Have a feeling Goatly will end up here.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Show us the meaning of haste!
I was thinking about holidays now, and they just aren't the same without everyone home and some combination of the following: Pizza Hut, trips to Ottumwa, Lord of the Rings marathon (or some other movie marathon of our doing) Dr. Mario/Mario Kart/Smash Bros., etc., cards, alcohol, visiting Tim's parents, Andy's basement, all-nighters and Kum & Go trips.
I miss you guys.
I miss you guys.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Thursday, November 27, 2008
financially irresponsible moves
Well, and yes, I strode out into the world tonight with Sarah and my wallet and replaced the 360. Crazy behavior? Yes. The way it happened: after imagining this four-day weekend spent reading and writing and maybe working out and cleaning up the apartment I knew that something more hedonistic and slothful had to be done, and decided to rent a console, and realized after online research that this was nearly impossible. I then decided to buy a cheap one off ebay in the Orlando area so that I could stream like crazy across town to pick it up and after seeing the selling prices of them so near the retail prices decided it would be easier and quicker to just go to the store and buy a cheapo system sans hard drive and ebay it in the future future when my busted red-ringed machine returns from the dead in its cardboard casket.
But then the challenge was to find an open retail store. Best Buy: no. Toys R Us: No. Gamestop: No. Target: No. Walmart: (dejected-sounding lady on the other end of the phone line): "We're open 24 hours."
So went to Wal-Mart with Sarah and bought the 360 and margarita mix and energy drinks and veggie lasagna and Left 4 Dead. So: if you own this game, hop on later. I am to be up till at least dawn celebrating the day off by shooting as many ghouls as possible.
But then the challenge was to find an open retail store. Best Buy: no. Toys R Us: No. Gamestop: No. Target: No. Walmart: (dejected-sounding lady on the other end of the phone line): "We're open 24 hours."
So went to Wal-Mart with Sarah and bought the 360 and margarita mix and energy drinks and veggie lasagna and Left 4 Dead. So: if you own this game, hop on later. I am to be up till at least dawn celebrating the day off by shooting as many ghouls as possible.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Friday, November 21, 2008
Moral Choices in Video Games
Unfortunately for Jeff Vogel, video game "morality" comes down to how lazy the designers and writers are. Video games, much like movies, can make a good point about who is right and who is wrong. I am glad he is ambitious, but games like Fable and KOTOR end up being as so:
Aforementioned games are also flawed that way: the only time you are rewarded/punished is when it comes down to actual choices. I watched Gert slay an entire village in Fable as his paladin and yet his Alignment never went evil. KOTOR had this fucked up system that was a challenge to be a jedi because the right choices were so skewed with myth that you had a hard time seeing the correct answer from the correct Jedi answer.
The problem is conveying that message. Unfortunately, video game companies never seem to pick up on this notion because of deadlines and graphics. You also have to understand that the general populace of vidjagamers are 14 year old kids who think sex involves rocket launchers and bump mapping. And lens bloom.
If you want depth, read a book. If you want customization, buy some legos. If you are expecting the deepest, most customizable game, I have bad news for you...
Aforementioned games are also flawed that way: the only time you are rewarded/punished is when it comes down to actual choices. I watched Gert slay an entire village in Fable as his paladin and yet his Alignment never went evil. KOTOR had this fucked up system that was a challenge to be a jedi because the right choices were so skewed with myth that you had a hard time seeing the correct answer from the correct Jedi answer.
The problem is conveying that message. Unfortunately, video game companies never seem to pick up on this notion because of deadlines and graphics. You also have to understand that the general populace of vidjagamers are 14 year old kids who think sex involves rocket launchers and bump mapping. And lens bloom.
If you want depth, read a book. If you want customization, buy some legos. If you are expecting the deepest, most customizable game, I have bad news for you...
Reason Interviews Jeff Vogel
A brief but interesting interview with an independent game developer.
I’m fascinated by politics, and I’m fascinated by the process of how things get done—how ugly and compromised pretty much any dream can become. I have very little patience, in general, with ideas of some people being absolutely good or absolutely bad, or some race of creature being absolutely good or absolutely bad. In The Lord of the Rings, there are these things, and they’re called “orcs,” and they’re all bad, and they’re all evil, and their only purpose is to be killed. I find that to be extremely boring. Whenever I watch The Lord of the Rings, I find myself wondering, “So what are orcs like? Why are they like that?”
Obviously, there are some cases in real life where people are doing things that are all wrong, like the Nazis, or the genocide in Darfur. But most of the time, once you get under the surface, there are a lot of contests between people where either side isn’t absolutely right or absolutely wrong, and I find that a lot more interesting.
So in the Avernum and Geneforge games, I like to give the players choices. No cut-and-dried solutions, but instead situations where they have to go, “What do I want to do here? What side, what faction, do I think really has more of a point?” If I get to the point where the player has to actually stop and think about it, then I think I’ve made an interesting game.
I’m fascinated by politics, and I’m fascinated by the process of how things get done—how ugly and compromised pretty much any dream can become. I have very little patience, in general, with ideas of some people being absolutely good or absolutely bad, or some race of creature being absolutely good or absolutely bad. In The Lord of the Rings, there are these things, and they’re called “orcs,” and they’re all bad, and they’re all evil, and their only purpose is to be killed. I find that to be extremely boring. Whenever I watch The Lord of the Rings, I find myself wondering, “So what are orcs like? Why are they like that?”
Obviously, there are some cases in real life where people are doing things that are all wrong, like the Nazis, or the genocide in Darfur. But most of the time, once you get under the surface, there are a lot of contests between people where either side isn’t absolutely right or absolutely wrong, and I find that a lot more interesting.
So in the Avernum and Geneforge games, I like to give the players choices. No cut-and-dried solutions, but instead situations where they have to go, “What do I want to do here? What side, what faction, do I think really has more of a point?” If I get to the point where the player has to actually stop and think about it, then I think I’ve made an interesting game.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
You like boom? I like boom!
From the geniuses that brought you Business Socks, here's another good one.
Enjoy.
Enjoy.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Not so coincidental
PIRATES! No, not the kind that swing cutlasses and say "ARR!" The kind that carry AK-47s and say "ahlalalalalalalalala!"
They're hijaking oil freighters and causing all sorts of havoc off the coast of Somalia. And I find it very hard to believe that this increase in piratic activity is unrelated to the disappearance of these two pirates:
[Insert last year's halloween picture of Tim and Sarah at Kevin's party dressed as pirates here.]
Tim and Sarah CLAIM they are in Florida working for the man, but I think this recent surge in piracy calls that story into question.
They're hijaking oil freighters and causing all sorts of havoc off the coast of Somalia. And I find it very hard to believe that this increase in piratic activity is unrelated to the disappearance of these two pirates:
[Insert last year's halloween picture of Tim and Sarah at Kevin's party dressed as pirates here.]
Tim and Sarah CLAIM they are in Florida working for the man, but I think this recent surge in piracy calls that story into question.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Too Coincidental
In the last 10 days, I have heard of not one but SIX different Xbox 360s red-ringing. Six different Ex-Boxes. Right before the holiday season, too. At Sears we have plenty of Xbox's piling up.
... I think that Microsoft expects people not to be patient and just go buy a new Xbox. Just a theory, anyway.
Anyway, the real reason why I posted: another video! WHoo!
... I think that Microsoft expects people not to be patient and just go buy a new Xbox. Just a theory, anyway.
Anyway, the real reason why I posted: another video! WHoo!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Thursday, November 13, 2008
NEVER EXCEED ONE CAN . . . EVER!!!
SPIKE Shooter
You know that feeling you get when you suck down two Rockstars back to back? Like you just stepped off the silly silo and you're not sure if you need to throw up or lay down or bounce in place until the feeling wears off and your ears feel sort of tingly and your heart is beating really fast and maybe its hot in here but man you're sweating like its the fourth of july and bottle rockets are screaming past your head and some guy dressed like uncle sam on stilts is following you around but you can't actually see him no matter how fast you turn your head or maybe you aren't even turnign your head but your eyes are turning in your head so fast they spun right around.
That's how I've felt for the last two hours.
Not because I drank two rockstars, but because I drank one little can of spike. I should have known what I was in for because the can says right on it: WARNING, NEVER EXCEED ONE CAN DAILY.
I'm glad I heeded that warning.
It also says "read entire label before drinking." I didn't, but this is what it says:
WARNING: DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 OR ELDERLY. DO NOT TAKE WITH ANY OTHER STIMULANT OR WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPLEMENT OR ANY PRESCRIPTION OR OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINE. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing or at risk of being treated for high-blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, spasms, psychiatric disease, suffer from migraines, have asthma, or are taking asthma medication. Discontinue use if you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, or heart palpitations. If you have trouble sleeping, do not take within 6 hours of bedtime. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Sounds like the end of a drug commercial, doesn't it?
They're probably just covering their assets but this stuff is pretty potent. It also tastes like crap. I think I'm going to discontinue use.
You know that feeling you get when you suck down two Rockstars back to back? Like you just stepped off the silly silo and you're not sure if you need to throw up or lay down or bounce in place until the feeling wears off and your ears feel sort of tingly and your heart is beating really fast and maybe its hot in here but man you're sweating like its the fourth of july and bottle rockets are screaming past your head and some guy dressed like uncle sam on stilts is following you around but you can't actually see him no matter how fast you turn your head or maybe you aren't even turnign your head but your eyes are turning in your head so fast they spun right around.
That's how I've felt for the last two hours.
Not because I drank two rockstars, but because I drank one little can of spike. I should have known what I was in for because the can says right on it: WARNING, NEVER EXCEED ONE CAN DAILY.
I'm glad I heeded that warning.
It also says "read entire label before drinking." I didn't, but this is what it says:
WARNING: DO NOT USE IF YOU ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 OR ELDERLY. DO NOT TAKE WITH ANY OTHER STIMULANT OR WEIGHT-LOSS SUPPLEMENT OR ANY PRESCRIPTION OR OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINE. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing or at risk of being treated for high-blood pressure, heart disease, hyperthyroidism, spasms, psychiatric disease, suffer from migraines, have asthma, or are taking asthma medication. Discontinue use if you experience dizziness, headache, nausea, or heart palpitations. If you have trouble sleeping, do not take within 6 hours of bedtime. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
Sounds like the end of a drug commercial, doesn't it?
They're probably just covering their assets but this stuff is pretty potent. It also tastes like crap. I think I'm going to discontinue use.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Seriously, eew.
Dave told me to be thankful that "it's not Shia LaBiffagoodmovie or Ryan Renolds."
But this image made me throw up in my mouth a little. And die a little on the inside. And cry a little on the outside. And all those other little things that hint at subtle fractures in a soul that was, until recently, relatively whole and well.
At least I can stomach the sight of Shia without a shirt.
The only thing I can think of is that the casting director, for some reason, hates the Prince of Persia games.
Kind of like the artist comissioned to paint George Washington hated his guts and thus made him eternally fugly on our dollar bills...
But this image made me throw up in my mouth a little. And die a little on the inside. And cry a little on the outside. And all those other little things that hint at subtle fractures in a soul that was, until recently, relatively whole and well.
At least I can stomach the sight of Shia without a shirt.
The only thing I can think of is that the casting director, for some reason, hates the Prince of Persia games.
Kind of like the artist comissioned to paint George Washington hated his guts and thus made him eternally fugly on our dollar bills...
You can do whatever you want, then blame me. Go ahead, it's why I'm here.
Today since almost all of our instructors were sick or busy with things, and we didn't have much to do, we got a long lunch. As per our usual routine, we go to the cafeteria, watch the Price Is Right and make fun of other people. Since lunch was long and we had a lot to do in the afternoon, we headed back to our room early and do some pre-studying. Since our room has a special lock on the outside, you have to know the key code to get in, which is handy in keeping people you want out, and hiding things from other people. (Like our Master Chief who stole the mascot from upstairs and hid in our room because no one else can get in)
Here is what got me yelled at by 2 people.
(knock at door)
Scott: I'm not getting that.
Michelle: *whistles*
Me: Sigh.
I open the door, and see 2 people who are one and 2 ranks above me. Keep in mind, not too many people are supposed to be in our room, and if someone doesn't know you, you're probably not going to get in.
Me: Hey, what do you guys need?
Guy 2 ranks above me: Headphones
Guy 1 rank above me: We need headphones
Me: (walking away from the door so they can get in) Okay, do what ever it is that you want. (sits back down and starts reading)
2 rank guy: (3 minutes later) ...that's petty officer to you. (walks out of room)
You asshat.
We are both petty officers. Asshat.
So, 2 instructors come down less than 10 minutes after this and start yelling at me about professionalism and why I can't go swearing at people and telling them to do whatever the fuck they want to, etc.
Yes. That's right. Apparently me telling someone who is above me to do what they want to is unprofessional and worth yelling at me. Also, somewhere in there I blacked out and started saying "You can do whatever the fuck you want, I don't give a damn."
I hate this place.
Here is what got me yelled at by 2 people.
(knock at door)
Scott: I'm not getting that.
Michelle: *whistles*
Me: Sigh.
I open the door, and see 2 people who are one and 2 ranks above me. Keep in mind, not too many people are supposed to be in our room, and if someone doesn't know you, you're probably not going to get in.
Me: Hey, what do you guys need?
Guy 2 ranks above me: Headphones
Guy 1 rank above me: We need headphones
Me: (walking away from the door so they can get in) Okay, do what ever it is that you want. (sits back down and starts reading)
2 rank guy: (3 minutes later) ...that's petty officer to you. (walks out of room)
You asshat.
We are both petty officers. Asshat.
So, 2 instructors come down less than 10 minutes after this and start yelling at me about professionalism and why I can't go swearing at people and telling them to do whatever the fuck they want to, etc.
Yes. That's right. Apparently me telling someone who is above me to do what they want to is unprofessional and worth yelling at me. Also, somewhere in there I blacked out and started saying "You can do whatever the fuck you want, I don't give a damn."
I hate this place.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Left 4 Dead
Speaking of demos I just finished playing through the demo for Valve's new baby Left 4 Dead. I had very little interest in this game until Tim brought it up in conversation. So I played the demo with fairly low expectations and the great people who brought us Portal have once again proved me wrong.
So I guess that point is that this game is fully intended to be played cooperatively. You can play by yourself but where is the fun in that? If any of you guys are interested in purchasing this and scheduling a few times a week to play together that would be cool. Hell Amish could even play with us every now and them as this game actually supports split screen.
So I guess that point is that this game is fully intended to be played cooperatively. You can play by yourself but where is the fun in that? If any of you guys are interested in purchasing this and scheduling a few times a week to play together that would be cool. Hell Amish could even play with us every now and them as this game actually supports split screen.
If only I had a penny.
I have a post that isn't a bloody dream! I downloaded the demo for Mirror's Edge. Action game, more running, jumping sliding, occasionally falling to your death than shooting. The controls are a little different, but in terms of immersion, it's pretty impressive. Movement feels so smooth, which along with the bouncing of the camera in tune with the player's motion I expected fully to get motion sickness from (much like Dark Forces and Half Life I & II (also see the penny arcade comic on the demo)). Ultimately my focus was on the path I'm going to take next to pay too much attention. Of course that's only the demo, who knows if playing the game longer would result in what my grandma would call up-chucking.
The other side, is if the player has a fear of heights, they may not want to play on bigscreen tv's or through projectors. Otherwise pretty awesome.
The other side, is if the player has a fear of heights, they may not want to play on bigscreen tv's or through projectors. Otherwise pretty awesome.
Sunday, November 09, 2008
Why Hello, Ms. Green Fairy
I had absinthe tonight. Yes. Absinthe straight from the Czech Republic. Let me tell you: It tastes like pure unadulterated ass (at least that's what I believe ass tastes like, for reference Amish knows what ass tastes like and he can probably tell you what ass does taste like)
ANYWAY, absinthe does taste horrid but GOD DAMN does it get you drunk.
I will let you know what I dream about tonight. That's apparently where the magic is.
Also: girl at a party sent me home with a bunch of beer from the keg. What the shit.
Also also: I must have said Jesus Tits more times tonight than required.
Also also also: Same girl who gave me beer IDOLIZES Wes for his efforts to be Spider for Halloween, and says she would have totally loved you for showing up to a party like that Wes.
That is all. I am drunk as hell.
ANYWAY, absinthe does taste horrid but GOD DAMN does it get you drunk.
I will let you know what I dream about tonight. That's apparently where the magic is.
Also: girl at a party sent me home with a bunch of beer from the keg. What the shit.
Also also: I must have said Jesus Tits more times tonight than required.
Also also also: Same girl who gave me beer IDOLIZES Wes for his efforts to be Spider for Halloween, and says she would have totally loved you for showing up to a party like that Wes.
That is all. I am drunk as hell.
Friday, November 07, 2008
Halloweens
Since nobody at the party got it... Enjoys:
If I ever do it again, I hope I have help. Left handed drawing is bad enough without all the weird angles. Also, why does there have to be a cold snap the day I shave my head? And I'm spent...
If I ever do it again, I hope I have help. Left handed drawing is bad enough without all the weird angles. Also, why does there have to be a cold snap the day I shave my head? And I'm spent...
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Yes, Dave. I know.
Even though this was added to the Youtubes in October of this year, Dave has probably seen this video years ago. Like everything else I post.
You know what Dave? I don't care.
If you comment about how old this is, I will spam your every internet-connected moment with Hampsterdance.
This I do swear upon my Mother's very grave. If she had one.
For the rest of you; indulge your inner geek for just a moment. Or...four moments and ten seconds.
An a capella Star Wars tribute to various themes written by the music god, John Williams.
Oddly though, no Star Wars music is involved.
You know what Dave? I don't care.
If you comment about how old this is, I will spam your every internet-connected moment with Hampsterdance.
This I do swear upon my Mother's very grave. If she had one.
For the rest of you; indulge your inner geek for just a moment. Or...four moments and ten seconds.
An a capella Star Wars tribute to various themes written by the music god, John Williams.
Oddly though, no Star Wars music is involved.
Tuesday, November 04, 2008
I voted for Nader
So, there was some doubt on where I am actually supposed to vote. I am registerd for Iowa and Colorado, but not at my current address's precinct. Where I lived in '04 is now between two others as lines were redrawn and my former address sits on a line to go to two different precincts.
What does this mean? My vote might be considered invalid and not count!
So I threw my vote away. Nader/Gonzales 08!
Monday, November 03, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
