I don't have time for this, I have a rabbit to buy.

12 New Commandments:
Commandment the Fourth: Save / Invest your money.
Good or bad, money is needed nowdays. To live and take care of yourself and others you do need money. For most people it takes so long to get money, through work and what not, why would you not want to keep it, or use it to make more of it.
I am not going to outline a specific saving strategy, because they can be found ALL over the internet. Instead I am just going to say remember to save your money, learn to invest and take care with spending it.

Random Updates:

Went to the Marilyn Manson concert on the weekend. It was crazy. I arrived and saw a line but thought it wouldn't be that bad, so I went and got dinner and a coffee. Then I decided to join the line. It snaked past the Horden Pavillion, out to the street and up to the stadium. It was crazy long. But walking along it did give me a chance to see how everyone was dressed. It was a mix of people. All in black of course. Some going the whole way, huge leather boots, Mohawks, make up, all of it. Others were just wearing tour shirts and jeans. It was very cool seeing everyone getting in to it (this may be due to the fact that the majority of girls were wearing either lingerie, or short skirts/shorts with fishnets). Finally got in, bought a shirt, realised that a beer gut and a mesh shirt should never, EVER go together, then went in. Since I was by myself I decided that sitting down was out, I was going to get right in it. I managed to get about four deep to the left of the stage, right under the speaker. Waited for about an hour before he came on, but it was worth it. The concert was mind blowing, and being so close made it so much better. Especially for songs that people really got into "The Fight Song", "Dope Show", and of course, the finale "The Beatiful People". I went in thinking it would be a great show, and it was, despite the smallish stage, there was a lot happening and the majority of songs had there own set and or props.
One thing that seperated this concert was the lack of an encore. Not that he didn't deserve one (Ive never been to a concert people wanted to walk away from), but it was refreshing to see him come out and do his set, without the five minutes of an empty stage, but no house lights, waiting for the encore.
The other thing to say is that in the end, I am glad I went by myself. Going with someone who didn't like the music would have hampered the feel of the concert, and going with someone who would have wanted to sit would have made it in to a completely different concert. In the end, getting in their, moshing out and ruining my ears for the next two days was so better becasue I was by myself, not worse.
Having said that I am anxious about Linkin Park, I am going by myself again, but I'm sitting. Hmmm, maybe I could trade, or sneak down.

Linkin Park was this weekend. Man I update so regularly. It was crazy. To summarise, if you dont want to read the more extensive review, better concert, but because I was in a seat not as fun as Manson.
Another concert that I went to by myself. Doesn't worry me in the least. Got to the city about an hour before the doors opened with a mission, pizza, good pizza. Unfortunately it was at the Sydney Entertainment Centre which is in China town. Quickly abandoning the pizza idea, i looked for something. Settled on Oporto. Got inside and headed straight for merchandise. Didnt wait in line, kind of just snuck in the side, I know im a horrible person, got a shirt then headed for a beer. Got the beer, looked at the shirt, not the one I wanted. Damn Karma. Gupled down the beer, went back and lined up again. Got in and heard Chris Cornell, all right but not great. Turns out he has done quite a few songs that I know. Interlude, then it was time for the main show. Starts off with a white sheet covering the stage, three clashes of music coincide with the lights coming up from back stage, throwing a sillouette over the sheet, the first two were just of the stage (It was set up as two levels, drums and DJ up top, guitar and singers on the main), the third one you could see the band as well. A very cool way to start what would be a very cool concert.
They went through pretty much their entire collection of hits, from Hybrid Theory to Minutes to Midnight. Not just the stadium rocking hits, but some quiter pieces as well. I stood the entire concert (screw the people behind me). Just a huge amount of energy, and a great concert.

Caught in the Web:

Who doesnt love a good large scale robbery story, here are ten of the best.

http://www.wired.com/cars/coolwheels/magazine/15-11/ff_cannonballrun?currentPage=3

A great bit from Conan - An alarm goes off in the studio while taping.

There are some sites that I suggest. Mostly I stumble on these through Digg or Shoutwire, but they do provide good content, on almost a daily basis. They are:

Double Viking - A very male centric humor site, although this wouldnt stop everyone from enjoying it. Cool & funny lists & videos. Not specifically funny lists, but usually worth a read.

Cracked - Similar in the amount of funny lists and videos, although its target audience is much larger. Updated more regularly and generally better than Double Viking, much more focused on humor.

Snopes - Urban legends website. Not only will it keep you interested for months, but the forums are also full of crazy rumors and thoerys.

Right Thoughts ... Not Right Wing -

WallStreetFighter - Another blog that is updated regularly with interesting or funny articles, videos and photos.

Penny Arcade - Possibly the greatest web comic ever, also the articles are always entertaining and informative, and the podcasts are hilarious.

Digg - A social networking site, have talked about it before, users submit stories they find interesting, if they are good, they get dugg to the top. This collects stories from a lot of websites, including some of the sites listed above.

Trying something new

As well as the big posts, im going to do smaller ones when I feel the need. They will almost always be about funny stuff I find.

Posted on CraigLists

What am I doing wrong?

Okay, I’m tired of beating around the bush. I’m a beautiful (spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I’m articulate and classy.
I’m not from New York . I’m looking to get married to a guy who makes at least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don’t think I’m overreaching at all.

Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around 200 - 250. But that’s where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won’t get me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she’s not as pretty as I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I get to her level?

Here are my questions specifically:

- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars, restaurants, gyms

-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won’t hurt my feelings

-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I’m 25)?

- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east side so plain? I’ve seen really ‘plain jane’ boring types who have nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I’ve seen drop dead gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What’s the story there?

- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?

- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for MARRIAGE ONLY

Please hold your insults - I’m putting myself out there in an honest way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I’m being up front about it. I wouldn’t be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn’t able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a nice home and hearth.

The Response:

I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament.
Firstly, I’m not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here’s how I see it.

Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a crappy business deal. Here’s why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring my money. Fine, simple. But here’s the rub, your looks will fade and my money will likely continue into perpetuity…in fact, it is very likely that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won’t be getting any more beautiful!

So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation accelerates! Let me explain, you’re 25 now and will likely stay pretty hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!

So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy and hold…hence the rub…marriage. It doesn’t make good business sense to “buy you” (which is what you’re asking) so I’d rather lease. In case you think I’m being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It’s as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.

Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So, I wonder why a girl as “articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful”
as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K hasn’t found you, if not only for a tryout.

By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then we wouldn’t need to have this difficult conversation.

With all that said, I must say you’re going about it the right way.
Classic “pump and dump.”
I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of lease, let me know.

SaveUs.Y2J

Man I love wrestling. Following the mysterious SaveUs.222 video that ran on RAW, everyone is thinking the same thing. Jericho. I hope 'they' are right. With Edge out, The Rock in Hollywood and Triple H playing nice, there is a complete lack of confidant cool heels. Sure we have Randy Orton, but its not the same. He takes himself too seriously. We need the Ayatollah of Rock and Roll-a, the man of 1004 Moves, the King of Bling Bling. The WWE needs a saviour, and once again RAW will be Jericho.

Jay Z must feel kind of stupid right now. For years he was pushing Beanie Siegel and Memphis Bleek, and they did all right in the US, Im not 100% sure, they may have done really well. But all this time he had Kanye working for him and didn't see it. Now Kanye has blown up and broken through to the mainstream, in a way that even Jay was never quite able to (Again this is primarily based on an Australian view). Just seems like he missed, or at least dragged his feet on one hell of a talent.

My Top Tips:

Never name a blog post "Well Hung with a Snow White Tan". I did, now I keep getting traffic looking for, well, something other than David Bowie lyrics.

12 New Commandments:
Commandment the Third:
Always be honest, with yourself and with others.
The number of problems that stem from being dishonest is astounding. Dishonesty can damage relationships (both personal and financial), your image (The way you see yourself, as well as the way others do) and almost every other aspect of your life.
We are dishonest, for the most part because it is often easy. It is easier to lie and accept something than to stand up for yourself and assert an opinion. It is easier to lie than to admit to problems you face, because doing that may make you confront them.
This commandment has potentially large consequences for your life, so it may be difficult to do.
This commandment is tested when we have information regarding someone else, told in confidence. This is a potential problem, as someone else may try and get the information from you. It is best to let the person confiding in you know, that you will not lie for them, also if they do confide in you, tell them anyone you tell. Complete and total honesty at all times.

Random Updates:

Went out for dinner on the weekend, went to a bar above the rocks. If it wasnt so windy it would have been perfect. Cheap good meals, (which I needed, I was starving), cheap drinks and great company.
I always stayed in the city that night with Lana. It was fantastic too. We had breakfast at Pancakes, then went shopping a little, then home. It doesn't look like much on paper but it is. I love going away for the weekend. Feels so good, check in then go out and have dinner, when you get back they have turned down the bed. Luxury, you can't beat it.

Well I was there at midnight on Moday the 24th/Morning Tuesday 25th for Halo 3. I have only played a little of the multiplayer thus far. But seeing as how our download limit has almost been reached this month Im sure I will be 'forced' into the single player some time. First impressions of the multiplayer are good, primarily because I can get a few kills, unlike Gears of War. Also the variety, the weapons and vehicles make it more interesting. A more in depth review will show up eventually im sure.
In more Halo news, what everyone thought would happen did. It is the largest opening day (in terms of sales) of any type of entertainment ever, more than Spiderman3, more than Harry Potter. It eclipised them all with $170 million in sales in one day. Now sure, Spiderman may make more money over time, but as stated the profit on Spidey was around 40%, where as Halo will be 90%, and I those numbers will turn a lot of higher up heads at some companies that may have been resisting the move to games. "We can spend hundreds of millions making a movie and make 40%, or spendat most, 30 million and make an insane profit.
As for myself, I feel somewhat like this guy from Kotaku:

Over a million players logged into Xbox live during the first 20 hours of release, and nearly all of them have killed me at least once at this point.

Caught in the Web:

I was almost crying with laughter while watching this. Its the logical extension of Halo's popularity.

You just frigided your way out of a biscuit.

I found a list of 100 things to blog on. Not all of them are great but I will do some of them, starting now.

What I Spend Money On
Well I suppose the best way to break this down is to have recurring costs and non recurring costs, I will also include how I savce my money, just to show that I am somewhat responsible. For recurring costs:

• Two mobile phones.
• Board
• Health Insurance
• Income Protection Insurance
• Comics (I get certain titles each month so there is a set recursive cost). For non recursive costs:
• Food (Lunches at work)
• Transport (Train to & from gym)
  

For Non recursive costs I have:

• Dining Out
• Clothes
• Games
• DVDs
  
• Food (Coffee etc)
• Comics (Whenever I go to the shop I end up picking up a few extra things if I want to or not).
• Hotels (About once a month with Alana, we share the cost)
• Transport (fuel whenever i use the car)

For Investment/ Savings I have:

• Emergency Fund (this only gets a little each month, but it will build over time)
• ING Savings account
• Shares

Looking at it like this I do know where I could cut some expenses. In a year I will be down to one phone, I am on a contract I wont renew for my second). I suppose If i was to take on a loan for a house I would cut down on hotels, dining comics and games. I wouldnt eliminate these completely, but I would reduce the amount of money spent on them. As it stands I feel i put away enough each month (44% of my after tax income) to justify having fun with the money leftover.

12 New Commandments:
Commandment the Second:
Never allow yourself to be overweight. This is a polarising commandment, although only because people have taken a "if everyone else is, why can't I be?" approach to looking after themselves. Do not think of this as, I should go on a diet. Instead think I should live a healthier life, It must be a long term change for it to work. It is no more difficult to live a healthy life, however changing the way you think, changing from one lifestyle to the other could be difficult. This does not mean you have to spend all your free time at the gym. You just have to realise that some foods are once a week foods, and more importantly everyone should exercise, if not everyday, every second day. On that point there can be no discussion, you must exercise.
This commandment is not done to punish people, but to ensure that they live longer healthier lives. Do you want to spend your 'golden years' in and out of hospital because you have one of the dozens of problems associated with being overweight? I didn't think so.
Some easy ways to live a healthier life:

• Replace soda with water, or natural low sugar juice.
• Reward yourself with something other than food. Go and visit a friend, go for a walk, go to the zoo.
• Go for a 30 minute walk an hour after getting home. Get home, relax, have a cup of tea, what ever. Then go for a walk, use it as thinking time, go with a friend, learn something via podcasts.
  

Random Updates:

Cats like Fish
Big's a Cat
Big likes Fish

Thats a poem I made years ago. Its not really a poem, more like a bad exercise in logic. That might have been what it was intended to be originally. I can't remember. Big is from the Sonic games.
Another long weekend coming up. I don't have any plans yet. Im sure i will find something to fill the time *cough*HALO F'IN 3 *cough*. Yeah, I dont know, I might just hang out at home all weekend ;). Its not that I have been caught up in the hype for Halo 3 (which in my opinion has been lacking Down Under, compared to Halo 2). I ruh-heally want to see how it all ends.
You always here about unsung heros, and you're reading about another one right now. My entire life, I have been fighting a one man war against seasonal foods (Christmas Cake, Hot Cross Buns etc). Their numbers are many, but my appetite is large. Unfortunately it is rather a bleak period, Christmas still seems so far away. I suppose I will have to demand a thanksgiving lunch so I can get some turkey.

Caught in the Web:

Im sure this is old, but its just plain funny.

http://www.shoutwire.com/viewstory/104019/Secret_Societies

Reviews:

Prince of Persia Classic (X Box Live Arcade):

I remember playing Prince of Persia all those years ago. I remember vividly not being able to get past the third level, because that was where the 'splicer' traps appeared, and I could never master them.
When I fired this up on my xbox, I wasnt sure if it would still play as well as I remembered. After all there have been a lot of changes in gaming since then. Could a simple side on action game compete with interactive worlds like Oblivion? The answer is obvisouly no, but it doesn't try to. POPC simply tries to deliver an hours (Just the 1 hour) worth of challenge and fun, and on that it delivers big time.
This is a game that is easy to pick up and play. None of the puzzles, or enemies present enough of a challenge to cause someone to stop playing, but they are not so easy that you will run through it perfetly the first time.
King of Kings Recommendation: Get it if you want a quick gaming fix.

Kanye West - Graduation:
The first listen through of this, to be honest, was below expectations. This was because I was expecting something similar to his second album, with more stand out hits, thinking "Gold Digger" & "Touch the Sky" stuff that really blows you away with the beat. This cd does have some standout songs, "Stronger" obviously being the one that really stands out. After listening to it several times, I realise its excellence. The difference in the songs is strong enough to make each one stand out. Kanye uses his guests to his advantage, I love Coldplay (I own all thier CD's as in the actual CD's) but its still wierd to hear Chris Martin on a rap song (Having not heard Jay Z's Kingdom Come). Personal favourites include "Good Morning", "Everything I am", "Stronger", "Homecoming" and "Barry Bonds". Thats not saying the others are bad, thats just the ones I like the most.
The one thing that this CD really highlights is Kanye's lyrical skills. He's not quite Jay Z, and sure isn't Nas, but he is good and he is growing, especially with this CD.
King of Kings Recommendation: This is a CD that I would suggest for those who like music, not just those who like rap. It really is one of those CD's that could convert people to liking rap.


Top 5 Hits of the Week:
1. Ayo Technology - 50 Cent, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland
2. Homecoming - Kanye West & Chris Martin
3. Heart Shaped Glasses - Marilyn Manson
4. Will 2k - Will Smith
5. Although I dropped $100'000 - Paul Frees

Babe of the day:
Dita Von Teese - I realise I didnt post a picture last week. Correcting that now.

It is a blurred line that lies at the edge of Godhood and insanity. Guess which side of it I am on?

I bet 50 Cent is feeling pretty stupid right about now. He 'promised' to stop making individual CD's if Kanye's outsold his in the first week, and going by first day sales, it looks like he's going to have his word put to the test. In a suprise to no one, fiddy has already retracted that statement.
Staying on rap, how has Snoop Dogg been able to coast along, with this image of being a corner stone of rap, without releasing a decent song for the last who knows how long. Now Snoop has been on songs that have done well, but for the most part as a guest or with other people backing him up. I suppose looking back he seems to always be the second man, behind 2Pac, Dre and now Pharrell, Pussycat dolls and anyone else who needs some relaxed rhymes in the background.
Im not saying he's bad, he is one of the best at what he does, he just doesn't deserve the legend status that seems to be applied to him.

My Top Tips:

Get Halo 3. Its going to be the biggest entertainment premiere ever. Mark my words. This will blow Spiderman 3's opening weekend so far out of the water. Its so big, GameStop (American computer game shop chain) is firing employees on the spot if they open the boxes early. Its going to be HUGE.
Finish the Fight.

12 New Commandments:
A new feature. Like my top tips, but this will cause me to actually think things through, rather than short rants.
Commandment the First:
Drink Water. Starting the commandments off simple. Water is quite simply the most beneficial thing in the universe for the human body. The brain, skin, blood and digestive system all benefit from drinking water. Provided you don't over do it (2 Litres in 30 mins without a bathroom break would be over doing it), drink as much as you can. Even the best juices are high in sugar, and there is nothing worth drinking in soda's, but were all going to drink them any way. There is a lot that anyone can do to improve their lives, without a doubt the easiest is to drink more water.

Random Updates:

The long weekend has come and gone (Thank you APEC). Although I didn't go down to the snow, which was my plan up till the Monday starting the week, I didn't find myself wishing I was down there once.
I hung out with Alana all weekend, which as always was incredible.
I had a night of drinking with her brother, his friend and her cousin, which was one of the most fun nights i've had in ages. That night and the casino night, I don't go out a lot but each time its a lot of fun. Late night hide and seek is the greatest game ever.

If you cast your gaze to the top of the site you will see, AD's (Dum Dum Duhhhhhhm). Yes, in an effort to try and make a little money I have added Googles AdSense. Now i suppose I should just make something worth reading....yeah that'll happen.

Caught in the Web:

This is a great video, its 8 minutes long but its worth watching. Its completely inspired me to go to Africa. Some people watch as some lionesses grab a baby buffalo. I wont spoil it but ill just say there is also some crocodiles and a hell of a lot of action. Why the hell am I talking about it. This is the web of the future here it is:

Hit of the Week:

Teenagers - My Chemical Romance

Babe of the day:

Dita Von Teese

I Am Being Lapped By People In The Game Of Life

Its been a while. I have lost enthusiasm for creating these long drawn out things. I dunno. I'll keep it up, maybe smaller posts (I've said that before).

My Top Tips:

This is a weird character. Once you use it, it reverses all text after it. I cant really use it here, since it reverses the entire post, sorry.

Random Updates:

Birthday Drinks - The plan was for a whole night of drinking and it delivered. We hit the Orient Hotel on George St on the edge of China Town. Stayed there for a while, then decided to go to the casino. Had to get a six pack on the way, which didnt end well for all, as I was way to over the top with a toast and chipped a friends toast. Casino went well, playing roulette, as always and ended up winning about 600. This kept us in drinks for a while, although everyone was buying so I cant take all the credit. We spent a few hours at the Lagoon Bar at the Casino then as the sun had come up we decided it was time for breakfast, so we headed to George St got Maccas and then went for one final beer at the... bar next to Woolworths Metro.

Caught in the Web:

I can't decide if this is the greatest party dinner ever or really, really creepy. Imagine a pinata, that looked like a person, and 'bled' when it was opened. Im not sure how I should feel, although I know if I sat down somewhere and someone wheeled one out for dinner, I wouldnt even use utensils, I'd get into the spirit of the thing and dig in head first. I'd be like a tiger plowing into a giraffe (That joke is funnier if you're me).

Reviews:

God of War:

The Game: First of all, I am a fan of mythology so this was going to go over well with me. The game is heavily involved in mythology. You play the role of Kratos, a warrior who is in the service to Ares the God of War. I won't give away the story, as it alone is reason enough to play the game, or at least watch someone play through the whole game.
You travel through a variety of different locations, each with their own look, feel and challenges. These include Athens, a desert, a maze within a mountain and even the underworld.
As an added bonus, after you finish the game you open up some 'Making of' documentaries. These are interesting and worth watching, they include concept art, levels that were deleted and preliminary character models. Much like a bonus disc of a dvd. Very cool.

The Gameplay: The game is a hack and slash fighter. You fight through all the evil forces of greek mythology the Hydra, Medusa's, Minotaur's, Cyclops' and all manner of other baddies. It is a violent game, in that you will tear people in half, jam swords down throats and generally do all that is expected of a representative of Ares. There are a few puzzles that are not only challenging, but really engaging, and for the most part they make sense within the story. I played through on medium difficulty and at no point did I think that it was so hard I was not going to be able to finish, and if there is some part that seems impossible, after a few retries the game will ask if you want to change the difficulty and make it easier.
King of Kings Rating: *****

Ultimate Spiderman (PS2):
The Game: Make no mistake, this game perfectly captures the look, feel, humor, characters and all other aspects of Ultimate Spiderman the comic. You play as both Peter Parker and Venom, and despite having some features in common they do feel quite different. Venom feels like someone who is built solely for attacking and hurting people while Spiderman moves much faster and cannot regenerate health.
The New York in the game is incredibly detailed for its size. Not only does it include all the things that are unique to the real New York, like the TKTS stand in Time Square, it also includes different things from the New York in the Marvel universe. These include the Fantastic Four's Baxter Building, as well as signs for Kraven the Hunter.
The other reference to the Marvel Universe include the other characters you will encounter, ones like Trask, Nick Fury and Silver Sable are all part of the story so it makes sense. But its cooler to see Wolverine show up in a bar and Johnny Storm show up for a race.
The story is good, but a little short. It includes a lot of characters, both good and bad and flows well between both Venom and Spiderman. I personally would have liked to have seen more characters, maybe working with you at some point. The Ultimates could show up to fight against Venom, or when Venom & Spiderman are going at it, the Hulk could rampage through for a while.

The Gameplay: The game is the comic, and when you're playing you ARE Spiderman. The speed, the jumping distance and height and the actions of Spidey's movement while doing all this look and feel natural. When it comes to web slinging the game shows just how Spiderman would move. The ease at which he spins from one web to the other, as well as the different ways he moves around, web swinging between the larger buildings in Manhattan and the web zipping along the rooftops of the buildings along Queens.
The game plays out in a number of ways, for the majority of the game you chase down the villain and then fight them. There are side quests that include races, and fight tours across the city. The chases can get repetitive and are often frustrating, if you fall to far behind you lose. Several times I almost threw the controller it was so annoying.
There is also a marked difference in the gameplay when playing as Venom. Here you chase and fight as well, however the fighting is more intense because as Venom you are able to regenerate health. The chases are also more frustrating because you cannot move vertically as easily as Spiderman can.

In the end it is a really fun game for the most part, however the frustrating bits bring the score down a little. The story is also a little short which brings the score down as well.
King of Kings Rating: ***1/2

Top 4 Hits of the Week:
1. Stronger - Kanye West
2. Brick House 2003 - Rob Zombie
3. New Workout Plan - Kanye West
4. If I Can't - 50 Cent

Finish the Fight

Im going to some concerts soon, Marilyn Manson, Linkin Park and the Killers (provided I get tickets). I am super pumped for all of them, I love seeing bands live and think that they will all put on one hell of a show. Now for the two I already have tickets to I am going alone, which I didn't think twice about, its not everyone's taste in music and i really want to see it so I bought just the one ticket. Alana came along and said it was sad that I was going by myself, I hadn't even though of it until she mentioned it. Alana is coming with me to the Killers, she felt sorry for me. In hindsight I probably could have found someone to go with, but i decided against it.
That was a mistake, I should be more proactive, especially in friendships. Hopefully I can make this long term change, I have already taken the first step. The problem, as far as I can tell comes primarily from my ego, which stops me from asking for help, or for appearing weak before anyone else, which is why I didnt go out and ask anyone, because I see it as a weakness. It is ridiculus to think that having friends makes you weak, or that a simple thing like asking them to go to a concert will make me seem weak. I think i could also sense the futility in it, I was sure everyone would say no so i didnt bother asking.
Lots of things to think about, meditate on and work out. Thats why I have this blog, its cheaper than therapy.

I have defied Gods and Demons.
I am your Shield. I am your Sword.
I know you, your past. Your Future.
This, is the way the world ends.

Random Updates:

It was my birthday this week. I got diving lessons. Im excited for these, I never would have thought of it, but Im really excited for it. Im going to get my license then start finding shipwrecks and stuff. Plus Bond could scuba, so its just one more thing to help me become Bond.

I also got a surprise from Lana. It was awesome. I knew i was going away for the weekend, and I knew there were spa treatments (Massage, Facial etc) involved. I was shcoked when we started heading out west and the Navman said 89k's left, Penrith was only 40, we were going twice past Penrith, where the hell were we going?
Turns out we were going to Lilianfels, which is heaven. Lilianfels is a 5 star Hotel and Spa Resort in the Blue Mountains. It is owned by the Orient Express group, who also own our favorite Sydney hotel, the Observatory. It is much more relaxed than the Observatory, you walk into a giant lounge room, with (I assume since it was foggy) great views. We had dinner at the restaurant there, Dahleys, and it was excellent, filling but not heavy at all. Sunday was where it all happened though. We got up early, played some snooker, in a billiard room that looks like it should be filled with cigar smoking old men deciding who they make president, went for a swim, in the indoor pool, had brunch at the restaurant, then we went to the spa. We both had a volcano rock massage, which was fantastic. Whole body exfoliated, wrapped with a mineral mask, then wash it off and get the all over warm stone massage. After that we had tea in the lounge then went down for a facial.
Good god it was relaxing. If you have never had a day of luxury, I strongly suggest it. It is the perfect way to relax. I cannot speak highly enough of it or of Lana who got it for me.

Caught in the Web:

Its a long read, but I laughed throughout the entire thing so I definately think its worth it. Its a guide of what to do and what not to do on a first date, including examples.

This story is just creepy and really, really, really stupid. A guy lived in a flat with over 200 spiders, snakes and lizards. Guess what happend. He was found covered in web, filled with spiders and partially eaten by the larger spiders, lizards and snakes.

http://www.last100.com/2007/08/13/live-concert-recordings-on-usb-sticks/

This article is hard to describe but really really good. It shows the world map, representative of different statistics. The map showing HIV affected people is as you would expect, dominated by Africa. The toy exporter is almost entirely china. Really good, really interesting, although the data is from 2001, and a lot has happened since then.

Reviews:

Thirsty Merc (Live at Sharkies):
For a band that has as much difference between songs as Thirtsy Merc, they put on a concert that rocked pretty hard the whole way through. They started it off with a bang, with the hit Summertime. This song sounds completely different live, and it was a solid riff to open things up. They continued with a fair mix of their first and second CD, playing my personal favourites, "She's my brother" (Played a little faster, making it even better), "I Wish somebody would Build a Bridge" and the encore being "Emancipate Myself", which provided possibly the only time all night that the lead forgot his line, and even then It was messing up one owrd, which then sent him off.
The small crowd was good, but felt a little flat to start with, although you could tell that there were hardcore fans in the crowd and they made themselves heard. By the end everyone seemed to be much more into it. They stayed after the show and signed autographs for the fans.
King of Kings Rating: ****1/2

Babe of the day:

Beyonce

Earth Needs Me

I have been reading a few articles lately about sex. Now mind you I have NOT been looking for them, they have come up through Digg mainly, but they have been a good read, and raised a lot of internal discussions. The two different things include a really well written, well thought out piece about the way that porn has affected younger generations. To summarise the main points, as I see them, young men are now expecting more from their partners, as they try to live up to what they have seen in porn. Women are now expected to do more and more to compete with the videos that are easily available everywhere.

Now you have to offer—or flirtatiously suggest—the lesbian scene, the ejaculate-in-the-face scene. Being naked is not enough; you have to be buff, be tan with no tan lines, have the surgically hoisted breasts and the Brazilian bikini wax—just like porn stars.

Part of me sympathises with the author, however I also believe that it can be seen as a stumble in the right direction. Opening people to be more adventurous, or at the very least more accepting of their own and their partners desires can only be a positive thing in a relationship. Rather than resenting your partner for not doing something, or not being able to talk to them about it, which would bleed into other areas of your relationship, possibly as fuel for other arguments, surely it is better to have a, potentially awkward discussion, letting them know how you feel. I think that being more open about what you want can only be a good thing, I have said before about the importance of communication, however it must be a two way street. If you would like your partner to do something, look a certain way, you must be open to thier wants and needs.
The next article is the stories of a clerk at a video store dealing with the customers in the porn section. There are some great stories and you will really think about the type of people that hire porn. Although most of the customers live up to the stereo type, it gives you something to think about.

Just heard a great thing on Howard Stern, The Simpson's is popular for the same reason Stern is, both smart and dumb people watch it, and both get different things out of it.

All right Australia, well done. 54% of the adult population is obese. Not just overweight, f^@&ing obese. Think ahead, apart from the HUGE amount of diabetes that will plague this population, there is also the increased heart disease that will get them along with about a thousand other things that obesity will bring about. I want to see how these people justify it to themselves, I know that when they look around, the majority of people look like them but that doesn't make it a good thing, to paraphrase "just cus its there don't make it fair" (This comes from a Las Vegas monorail ride where two women were talking about potential child names, somehow they decided that "Just cus its white don't make it right", playing the race card in naming a baby. How do they expect to move ahead if they are so hung up on the past).
I was going to say I am not here to judge these people but I am. A fatty who doesn't care they are fat will be a drain on the medical services of this country as well as on their families and anyone else they drag into their deep fried hell, and here we come to the heart of my anger. If someone is destroying their life with overeating and a lack of exercise, and they transfer these bad habits to their children that's when it becomes OK to condemn them. Its child abuse, maybe not intentional but no less evil.
If someone is actively trying to lose weight then they are doing the right thing, and these people escape my anger.
Turns out there are still some people with brains out there. A company in America has started to charge their unhealthy employees more for health insurance. Makes perfect sense and should be adopted NOW in Australia, all over. The amount of money that baby boomers are going to cost the health system is huge, add to that the fact that their for the most part fatties and it damn near doubles, they sure as shooting should be the ones paying for it. But knowing how its going to pan out, nothing will be done until its too late (think cityrail), at which time taxes will be raised to fund the now urgently needed hospitals and health insurance premiums will go up due to the strain of the fatties.
Its a viscous circle, the only way to stop this is for changes to be made. The only ones who can make the changes are the baby boomers, but its in their best interest not to.

They can be a great people, Kal-El. They wish to be. They only lack the light to show the way. For this reason above all, their capacity for good, I sent them you... my only son

This article seems to be a no brainer, however I can understand that it is not as cut and dry as it may seem. California as a state is in trouble. It does not have enough money to fund its services etc. This is a problem. A group, cartel, if you will, of marijuana growers have offered to pay taxes from sales, in the amount of one BILLION dollars. Of course to pay these taxes marijuana would first have to be legalised.
On one hand desperate times call for desperate measures. If there is an untapped revenue stream that could earn the state billions of dollars each year, it seems ludicrous to pass it up. Alchohol and tobacco are both legalised and heavily taxed, so there is precedent of addictive drugs being used as a tax revenue. Also a gentleman in the article raises a good point, the first state to legalise marijuana will experience an economic boom, as people will travel from all over the country for it.
On the other hand it would be harder to keep some drugs illegal while legalising marijuana, but, as I said alcohol and tobacco are legal. It would set a precedent, dealers of other drugs could start doing the same thing. I think the public perception is that any drug that can kill you straight away, like heroin etc should be banned, while those that kill you slowly should be allowed (I know you can die from alcohol poisoning but..Every point I try and make is struck down by my own logic. I cannot see why this is not going to happen, however if there is a counter point I would love to hear it, not being sarcastic, I really would.

My Top Tips:

Watch Tom Green, its online and its free, what more could you want. Don't think of the 'Freddy Got Fingered' Tom Green. Its much more like a Late Night Show, but its very, very laid back.

Random Updates:

I think I've ranted enough. As for me I have been super busy lately. Taking on extra work and upping my gym schedule to four times a week. I want a week off.

Dancing has started up again. Its so much fun, Im so glad we are going.

Caught in the Web:

If you're looking to waste some time, and who isnt. I strongly suggest this game. You guide a bouncy ball into the target, sounds easy and it is, but the ways it can be done is where the game gets really fun.

A list of the top 10 History Mysteries, almost rhymes. Includes Robin Hood, and the Voynich manuscript, which I had never heard of. Just reading it shows how much we still have to learn about the past. It doesn't go into great detail, but it sparked my interest and further research into some of these things.

On a smilar note, here is a list (with pictures) of 7 deserted areas, these include obvisouly chenobyl, but it also includes a US ghost towns, abandoned airfields and other places that have just been left behind. I like the siberian fortress the most. Just seems like it would have been something to see, when it was standing.

Reviews:

The Simpsons Movie:
I laughed almost the whole way through. Thats all I want from a comedy. It wasn't epic, it wasn't the be all end all for the series. It was good.
King of Kings Rating: ***1/2

Babe of the day:

Erica Durance

I Don't Shine If You Don't Shine

My Top Tips:

This site lists different ways to build self confidence, these things are easily done and I was surprised to see how many I have already adapted in my life. I start to wonder, does my confidence come from these activities that i have started or did my starting these things come from an increased confidence. The ones I started a while ago include:

• Dress Sharp - I don't look great all the time, but when I want to make an impression, or look good, I think I pull it off quite well.
• Walk Faster - I have never walked with someone who can keep up with me effortlessly. It's not a fitness thing I just happend to walk quite quickly, walk with a purpose and you will want to do more when you get to the destination.
• Good Posture - This is just sensible advice. Stand up straight, you look better and feel better, there is no down side, and no reason not too.
• Work Out - This is something that is not applicable to everyone. However if you look at it as any type of exercise it is much more obtainable. The positive effects on the body are recorded everywhere.

Random Updates:

I just caught myself thinking, "Its just inconsiderate of someone not to have a blog now days". I don't really believe it, but its not such a bad idea. There are times when you want to catch up on what people are doing and you don't want to call them, making blogs not necessary but extremely useful. I mean this is just me, and as you can tell I'm all for technology and stuff.

Caught in the Web:

To give people an idea of what its like to talk to clients that want a website made, this site provides a pretty good, and funny comparison.
This site lists some of the strangest things found in Google Earth. From bikinis on bondi beach, to a giant rabbit and elephants on the move. Its a great spread of things that can be found if you look hard enough.

Self Improvement Link of the week:

Those in the know, know that i meditate, just before going to bed usually, but I try and do it everyday. Its my own personal mix of transcendental meditation and various calming / healing techniques. I dont do it, to heal or anything grand like that. It relaxes and centers me, and helps me detatch from things that are worrying, annoying or bothering me. It gives you a broader perspective on your world. Here is an article that lists four other reasons to meditate.

Similar to this here is an article for establishing a calming routine. Who among us wouldn't like to be calmer and more relaxed during the day.

Reviews:

I have decided to stick to a star rating system for all things. It will make review comparisons easier.

Harry Potter: The Order of the Phoenix:

The movies have been, hit and miss in my opinion. I think the first was quite average, the second was great, Lockhart stole the show completely. The third was excellent, I wish they had of kept the director from this for the rest of the movies. It had a good tone, and although some scenes were bad, it had more atmosphere and style than the others. The forth was in my opinion pretty poor the characters were WAY off.

The fifth movie redeems the franchise from the fourth. Due to the size of the book, being crammed into a short movie, the movie moves along at a blistering pace. It does not stop, it runs from one great moment to the next.

The actors are all performing a lot better now, which is to be expected. Some of the casting is just perfect Umbridge, Voldemort, Bellatrix and Sirius are all spot on to what i imagined in the book.

The book had two scenes that I loved Fred & George leaving the school and Dumbledore resisting arrest. Both these scenes were great, really great, but not quite as I pictured them. However the fight between the Death Eaters and the Order was even better than i thought (It was too short).

Overall I think it was a great movie, definitely a step up from the previous movie and exciting me for the next.

King of Kings Rating: ****

Stella by Starlight:

A good production. It was funny and engaging. I think all the performances were very strong. I enjoyed it.

King of Kings Rating: ***

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows:

Its hard to review this without emotion as its THE LAST EVER HARRY POTTER. Its also hard not to give to much away. I'll do what I can.

To break it down the book starts really strong. Equal parts emotion and action. The book continues well for quite a while. The book slows down once it is just Harry, Hermione and Ron. This part is quite slow, however it mirrors the feelings of the characters at the time, as they are also waiting. Once things pick up again they don't slow down. There is a the final fight between the forces of good and evil and it does not dissapoint. There is much said about the epilogue, that it is hacked together and forced. I think that it served its purpose to wrap things up nicely.

King of Kings Rating: ****1/2

Babe of the day:

Keeley Hazel


Top 5 Hits of the Week:
1. Sams Town - The Killers
2. O Fortuna - Carmina Burana
3. Umbrella - Rhianna
4. What Ive Done - Linkin Park
5. King of Kings - MotorHead

I Got 99 Problems But...

Well, I am now a member of the facebook community. Will that affect the semi regular posting on here?
I doubt it.

My Top Tips:

If every time you log on to your computer you open the same things (i.e. iTunes, Internet, Bittorrent(Dont steal music), or whatever), this website shows how to create a shortcut that will open them all in one. It is programming but if you can create a txt document then you are qualified.

Random Updates:

Busy has become my middle name. Admittedly its not 'real' busy, yknow with pressure to get things done, but Im never sitting around wishing I had something to do. The weekends seem to fill up and drift by all too quickly. Like last, last weekend, went in to Max Brennars for chocolate on sunday morning, sure some people go to church, but us gods prefer chcolate. It was SO good, the thick italian milk chocolate and the Suckao (Pron: Suck-ow) were so good, although im 99% sure i now have diabetes.

This most recent weekend (I am so lazy with the updates) saw a trip with Alana to Bondi. We were celebrating the end of our first Salsa dancing course, with a big group dinner at the CopaCabana Bondi, which was great. Dinner is served continually, no menu so i guess if you didn't like the food it might not be so good. I did, which was great. It also has professional dancers performing throughout the night, lots of different styles, including capoeira (Brazilian Fight Dancing). It was all in all a great night.
Alana and I also stayed overnight in Bondi at the Swiss Grand Bondi, which was really nice. Alana booked it through wotif and got 50% off which means we got a suite. It was a really nice place, and included breakfast.

Then on sunday my cousins came down. I had forgotten how much fun hide and seek is. I also forgot that the purpose of the game, whether you're hiding or seeking, is to shoot Alana.

Caught in the Web:

A list of the best websites of the year, as voted by time magazine. Worth a look if you want to see what the next YouTube or MySpace might be.

Reviews:

Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom:
This was the first book I read through Daily Lit.
Addictive as crack. This is set in the future when the death rate has dropped to 0, thanks to the ability to 'backup' yourself, much like a computer. These backups can be restored into clones. In this future money has been eradicated and the currency of the time is 'whuffie' (respect). The story follows a person who is living in Disney World, taking care of the Haunted Mansion. I won't give the plot away but i will say once you start reading you wont stop, which is easy because its not that long. The story never drags, even though there are many sub stories and diversions to the central plot. Each of the main characters are fleshed out as much as needed and the relationship between them is constantly evolving in engaging ways.
The author does a fantastic job of portraying this possible future as realistically as possible, doctors do not have medical skills anymore, as they simply restore from back up as a perfect cure-all.
A fantastic light read, thats engaging and fun.
Divine Word: Read it, its free for crying out loud.

Transformers:
Oh hell yeah.
I was hyped for this movie, but more than a little hesitant.
All fears were blown away. This movie is fantastic. The plot is paper thin, but there is enough to hold it together for the two and a half hours. The action is balanced reasonably well, with character and plot developing scenes. The star of the movie is obviously Shia LaBeouf, who plays his part to perfection.
The transformers themselves are good, and have much more personality than i ever thought they would. Which helps make them more interesting as characters. The secondary set of characters are all quite good, the soldiers, the government (both the defence and sector 7) and the (Hot!) signal expert all fall into place quite nicely.
The pacing is excellent flowing between the action and characters. Its just a great movie.
Divine Word: Go see it.

Fantastic 4: Rise of the Silver Surfer:
Wow Marvel. First Spiderman 3 and now this. You've gotten lazy. F4:RotSS is a lazy, lazy sequel. It doesn't step away from the first enough to stand out, and what it borrows from the first it does so poorly, so the end result is a massive let down.
The problem is that nothing in the movie stands out. The infighting between the four is never really dramatic enough to make you think that the team will split up. The surfer is obviously a 'good' bad guy so you never side against him, galactus is never given a personality so its hard to side against him and Doom is sidelined for so long in the movie that when he makes a play, it is overshadowed by the larger threat.
Everything in this movie was done better in the first. I have trouble recommending this even for fans of the original (As I am) because it not only fails to live up to it (like Spiderman 3) it fails completely as a movie.
Divine Word: Don't Bother.

Babe of the day:

Jessica Alba:

Its a magical world Hobbes old buddy, Lets go exploring

The concept of 'countries' will be dead in the future. Much as Voltron propehsised the world will realise that only by working together will progress be made. No more thinking in terms of countries. Think in terms of the world. Yes we may have gotten unemployment low, but globally there are larger problems. I don't want to sound too much like a hippy, and I realise that it will take something HUGE to bring about the change, but it will happen. Thus speaks the morning star.

My Top Tips:
Contribute to your super. If in Australia (and I know we have gotten a few other countries ducking in for a few seconds), and earn under $58 000 send $1000 (If you have it), into your
superannuation fund. The government will chip in a maximum of $1.50 for every $1 you put in, up to $1000. This will work out better than savings, not immediately, but in the long run, and its important to remember the long run.
Alright I'm lazy and this doesn't really matter anymore, whatever

Random Updates:
The weekend was god damn fantastic. Alana and I went and saw Play! A Video Game Symphony, which while geeky was really good. We got a hotel room at Rydges World Square, went to Dinner at Angus SteakHouse then on sunday had breakfast at Pancakes.

Caught in the Web:
Daily Lit - Is one of the best things I have found. You choose a book (From a list of public domain ones) and they send you it via email, bit by bit each day. If you're like me, you'll end up reading 4 or 5 parts a day, I think that has a lot to do with the story I chose (Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom). It has started strong and keeps me wanting more, more, MORE.

Instructables is a great web site. It provides instructions on damn near everything. if you're ever looking to kill an afternoon, weekend, month or year building something this place has the project for you.

Review:
Play! was really different. Some of the pieces went well. Starting it off with Mario was good, because its a well known fast paced piece, relaxed the crowd. A lot of the music was very dark and war like, which while good, didn't allow for a more rounded overall sound. There were some parts that slowed it down, I though Sonic managed to cover more bases stylistically, but overall a definite A++.

Angus was excellent. I have a friend who works there so I've been meaning to go for ages. Im glad I did, everything was fantastic, the steak was incredible, cooked to perfection. The sticky date pudding at the end was so good. Alana's dessert while tasting light was deceptively filling. Expensive, but worth it as a treat, A+.

Made Man

By the end of the month I will have a full working demo site for my business up.
Putting it up on here means if i fail, i fail publicly. Not going to happen.

Well hung with a snow white tan

I have started adding tags to all previous posts. This will make them easier to search and what not.

I have been reading a few sites regarding wealth creation, among other things, such as ZenHabits, Get Rich Slowly and others. It seems to me that they all have a 'richest man in the graveyard' mentality. Save every cent you can, just so you have it. I think its ultra important to listen to this advice, especially if you have debt problems, or problems controlling spending.

My Top Tips:
Learn to communicate. A lot of the problems I see or encounter come about through a lack of communication. Either people are afraid to say what they mean or they just start talking with out thinking about what it is they are trying to convey.

Drink Green Tea: Take a look at some of these benefits (Although I'm sure they can be contested, the potential benefits make it worth it)

• Anti Cancer Properties.
• Increases Metabolic Rate (Have it right before working out for maximum calorie burn).
• Possible anti -diabetes effect.
• Boosts immune system & mental alertness.
• Lowers chances of cognitive impairment.
• Lowers stress hormone levels.

Random Updates:
Its pretty much confirmed by now that I am the worlds greatest salsa dancer, ever.
Sickness has reigned supreme for the last week, which has its advantage i suppose, can't go out, can't spend money (Although this month for the first in ages ill come in under budget).

Caught in the Web:
This article deserves a read. It sums up why people in Australia are turning to torrents to download thier tv shows, rather than watch them on tv. Basically people hear about shows and want to see them, the networks buy the shows, but will not put them on then because Americas rating season is our off season, so they hold onto them and then when they do show them it is sporadic at best, filled out with recap episodes. I think it is summed up best with the quote:

How many people do you know with DVD box sets of Arrested Development, Firefly, The Sopranos, or Lost? Ok, now how many of those people discovered these shows via television or via the Internet?

Although I would replace Lost with say the West Wing, because Lost got excellent (although poorely delayed) coverage on Australian broadcast tv.

This is a wierd game that is strangely addictive.

Self Improvement Link of the week:
I haven't had a chance to look at it indepth but Investopedia looks pretty good, it even has tutorials, which are more valuable than money. They cover a lot of stuff that should be taught at high school to everyone.

Review:
The final episode of the Sopranos aired this week. It was controversial in that it elicited a huge, dividing response from fans. Some people love it, some hate it. To discuss it involves spoilers so if you haven't seen it and care stop reading.
The episodes starts with Tony still hiding out (last episode New York declared a war with his family). He tries to find out where the New York boss is hiding by contacting a friend in the FBI. He manages to set up a meeting with the acting boss, who agrees to let Tony kill the boss, which will put an end to the hostility between the families. Tony also meets with his uncle, and tries to council him, but realises that he has lost his mind completely. When the boss is taken out, Tony is able to move back home, where he sets things right with both his families. The final scene (which generated the controversy), showed Tony, his wife, daughter and son sitting down in a diner, having a dinner. There is a sense of dread as indictments loom over Tony, and there are several characters shown acting in a suspicious way. The series ends with a fade to black, and ten seconds of the black screen.
My Opinion of the end: It was perfect. The Sopranos often left things hanging, because not everything in life can be wrapped up neatly. It allowed the viewer to project what ever ending they wanted, Tony was arrested, shot, lived happily ever after. I think that it was not the end many people wanted, it was unlike Goodfellas or the Godfather where every wrong is righted and all is fixed. It was more human though.

Don't listen to those who say 'It was crap', unless they offer a definitive reason, ignore them. They would only be happy if Tony killed all of the New York family, went back in time and saved his family (Sil, Bobby etc) only for them all to be killed by the russian from 'Pine Barrens'.

As AJ said in the final episode "Focus on the good times".

Babe of the day:
Adriana Lima

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.
    

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.

To Err is Human, To ARR is Pirate

My Top Tips:
Stop watching TV. That is to say, stop watching any program with ads. In a half hour show you watch 8 minutes of ads, say you watch 2 hours of TV a day, thats 32 minutes of ads a day. For a week thats 224 minutes, thats almost four hours a week of ads. Four hours a week, at least. Buy it on DVD, watch it when you want to. Stop being a slave to the tv guide.

Open an Online Savings Account. I suggest ING, however HSBC, Commenwealth and I'm sure a whole bunch of others offer the same kind of thing. 6% (or around it) interest. Put in at least a quater of your after tax income. After a year or so the interest really starts to add up, but this time it works FOR you.

Weekend Update:
Friday Night: NOTHING
Saturday: Not much. Went to the gym. Picked up Alana and her brother.
Sunday: A good day. Slept in, went out for breakfast, went to the Food & Wine Fair. Went shopping, didnt buy anything. Went & saw Pirates again. Good day.

Caught in the Web:
A good article that spells out quite clearly the reasons for declining movie ticket & CD sales. It doesn't, (unlike everyone else), blame piracy for the loss, but rather the increase in other media, muscling in to what used to be a limited market. If people are buying and watching more DVD's they have less time to go to the movies. So simple, yet ignored by so many.

http://www.spinner.com/2007/05/03/the-25-most-exquisitely-sad-songs-in-the-whole-world-no-25/

Self Improvement Link of the week:

Review:
Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End
Five Stars, without a doubt. This is going to be a thesis of a review so get ready.
The movie starts strong, and doesnt let up. The action is incredible, the actors phenominal and the story is supurb.
The movie starts, apart from an aside at Port Royale, in Singapore, with Barbossa, Elizabeth and crew meeting with a Pirate Lord. The story then moves quickly between a great many locations, including Worlds End, ShipWreck Cove (Which looks incredible) and lots of battle at sea. All characters from previous movies are in, and all the lose ends are tyed up. Captain Jacks introduction is bizarre to say the least. The pirate lords are to meet, to discuss how to deal with the East India Trading Company and their 'hired help', Davy Jones & crew of The Flying Dutchmen.
There are a lot of twists and turns, that play themselves out to completion, and are quickly replaced by even more.
I think Jack (obvisouly) steals the show again, but a lot has to do with the fantastic job that Geoffrey Rush does as Barbossa.


Babe of the day:
Carmen Electra

The future is.. still about 6 months away

Ok, bigger post coming later in the week. This is just so cool I had to post about it now.
If you thought Apple and Google had the market locked on "Woah" style suprises Microsoft comes along again and shows us how they deilver.

Microsoft Surface.

Its computers, as seen in damn near every futuristic movie ever.
It may not be needed but hot damn does it look cool.

Damn you clown prince of crime.

It looks like the joker got one over on me again.
If you now go to
I Believe in Harvey Dent Too, it says:
Page Not Found
If you highlight the entire page though, it reveals something different.

The hidden message in amongst all that is
See you in december

For those who missed it here is the Joker:

Who will watch the WATCHMEN

I finished watching the first season of Prison Break this week. Its good, it is. The characters are a little shallow, but they take a back seat to the action, in particular the escape plan. Its comic like, because you know that there will be a big hook moment at the end of most episodes to get you to watch the next weeks episode.

Another thing that gets my goat. Format Wars. In particular XBox Vs PlayStation Vs Nintendo & Blu-Ray Vs HD-DVD. Everyone who is interested in this keeps trying to predict a winner, they'll only be happy if thier chosen format wins. To quote Chris Rock (as best I can from memory), "What the hell did we win, I check each day for my OJ prize" (It was in regards to black people 'winning' the OJ case). I thought the general consumer was supposed to be the winner. I don't care how many units each format ships compared to another, and you should'nt either, AND I'LL TELL YOU WHY.
At the end of the day, does knowing that your format shipped 100'000 more units than its competitor help you enjoy it more? Does it make watching a movie or playing a game more fufilling?
NO, of course not.

When it comes to snack foods, im very hard to please. The easiest thing to eat is anything salty, you constantly want more and they usually come in big packages (Chips, etc). Im here to tell you NUTS are the way. In particular Almonds. Just to list a few benefits of almonds, they fight against diabetes, cholesterol and heart problems, they have huge amounts of protein, low in calories, and have 'good' fat, which can help you lose weight. From now on, don't go for chips and candy, go NUTS.


Weekend Update:
A packed but relaxed weekend.
Friday night was spent playing Halo, for a bit, but mostly going to Alana's and haning out there. Played some Goldeneye and chatted till the wee hours of the morn. GOt up on Saturday for a work out which damn near killed me, And resulted in me losing ANOTHER pair of sunglasses. That night Alana stayed over and we watched Pirates 2, although i did nap through about 1/4 of it. Sunday was easy as well, lawns mowed, Alana's dropped off and BBQ's had, two one at my house, one at Alana's.

Dancing lessons are going relly well. Im not talented in any way, but i'm having a lot of fun, so all is good.

Caught in the Web:
For all the aspiring clothing designers, this site is your friend. Design a shirt send it in and BAM, you have a shirt to sell.

If you get bored here's a test that should keep you frustrated for at least half an hour.

Heres a list of the top 20 unusual homicides, it includes greats such as:

13. Fiona Given, 17 years old, was killed by a hitman hired by her ex-boyfriend after she broke off their relationship. The hitman was promised to be paid $500,000 for the task. The hitman killed the boyfriend after he found out that a 16 year old high school student, whose father was in jail for rape and whose mother worked as an ironing lady, didn't have access to $500,000.

3. Mary Dridely, Joseph Coles and Haven Gillies were killed as they walked past a New York apartment building. David Smee, aged 7, and his 6 year old sister were left alone in their 27th floor hotel room by their parents as they went to the hotel's gaming room. Bored, the kids though it would be fun to try to squish the "ant looking things on the foot path below" (people). They started by throwing fruit, then quickly graduated to chairs, televisions,
even the drawers from the bedroom dresser.

Im in a Pirating mood, so for all you want to be Pirates go here, to find out how its done.

Self Improvement Link of the week:
A new topic, hopefully by putting these up and thinking about them they will rub off on me, which would be awesome. I mean really who among us couldnt better our lives.
For this week, its:
52 Proven Stress Reducers. Even if you only implement one of these, its worth while in my opinion.

Divine Commands:

* Watch:

o Prison Break
* Listen to:
o Carmen
* Go and See:
o Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End


Babe of the day:
In honor of Pirates coming out, Keira Knightley

See, there were these two guys in a lunatic asylum…

Ok, just a quick post of coolness:
First off Bruce Campbell just being himself, which is by definition cool.




Now, the new Batman movie is coming out soon, The Dark Knight.
The first website of the series was :
The Dark Knight. Which shows the Bat signal, if you click on that you go to:
I Believe in Harvey Dent, which is the character who will eventually become two face. The latest and FAR away the coolest is:
I believe in Harvey Dent Too, Keep watching the first picture fades away which shows for the first time, The Joker, And Good GOD DAMN does he look good. It will follow perfectly with the first and hopefully Batman will spray a big can of raid over the webslingers opening weekend.