Wednesday, June 06, 2007

I'll stab you in the heart and ask "Do you feel any fucking emotion now?"

Ahh Lana, how she loves me. She said this to me the other day while we were talking. I still think it was unwarranted.

Hell is:
Listening to Kelly Clarkson sing the Beatles

I was thinking about all the self help things I've been reading and implementing lately, and whether they are worth it. In the end i decided that things like my budget or KeePass (Which I highly recommend), may save me time, (which I'll squander anyway), but more than that they act as safeguards against stress if you will. I don't worry if I'll have enough money for something, because i know where my money is and can move things around if need be. It provides sense of mind, which means I can spend more time thinking about important things, like, could i get through life with only thumb, pointer and index?

My Top Tips:
Add every one's favorite blog to your Google Homepage. Its dead easy but i didn't even realise it till today. Just click on the link at the very bottom that says:
Subscribe To: Posts (Atom)
Then on the new page it says:
Subscribe To this feed using: Google Reader
You are then given the choice of using Google Reader or putting it on your homepage.
Ta Da.

Random Updates:
I am still working on my story 'The Sultan of Sand'. The problem lies in a lack of time, and motivation. The story does seem to be evolving nicely, nothing is planned out I'm just letting it flow. I just have to re-read it all the time so I don't contradict myself.

Caught in the Web:
I just think this is hilarious. Its stupid but funny. Bob Dylan originally wrote every popular song for the last 35 years.
New entries to the dictionary. The ones i like are:
  • Disemvowel - to remove the vowels from a word (a word in a text message, e- mail etc) in order to abbreviate it.
  • Barbecue stopper - a controversial current-affairs issue, or a social gaffe.

Self Improvement Link of the week:
Because it fits in with the title of the post so well:
7 Practices for cultivating compassion.

Review:
Gears of War (X-Box 360):
  • Graphics: Odds are you have seen what this game looks like. The marketing for it was everywhere, most likely you saw the ad in which "Mad World" is playing in the background. My sister recognised the game, and she has less than no interest in games so it was pretty effective marketing. If you didn't see the ad, well here it is:

The point is, it looks unbelievable. I'm all about a game being fun first and looking good second, but this thing is so stunning, the story can take a back seat to the graphics.
  • Game-play: This is what makes or breaks the game. The stop-and-pop gaming, you will either love it or hate it. Unlike most shooters, Gears consists of using cover much more often, and more effectively. Not only ducking behind anything that will protect you, but laying down covering fire, to help your squad get into position. I found that this helps the game in two major areas. The first is realism, in a fire fight you would look for cover youwouldn't just stand around like the terminator and fight off an army. The second is excitement . When the locust (baddies) appear there is a sense of urgency to get behind cover. There is more immersion into the game when you are excited, which makes for a much more enjoyable experience. The game does mix up thegame-play as well, while still maintaining the emphasis on action it presents you with a driving area, a rails area, and even quasi-stealth used against a specific enemy. Thegame-play flows from one piece to another and is always entertaining.
  • Story: For me a story is the make or break for single player games, if i don't care about the characters, or can't project myself into them then i lose interest. Fortunately Gears delivers here as well. It provides a solid story, and in the vein of Lost and lots of current TV shows & movies, it leaves it open for more. The story itself is high action, lots of explosions andexcitement.
  • Online: As with the rest of the game, this is a hell of a lot of fun. Very graphic, especially when you curbstomp downed opponents. But it provides a nice balance between team work and lone wolf action.
  • Gods Commandment: Must Play

Babe of the day:
Brooke Burke



Ten Things we learnt from Pirates 3:

  1. If you cut out your heart, you'll be rewarded with immortality a boat and a spiffy new bandanna!
  2. If your on a losing side in a war, just swap clothes, even if the other side notices, they won't care. (I stole this one)
  3. If you have an armada behind you, it is best to set out in just your ship and try to win the war single handed.
  4. When you wake up in the after life, start licking rocks. Trust me.
  5. Keira Knightley can fit large objects 'back there'.
  6. When receiving guests it is best to prepare an elaborate pose, bonus points if you can incorporate two women into unveiling you.
  7. Everyone wants to be the captain, until they have to do something, y'know Captain-y.
  8. High pitched pirates are always funny.
  9. Keith Richards is cool, no matter what he is doing.
  10. Take what you can, Give nothing back.

Monday, June 04, 2007

Because he's right

I'll let the man speak for him self:

Taylor Mali - What Teachers Make

Heres the transcript if you ever need it.