretty much started with you and your site.
No, I am not sucking up because I won an award! I’m just giving my emotional acceptance speech! =)
I do play volleyball – although I prefer beach/pool. Adult Beverages (semi) optional.
Don’t forget your numerous Grammy nominations and your six music Emmy wins.
Not sure if you won anything for ET, but hey…your wife Connie can be considered a trophy too.
Congratulations!
Jason (resident drunken idiot of Channel Massive who likes to sign his comments because it’s makes them 10x more valid)
It is funny that a “Big Bear Butt” made a “Renaissance Man” start blogging!
I started commenting on blogs after getting more and more dissatisfied with the direction Guild Wars and WoW are taking, especially after waiting and reading up about WOTLK, and then dumping it after not even a month, after feeling that the endgame of easy Naxx + daily quests is not really that cool.
So basically, I started reading blogs because forums are usually unfriendly and also often make me reply in a way that is not friendly either… but I have found some wonderful blogs that opened my mind. Many articles and comments provided me with new information, new perspectives and interesting discussion.
I am probably not going to write a blog of my own, I just love yours and other blogs too much. Ysharros asked me about that, so I felt I should add this information here, too. Besides that, I should finally write some more book reviews, I am have been lazy while playing WoW and blogging for too long by now.
The “Golden Tesh” reminds me of the style of the Amarr Empire in EVE Online. Check it out, it could really be some kind of Amarr decoration.
I will take another look at the “Big Bear Butt” right now, it seems it is not only interesting for WoW druids, as I thought initially.
Ahhhh, manly men being manly. 😉
You’re absolutely right. There’s no such thing as too much kindness.
Nice logo, Tesh. I hope you don’t mind, but in appreciation for the nod I put the logo up in my media box on my blog site for all to see 😀
Oh yeah, I stole it too. Is it stealing if I give credit? Well, I did stoled it anyway!
Steal away. 🙂 Well, for that anyway. 😛
I’m in a rush, but I’ll comment more later.
[…] it to those imbeciles, so now I am looking for another outlet. Tesh, my good friend made a post of awards in the newest blog-induced tag scheme that has been going around recently. I dance to my own […]
[…] proof and a very auspicious award given to me by none other than Tish Tosh Tesh as he describes in his post today. I of course, accept this award with humility and casually stick my tongue out at all of you who […]
@Chris,
I’m still amazed to find thoughtful, interesting commentary on a consistent basis. You can’t pay for this quality of discourse in the mainstream.
Beach volleyball is awesome… too bad all the courts around here are ringed with cement. It’s like they thought “it’s a big sandbox, right?” and didn’t actually know how to play volleyball.
@Jason,
Well, I can only mention *those* so many times before people just start rolling their eyes.
@Longasc,
Irony indeed. BBB’s a good guy, with more under the fur than bile and blubber. …did that come out right? His writing covers many things, and it’s a good place to kick back and peruse.
Aw, no Longasc Blog of Blogginess? I’ll settle for continued great comments. 🙂
Amarr, eh? I do keep adding reasons to check out EVE.
@Ysh,
Now, imagine my church class, where it’s just adult males. (The second hour is co-ed, not my class.) Yeah… “emotional constipation” is real, and more often than not, the class is less of a discussion, more of a lecture. Guys just don’t *do* that emotional stuff.
We’re still kind. We just don’t talk about it, or try to make it *public*. Too busy flexing. *shrug*
Thanks for the praise Tesh! I’ve really enjoyed your outstanding contributions to the world of MMO blogging as well as the other great bloggers and posters that you have introduced me to as well.
I feel all of us have evolved into somewhat of an alternative to the dominant MMO blog community where we can be free to express our opinions about what we feel passionate about. I really appreciate the camaraderie of everyone here.
“My family is the most important thing in the world to me, starting with my lovely and wonderful wife, two beloved children, and extending to my extended family. They are why I work where I do, and why I work as hard as I do.”
Those are very wise words my friend and words to live by. Seems like you have it all figured out. Some people live a lifetime and never realize that family matters more then your career. I’m proud to know you Tesh!
*cheers*
Woot! The Golden Tesh!!!
Thanks :)) I’m glad I found your blog, you are an incredible and insightful writer.
[…] to get back to reality. It’s not “this blog is now dead”, it’s “go check out the other writers that do great work, and keep the great discussions alive (even in my old posts)… and maybe I’ll write when […]
[…] I maintain the blog Tish Tosh Tesh as well as make the rounds to comment sections of sympathetic or interesting bloggers, as noted in a recent article I wrote here. […]
[…] proof and a very auspicious award given to me by none other than Tish Tosh Tesh as he describes in his post today. I of course, accept this award with humility and casually stick my tongue out at all of you who […]